Mahrez wastes glorious opportunity
The Algerian’s 85th minute penalty miss cost City 2 valuable points against Liverpool and an opportunity to get their first win at Anfield in 15 years. Mahrez elected himself after a short debate with Gabriel Jesus (who was next in line in the absence of Sergio Aguero) and blazed his spot kick well over the bar. After the game, Guardiola admitted that he wasn’t aware of his £60m record signing’s poor record from 12 yards out but was adamant he would have made anyone else take it. Both sides threaded cautiously throughout the game, with opportunities and clear cut opportunities very difficult to come by. The focus was on keeping team shape and defensive organisation as both teams were very wary of each other’s capabilities going forward. In the end, Liverpool blinked first and Virgil Van Dijk’s late mistimed tackle on Leroy Sane was correctly awarded as a penalty. Mahrez stepped up and missed. Both sides had to settle for a draw in the end and miss an opportunity to gain a bit of advantage in the title race. This result leaves three teams(City, Chelsea and Liverpool) at the top of the table on 20 points. 2 points separate 1st from 5th as the Premier League enters the second International break of the season.
Salah form a big worry for Liverpool
8 games in, 3 goals scored. The PFA player of the year has found goals a hard thing to come buy as he struggles to keep up his consistency this season. Playing as a CF in a more advanced role, like he has been since the turn of the year, the pressure has increased on Liverpool’s most priced asset to deliver similar figures like he did last season. With an improved defence and a strong midfield, Liverpool will require their deadly front three to start firing as they aim to end the 29-year wait for the coveted league title.
Juventus 8/8
You could call it as 10/10 if we include the Champions League wins but either way, Juventus have been outstanding. Clear favorites coming into the season -for obvious reasons- ,Juve have not dissapointed. The football hasn’t been breathtaking or as exciting as would have been imagined but they have mastered the art of getting the job done and Saturday was no different as Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristiano Ronaldo were on hand to give Juve a well deserved 2-0 victory. Ronaldo, coming off the back of some serious issues off the pitch, looked unfazed and at his clinical best to hand Juventus the win. It’s been a joyous start to Serie A for the former World Best Player, and his 8 goal contributions in 8 games, along with 6 MOTM awards in 8 games will attest to the fact that this is a player who is really styling into the league. An 8th Serie A title looks set on the cards but success in Europe is the target this term and it will be interesting to see if Ronaldo can duly deliver for his new club.
Madrid lose again.
It’s been 4 games in all competitions and Madrid have failed to score. A run that began with a hammering at Sevilla, then a drab 0-0 draw in the derby, followed by successive 1-0 losses to CSKA Moscow and Alaves in the UCL and La Liga respectively. Karim Benzema started the season in some fine form but has looked out of sorts in the last few games. Gareth Bale has struggled for fitness and Marco Asensio is not as reliable to get you the goals. Madrid need goalscorers and are beginning to suffer from poor recruitment over the last 3 years. The decision to not replace Ronaldo, being the worst of them all. You don’t lose 40+ goals and not try to replace him properly. The warning signs were there and have been glaring for some time now but they were ignored. They find themselves in 4th place, 2 points behind Sevilla and 1 behind Barcelona and Atleti. Madrid will need their attackers to start firing if they are to challenge for honours this season.
Kylian Mbappe
The 19-year old produced a 5-star performance as he netted 4 goals in the space of 13 minutes to steal the show and take the game far away from Lyon. Neymar gave PSG the lead through a 9th minute penalty after Mbappe got fouled in the box. PSG then had a minor setback as Presnel Kimpembe got a red card in the 32nd minute. Lucas Tousart also got sent off for Lyon in the 45th minute. With the game a bit more balanced with 10 men each, Neymar and Mbappe combined very well in attack and the latter got on the scoresheet. He scored 3 more with Neymar being involved in all three as well. This makes it hattrick number 3 for Mbappe in the French ligue 1 with this being his first for PSG. The best Young player at the World cup and 2017 golden boy is enjoying a brilliant start to the season, topping the ligue 1 goal king chart with 8 goals in just 5 games. He has been brilliant and continues to prove why he is considered as being amongst the best in the world.
United Comeback
United pulled one out of the very top drawer to complete a remarkable comeback against Newcastle at Old Trafford. After a dreadful first 10 minutes, and first half in general, Jose Mourinho’s men came back from the interval a different side and put up the kind of performance reminiscent of the glory days. He spoke of the perceived ‘Manhunt’ in his post game press conference, in relation to the rumors of his sacking less than 24 hours before the game. His side responded well on the pitch and if anything at all, he might have bought himself some more time with that performance. Old Trafford was rocking for that last 20 minutes and it gave the fans a reminder of how good the team can be, how good the players are. The only questions left in their minds will be why they can’t play the way they did in every game. The answer still is to be seen.
Where do United go from here?
The problems still rear it’s ugly heads at United and roots go deeper than the manager. What this win does is to relieve the club of some negative media attention and pressure off the players. It also buys the manager more time to save his job. Personally, I doubt if he can turn this around but if he is to turn it around, the signs from that second half give so much hope.
Bonus : JT retirement
On Sunday evening, Former Chelsea and England captain, John Terry announced his retirement from football. He brought to an end a 23 year career decorated with 15 major honours and lots of memorable achievements. He might have lost admirers for his controversies off the pitch but on it, he is certainly up there amongst the best and greatest Centre backs ever to grace the Premier league. Happy retirement to the one known as the Captain, Leader ,Legend.
The Green Turf 