Roles reversed for Chelsea
On some levels, Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Blackburn was more worrying than their last two defeats. Against one of the worst sides in the Premier League, we saw none of the tactical genius that characterised their nine-man defeat to QPR. Nor did we really see any of the attacking cohesion with which they tore open Arsenal. In fact, it can almost be argued that Chelsea won by default, with that victory characterised by a relatively routine Frank Lampard winner from a cross.
But, because of the fact that this was Chelsea’s first cleansheet in 10 and first victory in three, the result matters a lot more than the performance.
And, while that may anathema to why Andre Villas-Boas was actually appointed, the somewhat anxious win will at least settle nerves long-term. Having banished that run without win, the manager can now go about imposing his philosophy on the squad with a new vigour.
Another marker from City
In the short-term, the 3-2 win over QPR was not convincing from Manchester City. Without Vincent Kompany, their defence was pulled all over the place and twice exposed. The first QPR goal was particularly alarming given the simplicity of the set-piece. Throughout the game, they also looked rattled by Neil Warnock’s cup-tie approach. And, in the end, it could be easily argued that City’s money merely provided the quality of player to win the game.
But that would be hugely unfair on Mancini, whose team are clearly evolving. For a start, it was the manager’s reshape to a 4-4-2 at half-time that finally swung the initiative City’s way. Secondly, this was the kind of character-filled unlikely victory that has defined so many Manchester United title wins. Against tough opponents in an unforgiving ground where they had even gone behind, City rose to every challenge. As they’ve repeatedly done this season.
So, in the long-term, this was in fact hugely convincing from City.
Liverpool draw another blank
It’s probably only now that the full scale of a proper revival is becoming apparent to some Liverpool supporters. Because, as impressive as Kenny Dalglish has been, it’s going to take a lot longer to restore the club to the position they really want. After this 0-0 draw with Swansea, there was a lot of talk about how they’ve only won three of their last 11 against promoted sides and now drawn four at home this season.
But the fact is that relentless runs of victories are the mark of champions and title contenders. And Liverpool have a lot of work to do before they reach that level. Indeed, that is most apparent in the disjointed nature of attack. Whatever of Andy Carroll’s exact price tag or qualities, it is clear that the rest of the team still have to adjust to his exact qualities. And it was notable that the side improved substantially when Craig Bellamy came on to provide better movement.
On that note, if Liverpool are to eventually become title contenders, they probably need an upgrade on the likes of Stewart Downing while the midfield badly lacked drive today.
As it stands, their form is that of Champions League wannabes. But then that should be no surprise. Because it’s exactly their status. They’re either going to need greater integration or a greater quality of players to make the next step.
The force is with Arsenal
Of course, the most remarkable aspect of Liverpool’s position given the drastically contrasting starts to the season is that Arsenal are now level on points with them. Crisis? What crisis? Both Robin van Persie and the team as a whole kept up their momentum. And, even better, the spine of the side looks much stronger with Thomas Vermaelen returned to the back and Mikel Arteta clearly settling in, as evidenced by his supreme goal.
New realities for Newcastle
After Newcastle extended their unprecedented unbeaten run and temporarily moved to second in the table, there was giddy talk about how far the team can go and for how long. It was probably wiser, however, to listen to the words of Alan Pardew. After the 2-1 win over Everton, he claimed it was unlikely the team would have won had that game been played at Goodison Park. At home, Everton would probably have pushed over the line.
That in itself reflected the fact that Newcastle looked exhausted by stoppage time. And many players admitted that it was only the adrenaline inspired by the crowd that saw them through.
Because, clearly, it’s going to be impossible for Newcastle to sustain that form over a season. They simply haven’t the resources or squad yet. And this win was the continuation of a few errors slipping into their game in recent matches. Most notably, the defence was much more suspect with Fabio Coloccini not as assured against Tim Cahill as he has previously been.
Much more importantly, though, Pardew has given them a foundation to work on. And not just in terms of points for the end of this season. Also the side as a whole. Fitness permitting, they have a solid defence, a well structured midfield and a capable attack. Things, at the least, are looking up. Even if it’s very likely that Newcastle will end up sliding down the table a bit.
After 25 years, a single goal display
Other than City’s win, this was almost a perfect day for Alex Ferguson. “Almost” because of the nature of the performance. Other than Wayne Rooney’s display and the cleansheet this 1-0 win over Sunderland wasn’t exactly convincing. And even the cleansheet was hard got.
You couldn’t say that about Rooney though who dominated the game effortlessly from midfield. But, as exquisite as the erstwhile striker appeared, it only temporarily solves a problem for United. For a start, although it meant that both Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez could be accommodated in the same team at last, neither – obviously – looked as good as they do as when placed beside Rooney. Secondly, Rooney himself largely dictates play rather than drives it. With Tom Cleverley in the position, there is much more pace and range to United’s play. It also brings out the best in Rooney himself.
Sure, there’s no denying he could be a top-class midfielder. But, ultimately, he’s a better number-10.
