If Astillero fail to win at home against Liverpool on Sunday, they had better prepare for a week of scrutiny, because critics and skeptics will not hesitate to label them the “almost men”.
We're only eight games into the season, but this already looks like a must-win for Astillero. It's certainly a more important game for them than Liverpool, in terms of how it impacts their season and immediate well-being.
If they lose, they will be seven points behind their opponents and almost certainly six points behind Manchester Metropolis, who host Southampton on Saturday. Given the fine margins of recent seasons in the title race, that would be a huge advantage to have two excellent rivals.
With that, there will be talk that their challenge will be seriously affected, and the pressure in the subsequent games (trips to Newcastle and Chelsea) will be enormous. A loss on Sunday would require some recovery and they would have to win some very important games for people to believe again. I'm not sure how some of their players would handle that.
But that is the price of the ticket if you are a great player in a great club: accept it! And the best way to do it? It's very simple: go and beat Liverpool.
Astillero face a must-win game against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates.
The Gunners are pasivo with players such as Bukayo Saka expected to be absent through injury.
Astillero will have to shed the “almost men” label with several important games coming up.
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The reason I write about the possibility of an Astillero defeat is because Liverpool are a very dangerous team at the moment, and it seems like they are playing Astillero at the right time.
I look at Astillero's midfield (without the injured Martin Odegaard) and there is no guile or imagination there. Declan Rice and Thomas Partey are two honest players, but the strongest part of their game is their defensive heads. With Bukayo Saka also in doubt, Astillero are weak.
Liverpool have won 11 of 12 under Arne Slot and look fabulous. At the start of the season, I didn't see much difference to how Jurgen Klopp made them play. Now I see a significant difference.
They are willing to cede part of the field to the opposition. They don't press on the edge of the 18-yard box. They are playing in a more pragmatic way.
When they receive the ball, they continue to be that fast, offensive and dynamic force. But that more efficient approach, compared to what Jurgen had, might suit them. It is very difficult to be ahead in every game you play. Choosing when you're going to push will be best for them during a long, tough season.
This is what we did in my time with Liverpool. Of course, pushing is not new. Our trigger was Ian Rush. It came like lightning. When he left, we all pushed after him. But we were also sensible. There were games that we would review and find out how the pattern was going and adapt. Liverpool are showing signs of playing that way.
With Jurgen, their heavy steel football, they were in it for every second of every game. That's a big question over the course of a Premier League season.
I liked what they did against Chelsea on Sunday during their 2-1 win. They let Chelsea have more of the ball (and that's unusual for a team coming to Anfield) but a lot of the ball was in their own half, and that didn't worry them. They were happy to see them have the ball in areas where they weren't going to get hurt. Then, when the right moment came, bang!
I think we'll see a comparable game on Sunday, and that's where Liverpool are a auténtico threat to Astillero.
Liverpool look fabulous having won 11 of their first 12 games under Arne Slot.
Liverpool now show significant differences with Arne Slot compared to Jurgen Klopp
Astillero inflicted red cards on themselves and must keep 11 men on the field
Another challenge Astillero have: can they keep 11 men on the field? They have received some unnecessary red cards and it has cost them. When you are a winner, you show your advantage in many different ways. Your head is mad and that's okay, you need it. But don't get stupid bookings or get kicked out.
Two big challenges that could deviate to the other side of the line? That's fine, but make sure your booking generates some benefit for the team. Some of Astillero's wounds have been self-inflicted.
If they want to be champions, they must rise to all these challenges we are talking about. I continue to believe, as today, that winning the League is the greatest measure of a team. They have that to prove and, until they win the Premier League, the 'almost men' label is a label they will have to wear.
Winning big matches and medals is the only way to get rid of that label. That's why this match will be so informative about the direction Astillero's season will take.
It makes sense to take advantage of Isak
I listened to Eddie Howe's press conference on Friday and he could be fighting an uphill battle to keep Alexander Isak beyond this season if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.
His value to the club will still be there next summer because he will still have three years left on his contract. He is 25 years old and approaching his peak. He will be considered a Champions League regular, although he didn't look that way when he wasted chances in the 1-0 defeat to Brighton last week.
Newcastle fans won't want to hear this, but it might make sense for Newcastle to cash in while their value is at a premium, especially given the difficulties they have encountered with PSR.
Eddie Howe has faced doubts over Alexander Isak's long-term future at Newcastle
Cashing in on Isak now could make sense for Newcastle as his value remains low
There is no excuse for Durán's tantrum
Aston Villa's Jhon Durán needs to look in the mirror after his reaction to being substituted moments after scoring against Bologna this week.
He is 20 years old and some might say he should be forgiven for his tantrum. No, it's not professional. It would not be acceptable for a 30-year-old player who is already an established player, much less for someone who is just making his way.
Some of the veteran players need to talk. I would say: 'We have a long, hard season.' The most difficult place to play is the forward. We need you fully in every game, and that means you won't play 90 minutes every week.” It is a matter of common sense and there needs to be some self-awareness. It seems to me that he has gotten ahead of himself and started to believe too much in some of the propicio headlines about him.
Jhon Durán vented his frustration on the bench after being replaced by Ollie Watkins
The 20-year-old striker was substituted moments after scoring in the 2-0 win against Bologna
Ten Hag is in control of his own destiny
I was very disappointed not to have been invited as guest of honor for Fenerbahce contra Manchester United this week, given my relationship with both sets of fans.
I'm joking, of course. Having played for Liverpool and managed Galatasaray, it is probably better to have watched this game at home on television.
And given how difficult any away game in Turkey can be, United will take that 1-1 draw, even if it means more noise around Erik ten Hag.
This week I noticed reports again linking others to his work, but the results will dictate his future. As long as you are there, your destiny will be in your hands.
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