Match analysis week 3: Dmitri Kharine says ...

Hello and welcome back once again to our third week of match analysis! Today Dmitri Kharine and I run through various topics including Chelsea’s new star signings and how they faired in their debut, Liverpool’s continued impressive start to the season, Arsenal’s devastating loss to United and both Manchester Club’s supremacy in the Premier League.

United and City can only be described as goal machines combining for a staggering total of 13 goals scored between them, while Chelsea and Liverpool continue winning but showing their defensive woes. Arsenal on the other hand, have issues in just about every position apart from goalkeeper, with some very smart and fast transfer moves absolutely essential to keep the Gunners afloat.

Game 1: Chelsea 3 – 1 Norwich

GK: Hilario

DR: Bosingwa DC: Ivanovic DC: Terry DL: A. Cole

RM: Ramires CM: Mikel CM: Lampard LM: Malouda

ST: Drogba ST: Torres

Igor: As you can see Chelsea began this game in a 4-4-2 formation, allowing Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres another opportunity to try and create that deadly partnership all Blues fans are waiting for. Once again the lack of a direct right-winger forced Ramires to play out wide, however the young Brazilian had a fantastic game creating numerous chances cutting inside along with the penalty which Lampard converted. Chelsea looked incredibly clumsy in defence and the lack of Petr Cech is still a continued woe for the Blues. A defensive mix up led to Norwich’s goal and in all honesty the score line does not do Norwich’s effort any justice at all.

Dmitri: Of course we also saw the introduction of Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku today, both exciting players that are considered to be the future of Chelsea. Juan Mata looked incredibly dangerous when he came on in the last 30 minutes for Malouda, finding pockets of space and drifting into the middle looking for the ball. He reminds me a little bit of David Silva with his movement and showed great composure to score Chelsea’s 3^rd goal. Torres came trudging off goalless to make way for Lukaku’s entrance into the game and the young lad showed power and hunger for the ball. He was actually lined up in front of an open goal when Juan Mata chose to slot the ball into the corner instead of passing, so either of the new boys could have taken the final goal.

Igor: The introduction of Juan Mata for Malouda spurs an interesting debate, as I believed the Spaniard would play from the right wing, keeping Malouda in the starting XI. Now that position is wide open, perhaps Juventus’ interest in the Frenchman is not unjustified. Didier Drogba’s injury is incredibly unfortunate but will at least make AVB’s decision of playing Torres a little easier for the next few games.

Dmitri: Alex’s mistake last week forced him onto the bench and was a perfect opportunity for Ivanovic to play 90 minutes since his injury. Unfortunately it was Chelsea’s 2 centre backs that were the liability, often miss communicating with goalkeeper Hilario and turning a shoulder to find Norwich’s strikers goal-side. Perhaps it was a lack of concentration from Terry and Ivanovic because the two experienced players should have plenty of tactical awareness and vision.

It is clear Torres must re-invent himself.

Igor: As we have mentioned before, Torres needs an opportunity to play as a free-roaming forward, not a rigid striker. In the past few games, although the Spaniard has failed to find the net, he has still shown promise and key skills required for the free-role position (holding the ball up, turning defenders, linking other players into the game etc) but it is undisputable that playing alongside another forward today forced Torres’ worst performance of the season so far.

Dmitri: Yes it seems that Fernando simply cannot play side-by-side with another striker so it would be interesting to see him playing a deeper role to try and find a way to impact and score goals.

Star man:

Igor: Jose Bosingwa had a terrific game at right back for Chelsea. He opened the scoring with an absolute belter and is one of the few players today who showed any form of creativity and hunger in the offensive third. Well played.

Dmitri: I’m going to say Juan Mata who clearly made an impact upon the Chelsea players and fans. The Spaniard is going to have a bright future with the Blues and a debut goal is the perfect way to elevate that confidence.

