Premier League hits and misses: Arsenal's problems grow, VAR helps Newcastle

Freddie Ljungberg suffers defeat with Arsenal, while Chris Wilder fumes at VAR

The best of the midweek talking points, from Arsenal's need for new leadership to Newcastle's odd VAR-assisted goal.

Arsenal director Josh Kroenke said in the wake of Unai Emery's sacking that the club are in no rush to appoint a new head coach, insisting it is about the right candidate, not the first candidate.

However, that search must surely take an urgent turn after the Gunners suffered yet another chastening evening at the Emirates Stadium at the hands of Brighton.

Freddie Ljungberg, who worked as a coach under Emery, has taken temporary charge but on the evidence of Sunday's 2-2 draw with Norwich and the 2-1 home defeat to Brighton, Arsenal need a new voice and a new direction.

Everybody at the club needs a lift and that has to come in the form of a new boss, who can attempt to galvanise a squad which has little to no confidence at the moment and a disgruntled fanbase.

Granted, it's not an easy job but it's becoming more and more difficult with every passing game. The onus is now firmly on the decision-makers at the club to act decisively to make the right, permanent appointment.
Oliver Yew

While Arsenal's shortcomings will be making the headlines, Brighton's win at the Emirates on Thursday night underlined the quiet progress Graham Potter is making with the Seagulls.

They outplayed their opponents for much of the first half and then showed resolve to see off an Arsenal surge after the break before coming through to claim their first win over a 'big six' side away from home in the Premier League at the 17th attempt.

It was Brighton's first win at Arsenal too, and Potter said afterwards his side can take confidence from their performance. It showed they are on the right path and from the hard-working Aaron Connolly to the dangerous Neal Maupay, the rock-solid Lewis Dunk to the eye-catching Aaron Mooy, Brighton have the components of a side which can keep itself above the relegation scrap.

The gap to the drop zone has stretched to four points. It's not a lot and it's tight down at the bottom but the Seagulls are looking up.
Peter Smith

VAR and Newcastle teach Blades a harsh lesson

Chris Wilder was loathe to admit his players had done anything wrong in the build-up to the second goal of their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, but had they ignored the linesman's raised offside flag and played to the whistle they might not have had the stuffing knocked out of them when Jonjo Shelvey ran through to score unopposed.

• Sheff Utd 0-2 Newcastle: Match report and highlights
• Angry Chris Wilder: VAR has drained me

Wilder's men deserved more but are finding life tough against teams that park the proverbial bus, having drawn a blank against Watford earlier this season too, and perhaps a return to their more expansive midfield from their promotion campaign would suit against opposition like this.

There should also be a mention for Newcastle's defence, who dealt with 36 crosses in open play alone and despite being territoriality dominated throughout, stuck to their task magnificently and helped further build a connection between the Toon army and Steve Bruce which barely seemed believable only a few months ago.
Ron Walker

Xherdan Shaqiri had not started a single game all season. He had not started a Premier League game since January. At times in the last campaign, it seemed he had fallen out of favour with Jurgen Klopp. After his starring role in Liverpool's 5-2 win over Everton, however, his prospects look far brighter.

His goal, clinically taken from a superb Sadio Mane through-ball in the early stages at Anfield, was his first in almost a year and it set the tone for a fine individual performance.

• Liverpool 5-2 Everton: Match report and highlights
• Analysis: Jurgen Klopp's gamble pays off

Shaqiri had only recently returned from injury but there was no evidence of rustiness in the way he tore into Everton at one end and worked tirelessly to help his side defensively at the other.

The hope now is that his return to fitness and form will help ease the burden on Liverpool's front three in the weeks ahead. And given the jam-packed schedule, it comes at a timely moment for Jurgen Klopp.