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Having always had a soft spot for Queens Park Rangers, without really knowing why, the last couple of years are bewildering to say the least.

Manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has endured a difficult start since taking charge of QPR, and hasn’t been able to enjoy any consistency in terms of results. Victories have been followed by draws and defeats in the second tier, and the Londoners currently sit in 13th after 33 games, 13 points off a play-off place. They’ve won just nine games this season and are the biggest draw specialists in the division.

Despite replacing Chris Ramsey with Hasselbaink in December, QPR remain well off the play-off pace and now they are minus Charlie Austin, who left for Southampton recently.

Austin, 26, scored 18 goals for Rangers despite their relegation from the Premier League last season and went on to score 10 in 16 appearances in the Championship. Rather than lose him for nothing in the summer, the Super Hoops at least got some money for the striker.

Hasselbaink has taken on somewhat of a poisoned chalice. Ramsey came in to stabilise the club after Harry Redknapp’s departure and while Harry did guide Queens Park Rangers to promotion to the Premier League at the start of the 2014/15 season, the Londoners endured a terrible time in the top flight.

At his time of departure, Redknapp stated that an imminent knee surgery was the main reason behind him leaving QPR, but many felt that the 68-year old left the club high and dry by departing amidst a relegation battle.b Now Redknapp’s assistant at QPR, Kevin Bond, has gone on to speak regarding the former Bournemouth manager’s departure and has stated that rather than health issues, the veteran boss decided to call it quits as he was left disillusioned at the club.

Bond said: “Our form at home was very, very good. Away from home was really poor and we couldn’t really find an answer. In the end, Harry didn’t really think he was getting anywhere so he called it a day. But I wouldn’t swap getting to the Premier League at Wembley for anything.”

Redknapp was seen as somewhat of a saviour after the big-spending days of Mark Hughes and the disaster that befell his squad. Big names, lured in for big money and bigger wages did not mean success and in November of 2012, after no wins in 12, Hughes was sacked. Chris Ramsey was sacked this season after relegation last year and a poor start to the current campaign. Instability followed by instability.

QPR have also had legal wrangles against the Football League by challenging “the legality of the Championship Financial Fair Play rules”. The west London club are alleged to have spent more on salaries than rules allowed when they were in the Championship a couple of seasons ago.

Over the past few seasons, QPR have always bounced back from relegation to win promotion, but this year has been one to forget for the stuttering west Londoners.

It would seem as though, at this point, that Hasselbaink will be given more time than his predecessors in turning around the club’s fortunes. The persistent attitude of sacking managers does not help a club and slowly but surely, Fernandes must be seeing that sticking with one man for a decent period of time might just be the way forward.

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According to a recent exclusive from The Daily Star, Manchester United are set to confirm Jose Mourinho as their next manager within the next few weeks – bringing the announcement forward from the end of the season because The Special One’s contract has been leaked in his native Portugal.

And the British tabloid further claim that the Red Devils plan to kick off the Mourinho era at Old Trafford by issuing him a £300million transfer budget for the coming window. United may be without the incentive of Champions League football this summer, but that’s more than enough moolah to make potential transfer targets forget about Europe’s top competition for a season or two.

With that in mind, Football Fancast have drawn up a list of SIX superstars Mourinho could lure to Old Trafford for precisely that sum. Well, just short actually; according to valuations recently mooted in the tabloids, this shopping list would set United back exactly £296million. That leaves £4million in short change to buy a few unknowns, splash out on a new yacht or bribe Sepp Blatter with.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN

Manchester United are desperately crying out for added quality on the flanks and Antoine Griezmann has been an option on Jose Mourinho’s radar for some time, in no small part due to him flourishing under Diego Simeone’s similar ideals of organisation and opportunism at Atletico Madrid.

The France international serves as an auxiliary striker for the Mattress Makers, notching up a formidable 54 goals in 101 appearances, but made his name as Real Sociedad’s talismanic wide man and is more than capable of returning to that role for the Red Devils. The 25-year-old’s contract includes a £62million release clause.

