Steve Parish. Quite a few days for the charismatic, thoughtful co-owner of Crystal Palace. First, his club’s magnificent new academy is opened by old boy Gareth Southgate, providing a pathway for local talent and providing even more hope for the club’s future. Then Parish’s manager, Patrick Vieira, masterminds one of the results of the season, victory at the home of the champions, Manchester City. For a sport that often seems to have mislaid its moral compass, Parish’s sound values and views are particularly welcome within Premier League meetings. The elite division needs more leaders like Parish.
Cavani’s class is just what United needed Edinson Cavani. The Uruguay striker’s movement for his goal against Tottenham Hotspur was a masterclass in stealth at speed and an honours tutorial in avoiding offside. Cavani’s timing of the run on to Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass was perfect. He watched Tottenham’s last defender, Eric Dier, keeping onside before bending his run behind Cristian Romero, and then racing on to Ronaldo’s delivery. As Dier appealed for a non-existent offside, Cavani’s first touch drew and committed Hugo Lloris, the Tottenham captain and goalkeeper, and a dinked finish was pure El Matador. Manchester United’s under-pressure manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, got his formation and selection right against Tottenham and key to that 5-3-2 system was Cavani’s contribution — pressing, working well in tandem with Ronaldo as well as scoring. Hard to see him being omitted from the team now.
Yet more evidence of Potter’s magic Graham Potter. Brighton & Hove Albion keep performing as more than the sum of their parts. It’s Potter’s naturally positive approach, believing in a possession-based game and taking the game to the opposition, however distinguished. It is his clever, well-planned tactics, like playing Leandro Trossard as a false nine against Liverpool. It is his belief in his players, keeping them going even when trailing 2-0 at Anfield. It is easy to see why Potter is so highly regarded within the FA. Yet Potter is so level-headed he will not be rushing away any time soon from his long-term project, which is establishing Brighton as a top-ten side.
James give Chelsea’s forward line a finishing lesson Reece James. Few expected, ten games in, for Chelsea’s leading scorer in the Premier League to be their right wing back. He has four for the season, including a double at what his club dubbed “St Reece James’ Park” on Saturday. James had seven touches in the Newcastle United box, delivered seven crosses, and defended expertly. And he’s still only 21.
Dyche delivers another perfect riposte to his critics Sean Dyche. Of the 92 managers, only Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers has a longer tenure in the League than Dyche. Dyche celebrated his ninth anniversary at Burnley with a deserved win over Brentford. Reflecting their manager’s relentlessly upbeat personality, Burnley were very much on the front foot, taking the game to the visitors. The occasional stereotyping of Dyche teams as simply direct and physical was mocked by the quality of Ashley Westwood’s passing. Burnley are also as much about Dwight McNeil’s touch as Chris Wood’s robust attacking. Dyche keeps getting questioned, and keeps responding.
