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Metropolis’s class ought to fear Arsenal and Liverpool
Watch highlights from Manchester Metropolis’s match in opposition to Manchester United within the Premier League
There was a curious part of Pep Guardiola’s post-match tackle, the place he informed Sky Sports activities that he thought his aspect’s first-half efficiency was higher than their second.
A half with no targets scored, and one conceded, was higher than a 45-minute interval that contained three targets for and 0 in opposition to?
It sounds unusual on the face of it, however you break down his feedback past floor worth and you start to know the sentiment – 90 per cent move completion, 18 pictures and a generated xG of two.73 – albeit questions can nonetheless be requested of the precise rationale behind an assertion so daring.
Phil Foden celebrates after scoring his second objective within the Manchester derby
In reality, Metropolis had been dominant all through, it is simply that Manchester United had been more energizing and tactically extra astute earlier than the break. They contained Metropolis higher, staying organised and compact. Andre Onana was commanding too.
Sadly for Erik ten Hag, the identical resilience was not utilized to the second half and Manchester United crumbled beneath the burden of Metropolis’s relentless stress. This was an ominous all-round show. One that ought to fear each Arsenal and Liverpool within the title run-in.
Neither Kevin de Bruyne nor Erling Haaland had been notably on track, however that did not matter. Metropolis reeled United in, simply as they’ve accomplished with their fellow title challengers – the right option to limber up for subsequent Sunday’s probably defining showdown in opposition to Liverpool.
Laura Hunter
Sunday tenth March 3:00pm
Kick off 3:45pm
Rashford’s riposte is in useless
Erik ten Hag had claimed that Marcus Rashford could possibly be unstoppable when at his greatest and that was the one option to describe his strike that shocked Manchester Metropolis early on. It was a blistering riposte to those that had criticised his performances this season.
Marcus Rashford places Manchester United forward of Manchester Metropolis early with unimaginable strike!
There isn’t a denying that Rashford has underwhelmed – this was solely his sixth objective of Manchester United’s marketing campaign in all competitions. However for these doubting his skill, it was a fierce hit that confirmed what he’s able to. The problem is unlocking it extra usually.
Whether or not that problem is psychological, bodily or tactical, this was proof that there’s nothing mistaken with the method. And but, the afternoon resulted in frustration, however, due to the alternatives spurned thereafter – and the results of that.
Poor management prevented him working by on objective when in behind quickly after his strike. An air kick on the far publish was a presentable likelihood too. Taking place when Kyle Walker put a hand on his shoulder proved to be the turning level. Metropolis equalised instantly.
Rashford had been eliminated attributable to an harm earlier than United misplaced the sport following two late targets and he left to heat applause from the travelling help. He had given a spectacular reply to his critics. And but, one suspects, the questions will proceed to come back.
Adam Bate
Similar Burnley, totally different day
Highlights from Burnley’s match in opposition to Bournemouth within the Premier League
It’s now turning into conceivable, maybe even seemingly, Burnley will finish this season with only one win from their 19 Premier League dwelling video games. A report so unhealthy, it’s in peril of eclipsing even the dismal Derby County of 2007/08.
It could be a damning indictment of a squad which, although cheaply assembled by modern-day Premier League requirements, is hardly out of the atypical relative to different promoted Championship sides.
Vincent Kompany received plaudits for the style with which his Clarets aspect sauntered to the second-tier title final season. He deserved it – revamping the Clarets from long-ball retailers to passing kings virtually in a single day was no small feat.
However such a method change is simply as spectacular because the outcomes it produces. Burnley have stored up that very same philosophy this season, however the outcomes have lengthy abandoned them. Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth was a living proof.
The Cherries arrived at Turf Moor with no win in seven. Burnley flew out of the traps and dominated pictures, possession, opposition-box touches, final-third entries – about each metric you would consider.
Besides one – targets. For the eleventh time from 14 at Turf Moor this season. And it isn’t arduous to see why. From 20 pictures, they created an xG of simply 1.53 – nonetheless their third-highest of the season.
But once more, Burnley had been far the higher staff till they reached the ultimate third. Neat and tidy, however missing high quality supply – even when overloading vast areas by each full-backs. Even after they did attain harmful areas, there was a heavy contact right here or one too many there.
That would not be so unhealthy if the Clarets weren’t so powderpuff on the different finish. They’ve solely scored 4 targets fewer than Everton, who barring their factors deduction can be 11 factors away from the relegation zone, however have shipped 23 extra.
Bournemouth weren’t the primary staff to take in the hosts’ early stress and rating from their first actual likelihood, an eminently defendable ball excessive which Dara O’Shea and Maxime Esteve did not take care of.
It is glib to say soccer is received in each packing containers, however it’s as true in Burnley’s case as anybody’s. And that is why, barring a minor miracle within the final 11 video games of the season, they’re heading again to the Championship with a whimper.
Ron Walker
Bournemouth present there’s extra to them than Solanke
Dominic Solanke performed a minor position in Bournemouth’s win at Burnley
On the best way up for the 300-mile spherical journey to Burnley, Bournemouth followers had been seemingly sweating over the health of Dominic Solanke. On the best way again, they are going to be questioning why they anxious within the first place.
Sure, the 26-year-old was an necessary focus up entrance at instances however watched on as his team-mates created their two targets at Burnley with out him. Sunday’s win confirmed there’s extra to Bournemouth than Solanke.
Latest video games confirmed an over-reliance on the Cherries ahead. When he scores, Bournemouth choose up factors. When he would not, they lose.
In actual fact, Solanke has scored the best share of his staff’s targets out of all Premier League gamers – and that is the primary time since early December that Andoni Iraola’s aspect have received with out their star man getting on the scoresheet.
However Antoine Semenyo has 5 Premier League targets. Justin Kluivert has 4, whereas there’s loads of attacking depth by Marcus Tavernier, Ryan Christie and Luis Sinisterra.
It means if Solanke, who has 14 targets this season, is to maneuver on this summer season – and there might be suitors – then Bournemouth have the foundations to maneuver on with out him.
Sam Blitz
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