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Premier League

Biggest question for every Premier League club going into new season

No rest for the weary. With the Premier League season kicking off Friday, theScore answers the most pressing questions facing every team in the English top flight.

Arsenal

Will Gabriel Jesus fill the void up front?

Arsenal desperately need a reliable source of goals. Whether Jesus can provide them is still unclear. With nine or fewer goals in four of his last six Premier League seasons, he has yet to truly establish himself as an out-and-out striker. For £45 million, you’d expect something close to the finished article. But Jesus’ familiarity with Mikel Arteta – who coached the 25-year-old during his apprenticeship at Manchester City – could benefit the Brazilian. Few managers outside of Pep Guardiola understand how to use Jesus.

Aston Villa

Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Can Steven Gerrard lift Villa into the top 10?

Gerrard had the benefit of the doubt last season. He took over Villa midseason, catching them as they tumbled down the standings. Avoiding relegation was all that mattered. But the goal this season is far loftier. Villa’s squad has youthful exuberance and talent in spades. Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is ready to take the next step, and Philippe Coutinho has settled in since joining in January. If center-back Diego Carlos adapts and two-way midfielder Douglas Luiz stays put, Villa will have what it takes to finish in the top 10. And it will be up to Gerrard to get them there.

Bournemouth

Can Solanke carry over his Championship form?

Over his last two seasons in the Championship, Dominic Solanke found the net with impressive frequency, bagging 44 goals. But his time in the Premier League hasn’t been nearly as fruitful – the English forward has just four goals in 63 Premier League appearances to date. That comes with significant caveats, though: The majority of those appearances came as a substitute, and he was still a young player finding his feet at the time. Solanke, now 24, has never had an opportunity to be the guy for a Premier League side. He’ll get exactly that in 2022-23. For Bournemouth to avoid the drop, they’ll need Solanke to translate his prolific Championship form to the top flight.

Brentford

John Walton – PA Images / PA Images / Getty

How much will Eriksen be missed?

Brentford rode the rollercoaster last season. A rip-roaring start to the campaign was followed by a brutal two-month dip that saw the Bees win only once in the league from Boxing Day through February. Christian Eriksen’s uplifting arrival was vital in arresting that slide. With the inspirational Dane now at Manchester United, someone else will have to dictate the tempo and pull the strings in midfield. Replacing Eriksen’s pinpoint delivery from set pieces, where small details make all the difference, won’t be easy, either. Brentford have done some very astute business in the transfer window, but a difficult season could be in the cards if they can’t adequately replace Eriksen.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Was last season the ceiling?

Graham Potter engineered the greatest top-flight campaign in club history last year. Brighton scored more goals (42) and racked up more points (51) than ever before en route to an impressive ninth-place finish. Any upward trajectory from there would see the Seagulls challenging for a European place. But taking that next big step is likely to prove challenging after a summer that, to date, has featured more significant departures than arrivals and could yet worsen with Marc Cucurella’s expected transfer away from the Amex. Much faith is being placed in 18-year-old Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso to invigorate the attack. The teenager is an exciting prospect, but asking for an immediate impact might be too much too fast.

Chelsea

Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport / Getty

What will Chelsea’s defense look like?

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea will look very different next season. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger – two of Tuchel’s defensive pillars in previous seasons – are long gone. New signing Kalidou Koulibaly hasn’t had much time to prepare for the rigors of the Premier League, and if Cesar Azpilicueta leaves for Barcelona, Tuchel will have another hole in defense to fill. Even if the Blues are reportedly set to sign Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Marc Cucurella, they’ll still have a problem at center-back. After missing out on Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde, Tuchel may have to consider a change to a back-four.

Crystal Palace

Can Vieira sustain the excitement?

His arrival was met with skepticism, but Patrick Vieira didn’t need very long to silence those who doubted his appointment at Crystal Palace. The Frenchman transformed a formerly stodgy, stubborn team that relied almost exclusively on Wilfried Zaha into an outfit capable of slick passing and attractive football. There’s genuine optimism at Selhurst Park that last season was just the beginning of something special; Palace’s expected goals difference was sixth-best in the league, suggesting they deserved better than their 12th-placed finish. The team is also, quite simply, fun to root for, with exciting talents such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise now being joined by Malcolm Ebiowei and Cheick Doucoure. The Eagles have all the pieces to soar.

