Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Arsenal’s talented teens and Manchester United’s regrettable recruitment.

Arsenal teens will be on Thomas Tuchel’s radar

In the mix of an emphatic win for Arsenal this weekend, were two Hale End graduates taking their chance. Arsenal ensured Liverpool know they are not going anywhere in the title race with a 5-1 dismantling of Manchester City at the Emirates.

During the rout, Myle Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri both got on the scoresheet, underlining their status as two talents heading to the top. It was the first time in 18 years that a Premier League team had two players aged 18 or under score in the same game.

Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri appear from a new mould of young talent, unfazed and unnerved by the biggest occasions. Their performances this season will have been noted by Thomas Tuchel, as he prepares to get underway as England manager next month.

Manchester City must start midfield makeover now

Manchester City have been among the busier clubs of the January transfer window, though over £120m has been spent without addressing a dire need.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been exposed repeatedly this season in transition, with an ageing engine room unable to keep up with more dynamic sides. Against Arsenal, City were punished again. Arsenal’s fourth goal of a five-star performance saw the Citizens countered quickly, their press poor and inability to get back quickly to recover evident again.

January is a difficult window in which to do business, but the failure to address a lack of legs could prove costly in terms of Champions League qualification. Porto’s Nico Gonzalez is a player of interest but time is running out to do a deal.

Elanga progress another indictment of Man United recruitment

Success often comes down to recruitment and Manchester United’s has been among the poorest in the Premier League in recent campaigns. A multitude of big-money arrivals have struggled, while several of those let go have exceeded expectations post-Old Trafford.

Scott McTominay is currently thriving in a Napoli side chasing the Scudetto, and what about Anthony Elanga? The winger was sold to Nottingham Forest for just £15m but has seen his value soar at the City Ground. Among the quickest players in the Premier League, he has found the end product he was often accused of lacking in a United shirt. Elanga helped himself to a hat-trick of assists in Forest’s 7-0 win over Brighton and now has 25 Premier League goals and assists in 60 appearances for the club.

Replacements Jadon Sancho and Antony were signed for a combined sum in the region of £178m and combined for just 23 goals and assists in 121 league appearances. Both are now out on loan with the stock having fallen sharply.

Moyes should bet on Beto

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury might just be the sliding doors moment in Beto’s career at Everton. The forward expressed interest in leaving this month amid an approach from Torino, but now finds himself as the sole forward in the squad.

Beto took his opportunity at the weekend with a well-taken praise against Leicester, as Everton recorded a third straight win under David Moyes. The returning boss was delighted with the 27-year-old’s performance after a difficult spell at Goodison Park.

He told BBC Sport: “I’m really pleased for Beto because I’m only just getting to know him. He’s probably felt it’s been difficult for him.

“We need someone to score goals – we’re short on centre forwards and losing Dom was a big blow – he came in and took his goals very well.”

Despite limited involvement, Beto has now scored five goals in all competitions this season at a rate of a goal every 122 minutes. It’s time he’s handed a run of games.

Muric mistakes cost Ipswich again

The difference between survival, or not, in the Premier League often comes down to the fine margins. Ipswich’s hopes of avoiding relegation suffered a setback at the weekend after a defeat to Southampton at Portman Road.

The Saints had taken just six points all season before the clash but recorded a 2-1 win despite Ipswich’s dominance of the clash. Ipswich were superior for possession, shots, big chances and xG, but were let down by individual errors.

Arijanet Muric has had a tough season with no player having made more errors leading to goals (5). His poor performances continued at the weekend, with the Kosovan arguably at fault for both Southampton goals. After failing to get a hand on Joe Aribo’s effort for the opener, he palmed a shot straight back into the danger for Southampton’s winner.

Read – Premier League Team of the Week – Beto, Wood, Salah

See more – Premier League Awards – Lewis-Skelly’s celly, Brilliant Beto

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