Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United continued their slump in form over the weekend, while Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool stole the show with a vibrant performance at Chelsea. However, there was plenty more on show across the Premier League.
From Everton and West Brom’s impressive showings to problems for Stoke City and West Ham, talking points were plentiful.
But just what did we learn from the fifth round of Premier League action?
Mazzarri makes it look easy
He doesn’t speak English and joined a club who bought 10 players in the summer, yet Walter Mazzarri’s first win as Watford boss was a coherent team performance befitting of a fine tactician. Playing a high-energy game with attacking craft, it may only be three points but it showed how well the Italian has got his message across.
Marc Wilson may have been right
Ireland international Marc Wilson – now of Bournemouth – left Stoke last month after claiming the team can’t defend because they never do any defensive training. Mark Hughes denied it but having conceded four goals in six of their last 11 games, Wilson’s words seem to hold some weight. Especially given how poor they are from set pieces.
Sanchez is Arsenal’s key man
It’s hardly a revelation but when Alexis Sanchez turns it on, as he did against Hull on Saturday, he makes Arsenal look like a side who can trouble the best. Yes, it was only Hull but his pace and drive was unstoppable and with Chelsea up next, the Gunners must be confident. What is also apparent, is they urgently need to sort Sanchez’s contract issues.
Amartey joins the party
After trialling Andy King and Nampalys Mendy as their nominal holding midfielder, Claudio Ranieri may have found N’Golo Kante’s successor in 21-year-old Ghanian Daniel Amartey. In games against Bruges and Burnley he’s played the understated role of winning possession and using the ball sensibly. Nothing fussy but vital to how Leicester play.
Koeman’s man management
Ronald Koeman knows Ross Barkley is the sort of talent he can build Everton around, he also knows he needed a bit of a kick up the backside after drifting for too long. Hauling him off at Sunderland appeared to signal a spell on the sidelines but Koeman started him against Middlesbrough and was rewarded with a fine performance.