Janusz Michallik believes Chelsea made a mistake by focusing on defense instead of winning the Premier League title. (1:18).
As usual, the European soccer weekend provided plenty of interesting talking points. There were many lessons to be learned from Manchester City's victory over Chelsea and Arsenal’s derby win of Tottenham. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati, a Barcelona star, returned after a long injury break. This was a huge win for confidence. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool were all under scrutiny. Jose Mourinho's Roma was also a source of frustration as was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Man United.
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Gab Marcotti reacts on Monday to some of the most important moments in football's history.
Real Madrid woe? Arsenal smash Spurs
Man City wins close to perfect, but Chelsea's approach isn't helping
Pep Guardiola's remarkable thing is how many times we make cliched criticisms and how often they are wrong. His Manchester City team was once criticized for being weak defensively. They've conceded just once this season and have had the best or worst defense in the Premier League in four years.
To be fair, some of us still believe that they need a "recognized striking force" -- but they almost won the Quadruple without one last year (and no, Gabriel Jesus isn't a "recognized striking force," whatever that means).
There are many more. Bernardo Silva is now off the boil. Rodri is too slow. Kyle Walker isn’t technically enough for Guardiola. Joao Cancelo cannot defend. Nobody knows who Ruben Dias really is. Bernardo Silva was undoubtedly the man of match in Saturday's 1-0 win over Stamford Bridge. Rodri, Walker, and Cancelo were fixtures in this team. It's safe to assume that everyone knows who Ruben Dias really is.
After a disappointing draw against Southampton, City entered the Chelsea match and simply pressed the European champions to the limits. Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated that you can play any center-forward, or even rotate center-forwards, with a high work rate, creativity, and timing.
Man City's approach to Chelsea was perfect, but were the Blues able to make it easier given their own tactics? Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Aymeric Laporte, who was next to Dias in central defence, took care of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner like he'd never left. Gabriel Jesus pinched Marcos Alonso, Chelsea's only outlet after Reece James was gone -- in his own half. They managed to score 11 goals from the box without the "recognized attacker" that people love to talk about.
(Increasingly, it seems to me that Guardiola's pursuit Harry Kane was not down to him being an excellent striker but down to him playing great footballer. I don't think he would have chosen to play him as a number nine. It's quite telling that City didn't invest in a center-forward after Kane's move was done. They will probably, at some point, perhaps in January. But I think it will be a youngster who has an upside, or some sort of physical "Plan B", if not "Plan C", rather than someone one tier below Kane. Ferran Torres and the set-up that we saw on Saturday will suffice.
Julien Laurens, my colleague, described their formation as 2-4-4. This isn't a typo: it felt like Dias and Laporte were one on one with Werner or Lukaku. It didn't matter because City had so many possessions and so much pressure on their ball.
After the match, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea's boss, took responsibility for the match. He said they couldn’t find a way through the media or to get the front-pair service with long balls. The lineup was so impressive that I thought he was following the Antonio Conte playbook. It was a 3-5-2 team with Werner and Lautaro Martinez as the substitutes. It worked well for Conte at Inter Milan and brought out the best in Lukaku, both as a creator and finisher. Conte worked for two years on it; Werner was his first time playing alongside Lukaku. He's not a great player at hitting the ball in the corner, like Martinez.
Inter had Achraf Hakimi, an attacking juggernaut down the right flank. After Reece James left within half an hour, Chelsea was left with Cesar Azpilicueta, who at this point in his career is essentially a undersized center-back. Inter's midfield trio also included passers such as Nicolo Barella or Christian Eriksen. Anyone would have struggled against City’s press, but Mateo Kovacic isn't that type of player.
What if James had not been injured? If Mason Mount was available (and Chelsea wouldn't play three holding midfielders) or if Kai Havertz started? We're not sure, but we can make second guesses.
It is evident that Tuchel's method didn't work. It didn't work. They won the Champions League and league games in a row, but Chelsea only managed to impress Spurs for 45 minutes (something that many sides have done in the past four week). There is still much to do.
Real Madrid needs to go back to tactical drawing board if 0-0 draws are deemed unacceptable?
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager, continued his experiments against Villarreal. Perhaps to further assess his side... or to try and surprise Unai Emery.
Fede Valverde was at right-back, Nacho was at left-back (ahead Miguel Gutierrez), Marco Asensio was in midfield, and Rodrygo (ahead Eden Hazard) and Vinicius were the genuine wingers. This is the type of setup that requires an effective press to work. Unfortunately, the game fell apart on the night. Real Madrid played high up on the field but Villarreal lost the ball. Thibaut Courtois was forced to make big saves.