N’GOLO KANTE

Combining the defensive instincts of Claude Makelele with the ferocious energy of Ramires, N’Golo Kante has emerged as the most formidable enforcer in the Premier League since arriving from Caen last summer, going on to average the most tackles, 4.5, and second-most interceptions, 4.2, per match of any player in the division whilst offering penetrative drive on the counter-attack.

Leicester City will fancy their chances of holding onto the France international, with the Premier League title all-but-mathematically theirs and Champions League on offer at the King Power Stadium next season. But the 25-year-old’s contract is known to include a £20million release clause and it seems inevitable that someone will activate it during the summer.

ROMELU LUKAKU

Romelu Lukaku’s career-best return of 25 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, including 18 strikes in the Premier League, has seen him emerge as one of the most coveted strikers in Europe, capable of converting different types of goal through an imperious physicality that offers height, power and pace in almost equal measure.

Even though recent sources have rated him as highly as £50million, that could still prove a shrewd investment for a 22-year-old striker who already boasts 78 Premier League goals. Likewise, the Belgium international has worked with Jose Mourinho before, albeit briefly, and suits his usual template of physically-imposing frontmen.

MATS HUMMELS

Manchester United have searched far and wide for a likeminded alternative but all roads seem to inevitably lead back to Mats Hummels. The Borussia Dortmund skipper is an aerially dominant centre-half famed for his Beckenbauer-esque ability to build attacks from deep positions and offers a wealth of experience, having lifted the World Cup, two Bundesliga titles and featured in a Champions League final.

With his contract due to expire at the end of next season, it seems the Black-Yellows will almost certainly be forced to sell during the coming transfer window. But the Red Devils need to act quickly, with recent reports revealing the German international is already in talks with Bayern Munich. In the absence of coherent figures from the tabloids, FFC reckon Dortmund would settle up for around £30million.

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

Famed for claiming the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez hasn’t quite performed to the levels expected since moving to Real Madrid in the same summer, despite a decent enough return of 20 goals and 20 assists in 53 La Liga appearances.

Nonetheless, the Colombian international is an exciting talent whose impressive output, tricky feet and stocky frame should serve him well in the Premier League.

Rumour has it Real Madrid will look to offload the 24-year-old attacking midfielder during the coming transfer window but plan to recoup the vast majority of their original investment – accordingly valuing Rodriguez at a slightly steep £60million.

PAUL POGBA

Since swapping Old Trafford for the Old Lady by way of a free transfer in summer 2012, former Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba has emerged as arguably the most formidable central midfielder in world football, combining technical trickery with an abundance of netting prowess and a powerful yet elegant 6 foot 2 frame.

The France international looks set to leave Juventus this summer, having recently lifted a fourth consecutive Serie A title, and may feel he has unfinished business with the Red Devils. The 23-year-old’s £74million valuation, courtesy of agent Mino Raiola, should be well within United’s financial reach this summer but with Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG all interested, failure to qualify for the Champions League could see the Red Devils miss out.

Outgoing Celtic manager Ronny Deila has backed his assistants John Collins and John Kennedy as capable options to lead the club forward when he leaves this summer, report the Daily Record.

Ever since the announcement earlier this month that the Norwegian would be leaving his role in charge at Celtic Park, there have been a number of big managerial names linked with the post.

The likes of David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers and Roy Keane have all been mooted a potential candidates recently.

More left-field suggestions such as Leeds United’s Steve Evans and the outgoing Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Lambert have also been linked with a move to Glasgow.

However, Deila has talked up the prospect of seeing his two assistants step up to the plate should the club not wish to bring in a big name replacement.

While that’s a move that will more than likely prove unpopular with the Hoops faithful, the 40-year old believes the pair are more than up to the task.

‘I have been lucky with my two assistants while I have been here. It has been great to work with them as I have learned a lot’, announced the former Strømsgodset chief.

‘John Collins has references on a level that not a lot of people in Scotland have had for many years.’

‘He’s been in a club environment that’s been in the semi-finals of the Champions League and knows what the foreign countries are doing with the best clubs around.’

‘John has been unbelievably important for me and has so much to offer.’

‘He is different from a lot of people in Scotland. He dares to speak and say what he means.’

‘It’s so important to have people like that. He knows what he’s talking about and it’s important he’s listened to.’

