It was a weekend of great away days in the Premier League, with a record 7 away wins over the weekend and a draw, making the travelling away supporter’s trip worthwhile. In the Capital One Cup, it was the big guns and a David versus Goliath tie as Liverpool faced Chelsea and Spurs entertained cup specialists Sheffield United.
Premier League
It was a weekend which narrowed down the fight for European football further. With up to 7 teams fighting for three spots in the Champions League next season and it’s becoming impossible to call. Southampton have shocked us all with their character, resilience and quality in how they not only kept pace with the chasers, but maintained their unbelievable start by holding on to a Champions League place up to now. West Ham have defied the odds to even be in the top half, never mind put their name in the hat for spot, which just emphasises how good a job Big Sam has been doing from when he brought the Hammers up from the Championship. Then the experienced veterans Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are amongst it as always despite heavily inconsistent seasons. Their experience in Champions League scraps and end of season twists puts them ahead of the rest in the race. Then Spurs, the club who doesn’t quite know where they belong. Every season, the Champions League is the Holy Grail, yet a realistic push would be for the top six. But, every season they find some form and hopes get rejuvenated of a possible tilt at that top four again. After arguably the result of the season toppling leaders Chelsea 5-3, they have momentum which makes them a force against any side and they must be considered.
So, there really is only one place this week’s reviews can pin its focus on, the Etihad, Manchester City, Arsenal, Pellegrini and Wenger. It was a clash which could change Arsenal’s season and possibly people’s view of them and Monsieur Wenger. Arsenal’s record against the ‘big teams’ has been heavily quoted, mentioned and thrown around in the media, they’ve only won once against Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and City in the last 9 visits, that was a 2-0 win over Liverpool in 2012. That record was just worsened with last season’s abominations at Anfield, Stamford Bridge and indeed the Etihad conceding 17 goals in three games, scoring 4. Surely, after so long playing ambitious, daring football and getting blown away time after time, Wenger must settle for a more defensive minded strategy with pressure mounting on his job and tactics more than ever. Injuries have only contributed to Arsenals worst starts under Wenger and fans calling for his head. Despite this he’s stayed as calm and professional as ever and maintains faith in his players, some questionably. Wenger gave starts to youngsters Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin, the latter who has revelled in faith shown to him since his return from a loan spell at Charlton because of injuries. But, this was a test some thought would be too great for him in David Silva. The playmaker has been instrumental in City’s catch-up with runaway leaders Chelsea, making this game just as important to City as Arsenal. Everyone knew what Arsenal needed to do, could they do it? Could Coquelin handle Silva? Would Aguero or Sanchez steal the show?
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| Credit: theguardian.com |
Well, as it goes Arsenal delivered. The performance Arsenal fans had been calling for, the team work, determination, fight and quality all came together and City couldn’t handle it. Possession may have been in City’s favour, but in chances and goals Arsenal were the victors. No Yaya Toure means City don’t win these days, defeats to Stoke and West Ham and a home draw to Burnley has been without their man mountain. Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany were rushed back and clearly not fit enough as Arsenal suffocated Aguero out of the game and terrorised Kompany. Arsenal controlled the game without the ball, if that makes sense. City didn’t once cause panic in the Arsenal rear-guard and every counter spelled danger for the champions. It proved that Coquelin could be more than a match for Silva and was like a rash all over him. Arsenal have been calling for a defensive midfielder for nearly a decade, Coquelin’s performance against the champions has given hope of a future prospect for the vacancy. Sanchez wasn’t at his best but his work rate covers for that and makes his performances at a consistent standard. But, one man has been the catalyst for the last two months, Santi Cazorla. His performances have been improving game after a game and has been the star of the side. On Sunday I reached new levels and was arguably his best game in an Arsenal shirt, 101 touches, 91% pass accuracy, a penalty and the assist for Olivier Giroud capping an extroadinary day for Arsenal. City have work to do, its crunch time in two weeks, a visit to Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Chelsea showed their best bits in embarrassing and humiliating Swansea in a 5-0 humbling. Wilfried Bony has gone and Swansea need a plan B, could that be Bafetimbi? Alan Pardew produced the comeback of the season at Turf Moor with his new Crystal Palace team 2-0 down, Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon combined to turn it around and get back-to-back wins for Pardew, something Newcastle will be ruing. They lost again, 2-1 to the ever improving Southampton as the managerial mystery doesn’t seem to be resolving itself at St James’.
Finally, there was drama at Goodison as Everton’s dreadful season continued and was summed up with a penalty fiasco. Kevin Mirallas self-elected penalty taker missed the crucial kick with regular take Leighton Baines bemused and baffled along with the rest of the players, staff and fans, he ended being subbed off at half time.
Capital One Cup
The first-leg of the semi-finals occurred as the chance of a Wembley final started to become a vision to the players of the four teams involved. Liverpool were outstanding but unable to beat down Chelsea and were held to a 1-1 scoreline with Thibaurt Courtois superb. Sheffield United have made their name as the cup specialists with QPR, Aston Villa and Southampton all on the end of cup shocks and Spurs struggled to a 1-0 lead going to Bramall Lane. Both are in the balance and could go either way with the second legs next week.
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| Credit: thesportspace.org |
Sam Tonks
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