Gunners shot down by City

Manchester City are looking serious contenders for the Barclays Premier League crown as they demolished the other half of North London at the Etihad by a whopping 6-3 scoreline, denting Arsenal's title aspirations. After a draw with Everton and defeat in Naples, Arsenal ended a bad week with a thumping and a disappointing day was compounded by the imminent suspension of Jack Wilshere and the poor behavior of Mesut Ozil at full time. As Ozil trudged off the field, failing to pay respect to the Arsenal fans, captain and fellow German Per Mertersacker was enraged and showed his passion to the cause, always good to see. 

Despite stuttering away form, Manchester City have a 100% home record and have beaten all but Everton by at least 3 goals, including 7 past Norwich and 6 past Spurs. In particular, the partnership between Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero has blossomed in recent weeks with both on red hot form going into the game, both went onto the score in the rout. Arsenal had been rather resilient and impressive in recent weeks, but after having two goals disallowed and being overran by City's attacking frontier, they fell to pieces and will now look to react next week, against Chelsea.

However, the other half of London weren't gloating for long as they suffered their first league defeat to Liverpool in over 5 seasons as they went down 5-0 at White Hart Lane, a devastating loss which saw Andre Villas-Boas lose his job this past Monday. After a North London derby defeat, a 6-0 whipping at City and now a 5-0 humbling at home, Villas-Boas was running on borrowed time, now Spurs need to sort their season out all they'll be left behind in the top 4 race never mind the title race. Liverpool however look a new side this season, last year they halted and hesitated through to a positive end of season, while now they boast arguably the best player in Premier League at the moment and playing easy on the eye football, they could be in with a shot for the top 4, maybe the title! Luis Suarez has scored 17 goals in the league already, after missing the first 5 games! While others are stuttering, Liverpool are motoring through teams recently and look a real threat this season. 

I personally predicted Manchester City to win the league this year, judging on recent form, i'm confident of sticking to that. They have the best squad in the league, the best strike pair in the league and at home are proving unstoppable. Beating fellow big guns Arsenal, Spurs, United and Everton at home, despite away stumbles, Pellegrini is settling in and now seems to have found his best side. Manchester City look a side who can compete on all four fronts this season, watch this space City fans. 

Best of the Rest
Everton 4-1 Fulham- Roberto Martinez's men will take some stopping as they maintain their incredible start with only one defeat this season. Goals from Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman, Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas sent Everton to another 3 points. Dimitar Berbatov got a consolation, but the Cottagers will be lucky to retain his services beyond January.
Newcastle 1-1 Southampton- Two sides who've been surprisingly impressive this term were equally matched at St James' as Jay Rodriguez finished a lovely move to equalise Yoan Gouffran's opener. It was a very entertaining football match, ending in a scuffle in the technical area between coaching staff after a collision between Massimo Haidara and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester United- A well needed win for David Moyes as his United side resisted a spirited Villa start to score 2 quickfire goals to all but kill Villa's momentum. Danny Welbeck slid home two tap ins, vital for his form. Tom Cleverley bagged the third with a well taken near post finish to finish off Villa. A good sight was the return of Darren Fletcher after nearly two years out battling ulcerative colitis.

                                   

Luis Suarez 11-2 Norwich City

So Liverpool may have lost to Hull City on Sunday, for the first time in the club's history, however in an action-packed week of Premier League football, the midweek encounter's brought us an individual master-class from Liverpool's main man Luis Suarez. As Norwich's defence was once again put to the sword, it was not a team, but a player who destroyed the Canaries. Suarez, in 4 meetings against City has 11 goals, the first player in history to score 3 hat-tricks against the same club in the Premier League. If you haven't seen the Suarez 'fantastic four', I recommend you do, all 4 goals are of the highest quality, showing the class Suarez possesses, seemingly finally overshadowing the reputation he's built up in past incidents. I'm glad he's finally being acknowledged more for his goal scoring than his antics.

So, there's two match days to cover, let's start with the weekend!

Match-Day 13
Spurs 2-2 Manchester United

Both sides had underachieved so far this season in the league, Spurs off the back of the embarrassing 6-0 demolition at United's neighbours City. United have been very inconsistent this season, but were on decent form coming into this, especially their star man Wayne Rooney. It turned out to be an end-to-end game, both sides showing they needed to win this to keep up with Arsenal. Spurs led when Kyle Walker fizzed in a low free-kick under the United wall, but it was Walker who gifted Rooney the chance for equaliser, which he took. Spurs went into the second half with one aim, get the win, Sandro curled in an absolute beauty to give Spurs the lead again, but it was cancelled out by that man Rooney again 3 minutes later from the spot. In a game both had to win, it was no surprise it ended all square.

West Ham 3-0 Fulham

It what turned out to be Martin Jol's final game, it was a 5th league defeat in a row for the Cottagers, as the appointment of Rene Meulensteen could not help the desperate Dutchaman. West Ham have themselves been very poor this season, mainly due to the lack of strikers. Modibo Maiga tries, but doesn't have the quality to be a starting frontman in the top flight. It was a second half capitulation which got West Ham the break through, Momo Diame's deflected strike beat Maarten Stekelengburg. A striker is what West Ham need, well that's what they got. They released one, re-signed him, brought him on and he scored, he goes by the name of Carlton Cole. His namesake Joe made it 3 with a expertly driven shot. As the people of Holland say, doei Jol!

The rest
Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland
Cardiff City 0-3 Arsenal
Chelsea 3-1 Southampton
Everton 4-0 Stoke City
Hull City 3-1 Liverpool
Manchester City 3-0 Swansea City
Newcastle 2-1 West Brom
Norwich City 1-0 Crystal Palace


Match-Day 14
Manchester United 0-1 Everton
David Moyes was left wondering how his side didn't manage to beat the side he left in the summer after a very frustrating night for United. Tim Howard was in sensational form at his old club with superb saves from Adnan Januzaj, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney. However, it was Everton's seemingly new signing, in only his second ever Premier League start, Byran Oviedo clinched a smash and grab win for Martinez's Toffees. 

Southampton 2-3 Aston Villa
2 defeats on the spin for Pocchetino, now we will see what this Saints side is really up to this season. It was a thriller at St Mary's, with Villa leading not once, twice but three times in the end to get a massive 3 points. Gabby Agbonlahor ended a goal drought with a superbly taken solo goal, Saints hit back with England starlet Jay Rodriguez heading home. Villa led in the second half again thanks to Libor Kozak's close range header, only for Dani Osvaldo to snatch a well needed goal, making it 2-2.Then a wonder strike from Fabian Delph clinched the game for Villa, a wonderful left foot drive giving Villa a deserved 3 points.

