Since Newcastle United’s exciting new takeover was completed in early October, the club’s supporters have been eagerly anticipating and awaiting the January transfer window and debating who the club might look to bring in to fully strengthen their squad but more importantly, improve their plight in the Barclays Premier League table.
Newcastle are currently in a perilous position in the table. Sitting in 19th place, with 11 points from their first 19 Premier League games this season, which equates to their worst-ever start to a league season. Of the 15 teams to record this many points or fewer at this stage in a season, 14 have tasted the drop.
This makes January a crucial period for the club and the hierarchy. An opportunity to address their weaknesses and try to find some quality and inspiration to kickstart the survival bid.
So which pressing areas do Newcastle need to address?
Defence
Bolstering their backline will surely be a priority for Howe, and they’ve already go stuck in, agreeing a Ā£12m deal for Atletico Madrid and England full-back Kieran Trippier who will add a lot of quality, experience and winning mentality to Eddie Howe’s squad.
The England right-back will undergo a medical and is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further year.
Newcastle have conceded 42 goals in their 19 games this season – only eight teams have ever let in more after as many games in a campaign. And the 80 they conceded in 2021 was an unwanted record for a Premier League team in a calendar year.
Full-backs are crucial to Howeās game plan and, having worked with Trippier atĀ Burnley, he believes the England international can bolster Newcastle down the right, primarily in attack with his crossing ability, but also in defence.
Newcastle have lost 19 points from winning positions this season. So Howe will need more, hence their heavy interest in a quality left-sided centre-back.
One of the names emerging is Sven Botman, the Lille centre-half. One of the most highly-coveted defenders in Europe right-now and on the radar of a host top clubs on the continent, the 21-year-old could prove a stunning acquisition not just for the here and now but for the future. Botman is assured on the ball, a powerful presence aerially and on the ground, fitting the profile of defender Howe is looking at.
Other similar profiles are reportedly in Newcastle’s thinking: Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, Burnley’s James Tarkowski, Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly (previously worked with Eddie Howe). and Tottenham Hotspur’s Joe Rodon.
The club could also be looking to add to their roster at left-back, and are strongly interested in Everton’s Lucas Digne who are reportedly willing to listen to offers of around Ā£25m for his services.
Midfield
Midfield is another of concern for Eddie Howe as he seeks for his team to take more control of games if they are to get out of their current rot. His former club Bournemouth ranked 10th for possession during his time there, and Newcastle are currently weak in this area recording the lowest possession stats in the top flight, having a knock-on effect in their creation of goalscoring chances.
Matt Ritchie – who was at Bournemouth with Howe – is their top chance creator from open play. He has played at left-back at times this season and it can be debated whether Allan Saint-Maximin should be classified as a midfielder or a forward, and Joelinton’s performance in a deeper role against Manchester United during the festive period was encouraging. But the point remains: Newcastle are not producing enough with the ball from the centre of the park.
According to Opta’s progress stats, measuring how well a team advance up the pitch in a spell of possession, Newcastle rank the third-worst in the league.
So who could Eddie Howe be looking at in this area of the pitch?
Boubacar Kamara, Marseilleās defender-come-midfielder, remains on Newcastleās wanted list, although the 22-year-old appears set to leave on a free transfer in the summer instead. Lensā Seko Fofana is among the others who have been watched, enjoying a remarkable breakthrough campaign in the French Ligue 1. Interestingly, Idrissa Gueye, who Newcastle made a loan bid for last January, has featured in conversations again, while Georginio Wijnaldumās situation at Paris Saint-Germain is also being observed from afar, even if a Tyneside return appears unlikely
Other names being thrown in the ring, Manchester United’s fringe players Jesse Lingard and Donny Van de Beek have both been earmarked for moves on Tyneside, with both players looking to get much needed game time ahead of a crucial year with the World Cup coming up in December 2022.
While permanent moves may be unlikely at this stage, loan deals could be plausible which could represent excellent short-term business in getting in quality who could aid Newcastle’s quest for Premier League safety.
Other names being thrown into the ring are Chelsea’s Ross Barkley, and could Juventus and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey be making a return to the Premier League, what about Phillipe Coutinho? All three of these names will certainly add experience, quality and cutting-edge to a lackluster Newcastle midfield.
Attack
Until last week, Newcastle’s area of strength was Callum Wilson and Saint-Maximin in attack. However, their injuries sustained against Manchester United will almost certainly force Howe to add to his squad in this department too.
Wilson, in particular, will be a major miss with his calf injury set to keep him out for some time. Of the 20 Premier League games Wilson has missed since he joined the club in the summer of 2020, Newcastle have failed to win 18.
So, another forward is desperately needed.
Some intriguing names are being thrown into the hat with Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly looking to move away from North London. Will Newcastle be looking to pay his astronomical wages, what about Manchester United’s Anthony Martial who is also on the lookout for a permanent move away. Could he really be the man to fire in the goals Newcastle need, considering his inconsistencies at Old Trafford?
(Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Another intriguing name reportedly on Newcastle’s radar is Blackburn’s Chilean hotshot Ben Brereton Diaz who has hit 20 goals in 25 Championship games so far this season. Blackburn are indeed unwilling to sell their starman, but they won’t say no to a reasonably sizeable bid for the 22-year-old. Brereton Diaz could be an outstanding outside bet to strengthen the club’s cause.
Newcastleās season will be defined by their results on and off the pitch in January ā they need wins against their relegation rivals and they need reinforcements to arrive. The window will be busy, it will be frantic and it will ultimately determine whether Newcastle can complete their great escape in 2022.
How Newcastle United could line-up with new additions
We’ve all grown accustomed to Brighton’s one recurring struggle these past 18 months, one which has held them back from realizing their full potential under the fine and craft tutelage of highly-rated tactician Graham Potter.
It’s been their inability to put the ball in the back of the net consistently whether during Premier League matches or in consecutive gameweeks. There’s no doubt about it, this is a Brighton team on the up. They’re much more competitive, more cohesive, tactically aware, and more defensive sound, but still its finding the back of the net regularly that so eludes them.
However, their impressive 3-2 win over a struggling and faltering Everton team may well be the game Brighton start to be more clinical, and we are really hoping so, because this is a team that can go places.
Picture this though, the Everton result was the first time this season Brighton have score three or more in a game. It’s a surprising stat considering the wealth of talent both in midfield and attack at Graham Potter’s disposal.
Neal Maupay, Leandro Trossard, Yves Bissouma, Enock Mwepu, Adam Lallana, Tariq Lamptey, Marc Cucurella, Jakub Moder, Graham Potter is building and moulding an exciting and tantalizing squad. While Neal Maupay (7) and Leandro Trossard (4) have shared the goals between them rather staggered this season, there is one flawless talent not named above who after his performance against Everton deserves his own seperate mention is Brighton’s Argentine midfield maestro Alexis Mac Allister.
Brighton and Hove Albion have needed a goalscoring midfielder ever since their promotion to the big league in 2017. Now, they have finally found one in the shape of the so-called South Coast Messi, as big a claim as that may be, Mac Allister is indeed a special footballer.
The 23-year-old’s two goals against Everton on Sunday highlighted his stunning ability in the final third, but also showed he has a fair amount in common with the former Barcelona great and his compatriot. Same shirt number, same build and stature but also the same aura when performing for their clubs respectively.
Mac Allister hasn’t had all his own way since his arrival.
Heās made the same number of top-flight substitute appearances (22) as starts (22) since an Ā£8 million move from Argentinos Juniors in the January 2019 transfer window.
Mac Allister was loaned back to Argentinos, then to his boyhood idols Boca Juniors, before making his Brighton debut at Wolves in March 2020, the final fixture before COVID-19 led to a Premier League lockdown. The 23-year-old has been unfortunate that his period at the club has coincided with injuries, niggles and the disruptive pandemic but after a few false starts in the team, it finally looks like his big break amongst Potter’s first XI is finally upon him.
His double against Everton took his tally for the league season to four goals taking him level with Leandro Trossard, compared to scoring just once in 30 outings across the previous two campaigns. Graham Potter has turned to him in the last three matches in succession. They have yielded a 2-0 home win over Brentford, a 1-1 draw at Chelsea and a first-ever victory at Goodison Park.
Within those three appearances, Mac Allister has shown why he can be so pivotal to Potter’s impressively built side. Both of his goals were simply mesmerizing, applying the finish to fluid build-ups, something Brighton have struggled with for a while.
His first, ghosting into the box to volley Neal Maupay’s header from Joel Veltman’s cross past Jordan Pickford from six yards just two minutes and 43 seconds into the contest, Brighton’s fastest ever away goal in the Premier League. If you analyse the goal, you’d see as soon Veltman hit the cross towards the box, Mac Allister is already on the move to capitalize on any loose balls, and that’s how he was able to score, something out of Frank Lampard or even Lionel Messi’s playbook.
His second and Brighton’s third was out of the top draw, arrowing an unstoppable right-footed drive beyond the reach of England No 1 Jordan Pickford into the roof of the net from 20-yards, an absolute peach of a hit. Measured, purposeful and hit with real venom encompassing the fact that this is a footballer playing with real confidence.
It was his cross which led to Brighton’s third, but also it was a true measure of his specialty from free-kicks and corners. This is a player mastered in the art of creativity.
He currently averages 3.43 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, the third most in the Brighton squad, again highlighting his creative abilities in the final third. Also, the Argentine averages 1.56 key passes, 4.38 passes into the final third and 4.53 progressive passes.
Lining up behind both Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard, Mac Allister has fully utilised and taken advantage of the freedom offered to him in Brighton’s attacking play.
Mac Allister’s season heatmap
Whether its operating in the half-spaces or in the flanks orchestrating one and two touch football, he’s become so central to Potter’s intricate patterns of football. His heatmap above may not show as much action, but its safe to say Mac Allister is a smooth and silent operator, one who picks his moments but is obviously decisive when provided the opportunity. Not only is he thriving in his attacking play, but he’s a very valuable component in Graham Potter’s renewed pressing game this season.
The Argentinian averages 9.38 successful pressures per90 in the Premier League this season, the ninth best out of any player in the English top-flight, as well as averaging 2.66 tackles won per 90, which makes for telling reading when analysing his work off the ball. Mac Allister, Trossard and Maupay may look the smallest and not the strongest when defending from the front but they are true hustlers and harriers when trying to counter-press, something Graham Potter has utilised to good effect so far this campaign.
Against Everton, Mac Allister was at his sparkling best, recording 65 touches, the joint-second best in the Brighton team, 2 key passes, 3 shots, 3 accurate crosses, 2 accurate long balls, 5 tackles, and four clearances picking up a WhoScored rating of 8.76. Blessed with such amazing quick and silky feet, wonderful vision, and a technical set of skills that means he is like no other in this Brighton squad, a unique player who Graham Potter probably cannot do without.
