Premier League hits and misses: Anthony Martial is a misfit for Manchester United while Mohamed Salah sets a new milestone for Liverpool.
On Saturday, Manchester United fans had few reasons to celebrate at Old Trafford; however, they did find one when Anthony Martial’s number was called up for a substitution early in the second half.
With a terrible afternoon, it was an awkward time for the hosts as they lost 3-0 to Bournemouth. Martial had hardly made three touches in the opposition’s area and had only managed one effort on goal, thus he had largely been a spectator.
However, the response went beyond his performance that day. Instead, it was resentment that he was still there and still starting games eight years after his arrival despite only scoring 12 goals in the Premier League in the previous four seasons.
Despite the exciting early potential he displayed in his youth, it has long been evident that Martial lacks the caliber needed for a club with the ambitions of United. And yet, there remains no workable substitute, even after enormous sums of money have been spent on hiring.
Without a question, Rasmus Hojlund has a lot of potential. However, he hasn’t scored a goal in the Premier League yet, and Erik ten Hag’s lack of support doesn’t exactly help him maintain his position in this squad.
Rather, the Dutchman returns to Martial, who is merely one of a number of players in a disorganized squad that don’t fit in. It is understandable why they continue to be so wildly erratic in the lack of an identity.
Nick Wright
“It’s pretty impressive… an incredible number for a super special player. I don’t know how often he saved us with a goal he’s scored in the right moment.”
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, said these things following Mohamed Salah’s achievement of yet another club record. Only five players have scored 200 goals for the team, and he scored his 150th Premier League goal with his equalizer against Crystal Palace.
And on Saturday, Salah made yet another outstanding performance—as if anyone needed a reminder. In addition to leading Liverpool in shots, touches inside the opposition box, and possessions won, he also scored one and provided an assist.
He was the person who Liverpool consistently turned to when they were stymied in midfield; he was the one who always gave the away end fans hope when he grabbed the ball. Unfortunately, for significant portions of the game, underwhelming performances by players like Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz did not improve things.
Klopp is correct; he has made incalculable contributions and scored goals at crucial times. When he was given a commemorative shirt in the locker room following the match, Klopp said it was “a pretty loud reception.” We’ll have to wait and watch the scenes.
Salah is not done yet, and it is well earned. He is aiming for another Premier League title, and who would refuse a player with his caliber and talent? It would only make sense.
Charlotte Marsh
VILLA ARE THE REAL DEAL
It has always seemed like this week will make or break Aston Villa’s status as a serious challenger. The results are in after defeating Arsenal and Manchester City. They are authentic.
Both games’ losses might have dropped Unai Emery’s team ten points off the top spot. Rather, they became the first Premier League team in twenty-one years to defeat the top two teams from the previous season in back-to-back games.
They completely destroyed Pep Guardiola’s team on Wednesday, and this effort was nothing like that. Clearly suffering from tiredness, Villa had no choice but to rely on Emiliano Martinez, a few judicious substitutes, and their incredible offside trap.
It was equally stunning, though, in certain respects. Despite playing much of the game on the back foot, they managed to stand firm against a more rested Arsenal, with Diego Carlos in particular becoming a rock in defense.
Villa is only two points behind the lead and five ahead of City as 2024 draws near. Though it’s unfair to label them favorites, Emery’s team is undoubtedly a contender for the win.
Joe Shread
THERE IS FIGHT IN CRYSTAL PALACE YET
There was a toxicity in the air at Crystal Palace after Wednesday’s dismal Premier League defeat to Bournemouth. Roy Hodgson took a swipe at the fans after they roundly booed their team off the pitch, although later backtracked. But three days on, that was replaced by a half-time standing ovation and the Eagles fans should be, as they sing, glad all over after Saturday’s performance, if not the result. For 75 minutes, Crystal Palace were by far the better side. Overall, they had more shots on target, a higher xG and showed the hunger and fight that had been lacking in midweek.
Roy Hodgson made the ideal substitution for Michael Olise by bringing in Will Hughes. At every step, Liverpool was smothered and prevented from creating chances by Crystal Palace’s midfield, which took away their chances.
However, all of their hard work collapsed at the 75th minute. The Eagles No. 1 had a calf injury, and after Jordan Ayew’s dubious sending off, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone quickly trailed him down the tunnel.
It simply adds to the list of injuries already involving Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure, as well as knocks sustained on Saturday by Jefferson Lerma and Odsonne Edouard.
