Suarez bites back

Luis Suarez has hit the headlines again this week, however, this time it was for all the right reasons after two goals in a week helped Liverpool climb to the top of the Premier League, albeit for probably only 24 hours with Arsenal and Tottenham yet to play this weekend.

It was the Uruguayans first Premier League appearance at Anfield since April after serving a ten match ban for biting the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, nevertheless, Suarez continued his impressive form this season by netting in the 16th minute as Liverpool swept past a sinking Crystal Palace ship.

In a one sided first half it was the 'SAS' partnership of Suarez and Sturridge who tore the Eagles apart, before captain Steven Gerrard crashed home his 99th Premier League goal from the penalty spot to give Brendan Rodgers's side a unassailable 3-0 lead at the break.

Coincidentally in Suarez's last fixture at Anfield it was against a London side (Chelsea) and both him and Sturridge were on the score sheet, of course this game didn't see Suarez chomp on the arm of a player, despite him looking hungry for goals.

Liverpool will also be boosted by the return of their King Kenny, who on Friday announced he was returning to the club as a Non-exec director. The sight of Kenny Dalglish back at Anfield brings about immense happiness to the fans of the red side of Merseyside, even more so while they sit at the top of the Premier League.

Suarez has shown two impressive performances in the Premier League against Sunderland and Crystal Palace and despite bigger tests to come, there is a real belief amongst supporters that he is back to his best and he has put the past behind him.

One Liverpool fan told Everything Sport that Suarez was 'firing on all cylinders again'.

"Luis is the best striker in the Premier League. I know it's only been two games but he is firing on all cylinders again and he is putting in a shift for the team."

Despite a growing belief that the damaged love affair between Suarez and Liverpool is coming to an end, newspaper rumours wont go away that the striker is waiting on a move to Real Madrid in January.

That speculation was fired even more on Saturday morning as Suarez's Uruguay teammate Edinson Cavani said Suarez was 'still hoping for a move to Madrid.' Whether or not Liverpool would sell or in fact if Suarez will go remains unclear, however, the striker is back to his best and alongside Sturridge, Liverpool could remain in the title hunt for some time yet.

Is Suarez back to his best? Are Sturridge and Suarez the best Premier League partnership? And will Suarez leave Liverpool in January and join Real Madrid? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below or tweeting @RyanDay100

The cost of football, is it really worth it?

With unemployment rising, inflation rising and salaries being frozen, it still surprises many that football appears to be unaffected by the economic crisis that still looms large over England.

This week figures released showed that clubs across the country were making some efforts to reduce the cost of a matchday, however ticket prices were still the highest across Europe.

Season ticket prices in England did rise by nearly 4%, however matchday ticket prices did show a drop in price, but was it enough?

Many fans will be grateful for the small drop in price, however Supporters Federation Chairman Malcolm Clarke said enough wasn't done:

"The Premier League has had an eye-watering increase in its media income. For example, they could knock £50 off the price of every single ticket of every single game for every single spectator in the Premier League this season and still have the same amount of money as they previously had.

"Our message to the Premier League is 'you have huge money, you have done a bit but you can do much more'." he added.

Of course this year saw the start of a new mega-billion TV deal between media partners and the Premier League. The deal, believed to be worth around £3 Billion is the largest in Premier League history, however hasn't forced the change in ticket prices some fans thought it might.

In Southampton, some fans thought the price of football was too high and the game was moving away from supporters and closer to businesses and media.

Jack, 21 said: "The Premier League should force a cap on what teams can charge, the fans are suffering while clubs continue to spend crazy money on transfers. It is not fair."

This summer saw English clubs spend over £600 Million between them as they made the most of the new TV deal payments.

Despite many fans feeling they are charged too much for 90 minutes of football, some fans are only too happy to pay whatever to see their side. 45 year old Rob from Southampton has been following the Saints since he was 16 and told us he would pay whatever to see his beloved side.

"It is a passion, you pay whatever. I love watching Southampton and the cost is fine. You get more than 90 minutes of football today, you get entertainment, an atmosphere, the whole package."

Asked if he would be happy if Southampton raised ticket prices again next season he said:

"It would annoy some but I think to stay competitive we have to increase prices now and then. If it helped us get into Europe because we could afford that star player would people moan then?"

The debate rages on, does football in England cost the fans too much? Should clubs reduce ticket prices further or are they justified in what they charge?

