Another exciting football weekend was provided by the Premier League, with unseen stars shining and tactical choices being scrutinised. The following are the action’s five main talking points:
The Right-Backs Take Centre Stage:
The unsung heroes of a weekend full of incredible goals and memorable performances came from an unlikely position: right-back.
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United and Pedro Porro of Spurs stole the show with their bold attacking exploits and strong defensive performance.
Richarlison’s goal was made possible by Porro’s precise corner, demonstrating his ability to play both defence and attack.
Dalot, though, played well-polished defence, coming through with big interceptions and clearing the ball off the line.
During a match where Rodrigo Bentancur and other players made headlines, the right-backs demonstrated their merit by taking centre stage.
Howe’s Tactical Selections Called Into Question:
With Newcastle losing to Manchester City in the closing moments, Eddie Howe’s tactical choices were called into question.
Guardiola’s cautious use of Kevin de Bruyne, putting him on as a substitute, made Howe’s previous use of Joe Willock during a protracted injury layoff come under scrutiny.
Willock’s precipitous collapse and permanent benching now underscore the possible repercussions of making snap judgements.
Some feel that Newcastle may have gained a vital point if they had used their substitutes more strategically, as by inserting Paul Dummett or Jamaal Lascelles, due to the imbalanced bench.
Also read our article on “Guardiola: City’s Unyielding Title Defense“
Villa’s Travel Problems:
The team’s difficulties away from home stand in stark contrast to their excellent performance at home.
With big matches against Chelsea and Newcastle coming up, Unai Emery will have his work cut out for him in trying to recover from their travel illness.
This season, Villa has only managed 15 points from 33 games played away from home, indicating a need for ruthlessness and clinical finishing in their away games.
Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby, and the team are under pressure to discover the edge required to regularly compete with the best teams.
Chelsea’s Unexpected Turning Point:
Based on his previous remarks, Mauricio Pochettino may have revealed Chelsea’s potentially significant turning point.
Ben Chilwell’s recovery and Carney Chukwuemeka’s injured return should give the team more depth and inventiveness.
Chukwuemeka, according to Pochettino, has the ability to improve Chelsea’s inventiveness and offer hope in the face of persistent injury issues.
Even though the locker room is still packed, Chelsea supporters might have seen the start of a turnaround for their club.
Odobert: The Chic Kompany Man of Burnley:
Wilson Odobert dazzled everyone with a brilliant performance down the left wing in Burnley’s victory over Luton Town.
The 19-year-old displayed his terrifying pace and explosive abilities, having grown up under Vincent Kompany’s attacking scheme.
Odobert’s ability to regularly pose a threat to opposing teams’ defences and wreak havoc in their zone is encouraging for Burnley’s offensive potential.
Clubs may soon be pounding on the door of the fashionable winger as he continues to amaze, seeing the potential of a budding star.
The Premier League produced drama once more over the course of a surprising weekend, demonstrating the depth and unpredictable nature that make it one of the world’s most intriguing football leagues.
