“Jesse Lingard is going to be some player.”

“He is 19, came through our youth system and is built like Jean Tigana was for France. But he never got into the limelight there until about 24, and I think that will be the same as Lingard.”

“He will become a player like 22, or so. As an attacking midfielder he has got a really good talent. I think he will be a player we have high hopes for, definitely.”

(Sir Alex Ferguson, 2012).

Those were the words from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2012, on a 19 year-old Jesse Lingard before his loan move at Leicester City. 5 years on, and under Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex’s comments on Lingard looks to have been right on the money.

Jesse Lingard was at it again on New Years Day. The in-form midfielder notched his seventh goal in nine Premier League games with a fantastic jinking run and composed finish as United saw off the threat of Everton at Goodison Park to return back to winning ways after a dip in form during the Christmas break – it was the latest in a long line of impressive performances this season for Jesse Lingard.

Lingard’s continued improvement under Mourinho is proving a big boost for United at just the right time. Sir Alex Ferguson comments in 2012 has not only highlighted his huge faith in home grown talent but whether we can call him prophetic remains to be seen depending on whether Lingard carries on his rich vein of form.

“These boys, they jump or they don’t jump”

Said Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho.

“One thing is to be a young talent, another is to be a very good player. Some players are not capable . From great potential young players, they go to normal players . I think Jesse is giving that jump. He is being more consistent. He is being more adaptable.  He understands better the game, the different spaces, the different positions. He is going in a good direction.”

Much has been made of Pep Guardiola’s ability to young players with massive potential to the next level – and rightly so which is reflected in the stunning form of fellow England international Raheem Sterling who is setting the league alight as City take giant steps towards another Premier League crown. Nobody would have thought we would be placing Jesse Lingard under the same bracket as Manchester City’s £50million signing from Liverpool. Lets face it, Lingard has been mightily impressive this season for United and much credit must be given to Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff for their faith and belief in United’s very own.

Lingard has defied plenty of critics by becoming a vital player under the tutelage of Mourinho popping with key goals in key moments over the last couple of years. Many had written off the career of a player who has been at the club since his tender years. With loan spells at Leicester City, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby in his early United years, Lingard has finally found his feet, paying back the faith that has not only been invested in him by Mourinho but by Sir Alex Ferguson who was the one person who saw just what he could do and the talent he held.

Mourinho stated in his praise for the player that a lot young potential players do fail to make that jump to the next stage, but on the evidence of this season, not Jesse Lingard. The statistics highlight just how impressive Lingard’s contribution has been.

The 25-year-old United midfielder ranks amongst the very best in the Premier League for minutes per goal or assist. No surprise to see Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero on that list. But there alongside Raheem Sterling and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, stands United’s Jesse Lingard. Seven goals and four assists is no flash in the pan for a player who was considered to be a benchwarmer earlier in the season when Henrikh Mkhitaryan was high flying notching five assists in four games but a few months on, it is Jesse Lingard stealing the show as the Armenian playmaker underperforms.

Lingard’s goals and assists have come at a rate of one every 84 minutes and he has now netted seven of United’s last 14 Premier League goals. As well as his beautiful strike against Everton, there was the clinical double against Arsenal at the Emirates, the double against Burnley on Boxing day – goals that allowed United to draw back from two goals down at Old Trafford continued the impressive trend of Lingard coming up with important goals at important moments. Throw in the goal against Watford, an impressive mazy run jinking past 3 or 4 defenders before subtly and coolly slotting past Heurelho Gomes in the Watford goal. A gorgeous sight to behold.

That evening in Watford turned out to be seismic with regards to United’s midfield pecking order. The man brought in to replace Henrikh Mkhitaryan took full advantage of the space afforded to him by the hosts’ tactical setup. One assist, one goal of the season contender followed by an impressive brace against rivals Arsenal four days later sparking a scintillating run of form.

Lingard has had to fight tooth an nail to finally cement his position amongst the United’s warm embrace and has only recently become a universally accepted figure in the dressing room. Despite developing an exceptionally useful trait of popping up with key contributions in big games, its taken his recent run of form to permanently endear himself to the Old Trafford supporters.

