Barcelona continued their unbeaten start to the LaLiga season with a scrappy 2-1 win over Getafe at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Memphis Depay struck the winning goal after half an hour, his second for the club since his summer move from Lyon, as Ronald Koeman's side made it seven points from their opening three matches. Sergi Roberto had earlier opened the scoring in the second minute only for ex-Barca striker Sandro Ramirez to level for Getafe midway through the first half.
Positives
Memphis looks like one of the signings of the summer. He was brilliant in the opening day win over Real Sociedad and scored a crucial equaliser 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 quick feet unnerving the defenders and his early finish catching goalkeeper David Soria off guard.
There was also a full debut for Emerson Royal at right-back and a first-ever LaLiga appearance for 17-year-old Gavi. Remember the name.
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Negatives
Barca have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their three league games to date. Getafe's goal was especially soft from a defensive point of view. "You have to stop that move, three or four players, make a foul if you have to," Koeman was caught telling his players during a first-half stoppage.
What's more concerning is how poor Barca were in the second half. Getafe were the dominant side and created more chances. Barca ended the game with five defenders, four central midfielders and Memphis in attack on his own. They should not be seeing games out like that at home.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- Koeman didn't seem to know how to swing the game back in Barca's favour as Getafe stepped things up 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 twisting. And when he did, it was a right-back for a right-back. That said, he deserves credit for putting faith in youngsters Gavi and Nico Gonzalez late on.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 -- Could perhaps have done better with Sandro's goal but will be delighted to be back in action after three months out following an intervention on his knee.
DF Emerson Royal, 6 -- Did OK on his first start for Barca, with one challenge on Carles Alena stopping an almost certain goal. However, there is still room for improvement in defence and he will have to offer more in attack if he wants to take Sergino Dest's place.
DF Ronald Araujo, 6 -- Perhaps Barca's best defender in that he's strong in the challenge, good in the air and his reading of the game is improving. But he needs to do better with the ball.
DF Clement Lenglet, 6 -- Great pass in the buildup to Roberto's opener but looks liable to make a mistake whenever he's under pressure.
DF Jordi Alba, 7 -- Still adjusting to life without Lionel Messi, but did well to set up the first goal. Created more chances (four) than the rest of his teammates (three) combined.
MF Sergio Busquets, 6 -- Caught out in the lead up to Getafe's goal but still the starting point for Barca's possession, dropping in between the centre-backs.
MF Frenkie de Jong, 7 -- Along with Memphis, he's possibly Barca's most important player at the moment. Set up the second goal for his Dutch teammate and linked Barca's play in pretty much every phase of the game.
MF Sergi Roberto, 6 -- Good run into the box to open the scoring, making it two goals for the campaign already. Replaced in the second half.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 5 -- There were some whistles when he lost the ball twice in the first half after good work from first Martin Braithwaite and later Memphis. Hasn't started the season in good form.
FW Memphis Depay, 7 -- Not his best display in a Barca shirt but there's excitement among the crowd whenever he gets the ball. He makes things happen, as was the case with his winning goal.
FW Martin Braithwaite, 6 -- Worked hard and had a couple of nice moments, twisting and turning his way out of trouble. Would like to be more involved in the final third, though. Came off with a knock.
Substitutes
DF Sergino Dest, 6 -- The United States right-back's cross almost led to a brilliant goal from Memphis, but the Dutchman's effort whistled over.
MF Gavi, N/R -- The young midfielder came on for 20 minutes to make his official debut for the club.
MF Nico Gonzalez, N/R -- Another appearance for the Barca B midfielder, who's pushing to be more involved with Koeman's side this season.
DF Oscar Mingueza, N/R -- Replaced Griezmann for the final few minutes for his first outing of the campaign following his involvement with Spain at the Olympic Games.