The virtual blank cheque handed to Ronald Koeman in the summer was served to him in a poisoned chalice. The £142million spend was an unprecedented outlay for the Goodison outfit, albeit largely offset by £97million in departures, but that inevitably comes with a new kind of pressure Koeman didn’t have to cope with last season.In theory, this is now his team, designed at club-record cost around his ideals, that he alone must bear ultimate responsibility for. There are no longer failed predecessors or dressing room agitators to use as lightning rods for blame.Thus, amid a start to the season in which Everton have picked up a paltry eight points from eight games in the Premier League, leaving them just two points and two places above the relegation zone, and failed to win their two encounters in the Europa League proper, accusative fingers on Merseyside are inevitably pointing in only one direction – Koeman’s door. Even the Mayor of Liverpool’s weighed in after the disappointing draw with newly-promoted Brighton on Sunday.

Clearly, the gaffer has made costly mistakes this season, starting with the summer transfer window. A few months ago, we were lauding Everton for making early moves in the market, the kind of moves that would settle an unfamiliar squad as soon as possible amid a summer of significant and expensive change. But the ultimate error was making the marquee signing in mid-August, after the Premier League season had already started.

Gylfi Sigurdsson was a club-record addition and on paper at least remains Everton’s most talented asset, but the Toffees’ interest in the Iceland international was first documented at the end of last season.

Perhaps fearing they wouldn’t convince Swansea to sell – they eventually held out for a whopping £45million – Everton eagerly signed two like-minded attacking midfielders in Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaassen in the meantime, accompanied by a big contract and a big transfer fee respectively, and ran out of time to sign a centre-forward potentially because their attentions were so focused on the Sigurdsson deal.

The consequence is a vastly imbalanced squad, one that lacks dynamism in dangerous areas. There’s no pace or power out wide or up front and thus, Everton have been forced to play this season within the confines of the territory they’ve already won, rather than breaking into new ground on the counter.

It’s telling Everton rank eighth in the Premier League for possession this season, but 11th for shots per game and only higher than Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, the current bottom two, for goals.

The eventual complexion of the squad at the end of the summer is the instrumental mistake on Koeman’s part, although Steve Walsh must accept some blame as well. But unfortunately for those demanding the end to Koeman’s tenure, it’s not a mistake any replacement can fix until the transfer window reopens in January.

Everton simply don’t have the physical attacking players to compliment the more technical yet more static talents acquired during the summer. The Toffees’ best options in that regard are youngsters Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman, and Oumar Niasse – a striker Koeman once famously told to leave Everton ‘if he likes to play football’.

No manager in the world, whether it’s Peter Reid or Pep Guardiola, will be able to fix what is a fundamental flaw in personnel until January 1st at the earliest. They can’t magic a speedy striker, explosive winger or towering target man from thin air and even if their appointment brought the habitual early honeymoon period, they’d eventually find themselves unstuck by the same problem that has derailed progress under Koeman.

Yet, the lack of impact a replacement would make isn’t necessarily justification alone for keeping Koeman. Short-termism remains an unwelcome characteristic of the modern game and sacking Koeman just eight games after overseeing the biggest transfer budget in Everton’s history would certainly constitute short-term, especially for a club that until 2013 had the same manager in the dugout for over a decade.

But it must be said Koeman has clearly struggled with the pressure this season, not to mention the challenge of forging a squad with perhaps the fewest spending restrictions of his managerial career, and the mistakes certainly didn’t stop when the summer transfer window closed.

“I will have a meeting with the players – the experienced ones must stand up. The defeat was a wake-up call. I saw the team with a lot of doubts. I don’t want to make it individual because it’s a team performance, but we need to be more aggressive.

“I wasn’t worried after Chelsea [2-0 defeat]. The reaction should have started in the second half against Tottenham [3-0 loss]. But that and the first half against Atalanta is enough reason to be worried.”

Perhaps the biggest was publicly criticising his players after that shock 3-0 defeat to Atalanta. Yes, it was a disappointing result considering the unspectacular quality of the opposition, but it was also a weakened Everton side playing away from home after a horrific run of fixtures at the start of the season. It should have been the moment Koeman drew a line under a schedule that inevitably lead to poor results, declaring that the campaign truly starts here. Instead, the Dutchman further corroded the confidence of his squad – in the next match, they were ripped apart by Manchester United.

