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The teams are out at Villa Park, Dean Court, the Amex, St James’ Park and Carrow Road. We’ll be off in a minute. But while we wait, here’s Paul Wilson’s take on the early kick-off, the non-event at Goodison that leaves Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta with plenty to think about.
Related: Everton and Arsenal show Ancelotti and Arteta challenges ahead
The Arsenal representative of the Observer’s fan network isn’t totally convinced about the appointment of Mikel Arteta. Though it’s safe to say that, with the sum total of zero matches played under his yoke so far, the jury is very much still out. “It has been strange, in the context of Arteta’s appointment, to again hear many people talk of the appointment of untested young ex-players as managers, as if this was unusual,” notes David Reynolds. “It seems to me this has always been standard practice. To take three rather notable examples, Brain Clough got the Derby job at 32, Bill Nicholson got the Spurs job at 39, and Alf Ramsay the Ipswich job at 34. All were league champions at these clubs within a few years.”
Related: Premier League fans’ half-term reports. Part one: Arsenal to Liverpool
Written by Scott Murray
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/dec/21/aston-villa-v-southampton-newcastle-v-crystal-palace-and-more-live under the title “Aston Villa v Southampton, Newcastle v Crystal Palace and more – live!”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
