Bridge over Troubled Waters

As this Premier League continues to defy logic, expectations and form, this is proving to be the most thrilling and close-fought season ever. 

MANAGERIAL SACKNG: DAVID MOYES

So, this past Tuesday, after a season full of wrong records, embarrassment and shameful displays at Old Trafford, the 'Chose One' was in-fact the 'Wrong One'.  David Moyes arrived in August last year with excitement and a massive void to fill of possibly the greatest manager of all time Sir Alex Ferguson.  Moyes has not had an easy time this season and has had many more low points than high points, including hammerings at City, home to Liverpool and Moyes' final straw, at his old side Everton of all places.  The news broke the day before he was officially sacked as it was widely spread that his job was under threat and was reported to be sacked before next weekend, well it was true.  The signings of Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata have done nothing to help United, with the frightening statistic of finishing 21 points ahead of Liverpool last year, now 7th themselves, their title thrown away and now 23 points behind, a turn-around of 44 points!!!  There have been many well lowlights if you will, of Moyes' time, here are the top 5:

5)  Manchester United 1-2 West Brom, first home defeat since 1978
4)  First double by Everton over Manchester United since 1969/70
3)  First time United have lost 3 in a row since 2001
2)  Manchester United are guaranteed to finish with their lowest ever points tally
1)  First time Manchester City and Liverpool have done the double over them in the same season


The main talking point from this past week was the fall of Jose Mourinho's unprecedented unbeaten Premier League home record for Chelsea stood at 77 games until former Chelsea player Gus Poyet led his Sunderland side, bottom of the league, fighting for their lives, to victory with ironically a Liverpool man scoring the winner.  Fabio Borini on loan from Liverpool to Sunderland and ex-Chelsea converted his spot kick after Jozy Altidore was hauled down by Azpilicueta.  Chelsea couldn't muster an equaliser so Jose's record starting from 2004-2007 and 2013 to last Saturday of 77 home games unbeaten was over, as was Chelsea's title hopes.  After the game came a very controversial but typical Jose press conference, full of sarcasm and mentions of referees.

 

 

 

 

Elsewhere,  a preview of the FA Cup final went the way of Arsenal as they convincingly beat Hull City 3-0.  The returns of Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey were particular features of this win, Arsenal looked back to their best, if only they weren't injured eh.  Cardiff could only draw with Stoke City, I hate to say but with Sunderland coming up on Saturday, I fear anything less than victory will make them all but down for sure.  Everton put the sword in David Moyes' coffin with a comfortable 2-0 win.  And Swansea City put their relegation fears to much ease as they secured a late win and a rapidly falling, but safe, Newcastle with a Wilfried Bony brace, surely secuing a successful safety mission from Gary Monk.  Manchester City finished the weekend's games by keeping their title chase on by beating West Brom 3-1, the highlight a goal on return for Sergio Aguero, however a worrying injury for David Silva will not be a site City fans want to see. 

 

One thing's for sure, this end to the season is going to be one of the most exciting ever.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



The Season's End

The Premier League is nearing it's final stages, the title race, top 4 battle and relegation scrap all perfectly poised as people are left wondering who will fall and who will prevail in these important tussles in the table.  From the 5th April to the 16th April, a lot has changed and a lot has happened in the top flight, Liverpool have hit new heights, Fulham have clawed back into contention and Arsenal have fallen to a top 4 scrap with Everton, but have reached the FA Cup final, as Arsene Wenger looks for his 5th FA Cup, Arsenal's 11th in all. 

Premier League

Title Race

As Arsenal's title charge has collapsed in the last couple of months, it's now a three horse race for the Premier League crown, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.  The side that has taken the 'bull by the horns' is Liverpool.  10 wins in a row since their 1-1 draw at West Brom, including drubbings of Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United has put the destiny of the title in their hands.  Chelsea have been stuttering, going from embarrassing and humiliating Arsene Wenger at Stamford Bridge, to being caught out at Crystal Palace.  Jose Mourinho is the master of the mind games and has played down his sides chances from the start and now his side have the title in their hands, four wins and it's theirs.  The third side in the race is Manchester City, everyone's favourites but recent results have severely damaged their charge and now puts the title out of their own doing.  Second highest goal scorers and one of the best defences in the league, you cannot write off Pellegrini's men with a lot of twists and turns expected to happen before the season's end.

