3️⃣ TALKING POINTS AS BRENTFORD CRUSH MANCHESTER UNITED

 

BEES DEMOLISH RED DEVILS 

3 TALKING POINTS FROM BRENTFORD 4-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

-Samarth Purohit and Mitansh Kagalwala


Gameweek 2 of the EPL promised action and drama, and it delivered on both. The week saw several upsets, with both Manchester United and Liverpool having sub-par games and dropping points. United, in particular, continued their disastrous start to the season with an awful performance away to Brentford, losing 4-0 on a torturous afternoon. Two individual errors from David De Gea early in the game gave Brentford a 2-0 lead, which was quickly doubled by halftime, as United struggled to get back into the game. This result, coupled with the 2-1 loss to Brighton on the opening matchday, sees the Red Devils at the bottom of the table. A surprising sight, given how United performed in pre-season. Here’s what we made of it:


Photo Via: Manchester Evening News

(L to R) Manchester Utd players' Christian Eriksen, Fred, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes

 


1.       A Mess of Epic Proportions: At the end of last season, it was clear United’s squad had some huge gaping holes they needed to fill. A right back, striker, winger, and at least one new midfielder were needed the most urgently. We are now nearing the end of the transfer window, two games in, and United are yet to fill all of those positions. The Frenkie De Jong saga has pulled on needlessly, with the player very clearly not keen on joining the Red Devils. There have been no strong links to either a right back or a defensive midfielder, while United have been linked with players such as Adrien Rabiot and Mauro Icardi, who do not really elevate the level of the squad. Cristiano Ronaldo has requested to leave, which would leave United with an out-of-form Marcus Rashford and an injured Anthony Martial as their only strikers. United have signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez; however, Martinez has looked out of his depth in the first two games, while Malacia and Eriksen play in positions which are already occupied. In an era where big clubs are picking up wonderkids in all positions imaginable, the fact that United’s recruitment team’s only suggestions are world-beaters who cost an arm and a leg, or stars of the past, must be questioned.

2.       Erik Ten Hag: The appointment of the Dutch manager, who lead an Ajax side comprised of youngsters to the UCL semi-final in recent years, had brought much fanfare and hope for the coming season. Indeed, United fulfilled that hope in pre-season playing some wonderful football. Come the 2nd gameweek, however, all that has already been forgotten. Two losses in two games, with United languishing in 20th. Given the short time span, terrible recruitment, awful dressing room atmosphere and the poor attitude of the players, not much blame can be put on Ten Hag’s shoulders, but it is fair that he has to carry some of it. The decision to field a midfield of Fred, Eriksen (as a 6!) and Bruno Fernandes was questionable, given its obvious defensive frailties. So too was choosing a centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, in favour of Raphael Varane, given the highly physical nature of Brentford’s forwards. Given David De Gea’s terrible form this season and his drop-off last season, the decision to send Dean Henderson on loan to Nottingham Forest, can also be scrutinized. In his tenure at United, Ten Hag has not been successful in stamping his authority on the squad, nor at imposing his style of play, however, more time is needed to truly judge whether he is the one to take United forward. Nevertheless, Liverpool in gameweek 3, coming off the back of such a terrible loss, is not something Ten Hag will be looking forward to.

3.       Brentford: Most of the headlines will be regarding United’s terrible performance, but that must not take away credit from the excellent performance put on by the Brentford players. The defence was excellent, shutting down United’s forwards with ease. New signing Ben Mee, in particular, was exemplary, completely closing down United’s attack along with Pontus Jansson, and scoring at the other end to complete an excellent home debut. The midfield trio of Christian Norgaard, Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen were brilliant, completely outclassing United’s midfield and dominating the game from start to finish. Bryan Mbuemo and Ivan Toney bullied United’s defence into submission, with their work rate especially excellent. An overall brilliant performance from the Bees in front of their home fans, one which manager Thomas Frank can be especially happy with.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SEASON REVIEW: FC BARCELONA 2021/22

Image
  BARCELONA’S 21/22 SEASON: A SEASON OF TWO HALVES - Mitansh Kagalwala FC Barcelona’s 21/22 season was supposed to start on a promising note. New signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia had all joined on free transfers, and thus, despite Barca’s heavy financial problems, the squad looked in overall better shape. The promised return of Ansu Fati, the rise of youngsters Gavi, Nico and Pedri, and the upturn in form towards the second half of the previous season all pointed to a resurgence. This was going to be Barca's season of comeback. And, of course, Barca still had Leo Messi. What more did they need? Then, on August 5 th , 2021, president Joan Laporta announced that, for the first time in his glittering career, Lionel Messi would don a jersey other than the claret-and-blue. La Liga’s heavy financial regulations meant that Barca could no longer afford to pay Messi’s wages, and the Argentine was forced into a tearful exit to PSG. Even then, despite ridding themse...
Read more

Leaving It Late: Barca 3-1 Villareal

Image
  THINGS WE LEARNT FROM BARCA'S 3-1 WIN OVER VILLAREAL -Mitansh Kagalwala Photo Via: barcauniversal.com Barcelona travelled to the Estadio De La Ceramica to take on Villareal in Xavi's third match as manager of the club, looking to continue their fine form. The game was won in the second half, with Barca netting thrice against the Yellow Submarine to capture all three points. Goals from Frenkie De Jong and Memphis Depay either side of an equalizer, followed by a Philippe Coutinho penalty ensured Barca's first win away from home. Here's what we made of it:  1. FRENKIE'S BACK: Frenkie De Jong, long touted to be Barca's marquee midfielder, has endured a torrid last few weeks, with several lackluster performances. However, he put his doubters to rest with an excellent performance against Villareal. He was assured on the ball, and his attacking play was excellent. He should have had two assists in the first half, but Memphis Depay squandered the two chances. Three mi...
Read more

3️⃣ TALKING POINTS AS BARCA BEAT ATLETICO MADRID IN THRILLER

Image
  TALKING POINTS FROM BARCA 4-2 ATLETICO - Mitansh Kagalwala Photo Via: www.barcauniversal.com Barca took on Atleti at home in a pulsating encounter, eventually emerging 4-2 victors after a determined performance. Yannick Carrasco gave Atleti the lead with a superb shot past Ter Stegen, before Alba equalized just moments later with a ridiculous volley from the edge of the box. Excellent work from new signing Adama Traore down the wing allowed Gavi to head Barca into the lead, before Araujo and Dani Alves volleyed in for Barca either side of half time. In the second half though, Atleti piled on the pressure, resulting in Luis Suarez pulling a goal back for the Los Rojiblancos on his return to Barca territory, before Dani Alves was sent off, reducing Barca to 10-men. Barca held out, however, meaning they leapfrog the Madrid side into a Champions League spot. This is what we made of it: 1.      Barca’s New Signings: Fans of the Blaugrana were hopeful for this gam...
Read more