WITH more than one manager fighting for dear life, round 10 of fixtures in the English Premier League (EPL) took on extra significance. FocusM looks at the results of games played thus far.
Fulham 0 v Manchester United 1
Erik Ten Haag was probably under the most intense scrutiny after consecutive 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford. Issues have been compounded by a fallout with star players such as Jordan Sancho and a team not exhibiting the requisite quality. The fact that Ten Haag has been backed in the transfer market to the tune of £400 mil means he has nowhere to hide.
So it will be to his immense relief that the Red Devils managed to secure a precious win courtesy of an injury-time goal from skipper Bruno Fernandes. It did little to disguise another listless and toothless display from Manchester United and questions remain over Ten Haag’s suitability as manager of one of the biggest brands in world football but the win will ease the pressure a little for now.
Manchester City 6 v Bournemouth 1
The reigning champions are kicking into gear as they followed up the evisceration of Manchester United last weekend with another masterclass. This time it was Bournemouth on the receiving end and Andoni Iraola had no answer to the waves of attacks his side had to endure.
The gulf in class was there for all to see as six different scorers found the net for Manchester City but the main architect was winger Jeremy Doku. His direct running and wizardry caused all sorts of panic in the Bournemouth ranks. The Belgian netted one and managed four assists in this mauling which sends a clear signal to all rivals that City is very much focused on creating history with a fourth consecutive league title.
Sheffield United 2 v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1
Better late than never but The Blades pulled off a much-needed win courtesy of a penalty deep into added time. This comes after the Wolves had thought they secured a share of the spoils with an equaliser in the last minute of regulation time. However, a clumsy challenge by Fabio Silva saw The Blades awarded a late lifeline with a spot kick, dispatched by skipper Oliver Norwood via the underside of the bar.
With games against fellow relegation-threatened sides—Burnley, Luton and Bournemouth—looming on the horizon, Sheffield United supporters can be forgiven for feeling optimistic that a great escape could be on the cards.
Everton 1 v Brighton 1
A clash of styles here with Sean Dyche’s two banks of four went up against Roberto De Zerbi’s high-pressing game. The home side actually opened the scoring with a well-worked goal courtesy of Vitalii Mykolenko and then went on to frustrate the visitors. Brighton had the lion’s share of the possession but couldn’t find a way through Everton’s increasingly rigid and robust rear guard.
It took a late own goal from veteran Ashley Young to earn the Seagulls a point when he diverted Kaoru Mitoma’s cross past Jordan Pickford. Dyche though was the happier of the two managers believing the building blocks are there for Everton to start climbing the table.
Burnley 0 v Crystal Palace 2
Burnley set an unwanted record with a sixth consecutive home defeat to leave them mired in the relegation zone. Manager Vincent Kompany has complained that his side is not getting the rub of the green as Burnley’s performances have not been rewarded with points. But a home loss to a Crystal Palace side decimated by injury speaks volumes.
The Eagles have been in woeful form of late and presented Burnley with the opportunity to pick up some precious points. Instead, they allowed Roy Hodgson’s side to dictate proceedings and ultimately take all three points. The odds of a Burnley revival are looking grim and only the most foolhardy would back them avoiding the drop.
Newcastle 1 v Arsenal 0
Arsenal lost for the first time this season to a goal that their manager Mikael Arteta felt should not have stood. The fact that it required three lengthy VAR checks confirms that the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s strike to stand would be hotly contested.
There were questions as to whether the ball had gone out of play, whether a foul was committed in the build-up, and whether the goal scorer was offside which meant that the Gunners would be aggrieved that the goal was considered valid.
Arsenal lost the title last season in no small part to controversial VAR decisions and Arteta will be seething at the perceived injustice. Newcastle are in sixth place after a resurgence in form and are also in the quarterfinals of the League Cup. Magpie fans are just loving life under Eddie Howe at the moment.
Brentford 3 v West Ham United 2
An utterly thrilling London derby that saw both sides take the lead. Both teams went for the jugular with attacking football in the first half, which would have thrilled all observing neutrals. The much maligned Neal Maupay scored his first goal in 35 appearances, which set the tone for a frantic first half of football. The Hammers were absolutely dominant in the first period and restored parity via a stunning goal from Mohamad Kudus.
The highly rated forward signed from Ajax is providing West Ham with a focal point upfront and was instrumental in the Hammers’ second goal, with his effort coming off the post before being slotted in by Jarod Bowen. But a woeful second half where West Ham sought to defend their lead saw them disintegrate and allow the home side to pick up all three points. – Nov 5, 2023
Main photo credit: The Guardian
