Welcome to The Debrief. In his Sky Sports column, Adam Bate combines data and opinion to examine the key stories from the latest Premier League matches. this week:
Williams’ tackle on Guimarães’ all-round playmaker in midfield Wharton’s pass is the difference
Guimarães is the perfect midfielder
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Newcastle and Manchester City
Much of the attention was focused on the exchange between Josep Guardiola and Bruno Guimarães at the final whistle in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday, but what was more telling was what Guardiola said about him beforehand. “He’s a special player.”
Harvey Barnes scored the winning goal for Newcastle, but Guimarães was involved in both. It was his driving run that assisted the breakthrough goal, and the winning goal came when Burns’ pounced header hit the crossbar.
As Guardiola also pointed out, the Brazilian is an ‘idol’ at St James’ Park. This is due to the combination of quantity and quality of work that supporters crave. There is no doubt that Guimarães is a strong and tough tackler, but there is more to his game than that.
Only Crystal Palace’s Tyrik Mitchell and Everton’s Idrissa Gueye have recorded more tackles since joining the Premier League in 2022. However, he created more chances and completed more passes in the opposition half than both of them combined.
Guimarães’ stats for Newcastle highlight his all-round play in midfield
He’s in the top 10 for winning the ball back in the final third this season, but he’s also in the top 10 for passing completions in that zone. He was 11th in reach and also led in through balls, including a shot in the channel that created an early chance for Barnes.
Eddie Howe knows that, of course. “He’s a very special player,” he said recently. “His will to win, his determination, his drive to succeed is there every day. His professionalism in preparing to play is at the highest level and I think you’ll benefit from that.”
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Free to watch: Premier League highlights between Newcastle and Fulham
He was speaking after the last game, which Newcastle won at home with Guimarães scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute. When Newcastle won the ball back, there were five Fulham players in front of him, but he got past them all in time for an “honest” tap-in.
His contribution at a crucial moment in the win over City further demonstrated the same. Guimarães, 28, has transformed into a complete midfielder in a Newcastle shirt and is at the peak of his powers. No wonder he has caught Guardiola’s attention.
Williams obliterates Salah with a tackle
Neco Williams’ defensive actions during Nottingham Forest’s win over Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s decline remains one of the most talked about topics of the Premier League season, but the marker’s performance in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield deserves recognition. Neco Williams was great.
Forest’s left-back found himself in some sticky situations against Salah. Throughout the Premier League weekend, no player had more touches inside the opposition box than the Egyptian. But Williams also recorded 11 tackles. The highest record of any player in a season.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
After Forest’s win, Sean Dyche said: “It was all about the cause and the commitment to the shirt today,” and no one exemplified that more than the Welshman. In fact, Williams also recorded an assist of his own in the second half.
After working hard to eliminate the threat of Salah, it was no surprise that he got through the winger and beat Alexis Mac Allister to cross in for Nicola Savona to score and put Forest two points before the Kop.
Williams goes for second goal – denied by Mohamed Salah
Salah’s lack of defensive work means there are always opportunities to penetrate into that flank. But we need a player with the energy reserves and ability to punish Liverpool on the one hand while keeping them quiet on the other. Williams has been delivered.
Wharton’s passing makes the difference
Adam Wharton died during Crystal Palace’s win over Wolves
Adam Wharton scored twice for Crystal Palace in a hard-fought 2-0 win against Wolves at Molineux. The first one was fortunate for his shot to deflect into the path of Daniel Muñoz, but the second one highlighted his passing ability.
“The easier pass would be back to Marc Gehi,” Oliver Glasner said after the game. Wharton acquired Elemy Pinto in his place. “We always encourage our players to play positively.” The young midfielder’s first pass was received and curled into the goal.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Asked about Wharton, who played for England last week, Glasner said: “I think that’s why he got the start. He didn’t get the start because he’s the best header in England. He earned it with his passing, his direction, his forward passes, his line-breaking passes.”
All of that was on display in this victory. Wharton had 75 touches on the ball and 23 passes into the final third, both more than any other player on the pitch. It was a pretty even game otherwise, with Wharton’s excellent use of the ball making the difference.
