Crumbling City need to wake up… Three things we learnt from England on Boxing Day
Israel Igiri
It was a great Boxing Day of football in the English Premier League as there were exciting and thrilling fixtures that caught the attention of Europe. As various EPL teams continued their quests for glory and safety, here are three things we learnt.
It is Liverpool’s title to lose
Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title for the first time in 29 years were boosted again on Wednesday as they moved six points clear at the summit of the log. Just as the Reds dismantled Newcastle 4-0 at Anfield, defending champions Manchester City who were second prior to Boxing Day football, lost 2-1 to Leicester City away from home. This means that Jurgen Klopp’s men now extend their lead at the top to six points over second-placed Tottenham Hotspur who dismantled Bournemouth 5-0 at Wembley on Boxing Day. It is certainly a dream title chase for the Reds as they have now won eight consecutive matches in the league. They can do no wrong at this point and with the other contenders showing signs of fatigue and inconsistency, they are on course to make history come the end of the season.
Solskjaer is a man on a rescue mission
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hired as Manchester United’s caretaker manager few days ago, he noted that he needed to re-establish what it is that United stand for. Since Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho, back-to-back wins against Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town, the Norwegian manager has now got the team playing with renewed strength and passion. His return to Old Trafford has helped to boost the morale of the team after those final dicey few final months under Mourinho. After two games in charge of the team, there is a fresh feel about how the team is playing and smiles are back amongst the Old Trafford faithfuls, and with the likes of Paul Pogba brimming with confidence each passing game, the Red Devils should once again be considered as one of the contenders for top four.
Crumbling City need to wake up
A nightmare December for Manchester City was heightened on Boxing Day, as they were beaten for the third time in four PL matches, losing 2-1 at Leceister City. Sadly, Pep Guardiola’s side who were league leaders at the start of December, are now one point behind Tottenham Hotspur and seven points behind Liverpool. It is definitely tough times at the Ethihad as they can’t explain how they have declined in just few weeks. With the citizens showing signs of fatigue, the title is gradually getting off their sight. And while the morale is low at the Ethihad at the moment, the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Co. must brace up if they are to retain the EPL title because Liverpool means business this time around.
