Is Rooney ‘Dat Guy?’
After last weekend I was very critical of Wayne Rooney’s reaction to Leicester City’s equalizer in the second half. This week, it’s more of the same from Rooney, who this time almost cost Manchester United a home win with a reckless challenge on Stewart Downing. It’s becoming more and more evident that Van Gaal may have made the wrong choice in handing the armband to Rooney, while it remains to be seen how his suspension will impact United. If, and it is a big if, United appear the better side without their captain in the lineup, things could yet get more interesting at Old Trafford.
The New Balotelli
In what was seen by many as a terrific risk over the summer, Liverpool paid a controversial 16 million pounds for the services of Mario Balotelli. To his credit, Balotelli has not let any off-the-field issues that have plagued his career affect Liverpool. In a face-to-face spat with Adrian last weekend, Balotelli kept his cool and was unfortunate to see yellow in an indecent clearly designed to wind the Italian up. However, Balotelli has now scored just one goal in has last 20 premier league appearances, and although he is showing signs of maturity, the mercurial goal-scorer we all know is currently MIA.
Arsenal Injuries Continue
Already without Nacho Monreal, Mathieu Debuchy, and Olivier Giroud, Arsene Wenger now has more fitness predicaments to navigate. Aaron Ramsey picked up a knock that will keep him sidelined for a month (which, guessing by past experiences, could mean more than just a month), Mikel Arteta also came off injured, and the status of Jack Wilshere remains up in the air heading into key clashes with Galatasalry and Chelsea. This could mean the return of Abou Diaby to the side, but more worryingly could spell trouble ahead for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger may be rueing his failure to sign a top defensive midfielder right now.
Southampton Steady
Word out of the South last week was that Southampton players refused a day off from Ronald Koeman, much to the dismay of Mrs. Koeman. The Dutch boss reportedly gave the players the day off, but captain Jose Fonte informed Koeman of the recent development, forcing the manager to put plans with the wife on hold. With each week, Southampton look more and more impressive, while the likes of Calum Chambers, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert, and Adam Lallana sit behind their former club in the premier league table.
Chelsea Aiming High
If you don’t consider Chelsea favorites to win the league by now, shame on you. Jose Mourinho is in a bit of a self-proclaimed pickle right now though with the fitness concerns of Diego Costa. Costa has eight goals from six games in the league, but as the Champions League progresses Chelsea will need more out of their supporting forwards. Right now, Bayern Munich and Chelsea look the strongest teams in the competition, so keeping Costa fit will be key for Chelsea. If they can do so and get production out of Loic Remy and Didier Drogba in the league from here on, they have a chance for the treble this year.
American Resilience
Aside from Phil Jagielka and his wondrous striker to steal a point from Anfield, Tim Howard was Everton’s finest player in the Merseyside Derby. Following arguably his worst performance in the premier league, Howard put to rest any doubts about his age and current form for that matter. Several huge saves aided the draw, particularly denying Mario Balotelli from point-blank range to keep the Italian searching for his first Liverpool tally in league play. Howard continues to be a mainstay in the premier league, last week’s gaffes being an unusual deviation from his usual rock-solid self.
England’s Surplus of Left Backs
The North London Derby was highlighted by Nacer Chadli’s opener, Alexis’ mysterious exclusion from the starting XI, and both sets of fans’ standard quota of pints and song. However, two bright spots from he Three Lions perspective were the play of both Danny Rose and Kieran Gibbs at left back. Rose limited Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s influence on from the right, and forced his countryman to find opportunities in the middle, which he ultimately did. Gibbs had a similarly impressive match, although he spent much more time going forward. The 25 year old has really come of age since Gael Clichy’s move to Manchester City, and both men are giving Roy Hodgson a lot to think about going forward.
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