The weekend’s Premier League action may have begun with an underwhelming Merseyside derby…
But what followed was a heap of drama. That included a dramatic derby day comeback from Manchester United, a five-goal thriller at the Emirates Stadium and another away-day triumph for Burnley.
And the Coral News Team are here to discuss all the weekend’s key talking points…
Pogba masterminds comeback with stunning display
While Paul Pogba hasn’t been a flop at Manchester United, the club record signing has failed to live up to his potential at Old Trafford. At least, until now…
The 25-year-old produced his finest display in a United shirt on Saturday, as the Red Devils came from 2-0 down away at rivals Manchester City to win 3-2. To give some context, that’s the first time the Citizens have led by two goals at home and lost since October 2006.
Whilst this wasn’t quite a one-man show from the visitors, it wasn’t far off. The Frenchman pulled United back into the game with his first goal, showing a striker’s instinct to finish from Ander Herrera’s chest-down. And the 25-year-old began the move for the visitors’ equaliser, before applying the final touch by nodding home.
But it wasn’t just about his goals. A bundle of energy and creativity through the second period, he was the impetus for the comeback. Chris Smalling grabbed the winner, but there’s no doubt who the man of the match was. Next up for United is the visit of West Bromwich Albion, with 1/8 for a Red Devils victory.
Last season was all about making Turf Moor a fortress for Burnley. But this term, they’ve been magnificent on the road. And the Clarets came up trumps again at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
Sean Dyche has proved himself a savvy tactician, switching up his side’s tactical approach week-in, week-out in 2018. And the 4-4-2 system they played against Watford on Saturday worked a treat.
Defensively solid and competitive in midfield throughout, they looked threatening on the counter-attack throughout. And they showed plenty of skill and spirit after going 1-0 down. Their goals came from a smart Sam Vokes finish and a Jack Cork header – both from set-pieces. Pretty? Not really. Effective? A resounding yes.
Merseyside derby disappoints…but hosts will be happier
Liverpool have built a reputation as the Premier League’s entertainers this season. But Saturday saw Jurgen Klopp’s men involved in an uncharacteristically dull Merseyside derby – the Reds’ first goalless league game in 16 outings.
Having gone into this game with just one win in 22 meetings with their local rivals, Everton will probably be the happier with the result. And despite leaking 53 Prem goals so far this term, the hosts’ much-maligned backline looked impressively solid.
That said, home keeper Jordan Pickford still needed to make a couple of strong saves to keep out the visitors’ talented frontline. And the Toffees should have grabbed all three points at the end, with Cenk Tosun missing a glorious opportunity.
Leaky Saints look set for the drop
Despite the arrival of Mark Hughes as manager, Southampton’s problems are showing no signs of abating. While they showed fighting spirit at the Emirates, the visitors’ defence let them down once again in a 3-2 defeat.
This was the third league game in succession where Saints have conceded three goals, and a couple of Saturday’s strikes were very avoidable.
Their backline were caught napping as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbed the Gunners’ equaliser, while poor marking allowed Danny Welbeck to get his winner.
Now three points from safety and winless in six, the writing looks to be on the wall for Southampton. They’re Evens to be relegated this season.
Slick Magpies could be strong next term
Newcastle United look set to bag the highest finish of last season’s promoted sides. Rafa Benitez’s men are now sat in 10th place, with a game in hand on the teams around them.
Saturday’s victory at Leicester City underlined the reasons behind their fine recent form. In short, Newcastle look like a well-oiled machine. The interplay for Jonjo Shelvey’s opener was superb – with the Foxes backline well and truly bamboozled.
As for their second; it came courtesy of a piece of individual brilliance from Ayoze Perez.
Whilst the hosts went on to grab a late consolation goal, this was all about another impressive team display from the Magpies – topped off with some Spanish magic. And that third win on the trot bodes well for next season.