United’s performances with and without Jesse Lingard are like night and day, if you need any examples, just check out United’s Boxing day game against Burnley and you will see the stark contrast when Lingard isn’t on the field of play. 2-0 down at half-time, lacking fluency and that killer edge. Mourinho needed some inspiration, and the fact that he called on Lingard for that spark just goes to show how far the 25-year-old has come over the years. He came on and responded with two goals. Two goals that you will regularly accustom to your modern number 9, the first a sublime flick into the far corner from Ashley Young’s cross, the second a snap shot into the bottom corner, a finish that required such finesse and technical skills.

Like Raheem Sterling at Manchester City, Jesse Lingard has vastly improved his finishing and has already surpassed his highest tally in a season with 10 already so far this year. Whether utilised in a number 10 role behind two strikers or in your modern day 4-2-3-1 set up, Lingard or Mkhitaryan has been tasked with countering into space, using his directness and speed to push United up the pitch, and he has done that to devastating effect so far this season. The former has excelled, the latter has flattered to deceive. No wonder why Mourinho holds Lingard in such high regard right now. If Lingard carries on this sort of form throughout the season, you can’t bank against him becoming a certainty for the plane to Russia at the World Cup this summer.

Against Everton, Lingard made 83 high-intensity sprints – 29 more than any of his Manchester United team-mates and 21 more than anyone on the pitch. Mourinho requires his players to make that jump in progress, and in Lingard he has found a player ready and willing to respond in the right way. With Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic out injured, other players would need to step up, and Lingard is doing just that. It may not change Mourinho’s stance on the fact that he needs more money but it is a reminder that getting the best from players that are already there is just as significant if the team can progress.

Jesse Lingard is the perfect example.

Roberto Firmino’s powerful finish earned Liverpool a point at the Emirates in what was a pulsating and frantic fixture which saw Arsenal score three goals in just five second half minutes after Liverpool had raced into a two goal lead. Here I pick out five key topics from a sensational spectacle.

Sensational Start to The Festive BPL Fixtures

What a game. Frantic, Pulsating, Exciting and Edge-of-seat-stuff. A fantastic advert for the Premier League, and a sensational start to the festive Premier League fixtures this weekend. Two teams who will look to battle it out for a place in the Premier League’s top four. This game provided fans with the kind of football and attacking display that has been so evident throughout this season. As Salah had put Liverpool 2-0 up, we would have thought Liverpool could race away with the victory. But a stunning Arsenal comeback turned the game around inside five minutes with goals from Sanchez, Xhaka and Ozil. The Gunners pushed for a fourth but back came Liverpool as Firmino’s strike provide another twist in this fascinating fixture. And that is how it ended as both sides settled for a point both will feel they could have won.

Lets hope the rest of the Festive weekend is like this game. More of the same please.

Maitland-Niles Impresses

At the start of the game, Jurgen Klopp was asked by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville whether he thought Maitland-Niles inclusion in the side could be exploited by his side. But on this evidence, the Arsenal youngster shone in an unfamiliar role once again despite his inexperience as he matched Liverpool’s on form star Mohamed Salah on numerous occasions during the game. Maitland-Niles was also assured in his tackles and in possession as Arsenal fought back from 2 goals down. Kolasinac may be nearing a return to the line-up but Maitland-Niles may have given Wenger much food for thought.

An impressive display from the Arsenal youngster.

Lacazette Once Again Highlights His Importance to Arsenal

Whatever people might think of Alexandre Lacazette, his overall game is quite impressive. He may not have been on the scoresheet for his side but his hold-up play and understanding with Mesut Ozil is a joy to behold.

His stats as shown above are quite impressive at the Emirates this season with 6 goals and 2 assists in 10 appearances. The link-up play for Ozil’s goals was quite sumptuous, holding off the Liverpool defenders before slipping in Mesut Ozil who expertly chipped the ball beyond the on-rushing Simon Mignolet to give Arsenal the lead.

All the French striker needs to work on now is his record away from home. Aside from that, Lacazette should be a shoe-in starter for this Arsenal side. Giroud is a nice option, but Lacazette’s all round play is an underrated component.

Liverpool Devastating on the Counter, Shoddy at the Back.

