Prem 5 things: Tottenham’s title tilt & Man United’s weak link

Wagner set his side up in a 4-1-4-1 system which stifled United’s frontline, and hit them on the break. The skill and finishing of Aaron Mooy proved vital. But so did the pace and trickery of Tom Ince, and the relentless energy throughout the Town side.

Even when United recovered to make it 2-1, the Terriers didn’t buckle, allowing United possession without enabling them to get in behind the backline. A smart plan superbly executed.

Tottenham could be City’s biggest challengers

While the Red Devils faltered, Tottenham underlined their credentials as title challengers with an imperious 4-1 victory over Liverpool. Having failed to beat the Reds in nine previous meetings, Spurs rectified that stat in impressive fashion.

The unstoppable Harry Kane bagged two goals, with Dele Alli and Son-Heung Min also registering to down Jurgen Klopp’s men. While the hosts didn’t dominate play at Wembley, the clinical nature of their attacking play underlined the ruthless streak that a title-winning side require.

Having laughed off pre-season talk of a Wembley hoodoo with four wins and a draw from their past five home games, Pochettino’s men could well prove Manchester City’s most serious foes in the title race.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men head to Old Trafford on Saturday looking for a fifth league win in succession. Based on the pair’s recent form, Tottenham to Win looks good value for victory at 23/10.

Baggies must rectify goal drought

Tony Pulis’ sides have never been renowned for playing the most expansive football. However, West Bromwich Albion’s current failure to find the net will concern even the most optimistic Baggies fan.

The West Midlands outfit failed to find the net for the third time in five games in Saturday’s visit to Southampton. Despite a reasonably forgiving run of fixtures, the Baggies have continued to struggle for goals – recording just seven in nine league games.

No player has managed more than two goals in all competitions for WBA this term. And nobody looked like scoring for the visitors at St Mary’s, as they recorded just two shots on target. January reinforcements look to be needed at The Hawthorns.

End of the road looks near for Koeman

After a promising seventh-placed finish with 61 points last term, Ronald Koeman’s stock with Everton fans was high. But it’s come crashing down this season, with pressure mounting on the Dutchman. He’s now just 1/3 to be the Next Prem Manager to Leave.

The issues are many. The money reaped from the sale of Romelu Lukaku has been reinvested poorly. Gylfi Sigurdsson is yet to score in seven league games. £24m man Davy Klaassen is yet to manage even an assist from attacking midfield, while striker Sandro Ramirez has been virtually invisible in his 11 outings to date.

With Koeman’s side looking unbalanced in midfield, ropey at the back and toothless up front, their current spot in 18^th place is entirely deserved. Shipping five goals in a 5-2 home loss to Arsenal on Saturday was – if remarkable – hardly a huge surprise.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing