Costa chews up Toffees & Deadline Deals

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


Premier League

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

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

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

Deadline Day

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

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

Best of the Rest

Jason McArthur- Wigan to Crystal Palace

Sandro- Spurs to QPR

Niko Kranjcar- Dinamo Zagreb to QPR

Eduardo Vargas- Fiorentina to QPR

Toby Alderweireld- Atletico to Southampton

Daley Blind- Ajax to Manchester United

Morgan Amalfitano- Marseille to West Ham

Benjamin Stambouli- Montpellier to Spurs

Kevin Doyle- Wolves to Crystal Palace

Zeki Fryers- Spurs to Crystal Palace



 

Signing off- sjt



Is Van still the Man?

As the Premier League gets up to speed, two gameweeks have been played and we've already seen shocks, late goals and a managerial departure.  As well as that, the Capital One Cup reached the second round where the top teams face potential cup upsets and with the transfer window reaching deadline day, deals are being done by the minute.

Premier League

So, the new season began with a new era starting in Manchester, again.  'King Louis' started with a home tie against Swansea City, routine win surely?  David Moyes opened his reign with a win over Swansea however, so a win shouldn't be a sign of things to come.  But a win nevertheless was vital for United who had Ander Herrera making his League debut.  Yet, the problems at Manchester United were never going to be fixed by a change in manager.  The team is simply not good enough and the right players need to be brought in, something Moyes did not do when signing Zaha, Fellaini and Mata.  Swansea would prevail 2-1 winners with goals either side of half-time from Ki Seung-Yung and Gylfi Sigurdsson.  Wayne Rooney had equalised but United's defence was and isn't strong enough for Van Gaal's system.  Playing Ashley Young as a Left Wing Back and Jesse Lingaard at Right Wing Back emphasise the lack of depth, as well as the appearance of Tyler Blackett, who failed to get into Balckpool's team last season.  This was followed by a 1-1 draw at Sunderland where they were again unconvincing, Van Gaal needs wins and fast, starting at Burnley.

The main title contenders have 100% records so far.  Chelsea and Manchester City have started well and seem destined to maintain title tilts this campaign.  Chelsea, Spanish recruits and all saw past Burnley then Leicester with Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas putting in impressive showings.  City had tougher encounters but made equally light work of Newcastle then Liverpool.  Despite not many signings being added due to UEFA implications, the current crop are still potential world beaters when Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero come together.  Arsenal are also unbeaten after two games.  Less convincing performances but signs of improvement with a gritty win over Palace and enthralling comeback at Goodison Park against Everton.  The Arsenal of last season caved in but with goals from Aaron Ramsey then Olivier Giroud, Arsenal claimed an unlikely point.

Crystal Palace have struggled.  Tony Pulis leaving days before their trip to Arsenal didn't help, yet they were still close to earning a point there.  A humbling at home to West Ham has dampened morale and now with Neil Warnock at the helm, can they start their season fresh. QPR have also looked weak.  A clearout still needed and new players still to bring in, Redknapp will hope for some deadline deals.



Capital One Cup

This week saw the return of the Capital One Cup and as usual it brought its share of upsets.  Leyton Orient knocked out Villa at Villa Park, Burton dumped QPR out, but the biggest shock would be at Stadium MK.  Manchester United arrived expecting an easy ride this was far from it.  United were sluggish and lazy, epitomised by Jonny Evans' error for Will Grigg's opener.  His second, a sublime improvised finish.  Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe put pain to United's defence, bulldozing his way to a double, 4-0 to the Dons, United need a miracle to challenge now, or maybe just an Angel?




I will do a Deadline Day blog, reviewing the weekend and Deadline Day as it has happened to that point!

Signing off, sjt

Life at the Bottom

I've looked at the top half and teams I predict to have successful and settled seasons.  Now I will look at the bottom half and teams I predict to struggle and battle for survival in the annual Premier League relegation scrap.  This year I think 6 teams will be in the mix of possible relegation this year, obviously only three will suffer the agonising drop.  Who will it be?

