Manchester United are still very much in the hunt for current manager Ruben Amorim, despite a difficult start to his time in charge. Amorim has been under the microscope after accumulating just 17 defeats in 41 games. Yet the club’s leadership continues to dig in their heels and appear unwilling to consider a managerial switch for the foreseeable future. The head coach’s tactics place heavy emphasis on a back three set-up. Amorim has pulled this formation in 188 straight league and European matches.
Now that we’re nearly a month into the Premier League season, a few players on different clubs are enjoying their moments in the sun. This season, 6 starts from Raheem Sterling have provided a solid reminder of just why Arsenal splashed the cash on him this summer. As his former teammate Kevin De Bruyne noted, Sterling has always been a “willing runner,” and it’s true that Sterling enhances the game around him by pulling defenders into space to create options.
Amorim’s Tactical Decisions
Sporting coach Ruben Amorim’s tactical consistency has caught everyone’s eye the past few weeks. His like it or lump it you score we score approach to the game. His preference for a back three has produced both joyous highs and paralyzing contrasting lows. The incumbent manager has conceded 17 losses in 41 matches. This record raises the questions of if and how he will change his tune and approach to things going forward.
“I will not change anything in the way I do things,” Amorim stated, indicating his firm belief in his current tactics. This commitment is a huge vote of confidence. It puts a spotlight on how flexible we are and willing to be when the challenges come.
Success with Amorim at the helm in Portugal before his move to Manchester United meant he was already seen as the hottest property in football management. Whether he can reproduce that success in the Premier League this time around is being watched very closely as the campaign continues to unfold.
Sterling’s Impact at Arsenal
No wonder Roheem Sterling’s potential move to Arsenal has been one of the most talked about transfers this season. With six Premier League starts out of a possible eight, he is showing exactly why he can be a key player to this squad. Most intriguingly, though, were the comments made by Kevin De Bruyne in a recent interview with Jamie Redknapp, in which he lavished praise on Sterling.
“I think what makes Raz so complementary to me is that he was a willing runner. He runs deep,” said De Bruyne, highlighting Sterling’s ability to open up spaces on the field. Sterling has 123 goals and 65 assists in 395 Premier League appearances. These eye-popping stats speak to his greatness as an established elder statesman in the league.
As Sterling approaches the end of his career at Manchester City he may not receive such a plush send-off. In comparison, De Bruyne had the romantic career and the emotional farewell. The two very different situations created concern around player loyalty and the reception of players who switch clubs in such a tight-knit league.
Eze Shines for Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze has emerged as a standout player for Crystal Palace, recently becoming the first player since Darren Ambrose in 2009 to score in six consecutive games. His contributions have been crucial in enabling league wins. They’ve been just as critical in important fixtures as the FA Cup final.
In fact, Eze scored an absolutely phenomenal fourth goal during their final against Manchester City which put the game beyond Crystal Palace’s opponents. According to many outlets his performance continues to wow audiences and critics alike. This excellence cements his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in English football.
At Crystal Palace, it’s been more of a collective effort. But manager Mikel Arteta did recently allow Kieran Tierney and Jorginho late first-team appearances at the Emirates Stadium. This gave them the opportunity to bid adieu to their fans. These kinds of gestures really reaffirm the significance of player transitions and the emotional side of the game in football.
The Broader Landscape of Premier League
Sky Sports are set to be more than happy to take full advantage next season. They’ll air a minimum of 215 Premier League matches live. Initial indications are that this development will lead to better coverage for fans and more exposure for clubs and players in equal measure.
Key matches will include Liverpool’s home game against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest’s crucial Champions League decider against Chelsea. Not just some obscure cup tourney, these fixtures can have a major effect on league standings. Perhaps more importantly, they provide players like Sterling and Eze the opportunity to shine on bigger stages.
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