Crystal Palace were terribly undeserved to lose late on. However, the supporters will not overlook the players’ efforts. All they have to do is keep those scores in each game.
Charlotte Marsh
COOPER FACED WITH AN EXECUTION STAY
The wave continued for a long time. The ominous glance into the distance seemed to indicate a separation. A goodbye.
When Nottingham Forest fans sang his name during a much-improved performance against their Midlands rivals, Steve Cooper wore an emotive look. Only one more inquest was successful.
The 43-year-old, who turns 44 on Sunday, is still under a lot of pressure after just winning one of his last 12 games.
Cooper gave his team a very obvious rallying cry: “Save my job.”
His much-changed starting lineup—seven changes from a hammering at Fulham in midweek—answered his call, but it was insufficient to secure the victory he so desperately wanted.
Although the supporters continue to hold him in high regard, the Nottingham Forest owners are not as understanding, and it is unclear whether he has gone far enough to persuade Evangelos Marinakis that he is the ideal person to represent the team’s interests.
Laura Hunter
Bornemouths Bravery Rewarded
The picture of Lewis Cook, who is supposed to be Bournemouth’s deepest-lying midfielder, taking the ball high up the pitch and cutting it back for Dominic Solanke’s opening goal, perfectly captures the daring of Bournemouth’s performance against Manchester United.
Cook put it best when he said that Erik ten Hag’s team was unable to withstand Bournemouth’s relentless pushing. The 26-year-old recovered possession a total of 16 times, which is tied for most by any player in any Premier League match this season. In addition, he has six interceptions.
The fact that so many of those saves occurred in United’s half is indicative of the mindset Andoni Iraola has tried to instill in his players. They are reaping the benefits of their audacity and adventure.
Ten Hag lamented United’s lack of aggression after the game, pointing out that the difference between it with Bournemouth’s and Cook’s made it appear even worse. Iraola’s team appears to be progressing, in contrast to Ten Hag’s.
Nick Wright
Burnley’s tenacious defense and fantastic Trafford give them hope.
Against Brighton, James Trafford was playing at the peak of his abilities. By the end, the 21-year-old made sure Burnley left the south coast with a crucial point in their struggle to stay in the league.
The thrilling 1-1 match at the Amex Stadium saw the England youth international make 10 saves, capture three crosses, and prevent 2.85 goals from being scored. Simon Adingra cancelled out Wilson Odobert’s first goal, so Burnley had to rely on their number one to make two excellent saves late on to keep out Jack Hinshelwood and Kaoru Mitoma.
After receiving criticism at times this season, Trafford’s performance demonstrated that he has what it takes to become a premier league goalkeeper, but his back four also merits praise. Between them, Vitinho, Dara O’Shea, Jordan Beyer, and Charlie Taylor made 19 clearances and won 22 duels. They persevered when Brighton’s constant late pressure could have easily caused them to collapse.
Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Wolves, which followed last weekend’s 5-0 thumping of relegation contender Sheffield United, brought Burnley back to earth. This outcome will definitely give the Clarets a tremendous boost, even though they lost 16 points from winning situations in the Premier League this season—tied with Tottenham for the most points lost from winning positions.
Next weekend, Vincent Kompany’s team will host 17th-place Everton at Turf Moor in front of the Sky Sports cameras, giving them a chance to gain some momentum before the hectic holiday season.
However, Trafford’s ability to perform at the same level as he did at Brighton will probably determine whether they are successful during that period. Though it’s a demanding request, he has now demonstrated his abilities.
Dan Sansom
Blades are given new life and belief by Wilder.
Sheffield United has been given new life just when they needed it thanks to the return of Chris Wilder.
After falling two points short of safety, the Blades’ victory over Brentford in just his second game in charge gives them hope that they may salvage their season.
Sheffield United displayed structure, a purpose, and a spirit that were conspicuously absent from Wilder’s predecessor, Paul Heckingbottom.
The supporters at Bramall Lane contributed as well, serving as a 12th man. It was evident that Wilder’s homecoming had energized them as the home team maintained their first clean sheet of the year.
On the sidelines, the 56-year-old was incredibly passionate and joyfully applauded James McAtee’s incredible victory.
Moments like these will mend the bond between United supporters and players, which was damaged during the team’s dismal start to the season, according to Wilder’s remarks prior to kickoff.
With the arrival of important players like Oli McBurnie, George Baldock, and John Egan, the team is beginning to regain confidence, and under Wilder, United can begin assembling a credible survival strategy.
Declan Olley
