Southampton have had an instant new-manager bounce while Huddersfield and Fulham look as if they must spendMaurizio Sarri fell short of accusing his players of complacency, but admitted something strange keeps happening when his Chelsea team appear to be in complete control of matches. At Wolves recently their early lead was overhauled and they were beaten. They had more leeway at Brighton with a two-goal cushion established but still ended a contest, in which they had been utterly dominant, heaving to repel Albion’s late flurry of attacks. Every long ball suddenly seemed a threat, every set piece a route to parity. It ensured what had been an impressive display felt rather undermined at the death. “We are a danger to...
A crunch clash at Anfield, depleted Palace and Huddersfield teams, and the start of a crucial run for FulhamIt is a marker of how far Manchester United have fallen to see that when Gary Neville set about choosing his combined XI for Liverpool and Manchester United on Monday Night Football, he included just three outfield United players. The only player he picked with conviction was Anthony Martial at left wing, admitting Eric Bailly would not be in if Joe Gomez was fit and laughing that his selection of Paul Pogba alongside Naby Keïta and Gini Wijnaldum was “just an opportunity to get a United player in”. Nobody would argue that Liverpool are the better side, and have been for a...
Chelsea are fragile before meeting Manchester City, Manchester United at home to the bottom club no longer looks a walkover and will it be same old for Saints despite a new manager?It is far too early for any “I’m Sarri I haven’t a clue” headlines but the past few weeks have given a more accurate impression of the job Chelsea’s manager faces. Their defeat by Wolves was sloppy, particularly given they looked comfortable at 1-0 up, and with an evisceration by Spurs still fresh in the memory Sarri is presented with his first real bump in the road. The odds on things improving this Saturday, when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge, are unpromising but Sarri has always been aware this...
The Merseyside and north London derbies did not disappoint whilst Wolves might need to change tactics and personnel Related: Spurs face FA inquiry after fan throws banana skin at Arsenal’s Aubameyang Related: The Dozen: the weekend’s best Premier League photos Related: European round-up: PSG drop points for first time in Bordeaux draw Related: Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway inflicts first WSL defeat on Arsenal Continue reading...
From Reiss Nelson to Kevin Mirallas we check how the players are doing to see if they have a future at their parent clubsPart two: every loanee from Leicester to WolvesReiss Nelson, 18, Hoffenheim: A whirlwind start to Bundesliga life has seen Nelson flourish, keen to express himself and take responsibility. Often a supersub, the goals are flowing, as is his confidence, and he was named Rookie of the Month for October. Related: Hot dog stocks and snowploughs: life as a Premier League stadium manager Related: Joel Campbell tells Arsenal he is reluctant to go on loan for sixth time ⚽️ @mbatshuayi ⚽️ @kevingameiro9 ⚽️ Rodrigo Moreno #YoCreoEnEsteEquipo pic.twitter.com/95xhqIEQfh Related: Gordon Taylor, the world’s ruliest rulers and an attempted PFA...