Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend's action | first division

Much of Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance on Sunday was baffling. Real Madrid's now public courtship may have had something to do with that, but at times it seemed like they were letting him out to dry. Although he played poorly, he was deliberately exposed by his own team and had to deal with any threats. manchester united he could conjure up his left flank, while the only players likely to drop back and help him, Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch, rarely did. When it became clear that he was having a bad day, nothing was done to cover it up and help him get back into the game. When his own poor clearance was returned in the build-up to United's first goal, he briefly found himself with four opponents to contend with alone, demonstrating that Liverpool's problems on the right flank were not just an individual problem but a systemic one. He is (usually) a surprisingly good player, but sometimes miracles elude him. Simon Burnton

Match report: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United

Even though Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were his direct opponents for most of the game (and Fernandes in particular was excellent), one of the main reasons Alexander-Arnold struggled was André Onana. Throughout this season only 26.2% of André Onana's passes in open play have been sent long, reaching a maximum of 55.6% in the 2-1 victory over Brentfordbut on Sunday the figure was 80%. Meanwhile, throughout the match he only passed the ball to his right twice, and on both occasions he passed it short to the right-back position. On all other occasions he looked to the left, throwing it six times beyond the halfway line in search of runners to exploit the space behind the Liverpool full-back. Ruben Amorim has been criticized for his tactical inflexibility, but tactical flexibility, despite United keeping the same formation, was one of the characteristics of this game. S.B.

Reaction: Amorim praises United's different mentality at Anfield

Jack Grealish's 84th-minute cameo against West Ham was his 33rd city ​​of manchester Appearance since the beginning of 2024 in which the winger failed to score. When asked about competing with Savinho, who created both of Erling Haaland's goals and forced Vladimir Coufal's own goal, his coach, Pep Guardiola, said: “Savinho is in better shape than Jack (who has suffered injuries this season). season) and that's why I played against Savinho. . Do I want the Jack who won the treble? Yes. Savinho's delivery to the area: he is taller (better) than the other wingers in that position. They have to fight. They have to say: 'Okay, I'm going to fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position.' I fought a lot for (Jack), so that he (regained his best form). I know he can do it. Is there anyone in this room who thinks Savinho doesn't deserve to play right now? No. That's why I play him because he produces.” Jaime Jackson

Match report: Manchester City 4-1 West Ham

Is Arsenal's negative approach holding them back? The yellow card shown to Ethan Nwaneri just before half-time of Saturday's draw against Brighton was the ninth they have received this season for time-wasting, two more than any other team. Arsenal created little in attack after the 17-year-old goalscorer was sent off at half-time and could have ended up losing after João Pedro's controversial penalty. Mikel Arteta stayed dismayed by referee Anthony Taylor's decision but he will also be deeply concerned about how his team struggled to respond to the draw and Nwaneri's injury, given Bukayo Saka's prolonged absence. “Really bad news because I think we've lost him,” the Arsenal boss said. “We had to take him off at half-time because of some muscle problems.” Ed Aaron

Match report: Brighton-Arsenal 1-1

Chelsea have developed a problem with conceding late goals. Is it a question of mentality? Physical fitness? Something related to Enzo Maresca's use of his bench? Whatever the cause, there was frustration when Chelsea lost a 1-0 lead against Crystal Palace, who rescued a point thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's equaliser. Chelsea should have secured victory; Instead, they lost their way and their injury-hit defense was breached after the 75th minute for the sixth time in nine league games. A pattern is emerging. Palace looked stronger after the break, just as Fulham were when Came back to win at Stamford Bridge – and Maresca was passive. It is curious that he has hesitated to make substitutions in recent games. He didn't do anything until the 81st minute against Palace. Maresca also waited until the final 20 minutes before making changes against Fulham, Everton and Brentford, all of whom have finished stronger than Chelsea in recent weeks. Jacob Steinberg

