Jose Mourinho should not be blamed... Jurgen Klopp settled for a draw - and find out who's in my team of the week

  • How many seriously expected Manchester United to open up at Anfield?
  • Jose Mourinho isn't a manager who gets involved in high-scoring contests
  • It must be said that Manchester City are a joy to watch in their current form 
  • Wilfried Zaha is just the man who can get Crystal Palace out of trouble 

Did anyone seriously expect Jose Mourinho to go to Anfield and open up? Mourinho is one of the Premier League's greatest managers but rarely do you see him involved in thrilling, high-scoring encounters. 

I cannot recall his teams winning too many games 3-2. He hates those matches. This game was built up as if it was El Clasico but, if Jose was able to get his way, this was always going to be a boring draw. 

Mourinho is not bothered by the spectacle. Staying unbeaten was the only thing on his agenda. You have to ask questions of Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, not Mourinho. 

The Saturday lunchtime kick-off between Liverpool and Manchester United finished goalless

The Saturday lunchtime kick-off between Liverpool and Manchester United finished goalless

It was up to Liverpool to unlock the door but they could not deliver. With 10 minutes to go, United looked there for the taking but Klopp took off Mo Salah and Philippe Coutinho — Liverpool's two most dangerous players on Saturday. 


I do not blame Mourinho for the dull display. By the end, Klopp was as guilty in settling for a draw. 

 

It was wonderful to see Liverpool honour Kenny Dalglish by naming a stand after the great man but why has he still not been recognised by his country with a knighthood? 

He went above and beyond the call of duty in helping and supporting the families who suffered as a result of the Hillsborough disaster. 

Kenny is very humble and I don't know whether he would want to accept such an award. But I find it almost embarrassing that he has not yet been recognised in this way. 

Liverpool unveiled the new Kenny Dalglish stand in honour of the Anfield legend

Liverpool unveiled the new Kenny Dalglish stand in honour of the Anfield legend

 

Zaha will get Palace out of the mire 

Wilfried Zaha is so good that he gets managers the sack when he is injured! Roy Hodgson may have got Crystal Palace more organised over the international break but it was Zaha who was the real difference against Chelsea. 

Sometimes we give managers too much credit. Was anyone surprised that Wales could not beat Republic of Ireland without Gareth Bale? 

Zaha is Palace's best player and caused chaos for the Chelsea defenders. They just could not handle him and it was no shock when he scored the crucial second goal. 

With Zaha and the excellent Mamadou Sakho back, and exciting young midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek still to return, I am confident Palace can get out of this mess.

Wilfried Zaha's inclusion on Saturday proved pivotal for Crystal Palace against Chelsea

Zaha makes it into my latest team of the week along with team-mate Mamadou Sakho

Zaha makes it into my latest team of the week along with team-mate Mamadou Sakho

 

It's a joy to see City click

If you could have a season ticket at any Premier League club Manchester City would be the obvious place to go — but that has not always been the case. 

City struggled to break teams down last season at the Etihad, where they drew seven times including a stalemate against Stoke just seven months ago. 

The fact they ran out 7-2 winners against the same opposition on Saturday shows how far they have come in a short space of time. Everything is clicking into gear and they are a joy to watch. 

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was in impressive form against Stoke City

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was in impressive form against Stoke City

 

Playing Watford away is acid test  

Watford's victory over Arsenal shows just how wide the gulf is between Arsene Wenger's side and Manchester City. 

Marco Silva's side were blown away 6-0 by City at home last month but Arsenal folded when the going got tough at Vicarage Road. 

With Liverpool only able to draw 3-3 there on the opening day, Watford are proving the acid test for the top six sides' title ambitions. Let's see how Manchester United and Tottenham get on when they visit Watford within the space of five days in a few weeks' time. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left disappointed after his side's defeat at Watford 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left disappointed after his side's defeat at Watford 

 

Carroll's red card was just so stupid 

We all know about Andy Carroll's aerial prowess. Now he needs to use his head to avoid silly red cards like his dismissal at Turf Moor. 

What was Carroll thinking leading with his elbow twice in a matter of minutes? He not only cost West Ham two points but himself a game. 

Carroll has missed so much through injury that he cannot afford any needless suspensions 

What exactly was West Ham's Andy Carroll thinking when he picked up two silly yellow cards?

What exactly was West Ham's Andy Carroll thinking when he picked up two silly yellow cards?

 

Tammy can go from strength to strength 

If you put Tammy Abraham into Chelsea's team now in place of Michy Batshuayi, I don't think he would do any worse but Swansea is the best place for him right now. 

He is guaranteed football week in, week out and is learning about the rigours and demands of the Premier League. 

Abraham's development will benefit greatly from this year at Swansea and will return to Stamford Bridge a better player.      

Tammy Abraham scored twice for Swansea against Huddersfield and he can get better

Tammy Abraham scored twice for Swansea against Huddersfield and he can get better