In this week’s edition of the Friday 5iver, Desh Parthab looks at Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles in front of goal this season, Luis Diaz stepping up for Liverpool and more from the Premier League!
The Premier League is in a class of its own. The 30th anniversary of the competition is upon us and it doesn’t stop delivering! The headline maker of the second round was Brentford FC who put four past Manchester United in the opening 35 minutes of their clash at the Gtech Community Stadium. That defeat condemned the Red Devils to the foot of the table – a first since 21 August 1992.
Darwin Nunez saw a straight red card following a coming together between him and Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen. Klopp’s men currently occupy 12th spot after drawing their first two fixtures.
The thirrd round of fixtures presents a huge six-pointer when United do battle against Liverpool come Monday night, but before that encounter, here are a few points to consider!
Rodrigo flying at Leeds
Rodrigo is currently the league’s top scorer. The Spanish forward who plies his trade at Leeds United has netted three times across his previous two league outings – with all teammates yet to open their account for the campaign. Indeed, this season was due to be Patrick Bamford’s return from injury, but the striker has been subbed off in both league fixtures which could mean goals galore for Rodrigo.
Leeds’ lightning start to the second half is topped with a cheeky finish by Rodrigo to the near post! ⚽️#SOULEE#PremierLeague#CSport#OnlyOnCSport pic.twitter.com/XURtEXd8wL
— Csport.tv (@CSportMedia) August 13, 2022
Diaz stepping up in Mane’s absence
Luis Diaz opened his account for the season last time out. Since the start of the season, the forward has attempted five shots, completed eight dribbles and has been fouled the more than all Liverpool players. The Columbian’s teammate Darwin Nunez was sent off last time out which could see him take up a more central role in the coming weeks.
A superb strike from @LuisFDiaz19 during the 1-1 draw with Palace 👏 pic.twitter.com/kkWZkj5QEK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 15, 2022
Pope in for busy day as City descend on Tyneside
Newcastle are yet to concede a goal this season. Their opposition this weekend, Manchester City, is the only other club yet to concede in the division. The Magpies’ shot-stopper Nick Pope, has made five saves thus far with four of them coming from inside the box. His Newcastle teammates have been hard at work and have notched up 25 interceptions among them – only three topflight clubs [Crystal Palace (26), Southampton and Manchester United (27)] have notched up more.
🗣 “It was a strange day yesterday!”
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 13, 2022
We caught up with Nick Pope after today’s game at the Amex. pic.twitter.com/io71hO0NsM
Kane to kick on against Wolves?
Harry Kane got off the mark last time out. The Tottenham Hotspur forward bagged a stoppage-time equaliser to earn his side a point, in what was a heated encounter against Chelsea. The talisman currently leads his teammates for shots on target (3) and chances created (5). Tottenham are currently the league’s joint top scorers (6) and come up against a Wolves team who have conceded two or more goals in each of their previous three away league fixtures.
𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃? 👏
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) February 19, 2022
Harry Kane scores in stoppage time to give Spurs the win against Manchester City 🔥
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴀ ɢᴀᴍᴇ 💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/YXPH2XO96L
CR-Zero
Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted seven shots across his two league appearances this season. Ronaldo (18) finished third on the Premier League scoring charts for the 2021/22 season – indicating that he still has what it takes. Manchester United (32) are among the top 3 clubs for attempted shots, after Manchester City (33) and Liverpool (35). Erik ten Hag will hope that his talismanic – and occasionally sulky – forward will have his shooting boots on beneath the Old Trafford lights on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be allowed to leave Manchester United this month if Erik ten Hag decides his departure would be better for the club going forward.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 16, 2022
Kaveh Solhekol with the latest 👇 pic.twitter.com/MQUZPuSZdp
