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Newsh at 10

Raheem Sterling’s been proved right, Big Sam is not the Messiah and in-form Arsenal won’t catch Man City

It hasn't taken long to see David Moyes' trademark haunted look on his face after his West Ham side were thrashed at Everton

WHAT a week it was in the greatest league in the world.

That’s the Premier League, by the way, not the Belgian Jupiler League (although I’m sure that’s a fine league too).

 Reckon David Moyes is regretting his decision yet?
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Reckon David Moyes is regretting his decision yet?Credit: PA:Press Association

Wonder goals galore, proper pummellings and the welcome return of that trademark haunted look on David Moyes’ face.

And he’s only been in charge of West Ham for three games…

Flares are back in fashion

There was a moment at the Amex on Tuesday night, as Brighton hosted Crystal Palace in the long-awaited M23 derby, that it felt almost like one of those raucous Fenerbahce and Galatasaray games.

There were scuffles.

Bangers were going off.

And there were flares, lots of flares.

And then you saw Wilfried Zaha going to ground for the umpteenth time and you realised it was Falmer, not Fenerbahce.

 This wasn't Fenerbache vs Galatasaray, it was Brighton's 0-0 with Crystal Palace
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This wasn't Fenerbache vs Galatasaray, it was Brighton's 0-0 with Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Young at the heart of United

For many people, the first time they ever encountered Ashley Young was when he was caught openly, erm, enjoying himself on a dating site webcam 10 years ago.

Fast forward a decade and not only is the nation’s broadband provision much more sophisticated but so is Ashley Young.

Yes, it’s been a remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford for the 32-year-old who appeared to be on his way out of United just a couple of years ago.

Now, having stepped in as left-back against Everton in September, he has nailed down his place as first choice full-back and his brace in the 4-2 win at Watford proved how he’s fast becoming indispensible to Jose Mourinho.

He’s all but booked his place to Russia with England next summer I’d venture too.

 Ashley Young is back in Jose Mourinho's good books with two great goals at Watford
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Ashley Young is back in Jose Mourinho's good books with two great goals at WatfordCredit: Getty
Ashley Young scores stunner for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho's reaction is class


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More like Mahrez

It’s been a while since we heralded the talents of Riyad Mahrez but that’s probably because he’s given us very little to, well, herald.

But against Spurs on Tuesday there were clear signs that he was back to something his impudent best.

Not only did the Algerian rekindle that old title-winning partnership with the other goalscorer, Jamie Vardy, but he capped a fine display with a sensational goal as he cut in from the right, just as he did so many times in 2015/16.

And all with the January transfer window just around the corner.

 Riyad Mahrez was back to his title-winning best with a stunning goal at Tottenham
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Riyad Mahrez was back to his title-winning best with a stunning goal at TottenhamCredit: Getty

Talking out of his Arsene

In the wake of their 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield at the Emirates, Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger insisted that Manchester City are still catchable at the top of the Premier League table.

Just not by Arsenal.

 Arsene Wenger believes his Arsenal side are good enough to catch Man City
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Arsene Wenger believes his Arsenal side are good enough to catch Man CityCredit: AFP or licensors

Play it again Sam…

It’s frankly unbelievable that some people saw fit to attribute Everton’s turnaround to the mere presence of Sam Allardyce at Goodison Park last night.

Has it really come to this? Really?

Have we now elevated the disgraced ex-England manager to some kind of soccer saviour, capable of performing miracles wherever he goes?

Just cast your mind back to what happened with England and remember – he’s not the Messiah, he’s a very greedy man.

 Sam Allardyce is now Everton's miracle man... and he's on a huge wage hike
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Sam Allardyce is now Everton's miracle man... and he's on a huge wage hikeCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Sterling work

Talking of greed, when Raheem Sterling left Liverpool for Manchester City he was castigated for chasing the money when the player himself maintained it was because he wanted to win things and improve as a player.

Two years on from his move to the Etihad and there can be no denying that he’s an immeasurably better player, especially since he started working with Pep Guardiola.

His last-gasp winner against Southampton was his 13th goal of what is fast turning into a career season for the 22-year-old. He’s now City’s top scorer, ahead of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, and averages a goal every 89 minutes.

Usually in the 89th minute too.

 Raheem Sterling scored a dramatic 95th minute winner to spark mass celebrations
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Raheem Sterling scored a dramatic 95th minute winner to spark mass celebrationsCredit: Reuters

Safety first

City fans can relax, meanwhile.

You’ve hit the magical 40 point mark.

You’re safe.

Job Lot

Just a thought but what gives Karren Brady the right to criticise the calibre of the candidates on The Apprentice when she, as vice-chairman of West Ham, was instrumental in the hiring of David Moyes at the Hammers?

 Karren Brady was the brains behind appointing beleaguered boss David Moyes
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Karren Brady was the brains behind appointing beleaguered boss David MoyesCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Glove Story

The state of English goalkeeping was also on view at Goodison Park last night.

At one end was Gareth Southgate’s preferred choice, Joe Hart. Here’s a keeper who had a shocker in the European Championship in 2016 and who has now shipped 30 goals in just 14 games played this season.

At the other end was Jordan Pickford, the 23-year-old who pulled off a wonder save from Manuel

Lanzini’s penalty and remains one of the few bright spots of a difficult season for the Toffees.

I know who I’d rather have in goal for England.

That’s right, Jack Butland.

 Joe Hart has done himself no favours against his opposing number Jordan Pickford
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Joe Hart has done himself no favours against his opposing number Jordan PickfordCredit: Reuters
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