Arsenal are missing Saliba
Arsenal have lost a bit of solidity about them recently and the reason why is because they've been without William Saliba in their backline. They've conceded 8 goals since he's been out of the side and their title challenge has stuttered as a result of it having dropped points from 3 of the 4 games he's missed.
The Gunners have had a settled backline for most of the season with Saliba and Gabriel forming a solid partnership at centre back. Their partnership has been a big part of Arsenal's success this season and why they've had a much solid backbone to their team. But since Saliba got injured, they haven't been as solid as they were before.
Rob Holding has played in Saliba's absence but hasn't made the same impact as Saliba has done. He hasn't made the crucial interventions Saliba makes both aerially and physically and he also doesn't have the same understanding with Gabriel as Saliba does. Saliba gives the defence the solidity it needs and without him they're not the same side.
Liverpool a much better team with Jota
It's been a tough season for Diogo Jota as he's struggled with injuries and hasn't been able to have a regular run in the team. He's been a big loss for the reds this season and his recent performances can back that up as he's finally found some form. He's netted twice in each of his last two games against Leeds and Nottingham Forest and his performances in both games suggest to me that Liverpool are a much better side when he's around.
Liverpool have obviously missed Sadio Mane this season because of how important he was to the team for the last few seasons. But they've also missed Jota as like Mane he offers the reds that run in behind defences and work rate from the front. Both have been lacking since Mane left in the summer. Had Jota not had his injury troubles this season Liverpool might've had a better season.
He got his two goals against Nottingham Forest on Saturday by running in behind the defence before slotting the ball home on both occasions and the running in behind was what he did all game. The reds haven't had player who can run in behind for most of the season as they've had Luis Diaz out for the most of the season well as Jota. Now Jota is back fit and in form they finally have that player who can get in behind defences and cause problems.
Spurs need a squad clear-out
A number of clubs in the Premier League need a squad clear-out this summer with Spurs being one of them. I said after their defeat to Bournemouth last week that they were lacking an identity and this week I'm saying that they need a squad clear-out after being walloped 6-1 by Newcastle. I'm sticking by both statements.
The team and the club are in an absolute mess both on and off the pitch and their mess off the pitch was evident in their defeat at Newcastle. They showed no desire or commitment throughout the game and had no leaders on the pitch as they looked all over the place defensively. They were 5-0 down after 20 minutes and after watching how pathetic they were at that stage of the game especially, I can't see many of those players being at the club for much longer.
A number of their players haven't performed all season and if they're to compete with the best teams in the league and challenge for major trophies, they need to move their underperforming on. This is so they can bring in some new players who will improve the team. A new manager will be top of their priority list but a squad clear-out is arguably as important.
Comments