PL Heroes and Villains: Coutinho class and defiant Butland

Classy Coutinho

With Jurgen Klopp’s nurturing man management skills having helped his stars at Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian starlet Philippe Coutinho is one of his new players that is already benefiting from such coaching at Anfield.

The Reds attacker struck twice to earn Liverpool a 3-1 win over Chelsea, with Klopp, clearly ecstatic with his young forward’s performance, later asking: “Who doesn’t love Philippe Coutinho?!” Mourinho maybe?

Villains

Jose Mourinho

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ seems to be losing his control within the Blues set-up, despite an apparent backing from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. Mourinho bizarrely took to his post-match interview and replied to every question with a seemingly pointless, “I have nothing to say.”

He will need to revive his side’s fortunes swiftly, with the Blues currently sitting just three points adrift of the relegation places after 11 games played this campaign. Mourinho truly needs a special turnaround immediately and may have something to say if his side’s form continues.

Sunderland

Sam Allardyce arrived at the Stadium of Light in order to try and claw the Black Cats further up the table, but fortunes have continued in the same disastrous manner as under former coach Dick Advocaat.

The Wearside outfit lie second from bottom with just six points so far this term, can they survive a daunting drop down divisions? Odds of 7/4 says they can this term.

Manchester United

Under Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils have been an indifferent force this season, starting the campaign solidly then, more recently, struggling to kill off games and find the net.

A goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace during the weekend proved the club’s inability to carve openings and score goals at this early stage, with Wayne Rooney haplessly leading a futile attack each passing mundane matchday.

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