Page 136 – The Pulse of Football

Oct

2023

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 10

Manchester City dominate the Premier League Team of the Week for matchday 10 with three of their players making the XI after an impressive showing in the Manchester derby. But who joins the trio?

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Goalkeeper: Ederson

There were no real standout showings by a goalkeeper this weekend but the Manchester City shot-stopper did enough in the derby to edge his way into the team.

The 30-year-old kept a clean sheet and made three saves as the reigning champions eased to all three points at Old Trafford. Ederson also completed 79% of his passes, proving himself to be a key part of the City build-up once again.

Right-Back: Max Aarons

Aarons is known for his attacking contributions but it was his defensive performance that really caught the eye in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Burnley, their first of the season.

The former Norwich City full-back recovered the ball on eight occasions, won nine of his 10 ground duels and had a 100% success rate in the air.

He also completed both of his dribbles and was fouled four times. Aarons was a stress reliever for the Cherries, buying time and space throughout the match.

Centre-Back: Kyle Walker

Walker player as a right-sided centre-back as part of a defensive three for Manchester City against Manchester United.

The 33-year-old won the most tackles of anyone in the match (three) and was the most accurate passer of anyone to feature in a minimum of 45 minutes, finding a teammate with 95% of his attempts.

He also created two chances, completed both of his dribbles and was successful in 80% of his duels on his way to the 8.3 FotMob rating.

Centre-Back: Ethan Pinnock

The Brentford centre-back put in a monstrous performance as the Bees claimed a 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Pinnock scored the opener. Even without the goal though, the 30-year-old would’ve been worthy of a place in the Team of the Week.

He completed 85% of his passes against an aggressive Blues side. He also won all of his tackles, won three of his five ground duels and five of his six aerial duels.

It was a solid outing and he was key to the clean sheet.

Left-Back: Marcus Tavernier

The Bournemouth left wing-back joins teammate Aarons in the Team of the Week after an eye-catching showing against Burnley.

Tavernier was the FotMob Player of the Match with his 8.2 rating. The 24-year-old had three shots, completed all of his dribbles and was busy defensively. He won the most duels (12) of anyone in the match and was involved in eight tackles, winning three.

Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai

The Liverpool No.8 put on a creative clinic at Anfield as the Reds romped to a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Szoboszlai created four chances – the most of any player in the match – and claimed two assists – the first of his Premier League career.

The former RB Leipzig man completed 75% of his dribbles and recovered the ball 13 times to really emphasise just how much of a complete performance this way on Sunday afternoon.

Midfield: Mario Lemina

The Wolves midfielder took complete control of the middle third at Molineux as Gary O’Neil’s side extended their positive run of form with a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

Lemina equalised for the hosts in the first half and, in truth, it was a moment his performance deserved.

He completed 98% of his passes, created one chance, completed 100% of his dribbles and won seven of his 10 duels. Lemina was up against one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in Bruno Guimaraes and it would’ve been easy to be overshadowed, but he caught the eye.

Midfield: João Palhinha

With the performance Palhinha put in against Brighton, it is easy to understand exactly why Bayern Munich wanted to spend big money to bring him to the Bundesliga during the summer transfer window.

The former Sporting midfielder made the most tackles (four), won the most fouls (four), and dominated duels, coming out on top in 16 of them.

He also netted the equaliser as Fulham held the Seagulls to a draw.

Striker: Callum Wilson

The Newcastle United No.9 is making the most of his opportunity in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

Wilson scored twice to take his tally to seven for the season.

He was barely involved and had the least touches (22) of any player to appear in 90 minutes but he was involved when it mattered most. He attempted four shots and two dribbles on his way to claiming an 8.6 FotMob rating.

Striker: Erling Haaland

Man City’s main man bossed the derby. Haaland scored twice and assisted the Phil Foden goal in what was a ruthless final third display.

He worked André Onana with all four of his efforts and finished with an Expected Goals haul of 2.04.

Haaland had the fewest number of touches of any outfield player to play in 90 minutes but made every touch count. It is a common occurrence with the profile centre-forward. He’s now on 11 goals for the season, three clear of his closest rivals – Mohamed Salah and Heung-Min Son.

Striker: Eddie Nketiah

The Arsenal forward claimed a 9.6 FotMob rating after netting a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United.

Nketiah showcased his poaching ability with his first two efforts before rifling in an effort from 20 yards to complete the treble and guarantee the match-ball was heading home with him.

Outside of the goals, he was barely involved but that was the point of his inclusion in the starting XI. He was allowed to influence things in the final third and he did just that.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

Premier League Review: Matchday 10

There’s never a boring weekend in the Premier League and Matchday 10 delivered. The weekend review unpacks the action and focuses on the biggest talking points.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Spurs lead the way

The table toppers weren’t able to claim another clean sheet but they did manage to pick up all three points away at Selhurst Park.

It wasn’t a classic on Friday evening but Spurs did enough to eke out a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The win ensured they would hold onto top spot for at least another weekend.

After a goalless first half, Joel Ward turned the ball past his own goalkeeper before Heung-Min Son doubled the lead for Tottenham with his eighth of the season. Only Erling Haaland boasts a higher return so far this campaign.

Jordan Ayew added a consolation for the Eagles in added time. In truth, it was a deserved result for Spurs. They dominated the ball, finishing the game with 76% possession, while also creating the better chances.

A sting in the tail for Chelsea

Heading into the game against Brentford, Chelsea appeared to have turned a corner. They were finally picking up results under new manager Mauricio Pochettino and the Blues certainly caught the eye in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend.

The pressure was on the hosts and it is safe to say they didn’t deal with it.