Mac Allister only turned 23 on Christmas Eve, so there’s still a lot more to come from him. Five goals – 4 of them coming this campaign – is a credible return from 44 Premier League appearances overall for Brighton, considering so many of them have been limited roles from the bench. Of course, he will never reach Messi’s prestigious feats but Mac Allister is capable of the spectacular, whether chipping in with goals and assists that have been lacking from the midfield areas for Brighton.
Graham Potter said post-match:
āHeās got the quality. You can see that. He can contribute to the scoring phase for us, for sure. So can Enock, so can Jakub (Moder).
āThatās something weāre trying to improve because itās too easy to blame the strikers if we donāt score. It was positive because we got goals from midfield and a goal from a set play, which is good for us.ā
It’s high-time Brighton started getting goals from midfield and if they can keep Mac Allister fit and firing for the rest of the campaign, there is simply no reason why Graham Potter’s men can’t claim an unprecedented top-half finish in the Premier League table come May.
Certainly, Brighton’s Argentine midfield maestro will be central to those lofty ambitions, the future is looking really bright at the Amex Stadium.
It’s been evidently clear for a long period of time that Manchester United are in desperate need of investment and improvement at the base of their midfield if they are to match the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
The club have made slight improvements under German revolutionary and tactician Ralf Rangnick, but those those glaring issues still rear its ugly head, and its costing United a place in the Premier League top four.
In Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2, he’s had to use a combination of Fred, Scott McTominay, and Nemanja Matic as his midfield base, none of whom are ideal fits for what Rangnick requires in his engine room, although McTominay has impressed there in recent weeks.
Against Burnley, the pairing of Matic and McTominay worked well, with the Serbian acting as a deep-lying progressor of the ball and the Scotsman providing the dynamism and energy to push up the pitch and support attacking moves. At 33-years of age, Matic cannot be relied on long-term to be United’s main midfield anchor, while his lack of mobility could also pose issues against teams who offer more of an attacking threat.
While both Fred and McTominay both bring energy, tenacity and aggression to the midfield, neither are reliable ball distributors, players who can break lines, feeding the ball to teammates in much more dangerous areas like that of the two no.10s behind the two forwards. And as a result, United are unable to penetrate teams with the preciseness and ruthlessness as their rivals and control games the way Rangnick wants.
According to The Athletic, Ralf Rangnick has already identified the midfield area as a point of addressing, so might we finally see some investment from Manchester United in that area in January?
If so, Iet’s have a look at three potential options Rangnick could look at to address the problem and how might they fit in at Old Trafford.
Amadou Haidara, RB Leipzig
(Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Given the weaknesses in United’s existing options in midfield, their reported interest in RB Leipzig’s midfield dynamo Amadou Haidara makes perfect sense. However, this may be a difficult deal to pursue as Haidara will be on international duty for Mali at the African Cup of Nations. If United still go ahead with trying to acquire his services, he may not be available until late January, which could prove costly for United if they desperately want to address their glaring issue in midfield.
The 23-year-old midfielder still makes for smart and astute piece of business. The Malian credits Rangnick with pushing for his transfer from RB Salzburg to Leipzig in 2019, proving a key figure for the German during his time at the Red Bull Arena. Haidara is crucially the sort of all-round central midfield who has thrived in the system Rangnick is attempting to implement at Old Trafford.
During his three years at Leipzig, Haidara has wonderfully developed his craft and effectiveness in Leipzig’s high-intensity style, becoming the well-rounded midfielder who can adapt well to the specific roles he is given. Upon his arrival at Leipzig, the 23-year-old impressed as an energetic ball-winning midfielder primed in breaking up attacking play, counter-attacks (a problem United suffered against Newcastle during Christmas) as well as supporting the press, and progressing the ball through bulldozing running and fine passing.
His ball-carrying was initially the foremost way he could break opposition lines, which he still does with such impressive precision. The Malian has successfully completed 75% of his dribbles, performing 1.55 successful dribbles per 90 minutes so far this season. Haidara has also recorded 4.12 progressive carries and 1.24 carries into the final third highlighting his knack of breaking through opposition lines to progress his team up the pitch.
However, its his passing that has proving increasingly incisive, and a trait Rangnick will not be able to ignore. Haidara holds a short passing success rate of 88%, and his long passing 68% showing his incredible distribution of the ball. So far this season per 90, he averages 6.32 progressive passes placing him in the 92nd percentile of midfielders across Europe’s top-five leagues. Also, he averages 3.30 final third passes, and 1.44 passes into the penalty areas showing he is very adept at finding his more forward-thinking teammates in more dangerous areas of the pitch.
If he were to move to Old Trafford, he would of course be playing with either of Fred or McTominay in Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2. Given the caliber of offensive talent ahead of him, Haidara will be tasked in fulfiling more defensive duties. In possession, his technical quality and acumen and desire to progress the ball will be extremely pivotal for United’s patterns of play.
Almost a third of Haidara’s passes travel more toward the opposition goal, significantly more than both Fred and McTominay, in which he performs significantly more progressive passes (6.32) than the Brazilian (5.06) and the Scotsman (4.56) and also performs more passes into the opposition penalty area. Clearly, Haidara would add much more needed ball retention and progression to the United midfield.
However, Haidara’s defensive metrics are, while reasonably solid, not paticularly impressive. Though, much of that will be down to the inconsistent form of RB Leipzig this season, rather than his own struggles. He averages a quite impressive 6.70 successful pressures per 90, 10.2 in the middle third and 3.30 in the attacking third highlighting that he is very effective when playing a pressing game. Still, his tackles and interceptions are not particularly the highest (2.27) amongst the most dominant midfielders in the English top-flight but Haidara would still so much more elite dynamism, aggression and most of all ball progression that United so desperately need in their engine room.
Provided Rangnick earmarks his former player as a target in January, United are likely to swoop in and pay his Ā£33m release clause to acquire his services from RB Leipzig. However, having already inherited an excess number of players, the German will be aware of shipping out players ahead of demanding new signings over the coming transfer window.
Boubacar Kamara, Olympic de Marseille
Amongst the many exciting talents waiting on a big move next summer, Boubacar Kamara is likely to attract many suitors over the coming transfer windows. The midfielder has undergone remarkable development, having come through the French clubās academy, and remains amongst the most coveted defensive-midfield prospects in Europe.
Despite only being 21, the midfielder has already amassed 107 Ligue 1 appearances, playing close to 8,000 minutes across five seasons in the French top-flight. A ball-winner in multiple forms – a presser, a dueler and interceptor – but he’s also as comfortable against the press as he is when pressing himself. The 21-year-old is typically Marseille’s deepest midfielder in possession of the ball, very comfortable in drawing opponents in through ball retention, then bypassing them through silky footwork, mazy runs or passing combinations with his teammates.
Largely deployed in a double-pivot under Jorge Sampaoli this season in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Kamara has excelled under the tutelage of the former Chilean head coach. In a system which allows for much freedom and rotation positionally, Kamara is the one player who’s position remains constant although he does hold the tactical intelligence to perform those free-roaming roles when required.
Sampaoli’s system strongly requires the full use of Kamara’s skill-set. He is extremely composed in possession, dictating the tempo at his own pace possessing the ability and understanding to know when the slow the game down, and when to speed it up. A skilled and well-timed passer of the ball, with a good first touch, but without the ball he’s a tenacious, aggressive and methodical ball-winner who is strong in the tackle.
At Marseille, Kamara is used as the pivot point, keeping the ball moving with short simple passes, creating angles for the centre-backs or central midfield players like his partner Matteo Guendouzi. Kamara’s role is incredibly integral to Sampaoli’s positional play as he’s always available for a pass acting as a short passing outlet allowing his side to transition into their attacking pattern of play.
Boubacar Kamaraās season heatmap
More importantly, if given the space, Kamara is so good at breaking opposition lines with decisive swift passes, but also progressing it over long distances with a lovely range and superb vision and scanning of his surroundings. Kamara holds a short passing success rate of 94.7% and a long passing rate of 73.8%, highlighting how pivotal he is to Marseille’s build-up play, whilst also averaging a stunning 5.93 passes into final third per90.
He’s just as good in his reading of the game, often the man to help out his defence when dealing with the threat of attacking moves, winning the ball with strong standing tackles, but also having the speed of thought to distribute to his teammates and start attacking moves. While he does often drop deep, he’s very adept in the mid-block situations engaging opposition receivers and intercepting them from behind.
During the past year, Kamara has been successful with 36.9% of his pressing which ranks him in the 97th percentile for central midfielders across Europe’s top-five leagues. A stat Rangnick will certainly be proud of. He also wins 2.04 tackles per 90, ranking in the 87th percentile of midfielders, also winning 46% of his challengers against dribblers ranking 91st percentile amongst midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues. Despite standing at 5’10, he’s also a very good aerial ball-winner winning on average 1.4 aerial duels per 90 with a 61.7% win percentage ranking him in the top 13% of central midfielders across Europe.
With him in the team, United could potentially have another promising prospect on the books, capable of developing into a world-class footballer, thus, lessening their need to spend big money on future transfers for the position. United are in dire need of an adept ball-winner but also a player who is just as effective and as incisive with his ball-progression. Boubacar Kamara fits the bill.
Although the Frenchman remains likely to leave in the summer with his contract at Marseille expiring in June, United are reportedly hopeful of luring him to the club as early as January. Provided the Red Devils see an opening, given Rangnickās preference for developing youngsters as opposed to seasoned players, Kamara could potentially prepone his plans of moving clubs this month.
Joining Manchester United now seems as attractive as ever, considering the amount of potential in the squad.
But, the club are in a state of flux right now, and Manchester United should take advantage of the ongoing issues currently plaguing such a decorated club in France, after Niko Kovac’s surprise sacking.
The midfielder is earning such glittering praise in France right now, simply because of his expert performances at the base of Monaco’s midfield in the French top-flight. Not only has he garnered exceptional praise at club level, but in his native France colours too, aiding their Nations League success earlier this season.
As a result, he is perfectly capable of fulfilling a number of positions in the midfield making him one of the most complete performers in the French top-flight: no.8, no.6, or no.4, you name it. He is right at home in each of those positions dominating, harrassing his opponents but also providing Monaco’s frontmen with the perfect platform to attack without any real concern of what may occur behind them.
Not only does he win the ball back for Monaco with astonishing regularity, but he moves it along beautifully once he has, with an impressive range of passing allowing the midfield runners in front of him to dart into space in advanced areas knowing that possession, and therefore the space behind them, wonāt be ceded.
