Swansea City continue to struggle
With just one win in their last nine games, questions must now be asked about Gary Monk and his Swansea side. Against Norwich, the Welsh club was extremely underwhelming. It is easy to look at the amount of possession that they had – 67% and give the performance a positive outlook. However, without a single shot on target, possession alone will not win games. Despite all the time with the ball, their passing was lethargic and it was alarming seeing how they struggled so much against a side in 16th before kick-off. Against ailing relegation candidates, a lack of fluidity and communication ultimately saw Monk’s team’s demise. The manager himself made very poor substitutions and this only reflects more his uncertainty regarding his team right now. With the likes of Leicester City and West Ham flying high in the table, Swansea can only look up enviously.
Rampant City held
New Aston Villa manager Remi Garde inspired his team to a draw against champions elect Manchester City. After a blunt opening 45 minutes, the Sky Blues really kicked into gear in the second-half and put Villa under sustained pressure. However, it was startling how this pressure never transformed to goals. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernando were all guilty of unexplainable misses. De Bruyne in particular was uninspired and looks like a rest would do him well. With Arsenal’s draw in their North London derby with Tottenham, City remained at the top of the league on goal difference and will hope to gain a lead after the international break.
Palace inflict first Premier League loss for Jurgen Klopp.
After a six-match unbeaten streak in all competitions to begin his tenure as Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp finally tasted defeat against Alan Pardew’s impressive Crystal Palace. Unlike Palace, who burst out the blocks, Liverpool started poorly. When Yannick Bolasie caught the hosts snoozing and gave Palace the lead in the 21st minute, it was well deserved. But the Reds pegged Pardew’s men back and began to assert their authority for the rest of the half. Their sustained pressure subsequently told just prior to halftime when Phillipe Coutinho equalized. However, the break may have come at the wrong time for Liverpool who were seeing their best period of the game. An end-to-end game ensued in the second-half, before Scott Dann nodded in the winner for the Eagles. Although individual mistakes are still being made, Liverpool are certainly improving and the Klopp effect is taking shape.
Alan Pardew has been involved in all three of Crystal Palace's wins over Liverpool at Anfield. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/YMmacwsx9I
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) November 9, 2015
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