Maybe it was everyone’s giddiness at returning from the International Break. Maybe it was the added adrenaline of sides knowing that the toughest part of the season is just kicking off. But whatever the reason, some seriously strange stuff went down in Matchweek 12 of the Premier League.
Liverpool. Just Because.
The defending champions continued their bizarre slow-motion implosion in a 3 – 0 loss to visiting Nottingham Forest. The visitors stuck to new manager Sean Dyche’s tried-and-true Dycheball formula of sitting in a low block and hopping on the counter. But they could not have expected to squeeze off 15 shots (7 on frame) and knock three in from only 25% possession.
This loss gives Liverpool a pair of unwanted sixes: sixth loss in seven games (all comps), a combined loss total of 6 – 0 in their past two games, and their sixth league loss. Mind you, four sides have won the title with six losses in the past quarter century: Manchester United (2000-01), Chelsea (2009-10), Manchester City twice (2013-14, 2020-21). But no team has won with seven losses, meaning that Liverpool have to be undefeated the rest of the season.
The way they look at the moment, they won’t stay undefeated in November.
Defying the Laws of Physics
A free kick one yard off the goal line (aka the 18 yard box) is one of the game’s biggest teases. It looks promising, but given how close to the goal it is, presents a huge challenge in execution. Most players drive it hard and low, hoping for a deflection. A few try some cheeky training ground play. Even fewer go direct, and those that do often miss. Widely.
No Morgan Rogers. He stepped up to his free kick and simply struck a knuckler with the lower part of his foot, scooping the ball over the wall with a wicked forward spin before it dipped illogically down under the bar. The Leeds’ keeper Perri could only watch in disbelief as the laws of physics appeared to bend to Rogers’ strike.
Newcastle Upsets City
O.K., this one isn’t that bizarre. As noted in our preview, Manchester City has had shite form visiting St. James’ park, having only won once in their past four visits. Well, make that five after last Saturday’s fixture. Despite 67% possession and double the shots (17 to 9), they fell 2 – 1 as Harvey Barnes nabbed a brace within eight minutes in the second half.
Everton Player Sees Red – Against Everton
During an argument over a defensive lapse that nearly led to a goal, Idrissa Gueye slapped teammate Michael Keane in the face. The referee, with direct line of sight to the incident, immediately brandished a red card. Because, of course it did, VAR reviewed and upheld the decision. This was the 13th minute of the game. The debacle seemed to galvanize the Toffees, as their 10-man side went on to defeat Manchester United in Old Trafford for only the second time in 33 visits.
This kind of sending off is exceedingly rare, and last occurred in the Premier League back in 2008 and 2005.
What’s NOT surprising… Manchester United lost the match. Kiernen Dewsbury-Hall scored his second goal of the season, while Jordan Pickford put in a goalkeeping masterclass and made six saves.
Chelsea Sits in 2nd Place
They’re my team and I still can’t believe it. For all the bizarreness of Everton’s red card, Chelsea have earned many more than that. The disciplinary record is deplorable. They’re also not playing soccer at the level a team in second should be playing. The form is inconsistent; the energy somewhat lackluster. They beat Burnley with their B-team, obviously looking ahead to Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Barcelona. It won’t last. The Crucible proved their undoing last year and could do so again.
