3 Liverpool, Man Utd and Spurs fans see if they can agree from 5 conclusions from the weekend’s Premier League action.
1) The North London derby is the most entertaining one in the league
Nadim: AGREE
The Manchester one is the most important nowadays, and the Mersesyide derby remains the most aggressive and unique. But for sheer unbridled fun and entertainment, the clashes between Arsenal and Spurs are undisputed number 1.
In the last few years we’ve had that crazy 4-4 game at the Emirates, the Spurs comeback from 2-0 down, the Arsenal comeback last season and now last Saturday’s game. Full of goals and incidents. Just pure fun.
Joe: DISAGREE
It is very exciting given the apparent animosity between the two clubs and when you add the flawed defending on show, it only adds to the excitement.
But the fixture cannot compare to the Manchester derby, we have been given a few examples of this in recent years and now that the game is a potential league decider then it only adds to the excitement.
Shep: AGREE
Neutral and fans alike love to watch goal laden fixtures and in recent years this match has produced them. I suppose it has a cycle as a George Graham Arsenal would have taking a beating for producing such outcomes.
As entertaining as they are I think for the supporter this fixture highlights a great deal of deficiencies that will come to haunt them throughout the remainder of the season.
2) West Brom can get a European place
Nadim: DISAGREE
They’ve started well, better than anyone would have expected. But will they finish ahead of 14 teams in the division? I doubt it.
They don’t have the attacking quality of Newcastle last term to have a similar season. Their current run smacks of a team that’s in form, with lots of confidence and getting all the breaks. Won’t last.
Joe: AGREE
They CAN, but they probably won't. Granted they have a good strike force but the test will come when they visit the bigger clubs and have to soak up more pressure than they do at the Hawthorns.
So far they’ve taken a very creditable 6 points from 9 against City, Chelsea and Liverpool- but all those games have come at home. The away games will be a different test for them.
Shep: AGREE
Great teams are built on solid foundations and usually the cost of putting such foundation runs into the millions. For me, the partnership of Mulumbu and Yacob is, pound for pound, the best midfield in the league.
The key for WBA is injuries and suspensions. The Christmas period, the run of games and the toll it takes on your squad can almost be season defining -and for West Brom I feel this period will be crucial. If it is kind then I'd expect Europa League at the Hawthorns and if not it will still be a very respectable, if not remarkable, season.
3) 4th spot is wide open
Nadim: AGREE
All candidates for 4th have major flaws. Everton’s small squad, Spurs’ adjustment to the post Modric world, Liverpool’s lack of forward options, Newcastle’s “second season” syndrome and Arsenal’s inconsistencies.
4th spot is there for anyone that manages to consistently perform, win their home games while picking up some points on their travels.
I’d still expect Arsenal to get it though; just because they always do.
Joe: DISAGREE
United and City will be in the top 4 for the foreseeable future. Arsenal always find a way of securing their place but for it to be wide open it would require an implosion at Chelsea.
Yes it happened last season and in recent weeks they have dropped points but the top 4 will be United, City, Arsenal and Chelsea
Shep: AGREE
The gulf in quality between the top 3 and the rest is vast so 4th is not guaranteed. At the minute, you look at Tottenham in 8th place and the situation doesn't look irretrievable.
I think the team that does the best business in a difficult January transfer window will ultimately reap the financial rewards that much coveted 4th spot brings.
4) Harry Redknapp is the answer to QPR’s prayers
Nadim: DISAGREE
There’s a certain Spaniard living on the Wirral, with Champions League, La Liga, Uefa and FA Cup winners’ medals in his cabinet, who's out of a job…
Redknapp would do better than Hughes, no doubt. But with the investment QPR have put in into their playing squad, they need to look at someone who can change their youth setup too.
Benitez would be perfect for them. He’d get the best out of the current playing staff and make them very tough to beat. He’d get more out of Champions League players like Cesar, Mbia, Granero and Cisse than Redknapp. And he’d stamp his foot down and refuse to let the likes of Raheem Sterling leave the club.
Joe: AGREE
With the exception of the 2004-05 failed attempt at Southampton, Harry Redknapp knows how to secure a club's top flight status.
Granted, he will have his work cut out but with Fernandes' prepared to bankroll QPR, he could the one to save them. Although I read this morning that Benitez would be interested....
Shep: AGREE
If Tony Fernandes has dreams of QPR remaining in the division beyond May then Harry is his man.
He won't be cheap and imagine it will mean yet more expenditure in January but I believe if they act now they will beat the drop.
5) You are looking forward to watching tonight’s West Ham vs Stoke game.
Nadim: DISAGREE
El Shitico.
Carroll vs Huth. Crouch vs Collins. Vaz Te vs Shawcross. Diame vs Nzonzi. Allardyce vs Pulis.
Yummy…
Joe: DISAGREE
Allardyce v Pulis... Not one for the purists as they say...
Two managers that know how to survive in the premier league but are prepared to swap substance for style.
What’s playing at the movies?
Shep: DISAGREE
I love football and I am stupid so I will be watching. You occasionally watch a random game of football that becomes an unexpected treat.
However, I will purchase and eat a hat if this fixture becomes that treat…
Thank God for Messrs Big Sam and Baseball Cap Tony, as thanks to them we manage to agree one something. Just the one from 5 this week. Thanks for reading, leave us your comments.
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