The rest
Arsenal 2-0 Hull City
Crystal Palace 1-0 West Ham
Fulham 1-2 Spurs
Liverpool 5-1 Norwich City
Stoke 0-0 Cardiff City
Sunderland 3-4 Chelsea
Swansea City 3-0 Newcastle
West Brom 2-3 Man City

Spurs star in 'Six in the City'

So in this blog will be the usual weekly review of BPL football with a first look back at my pre-season predictions, how accurate has it been so far?

fair to say Andre Villas-Boas and Spurs did not play a starring role in this premiere of what can play only be put into the genre of 'comedy'. As Manuel Pellegerini's City, not for the first time at Eastlands, made a top Premier League side look like a Sunday League squad, especially after Spurs spending in the summer. This did make my weekend.

As Spurs become the laughing stock of English football, Arsenal become the top dogs, the team to beat and the team on form. After defeat to United, they responded with a tight victory over another form side this season, Southampton. The side with the least goals conceded could only despairingly watch as goalkeeper Artur Boruc tried to show his outfield pedigree, but instead of Johan Cryuff, it was more Nicklas Bendtner! This weekend was the stand out this season, as there were many controversial moments, dramatic and thrilling encounters and the complete and utter demolition of Tottenham Hotspur. (Sorry I can't help it, i'm a gooner)

Let's start with the opening game of this stunning weekend of football, at Goodison Park for the Mersyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool. Two sides on impressive form this season with strikers at the top of their game, Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Liverpool's Luis Suarez, top scorer in the league after missing the first 5 games of the season. It started with aggression, excitement and passion, typified with Kevin Mirallas' kun-fu kick on Luis Suarez, which luckily was not consequently given a red card. Phillipe Countinho scrapped Liverpool in front in 5 minutes, yet that man Mirallas fired Everton level, both the result of set-pieces and poor defending. Then the enigmatic Suarez showed why he's one of the best players in the world. A sumptuous free kick, bent round the wall and in at the near post from 25 yards out, a piece of magic. Despite this, Simon Mignolet was keeping Liverpool insight never mind ahead as Everton threw wave after wave at the Red's goal, in particular Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian beast couldn't beat his counterpart, until a Lukaku effort was parried to Gerard Deulofeu who's cut back diverted to Lukaku who placed the equaliser into the corner, as Goodison Park erupted with joy as the Deby was back on. Lukaku had the fire in his eyes, he was up for the derby and he was up for Ross Barkley's corner to thump Everton into the lead in the most entertaining of derbies in recent time. But just when you thought Liverpool had blown it all, this amazing game had yet another twist, as substitute and Suarez's SAS partner Daniel Sturridge flicked in Steven Gerrard's peach of a cross to once again put this derby level, probably the deserved result. Both played their part in what was the game of the season so far. 

This Premier League season is by far the most unpredictable, entertaining and dramatic season ever. Refereeing decisions have taken the spotlight, Wes Brown's red card and Ramires' penalty the main examples so far, with managers Gus Poyet and Steve Clarke feeling aggrieved from these awful and quite frankly disgraceful decisions both Sunderland and West Brom big points. 

My Predictions- First Review, 12 GAMES!

Top 8

So I currently have no positions correct in the current top 8 to my prediction, however, 6 teams I predicted would finish in the top 8 are in this region, with only Spurs and Swansea missing. Liverpool and Manchester United are the main surprises to my end of season prediction as Liverpool are second (P= 7th) and United are sixth (P= 3rd). Arsenal and Manchester City have swapped from m prediction, however as a gooner, I do still expect them to originate back to my prediction, City (P= 1st), Arsenal (P= 4th). Swansea have been disappointing this season, well off my 6th place prediction, however, after a sticky start with new players settling and Europa League fixtures to ease into, I believe Swansea will start hitting gears soon and rising up the league.

Bottom 8

I have Cardiff correctly predicted as they're 15th (P= 15th), Crystal Palace are second from bottom, one place above my original prediction. A big mistake seemingly is West Brom. I'll always say, Steve Clarke saved West Brom on deadline day, awful start and looking a side which could struggle, the signings of Anichebe, Amalfitano, Sessegnon and emergence of Saido Berahino, have seen West Brom tear up the prediction I made as they sit 11th (P= 18th). I really worry for Hull, memories of their previous debut season of a impressive start, defying the odds, ended with a dreadful and dramatic slide down to 17th, just avoiding relegation on the last day. 

I have faith in my predictions that they will turn good come May. Manchester City will be the champions come the end of the season, as much as I want it to be Arsenal, I believe if they sort out a system away from home, they have the home form to beat everyone and watch this space!

Predictions (From Pre-Season):

Top 4
1) Manchester City
2) Chelsea
3) Manchester United
4) Arsenal

Bottom 3
18) West Brom/Stoke
19) Hull City
20) Crystal Palace

Liverpool's SAS call for SOS

In what was the biggest game of the season so far, the surprise early pacesetters went head to head at the Emirates as Arsenal, who began as the leaders, faced Liverpool, who clearly wanted to prove a point this season.

Arsenal had man of the season so far Aaron Ramsey in the spotlight, with 9 goals in all competitions already this season. Liverpool boasted the best strike partnership in the league with the 'SAS' of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, Sturridge the top scorer in the league so far this season. Both came head to head at the Emirates with Arsenal yet to lose in the league since the opening day shocker against Aston Villa. It was a end-to-end, quick tempo game with both sides showing their quality, however it was Arsenal's world class array of midfielders which took Liverpool apart.

With Ramsey hitting form he's never touched before, the obvious high quality of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky and the industry of Mikel Arteta, Liverpool couldn't cope with the quick, slick passing of the Arsenal midfield. Olivier Giroud was a handful for the Liverpool back three, I don't think this system will work away from home against the 'big teams' such as Man City, Chelsea, Spurs and even Southampton. The back three of Sakho, Toure and Skrtel didn't know where to look as Arsenal's midfield streamed at them in numbers, ever interchanging. Thanks to goals, superbly taking ones I might add, from Santi Cazorla and that man Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal went 5 points clear at the top ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, which could finally tell us if this Arsenal side are really up to it this season. 

Elsewhere, United and City restored normal order to what has been a very indifferent start in Manchester this season with 4-0 and 7-0 wins respectively against hapless Fulham and Norwich sides. Manchester City look irresistible at Eastlands yet to drop points at home so far and scoring for fun with lead man Sergio Aguero hitting the form which hasn't been seen since City won the league in 2012, with 7 goals so far this season. He added to his tally and embarrassed Norwich who look set for a long, hard season to stay up. United took Fulham apart with 4 goals before half time, in which Van Persie and Rooney showed their quality to further embarrass the poor Fulham defence at Craven Cottage, they will also have a difficult season.

