Half-Time Reports

Half-Time Grades

Arsenal:

Alexis Sanchez has been the best part of their season.  Signings are needed in January to ensure they don’t miss out on the top four.  They have been very inconsistent and continue to be hit by injury after injury to many key players.  Grade: C+

Aston Villa:

Good start which may have misguided fans that this season would be different.  But after defeat to Arsenal, 11 points out of a possible 45 has shown that things have only got worse.  12 goals this season is very worrying, trouble ahead.  Grade: F

Burnley:

Slow starters but finding goals in Ings and Barnes with Vokes returning as well is massive plus for Sean Dyche.  Battling spirit is a platform for survival.  Grade: D+

Chelsea:

Ignoring the blip at Spurs, Chelsea have been excellent and miles clear of the rest, signings superb and current crop stepping up.  In Eden Hazard they have one of the best players in world football, more cover for Matic and success should be guaranteed in May.  Grade: A*

Crystal Palace:

Pulis leaving put them in a difficult position, wins over Everton and Liverpool highs but need consistency, Pardew can steady the ship.  With his tactical know-how and experience, survival should be attainable.  Grade: D-

Everton:

Martinez’s style failing and ageing players running out of steam, Barkley and Lukaku yet to shine with team starting to resemble Martinez’s relegated Wigan.  Need to make Goodison Park a fortress again.  Grade: D

Hull City:
A shadow of the battling, feisty side of last campaign, signings not clicking, a lot of injuries to key players means lack of consistency.  Jelavic needs help with supplying goals but Steve Bruce should guide them to safety.  Grade: E+

Leicester City: D-,

Have shown in spells they can live with top teams but not enough goals and too many errors.  Can’t live on that 5-3 win and need to win more games against teams around them.  Grade: D+

Liverpool:

The loss of Suarez was never going to be easy to replace with signings not filling the void.  Loss of Sturridge has been key to slump, but need a striker who can deliver consistently and retain a working system. Grade: C-

Manchester City:

Outstanding Aguero has put them in a great position to challenge domestically and in Europe.  Yet, they’re weak at the back without Kompany and need to see games out.  Lampard loan could be key.  Grade: A

Manchester United:

De Gea covering for hopeless defending and injury crisis.  Attacking players starting to flourish together, Rooney in a deeper role impressive.  Defensive signings and with no European football whisper of a title push?  Grade: B-

Newcastle United:

Horrendous start but superb recovery.  Loss of Pardew is massive as they will struggle to find someone who will do as good of a job.  Signings have been hit and miss, they need to keep Sissoko. Grade: C

QPR:
Home form has carried them to just above drop zone, away form extreme concern as they are yet to earn a single point outside Loftus Road.  Their over reliance on Austin means they need more signings.  Grade: E

Southampton:

Incredible season considering the loss of players in summer.  Koeman has done a fine job improving success and quality of signings, especially Pelle and Tadic.  Retention of Schneiderlin pivotal to a European push.  Grade: B+

Stoke City:

Mark Hughes has transformed Stoke to a side that can play good football, Bojan can play on a cold night in Stoke.  Home form backed by improving away days, seen by win at Everton, easy mid table finish.  Grade: B-

Sunderland:  

Very inconsistent and a lack of goals with signings not working out.  Fletcher pivotal to survival and a considerable reduction in previous individual errors.  Grade: D-/E+

Swansea City:

Improved massively from struggle last year with Monk doing a terrific job.  Bony becoming one of the best in the league and relationship with Sigurdsson key to success, need to find alternative during his absence.  Grade: B

Tottenham Hotspur:

Pocchetino starting to improve team by giving young English talents chances, like Kane, Mason and Dier.  Considerable improvement in home form this year will see them push for European spots.  Grade: C-

West Brom:

Always going to be down there with inexperienced coach and lack of quality in team.  Cashing in on Berahino will create funds for Pulis.  His appointment a master-stroke which considerably boost survival chances.  Grade: E

West Ham:

A completely changed team with fantastic additions and now an array of quality attacking options.  Central defence could need possible improvement and keeping Cresswell and Jenkinson fit, European push?  Grade: A

This season is shaped for a dramatic and unpredictable end with up to three teams chasing the title, up to six chasing European football and just as many fighting for survival.  There were two sackings and a managerial departure within the space of a week last month, who's to say there won't be anymore.

Sam Tonks

Liverpool Hit a Brick Wall

Gameweek 16 of the Premier League and nearly half way through the season.  Now we can start to see teams who are in line for a title charge, top four race or relegation scrap, however anything can still change.  This week had an unfortunate focus on the officials, with numerous decisions in numerous games coming to light and possibly proven important in the different battles up and down the league.  This week, there was diving, chipping and a lot of saving, particularly at Old Trafford.   

