It was another sensational weekend of Premier League football, with some incredible goals, results and talking points. An astonishing 38 goals were scored across the ten games!
Here are five things we learned from a crazy weekend!
Liverpool are showing minerals of potential champions
Liverpool were put through the ringer by Marco Silva’s Fulham which tested the character of Jurgen Klopp’s men right until the final whistle. The pulsating 4-3 win was a topsy-turvy ding dong of a Premier League game, which was one of the best games of the season so far.
Liverpool were pegged back twice by the west London side, in a frantic first half that finished 2-2. In the second half Liverpool were finding it tough to break Fulham’s resolve. In fact, Bobby De Coredova-Reid headed Fulham in front with ten minutes to go to stun Anfield. But Liverpool came roaring back due to a couple of outstanding strikes from Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool’s other two were not bad either!
Liverpool’s never say die attitude have got people sitting up and paying attention. That win alongside over results has Klopp’s side second, two point behind Arsenal. The games are about to come thick and fast but Liverpool are showing characteristics of a team that is willing to fight right until the end!
City drop points against the big boys…again
An extraordinary run of Premier League fixtures for the champions has thrown up the same conclusion on all three occasions. City have played Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham in their last three league games and in every game they have dropped two points late on. Not only is that six crucial points down the drain, but it questions the mentality of Pep Guardiola’s men heading into the final stages.
The competition at the top this season is relentless, and the other teams have already pounced on City’s lapses at the back. It is not all doom and gloom for City, they are only three points off the summit, where Arsenal currently sit. A tricky away trip to Aston Villa awaits the Champions next, but following that, a more favourable run of games. Will we see City get back to winning ways soon?
Kulusevski saves the day to avoid fourth straight defeat
Ange Postecoglou and Spurs were staring at a fourth straight defeat in the Premier League, when they were trailing 3-2 at the Etihad against Manchester City. The game entered into five added minutes and Spurs were scrambling forward. Brennan Johnson dug out a cross and Dejan Kulusevski rose beyond Nathan Ake and planted his header beyond Ederson.
Tottenham merited their equaliser but more importantly, it stopped the rot that had left Spurs on 26 points for over a month, as others behind swarmed and surpassed them. A point against the champions is a good result any day of the week, but in the context of Spurs’ season trajectory, it was a massive moment which the away fans certainly enjoyed.
Spurs host West Ham and Newcastle next in what is sure to be two tough games for Postecoglou, but morale would have been lifted after a courageous away point. Back on home soil, Tottenham will seek to put things right after two defeats in a row at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Arsenal lead the way and have the bit between their teeth
Since Arsenal’s controversial defeat to Newcastle a month ago, Mikel Arteta’s side have responded with five straight wins in all competitions. In that time they have scored 14 goals and conceded just two. Arsenal now sit top of the Premier League by two points and are playing some outstanding football. Martin Odegaard has been a joy to watch in recent weeks and emphasised that by finishing off a wonderful team goal against Wolves, and playing some beautiful passes to set up other Arsenal opportunities.
This is an important period for Arsenal as they head into the hectic fixture schedule. Tricky away trips to Luton and Aston Villa await, before Brighton, Liverpool and West Ham will chance their arm against the league leaders. But Arsenal are purring right now, and seem unstoppable. Wolves tried to give Arteta’s men a late scare but Arsenal held out. The title race is gripping and for a second season running, Arsenal are right in the mix.
Sluggish United deservingly beat by the Toon
“We have to do better” were the words of Erik ten Hag after Manchester United’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle. It seemed only a matter of time before the home side would go ahead, as United looked off the pace and lacked intensity. That desire to win that Newcastle showed was clearly not matched by a Manchester United side who were coming off the back of an agonising 3-3 to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Some of the United players’ attitude was highlighted during the defeat. One being Marcus Rashford, who was criticised for his lack of tracking back when losing possession. It was only in the final minutes where Manchester United seemed to get their act together but it was a case of too little too late. Two of United’s next three games are hosting revitalised Chelsea and travelling to the lion’s den that is Anfield.
Ten Hag’s side have slipped to seventh in the league, and have some in form sharks below them ready to pounce. The defeat could be a huge wake up call for the players, who will need to respond in positive fashion.
