Following a turbulent few weeks in the Arsenal camp – stemming from the humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, speculation has increased regarding the future of Arsene Wenger. Ex-players and fans have grown frustrated at the lack of desire and commitment throughout the Arsenal team – leading many to believe that the problems are arising from the Arsenal management.

Ex-players such as Ian Wright, Thierry Henry and Martin Keown have voiced their concerns and disappointment at the performances of late especially the Munich defeat in the Champions League. Ian Wright on BBC Radio 5 Live and Match of the Day publicly stated that Wenger personally revealed to him that he thinks his time in the Arsenal dugout is drawing to a close.

Although Wenger may have openly stated his desire to put pen to paper and sign a new agreement with the Arsenal hierarchy, it has failed to put an end to the rife speculation about who may replace the French coach. The potential vacant position at Barcelona with Luis Enrique leaving at the end of the season, a few rumours have spread on Wenger becoming the new coach at the Camp Nou. Asked if he would be tempted in taking over from Enrique, Wenger said:

“No, my preference has always been the same and will remain the same. I am not looking for jobs in other clubs or jobs for other people. I am just focused on me.”

Wenger may have openly dismissed his interest in the Barcelona job but his future at Arsenal is still up in the air. The Frenchman has yet to sign a new contract with the Gunners, despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season. Wenger, 67, has reiterated his desire to continue managing next season whether at Arsenal or not.

What remains to be seen is whether Wenger will sign the new Arsenal contract offered to him, and with Arsenal being at the centre of controversy and criticism in recent weeks, the future of Wenger – a man who has established and imprinted a legacy that will be at the forefront of the future of Arsenal football club for many years, certainly the growing frustration surrounding the fans and ex players is understandable but there is the danger Arsenal may find themselves in an even worse position if Wenger is to eventually call it quits in the summer which may force the board to stick with Wenger for another year and keep the club afloat.

Amidst of all the rumours and speculation on Arsene Wenger’s potential successor, one name has been ringing around more than anyone else – a name that may not spark fires and excitement around the Emirates but a name of proven winner, a born leader and a man who is course to register yet another domestic double to his belt at Juventus – Massimiliano Allegri.

The man in the Juventus hotseat has reportedly told friends he has decided to leave the club to become the new manager at Arsenal at the end of this season, according to various reports in Italy. Although he has openly denied these rumours according to Sky Sports, we can’t rule anything at this point, stranger things have happened.

The Italian has been strongly linked with replacing Arsene Wenger and appears to be keen on joining the likes of compatriot Antonio Conte in the Premier League which will serve up an interesting start to the 2017/18 Premier League season with a host of top quality managers plying their trade in the English top-flight. If Allegri was to become Arsenal manager, he would be joining the likes of Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Slaven Bilic and Ronald Koeman – a list of some of the top quality coaches in World football.

The 49-year old is into his third season as Juventus coach, but the search for his replacement has reportedly already begun as he has chosen to move on and take on the chance to replace Arsene Wenger at the Emirates. According to Italian newspaper Calciomercato, Allegri has been involved in a number of bust ups with his players most notably with Leonardo Bonucci after a recent win over Palermo. And the former AC Milan feels he has not been backed by the club chiefs which has led Allegri to tell friends he will try his utmost best to end this season on a high with Juventus still in with a chance on completing a treble with the Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Champions League up for grabs.

So what will Massimiliano Allegri bring to Arsenal if he was to become manager next season?

A Winning Mentality

Sure, Allegri isn’t as beloved as the other candidates to replace Arsene Wenger, but he has something to his CV that none of them can boast about, and that is trophies. Major trophies. He’s won the Serie A title three times once with AC Milan and twice with current champions Juventus. The club is on its way to completing a third Serie A success under Allegri barring a complete self-destruction. Juventus are currently top of Serie A and Allegri looks like making it 3 league titles in a row, 4 league titles overall. In comparison, Arsene Wenger, has only won the Premier League three times in his 20 years as Arsenal manager. Certainly, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish, but look if we look at what Allegri’s fellow compatriots have achieved – last season Claudio Ranieri done the unthinkable and won the Championship with Leicester City and now Antonio Conte, former Juventus and Italy coach is about to reclaim Chelsea’s Premier league crown in his first season in England.

Moreover, in his first season as Juventus coach, Allegri guided the club to Champions League final. Although they were outclassed by Barcelona at the final hurdle, it was an achievement that had never been reached by his predecessor. He also impressively beat Real Madrid in the semi-final in that year, where Madrid were shoe-in favourites to meet Barcelona in the final.

Also, Allegri has also won the Coppa Italia for the last two seasons, completing and then retaining a domestic double. As things stand, Juventus are on course to make the final of the Coppa Italia again, meaning if Allegri was to leave at the end of the season he will have won three domestic doubles in a row. An incredible personal feat.

Massimiliano Allegri honours

Allegri would bring steel and a winning mentality. Something Arsenal have been crying out for a number of years. Maybe the time is right for fresh ideas at the Emirates, and Allegri could be the man. So what else could he bring to the Arsenal camp?

Tactical Flexibility

When Arsene Wenger picks a formation, he sticks to it. Wenger’s hallmark for a number of years has been the 4-2-3-1 formation. Even if it doesn’t fit the players available, Wenger would always turn to the style which makes us question his tactical flexibility and nous? There’s no doubting the ability of Wenger and what he has achieved but is clear his inability to adapt his tactics has hindered Arsenal for a number of years – maybe the reason they have not won the Premier league title since 2005. Why not try the nous of Conte or Mourinho who adapt their tactics and playing style according the opposition, Wenger’s problem is that he always seems to focus on the way his side is playing and not focusing on how the opposition can affect his team which has led to his downfall in a number of big games this season.