That is where the focus is this week, Old Trafford and the most historic and recognised game in English football between the two most decorated clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool.  Manchester United have been on fantastic form, picking four wins in a row, including three wins in last week’s hectic run of games.  Louis Van Gaal’s men haven’t been brilliant, but have got the results.  Wins at Arsenal and Southampton were ones where they were second best by far, but took their chances and had a keeper at the top of his game in David De Gea.  Liverpool have been quite bad to say the least with just two wins in the last 12 games in all competitions.  Brendan Rodgers has struggle to integrate new signings with Mario Balotelli yet to score in the league and other signings Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Emre Can and Alberto Moreno mustering 4 goals between them.  Gary Neville said on the previous Monday Night Football that this game would resemble a pub team game, “it’ll be like the Dog and Duck versus the Red Lion.”

United have been blighted by injuries and have had many different combinations in front of the brilliant De Gea.  Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Rafael and Chris Smalling current absentees from a depleted backline which saw Michael Carrick step in on Sunday.  Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have been regular wing backs in a makeshift back three or five.  Liverpool may have fancied their chances against this changed defence, but with De Gea in goal, they were constantly denied at the last.  Raheem Sterling had the first chance but De Gea superbly stood tall and saved, 25 seconds later, Valencia beat Joe Allen and found Wayne Rooney who scored against Liverpool again.  Rooney is now the highest scoring player against Liverpool in the Premier League as the Scouse born United skipper continued their run of scoring in every home game this season.  Liverpool continued to probe and fail, Sterling again the man denied.  United took advantage again.  Ashley Young’s delivery flicked on by Robin Van Persie and finished by Juan Mata, 2-0 United, Liverpool seemingly beaten.  Although, a clear offside was not seen as Mata wheeled away which really cost Liverpool the game to an extent.  The second half brought more of the same, De Gea incredibly saving from Sterling once more and then starting a battle with Mario Balotelli, which he won.  If they hadn’t learnt already, Liverpool were punished again, United broke quickly with Mata, Rooney and Van Persie.  Lovren completely mishit a clearance, Mata played in Van Persie, fooling everyone in doing so and he scored. 3-0 was the result, Liverpool dejected, defeated and defied by the inspirational Spaniard in goal.

Elsewhere, Arsenal bounced back in style sweeping Newcastle aside 4-1 with a brace a piece for Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud.  Manchester City won again as Frank Lampard equalled the tally of Thierry Henry in 175 Premier League goals with the winner.  Chelsea hit back with a grinded 2-0 win over Hull.  The officials again were in the spotlight as not one, two but three Chelsea players sited diving, only two booked.  Gary Cahill, on a booking dived in the box, yet was not sent off, a shocking decision which infuriated Steve Bruce who said it looked like, “Swan Lake.”  Spurs struck late again at Swansea, Christian Eriksen scoring away once more as Spurs’ away revival continued.  Burnley added further woe to Southampton, compounding them to a fourth straight defeat with Ashley Barnes’ goal for Sean Dyche.  There were also wins for QPR, Everton and West Brom and draws at Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

Champions League Draw: 

Arsenal vs Monaco

PSG vs Chelsea

Manchester City vs Barcelona

I predict tough ties for all three English sides.  Arsenal should have too much for Monaco who got through with a record low four goals, but only one conceded.  At the Emirates, I think Arsenal can put the tie beyond the visitors ahead of the second leg.  Chelsea will have a tough ride in Paris, as they did last year.  PSG have many qualities but are not the best in Europe and are beatable as Chelsea found out last year, I expect Chelsea to edge it.  City never have it easy it seems as they drew Barcelona for the second year in a row.  If Aguero is fully fit, City have every chance, without him I can only see one winner, well maybe three by the name of Messi, Suarez and Neymar.

Britannia Beating and Rocking Rangers

People say that Christmas time is the busiest time of year, people running around getting presents, travelling to family gatherings up and down the country or being the ones who have the ordeal of hosting.  It is certainly hectic in the Barclays Premier League, with teams facing five games in just 19 days and with injury problems mounting for sum, it could be a telling period in the fate of many sides come May.  Three games have been played over the last week or so which has seen the end of the run of this season’s ‘Unbeatables’, a fan-base outrage and most importantly, goals and lots of them.   

