Things We Have Learnt This Weekend

10 Things We’ve Learned This Weekend

By Graham

1. David Moyes’ brief respite from pressure is over as after 6 straight wins looked to have steadied the ship, back to back home defeats against Tottenham and Swansea have piled the pressure back on the Scot. It will be fascinating to see how long the United board give him as fan pressure builds and builds.

2. West Ham need to say goodbye to ‘Big Sam’. Sam Allardyce has been given the dreaded vote of confidence from the West Ham board after their desperate 5-0 exit from the Cup at Notts Forest. The Hammers have been woeful for the last 2 months and Allardyce can count himself lucky to still be in a job, but I cannot see him being in charge at the end of the season.

3. Brendan Rodgers must look to improve his squad in the Transfer Window. A weakened Liverpool side struggled past Oldham at Anfield where the Northern Irishman had to introduce Coutinho, Lucas and Suarez from the bench to help get the job done.

4. Ross Barkley must start for England. The brilliant young Scouser was on the mark again as he opened the scoring in Everton’s 4-0 win over QPR. If England are to out perform expectations in Brazil then Hodgson must turn to the younger dynamic talents available to him and none more so than Barkley.

5. Steve Bruce is doing a fantastic job at Hull. The Tigers rested players for their tricky trip to Middlesboro but still ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. On a weekend which saw many Premier League sides fall, Bruce will fancy a good run at Wembley with his improving side.

6. We did Nor Want That’ – Neither Chris Hughton or Rene Meulensteen will be happy as Norwich and played out a 1-1 draw. For these two relegation threatened sides a replay was the last thing they needed.

7. Arsenal look strong – Despite a lot of talk surrounding Arsenal’s perceived lack of squad strength they were too good for Tottenham on Saturday and even had the luxury of bringing on record signing Mesut Ozil and the experienced Matthieu Flamini.

8. With no fewer than 7 Premier League teams falling at the first hurdle the Magic of the F.A Cup is still alive.

9. Man City’s struggles on the road aren’t just confined to the Premier League as they played out a 1-1 draw at Blackburn. They should get the job done back at Eastlands but it’s another game Pellegrini could have done without.

10. Who needs Messi & Neymar?? Further afield the often over-looked Alexis Sanchez was in scintillating form as he bagged a hat-trick in Barca’s 4-0 home win over Elche. Look for him to have a big impact for Chile in Brazil this Summer.

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