Special Edition- Thiery Henry: Legend's End

As New York Red Bulls lost in the MLS Play-Offs to New England Revolution, the MLS lost one of the greatest players to grace American soccer in Thierry Henry.  After 122 games and 51 goals, Henry announced he’d played his last game after their play-off defeat.  Two Eastern Conference titles and a key influence in boosting the reputation and popularity of the MLS signalled a successful period in the States.  But, as Henry ponders over his next step in his glittered career including spells at Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona, I will dig out five of the best goals scored by the Frenchman that sum up his qualities.

 

5)  Henry vs Toronto FC 2012

If people had doubted the general game of Henry, this performance in 2012 put that to rest.  His side 3-1 up after assisting all three through total unselfishness, he decided to get in on the act.  Superbly sent away by Kenny Cooper, who happened to be the recipient of two Henry assists himself now returning the favour.  Henry had the freedom of the left hand side but saw the keeper a few yards off his line and went for the spectacular.  20 plus yards out, he curled the ball over the stranded keeper and into the far corner with ease.  The performance in this game showing Henry was not just a goal-scorer but a team player, as well as producing moments of genius and class.

 4)  Henry vs Liverpool 2006

Some were saying Henry may have been past his best towards the end of his Arsenal career, but at the age of 28, he still had many years to go.  Maybe he’d lost that extra yard of pace, however that was not evident with this brilliant solo goal, not his first solo number against Liverpool either.  From the centre circle he knocked the ball at least 20 yards to the left channel and left him in a race with Jamie Carragher.  Carragher with a 5 yard headstart was put to the floor by Henry who showed great pace to beat him there.  He carried into the penalty area, skinned Daniel Agger and fired into the bottom corner past Jerzy Dudek.  People may forget just how quick Henry was or maybe still is but this shows it. 

 3)  Henry vs Real Madrid 2006

Jose Mourinho famously said that Henry was not a big game player, ironically this was shortly before his Chelsea side played Arsenal, where Henry scored twice.  If there was ever a definition of a big game, they don’t come bigger than playing Real Madrid.  Arsenal were looked at as overwhelming underdogs and left with no chance of beating the Galacticos.  Yet, when Henry decided to turn on the after-burners there were few defenders in world football who could stop him.  In the centre circle, he shoved off ‘The Ronaldo’, brushed Fernando Gago aside and walked past Guti’s lunge.  With Segio Ramos spirting to cover, Henry slid the ball in the opposite corner of Iker Casillas and score arguably one of the greatest goals in Arsenal’s history.  The competition, the stage, the team all considered, it is a goal that shows the determination, strength and composure of Thierry which in the end won Arsenal the tie. 

 

 

 

2)  Henry vs Manchester United

Thierry Henry was clearly confident in his own ability, however the amount of confidence and ability to attempt this effort was quite sensational.  In a game which was built up as a meeting of the title favourites, it normally means moments of quality or a mistake decides the game, in this case quality decided it.  The ball was rolled into him by Giles Grimandi and Henry was with his back to goal level with the ‘D’ of the penalty box.  Dennis Irwin thought he had him under control, then a deft flick of his right foot popped the ball past Irwin for a second.  Henry had the space to unleash a shot all in one fluid movement.  The audacious volley looped over the helpless Fabien Barthez.  Manchester United looked shell-shocked, but it was in no doubt that Henry intended to do exactly what he produced.  Technically, one of the best goals of the Premier League era, certainly in Henry’s era. 

 

1)  Henry vs Spurs 2002

Everyone knows the rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs.  Over the last few years, the gap between the two have been closer and closer and the games competitive and edgy.  However, back in the days of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkhamp and co.  Spurs did well to get a point from the Gunners.  The class difference of the two was shown by this quite unbelievable solo stunner from Thierry Henry.  This goal shows the pace, skill, strength, confidence, passion and most of all, clinical nature that the Frenchman oozes.  Outside his team’s penalty box, he took down a Patrick Vieira header and left Matty Etherington for dead.  Etherington tried to track him back and Henry held him off and held him off until he gave up.  Henry was left running at the heart of Spurs’ defence at their peril.  Stephen Carr showed him on his left foot, thinking he couldn’t muster the effort after the lung-bursting run.  Yet, Henry side stepped him and curled it into the corner past Kasey Keller.  You’d think he was out of breath, but he had just enough to roar back down the touchline all the way to the Spurs fans behind his own goal.  The passion of Henry emphasised by the celebration, the man will forever remain one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League and the best striker to play for Arsenal. 

