1. Does Mourinho know his best team?
NOT FOR THE first time today, the Man United starting XI provoked plenty of debate.
Despite impressive displays against Feyenoord on Thursday, both Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were left on the bench.
In their absence, United failed to show the level of sharpness they demonstrated previously against the Dutch side, and consequently failed to win four successive home games for the first time in Premier League history.
While West Ham were inspired by an excellent performance from Ireland international Darren Randolph, it was hard to escape the feeling that a vintage Red Devils team would have found a way to win against a side currently placed precariously in the table, one point above the relegation zone.
Moreover, perhaps one reason for the club’s current inconsistency is the fact that Mourinho doesn’t seem to know his best team.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City all seem to have relatively settled teams.
By contrast, the identity of United’s starting XI is seldom predictable. On the wings alone, they have numerous candidates to play, including Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Ashley Young, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Mourinho could argue that he needs more time to establish such consistency, but with the club currently having earned two points less than they had after 13 games in the David Moyes era, and countless millions having been spent on expensive imported talent, it seems unlikely that the board will show substantial patience if the situation fails to improve significantly prior to the season’s culmination.
2. Chelsea the pick of the Premier League title contenders so far
If the campaign continues at its current rate, we could be set for one of the most exciting Premier League title races for years.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal all secured wins this weekend, and four points separate these title-challenging sides.
And while all of the quartet can legitimately consider themselves title contenders on the basis of their early season performances, it is arguably Chelsea who look best placed to prevail.
The Blues’ comprehensive 3-0 defeat by Arsenal on 24 September seems to have been somewhat of a watershed moment for Antonio Conte’s side, with the tactical re-shuffle to three at the back, which this setback prompted, seemingly reaping immediate dividends.
They have won all of their Premier League matches since the Gunners loss, conceding only one goal in the process.
During that period, they have also defeated Man United (4-0), Everton (5-0) and the previously unbeaten Tottenham (2-1).
The Spurs victory yesterday was arguably the most impressive of the lot, as Chelsea showed the grit of champions to persevere, earning all three points despite having been dominated for much of the first half.
3. Sergio Aguero the best Premier League player of the last five years
In the five years since he joined Man City from Atlético Madrid, it is hard to think of a Premier League player who has been more influential than Sergio Aguero.
In 161 appearances in the league, Aguero has scored an incredible 112 goals as well as producing 26 assists.
Without the 28-year-old star, it seems unlikely that City would have won either of their two Premier League titles, such has been the extent of his influence on the side.
And not for the first time yesterday, Aguero got his side out of jail, scoring twice in a somewhat unconvincing come-from-behind victory over Burnley.
It also means the Argentine international is now joint-top Premier League goalscorer along with Diego Costa.
“He played really well and moved really well. He had a really good game,” said City boss Pep Guardiola, after seeing his team earn a vital three points on Saturday.
“From the beginning he was ready, his body language was very good.”
4. Southampton look to have produced another gem
In recent years, you would be hard pressed to find another club in Europe with a more successful youth system than Southampton’s.
Luke Shaw, Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Adam Lallana are just some of the substantial crop of talented youngsters produced by the club.
And on the evidence of their game with Everton today, another exciting youngster could be set to join this prestigious list.
Claude Puel’s team selection was somewhat of a surprise initially, as despite having experienced attackers in Shane Long and James Rodriguez at his disposal, the Saints boss instead opted to hand a first Premier League start to 19-year-old forward Josh Sims.
And while this bold move was considered somewhat of a risk, it was ultimately justified.
Sims created the winner for Charlie Austin and generally impressed, causing the Toffees’ defence plenty of problems with his pace and intelligent play.
Provided he avoids all the usual temptations that being a Premier League footballer presents, there’s no reason why he can’t go on to become a star.
5. Coutinho injury overshadows Liverpool’s win
Liverpool will have been satisfied with the 2-0 scoreline at Anfield yesterday, as late goals from Divock Origi and James Milner ensured they downed a dogged Sunderland side.
Yet the win came at a cost, with Philippe Coutinho — arguably their most influential player — stretchered off.
The 24-year-old attacker has been linked with Barcelona in recent months, and his performances on the pitch have lived up to the hype.
Liverpool have scored 32 goals in the Premier League this season, and as one of the Reds’ main creative outlets, the Brazil international has been a key component of their outstanding form, with five goals and three assists thus far.
Coutinho is set for a scan on Monday amid fears of ankle ligament damage and if the injury is as bad as suspected, it will be a serious blow to an in-form Liverpool side’s title prospects.
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