Premier League Talking Points: Klopp Can Lift Reds – But He Needs Cooler Heads
By Kevin Kelly
![By Martin Davidsen (Flickr: Dortmund maj 2011 182) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fbcf2e76feaaf37de66669671c2d419e6eabf2c65dda64c9b72c70389e2da20ce.jpg "By Martin Davidsen (Flickr: Dortmund maj 2011 182) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
The Premier League Talking Points column by co-editor Kevin Kelly, discussing all the weekend’s hot-topics which arose from the Premier League last weekend. We hear of Arsenal’s sublime attacking trident leading them to the summit of the table, and three successive draws for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss. All that and more below..
Wengers Men Come of Age in Latest Run of Wins
It may seem trite to some to label it as some revelation but now it seems Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal FINALLY look ready to mount a sustained Premier League title challenge. Backed by their strongest and most balanced squad in a decade, the Gunners look ominously strong all over the pitch.
Some may have expected the Gunners to drop points at home to Everton – because, let’s be honest here – after the Bayern Munich win it would have been ever ‘so Arsenal’ to lose a match they’d be expected to win, however good some may think Everton are.
Now Arsenal sit 2nd in the table, with goal difference keeping them below Manchester City, who have both accrued 22 points so far at this early juncture in the season. Arsenal now travel to Swansea next weekend, a ground where they lost last season. However, the Swans are in a poor run of form, and victory their for Arenal could further cement the credibility of their title challenge.
Klopp Needs Time and Patience at Liverpool
It is now three successive draws for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Yet this isn’t anything new; the Reds have drawn most of their recent games 1-1 in the past two months. This is a side low on confidence, if not ability in certain areas. Two weeks of intermittent training cannot arrest three years of (arguably) poor management by his predecessor.
More from Arsenal FC
- Gunners do just enough to claim victory in season opener
- Arsenal: We bottled it but I don’t care
- Arsenal complete record deal for Declan Rice
- Arsenal splurges on transfers as they aim to collect silverware
- Arsenal complete the signing of Kai Havertz
Harangued by the ghost of the past at Liverpool too many managers have crumbled under the weight of expectation. Yet, not many men had the charisma – or pedigree – to lift the club on their shoulders. Klopp has the ability to get everyone to lift it together. But not alone. Time, and patience are required here.
Mackems Continue Derby Run
It is probably the best derby in English football. The Tyne-Wear derby has everything you want. It is fierce, relentless, end-to-end, and dripping in narrative. Despite continual happiness-sapping domestic campaigns, Sunderland keep on beating Newcastle. It is now four wins on the bounce for the Mackems against the Magpies, with the home side running out 3-0 victors on Sunday afternoon.
Both clubs now harbour one Premier League win apiece this season, and look dangerously likely for a sustained battle to avoid relegation. However, Sunderland will already be counting down the days until they can beat Newcastle again..