Win a World Cup by 2022? On your bike Dyke

FA Chairman Greg Dyke this afternoon set England a challenge to win a World Cup by the year 2022, as part of the countries need to reform the national game, but was his challenge a step too far?

Every two years, expectant England fans (myself included) claim that 'this is our time', and yet time and time again we are left to bemoan and blame everyone but ourselves. Whether it be a dodgy referee, a freak goal or those dreaded penalties it never seems to be England's fault.

However, that all changed today a tiny bit as FA Chairman Dyke admitted that English football needed reforming to avoid "letting down the country and thousands of England football fans." The main issue seems obvious, however not so easy to approach. Last season just 32% of players in the Premier League were eligible to play for the England national side.

So how does the FA suggest we deal with this? Send your answers on a postcard as no explanation or plan was given other than a need "to work closely with the Premier League to deal with this frightening trend." A 'frightening trend' indeed, in 1995 just under 50% of players were English.

The warning from Dyke that things needed sorting was music to many ears, his next statement was not so. "I set a target that we win a World Cup by 2022." While extremely optimistic, it begs the question as to whether Dyke has completely misunderstood the challenge that faces him.

To reform the English national side, plans need to be drawn up to change the philosophy of the players. This plan needs to be implemented into players from as young of six or seven, allowing them to progress with a clear vision. The average age of a winning World Cup side is 27, so any hopes of winning a World Cup within 20 years seem unlikely.

Dyke of course should be congratulated for setting targets, something that has been missed by his predecessors, however his outlandish target seems to have overshadowed his much needed announcement.

Any plans to enhance the performance of our national side are welcome and I look forward to seeing what the FA and Premier League plan, however after the transfer window just slammed shut with a record amount spent on transfers, I can't see the Premier League accepting any proposals which will be detrimental to the worlds greatest league.

What would you say is the way forward for English football?

Why the second coming of the 'Special one' may not be so special

Jose Mourinho today returned to Stamford Bridge having signed a four year deal with Chelsea FC.

Mourinho's final game in charge of Real Madrid on Saturday evening, despite six goals being scored, was a sideshow as all focus was on the man that once pronounced himself as the 'special one'.

Of course all signs seem to have pointed towards Stamford Bridge for the last few weeks as Chelsea fans licked their lips in excitement at the second coming of their former boss. Today we look at whether a return to the English capital is the right move for Mourinho. 

There is no doubt that the 50 year old is Chelsea's most successful manager in recent history and those fans still love him. But could that all change? 

They say in football you should never return, we never expected Mourinho to listen to that advice, why would he? Here is a man that has won most things in most countries. 

This time though things could potentially be very different from when the eccentric Portuguese manager took over at the Bridge in 2003. Back then Mourinho had a team that had achieved very little and he had John Terry and Frank Lampard in their prime. This time he set to inherit a side that has won the Europa League and qualified automatically for next seasons Champions League.

The aim will be simple for Mourinho this time around, win the Premier League and the Champions League. Of Course he never had to deal with the threat of Manchester City during his last tenure, while Manchester United and Arsenal will also be out to upset his return to Englands top flight.

While it is argued that now is the perfect time for Mourinho to walk back into Stamford Bridge like a knight in shining armour, you can't but help but think while he has lots to win, Mourinho has so much more to lose this time around. 

The fact he has the same love of Chelsea as their supporters will give him an extra boost in the challenge to complete his 'unfinished' business at the Bridge. The boss also enjoys a strong relationship with the British press, not something every manager can boast. 

The one relationship though that seems fractured is that of Mourinho and the Chelsea owner Roman Abromovich. In 2007 Mourinho left the Bridge blaming a breakdown in relationship with the influential Russian. While it appears that the relationship is now fixed, you have to wonder how long it will be before that all changes. 

Is a return to Chelsea right for both Mourinho and the Blues?

90 minutes of football and £120 million pound at stake...How do you enjoy the Championship play-off Final?

A sunny Bank Holiday Monday in May and the majority of us are set to enjoy a nice relaxing day, making the most of our extra day off from work. Some will no doubt be nursing a hangover from a crazy Bank Holiday night out, and then there are Crystal Palace and Watford fans who will spend the day biting their finger nails ahead of footballs richest game.

Today at Wembley, Palace and Watford will contest the Championship Play-Off Final for the right to be playing Premier League football next season. After 46 league games it all comes down to 90 tense minutes at the home of football to decide which of these two teams will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool next season.

