Here it is!
Guff Report Premier League Preview
All comments welcome. Please share with others if you think it's worth it.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Premier League Preview 2011/12
Arsenal
You really have to question the competence of the decision-makers at Arsenal if the stories about the Juan Mata failed bid are true. Fabergas looks like he’s gone and Nasri may not be far behind. Sure there will be funds, but with less than 3 weeks left in the transfer window, the pressure will be on to bring in big name replacements. Or so you would think – the only name being floated around at the moment seems to be Scott Dann. Gervinho will probably be a success, Oxlade-Chamberlain has not played at a level higher than League 1 until now, so we’ll have to wait and see how he steps up in the Premier League. This could be the the season where Arsenal drop out of the Top 4. I’m sure their fans are frustrated, heck, they sort of frustrate me at times as well.
Aston Villa
What is the plan at Villa? Spending big money on Darren Bent last season seemed to signal ambition, but then selling his 2 putative providers in chief seems contradictory, although denying Ashley Young a move to Manchester United was probably going to be a difficult position to maintain in the short-term, while Liverpool’s offer for Stewart Downing appears to represent good business for Villa, especially when they can turn around and buy Charles N’Zogbia for half the money. Fans patience will be very thin this season, especially in light of the decision to appoint the man who has just overseen the relegation of their fiercest rivals.
Blackburn Rovers
David Goodwillie? This is what the Venky’s money is bringing to Blackburn? Where’s Kaka et al? Losing Phil Jones will hurt, and losing Chris Samba could be fatal. No better than mid table, and possible relegation contenders, but the fact that there are probably poorer teams out there mean that they might hang on.
Bolton
A quiet enough summer at the Reebok, where keeping Gary Cahill and getting Stuart Holden back from injury could go a long way towards defining their season. They haven’t had the best of luck so far this summer – Tyrone Mears and the Korean Lee Chung-Yong both look like missing significant time due to both suffering broken legs in pre-season. A team that will struggle to break into the Top 8, but should find it relatively comfortable to remain in mid table.
Chelsea
Is essentially the same squad that looked tired and unimaginative last season really the one to do better this season? Is Fernando Torres really finished or just not getting the kind of service on which he thrives? How much time will Andre Villas-Boas be given to win a Premier League and Champions League title? So many questions that look like taking a while to answer. Chelsea’s signings so far this summer almost hint at building for the future – in contrast with the big money signings of David Luiz and Torres in January which seemed to suggest a desire to win big, quickly. As things stand, I don’t see them overhauling Man Utd this season, and Man City are only going to get stronger.
Everton
Moving forward by standing still? It’s hard to see this team achieving more than say a Europa League or Cup Final berth – some good players for sure, but the squad is thin, especially up front, where Louis Saha is dangerous when fit, but alas that is never a given. Holding on to Baines, Jagielka, Fellani and Arteta is perhaps a more valuable coup than any signings David Moyes could hope to make.
Fulham
I guess the position taken over Mark Hughes shows that disloyalty won’t be tolerated, which is fine in one sense, but it also smacks to me of cutting off your nose to spite your face in another. Hughes seemed like a decent manager - although Martin Jol could turn out to be a decent replacement. Fulham have a pretty solid defence anchored by Hangelaand and Schwarzer, and some decent striking options in attack and from deeper. Assuming the players take to Jol relatively quickly, they could have a relatively comfortable season, but the Europa League via the Fair Play table is probably likely to be the zenith of their ambitions again.
Liverpool
Big spenders but value for money doesn’t seem to be a concern. The prices paid for Henderson and Downing seem inflated, but if they deliver, then no-one will care. Of the 2, Downing looks like he will be a good addition, but the jury could be out on Henderson for a long time yet. He was largely anonymous in the European U-21 Championships, but that was admittedly as a part of a pretty poor England team. What could be more relevant to Liverpool’s chances this season is how Suarez and Carroll perform given that they now have a full season to show their worth. Charlie Adam could also represent good value, but how Liverpool accommodate him and Meireles (and indeed Gerrard when he comes back) will be interesting. If nothing else, Dalglish has strengthened his squad, but keeping expectations dampened will be a challenge.
Manchester City
Sergio Aguero may be a very good player, but will he be as effective in the Premier League as Carlos Tevez? I suspect not. City however may not be denied for long – the squad is full of quality players at just about every position, but their style of play is far from that of champions. I would question the wisdom of signing Gael Clichy, over Leighton Baines, or in persevering with Jerome Boateng for that matter. There are still questions in attack as well, namely whether or not Mario Balotelli has anywhere near enough maturity to be trusted, or whether Edin Dzeko has the requisite quality. The Tevez situation is far from resolved either – it struck me last week that a swap between City and Inter involving the mercurial family man and Wesley Sneijder would make sense for City on so many levels – they rid themselves of a potential distraction while acquiring a quality player that their crosstown rivals appear to covet. This sort of move would go a long way to making City more than just noisy neighbours.
Manchester United
Whether David de Gea will be able to seamlessly fill the massive void left by the departure of Edwin van der Saar or whether Phil Jones represents an upgrade over John O’Shea in the short-term remains to be seen, as does the issue of the quality of central midfield, especially in light of Paul Scholes’ retirement, but the reality is that this squad is more than good enough to retain its title when you survey the Premier League landscape as it is presently configured. What Ryan Giggs has left to offer is a huge question, but the acquisition of Ashley Young, along with the talents of Nani and the return from loan spells of Cleverly and Wellbeck means that there are plenty of options available to take up the slack should age and other matters begin to impact Giggs’ form. The acquisition of Sneijder may not be what they need to beat Barcelona on the European stage, but it would surely but them over the top yet again in their domestic league. As usual, Man Utd. drive on while their domestic rivals dawdle.
Newcastle United
Follow their implosion live on Twitter! Another team that is in serious danger of falling into a relegation fight. Mike Ashley did very well from the sale of Andy Carroll, but his stance on Joey Barton signals his true intent for this proud club. I would question the decision to sell Kevin Nolan as well, but maybe it says something for his motivation that he was happy to move to a Championship club (what price that he will be back in the EPL next season?). Expect them to cash in on Jose Enrique before the transfer window closes. I don’t know enough (read: anything) about their 3 French signings to say what they will contribute, but Demba Ba on a free could prove to be shrewd business, and Hatem Ben Arfa should be fit and raring to go, so maybe it’s not all doom and gloom.
Norwich City
Based on the excellent writing of the Swiss Ramble, Norwich appear to be the best run of the 3 promoted teams and while they lack star power, they have a sustainable strategy, which seems to assume that they will be relegated this season, but have the resources to come straight back up and then fight to stay there. Sensible stuff, but based on what I think may happen at QPR and the fact that they finished so far ahead of Swansea last season makes me think that Norwich have the best chance of the 3 to stay up. Early form will be crucial.
Queens Park Rangers
Possibly one of the richest clubs in the league, but other than the fact that they have just hiked ticket prices, you’d hardly know it. Any signings made have been free (at least they have Premier League experience) and Neil Warnock is one of the favourites to get the sack. Not quite a soap opera of Newcastle type proportions, but it could get there by the end of the season. In Taarabt, they have a player I’m see many are intrigued to see on the Premier League stage (which is graced previously very briefly with Spurs). Having said that, PSG are reportedly interested and aren’t afraid to splash the cash. If he leaves, I will assume that they are doomed if the owners reluctance to spend continues.
