Man Utd Coach Amorim Struggling To See Off Also-rans
Ruben Amorim has been a highly successful Manchester United manager against continental opposition and promoted Premier League clubs.
He’s been respectable against the top teams in England, with a win at the Etihad, a draw at Anfield and a win on penalties against Arsenal.
But he’s been hopeless when faced with opponents from mid-table. Last season, after taking over in November, Amorim supervised 14 league games against clubs that ended up between seventh and 17th. United won two, drew two and lost 10, scraping eight points out of a possible 42.
One of those two wins was at Craven Cottage, a streaky 1-0. Here, again, they needed luck to take the lead as Leny Yoro got away with a two-hands push on Calvin Bassey; this time they blew it, and they couldn’t complain. United had been the better team for 20 minutes, Fulham for about 75.
*Match report: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
Grealish Puts His Best Foot Forward
David Moyes’ instruction to Jack Grealish was fairly simple but will have come as a blessed relief to the on-loan Everton winger after two seasons of torment at Manchester City.
“I just want Jack to take people on and be positive, he has great ability to take the ball forward,” said the Everton manager, who hopes to improve his options on the opposite flank this week with the signing of Tyler Dibling from Southampton.
“The boy who we saw playing for Manchester City in the year they won the treble is a really exciting player. I hope we can get him back. He didn’t want to come off after 60 minutes. No chance. He wanted it. He probably feels he has something to prove,” Moyes added.
Grealish proved he can still shape Premier League games with a sparkling home debut for Everton. The 29-year-old last produced an assist for City in September 2024 but delivered two to mark Hill Dickinson Stadium’s grand Premier League opening. Questions about his appetite are starting to disappear. Andy Hunter
*Match report: Everton 2-0 Brighton.
Zubimendi Shows Gunners’ New Approach
Arsenal have a new weapon in their armoury this season. Against Leeds, they caused problems with an aggressive counterpress. The hosts should have taken the lead when Martín Zubimendi, who is supposed to be the deepest midfielder, read an attempt from Leeds to play out from the back.
Viktor Gyökeres failed to take advantage but the ploy soon worked. Zubimendi’s midfield partner Declan Rice was involved, stepping in to win possession.
Rice’s tackle fed the ball to Zubimendi, who was in close attendance. Zubimendi collected and passed to Jurriën Timber, who sent Bukayo Saka through to score.
It was an encouraging sign for Mikel Arteta, and Leeds could not cope with the smothering tactics. Arsenal sat on too many 1-0 leads last season. There were too many home draws and dropped points from winning positions.
Arteta has the toughest defence in the Premier League, but his team have to become more assertive if they are to win the title.
*Match report: Arsenal 5-0 Leeds.
Emery Needs Width As Villa Lose Edge
Three statistics from Aston Villa’s defeat at Brentford summed up the visitors’ story: 76% possession, 17 shots – their most without scoring in a Premier League match since October 2022 – but just two on target.
Villa have problems in attack and nowhere is that more evident than on either flank. As he was for their goalless opener against Newcastle, John McGinn was deployed on the right wing, with Morgan Rogers on the other. Both tended to drift inside, offering precious little width.
Evann Guessand looked lively when he came on for his debut, but 15 minutes was insufficient time to work with. The Ivorian international cannot be far off a start, based on Villa’s recent troubles.
Unai Emery is seeking reinforcements over the next week; he needs to procure a winger or two, otherwise they will be all too easy to nullify this season.
*Match report: Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa.
Chelsea Thumping Aside , Potter Must Make Hammers Horrible
Graham Potter wants to move West Ham to a style based on dominant possession, but does not have the players to make it work. It is time to go back to basics.
West Ham were humbled by Sunderland on the opening day and confirmed that they are relegation candidates during their pathetic defeat by Chelsea on Friday night.
The hosts did not run, press or fight. They did not compete. They let crosses come into the box and did not defend them. They gave up three soft goals from set pieces. They are using a back five but are still easy to break down.
Potter’s system means their ponderous midfield is outnumbered by three to two. The manager needs an urgent rethink after a slow, confused transfer window.
He somehow has to make West Ham horrible. Forget about trying to play entertaining football because this is already a fight for survival.
Match report: West Ham 1-5 Chelsea.
*Culled from UK Guardian.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jack Grealish applauds the fans following his fine start for Everton.
