Arsenal Forge Psychological Grip Through Set-Piece Chaos
Following a week where their own mental fortitude faced scrutiny, Arsenal have seemingly established a profound psychological hold over their Premier League rivals. Mikel Arteta's squad has cultivated such a formidable reputation for inducing chaos from attacking set-pieces that their success now stems as much from sowing panic as from technical execution.
The second goal against Leeds United on Saturday served as a perfect illustration. When Noni Madueke's corner swung towards the near post, a cluster of five Leeds defenders surrounded the ball. Arsenal's William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi, the only attackers nearby, made no attempt to challenge, remaining grounded. Yet, consumed by confusion, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka conspired to gift Arsenal a needless own goal, cementing their control of the match.
Time for Coaches to Find Solutions
Leeds manager Daniel Farke's pre-match admission that he instructed his players to avoid conceding corners hinted at an underlying inferiority complex. As highlighted by pundits, it is imperative for the league's sophisticated coaching minds to shift focus from merely worrying about Arsenal's aerial threat to devising concrete strategies to neutralise it. These are, fundamentally, just corner kicks.
Debating Fan Entitlement and Loyalty
The contrasting behaviour of supporters sparked debate. While Leeds fans remained until the final whistle at Elland Road, reports emerged of Tottenham Hotspur supporters departing at half-time during their team's struggle against Manchester City—a significant decision given modern ticket prices. This raises questions about a perceived sense of entitlement among some English football fans.
This was juxtaposed with the conduct of Eintracht Frankfurt and Napoli supporters, who stayed to applaud their teams off the pitch following Champions League defeats, despite neither side progressing. Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez felt compelled to urge home fans for patience during a poor first-half display against West Ham. Both Tottenham and Chelsea ultimately secured dramatic turnarounds, rewarding those who stayed.
Transfer Market Gambles and Serie A Perceptions
Napoli's underwhelming European campaign, winning only two matches, contextualises the performance of former Premier League players in Serie A. While figures like Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, and Kevin de Bruyne have built careers in Naples, the Italian top flight is widely regarded as a step down in intensity from the Premier League, potentially offering a more forgiving environment.
Against this backdrop, Aston Villa's £18 million move to bring Tammy Abraham back from Besiktas appears a calculated risk. Abraham previously excelled for Villa in the Championship and earned England caps during his time at Chelsea, but doubts persisted about his ability to score consistently in the Premier League's top tier. His subsequent spells at Roma and Milan were aimed at rebuilding his reputation. Villa's Champions League aspirations may hinge on this gamble paying off.
Liverpool's Evolving Dynamic and Salah's Role
Liverpool showcased glimpses of their potential in a victory over Newcastle, with new signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz impressing. The duo, alongside talents like Alexander Isak, represent a bright future. However, attention also turned to Mohamed Salah. While not at his prolific best this season, his performance against Newcastle revealed a less selfish, more team-oriented approach. If the 33-year-old can embrace a supporting role alongside Anfield's emerging heroes, he could still deliver significant contributions before his anticipated departure.
VAR Controversy and Refereeing Standards Under Fire
The weekend was marred by officiating controversies, highlighting the ongoing crisis surrounding VAR. Decisions at Manchester City, where Dominic Solanke's goal stood despite a clear foul, and at Old Trafford, where a lengthy VAR review frustrated all, underscored systemic flaws. The Premier League's refusal to adopt the semi-automated offside technology used across Europe, which delivers decisions in seconds, was heavily criticised as fans voiced their discontent loudly in stadiums.
Managerial Musings: Passion, Loyalty, and Importance
David Moyes provided a moment of levity, defending his passionate pitch-side celebration for Everton's late equaliser, affirming he would repeat it without hesitation. In contrast, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner's situation grew increasingly tense as he prepares to depart without renewing his contract. His public criticisms of the club's transfer policy appeared misguided, given his own lack of long-term commitment, potentially damaging his future prospects.
At Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes once again proved indispensable, crafting a late winner against Fulham through sheer determination. Despite a squad bolstered by new attacking talent like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat. With his contract expiring in 2027 and reported feelings of being undervalued, securing his future should be a priority for the club, given his consistent influence and durability.
