Slick Arsenal, 'class act' Mesut Ozil, Paul Pogba and Newcastle discussed
Tuesday 23 October 2018 08:54, UK
Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness were in the studio to analyse Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Leicester. Here's all you need to know from MNF...
"It's not time to make a change." That was Jamie Carragher's verdict on Rafa Benitez when asked whether bottom-placed Newcastle should consider the future of their manager.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher backed "calm" Benitez to keep the Magpies up and though Graeme Souness followed suit, he warned club chiefs: "Everyone else is investing, and if you're not investing, you're standing still."
Carragher and Souness's full verdict on Rafa and Newcastle
No Premier League side has conceded from corners more times than Manchester United this season so what's the problem? Carragher and Souness took to the MNF touchscreen to dissect United's set-piece woes - and the spotlight was on Paul Pogba.
"His starting position is all wrong," said Souness. "What you can't afford to happen is someone to get in front of you and get a header. He has to be able to see the kicker from the corner and his marker and he doesn't do that, time and time again."
"I do think Pogba has to be taken off those duties because it's not a strength of his at all," Carragher added.
Pogba's man-marking struggles - in-depth analysis
During a Twitter Q&A at the end of the show, Souness opened up about his time at Liverpool and spoke candidly about his regrets.
It's a must-read account during which he admits he "wishes he could turn back the clock."
Souness speaks frankly - read in full
Mesut Ozil and substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inspired Arsenal to a 3-1 victory over Leicester on Monday Night Football and a 10th win in a row in all competitions.
The Foxes capitalised on a positive start at the Emirates when Ben Chilwell's shot deflected in off Hector Bellerin in the 31st minute.
But Ozil's well-taken goal on the stroke of half-time proved to be the catalyst for an Arsenal comeback.
Aubameyang was introduced in the 61st minute and scored twice inside five minutes, finishing from Bellerin's cross and then tapping in after a slick passing move.
Souness on slick Arsenal: "Arsenal were fabulous with their slick passing. The front players at times were sensational. The movement is quicker under this manager. That one-touch, two-touch in the attacking third is opening doors for them. I think we've got a different Arsenal now."
Carragher on Leicester's penalty claim over Rob Holding's handball: "It's a huge decision. The referee couldn't be in a better position. I don't know whether he just froze. You don't know what happens after that - whether Leicester go 2-0 up - but it's a big mistake, a really poor decision."
Souness on Ozil... before his second-half showing: "He's a top-class player - maybe lacks a pint of enthusiasm occasionally - but he's a class act."
Jurgen Klinsmann had led the way until Ozil struck on the stroke of half-time...
Unai Emery: "We are happy because we are progressing. We need to play with organisation but also with heart. We are beginning to play with heart. This feeling together is very good."
Claude Puel: "I don't understand why the referee didn't whistle the penalty; in this moment it was a penalty and a second yellow card also. This situation can change the course of the game."
Carra was in no doubt Leicester were deserving of their lead as half-time loomed...
But Ozil - back in the starting XI and handed the captain's armband - soon turned on the style...
We'll leave the final verdict to him...
