With four defeats from their last five league games – in addition to a 10-2 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League – the Gunners have seen their season spiral into crisis; a situation not helped by their two most prodigious talents dramatically losing form and influence amidst drawn-out contract disputes. While others debate on Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s short-term futures, Bentley takes a hard-line stance.

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“Are Sanchez and Ozil important to their club? No, and Arsenal shouldn’t bend over to keep them. There are plenty of great footballers around the world to get. Just go online and there are loads of lads from South America running past a hundred players and banging it in the top corner.  There are others with their skill.”

“To be honest they’ve become Mr Wenger’s allies, his friends within the team, and Ozil and Sanchez have let their manager down because some of their behaviour is quite stupid.”

Not that the 32 year old – now a successful restauranteur after retiring from the game in 2013 – places all of the blame for Arsenal’s woes at the feet of their contract rebels. The boss too is deserving of criticism for unnecessarily changing a winning formula.

“He had success with ready-made players who were men. The problem now is that Arsenal has become more of a development club and I think Arsene wanted that. But he has given the youngsters too much responsibility without having the support of senior players. If they had a good blend through the spine of the team, they’d enjoy a lot more success. For instance; if you put John Terry and Ibrahimovic into the spine of that team – seasoned pros who are strong in the dressing room and take responsibility for the team – Arsenal win the league.”

“I’ve been in dressing rooms where you come in and experienced players are punching the walls, throwing things and saying ‘what the f*** were you doing? Why didn’t you pick that runner up?’ to the young lads. I don’t think that’s happening and I should imagine the dressing room after losing 3-1 away at West Brom had players with their heads down and looking to get out of there as early as possible.”

“For me to speak about this doesn’t mean that I was that type of player. But I was in dressing rooms with Ledley King and Patrick Vieira, people who would f***ing cane you, while as a young player myself I’d look at Sol Campbell, and Vieira and Henry and think, ‘F***, I’d better run here. I’d better try.’ Now they’re not scared of anyone.”

Playing devil’s advocate it could be said that Arsene Wenger has tried to rectify these shortcomings in recent times, only to see his transfer targets move elsewhere. This is certainly true of the one-man army that is N’Golo Kante, who has reputably twice come close to signing for the 67 year old only to opt instead for Leicester then Chelsea. It is a near-miss that Bentley insists has been costly.

“I would imagine the PFA Player of the Year will be Kante. Everybody will vote for him. For the young player it will be Dele Alli again.”

It’s little surprise to discover that the affable Bentley is a huge fan of the Spurs midfielder, with similarities notable in the attributes Alli brings to this Spurs side and the midfield flair Bentley provided during his admittedly mixed spell at White Hart Lane.  

“He can be anything he wants. Tottenham give players a good platform to perform and there is no better place to develop. Going back to Gareth Bale when I was there to now with Dele Alli being a good example of that. Like Harry Kane, they’re allowed to play and Alli has got everything: strength, touch, a bit of steel, and can pass a ball. He can do whatever he wants in the game.”

His admiration only increases when talk turns to the home-grown striker Spurs are desperately trying to return to full fitness as they mount an unlikely, late title bid.

“They can weather it a little bit but Tottenham are missing Harry Kane massively, because goals take you to where you want to go. There was some news yesterday that he might be back soon, so let’s hope that’s true.”

“I was there when he was coming through and he wasn’t prolific like he is now. He’s an example of giving a player a chance, dangle the carrot and see if they take it and he certainly has. He’s a goal machine who works hard and he’s the modern-day Shearer isn’t he.”

1. Score prediction for Arsenal v Manchester City

   2 -2 - Bet on Arsenal v Manchester City Winner

2. Who will be first goal-scorer

   The left-winger Sane. He’ll start off like a rocket. Arsenal full-backs will over-lap and there will be gaps.

3. Who will win the Premier League Golden Boot

   If Harry Kane returns soon then he’ll win it - Bet on PL Golden Boot Winner

4. Who will win the Premier League

   Chelsea - Bet on Premier League Winner

5. Who will win the Champions League

   Real Madrid - Bet on Champions League Winner

Leicester go from shaky to ‘Shakey’

The dismissal of title-winning miracle-worker Claudio Ranieri last month shocked the football world and led to widespread speculation that the Leicester players themselves were responsible for the Italian’s departure. Having only recently left the King Power Stadium himself after five seasons in the east Midlands, Konchesky has little time for such conspiracy theories but certainly believes his former team-mates are far more content now under the charge of new gaffer Craig Shakespeare. 

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“It does look like the players didn’t want Ranieri there because they’re unbeaten in four now but I know these players and they don’t have that in them. They’re good guys and I think it came from the top. The owners are ambitious guys and you can see that. After winning the league and then slipping down they couldn’t take a chance because this is where the money is. They’re business men and if that’s what was needed to stay in the Premier League then that’s how it is.”

In another surreal season for the Foxes they find themselves fighting relegation while confounding all expectations to reach the quarter finals of Europe’s most prestigious competition. Is Atletico Madrid a favourable pairing all things considered? 

“They’re in the last eight of the Champions League so there are no easy draws. Even so the four big hitters have all drawn each other so this is a fantastic tie for them and a great opportunity. If they can go to Atletico and get a good result out there there’s no reason why we can’t see a repeat of Sevilla at home last week.”

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Home not so sweet home for the Hammers

Though Leicester’s astonishing rollercoaster ride is unique there are certain clubs who can empathise with seeing a successful season quickly turn sour. Last year West Ham United were blowing bubbles, reaching the giddy heights of seventh in the Premier League and delighting neutrals with their stylish football. An emotional farewell to their beloved Boleyn Ground was supposed to beckon in an exciting new era under the leadership of highly prized boss Slaven Bilic. Instead the colossal London Stadium has only hindered their progress while Bilic has become a man under fire. 

