In this edition of the 5iver, Desh Parthab takes a look at Son’s dip, James Ward-Prowse’s outstanding form and more from the Premier League!
We are officially at the halfway mark of the Premier League season! Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been hugely impressive this term and deservedly lead the pack, with a seven-point gap back to Manchester City. Surprise package Newcastle split the two Manchester clubs with Tottenham and Liverpool rounding off the European spots.
At the opposite end of the table, Southampton and West Ham both come into this round of fixtures on the back of five straight league losses and I pick some of their midfield maestros who could ease their managers’ woes.
Rodgers to turn to Barnes?
Harvey Barnes could restore faith in Brendan Rogers. Leicester have lost 10 of their 17 league fixtures and with pressure mounting on the manager, a diamond could be found in Barnes. The wideman has returned six goals from 34 shots across his 15 league outings this season. The Foxes are up against a Fulham outfit who have kept just two clean sheets on their travels this season.
The season so far 📈
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 24, 2022
His own form 💪#LEINEW on Boxing Day 🏟️
Hear from Harvey Barnes as the #PLReturns 🎥 pic.twitter.com/iRZ5hV2SOO
Gordon’s goals to ease Toffee’s relegation woes?
After three-straight league losses, Everton shocked the world and salvaged a point at the Etihad last time out. Frank Lampard might see that result as a turning point. Looking ahead, however, Anthony Gordon could prove to be the difference. The academy graduate started the season well, netting twice from his 16 shots across their opening five league outings. The Toffees are winless across their previous five league ties and come up against a Brighton team who have netted three goals on consecutive away league appearances.
Anthony Gordon - Dribbling pic.twitter.com/93SjoRs7Zn
— R 🪁🇦🇷 (@Re7ceRevivaI) August 18, 2022
Ward-Prowse carrying Southampton at the moment
James Ward Prowse has been making up for lost time. The Saint’s talisman has netted in back-to-back league outings since the resumption of domestic football. During that period, the 28-year-old has attempted 10 crosses, created three chances and attempted 19 duels. Southampton welcome league newcomers Nottingham Forest this weekend in what is a relegation six-pointer! The South Coast club are rooted to the foot of the table and with games against the likes of Forest, Villa, Brentford, Everton and Wolves on the horizon, fans will hope that Ward-Prowse’s brilliance can spark a season-defining run of results.
Could watch this James Ward-Prowse free-kick for hours on repeat, the angle is ridiculous. 😍
— Football Tekkers (@BallTekkers) December 26, 2022
📽 @SouthamptonFCpic.twitter.com/Hleb5NtLXw
Paqueta must put hand up as Hammers look to end shocking run of league results
West Ham have picked up just four topflight wins all season. Marquee signing Lucas Paqueta has contributed two attacking returns across his 10 league appearances for the Londoners, but is yet to find the back of the net. The dangerman has hit the woodwork once from his 21 shots – only three teammates have attempted more this season. West Ham are up against a Leeds outfit who have kept just a single clean sheet across their previous five home league appearances. Unfortunately for Paqueta, his only real highlight of the season saw him done by a filthy piece of skill from a certain Norwegian on Arsenal’s books. Take a look below:
Ødegaard sent Paqueta and Bowen into the shadow realm ☠️ pic.twitter.com/dufm5pWnih
— Ibrahim Gunner (@IBMgunner7) December 27, 2022
Son and Spurs looking for a spark
Son (G3 A2) has delivered five attacking returns in the English topflight this season. Across his previous three league appearances, he has attempted eight shots, hitting the woodwork once. Furthermore, he created seven chances, registered 28 crosses and attempted 24 ground duels during that period. These underlying numbers are great, however, we’ve become used to seeing the South Korean top the scoring charts in recent seasons. Tottenham are up against a Palace side who have kept just a single clean sheet across their previous five home league appearances. Perhaps Son can deliver here?
🎥Great reception from the Spurs fans for Heung-Min Son 🇰🇷pic.twitter.com/0E7JgfGiSI
— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) December 21, 2022
