This is quickly turning into a season of goal gluts and shock results. The first midweek round of fixtures in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign is now over and we’re taking a look at some of the biggest talking points.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Haaland really is inevitable
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for a second successive match during Manchester City’s 6-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The powerhouse Norweigian forward now has nine goals in five appearances for the champions. His return is even more remarkable when you realise he didn’t find the back of the net against Bournemouth.
He put on a finishing clinic against Forest, scoring three times from just four attempts. The former BVB striker is arguably the most ruthless striker in the world right now. Is this sustainable though? His shots this season have an Expected Goals value of 5.3. Can he keep this overperformance up over a long period of time?
Fortress Craven Cottage
Fulham have taken eight points from their five outings this season, of which seven have been claimed at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s men have drawn with Liverpool on home soil and beaten both Brentford and Brighton.
After narrowly losing to Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, Fulham bounced back against an in-form Brighton side to end Graham Potter’s side’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
They were, however, a tad fortunate on Tuesday night. The hosts did have more shots but fewer big chances and a significantly lower expected goals haul – 0.68 – 1.42. You do have to consider the fact that a large chunk of Brighton’s total will have been made up of the penalty.
The Seagulls did have a number of efforts from good central areas though whereas Fulham did not. Ultimately, all that matters though is that Craven Cottage is quickly turning into a fortress.
Carvalho continues his streak
Fabio Carvalho was the match winner for Liverpool against Newcastle United, firing an effort in off the bar in the 98th minute to claim all three points for the hosts. It was his second goal inside of a week and his third goal involvement for the Reds in his last three appearances.
The 20-year-old has had three shots on target for Jürgen Klopp’s side. Remarkably, all three have somehow resulted in a goal.
Against Manchester United, his effort was parried into the path of Mohamed Salah who headed past David De Gea. Against Bournemouth, he expertly arrowed a volley beyond Mark Travers and then he somehow found a way past the 1.91m Nick Pope from close range.
Carvalho has been the definition of an impact sub for Liverpool.
Nottingham Forest’s defensive struggles
Nottingham Forest suffered a heavy defeat against Manchester City and this, to an extent, can be excused. City are no strangers to racking up big wins in the Premier League.
However, they have the highest Expected Goals Conceded total in the Premier League and are the only team with an xG conceded total in double figures – 11.2 to be precise.
The focus seems to be on Bournemouth following the 9-0 loss to Liverpool but Forest are giving up lots of chances on a weekly basis. Steve Cooper is going to have to figure out a way to shore things up.
A big test is on the cards this weekend with Bournemouth making the trip to the City Ground.
Fox found missing in the box?
Jamie Vardy was once a prolific goalscorer. All he needed was half a chance and the ball would be in the back of the net. This season, he is yet to get off the mark.
The 35-year-old didn’t manage a single shot in the defeat to Manchester United. In fact, he’s managed just four efforts across his 402 minutes on the pitch for the Foxes. Of those four, just one has worked the goalkeeper.
However, he does have an expected goals total of 1.18, so he is still getting into high value areas but he’s yet to find his shooting boots. Brendan Rodgers desperately needs his No9 to rediscover the Midas touch.
(Images from IMAGO)
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