So far this season, he ranks in the 99th percentile for midfielders in the top 5 European leagues with 3.97 tackles per 90 meaning he is in the best of the best company with the likes of Fabinho, Casemiro and N’Golo Kante combining his aggressive nature in defending and his awareness of attacking situations developing around him meaning he can time his challenges well in order to halt opponent’s attacks.
With a unique combination of size, strength, timing, and coordination, he is quite proficient at cleanly dispossessing his markers at an exceptional rate. He is a very athletic and mobile, imposing presence, who stands at 1.87 meters (6ā2ā), and has extremely long legs which help him with many defensive actions ā like tackling. Furthermore, his long legs mean he has a big stride when covering long distances, covering all areas in front of his defence both on and off the ball.
He would be the perfect component for Rangnick’s high-intensity style not because of his assuredness in the tackle but his ability cover all areas of the midfield pivot in the 4-2-2-2 system. He is a naturally fast player with a great engine meaning that much of the work isn’t overwhelming for him. So far this season, he’s won 1.85 tackles per 90, and performed 3.33 interceptions. In fact, his tackles + interceptions average reads at 6.42 per 90. All of it makes for superb reading, he is very adept and efficient in his role.
With his blend of size, mobility, dynamism, defensive intelligence, and progressive passing that will surely improve, he would be an excellent addition for a number of top teams all over Europe including Manchester United, becoming the complete performer for the here and now and at just 21 years of age, he looks to be a player who could be one of the best defensive midfielders in world football within the next 5-10 years.
A no-brainer addition to fully complement Ralf Rangnick’s style of football.
In what was shaping up to be a gripping and captivating three-horse Premier League title race heading into Christmas is threatening to become a Manchester City romp to a fourth crown in five seasons.
While there is still some way to go before someone is crowned come May, we can’t help but to predict an inevitable outcome with the way the current Premier League table is shaping up heading into Gameweek 21.
Nonetheless, its a new year and with it comes new goals, ambitions and a fresh start for all 20 Premier League clubs. The title race, chase for European football, the battle to finish amongst the elite at the top-half of the table and relegation scrap down the bottom is beginning to take effect which again means we are in for an enthralling second-half of the campaign, and it all starts with the first set of fixtures in this new year.
So without further ado, lets again dive into another batch of exciting Premier League fixtures.
GAMES POSTPONED:
Leicester City P-P Norwich City
Southampton P-P Newcastle United
Arsenal v Manchester City, Saturday 12:30PM
Manchester City will be looking to make it 11 wins in a row when they head to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime to take on a resurgent Arsenal.
The Citizens are currently eight points clear of second-placed Chelsea and can make it 11 points with a win, for a day at least as Chelsea and Liverpool face off seventeen hours later. Arsenal occupy fourth position, four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham and Manchester United in sixth.
Arsenal faced plenty of criticism in the opening months of the 2021-22 campaign, but it has been a positive few weeks for the Gunners, who have won each of their last five matches in all competitions, including four straight Premier League victories over Southampton, West Ham, Leeds United and Norwich City.
Mikel Arteta’s men have scored 14 goals in their last 3 outings, having thumped Sunderland 5-1 in the EFL Cup on December 21 before again hitting 5 against strugglers Norwich City at Carrow Road on Boxing Day.
The Gunners had been due to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league on December 28, but the match had to be postponed due to coronavirus issues in the Wolves camp. Nevertheless, the North London club have still played 19 Premier League matches during the 2021-22 campaign.
A record of 11 wins, two draws and six defeats has brought them 35 points, four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will also both believe that they are firmly in the top-four race at this stage of the campaign.
Unfortunately, there will be no Mikel Arteta on the touchline for this fixture, with Guardiola’s former coaching assistant testing positive for coronavirus, and there has allegedly been an outbreak among the staff at the club.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will enter this weekend’s contest off the back of a tight 1-0 win over Brentford in midweek, with Phil Foden scoring on his return to the side, his fifth league goal of the campaign.
The Citizens have now been victorious in each of their last 10 league matches, which has seen them rise to the top of the table, collecting 50 points from their opening 20 matches of the 2021-22 campaign.
Guardiola’s side are eight points off second-placed Chelsea, and nine points off Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who are in third, with both facing off on Sunday evening, so City could be further clear at the summit heading into the next set of fixtures.
The reigning champions will take on Swindon Town in the FA Cup on January 7 before hosting Chelsea in the league on January 15, and there is a danger that they could start to run away at the summit.
Man City have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Arsenal in all competitions, including a 5-0 victory in the reverse match at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season, while they have not lost against the Gunners in the Premier League since December 2015.
FUN FACT: Manchester City have opened the scoring within the opening three minutes in each of their last three league and cup matches at the Emirates Stadium.
LEAGUE FORM:
Arsenal: LLWWWW
Manchester City: WWWWWW
KEY BATTLES: Bukayo Saka v Nathan Ake; Xhaka v De Bruyne
Man City:Ederson (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake; B Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
SCORE PREDICTION:Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City
Watford v Tottenham Hotspur, 3:00PM
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon to take on faltering Watford.
Spurs will enter the contest off the back of a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Tuesday, while Watford suffered a disappointing 4-1 home defeat to West Ham United on the same afternoon.
Confidence was at an all-time high at Watford when the Hornets recorded a thumping 4-1 win over Manchester United on November 20, with the result ultimately leading to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking as Red Devils boss.
Since then, they have struggled to build on that win, suffering five straight defeats to Leicester City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford and West Ham United.
Claudio Ranieri will of course be a men sweating at his current position, considering the history and the rate at which the Watford hierarchy decide to make changes when things aren’t going their way on the pitch.
The former Leicester, Roma and Sampdoria boss was brought in to calm the storm at Vicarage Road, but it seems that storm is currently showing no signs of letting up.
The Hornets actually took the lead against West Ham on Tuesday but then conceded four times without reply to suffer a 4-1 home defeat, with the result leaving them in 17th position in the table.
Watford are only two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, who have two games in hand, while there are only three points separating the Hertfordshire outfit from Norwich City at the bottom of the division.
The home side suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the reverse match earlier this season, but they have not been beaten by Spurs at Vicarage Road since January 2017, a record they will be desperate to put right on Saturday.
Tottenham have shown considerable improvement since Conte’s appointment at the start of November, with the Italian serial winner moving the North London club firmly into top-four contention.
Spurs are unbeaten in their seven league matches under Conte, recording four wins in the process, and a total of 30 points from 17 matches has left them in sixth position in the table, just five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with two games in hand on the Gunners.
The capital outfit suffered a small setback on Tuesday afternoon, though, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Southampton, with Harry Kane cancelling out an opener from James Ward-Prowse.
After Salisu’s sending off, Spurs were expected to go on and win the game, but never looked like troubling Southampton in the second-half with the home side defending comfortably to a well-deserved draw.
Tottenham looked well short of top-four challengers earlier this season under Nuno Espirito Santo, but it has not taken long for Conte to bring a winning formula to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs also have two cup competitions to think about in the early stages of January, taking on Chelsea in a two-legged EFL Cup affair either side of a clash with Morecambe in the FA Cup.
FUN FACT: Harry Kane has hit five goals on New Years Day – a current Premier League record.
LEAGUE FORM:
Watford: WLLLLL
Spurs: WWWDWD
KEY BATTLES:Emmanuel Dennis v Eric Dier; Lucas v Masina
West Ham United will be looking to boost their top-four hopes in the Premier League when they head to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon to take on Crystal Palace.
The Hammers will enter the contest off the back of a 4-1 win at Watford, while Palace recorded a 3-0 victory over basement side Norwich City last time out.
Palace boss Patrick Vieira was again not on the touchline against Norwich on Tuesday, having recently tested positive for coronavirus, but assistant manager Osian Roberts lead the team to a 3-0 victory over the Canaries at Selhurst Park.
Palace have won five, drawn eight and lost six of their 19 Premier League matches this season to collect 23 points, which has left them in 11th spot in the table, only two points behind eighth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Eagles have been impressive at Selhurst Park this season, suffering just one league defeat in front of their own supporters, picking up seven points from their last three home league fixtures.
Palace have only been victorious in two of their last 13 top-flight matches against the Hammers, though, and suffered a 3-2 loss in the corresponding fixture between the two sides last term.
West Ham managed to return to winning ways in impressive fashion on Tuesday afternoon, coming from behind to record a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Watford, with the result following back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Southampton, seeing them lose ground in the top-four race.
The win over the Hornets was therefore incredibly important, and they are firmly in the top-four mix at this stage, currently sitting fifth in the table, level on points with Manchester United and four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
The 2021-22 campaign could be a famous season for West Ham, but they have two difficult away Premier League games in January, facing Palace on New Year’s Day before visiting Manchester United later in the month.
The 4-1 success over Watford would have boosted confidence, but Moyes’s side have lost three of their last five away fixtures in the Premier League, picking up just four points in the process. Can they improve that run to maintain their top four chase?
FUN FACT: Michail Antonio has recorded 11 goal involvements in his last 12 London derbies for West Ham (five goals, six assists).
LEAGUE FORM:
Crystal Palace: LLWDLW
West Ham: DWDLLW
KEY BATTLES:Marc Guehi v Michail Antonio; Tyrik Mitchell v Jarrod Bowen
West Ham:Fabianski; (GK) Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Johnson; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Lanzini, Benrahma; Antonio
SCORE PREDICTION:Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham United
Brentford v Aston Villa, Sunday 2:00PM
Aston Villa will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to the Brentford Community Stadium to face-off against Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors, who are currently 12th in the table, suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day, while Brentford lost 1-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Brentford have won five, drawn five and lost eight of their 18 Premier League matches this season to collect 20 points, which has left them in 14th position in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone, so it has been a successful campaign to date for the newly promoted club.
Thomas Frank’s men took four points from their two games against Leeds United and Watford earlier this month but have lost their last two against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City without finding the back of the net.
Brentford have won five, drawn five and lost eight of their 18 Premier League matches this season to collect 20 points, which has left them in 14th position in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone, so it has been a successful campaign to date for the promoted club.
Frank’s team picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Villa in the reverse match earlier this season, while they recorded a 1-0 victory when the two teams last locked horns in Middlesex back in February 2019.
Villa, meanwhile, had been due to take on Leeds United at Elland Road on December 28, but the match was postponed due to coronavirus issues in the home side’s squad.
As a result, Steven Gerrard’s men have not been in action since suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day, and a total of 22 points from 18 matches has left them languishing in 12th place, and Gerrard will certainly be looking to move the club up the table in 2022.