Best of the Rest
Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea- Jose Mourinho is still yet to defeat Newcastle as his side came off two impressive wins in a week to put in a dismal performance at St James Park. Yoan Gouffran and Loic Remy got the goals as the Geordies put their North East derby defeat behind them.
Hull City Tigers 1-0 Sunderland In a game overshadowed by two of the worst tackles you'll see this season, Hull overcame a 9 man Sunderland. A clearly disgusted Gus Poyet thought his side would take off after beating Newcastle in the derby. But after going a goal down, they hit self destruct. Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena saw red, literally.
Cardiff City 1-0 Swansea In the first ever South Wales Premier League derby, it was Malky Mackay's Bluebirds which overcame their more experienced rivals. It was a boring, tense affair which was likely to be settled on a set piece and it was, as Steven Caulker powered home the winner. Michel Vorm was sent off late on for a collision with Frazier Campbell, overall it was a day to remember for Cardiff City.

Title race or 4th place- Arsenal

So far, so good in the league for Arsenal, 1 defeat followed by a run of 8 unbeaten, 7 wins and a draw in that run, although our easy start can be mentioned, but with a run of Liverpool, Dortmund, Manchester United and Southampton, it should show if Arsenal our the real deal this season.

Arsene Wenger was highly criticised in the summer for his transfer dealings, from me also, but there was clear proof and reason for this. Gonzalo Higuain was ours for the taking, we'd agreed a fee, he was supposedly having a medical, then somehow he's ended up at Napoli, we missed out on going for Christian Benteke, couldn't get Luis Suarez and didn't go for a coup in Etienne Capoue added to half the squad being sold. In the end 4 signings were made, the main ones, the masterful free transfer of Mathieu Flamini, returning to the Emirates, a great signing I must say. Then the transfer all us gooners love, the £42.4m signing of Mesut Ozil, a club record and a signing to silence any critics, despite the hefty price tag. He's had more assists in the last 3 seasons than Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Ronaldo, so surely he's perfect for Arsenal? If we can add a striker in January, I've heard about possibly Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski and even Stephan El Shaarawy, it'll make Ozil even better and possibly be the final piece to Arsene's latest jigsaw.

So our start was sloppy against Aston Villa, we were shocking at the back but had a bad referee as shown with the red card given to Laurent Koscielny, however, the mental toughness to bounce back in the way we have and be top of the league somehow is always great to see. I believe we won't last and drift into another battle for 4th place, we don't have the squad depth to challenge for the title and so far against the big teams we've fallen short, against Dortmund and Chelsea. Our run coming up is difficult to say the least, I predict we can get 4 points from these 4 games, hopefully beating Southampton and drawing with Liverpool or United. Liverpool will be a big game, with both sides high in the table, there defence has improved drastically and the 'SAS' are the best partnership in the league, however, the way we've played we can trouble any team, even in our two defeats, we were robbed against Dortmund and refused to shoot against Chelsea, so we should bounce back against Liverpool and put in a better display.

In other competitions, we're obviously out of the Capital One Cup, sadly. The UEFA Champions League is a struggle to even get through the groups at this current moment, with away ties against Dortmund and Napoli, we need at least two points from these games to go through and it'll be tough but against Napoli I fancy us to get something out of it, hopefully a tight 1-0 win will satisfy me. The FA Cup is achievable, we will undoubtedly get a hard draw on the way but we need to put out a strong side and aim to win it, as at the moment any competitive trophy will settle.

I predict for us to finish 4th this season and sneak the FA Cup and at drastic measures a Europa League title, hopefully we won't be in it to win it though, but i'm covering all bases. Additions in January are needed, a CB, CDM and ST are needed. My checklist would be Adil Rami, Cheick Tiote and Karim Benzema, 3 players who could slot right into the team if signed and could improve our side. Rami would add depth and quality at the back and is a proven international. Tiote is a tough-tackling, does the dirty work and not afraid of a collision, someone we lack without Flamini. Benzema would bring the best out of Giroud and in linking up with Ozil again, re-find his form from last season at Madrid.

All the best gooners and good luck to the boys! COYG  

Sports Special: Plan for Rio 2014

After sealing our place in the FIFA World Cup in Rio next year, thoughts change to who will be on the plane there. Of course there are certainties you can't not have, like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, but it seems this year there is a serious selection dilemma in a number of positions for Roy Hodgson, so I will try and resolve this!

Goalkeepers- 3

So 3 goalkeepers are needed in the 23 man squad. Despite his wretched form the last season and a bit, i'd still have to book a ticket for Manchester City's Joe Hart. For experience and overall quality, as the saying is form is temporary and class is permanent, Hart is a senior member of the current squad and he has to go as one of the 3 keepers for this reason. The other two would be Fraser Forster and Ben Foster. Forster has proved himself against the best with Celtic and shown he's a top quality shot stopper and has a dominance about him, i'd give him a chance in the upcoming friendlies and see if he's up to it at national level. As for Foster, he's been outstanding at West Brom and deserves his second chance at a England career. After losing his way at Manchester United, he was impressive at Birmingham and never seemed to get his run at number one for England. He's been consistent and deserves a chance before Rio to prove himself worthy of going on the plane. 

Defenders- 8

So our back line has been one element of the team which has need desperate improvement, it seems to have worked. At the Euros we looked resilient, solid and a unit, helped by the tutoring of Hodgson. Starting with right back, Glen Johnson has been ever present since the last World Cup, he's a reliable outlet in defence, brilliant going forward and you know he'll give 110%, so he would start for me. As a back up, it's a toss between Kyle Walker and Micah Richards. Richards is probably the better player, but with his injury plagued time, he's not quite fit enough yet, hopefully he'll be back before Rio. Walker has been given chance for England, he's not done too bad, he's not the best defensively but attacking he's as good as anyone in England, with a great eye for a cross and dangerous right foot. 

At the heart of defence we've lost Terry and Rio and it shows as recently we've not looked the most convincing in the centre back positions. Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill have been our partnership through qualifying. They've really improved and look two good centre halves, but together there doesn't seem to be clear communication between the two. Two more centre halves are to be taken, these being Michael Dawson and the attempt at recalling John Terry. Terry is a leader and born winner, he's been a star of the England side in recent tournaments, especially at Euro 2012, I think he's been missed since 'retiring' from the England set-up. These kind of players don't come along too often and we could really use Terry in Rio next year. As for Dawson, he's a player of Terry's description, he's excelled since returning to the Spurs side and has been a rock at the back, he's not got his chance at national level and with friendlies coming up, it'd be perfect to try and have Terry and Dawson as a partnership and maybe it could be a perfect combination that we've needed. At left back, this is possibly our greatest in depth position in the national team. Ashley Cole has been possibly the best left back in the world in the last five years, so he will be the starter in Rio. As for back-up that's normally routine with Everton's Leighton Baines in incredible form in the last few seasons. With his excellent delivery from wide and now a highly important part of the Everton team, he could push Cole right the way to get that starting spot.

