Mohamed Salah is still getting better: Despite having scored one goal and assisted on another, Erik ten Hag stated that Marcus Rashford’s substitution at the half of Manchester United’s 3-3 tie with Porto was a matter of rotation. However, he was well aware of the defensive problems on his side.
“Over the left side, we definitely didn’t defend well tonight,” he stated. Rashford participated in it by not following Joao Mario prior to Porto’s opening goal. Their second came from the same place, and their third, which also started from United’s left, also had the same issue.
This problem has persisted throughout the season, made worse by Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw’s extended absences as specialized left-backs.
Mohamed Salah is still getting better for Liverpool:
Bart van Rooij, United’s right-back, scored Twente’s equalizer in their Europa League opening match by threateningly easily racing up their left flank. United has allowed eight goals in the Premier League, and seven of those goals have come from crosses or shots made by left backs.
Another instance of Rashford’s contribution to the issue was his feeble attempt to halt Van Rooij of Twente, but this is a team effort.
For Porto’s third, he was off the field. Alejandro Garnacho, not Marcus Rashford, was the winger on that side when Tottenham’s second goal at Old Trafford on Sunday was scored by Dejan Kulusevski after another break down United’s left.
Garnacho’s tracking back was so slow that he did not even appear in the frame while the playback passes. Remarkably, Diogo Dalot, the substitute left-back who played even farther upfield, shares this trait. When Aston Villa hosts United on Super Sunday, they hope to be the latest team to take advantage of the weakness.
Salah’s increasing inventiveness
On Wednesday, during Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Bologna, Mohamed Salah displayed his entire skill set. He found the far corner by cutting inside, achieving his aim with great skill. The precise pass that set up Alexis Mac Allister’s goal was also excellent.
There were also times when I felt frustrated. However, Salah produced three chances, the most of any Liverpool player, including the assist. His three consecutive starts as their leading creator came against Bournemouth and Wolves, when he had generated eight goals in total.
His four Premier League assists this season are second only to Bukayo Saka of Arsenal. If Salah keeps up his current pace of production, he will easily surpass his previous high total of 13 assists from the 2021–2022 season.
Since the previous season, there has been a noticeable focus on inventiveness, which indicates that the 32-year-old Egypt international is still capable of becoming better.
Of course, Salah has always been innovative. However, for the past 14 months, his level has significantly climbed. Compared to before, he is creating about 30% more opportunities, many of which are of higher quality. Remarkably, Salah is generating almost 80% more significant opportunities.
The most amazing thing of all is that he has increased his creativity to this extent without significantly lessening his own goal threat. Over the past two seasons, his average of 0.65 goals per 90 minutes is almost exactly the same as his prior rate of 0.68.
Against Bologna, it was all there: a goal, an assist, and yet another example of a player who seems to be improving with age.
Liverpool could be worried about a slump as they consider his future. Soon after his current contract expires in May, he will turn 33. However, it appears considerably riskier to let him go now than to pay a premium for a new contract.
Calafiori’s avant-garde approach
In just his first two months at Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori has accomplished a great deal. An incredible goal versus Manchester City. Almost avoided a red card against Leicester. an emotional response to a near-injury scare during the same game. “He appeared somewhat sentimental,” Mikel Arteta grinned.
The 22-year-old, who cost £42 million to acquire from Bologna, plays with abandon and gives his all on the field. Sometimes it seems like he’s overly eager. It’s true that certain rough edges need to be polished. But it is already evident that he has a vast amount to give.
It was fun to watch his most recent performance from the Emirates Stadium press box. When Jurrien Timber departed the match against Paris Saint-Germain at halftime because of a muscular ailment, Calafiori took over at right back. However, he was almost everywhere in between.
Calafiori, a natural center-back, played the first half of Arsenal’s build-up essentially as a central midfielder. He once appeared at position 10 to set up a chance for Bukayo Saka.
“He can fit rather comfortably in a variety of settings. That’s why we signed him,” Arteta added, echoing the remarks made by another center-back who transitioned to a full back last season, Ben White, in an interview at Arsenal’s training facility.
Speaking to Sky Sports about adjusting to the position under Arteta, White said, “I think playing full-back the way he wants is completely different to any other manager.” He requires players to be a center mid, center back, winger, or No 10 in order for them to play full back.
To his credit, White has been able to adapt and has since emerged as a crucial member of the Spanish team. “It’s been about developing the whole of my game,” he stated.
However, the raiding Calafiori elevates it to a new level. Arteta continued, “He is really brave,” during his press conference on Tuesday. He doesn’t care; he wants the ball in every circumstance, he wants to use it to make things happen, and he is content to play a variety of positions.
Both on and off the ball, that fearlessness is evident. “He goes for the tackles,” a beaming David Raya responded to a question about his initial thoughts on the Italy international in August when asked. “He jumps right in. He’d stick his head into a washing machine.”
With Arsenal’s injury concerns at full-back, Arteta’s task is to refine his rawness without sacrificing the maverick spirit that makes him unique. This process is expected to continue against Southampton on Saturday. Recent data indicates that it will be entertaining to see.
