Another Saturday, another set of truths. We look back at what we learned from watching England's Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp presses the right buttons
After Jurgen Klopp’s appointment at Liverpool, it was suggested that one of the first things he would do is implement his gegenpress style on his side - that is, get them to win the ball back as soon as it is lost. And that certainly seemed to be the case. But that does not mean his team will simply run around like headless chickens when they lose possession. Klopp also tweaked the starting line up to be more difficult to break down with Emre Can, Lucas Leiva and James Milner in midfield. Not only does this trio have industry, it also protects the defence. And it showed in a satisfactory 0-0 draw with Spurs at White Hart Lane.
Reports of Wayne Rooney's demise are premature
Louis van Gaal congratulates Wayne Rooney. - Reuters
Wayne Rooney is far from finished as a forward threat. The England captain produced an intelligent display in leading his side's forward line, linking well with the impressiveMorgan Schneiderlin and eager Ander Herrera, but also displayed an eye-catching turn of pace to lead some of the home defenders a merry dance. Anthony Martial should really have scored from his cutback moments before half-time while his goal was a classic forward's finish after being sent through on goal by Herrera.
Left Phil Jagielka for dead moments later with only a braveTim Howard stop denying him a second and United's fourth goal. He joins Andy Cole on 187 goals as the second top scorer in the history of the Premier League behind Alan Shearer's 260. A productive day.
Big Sam's salvage operation atSunderland won't be boosted by basic errors
Sam Allardyce suffered a 1-0 defeat at West Brom. - Eurosport
Sunderland fans can't expect miracles overnight, but if they are going to avoid a season-long battle to avoid the drop, they need to collect points against teams such as West Brom. The 1-0 defeat at West Brom was marked by James McClean sparkeing a melee at the final whistle after Costel Pantilimon's error gifted West Brom the win by dropping the ball. McClean felt he was 'hung out to dry' by Sunderland over his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his shirt during a game against Everton in 2012.
That will quickly be forgotten about. Pantilimon's mistake won't. He dropped a Chris Brunt cross to allow Saido Berahino to seal a 1-0 win as Allardyce's Sunderland remain at the foot of the standings. Will be interesting to discover if the big keeper survives the cull next weekend.
Who needs Sergio Aguero?
Manchester City were imperious once again as they dispatched newly-promoted Bournemouth. They won 5-1 and that was without their talismanic striker Sergio Aguero, who scored five goals against Newcastle in their previous league match.
Raheem Sterling celebrates a goal in his hat-trick. - Eurosport
Raheem Sterling scored a first-half hat-trick to dismiss the notion that they would struggle without the Argentine. They were never going to – City’s squad is full of class and will always create chances. Sterling and Kevin De Bruyneshowed some brilliant link-up play and creativity, while Wilfried Bony notched a couple of goals to give him confidence.
Aguero had only scored one goal in the league prior to his five-star performance against Newcastle. City have been freewheeling all season and, on this form, look pretty irresistible.
Chelsea still feeling blue, despite win
It was a comfortable victory in the end. Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-0 and manager Jose Mourinho will be relieved after a week in which he was fined £50,000 for a rant about referees following his side’s previous match - a 3-1 defeat toSouthampton.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho shakes hands with his assistant Rui Faria. - Eurosport
But the win was still a pale imitation of their best performances last season. It was disjointed and they needed a gift from Villa keeper Brad Guzan for their first goal and a deflection for their second.
Mourinho also dropped Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic - two of last season’s top performers - to the bench. The Portuguese is tinkering with his team almost every game this season, whereas last campaign, consistent selection was the bedrock of their success. The need to find their best team and some form to be considered a real threat to the Manchester clubs.
How did Claudio Ranieri fail so badly with Greece?
Claudio Ranieri watched his side earn a 2-2 draw at Southampton. - Reuters
Talking about tinkering. It is easy to forget 'The Tinkerman' was coach of the Greek national side at the outset of the Euro 2016 qualifiers before being sacked after a 2-0 home defeat to the Faroe Islands last November. While Greece trailed home in a miserable bottom spot in Group F below the Faroes after losing 3-1 to Northern Ireland in Belfast, Ranieri appears to have found a new lease of life as a coach at Leicester. Not only can his Leicester side play, they can also fight.
Fresh from appearing with England in midweek, Jamie Vardy popped up with two goals in the final 24 minutes - including an equaliser in injury time - to earn Ranieri's side an admirable 2-2 draw at a Southampton team who fogged Chelsea 3-1 a fortnight ago. Apart from the 5-2 loss toArsenal last month, Leicester haven't been beaten in their past 10 games and are fifth spot in the table. At this rate, Ranieri will end up as manager of the year.
The Premier League is lucky to haveAlexis Sanchez
Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez celebrate Arsenal's 3-0 win at Watford. - Reuters
Some commentators genuinely wonder if Real Madrid or Barcelona - or even Bayern Munich - would covet any of the Premier League's players. Their dominance and technical supremacy every year in the Champions League would suggest not, but perhaps Alexis Sanchez is the outstanding case. Barcelona sold Sanchez to Arsenal for £35m a year ago, and Sanchez has been worth his weight in gold. And goals.
Another goal in his side's 3-0 success at Watford was impressive, but his overall contribution was outstanding yet again as he played a part in everything positive about Arsenal's second-half display. Has now scored 10 goals in his past six matches for club and country. Truly world class.
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