When Mo Salah broke away at speed when the score was at 1-0 after half-time, you just knew that the counter would result in a goal for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been electric on the counter at times this season, and most of that is all down to the off the ball movement from Salah, Sane and Firmino. A devastating trio, and add Coutinho to the mix and these four can match it with any of the best teams in World football right now.

However, if Liverpool wanna be winning titles as Klopp talked about this week in his press conferences, his defence is in dire need of a revamp. Liverpool’s fab four up front cannot continue to make the difference if the defence is not on the same wavelength. The January window will be difficult to find top targets but if Liverpool have aspirations for a trophy this season, that defence will need major work.

How many times have we said that about Liverpool this season?

Arsenal in dire need of defensive reshuffle themselves, not just Liverpool…

Much has been said about Liverpool’s defence on numerous occasions, but Arsenal’s defending at times this season has indeed been woeful. Just look at Liverpool’s second and third goals, and that will tell you the reason for their lack of quality in that department. Why on earth did Koscielny allow Mo Salah so much time to roam into the box which allowed Coutinho to grab the opening goal. A man of his experience and quality should allow the Egyptian that much freedom. Also the third goals was a poor one to concede as Emre Can was given so much space 10 yards from the 18 yard area to slot in a incisive eye of the needle pass for Firmino to equalise.

Mustafi, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Monreal as your centre-back options just isn’t good enough. If Arsenal wanna be winning championships, it is based on the art of defending and Arsenal are a few defenders short of that winning formula.

Manchester City’s narrow 1-0 victory over Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the Champions League secured top spot in Group F, and ensured Guardiola’s men maintained their perfect 100% start in Europe’s elite competition this season with one final group game to go.

The goal coming from the sort of wonderful football City fans have been accustomed to so far in the Premier League this season. Raheem Sterling picked up the ball outside the D, played in Ilkay Gundogan, the German midfield maestro then executed a peach of a return pass which split Feyenoord’s defence like a knife through butter. Kevin De Bruyne would have been wondering how on earth could Gundogan attempt such a delightful ball when the Belgian has been shaping up similar passes at a canter this season.

What followed the pass was equally delightful, as Raheem Sterling pounced on the pass and dinked the ball confidently over the despairing Feyenoord goalkeeper to give City the lead, and make it his fourth Champions League goal in four starts this season. Follow that in with the vital winner against Huddersfield on Sunday as City looked as if they would drop points for only the second time this season. A tad fortuitous, but it goes to show the improvements Sterling is making by being at the right place at the right time in the penalty box.

To put it simply, Raheem Sterling is enjoying the most prolific period of his career to date. Check out his goal scoring record this season: 12 goals in just 17 appearances is remarkable for a player who has received countless criticism since his move to the Etihad in 2015. The finish against Feyenoord was of the sort any modern day forward would be proud of even his team-mate Sergio Aguero who endured a rather difficult night in front of goal. The way in which the English international took his opportunity encapsulated his massive maturity and the improvement in his game. Under Guardiola’s guidance Sterling has grown incredibly and his stats tell the reason why.

Few young players have had to cope with the amount of pressure and criticism Sterling has faced over the past few years. He is still a few weeks shy of his 23rd birthday, but he has already been accustomed to his performances being slated and his private life scrutinised to make matters worse. It is now more than two years since his big money move from Anfield to the Etihad, and his switch in allegiance is still bitter on the tongue to many Liverpool fans simply for the fact that they believe he only moved for the money.

This season so far, however, his critics are nowhere to be seen, running low on ammunition. Sterling has starred in what has already been a record breaking start to Manchester City’s campaign. His total of eight Premier League goals so far means he is amongst the leading scorers so far this season, and two behind top scorer Mohammed Salah of Liverpool (10). Throw in two assists as well, and Sterling has been one of the leading lights in City’s fantastic start.

This was a man believed to be down the pecking order when City brought in £43m signing Bernardo Silva from Ligue 1 champions Monaco in the summer. Sterling was even subject of a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal, many thought he would be the fall guy. Despite the brilliance of the Bernardo Silva, Guardiola has kept faith with Raheem Sterling and his belief has been duly rewarded.