Allegri, on the other hand is tactically flexible. Throughout his managerial career, one of his defining traits is his ability to change formation and style during a match if things are not going in his teams favour. His use of the different variations such as the familiar 4-2-3-1, the three at the back system (3-5-2) and the 4-3-1-2 have become a saving grace for Allegri during his time at Juventus and if he was to make the trip to the Emirates this summer, it is a change that the Arsenal faithful will have to get used to and one which could be once again Allegri’s plan if he was to take the reigns in North London.

Overall, Max Allegri might not be the glamorous managerial appointment that the Arsenal faithful want. But he is the probably the best candidate for the job, an almost impossible job taking over the reigns of one of the greatest managers ever to grace the game. Maybe it is time for fresh ideas at the Emirates. Allegri’s record proves he is a born winner, it is just what Arsenal need.

Swansea are living dangerously close to the relegation places at this point in the season. After years of stability and safety in the Premier League in previous seasons, the Welsh club could find themselves playing Championship football next season. The narrow defeat at Manchester City would not have helped their cause, but Swansea have picked up much needed wins before and after with victories over Liverpool, Southampton and Leicester which has boosted the confidence around the Liberty Stadium. Other than the appointment of Paul Clement at the helm, one man central to Swansea’s resurgence is Icelandic talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Probably one of the most underrated players plying their trade in the Premier League. Does Sigurdsson deserve more praise and recognition?

Gylfi Sigurdsson found himself on the scoresheet against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium with his side narrowly beaten by Manchester City taking his goal tally for the season to 8 goals.

It was so nearly a different story for Swansea. Gylfi Sigurdsson’s 81st minute equaliser could have consigned Swansea to a vital point – or to even snatch a victory like they did at Anfield a couple weeks before – only for City’s late winner to halt Swansea’s effort and to ensure another starring contribution from the Icelandic talisman passed under the radar. The afternoon belonged to Gabriel Jesus.

However, in the victory over Premier League champions Leicester City at the Liberty, normal service was resumed with a brilliant assist for Martin Olsson to notch Swansea’s second goal taking his assist tally to 8 for the season, the Icelandic international has been involved in half of Swansea’s goal this season, a feat that only highlights his huge importance to the Swansea cause as they battle on to avoid the drop.

Gylfi Sigurdsson has grown accustomed to performing under the radar and enjoying others taking the spotlight but his precise and accurate left footed strike at the Etihad was his third goal in three games and his eighth of the season so far. You could even throw in the fact that he’s laid on eight assists for his team-mates. There are only six players in the Premier League with a higher combined total. What’s interesting about those stats is that all 6 of those players you could say naturally are the main strikers for their team. Sigurdsson is the only one of those six players impressing from midfield.

Most goals and assists combined – Premier League 2016/17

Alexis Sanchez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Costa are amongst the star studded group and Sigurdsson’s return is even more impressive when you consider the circumstances. Battling away in a relegation dogfight and under the three different managers this season, he has scored twice as many goals as Kevin De Bruyne. He has provided more than twice as many assists as Eden Hazard.

It’s difficult to attract the same kind of plaudits as Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne when you’re down at the bottom but few players can boast about their importance to their team. Sigurdsson has notched decisive goals against Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea and Southampton this season and without him Swansea would be languishing at the foot of the table.

The Icelandic international has been integral to Swansea since he left for the Liberty Stadium from Tottenham in 2014, with his performances deserving better than the 17th position at which his team are currently situated. Since his move in 2014, Sigurdsson has contributed 26 goals and 21 assists. Has Pochettino and Tottenham missed a trick with letting him go? With his added quality, maybe, just maybe Tottenham would have been in a much better position to properly challenge Leicester City last year.

In comparison to all of Tottenham’s attacking talent, since Sigurdsson’s departure, only Harry Kane has scored more goals (60) while Christian Eriksen is the only one to have provided more assists (23).

Paul Clement recently claimed that his star midfielder could play for any of the top clubs in Europe and on the form he’s in of late, he certainly deserves the accolades. His long-range shooting, and classy dead ball deliveries are a formidable weapon to the Swansea Arsenal. His equaliser at Manchester City was his ninth goal from outside the box in the past three seasons pitting him level with Liverpool’s Coutinho and one behind Christian Eriksen.

Most goals from outside the box – Premier League since 2014/15

Sigurdsson struggled to cement a starting berth at Spurs, but he has consistently performed for Swansea from year-to-year since his arrival. He netted nine times in his first season and is already on course to beat his tally for 2015/2016 (11), but there are more to his talents than just scoring and providing.

Sigurdsson does it all, he combines technical skill with hard work on and off the ball along with his stamina and work rate. At a time when pressing from the front has become a popular trait, he is well equipped to lead the way despite his lack of pace.

The Premier League tracking data proves this, in each of Swansea’s last four league games – in which they have beaten Liverpool, Southampton, a narrow defeat at Manchester City, and the win against Leicester City – Sigurdsson has made more intensity sprints than any of his team mates which reflects his sheer determination off the ball.

He has been vital to Swansea’s resurgence in recent weeks and now the Welsh club find themselves 4 points of the relegation zone after a win against fellow strugglers Leicester City. The appointment Paul Clement has certainly raised the confidence and aura around the club as they aim to sustain their status in the English top-flight.

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard scored a memorable goal as Chelsea moved a step closer to reclaiming their Premier League title with an inspired and consummate display against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte’s Blues led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Marcos Alonso’s header, however, it was Belgian international superstar Eden Hazard who stole the show at Stamford Bridge with a stupendous and stunning solo goal to put some much deserved daylight between the two London clubs. Hazard glided past three players during a run that started in his own half before dazzling Laurent Koscielny unto his back-side and beating Petr Cech to score a goal worthy of winning the Premier League title. Hazard’s brilliance occurred before former Chelsea goalkeeper Cech gifted former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas with his first goal against his former side since leaving the club.

The visitors managed a late consolation goal through Olivier Giroud’s header, with Chelsea now nine points clear of their London rivals.

