Premier League winners and losers: Arsenal provide more schadenfreude
By Ty Finch
Loser: Expectations
Going into week seven of the Premier League, there was one game in particular that stood out. Manchester United were up against Liverpool, and the expectations for a fiercely contested battle were high. United have been in terrific form all season, and Liverpool’s attacking play can be a joy to watch. The match did not live up to the hype.
We should know better by now than to expect an exciting match when a Jose Mourinho side faces tough opposition away from home, but somehow,we keep falling for it. United played defensively throughout, and probably were lucky to get a point from the game. Liverpool easily had the better chances on the day, and missed one or two gilt-edged chances, as outlined by their expected goals.
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Other than the few opportunities Liverpool squandered, the game in full was a bit of a slog. There were six total shots on target, and the best moment of the match was an admittedly brilliant kick-save from David de Gea and subsequent miss by Egyptian hero Mohamed Salah. The biggest takeaway was Liverpool’s defensive effort, which has been lacking in the past. But when United are set up to defend for a point and not much else, it’s easier to keep a clean sheet.
This was the early match on the weekend, a 7:30 a.m. ET start time in the United States. I’d venture to say that more fans watched the backs of their eyelids than the moving pictures on the screen a few minutes in. We should remember this game the next time Mourinho’s side go up against a big club.