Stoke City
Ones to watch? Very steady performers under Tony Pulis and very solid at home. Their style is not to everyone’s liking, but it is effective. Woodgate and Upson are high risk signings, and how can Tony contemplate leaving out goal machine Robert Huth from his back 4! Landing Scott Parker would be a coup, and outside of last season’s Top 4 plus Spurs and Liverpool, Stoke could be the team to break into the Europa League places ahead of more established names. Of course, they play in this season’s EL thanks to their runners up spot in last season’s FA Cup so how they handle the demands of Europe could have a bearing on their PL form.
Sunderland
Selling Darren Bent and buying Asamoah Gyan and then selling Jordan Henderson and buying Craig Gardner for around half the money (or less) received and Seb Larsson for nothing looks like pretty good business to me. How John O’Shea and Wes Brown fare away from Old Trafford, where they served as valuable squad players will be interesting, especially when Nicky Butt and Phil Neville performed similar roles for Man Utd but hardly distinguished themselves elsewhere. Steve Bruce appears to have the resources to survive, and perhaps challenge for a Europa League spot, but a long run of dreadful results similar to last season cannot be repeated.
Swansea City
Like the other team in white (Bolton), I’ll confess that not much about Swansea in the news has caught my eye this summer. Scott Sinclair looks a good player – someone that Chelsea could have done well to persevere with, but all indications are that they will be relegation candidates unless they can pull a few surprises early on.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are making all the right noises on the Modric issue, but they will look like fools if he does end up leaving. What they can expect from a player who has made public his desire to leave but has yet to formally request a move is a moot point. Whether or not Gareth Bale can continue his Footballer of the Year ‘form’ (which was fleeting enough to be honest!) and who is deployed up front are key questions. Even if Modric leaves, there is quality there to compensate – Sandro showed great development last season and Kyle Walker’s form for Aston Villa and England was very encouraging (if you’re a Spurs fan). Given Liverpool’s signings and Manchester City’s continued development, it seems unlikely that Spurs are good enough for the Champions League as things stand, less so if they lose Modric and fail to address questions up front.
West Bromwich Albion
Based on past history, would appear to be a leading candidate for relegation, but if they continue the form they showed under Roy Hodgson last season, they could survive with some degree of comfort, especially if Peter Odemwingie continues his good goalscoring form. Signings up until now weren’t very inspiring, but this week’s acquisition of Shane Long could be a good buy.
Wigan Athletic
The loss of N’Zogbia and Cleverly will hurt, but keeping Rodellega will help in their fight to stave off relegation. The continued development of McCarthy will be of interest to Irish fans, but how much we see of him in a green jersey is a worry at this stage. Roberto Martinez tries to play the game the right way, but perhaps a touch more pragmatism will be necessary this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Like Martinez at Wigan, Mick McCarthy picks players and uses a system that yields football that is easy on the eye. Some great results last season, and they’ve managed to retain the likes of Kevin Doyle, who, if fit, could be the key to their survival this season. In addition, Jamie O’Hara and Roger Johnson add to the quality of the team. It’s hard to see them repeating wins over Chelsea and Liverpool, so beating their peers will likely go a long way to determining their final league position. They may struggle against well organised and physical teams.
Top 3
1. Man Utd.
2. Chelsea
3. Man City
Bottom 3
18. Wigan
19. QPR
20. Swansea
You really have to question the competence of the decision-makers at Arsenal if the stories about the Juan Mata failed bid are true. Fabergas looks like he’s gone and Nasri may not be far behind. Sure there will be funds, but with less than 3 weeks left in the transfer window, the pressure will be on to bring in big name replacements. Or so you would think – the only name being floated around at the moment seems to be Scott Dann. Gervinho will probably be a success, Oxlade-Chamberlain has not played at a level higher than League 1 until now, so we’ll have to wait and see how he steps up in the Premier League. This could be the the season where Arsenal drop out of the Top 4. I’m sure their fans are frustrated, heck, they sort of frustrate me at times as well.
Aston Villa
What is the plan at Villa? Spending big money on Darren Bent last season seemed to signal ambition, but then selling his 2 putative providers in chief seems contradictory, although denying Ashley Young a move to Manchester United was probably going to be a difficult position to maintain in the short-term, while Liverpool’s offer for Stewart Downing appears to represent good business for Villa, especially when they can turn around and buy Charles N’Zogbia for half the money. Fans patience will be very thin this season, especially in light of the decision to appoint the man who has just overseen the relegation of their fiercest rivals.
Blackburn Rovers
David Goodwillie? This is what the Venky’s money is bringing to Blackburn? Where’s Kaka et al? Losing Phil Jones will hurt, and losing Chris Samba could be fatal. No better than mid table, and possible relegation contenders, but the fact that there are probably poorer teams out there mean that they might hang on.
Bolton
A quiet enough summer at the Reebok, where keeping Gary Cahill and getting Stuart Holden back from injury could go a long way towards defining their season. They haven’t had the best of luck so far this summer – Tyrone Mears and the Korean Lee Chung-Yong both look like missing significant time due to both suffering broken legs in pre-season. A team that will struggle to break into the Top 8, but should find it relatively comfortable to remain in mid table.
Chelsea
Is essentially the same squad that looked tired and unimaginative last season really the one to do better this season? Is Fernando Torres really finished or just not getting the kind of service on which he thrives? How much time will Andre Villas-Boas be given to win a Premier League and Champions League title? So many questions that look like taking a while to answer. Chelsea’s signings so far this summer almost hint at building for the future – in contrast with the big money signings of David Luiz and Torres in January which seemed to suggest a desire to win big, quickly. As things stand, I don’t see them overhauling Man Utd this season, and Man City are only going to get stronger.
Everton
Moving forward by standing still? It’s hard to see this team achieving more than say a Europa League or Cup Final berth – some good players for sure, but the squad is thin, especially up front, where Louis Saha is dangerous when fit, but alas that is never a given. Holding on to Baines, Jagielka, Fellani and Arteta is perhaps a more valuable coup than any signings David Moyes could hope to make.
Fulham
I guess the position taken over Mark Hughes shows that disloyalty won’t be tolerated, which is fine in one sense, but it also smacks to me of cutting off your nose to spite your face in another. Hughes seemed like a decent manager - although Martin Jol could turn out to be a decent replacement. Fulham have a pretty solid defence anchored by Hangelaand and Schwarzer, and some decent striking options in attack and from deeper. Assuming the players take to Jol relatively quickly, they could have a relatively comfortable season, but the Europa League via the Fair Play table is probably likely to be the zenith of their ambitions again.
Liverpool
Big spenders but value for money doesn’t seem to be a concern. The prices paid for Henderson and Downing seem inflated, but if they deliver, then no-one will care. Of the 2, Downing looks like he will be a good addition, but the jury could be out on Henderson for a long time yet. He was largely anonymous in the European U-21 Championships, but that was admittedly as a part of a pretty poor England team. What could be more relevant to Liverpool’s chances this season is how Suarez and Carroll perform given that they now have a full season to show their worth. Charlie Adam could also represent good value, but how Liverpool accommodate him and Meireles (and indeed Gerrard when he comes back) will be interesting. If nothing else, Dalglish has strengthened his squad, but keeping expectations dampened will be a challenge.