 As for his future, a return to Arsenal seems likely.  Whether he finishes off with one last stint at the Emirates to end his star-studded career or retires and returns as a coach.  Henry’s legacy is always there with his bronze statue, but he says he has unfinished business to possibly guide Arsenal to gold while he still can. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call up Charlie Boy

As the England squad was announced last week, one English striker had a point to prove in this past weekends Premier League football and there's no better opposition to do it against than the Champions.  Manchester City have stuttered recently and the trip down south to Loftus Road will not have been appealing to Manuel Pellegrini and co.  The focus this week then is on Loftus Road as QPR hosted Manchester City.

Premier League

At Loftus Road, the champions renewed acquaintances with a team which is now steeped into the history of Manchester City, QPR.  That crazy final day of the season back in 2012 will forever be remembered and looked back upon not just by City fans but fans of English football for the moment QPR nearly ruined the title party at the Etihad only for Sergio Aguerooooooo to literally snatch the title from Manchester United in the 95th minute of the match.  QPR have since been relegated, had a mass squad clear-out and won promotion in the most dramatic way possible last May against Derby County in the play-final with a 90th minute winner.  QPR have reignited their season with some commendable performances recently against Liverpool and Chelsea, despite defeat in both.  One man key in this was Charlie Austin.  The well talked about former 'bricklayer' has built his way up in the football league ladder plying his trade at Swindon and Burnley boasting impressive goal tallies before 'Arry Redknapp took a punt on him last year which paid off as Austin finished the R's top scorer and led them to an immediate return to the top flight.  Austin has been their main man in recent weeks with four goals in his last five games.  Ahead of this tie, the absence of Vincent Kompany would've put Austin in a confident mood against what has been a fragile City backline this season. 

This game was frantic, end to end and full of controversy.  In the first ten minutes City were finding it extremely tough dealing with QPR's direct pressing game and the presence of Bobby Zamora alongside Austin.  If you watched Soccer AM you'd know that Austin had agreed to do a special goal celebration inspired by Tubes.  The 'Chicken Dance' was broken out inside 10 minutes as he headed past Joe Hart and before he could see the offside flag he'd already broken into dance, a tad embarrassing.  More annoyance was to follow for Austin as the resulting free kick was seemingly scuffed to Austin who duly buried the ball past Hart for the second time in a minute.  However, a clear double touch from the keeper was rightly spotted and meant Austin was denied again.  But, credit to him and Rangers as they persisted and continued to hassle City and finally Austin got his goal.  The Chilean duo of Mauricio Isla and Eduardo Vargas did the work and the latter found Austin who buried it for a third time and was not denied, the dance was out and the R's were up.  On the other hand, whilst Austin is a striker on top of his game, it still does not match the quality and standard of his counterpart.  Sergio Aguero is at his best and arguably the best in the world this season and his goals in this game proved that.  The equaliser was beautifully taken from the sky by the Argentine after a raking pass from the back.  He twisted left and right before the ball awkwardly bounced up on to his arm but he continued and bamboozled Richard Dunne and finished past Robert Green for 1-1.  City seemed to be settling and upping the gears just before and after half time as Yaya Toure was looking much improved playing just off Aguero.  Yet, City were picked open once again with Austin key.  He superbly crossed into a dangerous area forcing Martin Demichelis to head past his own keeper to compound a wretched last few days for the champions.  Defeat at home to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League has put them in a perilous position at the bottom of the group and were already chasing Chelsea in the league.  So, as they did last weekend in the derby, they turned to Aguero.  He first had a shot cleared off the line as QPR were desperate to hold on and were throwing bodies in the way.  Eventually, he rescued City, Toure's wonderful pass found Aguero who rounded Green and with three defenders around him, he still found the top corner.  The calm and cool style was of a top class striker not phased by pressure when his side depends on him. 

City probably would've wanted three points but against a rejuvenated Rangers side, it is a good point for Manuel Pellegrini who does need to improve results quickly or face a similar depressing exit that befell Roberto Mancini.  Rangers are second bottom but playing good football which should see them climb the table with Austin leading the line.  I firmly believe Charlie deserves a call up to the England squad considering the appalling form of players like Rickie Lambert.  He has been knocking at the door and I hope he gets his chance to add even more to his fairy tale football story. 

