Premier League — Matchweek 3

I see the Premier League has flexed its muscle again, no touchline bans for Skeletor Tuchel or Madarse Conte.

Massive fines though... pocket money for both.

Pathetic.

Under 21s 2 nil down to Man Utd not playing very good

Looking at the line-ups in the spurs v wolves game, and I see Rickarlison is on the bench again. Looking at the Wolves line up, and Raul Jiminez is also on the bench.

I don't know the reason why, or even if he started the first two games, but he is a striker I quite like, and if there's been some sort of fall out between him and the manager, then I think he could be a striker we could target.

I hope it doesn't happen but, if the newly promoted clubs do reasonably well for themselves, I can't see us staying up.

The only positive is that, if Man Utd beat Liverpool by more than two goals, we go above them. 🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣😁

Ralph,

Liverpool are on 2 points I'm afraid.

Arsenal looking mustard.

I love the way Arsenal always stick to their footballing principles, fast one touch pass and move, think Arteta is starting to get it right.

At the start of last season, Arsenal lost the first 3 games and it was sack Arteta and they were relegation candidates.

This season, they've won their first 2 games and are being tipped as possible Champions.

Fickle ain't we?

It's why I don't know why they bother publicising the table this early on David, let alone debating it.

Just re-watching all the highlights.

Early signs of restlessness at Leicester? No outfield player signings, visibly empty seats, even before the exodus and disgruntled natives during and after the game. Might check out Brenda's odds.

I try to avoid reading it, but unfortunately I heard it on the BBC today.

I see he's off already. If Monday night's game is rescheduled because of protests, then they should be awarded the points.

Honestly. The entitlement.

I see Tuchel is on the Chelsea bench today, same as Conte was for Spurs yesterday. Surely the same rules must apply for managers as they do players, ie, if you are sent off, then you miss the next game, or games.

So what kind of punishment did Conte and Tuchel receive for last weekend's brawl, which resulted in both of them being red carded?

Depends which club you manage, Rob.

If it was you-know-who, there wouldn't even be a ban. It would be put down to understandable emotion in the moment.

I want to see Man Utd turn them over with a controversial decision that was blatant but VAR gave it anyway. Herr Klopp loses the plot and let's see what the authorities do. He's already trying to claim the 3 points without playing.

I'll stop. It's Sunday and I should be relaxing!

What a stupid mistake from the Chelsea keeper!

Right royal cock up by Mendy to gift Leeds a goal.

Chelsea 2 down... you may see more pressure to buy Gordon!

Tuchel getting a little excited on the touchline... better be careful!!

Brighton are winning so far – happy if it stays that way!

Chelsea 2 down to Leeds. West Ham losing to Brighton on the back of a defeat at Forest.

Early days. It's August.

Just remembering the Leeds game coming up for us — GULPPP!!

I think that the way players are throwing themselves into tackles at this Leeds game, a red card is not far off coming…

Today just highlights the points we have given away against average teams there for the taking. Criminal.

Brian, I think there's still some settling-in/rationalizing to happen, for some teams. The patterns haven't appeared yet.

How this applies to us... I have no idea.

Brighton now 2 goals up on West Ham.

Wow = 3-0 Leeds!

Tuchel probably shaking with anger…

I think Tuchel is unhappy!

Ooo-eee! Shit's getting real today...

Wonder what's in store at Newcastle later.

Not surprised to see Chelsea getting mullered here, they looked shite against us.

The only difference is, at Everton, we don't go after teams until we are already behind.

Brighton again getting the job done.

Irks me why Everton seem to be the only club that never seem to get it right.

That second goal has plonked the Hammers down onto the bottom of the table. They're lucky Maupay isn't playing.

The way Leeds are playing, we may need to sign a bricklayer to put a wall up in our goal!

Leeds will bounce us, under the floodlights at Elland Road, exactly the kind of atmosphere that when it's against our bunch, they fall apart like a paper house.

Brentford is a huge game already for us next week.

There won't be three teams that reach the levels of shitness we witnessed from Norwich, Watford and Burnley again.

Some Top 10 sides struggling so far.

Come on, Blues… 11th place is up for grabs.

Jim, it really is obvious how that "Fire" is missing from Everton. Been gone for a long time, much lamented.

Leeds sell their best two players and don't seem to have any problems scoring goals?

Bill - haha! Might not be laughing on the day though...

Any one think that, the way Chelsea are going, knowing Everton's situation, there will be an attempt to get Gordon, using Broja as a swap deal?