Manchester City
Sergio Aguero may be a very good player, but will he be as effective in the Premier League as Carlos Tevez? I suspect not. City however may not be denied for long – the squad is full of quality players at just about every position, but their style of play is far from that of champions. I would question the wisdom of signing Gael Clichy, over Leighton Baines, or in persevering with Jerome Boateng for that matter. There are still questions in attack as well, namely whether or not Mario Balotelli has anywhere near enough maturity to be trusted, or whether Edin Dzeko has the requisite quality. The Tevez situation is far from resolved either – it struck me last week that a swap between City and Inter involving the mercurial family man and Wesley Sneijder would make sense for City on so many levels – they rid themselves of a potential distraction while acquiring a quality player that their crosstown rivals appear to covet. This sort of move would go a long way to making City more than just noisy neighbours.
Manchester United
Whether David de Gea will be able to seamlessly fill the massive void left by the departure of Edwin van der Saar or whether Phil Jones represents an upgrade over John O’Shea in the short-term remains to be seen, as does the issue of the quality of central midfield, especially in light of Paul Scholes’ retirement, but the reality is that this squad is more than good enough to retain its title when you survey the Premier League landscape as it is presently configured. What Ryan Giggs has left to offer is a huge question, but the acquisition of Ashley Young, along with the talents of Nani and the return from loan spells of Cleverly and Wellbeck means that there are plenty of options available to take up the slack should age and other matters begin to impact Giggs’ form. The acquisition of Sneijder may not be what they need to beat Barcelona on the European stage, but it would surely but them over the top yet again in their domestic league. As usual, Man Utd. drive on while their domestic rivals dawdle.
Newcastle United
Follow their implosion live on Twitter! Another team that is in serious danger of falling into a relegation fight. Mike Ashley did very well from the sale of Andy Carroll, but his stance on Joey Barton signals his true intent for this proud club. I would question the decision to sell Kevin Nolan as well, but maybe it says something for his motivation that he was happy to move to a Championship club (what price that he will be back in the EPL next season?). Expect them to cash in on Jose Enrique before the transfer window closes. I don’t know enough (read: anything) about their 3 French signings to say what they will contribute, but Demba Ba on a free could prove to be shrewd business, and Hatem Ben Arfa should be fit and raring to go, so maybe it’s not all doom and gloom.
Norwich City
Based on the excellent writing of the Swiss Ramble, Norwich appear to be the best run of the 3 promoted teams and while they lack star power, they have a sustainable strategy, which seems to assume that they will be relegated this season, but have the resources to come straight back up and then fight to stay there. Sensible stuff, but based on what I think may happen at QPR and the fact that they finished so far ahead of Swansea last season makes me think that Norwich have the best chance of the 3 to stay up. Early form will be crucial.
Queens Park Rangers
Possibly one of the richest clubs in the league, but other than the fact that they have just hiked ticket prices, you’d hardly know it. Any signings made have been free (at least they have Premier League experience) and Neil Warnock is one of the favourites to get the sack. Not quite a soap opera of Newcastle type proportions, but it could get there by the end of the season. In Taarabt, they have a player I’m see many are intrigued to see on the Premier League stage (which is graced previously very briefly with Spurs). Having said that, PSG are reportedly interested and aren’t afraid to splash the cash. If he leaves, I will assume that they are doomed if the owners reluctance to spend continues.
Stoke City
Ones to watch? Very steady performers under Tony Pulis and very solid at home. Their style is not to everyone’s liking, but it is effective. Woodgate and Upson are high risk signings, and how can Tony contemplate leaving out goal machine Robert Huth from his back 4! Landing Scott Parker would be a coup, and outside of last season’s Top 4 plus Spurs and Liverpool, Stoke could be the team to break into the Europa League places ahead of more established names. Of course, they play in this season’s EL thanks to their runners up spot in last season’s FA Cup so how they handle the demands of Europe could have a bearing on their PL form.
Sunderland
Selling Darren Bent and buying Asamoah Gyan and then selling Jordan Henderson and buying Craig Gardner for around half the money (or less) received and Seb Larsson for nothing looks like pretty good business to me. How John O’Shea and Wes Brown fare away from Old Trafford, where they served as valuable squad players will be interesting, especially when Nicky Butt and Phil Neville performed similar roles for Man Utd but hardly distinguished themselves elsewhere. Steve Bruce appears to have the resources to survive, and perhaps challenge for a Europa League spot, but a long run of dreadful results similar to last season cannot be repeated.
Swansea City
Like the other team in white (Bolton), I’ll confess that not much about Swansea in the news has caught my eye this summer. Scott Sinclair looks a good player – someone that Chelsea could have done well to persevere with, but all indications are that they will be relegation candidates unless they can pull a few surprises early on.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are making all the right noises on the Modric issue, but they will look like fools if he does end up leaving. What they can expect from a player who has made public his desire to leave but has yet to formally request a move is a moot point. Whether or not Gareth Bale can continue his Footballer of the Year ‘form’ (which was fleeting enough to be honest!) and who is deployed up front are key questions. Even if Modric leaves, there is quality there to compensate – Sandro showed great development last season and Kyle Walker’s form for Aston Villa and England was very encouraging (if you’re a Spurs fan). Given Liverpool’s signings and Manchester City’s continued development, it seems unlikely that Spurs are good enough for the Champions League as things stand, less so if they lose Modric and fail to address questions up front.
West Bromwich Albion
Based on past history, would appear to be a leading candidate for relegation, but if they continue the form they showed under Roy Hodgson last season, they could survive with some degree of comfort, especially if Peter Odemwingie continues his good goalscoring form. Signings up until now weren’t very inspiring, but this week’s acquisition of Shane Long could be a good buy.
Wigan Athletic
The loss of N’Zogbia and Cleverly will hurt, but keeping Rodellega will help in their fight to stave off relegation. The continued development of McCarthy will be of interest to Irish fans, but how much we see of him in a green jersey is a worry at this stage. Roberto Martinez tries to play the game the right way, but perhaps a touch more pragmatism will be necessary this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Like Martinez at Wigan, Mick McCarthy picks players and uses a system that yields football that is easy on the eye. Some great results last season, and they’ve managed to retain the likes of Kevin Doyle, who, if fit, could be the key to their survival this season. In addition, Jamie O’Hara and Roger Johnson add to the quality of the team. It’s hard to see them repeating wins over Chelsea and Liverpool, so beating their peers will likely go a long way to determining their final league position. They may struggle against well organised and physical teams.
Top 3
1. Man Utd.
2. Chelsea
3. Man City
Bottom 3
18. Wigan
19. QPR
20. Swansea
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Quick Hits-Champions League Final
Barcelona typially enjoy 60-70% possession-but they will have to make better use of the ball than they have done against the likes of Arsenal, Inter and Chelsea in the past. Man Utd are renowned for punishing teams that don't take chances.
Rumours are that Man Utd will start with Fletcher. I don't really agree with this decision. He hasn't played in a while, and Hernandez could be a real thorn in Barcelona's side, especially if Mascherano plays centre back.
In saying that, it's hard to believe that Man Utd could survive with Carrick and Giggs in the centre. And, Hernandez can be just as effective coming on as a sub. Assuming the game hasn't got away from Utd at that point.
Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. It's on nights like these, players like him show their worth. But, if you looking for a guy to get a key goal, look no further than Andres Iniesta.
I'm not sure on Carles Puyol's ability to match up against Valencia if he does line out at left back.
Sergio Busquets is becoming one of the most hated figures in European football. It will be interesting to see if he adds to this reputation tonight. I don't like this aspect of Barcelona's game for sure (I've seen it against Chelsea more than once), however, I do think that the good outweighs the bad. No team is perfect.
Ibrhaim Affelay could be a real game changer from the bench for Barcelona. Maybe Nani for Man Utd also.
Rumours are that this could be Pep Guardiola's last game in charge of Barcelona and that he could leave to take over at Stamford Bridge next season. Would I like to see this? Yes. Will it happen? No.
My prediction: 2-1 to Barcelona. Scorers: Messi, Iniesta, Rooney.
Rumours are that Man Utd will start with Fletcher. I don't really agree with this decision. He hasn't played in a while, and Hernandez could be a real thorn in Barcelona's side, especially if Mascherano plays centre back.
In saying that, it's hard to believe that Man Utd could survive with Carrick and Giggs in the centre. And, Hernandez can be just as effective coming on as a sub. Assuming the game hasn't got away from Utd at that point.
Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. It's on nights like these, players like him show their worth. But, if you looking for a guy to get a key goal, look no further than Andres Iniesta.
I'm not sure on Carles Puyol's ability to match up against Valencia if he does line out at left back.
Sergio Busquets is becoming one of the most hated figures in European football. It will be interesting to see if he adds to this reputation tonight. I don't like this aspect of Barcelona's game for sure (I've seen it against Chelsea more than once), however, I do think that the good outweighs the bad. No team is perfect.
Ibrhaim Affelay could be a real game changer from the bench for Barcelona. Maybe Nani for Man Utd also.
Rumours are that this could be Pep Guardiola's last game in charge of Barcelona and that he could leave to take over at Stamford Bridge next season. Would I like to see this? Yes. Will it happen? No.
My prediction: 2-1 to Barcelona. Scorers: Messi, Iniesta, Rooney.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Sunday Showdown
So my predictions of 2 weeks ago are already looking foolish. Arsenal turned the world on its head last weekend by beating Man Utd at the Emirates, a victory it has to be said, was richly deserved. So Chelsea go into this Sunday's clash at Old Trafford with a chance to catch and overtake Man Utd at the top of the Premier League, with only 2 games to play thereafter. Given that both sides are level on goal difference, the margin of any victory will be vital. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves, a Chelsea victory is far from assured, despite Man Utd's wobbles and Chelsea's apparent return to form.
Chelsea, it has to be said, were somewhat fortunate to overcome Spurs last weekend. A combination of 'Arry's lack of tactical ability, his Brazilian goalkeeper's proclivity for English style error and match officials who cannot even get the basics right (ball not over the line, offside in the 6 yard box etc.). Still, they did boss the game and Sandro's audacious strike aside, Spurs offered little. Chelsea go into Sunday's clash buoyed by their come from behind victory, but with an all to familiar selection dilemma looming.
Torres has received much criticism-so much so that I wonder if those dishing it out actually watch him play for Chelsea? Fine, I have blue tinted glasses, but I think it's wide of the mark to say that he himself has played poorly-it still seems to me that the team is not set up to create the sort of chances on which Torres has thrived. Should he start on Sunday? Maybe not, but I'm not sure if we'll see the same sort of performance we saw from Drogba during his cameo at Old Trafford in the 2nd leg of the Champions League Semi-Final last month. And, I always feel that Kalou offers more as a sub than as a starter. Nicolas Anelka seems to be the forgotten man in all this-as is fitting for someone who had a game to forget against Man Utd at Stamford Bridge in the 1st leg of aforementioned Semi-Final-so it's unlikely that Ancelotti would start him. So, if it's to be 4-3-3, it seems like it will be Malouda, Drogba and Kalou. I was hopeful of Torres providing a spark the last time the teams met-that didn't happen, but perhaps Sunday is the time when he will be sprung from the bench to put Chelsea back to the top of the table. I live in hope rather than expectation.
Largely lost in Chelsea's recent 'resurgence' has been the return to the side of John Obi Mikel, who didn't feature (save for a brief substitute appearance) against Man Utd recently. Many scoff at my view that Mikel is an important player for Chelsea, given the system and way they play, but David Pleat (of all people..) pretty much sums up my views on Mikel in yesterday's Guardian. Mikel should start tomorrow, thereby giving Chelsea more shape in the middle and allowing Lampard and Essien to get forward more often. Chelsea were the last team to beat Man Utd at Old Trafford, and that was at a key moment around this time last year. The omens are good, but, regardless of the result on Sunday, Man Utd are still in the driving seat with games against Blackburn and Blackpool to come-thus giving them the edge in the opportunity to generate superior goal difference (Chelsea face Newcastle and Everton). Still, it's one thing to score goals freely when there is no pressure to do so, but when you need to score 3,4 or 5 goals in a game, the situation changes dramatically. I'll not get ahead of myself however, Sunday is enough of a challenge in itself. I'll back my boys for a result-there haven't been many (any?) in big games this season-they are due.
Looking at last Sunday's game at the Emirates, it was noticeable that Arsenal achieved their victory with Cesc Fabergas. I don't doubt the player's class, but I've been saying for a while that now is the time for Arsenal to cash in and trust their future to Wilshire, Song and Ramsey. Selling Cesc would generate enough funds to allow Arsenal to invest in players of both experience and quality-the kind that they have lacked at key moments this season.
At the other end of the table, Wigan and West Ham look best equipped to survive the drop, but Blackburn's points and goal difference advantage means that they may escape, however their fixtures are against them (away to both West Ham and Wolves, home to Man Utd) and I wouldn't be surprised to see them come away with nothing from their last 3 games. But, the fact that they hold the advantage right now and that no team in the bottom 5 is showing any kind of form (only Sunderland and Newcastle have earned less points in the past 5 games than those currently in the bottom 5) means that they might just hang on. Wigan to hold out also, given West Ham's awful form (0 points from 15), Blackpool's woeful defence (conceding an average of 2 per game), and Wolves' inability to beat mediocre opposition (over half their points have come from games with teams in the top half of the table). Happy trails Blackpool, West Ham and Wolves. I'd fancy the latter 2 to make a swift enough return, although the owners commitment to West Ham is tenuous at best.
The FA decided to give this afternoon's match at Loftus Road the party atmosphere it deserved by declaring prior to kick off that QPR would not be deducted points for transfer irregularities and so are now assured of promotion to the Premier League. They will be joined by Norwich City, whose ascent is quite remarkable given their financial situation, the subject of recent analysis by the always interesting Swiss Rambler. Good to see 2 teams that lit up the early days of the Premier League back in the big time. Based on today's results, they look like there's a fair chance they will be joined in next year's Premier League by, for the first time, a Welsh team, as both Swansea and Cardiff find themselves on opposite sides of the draw in the Championship play-offs, however Cardiff's form has been woeful of late and they enter a play off clash with in form Reading in bad shape. Nottingham Forest are the 4th teams in the play-offs and also have a 'historic' Premier League pedigree, but Reading are probably the team to watch.