The Rest
Burnley 1-0 Hull City (Finally!!!!)
Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea
Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace
Southampton 2-0 Leicester City
Spurs 1-2 Stoke City
Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Swansea City 2-1 Arsenal
West Brom 0-2 Newcastle United
West Ham 0-0 Aston Villa



Goal of the Week

This week is a goal which epitomises the turn-around in confidence at Newcastle.  Improving in results and increased solidarity at the back topped with a inform striker quickly settling in up north.  Three goals in his last three games has made Ayoze Perez very much noticed amongst fans and the media, here's his superb effort against West Brom:

 

 

 

 

Until next time, signing off- sjt!

Alexcellent: Visit to the Emirates

My first visit to the Emirates this season turned out to be a particularly enjoyable one.  This past weekend, I visited my favourite football stadium to watch my team, Arsenal, take on Burnley in this Barclays Premier League encounter.  It proved to be a mostly frustrating game where many chances came and went but when you watch Arsenal, you expect the quality players on show to make a difference and this game proved that case perfectly. 


Arsenal 3-0 Burnley

I headed off at Saturday lunchtime from my home in Colchester to London in excitement to see my team play for the first time this season.  The last time I saw Arsenal, they had booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, which of course proved to be the end to the infamous 9 year trophy drought.  Now, I'd hoped we'd progressed after that Wembley win but there have been mixed signals.  The signing of Alexis Sanchez was one of ambition, quality and value for money as he is a world-class talent.  As well as viable replacements in David Ospina and Mathieu Debuchy for the departed Bacary Sagna and Lukasz Fabianski, Calum Chambers has been an excellent signing.  The 18 year old has fitted in so well after just 20 plus appearances for Southampton and now having to step to not only a Premier League starting place but Champions League football.  Yet, the missing defensive midfielder and central defensive cover have exposed the squad with injury trouble, especially at the back.  Chambers now finds himself in the predicament of being the clubs back up centre half and starting right back with youngster Hector Bellerin also forced to be promoted to first team duties.  Too many draws have made the season very inconsistent and meaning it hasn't got going yet.  But, the bright sparks of performances from Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and attacking dynamo Sanchez have put Arsenal in a steady position at this point of the season. 

So as I met my Dad in Liverpool Street, I arrived in my new puma jersey, of course flaunting the name of Alexis (17) on the yellow away kit, which was rather baggy.  It's safe to say I wouldn't be easy to lose with my bright yellow shirt, rucksack and slightly ginger hair.  We made our way to Arsenal station along the tube line, which is annoyingly packed all the time!  I always get that match-day buzz every time I hear the tanoy say, "The next station is Arsenal."  I love watching my team and walking out of the station and turning right to the view of the beautiful Emirates Stadium and stall holders along Holloway Road up the stairs, along the bridge and seeing legends surround the outer layer of the stadium.  Thierry Henry, George Armstrong, Tony Adams and Charlie George among many.  As it was my first game of the season, I felt obliged to get a programme.  It's a good read, you get a free poster and there's always a chance of winning the lucky number, although I of course didn't again.  Me and my dad enjoyed watching the end to the lunchtime game in the refectory as a massive cheer went up when Newcastle scored against Liverpool.  I had a hot dog whilst I watched and I was surprisingly impressed by how much better it was than past years, definitely recommended there.  I know sitting in the corner isn't the most attractive of seating areas for most but any seat in the Emirates is one I will gladly sit in to watch my team play.  I love where I seat and have ever since I first went in 2008.  The pre-match warm-ups ensued and I was ecstatic to see Theo Walcott back, shooting, running and interacting with the action again after a serious injury which had kept him out since January.  One thing I thoroughly miss from the pre-match build up is the playing of 'Wonder of You' by Elvis about 15 minutes before kick-off.  It was a really uplifting track and encouraged the crowd to sing a long and I enjoyed hearing it just before the teams walked on, although London Calling is a very good pre-match track as well but it's not got the same ring to it.  One thing I love, is the Arsenal montage.  A montage of Arsenal FC with clips from over the years from Charlie George's winner at the Old Wembley against Manchester United and Michael Thomas' "It's Up for Grabs Now" Anfield winner to Thierry Henry's Invincible moments and Tony Adams' "Would You Believe It!" season defining goal against Everton. 

