With the first international break already upon us, the storylines are already piling up. Managers are feeling the heat, title contenders are staking their claims and cracks are beginning to show. Here’s what you need to know from the weekend of football.
Pressure Mounting on Ten Hag
Two games in and Ten Hag’s job is already at risk. Kicker reports the Dutchman is already under severe internal scrutiny. Leverkusen were held to a 3-3 draw away to Werder Bremen, a result that has left Bayer without a win this season.
Speaking after the late collapse, Ten Hag said “The team didn’t function at all during the final stage of the game. That’s just the way it is. They need to bring more intensity and get fitter in order to meet my standards”.
Individual Brilliance Splits Liverpool and Arsenal
The game framed as an early title test looked to be heading to a stalemate until Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick. Both sides were disciplined, cancelling each other out with defensive structure and low-risk play in the final third. An intriguing game from a tactical perspective without being a thriller.
An early injury to Saliba will be of concern to Arteta, but new signing Cristhian Mosquera impressed when thrown in the deep end. Going into the international break, Liverpool sit top of the table. Three points ahead of Arsenal and a six point gap to City, can anyone catch them?
Rampant PSG Hit Toulouse for Six
PSG look every bit as dangerous as last season. Joao Neves scored two outrageous overhead kicks as part of an impressive hat-trick, with Dembélé netting two penalties. New keeper Lucas Chevalier continues to justify Luis Enrique’s bold decision to drop Donnarumma. With an impressive strength in depth and a young side that continues to grow in confidence, PSG will mount a formidable Champions League title defence.
Guirassy the Real Deal
Serhou Guirassy’s goalscoring form has blossomed late into his career. Now 29, he looks set to record his third consecutive 20+ goal season. An impressive double against Union Berlin helped Dortmund to three points. Niko Kovac was full of praise for the Guinean striker. “Bayern has Kane, City has Haaland and we have Guirassy”.
His brace extended his goalscoring form to seven consecutive Bundesliga matches – only two players in Dortmund history have achieved a longer streak.
An away fixture against Heidenheim awaits Dortmund after the international break. Expect to see Guirassy among the goals.
City’s Vulnerabilities Exposed
Rodri was back, yet City still fell to a tame defeat against a resurgent Brighton and Hove Albion. Brighton have long been a bogey team for Guardiola and not even the return of the Ballon d’Or winner could turn the tide. City were ahead after a cagey first half, but were picked apart in the second half and offered nothing going forward. With Liverpool looking strong and set to land Isak, City need to find form quickly to avoid another write-off.
Trent Impresses in Real Fightback
Much has been made of Trent’s start to his Real career. He was dropped against Real Oviedo as Alonso opted for stalwart Dani Carvajal. Against Mallorca he was reinstated to the starting eleven and looked every part the attacking full-back that Madrid were so desperate to land. His pinpoint crosses found Mbappe multiple times, with one goal disallowed for offside. Defensively, Alexander-Arnold protected Madrid’s lead with a decisive slide tackle when Mateo Joseph seemingly had an open goal.
Trent is a very different full-back to Carvajal, and it won’t just be form that dictates which starts at the right of the defence. When a more defensive set-up is required, Carvajal is likely to be the preferred option. But with performances like this one, Trent reminded the world that there aren’t many better attacking full-backs than the Liverpudlian.
VAR Dominates the Headlines Again
Barcelona were held to a draw but it was VAR that was under scrutiny. When Yamal was brought down by Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria, the technology was not working and meant the decision was unable to be reviewed. Whilst both teams were informed of the problem with the VAR technology before the game, the home team will feel aggrieved to not have a second opinion on the contentious decision. If it wasn’t for a smart save from Barca keeper Joan Garcia, Rayo Vallecano could have been walking away with all three points.
Atlético’s stale run continues
Atlético find themselves lingering above the relegation zone following another timid display, this time against Alavés. They were ahead early following a smart finish from Giuliano Simeone, but were pegged back minutes later by a converted penalty from Carlos Vincente.
It is the first time since the 2009/10 season that Atlético remain winless in their first three matchdays of the season. The international break offers a respite for Simeone’s men, who face an in-form Villarreal in the league before travelling to Anfield to face the attacking might of Liverpool. Something needs to change for Atleti.