Everton

Chris Brunskill/Fantasista / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin break the 10-goal mark?

After breaking out under Carlo Ancelotti, Calvert-Lewin endured his worst season as a Premier League starter, recording just four goals across the 2021-22 campaign. A fractured toe compromised the early part of the season, and a change of manager did little to help the 25-year-old reintegrate into the team. Calvert-Lewin struggled alongside Richarlison when the two started up front partly because he wasn’t the main focal point of the attack. If the English striker can stay healthy, he’ll have a chance to show manager Frank Lampard what he demonstrated under Ancelotti: that he can poach goals like the best of them.

Fulham

Will Silva, Cottagers ditch “yo-yo” reputation?

Having gone straight back down following their last two promotions to the Premier League, Fulham supporters are, understandably, wary heading into the new campaign. Manager Marco Silva, who oversaw last season’s stroll to the Championship title, is tasked with shedding the “yo-yo” tag attached to both the Cottagers and, to a lesser extent, himself. The Portuguese tactician has delivered some rousing football during previous Premier League spells, but his teams could never sustain those bursts. Stability, both for the club and coach, is the name of the game at Craven Cottage. A more understated transfer window than the scattergun approach that preceded Fulham’s previous top-flight return has been an encouraging sign.

Leeds United

James Worsfold / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Can Marsch put his mark on the team?

Jesse Marsch is no longer operating in the shadow of Marcelo Bielsa. Having barely avoided relegation on the final day of last season, the American bench boss was given the keys to overhaul Leeds United this summer. From a transfer perspective, he’s done just that, bringing in several new faces, including compatriots Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, who have the difficult task of replacing Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, arguably the club’s two best players from recent seasons. How quickly the new arrivals adapt to Marsch’s intense, high-pressing 4-2-2-2 system will go a long way to determining the club’s fate. Aaronson, in particular, has looked electric in the preseason, providing hope that things are heading in the right direction at Elland Road.

Leicester City

Have Leicester addressed their set-piece woes?

No matter what he tried, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers couldn’t stop his team from conceding on set pieces. The Foxes allowed a Premier League-high 16 goals from corner kicks and 20 overall from set-piece situations. At its core, the issue was personnel-related: Dynamic center-back Wesley Fofana sat out the majority of the season with an ACL tear, and experienced defender Jonny Evans missed 19 games because of a hamstring injury. Rodgers will start the campaign with both back to full fitness, but keeping them fit is another question. Leicester haven’t made any signings to date, leaving the pair to carry the load.

Liverpool

Andrew Powell / Liverpool FC / Getty

What will the post-Mane era look like?

Since joining Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has never embarked on a full campaign without Sadio Mane at his disposal, but the exhilarating Mane-Roberto Firmino-Mohamed Salah era is over at Anfield. That reality creates some uneasiness but also comes with excitement over the next stage, which could actually feature a more versatile team thanks to the arrival of Darwin Nunez, the continued growth of Luis Diaz, and a reliance on some talented youngsters who should see more minutes this season. And of course, amid all the changes, Salah remains, his future sorted and no longer a talking point to cause distractions. That alone puts the Reds in the hunt for more silverware. Klopp’s side, so close to winning a historic quadruple last season, remains the most tangible threat to Manchester City’s domestic dominance.

Manchester City

How quickly will Haaland adapt?

This may be the most fascinating question of all going into the new Premier League season, and it’s certainly the most pertinent as it relates to the impending title race. Erling Haaland was always going to need some time to adjust, particularly in Pep Guardiola’s complex system. He’ll be just fine, of course, and will almost definitely score a boatload of goals for his new club. But after looking out of sync with his new teammates in Manchester City’s Community Shield defeat to Liverpool, it’s fair to suggest that his acclimatization may take a little more time than initially expected. The margins between City and Liverpool are so razor thin that any little slip – like, say, a slow start for the Norwegian superstar – could make all the difference come season’s end.

