Plus from Wednesday: Connor Bradley steals the show as Liverpool beat Chelsea; Julian Alvarez grabs the headlines as Erling Haaland returns for Man City in their win over Burnley; Timo Werner shows the value of Tottenham conducting their transfer business early as he helps beat Brentford
Modern midfielder Mainoo has saved Man Utd a fortune
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hits and misses: Kobbie Mainoo shines for Manchester United with dramatic winner at Wolves />
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester United’s win against Wolves in the Premier League
“He’s making incredible progress. He is the modern midfield player.” Erik ten Hag was effusive in his praise for Kobbie Mainoo after his dramatic winner at Wolves – and understandably so.
Casemiro. Fred. Donny van de Beek. Nemanja Matic. So many millions have been spent by Manchester United as they tried to find a player to command their midfield. Now, it seems an answer may have sprung from their academy.
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To prove Ten Hag’s point, Mainoo excelled in attack and defence at Molineux, ranking joint-first among United players for possession wins (six) while also sealing the points with a goal of rare composure.
It’s already clear Mainoo is part of United’s strongest XI. He offers more physicality than Christian Eriksen, more skill than Scott McTominay and more dynamism than Casemiro.
If Mainoo maintains his current trajectory, it’s not unreasonable to think he could even sneak into an England squad that is not exactly blessed with midfielders at the peak of their form.
But even if he falls short in that aim, the 18-year-old looks as though he has saved United a fortune in the transfer market.
Joe Shread
Wolves play their part in Molineux thriller
Gary O’Neil spent much of his post-match press conference discussing the challenge of trying – and ultimately failing – to bring in another striker this transfer window but Wolves managed to score three goals against Manchester United and still lost.
It was the details that cost them. The third goal from a corner was routine and the fourth goal came from a throw-in. Wolves appeared caught up in the emotion of the game, while Mainoo was the coolest character in the stadium. It proved the difference.
O’Neil prides himself on those tactical details, which is perhaps why he was so frustrated that his match-preparation time had been disrupted by trying to get a deal over the line. He described having a game on deadline day as a “terrible idea” afterwards.
But if there was some comfort in being beaten at home for the first time in over four months it was that even in a sloppy performance, there was a spirit, a work ethic, the sort of togetherness that has his team in mid-table rather than facing the drop as some expected.
Wolves have served up some drama already at Molineux this season, beating Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea. They came out on the wrong side of this seven-goal thriller but it said plenty that their players were applauded off the pitch at the end of the game.
Adam Bate
Things can only get better for Phillips
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from West Ham’s draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League
David Moyes threw Kalvin Phillips in at the deep and to a certain extent it backfired, but having not made a single start in the Premier League this season for Man City, the England international was always going to take time to get up to speed.
He endured a nightmare start to his West Ham debut, playing the ball straight to Dominic Solanke to score Bournemouth’s opener. His struggles continued during the first half and an off-the-pace Phillips was eventually replaced in the 68th minute by Danny Ings.
- West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth – Match report and highlights
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Lee Hendrie and Gary Rowett discuss Kalvin Phillips’ difficult first touch in a West Ham shirt as they went a goal down to Bournemouth
However, Phillips’ lack of sharpness was probably understandable considering his bit-part role at Man City over the last couple of years.
What is important now is how the 28-year-old improves from here. He’s been crying out for minutes, particularly as he tries to win a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer.
After his first start against Bournemouth, he will be hoping more follow and that he can build and improve quickly.
Oliver Yew
Moyes’ midfield mistake
Image: David Moyes holds his head in his hands after West Ham gift Bournemouth an opening goal at London Stadium
David Moyes’ pre- and post-match commentary was telling. “We’ve had to rejig,” he said before kick-off, in reference to Kalvin Phillips’ inclusion. “Hindsight is a wonderful thing,” he conceded after the full-time whistle.
The teamsheet looked imbalanced from the off. Four central midfielders and no striker. Of course Moyes has been hamstrung by injuries and absences in recent weeks, but attempting to crowbar four midfielders into the starting XI caused more harm than good against high-pressing Bournemouth.
Image: Kalvin Phillips shows his frustration after his error allows Dominic Solanke to score for Bournemouth at West Ham
Phillips looked lost. Edson Alvarez was scrappy and ineffective. Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse were better, but ever-changing shape restricted their influence. Debutant Phillips registered an error leading to a goal with only his second touch in a Hammers shirt – it was all a bit messy and confused.