Then, the teams entered the field.  It was not the walk over thumping that I expect most Arsenal fans were anticipating.  I certainly had thought we were capable of putting Burnley to the sword and were needing to lay our marker down with a comprehensive win.  Yet, Tom Heaton was not on my wavelength.  The Burnley keeper pulled off a string of wonderful saves to deny not only Danny Welbeck but the exceptional Alexis Sanchez who was trying from all angles.  What did get me annoyed was the inexcusable decision making of the referee Craig Pawson.  Heaton was wasting time from his first goal kick up to the first goal and didn't receive a booking.  The amount of times he did it, he could've and should've been sent off for at least seven or eight occurrences of the same bookable offence.  My frustration was building, as well as that of the fans around me.  The fans sang loud as we tried to push the team on but it wasn't helped by the sheer abysmal taking of corners.  It has been well known this season that we cannot take corners, whether it's Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain or even Sanchez, it's always over-hit or hits the first man.  Cazorla was having another below par day as he continued to miss sitters after fluffing two last week he missed a great opportunity as he hit his shot against Jason Shackell on the line with the goal at his mercy.  Then came the moment of quality, endeavour and pure delight.  Alexis Sanchez had been the source of everything bright, positive and golden in terms of skill and genius.  His vision, running and power reminds me of Sergio Aguero and to add he has an eye for goal.  Sanchez's record since arriving is fantastic and he added to it by powering home a superb header from Chambers' cross.  Just to clarify, Sanchez out jumped a 6'4 defender with his incredible leap, just a sign of his obvious quality.  70 minutes of frustration had been let out as roars went up around the Emirates and it was amplified when the excellent Chambers got his first Arsenal goal from, dare I say it, a corner.  Sanchez then grabbed a superbly taken second after picking up a centre from Cazorla.  But arguably the moment of the day was the return of Walcott.  A standing ovation awaited as Theo played his first Premier League match since the 2-0 win over Cardiff back in January.  He nearly scored as well but Heaton was again having none of it with an impressive parry followed by a sensational left hand claw to deny a thumping volley from Lukas Podolski.  Overall, a good day in the end, an Arsenal win, a Sanchez masterclass and a Walcott cameo, I could enjoy the train journey home happily reading my programme and look forward to Match of the Day and see it all again!

I will sign off with the goals from the game at Emirates, until next week! sjt



Irons on Song

In this edition of Football Weekly, we focus on events at Upton Park as champions Manchester City had to face a new attacking, all action West Ham, a shadow of the side that City humiliated in a 7-0 aggregate whitewash in the Capital One Cup semi-final.  City were also a shadow of the side that dealt out the hammering and needed maximum points with Chelsea setting an extraordinary pace at the top.  But, West Ham are a very different team this season with Big Sam showing more flair and pace in his team which proved to be a real test for City.  Also, the Capital One Cup saw teams try and reach the Quarter-Finals, just two games from Wembley.  Could Bournemouth, Shrewsbury or Brighton cause cup upsets and replicate past fairy tale runs in the competition?

Premier League

At Upton Park, or the Boleyn Ground, West Ham proved to throw another thorn in the season of Manchester City.  West Ham had surprised many so far this season with their shrewd summer signings and new attacking philosophy.  Big Sam's new system has seen a more fluid style with the emergence in form of Stewart Downing.  Downing plays at the point of a midfield diamond and supplies star strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho.  Sakho is relatively unknown by had scored in 6 successive games before the clash on Saturday.  I've been really impressed with the front two, they link very well and are both quick, powerful forwards with a very good eye for goal.  Yet, the main man for West Ham has been ex-Arsenal engine Alex Song.  Song is West Ham's midfield lynch-pin and holds everything together.  He has been a revelation since returning and has brought solidarity and order to West Ham's team, something a team like Arsenal could do with!  West Ham have a formidable team these days and seem to be far away from a season of struggle, but surely are not in contention for a European place?  I suppose stranger things have happened!

To the game, City could feel unlucky coming away with nothing, after all they hammered at West Ham's but couldn't break the resilient Irons enough.  West Ham were sensational never the least.  They were energetic, powerful and more importantly, clinical.  City couldn't cope with the home sides dominance in the air with Valencia and Sakho.  City were probing but not severely troubling Adrian in goal up to West Ham's opener with David Silva frustrated on the wing.  It was indeed Valencia who set it up, as he latched onto Song's excellent pass to tee up Morgan Amalfitano to score, although Valencia was busy jumping into the away fans after using his after burners.  City wasted numerous chances after this, Sergio Aguero the main culprit.  Aguero's touch let him down on one occasion, Adrian thwarted him next then he hit the bar from six yards out.  Saying this, he could of been sent off for a horrendous stamp on Mark Noble.  Vincent Kompany could of also seen red in the second half but that didn't come to haunt the Hammers.  As ever during the game, Sakho and Valencia were winning every duel against Eliequem Mangala and Kompany, it was Sakho who benefited this time.  The full backs for West Ham have been exceptional with their service this season for the front two, with Aaron Cresswell the architect this time as his wonderful delivery was dispatched by Sakho with the the help of goal-line technology.  Seven goals in seven games shows how well it's going for Sakho and Big Sam.  They did ride their luck at the other end though as Yaya Toure this time hit the bar.  David Silva was causing havoc in the second half in a central role and got City a consolation with a beautifully bent shot into the corner.  But that was all they took from this as West Ham moved up to 4th!  City waited for Chelsea's result at Old Trafford but were now at least five points off Chelsea with Jose's men proving unstoppable.  West Ham could celebrate a third straight win as Big Sam had his men playing a new 'Song' this season.  

