Manchester City lift the Community Shield and the EFL kicks off: Football Weekly
Aug 12, 2024
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Sanny Rudravajhala, a seasoned sports journalist, joins football experts Ben Fisher and Will Unwin to dissect Manchester City's thrilling Community Shield win over United. They delve into the rising star Oscar Bob's promising debut and debate Manchester United's midfield struggles. The conversation takes a humorous turn with Chelsea's transfer antics, including surplus goalkeepers, while exploring Arsenal's quirky motivational methods. They also touch on new leadership dynamics in English football, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
Manchester City's victory in the Community Shield highlighted their squad depth and showcased promising players like Oscar Bob and Savino.
Manchester United's mixed performance raised concerns about their midfield clarity and Eric Ten Hag's selection strategy as they seek a cohesive identity.
The EFL season kicked off with thrilling results, particularly Sheffield Wednesday's impressive win, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the league.
Deep dives
Manchester City's Community Shield Victory
Manchester City secured the Community Shield by defeating Manchester United on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The match showcased several City players, including a standout performance by Oscar Bob, who posed a threat from the right wing. Though the overall gameplay was marked by periods of low intensity, City utilized this match to evaluate their squad's potential, particularly noting the lively play from Savino and the potential of young talents. Despite the lack of clarity in Manchester United's midfield, the match provided City with valuable insights into their lineup for the upcoming season.
Impression of Manchester United's Performance
Manchester United's performance in the Community Shield elicited mixed reviews, with some panelists believing they showed promise while others remained skeptical. There were moments of brilliance from players like Bruno Fernandes, who had a goal disallowed for offside, painting a picture of potential within a restructured team under Eric Ten Hag. The match raised questions about Ten Hag's selection strategy, particularly his choice to field players who were injured or recently returned, indicating a need for cohesive planning. Overall, while United displayed attacking urgency at times, their lack of a clear identity and structure left doubts about their forthcoming campaign.
Transfer Activities and Squad Changes
Discussion around transfer activities included notable moves such as Neto to Chelsea and Solanke to Spurs, highlighting the shifting dynamics of various clubs. The panel reflected on Chelsea's recruitment strategy and questioned the rationale behind signing so many players without a clear starting XI, particularly in light of their previous failed signings. Meanwhile, there was curiosity about Ivan Toney's situation as several clubs hesitated to make a move, likely waiting for a more favorable contract situation. This ongoing transfer frenzy indicated a competitive landscape as clubs assessed their rosters ahead of the new season.
EFL Season Kickoff Highlights
The start of the EFL season produced exciting results, particularly Sheffield Wednesday's convincing 4-0 victory over Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle. The match underscored the challenges facing Plymouth, with Rooney's tactics scrutinized for their impact on performance. Conversely, Wednesday's cohesive play under manager Danny Rohl set a positive tone for their season. Outstanding performances and thrilling games characterized the opening weekend, illustrating the unpredictable energy of the EFL.
Emerging Young Talents and Management Techniques
There was a notable discussion about the emerging talents in football, with Oscar Bob being identified as a player to watch in Manchester City's lineup. Additionally, the panel shared an intriguing anecdote about Mikel Arteta's unconventional training methods, such as employing professional pickpockets to teach alertness and preparedness to his players. Such innovative coaching techniques were acknowledged for their effectiveness in fostering a robust team atmosphere. The ongoing discourse on player development and managerial strategies highlighted a progressive approach to nurturing promising talents.
Max Rushden is joined by Sanny Rudravajhala, Ben Fisher and Will Unwin as Manchester City beat Manchester United in the Community Shield. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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