How will the English Premier League's "Big 6" rank this season?

Manchester City Manager Josep Guardiola on stage during the Manchester City Trophy Parade in Manchester city centre on May 14, 2018 in Manchester, England.

(May 13, 2018 - Source: Lynne Cameron/Getty Images Europe)

Preamble

The return of the English Premier League has been longed for by most football fanatics and it's just a matter of days before we witness the resumption of the biggest and most exciting league in world football. Reminiscing on how good the previous season was, one can’t help but imagine how better the upcoming season will be. As expected; various teams will be having various objectives coming into the new season and unsurprisingly, the main focus will be on what has been known as “The big six” in Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester United and the Arsenal. The current champions Manchester City will be hoping to add to their seemingly increasing trophy cabinet, but will face intense competition from rivals Liverpool who will be looking to avenge the misfortunes of the previous season where they did all they could to win the league but it was simply not enough. Meanwhile, the rest of the top six clubs will be looking to stamp their authority and force their way into the top two and ultimately challenge for the title. Below we preview the return of the league and the possible outcome of the top six teams, nine months from now.

 Manchester City

It is without a shadow of doubt that last season’s top two teams will be the two teams gunning for the league title this season. Being miles ahead of the rest of the top six teams, Manchester City and Liverpool will only be hoping to replicate last season’s form and will only get better. To show their intentions on remaining dominant, Pep Guardiola has already made a statement of not backing down by strengthening the side in a critical position that is central to the way City plays. That is the acquisition of record signing Rodri to potentially replace the ever dependable Fernandinho in the holding midfield role. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen what effect Vincent Kompany's departure will have on City next season considering that the club have not signed a replacement for their talismanic former captain. As it stands, provided City don't sign a new centre-back, they will go into the new campaign with just three recognised senior central defenders in Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi. Nevertheless, the commanding presence of Aymeric Laporte at the back, coupled with the massive work rate from Kyle Walker, and the potential return of injury-prone left back Benjamin Mendy, should be enough to ensure that City's defense remains solid, though the addition of a new centre back stays crucially important. Alternatively, there have been rumours that Pep Guardiola might shift Fernandinho to the centre back position at some point. As such, one cannot rule out that possibility, especially considering the fact that Pep has been one tactically innovative coach who has had several successful experiments undertaken throughout the course of his managerial career. All in all, City all but look like they might go all the way once again and win it.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp during a Liverpool press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group C match against SSC Napoli at Melwood Training Ground on December 10, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Dec. 9, 2018 - Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

 Liverpool

When you’re playing in the English Premier League and managed to amass a total of 97 points during the season surely you likely to win the league, right? Not necessarily, as Liverpool would attest. The Reds undoubtedly had one of the greatest campaigns in the club's illustrious history last season, winning the Champions League and coming within touching distance of a first-ever Premier League title since 1990. While they fell short last season, the Reds should be brimming with confidence going into the new season as they now surely know that the surest way of stealing the title from City is just to keep winning.

 Liverpool have done pretty much the same as City in terms of strategy, save for the fact that they haven’t brought in any significant signings to strengthen the team further. However, Klopp will now be able to call upon the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joe Gomez, Rhian Brewster and Adam Lallana, who all missed large chunks of last season through injury. So much so that, the quartet will act as new signings as alluded by the German. The team’s ability to keep their crucial three frontmen is commendable and shows a key element of continuity and belief in what the club can achieve. Furthermore, the return of players such as Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from long injury layoffs will enhance the team’s depth especially considering the team’s rather lack of activity in the current transfer window. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s depth remains no match to City’s and considering that the team’s front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino played more than 90% of the team’s games, a cause for concern may arise in the event that one of these players gets injured as it might take some time for a suitable replacement to gel with the rest of the players. Still, the Reds remain huge title favourites especially if they are able to remain injury-free throughout the season.

Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea arrives at the stadium prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match between Bohemians FC and Chelsea FC at Dalymount Park on July 10, 2019 in Dublin, Ireland.