At Old Trafford, it was a late controversial moment that proved to be the story of the game.  Chelsea had rode a uneasy first half with Robin Van Persie and Marouane Fellaini being nuisances for Chelsea to deal with.  A trademark Didier Drogba header looked like continuing Chelsea's superb form in the league and hand out Manchester United's rearguard another setback.  Yet, Phil Dowd gave United one last glimmer when he gave them a free kick in advanced territory, whilst also sending off Branislav Ivanovic.  I personally thought it was harsh to send him off and even the free kick was a soft decision.  And so, United went on to make it even more sour for Chelsea as Van Persie lashed home after Thibaurt Courtois parried away Fellaini's header.  A moment that could be haunting come May for Mourinho's men, but they still look unassailable at the summit.

The Rest

Burnely 1-3 Everton

Liverpool 0-0 Hull City

QPR 2-0 Aston Villa

Southampton 1-0 Stoke City

Spurs 1-2 Newcastle United

Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal

Swansea City 2-0 Leicester City

West Brom 2-2 Crystal Palace

Capital One Cup

Fairy tales are true, just look at this competition.  Bradford in 2012 saw off everyone to reach the final, despite having a thumping at Wembley and last year Sunderland defied all critics to nearly topple Manchester City at Wembley.  This season, Bournemouth could be the next romantic novel.  They have had a unprecedented rise from the brink of bankruptcy in League 2 to promotion chasing in the Championship and a first ever cup quarter-final.  They saw off top flight West Brom with hotshot Callum Wilson the match winner.  Chelsea ended the brave run of Shrewsbury with a professional 2-1 win led by legend Didier Drogba.  Spurs and Liverpool made their way through in the end with unconvincing home wins whilst Derby came from 2-0 down to hammer Fulham at Craven Cottage 5-2.  Southampton are having an unbelievable season, typified by the form of Graziano Pelle.  His brace, a beautiful long range curler and a poacher's tap in sending the Saints to new heights.  But, it was Alan Pardew who continued to turn his reputation around with a magnificent win at City.  A 2-0 win and a performance showing the dreary form of the holders who now have to focus on a local derby, desperate not to have added misery heaped on them.  If I had to pick a winner it'd be Chelsea but as we've seen, anything can happen in the Capital One Cup.

Goal of the Week

This week's winner is not the usual individual wonder strike.  It's nice to see a team move the ball around quickly and decisively and score a well crafted team goal, that's why I've chosen Wilfried Bony's first against Leicester:

Signing off- sjt

Saints leave Sunderland in Hell

During the International break, it seems an eternity of a wait for football fans before club football returns, when it eventually did, it didn't disappoint.  The Premier League was action packed with some stand out performances, some for the wrong reasons.  The focus this week is on St Mary's as high-flyers Southampton hosted Sunderland who picked up their first win last time out.  I expected to see a tight affair as Sunderland showed last season they can match the big teams and up their game when they need to.  Southampton have exceeded nearly everyone's expectations, certainly mine, they had wholesale in the summer but have seemed to not only replace them but somewhat improve on last season's heroics.  What followed was beyond what anyone could've predicted, well maybe everyone except Ronald Koeman.  The Champions League was also back this week as the English teams fate in the competition took shape.

Premier League

As Southampton went into this encounter, they had already started exceptionally.  Unbeaten at home, with a 4-0 win over Newcastle the stand out performance.  New signings have embedded brilliantly and already shining in the Premier League, especially top scorer Graziano Pelle and assist assassin Dusan Tadic, both imports from Koeman's home of Holland.  Sunderland have been busy spenders in the last few transfer markets, but their signings have not hit the ground running like the Saints'.  Jozy Altidore, Emmanuele Giaccherini, Jack Rodwell, Sebastien Coates and Santiago Vergini have been notable players to not fully immerse themselves in the Premier League. 

