The Premier League served up another dramatic weekend of action, with Liverpool seizing the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Manchester City continue to struggle. Here’s a detailed look at the key talking points from the matches that mattered:
Liverpool’s Momentum Continues
The Anfield faithful were in high spirits before Liverpool’s clash against Aston Villa, buoyed by Manchester City’s latest defeat. The Reds made the most of the opportunity, punishing Villa with two clinical counter-attacks, one in each half. The first was set up by the ever-dangerous Mohamed Salah, while the second saw him finish the move with aplomb. Despite some moments of control, Liverpool’s pace on the counter-attack remains a potent weapon, and with Diogo Jota set to return, the firepower at their disposal is truly frightening. The form of Curtis Jones further adds to their midfield options, showcasing the depth of the squad. While the winter schedule looks demanding, there are signs that manager Arne Slot might be able to manage the workload. The win against Aston Villa marked Liverpool’s 15th in 17 games, highlighting their remarkable consistency. This momentum is something that their rivals, Arsenal and Man City, currently lack.
Man City’s Woes Deepen
Manchester City are experiencing a concerning slump. Their loss to Brighton, their second in a row, highlighted the weaknesses that have crept into their game. The absence of Rodri, a crucial player for them, is proving particularly costly. Brighton exploited City’s vulnerability on the counter-attack, creating a staggering eight big chances, the most City have conceded in a single game under Pep Guardiola. City’s struggles are not confined to the Premier League, with the team conceding 26 shots from fast breaks this season in all competitions – more than any other Premier League side. With Rodri sidelined, City’s ability to snuff out teams breaking on them is severely hampered, leading to a loss of dominance in games. The burden of stopping fast breaks has fallen on Mateo Kovacic and Kyle Walker, but their efforts have been insufficient. Things are not likely to get easier for City either, with games against Tottenham and Liverpool looming on the horizon, both live on Sky Sports.
Smith Rowe Shines for Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe is rediscovering his best form at Fulham. The in-form forward thrived against an injury-hit Crystal Palace, taking full advantage of the space afforded by their makeshift midfield. He was a constant threat, setting up opportunities for his teammates and finding the back of the net himself. His performance was a testament to the confidence and verve that had once propelled him to prominence at Arsenal. While Smith Rowe is not currently in the England squad, his consistent performances are making a strong case for inclusion in the future. It’s a performance that Thomas Tuchel should be paying attention to.
Problems Mount for Crystal Palace
After showing signs of improvement, Crystal Palace are once again struggling. The Eagles were defeated 2-0 by Fulham, further compounding their woes. The situation at Selhurst Park is becoming increasingly precarious with a lengthy injury list and a thin squad. Their manager, Oliver Glasner, expressed his frustration with the team’s performance, highlighting their tendency to make easy mistakes. With the injury situation unlikely to improve significantly in the coming weeks, Glasner has a lot of work to do to turn things around.
Baleba: Brighton’s Next Star?
Carlos Baleba, Brighton’s summer signing from Lille, is starting to make his mark on the Premier League. His performance in the second half against Manchester City was instrumental in their 2-1 victory, showcasing his pace, power, and intelligence on the ball. He exposed City’s midfield weaknesses, demonstrating the qualities that could make him a key player for Brighton in the years to come.
Wolves Find Their Defensive Resilience
Wolves, known for their struggles defensively this season, finally found some stability in their win against Southampton. They were resolute and organized, limiting the Saints to just one shot on target. This performance suggests that Wolves have the quality in their squad to compete effectively, as showcased by Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes. If they can maintain this defensive discipline, Wolves will be in a strong position to avoid relegation.
Southampton’s Scoring Woes Continue
Southampton’s lack of goalscoring continues to be a major concern. They had 72 percent of the possession against Wolves but only mustered one shot on target. Manager Russell Martin is well aware of the need to improve in the final third. Unless they can find a way to score more goals, their Premier League status could be in jeopardy.
West Ham’s Slow Starts Remain a Problem
West Ham’s struggles to start games effectively remain a concern for manager Julen Lopetegui. They drew 0-0 against Everton after a sluggish first half. While they improved in the second half, they weren’t able to get the result they were looking for. Lopetegui has acknowledged the need for his players to show more personality and aggression, especially in the opening stages of matches.
Everton Lack the ‘Devil’ Without McNeil
Everton’s goalless draw against West Ham lacked quality and excitement. The absence of Dwight McNeil through injury was evident, as the Toffees were unable to find the spark they needed in the final third. The match was a stark reminder of the impact McNeil has on their attacking play.
Travers’ Chance at Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s goalkeeper situation is proving to be a talking point. Mark Travers’ impressive performances in the absence of the injured Kepa Arrizabalaga have given him a strong claim to the starting spot. However, with Kepa returning to fitness, manager Andoni Iraola has opted to reinstate the Chelsea loanee. Travers, now 25, is likely seeking more regular playing time, and his performances have made it difficult for Iraola to ignore his claim.
Brentford: The Restart Kings
Brentford, renowned for their ability to score early in games, continued their trend of finding the net soon after kick-off, equalizing against Bournemouth just 21 seconds after the restart. Their ability to capitalize on restarts has been a major factor in their success this season.
The Premier League continues to deliver thrilling and unpredictable encounters, with several teams battling for the title and others fighting for survival. With the international break underway, it will be interesting to see how the landscape of the league changes upon the resumption of play.
