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MONDAY JULY 6 2020 Curtis Jones gets Inside story of
his first Liverpool Frank Lampard’s
league goal in 2-0 first season as
win over Villa Chelsea manager
All the action from the weekend
Long
time
coming
After 25 games, Che Adams
finally scores for Southampton
— and it’s a record-setting
39-yard lob to beat
Manchester City 1-0
PAGES 2-3
EVERY GOAL,
EVERY TABLE,
EVERY STAT
YOU NEED TO
KNOW
ROBIN JONES/GETTY IMAGES
2 2GG Monday July 6 2020 | the times
thegame
Southampton man the
barricades to repel City
Southampton Manchester
City 1 3
1 0
Adams 16 Zinchenko
Armstrong
POSSESSION
26% 74%
SHOTS ON TARGET Adams
4 6
FOULS
Adams
6 7
RRAATTIINNGGSS
Southampton (4-4-2): A McCarthy 9 — K Walker- HOW ADAMS 3 Hasenhüttl’s players are
PS eAtremrss 7tr, oJn Bge 9d n(War eSkm 8a, lJlb Sotneep,h 9e0n)s, J8 ,W Ra Brder-Ptrraonwds 7e —7, 2 HIT SEASON’S well drilled but he also gives
them licence to think for
O Romeu 7, N Redmond 7 — D Ings 7, C Adams 8 LONGEST GOAL
(S Long, 70). themselves when they regain
Booked Romeu. possession. Adams spots
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Ederson 7 — J Cancelo 6, 1 Southampton manager Ederson well off his line and
E García 6, A Laporte 6, O Zinchenko 6 — Ralph Hasenhüttl’s instinctively shoots first time,
Fernadinho 7 — R Mahrez 8 (P Foden, 59 6), B Silva
7, D Silva 7, R Sterling 7 (K De Bruyne, 59 6) — philosophy is to force lobbing the goalkeeper from
G Jesus 7. opponents into mistakes high 39 yards.
Booked Fernandinho, Jesus. up the pitch. Stuart
Referee A Marriner.
Armstrong Armstrong dispossesses Longest-range Premier
ALYSON Oleksandr Zinchenko on League goals, 2019-20
halfway, leaving Manchester
RUDD Adams City all at sea. 39.1 yards: Che Adams
(Southampton v Man City)
2 Armstrong’s tackle on 37.8 yards: Scott McTominay
Zinchenko is the trigger for (Man Utd v Man City)
Che Adams to press and the 31.2 yards: Ashley Westwood
St Mary’s Stadium forward flies towards the ball. (Burnley v Southampton)
There have been many more Match briefing City then began to glide with a snarl he was trying to choreograph every
meaningful games since the restart and the last action before the first run, every kick, every touch. His
and yet none quite as emotionally drinks break was for João Cancelo to relentlessness provided a neat
draining as Southampton, urged on whip in a cross that proved a tad too companion piece to Guardiola’s
by their highly vocal manager, firm for Gabriel Jesus at the far post. manner, which was restrained while
blocked and chased and clawed their 16 mins 30 68 Alex McCarthy blocked well from peppered with ironic glances towards
way to victory against Pep Guardiola’s Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho hit the his coaching staff.
team, their first win over Manchester post and Sterling placed a follow up It was almost unnerving to hear the
City since 2004. City produced wave KEY MOMENT Oleksandr Eric García chased a strike just wide. Austrian’s every thought. As
upon wave of attack but, buoyed by Two chances in quick Zinchenko lost the ball back into his own A through-ball from Bernardo Silva McCarthy tried to prevent a corner
Che Adams’s stunning early goal, the succession for ball in his own half half, but Che Adams to Jesus was almost superb but Alex by collecting a high clearance, his
home side maintained near Manchester City as and the ball broke to intercepts his pass, McCarthy was given time to smother manager yelled, “come on Alex, come
astonishing levels of concentration to Alex McCarthy saved Che Adams, who and Ederson raced off the chance. on.” It must have been like being told
defy the onslaught. Raheem Sterling’s curled a stunning his line to clear The home team maintained just how to breathe because there
Just maybe this performance was so effort, before chip past Ederson, before Adams could enough concentration to make was no way the goalkeeper
feisty, so full of character, that it will Fernandinho with the City shoot and add to his headway now and again towards could have done more by
provide the indelible memory of the smashed a shot goalkeeper on the earlier goal the City goal. Nathan Redmond bbeing urged to do so.
campaign instead of that 9-0 defeat to against the post after edge of his penalty ought to have at least tested McCarthy was extremely
Leicester City back in October. Southampton failed area as the ball is Ederson but delivered a wild bbusy at the start of the second
Certainly, this victory underlines just to clear. struck effort when he had time to be pperiod, dealing with dangerous
how much Ralph Hasenhüttl has more considered but then floating balls and biting corner
grafted since then to ensure Premier City flooded forward kicks as well as having to
League survival and integrity. far more varied and fascinating too bad an idea but the gusts were too again and track the increasingly
Guardiola delivered a wry smile at options. His squad is the kitchen unpredictable for him to achieve any Southampton slick passing of the
the final whistle. He had a few days cabinet equivalent of gazing upon jars accuracy. It was then a mistake by needed visitors. Zinchenko’s
earlier defeated the newly crowned of saffron and truffle oil and so last Zinchenko, under pressure from McCarthy to silky through-ball to
champions 4-0. Is there anything night he served up Fernandinho in Stuart Armstrong, that gave save from Riyad David Silva seemed
much left to occupy the Catalan as he midfield for the first time this season possession to Adams, who must have Mahrez as certain to deceive him
waits to discover if his club’s appeal although the Brazilian drifted in and noted the City defender’s audacity, for Hasenhüttl’s bbut McCarthy’s
against the two-year ban from out of defence so that occasionally he immediately chose to lob Ederson expletives rreaction was just as
European competition is successful? City were operating a back three, — and pitched it beautifully to beat echoed iimpressively smooth
The hiatus must be at least slightly again something that Guardiola has the goalkeeper from 35 yards. around the and the Southampton
irritating but the former Barcelona shied away from of late, most recently If you are going to wait until July to stadium. bbench emitted a
manager does have a squad so packed utilising a three-man defence against score your first goal then you might Hasenhüttl’s collective gasp of
with ability that he can juggle his Sheffield United in January when as well make it cinematic. Adams distinctive incredulity. He was
resources with more in mind than the they won 1-0. joined Southampton from voice was the helped a good deal by
mere resting of players. Most of us, A hint that we might be treated to a Birmingham City last summer for dominant JJack Stephens who had
when opting to conjure a meal from wonder goal came when Oleksandr £15 million and his manager predicted feature
what we have left over in the Zinchenko attempted a wind assisted his first goal for the club could easily throughout Guardiola looks on
cupboard end up grating cheese on free kick from inside his own half come in this game such has been the and he in dismay as City
top of pasta but Guardiola always has which, given the conditions, was not hard work put in by the 23-year-old. sounded as if crash to defeat
the times | Monday July 6 2020 2GG 3
thegame
TONY
ANDY HOOPER/NMC/POOL
CASCARINO
GGGGrrreeegggoorr RRRooobbbeeerrttsssooonnn
visitss ?????????????????????????????????