A match which would always help decided the fate of the title was at Anfield this past weekend, Liverpool vs Manchester City.  As Hillsborough was respected this weekend, across the country around the grounds, it was obvious that Anfield would be the centre of the tributes.  It was a powerful and moving image as they greeted the minutes silent with the Kop holding placards a loft reading, "Justice 96".  City showed their own message from the club as the fans held a poster in support and respect to the 96 people.  The game was also a fitting tribute as it was played in a manner that showed these two deserve to be where they are.  The World Cup is a hot topic and England players are not only focused on their clubs, but also on earning a spot on the plane, one of them Raheem Sterling.  He was superb on Sunday and scored a quite brilliant goal.  After Luis Suarez played in Sterling with a genius pass, Sterling had Joe Hart rushing off his line and Vincent Kompany closing him down, but a quick drop of the shoulder and Sterling beat both and fired the ball into the gaping net.  I've been unsure as to whether Sterling should be booked to fly to Rio, but recent big game performances and the injury to Theo Walcott has convinced me that he is a 'must' to go to the World Cup.  Liverpool have been known to wipe teams away in the first half of games and drift off in the second, Sunday was no different, they could've been out of sight by half time, Daniel Sturridge, Sterling and Jordan Henderson coming close, but they did get a second.  Another Steven Gerrard set piece, another Martin Skrtel header, it's been a common theme this season and it worked again as his near post flick beat a wondering Joe Hart.  It wasn't City's day as it only got worse for them, Yaya Toure was substituted after the 25 minute mark with injury, a key blow for Pellegrini.  They needed a second half fight-back, a change was made, James Milner came on for Jesus Navas.  It was that change which swung the tide in City's favour, Milner set up David Silva for a tap in and it was game on at Anfield, Liverpool were dropping deeper and City looked more and more threatening.  I favoured City to take this game after getting the goal and they continued to run at Liverpool and carved out a vital equaliser.  Interchange between Samir Nasri and David Silva got Silva in behind and his, what looked to be, a cross was deflected in off of Glen Johnson and past Mignolet, 2-2.  A brilliant comeback and 5 minutes later, Edin Dzeko was a toe's width away from sliding in David Silva's pass, Silva had really come to the fray in the second half and showed why he is one of the most talented playmakers in the country.  But a man in red was proving to be of equal trouble, Sturridge came off injured, Joe Allen on, so Phillipe Coutinho moved further forward and had an immediate effect in his new role.  Luis Suarez was as ever involved in the action, in my opinion should've bee sent off as well, a second yellow for diving in a tussle with Gael Clichy.  Then a defining moment in this 2013/14 Premier League season.

A Glen Johnson throw-in was flicked away by Gael Clichy, straight to captain Vincent Kompany.  Kompany had trained by himself in the warm up after picking up a knock in a collision in training last week.  He'd looked mentally cautious all game and this moment would not have helped the cause.  A scuffed clearance off the outside of his right foot dropped in the path of Coutinho who buried the shot past Hart in the bottom left corner.  Liverpool led a second time and now Anfield was rocking, I couldn't believe what I was watching, of all people, City's captain with an error.  A late penalty shout wasn't seen as from the replays, a blatant punch was made by Martin Skrtel whilst jumping with Javi Garcia.  As the final whistle approached Liverpool finished a man shy, Jordan Henderson sent off for a late lunge on Samir Nasri, a correct call.  The whistle blew and Anfield was stunned, Steven Gerrard was in tears and realisation hit, this could be Liverpool's year.  24 years of hurt has passed since their last league title as Manchester United waltzed to 20 league titles, Liverpool have watched on in anguish, could this be a swinging of the Premiership pendulum.  I think it's Liverpool's year and who else more deserving than Stevie G. 

Manchester City went into their meeting with Sunderland on Wednesday, 7 points behind Liverpool with two games in hand, needing a Liverpool slip up, it was still open for City to battle back from Sunday's disappointment.  However, the shock of the season was two minutes from materialising as an incredible double from Conor Wickham got the Mackems in front after conceding inside 5 minutes from Fernandinho.  Yet, a moment to forget for Vito Mannone let slip the 3 points for Sunderland with Samir Nasri grabbing the equaliser.  A night which both sides will not be happy with the result and the manner of it.  So with 4 games to go, Liverpool lead Chelsea by 2 points and City by 6, with City having one game in hand, it's Liverpool's to lose. 

The Race for 4th

8th February 2014: Arsenal head to Anfield top of the league, 8 points clear of Liverpool, they lose 5-1.
6th April 2014: Arsenal lose 3-0 at Goodison Park to Everton, now 4th, a point clear of Everton, with the Blues having a game in hand and now 10 points BEHIND Liverpool.

Arsenal's season, once again collapses in March and April and from title chasers are now in a close race for that coveted 4th place trophy (there isn't actually a trophy for 4th, although that would've made our drought a tad shorter!).  Arsenal have had many injuries to key players, again as usual, like Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny.  Although I as an Arsenal fan do think this is a valid statement for our slump, the players left still have no excuses for frankly embarrassing displays and shameful results, 6-0 at Chelsea, 1-0 at Stoke, 5-1 at Liverpool and 3-0 at Everton.  Arsene Wenger was getting a ludicrous amount of criticism and people questioned if he was nearing the end of his reign, they needed a confidence turn.  So on Saturday where they narrowly made it to their first FA Cup final since 2005 (their last trophy success)  Arsenal needed to kick on and rescue their remains of a collapsed campaign.  So a comeback 3-1 win over West Ham on Tuesday night was just what the doctor ordered.  A trend has set that Arsenal need to go behind before playing properly, like against Wigan at Wembley and West Ham on Tuesday,  A well taken double for Luka Podolski and a quality control and finish from Olivier Giroud made it a happy night in the end for the Gunners.  They leapt to 4th and the pressure was on Everton.

