Premier League GW21 Preview: Moyes to Return with a Bang?

Welcome back to the weekly Premier League Preview. Following an immense amount of football since the last Preview, including the FA Cup 3rd round and the 1st leg of the EFL Cup Semi-finals, we jump back into the Premier League with a midweek edition.

The Meaty One:

Arsenal vs Spurs 20:00 15/01

One of the greatest derbies in world football, the high stakes North London Derby is set to take place at the Emirates this Wednesday. Two teams who are in very interesting periods right now that have included struggles and positives.

In the red corner, Arsenal come off a defeat via penalties to Manchester United in the FA Cup. A match they completely dominated but, as has been the story of the season, they've not always been able to convert their chances to provide the goals. As a team, they've consistently produced excellent xG stats, yet fail to put the ball in the back of the net.

The reasonings for this are numerous. Firstly, key injuries has limited their attacking ruthlessness including the likes of Bukayo Saka and Odegaard who have missed key periods during this season, being two players who have the overwhelming task of producing all the chances it seems. Secondly, the lack of a potent striker is evident as both Havertz and Jesus have failed to make a consistent stamp on the position. Thirdly, Arteta's transition to wanting to control the whole game, waiting for the opposition to make a mistake.

It is the latter point which has caught my attention. In Arsenal's two previous seasons where they got the closest to the title, Arteta's side were playing free-flowing football which turned over teams easily, whilst occasionally losing control of games. In the run-in of the 2022/23 season, this was essentially what cost them as well as Manchester City being extremely good. In the 2023/24 season, Arteta looked to control games more, but the balance was good with multiple players getting involved in creativity and goalscoring. Now, with set-pieces (an excellent weapon of course) and a desire to control matches, teams are starting to be able to stop Arsenal being effective.

In matches against Man United (1-1), Newcastle (0-2), Brighton (1-1), Ipswich (1-0) and Everton (0-0) for example, Arsenal punished their opposition's mistakes when they were exposed, yet lots of these teams were patient, easily reading Arsenal's play and not making mistakes. For this reason, Arteta has to start allowing his team to be more dynamic going forward, not relying on the opponent's mistakes, but rather Arsenal's excellence in front of goal.

In the white corner, Spurs have bounced back after a torrid run in the Premier League. A crucial 1-0 win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup 1st leg followed by a 0-3 win over Tamworth AET in the FA Cup has restored some confidence to The Lilywhites. New keeper Antonin Kinsky has been a revelation since he joined. Being confident with his feet, a physical presence, a leader and his athleticism have already won Spurs fans' hearts. Being only 21, the Czech has lots of potential. In my opinion, he could become the new number one as he has the qualities which Vicario is lacking.

In recent games, what I've liked is how Ange has been adapting his tactics to suit the opponent. For instance, uncharacteristically, Spurs were happy to let Liverpool have 60% of the possession in the EFL Cup, choosing carefully constructed moments to counter-attack which worked far better in the second half. Against Tamworth, despite going to extra-time to seal the victory, Ange remained calm and persistent, ensuring to put on more quality to get the result. He has been accused of being stubborn yet, in recent games, I've seen a turning point in his tactics - also likely due to injuries forcing his hand.

This North London Derby will be very hard to call as both teams are in a weird run of form. Yes, Arsenal are undefeated in 10 games in the Premier League but their performances haven't matched their output, particularly for a historic club of their magnitude. For Spurs, domestic cup triumphs have come at a key time for a side struggling in the league. Injuries to both teams will also open up opportunities, which should make it an interesting match, provided Arsenal don't put 11 men behind the ball!

Jack's Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Spurs

The Goals Fest:

Brentford vs Manchester City 19:30 14/01

Two of the Premier League's top goal-scoring sides go head to head on Tuesday night. Following the worst run under Pep Guardiola, City are now undefeated in 3 matches following a 4-1 win over West Ham last time out. However, despite the scoreline, The Hammers frequently got in behind The Cityzens, which could bode well for an exciting game with Brentford who are better finishers than their London rivals.

After a confident win against struggling Southampton, The Bees crashed out of the cup to struggling Plymouth Argyle who languish at the bottom of the EFL Championship! It's been the story of Brentford's season really, extreme inconsistency where we've seen the best and worst of them!

Putting aside recent form, I think this match has the potential to be an intriguing end-to-end battle. In the reverse fixture, Brentford were unlucky not to get at least a point out of the game as they lost 2-1. Losing Yoanne Wissa in that game was a blow, but the Congolese is back and raring to go.

Brentford will either play the game 1 of 2 ways. They will either sit back and hit City on the counter-attack, a plan which has worked for them in past seasons, yet their defensive solidity was much better in seasons gone by. Alternatively, they will be brave and take the game to City. Honestly, it is not a bad time to play the boys in sky blue who are still not themselves. Especially at home, where Brentford have been far better this season, they'll fancy themselves to ruffle City's feathers.

Jack's Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Manchester City

The Six-Pointer:

Everton vs Aston Villa 19:30 15/01

The return of David Moyes to Goodison Park spells the start of a new era for Everton and their new ownership. Former manager Sean Dyche, whose uninspiring defensive and negative football brought him the sack just hours before Everton's FA Cup game against Peterborough, was replaced by the former Everton boss who will take his first game at home under the Tuesday night lights.

Dyche's sack was inevitable given how poor Everton have been this season in front of goal. Indeed, draws against Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle across the season are great results. But, 3 wins in the whole campaign is abysmal, hence why Dyche got the sack.

Yet, I'm not enamoured by Moyes' return to the club. I'm an admirer of Moyes for how he bounced back from his Man United hounding via his success with West Ham, despite criticism of his style of play; it garnered results. However, for me, the decision to give him a 2 year deal was rather peculiar. David Moyes is not the manager to head the new Everton project, one which will look to change Everton's style of football and overall branding. Moyes embodies pragmatism, not dynamism. In my opinion, employing Moyes until the end of the season to steady the ship whilst lining up a summer replacement for the new project would've made way more sense.

Whilst the 3 points here are huge for Everton who face a relegation battle, Aston Villa haven't been in glistening form. They've been blowing hot and cold of late as they face injuries/suspensions which has affected the overall flow of the team. Friday night's FA Cup match against Graham Potter's West Ham highlighted Villa's recent form. A first half where they fell behind, playing slow, lacklustre football frustrated fans. Then, a second half which saw a scrappy goal completely change the momentum of the match.

Unai Emery's side is evidently lacking pace and tenacity, suffering in the absence of Jhon Durán is back for the game, John McGinn and a potent winger. So, Everton will fancy their chances here against an inconsistent Villa side who are maybe burning the candle at both ends right now. For David Moyes, looking to get Everton fans on his side is paramount, so a big shift from the team may be on the cards.

Jack's Prediction: Everton 1-1 Aston Villa