The Game

Arsenal are back in the title race, but are Liverpool suffering the delayed effects of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement last week? Tom, Alyson, Gregor, and Tony discuss the result at the Emirates and where it leaves both teams. It was a positive weekend for Manchester United, two wins on the bounce and Erik Ten Hag more upbeat than ever, have they finally turned a corner?

Chelsea by contrast go from bad to worse. The team see no light at the end of the tunnel for a team over budget, with no identity, no character and facing FFP restrictions. No such trouble at Wolves who are a showcase for the ability of Gary O’Neil…will Crystal Palace come calling if he isn’t given a new contract by Wolves soon. And a quick tip of the hat for Luton.

Timeline:

Arsenal v Liverpool

2’ Keepers at fault, Alisson and Reya,  should have stayed on their line.

4’ the let down after Klopp’s announcement

6’ Nunez should start if fit.

7’ poor as a team, off the pace, Trent AA nose out of joint.

10’ Arsenal were fantastic. Structured, first goal was great.

11’ Brave on the ball at the back, resisting Liverpool’s press

13’ What do Liverpool do now?

18’ It’s a reset moment for Liverpool…will they or not?

Manchester united

20’ Positive signs, two wins on the trot.

21’ there is balance in the team with Shaw and Martinez back. Mainoo offers legs alongside Casimero.

22’ Ten Hag suddenly has a predictable eleven.

25’ The Kobbie Mainoo goal could have been the springboard.

26’ There are lights and reasons for optimism, can they sustain it.

West Ham

29’ Tough start for Kalvin Philips at West ham. He looks short on confidence and a little unfit.

32’ missing pre season is key. Philips playing catch up from not playing at City.

Chelsea and Wolves   

35’ Fans berating players, some berating manager, joined with the Wolves fans who sang you’re f**ing sh*t.

36’ Wolves were a joy to watch. Everything Chelsea are not. Pace, bravery and positivity.

37’ Gary O’Neil not getting credit because it’s about the Chelsea crisis.

38’ Chelsea sold all their personality.

41’ Chelsea could be in freefall, they need to move players on.

41’ Chelsea If you take Tiago out it looks like a team of little boys.

43’ Is Poch the problem?

46’ They can’t afford to sack him, even if they want to.

48’ Will O’Neil stay at Wolves? He’ll be in demand. Are Palace looking?

Crystal Palace

51’ no depth in squad, can’t afford it, results reflect that. Bit of bad luck with injuries to key players.

54’ Getting rid of Hodgson would be a political decision.

55’ It’ll end badly, because the club shouldn’t have reemployed him in the summer.

57’ bigger issues at Palace, Steve Parish owns 10% but his a bigger say on pitch,,,why?

58’ There is conflict in the board room.

Luton

58’ Of course they can stay up!!

60’ They’re brave, they play with positivity and ross Barkley has found a home.