Page 145 – The Pulse of Football

Dec

2023

The season so far suggests Jurgen Klopp has his strongest Liverpool squad yet

Jürgen Klopp may have assembled the strongest squad of his Liverpool reign so far, and the impact of his rotation and substitutes is proof of that.

By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com

“To be successful,” Jurgen Klopp mused before Liverpool’s midweek trip to Sheffield United, “you need a strong squad. That’s clear.”

It was far from a groundbreaking statement from the manager, but it comes during a period in which the depth of his squad is not only being showcased – but also increasingly stretched.

With Liverpool dropping down into the Europa League this season, Klopp has employed a rotational approach throughout a perpetually busy fixture list so far, with 138 changes made to his starting lineup over 23 games – an average of six every game.

A total of 27 different players have already featured and 19 of those have made at least 10 appearances in all competitions – or just under half the number of games played to date; were it not for injury Andy Robertson would have also been in that group, while Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to join it in the coming weeks.

Throughout the entirely of the previous campaign, Klopp used 33 different players and only 16 featured in at least half of all games played. Even in the 2021/22 season, when Liverpool reached the finals of the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, therefore playing in every single game possible when the campaign began, Klopp used 37 different players but just 14 played in at least 50 percent of those fixtures.

The balancing act, between Premier League and Champions League, naturally dictated that less rotation could be made between starting XIs. But despite the drop in competition this time around, and a summer of major upheaval, there is a case to argue that Klopp has never had a stronger squad.

Over the past fortnight, the depth available to Klopp has been flexed with influential displays from the likes of Cody Gakpo, Wataru Endo, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott. Both Gakpo and Endo were vital to victories over LASK and Fulham, while Quansah again filled a vital breach at centre-back against the latter in the Europa League, before starting in the Premier League trip to Crystal Palace that was decided by Elliott’s stunning long-range winner.

Gakpo, Endo and Elliott all started in a second-string lineup against LASK, with the Dutchman scoring twice and assisting once, the Japan captain making more recoveries (11) and passes into the final third (12) than any other player and the Englishman registering the joint-second most touches of any player (75) and the joint-most chances created (three).

Days later, Gakpo and Endo both came off the bench to help turn the tide as Liverpool were pegged back by Fulham, with Endo scoring his third goal for the club to make it 3-3 and Gakpo’s powerful shot parried back into danger to force the winner for 4-3. Elliott was unused in that clash but then came on against both Sheffield United and, more influentially, Crystal Palace.

None of those three players find themselves in Klopp’s most-used XI so far this season – based on minutes played, that would be Alisson, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez – but their roles are of similar importance.

“We start with three strikers and have one on the bench. I wouldn’t say that’s now the strongest bench in the world but the player who can come on is a really good one, that’s true,” Klopp explained after the win over Fulham.

“Same with Endo [as a midfield option], but we had other players [like] Curtis out, and yes, midfield, there are still opportunities.”

He added: “I think about who we have available and then we go and use them and try to use them all. It’s now [Wednesday] night and then Saturday 12.30pm and then Thursday. From that moment on we go again, until the New Year. It’s just tough. You need a strong bench to be successful – and yes the players were, the whole season through, the players from the bench were very, very impactful. That just speaks of the quality of the players.”

Whereas in the months immediately following his January move from PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo was first choice up front, he is now in direct competition with Núñez – while also providing an option in midfield and wide. Whereas last season’s most-used substitute was James Milner, Liverpool have now acquired, in Endo, a biting midfielder who is seven years his junior. Whereas last term Elliott was one of Klopp’s most frequent starters in a struggling midfield, the 20-year-old is now arguably the club’s most consistently useful substitute, deputising and blossoming in a variety of positions, in a role better fitting his experience at this stage.

Gomez’s ongoing availability has made him a staple at centre-back, right-back and even left-back; Diogo Jota has already contributed eight goals despite having yet to clock 1,000 minutes; Ryan Gravenberch has been able to gradually adjust to a new club, in a new country, as Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones both thrive in the advanced midfield roles; the rise of Quansah, too, has allowed Klopp to manage Ibrahima Konate’s minutes at the request of Liverpool’s medical staff.

All with little drop-off.

After Saturday’s 2-1 comeback at Crystal Palace the Reds sit top of the Premier League, a point above Arsenal and three clear of Manchester City. They have already sealed a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League by finishing top of Group E, avoiding a two-legged playoff being added to the schedule in February. They are also into the last 16 of the League Cup having made 18 changes over two fixtures against Leicester and Bournemouth in the previous rounds.

So far, so good, but with seven more games to play over 25 days before the winter break – or one every 3.6 days for almost a month – that consistency amid ongoing change to the starting XI will be tested further.

The injury list currently stands at six players, with Matip, Robertson, Jota, Mac Allister, Thiago and Stefan Bajčetić all sidelined, and any further absences will only stretch the depth of Klopp’s squad further. Klopp is well aware of this, though, and unlike previous seasons, he now has even more solutions to any problems that arise.

(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.

Dec

2023

MLS Cup Final Review: Columbus Crew take the Crown

The dust and the confetti have settled on another MLS Cup final, as Columbus Crew wowed the league with its style of football culminating in a triumphant finale.

It’s a style that peaked in the postseason, proving they can win games, when required, as well as being enjoyable to watch for the most ardent, and more casual observers of the league.

A 2-1 win against Los Angeles FC in the final, with goals from the eventual MLS Cup MVP Cucho Hernández and Yaw Yeboah, capped off a memorable season for the Crew.

Denis Bouanga continued his goalscoring feats in knockout football and his goal with 15 minutes to go gave LAFC late hope, but the team from the west coast were unable to defend their crown.

There is a new crew in town.

By James Nalton, MLS expert

A Victory for Nancyball

What even is Nancyball?

The style of football employed by Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy promotes positive possession play, proactive pressing, and a team ethic coupled with a desire to entertain the fans and each other.

It is as much a mindset as it is a tactical instruction.

Amid a league of counter-pressing and counter-attacking frenzy, the Crew invite the pressure, revel in it and, in theory, pass around, and through it.

The 82 goals scored by the Crew across 2023 in MLS was the most by an MLS Cup winner in a single season. The entertainment was certainly present.

It didn’t always go smoothly, and Columbus conceded 38 goals in 20 games away from home in MLS competition during 2023.

But that doesn’t matter to Nancy. As long as the players are working to the plan and constantly honing their ability to execute it, the belief is that improvement will come, as will the results.

