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

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

However the mixture of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s introduction and a hamstring harm 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 stuffed 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 received. The blip was the defeat at residence to Nottingham Forest. The one dropped factors of the season. However the general 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 residence video games together with his purpose within the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Southampton on the Emirates Stadium.

With 4 targets within the Premier League and 6 in all competitions this season, he appears to be like properly 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 online off the submit from Bukayo Saka’s move, offering additional proof of what Arteta describes as a change of mindset.

“His focus now is, ‘I’m going to win the game, I’m going to do it’, and that’s a different thing,” mentioned the Arsenal boss. “He’s not satisfied with what he is doing, because there is still another level for him.

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

With regular goals added to everything else he was already giving the team, the 25-year-old has taken on even greater importance, quietening talk of Arsenal needing a striker in the process.
Nick Wright

If only ‘unstoppable’ Traore could finish…

Not often do Manchester Metropolis concede a larger anticipated targets whole than they generate, particularly at residence. 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 facet created 5 massive 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, accountable for practically half (1.04) of Fulham’s 2.40 xG, with quick breaks a trademark of all the pieces good about Silva’s daring strategy.

Pep Guardiola was deep in dialog with Traore, who he known as “unstoppable”, on the finish of the sport. It seemed just like the Metropolis boss, understanding his facet had been considerably fortunate, was providing counsel after the ahead price Fulham what would have inevitably been a share of the spoils – possibly extra.

And it was not that Ederson was essentially on hearth. The goalkeeper received 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 good. It carved Manchester Metropolis open much more instances than Guardiola would have been snug with. If solely Traore may end…
Laura Hunter

Man Metropolis should not infallible

Is Mateo Kovacic the brand new Rodri? He definitely performed the half in opposition to Fulham.

Ninety-eight touches of the ball, 100 per cent of tackles received, 4 ball recoveries and two targets – 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 through which they’ve trailed (W9 D2).

However let’s be clear, the champions are much more open than earlier than. Metropolis conceded 5 massive probabilities and a season-high 2.40 anticipated targets in opposition to. Had been it not for Traore’s profligacy, they might have nearly definitely 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 alter winless Wolves

It’s standard for managers to declare they may follow their ideas and philosophy throughout a nasty run of type – however Gary O’Neil has vowed to alter winless Wolves.

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

“The proof there today is that they weren’t able to carry out what we needed to. So there needs to be a rethink around how we go about things,” mentioned O’Neil.

“The fact that the players are making mistakes means there’s a disconnect somewhere in understanding of what’s being asked or where they need to be.”

Wolves may argue their performances up to now, a drubbing from Chelsea apart, had been respectable in opposition to powerful opposition. Their opponents had collectively recorded an unusually excessive shot conversion of 20 per cent too. “We have been competitive mainly,” mentioned O’Neil.

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

Will O’Neil get the time to alter Wolves? “Being a football manager means that you have today, definitely,” he added. “And then after that, so many things can happen.”
David Richardson

Benching Mateta comes again to chew Glasner

When you find yourself developing in opposition to one of the best defensive workforce statistically within the Premier League, one would suppose the proper foil to that will be to play your finest attackers. That layered with the truth that Crystal Palace are with out a win of their first seven and are within the backside three, not beginning Jean Phillipe Mateta looks as if 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 known as upon the person who has scored 17 targets 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 could have properly been the reasoning behind not beginning Mateta however given the truth that Palace are persevering with to wrestle, Glasner can’t 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’s not less than 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 pressure Aaron Ramsdale right into a save. Arsenal created an xG of simply over 1.2 by the break, however nearly 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 retaining Arsenal on tenterhooks till Bukayo Saka put the sport past doubt within the 88th minute.

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

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

Leicester show they’ll win ugly

It was under no circumstances a classic efficiency from Steve Cooper’s facet however come the tip of the season, they may look again on the 1-0 win over Bournemouth as one of the necessary outcomes of the marketing campaign in the event that they keep up.

The performances in opposition to heavy-hitters Tottenham, Aston Villa and Arsenal confirmed the Foxes may compete at this stage – nevertheless it in the end 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 might in the end 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 in opposition to 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 facet flattered to deceive in entrance of purpose.

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

Nonetheless, their efforts this time spherical had 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 putting the body of the purpose, however in the end they weren’t environment friendly sufficient to take something from this recreation.

“We are really disappointed,” mentioned midfielder Lewis Cook dinner, who thought he had netted an equaliser solely to see it dominated out for offside. “We dominated for large spells. That is football.

“Some days it simply would not go in. We have to take them. We’d like some factors within the subsequent couple of video games as a result of will probably be powerful.”

Their opportunity to break into the top half has now been squandered and after a promising start to the week, this fixture leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the players and staff heading into the international break.
Patrick Rowe

Bowen offers good response to England snub

When Jarrod Bowen was unnoticed 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 received a much-needed shot within the arm.

“It’s the best way [to respond],” the Spaniard mentioned. He is aware of that and he’s at all times prepared to assist the workforce and work onerous and play properly. That is why he is an excellent participant.”

Bowen both scored and assisted in a Premier League game for the eighth time. Indeed, since his debut for the Hammers in February 2020 only five players have scored and assisted in more matches in the competition (Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Bruno Fernandes and Heung-Min Son).

West Ham spent around £132m in summer transfer window – recouping around £32.5m – but started the weekend just two points clear of the relegation zone.

This win helps ease the lingering concerns around Lopetegui’s appointment. It has been an uneasy start to life as West Ham boss, but this handsome win provides a timely reminder of the goalscorers in his ranks, spearheaded by the irreplaceable Bowen.
Ben Grounds

Ipswich taught ruthless lesson

Ipswich stay one in all 5 Premier League groups nonetheless with out a 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 facet have produced up to now this season.

“It ended up a disappointing day for us,” the Ipswich boss mentioned. “There was a large majority of the first half in which it was a competitive game that was evenly fought. We played some good football but we conceded poor goals which changed the momentum of the game.

“We did not deal properly sufficient with the direct play. The targets got here from these moments so there’s rather a lot 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 quick 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’re going to get severely punished.
Ben Grounds