Big Sam gives us the chance to throw stones at his glass house

Morten Gamst Pedersen was guilty of one of the most laughably bad dives the Premier League has ever seen last weekend at the Emirates. But while Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce admits that his winger’s stumble was worthy of a booking, he claims players are forced to dive because of referees’ reluctance to punish foulers:

“But what about players who are dishing out fouls all the time? I would like to see them being punished, not least because it would mean those on the receiving end would not need to resort to diving.”

A huge irony about Allardyce’s stance is that the same lack of punishment allowed El-Hadji Diouf to escape with just a yellow for a horrendous lunge on Manuel Almunia in the very same game. It’s also worth noting that innocent victim Gamst Pedersen was sent off himself earlier this month against Hull, receiving a second yellow for a late challenge on Kamil Zayatte.

It is also perhaps a little odd for Allardyce to slam the level of fouling in the Premier League when Blackburn are bottom of the disciplinary table for the fifth season running, while Kevin Davies committed more fouls than any other player in each of Allardyce’s last three seasons at Bolton.

No, you can’t have Lofty the Lion

The scenario: You’re the manager of a Premier League team, and you’re allowed to strengthen your squad by signing just one player in the January transfer window. But you can only choose someone from The Ginger Mourinho’s Wanderers - so who do you pick?

Your options: Can we interest you in: The sweet left foot of Matty Taylor, the midfield drive of Kevin Nolan, or the no-nonsense forward play of Kevin Davies? And don’t forget one of the most consistent keepers in the Prem: Jussi Jaaskalainen. Other names to conjure with include Johan Elmander, who has looked good up-front, Fabrice Muamba and Gary Cahill.

As usual, there can be only one. Vote below: