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

It's going to be a Special One

So the start of 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season is nearly upon us, after a whole month and a week of transfer speculation there have been some high profile saga's, managerial merry-go-rounds and done deals which have kept us busy, so with the real action nearly here, it's time to get predicting! This blog focuses on my top 8 for next season

The Big 3 are a different 3!

It's the first time in Premier League history, well that Manchester United have had a new manager, but mainly that the top 3 finishing teams from last season have all chopped and changed the men at the hot seat. For the defending champions, an end of an era, the greatest club manager of all time Sir Alex Ferguson retired from duty, resulting in tears of joy from all in London and down the road in Manchester! However, no matter who's at the helm, United is United and they will always be up there, but how can you follow Sir Alex? David Moyes is very inexperienced at a 'big club', no offence Everton, but big names are associated with United and it seems no one wants to know anymore, Lewandowski, Thiago, Fabregas have all rejected Moyes rather than United in my opinion. However, the recent emergence of a 'Ronaldo Return' could put that to bed....! 

There typically noisy neighbors have been busy again, appointing veteran Manuel Pellegrini as replacement for title winner Mancini, but like Roberto, is spending the pounds at the Etihad. £88m is the magic number with the chosen men Jesus Navas and his buddy Negredo from Sevilla, Fernandinho from Spartack Moscow for the highest fee, £33m and Stefan Jovetic (apparently was signing for Arsenal hmmm) from Fiorentina for £24m. With the additions added to the spine of Hart, Kompany, Toure and Aguero is there really anyone who could stop the boys in blue? Enter the 'Special One', Mr Mourinho is back in the English Premier League and he's back for good. Despite signing a 4 year deal, he's happily up for an extension and to finish his career with Chelsea. There have been no real big signings at Stamford Bridge though yet, they've brought in Andre Schurrle from Leverkusen and young Dutch midfielder Marco Van Ginkel, but the main noise has been about Wayne Rooney. It's been known he wants to leave, however two bids have been rejected by United, this saga will continue to the end, watch out I sense Mourinho will get his way!

The Chasing Pack

As a gooner, let's start with the Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is into his last year on his contract and hopefully he bows out with a trophy, well I think he'll leave by the time we reach May. It's been well known we have the money to buy and afford most players on the planet so when the date is August 7th, we've sold at least half of the first team squad, including Gervinho and Mannone, and our only signing is Yaya Sanogo, it's fairly worrying. However, developments have ensued in the possible transfer of Luis Suarez. A famous £40,000,001 was rejected, but Suarez wants and was apparently promised out, so it looks like he'll be out of Anfield for sure and hopefully to Arsenal. We by no way have a title winning team let alone sqaud, but with 3/4 good additions we'll contest for another trophy this season I'm sure, watch this space. Spurs have been punished for another poor run-in with the shock request from Gareth Bale to leave for Real Madrid, no real shock actually then. A world record £95m is rumored (OVER-PRICED) surely that'll will make tough Levy budge. They've been busy acquiring Chadli, Soldado and now in talks for Ethienne Capoue, so with the added Bale money, they'll be tussling with Arsenal again for 4th.

The outsiders for the top 4 are Liverpool, Swansea and Everton. Liverpool, possibly minus Suarez, will have no chance of competing, but with a replacement they can trouble, with the Rodgers influence they will look good with Countinho, Sturridge, Gerrard and co. Swansea, in the Europa League are real dark horses, I said after there stunning campaign last year, they'll be moving up and up and with Bony, Michu and even Shelvey, they look a very good outfit, a hard start for Moyes' men. Then Martinez's Everton, he's got pressure to carry on Moyes' high results. His attractive football got Wigan Wembley glory last year and taking 3 Wigan men with him, added to the hopeful retention of Fellaini and Baines, they will once again tussle with the big boys.


