Henry Winter’s weekend wonders: Southampton’s lesson for United, the rookie thriving under Lampard

Evertonians have been raving for ages about Anthony Gordon, the attacking midfielder who joined their academy at 11. As he gradually acquired first-team minutes, Gordon also won admirers in the England age-group system. A goal and an assist against Leeds United captured only part of the 20-year-old’s game, namely that hunger for the ball, that energy to storm upfield. Frank Lampard’s belief in young players, and his knowledge of the midfield arts, will accelerate Gordon’s progress.

Hasenhüttl shows what United are missing

Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Southampton side offered so many strengths that were absent in Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, namely work ethic, organisation, pressing and determination in one v one defensive situations. He did his homework on United, especially their failure to react quickly enough when out of possession. Hasenhüttl’s emotional engagement with his players, his response to the game’s flow and encouragement from the dugout add to this feeling of a team bonded with their manager.

Azpilicueta’s trophy cabinet is full

César Azpilicueta has won it all. The man the Chelsea fans affectionately call “Dave” has won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa European Super Cup and now the Fifa Club World Cup. He also won the mind games against Palmeiras, pretending that he was going to take the extra-time penalty, drawing the Brazilian wind-up merchants to him rather than Kai Havertz. Azpilicueta has also won many friends off the pitch with his work during the pandemic. Captain, leader, winner …

Travers helps Bournemouth get back on track

Mark Travers, the 22-year-old Bournemouth goalkeeper, enhances his reputation by the week. Against Blackpool, the Ireland international defied Jerry Yates, CJ Hamilton, Josh Bowler three times and then, most memorably, Travers saved Gary Madine’s header, which would have made it 2-0 to the hosts.

Madine, scarcely five yards out, leapt high to meet a corner and headed goalwards, but Travers stretched out his right hand to repel the ball. Madine sat briefly on the floor, looking bemused. Bournemouth then showed their resilience by securing a late win, and were indebted to Travers for keeping them in the contest. He was equally good in midweek against Birmingham City. Bournemouth appear to have a special talent between the posts.

Trippier shows his worth to Newcastle

Kieran Trippier is proving one of the most inspired signings of the January window, and nobody should be surprised. Trippier’s a warrior and a winner. His critics will say that his free kick simply beat Emi Martínez, Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, because it deflected off Emi Buendía but that ignores the Newcastle United full back’s power and placement.

Villa lined up a decent wall with five in it, John McGinn as draught excluder and Buendía slightly to one side. Trippier simply drove the ball through the space between Buendía and Calum Chambers, who was at the end of the wall. It was struck so hard that any deflection was going to trouble Martínez. Trippier limped off and had x-rays on a foot injury but, when fit again, deserves to keep the armband.

– The Times