Manchester United

Jan Kruger / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay the season?

No other club seems interested in rescuing Ronaldo from his current predicament. The lack of suitors is surprising – who wouldn’t want one of the greatest players of all time? – but also understandable. As direct as they come, the 37-year-old doesn’t exactly personify today’s modern pressing tactics. The fact remains, though, that he can still do the hardest thing there is to do on a pitch: score goals. At least United boss Erik ten Hag seems willing to play to Ronaldo’s strengths, and if the Portuguese superstar stays, bet on him to prove the doubters wrong.

Newcastle United

Are Newcastle ready to make the great leap forward?

Eddie Howe lifted Newcastle up to 11th place last season, not only saving them from relegation but setting the tone for 2022-23. With Nick Pope’s reliability in goal, Sven Botman’s aerial prowess, and Bruno Guimaraes protecting the back line, Newcastle are sturdier than they’ve been at any point in the last few years. They just need help scoring goals. While 17 different players hit the back of the net last season, none broke the 10-goal mark. Chris Wood and Callum Wilson simply aren’t prolific enough, and Allan Saint-Maximin often lacks end product. A big signing in attack would make the Magpies a contender for the European places.

Nottingham Forest

NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty

Have Forest changed their squad too much?

Somewhat impressively, Forest have made 12 signings since achieving promotion to the Premier League in May, putting their newfound riches to immediate use. Taiwo Awoniyi arrived from Union Berlin for a club-record fee, Neco Williams joined for nearly the same amount, and Jesse Lingard signed a one-year contract reportedly worth up to £120,000 per week. Somewhat worryingly, half of Forest’s acquisitions played outside England last season, leaving them with a steep learning curve. The rate of turnover is also concerning. Just ask Fulham, who were relegated in 2019 after signing 15 players in the summer window.

Southampton

Will risky transfer strategy pay off?

Relying on inexperienced youngsters like Tino Livramento and Armando Broja proved fruitful last season, so Southampton decided to go all in on that recruitment approach this summer. The Saints have spent over £50 million on five players who have combined for zero Premier League minutes in their respective careers to date. Having Premier League experience is by no means a panacea, but it’s undeniably risky to put virtually all of your eggs into such a raw basket. Gavin Bazunu, 20, and Romeo Lavia, 18, have no senior professional appearances to their name; Sekou Mara, 20, started 10 Ligue 1 games for Bordeaux over the last two seasons; Armel Bella-Kotchap, also only 20 years old, is coming off his first Bundesliga campaign at Bochum; Joe Aribo, the ex-Rangers standout, is the elder statesman of the new recruits at 26 years old. It’s a bold and exciting approach, but it’s fraught with risk.

Tottenham Hotspur

Visionhaus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

How will Antonio Conte use Richarlison?

If Conte could autogenerate a player, it would look something like Richarlison. The Brazilian is a good player with a work ethic and willingness to play wherever the manager wants. But how much will he play? There’s no way Richarlison will supplant Harry Kane up front, and it’s unlikely he’ll take Son Heung-Min’s place on the left side of Tottenham’s attack. That leaves the 25-year-old with two options: to compete with Dejan Kulusevski on his off wing or settle for substitute minutes across the front line. That’s not a decision a £50-million signing should make.

West Ham United

Will Jarrod Bowen replicate success from last season?

Bowen recorded 12 goals and 11 assists in the 2021-22 season, finishing the year as one of just three Premier League players to reach double digits in each category. He then made his international debut in June, raising his chances of making England’s World Cup squad. Another prolific campaign would likely result in a big-money move to one of the league’s biggest clubs. That would cap his extraordinary ascent from non-league football. Expect West Ham’s speedy and durable winger to hit double digits again.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Jack Thomas – WWFC / Wolverhampton Wanderers FC / Getty

Where will the goals come from?

