Premier League news: Guardiola booed like never before, the truth about Hodgson is revealed

A busy English league schedule calls for the second part of our regular column in one week. After another Manchester City loss, we’ll stick with team of Pep Guardiola this time, but we’ll also take a peek at Crystal Palace.

Emery is the boss, team of Guardiola was booed

In previous episodes, we’ve gone over and over Manchester City’s inability to decide the game with a goal to take a two-goal lead. We’ve mentioned the lack of concentration, the lack of motivation and the inner confidence that the narrow lead would somehow be maintained.

This time, however, it was very different. Aston Villa didn’t just beat the Citizens 1-0, they outplayed them. A more apt term, without exaggeration, is stomping into the ground, for this was the first time in Guardiola’s coaching career that his team had only fired twice in the league.

That hasn’t happened to him in the colours of Citizens, Bayern or Barcelona. Similarly, 22 shooting attempts by the opponent is a negative record for the Spanish coach. The stoppage for yellow cards of Jack Grealish and especially Rodri was noticeable, the midfield belonged clearly to the Villans.

Although Manchester were missing their mainstays, one cannot but praise Aston Villa’s performance. Guardiola called them title contenders, at least top 4 contenders they undoubtedly are. Just think about who last outplayed Guardiola like this game-wise. I can’t think of anyone.

Magic of Hodgson is fading

He came in last year, started winning and comfortably saved himself. Yet a large part of the Crystal Palace fan base was not happy with Roy Hodgson’s coaching change to Patrick Vieira. It was a bet on a certain guarantee of results and the short-sightedness of the owners is showing after less than a year.

Hodgson is sovereignly the oldest coach in the Premier League and has a reputation as an Eagles legend. In the PL he has always managed to win games against teams from the bottom of the table, part of the reason why Crystal Palace have never played for relegation under him. The London team is a classic mid-table club.

However, since the November international break, losses to Luton and Bournemouth, a draw against West Ham and miserable performances. The Eagles are only lucky that this year’s trio of newcomers is the sovereign worst. A seven-point lead on the relegation zone is comfortable, but the coaching question is time to be addressed. With Michael Olis Eberechi Eze and an overall quality squad, more modern football can be played.

Source: Premier League