Should Postecoglou be more like Arteta? Liverpool loss just a blip? And EFL chaos
Should Postecoglou be more like Arteta?
Ange Postecoglou and Mikel Arteta were appointed managers of Celtic and Arsenal within a month of each other in 2021. Both inherited playing squads in need of investment but in contrasting positions in their respective leagues.
Both have enjoyed promising starts and are aiming to establish their clubs as title contenders once more, but is the Celtic manager at risk of becoming a victim of his own attacking principles in the same way as the Spaniard?
Arteta's Arsenal lost 3-2 at home to Manchester United last month, in a match where they managed just 35 per cent possession. It was the first time they had conceded three goals in a Premier League match since their 5-0 defeat at Manchester City in August. The result left them 15th in the table and five points off the Champions League places.
Postecoglou, meanwhile, has led Celtic to the top of the Scottish Premiership, winning nine of their first 10 games in charge. However, they have done so with a more attacking approach than Arteta, averaging more possession and shots on goal than Arsenal in their respective leagues.
But Celtic's defensive record has been more concerning, conceding nine goals in their first 10 games. They have also lost two of their four Europa League matches.
There are some similarities between the two managers. Both are demanding and have a clear philosophy that they want their teams to play. Both are also willing to give young players a chance.
However, there are also some key differences. Arteta has a more cautious approach than Postecoglou, and is more willing to compromise his attacking principles in order to get results.
It will be interesting to see how the two managers fare over the rest of the season. Postecoglou is likely to stick to his attacking principles, while Arteta may need to be more pragmatic if he wants to achieve success with Arsenal.
Liverpool loss just a blip?
Liverpool's defeat to West Ham United on Sunday was their first in the Premier League this season. It was also their first defeat at home since April 2017.
The result leaves Liverpool in second place in the table, two points behind Chelsea. However, they have a game in hand over the leaders.
There is no need to panic at this stage of the season. Liverpool have a strong squad and they will be confident of bouncing back from this setback.
However, the defeat to West Ham did expose some weaknesses in Liverpool's team. They looked vulnerable on the counter-attack and they struggled to create chances against a well-organized defence.
These are issues that Jurgen Klopp will need to address if he wants to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title this season.
EFL chaos
The EFL Trophy semi-finals were postponed on Tuesday due to a COVID-19 outbreak at Sunderland.
The Black Cats were due to host Lincoln City in the first leg of their semi-final, but the match was called off after several Sunderland players and staff tested positive for the virus.
The EFL has yet to announce when the match will be rescheduled.
The other semi-final, between Portsmouth and Exeter City, is still scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
The EFL Trophy is a competition for clubs in League One and League Two, as well as some Premier League and Championship B teams.
The final is due to be played at Wembley Stadium on March 13.
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