Arne Lost? And well played Harry.

As regulars know I love to start on a positive note if I can. And this week I can.

I was delighted for Harry Maguire Sunday. He’s just a good, solid bloke. He deserved his winner and the joy that followed it.

Maguire has endured some torrid times in recent seasons - from the indignation of being stripped of the captaincy at United to struggling to even get a game.

What you see is what you get with him. He’s dependable. And a true leader. Granted, he isn’t fancy. He’s not a new-age defender or a ball playing centre-back like Ferdinand. He’s just ‘Harry’. He sticks his head on a ball and there isn’t a trick in his locker. As he’s shown time and again, he’s also a real threat in the opponents box.

Never once has he complained about the way he’s been treated by both ten Hag and Amorim or the stick he’s had to endure. Top man Harry. Enjoy your week.

If I’m a Liverpool fan I’m a bit worried right now. Arne Slot looks more like his internet caricature Arne Lost at the moment. Andy has been saying for a few weeks on BeINSPORTS he doesn’t think Lost knows his best team and I agree.

Lost was smart enough to leave things well alone after succeeding Klopp, but this is his group now. It’s his system. They’re his players after a massive summer spend. It his self-inflicted problem.

But it isn’t just about the new players he’s got - he’s playing a very different system and I don’t think Salah likes it. If you lose him you’re in trouble. Klopp did once or twice, but quickly got him back onside. Lost is clearly pissing him off right now.

Speaking of Klopp - think back to how long it took him to actually have an influence at the club - and I mean a real influence. He worked for the power he achieved over all areas. I’m wondering if Michael Edwards has given Lost too much too soon after last seasons Klopp inspired title success?

Back to the United game - of course it should’ve been stopped immediately Mac Allister was clattered by van Dijk. I was really surprised a ref like Michael Oliver - held in such high esteem by himself - didn’t blow when he saw Mac Allister go down holding his head. He was looking straight at the incident. He was close enough to hear it as well - something we don’t get the luxury of. It was poor refereeing. And dangerous.

Liverpool should also have had a pen. Amad clearly handles Gakpo’s cross and that’s given every time in the CL. It was a pen. His arm is out. He’s made himself bigger. And he’s blocked a dangerous cross. Pen.

And Arsenal can be a little aggrieved they didn’t get the pen at Fulham. Ok, Kevin gets the slightest of touches on the ball, but he has to go through Saka to get to it. And if that’s not enough - what about ‘momentum’? We hear that a lot when decisions like that go the other way.

It was a pen - just as Gyokeres’ was at Newcastle when Pope cleaned him out. Happily neither decision affected the result in either game, but it’s important to call these things out. I’m keeping a record of an ever growing list of mistakes because we know Howard Webb doesn’t.

Do we congratulate Ange on setting a new record? Sacked after 39 days. We all saw it coming. How come he didn’t?

He wanted to change things too quickly I’m afraid. Look - I’m not suggesting things at Forest were calm following Nuno’s departure - or even leading up to it, but Ange didn’t get players on board. He lost too many too quickly. Why change solid back four - one of the best in the league last season, into a five? Why leave Murillo out? He’s a Maguire-type warrior.

My only surprise was why Marinakis waited until after the international break. What was the point? If Chelsea turned up - and they did in the second-half, that was a nailed on away win. So why wait? I’d like to wish the next man all the luck in the world. He’s going to need it.

Let’s close with another quick word about what’s happening at Rangers. I’m hearing Kevin Muscat turned the job down because he didn’t fancy reporting to Kevin Thelwell. Who would?

I said a fortnight ago Thelwell should’ve followed Martin out of the door. He was responsible for making that dud decision. He should be accountable for it. And now it appears he’s the stumbling block to a new appointment.

Rumours of a police investigation at Rangers into the misappropriation of funds isn’t good news either.

I know Celtic fans aren’t happy right now either, but isn’t it refreshing to see a Derek McInnes inspired Hearts top? And I’m especially pleased to see Hibs going so well.

David Gray is in charge there - reporting to my mate Malky Makay. Well done both. Keep it going.