There is no doubting Chelsea’s brilliance and masterclass performance under Antonio Conte, but this match highlighted a number of problems and issues Arsene Wenger must face and address as Arsenal’s season is in massive danger of faltering dramatically. This defeat means Arsenal have now lost four of their past nine Premier League games, the same number that they had lost in their previous 35 in the competition. With Manchester United now creeping up behind them and Manchester City overtaking them into 3rd place with their last gasp win over Swansea, this maybe Arsenal’s first time in over a decade on missing out on a Champion League spot.

Arsenal’s defeat to Chelsea plainly highlighted the tactical naivety shown by Arsene Wenger especially in the big games this season. Wenger is still refusing to adapt his game plan; on a number of occasions during the defeat to Chelsea, players such as Hazard were given so much freedom on the ball due to the lack of desire and pressing from the Arsenal players. Wenger could be paying the price for not paying attention to these small details on the opposition, he certainly did at Stamford Bridge.

“Here they give us much more information than they do at Arsenal, definitely. At Arsenal we don’t really look at anything from the other team, we look at ourselves and that’s it. Here, maybe two to three days before the game, we start looking at some videos, we know more or less the starting eleven that is going to play… we know nearly everything about them.”

Cesc Fabregas was speaking in 2010 about the Spain side which on to dramatically win the World Cup that summer. His words no doubt apply to Chelsea also. It was Fabregas who came off the bench to chip his old team-mate Petr Cech in the 3-1 victory on Saturday and underline the gulf in class between the two sides. when it really matters most.

Antonio Conte – in stark contrast to Arsene Wenger – obsesses over his teams tactics. A trait previously backed up by Conte’s former team-mate at Juventus and great friend Fabrizio Ravanelli who stated on Sky Sports that Conte spends hours studying videos of his opponents before a game. Goalkeeper Thibaut Cortouis admits that it is not the best part of training but goes on to saying that it is indeed a valid part of preparation especially for a game of such magnitude like the Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry.

In contrast, their cross-city rivals looked like a side who did not do their homework. Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville stated:

“Have Arsenal been bad? No, However, it just feels like the same. Not strong enough, not resilient enough, not powerful enough and not good enough ultimately to compete in a match of this nature in an important part of the season when they can apply a bit of pressure to their close rivals. They have fallen well short.”

Certainly, we could fully agree with Gary Neville’s analysis of Arsenal on Saturday. On numerous occasions over the past few seasons, Arsenal’s mentality to mount a serious title challenge have been called into question. Wenger’s men could not live the compactness, power, flair and resilience of Chelsea; they were outmuscled in almost every department and apart of that is plainly down to their tactical deficiencies. It was striking at Stamford Bridge. Forget about the result at Old Trafford back in November, it was the same story in that game, Arsenal just could not live with the power and pressure put on by United, they found themselves incredibly fortunate not to have lost that which would have been had it not been for United’s frailties in converting their chances.

With all the will in the world Hector Bellerin could not out jump and overcome the tenacity and desire of Marcos Alonso as he beat him to the header that put Chelsea in front – especially when receiving an elbow to the face – but why was the full-back all on his own? Why was he allowed to wander unmarked inside the penalty area in the first place? Theo Walcott – having identified the danger of Alonso at his side view – still did not alert to the danger and was left to rue his defensive mistake.

There were two instances during the game that highlighted the difference in class and commitment between the two sides. Danny Welbeck who was a second-half substitute trying to bring Arsenal back into the game looked like he had the run of Nemanja Matic to start a counter attack only for him to be chalked down by the Serbian – a tactical foul as we would refer to it. In contrast, why didn’t Francis Coquelin do the same to Eden Hazard? The Frenchmen knew the danger Hazard posed to his defence yet he did not deal with it like Matic did Welbeck. These two instances is thoroughly backed up by Neville’s analysis, Arsenal lack the desire and commitment to win a game of this magnitude let alone the Premier League title. While N’golo Kante and Matic were instructed to stop counter attacks at every opportunity while for Arsenal, it almost appeared optional. Is this down to the tactical naivety of Wenger – focusing solely on his own team while ignoring the threats of the opposition in his preparation?

Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports

“ The opposite of that is what Arsenal have done. I don’t want to take away the beauty of the Hazard goal but Coquelin has to stop that counter attack one way or another even if he pulls him down and takes the booking for the team. I think that shows the naivety in a nutshell.”

Players were not tracked, and it was far too easy for Pedro and Hazard – allowed to pick up pockets of space to run into – as we’ve seen this season, if you allow them space like Arsenal did, they will punish you. Pedro had more touches than any other player in the first-half, and Hazard had one fewer. Arsenal had the possession but time and time again Chelsea were allowed the space and opportunity to break at speed.

Neither Bellerin’s replacement Gabriel of Nacho Monreal carried out their full-back duties to full-effect, both full backs attacked together which left Arsenal exposed on the wings, Eden Hazard and Pedro constantly lied in wait to pick out their opportunities. Again the naivety of Wenger’s tactics was punished. Arsenal had not learned their lesson from the defeat at Watford where they again could live with the pressure and power of the Watford attack.

It is the sort of naivety that means will be missing out on the Premier League title for the thirteenth successive season. The sort of naivety that stems from the top and for which Arsene Wenger must surely now shudder the responsibility. The necessary tactical adjustments are just not being looked at in the Arsenal camp. Antonio Conte, who suffered the embarrassment of a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates in the reverse fixture used that loss as a lesson and springboard for the season as he took action and changed the tactics and the dynamic of the team – a 3-4-3 formation that is bringing the best of the likes of Hazard, Azpilicueta, Victor Moses and Pedro. Why not Wenger take a leaf out of the Italian’s book? Take a gamble, like Conte did who is reaping the rewards of their change in shape.

