1. Moyes not the only one feeling the pressure of the post-Fergie era
DAVID MOYES HAS taken a considerable amount of criticism for Manchester United’s much-discussed slow start to the season.
However, there are some aberrations a manager cannot legislate for.
Unted’s poor performance in the opening 75 minutes of yesterday’s game against Stoke was compounded by basic errors, which highlighted the lack of confidence permeating the team at the moment.
Jonny Evans’ panicked unsuccessful clearance for the first goal, David de Gea’s feeble attempt to stop Marko Arnautovic’s free-kick for the second and Nani’s general performance were three indications that the players are feeling the pressure right now just as much as the manager.
2. Is Luis Suarez the third best player in the world?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long been widely regarded as the two best players in the world, though both had below-par games (by their impeccably high standards) in yesterday evening’s El Clasico.
Luis Suarez, on the other hand, has been showing why Arsenal were so desperate to sign him in the summer, with some exceptional performances since coming back from an early-season suspension.
And against West Brom — a side who have posed problems for both United and Arsenal this season — was no exception, as the Uruguayan notched a phenomenal hat-trick.
Gareth Bale, Robin van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among others may beg to differ, but there is certainly a case to be made for Suarez being the third best player in the world.
Given how many goals he scores for what is a flawed Liverpool side, just imagine how many he’d claim were he playing for Real Madrid or Barca.
3. Referee did Arsenal no favours with harsh sending off
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Arsenal were less than convincing in their 2-0 defeat of Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace, once again giving the impression that certain people have been somewhat premature in labelling them favourites for the title.
However, their task was not helped by the referee’s controversial decision to send off Mikel Arteta in the second half.
The official was right to penalise the Spaniard for taking down Marouane Chamakh, however to suggest he prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity seems fanciful.
Other defenders were running in line with Chamakh and surely would have challenged him, given that he would have had to cut in and still had a considerable distance to run to the goal.
Fortunately for Arsene Wenger though, justice ultimately prevailed despite this inept decision.
4. Is Gareth Barry the Premier League’s most underappreciated player?
Every time Barry has played this season, Everton have avoided defeat and the midfielder was unsurprisingly superb in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa this afternoon.
Barry looks one of the most astute signings of the season, as his performances have helped lift Everton to 4th in the table.
His vital defensive midfield play is just as invaluable as the creativity offered by the likes of James McCarthy and Ross Barkley, which Barry’s work facillitates.
So if the England international continues to perform in this manner, then City may well regret letting him go out on loan.
5. Can Southampton maintain their incredible form?
In helping a squad on a limited budget climb to third in the table, Mauricio Pochettino has shown an Arsene Wenger-esque ability to work miracles within strict confines.
Their current position — as is the case with most successful football teams — has been built on a strong defence, with the Saints conceding just three goals this season.
Their confidence was highlighted against Fulham on Saturday, beating the London club 2-0, and virtually having the game won by half-time.
Nevertheless, surely a team with such limited resources can’t stay in the top four — their highest position for over 24 years — for much longer, can they?
The closest arsenal player was Ramsey who was twenty yards behind, albeit in a more central position. Definite red card in my opinion .
One of the best in the premier at present yes but 3rd best in the world I think not , a hat-trick at home against Brom as good as it was it doesn’t elevate him to 3rd best in the world player rankings.if he wants to achieve that he has to move or Liverpool need regular european football
Who is better at the moment. Considering that he does the same job that messi or Ronaldo do for their team. So we’re talking about strikers here. There is no one better in England at the moment, seen as he is suppose to be at such at bad team and obviously doing it all on his own. Only Rooney holds a candle to him when he is bothered
You obviously haven’t watched much football in the last 14 months! Even with the 10 game ban he has scored nearly 40 goals for Liverpool. Take out Messi and Ronaldo, who is better??
He might be a tramp but he is the best striker in the premiership by a mile and if Bale is worth 85 mill, Suarez will go for at least that and probably more if he continues his sensational form.
Wake up to yourself nobody will touch him at 85mil , he has to much baggage , everywhere he has gone he has caused troubled and been banned club and country
‘Wake up to yourself’??? Must be talking to urself there. Everywhere he has gone he has scored a bag full of goals!!! If he keeps his nose clean for the rest of the season, scores 30-40 goals again, easily worth 80 mill, not many in his class. Madrid will be crying out for him after their performance last night.
If he keeps his nose clean !!! But he won’t cause a leopard never changes his spots, 3 bans totalling 25 match since 2010 and that doesn’t include signal/ double match bans for cards etc… 50mil max and he’ll be gone in January BTW
Why would they sell him in January when they are going for top 4???? Only reason would be if a club offered the money I was talking about. £50 mill, forget about it!! Would be laughed at like arsenals bid of 40,000001!!!
He ain’t doing this for the benefit of LPFC James, most of the whispers coming from ex players and staff is that he will try to force his way out again in January. And before you say it that’s coming from a good friend that work at Melwood
Its still down to the club if they want to sell him or not. He will stay until next summer and hopefully he will have helped Liverpool back into the champions league.
At least hes not a sulk like Torres, still gives 100% whether he wants to be there or not.
Sorry peter but as good as he is you can’t not put him ahead of Naymer , Ibrahimovic , Falcao and Cavani to name but a few
Neymar, cavani, falcao all played in 2011 Copa America, yet I seem to remember Suarez was named player of the tournament!!!!
Nobody is mentioning the Bundesliga stars like or Ribery and Lahm?
It would be hard to not look good in France JR…. Get real…
Get a grip of yourself seriously. Better than all the above.
You quite obviously garner your opinions from four four two and sky sports. His international record is outstanding. Neymar, how many times have you actually seen him play. As for the Swede thrown out of Barcelona by pep because he got found out and as regards falco he comes close. Cavani is behind him in the pecking order in Uruguay. Typical united fan
I’m a Liverpool fan and I thought Neymar was outstanding in the confederations cup and against Real on Saturday. Suarez in certainly in that mix but I wouldn’t dismiss Neymars claim to be in the top 3 attacking players in the world. It must be remembered Saturday was Suarez’ first Anfield Hat trick!
Anyone that thinks neymar is among the worlds elite players has prob not seen him or Is the typical armchair fan that doesn’t really know the game, btw ribery is well up there on his form last and this year been outstanding