Chelsea went toe-to-toe with Thomas Frank’s side, posting an almost identical Expected Goals total (2.03 to 2.16) but while the away side showcased their resilience, the Blues once again looked brittle in the 2-0 loss.

Brentford only had seven shots on Saturday afternoon but five of those were big chances. Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring in the second half and Bryan Mbeumo finished things off in added time, tapping the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Robert Sánchez had pushed forward for a corner.

The result saw the Bees leapfrog Chelsea into 10th spot in the Premier League.

The Gunners flex their attacking muscles

With Arsenal hosting Sheffield United, manager Mikel Arteta took the opportunity to go full throttle with his team selection.

The Spanish tactician named a midfield three of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Emile Smith Rowe. In attack, the Gunners went with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah.

It worked out well, with the hosts romping to a 5-0 win over the Blades. Nketiah bagged a hat-trick in what was a clinical display. The Gunners created five big chances and finished with an Expected Goals haul of 2.77. It was something of a statement performance after their struggles to create against Chelsea last weekend.

Arsenal are still one of only two unbeaten teams in the Premier League this year.

The Cherries triumph

Bournemouth finally got their first win of the season. They had to work for it too having fallen behind to Burnley after just 11 minutes.

Antoine Semenyo levelled things after 22 minutes with his only shot on target of the match. Philip Billing scored what turned out to be the winner in the 76th minute with his first of the season. It was a remarkable finish from 45 yards out as he hit a driven effort over James Trafford. The Burnley keeper got a hand to it but wasn’t able to palm it to safety.

The win lifts Bournemouth out of the relegation zone by a single point. The defeat means Vincent Kompany’s side are in 19th position, just three points off the bottom.

Manchester remains Blue

Old Trafford played host to the first Manchester derby of the season but it was the visitors who claimed bragging rights with a 3-0 win.

Manchester City were awarded a contentious penalty in the first half after Rasmus Højlund was adjudged to have impeded Rodri. Erling Haaland slotted past André Onana. The powerhouse forward doubled his tally not long after the break, nodding the ball past the United keeper. He then played his part in the third as he teed up Phil Foden.

On another day, it could’ve been an even more emphatic win for Pep Guardiola’s men. They look a completely different team with Rodri in the XI and created seven big chances at Old Trafford on their way to an Expected Goals haul of 3.94.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the 2023/24 Premier League season live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

Premier League Preview: Matchday Ten

There’s never a dull round of matches in the Premier League. There is a blockbuster final fixtures to finish off Matchday 10 but there are also a number of fascinating match-ups this weekend to keep an eye on.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Can Spurs continue their march?

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Crystal Palace for Friday night’s match knowing a win can take them five points clear at the summit. Ange Postecoglou’s men have taken 23 points from a possible 27 this term and their new-look side has clicked following the departure of Harry Kane.

James Maddison has three goals and five assists while only Erling Haaland (nine) can better Heung-Min Son’s return of seven goals in the Premier League this term. A win against Roy Hodgson’s side wouldn’t exactly be a statement victory given their struggles but it would point towards Spurs being able to handle the pressure at the top of the table, at least for now.

Palace find themselves in 11th position in the English top-flight and have won just three games. Their issues come from their inability to put the ball into the back of the net. They have scored just seven goals across their nine outings this season. Remarkably, only six teams have allowed fewer goals (11). Defensively, they are resilient, but offensively, they are blunt.

A win might be a big ask for the Eagles here but they certainly have a defensive unit capable of limiting a rampant Spurs side.

Can Chelsea prolong their impressive form?

The Mauricio Pochettino era at Chelsea started off slowly. However, the Blues are now unbeaten in four across all competitions and held title hopefuls Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

They make the trip to Brentford on Saturday afternoon for the lunchtime kick-off and will fancy their chances of making it five unbeaten. The Bees have lacked a sting recently. They may be 14th in the table and just two points behind the team they host this weekend but Thomas Frank’s side have been struggling.

Their win over Burnley on matchday nine was their first three points since August. It was also the first time they had scored two or more goals in a game since the first week of September.

In scoring against Vincent Kompany’s side, Yoana Wissa ended his goal drought. The centre-forward tasked with filling in for the suspended Ivan Toney started the season well with two in two but then went eight games without finding the back of the net. He needs to use that goal as a catalyst for more and the Bees need to make the most of their home form if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Into the Wolves den

Wolves find themselves on a three-match unbeaten run the Premier League. Gary O’Neil’s side have beaten Manchester City and Bournemouth in October while also managing to take a point off of an in-form Aston Villa side.

This run has seen them climb up to 12th in the table. They welcome Newcastle United to Molineux on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies are the top scorers (24) in the Premier League and they are unbeaten in the English top-flight since the 3-1 loss to Brighton in early September.

On paper, Newcastle should come away with all three points but Wolves have shown they’re capable of a surprise result and this could be the perfect storm for them.

Eddie Howe’s side lost at home to Borussia Dortmund during their mid-week Champions League game and will now be without the suspended Sandro Tonali until next August. The Magpies are also set to be without Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes for the trip.

A sticky situation for the Toffees

Everton had momentum on their side heading into the Merseyside derby. They had finally started converting their chances and were climbing up the table after wins over Brentford and Bournemouth.

The loss to Liverpool halted all of that. The Toffees failed to really trouble the Reds, conceded two goals and lost Ashley Young to a red card. Sean Dyche is now without his experienced full-back for the trip to West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

The Hammers aren’t in the greatest form either. Their last Premier League win arrived in September, they were dismantled by Aston Villa last weekend in a 4-1 loss and their impressive European record came to an end this week when they lost 2-1 to Olympiacos.

Only five teams have conceded more goals than David Moyes’ men (16) in the Premier League this season and they are going to have to tighten things up to take anything from this match.

