There were no changes at the top across Europe’s major leagues this weekend, but plenty to talk about. Bayern, Arsenal and Real Madrid all dropped points, giving their rivals a chance to close in and keep the pressure on. Here’s what you need to know from the weekend of football.
Write City Off At Your Peril
This was the sort of performance from Manchester City that will keep Arsenal fans awake at night. Guardiola’s men comprehensively picked Liverpool apart – the same Liverpool who had dominated Real Madrid midweek.
The biggest criticism levied at City this season has been the over-reliance on Haaland to contribute the goals. Nico González and Jeremy Doku were among the goals this week – if City’s midfield and forwards can start regularly getting on the scoresheet, Arsenal will know they can’t afford a slip-up.
The Veterans Still Have It
Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezemann both featured in the team of the week, after a hat-trick and brace respectively. Both strikers are nearing the twilights of their careers, having been at the pinnacle of European football through the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Enjoy them while you can – the day isn’t far off when we’ll be talking about their retirements instead of their goals.
Real Madrid In a Mini-Crisis?
Real Madrid are still top of La Liga and comfortable in the Champions League, but the mood has certainly changed after the loss to Liverpool and drab draw to Rayo Vallecano. The minnows defended well, but Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout. Much attention was on Mbappé and his suitability as a number nine, but his runs into the box weren’t being found.
Xabi Alonso won’t be panicking, but there’s work to do.
Serie A Title Race Hotting Up
Inter Milan stayed top with a win over Lazio but only three points separates a top five that doesn’t even include Juventus. The contrasting styles between the free-scoring Inter and the solid defensive unit of Roma could make for one of the most compelling title races in years.
The Arsenal Defence Is Human After All
After eight consecutive clean sheets, it was the newly promoted Sunderland who broke the deadlock. Dan Ballard, who came through the Arsenal academy, opened the scoring with a thunderous strike. The opener was no less than Sunderland deserved for an impressive first half. Having not conceded for over 800 minutes, Arsenal went on to concede an uncharacteristic late equaliser to drop points for the first time since the visit of Man City in September.
In the same gameweek City destroyed Liverpool, Arsenal’s four point lead at the top suddenly seems rather slim.