Really need Man City to salvage another crap weekend and hope Eric ten Hag gets at least a point on Monday. Sick of relying on other teams for a bit of cheer.

A lot of people on here have mocked the idea of getting Graham Potter. I wonder if this is the season those people realize how wrong they were?!

Also, Leeds sold two big players this summer but had alternatives immediately lined up or already bought in and, as a result, do not look weaker and have hit the ground running. An uncomfortable contrast!

(See also Brighton replacing Cucurella with the cheaper but excellent Estupinan.)

Bill - I suspect Chelsea see Gordon more as a tactical improvement to their team, fine tuning. This sort of situation is a different thing altogether. They obviously haven't gelled yet. Tuchel could melt down.

Goes from bad to worse for Chelsea. Koulibaly sent off.

Tuchel seeing red now, literally. Stupid from Koulibaly

Sam,

I agree!

I would have liked Manchester United to have thought outside the box and given Potter an opportunity, same as Spurs instead of the bizarre appointment of Nuno Espirito last year.

But United always seem seduced by continental names.

Much like the derided Eddie Howe, everyone saying defensively he will be a nightmare, but Newcastle have been sound at the back since Howe's arrival.

And Koulibaly gets a red card. This result puts Leeds 3rd depending on the City game, and drops Chelsea down to about 12th or 13th on goal difference.

I am starting to think the club is cursed...

Leeds, Brighton, West Ham, Southampton, Leicester, Newcastle – the bracket we are in – have all managed to put together something consistent in these past 10 years – teams with pace, athleticism.

We just struggle on and on and on aimlessly – no ambition or desire to improve. We sign players who fail to deliver. The team is laboured, predictable. We have a clear problem – no strikers – and we don't address it.

Sam, Potter has a great future, I'm almost sure. Well regarded in the game, and gave himself a great training program on the way to where he is. He has a very stable bearing too, which is getting rarer. I wasn't one that was against him.

Every year as a Toffee I look for the teams that will/should be worse than us.. Bournemouth… I need two more..

What's more impressive about Potter's work at Brighton is he's now lost Dan Ashworth to Newcastle (a fantastic move by Howe, that).

"Am starting to think the club is cursed..."

Starting? Come on, Finn, where've you been? Old news!

Well, that couldn't have happened to a nicer fella, Mr Touchel.

Will, I was thinking that no one in the Chelsea team was causing any danger on the flanks where Gordon is more effective.

As far as Leeds go, they still have the Bielsa energy with more tactical awareness.

It's all making the McNeil signing very painful and long. Another masterstroke.

Same with Gray – he will revert to type in a week or two or less.

I know, Bill. You're right.

Was commenting more in the vein of, Tuchel probably didn't foresee needing Gordon so much for his "Top" team. I think this start has probably stunned him a little. Not that I'll be taking any pleasure from it, naturally...

Wiil @48... been in denial.

Arent we all?

Finn, I've even run out of denial. It's now hard-bitten reality all the way...

The rumour is that we could have bagged Potter if we'd pushed hard after Ancelloti left. Brands wanted him. But Moshiri wanted a ‘winner' and so went for Benitez. No idea if that's true but sounds horribly plausible!

All I can say is, there's never definitive proof that a manager will work, but if anyone's showed the grounding considering the resources, it's Potter.

I'm not for sacking Lampard and still feel there's progress that can continue if he's supported. I would have taken Potter though at any time.

For those who bother to take notice of the league table this early in the season, the much fabled Moyes's West Ham are bottom on zero points and we are a point behind Liverpool. Leeds off to a good start.

Nothing to see there, it's what they do before car crashing. Look at last season. Unlike us, could have gone down on the last day.

Relax. It's August and we are 2 or 3 games in. Long way to go.

Sorry, Danny, I don't agree. Marsch is a good and brave manager and I don't think they will be down at the bottom this season. Nor will West Ham or Liverpool if we're realistic.

Brighton, meanwhile, put us to shame with the way they run their club and play their football.

No wonder we get so pissed off.

Danny, mostly agree, as I said earlier, there's a lot of settling to happen yet, for most teams.

It's a sad fact, though, that we have quite firmly established a rather predictable pattern for ourselves, with the difference that the previous two seasons had good early starts, at least over 10 games.

This is absent so far which is a... concern.

Fair one, Tony. Time will tell either way.

I guess I'm just getting at the hysteria around league tables at this stage of the season. I've never understood it. Even pre-Premier League era.

6 games is usually the barometer of where things are going... I can't see any points from the next 3 or even after that.