“I’m a West Ham fan and I can see why the owners thought the move was a good thing. If you want to compete with the big clubs you need a big stadium but possibly this was too big of a jump. It’s taking time for the players to get used to and with the atmosphere, that has taken its toll this year.”

As for their former home Konchesky has nothing but fond memories.

“I loved it. You got goose-bumps playing at the Boleyn when that crowd were as vocal as they can be – especially in the derby games. It must have been so intimidating for the opponents and it was always a massive boost hearing all the songs.”

The Hammers’ poor form has seen their Croatian coach’s standing plummet in recent weeks with calls for his head from some sections of the cavernous ground. Konchesky however advises caution and patience. 

So badly have West Ham struggled since August that the condemnation hasn’t been solely reserved for the touchline with even home-grown favourite Mark Noble enduring jeers of disapproval. The 35 year old left-back evidently regards this as misplaced ire and wholly undeserved.

“The criticism of Noble is harsh but all football fans are fickle. Last year everyone was praising him: he was one of the best Premier League midfielders and should have played for England. This year he hasn’t fulfilled that potential but then again neither have the club. But he’s the captain so he’s the one getting criticised. He’s been a great servant for the club so it’s harsh that people don’t want him in the team.”

Fulham on the promotion charge

The mood lightens when the attention turns twelve miles west of the capital to a Fulham side knocking on the play-offs door. Konchesky played for several seasons at Craven Cottage – all in the top flight – and is clearly thrilled to witness their resurgence under Serbian boss Slavisa Jokanovic. Is an imminent return to the big time possible for this young, entertaining team?

“They’re the form side of the Championship so they’ve got a great chance of going up. They’re winning games which leads to confidence and with that confidence you feel unbeatable every time. If they can keep this run going, and maintain their form, you’ll soon see teams slipping up as it’s getting around to squeaky bum time. Then it will go right down to the wire.”

While the title scrap between Newcastle and Brighton is grabbing most of the headlines the player everybody is talking about in the Championship is Fulham’s phenomenally gifted wonder-kid Ryan Sessegnon who has played a huge part in his club’s promotion campaign despite his tender years. Having started out his career at the same age and in the same position as the much sought-after teen Konchesky has some timely words of wisdom in light of serious links to Liverpool and Chelsea this past week alone.  

“Obviously as an older player now I always like to see the younger players stay at the club they’re getting a chance with and make a name for themselves. He’s certainly doing that. Another big year with Fulham and you just don’t know what’s around the corner but if Fulham go up to the Premier League then why would he have to leave?”

Everyone knows about Jamie Vardy's 11-game scoring record, Arsenal's 2003/04 “Invincibles” season, and which club is the most successful in the history of the Premier League, but here are a few EPL facts of which you may not have been aware.

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Band of brothers

André and Jordan Ayew are the 19th set of brothers to have featured in the same Premier League season. After being relegated last season with Aston Villa, Jordan currently plays his football at Swansea, the club André turned out for in 2015/16 before making a £20 million switch to West Ham. 

The first brothers to play in the same Premier League season were the Wallaces. Danny (Manchester United), Rod and Ray (both Leeds United) made appearances in the league's inaugural season in 1992/93 before Danny retired and Rod and Ray gradually slipped down the leagues.

The Premier League's most famous and successful set of brothers are the Nevilles, who won eight winners' medals for Manchester United before Phil left to join Everton in 2005. While the younger Neville eventually made more appearances in the league than his sibling, Gary managed to add a further two titles to his burgeoning trophy cabinet before retiring in 2011.

Kolo and Yaya Touré are another pair of brothers who can claim to be Premier League winners (both were in the same Manchester City squad that memorably usurped Manchester United in 2012), a family achievement shared with former Manchester United full-back twins Fabio and Rafael da Silva, who lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2011.

Other brothers to have made at least one appearance in the same Premier League season are Rio and Anton Ferdinand, Martin and Marcus Olsson, Michael and Will Keane, Shaun and Bradley Wright-Phillips, Craig and Gary Gardner, Luke and Stefan Moore, Shola and Sammy Ameobi, Steven and Gary Caldwell, Justin and Gavin Hoyte, Michael and Andy Dawson, John Arne and Bjørn Helge Riise, Stephen and Noel Hunt, Xabi and Mikel Alonso and Dickson and Kelvin Etuhu.

Relegation regulars

Relegation is seen as the nadir of a player's career, but several footballers have proved a particularly bad luck charm for their sides, dropping out of the Premier League on multiple occasions.

Icelandic defender Hermann Hreiðarsson is the don of the Premier League drop, having experienced relegation no fewer than five times during his 15-year stint in England. The left-back’s first brush with heartbreak occurred in his maiden season in the top flight with Crystal Palace in 1997/98. He was then part of the Wimbledon squad that fell into Division One on the last day of the 1999/00 season, never to return. A good first season with Ipswich Town, when the Tractor Boys finished fifth, was ruined with a third relegation in 2002, before Hreiðarsson suffered again in his twilight years, first with Charlton (2007) and then with cash-strapped Portsmouth (2010).

Marcus Bent, Nathan Blake, Ashley Ward and Nigel Quashie were relegated four times, while Mark Robins, Steve Kabba, David Nugent and George Boyd suffered the indignity of playing for two relegated sides in the same Premier League season.

Mixed fortunes

47 clubs have enjoyed Premier League status, with six competing in every campaign so far: Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. Prior to relegation in 2016, Aston Villa had never missed a season of Premier League football.