Only three teams scored fewer Premier League goals than Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, and all three were relegated; Wolves’ expected goals numbers were, somehow, even bleaker. Bruno Lage’s side needed to find some additional scoring punch heading into the new campaign, but instead, things are going in the opposite direction with Raul Jimenez, the club’s only recognized No. 9, expected to miss the first several weeks of the season due to knee and adductor injuries. With the Mexican striker sidelined and Fabio Silva shipped to Anderlecht, the burden up front will fall largely on Hwang Hee-chan, while outstanding goalkeeper Jose Sa will need to sparkle once again at the other end to help offset stinginess up front.

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Premier League

Euro 2024 playoffs: Miraculous Ukraine comeback, big result for Wales

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Wales, Greece, and Poland registered statement wins Thursday, joining three other teams in next Tuesday’s playoff finals for the three remaining places at Euro 2024.

Ukraine staged an incredible late comeback against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its semifinal to keep its Euro dream alive.

The highest-placed team in FIFA’s rankings that’s no longer in contention to reach the tournament in Germany is 60th-placed Finland.

Here’s how the playoff semifinals across Path A, B, and C played out.

Path A

Mateusz Slodkowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Poland 5-1 Estonia

Estonia barely stood a chance. Down to 10 men as early as the 27th minute, the northern Europeans could only muster a consolation goal in a 5-1 loss to Poland. The Polish achieved the rout without Robert Lewandowski getting on the scoresheet and remain unbeaten in 21 Euro qualifiers at home, a magnificent run dating back to September 2006. Poland is trying to make up for a poor qualifying campaign in which it finished third in Group E, four points behind the Czech Republic and Albania. The country hasn’t missed the Euros since 2004.

Wales 4-1 Finland

The Red Wall might descend on Germany this summer. Wales’ raucous supporters have legitimate hopes of traveling to another major tournament after the Dragons scorched Finland without the retired Gareth Bale and with Aaron Ramsey, 33, on the bench after more injury problems. Teemu Pukki gave the visiting team some hope just before halftime following well-taken finishes from David Brooks and Neco Williams. But Wales needed just 73 seconds of the second period to restore its two-goal cushion via Brennan Johnson’s tap-in. Daniel James took advantage of a defensive error before rounding the goalkeeper in the 86th minute to give the host a resounding victory.

Playoff final: Wales vs. Poland, Tuesday 3:45 p.m. ET

Path B

David Balogh – UEFA / UEFA / Getty

Israel 1-4 Iceland

Iceland’s Albert Gudmundsson stole the show with an emphatic hat-trick against Israel on Thursday. His stunning free-kick into the top right corner canceled out Eran Zahavi’s opening goal for Israel, and he created a nice cushion for his country with a pair of markers in the final 10 minutes. Just before that, Zahavi blew an incredible opportunity to equalize the match at 2-2, missing a penalty awarded for handball against Iceland’s Gudmundur Thorarinsson. A red card to Israel’s Haim Revivo didn’t help the trailing side. Iceland is now a game away from making only its second-ever appearance at the Euros following its quarterfinal run in 2016.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-2 Ukraine

Ukraine scored twice with just minutes remaining in regulation to snatch what seemed to be a sure victory from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Bosnia controlled play for most of the match and took the lead in the 56th minute when Mykola Matviyenko turned in Amar Dedic’s shot into his own net. But a colossal defensive lapse cost the Bosnians a chance to make it a record four countries from the former Yugoslavia at Euro 2024. Roman Yaremchuk came off the bench to equalize in the 85th minute and teed up Artem Dovbyk’s sensational winning header three minutes later to turn the playoff semifinal on its head. Ukraine now faces Iceland with a third consecutive Euro appearance at stake.