There is no doubt that Watford fans are still pinching themselves that today is even happening after their dramatic semi final v Leicester at Vicarage Road, where the Foxes looked to have secured their spot in the final as they earned a stoppage time penalty, only for Watford keeper Manual Almunia to save superbly before playing the ball up field allowing Troy Deeney to smash the ball home with just seconds remaining.

Although for Palace it was not quite so dramatic, Ian Holloway and his side had to battle past fierce rivals Brighton to reach today's showpiece event. After a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park it looked like the pendulum had swung in the Seagulls favour, however two goals from Manchester United bound Wilfred Zaha at the Amex secured Palace a 2-0 aggregate win.

The build up to this game has been further enhanced by Ian Holloway's critical comments about Watfords use of the flawed loan system in the Football League. Up to this season there was a limit on five loan players in each squad from England, however no maximum number on foreign loan imports. With the Watford owners also having ownership of Udinese in Italy, it allowed the Hornets boss, Gianfranco Zola to snap up eight players on loan, including that of 21 year old Matej Vydra who has bagged an incredible 20 goals already this season.

There will not be two more eccentric managers on the sidelines either with Zola and Holloway two of the most entertaining bosses in the Championship. Zola this week said his players would be 'crazy' not to enjoy the occasion, unfortunately I don't think it is a game that can be enjoyed....until you win.

The winners of today's game will earn a potential £120 million pounds over the next year regardless of whether they drop straight back down from the Premier League thanks to large TV deal and parachute payments. In essence that means that each minute today that the players are on the field could potentially be worth £1.3 million pounds.

It is set to be an enthralling afternoon of football for everyone watching, maybe except them Watford and Palace fans making their way to Wembley, my advice to them, make sure you have some nails to bite and shoulder to cry on or to dance on at full time as it really will get that emotional. Strap yourselves in, it is going to be a roller-coaster.

Who do you think will win today's Championship Play Off Final? As always let us know.

Win at Reading gets Arsenal back on track but Wenger must keep Walcott

Arsenal bounced back from last weeks humiliating defeat to League Two Bradford in the Capital One cup by trouncing bottom placed Reading tonight in the Premier League, but will it be enough to please Arsene Wenger's critics?

A 5-2 win away from home against any Premier League team should always be applauded and tonight should be no different as the Gunners simply blew away their opposition, however the victory seemed to pose more questions of Arsene Wenger than answer them.

Theo Walcott who Wenger seemed reluctant to play up front was given the chance tonight with Podolski and Chamberlain either side of him and there is no doubt it worked. The youngster looked electric and even managed to get on the score sheet as he rounded off a superb team effort to comfortably fire home the visitors fifth to ensure victory. Arsenal could lose Walcott this January as the clock runs down on his contract and Wenger must move quickly to ensure the Englishman stays at the Emirates but he must promise Walcott more starts as a striker, and after tonight he should have no qualms in doing so.

Another player who stood out tonight was summer signing Santi Cazorla who again was the master of the midfield for the Gunners as he majestically passed players with ease, played fine sweeping balls across the park as well as chipping in with a superb hat-trick which saw him leave Reading with the match ball. Cazorla has looked fantastic for Arsenal this year and can be regarded as one of very few shining lights for them this season.

Again questions were asked of the Arsenal's back line as at one point they looked like capitulating as Reading stormed back to 2-4 after being 0-4 down. Again questions were raised as Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet. The back four looked terrible at times and twice they were caught trying to play the offside trap and clearly messing it up as firstly Adam Le Fondre strolled through to score Reading's opener before Jimmy Kebe followed suit as the Gunners back line froze on a sub zero night in Berkshire.

There will be positives for Wenger to take from the game, none more so than the three points which see Arsenal climb to fifth in the table, however this win alone will not shake off the critics that have hung over the club like a bad smell over the past few weeks. This victory was expected by the Gunners fans and critics alike, however the next few weeks will be important as to whether Wenger will keep his job in North London or whether the club will look for a fresh face to take over.

Arsenal will also look to exploit the transfer market this January and a marquee signing might just quieten them critics a little more, however Wenger must make sure his first signing this winter is that of a new contract by Theo Walcott.

What do you think? Will Wenger keep his job at Arsenal and will Theo Walcott sign a new contract this winter?