The Manchester derby

Over recent years, City have been firm favourites heading into the Manchester derby and it has been a case of how many they are going to win by. Many still expect them to take all three points home following their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, but it might not be as straightforward as some people believe.

The reigning champions have been in patchy form over recent weeks, winning just three of their last five outings in the Premier League. They have relinquished their grip on top-spot and could be five points off the pace come kick-off. Pep Guardiola’s men do have the best defensive record in the top-flight having conceded just seven goals but, surprisingly, five teams have scored more goals than them. They aren’t as rampant as they usually are.

United head into this game having won their last three matches by the odd goal. Unlikely heroes are emerging with Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay proving to be match-winners. Another one could well emerge this weekend if they score in a derby.

Erik Ten Hag’s side are finding goals hard to come by having scored just 11 across their nine Premier League outings. Interestingly, both teams are yet to draw a Premier League match this term. Could this be the first?

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

How Bayern’s loss was Liverpool’s gain as Ryan Gravenberch redemption story begins

For a long time, it looked as though Ryan Gravenberch would not become a Liverpool player.

By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com

The midfielder they had tracked for years appeared set to commit to an ongoing project at Bayern Munich, while the Reds pursued alternative targets such as Fluminense’s Andre and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure.

But for Gravenberch, who had only swapped Amsterdam for Munich a year previous, something changed in the final days of the summer transfer window; apparent he was not valued by Thomas Tuchel, a deal was brokered to ensure his exit.

Liverpool were beneficiaries of a bizarre inability to maximise the talent of a player who they themselves considered on par with spurned targets Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni as a ‘game-changer’.

Scouts had followed Gravenberch’s progress from his time in the youth ranks at Ajax, alongside a defender who briefly stopped on Merseyside, Ki-Jana Hoever.

Those within the club would have been baffled by the failure to hone in on Gravenberch’s abilities at Bayern, though Jurgen Klopp acknowledged Tuchel’s words upon the transfer being agreed that “the position he is best at, they don’t really have in their system.”

“We have that – that’s good,” was Klopp’s smiling conclusion.

Despite Gravenberch’s profile, as a player with 103 appearances for Ajax and 34 for Bayern to his name, along with 11 caps for the Netherlands national team, he arrived, just 21 years old, still something of an unknown quantity to many.

There were comparisons to Paul Pogba, while he was suggested as a belated heir to Gini Wijnaldum at Anfield, with the player describing himself as “a box-to-box player.”

Judgment was reserved, however, until Gravenberch made it onto the pitch – a matter which was delayed by his arrival on deadline day and the subsequent international break, for which he turned down a Netherlands U21s call-up to focus on settling at his new club.

That rejection left both senior manager Ronald Koeman and U21s coach Michael Reiziger furious, but it was clearly not a case of unprofessionalism from the midfielder, more a sensible decision after a wasted year in Germany.

Fast-forward almost two months, and Gravenberch has already started four times for Liverpool, only two fewer than he managed in 34 games for Bayern; at Bayern, he clocked 946 minutes on the pitch, while he has played 347 already in eight outings for the Reds. With a goal and two assists for his new club, he has already exceeded his tally of a goal and an assist at Bayern.

There has barely been a minute of those 347 wherein which Gravenberch hasn’t worn a beaming smile on his face.

The relief in departing Munich is palpable, his time at Bayern considered an anomaly in an otherwise burgeoning young career; his move to Liverpool one he now surely regrets having rejected back in 2022.

Those feelings are shared by those in the stands, on the pitch and in the dugout, too. Though he remains part of a core of rotating midfielders, rather than a guaranteed starter at this stage, Gravenberch has already become a popular figure at the club.

In the No. 38 shirt last worn by Jon Flanagan, the Dutchman has shown purpose with almost every touch. The ball sticks to his boots, and his use of it has already given Liverpool a number of openings they perhaps would not have enjoyed with predecessors such as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. His approach is that of a facilitator, combining with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz as part of Klopp’s ‘Liverpool 2.0’ project.

But while his quality on the ball was well known prior to his £38.5 million transfer, it is this application off it that has perhaps most convinced Klopp and his staff.

“The package is really interesting. He is good in small spaces, so he can accelerate with the ball, he can retrieve the ball. He is a good passer, good shooter,” the manager explained, a fortnight after Gravenberch’s arrival. “Everybody would have said that defensively he can make the next step 100 percent, but I see that he wants that, he got that 100 percent.”

That commitment to the pressing game Klopp’s side feeds off is already evident. The sample size may be small, but no Liverpool player has averaged more interceptions per 90 than Gravenberch (3.4), while only Harvey Elliott (2.8) has won possession more on average in the final third (2.1).

His progress in this regard made it a no brainer to hand Gravenberch his first Premier League start in the Merseyside derby, standing in for the suspended Curtis Jones. The 21-year-old joined Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in the engine room and was influential throughout his 62-minute showing.

Despite being brought off as part of a tactical tweak, no Liverpool player made more interceptions (three), only centre-backs Virgil van Dijk (10) and Ibrahima Konate (nine) made more recoveries (seven), only Alisson and substitute Elliott (both 100%) posted a higher passing accuracy (97%) and only Klopp’s four attackers – Diogo Jota (14), Mo Salah (eight), Diaz (five) and Darwin Nunez (five) – had more touches in the Everton box (four).

It paints the picture of a player who has taken Klopp’s advice to heart.

“He came to me and said to me, ‘feel free’, you know, ‘you can do whatever you want’,” Gravenberch revealed, after an assist on his first start for the club against LASK. “Of course you have to do your things [for the team], but he just said ‘feel free and show yourself and the Ryan you are’.”