(July 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Chelsea

Meanwhile, Chelsea, going through a host of changes during the current pre-season, will be hoping to remain in the top four whilst smoothly adjusting to the new philosophy coming in with club legend and new coach Frank Lampard. Being his first season as coach in the top flight league, much will be expected from the much loved Lampard and all eyes will be on him to ensure he is able to deliver with the players he has, especially considering Chelsea’s inability to sign new players until next summer. As such, Lampard will be hoping that a large number of his young players, most of whom have returned on loan from various clubs, will rise to the occasion and impress for the team. The likes of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham are expected to be heavily incorporated as key squad players that will be often called upon by Lampard to help the team. Furthermore, Lampard will be counting on the experience of players such as Kante and Azplicueta to settle the nerves of the many youngsters at the team’s disposal. However, the loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid has surely left a big hole in Chelsea’s attacking potent, and will require the club’s available attackers to rebrand their attacking style which has for a long time revolved around Hazard. What is worrying is that Chelsea have failed to find a reliable striker to bang in the goals since the departure of Diego Costa. Thus, Lampard might be forced to continue experimenting as he has done during pre-season, with the likes of Giroud, Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham all gunning to become the team’s frontman. While some are skeptical that Lampard’s lack of top flight experience might be exposed, others believe his appointment couldn’t have come at a better time where the team is looking to rebuild and transform itself once again, moving on from the much criticised ‘’Sarriball” which ironically got the team into the champions league one again, and further earned the team the Europa league trophy. Nevertheless, saying Chelsea are in for the title race might be too much of an ask especially considering the wholesale changes the club is going through. However, one cannot rule them out from producing a moment of magic and breaking into the top three. Nonetheless, being a transitional period for the club, Lampard will need time to make this Chelsea side gel and be able to compete. Therefore, anything more than a top-four finish and a decent Champions League run will most probably count as a bonus for the blues.

“Nevertheless, Liverpool’s depth remains no match to City’s and considering that the team’s front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino played more than 90% of the team’s games, a cause for concern may arise in the event that one of these players gets injured as it might take some time for a suitable replacement to gel with the rest of the players.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United is seen with a match ball prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on April 02, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

(April 1, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

 Manchester United

United have failed to impose themselves on the summer transfer window with only Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving to the team at the time of writing this article. What is worrying about this United side is that the team’s signings from last season failed to exert themselves. For instance, Fred looked out of place in the team and seemed to be struggling with confidence at times, while Diogo Dalot only showed glimpses of his potential as he was kept out of the side by a questionable Ashley Young. Fast forward to the new season, one would have hoped for a busy transfer market for United but it looks like it’s pretty much the same old story just a different season. While the team has done well to sign a long term replacement for Antonio Valencia at right back in Aaron Wan Bissaka, the Red Devils have struggled to make progress in resolving other issues in key positions such as the centre back position and central midfield. Having considered the most number of goals in a season in the club’s history last season, one would have thought United would make it their primary objective to resolve the team’s defence but until now it has been more talk and less action. The rumours of Harry Maguire and Kalidou Koulibaly coming into the team have remained just that; rumours and most United supporters will be worried going into the new season knowing that they might have to continue with the tried and tested options of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both criticized for being suspects at the back. Worse, the departure of the hardworking Ander Herrera at the middle of the park has opened a huge hole in United’s midfield that will prove costly if the team fails to sign a new midfielder before the close of the transfer window. Perhaps the possible arrival of Paul Dybala as part of an exchange for Romelu Lukaku might ease supporters' hearts and provide a glimmer of hope for United. Until then, it is highly unlikely that United have enough depth to challenge the likes of City and Liverpool for the title and bring it back to the theatre of dreams.

Manager Unai Emery of Arsenal directs his players during the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Aug. 3, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

 Arsenal

The challenges faced by United are not far-fetched from those faced by Arsenal. While most Gunners fans will be excited about the deadly attacking trio of new acquisition Nicolas Pepe, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, there are still worries defensively for the Gunners. What is alarming is that the club’s authorities seem to be priotritising the attack over defence where it is an open secret that Arsenal has dearly struggled. Signing a highly-rated young winger for £72 million is commendable, and so is beefing up of the midfield through signing Dani Ceballos, however, history has shown us that the way a defence is setup is key for teams that go on to win the league. It is no secret that perhaps the signing of Pepe is what the Gunners needed, as an upgrade to both Iwobi and Mkhitaryan. But one would have thought that the positions of greater concern right now would be the team’s defensive areas. Interesting enough, Arsenal looked like they were addressing the team’s defensive issues when they signed defender William Saliba for £27 million, only to loan him back to his former club St Etienne. Quite ironic if you ask me, especially considering that the futures of captain Laurent Koscielny and German defender Shkodran Mustafi, hang in the balance. Unless the club signs quality defenders, this season might prove to be no different for Arsenal. Worse, the team is also facing a leadership crisis considering the departure of Aaron Ramsey, the unending problems between Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil and most recently, Laurent Koscielny’s want away antics. All these issues might hamper the team’s progress, ambition and may merely force the team to resort to only focusing on a top six target.  

Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between PSV and Tottenham Hotspur at Philips Stadion on October 24, 2018 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Tottenham

After enduring a crushing defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League final, Tottenham Hotspur have a right to feel down, but as the summer has progressed, the club hierarchy have acted well, and acted fast in the market to bolster the squad which though strong, has lacked depth in the past. In particular, the signing of Tanguy Ndombele, a wanted man across the whole of Europe, was impressive. Furthermore, the team’s ability to keep most of their key players especially Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, both of whom were linked with moves to Real Madrid, will be important for Spurs going into the new season. Though they might miss the versatility of Kieran John Trippier at the right back position, they do have capable players such as Serge Aurier who can step up and put in a strong performance. Overall, having adjusted to their new stadium, coupled with the stability within the team, one cannot be faulted for vouching for this Spurs side going into the new season. They might lack the experience of winning the league, but they certainly have the pedigree to go all the way, as they showed us in the Champions League. Rule them out at your own peril.

 So, who will be where when the season ends?

Overall, my belief is that City will retain the title, Liverpool will be again looking to take the title race to the wire and wrestle the title away from City, but will eventually succumb to the quality of this City side. Tottenham will remain the team that looks like the real deal but just don’t have it in them to win the title. The fight for the last top four spot will remain a scramble between Chelsea, United and Arsenal, I predict United to steal it, provided they’re able to sign Dybala and Maguire. Chelsea will come in at fifth position and Arsenal will close off the top six bracket. What are your top six predictions?

Giant slayer & African studded Leicester take aim at Liverpool

The English Premier League enters matchday 24 from Tuesday all through Thursday, the 30th of January 2019. As usual, they are a couple of scintillating fixtures available to the lovers of the game but one stand out matchup should be that which has the Foxes of Leicester City visiting those “who will never walk alone,” the Reds of Anfield.

The narrative

Eden Hazard of Chelsea speaks to Mohamed Salah of Liverpool ahead of the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on September 26, 2018 in Liverpool, England.

(Sept. 25, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Liverpool enter this fixture sitting pretty at the top of the league, four points ahead of champions, Manchester City and have an opportunity to extend their lead to seven clear points. After a thoroughly entertaining and dominant first half of the season that saw the Reds complete 20 matches unbeaten, conceding only 8 goals and scoring the league’s second highest tally of 48 goals, they have had to recently learn how to grind results. Liverpool’s most recent 3 premier league matches have been far from convincing but have the word champions written all over them. After losing to Manchester City 2-1, Jurgen Klopp’s men had to dig deep at Brighton as they secured a precious 1-0 victory courtesy of the Egyptian, Mohamed Salah’s goal. They once again showed character and grit to narrowly see off Crystal Palace 4-3 at home, with Salah getting a brace to go top of the scoring charts ahead of African counterpart, Aubameyang. It won’t be any easier for the Reds who welcome struggling Leicester who have an impressive record of humbling the top sides of English football.

The Foxes have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions and pressure may be once again mounting for their gaffer, Claude Puel. The last time Puel got under pressure of being sacked is when he pulled off the miracle of beating Chelsea 1-0 away from home and Manchester City, 2-1 in the following fixture. Now, they also have Manchester United and Tottenham waiting in line after the Liverpool game and won’t be letting all of the 3 pass by without securing at least a point.

“ The 22-year-old Nigerian is as consistent as they come and remains one of the EPL’s top tackling midfielders with a total of 72 tackles so far in this campaign. Only Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye has had more in the midfield position at 83 tackles and defenders, Ricardo Pereira and Wan Bissaka completing the top four tacklers list with 82 and 80 respectively. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Their arsenal

Wilfried Ndidi of Leicester in action during the pre-season friendly match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on July 29, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England.