Sulky Suarez Saves Liverpool.....Just

In what can only be described as an emotional week for Liverpool FC, it took a Luis Suarez 70^th minute equaliser against Sunderland to earn the Reds just their second point of the campaign; however the draw fails to cover over the major cracks that are forming over the red side of Merseyside.

This week the families of the 96 that tragically lost their lives on the 15^th April 1989 in the Hillsborough disaster received some justice as it was revealed that the Liverpool fans were no way at fault for their own deaths, however it was a major cover up from the police who changed 116 official documents to make it seem that fan behaviour was to blame.

While the families have received at least some justice, one man on Merseyside is certainly not getting any justice from his players who he works closely with to try and restore the glory days to Anfield, however after four games Brendan Rodgers is not getting the performances neither he or the fans expect.

Against Sunderland, Liverpool were confident on the ball but yet again lacked any attacking penetration as the decision to allow Andy Carroll to leave Liverpool on loan looked even more peculiar as an ineffective Fabio Borini struggled while a stroppy Suarez offered little other than a neatly taken goal to level the game.

Worryingly for Rodgers even the likes of Steven Gerrard were unable to drag Liverpool out of their slump and while he remains Liverpool’s most influential player, the club cannot continue to expect their very own legend to lead them out of their dark days.

Luis Suarez again looked uninterested for the majority of the game and even threw himself to the floor in a pathetic way to try and earn a penalty which rightly lead to the striker being yellow carded.

No one ever said that Rodgers had an easy task when taking on the role as manager of Liverpool, however four games in and with no league win, the task is becoming increasingly tougher for Rodgers.

I for one hope that after the emotion of this week has passed the club will be able to look ahead to establishing themselves back amongst the big teams in Europe.

Let me know what you think. Will Liverpool and Rodgers get it right this season or should Liverpool accept for now that they are a long way from Europe’s top table?  

Is the King of Anfield about to be dethroned?

It’s just over a year since ‘King Kenny’ returned to Anfield with the belief that he would be the man to lead the Merseyside club to the League title or European football at the very least, forward to today and Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at home to Stoke left the ‘Reds’ five points behind fourth placed Chelsea and a massive 13 points behind league leaders Man City who have played a game less.

The one thing that will worry many Liverpool fans is that a win for Newcastle against QPR on Sunday would see the ‘Toon’ move above Liverpool into sixth placed and leave Dalglish’s men languishing in seventh, outside of any European spaces available.  There is no doubt that Liverpool do have a better squad than when Roy Hodgson departed, however, that can only increase the calls for Dalglish to fix Liverpool’s stuttering season or face the consequences.

With Luis Suarez banned for a further six games after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra and Andy Carroll struggling to score goals Liverpool are struggling for both goals and points with the club having only scored 24 league goals so far this term which could prove costly for Dalglish soon. The January transfer window could prove vital as to whether Dalglish will be in charge next time the window opens on 1^st June. Should Liverpool spend and rise to the heights of fourth and above then Dalglish will remain, should the club not make European football for the second year in succession the kings reign may come to a sour end.

Draws against Blackburn, Stoke, Norwich, Swansea, Wigan and Sunderland while defeats at Fulham and Tottenham have left the pressure on Dalglish but will the Scotsman get the boot? Like Sir Alex at Manchester United the Liverpool fans love their boss, however, with results continually disappointing for Liverpool I seriously think his honeymoon period has come to an end and patience is beginning to wear thin throughout Merseyside.

However hard it is to imagine I don’t think we should be too surprised if in the coming months we see ‘King Kenny’ removed from his position.

What do you think? Would Liverpool sack Kenny Dalglish? How can he turn Liverpool’s season around or do you think he is doing a good job? As always let me know.

2011: January to June

Another year of excitement, tears, happiness and emotion has passed by. 2011 saw the comings and goings of several managers, the return of King Kenny to Anfield as well as a new record transfer fee for an English striker.

2011 started with a bang as Roy Hodgson lost his job at Anfield just a week into the New Year, meaning the return of Kenny Dalglish to Anfield, twenty years after he originally departed the hot seat. It wasn’t to be the only headlines breaking from Merseyside that month as Dalglish later spent a staggering £35 Million Pound on Newcastle front man Andy Carroll. Luis Suarez seemed steel at a cost of £20 Million; however, it was the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50 Million raised eyebrows across Europe and England.