Relegation Victims

This year I think it'll be swift returns to the Championship for Leicester and Burnley, whilst following them will be Southampton.  I think Leicester will struggle the most out of the three sides.  Leicester were excellent in the Championship and swept aside almost everyone to win the title.  However, they do not posses many top players who can assert themselves in the top flight.  They are a very good Championship team, yet I think the Premier League is possibly one step too far.  They have some talented players in Antony Knockaert, Chris Wood and Liam Moore along with Premier League experience from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Mark Albrighton.  Leonardo Ulloa will add more firepower upfront but is he capable in England's top division.  Burnley are a tougher one.  They have a upcoming, young manager in Sean Dyche and a battling, determined team spirit.  On the other hand, they may not have the quality and know-how to escape the drop as shown in their last campaign.  Albeit they are a better side now, I'm not sure they will have the consistency.  If they retain Danny Ings it can boost their chances of survival but their team, like Leicester, is a good Championship side but will the Premier League be one step too far?  As for Southampton, it's been a sad sight to the vast exile of the side.  Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers have all departed already along with manager Mauricio Pocchetino.  Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez have also been lined up by Spurs as potential signings.  Ronald Koeman has come in and the signs have been unconvincing.  Graziano Pelle arrived from Holland and Ryan Bertrand on loan from Chelsea.  Yet, with more possible exits and a lot of gaps to fill, Southampton need to get busy or risk falling through the trap door.

That leaves three sides who will cling on to Premier League existence, West Brom, Hull and Aston Villa.  West Brom are under the management of Alan Irvine who's highest role arguably, was assistant to David Moyes at Everton.  Irvine had a spell in charge at Preston which didn't last long so his hiring is a risk.  West Bro narrowly survived last season and still look under threat this coming season.  If Irvine has a bad start, don't be surprised if the fans turn on him, especially if club record signing Ideye Brown doesn't settle and start scoring goals.  Their is stars in this side like Stephane Sessegnon, Morgan Amalfitano and James Morrison which if managed properly can lift the side out of trouble, but Irvine will have a big task in his first top flight job.  Hull are a good side who surprised many last season with their mid-table finish and cup final appearance.  However, they will be in the Europa League this year which as shown with other clubs can hinder their league form, like Newcastle and Swansea.  But, with a front two of Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long they should be fine.  Then there's Aston Villa.  With Roy Keane added to the coaching staff there will be more fight and discipline around Villa Park.  However, the same problem will still come to fruition.  When star man Christian Benteke is missing, Villa are not the same fast, attacking and confident side as seen in the past.  The Belgian is their main source of goals and without him they struggled to find a consistent goal scorer to fill his space.  Andi Weimann and Gabby Agbonlahor chip in with a few a season but not often enough.  Villa though should be fine as in previous years if the Darren Bent of old is given another chance and Ron Vlaar is retained. 

Cup Winners

The FA Cup and Capital One Cup are also up for grabs this season and this time, anyone of the Football League's 92 teams can win it, or Non-League in the FA Cup.  This year I think Arsenal can seriously put up a good defence of their FA Cup but as you've seen, these competitions are impossible to predict most of the time.  Manchester City will defend the Capital One Cup and probably enter as favourites but this year I see two new winners of these trophies. 

FA Cup-  Manchester United
Capital One Cup-  Chelsea

So, I've done my predictions and will wait to see if I'm right come May 2015.

1)  Chelsea                                                      2)  Manchester City                                           3)  Arsenal
4)  Manchester United                                     5)  Liverpool                                                       6)  Everton                                                           7)  Spurs                                                             8)  Newcastle United                                         9)  Swansea City                                           10)  West Ham United   
11)  Stoke City
12)  Sunderland
13)  Crystal Palace
14)  QPR                         
15)  Aston Villa
16)  Hull City
17)  Southampton
18)  Burnley
19)  West Brom
20)  Leicester City
             

Life After Fergie, Take 2

After a summer of thrills in Brazil, the time we as football fans look forward to most is upon us, the build up to the new season.  As this season attempts to follow the fantastic campaign of 2013/2014, there are bound to be just as many shocks, just as many stunning goals and just as many entertaining games of football.  The champions Manchester City will attempt to defend their second Premier League title, however this year may be the toughest yet in the race for the title with seemingly 5 teams in with a shot of the crown.  Manchester United will want to forget last season and start a fresh with Louis Van Gaal as they try to return to the Champions League places. Whereas the newly promoted sides Leicester, Burnley and QPR will look to build on their promotion momentum and stay in the Premier League.  I will try and predict how I think all 20 teams will fair this oncoming season, obviously I probably won't be right but that's part of the fun, you never know with the Barclays Premier League. 

