Barcelona continued their unbeaten start to the LaLiga season with a 2-1 win over Getafe at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Memphis Depay scored the winning goal after half an hour, their second for the club after a summer move from Lyon, with Ronald Koeman's side scoring seven points in their opening three games. Sergi Roberto had previously opened the scoring for Getafe in the second minute in the middle of the first half for former Barca striker Sandro Ramirez.
Positives
Memphis looks like one of the signs of summer. He was brilliant in the opening day's win over Real Sociedad and scored a crucial draw against Athletic Bilbao last weekend. He was less impressive against Getafe but still made the difference. He's playing with so much confidence and his goal was a result of that, his sharp legs troubling the defenders and eliminating goalkeeper David Soria early from guard.
There was also an absolute debut for Emerson Royal at the right-back and a first-time LaLiga appearance for 17-year-old Gavi. remember the name.
Negatives
Barcelona have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their three league matches so far. Getafe's goal was particularly soft from a defensive point of view. "You have to stop that move, three or four players, do a foul if you have to," Koeman was caught telling his players during the first-half stoppage.
What is more worrying is how bad Barca's position was in the second half. Getafe were the dominant side and created more chances. Barca finished the game on their own with five defenders, four central midfielders and Memphis in the attack. They should not watch such games at home.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- Koeman couldn't figure out how to swing the game back in Barca's favor as Getafe took things forward after the break. A restless Camp Nou wanted him to be more proactive with his changes, but he opted to wait until the 63rd minute before turning. And when he did, it was write-back for right-back. That said, he deserves credit for trusting young Gavi and Nico Gonzalez of late.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 -- Probably could have done better with Sandro's goal but will be happy to be back in action after three months following an intervention on his knee.
DF Emerson Royal, 6 -- was fine on his first start for Barca, stopping an almost certain goal with a challenge on Carles Elena. However, there is still room for improvement in the defense and he will have to make more offers in the attack if he wants to replace Sergio Dest.
DF Ronald Araujo, 6 - Perhaps Barcelona's best defender is that he is strong in the challenge, good in the air and his studies about the game are improving. But he needs to do better with the ball.
DF Clement Lenglet, 6 - Brilliant pass in the buildup for Roberto's opener, but he is liable to make mistakes whenever he is under pressure.
DF Jordi Alba, 7 - Still adjusting to life without Lionel Messi, but did well to set the first goal. Scored more chances (four) than the rest of his teammates (three).
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 - Got caught on the lead in goal from Getafe, but still the starting point for Barca's possession, fell to the centre-back.
MF Frankie de Jong, 7 - With Memphis, he is probably Barca's most important player at the moment. He set up a second goal for his Dutch teammate and added to Barca's game substantially at every stage of the game.
MF Sergi Roberto, 6 - Good run in the box to open the scoring, scoring two goals already for the campaign. Changed in the second half.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 5 -- Good work from first Martin Braithwaite and later Memphis followed by some whistling as they lost the ball twice in the first half. The season has not started in good form.
FW Memphis Depay, 7 - He's not at his best in a Barca shirt, but whenever he gets the ball there's excitement among the crowd. He makes things happen, as was the case with his victorious goal.
FW Martin Braithwaite, 6 - Worked hard and had a few good moments, turning and turning his way out of trouble. However, the final third would like to be more involved. Knocked down.
Substitutes
DF Sergino Dest, 6 -- The United States right-back cross nearly scored a brilliant goal off Memphis, but the Dutchman's effort blew the whistle.
MF Gavi, N/R - The young midfielder came on for 20 minutes to make an official start for the club.
MF Nico Gonzalez, n/r - Another appearance for the Barca B midfielder, who is pushing to be more involved in Koman's side this season.
DF Oscar Mingueza, n/r - Converted Griezmann for his first outing of the campaign since joining Spain at the Olympic Games.