Return of the Frank

Another weekend of Barclays Premier League action brought some shocks, a crazy comeback and a haunting return of a legend against his old side.  Frank Lampard was facing the side where he left his name engraved as their record goal scorer, yes Manchester City vs Chelsea. 

Let's start at The Etihad.  Manchester City had not won their last three in all competitions and were desperate to end Chelsea's blistering start to the league season, with four wins from four.  Chelsea had Diego Costa back in the starting eleven, their new signing already starting with a bang, scoring 7 in his first four games for the club.  It was always going to be a cagey, tactical game between the two title favourites, with both desperate not to lose.  It was a quiet first half as Vincent Kompany and Eliquem Mangala, making his City debut, had hold of Costa and kept him in sight.  City were doing more of the pressing with James Milner a constant threat down the right.  The second half was a bit more livelier, City started to create more chances with Thibaurt Courtois denying David Silva after a neat turn and shot in the penalty box.  But the game changed with around 20 minutes to go, City's Pablo Zabaleta had been booked in the first half for a trip on Eden Hazard and after going in hard on Costa once, the second time he wouldn't be as successful.  A kick from Zabaleta angered Costa which may have helped the referee in his decision, a second yellow and he was off.  I think the first yellow was unlucky but the second foul is definitely a second booking, a rash challenge from a man of such experience.  Chelsea made it pay dividends as a slick counter attack led to a perfect pick out from Hazard for Andre Schurrle to slide home what looked to be the winner for Mourinho's men.  However, on came Frank.  Lampard was applauded by both sets of fans as he entered the frame, I had never seen anything like this in a match of this magnitude.  City didn't lie down and kept attacking to save the game.  Sure enough, they found a way through.  Silva played a lovely one-two with Milner who teed up, yes you guessed it, Frank Lampard who expertly cushioned the volley past Courtois.  The poor guy looked the most depressed footballer to ever score, he was almost in tears.  The Chelsea fans were in a state of shock.  City fans were jubilant.  For a moment, it looked like Lampard was about to win it, but John Terry got in the way.  1-1 it finished, Lampard going over to the Chelsea fans at full time in apologetic mood, with both sets of fans again giving him a rousing send off.  A very emotional day for Lampard. 

There was much more shocks across the league.  At the King Power Stadium, Manchester United were looking for their first away win of the season after hammering QPR at Old Trafford.  Leicester had held Arsenal and Everton at home so they shouldn't be underestimated.  Yet, United raced into a 3-1 lead come the hour mark with goals from Robin Van Persie, Ander Herrera and a sublime chip from Angel Di Maria.  Although, United have clear defensive weaknesses and are more than likely to concede goals or make mistakes, they did both.  A debatable penalty awarding swung the game back to Leicester as a shove-off between Jamie Vardy an Rafael ended with the latter fouling Vardy to concede a spot kick, duly converted by David Nugent.  Leicester had their tails up and equalised after another mess by United's defence.  Dean Hammond's shot was blocked and fumbled to Esteban Cambiasso.  The one time Champions League winner with Inter Milan now in the East Midlands rammed his first goal in English football to cap off an assured debut.  Then, not for the last time this season, United were found wanting at the back as Marcos Rojo bombed forward expecting Mata to return the ball only to see Jamie Vardy running clean through the space Rojo was in.  The former non-league bad boy stroked it past David De Gea and ran off to celebrate putting Leicester 4-3 ahead!!!  This incredible comeback was finished off with the dismissal of Tyler Blackett, I will never understand how he is starting for United.  Leonardo Ulloa capped it off his 5th league goal already for Leicester, 5-3 to the Tigers, Van Gaal and United embarrassed again as Falcao and Di Maria watched on. 

