5 things we learned from the Premier League today

Michael Carrick put in a big performance, while Chelsea did the opposite, plus more thoughts from the day’s action.

1. United and Carrick deserve more credit

As the old saying goes, you can only beat what’s in front of you.

Hence, while some people may question the standard of this season’s Premier League on account of the English sides’ underwhelming Premier League performances, it’s impossible to ignore the impressive manner in which United have effectively secured the title at this early stage.

Today’s victory at Sunderland made it a record-breaking 25th win from 30 games this season, and their current tally of 77 goals in 30 matches looks set to be bettered only by the Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole-inspired 1999/00 season in which a total of 97 goals were scored.

Yet what stood out today, rather than their potency in attack, was their assuredness at the back – an element of their game that has improved substantially since they were leaking goals in the earlier part of the season.

Michael Carrick, meanwhile, was rightly named Man of the Match for the important role he played in protecting the back four – and like United, the midfielder doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, as he is at best underappreciated and at worst, written off by certain pundits.

2. It really is a golden age for Belgian football

Has there ever been a healthier period for Belgian football?

Having initially flattered to deceive at international level, their so-called ‘golden generation’ finally appear to be fulfilling their potential, as they currently sit top of a World Cup qualifying group that also includes a similarly accomplished Croatian side.
And this weekend was a reminder of how their players have constantly lit up the Premier League in recent months.

Kevin Mirallas’ strike for Everton in their 1-0 win over Stoke meant 54 of the league’s goals have now been scored by Belgians, with only English and Spanish players having netted more regularly (h/t OptaJoe)

3. Tottenham can’t hang on to Gareth Bale, can they?

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For the umpteenth time this season, Tottenham had Gareth Bale to thank for playing a major role in their victory.

The attacker performed with the level of verve and conviction that has consistently characterised his displays this season.

He consequently had a hand in both his side’s goals, playing an intelligent pass to set up the opener and finishing sublimely for their second.

Not only that, but he also managed to highlight his defensive qualities late on, making a vital intervention as Swansea threatened to score an equaliser that could have seriously damaged Spurs’ Champions League hopes.

On this sort of match-winning form, every team in the world with significant funds at their disposal will surely be strongly considering putting in a summer bid for the player, with the rumour mill having already gone into overdrive long before this afternoon’s display.

4. Southampton’s formidable home record continues

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Having spent much of the season battling relegation, Southampton now suddenly find themselves in the relatively healthy position of 12th place in the table.

Their current status seemingly justifies their controversial decision to sack Nigel Adkins mid-season, in order to hire Mauricio Pochettino as manager, while their defeat of Chelsea emphasised how much they’ve improved since the start of the campaign.

And although the result was hardly expected, it is perhaps less of a surprise than some people assume, given the Londoners’ perpetual inconsistency since Rafa Benitez took over.

Moreover, Southampton’s home record has been normally quite impressive this term, with the Saints already earning positive results against sides of the calibre of Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal in recent times.

On this occasion, Chelsea, who badly missed an integral player in Juan Mata, simply had no answer to the pace and intensity of their determined opponents.

5. Reading’s hopes of survival all but over

Reading’s comprehensive loss to Arsenal today seems to have ended any hopes they might have had of Premier League survival.

They remain rooted to the bottom of the table on 23 points, and with seven games remaining, the maximum number of points they can acquire is only just above the 4o generally considered necessary to ensure survival.
Therefore, with a fixture list that still includes games against Liverpool and Man City, it seems highly unlikely that they’ll be able to prevail ultimately.

Arsenal, on the other hand, delivered a classy display, which makes it five wins in six games for them, as they continue to look like strong contenders for one of the all-important Champions League spots come the end of the season.