Mitch Freeley

Round eight of the Premier League season threw up plenty of interesting talking points ahead of the international break. 

United show some character to give Jose a reprieve… for now

Manchester United battled back from two goals down to defeat Newcastle 3-2 in what was a real test of the squad’s character on Saturday evening. United looked disjointed from the very start and two defensive errors from Eric Baily & Ashley Young were punished as Kenedy & Yoshinori Muto fired the Magpies into a 2-0 lead with just nine minutes played. 

Mourinho has to be credited in changing the side and subbing Baily after ninteen minutes. The tactical tweak eventually paid dividends as Juan Mata hauled United back into the contest twenty minutes from time with a free-kick before Antony Martial scored the equalizer six minutes later. United rolled back the years in the hunt for a winner and showed shades of an Alex Ferguson side in scoring at the very death. It a twist of fate, the much-maligned Alexis Sanchez, who was thrown on as a sub popped up with a deft header to seal a 3-2 win. 

The result goes some way in stopping the rot at Old Trafford, however, you still get the impression that Mourinho will have to do much more to restore his reputation. It doesn’t get any easier for the special one after the international break, a crunch tie against former side Chelsea awaits. 

Howe central to Bournemouth success 

Bournemouth has made their best ever start to the Premier League season, and that is thanks in no small part to boss Eddie Howe. The English coach has been quietly going about his business on the south coast and masterminded a 4-0 away victory to Watford over the weekend. Josh King grabbed a brace as Watford saw defender Christian Kabasele sent off after 32 minutes. 

Reflecting after the game, Howe hailed the thumping of the ten men of Watford insisting that this result can give his squad the belief to succeed this season. “I just hope it gives us the confidence and belief that you need to win really difficult games in the Premier League.” The Cherries are now on a three-game winning streak in all competitions and will be looking to maintain their momentum  when they take on south coast rivals Southampton after the international break. 

Everton starting to sparkle under influence of Sigurdsson

Gylfi Sigurdsson’s long-range screamer was the difference maker as Everton beat the ten men of Leicester 2-1. Last season the Icelander was often shunted out to the left wing under Sam Allardyce bringing indifferent performances in the process. 

Now under the guidance of Marco Silva, Sigurdsson has been placed in his preferred position behind the striker and slowly is excreting his influence. This was evident against Leicester as Iceland international dictated play and dovetailed in attack with Richarlison & Bernardo. His stunning 77th-minute winner from distance underlined his class. If Everton is to break into the European places this season they will need to have Sigurdsson fit and firing on all cylinders. 

Emery’s Arsenal revolution gaining momentum

After trecking 4,000 odd miles to Baku on Thursday in the Europa League, many Premier League pundits had Arsenal struggling against Fulham on Sunday afternoon. However, the Gunners continued their winning streak to nine consecutive games with a comfortable 5-1 win. 

Unai Emery diligently switched up his side for the trip to West London, opting to continue to rest the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang & Aaron Ramsey on the bench. The two players came on in the second half and swung the tie Arsenal’s way. Ramsey’s goal, in particular, must have left the Spanish coach pleased as he won the ball in his own half, before turning in Aubameyang’s cross with a deft backheel in what has to be an early contender for goal of the season. 

It’s interesting to see how Emery is slowly changing the playing style of the side, focusing on possession and pressing to get the best results from his players. It must be also a breath of fresh air for Arsenal fans to see Emery barking orders at his players from the sidelines, quite the change in pace from the bench dwelling management of Arsene Wenger. Whilst the nine-game streak is one to be proud of, Arsenal fans should keep an eye on the horizon. A November the 3rd game against Liverpool will be a truer test of the sides standing in the Premier League. 

Pep the happier after the top of the table stalemate

Pep Guardiola will be the happier of the two managers following Liverpool & Manchester City drew 0-0 in Sunday evening’s top of the table showdown. City just edged possession with 51% but did a perfect job in shutting down the Liverpool front three and reducing any shots on target for Jurgen Klopp’s side. 

City had a golden chance to win the tie had Algerian international Riyad Mahrez not smashed over a late penalty. It’s important to note that City had been comprehensively beaten on their last two visits to Anfield so on the balance of a clean sheet against a title rival is a good result for the Citizens’s. 

Pep Guardiola was quick to praise his side who are still top of the table on goal difference.  “We controlled them in terms of the counter-attack with Mohamed Salah, the back four was so good in the end we had a chance our option (to win the game) but in the end, it’s a good result.” 

After the international break, Burnley visits the Etihad before gruelling away trips to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League & Spurs. If City comes away unscathed the dream of back-to-back Premier League crowns could well be on.