This is blog and in some ways a rant, is one in which I have been meaning to write for a while now. As time goes on the game naturally evolves and changes. A big trend in today’s game is the emphasis around how many goal contributions players are achieving; goals and assists (G/A) are often used to almost define a players worth/value. Naturally these are helpful measures used to quantify and further show effectiveness in games, but they are also powers which are being abused and are very much counterproductive in a sense. A key point I want to make is that quantitative measures do not give an overall view of a player’s effect within a game. Often online you see players ridiculed for not contributing enough through G/A followed by a comparison to another player (often in a different position) with the sole purpose of discrediting.

‘So much of Football comes down to the intangibles’

With the evolution of the game, comes a change in demands. Nowadays, a hard-running no.10/midfield with high technical ability (e.g KDB/Grealish) is the expected rather than the elegant but more relaxed approach of those in the past. Ironically what used to be said about a lot of strikers was ‘they won’t be having a good game but turn up with a goal’; this was what separated the best from the worst – the ability to change a game through goals, even when you’re not having the best one. Such strikers are still in high commodity but there is also a new breed, the leader of that bracket is showcased best through Roberto Firmino. Firmino is undoubtedly one of the best around and yet his influence for his side goes far beyond the statistics at the end of the game. Many who watch LFC will tell you, he is just as important as Mane & Salah; take him out of the front three and they’re a much different side. Eden Hazard’s best statistical season for Chelsea was last year with 21 goals and 17 assists in all competitions, topped off with his MOM Europa League final performance against Arsenal and yet, if you ask Chelsea fans what his best season in their colours were, there will be many that do not agree. Hazard has never been the most prolific, but his performances speak for themselves; anyone who has watched him over the years could provide arguments for seasons with lesser G/A which they feel were his best.

Today’s game makes me wonder how some legends may be perceived. For example Dennis Bergkamp, Arsenal legend and often brought up by pundits in conversations of the best foreign imports to play in the league. Yet he has never scored more than 20 goals in a premier league season – something which is almost a requirement for any top-flight club nowadays. Similarly, Didier Drogba’s name is often slandered for only scoring 20+ goals twice in all his seasons in the premier league. For all their talents and achievements, there are some in this new age who paint a picture to suggest that their feats and legends are less impressive, due to the quantitative measures which are now often wrongly being used as the sole measurement of a player. The dangers of this are simple, it takes away the enjoyment factor of football – the reasons why a lot of people fell in love with the game at a young age. Of course goals are entertaining and win games, but the magic of players like Ronaldinho and Robinho, Henry’s artistry, Drogba’s presence alone, the dazzling quick feet of young CR7 in the premier league, are things which cannot be written down but are the very things which made football so enjoyable when growing up.

One point I will note is that most of the legends e.g. Henry and Ronaldinho were able to combine moments of magic and skill and produce fantastic numbers. And there are many special players (Messi and Neymar to name a couple) who produce these similar moments of brilliance and skill with world class numbers to match. My point more so, is that a player’s worth and contribution is more than how many G/A he has at the end of the year. This is the age and era we are now in and I guess rightly so, but I do think we must take care and understand and appreciate some players more, rather than discredit them.

With the imminent reinstatement of the Bundesliga and the uncertainty of the Premier leagues return due to Covid-19’s suspension; that leaves us with loads of time to reflect on the performances and players of the season so far. Below I’ve listed my team of the season so far along with brief reasoning as to why. Let me know who you agree with and would have in your TOTS. ✌🏾

GK: Dean Henderson (Sheffield United). This was a tricky one between Dubraka (Newcastle) and Leno (Arsenal), but considering it’s his debut season in the Premier League, his age (23, goalkeepers usually improve like fine wine) and the fact that Sheffield are doing so well; I felt it’s only right that the man behind the sticks and saving them points is credited. Many have called for him to also be the England no.1 at the next Euros and as the season progressed and Pickford’s form stayed questionable, it looks all the more likely.

RB: Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool). For me this was an easy choice, the comparisons with AWB (Wan Bissaka) will no doubt continue, but the attacking contributions of a fullback in the modern game are vital. No doubt he still needs to sharpen up in defensive areas, but there are very few fullbacks in world football that you will see run and control a game the way TAA does (Liverpool vs Leicester away being the best example, 3 assists and 1 goal). For me, he is undoubtedly the best RB in the league and probably world.

