Gab Marcotti welcomes Stewart Robson, a former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder known for his tactical insights. They dive into Manchester United's dismal 4-1 loss to Newcastle, questioning what coach Ruben Amorim must change. The duo analyzes the effective tactics behind Newcastle's victory, critiques United's current formation, and discusses player dynamics impacting performance. They also touch on Kylian Mbappe’s controversial challenge, Mo Salah's contract choices for Liverpool, and the ongoing issues in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1.
Manchester United's struggles are amplified by ineffective tactical decisions, particularly the unsuccessful implementation of a 3-4-3 formation under Ruben Amorim.
Newcastle's recent success, highlighted by their dominant 4-1 victory over Manchester United, showcases their tactical cohesion and attacking prowess with key player contributions.
Kylian Mbappe's current challenges, including a red card and legal troubles, raise concerns about his future at PSG and the club's financial stability.
Deep dives
Newcastle's Impressive Performance
Newcastle's recent performance against Manchester United highlights their resurgence in the league, finishing with a dominant 4-1 victory. The team's tactical approach put pressure on United's defense, preventing them from effectively playing out from the back. Key players like Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes contributed significantly to the win, showing their ability to exploit spaces and create opportunities. The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joe Linton has received praise for their dynamism and cohesion, making Newcastle a formidable opponent.
Manchester United's Struggles
Manchester United continues to face challenges, with their recent tactical decisions raising questions about the team's direction. Manager Ruben Amorim's attempts to implement a 3-4-3 formation have not yielded positive results, leading to criticism of the squad's adaptability. The decision to rest goalkeeper André Onana suggests a deeper concern within the squad regarding consistency and performance under pressure. Despite having talented players, United's struggle to find a coherent game plan remains evident as they look toward rebuilding for the future.
Liverpool's Title Chase
Liverpool has positioned itself as a strong contender for the Premier League title, now 13 points clear at the top of the table. While their recent performances have not been at their best, they have shown resilience during crucial moments, exemplified by Virgil van Dijk's late winning goal against West Ham. Mohamed Salah's continued excellence has also been pivotal, as he recently signed a new contract that solidifies his importance to the team. Despite any minor dips in form, Liverpool's ability to secure victories in tight games speaks volumes about their championship potential.
Kylian Mbappe's Troubles
Kylian Mbappe's recent red card and ongoing legal troubles highlight a tumultuous period for the star forward. His dismissal from the match against Alaves has drawn scrutiny as it marks another disappointing moment in an otherwise challenging season for him. Moreover, the legal pursuit of unpaid wages from Paris Saint-Germain adds additional stress, with potential implications for the club's financial stability and compliance with UEFA's regulations. This combination of on-field and off-field issues leaves many questioning his future at PSG, especially with mounting speculation regarding a potential move to Real Madrid.
Barcelona's Narrow Victory
Barcelona managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win against Leganes, showcasing their struggle to maintain dominance in matches where they could easily have dropped points. The victory came via an unusual own goal, highlighting the team’s need for better attacking cohesion and decisiveness in the final third. With influential players like Frankie de Jong resting due to injury concerns, Barcelona's tactical adjustments have been crucial in securing results this season. This win puts them in a favorable position in the title race, but questions remain about their overall performance consistency moving forward.
Gab Marcotti and Stewart Robson discuss Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle and ask what Ruben Amorim needs to do to turn this side around. The guys also talk Kylian Mbappe’s horror-challenge against Alaves, Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund and ask if Mo Salah’s new contract is a good idea for Liverpool or not.
