Eight of the ten midweek Premier League games have taken place over the last two days, throwing up some huge results at both ends of the table.
Pressure is mounting on Silva
45 minutes of madness at Anfield saw last night’s Merseyside derby become the highest-scoring since Liverpool’s 7-4 victory over their rivals in 1933.
Divock Origi netted twice with Xherdan Shaqiri and Sadio Mane also contributing to the goals, followed by a late fifth from Georginio Wijnaldum to seal the 5-2 victory for the Reds.
Michael Keane and Richarlison’s first-half strikes became mere consolations, leaving Marco Silva looking deflated on the touchline.
The Everton boss has been under intense pressure in recent weeks with only one win in their last five – a run that sees them slip into the relegation places.
His successor has been discussed widely in the press with David Moyes heavily talked about to take over at Goodison Park.
After sparing his job earlier in the season, a defeat to their fiercest rivals could be the nail in the coffin for Silva as the Everton hierarchy are set to discuss his future at the club.
Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford ends in defeat
It had been a positive start to life at Tottenham for Jose Mourinho in his first management job since he was sacked by Manchester United a year ago.
He’d won his opening three games, beating West Ham, Olympiacos and Bournemouth – but that came to an end last night when his side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of his former club.
It was all square at half time after Dele Alli’s superb equaliser cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s sixth minute opener.
But just minutes into the second half Moussa Sissoko brought Rashford down in the box and conceded a penalty, which the 22-year-old calmly slotted past Paulo Gazzaniga.
Mourinho’s successor at United, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, had been one of many managers under pressure as his side sit sixth in the league table.
Last night’s victory will have bought him more time heading into the intense winter period and it was a victory that will have left a bitter taste in the mouth of the former Reds boss.
Things look bleak for Watford and Norwich
Last night’s games ended in a loss for both Watford and Norwich as relegation is on the cards for both sides.
Watford have overseen two managerial changes already this season and yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Leicester sees them remain rock bottom of the league table with only eight points and one win to their name.
Jamie Vardy and James Maddison’s goals inflicted yet another defeat on the Hornets and things are only going to become more difficult as they face some tough tests against Liverpool and Manchester United in upcoming weeks.
On the south coast, a huge game in the battle for survival was played out between Norwich and Southampton.
Both sides have been within the conversation of getting relegated across the first few months of the season and last night’s fixture was a must win for both Daniel Farke and Ralph Hasenhüttl.
The Saints were two goals to the good at half time, courtesy of Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand.
Norwich were handed a lifeline on 65 minutes as Teemu Pukki reduced the deficit, but the Canaries were unable to find an equaliser and it was Southampton that ultimately elevated themselves out of the relegation spots.
Title race taking shape
Liverpool, of course, extended their unbeaten run with their Merseyside Derby victory over Everton.
The Reds sit eight points clear at the top of the table, but with both Leicester and Manchester City winning their respective games it’s shaping up to be an exciting Christmas in the Premier League as the title race will become more intense.
The Foxes are an unlikely inclusion as they’ve remained a comfortable mid-table team over the last few years.
But Brendan Rodgers has injected excitement and consistency into a star-studded squad that are impressing week in week out and they’re now being tipped to be Liverpool’s closest challengers this season.
Manchester City, of course, will always be talked about after winning back-to-back titles and boasting one of the most expensive squads in Europe.
Pep Guardiola has dealt with injuries and set backs in the opening fifteen match days but his side will undoubtedly remain in the conversation for the majority of the season.
A 4-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor ensures the Citizens head into a difficult spell full of confidence as they look to close the gap on their rivals.
Crunch time for Arsenal
Match day 15 will conclude tonight as Sheffield United host Newcastle and Brighton travel to to the Emirates.
Freddie Ljungberg drew his opening game as interim coach at Arsenal in their 2-2 draw at Norwich, but his side will have the chance to leapfrog Crystal Palace, United and Spurs with a win over Brighton.
Mid-table for a club the size and stature of Arsenal isn’t acceptable and that, paired with the toxicity around the team and fans ultimately led to Unai Emery’s sacking a couple of weeks ago.
Ljungberg will be tasked with steadying the ship throughout the busy winter period and ensuring his side remain in touching distance of European places and don’t slip further down the league.
With games against West Ham and Man City on the horizon, beating Brighton at home is crucial for the Gunners as they look to turn their season around.
Date Written: December 5th 2019 | University work – News day
Hannah Pinnock Sports Blog 