Premier League action returned with a vengeance this weekend following the last international break of the 2022/23 campaign. It was a round of fixtures that resulted in two clubs parting ways with their managers as they look to salvage their seasons. So, let’s take a look at some of the biggest talking points.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
No Haaland, no problem for Manchester City
Though the reigning champions have an impressive record against Liverpool at the Etihad, hosting the Reds following a two-week break without being able to call upon Erling Haaland could’ve been a bit of a banana skin fixture in their quest to retain the title.
A groin injury prevented Haaland from being involved with Norway and it sidelined him on Saturday, though he was in attendance as Pep Guardiola’s men came from behind to romp to a 4-1 win.
In truth, it was perhaps one of the most one-sided matches between these two teams as City took complete control of the proceedings. They limited the Reds to an Expected Goals total of just 0.06 in the second half while racking up an xG haul of 2.05 after the break.
Both Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish bagged goals and assists in what was a statement victory for the Citizens.
Pressure? What pressure?
This young Arsenal team isn’t showing any signs of inexperience. The Gunners faced off against Leeds United knowing title rivals Manchester City had just dismantled Liverpool in the early kick-off.
That could’ve put pressure on a team without the services of William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, though the latter was on the bench. It didn’t seem to bother the league leaders though as they recorded an emphatic 4-1 win over Javi Gracia’s side.
Gabriel Jesus was back among the goals as Arsenal dominated from start to finish, recording an Expected Goals total of 3.78. The hosts had six big chances to the away side’s zero. Their lead at the summit is now back to eight points with just nine games left to play.
The return of Roy, the end of Rodgers
Eyebrows were raised when Crystal Palace made the decision to part ways with Patrick Vieira and turn to Roy Hodgson again.
But with the former England manager back in the dugout, Palace brought their 13-match winless streak to an end as they recorded their first win of 2023. It was a deserved victory too with the hosts creating far better chances than Leicester City. Brendan Rodgers’ side did take the lead courtesy of a Ricardo Pereira effort but that was just one of their three efforts on the day and accounted for 0.06 of their 0.22 Expected Goals total.
By comparison, Palace had 31 shots and accumulated an xG total of 2.42. Mateta’s last-minute winner was more than deserved.
Following this loss, Rodgers and Leicester parted ways with the Foxes sitting in 19th position. The win lifts the Eagles up to 12th.
All change at Stamford Bridge
It felt like a matter of when and not if Graham Potter would be axed by Chelsea. The former Brighton boss had won just 12 of his 30 matches in charge of the Blues heading into their game against Aston Villa.
Despite their dominance at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea weren’t able to make it count and Unai Emery’s side claimed a 2-0 win.
Potter watched on as his side had 27 shots to the away team’s five in what turned out to be his final game as Chelsea manager. He leaves the club with a 38.7% win rate and with the Blues languishing in 11th place in the Premier League.
The fight for survival
Bournemouth looked to be a cert for the drop but two wins in their last three have seen them escape the drop zone. They are just a point clear of the relegation zone but only three points off Palace in 12th.
Fulham did take the lead early on in the first half but goals from Marcus Tavernier and Dominic Solanke after the break completed the turnaround. Marco Silva’s side have now lost three successive Premier League matches.
Carabao Cup Final revenge
There is no other way to dress this up. Newcastle United dominated Manchester United at St James’ Park.
The hosts didn’t dominate possession but they did control the space and this allowed them to dictate where the away side had the ball. Eddie Howe’s men had almost four times the number of attempts (22 to six), they had four big chances to United’s zero and they finished with an xG of 3.68 with the Red Devils failing to create chances with a value of 0.5.
Keiran Trippier was the star of the show for the Magpies, creating four chances and assisting one of the goals as he earned a FotMob rating of 8.6.
(Images from IMAGO)
You can follow every match from the 2022/23 Premier League season live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.