Karim Benzema was not at his best, Asensio did not repeat his heroics from last time, and Valverde and Nacho were both ineffective in their fullback roles. This could have been even worse if Emery hadn't seemed satisfied with the draw in half two.
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It felt too much and too early for this team. Valverde is required in midfield. Casemiro is having a difficult time and there is a lack of dynamism. It is possible to put Nacho on the right, and then trust Miguel Gutierrez on his left until Dani Carvajal or Ferland Mendy return. Asensio was worthy of playing time. However, without an effective press, he was exposed.
It's a reminder of the work that remains, but also a credit to Emery and Villarreal. Although he may not be everyone's cup, his collection of Europa League titles demonstrates that he is a formidable opponent when it comes to individual games.
Arteta's vision is better than nothing: Arteta vs. the woeful Spurs
Play 1:22 Was Arsenal's victory over Tottenham a sign of things to come or a false dawn? Steve Nicol and Mark Donaldson reflect on Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium.
After opening the campaign with three defeats, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal and Tottenham have now won three consecutive games. The most impressive was Sunday's 3-1 win in the North London Derby. (Especially in the first hour. They were quick and precise in moving the ball, played with flair, organisation and a team that looks like it is only going to get even better.
These performances are a great way to save time and make fans look forward. Eighteen of the starting XI members were younger than 24. We all said this one year ago, and we were criticized for it. But why not start this rebuild sooner than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing Willian, signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, or messing with David Luiz? Or not making a decision about Alexandre Lacazette? They really believed they were close to the top four and that it was worth spending money on older, more expensive players.
In that sense, last year felt like a waste season. But what's done is done. Arsenal is finally making progress with the right players, despite the large financial commitments that are still being made.
Tottenham is in the same boat after one of their worst performances. Nuno Espirito Santato, himself a late and last-ditch managerial job, is clearly in trouble. He is not the only problem -- there was Harry Kane and a lackluster recruitment process that made matters worse -- but it's quite obvious that he was part and parcel of the problem, not the solution.
Borussia Dortmund at Gladbach doesn't consider injuries an excuse
Play 0:30 Why Borussia Dortmund's loss at Gladbach is a worrying sign for Dortmund Janusz Mikallik sees Borussia Dortmund’s loss to Borussia Montchengladbach to be a worrying prediction of a future without Erlinghaaland.
It's obvious that Marco Reus, Erling Hailand, and many others were injured. You're tempted not to criticize Borussia Dortmund for their defeat at Borussia Mönchengladbach, particularly when you consider Marco Rose’s return and all that bad karma it brings. Then you start to wonder if maybe what we saw Saturday was the real Dortmund. Perhaps Haaland's goal-a-game plus strike rate is just a way to cover up any cracks.
Rose's team looked sluggish against an aggressive opponent, while also showing their indecisiveness at the wrong times (witness Mahmoud Dhoud being foolishly sent off in half one). This squad is said to be one of the strongest in the Bundesliga. Gladbach had other players absent.
Rose's injuries are being questioned by some. Dortmund is the best place to criticize Rose. You can watch Dortmund play and see the mistakes they make. This is not a case of poor quality. It's a matter of insufficient organization, discipline, and preparation.
Ansu Fati and La Masia lift Barcelona - The blueprint is clear (for the moment)
play 1:33 Can Ansu Fati save Barcelona? Steve Nicol talks about the high expectations placed on Ansu Fati following his return from injury with a goal vs. Levante.
After three consecutive games of defeat in all competitions and a series abject performances, and Ronald Koeman’s news conference antics where he read a prepared message asking for support, and then walked away, Barcelona needed three points. Both were achieved in a 3-0 win.
It looked like it would be a long day without Frenkie de Jong, Ousmane dembele, Martin Braithwaite and Sergio Aguero. Koeman gave the start to two teens from the academy (Nico, Gavi) and the former looked especially bright as they raced to a lead and never looked back. After Riqui Puig, Ronald Araujo and Fati had left, the La Masia graduate count was at nine.
Managers can relieve pressure by letting the kids know when things are not going according to plan. This is especially true at Barca where La Masia and its influence on the club is hushedly discussed. You can be critical of Koeman but, more realistically, it was his only choice. At full-time there were three men left on the bench: Samuel Umtiti, reserve keeper Neto and another youth player. It works when it does, and Koeman is responsible for channeling it.