Midfield- 8

It's maybe surprising that England's central midfield is not the force it once was, in terms of depth, but is still high in quality. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are now part of the 100 club and after years of wondering if they can play together, it seems that the answer to this is 'yes'! With both ageing, they've dropped a lot deeper in roles for their clubs and so can easily differ in who goes forward and who sits back, they are vital to our team for experience, leadership and quality. As we've preferred to opt for 4-3-3 recently, the man in front of them would be Jack Wilshere for me. Often the point of criticism from most and injury plagued since bursting onto the scene, he's not many people's first choice. Wilshere though gives something many other players can't, he can take the ball from deep and carry past it players and force chances out of nothing and is a quality talent despite whatever criticism he takes, you have to take him for that something special. As another central midfielder i'd choose Ross Barkley. He's part of this new crop coming into the side and since being given his chance at Everton this season, he seems very creative and has an eye for a pass, give him chances in the upcoming friendlies and hopefully he'll be off to Rio. Now on the wings is where we are weakest I believe, we've not looked at all dangerous via the wide men until Andros Townsend came into the side against Montenegro and Poland, he'd be my first choice. Since Bale left Spurs, he's been their outstanding player, winning games single-handedly and looking the next big thing for club and country. As an Arsenal supporter I don't like to show preference to my players, but I really believe that Theo Walcott and Alex Chamberlain are next on the plane. Walcott can be a match winner at times but other times the most frustrating player on the field, however just for the chance he has a 'on-day' he has to be in the selection. As for Ox, he's a really promising winger who can change games with one powerful, surging run, he got experience at the Euros and I think once he's back from injury he'll get match fitness and be right back in Hodgson's plans.

Then as a new man into the set-up i'd take Southampton's Adam Lallana. There's Ashley Young and Stewart Downing as well, however what Lallana has over the others is actual quality and can change a game in a minute, he can dribble, shoot and has lead Southampton from League One to the top half of the Premier League. He's been massively underrated through this journey and has never got the credit he's deserved. Like others, in the friendlies he's my main man who i'd give a game to get him experience and if his form continues with Southampton he definitely should be off to Rio.

Strikers- 4

Wayne Rooney, England's best player, one down. With Rooney would have to be half of the SAS, Daniel Sturridge, arguably the best striker so far this season in England. He hasn't performed so far for England but his undying finishing ability and speed must give him the edge to be half-way to Rio already. Then there's two more, as a ever present, Jermain Defoe is in my squad. He's one of the best finishers to ever grace English football, he can come off the bench and grab you a goal, so he undoubtedly has to be taken to Rio. Then, the last spot on the plane is either Danny Welbeck or Rickie Lambert. Welbeck has been good for England through qualifying, however, I don't see a spark or certain something about him when he plays. He won't be playing on the left where he has done so far for England with Townsend, Ox etc. So you want something different, if he's just going to fill a gap on the plane there's no point him going, that's why I favour taking Lambert, his physical presence is undeniable and after being given his chance, he's looked up to it, he brings a threat which no one in the squad does so I'd give my last to spot Rickie.

There you have it, Roy take notes, follow this and we'll win the World Cup! 

Everyone's getting JANUpschyed

As another enthralling weekend of Premier League football comes and goes, a new kid on the block has rocked the footballing world, 18 year old Adnan Januzaj, as David Moyes hasn't been having it his own way recently to put it kindly, he needed a spark of genius to turn a game in his favour as Robin Van Persie continues to misfire, the young Belgian or English or Croatian or Albanian, but he's United's man who guided them to a vital 2-1 win at winless Sunderland. After a humbling at rivals Manchester City and an embarrassing defeat at Old Trafford last week to West Brom, can this gem in Januzaj steer Moyes to some consistency to win over the the United fans.

Brendan Rodgers' men though have been consistently looking a real force so far this season, with no European commitments, Liverpool can all but field their first team every week with the SAS up front and when Countinho returns, Liverpool will be a challenge for any team and, whisper it, could be in the title picture come the end of the season. They cruised at Anfield on Saturday in a 3-1 win against a rather doomed Crystal Palace, although Ian Holloway will keep going untill his voice is off Match of the Day. The returning Luis Suarez has only been back two games and already has three goals and an assist, with Dan Sturridge's early season form backed by the world class quality possessed by Suarez, it has to be the best strike partnership in the league at the moment.....

However, the leaders are still Arsene Wenger's Arsenal as Jack Wilshere's 'smoker' of a shot, sorry I couldn't resist, saved Arsenal a point at a rejuvenated West Brom. I know I predicted West Brom to be relegated this season, I can see I will be horribly wrong with this, as on Deadline Day, Steve Clarke all but saved their season for me, adding Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe and Morgan Amalfitano, they look a very hard team to beat. Arsenal though have the likes of Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski all still to return, added to their 11 match unbeaten run, 10 of them wins, they are the early pace setters so far, but as an Arsenal fan, i'm not convinced it'll last and can see Arsenal slipping back into a fourth place race. With a run at the end of this month which has Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Liverpool in a row, that should separate the men from the boys and show if they really are contenders for titles this year.

The main highlight for me and a lot of other gooners has to be the shear capitulation of Tottenham Hotspur, as they conceded three goals in 15 minutes in the second half to fall 3-0 to rivals West Ham United in a game they dominated through-out. The misfiring Roberto Soldado continued to struggle outside a penalty set piece and a inspiring display from Jussi Jaaskelainen helped the Hammers stun White Hart Lane with Ravel Morrison, the troubling youth from United, shining with a wonderfully taken solo goal to wrap the win. I believe Spurs do have a world class squad, except one certain striker, but it seems whoever the manager, players or form, they find a way to screw it up and flop in matches they should be winning. For West Ham this was a bright spark on what could be a long, difficult season for them.

Best of the Rest
Cardiff 1-2 Newcastle- Another double for Loic Remy was this time resulting in a win for Newcastle as he superbly took his two goals to give manager Alan Pardew some good news as the loan signing is making up for hopelessly misfiring Papiss Cisse.
Norwich 1-3 Chelsea- A display which only needed a great start and finish gave Jose Mourinho his first away win as Chelsea boss. A scrappy goal inside four minutes made it a hard task for Norwich although Oscar's goal was cancelled out by Andy Pilkington, Norwich were dominating after the goal till Eden Hazard's introduction, he superbly read a back-pass to lead again and it was rounded off by a incredible strike from Brazillian Willian to get Chelsea back on track.

Other Results
Fulham 1-0 Stoke City
Hull City 0-0 Aston Villa
Man City 3-1 Everton
Southampton 2-0 Swansea City

Midlands Magic Weekend

If this Premier League season couldn't get more exciting and unpredictable, this weekend just took it one step further and the two Manchester clubs were victims of a day of Midlands Magic which meant Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton were the big winners in a amazing weekend of Barclays Premier League action.

The opening tie of the weekend was a London clash between Spurs and Chelsea in a feisty encounter steamed from the heated words between gaffers Villas-Boas and Mourinho. It was a very tight affair with both sides having spells of domination. Spurs came out of the blocks flying and the inform Gylfi Sigudarsson slotted in the opener after a scrappy bit of play in the Chelsea box. Christian Eriksen, Spurs' big summer signing, was showing signs of being one of the signings of the season as he was running the strings for Spurs as Soldado and Eriksen went close for the home side.