Blackpool, Barnsley, Cardiff City and Swindon Town were only afforded brief stays in the top flight, with Swindon statistically the worst Premier League club of all time, having conceded 100 goals in 42 games in the 1993/94 season.

Although most former Premier League clubs currently reside in the Championship and League One, several have plumbed further depths. Although none have ever lost their league status, Blackpool, Bradford City, Portsmouth and Swindon Town have all played in League Two since being relegated from the Premier League, while Wimbledon are no more, having relocated to Milton Keynes as MK Dons in 2004.

Bogey teams and bad runs

Despite visiting SW6 in every Premier League season, Tottenham are yet to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, taking just nine points from their 25 encounters. Another notoriously one-sided clash between Premier League regulars is Aston Villa v Manchester United. The Villans have won just three of 48 encounters against the Red Devils, despite regularly finishing in the top six in the league's early years.

Local derbies can often be the source of head-to-head hoodoos, and that's certainly the case on Merseyside. Since beating Roy Hodgson's Liverpool 2-0 in 2010, Everton have failed to get one up on their neighbours in 12 attempts. In the North East, Sunderland currently have the rub on hated rivals Newcastle United. Although the Magpies were relegated at the end of last season, they've failed to defeat the Black Cats in any of their last nine games, losing six.

Derby County currently hold the record for the most Premier League games without a win, with 32. This run, set in their miserable 2007/08 season, could be extended further when the Rams return to the top flight. However, even Derby cannot claim the worst Premier League home run – that dubious honour goes to Sunderland. After beating Liverpool 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on 15th December 2002, the Black Cats had to wait three-and-a-half years – and 29 Premier League games – before tasting victory on their own patch again. A 2-1 victory over Fulham in May 2006 ensured that Kevin Ball's men avoided becoming the first side in English football history to go a whole season without winning at home.

Hat-trick heroes

Recently, Bournemouth’s Josh King became the 160th player to score a hat-trick in Premier League history, netting three goals against Watford. The Norwegian striker still has some way to go to beat Alan Shearer, who managed 11 hat-tricks during his career, including five in one season in 1995/96. The former England captain heads up a formidable list, followed closely by Robbie Fowler (nine), Michael Owen and Thierry Henry (eight apiece). Wayne Rooney and Luis Suárez are a little bit further back with six.

Sadio Mané holds the record for the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history, striking three times against Aston Villa in 2015 in just two minutes and 56 seconds. Suárez is the only player to register a “treble treble” against the same team, taking the match ball home on three occasions when Liverpool played Norwich City.

Steve Watson is the only defender to have netted a Premier League hat-trick, in Everton’s 4-0 win over Leeds in September 2003, while six players have managed the feat after entering the field of play from the substitutes’ bench. Ole Gunnar Solskjær is arguably the most famous example: the Norwegian hit four past Nottingham Forest in 12 minutes after coming on in 1999, but Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Robert Earnshaw, Emmanuel Adebayor, Romelu Lukaku and Steven Naismith have all made their managers’ decision to introduce them to the fray look an extremely good one.

League of nations

106 non-UK nations have so far been represented in the Premier League, with Ireland, France and the Netherlands the most popular nationalities of overseas players. However, foreigners haven’t always been so popular. When the league first kicked off in 1992/93, only 13 players hailed from outside of the British Isles. Contrast that with the landscape of the 2016/17 season, where 69.2% of players come from abroad. Representatives of countries as far-flung as Armenia, Benin, Curaçao and Gambia trot out to the Premier League anthem these days, and the trend for “going offshore” has extended to the dugout, with Sean Dyche, Paul Clement, Sam Allardyce, Craig Shakespeare and Eddie Howe the only English managers in the league at the time of writing.

Chelsea were the first club in English football history to field an entirely foreign starting 11, when Gianluca Vialli was manager in 1999, while Arsenal went a step further than their London rivals by naming a squad solely composed of overseas players in 2005.

Miscellaneous

Did you know...?

• Since Arsène Wenger first stepped into the Arsenal dugout in October 1996, 150 other managers have held top jobs in the Premier League.
• Burnley have the worst away record of clubs that have played more than one season in the Premier League. At the time of writing, in 55 games on the road since first being promoted in 2009, they’ve emerged victorious just four times, losing 40.
• Reserve goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is the only player to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs. The Aussie was on the books at Chelsea in 2014/15 and Leicester last season but failed to make an appearance.
• In the 2006/07 season, Manchester City failed to score at home after New Year’s Day. The Citizens’ faithful went over 12 hours without celebrating a goal at the (then) City of Manchester Stadium.
• The Premier League has only ever seen one 5-5 draw, in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever game in charge of Manchester United.

That brings our round-up of our favourite Premier League facts to a close – now it’s your turn to educate us with your own!

“Pogba should be running games. Everybody has seen that he has the ability to do that but he is too inconsistent, because he tries too many little tricks instead of the easy ball. Sometimes the easy ball is the best ball, and if you look at Scholesy and how many times it was one touch; it was incredible. As soon as the opposing midfield dropped off, that’s when he would start doing things. He was one of the greatest midfielders England has ever created, and you’d hope Paul would watch a few videos of Scholesy to see how he did it.”

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In a week where the £89m French star has received public criticism for his recent mixed performances, May instead puts forward a suggestion as to how United’s number six might best establish himself as the side’s influential heartbeat. The solution is simplicity itself.

If Pogba’s form has frustrated the 46 year old (a Champions League winner with the club and now a regular MUTV presenter), then that frustration is only multiplied by Mourinho’s men’s inability to break a worrying habit of spurning chances, gaining just a single point from games they were expected to comfortably win.

