Whose Manager Sent Kisses? Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week
The Premier League is entering a crucial stage, where the pressure is mounting for players and fans alike. Goalkeepers, in particular, face immense pressure as even the slightest mistake can be costly at this point in the season. Everton’s Jordan Pickford has proven himself capable of handling this pressure, with outstanding performances against Newcastle and Burnley.
Arsenal’s defensive strength has been a key factor in their recent success. Gabriel and William Saliba have formed a formidable partnership at the back, contributing to Arsenal’s fifth consecutive clean sheet away from home. Their upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur will be a true test of their defensive capabilities.
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven showcased his striking abilities with a sensational goal against Nottingham Forest. His goal settled the team and secured a 3-1 victory. Spurs now have a crucial match against Arsenal in three weeks’ time, with both teams vying for a top-four finish.
Saliba’s teammate at Arsenal, Declan Rice, once again impressed with his all-around performance against Brighton. Rice’s versatility in both attack and defense has been crucial for Arsenal’s success. With a price tag of £105 million, Rice has proven to be worth every penny.
Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes continues to shine for the team, scoring the winning goal against Fulham on his 100th appearance for the club. Despite a difficult season, Newcastle has navigated through it well. However, to compete with the best teams, they will need a larger squad, which may be challenging due to Financial Fair Play rules.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo played a pivotal role in their match against Liverpool. Mainoo’s goal gave United a 2-1 lead and rattled Liverpool, ultimately resulting in a 2-2 draw. This outcome has opened up the title race, with Arsenal and Manchester City benefiting from Liverpool’s dropped points.
Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne continues to impress, with his equalizer against Crystal Palace leaving manager Pep Guardiola in awe. De Bruyne also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, proving his class on the pitch. City’s 4-2 victory keeps them within striking distance of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Luton’s Carlton Morris showcased his goal-scoring abilities with a crucial finish against Bournemouth. Luton remains in the bottom three but has a lifeline with Nottingham Forest’s point deduction. They will need to win at least three of their remaining six games to have a chance of survival.
Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been instrumental in their recent victories. His late penalty against Newcastle secured a point, while his goal against Burnley helped Everton secure a crucial 1-0 win. Everton’s survival in the division hinges on such performances.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins had a productive week, scoring two goals in a 3-3 draw against Brentford. Despite a tough week for Villa, Watkins’ contributions keep them within reach of the top four. Brentford, on the other hand, is finding it challenging to pick up points but has the quality to survive in the Premier League.
In addition to the Team of the Week, referee Andy Madley deserves credit for his handling of the Brentford vs Brighton match. His decision not to penalize Lewis Dunk for shirt-pulling was appreciated by both sets of fans. Brighton striker Danny Welbeck has also been in exceptional form for his team.
The Crooks of the Matter section explores the debate surrounding Erling Haaland’s contribution to the team outside of scoring goals. The article highlights that scoring goals is the most difficult job on the pitch and emphasizes the importance of work-rate for strikers.
Overall, the Premier League is reaching a crucial stage, where every point matters. Teams are relying on individual performances to secure victories and achieve their season’s goals. With the title race wide open, the coming weeks promise excitement and intense competition.