CB: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool) CB: Harry Maguire (Manchester United). VVD doesn’t seem to have the same aura of invincibility this season that he did last, but nonetheless he is a formidable force at centre back. Few opponents have gotten the better of him and with Liverpool 25 points clear, his presence alone is a key part in that. A lot of attackers tend to stay clear of his side. Harry Maguire, although I’m not his biggest fan, he has had a similar effect for United as VVD for Liverpool and so you would expect for the world’s most expensive CB. Largely thanks to Maguire there has been an improvement in United defence.

LB : Andy Robertson (Liverpool). This was a harder choice for me as I did not feel that there was one particular standout choice from the left backs. Robertson’s contributions aren’t as raved about as his teammate TAA, but are much valued to Liverpool fans. Their friendly rivalry appears to bring the best out of them both and with 7 assists this season, that is the most from any LB in the league.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City). With Hazard leaving last summer, KDB took the title as best player in the league. This season he has shown his quality in abundance. He has a great balance in technical ability and in meeting the physical demands of the game. His technical ability combined with his hard running style and great ability to strike a ball, leave him a cut above the rest. With 8 goals and 16 assists, he may be the first player in 14 years to break Thierry Henry’s elusive 20 assists record in a season

“He’s a cut above anyone in that position in the Premier League and the world”

Jamie Carragher on Kevin De Bruyne

CM: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) The driving force in Liverpool’s workman like midfield this season, there have been calls and shouts from a few for him as PFA player of the year and with a champions league and super cup medal secured and an impending premier league one also, few can argue against the claims and support of the Englishman.

CM:Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) This was a hard one between him and Maddison, but I went with Grealish for obvious reasons. He’s put Aston Villa on his back and has carried them this whole season (7 goals and 6 assists) goals and assists don’t always tell the full story, watching their games you see Grealish’s influence on the pitch for his side. He is a skilful and determined player, although Villa are currently in the bottom 3, you do wonder where they would be without him.

LW: Aubameyang (Arsenal) He has spent most of the season playing on the left wing for Arsenal (which I think personally he looks a better player from there and contributes more) which some may argue is not his best position, but regardless he is still top of the scoring charts with 17 goals, putting him first for Arsenal and second behind only Jamie Vardy in the league. In a side that doesn’t create a whole load of chances like the used to, his consistent scoring rate is pretty remarkable. He was joint golden boot winner last season and it would be hard to bet against him not being there again come season end. If Arsenal are to have any hope of qualifying for the Champions league this season or next (depending on how corona affects the league) then a lot rests on his shoulders

ST: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) Top scorer in the league with 19 goals, when he is on form he is a handful, it seems that he has maintained himself well at 33 and still looks as quick as ever. He went through a brief goal drought but I’m sure he can be forgiven as his goals are a big reason as to why Leicester current sit in third.

RW: Sadio Mane (Liverpool) Hard choice between him and Salah, I don’t think either have been exceptional this season in comparison to previous, but leaving one out with Liverpool 25 points clear was not an option. Mane’s importance grows with each passing week, he is becoming quite a clutch player with big important goals just when his side most needs it; to put this into numbers, Manes goals have won Liverpool 18 points this season and he currently has 14 goals this season (6 place in the list).

Heading into this season there was talk of Tottenham possibly challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the title, but the season so far has been far from a title challenging side and at times been quite the horror show.

‘I think this cycle is over, last season getting to the Champions league final papered over the cracks slightly, they lost 20 games last season’ – Jamie Carragher on current Tottenham aside

‘2/3 years years ago they looked like a young, hungry team, today you don’t feel the same chemistry. No matter how good a job you have done, you have to show you can still give people more and he is at that stage (Pochettino) – Arsenal Wenger when asked on the job Pochettino has done at Tottenham Hotspur

A key player who stood central to the turnaround of Tottenham’s fortunes in recent years, is centre back Toby Alderweireld. His praises were often not sung as highly as his attacking teammates but often is such in a sport that thrives and praises the exploits of attacking talents. Regardless, his talents were still noticed and earned him praise and recognition amongst many.

‘Alderweireld is the complete defender and one of the best in the world.’ – Paul Merson

The centre back pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld was previously thought of as the best/one of the best in the league; few would have argued against that before, but towards the back end of last season there has been a steady decline, one which has followed them into the new season.