Everton have not been in this position at this point in a season since 2005, when they finished 4th, above Liverpool.  But, Roberto Martinez has believed since he arrived that they'd be challenging for Champions League football, he's made excellent signings and has transferred his style of football from Wigan with tremendous results.  Only once had Everton lost at Goodison this season in the league, that was to Sunderland!!  So when Crystal Palace arrived in Merseyside, a home banker yeah? Wrong.  Tony Pulis has revolutionised the Eagles from South London and singlehandedly made them one of the toughest teams to beat in the league.  They outplayed, outwitted and out-fought Everton winning 3-2 with goals from Scott Dann, Cameron Jerome and the goal machine Jason Puncheon, who has 6 goals in 4 games.  Everton got two goals back making it 2-1 and then 3-2, thanks to Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas, the pressure of 4th had cracked Everton.  Now with 4 games to go, Arsenal lead by a point, it's all to play for. 

Relegation Battle

This is by the far the tightest, most intense, unpredictable relegation scrap for years, possibly ever in the Premier League.  7 teams are in the dog fight for me and I don't know which 3 will face the drop.  Let's go through team by team:

Sunderland
20th, 26 points
Sunderland are in desperate trouble and seem to have suffered the same curse of Birmingham City in 2011, the Capital One Cup curse.  After reaching the final this year, they've lost 8 and drawn 2, won 0!!!!  Birmingham won it and got relegated, Sunderland are staring down the barrel of relegation themselves and Gus Poyet is running out of games.  With a game in hand, they're 6 points from safety and a few tough games at Chelsea and United.  Needing a lot of slip ups form teams above, Sunderland must win their next home game to second bottom Cardiff or be all but relegated, lose or draw and they may as well have a red 'R' by their name.  Their remaining home fixtures are against three rivals, so with help from others and 9 points from those three games, they have a chance of survival still, in my mind, but it'll be a mighty miracle. 

Cardiff City
19th, 29 points
Cardiff were dead and buried as soon as Malky Mackay was forced out of Wales.  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no experience in England, has been thrown in a relegation fight and has had his fair share of bad luck.  But, hope and fight has been restored after their shock 1-0 win at Southampton and now 3 points from safety, they believe they're still in it to survive.  Their biggest game of the season arrives this weekend against Stoke in Cardiff.  Lose, I say they're down.  Draw, they still need a miracle to survive.  Win, they can pull clear of Sunderland, assuming they lose at Chelsea and head to Wearside with renowned hope they are more than capable of escape. 

Fulham
18th, 30 points
Fulham were relegated by everyone this time two weeks ago after failing to hold on to a point against Everton.  Yet back-to-back wins against other relegation strugglers have put them 2 points from safety and with momentum behind them, I back them to stay up once again, just like there 'Great 2008 Escape', they were written off by everyone, including me, but the recall of Hugo Rodallega and Felix Magath's uplifting turn-around has swung the battle back in Fulham's favour. 3 more wins will get them that escape. 

Norwich City
17th, 32 points
With 4 games to go, they've sacked their manager, lost to the team below them Fulham and have their remaining four games against Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.  Good Luck Norwich, I think they're doomed bar a extraordinary run of results.

West Brom
16th, 33 points
With a game in hand, 3 points clear and three massive games against other teams in the bottom half, two wins from their last five games will see West Brom definitely safe for me.  They have struggled more so since Steve Clarke was dismissed and since Pepe Mel has taken over they have had a tricky time, beating Swansea away but blowing a 3-1 and 3-0 lead to Cardiff and Spurs conceding injury time levellers.  They have quality through their side still and have the strength to stay out of the bottom 3, I worry for them but expect them to end up safe.

Swansea City
15th, 33 points
Swansea are a side I never thought would be in trouble this late in the season.  But the dismissal of Michael Laudrup due to disagreements with the chairman has thrown club captain Gary Monk into fire.  He's done extremely well considering his lack of experience as a coach, but his knowledge and passion have led him to not be dragged down and hold his own, particularly on his managerial bow against Cardiff in their 3-0 derby win.  Swansea have a quality side and with Wilfried Bony and Jonathan De Guzman in their armoury, I expect two wins from their four remaining for them will see them safe too. 