Gameweek 13 

The first of three quick-fire games in the Premier League brought about many close games and crucial results at the top and bottom.  Chelsea were unable to batter down the Sunderland barricades and failed to score for the first time this season.  Lee Cattermole was particularly inspirational in earning a massive point for Gus Poyet’s men.  A major flashpoint came when Diego Costa kicked out at John O’Shea and subsequently was booked, but should it of been more?  Yes.  Arsenal bounced back from a horrendous defeat to Manchester United with a battling win at the Hawthorns over West Brom, following their impressive victory over Borussia Dortmund, Arsene Wenger’s men were fighting back.  Danny Welbeck grabbed the goal to compound another blow to Alan Irvine’s West Brom, a third defeat in a row.  Manchester City were maintaining their attempts in keeping up with Chelsea with a superb 3-0 win at Southampton, further illustrating the class of Sergio Aguero and return to form of Yaya Toure.  Aguero with two assists not playing the shining role but showing he has more to his game than goals, setting up Toure and then a first City goal for Gael Clichy.  City may not have had the most consistent start with disappointments at West Ham and at home to Newcastle and Stoke City.

The stand out game came from Loftus Road in a topsy-turvy, end to end relegation dogfight between QPR and Leicester.  Both have had mixed seasons, QPR’s recent form has improved, whilst Leicester’s has dropped after an impressive start.  Yet, Leicester led within the first five minutes through their International veteran Esteban Cambiasso.  QPR were caught cold but responded well and were hammering at the door and made pay with the pressure as Leicester skipper Wes Morgan put past his own keeper.  A game which saw a whopping 51 attempts on goal between the two just highlighted the importance of the three points at Loftus Road.  Leroy Fer then smashed QPR in front just before half time after main man Charlie Austin was denied.  But, in the second half, Leicester came again as Jamie Vardy hit the bar then came their equaliser, a wonderful shot from Jeffery Schlupp into the bottom corner brought it to 2-2.  At this point, it was in the balance until that man Austin sealed the deal with a close range header after a scramble in the Leicester area.  Matty James was inches from snatching a point but they were edged out by Rangers, who continued their recently impressive home form.

The Rest 

Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa

Liverpool 1-0 Stoke

Manchester United 3-0 Hull City

Spurs 2-1 Everton

Swansea 1-1 Crystal Palace

West Ham 1-0 Newcastle

Gameweek 14 & 15 

From Tuesday to Monday, Premier League teams were travelling up and down the country with two more games to play last week.  Some fared better than others over this fixture pile up which meant some gained momentum into the Christmas period, whilst some began to worry.  Arsenal had picked up a vital 1-0 win over Southampton then headed to the Britannia Stadium where they had won once in their previous eight visits.  So Arsene Wenger was going into the game hoping to continue Arsenal’s run of three clean sheets with rookie keeper Emi Martinez impressing.  Although, in a changed back four with Hector Bellerin shoved into the fray and Laurent Koscielny strangely benched, this was then put to the sword in 18 seconds as Arsenal were a shambles and Peter Crouch profited.  Two more in an atrocious first half for Arsenal from star man Bojan and John Walters.  Arsenal were abysmal, Olivier Giroud missed a glorious chance at 1-0 which could’ve changed the game, but other than that he was a bystander as Chambers and Bellerin in particular had a torrid half with captain Per Mertersacker lost at sea.  Arsenal plucked up their ideas and restored dignity to the score line after Bojan had a fourth disallowed, which shouldn’t have been to be fair, with Santi Cazorla scoring his first league goal since January.  After that softly awarded penalty, Aaron Ramsey bagged his first goal since August with a sumptuous volley.  Arsenal had the game in their hands and looked set to complete an unlikely comeback until Calum Chambers was sent off for a silly second booking.  Arsenal couldn’t regain firm control and methods of long ball didn’t prosper.  A 3-2 defeat sparked wild roars of protest against Arsene Wenger which swept social media.  It is below the belt the abuse Wenger has faced and deserves some respect for what he’s done the club.  He may have made mistakes but sacking him is not the answer, a quick fix in January can restore hope for Arsenal that the season can be salvaged.

Elsewhere, it was the end of the unbeaten Blues as Chelsea couldn’t follow up a 3-0 win over Spurs and lost at a resurgent Newcastle 2-1, the big difference being no Nemanja Matic.  Manchester United completed a great couple of weeks with a smash and grab at St Marys with Robin Van Persie in the goals.  City won but lost Aguero for the next three weeks, a big blow to their title challenge.  Liverpool and Spurs stuttered again both drawing 0-0, but QPR again beat a relegation rival.  Fer and Austin providing, whilst Aston Villa picked up a huge win over Leicester.

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