LONDON (REUTERS) – Speaking factors from the English Premier League weekend:
1. Rangnick has work to do to overtake Man United
Manchester United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick can take some positives from their 1-0 wins towards Crystal Palace and Norwich Metropolis within the Premier League underneath his tenure however a six-point haul from the 2 video games flattered their performances.
United confirmed indicators of defensive enchancment after the German took cost, albeit towards modest opposition, together with his all-out urgent techniques consolidating a shaky rearguard which leaked targets underneath his predecessors.
Nonetheless, United regarded bereft of a leading edge up entrance in each video games and though Rangnick could argue the staff confirmed the persistence they’d lacked, he might be conscious that shifting up a stage won’t be a straightforward activity.
2. Sterling joins 100 membership in well timed method
Raheem Sterling is just not at all times the primary title on the Manchester Metropolis staff sheet, however he made probably the most of his likelihood towards Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (Dec 11) to affix an elite group of Premier League gamers.
The England worldwide’s 66th-minute penalty was sufficient to earn his facet a sixth successive league victory, as he confirmed nice composure underneath strain, slotting the spot kick down the center.
Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola was filled with reward for Sterling and his willingness to step ahead and take the penalty, given he had missed his final three, with the strike essential to earn a below-par Metropolis victory towards a decided Wolves facet.
3. Gerrard handles Anfield with fashion
“One membership” gamers are such a rarity within the trendy recreation that once they enter administration with one other staff, there’s a danger that the membership’s followers may be sceptical of their dedication to them.
Few gamers are as linked with one membership as a lot as Steven Gerrard was with Liverpool and with many observers feeling he would in the future return to Anfield as supervisor, his transfer to Aston Villa was extensively considered as a “stepping stone” change.
However Gerrard is astute sufficient to know that followers of a membership with a wealthy historical past like former European champions Aston Villa, wouldn’t take kindly to their membership being considered as merely a stopping off level on the best way to the “actual job”.
So Gerrard was fairly proper to maintain the main focus of his return to Anfield on Saturday together with his present membership – refusing to be drawn into nostalgic discuss of his time at Anfield and barely acknowledging the applause and chants from the Liverpool trustworthy.
After the sport, he remained resolutely on message, ducking invites to speak concerning the “feelings” of the event.
Gerrard could effectively find yourself as Liverpool supervisor in the future however his possibilities of that appointment are a lot greater if he succeeds in his present function and that requires holding the Villa followers behind him.
4. Everton house aid was all too transient
There was a glimmer of aid final Monday when Everton got here from a aim right down to beat Arsenal however supervisor Rafael Benitez is again within the firing line after Sunday’s loss at Crystal Palace.
Whereas he would possibly argue Everton had an opportunity to go away London with a minimum of some extent, they carried out for less than the final 20 minutes of the 3-1 defeat and dropped right down to 14th within the standings.
Everton regarded timid and bereft of confidence as Palace dominated the primary half, going forward at half-time after which 2-0 up after an hour because of Everton’s defensive frailties.
Benitez prides himself on his defensive work and might be mortified by their sloppiness on the again, and irritated by the petulant response of Richarlison to being substituted. It stoked up the travelling help.
However it was alternative Salomon Rondon who pulled one again and was concerned in two extra wonderful possibilities to stage.
However ultimately, Palace slotted in yet one more – courtesy of one other defensive slip – heaping strain solidly again on the Everton supervisor.
It was at all times going to be robust for an ex-Liverpool boss to win over Everton supporters, even together with his observe document, and a run of 1 win of their previous 10 matches means he’s now feeling the warmth.