Viktor Gyokeres struggles for Arsenal against Wolves as Mohamed Salah quietens Liverpool speculation on the pitch – Premier League hits and misses | Football News

Gyokeres’ difficulties put his place in danger

Mikel Arteta has implored critics of Viktor Gyokeres to “leave him alone” in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Wolves. This probably won’t be the last time he has to defend his attacker. The summer recruit’s struggles continued in the 2-1 victory.

The 27-year-old retained his place in the starting XI after a frustrating Champions League outing against Club Brugge in midweek. Against the Premier League’s bottom side, it was the best opportunity he could ask for to add to his goal tally.

But Gyokeres could barely get near the ball, let alone score in the first half at the Emirates Stadium. His total of just five touches was the lowest of any player. When Bukayo Saka seemingly put it on a plate for him, he couldn’t get there to convert the cross.

There is some debate about the serve, but it wasn’t the first time he was caught on his heels during his first few months at Arsenal. Gyokeres had its moments. He was unlucky to be injured in the middle of his best performance in Arsenal colors against Burnley.

But after just six goals in 19 appearances, and given his contribution to the overall game is modest, the jury is still out. Mikel Arteta can now call on Gabriel Jesus again. It might not be too long before Kai Havertz is fit and fighting for the No.9 jersey as well.

Is Gyokeres really doing enough to hold them back?

He improved as the second half progressed, at one point pinning Wolves centre-back Emmanuel Agbadou and shooting narrowly wide on the corner. But it was a rare highlight in another performance that raised more questions than answers.
Nick Wright

Salah calms speculation by speaking on the pitch

Mohamed Salah did not stop speaking in the mixed zone after Liverpool’s victory against Brighton. This week, he was able to express himself on the field. Arne Slot says there are no issues to be resolved and Salah’s performance suggests they are on the same page.

The Egyptian striker took a break after full time to greet the Anfield crowd before leaving for the AFCON. However, there was no sign of goodbye forever. Slot’s comments after the match seem to draw a line under the matter.

Coming on as a substitute in the 26th minute after Joe Gomez was injured, Salah spent more than an hour on the pitch, having been deprived of playing time in recent weeks, and played with a freedom he has lacked this season, although his late failure showed he was not fully back.

It was a more selfless performance from Salah, who assisted Hugo Ekitike’s second goal from a corner, and showed he has much more to offer than just goals. No one on the pitch created more chances (5) despite their reduced minutes.

Salah almost set up Alexis Mac Allister almost instantly after his entry, setting the tone for the rest of his match. He was constantly probing, looking for a way to break Brighton down, finishing with more final third passes (19) than any of his teammates.

Only time will tell if there really are no more problems to resolve. The transfer window opens in January and speculation will continue until Salah speaks out himself. For now, he quieted the noise by speaking on the field.
Zinny Boswell

Palmer shows his importance to Chelsea

“I’ve said it many times, with Cole Palmer, we’re a better team.”

It took Chelsea just 21 minutes to show it against Everton as Palmer, making his first start at Stamford Bridge in four months, swept away Malo Gusto’s pass to send his side to their first victory in three Premier League matches.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been keen to highlight his side’s efforts without the injured Palmer this season, but it can’t be a coincidence that the England star loses points every time the England star’s form dips or he misses.

His barren spell last season – two goals between late December and May – coincided with the team’s descent from second place in the league to a fight for the top four, and although Maresca has insisted his side have much more to offer, things undoubtedly run much more smoothly in the team when he is present and purring.

“Palmer is such a smart footballer,” Paul Merson said. Football Saturday. “He’s always calm. He never panics. It was great that he scored and then Chelsea took care of him.”

Palmer admits he’s still “dealing with an injury” and Maresca says no. 10 probably won’t play two games in a week, that’s a concern for the Blues.

Palmer was taken off just before the hour mark, his job done and the manager extremely keen to manage his playing time. He showed his worth against Everton and why Chelsea will continue to be cautious with their star man.
Olivier If

Brighton unlucky at Liverpool

“For the first time in months, I felt like we had some luck on our side.” Arne Slot’s admission after Liverpool’s win won’t make Brighton’s task any easier.

The visitors recorded a higher xG but had just one shot on target as they wasted chance after chance at Anfield.

It could have been different if Danny Welbeck had been able to start, with the dropped striker unable to fully train this week.

Instead, Brighton’s best chances fell to midfielder Diego Gomez and he was unable to beat Alisson in the first half before hitting the side netting with the goal gaping.

“We certainly deserved more,” Hurzeler said – and perhaps he meant some of the luck that came Liverpool’s way.
David Richardson

Wilson becomes Fulham’s talisman at the right time

Three of Fulham’s 11 starters at Burnley won’t be available for Marco Silva until at least a week into the new year.

Turf Moor assistant Samuel Chukwueze, evening scorer Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi will be absent to represent Nigeria.

It’s a blow for Silva, but Harry Wilson has emerged as Fulham’s talisman, ready and able to carry the burden of goals and assists for the Cottagers.

“Everything he touches turns to gold,” said Aerial sports Jamie Redknapp after his masterclass at Turf Moor.

Wilson is playing his best football. The 28-year-old has been involved in eight goals in his 15 Premier League games this season, already eclipsing his seven contributions throughout last campaign.

Fulham are bracing for a tough time over the festive period and without three of their key players it will be an even tougher challenge. However, with Wilson performing as he is, confidence can remain high at Craven Cottage.
William Bitibiri