Finally, Arsenal bounced back with a three minute blitz of Aston Villa.  Mesut Ozil dazzling in the number 10 role, where he should play every week.  Scoring and setting up Danny Welbeck for his first goal for Arsenal, then capped off with a Aly Cissokho own goal.  Arsenal didn't even use Alexis Sanchez who should be fresh for the North London Derby next week!  Southampton continued their remarkable run with a 1-0 win at Swansea.  I underestimated Southampton and predicted a struggling season for them, yet with Ronald Koeman settled and his players delivering week after week, it could be another good year for the Saints, amazing after their mass exodus this summer.  The team responsible for a lion share in that are Liverpool, who ironically are below Southampton.  They stumbled to back-to-back losses after a 3-1 humbling at West Ham.  Liverpool have major problems at the back and with utilising Steven Gerrard.  West Ham cut out Gerrard and stopped Liverpool from getting going.  Spurs were left shocked by basement dwellers West Brom.  A James Morrison header won it as Spurs looked average, plain and devoid of confidence heading into a North London Derby. 

The Rest
Burnley 0-0 Sunderland
Everton 2-3 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 2-2 Hull City
QPR 2-2 Stoke City

Goal of the Week

A new feature I am adding will show the best goal from this week's football.  This week it's Nikica Jelavic's  extraordinary overhead kick at St James' Park.

 

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Angel resurrects United hopes

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the Premier League returned after the International break and didn't let up with some brilliant games and goals.  The UEFA Champions League also made its return this week with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City flying the flag in Europe. 

Premier League

The first game of the weekend was arguably the biggest, Arsenal vs Manchester City at The Emirates.  Arsenal had drawn their last two and had been unconvincing so far this season, they needed a good performance at least.  City had gone into the break after defeat to Stoke and were ready to put it to bed and prove it was a blip.  Arsenal got at City and were aggressive from the off, led by Mathieu Flamini, Jack Wilshere and the ever working Alexis Sanchez.  Arsenal were caught on the break though mid-way through the half.  Flamini's tackle merely sent Jesus Navas away and he crossed for Sergio Aguero to slot the ball away at the near post under Woijiech Szczesny.  Arsenal push their full backs up high during the game and City were keen to punish this as Navas broke away again, but this time David Silva couldn't beat Szczesny.  Arsenal needed a fresh response in the second half as they couldn't really afford a defeat, cue Jack Wilshere.  Wilshere had been at it from the off and was pressing City and forcing his team forward, it was Alexis who broke through this time.  The ball came to Aaron Ramsey who found Wilshere, he glided past Gael Clichy and with still a lot to do, delicately lofted the ball over Joe Hart and in.  A priceless goal for him and Arsenal.  But that delight would turn into ecstasy.  Wilshere headed the ball back towards City's goal after Vincent Kompany cleared away a cross.  The ball came to Alexis who superbly volleyed past Joe Hart and put Arsenal in front.  It was a frantic game and one which you couldn't call, City latched onto Arsenal's nerves and equalised with a Martin Demichellis header.  City went on to rattle the post twice and have the ball in the net only for Samir Nasri to flagged offside, a possible nightmare moment for Arsenal fans there.  So a scrappy, end-to-end game ended all square, both sides will be disappointed not to win but equally feel fortunate not to lose. 

Elsewhere, Chelsea continued their rampant start with a brilliant comeback win over Swansea winning 4-2.  New man Diego Costa was in the goals again, bagging his first Chelsea hat-trick whilst Cesc Fabregas collected another two assists.  Swansea had played well but couldn't take chances when they were on top and were caught by a set piece.  Costa has clearly settled quickly and showing signs of a striker who can fire Jose Mourinho to his first title in his second spell in charge.  However, Liverpool slipped up at home to solid starters Aston Villa.  A Gabby Agbonlahor goal took all three points back to the Midlands for Villa who were unbeaten and had kept three clean sheets so far this season.  Liverpool had dropped Raheem Sterling and seemed to lack cutting edge and that final pass against a well organised Villa.  Newcastle were again beaten heavily at Southampton.  A 4-0 whitewash for Alan Pardew's men who were yet to win and had conceded 9 goals in their first four games.  Newcastle were a shambles!  Awful work ethic, defending and finishing.  New signings have made little impact and the fans seem to want the manager out, as well as the owner.  Newcastle need to beat Hull next weekend, lose and Pardew will face a certain possibility of the axe.  Finally, Manchester United got off the mark on Sunday with the help of an Angel sent from a distant land.  Angel Di Maria tore QPR to shreds as he scored and set up one in a 4-0 romp.  Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and off the bench, Radamel Falcao all made their United bows with Blind particularly impressive.  Louis Van Gaal said their season starts against QPR, so can it continue with a win away at Leicester?

