Ahead of every weekend this season, I will give you my three thoughts on what’s going on in the Premier League. These might not always be the biggest stories, but rather my personal observations as the games approach each Saturday.
Here’s what makes me somewhat intrigued ahead of Matchday 26.
In defence of Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba was subbed off in the second half of Manchester United’s loss away to Tottenham on Wednesday after a very average performance. Pogba ticks all the boxes as far what it takes to be a great midfielder, and from time to time he does show flashes of brilliance. But considering the 89 million pounds he cost Manchester United, surely they need more from the Frenchman.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a Pogba fan, and I think he has been unfairly criticized in some quarters. However, now is the time that he sheds the ‘potential’ tag and become the everyday, world class player that we saw at Juventus.
If ever a coach needed to find a proper role for a player it is Jose Mourinho. I won’t sit here and pretend to know his best role; I will leave tactics to those who find such things interesting. But doesn’t it make sense that Pogba be given a more attacking role at Manchester United?
A lot has been made of how the Alexis Sanchez signing will affect Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford, but what hasn’t been written about is how the signing affects Pogba. Does it mean he is destined to play beside Nemanja Matic? Or will Mourinho at some point adjust to a 4-3-3?
Pogba is still United’s most important player. He needs to be their best player, too, and that should not mean forcing him into a certain position to accommodate others.
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Positive moves made by Arsenal
After all the panic and hostility directed towards Arsenal, the January transfer window actually turned out quite well for Arsene Wenger. That’s not to suggest the team is no longer in need of a rebuild, or that Wenger needs to step aside in a hurry this summer. But considering where the club was, and where it is now, Gooners shouldn’t be too unhappy.
Arsenal swapped Alexis Sanchez, a sulking and toxic player on an expiring contract, for a Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a ball-playing midfielder who seems to want to be a Gunner. It sold Olivier Giroud, a respected but seldom used super-sub, and bought Pierre Emrick Aubameyang, an exciting star striker who at the very least will provide strong competition to Alex Lacazette. And it finished things off by re-upping its best player in Mesut Ozil to new long term contract, a move that suggests, perhaps, Wenger does still have the respect of the room.
Of course, a cynic might suggest that Ozil just went for the money and the London lifestyle, Aubameyang is a trouble-maker on the downside who forced his way out of Bourssia Dortmund, and Mkhitaryan is washed up. That would just be cynical though, right?
Spurs look to be in good shape
Speaking of that Tottenham-Manchester United match, what a performance it was by Spurs.
The London club finds itself in fifth place, two points back of Liverpool and Chelsea in third and fourth respectively. This Sunday, Spurs meet Liverpool at Anfield in one of those must-watch affairs. It is incredible to think that one of Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea will likely miss out on Champions League football next season. You have to feel confident if you are a Spurs fan, though. Out of the three, your team appears to have the fewest questions surrounding it.
Spurs, as a group, have grown together the last three seasons, they have arguably the best striker in the league in Harry Kane, a young and explosive midfield – with new signing Lucas Moura adding the pace that was perhaps missing – and a water tight defence. Compare that to Liverpool, who has all of the above, but rather than a water-tight defence, it struggles with a swiss-cheese outfit; and Chelsea, who look as if it is about to quit on its manager once again.
Spurs are looking in good shape, which makes this Sunday’s tilt all the more compelling. It isn’t quite yet the stretch run, but these are enormous points on offer!
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