Koeman out!
This is absolutely great. I have to say, I haven’t had this much fun watching Everton since the days of Walter Smith. Now I know that I don’t endear myself to Everton fans with this column, but it’s hard to care when your lads give me so much material. This weekend saw them beaten 4-0 at Old Trafford by Manchester United. It was there tenth goal conceded in their four Premier League games this season, leaving them on a -8 goal difference, thanks to the two goals they scored against Stoke City and Manchester City. I hate to say it but I called this. I knew you lot were in for a tough season before the transfer deadline even passed. Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh spent £145 million, found no replacement for the 24 league goals scored by Romelu Lukaku and bought zero pace. The murmurings from Everton fans regarding the future of Koeman began on Thursday night after the Europa League defeat to Atalanta, then got worse yesterday following the pummelling by United. He was their lord and saviour in the summer when they bought Gylfi Sigurdsson for £45 million – then they lashed him on the left wing and now Koeman is not too far away from the job centre. This is boss!
Super City!
This worries me. Manchester City have been absolutely flying lately, as I am all too aware of after their last home game. They’ve scored eleven goals in their last two Premier League games and sit top of the table on alphabetical order. City look unstoppable lately and, being a scouser, I have to admit that it’s painful seeing the two manc sides occupying first and second at the moment. It pains me even more to confess that I think that’s how it will stay this season. United have been devastatingly effective and City have been utterly brilliant. If I was to stick my neck on the line now, I’d say it’ll be Pep Guardiola who will be lifting the Premier League in May and not Jose Mourinho. At the moment City look unbeatable although you get the feeling that if the wheels come off, then they’re coming off dramatically. United’s draw with Stoke has indicated that there might just be an achilles heel there to exploit on the right day. Here’s to them kicking fuck out of each and Liverpool sneaking in on the last day…. And here’s to hoping.
Breathe on ’em Salop
I just wanted to take a minute to mention my second favourite team, Shrewsbury Town. Not many know this but I am a massive Salop fan and have actually been to Greenhous Meadow on no less than five occasions to watch them play, the last being a last gasp 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in February. Shrewsbury are now flying high at the top of League One under the stewardship of Paul Hurst and thanks to the goals of Stefan Payne. They are unbeaten this season and are riding the crest of a wave. A club like Shrewsbury should be nowhere near the top of that league with the budget and squad they have, but Paul Hurst is doing a terrific job and deserves a lot of plaudits. Shoutout to the little guy on this one and I think Shrewsbury could at least get in the play-offs this season. Breathe on ’em Salop!