Newcastle to beat City this afternoon.

Finn, it's a very interesting game this one.

I like Howe but loathe the Geordie gobshites.

So, on balance, come on, City (I think they'll win quite comfortably, actually).

I'm a step further, Finn.

Traditionally, you don't really know how the league is settling until Christmas in my opinion and experience.

I think that's why we have so many October sackings now.

Tuchel out. Gerrard out (won 3 in 15).

Takes a big manager to admit, even to himself, if things aren't working. Most run-of-the-mill ones just can't see another way or are not brave enough to try something and someone different.

It's that bravery part that's so hard to do when jobs and reputations are at stake. Not sure where Frank comes in that but he's not helping himself, put it that way.

Anyone know why Broja wasn't on the Chelsea bench today?

He was on it for the first two games, coming on both times, but missing today.

Danny @65, Gerrard might indeed be out. How tragic would that be?

He'll go on the pundit, sports quiz show circuit presumably. And count his money.

I really hope Man City win this one today v the Barcodes...

As for this season, I really think the World Cup will mess up the Premier League somewhat... and if, IF things continue on the current path, we will have another manager.

I want Lampard to do well, but the impression I get, is that his hands are tied.

Man City 1 up.

Always happens, they are just about to give Tuchel a longer contract! Cue the sack, not yet of course but not long if they continue to get poor results. I would imagine he goes ballistic in the dressing room.

We have to find 3 worse teams than us, the likely candidates are mostly getting good results so far, not good.

Woo hoo, go on, Pep!

Gundogan. Old (by some peoples standards) but hungry. Old and hungry.

But quality. Top quality.

Geordies look a competitive side this season, they might lose this game but they look like they have a way of playing already under Howe.

Newcastle score.

Saint-Maximin tearing City apart!

Bill. Like the way he is playing, not over complicating things, make space and whip the dangerous cross in. Excellent , wide play at its best, whilst keeping it simple.

Saint-Maximin – how I'd love him. Tenacity, hunger.

He does go missing in games but still...

When you watch other sides play, you realize it's either an easy game made complicated by Everton players or it's just that we really are shite and every other club has its head screwed on.

Newcastle are a club heading in the right direction since their takeover, the complete opposite of where Everton went in 2017.

Newcastle showing the value of having a goal scorer

Tony I think Howe has finally got into his head and teaching him he doesn't
always have to score you can help, and as I am typing this he just lays on another goal for Wilson

Whisper it quietly but the Geordies are looking enjoyable to watch again, the Keegan years are back, sinful of me to say I know.

I think they'll be this year's West Ham and have a right crack at that top 5.

City need a rocket up their arse at HT.

If Newcastle were Everton they would be 3 down with 4 powder puff efforts from Gordon to crow about

Jim, I don't know whether it's the takeover or Eddie Howe, or the fact they've bought a few better players. But what has taken my attention is the intensity and motivation levels have increased dramatically. I think the manager has to take a lot of credit for that. This is a good game , City certainly not out of it , could still win I think , just need to get some better service in to Haaland.

The Geordies are sharp and hungry and riddled with pace

Aying with intensity like its a cup final. Will they sustain it for the 90 or do it every week? Let's see.

Shows the benefits of getting a savvy billionaire takeover and not the fuckwit who we got with Kenwrights right arm up his jacksie

On the evidence so far, I am retiring as a results prophet. I reserve the right to make a return at full time.

PS beautifully put Anthony @89, you have summed up our plight.

I wouldn't get too excited with NUFC and BHA remember how we started the last two seasons?

Anthony @89
And £140m spent wisely.

Yes Ray, looks like a measured plan to spending and not like a kid in a sweet shop who found a tenner on the floor outside

Kiernan

It's not just a good start with Newcastle and Brighton though.

Newcastle are third in the form table in 2022 since the start of the year, so they are clearly on a upward trajectory.

What we had last season under Rafa Benitez was simply a good start until we were found out.

Jesse Marsch:

"We used to give the ball right back to the opponent and now we have ease to us and poise. If we can build that elegance and poise while continuing to be aggressive, we can build something."

We should be doing the same. Kieran @91, Marsch and Potter are going to cut it in the Premier League, I believe. Indeed, Potter already has. Isn't it a matter of attitude? Aren't we characterised by our cringing dread of taking risks? Our terror of playing with confidence against Nottingham Forest, for example?

We will finish above both Leeds and Newcastle. It's early days.

Paul @96, I profoundly hope that you are right but upon what evidence do you base that?

