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Adam Armstrong’s second-half stop proved crucial. England’s number one parried Kyle Walker-Peters’ shot without any heroics. Frank Lampard’s presence has changed Jordan Pickford’s game.
The goalkeeper’s form has given his defence confidence. Everton needed this win against Southampton to tie Liverpool on points, which says as much about their neighbours as it does about them.
Defenders
Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
I think Thiago Siva was fortunate to play. Referee Chris Kavanagh let the Chelsea defender on the field despite his purposeful handball, ignoring the last man in defence rule.
When players make a late challenge to win the ball but are defeated by the opponent’s speed or cleverness, no leeway is frequently allowed.
Silva is holding down the fort at Chelsea while Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly adjust. His header brought up Aubameyang’s equaliser.
Coady (Everton)
Conor Coady is a solid defender, but his mobility in the opponent’s penalty area is striking. A goal-scorer hunts for goals. Everton is far from a top-six team, but anything less will put Lampard in danger.
Everton manager replacing Gareth Southgate as England leader after the World Cup is premature. Lampard is popular yet inexperienced.
Saliba (Arsenal)
William Saliba keeps improving. His calmness was exceptional in his maiden north London derby. Antonio Conte’s Spurs must be cool and maintain their nerve in critical games to win trophies this season.
Hugo Lloris makes routine saves appear amazing and is a liability in big games. Conte’s inability to understand that Emerson Royal couldn’t handle Gabriel Martinelli lost Spurs the game.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
I once criticised Granit Xhaka’s lack of discipline in Arsenal’s important games. Now I’m praising his professionalism. I was impressed by how he calmed down his teammates following Arsenal’s first goal against their opponents.
Emerson should have done the same. His move was cold, planned, and self-indulgent. Six weeks, not three games, is appropriate.
De Bruyne (Man City)
The game took 45 minutes. Manchester United supporters left in droves. Why watch Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden rip your team apart? I can’t recall when United seemed so terrified in a Manchester derby.
City looked imperious, even without Dias and Laporte. City kept two top defenders on the bench in a Manchester derby to keep them fresh for the Champions League on Wednesday.
Almiron (Newcastle)
Newcastle supporters must have adored this game. There were goals everywhere, and everyone wanted to play for Eddie Howe. Nathaniel Chalobah’s dangerous tackle on Sean Longstaff helped them beat Fulham.
Chalobah and Fulham paid the pay for contemporary players’ risky tackles. Miguel Almiron and Newcastle supporters are ecstatic. Newcastle can finish in the top six if they play like this.
Trossard (Brighton)
Few players have scored a hat-trick at Anfield away. Leandro Trossard’s two first-half goals for Brighton gave Alisson little chance. Some players may have fled the field after Trossard’s second-half knock, but he composed himself, returned, and scored a spectacular hat-trick for Brighton.
Roberto de Zerbi inherited a fine squad at Amex Stadium, and based on their performance against Liverpool, they can only grow better.
Forward
Firmino (Liverpool)
Bobby Firmino had two excellent finishes. The Brazilian may no longer be fit to play for Jurgen Klopp. If your squad needs a calm head in front of the goal, Firmino can help. Thiago Alcantara (when healthy) is Liverpool’s key man, say, supporters. If he ran, maybe.
The Spaniard has mastered jogging. He lacks Firmino’s pace and finishing ability. Thiago has his moments, but Firmino is a better teammate and contributor.
Foden (Manchester City)
I predicted Phil Foden would improve following last season’s 2-2 tie at Anfield. He played well and scored a great goal. Foden appears much more mature than he did against Liverpool a year ago. He played as a fake number nine until Pep Guardiola changed his position.
Foden is unstoppable. His hat-trick against Man U was amazing. This is from a boy who’s happy to be on the squad and will do as directed.
Haaland (Man City)
It’s rare for a Premier League player to score a hat-trick in three consecutive home games. Haaland’s squad creates opportunities like air. Is it any surprise the Norwegian superstar destroyed Manchester United and keeps scoring? What happens if Haaland is hurt? Gabriel Jesus has been fired. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea’s only hope. If Haaland stays healthy, we may as well go.
