Stan's 5-Point Stance: Arsenal Still in Title Race, Mourinho's Master-Stroke
In this week's five-point stance, Stan Collymore visits topics related to Arsenal's resurgence, Harry Redknapp's resignation at Queens Park Rangers, the January transfer window, the Merseyside derby and mental health issues in football.
1. Arsene Wenger proving critics wrong on a daily basis
The key thing to come out of Arsenal's demolition of Aston Villa on Sunday was both Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott scoring goals.
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Both players have been out injured, while Ozil was not in the best of form before his injury. Their goals will give both them and Arsenal a huge lift.
I believe both Arsenal and Manchester United are still in the title mix. It's only when we get to the last eight games and if the points difference is still the same as it is now that I would rule them out.
With the way Arsenal are playing, the form of Francis Coquelin, the arrival of Gabriel Paulista in central defence and Hector Bellerin's emergence, Arsene Wenger is almost answering the "Wenger Out" campaigners on a daily basis.
Their recent resurgence has also been done without Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, and if Wenger can keep those players fit and hungry, Arsenal are going to win a lot of games.
Coquelin has been a revelation in defensive midfield, and the Gunners are going to have an impact on the title race. I'm not saying they're going to win it, but you have to put them in the race at the very least.
2. It's time to talk over mental health issues in football
Credit to Clarke Carlisle for addressing his demons as he has in an interview with The Sun (via BBC Sport). Today is the right time to talk. I want to send my very best wishes to Clarke.
My advice for anybody who is struggling is to open up and talk. Don't ever get into a situation where you feel you have to harm yourself.
There are some fantastic resources out there such as Sane, Mind, Depression Alliance and the Samaritans, who are out there to help people to live.
Just as you go through those dark times, you can also come out of them and manage mental health issues very well to have a meaningful life.
Everybody can open up and talk to someone, a doctor, a friend, a loved one or a stranger. There are happier times ahead for everyone, I'm convinced of that.
It doesn't matter if you are a sportsman or the guy in the street, there are always resources and advice.
3. Harry Redknapp will not be out of football for long
I wrote last year that Harry Redknapp looked tired and a little bit brow-beaten. He lives in a wonderful part of the country on the south coast and drives up to London every day at 6am. He has managed over 1000 football matches and he's seen his QPR side go down and back up.
I think the modern footballer tends to bamboozle old-school managers, who like to see honest hard-working characters, and they see a more detached footballer who earns more money.
Harry has the get-out clause of his knee injury, but I think we'll see him give it six or seven months and come back in some capacity.
He's that kind of bloke who has been in the game for more than 40 years, and he won't want to leave the game.
I'm not surprised he has resigned, after the kibosh seemed to be put on one or two transfers into Loftus Road and Harry thought enough is enough. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the game after a few months.
He would make a very good director of football or a mentor to a young manager. The way things are going at a number of Premier League clubs, if Harry was open to moving elsewhere, he might still get some happiness from management. But he might be pigeonholed now as a London-only manager.
He still has plenty to offer, but he needs a break. He should then find a progressive Championship side to provide a vision for.
4. Jose Mourinho makes his mark with Juan Cuadrado signing for Chelsea
The signing of Juan Cuadrado is an absolute masterstroke from Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. He is a wide player who can play either flank, and I think he's there to put pressure on Willian and also Eden Hazard.
It's a sign to Hazard not to become complacent. The great teams always refresh at the right times and always ask questions of their players in possession of the shirt. Cuadrado is the signing of the window.
Wilfried Bony scores goals and Manchester City need more of them with Stevan Jovetic seemingly out of their Champions League squad.
Scott Sinclair will do well at Aston Villa as a player with a point to prove, while Darren Fletcher will be playing regularly at West Bromwich Albion and is a really good experienced signing.
It was an average transfer window, with City and Chelsea making their mark, while others filled holes to stay in the division.
5. Everton have nothing to lose in Merseyside derby
A lot will be talked about Steven Gerrard playing in his last Merseyside derby this weekend. He has been the Ian Rush of the 21st Century for Evertonians. He will, undoubtedly, want to prove a point, especially at Goodison Park.
Interestingly, Everton have bottomed out to the point where Roberto Martinez can say: "Liverpool are the overwhelming favourites, go out and enjoy yourselves."
In a derby atmosphere, I'm actually expecting a big Everton performance. They are such underdogs going into the game that they can just go and play.
For that reason, I'm going for a scoring draw.
