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5 things we learnt from matchday 11

 
 
On this weekly column, we highlight five of the biggest lessons we learnt from matchday 11 of the English Premier League
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1. Chelsea 1 Vs Liverpool 3: Jose Mourinho really has nothing to say

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Jose Mourinho’s post-match comments have been making the news. “I have nothing to say, nothing,” the Chelsea manager said after the 1-3 loss to Liverpool.

The most league games Mourinho have ever lost as a manager in a season is six, he been defeated that same number of times this football year, and it’s only October.

His post-match comment is exactly how I feel Mourinho thinks about Chelsea’s plight so far this season.

Mourinho really have nothing to say. He can’t spot the problem with the squad.

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He has tried everything so far this season, yet, nothing has worked.

I feel for Mourinho. Coming into this season, his dilemma was how to improve on his squad.

How do you improve on players who just won the English Premier League title, just few months away?

It’s hard for Mourinho and I have sympathy for him, though I am happy seeing him so humble right now.

His players have failed, the defense against Liverpool was awful, Asmir Begović to be is at fault for the three goals they conceded against Liverpool.

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If he can’t save those goals, his has no business tending the post for Chelsea.

Eden Hazard has also been poor, while Diego Costa has been more concerned with wrestling on the pitch that scoring goals.

Hopefully Mourinho does get sacked. He’s one of the best managers in world football and should be given time to sort his side out.

2. Chelsea 1 Vs Liverpool 3: Jurgen Klopp is exciting

It’s too early to predict what Jurgen Klopp will bring to Liverpool but the signs are good.

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Their display against Chelsea shows why Klopp has brought a new air of hope to Liverpool fans. The pressing and swift attacking style brought Chelsea to their knees.

Away from the pitch, Klopp on the touch line is an exciting sight. Always on his feet, inspiring and demanding the best from his players.

He will probably slow down as he gets older, but for now, Klopp  seems the best for Liverpool.

3. Swansea 0 Vs Arsenal 3: January crucial for Arsenal title push

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Arsenal are currently cruising in the EPL with five victories on the roll putting them on joint top with Manchester City.

Despite the injuries to his side, Arsene Wenger was able to field players who were able to grind out a 3-0 win.

3-0 win? Grind? Yes, the Gunners were pressed and hassled by Swansea who were unlucky not to go ahead before half time.

Arsenal came back to score three quick goals to get another victory.

I expect Arsenal to keep cruising till February when the mental strength of the squad will be put to test.

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Wenger will need to have a perfect January transfer window to get Arsenal the title this season.

The injured players will be returning at a crucial time, but Wenger will have to buy a midfielder.

Arsenal are an injury away to Francis Coquelin from collapsing.

It’s funny I’m saying this with the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the team.

Coquelin however is the reason why these players are playing at their best level right now. He sits back and starts defending from the middle, giving the defenders a head start and allowing other players to drop back.

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Wenger will need to get a good back for the French midfielder, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are not just good enough.

4. Manchester City 2 Vs Norwich 1: Team spirit key to City’s title push

Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Norwich in matchday 11 was a test to their true character.

Norwich’s shock equaliser after an error by Joe Hart would have been the deal breaker for them last season, but this year, they push on to get the winner.

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What struck me was the way players celebrated with Hart after Yaya Toure’s winner. That shows the team spirit that is reminiscent of champions.

That togetherness is what might get City the title this season. Team spirit gets you out of tight situations, gets you those last minutes wins and last ditch tackles.

5. Crystal Palace 0 Vs Manchester United 0: Wayne Rooney should be dropped

I have tried to stay away from the ‘Rooney is finished’ bandwagon, but I’ve now jumped right in.

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Rooney it seems has not found a way to adjust to his ‘old’ age. He needs to understand that he is no longer that 20-25 year old striker with immense strength and pace.

He really wants to play that same way, but does not have the body for it. He needs to readjust his game, use more of his head rather than his strength and pace which he no longer has.

United however cannot afford to wait for him to do that, Rooney for the mean time should be dropped.

Anthony Martial has shown that he has the confidence and composure way above his age-grade, so Louis van Gaal should be able to put him straight in the number nine position.

Get Juan Mata to the midfielder, then get wingers to play from the wingers.

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