“It’s partly down to a lack of ruthlessness because the amount of chances we create against teams is incredible really. But from four out of those five home draws, the keeper has been voted Man Of The Match. So it’s a combination of poor finishing and the goalkeepers having worldies.”

Thankfully for United, another route to Champions League qualification lies in possible Europa League glory. With a favourable pairing of FC Rostov in the last 16, the Reds have every reason to feel optimistic. May, however, is not so sure.

“It is a tough, tough draw going to Rostov, even if they’re one of the lowest ranked teams left in the tournament. Nobody ever likes going over there and they have a very good record at home. They’ve had a break too which might help them. But this is a chance to get into the Champions League, so Jose will be going all-out for it.”

If United are to get anything from the game in Russia this Thursday, it will be necessary to quieten the partisan crowd and, most importantly, remain disciplined at the back. Given that they boast the third best defensive record in the Premier League, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for United, especially considering Jose Mourinho’s hard-earned reputation for overseeing shut-outs when required. May though picks out another individual who he thinks gets too little credit for United’s stinginess at conceding goals.

“The last eighteen games Phil Jones played for United before he got injured were the best he’d played since he’s been at the club. He was reading the game ever so well, his passing was improved and he didn’t go in for rash challenges anymore. I often think he and Bailly could be United’s first choice centre backs. Others say Smalling but they would be my pairing. He just needs to get back to that consistency because the place is there for the taking. But it’s always injuries isn’t it, with all four centre-backs, whether it’s Smalling, Jones, Rojo or Bailly.”

On the latter May is even more effusive.

“Bailly has only played around 75 games competitively so to get to where he is, it’s quite incredible really. He is very athletic, quick and reads the game well. But he needs a partner. Bruce and Pally played for years and years together and understood each other so well. Same with Rio and Vidic or myself and Ronny (Johnsen). You get an understanding of where your mate will be and bounce off each other.”

At the other end of the pitch, there is continuing uncertainty over the short-term future of the club’s captain and legend, Wayne Rooney. A long-time admirer of the striker, May weighs up the options and comes down stateside.

“Everything is up in the air with Wayne. Will it be China or America or Everton? It’s up to Wayne because he won’t play every week now for Manchester United and he knows that. He’s 32 and he has to make a decision.”

“Personally I think it’s either America or the Premier League. I don’t think it will be China because does he really need that money? He’s a wealthy lad and to uproot his family and move to a country with language and cultural barriers, I just can’t see it. I think America could be a good move for him and his family, and he’s still got a lot to give as a great player.”

It is extremely unlikely that Rooney will be the only big name departure from Manchester United this summer, as Mourinho further moulds the team into his own ideal. Is May expecting an exodus?

“I think we need another centre-forward if Mourinho is not going to play Rashford or Martial up front. At times we lack pace up front and through the middle. Also, Michael Carrick is not going to go on forever, so we need someone to replace him. Left-back is a problem too because Mourinho is obviously not sure if Luke Shaw is his number one.”

Uncertainties dominate then, at least in the months ahead. For the present it’s all about grinding out a result in remote Russia, cutting out the stalemates and, for United’s megastar-to-be, keeping it nice and simple.

1. Rostov v Manchester United score-line?

   1-0 to United

2. Goalscorer?

   Mkhitaryan

3. Who will finish top four

   Chelsea, Spurs, City and United - Bet on premier league top four

4. Who will win the Premier League golden boot?

   Harry Kane - Bet on Premier League golden boot Winner

5. Who will win the Europa League?

   Manchester United - Bet on Europa League Winner

United may seem forever destined to reside in sixth place, but it’s certainly true to state that they have got their act together since suffering a 4-0 walloping at Stamford Bridge last October. Since then, nine wins and seven draws have seen their season revitalised, guided by a coach who appears to have rediscovered his mojo. Parker however – a long-time critic of the ‘Special One’ – remains unconvinced.

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“He’s still Mourinho and he doesn’t change. The players might be more attacking but there is still his blueprint beneath, meaning it’s not exciting. With how he acts off the pitch and what is said, Mourinho hasn’t changed and that’s not good.”

“The sniping at Wenger, questioning everything and complaining about a fixture pile-up…you can’t be a big side competing for everything and not have a fixture pile-up! People are sick of reading about that because we all know that success comes from a problem, and if you’re successful over the Christmas period, still in the FA Cup, League Cup and Europe, there is going to be a pile-up. That’s why you’re allowed to go out and buy lots of players.”

With a huge kitty rumoured to be available in the summer don’t be surprised, if United continue with their lavish spending, with Parker identifying the defence as the area most in need of a serious upgrade. Who is pencilled in to leave though is equally as intriguing, with out-of-favour Luke Shaw considered likely to be ushered towards the exit door, after a disappointing campaign so far.

“Is he a Mourinho defender? When you look at him attacking then I really don’t know. You also wonder now if it’s got a bit personal and too much has been said about Luke Shaw. He has shown his discontent and to be a Mourinho player, you have to show that you love him. He doesn’t deserve it, but now every time he gets an opportunity, he is under pressure. Every time he makes a mistake the camera will pan to Mourinho to get his reaction.”

Another big name player who is struggling to impress this term is Anthony Martial, and while the young left-back has Parker’s sympathy, he has little for the hit-and-miss French forward.

“People say Martial hasn’t been given the opportunity but, when he has, he’s not grasped it. When you look between the lines of his goals and assists, there hasn’t been a lot of meat on the bone. Maybe this is the first time I’ve ever agreed with Mourinho in wanting more from him, and you can look at stats but at the end of the day, it’s about people and what they do in games. I still don’t think he does enough and gives the ball away cheaply. When he does, he then doesn’t respect the people around him by working hard, trying to get it back again or putting himself in a position to stop opponents progressing.”

