4 things we learned: Liverpool are as good as anyone in the Premier League
By Dan Voicescu
Manchester United got a big win away at Arsenal, Liverpool are hitting their stride and more. Here’s what we learned from Premier League matchweek 15.
Manchester United played an uncharacteristically open game against Arsenal, benefitting from the home team’s mistakes to come away with an impressive win at the Emirates. Eden Hazard and Philippe Coutinho are back in top form, propelling Chelsea and Liverpool to impressive wins, and Everton have officially turned the corner with another win and clean sheet. Here’s what we learned from the Premier League weekend.
United’s pressing (and goalkeeping) pays big dividends
The biggest game of the matchweek didn’t disappoint. After Manchester United took a 1-0 lead after only four minutes, it seemed likely we were going to be treated to another exhibition of bus parking and quick counter-attacks from Jose Mourinho’s men. Alas, it was not to be.
Instead, United continued to press high (by their standards), exploiting Arsenal’s lack of sharpness on the backline. United’s first two goals were a result of sloppy passing out of the back, with the United forwards pouncing and creating chances off turnovers. In particular, Jesse Lingard’s play has been remarkable of late, the young English forward is buzzing with confidence, and creating havoc for opposing defenders. If only his Milly Rock were up to par with his level of play …
Arsenal managed to create a ton of chances, and were it not for David De Gea’s spectacular saves in the first half the result could’ve been completely different. The Spaniard made 14 saves and essentially kept United on top. It’s safe to say the Victor Lindelof-Marco Rojo-Chris Smalling three man backline isn’t here to stay.
The game was surprisingly wide open, as both teams transitioned quickly from defense to offense and did very well playing the ball into open spaces. In particular, Arsenal’s power duo of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez were very successful unpacking United’s defensive set up.
Credit to United for getting after it and pressing high instead of sitting back and shutting the game down — at least until Paul Pogba’s dismissal in the 74th minute. Scoring three goals at the Emirates is no small task, especially considerin United had just scored four on the road at Watford. Despite their reputation as a defensive-minded, boring team United are second in goals scored in the Premier League.
It’s performances like this one that will silence Mourinho’s critics, as United continue to pile up points and provide some entertainment while they’re at it.