Chelsea, it has to be said, were somewhat fortunate to overcome Spurs last weekend. A combination of 'Arry's lack of tactical ability, his Brazilian goalkeeper's proclivity for English style error and match officials who cannot even get the basics right (ball not over the line, offside in the 6 yard box etc.). Still, they did boss the game and Sandro's audacious strike aside, Spurs offered little. Chelsea go into Sunday's clash buoyed by their come from behind victory, but with an all to familiar selection dilemma looming.
Torres has received much criticism-so much so that I wonder if those dishing it out actually watch him play for Chelsea? Fine, I have blue tinted glasses, but I think it's wide of the mark to say that he himself has played poorly-it still seems to me that the team is not set up to create the sort of chances on which Torres has thrived. Should he start on Sunday? Maybe not, but I'm not sure if we'll see the same sort of performance we saw from Drogba during his cameo at Old Trafford in the 2nd leg of the Champions League Semi-Final last month. And, I always feel that Kalou offers more as a sub than as a starter. Nicolas Anelka seems to be the forgotten man in all this-as is fitting for someone who had a game to forget against Man Utd at Stamford Bridge in the 1st leg of aforementioned Semi-Final-so it's unlikely that Ancelotti would start him. So, if it's to be 4-3-3, it seems like it will be Malouda, Drogba and Kalou. I was hopeful of Torres providing a spark the last time the teams met-that didn't happen, but perhaps Sunday is the time when he will be sprung from the bench to put Chelsea back to the top of the table. I live in hope rather than expectation.
Largely lost in Chelsea's recent 'resurgence' has been the return to the side of John Obi Mikel, who didn't feature (save for a brief substitute appearance) against Man Utd recently. Many scoff at my view that Mikel is an important player for Chelsea, given the system and way they play, but David Pleat (of all people..) pretty much sums up my views on Mikel in yesterday's Guardian. Mikel should start tomorrow, thereby giving Chelsea more shape in the middle and allowing Lampard and Essien to get forward more often. Chelsea were the last team to beat Man Utd at Old Trafford, and that was at a key moment around this time last year. The omens are good, but, regardless of the result on Sunday, Man Utd are still in the driving seat with games against Blackburn and Blackpool to come-thus giving them the edge in the opportunity to generate superior goal difference (Chelsea face Newcastle and Everton). Still, it's one thing to score goals freely when there is no pressure to do so, but when you need to score 3,4 or 5 goals in a game, the situation changes dramatically. I'll not get ahead of myself however, Sunday is enough of a challenge in itself. I'll back my boys for a result-there haven't been many (any?) in big games this season-they are due.
Looking at last Sunday's game at the Emirates, it was noticeable that Arsenal achieved their victory with Cesc Fabergas. I don't doubt the player's class, but I've been saying for a while that now is the time for Arsenal to cash in and trust their future to Wilshire, Song and Ramsey. Selling Cesc would generate enough funds to allow Arsenal to invest in players of both experience and quality-the kind that they have lacked at key moments this season.
At the other end of the table, Wigan and West Ham look best equipped to survive the drop, but Blackburn's points and goal difference advantage means that they may escape, however their fixtures are against them (away to both West Ham and Wolves, home to Man Utd) and I wouldn't be surprised to see them come away with nothing from their last 3 games. But, the fact that they hold the advantage right now and that no team in the bottom 5 is showing any kind of form (only Sunderland and Newcastle have earned less points in the past 5 games than those currently in the bottom 5) means that they might just hang on. Wigan to hold out also, given West Ham's awful form (0 points from 15), Blackpool's woeful defence (conceding an average of 2 per game), and Wolves' inability to beat mediocre opposition (over half their points have come from games with teams in the top half of the table). Happy trails Blackpool, West Ham and Wolves. I'd fancy the latter 2 to make a swift enough return, although the owners commitment to West Ham is tenuous at best.
The FA decided to give this afternoon's match at Loftus Road the party atmosphere it deserved by declaring prior to kick off that QPR would not be deducted points for transfer irregularities and so are now assured of promotion to the Premier League. They will be joined by Norwich City, whose ascent is quite remarkable given their financial situation, the subject of recent analysis by the always interesting Swiss Rambler. Good to see 2 teams that lit up the early days of the Premier League back in the big time. Based on today's results, they look like there's a fair chance they will be joined in next year's Premier League by, for the first time, a Welsh team, as both Swansea and Cardiff find themselves on opposite sides of the draw in the Championship play-offs, however Cardiff's form has been woeful of late and they enter a play off clash with in form Reading in bad shape. Nottingham Forest are the 4th teams in the play-offs and also have a 'historic' Premier League pedigree, but Reading are probably the team to watch.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
The Amazing Race (not so much)
Let’s not kid ourselves-Man Utd need to lose this league before anyone else (Chelsea) can win it. Here was I all set to pretty much wrap up the season and look forward to what might happen in the summer when Arsenal implode in consecutive games and Man Utd stutter away to a toothless Newcastle United. In the meantime, Chelsea took care of business (impressively) against Birmingham and we have a 6 point gap with 5 games to go.
Still, let’s have a look at the fixtures:
Man Utd: 70 pts; +38 gd Chelsea: 64 pts; +34 gd Arsenal: 64 pts; +32 gd
23 April Everton (h) 23 April West Ham (h) 23 April Bolton (a)
1 May Arsenal (a) 30 April Spurs (h) 1 May Man Utd (h)
8 May Chelsea (h) 8 May Man Utd (a) 8 May Stoke (a)
14 May Blackburn (a) 15 May Newcastle (h) 15 May Aston Villa (h)
22 May Blackpool (h) 22 May Everton (a) 22 May Fulham (a)
Let’s start with Arsenal, as despite Monsieur Wenger’s belief that they are still in the race, I am sceptical, especially after recent results-fair enough they are unbeaten in the league since mid-December, when they lost 1-0 at Old Trafford, but there have been too many damaging draws-4-4 v Newcastle after leading 4-0; 3-3 with Spurs after leading 3-1; 0-0 at home v Blackburn and at home v Sunderland. There’s no real shame in drawing 1-1 at home to Liverpool, but it was the manner of the result that raises questions-going ahead deep into injury time, a contender needs to see out the 2 minutes left to seal the win-the defending that led to Liverpool’s penalty equaliser was criminal.
Out of the 5 fixtures remaining, I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal fail to win any, although I suspect that Stoke may have other things on their mind a week ahead of the FA Cup Final, and surely Arsenal will be more motivated to take the points at home to Villa and away to Fulham. However, that motivation will depend largely on the next 2 results. They visit a Bolton team smarting from their FA Cup thrashing at the hands of Stoke last weekend. Bolton appear to have little or nothing to play for at this point, with the Europa League surely out of reach, however, you would expect that they will want to rebound after that defeat to Stoke, and, will have in-form striker Danny Sturridge back in the fold today. Let’s say that out their 4 games not involving Man Utd, Arsenal will garner 10 points, and improve their goal difference by 5 goals-which assuming Man Utd breakeven in goal difference at worst would not be enough to break a tie.