Aston Villa
14th, 34 points
At this late stage, Villa were comfortably in mid-table after their shock win over Chelsea.  But, the loss of Christian Benteke for the remainder of the season and embarrassing results against Stoke and Fulham have seen them pulled very firmly in the relegation mixer.  4 points from safety, with a game in hand, although away at City, they are in deep trouble.  This weekend against Southampton is must win or they could find themselves 17th and suddenly realising they are falling dramatically near the trap door.  However, a win and a draw at least for them will see them safe, but I'm struggling to see where their win is going to come from. 

From these 7 teams, at this stage of the season, here's how I see the bottom 7 looking:

14th: West Brom- 39 points
15th: West Ham- 38 points
16th: Fulham- 36 points
17th: Aston Villa- 35 points
18th: Cardiff- 35 points
19th: Norwich City- 32 points
20th: Sunderland- 30 points


The end to this season should be special!

 

 

Saints marching to Brazil

Never mind the Premier League for a moment, as the 2014 FIFA World Cup is in the near future, focus has started to turn to the English talent and how they're performing in the run up to Rio.  In particular, the boys down the South Coast who have emerged together as England candidates, and are staking a very strong case. 

This season has been a particular break through for the boys at Southampton;  Jay Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana.  All season, they've been consistently improving week by week and are now possibly taking places of already recognized England internationals, like Danny Welbeck, Jermain Defoe, Ashley Young and even Ashley Cole!  This past week emphasised just how far they've all come since Lallana and Lambert led Southampton out of League 1.  A British Saints core out to prove their worth against a depleting Newcastle, again slipping to mid-table obscurity after a very promising new year run-in.

It was a game which was their for the taking for Southampton who's final score, should've been the half-time score.  Countless chances came Rodriguez's way, but Tim Krul was, as he has been many time this year, Newcastle's saviour.  But it was Rodriguez, who only has 1 England cap to his name that opened the scoring with Lambert teeing up Rodriguez after a mistake at the back for Newcastle and Rodriguez duly slid the ball into the net, a marker laid down for his England colleges.  The second half started as the first ended, a Saints goal.  This time the big man Rickie Lambert in on the scoring, after a delicate cross from Lallana, a debatable offside call, it wasn't offside to be clear, Lambert took it down and finished expertly, his 11th of the season, with Rodriguez on 14.  Their third top goal scorer is no surprisingly, Lallana, and he put his name on the scoreboard next with a peach of a strike.  Picking it up on the right flank, driving infield and picking out the top corner with a strike from about 30 yards.  A fabulous season for the Southampton skipper who could be in the frame for Young Player of the Year.  His form of late has seen him debated from whether he should be in the squad, whether he should be starting? And then, Newcastle's day worsened, Rodriguez got his second, and his 15th of the season, the second highest English scorer behind Daniel Sturridge.  Probably the most unlikely of the quartet to be picked for Rio but his consistent goal scoring must give him a case to be picked ahead of the trusted but inconsistent Danny Welbeck or the experienced Jermain Defoe.  A convincing 4-0 win for Pocchetino's men as they look to achieve their highest ever Premier League finish of 8th.  Whilst, the attacking flurry of talent, Luke Shaw has been very consistent and composed for an 18 year old at the highest level and competing to put himself in the England squad.  As the climate of Brazil has been a 'hot topic', Shaw is full of energy, desire and drive and will thrive on the biggest stage, but is it enough to pip the vastly experienced Ashley Cole?

Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez, along with Brendan Rodgers down the road, is making this season a very happy one for Merseyside.  While Liverpool lead the table with 7 games to go, knowing if they win them all, they'll win the league, Everton are making a push for a Champions League spot and the expense of Arsenal.  Everton took out bottom side Fulham this past Sunday as their quest for Europe looks to take shape as the season enters it's closing stages.  Martinez's transfer expertise have been proven with signings of Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu being well selected additions to a good squad.  Under Moyes, all Everton were, was good, but under Martinez they seem to enjoy and thrive in the short, fast passing tika-taka play and it's showing.  They are 4 points off Arsenal with a game in hand, can they do it?

Best of the Rest
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City- A downbeat Arsenal picked up an important confidence boost as Manchester City capped off a good week with a well earned point.  It was all City in the first half as they took the lead with David Silva deflecting home Edin Dzeko's effort as it cannoned off the post.  But, Arsenal were showing signs of life and fight in this game, epitomised by Mathieu Flamini.  It was Flamini who guided the Gunners back in it with a well guided shot into the far corner.  Lukas Podolski and Edin Dzeko had chances to win it but a draw was a fair result!
Crystal Palace 1-0 Chelsea- A relegation vs title challenger 6 pointer went the way of Palace as Mourinho's side title hopes are, quote, "Over".  A poor Chelsea display failed to break down Palace often as Julian Speroni was only called it action clearly once from Eden Hazard.  Palace hit Chelsea on the break and Joel Ward's teasing cross found the head of John Terry for the only goal and an own goal for the Chelsea skipper as their title hopes took a big hit.
Liverpool 4-0 Spurs- A game which saw Liverpool move the title picture into their hands as they gave Spurs another heavy beating.  Another for Luis Suarez, one for Coutinho and Jordan Henderson while Younes Kaboul put one in his own net, another Spurs capitulation.

