Premier League hits and misses: Can Man Utd push Liverpool all the way? | Football News

Can Man Utd push Liverpool all the way?

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Overlook that there is nonetheless 22 video games of an arduous season to play. Overlook that Liverpool’s objective distinction is superior to the tune of eight. Overlook the nail-biting moments, the string of David de Gea saves and the missed Aston Villa possibilities – Manchester United are stage on factors with leaders Liverpool and, for the primary time in a very long time, should be thought of real title contenders.

How lengthy that title problem lasts stays to be seen, the thrill may nicely be extinguished by the point the ultimate whistle sounds at Anfield in lower than three weeks’ time, however the reality Manchester United are presently in rivalry is an achievement in itself.

Let’s not neglect, it is a 12 months to the day since United entered 2020 a staggering 24 factors off the eventual champions. Precisely two months and 10 video games in the past, when Arsenal inflicted the final league defeat on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aspect, they have been 9 factors adrift of the champions.

At this stage it could be naïve to declare that United’s latest ascension will trigger Liverpool sleepless evening, however what it actually does is add one other fascinating ingredient to the race for the title.

Liverpool have had firm on the prime earlier than, a number of instances this season actually, with Tottenham, Chelsea and Southampton all having fun with spells on the summit. All have been seen off, however, this time, it feels totally different.

Having strolled imperiously to the title final season, you simply marvel how Liverpool will reply to having their arch-rivals – the crew whose report of 20 top-flight crowns they need to equal come the tip of the season – respiratory down their necks.

That is the place Manchester United have put themselves in, however that is solely the beginning of it – the problem now’s to maintain it proper to the very finish.
Jack Wilkinson

Villa capable of gatecrashing top six

“Aston Villa ought to now be aiming for a top-six end,” stated Sky Sports activities’ Darren Bent forward of kick-off at Outdated Trafford.

It was maybe an announcement that raised a number of eyebrows from these watching on from dwelling – do Dean Smith’s aspect actually have the consistency and high quality to be ending above certainly one of Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester Metropolis, Tottenham, Leicester or Chelsea? Properly, they’ve taken seven factors from a potential 12 towards these big-hitters this season and the defeat at United solely additional enhanced Bent’s phrases that Villa aren’t about to fall away.

United by no means had a second to chill out in a pulsating fixture with Jack Grealish dancing into area all around the pitch, creating 4 possibilities for his teammates – solely certainly one of which was taken. Sure, Emiliano Martinez needed to be referred to as upon to make seven saves throughout the 90 minutes however United’s anticipated objective determine was 2.64, suggesting that he was making stops most Premier League goalkeepers can be anticipated to maintain out. Villa had 15 photographs to United’s 19 and wasted quite a few set-piece conditions – they took 10 corners however did not create a single likelihood from them – one thing Dean Smith could have been dissatisfied with. On one other day, they may have walked away with a consequence.

This newest efficiency, following on from the draw with Chelsea, proves that Villa are able to gatecrashing the highest six over the following few months.
Lewis Jones

A reality check for Everton

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Everton’s defeat to West Ham was one other actuality verify. They went into the sport on the again of one other four-game successful run, simply as they’d at the beginning of the season. However a slice of dangerous luck as Yerry Mina’s deflection zipped into the trail of Tomas Soucek to fit dwelling noticed Everton crushed within the Premier League for the primary time in over a month and finish what was a largely constructive festive interval.

With Richarlison again within the beginning XI and James Rodriguez returning to the bench, there was hope that Everton may rediscover their free-scoring contact that stood them in good stead earlier within the season.

However their attacking play was fairly uninteresting and the ending lacked path – they’d ten photographs however solely two of those have been on the right track. Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to search out the web for a fifth Premier League recreation having scored 11 objectives in 11 matches beforehand and is fighting a scarcity of service. The striker may solely muster two photographs – the identical as Abdoulaye Doucoure – and Richarlison had one.

However once more Everton’s defence had a largely spectacular night. Jordan Pickford did not have an excessive amount of to do whereas Seamus Coleman made a welcome return. With Michael Keane rested, Mason Holgate moved into the center alongside Mina, each taking the highest two spots for clearances (six and 5 respectively). As Ancelotti stated: “I feel the defence have been higher than their offensive companions.”

The Everton supervisor is hoping to have extra injured gamers again in motion for his or her subsequent Premier League recreation on January 12 towards Wolves, which is able to hopefully enhance a lacklustre begin to 2021.
Charlotte Marsh

West Ham improvement clear over festive period

Three video games in six days is a big job for anybody, particularly with the depth of the Premier League. West Ham had drawn their earlier two video games and an away journey to Everton, particularly with their latest type, was no simple job.

Since coming again to West Ham, David Moyes has spoken of his need to enhance the mentality of his gamers in addition to their on-field performances. Beating Everton actually confirmed that each are on the up, with Moyes saying: “Everton may have gone second prime tonight so we have come to Goodison and received a consequence which exhibits you ways nicely the gamers are taking part in.”

It was a battle of the defences at Goodison Park, however West Ham have been the higher aspect up entrance, significantly after the break. Everton did not provide a lot in assault, though Darren Randolph – who was a late addition after an harm to Lukasz Fabianski within the warm-up – did nicely when referred to as upon.

Tomas Soucek can be proving to be an excellent addition, slotting dwelling his fifth objective of the season after Yerry Mina’s deflection fell into his path – he’s now West Ham’s highest scorer within the Premier League. Declan Rice additionally continues to indicate what an excellent expertise he’s.

When Moyes inherited his West Ham squad simply over a 12 months in the past, they might not have had the metal to see such a consequence by. However their enchancment is obvious as West Ham head into their subsequent two video games towards Burnley and West Brom with renewed confidence.
Charlotte Marsh