That freedom is exactly what Gravenberch needed: a player bafflingly restricted at Bayern has now been liberated in Liverpool. Now it is a case of what’s to come, not where to go.

(Images from IMAGO)

To keep up to date with everything Liverpool, make sure you click follow on the team profile in the FotMob app. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

MLS Matchday 38 Player Power Rankings

All eyes are now on the playoffs as Major League Soccer’s regular season came to an end this weekend and the postseason fate of several clubs was decided on Decision Day.

There were spots in this week’s wildcard round up for grabs as clubs get one last chance to extend their seasons and make a push for the MLS Cup.

A best-of-three first round follows next weekend before the playoffs go to a single-game knockout format for the conference semifinals, conference finals, and then the MLS Cup final itself.

As teams looked to join the postseason party, there were some important individual performances on the final matchday of the season, starting with a captain’s knock in Kansas.

By James Nalton, MLS expert

Johnny Russell 9.1 (Sporting Kansas City)

Sporting KC secured a place in the wildcard round of the post-season thanks to a 3-1 win against Minnesota United.

This ended up being a winner-take-all matchup. Whoever got the three points would qualify.

Russell, the Sporting KC captain, netted a brace to make sure it was his team whose season continues at least into the next week.

His first was an excellent strike cutting in from the right onto his left foot and firing into the far corner.

The second was an example of never giving up. Having just been felled in the box for what looked like a decent penalty shout, he got back up, ended up winning the ball in the Minnesota area, and finished under goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

The Scot was in inspired form to send his side into the postseason.

Griffin Dorsey 9.1 (Houston Dynamo)

Two goals in a 3-1 win at Portland Timbers means Houston’s attacking right-back, Dorsey, now has five goal contributions in his last five starts.

One of those was the opener in the Dynamo’s memorable US Open Cup win against Inter Miami last month, and he’s continued his good form with an assist and two goals in the last two MLS games.

The goals against Portland marked his first-ever brace. The first was from a header off a Héctor Herrera corner, and the second was almost a replica of his Open Cup final goal, powering a shot in from an angle after making an overlapping run down the right.

The win gave Houston home advantage in the upcoming playoffs, where it will face Real Salt Lake in the round one, best-of-three series.

Gustavo Bou 9.1 (New England Revolution)

For a while in 2023, it looked like New England might challenge FC Cincinnati at the top of the table, or at least finish a comfortable second.

But a run of poor results towards the end of the campaign saw the Revolution drop down the table to 5th, so won’t even have home advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The team ended the season on a high, though, and with promise, defeating upcoming playoff opponent Philadelphia Union thanks to two goals from Gustavo Bou.

As well as Bou, and despite being overshadowed by a few others this season, New England’s Carles Gil remains one of the best players in the league and is able to turn a game on his own.

Gil finished the season with the highest average FotMob rating in the league. If he and Bou can reach top form together, then New England will be a threat in the playoffs.

Bernard Kamungo 8.9 (FC Dallas)

The 21-year-old is the most prolific goalscorer in MLS in terms of goals scored per 90 minutes (1.08) in 2023.

He’s only played around 500 minutes this season, but FC Dallas will certainly be looking to give him more minutes from now on such is his goalscoring record.

Kamungo’s native Tanzania and his adopted country the United States both want him to represent them at international level, and this latest brace will make each nation even more determined to get their man.

He was cool in front of goal for his first of the night as Dallas defeated an LA Galaxy side who had nothing left to play for this season.

Kamungo’s second goal was a case of making a determined run at the right time, being on hand to head in Jesus Ferreira’s cross.

The win meant Dallas goes straight to round one, rather than having to go through a wildcard round, where it will face Seattle Sounders in a best-of-three.

Giorgos Giakoumakis 8.8 (Atlanta United)

Atlanta’s Greek striker has been one of the best new signings in the league this season and continued his goalscoring feats in a 2-2 draw against Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.

Two goals on this final weekend of games weren’t enough for Giakoumakis to claim the Gold Boot award, which went to Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, but it was still an impressive debut season for the striker who netted 17 goals.

He has one of the best goals per 90 records in the league for players who have played a considerable number of minutes.

His brace this weekend showed all the instincts and clever movement that have seen him be such a success on arriving in the league, and might give Atlanta a chance of success in the playoffs where it faces Columbus Crew.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the 2023 MLS season live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

Premier League Matchday Nine Review

It was a weekend filled with comebacks in the Premier League. It was also a goal filled weekend, with 26 goals being scored across the eight matches on Saturday. Here’s a look at the talking points.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Merseyside remains red

The Merseyside derby kicked off matchday nine with Liverpool welcoming Everton to Anfield.

The hosts ran out 2-0 winners in what was a drama-filled afternoon. Ashley Young was sent off in the first half after picking up two yellow cards for fouls on Luis Diaz.

Liverpool had multiple penalty shouts turned away before VAR intervened and had referee Craig Pawson review a Michael Keane handball. Mohamed Salah converted from the spot and added a second in added time. Ibrahima Konate was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow at 0-0, much to the dismay of Sean Dyche.

Everton offered very little and it is understandable having played over half a game with 10 men. Liverpool had 78% possession and 26 shots to the away side’s six. However, the Reds had an open-play Expected Goals total of just 1.1. It was an important three points for the Reds but manager Jurgen Klopp will no doubt expect his attack to be sharper in their next outing.

Back to winning ways for the champions

Rodri returned from suspension and City returned to winning ways. It isn’t a coincidence.

Erling Haaland was back on the scoresheet and Julian Alvarez added to his tally for the campaign as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed a 2-1 win over Brighton. The victory saw them return to the top of the table, for now at least with Spurs set to play on Monday evening.

