Kicking Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez is the only way to stop him... and Chelsea should consider Eddie Howe for job if Antonio Conte leaves

Alexis Sanchez is only three games into his Manchester United career but has already been fouled 15 times. When you take into account his time on the pitch, that works out as a foul every 17 minutes.

Against Huddersfield alone he was fouled seven times, the most for a single player in a Premier League game this season. Are opponents deliberately targeting the Premier League's best-paid player?

Players are not going out to kick Sanchez because he earns £600,000 a week. It is simply because nobody can get near enough to get the ball off him!

Against Huddersfield alone, Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez was fouled seven times

Against Huddersfield alone, Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez was fouled seven times

When Sanchez is at his best he is on a mission, running with the ball and terrorising defenders

When Sanchez is at his best he is on a mission, running with the ball and terrorising defenders

When Sanchez is at his best he is on a mission, running with the ball and terrorising defenders. Luis Suarez was similar — when you get on the ball and into those dangerous positions, you are more likely to be fouled.


It is no coincidence that Sanchez was fouled just four times in his last three games for Arsenal. His head was turned by the prospect of a move and he lacked the desire to get on the ball.

What this shows is how much Sanchez wants to impress the Manchester United fans. He has got back that devilment which made the Arsenal supporters fall in love with him.

When Sanchez signed, I said he was born to play for United. It will not take him long to win over their fans, too.

Sanchez converted the rebound after missing from the penalty spot to score first United goal

Sanchez converted the rebound after missing from the penalty spot to score first United goal

Sanchez wants to impress the Manchester United supporters - and he proved that on Saturday

Sanchez wants to impress the Manchester United supporters - and he proved that on Saturday

 

Arsenal made the best of a bad situation in the transfer window. Even at £56million, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a snip. He is one of the world's best forwards and has the potential to become a true Arsenal great.

As sensational as Arsenal were against Everton, though, it is far too early to say they have turned a corner. 

If they want to be a great team, they must find the desire and aggression that will make them hard to beat away from home. Their resolve will be well and truly tested against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday. 

Arsenal still need a defensive midfielder who can perform the role Fernandinho fulfils at Manchester City. Their back four still does not look capable of consistently keeping clean sheets.

Yes, this was an improvement. But the challenge for Arsene Wenger is to build a team who can deliver these wonderful performances every week.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a debut goal for Arsenal as they thrashed Everton 5-1 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a debut goal for Arsenal as they thrashed Everton 5-1 

 

Why Eddie's ready for a top-six club

When Bournemouth fell behind to Stoke, it seemed inevitable that they would battle back.

Eddie Howe has instilled a real belief and will to win in his side. After a rocky start to the season, they are now seven Premier League games unbeaten and seven points above the relegation zone.

Another top-half finish is not out of the question and it would only highlight what a remarkable job he has done at this club. For me, Eddie is ready to manage a top-six side.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has instilled a real belief and will to win in his side

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has instilled a real belief and will to win in his side

It looks like Antonio Conte is clinging to the Chelsea job by his fingertips. If the club make a change this summer, why not go for Eddie?

The time will come when Howe feels he has outgrown Bournemouth and he is more than capable of becoming Chelsea's first permanent British manager since Glenn Hoddle in 1996.

Eddie likes to have consistency and continuity. For that reason, maybe the Arsenal job would be a better fit once Arsene Wenger decides to leave, but it would be difficult for him to turn down Chelsea should the opportunity arise.

For any owner, Eddie Howe ticks every box.

It looks like Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is clinging to the job by his fingertips

It looks like Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is clinging to the job by his fingertips

 

He may have joined just before January but the best arrival this winter was Carlos Carvalhal at Swansea. He has given them a fighting chance of staying up. 

On Boxing Day, before Carvalhal arrived, I remember watching Jordan Ayew have a rotten game as Swansea were hammered 5-0 at Liverpool. Now he has three goals in six league games. 

Carvalhal has also made the shrewd move of signing Jordan's brother, Andre. You give your all for your sibling and that will only enhance Swansea's battling qualities. 

Those will be crucial in this incredibly tight battle at the bottom — especially given the injuries to Wilfried Bony and Leroy Fer.

He may have joined before January but best arrival this winter was Swansea's Carlos Carvalhal

He may have joined before January but best arrival this winter was Swansea's Carlos Carvalhal

 

I loved how James Ward-Prowse had the courage to take that free-kick for Southampton at West Brom despite demands from Sofiane Boufal that he should have a go.

Robbie Fowler always used to try to take free-kicks off me at Liverpool. Fans don't like to see team-mates squabbling and it puts you under even more pressure to score. 

It was great that Ward-Prowse backed himself. He is becoming deadly from set-pieces and deserves immense credit for winning over Mauricio Pellegrino and becoming a mainstay in the side.

James Ward-Prowse scored Southampton's winner  as they secured a vital win at West Brom

James Ward-Prowse scored Southampton's winner as they secured a vital win at West Brom

 

Don't ruin your Leicester legacy, Riyad 

I get why Riyad Mahrez is feeling aggrieved. Moving to Manchester City was the opportunity of a lifetime but Leicester priced him out of the market.

Mahrez will have seen Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante leave and wonder why he is not being given the same opportunity. But I do not condone a player going on strike. 

If Mahrez continues to declare himself unavailable, he risks ruining his reputation and legacy at Leicester. As hard as it will be, he needs to be a team player, train hard and give everything to the cause.

If he keeps performing, the big clubs will come calling again this summer.

Riyad Mahrez has not been seen by Leicester since his proposed move to Man City collapsed

Riyad Mahrez has not been seen by Leicester since his proposed move to Man City collapsed