1
Arteta needs to reinforce the attack
Although Arsenal have enjoyed another good campaign, they will most likely finish second again, victims of the almost unbeatable combination of state wealth and Pep Guardiola. And regardless of whether they finish as champions or runners-up, they must improve next season, which is not easy given that after a season of 84 points they accumulated 86 and there are still three to play. However, on five occasions this season, Arsenal have failed to score in a league match, nor in the FA Cup against Liverpool and the Champions League at Bayern Munich, meaning that, unlike Manchester City and Liverpool in 2019-20, they lack superstars capable of overcoming poor performances with individual brilliance, finding crucial goals where there seemed to be none. none. This is not a problem that is easily solved, but Jürgen Klopp found a way, completing an already excellent team by adding Alisson and Virgil van Dijk to his backline; Mikel Arteta must now do the same with Arsenal's attack. Daniel Harris
2
Van de Ven shows its versatility
No one was more relieved that Tottenham managed to end their poor run of form with the latest win over Burnley than Ange Postecoglou. Micky van de Ven's winning goal finally came after the Dutchman, who received his player of the year award before the match despite missing much of the season through injury, was moved to left back to replace Oliver Skipp and find himself. capable of producing a serene shot worthy of any striker. It was another example of one of Postecoglou's tactical adjustments making the difference in a campaign that has been undermined by defensive injuries, although he hinted that Van de Ven is likely to return to central defense against Manchester City on Tuesday. “I've been aware that Micky has had a couple of injuries and the demands of playing as a left-back are very different to playing as a centre-back,” said the Spurs boss. “I just have to be careful; the most important thing is what we're trying to build here, and he was reluctant to expose it just for that reason.” Ed Aaron
3
Murillo shines even in defeat
In the midst of a colossal mix of signings since his return to the first division, Brazilian central defender Murillo seemed like Nottingham Forest's best deal. The defender impressed again against Chelsea, not only because of his defensive attributes; He was able to lead fast breaks and pick out 50-yard passes. It's hard to believe this is the 21-year-old's first season in the Premier League. Since his debut he has seemed comfortable in a struggling team, capable of coping with the physical aspect of English football and showing that he has the brain to cope with the speed of the game. One problem for Forest is that they may need to sell someone like Murillo in the summer to comply with financial rules. They will have no shortage of interested parties in the young left-footed centre-back. won't win
With two league games remaining, Manchester United have lost 14 times and have a goal difference of -4: a miserable humiliation for a record for which Erik ten Hag must take responsibility. And yet, the two defenders he signed to play his own way, Lisandro Martínez and Tyrell Malacia, have barely played this season, as have Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, while Kobbie Mainoo, Raphaël Varane, Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund are out. They have lost months rather than weeks, and Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are now absent. In such a context it seems harsh to blame the manager, however, the aimless chaos That characterizes many of United's performances and suggests that their instructions are not being followed. It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will remain in charge – the dearth of potential replacements may save him – but in the meantime he must somehow instil confidence and a plan, because a second successive FA Cup final against a rampaging Manchester City has the potential to make the disastrous last 10 months look like a triumph. dh
5
Earthy ready to make his mark
George Earthy's debut in the Premier League did not go well. He came on against Fulham and lasted seven minutes before coming off with a serious head injury. Fortunately, the 19-year-old's next appearance was better. As a substitute against Luton, Earthy scored with his first touch and bagged his first senior goal for West Ham after converting Mohammed Kudus's cut-back. It was a lovely moment for the youngster, who is one of the best players in West Ham's academy, and Julen Lopetegui, the incoming manager, is expected to be paying attention. “George Earthy is a really talented player,” said departing David Moyes after the 3-1 win. Moyes went on to explain that the attacking midfielder's next step is to improve his physicality. He pointed out how diminutive managers like Bernardo Silva and David Silva have thrived in the Premier League. Earthy has examples to follow. Jacob Steinberg
6
A disconcerting exit for Haaland
