2021/22 Premier League Review: Matchday 15
Pintsized Background
The Fredemption is in full swing at United. Surprisingly enough, the Brazilian’s woes stemmed from an awkward system under Ole as well as being played out of position. Sure, Fred will still bumble into comical mistakes, but his relentless pressing will be key in Rangnick’s hard-nosed approach. Aside from Fred Dead Redemption, David Moyes continues to amaze with his ability to adapt to the new PL style. The Jared Bowen and Michail Antonio pressing system in particular destroyed Andreas Christensen.
Failed to catch the action from the Premier League last weekend? No worries. Peep our preview of Premier League Predictions: Matchday 15.
Unconvinced by Pintsized’s mystical predicting powers? Take a look at our prediction success last week detailed in Premier League Statistics: Match Day 15.
The Good
Match of the Week
West Ham 3-2 Chelsea. There was no chance that a Hammer’s victory over Chelsea was going to miss the top spot in this weeks review. Thiago Silva was in fine form at Olympic Stadium, but the experienced Brazilian was unable to patch over his teammate’s mistakes. Sloppy passes from Jorghinio (leading to Lanzini’s penalty) and a shaky Edouard Mendy performance between the sticks kept West Ham threatening every time they entered the opposing half. Mason Mount placed a beautiful volley in the corner to give Chelsea the lead, but Bowen matched the England man’s quality with a rifled long shot of his own. Also, if we’re counting Cisse’s freak goal, then we’re counting Masuaku’s cross as an intention goal! 😉
Player of the Week
Bernardo Silva (2 Goals, 4 Key Passes, 3/5 Long Balls, 1 Big Chance Created, 2/3 Dribbles, 5/7 Ground Duels, 3 Tackles). Bernardo Silva had a say in all of City’s goals, smashing a cross-field ball to Foden who set up Sterling’s header. Silva’s first of the game was Messi-esque as the Portuguese wizard darted in-between Watford’s lumbering defenders and slotted a half-chance through a fine angle. City’s final goal, Silva’s second, was a delightful turn that left Rose wandering to the stands while Silva curled one effortlessly into the top bins. It is hard to stand out in City’s star-studded team, yet Silva continues to shine weekly.
Honourable Mention
Fred (1 Goal, 1 Key Pass, 5/6 Long Balls, 9/15 Ground Duels, 1/1 Aerial Duels, 2 Times Fouled, 2 Clearances, 1 Interception, 7 Tackles). Mason Mount, Richarlison or Michail Antonio arguably the shout-out, but Fred tips the balance because of the sudden nature of his turnaround in form. Under immense pressure from a large and vocal fanbase, Fred was able to thrive in Rangnick’s system that placed him further up the field and able to pocket Jeffrey Schlupp (limited to just 29 touches). For a man who has spooned his fair share of chances into the crowd this season, it was a surprise to see the Brazilian bang one in from outside the area.
The Bad
Match To Forget
Wolves 0-1 Liverpool. While Liverpool deserved the three points, it wasn’t a pretty match to watch for neutrals. Wolves’ negative set-up kept their clean sheet for almost the entirety of the game. Diego Jota failing to finish from a few yards out could have haunted Klopp’s men this season. Instead, cometh the hour, cometh the man. Divock Origi, the injury-time king, did what he does best. With Wolves certain they had stolen a point, Salah pierced into the box before finding Origi who calmly finished on the swivel.
Performance to Forget
Danny Rose (1 Tackle, 1 Dribbled Past, 1/3 Ground Duels). How does Danny Rose continue to feature in the Premier League? The former England international may as well have placed down a camping chair and put his feet up seeing as he choose to watch the entire game out of position anyway. The killer blow was the ease with which Bernardo Silva spun Rose into a stupor. Silva was always aiming to cut back into the box, even an amateur has the presence of mind to press the Portuguese threat towards the goal line. What does Rose do instead? Crosses his feet, falls towards the goal line and allows Silva the space to place the ball at his own pace.
Dishonourable Mention
Mikel Arteta. It could be a fault with myself. Perhaps I have some sort of vendetta against the Spaniard that I am not yet aware of. Even so, it is hard to disagree that a lot of heat was taken off Arteta with the media circus centring attention on Ole and United. With the Manchester ship steadied, Arteta will be the next to find his neck on the line. Arsenal have been extremely fortunate to pick up as many points as they have this season. If Arsenal doesn’t pick up at least six points in their next five games (Southampton H, West Ham H, Leeds A, Norwich A, Wolves H), then the Gunners will find themselves spiralling back towards the bottom half of the table.
The Ugly
Top Prediction
Pintsized (Leeds 2-2 Brentford). In a battle between two of the most inconsistent attacks in the league, Pint was bang on the money for a mid-table thriller.
Predictor of the Week
Pintsized (7/10 Results, 2/10 Scores). A career best from Pint, clocking in a very respectable two scores.
Dunce of the Week
Ryan (4/10 Results, 1/10 Scores). After a couple of weeks pulling back towards the pack, Ryan’s risky calls have seen him fall back in line.
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