Jose Mourinho has been controversial with his tactics so far this season as players like Juan Mata and David Luiz have suffered from the new era at Chelsea. However, Mata's introduction in the second half changed the game for Chelsea as his link up with forgotten man Fernando Torres was a constant threat in the second half as Chelsea took charge. Torres was looking good as he tested the reflexes of Hugo Lloris with a mazy run and shot. However, he lashed out Spurs' Jan Vertonghen, with a petty trip and seemingly scratch on the defender, he was lucky to escape with just a yellow for that. Then, Mata took star role as he delivered a sumptuous ball for skipper John Terry to head home a vital goal for Mourinho's men. But, it wouldn't end well for Chelsea as a harsh decision judging Torres had elbowed Vertonghen lead to a second yellow and a red card for Torres, despite this being a very harsh yellow, Torres arguably should've seen red earlier for a clash with Vertonghen.

In the same day, madness ensued at Old Trafford and Villa Park. West Brom completely out played Moyes' troubled side as their defence were completely picked apart the whole game as a fluke free kick from Wayne Rooney was a bright spot in a dismal United display outshone by a superb run and finish from Morgan Amalfitano and first ever BPL goal by Saido Berahimo got West Brom their first victory at Old Trafford in over 30 years. At Villa Park, a five goal thriller took place as City who lead 1-0 and 2-1 in this game were stunned with two goals in five stunning minutes for Aston Villa. City top scorer Yaya Toure tapped City in front right on half time with his 4th league goal of the season, a second half response was needed and Villa got it when Karim El Ahamadi fired in the equaliser. City regained the lead through super sub Edin Dzeko, but City's defence, unbeatable a week ago was breached twice in five minutes. A brilliant Bacuna free kick followed by Andi Weimann strike and City were beaten. This shows you can never underestimate any side in the league, as City who demolished United have lost to Cardiff and Villa.

So, once again, Arsenal were the stars of the weekend, as they grinded out a stylish win in Wales against Swansea. Mesut Ozil wasn't the star man, instead it was local boy Aaron Ramsey who had a great return to Wales. I've never seen him in this kind of form ever. He's always promised brilliance but was either injured or played out of position, now in the middle and seemingly with a free role, he's the inform player in England at the moment as he set up and scored in a 2-1 win. Arsenal now with 8 straight away wins and on a 9 match winning streak, without the likes of Podolski, Cazorla, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain are showing promising signs for the season ahead, however I will not get carried away, there's a long way to go.

Best of the Rest
Everton 3-2 Newcastle- An amazing 25 minutes at the start of the game took Everton into a 3 three goal lead as Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku showed there promise with sensational link up play as Lukaku got two and set Barkley up as well. Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy tried to give United hope but they couldn't complete the turn-around.
Fulham 1-2 Cardiff- A late wonder goal from Jordan Mutch gave Cardiff their first ever away win the Premier League. Steven Caulker gave them a first half lead but it was leveled by a gorgeous strike from Bryan Ruiz. In the 90th minute, a long ball knocked down for Mutch, who with his left foot, lashed home a stunning 30 yard winner into the top corner.

Manchester Mauling

David Moyes' Manchester Derby debut didn't go quite to plan, as his United side were made to look like amateurs by their noisy neighbors on Super Sunday. The other highlight was the home debut of record signing at Arsenal, Mesut Ozil. As he grabbed 3 more assists to make it 4 in 2 as his gooners got the victory which was a lot harder than it sounds against a changed Stoke City.

At the Emirates, Ozil took the gunners home turf for the first time in the Barclays Premier League clash with a rejuvenated Stoke City, no longer rugby's answer for football! Theo Walcott was a late pull out for Arsenal giving another german his debut, with Serge Gnabry making his first Premier League appearance. Arsenal started with confidence and swiftly Ozil lit up the Emirates stage and pretty much teed up the man of the moment Aaron Ramsey for his 8th goal in 9 games. Ozil's free kick was poorly saved by Begovic as Ramsey swept in the rebound under the keeper for 1-0. However, as Arsenal often do they took their foot off the gas and Stoke dominated possession !! (Shocking at Arsenal, seeing as the opposition is Stoke) They duly got their equaliser through Geoff Cameroon, after Marko Arnautovic rattled the post, a cooly taken rebound was slotted in by the American to level it at 1-1. Gnabry was looking very nervous on the BPL stage, not making passes longer than 5 yards, not trying to run at men and only starting to make attacking runs with purpose. Then another set piece masterstroke from Ozil got his german partner Per Mertersacker his first goal of the season, the two recently combined for Germany to score, they proved a troublesome twosome from set pieces through the game.

The second half was arguably again mostly Arsenal counter attacks with Stoke keeping good possession but with no real penetration as Arsenal seemed comfortable dealing with attacks in the second half. But it's worrying how Arsenal have been slack with possession in recent games and against better opposition would be punished. But the game was sealed as Bacary Sagna looped a header in from yet another Mesut Ozil set piece as Begovic's horror day continued, with the final score 3-1 to Arsenal.

This was followed by a hotly anticipated Manchester Deby, as Moyes and Pellegrini entered their first duels for local pride in the tenors, it was a day to forget for Moyes' men. For 35 minutes it was just an onslaught from Manchester City as they deservedly got their lead with an instinctive volley from Sergio Aguero. Kolarov did brilliantly and fed it beautifully for Aguero who's finish from top class. United looked to be getting settled till a corner in stoppage time really changed the game into City's favour further, a Negredo flick was kneed home by human tank Yaya Toure to make it 2-0 at half time. But if half time was meant to wake up United up they were swiftly KO'd by a scintillating 15 minute spell for City, as Aguero and Nasri finished off crosses from Kolarov and then a superb counter lead by captain Vincent Kompany to make the scoreline 4-0, humiliation two season's after City's 6-1 destruction at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney brilliantly bent in a sumptuous free kick to make the score 4-1 at full time, humiliation  demolition and a humbling for David Moyes.

Best Of The Rest

Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: In this South London derby, Mourinho unconvincingly got back on track as goals from Oscar and a first in over 250 games for John Obi Mikel got a vital 3 points for Chelsea.
West Brom 3-0 Sunderland: In what turned out to be the end of Paulo Di Canio's dictatorship in the North East, a masterclass lead by old boy Stephane Sessegnon, sold by Paulo put a sorry Sunderland to the sword as Ridgewell and Amalfitano killed Di Canio's reign.
Liverpool 0-1 Southampton: Unbeaten leaders Liverpool were stunned at Anfield as Dejan Lovren beat Osvaldo to a first Saints' goal ending Rodgers' unbeaten start with a dominating display.
West Ham 2-3 Everton: A thriller at Upton Park was won by a cameo super sub role from Romelu Lukaku and two world class free kicks from Leighton Baines to retain an unbeaten start for Martinez's toffee's.
Cardiff 0-1 Spurs: A superhero display from David Marshall didn't get it's justice as a late Paulinho tap in, done in Brazillian style, got the late win for Villas Boas taking them joint top with Arsenal.
Newcastle 2-3 Hull City: A solo display from Sone Aluko outdoing a great debut for Loic Remy to stun St James', a Remy double out done with strikes from Brady, El Mohammady and a wonder volley from Aluko to make Steve Bruce dance for joy (literally) 

Outstanding Ozil takes Gunners top!