It seems a long time ago now that he was being heralded as the best defender in the league; in the 2015/2016 season he was voted as both Tottenham Player of the season and also a part of the PFA team of the year also. As such, when labels and accolades fall on a player in the Premier League, they are often then considered amongst the best in the world. His exploits never quite reached the heights of Ballon dor nominee VVD, but in the seasons that redefined and solidified Tottenhams presence once again amongst the English Giants, Alderweireld’s performances for Tottenham played a key role in that.

In recent years, the introductions of Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool and Amyeric Laporte at Man City has shifted views, and as such happens with many a player when the spotlight is heightened, Alderweireld’s form began to dip. The cloak of invincibility around him began to fade; injuries played their part in his loss of form and thus eventually leading to him losing his place in the Tottenham side last season. Even if for a brief period, this was still significant; it is hard to imagine Van Dijk or Laporte ever losing their place in the side and having to settle for periods on the bench. If it had not been confirmed yet already, this was further proof that Alderweireld had lost his crown as the best centre back in the league.

Christian Erikison’s refusal to sign a new contract has taken most of the limelight in regards to spurs unsettled dressing room, but Alderweireld is another big player in the same position. He now appears at a crossroad. He has suffered a clear dip in form in recent months, and was dropped to a place on the bench for their last game and yet somehow you look at the other options in Vertonghen and Sanchez and I do still think he is the best centre back at the club. Both are fine players in their own rights, but at 32 Vertonghen does seem to be found to be wanting for pace at times in games, (the 7-2 thrashing to Bayern Munich is the greatest example of this), whilst that sense of security does not seem to be there when Sanchez plays, there is always a wonder of when he will switch off and possibly make a mistake. He now faces the decision of signing a new contract and perhaps finishing his career in north London; or embarking on a new challenge and leaving for free in the summer. With the Spanish and German Giants recruiting heavily in the transfer window, it’s only going to be harder for Tottenham to reach the Champions League final again; you do begin to wonder if this talented Tottenham side will go down in this era as a ‘nearly/almost but just not quite good enough team’. The stakes are high and whether Alderwield signs a new contract or moves onto another club, at 30 years old, the decision he makes now ultimately decides his football legacy.

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https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11095/11532622/toby-alderweireld-or-john-stones-which-defender-would-you-want-in-your-side

The new season is underway !

Towards the back end of last season where Wolves, Leicester, Everton and West Ham began to gain form and others showed slight decline, a feeling of an opening began to develop. Now as we head into the new season there is genuine belief amongst the sides and some fans that one of these four sides could possibly break into the league elite. Liverpool, Manchester City and now after some impressive business in the transfer window, it appears that Tottenham are also a level above the rest of the sides in the league. This then potentially leaves the remaining 3 positions to be contested by 7 sides: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Wolves, Everton, West Ham & Leicester FC.

Manchester United gave their defence a much needed upgrade in Maguire and AWB, but with the loss off Lukaku, Herrera and Fellani; and Daniel James as the only forward addition, it could be argued that they go into the season no stronger than last season and maybe even weaker. Chelsea’s transfer ban as well as the departure of Eden Hazard could mean a very difficult season ahead for them. There is however still talent in the side, Frank Lampard faces a tough first season task in making sure they keep in the top 4 race. Arsenal appear to have had a good transfer window, reinforcing multiple needed positions, but you do wonder if Emery will get his team selection right and whether the defence is sorted enough to get them into the top 4 or keep a place in the top 6.

Everton are the side which over numerous years have probably been the closest into breaking into the League elite. This season poses as great a chance as any; they have strengthened their squad in Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph, Jean Phillipe Gbamin, Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean. They will join a talented squad bunch of players such as Sigurdsson, Digne, Bernard and Richarlison. They will hope that Moise Kean hits the ground running and is the long awaited replacement for Lukaku, and/or that Richarlison replicates the form he showed at the early stages of last season for a longer period; however their failure to recruit a top quality centre back could be costly and the departure of Idrissa Gueye will also be a big loss, Gbamin has big boots to fill in for.

Wolves proved to be the biggest shock of last season. They produced many standout performances last year (Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal) ; the retention of Jimenez, Dendocker and Neves were all expected, but still needed as a statement of intent. They have strengthened their firepower by signing Patrick Cutrone. Wolves did have a habit of slipping up in games that they were ‘expected’ to win, regardless they were ranked 7th for most wins (all the sides above the make up the top 6). Wolves have a good squad capable of challenging for a top 6 position, but you have to wonder if firstly their success last season was a one off and if they will also suffer from the effects of the Europa League, similarly to Burnley last season.

