The value of a reliable, unfussy midfield shield can be easily overlooked in an era of statistics and analysis but even the most expansive and exciting teams need a Kanté, a Busquets or a MakéléléOne man doesn’t make a team but one player can make the difference, which is what I witnessed as we put in a fine though fruitless performance at Old Trafford last weekend. Although the winning goalscorer, Ashley Young, got the praise and adulation he deserved for his role, there was one man completely unmentioned and unappreciated who thwarted our dangerous counterattacks time and again.He didn’t have the pace or skill of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku or Anthony Martial but there wasn’t a moment in the match...
Is there a possible straw for Manchester City rivals to clutch at? Jack Wilshere has an impact off the bench and Riyad Mahrez is treading water at Leicester• Sign up to our weekly email, The Recap, here, showcasing a selection of our sport features from the past seven daysManchester City proved they possess the spirit to match their skills in fighting back from an undeserved half-time deficit to claim this win. Huddersfield Town, who were again impressive, held the lead for 1min54sec – 20% of the total time City have been behind in their seven away games this season. City’s unbeaten record was briefly imperilled by a poor period of play which had Fabian Delph at its heart. The stand-in...
At Anfield the Chelsea manager again favoured a 3-5-1-1 formation but while it provided solidity it did not expose Liverpool’s vulnerabilitiesTo stand still, as Peter Reid once observed, is to move backwards. There is need for permanent revolution, constantly to be battling the twin demons of familiarity and complacency, stimulating your own players while preventing your opponents ever being quite sure what you will do next. No team can ever rely on one tactic forever: a withdrawn winger won Alf Ramsey’s Ipswich the league in 1962; it almost got them relegated once everybody had worked it out a year later. Related: Antonio Conte: ’We dominated the game – Liverpool were lucky to draw’ Related: Eden Hazard sparks recovery as Chelsea...
The Belgian is generally the focal point of the attack when Chelsea play away and he was once again the eye-catching performer as the champions ralliedEden Hazard has been a late starter this season, his injury allowing Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne to stake his claim as the Premier League’s most inspired creative forward, though there is still time for Chelsea’s Belgian playmaker to catch up. As no other country seems to be as blessed with intelligent schemers who are skilful as well as powerful, it is not surprising Belgium are attracting their share of attention for the World Cup next summer.Hazard was easily the most eye-catching performer here, even though Mohamed Salah’s goal against his former club threatened to...
The Reds have let in three or more goals four times this season but the main problem is not just in defence but more the lack of a proper holding playerAt around 10 to 10 local time on Tuesday Liverpool were leading Sevilla 3-0. The home side were pressing and had had chances in the first half but there was no real sense of danger. Only the knowledge of Liverpool’s past record suggested the game might not be over.All they had to do was hold out, wait for the storm to pass, avoid doing anything stupid. Alberto Moreno did something stupid. Related: Blind Liverpool fan makes formal complaint against Seville police tactics Related: Chelsea did not give Mohamed Salah his...