Southampton have a new manager and new squad but still play the same free-flowing, attractive and attacking football.  Today happened to be the day where everything went right, or in Sunderland's case, wrong.  Southampton are one of those teams that rarely let teams get back in games once they hit the front, but Sunderland didn't seem to even try and do that, this was emphasised by the somewhat bizarre or extraordinary own goal from the right boot of Vergini.  Sunderland carelessly lost the ball in midfield, a trend that followed for the rest of the game.  Morgan Schneiderlin latched onto Pelle's flick, Wes Brown blocked the Frenchman's run and the ball looped up and straight to Vergini who unbelievably volleyed the ball past Vito Mannone into the net.  To be fair to Vergini, it was a great finish, one Gus Poyet would be proud of in any other situation other than it resulting in an own goal.  The second was not technically as superb as Vergini's but, just purely farcical for Sunderland.  Will Buckley had time to get the ball away, as he tried to find Sebastian Larsson, he turned around and had the ball ricochet off his heel as Steven Davis ran past a couple of defenders and squared for their main man Pelle.  2-0, careless and abysmal defending from the visitors, after 18 minutes, they were out of sight.  Southampton showed the best of their abilities for their 3rd goal.  Jack Cork started the move, Pelle held it up and brilliantly picked out Tadic.  Tadic tricked with the defence and picked out Cork who slid in his first of the season, 3-0, game over already.  In the second half, Sunderland were merely lambs to the slaughter, Liam Bridcutt was unfortunate to run into a saved Pelle shot.  Any teams that use the 'International commitment' excuse for results can look at Southampton and immediately dismiss it for any other case.  Pelle, Tadic and Schneiderlin were amongst seven players to represent their country, yes seven of their match-day squad, five of them started with Tadic and Pelle looking as if they never went.  Pelle added to his ever-growing reputation with another, Tadic added to it after a howler from Mannone.  Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane added off the bench to embarrass, humiliate and severely hurt Sunderland's fans, players and Gus Poyet.  It was an utter shambles from start to finish, inexcusable defending and quite frankly no work rate from the majority.  Sunderland took a step forward against Stoke City but now have taken at least five steps back.  Southampton though were exceptional.  Despite the awful defending, you cannot take anything away from the Saints who, at this time, are indeed in heaven. 


The Rest
Arsenal 2-2 Hull City
Burnley 1-3 West Ham United
Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea
Everton 3-0 Aston Villa
Manchester City 4-1 Spurs
Newcastle 1-0 Leicester City
QPR 2-3 Liverpool
Stoke 2-1 Swansea City
West Brom 2-2 Manchester United


Champions League

In Europe, it has been topsy-turvy so far for England's sides.  Chelsea and Arsenal are in good positions to get through as they won this past week.  Chelsea oozed quality and control in their 6-0 win over Maribor, exemplified by Eden Hazard's masterful second goal.  Arsenal got away with it in Belgium.  With 88 minutes gone, Arsenal were on the way to one of the most embarrassing European nights in recent times for an English side.  Anderlecht had hit the bar at 1-0 up and I proved costly, a fantastic volley from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski's close range finish turned it around on Arsene Wenger's birthday.  Liverpool were completely outclassed by defending champions Real Madrid.  Cristiano Ronaldo with the pick of the goals, but Mario Balotelli ended up making headlines for the wrong reasons, just ask Pepe who got Mario's shirt at half-time!!  Manchester City continued to flop as they blew a 2-0 lead in Russia and draw with CSKA Moscow, they must wait for a do or die clash in Rome for second place against AS Roma.


Goal of the Week (European Edition)

With the UEFA Champions League taken into account, there was one that stood out and if you've seen it, I doubt you could disagree.  Of course it's Mr.Ronaldo at Anfield:

Signing off- sjt

Brawl at the Bridge

Just before the International break, the Premier League showcased arguably the biggest game of the season so far, Chelsea vs Arsenal, Mourinho vs Wenger.  The build up was focused on the former Arsenal captain and now Chelsea's midfield conductor, Cesc Fabregas.  The man exiled from Barcelona in the summer had options of which he ended up at a club he vowed to never join when he left Arsenal, but we know that loyalty is rare in football.  According to many sources, Fabregas wanted to go to Arsenal but was 'not needed' at the team he left in 2011.  So, Cesc joining Chelsea was not that much of a surprise once that was known.  A side in a country and city he knows well, Champions League football guaranteed and challenges for major honours on all fronts.  As an Arsenal fan, I'm not bitter about Cesc going to Chelsea as, if it is true, we rejected him so you can't blame him for choosing the best option available to him.  Words mean very little in football as many have said, "I cannot see myself playing anywhere else in this country other than ______",  now see Frank Lampard is at Manchester City after swearing to never to play for another Premier League side.  This was made even sweeter when he scored against Chelsea last month.  I went into this game petrified of another mauling similar to this past March.  However, this time it was a far tighter affair with the game being decided by two moments of genius, unfortunately for me, both were from Chelsea.  What proved to be the main talking point though was on the touchline.

