Premier League weekend review: Things we learned

• Premier League weekend actions included Barkley’s comeback, Arsenal’s decisive victory, and problems for Spurs in the closing stages.
• We look at the things we learned from the latest Premier League games.

Premier League weekend actions included Barkley’s comeback, Arsenal‘s decisive victory, and problems for Spurs in the closing stages.

We look at the things we learned from the latest Premier League games.

Spurs struggling at closing games

Everton scored in stoppage time to draw against Spurs. Photo/ Reuters

Spurs lost against Everton in stoppage time, and as a result, they were knocked out of the Premier League’s top four. Aston Villa, on the other hand, outperformed the North London team and got into the Champions League spots.

The latest late goal Spurs have conceded in the Premier League this season came from a set piece, with Jarrad Branthwaite heading home at the back post. Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend after giving up an 88th-minute goal to Manchester City, marking Ange Postecoglou’s team’s eighth Premier League goal surrendered in 90 minutes or less this season.

Is there a problem with concentration? Are Spurs finding it difficult to stick to Postecoglou’s game plan for the whole 90 minutes? Guglielmo Vicario will also need to be far more powerful than he has been in recent weeks for the Australian. Although the Italian’s shot-stopping and ball-handling prowess have made him one of the season’s best additions, clubs have been scouting the goalie in recent games.

Vicario’s inability to get close to a corner that was headed toward his goal-line led to Nathan Ake’s winner for Manchester City, and Everton used a similar strategy when Jack Harrison backed into the goalie for the Toffees’ first equalizer. Vicario often voiced his objections to the authorities, but he has to be more physically dominant than he has been lately. Spurs now appear weak against set pieces.

Newcastle defense in shambles

Newcastle United players. Photo/ Goal

Newcastle’s Champions League qualifying from the previous season was based on strong defense. With just 33 goals allowed during the season, the Magpies and division winners Manchester City had the best defensive record in the league.

With four goals given up this past weekend against Luton at home, the Magpies have officially eclipsed that mark, having let up 37 goals in 23 games this season. Amazingly, in their previous five games, they have given up 41% of the goals they have allowed.

Newcastle had the fifth-best Expected Goals Against (xGA) and defensive record in the Premier League on Christmas Day, with 22 goals surrendered. Newcastle has surrendered three or more goals in four of its five games since the celebrations began, and they easily have the highest xGA statistic (13.84) in the Premier League.

Have teams managed to penetrate a previously impenetrable rearguard? Or are the defensive choices for Newcastle faring worse than expected? Howe needs to come up with a solution quickly before the club’s hopes of competing in Europe fade. The answer most likely lies in the middle.

Pochettino under fire

Mauricio Pochettino’s management is not directly to blame for Chelsea’s issues. The ownership that has put the Blues back in their quest for progress is the root of all of West London’s problems.

Despite the difficulty of managing this disorganized group due to a lack of a clear plan and the hasty signing of individuals considered to be the players of the month, Pochettino and Chelsea should be doing far better than this. Following a lopsided loss at Liverpool over the midweek, Wolves put up a terrible show at home, coming back to win 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino has not been able to extract the greatest performance out of the chaotic group of acquisitions, which is an understandably messy but talented team reconstruction. Chelsea’s loss to Wolves drops them to 11th place in the standings, 20 points behind the lead, and a negative goal differential.

While money can’t buy happiness, it should undoubtedly produce better outcomes. Pochettino has a limited amount of time to show that he is the right person to turn things around. This season, not much has been accomplished.

Ross Barkley makes a point to Southgate

Ross Barkley. Photo/ BBC

The Barkley fan base is expanding as a result of Luton’s master midfielder putting on yet another fantastic display this past weekend. The 30-year-old was Luton’s best player in a dramatic 4–4 draw against Newcastle, as he contributed three goals and made an impression on the midfield struggle at St. James’ Park.

When Luton took a chance on the free agent in the summer, his career was at a crossroads. He was a good talent whose career had fallen short of expectations. Following a failed stint at Nice, Barkley returned to the Premier League, where he found renewed inspiration in the odd setting of Rob Edwards’ engine room.

Barkley gained his 33rd and last cap for England four and a half years ago. It would be an incredible tale if he were called up, but are there many better choices available at the moment? Jordan Henderson’s brief stay in Saudi Arabia has hurt his standing and prospects of playing for his country, while Kalvin Phillips is trying to make a comeback at West Ham.

Even for Southgate, who is extremely cautious and may be preparing for his final big tournament, Barkley, given his present form, is worth a look in a two-man pivot. The ideal opportunity is presented by matches against elite-level opponents Brazil and Belgium the following month.