Standards in football are key. They’re often ingrained in a club, set out at the beginning of a season or common knowledge amongst fans. Compete for a title, compete for top four, Europa League places, avoid relegation or generally improve on the previous season’s showing.
Looking at Newcastle, Aston Villa, Norwich and Manchester United the standards and outcomes for the current season were clear. Before and after the takeover, Newcastle’s main aim, after finishing last season in 12th position was to finish mid-table again and improve on the points tally of last season (45). Their woeful start to this season means that they are now fighting for relegation with just six points and without a win after 12 games, they will be looking to avoid relegation. Norwich got promoted last season, having finished first but having been a ‘yo-yo’ club in recent years, they didn’t improve their squad massively and were woeful in their last Premier League campaign. Their goal this season is simply to avoid relegation, which they’re struggling with already having taken just eight points from 12 games.
Aston Villa surprised many when they finished 11th last season. Having narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, they performed well, with notable wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea. Over the summer they invested well, bringing in Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia, amongst others. Their aims for the season, without doubt would have to maintain their mid-table finish, possibly pushing for the top eight. This season, however, they have only recorded four wins and a draw.
It’s a similar story on the red side of Manchester. They finished second last season, however, were way off Manchester City’s 86 points. They invested well, bringing in Jadon Sancho, Rafael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo in an attempt to once again challenge for the title. Former Red’s boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated pre-season that challenging for the title was the intention for the season. With that being said, Manchester United are effectively out of a title race already. Five wins, two draws and five losses have seen the club legend lose his job. Woeful, embarrassing performances at home to both Liverpool and Manchester City saw increased pressure on the manager and proved massive changes were needed at Old Trafford. The aims have now changed, the standards have dropped and making top four is now the Red Devils aim for the season.
Sackings, Appointments and Misses Opportunities
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich all sacked the managers they started the season with. Dean Smith, Steve Bruce and Daniel Farke have all lost their jobs and replacements have already been found. Steven Gerrard left Rangers in favour of Aston Villa, Dean Smith didn’t stay out of work for long as he took the reigns at Norwich and well respected young manager, Eddie Howe took over at Newcastle. Each of these men were able to get to know their squads over the international break.
Manchester United should have sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the international break. After a 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, an extremely disappointing draw against an injury-ridden Everton, Solskjaer was certainly under pressure. A 4-2 hammering away at Leicester, a 5-0 thrashing to huge rivals Liverpool and a woeful 2-0 loss to Manchester City should have been the end of the Norweigan. The board decided to back him, however, keeping him in post over the international break. A 4-1 loss away at relegation-threatened Watford was the final nail in the coffin for Solskjaer. The understanding is that the hierarchy at United wanted to keep Solskjaer in a job, but his position became untenable.
Former player and coach, Michael Carrick has taken over as interim manager, however, it shows just how incompetent Manchester United’s board is. The international break was a perfect time to reset, sack Solskjaer and bring in a new manager and allow him to have time with his new squad. Instead, they stuck with the club legend and are now having to pay the price. Ralf Rangnick will now take over at Old Trafford on a six-month contract until the end of the season. It’s certainly the right appointment, however, has come three weeks too late.
Going Forwards
Going forwards, Newcastle, Villa and Norwich are all looking impressive under their new managers. Newcastle drew 3-3 in their first game under Howe, who wasn’t able to be on the touchline due to a positive COVID test. They looked much better going forward, however, they must address their defensive woes. Conceding 21 goals in 10 games isn’t sustainable if they’re to stay up. During their relegation season, Bournemouth under Howe conceded 65 goals, an average of 1.7 per game. He isn’t known for his defensive style as the season before, they conceded 70 goals. Shipping 135 goals in two seasons doesn’t give Howe too many props in the defensive realm. With that being said, we will have to see, going forwards how Howe’s Newcastle team are going forwards when he is able to be on the touchline himself.
Aston Villa recorded their first win in six, snapping a five-match losing run. Gerrard started his career back in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Brighton. There’s still a long way to go for Villa, who had top-eight ambitions after an 11th place finish last season. Selling Jack Grealish and bringing in solid names would suggest that they must improve on their start to this season. Gerrards’ Rangers side had a win record of 64.8%. The Aston Villa faithful hope that he can carry that momentum into the Midlands.
Norwich recorded only their second win of the season under Dean Smith with a 2-1 win at home to Southampton. They rallied to come from 1-0 down to secure the winner in the 80th minute. This marks back to back victories for the Canaries, who are now only three points off safety. With fixtures against Wolves, Newcastle and Tottenham coming up, Smith will be looking to pick up points where he can to secure a more solid, comfortable position going into the Christmas period.
Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory over Villareal in their first game under Carrick, however, didn’t play well for the best part of 70 minutes. They have Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace in their next three games, which will inevitably be difficult fixtures. With the appointment of Rangnick, United fans can expect a disciplined, high tempo, counter-attacking style. A 4-4-2, 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3 will likely be used by the German, who is known as the Godfather of the gegenpress. How will this style suit the slow, timid current United style? Expect more dynamic players in Jadon Sancho, Donny Van de Beek and possible Alex Telles to feature more often going forwards.
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