ALEX CROOK: Tales of the Unexpected

Our football ambassador ALEX CROOK is back with his latest Tales Of The Unexpected, highlighting five takeaways that might not have been expected from the Premier League weekend…

Anything that caught you by surprise over the weekend? Email content@starsportsbet.co.uk and we’ll include the best submissions in next week’s TOTU!

1⃣ BIG ANGE TALKS HIS WAY INTO TROUBLE

Ange Postecoglou has never been a manager to mince his words in press conferences.
However, I am not sure telling Nottingham Forest fans ‘I don’t have to be here’ after extending his winless run to seven matches is the best way to win hearts and minds.

After being taunted by chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ from his own supporters during the mid-week defeat at home to Danish minnows Midtylland, the pressure was already on Postecoglou.

His post-match comments will only add to the disconnect between manager and supporters, which could influence volatile owner Evangelos Marinakis’s decision on whether to stick or twist.

The October international break is traditionally a graveyard for Premier League managers, and it would not be the biggest shock in the world if Postecoglou became its latest victim after less than a month in charge.

⭐ LIVE To Be Relegated – Nottingham Forest 🌳
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2⃣ REECE JAMES FIRST NAME ON ENGLAND TEAMSHEET?

Chelsea fans still love Thomas Tuchel and he simply adores Reece James. Tuchel raised eyebrows when he first took over as England head coach by immediately recalling James despite his well-publicised injury issues in recent years.

As Liverpool picked up a statement win at home to Liverpool on Saturday, James showed exactly why Tuchel has so much faith in his Champions League winning defender.

Against the reigning champions, James topped the stats for tackles, defensive blocks, duels won and also made a number of key attacking contributions.

He also brings much-needed experience to the Blues’ young team.

IF he can stay fit, and that is a big if, I fully expect James to be one of the first names on Tuchel’s teamsheet at next summer’s World Cup.

⭐ LIVE Top Four Finish – Chelsea 🔵
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3⃣ ROBIN RAISES THE ROEFS

Of all the big-money strikers to pitch up in the Premier League this summer, not many of us predicted that Nick Woltemade would be the pick of them heading into the October international break.

Woltemade had been cruelly pilloried by several senior figures at Bayern Munich, mainly because he turned down a move to the German giants.

The giant front-man, with the Rudi Voller tache and lanky Peter Crouch physique, continued to prove his doubters wrong by slamming a penalty into the top corner to seal Newcastle’s 2-0 win at home to Forest.

Woltemade has now scored four goals in his first five games, and, much like Crouch, is clearly not fazed by missing chances, having misfired on a number of occasions before blasting into the roof of the net.

What chances he outscores the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko come the end of the season?

⭐ LIVE Top Scorer – Nick Woltemade 🇩🇪
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4⃣ DIAS CITY’S DIAMOND

Erling Haaland may have been Manchester City’s match-winner at Brentford on Sunday, but their star performer was at the other end of the pitch.

Last season was a struggle for Ruben Dias as he had to overcome a string of niggly injuries that hampered his search for top form.

This term the Portuguese international looks stronger and better than ever, exemplified by his flawless display at the Gtech.

As Brentford piled on the pressure after half-time, Dias was key to City surviving the Bees’ aerial bombardment and limiting the hosts to just one shot on target in the entire game.

As City’s defensive unit evolves, there is a reason why Dias remains a mainstay for Pep Guardiola.

⭐ LIVE Premier League Winner – Manchester City 🔵
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5⃣ VILLA’S FORGOTTEN MEN LIFT THE GLOOM

What a difference a fortnight makes for Aston Villa.

After failing to win any of their opening six games, Unai Emery’s have now clocked four straight victories in all competitions.

Central to their upturn in fortunes are two unlikely heroes in Emi Buendia and Donyell Malen.

Had Villa not blown Champions League qualification by losing at Manchester United on the final day last season, it is unlikely Buendia would still be at the club, let alone in the starting 11.

His contribution off the bench in last weekend’s win over Fulham and goal in Feyenoord in the Europa League in mid-week have played a massive part in Villa’s turnaround.

Malen also bounced back from the low of being omitted from Villa’s Champions League squad last season with a match-winning double at home to Burnley.

⭐ LIVE Top Half Finish – Aston Villa 🟣
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