Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz finally shine for Liverpool, but Man United suffer from inconsistency | Soccer News

Man United plagued by consistent inconsistency

Manchester United must find a way to overcome their Jekyll and Hyde complex. Ruben Amorim’s side fell short in the first half against Crystal Palace.

They were under the pump at Selhart Park and lacked energy, belief and ideas. But Joshua Zirkzee’s magical moment changed everything.

Throughout the season, United have started pretty well and United have always found joy.

However, they were unable to maintain their early performance. In recent performances, United have been far more effective in the second half. But their problem is that they got off to a slow start.

The difference is most noticeable in the defensive numbers. Across United’s first 11 games this season, the expected number of goals conceded in the first half was 5.71. This changed in the second half, when the number almost doubled to 11.07.

However, in United’s last two games against Palace and defeat to Everton, their expected goals in the first half was 1.26, and after the break this figure had dropped significantly to 0.26.

It is important to note that in both games, United were outnumbered in the first half, which inevitably led to them being more aggressive in the second period.

But there are hints in the numbers that Amorim’s side will be a different team when they take an early lead, as they did eight times in their first 11 league games, than when they concede early goals.

Perhaps there are signs of complacency in their lead and Amorim needs to find a way to fix that while also motivating a faster start.
William Bitibili

Will Isak’s goal be a turning point for him and Liverpool?

Liverpool manager Arne Slott agreed it felt “significant”, while Alexander Isak said his first Premier League goal “helps” him get back to top form. It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks and months whether Sunday’s strike by the Swedes marks a turning point.

Indeed, in the first half against West Ham, it felt like Isak really needed to be in goal. He was a star player for Newcastle last season and missed his chance, looking like a shadow of the player who lost the ball. But it was a wonderfully crisp finish, ending his wait to get off the mark since his £125m move.

The quality remains the same. Maybe my confidence is coming back now.

There was also encouragement from Florian Wirtz’s performance after Slott made the bold move of sending Mohamed Salah off at the London Stadium. Liverpool’s attack created more than enough chances to win this match comfortably.

If Isak can get his groove back and Slott can find a role that gets the best out of Wirtz, Liverpool will no doubt overcome this disastrous result. They will be able to look back on this day and Isaac’s goal as a key moment.
peter smith

Caicedo’s recklessness costs Chelsea

From the early stages of Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal, it was clear that Moises Caicedo was fired up. There was a moment when Mikel Merino pushed him in after blocking a quick free-kick. He was lucky not to be penalized for barging shoulder-first into the rear of Julian Timber.

Caicedo was nervous, perhaps with the midfield battle with Declan Rice in mind, but Chelsea needed composure. His overzealousness spilled over into sheer recklessness when he drove a stud into Merino’s ankle for a red card.

This sending off left Chelsea in a familiar position. At least they practiced playing with 10 players. But before that, they were better. The batting point tie might have been a victory if not for the blood on Caicedo’s head.

Caicedo has been outstanding this season. In fact, he was arguably the team’s best player who added a goal to the game. But his indiscretion in a game where his teammates needed him was a reminder that he still has much to learn.

After all, poor discipline weakened them. And it’s not the first time this season. Maresca needs to eradicate this problem.
nick wright

Odegaard still proves his worth with another cameo

It was a chaotic London derby and we needed some calm. Martin Odegaard was introduced for Arsenal in the 57th minute of the match against Chelsea.

Within two minutes Arsenal had equalized. It wasn’t a coincidence.

Arsenal suddenly had a metronome in midfield and the final third, but it was missing for the first hour or so of the game against Stamford Bridge. Odegaard sat deep alongside Declan Rice, controlling the play and giving Arsenal a bit more confidence.

He’s done it before this season — under different, tougher circumstances. He made a cameo off the bench against Newcastle and was praised for winning the game without stealing the show. This was one of those performances.

On a day when Arsenal’s strength was tested, and in a week where Eberechi Eze was part of the headlines, Odegaard provided a timely reminder of his worth. Some may start to have doubts about Arsenal after this draw, but bringing him up to fitness will add something to Arsenal’s play.
Sam Blitz

Have Palace seen the end of Sarr until next year?

Ismaila Sarr has been by far one of Crystal Palace’s standout players since joining the club from Marseille in August 2024. The numbers speak for themselves: 66 games played, 20 goals, 10 assists.

But he likely played his last game of the year for coach Oliver Glasner’s team.

The Senegal international forward collapsed under a challenge from Luke Shaw within four minutes at Selhurst Park and made gestures with his hands to suggest he had twisted his ankle. He played just over 30 minutes more and was replaced by Eddie Nketiah.

When asked about Sarr’s condition in the post-game press conference, Coach Glasner said, “My ankle is pretty swollen, so I think he’ll miss a few games. Maybe all the way to AFCON.”

Senegal will begin their AFCON campaign on December 23rd when they face Botswana in Tangier, Morocco. If Pape Thiau’s side reach the final, Sarr will not return to domestic action until late January or early February.

Glasner has already made clear that Palace need reinforcements in January, with attackers at the top of his shopping list, but that now appears to be even more urgent than before.
Dan Long

Villa’s long-distance heroics

With 10 wins from 12 games in all competitions, Aston Villa shook off their early season struggles and changed the atmosphere at Villa Park, clinching a tight 1-0 victory over unbeaten Wolves and climbing into the Champions League places.

Incredibly, Boubacar Camara’s goal was Villa’s ninth goal from outside the penalty area so far this Premier League season. This is more than any other team in the competition and more goals than Wolves managed in total. Can I continue?

Goal enthusiasts will tell you otherwise. If it was Youri Tielemans’ famous rocket, would that be apart from Kamara’s second ever Premier League goal? With your weak left leg? Villa haven’t created many chances, but they have managed to score enough points to win.

According to Opta, Villa have scored just 0.02 more expected goals than Wolves this season, with Unai Emery’s side ranking 17th in terms of expected goals. However, their efficiency, coupled with Emiliano Martinez’s occasional big chances, has helped them move up the table.
Adam Bate

De Kuiper shines at Brighton as Forest miss Murillo

Last season, Brighton suffered humiliation at Nottingham Forest in February when they lost 7-0 at the City Ground.

Almost 10 months later, the Seagulls avenged that humiliation with a stunning win and showed they are serious contenders for European qualification this season.

Maxim de Kuiper was the key to victory. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has made a summer signing to great effect in his new position on the left wing, although the player did not experience the same level of competition in the East Midlands last season.

From there, the Belgium international worked his way up the left flank and helped Brighton attempt nine shots in the opening 20 minutes, the most ever in a Premier League game in that period.

And it was De Kuiper who made the breakthrough that deservedly capped off a great first-half performance. The 24-year-old was named Man of the Match for creating the most chances (four) and attempting the most crosses (four) of any Seagulls player.

Speaking afterwards to Sky Sports about his position change, he said: “I used to play there a lot when I was younger so it felt a little strange to play there again at first, but I’m happy there.”

Meanwhile, there have been a lot of changes at Forest since the 7-0 win over Brighton, with a new manager in place, European football and the possibility of relegation remaining. But one big difference after 10 months was Murillo’s absence.

The Forest defender missed Sunday’s game due to injury, underscoring his lack of availability.

Morato, who came on as a substitute, had an inconsistent game and led to Brighton’s second goal.

Forest boss Sean Dyche will therefore be hoping that Murillo’s injury heals ahead of his side’s six-point relegation clash with bottom-placed Wolves, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Wednesday. Declan Olley