Louis Van Gaal rolls out a 3-4-1-2 formation in his first match in charge of United. Erik Lamela scores twice from a central role as Spurs register their first win under Mauricio Pochettino. Brendan Rodgers highlights Philippe Coutinho as a key player for Liverpool for the season ahead, Petr Cech returns to action for Chelsea, whilst Mauro Zarate grabs his first goal for new club West Ham:
Van Gaal Opts for Three at the Back in United Rout
The Dutchman’s tenure as Red Devils boss got off to the perfect start last night, with a 7-0 demolition of LA Galaxy. Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Reece James all scored twice, whilst Danny Welbeck also found the net, though the main talking point surrounded United’s new formation.
Van Gaal immediately installed the 3-4-1-2 system he utilised during the recent World Cup with Holland and fielded new boys Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera (voted Man of the Match on his debut) in the midfield four, with Juan Mata afforded the role in “the hole” behind Rooney and Welbeck. After the match, the new man in charge indicated he’s determined to forge ahead with the new formation in his first year at the helm:
“When you want to change a system, you must start at once. We don’t have time to prepare for other things. The other system they can play is 4-3-3 and they have played it for many years. I can change it back if it doesn’t work. With the quality of the players we have, I can play 4-3-3 with three strikers on the bench, but I want to play with two strikers. We have four number 10s, so the selection is not balanced in my eyes. I have decided to play this system because of the quality of the players. But if we lose, I can change back to another system. When I see my team playing a new system, it is better to win 7-0 than to lose because the players will then doubt the system. But now I don’t have that problem.”
Lamela at the Double
Last season’s big-money signing is already finding his form under compatriot Mauricio Pochettino. Handed the role in “the hole” behind Roberto Soldado, with Christian Eriksen and Aaron Lennon on the flanks in a 4-2-3-1, the Argentine scored twice in the opening 45 minutes before his manager made wholesale changes at the break. Ben Davies made his debut after completing a move from Swansea, whilst Andros Townsend emerged from the bench to fire a late winner, but it was Lamela who was the subject of his manager’s post-match praise after impressing in his new central role:
“We expect a lot from him, he’s an unbelievable player. He needs to show us that he deserves to play, but at the moment we are happy with his performance.”
Rodgers Praise for Coutinho
Liverpool suffered a late 1-0 loss to Roma last night after Marco Borriello fired a late winner for the Italian outfit. Sebastian Coates recovered from long-term injury to take his place in the starting line-up alongside fit-again Jose Enrique as the defensive options increase for Brendan Rodgers, whilst Emre Can recovered from a calf complaint to appear as a sub. The Reds boss quickly played down a shoulder problem for Fabio Borini after the Italian was forced off with just 11 minutes on the clock – with a possible move to Sunderland on the horizon, Rodgers went on to say He’ll miss a few days of training, he’s only bruised it”.
In spite of the 1-0 loss, Rodgers took time after the game to single out Philippe Coutinho. Despite drafting in a number of options in the final third over the summer so far, the Brazilian is clearly regarded as vital for the campaign ahead as the Merseysiders look to cope with the exit of Luis Suarez:
“Coutinho is the brain in our team, the continuity player. He might not score many goals, but he’s a wonderful reference for the team. He is the one that gets the team ticking, gets the movement in front of the ball. He goes and gets on the ball. He’s a fantastic talent for such a young player and he’s still gaining his fitness. He makes the crowd get off their seat. For someone so small, he’s very tough and robust. He’s a wonderful technician that has a great idea, tactically, of the game.”
N’Zogbia Back on the Radar
Having returned from long-term injury in time for Villa’s first pre-season friendly, the forgotten winger continued to stake a claim with a goal in last night’s 2-0 win over Dallas. Handed dead-ball duties by Paul Lambert, the Frenchman fired home his side’s second strike, whilst Andreas Weimann was also in the goals to add to his pair of assists in the first match – Darren Bent now has two strikes and an assist in two appearances after teeing up the Austrian for the opener.
Cech Returns to Action for Blues
The Chelsea stopper played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 with Austrian side WAC RZ Pelletts yesterday. Jose Mourinho handed new boy Filipe Luis a 60-minute debut and watched on as youngster Jeremie Boga grabbed a late equalizer for the Blues but, from a Fantasy perspective, Cech’s recovery heightens the speculation surrounding the Chelsea number one stopper situation for next term. With Thibaut Courtois set to remain at the Bridge after three years on loan at Atletico Madrid, Mourinho remained non-committal on his plans:
“My situation for the season is fantastic. To have Cech and Courtois means we have the best young goalkeeper in the world and one of the top-three or five most experienced keepers. For me and Chelsea, it’s perfect. Maybe one of them won’t be happy but the Chelsea supporters will be happy and they’re more important than players.”
Murray Nets Again for Eagles
The Palace striker notched his third goal in two pre-season appearances in last night’s draw against Columbus Crew to serve a reminder of his budget potential for the Eagles. Murray was partnered by Dwight Gayle up front in a 4-4-2 and continued the form that saw him bag a brace in the opening friendly against GAK Graz, though it was Tony Pulis’ backline that will be of more interest to Fantasy managers – Jerome Williams was handed a chance at left-back by the Eagles boss and with Joel Ward shifting to the right, Adrian Mariappa was utilised as a second-half substitute, raising concerns over his starting berth for the season ahead.
Zarate Opens Hammers Account
The West Ham summer signing needed just 30 minutes to dazzle in yesterday’s 2-1 loss against New Zealand side Wellington. Emerging from the bench on the hour mark, Zarate grabbed his first goal for Big Sam’s side and turned in an impressive display, whilst Matt Jarvis’ assist for the Hammers’ consolation means he has played a part in all three of the club’s pre-season strikes thus far. Allardyce already has a trio of injury worries, though. Andy Carroll misses the overseas tour due to an ankle injury, whilst Cheikhou Kouyate (ankle) and James Tomkins (groin) are also sidelined for Saturday’s clash with Sydney.