Respect – or rather the lack of it – becomes a recurring theme when Parker turns his attention to his name-sake and record signing, Paul Pogba. Is the ‘Pog’ beginning to justify his huge fee with his recent upturn in form and influence?

“That’s impossible. The problem is that he’s not playing with the same calibre of players that he had at Juventus, so he’s trying to do too much and holds onto the ball too long. He never had so many touches of the ball at Juve because maybe now he feels he doesn’t have the players around him who he respects.”

“Maybe if he kept it simple and began respecting the people around him he’d do more, instead of just flashes. He talks of how many times he’s hit the woodwork, but I’m pretty sure that Opta count that as being off target. How is that now becoming a positive? Add those eight times to the other occasions he’s been off target, and it doesn’t look good.”

Having been a team-mate of Eric Cantona during an extraordinarily successful period in the club’s history, two-time Premier League winner Parker has personal experience of what a talismanic and unique talent can bring to a side. So you would assume he might be a fan of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the incomparable Swede’s 24 goals across all competitions so far this season. You would be wrong.

“Yes Ibrahimovic’s goals have been very important, but does he enhance the way the team plays? For me there are still negatives and when he scores he gets the headlines, but when he doesn’t he’s not involved in enough play. When you keep reading about a new contract you wonder where that’s coming from.”

Whether Ibra is granted a one-year extension remains to be seen, while there is also debate surrounding the imminent future of another great striker; one who has scored a touch more than 24 goals during his time at Old Trafford. Two hundred and twenty six more to be exact. Will Rooney still be a Red in 2017/18?

“I think he’s going to want to stay in the Premier League and go and do it for someone else. To prove there is still something about him.”

1. League Cup final score-line prediction

   2-1 to United

2. First goalscorer

   I’ll stick my neck out and go with Mata 

3. Who will win the Premier League?

   Chelsea 

4. Who will be the Premier League leading goalscorer

   Ibra 

5. Who will win the Champions League?

   Juventus 

As for the top four, it’s definitely slipping away and it’s up to the management to find a solution to this bad patch. It’s lasting an eternity. We have to find the solution very quickly because there is not a lot of margin for error.”

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There will be even less margin for error this Saturday as Jürgen Klopp’s struggling side host an imperious Spurs who have lost only twice all season.

“It’s going to be very tough with the movement of Dele Alli and the form Harry Kane is in. The flip side is that Liverpool’s best performances come against sides in the top six who play expansive football and believe in their own philosophy. That offers Liverpool a bit of space because the opposition is trying to exploit them.”

It’s certainly true that the Anfield giants have reserved some of their most impressive displays for the big occasions, but that was when Liverpool were flying high during an exhilarating first half of the campaign when, at times, they looked unbeatable. Aside from a morale-boosting victory this weekend, McAteer has his beliefs on what is required to ensure the progress made under Klopp doesn’t now grind to a halt or, worse still, slide into crisis.

“He has to install some confidence, but the problem with Liverpool is there’s no plan B. You have to be able to win ugly and grind a result out. We cannot do that and when the pressure builds, we become very predictable.”

Another concern for the 45 year old – a lifelong Red who made exactly one hundred appearances for his club in various positions, ranging from centre mid to right wing-back – is the lack of leadership in a team presently in great need of it. Though he absolves all individuals of any blame, McAteer clearly yearns for a recent time when Liverpool went into battle boasting players of stature who would drive their team-mates on.

“Since Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard retired, there have been big shoes that haven’t been filled but you can’t make a leader, they’re born. Liverpool need someone who digs out players. When I played, if you gave the ball away three or four would be immediately onto you: John Barnes, Mark Wright and Razor Ruddock. It lifts the team when you’re up against it.”

Still without a league win in 2017, being ‘up against it’ perfectly sums up the Reds’ current predicament, and it’s hard not to imagine their under-fire coach addressing these issues this summer. Should he do so, where does McAteer think Klopp will prioritise?

“He will be looking to next season to ensure this never happens again by going into the transfer market and strengthening with a new left-back, centre-half and certainly another striker. We’re learning things and the players will not have lost sight of what was achieved in the first half of the season. But Klopp has to find the answer to how they start again, because Liverpool are a wounded animal at the moment.”

They are a wounded animal too often undone by a vulnerable back-line that’s seen them ship in nearly double the amount of their opponents this weekend. McAteer points out the circumstances that led to James Milner being played out of his favoured position, while injuries obviously haven’t helped. Ultimately though, the big picture is pretty damning.

“There has been a bit of an inquest into how Liverpool have been playing these past ten games and, with only one win over Plymouth in the FA Cup, it doesn’t make for good reading. I think Liverpool have been found out in the sense that teams know how to play against us.

Earlier in the season when Liverpool were winning 4-1 and 5-1 this all gets overlooked but when you stop scoring goals that one goal conceded starts hurting you.”

Too often those costly concessions have resulted from individual errors with much of the media glare focusing on two goalkeepers, who have struggled to find confidence or consistency. The amiable pundit from the Wirral insists neither have been guilty of letting their manager down, with each capable of establishing themselves as Anfield’s number one given time. It is Simon Mignolet, however, that he believes is most deserving of such faith.

“Both have been guilty of making silly mistakes and both haven’t been able to handle the pressure. I think Karius’ mistakes have come from a lack of concentration. Since Mignolet has come back in he’s done a really good job and he’s obviously worked hard to get back into the team. Yes he made a mistake last weekend but while it was right to drop him the first time, it would be really damaging to Mignolet to do it again. It would do more harm than good to bring Karius back and hopefully Simon gets the chance to rectify it.”

