The English Premier League ( EPL ) continues to throw surprises and enthrall Football lovers with play of the highest standards and an adrenaline pumping entertainment. The Match Day 11 promised some exciting contests, however the one which had everyone’s attention was the Liverpool – Manchester City duel and without an iota of doubt the match truly lived up to its billing. Let’s have a brief on the Day 11.
A Slugfest at Anfield
Liverpool have been struggling this Season with just 2 wins out of 8 games, with 4 draws and 2 losses. Their inconsistent form has been a topic of discussion amongst critics world over. Their loss to Arsenal last week in a closely contested match had further sunk their shoulders and it was widely expected that Liverpool might just not have the artillery to stop a rampaging, still undefeated Manchester City, on their visit to Anfield, Liverpool’s home.
Liverpool had their backs to the wall and this seemingly unmatched contest was the one they had to win despite all odds against them. Jurgen Klopp ( Liverpool’s Manager) had to be tactically seamless with Manchester City and he did ring in the changes. The highly talented Trent Alexander Arnold, who has not been having a great season was dropped from the starting line up. Mo Salah was the lone striker upfront, with Firmino, Elliot, and Diego Jota playing behind Salah, and a packed defence making it a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Manchester City on the other hand have been free flowing with their two main strikers Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scoring almost at will, with City scoring 33 goals already far ahead of the other teams. It was a real challenge for Liverpool to hold them at bay, and it had to be said Jurgen Klopp came up with a tactical masterclass. The defensive formation totally defanged Haaland and Foden, muting their runs. The midfield too blunted moves from Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne. Liverpool’s defence was impregnable and as time progressed City became more and more impatient to score. The second half was a treat to watch. After a struggle Foden did find the net for Manchester City but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Erling Haaland.
City’s desperation began to show and they went for an all out attack leaving the defence slightly exposed. The opportunity thus was created. Alisson Becker ( Liverpool’s Goalkeeper) moved a long ball to a waiting Mo Salah at the centre of the pitch. Salah received the ball, turned past the lone defender, sped away with electric pace and placed the ball with a sublime left foot past the outstretched hands of a fast approaching Ederson ( City’s Goal Keeper ), into the net. The roar from Liverpool’s fans was deafening. Salah had made it look so simple with his immaculate control and poise. In a flash Liverpool were one goal ahead in the 76 th minute.
Salah had missed a couple of chances earlier but his determined demeanour was giving all indications that it was going to be his night and so it proved to be. Being a goal down, City lay siege on Liverpool, but the Reds held on. They took the blows to safeguard their fortress and emerged 1-0 winners. The critics had not given them a chance, but Liverpool is not a team to be taken lightly and they showed their mettle by handing Manchester City their first defeat of the season. A real boost for the Reds as they moved to 8th position with a game in hand. A performing Mo Salah makes Liverpool a dangerous side. They play West Ham next and a win there will further propel them up. Manchester City stay in 2nd position, 3 points behind Arsenal.
The Other Fixtures
Manchester United played out a draw against a tough Newcastle side at Old Trafford. Newcastle would be happy to snatch a point. They have been really impressive this season after a long long wait.
Arsenal were favourites against Leeds United who did their bit to suppress the Gunners, however they emerged victorious with 1-0 score line at Elland Road, Leeds.
Chelsea travelled to Villa Park as guests of Aston Villa. Mason Mount was the star for Chelsea scoring two goals ( one off the free kick was spectacular). However the player who stole the show was Chelsea’s Goalkeeper Kepa who was brilliant in Goal and thwarted several attempts from Aston Villa. The scoreline would have looked entirely different had it not been for Kepa’s heroics. Chelsea eventually won 2-0, their 4th win on the trot.
An out of form Southampton drew with West Ham 1-1 after a series of losses, and find themselves in 18th position. A promising start gone awry.
Wolverhampton got the better of a struggling Nottingham Forest with a solitary goal. Some good news for the Wolves but still a lot to be done. For Nottingham it is not looking good.
Leicester City played out a goalless draw with Crystal Palace, doing no good to their standings this season. They continue to remain on 19th. They really need some stroke of luck to get going. Fulham and Bournemouth played out a well fought 2-2 draw and at the moment are comfortably placed in the middle of the table.
Tottenham Hotspur riding high on their good season so far, defeated Everton 2-0 to stay put at 3rd place. Another good outing for the Spurs. Everton are placed at a not so good 14th.
However, Brighton who have been so impressive this year were stung by a resurgent Brentford 2-0, resulting in the Seagulls slipping out of the top 4. For Brentford the Bees it was a critical victory.
Goal ( keeper ) of The Day
There were quite a few sparkling goals this week. However, the Goalkeeping too was exceptional. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea’s Spanish goalkeeper was outstanding with some exceptional saves against Aston Villa and ensured victory for his team. But Alisson Becker for Liverpool was simply phenomenal. He not only made a few brilliant saves but also made the all important pass to Mo Salah for him to score. It was indeed the defining moment of the game. Alisson Becker is my player of Match Day 11.
Team of Match Day 11
Liverpool it has to be, for their skill, determination and the way they protected Anfield their fortress from the best attack in the English Premier League.
Matches galore in the EPL with mid-week as well as week-end clashes lined up. So there is a lot to see, a lot to read and a lot to be entertained and as I write, Karim Benzema has won the Ballon D’or this year. What a player and what an incredible story.