Matic the machine has rebooted
Nemanja Matic is a player reborn having provided six assists this season. Only Kevin De Bruyne has more (7).
It’s not just his involvement in the final third which has improved though. His little and large partnership with N’Golo Kante has inspired a personal and team resurgence, forming a perfect shield in front of the back three.
Nemanja Matic.
Lovren’s now Liverpool’s Mr Reliable
Dejan Lovren’s turnaround at Liverpool has been wholly impressive. Practically cast aside after a deeply disappointing debut campaign, the Croatian has now become their Mr Reliable.
Against Sunderland, albeit an unadventurous one, the centre-back’s positioning was spot on and all of his 94 passes (second in the team behind Jordan Henderson) were assured.
City’s soft centre is a myth
Pep Guardiola has had his managerial mettle constantly questioned this season, which is surprising when you take a look at the form book.
City have the best record away from home, winning five of six games on the road with only three teams conceding less and no one scoring more. At Burnley they showed they can win by any means necessary.
Are teams relearning set-pieces?
In the absurd nine-goal clash between Swansea and Crystal Palace, the defensive frailties from set-pieces were clear.
Swansea in particular struggled on corners with Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat frequently dragged out of position and outmuscled. With referees clamping down on shirt pulling in the area, is it playing on the mind of defenders and their habits.
Set piece struggles: Swansea and Crystal Palace.
Sims makes an instant impression
A fresh-faced, technically-gifted player emerging from Southampton’s academy and delivering a polished display on debut is nothing new, but add 19-year-old Josh Sims to the list of potential Liverpool transfer targets in 2018/19!
Against Everton, the midfielder was a deserved man of the match with a composed and controlled display.