Weekend talking points
Farke’s team selection
shows he has given up
I don’t understand people who
TEAM OF THE WEEK
say that Norwich are playing
the “right way”, and are going to be 4-3-3
relegated with a lot of credit for the
way they have approached the McCarthy
Premier League. All I can see is a (Southampton)
manager who seems to have given Lamptey Azpilicueta
up on his team’s ability to get out of (Brighton) (Chelsea)
trouble, and who is now making the Stephens Evans
problems worse. They have not (Southampton)(Leicester)
scored a goal in four league games
since the restart and yet Daniel
Farke still decided to drop the two Kanté Ndidi Fernandes
players most likely to get him one (Chelsea) (Leicester) (Man Utd)
for the game against Brighton &
Hove Albion on Saturday. Leaving
out Todd Cantwell and Teemu
Greenwood Vardy Martial
Pukki sent out the message: we’ve
(Man Utd) (Leicester) (Man Utd)
given up. Pukki has scored 11 league
goals this season; that’s more than
Roberto Firmino, playing in the
same position for the champions,
Liverpool. If you told Farke at the are one of the best sides to be
start of the season that he would relegated for several years. Again, I
have a striker on 11 goals with six just do not see that. They are not
games to go, he’d have felt he was at scoring goals and there is no
least halfway to survival. So evidence of them addressing that in
whatever else is wrong with his training between matches. How is
team, that is one of the areas he Farke influencing his team? As far
should be least worried about. as I can tell he is already planning
Instead, he took a game that looked next season in the Championship.
among the most most winable they That transmits to the players and
had left, and picked a really strange the result is a team who look like
team. People are saying Norwich they have not got any fight in them.
Adams scores
Tyldesley wrong to pick Zaha looks lost and will
a long-distance
goal to open on co-commentators go stale if he stays put
his account for
Southampton
Clive Tyldesley, the ITV Wilfried Zaha looks lost at
this season
commentator, this week Crystal Palace. I can not think
responded to research suggesting of a player in the league more in
the uncanny knack of blocking shots Shutout stuns Guardiola television coverage of football relies need of a fresh challenge. He looks
that would have been on target, on racial stereotypes by claiming like he is struggling at the moment
As Hasenhüttl made a rare retreat that it is usually former players but that does not mean he has
towards his staff he was greeted with working as co-commentators who suddenly become a bad player.
the sight of Kevin De Bruyne HOW THEY STAND are guilty in this regard, rather than Being disillusioned is so damaging
MOLLY HUDSON
warming up in preparation to join the lead commentators like him. I do for a player, but give him a fresh
P W D L F APts
fray. Like many a coach before him, not know why Clive wants to throw start and the talent will still be
Liverpool (c)......33 29 2 2 72 25 89
he must have wondered how his Pep Guardiola defended his team’s Man City.............33 21 3 9 81 3466 co-commentators under the bus in there. But time is running out. He
players, already stretched, already performance in their 1-0 defeat away Leicester............33 17 7 9 63 31 58 this way but I do know there is a lot will be 28 this year and if he does
concentrating hard, would respond to to Southampton but admitted he does Chelsea..............33 17 6 1060 44 57 more diversity among co- not get the move he wanted last
fresh legs of such high calibre not know why they were unable to Man United........33 15 10 8 56 33 55 commentators and pundits than summer then it could get even
although the Belgium international’s score. Wolves................33 13 13 7 45 36 52 there is among commentators, who worse for him at Palace. Even some
first cross was one that made it plain Manchester City had 26 shots — Arsenal...............33 12 13 8 49 41 49 like Clive himself are almost all Palace fans would let him leave with
he needed a little time to adapt to the one more than Leicester City Sheff Utd............33 12 12 9 34 33 48 white. I am thinking of excellent their blessing now. He has given
wind as it sailed beyond Phil Foden, managed when they beat Burnley...............33 13 7 13 37 46 46 former pros like Jermaine Jenas, them so much and Palace do not
his fellow substitute. Southampton 9-0 in October — but Spurs..................32 12 9 11 51 44 45 Robbie Earle and Micah Richards, have the structure to aim above
Adams was almost gifted a second Guardiola’s side could not find the Everton..............32 12 8 1240 47 44 to name only three. I would suggest mid-table. The problem he has is
when Eric Garcia stumbled leaving net. “It was a really good Newcastle..........33 11 10 12 35 45 43 to Clive this is a moment where we that the really elite clubs in the
Southampton....33 13 4 16 42 55 43
the striker with just Ederson to beat performance, we played really well should all be trying to learn how to league do not look in need of wide
C Palace.............33 11 9 13 2840 42
but the City goalkeeper was quick to but it was a little bit [a story of] this be better — I know I am — rather players, especially ones who will be
Brighton.............33 8 12 13 35 44 36
react and hoofed away the ball as season,” the City manager said. than pinning blame on others. 30 in two-and-a-bit seasons time.
West Ham..........33 8 7 1840 58 31
García acknowledged his gaffe. It was “We make one mistake and they Watford..............33 6 10 17 29 52 28
Adams’s last chance to shine and he punish us, and after we create a lot. Aston Villa.........33 7 620 36 62 27 Fernandes is United’s Wilder’s tactical nous is
was replaced by Shane Long who We lost a lot of games like this so we Bournemouth...33 7 620 32 59 27 answer to De Bruyne key to team’s recoveries
straight away sought to buzz along cannot compete to try to win the Norwich.............33 5 6 22 25 61 21
the City back line and provide more Premier League.
of a constant distraction than Adams “It is difficult for me to find a you hear how much players celebrate Bruno Fernandes has not just Unlike Farke at Norwich,
had been. reason why [we couldn’t score] but we as they enter the dressing room you added his qualities to the Chris Wilder at Sheffield
Long collected the ball in midfield, have to persist and talk about the know how much [he] deserves it,” Manchester United team, he is United is a manager who has a big
ran at the defence and tried to release game, the way we play and try to Hasenhüttl said of the 23-year-old, making other players better. He has impact on matches with his tactics.
Danny Ings. The ball was flicked concede less and try to score goals. signed last summer from Birmingham three players in front of him who all He made a key difference to his
instead into the path of Armstrong “I like the way we play but it is not City for £15 million. have pace and make clever runs, team again yesterday, switching
whose shot was well saved but the enough to win the game.” “We knew to take something and suddenly they now have a from their usual 5-3-2 formation
home side were being more Ralph Hasenhüttl, the against this opponent you have to run teammate who can see them and after they went behind at Burnley.
adventurous and it at least gave City Southampton manager, was full of more, fight more, sprint more and be find them. He gives United The change to a 4-4-2 formation,
more to think about than skating praise for Che Adams who scored his brave and we needed a little luck at something close to what Kevin De and moving David McGoldrick into
towards the excellent McCarthy. Still, first goal for the club with an the end or normally it is not possible Bruyne gives Manchester City, and a deeper position, helped them get
Long found himself on his next foray audacious 39-yard lob and said it was [to win]. it has been especially important for control of the game. They got the
all alone and more or less gave up. All “by far the best home game” since he “When you believe and you fight United in games against lower- equaliser, then went back to their
available energy was needed at the has been at the club. with everything you have, you get placed opponents who defend deep 5-3-2. There is a reason why they
other end. “It means a lot to him and us when something, and I’m very proud.” and can be tough to open up. come from behind so often: Wilder.
4 2GG Monday July 6 2020 | the times
thegame
Henderson on Jones sealed
the win for
Liverpool late
on with his
first goal in
the top flight
hand to find
winning spirit
Liverpool Aston Villa Match briefing
2 0
32 mins 71 89
Mané 71, Aston Villa midfielder KEY MOMENT After Andy
Jones 89 Douglas Luiz tested Naby Keïta found Robertson’s cross
Alisson with a Sadio Mané with a evaded those in the
POSSESSION powerful effort from pinpoint pass in the box to find Mohamed
the edge of the area, Aston Villa penalty Salah on the right
but it was saved well box before the wing, the Egyptian’s
72% 28%
by the Brazilian Senegal forward fired cushioned header
SHOTS ON TARGET a shot that went in off was met by Curtis
the underside of the Jones, who volleyed
4 3 crossbar to break the into the bottom
FOULS deadlock corner
18 8
Henderson’s demanding nature for 60 For two thirds of the game,
HENRY
minutes, so they missed their fans for Liverpool’s radar was off, their timing
WINTER the full 90 as Project Restart out. When Fabinho, Divock Origi and
continued behind closed doors. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were
Around 150 supporters gathered withdrawn, Liverpool responded,
along the Anfield Road to greet the especially with Henderson in their
Chief Football Writer coach, waving flags, hailing the new midst again. They now attacked more
at Anfield champions. Inside, the Sir Kenny hungrily a Kop strewn with flags. The
Dalglish Stand had a new addition, a wind billowed underneath the huge
No fans, no fanfare was not the way banner, 40 yards long, reading central flag, lifting the words “Our
Liverpool wanted to play their first “Liverpool FC — Champions Again”. Club”, “Our Crest” and “Our Life”.
