Does this mean Arsenal don’t need a new striker?
When your assault is being questioned, your No.9’s hat-trick in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace simply earlier than Christmas was the right antidote.
Arsenal’s current laxity in video games and reliance on set-pieces has sparked the annual debate over whether or not a brand new striker is required in January. So what to do now that Gabriel Jesus is on the lookout for his finest kind, not less than for half a soccer sport?
Arsenal and Jesus proved within the second half that their drawback was not a “ahead” one. Many claimed the Gunners had been in want of a striker final January and ended up scoring 91 targets within the Premier League – their most by any workforce within the Premier League.
Arsenal have confirmed – and this must be addressed – to be reliant on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. It is not only a query of forwards, it is a query of creativity.
Mikel Arteta’s aspect seemed to have had little signal of a aim till the pair got here on as separate substitutes and offered Jesus with a pointy help inside minutes of approaching.
So whether or not it is bettering the left-wing place or offering higher backup for Saka and Odegaard – Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling didn’t impress, however Ethan Nwaneri seems promising – that is the place Arsenal have to look in the event that they need to make a transfer in January.
Sam Blitz
Crystal Palace will look forward to Saturday’s replay
Crystal Palace are in rivalry for the trophy and it will need to have been 54 minutes anyway. Till Jesus equalized, Oliver Glasner would have been smiling from ear to ear at his workforce’s aggression and exhausting work.
Their first aim confirmed simply that after simply 4 minutes, with Jean-Philippe Mateta chewing up and spitting out Jakub Chibiol as they arrange Dean Henderson’s 50-50 aim The striker saved his cool in entrance of aim. Now we should not be stunned by Mata’s killer end.
He has now scored 25 targets in his final 35 begins for membership and nation – a return that any high striker aside from Erling Haaland would break your fingers for. Palace could not fairly hold their nerve after shedding possession and Arsenal finally discovered a means out. Nevertheless, again at Selhurst Park on Saturday in opposition to the identical opponents, sky sports activities dwellthis Crystal Palace workforce actually has the sport plan and aggression to as soon as once more wrestle with the Gunners. Nevertheless, this time they should do it for 90 minutes.
Louis Jones
Elliott shines in Liverpool win
Harvey Elliott made his first begin since Might and shone as Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 within the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The midfielder scored the profitable aim with a medical low shot within the first half.
Even at 21 years previous, Elliott is without doubt one of the most skilled gamers on a younger workforce and he leads by instance in midfield.
The Englishman made probably the most passes within the closing third of the sport (21) and was the person of the match in his efficiency.
“He was excellent,” mentioned sky sports activities’ Don Goodman. “Not simply the targets, however his total work ethic with and with out the ball. An amazing sport.”
Elliott now hopes his performances will earn him a beginning spot within the Premier League, making him an everyday below Arne Slott.
Declan Ollie
Defense No. 1 – Is this a sign of things to come for the struggling Saints?
When Liverpool got here to St Mary’s for the second time in a month, the plan was clear from the beginning: hold it compact, with stiff banks of 5 and 4, frustrate Liverpool and hit their counter when openings come up, And hope for the most effective.
Led by Russell Martin, Southampton prefer to dominate the ball. However with little success – he was finally sacked simply days in the past – his interim substitute Simon Rusk is aware of it will not be a wash, particularly in opposition to arguably top-of-the-line groups on the planet proper now. .
For 20 minutes, Liverpool continued to assault, however had been blocked. When the clearance took longer, the followers responded with cheers. Later, courageous blocks saved the ultimate end result a good rating.
Saints followers have lately witnessed their workforce leaking targets that was nobody’s fault – 11 previously three Premier League video games, the truth is – and have seen defensive fragility disappear, even when To some extent, it’s also extremely popular.
Is that this an indication of issues to come back? Will probably be troublesome to find out till a everlasting substitute for Martin is called. In the event that they had been taking part in in the same method within the Premier League, they could simply begin the race for survival early on.
Danlong
Excellent Tonali performs for cartoon
If Sandro Tonali is sad at Newcastle, he actually does not appear to be it.
The Italian midfielder lastly appeared to be dwelling as much as expectations and his price ticket at St James’ Park, along with his expertise proving the distinction within the Magpies’ 3-1 win over Brentford.
The primary aim was excellent, the cleanest one and confirmed the talent he has. His response and celebration confirmed the bond he has developed with Toons supporters – who supported him closely throughout final season’s lockdown.
The second was the product of cautious observe within the nook, exhibiting off his intelligence and spatial consciousness. Away from aim, he and Bruno Guimarães dominated the midfield. It appears like a particular partnership is forming between the 2.
If it wasn’t his finest all-round efficiency in a Newcastle shirt, it was actually his most impactful. His high quality steered the sport of their path. If he may be the person to guide the membership to the long-awaited trophy, he won’t ever be forgotten by town.
Simon Ghulam
Timetable to catch up with Brentford
“It is about placing a stability in an intense week the place we need to carry out at our greatest in all three video games.” This was Thomas Frank’s earlier clarification for therefore many adjustments to the workforce that confronted Chelsea on Sunday. Did he do the precise factor?
Brentford are again in motion in opposition to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, so the frustration is comprehensible. “I have been vocal about it, I do not suppose we’ve the most effective schedule, however that is what it’s. I absolutely consider this workforce can compete,” he mentioned.
Frank added: “By the way in which, a sport is over 90 minutes, not 60 minutes.” The issue was when the Brentford supervisor introduced on substitutes Brian Mbemo and Mikel Dames Tonali had already given Newcastle a two-goal lead when Garde was added.
Damsgaard’s actual spotlight got here within the closing half-hour of the sport when he launched Mbemo to cross to Yoani Visa for Brentford’s comfort aim. Mbeumo’s lovely cross broke the protection and created an opportunity for Visa.
Would issues have been totally different if Frank had felt in a position to kind a trio? The Bees boss will level to the instance of Ethan Pinnock, who was requested to begin once more however was suspended early on with a hamstring drawback. One thing has to present. That is Brentford’s cup hopes.
Adam Bate