The Rest
Crystal Palace 0-0 Burnley
Hull City 2-2 West Ham United
Stoke City 0-1 Leicester City
Sunderland 2-2 Spurs
West Brom 0-2 Everton



Champions League

The English sides returned to action this week, with mixed results.  Liverpool overcame a frustrating tussle with Ludogorets thanks to a late Stevie Gerrard penalty, a couple of minutes after the Hungarians had equalised in stoppage time.  Mario Balotelli scored his goal for the club and will hopefully kick on from there as they are without Daniel Sturridge.  Arsenal were far from convincing.  An awful team display in Dortmund meant they were 2-0 losers in Signal Iduna Park.  A performance where defending was at a disarray and chances were few, even when they did get glimpses, Danny Welbeck missed convincingly.  Manchester City were harshly denied a point from the Allianz as a late Jerome Boateng drive flew past Joe Hart, albeit off the back of Mario Gotze.  Chelsea were surprisingly held by Schalke 04 after Klass Jaan Huntelaar equalised in the second half after a brilliant break from Julian Draxler, who was a constant threat.  Cesc Fabregas grabbed his first Chelsea goal but was then at fault for the equaliser, Didier Drogba and Fabregas went on to miss guilt-edged chances to kill the game.  So 4 points from four games is the worst start for English sides in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League since four teams were allowed in.  I am still confident that all four will qualify through their groups, it may be close though!



 

 

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Costa chews up Toffees & Deadline Deals

As we enter the first International break of the season, the Premier League is in full flow.  This weekend brought shocks up and down the league as well as a hatful of goals.  Deadline Day was the end of the transfer window as many clubs made last adjustments to their sides, some more so than others!


Premier League

We start at Goodison Park where 100% starters Chelsea travelled to Everton who had drawn their opening two games from winning positions.  Martinez's men have a good recent record against Chelsea, beating them last season and generally being a thorn in Chelsea's side in the past few years.  Everton are never easy to beat but conceding a 2-1 lead to Leicester and 2-0 lead to Arsenal in the last 10 minutes of those games is showing cracks in that normally solid back-line.  That was breached inside the first minute of the game.  Chelsea new boys Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa linking up, not for the first time this season, with devastating effect.  Two minutes later, they had another when Eden Hazard slipped Branislav Ivanovic through to put them 0-2 up inside three minutes!  Kevin Mirallas though did grab a goal back before the break after flowing Everton move.  Chelsea didn't let up as they moved two in front again.  The unfortunate Seamus Coleman deflecting Eden Hazard's cross past Tim Howard at his near post.  This was followed by a heated altercation between Howard and Costa.  Costa was riled up by Everton's handling of him and tussled with Coleman previous to this.  After the goal he celebrated in front of the Irishman to the anger of Howard, but neither were sent off thankfully.  Within two minutes or so it was 2-3!  Steven Naismith scoring for the third game in a row, an incredible match!  Yet, another sloppy goal let Everton down.  Poor marking gave Nemanja Matic space to drill home a fourth from the edge of their penalty box.  However, Chelsea seemed just as lackadaisical at the back as Everton.  Samuel Eto'o came off the bench and scored with his first touch as an Everton player, against his old club!  This was extraordinary to watch, maybe not so much for Martinez and Jose Mourinho.  But, once again Everton were caught sleeping as Chelsea's incisive and intricate passing cut them open once more.  Ramires walking through to poke a fifth goal in 10 exhilarating minutes at Goodison.  Costa grabbed his second, showing assured composure and confidence, 3-6 Chelsea.  If there are better games this season than this one, then we are in for one hell of a season.  Although if the defending is anything like this again, Alan Hansen will be begging to return to Match of the Day! 