Villa have shown giant strides since Gerrard’s arrival as head coach, winning four of their seven matches, but they have struggled for consistency for much of the campaign and will take on Manchester United in the FA Cup and Premier League respectively in the middle of January.
The visitors have been victorious in two of their last three away league fixtures, beating Crystal Palace and Norwich City, and they are only three points behind eighth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on the same number of matches (18), so a win here could propel them up the table.
Villa have not actually beaten Brentford in the league since February 1947, with the Bees enjoying the better of the previous Championship meetings between the two teams.
FUN FACT: Brentford have suffered five defeats at home this season, with only fellow promoted clubs Norwich and Watford faring worse.
LEAGUE FORM:
Brentford: WLDWLL
Aston Villa: WLWLWL
KEY BATTLES: Ivan Toney v Ezri Konsa; Ollie Watkins v Pontus Jansson
Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2022 campaigns begin with an afternoon Premier League encounter on Sunday at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have not played since their impressive 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on December 16, and ironically, the Seagulls recorded the same result against Thomas Tuchel’s side in midweek.
To say that 2021 was a mixed bag for Everton would be a true understatement, but the Toffees ultimately ended the year on a relative high note with a point at Stamford Bridge.
With clashes against Burnley and Newcastle United both being called off as outfits up and down the country work around depleted squads, Everton head into 2022 with much work to be done to eventually save Rafael Benitez’s job.
Now 15th in the table with 19 points to their name from a possible 51, Benitez’s bright start to life at Goodison Park has not had the desired effect over the winter, as Everton sit just eight points above Burnley having played a game more.
The Toffees managed to win just one of their last five home Premier League games in 2021, and history is not on their side too, as they have suffered defeat in each of their last four opening top-flight matches of the calendar year.
A tally of 10 goals conceded in their most recent four encounters at Goodison Park does not bode well for the hosts either, and the pressure is weighing heavily on Benitez’s shoulders to turn his side’s fortunes around in the New Year.
Arsenal fans of 2016 are already well aware of Danny Welbeck’s affinity for last-minute goals, something he must have picked up during his time playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Chelsea proved to be the Englishman’s next victims as Brighton claimed a point at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
The wins column is still looking particularly bare for Brighton, but four points from a possible six was an ideal way to end a topsy-turvy 2021, and they sit 10th in the table heading into the New Year as a result.
If Brighton end the season in the same position then Graham Potter will certainly be rewarded with some praise, but he knows his side will need to start getting luck and points on the board if that is to be achieved.
A stalemate at Stamford Bridge represented a third consecutive 1-1 draw on the road for Graham Potter’s men ā whose most recent win on the road came back in September ā and coincidentally, all four of their opening Premier League clashes in a calendar year have ended with the spoils shared.
Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin propelled Everton to a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Amex back in August, and all four of the Seagulls’ Premier League trips to Goodison Park have seen them come away empty-handed.
FUN FACT: Everton are 13 points worse off after 17 games than at the same stage last season.
LEAGUE FORM:
Everton: LLLWLD
Brighton: DDDLWD
KEY BATTLES: Dominic Calvert-Lewin v Dan Burn; Abdoulaye Doucoure v Yves Bissouma
Seeking to end a dismal run of three straight defeats in their first game of 2022, Leeds United prepare to welcome fellow strugglers to Elland Road on Sunday.
The Whites have seen their recent clashes with Liverpool and Aston Villa postponed due to COVID-19, while Sean Dyche’s men lost 3-1 against Manchester United in midweek.
From the highs of establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League to the lows of a likely relegation dogfight, it has been quite the topsy-turvy year for Leeds United.
Prior to seeing recent games called off, Marcelo Bielsa’s side lost three from three against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal despite it being a tough run of games, and it would taken something special to get points from those top-four outfits.
The Whites prepare to enter 2022 16th in the Premier League table and five points clear of the relegation zone after Burnley’s defeat against Man United, so the highly-experienced Bielsa would choose no better time to weave his old magic and steady the Elland Road ship.
Leeds can take some solace in the fact that their 4-1 loss to Arsenal represents their only defeat in their last six Premier League contests at home, and the hosts have only failed to score in one of their last 11 top-flight games at Elland Road ā finding the back of the net in each of their last seven.
Not since the Championship days of the 2014-15 season have Leeds lost four league encounters on the bounce, and given Burnley’s troubles on the road throughout much of 2021, the home crowd can afford to enter the New Year with a cautious sense of optimism for Sunday’s game.
Even amid Man United’s struggles to dominate matches under the tutelage of Ralf Rangnick, attempting to get one over the Red Devils at Old Trafford was a bridge too far for Burnley, who slumped to a 3-1 defeat on Thursday night.
Another fight to retain their top-flight status awaits Burnley in 2022, as Sean Dyche’s side occupy 18th spot in the table, but 17th-placed Watford and upcoming opponents Leeds are within touching distance as the Clarets aim to take advantage of their games in hand.
It is now six games without victory for Burnley in the Premier League, though, and they are one of only two sides in the English top flight – along with Newcastle United – yet to win away from home this term, but a trip to fellow strugglers Leeds could be a prime opportunity to end that barren streak.
Burnley and Leeds played out a 1-1 draw in their clash at Turf Moor earlier in the campaign, but the Whites managed to prevail 1-0 at Elland Road this time last year thanks to a fifth-minute penalty from talisman Patrick Bamford.
FUN FACT: Brazilian wing-wizard Raphinha has been directly involved in 50% of Leeds United’s league goals this season (8 goals, 1 assist).
LEAGUE FORM:
Leeds United: DWDLLL
Burnley: DDDLDL
KEY BATTLES: Patrick Bamford v James Tarkowski; Chris Wood v Diego Llorente
Second meets third in an intriguing opening to the calendar year at Stamford Bridge, as title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool prepare for battle in the capital.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, while the Reds were sunk by Leicester City in a 1-0 defeat. at the King Power.
Winter was certainly unforgiving to those in Blue, as a frustrated Thomas Tuchel bemoaned his side’s growing absentee list after Brighton took a point home from Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
The Blues have now fallen eight points behind runaway leaders Manchester City in the rankings, and even though the season has only just reached its midway point, Tuchel claimed that it would be “stupid” to think his depleted side are capable of competing for top-flight glory.
VAR comments aside as well, four of Chelsea’s last five Premier League encounters at Stamford Bridge have now ended 1-1, and failing to keep a single home clean sheet in that run represents quite the downturn from Chelsea’s formerly steadfast defence under the German.
It would be ignorant to write Chelsea out of the title race ahead of the New Year, and they were certainly done a favour by Leicester before the confidence-sapped Reds make the journey South.
Before a ball was kicked at the King Power, all signs pointed towards an away victory especially amongst the star-studded pundits covering the fixture for Amazon Prime. The Reds had enjoyed a six-day recovery period after dumping the Foxes out of the EFL Cup, while Brendan Rodgers was short of options 48 hours after the 6-3 loss to Manchester City.
However, Leicester dug deep to pick up a much needed win in front of their own fans, as Ademola Lookman came off the bench to dent Liverpool’s title aspirations.
Defeat at the King Power marked only Liverpool’s second loss in the 2021-22 season across all competitions, and the third-placed Reds now find themselves nine points adrift of Man City having played a game fewer, and fourth-placed Arsenal are suddenly just six points behind.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will leapfrog the Blues back into the top two with victory in the capital, but they have failed to beat three London sides in Brentford, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur away from home so far this season.
Neither Chelsea nor Liverpool tend to kick off the New Year on a high note either, but recent history is in the Reds’ favour, as they have only lost two of their last 11 Premier League games against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
FUN FACT: Liverpool could lose consecutive away league games for the first time since February 2017, when they were beaten by Hull City and then Leicester City.
LEAGUE FORM:
Chelsea: LWDDWD
Liverpool: WWWWDL
KEY BATTLES: Romelu Lukaku v Virgil Van Dijk; Sadio Mane v Cesar Azpilicueta
Thomas Tuchel has proved he can win the Champions League without a prolific striker, yet repeating the trick in the Premier League looks an altogether much tougher task.
But, possessing one as classy and as pure in goalscoring in the form of Romelu Lukaku, then that task becomes more easier.
Much of Chelsea’s issues up-front from last season reared its ugly head once again in the first-half against Aston Villa. When Villa took the lead, Chelsea were staring down the barrel of an unfortunate failed title charge.
Despite scoring from the penalty spot before half-time, Chelsea struggled to trouble Villa’s back-line. Looking lifeless in attack, lacking in any real cutting edge and ruthlessness. Christian Pulisic – with no fault of his own – has started Chelsea’s previous two games as the leading frontman and its proved – quite possible by his own admission – absolutely fruitless.
Against Villa, it was the same problems, for much of the first half at least. When Chelsea had possession, much of it was in front of the Villa rearguard rather than in-behind, and its why Villa sat so comfortably when out of possession.
Like much of his Chelsea teammates, Pulisic is a player who needs the ball to feet and defenders to run at but he couldn’t do that centrally. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa enjoyed a comfortable first-half and there are very few players who could dominate them both physically. Pulisic provided no threat to the defending order; like a schoolkid in a playground easily brushed aside trying his best to play against men.
It was a complete mismatch. Tuchel realised that issue, and took a big risk at half-time deciding to bring on a player who’s been troubled by injuries and Covid-related issues in recent weeks, but 45 minutes later, it proved a risk well worth taking.
Step forward Chelsea’s Ā£97million man.
Much of the discussion around Romelu Lukaku’s return to Stamford Bridge has been about how he’ll fit in such a rigid, organised and defensively controlled system. Though, after 45 swift minutes, those debates were quickly put to bed, and became more of a question as to how the system could tailor to Lukaku’s needs. In actual fact, it doesn’t need to.
Lukaku has proved time and time again – amidst all the negativity and reservations surrounding his playing style – that he is one of the purest goalscorers in the world. He is an out-and-out striker by modern standards, but as his header to put Chelsea in front proved, the Belgian’s qualities rest beyond the traditional expectations of a standard marksman.
His awareness of space, speed of thought, mixed with a deadly instinct in-an around the penalty area are qualities that Chelsea so desperately needed to take that next step in their development under Thomas Tuchel. It’s why the powers that be, decided to break the bank and spend all of about Ā£100million to secure his signature.
If you take a closer look at his goal against Villa, you don’t need any reminders of how potent and so alive Lukaku is in the 18-yard-box. His movement so swift and so deceptive. Mings thought he’d had the ball in his sights to head it clear, but Lukaku had other ideas, quickly stepping in front of the England international before guiding a deft header past the helpless Emiliano Martinez to put Chelsea in front.