Premier League

After the March massacre for Arsene Wenger's 1000th game in charge, Arsenal fans will be pleased that their side at least held their own for the majority of a closely-fought match.  Arsenal set up much more organised and capably at the back and kept Chelsea's danger man Diego Costa quiet for nearly the whole game.  Jack Wilshere carried himself well during the game and was Arsenal's driving force.  But, it was not to be their day, Fabregas won it in midfield and fed Eden Hazard, who was still about 30 yards from goal.  Hazard burst into life and dribbled past red shirts at will before being taken down by Laurent Koscielny in the penalty box.  Some say it should've been red for Koscielny but the ref let it go and Hazard calmly picked himself up and passed it in the opposite corner to that of which Woijiech Szczesny dived to.  Arsenal though responded well and didn't crumble, in fact better touches from Alexis Sanchez and then Jack Wilshere could've seen Arsenal level.  Then came the talking point of the day, a dangerous and rash lunge by Gary Cahill on Sanchez sparked outrage from the Arsenal bench, particularly after a similar challenge from Felipe Melo that past week in the Champions League.  Wenger was heading over to the incident, whilst entering Jose Mouinho's technical box.  An altercation ensued and Wenger was told to leave by Mourinho as he blocked his path, Wenger pushed Mourinho to the clear shock of the Chelsea boss.  This seemed to effect Arsenal who were not as dangerous and Chelsea were in control of the second half.  Arsenal's Mesut Ozil was having a very bad day at the office, yet was not taken off, whilst Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere in particular were having impressive showings and were taken off.  Arsenal were then cut open by their former hero, Fabregas supplying Costa with an audacious pass and Costa duly lobbed Szczesny to wrap up the points, it happened to be the only moment Costa had in the whole game where Arsenal had let him through.  Arsenal's struggles in front of goal were clear as they failed to register an effort on target until Lukas Podolski tested Petr Cech in the 90th minute.  Chelsea marched on and seem unstoppable in their quest for a first trophy of Mourinho's second coming, whilst Arsenal try to continue through injury problems and the continuing issue of away days at the 'big boys'. 

Elsewhere, an inspired David De Gea won Manchester United three points against Everton with a string of sensational saves, including a save from Leighton Baines' penalty, the first miss of Baines' career.  Radamel Falcao grabbed his first United goal in a big win for United who now have to prepare for the bigger tests ahead.  Manchester City endured a tricky night at Villa Park as they struggled to break them down until a determined run and finish from Yaya Toure who has been trying to find the form which helped City on their way to a second league title.  Sergio Aguero wrapped up the win as City try to catch the runaway the pacesetters Chelsea.  Burnley left it late to pick up their first away points of the season with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Leicester.  Ross Wallace curled in a wonderful free kick in the 96th minute to rescue a point and put a bright spark on a struggling start to the season. 

The Rest
Hull 2-0 Crystal Palace
Liverpool 2-1 West Brom
Sunderland 3-1 Stoke City
Spurs 1-0 Southampton
Swansea City 2-2 Newcastle United
West Ham United 2-0 QPR



Goal of the Week
Despite it not being a personal favourite of mine, it is undoubtedly a beautifully worked goal and stands out from the rest.  This week the winner is Diego Costa's against Arsenal:(apologies for the commentary)

 

 

Signing off!

Looney Toons

After a shocking and surprising Premier League gameweek the weekend before last, this weekend just gone was more mellow.  Not the late drama of Frank Lampard's equaliser or the thrilling comeback at the King Power, yet still it was another entertaining weekend of football in England's top flight.  Meanwhile, the Champions League was into it's second match-day with the English sides looking to make better impressions after a frankly dismal opening match-day.

