More Rooney Controversy, Arsenal Injuries, and Howard's Resilience

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.  

Plenty on the Line in the Merseyside Derby

Two teams no one expected to start so poorly will face off on Saturday in the season’s first edition of the Merseyside Derby.  Between the two, Everton and Liverpool have amassed just eleven points in 10 games.  

Both teams will be eager to impress in this early season showdown with more than a place in the table on the line.

Both clubs have lost three of their last four premier league fixtures, and both are without key contributors.  Missing out will be Everton’s young star Ross Barkley, while Daniel Sturridge faces an uphill battle in order to be ready for Saturday.  For Everton, Romelu Lukaku is hard at work repaying the transfer fee they doled out for him.  

It’s imperative that the Belgian steps up in big games and shows more consistency than last season.  His price tag means he’s expected to lead Everton through thick and thin, and although he was at times unstoppable for Everton on loan last year, he endured multiple scoring droughts among injury concerns.  

Everton’s biggest threat in this contest is Roberto Martinez.  Everton have only amassed five points in the league, but they’ve played better than that number suggests.  They dominated Arsenal for 75 minutes before squandering a two goal lead, and were involved in the instant-classic 6-3 match against Chelsea.  

Martinez will make sure his players know they’re doing the right things, but they need to be more precise.  Saturday could be a historic day for the Toffees, who haven’t beaten Liverpool at Anfield in 15 years.  Surely this is an excellent chance to put up a fight and maybe snatch a win, so plenty is on the line for the Spaniard.  

It was a formality last season that Everton would be hard to break down, regardless of their opponent.  Things have changed with the form of their aging core of defensive players.  With Sturridge very questionable, Mario Balotelli has another chance to impose his will once again on England.  

Balotelli will be going up against Sylvain Distin whose age is taking a toll on him, and an uncharacteristically struggling Phil Jagielka.  Tim Howard’s issues are a whole different story, but Roberto Martinez put to rest doubts about the resolve of his American shot-stopper.  

Balotelli and whoever starts alongside have a chance to inflict the same irreparable damage Liverpool were so accustomed to handing out in bulk with Suarez in the side.  Raheem Sterling should play a big part in the Derby too, as he has been by far Liverpool’s best player this term.

Steven Gerrard is one player whose leash is running short with the supporters.  Rodgers made a mistake playing Gerrard three times in eight days, because by the time West Ham came around he was running on fumes, left to protect a back four struggling enough already.    

I would expect Martin Skrtel to make a difference in his return to the lineup, as he usually does in big games at home.  Thus, either Dejan Lovren or Mamadou Sakho will be dropped.  Lovren’s struggles came to a head last weekend, and Sakho’s inability to head balls out of his own area cause much concern. 

Brendan Rodgers was hailed in the summer window for his swift and aggressive strategy following Suarez’ exit.  It’s only five games into the season, but dropping points at home to Everton of all clubs would put even more pressure on a squad failing to produce results.  

A win would be a massive result, and Rodgers would feel very good about his club going forward if they put on a show like they have in the past at Anfield.  A tie though, let alone a loss, wouldn’t bode well with supporters who have been so critical of Steven Gerrard in recent days.  

As for Everton, a solid showing and any points at all could serve as a springboard off of which to catapult back into the top four discussion.  On what could be a historic day for the Toffees, Liverpool must be more organized defensively and get a good showing out of their forwards or face the wrath of the Anfield faithful.