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What a weekend! Barcelona and Real Madrid made large, however completely different, statements in LaLiga, Man Metropolis noticed Crystal Palace a two-goal lead earlier than Erling Haaland‘s hat trick saved the day, Arsenal stay good within the Premier League and Liverpool responded to final week’s loss at Man United with a record-equalling win over Bournemouth. Oh, and Bayern Munich ran right into a goalkeeper in kind and Neymar confirmed the nice, unhealthy and ugly in Paris Saint-Germain‘s draw with AS Monaco.
– Weekend Review: Haaland’s hat-trick, Firmino’s renaissance
– ESPN+ viewers guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
It is Monday, and Gab Marcotti reacts to the largest moments on this planet of soccer.
Leap to: Barca’s party | Haaland powers City | Benzema delivers | Liverpool score nine | Sommer stops Bayern | Man United win again | Neymar flare-up | Arsenal’s maturity shows through | De Ketelaere stars for Milan | Tuchel, Chelsea’s ‘lucky’ win | Juve, Roma draw | Dortmund win | Spurs keep pace with Arsenal
Table of Contents
If producing hype and leisure — together with, clearly, outcomes — was the large justification behind Joan Laporta’s large “lever gamble” this summer season, Sunday afternoon felt like a vindication. Barcelona demolished Valladolid 4-0, with Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Gavi cementing their reputations as dispensers of targets, assists and magic, respectively. Few locations on this planet can match the Camp Nou for glitz and sense of event, and Barcelona delivered this in spades.
After all, there are nonetheless query marks. Jules Kounde, lastly registered with LaLiga since transferring from Sevilla, slotted in at proper again and whilst you can think about him enjoying there completely — in what, with Alex Balde or Jordi Alba on the left, is extra like a “again three-and-a-half” — it is in all probability not what he was signed for they usually may use a specialist right-sided defender. (Sergino Dest would not appear to be the reply, and neither does Sergi Roberto).
– Report: Lewandowski scores twice in big Barca win
– Reaction: Barca’s summer signings transform Camp Nou
– Sources: Aubameyang assaulted at home by armed gang
Frenkie de Jong performed the ultimate half-hour, however whether or not he’ll nonetheless be a Barcelona participant on the finish of the week stays to be seen. Kounde’s registration was made potential as a result of some Barca administrators provided monetary ensures that the cash to satisfy LaLiga’s monetary necessities can be discovered by deadline day: to do this, they should both shift any individual (De Jong, probably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) or renegotiate some contracts. Gerard Pique was an unused substitute (once more) and sooner or later it is going to be respectable to wonder if, at 35 years previous and with two years left on his contract, he is perhaps finest suited to a job not within the enjoying squad.
However placing all that to 1 facet, Sunday evening was what Xavi desires to bottle this season, and it is value additionally noting how rapidly a few of the items have gelled. Lewandowski has slot in seamlessly (and no, the previous cliche that “nice gamers can match wherever” is just not true), Gavi and Pedri (who did not play collectively that a lot final season) have already got large chemistry, and Ronald Araujo is already the chief on the again. A variety of that is right down to the work Xavi has accomplished in tough circumstances, lest we neglect, as a result of for each “lever” cheerleader, there was one “lever” skeptic (and infrequently a couple of).
The explanations to doubt Laporta’s actions this summer season — the “levers” which have successfully mortgaged the membership’s future, doubling down on spending quite than attempting to claw your manner again in direction of breaking even by way of austerity measures — stay, and they’re legitimate, however Xavi is channeling them as finest he can. If the large spin of the roulette wheel goes to work, Xavi will likely be as central to this mission as Laporta or anyone on the pitch.
1:18
Janusz Michallik praises Erling Haaland after the striker scored a hat trick towards Crystal Palace.
If every week in the past, it was a case of each groups enjoying very effectively and Manchester City‘s high quality making up the distinction after they got here from two targets down to grab a draw at Newcastle, the 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday was one other story. Aside from Metropolis being two targets down, there are few parallels.
– VAR Review: Should Haaland have been sent off?