At home, it was more productive. The Crew has one of the best defensive records in the league at Lower.com Field, where they obviously feel more comfortable practising this style.

And with the MLS Cup final being played at said home, there was always a chance Nancyball could shine on the biggest stage of all.

The team that focuses on its vision of how football should be played, rather than on results alone, secured the biggest result of them all, producing one of the most memorable MLS Cup wins in the process.

Given the manner in which it was achieved, it might also prove to be important to the development, evolution, and perception of the game in the lands of major league soccer.

An Assist for the Ages

It was the kind of incisive, visionary pass that might be played by an attacking playmaker from the edge of the area, but instead, it was played from the Columbus Crew defensive line.

Left centre-back Malte Amundsen received the ball just inside the opposition half following some flowing, darting Columbus Crew build-up play.

A gap opened up in front of him and the Dane played one of those passes that directs the recipient as much as it does the ball.

Yeboah played an important part. This is not a worldie of an assist if he doesn’t finish it, and it gave the Crew a second goal to further galvanise them and justify their approach.

Both wide centre-backs are particularly notable in this style.

On the right, Steven Moreira regularly ventures forward in open play, and early on in the final found himself in an advanced position near the LAFC box. A signal of intent.

On the left, the Crew use another converted full-back in Amundsen to assist with the directness of the build-up.

He saved his most direct pass for what turned out to be the MLS Cup winning goal.

Defining Darlington Nagbe

This was Nagbe’s second MLS Cup win with the Crew and his fourth in total.

The Liberia-born, Ohio-raised former United States international previously won the league’s biggest prize with Portland Timbers in 2015 and Atlanta United in 2018 before the two Crew triumphs in 2020 and 2023.

In many ways, this was Nagbe’s defining MLS Cup win. He has found a team and a style that perfectly aligns with his strengths and the way he plays the game.

It is a shame his relationship with the United States national team never found similar harmony, as he would have gone down as one of the best midfielders in USMNT history. He still should, and will, go down as one of the best US soccer has seen.

The lack of international involvement shouldn’t diminish his contributions, his quality, his importance to American soccer, or his legendary status in the league in which the 33-year-old has spent all 12 years of his top-level soccer career to date.

Nagbe finished the final with a pass success of 96%, summing up his role as a facilitator in this team.

His delayed pass for Amundsen in the build-up to the second goal, drawing an LAFC defender before moving the ball on, created the space for the Dane’s highlight-reel assist.

It was Nagbe in a nutshell, doing the integral work that within the team allows others to shine.

Assisted by promising midfield teammate Aidan Morris, Nagbe was this iteration of Columbus Crew and Nancyball encapsulated.

LAFC’s Failed Defence

LAFC entered 2024 as the defending Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup champions. A team on the verge of all-time MLS greatness who were also among the favourites to lift the Concacaf Champions League.

Runs in the Champions League can often be considered a distraction to MLS regular season play.

This, coupled with the number of seemingly meaningless games in the main body of the MLS season means focus for the teams involved can understandably fall on the big continental tournament.

LAFC made it all the way to the Champions League final, in June, but lost to Mexican side Club León across two legs.

They could then turn their attention to the regular season once again, but finished a disappointing third in the Western Conference, and eighth in the overall standings, as FC Cincinnati claimed the Supporters’ Shield title.

The 2022 Shield winners were some way off that level in 2023 but still had a chance to defend their MLS Cup at the end of the year.

Once into the final, there was hope they might.

Bouanga was on fire in front of goal in knockout football, as he had been throughout the year in the Leagues Cup and Champions League, scoring in all but one of LAFC’s playoff games.

But in the end, LAFC failed in their second big final of the year.

Bouanga got his name on the scoresheet again, but it was ultimately a consolation goal which will be of no consolation to a team that was so close to cementing a legacy as one of the best in MLS history.

Future Challenges

There is now the mouthwatering prospect of seeing Columbus Crew and Nancy take their enterprising brand of football into next season’s Concacaf Champions Cup (the new name for the Champions League).

It’s a style of football that in many ways has transcended the league in which it has been played.

It may attract glances from outside of MLS in the same way Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi or Fernando Diniz’s Fluminense have, gaining attention from the wider soccer community.

And the Crew will now get the chance to go continental, further showcasing their characteristics to the rest of the Americas, and anyone else who continues to be intrigued as to how far such an approach can take this team.

Next year, there is an MLS Cup to defend, too, when Columbus will also be among the favourites to top the league and lift the Supporters’ Shield. Exciting times for an exciting team.

(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.

Dec

2023

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 16

Bournemouth dominate this week’s Team of the Week with four players in the XI after a historic victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. But who joins the quartet in the FotMob XI? Here’s your Team of the Week for matchday 16.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

Perhaps a surprise name in the team given he wasn’t overly worked by Arsenal in Aston Villa’s 1-0 win on Saturday evening. However, the World Cup winner did make three saves on his way to a clean sheet at Villa Park. He also created one chance for the Villans in a performance that earned him an 8.9 FotMob rating.

Right-Back: Pascal Gross

The 32-year-old made the midweek Team of the Week playing at left-back, now he’s in the XI as a right-back following an impressive showing in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

The versatile midfielder created six chances – the most in the match – and finished with an assist. He’s proving to be a key player for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Centre-Back: Tosin Adarabioyo

Fulham are in rampant form right now and even their defenders are getting in on the act. Adarabioyo got on the scoresheet this weekend in the 5-0 win over West Ham United.

The centre-back finished with a 90% pass success rate and won four of his five aerial duels. It was a big showing by the 26 year old.

Centre-Back: Marcos Sensei

Bournemouth went to Old Trafford and left with three points following a 3-0 win. Sensei was once again on the scoresheet and the goal capped off a fine performance. The 26-year-old also completed 79% of his passes and created once chance while also playing his part in the Cherries keeping a clean sheet.

Left-Back: Destiny Udogie

Udogie scored the opener for Spurs in their 4-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday evening. The marauding left-back also created two chances in what was a dominant display down the flank for Ange Postecoglou’s side. The 21-year-old won 100% of his tackles, recovered the ball eight times and won four of his six duels. In all honesty, his display deserved a clean sheet.

Midfield: Lewis Cook

The second Bournemouth player in the Team of the Week is Cook. The midfielder claimed a FotMob rating of 8.9 having assisted the opener. He carved out three chances for the Cherries, attempted five dribbles and he was involved in 10 duels. He also finished the game with a 100% success rate in tackles to round off an impressive all-round showing in the middle third.

