I was interested to hear Arsenal coach “You-n**i” Emery’s post-match words after ANOTHER away disaster at a direct rival.
He spoke of “positives” to be taken out of the 3-1 defeat at Anfield and I can understand what he was saying, but in reality the chasm between the two clubs was more than evident to see.
I agree, the Gunners were fairly comfortable for the best part of the first half, under pressure, but mopping up well and creating a couple of gilt-edgers on the break.
However, a lapse of defensive concentration for the Reds’ opener and David Luiz’s mindless decision to tug a shirt in the box killed anything Arsenal had to offer.
The pleasing thing for Liverpool will be such a straightforward result against a “good” side at this stage of the season.
There’s no doubt Jurgen Klopp will be working hard on finding the fitness and rhythm that epitomised the Liverpool of last season, because it just ain’t there yet.
The importance of winning games before reaching optimum levels at the beginning of the season is crucial, although most will simply say “early days”.
But the outcome snowballs pace and development, something that is happening over at Eastlands as well.
MISSED: United's Rashford. Photo: Andrew Yates/Reuters.
Whatever the worries are for Arsenal, it can’t be anywhere close to what poor old Ole is enduring at Old Trafford.
Yes, they dominated possession and shots and it could have all been very different had Marcus Rashford slotted his penalty, but it all looks very much like last season.
There’s a lack of coherence and confidence and a pedestrian midfield.
Drawing to Wolves and losing at home to Crystal Palace will only deepen doubts.
They are two underestimated opponents, well drilled and very capable, but should they be taking points from arguably the biggest club in England?
United look bang average and the false sense of security gained from the 4-0 win against a brand-new Chelsea has cruelly been dashed.
On a side note, I found it quite weird that official United social media platforms published the following before the Palace game: “Wish we were playing Chelsea again”.
Since when do clubs get involved in “banter”? Either way, it came back to bite them after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat, with Chelsea responding: “How’d it go?”.
Hahaha that’ll teach the cheeky bastards to stay quiet for a while!
OFF THE MARK: Chelsea. Photo: John Sibley/Reuters.
Of course, I was over the moon this weekend with Frank Lampard picking up his first three points.
I must say though, Norwich are a good footballing side - such neat work, great
movement and bold movement forward.
The Canaries will no doubt struggle as the season
progresses, they’ll be “found out”. And without great depth, they will have a tough time post-December, but a pleasure to watch.
It feels like ‘purer’ football, a bit like Wolves showed us when they came up, really impressive.
It’s very much work-in-progress at the Bridge, but seeing youngsters from the academy scoring all three goals was something very special, something the club has lacked and something that will validate the gaffer’s
philosophy.
So while we’re on that, you can cut the hectic banter for now, water of a duck’s back.
Just happy to be “entertained” every week by a side looking proud to wear the badge.
Something all too often missed in the modern game. . .