Top 4

This season's race for the Champions League places will be arguably the tightest yet, never mind the race for the title!  I think it'll be a four horse race for the title in the end, which also shows who I think will get those important Champions League positions.  The two favourites for the title being Chelsea and Manchester City, I think these teams will finish 1st and 2nd.  With Arsenal and Manchester United close behind in 3rd and 4th, all four sides I think will last the race and possibly all still be in with a chance of the title come game week 34.  Chelsea have the best team going into the season, with the signings they've made this summer I think this could be Mourinho's 3rd Premier League title.  Thibart Courtois will finally get his chance in goal for Chelsea this season I expect, with Filipe Luis, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas following from La Liga, Chelsea look a very strong unit.  Despite the departures of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, they have the talent to more than replace them and win their first league title since 2010.  The men from Manchester will prove very tough competition.  City, as defending champions, will try and do a better job of defending a title than they did in the 2012/2013 campaign.  As financial fair play rules have hit City, acquisitions have been controlled and limited with free agent Bacary Sagna joining from Arsenal and Fernando arriving from Porto.  Although, it's not like they need many new players with the exceptional squad they posses, especially up front with Sergio Aguero, Stefan Jovetic, Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko.  City emerged late from the pack to take the Premier League title, winning it with a record low of 14 days at the top.  Those two will be the leaders of the pack. 

Arsenal I believe will provide a tougher fight for the title than last season.  I won't be biased, but I do believe they will be a better side next season.  The traumatic experiences last season at Stamford Bridge, The Etihad and Anfield will have had a strong and damaging effect on the side.  Yet, May's FA Cup triumph, a first trophy in 9 years, will have shown the players they can win things.  They had a tough road to Wembley and were even 2-0 down after 10 minutes in the final, yet prevailed.  This needed to be followed up by Arsenal and strengthen a squad highly tested last campaign due to injuries.  New medical staff have been brought in and four new signings in before August began.  The departure of Lukasz Fabianski left way for the arrival of David Ospina from Nice.  Defenders Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers were also welcomed to the Emirates, Debuchy a like for like replacement for Sagna.  But, the big name signing was the first done.  Alexis Sanchez, a year after Arsenal's last La Liga swoop of Mesut Ozil, joined from FC Barcelona for around £35 million.  Sanchez was Chile's star man at the World Cup and often impressive at Barcelona but was overlooked with the presence of Lionel Messi and Neymar.  He is bound to be the focal point of Arsene Wenger's side and adds much needed pace and power in attack which was found wanting with Olivier Giroud.  I do not expect them to go all the way as I think in the games that count, we can still get caught out and over powered, 3rd place for me.  The return of Manchester United will see them return to Europe's elite stage and finish 4th.  Louis Van Gaal has a very privileged pedigree.  As seen in Brazil, he is a shrewd tactician and excellent man manager.  United are a team needing a pick me up and no doubt will be woken up by the Dutchman and any slacking will result in a shove out of the Old Trafford exit door.  Despite the new coach's arrival, experienced faces have departed Carrington in Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, the ever-presents in the last Sir Alex period of success.  Van Gaal has brought in Luke Shaw to replace Evra and will implement a back 3 system, as seen with Holland.  Central defence is an area which still needs strengthening I think as well as a dominating central midfielder to sit back whilst the latest in La Liga imports Ander Herrera accompanies Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and co. in attack.  Pre-season has been confident and accomplished from United with 5 wins in 5 games, but this means nothing as now the question will be as to whether Van Gaal can bring the arrogance and intimidating manner back to Old Trafford?

Chasing Pack

As these four will slowly pull away from the rest, it will be a very tight call from 5th down to 10th next season.  Let's start with the two just short of Champions League football, Liverpool and Everton.  I think the Merseyside teams will have good campaigns, but probably not as successful as the extremely high standards of the last campaign.  Roberto Martinez's first season instilled at Goodison went just short of perfectly, whilst Liverpool out did themselves entirely with a valiant title challenge.  At Anfield, a once hailed Uruguayan has sailed his ship to sunny Spain.  Luis Suarez, despite being under a 4 month ban from football activity has joined FC Barcelona for £75 million.  Liverpool, therefore, have spent this money widely.  Southampton trio Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert signed on for a total fee of £49 million.  Winger Lazar Markovic followed in from Benfica after a successful treble campaign in Portugal.  Divock Origi was next after a breakthrough World Cup with Belgium, he was though loaned back to Lille for next season.  Liverpool have a strong team, whether they can compete in Europe is one question, whether they can fill the void of the irreplaceable Luis Suarez is another.  Daniel Sturridge can be the main answer for goals, yet other than him, there are not many convincing candidates.  Adam Lallana is a talented player clearly, can he deliver at a high stage, at a top team with high expectations, maybe.  Phillipe Coutinho is also a player with immense quality, but goals is not his forte.  You can always count on Steven Gerrard to come up with a few goals but as he sits back into a deep lying midfield role, will he get as many opportunities to make those trademark late runs to the penalty area? Possibly not.  So I'll say 5th this year for Rodgers' side, yet a big name forward to replace Suarez brought in can change this.  Everton also have European football again, which may strain the squad.  It was important they got Gareth Barry after a superb season on loan, likewise Romelu Lukaku.  A club record £28 million forked out for the Chelsea striker.  With his proven record in England in loan spells at West Brom and Everton, it could be a top buy from Martinez.  A few more players will be needed at Goodison though with a demanding Europa League campaign ahead.  A top 4 push could be on the cards but I think it will be just beyond them again, 6th.  