Manchester City were so many streets ahead of Fulham that it was easy to ignore that Erling Haaland had a game to reflect on. Can you really question the Premier League's top scorer, four more than Cole Palmer with 25? Pep Guardiola certainly can, screaming in agony after a particularly serious miss. Haaland, last year's Football Writers' Player of the Year, received no votes in this year's poll, while Diogo Dalot, John McGinn and Ross Barkley each found favor with at least one hack. At Fulham, his combination play was much better than the “League Two” Standard Roy Keane It tarnished it, but there are times when City's exchange could be more skillful. At times it may seem that Haaland, the franchise player, does not quite fit into the franchise, his talent is so unique that not even Guardiola can get to the bottom of it. However, as season two drops go, the numbers are still impressive. John Brewin
after newsletter promotion
7
Howe's European hopes on a knife edge
Newcastle's 52,000-capacity stadium may not be the Premier League's largest stadium or even its most modern, but Roberto De Zerbi believes it is England's number one. “We played in a fantastic atmosphere,” said the Brighton manager after Saturday's 1-1 draw. on Tyneside. “St James' Park is incredible, it's the best stadium in the Premier League.” Newcastle's Saudi Arabian majority owners would like Eddie Howe's side to be the division's best on the field too, but their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League have been slightly dented by a combination of Julio Enciso's exciting Brighton's 20-year-old Paraguayan attacking playmaker, and the ability of De Zerbi's players to reduce time by reducing the pace of the game. Howe's European hopes rest on Wednesday's trip to Manchester United and Sunday's trip to Brentford, but it would be a shame if St James' Park, also known as Newcastle's “citadel on the hill”, did not host European nights next season. Louise Taylor
8
Calvert-Lewin reaches a crossroads
A fully fit and in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a major contributor to Everton's impressive end to the season, culminating at Goodison Park with a fifth consecutive home win and a clean sheet – the club's best run in a single campaign. in 11 years. His impact may have come too late for him to return to the England fold for the Euros but, with four goals in his last six games plus a decisive assist against his former club Sheffield United, the striker's importance to Everton is not overlooked. unnoticed by anyone. But now the crisis comes. Calvert-Lewin, who has only missed six Premier League games this season, enters the final 12 months of his contract in the summer. Everton are in no position to lose a valuable asset for free in 2025, but Sean Dyche cannot tolerate losing a striker the club cannot afford to replace on comparable terms. “The job for next season is to make sure we safeguard this club in the Premier League,” the Everton manager said. He faces a tough decision unless Everton can convince Calvert-Lewin to extend his career at Goodison. andy hunter
9
The palace faces a dying summer
Crystal Palace is finishing the season well: its last six games have featured victories about Liverpool, West Ham, Newcastle, Manchester United and now Wolves, as well as a draw at Fulham. This may reflect that opponents are already in decline or with little to play for, but the Palace players have understood what their new manager wants. Consequently, Eagles fans should look forward to next season and wonder how good they could be once Oliver Glasner has had a full preseason. Instead, speculation persists that Michael Olise will soon depart (his contract contains a buyout clause) and that Eberechi Eze will surely have suitors as well. And perhaps worst of all, Dougie Freedman is probably on the verge of joining Newcastle, meaning the man who brought the pair to the club will not be around to look for replacements. A summer that should be full of hope could be defined by restlessness. dh
10
Frank feels love after late drama.
It was a wild finish at the Vitality Stadium, Brentford taking the lead in the 86th minute and Bournemouth equalizing in the 89th, before Yoane Wissa found the winner in the fifth minute of added time. But despite the late drama, it was Bryan Mbeumo's first game for which this match will be remembered because afterwards, the Brentford team ran towards Thomas Frank, whose father had died the day before, mobbing him in a touching display of love and respect . Frank's is not a name that is often mentioned when jobs at richer clubs come up and Bees fans will be grateful for that, but his combination of attitude and aggression, coaching skills and tactical acumen mean he should be a contender. strong. It has been a difficult season at Brentford, a succession of long-term injuries and Ivan Toney's ban leaving them threatened by relegation for longer than they were comfortable with. But they are likely to do much better next term, assuming they keep their manager. dh
