Damien Kayat looks back at what was a massive weekend of football on the European front, with Neymar shining for PSG, Ole under increasing pressure and more!
Ole at the Wheel
What does Ole Gunnar Solksjaer have to do to get the axe? They sit nine points behind leaders Chelsea, losing six of their last 12 matches. Dean Smith’s unceremonious sacking shows that perhaps Aston Villa have more ambition than the Red Devils.
Gary Neville summed up their defeat to City perfectly, labelling it as a ‘calm annihilation’. Fred and McTominay looked like extras in a live-action Disney film (never threatening to steal the spotlight). Why are the Glazers so content with this middling mediocrity? With Liverpool and Chelsea dropping points at the weekend, this Manchester derby represented a real opportunity to re-establish their flagging title ambitions.
But they have lost to their two biggest rivals- at home- at a combined total of 7-0. It feels as if the cash allure of the Champions League is really the only metric of success for the Glazers. And the fact that they currently top their Champions League group (which actually resembles the quality of a Europa League group) is perhaps the one thing that is keeping the Norwegian’s head above water.
The best thing that could happen to United at this point is an ignominious Champions League exit. It’s really that bad.
Oh, and City never made a sub. This is supposed to be one of the most high-octane clashes in world football. It was a full-on Sopranos powerplay by Guardiola, letting United know that they didn’t even get out of 2nd gear. Embarrassing.
BREAKING: #MUFC have no plans to replace manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite Saturday's defeat in the Manchester derby ❌
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 8, 2021
Spain title Race
You have to admire Real Sociedad’s tenacity. Imanol Alguacil’s side extended their unbeaten LaLiga to 10 matches, fending off the surging Real Madrid to remain top of LaLiga for one more week. The question is simple: how long can they possibly keep pace with a dogged Real Madrid side?
Madrid have a chance to usurp Sociedad should they win their game in hand. They were the epitome of professionalism against Rayo Vallecano. Toni Kroos impressed alongside Camavinga in midfield. Vinicius Jr almost scored an individual goal worthy of Puskas consideration. But Ancelotti’s side were forced to dig deep to ultimately triumph 2-1.
Of the traditional Spanish giants, Real certainly look the closest to their former glory. Curiously, both Atletico and Barcelona registered 3-3 away results. FC Barcelona will be hoping that new coach Xavi is able to resurrect the awe-inspiring aura of the club.
Diego Simeone could be at a real transition point in his managerial career. This Atletico side just doesn’t throw away two-goal leads in the final five minutes of matches. It feels like the dogmatic spine of this side has slowly been whittled way. Could it be time for both parties- coach and club- to seek a new, fresher direction?
Just Vinícius Jr. sitting down the Vallecano defenders 🤩
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 7, 2021
This would have been some goal! pic.twitter.com/h70lUhsLX6
Milan derby ends in stalemate
The weekend’s Derby Della Madonnina felt like one of the most significant Milan battles in some time. Inter desperately needed a victory to close the seven-point gap between themselves and the top two sides (Milan and Napoli).
The Rossoneri will probably feel slightly frustrated following the 1-1 draw. But on the balance of play, a draw was probably a fair result. It was a pulsating encounter with plenty of incident. Calhanglou baited his former fans after giving Inter an early lead. Milan’s backup goalkeeper Tatarusanu then kept the Rossoneri in the match with a brilliant penalty save from Martinez.
It’s rare to compliment referees in the modern game (it’s far more fun to rip into them). But Daniele Doveri made a couple of excellent decisions in one of the most intense atmospheres in world football. He managed to keep the total yellow-card count down to one in an extremely physical match. This was just emblematic of a Serie A title race that is fast debunking the myth that Italian football is dull.
The Milan Derby always delivers. 🤩🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/APq3tmImzo
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 7, 2021
Messi in Paris
First things first: there is no way that Lionel Messi can ruin his legacy. He is- for me personally- the greatest player in history. Now I don’t want to invoke the whole Ronaldo-Messi debate. That’s really a draining conversation at this point. But there’s just nothing magical about Messi in Paris.
He has yet to score a Ligue A goal in five matches, with injury and form plaguing the Argentine genius. And the latest rift between the player and the club will not make things any easier. Despite missing the two previous matches due to injury, Messi has decided to join Argentina for the November international break.
This has understandably provoked the ire of PSG director Leonardo. If Messi was wholly committed to his time at PSG, surely he should be focused on fully rehabilitating his body.
It’s almost as if international duty provides him with the sort of sanctuary he previously felt at FC Barcelona. Despite Man United’s current existential funk, nobody can point a finger at Ronaldo and question his efficiency. Can you say the same thing about Messi?
🗣 "It is not logical"
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 8, 2021
🗣 "These types of situations deserve a real agreement"
PSG are not happy with one of the clauses in Messi's contract which is causing issues for the club. If you didn't want him to use it, why let him put it in the contract?! 😅https://t.co/PI8iNb8ZSr
Player of the Week- Neymar
Just to highlight the issues surrounding the absent Leo Messi, Neymar and Mbappe turned on the style to help PGS edge out Bordeaux 3-2. But it was really Neymar who stole the show, scoring his first open play goals in Ligue 1 since May.
The 29-year-old Brazilian looked in sublime form and continued to foster that wonderful relationship with strike partner Mbappe. You get the feeling that this season may be ‘now or never’ time for Neymar at PSG.
Unfortunately for Neymar and PSG, success will ultimately boil down to Champions League victory. Ligue 1 just doesn’t have the same gravitas as the Premier League (Guardiola can still be considered a City legend without a Champions League title).
Neymar 2 goals vs Bordeaux 🔥@neymarjr
— 𝑵𝑬𝒀𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑬 (@SDMHD1) November 7, 2021
@NeymarJrSite
@agencianrsports pic.twitter.com/i9NYsXuPWq
