There was no immediate uplift for Crystal Palace at Arsenal after Patrick Vieira‘s sacking, but was there ever going to be?
I’ve been around football long enough to know that nothing should come as a surprise, but I still can’t get my head around this decision. Yes, they have been on a bad run. Yes, it was shambolic in his final three games as Palace didn’t manage a shot on target.
But there is no way Patrick would have taken them down and nothing makes sense about the owners getting rid of him in the middle of March. Palace have to play all eight teams below them so there’s every reason to think they would have got enough points.
Patrick is one of the most charismatic people I played alongside. He will get another chance somewhere but I’ve been concerned about how things have gone for him and his peers.
Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker, like Patrick, were all touted as players who would become managers. They are talented and I hope owners do not think they are a gamble after their experiences at Everton, Villa and Club Brugge.
Crystal Palace’s slump continued on Sunday after being thrashed by league leaders Arsenal
Patrick Vieira’s sacking does not make sense as the Frenchman would have kept the club up
Erling Haaland continues to score
An audience with Erling Haaland last Tuesday proved, yet again, you do not let Thierry Henry down.
After his incredible five goals for Manchester City against RB Leipzig, Haaland was brought to our CBS Sports desk for a post-match interview, but we thought he may arrive with his guard up.
As soon as Erling laid eyes on Thierry, however, that wasn’t going to be an issue.
He was clearly in awe and when Thierry asked: ‘What do you feel you need to do improve?’ the floodgates opened, as he handed Haaland the chance to take responsibility.
‘There’s so much I can improve,’ he insisted. ‘My link-up play, shooting with my right foot — everything.’
‘That’s exactly what I wanted to hear,’ Thierry replied.
For the record, Thierry believes the Norwegian goal machine is one of the best finishers he has ever seen.
It is staggering to think what Haaland might become when absolutely everything clicks.
An audience with Erling Haaland last proved, yet again, you do not let Thierry Henry down
It is staggering to think what Haaland might become when absolutely everything clicks
I loved Conte’s rant
Why has Antonio Conte been criticised for his eruption at Southampton? When managers dance…