5 Things we learnt from the Premier
League this weekend...
- Hazard is the real deal. His first season with Chelsea showed the potential, it just lacked the consistency. A sublime hat-trick at the weekend against Newcastle was just rewards for his fine performances this season. Comfortable on either foot, a devastating turn of pace and a bag on tricks to make even the best defenders look silly. An absolute joy to watch so far this season, Mourinho was quick to praise the Belgian starlet stating 'he is the best young player in the world'. With performances like that, who can argue?
- Moyes' tactics are doing him no favours. Mata on the right wing of a 4-4-2 formation? Repeatedly giving the ball to Ashley Young, who in turn delivers a poor cross again and again. With 81 crosses delivered into the box, only 18 found a red shirt. If something is clearly not working, why stick with it? It's not the type of delivery that Van Persie will thrive on and a distinct lack of height in the United side left a lot of observers scratching their heads. Fergie is watching and you can't imagine he is impressed with what he is seeing.
- Liverpool are title contenders. If they continue to tear teams apart like that, they cannot be ignored for much longer. The first 20 minutes at Anfield was played at a blistering tempo (by Liverpool) with Sterling exploiting the gaps in Arsenal's defence and Sturridge continuing to show why he should be considered one of the top marksmen in the league. Arsenal really could have been 6 down by halftime, had it not been for the woodwork and a rare miss from Sturridge. Gerrard swept up in midfield, allowing those with more youthful legs to attack. With this level of performance, they have every chance of a late charge for the title.
- Crystal Palace have a real chance of survival. Tony Pulis has worked nothing but wonders since replacing Ian Holloway at Selhurst Park. Some astute signings in the January transfer window, in particular Joe Ledley and Tom Ince and the Eagles really look like they could push on to mid table safety. They have made Selhurst a fortress since Pulis took charge, having lost just once in seven games. Their next home game is against Manchester United and they will be looking to pile on the misery for Moyes' men.
- Man City are having a wobble. After two defeats in the last week, City have found themselves replaced by Chelsea at the top of the table. Mourinho won the tactical battle last Monday and City went and ruined a lot of accumulators at the weekend by drawing with struggler’s Norwich City. The end of their 20 game unbeaten run seems to have had a mental affect of Pellegrini's usually free scoring side, having scored 9 goals in the two games prior to that defeat against Chelsea. Luck and goal's seemed to have suddenly dried up for City but this should just be a blip in form. There's too much fire power in this team for such run to continue but their defence has been leaking more goals than usual this season. Something which they need to address to get the title hunt back on the road.
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