Premier League hits and misses: Liverpool present they’re critical title contenders as Man Metropolis present their flaws

Slot’s Liverpool underline title credentials

Arne Slot has made the all time begin by a Liverpool supervisor by profitable 9 of his first 10 video games – however did the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace strengthen their title credentials or maybe present why they continue to be a piece in progress behind favourites Man Metropolis and Arsenal?

Their finest traits have been all on present through the first hour, with Ryan Gravenberch setting the tempo, the vast gamers a risk and creating probabilities for Diogo Jota within the center. On the uncommon events Palace acquired the ball Liverpool’s rock-solid defence shut them out.

However the mixture of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s introduction and a hamstring damage to Alisson created chaos within the closing levels, with Palace spurning a number of good openings and Virgil van Dijk maybe lucky to flee punishment for a pull on Marc Guehi within the field.

But, the sudden cameo of Vitezslav Jaros underlined the purpose that this squad is filled with gamers who could make an affect at this stage. See additionally Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas – or Wataru Endo, who obtained reward from Slot afterwards for the applying he introduced within the closing minutes.

Towards Wolves and within the closing half hour at Palace, Liverpool have been under their finest and but nonetheless gained. The blip was the defeat at dwelling to Nottingham Forest. The one dropped factors of the season. However the total image going into the worldwide break is of a proficient, well-coached group who ought to be thought of very a lot within the combine with Metropolis and Arsenal for this title chase.
Peter Smith

Havertz on monitor for 20-goal mark

Kai Havertz grew to become the primary Arsenal participant since Robin van Persie to attain in seven consecutive dwelling video games along with his objective within the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Southampton on the Emirates Stadium.

With 4 objectives within the Premier League and 6 in all competitions this season, he appears effectively on monitor to fulfil Mikel Arteta’s prediction that he’ll hit the hallowed 20 mark this time period.

His newest effort was brilliantly taken, his end crashing into the web off the put up from Bukayo Saka’s move, offering additional proof of what Arteta describes as a change of mindset.

“His focus now’s, ‘I’ll win the sport, I’ll do it’, and that is a unique factor,” stated the Arsenal boss. “He isn’t happy with what he’s doing, as a result of there may be nonetheless one other stage for him.

“Clearly, he’s surrounded by unimaginable gamers, however one thing has modified in him, and that confidence, you may actually sense it. Now he is placing it into video games and profitable matches.”

With common objectives added to every little thing else he was already giving the crew, the 25-year-old has taken on even larger significance, quietening discuss of Arsenal needing a striker within the course of.
Nick Wright

If solely ‘unstoppable’ Traore may end…

Hardly ever do Manchester Metropolis concede a larger anticipated objectives complete than they generate, particularly at dwelling. However Fulham didn’t come to the Etihad to take a seat again and defend in a low block. They got here to play.

Marco Silva’s aspect created 5 huge probabilities all through a topsy-turvy 90 minutes, and handed up three of them as they misplaced 3-2. A hat-trick of alternatives fell the way in which of Adama Traore, chargeable for practically half (1.04) of Fulham’s 2.40 xG, with quick breaks a trademark of every little thing good about Silva’s daring strategy.

Pep Guardiola was deep in dialog with Traore, who he referred to as “unstoppable”, on the finish of the sport. It appeared just like the Metropolis boss, realizing his aspect have been considerably fortunate, was providing counsel after the ahead price Fulham what would have inevitably been a share of the spoils – perhaps extra.

And it was not that Ederson was essentially on hearth. The goalkeeper acquired the higher of Traore in two one-vs-ones however by no means seemed to be at full stretch.

The ploy to harm on the counter-attack was so practically excellent. It carved Manchester Metropolis open much more occasions than Guardiola would have been comfy with. If solely Traore may end…
Laura Hunter

Man Metropolis usually are not infallible

Is Mateo Kovacic the brand new Rodri? He actually performed the half towards Fulham.

Ninety-eight touches of the ball, 100 per cent of tackles gained, 4 ball recoveries and two objectives – the primary time he has scored greater than as soon as in a Premier League recreation.

In Man Metropolis’s Rodri-less world, Guardiola is discovering options, having now prevented defeat in every of their final 11 league video games by which they’ve trailed (W9 D2).

However let’s be clear, the champions are much more open than earlier than. Metropolis conceded 5 huge probabilities and a season-high 2.40 anticipated objectives towards. Had been it not for Traore’s profligacy, they might have virtually actually misplaced this recreation.