The failure to rebuild that confidence in the period since is perhaps the most worrying aspect of Koeman’s rule at this moment in time. Everton just about limped to a win over Bournemouth, couldn’t finish off Apollon and looked scared of their own shadows as they were played off the park by Burnley.

It doesn’t so much appear the players aren’t playing for their gaffer, more that they’ve lost belief in their own abilities – an incredibly concerning state of affairs in mid-October. He certainly wouldn’t be the first Dutch manager accused of being too autocratic, too critical and too restrictive of his players.

In some ways, though, that puts Everton in a decent position. If only the transfer window can fix the instrumental flaws of a poorly configured squad and if Koeman has already proved he’s not the man to take the club forward, Everton have until January to mull over potential replacements. After all, we already know Everton probably won’t exceed last term’s seventh place finish, while a relegation battle – even from this point – seems almost unimaginable considering the quality of players Everton have.

If 2017/18 is already shaping up to be a nothing season then, there’s no need to rush into changing managers as a reaction to poor results. The Toffees have at least a few months for the right man to come along, whoever that may be.

Most of the time it is unusual to hear anyone connected with Manchester United or Liverpool showering the other with praise.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, though, has a soft spot for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for helping him improve as a player.

The Armenian, who signed for Manchester United last year, spent two seasons playing under the German at Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp is known for his man-management skills, and Mkhitaryan has indicated that the 50-year-old helped improved his way of thinking, not just his style on the field.

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The Mirror quotes the midfielder as saying:

“When I came to Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp told me that I had to let go, and that it’s not good to think about football all the time. I started to understand what he meant, and so slowly, this part of me has changed. I am thankful to Klopp. He worked on my personality and the psychological part.

“At Dortmund, I was very stressed after a few games when we were playing really bad. Klopp showed me the way. He supported me and told me I had to keep my head up because good things were coming. He helped me to become a better player.”

Under United manager Jose Mourinho, Mkhitaryan took time to grab a place in the first team, with his Portuguese coach claiming that he was not ready to be thrown into Premier League action.

This season, however, the former Shakhtar Donetsk player has started all seven top-flight matches.

Mkhitaryan is expected to face Klopp this Saturday when United and Liverpool go head to head at Anfield.

According to ESPN FC, Aston Villa target Michael Carrick has no plans to leave Manchester United despite increased speculation over his future.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror reported over the weekend that Villa – along with Premier League duo West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa – have made enquiries about signing the 36-year-old following a lack of first-team action for the Red Devils this season.

However, ESPN FC says that despite his lack of game time and problems with injury and illness, he plans to remain at Old Trafford until his contract expires next summer, with United boss Jose Mourinho happy for him to stay because of his experience and leadership qualities.

How has Carrick done this term?

It’s not been a great season for the midfielder.

After signing a one-year extension to his contract at the end of the previous campaign, the 36-year-old would have hoped to try and match or get close to the 38 appearances he made in all competitions for the Red Devils last term.

However, he has made just one outing – against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup – because of injury and a mystery illness, which means that he is currently behind Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini in the central midfield pecking order.

Why do Villa want him?

While he may not be the first name on the team-sheet now, Mourinho is certainly right if he believes that Carrick bring experience and leadership to his team.

That is something that Steve Bruce would love to add to his team in the second half of the campaign as they look to seal a return to the Premier League at the second time of asking, while the 36-year-old would also be calm in possession and provide a shield in front of the defence.

Could he leave in January?

While it seems as though he is happy to stay until the expiry of his contract, it could come down to how bothered Carrick is about playing regularly at this stage of his career.

The fact that he is probably fifth-choice in central midfield means that his minutes will be limited even when he does get back to full fitness, and he may decide that he wants to go and have one more challenge before he retires – leading Villa back to the Premier League from a tough Championship would certainly be that.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that key attacker Adam Lallana will return to first-team training with the Reds at the start of next week.

Lallana is yet to represent Liverpool during the 2017-18 campaign after picking up a thigh injury during the team’s preparations for the new season.

The 29-year-old, who is valued at £22.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is on the verge of a return, however, as he is set to begin first-team training next week.

