Last night felt like a pivotal moment in this year’s Premier League title race, with City dropping points in a game they largely dominated while Arsenal won a game in which they mostly suffered.
City made to pay for wastefulness as Arsenal take title initiative
Last night felt like a pivotal moment in this year’s Premier League title race, with City dropping points in a game they largely dominated while Arsenal won a game in which they mostly suffered. Let’s start at the Etihad. City were in magnificent form going into last night’s game against Forest and I expected a routine victory for the Citizens. Guardiola’s men monopolized possession in the first half, taking a well-deserved lead when Semenyo neatly adjusted his body to prod home in the 31st minute. City kept on attacking and really should have had more of a cushion going into the break. They were made to pay soon after, with the excellent Morgan Gibbs-White- reportedly a City target- cheekily backheeling the equalizer past an unsuspecting Donnarumma. City responded almost instantaneously, with a rejuvenated Rodri bundling in a corner. But try as they may, City couldn’t find that all important 3rd. Forest looked more threatening as the game stretched and got a deserved equalizer, with midfield juggernaut Elliot Anderson finishing smartly into the bottom corner to send North London into raptures.
Arsenal go seven points clear with stodgy 1-0 victory
That was a 1-0 straight out of the George Graham catalogue. Arsenal took the lead in the 9th minute, as Bukayo Saka’s long-range effort was deflected into the Brighton net. And they went into their bomb shelter from that moment on, wasting time and looking for free-kicks in a nervy night for anyone in red. Brighton had 58% of the possession and over three times the number of shots as the Gunners. It was the type of performance that would have been crucified in the media had Brighton nicked a late equalizer. But they didn’t, and now the side is hailed for their defensive resilience. Fine margins. Having said that, Gabriel was an absolute beast in the heart of defence, making eight first-half clearances in the absence of Saliba. Hincapie was equally impressive at left-back, adding to his recent run of notable performances. But how bad was Gyokeres? That was some of the worst holdup play I have seen by a Premier League striker in quite some time. He lost all six of his duels and was unceremoniously yanked after less than an hoor. Who would have thought that Arsenal could potentially win the title with their big-ticket summer signing looking so poor? Regardless, this is exactly what Arsenal needed to turn the recent tide of media skepticism back in their favour.
Liverpool stunned by resurgent Wolves
Wolves are not going quietly into the night during their run to inevitable relegation, disrupting Arsenal’s title challenge before incredibly hobbling Liverpool’s Champions League hopes with Tuesday’s 2-1 victory . I haven’t commented much on Slot’s Liverpool in recent weeks, with most of the oxygen sucked up by an intensifying title race and Manchester United’ epic resurgence. But we mustn’t lose sight of how poor the defending champions have looked at times (and with much the same team as last season). Liverpool were one-dimensional in attack on Tuesday night, going behind 1-0 in the 78 minute through Gomes’ excellent counterattacking strike. That moment awakened the dormant Reds and Mo Salah equalized within five minutes of going behind (a rare moment of brilliance in an anemic showing from the Egyptian winger). Liverpool appeared destined for yet more Slot-inspired late heroics. But it was Wolves who would have the last laugh, capitalizing on some calamitous defending before Andre’s long-range effort was wickedly deflected into Liverpool’s gaping net. It could prove a costly defeat in Liverpool’s quest to remain amongst Europe’s elite next season.
Barca regain pride in Copa del Rey defeat
Barcelona exorcised some demons on Tuesday night, coming agonizingly close to one of the greatest Copa del Rey comebacks in history. Simeone’s men ruthlessly exposed Barca’s absurd high line in the first leg, scoring four first-half goals in arguably the darkest day of Flick’s stewardship. Barca looked intent on righting some wrongs on Tuesday night, as Fermin Lopez squandered a few early chances to bring Barca back into the tie. Barca’s relentless pressure paid off in the 29th minute, as a virtuosic run from Lamie Yamal led to a routine tap-in for the excellent Marc Bernal. Raphinha then converted from the penalty-spot on the stroke of halftime, setting up a barnstorming 2nnd stanza. Barca were just as relentless in the 2nd half, peppering Juan Musso’s goal. They would eventually get a 3rd, with Joao Cancelo’s 72nd minute cross volleyed home by Marc Bernal. Barca threw the kitchen sink at the Atletico goal in that final half-hour, regaining a bit of pride after last week’s weak capitulation. But try as they may, Atleti held firm. I’m pleased that perennial nearly-man Diego Simeone will have a chance at another trophy this season. Atletico will take on Real Sociedad in April’s Copa del Rey final (Sociedad edged past Athletic Club 1-0 last night, improving to 2-0 on aggregate).
Real rocked by Getafe
Arbeloa’s honeymoon period has well and truly come to an end. The Madrid manager helped stabilize things in the aftermath of Xabi Alonso, temporarily taking Los Blancos above Flick’s swashbuckling Barcelona side. But back-to-back defeats to Osasuna and Getafe have rocked the Bernabeu faithful to their core (not the greatest omen ahead of next week’s Champions League clash with City). Real hosted Getafe on Monday, looking to secure a safe three points despite the injury absence of Kylian Mbappe. Real dominated possession in the first half but lacked bite up front, with Vini Jr and Garcia desperately missing the Frenchman’s undeniable cutting edge. Real were punished in crushing style, with Martin Satriano scoring a peach of a volley (a just reward for Getafe’s plucky stubbornness). Boos rang around the Bernabeu at halftime, prompting a mini response from Real in the 2nd stanza. But despite their dominance, they couldn’t break down a well-organized Getafe defence. And frustrations boiled over in stoppage time, as Mastantuono was dismissed for something he said to the ref. Getafe also had a man sent off, with Adiran Liso stupidly received a 2nd yellow card for kicking the ball away.
Contrasting Coppa Italia draws
It will all be left to play for in Milan next month, as Como acquitted themselves admirably to draw 0-0 with Inter in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal. In fact, Cesc Fabregas’ side were left to rue some gilt-edged chances to take down the runaway Scudetto leaders. Mergim Vojvoda failed to convert two colid first-half chances as Inter struggled to find their usual tempo. Nico Paz went close after the break before Alex Valle squandered the moment of the tie, somehow conspiring to miss from just six yards out. The last 20 minutes turned into a bit of a damp squib, with both sides content with taking back a draw to the San Siro. The Lazio-Atalanta semifinal made up for the earlier snoozefest, with Lazio twice taking the lead and Atalanta twice pulling them back in a pulsating 2-2 draw. All in all, I think that Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino will be thrilled with how his side responded to the intimidating atmosphere of the Stadio Olimpico.
Player of the Week- Joao Pedro
This season, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has been one of the most underrated players across the major European leagues. The Brazilian has gone about his business with great consistency and reaped the rewards last night, scoring his maiden Premier League hat-trick in a thumping 4-1 win at Villa Park. He is now on 14 league goals for the campaign, matching Drogba’s tally for his debut season (not the worst company to keep if you are a Chelsea gunman).
