Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was naming his power rankings for ESPN and his decision to name Aston Villa first ahead of Everton didn’t sit well with Don Hutchison.
Hislop was effectively picking who he feels are the top 10 in-form teams in Europe right now – he decided to put Villa first, Everton second and Atlanta third.
Other teams that were included in the top 10 were the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
But former Everton man Hutchison was unhappy with Carlo Ancelotti’s side not being selected at the top and he even joked that if Luis Suarez was sat next to him then they would both be ‘crying’ – the Suarez reference comes from the forward sharing that he cried for days when he was pushed out by Barcelona this summer [Daily Mail].
“How does Shaka come up with Everton at number two?” Hutchison questioned on ESPN. “When Everton have played seven games this season and won all seven.
Hislop responds: “Villa are 100% in the league. They have played one game less. But on a week after you beat Liverpool in the manner in that they did. They had to get the nod. That was the deciding factor. I know you are biased towards Everton, but I have to give Villa the love.
Hutchison then stated: “I don’t mind the love. I don’t mind the love for Villa. But, come on, Carlo has just picked up the manager of the month. Calvert-Lewin has just picked up the player of the month. Seven in seven!
“I mean if Luis Suarez was sitting here right now then we would both be crying. Me and Suarez would be crying together now.
Hislop then added: “Listen, Villa are number one after beating Liverpool 7-2. They are the defending Premier League champions. That’s all they needed to do right now. I am sorry there can be no further arguments about this.”
Both Everton and Villa have made 100% starts to the new season and they have both have looked clinical, comfortable and energetic during these early stages.
It is understandable that Villa’s 7-2 hammering of Liverpool stands out, as the Toffees will face off against their rivals after the international break.
The real test for these two sides would be to continue that form after 10+ games because if they can do that then it will really add much-needed spice to the Premier League.
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