Surprisingly, Brighton actually finished with a higher xG (0.83 to 0.75) and the away side created three big chances to City’s one.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side had 55% possession in the second half and a late Ansu Fati goal gave the Seagulls a glimmer of hope. In truth, they probably deserved a point based on their showing.

Wood fires Forest

Nottingham Forest went 2-0 up against Luton Town with Chris Wood netting a brace. The former Newcastle United forward appeared to have killed the game off in the 76th minute but two goals in the final 10 minutes salvaged a shock point for Luton.

Versatile winger Chiedozie Ogbene halved the deficit before Elijah Adebayo, who started the game on the bench, scored the equaliser in added time. The point means Rob Edwards’ team are outside of the relegation zone.

The hosts will feel aggrieved not to have picked up all three points having created more big chances. They also created chances with an Expected Goals value of 2.97. Thomas Kaminski kept the away side in the game with six saves at the City Ground.

A Stamford Bridge shock for Arsenal

Another comeback.

Chelsea took a shock 2-0 lead against an unbeaten Arsenal side. Cole Palmer converted from the penalty spot after a William Saliba handball. Mykhalio Mudryk then lobbed David Raya with a cross-cum-shot as the loanee Brentford shot-stopper struggled at Stamford Bridge. Maybe we’ll see Aaron Ramsdale return to the starting XI in the near future.

He wasn’t the only goalkeeper to have problems though. With the Blues looking to just see out the game, Robert Sanchez carelessly passed the ball to Declan Rice and the one-time Chelsea academy player calmly floated the ball into an empty net with 13 minutes remaining. Leandro Trossard came off the bench to poke an equaliser beyond Sanchez with just six minutes remaining.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side handled Arsenal really well and limited them to just one big chance and an Expected Goals total of 0.99. The Gunners dominated the ball but the Blues controlled the space. It was a tactical battle that showed exactly why Chelsea appointed the former Spurs manager this summer.

Another win for the Red Devils

Manchester United claimed three points against bottom of the table Sheffield United on Saturday night. But, once again, it was an underwhelming showing from Erik Ten Hag’s team.

The away side eked out a 2-1 win with Diogo Dalot scoring what turned out to be the winner in the 77th minute.

Scott McTominay had given Ten Hag’s side the lead in the first half only got Oli McBurnie to cancel it out six minutes later when he scored from the penalty spot.

Man United dominated the second half, seeing 69% of the ball, but they struggled to create anything of any real note.

United are getting points on the board but they’re going to want to see their performances improve sooner rather than later.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the 2023/24 Premier League season live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

FIVE games to follow this weekend: The Merseyside Derby, Sevilla vs. Madrid, and more

In this weekend preview we summarise the best five games to follow on your match feed. And make a couple of suggestions for matches that you may otherwise miss.

By Bill Biss

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League: Liverpool vs. Everton

As top level club football returns to the app, there are a number of intriguing looking Premier League fixtures, but perhaps none as hotly contested as Saturday’s early kick-off; the Merseyside Derby.

Yes, Everton have only won once at Anfield (their original home) since the turn of the century, with Liverpool enjoying 14 home league wins in the intervening 23 years. But there are reasons for optimism on the Blue half of the city. As Sam McGuire points out in his wider Premier League preview, Everton are actually leading their rivals in a number of attacking metrics (such as Big Chances Created). They just haven’t yet found a way to convert those chances in to goals – something that has resulted in five defeats from their eight games so far.

That is in contrast to the Reds, who have lost just once, scored twice as many goals (18 to Everton’s nine), and sit fourth in the table, three points below joint leaders Spurs and Arsenal.

Prior to the international break, Liverpool drew 2-2 with Brighton while Everton kept their first clean sheet of the season as they ran out 3-0 winners over Bournemouth.

Jürgen Klopp has been given a selection headache ahead of the Derby as Andy Robertson was injured in Scotland’s game vs. Spain. The full-back had been an ever present in the league this season.

🇪🇸 LaLiga: Sevilla vs. Real Madrid

Saturday’s most anticipated game in Spain’s top flight comes at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán where Sevilla take on league leaders Real Madrid. This is the first opportunity for former Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, to play against his former side since his return to the league earlier in the season.

Ramos won 22 major titles with Madrid having originally joined them from Sevilla, in 2005, and he is now back at his boyhood club having re-signed following two disjointed, but league winning, seasons at PSG. The now 37-year-old centre-back has featured just twice in LaLiga so far but he has also played every minute of both Sevilla’s Champions League fixtures and should feature against Madrid.

Since suffering their only defeat of the season at city rivals Atlético, back in September, table-topping Madrid have won all three of their league games without conceding a goal. And they’ll be keen to keep that run going against a side who’s form has been so patchy that it’s already led to a change in manager.

Uruguayan Diego Alonso was appointed at the start of the international break and this will therefore be his first appearance in the home dugout. As starts go, they don’t come much tougher. Especially with a Champions League meeting with Arsenal to follow on Tuesday.

🇫🇷 Ligue 1: Nice vs. Marseille

Also on Saturday (and with leaders Monaco not playing until Sunday) Nice have the chance to go top of Ligue 1. But they’ll have to do so with a win over Mediterranean rivals Marseille in what will be a heated encounter in the south of France.

The INEOS-owned club have got their act together this season after a ninth placed finish in 2022/23 and they have the only unbeaten record in the division, having won four, drawn four under impressive up and coming coach Francesco Farioli. And their early success looks to be down to a tight defence – only five sides have scored less goals than them so far (just nine in eight!) but no one has conceded less than the four goals Nice have shipped (at a rate of 0.5 goals per game). And that is reflected in our average FotMob ratings for the team – with three defenders topping our chart, young Frenchmen Melvin Bard and Jean-Clair Todibo, along with veteran Brazilian Dante.

