EPL 2016-17: 5 things we learnt from this Saturday
Theo Walcott is on fire. Manchester City are starting to looking leggy and tired. West Ham are in the process of developing some gumption while Sunderland look doomed already. There are so many things to talk about from this Saturday's exciting Premier League encounters. David Moyes, please read this. It will help you save your job.
#1 Christian Benteke deserves Crystal Palace
Brilliant on one match day and average in the next. The lack of consistency is why Benteke did not make it at Liverpool. His fans will point out to the fact that the system in Liverpool did not suit the big Belgian. They may also point to the fact that the man hardly got a consistent run out at Anfield. However, it is getting clearer and clearer that the striker has not developed into the world beater he should have been by now yet.
Both Benteke and Crystal Palace struggled against a resolute West Ham defence. The lack of creativity in midfield was apparent for all to see. To his credit, the forward never gave up. But there was never a moment in the game where one thought, ‘Benteke can turn this game around himself.’ He did give it his all and did well to win the penalty. But there was never a period where Benteke looked like he would unlock the door West Ham kept closed through the evening.
Ten goals from thirty-six games for Liverpool never made for good reading. Three in five for Palace do, so far. But here is a limited striker playing for a limited team and unfortunately for all concerned, this looks like Benteke's peak. Pity, because this was a footballer who should have been destined for bigger and better things.