While still in 2nd place, Manchester United falling short against big guns
On the face of it, a 0-0 draw away to Chelsea was not a bad result for Manchester United, but its record against the big guns this season is lamentable and a key reason why the Red Devils are nowhere near challenging for the title.
United also drew 0-0 at home to Chelsea as it did against Manchester City while it picked up one point from two games against Arsenal, was thrashed 6-1 at home by Tottenham and drew 0-0 away at Liverpool.
While it has accumulated points against the rest, United is not punching its weight in the matches that define great sides and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows it.
“We have another good clean sheet but the next step for this team is to win these games,” said Solskjaer, whose side face runaway leader Manchester City next week.
Liverpool back to winning ways
Liverpool snapped its four-game losing streak with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheffield United, but it will need to be more clinical in front of goal if it is to beat Chelsea and rise above the Blues in the table on Thursday.
Blades ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale shut up shop in the first half as Liverpool created plenty of chances but misfired, and it took a Curtis Jones strike and an own-goal from Kean Bryan, who deflected a Roberto Firmino shot into the net, to see them home.
Firmino in particular looked short of confidence, and though Sadio Mane did have the ball in the net it was ruled out for offside. Still fielding a makeshift defense, the Reds will need as many goals as they can get if they are to get the better of Chelsea and start climbing towards the European places.
Long season taking toll on Leicester
Mounting injuries could derail high-flying Leicester City in its bid to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and Champions League soccer next season after it suffered a double blow in their 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal.
In addition to getting beaten by the Gunners, the Foxes also lost Harvey Barnes for what could be six weeks with a knee injury. Top scorer Jamie Vardy finished the match with an apparent calf strain but manager Brendan Rodgers said he expected him to be fit for Wednesday’s visit to Burnley.
Leicester faltered towards the end of last season, costing it a place in the top-four, and there are some worrying signs that it could be happening again.
West Ham loses, but shows top-4 potential
West Ham, predictably, became Manchester City’s 20th successive victims across all competitions, but its performance in a 2-1 defeat showed why it should not be dismissed as topfour contenders.
Michail Antonio grabbed an equalizer at the Etihad and West Ham, rather than parking the bus, showed ambition to take all three points before John Stones won it for City.
The club remains in fourth spot and with the spirit and unity David Moyes’s team is showing, West Ham fans are in for exciting months.
“So a big compliment to West Ham – after 26 games it is in the Champions League positions,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.
Newcastle gains a point, but at a cost
Struggling Newcastle United grabbed a point against mid-table Wolverhampton Wanderers, but with Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth all limping off due to injury, it may prove very expensive.
Krafth hasn’t been at has best lately but Almiron, who hit the post before going off at the break, and Saint-Maximin, who proved a handful throughout, will be indispensable as Steve Bruce’s side enters a run of games that will have a major influence on whether or not it can avoid the drop. (Reuters)