Looking beyond the problems with the first team, there has at least been a cause for celebration off the pitch recently, with the return of Steven Gerrard to the Liverpool fold as an academy coach. Looking to the future, might the club legend and former team-mate to McAteer go on to emulate the career of his idol Kenny Dalglish, by sitting in the famous dug-out one day?

"There is no way of knowing if Steven will become the next Liverpool manager and, first of all, he needs to know if he can be a manager. He might be a better coach. As a manager you have to make different decisions and distance yourself from the team. Steven has got all that to learn and I think it’s brilliant that he is starting at the bottom and working his way up."

Klopp’s philosophy goes down through the club, like at Arsenal. The under 18s and under 16s play the same way as the first team. So it’s not like Steven Gerrard will go in and say ‘well I like 4-4-2 because me and Rafa played it’. He has to emulate Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy and it’s important that Steven knows his place. I’m sure he will.

1. Score prediction for Liverpool v Tottenham?

   I think we’ll nick a draw and it will be exciting. 2-2

2. First goalscorer?

   I think Liverpool will score first and I’ll go for Lallana.

3. Who will win the Premier League?

   It’s Chelsea’s

4. Leading goalscorer?

   Costa

5. Who will win the Champion’s League?

   I’d like PSG to do it but they always s*** the bed don’t they. Bayern.

Liverpool’s title dream is all but over

A horrible January saw Liverpool lose ground in the title race whilst falling short in both domestic cup competitions. Surely it couldn’t get any worse at the start of February? Oh but it did... Jurgen Klopp’s side lost 2-0 to relegation-threatened Hull City on Saturday as their torrid run of form continued.

Since beating Manchester City on December 31^st, the Reds have won just once in 10 games – an unacceptable set of results to say the least. Liverpool are now 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and Klopp’s men will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the chasing pack in the race to secure Champions League football.

As of February 6^th, Liverpool are 19/20 to finish in the top four with 888Sport.

Everton continue to improve under Ronald Koeman

The Toffees are purring right now and Ronald Koeman is starting to have a positive effect on Everton’s top stars. Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku have both stepped up to the plate in recent weeks and the Belgium striker notched four goals in Everton’s epic 6-3 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Goodison Park is a notoriously difficult ground to play at and Everton have found their best form at home; something that hasn’t really happened since David Moyes’ tenure. With 13 goals in their last three home fixtures, the Toffees are starting to put together an impressive run and they will be confident of finishing seventh this season.

Struggling Southampton stuck in sorry slump

Claude Puel’s men may have reached a Wembley cup final for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 1976 but their league form has deteriorated since the turn of the year. The Saints have lost six of their last seven league games; a run that has seen the EFL Cup finalists fall into the bottom half of the table.

Southampton will get it together at some point but their recent tumble will have supporters looking nervously at the relegation scrap below. Puel’s side are seven points above Hull and their solid start to the campaign could save the Saints from falling into a battle for safety in the coming months. An EFL Cup triumph and a mid-table finish will suffice...

As of February 6^th, Southampton are 2/1 to win the EFL Cup final with 888Sport.

Claudio Ranieri’s job is on the line

Leicester City did the unthinkable last season when winning the Premier League and their fall from grace this year has been difficult to watch. Neutrals fell in love with the Foxes but it just hasn’t gone to plan so far this campaign. Their form in the Champions League has been excellent but domestically, Leicester have been woeful.

In fact, Ranieri’s men are one point above the relegation zone – a crazy statistic when you remember how dominant they were less than a year ago. Ranieri is now just 7/4 to be the next Premier League manager sacked and punters should consider backing the Italian to lose his job before the end of the campaign; especially if Leicester lose to Sevilla.

Chelsea juggernaut showing no signs of slowing down

What a job Antonio Conte has done at Stamford Bridge. The Italian deserves plenty of credit for Chelsea’s turnaround this year and Blues fans have fallen in love with his passion, energy and charisma on the touchline. With Eden Hazard looking back to his brilliant best and Diego Costa amongst the goals, Chelsea will take some stopping in the title race.

In fact, it would be probably fair to claim that the Blues already have one hand on the title; such is the size of their advantage at the top. Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal saw the Blues extend their advantage over Tottenham Hotspur to 12 points before the north London side cut it to nine with victory over Middlesbrough. Either way, it is now Chelsea’s crown to lose...

As of January 6^th, Chelsea are 2/15 to win the Premier League title with 888Sport.

“It is a difficult, difficult game especially how it has been these past few weeks but we cannot be worried about the title race, because that was only possible for a short period of time.

Three points against the champions elect will be a huge boost for a side that has unexpectedly slumped in form and results since the turn of the year, after blitzing through the first half of 2016/17 in dramatic fashion. Worse yet, the 38-year-old Spaniard – a diehard Red to this day following three successful seasons on Merseyside – is concerned that opposition teams have now found a weakness to exploit in Klopp’s masterplan.

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“The intensity of the team was always high and that has been lacking the past couple of games. The pressure and pressing is not the same as it was a month ago. When the team goes forward it breaks a little bit, leaving a lot of spaces like we saw against Wolves. It leaves just three at the back and we now struggle against counter attacks. Teams know that and wait for the chances.”

With Chelsea the arch-practitioners of the counter, it doesn’t bode well for Liverpool, especially when added to the increasing suspicion that the chief reason gegenpressing Liverpool have taken their foot off the accelerator of late is due to them having blown a gasket through fatigue. It’s a suspicion that Garcia shares.

“The players are tired because of so many games. It is true that they have to change, but not that much, because the players would be asking why after only a few bad results. They need to keep going the same way but maybe find someone who can help in the middle of the park, because they are struggling there with all the injuries.”

