EPL Hits and Misses: United heap pressure on Wenger
HITS
Manchester United
Many United fans were fearing the worst when their club's lengthy injury list forced Louis van Gaal reverted to a back three consisting of Chris Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair at the Emirates. Those fears worsened when Luke Shaw had to hobble off with an ankle injury and be replaced by Ashley Young. However, those fears proved to be unfounded as United's patchwork defence - aided by Arsenal's ineptitude in front of goal - turned in an excellent shift to keep out the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck. It certainly helped that David de Gea was still in inspired form, too. While things are far from perfect with the Red Devils, van Gaal has done well to galvanise a team damaged by David Moyes' tenure.
Chris Smalling
Delivered a perfect response to his brainless red card during the Manchester derby with a commanding performance at the Emirates. As one of the team's senior defenders, it's about time the 25-year-old started throwing his weight around and he must now work on his consistency.
Chelsea
They're over the hills and far, far away from the rest of their competition. It's hard to see anyone beating Jose Mourinho's side at this rate.
Newcastle United
After failing to lodge back-to-back wins since March, Alan Pardew's men are now on a five-game winning streak after their 1-0 dispatching of QPR. From languishing in the relegation zone after seven matches, the Magpies are now fifth and knocking on the door of the Champions League places, level on points with fourth spot occupants Manchester United. Their form over the last six matches is matched only by Chelsea, setting them up perfectly for their visit to high-flying West Ham.
Burnley
Off the foot of the table with back-to-back wins. It's hard to see Sean Dyche's side escaping relegation this season, but at least they have some momentum to build on now to try fashioning a great escape.
Christian Eriksen
He has had to adapt his game under Mauricio Pochettino, but the Dane still has that something special to make him a matchwinner. The free-kick which led to Spurs' equaliser was nearly perfect while the strike for the winner was sublime. If only Spurs had the leaders to match Eriksen's silk...
Crystal Palace
Fast becoming the scourge of Liverpool. Neil Warnock must be mighty pleased to record his first win over the Reds while seeing his side escape the dreaded relegation spots.
Yaya Toure
Steamrollered his way through Swansea's defence in typical Yaya Toure fashion to score his side's winner. More of the same midfield colossus of old, please.
MISSES
Arsene Wenger
Where to begin? It's hard to have sympathy for Wenger after watching the same old story play out against United. Sterile possession? Check. Profligacy in front of goal? Check. Comedic self-destruction resulting in a goal? Check. Getting hit on counter-attack? Check. While Wenger insisted that he was only taking the positives away from the game, the hard truth is that the Frenchman never seems to learn. Even with United's squad depleted by injury, Wenger could not find a way to exploit the Red Devils' inexperienced defensive core. Meanwhile, the victorious Louis van Gaal afforded himself a chuckle after revealing his plan to take advantage of "our friend" Nacho Monreal - yet another damning indictment of Wenger's failure to properly strengthen his side during the transfer window. He might have overseen some of Arsenal's greatest successes, but Wenger doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes.
Mikel Arteta
"I think we played our best game this season in terms of what we demand of ourselves – the quality in the way we attacked, how we won the ball back, how consistent we were throughout, the amount of chances we created. It’s not fair for the players and the fans. How can I explain the result? I can’t."
Still can't figure out why you lost, Mikel?
"It’s (a lack of) ruthlessness, for sure. When you are in the box and you can’t manage to score in that many situations, you can’t expect to win."
Oh.
Jack Wilshere
Deserved a red card for jamming his head into Marouane Fellaini's chest, but Mike Dean was probably too busy laughing at the failed headbutt to reach for his pocket. This photo might make for a good cover for a cheesy romance novel.
Gaston Ramirez
The Uruguayan continues his fall from grace as one of the Premier League's sought after talents with a petulant kick out that, in all likelihood, cost his side a much-needed win.
Leicester City
Put a halt to a four-game losing sequence with their 0-0 draw with Sunderland, but are still without a goal in five and are now in the relegation zone.
Stoke
Falling in their fortress home to Burnley. Given their form, it should mean a better result against Liverpool this weekend, no?
Brendan Rodgers
"I'm not arrogant enough to think I'll be in the job through anything - you have to win games, especially after how we've been developing as a football club...We concede poor goals, but we’ve got nobody to blame but ourselves. As manager, I take full responsibility for it."
It's not looking good for Brendan Rodgers, who admitted that his job could now be on the line after the Reds' third straight loss in the Premier League (four if you count their defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League). Managers usually demand a response from his players after a loss, but so far, Liverpool's attempts to bounce back have been limp at best. Even more worrying for the Northern Irishman is that the fans are starting to turn on him, with many questioning his business in the transfer market despite being afforded generous funds to replace Luis Suarez. While he has a chance to lighten the pressure this week with a Champions League tie against Ludogorets and a Premier League clash with misfiring Stoke, Rodgers has to work with a squad bereft of confidence amid talk of Liverpool interest in Juergen Klopp.
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