Paper Talk: Time up for Solskjaer, Jota at Liverpool and Havertz struggling for Chelsea

The biggest football stories this week, unpacked.

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PAPER TALK: What's going on in the football world right now?

Time up for Solskjaer?

 

 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester United Mauricio Pochettino.UNDER PRESSURE: Back to back defeats have cast doubts over Solskjaer's ability.

 

Such baffling inconsistency has become the hallmark of Solskjaer’s time at United. Fans can be wise after an event but the day after Istanbul Basaksehir beat United 2-1, none of us were any better informed. A week ago, Solskjaer was being lauded for doing a shrewd tactical job at home to an RB Leipzig team who were top of the Bundesliga at the time and went unbeaten away in their run to the Champions League semi-final last season. The strange thing is, it’s pretty hard these days to lose at Old Trafford, where United have picked up one point in four Premier League games with a goal difference of -8.

Andy Mitten

 

 

 

A week ago, fans who wanted Solskjaer out were being ridiculed for being fickle and feckless. Now they’re taken seriously.
Andy Mitten
-
for The Athletic

 

 

 

 

 

That horrendous defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir felt like things have turned a corner for Manchester United, and not a good one. Many fans have been vehement in their defence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the prevailing opinion seems to have turned against him. The availability of Mauricio Pochettino has no doubt sped the process up. Manchester United know he won't be available forever. Would he actually make any difference though? Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho both have incredible pedigree and they couldn't lift United. A defeat against Everton could be the last straw for the Norwegian. 

Verdict: Pochettino will likely be the United manager by the end of the season, but he might not fix everything.

 

 

 

Jota replacing Firmino?

 

 

Diogo Jota Liverpool FirminoIMPACT: Diogo Jota has proved to be the difference in many games for Liverpool this season.

 

The Brazil international's place in the side has been brought into focus because of the form of summer signing Diogo Jota, who has scored seven goals in 10 matches, including a Champions League hat-trick in midweek.
His form is unbelievable, his settling on Merseyside seamless despite the complications of a packed schedule disrupted by international breaks and a rise in players testing positive for coronavirus.

The Independent

 

 

 

I think through our team back to front, with the kids we have too, and the club have done an outstanding job with recruitment and the academy.
Jordan Henderson
-
on Liverpool's recruitment.

 

 

 

 

For a little while now people have been able to see that Roberto Firmino isn't quite on the same level as Sadio Mane and Mo Salah. He's still of course a fantastic and important player for Liverpool. The signing and recent form of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota has suggested Firmino might be forced out the starting 11. What is probably more likely is that Liverpool finally have quality depth upfront. This means Klopp can start to rotate his forwards much more regularly than he used to, and keep players fresh for when it matters. 

Verdict: Expect Firmino to play a little less this season, but it's not necessarily a reflection on his quality.

 

 

Havertz struggling?

 

 

Kai Havertz ChelseaWARMING UP: Havertz's Chelsea form is likely to improve as the season continues.

 

At Leverkusen, he was averaging more defensive pressures in the final third, more touches in the opposition box and fewer in his own defensive third than he has so far at Chelsea. He was also attempting more shots and creating more chances, while his expected goals rate and assist numbers were higher, most likely helped by a supply line of passes from central midfielders Kerem Demirbay, Charles Aranguiz and Nadiem Amiri. The form of Chelsea's central midfielders - particularly how progressive they have been with the ball - has been questioned by some this season. Could Lampard call on the likes of Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, to help unlock Havertz's potential?

Raj Chohan

 

 

If Lampard can find the right combination of midfielders and attackers, Chelsea can be hopeful of seeing the Bundesliga version Havertz shine for them this season.
Raj Chohan
-
for BBC Sport

 

 

 

 

Suggestions that Kai Havertz is struggling at Chelsea seem premature. A very small amount of football has been played so far this season, and even then he's looked like a quality player. Chelsea have struggled a little for consistency, which won't have helped the creative midfielder. He's picked up four goals, and seems to be linking well with his compatriot Timo Werner. It's a steady start, but there's no doubt that £71 million price tag is heavy on the 21-year-old's shoulders. 

Verdict: Perhaps he'll take longer than some expected, but Havertz will flourish at Chelsea.

Your say

Do you think Solskjaer can turn it around? Are Firmino's days at Liverpool numbered? Will Havertz warrant the big fee?

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