Another game week comes to a close as certain clubs find themselves at the crest of their waves, while other’s spirits are wallowing in the ebb of their form. T4O looks at 5 of the key takeaways.
#1 James Milner Is Boringly Good
Hames Milerrino, or is it James Milner? We can’t tell anymore. The Liverpool number seven could have wallowed in despondency and disillusionment after his midfield position was usurped by players who are a better fit in Jürgen Klopp’s system. But that wouldn’t be characteristic of the former Leeds academy graduate, who through his career has been one of the most boring sportsmen in the land, devoid of any clamour or controversy, the sort of baggage that usually comes with the game.
James, to the surprise of many, has now owned that left0back spot for good, and is most productive left-back operating in the Premier League, which stats that’d humble the best. His link-up play in attack has been superlative, and his tendency to always be there as an attacking outlet, has aided his team, when they needed to get themselves out from a tricky situation. It’s only fitting perhaps, that he got the winning goal vs Swansea City that kept Jürgen’s juggernaut rolling.
#2 Arsenal’s Uncanny Resilience
Ever since their humbling at the Emirates, at the hands of Liverpool, Arsene Wenger has managed to call upon all his managerial strength to overturn the capsized fortunes of Arsenal Football Club, in his 20th season in charge. This very well could be their season, the way they have gone about their business.
An imperious display vs Chelsea, was like the magic potion from Asterix and Obelix, vanquished all the ghost of Chelsea results of the past at the Emirates, not having won against them since 2010 at their own backyard. Mowing down the Italian’s sentry with the consummate ease displayed by the French Gauls from the protagonists of Jean-Yves Ferri and Albert Uderzo’s most prolific work of fiction. Then came Basel who were riddled with nearly-goals, and to everyone’s surprise, it didn’t end 9-0.
Against the obstinate Burnley, who has humbled Liverpool at Turf Moor, they were neither imperious nor had magic potion working through them. What was, though, was an undeniable will to not lose. Such form augurs well for the rest of the season.
#3 Tottenham May Not Be Also Rans Anymore
Always in the shadows of their North London rivals, Tottenham has had to mind the gap for too long. The only team in the league that hasn’t lost a game yet, have just a gap of 1 point to mind, in order to leapfrog league leaders, Manchester City. With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, they have perhaps one of the best managerial prospects in the league, and with their squad having the temerity to take on the wealth of Man City, beating a Pep Guardiola team 2-0, without their leading lights like Harry Kane in the mix, could be a sign of great things to come this season.
