Premier League: talking points from the weekend’s action. Saturday, there was no stadium VAR hold-up to determine if Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg fouled Kaoru Mitoma. Why did Stuart Attwell and Stockley Park not perceive it as a punishment? If we’re being kind, Mitoma may have fallen a bit too easily, but the event served as a rallying point for Brighton supporters who claimed the officials’ errors—rather than their failure to stop Harry Kane from Tottenham’s winning goal—were to blame for Brighton’s loss. Perhaps, the fifth position moved up from sixth. There was vindication but no bonus points when Howard Webb apologized to Brighton on behalf of PGMOL on Sunday. Roberto De Zerbi, who had watched a dressing-room TV video of the Mitoma incident and had already received a red card for the touchline brawl after VAR disallowed Danny Welbeck’s score, said, “I think it was clear, extremely apparent.” Soon enough, Kane capitalized on Brighton’s distraction. When asked about receiving a second warning, De Zerbi replied, “Smart individuals can adopt other behaviors. As will be the case for next week’s FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United, his outstanding club is undoubtedly better off with a manager on the sidelines than not. Mr. Brewin
Premier League: talking points from the weekend’s action
Alexander-Arnold ought to switch to the center.
Trent Alexander-Arnold responded when questioned about his contribution to Arsenal’s second goal, “The goals have to come down one side. That is the way football operates. That may now satisfy him – Elite athletes frequently possess an innate confidence that enables them to perform difficult skills under pressure, but the rest of us can see when a player is out of his defensive depth because he is no longer protected by a midfield that can ensure the ball spends most of its time down the other end. Both his frailty and brilliance were on display against Arsenal, as he dictated attacks, moved into midfield, and scored his team’s equalizer. It might be time for him to make a permanent move to the center, in part because Liverpool has an opening there but primarily because the position is perfect for hiding his flaws, which include a lack of intelligence, recovery speed, and one-on-one ability, and highlighting his strengths, which include passing, vision, and crossing. Harris, Daniel
a dazzling shadow of oneself
Raheem Sterling has played in 21 games this season and has four goals and two assists to his credit. Under Graham Potter, the winger failed to find any form or consistency, but Frank Lampard’s switch to a 4-3-3 against Wolves gave the England international a more evident place on the right wing. While Toti, the improvised left-back, kept him quiet, he was unable to provide any dangerous moments. If Lampard wants to help Chelsea, who is still trapped in the middle of the league, he must make the most of players like Sterling. After the game, Lampard remarked, “I think he is a terrific player; he’s been one of the best wingers in the world for a long time.” “Sometimes, the best, according to some.” Despite the glowing recommendation, Sterling hasn’t reached the heights he did at Manchester City since moving to Stamford Bridge, but a change of scenery in the coaching booth might still be able to assist. Unwin, Will
