EPL - 2018/19 Game Week 22
Liverpool have lost to Manchester City and now holds only a four-point lead at the top. They have won nothing yet until the end of the season. Sometimes a defeat can lead to more. SO what are they made of? We shall know soon. The win will deflate morale a bit for the Reds and inflate somewhat for the Sky Blues of Manchester but more is to come as the games come by.
On the game itself, City were brave and solid but Liverpool have the slightest dominance n possession, It was a game of the finest margin as expected. Mane hit a post and the ball bounced out, Sane hit a post and the ball went in. The rebound from Mane's shot resulted in a bumbling clearance from John Stones that hit Ederson and went back towards goal. It was a goal if you saw it from TV or any other angle but goal-line technology aka VAR said no goal. It was ruled that the ball was 1.1cm away from goal. In their words, the whole ball must cross the line. Liverpool had their chances but didn't convert. City did. Raheem Sterling played very well, so too Sane and Aguero for their goals but to me their best player was Bernardo Silva. He was everywhere, creating, battling and did not put a foot wrong. Quite a player.
Meantime, Liverpool's weakest link was the right side of defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold is their weakest link (when Lovren is not playing). He is young and shall improve but while good in attack, he was often caught out of position. That would leave a often panicky Dejan Lovren nervous. It was Wijnaldum chasing Bernado Silva before the ball was relayed to Aguero. Lovren was caught glancing over to his left at Sane and in that split second Aguero shot from the tightest angle and scored against a top goalie. It was something only Aguero could do - just too quick. Their second goal was again when Lovren failed to tracked anyone which allowed Sane space. Liverpool had their moments where City's defence panicked too but was saved by the goalie and goal mouth clearances. It was easy to see that City targeted the right side of their defence just like Arsenal previously did. You can't wait for Joe Gomez to be back as this is less likely to happen.
Tactically, Guardiola dropped Kyle Walker and played Danilo while shifting Laporte to left back. It signalled Guardiola's intent to keep ot conservative and tight at the back. Liverpool's could have targetted Laporte more in his less than usual role. James Milner could not have his usual influence perhaps after returning from injury and I wondered why Klopp didn't use Fabinho who has been growing in influence and when he came in late on he changed the game. While Henderson and Wijnaldum are good playing Klopp's high pressing style, they need a game changer in the middle. Last season, when Liverpool won 3-0 at Anfield it was an all out attacking breathless display. We wonder if Klopp should have opted for that element of surprise that is to attack City from the start to get an early goal. After all, you have a seven point lead which could be ten if you won and four if you have lost but then again if Klopp attacks and lost, you will ask why he did that. Last season City dominated possession but this match yielded very close stats. 50/50 possession. City had 9 to Liverpool's 7 shots. City had 4 shots on goal to Liverpool's 5. City had 3 saves to Liverpool's 2.
As I have said in the preview, it shall be a game of the finest margin which I predicted to be a draw, a very likely situation but it was not to be. I mentioned it could probably be an error or a moment of genius that would decide it. By the way, Vincent Kompany should have been red carded for his two legged high lunge at Mo Salah. It was a straight red card. We know what a good crunching tackle is. Kompnay may have said he has no intention to hurt but that was foolish. Many others who had no intention to hurt have ended injuring and killing some one. Can you imagine if Mo Salah did not skipped over. Winning is important but winning at all costs?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXqlYCzCcOs (Man City v Liverpool)
Let us see how things will turn out this weekend after the haphazard Christmas and New Year period. By the way, I wish all soccer fans and readers a Happy and Prosperous New 2019!!!
West Ham v Arsenal - Andy Carroll and Arnautovic are in form so not so good news for the Gunners but the Hammers failed to beat Brighton the last time and slumped at Burnley just before that. Arsenal recovered from that 1-5 thrashing by Liverpool with a good 4-1 win over Fulham but you have to remember this is a London Derby so it is not so easy to predict. The Hammers has a wonderful player in Felipe Anderson and he could trouble the visitors. Arsenal could win this match but you have to consider how they failed to break down Brighton and are conceding goals. Perhaps the home team could fight for a point. 2-2.