To be honest, four months into his return, with 12 starts in Chelsea’s 18 Premier League games things haven’t gone quite to plan. It’s been difficult to discern whether those attributes he’s been celebrated for in Italy had fully translated during his return to the English top-flight. But on Sunday, as Chelsea recorded a much needed win – their first in three to address a recent small blip – it was so evidently clear the old traditional values of centre-forward play that Lukaku holds so dear, values that he revels in will see him thrive as a potent and unique weapon in Tuchel’s armoury.
The speed, power and ruthless edge the Belgian showed to break away in added time, winning the Chelsea’s second penalty on the day converted by Jorginho was exactly what Chelsea have desperately needed for all of about a year.
“Throughout the years, my movement in the box has been better”, he said with such pride and confidence at the end of his 45-minute cameo that earned him man of the match. “I try to be less static and try to be on the move all the time.”
9 – Romelu Lukaku has scored nine goals in 10 Premier League appearances against Aston Villa; he hasn't scored more against any other opponent in the big-five European leagues in his career. Villain. pic.twitter.com/1041ej5fAC
While Manchester City wreak havoc without a pure no.9, Chelsea thought they could do the same, but its clear they aren’t quite on the same technical wavelength. They need a no.9 and Lukaku is the man to lead them forward.
For such a complete and cerebral goalscorer, the simple elements remain a point of pride and reference for Lukaku. He discussed his pleasure at that late burst to win Chelsea’s second penalty: “I think that’s one of my preferred actions, running into space and using my speed and my power.”
Lukaku is unlike any other, especially in such an immensely talented Chelsea squad. There’s the argument that the most organised and controlled teams are the ones who need forward who can act outside such tactical requirements. Strikers like Lukaku need their independence, they need not be controlled and Tuchel realizes that, hence his desperation at putting him in so soon against Aston Villa.
Draws against a fragile Manchester United, followed by a 3-2 defeat to London rivals West Ham, then four points dropped against Everton and Wolves. A profound dip in form that turned a three-point cushion into a nine point deficit by 5.30pm on Boxing Day. The Belgian had been restricted to just 77 minutes split across those four games as his comeback was further impacted by a bout of Covid, which meant missing games against Everton and Wolves. Two games that were crying out for a plan B so good as Lukaku.
With him on the pitch, players like Mount, Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi and Havertz have that reference point in attack. His 45 minutes against Aston Villa underlined his worth and importance to Tuchel.
The move for Lukaku was meant to give Chelsea the firepower to take down City and Liverpool in the title race. With the Belgian fit and firing, more determined, hungry and on-form, he could be the difference maker. More dropped points on Sunday might have seen the Blues left adrift, but Lukaku has pulled them back and turned the momentum around; after a momentary blip, Lukaku may well have now reignited a fire in Chelsea’s flailing title charge.
Whisper it quietly, the exciting three-horse Premier League title between City, Liverpool and Chelsea may still be alive with Lukaku’s return.
Ahead of the Boxing Day festive fixtures, the Premier League has postponed Liverpool’s game against Leeds United, the match between Wolves and Watford and Burnley v Everton because of rising coronavirus cases.
All three games were due to be played at and 12:30 and 3:00 GMT respectively but have been called off after requests from Leeds, Watford and Everton.
The Premier League said Leeds, Watford and Everton could not play “due to the number of players with Covid-19, injuries and illness” which leaves seven fixtures still due to be played on, so here’s some previews and predictions on each of those games:
Manchester City vs Leicester City, 3:00PM
Seeking an eighth win in a row, league leaders Manchester City look to extend their gap at the top even further as they host Leicester City on Boxing Day.
While the champions are now favourites to defend their crown after a scintillating streak since early November, their inconsistent visitors arrive at the Etihad Stadium having dramatically lost out in the EFL Cup quarter-finals to Liverpool.
Amid an incredible run which is showing no signs of letting up, Manchester City have not only established a three-point Premier League lead, but also registered 11 goals without reply in their two most recent outings.
After surviving a dubious penalty call to go on and record a 4-0 win over lowly Newcastle United, they posted their third successive clean sheet last weekend, maintaining the best defensive record in the division, having only conceded just nine goals so far.
Four different goalscorers at St James’ Park – plus six names on the scoresheet in the 7-0 victory against a struggling Leeds United a few days earlier – demonstrated the phenomenal wealth of attacking talent available to Pep Guardiola, who has also seen his side qualify for a place in the Champions League’s last 16.
Despite the summer departure of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero to Barcelona and the forthcoming transfer of Ferran Torres to the same destination according to widespread reports, Guardiola insists that no signings are required during the winter window, and the nature of City’s performances support that conclusion.
City have scored 24 times since they last failed to win in the league, back in late October, and sit top of the Premier League at Christmas for only the third time – on both previous occasions they went on to be eventual champions.
Guardiola’s men also secured their 34th league victory of 2021 by beating Newcastle, setting a new record for the most top-flight wins by any team in a calendar year, so they should have no qualms in dispatching a team currently struggling for consistency.
Having been eliminated from the Europa League earlier in December, when losing 3-2 to group rivals Napoli, more woe followed on Wednesday night, as Leicester missed out on a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals by losing on penalties at Anfield, blowing a comfortable 3-1 lead in the process.
Currently ninth in the Premier League table, the season as a whole has not been going to plan for the East Midlands side, who had won just one of their previous six games before beating Newcastle last time out in the top flight.
Perhaps hoping that a 4-0 win over the Magpies would kickstart an underwhelming campaign, Brendan Rodgers was then hit by the postponement of games against Tottenham and Everton, due to the impact of COVID-19.
Not only must they now pick themselves up after midweek disappointing against this weekend’s formidable opponents, but Leicester City will travel to Manchester knowing that their only away wins this campaign have come against newly promoted teams. They have also lost eight of their last 10 meetings with Manchester City – including a 1-0 defeat earlier this term.
MATCH FACT: Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has been directly involved in a team-high 15 goals in all competitions, scoring 11 and assisting four
LEAGUE FORM:
Manchester City: WWWWWW
Leicester City: DLWDLW
KEY MEN: Joao Cancelo (Man City) & James Maddison (Leicester)
LIKELY LINE-UPS:
Manchester City:Ederson (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Sterling, Jesus
SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City
Norwich City vs Arsenal, 3:00PM
Following four straight wins in the league and cup, Arsenal will be aiming to keep their strong top-four chase on track when they visit the Premier League’s bottom side Norwich City on Boxing Day.
Having cruised to their 10th top-flight victory last time out at Leeds, and then serenely progressed to the EFL Cup semi-finals, the Gunners meet a side who have won just twice all season.
Victims of disruption caused by the latest twist in the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwich City have been sidelined since their home defeat to Aston Villa over a week ago, having had their fixture with West Ham United called off due to an unfortunate virus outbreak in the squad.
While opportunities to train together have necessarily been limited, perhaps the break came at a good time for the ailing Canaries, who had just lost three consecutive games without scoring and have failed to win in five.
While they remain just three points adrift of safety, Norwich have played at least one game more than several of their relegation rivals, so must start to accumulate points at a greater rate if they are to achieve the unthinkable come May.
Sitting bottom of the Premier League pile with only 10 points to date, they will be aware that only three teams who started Boxing Day in last place have previously managed to avoid demotion since the competition was inaugurated nearly 30 years ago.
Having also lost 10 of their last 14 top-flight encounters with their next opponents, the Canaries will be up against both form and precedent on Sunday.
After starting the month inauspiciously with back-to-back defeats, Arsenal have seemed galvanised by the disciplinary action taken against their captain by manager Mikel Arteta, going on to score 14 times in four successive wins in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence, a decision that now seems perfectly justified.
Featuring a much-changed side, the Gunners followed up nine points from nine in the Premier League with a 5-1 victory over Sunderland in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, in which cup specialist Eddie Nketiah netted a hat-trick for the North London side.
Eighteen-year-old starlet Charlie Patino also added his name to the scoresheet against the Black Cats, to cap a consummate performance from Arteta’s second string and set up a tantalising semi-final tie with Liverpool next month.
Arteta will be proud of his current crop of wonderkids in Bukayo Saka, the recently inspired Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith-Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale who are proving the perfect tonic in the club’s search of a top-four spot.
Since their recent London derby win over West Ham lifted them into the top four for the first time since October 2020, Arsenal have gone on to post a convincing win over Leeds last weekend before comfortably progressing in the cup.
They will, therefore, be confident of maintaining a Boxing Day record which has seen the club lose just twice in their last 23 games played on December 26.
Indeed, only Liverpool and Manchester City have bettered the Gunners’ points tally over the past six league matches, but they have tended to falter far more often on the road. Ahead of the trip to Carrow Road, Arsenal have lost five of their nine away fixtures in the Premier League, compared to seven wins from nine on at The Emirates.
Undoubtedly, Arteta will expect to improve that record against a struggling side, with three points from such games a requirement if they are to secure a return to the Champions League come the end of the season.
MATCH FACT: Arsenal are in the Premier League top four on Christmas Day for the first time since 2016. They were 15th this time last season.
LEAGUE FORM:
Norwich City: WDDLLL
Arsenal: WLLWWW
KEY MEN: Teemu Pukki (Norwich) & Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Tottenham Hotspur welcome Crystal Palace to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stadium looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches in the Premier League.
While the home side currently occupy seventh position in the standings, Palace are down in 11th spot after just one win from their last six fixtures.
Despite accumulating an impressive 11 points from a possible 15 under Antonio Conte, you could argue they are yet to still hits their stride since the Italian’s appointment.
Nevertheless, that is something which will only lead to optimism among the club’s fanbase as they look to take advantage of their games in hand in a bid to chase down fourth-placed Arsenal.
Star-man Harry Kane finally netted his second Premier League goal of the campaign during last weekend’s enthralling 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and Conte will be delighted at the performances of recent outcasts Dele Alli, Steve Bergwijn and Harry Winks, but it is Lucas Moura who has found another gear under Conte.
The Brazilian has contributed three goals and an assist since the beginning of November, the latest of those strikes coming in the 2-1 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, setting up a mouthwatering semi-finals with Conte’s former side and rivals Chelsea.
However, Spurs were fortunate to see out the second half against the Hammers, and Conte will want to see more of a ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch.
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira and his side have endured a few teething issues in recent weeks. Consistency remains an issue, with Palace only winning just once in six outings and failing to keep a clean sheet in each of those fixtures.
Currently sitting nine points above the relegation zone heading into the festive period, Vieira cannot have too many complaints, but there have been numerous suggestions that his team aren’t always playing to its fullest potential, and with key man Wilfried Zaha away at the African Cup of Nations in January, Palace will need to make full use of their games until he meets up with his national side.
