1. Tottenham squad lacks the necessary depth to compete with the bigger sides
Spurs suffered a disappointing loss to Wigan this afternoon, and more worryingly still for Andre Villas-Boas, they barely tested their opponents despite playing at home and being odds-on favourites to prevail.
One of the most glaring shortcomings evident from today’s game was their lack of depth.
Their primary replacement for the departed Luka Modric, Moussa Dembele, was injured for the game, leaving Tottenham conspicuously short in midfield, while their defence badly missed the commanding presence and assured leadership of the injured Younes Kaboul.
Their lack of creativity as they failed to break down a resolute Wigan defence was obvious, and they ultimately had to rely on an highly inexperienced and relatively untried young midfielder in Tom Carroll for assistance.
How they must now be regretting failing to secure the services of Joao Moutinho before the last transfer deadline.
Thomas Vermaelen and Andre Santos, in particular, struggled badly, in attempting to deal with the pace and pressure exerted on them by the United attack, regularly committing basic errors and looking out of their depth.
Though they ultimately only conceded two goals, the scoreline would have been far more embarrassing had United’s uncharacteristically impotent attack not been so wasteful when attempting to capitalise on Arsenal’s ineptitude.
3. Norwich come alive at last
(Chris Hughton will be a relieved man after today’s result – Chris Radburn/PA Wire/Press Association Images)
Many people were tipping Norwich for relegation following their dreadful early-season form, but reports of their impending demise are clearly exaggerated based on recent evidence.
Having gained only three points from their first seven games, they now have seven from their last three, after beating Stoke today.
Ireland fans will be encouraged that Anthony Pilkington and Wes Hoolahan played 90 and 87 minutes respectively, with the latter providing one of the highlights of the game with an audacious attempt at a lob from near the halfway line.
However, the most satisfied and relieved man in light of today’s outcome will surely be ex-Ireland assistant boss Chris Hughton.
After coming under pressure for initially failing to replicate the form of his predecessor, Paul Lambert, Hughton now looks to have afforded himself considerable breathing space, with today’s result, coupled with the impressive recent defeat of Arsenal.
4. Chelsea fail to show the ruthlessness of champions
How many times have you seen great Premier League-winning teams of the past (predominantly Manchester United) escape with a victory in a game, despite having been well below their best?
Chelsea found themselves in a similar situation today, but tellingly, were unable to prevail, as Pablo Hernandez’s late equaliser helped Swansea secure a deserved point.
Clearly missing the influential presence of star man Juan Mata, Chelsea failed to stamp their authority on proceedings and took a somewhat fortuitous lead, when Victor Moses latched on to Branislav Ivanovic’s initial header from a corner.
A loss would have been harsh on the Welsh side, who defended manfully throughout, and they were amply rewarded for their dogged display eventually, with Hernandez curling an unstoppable shot into the net at the death.
This was a big test for Chelsea. Swansea away in difficult conditions, following a demoralising loss last week, is the type of game teams with title aspirations should be winning. Unfortunately for Roberto Di Matteo and his men, they failed this particular examination.
5. Balotelli more hassle than he’s worth
Almost as crushingly boring as the game itself was the sight of Mario Balotelli giving, and receiving, constant guff from his manager Roberto Mancini on the touchline.
The striker has long since passed tiresome and his displays of petulance will eventually lead to his exit and return to Serie A. He is not backing up his dissent with goals and, in fact, has missed more chances than any other player who has failed to score in the top flight this season.
Mancini’s decision to start Balotelli ahead of Aguero was perhaps understandable, with the must-win Champions League clash with Ajax approaching, but one gets the feeling the younger Italian will be doing a lot of heel-kicking once City are put out of their European misery.
As for the game itself, a word to the West Ham defence. James Collins has looked like a shadow of a player since returning to the Boleyn Ground from Aston Villa, but this evening he was sensational and got in the way of everything.
West Ham could out-Stoke Stoke City with their reliance on long crosses to Carroll to the onrushing Nolan, but Sam Allardyce is doing well at making sure the players stay organised and hard to break down.
5 things we learned from today's Premier League action
1. Tottenham squad lacks the necessary depth to compete with the bigger sides
Spurs suffered a disappointing loss to Wigan this afternoon, and more worryingly still for Andre Villas-Boas, they barely tested their opponents despite playing at home and being odds-on favourites to prevail.
One of the most glaring shortcomings evident from today’s game was their lack of depth.
Their primary replacement for the departed Luka Modric, Moussa Dembele, was injured for the game, leaving Tottenham conspicuously short in midfield, while their defence badly missed the commanding presence and assured leadership of the injured Younes Kaboul.
Their lack of creativity as they failed to break down a resolute Wigan defence was obvious, and they ultimately had to rely on an highly inexperienced and relatively untried young midfielder in Tom Carroll for assistance.
How they must now be regretting failing to secure the services of Joao Moutinho before the last transfer deadline.
2. Man United expose Arsenal’s flaws
Arsenal can at best be described as a work in progress following today’s 2-1 defeat by Man United.
Arsene Wenger’s men were undoubtedly not at their best, as the game was by no means as close as the scoreline suggests.
Going into the game, Arsenal boasted the meanest defence in the Premier League, but that statistic has been shown to be deceptive, both in today’s game and during their League Cup tie against Reading in the week.
Thomas Vermaelen and Andre Santos, in particular, struggled badly, in attempting to deal with the pace and pressure exerted on them by the United attack, regularly committing basic errors and looking out of their depth.
Though they ultimately only conceded two goals, the scoreline would have been far more embarrassing had United’s uncharacteristically impotent attack not been so wasteful when attempting to capitalise on Arsenal’s ineptitude.
3. Norwich come alive at last
Many people were tipping Norwich for relegation following their dreadful early-season form, but reports of their impending demise are clearly exaggerated based on recent evidence.
Having gained only three points from their first seven games, they now have seven from their last three, after beating Stoke today.
Ireland fans will be encouraged that Anthony Pilkington and Wes Hoolahan played 90 and 87 minutes respectively, with the latter providing one of the highlights of the game with an audacious attempt at a lob from near the halfway line.
However, the most satisfied and relieved man in light of today’s outcome will surely be ex-Ireland assistant boss Chris Hughton.
After coming under pressure for initially failing to replicate the form of his predecessor, Paul Lambert, Hughton now looks to have afforded himself considerable breathing space, with today’s result, coupled with the impressive recent defeat of Arsenal.
4. Chelsea fail to show the ruthlessness of champions
5. Balotelli more hassle than he’s worth
Almost as crushingly boring as the game itself was the sight of Mario Balotelli giving, and receiving, constant guff from his manager Roberto Mancini on the touchline.
The striker has long since passed tiresome and his displays of petulance will eventually lead to his exit and return to Serie A. He is not backing up his dissent with goals and, in fact, has missed more chances than any other player who has failed to score in the top flight this season.
Mancini’s decision to start Balotelli ahead of Aguero was perhaps understandable, with the must-win Champions League clash with Ajax approaching, but one gets the feeling the younger Italian will be doing a lot of heel-kicking once City are put out of their European misery.
As for the game itself, a word to the West Ham defence. James Collins has looked like a shadow of a player since returning to the Boleyn Ground from Aston Villa, but this evening he was sensational and got in the way of everything.
West Ham could out-Stoke Stoke City with their reliance on long crosses to Carroll to the onrushing Nolan, but Sam Allardyce is doing well at making sure the players stay organised and hard to break down.
Additional reporting by Tony Cuddihy
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