The main talking point of this weekend's BPL matches was the debut of the £42.4m signing, Mesut Ozil for Arsenal against Sunderland. He didn't disappoint with an assist in the first ten minutes of the match for Olivier Giroud to grab his 4th in 4, he's started incredibly this season. Aaron Ramsey saved Arsenal with a second half brace to lift Arsenal to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

I saw the highlights and Ozil looked like a £42.4m signing, every touch, pass and movement was different class to any player on the pitch, should've had more assists if Walcott had any kind of composure. Even being ill he dominated the first half with some bits of pure class, the touch and take for the assist and the lay off to Giroud was perfect. As an Arsenal fan I am so excited to go watch him play and with a couple more additions at the back in January, we could be challenging for trophies come the April part of this season and when Ozil links up with Cazorla, Podolski and Wilshere as a trio, this could a very exciting season for Arsenal.

The form of Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud have stood out for me this season. Ramsey is playing in the form of his life, in 6 games he's got 5 goals, 4 man of the matches and has looked a completely different player from a guy who couldn't string two passes together last season. I believe as Wilshere had his breakthrough season in 2010/11, this could be the big season for Aaron Ramsey, he's always had talent but the injury suffered at Stoke really hindered his career. Now he's back and I think he's going to play a major role in Arsenal winning anything this season. As will Olivier Giroud, I don't know how many times I've said, this'll be the season he breaks through, and after getting 4 in 4 games in the league, including the winning goal against Spurs. His runs, finishing and hold up play has been first class so far, I can't believe how good he's become, last season his finishing was appalling, he had a great pre-season and he's clearly settled into the Premier League culture. One moment in the Sunderland game, he comes short for the ball and with the outside of his left he flicks it over two defenders for Walcott who's through, he misses. But the fact he's trying this is stunning, I'm as excited for Giroud as Ozil, he's taken a lot of stick but this season he will be the 3rd main factor in Arsenal's season.

Review of the Rest

• Jose Mourinho crashed to earth as Everton stunned them with a 1-0 victory to get Martinez off and running. A game dominated by Chelsea but without a clinical finisher, the loan out of Lukaku I think is the worst move made this summer.
• Manchester United got past Crystal Palace thanks to a controversial penalty by Van Persie, in which the foul seemed outisde the box, although the red card decision seemed fair. Wayne Rooney curled in a sumptuous free kick, if he's back on full cylinders then he may lead United to another successful season.
• A frustrated Manchester City dropped players and points at Stoke with a 0-0, a game they probably were lucky not to lose, but they need a good UCL campaign to really confirm themselves as European heavyweights.
• Spurs got back on track with a Sigurdarsson double, Newcastle got a massive win at Villa and Hull & Cardiff, Saints & West Ham and Fulham & WBA drew

The UCL returns next week, Arsenal take on Marseille in France. I'm very nervous about this encounter as with the group we have it's vital we get a win against the weak link in the group. It looks like Santi Cazorla will be out for a few weeks, Vermaelan, Podolski and Arteta are back in training but I wouldn't rush them back, I'd try an unchanged side against Marseille hopefully if Giroud can shake off his knock from the weekend, but if we can field an unchanged line up we should get the 3 points we need, as the Dortmund and Napoli encounters will close-nit games. 

#COYG

Sports Special- Unbelievable Underdogs

Underdogs, people who aren't favourites to win the match or contest. Everyone loves a good underdog and this past week has emerged another to the list. Yesterday,  I watched the US Open semi-final bout between Djokovic and Wawrinka and Stan the Man was playing the tennis of his life, he'd beaten reigning champion Andy Murray in straight sets and now had the task of beating the world number 1! It was one hell of a match, a thrilling 5 setter which you couldn't call right to the end, unfortunately Wawrinka the underdog fell short losing 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 2-6, 3-6. So he was unsuccessful but many have triumphed, here are some of the best across recent sport.......

Liverpool 

UEFA Champions League Final 2005, Istanbul, at half time it's AC Milan 3-0 Liverpool and the game looks all but over, Kaka and co. have ripped Liverpool apart, so what on earth did Rafa Benitez say at half time. Liverpool were real underdogs now, just to draw level against what is a world class Milan XI with Shevchenko, Maldini, Pirlo etc. So when Liverpool came out to the second half, they came out fighting! A John Arne Risse cross, a Steven Gerrard header, it seemed like game on again, 3-1! The pivotal moment was bringing on Didi Hamann, it allowed Gerrard to attack and lead Liverpool, it was him that teed up Vladamir Smicer to fire home another for Liverpool, 3-2! Milan were shell shocked only 15mins into the half and it was 3-2, then came the chance, Milan Baros flicked the ball off to Gerrard, he skipped past Gattuso, but a trip..... PENALTY! Up stepped Xabi Alonso, he missed but in goes the rebound, as I watched I leapt off my seat, amazing, 3-3! The rest is left to fait, heroics from Jerzy Dudek and horrible Milan penalties and from the barrel of defeat, Liverpool were kings of Europe!

Andy Murray

This flying Scotsman has gone from a man the people love to hate, to a cult hero across Britain and the real underdog of Tennis, as shown in 2012 US Open and even the famous 2013 Wimbledon finals. In the US Open he cruised through early rounds but then faced tests of character, going set and breaks down against first Feliciano Lopez then Maran Cilic, prevailing through both. Again the underdog mentality got him through, this time Tomas Berdych in a 4 hour thriller which lead to a meeting with Novak Djokovic. I hadn't really taken to Murray yet, but it seemed after his teary interview after Wimbledon defeat that year to Federer, a sympathetic warming came Murray's away along with Olympic Gold! But in New York he became a man, his first grand slam, a 5 set marathon against Mr Djokovic, who he'd beat the next year in a historic Wimbledon final! Both finals were fancied for Djokovic, but Murray has proved he not only believed he was the underdog but he triumphed as the underdog, a sports personality award is heading his way soon!

Christine Ohuruogu 

This woman is never getting the acclaim her performances show, always in major finals, Olympics, World and European Championships and most of all she always delivers! Always looked over at the start as race favourite, she has this incredible finish to her race which see's her stun the world and reach standards beyond expectations. In 2008 it was gold for Christine, at London 2012 it was bronze, but so close to gold, this year it was the World Championships in Moscow. Christine was racing against highly favourited Montsho from Botswana and with the experienced Sanya Richards-Ross. Ohuruogu had a awful start, seemingly out of it going into the last 150m, lying in 6th, but the last 100m is Christine's territory. Back she came, pushing and pushing and pushing, all of a sudden, 50m to go she was 3rd going 2nd. 10m she was neck and neck with Montsho, it went right to the line and Christine had won it my millimeters, both finishing on 49:41 it was won by a lean from Ohuruogu, she'd done it again, from the seemingly impossible, the underdog triumphed and it was British!