Midfield: Marcus Tavernier

Another Bournemouth player. Tavernier has really come into his own over recent weeks and this coincides with their climb up the table.

He finished the game at Old Trafford with two assists having created three chances. The midfielder also attempted five dribbles and was involved in 10 duels. The 8.9 rating was well deserved.

Midfield: Heung-min Son

It was the Heung-Min Son show for Spurs against Newcastle. The skipper ran riot down the left against Keiran Trippier, creating two goals, and winning the penalty while also netting the fourth from the spot on his way to a 9.5 FotMob rating.

Son had four shots in total as well as creating four chances for a rampant Tottenham side. He completed 60% of his attempted dribbles. He is the talisman for this Spurs team and it is no wonder they romped to victory in a match their No. 7 dominated.

Attack: Dominic Solanke

The final Bournemouth player in the FotMob XI. The striker had five shots, hit the woodwork and scored the opener. It was his eighth goal of the season and he’s well on course to hit double figures in the Premier League for the first time ever.

Solanke also completed two of his three dribbles and won six of his nine ground duels. He’s quickly proving himself to be key for Andoni Iraola and his tactics.

Attack: Matheus Cunha

Cunha is impressing this season under new manager Gary O’Neil. The goal against Nottingham Forest was his fifth of the season and it played a pivotal part in his 8.5 FotMob rating. The Brazilian forward had five shots, attempted three dribbles and was involved in 13 duels in the 1-1 draw.

Attack: Richarlison

The third Tottenham player to make the Team of the Week. Richarlison was barely involved, attempting just 16 passes against Newcastle, but he finished the game having taken six shots and scoring two goals. In truth, it was a ruthless display from the Spurs No. 9. The 26-year-old also attempted four dribbles and troubled the Newcastle backline with and without the ball.

(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.

Dec

2023

Match Preview: League 1 title contenders meet as Pompey play Bolton

If you went back 15 years, a packed-out capacity crowd at Fratton Park would be watching players like Nwankwo Kanu and Nicolas Anelka do battle, as Portsmouth and Bolton fought it out for the European spots in the Premier League.

Skip forward to the present day, and although the glitz and glamor of England’s top flight has long gone for both, there’s no shortage of excitement on offer as these two sides once again meet on the South Coast in League One.

Pompey host the Lancashire club in a highly-anticipated match that could very much define both team’s campaigns, and subsequent promotion credentials, as the pair enter this clash sat first and second in the league.

By Nathan Evans

Since their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2009/10 campaign, when they finished rock-bottom of the standings, hosts Portsmouth have been through the mire. Not only did the club suffer the fate of administration in February that season, but following on from that, the 2008 FA Cup winners suffered two further relegations in the space of three years and dropped into League Two.

A 16th placed finish during the 2014/15 season in England’s basement division thankfully proved to be their lowest ebb, and since then, Portsmouth have consolidated themselves in League One, finishing in the top ten for the past six campaigns.

Since manager John Mousinho joined back in January, not only has he improved his side’s results, but he’s also offered Pompey’s loyal fanbase the chance to dream again.

His stint at the club has seen a transition from what was a much more rigid approach under former boss Danny Cowley, to a system that is heavily focused on keeping control in matches, as referenced by their average possession across league matches this campaign (57.9%) – the third-highest of any side.

On the pitch, that change of style has worked wonders at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, as Portsmouth have lost just one of their opening 19 league outings in England’s third tier. Their return of 42 points sees them enter this crucial clash sat top of the standings.

Pompey, additionally, top the charts in a number of other departments across League One. Their squad have combined to both create the most big chances (47) and record the most accurate crosses per match (6.4) offensively, whilst they have a not-so-secret weapon up front, in the form of Colby Bishop. In League One, the Portsmouth forward has netted 11 goals and holds a 25% conversion rate in front of goal as he looks to help fire his team to promotion.

The Hampshire club also possess the joint-meanest defence in the league heading into this matchday, conceding just 16 goals to this point, a league-low figure alongside play-off chasing Derby County. That back line has limited their opposition this season to chances worth just 19.6 xG in total – the fourth-lowest in the competition.

That’s a trend that will need to continue here if Mousinho and his Pompey side are to hold Bolton at bay on Monday though, who themselves look primed for a return to the Championship after five long seasons away. The away side too have had testing times, financially, in recent years, and have also graced League Two but like Portsmouth, they now seem to be on an upward trajectory.

The visitors make the long trip south sitting just three points shy of their opposition in second spot and with a game in-hand. They also know that sealing another win here would move them above Pompey on goal difference, for the time being.

Through the opening 20 match days of this League One season, no side have scored more than Bolton’s 37 goals, as the Wanderers remain an attacking force under manager Ian Evatt. Their clinical approach in front of goal can be best highlighted by the fact that they’ve far outranked their xG total of 27.7 – the second-biggest outperformance in the competition (after Wigan).

Striker Dion Charles has played a big part in that, equalling Bishop’s tally of 11 goals heading into this top-of-the-table showdown. His average of scoring 0.72 goals per 90 ranks him as one of the most deadly forwards in the competition at present, and he’s spoken ahead of this match about the faith his boss has shown in him since joining the club.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Charles said, “He brought me to this massive club when I was at a low point in my career and showed faith in me and I’ve proved him right that he made the right decision in bringing me in.”

He’s just one of the players at Bolton who have improved under Evatt’s guidance in recent years, with the club’s back line also performing well so far this season. Just like Portsmouth, the Trotters have looked tough to break down, conceding just 18 goals across their 18 league outings, of which only three have ended in defeat.

Everything considered, then, this match is not only the most anticipated game of the League One season to date, but also the first of two likely title deciders, in a promotion race that could go down to the wire.

(Images from IMAGO)

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

Dec

2023

Premier League Review: Matchday 16

What a weekend of Premier League football that was then. We have new league leaders, winless runs came to an end while a certain side extended their impressive home record. Here’s a round up of the biggest talking points.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

However, a few honourable mentions to begin with.

Sheffield United claimed their first win under returning manager Chris Wilder while Fulham hit five goals for a second successive match.

Liverpool claim top spot

The Reds haven’t been at their best over recent weeks but, somehow, they find themselves one point clear at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool, again, had to come from behind to claim all three points, this time away to Crystal Palace.