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The England international scored eight times in 35 appearances for Liverpool last season, and news that he is closing on a return to action will be a major boost for the Merseyside club ahead of a busy period.

Klopp told reporters:

“Adam is close but didn’t train so far with the team. He will start next week so that’s good, and then hopefully he can have two proper training weeks and then he will be available. I think so.”

Lallana will play no part against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but will reportedly be in contention for Liverpool’s next game after the international break, which will take place on November 18 against Southampton.

Having rotated the armband since Wayne Rooney’s retirement, it remains unclear who will be England captain for the World Cup in Russia. Indeed, Gareth Southgate has already called upon Gary Cahill, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier, Joe Hart and Harry Kane to serve as temporary skipper – but could we see another candidate don the armband when the summer comes around? We take a look at the arguments for and against giving the honour to Manchester City’s John Stones.

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Pros – Important & improving player who epitomises Southgate’s vision

Stones has started all but three of Southgate’s fixtures in charge of the Three Lions and imperious domestic form for the Citizens this season has only further cemented his status as one of the first names on the team-sheet. Indeed, Stones has embraced Pep Guardiola’s philosophy and Vincent Kompany’s absence this term to become City’s new defensive leader, while maintaining the usual quality, composure and vision expected of him on the ball.

Furthermore, Stones has come to epitomise much about Southgate’s long-term hopes for the England national team; he’s a young, highly-technical, highly mobile talent who fits perfectly into the three-man defensive setup that will likely be used at the World Cup as well. Giving the armband to Stones would be a huge statement of how much Southgate believes in that game-plan and style of play, and his intentions to build for the future.

Cons – Young and inexperienced as a skipper

Stones may have a very mature head on his shoulders but the centre-back is still just 23 years of age. That certainly hasn’t hindered him at Manchester City, with more senior team-mates surrounding him, but could stand out more in a very young England side that lack the same quality and depth as previous generations. Especially if Stones is issued the captaincy; he’s yet to wear the armband in any competition at senior level and it remains to be seen how he’d react to the responsibilities – particularly if England end up in a similar situation to Euro 2016 when they came unstuck against Iceland, or if a World Cup match next summer becomes a considerably heated affair. Stones’ temperament and ability to lead will inevitably be tested and there simply isn’t enough evidence to know how he’d respond to those situations. Likewise, we have a nasty habit of putting too much pressure on young players in English football and Stones has his whole career to become England captain. Maybe this is just one tournament too soon.

So, who do you think should be England captain? Let us know by voting below…

Newcastle United supporters have been drowning their sorrows in the Transfer Tavern in the last few days after seeing the Magpies go down 3-2 at home to Leicester City on Saturday, thus suffering their sixth Premier League defeat in seven matches.

Rafa Benitez’s men made a decent start to life back in the top tier by winning four of their opening nine matches, but they have since then suffered an alarming slump in form to plummet down the table. And Saturday saw the North East giants lose for a sixth time in seven matches as goals from Riyad Mahrez, Demarai Gray, and an Ayoze Perez own goal were enough to secure Claude Puel’s side all three points at St James’ Park, despite Joselu giving the hosts an early lead and Dwight Gayle netting to make it 2-2 20 minutes from time.

Thus, there have been many deflated Newcastle fans in the Tavern in recent times, yet they are likely to be intrigued by a recent report from The Daily Mirror, which suggests that there could be an answer to the ongoing takeover saga within the next fortnight.

And that’s because reports suggest that owner Mike Ashley has two weeks to complete the sale of the football club, be it to businesswoman Amanda Staveley or other suitors, of which there reportedly could be two, or else find himself in a predicament ahead of the January transfer window.

Staveley made a £250 million offer for the North East giants last month, which has yet to be decided upon by Ashley in news which is beginning to seriously concern our resident Magpies fans.

And recent reports suggest that Ashley is facing a make-or-break two weeks, as failure to complete the sale of Newcastle could result in the Sports Direct boss having to fund Benitez’s January transfer plans himself.

And with time ticking towards to the New Year, the next two weeks look set to be crucial in the club’s immediate future, as well as Benitez’s hopes for funds in the January transfer window.