Are Arsenal again just content on a top 4 place? A feat that is starting to become a frustrating achievement for the Arsenal faithful, they clearly want more and that means the Premier League title. A change is needed at Arsenal, whether that is a change in manager, who knows? It is a case of be careful what you wish for. Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger must adapt his tactics especially when it matters most, the club are suffering as a result. It is seven years since Fabregas offered his assessment on life at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. No league title has been won in that time and the only change is that, after back-to-back defeats, the risk of missing out on the top four is on the horizon with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all vying for a spot in Europe’s elite competition. When will Arsenal learn? Unfortunately for Wenger, it is difficult to see the signs that they ever will after their showing at Stamford Bridge, will Arsenal fans finally see the back of Wenger come the summer? Who knows.

Tottenham fought back from two goals to grab a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s City dominated for large parts of the game against an out of sorts Spurs and looked to be coasting to victory when Leroy Sane  opened the scoring in the 49th minute and then Kevin De Bruyne capitalised on a Hugo Lloris error to score City’s second.

Tottenham then salvaged a way back into the game with their first shot on target through Dele Alli’s 12th goal of the season before Son Heung-Min equalised after a nice intricate bit of play by Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen.

Here are 5 things we learned from Tottenham’s fight back:

1. Manchester City’s best performance of the Season so far?

Before the start of the game, Pep Guardiola named a strong attacking line-up with Sane and Sterling on the wings with David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne either side of Yaya Toure in midfield and Sergio Aguero upfront. City came out of the traps from the first minute as Tottenham could not match City’s energy and intensity. The visitors lacked composure on the ball and repeatedly presented City with openings after misplaced passes. There was only one team in the second-half and that was Guardiola’s men as they desperately wanted to atone for last weeks thrashing of Everton at Goodison Park.

Only a well-timed tackle from behind by Toby Alderweireld prevented the marauding right-back Pablo Zabaleta shooting from 12 yards out before the defender again struck narrowly wide from a corner after Hugo Lloris tipped a David Silva shot behind.

Kevin De Bruyne then shot across goal after Eric Dier was caught napping on the ball and the impressive Leroy Sane headed off target from around the penalty spot. The missed opportunities and openings left Pep Guardiola frustrated during different periods of the first half, it seemed like it was going to be a similar outcome to the unlucky defeat by League leaders Chelsea. City were rampant, in control and out sight in the first-half – the only thing that was missing was a goal.

In his pre-match press conference Guardiola stated that he wasn’t good enough for his City players but they certainly showed how much of an improvement they are trying to make under the Spaniard’s stewardship.

On the other hand, Spurs looked a completely different team to the one that had won their last six straight league matches and continued to be caught out defensively despite their record of having the best defence in the league.

2.  Leroy Sane slowly coming of age under Pep Guardiola

If there is ever a positive for Guardiola during his time at the helm is the slow progression of new signing Leroy Sane. The big-money £37million pound signing from German club Schalke took a while to settle at the club but that is three big games he has made an impressive showing, firstly in a short spell against Manchester United in September, against Arsenal in the 2-1 victory and now against Tottenham. Certainly, he would have hoped for more starts this season but, whenever he has been called upon by Guardiola he certainly doesn’t disappoint. Blessed with great energy, pace, skill and quick feet – he is quite a joy to watch when he is in this mood. Against Tottenham, he grabbed his second league goal of the season but he was everywhere on the pitch for City, not only impressing in the attacking third but getting back and helping out in defence.

It was his run and anticipation of Hugo Lloris’ error that allowed him to score City’s opening goal – a goal typified by his pace and energy to chase what seemed like a lost cause from Kevin De Bruyne’s ball over the top.

Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola would have been impressed by this young man’s showing. There’s still more to come from the 21-year old. Frightening.

3.  Tottenham dig deep, characteristics of potential title winners?

Mauricio Pochettino’s side would not put this display anywhere the his side’s best performances this season – but they may come to see this as a priceless point considering the amount of pressure they were under by Manchester City.

Spurs were overrun for much of the game, unsettled and caught in possession a tad too often in the first half, but showed great resilience and determination to salvage a draw they barely deserved. Pochettino will be impressed by the grit and never say die attitude they showed towards the end – although they were fortuitous not to have Kyle Walker sent off for what looked like a clear push Raheem Sterling as he was through on goal.

Spurs’ travelling fans celebrated as if this was a victory at the final whistle. Pochettino will want to leave this game in a distant memory regarding their performance on the day but some times you gotta grind out a result when you can’t win and that’s nature of a champions elect. Nonetheless the future looks bright at White Hart Lane.

4. Jesus shows Man City what he is all about in his short cameo

Before the game, Brazilian legend Rivaldo stated that Gabriel Jesus will write his name in the history books in the Premier League. He has even garnered praise from one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the game, Pele. Now, if you’re gathering praise from these too Legends then you must be blessed with an abundance of talent that is going to surely blossom in the future.

Very rarely has an eight-minute substitute appearance generated so much heat and excitement. As soon as the Brazilian starlet was introduced, he was quickly in the thick of the action after replacing Raheem Sterling, firing a dangerous low cross across the six yard box before heading inches over the bar a few moments later.

It was thrilling introduction by Jesus, and he thought he’d netted a debut winner from Kevin De Bruyne’s low cross only for it to be rightly ruled out for offside. Guardiola was on his knees in frustration at the flag on the touchline but if Gabriel Jesus’ cameo is anything to go by, is that Guardiola will have much to cheer when his new signing gets off the mark. Gabriel Jesus. Remember the name.

5. The 2016/2017 Premier League Title race is far from over

Certainly Chelsea find themselves comfortably sitting at the top of the Premier League tree right now, 8 points clear of Arsenal but if Swansea’s victory over fellow title rivals has taught us, is that there are more tales, twists and turns to go in the Premier league title race. Chelsea are sitting comfortably but they cannot afford to get complacent as we draw near to the end of the season. Also, the chasing pack cannot afford to keep dropping points as this weekend has shown with Manchester United also guilty of allowing a much needed win to slip from their fingers.

It would be criminal to plainly predict Chelsea as title winners right now, its simply too early but what an exciting few months ahead we are going to experience. Keep your eyes glued.

