Danny Welbeck was the match-winner at the Hawthorns. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
Welbeck silences naysayers, for now
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF Danny Welbeck’s second-half header at the Hawthorns cannot be understated – not only for Arsenal but for the England international. It was far from a convincing win nor does it completely mask the Gunners’ problems but it lifts the pressure off Welbeck, for now.
Many believed the striker would be the one to make way for the returning Oliver Giroud given Arsene Wenger’s aversion to deploying two strikers. As it was, Welbeck operated on the left wing against the Baggies and, although he’s publicly stated it’s not his best position, produced a performance that provides a timely reminder of his all-round worth.
His goal, a powerful header on the hour mark, was one from a striker with all the hallmarks of a potent finisher. Welbeck’s strike-rate, or lack there of, has given his naysayers the ammunition they require but it’s worth remembering, and this performance did, that his game isn’t solely reliant on goals to make an impact.
In an otherwise disjointed display, Welbeck was lively throughout for the visitors and linked up well with Giroud. As his goal confirms, his role on the left didn’t prevent him making his way into the area and perhaps a role as Giroud’s subordinate, operating on the wing, will take the weight off his shoulders and allow him to play with freedom.
Is this the start of an United revival?
Robin van Persie scored his first goal since September against Hull Martin Rickett
Martin Rickett
There have been countless false dawns during the past eighteen months at Old Trafford. Just as when it looked like United would rise from their stupor during David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure, they would take two step backwards. The same could be said about this season under Louis van Gaal.
A comprehensive and encouraging 4-0 rout over QPR was closely followed by that capitulation at Leicester is a point in case. However, with a favourable set of fixtures on the horizon and back-to-back wins now in the bag, United are defying their injury crisis and slowly but surely creeping their way up the standings and back into form.
In bygone years, a domineering 3-0 home victory over an opposition floundering in the lower regions of the table would have been taken as a given for Man United fans. Times have changed, however.
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At best, Hull were abject but that’s not to take anything away from the hosts. United remain in fourth and with Stoke to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday, Louis van Gaal will be looking upon the festive period as an opportunity to make significant headway in the race for European qualification.
It’s only a start and only time will tell if this is another false dawn or if are the Red Devils are finally finding their feet post Sir Alex Ferguson. Either way, victory at the Emirates could very well have been the catalyst.
Sunderland tactically outwit tired Chelsea
Sunderland became just the third team this season to take a point off Chelsea PA Wire / Press Association Images
PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
The league leaders haven’t lost a league match since that debacle back in April, yet they came close once or twice at the Stadium of Light today, as the pragmatic hosts sporadically threatened a smash-and-grab victory against a Chelsea side that failed to capitalise on their dominance in possession and territory.
Fatigue undoubtedly was a factor for Mourinho’s men’s atypically lackadaisical approach, given that Chelsea were unchanged for a third successive game. They lacked ideas and sharpness, and played far too narrow against an impeccably organised Sunderland side, with rejuvenated midfield general Lee Cattermole particularly prominent in alleviating any threat amid the merest hint of danger.
The midfield was constantly overcrowded as Chelsea tried to meticulously weave their way through the Sunderland backline, leading only to frustrated pot shots that failed to find the target and ultimately leaving Mourinho with few complaints come the final whistle.
“They defended well and this is not a crime,” said the unusually subdued Portuguese boss in his refreshingly balanced post-match interview with Sky.
- by Paul Fennessy
Rodgers’ decision to leave Gerrard on bench justified
Steven Gerrard had to settle for a place on the bench at Anfield PA Wire / Press Association Images
PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
Earlier this week, Jamie Carragher claimed his former team mate Steven Gerrard must be rested for Liverpool to get the best out of him. There is much debate about whether Brendan Rodgers rested his captain or dropped him for today’s win over Stoke but either way, this was a glimpse into life without their talismanic midfielder.
With Liverpool having played twice already this week, including a fatigue-inducing trip across the continent, it was a sensible decision by Rodgers to leave Gerrard on the bench. At 34, he isn’t getting any younger and while the Potters gave Liverpool a couple of scares, Henderson, Allen and Coutinho should have had enough wherewithal to manage proceedings.