game back at Anfield as champions Not since May 1, 1990 had Liverpool Klopp, too, seemed more engaged,
after 30 years. They would have loved kicked off a game at Anfield as new gesturing his team forward. Liverpool
a full house, and the Kop in full cry, champions, a narrow win over Derby looked sharper, Henderson snapping
but pandemic priorities decreed County, with Dalglish making his last a pass into Trent Alexander-Arnold,
otherwise and this proved a low-key, appearance for the club. A crowd of then Firmino into Wijnaldum, and
low-decibel afternoon. 38,038 was there. Yesterday, there breaking through with 19 minutes
For an hour, there was no urgency were only echoes. remaining.
and no threat, just a succession of To keep on their favoured perch, It was a good move, capturing been tipped for a major future here, defy gravity unless they can tighten
misplaced passes in the swirling wind. and add to their 19th title, Liverpool much of the teamwork and technique especially since shining for the up their porous defence, which has
It was dull and void of entertainment know they need to channel their that has helped to make Liverpool Under-18s under Steven Gerrard’s been breached more than even
until Jürgen Klopp sent on Jordan inner Henderson, their refusal to champions. Alexander-Arnold then command. Norwich’s, and conjure up some goals
Henderson, Roberto Firmino and accept second best. They know they stepped into central midfield and His goal yesterday culminated a from somewhere.
Georginio Wijnaldum. Liverpool need to turn Klopp’s recent rhetoric calmly threaded the ball to Naby brisk move. Henderson, inevitably, Jack Grealish led by example,
remembered they were champions, into reality, driving them on and on, a Keïta, who was advancing down the and Jones exchanged passes before intercepting an Alexander-Arnold
and played with greater intensity and theme the manager returned to again inside-left channel of a crowded box. the ball was worked left to Andy switch and launching a counterattack.
accuracy, sweeping aside a in his programme notes. “One of our Keïta controlled the ball with his left, Robertson. Mohamed Salah headed The Villa captain also forced
hard-working, well-organised but defining features, as a team, has been took another touch as Villa slowly the cross down for Jones to beat Pepe Alisson into a late save, and the
absolutely toothless Aston Villa. This to embody the spirit of the line in the reacted, and then passed right-footed Reina. The cameras were all focused Brazilian also made routine stops
was the champions versus the supporters’ song Allez Allez Allez to Sadio Mané. His response was on Liverpool, but of far greater from Douglas Luiz and Anwar El
seemingly Championship-bound. when they declare ‘We’re never instant, drilling the ball in off the bar significance to the table was the Ghazi. It highlights Villa’s travails that
The moment Klopp made those gonna stop’, ” Klopp wrote. “I love for his 20th goal of the season. outcome for Villa. West Ham United Grealish, an attacking midfielder, is
changes, especially with Henderson in everything about that line. This team Mané looked briefly at the Kop, and Brighton & Hove Albion have their leading scorer with seven in the
the centre cajoling and creating, their has embraced that mentality.” almost expecting the traditional stirred into life during Project Restart, league. Dean Smith’s forwards have
24th successive home league win A momentary ebb in intensity outpouring of noise, but the only pulling themselves clear of trouble. It particularly laboured. Wesley, the
seemed inevitable. There was more levels is understandable given how sound was the rustling of the flags. now looks two from Bournemouth, £22 million summer signing from Club
fuel in the engine, more drive. magnificently and relentlessly Klopp’s Liverpool struck again at the death Villa and Watford to join Norwich Bruges, has five goals in the league
Henderson makes that difference. He men have played to win this title. For and will take particular delight in the City, who seem too far adrift to have and never completely looked
is so much more than a midfield every peak climbed, there is a descent identity of the scorer. Curtis Jones, a even a prayer. convincing in his 21 league
player for Liverpool, he’s a captain, a on the other side, but the great teams Liverpool fan who has been at the Villa have taken only two points appearances before injury cruelly
catalyst, a setter of high standards. immediately raise themselves and club since the Under-9s, has just from a possible 27, have scored twice curtailed his season. Jonathan Kodjia,
Just as Liverpool missed attack and ascend the next pinnacle. signed a new contract, and has long in seven league games, and will not decent in the Championship, left in
LIVERPOOL’S SLOWEST START YET Home game Away game
Minute of
Liverpool’s
first shot
in every
league 16 03 02 01 11 14 16 04 10 11 16 06 08 02 02 07
game this
season
the times | Monday July 6 2020 2GG 5
thegame
BRADLEY ORMESHER/NMC/POOL; CARL RECINE/POOL/AP
Henderson,
who lifted the
19y 157d 17 champions
when he came
on, celebrates
with Jones
Curtis Jones is Liverpool’s youngest Liverpool have had 17 different scorers
Premier League goalscorer since Trent in the Premier League this season:
Alexander-Arnold found the net Salah (17), Mané (16), Firmino (8), Van
against Swansea City in December Dijk (4), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Origi,
2017, aged 19 years and 80 days. Wijnaldum, Alexander-Arnold,
Michael Owen remains their youngest Henderson (all 3), Milner, Fabinho
league goalscorer, at 17 years and 144 (both 2), Keïta, Jones, Robertson,
days, against Wimbledon in 1997. Matip, Lallana, Shaqiri (all 1)
Fake noise an online poll when the Premier
League’s resumed which showed that
72 per cent were in favour of watching
used by 75% without artificial crowd noise.
Other broadcasters have had a
similar experience, though BT Sport
of viewers has artificial noise as its default
option with viewers able to watch the
matches — which are all being played
in empty stadiums to reduce
coronavirus transmission — without
MARTYN ZIEGLER
the fake sound via the red button.
The artificial option has a general
Three quarters of viewers are hubbub of crowd noise and the
choosing to watch Premier League broadcasters use sound engineers to
football with fake crowd noise, try to enhance this by matching the
according to figures. crowd noise to the action on the
Sky Sports gives its viewers the pitch. The engineer pushes a button
choice depending on which channel to produce loud cheers for a goal or
they select, and has found that 75 per shot, and another to produce boos for
cent are selecting the one with controversial incidents.
artificial cheers and boos. Sky’s commentators remind viewers
The figures go against what some before kick-off, as well as twice during
had expected to be the case — for the game, about the options available
example the Radio Times website ran to them regarding crowd noise.
January for Qatar having failed to Smith: Five-subs rule is unfair on smaller squads
score in the league this season.
Mbwana Samatta arrived from Genk
for £10 million in January and has
managed only one goal in nine league
appearances. Keinan Davis, the 22- after signing a new five-year contract. rule, it has affected us twice. It was header from Mohamed Salah, to
PAUL JOYCE
year-old who led the line in a 4-2-3-1 The increase in the number of the same against Chelsea [when Villa underline his promise and Klopp said
system, has yet to score in 13 Premier permitted substitutes from three to lost 2-1]. Coming to the champions is 17-year-old Harvey Elliott is also close
League matches. Dean Smith believes the introduction five came as part of Project Restart an uphill task anyway and it gets to earning more appearances.
Goals pay the rent, a great of the five substitute rule and when asked if the change worked “It was a goal he [Jones] deserves,”
commentator once said, and Villa are disadvantages teams with smaller against the so-called smaller clubs, said Klopp. “It is hard when you bring
badly in arrears. Liverpool certainly squads after the stubborn resistance Smith said: “Definitely. I said that 4 on Curtis and then for a minute Neco
made them pay. of his Aston Villa side was belatedly when the ruling was put forward. I [Williams] and Harvey is still sitting
snapped by Liverpool. think it was put forward by Chelsea. there and you think ‘Wow’ because he
RATINGS Sadio Mané scored his 20th goal of “I just felt that we don’t need rule Curtis Jones was Liverpoool’s fourth is incredible. Incredible in training
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson 7 — T Alexander-Arnold 6, the season to break the deadlock ten changes within a season. To change substitute when he replaced Naby Keïta and ready as well.”
