EPL Index
·12 November 2024
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·12 November 2024
The international break brings a momentary pause in the relentless pace of Premier League action, yet for many clubs near the bottom of the table, the clock is ticking louder than ever. Several teams, including Crystal Palace, Wolves, Leicester, and Southampton, are all nervously looking over their shoulders, with their positions in the Premier League under real threat. The struggle to stay afloat has put managers and players alike under immense scrutiny.
Having recently departed from West Ham after guiding them to Europa Conference League glory, David Moyes remains a free agent. His track record speaks volumes: he’s won the LMA Manager of the Year award multiple times, and his experience in the top flight could provide stability to teams facing relegation battles. Moyes himself has remained non-committal about a return, telling TalkSport, “I’ve had some really nice enquiries from clubs and countries as well at different times, but I’m just taking my time.”
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With clubs struggling to find form, it’s unsurprising that Moyes is reportedly on the radar of several Premier League sides. His experience and calm approach might be exactly what clubs like Crystal Palace and Southampton need to navigate these treacherous waters.
For newly promoted sides, the Premier League often feels like a different league entirely. Both Leicester and Southampton have discovered this the hard way. Steve Cooper, who replaced Enzo Maresca at Leicester, has had a rough initiation, but recent wins have lifted them to 15th. Southampton, under Russell Martin, has found life even harder, losing nine of their 11 matches with a staggering -14 goal difference.
The difference between the Championship and Premier League is stark, and both clubs must adapt quickly if they are to avoid an immediate return to the second tier. Yet, with the right adjustments and a few strategic wins, survival is still within reach for Leicester and Southampton.
Crystal Palace has faced an identity crisis since Oliver Glasner took over from Roy Hodgson. The departures of key players such as Michael Olise, Sam Johnstone, and Joachim Andersen have hit the club hard. Currently languishing in the relegation zone, Glasner’s challenge lies in rebuilding the team’s defensive resilience while instilling a renewed fighting spirit.
It’s clear that Palace’s woes are not just managerial but structural. Glasner’s experience in the Bundesliga may serve him well, but he’ll need to quickly adapt to the unique demands of the Premier League if the Eagles are to survive.
Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side sits in 19th place, having conceded 27 goals in just 11 matches – a worrying statistic for any manager. Despite a promising previous season with 46 points, the team has struggled to replicate that form. Defensive frailties have left them vulnerable, and O’Neil will need to find solutions quickly if he wants to steer Wolves out of danger.
The November break offers a brief respite and a crucial window for O’Neil to reassess his squad’s defensive organisation and inject some much-needed confidence into the team.
Concerned Fan Opinion: The relegation battle this season has an intensity that is already palpable, and for fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Clubs like Crystal Palace and Southampton are teetering, and the managerial changes have yet to produce the desired results. It’s a nerve-wracking time to be a fan, especially with David Moyes on the sidelines, waiting for the right offer.
Many supporters might feel Moyes could be the answer, bringing experience to clubs facing relegation, while others remain sceptical about whether a managerial change alone can reverse fortunes. The next few weeks are crucial, and as fans, we’re all waiting to see if our clubs can turn things around before it’s too late.
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