From Everton‘s implosion at Southampton to David Moyes’s first point as West Ham boss, we look at the big talking points after the weekend’s Premier League action.
EVERTON ARE A MESS
From misguided pursuits in the transfer market, to sacking Ronald Koeman without a replacement lined up, to appointing David Unsworth as caretaker and now Sunday’s horrorshow at Southampton, in which their defensive line was so diagonal it may have been playing rugby union, Everton are in major trouble.
There is no shape, organisation or gameplan and this rudderless team looks relegation bound unless urgent changes are made.
Does anyone know what they’re doing, though?
Everton’s caretaker manager David Unsworth
SPURS MISS WANYAMA
Injured players can often create false ideas of importance, the longer they are out.
But in the case of Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama, in the context of Spurs’ season right now, it is wholly accurate. Mauricio Pochettino places so much importance on midfield energy, but his engine room lacks any at present.
Moussa Dembele struggles to play two games in a row, Dele Alli is woefully out of touch, Harry Winks inexperienced and Eric Dier having to play in defence.
How they could do with some the Kenyan’s power and dynamism to pick them up in the middle of the park.
Victor Wanyama is still recovering from a knee injury
WHAT’S HAPPENED TO ROBERTSON?
We all know what Liverpool‘s Alberto Moreno is by now; a good attacking full-back who, despite slight improvements, is incredibly fragile and ill-disciplined defensively.
Yet, still Jurgen Klopp persists with the Spaniard, keeping him in the XI against Chelsea despite a poor display in Sevilla which cost Dejan Lovren his place. It would be understandable if there were no other options but Andrew Robertson continues to be overlooked.
The Scot was bright in his two games in mid-September but hasn’t been seen since. He’s not injured, Klopp just doesn’t seem to trust him.
Robertson in his sole league game against Burnley
ZEEGELAAR’S ANOTHER FIND
Arsenal may have just signed Sven Mislintat as chief scout from Borussia Dortmund but maybe the Gunners should have been looking a little closer to home.
Watford’s scouting department continue to unearth unknown gems from around the world with Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Kiko Femenia and now maybe Marvin Zeegelaar.
The masked Dutchman was simply devastating down the left flank against Newcastle, giving DeAndre Yedlin nightmares. Signed from Sporting for just €3m, the 27-year-old has settled into life in England seamlessly.
Marvin Zeegelaar in action against Newcastle.
CROSS YOUR HEART AND HOPE TO MOYES
United fans shudder at the memory of February 10, 2014 against Fulham at Old Trafford. A David Moyes-led team attempted 81 crosses to draw 2-2.
Early signs are that process is going to be repeated at West Ham, especially with the perfect target of Andy Carroll. Before Moyes took over, the Hammers averaged 21 crosses per game.
Against Leicester on Friday they swung in 31, with Cheikhou Kouyate’s equaliser coming from a corner. Something that would have no doubt delighted Moyes.
David Moyes congratulates Cheikhou Kouyate.