Gerrard has come under fire in recent weeks for a succession of sub-standard performances as Liverpool’s results have seemed to mirror his own slump in form. With the busy Christmas period fast approaching – and a trip to Leicester midweek – Rodgers’ decision to afford his skipper a rest may just be what the player needed.
That said, Rodgers’ decision was one of a man searching for a winning formula. Glen Johnson’s first goal in two years lifted the gloom over Anfield but they, once again, failed to convince.
It’s doesn’t take a genius to realise that Liverpool still rely heavily on Gerrard and when he’s not playing well and influencing proceedings, the team are not nearly as effective. Rodgers knows that and resting him today will ensure he’s ready to go and determined to prove a point in games ahead.
Pardew out?
It wasn't a great afternoon for Alan Pardew and Newcastle Daniel Hambury
Daniel Hambury
After a run of six consecutive victories in all competitions, Newcastle’s sparkling form was ended at Upton Park as bygone demons came back to haunt Alan Pardew’s side. A disappointing afternoon was capped by a moment’s madness from Moussa Sissoko who received his marching orders for a late challenge on former Magpie Andy Carroll.
OK, one defeat is not going to get the Toon army back on Pardew’s case but it could potentially be the start of another tricky period for Newcastle. A trip to a rejuvenated Burnley awaits on Tuesday before games against Chelsea, Arsenal and then Man United on Boxing Day. Pardew will be hoping he’s earned enough brownie points over the last couple of weeks if they do fall off their upward curve.
West Ham, meanwhile, are flying. Another home win sees the Hammers jump up to fifth in the standings. Things aren’t looking as bright for Leicester or Hull. Nigel Pearson’s side are now rooted to the foot of the table after defeat at Loftus Road while Hull’s abject defeat at Old Trafford leaves them perilously close to the danger zone.
With the Christmas and New Year period regarded as a crucial one at both ends of the table, those struggling at the wrong end will hope the next month doesn’t determine their fate at this early stage.
5 talking points from Saturday's Premier League action
Welbeck silences naysayers, for now
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF Danny Welbeck’s second-half header at the Hawthorns cannot be understated – not only for Arsenal but for the England international. It was far from a convincing win nor does it completely mask the Gunners’ problems but it lifts the pressure off Welbeck, for now.
Many believed the striker would be the one to make way for the returning Oliver Giroud given Arsene Wenger’s aversion to deploying two strikers. As it was, Welbeck operated on the left wing against the Baggies and, although he’s publicly stated it’s not his best position, produced a performance that provides a timely reminder of his all-round worth.
His goal, a powerful header on the hour mark, was one from a striker with all the hallmarks of a potent finisher. Welbeck’s strike-rate, or lack there of, has given his naysayers the ammunition they require but it’s worth remembering, and this performance did, that his game isn’t solely reliant on goals to make an impact.
In an otherwise disjointed display, Welbeck was lively throughout for the visitors and linked up well with Giroud. As his goal confirms, his role on the left didn’t prevent him making his way into the area and perhaps a role as Giroud’s subordinate, operating on the wing, will take the weight off his shoulders and allow him to play with freedom.
Is this the start of an United revival?
There have been countless false dawns during the past eighteen months at Old Trafford. Just as when it looked like United would rise from their stupor during David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure, they would take two step backwards. The same could be said about this season under Louis van Gaal.
A comprehensive and encouraging 4-0 rout over QPR was closely followed by that capitulation at Leicester is a point in case. However, with a favourable set of fixtures on the horizon and back-to-back wins now in the bag, United are defying their injury crisis and slowly but surely creeping their way up the standings and back into form.
In bygone years, a domineering 3-0 home victory over an opposition floundering in the lower regions of the table would have been taken as a given for Man United fans. Times have changed, however.
At best, Hull were abject but that’s not to take anything away from the hosts. United remain in fourth and with Stoke to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday, Louis van Gaal will be looking upon the festive period as an opportunity to make significant headway in the race for European qualification.