– Guardiola accuses City of being ‘soft’
Palace took the lead when a double ricochet off a free kick caromed off John Stones and previous Ederson. They doubled it when Joachim Andersen‘s header discovered the again of the online after 20 minutes. From there on, there was just about nothing, which is why Palace ended up with simply two photographs and an xG of 0.09.
Metropolis, alternatively, ran rampant, much more so at 2-1, when Pep Guardiola shifted to a again three and easily squeezed the life out of Palace. Erling Haaland ended up with a hat trick: a header and a trademark run sandwiched across the objective that gave them the lead, a simple end after a pleasant transfer that noticed Metropolis string 5 passes collectively within the field.
Pep says Metropolis are nonetheless determining learn how to play with Haaland and get the very best out of him. Provided that he is already scored six targets in 4 video games, it is a fairly scary proposition.
On Thursday, Karim Benzema was crowned UEFA’s Player of the Season. On Sunday, he was doing what he does finest, materialising on the far publish to faucet in with a minute to go for the sport winner, after which including the objective that made it 3-1 away to Espanyol in damage time. (Oh, and it was a free kick, no much less, and his first as a Madrid participant, though scored towards an outfield participant who went in objective after Benjamin Lecomte had been despatched off.)
– Reaction: Benzema rescues Real Madrid
– Replay: Espanyol 1-3 Real Madrid (E+)
As nice as he’s, Benzema is to Actual Madrid what the blanket is to Linus and Carlo Ancelotti is aware of the membership must be weaned off him. (His backup, in any case, is Mariano Diaz.) In that sense, there have been encouraging indicators — Aurelien Tchouameni regarded sharp in midfield, as did Eduardo Camavinga after approaching — and fewer encouraging ones (Espanyol performed effectively, however Madrid wanted extra enter from Thibaut Courtois than they might have appreciated).
Ideally, there would possibly nonetheless be some motion on the switch entrance earlier than the window closes later this week. Nonetheless, it is an ideal begin to the marketing campaign having performed all three video games away from the Bernabeu. That is not a foul place to be.
1:27
Janusz Michallik singles out Trent Alexander-Arnold because the driving pressure behind Liverpool’s record-equalling win.
I am undecided Jurgen Klopp may have devised a greater script for Liverpool following the defeat Aug. 22 at Previous Trafford. Winning 9-0 over Bournemouth is a thumping harking back to a well-known win over Crystal Palace 33 years in the past (through which my ESPN FC colleague Steve Nicol opened and closed the scoring). As an added bonus, quite a lot of the fellows who have been poor towards Manchester United received on the scoresheet (Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Roberto Firmino) and there was a primary membership objective for the thrilling Fabio Carvalho.
– After Liverpool’s 9-0 win, what are the records in Europe’s big leagues?
– Klopp didn’t want to ‘humiliate’ Bournemouth
– How social media reacted to Liverpool’s huge victory
I assume the script would have been even higher if Mohamed Salah had scored or assisted on a objective, and it is kinda unimaginable that he did not when his group scored 9. Then once more, he certain as heck would not have to pad his stats…
OK, let’s get this out of the way in which. Bayern Munich dropped factors at house towards Borussia Monchengladbach and certain, that is noteworthy as a result of it hardly ever occurs. However let’s be clear, this was a freak occasion made potential by two issues: a person error on the again and an opposing goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, who had a kind of mystical nights he’ll inform his grandkids about.
– Sommer makes Bundesliga record 19 saves to deny Bayern
– Highlights: Enjoy all of Sommer’s stunning saves (U.S.)
Bayern had a whopping 20 photographs heading in the right direction (33 total) and 19 of them have been saved by Sommer. The xG have been 3.60 to 0.65 for Bayern and with out Dayot Upamecano‘s error that led to Marcus Thuram‘s gallop and end, it will have been 3.60 to 0.17. So yeah, this was a one-sided butt-kicking. It is simply that it is a low-scoring sport and you may run right into a keeper who stands on his head and saves every part in sight. Properly, nearly every part: Leroy Sane ultimately broke via within the 83rd minute.