Chris Hughton was outrageously axed by Newcastle despite their inspiring start to the Premier League Season, Alan Pardew eventually replacing the axed boss.

February saw the first Cup Final of the season as Birmingham and Arsenal met at Wembley with the Gunners looking to lift the first of the four possibly trophies that they could win. Unfortunately for the Gunners, Birmingham had other ideas as on loan Striker Obafemi Martins struck late on to gift the Blues the Carling Cup.

March started just as badly as February ended for Arsenal as they exited the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona while FIFA President Sepp Blatter banned the new craze of snoods. As March grew older, so did Arsenal’s hopes of any silverware as they crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United. England overcome a resilient Wales team at the Millennium stadium 2-0 to all but secure qualification to Euro 2012. Meanwhile Tottenham’s Champions League adventure ended with a resounding defeat to Real Madrid.

April saw Wayne Rooney land himself in trouble with the FA after his foul mouthed rant down a TV camera after his goal against West Ham, while former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was to suffer his first home defeat in nine years as Real Madrid lost 1-0 at home to Sporting Gijon.

May saw Manchester City win their first trophy under Roberto Mancini as they beat Stoke City to lift the FA Cup, however it was rivals Manchester United that lifter their 19^th Premier League. In an exciting survival Sunday, Wolves and Blackburn shared an entertaining 3-3 draw which meant Blackpool, West Ham and Carling Cup winners Birmingham City all suffered relegation.

Manchester United couldn’t gain revenge for their Champions League defeat in 2009 to Barcelona as yet again the Spanish side showed their dominance with a convincing 3-1 at Wembley in the Champions League Final. 

June started with England again looking over their shoulders for qualification to Euro 2012 after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Switzerland at Wembley left Capello’s side needing four points from their remaining two fixtures. Mark Hughes sensationally walked out of Fulham expecting to be named the new Villa boss, however Randy Lerner instead chose cross city rival boss Alex McLeish to take charge. In further manager merry go round antics, Chelsea paid a massive £13 Million to Porto for the services of their boss, 34 year old Andres Villas Boas.

That was the first half of 2011, I will post the second half tomorrow but while you wait for that why not share your best moment in football during 2011?

City to stay top while Wigan's problems will deepen

With the busy Christmas schedule well and truly upon us, this weekend’s fixtures could prove crucial at both ends of the Premier League table. Below is a small match preview for all Premier League fixtures along with my predictions.

Blackburn v West Brom

Struggling Blackburn welcome West Brom to Ewood Park on Saturday with pressure on manager Steve Kean mounting. Blackburn let a 1-0 lead slip when they visited Sunderland last Sunday. West Brom suffered another defeat last week at home to Wigan leaving the Baggies 15^th just three points clear of the relegation zone. Expect a close game with the visitors snatching victory.

Verdict: Blackburn 0-1 West Brom

Everton v Norwich

David Moyes will be looking for his side to bounce back when they host newly promoted Norwich at Goodison Park. The Toffee’s suffered two defeats in a row without scoring. This week will be the 10^th anniversary of the appointment of David Moyes. Norwich have enjoyed their return to the top flight and a 4-2 win against Newcastle last week saw the Canaries move up to tenth. Everton have struggled with goals and that could cost them all three points this week and may have to settle for a bore draw.

Verdict: Everton 0-0 West Brom

Fulham v Bolton

A Europa League exit on Thursday evening might have been a blessing in disguise for Fulham and Martin Jol as they look to bounce back from last week’s 1-0 defeat away to Swansea. On the other hand it has been a nightmare start for Bolton and their boss Owen Coyle. Defeat at home to Aston Villa last week turned up the heat on Coyle who could find himself sitting a little bit more uncomfortable with a defeat in this game.

Verdict: Fulham 2-0 Bolton

Newcastle v Swansea

No win in three for Newcastle has perhaps brought the expectations back to reality at St James Park after a superb start to the season. With an injury crisis at the back and constant rumours of Cheick Tiote’s future at the club manager Alan Pardew will be desperate to win this fixture. The visitors to Newcastle this week have had a solid start to their first ever season in the Premier League. A 1-0 win last week against Fulham has set Brendan Rodger’s side up to earn something this weekend.