Collins has experience as a full-time coach, having managed Hibernian for a year between 2006 and 2007, leading them to the Scottish League Cup.

Still, it is a notion not likely to capture Celtic fans’ imaginations.

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According to reports from El Confidential, Barcelona have been attempting to ‘tap up’ Arsenal star Hector Bellerin and Manchester City transfer target Aymeric Laporte.

The Spain international rose through the ranks at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy before moving to north London in summer 2013, where he has since emerged as one of the most exciting young full-backs in world football.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal Transfer News | Man City Transfer News

Barcelona have been tipped to swoop for the 21-year-old by a variety of sources in recent weeks, including Goal, amid reports claiming resident right-back Dani Alves is set to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer.

But El Confidential claim Barcelona sporting director Roberto Fernandez has been using underhanded methods to lure Bellerin back to his former club, alleging he’s made contact with the defender without Arsenal’s permission – despite making it clear they have no plans to sell this summer.

The Spanish publication have made similar allegations in regards to Aymeric Laporte. Manchester City are ready to activate the Athletic Bilbao prodigy’s £39million release clause according to The Guardian, but it appears Barca have been cutting corners in a bid to beat the Citizens to his signature.

Journalist Kike Marin finishes the particularly condemning article by reiterating two articles from the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

Article 17 paragraph 5; “Any person subject to the Statutes and regulations of FIFA (officials of clubs, players ‘ agents, players, etc.) will be sanctioned acting in any way to induce the termination of a contract between a professional and a club with the purpose of facilitating the transfer of the player.

Article 18 paragraph 3; “A club wishing to enter into a contract with a professional player must communicate in writing its intention to club player before starting negotiations with the player. A professional player will free to sign a contract with another club if his contract with his present club has expired or will expire within six months. Any violation of this provision shall be subject to appropriate sanctions.”

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There can be no doubt that West Ham had their best season in decades last year.

The plaudits will go to the man that put the team together, guided them on how he wanted them to play and then delivered, but it should be remembered that the board backed the new man all the way.

Slaven Bilic was not the first choice at West Ham, but the vast majority of Hammers fans will be pleased that he came to the Boleyn Ground rather than anyone else. For a club that enjoys the “one of their own” mentality, Bilic came home and immediately set about changing the Hammers from also-ran’s to contenders.

The style of football was more in keeping with the West Ham Way and the players that Bilic recruited had supporters excited and on the edge of their seats. They worked hard, played attacking football on the floor and used the wings, which culminated in a seventh place finish and qualifying for Europe.

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Had things gone their way more often, then it is easy to suggest that West Ham could have snatched a top four Champions League place at the expense of Manchester City.

Dealing with the realities, though, Bilic has built himself a squad that over performed last year and will need to equal this season.

For the money the Hammers board have stumped up and continue to put into the club, they will want a reward and progression. Nothing flashy and overnight particularly, but gradual improvements culminating in West Ham being a top four side within the next two years.

Bilic has his work cut out. With the amount of money in the war chest this year, courtesy mainly of the TV deal each club will receive, he will need to buy wisely. West Ham still look for value for money and like to find hidden gems, such as Diafra Sakho, Dimiri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio.

With everyone else spending big and with high profile managers at the top clubs all spending even more, the task isn’t made any easier and Bilic in his second year as manager may find it just that bit more difficult.

Not only are the expectations of the board weighing on the manager’s shoulders, there are his own and, more importantly, the fans’.

It will be expected that over the summer further quality signings will arrive to boost the squad as they push on in the Premier League and in Europe. At the moment, the Hammers appear to be struggling to entice the players they want to the Olympic Stadium and the frustration for the club and fans is palpable.

Teams next season will be looking to stop the East London, as their not so secret weapon, Dimitri Payet, has opened his box of tricks for all the world to see. Stop Payet and you stop West Ham, or so they might think.

But West Ham are not a one man team; true, they perform differently without him, but with the likes of Lanzini and Michail Antonio providing goals, power and pace, their rivals would be wrong to judge them in that rather one dimensional way.

In order to mount a serious challenge for the top four next season, it is imperative that West Ham hold onto key players, not only because of their abilities, but also the existing chemistry between them.

To enable them to do that, four things will need to happen.