Meals for thought for Guardiola, who promised to spend the worldwide break “reflecting”. And encouragement for the remaining: Man Metropolis are not flawless.
Laura Hunter

O’Neil vows to vary winless Wolves

It’s standard for managers to declare they are going to persist with their rules and philosophy throughout a foul run of kind – however Gary O’Neil has vowed to vary winless Wolves.

A chastening 5-3 defeat at Brentford has proved to be the tipping level regardless of the success and reward his crew obtained final season for his or her courageous, free-flowing fashion.

“The proof there at the moment is that they weren’t in a position to perform what we would have liked to. So there must be a rethink round how we go about issues,” stated O’Neil.

“The truth that the gamers are making errors means there is a disconnect someplace in understanding of what is being requested or the place they must be.”

Wolves may argue their performances to date, a drubbing from Chelsea apart, had been respectable towards powerful opposition. Their opponents had collectively recorded an unusually excessive shot conversion of 20 per cent too. “We’ve been aggressive primarily,” stated O’Neil.

Nonetheless, all of it unravelled on the again towards Brentford, who may have scored 10. Wolves’ expansive construction left them vast open. Their assault benefitted from it, taking 17 pictures albeit with solely six on track, and so they had extra closing third entries (57) than Brentford (51).

Will O’Neil get the time to vary Wolves? “Being a soccer supervisor means that you’ve got at the moment, undoubtedly,” he added. “After which after that, so many issues can occur.”
David Richardson

Newcastle’s wastefulness clear to see

If a crew wins 10 corners, has 42 touches within the opposition field and 12 pictures from contained in the field in a recreation, that crew ought to win the sport comfortably.

Newcastle didn’t win at Goodison Park although – and so they had solely themselves responsible because it ended goalless. Everton, with out Jarrad Branthwaite, have been there for the taking however Eddie Howe’s crew lacked ruthlessness and effectivity with their closing ball. Anthony Gordon was the chief offender.

Regardless of a efficiency stuffed with verve and vitality, he wasted the 2 huge moments that ought to have led to the Toon taking most factors. Jordan Pickford guessed proper from the spot earlier than Gordon then blazed off course when in on Pickford within the second half.

Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak returning after the worldwide break can be an enormous assist to Howe.
Lewis Jones

Benching Mateta comes again to chunk Glasner

When you’re arising towards the perfect defensive crew statistically within the Premier League, one would suppose the right foil to that may be to play your finest attackers. That layered with the truth that Crystal Palace are with no win of their first seven and are within the backside three, not beginning Jean Phillipe Mateta looks like an oversight.

Oliver Glasner began with £30m summer season signing Eddie Nketiah main the road. Given the truth that Liverpool dominated possession, the previous Arsenal striker had little or no of the ball however when he did obtain it, Nketiah did little or no to problem Liverpool’s colossal again 4.

Within the second half, Glasner referred to as upon the person who has scored 17 objectives in 22 video games since his arrival and Palace had an outlet. Mateta created three probabilities in 38 minutes with Nketiah taking part in alongside him which provides to the confusion surrounding his exclusion.

Competitors for locations might have effectively been the reasoning behind not beginning Mateta however given the truth that Palace are persevering with to wrestle, Glasner can not afford to not have Mateta on the pitch.
William Bitibiri

Promise for Southampton regardless of one other defeat

Southampton want wins, and quick, however there may be a minimum of hope they’re getting nearer within the method of their defeat at Arsenal.

Going 3-0 down in 39 minutes at Bournemouth on Monday actually crystallised the concern that both Saints could also be heading straight again to the Championship, or Russell Martin would quickly be below strain with a questionable line-up.

He confirmed extra flexibility on the Emirates in shifting to a again 5 after a blistering opening 10 minutes from the hosts, who then took till first-half added time to drive Aaron Ramsdale right into a save. Arsenal created an xG of simply over 1.2 by the break, however virtually half of that had come within the opening seven minutes.

Martin requested much more of his gamers on the interval and so they responded by taking the lead, and even conserving Arsenal on tenterhooks till Bukayo Saka put the sport past doubt within the 88th minute.

This was not a aspect not taking part in for his or her supervisor, it was not a aspect missing high quality. It was a glimpse of what Southampton might be.

