After six video games within the 2023-24 Premier League season, we now have a clearer image of which membership will possible go during which course. Coming into the gameweek six, the Premier League had already given us some season-defining moments, be it objectives, assists, pink playing cards, and far more. And this week simply added some extra moments of insanity to the listing.
After six video games, we now have solely 4 groups undefeated, with one group holding a 100 per cent successful report. This exhibits us how aggressive the league will probably be. One other factor that has develop into extra clear is that there are a few groups who, regardless of not having the stage of a giant group, are heavy top-six contenders, which signifies that regardless of how sturdy a group may be on paper, it should do the speaking on the pitch to thrive.
So, what can we be taught from gameweek six of the 2023-24 Premier League season?
Dominik Szoboszlai might be the signing of the season
All through your complete switch window, Liverpool had been extra within the information for the gamers they missed out on signing moderately than one which ultimately joined. It was one of many the explanation why sensible signings akin to Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai went beneath the radar. Nevertheless, after six video games, Szoboszlai has proven that he’s value each penny spent.
With out the presence of a correct quantity six, Liverpool’s midfield has been beneath extreme strain. Whereas Curtis Jones and MacAllister have had some underwhelming shows, the Hungarian has been constantly good.
The sport towards West Ham United was one other instance the place he had a passing accuracy of 93 per cent, creating 4 possibilities, 102 touches, one clearance, and one deal with whereas additionally finishing 5 out of seven passes.
And if Liverpool handle to complete within the high 4 and even win any trophy, anticipate Szoboszlai to play an integral half.
Nothing can cease Manchester Metropolis, not even pink playing cards
A sixth consecutive win has cemented Manchester Metropolis’s quest for a sixth Premier League title beneath Pep Guardiola. And this one got here regardless of Metropolis being a person down for nearly half of the sport. One of many important enhancements that Guardiola has made this season is to get different gamers in his assault to attain extra objectives, thereby lessening the burden on Erling Haaland.
They usually had been at their ruthless finest towards Nottingham Forest, racing to a 2-0 lead inside quarter-hour. Nevertheless, the hosts discovered themselves one man down after Rodri was despatched off for grabbing the throat of Morgan White.
Metropolis managed to win the sport after substituting Kalvin Phillips in for Jeremy Doku. Nevertheless, Rodri is banned for 3 video games, which implies he’ll miss the pivotal conflict towards Arsenal, which will probably be a significant fear for Guardiola.
Attracts hurting Arteta’s Arsenal
After ending second final season, Mikel Arteta was seeking to take his group one step as much as win the Premier League. And the group has performed brilliantly this season, however their incapacity to complete video games or to win them when they don’t seem to be at their finest is regarding.
Their latest draw at residence towards Tottenahm Hotspur uncovered the identical previous issues. The Gunners let the guests equalise twice after taking the lead. Nevertheless, Arsenal had loads of possibilities to place the sport to mattress, which they didn’t take, a difficulty acknowledged by Arteta on the post-match convention.
The identical points had been evident as Arsenal didn’t take all three factors towards a ten-man Fulham. Champions take their possibilities and win even on a nasty day. For now, Arsenal are exhibiting neither of the 2 qualities.
Stamford Bridge is falling down
We now have run out of phrases to explain Chelsea’s season, as they ship the identical disappointment every week. They did begin the sport towards Aston Villa with Mykhailo Mudryk, creating a superb opportunity that Nicholas Jackson missed. Regardless of this, they entered the primary half understanding a purpose was coming.
All of the hope ended within the 56th minute when right-back Malo Gusto was despatched off after a VAR intervention, which pushed Chelsea to defend. And Aston Villa made their one-man benefit rely as Ollie Watkins scored the sport’s solely purpose from a good angle.
For Mauricio Pochettino, it was one other week of frustration as Chelsea slipped to 14th within the desk, two factors above the relegation zone.
Newcastle come again in type
Earlier than their sport towards Sheffield United, Newcastle United had solely received one out of 5 video games. Because of this Eddie Howe badly wanted a win on the street towards Sheffield United. And his group responded in type, scoring eight previous a hapless Wes Foderingham within the hosts’ purpose.
The present’s star was Bruno Guimaraes, who scored one and offered one other. One other notable stat from the sport was that no participant scored a couple of purpose. Guimaraes additionally received each deal with and duel he made. The Brazilian was additionally awarded a ranking of 0.87 on the Anticipated Offensive Worth Added (xOVA) by information analytics website Soccerment, probably the most by any participant on this gameweek.
After their possession change, Newcastle United constructed a group signing gamers with potential moderately than splurging money on high signings. The motivation was that Howe needed an entire squad that was not solely depending on one particular person. And this win was an ideal instance of that.
Manchester United win unconvincingly
Manchester United had been on a three-game shedding streak earlier than travelling to Burnley. And whereas their efficiency towards Burnley was removed from excellent, they escaped with three factors, which is able to relieve Erik Ten Hag, who’s already dealing with huge issues on the squad.
With Antony unavailable and Jadon Sancho froze out of the squad after his altercation with Ten Hag, the squad was fairly skinny. Nevertheless, Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri have put their arms up. And Ten Hag will want these gamers to step up if they’re to salvage one thing from the season.