Our Football Insider Graeme Bailey looks back on the weekend’s footballing action and brings you his ‘Bullet points’….
- LIVERPOOL LIGHTING IT UP
People are still describing Manchester CIty as favourites for the title, but not me – only one team at the moment who I would be backing and that is very much Liverpool.
- DANNY ROSE PROVING HE IS ENGLAND’S BEST
Danny Rose has had a tough time, and for not to start the World Cup was a shocking decision and it is great to see him proving himself.
- PALACE NEED TO GET ATMOSPHERE BACK
There have been issues with Crystal Palace and their fans at Selhurst Park, that has been widely reported but few could imagine just how much it would impact on their home performances – they should be beating teams like Newcastle at home and the atmosphere played a part.
- PRESSURE MOUNTING ON BENITEZ
Rafa Benitez is still without a win and we are nearly in October – he has a very close bond with the club’s fans which is helping, it would take a lot for them to call for his head, but he is fortunate as others bosses would not be getting the time – and especially giving the poor performances.
- GOAL OF THE WEEKEND
A wonderful strike from Ilkay Gundogan, the German exchanged passes with Rahem Sterling before a clinical finish into the top corner.
- PLAYERS OF THE WEEKEND
A lot of candidates but my players of the weekend would be….
GOALKEEPER – MARCUS BETTINELLI – The Fulham goalkeeper looked to have been replaced with a couple of big-name replacements, but he has battled back and he again proved his worth against Watford.
DEFENDER – ISSA DIOP – The summer signing for West Ham was outstanding in their draw with West Ham and helped them claim their clean-sheet.
MIDFIELDER – JAMES MADDISON – The English midfielder has been impressing hugely, he was in fine form in their win over Huddersfield.
FORWARD – RYAD MAHREZ – It takes a lot to stand-out for City, but the Algerian is finding his feet and was brilliant against Cardiff.