The Rest
Manchester United 4-1 Aston Villa
Stoke 1-0 Hull
Sunderland 1-2 West Ham
Swansea 3-0 Norwich

 

 

 

UEFA Champions League- Quarter Finals P2

So two more ties are left to discuss, the other English side, Chelsea take on Zlatan's PSG.  Whilst, Borussia Dortmund take on the all attacking Real Madrid.  Two mouth-watering contests, it's tough to see who'll prevail.

PSG vs Chelsea

Jose Mourinho vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic.  The first ever game I've seen where the promotion is a clash between a manger and a player.  Jose seems to be the master of mind games, writing his side's chances off in every competition thus far, his side's Premier League has taken a massive dent, so how will his side, apparently the 'clear outsiders' with Manchester United, cope against a PSG side being talked up as the 'dark-horses'.  Chelsea have been quietly going about their business in the Champions League, not pushed as favourites but still with most of their side having won this competition two years ago and with a manager hungry to win it with the side he'd love to win it with the most.  Jose has won it with Porto and Inter Milan before and has a brilliant record in the Champions League getting to the semi-finals at least in 7 of his 8 Champions League campaigns, this record will give his side the confidence that they could well re-create the run they had two years ago.  Eden Hazard is the star of the side, heavily praised this season as it seems he's now showing the highly rated talent that's been said of him before.  There back-line is a very reliable one with very few injuries and the connection has grown between them, especially in the partnership with Gary Cahill and John Terry.  But, the pair haven't faced a player quite like Zlatan.  A man who has hit new heights this season, and that's with his considerably high standards.  Zlatan has never won the Champions League, shocking considering how many top sides he's been at, can this be his year?  Despite Zlatan starring, PSG have a vast amount of quality through their team from Thiago Silva up to Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani. 

This is a very tight tie to call, but I think Zlatan will be the difference maker.  A 2-1 win for PSG in Paris and 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. 

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

The runners-up last year seem to be a shadow of the side that beat Madrid 4-1 in this corresponding tie last season at the Signal Iduna Park.  Injuries have reduced Dortmund to the bare bones this season and the side that famously dumped a Mourinho Madrid out last year are now missing many key men, including four goal hero and Munich bound Robert Lewandowski.  Dortmund have had a very mixed campaign, scraping through their group after defeats at home to Arsenal and away to Napoli, however they still posses a dangerous counter-attacking flair and would dream of trying to muster the form they carried in this competition last season now.  Real Madrid however, words cannot describe the sheer attacking prowess they posses and have shown in this competition.  Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema scoring 88 goals between them this season, a statistic which would frighten any defence.  Madrid have had a couple of blips domestically recently but in Europe have looked unstoppable, it'll be a tough ask to see Dortmund stop this attacking three from overpowering their back-line. 

So, I can't see Dortmund stopping the Madrid armoury in this one.  I'll go for a 3-0 Madrid home win and a 2-2 draw in Germany.

 

 

UEFA Champions League- Quarter Finals P1

So it's been a thrilling UEFA Champions League with shocks, amazing goals and we're now left with 8 great teams battling it out for a spot in the semi-finals.  Over two legs we will find out who will be the final four of this years competition, so who's going to get there?

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

These two are leading the way in Spain, both are undoubtedly two of the best in the world at the moment, so picking a winner is impossible.  Barcelona got past Manchester City, rather controversially, in the last round and have their talisman in superb form, a certain Mr.Messi.  However, Atletico have overlooked somewhat this season whilst being the consistent force in this competition, dispatching of Milan with ease and cruising through their group, with the likes of Diego Costa, Raul Garcia and Arda Turan all playing in the form of their lives.  Barcelona haven't been their fluent best this year, despite an El Classico win last week, they've had some rather un-Barcelona results, losing to Rayo Vallecano, Real Sociedad and Valencia in the league, but with Lionel Messi back to full fitness and form, Barcelona need to be taken seriously.  They're undoubtedly a quality side and their record in the Champions League over the last 5 years has shown that reaching at least the semi-finals every year, winning it twice in that time.  Gerardo Martino has had a difficult time in charge but progressing to the semi-finals will be a massive lift off his shoulders.  Whereas, Atletico are having their best season in recent memory under Diego Simeone.  Simeone is proving to be one of the best young managers about and his reputation has soared since his Copa Del Rey victory last season.  As a team, Atletico arguably are the best in the competition, no single player really shines above others, they're a solid unit, united squad and have the belief to beat anyone and they certainly have the ability. 

