Jurgen Klopp's tactics are hurting Trent Alexander-Arnold, Steve Cooper's change helped Nottingham Forest and Casemiro improved Manchester United. Here's five lessons we learned from the past Premier League weekend...
1) TAA is not to blame for Liverpool's systemic flaws
Although the focus was on Trent Alexander-Arnold's positional error ahead of Arsenal's early opener at the Emirates – a goal that set the tone for the game – this was more to do with Jurgen Klopp's tactical errors than his right-back's.
First and foremost, the decision to play a kamikaze 4-2-4 always looked like a grave risk, leaving just two central midfielders to cope in transitional moments; Arsenal's quick break immediately took the front four out of the game, and Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho couldn't cope, opening space for Martin Odegaard to slip a pass beyond Alexander-Arnold.
This error from Klopp was compounded by the same issues occurring many times over the course of the afternoon, even after Alexander-Arnold was withdrawn at half-time. Joe Gomez struggled just as much with the outstanding Gabriel Martinelli, while Mikel Arteta pressed home the advantage on this side by instructing Granit Xhaka to overlap down the left during the second period – leading to the penalty concession for the winning goal. Klopp, yet again, had failed to protect his full-backs with his midfield configuration.
On the plus side, Liverpool did look dangerous throughout thanks to a surprising long-ball strategy to apply pressure onto the Arsenal defensive line. They easily created a four on four in attack due to the aggressive formation, making the score line closer than it might have been.
2) Cooper makes defensive move against aimless Villa
Buoyed and refocused by the decision to offer Steve Cooper a new contract, Nottingham Forest looked a lot stronger on Monday night. The most important difference from their 4-0 defeat to Leicester City was a new plan to play with defensive caution; Forest quickly dropped into a low block and minimised space between the lines, happily letting the visitors hold possession and inviting them to attempt to break down the Forest shape.
It was a major departure from the wild pressing we have seen this season, which with so many new players had created a hopelessly decompressed shape and made Forest very easy to score against. Whether or not Cooper has made a permanent change remains to be seen, because it may simply have been a tactical decision designed to show up the flaws in Steven Gerrard's team.
Villa are completely aimless, seemingly without any clear tactical instruction. That means they cannot think moves ahead and are constantly trying to improvise, hence the static movement in the final third – and hence why a low block is the best way to stop them.
3) Potter has upped Chelsea's counter-pressing
Graham Potter is only changing things slowly at Chelsea, aware that a complete tactical reboot is a risky thing to do in the middle of the season. But during the 3-0 victory over a toothless Wolves (who desperately need a new manager to sort them out) it was notable how quickly and surgically Chelsea counter-pressed, rushing to win the ball back immediately after it was lost. It was in these disruptive moments that they were able to find space on the attack.
Conor Gallagher was played in an unfamiliar right wing position in a 4-2-3-1, and on the whole it allowed him to interact neatly with Mason Mount in the right half-space after a successful counter-press, although it did leave Chelsea quite flat during their long periods of possession. Clearly they missed the directness of Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Another change from the Thomas Tuchel era is Chelsea's defensive structure when in possession. Potter has created a 3-2 shape, just as he did at Brighton, with Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek anchoring midfield side-by-side in front of a back three (one of the full-backs would tuck inside when the other went forward). Slowly but surely, things are coming together.
4) Casemiro performance shows value of buying stars
There are still very few signs that Erik ten Hag's tactical ideas are getting across at Manchester United, with the club continuing to win matches thanks to moments of individual quality. In fairness, Everton – who have dropped into a very reactive shape under Frank Lampard this season – were never going to let United play, and perhaps games like these will always be won in the 'moments'.
Cristiano Ronaldo's winner was assisted by a tackle and through ball by his old Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro, and indeed there was something ruthlessly Real about the win. Casemiro topped the charts among United players for tackles (four) and pressures (20) in a confident display that showed the value of signing experienced stars, even if they don't actually fit in with the manager's vision.
Similarly Ronaldo may find himself getting more minutes from now on, especially with his pressing looking slightly better than last season.
5) Conte's move to a 3-5-2 makes sense in Kulusevski's absence
In the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal a week ago, Tottenham's midfield was disconnected from the attack because of Dejan Kulusevski's absence; Richarlison, Heung-Min Son, and Harry Kane all operated on the defensive line, meaning Spurs were pinned back by Arsenal's possession. Brighton look to dominate the ball and therefore we could have seen the same thing happen on Saturday, but instead Antonio Conte moved to a 3-5-2.
It might look like a defensive move, but with Yves Bissouma anchoring the team it allowed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur to roam further forward, connecting the lines, as well as ensuring Spurs had greater balance and control in the midfield area. Their chance-creation still leaves a lot to be desired, but until Kulusevski is back Conte must stick with the 3-5-2.