Giants Marseille have found the going a little tougher, and like Sevilla in Spain, they too have resorted to making an early managerial change with Italian enforcer, Gennaro Gattuso, replacing Marcelino in September. L’OM sit sixth but did win last time out. A 3-0 victory over Le Havre came after a double whammy of away games in Gattuso’s first fortnight in charge – a 4-0 defeat at rivals PSG and a 3-2 loss at leaders Monaco!

🇮🇹 Serie A: Milan vs. Juventus

There are no unbeaten records left to preserve over in Serie A and therefore, we’ll focus on the top of the table clash between early season pacesetters, Milan, and third placed Juventus, set for Sunday evening.

Until Juve were rocked by the latest gambling and drug scandals involving the playing squad, this season had started reasonably well on the pitch for the Bianconeri, and with no European football to distract them, they’d put together a run of eight games that only produced one defeat. As ever, Max Allegri’s style of football has been pragmatic with only Inter having conceded less goals (5 to Juve’s 6) in the league and no able to beat their record of five clean sheets.

For Milan, who do have a very tough Champions League group to navigate (they go to PSG on Wednesday), it’s been almost the perfect start to a campaign where the target will no doubt be another tilt at the Scudetto that they last won in 2021/22. The only blemish, so far, has been the 5-1 thrashing they took at the hands of eternal rivals Inter. Aside from that, they’ve ground out seven wins while boasting the second highest average possession in the league (56.7%), and the second highest number of accurate passes per match (454.5).

This could be a close affair.

🇩🇪 Bundesliga: Wolfsburg vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Lastly, from Europe’s top five leagues, we suggest you follow Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen as they visit Wolfsburg, who currently sit seventh in the German table.

Xabi Alonso’s coaching revolution at Leverkusen has been gathering pace ever since he took over last October, steadied the ship, then led them to a sixth placed finish in his first season. Now, he’s got a team outscoring everyone bar Bayern (both have 23 in seven games) and is putting together a title bid on a budget much less than the champions – look, for example, at the contrasting fees paid for Victor Boniface (circa €20m) and the one Bayern paid for Harry Kane’s services.

In fact, Leverkusen are finding goals from all over the pitch, with multiple goal contributions coming from first team regulars in virtually every position.

Alonso’s side are one of three unbeaten teams as we get back down to business (along with Bayern and Dortmund), only dropping points at Bayern back in round four. Wolfsburg, for their part, have won four and lost three, and have been reliant on the sensational form of Jonas Wind. The Danish international has seven of the Wolves’ 10 goals (the same as Boniface), the last of which came as a brace in their last win, against Frankfurt, two rounds ago.

Plus two hidden gems from a little deeper in your match feed…

🇺🇸 MLS: Charlotte vs. Inter Miami

In MLS, Saturday marks the final day of the regular season. And never being one to miss a trick, the league have branded it Decision Day. In the Eastern Conference, five teams are still fighting over two remaining post-season places – the eighth and ninth births in the table.

DC United currently sit ninth but having already fulfilled all their fixtures, they have been eliminated. Something that probably hastened coach Wayne Rooney’s departure and subsequent return to English football with Birmingham City.

Montréal therefore hold a narrow advantage but must go to the already qualified Columbus Crew. Elsewhere, New York City and Chicago Fire face each other, but we’ve chosen to focus on the match between Charlotte FC and the eliminated Inter Miami, who face each other for the second time this week.

Charlotte missed out on the chance to jump into the play-offs places when Miami equalised late in a 2-2 draw on Thursday night. But they must now beat the Herons to stand any chance of progression – and we’ll wait to see if Miami will be strengthened by the return of Argentina talisman Lionel Messi following the World Cup qualifiers in South America.

🇺🇸 MLS: Sporting KC vs. Minnesota United

The play-off situation is no clearer in the Western Conference where another five teams will battle for three remaining play-off places.

Here, Portland Timbers, FC Dallas, and San Jose Earthquakes have a two point advantage on the two sides who currently sit tenth and eleventh, below the cut-off point. And those two – Kansas City and Minnesota United face each other.

Both teams need a win, and the hope that at least one of the sides above them drops points, which should make for an enthralling contest. Particularly when you consider these two are geographically (reasonably)close rivals in the Conference.

Their previous meetings this season have resulted in two wins for Sporting KC, with a running aggregate of fours goals scored by them, and none by Minnesota. But since they last met in September, when new Minnesota striker Teemu Pukki drew a blank, the Finnish international has found his form and transformed their attack – scoring seven goals in five matches.

If you want to follow any of the games mentioned above, click on the relevant link and tap the bell icon to receive all the key match updates.

Or join us on Twitter, Threads, Facebook and Instagram to discuss all the important football going on this weekend!

Cover Image from IMAGO

Oct

2023

Premier League Preview: Matchday Nine

The Premier League is back after the international break and the random generator responsible for the fixtures has been awfully kind to us this weekend with a number of must-not-miss matches to look forward to. Here’s a look at some of the potential talking points ahead of matchday nine.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

The Merseyside Derby

Everton have a terrible record against Liverpool at Anfield having won just once there since the turn of the century. Sean Dyche’s men haven’t had the best start to the season either and find themselves in 16th position ahead of the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

However, they might fancy their chances of causing an upset against the Reds. The Toffees actually have decent underlying numbers this term. For example, they rank joint-third for Big Chances created with 21 and are ninth for Expected Goals with a total of 14.9. Poor finishing has prevented them from turning chances into goals though, having found the back of the net on just nine occasions. They have scored three or more in two of their last three outings though.

They also have a better defensive record than their hosts when looking at Expected Goals Conceded (10.4 to 11.6).

