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We have a look at the important thing classes from the weekend matches, forward of the midweek Premier League motion.
Arsenal the true deal
Leaders Arsenal confirmed each side of their recreation as they handed the primary take a look at in a pivotal week of their season.
Displaying the attacking verve related to league leaders within the first half earlier than defending stoically after the break, Mikel Arteta’s facet appeared the entire package deal.
Martin Odegaard dictated the tempo beautifully for the guests, whereas Aaron Ramsdale made large saves at essential moments.
Finishing a primary league double over Tottenham Hotspur since 2013/14 and successful at Spurs for the primary time since that season, the Gunners now maintain an eight-point lead on the high of the desk.
However Arsenal face one other take a look at of their title credentials on Sunday, when in-form Manchester United head to Emirates Stadium, and if the Crimson Devils beat Crystal Palace in midweek, they might shut the hole to 3 factors with an away win.
Man Metropolis fallible?
The way of Manchester Metropolis’s 2-1 defeat to neighbours Man Utd highlighted issues at each ends of the pitch for Pep Guardiola’s facet.
Jack Grealish’s objective was Man Metropolis’s solely shot on track, whereas Erling Haaland has now failed to attain in three consecutive appearances in all competitions for the primary time since becoming a member of the membership final summer season.
There are additionally points in defence, with two objectives having been conceded in every of their final two matches in all competitions.
John Stones missed each of these contests as a result of damage, so Guardiola will probably be determined for the centre-back to be accessible once more for Thursday’s dwelling assembly with Spurs.
Man Utd exploited the Metropolis defence on the counter-attack, and that’s one thing Antonio Conte will hope to duplicate, simply as his facet did in final season’s 3-2 win on the Etihad Stadium.
Isak could make the distinction
Heading in the direction of a 3rd successive goalless draw, the returning Aleksander Isak supplied the inspiration Newcastle United wanted.
The Sweden worldwide, making his first Premier League look since September, mixed with Callum Wilson to interrupt Fulham’s resistance.
It was the primary time the pair have been on the pitch on the identical time within the league, and it might be a partnership that helps the Magpies enhance in assault – their complete of 33 objectives has been bettered by 5 different groups.
Newcastle did experience their luck on their technique to a league-high 11th clear sheet, with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s penalty dominated out after he by chance hit the ball twice.
Regardless of Sean Longstaff ably deputising for the injured Bruno Guimaraes within the second half, Eddie Howe will know he wants the Brazilian star match for his facet to take care of their top-four push.
Seagulls including objectives below De Zerbi
Brighton & Hove Albion’s gorgeous 3-0 victory over Liverpool helped the Seagulls leapfrog their opponents as much as seventh and was the right instance of how they’ve developed below head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Because the Italian was appointed as Graham Potter’s successor, no membership have scored extra Premier League objectives than Brighton’s 24.
The perfect seat in the home! 😍🍿
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16, 2023
Potter’s Brighton received many plaudits for the best way they performed out from the again and had been in a position to transfer the ball via the thirds, however the crowning glory typically eluded his facet.
However in handing beginning roles to Kaoru Mitoma and extra lately teenager Evan Ferguson, together with pushing Solly March additional ahead, De Zerbi seems to be to have resolved these points.
Might European qualification be on the playing cards for Brighton?
Ward-Prowse revels in superior position
In what was a vital match on the backside of the desk, James Ward-Prowse supplied two defining moments within the 2-1 victory at Everton that moved Southampton to inside a level of security and earned supervisor Nathan Jones a primary Premier League win.
Typically utilized in a extra deep-lying midfield position this season, Ward-Prowse was pushed ahead right into a No 10 position at Goodison Park.
The Southampton captain’s anticipation and fast toes to supply the equaliser in opposition to Everton highlighted the standard he can ship within the ultimate third if he’s utilized in a extra superior place.
On the again of three consecutive victories in all competitions, Saints will hope to increase their unbeaten run at dwelling to Aston Villa on Saturday, with Ward-Prowse and Jones exhibiting indicators they will lead Southampton to security.