However getting as much as play Arsenal is straightforward, it’s video games like their subsequent one towards Leicester which is able to resolve their destiny this season. And now there might be no excuse for not matching this efficiency in a fortnight.
Ron Walker

Leicester show they’ll win ugly

It was certainly not a classic efficiency from Steve Cooper’s aspect however come the top of the season, they may look again on the 1-0 win over Bournemouth as probably the most vital outcomes of the marketing campaign in the event that they keep up.

The performances towards heavy-hitters Tottenham, Aston Villa and Arsenal confirmed the Foxes may compete at this stage – but it surely finally translated into only one level from the three video games.

With this win, Leicester demonstrated they’re able to weathering a storm, shutting out their opponents and may finally stroll away with three factors.

Six factors from seven video games is a strong return, given the run of fixtures they’ve had, and so they can now take this added confidence into the massive recreation towards Southampton after the worldwide break.
Patrick Rowe

Bournemouth flatter to deceive

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was left scratching his head after the loss to Leicester Metropolis, as his aspect flattered to deceive in entrance of objective.

Lower than per week in the past on the Vitality Stadium, his gamers placed on a masterclass of ending towards Southampton with Evanilson getting off the mark and Antoine Semenyo netting from distance.

Nonetheless, their efforts this time spherical have been a stark distinction to that show, because the Cherries wasted likelihood after likelihood within the Leicester penalty space.

Marcus Tavernier, Marcos Senesi and Dango Ouattara all got here shut, with two of their efforts hanging the body of the objective, however finally they weren’t environment friendly sufficient to take something from this recreation.

“We’re actually disenchanted,” stated midfielder Lewis Cook dinner, who thought he had netted an equaliser solely to see it dominated out for offside. “We dominated for big spells. That’s soccer.

“Some days it simply would not go in. We have to take them. We want some factors within the subsequent couple of video games as a result of it is going to be powerful.”

Their alternative to interrupt into the highest half has now been squandered and after a promising begin to the week, this fixture leaves a foul style within the mouth of the gamers and workers heading into the worldwide break.
Patrick Rowe

Bowen offers excellent response to England snub

When Jarrod Bowen was overlooked of Lee Carsley’s England squad for the forthcoming Nations League encounters with Greece and Finland, the information was not sudden. West Ham had carried out below-par of their opening six video games, and Bowen’s personal requirements had dropped.

Within the 4-1 win over Ipswich, he was head and shoulders above everybody else on the pitch as Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham reign acquired a much-needed shot within the arm.

“It is the easiest way [to respond],” the Spaniard stated. He is aware of that and he’s all the time prepared to assist the crew and work onerous and play effectively. That is why he is an excellent participant.”

Bowen each scored and assisted in a Premier League recreation for the eighth time. Certainly, since his debut for the Hammers in February 2020 solely 5 gamers have scored and assisted in additional matches within the competitors (Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Bruno Fernandes and Heung-Min Son).

West Ham spent round £132m in summer season switch window – recouping round £32.5m – however began the weekend simply two factors away from the relegation zone.

This win helps ease the lingering considerations round Lopetegui’s appointment. It has been an uneasy begin to life as West Ham boss, however this good-looking win offers a well timed reminder of the goalscorers in his ranks, spearheaded by the irreplaceable Bowen.
Ben Grounds

Ipswich taught ruthless lesson

Ipswich stay one among 5 Premier League groups nonetheless with no win together with present backside three – Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wolves. Their second-half show at West Ham was as unhealthy a forty five minutes as Kieran McKenna’s aspect have produced to date this season.

“It ended up a disappointing day for us,” the Ipswich boss stated. “There was a big majority of the primary half by which it was a aggressive recreation that was evenly fought. We performed some good soccer however we conceded poor objectives which modified the momentum of the sport.

“We did not deal effectively sufficient with the direct play. The objectives got here from these moments so there’s loads for us to study.”

McKenna highlighted how particular person errors contributed to a lopsided scoreline. It was a depressing return to the London Stadium too for Kalvin Phillips, whose error contained in the opening minute set the tone for an uncomfortable afternoon that was lower brief by his second-half substitution.

This was a actuality test for Ipswich, who got a chastening afternoon by Bowen. McKenna has impressed in the way in which he has carried the struggle to opponents up till now, however this was a reminder that if you’re not at full tilt at this stage, you’ll get severely punished.
Ben Grounds

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