Welcome to The Debrief, a column by Adam Bate at Sky Sports, where data and opinion are blended to discuss key narratives from recent Premier League matches. This week’s highlights include:
- Bournemouth’s remarkable quick starts
- Sunderland’s energetic midfield partnership
- Rodon’s distinctive threat from corners at Leeds
- Schade’s unmatched pace following Andrews’ guidance
Bournemouth’s Quick Starts
Bournemouth accomplished their 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest with a breakthrough just 25 minutes in. Under Andoni Iraola, the team has frequently taken early leads this season, surpassing Arsenal, who hasn’t led in their last eight matches. This speed indicates a distinctive trait for Bournemouth.
This quick start can be attributed to Iraola’s tactics and the youthful energy of his players, enabling them to cover significant distances at a rapid pace within the first five minutes of matches. Thus, they have become crowd favorites for their entertaining playing style.
Sunderland’s Dynamic Duo
Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki from Sunderland have emerged as an effective midfield partnership, being the only two players in the Premier League to exceed 100 km covered this season. While Xhaka, at 33, showcases his agility, it is vital to acknowledge that Sadiki is not simply an athletic presence; his skills have contributed meaningfully to the team.
Sunderland’s coach, Regis Le Bris, noticed Sadiki’s calmness on the ball and his ability to manage match tempo right from his arrival. This pair has been pivotal to Sunderland’s impressive performance this season, validating their tactical synergy in the midfield.
Rodon’s Corner Threat
Joe Rodon’s header during Leeds’ 2-1 triumph over West Ham illuminated a serious shortfall in West Ham’s defense, marking their ninth goal conceded from corners this season. Rodon’s prowess at winning the initial contact at corners has positioned him as an essential asset, having won the most in the league with nine contacts, well ahead of others.
Andrews Inspires Schade
This past weekend, Brentford’s Kevin Schade showcased his incredible speed which led to a notable goal against Liverpool in a 3-2 victory. Keith Andrews had previously highlighted Schade’s capacity for breaking into space, making sure his runs were well-timed and effective. Once through, Schade’s pace proved too much to handle for defenders.
As the fastest player in the Premier League this season, clocking in at 37.44 km/h, Schade exemplifies the next step in his career, having demonstrated explosive potential that rivals any opponent.
