Go back a season and not many expected to see Arteta at the club when they were bottom of the table with zero wins from their first three games. Two seasons ago, they were just above the relegation zone at Christmas and failed to qualify for European football that season. But Arsenal have stuck with their young Spanish manager and it is perhaps fitting that Arteta won one of his biggest victories as Gunners boss at a club that has a long history of hiring and firing managers at will. Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted his side were beaten by Arteta’s Arsenal. “If you look at Arsenal’s history of where they are now compared to a year, two years ago it’s slightly different,” he said. “I’m sure at times Mikel gets aggressive flights and that’s how it is. That’s the job and that’s life.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player FREE WATCH: Chelsea v Arsenal highlights Arsenal have supported Arteta through some tough times, both off and on the pitch. The club’s hierarchy standing by their manager during the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saga has paid off – the now-Chelsea forward looked way off the pace against Arsenal’s defenders, while fans chanted Arteta’s name every time he touched the ball. Arsenal are now top of the Premier League table with Arteta a stand-alone young manager yet to face the challenge. Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – all considered project, long-term managers – have lost their jobs in recent seasons, with Arteta alone at the top. His Arsenal side looked solid at the back but creative going forward – as they have all season. Perhaps Premier League owners – including a certain Mr Todd Boehly of Chelsea – should be taking notes on what’s going on in north London. Sam Blitz
Salah the specialist cannot be taken for granted
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player FREE WATCH: Highlights from Liverpool’s Premier League win over Tottenham “When you look back at his career, everyone will remember one of the best strikers you ever saw because his numbers will be crazy,” Jurgen Klopp said after Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Liverpool to an important and hard 2-1. win at Tottenham. Those two goals took Salah’s tally for the season to 19 in 20 games. Erling Haaland has skewed his goal stats this season, but that’s something from the Egyptian – especially when he appeared to start the season late. He’s certainly back up to speed now, scoring a superb opener with a sharp touch and finishing into the bottom corner before pouncing on Eric Dier’s mistake to add the second. There was no doubt he would finish beyond Hugo Lloris when he ran into the area. Klopp also spoke about Salah’s contribution to the team’s performance at Tottenham. This is an interesting angle, given the perceived impact that the departure of the tough and pressing Sadio Mane has had on this Liverpool team. But, ultimately, if Liverpool can find consistency in defense and midfield, Salah will score the goals to get them where they want to go. He will have a full mid-season break with Egypt not at the World Cup – and will return fresh and on fire for a Liverpool side aiming to overcome their struggles in the first part of this campaign to put together a run of results for to move up league and challenge for cups after Christmas.Peter Smith
Spirited Spurs change mood even in defeat
The boos were heard as the half-time whistle blew at Tottenham Stadium. Injured they may have been, but Spurs fans were making no excuses after an uneven attacking performance was compounded when Eric Dier set up Mohamed Salah for his and Liverpool’s second goal. Ivan Perisic has partnered Harry Kane in Antonio Conte’s improvised Tottenham attack as he looks for solutions to the injury crisis engulfing the club. The pair had their moments in the first half, but Liverpool were far superior, building a winning lead. To be fair, few thought Spurs could salvage anything from the game when they appeared several minutes ahead of Liverpool for the second half, and they did, but what they did manage to do was transform the mood of every Tottenham fan before they came back. at their house. . Spurs fought until the final whistle, almost securing an unlikely point with a display full of spirit, resilience and fight. Antonio Conte continues to be scrutinized for his style of football, and while elements of that performance will have fueled those criticisms, it was also indicative of how the Italian continues to transform the north London club. Jack Wilkinson
Aubameyang endures a miserable outing | Potter has questions to answer
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Chelsea manager Graham Potter says there was a confidence gap between his side and Arsenal Aubameyang’s first reunion with Arsenal and Arteta – the manager determined to remove him from the Gunners’ first team – dominated Chelsea’s clash with their London rivals but it ended up being much ado about nothing. The forward started on the left of Chelsea’s tight front three, but was given permission to get into the pitch and try to link up with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling. However, he was not on the same wavelength as the German in the first half, with Aubameyang waiting for a cross that never came on two promising occasions. The frustration continued in the second half for the Gabon international and he was withdrawn in the wake of Arsenal’s 63rd minute winner, ending the game with a miserable total of two touches in the Gunners area, a shot and an expected goal. total 0.03. However, the blame for Chelsea’s lackluster display in front of goal cannot be placed on Aubameyang. The Blues’ expected goals total of 0.26 was dwarfed by Arsenal’s 2.11 and perfectly demonstrated how little of a threat their opponents posed on a dangerous afternoon at Stamford Bridge. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Saturday Football’s panel discussed when the pressure will start to mount on Chelsea boss Graham Potter ahead of the Arsenal defeat Potter began his reign at Chelsea with five wins and a draw from his first six games, but that record was left to the end. The Blues have scored an expected number of non-penalty goals of just 1.06 per 90 minutes from the manager’s first six Premier League games – suggesting their struggles in Arsenal’s territory have come as no surprise – and have now taken just two points from their last four their top- flight races. Potter’s penchant for tinkering with personnel and formations is well established but means that, after 12 games in west London, it is still difficult to determine how he wants his team to play, with a number of players seemingly struggling to show the their quality since they were asked to fulfill different roles per game. The head coach has spoken of his desire for Chelsea to be “flexible” on the pitch and the loss of Rhys James and Ben Chilwell to injury – again – severely dampens their attacking threat. But Arsenal’s highly professional performance at home to their opponents came as a result of every player understanding their role in a solid team. They showed the value of playing under the same manager for nearly three years, while Chelsea looked every inch the team still dealing with the demands of a manager who has been in place for just two months.Joe Sred
Manchester United were short on resources despite the summer spree
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player FREE WATCH: Aston Villa v Manchester United highlights Erik ten Hag’s five-game Premier League unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa – whose late turnaround called into question Manchester United’s ability to play without key players. United were undone, torn apart by a menacing Villa press and a lesson in clinical finishing. Luke Shaw had a shot saved in reply, but all three of Villa’s goals were devastatingly ruthless. It begs the question – are United competitive when Ten Hag is forced to tinker with his original selection? Donnie van de Beek was completely non-existent. Victor Lindelof was carried all over the shop by the energy of Ollie Watkins – taking his place for Leon Bailey’s opener and Jacob Ramsey’s second-half strike. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s only chance was missed when the score was 2-0. Despite the summer spending spree, there is a significant lack of strength in depth. Both Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes were notable misses. Antonis’ absence was equally damaging. They were weakened and unbalanced, and it proved costly. United have lost nine away games in 2022 – the most defeats…
