Premier League Round-Up: Talking Points

For the first time this season, the English Premier League has a new leader with the defending Champions Manchester City sitting on top of the table. The weekend matches though didn’t leave great taste to the big clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspurs, and Arsenal – who all failed to register a victory. Let’s look at some interesting points to take.

Burnley Is Too Confident Of Vincent Kompany But The Numbers Are Opposite

Having guided Burnley to the promotion to the English Premier League from the English Championship, Vincent Kompany has been trusted fully by the team owners to build a team that is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future. It is for that reason owners decided to give Kompany a five-year contract at the start of the season after attracting interest from other clubs in need of his coaching services. But life in the top-flight league has been far less impressive for the Belgian International. In the 11 matches played, Kompany’s troops have managed one win and lost nine matches in the process – sitting in the 19th place on league standings. But the worrying factor has been a failure to record even one point at home having lost all six this season after Crystal Palace on Saturday. The now is preparing to face Arsenal away at Emirates Stadium and it going to be a tough assignment. Kompany is having a challenging time and is online to vacate the manager’s position.

Age Is Just A Number For Ashley Young And James Milner

In an Everton versus Brighton clash, Ashley Young and James Milner, who are 38 and 37 years old respectively, reminded fans that despite their age not being on their side they can compete at the highest level. The pair faced each other on the flank providing a titanic battle in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Milner made a premier league debut at 15 years then went on to be the youngest goalscorer while playing for Leeds United then went on later on his prime to represent both Manchester City and Liverpool before signing for Brighton.

Meanwhile Young too had a stellar career straight down from Aston Villa till made a name for himself at Manchester United. The longevity of these players is largely attributed to their ability to switch and play too many positions on the field. Plus, their work rate can’t be compared to none. That weekend performance was a reminder that they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Doku Proving To Be A Perfect Fit For Manchester City

Jeremy Doku provided a masterclass performance over the weekend scoring once and providing four assists in Manchester City’s 6-1 victory over Bournemouth FC. Doku who arrived at the start of the season is proving to be a great signing to Pep Guardiola’s team. Even the manager Guardiola revealed that Doku is going to provide healthy competition to Jack Grealish as the two are fighting for the position.

When the 21-year-old, Doku signed for €65 million from Rennes of France, there was some doubt if he is going to adapt in the Premier League or not. But the youngster known for his dribbling abilities has already shown that he is ready to battle for the position in the starting eleven. Even in the match against Brighton last month, he delivered a class performance. For City whose ambition is to challenge the league, depth is what they need to keep rolling and getting the results.

Mikel Arteta Burst To Var Following The Loss To Newcastle United

Arsenal suffered a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in a match clouded by the controversial referee decision. Anthony Gordon’s goal became a much debate as the cross that resulted in a goal came from a ball that looked like it had gone out. In the replays provided, it showed that indeed the ball was out of play. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta didn’t hold back a bit – going hard on that decision. For Arteta, it is understandable with the side starting to feel the pressure in the league chase quest.

Now five points adrift of Manchester City, it would need something special to dispatch them on top of the table. With this kind of decision, it frustrates them even further as they already playing a catch-up game in quest to win a title for the first time in 19 years. Besides, the Var decision in the EPL have been awful this season.

Nicolas Jackson’s Hat-trick Ends Tottenham Hotspurs Unbeaten Run

Tottenham Hotspurs welcomed Chelsea on Monday in the last fixture of the Premier League with the aim to go on top of the league once again. But a remarkable performance by Nicolas Jackson who scored a hat trick to inspire Chelsea to a 4-1 win meant Spurs remains second. Spurs have been leading the league table from the start of the season despite losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

The match provided drama with five disallowed goals in total to summarize to contest. Jackson who has faced so much criticism since arriving from Villareal will breathe a sigh of relief now having managed to reach these goals. The 22-year-old Senegalese International has been showing signs of potential but has yet to click all the right channels. With this performance, Jackson might be able to build from here and assist Chelsea in regaining form.