Chelsea moved ahead of Arsenal on goal difference after beating Birmingham 3-1, but still trail Man Utd by 4 goals. Chelsea should take full points at home to West Ham and Newcastle, perhaps able to pad their goal difference in the process. Spurs at home and Everton away are harder to call. Chelsea should have beaten Spurs earlier in the season, even in the midst of their horrific form through November and December, and Spurs are undoubtedly running out of steam, so I’ll assume 3 points (just) from that game as well. Away to Everton on the last day is a tough fixture-Chelsea have beaten Everton in 3 games this season, and Everton could be playing for points to move ahead of Liverpool, but not qualify for the Europa League, so it’s hard to say how motivation that will offer today’s professionals. Let’s say that excluding the Man Utd fixture, Chelsea can also win 10 points, but should improve their goal difference by 7.
Finally to Man Utd-the team very much in the driving seat. So much hinges on today’s game against Everton. Even if Chelsea and Arsenal can beat Man Utd and win their other remaining games (which I have not assumed above), they would need to make up a significant enough goal differential in the process. Given that Man Utd face Blackpool at home, you wouldn’t bet against a 3 or 4 goal haul in that game, which could be the deciding factor in the event of a tie on points. Away to Blackburn shouldn’t really present many difficulties for Man Utd, but, their away form is poor and Blackburn could be desperate for points. Based on their home form, I see Man Utd taking 6 points from Everton and Blackpool, and at best I expect a draw at Ewood Park, so 7 points from 3 games, which would leave Chelsea and Arsenal with 15 points to make up.
Assuming Chelsea and Arsenal both take 10 points from a possible 12 and then beat Man Utd at Old Trafford and the Emirates respectively, they would both finish on 77 points, with Chelsea ahead of Arsenal on goal difference. Man Utd would also finish on 77, perhaps only a goal ahead of Chelsea, assuming they can beat Everton by 2 goals and Blackpool by 3, and only suffering single goal defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal. Wow-looks interesting, doesn’t it?
But, here’s what I think happens in reality. Man Utd beat Everton handily today, Arsenal lose to Bolton and then Man Utd get a result at the Emirates and at least a point from their home game with Chelsea. Assuming they still beat Blackpool and get a point at Ewood Park, they would finish on 79 points, with Chelsea on 75 points, and Arsenal finishing perhaps on 74. Man Utd to regain the title, with one of the lowest points tallies in Premier League history (Man Utd won the league with 75 points in 1996-97).
Only one thing is certain-most of my predictions above will be wrong, but Man Utd will still win the title.
Still, let’s have a look at the fixtures:
Man Utd: 70 pts; +38 gd Chelsea: 64 pts; +34 gd Arsenal: 64 pts; +32 gd
23 April Everton (h) 23 April West Ham (h) 23 April Bolton (a)
1 May Arsenal (a) 30 April Spurs (h) 1 May Man Utd (h)
8 May Chelsea (h) 8 May Man Utd (a) 8 May Stoke (a)
14 May Blackburn (a) 15 May Newcastle (h) 15 May Aston Villa (h)
22 May Blackpool (h) 22 May Everton (a) 22 May Fulham (a)
Let’s start with Arsenal, as despite Monsieur Wenger’s belief that they are still in the race, I am sceptical, especially after recent results-fair enough they are unbeaten in the league since mid-December, when they lost 1-0 at Old Trafford, but there have been too many damaging draws-4-4 v Newcastle after leading 4-0; 3-3 with Spurs after leading 3-1; 0-0 at home v Blackburn and at home v Sunderland. There’s no real shame in drawing 1-1 at home to Liverpool, but it was the manner of the result that raises questions-going ahead deep into injury time, a contender needs to see out the 2 minutes left to seal the win-the defending that led to Liverpool’s penalty equaliser was criminal.
Out of the 5 fixtures remaining, I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal fail to win any, although I suspect that Stoke may have other things on their mind a week ahead of the FA Cup Final, and surely Arsenal will be more motivated to take the points at home to Villa and away to Fulham. However, that motivation will depend largely on the next 2 results. They visit a Bolton team smarting from their FA Cup thrashing at the hands of Stoke last weekend. Bolton appear to have little or nothing to play for at this point, with the Europa League surely out of reach, however, you would expect that they will want to rebound after that defeat to Stoke, and, will have in-form striker Danny Sturridge back in the fold today. Let’s say that out their 4 games not involving Man Utd, Arsenal will garner 10 points, and improve their goal difference by 5 goals-which assuming Man Utd breakeven in goal difference at worst would not be enough to break a tie.
Chelsea moved ahead of Arsenal on goal difference after beating Birmingham 3-1, but still trail Man Utd by 4 goals. Chelsea should take full points at home to West Ham and Newcastle, perhaps able to pad their goal difference in the process. Spurs at home and Everton away are harder to call. Chelsea should have beaten Spurs earlier in the season, even in the midst of their horrific form through November and December, and Spurs are undoubtedly running out of steam, so I’ll assume 3 points (just) from that game as well. Away to Everton on the last day is a tough fixture-Chelsea have beaten Everton in 3 games this season, and Everton could be playing for points to move ahead of Liverpool, but not qualify for the Europa League, so it’s hard to say how motivation that will offer today’s professionals. Let’s say that excluding the Man Utd fixture, Chelsea can also win 10 points, but should improve their goal difference by 7.
Finally to Man Utd-the team very much in the driving seat. So much hinges on today’s game against Everton. Even if Chelsea and Arsenal can beat Man Utd and win their other remaining games (which I have not assumed above), they would need to make up a significant enough goal differential in the process. Given that Man Utd face Blackpool at home, you wouldn’t bet against a 3 or 4 goal haul in that game, which could be the deciding factor in the event of a tie on points. Away to Blackburn shouldn’t really present many difficulties for Man Utd, but, their away form is poor and Blackburn could be desperate for points. Based on their home form, I see Man Utd taking 6 points from Everton and Blackpool, and at best I expect a draw at Ewood Park, so 7 points from 3 games, which would leave Chelsea and Arsenal with 15 points to make up.
Assuming Chelsea and Arsenal both take 10 points from a possible 12 and then beat Man Utd at Old Trafford and the Emirates respectively, they would both finish on 77 points, with Chelsea ahead of Arsenal on goal difference. Man Utd would also finish on 77, perhaps only a goal ahead of Chelsea, assuming they can beat Everton by 2 goals and Blackpool by 3, and only suffering single goal defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal. Wow-looks interesting, doesn’t it?
But, here’s what I think happens in reality. Man Utd beat Everton handily today, Arsenal lose to Bolton and then Man Utd get a result at the Emirates and at least a point from their home game with Chelsea. Assuming they still beat Blackpool and get a point at Ewood Park, they would finish on 79 points, with Chelsea on 75 points, and Arsenal finishing perhaps on 74. Man Utd to regain the title, with one of the lowest points tallies in Premier League history (Man Utd won the league with 75 points in 1996-97).
Only one thing is certain-most of my predictions above will be wrong, but Man Utd will still win the title.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Stand and Deliver
So, tomorrow night at Old Trafford an expensively assembled and overpaid squad will attempt to overturn a narrow deficit and force their way into the Semi-Finals of this years Champions League. It's time to put up or shut up. To be honest, a bit more bluster would do no harm I'm sure. Times were more interesting and encounters more fiery when the Special One was around.