Sterling has always had the faith of the man who matters most. A year on from phoning Sterling after his torrid time at Euro 2016 with England, to reassure him that his place on the City would not be in jeopardy, Guardiola rejected Arsenal’s enquiry out of hand. The winger only impressed in patches during Guardiola’s first season in charge, but that hasn’t stopped Guardiola showing his unwavering faith.

The Catalan coach has rotated his attacking players heavily this season, and Sterling has certainly made the most of his opportunities. His recent goals against Feyenoord, West Brom, Napoli, Bournemouth and Everton have proven pivotal. Sterling’s confidence is sky high, and with Leroy Sane on the opposite flank in similar vein of form, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva causing riot in midfield, City’s forwards will have no complaints about a lack of service. City have service in abundance.

When there was once ageing legs, Guardiola has been quick to get rid, and replace them with youthful exuberance. Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva are names that will light up any league in the world. Guardiola must be drooling every single week at the sight of the attacking talent at his disposal.

Nonetheless, Sterling ranked third for most touches in the opposition box last term, but with more willing runners on the overlap this season, he has found himself on the end of attacking moves more frequently. Even more significantly for Sterling though, is how he is making the most of getting into those positions. The lack of composure or conviction that has hampered him in the past seem to be no more. His shot conversion rate has lept from 10.9 per cent to 30.4 percent. Only Leicester’s Jamie Vardy has been more clinical in front of goal this campaign.

Raheem Sterling is comfortably on course for his most prolific season yet, if he carries on this sort of form. It is no surprise in the fact that Guardiola has kept him in the City line up despite the wealth of attacking talent in his arsenal. The signs of improvement and maturity for Sterling is there, he is losing possession more frequently and completing more passes, and it all extends to his dribbling too. His dribbling success rate has significantly increased this season from 49.7 per cent to 60 per cent.

City are definitely reaping the benefits of Sterling’s improvement. From the passing and movement to the dribbling and finishing, Sterling is mastering the art of becoming an all round footballer. It seems as though the criticisms of the past have not only strengthened him but has also matured him to the extent that City can rely on him when needed as Tuesday night showed. An unerring finish from a player ticking all the right boxes so far this campaign.

It can only get better from here for Raheem Sterling.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp recently revealed his recruitment staff at the club eagerly persuaded him to sign Mohammed Salah from Roma in the summer.

The Egyptian international has been a revelation since his £36.9m switch from the Italian capital in June, scoring an incredible 12 goals in 17 appearances, more than what Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres achieved during their own early days at the club. Salah’s brace helped Klopp’s men to a 4-1 thrashing against West Ham on Saturday.

After the game, Klopp paid tribute to Salah, revealing how his signing was very much a collective effort:

“We watched Salah so closely, saw him so often. The scouting department was really behind me, and wanted to do it even earlier so that nobody else could jump in!

Klopp also added:

“We were sure he (Salah) can help us. Michael Edwards, Dave Fallows and Barry (Hunter), they were really in my ear and were on it: ‘Come on, come on, Mo Salah, he’s the solution.’

Indeed, Mohammed Salah has been worth the investment. Credit to Liverpool snapping him up so early in the summer transfer window with a host of clubs who would have desperately needed a player of his calibre.

Salah has been an absolute menace since his arrival on Merseyside. His pace – a trait we already knew about during his days in Chelsea colours in the past – his directness and sheer tenacity when out of possession, these are characteristics so dear to Klopp.

His goals against West Ham were the perfect examples as to why Liverpool were so desperate to spend a considerable amount of money on him. The first goal was a joy to behold, with 21 minutes on the clock, West Ham midfielder Lanzini lined up a corner in front of Liverpool’s travelling fans. West Ham had initially started the evening spectacle brightly, restricting Liverpool to only half-chances and almost taking the lead themselves when Andre Ayew struck the post.

However, in 13 rapid fire seconds after their own corner, West Ham found themselves behind.

The kind of defending that was described as utterly “shambolic” and “naïve” by various pundits on Sky Sports News last week in the draw against Crystal Palace, but also another example of just how dangerous and deadly Liverpool can be on the counter attack. According to Opta, they have scored more goals from a counter attack than any other Premier League side this season.