Landlord’s verdict: Newcastle United’s alarming run of form has plunged them towards the Premier League’s relegation zone, further highlighting manager Rafa Benitez’s need to strengthen his ranks in January if they are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

Yet the proposed takeover of the club remains in limbo, and recent reports suggest that the next two weeks will be crucial as failure to complete the sale of the Magpies could see current owner Mike Ashley fund the January transfer window himself, despite wanting to sell the club.

And with just three weeks to go until the reopening of the window, the North East giants, notably Ashley, are facing a vital few weeks in the future of their club, which could have repercussions on both the player and management front.

Newcastle fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!

Second-place Manchester United play hosts to leaders Manchester City in the latest episode of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, in what could prove to be a crucial fixture in the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils come into the clash eight points behind their arch-rivals despite making an impressive start to the season, having won 11 of their 15 top flight matches.

The most recent of those came in a 3-1 success against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday, where they were perhaps fortunate and had goalkeeper David De Gea to thank for helping them get the three points in a match in which the hosts dominated proceedings.

The success against the Gunners was their fourth in a row in the Premier League, while Jose Mourinho’s men also ensured that they finished top of their Champions League group with a 2-1 win against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

United can’t really afford to miss the chance to move within five points of City and inflict on them their first defeat of the top flight campaign, even though we are yet to reach Christmas, given their rivals’ dominance.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won 14 and drawn one in the Premier League this term, scoring 46 goals in the process, and they remain on course to lift the famous trophy at the end of the season.

However, the Citizens have looked a little more shaky in recent weeks and as well as needing a last-gasp winner to beat Southampton 2-1 at the Etihad, they came from a goal down to win by the same scoreline against West Ham at home – before a largely second-string side was beaten 2-1 by Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek.

Back to Sunday though, both clubs certainly know that they have the players that can make the difference at Old Trafford, and they will be looking for those individuals to step up to the plate.

Here are four key on-pitch battles that will decide which way the result goes…

David De Gea vs Sergio Aguero

Given that Gabriel Jesus started against Shakhtar Donetsk and Aguero has started Manchester City’s last three Premier League matches, the Argentine looks set to get the nod to face United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

While he is without a goal in his last two top flight appearances, he has netted nine in 11 this season at a rate of one every 96 minutes, while he also scored a penalty against the Ukrainian outfit in midweek after coming on from the substitutes’ bench.

Guardiola may also look at Aguero’s record of eight goals in 11 appearances against United during his City career and feel that he is the striker that is most likely to get a goal against their arch-rivals.

He will face a tough task to find a way past De Gea though, who put in one of the great Premier League goalkeeping displays in the 3-1 win against Arsenal last weekend.

The Spaniard made 14 saves, and he will be determined to keep any Aguero efforts out of his net on Sunday, too.

Romelu Lukaku vs Vincent Kompany

Lukaku has come under scrutiny from some Manchester United fans in recent weeks because of his performances and goal drought, but his record of 13 goals in 21 matches in all competitions this season prove that he isn’t doing too bad.

The Belgium international has only scored once in his last eight Premier League games, but Jose Mourinho will hope that he will take confidence from the fact that he found the net against CSKA Moscow in midweek and finally produce in a big game against one the Red Devils’ top-six rivals.

Mourinho will surely instruct the 24-year-old to be a nuisance for the City defence on Sunday, especially in the air where they have struggled without the injured John Stones – as we witnessed with Angelo Ogbonna’s goal for West Ham last weekend.

Guardiola will hope that his captain Kompany is fit to start having been left on the substitutes’ bench against the Irons before missing the trip to the Ukraine with a slight niggle, as he will want the dominant defender in his backline for this crucial derby clash.

Ashley Young vs Raheem Sterling

Sterling may have been worried for his Manchester City place following the arrival of Bernardo Silva to an already strong frontline during the summer transfer window, but he has been a regular and is perhaps in the best form of his career right now.

The England international has scored 13 goals and provided a further four assists in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens this term, including pivotal late winners against Huddersfield Town and Southampton in the Premier League, and Feyenoord in the Champions League, in recent weeks.

The man tasked with stopping the 23-year-old will be converted left wing-back Young, who has been one of United’s standout players this term.

The 32-year-old has shown just how useful he can be at both ends of the pitch, and he has two goals and two assists in his last four top flight appearances.

