1.Guardiola’s men chasing possible record number of records
After another victory that seemed inevitable, despite West Ham basically building a wall, then behind it a slightly taller wall on the edge of the penalty area, it’s worth having a look at some records that Manchester City could have their eye on. Beat Manchester United next weekend and they will equal the mark for most consecutive wins (14, by Arsenal in 2002) in the Premier League era. They are nearly halfway to the most wins in a season (30, by Chelsea last term) and well on the way to the points record (95, by Chelsea in 2004-05) and goals record (103, Chelsea again, in 2009-10). A victory over United will put them on 46 points from 16 games, which would have been enough to come eighth last season, and their 46 goals are already more than were managed by the team that did finish in that spot, Southampton.
2. Brilliant Hazard challenged to aim even higher
Eden Hazard has played the best football of his career under Antonio Conte and it is clear that the Belgian can get even better if he trusts his manager. Conte is a relentless coach and, though he regularly champions Hazard’s talent, the Italian was quick to point out that the world’s finest players make their names on the biggest stages. Hazard excelled in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United, scoring twice, but the forward has been challenged to aim even higher than destroying Premier League defences. “I don’t think that Eden is at the peak of his career,” Conte said. “It’s important for him to work, work, work in every training session to improve himself.
3. Rooney renaissance enthuses Allardyce
Wayne Rooney gave a display of passing and pointing. His defence-splitting ball led to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal and he also enforced Sam Allardyce’s orders, talking team-mates into position. This authoritative display, coupled with his hat-trick against West Ham three days earlier, came after he had been an unused substitute in the previous two league games. That may not happen again soon. “He produced a good performance today and a brilliant one on Wednesday,” said Allardyce.
4.Lacazette showing his worth even in defeat
Arsène Wenger seemed a bit vexed trying to explain the slightly paradoxical nature of Arsenal’s loss to Manchester United because he had seen something very positive from his team’s attacking waves, yet it was all overshadowed by the result. One theme that has emerged in the last week, over the home games against Huddersfield and United, is how Alexandre Lacazette has taken a big step in his integration. Wenger took a cautious approach with his record signing in the first part of the season, rather puzzlingly holding off on starts and regularly substituting the French striker.
5. Liverpool leave tantalising taste of what could be
It was a slightly curious experience watching Liverpool thrash Brighton 5-1. On the one hand their counterattacks were so good they were life-affirming. But on the other you were left with the nagging question: if Liverpool are this good, then why aren’t they better? The win, their fifth in six Premier League games, took them up to fourth, but their vim and quality going forward is that of a side who should be challenging Manchester City. The obvious answer is their defence but the glint of mental fragility that led to them conceding a three-goal lead against Sevilla is a big part of it, too. After the win at the Amex Jürgen Klopp admitted that when Glenn Murray made it 3-1, that game flashed before his eyes.
Comments
Post a Comment