Playoff final: Ukraine vs. Iceland, Tuesday 3:45 p.m. ET

Path C

GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE / AFP / Getty

Georgia 2-0 Luxembourg

Two clever finishes from Budu Zivzivadze in Tbilisi assured Georgia of a place in Path C’s final – and all without the help of suspended talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But it wasn’t that simple for the host. Luxembourg thought it equalized during the second half, only for the goal to be eventually snatched away due to Maxime Chanot’s apparent foul 45 seconds earlier. Luxembourg’s Chanot was controversially sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and Zivzivadze effectively ended the match six minutes later with his second strike. Kvaratskhelia is available for the final.

Greece 5-0 Kazakhstan

Anastasios Bakasetas lashed home a penalty, Dimitrios Pelkas headed into the net’s roof, Fotis Ioannidis tapped in from close range, and Dimitrios Kourbelis added another header. And that was all before halftime. Kazakhstan’s impressive 2022-23 Nations League campaign and notable Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Denmark, Northern Ireland (twice), and Finland suddenly seemed ages ago, as Greece recorded its biggest halftime lead since October 1978 (5-0 against Finland). Aleksandr Marochkin’s embarrassing own goal in the 85th minute made Kazakhstan’s day even worse.

Playoff final: Georgia vs. Greece, Tuesday 1:00 p.m. ET

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Premier League

Look: Nike unveils beautiful kit selection for Euro 2024, Copa America

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Nike released a stunning batch of threads ahead of Euro 2024 and Copa America on Monday.

Days after Adidas launched its lineup for the summer’s top two tournaments, Nike followed suit with an array of colorful designs.

The U.S. manufacturer also announced redesigns for Canada and Poland, even though they’ve yet to qualify for their respective tournaments. The Canucks face Trinidad and Tobago in a one-off Copa America qualifier on Saturday, while Poland must navigate a four-team playoff to reach Euro 2024.

(All images courtesy of Nike)

Euro 2024

Croatia

Home

The square-shaped design that gives Croatia its unique look gets a slight upgrade. The home shirt features larger squares than ever before.

Away

Croatia’s away shirt plays on the national flag, with the traditional checkered pattern now on a slant.

England

Home

Influenced by England’s 1966 training gear, the home shirt has a classic feel with a rich blue collar and gorgeous trim along the cuffs.

Away

England embraces a deep purple hue for its away selection. The crest stands out with a contrasting off-white tint that makes the three lions pop.

France

Home

France’s home shirt may have the biggest crest of all of Nike’s offerings. The oversized rooster defines this shirt as much as the royal blue that’s made France’s kits a crowd-pleaser.

Away

The pinstripes mirror the colors of France’s national flag and span the width of the shirt in a simple, yet elegant design.

Netherlands

Home

Nike could’ve offered anything orange here, and it would’ve been perfect. But the Netherlands has something bolder and better to wear. The zig-zag pattern adds edge.

Away

The orange collar and cuffs pop alongside the three shades of blue Nike has chosen to create the abstract design on this work of art.

Poland

Home

Poland dedicates premium real estate on the country’s home shirt to its imposing crest.

Away

Poland’s away shirt is a daring choice. The graphic treatment adds texture, giving it a rugged feel while separating from the red tones of years past.

Portugal

Home

With possibly the best home shirt in Nike’s collection, Portugal leans heavily into its traditional red-and-green motif with a polo collar and thick cuffs. The logo sits prominently as well. A smash hit.

Away

Here’s another winner. Portugal’s away strip has a stunning textile imprint that gives off a cool summer vibe.

Turkey

Home

This is a menacing look. Turkey will look like a whirring red army with these imposing shirts.

Away

The classic red band returns to Turkey’s away uniform. Like the others, it features an oversized crest in the middle of the shirt.

Copa America

Brazil

Home

Nike goes big with Brazil’s crest and adds an intricate design to the same yellow hue the Selecao have used for decades.

Away

Brazil’s secondary strip feels like the beach. A horizontal wavy pattern covering the entire shirt mimics the country’s picturesque coastline.

Canada

Home

The only blemish in Nike’s lineup. Why is there a circle around the swoosh? And why are the shoulders so much darker than the body? None of it makes sense.

Away

The 13 pinstripes are supposed to represent the 10 provinces and three territories that make up Canada. Unfortunately, the rest of the shirt looks incomplete.