Jurgen Klopp is still without the suspended Curtis Jones while Andrew Robertson is expected to have a long-term stint on the sidelines after picking up an injury while playing for Scotland. A weakened Liverpool starting XI in an early kick-off could be the perfect storm for the blue half of Merseyside.

Can City get back to winning ways?

Manchester City have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League and in doing so lost their spot at the top of the table. The reigning champions welcome Brighton to the Etihad and a win for the visitors would see them leapfrog their hosts.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side come into this game as the stronger team too, at least statistically in a number of attacking metrics. They’ve created more Big Chances, they have a higher Expected Goals total and they’re scoring more goals.

Brighton have looked to dominate the ball this term and are ranked third for passes completed on a per 90 basis. Unfortunately for them, they’re up against the team ranked first for this particular stat. It is going to be interesting to see how the Seagulls adapt to not being the ball-dominant side.

De Zerbi took a point off City last season in a game that Brighton actually out-shot Pep Guardiola’s men in. It will no doubt be a fascinating match-up once again.

Pochettino has a point to prove

Prior to the international break, Chelsea won consecutive matches for the first time in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino. The former Spurs tactician has had a strange start to life at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been playing well and creating chances but they just haven’t been able to turn these performances into wins.

They actually rank second for passes completed and possession while also coming in at joint-second for Big Chances Missed. Chelsea have an Expected Goals total of 15.2, the same number put up by Manchester City and the team they are hosting on Saturday evening, Arsenal.

The Blues need a big result as well as a big performance against a top team to really alert the world to the work Pochettino is doing. The game against the joint-league leaders is the perfect opportunity for them to lay down a marker.

Arsenal head into this game full of confidence having finally picked up a win against Manchester City. The task at hand for Mikel Arteta’s side is to ensure they back that victory up with another one. Stamford Bridge isn’t an easy ground to visit but if they want to be champions, the Gunners need to come away with a positive result.

A chance for Manchester United to build momentum

Erik Ten Hag has watched his side struggle this season. Man United find themselves in 10th position in the Premier League having won four and lost four of their opening eight matches. The Red Devils haven’t managed to pick up a resounding, comfortable win either. They eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves and needed to come from behind to claim maximum points against Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

They have lacked consistency but a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday night gives them an ideal opportunity to make it consecutive wins in the English top-flight ahead of next weekend’s Manchester Derby.

United are facing off against the team rooted to the bottom of the table. The Blades have picked up just a single point this season and have conceded 22 goals in just eight outings. This should be a formality for the Red Devils if they have any aspirations of a top-four finish.

The pressure is now on Spurs

The final game of this matchday sees table toppers Spurs host Fulham on Monday evening. Up until this point, it had been a case of let’s just see what happens with Ange Postecoglou and his players with no real pressure on them in the early stages of the project.

But they’ve probably done too well. They’re only one of two unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season and expectation is growing. As a result, the pressure on them is increasing. This change, subconsciously, impacts the dynamic of the crowd and this could impact the players as their mindset changes from wanting to win matches to not wanting to lose them. After all, top spot is theirs to lose.

It is going to be interesting to see how Spurs handle the pressure of being the favourites to win these matches.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

Andy Robertson’s injury leaves Liverpool with a sizeable void to fill – who can step up?

There is only one wish when players depart on international duty – that they return healthy. So one can imagine the blow that was seeing Andy Robertson cradle his injured shoulder after a collision with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

By Joanna Durkan, ThisIsAnfield.com

Eight games into the new Premier League season and Robertson has started and played the full 90 minutes in every single one, dropping out of Liverpool’s team only for the League Cup and Europa League.

Much had been made of the Scot’s place in the side following the Reds’ system change at the back end of last season, but he has started the campaign with renewed vigour.

Robertson has been at the heart of the Reds’ creative hub from his place at left-back for years now, and while Trent Alexander-Arnold may attract the majority of the attention, the 29-year-old has the Premier League all-time assist record for a defender.

In the Premier League, no other Red has created more chances than Robertson’s 19 across the first eight games this season – only seven players have created more across the entire division.

With 2.4 chances created per 90, the Scotland captain sits ahead of both Mohamed Salah (2.2 per 90) and Dominik Szoboszlai (2.1 per 90) in the rankings – two players whom Liverpool supporters would hail as the best of the campaign so far.

Reliable, a creator, a leader and an ever-present – the picture we’re painting shines a spotlight on the void Robertson will leave for the duration of his absence, which could be months if his shoulder injury requires surgery.

Of the 334 games the Reds have played since the left-back arrived in the summer of 2017, Robertson has played 275 (82.3 percent). As Klopp’s sixth most-used player at Liverpool, the task of stepping into the Scot’s position is not a simple nor straightforward one.

Kostas Tsimikas is the long-term deputy, though, and will be expected to step up just weeks after signing a new long-term contract at the club – which in itself is evidence that Liverpool are convinced he can do the job.

Since arriving in 2020, he has been a squad player and the temporary nature of his place in the side is exemplified by having never started more than two consecutive Premier League games.

Just as there was for Robertson, questions will be asked of how Tsimikas will fare as the left-sided defender in the 3-4-3 setup, though he too has plenty to offer when it comes to the creative side of the game.

The Greek international is a threat on set pieces and from open play, which will be of some comfort to Liverpool when taking into account Robertson’s abovementioned influence.

Tsimikas’ defensive positioning and lapses in concentration will be a huge concern though, with the feeling among supporters over the years being that he does not completely have the manager’s full trust.

His attacking capabilities may prove to be worth the risk for Klopp.

But as there is no direct like-for-like Robertson replacement, that means the Liverpool manager may need to explore alternative options, and Joe Gomez is one of them.