Hope your right Paul but unless we get a couple of players who can stick the ball in the net then we're in for a lot of nervy 0-0's.

Unless we can pull a few rabbits out of the hat before deadline day then we are in for a long season. DCL is a glorified Jeffers and if transferred will go the same way (providing he stays fit). If Chelsea want Gordon for £50M snatch their hands off and use it wisely (big laugh). Apologies but I just cant gain any optimism the way we are heading.

Tasty Trippier freekick. Didn't he score a similar goal against us last season??

Newcastle go 3 up Trippier free kick

Paul 96

What shop do you buy it in?

I mean whatever it is that your drinking today mate because I'll have a bit of it.

Trippier is an actual dead ball specialist, remember what one of those actually is?

If we don't sign at least 2 strikers (ideally this week) it's going to be a very unpleasant season for us.

Newcastle will finish way way above us.

Tremendous game. Toonies showing no fear!

Newcastle are everything we should be now after Moshiri took over, just shows what a car crash of a board we have.

Eddie Howe, majority on here would have absolutely rejected as an option, has improved Newcastle unbelievably. He hasn't done so with absurd signings, the majority of the team is the same that looked relegation bound.

He's doing an exceptional job there.

This is an absolutely absorbing game of football now.

Haaland 3-2!!!

Cracking game

Saint-Maximin ripping City's always dodgy defence (if attacked) to shreds.

Credit to Newcastle. I look at our owner/takeover sigh.

The only explanation I can think of was Kenwright had to stay, and so the Everton Way continued.

If anyone thinks we will finish above Newcastle, Brentford, Leeds, Brighton and even Notts Forest, should think twice!
Why didn't go all in for Graham Potter!? But wait! We have the chelski legend as our rookie manager! At least he is British!

3-3!!

3-3. Fuckin GET IN!!!!

All the teams we have coming up are doing well apart from West Ham then later Man Utd.

De Bruyne a genius

Two teams that just want to bloody each other's nose and go for the win.

City back too 3/3

This must be a cracking game to "watch" on the radio!

3-3

Sorry, I have no comprehension of what I am watching here... what is this game they are playing?

Any price Newcastle.

If Gordon is worth 50 million then what are some of these worth here?
Snap Chelsea's hands off

Its called ffut...bald, football or something similar Michael lol.

Brent, you can watch it on mygoaltv.com.

Soren, I'm watching on Sky. Just a naughty reference on my part.

Yes, we're light years away from this stuff. Great to see two teams playing the game properly and not wetting themselves because it's all a bit hurty.

Tripper red. Come on City.

Red to be rescinded?

Right so when do they rescind Allan's red from last season?

Just had a look at the standings. Can't believe Frank has us within 4 points of a champions League place! Good stuff!!!

A worse foul than Allan's one last season , if he doesn't get red it's a shocker

And there goes the last of whatever authority and credibility a ref ever had.

Allan's foul last season,?

Absolutely a red... can't believe he would rescind this.

The Allan sending off last year and that !! Unbelievable

Totally inconsistent, and feeds into the conspiracy that they wanted Everton to go down.

Complete rubbish. That has to be (and stay) a red card all day long.

Double standards!

Football is so bad! Inconsistent, corrupt,

That was a cynical foul to stop the player in full speed he had no chance of catching him

Both feet off the ground, not in control? Been here before havent we?

I suspect the VAR slow motion has taken away the speed De Bruyn was running at and therefore the degree of danger.

Where the fuck is Mr Gaynes when you need him?

I think we appealed Allan's one too, and they told us to do one.

Trippier made no attempt for the ball whatsoever, his main aim was to stop De Bruyne, which he did with a cynical knee high challenge. Absolute disgusting decision to overturn the red card.

They will be going with freeze frame soon on VAR

The game is finished. Liars, fools and cheats are in control.

Howe is just an English Martinez. Concede more than they score.

Regardless of the result, this game fully justifies my decision to buy a year's subscription to Sky as my wife's xmas present.

I hope your wife appreciates your exceptionally generous gesture Brent

BT sport for her birthday ?

Now then, Tony, excellent idea. And Amazon for our golden wedding anniversary?

They not only got away with the red card they slowed Be Brune down

Soren # 112. Potter does well on the pitch because Brighton are a well run club off the pitch. There is every chance Potter would fail with us.

Similar scenario. Ten Hag wins the lots and builds two tremendous Ajax teams which overperform in Europe. But Ten Hag is part of a club built on exceptional youth development (academy and strategic acquisition).