Bilic must learn from the mistakes of last term, the club must keep its best players, Bilic must instil a winning mindset into his players and West Ham will need the kind of players to take them to the next level, especially at the back and forward areas.

As the other teams look to build on last season so West Ham must keep a wary eye open for teams like Southampton that finished above them, Stoke City who were not too far behind, Liverpool, re-structuring under Klopp, Everton similarly under Koeman and the perennial top clubs – all vying for four positions next year.

Bilic will have his work cut out, but if anyone can take West Ham to the land where dreams are made of, it’s the charismatic, amiable, rock music loving Croat.

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West Ham’s summer long pursuit of a striker could finally be coming to an end if they reach the holy grail (secure the signing of Carlos Bacca). The AC Milan forward has been the talk of the Hammers’ fans this summer. Fan boards, Twitter accounts and various ‘in-the-know’ journalists have been scouring his every move since the very first link and there is finally a chance that all of this will come to something with an £80,000-per-week deal having been offered to the 29-year-old.

Whilst Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll continue to frustrate all who are challenged with watching their various disappointing attempts to finish off attacks, Bacca is waiting in the wings. Waiting like some sort of striking goliath. He’s damn good, that’s for sure.

The real question when any new player arrives at a club, though, is what can they bring to the table? How much will they improve the club? Can they change the team’s fortunes?

Bacca sure can. Here are FIVE reasons why…

Rolls-Royce

Carlos Bacca’s last three league seasons of goal scoring read like this: 18, 20, 14.

That’s prolific and that’s damn impressive. This was not playing with Mesut Ozil or Eden Hazard as a creator behind him, this was in – an admittedly strong – Sevilla side and in a drastically underperforming AC Milan team.

Bacca can find the net, that’s of no doubt, and he will surely fire West Ham in to European contention once again.

Step up

Sakho, Carroll and Valencia try hard, for sure, and they have provided the West Ham fans with some special moments over the past couple of seasons, yet they’re not the calibre of Bacca.

The Colombian forward has pushed his name in to contention with some of Europe’s best in the number nine role and that is a marked change for the Irons.

Master of all trades

Can he run in behind? Yep.

Can he compete aerially? Sure can.

Will he miss chances? Nope.

Carlos Bacca has got it all. However you want to use him in your squad, Bacca will perform the role with energy and physical presence, it’s hard to imagine a more suited striker for West Ham.

Swimming pool depth

Bacca’s brilliance will surely guarantee him a place in the Irons’ starting line-up from the moment of his arrival, but this is a squad with depth to challenge on multiple fronts. Many sides with Europa League football see their squad stretched to uncomfortable areas, yet it’s hard to see such an issue for the Hammers.

Even if Bacca was to suffer an injury, Andy Carroll can easily intimidate opponents and Bilic has shown previously he is not afraid to adapt his side’s approach.

Dream front four

Dimitri Payet, Sofiane Feghouli, Manuel Lanzini and Carlos Bacca. No, that’s not the front four of Atletico Madrid or Juventus, that could well be the attack that Slaven Bilic has at his disposal heading in to the new season.

It’s simply mouth-watering, isn’t it? Bacca will lead the line in a team dripping with attacking talent and it’s a pretty terrifying prospect for Premier League defences.

Could that attack break the financial monopoly at the summit of the Premier League?

Watford’s dire second half of last season could have easily had alarm bells ringing. Looking all too much like a team that had relaxed in the knowledge they had achieved their base season goal of avoiding relegation, the Hornets were potentially sliding towards a challenging second season.

Instead, under the stewardship of Walter Mazzarri, Watford have started the season well. Three defeats in six matches may not suggest quite that, but two of the season’s best team performances imply Mazzarri’s side have plenty more to come. A poor performance away at Burnley halted any early momentum that was accumulating, although it doesn’t chip away any of the glow that surrounded the matches against both West Ham and Manchester United.

Every single outlet seems to be looking for who can replicate, or come close to, Leicester’s performance of last season. Not that it really makes any sense, of course. Rather, we should be looking at the clubs that can overachieve and perhaps shock us with their displays rather than results.