The Eagles thought they had a first half penalty before VAR intervened. The hosts were then awarded a spot kick after the break, with VAR getting involved to alert the referee to a foul that occurred two minutes before.

Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from the spot to give Palace a deserved lead. Liverpool struggled to create anything of real note before scoring with their first effort on target. The equaliser came just minutes after Jordan Ayew was sent off, with Mohamed Salah’s deflected effort finding the bottom corner. It was his 200th goal for the Reds.

With the game ticking over into stoppage time, Harvey Elliott unleashed a fierce effort from distance that caught the keeper out. And that was enough for Liverpool to claim the win.

Old Trafford stunned

Manchester United lost at home, again. This time it was Bournemouth leaving Old Trafford with all three points following a 3-0 win. The in-form Dominic Solanke scored his eighth of the season to get the away side off to a flyer inside of five minutes.

Bournemouth are now up to 14th after their first ever win at Old Trafford.

United dominated the ball with 69% possession but struggled to do anything with it. The Cherries had a higher xG and created more big chances. Bournemouth are now unbeaten in five Premier League matches and things seem to be clicking under Andoni Iraola after a difficult start.

The Red Devils have now lost seven of their 16 Premier League matches this season. For context, they lost just nine last season. Erik Ten Hag is under pressure ahead of the trip to Anfield next weekend.

Fortress Villa Park

Another Aston Villa home match, another Aston Villa victory. In the space of a week, Unai Emery’s men have beaten Manchester City and Arsenal at Villa Park. In both games, the Villans have kept a clean sheet.

They limited Manchester City whereas they needed Emiliano Martínez to come to the rescue against the Gunners. The former Arsenal shot stopper made three saves and finished with a FotMob rating of 8.9.

There was controversy at the end of the match when Mikel Arteta’s side had a goal ruled out following a Kai Havertz handball. Some feel it was a harsh decision, though, by the letter of the law, it was correct.

Villa are now just a point behind Arsenal and just two points off the top with fairly favourable fixtures to come.

The champions win a game

Manchester City finally won a Premier League game. The 2-1 win over Luton Town was their first in the English top-flight since the 6-1 demolition of Bournemouth during the first week of November.

City, without Erling Haaland, fell behind in first half stoppage time when Elijah Adebayo scored for the second successive match. Kenilworth Road was rocking but, for a second successive match, the hosts couldn’t hold onto a lead against one of the title favourites.

Bernardo Silva equalised in the 62nd minute before Jack Grealish netted what turned out to be the winner in the 65th minute.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now cut the gap at the top to four points.

The Toffees no longer in a sticky situation

It is now three wins on the spin for Everton and the Toffees are now four points clear of the relegation zone. Without the 10 point deduction, they would be ahead of Chelsea, the team they beat 2-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

Since their impressive 4-4 draw with Manchester City, Chelsea have lost three of their four Premier League matches. They have conceded eight goals in the process and found the back of the net on just five occasions.

It was a deserved loss at Goodison Park too. They may have controlled the possession (72%) but they weren’t able to do anything with it. Their 16 shots had a collective Expected Goals value of just 0.95.

Spurs run riot against Newcastle

Heading into the game against Newcastle, Tottenham hadn’t won a Premier League game since October.

They welcomed an inconsistent Newcastle side who, in their previous two matches, had beaten Manchester United but then lost to Everton.

As is becoming the norm now, Spurs took the lead. This time, however, they managed to extend the lead. In the end, Ange Postecoglou’s men ran out 4-1 winners.

Richarlison netted twice but it was very much the Heung-Min Son show on Sunday evening. The Spurs captain set up two goals and scored the fourth with the hosts running riot.

Tottenham created six big chances and finished with an xG haul of over 3.2 in one of the most one-sided games of the weekend. Spurs are now just three points off of a top four place while Newcastle linger in seventh on goal difference.

(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.

Dec

2023

MLS Cup Final Preview: Columbus Crew vs. LAFC

As the Major League Soccer playoffs come to an end, the league has served up an MLS Cup Final for the ages. Potentially.

By James Nalton, MLS expert

Columbus Crew, who will host the game courtesy of being the higher seed, and Los Angeles FC each boast distinct, contrasting styles of play that will make for an entertaining, or at least intriguing matchup.

Both have star players to call upon, from familiar names such as Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Vela and Cucho Hernández to other star Designated Players such as Denis Bouanga and Diego Rossi.

Each has players that make them tick, whether that’s the tidy but progressive midfield passing of Darlington Nagbe for Columbus or the left-sided threat of LAFC full-back Diego Palacios.

There is plenty to look out for, and a number of players who will be key to whether their side can assert its gameplan over the other, but two in particular have the potential to win this game for their respective teams.

Here’s a look at the two teams, and those two players, ahead of Saturday night’s final.

The Teams

Columbus Crew

Within a league such as MLS, occasionally you get a team that stands out even beyond its domestic competition. One whose style and tactics can be compared on a more global level.

Columbus Crew is one such team.

A lot of this is down to its head coach, Wilfried Nancy, who promotes a possession-based style of football that concentrates on the playing style, the development of players within that style, and entertainment for fans and participants alike.

The idea being that when those things combine effectively, results will come. A run to the MLS Cup final is certainly justification for those methods.

Columbus has not been the best team in MLS in 2023, that title goes to Supporters’ Shield winners and fellow Ohioans, FC Cincinnati, but they have been arguably the most entertaining, and now they have the chance to win the MLS Cup.

Asked before the Eastern Conference final against Cincinnati if he’d go with style or substance, Nancy said: “Both! We play like that because we believe it’s the best chance for us to win the game.”

The apparent downside of this style is that Columbus regularly leak goals, though only really on the road.

They have conceded 38 goals in 20 away games across the MLS regular season and playoffs in 2023 compared to 16 goals conceded in 19 games at home.

Having the MLS Cup final at their place is already a bonus.

Los Angeles FC

LAFC have not been as fluent or as slick as they were during the 2022 season when winning both the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup.

Last year, that double success put LAFC up with some of the best teams to have ever played in MLS.

This year, it looked like the club might further confirm that and rise further in the pantheon of all-time MLS teams when they reached the Concacaf Champions League final. But they lost the two-legged final to the Mexican side Club León.

Then, a stodgy midseason prevented LAFC from challenging to defend the Supporters’ Shield.

They eventually finished third in the Western Conference and eighth in the overall standings.

