Slot, Liverpool and the art of control.
Euston, we have a problem.
Ten things from the weekend….
1.Slotting in well. If Jurgen Klopp was rampaging Heavy Metal, Arne Slot is more calming Classical. Slot has tightened Liverpool’s defence, and if his 4-1-2-3 system lacks the chaotic carnival of Klopp’s football there seems more control. Liverpool’s pass completion is high (92% against Brentford), partly because of the occasional keep-ball in midfield.
They have a good balance and numbers in there of Ryan Gravenberch anchoring with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister pushing on plus the full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson more narrow than under Klopp. It’s compact, controlled, risks losing the ball less than Klopp’s more adrenalin-filled approach, and seems to involve fewer crosses. Slot’s had an impact without even signing an outfield player yet.
He could do with his three most important players, Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, signing new contracts. Alexander-Arnold looked annoyed to be withdrawn early, so it was sensible man-management for Slot to go and sit down and talk to him briefly. He pointed out he was protecting a valuable player who had a busy, extended 2023/24. If Slot lacks Klopp’s warmth and aura, the Dutchman certainly brings a composure and intelligence, the appliance of a cold science. So much so that the constant comparing with Klopp may ebb and it be all about a successful new man.
2.Euston, we have a problem. An Everton fan heckled some of the players boarding the train north after their dispiriting 4-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur. “80 grand a week? You f*cking w*nker”, shouted one. Fans’ frustration like this hardly boosts team morale and may encourage one or two players to leave, although Neal Maupay would not be much of a loss. The sooner Everton’s ownership is sorted the better, although it will come too late for Sean Dyche to hold on to all his remaining squad, let alone strengthen it which is desperately needed.
3.Ange’s Angels. Everton were punished by Wilson Odobert, who looks a signing of real potential by Postecoglou’s Spurs, a fearless winger impressing on his debut. The French Olympic player mixes up his speeds, knowing when to slow down, as well as fly, good for such a young player (19). Along with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore, Postecoglou have some promising youngsters capable of earning their Spurs.
4.Hey Noni no – and yes. Six (in honour of Chelsea’s number of goals) unintended lessons, in no particular order, for young players from Noni Madueke. Chelsea’s winger angered Wolves with a dismissive post about the city and then took them apart at Molineux….
Firstly, a reminder of the risks of social media, especially when switching between private and public accounts. Secondly, be respectful. It was an offensive comment. Don’t wind up the opposition unnecessarily. Thirdly, address the mistake quickly (deleting the post) and openly (apologising afterwards). Fourthly, deliver on the field as Madueke did with his hat-trick. One of the issues with Chelsea’s spending spree is that the Under-21 international was linked with a move away. Baffling. He is the type of young, attacking talent Chelsea should build around and, along with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, was one of their few positives last season. He’s direct, has a trick, and is young and hungry. Fifthly, deliver off the ball too, as Madueke did for Chelsea, earning praise from Enzo Maresca afterwards. Sixthly, slip a fantastic phrase into your post-match interview to control the narrative. Of his partnership with Palmer, Madueke said, “He’s cold and I am fire.” And Wolves got singed.
5.Super Calafiori not fragile, is he? Arsenal’s new left-back looks the best of Mikel Arteta’s options in what had been a problem position. The imposing Riccardo Calafiori completes Arteta’s Pep-style four centre-back-four. He offers a calm pass under pressure as well as defensive strengths. The Italian also looks to have the confident character for the Premier League battle.
6.Pain in the neck. According to the fouls section of the Laws of the Game, Newcastle’s Joelinton managed two in one action by clotheslining Neto, the Bournemouth keeper. Joelinton was guilty of “preventing/blocking a goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands”. Also of “violent conduct” which “does not involve trying to play the ball, e.g, punching, kicking, head-butting” and catching an opponent around his neck surely comes in that dangerous category. It’s a red card all day, and Joelinton was fortunate to escape with only a yellow. “You could see what he is trying to do - he's trying to stop the keeper - but you can't go near the head area,” Eddie Howe acknowledged afterwards. “That's something we will talk to him about.”
7.It’s good to talk. Talking of communication, Howard Webb’s decision to make decision-making more transparent via big screens and social media this season is hugely welcome. Perhaps more detail on more decisions next? It adds to everyone’s understanding of the game. More clarity would also help explain - somehow – why it was a “factual decision” to rule out Dango Ouattara’s late winner for Bournemouth for an alleged “hand-ball”. Post the pictures proving it. The significance of Andoni Iraola’s point that Bournemouth’s shirts have “very short sleeves” also needs addressing. Don’t mention the wardrobe? Bournemouth were let down by the officials on Saturday.
8.Roger and in. Not many managers in the EFL possess a doctorate from studying “running in the field using measurements from an ambulatory system based on a triaxial accelerometer” (basically biomechanics). Roger le Bris, graduate of Rennes 2 University, certainly has Sunderland moving. Nobody knows how Le Bris will ultimately fare on Wearside, and he got relegated from Ligue 1 with Lorient last season, but Sunderland fans are certainly smiling again. Three wins in three in the Championship, no goals conceded, not since the General Strike have Sunderland enjoyed such a good start to a league season.
Their new French head coach has restored belief, organised the defence, and got them playing with commitment, intensity and a high press. Le Bris constantly emphasises the importance of consistency, and Sunderland will need to cope without the talents of Jack Clarke, sold to Ipswich Town. They lived without him against Burnley in front of another 40,000+ crowd at the Stadium of Light. Romaine Mundle seized his chance. As Le Bris says, it’s now about consistency, week in, week out.
On the vanquished, there has to be sympathy for Scott Parker, whose strong start to the season has now been disrupted by significant player sales as his callow bench highlighted. Very frustrating for a manager trying to rebuild his career.
9.Exit means exit. The Raheem Sterling story is now a saga. Will the PFA get involved? Who will take on his huge wages? Could he walk out for free if he could prove having his shirt number taken away and forced to train away from the first team is a form of constructive dismissal? (All supposition this btw). And is the biter being bit? Everyone recalls Sterling’s messy exit from Liverpool in 2015 but he continued to play even when it was very clear he was leaving. There can be little sympathy for a well-paid player who has underperformed but the club should certainly be handling his exit with a bit more class. It’s all about the money, of course.
10.Rogers and in. Morgan Rogers continues to impress at Aston Villa, driving through, and his decision-making and final ball will only improve under Unai Emery. Villa lost to Arsenal but Rogers was a major positive. He cost only £8m and has only just turned 22. Smart business.
Enjoy the bank holiday.
Love this style of post on a Monday Henry. Works very well. Used to like reading Winters Weekend Wonders in the Times on a Monday which was about 5 points so these 10 are better and more expanded. Please keep this format for Mondays. Nice work.