EPL '18/19: GAMEWEEK's BIG TALKING POINTS

 

"There's Only One Oleeee!"

Liverpool (v Brighton), thanks to an assured penalty from Cairo roadrunner Magic Mo', stretched the lead to 7 points at the top, although Pep and co play Wolves tonight.   
   Manchester United, yes you heard me right, have gone and done it. Marcus Rashford's spear hit into Lloris' bottom corner, and a rich catalogue of David De Gea saves, earned the Mancunians three valuable points, which puts them level with Arsenal at 5th. Standout result of the weekend alright.

  James Milner hinted towards a bounce back from the Merseysiders this Saturday, we did get one alright. Fabinho and Permy Van Dijk manning an almost inpenetrable wall at the Amex. They'v elet in only 10 this campaign (after 22games) Liverpool virtually bossed all game, with the Seagulls dropping rather too deep into their own half. What a week it will be, if Sage Nuno Santo could tear up the script at the Etihad. Fancy punting on it? 
  Saturday's win brought some timely relief for Dentist Juergen as his side have got 'comfortable' home games v Crystal Palace and Leicester, then a trip to West Ham, with Bourenmouth to come soon after, before the UCL Round of 16 kicks off: Bayern's in town. Remmeber that Scouse male? He's probably paced ten thousand steps this morning as he sees the fixture list. Could it actually be their year?
    

"Defence wins you titles."

    \David De Gea's match-winning display in front of goal gave Chief executive Ed Woodward some thinking (I told you we're done Jose. Don't call me again)! Oleball has sparked Man United back to life: their 6th win on the trot. New air in Old Trafford. With home fixtures against Brighton and Burnley, coming either side of an FA Cup 4th Round buffet with Arsenal, up is the only way the club are looking now. Away fixtures against Leicester, and Fulham (9th February) precede the visit of Ney et Mbappe to Manchester: UCL Round of 16. Look at me now, I'm winning games eh. 
   
     Tottenham butterfingers? Back-to-back losses for the Londoners, couldn't have come at the worst possible time. Trips to Fulham, Chelsea (EFL Cup Semis 2nd leg), FA Cup date with Crystal Palace at home, and domestic home bouts with Watford, Newcastle, and Leicester's visit before a home UCL knockout feast with Borussia Dortmund, shows few signs for optimism. 
    Optimism you say? Southhampton are up to 16th. Ralph Hassenhutl's tedious methods seem to be working. Couple of hard-fought draws with Chelsea and Derby County (FA Cup 3rd Round), added to Saturday's big win at Leicester shows a resilient Saints outfit than we've seen all season: 10 out of a possible 18 points in the last six games. Talk about a change in fortunes. Mark Hughes' heads are in hands alright. Newcastle dropping back to 18th, with Fulham and Huddersfield still bottom. Eight ponits adrift safety for Dave Wagner's men.
    We may never know players decide to turn up when a new manager's in town, what we do know is: football's the gift that never stops giving. Man United's statement's been sent you bet, and J'lingz's having ballet classes with Paul again. Liverpool praying for a Wolverine miracle. "It's alright Stevie. The groundsmen will make sure no one emulates you."
       

"Is the writing on the wall?"