7th to 10th will be close.  Spurs will have a settled season with Mauricio Pocchetino as his system is implemented at White Hart Lane, whether he will last the season, is the real question however.  A couple of signings have already joined up from Wales in Ben Davies and Michel Vorm.  Not high profile names, but players who are improving and prospects.  As is Eric Dier.  The England U21 signed from Sporting Lisbon, ex-Everton is one for the future.  Deadwood is needed to be cleared, but give Pocchetino time and he can drive Spurs up the table in a couple of seasons.  Swansea City and Newcastle United are next.  Newcastle are a very unpredictable side.  6th come the new year, but they drifted to an appalling finish to the season and finished 11th.  The goals of Loic Remy will need replacing and new faces have arrived in numbers up north.  Emmanuel Riviere joined up from Monaco to fill the void, yet another Ligue 1 addition to St James, likewise Remy Cabella, a long time target from Montpellier.  The needed replacement for Yohan Cabaye could guide the Geordies to a successful campaign, a cup run could be on the cards.  Swansea, under Garry Monk, will look to emulate the form in their first couple of seasons and avoid a repeated relegation battle.  The additions of Bafetimbi Gomis and welcome return of Gylfi Sigurdsson are ones which promise a good season ahead.  The retention of Wilfried Bony will be crucial, as Michu has departed on loan, a strike-force of Bony and Gomis with Jonjo Shelvey feeding from midfield is a trio full of talent.  Monk is a man who knows the club inside-out and know how he wants his club to play and be portrayed as, Swansea will be a tough side again next season.  Finally, middle of the pack, West Ham United.  West Ham were in dire trouble last season, but escaped with the know-how and experience of Sam Allardyce.  They have strengthened with World Cup standout Enner Valencia, forward Mauro Zarate and midfielder Diego Poyet.  I think West Ham are a side you never quite know what you're going to see from them, week from week.  They may be towards trouble again come the New Year, but will guide themselves away again.  Whether Allardyce lasts the season, who knows, but it would be a big mistake to sack him if their start is not what they expect. 

That's the top half done, next I will review the bottom half and strugglers for the next Premier League season as well the possible winners of the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. 

Wasteful World XI made to pay

In a closely-fought encounter, it was the SBC side who snatched victory as the World XI squandered a number of opportunities to take something from the game. 

Kick-off was delayed due to travel problems for the two teams, however come 4:30pm, the teams had arrived at Berechurch Road and were ready to get underway.  A late change was forced upon the SBC as midfielder William Deasy did not travel with the squad so Jordan Allston filled in on the flank.  New signing for the World XI Jordan Lipede started on the bench and on loan Chelsea midfielder Callum McLaughlin made his debut in the middle of the park.  The World XI would kick-off the first ever meeting between the two sides as the crowd gathered in anticipation for the start.

The World XI had the better of the opening 10 minutes or so, having more of the ball and looking to run at the SBC back line.  However, goalkeeper Luke Mulvey was assured and was a calm figure in the SBC goal.  Midfielders Joshua Hilario and McLaughlin were seeing a lot of early possession and looking to feed wingers Josh Burrows and Glenn Hastings at all times.  Yet, SBC looked threatening on the counter attack with their front three of Ed Drake, Alex Etim and James Partner.  A quarter of the way through the first half would prove a telling point in the game.  As SBC had a free kick, the World XI back line pushed up field and were caught out.  David Burrows couldn't dispossess Partner who broke through the lines and found a gap in between centre back and fullback.  Etim had scampered in from the left wing and was in the clear.  He reached the edge of the penalty area and beat Justin Herbert with a right footed drive.  Etim's first goal of the season as the SBC took the lead.  The World XI responded with a golden chance from a set piece.  Jordan Lipede was on the field and swung a corner over.  His perfect delivery however could not be reciprocated by Emmanuel Dare.  Up from the back, he managed to lift his header over from about 4 yards out.  The World XI then took the game to the SBC with Lipede and Hilario heavily involved.  Hilario's driving runs from midfield were causing significant problems however shooting space was not clear enough for the Filipino.  Lipede was getting joy on the inside left channel against Giuseppe Murgia and Matthew O'Reily.  Sent clear by Joe Reader, Lipede cut inside and unleashed a stinging shot which fortunately for the SBC, struck the foot of the post.  The rebound wouldn't fall for the World XI who seemed to be coming closer and closer.  Before half-time, Ed Drake found the back of the net only to be adjudged as offside, not for the first time in the game I might add.  At half-time it was 1-0 SBC and World XI had carry on the momentum they'd built up at the end of the half. 