Couple months ago, Pundit Alan Shearer on BBC Match of the Day heaped praise on Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and rightly so after the Argentinian scored a brilliant double against West Brom at the Hawthorns as City romped to a 4-0 victory. However, what was alarming by Shearer’s comments was at the point where he stated that Aguero is the “one genuine world class player we have in our Premier League.”

The former England goalscorer added: “When you look at his record, when you look at some of the goals that he can score, the goals that he has scored, he’s world class”. Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker then suggested that Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez may be included in this category, but Shearer dismissed Lineker’s suggestion and stated that Aguero was the only one worthy of being placed in the enviable category.

Certainly, Sergio Aguero is without a shadow of doubt worthy of the ‘World Class’ tag, but he being the ‘Only’ World Class player as claimed by Shearer is hugely controversial. So what do we really mean by ‘World Class’? How can a footballer be deemed as ‘World Class’?

There has been much debate spouting around regarding the term ‘World Class’. In my opinion, a World Class player is someone who can play – and “walk” into any of the top sides in the World, or the term can be measured by the undeniable ability of a player and his the amount of success the player has garnered across his individual career. Can we associate these characteristics with Sergio Aguero? Certainly. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich would jump at the chance to sign the Argentinian striker. Are we able to say the same about Alexis Sanchez? Well, he was sold by Barcelona. However, he was sold merely because he could not push the likes Messi and Neymar out of the line-up. Ask Luis Enrique if he would like Alexis back under different circumstances and he would drool over the possibility.

Nonetheless, to put the gloss over Alan Shearer’s comments on Match of the Day, Sergio Aguero isn’t the only World Class footballer the Premier League has to offer. There are in fact a number of them, to name a few: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mesut Ozil, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, David Silva, Paul Pogba etc. Within those group of players, there are two who have taken the world by storm with their performances over a number of seasons, but are frighteningly yet to reach the peak of their powers; Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard who are respectively at the ages of 23 and 25 are players who at some point – if not now – be considered World Class performers. If that’s the case, we can place them in the ‘World Class’ potential category.

Eden Hazard and Paul Pogba are certainly on their way to Global stardom, but they aren’t the only ones in the Premier League, if there is ever a player we could happily place in that ‘World Class’ potential category as described above then look no further than Tottenham attacking midfielder and England international; Dele Alli. 2016 was Alli’s breakout year in the Premier League, with the player only joining the club from MK Dons in 2015. It is quite incredible as to how much the midfielder has grown in such a short space of time. Credit to Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino who has taken him under his wing and nurtured him to become the player he is now – and to think, he is only 20 years of age – imagine the ability of Alli when he reaches 25.

Alli has been involved in 26 goals in 50 Premier League goals (16 goals, 10 assists) – one more than his team mate Christian Eriksen had garnered at this stage (25) and only eight Spurs players have been involved in more in their opening 50 Premier League appearances for the club. His doubles against Southampton, Watford and the in the significant 2-0 victory have took his tally for the season to an impressive 10 goals and has given Pochettino a much added impetus in terms of lightening the pressure on Harry Kane to fire the goals for Tottenham.

On the same day that Mauricio Pochettino lauded Alli as the “most important player to have emerged in English football in recent years”, Dele Alli produced a performance and an example why he is the brightest young player to breakthrough the youth ranks in recent years. Chelsea travelled to White Hart Lane chasing a record breaking 14th consecutive league win. Tottenham’s talisman ensured Antonio Conte’s men left with nothing.

Tottenham stifled and outclassed Chelsea in ways that no other side has accomplished since Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Conte’s men in September. When Tottenham’s chances arrived, Dele Alli was there to capitalise; both goals were an example of his prowess in front of goal within the past year. Dele provided Tottenham with a deserved lead with a towering header that even Harry Kane would have been proud of, and he rammed the advantage home with almost carbon copy of his opener after the break.

The 20-year olds performance match winning performance against Chelsea was a continuation of his outstanding run of form. A goal against Burnley followed by two more against Southampton, Watford he has now scored 7 goals in his last 4 appearances for the club. With 10 goals in his last 19 games, he has already equalled his tally for the whole of last season which shows Alli has progressed massively within such a short space of time. He is also the 5th youngest English player to hit 20 Premier League goals. A lot of that isn’t just down to his ability, but the amount of belief and trust that Pochettino has placed on the youngster and the England international certainly reaping the rewards of that faith.

It’s little wonder the Argentinian coach spoke of him in such glowing terms before the game.

“He is a player with a lot of aggression in attack, ruthless and determined when he goes forward which makes him extra dangerous. He understands the play well and is a master at attacking spaces.”

Those traits were clearly evident for his goals against Chelsea. What sets  Dele Alli apart from the rest is his fearlessness on the pitch, his air of arrogance and confidence inexplicably says to his opponents “I’m better than you” and that was evident in the goals he scored against Conte’s men.

Impressively, Dele Alli is now the highest scoring midfielder in the League this season, only a goal in front of Sadio Mane and Eden Hazard who both have 9 goals to their names.

Premier League 2016/17 – most goals by midfielders

Without a doubt, Dele Alli is a huge talent and a superstar in the making; according to reports, already Real Madrid are suitors for the 20 year old’s signature but with the plan and trust that Pochettino has placed on his squad and the project he is undertaking at Tottenham, Alli will be silly to drop what he has built already at the Lane. With all the hype that surrounds fresh English talent these days, Alli will have be smart to keep himself grounded and not allow any of the attention to get to his head.

Nonetheless, if Alli can maintain his hard work, consistency and his desire to be the best he can be, Alan Shearer will end up eating his words about the amount of World Class of players we have in the English Premier League.

A ‘World Class’ player in the making is being unearthed.. watch the space.

Manchester City came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and move above their opponents in the Premier League table.

