1. Despite what some of their more hyperbole-prone fans may suggest, Liverpool are not title contenders

Today was evidence, if any were needed, that suggestions Liverpool can mount a title challenge this season are naive at best.

The Reds have undoubtedly improved under Brendan Rodgers and have exceeded expectations with their fantastic start to the season, but deservedly losing at home to an impressive Southampton outfit provided a reminder that the side are very much a work in progress.

The absence of Luis Suarez finally was finally properly felt, while the fact that they were desperately short of creativity suggested Philippe Coutinho could be almost as big a loss and exposed the lack of depth in their squad.

Such frailties indicate that a title challenge is beyond them, while even talk of a top-four finish looks fanciful — for all their individual brilliance, the team looks short in a few too many areas.

2. James McCarthy still finding his feet at Everton

As Ireland’s recent World Cup qualifiers illustrated, James McCarthy still has a long way to go before he can justifiably be compared to the great Irish midfielders of the past.

For all his promise — in the form of impressive athleticism and a level of composure on the ball arguably not rivalled by any Irish midfield player since Roy Keane — he still fails to dominate and impose himself upon games, as all good midfielders tend to do.

Moreover, it seems these reservations are shared by Everton, with the club yet to start the £14million man for either of the two league games for which he’s been available.

And to compound his woe, McCarthy made a negative impact when he came on today, conceding the penalty that gave West Ham the lead.

Fortunately for Everton and the youngster though, they still had enough time to turn the game around thereafter.

3. Leighton Baines looking like the best left-back in the league

YouTube credit: Fant Sportz

When it comes to full-backs, Everton are arguably unrivalled in the Premier League, with Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines both enjoying impressive seasons.

The England international today, in particular, emphasised his worth today.

Baines scored not one but two brilliant free-kicks, prompting a loud curse from all those Fantasy Football afficionados who unwisely left him out of their teams.

Consequently, on this form, it’s easy why Manchester United were so desperate to sign the player in the summer and in turn, why the Toffees were so keen on keeping him.

4. Chelsea shooting themselves in the foot with treatment of Mata

In many ways, football management is quite simple, with one of the basic rules being that you play your best players as often as possible.

Jose Mourinho appears to be breaking this concept for no good reason, as his treatment of Juan Mata attests.

The player was left out of the squad today, after reportedly criticising the team’s style during the week.

Yet even when a player’s morale is far from exemplary, it is, in most circumstances, wiser to persist with an individual who is widely considered to be among your best players — as United have done with Rooney.

Therefore, for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea to continue to ostracise Mata — as they have done this evening — is in absolutely no one’s best interest.

5. Robbie Brady coming of age

After a less-than-assured start, Hull City are finally beginning to look at ease in the Premier League, as today’s 3-2 win over Newcastle illustrated.

And one player has done more than most to kick-start Steve Bruce’s side’s season — Ireland’s Robbie Brady.

After scoring the winner in their last match, the winger was influential once again this afternoon, scoring the team’s first goal and setting up their second at St James’ Park.

Moreover, it provided another reminder of the folly of the Trapattoni regime and their continual ignorance of the exciting 21-year-old in favour of the decidedly more prosaic Jon Walters.

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