The Sky Sports writers assess why there ARE some vulnerabilities for Manchester City, how Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest stunned Liverpool, and Christian Eriksen’s Manchester United recall
Man City’s defence has become more vulnerable in recent seasons, especially at home. And that was on show in a masterclass of a first half from Brentford about how to expose Pep Guardiola’s team in transition.
When you get the ball, play forward quickly and directly.
It resulted in the Bees stinging the champions inside 22 seconds. It could have been more. This was only the second time under Guardiola that City had conceded five or more shots on target in a first half of a Premier League home
Sent on at half time for Pedro Neto, Sancho bagged his first Premier League assist since May 2023, rolling in Christopher Nkunku for the winner. He was the game’s top dribbler, no player bettered his two chances created and right-back Adam Smith was subbed off after struggling to contain the winger. There were flicks down the line and drags away from defenders. The confidence was clear.
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On this showing it looks like there will be more key moments from Sancho to come. But only if he can deliver the consistency that he showed during his permanent stay at Dortmund and which was so badly lacking at Manchester United.
“This might be a transformational move for him and get his career back on track,” said Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports afterwards. But everyone is aware this is just the start for Sancho.
Peter Smith
Manuel Ugarte, Man Utd’s new £50 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain, was expected to be handed his debut for his new side at St Mary’s, but manager Erik ten Hag opted for the calming experience of Christian Eriksen instead as the Dane made his first start of the season.
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However, it was the perfect call from the United manager, who was under big pressure once again heading into the lunchtime clash on the south coast after back-to-back losses before the international break, including a dispiriting 3-0 home loss to arch-rivals Liverpool in their most recent outing.
Eriksen was a composed presence in the visitors’ midfield, with his accurate passing and ability to retain possession key to United’s much-needed victory, especially after a difficult opening half an hour when they could, and should, have fallen behind.
And so it will be interesting now to see if Ten Hag retains Eriksen in his starting line-up when United visit Crystal Palace in their next Premier League game, live on Sky Sports, next Saturday evening.
Richard Morgan
Dibling’s breakout a light in the dark for struggling Saints
It’s not been an enjoyable return to the Premier League for Southampton so far, that we know. Four defeats from four looks bad on paper, though performances haven’t quite been as bad as that suggests.
But, for the time being, let’s leave the analysis and picking apart of performances, and focus on arguably the high point of Saints’ season so far: Tyler Dibling.
The 18-year-old academy product made one league appearance last season but has been part of Russell Martin’s plans from the off this term. His manager praised his bright cameo in the defeat to Nottingham Forest last month and rewarded him with his first Premier League start on Saturday.
It didn’t take long for Dibling – who made his England U19 debut only seven days earlier – to make an impression. Inside 10 minutes, he darted down the right, cut inside and was only denied by a sprawling save from Andre Onana. Another enterprising run drew a foul from Diogo Dalot that resulted in a penalty.
When he was one of four Saints withdrawn just after the hour, the home fans booed. Martin later confirmed he was suffering with cramp and would not have taken him off had he not had to.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Martin said: “He’s an outstanding footballer; we just don’t want to put too much pressure on him too early. He’s going to be a really top player if he keeps listening, keeps working.”
If it wasn’t already clear, Dibling is certainly someone to keep an eye on this season – not just for his talent, but for the fact he could have a big impact on the direction in which Southampton’s season goes.
Dan Long