It was fitting, that the counter attack started and ended with Mo Salah. The Egyptian has been simply electric since his summer move, and his opener – coolly slotted beyond Joe Hart after a lung-busting run from his own half with Sadio Mane – set the tone for what was yet another impressive showing.

His second goal, a precise cutting edge finish low into the corner of the net, taking his tally this season so far to 12 goals in all competitions. Harry Kane is the only Premier League player to have scored more than Mo Salah. It’s only the 4th month of the season, and Salah is just two goals short of matching top scorer last season, Philippe Coutinho’s tally of 14 goals.

In defence, Klopp has some very well documented issues he needs to address. The criticism he has received for most of the season has been for which defender he did not buy in the summer. Yet, Salah just might be the best piece of business done by any of the top clubs in the Premier League.

Salah has been used on the right-flank for the majority of the season, but against West Ham on Saturday, he lined up alongside Roberto Firmino in what seemed to be a fluid 4-4-2 formation. A particular position he is unfamiliar with but a tactical move so in keeping with his flying start to life at Anfield, being able to adapt. For Roma, he often played as a second striker to Edin Dzeko last season – as a result, finding himself in similar goal scoring form for the Italian club.

Salah’s best moments during the game, came mostly in tandem with fellow speedster Sadio Mane. Klopp was largely reliant on Mane for pace and penetration last season, but the addition of Salah has been a breath of fresh air and has eased that concern, making Liverpool even more threatening on the break. The pair have already cooked up a delightful understanding which was perfectly evident in both Salah’s goals.

Salah’s devastating form is a far cry from his previous Premier League stint at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea. A certain perception that Salah was not a natural finisher, that his trickery, incisiveness and speed were undermined by a lack of composure. That perception has been consummately placed to rest. His stats in Italy were equally as impressive, scoring with 19% of his shots. Elite finishing, for a player not even considered to be your modern day centre forward.

There’s reason to see why Salah has become a huge fan favourite by the Liverpool faithful who constantly sang his name against West Ham, and the statistics underline the extent of his impact. As well as seven goals and two assists in the Premier League, Salah ranks in the top three for shots, dribbles and touches inside the opposition penalty area.

It has fallen into place so nicely for Klopp and his recruitment staff, it seems as though their thorough analysis of Salah before signing him has already been shown during his time at the club so far. With so much of the season still to play, it is frightening to think that there could be more to Mo Salah than meets the eye.

The Egyptian is only just getting started.

nteIt’s a massive Super Sunday this weekend as the Premier League throws up another ‘Top Six’ battle as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad stadium followed by Manchester United’s visit to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. There is no doubting that we are in for two massive six pointers as all four clubs will be aiming to stake a strong claim in this early race for the Barclays Premier League title.

Here’s a look at my prediction for this weekend’s Super Sunday’s games:

Manchester City vs Arsenal

The first of our ‘Top 6’ battle this Sunday is between high-flying Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad. Arsene Wenger’s side has not beaten City on the road in three years in which the Gunners claimed a memorable and significant victory over the then reigning champions, beating them in a robust, defensive and astute display, having only 35 per cent possession, taking fewer shots than their opponents.

Will Arsene approach this game on Sunday in the same manner? City are on fire right now and will be buoyed by their impressive 4-2 win over Napoli in Italy in the Champions League, midweek. There is no stopping City right now, with their scintillating football on show. Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero are all enjoying prolific starts to the season. Lets not forget about the brilliant Kevin De Bruyne who is desecrating defences week-in-week-out with his fabulous eye of the needle passes and vision. Guardiola has identified the perfect formula for this City side, and Arsene Wenger will have his work cut out if he does not have a game plan for this game.

Arsenal went to Chelsea a few weeks ago and snatched a draw, in which we thought the penny had dropped. Does Arsene now know to approach the big games with a particular game plan? The draw at Stamford Bridge showed he does, but right now City are on a different playing field than Chelsea. Arsenal’s impressive frontline of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette will have to be at their utmost best to get anything from the Etihad. City’s defence are vulnerable and without a recognised left-back, will Wenger target that area to go in his favour?

We’ll find out this Sunday.

I ain’t ruling out Arsenal, but my head is going towards a City victory to crank up the pressure on neighbours United.