(July 28, 2017 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

In recent weeks, tenth placed Leicester have had to rely heavily on the Nigerian international, Wilfried Ndidi in central midfield, who has been guiding relatively newcomers, Nampalys Mendy and Hamza Choudhury in that position. The 22-year-old Nigerian is as consistent as they come and remains one of the EPL’s top tackling midfielders with a total of 72 tackles so far in this campaign. Only Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye has had more in the midfield position at 83 tackles and defenders, Ricardo Pereira and Wan Bissaka completing the top four tacklers list with 82 and 80 respectively. Going up front, Leicester’s conservative approach that saw them register wins against Chelsea and City relied on the counter attacking pace of Jamie Vardy who has scored in all of his last 5 premier league appearances against Liverpool. Algerian, Rachid Ghezzal also provides width and commendable technical ability to the front line that is also supported by English international, James Maddison. Nigerian forward, Kelechi Iheanacho has always been a great backup plan to Vardy or an excellent supporting forward when asked to play with the former having already contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 9 starts this campaign

Liverpool’s star studded squad needs no extra commendation, what they have achieved so far is reason enough not to doubt their devastating abilities. The Reds faithfuls will be happy to hear that Virgil Van Dijk and Wijnaldum could be available for selection after they had missed out training because of sickness and a knee problem. Mohamed Salah will be seeking more as he is now just 2 goals shy of becoming the fastest Liverpool player to reach 50 premier league goals, surpassing Fernando Torres who did it in 72 appearances. Salah has only played 49 matches, so far.

Why you should watch this one?

With all of Guinean Naby Keita, Senegalese Sadio Mane, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Nigerian Wilfried Ndidi, Algerian Rachid Ghezzal and Super Eagles’ Kelechi Iheanacho available for selection, there is a huge prospect of witnessing an “AFCON 2019” warm up match away from the continent.

Liverpool vs Man City, the tale of two North Africans

The most followed football league on the face of the earth returns this weekend. Two of the three teams yet to lose a premier league game face-off on Sunday at one of the most electric atmospheres in the world of football, Anfield. One of the team are the reigning EPL champion while the other has not tasted some silverware since 2012. They however made the UEFA Champions League in the 2017/18 campaign and look like a club that is on the up. Manchester City and Liverpool have almost made lightwork of all premier league opposition so far, tied on points at the top of the table with only goal difference separating them - Sunday will properly separate the two. The winner will lay a huge marker for the 2018/19 title. What else should we expect?

A pertinent question to all the defenders picked of Sunday will be on how to stop two Arab brothers if there are both unleashed for the contest.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

Mohamed Salah

The 26-year-old needs no introduction. Salah became the first African since George Weah to be shortlisted for FIFA’s prime individual accolade for a top male footballer, eventually getting pipped to the award by Croatia’s Luka Modric. He still won the FIFA Puskas Award though, for scoring the best goal for the 2017-2018 season. Today, we are not going to go deep into his fairytale debut season last year with Liverpool but about what’s at stake right now. Liverpool suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss at Napoli midweek in the Champions League after a lifeless performance in Naples. They have not won all their last three matches in all competitions against Napoli and Chelsea after winning all of their opening matches. The fable that they were bullying lesser teams looks like a reality at the face of the most recent results. The face of that Liverpool side, failing to win has been arguably Salah - who did not score a single goal in those matches. With high expectations on him to repeat the ridiculous feat of last season, he looks like he may be contending with the pressure that comes with it. Naysayers have already made him news headlines on several platforms. It all comes down to this weekend, with Liverpool keen to go back to winning ways and have a go at the current champions, making their case for being future champions and Salah also keen to go back on the scoresheet and remind the world and Anfield that silverware is what they are after; that they will beat the best if they have to. A scoring Salah will easily be considered to be consistent with a Liverpool that means business.

Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Oxford United and Manchester City at Kassam Stadium on September 25, 2018 in Oxford, England.

