For all of his faults and Sunderland's poor start to the season Paola Di Canio did not deserve the sack. His poor start is not what allegedly cost him his job it was infact after one too many arguments with his own players they were the ones who said to chairman Ellis Short than the game was up less than six months and thirteen games into his Sunderland tenure it was over.
A lot of people have said that including Hull boss Steve Bruce is that Di Canio's methods were outdated and the modern player does not react favourably to them. The other reason is that Sunderland transfer regime was all wrong in the summer. The clubs director of football Roberto De Fanti made all the signings and signed a whopping fourteen players which was asking for disaster from the start. Of those 14 players only five had previous Premier League Experience and thirteen were foreign and it always takes a bit of time for foreigners to settle into a new league and culture. There was too many signings and the one player Di Canio really wanted Tom Huddelstone ended up at Hull and has made a great start for them.
Player power did win this battle as Di Canio gave one tongue lashing too many but Ellis Short should have realised this could have happened the day he made the appointment back in March. If the results were better at the start of this season and this came up from the players Short probably would have backed the manager and let him continue on but instead the results were poor and the players had had enough of him, Short pulled the trigger and let him go.
Sunderland are in a mess now at the moment and it is their own fault for causing it. Who will take over? Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet are early favourites for the job and neither would be a bad choice. Whatever happens whomever comes in now needs to find a settled team quickly and stamp their authority on the side. Also encourage De Fanti to be patient and try and get the right signings in Quality rather than Quantity in the January transfer window to save their season.
IN OTHER TIDBITS:
Manchester City laid a marker down in their 4-1 victory over Man. Utd. They look a different team when their leader and Captain Vincent Kompany is in the team and he was simply magnificent on Sunday. People are already starting to question David Moyes as his early big game record has been poor. He still needs time and the other thing is when Manchester City are on song they are simply better than Manchester United in most areas. United were always more consistent but that might change this season if Moyes can't figure out how to win the bigger games. They were also missing Van Persie and that was huge as well.
Arsenal top of the league. Mesut Ozil settling in nicely and provided the three assists at the weekend and the continued goalscoring form of Aaron Ramsey is great to see as well.
Brendan Rogers had a day to forget as his action of playing four centre backs backfired and also Liverpool lacked creativity with Coutinho missing. At least for Liverpool Luis Suarez will be back in the Capitol One Cup against Man. Utd. which will lift the Pool again no doubt.
Tottenham were very good against Cardiff and somehow did not manage to score until the last kick of the game but the goal was worth the wait with Paulinho's finish for the eventual winner. Former Spurs keeper Erik Thordvest came up with a great line saying we might have sold Elvis but we bought the Beatles. It is a huge season for Spurs and they definitely have the squad to deliver not just the Champions League Qualification but quite possibly the league itself.
Last but not least the most amazing thing happened, Yes Mario Balotelli finally missed a penalty in Milan's two-one home defeat to Rafa Benitez' Napoli. It was a mixed night for Mario as he missed the penalty also hit a stunner against the crossbar scored Milan's goal that nearly got back into the match late on and finally got sent off after the match for dissent and totally lost the plot by kicking, screaming and taking off his shirt after abusing the ref incessantly. Napoli under Rafa though are a very good side who bought well in the summer and have a hundred percent record so far in the league along with Roma. It has the makings of a good season in Italy.
PL Results: Norwich 0-1 Aston Villa, Liverpool 0-1 Southampton, Newcastle 2-3 Hull, West Brom 3-0 Sunderland, West Ham 2-3 Everton, Chelsea 2-0 Fulham, (Sun) Arsenal 3-1 Stoke, Crystal Palace 0-2 Swansea, Man City 4-1 Man Utd, Cardiff 0-1 Tottenham
I will eave you for now with the two free kick crackers Everton's Leigton Baines scored against West Ham. Ronaldo eat your heart out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc3251iMo7I
Monday, September 23, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
The Last Trap
So Giovanni, Marco and Manuela have gone and the dust has settled since the back to back defeats against Sweden and Austria with the announcement that Trapattoni has left by mutual consent in this brief blog I want to delve into whether his reign was a success, where the national team is now after he leaves and what does the next manager need to do to try and take Ireland to the next level and qualify for Euro 2016.
I generally believe that with a few quibbles which I will mention Trapattoni did well in general as manager of Ireland in his five and a half year spell at the helm of the national team. Ireland were a Thierry Henry handball away from qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa and then brought us to our first international competition in ten years by bringing Ireland to Poland for Euro 2012. Unfortunately this is where things started to wrong for Trap as his team floundered in what was admittedly a very tough group but in the way we surrendered matter of fact in the defeats to Croatia, Spain and Italy caused a lot of the Irish Public even then for Trap to go. Ireland in this world cup qualification campaign have been essentially a disaster , a team which have no ideas and have meekly surrendered to teams who in essence are not really that much better than us (with the exception of Germany of course) and that if Ireland paid more to their full potential we instead of Sweden would be sitting pretty second in the group.
