Continuation of Part I
4. Manchester United long due for a rebuild
Manchester United's hard fought draw against Fulham solidified the words long waned by pundits and fans alike: a complete rebuild is necessary.
Confronting the international break with the joint worst start to a Premier League season, Manchester United's football has been characterised by aimless possession and wastefulness.
Manchester United currently have the most touches inside the opponent's box (182) and the 2nd highest shots on target per match (5.6) with a 7.1 shot conversion rate (the 5th worst in the league), while averaging 59.9% possession every match.
Also being spotlighted this season is their poor defensive transition, inferior physicality and lack of midfield control.
The result of this: 1 win, 2 losses and 2 draws in 5 Premier League games.
Recruitment remains United's most under-utilised weapon, and it has been painfully evident in every game played this season.
A defense plagued by mediocrity and injuries, an easily overpowered midfield, a sterile attack, and a strategy that trembles when facing opposition press.
This very formula has sunk teams, and Manchester United have a lot of rebuilding to do if they aim to mount a title charge in the Premier League.
5. Brighton's strength lies in their brilliant utilization of possession
Brighton have seized the 3rd position in the Premier League with frightening tenacity: they have scored the most goals in the league (16), averaging the most possession per game in the league (64.8%) and keeping the joint most clean sheets (3).
Each goal scored is the product of a different factor of the game they seem to have readily mastered this season: pressing, counterattack, positioning, set pieces, individual brilliance.
One never knows how the next Brighton goal will manifest itself. But we know one thing: the Brighton team are willing to fight the Devil himself for possession, and when they win the ball, it is only ever lost to the opponent's net.
6. Hull City need more depth
Hull City have been one of the most impressive sides this campaign. They have lost only 1 game out of 5, while conceding the joint 3rd least goals in the league.
Their season has been defined by an impermeable defense and brutal physicality; they have conceded the joint 3rd least goals (4) while gathering the most yellow cards (18).
Their average possession of 32.3% per game means they spend most of the time behind the ball, defending, so it stands to reason they would seek to employ very capable defenders.
Summer signing Nobel Mendy is one of the chief crusaders of Hull City's aggression. He has the 2nd most defensive contributions per 90 minutes for a centreback in the league (13.9), and is the Hull City centreback with the most tackles made per 90 minutes (2.5) and most blocks per 90 minutes (1.4).
However, Mendy got injured in Hull's match against Chelsea in week 4, preventing him from playing the next game against Newcastle: their only loss of the season.
While the equation is not as simple as surmising that the loss is directly because of Mendy's absence, it is safe to say Mendy's unavailability was felt, especially in the manner of goals conceded against Newcastle.
If Hull City plan on maintaining their fine form, they have to develop a powerful contingency plan that ensures injuries to important players or a change in opposition tactics don't derail their momentum.
