Weekend numbers: Messi's 43rd hat trick for Barcelona; Ronaldo gets Juve's 5000th

The FC crew answer your tweets on Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League, Jose Mourinho’s ability to manage a top side again and more.

Are too many Liverpool stars excluded from Gab Marcotti’s Premier League team of the weekend after their win over Manchester United?

Gab Marcotti believes the personality issue between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho is merely the Man United manager’s attempt to create a scapegoat.

Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho believes he can still reach the top four in the second half of the season despite trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by 11 points.

Following Manchester United’s resounding defeat at Liverpool, Craig Burley slams the club’s lack of leadership, from the boardroom to the pitch.

Jose Mourinho was happy with his team selection and has no regrets about not playing Paul Pogba

Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp rated the 3-1 win over Manchester United as one of the best performances he has seen since he has been at the club as he reflected on what he called a perfect night.

Jose Mourinho did not appreciate getting asked if he has the backing of the dressing room following Manchester United’s loss to Liverpool.

Chelsea’s Mauricio Sarri admitted that Eden Hazard’s injury is not a serious one and that he was substituted as a precaution during their win over Brighton.

With Liverpool getting their first league win over Manchester United since 2014, FC’s Shaka Hislop examines the gulf in class between the two sides.

Alexis Nunes and Shaka Hislop break down Arsenal’s surprising loss to Southampton, and determine if more defensive struggles are on the horizon for the Gunners.

Liverpool went back to the top of the Premier League table with an emphatic 3-1 win over Manchester United, while Cristiano Ronaldo helped Juventus to yet another milestone with a goal in their 1-0 derby win against Torino. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi did Lionel Messi things (scored three, assisted two) as Barcelona thrashed Levante 5-0. Here are the best numbers from the weekend’s action:

1

Lionel Messi is the first player to reach double figures for both goals (14) and assists (10) in the top five European leagues this season. He’s also the top-scorer in the top five European leagues this season.

Oh, and 50 - Between Barcelona and Argentina, Lionel Messi has scored 50+ goals in eight of the last nine years (it’s exactly 50 in 2018, so far).

Also, 25 - Leo Messi and Luis Suarez have 25 goals between them this season. Real Madrid, on the other hand, have only managed 24 in 16 league games — their worst tally at this stage since 1993/94 (also 24 goals).

2

Alisson has made as many errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season as Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius combined in 2017-18 (2). The Brazilian has improved Liverpool’s defensive record, but also produces forgettable moments like the one on Sunday, when he spilled a regulation cross to allow Jesse Lingard to score United’s equaliser.

Messi is the first player to reach double figures for both goals and assists this season in Europe's top five leagues. — Messi is the first player to reach double figures for both goals and assists this season in Europe’s top five leagues.

5000

Cristiano Ronaldo scored Juventus’ 5000th Serie A goal in their 1-0 win over Torino, The Bianconeri are the first team to reach this milestone. Ronaldo is also the first Juventus player to score in six consecutive away league games this century.

43

More Messi magic. The Argentine has now scored 43 hat tricks across all competitions for Barcelona. Only one player has more for a Spanish club… who else? Cristiano Ronaldo (44 for Real Madrid)

5

Charlie Austin has scored in all five of his Premier League games against Arsenal – only Raheem Sterling versus Bournemouth (6 games) has a better 100% record of scoring against a specific opponent in Premier League history. The Saints got their first victory at home since April this year, beating Arsenal 3-2, also ending the Gunners’ 22-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

Also, 17 - Arsenal haven’t led at half time in any of their 17 Premier League games this season.

19

Liverpool are now 19 points ahead of Manchester United – their biggest lead over them after the first 17 games of an English top-flight season.

Also, 26 – Manchester United have 26 points after their first 17 Premier League games; their worst points haul in the top-flight at this stage since 1990-91 (also 26 points).

Liverpool went 17 points clear of United with their win on Sunday.

29

Manchester United have conceded 29 goals in the Premier League this season; one more than they did in the entirety of the 2017/18 campaign.

Also, 20 - Romelu Lukaku had just 20 touches for Manchester United at Anfield – never previously has he had fewer in a Premier League game that he played 90 minutes in.