The playoffs offered a chance to confirm last year’s success was not a flash in the pan, though, and here are LAFC once again in the final, looking to defend the other trophy they won in 2022.

Steve Cherundolo’s side created the most ‘big chances’ in MLS in 2023, level with the team that took their Supporters’ Shield crown, FC Cincinnati.

However, no team missed more big chances than LAFC.

It suggests some wastefulness in front of goal and some poor finishing but also hints that if the team were to start converting chances more regularly, it would quickly rise to the top once again.

This is its chance to do so.

The Players

Denis Bouanga

17 of LAFC’s big chances missed were missed by Denis Bouanga, who still ended up claiming the MLS Golden Boot in 2023 with 20 goals in the regular season.

A promising sign for LAFC heading onto the final is that, throughout the year, Bouanga has been even more impressive in knockout matches, scoring freely.

As mentioned in the Conference semifinals roundup, Bouanga has 17 goals in 13 starts across the Concacaf Champions League, Leagues Cup, and MLS playoffs.

Playing as an inside forward from the left, driving infield towards goal onto his stronger right foot, the Gabon international is LAFC’s biggest attacking threat, especially on the counter-attack.

He could have had plenty more goals in the regular season than the 20 he scored, and his direct attacking play also leads to chances for others.

This final could well turn into a shootout between Bouanga and Columbus’s own standout attacker…

Cucho Hernández

Cucho is up there with Bouanga for several attacking metrics and only has four goals fewer than the LAFC man across the regular season and playoffs.

In terms of goals and assists combined he is only two behind Bouanga, on 28, and leads the way in most shooting-related stats.

Cucho tops MLS (including playoff games) for xG, xG on target, shots per 90, and shots on target per 90.

He averages 6.4 shots per 90 minutes to Bouanga’s 4.8, but both are some way ahead of the rest in MLS in this regard, so there could be plenty of goalmouth action in this final.

Playing more centrally than Bouanga, the 24-year-old Colombian can be creative in a more traditional sense depending on the flow of the team’s attack.

He assisted the winner for substitute Cristian Ramirez in extra time of the conference final, and Nancy has a decision to make on whether to pair the two attackers or use Ramirez’s impact off the bench.

He also has a decision to make on whether to start right wing-back Julian Gressel, who along with Ramirez changed the outlook of that conference final as Columbus came back from 2-0 down against Cincinnati to win 3-2.

Decent problems to have.

A Clash of Styles

Columbus Crew tops MLS for average possession per game, and LAFC tops the league for successful tackles per match.

This is far from the whole story of how these teams play the game, but it’s a start, and gives some initial insight into the differences between them.

The tackling stat doesn’t mean LAFC are a defensive team, but rather one that likes to pounce on the opposition via pressing before launching attacks.

Both teams average 5.5 shots on target per match, the joint-highest in MLS, but they tend to get to that point in different ways.

Columbus is the more considered, though not laboured, possession-based side, while LAFC goes more direct and likes to counter-attack.

LAFC’s directness can come via some extended passing moves, they are not necessarily a long-ball team, using its compact 4-3-3 shape to move the ball quickly to the forwards.

Columbus usually operates out of a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, but when talking about his tactics Nancy once said: “I’m not talking about 4-3-3, 3-5-2, 3-4-3; this is not that.

“This is all about the ideas behind that, what concept we’re going to use to manipulate the opposition, what concept we’re going to use to try to win the ball back.”

As hinted here, Columbus likes to press, too, so there’s a good chance this game could be pretty frantic and intense as both teams look to do their thing.

They also like to send a centre-back into midfield on occasion during build-up play, often the right-sided of the three, Steven Moreira, which might be something to look out for depending on how ambitious they are feeling.

The styles contrast but each may suit the other’s game plan as LAFC absorbs pressure before initiating a press-and-counter, while Columbus are likely to have plenty of chances to make their possession game work, revelling in the risk posed by the LAFC press, but mostly in the potential reward if it manages to traverse it.

It’s not confidential that this final’s got potential, as two of the most distinguished teams in MLS battle for the supremacy of their style, and ultimately for the cup.

(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.

Dec

2023

Premier League Preview: Matchday 16

After one day without Premier League football on our TV, it is back on our screens. The mid-week round of fixtures came to an end on Thursday evening and matchday 16 starts on Saturday afternoon. The goals are flowing, the games are thrilling and the results have huge consequences. Here’s your weekend preview.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Hogdson under pressure

Selhurst Park plays host to the opening game of the weekend with Crystal Palace welcoming Liverpool.

Palace are in freefall right now having won just two of their last 10 in the Premier League. They are currently winless in four and have just a single clean sheet in their previous five outings.

Following the defeat to Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, a result that Palace fans booed, manager Roy Hodgson implied the supporters had been spoilt over recent seasons. The pressure is mounting on the former England boss and a loss to one of his former clubs on Saturday afternoon won’t help his cause.

Liverpool are unbeaten in the league since September and a win at Selhurst Park lifts them into top spot. They haven’t necessarily travelled well this season, though they did pick up a point at the Etihad and defeat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday night, so their form isn’t that bad. They have, however, scored just 13 goals away from home in eight fixtures.

It isn’t make or break for Hodgson, not with the credit he has in the bank, but a win here would relieve some pressure, for sure.

Two form teams clash at Old Trafford

Bournemouth travel to Manchester United on Saturday as one of the form teams in the Premier League. Only Arsenal (15) and Liverpool (14) have taken more points than the Cherries (13) over the past six matches.

Over this period, Andoni Iraola’s men have averaged two goals per game. They’ve had positive results against Newcastle United and Aston Villa. They may fancy their chances of causing an upset against the Red Devils.

Erik Ten Hag’s side should not be underestimated though. They too have picked up 13 points across their last six Premier League outings and they recently dismantled Chelsea at Old Trafford, racking up an Expected Goals haul of over four in their 2-1 win.

If United win on Saturday, they will be level on points with reigning champions Manchester City. Incredible when you consider the pressure on Ten Hag, and his players this season, for their supposed underperformance. They are in the race for a top-four finish.

Title Credentials

Arsenal make the trip to fortress Villa Park on Saturday evening in what has the potential to be a season-defining game for both teams.

Aston Villa are perfect at home this term having won all seven of their Premier League matches at Villa Park. In their last outing, they had Manchester City on the ropes and claimed a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side. A win for Unai Emery’s men would see them move to within a point of Arsenal and people might consider the top-four hopefuls to be genuine title contenders.

