Manchester United Struggles with Poor Results

It was not the best week for The Red Devils. A painful defeat at home from Tottenham followed by a disappointing draw with FC Porto in the Europa League. Manchester United struggles to find their tactical identity and lack consistency and cohesion.

Ange Postecoglou exploited United’s weak structure. He deployed an aggressive pressing structure and limited United’s chances and build up play. Postecoglou then looked to overload the midfield, even though ten Hag defended in a compact shape, with Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie inverting. Tottenham blew through the hosts in transition and brought home the three points.

Arsenal’s Set Pieces Stun Uninspired PSG

Tough week in European Competitions for Luis Enrique. Arsenal got their first win in the Champions League after a disappointing draw with Atalanta. The Gunners’ set pieces were delightful to watch, well drilled and secured the win. Bukayo Saka’s free kick went straight into the net, past a confused Donnarumma.

PSG had many problems. They lacked a proper striker and deployed Lee Kang-in as a false 9. It was a calm night for Saliba and Gabriel until Randal Kolo Muani entered the pitch in the second half to create a bit of trouble. Even then, PSG did not find some inspiration. Desire Doue, who replaced Ousmane Dembélé in the starting eleven for this game, was invisible on the right wing and Bradley Barcola struggled to create.

Liverpool Continues Their Streak. Salah Sets a New Record

Mohamed Salah has become the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive European games at Anfield. The Egyptian King assisted Mac Allister for Liverpool’s opening goal and then scored a screamer when he cut inside and curled it into the top corner. Gravenberch had another consistent and reliable performance. He made seven progressive carries and helped Liverpool to break through the pressure.

Meanwhile, the stats are unfair to Bologna. After a 60 year break, they are back in the Champions League and they showed us they belong here. Although they generated a xG of just 0,59, they hit the woodwork twice. They didn’t shy away from pushing and pressing and created chances. Vincenzo Italiano exploited the spaces left in behind by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson to launch quick counters. They were caught offside a few times, but Liverpool was also saved by the crossbar.

Round Seven of The Premier League

Since it was a busy week with European football, I didn’t write as many previews and only covered Arsenal vs. Southampton. Mikel Arteta will look to get the three points from an accessible game and keep a clean sheet. The Saints failed to convert their chances so far and Arsenal’s defensive solidity will not make it easy for them.

Liverpool will meet Crystal Palace, who also struggled and are still without a win in the Premier League. The Eagles are struggling to create a cohesive starting eleven, with many changes in the defensive line. Marc Guehi has been the only reliable presence in their back three. Oliver Glasner also struggles to integrate and find a suitable role for Daichi Kamada.

Chelsea will meet Notingham Forest, and will look to keep their momentum and their scoring run. Cole Palmer was unleashed, scoring four goals in the first half against Brighton. Notingham Forest is having a good run as well and caused Arne Slot’s only defeat in this start of the season.

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa will also be interesting to watch. The two teams had very contrasting performances in the European tournaments this week. Manchester United, who was the clear favourite against FC Porto, managed only a draw, while Aston Villa, who were underdogs against Bayern Munchen, kept the germans at bay and got the win. The morale couldn’t be more different in these two camps.

Closing Thoughts

It was a week filled with good football as we head into the International Break. The weekend looks promising, with plenty of good fixtures to watch. Manchester United are hoping for a miracle to bail out of their disappointing run, while their rivals want to keep their form and momentum. Meanwhile, the Champions League brought us interesting and enjoyable encounters, but will it carry on in the Nations League games?

We’ll find out and discuss next week, but until then, thank you for subscribing to the “Simple Football” newsletter and I wish you a marvellous weekend filled with goals!