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Liverpool Go Five Points Clear – Will Reds Run to the Title?
There was a little extra zip in the air at Anfield on Saturday, as Liverpool hosted Aston Villa knowing that Manchester City's earlier defeat had stretched their cushion atop the Premier League to five points. Liverpool did not need a second invitation, converting two clinical counterattacks into goals, one assisted and one scored by Mohamed Salah, as he showed his versatility in the Reds' dynamic offense. Luis Diaz's midweek hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen and Darwin Nunez's strong return upfront reiterated Liverpool's firepower, giving fans plenty to look ahead to.
It might not have been perfect, Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to injury early in the match, for one thing, but Arne Slot's Liverpool is beginning to take form and momentum to go that whole length. Still unbeaten in the league, impressive 15 wins out of 17, showing the consistency that both Arsenal and Man City have failed to find this season. Could this finally be the year the PL crown returns to Anfield?
Man City's Woes Continue – Could Things Get Worse?
Manchester City is slowly getting found out, especially when Rodri is not in the team. The 2-1 win for Brighton over City featured eight big chances conceded by Pep Guardiola's side to further outline just how important Rodri is to City. Without him, they have been unable to dictate the tempo in midfield and have failed to nip several counter-attacks in the bud, as evidenced by arguably their most open display during Guardiola's tenure.
The absence of the Spaniard has put additional defensive burden on players like Mateo Kovacic and Kyle Walker, but Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan gave City's right side a torrid time. Unless City find some solution for these defensive gaps, their Premier League ambitions could be in jeopardy.
Emile Smith Rowe Shines for Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe of Fulham took full advantage, showing flashes of the playmaking ability that once made him a standout at Arsenal. Smith Rowe not only orchestrated attacks but found the net, although a narrow offside call denied him a brace. This resurgence has helped Fulham climb up the table, and if this form continues, come March, he might begin to get some noise for a call-up in England's squad.
Crystal Palace Struggles Amid Injury Crisis
This loss to Fulham sealed their 2-0 meeting as a seal of Crystal Palace's struggles due to an injury crisis in the team. Glasner had to change around his starting line-up without key players such as Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah. Manager Oliver Glasner spoke candidly of the squad being fatigued, both physically and mentally, and also acknowledged that these injuries may not get any easier before the next match. In fact, with only goal difference keeping Palace out of the relegation zone, Glasner has his work cut out in the coming weeks.
Carlos Baleba Emerging as Brighton's New Star The investment in Carlos Baleba is finally starting to pay off for Brighton. The young midfielder was at the heart of Brighton's second-half resurgence against Manchester City, using his pace to drive attacks and disrupt City's midfield. With his raw athleticism and tactical intelligence, Baleba is typical of the mold Brighton looks toward to fill their roster, and he may turn out to be an important asset this season as the team tries to climb higher in the table.
Stabilization of Wolves Begins
The worst defensive record in the league this season, resilient Wolves kept a clean sheet against Southampton in a much-needed 2-0 win. Manager Gary O'Neil was pleased with the discipline and adaptability of his team that limited Southampton to just a single shot on target. On the back of excellent performances from both Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes, Wolves do appear able to move clear of the relegation battle if this level of defensive discipline can be maintained.
Southampton's offensive woes continue: The lack of conversion of possession into goals is fast becoming a problem for Southampton. Despite the Saints dominating possession with 72%, Russell Martin's men created just 0.60 xG in their defeat at Wolves. The manager spoke of his disappointment and admitted his side needs to be more clinical in the final third. Unless Southampton find an answer to this soon, they might get caught up in a relegation fight at the end of the season.
It's Now Time for West Ham to Address their Sluggish Starts
West Ham's sluggish starts to games are a cause for irritation with the fans, and Saturday's scoreless stalemate against Everton proved no exception. The incapability of the team to get into their stride until well into the first half, allied to the approximation of some loose passing, resulted in them failing to capitalize on several clear-cut chances. Manager Julen Lopetegui has called on his players for more intensity and aggression but for the pressure to intensify upon the Hammers as they continue to seek the consistent form that has been elusive so far.
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