THE RACE TO DISMISSAL

The EPL has been on for six weeks now filled with drama, upsets, controversies, and utter shockers. With only six games in, only two teams are yet to taste defeat in the league. One of them is the defending champion while the other had one of the best and most coordinated transfer businesses.

Many teams are already unexpectedly floundering and failing to impress. The race for the soul of the title might not yet have formed but that of dismissal has already started with one manager already falling victim of the guillotine.

This article is an attempt to evaluate the race for the next manager to become jobless in the premier league and join Scott Parker in the football labour market.

FRANK LAMPARD (EVERTON)

The former England international was expected to rebuild his managerial career after his not-so-impressive stint at Chelsea. The former Derby County manager has struggled to put together a cohesive and effective team so far this season.

Everton are yet to record a win this term with Saturday's stalemate against city rivals Liverpool their 4th straight draw in six matches. The rest two being losses against Aston Villa and Chelsea in their first two weeks of the season.

It might be said to have been some kind of steadying of the ship since their first two match day losses. The team has been disjointed and lacked bite in attack, with the injury to Calvert-Lewin depriving them of their most potent attacking outlet.

The acquisition of Neil Maupay is expected to paper over that crack and ensure that Anthony Gordon reverts to midfield. The draw against Liverpool seems to have bought the Englishman an extra time to try and drag them out of their current drab from their lowly 16th position before the get embroiled in a relegation battle just like last season.

STEVE COOPER (NOTTINGHAM FOREST)

The newly promoted team has gone on a spending spree in the transfer market bringing in a record 21 new players. That's one player short of two full teams. Whether it's the club hierarchy's idea or that of the manager, it would take a magic wand from the coach to fix them in time to compete.

The team currently occupies the 19th position on the table with just one win and one draw and four losses in six games so far. The team are on a 3 game losing streak where they've conceded 11 goals and scoring only 2. More worrying is the manner which they lost a 2 goal lead against a struggling Bournemouth at home, losing the game 2-3.

Cooper can only hope that the club hierarchy can be patient enough for him to blend 21 strangers into an efficient machine.

BRENDAN RODGERS (LEICESTER CITY)

Brendan is arguably the best on the list and at the same time the most probable to get the next axe. The foxes are unexpectedly occupying the foot of the table after failing to win any of their first six games of the season, managing only one draw and 5 losses.

The former Swansea and Liverpool manager saw some of his best players in Schmeichel and Fofana leave the king power with only replacements brought in.

There seems to be a sense of stagnation in a team that boasts quality players but very little competition. The lack of fresh breath in the team has riled up the manager and his cause won't be helped by his recent outburst about his frustrations stemming from a lack of investment from the club's hierarchy.

It would be a miracle if he is still in the home dugout at king power if they fail to pick maximum points in their next game against Aston Villa.

STEVEN GERRARD (ASTON VILLA)

Another Englishman struggling to find a working formula for his team. There were high hopes for the Liverpool legend after his fantastic work at Rangers to dethrone Celtics and bring the title back to Glasgow. He was expected to replicate such a transformation at Aston Villa and get them competing again.

But the reality has been different, the manager has been struggling to find a balance for a team that looks talented and competitive on paper. The manager has only been able to inspire one win and a draw so far in the league with the team languishing in 17th position, just a place below his compatriot.

With the way he was backed in the transfer market and the kind of business they did, a lot was expected of Aston Villa and Gerrard, but so far its been downtrodden since the opening week loss to newboys Bournemouth. Just like his colleague in Merseyside, the draw against Man City at the weekend seems to have bought him extra time.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

First honourable mention goes to David Moyes who's Westham are has been struggling this term and languishing in the relegation places. The only reason he missed the main list being that he has premier league experience, has the team and is likely to be backed to get them out of the tailspin considering their performance last season.

Another one here is Thomas Tuchel, the Chelsea manager. Some might not agree on this but with disjointed and chaotic nature of their performances and their reputation with managers, it wouldn't be out of place if Tuchel is back in the labour market by the time the world cup comes up.

Football is an unforgiving game where memories are ephemeral and the management and fans are much more concerned with the immediate. All these guys are engulfed in a race for who will be dismissed next depending on who can be most consistent with being terrible.

Cover Image edited Canva using free elements

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