After 11 weeks of exhilarating football, we head into yet another international break; thankfully the last one for the year and quite a while now. Phew! But let us go back to the weekend and relive yet another fantastic weekend of action packed and entertaining football from the United Kingdom in the English Premier League.
While the headlines before the weekend were dominated by Tottenham and Arsenal as they faced each other in the North London Derby, there was more to the weekend than just the two North London clubs. Chelsea and Liverpool certainly stole the show and are tied on top of the table, doing so in stunning fashion.
Elsewhere, Sunderland and Hull City picked up all three points in a weekend that could have probably shaped up both the top and bottom of the table. Before heading into the break, here are 10 things learned from the weekend.
#1 Leicester brought back down to earth this season, and how!
Leicester City’s fairytale run last season was something not just the footballing fraternity but the whole world fell in love with. Manager Claudio Ranieri requested his group of players not to leave the club and stay for a few more years as he looked to build a good team for the Foxes. While most players from last season did stay, things haven’t gone to plan for Ranieri and Leicester.
The Foxes have lost 5 games this season which is two more than they did the whole of last season. While Leicester has had a hit and miss season so far, this has to be their most disappointing game as they lost at home for the first time this season. Placed 14th on the table, they are only 2 points above the relegation zone and have a lot to do in order to finish in the top 10.
#2 Lethargic Manchester City slipping up too often
Be it the intensity of the Premier League or the complacency of Manchester City, The Citizens have been anything but clinical on many occasions this season and it was the same story this weekend against Boro. After a fantastic first half where Middlesborough hardly even had a sniff of the ball, Manchester City took the lead.
However, it was the same old story as they lacked either a good finish or a final ball and that cost them. A last minute equalizer now leaves Manchester City in third with three draws, against Boro, Southampton, and Everton, all the games where they dominated but weren’t clinical. Guardiola must push his players if they are to get back on track in the title race.
#3 Unbeaten in the league but too many points dropped – Story of Spurs
With 11 games gone, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League is certainly a commendable achievement on paper. But is it really? 11 games, 5 wins, 6 draws – the record of Tottenham Hotspur is not as impressive as it sounds. What is the reason behind Spurs dropping soo many points this season?
It certainly looks like European games have taken a toll on them, and the absence of Harry Kane added to their woes. While Son’s short-lived run of great games did help them pick up important wins in both the Premier League and Europe, a month without Harry Kane saw Spurs drop points both in England and Europe. However, Harry Kane’s return was certainly important as he scored the equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday.
#4 Forget Zlatan, Pogba, and Rooney – Carrick is what Manchester United need
Michael Carrick has started in five games for Manchester United this season and guess what? The Red Devils have won all five of those games. Coincidence? Doesn’t seem like. Michael Carrick brings composure, stability, shape and brilliant distribution to Manchester United’s game and it's not just a mere coincidence that Mourinho’s men have won when he has played.
With the experience of Carrick in the midfield, Pogba is given all the freedom to go ahead and contribute to the attack. It certainly did work as the world most expensive football players scored a fantastic goal. He also had a good game overall while Manchester United finally looked sharp and its down to Carrick.
#5 Defensive woes and Burnley’s home form lead to Palace’s downfall
The Clarets have been fantastic at home snatching 13 out of a possible 18 points at home this season. As we’ve mentioned before, their home form is certainly the factor that will decide their fate this season. However, it was Palace’s defence that gifted Burnley three points while takes them to ninth on the table.
The back two Damien Delany and Scott Dann have been disorganised and have conceded 19 goals this season while Palace set a new record going 16 games without a clean sheet in the Premier League. Alan Pardew will have to look into his defence and seek reinforcements in the Winter transfer window as Palace are struggling in the bottom five.
#6 West Brom is not only safe but a top ten finish looks possible
Tony Pulis and West Brom started the season looking to avoid relegation this season and a mid-table finish would’ve been a luxury for the Baggies. Pulis made a few bold moves in the transfer market getting rid of Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe, and Rickie Lambert and brought in Matt Philips and Nacer Chadli. Both signings have been fantastic in the time they’ve played for the club.
While Nacer Chadli has certainly revived his career with the club and has been their standout performer, Matt Philips’ confidence seems to be growing game after game and this performance would have certainly done a great deal of favour for himself. Gareth McAuley, Craig Dawson, and Johnny Evans have been fantastic in defence and a top ten finish seems to be a likely outcome for West Brom.
#7 David Moyes survives to live another day
Finally! Sunderland fans and David Moyes breathe a huge sigh of relief after the Black Cats have picked up their first win of the Premier League season. After battling on with a below average squad and a string of injuries, David Moyes and Sunderland now have 5 points, but have a herculean task ahead of them to stay in the League next season.
However, kudos to Moyes after the Scotsman finally found the winning formula. Jermaine Defore linked up with Victor Anichebe beautifully up front and they were the X-factor that Sunderland needed. Sunderland should trust in Moyes and hope he could continue this and complete yet another mind-blowing escape with Sunderland, something they have been popular for over the last few seasons.
#8 This Liverpool team is the best in years and look unstoppable!
After a shaky start to the season where Liverpool picked up just 4 points from their first three games, the Red have been unstoppable picking up eight wins in eight games. Liverpool has been unbeaten for over two months now and it all comes down to what Jurgen Klopp has done to this group of players.
While Liverpool has conceded a lot of goals, with their breathtaking attacking football, the Reds have always outscored their opponents scoring 30 goals (the highest this season). Phillippe Coutinho and Roberto Firminio have paired up like Salt and Pepper while Sadio Mane has been fantastic as well. Henderson has taken the role of ‘enforcer’ and Liverpool look like they can't put a step wrong at the moment.
#9 Robert Snodgrass is going to be vital in Hull’s relegation battle
Lack of numbers in the squad, no manager, lack of Premier League quality players – Hull City’s season looked finished even before it started. However, Mike Phelan started off in style beating the defending Champions and the club had a great run. But then started the downfall as Hull slipped into the relegation spots. Talisman Robert Snodgrass was injured and deemed unfit to start the game against Southampton.
As things turned out, two injured forced Mike Phelan to call out for his star player to help him out. And Snodgrass obliged as the Scotsman scored one and assisted Dawson for his in what could go down as the three minutes that turned Hull City’s season around. Snodgrass is certainly ready for Scotland’s clash against England and will be vital for the Tigers’ survival this season.
#10 Chelsea are title favourites again!
Yes, they’re back! One of Premier League most consistent teams in the last decade are back after a poor season last year and Antonio Conte has certainly worked his magic with the club. Eden Hazard is back to his best while Diego Costa is clinical as ever. Pedro Rodriguez, Marcos Alonso, and Victor Moses are having a great season while David Luiz and Gary Cahill have been solid.
Chelsea demolished Everton and haven’t conceded a goal since September. It's the 3-4-3 formation that has come to Conte’s aid again. He’s made Chelsea a top class team yet again and it's not just that. The Blues have an impressive disciplinary record and the biggest of them is Diego Costa. The striker has had a relatively quiet month and it could Conte who has publicly claimed that Costa's discipline must improve.
