EPL: Moyes yet to convince

As one journalist succinctly wrote — it comes down to the fact one manager has improved his team and the other has made his worse.

Of course it’s early days in the David Moyes era but 14 games in he can’t escape analysis on how things are going at Old Trafford.

The 1-0 defeat at home to his old club will hurt the Scot. Firstly because he was up against the team he managed for 11 years and, secondly, because Everton are playing as if the shackles have been taken off.

Much, if not all, credit for that has to go to Moyes’ replacement Roberto Martinez —a man in love with the aesthetics of the beautiful game almost as much as winning.

The often-heard criticism of Moyes is that his default position is one of caution.

It may be lazy to revert to a Sir Alex comparison but that was never a trait of his teams —and he did okay.

Moyes’ early-season report card: simply not good enough. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Man Utd v Newcastle

8:45am

A great chance for United to shake off that defeat to Everton. They need to go for the jugular and make a statement that says things aren’t really that bad. Newcastle got overpowered by Swansea and their away form is mixed. They won’t be overawed, though.

Prediction: 2-1

Crystal Palace v Cardiff

Tony Pulis has provided new impetus to Palace and you sense they are up for the scrap. Cardiff have won plaudits but are only four points above the Eagles.

Prediction: 1-0

Liverpool v West Ham

Luis Suarez single-handedly destroyed Norwich and is more than capable of doing the same to the Hammers, whose impotency up front is putting pressure on the rest of the team.

Prediction: 3-0

Southampton v Man City

Saints’ wheels have come off slightly with three straight defeats and their tough run of fixtures carries on here with free-scoring City. More goals. For City.

Prediction: 1-3

Stoke v Chelsea

Without looking like they are totally in sync, Chelsea are right up there and with their array of attacking talent, the Potters look like lambs to the slaughter.

Prediction: 0-2

West Brom v Norwich

1:30pm

The Canaries, having been beaten up by Suarez, could have done with a home game. WBA are better than their recent form —no win in four — suggests and should get three points.

Prediction: 2-0

Sunderland v Spurs

1:30pm

Tricky one for Spurs as Sunderland are looking more feisty under Gus Poyet. AVB’s claims of a media witchhunt against him was petty, whether it’s true or not. He’s got the players, now create a team.

Prediction: 1-1

SUNDAY

Fulham v Aston Villa

9:30pm

Dimitar Berbatov decided to turn up in midweek, which was nice of him. If he wants it, Fulham have a chance. Villa, though, are unbeaten in five.

Prediction: 0-2

Arsenal v Everton

12pm

A good test of the Gunners’ growing title aspirations. The Toffees won’t sit back but you wonder how much Wednesday night took out of them.

Prediction: 2-1

MONDAY

Swansea v Hull

4pm

Hull have proved their mettle already this season but expect Swansea’s class to tell in front of their own fans.

Prediction: 3-1