“The high intensity they have shown in the last few months has been unbelievable. They have been working very hard and running so hard for seventy, eighty minutes all season. I watched them pre-season and saw how hard they were training.

The Reds can at least expect a passionate, packed-to-the-rafters Anfield this week to urge them through the pain barrier, given the enormity of the fixture and who their opponents are. In recent years a fierce rivalry has spawned between both clubs after a string of controversial meetings through the 2000s. The most debated incident of all involved Garcia himself, after his ‘ghost goal’ in a Champions League semi-final was wrongly adjudged to have crossed the line. The likable ex-winger chuckles at the memory now before admitting that the North/South acrimony still persists.

“Even though Manchester United and Everton are the rivals, Chelsea are the team to beat. We played against them a lot in that first year; in the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, the League, and then we found ourselves paired with them in the Champions League as well. They were the rivals and every game was a difficult one. We were lucky enough to pip them in a couple of semi-finals.”

It will be a must-win game for Liverpool, who will have to entertain Chelsea without one of their influential players, as Tuesday unfortunately looks to be one match too early to welcome back dazzling talent out wide Sadio Mane. His absence due to AFCON duties has been sorely felt by Liverpool, with many claiming it to be the biggest reason for their sudden slide into crisis.

“We cannot hide that situation. Of course Sadio is a very important player because of all that he brings to the team. His speed, the goals and assists: he is a big part of the team and we have struggled without him. It is vital that he returns very soon.”

“It is easy to talk about poor planning and why we didn’t think about having another player like him, but if you look back a month we were all expecting that the team would continue the same way. We never thought we could miss just one player and that the team would drop off so much.”

Though Mane has undoubtedly been missed in the attacking third, it is at the back where Liverpool’s real concerns lie, with Garcia candidly wishing for a leader at the back to organise the troops. Back in his pomp there was Gerrard – “I cannot see why he will not be the manager of Liverpool one day” – orchestrating matters in the centre circle, and Carragher barking instructions across the back-line. Now there appears only to be confusion.

“I miss that leadership. Carragher and Hyypia were very important and players, like Lovren and Klavan are, but they don’t have the character that those two had. They are new and to become an important player in a team like Liverpool takes time, but we are missing those type of players.”

“Carragher was a shouter on the pitch and always telling you what to do and where to go on the field. Off it he was a talker and it was always about football. Liverpool need that type of player right now – someone to wake them up.”

• BET NOW ON LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA

Wayne Rooney wrote his name into Manchester United’s history books on Saturday as his last-gasp free-kick sailed into the top corner to salvage a draw away at Stoke City. Rooney’s strike was his 250^th for the club and he now sits at the top of United’s goal scoring charts; just one ahead of Red Devils legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

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The England man, who passed Charlton’s record for international goals back in 2015, has enjoyed a very successful career; netting a grand total of 195 Premier League goals in stints with United and former club Everton. But how does Rooney’s mark compare to his fellow peers? I took a look at some of the greatest striking records in Premier League history...

MOST GOALS: ALAN SHEARER (260)

Rooney is second on the list of all-time Premier League scorers but he is still nowhere near Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer’s tally of 260. Most will remember his commitment and passion to boyhood club Newcastle but Shearer’s record in front of goal at Blackburn was nothing short of sensational.

As well as winning the title in 1995, Shearer netted 113 goals in 133 Premier League games for Rovers – an outstanding statistic. The Magpies hero scored more during his days at St James’ Park but it was his role at Blackburn that helped to put him on the map. With three Golden Boot awards, Shearer will go down as the greatest finisher in top flight history...

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES SCORED IN: JAMIE VARDY (11)

The Jamie Vardy story is the stuff of dreams and Leicester City fans will still be sat pinching themselves after last season’s dramatic title triumph. The Foxes were priced at 5000-1 with some bookmakers at the beginning of the campaign but Claudio Ranieri’s men, led by Vardy and Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez, defied the odds to lift the crown.

On their way to glory, Vardy eclipsed Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of scoring in 10 Premier League games in a row. Ironically, the Leicester star’s record-breaking goal came against United at the King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, Rooney has never scored in more than five consecutive top flight matches – which shows just how impressive Vardy’s tally is...

MOST GOALS IN A CALENDAR MONTH: LUIS SUAREZ (10)

In December 2013, Luis Suarez became the first footballer in Premier League history to score 10 goals in a calendar month. The Liverpool man netted braces against Cardiff City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United as well as notching four (yes, four) against Norwich City in a 5-1 thrashing at Anfield.

Rooney scored six goals in March back in 2012 but has never managed to net seven or more in a single month. In fact, only Teddy Sheringham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mark Viduka have scored seven or more Premier League goals in the same month. Suarez’s impressive record will take some beating...

BEST SCORING RATIO: SERGIO AGUERO (EVERY 107 MINS)

Sergio Aguero is world class. The Manchester City man averages a Premier League goal every 107 minutes; an astonishing record to say the least. Kelechi Iheanacho has a better goals per minute ratio but the young Nigerian has netted just 12 goals in his brief top flight career and it would be unfair to recognise Aguero’s record over a longer period of time.

Comparatively, Rooney has averaged a goal every 196 minutes throughout his Premier League career. The United legend is approaching his twilight years and is unlikely to ever match Aguero’s sensational rate of scoring. If the City star stays at the Etihad Stadium for the rest of his career, he could eventually surpass Rooney’s total of 195 top flight goals...

Spurs are on fire

We begin at White Hart Lane where optimism abounds and the chance to win a first league title for over half a century grows more plausible with every passing week. 

