Before a single kick off this season they were massive expectations from the two rival Merseyside clubs, Liverpool and Everton.
Everton, lead by David Moyes, would have had a large expectancy to do well this season after their past four of five seasons having been very promising. While Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool would have higher expectations after just missing out on the league title last season to Manchester United by just 4 points.
Will these men still be employed by there respective clubs come season’s end?
Rafa Benitez is really feeling the heat after his club has already dropped five games this term after just 15 starts, compared to last season going through the whole campaign with just losing two.
Adding to their woes are the financial limitations put on the club recently. Rafa has splashed the cash since his arrival at Anfield for no great return with the obvious exception of Liverpool’s dramatic Champions League win in 2005.
With all the new acquisitions since Rafa’s arrival there has been a failure to get a quality understudy for Fernando Torres. Since Torres’ injury this season Liverpool have struggled to find a focal point up front.
David N’Gog has shown glimpses but desperately needs support. A lack of goals is just one of several problems.
Since Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, Rafa’s side have looked unstable in the middle, with Alonso’s replacement Italian Alberto Aquilani yet to make a start due to injury.
However Yossi Benayoun has been much improved and impressive for the Reds. But the Brazilian Lucas and Argentine Mascherano have failed to support captain Steven Gerrard in creating in the final third.
And then there is the defence.
While on paper they look quite strong, they haven’t functioned well as a defensive unit. Difficult to point fingers because they are all culprits one way or another.
All in all if Liverpool’s season doesn’t turn around quick, Benitez I have no doubt will be replaced. There are rumours that Kenny Dalglish could be the next in line to take over.
With Liverpool not winning a league title since the Premier League started in 1992, the pressure is mounting on the Spanish manager from not only the board but the Liverpool faithful as well.
Over the last 5 seasons Everton have secured returns of 4th, 11th, 6th, 5th and once again 5th.
Good numbers considering the competition. However after 14 starts this season Moyes’ men sit at a dismal 16th. Hence the pressure now on Everton’s manager to get some results on the board.
Since Moyes arrived at Goodison park he has also spent reasonable amounts of cash to put together a strong outfit. But so far this season they haven’t looked as attractive as some of their lucrative paychecks.
Players like Jo, Yakubu, James Vaughan, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar have either been missing with injury or ability.
The surprise star for the toffees has been the criticised winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. When signed by Everton it was regarded as a bad move, well he has certainly silenced those critics.
Like his Merseyside counterpart Rafa Benitez, David Moyes could also be looking for a new role come season’s end. With the rejection of a new stadium recently, things have gone from bad to worse for the toffees.
My prediction is by May or June next year, Rafa Benitez will be gone from Liverpool’s helm, and David Moyes may hang on to his job for at least one more season. Best of luck to the two Merseyside managers. They are going need it.
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