Two classic rivals in the Premier League, Liverpool and Manchester United (MU), face different fates in Week 18 of the 2022-23 Premier League competition. Tragically, although not so surprising, Liverpool were thrashed by the dark horse team, Brighton (3-0) at the Amex stadium. The defeat has further slumped Liverpool in the Premier League.
Instead, MU won 2-1 in the city derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford stadium. MU’s victory seemed to mark and complete MU’s revival in the coaching era of Erik Ten Hag. Two different faces from two true rivals in the Premier League. Liverpool are getting worse, while MU continues to increase.
Downturned Liverpool. The loss to Brigton extended Liverpool’s ill-fated streak in the Premier League. Coach Jurgen Klopp seems to be facing a 7-season curse on every team he has always coached.
The reason is, in his coaching experience, previously at Borussio Dortmund, Klopp always failed in his 7th season. That failure seemed to be the curse of Klopp’s coaching career in his seventh season at Liverpool.
Klopp’s curse seemed to have an impact on Liverpool’s fate this season. Even though Klopp made improvements on several sides, Liverpool still haven’t got up and are back on the right track. Liverpool’s defeat seemed to dash hopes of competing in the top 4 of the Premier League standings. Liverpool have fallen to 9th place in the Premier League standings.
The opportunity not to play in the Champions League next season could become a reality, which is of course difficult for Liverpool fans to deal with. Exception, Liverpool won the champions league this season as an automatic ticket to play in the champions league next season.
Against Brighton, Liverpool lost on many fronts. Starting from energy, self-confidence, to effectiveness. Liverpool look demotivated. Team play is so fragile. The midfield can’t control the ball in balance. Coupled with the back line that could not handle the pressure of Brighton’s game.
The performance against Brighton was only one of the faces of Liverpool’s downfall. Various injury problems have haunted Liverpool this season. However, Klopp was unable to find a solution to compensate for the injury problems that occurred to several players.
That is, there is an imbalance in the Liverpool squad. Or also, Klopp has lost an alternative to dealing with injury problems with a different game system. Liverpool’s downturn speaks to many things, including Klopp’s limitations in addressing squad imbalances.
The Rising of Manchester United. Different from Liverpool, MU appeared confident and full of energy when serving city rivals Man City. Even though Man City took the lead first through Jack Grealish, MU did not give up trying to find an equalizer.
MU not only got the equalizing goal, but also managed to win the game. It was M. Rashford who was the player who determined MU’s victory. In general, MU’s performance shows the rise of the game era at the hands of Ten Hag. MU is no longer a team that easily submits to strong teams like Man City, but more than that MU has started to be equal to Man City. Other teams also need to be aware of this MU revival.
MU even found the right formula against Man City, who played in control of the ball throughout the game. MU remains true to its true identity and is not provoked by Man City’s play.
MU defended solidly, looked for opportunities to carry out quick attacks, and appeared calm with Man City’s foot-to-toe play. The win also cut the distance with Man City in the Premier League standings. Only 1 point behind Man City who are in second place in the Premier League temporary standings.
MU’s revival could not be separated from the cold and disciplined hands of Erik Ten Hag. Since joining from Ajax, Ten Hag has really played a role as someone who must be obeyed and listened to in the team. Ten Hag’s firmness can be seen when he doesn’t hesitate to punish players who don’t follow team rules. Players who are late for practice are not even played.
Even players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire feel how Ten Hag shows his assertiveness as a coach. Ten Hag’s firmness paid off because MU’s game was getting more organized. Discipline that is applied from outside the field is shown through neat and tight games.
Man City, which is regarded as the most aggressive and productive team in the Premier League, looks dead tick on MU’s playing pattern. Kevin de Bruyne failed to shine and provide the ball for his teammates because MU’s midfield appeared calm, confident and diligent in chasing the ball.
MU’s revival is the fruit of Ten Hag’s firmness and discipline. Behind that, the result was also achieved thanks to the renewal of the squad. Ten Hag is given free rein to get players who are suitable for the team and are considered to be the needs of the team. For example, Casemiro, who has become a regular MU player, seems to be answering the team’s needs because MU’s midfield has become more solid.
Not to mention, the success of Ten Hag turned Luke Shaw into the partner of P. Verane. This experiment was successful. The duo Verane and Shaw appeared solid. So, Ten Hag has several alternatives in midfield, apart from Shaw and Verane, there are also L. Martinez and H. Maguirre who are often used as substitutes.
MU rose because they found the right person to bring about change. Ten Hag made changes by making improvements starting from the basics, including the behavior of the players.
MU’s revival seemed to be the face of Liverpool at the start of Jurgen Klopp’s arrival seven seasons ago. Klopp was able to lift Liverpool’s performance because he made significant squad changes.
Perhaps Liverpool’s move to get back on track is through major reforms. However, positive results can be achieved if the team is willing to make changes in the squad.
ASL
