2021/22 Premier League Review: Matchday 11
Pintsized Background
Liverpool, who? West Ham will forever remain massive. That is the only necessary takeaway from the Premier League Review for Matchday 11. Sure, there was a Manchester derby and a potential career-ending result for one Ole Gunnar Solksjaer – but the focus should truly remain on the Moyesiah.
Shout-out to Norwich as well, releasing Daniel Farke after he secured the first victory of their Premier League campaign, only to luck out by signing Dean Smith. 4D Chess at its finest.
Failed to catch the action from the Premier League last weekend? No worries. Peep our preview of Premier League Predictions: Matchday 11.
Unconvinced by Pintsized’s mystical predicting powers? Take a look at our prediction success last week detailed in Premier League Statistics: Match Day 11.
The Good
Match of the Week
West Ham 3 – 2 Liverpool. It had to be. VAR controversy over Ogbonna’s first goal and a Cresswell leg breaker. A typical circus show from Alisson between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold curling a worldie into the top bins. Origi almost bringing Liverpool back from the depths. Back-and-forth action that left the fans no time to catch their breath – a true PL classic.
Player of the Week
Tim Krul (6 Saves, 1 Punch, 1 High Claim, 1 Clearance, 1/1 Aerial Duels). The greatest surprise of the weekend came from Norwich’s success away at Brentford. In a battle between the two newly promoted sides, nobody predicted Norwich to break their streak against the bruising Brentford attack. Veteran keeper, Tim Krul, was vital in keeping Norwich’s three points a reality. Brentford’s set-pieces were executed brilliantly, yet Krul reacted with unreal speed when considering his age.
Honourable Mention
Conor Gallagher (1 Goal, 4 Key Passes, 4/5 Crosses, 4/5 Long Balls, 1/1 Dribbles, 2 Interceptions, 4 Tackles). Is there anything the twenty-one-year-old can’t do? In what was predicted to be a doomed season for Palace, the young Chelsea loanee has blindsided the Premier League. Exceptional movement and positioning off of the ball combine with a technical excellence that is clear from set-pieces and in front of the goal.
The Bad
Match To Forget
Everton 0 – 0 Spurs. For a which involved an overturned penalty and a red card, it may be surprising to see it feature in Match to Forget. Unfortunately, a woeful referee-ing display suffocated the match. Overturning a penalty and taking away Everton’s chance at an open goal was scandalous. A total of thirty fouls called, guaranteed a stop-start affair which kept the action to a muted slog.
Performance to Forget
Eric Bailly (0 Interceptions, 1 Tackle, 1 Own Goal, 1/2 Ground Duels, 7 Times Possession Lost, 0/4 Long Balls, 0/1 Dribbles). A little harsh to single out Bailly, perhaps, as any one of United’s dismal defenders could have featured. Collapsing at home to local rivals, City, Bailly’s own goal was the unfortunate highlight reel that encapsulated the sad demise of the once-mighty club. Giving way to Jadon Sancho, on his current form, signifies just how poorly Bailly played.
Dishonourable Mention
Juraj Kucka (54% Pass Accuracy, 0 Key Passes, 2/6 Long Balls, 4/14 Ground Duels, 18 Times Possession Lost, 4 Fouls, 1 Red Card). Arsenal’s defence was a laughing stock at the start of the season. Watford’s performance on Saturday would have led you to believe it was manned by prime Maldini. Kucka failed epicly at imposing himself on the game, aside from losing the ball for Smith Rowe’s goal. To cap it off, Kucka’s lazy tackle earned himself an early shower to add to Claudio Ranieri’s woes.
The Ugly
Top Prediction
Ryan/Steviano (Leeds 2 – 2 Leicester). Sharing top prediction this week, both lads called the result of the toughest fixture to predict. Well played.
Predictor of the Week
Steviano (4/10 Results). As is becoming far too common an occurrence, Steviano pips Predictor of the Week after a low-scores across the board.
Dunce of the Week
Pintsized/Ryan (3/10 Results). Pintsized foolishly backed Leicester to win. Ryan, perhaps more unwisely predicted Ole’s mighty Red’s to hold City to a draw.
Tipping Jar
Pintsized Interests is just a baby finding its first steps in the big, bad world of sports journalism. If you enjoy the content that is regularly uploaded then please consider donating via the link below. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and will go towards ensuring the survival of Pintsized Interests in the long-term.
