Shock results and statement victories, it was just another normal Premier League weekend during this memorable 2022/23 campaign. So let’s take a look at some of the biggest talking points.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
The Kelechi Iheanacho Show
Leicester City followed up their 4-2 win over Aston Villa with a 4-1 victory against Champions League hopefuls Spurs.
It wasn’t quite as emphatic as the scoreline suggested with the Foxes finishing the game with an Expected Goals total of just 1.68. However, a combination of smart finishing and some questionable goalkeeping allowed the hosts to add gloss to the final score.
The star of the show was, yet again, Kelechi Iheanacho. The Leicester forward, given the nod ahead of Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka, scored and assisted for a second successive match. His 8.7 FotMob rating was more than deserved with the 26-year-old finally finding his groove this season.
The end of the Nathan Jones era
Southampton sacked Nathan Jones following the 2-1 loss to Wolves on Saturday, though the former Luton boss will no doubt feel hard done by.
The Saints took the lead at St Mary’s and their new-look attack impressed. Kamaldeen Sulemana completed eight dribbles and looked a considerable threat while Paul Onuachu won the most duels (11).
January signing Carlos Alcaraz scored his first goal for the club and it felt like a matter of when and not if a second would be added following the dismissal of former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina.
However, Wolves made changes and got lucky after Jan Bednarek bundled the ball into his own goal. João Gomes scored the winner – his first for the club – in what was something of a smash and grab.
But this is a results business and Jones was dismissed.
A sting in Arsenal’s tail
The Gunners needed a reaction following the loss to Everton last weekend.
Unfortunately for them, they didn’t get it. Despite taking the lead, Arsenal couldn’t see the game out for all three points against Brentford and their lead at the top of the table has now been cut.
It isn’t all doom and gloom at the Emirates but it is a second successive match in which Arsenal have lost the Expected Goals battle. They’ve dominated the ball but have struggled to turn that into high value opportunities. Both Everton and Brentford limited Arsenal and opted to cede possession to control the space.
If it continues to happen, it will be a concern. It is on Arteta to come up with a way to turn possession into goals, while controlling space defensively.
Back to winning ways for Liverpool
The Reds welcomed Everton to Anfield needing a win following three successive Premier League matches without one.
Thiago was ruled out earlier in the week but Liverpool did welcome back Virgil van Dijk, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota to the bench. With places in the starting XI under threat, those on the pitch responded.
Jürgen Klopp’s side romped to a 2-0 win in what was one of their most one-sided matches this season. Liverpool racked up an xG of 2.19 to Everton’s 0.28.
With the cavalry now back, this could be used as a springboard for a surprise top four push.
City hit back
There is currently lot of emphasis on what has happened at Manchester City off of the pitch. The focus was certainly on that heading into their clash against Aston Villa and it could’ve been a distraction.
It wasn’t.
City capitalised on Arsenal’s dropped points, hitting three first half goals to all but kill the game off before the break.
Rodri bossed the game for the hosts. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute, created four chances, completed all of his dribbles and recovered the ball on seven occasions in what was a Man of the Match performance.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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