The long-serving winger now has five strikes for the season after ending a five-game goal drought versus the Saints last time out. Vieira will be hoping Zaha, Gallagher, Ayew and Edouard will be firing on all cylinders to grab their second win in six games.
MATCH FACT: Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 14 league fixtures on Boxing Day – the longest ongoing run in England’s top four divisions.
LEAGUE FORM:
Tottenham: LDWWWD
Palace: DLLLWD
KEY MEN: Lucas Moura (Spurs) & Conor Gallagher (Palace)
SCORE PREDICTION: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Crystal Palace
West Ham vs Southampton, 3:00PM
West Ham play host to Southampton on Boxing day potentially requiring all three points to retain their spot in the top five of the Premier League standings.
The visitors are without success in their last six top-flight fixtures, leaving them down in 15th position, ahead of their difficult test at the London Stadium.
With such a packed schedule and several injuries to key players, it was somewhat inevitable that the Hammers would eventually encounter an inconsistent run, despite their impressive campaign so far.
Nevertheless, David Moyes would have expected a far better return of five points from six Premier League games, the solitary win coming at home to Chelsea.
Michail Antonio’s struggling form in front of goal has hurt the Hammers chances in recent weeks, as will his coronavirus-related absence over the Christmas period, and its unclear whether the club will be looking to strengthen in the forward areas come the winter window. But it provides other players an opportunity to show that Moyes should not rely heavily on their star forward.
Jarrod Bowen netted a brilliant goal during Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, although he has struggled for consistency in the final third, he may still be trusted with playing up-front for West Ham against the Saints.
On a positive note, Moyes was left encouraged by the performance in North London, and it may be enough to lift his players ahead of what will be regarded as must-win game on Sunday.
Up until the start of November, there were signs that Southampton had fully recovered from their slow start by collecting 10 points over a four-match period.
However, just three points have come from the following six fixtures, heaping the pressure on Ralph Hasenhuttl once more, with just three wins being recorded from 17 games this season.
Although just five points separate ninth and 15th, Southampton have not looked like a side who are capable of putting together the kind of results which can quickly move them up towards mid-table.
Chelsea loanee Armando Broja continues to be the bright spark in an underwhelming campaign, the 20-year-old having now scored four times from just 621 minutes of top-flight football.
MATCH FACT: West Ham are fifth, their second-highest PL position at Christmas. Their highest was fourth which they achieved under Sam Allardyce in the 2014/15 campaign.
LEAGUE FORM:
West Ham: LLDWDL
Southampton: LLDDLD
KEY MEN: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) & Armando Broja (Southampton)
Third-placed Chelsea resume their hectic schedule with a Boxing Day fixture at a resurgent Aston Villa, with the Blues now sitting six points adrift of table-toppers Manchester City.
The hosts return to action sitting in 10th position, a consequence of recording 12 points from six matches since Steven Gerrard took charge.
Villa like many others throughout the division, have experienced their coronavirus outbreak , one which Gerrard has described as ongoing ahead of welcoming the European champions to Villa Park.
The cancellation of last weekend’s game versus Burnley has given Villa’s first-team squad a chance to recharge their batteries, but Gerrard will argue that some momentum could have been lost from the enforced break.
Beating old boss Dean Smith and his Norwich side by a 2-0 score-line represented Villa’s fourth win in six under Gerrard, their two defeats coming against the giants of Manchester City and Liverpool, games in which Gerrard’s side more than made their mark.
Although Villa have lost nine of their 17 matches this season, they are within touching distance of the top eight, and Gerrard will feel that there is a window of opportunity to capitalise on the inconsistency of other clubs.
While Ollie Watkins has not hit the heights of last season, the England international has still contributed four goals from his last eight appearances and he’ll be looking to carry on that form against a stuttering Chelsea.
Having been forced to play three games in less than a week with ongoing coronavirus issues, there can be some sympathy with the selection problems which have hindered Thomas Tuchel.
Nevertheless, the Blues have come through a period against Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford without suffering defeat, two draws in the Premier League being followed by a 2-0 triumph in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
Now sitting well adrift of Man City, Tuchel cannot be satisfied with his team’s recent form, but a change in government coronavirus rules should lead to more players returning this weekend.
The biggest plus from the last two games has been consecutive clean sheets, achieved after previously conceding 11 times in six contests.
Tuchel will hope that more goals from open play now follow, but Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat in this corresponding fixture last season as they just about held onto fourth spot in the Premier League on the final day.
MATCH FACT: Villa have amassed 12 points in six matches under head coach Steven Gerrard – two more than in their opening 11 league games under Dean Smith.
LEAGUE FORM:
Aston Villa: WWLWLW
Chelsea: DWLWDD
KEY MEN: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) & Mason Mount (Chelsea)
LIKELY LINE-UPS:
Aston Villa: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, Young
Brighton & Hove Albion play host to Brentford on Boxing Day looking to end a 12-match winless streak in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Brentford have collected two victories from their last four outings, leaving the Bees level on points with their hosts in the Premier League standings.
Regardless of whether Brighton are still well above the bottom three, the criticism will continue to arise for Graham Potter as longs as his team fail to end their recent run without a victory.
Eight draws have been recorded from 11 top-flight fixtures, a run which includes stalemates against Arsenal and Liverpool, but frustration is understandable when failing to win several winnable games at the Amex Stadium.
Before the postponement of their trip to Manchester United last weekend, the Seagulls went down 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers without having a shot on target during the second half.
It was the same recurring theme for Potter and his men, playing some good football but just can’t seem to be clinical when it matters most, and that could well mean they face another relegation scrap if they can’t sort out their problems in front of goal.
Nine of their 14 goals have come from Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard, who will argue that they require more help from their teammates rather than being held responsible for contributing to the joint-third worst attacking record in the division.
An argument can be made for Brentford failing to build on their encouraging start to the season with a four-game losing streak occurring between October 16 and November 6.
However, head coach Thomas Frank will instead point to eight points coming from five games, their latest success coming against rivals Watford on December 10.
An argument can be made for Brentford failing to build on their encouraging start to the season with a four-game losing streak occurring between October 16 and November 6.
Sitting nine points ahead of the relegation zone, Frank can only be delighted with his team’s efforts so far, and he will be confident of taking advantage of Brighton’s lack of belief in attack.
While Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat to Chelsea came as a huge disappointment, the game was Brentford’s first in 12 days, shaking off the cobwebs ahead of a further opportunity to extend the gap ahead of the bottom three.
MATCH FACT: 11 league games without a win on Boxing Day for Brighton – the longest current run in the top four tiers of English football – their most recent against QPR in 2005.
LEAGUE FORM:
Brighton: DLDDDL
Brentford: LDWLDW
KEY MEN: Neal Maupay (Brighton) & Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Newcastle United vs Manchester United, Monday 8:00PM
Manchester United mark their return to Premier League action following an unfortunate coronavirus outbreak – causing postponements against Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion – on Monday with a trip to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
While the Red Devils have been dealing with a raft of COVID-19 cases, Eddie Howe and his men are seeking to avoid a fourth defeat on the bounce.
There is certainly not much festive joy to be had around St James’ Park at the moment, with Newcastle conceding 11 goals in their three most recent defeats as their survival task becomes harder by the week.
It took all of five minutes for Ruben Dias to open the scoring for Manchester City last time out, and the champions would complete a 4-0 rout through Joao Cancelo, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as the Magpies fell short once again.
After starting the month in such optimistic fashion with a much-needed first win over Burnley, the harsh reality check for Newcastle sees them remain 19th in the table ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures ā level on points with Norwich City having played a game more.
Even 17th-placed Watford ā who are three points ahead of the Magpies ā have two games in hand as Omicron rages across the country, but the appointment of Howe has not exactly led to the upturn in fortunes that the new owners would have aspired for.
A tally of 41 goals conceded is unsurprisingly the worst defensive record in the 2021-22 top-flight season, and having been breached 79 times this calendar year, Newcastle could set a new unwanted record for most Premier League goals conceded in that period.
On the face of it, three defeats from their last eight Premier League games at St James’ Park is hardly abysmal, but a refreshed Man United under new management will not be prepared to play nice on Monday.
One of several English sides to have seen their winter preparations disrupted amid the surge in coronavirus cases, Man United will be taking to the pitch for the first time since December 11th when they make the journey to Tyneside.
The football has been far from dazzling since then, but a pair of crucial 1-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Norwich City means that the Red Devils occupy sixth spot in the table before Sunday’s games kick off ā five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with two games in hand.
It is now six games unbeaten in all competitions for Man United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit after the game against Watford, and having scored in all of their away league games so far this term, Newcastle’s depleted defence could be in for another rough ride on home soil.
MATCH FACT: The Red Devils have won each of their last four encounters with Newcastle ā scoring at least three goals on each occasion ā although they are without a clean sheet against the Magpies since January 2019.
LEAGUE FORM:
Newcastle United: LDWLLL
Manchester United: LLDWWW
KEY MEN: Callum Wilson (Newcastle) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
To say Leicester City have endured an inconsistent season so far is very much an understatement. After finishing the 2020/21 campaign with a fifth placed finish in the Premier League, and securing their first FA Cup triumph – marking it a very successful season for the Foxes – many fans had hoped the club would build from that with a fast start in the Premier League, but things haven’t quite gone to plan.
At the time of writing, Brendan Rodgers’ men sit eighth accumulating 22 points from a possible 48 before Christmas with six wins, four draws and 6 defeats. Leicester have conceded the most goals out in current the top 10 and the fourth most goals in the Premier League (27).
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia heads towards goal before team-mate Ezri Konsa (centre) scores their side’s first goal during the Premier League match at Villa Park
Injuries and absentees have played a huge part, key individuals like Wesley Fofana and James Justin are yet to feature this season after long-term injuries, and injuries to other key stars such as Wilfred Ndidi, Jonny Evans, Jannik Vestergaard, Ryan Bertrand and Youri Tielemans have certainly unsettled Rodgers’ side and as a result, their form has suffered including getting knocked out of the UEFA Europa League in a 3-2 defeat against Napoli.
Though, their matchday 16 triumph over Newcastle provided fans with a taste of what they have been crying out for especially in the form of their midfield maestro Youri Tielemans who put in a show-stopping performance alongside in-form James Maddison and Patson Daka.
A lot has been made in recent weeks about how much Leicester City have missed Tielemans. In truth, the results and performances have been poor with and without the Belgian. But, the win over Newcastle capped a perfect display, their first clean sheet since the opening day and a partnership that could really be used as a stepping stone to improve on their fortunes heading into the busy festive period.