That will be the first and last time we’ll see that midfield concoction this season, or ever. Question is, where does Phillips fit now? West Ham’s central trio – Alvarez, Ward-Prowse and Soucek – have forged good connections in the first half of this season. Why disrupt it unnecessarily?
Laura Hunter
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Bradley is a symbol of this new Liverpool
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea
The roar that greeted Conor Bradley’s goal in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Chelsea was that little bit louder than the rest. It was a reward for his fine form since coming into the side but it was also a reminder that Jurgen Klopp is building an exciting new team.
Bradley has looked assured defensively, combative in the tackle, impressive in possession and has now shown a finishing ability that Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez would envy. He is more than filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold. He was a worthy player of the match.
- Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea – Report and highlights
- How the teams lined up | Match stats
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Sky Sports News’ Paul Gilmour has everything you need to know about Liverpool’s emerging young star Conor Bradley
With two assists as well as his goal, the Northern Ireland international has certainly won over the Anfield crowd – they chanted his name more than once on the night. He looks like a strength rather than a weakness, highlighting the depth in this squad now.
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Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor is joined by ESPN’s Mark Ogden to reflect on Liverpool’s impressive victory over Chelsea and the state of the title race
That gives Klopp options, the opportunity to deploy Alexander-Arnold in midfield rather than at right-back, for instance. Expect him to have a big impact this season and beyond. At a time when the focus is on Liverpool stories coming to an end, another is just beginning.
Adam Bate
Chelsea’s lack of leadership has never been more apparent
Image: Mykhailo Mudryk missed a sitter as Chelsea slumped at Anfield
Once again, it’s two steps forward, two steps back for Chelsea. After winning three in a row in the Premier League for the first time under Mauricio Pochettino, his side produced a woeful display at Anfield.
It was the same in November, when Chelsea followed up impressive results against Tottenham and Manchester City by getting thrashed at Newcastle.
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But even more worrying than the inconsistency – or the one-sided result – was the nature of Chelsea’s performance against Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were predictably fired up in their first Premier League game since he announced his planned exit, but it seemingly caught Chelsea by surprise.
The visitors were second to everything. They continuously gave the ball away in dangerous areas. They lost their runners.
Investing in youth has had the predictable consequence of leaving Chelsea short of two vital components that make up successful teams – experience and leadership.
Never was it more apparent than on Wednesday night.
Joe Shread
Alvarez outshines returning Haaland for City
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Man City’s win over Burnley
Erling Haaland’s return from injury against Burnley was a major boost for Manchester City. His second-half introduction was cheered as loudly as any of their goals. But it was Julian Alvarez who inflicted most of the damage on the night.
His double, scored in the space of six first-half minutes, took him to eight for the campaign in the Premier League and 15 overall. He also has six assists. He is quietly having an excellent season.
And yet a look at the statistics on Wednesday night suggests he did little other than score. The Argentine only had 24 touches, by far the fewest of City’s starters, and only completed 12 passes. His goals came from his only two shots of the night.
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The Argentine is an atypical Manchester City player, low-touch but high-efficiency, and it is that streamlined effectiveness that makes him so important to Pep Guardiola. Alvarez is not the beating heart of this team but he almost always affects games.
It is for that reason that he has become so prominent. In the Premier League so far this season, the 24-year-old is the only Manchester City player to have started all 21 games.
The assumption is that Haaland’s return will bump him out of the team. But do not be surprised if Guardiola continues to find room for him. This was just one of many games this season in which he has underlined his importance.
Nick Wright
Werner’s impact shows Spurs’ early business is paying off
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Tottenham and Brentford
With James Maddison making his first start since November, the England international was all set to grab the headlines, but it was Timo Werner who impressed most in attack.
The German was a constant threat down the left and caused Brentford plenty of problems, grabbing an assist for the second goal.
- Tottenham 3-2 Brentford – Report and highlights
- How the teams lined up | Match stats
His eye-catching performance drew praise from Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.
“I thought he was great,” the Australian said. “He’s a quality player. As he gets stronger and fitter and understands our game a little bit better, I think he’ll become even more effective.
“I know there’s goals in him as well and that will come with time.”
Spurs usually leave their business towards the end of the transfer window but this month they acted early by bringing in Werner on loan, and that swift action is paying off.
Declan Olley
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