J Gomez 7, V van Dijk 7, A Robertson 7 (N Williams minutes after Jürgen Klopp, the the rules to make it five subs was on 85 minutes and he made it 2-0 Meanwhile, Liverpool are unlikely
94min) — A Oxlade-Chamberlain 5 (G Wijnaldum 61, Liverpool manager, made a triple always going to benefit the clubs with to target Bayern Munich midfielder
7), Fabinho 6 (J Henderson 61, 7), N Keïta 6 (C Jones
85) — M Salah 7, D Origi 6 (R Firmino 60, 7), S Mané 8. substitution on the hour mark. the bigger and healthier squads.” Thiago Alcantara with Klopp playing
Booked Robertson. Liverpool’s 17th successive home Villa remain entrenched in the tougher with that rule. A lot more a straight bat to the subject.
Aston Villa (4-3-3): P Reina 6 — E Konsa 6, K Hause 6, victory of the campaign was then relegation zone, hosting Manchester difficult. “Thiago Alcantara is a really good
T Mings 6, N Taylor 6 — J McGinn 6, D Luiz 5, J Grealish sealed in the 89th minute when United on Thursday, and midfielder Liverpool midfielder Jones, 19, player, like a lot of other players out
6 — A El Ghazi 6 (Jota 74), K Davis 5 (M Samatta 74), home-grown teenager Curtis Jones, a John McGinn added: “I can’t thank conjured his first Premier League goal there who I like a lot,” he added. “But
Trézéguet 6 (I Vassilev 85). Booked McGinn.
fourth replacement, scored the day the guy that invented the five sub from close range, after collecting a that is all I have to say about it.”
Referee P Tierney.
23 01 02 04 02 08 07 08 20 01 05 20 17 15 08 04 33
6 2GG Monday July 6 2020 | the times
thegame
MICHAEL REGAN/NMC/POOL/PA
Lampard
wants Rice –
in defence
TOM RODDY
Chelsea have stepped up their interest
in Declan Rice as Frank Lampard
aims to strengthen his defence this
summer.
It is understood that the Chelsea
head coach has identified the 21-year-
old West Ham United player as a
potential centre half who could help
to solve their defensive frailties.
Rice is a boyhood Chelsea fan and
spent seven years in the club’s
academy before being released at the
age of 14. He is predominantly a
midfielder but has impressed when
used by West Ham as a defender and
Lampard sees him as a successor to
John Terry.
Chelsea’s vulnerability was exposed
in West Ham’s victory over Lampard’s
team at the London Stadium last
week when Tomas Soucek dominated
their defence. Lampard has long been
Shelvey
an admirer of Rice, who was
rescues a point
instrumental in the 3-2 win, but has
for Newcastle
recently stepped up his pursuit of the
midway
England player, who has won seven
through the
caps in midfield.
second half
Chelsea have shown their intent
with the signing of Hakim Ziyech
Moyes left ‘sickened’ as
from Ajax for £33 million and RB
Leipzig’s Timo Werner for £45m.
Their arrivals have left many
expecting Chelsea to be among the
teams competing with Liverpool and
Manchester City for the league title
victory is thrown away
Lampard sees Rice
as a successor to
Terry at the heart
of Chelsea’s
defence
Newcastle West Ham spell at the club but he had his hands Match briefing blasting the ball past goalkeeper
on all three, for 90 seconds — until Martin Dubravka. next season.
United United
his team forgot how to defend. Newcastle have found resilience But Lampard is now particularly
“I was sickened,” he said of and belief since the lockdown, taking focused on improving his defence
2 2 4 minutes
Newcastle United’s second equaliser. eight points from a possible 12, and which holds the fourth-worst record
“I’m really pleased we got something after Gayle had a 20-yard free kick in the Premier League at defending
from the game but I’m disappointed saved by Fabianski and Dubravka had set pieces. Lampard is also looking to
we didn’t get all three points. We gave Lascelles gets his feet tangled and denied Antonio a second, they were bring in Leicester City left back Ben
Almirón 17 Antonio 4 it up so quickly after our second goal.” misreads a low cross from Bowen, level, by the 17th minute. Chilwell.
Shelvey 67 Soucek 65 The West Ham celebrations had and Antonio is there to smash the A sweeping move ended with the The Chelsea head coach spoke last
barely subsided after Tomas Soucek ball past Dubravka and fire the overlapping Emil Krafth firing over a week about the need for a greater
POSSESSION put them 2-1 up in the 65th minute away team into an early lead low, driven cross that Miguel Almirón physical presence in his side, which is
when, at the other end, Jonjo Shelvey tucked, first time, past Fabianski. an asset he would seek when
57% 43% tucked the ball into the far corner of 67 Dubravka did well to deny Bowen searching for players in the market.
Lukasz Fabianski’s goal. when the former Hull City man “When you look at who you might
SHOTS ON TARGET
Shelvey was played onside by the directed a low drive from Aaron bring in it is certainly something to
winger, Pablo Fornals, who had KEY MOMENT Cresswell towards the Newcastle goal take into account,” Lampard said.
4 7 drifted deep into the left-back Ninety seconds after going 2-1 and the keeper then saved a relatively “I really don’t like to talk about my
FOULS position and forgot to move out with up, West Ham’s backline is all over straightforward header from Diop. own playing days but we didn’t work
his teammates. The celebration from the place as Shelvey plays a West Ham would restore their lead much at all on set pieces and there
9 11 Shelvey was low key but the anger one-two with Gayle and slides in 20 minutes into the second half. were a few reasons, mainly John
from Moyes was not. Fornals was a simple equaliser Bowen fired over a deep corner from Terry, Gary Cahill, Didier Drogba,
RATINGS withdrawn eight minutes later but the right and Declan Rice crashed his Michael Ballack and [Branislav]
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): M Dubravka 8 — was spared any wrath. header off the crossbar. The ball Ivanovic. You’d stick it in an area and
E Krafth 7, J Lascelles 6, F Fernández 7, J Manquillo “I’m more disappointed that the 84 rebounded into the path of Soucek they would defend it or score goals.
6 — J Shelvey 8, I Hayden 6 (N Bentaleb 43min, 7) — central defenders [Issa Diop and and he produced an excellent left- “With Liverpool, I remember a lot
Joelinton 7 (A Carroll 80), M Almirón 7, A Saint-
Maximin 6 (V Lazaro 69, 6) — D Gayle 6 (M Ritchie Angelo Ogbonna] tried to squeeze up footed volley that flew beyond of talk about them and set pieces a
70, 5). Booked Gayle. to leave [Dwight] Gayle in when they Yarmolenko goes searching for Dubravka. few seasons ago. They were zonal
RW Ferset dHearmick Us n6i,t Ie Dd i(o4p-2 7-,3 A-1 )O: Lg bFoabnniaan k6s, iA 6 C —resswell 7 should have been looking to see his second winning goal in four The joy was, however, short-lived. [marking] and conceding a lot. They
— D Rice 8, T Soucek 7 — J Bowen 7, P Fornals 6 where the deepest player was,” Moyes days and smashes a fierce drive Shelvey equalised and from then on, signed Virgil van Dijk and he heads
(A Yarmolenko 74), M Lanzini 6 (M Noble 57, 5) — said. “Fornals had worked very hard which Dubravka gets down the away side searched for a winning out everything.”
M Antonio 7. and I don’t think he could have got up superbly to and keeps out goal that did not come. Rice made his debut for the East
quick enough to play them offside.” Dubravka did well to save Soucek’s London club in 2015 and played more
Referee C Pawson.
At least a point ended a pitful run diving header and then excelled to than 100 games at senior level —
for West Ham, who had lost six out of prepared for that if it has to be done. parry a piledriver from around 20 Rice represented Ireland from under-
six under Moyes on the road, We are trying to make sure we can do yards from the substitute, Andriy 15 level and won three caps for the
MARTIN HARDY
conceding 13 goals and scoring three. it as quickly as we can and make sure Yarmolenko, the late match-winner senior side but pledged his future to
They built on a fine victory at home we are a Premier League club before against Chelsea last week. England last year.
