1. Is there a better performing Premier League centre-back than Chris Smalling right now?
WHILE THE 3-0 loss to Arsenal may have been an anomaly, in general, Man United’s defence has been exemplary so far this season.
Despite the debacle at the Emirates earlier this month, the Red Devils have the joint-second best defensive record in the league, shipping just eight goals over the course of the campaign thus far.
One individual who has been key to Louis van Gaal’s team’s success so far this season has been Chris Smalling. The centre-back has had his critics, but this season, he has truly come of age.
Whether playing alongside Daley Blind or Phil Jones, as was the case today, he has looked remarkably assured.
While United’s attackers will attract the headlines following their impressive win at Goodison Park, Smalling was equally important, as his flawless reading of the game enabled the 25-year-old England international to snuff out dangerous Everton attacks time and again.
- Paul Fennessy
2. Santi Cazorla key for Arsenal
Arsenal eventually broke down a stubborn Watford resistance this evening and although he didn’t score, Spain international Santi Cazorla played an integral part in the victory.
The 30-year-old midfielder routinely makes Arsenal tick, and when on form, there are few more technically gifted players in the Premier League.
Named man-of-the-match this evening, Cazorla contributed two assists and had 100 passes — 93% of which were accurate.
With both himself and Alexis Sanchez (who now has 10 goals in six appearances for club and country) in such formidable form, it would be foolish to rule Arsenal out of the Premier League title race.
- Paul Fennessy
3. Jürgen Klopp has a lot of work to do
Jürgen Klopp said it all in his post-match press conference: ‘The problem was when we had the ball we were not good enough’. And that’s a key concern as the German attempts to build on the encouraging signs from his first outing as Liverpool boss.
There was plenty of early energy and buoyed by the optimism and feel-good nature of the build-up, they seemed a lot more alive than at any stage under Brendan Rodgers this season.
Still, the inevitable high-press was easily countered by Spurs after an initial encouraging burst and the hosts were able to spot gaps and prey on the same weaknesses in the Liverpool defence we’ve seen so often before.
The formation – a 4-3-2-1 – was narrow so as Spurs’ full-backs got forward, it meant defensive responsibility increased for Liverpool’s main source of inspiration — Philippe Coutinho — and that showed up the side’s attacking deficiencies even more as the gamely but raw Divock Origi tried his best.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s work ethic will improve under Klopp. They should run more. They should cover more kilometres. But ultimately, their success — and Klopp’s — will depend on the quality of the players.
With a collection of inconvenient injuries, it makes things harder. There’s also the reality that with a transition comes some teething problems. There were few today. But because of Liverpool’s issues in attack, there may be some tough days ahead as the team comes to grips with what the new man wants.
- Eoin O’Callaghan
4. Terrier-like Vardy inspiring Leicester to new heights
There’s a lot to be said for those busy-body footballers that have plagued defences throughout the Premier League years. Darren Huckerby and Craig Bellamy are two that instantly spring to mind from a by-gone era but in recent seasons, Carlos Tevez and Luis Suarez have brought those terrier-like, high-energy qualities to a higher level.
An irritant for defenders, a joy for managers and team-mates, there’s much to admire about the boundless energy and quality in front of goal. For Jamie Vardy, he may be a lot closer in ability to Huckerby and Bellamy but he was a hero for Leicester last season as the side somehow avoided the drop and I was immensely surprised that his performances didn’t lead to a move elsewhere.
There wasn’t a massive goal-rush (he got five) but there were two match-winners and he terrorised countless defences. Keeping him was a real coup for Claudio Ranieri, who is reaping the rewards of the attacker relentlessly delivering when it matters most.
He’s been rewarded with caps for his country and where Riyad Mahrez’s early-season form has flat-lined, Vardy’s continues. He’s now got 9 top-flight goals. And he typifies the spirit within the Foxes side right now.
- Eoin O’Callaghan
5. Sterling shows Liverpool what they’re missing
Shortly after Liverpool had struggled to engineer much in the final-third away to Spurs, Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Manchester City after just seven minutes against Bournemouth.
He added two more goals and that’s now four in eight top-flight appearances for his new club. In his ‘breakout’ season on Merseyside, he got nine.
Manuel Pellegrini played him through the middle today and the 20-year-old scored three when City were missing their two key attacking figures in Sergio Aguero and David Silva and desperately needed some spark in attack.
It’s worth remembering that Brendan Rodgers, on occasion, had Sterling at wing-back in a couple of games last term and many wondered why he subsequently wanted to leave. Sterling is far from the finished article but he’s willing and has massive belief in his own ability.
Since arriving at City, there’s been no fuss or drama and he has been doing his talking with his performances. The way he departed Anfield left a nasty taste in everyone’s mouth but he’s not collapsed with the burden of either the hefty transfer fee or the expectation since arriving in Manchester. As hard as it may be to say it, he’s deserving of some praise.
- Eoin O’Callaghan
Originally published 17 October at 9.17pm
