Image source: The Guardian
10 talking Points Actions of Premier League at the weekend as 2022-23 season nears to an end.
The Premier League is always full of drama, excitement, and unpredictability. Last week was no exception, as there were some thrilling matches and surprising results across different leagues and competitions. Here are five takeaways from the week in sports:Â
Liverpool’s Attackers Shine in Rout of Manchester United
Manchester United suffered a meltdown in their 2-1 defeat to Young Boys in the Premier League, with captain Bruno Fernandes displaying poor sportsmanship and petulance on the pitch. United’s team spirit is not as reformed as advertised, and their recent performances suggest they are not the title contenders they were thought to be.Â
Liverpool had a perfect day on Sunday, scoring seven goals against their arch-rivals Manchester United. The match showcased the strength of Liverpool’s new-look attack, featuring Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo. While these players may not be direct replacements for Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané, they bring new elements to Liverpool’s attacking play. Gakpo’s speed and finishing ability make him a potential successor to Firmino, while Núñez adds a chaotic and unpredictable dimension to the team’s play. Salah was the standout performer of the match, demonstrating his exceptional skill and ability to trouble defenders. Liverpool’s front three showed that the future may have arrived at Anfield.
Arsenal’s Squad Depth Proves Key in Title Bid
When Arsenal lost Gabriel Jesus to injury in December, it appeared their title hopes were over. However, Eddie Nketiah stepped up to the challenge, and other players like Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe have also made valuable contributions. When Trossard was injured early against Bournemouth, Reiss Nelson stepped in and immediately made an impact, setting up Ben White’s equalizer before scoring a stunning winner with his weaker foot in the final seconds of the game. While Arsenal cannot keep relying on last-minute heroics, their squad depth is proving to be a key factor in their bid for the title.
Image source: Euro sports
Chelsea’s Win Over Leeds Masks Underlying Issues
While Chelsea secured a narrow win over Leeds on Saturday, their performance was far from convincing. The team struggled to take their chances, and their defense looked shaky at times. The win may have bought manager Graham Potter some time, but he knows that his team will need to improve significantly if they hope to compete in the Premier League. Nervy home wins against struggling teams do not prove much in the grand scheme of things.Â
Everton’s False Nine System Pays Off
With star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, Everton manager Sean Dyche experimented with a false nine system featuring six midfield players. The move paid off, as Demarai Gray led the line and was supported by Abdoulaye Doucouré and Amadou Onana. Everton scored twice in the first half for the first time this season and had a total of 10 shots on goal, with Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi looking dangerous from wide areas. While the team was unable to secure a victory, their performance showed that they were on an upward trajectory.
Phil Foden’s Form Continues Despite Injury Concerns
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden scored his fourth goal in three games against Newcastle on Saturday, but he also suffered a knock to his foot. Foden has been managing this injury for some time, and he acknowledged that the physios can only do so much to help him. The player will need to learn how to manage the injury himself, whether it means resting more or finding a better balance between training and recovery. Foden’s form is essential to Manchester City’s success, and they will need him to stay fit if they hope to compete in multiple competitions.
Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat at Wolves, their second successive away loss to supposedly inferior opposition. However, one bright spot for Spurs was the performance of wing-back Pedro Porro, who is showing signs of adapting to the Premier League following his January move from Sporting.
West Ham’s David Moyes is under pressure after his side’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brighton, which leaves them mired in a relegation battle. The next week could be crucial for Moyes, as West Ham faces Larnaca in the Europa Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday before hosting Aston Villa on Sunday.
Theo Walcott to the Saint’s rescue
Southampton’s Theo Walcott may be the club’s savior as they fight against relegation. The 33-year-old made his first league start since November and played a crucial role in the team’s 1-0 victory over Leicester, providing the cross that led to the penalty that James Ward-Prowse missed.
Crystal Palace’s poor form continues
Crystal Palace’s inability to score continues to plague them, with the team failing to score in their latest defeat to Aston Villa. With no wins or goals in their last five games, Patrick Vieira’s side is in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle.
 In conclusion, last week was an eventful one in the Premier League, with teams and players making important statements on their respective quests for glory. While Liverpool’s attackers dazzled in their rout of Manchester United, other teams like Arsenal and Everton demonstrated the value of squad depth and tactical flexibility. Chelsea and Manchester City will need to address underlying issues and injury concerns if they can’t afford to lose points anymore as, especially the former is still in quest for a tittle challenge. Â
Manchester City & Arsenal loggerheads for a title challenge
Manchester City cruised to a 2-0 victory over Newcastle, with goals from Ferran Torres and Ilkay Gundogan securing the win for the Premier League leaders. The result sees Manchester City extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points with 11 games remaining.
Overall, the Premier League is reaching a critical stage with teams fighting for positions at the top and bottom of the table. Manchester City is looking unstoppable in its quest for another title, while other clubs face crucial fixtures that could determine their season’s outcome.
