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
30 October 2013
29 October 2013
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!
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!
10 October 2013
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
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
3 October 2013
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.
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.
25 September 2013
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)
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)
16 September 2013
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
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
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
8 September 2013
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!
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
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