I do not suppose there’s a lot for Julian Nagelsmann to be involved about right here, and definitely not Upamecano’s error (stuff occurs). He even received to experiment, late within the recreation, with a neat Plan B: Matthijs de Ligt channeling his internal Daniel van Buyten and enjoying centre-forward. In all probability not the kind of choice you need to resort to (should you do, it means you are in bother), however it might be one thing value revisiting.
1:32
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens talk about rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo is on the way in which to Napoli with striker Victor Osimhen probably heading within the different path.
Erik ten Hag despatched out the identical XI that beat Liverpool towards Southampton on Saturday, which meant no Luke Shaw, no Fred, no Harry Maguire and, after all, no Cristiano Ronaldo. I do not know if he is superstitious — way more soccer folks are than chances are you’ll notice — however on paper, that facet constructed to counter so successfully towards Liverpool did not seem to be an important match to face Southampton. Nor, you think about, is it a lot of a blueprint for a way Ten Hag desires to play.
– Olley: Ten Hag’s revolution takes another forward step
– Ogden: Should Man United let Ronaldo go for free?
– Sources: Man United close to deal for Ajax’s Antony
Ultimately, Bruno Fernandes‘ end would show the distinction between the 2 sides. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s younger and inexperienced Southampton facet truly gained the xG battle and outshot United. The three factors are nice, nevertheless it’s proof this setup is not what Ten Hag has in thoughts going ahead. With Antony reportedly on his manner, count on some kind of 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with the Brazilian and Jadon Sancho out extensive and certainly one of Marcus Rashford or Antony Martial (or probably a last-minute switch signing) up entrance. In midfield, you’d think about Casemiro and Fred within the combine and with that entrance three, it is onerous to see each Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen discovering house.
It is onerous to determine Neymar generally. There he’s, having a monstrous begin to the season heading into the large conflict with Monaco after which risking getting despatched off within the first half-hour for 2 frankly pointless clashes with opponents. (He was booked for the primary, spared for the second.) For sure, Neymar is just not a goon, nor do PSG pay him to play the goon. They’ll get another person to do this.
Fortunately, he settled down and scored PSG’s equaliser from the spot (no penalty controversy this time) within the 1-1 draw. It is two factors dropped towards (theoretically) a direct opponent, however PSG had the majority of the probabilities on this recreation, coming shut with Kylian Mbappe on a number of events. In Christophe Galtier’s sneakers, you would not fear in regards to the draw, however you would possibly select to have a phrase with Neymar. Given the shape he is in, it will be a disgrace to break it with pointless indiscipline.
0:57
Janusz Michallik speaks about Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham within the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta himself says his group are “maturing” and you may see what he means. The 2-1 win towards Fulham — which sees them keep prime of the Premier League — was the kind of recreation that, not too way back, they may have drawn and even misplaced. They created lots within the first half, went right down to a defensive blunder from Gabriel, equalised with a deflection after which received the winner via — who else? — Gabriel.
– Ratings: Odegaard sensational in comeback win
We have seen Arteta’s Arsenal dazzle solely to wilt when issues do not go their manner. However pushed by a powerful Martin Odegaard on Saturday, they persevered and received their reward.
Sterner assessments are to come back, however proper now, they’re hitting all the proper notes.
It’s kind of reductive to name Charles De Ketelaere a “No. 10” — final season he performed all around the park for Club Brugge — however that is the place Stefano Pioli used him towards Bologna and he responded with work charge, physicality and a few scrumptious touches, just like the help to arrange Rafael Leao’s opener.
Bologna have been under-strength and Milan are only a notch above proper now, taking the lead and controlling the sport on their technique to a 2-0 win. What’s spectacular, although, is how rapidly he settled into Pioli’s system and whereas he will not match Franck Kessie‘s depth, the truth that he is a “large child with little man expertise” provides Milan an entire different dimension.
1:12
Janusz Michallik debates whether or not Chelsea nonetheless have to signal a striker after Raheem Sterling’s brace vs. Leicester.
You’ll be able to tie your self up in knots on this one. Was Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel “unfortunate” that Conor Gallagher‘s two rash challenges noticed him despatched off inside half an hour? Or was he “fortunate” that Raheem Sterling popped up with a tap-in and a deflection, and that Edouard Mendy got here up with a late miracle on Jamie Vardy, enabling Chelsea to get the three factors within the 2-1 win?
