Marcus Rashford needs restoring to centre stage, Victor Moses is shining for Chelsea at last and David Moyes should be allowed to rebuild SunderlandThe splurge of title-winning questions after Liverpool’s breathless victory at Selhurst Park provoked a wonderfully enigmatic response from Jürgen Klopp. Can his team conquer the league playing in this wild fashion? “I’ve no idea,” he said. “It’s my first proper season in the Premier League. I have no idea what to do to win the Premier League. I’m pretty sure it was never decided at the end of October. We feel good in the moment, that’s all.” The notion that an experienced manager with 15 years on the job – who won the Bundesliga twice and has...
The danger with hiring the Portuguese, it was said, is he becomes the story at the expense of your club. That is what seems to be happening at Old TraffordThere is no Premier League rule that forbids managers dismissed from the dugout coming to speak about their treatment afterwards – when Arsène Wenger was so photogenically sent to the Old Trafford stands seven years ago he still made it to the press room at the end of the game – so José Mourinho opting to send his assistant, Rui Faria, in his place suggests the Manchester United manager was probably wary of making a bad situation worse.It is possible that at some point in the immediate aftermath of the goalless...
Theo Walcott flicks switch for Arsenal if not England, Pedro Obiang takes his chance for West Ham and Tony Pulis acquired a gem in Nacer ChadliOne of the curiosities of the last international break was the ineffectual performance of Theo Walcott for England against Malta and Slovenia. Put him back in an Arsenal shirt, however, and it was as if a switch had been flicked. The 27-year-old scored twice to set his team up for a 3-2 home win over Swansea City and it prolonged his eye-catching start to the club season. He is Arsenal’s top scorer, with seven goals in all competitions. “It’s always difficult when you go from your club to international, there’s a different transition at this...
Cesc Fàbregas may get his chance for Chelsea, Everton’s attackers can trouble Manchester City and Monday night’s big match at Anfield is too close to callEverything about Arsenal’s performance at Burnley screamed late Wenger era. Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham gave them the opportunity to make a statement and as such the pressure was on; the game was tricky but hardly impossible. They delivered a performance devoid of intensity, purpose and conviction. Only Alexis Sánchez appeared not to deem the indignity of effort beneath him. Then, in the final seconds, everything changed, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Laurent Koscielny contriving the most glorious finish imaginable. Continue reading...
Shkodran Mustafi revelled in bruising battle with Sam Vokes but last-minute goal off an arm was fair reflection of Arsenal’s attacking threat against BurnleyAll four sides of Turf Moor applauded Arsène Wenger in recognition of reaching 20 years as Arsenal manager as he walked across the pitch before kick-off. Only one side applauded Wenger’s exit and his response – a sheepish wave from hip-height – said everything about an anniversary where the most important gifts arrived courtesy of the match officials. Related: Laurent Koscielny’s debatable Arsenal winner breaks Burnley at the last Related: Arsenal fans have journey to Burnley thrown into chaos after train hits cows Continue reading...