Brighton v Liverpool - Leaders Liverpool takes on Brighton and hope to return to winning ways having lost both their last two matches to City in the league and Wolves in the FA Cup. Mounting injuries to their back line which has been their greatest strength has suddenly made the Reds look fragile. The Seagulls have not lost in their last four matches and they are scoring goals. So this match is not as easy as it seems. Liverpool will have to recover strongly. Soccer like golf as in life is not about falling or failing but how you respond to it and how you recover. That is character. Will Brighton get a backlash? It depends on how Klopp will field his team and how he plays the game. Only Liverpool can do what they have to do. Brighton are unbeaten in four and can be stubborn so it won't be easy. The good news is Bobby Firmino is back to scoring. The Reds should keep it tight at the back and should score a couple. 0-2.
Burnley v Fulham - The Clarets are on a 3-match winning streak. The Cottagers were trounced 1-4 at the Emirates and went out of the FA Cup after being defeated by lower tier Oldham (1-2). Burnley are brimming with confidence again. Claudio Ranieri need to work some magic even for a point here and cause a surprise. It should be a close game. 2-1.
Cardiff v Huddersfield - The only good news for visiting bottom team Huddersfield is that Cardiff lost their last two matches 1-3 to Spurs and crashed out of the FA Cup after defeat by lower tier Gillingham. The Terriers themselves have not tasted victory in ages and also just crashed in the FA Cup by lower tier team Bristol. Both are in poor form and are struggling. I would say it will end as a draw. 1-1.
Crystal Palace v Watford - Palace won their FA Cup tie over Grimsby and surprised at Wolves' Molineux with a 2-0 win. Even Liverpool can't beat City but Palace did! The Hornets have not lost in 3 matches and both sides are getting better at this time of the year. If they both play for a win this may even be high scoring. Both are at about the same level so a draw may be imminent but I am picking a home win for Palace. 3-2.
Leicester v Southampton - The Foxes are one of the most unpredictable teams around. They went to Chelsea and won 1-0, immediately went to the Etihad and beaten City 2-1 then they crashed at home to Cardiff (0-1), lost 0-1 away to Everton and were defeated by lower division Newport (1-2). The Saints short winning spell have ended but they did hold Chelsea 0-0. Surely Southampton have improved under Ralph Hasenhuttl but time is not on his side. Somehow I feel Southampton may steal a point here. 2-2.
Chelsea v Newcastle - Things aren't going so well at Stamford Bridge. The one-time quite invincible Sarri-ball has looked a bit crock. I said a bit because essentially Chelsea is a very strong side yet after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup where Cesc Fabregas missed a penalty and bid an emotional farewell they lost 0-1 at Tottenham in the League Cup semi 1st leg. I remember fondly the wonderful play of Fabregas with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger where he was at his finest. How quickly Father time calls upon us. In their previous league match they were held 0-0 at home by Southampton. Though Newcastle have not won in their last five matches with a DLDLD they have harboured some hope of getting a result or at least a point like the Saints even though they have only scored twice in five matches. Chelsea lacks a real regular goal scorer and the Magpies can stifle play. With a bit of luck Newcastle could do a Southampton to get a point but Chelsea are too strong. 2-1.
Everton v Bournemouth - The Toffees seemed to have lost their way as they lost their last two league games where they also drew a blank. Fortunately this week they are hosting a Bournemouth side that has not won in four matches. Both are level on points in 11th and 12th place by goal difference. Both are in poor form. If Fraser and Wilson play, at least Bournemouth have a chance then I would say a draw here and there be goals as they are leaking at the back. 2-2.
Tottenham v Manchester United - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces his biggest test as the new Red Devils manager in this top match of the week in Tottenham's temporary home ground at Wembley which should make this a spectacle due to both teams' commitment to attacking soccer. He has so far won all five matches against lower opponents and now face an in-from Spurs that has lost just once in ten matches in all competition. If United win here, it will make the team and their supporters believe they could get back into the top four. Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son are in great shape and form and may be hard to stop. This shall be a real gauge for United on their level. United's defence remain vulnerable against Spurs' firepower but their attack is also flowing when OGS unleashed them. There will be goals unless OGS change tactically as Spurs are not the other teams. Tottenham are better than United at this moment and are at home. I would suggest a home win unless the Red Devils play at their best. 3-2.
Manchester City v Wolves - The victory over Liverpool and the big hammering of Rotherham in the FA Cup (7-0) and Burton Albion in the League Cup semi (9-0) have surely boosted their morale plus Kevin De Bruyne is back but Wolves are enjoying a really very good season int he top flight. For your information, they have beaten Chelsea and Tottenham, drew with City themselves and Arsenal. They too have the quality to play. Recently, they went to Wembley and defeated Tottenham 3-1 but nosedived to a 0-2 home defeat to Palace then followed up with a 2-1 FA Cup win over Liverpool. City shall be wary of Wolves as they could play a solid match and surprise even the best but at the moment City looks too strong. 2-1.