In the 1st leg at Stamford Bridge last week, I had to watch (and listen) as the worse than average Carrick and geriatric Giggs schemed to create the scoring chance for the council estate thug Rooney to give Man Utd what could be a decisive lead. Chelsea huffed, but didn't really puff, and Man Utd looked comfortable throughout, helped I'm sure by the fact that Messrs. Ferdinand and Vidic were re-united at the heart of their defence. I'm being a bit unkind to Rooney-this was as well as I'd seen him play in a while, and he showed remarkable self-restraint when being kicked around by Essien and others earlier in the game.
So, tomorrow night, it's going to take something special. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I have seen this season gives me any faith that Chelsea are capable of getting the win in normal time. Fernando has had the time, if not the chances, to open his Chelsea account, but it didn't really look any more likely last week, even though I was relying on the big occasion and the memory of what he's managed to achieve against Vidic and Co in the past to spur him on. Tomorrow night he should have the bile of the thousands in the stands to egg him on-the fact that he has played for Liverpool and was booked for diving last week is sure to attract plenty of of ire from the Stretford End. Hopefully he will feed off this negative energy, but I'm not holding my breath.
Meanwhile, Arsenal managed a win at the seemingly doomed Blackpool to 'stay in contention' for the Premier League title. Please. Arsenal must go to Old Trafford as well as face Spurs and Liverpool in the remaining 5 weeks of the season. If they win even 1 of those games I would be surprised. I for one am giddy at that the thought of Andy Carroll getting in Jens Lehmann's face at a set piece. This recent story suggests that he's still someone with issues. Prior to their win at Blackpool, Arsene Wenger unwisely had a go at the Arsenal supporters-calls for his head likely to grow louder between now and the end of the season-where they will end up, again, with nothing.
As I write this, Liverpool are dismantling Man City at Anfield, watched by the fawning Ray Wilkins-surely the nicest man ever to provide commentary on a football game (he was equally wide eyed and gushing at the Bernabeu last week). I still like him in the job better than the bald Scottish sexist.
In the 1st leg at Stamford Bridge last week, I had to watch (and listen) as the worse than average Carrick and geriatric Giggs schemed to create the scoring chance for the council estate thug Rooney to give Man Utd what could be a decisive lead. Chelsea huffed, but didn't really puff, and Man Utd looked comfortable throughout, helped I'm sure by the fact that Messrs. Ferdinand and Vidic were re-united at the heart of their defence. I'm being a bit unkind to Rooney-this was as well as I'd seen him play in a while, and he showed remarkable self-restraint when being kicked around by Essien and others earlier in the game.
So, tomorrow night, it's going to take something special. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I have seen this season gives me any faith that Chelsea are capable of getting the win in normal time. Fernando has had the time, if not the chances, to open his Chelsea account, but it didn't really look any more likely last week, even though I was relying on the big occasion and the memory of what he's managed to achieve against Vidic and Co in the past to spur him on. Tomorrow night he should have the bile of the thousands in the stands to egg him on-the fact that he has played for Liverpool and was booked for diving last week is sure to attract plenty of of ire from the Stretford End. Hopefully he will feed off this negative energy, but I'm not holding my breath.
Meanwhile, Arsenal managed a win at the seemingly doomed Blackpool to 'stay in contention' for the Premier League title. Please. Arsenal must go to Old Trafford as well as face Spurs and Liverpool in the remaining 5 weeks of the season. If they win even 1 of those games I would be surprised. I for one am giddy at that the thought of Andy Carroll getting in Jens Lehmann's face at a set piece. This recent story suggests that he's still someone with issues. Prior to their win at Blackpool, Arsene Wenger unwisely had a go at the Arsenal supporters-calls for his head likely to grow louder between now and the end of the season-where they will end up, again, with nothing.
As I write this, Liverpool are dismantling Man City at Anfield, watched by the fawning Ray Wilkins-surely the nicest man ever to provide commentary on a football game (he was equally wide eyed and gushing at the Bernabeu last week). I still like him in the job better than the bald Scottish sexist.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Winding Down
Ok. There have been several false starts since my last posting. So much has happened since then-unless your name is Fernando Torres of course. Between Man Utd. Losing their grip on the Premier League title (only to recover it again after recovering from 2 goals down against Avram Grant’s West Ham at the weekend), to Arsenal fooling with their supporters yet again (getting comprehensively outplayed by Barcelona in the deciding leg of their Champions League clash as well as failing to take 3 points from Sunderland, West Brom or latterly Blackburn, to Ashley Cole going postal on an apprentice, a lot has happened, but not much has really changed.
Liverpool are still a Jekyll and Hyde team-like no other it seems. Sure they have beaten Man Utd and Chelsea under King Kenny’s 2nd coming, but they have also lost to Blackpool, West Ham and now West Brom (managed by someone who seems to have found his level again). Players needed-apply within I guess. Even if he does get the job permanently, I figure Liverpool need at least 4 players to be considered a serious contender for the title itself, let alone the Champions League positions. Ashley Young is a player linked with them consistently-that would help-as would a centre back, left back and probably another midfield player, someone like Joe Cole, not the ghost of Joe Cole, who has been seen around Anfield at times this season. It’s hard to know what they will get from NESV-Meireles was signed by the Texans and the purchase of Suarez and Carroll was essentially self-financed by the sale of Torres. It should be an interesting summer on Merseyside.
I don’t think I’m the only one suggesting that Arsenal need a change of tack. If their current manager is not up to the task of either then they should look elsewhere. This is sacrilege according to most journalists, but what exactly have Arsenal achieved over the past few years, and who should be accountable for the lack of tangible success? Wenger is hailed for the football his side play-pretty at times for sure, but too often impotent and gets a lot of credit for the club’s financial position as well-a laudable objective to be sure, but surely the manager should concentrate on the football at a big club like Arsenal and leave the finances to someone else (like a Director of Football maybe?). Unless Wenger shows a bit more nous in the transfer market (Arshavin and Rosicky have hardly been success stories, Arsenal are said to have passed on the chance to sign Mesut Ozil, Chamakh was free, but hasn’t set the world alight) or changes the way his teams play-unlikely I would say, then Arsenal are simply gambling that the opposition declines enough to allow them to win a title. And if that wasn't this year, then when will it be?
For all his troubles, Wayne Rooney has scored some truly vital goals for Man Utd this season. Witness his ‘spectacular’ overhead kick to win the Manchester derby to Saturday’s hat trick, you can’t deny that his class is still there. Whether a mooted 2 game suspension will do anything to set him back remains to be seen. Yet again, Man Utd seem to ride their luck better than most. If it’s not Rooney escaping what would have been a longer ban for his elbow on James McCarthy, it’s Nemanja Vidic hacking all around him at the weekend, after being booked earlier in the game, and failing to earn a second yellow card. C’est la vie. Regardless of the circumstances, coming from 2 goals down at half-time is worthy of the title, this year anyway. I wouldn’t back against them for the league and cup double at this point either-Man City’s sterile approach to the game-even their manager was ‘surprised’ at their goal scoring exploits against hapless Sunderland at the weekend-suggests that Utd will find a way to win their upcoming FA Cup Semi-Final, which will set them up in a final against either Bolton or Stoke. Ahem. The Champions League? Please.