Man Utd have delivered him an odd bunch of players, very unlike the types he's been working with at Ajax (except Martinez obviously). This supplements an already dysfunctional squad (they're like a more expensive version of our shit show).

No surprise therefore that Ten Hag is struggling. But it's not him, it's the club.

Ironically, Brighton's Director of Football is our very own Davy Weir.

Great game of football. City wasteful. Newcastle hardworking. Football won today.

Brent. Why any blue would want sky is beyond me. Might as well subscribe to liverpool fc fan channel

How can we continue to have any faith in this game after the Trippier decision? VAR has been an unmitigated disaster, an utter blight. And yet we all troop along like robots to the next charade. Disgusting.

The VAR camera technology for fouls like that is still relying in human interpretation. Utter inconsistent farce

Agree with that Colin. Great spectacle. I enjoyed yesterday too.

I don't want to be a cynic and don't want to stamp on Geordie chips but I can't see them keeping those levels every game. They were playing like it was their cup final.

For those who promote Eddie Howe, there you go.

For those who don't promote Eddie Howe, there you go.

The English Martinez. If Newcastle are the next City, they will replace him as soon as a bigger name becomes available.

Can they now please come out and say why Allan was sent off and Trippier wasn't ? We need some clarity, either it was a game changing mistake today or one last season that could have sent us down.

What does it cost for sky

The red card reversal was shambolic. The tackle was clearly dangerous and he was clearly not in control.

No rhyme nor reason to this slapstick refereeing.

Follow the money. It's easier than following a team.

I forgot to mention that. Can those who are more in tune with the laws of the game explain to me why a deliberate foul (used to call it professional) isn't a straight red anymore and especially when the connection is knee height when the ball is on the deck?

Confused.

I also note that Broja didn't make the bench today. Chelsea absolutely desperate for a striker and this one doesn't even make their bench.

If its true that Lampard has all his eggs in the Broja basket, then this truly is a desperate situation.

Danny I believe the Law is what a person miles away in an armchair with a glass of champagne in his hand reading a comic says.

I'm sure that the yokel halfwit who does referees' reviews on Sky will be drawing powerful and accurate comparisons between the Allan and Trippier tackles. Won't he?

What's the difference between Allan's red card and Trippier's red card? I would go for club ownership.

Ciaran, Broja was injured wasn't he?

Yep, definite similar tackle to our man, only difference is our man was wrongly sent off on the advice of the VAR and theirs wasn't – a joke.

I believe Trippier should have been sent off, made the tackle full of intent on the side of Du Bruyne's knee – no attempt to play the ball. Allan hardly even touched Saint-Maximin.

Sam & Ciaran,

Tuchel said he is out injured for a matter of days, not weeks. Also, he was upbeat of him having an exceptional opportunity to make an impact at Chelsea. Didn't sound like he wanted to sell at all.

I get the impression they want Gordon but want to offload their deadwood onto us, not the likes of Gallagher or Broja.

Okay... sounds like a premise to a sale.

Absolutely a big mistake by the VAR. It was a surefire Red Card. Intentional foul, both feet off the ground. De Bruyne could have been seriously injured. What more did the referee want to see?

If it happens with an Everton player next week, it will be 3-game suspension, you just know it.

What happens now? All players can make tackles like that with only a yellow card to worry about?

Who was the VAR in the studio of the Newcastle Utd v Man City game? Not that it really matters because they are all as bad, useless or bent as each other.

Tom&174

It happened to Allan versus Newcastle last season.

That red card reversal was pathetic. Allan's was no worse. What a game of football though. I was never convinced by Eddie Howe at Bournemouth (especially his judgment for handing over so much money to the RS for the likes of Solanke and Ibe) but he's doing one hell of a job at Newcastle.

Leeds-Chelsea, I didn't see the whole game but, for the chunk I did see, I thought Leeds were superb. High intensity pressing mixed with Bielsa's man marking. Chelsea were rattled. And all of the Chelsea players seemed to always want 2-3 touches: You would expect quicker one touch passing to beat the press but they all wanted multiple touches, and were getting caught in possession. It reminded me of us under previous managers.

And honestly, I don't understand why they would want or need Gordon (who I want to stay).

VAR are providing some great footage for a nice little comparison video in the not-too-distant future.

I'm sure they'd be happy to comment on such a compilation, in the interests of "Ensuring the highest standards and growing with fairness" or similar.

Danny,

I'm sure nothing will change your quaint aversion to the Premier League table being published, debated and feared so early in the season.