On the game itself, City were brave and solid but Liverpool have the slightest dominance n possession, It was a game of the finest margin as expected. Mane hit a post and the ball bounced out, Sane hit a post and the ball went in. The rebound from Mane's shot resulted in a bumbling clearance from John Stones that hit Ederson and went back towards goal. It was a goal if you saw it from TV or any other angle but goal-line technology aka VAR said no goal. It was ruled that the ball was 1.1cm away from goal. In their words, the whole ball must cross the line. Liverpool had their chances but didn't convert. City did. Raheem Sterling played very well, so too Sane and Aguero for their goals but to me their best player was Bernardo Silva. He was everywhere, creating, battling and did not put a foot wrong. Quite a player.
Meantime, Liverpool's weakest link was the right side of defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold is their weakest link (when Lovren is not playing). He is young and shall improve but while good in attack, he was often caught out of position. That would leave a often panicky Dejan Lovren nervous. It was Wijnaldum chasing Bernado Silva before the ball was relayed to Aguero. Lovren was caught glancing over to his left at Sane and in that split second Aguero shot from the tightest angle and scored against a top goalie. It was something only Aguero could do - just too quick. Their second goal was again when Lovren failed to tracked anyone which allowed Sane space. Liverpool had their moments where City's defence panicked too but was saved by the goalie and goal mouth clearances. It was easy to see that City targeted the right side of their defence just like Arsenal previously did. You can't wait for Joe Gomez to be back as this is less likely to happen.
Tactically, Guardiola dropped Kyle Walker and played Danilo while shifting Laporte to left back. It signalled Guardiola's intent to keep ot conservative and tight at the back. Liverpool's could have targetted Laporte more in his less than usual role. James Milner could not have his usual influence perhaps after returning from injury and I wondered why Klopp didn't use Fabinho who has been growing in influence and when he came in late on he changed the game. While Henderson and Wijnaldum are good playing Klopp's high pressing style, they need a game changer in the middle. Last season, when Liverpool won 3-0 at Anfield it was an all out attacking breathless display. We wonder if Klopp should have opted for that element of surprise that is to attack City from the start to get an early goal. After all, you have a seven point lead which could be ten if you won and four if you have lost but then again if Klopp attacks and lost, you will ask why he did that. Last season City dominated possession but this match yielded very close stats. 50/50 possession. City had 9 to Liverpool's 7 shots. City had 4 shots on goal to Liverpool's 5. City had 3 saves to Liverpool's 2.
As I have said in the preview, it shall be a game of the finest margin which I predicted to be a draw, a very likely situation but it was not to be. I mentioned it could probably be an error or a moment of genius that would decide it. By the way, Vincent Kompany should have been red carded for his two legged high lunge at Mo Salah. It was a straight red card. We know what a good crunching tackle is. Kompnay may have said he has no intention to hurt but that was foolish. Many others who had no intention to hurt have ended injuring and killing some one. Can you imagine if Mo Salah did not skipped over. Winning is important but winning at all costs?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXqlYCzCcOs (Man City v Liverpool)
Let us see how things will turn out this weekend after the haphazard Christmas and New Year period. By the way, I wish all soccer fans and readers a Happy and Prosperous New 2019!!!
West Ham v Arsenal - Andy Carroll and Arnautovic are in form so not so good news for the Gunners but the Hammers failed to beat Brighton the last time and slumped at Burnley just before that. Arsenal recovered from that 1-5 thrashing by Liverpool with a good 4-1 win over Fulham but you have to remember this is a London Derby so it is not so easy to predict. The Hammers has a wonderful player in Felipe Anderson and he could trouble the visitors. Arsenal could win this match but you have to consider how they failed to break down Brighton and are conceding goals. Perhaps the home team could fight for a point. 2-2.
Brighton v Liverpool - Leaders Liverpool takes on Brighton and hope to return to winning ways having lost both their last two matches to City in the league and Wolves in the FA Cup. Mounting injuries to their back line which has been their greatest strength has suddenly made the Reds look fragile. The Seagulls have not lost in their last four matches and they are scoring goals. So this match is not as easy as it seems. Liverpool will have to recover strongly. Soccer like golf as in life is not about falling or failing but how you respond to it and how you recover. That is character. Will Brighton get a backlash? It depends on how Klopp will field his team and how he plays the game. Only Liverpool can do what they have to do. Brighton are unbeaten in four and can be stubborn so it won't be easy. The good news is Bobby Firmino is back to scoring. The Reds should keep it tight at the back and should score a couple. 0-2.