So I'm going to say this will be an extremely tight tie and will be decided by how Atletico handle Messi.  I'll say Barcelona will win the 1st leg, narrowly 2-1 and Atletico will get a second leg 3-1 victory.  Unfortunately Barcelona's dominance in Europe is gone for now. 

Manchester United vs FC Bayern Munchen

It's safe to say that it's not been a happy season at Old Trafford, but the Champions League has been a happy place for David Moyes this season.  Winning all their games at home and getting to this unlikely stage, despite a seemingly easy draw in the last round, Olympiakos.  Now, David Moyes will really be put to the test, this is a new experience for him in his career, he's never faced one of Europe's heavyweights before and with key players unavailable, like Robin Van Persie, Juan Mata and Patrice Evra, it could well be Moyes' best or worst night in charge against European champions Bayern Munich.  Bayern are unbeaten in 22 games, since their defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League, that could well be an omen for United.  Their city rivals were the last side to beat Pep's men, so can the next be the other side in Manchester, why not with players like Wayne Rooney still in their armoury.  Bayern's quality is undoubtable, Frank Ribery who was second on the Ballon D'Or list, Mario Gotze, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer are just a handful.  Everyone wondered how a team that won the treble last year could be bettered, well if Bayern's league performances are anything to go by, I'll say that it is better considerably. 

So, after seeing Bayern knock out Arsenal and United scrape past Olympiakos, Bayern are red-hot favourites, I'll say Bayern to win both legs, 2-0 at Old Trafford and 4-1 at the Allianz.  It'll take a lot of work to get United back to their prime in Europe for David Moyes.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                 

Can Gerrard lift the Premier League crown?

This weekend proved to be one which saw the Premier League title race thrown wide open, with four sides in the hunt for the crown.  The leaders lost and the chasers won, as this looks like being one of the tightest title races in years. 

The main talking point of the weekend was as ever at Old Trafford, for the most recognised fixture in English football, Manchester United vs Liverpool.  I was very much looking forward to this game, it always is good to watch, heated encounters, wonderful goals and a lot of controversy.  In the league, United are having what seems their worst season for a decade and Liverpool having their best, with Brendan Rodgers' philosophy very much clicking into place and with what has been named the best attack in the country in the SAS and co.  Despite David Moyes having a well proven attacking squad in Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj.  However, it seems the Spaniard doesn't fit into United's system.  As said many times when he arrived, I can't see where he fits in with Rooney on a new deal and Van Persie seemingly following suit, Mata's preferred role is in the hole, yet both Rooney and Van Persie cannot play if Mata is put there.  So he's shoved out wide, constantly cutting inside as he does instinctively, meaning there's no width, it certainly is troubling for Moyes.  Heading into this clash, after a season of embarrassing home displays, could it get worse?  The answer, in a word, yes. 

It was by far, the worst performance I've seen of a United side in a very long time, they looked lost, clueless and lacked fight.  Speaking of Juan Mata, that game proved how unsuited he is to Manchester United and when needed to track back, he is weak and careless.  Januzaj can be given some sympathy.  In his first season, only 18 years old, he's being looked upon to deliver in games of this stature week in and week out in his first season, he shouldn't be expected to produce moments that can save his side with his age and lack of experience.  As for Van Persie, it makes me glad to see United fans now calling for him to leave a year after he was the 'best striker in the country'.  He's been complaining about other players 'getting in his way', well even if he had the whole pitch to himself he'd still complain.  Now they know what he was like for 6 years at the Emirates for us; injured, inconsistent and moaning.  It was a master class though from Rodgers, all out attack, attacked the wings with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, with Henderson and Gerrard bossing the midfield and Luis Suarez constantly on the move.  It was a tale of three penalties in the end, two scored and one missed.  Steven Gerrad converted and was a post's width away from a famous hat-trick of penalties at Old Trafford.  Nemanja Vidic saw red again against Liverpool, this would be his last against the famous rivals.  Rafael somehow was not sent off for deliberate handball for the first spot kick, with Phil Jones at fault for the second.  A well executed dive from Sturridge was the action in which Vidic went, but Gerrard struck the post.  Suarez got a deserved goal after a Sturridge miss hit.  It finished 3-0 but Liverpool could easily of had at least another 2 penalties, it was embarrassing and Moyes' darkest day at the helm.  With the Reds facing two of their tile rivals at Anfield from now till May, surely they are in with a chance of lifting their first crown for over 20 years.  Captain Steven Gerrard has won it all in his career, there is a very good chance of him completing the collection, if Liverpool keep winning, it could be theirs to lose.