What Leicester have been plainly missing in recent weeks ā that emerged for the first time this season on Sunday ā was the combination of their two most creative players. The James Maddison-Youri Tielemans axis which could destroy just about club in the English top-flight.
Newcastle were of course the latest in a long line of potential victims.
The pair had started eight games together before they took Newcastle apart at the King Power, but they were inconspicuous displays in which one or both of them fell short of the mark during Leicester’s struggles.
Maddison, by his own admission, was way off it at the end of last season and the start of the current campaign. However, fast forward a few weeks and the 25-year-old now has four goals and four assists in his last six games and is again showing the sort of form that had him in the mix with Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish for a coveted England place.
James Maddison was truly outstanding and left the field to a rapturous ovation with a few minutes remaining having had a hand in all four goals against a ragged struggling Newcastle United side, he provided everything Rodgers needed, carrying on his stunning form. Though, it was the little Belgian magician alongside him who grabbed control of proceedings demonstrating why he is one of the most coveted midfielders in the Premier League, and the heartbeat of Leicester City.
Making his first Premier League appearance since early November, after being sidelined with a calf injury, Tielemans delivered a stellar performance. “He really is a complete player”, Brendan Rodgers said post-match.
Youri Tielemansā game by numbers vs. Newcastle United:
91% pass accuracy 5/8 tackles won 4/6 long passes 3 shots (2 on target) 2 goals
Indeed he is. It’s remarkable to note that the Belgian now has five goals and two assists so far in the Premier League this season. Combined with James Maddison, they’ve contributed to 14 of Leicester City’s 27 goals, that’s just under half which is quite telling.
Against Newcastle, Tielemans was the orchestrator providing Leicester City with the tempo, incisive passing, defensive assurance and the control in possession that much of their play has missed in recent weeks. He was everywhere: heading balls clear in his own penalty box, shielding the make-shift back four with timely tackles, knitting play together with his sumptuous and clever passing and more importantly scoring twice on his 100th Premier League appearance.
The first was expertly dispatched from the penalty spot after James Maddison was adjudged to have been fouled by Newcastle Jamal Lascelles, and the second swept high into the roof of the net after a neat lay-off from James Maddison.
But Tielemans’ ability to take the ball on his back foot and play passes through the lines that makes him so dangerous, and Leicester such an attractive team to watch, particularly when Maddison is the recipient. The way they both bounce ideas off each other in the final third with such flowing, intricate and measured passing which dissected Newcastle’s defence with consummate ease.
Not only is Tielemans Leicesterās standout performer, but he has also been arguably the finest midfielder in England in 2021-22. Signed initially on loan from AS Monaco in January 2019, Tielemans has come to define the Rodgers era at Leicester City as much as the manager himself. After all, heās only missed twelve out of 136 matches since the former Liverpool and Celtic boss took charge, shortly after Tielemans had made the move from Monte Carlo.
Aged just 24, it says everything about Tielemans’ character, abilities and understanding of the game that staff and teammates at the club already see him as a future coach when he hangs up his boots. Technically superb, the Belgian possesses the game intelligence, positional awareness, vision and range of passing to become one of the most coveted players in Europe let alone the Premier League.
Against Newcastle, it was the complete showing, making challenges and interceptions, box-to-box runs, telling distribution with the ball, making late runs into the box, along with an eye for goal and the ability to finish off moves that so few midfielders in Europe can boast to possess.
Both Tielemans and Maddison both possess the abilities and nous to become so effective when creating chances and scoring goals.
Both of them hold such wonderful vision and time on the ball due to their often immaculate first touches. They combine the ability to see passes many players donāt and the ability to pull them off in a variety of ways: outside flicks like one particularly outstanding Maddison through ball for the Daka goal; driven balls with the laces to slice through opposition midfields, as Tielemans performs with stunning accuracy and regularity.
Amongst midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues, Tielemans ranks in above the 90th-percentile for shot-creating actions (3.33), progressive passes (6.27) and expected assists (x.16) highlighting how crucial he is to Leicester City’s build-up play. They are much more efficient, effective and potent with both Tielemans and Maddison in the team as Newcastle found out. Also, the Belgian maestro has averaged 1.86 key passes, 5.76 final third passes and 1.19 passes into the penalty area despite performing much of his game from deep.
However, for Leicester City to become as potent as they have been for the past two years, Rodgers acknowledges the fact that he’ll need both Maddison and Tielemans operating closer to Harvey Barnes and Patson Daka/Jamie Vardy. 14 goal contributions between the two proves just why.
Out of contract in 18 months, it will certainly be intriguing to see what happens with Tielemans’ future at the King Power hanging in the balance. Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked with his signature in the past, and there’s no reason why they won’t return with fresh approaches. For now though, Rodgers will be very glad to have him back fit and firing.
As the game against Newcastle proved, Tielemans is incredibly vital to Leicester City’s ambitions this season.
Tielemans has come to represent the best things about Rodgersā Leicester: talent, tenacity, and tactical acumen. Heās a player who has won admiring glances from across the continent and one who faces a big decision in the months to come over his future.
For now, Leicester fans, soak in his incredible gifts while you can.
The tide is certainly changing at Manchester United. The road forward is looking much more optimistic and clearer after the debacle that had been their final weeks under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In just a couple weeks since Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment, the uncertainty and doubts that swept through Old Trafford has been completely wiped away. The small changes and progression may be difficult to pinpoint from the outside looking in but, certainly the German tactician and revolutionary has already made quite a drastic impact within the United camp.
Finally the club possess a leader who can imprint a vision, philosophy and an intriguing style of play that has been somewhat lost on the red side of Manchester, while the blue half continues to capture the imagination of every football fan in the country, even those in support of United.
Despite their impressive third and second placed finishes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there was still the feeling that Manchester United were missing that telling ingredient that immediately would catapult them to the same levels as their rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Well, those inside the Theatre of Dreams for Ralf Rangnickās maiden match as Manchester Unitedās new interim manager were treated to a number of novel sights, especially on the tactical side.
For starters, United played in a 4-2-2-2 shape. They pressed from the front and saw a different side to Fred, the much-maligned chaos merchant who scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
More significantly, it was the sight an attack-minded full back marauding up the right wing, putting in piercing crosses into the box as well as providing a ruthless threat on that flank for the whole game.
Under Solskjaer, that sight had simply gone amiss, with the Norwegian favouring the more defensive Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the position. Against Palace, Rangnick opted for Diogo Dalot instead and the transformation, balance and enthusiasm in United’s attacking play was stark.
As shown in Dalot’s individual stats against Palace, the Portuguese full-back proved a constant menace down that right-flank. For some 90 minutes, United fans thought they’d seen a reincarnation of the Old Trafford legend and former player Gary Neville.
Diogo Dalotās game by numbers vs. Crystal Palace:
Dalot as well as a rejuvenated Alex Telles, was pivotal to the way Manchester United played in Rangnickās first match. Primarily, his role was to offer width and an outlet in a system that is otherwise narrow forcing play through the middle of the pitch.
The Portuguese international was given a lot of space to stride into with out-an-out wingers Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho tucked inside, and offering threat in the half-space.
On top of this, Dalot proved a stunning supply line, passing the ball into the opposition penalty box five times, more than any other player on the pitch. He also made nine successful long passes, six ball recoveries and two successful crosses, putting in the sort of performance Rangnick cries out for from his full backs.
Manchester Unitedās performance had Rangnickās fingerprints all over it, and it was quite considering he had a day’s worth of training to get stuck into his new job. The German has been hired to impose a new style of play a team that has been lacking such cutting edge front-foot football for a long-while and the full back position could be where we see the greatest changes between the Solskjaer-era and the new regime.
And this spells bad news for Ā£50 million man Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
While there is no doubting the 24-year-oldās ability and defensive style as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League, he is supremely limited in his attacking output.
Wan-Bissaka has tried to adapt his natural game, but itās clear that anything beyond the halfway line pushes him outside of his comfort zone. At times, he’s looked clueless, somewhat awkward and lacking in any real urgency when attacking in the final third areas.
That was the case in United’s latest game under Rangnick, their 1-1 draw against Young Boys in their final UEFA Champions League group stage bow. Diogo Dalot, who was rested for the game will have watched his English teammate’s performance and not feel threatened one bit.
Wan-Bissaka, who came in after missing the Arsenal game with a hand injury and after being dropped for the Crystal Palace match, had an evening to forget. The right-back unfortunately failed his audition in front of his new manager.
He received a bang to the face, another knock to his wrist and left the pitch on a stretcher after clattering into the advertising hoardings as he raced for the ball on the slippery surface in second-half stoppage time. It was a sorry sight for a player who has impressed on occasion, but doesn’t seem the reliable outlet United have needed and are crying out for when attacking down that right-flank.
Under Solskjaer, Wan-Bissakaās limitations were masked somewhat due to the presence of a wide attacker, whether that be Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho or someone else, ahead of him on the right side. Simply stopping opponents from getting in behind often proved enough for the former Crystal Palace man.
It’s even gotten to a point where much of Manchester United’s opponents aren’t as worried or tested when Wan-Bissaka attacks down the right-flank. When Solskjaer’s team had the ball, they were almost forced to go down the side they felt weakest as a result of Wan-Bissaka’s frailties as an attacking full-back.
It’s also a position where United have fallen well behind their main rivals: Chelsea possess the qualities of Reece James, Manchester City have Joao Cancelo and Kyle Waker, while Liverpool possess the extraordinary creative abilities of Trent-Alexander-Arnold. It was simply no secret when Solskjaer was reportedly interested in the services of Atletico Madrid and England full-back Kieran Trippier last summer to provide the club with a much more complete and well-rounded full-back.
A failed move in which United had to make do with what they had.
Rangnick has a strong reputation for honing the skills of young players but the 24-year-old put in another ponderous and nervy display against Young Boys.
Wan-Bissaka, who was sent off in the reverse fixture back in September, failed to find a team-mate with any of his two crosses, did not play a single key pass and made the majority of his touches in deep areas.
His performance was the polar-opposite to the one Dalot put in at Old Trafford at the weekend, with the Portugal international showing he can excel in Rangnickās preferred 4-2-2-2 formation.
With Rangnick at the helm, though, Manchester United will certainly need more dynamism from their full backs on both flanks. For Luke Shaw and Alex Telles, this won’t be much of a problem with both possessing the propensity to provide that telling impact in the final third.
Dalot, who’s attacking play has somewhat gone unnoticed at Old Trafford will add plenty to United’s new and reformed attacking play. The 22-year-old proved himself as a reliable option on loan at AC Milan last season and even forced his way into Portugalās squad for Euro 2020.