Verdict: Newcastle 1-1 Swansea

Wolverhampton v Stoke

Wolves find themselves sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone after last week’s 4-1 hammering against Manchester United. Mick McCarthy will look to Steven Fletcher to continue his fine goal scoring form after he has netted 16 times in his last 23 games. Stoke progressed through to the final 16 of the Europa League and will look to bring that form to the Premier League and will claim three more points.

Verdict: Wolves 1-3 Stoke

Wigan v Chelsea

Roberto Martinez grabbed a vital win last week at West Brom although they shouldn’t expect much from this game. Andres Villas Boas has begun to turn it round at Stamford Bridge after a poor start to the season. Monday night’s 2-1 victory over Man City moved Chelsea to fourth in the table. They should claim an easy victory at the DW stadium.

Verdict: Wigan 0-4 Chelsea

Sunday

QPR v Manchester United

Being in the Europa draw isn’t something that Manchester United fans have become accustomed to in recent times but after being handed a last 16 tie against Ajax in Fridays draw it is back to the bread and butter of the league on Sunday as they travel to Loftus Road. QPR lost narrowly at Anfield last week and that should offer them some hope of beating the reigning Champions, however, United should claim a victory.

Verdict: QPR 0-2 Manchester United

Aston Villa v Liverpool

Villa could move up to eighth if they can beat Liverpool this weekend. Last week a 2-1 victory at Bolton ended their miserable form of late. Liverpool have started to pick up of late, bar a 1-0 defeat at Fulham two weeks ago. Luis Suarez is in fine form and will look to trouble a disjointed Villa back line.

Verdict: Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool

Tottenham v Sunderland

Tottenham ended their Europa League adventure this week with a 4-0 thumping of Shamrock Rovers. Harry Redknapp will be delighted with Spurs so far as they currently find themselves positioned fourth in the division. Times of late have been tough for Sunderland, however, after appointing Martin O’Neill last week the Black Cats beat Blackburn 2-1 although this will be a much tougher test.

Verdict: Tottenham 3-1 Sunderland

Manchester City v Arsenal

No doubt the game of the weekend comes from the Etihad stadium as top of the table Manchester City welcome a resurgent Arsenal. City lost their unbeaten run against Chelsea last Monday so will look to bounce back. Arsenal have the inform Robin Van Persie in attack as they look for a victory that could add to their growing title challenge.

Verdict: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal

As always let me know what you think. Do you agree? Send me your predictions. 

The unEXpected goalscorer

Fernando Torres, Raul Meireles and Nicolas Anelka were all lining up against their former club Liverpool this afternoon hoping to grab a goal that would help Chelsea avoid a second consecutive home defeat in nine years, however it was a former Blue now playing for the Reds who scored to condemn Villas-Boas’s side to a second home defeat in a row.

Glen Johnson of all players on the field was the man to score against his former side after playing at Stamford Bridge between 2003 and 2007 as he swept home a fine goal to send the travelling supporters delirious as they claimed their second win at Chelsea in two seasons as well as recording their third straight win against the London side.

This defeat will of course add to the disgruntled noises that are currently rumbling out of Stamford Bridge. Club officials rubbished reports of a rift in the relationship between AVB and owner Roman Abramovich as ‘Total nonsense’, this result would suggest otherwise.

Torres, a £50 Million pound buy last January from Liverpool started the game on the bench and was lacklustre when he did rear his head above the pit in what was a feisty encounter. Torres defendants will say that the man himself never claimed to be worth that amazing figure so he shouldn’t be kept be judged by it, however, money in football has spiralled out of control so when fans see their club pay that much for a player with the money that supporters pay to watch after a long week at work then I feel it is fair for Chelsea fans to begin so much for from their ‘star striker’.

As for Liverpool this was a superb win and ironically they earned it with their massive signings on the bench. Andy Carroll (£35 Million), Stewart Downing (£19 Million) and Jordan Henderson (£20 Million) were all rested as Kenny Dalglish threw the likes of Maxi, Suarez, Lucas and Johnson into the mix.

These two sides will be expecting to challenge for the title this term, however the grim reality for the pair is that they both sit 12 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Dalglish will be happy with the win whereas AVB will be aware the pressure is building on the 33 year old and despite many hoping that he will be given the chance to turn it around, knowing the way Abramovich does things it could be that AVB could be gone before Christmas.

What do you think? Did Chelsea deserve to lose? Will AVB sacked before Christmas? Can Liverpool build on this win and push for the title?

As always let me know.