(Sept. 24, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

This North African knows one or two things about winning silverwares. He has his own fairytale to reminisce, that narrates the unbelievable 2015/16 epl triumph by Leicester City. Riyad pulled all the strings in that Leicester side, aiding Jamie Vardy’s development to be a prolific striker. Unlike Salah, he is not City’s face, at least not for now. After switching to Manchester this summer in deal that made him the club’s record signing, the 27-year-old is yet to secure a regular starting position in Guardiola’s team. It cannot be any easier now, with Kevin De Bruyne expected to return to the side after being sidelined with injury. Mahrez’s favorite position over the years has grown to be the right wing, where he can cut inside with his left foot and from time to time, smash the ball to the far bottom corner beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. The chop and score has become the Mahrez trademark move. England’s Raheem Sterling has been quite efficient in that right wing position, scoring four times and assisting two others in six premier league starts. Bernardo Silva has on occasion, been deployed in that position as well and could continue in that light, now that David Silva and De Bruyne look to be picking up their protagonistic roles once again. Put simply, competition for Mahrez at City is quite tough. Whether he gets a starting role on Sunday, only Pep knows. What’s apparent is that he will have a mark on the game. He has to in his journeying of impressing the gaffer. He has scored a total of three goals in all of his three starts for City this campaign. Actually, two of the goals were from the bench against Cardiff. He is ready, starting or otherwise - he is looking to influence.

Last time out

The most recent Liverpool and Manchester City match in the premier league finished 4-3 after Liverpool had leaped to a 4-1 lead with both Salah and Mane getting their names on the score sheet. Liverpool inflicted City’s first defeat of the season last time;will Salah lead Liverpool to do it again or will Mahrez move not to allow it?

“A pertinent question to all the defenders picked of Sunday will be on how to stop two Arab brothers if there are both unleashed for the contest.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

UCL: Trouble in paradise? Liverpool toothless in Naples while Koulibaly shines

You just got to love football. You hardly can predict what may happen next, can you? Two weeks ago, we lifted the highest praise to Liverpool, especially their FAB 3 for an absolutely masterpiece performance against star studded PSG. A match in which they took the Parisians’ expensively assembled squad to school, did their homework and finished with the laundry. The Reds were really all over Neymar’s side as they eventually won 3-2. It looked like the path to some glory was as light as day but just two weeks later; we are not even sure what may happen next.

Build up to the match

“In all the glitz and glamour of last season, Liverpool did always look like they lacked some dynamic players in the midfield. But you can’t say that when they are winning, can you? For sometime now, it has been the long balls and lightning counter attackers led by the front three getting the job done for Liverpool which could be coming short now.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Before the Champions League matchday 2 against Napoli in Naples, Liverpool had to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the Carabao Cup before paying a visit of their own to Maurizio Sarri’s men just a few days later for a Premier League encounter. Daniel Sturridge pulled off a rabbit from a hat in the Carabao Cup fixture but Hazard had the final say with an absolute novel goal as the Blues walked away as ‘rude’ guests, humbling the hosts to a 2-1 loss and knocking them out of the competition. It was actually Liverpool’s first loss of the season in all competitions. The Saturday EPL affair looked like the tango with Chelsea would have a familiar end after Hazard opened the scoring with his sixth premier league goal of the season but Sturridge came through to spoil Chelsea’s second Red party of the week. The match eventually ending as a 1-1 draw. As the adage goes, well “it’s just the Carabao cup, it doesn’t matter anyway” with the aid of Sturridge’s screamer, some interesting concerns from Liverpool’s last two performances went unquestioned.

Serving up a boring affair in Naples

Most people would easily dismiss the Napoli clash as the most boring match of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool era. It was simply lifeless, with no shots on goal for the full ninety. Even Liverpool’s manager, Klopp, agreed,

“It’s always a bad sign when you have to say your goalkeeper was your best player, but it was obvious tonight. I have kind of a filter in my brain where I forget bad stuff immediately.”

— Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Manager

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles with Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

You may notice that we have said nothing of the FAB 3 up to this point, they have just been really almost non-existent in the most recent matches. Mane is putting in the work but it sure looks like he has new found love with getting his name on the score sheet above anything else. Salah is still running down the wing, ever so working hard as well but lacking the final pass or getting stopped in his tracks by defenders for some predictable movements on occasion. At the end of the day, Bobby Firmino is getting lost in the middle of the two wide-men. And guess who is laying up a major claim for a spot amongst the front three? Daniel Sturridge. I do not believe Shaqiri is sleeping either.