Watford, for these reasons, are one of those…

Managerial factor

Watford hiring a manager whose previous two clubs are Napoli and Internazionale says a lot about the current strength of the Premier League and relative weakness of Italian football. It wasn’t exactly all rosy for Mazzarri at his previous two clubs, but he has a wealth of experience as a manager.

Having two jobs of that stature speaks volumes for Mazzarri’s abilities and the work he did in Naples should not be downplayed by anyone. Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik shot to prominence under the stewardship of Mazzarri, as his team challenged their opponents with an offensive game that featured unmarkable fluidity from their forwards.

The late slumber at Inter should not shadow over Mazzarri’s ability. It was considered a coup when he arrived at Watford and it is the calibre of appointment that reflects a football club with genuine intent.

Formation wildcard

Amidst the overwhelming levels of 4-2-3-1s and occasional 4-3-3s, Watford are a refreshing change with their 3-5-2 system. Teams need to prepare differently, set up their side to cover different areas defensively and face the challenging prospect of two centre forwards, which has become somewhat alien to the Premier League in recent years.

But providing something different is irrelevant if you cannot execute the plans well. Watford, despite some early teething difficulties, look like they can execute the 3-5-2 to perfection. A lot of it comes down to how well the three central midfielders balance, to offer runs beyond the forwards as well as protection.

A formation alone will not win Watford games, but it certainly makes them a challenging prospect for many Premier League sides all too used to dealing with 4-2-3-1.

Goals win prizes

Odion Ighalo is yet to return to the majestic form that saw him devastate so many Premier League defences last season, although the forward has shown glimmers of becoming a real danger to the opposition once again. Confidence is the key for any forward and there are signs Ighalo is growing in self belief again.

In Troy Deeney, the Hornets have one of the league’s most consistent performers. This has been the preferred pairing for Mazzarri so far, despite Isaac Success looking a threat in his appearances.

If any side is to spring a surprise on the opposition, they need to have several sources of goals. Watford certainly have that.

There’s a real wealth of Premier League striking talent this season for fans to enjoy.

At Manchester City you have Sergio Aguero, at Manchester United you now have Zlatan Ibrahimovic whilst the likes of Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool, Romelu Lukaku at Everton and Diego Costa at Chelsea are all top class strikers. This in mind you know you’re guaranteed goals whatever game you watch but after last season you couldn’t say that more about anyone else than with Tottenham and of course, Harry Kane.

The Spurs and England forward won the Golden Boot last year as Spurs came close to winning the Premier League and, at a FIFA 17 event, he’s said that he’s got his eyes on it again for this season.

The striker was speaking on behalf of EA SPORTS FIFA 17 and spoke about his challengers for the award for being the Premier League’s top scorer as well as what he thinks of one of the Summer’s biggest signings, Zlatan Ibrahimovic…

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come into the Premier League this year and Sergio Aguero has started the season well. Who do you think will be your main rivals for the Golden Boot this season?

“They’re two very good players, and I think those two will definitely be up there for the Golden Boot race. Of course you have players like Lukaku who always seems to be up there.

“It will be an interesting one, you always seem to get one or two who come as a bit of a surprise but for me, I try not to focus too much on other players but rather do what I can do and score as many goals that I can.”

Is Ibrahimovic a player that you have watched a lot of and what have you learnt, if anything, from his game that you bring to your own?

“He’s obviously a fantastic player who has played throughout all of the top leagues around the world, and he’s been successful in them all, so he’s a player that I can definitely learn from.

“He looks like a great professional both on and off the pitch, he obviously works hard and keeps himself in good shape – he’s at an age now where not many players are able to continue and he’s doing as well as he was 10 years ago.

“He’s a player that I can definitely learn from and it’s great to have him in the Premier League.”