Score Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal

Chelsea vs Manchester United

It’s worrying times for Chelsea right now, the Roma defeat on Tuesday would certainly have deepened the fears and worries surrounding the whole club right now. The Premier League winners need a massive win from somewhere to pick themselves up and there is no better place to do it than against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on Sunday. Chelsea’s defence is a huge worry and Mourinho will be licking his lips at the prospect of inflicting further damage on his former club.

What’s interesting about these spectacles is that they throw up various questions on how both clubs will approach the game. Will Mourinho stick with the same approach he employed against Liverpool a few weeks ago or will he have a go at Chelsea’s struggling defence. United have been picking up victories aside from their surprise defeat to Huddersfield, the late win over fellow challengers Tottenham would was a much needed victory followed by a win over Benfica in midweek. Clean sheets are always a bonus and United have at this moment the best defence in the league, even picking up victories without their star performer Paul Pogba, and without him, Mourinho’s men have struggled to replicate the fast and exciting attacking football they showed earlier on in the season. Though, Pogba could make his return to the bench this Sunday, United will be in desperate need of his services if they strive to pick up a victory this Sunday.

Similarly, Chelsea have been poor without their main man N’golo Kante in midfield. At times over the past few weeks, their defence has been laboured and cut to pieces with ease because of Kante’s absence. Conte will be praying the Frenchman can make a return this Sunday which could be a much needed boost.

What’s certain, is that, this will be a very tight game. I don’t see Chelsea giving United another hiding like last season and without Kante, Chelsea may just struggle but all that depends on how Mourinho approaches this game. I don’t want to be biased here but Chelsea are struggling so I’m going for United to nick it.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

What a night Tottenham experienced on Wednesday against European champions Real Madrid, not only did they beat them, but pretty comfortably too. Pochettino took advantage of Real’s poor form as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen ran riot. This weekend, its back to reality in the Premier League as they host Crystal Palace who are bottom of the Premier League table at this point in the season. Wednesday night proved that Tottenham have rid of their Wembley hoodoo and a win against Roy Hodgson’s struggling side is certainly on the cards. Pochettino and his men will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United last week and Wednesday nights antics will certainly boost them with confidence going into Sunday’s game.

Palace were awfully lucky last week, if it weren’t for West Ham’s naivety to close out the match at Selhurst Park last week, Palace would have been staring at another defeat. However, Hodgson would have been buoyed by his sides spirit after going 2-0 down, which must make the former England coach think why his players can’t start matches in similar vein. Players such as Wilfried Zaha has certainly given Palace hope, his new role up front has certainly filled him with responsibility. Can Palace cause an upset this weekend?

Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Crystal Palace

Everton vs Watford

It was a very disappointing result for Watford last week in their 1-0 defeat to Stoke, we would have expected better from Marco Silva’s men. It was the first time where they have turned up expecting a victory but cracked under pressure. Marco Silva will definitely want to resurrect the animal in Watford that we have been impressed with so far this season and what a time to get it, at struggling side Everton who are rock-bottom right now, out of the Europa League, managerless and in desperate need of fresh impetus.

The Everton hierarchy will certainly use the upcoming international break as a chance to choose the next manager to take over from sacked Ronald Koeman – it is a decision that could really make or break the future of the football club. They are in a relegation dog fight right now although its too early in the season, but within the club it seems as though there is no hope. Everton need something, now and fast.

Watford to take the three points.

Score Prediction: Everton 1-2 Watford

Written by Adrian Addai

Games after the international break usually seem to throw up bizarre results and this week was no different with some shocks at the top and bottom of the table. Here are some of the stats you may have missed from this weeks results.

0- Unfortunately that is the number of away games Arsenal have won this season. They are going have to start picking up points on the road if they have any desires of getting back into that top four. With trips to Goodison Park and the Etihad on the horizon it will not be getting any easier for Arsene and his side.

1- Tottenham, recorded their first win at Wembley in the Premier League with Erikson providing a cool finish to give Spurs all three points against Bournemouth. They will be hoping to keep up the momentum at Wembley when Liverpool are the visitors next weekend.

2- The number of goals Manchester United have conceded in the opening eight league games, currently sitting with the best defensive record in the league having kept 7 clean sheets. Although they have owe much to David De Gea and his speedy reactions for keeping a clean sheet at Anfield which was otherwise quite a drab draw.

