All eyes on Moyes and Potter as Premier League’s new subplots unfold

THE Premier League is taking a back seat this weekend as it makes way for the oldest cup competition in the world – the FA Cup.

While there were some lopsided victories for the big clubs, the game for this round undoubtedly belonged to Arsenal versus Manchester United at the Emirates.

For the second week in a row, United achieved the result Ruben Amorim wanted away from home, marking back-to-back positive results.

This United squad showed grit and determination to win against Arsenal on penalties.

Suddenly, with one positive result and a productive week of training, Amorim showed the potential of this team.

However, part of the blame lies with Arsenal for failing to take their chances. Despite some questionable refereeing decisions, Mikel Arteta’s squad failed to capitalise, with Martin Odegaard missing a crucial penalty.

Is this the beginning of the end for Arteta? His recent contract extension suggests otherwise, but discontent is brewing among the fanbase.

Even after 14 days of the January transfer window, Arteta and Arsenal’s management have yet to make a move for a number nine.

Kai Havertz appears to be struggling with an identity crisis in front of the goal, missing multiple chances against United. Fans are slowly turning against him as his struggles continue.

The problem is glaringly obvious, yet Arteta and the management have shown little urgency to address it.

Rumours suggest Arsenal are eyeing Nico Williams in this transfer window, but Williams is another wide forward – not the number nine the team desperately needs.

Will this indecisiveness come back to haunt the Gunners?

Another key talking point this weekend is the return of two Premier League managers. David Moyes has returned to Everton, while Graham Potter has taken charge at West Ham.

Moyes’ return carries sentimental value, while Potter’s comeback is the story of a manager seeking to rebuild his reputation after a disastrous stint at a big club.

Both Everton and West Ham are struggling in the bottom half of the league table and could fall into a relegation battle if results don’t improve, making these managerial changes crucial.

The Friedkin Group are taking a significant risk by rehiring Moyes. While he has a strong history with Everton and left on good terms with the previous management, questions remain about whether he still has what it takes to guide Everton to safety.

Football has evolved, and it remains uncertain if Moyes has the players to implement his style effectively. He left West Ham because fans disagreed with his pragmatic approach to the game, so will Evertonians embrace his methods for Premier League survival?

With Everton progressing to the next round of the FA Cup, Moyes might pull off a miracle by taking them deep into the competition.

After all, he has experience, having brought silverware to West Ham by winning the Europa Conference League.

Best of luck to Moyes – he’ll need it, especially under the Friedkin Group’s trigger-happy management style.

Just this year, AS Roma, another club owned by the group, have already gone through three managerial changes.

If Moyes faces an uphill battle, Potter’s challenge at West Ham is arguably even harder.

The expectation is that he will deliver results and implement the “West Ham way” – a style of play that is both entertaining and effective. This dual expectation reportedly led to Julen Lopetegui’s departure.

Looking at West Ham’s current squad, Potter has an excellent opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

Once considered a future England manager, his ill-fated tenure at Chelsea damaged his brand, making him far more selective in choosing his next role. Potter likely sees significant potential in the West Ham squad and believes he can mould them into a winning, entertaining team, much like his Brighton side.

West Ham could be an ideal club for Potter – they boast quality players, a rich history, and a passionate fanbase, without the relentless pressure of managing a club like Chelsea.

While Chelsea’s star players may not have responded to Potter’s methods, the West Ham squad just might.

With Potter’s ability to improve players, this could be a defining moment for talents like Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta to elevate their games.

Teams in the bottom half of the table should take note that the relegation battle just got more competitive with the arrivals of Moyes and Potter. Both Moyes and Potter, seasoned Premier League managers, have the experience of succeeding with their respective squads.

But the genuine test is whether they can prove they still have what it takes, or will the new generation of managers overshadow them.