THE fickleness of football really gets my goat.

It can be absolutely astounding at times, and this week has been a prime example.

First case in point: Louis van Gaal and Manchester United.

The Dutch manager got off to a slow start to life at Old Trafford.

He was pilloried in the press after a home loss to Swansea and a hammering at the hands of MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.

But suddenly things are all sweetness and light, after a 4-0 win at home to QPR.

People are talking about United challenging for the title - all off the back of one result.

One result, let's be honest, against an absolutely dreadful side.

Second case in point: Mesut Ozil.

The World Cup winner has been poor by his own standards, culminating in a complete no-show as Arsenal were outclassed by Borussia Dortmund last week.

The knives were out for him, with calls for him to be dropped from the side and suggestions he was a waste of money.

Then he puts in an absolute masterclass against Aston Villa and he's lauded for being brilliant and 'The Wizard of Oz all over again'.

Judgements are made on a game-by-game basis.

Third and final point: Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers.

Hailed as the best side to watch in the country last year, they have struggled at the start of this season.

Coping with the loss of Luis Suarez and Champions League football has impacted on their performances.

And defeats to Aston Villa and West Ham in succession have seen some quarters suggest the pressure is on.

Let's not forget that just four months ago Liverpool were the apple of the English football world's eye.

They have since lost their best player and are coming to terms with new personnel.

In the age of social media, these knee-jerk reactions are only going to get more prevalent.

But, for goodness' sake, can't we just look at the bigger picture?

Instead of building clubs and players up just to knock them down?

Unfortunately that's probably just wishful thinking.