Leicester may just have been the most likely to break into the top 6 before the departure of Harry Maguire. With his departure, a viable replacement is of importance if they are to have any hope. That issue aside, they have made a shrewd signing in Ayoze Perez and Leicester possess a young and talented squad (E.g. Maddison, Chillwell, Barnes, Tielemans) with the right manager pulling the strings which should allow them to flourish. How they unfold over the course of the season will be interesting to watch.

Finally West Ham, since their move to the Olympic stadium there have been moans, grumbles and general discontent amongst Hammers fans. One being an underachievement and stagnation in league position. They go into this season with a decent spine to their side. Arnoutavic leaving is a big loss, but there is hope and promise for Haller to step up and replace him. If West Ham are able to keep their players fit (E.g. Wilshere & Lanzini) and new boys, Fornals and Haller are able to adjust to the premier league, then Pellegrini’s side may be able to change the West Ham’s fans tune for this season. If’s and maybes aside, injuries occur and the Premier League is a difficult league to adapt to, so you do wonder if maybe next season, after further recruitment, will be the break through year for West Ham.

I think if any team are to break into the top 6 it will be Everton, with Chelsea being the ones to skip out. Let me know and reply to this blog post with which team you think are the most likely to break into the top 6 🤟

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‘Simplification is one of the easiest and hardest things to do in football’ ⚽️ that was a tweet I saw in regards to the progression of Mousso Sissoko at Tottenham this season.

The change in N Golo Kante’s position this season has caused much debate amongst football heads. In his new box to box role, I do wonder how long it’ll be before he is replaced and/or forced out of Chelsea. In his former position as a ball winning CM/DM alongside Matic, he was without a doubt the best in the world. So much so that Claude Makele dubbed that the position should be named after him.

“People talk about the Makelele position, but I am old and it is time everybody called it the Kante position. N’Golo deserves that“

The problem has then occurred under new head coach Maurizo Sarri . In Kante’s title winning seasons he performed as a defensive shield/screen, protecting his defence, providing great energy across the pitch and an unmatched ability to win the ball back for his side and supply the forward players. He also had an occasional tendency to make bursts forward with the ball once winning it back; at times he was unplayable in midfield. However make no mistake, his main roles were defensive in nature, and he excelled in it.

Achievements and individual accolades were beginning to pile up for Kante in the Premier league, a man who 5 years prior was unknown to the world. The icing on the cake for the exceptional rise to the top had to be France’s success at the 2018 World Cup 🏆. Here he performed as more of a sole DM alongside Pogba, rather than the double pivot role he played at Chelsea and Leicester. The biggest prize to win in football and Kante further showed his qualities and importance to a side.

Sarri’s arrival called for a change in the Chelsea system, he felt Kante’s qualities would be better suited in a box to box CM role, he’s opted against Kante as the deepest midfielder. The head coach explained: “I want to play a central midfielder who is a very technical player, so for me, the central midfielder is Jorginho or (Cesc) Fabregas. I don’t want Kante in this position.”

Stats can often be misleading but helpful at the same time. This season he has registered 4 goals and 4 assists, more than in his previous seasons. However, he does not make the top 20 list for interceptions and is 18th place for tackles. To put things into perspective, Kante has been ranked between positions 1-5 in both categories for the last 3 seasons, in two of those seasons he won the Premier League – this is not a coincidence. To put things plainly, in his current role I think his role has become over complicated causing him to be less effective for the side. Liverpool and Man City‘s dominance in the league this year is unmatched to previous years; Chelsea are set to finish 3rd so I guess its ironic/contradictory for me to suggest Kante has been largely ineffective, but I think anyone who has watched Chelsea this season will probably agree that their midfield options provided much optimism at the start of the year, but have failed to impress numerous times this year; and yet they are still 3rd – crazy league 🤷🏿‍♂️

The introduction of Ruben Loftus Cheek in recent games has provided a fresh new dynamism and threat into the midfield. He appears to be growing from strength to strength in each game and his position in the starting 11 for next season seems confirmed. However I don’t think he alone is the player to solve all Chelsea’s problems, I do however think that RLC is probably better suited to the box to box role that Sarri is asking Kante to play. There is also the Jorginho conundrum. A talented and technical footballer without a doubt, but he doesn’t seem to possess the athleticism required for the premier league; at times he has shown good defensive awareness and other times not as much. The irony being that Kante has repeatedly shown his effectiveness in the role Jorginho now occupies 🤷🏿‍♂️