I have to believe that now is the time for Fernando Torres to ‘finally’ break his goal drought for Chelsea. What better way, time and place to do it than at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. Although Chelsea’s form has improved since his signing, they still don’t seem like a well oiled outfit. Impressive as he has been, David Luiz showed that he has his faults-it was his rash lunge that allowed Jon Walters to commence his run that led to the opening goal for Stoke at the weekend (even though I still think he looks an excellent signing). Michael Essien still looks a shadow of his former self at times. No matter what combination is tried up front, the participants seem ill disposed to forming a partnership. The league title is surely beyond them now-so surely the Champions League Quarter-Final should see them going for broke. By and large, they now have a full squad to choose from, aside from the cup-tied Luiz and still injured Benayoun (who could feature in the return leg at Old Trafford). For around 40 minutes or so last month, Chelsea showed that they can be a better team than Man Utd-the midfield battle surely favours them if Essien, Lampard and Ramires can play to their potential. Tomorrow night, they need to play at a higher tempo for 90 minutes-their season depends on it at this point, and maybe Ancelotti’s job.
The result from Milan tonight-where Schalke have beaten Inter by 5 goals to 2-should serve as great motivation to whichever English team wins this tie-who will surely be heavily favoured to make the final at Schalke’s expense (I’m assuming that there will be no German miracle for Inter in this round), and, while Barcelona are still the hot favourites (rightfully so), in a one-off game, anything is possible. Chelsea v Barcelona at Wembley? A fitting site for a dish best served cold. But, dominant as Barcelona have been this season, they face a tough enough trip to the Ukraine, and more than likely will have to overcome Real Madrid in the semi-finals (as he showed last year, Mourinho is still a master tactician, but whether he has the players at Madrid to execute the type of game plan that has served him well at Porto, Chelsea and Inter remains to be seen. I suspect not.
I guess I’m getting ahead of myself here, but after tonight’s results, it’s nearly safe to say that Madrid and Schalke will feature in the next round. After tomorrow, I don’t necessarily think the picture will be any clearer, well at least as regards Chelsea/Man Utd, but I’m holding out for a Chelsea/Barcelona final on May 28th.
P.S. I have been saying all season (not on here it seems) that Spurs play schoolboy type football-attack and defend with no ball retention in between. Their tactical ineptness was cruelly (heh heh) exposed tonight, although Peter Crouch playing like Lee Cattermole didn’t help their case.
Liverpool are still a Jekyll and Hyde team-like no other it seems. Sure they have beaten Man Utd and Chelsea under King Kenny’s 2nd coming, but they have also lost to Blackpool, West Ham and now West Brom (managed by someone who seems to have found his level again). Players needed-apply within I guess. Even if he does get the job permanently, I figure Liverpool need at least 4 players to be considered a serious contender for the title itself, let alone the Champions League positions. Ashley Young is a player linked with them consistently-that would help-as would a centre back, left back and probably another midfield player, someone like Joe Cole, not the ghost of Joe Cole, who has been seen around Anfield at times this season. It’s hard to know what they will get from NESV-Meireles was signed by the Texans and the purchase of Suarez and Carroll was essentially self-financed by the sale of Torres. It should be an interesting summer on Merseyside.
I don’t think I’m the only one suggesting that Arsenal need a change of tack. If their current manager is not up to the task of either then they should look elsewhere. This is sacrilege according to most journalists, but what exactly have Arsenal achieved over the past few years, and who should be accountable for the lack of tangible success? Wenger is hailed for the football his side play-pretty at times for sure, but too often impotent and gets a lot of credit for the club’s financial position as well-a laudable objective to be sure, but surely the manager should concentrate on the football at a big club like Arsenal and leave the finances to someone else (like a Director of Football maybe?). Unless Wenger shows a bit more nous in the transfer market (Arshavin and Rosicky have hardly been success stories, Arsenal are said to have passed on the chance to sign Mesut Ozil, Chamakh was free, but hasn’t set the world alight) or changes the way his teams play-unlikely I would say, then Arsenal are simply gambling that the opposition declines enough to allow them to win a title. And if that wasn't this year, then when will it be?
For all his troubles, Wayne Rooney has scored some truly vital goals for Man Utd this season. Witness his ‘spectacular’ overhead kick to win the Manchester derby to Saturday’s hat trick, you can’t deny that his class is still there. Whether a mooted 2 game suspension will do anything to set him back remains to be seen. Yet again, Man Utd seem to ride their luck better than most. If it’s not Rooney escaping what would have been a longer ban for his elbow on James McCarthy, it’s Nemanja Vidic hacking all around him at the weekend, after being booked earlier in the game, and failing to earn a second yellow card. C’est la vie. Regardless of the circumstances, coming from 2 goals down at half-time is worthy of the title, this year anyway. I wouldn’t back against them for the league and cup double at this point either-Man City’s sterile approach to the game-even their manager was ‘surprised’ at their goal scoring exploits against hapless Sunderland at the weekend-suggests that Utd will find a way to win their upcoming FA Cup Semi-Final, which will set them up in a final against either Bolton or Stoke. Ahem. The Champions League? Please.
I have to believe that now is the time for Fernando Torres to ‘finally’ break his goal drought for Chelsea. What better way, time and place to do it than at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. Although Chelsea’s form has improved since his signing, they still don’t seem like a well oiled outfit. Impressive as he has been, David Luiz showed that he has his faults-it was his rash lunge that allowed Jon Walters to commence his run that led to the opening goal for Stoke at the weekend (even though I still think he looks an excellent signing). Michael Essien still looks a shadow of his former self at times. No matter what combination is tried up front, the participants seem ill disposed to forming a partnership. The league title is surely beyond them now-so surely the Champions League Quarter-Final should see them going for broke. By and large, they now have a full squad to choose from, aside from the cup-tied Luiz and still injured Benayoun (who could feature in the return leg at Old Trafford). For around 40 minutes or so last month, Chelsea showed that they can be a better team than Man Utd-the midfield battle surely favours them if Essien, Lampard and Ramires can play to their potential. Tomorrow night, they need to play at a higher tempo for 90 minutes-their season depends on it at this point, and maybe Ancelotti’s job.
The result from Milan tonight-where Schalke have beaten Inter by 5 goals to 2-should serve as great motivation to whichever English team wins this tie-who will surely be heavily favoured to make the final at Schalke’s expense (I’m assuming that there will be no German miracle for Inter in this round), and, while Barcelona are still the hot favourites (rightfully so), in a one-off game, anything is possible. Chelsea v Barcelona at Wembley? A fitting site for a dish best served cold. But, dominant as Barcelona have been this season, they face a tough enough trip to the Ukraine, and more than likely will have to overcome Real Madrid in the semi-finals (as he showed last year, Mourinho is still a master tactician, but whether he has the players at Madrid to execute the type of game plan that has served him well at Porto, Chelsea and Inter remains to be seen. I suspect not.
I guess I’m getting ahead of myself here, but after tonight’s results, it’s nearly safe to say that Madrid and Schalke will feature in the next round. After tomorrow, I don’t necessarily think the picture will be any clearer, well at least as regards Chelsea/Man Utd, but I’m holding out for a Chelsea/Barcelona final on May 28th.
P.S. I have been saying all season (not on here it seems) that Spurs play schoolboy type football-attack and defend with no ball retention in between. Their tactical ineptness was cruelly (heh heh) exposed tonight, although Peter Crouch playing like Lee Cattermole didn’t help their case.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
