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- Struggling Alexander-Arnold Left Exposed
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Manchester United was puzzling. While there may have been external factors such as transfer rumors, his struggles on the right side were clear. He was left vulnerable by his teammates, with Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch offering little defensive support. As his performance deteriorated, no adjustments were made to help him recover, and he found himself outnumbered when his poor clearance led to United’s opening goal - Amorim’s Tactical Flexibility
One of the reasons for Alexander-Arnold’s difficulties was André Onana’s distribution, which showcased Ruben Amorim’s tactical adaptability. Onana, known for playing short passes, changed his approach against Liverpool, opting for long balls aimed at exploiting the space behind Alexander-Arnold - Savinho’s Form Leaves Grealish in the Cold
Jack Grealish has struggled to find his form this season, and Pep Guardiola has been vocal about it. Despite being a key player in City’s treble-winning campaign, Grealish has failed to score in 33 appearances since the start of 2024. Guardiola has praised Savinho’s recent performances, noting that the young winger’s delivery into the box has been superior to Grealish’s. This has led to Savinho earning more game time, with Guardiola emphasizing that Grealish must fight for his place in the team. - Nwaneri’s Injury Another Blow for Arteta
Arsenal’s struggles continued in their 1-1 draw against Brighton, where they failed to respond effectively after the equalizer. A key moment in the match was the injury to 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who was forced off at halftime. His absence, combined with the ongoing injury issues of Bukayo Saka, left Arsenal lacking creativity and attacking threat. Mikel Arteta expressed his concern over the injury, which added to the growing list of problems for the team, including their tendency to waste time and lack of a cutting edge in attack. - Chelsea Wilting Late in Games
Chelsea’s recent form has been marked by a tendency to concede late goals. In their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, Chelsea allowed Palace to equalize after the 75th minute, continuing a worrying trend of dropping points in the final stages of matches. The issue seems to stem from a combination of poor fitness, mentality, and Enzo Maresca’s reluctance to make timely substitutions. The team’s inability to hold onto leads has become a major concern for the manager and fans alike. - January is Critical for Everton
Everton’s relegation battle continues, and their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth highlighted the challenges they face. Despite a solid defensive performance, they struggled to convert chances and lacked the cutting edge needed to secure points. The emergence of Iliman Ndiaye as a bright spot for Everton offers some hope, but manager Sean Dyche has admitted that the team needs to improve their attacking play. With the January transfer window fast approaching, Everton’s survival in the Premier League will depend on how they strengthen their squad. - Murphy a Vital Cog for Newcastle
Jacob Murphy has been a key player for Newcastle, especially during their recent run of five straight league wins. His versatility and contribution to the team’s pressing game have been vital to their success. Manager Eddie Howe has praised Murphy for his unselfishness and focus on the team, highlighting his importance both defensively and offensively - Forgotten Men Show Their Worth for Villa
Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Leicester was hard-fought, with several key players absent due to injury. In their place, Emi Buendía and Ian Maatsen stepped up, playing crucial roles in the winning goal. Villa’s recruitment has been questioned at times, but the performances of these “forgotten men” could prove vital in Villa’s pursuit of a top-five finish. Manager Unai Emery has praised Ross Barkley, who scored the opening goal, for his professionalism and dedication, showing that Villa’s squad depth could be crucial as the season progresses. - Saints on Course for Worst Ever Season
Southampton’s 5-0 defeat to Brentford left them with just six points from 20 matches, the lowest ever at this stage of a Premier League season. Their manager, Ivan Juric, has failed to improve the team’s fortunes, and the side looks set for a difficult relegation battle. With key players failing to perform and a lack of attacking threat, Southampton are in danger of setting a new record for the worst Premier League season - Ipswich Impress Despite Late Fulham Goal
Ipswich Town continues to impress despite being decimated by injuries. Manager Kieran McKenna has done an excellent job in keeping the team competitive, and their 1-1 draw at Fulham was another positive result in a season full of challenges. Ipswich remains just outside the relegation zone, and their progress is a testament to McKenna’s coaching abilities.
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