This then leaves me to wonder, with a clear need of a creative outlet in the side, especially considering Hazard’s inevitable impending move to Real Madrid and Sarri’s clear favour of Jorginho over Kante, one of the current starting trio will not survive in the Chelsea side much longer. There are other established midfielders in Barkley and Kovavic, but neither of them have really been that impressive this season. Kante’s best qualities are not being best utilised; interestingly in some of their Europa league games Sarri has played Kante in the more familiar DM role, but it’s clear that as long as Jorginho is starting Kante’s role must change. Considering he was being heralded as the best in that position not to long ago, I think its a waste of a player, especially considering he is in his prime years. Chelsea have sealed their place in the top 4, so for the time being this may paper over some cracks and the transfer ban also places Chelsea in a complex situation. So for the time being I don’t see much change, but I find it hard to imagine that if things remain the same throughout the whole next season also; N Golo Kante’s days at Chelsea FC are numbered.

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Stats taken from :www.premierleague.com

In light of the recent PFA TOTY release I thought I’d do a quick post and see who people thought had been the top performing forwards of the year.

1.Sergio Aguero – 19 goals, 8 Assists, 27 goal contributions

Premier league legend, he’s currently placed 7th in the list for all time premier league goal (162 premier league goals 🎯). His stats say it all really; and with possibly another 3 years in top flight football, who knows just what position he might end up in. In my books, the best finisher in the league. World class movement in and around the 18 year box. As far as strikers in the world go, I would arguably only put Ronaldo and Suarez above him. If there is one problem with Aguero, it’s his injury record. At some point in a season you know he is going to spend a period of time out injured, durability in the modern game at the highest level is key, that aside he remains a world class striker.

2. Alexandre Lacazzette – 13 goals, 8 assists, 21 goal contributions

Lacazzette importance in the Arsenal team is growing in each coming game. His linkup play, movement, work rate and general all round play is quality. As far as overall contribution to the side as a striker I think only Harry Kane and possibly Firmino offer more for other top 6 sides. He does seem capable of delivery a moment of magic, which will be key for Arsenal in the final run in. My only fault with him is that for a striker of his quality, he should have more goals to his name. You do wonder if he will ever score enough goals in a season to break into the next bracket of world class forwards ? 🧐

3. Raul Jimenez – 12 goals, 7 assists, 19 goal contributions

Wolves have taken the league by storm this season, they are on course for a top 10 finish. Hopefully they don’t fall off like Burnley did this season, because they have all the makings of a top side. Jimenez work rate is quality, hes very well disciplined and his ability to run with the ball and drag his team up the field has been invaluable for wolves this season. 19 goal contributions in a newly promoted side is top level stuff ; makes you wonder just how many he could score in a top 6 side 🧐 ?

4. Mohammed Salah – 19 goals, 7 assists, 26 goal contributions

Arguments still go on about whether he is world class, one thing he’s not is a one season wonder. He’s not quite hit the heights that he did last season, but 26 goals contributions is impressive regardless. He’s also 3rd for chances created in the premier league, for a player who went through a rough patch and goal drought, where it seemed like he was solely focused on his individual performance, he had still had a pretty good season. His performance against Chelsea was further proof off it. Salah has hit form again and at a crucial time for Liverpool, his off the ball movement, pace and reliable finishing for me are his best attributes.

5. Eden Hazard – 16 goals, 13 assists, 29 goal contributions

He’s having probably his best season in a Chelsea shirt, a season in which its becoming increasingly likely to be his last. His talent however is undeniable, when on form, he’s probably the best player in the league ( in my opinion)as there literally nothing he can’t do. Messi labelled him as the top 5 best players in the world, alongside: Mbappe, Suarez, Aguero and Neymar, that’s some company to keep. He has the second most chances created in the league and the second highest take on success (94) in Europe’s top 5 leagues, he’s not that far off the 🐐 (Messi) who has 103. Chelsea have not looked their best this season and yet are still in the run to finish in the top 4, without Eden Hazard I think it’s fair to say that probably wouldn’t have been possible.