Super Sunday oversaw an action packed match between Manchester City and Arsenal with Wenger hoping to put his poor record to Pep Guardiola to the test. It certainly looked like Wenger had achieved that test at half-time but Guardiola’s City turned their fortunes around with an impressive bullying performance over Arsenal who have now lost two games on the bounce – even when leading at half-time in both games. Two defeats in the north-west have deflated Arsenal’s balloon, who before had not suffered defeat since the opening day of the season at home to Liverpool.

According to Opta Joe:

3 – Arsenal have lost three games from leading positions this season – more than they did in the whole of last season. (2) Wasted.

Against Everton, the first-half was perfect and rosy for Arsenal as they were totally in control after Sanchez’s deflected free-kick, Everton just could not get close to the Arsenal goal as Wenger’s men dominated. Arsenal really should have put Everton to the sword that night but it wasn’t to be. Ronald Koeman’s men came out flying in the second-half as Arsenal capitulated and were totally submissive to Everton’s pressing and energy.

City took a leaf out of Everton’s book to put Arsenal’s weakness to the test.

For the first time this season, Guardiola kept the same back-line for two games in a row after their shut-out against the Hornets, meaning John Stones had to once again settle for a place on the bench. The continuity in the defence made little difference though as City were again left exposed by a quick Arsenal break – five minutes from the start – Petr Cech rolled the ball out to Hector Bellerin who was allowed time and space roam up to the half way line and pick out Alexis Sanchez who calmly performed a slide-rule pass for Theo Walcott to continue his good form in front of goal and put Arsenal ahead – his 11th goal in all competitions and his fourth in as many games.

However, that lead was nearly wiped out within a minute as City slickly worked the ball out wide to Kevin De Bruyne and the Belgian’s brilliant cross from the left was somehow headed wide by Raheem Sterling from close range – playing the lone front role in place of the suspended Sergio Aguero.

Apart from that Arsenal were in control without totally carving out clear openings but City’s fragile back-line was there to be taken advantage of before half-time – Wenger’s men could not repeat the kind of performance when they won 2-0 at City in January 2015.

All of Arsenal good work in the first-half were undone as City came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders – what Pep Guardiola said at half-time must have worked a treat as City imposed themselves on the game and totally controlled proceedings – as a result, City were level within two minutes of after half-time. The impressive Raheem Sterling drove forward with purpose in the Arsenal before exchanging passes with David Silva, and the Spanish playmaker lofted a beautiful weighted pass which found Leroy Sane through on goal. The flag stayed down, with Laurent Koscielny was deemed to have played the German youngster onside as he kept his cool and composure to score past the on-rushing Petr Cech for his first ever goal for Manchester City.

As Guardiola came out at half-time, there was a an aura of confidence, arrogance  and demeanour as he knew what his side was capable of in the second half, and they duly delivered. Sane’s goal completely altered the flow of the contest in City’s favour. Arsenal key players were nowhere to be found – Ozil and Sanchez could not muster up an opportunity for the visitors as Claudio Bravo had absolutely nothing to do in the City goal.

With City not only quickest to every ball, but were every 50-50 challenge while Arsenal could just not breathe. David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling ran the Arsenal back-line ragged with the pressing, energy and movement. Petr Cech who was merely a spectator in the second half was immediately called into action as he made impressive stops to deny De Bruyne and Sane in the final quarter.

Arsene Wenger tried to force a reaction from his players as he brought on Oxlade-Chamberlain for Iwobi to inject much needed pace, but before the winger could even settle on the pitch, City were already 2-1 up as his English counterpart Raheem Sterling brilliantly beat Nacho Monreal and slotted home at the near post all of which came from an outstanding crossfield pass by the sensational Kevin De Bruyne, although Sterling had much to do he was clearly up to the challenge.

Sterling was heavily criticised for his poor run of form and was made a scapegoat for England’s failures in the summer at the Euro’s, but he has immediately found a new lease of life under the wing of one of the best managers in Guardiola. His goal against Arsenal highlighted the confidence and belief Guardiola has instilled Sterling’s game. With Kevin De Bruyne impressing and David Silva once again showing why he is considered one of the best attacking midfielders in the game. Mesut Ozil and Sanchez were left in their wake as they were nowhere to be found to have any sort of influence to pull Arsenal out of the traps.

City then brought on Jesus Navas for the tiring Leroy Sane and the substitute made an instant impression as he found De Bruyne from his cross on the right, only for the Belgian’s shot to cannon off the post.

But Arsenal, who lost Oxlade-Chamberlain to injury once again, failed to make City pay as Guardiola’s held on to record what could be a vital win in the race for the title. Once again, Arsenal blew away a lead at half-time – as they did at Goodison Park in the defeat to Everton. Another lethargic and abject second-half performance has immediately brought all their good work during the course of the season to a halt. The defeat to City means Arsenal remain nine points adrift of Chelsea and drop to fourth place. If Arsenal want to be challenging for the title, the mentality around the club certainly has to change.

While Wenger stated post match that his team were ‘mentally strong’. Gary Neville on Sky Sports disagreed:

“I don’t think it is. There was a huge psychological drop for Arsenal in the second half , I’m not quite sure where that has come from.”

Neville then added:

“They just looked completely lethargic, they were walking around the pitch, in such a huge game.”

Certainly, Arsenal lacked invention and were totally outclassed in the second half. In these so called ‘big games’, Wenger needed his big time players to show up; Ozil despite his sheer brilliance and technical ability, was once again on the periphery as he failed to live up to expectations on the big stage. Without a shadow of a doubt, Ozil is a great player but in these sort of games, he needs to be pulling out the stops for his team and that means fighting for the ball whenever he loses it – today, he just wasn’t with it. Same can be said for Alexis Sanchez who has been Arsenal’s main figurehead so far this season did not turn up for Arsenal – there was an instance during a stoppage in play where he was bowed looking bereft of ideas and belief – an image that could further bring the media into transfer news frenzy as his Arsenal future hangs in the balance.

Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger’s frailties has been exposed in the past couple of games and would need to find a solution fast to avoid another season of disappointment within the Arsenal camp. For Guardiola on the other hand, his side still needs major work defensively but his team can take massive confidence from a brilliant fight back in the second half.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been hit with a four game suspension following his sending off for a horrific challenge on David Luiz in the final few minutes of City’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at the Etihad stadium on Saturday.

The striker’s studs up two footed lunge on David Luiz sparked a mass scuffle in the dying minutes of the match which marred the brilliant performance and entertainment put on show by both teams who we expect to the right at the summit of the Premier League table come the end of the season. Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho was also shown a red card for his actions as he choke held Cesc Fabregas and pushed him over the advertising hoardings.

Sergio Aguero serves an extended ban as he has already been penalised for his elbow challenge on Winston Reid during City’s 3-1 win over West Ham in August. His ban means he will miss games against Leicester next weekend, Watford, Arsenal and Hull City which serves as a potential headache for Pep Guardiola has he tries to keep with Antonio Conte’s in form Chelsea during the hectic Christmas period.

Certainly, Sergio Aguero will be a huge miss for Guardiola and his men and may even lead them to dropping vital points in the run in for the Premier League title. Aguero has been City’s top scorer in each of the last 5 seasons and he has continued to show his importance to the team with an impressive 10 Premier League goals in 12 appearance so far in the new campaign. His absence will have City’s next opponents breathing a huge sigh relief considering the striker’s world class ability. However, City and Guardiola can take comfort from their form without their star man.

Man City with and without Aguero since start of 2015/16 PL season

Surprisingly, since the start of last season City have actually gathered more points and more goals scored in the 12 Premier League games he has missed compared to the 40 games he has started. The Argentinian’s absence gives them a more superior win percentage and City have averaged a much better possession rate when he is not in the team.

Guardiola will hope the trend continues as Aguero starts his ban against Leicester City. City’s new £27million pound star Gabriel Jesus was in the stands on Saturday but the Brazilian will not be able to join up with his new team mates until the new year, so what are the options available to Pep Guardiola?

The only natural replacement for Sergio Aguero is Nigerian starlet Kelechi Iheanacho who has not started a Premier League game for Guardiola’s side since October but he was impressive during Aguero’s last suspension in the Manchester derby where he notched a goal and assisted Kevin De Bruyne as City ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford. Whenever City have called upon their young striker, he has duly delivered – ever since he was give his debut by Manuel Pellegrini last season. He was similarly impressive in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth, netting from Raheem Sterling’s cut back before returning the favour to assist the England winger in extending City’s lead.

It was a clear continuation of his recent form under Manuel Pellegrini when given the opportunity. Iheanacho’s stats make incredible reading despite the small number of times he has started for the club. With 11 goals in 1050 Premier league minutes, the Nigerian international has the best minutes-per-goal ratio of any Premier league player to hit 10 or more goals since the start of last campaign.

Best mins per goal ratios since start of 2015/16 PL season (min. 10 goals)

Iheanacho’s average of a goal every 95.5 minutes puts him ahead of Sergio Aguero and to boot, he has registered 4 assists – twice as many as his team-mate despite playing just a third of the minutes. It remains to be seen whether the Nigerian striker can maintain that sort of form that sees him as one of the best young strikers in Europe and with the depth and attacking talent of those around him would surely assist his cause. There is no doubting his raw quality; what is so impressive about the Nigerian is his ability to be at the right place at the right time as was shown in his goal against Manchester United in September – quickly anticipating Kevin De Bruyne’s shot that rebounded off the post.

Clinical Kelechi

With the weight of expectations weighing heavily on the young man’s shoulders to fire City back level with Chelsea, Guardiola would expect the same kind of form that has brought the Nigerian to instant fame. Recent history suggest another brief stint in the starting XI for Kelechi Iheanacho may just be the solution to Guardiola’s striker dilemma.

Furthermore, the other option for Guardiola is to revert back to his false-9 manoeuvre – a similar trait he succeeded with in his time with Barcelona playing Messi as the withdrawn striker in a 4-3-3 set-up. He deployed the tactic again against Barcelona at the Nou Camp earlier in the season and it nearly worked but for Claudio Bravo’s incompetence in goal.

Belgian playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne was the player chosen for the role, with Sergio Aguero demoted to the bench. City collapsed after Claudio Bravo’s sending off but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Guardiola adopt a similar innovation for the 4 games that Aguero is suspended for.

Whilst sacrificing the archetypal striker for a midfielder might be perceived as a counter productive tactic to scoring, it can be an effective method when trying to exert control in a game. For much of the game at the Nou Camp, City matched Barcelona for possession of the ball and with De Bruyne’s energy, they were able to apply much pressure to the Barcelona backline because of their knack of playing out from the back.

De Bruyne is the only player to have been used in that role, but history shows that Guardiola is never afraid to try something new, and the likes of Raheem Sterling, Nolito, Leroy Sane may be quenching their fists at the possibility of leading the line for City.

No doubt about it, losing a player of Sergio Aguero’s ability is sure to anger most teams across the world, but during his last suspension City won at Old Trafford and the stats suggest that his absence could prove a blessing for Guardiola and his new team. The options are their to exploit; Kelechi Iheanacho may be inexperienced at the highest level and maybe can’t cope with the pressure of leading the line, but if the Premier League is anything to go by, is that no matter how old or young you are, there’s always an opportunity to express at the highest level – that’s the beauty of the Premier League –  Iheanacho’s impressive league record despite his tender age highlights exactly that.

Aguero’s suspension is far from ideal but recent history suggests that City have enough to maintain a strong Premier League challenge without him, sooner rather than later we’ll find out – starting at struggling champions Leicester City on at the King Power.

Liverpool’s 6-1 thrashing of Watford at Anfield took Jurgen Klopp’s men to the top of the Premier League table for the first time since May 2014 and extended their impressive unbeaten run to 12 games.

