EPL Review: Arsenal’s Discipline Issue, Chelsea Making Progress

Following another weekend of riveting Premier League action, we’re diving deep into the major developments coming out of Matchweek 5 of the 2024-25 season.

Trossard Lets Arsenal Down

Leandro Trossard owes his teammates an apology. Arsenal fought through a testing 2-2 draw against title rivals Manchester City, resisting a barrage of attacks until John Stones levelled the match in the dying seconds. The Etihad Stadium is arguably the last place a side wants to finish the game with ten men, yet that’s precisely what Arsenal managed to endure for nearly half the match.

With only seconds left in the encounter, a costly mistake from Trossard put Arsenal in a precarious position. Just before halftime and with Arsenal holding a 2-1 lead, he collected a second yellow card for kicking the ball away after a questionable foul on Bernardo Silva. This reckless act left his team to fend off City’s overwhelming momentum—around 90% possession in the second half—without his much-needed support.

While the frustration of conceding a last-minute equalizer will sting, Mikel Arteta’s squad should take pride in their resilience. They’ve proven they can withstand pressure, but it’s vital they steer clear of costly decisions that put them in untenable situations against top-tier opposition.

“No Premier League club has had more players sent off than Arsenal since Arteta took over. It’s clear that the team needs to curb these mental lapses to compete effectively.”

Quick Free-Kicks

Aimless West Ham

Questions abound at West Ham as manager Julen Lopetegui appears uncertain in his game plan. Following an embarrassing defeat at home to Chelsea, supporters are left contemplative about the direction under his leadership. The Hammers dropped their first three home games for the first time, raising doubts about their overall performance.

Chelsea Making Progress

On a contrasting note, Chelsea seem to be finding their footing. Since a significant defeat to Wolves last February, they have only lost twice in 20 matches, their defeats coming from Premier League giants City and Arsenal. Against West Ham, they executed a flawless counter-attacking game that highlights the potential renaissance brewing under coach Enzo Maresca.

The Blues showcased their attacking prowess against West Ham.

Villa Avoid UCL Hangover

Aston Villa, amidst their Champions League campaign, demonstrated their resilience with an impressive comeback win over Wolves. Managing the fatigue associated with this shift in competition will be vital for Unai Emery’s squad if they wish to thrive on both domestic and European fronts.

Spurs’ Johnson Silences Critics

Brennan Johnson of Tottenham endured scrutiny following a recent lackluster performance against Arsenal. However, he silenced his detractors with a stoppage-time winner against Brentford, marking an encouraging turnaround. The support from fans highlights a community rallying behind their emergent talent, which is essential for his continued growth.

Relegation Rivals Cancel Each Other Out

Southampton and Everton may find their early season struggles particularly harmful as both sides squandered leads against Ipswich Town and Leicester, respectively. These draws leave them embroiled in a relegation battle that promises to be tight all season. The onus is now on these teams to find a way to secure critical wins when it matters.

Kelleher’s Calming Presence

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher has showcased his potential, despite his stated desire to leave the club in light of recent signing Giorgi Mamardashvili. His solid performance against Bournemouth not only solidifies his place in the team for now but also serves as a reminder to prospective buyers of his capabilities.

Star Performer: Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Despite some shaky performances since joining Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson is slowly beginning to shake off criticisms. His ability to navigate scoring opportunities came to fruition during Chelsea’s decisive victory. He scored twice and provided an assist against West Ham, showing qualities that suggest he can be an asset moving forward.

Jackson’s ability to create space, coupled with his positioning, portrays a developing player learning to make impactful contributions in crucial moments.

(Matchweek 5 Best XI - Courtesy: FotMob)

Highlight of the Weekend

Darwin Nunez remains a player of intrigue in the Premier League. His sometimes unpredictable finishing was on full display with a spectacular strike against Bournemouth, evidence of why he remains a crowd favorite.

Stat of the Weekend

In a testament to Manchester City’s control against Arsenal, they boasted 77.6% possession, completing 699 passes and registering 33 shot attempts. Notably, Jurriën Timber and Kai Havertz recorded less than ten completed passes—an unprecedented statistic for players remaining on the pitch for nearly the entire match.

Social Media Moment

In somewhat controversial terms, Lisandro Martinez managed to escape serious disciplinary action following a reckless two-footed tackle during Manchester United’s clash against Crystal Palace. This incident generated significant discussion across social platforms, sparking memes that illustrate how swiftly opinion can shift in the world of football.

Where We Stand

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