6. Raheem Sterling – 17 goals, 9 assists, 26 goal contributions

Sterling’s progression as a player and particularly under Pep has been good to see. There’s even arguments of him now being at world class level, I do think that term is thrown around a little easily, but nonetheless Sterling’s name deserves a mention when talking about the best wingers in the game currently. A key thing about sterling has been his goal scoring and the importance of the goals. He has scored goals when City have needed it most, if not for VAR intervention he would’ve done it again against Spurs in the champions league. Sterling offers everything you want in a modern day winger, strong, skilful, quick, good off the ball movement, his intelligence and know how of where to be in the box has reached new levels under Pep. The criticism I would have of sterling is he can miss an occasionally sitter, and when he misses they are often quite bad, aside from that his performances this year as a forward have been worthy of PFA player of the year.

7. Harry Kane – 17 goals, 4 assists, 21 goal contributions

As much as I want to dislike Kane, he’s undoubtedly quality and a top forward on the world. He offers so much to Tottenham and England, in terms of his hold up play, linkup, heading ability, finishing, his ability to drop a little deeper and play as a no.10 should also be highlighted. His goal record is impressive with 30+ goals in the last 4 seasons. If he stays in the premier league he looks set on course to break goal-scoring records and become a premier league legend. The only fault would be that Similarly Aguero, he does tend to pick up an injury at a key point in the season which keeps him out for a while, it appears his latest injury could also keep him out for a while at the worst time, with the race for top 4 and a champions league semi final em route, this is the worst time possible for Tottenham

8. Sadio Mane – 18 goals, 1 assist, 19 goal contributions.

Jamie Carragaher stated he would pick Mane over Salah, if forced to pick between the two, and he’s not the only fan to say that. Considering the season salah had last year and that his goal contributions is still higher than mane’s this season, I think that says a lot about what how highly rated he is amongst Liverpool fans. Defending him for 90 minutes looks like one of the toughest asks for a fullback. Like salah, his off the ball movement is great to watch, but his goals, clutch goals this year I think have what have really been defining for Mane this season. (Stats provides here) He’s proven to be a big game player, he does on the odd occasions, weirdly look abit raw at times.

9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 19 goals, 4 assists , 23 goal contributions

Burners for days. He has taken to the premier league with ease, being joint top scorer in the toughest league in the world, in your first full season is an impressive feat. He possess great finishing and movement around the box, whether he’s the better off the Arsenal strike pairing is debatable, as I feel he is abit limited in comparison to laca, he can however often spends long periods out of a game where he seems ineffective if there’s no space in behind. I do think and feel he offers more and generally looks a better player when playing/coming from a wide position. You wonder just how many goals he would have if he put away all the chances he creates for himself 🤦🏾‍♂️ (1st in the league) Regardless, 20+ goals and assists in his last 4 seasons are great numbers, not many strikers in world football have accomplished that. He is amongst the greats in the game

10. Son Heung-Min – 12 goals, 6 assists, 18 goal contributions

Every time Harry Kane steps out, he steps up. His latest displays against Man City are further proof of this. He seems to thrive most when the pressure is on Tottenham to perform without Kane. He’s ambidextrous (7 goals with his right foot, 5 with his left) , players like this are so good to watch (e.g. dembele/ KDB) and because of this hes often able beats his man and gets a shot off (state stats here if you can), and he can finish boy. he’s proving to be an all round player and probably a little underrated all things considered. However, he appears to go missing abit when Harry Kane is in the side, whether this is because there’s less responsibility on him to score and create, who knows

11. Marcus Rashford – 10 goals, 6 assists, 16 goal contributions

Hard choice between Rashford and Lukaku for me to include, but I think Rashford shone well and went through a better patch for united this season. In the first 8 games under Ole he looked like a problem, his form has dipped off late, but he showed flashes off brilliance (that Bournemouth goal yeah😭 ) for a period that should be appreciated, not the finished article but I think a good player already regardless.

12. Callum Wilson – 12 goals, 8 assists, 20 goal contributions

He’s shone this season, this is his best goal scoring season in terms of goals and assists. His performances have not gone unnoticed and Wilson has deservedly managed to earn himself an England call up. Bournemouth direct, slick and quick style of play has been good to watch at times this season. Wilson suits the system well and he’s proven to be a good finisher and have a good turn of pace, he was even at one point was rumoured with a move to Chelsea. He’s also a provider of goals and aside from Hazard and Sterling no other forward on this list has more assists than Wilson. He’s proven that he can step up and compete with the big 6 strikers. He does have a worrying amount of big chances missed (2nd in the list) and It should be said that he does also have a tendency to pick up a lot of injuries.