Tuchel plumped for the latter and no, he is in all probability not being onerous on his crew. Towards free-falling (and depleted) Leicester City, Chelsea weren’t nice 11 vs. 11 both. Nor did his new setup — a riff on the previous 4-2-2-2 formation — work significantly effectively, significantly up entrance (the place Kai Havertz provided little apart from effort) or midfield (the place Mason Mount goes via a tough patch).
– Tuchel: Chelsea need to make more signings
– Ogden: Sterling saved Chelsea, but Blues still need a striker
Chelsea, after all, have spent near 1 / 4 of a billion {dollars} this summer season and there seems to be extra to come back: Wesley Fofana is seemingly on his manner, and probably a ahead too. Chelsea’s switch window appears like Exhibit A in why golf equipment ought to have competent administrators of soccer in cost and Todd Boehly will presumably get round to hiring one. You are left with the three factors, which isn’t nothing: they’re joint fifth within the desk. However this nonetheless looks as if a kind of puzzles that is lacking a bunch of items.
At the least, that is what they stated. Jose Mourinho described Roma’s first half as embarrassing, whereas Max Allegri emphasised the progress his facet made.
I are likely to consider Allegri right here. There was progress relative to the turgid efficiency towards Sampdoria they usually created a raft of probabilities they didn’t convert, apart from Dusan Vlahovic‘s gorgeous free kick. I am extra involved with efficiency than outcomes and it was encouraging for Juve to show in that kind of first half, simply because it was good to see Allegri placing his religion in 19-year-old Fabio Miretti and the child repaying it totally.
– Marcotti: Allegri must watch his approach with fledgling Juve squad
Roma got here again after the break — Mourinho’s system change had rather a lot to do with it — received the equaliser with Tammy Abraham (properly arrange by Paulo Dybala, on his return to Turin) and would possibly even have snatched a win. I do not suppose they have been fairly as poor as Mourinho says, however there’s clearly room to enhance, particularly in assault, the place the proper chemistry has but to be discovered. On the again, supposedly an issue space with this top-heavy setup, there are fewer considerations: in truth, they’ve but to concede from open play.
Anthony Modeste clearly has large sneakers to fill: they belong to Sebastian Haller, who himself was speculated to fill (OK, partially, possibly simply half a shoe) Erling Haaland’s. So it issues that Modeste received his first objective in Borussia Dortmund‘s 1-0 away win at Hertha, each for Dortmund — following that unbelievable collapse final weekend — and for Modeste himself, who’s 34 and had a tough begin at his new membership.
Take the three factors and hope for a greater day. Dortmund carved out the higher probabilities (Hertha have but to win a recreation all season) and but by some means nonetheless needed to depend on some large Gregor Kobel saves to hold on to the win.
Proper now, it is a large work in progress, however there are encouraging indicators in midfield — newcomer Salih Ozcan served up the cross for the objective and regarded strong in entrance of the again line — and on the again (not simply Kobel, however Nico Schlotterbeck resides as much as the hype).
It is truthful to say we have not seen the very best of Spurs this season as a lot as we have seen a strong group that also manages to create sufficient probabilities. Till chemistry improves (and also you presume it would), it is key that you just get outcomes and that is what they’re doing. Towards a really feisty Nottingham Forest facet, Tottenham took an early lead and managed the sport: a dependable, if a bit conventional, script for Antonio Conte.
That they might simply have gained 3-0 on the highway towards an opponent who was enjoying effectively — Harry Kane‘s penalty was saved by Dean Henderson they usually settled for a 2-0 win ultimately — speaks volumes right here in regards to the effectivity of the system, particularly since neither Kane (close to hat trick however) nor Son-Heung Min have been wherever close to their finest Sunday. The numbers help this too: apart from a header from Ryan Yates, there have been few harmful moments for Tottenham till rubbish time on the finish. In the meantime, with Dejan Kulusevski cuing up the counter, they racked up 2.73 xG.