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“I definitely think they’ll push Chelsea close. It’s going to be very difficult for anyone to catch Chelsea at the moment but if anyone can it looks like it could be Tottenham. I watched the game at the weekend and they were absolutely fantastic: they just brushed West Brom aside. They played good, attacking, Tottenham-like football and that’s what the fans like to see. Harry Kane is on fire and Dembele and Eriksen are playing really well while they look tight at the back.”

Pochettino’s men travel to Manchester this Saturday with an opportunity to put further distance between themselves and a fellow challenger that is struggling to find consistency. Would an away win spell the end of City’s title hopes?

The north London giants have been in sublime form for much of the season making it hard to pick out individual contributions. Yet Reid has little hesitation in choosing three who have particularly impressed.

“I love watching Dembele play. He is excellent and just slides across the surface and is very difficult to get the ball off. I’ve heard he is terrific in training too. He is really starting to show his class at the moment.”

“Harry Kane is just lethal at the moment. His finishes at the weekend show he’s in a rich vein of form and when he has confidence he puts them in the top corner and doesn’t give keepers a chance. In my opinion he can get thirty plus goals this season.”

Reid’s final favourite is a midfielder who regularly gets fans on the edge of their seats. It takes one to know one. 

“You would imagine the England team of the future will be built around Dele Alli. He’s got everything you need from a midfielder and really is a special player. He can go up and down the pitch and score goals and has an absolutely fantastic temperament. He has everything it takes to be a really, really top player and I hope he stays at Tottenham and develops even more. It’s a good place to be and Pochettino is the perfect manager to help him develop as a player and as a person.” 

Sunderland are running out of options

Switching nearly 300 miles north to Wearside and the picture is considerably less rosy. Reid spent three happy seasons at Sunderland, all in the top flight, and is saddened by the prospect of the Mackems losing their Premier League status. The 34 year old insists their immediate future rests on a veteran striker and a successful fortnight ahead in the transfer market.

He’s a natural-born goal-scorer and the only natural goal-scorer there and with them being so hard to come by it is vital to keep hold of him. He’s got the firepower to keep them up.”

“This transfer window is make or break. They need more quality and it will be interesting to see if the owner is willing to put his hand in his pocket because he wants to get rid of the club. They lack creativity and need a couple more creative players. I thought Januzaj would have made more of an impact but he hasn’t so they’re short of someone to chip in with a few goals and create a few more for Defoe.” 

As for the man in the hot-seat Reid dismisses the option of bringing in a ‘fire-fighter’ to galvanize morale, an admittedly desperate measure that has worked for the club in times past.

“Sunderland should stick with David Moyes because the club needs stability now. There are not too many ‘Big Sams’ about and that’s why he got a job so soon after what happened with England. If that had happened to someone else clubs would have stayed away from them for a bit.”

Reid knows all about larger-than-life gaffers having spent his first year in the north-east playing under Roy Keane but insists his fellow Irishman’s reputation wrongly precedes him.

“There were times like any manager when he would lose it – and to be a good manager you have to - but most of the time he was a really calming influence. It was exaggerated how volatile Roy was.” 

“I probably had more arguments with him – well, not arguments because you daren’t argue with him – for Ireland. I had more dressing downs off him when playing with him than when he was a manager. I got on well with him and he was a good manager. I’m sure he’d admit himself that he made mistakes as it was his first job but overall he did a good job at Sunderland.” 

That season the club narrowly avoided the drop beginning a pattern of near-misses that continues to this day. Surely the legendary supporters are getting fed up with it by now?

“They deserve better but this situation has been going on for a few years now, just staying up at the last minute. So this won’t be a surprise to them. They have magnificent supporters and this is a real tough time for them but it won’t be a surprise where they are.” 

Keane of course is now the assistant to another former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill as the duo look to guide the Republic of Ireland to successive major tournaments. Having played under both the 29-cap international Reid is pleased with how things are shaping up.

“Martin is doing a fantastic job and showing what a top class manager he is. I was in a couple of the squads with him before I got injured so I know how fantastic he is with the players. He knows when someone needs an arm around the shoulder or when they deserve a dressing down. He’s a very clever man and knows the right time to do those things.” 

“I’m not surprised in any way with how they qualified and now they’re getting off to a great start to this group. Obviously being an Irishman I just hope he keeps it up.”

Forest can’t see the wood for the trees

The upbeat mood ends when talk turns to Nottingham Forest, perhaps the club Reid is most associated with after two long spells at the City Ground. The two-time European Cup winners are presently mired in crisis with a recent failed takeover, minus a manager, and a series of poor results on the pitch. Now, to add insult to injury, it seems they may lose their captain to, of all places, Derby County. 

I don’t think he would go there and I’m not too sure the club would sell him to their local rivals.”

“Forest definitely have enough quality in the dressing room and there are some good players there so I’m pretty sure they’ll be okay. Having said that they need to pick up a few results sooner rather than later. It will be interesting to see who is still there in January and they have to hold on to their quality players. If they do that they’ll be okay.”

First and foremost they must look to fill their vacant manager’s position after sacking Philippe Montanier this week, a task that might be easier said than done. 

“Who would want to take on the job? With the takeover fallen through the club is in limbo so who could they convince to come there? At the moment the team is in good hands with Gary Brazil looking after them. I know that Jack Lester has been mentioned for the job from within the club and that wouldn’t be a bad idea for the time being.” 

What of Reid himself? Having moved from Dublin to Nottingham as a raw 17 year old the midfielder clearly cares deeply for the ailing club and a brief spell coaching there last season offers up the possibility of getting involved again. 

“I’m finishing off my coaching badges at the moment. I would definitely like to go into it at some stage and if that was at Forest it would be brilliant. I have a big affinity with the club and the fans and a lot of the players there.”