Your rationale appears to be that it's not 'real', that it doesn't represent the relative merits or qualities of each team, nor the final positions they will hold.

I contend that only one of those is true. Only an idiot would claim that it has much bearing on the final positions... although it does in fact play a small part in that final day determination.

That is its ultimate purpose, yes. To record where we finish, and how it affects our destiny... and in more recent times, how much moolah we will pocket.

But the fact is that the table can be calculated after each and every round of games, starting with the first weekend of the season. It doesn't hold the meaning and significance of the final day table; however, I contend that it is, just as real.

It reflects with unerring accuracy the relative progress (or lack of it!) for each team as each week of the season develops. Teams can move up or down depending on results. Their relative position, in comparison with each of their peers, is perfectly conveyed with unarguable mathematical precision: the table never lies (points deductions notwithstanding!).

That's why we calculate it each week. Not waiting "until Christmas" or some other such arbitrary point in the season to say "Now, I shall look at the table and see where we sit."

Our position is determined after each and every single round of games; we capture it for prosperity (and not just to annoy you) in our archived match reports. Always have, always will.

Curious on here with all the corrupt ref comments. I thought there is a pro Big 6 conspiracy? Or is it just Pro Liverpool? If the latter don't worry cause according to that Russian bloke with the asthma theory this year they're cycling off again. He proved right last time and it's looking good again!

On another point, it seems we are cycling back to attacking football winning. Mourinho's dour Spurs failed, McFred and Utd ditto. Now Chelsea's defense first midfield is struggling and of course dour Davey is in the bottom three. This doesn't bode well for us currently but if we get in attackers that suit Frank's preferred style at Chelsea and Derby we could prosper. But it's a big if.

Lastly, Danny I get your point but honestly I check the table from the first second of the first game. In recent years those early tables are all that kept me sane!

If we should somehow pull off shock of the century and achieve a high finish, no discussion allowed of how the early games played into it, or how we could've finished even higher etc. Or conversely, how that late home draw with Forest saved us from relegation...

Season starts Day One.

Will,

Talking of early form. I was looking back at the 1995 season. Same points tally as this three games in but it's funny how the old memory goes.

I always remembered it as being 11 games without a win then we drew with Norwich, Mike Walker was sacked, we beat Liverpool. In fact, it was 12 games without a win then we beat West Ham, drew away at Norwich, then Walker sacked.

In hindsight, why did we wait until he picked 4 points before sacking him? I remember his theory was he'd be “bomb proof” if we won the derby. But the timing is a bit odd and well Everton. But of course all's well that ends well, right?

If the board won't back Frank, what odds he goes and Bill brings back Big Dunc before the derby, expecting Mykolenko to turn into Hinchcliffe and Rondon to be Big Dunc? I'm not advocating it, to be clear, but with how his simple mind works I could see it happening.

I get the point about the league table existing from day one and it can, is and will be calculated every week.

I know it exists. I guess my point is more that I personally don't really get carried away with it until half-way through the season. Within reason; I think the Mike Walker season was one where I got concerned early-ish.

The Moyes years taught us that, on more than one occasion and without banging on with nostalgia, let's not forget where we were in December 1983 in front of 13,000 against Coventry compared to where we ended up in May 1984. Didn't Hull get off to a thunderous start only to drop like a stone a few years back?

West Ham won't finish bottom. United won't get relegated. Arsenal won't win the league. Everton will qualify for Europe.

To reiterate, my point isn't one of denial of existence, just one of eyebrow raising at how excited the media get after several games. Anyway, last from me on the subject. I'll be looking at the table next week, just not getting overly excited about it. Not yet.

Danny 183,

I'm not getting carried away with negativity from looking at the table. What I'm worried about is the bookies having us finishing in the Bottom 3 come the end of the season (in August! When was the last time that happened?).

What's worse is, I think they are spot on. And looking at the fixtures, we may have to wait until October for another chance to pick up 3 points, unless we can pick a win up on the road.

If you're not worried by what you've seen since last September, you're missing something.

I feel the same, you look around at other mid table and below teams and they are so much better than us! And also capable of causing shocks to the top tier teams.

Who can honestly say there is 3 worse teams than us?

Apparently Leicester are quite close to sacking Brendan Rodgers. Amazing how quickly managers go in and out of vogue!

If Lampard were to be dismissed or even resign in the next few weeks or months, there are some interesting options available in the likes of Pochettino, Rodgers, Marco Rose, Bielsa etc. Not that I'm advocating us to fire Lampard (yet!) – but he is second favourite for the sack race after Rodgers.

