Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with Sportsnet soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
Defender Luke Shaw is going to miss several months (at least) with a broken leg. How much of a loss is that for Manchester United?
From what we saw last weekend against Southampton it could be a very big loss. Marcos Rojo was less than convincing, and Daley Blind is better centrally than as a wide player. Having said that, these are two very talented players, and with some reps at left fullback I’m sure they could do a job. Don’t forget that Matteo Darmian is able to switch to the left side of defence, and has done for the Italian national team, so Louis Van Gaal has options. It is not as if Shaw entered the season as the starting left fullback anyway—after an uneasy and injury-hit first season at United he had much to prove. However he had been absolutely outstanding to start this campaign, which makes his injury so tough to stomach for the United faithful.
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What team has surprised you (either in a good or bad way) the most so far this season?
It starts and ends with West Ham and Leicester, with the Hammers ahead by a nose. New coach, new players—why haven’t West Ham needed a bedding in period like other clubs? Maximum points already away to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City is mind blowing, and they also finally won at home last time they were at Upton Park following two losses. They are such a tenacious, hard-working team, with huge speed and some real panache with Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. As for Winston Reid, that performance against Man City was as good as you’ll see from a centre-back, but Hammers fans will tell you it’s a performance they’ve seen on countless occasion. Let’s hope West Ham keep this up, but don’t be fooled by the standings six games in.
Should Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers give Danny Ings an extended run in the starting 11 at the expense of Christian Benteke?
Depending on the severity of Christian Benteke’s hamstring injury he might not have a choice. The fact is, though, Ings was brought in as a depth player with some upside; a young striker who may or may not be up to the level Liverpool expects. Benteke and Sturridge remain as the top pairing, and in a perfect world Rodgers will play the two of them in tandem. Already under pressure, Rodgers won’t bench the 32 million pound Benteke, as that might just be the final straw for ownership. Rodgers needs Benteke to come good.
Chelsea visits Newcastle United on Saturday. What’s your take on Diego Costa’s antics? Should he be applauded for going that extra mile to win? Or are his tactics a blight on the game?
Costa is a total agitator, who I would absolutely love to have on my team. I certainly wouldn’t applaud Costa, though, as the fact is that he was extremely fortunate to have not been sent off against Arsenal for his antics with Laurent Koscielny. What happened after with Gabriel is separate for me; yes, he played his role well with the Brazilian being sent off, but he shouldn’t have even been on the field in the first place. Scratching is also one of those actions that I find deplorable, so he should feel some shame, although I doubt he does. Costa plays a physical brand of soccer, and these days the ‘hard man’ character is harder and harder to find, so I do appreciate his ability, but last weekend he crossed the line.
West Bromwich Albion hosts Everton on Monday. Is John Stones the next "marquee" English defender? Is he worth all the hype he’s currently receiving?
Calling an Englishman that is sort of like the Sports Illustrated cover curse. Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Phil Jagielka, Roger Johnson—all good players who have and will have really solid careers, but who have never reached the heights that was predicted for them as youngsters. John Stones does look really special, though, as he is so comfortable with the ball at his feet, perhaps the best comparison would be with Rio Ferdinand.
Sportsnet commentator Craig Forrest sees a lot of Stones in Rio, a player he knows well from his time at West Ham. I have watched a fair bit of Stones this year out of curiosity, and I have to say he is brilliant, never fazed, and his passing is incredible for a centre back. He’s only 21, and already he has turned down a move to Chelsea, which I thought was very intelligent, as he is playing week in and week out for Everton under a very good manager. Stones will get his move to Chelsea or a similar club eventually, perhaps as early as next season, and when he does it will be the right time. So yes, as dangerous as it is to say, I do think he is worth the hype he’s getting.
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