Striker Szymon Wlodarczyk, signed on a free from Legia Warsaw was struggling to get into the game.  SBC were defending admirably so far and had the lead.  The second half began with the SBC on top, Partner pulling the strings and looking for the through ball at all times.  He found his marker when Drake thought he broke the offside trap, the linesman thought otherwise and Drake did let him know of his opinion to the decision.  Chances came and went as Etim put a chance over and then after great work, Partner did the same minutes later.  It was the World XI who applied all the pressure late on as Lipede still couldn't find the net.  Wlodarczyk had arguably the best chance for the World XI.  The ball broke to his feet nicely after a scuffed O'Reily clearance, however, he lifted his shot high and wide to the bemusement of his team-mates.  Mulvey was then called into action right at the end as McLaughlin tried his luck from distance and nearly did the outrageous as the keeper had to fling himself across to his left to tip it over.  The game then ended with both sides spent, they'd given it their all and contributed to an entertaining game of football.  It was SBC who finished victorious and held bragging rights until the next encounter. 

After the game I caught up with SBC striker Ed Drake.  When asked about his team's performance, he said, "We were good, however I thought the World XI maybe were unlucky as they created more chances."  "But they lacked the extra quality to put them away, whereas we took ours, that was the difference."  Then when questioned about his own fitness and performance, "I didn't contribute much as I've been lacking matching fitness.  However, on Friday I'm keen to make up for my display."  After the result the feeling in the SBC camp was "at a higher level and cooled the nerves" said Drake.  "We're all just looking forward to hopefully earning a second victory."  I then managed to get a word with World XI vice captain Callum McLaughlin.  "Coming into this we were underdogs, so we had something to prove.  Every player played for the team and the cause and the performance was outstanding, if not for some unlucky decisions and incidents, it could of been our day."  Asked of his own display, "I feel I was good but lacked the cutting edge to contribute towards the score line.  I feel my influence helped the others less experienced and brought performances out of them that contributed towards a good display, it was a great debut to have."  Ahead of the next clash McLaughlin said, "We don't have the surprise element anymore so this may not be an advantage.  We need to keep level headed and go in as underdogs again, if we play with integrity we can put in another good performance and we'll see what happens."

Blue Moon rises- Season Review

At the end of possibly the best Premier League season of all time, it was Manchester City who claimed their second crown in 3 seasons.  Manuel Pellegrini winning his first European title, arguably the hardest one to win, but it can't be doubted that overall City were the best side this season.  However, it was a record low of 15 days spent at the top for a title winning side, showing how competitive and unpredictable this title race was.  A four-horse race up until April with all four looking capable of winning it.  At the bottom it was as close as ever, two unlikely escapes and three sad endings.  As I review the season's ups and downs and honour the stand out stars, it is clear to see this season has entertained us all.

Title Race

 

As the season opened in August it looked likely to be a three-horse race between the Special One, Chosen One and Veteran One.  The start promised a lot in Manchester, despite the past two title winners starting with new bosses, both won convincingly in the opening weekend kicking off their reigns in style.  The Special One began in smooth fashion with a win at Stamford Bridge, as usual.  Arsenal were in crisis, a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa and desperate lack of transfer activity led to many calling for his head.  Yet a deadline day signing of Mesut Ozil turned to crisis to sheer ecstasy, their season would take off from there.  Manchester City would prove a unstoppable force at the Etihad thumping United 4-1, Spurs 6-0 and Arsenal 6-3 in a swash-buckling attacking style.  Chelsea would steadily go about their business, not in the spotlight maybe as much as expected with Jose yet to make his mark on the season.  Arsenal were the side looking imperious up to Christmas, with the only blips coming in Manchester.  Aaron Ramsey running riot around the country, the side were playing with solidarity, strength and panache.  Liverpool were improving week by week but had faltered when faced with the top teams, losing at Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.  Yet their title charge would come.  On the other hand, it was all going wrong at Old Trafford.  David Moyes had a promising start but trouble was near.  A first home defeat to West Brom since 1978, a pummelling in the Manchester Derby and a beating from Moyes' old side Everton.  A first at Old Trafford since 1992.  United were looking at a fight for the top 4, never mind defending their crown.  The favourites was anyone guess, Arsenal led the way into the New Year with Manchester City and Liverpool close behind. 