Premier League

It's safe to say that Newcastle United had not had the best start to the season.  Newcastle have been on a downward spiral since January of this year and pressure has been mounting week by week, defeat by defeat for Alan Pardew.  His side have not won a game yet this season after a summer of spending on even more foreign recruits.  Despite it not being the only reason for their spectacular dive in form, the loss of Yohan Cabaye has hit Newcastle hard and the men that have come in since have not lived up to expectations, like Emmanuel Riviere and Remy Cabella.  The fans have revolted and it'd be hard to find many Newcastle fans who are right behind Alan Pardew at the moment.  A 'sackpardew.com' has been advertised in the stands through leaflets and banners.  The Geordie faithful are not the easiest bunch to please and rightly have a standard they expect from their club, which they are far from after their most recent set back.  Stoke City on Monday was the latest defeat for the Toon Army to witness.  A trip to the Britannia is the tough for the best sides in the league never mind a side bottom of the league and wit unrest flowing through the club.  A Peter Crouch header was the difference but Newcastle were better than they have been in recent weeks.  There was more effort shown and a real danger going forward once Gabriel Obertan was introduced.  Obertan hasn't started for 18 months, but was arguably one their better players on the night and created the best chance which Jack Colback manage to somehow miss from six yards out.  Newcastle have not had a consistent goal scorer for a while either, Loic Remy missed a majority of last season through injury whilst Papiss Cisse has failed to ever recapture the form of when he first arrived at St James'.  There is indeed a lot of problems at the club which needs to be addressed.  Mike Ashley has never got rid of the cloud of uncertainty over his head after his takeover.  Relegation in 2009 caused a mutiny against him, yet since they have returned they have consistent in top half finishes under Chris Hughton and then Pardew.  But, now it seems Pardew may have ran his course and taken this team as far as he can, new personnel is needed on and off the pitch.

 

 

As for the rest of the Premier League fixtures it was routine wins in the end for Manchester City and Chelsea.  City's much tougher at a hard-working Hull City who came from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 at half time.  But Edin Dzeko delivered for Pellegrini's men who ended their three game winless run.  Chelsea coasted to a comfortable 3-0 win over Aston Villa with Diego Costa in the goals again.  Chelsea face Arsenal this Sunday, hopefully it won't be a repeat of last season's humiliation.  Arsenal had a North London Derby to deal with and it wasn't the routine Arsenal home win.  Spurs went to the Emirates with a game plan and nearly pulled it off to perfection.  They sat back, soaked up the pressure and hit on the counter.  Arsenal were vulnerable to this and it was mistake from their own doing that led to Spurs' goal.  Mathieu Flamini dallied on the ball too long and was dispossessed.  Christian Eriksen worked it across to Erik Lamela who put Nacer Chadli through and he finished confidently.  Arsenal had rested Alexis Sanchez, but the Chilean did come on in the end and made an immediate impact.  He added purpose to Arsenal's attack and provided a fresh spark needed to press Arsenal's domination into a goal.  It was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who found that goal.  Santi Cazorla's cross shot was missed by Danny Welbeck and The Ox was waiting and smashed the ball high past Hugo Lloris.  Arsenal couldn't complete the comeback and in the end were left ruing not being able to turn their overwhelming control into goals.  Yet, it was Southampton who came out of this weekend as the impressive outfit.  The Saints have won four games back to back and new man Ronald Koeman has bedded his new men in well to an already well organised team.  A 2-1 win over QPR wasn't as easy as first assumed as QPR put in a better showing of themselves than in previous away trips.  It took an outstanding effort from Graziano Pelle to win it for the home team to edge to three points. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rest

Crystal Palace 2-0 Leicester City

Manchester United 2-1 West Ham

Liverpool 1-1 Everton

Sunderland 0-0 Swansea City

West Brom 4-0 Burnley

 

 

Champions League

 

It was an improved week overall for the English teams in Europe.  Chelsea got a hard-fought 1-0 win in Lisbon against Sporting thanks to a Nemanja Matic header.  Chelsea showed their pedigree as they held out a Lisbon barrage in the second half for a crucial win.  Arsenal responded to a bad day in Dortmund by thumping Galatasaray 4-1.  A sparkling attacking display from the Gunners blitzed the Turks away as Danny Welbeck starred with a hat-trick as he announced himself as Arsenal's main man up front.  Supported by Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal fast, fluid and clinical, albeit being down to 10 men in the second half after Woijiech Szczesny's red card.  Manchester City were frustrated by Roma as Francesco Totti became the oldest scorer in the history of the European Cup or Champions League at the tender age of 38 years and 3 days.  City seem to lack the belief needed to take them to contenders pedigree and don't convince people with their performances and now find themselves having to win against one of Bayern or Roma to get through.  Finally, Liverpool continued their slump by losing in Basel, the fourth English team in a row to do so following in Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United's footsteps. 

 

 

 

 

 

Goal of the Week (Graziano Pelle vs QPR)

 

This week, the winner is that incredible goal by Saints number nine Graziano Pelle against QPR.  It was a wonderfully crafted goal which was technically superb.  Enjoy!