3 – Crystal Palace collected their first three points of the campaign being the last team in all of the English Football League to record a league win. To do it against the champions is just as impressive and with Zaha in the form he’s showing surely Hodgson will be a little bit more enthusiastic about their chances of survival.

4- Watford leapfrogged Arsenal into fourth position after a well fought victory over the Gunners this weekend. Marco Silvas boys are going from strength to strength and sit above Chelsea,Liverpool and Arsenal in the table as it stands. They bullied Arsenal in that last period of the game and Troy Deeney showed he still has plenty still to offer playing a major part in both the goals.

5- The number of assists Kevin De Bruyne has now registered in the Premier League this season, second only to David Silva in that race. Some of the range of passes he displayed against Stoke were nothing short of breathtaking. what is more remarkable since his debut for Manchester City he has contributed 32 assists which in that time is better than any current player in the league.

6- Bournemouth have now lost 6 of their first 8 league games and lie 19th in the league, only Crystal Palace have lost more in the league this season. This should serve as a warning sign to Eddie Howe who needs to get back to winning ways or else they might find themselves drifting further from the teams above them.

Written by Adrian Addai

After 7 games of the return of the Barclays Premier League, its fair to say, we fans have not been disappointed. The Premier League table is already showing us a minor glimpse of how it could shape up come April and May. Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are fairly running away with it, but there’s still a long way to go yet. Although, that hasn’t stopped some pundits and fans debating who could win the Barclays Premier League come May, with the names of both Manchester clubs ringing on a most fans lips.

But the debate for the Premier League title isn’t the only most talked about topic of the Premier League so far, but rather who could end winning the Golden Boot come May. With three players on six goals, the race for the Premier League’s golden boot looks set to be hotly contested. Blessed with an abundance of top quality strikers and here we list the top contenders for the Golden Boot Crown:

Harry Kane, (Tottenham Hotspur)

What a September Harry Kane has had.

August proved again a bad month for Kane but it did not take him long to start scoring within the first few days of September, and has followed that up with 11 goals for club and country – 7 in the Premier League so far, and five in the Champions League after his hat-trick against Apoel Nicosia on Tuesday. Add to that, another two goals on international duty for England. 38 goals in total in 2017? Kane is in remarkable goal scoring form.

The previous winner of the Golden Boot for the past two seasons, we can’t put it past him to famously win the prize three times in a row. Let’s be honest, Harry Kane has everything you’d want from your modern day goalscorer. Brilliant build-up play, first touch, pace, power and a wonderful strike on him, you could bet your mortgage on him putting the ball in the back of the net 3 or 4 times out of five opportunities.

Can we describe Harry Kane as world class? That’s the debate we’d have to leave open for a while, but it won’t be given a definitive answer until Tottenham can improve on their success over the past two seasons especially progress in the Champions League. Can he lead Tottenham to glory this season? We’ll find out.

Sergio Aguero, (Manchester City)

Is there any limits to Sergio Aguero’s abilities? In my own personal view, I feel he is the best finisher in the Premier League, been a huge fan of his ever since he joined the blue half of Manchester.

He is Manchester City’s all time top Premier League goalscorer with 128 goals, and is only one (176) behind City’s all time record goalscorer Eric Brook who graced the club between 1927-1940 with. Sergio Aguero is one course to reach this magnificent feat, and he damn well deserves the mantle.

One of the greatest marksmen the Premier League has ever seen. At the rate City are going in the Premier League this season so far, Aguero would certainly be one of the leading contenders battling for the Golden boot prize come the end of the season.

His recent car accident in Amsterdam is surely a blow to himself and for Manchester City in particular, an incident that could potentially rule him out for a couple months but you can’t bet against Aguero coming back firing on all cylinders.

Romelu Lukaku, (Manchester United)

Have a read of this “little” stat, Romelu Lukaku is eight goals shy of reaching 100 Premier League goals at the age of 24. Remarkable, for a player still with a lot to learn and working under one of the greatest managers ever to grace the game, it is a tad scary that Romelu Lukaku still has a lot to offer.