Fati is his story. After nearly 11 months of being sidelined, three surgeries later, the miracle worker came back to life. He celebrated with the team doctor, hugged him, and proudly wore No.10 shirt that was vacated by you. You should proceed with caution as he's only 18 years old. He accepted the 10, even though it seemed excessive. After Coutinho and Aguero turned it down, he took it.
We don't know how Fati will perform, but maybe he can lead the team. We do know that he will need the maximum support from the club, as well as the veterans of his team. His mere presence has also given Barca fans a huge boost.
After Lazio's win in Rome, Mourinho is fuming
Jose Mourinho performed a spectacular show after Lazio's win over Roma 3-2 in the derby. The show was almost as entertaining and captivating as the game. Lazio may not be able to play "Sarriball", as their manager, Maurizio Sarri, would have liked, but they were incredibly strong on the counter and brave in the tackle. They did everything a manager could ask. It was sweet that Pedro, who was released by Roma in the preseason to move around town, made it on the scoresheet.
Mourinho kept his team on the pitch until the end, telling them how proud of their performance and then heading out to thank supporters. Roma played well, despite some defensive wobbles. In the absence of Roman Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zaniolo assumed the leadership role. He did so with quality and intensity.
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Mourinho was furious about what appeared to be a penalty (Elseid Hysaj against Zaniolo), but it wasn't. Pedro scored after Lazio marched up to the pitch. It's hard to accept a 1-1 to 0-2 deficit, especially when you are Mourinho.
Are his critics more cynical? It's possible, but it's working. The Roma side looks more motivated and energized than they have been in a while. If he continues to get the best from Zaniolo, there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to compete at the top. Some will be more skeptical, but we have all seen the movie before. He started brightly at Spurs and Manchester United, but then lost the plot. It's true that this is all true. However, sometimes people learn from their mistakes.
I for one am open to giving him the benefit the doubt. It's also a lot fun to watch.
It's good that Liverpool only plays Brentford once a year
play 1:10 Michallik. Klopp failed to manage this game well Janusz Michallik looks back on Liverpool's exciting 3-3 drawaway vs. Brentford.
The 3-3 draw Brentford had with Liverpool on Saturday was wild and entertaining. It was probably not much fun if you were Jurgen Klopp, or a Liverpool player.
It's not that Liverpool did poorly, they did, and it wouldn’t have been a scandal for them to score that fourth goal. But it's a reminder of the importance of matchups in football. Liverpool and Brentford simply don't match up, which is why they won't be seeing them again for a while.
Everyone knows that Trent Alexander-Arnold, a full-back who is relentless and an integral part of Liverpool's attack. However, this also means that he often leaves room behind him as he advances. Brentford used a front of Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney, to lock down Liverpool's centre-backs. This left Rico Henry wide and far left (with Vitaly Janelt nearby). They then mercilessly pumped balls into this area, matching their opponents' intensity and pace.
It's still football. Experience and quality are important. That's why Liverpool wasn't blown away. I don't think Brentford's blueprint could work for other clubs. It was a blundering match for Klopp, and these are the two major points that were dropped.
Juventus wins marred by injuries, errors and mistakes
Good news: Juventus won 3-2 over Sampdoria. The much-maligned midfield performed well, especially Manuel Locatelli (and Rodrigo Bentancur) and they are now on the right side of the Serie A table.
The bad news? What are your chances of getting through this?
Let's start with the injuries. They are beyond Max Allegri’s control but he needed them like he needed a hole to his head. Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala both left the court and Allegri stated that they won't be seeing them again until after break. This, you assume, means more Moise and possibly a change in formation. Just as they were hitting their stride, it also means that there will be more Moise.
There's also the defensive performance. The longest streak of consecutive clean sheets in Serie A since 1955 has seen Juventus fail to keep a clean sheet for twenty consecutive games. While the team's problems have been in the middle of the field and the departure from Cristiano Ronaldo are the main focus, we should be focusing on the side's inability keep other sides out, especially after they took the lead on Sunday (going 2-0 up).
It's not just Leo Bonucci who is being beaten in the air by Maya Yoshida. (Seriously!) (Seriously!)
The Juve team is unable to do the old-fashioned thing of leading and managing the game. They must keep playing, and that is not what they do.
Solskjaer doesn't like whining about refs, especially after a good performance in home loss
play 1:43 How much did Solskjaer's tactics affect Man United's victory against Aston Villa? Janusz Michallik evaluates Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tactics in Man United’s 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
Manchester United suffered three losses in four games and lost 1-0 to Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Although that headline is true, it's worth taking a closer look at the defeats.
