Premier League: Arsenal & Manchester City stars strut their stuff
With the 2023/24 Premier League season hurtling towards the business end, it was no surprise to see the latest round of fixtures produce plenty of talking points.
These included the re-emergence of a forgotten player at Arsenal and a Manchester City star giving England manager Gareth Southgate some food for thought.
Read on as we take a closer look at some of the standout stories from Matchday 31, starting with what could be a pivotal development in the title race.
Smith Rowe gives Arsenal a timely boost
Emile Smith Rowe gave everyone a timely reminder why Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was eager to keep him in the squad this season. After being heavily involved in both of the Gunners’ goals in the 2-0 victory over Luton Town, the 23-year-old was deservedly given a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the game.
Smith Rowe’s efforts also garnered approval from the online gambling industry, with several sports betting platforms trimming Arsenal’s title odds after the match. If he can maintain this level of form during the run-in, Arsenal could be the value bet to finish ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City this season.
Villa cannot take things for granted
Aston Villa have been one of the biggest success stories in the Premier League this season after forcing their way into contention for a top four finish. They have improved massively since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as manager, and he deserves plenty of credit for the way he has turned the club around.
However, while it may be churlish to pick holes in what Villa have achieved this season, their second-half collapse at Man City in midweek was disappointing. The result left them two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur having played a game more and qualification for the Champions League is far from guaranteed.
Southgate must realise Foden’s shackles
Bookmakers rate England as one of the favourites to win the 2024 European Championship despite their recent underwhelming performances in friendlies last month. Southgate’s overly cautious nature was on show against Brazil and Belgium, with his midfield once again picked to contain rather than be creative.
Phil Foden’s midweek hat-trick for Man City against Villa demonstrated how dangerous he is in central areas, and Southgate needs to recognise what he brings to the table. A midfield unit of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Foden would strike fear into teams at Euro 2024. Despite this, Southgate will no doubt be too afraid to take the gamble.
Madley deserves a pat on the back
Match officials get a rough ride in the Premier League, with barely a week going by without someone questioning decisions they make during a game. On that basis, it is only fair to highlight the fantastic job done by referee Andy Madley during the goalless draw between Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek.
Madley rejected penalty pleas following an incident between Lewis Dunk and Yoane Wissa, and stuck to his guns when sent to the monitor by the Video Assistant Referee. He refused to view the footage – which was only the second time this season a referee has done this. With replays proving Madley was correct, he deserves a pat on the back.
Outspoken Antonio needs to focus on his own game
Michail Antonio has spent a portion of this season laying the groundwork for a future career as a pundit with appearances on podcasts and Sky Sports. However, he has put his foot in it on several occasions, most notably when he taunted Liverpool before West Ham United visited Anfield earlier in the season.
Antonio comes across as someone who has just a little too much to say for himself, particularly when considering he has scored just four league goals this season. Having fluffed several easy chances against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, Antonio would be better served sharpening up his own skills rather than commenting about others.
Newcastle will win nothing under Howe
After guiding Newcastle United into the top four last season, manager Eddie Howe was expected to continue the momentum this term. Unfortunately for the club, he has failed. The Magpies’ 1-1 draw with Everton left them 15 points behind four-placed Villa with eight games remaining. Flower it up however you like, that is not good enough.
His after-match assessment on TNT Sports that apart from Everton’s late penalty his team would have won 1-0 rightly attracted plenty of derision on social media. Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall give off the vibe that they think they are an elite management team, but Newcastle will win nothing while they are in charge.
Ten Hag living on borrowed time
Manchester United’s defensive frailties were brutally exposed again on Thursday as they blew a golden opportunity to stay in contention for Champions League qualification. After recovering from two goals down to lead 3-2 at Chelsea, the Red Devils conceded twice in stoppage time to lose the game.
It was the second time in less than a week that Man United lost a lead in added time after their 1-1 draw at Brentford and undoubtedly cranked up the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. If his team fail to beat Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may decide it is time to part company with the Duthcman.
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