Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol: 5 talking points as Memphis Depay penalty kicks off Xavi era with win | La Liga 2021-22

Barcelona overcame a spirited Espanyol 1-0 at Camp Nou in La Liga as the Xavi era kickstarted with a nervy win. Memphis Depay scored the only goal of the game from the spot. But the visitors were left frustrated after squandering some good chances towards the end.

Raul De Tomas struck the post twice either side of an effort from Landry Dimata, whose header from close range also came off the upright. The Blaugrana, though, would be happy to return to winning ways after five games. There were plenty of positives to draw from the match and perhaps a glimpse into the Barcelona future under Xavi too.

With the narrow win, Barcelona moved above Rayo Vallecano to sixth place in the league table with 20 points from 13 games while Espanyol dropped to 11th. On that note, here are the five major talking points from the Barcelona derby:

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#5 Barcelona played like Barcelona

Barcelona played with a sense of purpose.

After a long time, Barcelona looked like themselves for once. That's because the side played with a real plan of action and executed it to the hilt.

Dominating possession, the Blaugrana pressed Espanyol with real intent. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Nico Gonzalez were given the license to break forward, and hit Espanyol on the break.

Putting more pressure from the flanks were Jordi Alba and debutant Ilias Akhomach. They offered great width with their purposeful runs, looking to stretch the Espanyol defence out.

However, the most touching moment for Barcelona fans would be Xavi gesticulating to his players from the touchline. During drink breaks, he also called over Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Eric Garcia to give them instructions.

With Ronald Koeman mostly cutting a stone-cold figure on the bench, the Blaugrana faithful will be excused for feeling they have a manager once again after watching Xavi.

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#4 Xavi shows faith in youth

Ilias Akhomach, the first debutant under Xavi

Speaking of Xavi, the new Barcelona manager appeared to show a lot of faith in young blood. That was, albeit, expected from someone like him who embodies the Barcelona culture.

His first line-up as Barcelona manager featured as many as five players under the age of 23. That also included two 17-year-olds, Gavi and debutant Ilias Akhomach, bringing a unique blend of youth and experience.

Xavi had watched Akhomach with Barcelona B soon after he arrived, with the youngster netting twice. That earned him a call-up to the senior team, and he delivered another electric performance.

Gavi and Gonzalez were good, too, as the former Barcelona captain fielded eight La Masia graduates. That's likely an indication that he's going to lean a lot on homegrown talent going forward.

#3 Espanyol squandered too many chances against Barcelona

Espanyol could've won the game had they taken their chances.

There was a renewed sense of vigour and a feeling of elation engulfing Barcelona. But it wasn't a very impressive performance from the Blaugrana, who could've lost the game had Espanyol been more clinical.

The visitors looked dangerous in the final quarter of the match. They created some excellent chances, only to see them fly wide or come off the post. Raul De Tomas hit the post twice - first through a curling free-kick - and then by dragging an easy header wide. Interspersed between those attempts was another header against the bar from Landry Dimata, who had the entire frame to aim at.

On another day, this game might have ended in a 2-1 or 3-1 victory for the Periquitos, who'd be kicking themselves for their wastefulness. It was a real let-off for Barcelona.

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#2 Mingueza shows why Dani Alves should start at right-back

Mingueza isn't consistent enough to start for Barcelona.

Oscar Mingueza has largely polarised opinions among Barcelona fans since he burst onto the scene last year. On Saturday against Espanyol, he provided another reminder that he shouldn't be starting regularly.

The 22-year-old was caught out of position on far too many occasions, and looked sloppy, both on and off the ball. De Tomas held him off easily at times while trying to control incoming crosses.

It hasn't been a good season for the Spanish youngster, who's been found wanting in many of Barcelona's defeats this season. Considering the same, Dani Alves' return cannot come soon enough.

At 38, Alves is not expected to start every game. But the Brazilian would still be a reliable figure in the big games, considering his experience and leadership qualities.

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#1 Xavi still has plenty of work to do

Xavi has a lot of work to do.

There were a lot of positives to draw from the game. But Xavi still has plenty of work to do, as exemplified by Barcelona's performance in the final quarter of the match.

The defence is shaky and still prone to mistakes, while Depay needs wingers to support him up front. Akhomach and Gavi are both good, but they're too young and inexperienced to start regularly.

Barcelona needed a penalty to beat the promoted side at home. That was despite the Blaugrana keeping nearly twice as much possession, completing twice as many passes and mustering thrice as many shots on target than Espanyol.

It's still early days, so Xavi will have plenty of time to revive the squad from the mess they are in.