Honourable mentions : Bernardo silva(only excluded him because I didn’t want to put in more than two players from the same side), Felipe Anderson, Vardy, Zaha, Sane, Firmino, Glen Murray, Richarlison, Rondon

My front 3 choice would be – Kane, Hazard & Mane 👆

I think this would give me the perfect balance of pace in behind, creativity, aerial threat…… I could go on 🤷🏿‍♂️

Comment below and let me know who you would pick in your front 3 and why 🤘🏾

Twitter: _davea1

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Stats taken from – http://www.Whoscored?.com, stats.squawka.com and Premierleague.com

Arsenal’s progression under Unai Emery, a topic debated heavily, with opinions divided amongst fans. Personally I didn’t know much about him prior to his arrival; apart from his PSG debacle against Barcelona. That aside, whether he was the right man at the helm to improve arsenal was a mystery to me. It’s fair to say, he’s made a change to the club, Unai Emery has attempted to stamp his style and brand of football on the club, it’s pretty clear that this is something that will need further work. But regardless there have been encouraging signs of change and attempts to remodel the side from Wenger times,with his emphasis on playing out from the back (over emphasis at times), and also more obvious tactical flexibility between games, this has been successful in some games paid off, others not as much. A clear distinction in his exact style of play has yet to be established, with statistics showing similar but slightly lower stats for possession, passes completed, shots, crosses and goals from inside and outside the box being similar to those from last season (bearing in mind there are still 8 games remaining). According to the stats, the most notable difference this year stems from a large percentage of the attack going through the left hand side . As opposed to last year where the play was more balanced and evenly spread.

Premier league positional statistics, Attack sides – 2018/2019, (League rankings)

(4th)Left side – 41%, (12th)Middle of the pitch – 24%, (35th) Right side – 35%

Premier league positional statistics, Attack sides 2017/2018

(14th)Left side – 36%, (1st)Middle of the pitch – 32%, (20th)Right side – 32%

His work in the transfer market gives signs of optimism for future with all the signings having arguably good first seasons. Lucas Torreira started off brightly, in recent weeks he has not quite performed as well as he did at the beginning of the season but for now I think this can be put down to his first full season in the premier league. Bernd Leno & Sokratis both seemed to start off wobbly, but in recent weeks have performing very well, outperforming themselves and past performances in each of the coming games. Lastly, there’s Guendozi who has undoubtedly showed some promise and looks like a player to watch out for in the future.

Arsenal currently sit 4th with 60 points, at this stage last season they were 6th with 48 points, so questions of improvements are answered with the table position. Opinions on the strength of the squad and the required personnel needed to enable Arsenal to launch a title challenge will vary, but in such a highly pressured role it’s fair to say Emery (baring a major decline in form) has delivered and done a decent job in his first season.

That brings me onto my next point, being it is his first season, if Arsenal go onto finish in the top 4 and win the Europa league (both of which are still very much possible 😅🤞) it makes you wonder, if given time and patience like Klopp & Pochettino, both who have yet to win anything , but undoubtedly created great sides; there’s no telling just how successful a transformation he could make of Arsenal.

It’s not been all rosey this season and there are still some traits fondly associated with Arsenal of previous seasons. There have been many questionable lineups that have me shouting at my tv, there’s still an inability to know how to ‘shut up shop’ and control a game, at times you watch Arsenal worried about just how many goals they will concede, and then have to score to win a game, and of course, there’s also the embarrassing, heavy big game defeats, the less written about these the better. But of course, as the old saying goes ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’. Unai Emery doesn’t ooze the swagger and captivity that Mr Wenger did at times, but regardless I think a lot of Arsenal fans will agree that we needed a new script to a familiar season ending. Emery has provided the club with a breath of fresh air, how successfully he can be is still up for debate (but we can’t be changing managers anyhow like Chelsea and United 😉), but if given time,then true judgement of him and Arsenal may not properly be seen for another 2/3 seasons. By then he should have established a team he’s happy with and capable of competing for the title, as well a clear style of play. Before reaching that point, what he has to provide and aim for is constant improvement and development of the squad from the previous year. Whether he’s given that time or whether in this day and age Arsenal can afford to wait a period of time before major results and accolades is another question ? 🧐

Figures taken from – http://www.Whoscored?.com

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