David Moyes spun on his heels in to Chelsea last Wednesday and are it gets to the last knockings.” “We gifted them the first one and Qualifying for the Champions
rage and threw something towards an now four points clear of the The game was still in its infancy, in they scored from a set piece,” Steve League will no doubt convince players
empty seat in the West Ham United relegation zone, with five games left. the fourth minute, when Fornals Bruce, the Newcastle head coach, to move to Stamford Bridge —
dugout. A gut reaction tells you “The players are showing great showed his quality in attack, picking said. “We have 43 points and a lot Lampard’s team sit two points ahead
everything. At St James’ Park fight,” Moyes said. “We are going to out a fine, incisive pass to find Jarrod said that wasn’t possible. It’s our job of fifth-place Manchester United, and
yesterday, Moyes picked up a first go right to the end. This league could Bowen on the right. His low cross was just to keep the players focused and face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
point away from home since he easily go right to the last game of the missed by Jamaal Lascelles and see if we can finish off the season as tomorrow.
returned in December for a second season. We understand that and are Michail Antonio took a touch before best we can.” Secrets of Lampard’s year, pages 10-11
the times | Monday July 6 2020 2GG 7
thegame
It’s a game PETER POWELL/NMC/POOL
Match briefing
42 minutes
now of four
James Tarkowski slides in to
convert a Dwight McNeil free kick,
flicked on by Jay Rodriguez
79
quarters,
KEY MOMENT
McNeil wastes a brilliant chance
to double the Burnley lead as he
shoots wide after Dean Henderson
parries a Rodriguez strike
says Wilder
80
John Egan slams the ball in at the
far post after a well-worked short
corner and a touch by Billy Sharp
promotion as League One champions. from Ben Osborn’s centre
Burnley Sheffield Today, they stand three points
United above Tottenham Hotspur, ahead of
Everton and just seven points behind 90
1 1
Manchester United and possible
Champions League qualification. A
slight drop-off in form post-lockdown Henderson dives to turn away a
might have frustrated Wilder but his 25-yard strike from Erik Pieters to
Tarkowski 43 Egan 80 achievements do need placing in preserve the draw
context from time to time.
Egan breaks
The Europa League, certainly,
his Premier
could well be the next amazing
POSSESSION League duck
chapter in the story of a club whose
only to be told
only other foray into European
47% 53% competition came in the 1994 Anglo- that he should The expert view
score more
SHOTS ON TARGET Italian Cup, a tournament won by a
team no longer even in the Football PETER
9 10 League, Notts County. rules him out for the remainder of the whether substitutions, the number of WALTON
European qualification is a route season. Ben Mee was also absent for subs, drink breaks.
FOULS
that Dyche himself may yet take, Burnley and could be out for some “You certainly didn’t need one at
having done so last season when he time with a thigh problem. Turf Moor with these temperatures
8 14 led Burnley into a Europa League But such is life for these clubs and with the wind howling around
Former Premier
campaign that proved problematic, whose efforts this season have been the ground.” League referee
RATINGS
given his small squad. all the more Herculean because of The second half followed a similar
Burnley (4-4-2): N Pope 6 — P Bardsley 6, K Long 6, Both managers have struggled due those glaring limitations. pattern with the game shifting finally, Sheffield United
J Tarkowski 8, C Taylor 7 — D McNeil 6,
A Westwood 7, J Brownhill 7, E Pieters 7 to a lack of depth since the restart “We looked a bit leggy after beating and without the aid of a drinks thought they should
(J Gudmundsson 90min) — M Vydra 5 with injuries biting hard — in the Tottenham in midweek but the spirit break, in the 79th minute when have been given a
(C Wood 69, 6), J Rodriguez 7. case of Wilder, that even led to him was there,” Wilder said. “Four points Dwight McNeil snatched at a penalty in the first
Sheffield United (3-5-2): D Henderson 7 — handing a first Premier League off Burnley in a season is a great chance; a rare error from the half for a
C Basham 7 (J Rodwell 75), J Egan 7, J Robinson 6 appearance in more than three years effort from us and four points from a talented 20-year-old winger. handball by Erik
(J O’Connell 54, 6) — G Baldock 7, S Berge 6,
O Norwood 5 (B Sharp 54, 6), B Osborn 7, to Jack Rodwell at Turf Moor. tough week, we’ll take that.” “He’s looked a little bit tired,” Pieters. However,
E Stevens 6 — O McBurnie 5 (L Mousset 71), The logic suggests, therefore, that At a windy Turf Moor, it looked as Dyche said. “But that was a for a defender to
D McGoldrick 7. European football may not be in the if United would take far more than a moment everyone at home be penalised for a
Referee P Bankes. best interests of either club although solitary point but they were denied a would have thought he was going handball you have
Dyche spoke for both managers when strong penalty claim after Erik Pieters to put away, given his clinical edge. to ask if it was
asked if missing out on that appeared to handle, then fell behind “He just caught it a bit ‘off.’ But deliberate. Pieters didn’t
competition might be a blessing in to James Tarkowski’s late first-half we’ve asked a lot of Dwight and make himself bigger, didn’t move his
IAN WHITTELL
disguise. effort. continue to do so. He’s a young hand towards the ball and didn’t have
“People keep putting Europe on us That Burnley goal, coming after the player, playing week in week out and the chance to get his hand out of the
John Egan’s first Premier League goal but that was never our aim at the drinks break midway through the first I think he’s still doing a good job.” way. The ball clearly strikes his arm
maintained Sheffield United’s unlikely start of the season,” Dyche said. “Our half, swung the momentum of the McNeil’s miss proved all the more but for a defender this does not
drive towards European football first aim is to make sure we stay in the game from 70 per cent possession in costly within seconds when Egan matter.
although, whatever the outcome, it Premier League Yes, playing in United’s favour to a similar figure for equalised although if the defender That is the anomaly of the law as it
was hard to disagree with Burnley Europe definitely affects your group Burnley. was expecting unqualified praise from is presently interpreted for attackers
manager Sean Dyche’s pre-match but, on the other hand, you want to “It’s not a drinks break, it’s a tactical the ever-demanding Wilder, he may and defenders. Even accidental
assessment that Chris Wilder should finish as strong as you can and it’s time-out really,” Wilder said. “The have been disappointed. handballs by attacking players are
be pushing Jürgen Klopp for manager another badge of honour if you can game’s been turned into four quarters. “That should have been his tenth given — as we saw with Lucas Moura
of the year honours. get into Europe, for a club like ours or “I was delighted to have my Bovril goal of the season, not his first,” for Tottenham Hotspur against
A little over three years ago, Wilder Sheffield United.” after 22 minutes. I’ve never had a Wilder said. “John’s got himself into Sheffield United last week — but for
and five of his squad on duty Burnley’s hopes have not been Bovril in July during a game before great positions but he will be the first defenders officials can consider the
yesterday ended their season with a helped by an ankle injury for their but I didn’t think anything should to admit July 5th shouldn’t be his first deliberate nature of the play.
victory over Chesterfield and influential midfielder Jack Cork that have been changed after lockdown — goal of the season.”
Arsenal jibe no laughing matter for Mourinho Coleman’s warning to players
attention to Spurs losing at Bramall do it. I don’t like to connect the club Ferguson providing Ancelotti with a
TOTTENHAM V EVERTON PAUL JOYCE
Lane days after Arsenal had won with some post or tweet. The person platform from which he has
TONIGHT 8PM, SKY SPORTS
there in the FA Cup. The post linked that did it probably did by themselves. continued to improve.
JONATHAN VALENTINE
to highlights of that 2-1 win with the I don’t believe that was [Mikel] Arteta Seamus Coleman has warned the Yet Coleman knows that the players
caption, “It’s not easy beating that posted, I don’t believe it was captivating start to Carlo Ancelotti’s must continue this form or risk
José Mourinho took a swipe back at Sheffield United at Bramall Lane”. [Granit] Xhaka that did it. It was Everton tenure must not disintegrate becoming surplus to requirements.
