As many are wont to do after seeing a high-priced squad underperform against an underdog, there are questions being asked about Manchester United after its loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
But we say, relax.
While there is a little cause for concern, let’s just remember that this was just one game. And for anybody that is doubting the quality of the opponent, remember that the Seagulls were the eighth-best home team in the league last season.
This was also the first time this season that Romelu Lukaku started and Alexis Sanchez was ruled out not long before the game after a training injury. Combined with some other lingering injuries, this wasn’t exactly a United side at full strength.
Of course, there were plenty of reasons to be concerned. This was just the third time Jose Mourinho’s side had conceded three goals in a game — they did so in a half. Albion had only scored three or more in a game four times last season, against two now-relegated sides and West Ham twice. It also scored 34 goals total last season, third-fewest in the EPL. Brighton also lost arguably its best defender, Lewis Dunk, who was subbed off in the 20th minute due to an injury.
Then there’s the concerns with the players: Eric Bailly looked awful and conceded a stupid penalty. His centre back partner Victor Lindelof also looks below par. David De Gea has now conceded 10 goals on 14 shots on target in competitive matches since the World Cup. Without Nemanja Matic sitting back in the midfield, the back line looks to be exposed time after time. Mourinho had to make a double substitution at half-time in an effort to kickstart a comeback, subbing off Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata.
While Paul Pogba did pull back a goal in the fifth minute of injury on a penalty, it was obviously far too late to have any impact on the game — the definition of a meaningless goal.
But don’t fret. The Premier League season is a marathon, not a sprint. And if you don’t think United will bounce back and hold Spurs at home this weekend, you don’t know how driven The Special One is.
Everybody and every team have off days. This just happened to be a very inopportune one of Mourinho and Co.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
A note to any and all fantasy Premier League players: Never doubt Sergio Aguero.
After some apparently fake news and cropped up late in the week that Kun would be a victim of manager Pep Guardiola’s infamous wheel of rotation, all the Argentine striker did was score a hat trick against Huddersfield Town in City’s 6-1 demolition of the lowly Terriers.
He even added an assist for good measure.
It’s hard to get much better than that.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Wilfried Zaha must have put Crystal Palace fans at ease after signing a new contract through 2023. The Ivorian forward was on many teams’ wishlist, including Tottenham … Watching Maurizio Sarri chewing on cigs is the type of thing that I never thought I’d see on the sidelines of one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world. But, these days, I’m not sure anything should be unexpected anymore … With Sarri and Unai Emery in charge of Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively, it was a much different sight than the old days of the Mourinho-Arsene Wenger rivalry … What a derby between those two sides, by the way. There was a lot to be desired in defence, but you can’t deny the passing game was on point for both teams … N’Golo Kante is getting further up the pitch than ever and there’s never been a better player suited to run from box to box every match. He’ll fit in that role well … Andreas Pereira became the fourth player ever to be called up by the Brazilian national team despite not being born there. The United midfielder was born in Belgium … Leicester picked up the win, but Jamie Vardy’s red card is bad news for the Foxes. Kelechi Iheanacho is going to be under a lot pressure to perform with Vardy out and Riyad Mahrez in Manchester … Harry Kane finally ended his August scoring curse. His goal on Saturday was his first ever in the month … Kenedy became the first outfield player to not complete a pass in a half since 2010. Even worse, he had an injury-time game-winning penalty saved and was caught on camera kicking out at a Cardiff player. Further discipline could be coming … Matt Doherty’s own goal was one hell of a bullet header. Not many keepers could’ve stopped that one if it was directed on the right net … Aleksander Mitrovic’s goal a thing of pure luck. Why didn’t Ryan Sessegnon just put it in himself? … Callum Wilson embarrassed five West Ham defenders on his goal, running with it from 40 yards out. It’s very clear that the Irons haven’t sorted out their defensive woes from last season … 19% of Wilson’s EPL goals have come in games against West Ham in August … David Moyes is reportedly the top candidate to coach the U.S. men’s national team. Not quite sure what to think of that one … Neil Etheridge made his second penalty save in two weeks. If Cardiff is going to try to stay up, he’s going to have to be a big part of it … Nevermind that EPL fantasy darling Aaron Wan-Bissaka got a red card. I want to know how Mohamed Salah was allowed to run in on goal like that. He essentially had a breakaway from 45 yards out.
THE LAST WORD
Manchester City lost arguably its best player last week, when midfielder Kevin De Bruyne injured his knee in training.
With the Belgian reportedly out for three months, how will the defending champions cope?
Here’s a hint: They’ll be just fine.
While you can’t argue about KDB’s pedigree, City is more than equipped to handle the loss of a playmaking midfielder, regardless of their quality.
Bernardo Silva has been doing a fantastic job in that role already this season. David Silva got his first action of the season this week and is an outstanding playmaker. Newcomer Riyad Mahrez can fill the role as well. If you look down the bench, you might even consider youngster Phil Foden to get a few minutes here and there in that role.
When Champions League fixtures start coming up next month, it might get a bit trickier, but the Belgian should be at full health well before the knockout phase of Europe’s biggest club competition.
While most teams would be greatly affected by news like this, it only puts a small dent in an awesome City side.
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