Mourinho will instruct Young to get forward when he can in order to force Sterling to defend, but he will also need to be well aware of his fellow England international’s attacking threat as well.

Marouane Fellaini vs David Silva

If Fellaini returns to the starting XI against City following his return from injury, there is no doubt that he will once again be a key player for them at both ends of the pitch.

The big Belgian may start alongside Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic in the middle of the park if Mourinho’s recent teams are anything to go by, and he will be asked to keep the influential Silva quiet.

As well as being handy from a defensive point of view because of his aerial ability, Mourinho will also be aware of the damage he can do in the opposition penalty area with City struggling in the air from set-pieces and crosses in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Silva continues to make a huge impact for his team despite the fact that he is getting no younger and playing in a deeper role. As well as finding those key passes for the attacking players in front of him he is still chipping in with important goals too – like the winner against West Ham last Sunday.

West Ham have been linked with a number of big name players this summer, but one recent story particularly caught the eye and it appears Hammers fans are very excited about it.

According to reputable fansite Knees Up Mother Brown, West Ham are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, as he is one of the many players attempting to force a move away from the Portuguese club.

The skilful 23-year-old had an impressive campaign in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring 11 goals and registering eight assists in 33 appearances.

Has this been the best World Cup ever? Give us your thoughts here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

However, following a training ground attack on the Sporting players led by fans after they had failed to qualify for the Champions League, there appears to be a mass exodus of players and West Ham are hoping to profit from it.

He has reportedly requested to terminate his contract so the player valued at £27million on Transfermarkt could be available on a free transfer this summer.

We asked West Ham fans in our poll whether they would like to sign the Portuguese international and an overwhelming 96 per cent said they would.

It’s easy to see why as he’s one of the most talented players in the Portuguese league but they’ll have to work hard to see off reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.

Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are pleased with their business in the transfer window thus far.

Jose Mourinho has splashed over £75m on new signings as he looks to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title next season. The Portuguese bolstered his midfield with the £53m additional of Brazilian midfielder Fred. He also landed the signature of Porto youngster, Diogo Dalot, who can play both right and left back.

The signing of Dalot casts serious doubt over the future of Matteo Darmian. The Italian has failed to impress during his three seasons at Old Trafford and found first-team football hard to come by last year. Darmian made just 16 appearances and has been linked with a move back to the Serie A with Juventus.

To allow him to leave, Manchester United must demand they receive Mario Mandzukic in return. Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the 32-year-old is currently on international duty with Croatia and will look to book his place in the World Cup semi-final with a win over Russia. He was a key player for the Old Lady last season, making 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals and notching four assists.

Mourinho is desperate to add strength to his forward line, and Mandzukic fits the bill. He has experience in Serie A, La Liga and the Champions League and would be a fantastic option to have on the bench. He can play as the central striker or on the wing.

With Cristiano Ronaldo set to join Juventus, Mandzukic may be forced through the exit door. Juve’s loss can be United’s gain this summer.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?

Wolves fans can’t wait for the season to begin to see all their new signings in action.

After winning the Championship title last season, Wolves have wasted no time in strengthening their squad ahead of their first Premier League campaign since 2012. Nuno Espirito Santo has splashed £40m already in the transfer window to ensure his side avoid relegation next season.

Diogo Jota, Willy Bolly and Leo Bonatini all completed permanent moves to Molineux while Raul Jimenez and Rui Patricio both moved from Liga NOS. If Wolves are to survive, they need to continue their spending and buy a new playmaker. Signing a maestro to partner Ruben Neves in midfield would boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.

An ideal signing could be Napoli midfielder – Piotr Zielinski. Valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt, the Polish international was linked with Liverpool in the past, but the move failed to materialise. Instead, he signed for Napoli and was a key player during their title challenge last season.

The 24-year-old made 36 appearances in the Serie A, scoring four and assisting two. The former Udinese man is an excellent passer of the ball, completing 88% in the Serie A last season. His Polish team-mates recognise his immense talent, and Kamil Grosicki labelled him ‘the biggest talent in Poland’.

Following Maurizio Sarri’s departure to Chelsea, Zielinski could follow him through the exit door. Wolves should be first of the queue to bring him to England.

Wolves fans, thoughts?