In the second half of the season it was Arsenal who crumbled.  Humbling's at Liverpool and Chelsea in Arsene Wenger's 1000th game, 5-1 and 6-0.  Arsenal never recovered from these damaging drubbings and finished in a race for Champions League football attempting to hold off Everton and Spurs.  Manchester United though were having their worst ever Premier League campaign.  David Moyes' dream job was turning into a nightmare.  A first away defeat to Stoke since 1984 and doubled by Manchester City and Liverpool compounding the misery around Old Trafford.  It would've been devastating for United fans to see their two arch rivals City and Liverpool tussling for the title and then been beaten by both comprehensively.  So, for Liverpool and City, their challenges to take United's title were to come to blows at Anfield.  Liverpool were 4 points clear of City going into the titanic clash, City though had two games in hand.  Liverpool had picked up 8 wins in a row going into it, whilst City had picked up the Capital One Cup and were looking to clinch a double.  This game had everything, controversy, goals, red card and a late twist.  City's captain Vincent Kompany was a doubt before the game and trained by himself.  Kompany was not fully fit and showed during the game and it was sliced clearance which fell to Phillipe Coutinho to curl in the winner for Liverpool.  A 3-2 win which meant Liverpool had 4 games left, win them and they'll win the league.  City were still hoping for a slip up and then could win it if they won their remaining 6 games.  Chelsea had thrown away their title hopes with sloppy defeats.  Dropped points at home to West Brom, West Ham, Norwich and then defeats to bottom club Sunderland, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace put their chances to bed.  Chelsea could look back and realise they'd thrown away the league especially after results against the other big teams.  Anfield was the stage again for a clash in the title mix-up, Liverpool vs Chelsea.  Steven Gerrard vowed to not let this chance slip, well the irony of that statement could not be more relevant.  A slip from the captain let in Demba Ba who slotted Jose's side 1-0 up.  Chelsea parked a very resilient and sturdy bus in front of their goal as Liverpool struggled to break through, Chelsea sprung and sealed it with Torres passing to Willian who ran the ball into the empty net.  Chelsea had done the double over City and Liverpool but thrown away their chances at the so called, 'easier games'. 

It was City's to lose now as Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham stood in their way.  4 wins would clinch their second title in three years.  They dispatched of Palace professionally with goals from Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko who was crucial in City's second half of the season.  Goodison Park was then host to a crucial game in the title race.  Everton fans had seen their side throw away chances of the Champions League with defeats to Crystal Palace and Southampton, but could still effect the title picture.  If they won, Liverpool had the title in their hands again, lose and City were surely not going to throw it away.  Everton fans were contemplating whether they truly wanted to lose so Liverpool couldn't win it.  I turned out to be a close-fought game won by City.  Edin Dzeko's double after a stunner from Ross Barkley and a neat finish from Sergio Aguero put the title halfway to the Etihad, despite a late Romelu Lukaku goal.  City's crowning was all but guaranteed after a collapse at Crystal Palace from Liverpool.  A game named 'Crystanbul' after Liverpool relinquished a 3-0 lead in the second half.  Dwight Gayle came off the bench to finish off the amazing comeback.  A collapse of the highest order showing the pressure had got too Liverpool, a shame.  It was nice to see the challenge from the Merseyside team return and hopefully be maintained in the future.  City finished off the job, as we all knew they would.  Vincent Kompany fittingly scoring the 102nd goal of a fantastic season at the club.  Manuel Pellegrini had settled City and brought everyone together after a shaky end to the Roberto Mancini era.  Liverpool put up a valiant chase and took it right to the wire but fell just short.  Brendan Rodgers has taken them from 7th to 2nd, a fantastic season for them and with Champions League football back next year, they'll be looking to take it on another level next year. 

