Two bald Premier League managers: one brave, one timid, resulting in one win and one loss; Haaland on the bench, Salah starting.

In the recent Premier League fixtures, Manchester City and Liverpool, two dominant teams over many years, saw a home game scenario where one manager showed bravery and the other caution, resulting in one win and one loss. Both bald-headed coaches: Guardiola dared to bench his star player and world-class striker, helping City to victory; Klopp, pressured by key players, was reluctant to enforce changes, which led to Liverpool’s defeat.

In the Man City versus Wolves match, City’s players have been in poor form recently, such as Haaland, who appeared disengaged over eight games, and Foden. Guardiola boldly kept the club’s most expensive player, Haaland (valued at €200 million), on the bench and started former Bundesliga star Malmoush, who scored against Wolves just six minutes in. Winter signing Semenyo scored and hit the post, and although City seemed to win 2-0, it was a narrow victory as Wolves dominated the second half with constant threats. Especially after Haaland and Foden came on as substitutes, their poor form persisted. Overall, many City players remain off their best, but newcomer Gui has solved defensive shortages, and young Husainov is improving. The key to City’s win was Guardiola’s decision to start Malmoush over Haaland, signaling that form dictates selection and rotation is necessary. Haaland needs to address his inconsistency, as he tends to perform well against weaker teams but struggles in tough matches—this is his biggest weakness. Although he scores frequently, Haaland’s reluctance in high-pressure situations creates problems for City’s attack, making it difficult to break down defenses.

In Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Klopp tried to shake things up with Salah returning to start in a 4-2-2-2 formation, pairing Gakpo and Salah upfront, supported by Weirtz and Szoboszlai behind them, with McAllister and Gravenberch in defensive midfield. However, Liverpool’s midfield was completely outplayed. Although Salah provided an assist, three major Bundesliga signings all struggled: Weirtz seemed absent-minded, Frimpong was unsure how to play behind Salah, and Ekitić was left on the bench. Klopp appeared too cautious, lacking Guardiola’s reputation and courage. Gakpo and Salah have become Liverpool’s two major issues. With these two starting, Liverpool’s new signings failed, and the team sank deeper into trouble, exemplified by the 3-2 last-minute loss away to Bournemouth. Currently, Liverpool’s lineup has only Ekitić on the same wavelength as Weirtz. After multiple dribbles and passes from Weirtz, Liverpool’s players watched passively. Klopp refused to substitute Salah and instead took off McAllister, repeatedly making mistakes that led to the defeat. After five rounds, Liverpool has only 4 points from 4 draws and 1 loss, still winless—a disappointing situation.