Burnley v Fulham - The Clarets are on a 3-match winning streak. The Cottagers were trounced 1-4 at the Emirates and went out of the FA Cup after being defeated by lower tier Oldham (1-2). Burnley are brimming with confidence again. Claudio Ranieri need to work some magic even for a point here and cause a surprise. It should be a close game. 2-1.
Cardiff v Huddersfield - The only good news for visiting bottom team Huddersfield is that Cardiff lost their last two matches 1-3 to Spurs and crashed out of the FA Cup after defeat by lower tier Gillingham. The Terriers themselves have not tasted victory in ages and also just crashed in the FA Cup by lower tier team Bristol. Both are in poor form and are struggling. I would say it will end as a draw. 1-1.
Crystal Palace v Watford - Palace won their FA Cup tie over Grimsby and surprised at Wolves' Molineux with a 2-0 win. Even Liverpool can't beat City but Palace did! The Hornets have not lost in 3 matches and both sides are getting better at this time of the year. If they both play for a win this may even be high scoring. Both are at about the same level so a draw may be imminent but I am picking a home win for Palace. 3-2.
Leicester v Southampton - The Foxes are one of the most unpredictable teams around. They went to Chelsea and won 1-0, immediately went to the Etihad and beaten City 2-1 then they crashed at home to Cardiff (0-1), lost 0-1 away to Everton and were defeated by lower division Newport (1-2). The Saints short winning spell have ended but they did hold Chelsea 0-0. Surely Southampton have improved under Ralph Hasenhuttl but time is not on his side. Somehow I feel Southampton may steal a point here. 2-2.
Chelsea v Newcastle - Things aren't going so well at Stamford Bridge. The one-time quite invincible Sarri-ball has looked a bit crock. I said a bit because essentially Chelsea is a very strong side yet after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup where Cesc Fabregas missed a penalty and bid an emotional farewell they lost 0-1 at Tottenham in the League Cup semi 1st leg. I remember fondly the wonderful play of Fabregas with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger where he was at his finest. How quickly Father time calls upon us. In their previous league match they were held 0-0 at home by Southampton. Though Newcastle have not won in their last five matches with a DLDLD they have harboured some hope of getting a result or at least a point like the Saints even though they have only scored twice in five matches. Chelsea lacks a real regular goal scorer and the Magpies can stifle play. With a bit of luck Newcastle could do a Southampton to get a point but Chelsea are too strong. 2-1.
Everton v Bournemouth - The Toffees seemed to have lost their way as they lost their last two league games where they also drew a blank. Fortunately this week they are hosting a Bournemouth side that has not won in four matches. Both are level on points in 11th and 12th place by goal difference. Both are in poor form. If Fraser and Wilson play, at least Bournemouth have a chance then I would say a draw here and there be goals as they are leaking at the back. 2-2.
Tottenham v Manchester United - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces his biggest test as the new Red Devils manager in this top match of the week in Tottenham's temporary home ground at Wembley which should make this a spectacle due to both teams' commitment to attacking soccer. He has so far won all five matches against lower opponents and now face an in-from Spurs that has lost just once in ten matches in all competition. If United win here, it will make the team and their supporters believe they could get back into the top four. Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son are in great shape and form and may be hard to stop. This shall be a real gauge for United on their level. United's defence remain vulnerable against Spurs' firepower but their attack is also flowing when OGS unleashed them. There will be goals unless OGS change tactically as Spurs are not the other teams. Tottenham are better than United at this moment and are at home. I would suggest a home win unless the Red Devils play at their best. 3-2.
Manchester City v Wolves - The victory over Liverpool and the big hammering of Rotherham in the FA Cup (7-0) and Burton Albion in the League Cup semi (9-0) have surely boosted their morale plus Kevin De Bruyne is back but Wolves are enjoying a really very good season int he top flight. For your information, they have beaten Chelsea and Tottenham, drew with City themselves and Arsenal. They too have the quality to play. Recently, they went to Wembley and defeated Tottenham 3-1 but nosedived to a 0-2 home defeat to Palace then followed up with a 2-1 FA Cup win over Liverpool. City shall be wary of Wolves as they could play a solid match and surprise even the best but at the moment City looks too strong. 2-1.
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