Manchester United continued their good start to the season
with a hard fought 2 nil win at home to Leicester. That’s now 3 wins, 10 goals
scored and none conceded. United were once again impressive in a game
they would have drawn last season. Leicester defended resolutely and at some
point it was beginning to look like it might be one of those days for United.
Credit to Mourinho though because he made the correct changes in the 2nd
half and both his subs scored. Mourinho was quick to point out in his post
match interview that last season United won their first 3 as well so nothing to
celebrate yet. Deep down though he must feel more confident especially due to
the manner of this season’s wins. United are more confident, more direct,
passing it around well and looking much better. Mourinho decided to start with
Martial in place of Rashford. I like Martial because he is very direct, rarely
loses possession and has an eye for goal. I however think for now United are
better off starting with Rashford and having Martial come on in the second
half. Martial is an excellent impact sub. Pogba has been playing a lot better
this season mainly because of Nemanja Matic. The calmness and protection
provided by Matic has freed Pogba to push upfront and dominate the midfield. I
expect him to provide more assists than last season and score at least 10 goals
in the league. Mkhitaryan is another player who is playing well evidenced by
his 5 assists in the first 3 games. The excellent form of these players has
meant some players who would be expected to play have missed out on game time.
Herrera for instance is yet to feature this season. There’s also a lot of push
for playing time in defence with the likes of Smalling, Lindelof, Rojo and Shaw
yet to feature. All this competition for places is good though and Mourinho must
be satisfied with his squad. Having re-signed Ibrahimovic, I don’t expect
further transfer activity for United.
Chelsea easily dispatched of Everton with an easy 2 nil win in
a potentially tricky fixture. Alvaro Moratta and Cesc Fabregas were both on
target as the Champions further provided proof that their opening day loss to
Burnley was a minor blip. Antonio Conte has made no secret about his desire to strengthen
the squad even with the signings of Bakayoko, Moratta and Rudiger. With the
anticipated departure of Costa, Conte is looking to get an additional striker,
with the defence also in need of reinforcements. Ngolo Kante is the main
holding midfielder for the Blues and alongside him it’s either Fabregas or
Bakayoko with Matic’s departure. Last season Fabregas and Matic shared that
role with each starting depending on the opposition, Matic preferred in games
where Conte felt he needed more steel and power in the midfield while Fabregas
featured in games Conte wanted a more attacking approach. I feel Fabregas
provides a bit more. Conte’s concern has always been that Fabregas doesn’t
defend well when the Blues don’t have the ball. His attacking qualities though
are world class. I feel this season despite Bakayoko’s arrival, we might see
more of Fabregas and Kante than Bakayoko and Kante. Eden Hazard is soon
returning to the squad so you feel Chelsea will be kicking on as the season
progresses.
Manchester City were lucky to get a 97th minute
winner against Bournemouth in a very eventful match. Sterling was once again
the hero coming on a second half sub to stab home the winner. City on paper
look to have a very good squad, probably the best in the league, but they are
still to gel and find the right chemistry. Guardiola is still not sure of his
starting 11. They have a lot of attacking talent and to think that they are
still chasing Alexis Sanchez and Kylian Mbappe makes for a scary attacking prospect. If
and when Pep gets the right chemistry and mix, City will be deadly.
The weekend’s big match was Arsenal away to Liverpool and it
didn’t disappoint, unless you are an Arsenal fan. This is the worst time to be
an Arsenal fan. The Gunners put up a really horrible display at Anfield, it was
difficult trying to remember the last time they were this bad. They were poor
all over the pitch with the exception of Cech who must have been wondering what
he was doing in the field. Arsenal wouldn’t have had a worse week. Reduced to
watching Europe’s big boys drawn in the champion’s league groups, the Gunners
then had to endure the humiliation of being lined up alongside Europe’s second
class clubs in the Europa League group draws. For Arsenal to concede four and
still have Cech as their best player on the pitch just shows the extent of
Liverpool’s dominance. The Reds were all over Arsenal and would even have
scored more had it not been for a couple of good saves by Cech. As much as
Wenger’s selection of his squad was questionable, the performance by the
players was even more disappointing. None of the 10 outfield players can look
up and feel proud of their contributions. Wenger decided to start with a back 3
with the Ox and Bellerin as wing backs, a system that has never worked for him. For some strange
reason, he also decided to start Bellerin, their first choice right back, on
the left wing. He also decided to use the inexperienced Rob Holding in place of
established defenders like Mustafi against Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mane,
Firminho and Salah. Wenger also decided to start with his record signing and
first choice striker Lacazette on the bench. Arsene Wenger still believes he can improve
Arsenal but even his staunchest supporters are now doubting him. Arsenal are on
a downward trajectory. Having failed to qualify for the Champion’s League this
season, a lot of transfer activity was expected. Instead all the news is about
Arsenal players wanting to leave the club instead of the other way. Sanchez,
Chamberlain, Mustafi, Gibbs are all being linked with moves away from the club. And you wouldn't really blame them. No replacements are forthcoming though. With clubs around them strengthening,
it’s hard to see Arsenal competing at all. Arsenal’s minimum target this season
should be top four. On current evidence they are nowhere near that. It’s going
to take an unprecedented transfer deadline day activity for the Gunners to
bring the right personnel in to have a squad good enough to challenge for any honours this season.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Peter Schmeichel
Nicolas Otamendi
Phil Jones
Cesar Azpilicueta
Bernard Mendy
Cesc Fabregas
Matt Ritchie
Paul Pogba
Mohamed Salah
Saido Mane
Raheem Sterling
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Mohammed Salah
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