United States

Home

The United States men’s national team gets a classic home shirt with patriotic detailing along the color and sleeves.

Away

The gradient works perfectly with the red shorts the U.S. will wear at the Copa America.

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Premier League

Thoughts and analysis from rip-roaring weekend of Premier League action

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theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points from another entertaining weekend of Premier League football.

Man City flustered at Anfield

Just when it seemed Manchester City would end their barren run at Anfield, Liverpool reminded them why they haven’t won a Premier League game there since 2003.

Liverpool swarmed City within seconds of the restart, injecting urgency into a game they were trailing 1-0 at halftime. The ensuing action was breathtaking to watch. Anfield’s raucous crowd supercharged the atmosphere and helped Liverpool sucker City into the kind of box-to-box showdown few teams can force Pep Guardiola’s usually suave side into playing.

The hosts outshot the defending champions 12-3 during that manic second stanza, pressed their opponents into turnovers, and flustered the majority of City’s starters. That included the impervious Rodri, who had to hack down one player just to stem the tide.

It’s not often City entertain track meets like this one. They crave control, and after setting the tone early on with a clever set-piece routine that caught Liverpool’s defenders napping, the visitors struggled to keep the ball for more than a few seconds at a time.

There was a clear method to the chaos Liverpool rained down on City: run down the field, stretch them, and force them to play with their head on a swivel. City had approached previous matches at Anfield with an abundance of caution just to avoid descending into this kind of trench warfare, using possession as a form of defense. However, Liverpool, by sheer force of will, made it impossible for them to play conservatively.

Alex Livesey – Danehouse / Getty Images Sport / Getty

“If you can play football like this against City, that’s a statement,” Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports afterward. “And I love that.”

Guardiola had to withdraw Kevin De Bruyne – one of the most dangerous players on the pitch – just to find a way to keep the ball. De Bruyne can swing matches in an instant, and Guardiola is always willing to play him, whether the game calls for the Belgian’s open, creative passing or a more pragmatic approach. This time, Guardiola must’ve known a point was all City could get.

Mateo Kovacic offered more security, if not as much inspiration, and so he came on. Liverpool forced that change. They got City out of their comfort zone, which is only fitting because Klopp’s Liverpool have been the only team in England capable of breaking City’s dynasty under Guardiola.

Backup ‘keepers come to the rescue

Caoimhin Kelleher and Stefan Ortega would usually be spectators on a day like Sunday. But circumstance and injury pushed them into the fray. Not that they didn’t look the part. Each of them made exceptional saves with the game tied at 1-1 and ensured it ended that way.

At least Kelleher had the week to prepare. The 25-year-old has also had plenty of playing time in the absence of Alisson, who’s out long term with a thigh injury, and he seemed to gain confidence during Liverpool’s triumphant League Cup run. Ortega has played a similar role at City, appearing mostly in cup competitions, but he had mere minutes to warm up as Ederson’s mid-game replacement.

Imagine stepping into the cauldron that is Anfield with the title race on the line and a mistake the only likely difference between a positive and negative result. A few early errant passes confirmed Ortega was feeling the nerves and pace of the game. But he didn’t let it define his performance. He was proactive, coming off his line to block shots, and he kept it relatively simple with no-nonsense clearances. He looked more sure of himself than Ederson did, up to and including the moment the Brazilian conceded Liverpool’s game-tying penalty with a reckless swing at Darwin Nunez.

And therein lies the secret to sustaining success in the modern game. Both Liverpool and City have exceptional starting lineups, but their depth is second to none. They source talent from either their academy or teams a few rungs below them to ensure they can compete with or without their best players.

Michael Regan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The role of the backup ‘keeper is perhaps the most underrated. It’s difficult to find shot-stoppers who are happy to play second fiddle and still be capable of tending goal themselves once every few months, sometimes fewer. Many clubs don’t want to spend big on second-choice ‘keepers, either. But where would Liverpool be without Kelleher? Two League Cups may not have been theirs. It’s even harder to retain such talent, but Kelleher’s ties to Liverpool, having been brought up as a diehard supporter, help.