Relegation Fight

A scrap which was incredibly hard to call and was subject to sackings left, right and centre.  Crystal Palace started off clear favourites from the drop and it was being proven, picking up 3 points from an available 30.  Ian Holloway got the chop as veteran Tony Pulis came in to try guide Palace clear.  Sunderland were having a equally tough campaign, 8 without a win at the start of the season and changing room bust-ups ended Paolo Di Canio's reign.  Gus Poyet in and had to tackle a Tyneside Derby in his first game in charge.  Like Di Canio, Poyet began with victory over Newcastle.  This with a impressive League Cup run gave Poyet hope of guiding his side out of trouble.  Fulham didn't take long to fire Martin Jol as their ageing side were struggling to keep pace with those above.  Rene Meulensteen came in to try save them but equally struggled desperately to save the Whites.  However, Jol managed 2 wins in 13, Meulensteen 2 wins in 14.  Fulham were in severe trouble so turned to Felix Magath to lead them to survival, 4 points from safety with 12 to go.  Norwich City were having a very tough season, big signings not delivering and a massive lack of goals meant they were in equal dire straights at the bottom.  Chris Hughton saved them last season, could he work a miracle this?  Cardiff City had arrived in the top flight in style.  Beating Manchester City in their first home game and managing to avoid being in the relegation zone the first half of the season.  Until all broke down.  Vincent Tan ruthlessly sacked Malky Mackay, well for no reason.  Tan blamed Mackay for poor signings and disagreed with the style of play, despite how effective it was as Cardiff were 16th when he was sacked.  United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over attempting to one get along with Vincent Tan and two save Cardiff.  The team and fans seemed outraged with Tan's decision and their season would spiral into meltdown.  West Brom were the second team to be the subject of a bizarre sacking.  West Brom were not consistent yet away from home pulled off two scalps in beating United and then a cruel penalty decision away from ending Jose Mourinhos unbeaten home league record.  Steve Clarke was sacked after defeat at Cardiff and eventually Pepe Mel took over.  It was to be a very strenuous reign for the Spaniard.

It was a unpredictable and close scrap for survival Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Norwich, Cardiff, West Brom and Fulham fighting for their lives.  Palace were everyone's pick to go down which highlights the level of job Tony Pulis had done to drag them out to safety.  After a mere two wins in 12 games under Ian Holloway and Keith Millen, Pulis achieved 11 wins in 24.  No side bottom by December had finished higher than 17th, yet a remarkable turn around resulting in 10 clean sheets and a 46% win record which included a club record 5 straight wins towards the end of the season achieving their safety and a 11th placed finish.  Fulham improved under Magath and after back to back wins in basement battles against Aston Villa and Norwich, timed with Hugo Rodallega's return was giving them hope.  Norwich simply couldn't keep a run going.  A huge win over Spurs was followed by a thrashing at Aston Villa, then a win over Sunderland ruined with defeat against Fulham.  Hughton lost his post with 3 games to go as City were doomed, United, Chelsea and Arsenal were up ahead and assistant Brian Adams had to complete the greatest escape in Premier League history.  Sunderland were in the midst of one of their own.  A cup final defeat to City followed by a run of poor performances was leading many to believe they were certainties for the drop.  Yet the 'Piece de Resistance' was planned by Poyet.  With goals lacking, Conor Wickham was recalled and they started flooding back.  Results which were beyond their wildest dreams were suddenly occurring.  A 2-2 draw at City, a 1-0 win at United (their second triumph at Old Trafford this season) and the feat of ending Mourinhos unbeaten home league record thanks to Fabio Borini.  Gus Poyet achieved safety with victory over West Brom and the miracle was done, a string of astonishing results led the Mackems to another year of top flight football.  Then there were four.  Cardiff City fell to pieces and crumbled after a capitulation at Sunderland, despite a 1-0 win at Southampton and late comeback against West Brom giving them hope.  Defeat at Newcastle signalled the end and return down, a real shame which can only be blamed on Mr.Tan.  Fulham followed suit.  A 2-0 lead over Hull was the ticket to safety, yet a late collapse gifted Hull a point and left Fulham in tatters.  Their uncertain future was settled at Stoke after a mauling which completed a mess of a season in South London.  A first relegation for Felix Magath but with his experience and their flurry of youth players, they'll be back stronger.  It came down to Norwich and West Brom.  Norwich fought valiantly but fluffed their lines with three defeats in four ending hopes of a survival scalp.  West Brom unconvincingly clawed to safety.  Mel dismissed not long after the end after only three wins in charge in 17 games.   The manager merry-go-round seems set to continue.


Now I will honour the stand out moments and stars of the 2013/14 season:

Player of the Season-  Luis Suarez
Young Player of the Season-  Daniel Sturridge or Luke Shaw
Game of the Season-  Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City
Goal of the Season-  Patjim Kasami (Crystal Palace vs FULHAM)
Signing of the Season-  Nemanja Matic
Worst Signing of the Season-  Roberto Soldado/Marouane Fellaini/Kostas Mitroglu
Manager of the Season-  Brendan Rodgers

It's been a wonderful season in the Premier League once again, only 74 days till we start it all again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liverpool letting it slip

As I said, two weeks ago when Liverpool beat Manchester City at Anfield, the title is Liverpool's to lose.  After beating Norwich at Carrow Road, Liverpool had 3 'cup finals', a draw and two wins at least will give them their first title for 24 years, but standing in their way was Newcastle, Crystal Palace but first Chelsea.  Jose Mourinho had stated clearly last week his team would be weaker for the trip to Anfield with injuries and a Champions League semi-final either side of the match, surely Liverpool could take down Jose's weaker team, but remember this is a Mourinho team.  Jose is a specialist with games against big teams, amassing 104 points from 49 games against the top 7 teams, an incredible record.  Brendan Rodgers learnt under Mourinho at Chelsea in his first spell, could the student become the teacher?  Or will Jose ruin Liverpool's title dream? 