Arsenal after they appeared to mock Mourinho, in trademark style, did probably some guy that was at home and told his team-mates they must “Carlo Ancelotti has not put pen to
his club on social media after losing not need too much of an invitation to for three months working from home. develop a winning mentality. paper on a contract at this club to be
to Sheffield United on Thursday. bite back. “If they were top of the No problem at home, but we will be The defender, 31, believes tonight’s with a mid-table team,” Coleman said.
Mourinho, who has a long history league or fighting for top four in a waiting for them.” game awy to Tottenham Hotspur “He wants to be successful.
of public battles with the north really good moment they wouldn’t Spurs do not have to wait long as represents an important barometer of “If we are not good enough then
London side, suggested that Arsenal enjoy the problems of others,” he said. Arsenal visit their new home for the the club’s improvement since the I’m sure this manager will see it and
are only enjoying Tottenham “You only enjoy the problems of first time on Sunday. Before then sacking of Marco Silva. bring his own players in.”
Hotspur’s problems because they have others when you are also in trouble. Mourinho’s tenth-placed side face A league table of results from Everton have not won three
so many of their own. In the end it says more about them, Everton tonight and Bournemouth on December 5 before the latest round of successive games for 15 months, and a
The jibe that riled Mourinho was a they don’t have much to celebrate Thursday in a week that will prove fixtures would see Everton in fourth push for the Europa League will falter
Facebook post on Friday that drew they have to get every opportunity to pivotal in their European ambitions. place, with interim manager Duncan unless they beat José Mourinho’s side.
8 2GG Monday July 6 2020 | the times
thegame
THREE RISING STARS WHO COU
Weights at
home made
a man of
TARIQ LAMPTEY
(Brighton)
Weekend stats
Minutes 89
Greenwood
Chances created 1
Interceptions 5
Pass accuracy 87.1%
Match details
PAUL HIRST
Manchester Utd Bournemouth
If there was any proof required of 5 2
Mason Greenwood’s progression from
boy to man, it came in a video of RATINGS
Manchester United’s first full-contact Manchester United (4-2-3-1): D De Gea 5 —
training session, which they posted on A Wan Bissaka 7, V Lindelof 6 (E Bailly 45min, 5),
social media last month. H Maguire 5, L Shaw 7 — N Matic 6 (Fred 67, 7),
P Pogba 7 — M Greenwood 9 (D James 75),
It showed one passage of play in a B Fernandes 9, M Rashford 7 (O Ighalo 80)
seven-a-side game at Carrington in — A Martial 9 (J Mata 80).
which Timothy Fosu-Mensah played Bournemouth (4-4-2): A Ramsdale 7 — A Smith 6
a pass down the right, which (J Stacey 77), L Kelly 5, N Aké 5, D Rico 5 —
Greenwood and Victor Lindelof D Brooks 5 (A Danjuma 45, 6), L Cook 5
(H Wilson 66, 5), J Lerma 6, J Stanislas 7 (D Gosling
pursued with gusto. Lindelof got to 66, 5) — J King 7, D Solanke 6 (P Billing 66, 5).
the ball first and looked certain to Booked Lerma.
clear his lines. “He’s going nowhere, Referee M Dean.
Vic,” said one member of the
coaching staff in an attempt to
encourage the 25-year-old centre half, Smith, but it did not matter.
who is seven years older than Greenwood did not have to turn
Greenwood. inside on to his left. He just let fly ENGLAND NEXT GENERATION XI
It turned out to be a terrible call. with his right foot instead and the ball
Greenwood brushed Lindelof off the hit the top corner.
ball with his shoulder, turned inside, Greenwood’s goals have come as no
M Greenwood, 18
took two steps to his left and fired a surprise to Solskjaer. Last season the
low shot into the net. first-team players were showing each Man Utd
This time last year, after other clips of the striker scoring goals
M Rashford, 22 J Sancho, 20
Greenwood had scored his first senior for the youth teams. Greenwood
goal for United against Leeds United scored 30 goals in 29 games for the Man Utd Dortmund
in Perth, Western Australia, Ole under-23s, under-19s and under-18s T Alexander-
Gunnar Solskjaer praised the then 17- last term, and many of them were
Arnold, 21
year-old but warned that physically spectacular. Just as important to M Mount, 21 P Foden, 20
Liverpool
he was not quite ready for regular Solskjaer is that Greenwood, who Chelsea Man City
first-team action. “He needs to build joined United’s academy aged six
his body to get ready for men’s after being spotted in Halifax, is that
F Tomori, 22 D Rice, 21
football,” Solskjaer said. he is a grounded individual. His
Chelsea West Ham
That is why lockdown has benefited father Andrew, an engineer, acts as
Greenwood so much. It gave him time his representative and likes his son to A Wan-
to hit the weights in his home gym be low-key. United have been B Saka, 18 Bissaka, 22
and bulk up to be ready for the protective of him too.
Arsenal Man Utd
resumption of the season. The results Greenwood’s grounded nature will
have been spectacular. He is said to please Gareth Southgate as well. The
have gained three kilograms of England manager already has an A Ramsdale, 22
muscle after working on his triceps, embarrassment of riches in attack — Bournemouth
biceps and quadriceps. Now, thanks to Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling,
his time in the gym and his natural Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho Subs: C Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea, 19), R
growth, he is no longer a skinny, wiry among others — but if Greenwood James (Chelsea, 20), T Lamptey
youngster. He has the body shape to keeps on scoring, he will surely get a
(Brighton, 19), T Abraham (Chelsea,
withstand the rigours of the Premier chance sooner rather than later.
22), D McNeil (Burnley, 20)
League. On the FA’s website there is a clock
The plan, Solskjaer says, is for counting down to England’s next
Greenwood to keep bulking up. match in September, a Nations
Humble Lamptey thriving
“We’ll keep on building him up in League game against Iceland.
the gym and on the pitch,” the United Alongside it stands pictures of Kane
manager said. “He’s worked hard, you and Jesse Lingard. The latter seems to
can see his fitness is getting better.” bBeO faUdRinNg EfrMomO UthTe HE’nSg lWanAdR pNicItuNrGe —
United are looking irresistible. he was not even on the bench on
Bruno Fernandes has scored four Saturday — and Greenwood appears
goals and set two more up since to be the future. the game the speedy right back old Norwich full back being watched
GARY JACOB
football resumed and Anthony “If you can handle playing for Man pushed the ball to the left of Jamal by clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
Martial has found the net four times Utd, then you can handle playing for Lewis and burst past the defender The three-month break in football
in his past three starts. But arguably any team and Mason’s got the It seemed a bold decision to leave the who is no slouch himself. Lamptey’s benefited Brighton and helped
the most exciting player in a United qualities that not many others have,” comfort of Chelsea for a Brighton & touch was a shade heavy and he lost Lamptey, in particular, to settle in,
shirt is Greenwood. He took his tally Solskjaer said. Hove Albion side who were sitting the resulting duel but showed that he which Adam Webster, the centre half,
to three goals in two matches with a just above the relegation zone on the had the confidence to drive Brighton has noticed.
brace against Bournemouth. last day of January. Three matches forward even though they were “He’s showing great maturity on
The most devastating aspect of into Tariq Lamptey’s new career on protecting a precious and slender the pitch,” Webster said. “He’s done
Greenwood’s play is that he is just as the south coast and he has quickly lead. amazing since he came in. He is
comfortable shooting with his left shown why Frank Lampard was said He has a low centre of gravity and athletically so fast and strong. He
foot as he is with his right. A full back to be shocked by his exit from his bold runs were complemented by does not get beat in a one-versus-one.
is always taught to put wingers on to Chelsea. It can also be seen as the awareness of the cuter aspects of the Technically he is very good. The best
their weaker foot, but Greenwood Bournemouth’s defenders were alert to latest example of a youngster moving game. He nudged Onel Hernández to thing is he is a lovely kid and so
does not have one. When he had the the danger of Mason Greenwood — as to a smaller club where he is given the the floor after the Norwich City humble.”
