TT's Prem Opinions - October 3

03 October 2010 21:10
TEAMtalk's James Marshment has his say on the best of Sunday's action with Drogba, Ramires, Hodgson and Johnson under the microscope.[LNB] Beware of the Drog[LNB]Didier Drogba is quite simply the best striker in the world today. When he is on top of his game, he is simply unplayable and his form since Carlo Ancelotti took charge at Stamford Bridge has been nothing short of exceptional.[LNB]Long may he continue to ply his trade in England, because he's currently on target (in my book) to nudge out the likes of Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer and Eric Cantona from the Premier League's best-ever striker list. And if there's a harder opponent that defenders in this country have ever faced, I'm yet to see him.[LNB]Rampant Ramires the midfield maestro[LNB]We've all (quite rightly) been marvelling at the brilliance that Rafael van der Vaart has brought to Tottenham this season and he is, so far, probably proving to be the best new addition to our league this summer.[LNB]In very close competition though is Chelsea's Brazilian powerhouse midfielder Ramires. Born in Rio de Janeiro, the 23-year-old is possibly one of the most un-Brazilian footballers of this, or any, generation. But the former Benfica star has made a seemless transition to the Premier League and his tackling, tenacity and all-round influence in midfield is reminiscent of Patrick Vieira at his very best. [LNB]Reds won't hang Hodgson out to dry[LNB]I genuinely cannot believe the venom from Liverpool fans aimed at their own Roy Hodgson on this forum this evening. OK, the club's position in the bottom three is an embarrassment and an absolute disgrace, but to demand his removal from the hotseat would surely only serve to make matters worse. What Liverpool supporters have to realise is that there is no way you will go down this season, I don't care what anyone says.[LNB]But what is apparent is that Hodgson has now made his position ever-more precarious after Sunday's unacceptable home defeat to Blackpool. Every decision, every selection, every tactical move is now going to come under the microscope like never before.[LNB]However, and I refer to my blog from 10 days ago - Hodgson will get things right for the Reds. He just needs time....whether Liverpool fans afford him that looks doubtful to say the least.[LNB]A word of caution though for those fans who already want the Reds to hang Hodgson out to dry: When was the last time you saw Liverpool sack their manager? That's right - they don't sack their managers. That's just not the Liverpool way. Time will tell if they buck that trend with Hodgson, but (by tradition at least) the Merseysiders have always done things with dignity and allowed their managers the chance to walk away with their heads held high and (seemingly) on their own free will.[LNB]AJ a certain starter for City[LNB]Adam Johnson is in quite brilliant form of late, but how he's not a guaranteed starter for City week-in, week-out is beyond me. His ability to take players on, produce a killer pass - or as today proved - find the bottom corner - is a gift not too many players are gifted with; he's great on the eye, that's for sure. I think one of the reasons why Roberto Mancini can't find a space for him (aside from the embarrassment of riches at City's disposal) is the Italian's insistence to play with three holding midfielders at home. That's all very well when Chelsea are the visitors to Eastlands, but surely one of Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry or Nigel de Jong must miss out when some of the Premier League's lesser lights are in town?

Source: Team_Talk