They were weak against Young Boys in Champions League, particularly against 10 men. The League Cup is irrelevant. It may claim it's United against West Ham, but when you switch 21 of 22 players, no one is fooled. It's not them. The Villa game could have gone in the opposite direction, so it was not surprising to hear Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rant again about the officiating.
Ollie Watkins hindered David De Gea's goal by Kourtney Haus, which made it 1-0 Villa. De Gea was not able to get there anyway. It was annoying that Bruno Fernandes waited so long before accepting -- and then missing -- the late penalty that could have made it 1-1. It's true, but that's not the reason he blast it into the stratosphere. Solskjaer said that it "didn’t get into Bruno’s head," so it begs the question: Why did he bring it up?
This is in light of his comments on Klopp's penalties and Friday's statements about Klopp, when he suggested Liverpool boss's remarks last January had led to a decrease in penalties for United.
Managers often talk about refs. It's often a strategy. Solskjaer does not -- or did not until recently -- so it is a little perplexing. It doesn't suit his image and probably does him little favors in public.
Simeone is responsible for Atletico Madrid's defeat, but their problems are deeper
Diego Simeone stated that the 1-0 defeat to Alaves, who had lost five of five Liga matches and scored only once before Saturday's win against Atletico Madrid was "his responsibility." He acts maturely, which is nice, but it's not all his fault.
Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez are unable to provide much service without Thomas Lemar and Koke. While there was no doubt that both were able to create their own opportunities in the past, this is not the case today.
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At the back, Felipe and Stefan Savic appear to be in decline: in fact, it seems that the Atleti characteristic of being stout in defense has disappeared.
He can still fix things, such as Angel Correa's start when he is fit, even if that means benching Griezmann and Suarez, Camp Nou exiles. He is the only one who can do it. You can also work on the basics in the back since some people have lost what got them to where they are now.
Maldini scores, the Dynasty continues... now Move on
Let's move on. Daniel Maldini, the son of Paolo and grandson of Cesare, made his first Serie A debut and scored his first Serie A goal in MIlan’s 2-1 win against Spezia. Although it is a fascinating story, his grandpa and dad won European Cups and were club legends, it is only trivia at the moment. Daniel, a young boy, will be 20 in a month. He doesn't need any extra pressure. Until he wins silverware as a star, there's no reason for him to mention the other Maldinis. That's why you won’t hear me do this after today.
He took his goal very well, and was completely unfazed by the fact that he was in the "hole" of playmaking with lots going around him. This was a solid victory for Milan, who made many changes and trusted their youth, and were rewarded again with a win. They look like Serie A contenders, and once the starters are fit and playing they will have another gear.
Paris Saint-Germain makes it eight for eight in Ligue 1
Play 0:50. Why did Mbappe complain to Neymar during win vs. Montpellier Julien Laurens explains why the tension between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar is now a little more diffuse at PSG.
As you would expect, the numbers are high. A team that has 24 points in their first eight games is a strong performance. Paris Saint-Germain won against Montpellier, as you would expect. However, the goals were not scored by Kylian Mbappe and Neymar but rather from the blue collar couple, Idrissa Gueye, and Julian Draxler.
Mauricio pochettino's team created many chances. You wonder how much that could have been due to Gueye being joined by Leandro Paraedes and Ander Herrera as central midfielders, rather than two plus Angel Di Maria plus the big three up front. Pochettino may want to consider this when Messi returns. Sometimes less is more even if it means giving up someone like Di Maria.
Another takeaway was Mbappe complaining to his teammates about Neymar not getting him the ball. It's not a huge deal. Players often vent on the benches, but it doesn't necessarily indicate that there is a rift between them. It does mean that Mbappe and the other PSG players must be more intelligent in public.
Inter was held by Atalanta during a rousing game, but Barella is truly the deal
Atalanta and Inter played out a fantastic 2-2 draw on Saturday. It could have easily gone either way. Fede Dimarco missed the penalty, which was a brave decision by Simone Inzaghi considering he had never taken one in league before. VAR correctly for Inter ruled out Atalanta's winner.
Inter would fall to third in the rankings after this weekend's results, but I'm not worried. It was a mighty Atalanta, not the soft touch that we had seen earlier in the season. There's no shame sharing the spoils with them. Lautaro Martinez scored a fantastic goal, Edin Zeko displayed his perseverance even at age 35, but Nicolo Barella showed why he might be the best all around midfielder in this league.
Barella is one of the few players who can combine quality and quantity like he does. He also has a lot of charisma and intelligence. Inter have the right idea to create a side around Barella.