Top 8 finish
1) Manchester City
2) Chelsea
3) Manchester United
4) Arsenal
5) Spurs
6) Swansea
7) Liverpool
8) Everton

GroundDrog Day at the Emirates

Well, even when we make our own trophy, we can't win it! Didier Drogba returned to remind Arsenal fans of his Chelsea days as haunted the Emirates again leading Galatasaray to the Emirates Cup. It was a great day of football after the opening day left a lot of empty expectations but there was plenty of attacking, free-flowing football throughout the 180mins of football, just not much from Arsenal.

FC Porto 3-1 Napoli FC

With a rested starting XI for Rafa, it was Goran Pandev who was the spike of the Italian's counter attack and he was quickly in behind as captain Dezmali slotted the ball through to the Hungarian who was one on one with keeper Helton but became cocky in front of goal, dallied and was superbly tackled by Nicholas Otamendi on the cover for Porto as they survived the scare. It wasn't a quiet tempered contest as tackles were flying in from both sides, unfortunately for Porto, Mangala made one too many. I was rooting for Porto as a win for Napoli would make Arsenal's task of winning a lot more difficult, so it's safe to say I was fairly annoyed when Mangala lunged in on youngster Calaio on the edge of the 6 yard box and conceded the spot kick. Hoping for a 4th penalty save in two days of cup action, Pandev stepped up and stroked the ball in to the opposite corner of the diving Helton and opened the scoring for the day of the Emirates Cup and got his second goal of the tournament. Porto tried to fight back but couldn't deliver the right service as Napoli held strong at the back for the 1-0 lead.

As seen on Saturday, Napoli new boy Gonzalo Higuain received a cold reception at the Emirates after months of speculation of joining the Gooners. As an Arsenal fan I found the booing very petty and desperate. A player who we should've tied up but for Real Madrid raising the price of the Argentinian after Edinson Cavani's big money move to Paris from Napoli gave the Italians a lot in the bank. Real seized the chance for more money and cashed in on a £33m deal for Higuain. Seemingly jealous of the signing a lot of fans were giving the cold shoulder to Gonzalo, trying to find someone to blame, while my corner of the Arsenal fans gave Higuain a warm reception as respect to a man who had done nothing wrong.

Second half was all Porto, as they showed there true class dominating and giving me and the rest of the crowd some entertaining, superb pieces of football. With goals from Kamel Ghilas, a Fernandez own goal and a blunder capitalized by substitute Lica to end it 3-1 winners.

Arsenal 1-2 Galatasaray

A eagerly, anticipating sold out crowd saw Arsenal fall short of another Emirates Cup. It wasn't a great performance from Arsenal as slack defending and possible lack of fatigue was to blame for a mauling of a second half. Arsenal though started with high energy and a real attacking threat as an attack lead by only new man Yaya Sanogo had a chance in the first 2 minutes but his shot was saved by Muslera. I still am awaiting the first Yaya chant, although just copying Manchester City's for Toure wouldn't be a bad idea. After spurned chances from Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey, Walcott delivered a delicious free-kick which went all the way in for the lead on half time. Ironically, the man next to us who'd been slating Walcott all day, left early for a beer, missed the goal and well never came back out, maybe a good decision after all!

At half-time, as I predicted Galatasaray brought on the big guns, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, two legends in there own right, with Drogba receiving a raucous of boo's from the Arsenal fan's for his ex-Chelsea links, however I applauded, maybe one not of many but I do respect Drogba as a footballer and man, he showed why. It was all Galatasaray in the second half, with chance after chance, Sneijder testing the reflexes of Szczesny. But on 76 minutes the game changer, a so called 'push' from Ignasi Miquel, duly made the most out of by Drogba was awarded with a penalty, cooly dispatched, 1-1 with 14 minutes to go, as Porto are currently winning the cup. But with 4 minutes to go the two substitutes combined in incredible style, Arsenal's young substitutes poorly lost the ball, Sneijder pinged a 40 yard pass, superbly taken by Drogba past the despairing Mertersacker was fired impudently home as he skidded down in front of the corner where I was sitting, to my annoyance I sat and applauded regretfully as Arsenal had once again shown there current squad is easily taken apart by a quality player/team, today it was two as Sneijder and Drogba won the cup for the Turks.

Now sign someone Wenger, our current squad is well below standard!