Thank you for reading, let me know what the next 'Sports Special' should be, could be a team, player or athlete even a competiton! Cheers

Bye Bye Bale and Ola Ozil

As an Arsenal fan I have probably experienced the best two days in my time as a supporter. Let's start with Sunday, North London Derby, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Emirates Stadium and I'm lucky enough to witness it there and then.

As soon as I exited Arsenal station, you could taste Derby Day literally, the Hot Dog's were really nice! I entered the Emirates, music booming, 45 minutes till kick-off and soaking up the build up to what was to be one of the most looked forward to, important North London Derbies of recent memory. Spurs had smashed their transfer record 3 times going into the game with signings of Paulinho, Soldado and Lamela. Arsenal, meanwhile, hadn't spent a penny with the two free transfers of Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini, so criticism was a plenty for Arsene Wenger, i'll admit from me. I can safely say, all I asked for was a marquee signing, just one at least and i'll put my trust back in Arsene, we'll see if he has met these demands.

So match time  4pm, atmosphere is buzzing and the red army is out in full force to cheer on the Gunners against their noisy neighbours. Arsenal made 2 changes to the starting side that beat Fenerbache the previous Tuesday, an injury to Lukas Podolski hurt the squad depth of Arsenal further, so Santi Cazorla shifted out to the left wing with Jack Wilshere slotting back into the middle of midfield alongisde Tomas Rosicky and the inform Aaron Ramsey. Laurent Koscielny returned from his suspension after a dismal Emirates Stadium opener for him, he returned alongside captain Per Mertersacker, coming in for Bacary Sagna who reverted to the bench with a cold as Carl Jenkinson made his first North London Derby start. The opponents Spurs had an unchanged back 5 with no goals conceded in all competitions so far this season. Etienne Capoue, making his derby debut was the only change as he came in for Gylfi Sigudarsson, slotting in alongside Moussa Dembele and Paulinho. New men Soldado and Chadli were other derby debutantes  Soldado had scored 4 in 4 for Spurs so far this season, despite 2 of them being spot kicks. Necer Chadli from FC Twente started his 3rd game in a row in the league and looked impressive, strong, powerful and quick, is he the answer too the near departed Gareth Bale?

Away we go! It was a passive start, but dominated by Arsenal, passing the ball beautifully, testing this Spurs back line and looking like a good outfit. They were the first to have a effort at goal, with Santi Cazorla putting Hugo Lloris at full stretch with a near wonderful free kick, thank goodness Walcott has stopped taking them! But, Walcott had his moment, beautifully sent away by Cazorla, he was clean through on goal, only for Hugo Lloris to come out and perform an inch perfect slide tackle to deny Theo surely a chance for the opener. Spurs though were getting into the game and started having long spells of possession with a lot of ventures forward, mainly through corners, although nothing troublesome for Szczesny. Then the moment which made my summer holidays, Arsenal broke away quickly down the left, Ramsey stroked it cross field to Rosicky, who turned and found Walcott in behind down the right, fed the near post cross in where Giroud connected! GOLAZO! Outside of the foot finish, beating Lloris at the near as Giroud converted his 4th goal in 5 Arsenal games, 3 in 3 in the league to make the score, "1-0 TO THE ARSENAL"!

Arsenal were forced to a change as Jack Wilshere was substituted due to illness for the return of Mathieu Flamini to the North London Derby stage, he didn't waste time introducing himself, clattering into a tackle to Paulinho, welcome back Monsieur Flamini. The second half was a lot more wide open, but again Arsenal dominated the chance creation, Giroud put Lloris' reflexes to the test as he was at his very best to deny a deflected effort by the Frenchman. Although Woijiech Szczesny was eqaul to Lloris' heroics, Arsenal failed to clear a Spurs' free kick as sub Jermain Defoe fired goal-bound, deflecting off Laurent Koscielny, meaning Szczesny had to readjust to superbly tip away the effort, with Giroud blocking another goal-bound effort from Roberto Soldado. Etienne Capoue unfortunately was stretchered off, he impressed me that day, good solid display, but a twisted ankle in an encounter with Cazorla ended his derby, enter £30 million man Erik Lamela! But, it was Arsenal who had the last real chance of the game, Giroud who tirelessly worked the whole game skinned Dawson and Rose, laid off Walcott who was once again foiled by Lloris as Naxo Monreal couldn't find the telling first touch for the second goal. Nervous times were ahead as the last 10 minutes was all Spurs, back's against wall time for Arsenal, thankfully due to a outstanding team performance! We moved above Manchester United and Spurs into 4th and with 4 wins in 5, back on track!

Transfer Deadline Day

So the highlights of this amazing day were:

• Liverpool were at the triple, swooping in for Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Illori and loaning Chelsea's Victor Moses.
• Manchester City completed the signing of Martin Demichelis from Athletico Madrid
• Everton were busy on Deadline Day, buying and selling, swooping for Wigan's James McCarthy and loaning in Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry.
• West Brom also bought swiftly signing Stephane Sessegnon for £6m
• Manchester United failed in there attempts for Ander Herrera but settled for Everton's Marouane Fellaini, for the cost of £27.5m, well could of got him for £23.5 a month earlier....
• And, Arsenal mad the most expensive signing, smashing there transfer record, with the acquisition of Mesut Ozil for £42.4m, the second highest transfer in British history

 

Back in the swing of things!

It's the end of Gameweek 2 of the Barclays Premier League, it seems like it's never been anyway, fantasy football teams are racking up points and fans are flocking to see there beloved idols. So how have our teams started?

Early Pacesetters

It seems to be clear that the 'Mourinho Effect' has taken shape at Chelsea. Attractive football, controversial moments and controversial tactical decisions, but because of the Super Cup, they've already played 3, 2 wins and a draw against Moyes' United, Chelsea are setting the pace in the Premier League. It seems I may have to change my prediction, I said it'd be close between Chelsea and Manchester City, I think Chelsea now have the edge, especially with the additions of Willian and Samuel Eto'o, there attacking prowess is superb when added to Oscar, Hazard, Mata and Torres. Two sides start with 100% records, Spurs and Liverpool. Spurs have been surrounded with the Gareth Bale 'saga', there football has almost been forgotten about, two wins with two penalties for Roberto Soldado, not convincing but still 6 points out of 6, but the test of Arsenal on Sunday in the Derby will show there credentials this season. Liverpool also have started with two 1-0 victories, with winners from new htiman Daniel Sturridge. After years of promise not shown and chances not given, his move to Liverpool was perfect for him as his partnership with Countinho could prove to be one of the best in the league, added to Gerrard and the master of mischief Luis Suarez, this could be a good season for Liverpool.

