Man City and Arsenal need fresh blood in midfield, Ademola Lookman faces a test and Hakim Ziyech is fulfilling his promise
As Liverpool’s front four overran Manchester City’s defence in the opening stages, Pep Guardiola was forced to accept the lack of mobility in key central midfield positions was putting his side at risk. Rodri and Ilkay Gündogan are devoid of pace, something which makes City more vulnerable to the counterattack than most. Additionally, they lack the impetus to instigate attacks from deep positions, leaving transitions to be slower than is required for a team who want to challenge for all major trophies. Guardiola dropped Gündogan alongside Rodri but this failed to quell the wave of Liverpool attacks being thrown at a City defence that is still building an understanding. Guardiola’s centre back pairing might finally be sorted but his next big acquisition needs to be in front of them if he is to ensure City are capable of beating Liverpool in the future. Will Unwin
Match report: Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
Match report: Arsenal 0-3 Aston Villa
Match report: Everton 1-3 Manchester United
Match report: Leicester 1-0 Wolves
Match report: Chelsea 4-1 Sheffield United
Match report: West Brom 0-1 Tottenham
Match report: Southampton 2-0 Newcastle
Match report: Crystal Palace 4-1 Leeds United
Match report: West Ham 1-0 Fulham
Match report: Brighton 0-0 Burnley
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