We asked if there were any defeats of teams in the Premier League, where the turmoil is and what the coaches want to think about
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s decision to alter the formula that has served them so well since the beginning of the year backfired on an Aston Villa side who arrived at the Emirates Stadium with a clear game plan. Kai Havertz looked to risk the first half as he always crossed the lines from his position in midfield, but Gabriel Jesus failed to provide credit in attack as Arsenal collapsed after the break. By contrast, Ollie Watkins was a constant risk and unsettled the usually confident Gabriel Magalhães, while John McGinn and his colleagues controlled to control Villa ownership rather than a useless Arsenal midfielder. But the most worrying thing was how panic seemed to spread among Arteta’s players as they continued the game and were eventually overwhelmed. EA
Liverpool: When Eberechi Eze made a classy move at Crystal Palace with 21 passes (and little stamina), it was the 14th time this season that Liverpool had lost for the first time in a Premier League match. They have conceded the first in 4 of the last five league games at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s side have earned more praise than complaint for suffering 27 problems after squandering positions this season but, without remedying the mistake, too many passive outings were destined to eventually catch up. Liverpool have been beaten twice in 4 days at Anfield. Although Klopp demanded a reaction to the Europa League defeat to Atalanta, his side started miserably against Palace, who opened up their hosts in style. Collectively, Liverpool’s defensive organisation was once again mediocre. When some other improvement came in the middle of the half, their messes moved to the front line with Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones squandering golden opportunities. Ah
Manchester City25 April Brighton A28 April Nottingham Forest A4 May Wolves H11 May Fulham A14 May Tottenham A19 May West Ham H
Arsenal20 April Wolves A23 April Chelsea H28 April Tottenham A4 May Bournemouth H12 May Manchester United A19 May Everton H
Liverpool 21 April Fulham A24 April Everton A27 April West Ham A5 May Tottenham H13 May Aston Villa A19 May Wolves H
Arsenal: Concerns about the intellectual effects of last season’s name race failure on such a young team are sure to emerge after Sunday’s defeat. This time around, Arteta has a virtually complete squad to decide, having been hampered by injuries to William Saliba and Gabriel during the robbery 12 months ago, but the negative memories will have returned for many of his players. The challenge for Arteta, who talks about the importance of managing their feelings in critical moments, is to make them believe that not everything is like that. Lost. As Declan Rice, one of those who didn’t suffer the scar from last season, said, the chance to beat Bayern in their own backyard is the “perfect combination” for a reaction. EA
Liverpool: Fatigue is the most obvious, intellectual and physical. The workload of a team that was strained by injuries and wanted the green teenagers to keep their momentum going and win the Carabao Cup, began to take its toll at the worst time imaginable. Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have had to play more minutes than Klopp would have liked in recent months. Both looked damaged against Palace and Atalanta. Conversely, while Liverpool’s injuries have subsided, players returning from long layoffs – Dominik Szoboszlai, Jota, Jones and even Mohamed Salah – need time to find the intense rhythm that Klopp’s technique demands. The tight race for names in the Premier League and the quarter-finals of the cup do not allow for that luxury. AH
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After the Promotion
Arsenal: Arteta tried to appear calm as the intensity of the race for the name intensified. He will most likely regret Jakub Kiwior’s form at left-back against Bayern after the Polish defender fouled the second goal after being a talented player in a position that has caused the Arsenal manager the ultimate headaches this season. Jorginho’s omission until the 79th minute against a Villa side that had gained confidence is wrong in hindsight. Arteta has shown that he has learned a lot from last season and will be vigilant, aware that there is no margin for error at this stage. EA
Liverpool: Klopp’s characteristics have been limited by injuries for much of the season. It’s hard to blame the manager for Liverpool’s sudden deterioration, as his deft control of depleted resources kept the team in contention for an unforeseen name opportunity. However, it can arrepentirse. la number of slow starts and missed opportunities that take a heavy toll on Liverpool. His confidence in the Salah-Nunez-Luis Diaz trio also wants to erode after some other futile functionality through the opposite trio to Palace. Cody Gakpo posed a bigger risk when he was coming on in the 66th minute and, in fact, is in contention to start against Atalanta on Thursday. AH
Arsenal: Although Arteta gave a terse answer to questions about Martin Ødegaard’s compatibility after the Villa game and did not reveal the extent of the injury that forced their captain off the pitch, Arsenal are hoping the playmaker is compatible to face Bayern on Wednesday. Ødegaard will be very important to their chances of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 2009 and in the first leg there were signs that Thomas Tuchel’s side are vulnerable, specifically on their left flank, where they will be without the suspended Alphonso. A historic win at the Allianz Arena could provide the boost Arsenal need to reignite their quest for a Premier League name and potentially level a delightful semi-final against Manchester City. Who knows what effect this might have on the name. race?
Liverpool: The pitch would possibly be scarce after the last two results, however, Liverpool’s recovery powers under Klopp are well established and, as mentioned, the team is close to completing the squad again, with Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning against Palace. . . And Liverpool are now just two leaders with six games to play. But the leader is Manchester City. Liverpool’s next 4 games will be away from home. AH