Then, there was a mere matter of the game which I look to as soon as the fixture lists are out, Spurs vs Arsenal at White Hart Lane.  After beating them twice already this season with considerable ease, I knew this was not going to be easy at all.  Arsenal had just been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League valiantly in Germany but booked a place at Wembley with a FA Cup win over Everton.  Spurs had been thrashed 4-0 at Chelsea at humiliated in the Europa League in the same week by Benfica at home.  Tim Sherwood gave his side a reality check after their capitulation last week.  I was tense, nervous and extremely worried as all form goes out the window when it comes to North London Derbies.  As it proved, it was backs against the wall, withstanding a lot of Spurs attacks and trying to counter which was the game plan.  It took just over a minute for the nerves to settle, as a wonder goal from Tomas Rosicky fired us into the lead after miss-control from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.  Chamberlain had a great chance to make it two but what seemed to be a shot floated wide.  After that Spurs stepped it up but Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertersacker, as for most of the season, were reliable and solid.  Spurs kept coming but didn't really test Woijiech Szczesny, until a mistake from Szczesny led to Spurs' best chance of the game through Nacer Chadli.  After latching to a dropped catch from the keeper, he struck towards goal, only to see Koscielny block the ball away off the line.  After that it was pressure with no real end result and Arsenal hung on.  It as third straight win over the Spuds and was the third time this season Spurs have failed to score against Arsenal.  After a spend of over £110 million, you'd think that Spurs could manage a goal against Arsenal.  It seems that none of the players that have been bought have made a change to the squad, Spurs are still where they were before, 5th.  New men Paulinho and Roberto Soldado were on the bench for there biggest game of the season whilst they played one man up top as apposed to two in a game they needed to win.  Now Spurs lie 9 points off the Gunners and Arsenal have moved 4 points off the top with a game in hand.  With this win, can Arsenal's title chase really be back on?

Best Of The Rest
Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea: A frustrating game for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea as they saw three sent off, including Jose.  A second yellow for Willian and a straight red for a shocking lunge by Ramires was compounded by a beautiful flick from Fabian Delph as Mourinho continues his winless record at Villa Park.
Everton 2-1 Cardiff: A battling display from Cardiff was undone by a mishit winner from Seamus Coleman.  It was a gutsy and tough performance from the Welsh as they had keeper David Marshall to thank, not for the first time, for keeping them in the game with a string of stunning saves.  Juan Cala equalised after Gerard Deulofeu's opener.  It looked to be a massive point for Cardiff, till a stroke luck went Coleman's way as it looped in for 2-1.
Stoke City 3-1 West Ham: A big battle between two sides still reaching for safety was always going to be messy and physical.  The two sides with the fewest number of headed goals this season, inevitably opened the scoring with a header, from West Ham's Andy Carroll.  Yet, Mark Hughes' influence on Stoke proved as they passed West Ham to death and out played the Hammers on the deck, with goals coming from Marko Arnautovic and a double for Peter Odemwingie, doubling his tally for the season.

The Rest
Hull 0-2 Manchester City
Fulham 1-0 Newcastle
Southampton 4-2 Norwich
Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace
Swansea 1-2 West Brom

Wenger reaches Wembley Way

This weekend, the FA Cup took centre stage as Arsenal took on Everton, Hull faced Sunderland, Wigan traveled to Manchester City and Sheffield United met Charlton.  It proved to be a very profitable weekend for Arsene Wenger!

Arsenal 4-1 Everton

I was at the Emirates as the Arsenal faced yet another top six side in the cup as Everton were the latest to travel to North London and try knock out Wenger's men.  It was always going to be a tough game for Arsenal and I was very apprehensive ahead of this and feared a cup exit, as Everton have been by far one of the best teams t visit Arsenal this season when they drew 1-1 here in December.  Roberto Martinez has transformed Everton into top 4 wanna-bee's to top 4 contenders.  Romelu Lukaku was back from injury for the game, but Phil Jagielka was out for Everton and Jack Wilshere for Arsenal.  It proved to be a very, exciting game full of chances and end-to-end action.  The Everton fans were great all game, loud, lively and provided their part to a cracking atmosphere.  I had my Hot Dog, lovely as usual, got my programme and Coke, scarf waving and music booming, my first FA Cup match was going to be good.