Game 2: Liverpool 3 – 1 Bolton

GK: Reina

DR: Kelly DC: Carragher DC: Agger DL: Jose Enrique

RM: Henderson CM: Lucas CM: Adam LM: Downing

FW: Kuyt ST: Suarez

Igor: Liverpool hosted Bolton with a largely unchanged side as only Luis Suarez came in for off-form Andy Carroll. King Kenny is looking increasingly confident with this line-up and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be as Liverpool are now sitting on top of the Premiership. A dominant offensive performance capped by one defensive mistake rounded up a great team effort from Liverpool whose offensive line impressed with a flurry of fast-paced moves and efforts on goal. The only disappointment is Luis Suarez didn’t get on the score sheet as the invaluable striker caused Bolton’s defence problems all the way to his substitution.

Dmitri: The more I watch Liverpool’s newly enforced XI play, the more difficult it is for me to decide where Steven Gerrard would fit in once he comes back to full fitness. Charlie Adam put out another inspiring performance topped with a goal and assist, while Henderson also got on the score sheet. I’ve been tooting Stuart Downing’s horn for the past 3 weeks and the boy is still doing everything right, but he just can’t get on the score sheet!

Where does Carroll fit in this exciting Liverpool team?

Igor: When I watch Liverpool play without Andy Carroll it just keeps convincing me that their record-breaking signing is not good enough for this starting XI. When he replaced Luis Suarez, Liverpool lost that spark immediately – perhaps it’s because he is replacing the Uruguayan superstar but he doesn’t seem to have the technical prowess required to play the fast football Liverpool are showing off currently.

Dmitri: Yes Andy Carroll’s dimension of gaming currently does not compliment Liverpool’s passing style, but he is young and still might have a massive part to play in Liverpool’s future.

Igor: This game also proved to me that so far in the campaign King Kenny has made only 1 mistake, not starting Dirk Kuyt in the opening game. Kuyt is such an important member of Liverpool’s squad and for me is an automatic selection choice.

Star man:

Igor: Charlie Adam was the most influential man on the pitch next to Luis Suarez but the Scot sealed a consistent performance with a goal and assist, top points!

Dmitri: Yes Adam continues to impress as a top distributor, he has definitely earned a place in Liverpool’s starting XI.

Game 3: Tottenham 1 – 5 Manchester City

GK: Hart

DR: Zabaleta DC: Kompany DC: Lescott DL: Clichy

CM: Yaya Toure CM: Barry

RW: Silva FW: Aguero LW: Nasri

ST: Dzeko

Igor: Manchester City’s formation, inclusion of Zabaleta and 2 defensive midfielders entailed a defensive orientation away from home, something that we wanted Mancini to steer well away from in a hope to continue City’s prolific and entertaining offensive football. The defensively minded approach didn’t stop City from making a mockery out of Tottenham as they walked through their defence, giving Edin Dzeko 4 goals and Sergio Aguero 1. The inclusion of new signing Samir Nasri clearly served to enhance an already dangerous front 4 and there’s really nothing else to be said other than Manchester City are a dominant force to be reckoned with.

Dzeko has arrived in shining form.

Dmitri: Last season Manchester City played the same formation but lacked a creative spark to ensure the front 4 dominated and scored goals. There’s nothing wrong with a strong defensive attitude, if your attacking players replicate the kind of form we saw here. Samir Nasri compliments David Silva perfectly as the two twin-like creative wingers twist, weave and form a fantastic partnership with the Aguero and Dzeko. The ability to rotate from one wing to another makes marking them incredibly tricky and both the Frenchman and Spaniard will play a massive role for City this season both in the goals and assists department.

Igor: Well Edin Dzeko has certainly proved all his critics wrong as he bombarded 4 goals past Brad Friedel, what a drumming! He is really showing the ability of a top-tier striker; his movement off the ball, work-rate and clinical finishing ability with both his head and feet make him a devastatingly effective front man if he shows consistency this season.

Dmitri: Yaya Toure has been absolutely shackled into that defensive midfielder role now hasn’t he? I know we discussed keeping him in the centre of the park to allow more freedom for the forwards, but his ability to run from deep is a huge asset and I would still like to see from time to time, the big man dashing forward and putting a belter past a keeper.

Star man:

Igor: Edin Dzeko, you don’t score 4 goals and not get the best player award.

Dmitri: Well Samir Nasri set up 2 of Dzeko’s goals and for a debut he played very well; slotting into the City team without a single issue. So for me, the Frenchman was the best player.

