Three things to look out for during this weekend's Premier League action

The pressure was on Arsenal on Monday night after they had been shifted down to third place following wins from Manchester City and Chelsea at the weekend. Arsene Wenger's men were able to triumph against Aston Villa, however, and returned to the top of the Premier League.

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Is Olivier Giroud An Unlikely Hero At Arsenal?

At times, Olivier Giroud may seem like the kind of centre forward to play for a Tony Pulis or Sam Allardyce side.  That statement intends no offence to the player or either manager, instead just reflecting an unavoidable point regarding the sheer physical power the striker possesses.

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Should Chelsea be worried? Never go back? A closer look

Jose Mourinho's long-awaited return to Chelsea flies in the face of all logic - be it in football or in personal relationships, the general rule for life is never to go back to an ex. Mourinho's new four-year contract is an extraordinary commitment, one that many suspect will not last the duration, but the intention is clear - things will be different this time, they promise! Let's have a look at some managers that tried to re-create the old magic.

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Hughes and Stoke a match made in heaven?

Mark Hughes famously walked out on Fulham in 2011, claiming the Cottagers didn’t match his ambition. Six months later he wound up at QPR, a recently promoted club struggling to retain their Premier League status. Ironically, Stoke City, a club Tony Pulis struggled in vain to get into the top half of the table, could be a perfect fit for Hughes.

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Did Tony Pulis deserve to go?

Stoke City have made the decision to part company with Tony Pulis after five seasons in the Premiership. The Welshman maintained a steady ship at the Britannia Stadium and the team always finished just below mid-table every year. Pundits and rival fans often criticised their direct style of play and physicality on the pitch, although their manager claimed that they were not just a bunch of thugs trying to intimidate opposition players, but that they were playing to their own strengths. Now that he has gone, can his time be viewed as a success or not?

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A closer look at the monotony in Stoke

As Tony Pulis' tenure as Stoke boss came to an arguably foreseeable end, was it the flirting with relegation that did it or have the Potters fans become tired of their teams style of play?

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The grass may not be greener for Stoke City

Stoke’s former boss Tony Pulis will look back on this year with few fond memories. Expected to push on and finally challenge the top teams, his side instead regressed, flirting with relegation more suggestively than in previous seasons. He joins the long line of managers who built dynasties, before outstaying their welcome. Do Stoke risk joining the long line of clubs who assume the grass is greener, before being greeted by cold hard reality?

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Why would anyone want the vacant Stoke job?

I'm not the biggest fan of Stoke City, but I do find them fascinating. Last week I wrote an almost diary type of blog about Stoke City (Read here) and received some 'honest' replies from some Potters fans.

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Next season already a concern for some

The Premier League relegation battle might be done and dusted but there will be a few clubs more than a little bit concerned over whether they might just find themselves amongst the battlers next year, despite having spent the large proportion of this season in the realms of relatively assured safety.

Fulham

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I pray Stoke City get relegated soon - Here is why (video)

I'm not having it.

Somehow Stoke City has been guaranteed Premier League football for another season, when's this joke going to end?

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Is it time for Pulis to move on?

Stoke City face Sunderland tonight in a game which a few weeks ago looked to be one that would have huge implications on Premiership survival for both teams, however after back to back wins over QPR and Norwich Stoke have edged away from relegation up to 11th.

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O'Neill could replace Pulis at Stoke

Stoke City could swoop for Martin O'Neill if current boss Tony Pulis walks away at the end of the season.

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Pulis and Stoke on autopilot?

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has this season been faced with a problem that has befallen such previously secure Premier League clubs as Birmingham, Charlton and Bolton – stagnation. Will next season bring fresh progress, or a further slide into trouble?

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Suited and booted - How do you like your manager dressed?

Not only do managers have to endure criticism from fans and pundits about their team selections, substitutions, transfer activity, and training methods, but they are also judged on their attire on a weekly basis. Suit or tracksuit, boots or shoes, scarf or hat; these are some of the fashion dilemmas facing today's managers. Some dress to impress, whilst others still believe they are eligible for selection and continue to wear shorts and boots. Who then is the most stylish, and who should really look at changing their wardrobe?

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Could lack of quality cost Stoke?

Tony Pulis mentioned it in his post match interview following the Newcastle United defeat - his side do not possess enough quality. There is genuine concern that Stoke could decline next season.

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