1. Lanzini a potential star in the making, as individual errors cost Liverpool
THERE WERE ARGUABLY three key players in today’s Liverpool-West Ham game at Anfield – Manuel Lanzini, Dejan Lovren and Philippe Coutinho.
22-year-old Argentine midfielder Lanzini caught the eye, scoring one and assisting another, showing great dribbling ability and close control at times and making a hugely impressive full Premier League debut ultimately.
For Liverpool though, a lack of creativity as well as a series of individual errors cost them dearly. Two mistakes in particular stood out — Lovren’s all-too-lax defending, dwelling on the ball and being robbed of possession for West Ham’s second goal, and Coutinho’s rash, thoughtless challenge when already on a booking.
Yet to suggest the outcome was purely down to certain players would be unfair on Hammers boss Slaven Bilic — the mastermind behind this near-perfect counter-attacking performance from the visitors.
- Paul Fennessey
2. Mitrovic red card the right call
There is a worry that referees are becoming overly eager to give out red cards, with sendings off particularly prevalent so far this season.
While Mark Noble’s dismissal in the Liverpool-West Ham game was verging on farcical, the referee was absolutely correct to give Aleksandar Mitrovic his marching orders in today’s early kick-off between Newcastle and Arsenal.
The red card changed the complexion of the game, and Newcastle boss Steve McClaren was unhappy after the match, complaining: “It was a harsh red card. It was more clumsy and he stood on his foot. I just felt early on there were too many yellows and it was a rod for the referee’s back.”
Mitrovic, who already has a bad-boy reputation from his time at Anderlecht, was also booked in his opening two Premier League games.
And, despite McClaren’s suggestions to the contrary, the Serbian international was correctly sent off in the 16th minute today, following a nasty late challenge on Gunners midfielder Francis Coquelin.
The 20-year-old £13million summer signing must consequently show more discipline if he is to prove a success in the Premier League.
- Paul Fennessey
3. Impressive City move eight points clear of Chelsea
Manchester City’s impressive start to the season continued with a 2-0 victory over Watford that set a new club record of 10 successive Premier League wins and more importantly sent an ominous warning to their rivals.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side will now head into the international break with a record boasting 12 points from four games, 10 goals scored and none conceded.
In contrast, Chelsea’s poor start continued as they lost 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace, only the second home loss in 100 games for Mourinho. The Premier League champions have won just one of their opening four games but Mourinho’s says City’s eight point lead means very little at this stage of the season.
“We have eight points less than the leader and seven and six and five from others. In another league I would say game over.
“In the Premier League I don’t say game over because last season we had seven points to the second and in one month we lost the seven points. On Jan. 1 we were on the same points as the second.”
- Donal Lucey
4. There have been just 7 home wins in 38 games so far this season
Liverpool and Chelsea’s surprise defeats today are just the latest in an emerging trend of sides struggling to pick up three points at home.
There have been nearly 40 Premier League matches played so far this season, and just seven of them have been won by the home team. Writing in The Independent, Danny Higginbotham explains that the advantage at home appears to be over because everyone in the modern game wants to play on the counter-attack.
“The first 30 minutes is becoming the decisive period in Premier League matches. If the away team survives that, and frustrates the home team, then they become the favourite. They can sit deep, nullifying the home side’s pace, playing on their frustration, and hoping to pick them off when they over-commit.
“Just look at the five teams so far this season who have taken at least as many points from one away game than they did in two home games. And what links them all? Pace on the break.”
- Donal Lucey
5. Kane continues to fire blanks
It was the moment he was waiting for. As Harry Kane raced through on goal, all of White Hart Lane rose in anticipation. But with only Tim Howard to beat, the striker stuttered and his weak effort was saved by the Everton goalkeeper.
It was Tottenham’s best chance and in the end Mauricio Pochettino’s side were forced to settle for a goalless draw. They have yet to register a win this term and it’s hardly a coincidence their slow start has gone hand-in-hand with Kane firing blanks.
We’re now four games into the new season and Kane has yet to get off the mark. Having scored 21 times in the Premier League last season, his stock rose meteorically and had been linked with a big-money move to Man United during the summer.
But the goals have suddenly appeared to have dried up for the England international and his confidence appears to have been drained.
Pochettino insisted he was ‘happy’ with Kane’s performances and Thierry Henry said on Sky it was just a matter of time before he found the net again. Last season, he didn’t score in the league until 2 November but this year there is a different pressure on him.
There’s an expectation to follow-up last year’s heroics and a burden to carry Tottenham’s hopes once more. With little or no support, that appears to be weighing heavy.
Spurs need to bolster their squad in the remaining days of the transfer window and despite the arrival of Son Heung-Min, Kane needs help because he can’t do it on his own.
- Ryan Bailey