Game 4: Manchester United 8 – 2 Arsenal

Manchester United:

GK: De Gea

RB: Smalling CB: Evans CB: Jones LB: Evra

RM: Nani CM: Cleverly CM: Anderson LM: A. Young

ST: Rooney ST: Welbeck

Igor: Clinical is the word that needs to be used here; United performed like a team with absolutely no mercy as they abused Arsenal’s weak defence and heart. The Gunners tried to fight back but a Wayne Rooney treble, 2 stunners from Young and one a piece for Welbeck, Park and Nani closed an absolute riot.

The Red Devils are terrifying this season.

Dmitri: It is very rare to see Sir Alex not change his starting line-up but it seems he has certainly chosen his starting XI bar the injuries to Ferdinand and Vidic. The midfield was a huge issue last season for the Red Devils but boy has the centre of the park been solidified with Anderson really coming to life and Cleverly maturing with each passing game. Ashley Young once again was simply sensational, scoring 2 beautiful goals and being involved with all the action. Wayne Rooney also had a terrific game, picking up a hat-trick with 2 magical free kicks and a penalty. Not much can be said at the moment to critique Manchester United as they were pretty much perfect today.

Igor: Yes sometimes it’s difficult to analyze a team when they play at such a fantastic standard, but what we can say is that the city of Manchester is a serious contender to have the Premier League and indeed all other major trophies, there by the end of the season.

Dmitri: We do need to mention David De Gea however, who played a very important role in what arguably was the pivotal moment in the match. His penalty save (albeit it was a terrible penalty) and double save not long after helped ensure United kept control of the game. However, he did let a simple goal in through his legs, so I believe we need to see consistency from the young lad as he certainly has the potential.

Star man:

Igor: Ashley Young hands down; what a clinical signing from Sir Alex, the boy is unstoppable at the moment.

Dmitri: Wayne makes those free kicks look so easy when they are anything but. To be able to put 2 of them away is reason enough to take man of the match, but his consistent work rate off the ball to help his side always wins me over.

Arsenal:

GK: Szczesny

DR: Jenkinson DC: Koscielny DC: Djourou DL: Traore

CM: Rosicky CM: Ramsey

RW: Walcott ST: Van Persie LW: Arshavin

Igor: What can be said about a team that just lost 8-2 to their rivals? Arsenal’s team needs major reconstruction as certain players clearly don’t even want to be on the pitch for the Gunners. Manchester United versus Arsenal was a battle of two young sides, one with clear maturity and the other, a great lack of. Arsene Wenger has a long way to go if he hopes to recover this season and finish in a respectable position.

Dmitri: Let’s get this out of the way first of all, Arshavin and Rosicky looked like they weren’t interested in the slightest. The Russian should have been sent off for numerous horrific challenges and unlike United, Arsenal simply did not play for each other. This strikes me as a display for purchase, with players trying to make an individual statement and leave the club before they are subjected to more disappointment. To be honest I don’t blame players like Nasri who want to leave for success and better opportunities and I won’t be surprised if more players pack up their bags and head out the door.

Igor: So it is of the utmost importance that Arsene takes the time to invest in at least 3 players (CB, CM, ST) before the transfer window shuts. There’s not a lot of time left but hopefully he has already been tracking players, because without those key purchases Arsenal will be in a lot of trouble.

Star man:

Igor: Can you give a star man award to a team that lost so badly? I guess Theo Walcott deserves it for showing at least some signs of commitment. Isn’t this the time where veteran players like Robin Van Persie should be stepping up and rallying his team?

This man did not deserve to concede 8.

Dmitri: You might disagree with me, but I think Szczesny deserves a certain amount of praise, coupled with sympathy. Apart from the ridiculous Welbeck goal, the Polish keeper made numerous important saves that could have sent the score well over the 10 mark. But the main reason I choose Szczesny is because to me, he seemed the only player who was proud to be wearing an Arsenal shirt and it’s true, Arsenal are in ruins across every position apart from in between the sticks.

There you have it guys, another incredibly entertaining week. There’s not much to say about Manchester United and Manchester City when they play such terrific football. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal on the other hand still have a fair way to go before they reach the heights the 2 Manchester teams have set so far this season. If you would like to get in touch, check me out on Twitter @ss4Igor.