Harry Kane was speaking ahead of the launch of FIFA 17. For more information on the release of FIFA 17 on 29th September, head to https://www.easports.com/uk

/fifa

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Pressure from the media is a given in any high profile position wherever you are on the planet. Well, perhaps not in North Korea.The British media, particularly the tabloids, is renowned for being among the most ferocious in the world. Wrestling down any figure they take a dislike to with any manner of underhand tactics and typically pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in pursuit of finding what it is they really want: the dirt.National teams should accept that unattainable expectations are just part of the gig, but with the British press, it’s often more than that. The immediacy with which they leap to ’embarrassment’ or ‘cowardice’ continually makes negative columns a far more personal issue. The suggestion we hear from the media so regularly is that the players do not care. And perhaps some don’t: some might not be fussed about any of the ‘Three Lions’ nonsense, but we can be pretty damn sure that the majority were hurt by the defeat to Iceland just as much as anyone – probably more.For the players it is an issue of having their professionalism questioned. To suggest they don’t care or don’t try is quite a monumental accusation. Some of this is because the players aren’t as good as the media themselves want to believe, while some is because of deeper-running issues throughout the game. It is evident an overhaul is needed from grassroots through to the top flight, but that sort of bigger picture is harder to slap into a headline.

When it comes to England managers, it gets even more personal. From Graham Taylor’s humiliation across the papers in the 1990s to the attacks on Steve McClaren and Roy Hodgson more recently, few jobs in the world face the same level of mockery. Even someÂdeceitful UK politicians don’t garner the same ugly attention as the manager of the national team.

There are, of course, gargantuan questions to be asked of the England team, but it is not sound analysis that leads the way in the most-read publications. On the whole it is blighted by focus on the peripheral, the politics of the team and finding obscure reasons to harm a manager.

The downfall of Sam Allardyce was down to exceptional journalism, but the press’ reaction to Gareth Southgate has shown the true colours beneath the surface. Determined to assassinate his character and delve for any tool which can be usedÂto humiliate him, there is a particular hunger for a story that makes managing the national team as pressurised a job as there is in the entire country.

The media are not there to support the national team without question. Far from it – they are there to ask questions and hold power to account. Their approach, however, does make it significantly more challenging to manage the team. Some of the stories printed about Gareth Southgate just make you ask, ‘who cares?!’ rather than raising any genuine points of debate.

If the England football team is to become a realistic force in international football, it’s not just the press that needs to change. Clearly there are other, arguably bigger, issues. But the pressure placed on the manager, and the insatiable need to paint the national team in a bad light doesn’t help. It does muchÂmore harm than it does good.

Another weekend, another fine dose of Premier League action.It kicked off with Manchester City’s difficult trip to Turf Moor, in which they eventually beat Burnley 2-1 through a Sergio Aguero brace, continued with a spate of bitter-fought 3pms, not least including Swansea and Crystal Palace’s nine-goal thriller at the Liberty Stadium, and ended with Chelsea completing an impressive two-goal comeback against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur – and that was only Saturday!Indeed, Sunday didn’t disappoint either, as Stoke claimed an away win over Watford, Southampton took some retribution on Ronald Koeman and his Everton side, Arsenal convincingly swatted away Bournemouth and West Ham held Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford.The footballing world has gone statistics mad over the last few years and FootballFanCast are no different – in fact, there’s nothing we enjoy more than unearthing a few anomalous gems from a marathon of number crunching.With that in mind, here’s a rundown of the most shocking statistics from all the weekend’s action, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham featuring prominently.

United’s home hoodoo

Old Trafford was once the Premier League’s greatest fortress but the Red Devils are currently 10th in the away table following a 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday. And whilst they’ve not been too shabby at the back, they’re struggling to produce at the other end of the pitch, netting just thrice in front of the United faithful since the start of October. Unfortunately for Jose Mourinho, this isn’t the only United home stat to feature in this week’s edition.

What do Milner & Heskey have in common?

A trivia question that’s sure to pop up in at least one pub quiz (especially if you frequent Merseyside taverns) in your life-time; what do Emile Heskey and James Milner have in common? Aside from representing Liverpool, Aston Villa and England, the former striker and the midfielder-come-left-back have both netted against Sunderland for five different clubs. Extra points for naming all ten of them!

Dazzling Zaha

He may ply his trade with the Premier League’s whipping boys of 2016, who endured yet another defeat on Saturday, but Wilfried Zaha’s performances on the wing have been borderline electric. Indeed, the Crystal Palace star is not only the best dribbler in the Premier League this season but also the rest of Europe’s top five leagues. He’s also bagged one goal and four assists in his last five league outings – including one strike and one set-up (albeit, for an own goal) in the nine-goal thriller with Swansea on Saturday.