Match report: Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

Leaving the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, it was easy to detect the resignation of Everton fans at the state of their team. Sean Dyche's team at least defended well, and they did so against Bournemoutheven if a pearl from David Brooks did it for Jordan Pickford. Translating such effectiveness and efficiency further up the pitch is the main problem for Everton, but there are tantalizing exceptions. Iliman Ndiaye is someone who thrived under Dyche's tutelage, perhaps unexpectedly, and watching him protect the ball 25 yards from his own goal, hold off one defender and then turn two more to create a clever breakaway was a delight. At a time like this you can see how Dyche wants his team to play with the ball and how he can incorporate technical players. Dyche says the problem is the final pass and has asked for time. But with Everton once again looking over their shoulders towards the relegation places, time is even shorter than usual. The January transfer window looks critical. Paul MacInnes

Match report: Bournemouth-Everton 1-0

When Newcastle achieved a 2-1 victory against Wolves In September, the last game of a strange start to the season in which they had 13 points in five games without playing well, Jacob Murphy was highlighted as an example of how the club had failed to get off the ground. Was it really what they had been dreaming of in Riyadh when the Saudi PIF took over the club? But he has remained a regular and played a key role in Newcastle's five-match league winning streak that has lifted them to fifth place. “It's been very, very important, probably more than people realize,” Eddie Howe said. “We have asked him to do many things. He plays a vital role in our pressing and with the ball, with his assists and crosses he has been great. He is very versatile, very focused on the team. “He doesn't get the credit he deserves.” jonathan wilson

Match report: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

With a long list of casualties and absences, Villa Aston They remain firm in the fight for the top five. Beating Leicester was a different fight, played in biting cold. Without the suspended Morgan Rogers and Jhon Durán, and with John McGinn stopping with a hamstring problem, Villa had to dig deep to beat a hard-working Leicester side. Emi Buendía, a forgotten man after a year out due to injury, and Ian Maatsen, an expensive signing with just two league starts, contributed to the winning goal, converted gratefully by Leon Bailey, another one who has lost prominence. Ross Barkley, who also previously found it difficult to find starting spots, scored the first goal. “I'm happy with him and he's always positive,” Unai Emery said of a player who has matured into a dedicated professional. If Villa's football doesn't flow like last season, consistency in their signing could serve them well if others falter. John Brewin

Match report: Aston Villa-Leicester 2-1

Southampton's plight threatens to break records. Their 5-0 defeat to Brentford, a visiting team that had previously been winless away from home, meant that Saints completed 20 games with their lowest ever points total of six. Derby's notorious 2007-08 campaign had racked up seven at that point. Southampton have found life in the Premier League even more difficult than their previous relegation season. New manager Ivan Juric repeated Nathan Jones' unfortunate record of losing his first three games in charge. More direct tactics than Russell Martin's flawed ideology are also about to be implemented. Paul Onuachu, two years at Saint and still without a goal in the Premier League, is not convincing as a goal. “I expected more, to be able to do more with the team,” Juric said. The real winner turned out to be the mother of a Southampton fan, who won the prize for pre-match scoring in a St Mary's hospitality room. Substitute forward Adam Armstrong, who replaced Onuachu, gave his profits – to the boos after his 0-5 prediction came in. J.B.

Match report: Southampton 0-5 Brentford

Ipswich continue to top the Premier League injury table and things are no easier now that Omari Hutchinson, their dazzlingly talented striker, is out for a few weeks with a groin injury. They have struggled all season to keep players available and that threatens to derail a team that has rarely been out of reach. Kieran McKenna's achievement in giving them a serious shout out of trouble, currently just shy of safety on goal difference, must be commended. The manager never complains despite competing this season with a team that includes many of the stalwarts who brought them from League One. They deserved their latest milestone, a draw at Fulham, and look well placed to improve between now and May. His progress is a triumph of training: McKenna has worked wonders and Ipswich can reach new heights if his treatment room starts to empty soon. Nick Ames

Match report: Fulham 2-2 Ipswich