ball on the edge of the box in the BT Sport showed. Their microphones opportunity to develop. winger had spun round and was about Lamptey admitted that his heart
second half, one Bournemouth player picked up a player saying “don’t let him There were many moments of pure to get away. As a measure of how well was racing when he was about to
could be heard shouting, “Don’t let turn” before Greenwood scored. class from the 19-year-old at Carrow Lamptey played, he comfortably make his Chelsea debut as a
him turn [inside]” to full back Adam Road on Saturday. Towards the end of outshone Max Aarons, the 20-year- substitute in late December, helping
the times | Monday July 6 2020 2GG 9
thegame
ULD BE FUTURE FOR ENGLAND
Technically superb
and a fighter: Saka
MASON GREENWOOD
(Man Utd)
is just what Arteta
Weekend stats
Minutes 75
Goals 2
Shots on target 2
Pass accuracy 91.3%
wants team to be
BUKAYO SAKA
(Arsenal)
Weekend stats
Minutes 76
Goals 1
Shots on target 1
Tackles 3 TOM RODDY Match details
Pass accuracy 87.1%
Wolves Arsenal
To best understand how far Arsenal 0 2
had fallen from English football’s elite,
a statistic: until this weekend, they RATINGS
had not beaten a team above them in
Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-5-2): R Patricio 7 —
the Premier League away from home
W Boly 6, C Coady 6, R Saïss 6 — M Doherty 5
since Leicester City on September 26, (P Neto 72min), L Dendoncker 6 (D Jota 55, 7),
2015. Seventeen attempts, 17 failures. R Neves 6, J Moutinho 6 (M Gibbs-White 88),
Being eighth in the table helped to J Otto 7 — A Traoré 7, R Jimenez 6. Booked Coady,
Saïss.
end that record but Mikel Arteta went
Arsenal (3-4-3): E Martinez 7 — S Mustafi 7, D Luiz
to Champions League-chasing 7, S Kolasinac 6 — Cedric 6 (H Bellerin 75),
Wolverhampton Wanderers knowing D Ceballos 7 (L Torreira 83), G Xhaka 6, P Tierney 7
it would be the clearest indication yet (A Maitland-Niles 57, 6) — B Saka 8 (J Willock 75),
E Nketiah 7 (A Lacazette 83), P-E Aubameyang 6.
of how far his team had progressed.
Booked Luiz, Torreira, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles.
The 2-0 result was emphatic. Here is
Referee M Oliver.
the story of how they did it:
SAKA A SHINING EXAMPLE sidelines had the Ivorian’s wife not
After a week in which Bukayo Saka gone into labour on Saturday.
signed a lucrative new long-term deal, There are no longer guarantees for
his trip to Molineux threatened to put places under Arteta, and the impact is
a dampener on it. Saka had been clear. Saka has taken his chance in
singled out by Wolves, with packs of the team, and took his only chance at
two and three surrounding him every Molineux. Fellow teenager Nketiah
time he picked up the ball. Their had one glimpse of goal and came
physicality forced him into errors. close to scoring, forcing Patricio into a
But Saka represents what Arteta fine save that still required the
wants Arsenal to be. His resilience support of the post. Lacazette, Arteta
and fight is a welcome sign in a side said, was ready to come on within
that has increasingly shown mental three seconds of being summoned,
and physical fragility over recent and then scored three minutes later.
years. Saka was struggling but never Competition has produced hunger.
gave in and ended up producing the
moment of technical brilliance that MUSTAFI’S REINVENTION
tilted the game in Arsenal’s direction, There is a video on YouTube titled
adjusting his body as the ball bounced ‘Shkodran Mustafi Worst Mistakes!!!’
high before hooking it past Rui It lasts little over a minute and is a
Patricio by swivelling his hips. tragic-comic compilation of the
It was a fourth win in a row for German defender being outwitted
Arteta, and vindication of his and outmuscled, slipping and sliding,
continued exile of Mesut Özil and lunging recklessly and, ultimately,
Matteo Guendouzi. Özil’s artistry is costing Arsenal frequently. It is a
well known but Arsenal are often left damning representation of his four
exposed when he plays. Saka is a years in north London, but not of his
symbol of the Arsenal Arteta aims for: performance at Molineux.
a gifted talent, and a team player. This was a mature Mustafi. Up
against the league’s most lethal
DISCIPLINED DISPLAY combination of Adama Traoré and
Like many managers, Arteta is Raúl Jiménez, he was assured and
enjoying one benefit of empty calm, a reliable presence in defence.
stadiums: his players can hear him When Nketiah hit the post, it was
now. And there is plenty to hear as thanks to Mustafi nicking the ball
the Spaniard barks out orders in from Traoré and starting the attack.
multiple languages. David Luiz was He has benefited from the support of
outside his comfort zone
constantly ordered to organise the a back three in the new formation,
defence, Arteta demanded his constantly organising alongside Luiz.
midfield press and instructed Eddie Continue this way and Mustafi may
Nketiah on holding the ball up. Saka be one of Arteta’s great projects.
and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
tucked in and Arsenal swamped the SOLID GRANIT XHAKA
Match briefing them come from behind to beat see the ability he’s got. He’s kept his middle of the pitch. Watching Granit Xhaka marshal the
Arsenal. Although he had been at the head down. We’re really lucky to have Under Arteta, they have become midfield at Molineux and chase down
Norwich City Brighton club from the age of eight and played him.” harder to beat. That is partly down to the ball which almost set up a third
0 1 for England youth sides, his Oddly the first thing to notice the 3-4-3 formation he introduced, goal, it seemed inconceivable that this
immediate chances were likely to be about him is his superstition. He hops but Arsenal were disciplined in could be the same season in which he
RATINGS restricted by three other players, just once on each foot before he retaining the shape, making it difficult was booed off the field by Arsenal
Norwich City (4-2-3-1): T Krul 6 — M Aarons 6, including Reece James. comes on for reasons that even he for Wolves to break them down. fans. It was only October last year
B Godfrey 6, T Klose 4, J Lewis 5 — A Tettey 5 His contract was up at the end of cannot remember. “I do it every time Nuno Espírito Santo’s team were that the Swiss was stripped of the
(M Vrancic 78min), K McLean 5 — E Buendía 6, this season and in those 30 minutes at before I get on the pitch,” Lamptey limited to one shot on target. Another captaincy and, it seemed, on his way
O Duda 5 (A Idah 67, 6), O Hernández 4
(T Cantwell 67, 5) — J Drmic 5 (T Pukki 67, 5). Emirates Stadium he came to wider said. “It is a bit of a weird one.” sign of progress: this was the first time out of the Emirates for good.
Booked Lewis, Cantwell. attention. “I remember watching him Lewis and Aarons are among the since 2017 that Arsenal had kept three Arteta’s clean slate included Xhaka.
Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-2-2): M Ryan 6 on his debut and thinking, ‘This guy’s youngsters who could leave Norwich consecutive league clean sheets. His has been a story of redemption
— T Lamptey 7 (S Duffy 90+4), A Webster 6, a player,’ ” Webster said. “It was a if, as is likely, they go down. There are this season, and at Molineux he and
L Dunk 6, D Burn 6 — D Pröpper 6, Y Bissouma 7 brave decision. He could have signed questions over whether Daniel Farke COMPETITION FOR PLACES Dani Ceballos showed a renewed grit
(D Stephens, 79) — A Mooy 6 (Bernardo 72 6),
L Trossard 6 (A Mac Allister 79) — A Connolly 6 a new contract for Chelsea and will stay as head coach and he Özil cannot get in the squad, in midfield up against the talent of
(P Gross, 72 5), N Maupay 6. Booked Lamptey, maybe not played many games. But seemed to be putting pressure on the Alexandre Lacazette and Héctor Rúben Neves and João Moutinho.