It’s only a start and only time will tell if this is another false dawn or if are the Red Devils are finally finding their feet post Sir Alex Ferguson. Either way, victory at the Emirates could very well have been the catalyst.
Sunderland tactically outwit tired Chelsea
Jose Mourinho must be sick of the sight of Sunderland. Last season, Chelsea’s title hopes were all but ended in memorable fashion at Stamford Bridge, after a 2-1 loss to the relegation-threatened Black Cats.
The league leaders haven’t lost a league match since that debacle back in April, yet they came close once or twice at the Stadium of Light today, as the pragmatic hosts sporadically threatened a smash-and-grab victory against a Chelsea side that failed to capitalise on their dominance in possession and territory.
Fatigue undoubtedly was a factor for Mourinho’s men’s atypically lackadaisical approach, given that Chelsea were unchanged for a third successive game. They lacked ideas and sharpness, and played far too narrow against an impeccably organised Sunderland side, with rejuvenated midfield general Lee Cattermole particularly prominent in alleviating any threat amid the merest hint of danger.
The midfield was constantly overcrowded as Chelsea tried to meticulously weave their way through the Sunderland backline, leading only to frustrated pot shots that failed to find the target and ultimately leaving Mourinho with few complaints come the final whistle.
“They defended well and this is not a crime,” said the unusually subdued Portuguese boss in his refreshingly balanced post-match interview with Sky.
- by Paul Fennessy
Rodgers’ decision to leave Gerrard on bench justified
Earlier this week, Jamie Carragher claimed his former team mate Steven Gerrard must be rested for Liverpool to get the best out of him. There is much debate about whether Brendan Rodgers rested his captain or dropped him for today’s win over Stoke but either way, this was a glimpse into life without their talismanic midfielder.
With Liverpool having played twice already this week, including a fatigue-inducing trip across the continent, it was a sensible decision by Rodgers to leave Gerrard on the bench. At 34, he isn’t getting any younger and while the Potters gave Liverpool a couple of scares, Henderson, Allen and Coutinho should have had enough wherewithal to manage proceedings.
Gerrard has come under fire in recent weeks for a succession of sub-standard performances as Liverpool’s results have seemed to mirror his own slump in form. With the busy Christmas period fast approaching – and a trip to Leicester midweek – Rodgers’ decision to afford his skipper a rest may just be what the player needed.
That said, Rodgers’ decision was one of a man searching for a winning formula. Glen Johnson’s first goal in two years lifted the gloom over Anfield but they, once again, failed to convince.
It’s doesn’t take a genius to realise that Liverpool still rely heavily on Gerrard and when he’s not playing well and influencing proceedings, the team are not nearly as effective. Rodgers knows that and resting him today will ensure he’s ready to go and determined to prove a point in games ahead.
Pardew out?
After a run of six consecutive victories in all competitions, Newcastle’s sparkling form was ended at Upton Park as bygone demons came back to haunt Alan Pardew’s side. A disappointing afternoon was capped by a moment’s madness from Moussa Sissoko who received his marching orders for a late challenge on former Magpie Andy Carroll.
OK, one defeat is not going to get the Toon army back on Pardew’s case but it could potentially be the start of another tricky period for Newcastle. A trip to a rejuvenated Burnley awaits on Tuesday before games against Chelsea, Arsenal and then Man United on Boxing Day. Pardew will be hoping he’s earned enough brownie points over the last couple of weeks if they do fall off their upward curve.
West Ham, meanwhile, are flying. Another home win sees the Hammers jump up to fifth in the standings. Things aren’t looking as bright for Leicester or Hull. Nigel Pearson’s side are now rooted to the foot of the table after defeat at Loftus Road while Hull’s abject defeat at Old Trafford leaves them perilously close to the danger zone.
With the Christmas and New Year period regarded as a crucial one at both ends of the table, those struggling at the wrong end will hope the next month doesn’t determine their fate at this early stage.
Arsene Wenger has responded to the banner held up by Arsenal fans today
Hope for chasing pack? Leaders Chelsea held to goalless draw with Sunderland
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Analysis Barclays Premier League Danny Welbeck Steven Gerrard Arsenal Liverpool Manchester United