Likewise, City would’ve lost Sunday’s game with a 40-year-old retiree shoring up Guardiola’s bench. But they did well to pluck Ortega from Arminia Bielefeld in July 2022, giving a solid ‘keeper a chance he otherwise wouldn’t have on one of the greatest teams of the Premier League era.

Mature Arsenal changing narrative

A mistake like the one Aaron Ramsdale committed against Brentford would’ve been disastrous for Arsenal last season. Heads would’ve been down and shoulders would’ve been slumped, with players unable or unwilling to move on from such a calamitous moment. But it’s a different story this season for Arsenal and a squad featuring several players who know a thing or two about overcoming adversity.

With the game tied 1-1 and its chances of winning fading fast, the north London club persevered late with the help of two other players who’ve dealt with their own difficult periods at Arsenal: Kai Havertz and Ben White. They further endeared themselves to fans Saturday, combining to score the winning goal in the 86th minute to spare Ramsdale’s blushes.

Before Havertz’s header, Ramsdale was feeling the heat at the Emirates Stadium after gifting Brentford an equalizer right before halftime. As Arsenal tried to close out a dominant first half, Ramsdale’s struggles with the ball at his feet proved costly again after his sloppy clearance attempt ricocheted off Yoane Wissa and into his net. It was the type of lapse in judgment that cost Ramsdale his job after David Raya was signed to be Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Conceding right before halftime was obviously crushing, but it offered Ramsdale a chance to escape to the locker room and compose himself away from jeering fans. He returned after the break with two huge saves to prevent Brentford from inflicting more damage before Havertz’s winning goal.

Resilience has been a hallmark of Arsenal’s impressive season, which has helped them remain in the title race with 10 games to go. It’s a quality that’ll be important in next week’s Champions League clash with FC Porto – when they’ll try to overturn a 1-0 deficit – and when Mikel Arteta’s men face their biggest challenge of the season against Manchester City after the international break.

Quick free-kicks

Klopp-Guardiola era ends with a bang

Few thought the rivalry between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger would ever be topped, let alone matched in terms of intensity and quality. But then Klopp and Guardiola came along. Liverpool and Manchester City games have been appointment viewing since the two exuberant tacticians brought their coaching talents to England almost a decade ago. Sunday’s encounter was no different, as the two – at the center of another title race – duked it out at Anfield in the last league meeting before Klopp leaves Liverpool this summer. Like so many games in the years since Klopp’s Liverpool and Guardiola’s City first met on New Year’s Eve in 2016, it was a contest of the highest quality that featured plenty of scoring chances and drama. That Sunday’s bout finished in a draw is perhaps a fitting way to close the chapter on a rivalry that’ll be remembered by Premier League fans for generations to come. Hopefully, these two brilliant footballing minds lock horns again somewhere down the line.

Spurs rise to the challenge

Tottenham’s failure to deliver in key moments is one of the Premier League’s longstanding memes. Sunday’s 4-0 hammering of fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa didn’t have quite the same stakes as some of their matches from recent seasons, but, keeping in line with the club’s upward trajectory under Ange Postecoglou, it was refreshing to see Spurs deliver in a big spot. A loss Sunday wouldn’t have been fatal in their chase to secure Champions League football, but it would’ve given Villa a healthy eight-point advantage going into the stretch run. With a game in hand on Villa, fifth-placed Tottenham, now only two points adrift of fourth, appear to be in the more favorable position after winning a game with “plenty of significance.” Both clubs still have to play all three of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City between now and the end of the season, so there will be (at least) three more high-leverage games for Villa and Spurs in what’s an intriguing battle for fourth. Can Tottenham rise to the challenge a few more times to secure a coveted top-four spot, or will their “Spursy” tendencies of past seasons make an appearance?

Stat of the weekend

Liverpool accomplished an exceedingly rare feat this weekend.

Tweet of the weekend

Yes, this is technically cheating, but we’re dipping into the Championship for this one …

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