The Gunners can make a statement with a win against Villa. Mikel Arteta’s side are in fine form and seem to be finding ways to pick up maximum points – a sign of champions. But this trip on Saturday is a huge test, if they manage to return to the Emirates with three points, they are going to be viewed as favourites for the title.

Arsenal romped to a 4-2 win at Villa Park last season but needed two stoppage-time goals to get over the line. This time, it looks set to be a little trickier.

A Kenilworth Road conundrum for Pep Guardiola

Manchester City are without a Premier League win in four. Yes, you read that right. The reigning champions have drawn three of their last four and lost 1-0 to Aston Villa in their last outing.

City are now fourth in the English top-flight and are six points off the top. They face a Luton Town side who fell to a narrow defeat against Arsenal on Tuesday evening. The Hatters scored three against the Gunners before a Declan Rice header won the game for the league leaders in stoppage time. Rob Edwards’ were also minutes away from taking all three points against Liverpool too, hammering home the fact Kenilworth Road is a tricky ground for big teams.

The pressure is on City to respond following the mid-week loss but if there’s no balance to their tactics, Luton could cause them problems. It is going to be a fascinating watch to see how an under-fire Man City team adapt to having to win rather than people just expecting them to pick up maximum points.

Everton climb out of the relegation zone

Without their points deduction, Everton would be ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League table following their 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Thursday evening.

They welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park on Sunday and they’ll be confident of picking up maximum points.

Everton have won three of their previous four outings in the English top-flight, scoring seven goals in the process. Their only defeat was against Manchester United but the 3-0 loss wasn’t deserved in the slightest. Sean Dyche’s side actually created chances against the Red Devils and should’ve taken at least a point.

If Chelsea’s form is to follow the pattern of the season so far, they’ll likely turn up on Sunday after a disappointing showing in midweek. It could be a decent watch for the neutral.

(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.

Dec

2023

FIVE games to follow this weekend: Top of the table clashes and Cup Finals

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: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal

Following hot on the heels of a dramatic midweek round of Premier League fixtures, one that saw Aston Villa move third after beating Manchester City, and Arsenal survive a scare – thanks to a last minute winner at Luton – comes this meeting between possible title contenders.

Unai Emery has been quick to reject that label for his in-form side, but Villa do have a perfect record at home, having won all seven of their previous fixtures in Birmingham. They are also unbeaten in six games (all comps) and are scoring goals at a rate of 2.3 per game, a higher average than current leaders Arsenal, who sit on 2.2 (just!).

This timing of this Saturday evening fixture could mean that Arsenal need to pick up what would be there sixth away win of the season in order to return to the summit, should Liverpool go above them, by virtue of a winning their earlier away trip to Crystal Palace. The Gunners have won their last six matches in the league and in Europe, and in Bukayo Saka, they have the highest rated player in the division, at least according to the FotMob player ratings.

Saka was included in our midweek TOTW and has provided nine goal contributions in his last eight games for club and country. And now has an average FotMob rating of 8.02 for the campaign.

🇮🇹 Serie A: Juventus vs. Napoli

Perhaps with an eye to next week’s final group stage games in the Champions League, Napoli’s big Serie A clash with Juventus has been scheduled for Friday night. Thus giving the reigning champions an advantage when it comes to Tuesday’s meeting with Braga – a game in which they still need to avoid defeat in order to qualify for the round of 16.

But back to Friday night: The trip to Turin will be another tough test for new (old) Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri, who returned to the role in November, and has just one win to his name so far. That came against Atalanta, but perhaps Mazzarri wouldn’t have expected to get anything out of back-to-back games, away at Real Madrid, and at home to Inter, which Napoli lost 3-0 last weekend.

Juve are playing in the Friday night game for the second week in a row, and just as they did after their win at Monza, they have the chance to start the weekend by going top of the Serie A table. They currently sit two points down on Inter, who don’t play until Saturday evening. The Old Lady have lost just once so far this term, conceding goals at a rate of 0.6 per game, while also generating the third highest xG in league (23.3). If it wasn’t for the fact that they’ve also missed the most big chances in the division (27), Maxi Allegri’s side would, no doubt, be runaway leaders rather than simple title challengers.

🇪🇸 LaLiga: Barcelona vs. Girona

The Sunday night headliner from Spain pits champions Barcelona against Girona, the side directly above them in the league table. Girona’s surprise run has been well publicised this season, and will be one familiar to FotMob users, but the stats bear repeating: Girona have won 12, drawn twice, and lost just once 15 rounds into the season. They’ve also outscored everybody, with 29 of their 34 goals coming from open play, created the second highest number of big chances (behind Barcelona), and all while keeping the things relatively tight at the back – they’re conceding at a rate of 1.2 goals per game (to Barcelona’s 0.9).

Without the out-and-out star names of say, Sunday’s opponents, Girona have looked to the goals of Artem Dovbyk (7 in 14 games) and veteran Cristhian Stuani (5 in 15), and the creativity of Savio (4 assists) and Aleix García (average FotMob rating 7.92) to build this run around. They haven’t, however, performed as well when they’ve come up against other sides in the top six – losing as they did to joint-leaders Madrid, with their only other dropped points coming against high flying Basque pair, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad.

That perhaps gives Xavi, and his Barcelona side, an in. One they’ll be particularly keen to take as the side in the division with the best home record (despite not currently playing at their Camp Nou base), and as they try and build on their current four game unbeaten run. Barça do go to Royal Antwerp in the Champions League on Wednesday having already qualified for the next stage, but needing a point to secure top seeding, so they should be virtually at full-strength for this contest.

The news on injured first choice keeper Marc-André ter Stegen is that he has undergone successful surgery on his long-term back issue but, understandably, he will not be expected to be fit again until some time well in to the new year.

🇫🇷 Ligue 1: PSG vs. Nantes

Last weekend, Nantes did Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain a favour by halting Nice’s unbeaten start to the season, something that allowed the Parisians to open up a four point lead at the top of the table. But this Saturday, their attention will turn to the Parc des Princes, where they’ll look to upstage loftier opponents for the second weekend in a row.

Nantes’ 1-0 win over Nice was their first in five league games, and their first since October, and it saw them move in to the top half of the table. Although they did reach the final of the Coupe de France last season, this league campaign is already a marked improvement on 2022/23, when this famous old club only beat the drop on the final day of the season, avoiding relegation by a solitary point.

