We learnt from the Premier League this weekend
Theo Walcott still has the potential to produce For many, Theo Walcott has been nothing but a burst of hot air since his arrival onto the domestic football scene 10 years ago. But his performance against Chelsea on Saturday proved that the 27-year-old still has plenty to offer on the pitch. Walcott was electric with the ball at feet as he pinned back the Chelsea defence and proved a general menace from start to finish. Such a spectacle adds further gloss to what has been a remarkable start to the season for the player. His best days aren’t behind him just yet.
Leicester City need to clue-up on their corners Leicester were woeful under the setpiece against Manchester United, with three of their four goals coming as a result of the corner ball. With referees cracking down on grappling in the box – something Leicester’s two centrebacks were renowned for last season – the Foxes now need to adapt and tweak their approach to dealing with such a vital aspect of the game. Claudio Ranieri himself admitted that his team were not “smart” enough. Speaking after the game, the Italian said: “When you concede a goal, a smart goal from a corner, you aren’t concentrated. Now it is important to analyse and understand what happened in some situations.”
Charlie Austin revival shows what West Ham are missing Not long ago, West Ham had the option to sign Charlie Austin from QPR. When push came to shove, co-owner David Sullivan decided against it, explaining that the player was too injury prone. While Austin responded last year by labelling Sullivan’s remarks an “outrageous slur”, his goal on Sunday, and his performances as a whole this season, bear testament to what the Hammers are missing out on. While Slaven Bilic’s side have looked lacklustre up top, Austin’s tenacity and grit have served Southampton immensely well so far. Saints took a punt on the 27-year-old and it’s finally starting to pay off.
It’s time to offer Ross Barkley space to breath Ronald Koeman all but lost it on Saturday during his post-match press conference when he was confronted with another question about an ‘outof-form’ Ross Barkley. And rightly so. There’s no doubt that the midfielder oozes potential but the stifling atmosphere surrounding the player is suffocating his talent. As we’ve seen throughout the years, too much fixation with one particular player can prove damaging. It’s time to step back, shift the focus, and offer the 22-year-old time and space to grow. recovered from an adductor injury.
Fit-again creative midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud is also expected to be in the squad after playing against Ingolstadt, as Gladbach look to bounce back from their opening 4-0 defeat at City.
“We are happy to be playing against one of the world’s best teams,” said defender Oscar Wendt. “And it is even better that they are coming to us on Wednesday.”
“But we are no fans of Barcelona and do not want to play a supporting role on the night. We want to give it all we have and make something special out of it.” – Reuters Liverpool’s bright start bodes well Although it’s still early days, Liverpool have already staked their claim to the title after a remarkable start to the season. Asides from a 2-0 blip against Burnley, Jurgen Klopp’s side have impressed, shipping a startling 24 goals across their last 10 games, including four against Leicester and five against Hull. Compared to the whistle clean fluidity of Pep Guardiola’s men, Liverpool’s style of football may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but the side have delivered nonetheless. While they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet in the league, their bright start certainly bodes well.
Wayne Rooney’s fight has only just begun Rooney reaps what he sows after playing Man Utd in contract battles. With the captain absent from Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up on Saturday, Manchester United thrived against Leicester City. There was no doubt about it. The home side looked fresh and revitalised in Wayne Rooney’s absence as they ran four past the champions. Although Rooney’s demotion was well sign-posted on account of his recent dip in form, Saturday’s result has reiterated the inevitable for the 30-year-old. With Mourinho’s authority once again rubber-stamped following his side’s convincing victory, Rooney must now fight tooth and claw for a starring role on the centre stage.