Elsewhere across the country, a hapless Manchester City were caught out by Stoke at the Etihad due to Mame Biram Diouf's solo special.  Stoke being just the third team in the last three Premier League seasons to beat them at their home ground, the others Chelsea last season and Manchester United the year before.  Liverpool reacted to disappointment at City to wipe the floor with Spurs again!  Mario Balotelli had flashes on his debut, but the stand out moment was a brilliant goal from other new man Alberto Moreno.  Wilfried Zaha encapsulated a week of turnarounds at Crystal Palace.  Neil Warnock returning to Selhurst and the Premier League, whilst Zaha returned to his stomping turf and scored a dramatic late equaliser to spoil Newcastle's chance for three points.  A lacklustre Arsenal were held by a determined Leicester who showed they can match the best in the league with Leonardo Ulloa thumping a header in to cancel out a first league goal for Alexis Sanchez.  There were also wins for Aston Villa, Southampton, Swansea and QPR.  Then there was a boring old draw at Turf Moor, Burnley being held by a brave Manchester United who pick up their second point of the season in a pitiful performance, slightly brightened by the appearance of one Angel Di Maria.

So Chelsea, Swansea, Aston Villa and Manchester City, on goal difference, currently fill the Top Four spots with Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal just behind.  Burnley, Palace and West Brom are the bottom three, whilst Everton, Sunderland, Leicester, Newcastle and Manchester United still look for that elusive first win.  For me, Swansea have been really impressive so far, as well as Chelsea.  But, Swansea were strugglers last season, mostly down to Europa League football, but now have a solid base to their side and are back to their old selves.  Chelsea vs Swansea should be a tasty affair, a Swansea win could open up loads of avenues in the fight at the top of the league!  

Deadline Day

Deadline Day was once again frantic, unpredictable, surprising and expensive!  Manchester United, Arsenal and Hull City were the teams in the centre of big deals, some good and some questionable.  Hull put together a surprising array of deals which put together make to look a very good side.  Loan deals for Hatem Ben Arfa and Gaston Ramirez were clever and profitable for their attacking force.  A record fee for striker Abel Hernandez will be answered after appearances soon.  But the best deal for me, £3.5 million for Momo Diame from West Ham.  Diame is an all-action midfielder who has bags of skill and an eye for goal.  He often impressed me when playing for West Ham and I think he will be a real miss for the Hammers who already are struggling for firepower in attack, then sell Diame??  Along with Ben Arfa, Ramirez, Jelavic and Huddlestone controlling from deep, Hull could be a tough team to beat this season. 

Arsenal needed to make additions due to injuries and vacant holes in their squad, we all knew that!  However, it seems every year it comes down to deadline day and Arsenal are scrapping around to see who becomes available.  Danny Welbeck was an addition this deadline day, following Manchester United's astonishing loan acquisition of Radamel Falcao.  This annoys me.  Don't get me wrong, I am happy with Welbeck and will back him in an Arsenal shirt.  Although, every year Arsenal cannot constantly make these late deals because of other teams doings, like Ozil last year and Welbeck this year.  If Bale didn't go to Madrid, Ozil wouldn't have left, same with Welbeck and Falcao.  As well as the ever publicised empty defensive midfield vacancy at Arsenal once again not answered, added with the lack of centre halves, Arsenal have missed priority positions.  Rumours of moves for Sami Khedira, Lars Bender, William Carvalho, Mataja Nastastic and Sokratis never materialised and now Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta will be put in battles with the likes of Yaya Toure, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Cesc Fabregas.  This is a risk and a missed chance to really step up the squad to challenge for titles.  In big games they may get out muscled like last season, but the additions they have made our positive and good business.  Despite, Wenger again not sufficiently using resources fully and necessarily correctly, Arsenal still have a good enough team to mix with the best and be up there come May. 

Best of the Rest

Jason McArthur- Wigan to Crystal Palace

Sandro- Spurs to QPR

Niko Kranjcar- Dinamo Zagreb to QPR

Eduardo Vargas- Fiorentina to QPR

Toby Alderweireld- Atletico to Southampton

Daley Blind- Ajax to Manchester United

Morgan Amalfitano- Marseille to West Ham

Benjamin Stambouli- Montpellier to Spurs

Kevin Doyle- Wolves to Crystal Palace

Zeki Fryers- Spurs to Crystal Palace



 

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