Danny Higginbotham: Liverpool desperately miss Adam Lallana and Spurs reap benefits of training regime
SUNSPORT’S Danny Higginbotham gives his expert analysis on the weekend’s top-flight action...
LALLANA CAN AD SO MUCH
The common factor in the last two games Liverpool failed to win — the goalless draws against Manchester United and Southampton — was that Adam Lallana did not start either.
He is a big player for Jurgen Klopp and the German will not want him out for long.
Liverpool’s front three are outstanding — but Lallana adds something extra.
Klopp said after the draw at St Mary’s that the England man will be missing for two to three weeks. All Anfield fans will be desperate it is at the lower end of his projections.
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DOUBLE VISION
Tottenham remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League — and once again they came from behind.
Mauricio Pochettino was one of few managers last season who had his players training twice a day, but that fitness is now telling for them.
So far this season they have trailed yet still got something from games against Liverpool, West Brom, Arsenal and now West Ham. That ability to dig deep and grab late points is a huge asset.
It means they retain belief until the very end — and Harry Kane’s spot-kick winner will have intensified that feeling.
FOXES’ BLURRED FOCUS
Leicester are concentrating on the Champions League this season — and their Premier League results prove it.
In the five weekends before European matches this season they have lost four and drawn one. The Foxes are only two points off the bottom three.
But Leicester fans should not be too concerned. Their results will pick up when the Champions League takes a break.
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VALENCIA RIGHT ON HIS GAME
Antonio Valencia’s return from injury made a big difference to Manchester United.
The Ecuador ace is underrated and makes a difference to United’s right wing. With Juan Mata playing narrow on that side, the onus is now on Valencia to give the width and they have a great relationship.
MOYES THE BIG VICTOR
Sunderland have scored five in their last two games — having only scored five in the previous eight.
Getting Jermain Defoe the support he needed from Victor Anichebe has enabled this to happen and also given a breather to the back four.
Under-pressure David Moyes was desperate for a first clean sheet of the season.
Finally managing to stay unbreached at the back as part of that crucial win over Hull has given Moyes’ team — and the long-suffering Wearside fans — genuine belief that they can escape the drop zone.