In my view, Rodgers deserved the Man Utd job – and would have been a good fit if they were prepared to properly build and develop a team.

Instead, Man Utd have chosen vanity and shortcuts again which are doomed for failure (not unlike our situation).

But having got Leicester so close, Rodgers has now lost his oomph there and the team is being dismantled rather than improved.

A bit of a knobhead but a really good manager. Only Klopp, Conte and Guardiola are materially better in the Premier League, in my view.

Brentford and Leeds? We can take points there. And the Derby? Well it's a Derby so let's see. Arsenal, I'll be there and sooner or later we are breaking that Emirates duck.

As usual, it's a mixed start to the season for a lot of teams.

I'm not blind to the obvious needs and neglect and I've spoke enough about it on these pages. But I'm not throwing the towel in until they carry me out of Goodison and section me.

The Europe thing was a hook to see if anyone noticed. That's just me. Keep saying it and it will happen. I'm an optimist but ot totally blind

Leicester win the league after narrowly escaping relegation?. Your having a laugh right?!

Danny, we beat Arsenal under Carlo at their place.

Brentford, last year, was the beginning of the end for Rafa, hopefully, it will be the kick start to this season. It's certainly a game where we can gain points, as is the one against Leeds. Let's worry about the other games after that.

Let's keep our nerve!

Danny, as I keep saying, just make sure your passport is up to date!

We'll get points from those games Christopher.

Passport always in date Rob.

Out to watch the match later. No doubt in a pub full of life long UK based supporters who have never been to Anfield or Old Trafford.

I've promised to behave and hold my tongue.

The only european tour Everton will be going on is pre season tours and that'll most likely be to the US.

Keiran @ 182:

There was something so strange about the whole Mike Walker thing that it almost feels like it didn't happen when I think back. The earliest example of knee-jerk operation that I knew of at the club, and the weird media deification of him was pretty uncomfortable. I don't even know how he did it, but within a few games it looked like Subbuteo.

The latter part of your post, I don't want to consider just yet!

Danny @ 183:

I actually see the table all ways i.e. each game, the final table, everything in between. I tend to look at 10 games in, then around Christmas and mid-February as being markers, probably because I've done it that way for so long. But, big shifts happen in two- and three-game phases too.

This said, the previous two seasons looked great at 10 games; and then... so I'm not saying it's a definitive measure!

As Danny B posted, the bookies seem to be taking some account of proceedings so far. I sure hope they're wrong but they usually do better than me... yikes.

Danny a night out to watch them. No wonder you was in the army as nothing fazes you. I'd rather share a case of the clap than a case of ale with them

Brian, remember, the military has always used infiltrators.

I guess I'll skive off and watch the red Shite vs the RED SHite. Is it evil to be somewhat open to but not quite urging on injuries?

Kieran, it occurred to me this may be Liverpool's fallow year, as the so called asthmatics must knock off the Persians one year in every three for health reasons! Wouldn't put it past the mancs a to snatch a draw!

I see Roma suffered the kind of luck only we seem to get, when Georginio Wijnaldum suffered a broken leg, two weeks after joining them on loan, and looks certain to miss the World Cup. Shit happens, I guess!

Dale, it's more than that, it's perverse. Enjoy it.

Brent, you will tomorrow on the LF, I guarantee it.

As we need a new striker, why don't we put in for Ronaldo?

He may be old but will do as backup for Rondon till Calvert-Lewin is fit – or is that just a whale of a tail?

Brian, may be the only time he nets one

Bill, more like a load of pollocks

United trying to knock Liverpool off their Perch.

I'll get me coat.

Yes, Niel, but he is fishing for a move and, if we move quickly, we could reel him in.

Would be a decent catch, Bill.

Should have been 1 for Man Utd there

United playing well so far

how's them kopite maggots getting on

United have started well here - batt-LING.

1-0

Ronaldo not looking very happy on the bench GREAT UTD 1 up

Milner going ballisitc at VVD.

United showing some Sole at last.

Pitch must be too dry. Or too green. Or too grassy.

Van Shite looked like he was waiting for the start of a speed skating race!

The RS are on the hook here

go ed man u wade in with two more

Like the way Sancho left Milner sliding along the floor

Or too icy, Ray. Only good for skates.

Milner was all at sea for the goal

hope them shower end up on skid roe

Be a Basstard if the RS score.

The tench-ion is killing me.