With the tweaks to the team’s setup, the left-sided defender all but operates as a centre-back and Gomez can fulfil those duties – though Klopp would be sacrificing attacking impetus.

The English defender has played at both centre-back and right-back this season and has previously played at left-back — albeit in his debut season in 2015/16 – making him a ‘safe’ option.

Without the added minutes in his legs from international commitments and having made nine appearances compared to Tsimikas’ four this season, Gomez has rhythm and momentum.

So, on one hand, Klopp has a safe defensive option and on the other a left-footed player capable of posing a threat in the final third – it leaves plenty to weigh up.

Though Liverpool will hope the Robertson-sized hole in their starting XI is a short-term problem and not a long-term one, his absence will be a huge loss for the Reds irrespective of how long it turns out to be.

One of the loudest in the dressing room and with a relentless spirit on the pitch, Robertson deals in both the tangible and non-tangible parts of this game, and his form has been instrumental to the Reds sitting just three points off the top of the Premier League table.

Klopp’s decisions from this point forward could well dictate if that gap dwindles, grows or remains stable.

(Images from IMAGO)

To keep up to date with everything Liverpool, make sure you click follow on the team profile in the FotMob app. Download the free app here.

Oct

2023

Dropped points may have left a sour taste but Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0 are in rude health

As the second international break of the campaign hits, along with it comes an opportunity for players, managers and supporters to take stock of its start. For Liverpool, that means the first 11 games in a season in which they will hope to, again, play in every fixture possible.

By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com

It is a particularly valuable time for Jürgen Klopp, as he presides over a new-look squad at the beginning of arguably the first major overhaul of a successful side in his managerial career. The German has labelled it ‘Liverpool 2.0’, with seven players out and four in, including changes to both captain and vice-captain.

There was an overriding sense, as they limped through the 2022/23 campaign, that the first iteration of Liverpool that was truly Klopp’s – the Premier League and Champions League winners – was on its last legs.

So there was real optimism heading into 2023/24 – and rightly so – but with the October break upon us, there remains a sour taste in the mouth for many due to back-to-back disappointments in the league.

For those with column inches to fill and traffic to drive throughout a period with no club football, defeat to Tottenham and a draw at Brighton which, in reality, felt like a loss, was a nightmare outcome. After heading into the clash with Tottenham bearing the early ‘title contenders’ tag, Liverpool now sit fourth in the league with Aston Villa and Brighton breathing down their neck.

But with 11 games played – eight in the league – it has, in fact, been a fantastic start for Klopp’s new Liverpool.

The obvious place to start is that the Reds’ sole defeat so far was the highly controversial 2-1 loss at Tottenham, which required a last-minute own goal from Joel Matip to ensure three points against a side with nine men. If it wasn’t for a series of mind-bogglingly poor decisions from referee Simon Hooper and VAR Darren England, things may have been much different.

But rather than dwell on the negatives – which includes four red cards for Liverpool players already, plus the news that Anfield won’t be at capacity until the start of 2024 at the earliest – there are a number of positives to pick out.

Chiefly, Liverpool, with 17, are only three points off the top of the table, with Tottenham and Arsenal both on 20. They are only a point behind long-time rivals and reigning champions Manchester City. Only Tottenham and Arsenal (both none) have suffered fewer defeats in the league and only Brighton (21), Newcastle (20) and Aston Villa (19) have scored more goals than Liverpool’s 18.

Five of the Reds’ eight league games have been away from home, including trips to Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham and Brighton; those fixtures are now out of the way and those sides won’t look forward to visiting Anfield. Liverpool have already faced four out of seven sides from last season’s top eight, while three of their five league victories so far this season have come against sides currently in the top eight.

By comparison, league leaders Tottenham have won six of their eight league games so far, but four of those have been against Luton, Burnley, Bournemouth and Sheffield United – the four sides at the very bottom of the table. Similarly, the only side that Arsenal have beaten in the league that is currently in the top eight is Manchester City.

Of course, those clubs can only beat who they are up against, but it is valuable context when it comes to weighing up Liverpool’s start to the campaign and how they have kept pace.

It is clear, with two defeats already, that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are not the force they have been in the past; while Arsenal, Aston Villa and Brighton are juggling European football this season, having not done so last time out, and it remains to be seen whether they have the resources to do so. Tottenham are the outlier, a side flourishing under Ange Postecoglou and without the ‘distraction’ of Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League football.

Liverpool, meanwhile, appear well-stocked as they weather the rigours of a Thursday-Sunday schedule after qualifying for the Europa League, with Klopp managing his squad through the opening two games against LASK and Union SG with a raft of changes, bringing two wins from two so far. The likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott have stepped up in those European games, while to date, only Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai have played over 75 percent of the available minutes across all 11 fixtures.

Injuries to Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson, and the ongoing absence of Thiago, plus suspension for Curtis Jones due to his red card, could test the depth of Klopp’s squad, but for now at least, the Reds look better prepared to contend this time out.

Crucial to that has been the revamp of Klopp’s midfield, from the primary weakness in 2022/23 to one of their key strengths this time out. Replacing Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner with Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo has not only brought the average age of the midfield group down significantly, but also given Liverpool a new edge both on and off the ball.

It is still a work in progress, and that is shown by dropped points against Chelsea, Tottenham and Brighton, but that Liverpool remain just three points from top and a point behind Manchester City, as well as leading their Europa League group and into the fourth round of the League Cup, shows it should only get even better.

That sour taste will fade, with Klopp’s ‘Liverpool 2.0’ still yet to truly hit its sweet spot.

(Images from IMAGO)

To keep up to date with everything Liverpool, make sure you click follow on the team profile in the FotMob app. Download the free app here.