Matchday 9: The Incredible And The Abysmal

Just when you think that Manchester United have exhausted their surprise packages, the pull one. Most people tend to underrated Manchester United when it comes to important matches but ironically, that is when they perform. Talk of motivation, drive, hunger - which were hitherto absent - coming into play. It was Manchester United Vs Liverpool. And I particularly have predicted it as a walk over for Liverpool but it wasn't the case.

Ole Gunnar finally decided to change his formation and even made two alterations to the side that lost to Newcastle but still, no one envisaged them as a threat. From the start of the whistle, United have continued to string up some beautiful gameplay that restricted the play of the opponents. Liverpool are known to be a side that outperform counterattacking teams as they have mastered the art of possession but this was different.

United - for the most of it - took control of the midfield, they dictated play and even though Liverpool could only be leashed for a limited time, most of their chances were half-hearted while others were marred by mistakes due to heavy pressure by the opponent. The reds have never won at Old Trafford, a record they looked to break but it ended in a disappointment. With United leading in the first half, they even aimed at stopping their unbeaten run but they could only put a halt to their win run as Liverpool equalised towards the end of then match. Everyone maybe happy about the results from the match, some will take it as far as construing it as a new beginning but if the status quo is not maintained, it would only depict as last kicks from dying horse.

At Stamford Bridge, it was a heart-in-throat encounter for Chelsea and one to regret for Newcastle. Chelsea came into the match having gone four wins in a row and they tried to extend it over Newcastle, something which they would have thought would be easy-peesy. But then, Newcastle put up a surprising fight, a defensive fight.

It was all Chelsea from the onset as they played with intensity with a view to getting an early goal but they couldn't. Although they saw a flurry of chances in the first half, all of it amounted to nothing... But they came close. The second half too also saw a lot of missed opportunities which left Chelsea wondering if it were just their unlucky day but respite came in the 75th minute when Alonso made it 1 for Chelsea. It was a well struck left-footed shot which found the back of the net. They now sit fourth on the table following their narrow win which guaranteed them 3 points.

Against Crystal Palace, Manchester City were the favourites to win. Coming into the match after losing to Wolves just before the international break, one would naturally hope for an Emphatic response - as is typical of them. Second in the league, back to back champions, they've come this far not to be ridiculed. Known for their tiki-taka and highly possessive style of gameplay, they truly lived by their reputation as they kept the ball, strung beautiful passes and created incredible links all though the fields while Crystal Palace played sheepishly.

But for early saves from Hennessey, the match would have been buried early on. Chances upon chances rolled in for Manchester City. They caused alot of problems For Crystal Palace and it only took 39 minutes for them to find the back of the net. It was Jesus who latched unto a cross from Bernado Silva which took a deflection off the post before crossing the goal line. And just before Crystal Palace had the chance to gasp for breath, they conceded another!. Beautiful gameplay from city allowed them to get another goal, two minutes after opening the scoreline. City made it easy to out maneuver Palace defenders . Their promising first half performance hinted more goals in the second half but that didn't happen. Although City were denied a penalty due to VAR, it didn't take anything from their win nor did it cost them a clean sheet. The match now places them six points behind leaders Liverpool.

Against Sheffield United, Arsenal were expected to take all three points. Given the facts that they are a newly promoted side, Arsenal are third in the table and are unbeaten in eight matches. Although their away form was disappointing, no one thought much of it. Ozil was again left out of the starting line up again even after his confirmed availability. The in form Bukayo Saka, Aubameyang started up front, with the aim to take Arsenal up to third position in the highly competitive league table

Arsenal weren't convincing with their gameplay even though they commanded possession. The final third lacked Precision and the much needed aggression. I have a very bad feeling about Nikolas Pepe who will definitely come under fire for his missed chance. It was in the 21st minute when Pẹpẹ was gifted a simple tap in which would have put Arsenal ahead but he missed it. For the record, Pẹpẹ hasn't found his Premier league goal ever since his arrival. Speaks less of his $78m price tag.

Just few moments after missing the crucial chance, Arsenal concede. And yes, a set piece was it. Only Arsenal have conceded set pieces more than Watford and Everton this season. Mousset got his first goal against Arsenal after he linked with a O' connell's muffled header which came off as an assist. Arsenal now have alot of problems on their plates now and questions will come knocking over their continuous defensive woes - something which could later jeopardise the manager's position if not fixed.

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