Early Strugglers

Crystal Palace are favorites for relegation and they've not started well, outdone by Spurs and then there poor defence was exposed at Stoke with defeat there. If they don't strengthen in there defence then they'll struggle a lot this season, despite having Ian Holloway. Despite Hull amazingly holding out for nearly an hour with 10 men to beat Norwich, I still think they'll struggle, there team isn't strong in a lot of areas and I think will end up down scrapping for safety. Sunderland, Norwich, Stoke, West Brom and Newcastle have not started brilliantly either and may end up down that area of the table too.

Round-Up of results

Matchday 1

Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa

Chelsea 2-0 Hull

Crystal Palace 0-1 Spurs

Liverpool 1-0 Stoke 

Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle

Norwich 2-2 Everton

Sunderland 0-1 Fulham

Swansea 1-4 Manchester United

West Brom 0-1 Southampton

West Ham 2-0 Cardiff

Matchday 2

Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool

Cardiff 3-2 Man City

Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa

Fulham 1-3 Arsenal

Everton 0-0 West Brom

Hull 1-0 Norwich

Newcastle 0-0 West Ham

Southampton 1-1 Sunderland

Spurs 1-0 Swansea

Stoke 2-1 Crystal Palace

Then there's Arsenal, sure a win at Fulham is good to forget about that Villa result, but the main thing is signings! We're supposed to have a wad of cash, yet we've made two signings, both for free and both French. While Spurs break there transfer record more times than Arsenal signings, the Bale saga is stopping Arsenal making any move for Di Maria/Ozil. Wenger's in his last year and I believe that any signings may verge on panic-buys now, I think we need a new era at Arsenal, fresh ideas and knowledge, Klopp/Laudrup/Bergkhamp for me, it'll be a very interesting week let alone season for Arsenal and us gooners

 

#COYG

Its gonna be a Special One- Part 2

Sorry this wasn't earlier, I was on holiday, this has no involvement with opening week results....

So I've made my predictions on what the final top 8 positions will look like, now it's the middle and lower pack of the Barclays Premier League, like last season I can see two teams cut adrift at the bottom with the rest from about 13th downwards being a close scrap.

The Castaways

Despite the newly promoted sides coming up and showing fresh ideas, open attacking football and a nothing to lose mindset, in recent seasons, it's seemed to backfire. Burnley, Blackpool and Reading are the most recent examples of this, starting promisingly and pulling off great results, Burnley beating United at home, Blackpool winning at Anfield and with Reading's new year run seeing them beat Newcastle away. However, despite there attacking flair, there defenses were simply not up to the standard, with all 3 going straight back down with a total goals against tally, a colossal 233 goals in the back of there nets! This season I'm predicting Palace and Hull to be the victim's of this. Even worse for them, there attacks need vast improvement, as Palace start without talisman Zaha and Hull must rely on new man Yannick Sagbo, it could be a lack of goals being there problem.

The other newly promoted side Cardiff shows some hope for the new boys. With foreign owners prepared to spend, in come highly rated Andreas Cornelius from Denmark and Spurs' Stephen Caulker, alongside experienced captain Craig Bellamy, they have young talents mixed with proven class, it could be a good year for the Welsh again as it's the return of the South Wales derby!

The Middle Pack

For some it'll be season of mid-table obscurity hopping between near relegation battles and a decent cup or Europa League push. Newcastle are thankfully without Europe this season which will ease the burden on a tight looking squad, which was fully stretched last season after dealing with long-term absences Krul, Collochini, Ryan Taylor, Cabaye, Ben Arfa and the loss of Demba Ba, resulting in a french revolution, the squad will settle and I think have a easier ride this season, with the addition of Loic Remy, it should lighten the burden on Papiss Cisse, however, there's always something wrong at Newcastle with the strange appointment of Joe Kinnear as Chief Executive, maybe Alan Pardew's job isn't safe.... Meanwhile, great summer signings mean I believe Fulham, West Ham and Norwich will be safe as there squads look more than equipped for the season. Fulham have added considerably with Adel Taarabt, Maarten Stekelengburg and giant Derek Boateng added to class acts of Hangeland, Ruiz and Berbatov, this average side could turn into a once feared force. Norwich and West Ham seem not likely to suffer second-season-syndrome adding highly rated Nathan Redmond and loan success Andy Carroll respectively.

Two more are Southampton and Aston Villa, with both adjusting to new managers, they look settled and improving outfits both with highly-rated talented youngsters. The Saints, under Pocchetino now look a very good side, as shown with scalp's over Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool. He's also proven he's a shrude transfer tactician adding Arsenal target Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren of Lyon put with born and bred finishers Lambert and Rodriguez, they're a real threat again. A young Villa last season were certainties for the drop and conceded 15 goals in 3 games over the festive period, a turn around was needed, in came Christian Benteke. The big Belgian lead Lambert to safety and put his name on many's hopping list before signing a 4yr deal! Alongside up and coming talents Weimann, Westwood and Lowton with experienced Agbonlahor, Vlaar and Guzan, they should feel a lot more stress free this season.

The Relegation Dog-fighters

For me now there will be 3 who'll slowly but surely be the last ones fighting for survival, these are Stoke, Sunderland and West Brom. Stoke have changed from cult hero Tony Pulis to veteran Mark Hughes, opting to abide by the fan's wishes and no longer be rugby's football team. Hughes has already acquired some strength at full back with Muniesa and Eric Pieters from Barcelona and PSV respectively. Still with superhuman keeper Asmir Begovic, I believe they will also struggle to get goals, last season only QPR scored fewer than there measly 34 goals, a total nearly doubled by Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez! Sunderland survived by the skin of there teeth last season, helped by a Tyne-Wear Derby win at St. James Park, however a hammering at Villa was a reality check for them. They've strengthend well with Juve's Giacherinni and big man Jozy Altidore, but they just never look convincing that they'll do wella and always end up struggling, Di Canio's spirit may drive them home, then again his passion and temper could see a breakdown and sacking! Finally, I think West Brom may have there own second-season syndrome and struggle with expectations this year after an amazing season last year, they may be hit with a taste of harsh reality and be back down the bottom end, with all the controversy over Odemwingie's transfer (or not) and the return to home club of Romelu Lukaku, who'll provide that spark this season. They've signed experience in Diego Lugano, despite his injury record, and strikers Matej Vydra and veteran Nicolas Anelka, i'm not convinced they'll deliver like Lukaku and Odemwingie did and used to. One thing is for certain it's going to go to the wire.

The Rest
9) Southampton
10) West Ham United
11) Aston Villa 
12) Fulham
13) Norwich City
14) Newcastle United
15) Cardiff City
16) Sunderland
17) Stoke City
18) West Brom
19) Hull City
20) Crystal Palace