There’s obviously no such concerns for PSG but this game does come at a tricky time for coach Luis Enrique. The French champions go to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday knowing only a win will secure them a place in the Champions League knockout stages. And, as always, failure to achieve that will count heavily against the manager and the current squad.

So, will Enrique rest his stars for this league fixture? We’ll have to wait and see. What we do know is that a win over Nantes would extend their unbeaten run in to double figures. And that, should he feature, Kylian Mbappé will be looking to add to the 15 goals (in 13 games) he already has for the season, and to maintain his league-high average FotMob rating of 8.32.

🇩🇪 Bundesliga: Stuttgart vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Similarly to Europe’s other big leagues, there’s also a top of the table clash in the Bundesliga, where leaders Leverkusen visit third placed Stuttgart on Sunday.

Five points separate the two clubs, with Leverkusen still unbeaten, and Stuttgart having won 10 of their 13 league games so far. Stuttgart have been heavily reliant on the goalscoring sensation that has been Serhou Guirassy, with the Guinean international having scored 16 of their 33 goals to date. Only Bayern’s Harry Kane can better those numbers.

And Guirassy was on target in the week, helping Stuttgart defeat Borussia Dortmund, to progress to the quarterfinals of the DFB Pokal. Leverkusen also safely navigated their round of 16 tie, beating second tier Paderborn, by three goals to one.

Leverkusen’s own top scorer, Viktor Boniface, scored in that win, taking his tally to 14 for the season in all competitions. And counting both the Pokal, and the Europa League, Xavi Alonso’s unbeaten run as coach of this impressive Leverkusen side is now up to 21 competitive games. In the league, they’ve only dropped points against the big two – Bayern and Dortmund – but perhaps Stuttgart are the next best placed side to threaten that record?

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

🇺🇸 MLS Cup Final: Columbus Crew vs. LAFC

Another key game on Saturday is the season finale in MLS, where Columbus Crew have home advantage in the MLS Cup Final, against defending champions Los Angeles FC.

After a long and hard fought 34-game season, after which both sides finished third in their respective East and West Conferences, both have consequently come through three rounds of play-off games to get this far. And the first stage of that play-off process saw The Crew go all the way to the final match in a best-of-three series against Atlanta United (LAFC needed just two games to get past Vancouver).

For LAFC, the season may feel even longer, though, what with their unsuccessful run to the final of the Concacaf Champions League, and commitments in the Campeones Cup, which were also unsuccessful. They will, therefore, be extra motivated to finally secure some silverware for the year with even highly decorated defender Giorgio Chiellini sounding bullish in the week. If they do so, they’ll be the first side to win back-to-back MLS titles since rivals LA Galaxy did so back in 2012.

Columbus won’t be overawed though, after all, they beat regular season Supporter’s Shield winners FC Cincinnati (3-2 AET) to reach this final, and they have the legacy of two MLS titles to their name already (2020, 2008).

🇳🇴 Norwegian Cup Final: Bodø/Glimt vs. Molde

Bar a relegation/promotion playoff, or two, Saturday’s Cup Final is the culmination of the football season in FotMob’s home nation of Norway. And it should be a spectacular affair, pitting as it does, the two modern powerhouses of the game in this country.

Okay – Molde have just finished a lowly fifth compared to Glimt’s title-winning campaign in the Eliteserien, but the two clubs have shared the top two places in the league in each of the four previous years. Molde will want revenge then, for missing out on the league, but they also need to win this game to qualify for European football next year. Failure to do so would be considered a massive backwards step for the club.

On the other hand, Glimt will be looking to win their first ever league and cup double, something that hasn’t been achieved since Rosenborg last pulled it off back in 2018. Glimt’s rise from North Norway outcasts to perennial title contenders has been a speedy, and well documented one, but it is, nevertheless, a remarkable one. And whatever happens in this game, their season will be carrying on, following their progression to the knock out stages of the Europa Conference League.

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 our new WhatsApp Channel for updates on all the important football going on this weekend!

Cover Image from IMAGO

Dec

2023

Premier League Team of the Week Matchday 15

What a mid-week round of fixtures that was then. The FotMob Team of the Week is once again dominated by a surprise club in Fulham after Marco Silva’s side ran riot against Nottingham Forest in a 5-0 win. The Cottagers have four players in the XI, but who else made the cut?

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

Leno made just one save in Fulham’s 5-0 win over Forest but his overall performance is what catapulted him into the Team of the Week. The German shot-stopper completed 93% of his passes and acted as a sweeper on three occasions to halt attacks. His positioning and style allowed Fulham to be as aggressive as they were on the night.

Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold had Sheffield United’s pants down on Wednesday night. The Liverpool full-back was back to his creative best, finishing the match having created seven chances, three of which were classed as big chances. He also assisted the opener for Virgil Van Dijk. He now has two goals and an assist in his last three outings for the Reds. He’s finding form at the right time.

Centre-Back: Cristian Romero

The World Cup winner didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Romero scored the opener for Spurs in their 2-1 loss to West Ham United. He attempted 108 passes on Thursday night and completed 94% of those. He won 100% his tackles and aerial duels while also winning two of three ground duels. Romero recovered the ball on 10 occasions too and yet all of this wasn’t enough to help Spurs to victory.

Centre-Back: Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk found the back of the net for the first time as Liverpool skipper in the 2-0 win over Sheffield United. Even without the goal, he was brilliant. He completed 93% of his passes, found a teammate with 67% of his attempted long passes, won all of his tackles and 80% of his aerial duels. The Dutchman was a key reason the Reds managed to keep a clean sheet.

Left-Back: Pascal Gross

Roberto De Zerbi got a little creative with his starting XI on Wednesday evening. He put Pascal Gross at left-back and the experienced midfielder put in a Player of the Match performance. The 32-year-old was given a FotMob rating of 8.5 after chipping in with a goal and an assist. He also completed 88% of his passes and won 50% of all of his duels.

Midfield: Alex Iwobi

Iwobi got on the scoresheet twice to record a FotMob rating of 8.9. The 27-year-old added real value to his efforts, turning an Expected Goals total of 0.61 into an Expected Goals on Target total of 1.19. He also created a chance for the Cottagers in what was a dominant final phase performance from the former Everton man.

Midfield: Scott McTominay

McTominay was once again the match-winner for Manchester United. The 27-year-old was barely involved, attempting just 22 passes against Chelsea, but he chipped in with two goals and finished the game with a pass success rate of 95%. He had a total of seven shots and racked up an Expected Goals on Target haul of 1.9. The Scotland international missed three big chances but United won’t care, will they? When it mattered, he put the ball into the back of the net.

Midfield: Andreas Pereira

The 27-year-old Brazilian ran the show at Craven Cottage without getting on the scoresheet. Pereira created the most chances of any player in the match (four) and finished with two assists. He also completed 88% of his 69 attempted passes. The midfield maestro also completed 100% of his dribbles, won 80% of his duels, and 100% of his tackles.

Attack: Bukayo Saka

Arsenal scored four but Saka didn’t manage to add to his goals tally for the campaign. He didn’t need a goal to make it into the Team of the Week though. The 22-year-old did create two chances in the 4-3 win over Luton and he did claim an assist. He was at his mesmerising best and attempted six dribbles. Defensively, he put in a shift. He recovered the ball seven times and was only dribbled past on one occasion.

Attack: Gabriel Jesus

When Jesus is at his best, Arsenal seem to be at their best too. The Brazil international scored and assisted in the win over Luton. He was generally involved in everything the Gunners did in the final third, racking up three shots while creating five chances. Jesus completed two of his three dribbles and involved himself in a remarkable 14 duels.

Attack: Raul Jiménez

Jimenez looked back to his brilliant best in Fulham’s victory. He found the back of the net on two occasions with one of those being a nonchalant backheel following a slaloming run past the goalkeeper. In total, the Mexico forward had six shots and finished with an Expected Goals haul of 1.46. He won 100% of his aerial duels and was the most fouled player in the match (three).

(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.

Dec

2023

Premier League Review: The midweek madness of Matchday 15

The Premier League really is like no other. A mid-week round of fixtures could see heavily rotated teams play out drab affairs, but not in the English top-flight. In fact, matchday 15 was just as goal-filled as matchday 14. Some of these results will have long-lasting consequences. So, with that in mind, a look at the biggest talking points.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Last-minute drama at Kenilworth Road

Arsenal made hard work of it against Luton Town on Tuesday evening but managed to secure all three points in stoppage time to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta’s side twice took the lead in the first half with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus finding the back of the net. However, Gabriel Osho levelled things up just three minutes after the opener before Elijah Adebayo, in for top-scorer Clayton Morris, scored just two minutes after the break to make it 2-2.

Ross Barkley then fired the hosts into a shock lead. David Raya failed to cover himself in much glory for the second time on the night. Arteta might soon have a big decision to make with the former Brentford shot-stopper having several questionable moments over recent weeks.

Kai Havertz made it three goals in four outings on the hour mark when he restored parity for the title hopefuls. It was all Arsenal for the final 30 minutes but it appeared as though Rob Edwards’ men were going to survive the barrage. But in the 97th minute, the pressure paid off, with Declan Rice rising highest to direct a header into the far corner.

In truth, it was a deserved victory for the Gunners. They now travel to Villa Park on Saturday evening.

Fulham feast at Craven Cottage

People would’ve forgiven Fulham if they were a little sluggish against Nottingham Forest after what had happened during their loss to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Marco Silva’s men took a 3-2 lead in the 80th minute but found themselves 4-3 down in the 87th. All of their good work throughout the game was undone during a two-minute spell. Bouncing back from that is difficult.

Yet on Wednesday night, they looked organised, focused and well-rested as they ran out 5-0 winners over Forest. It was about as one-sided as a match can be with Fulham creating more big chances (five) than the away side had shots (four).

The hosts created chances with an Expected Goals haul of 2.52, though some smart finishing increased the value of these efforts to 3.4 Expected Goals on Target.

Alex Iwobi and Raul Jiménez both netted doubles with Tom Cairney adding a fifth. Andreas Pereira impressed despite not getting on the scoresheet having chipped in with two assists and creating four chances.

Forest have now lost four matches on the spin and find themselves in 16th position with manager Steve Cooper under pressure.

Chelsea taken apart at Old Trafford

Manchester United needed a reaction following their 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday evening. The Reds Devils had a negative goal difference in the Premier League, their Champions League journey was hanging by a thread and dressing room leaks seemed to suggest Erik Ten Hag had lost the players.

They welcomed an inconsistent Chelsea to Old Trafford on Wednesday night. A loss wouldn’t have sealed Ten Hag’s fate but it would’ve no doubt complicated things. And the Dutchman must’ve feared the worst when Bruno Fernandes’ penalty was saved early on.

However, the former Ajax man had his trump card in the starting XI in the form of Scott McTominay. The Scotland international netted both goals in the 2-1 win to take his Premier League tally to five.

On another day, United hit the Blues for five or six. They finished the game having taken 28 shots and creating chances worth 4.17 Expected Goals. They carved out five big chances, the same number as Chelsa, but almost triple the xG accrued by Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

A concerning pattern is emerging for Chelsea. They seem to follow up an impressive showing with a lacklustre one and this is why they find themselves in 10th position in the Premier League this term.

Fortress Villa Park doesn’t fall

Aston Villa extended their 100% record in the Premier League with a win over champions Manchester City on Wednesday night. Unai Emery’s side have won all seven of their home fixtures, scoring 24 goals in the process. They have only conceded on five occasions.

The win over City, courtesy of a Leon Bailey goal, lifted Villa into third position in the table and they are just four points off the top. Whisper it quietly, but they are genuine top-four candidates right now. If they manage to beat Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday, some might even consider them to be title contenders.

To put it bluntly, the Villans battered City and the 1-0 win didn’t tell the whole story. The hosts had 22 shots to the away side’s two while creating chances worth 2.38 Expected Goals. The visitors had to settle for an Expected Goals haul of 0.65 having struggled to get Erling Haaland into the game.

Spurs struggle

Tottenham Hotspur once again took the lead. They once again failed to hold onto that lead and suffered defeat, this time at home to West Ham United.

Cristian Romero gave the hosts an early advantage but Jarrod Bowen, as is the norm now, found the back of the net on his travels.

James Ward-Prowse was the winner, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to fire home into an empty goal after his initial effort had struck the post.

The first half was all Spurs, with Ange Postecoglou’s side creating chances worth 1.14 Expected Goals. After the break, however, West Ham dominated, racking up an xG of 1.73 in the second half on their way to a deserved victory.

The Hammers are now just three points off of Spurs and six off of a place in the top four.

(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.