Finally been graced with club of his dreams and playing amongst the biggest stage in World Football in the UEFA Champions League, Lukaku is at the right age and the right club under the right manager to engross himself amongst the best players in the world. He has taken to his new challenge like a duck to water with 10 goals in as many games, just goes to show the quality the Belgium international has. Pace, power, aerial ability, movement, and great finishing.

Lukaku isn’t the finished article yet, but that’s a good thing. There is still a lot more to come from him. He could well fire United to the Premier League title this season. We wouldn’t put it past him. A shoe-in to finally break his duck and win his first ever golden boot prize in which he finished second to Harry Kane last season.

Alvaro Morata, (Chelsea)

Any thoughts of Alvaro Morata being too soft, or too polite for the Barclays Premier League was certainly thrown out of the window in Chelsea’s thrashing against Stoke at the Bet365 stadium. The Spaniard was merciless, ruthless and predatory as he notched his first hat-trick in English football. Followed by a lovely finish in the famous Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.

This is a player with unerring abilities, no wonder Zinedine Zidane was distraught at letting him go from Real Madrid. But, Morata had to make the move for the betterment of his career, and he has started life at Stamford Bridge with a bang. Diego Costa who?

Antonio Conte has asked Morata to be more like Costa in his aggressive streak, and that advice is on its way to being answered. The reason Morata will thrive at the bridge is his relationship with Conte and the fact that he is the main man. He had Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema to contend with at the Bernabeu, but now under Conte’s tutelage, Morata has the chance to shine.

Alexandre Lacazette, (Arsenal)

Two goals in Arsenal’s win against West Brom further solidified Alexandre Lacazette’s status as Arsene Wenger’s expected main goal threat for this season and years to come. This is a striker that has been amongst the leading scorers in Europe’s top 5 divisions over the past few years. His prolificacy at Lyon has not gone unnoticed, and was the reason why Wenger finally broke the bank to get his man.

4 goals in 7 Premier League games for Arsenal already, has placed Lacazette amongst the leading contenders for the golden boot even if we are already two months into the Premier League campaign. Most of Arsenal’s success this season will be based on the form of their new man and Alexis Sanchez, and if Lacazette prolong this form for most of the season, Arsenal could finally have a stable Premier League challenge on their hands. No doubt about it, the Frenchman will be there or thereabouts come May fighting for that Premier League golden boot prize.

Jamie Vardy, (Leicester City)

It’s simple. Play to Jamie Vardy’s strengths and he will flourish. After an outstanding season in which Leicester famously claimed the Premier League title, Vardy was at the centre of everything good at the King Power. His second season under Claudio Ranieri didn’t go as planned, but that was down to a lack of confidence and the fact that the whole dressing room stopped playing for the Italian but as soon as Craig Shakespeare stepped in, Vardy has been back to his best.

That’s to down to two reasons, he’s regained his confidence and most of Shakespeare’s play revolves around the evergreen hitman. One thing is for sure, Jamie Vardy is back to his best with 5 goals in 6 games so far. Yes, Leicester won’t be fighting for the Premier League crown again or for even a top 6 place but that won’t stop Jamie Vardy wreaking havoc for the Golden Boot crown.

Gabriel Jesus, (Manchester City)

What a player. From the moment he made his debut last season, you knew this guy was going to be a star, and he’s playing under the right manager to achieve his ambitions. Jesus is bound to get a handful of goals this season and that’s simply down to his relationship with Sergio Aguero and the abundance of attacking talent around him; Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane to name a few names. Frightening.

His goalscoring exploits in his short time at Manchester City is nothing short of brilliant with 12 goals in 18 appearance in all competitions. Jesus has taken on the new challenge at City with consummate ease.

The future of Brazilian football alongside Neymar.

Alexis Sanchez, (Arsenal)

We already know about the sheer quality of Alexis Sanchez, but after his failed move away from the Emirates, the question we as neutrals need to ask is can Alexis get back to the form that made him so formidable last season with 30 goals.

Wenger has a huge job on his hands trying to get Alexis back to his best, but the Chilean does have to honour his contract and if Arsenal have any chance of mounting a serious assault on the Premier league title then Alexis will be key to their hopes.

For all we know, this could be Alexis Sanchez’ last season at the Emirates.