Merson Claims Manchester City Cannot Win the Premier League
Manchester City won their first five matches, including a chaotic five to three victory over Sunderland. Despite this, expert Paul Merson claims City cannot win the Premier League title with their current style of play. City lead reigning champions Arsenal by three points as the league enters a three-week international break.
Manchester City started the new Premier League season in a fantastic way. They won all five of their first five matches. However, football expert Paul Merson thinks they have a big problem. He believes their style of play is not safe. He says there is no way they can win the league title if they keep playing like this.
Their last match was against Sunderland. It was a very chaotic game with many goals. Manchester City won the match 5-3. During the game, star player Erling Haaland looked very frustrated. He showed his angry feelings on the pitch. Even though City won, Merson did not like what he saw. He thinks the team is too messy in defense.
Enzo Maresca is the new manager of Manchester City. Under his control, the team is now three points ahead of Arsenal. Arsenal are the reigning champions, but they had a terrible weekend. Brighton beat Arsenal 3-0 on Saturday. This was a shocking result for the champions.
Now, the Premier League has a three-week international break. Players will go to play for their countries. This gives the managers time to think about their plans.
Paul Merson still believes that Arsenal are in control of the title race. He thinks City's current style will cause them to lose games in the future. He wrote about his thoughts for Sky Sports. Many fans are talking about his opinion. Some think City are too strong to lose, while others agree that their defense is a problem.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
What is Paul Merson's opinion on Manchester City's style of play?
Past Simple for Completed Events
We use the past simple to describe actions or events that started and finished in the past.
“Manchester City started the new Premier League season in a fantastic way.”
What to know · A2
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: You are explaining to your co-worker why you are unhappy with your local team's recent performance.
- 01“They won the match, but it was chaotic.”
- 02“Our defense is a big problem.”
- 03“I do not like what I saw.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
The specific way a sports team plays their games.
The team changed their style of play to be more offensive.
Used in sports leagues to show the gap between two teams.
We are now three points ahead of our rivals.
A period when club matches stop so players can play for national teams.
No league games will happen during the international break.
Article Audio — Kokoro TTS
Merson Claims Manchester City Cannot Win the Premier League
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
Why do you think a team can win 5-3 but still have problems?
Evaluate - 2
Do you agree that a team with a weak defense cannot win a league?
Opinion - 3
How do you think Arsenal players feel after losing 3-0?
Predict - 4
Is it good for players to go on an international break during a winning streak?
Compare - 5
What makes a football manager successful in your opinion?
Opinion - 6
Have you ever felt frustrated while playing a sport? What happened?
Personal - 7
Which team do you think will win the Premier League this year?
Predict - 8
Do you prefer high-scoring chaotic games or tactical defensive games?
Compare
News sourced from: Sky Sports →. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
Get stories at your level, every day
A2 · EN · delivered to your inbox · unsubscribe any time
Customize language, level & topics → full preferences