Lacking dynamism in the midfield

Kalidou Koulibaly player of SSC Napoli celebrates the victory after the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Europe)

In all the glitz and glamour of last season, Liverpool did always look like they lacked some dynamic players in the midfield. But you can’t say that when they are winning, can you? For sometime now, it has been the long balls and lightning counter attackers led by the front three getting the job done for Liverpool which could be coming short now. It’s perhaps the reason why Naby Keita was brought to the club who got a rare start at Napoli before being stretched off with a back injury after the 19th minute. Henderson and Milner are excellent players and “servants” of the club but many a times just to slow, predictable and seldom pick the ball up from the midfield and run at defenders to create chances or free up other players. Everything that Guinea’s Naby Keita brings to the club. Wijnaldum tries to do that but goes missing on some days. This lack of dynamism has been evident in the most recent affairs against Chelsea and Napoli, more so as the FAB 3 seem to be misfiring and Van Dijk looking like he is being overworked. The premier league fixture against Southampton showed signs of how devastating Liverpool could be with one more dynamic midfielder as they played an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 in the first half with Shaqiri occupying the number 10 role. Liverpool is generally quick but they were quicker and sharper ensuring the score would be a neat 3-0 at halftime.

Forget Liverpool for a second, Koulibaly the bigger man!

Putting aside the Reds’ poor showing, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were really on top of their game, putting away a disappointing draw against Red Star Belgrade on matchday 1, they took the game to Liverpool. Central to rendering the FAB 3 toothless was Senegalese international, Kalidou Koulibaly’s organized defensive play at the heart of the defense, blocking everything, heading out everything and working seamlessly with Albiol. He even ran forward on occasion delivering crosses and trying out one or two shots at goal. That’s just how much Napoli had control, a centre-back got to swing in crosses into the opposition’s box. On a day he welcomed compatriot Sadio Mane to Italy, he finished as the bigger man.

Next up, Liverpool welcome champions Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday in the league. Who even knows what will happen? Both teams are yet to lose a premier league match.

Premier League Round Up - United grind out 2-1 win

Jose Mourinho says he does not care whether people think that his team did not deserve the victory against Liverpool. Marcus Rashford scored two goals early in the match before Eric Bailly scored an own goal for Liverpool in the second half. The coach’s comments are probably coming from a place where he has received a lot of criticism for his defensive tactics and also omitting arguably the future of English football in Marcus Rashford from his first team. He has managed to shut his critics as he has cemented his 2nd place position and increased the gap to 5 points.

In other news, Chelsea beat Crystal Palace with the same scoreline as Man Utd with Willian scoring on the 25th minute before Kelly scored an own goal to make it a two goal advantage for Chelsea. Patrick Van Aanholt eventually scored on the 90th minute for Palace but it was too little too late for a comeback.

Mohamed Salah named 2017 BBC African Footballer of the Year

The Egyptian beat teammate Sadio Mane, Victor Moses, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and soon to be teammate Naby Keita to the coveted award. He scored 13 Serie A goals, and registered 8 assists for AS Roma in the 2016-17 season before becoming Liverpool and Africa’s most expensive signing when he joined the Merseyside club in the summer. He is currently the EPL top scorer with 13 goals from 16 appearances. Read more about who placed after Salah and previous winners of the award.

Bony Goal Lifts Swansea, Mahrez Shines For Leicester, and Mo Salah Can’t Stop Scoring

The ex-Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony scored the only goal of the match between Swansea and West Brom on Saturday in the English Premier League. Captain Bony’s goal saw Swansea register just their first win in as many matches lifting them up from the bottom of the league to 18th. The Welsh club are counting on him and striker partner Jordan Ayew (Ghana) to get them the goals to stay afloat in the EPL. Swansea will face runaway leaders Manchester City in an EPL clash on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the Algerian, Riyad Mahrez scored a wonder goal for Leicester as they came from a goal down to beat Newcastle 3-2. The 2016 CAF player of the year is surely back on top of his game. Another Ivorian was also on show, Wilfried Zaha. He won two penalties for struggling Crystal Palace in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Mohamed Salah continued his blistering goal scoring form with a brilliant individual goal in the Merseyside derby against Everton which ended 1-1. Salah is still the English Premier League top score with 13 goals ahead of Harry Kane on 12. Catch up on the derby with a live match recap.

Klopp Calls on the 12th Player to Make All the Difference

In their last Champions League outing, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool gave up a 3-0 lead to eventually draw 3-3 with Sevilla in Spain suspending their qualification to the next round. Many questions have been asked of Liverpool’s defence and mentality but Klopp believes that the atmosphere in the stadium at Sevilla contributed immensely to the result. He is counting on the Anfield atmosphere to do the same in tonight’s final group match against Spartak Moscow. Liverpool just need a point to guarantee qualification. Head on over to SuperSport to see the rest of Klopp’s comments leading up to the Champions League fixture.