Four lessons learnt from the Premier League this weekend
The weekend’s Premier League action contained furiously debated incidents, spirited displays from so-called underdogs, first-half red cards and 29 goals.
Liverpool achieved the best Possession Score (139) of the weekend during their 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park in Saturday’s early kick-off. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was sent off for Newcastle United in the 39th minute following a collision with Luis Suárez, resulting in Steven Gerrard scoring from the spot. Given the early numerical advantage, Liverpool went on to fashion the most chances (19) – and thus the greatest number of shots (21) – of any other team. They couldn’t capitalise however, relying on Daniel Sturridge to rescue a valuable point that kept them in contention with the leading pack.
Contrastingly, Sunderland, under guidance of their new manager Gus Poyet, only managed a modest six shots during their 4-0 loss to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion played out a 0-0 draw at the Britannia, while David Moyes’ Manchester United were hassled and harried throughout 90 minutes by a forceful Southampton side at Old Trafford; the result of which saw both teams having a share of the spoils come the final whistle.
Aston Villa (-45), Hull City (-59) and Cardiff City (-109) were the only teams to collect negative Squawka Performance Scores. Villa lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham, Hull City were defeated 2-1 by Everton – who moved into seventh place alongside Southampton – and Cardiff City struggled to contain Chelsea, with the Blues running out 4-1 winners.
Elsewhere, Manchester City maintained their place in the top-4 with a 3-1 away victory over West Ham United, while Arsenal, inspired by the majestic Mesut Özil, overcame Norwich City 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners completed the greatest number of passes (553) during the weekend’s action, with an accuracy of 85%.
Tactical Titbits
Sam Allardyce’s birthday celebrations were soured on Saturday, as the battle-hardened manager witnessed his strikerless West Ham United side lose to Manchester City.
The Hammers lined up in a 4-6-0 formation that saw Mohamed Diamé and Ravel Morrison taking turns to lead the line – although Diamé was predominantly the furthest forward due to his greater physical attributes when compared to the young Englishman. Ricardo Vaz Tê and Stewart Downing positioned themselves on the left and right flank respectively, while the combative Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble completed the midfield.
Uncharacteristically for West Ham – remembering that Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole or Mladen Petri? often start up front – they only managed to win four headers in City’s half, relying on their main source of penetration to arrive from the flanks. Indeed, their wide players created their best chances via direct crosses to the penalty spot. However, I can’t help feeling that the lack of an aerial powerhouse limited their threat somewhat.
West Ham finished the match with 43% possession, due in part to their first-half tendency to drop below the centre circle when Manchester City caressed the ball throughout midfield – an attempt by the home side to maintain a deal of rigidity to their defensive structure. By conceding possession in this manner, Man City completed 305 first-half passes, inspired by a 16th minute Sergio Agüero goal.
Goals followed in the second-half, however Sam Allardyce was left to eat the remainder of his birthday cake with a frown, as his team succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.
Success Story
If guiding his country to the 2014 World Cup wasn’t enough, Steven Gerrard completed 91 passes during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United. His contribution also included six key passes – the greatest two passing totals of their respective categories during Saturday and Sunday’s action.