So far in a matter of weeks, the 22-year-old has proven he isnāt out of his depth at this level.
For Wan Bissaka, the doubts still remain whether he can cut it at the elite level.
Wan-Bissaka has his qualities, of that there is no question. If humanity ever needs a sliding tackle or a vital block to save the world, then Wan-Bissakaās the man. When it comes to one-versus-one defending,Ā he is arguably the best in the country.
However, there are still facets of his defending that needs work, at times he too often drifts off when defending crosses from the opposite flank, and he hasnāt nailed down yet exactly when to press or hold his ground in a whatever shape Unitedās defence is taking, something Rangnick will be poised to help him solve.
Solskjaer and his coaching staff just did not have the qualities and skills to iron out the kinks in Wan-Bissaka’s game, but as we have seen already, Rangnick can spot a flaw and take the necessary steps to rectify it, he’s spent his whole career shaping young talents.
Certainly, Dalot has weaknesses in his defending too. Though, once Rangnick has United controlling games the way he wants, Dalot may not be tasked in fulfilling defensive duties as much as he has been previously.
In the attacking sense, Dalot is averaging an impressive 2.33 passes per 90 into the opposition box. Joao Cancelo is on 2.55; Trent Alexander-Arnold is averaging 2.76; Reece Jamesā average per 90 is 2.35. Wan-Bissakaās stands at 0.69. He has attempted nine passes into the box in 13 starts this season; Dalot trails by two in just two starts and four substitute appearances, the differences where it matters most in attack are very clear.
Diogo Dalot shows exactly the importance of having technical ability at right-back during the build-up to Fredās goal. Instead of attacks breaking down with AWB, Dalot dribbles inside and fires a pass into Greenwood in the box. Thatās part of being a full-back in the modern game.
The Portuguese international has also recorded 2.31 shot-creating actions per 90, while Wan-Bissaka sits at 1.62. Also Dalot averages more passes into the final third, more progressive passes, more passes into the penalty as well as crosses, exactly what an attacking full-back needs in his role. Dalot’s qualities supersede Wan-Bissaka’s in every sense of the role.
That’s one of the many reasons why Rangnick will continue to call on Dalot, as Manchester United’s permanent attacking full-back for now. Wan-Bissaka will almost certainly be given a chance to prove himself to Rangnick between now and the end of the season, but the pressure for him to improve his game really is on.
If the former Palace man doesnāt adapt his style, if he doesnāt absorb the exciting ideas and methods of his new boss, he may find his United career at serious risk.
Classy. Elegant. Unique. Intelligent. Unerring. Unplayable, you name it. There is simply not enough superlatives out there to describe the immeasurable class, craft and qualities of Manchester City’s Portuguese maestro Bernardo Silva.
After yet another stunning individual display against Aston Villa, his boss Pep Guardiola went that step further and called his midfield lieutenant “the best” after his sumptuous strike sunk a rejuvenated Villa at Villa Park on gameweek 14.
Sure, recent Ballon d’or winner and former student of Guardiola, Lionel Messi and arguably the Premier League’s most consistent performer currently in Mohammed Salah – who controversially finished seventh on the Ballon d’or list – will have plenty reservations about Guardiola’s comments on Silva, but the way the 27-year-old is playing right now, you’d be forgiven for being in agreement with Guardiola’s brave comments.
āHe is the best,” Guardiola said. “He was the best two or three seasons ago. He was the best then too. He has a special ability to do whatever he wants with the ball. Against a good goalkeeper it was an incredible finish.
You have to go back to when we won with 98 points, review the videos, you will see the same player like this right now.“
Indeed, that 2018/19 season in which Manchester City raced to the league title with an astonishing record of 98 points was arguably Silva’s best year in a City shirt. The Portuguese magician recorded an impressive 7 goals and 7 assists in 36 appearances in which he was awarded with the club’s player of the year gong, and that was the year in which Guardiola also possessed the legendary David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne both fully fit and firing.
Now, it feels much different. With much more responsibility, expectation and more leadership Bernardo Silva is responding with such remarkable grace and efficiency, and that’s why Guardiola admitted not along ago that he is simply ‘undroppable’, he is always one of the first names on the team-sheet.
But, its a year City needs him now more than ever, with David Silva taking on pastures new in Sociedad and Kevin De Bruyne struggling to get off the injury table, the onus is on Bernardo Silva to drag City to that next level, and that he is doing to such consummate aplomb.
Against Villa, Silva was at his sparkling best, proving the decisive factor and capped off a brilliant display with a goal truly representing his phenomenal and unique qualities, rounding off a silky City counter-attack.
It was a counter which simply cut Aston Villa to shreds, and it all started from their own penalty area with Mahrez pressured by two Villa players still managing to thread a sneaky ball to Fernandinho who found Gabriel Jesus making a dart beyond Tyrone Mings towards the right wing, behind Targett, and playing the perfect ball: 40 yards, expertly into his countrymen’s path.
With one look up to screen his surroundings, the Brazilian striker perfectly lofted an outstanding weighted cross for Bernardo Silva who would have been forgiven in taking a touch and then striking the ball, but that’s not the confidence and sheer class he’s playing at, instead he took it first time. A quite simply mesmerising hit which Emiliano MartĆnez could do nothing about.
This is a footballer oozing such peerless quality, spellbinding skill and technique, a first touch to simply melt over and phenomenal dribbling that even Ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi would certainly hand over his prestigious award for.
Like the 2018/19 campaign, Bernardo Silva is simply at the top of his game right now, and there’s no reason why he can’t surpass his tally from that season. He’s so far recorded 8 G/A (7 goals, 1 assist) in the Premier League so far with still around four months of the season to go.
Image via Sky Sports
However, goal contributions stats simply does not do his performances any justice. If you want to read well into how good and crafty Bernardo Silva is performing, you need to dive much deeper and the stats shown above is only half the story. He’s first at City for goals scored (5), dribbles attempted (38), distances covered (148.2), and second for interceptions (7) and duels won (63), so not only is he thriving in the attacking phases of play but in his defensive actions and that’s both in his counter-pressing in the attacking third and also in the middle-third.
To put it simply, Bernardo Silva is the complete footballer putting in complete performances each and every single game for Manchester City this season. Remember, Kevin De Bruyne is still out injured – guess you forgot about him didn’t you – but really City don’t need him, because Bernardo Silva is currently pulling the Belgian’s strings in every sense of the word.
Per90 so far this season, the Portuguese magician averages 1.29 key passes, 3.15 final third passes, 1.53 passes into the penalty area and 2.82 progressive passes. Though, its in his dribbling and ball-carrying abilities that City gain so much from. For progressive carries in which he ranks in the 99th percentile of players in Europe’s top five leagues, he averages 10.01 carries per 90 (carries that moves the ball towards the opponents goal at least 5yrds, or carries into the penalty area).
The way Silva weaves past his opponents with such unerring technique, dazzling ball control and such swift deceptive movement is a wonderful sight to behold. The former Monaco man certainly isn’t the most pacey of players but the class at which he caresses the ball with such nimble footwork and awesome body movement means he really doesn’t need pace to his beat his marker.
He is amazing at working and weaving his way out of tight areas and spots showing that Ā£100m man Jack Grealish really isn’t the best dribbler at the Etihad.
Silva has so far this season completed 2.10 dribbles per 90 with a success rate of 61.9% – astonishing. What’s all the more impressive of Silva’s game is his swiss-army knife versatility. Guardiola can play him anywhere in midfield or attack, and he’ll conjure up the decisive moments each game. Play him in a false-nine, left-wing, right-wing, a roaming no.8 and he’ll still perform to his utmost best.
Bernardo Silvaās season heatmap
The Portuguese never stops running, never gives in and its shown in the amount of distances he puts in and on the heatmap above. Again, according to the stats, he is indeed the league’s hardest worker.
via Sky Sports
He has the numbers to back that claim up. Among regular Premier League players this season, Silva has covered more ground per 90 minutes than anyone else in the competition. He is averaging almost 12 kilometres per game, a perfect picture of perpetual motion.
Another remarkable stat is that only City’s holding midfield player Rodri has won back possession of the ball for the champions more times than Silva has this season in both the middle and final third of the pitch.
A uniquely gifted footballer, so meticulous and methodical in the way he weaves about in various areas on the pitch, with purpose, panache and a tactical understanding that Guardiola deems “the best”. It’s why he is undroppable, even if City play twice in three days.
The goal at Villa is the perfect example of how vital he is to City, making sure he is in the right place at the right time to score the decisive goals, he bamboozled at Old Trafford against rivals Manchester United, got the decisive assist against Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad in the UEFA Champions League where he completed 100% of his 47 passes. He wowed against Everton on the same turf, put in a phenomenal full-throttle display against Liverpool in the 2-2 draw at Anfield, against Brighton at the Amex and so on an so forth. There is simply no stopping this man.
It’s amazing to think last season could well have been his last in a Manchester City shirt, with the Portuguese star reportedly stating his displeasure at a lack of game time, but Guardiola has heeded his doubts, placed his faith in him again, especially in the absence of key man Kevin De Bruyne and Silva is repaying that faith. It’s a credit to him in laying aside his complaints and sticking to his guns because he may have a huge say in this season’s captivating three-horse race for the Premier League title.
Silva shown through once again as Manchester City ran out a comfortable 3-1 over Watford at Vicarage Road. The Portuguese was yet again the star of the show, whose two brilliantly taken goals on the day took him to seven in the Premier League for the season ā equaling his best season total in a Manchester City shirt.
The Portugal internationalās six goals in his last eight league games has been a better return than his previous 61 games for Guardiola, and while his goalscoring looks to be running a bit hot when compared with his xG, you only have to look at some of hisĀ finishingĀ to find that he is indeed playing at arguably his best levels yet as a Manchester City player.
While the 27-year-old is clearly on a hot streak with 0.52 goals per 90 this season, it is intriguing to see that his underlying attacking numbers are actually back on the level he was at during the 2019-20 season.
While Manchester City reclaimed their league title from Liverpool last campaign, Silva saw a drop in his attacking output on a personal level. So far this season, he is superseding those numbers and is currently head and shoulders above everybody else in the team.
Can we all agree that behind Mo Salah, Bernardo Silva has been the best player in the Premier League this season?
Certainly, City’s best piece of business last summer was convincing Bernardo Silva to remain at the Etihad, you’ve got to wonder what might have been had the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona had the money to spend. Silva would have surely been an asset to any of the Spanish giants.
For now though, he remains City’s master craftsman, their chief creating officer. Doesn’t Pep Guardiola know it?
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