The Premier League’s latest round of fixtures delivered drama, frustration, and relief as the key storylines continued to unfold. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are facing mounting pressure after a wasteful performance in their defeat to West Ham, while Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham side finally showed signs of life. Arsenal, meanwhile, are dealing with an ongoing injury crisis, and Tottenham’s struggles on the road continue to hinder their progress. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the weekend’s action.
Erik ten Hag Running Out of Time at Manchester United
Manchester United’s defeat to West Ham exposed a familiar problem: poor finishing. Erik ten Hag’s side created several golden opportunities, but they simply could not find the back of the net. Opta recorded five clear-cut chances for United, yet they only managed one goal. Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes were all guilty of missing key chances, with Dalot’s miss, in particular, being dubbed a “miss of the decade.”
Ten Hag, frustrated, admitted that his team should have been “4-0 up at halftime.” Instead, they left the door open for West Ham to turn the game around and take all three points. While refereeing decisions will be debated – particularly the late penalty call that sealed West Ham’s 2-1 victory – United’s inability to finish remains the glaring issue.
11 points in 9 games and goal difference -3 for Manchester United in Premier League so far.
8 goals scored, 11 goals conceded. pic.twitter.com/G8Kv0e6Od6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2024
The Red Devils have the biggest disparity between expected goals (xG) and actual goals scored in the Premier League, suggesting they should have netted six or seven more times this season. With just eight goals in total – fewer than the likes of Crystal Palace and Southampton – United’s profligacy is costing them dearly. If Ten Hag cannot solve this issue quickly, the pressure on his tenure will intensify.
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West Ham Silence Critics with Vital Win
After a dismal performance against Tottenham the previous week, West Ham responded in spectacular fashion with a 2-1 win over Manchester United. The victory was a much-needed boost for Julen Lopetegui, whose job had been under scrutiny amid whispers of unrest. It wasn’t a flawless performance, as West Ham allowed United to create several big chances, but luck was on their side, with United unable to capitalize.
Opta’s statistics revealed that West Ham shipped four big chances in the first half alone, but somehow kept United at bay. It was only the second time this season that a team had created four or more big chances in a half without scoring. Lopetegui will be thankful for United’s wastefulness and the result may prove to be a turning point for the Hammers, offering a platform for the manager to build upon.
West Ham’s defense remains a concern, but the three points gained in this match could be crucial in lifting the pressure off Lopetegui. With the noise around his future quietened, Lopetegui can focus on consolidating his side’s mid-table position and ensuring they avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
Arsenal’s defensive injury woes continued during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool, a match that saw Thomas Partey deployed as an emergency right-back. The Ghanaian midfielder, usually more comfortable in central positions, was called upon due to a shortage of defensive options. However, Partey rose to the challenge, delivering an impressive performance and helping his team cope with the attacking threat posed by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
Partey won 13 duels, nearly double the total of any other player on the pitch, and played a crucial role in neutralizing Liverpool’s wing play. With Arsenal struggling for defensive depth – Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber both left the field with injuries – Partey’s versatility has become essential.
The performance may give Mikel Arteta some relief as he deals with an ongoing injury crisis, particularly at the back. William Saliba’s return from suspension will bolster the defense, but the Gunners will be cautious moving forward, with several key defenders currently sidelined. Partey’s adaptability may be a short-term fix, but Arsenal will need to find a long-term solution if they are to maintain their title challenge.
Tottenham’s Travel Troubles Continue
Tottenham’s struggles away from home reared their head again as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just one of their five Premier League away games this season – against a disjointed Manchester United – and this trend is starting to hinder their ambitions of Champions League qualification.
At Selhurst Park, Tottenham lacked the composure and creativity that they have shown at home. Postecoglou admitted after the game that his side got sucked into playing Palace’s game rather than dictating the tempo themselves. It’s an issue that seems to be systemic, as Spurs have managed only three away wins in 2024.
The inability to perform on the road is concerning for a club with European aspirations. If Spurs want to compete for a top-four finish, they will need to find a way to bring their attacking style and philosophy to away games. Otherwise, they risk missing out on the Champions League for another season.
Chelsea’s Jackson Emerging as Key Striker
At Stamford Bridge, Nicolas Jackson continued to prove his worth as Chelsea’s primary striker. The 23-year-old scored the winning goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle, bringing his Premier League tally to 20 goals. Jackson is now the fifth fastest player to reach that mark for Chelsea, solidifying his place as a reliable No. 9.
What stands out about Jackson is his fearlessness in front of goal. As Jamie Carragher remarked, “he isn’t scared to miss,” and that confidence is paying off. Jackson has been involved in 13 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances (nine goals, four assists), making him one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets.
14 goal involvements in his last 14 #PL appearances (10 goals, 4 assists). #CFC | #CHENEW pic.twitter.com/RcGFLeUnaI
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 27, 2024
As Chelsea continue their rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino, Jackson’s development will be key to their success. With a young squad around him, Jackson’s ability to lead the line and consistently find the net will be crucial in helping Chelsea climb the Premier League table.
A Weekend of Missed Opportunities
The latest round of Premier League action highlighted key issues for several top clubs. Manchester United’s finishing problems are costing them valuable points, and Erik ten Hag will be under increasing pressure to turn things around. West Ham and Arsenal, meanwhile, have shown resilience in the face of adversity, but both have challenges ahead. Tottenham’s travel sickness remains a major concern, while Chelsea seem to have found their answer to their striking woes in Nicolas Jackson.
As the season progresses, these hits and misses will play a crucial role in shaping the Premier League table, with clubs battling for European spots and survival in the top flight.
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