15. Gus Poyet, Sunderland
Admittedly a 5-1 loss to Tottenham on Monday hardly looks great for Poyet, but the Uruguayan has definitely improved the Black Cats since succeeding Di Canio.
Back-to-back wins against Newcastle is always a good way to win over the fans and a victory against Man City was also promising, but relegation remains a very realistic prospect.
14. Malky Mackay, Cardiff City
A difference in opinions between the Scot and club owner Vincent Tan saw Mackay sacked in favour of Solskjaer despite his popularity and steady start to the campaign.
Some important victories – including against City on the second day of the season – made Cardiff look a lot more secure than they do now.
13. Tim Sherwood, Tottenham Hotspur
Not everyone likes Sherwood and his style of playing and there have been some very poor performances since taking over from AVB.
That being said, bringing Emmanuel Adebayor back into the first team and promoting the likes of Nabil Bentaleb has to be commended.
12. Sam Allardyce, West Ham United
May not play the best of football but the Englishman knows how to keep sides in the top flight and West Ham are ready for their third year back in the division.
Allardyce has a proven record with the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers and knows how to grind out results when required.
11. Paul Lambert, Aston Villa
Has a clear ideology for Villa and was brave at the start of the term to axe proven stars such as Shay Given, Darren Bent and Charles N’Zogbia.
Whilst the new youth approach has had some difficult moments, the club should avoid relegation and look to be improving constantly.
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