So on Super Sunday, it was the day the title entered its latest weekend as Liverpool took on Chelsea and Crystal Palace entertained Manchester City.  At Anfield the Liverpool fans knew it was in their hands and this game was as big as any in the last 24 years, the title was close but not won.  Mourinho set up his side clearly and efficiently, men behind the ball and counter with Schurrle and Willian trying to support Demba Ba.  Liverpool have been known to finish contests in the first 20 minutes, but Chelsea were resilient and withstood everything, with Luis Suarez unable to get in the game and was well handled.  Young Thomas Kalas made his first team debut and performed admirably without John Terry.  Liverpool were frustrated and slow in the play as they came up against the first side who'd adopted a tactic to sit back and hold out, as Chelsea did, but they broke ruthlessly.  A slip which could be a decisive one in the title race, from Steven Gerrard of all people, the same man who stated, "This does not f****** slip now."  Gerrard was not concentrating on the pass from Mamadou Sakho, he lost his footing and watched the ball carry to Demba Ba who ran clear, amidst pressure from Gerrard, Ba finished calmly right on half-time.  A big blow to Liverpool who, for a long time, had to chase the game, they hadn't failed to score at Anfield since they were beaten by Southampton in September.  Liverpool produced more chances but still failed to find Suarez regularly, Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard came close testing Mark Schwarzer.  But Chelsea were still holding firm and strong and when Daniel Sturridge lost the ball they broke in stoppage time, Fernando Torres out of everyone Liverpool fans could've thought of was breaking clear 2 vs 1 with Willian, he laid it off to the latter and the ball was rolled into the net, Chelsea had done a smash and grab on Liverpool achieving a massive 3 points celebrated back in South London and the Blue half of Manchester.  Jose still ruled his side out of the title picture but stated they had beaten both Liverpool and City home and away, the Special One ladies and gentlemen. 

Manchester City had seen Liverpool lose so knew what they had to do, they did the job they had to do and took care of a normally tough Crystal Palace.  A comfortable 2-0 win done in fashion showing a side who knows the title is back in their hands, goals from Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure were the killers which took care of Palace.  City have 3 games away at Everton and at home to Villa and West Ham.  It's ironic that the only real prospect of City being stopped is for Liverpool to rely on a favour from their local rivals Everton to keep their title dreams alive, as City will currently win the title on goal difference if both Liverpool and City win their remaining games.  It's close to call but you have to say that it seems unlikely a team of City's quality with Toure, Aguero and Silva fit again will let the title slip once again, but this season their have been twists, who's to say their isn't one more awaiting. 

Whereas, at the bottom, it was winner stays alive at the Stadium of Light as the bottom two faced on the same day the top two battled.  The loser would be all but down for me and Sunderland and Cardiff fought for their lives.  But, in the end, the side who have come good when it matters, Suderland, prevailed over a now defeated Cardiff who seem destined to fall back down, that's down to one man VINCENT TAN!  An inspired recall by Gus Poyet of Conor Wickham has seen the Essex lad score 5 goals in his past 3 games which carried the Mackems out of the relegation zone for the first time in months.  A miracle could happen and it seems Sunderland are the side that can do it, 2 home games left, 2 wins and they will be safe.  Fulham blew a 2-0 lead at home to Hull in a crucial home tie, they remain second from bottom and a point only from safety, its a massive 2 games left for them, they need slip ups from Sunderland and Aston Villa, 2 wins for Fulham and two defeats for Villa, the two could end up swapping places come the final whistle on the last day.  Norwich City are the team who look dead and buried, with two games left against Chelsea and Arsenal, their only glimmer of hope is a weakened Arsenal who can clinch 4th this Sunday will be resting players and not play fully at Carrow Road a week before the cup final.  Yet Villa are in grave danger, hammered at Swansea who are safe, West Brom's win over West Ham has propelled them to all but safety status, they have one home game left this weekend against Hull, a point from their last 3 games will see them safe on a superior goal difference to Fulham.  Home to Hull and away to City and Spurs are left, they need the result against Hull, lose that and it's very possible they could face a nervous wait for Fulham to slip up in their fixtures. 

The Rest
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle
Manchester United 4-0 Norwich
Southampton 3-0 Everton
Stoke 0-1 Spurs
Swansea 4-1 Aston Villa