Liverpool and Arsenal find defensive solidity, Greenwood and Sancho pay Ronaldo price

10 talking points from the Premier League weekend

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace is challenged by Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on September 18, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

1) Tuchel’s tactics disguise his greatest talent 

It is true that Thomas Tuchel’s decision to replace Mason Mount with N’Golo Kanté at half-time against Tottenham had a profound impact on the match. But Tuchel’s managerial skill goes far beyond formations and tactics. Through the strong relationships he builds with players and the team spirit he engenders, he has created an environment in which he can take these decisions while running little risk of alienating players such as Mount.