Badboy Mourinho

Jose Mourinho’s endured a frustrating start to his Manchester United career and no statistic epitomises that better than the one above. Indeed, Mourinho has seen more sendings off than victories at Old Trafford this season, including his dismissal on Sunday. The Portuguese protested a Paul Pogba booking for diving by kicking a water bottle down the touchline – something referee John Moss didn’t look upon too kindly.

Diego’s different side

We’re all aware of Diego Costa’s pedigree in front of goal. In fact, he’s the Premier Leagues joint-leading goalscorer this season alongside Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (more on him later). But the Spaniard’s ability to bring others in the game perhaps goes unnoticed; he set up Chelsea’s winner against Spurs on Saturday with a low cross to Victor Moses, making him the Premier League’s third-top supplier throughout 2016 after Dimitri Payet and Christian Eriksen – two midfielders who are expected to create.

Metronomic Hendo

Jordan Henderson’s been like a man reborn since taking the anchoring role in Liverpool’s midfield. Whilst his energy and aggression have proved ruthlessly efficient in winning the ball back, what the Reds skipper’s done with it afterwards has been equally impressive. No Premier League player has completed more passes this season and the England international now ranks second and first for number of passes completed in a single appearance, after another afternoon of dictating play against Sunderland on Saturday.

Amazing Aguero

As previously mentioned, Sergio Aguero is the Premier League’s joint-top scorer with ten goals, increasing his tally against Burnley on Saturday with a brace at Turf Moor. Accordingly, the Argentine magician has now scored against 29 of the 30 teams he’s played in the top flight. Name the only club he hasn’t scored against to win a coconut!

Red Devils record

We told you Manchester United’s home record would be analysed once again and these statistics really put it into perspective. Jose Mourinho is now the unfortunate owner of an unwelcome Premier League record – and is the first Red Devils gaffer to draw four consecutive home fixtures since David Sexton. He was forced to watch from the stands as West Ham claimed a 1-1 draw on Sunday, with goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovich and Diafra Sakho.

He scores, he wins

It’s that lad Jimmy Milner once again, following another strike from the penalty spot to help secure Liverpool a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday. Incredibly, the ad hoc left-back has never lost a Premier League fixture in which he’s scored, a record now spanning a whopping 45 games. So if Milner scoring equals Âa win, or at the very least a draw, should Jurgen Klopp stick the former England man up front from now on?

Spurs streak

Tottenham’s dreadful form at Stamford Bridge continued on Saturday as Chelsea completed a comeback to secure an invaluable 2-1 victory, maintaining their place at the top of the Premier League table. Spurs’ woeful record in west London is notorious – to the extent that only six members of their youthful squad were alive the last time the Lilywhites took all three points from the Bridge. Meanwhile, Saturday’s win saw Spurs become the team Chelsea have beaten the most throughout Premier League history.

Slaven’s secret club

Slaven Bilic’s been thrown plenty of criticism this season, with his Hammers side currently just one point above the relegation zone. But you can’t fault the Serbian’s record against Manchester United; following two draws during his debut campaign as Hammers boss, Bilic extended his unbeaten run versus the Red Devils to three on Sunday. Only eleven managers throughout the Premier League have managed the same feat – putting the Irons boss in a very exclusive club.

Arsenal super-sub

Whilst some still doubt Arsenal’s title credentials, there’s no doubt Arsene Wenger’s late summer spending spree has added fantastic depth to his squad. Nobody’s proving that more than Olivier Giroud, who continued to produce the goods from the bench on Sunday with an assist for Alexis Sanchez’s second strike against Bournemouth, drilling the ball in front of goal to allow the Chilean a simple tap in. He may be miffed about the lack of game time, but the Frenchman is emerging as an incredibly effective impact sub for the north Londoners.

Unwelcome feat

Whilst Olivier Giourd is producing at the other end, the north Londoners still have work to do defensively. Nacho Monreal conceded a penalty against Bournemouth to mark the first time Arsenal have done so in consecutive home fixtures throughout the history of the Premier League. Incredibly, the Spaniard nearly gave away a second against the Cherries with a suspicious hand ball, but referee Mike Jones refrained from issuing a spot kick.