Arsenal were quick out of the blocks and the man with a point to prove, Mesut Ozil, put the gunners in front with a delicate pass into the corner.  It was all Arsenal for the next 20 minutes as Everton keeper Joel was having a tough time, nearly tipping in a Bacary Sagna cross and having to palm away efforts from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.  Yet, Everton still threatened on the counter attack with England bright spark Ross Barkley standing out.  It was the first time I've seen him live and judging on this, his ticket for the plane might as well be booked now.  His surging run created a fortuitous goal for Romelu Lukaku to equalise.  His superb run and cross was inadvertently set back by Kevin Mirallas and with Arsenal keeper Lukas Fabianski and Bacary Sagna committed, Lukaku had an empty net to put the ball into.  The rest of the half was very tightly contested and closely fought.  The second half was very open and was waiting for the breakthrough, I was sensing there was gonna be a winner from this match and Everton were on top with Ross Barkley only inches away from putting the Toffees in front.  But the tie turned on a brilliant piece of work by The Ox.  He burst past Leighton Baines, who defensively looked very weak, skipped past Gareth Barry, but the trailing leg caught him and Mark Clattenburg gave the penalty.  Now, I was praying Mikel Arteta would take charge, he's normally reliable and calm on the spot, this definitely proved it.  Not once......... but twice did Arteta have to beat Joel, he did superbly and Arsenal had hold of the quarter final, the relief was huge around the ground.  Then a substitution changed the game, the hard working Yaya Sanogo was taken off, he is clearly promising but needs time to improve, and Olivier Giroud came on to a rapturous applause, he was proving a point.  He needed to forget about his personal issues and play his football, not long after he got his goal.  Lovely interplay down the right channel with Tomas Rosicky and Sagna, Sagna did wonderfully to find his French partner and Giroud clinically found the gap to send the 'Que Sera Sera' chants into full swing, Wembley Way was in sight.  Then a slick, fast and devastating counter attack maybe made the scoreline a bit flattering to Arsenal.  Santi Cazorla who was also quality all game weaved his way out of a cluster, found Rosicky, who slid in Ozil who first time laid it on a plate for that man Giroud who again was clinical, 4-1, we were at Wembley now.  The game petered out to chants of Wembley songs and a sense of belief that this could be the year the trophy drought ends!  It was a superb game, two great teams, wonderful players and a Wembley date on the calender.  

The Rest

Hull 3-0 Sunderland- (Davies, Meyler, Fryatt)
Manchester City 1-2 Wigan- (Nasri), (Jordi Gomez, Perch)
Sheffield United 2-0 Charlton- (Flynn, Brayford)

The semi-final draw threw up two Premier League versus Championship games as Arsenal take on Wigan and Hull face Sheffield United.  Arsenal are clear favorites, but we cannot take Wigan likely, they are one of four teams all season to beat City at their ground, so we need to do the business and get to that final.  As for the other tie, it should be interesting as Hull are without January signings Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long, so United may feel they are at a even patch, after all they have dumped Fulham and Aston Villa out already.  I predict it to be a Hull vs Arsenal final, hopefully with the Gunners coming out on top, we need this drought done and dusted! COYG 




Barclays Premier League


After suffering another blow in their fight for survival, it seems Felix Magath and Fulham need a miracle to avoid the drop, needing six wins in their remaining ten games, despite only winning six games all season!!!  A manger merry-go-round at Craven Cottage has caused unease and confusion around the club, with Magath still inheriting signings made by Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen and trying to fit players who've arrived in January into a side with no experience of fighting at the bottom of the league.  Players like Kostas Mitroglu, Lewis Holtby, Scott Parker and Brede Hangeland are being needed to step up for the Cottagers at this point of the season, but it looks very hard for Fulham to get out of this being bottom of the league and four points from safety with teams above them having games in hand.  After a real six-pointer against Cardiff, Fulham came out of it, bottom and with a defeat against a rival for survival.  A double from Steven Caulker and a Sasha Riether own goal gave victory to the Welsh side.  Magath believes six wins will save his side, but being new to the Premier League, most of his side being allowed no time to settle and having the worse defence in the league, it looks bleak for Fulham.

Elsewhere, Spurs capitulated at Stamford Bridge, but did have a referring decision go against them once again.  A quiet first half which was dominated by Spurs possession and Chelsea counter attacks.  But it all changed in the second half when Spurs went into self destruct, a slip from Jan Vertonghen put him in trouble, he panicked and diverted a pass back to Samuel Eto'o who put it past Hugo Lloris.  Spurs didn't recover and things only seemed to get worse for Tim Sherwood.  A challenge on Samuel Eto'o from Younes Kaboul was penalised, a penalty was awarded and Kaboul subsequently sent off, Eden Hazard duly converted and Chelsea were strolling.  Then Spurs went into complete capitulation, mistakes from Sandro and Kyle Walker gifted two goals for Demba Ba and a 4-0 rout for Mourinho's men sending them seven points clear.  Sherwood was not shying away from the sheer destruction of his side calling them, "gutless", "weak" and "too nice".  With a North London Derby next, Spurs better shake it off and move on or it could be another embarrassing day.  Whereas, for Chelsea, they seem unstoppable, seven clear at the top and with a consistency in the selection.  A settled defence in Petr Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill and Azpilicueta, which happen to be the best in the league.  After saying Manchester City will win the league this season and Mourinho saying he'd rather have three games in hand than be 9 points clear of Manchester City, I'm starting to think that Jose's mind games are just playing down his side's chances all the time, they must be considered favorites now.

The Rest

Crystal Palace 0-1 Southampton
Norwich 1-1 Stoke
West Brom 0-3 Manchester United