Gross. he stepped out of his comfort zone. club to talk about their intentions Bellerin started on the bench, and Xhaka has helped strengthen the core
Referee S Attwell. Ever since he’s come in, every day in after he said he had received offers to either Saka or Nicolas Pépé would of Arteta’s team, which is beginning to
training he works so hard. You can leave this season. have also watched on from the become pretty impressive.
10 1GG Monday July 6 2020 | the times
WINTER’S thegame
WEEKEND Behind the scenes
WONDERS
Chief Football Writer on hundred club’sss
latest member and Arteta’s attitude 6 6
Academy cheered his appointment Luiz left days after calling him Frank
CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES
AUGUST 11, 2019
TOM RODDY
MAN UTD 4 CHELSEA 0
It is mid-morning on Friday, July 5
last year and the entire staff at
Chelsea’s Cobham training base have
been summoned to the media centre.
The players are joined by cooks and
kit men as they shuffle past a purring
coach, which waits to take the team
on a pre-season tour, and into the
mini-theatre to hear from the man
who is both old and new at this club.
Two nights earlier, Frank Lampard
had signed a three-year contract to
become the Chelsea head coach,
returning to the club where he earned
legendary status after winning 12
trophies in 13 seasons as a player.
Alongside him in the office at
Stamford Bridge was Steve Kutner,
Lampard’s long-time agent, and
Marina Granovskaia, the Chelsea
Matic selection key if United attack is to excel director and Roman Abramovich’s
most trusted employee with whom he
1 Is Nemanja Matic now display, but, amid all the deserved would work closely over the next 12
an automatic choice praise for Mason Greenwood, months.
for Ole Gunnar Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Granovskaia remained in sight for Lampard’s side are swept away by Manchester United and Marcus
Solskjaer? He has Martial, Matic, above, has proved the unveiling press conference with Rashford on the opening day despite encouraging signs
featured in all five of an efficient presence underpinning the world’s media the next day, a clear
Manchester United’s games since the Fernandes-Paul Pogba midfield symbol that Lampard was AUGUST 31, 2019
the restart, playing 271 minutes, axis. The 31-year-old keeps calm Abramovich’s man. Early indications CHELSEA 2 SHEFFIELD UTD 2
edging out Scott McTominay and and carries on, keeps winning the that this was a shrewd appointment
Fred. United’s victory against ball and freeing more creative were felt in the media centre at
Bournemouth was arguably not types, never making a fuss, just Cobham on that Friday morning.
the Serbian’s best post-lockdown delivering dutifully. It was a only a five-minute meeting
but a significant one as Lampard
sowed the seeds of a sense of
Wycombe’s success is built upon admired community at Chelsea. He told
leaders such as Bloomfield and Akinfenwa players and staff that he was delighted
to be back at his club, that they were
in it together, that he wanted
2 3 When Matt Wycombe’s captain, Friday marked everyone to feel a sense of pride when
Bloomfield his 536th game for the club and his they drove in and out the training
&
made his 29th of another full-on season. ground’s long tree-lined driveway
Wycombe Bloomfield is still giving everything each day.
Wanderers in midfield, just as he does off the An instant connection was formed
debut against Rushden & field, whether dishing out advice to as this was an act no manager in the
Diamonds in 2003, Adebayo the younger players or spending Abramovich era had done before. Not
Akinfenwa was on the opposition’s the summer building classrooms in José Mourinho, not Antonio Conte,
bench. Kenya. and certainly not Maurizio Sarri. One
Seventeen years on, the pair are For the 38-year-old Akinfenwa, year on and Lampard is on course to
two of the admired leaders in Friday was the 679th game of his achieve the demands set by the club’s
Gareth Ainsworth’s side aiming for career, his 37th of the season. He owner by qualifying for the
Wembley and the League One came on against Fleetwood, almost Champions League and competing
play-off final after Friday night’s scored, cleared a corner and gave a for silverware, having reached the FA
4-1 first-leg victory away to rallying cry in the post-match Cup semi-finals. Kurt Zouma puts through his own net as Chelsea blow a two-goal half-time lead
Fleetwood Town. Two of the most huddle. He is clearly a popular A three-month suspension to the against Chris Wilder’s newly promoted side to leave Lampard furious
likeable individuals in football, figure. The morning after the season means the outcome of that
Bloomfield and Akinfenwa are Premier League title was first year is yet to be completely clear. appointment was announced. His hostile response included Luiz
models of longevity and confirmed, Akinfenwa turned up to But the restart has provided a mirror coaching team, with Chelsea’s former addressing Lampard, who is referred
dedication. For Bloomfield, 36, training in a Liverpool shirt. to the campaign as a whole. Last youth-team managers Jody Morris to by all as “gaffer”, by his forename.
week’s victory over Manchester City and Joe Edwards, along with Luiz was sold to Arsenal four days
represented significant progress promoted fitness coach Chris Jones, later. Shoots of optimism from the
Vardy deservedly Arsenal rejuvenated under Lampard, the result of a week created a sense of optimism. successful pre-season were tempered
joins hundred club under decisive Arteta spent focusing on their defensive Expectations were confirmed at the by a 4-0 defeat away to Manchester
shape against a fluid Pep Guardiola first press conference. United on the opening day.
4 Jamie Vardy: Premier 5 Mikel Arteta is attack, that left some tipping Chelsea “It’s really important to develop “There was a lot of work to do to
League centurion. It growing into just the to be title contenders next season. young players and that will be one of get your idea across in a short
was actually more leader craved by a club Less than a week later, on my first jobs,” Lampard said. “I want space of time,” Lampard said
about his 101st goal that have been drifting Wednesday, Lampard was quiet in the players who whether they are 18 or 32 last week.
than the 100th, too long. He is away dressing room at the London feel like Chelsea is their club.” “It’s tough. I thought we
though. Leicester City’s leading decisive, omitting those with Stadium after his side squandered the During that summer, Lampard was played very well in that game for 60
man was always going to reach the attitude issues, such as Mattéo lead against relegation-threatened able to assess which players were on minutes and when they scored the
landmark. A ton-up in the record Guendouzi. He gives youth a West Ham United. board and which were not. He knew second and third it changed and the
books was never going to be a chance, like Bukayo Saka, and Despite some inconsistency, the of Mount and Tomori’s ability from game was over. I wasn’t happy with
turn-up for the books. Despite the Arsenal look rejuvenated. Arteta former midfielder has been a clear their year together with Derby that obviously but there were signs of
post-lockdown wait, Vardy is too has organised the team, made success as he has balanced the impact County the previous season, what we could do, and three days
good to be subdued for too long. them more resilient, got them of a transfer ban and the loss of the Lampard’s first job, and learnt more later in the Super Cup we went toe to
What encapsulated the 33-year-old working harder — which they highly influential Eden Hazard. about Gilmour and Abraham’s talent toe with Liverpool. We’ve progressed
was wanting to chase down his needed to against Wolverhampton Success is emphasised by the during the pre-season in Ireland. in the way I want us to play. When
next goal, even four minutes into Wanderers. The players probably progression of academy products such But Lampard also realised those you’re a manager and you come in
second-half stoppage time, even fear him a little, which hasn’t been as Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, who were not with him. There was a you have to work very hard at that
with the points belonging to the case at Arsenal for a while. His Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James, growing sense that David Luiz, his and there have been some real signs
Leicester. He has a hunger for authoritative nature is promising. Fikayo Tomori and Billy Gilmour. former team-mate, was looking to in games where I’ve been really
goals. If Vardy were to finish the Arsenal have scored ten goals and The invisible barrier that had been leave and when Lampard critically happy with what I’ve seen. Others not
season top of the goalscoring conceded only one in their last in place between the academy and examined his performance after their so much. The overall thing there is
standings, he would become the four matches; Leicester City and first-team buildings had been pulled final warm-up game, against Borussia consistency with where we want to
oldest player to claim the award. Tottenham Hotspur are up next. down. Cheers were heard from the Mönchengladbach in Germany, Luiz’s get to.”
academy when Lampard’s reaction made up his mind. The The two wins over Tottenham