Jurgen Klopp’s men produced a rampant and dominant display that continued their eye-catching and bum-off-seat performances. Their thrilling attacking performances are further strengthening their case to be strong contenders for the Premier League title come May, and with what Leicester achieved last season, who can put it past Klopp’s men to mount a similar challenge? The performances and style of play is vastly reminiscent of Brendan Rodger’s side in 2013/14 with the attacking trio of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling who set the Premier League alight and almost led the side to their first Premier League title since 1990.

How times have changed – only Daniel Sturridge remains at the club from the trio that ran riot under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013/14 with Raheem Sterling enjoy greener pastures at Liverpool’s potential title rivals Manchester City and Luis Suarez running riot over in Spain along with Neymar and Lionel Messi. This season, the Liverpool fans have the luxury of watching Coutinho, Firmino and Sadio Mane at their fluent best. Already this season, the front 3 have 16 goals between them in the League this season; a tally similar to the one held by Sterling, Sturridge and Suarez at the same point in the 2013/14 season. With Mane, Coutinho and Firmino terrorising opposition defences, Daniel Sturridge who holds such an impressive with the football club since his move from Manchester City is from the outside looking in; the England international can’t even get into Klopp’s staring XI because of the form of the present attacking trio.

The Reds are aiming to go the full distance under Klopp this season, and their first 11 games has already built up optimism and hope as the season continues to take shape.

2016/17 top four after 11 games

A look back at the 2013/14 Premier League season shows they sat second at the same stage of that campaign, and this year they are already three points better off and scoring nine more goals which shows the true representation of Klopp’s impact and the identity he is instilling into his men.

2013/14 top four after 11 games

The aggressive, fast and effective attacking football is what Klopp so thrived on in his time at Borrusia Dortmund – season after season – his Dortmund side proved a constant thorn to Bayern Munich’s title surge leading the club to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as the DFB-Pokal in 2012, the DFL-Supercup in 2013 and 14 and their second appearance in a UEFA Champions League final in 2013. With the attacking firepower of Mario Gotze, Shinji Kagawa, Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Rues and their talisman up front Robert Lewandowski, Jurgen Klopp was able to not only showcase the talents of those at his disposal but also his attacking philosophy was always in full swing especially in his back-to-back Bundesliga title triumphs.

As we’ve seen with Liverpool’s line-ups this season, its seems as though Klopp is instilling the same set-up at Anfield with Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana acting as his main attacking threat.

Liverpool smashed in a whopping 101 goals in 38 games in the 2013/14 campaign, and have already got 30 goals in only just 11 games, they are scoring at an incredible rate of 2.7 per game. At this rate, Liverpool are on course to enjoy another fruitful season,  a season that could become a celebratory one come the month of May. The question that could throw up much debate surrounding the ability and nature of Klopp’s men is do they have the mettle and longevity to maintain strong Premier League title challenge throughout the whole season?

After the thrashing against Watford on Sunday, Klopp played down talk of a Premier League title challenge despite his side topping the Premier League for the first time since May 2014:

“We’ve started collecting points, but we need to go on with this. Then we will see where we can end.”

Liverpool, who last won the title in 1990, led the table going into the final weeks of the 2013/14 season but a home defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho against Chelsea – the game the featured the infamous slip by Steven Gerrard – and the draw at Crystal Palace in their final three matches proved ever so costly as Brendan Rodgers failed to close out the season by grinding out the right results in order to finally capture the Premier League title for the Liverpool faithful.

Jurgen Klopp added:

“I know in the past a lot of things happened here and the story two, three years ago when it was really close, but this is not the team two or three years ago. This is not the team 25 years ago. We’re completely new. We stay cool. It’s the best position I can imagine but nothing else happened.”

Certainly, Klopp is correct, this isn’t the same Liverpool team two or three years ago or even 25 years ago. This year’s side has a different feel, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho are the only 2013/14 starters to have survived, but they are adhering to new roles under Klopp. Despite his eagerness to play down Liverpool’s title chances this season – a psychological statement if anything – innately, there is the sense of belief within the German coach that this maybe his year.

There is more than a hint of the attacking class Liverpool are showing in the current form that is replicating the style of Brendan Rodger’s 2014 team. The victory over Watford was the fifth time this season that Klopp’s Reds have scored four or more goals this season – and we’ve only played 11 games. Luis Suarez and co managed that feat in 11 games across the whole of the 2013/14 season. If Liverpool continue at their present form, they will score four goals or more in at 15 Premier League games this season. None of the attacking trio in the current Liverpool 11 adhere to a conventional “No.9” we would associate with the greats we’ve seen over the years at Liverpool but the way in which Klopp is transforming and breaking those conventions is quite damning considering all the top sides – bar Arsenal to an extent – current play with a central striker up front.

Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho aren’t built like the traditional “No.9”, neither can their style of football be classed as the sort but the way in which they understand each other on the pitch, the way they are able to mix their different abilities to becoming the most feared attacking trio in the Premier League just tells you all you need to know about the impact and the imprint Jurgen Klopp is drilling into his team – the sort of thing he succeeded in at Borussia Dortmund.

So we ask the question again: Do Liverpool have the mettle and the longevity to go on and maintain a strong Premier League challenge this season?

It’s too early to say whether Klopp’s men can go all the way this season, the title isn’t won before Christmas but there are a number of reasons to why they can mount a serious assault towards the title. Liverpool do not have the added worries of European football midweek which allows them to fully recuperate and rest before another Saturday/Sunday game. The rest of the top sides do play European football; Tottenham, Man City, Arsenal and Leicester City all participate in the Champions League while Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United compete in the Europa League which means that there a lot of points to be won and lost till now and the end of the season.

Jurgen Klopp really is building something special at Anfield, and their current form at point just proves the impact and belief that the German coach has built around the club. Leicester City did the Unthinkable last season. Who’s to say Jurgen Klopp’s men can’t go on to do the same?

We are in for a very special Premier League season…