Only two goals were scored in four matches yesterday (hardly the greatest advertisement for cut-and-thrust English football). Still, there were some key results that could have long-term ramifications for the season.
Manchester City drop vital points at Sunderland
Manchester City have really struggled in the northeast of England, suffering their most recent Premier League defeat at Newcastle before dropping precious points at Sunderland last night. It was a painful result that ended the Citizens’ impressive eight-match winning streak.
And it could have been much worse. Gianluigi Donnarumma showed his worth for Pep, pulling off three crucial saves to keep City within four points of Arsenal. City were shambolic in the first half, with breakthrough left-back Nico O’Reilly mercilessly exposed down his flank. Nordi Mukiele treated Erling Haaland with all the respect of the playground bully, man-marking the Norwegian goal-scoring dynamo out of the match.
Subs nearly come to rescue
To be fair to Pep, he made some critical changes in the second half that completely altered the trajectory of the game. The last 20-25 minutes felt like the game that many were anticipating, with City bossing possession while Sunderland looked to launch incisive counterattacks.
So, this wasn’t a case of City looking completely flat throughout. Nico Gonzalez took a slight knock, and Rodri came on to replace him. The Spaniard looked authoritative in his return to the heart of midfield, spreading play with Pirlo-esque assuredness.
Doku looked like the likeliest man to break the deadlock after coming on for Savio. He was absolutely scintillating down that left-hand side, using his mesmerising dancing feet to send the Sunderland defence into panic mode. It was another substitute who came closest for City, with Josko Gvardiol popping up with a unique attempt that rattled off the upright.
On most nights, a point at the Stadium of Light would be seen as a solid outing. Régis Le Bris has fashioned a hard-working unit that suffocates the life out of the opposition. But with so many Sunderland players away on Afcon duty and Arsenal winning so handsomely against Villa; this was definitely a setback for Guardiola’s side.
Liverpool lifeless in insipid 0-0 draw with Leeds United
I wonder what Slot feels about Mo Salah right now. Salah’s participation at Afcon- coupled with Isak’s long-term injury absence- has left Slot with a shortage of attacking options. Ekitike played up front last night, with Wirtz and Frimpong looking to support him from wide areas. Liverpool basically monopolised the ball with 66% possession.
But they struggled to turn that into meaningful chances, with only four shots on target out of 16. Frimpong was the one guy who got Liverpool fans out of their seats from time to time, using his blistering pace to burn a few defenders. Still, he- like all the Reds- lacked real quality in the final third.
Florian Wirtz had arguably his best game in a Liverpool shirt against Wolves, using his extraordinary movement and vision to dictate proceedings. He was a virtual non-entity last night, failing to build on the goal he scored against the table-propping Midlands outfit.
Boos ring around Anfield
Last night was the first 0-0 draw of the Arne Slot era. Yes, Liverpool have suffered some notable injury issues this season. But you can’t be hitting just four shots on target against a newly promoted side at home. Slot’s side received a few scattered boos at the full-time whistle (a rarity in the days of Klopp, good or bad).
Klopp had the type of effortless charisma that could engage crowds during poor periods (and there were poor periods). Slot doesn’t really have that feather in his bow. I think that may be the reason that Slot is held to a slightly higher standard. Still, they are now unbeaten in eight matches and find themselves safely ensconced in the top four.
