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EURO WRAP: Awful Arsenal, mischievous Messi, classic Klassiker and more!

Damien Kayat looks back at last week’s football action as Arsenal continue to wobble, Messi reportedly a problem at PSG and more!
Lionel Messi - PSG
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

Damien Kayat looks back at last week's football action as Arsenal continue to wobble, Messi reportedly a problem at PSG and more!

Arteta Merry go ‘round continues

That Everton defeat may leave the slightly schizophrenic Arsenal fanbase in some form of unison for a change. They were shocking. They travelled to an under-fire Everton side whose fans had actually organized a walkout earlier in the match.

Rafa Benitez was hanging onto his job by his toenails coming into this match. But Arsenal withered in the face of Everton’s occasionally overzealous brand of combative football. How soft were Arsenal? Xhaka was practically at walking speed in the last half-hour.

They surely should have brought him off at some point. People will point towards Nketiah and Aubameyang missing gilt-edged opportunities. But Everton were also on the receiving end of two slightly depressing offside calls. Wasn’t there supposed to be a concerted effort to allow more leeway to the attacking sides in marginal offside situations?

Richarlison may never want to make a run again after that 2nd offside goal. The bottom line is this: Arsenal were outplayed by a side undergoing massive internal turmoil. They just spent 150 million pounds. Everton spent a smidge under 2 million, buying the matchwinner Demarai Gray for around 1.7 million pounds. Do the Kroenke’s have the cojones- quoting Troy Deeney- to make a huge decision at this stage of the season?

Classic Klassiker

This weekend’s Klassiker was perhaps the most exhilarating match in the recent rivalry between these German giants. Bayern showed amazing tenacity to come from behind and take the initiative in this year’s Bundesliga race.

Robert Lewandowski stole the headlines, netting a brace a week after being controversially snubbed for the Ballon D’or. You could see how desperate he was to show the Ballon D’or voters that there are other options out there aside from a certain diminutive Argentine.

But it was perhaps Thomas Muller who most epitomized Bayern’s fighting spirit. The way he charged down Mats Hummels- which led to their equalizer- highlighted the intensity that Julian Nagelsman demands of his players. The 32-year-old Mueller would die for this side and I always feel like Bayern aren’t the same without him.

Bellingham and Haaland were once again awesome for Dortmund. But you feel they are far too dependent on that duo. The Bayern side just looks to have a greater sense of collective responsibility at present.

Perhaps the most interesting talking point occurred after the final whistle with Bellingham controversially lashing out at the referee. 

Epic Italian title race

The Serie A title race is even more multi-faceted than the Premier League. Atalanta have thrown a spanner in the title race, becoming the first team to breach Napoli’s home defence more than once in a game this season.

Gasperini’s men won 3-2, continuing a brilliant fun of form that has seen them win their last five matches. They have built on their historic victory over Juventus and found their free-flowing swagger again, scoring seven goals in their last two matches.

Napoli’s sensational start to the season has hit a major reality check: they had the opportunity to move 10 points clear of Inter just two weeks back. The Milan clubs both secured victories over the weekend, meaning they have both leapfrogged Napoli.

Jose Mourinho’s lustre seems to well and truly be gone. His ill-fated stewardship of Roma took another turn for the worse as they were embarrassed by Inter at home. The Nerazzurri led 3-0 at half-time and barely needed to break a sweat in the second half.

Hakan Calhanoglu continues his impressive form while the seemingly ageless Edin Dzeko shows the value of a seasoned centre-forward. Also, how about Juan Cuadrado’s strike directly from a corner? Check it out below:

LaLiga a foregone conclusion?

Real Madrid extended their LaLiga advantage to eight points after a brilliant weekend for Los Blancos. They produced a slick performance, taking down Real Sociedad 2-0 for their eighth consecutive victory.

This result was amplified by defeats to both Atletico and Barcelona. But it may have come at a price, with in-form striker Karim Benzema set to miss what could be a vital Champions League clash with Inter this week. Defeat for the Spanish giants could see them finish 2nd place in the group.

That could prove disastrous in this year’s Champions League, with City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich absolutely dominating their respective groups and lying-in wait for 2nd placed sides.

And let’s spare a thought for Barcelona. Their first defeat under Xavi sees them lying 16 points behind their great Madrid rivals. Now they might need to beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz to secure Champions League qualification.

Messi the Mischievous

There’s a certain journalistic hesitancy to criticise Leo Messi- the man. He has been elevated to deity status and is almost impervious to criticism. But I think it’s time to look at his negative influence in recent dressing rooms.

Rumours are swirling that Messi is not satisfied with the coaching situation at PSG. This has left fellow countryman Mauricio Pochettino fielding some awkward questions in pressers. But it just continues a recent trend of backroom shenanigans by Messi.

The disruptive Argentine was a central figure in the player revolt that helped usurp Ernesto Valverde. This led to a very public spat with Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal. And then the world lamented Messi’s departure from Barcelona, virtually crucifying the Barcelona hierarchy for letting him go.

But lest we forget, it was Messi’s outrageous wages that ran Barcelona into financial ruin. And this from a player who- let’s be honest- is dwindling as a presence on the field of play. It almost feels like he may not be worth the hassle anymore. The Ballon D’or would, however, disagree.

Player of the Week- Bernardo Silva

The Portuguese playmaker is one of the best players in the world at present. Pep Guardiola laid down the ultimate gauntlet for Silva, labelling him the best player in the Premier League.

Silva ran with that pressure and produced another magnificent performance against Watford. Yes, Mo Salah is the most electrifying player currently playing in the Premier League. His virtuosic runs and glorious touch are a joy to behold. But Silva is arguably more central to the City juggernaut, controlling the tempo of matches when he isn’t directly involved in the goalmouth action.

It’s crazy to think that he was almost considered surplus to requirements after the arrival of Jack Grealish. City have now taken the initiative in a period of the season where they perennially tend to pull clear of the competition.

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