Brent (220) Brent when you saw the replay of United's goal you could understand why,VVD was standing static with his hands behind his back instead of closing down Sancho.

United were playing very well until they scored then went on the back foot and defended too much,I hope they attack a lot more in the second half Liverpool were far from comfortable when United attacked down that left handsde.

Got to laugh at the commentators playing for 20seconds in the second half and the visitors have made a solid start

Dave, VVD looking quite shakey.

2-0!!

Looks offside

Onside, 2-0

Pick the bones out of that.

Pick the bones out of that.

VAR – now you will know who is the Sky favourite.

Ten Hag looks like a squash coach.

Must have been a strange angle, that goal looked offside. RS look very shaky in defence and not the same going forward without Sadio Mane, long may it last!

I'm now waiting for Ronaldo to come on and score a gudgeon.

ten hag is walter white ( breaking. bad ) if you have netflix

Taking captain marvel off

Klopp will need some tips from Frank on how to survive a relegation fight.

Not just tonight but clog feet at the back not quite the same player for them. Nice one jordan

they have Liverpool's probability of a win at 2%

is the pitch too dry again for them

Nice one Brian 242. Absolute ringer. But I think vdv is on crack tonight.

Brian. They've got injuries you know. But they don't like to mention it.

Brian. They've got injuries you know. But they don't like to mention it.

Brian. They've got injuries you know. But they don't like to mention it.

Thought only Everton players got booked for simulation, SKy will have a sharp with the referee tonight

Andy the commentators mentioned that Liverpool has a number of injuries, never mentioned the self afflicted red card

injuries fck sake we invented the word

Fernandez is a shitbag.

They're struggling but I don't think they'll go down. 39 points will save the jammy bastards

don't throw it away now, may need the third

wonder how long it will take for the proverbial penalty

Van de Beek - are they trying to lose?

I can see the rs snatching a point from the Jaws of defeat.

Well at least the manager knows he has more than 3 subs

5 min added. goose step not happy he wants 20

Klopp complaining not enough extra time

United 2 - 1 Empty Inhalers.

Do not know what anyone else thinks but all I seen from Liverpool was a ball out to the wing and a boot into the goalmouth

Will (259) Erickson has been the weakest link for United tonight then they bring on an even weaker player in Van de Beek.

I thought that was odd, Dave. Afraid he is just far too similar to Klaassen.

A point behind Liverpool and ahead of West Ham for those who are looking at the table this early on in the season.

Ten Hag putting a Dutch stamp on that team. The left back from Feyenoord. Donny van de Beek looking solid (shows what a player can do surrounded by better ones).

Man of the match was the centre back and number 6, Martinez. Okay, not Dutch, but came from Ajax.

Who says you have to be tall to play centre back? All 5 foot 7 or 8 of him; he was immense. Man of the match.

Ten Hag alongside Rangnick was my choice before we went for Benitez. It wasn't to be.

"A point behind Liverpool and ahead of West Ham for those who are looking at the table this early on in the season."

See, Danny - you do look :-)

Have to say several United players were pretty solid, didn't see much from DvB though.

Not much pleasure in football these days but hearing the shite have been nailed is always a joy.

Mana is the missing link. Couldn't put my foot on why the looked so shite.

Danny, so you do look at the table!

5'5" and I also played central defender. Loved it.

Why are we whining ?? RS no wins in 3 games and one point between us.

The difference--they cost billions. Okay, in all seriousness things can change quickly and form can be up and down as Viera and Potter will find out so let's hope we can get that striker (if ever) to change our fortunes.

Okay, you've got me. I peek at the table!!

Size doesn't matter Brent!!

I've already sent my condolences to my rs relatives with a, welcome to our world of pain.

If you'd offered me Everton to be 1 point behind them after 3 games, I've have snapped your hand off. funny old game.

Ten Hag talking sense about having experience and leadership alongside young developing players.

Popcorn at the ready for the response from Klopp. His Jack Nicholson the Shining smile was more emphasised tonight.

Just put Sky on to find out the result. Did Manure just win the league? Gary Neville has a huge stain on the front of his pants.

to the tune of where's your mama gone, where's your mane gone

Like that Brian

Start of a boss week tonight plus one step
closer to olympic way tomorrow and a couple of front men announced. Not too much to ask

Watching the news this morning, the United fans demonstrated how you can have a voice and protest about the ownership but then absolutely get behind the team on the main event.

I know Klopp doesn't like to talk it about, but the RS have a few injuries at the moment you know.