Gökeres’ struggles put his position at risk
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolves
Mikel Arteta implored Victor Gokeres’ critics to “leave him alone” at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Wolves. This won’t be the last time he has to defend the striker. The summer signing’s efforts continued in the 2-1 victory.
The 27-year-old retained his place in the starting XI after a disappointing Champions League game against Club Brugge in midweek. He felt that playing against the bottom team in the Premier League was a great opportunity for him to increase his goal tally.
But never mind scoring in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, Gokeres could barely get close to the ball. He had just five total touches, the lowest of any player. Bukayo Saka appeared to have plated the ball, but was unable to cross.
Although his achievements are debated, it was not the first time he had struggled in his early days at Arsenal. Gökeres had his moments. He was unlucky to get injured midway through his best performance in Arsenal colors against Burnley.
However, the jury is still out considering his modest overall contribution, with just six goals in 19 appearances. Gabriel Jesus has been called up again by Mikel Arteta. It may not be long before Kai Havertz is fit enough to compete for the number 9 shirt.
Are the Gokeres really doing enough to stop them?
He improved as the second half progressed, at one point pinning Wolves centre-back Emmanuel Agbadu and sending his shot narrowly wide on the turn. But this was a rare highlight of other performances, and it raised more questions than answers.
nick wright
Salah puts speculation to rest with on-pitch conversation
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Watch for free: Highlights of Liverpool vs. Brighton’s Premier League victory.
Mohamed Salah didn’t stop in the mixed zone to speak after Liverpool’s win over Brighton. This week he was able to get his words out on the pitch. Arne Slott said there were no issues to resolve and said Salah’s performance suggested they were on the same page.
The Egypt international forward took a brief break from his full-time appearance to accommodate the Anfield crowd before departing for AFCON. However, there was no sign that this would be a permanent farewell. Slott’s postgame comments seemed to draw a line under the issue.
Salah, who was brought on in the 26th minute following an injury to Joe Gomez, was on the pitch for more than an hour after not playing in recent weeks, but he played with the freedom he hasn’t had this season, but his late absence showed he was not fully back.
It was a more selfless performance from Salah, who assisted Hugo Ekitike’s second goal from a corner kick, showing he can offer more than just goals. Despite playing less minutes, no player created more chances on the pitch (5).
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Check out Mohamed Salah’s best moments since his return to Liverpool.
Salah set up Alexis Mac Allister almost immediately after coming on, setting the tone for the rest of the match. He was always probing, looking for ways to break Brighton down, and finished with more last-third passes (19) than any of his team-mates.
Only time will tell if there are truly no more problems to solve. The transfer window opens in January and there will be speculation until Salah himself speaks out. For now, he’s quieting the noise by talking on the pitch.
Ginny Boswell
Palmer shows his importance to Chelsea
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Watch for free: Highlights of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton.
“I’ve said it many times, we’re a better team with Cole Palmer.”
It took just 21 minutes for Chelsea to prove it against Everton as Palmer, making his first start at Stamford Bridge in four months, slotted home Maro Gusto’s pass to propel his side to their first win in three Premier League games.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was keen to point out his team’s efforts without the injured Palmer this season, but it is no coincidence that Chelsea drop points when the English star’s form declines or he is absent.
His barren spell last season (two goals from late December to May) coincided with the team’s fall from second place in the league to a scrap to the top four, and while Maresca insists there’s more to the team than that, his presence and purr undoubtedly makes things run much more smoothly for the entire team.
“Palmer is a very intelligent footballer,” Paul Merson said on Soccer Saturday. “He’s always calm. He never panics. It was great for him to score and then Chelsea looked after him.”
Palmer admitted he was still “battling the injury,” and Maresca said no. Not having 10 players playing two games in a week is probably a concern for the Blues.
Palmer was sent off just before time expired, his job done, and the manager being very conscious of managing his playing time. He showed his worth against Everton and showed why Chelsea should remain wary of their star man.
Oliver Yu
Brighton were unlucky at Liverpool
“For the first time in months I felt like luck was on my side a little bit.” Brighton’s arrival after Liverpool’s win will not make things any easier for Brighton.
Although the visiting team had a higher xG, they squandered chance after chance at Anfield and only had one shot on target.
Things might have been different had Danny Welbeck been able to start, but the striker was sidelined this week as he did not have enough training.
Instead, Brighton’s best chance fell to midfielder Diego Gomez, but he was unable to beat Alisson in the first half and crashed into the side netting, leaving the goal empty.
“We definitely deserved more,” Hürzeler said, perhaps meaning he gave Liverpool their share of the good fortune.
david richardson
Wilson will develop into Fulham’s talisman at the right time
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Premier League highlights of Fulham vs. Burnley
Marco Silva will be available for three of Fulham’s starting 11 at Burnley until at least a week after the new year.
Turf Moor assistant Samuel Chukwueze, goal scorer on the night Calvin Bassey and Nigeria international Alex Iwobi will be absent.
It’s a big blow for Silva, but Harry Wilson has emerged as Fulham’s talisman, ready and keen to shoulder the burden of goals and assists for the Cottage.
“Everything he touches turns to gold,” Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp said after his masterclass at Turf Moor.
Wilson is playing his best football. The 28-year-old has contributed eight goals in 15 Premier League games this season, already well below his seven goals overall last season.
Fulham are preparing for a test during the festival period, which will be even tougher without three key players. However, if Wilson performs to his potential, he will remain highly reliable at Craven Cottage.
William Bitibili