Trapattoni's critics, me included have said things like the negative play, falling out with certain players, not going to games to see how certain players were doing and all things he should be doing while earning two million a year on his contract which was reduced to 1.2 million by the time the job was finished. My biggest criticism of him as well as the above points I have stated was the fact that he never bothered to learn English properly. I cannot imagine what it would be like on a training ground with all the players speaking English and the coach does not speak perfect English. Team talks would have been more difficult to come across than they should have and I would like to think if the team were struggling in a match how would Trppattoni get across his instructions to the team as to how to come back into a match tactically more than anything else. It was a big failing in my view. Overall though he did get us to the Euros and for that I would like to thank him as it gave me personally my best holiday ever in Poland which will probably never be replicated. Thanks Gio.
Who comes in and what needs to be done? Well there are players that were exiled under Trappatonis reign like Anthony Stokes and Andy Reid that can come into the side. Surely they are better options then for instance Simon Cox or Glen Whelan? The team the new manager will inherit though is not one that would exclude confidence. Shay Given and Damien Duff have retired and there is nothing much behind them. Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne surely are playing their last games for Ireland as well and it is up to the new manager to see who can be unearthed. Of the players that who are there at least Seamus Coleman has made the breakthrough which should have probably happened eighteen months earlier. James McCarthy can flourish at Everton under his boss which he had at Wigan Roberto Martinez and hopefully then can replicate that in the Irish side. A lot to prove from him for sure but it is probably the best we got in that position unless Andy Reid does get that recall. He definitely deserves his chance again after playing really for Nottingham Forest the past twelve months. Wes Houlihan deserves his chance as well. Why Trapattoni stubbornly stuck to his guns and not pick him when it was obvious he should have been in the first team is beyond me but he should get a chance under whomever gets the job. Others like Robbie Brady, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes, Anthony Pilkington, Ciaran Clark and Kieron Westwood and there is still a good basis for a good team that can play decent football is well which would be the other thing that the fans would want if possible as most of the football under Trap's reign was terrible to be fair.
Who is going to get the job? Martin O' Neill is the favourite to get the job and if nothing else O'Neills greatest asset is his man management skills and to convince the team that they can beat anyone and play without fear although the flip side to that is that his Sunderland reign ended in tears and some of the football they were producing was quite frankly terrible,. I would welcome his appointment but would approach with cautious optimism as well. Roy Keane has been mentioned but could he get on with the F.A.I. after their past? Probably not I would reckon. Mick McCarthy has also been mentioned and most Irish fans would welcome Mick back in the fold as apart from the Saipan debacle Mick mostly did do a good job first time around and has experience of getting Ireland to a world cup while playing some good football as well. Brian McCdermott and Chris Hughton are definitely future Irish managers but too soon for both as they have big club jobs at the moment with Leeds and Norwich but their time will come down the line. The bottom line is the team definitely is not as good as it one was but there are still enough good players for Ireland to be a threat to qualify for Euro 2016 and it does help that 24 instead of 16 qualify for the tournament and fans are hoping that we can go to Germany in three years time for another big tournament and to do it in a style that is somewhat pleasing to the eye. Over to the F.A.I. to appoint the right man.
Ill leave you with a montage (of sorts) to Traps reign:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRdobJFHABI
I generally believe that with a few quibbles which I will mention Trapattoni did well in general as manager of Ireland in his five and a half year spell at the helm of the national team. Ireland were a Thierry Henry handball away from qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa and then brought us to our first international competition in ten years by bringing Ireland to Poland for Euro 2012. Unfortunately this is where things started to wrong for Trap as his team floundered in what was admittedly a very tough group but in the way we surrendered matter of fact in the defeats to Croatia, Spain and Italy caused a lot of the Irish Public even then for Trap to go. Ireland in this world cup qualification campaign have been essentially a disaster , a team which have no ideas and have meekly surrendered to teams who in essence are not really that much better than us (with the exception of Germany of course) and that if Ireland paid more to their full potential we instead of Sweden would be sitting pretty second in the group.
Trapattoni's critics, me included have said things like the negative play, falling out with certain players, not going to games to see how certain players were doing and all things he should be doing while earning two million a year on his contract which was reduced to 1.2 million by the time the job was finished. My biggest criticism of him as well as the above points I have stated was the fact that he never bothered to learn English properly. I cannot imagine what it would be like on a training ground with all the players speaking English and the coach does not speak perfect English. Team talks would have been more difficult to come across than they should have and I would like to think if the team were struggling in a match how would Trppattoni get across his instructions to the team as to how to come back into a match tactically more than anything else. It was a big failing in my view. Overall though he did get us to the Euros and for that I would like to thank him as it gave me personally my best holiday ever in Poland which will probably never be replicated. Thanks Gio.
Who comes in and what needs to be done? Well there are players that were exiled under Trappatonis reign like Anthony Stokes and Andy Reid that can come into the side. Surely they are better options then for instance Simon Cox or Glen Whelan? The team the new manager will inherit though is not one that would exclude confidence. Shay Given and Damien Duff have retired and there is nothing much behind them. Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne surely are playing their last games for Ireland as well and it is up to the new manager to see who can be unearthed. Of the players that who are there at least Seamus Coleman has made the breakthrough which should have probably happened eighteen months earlier. James McCarthy can flourish at Everton under his boss which he had at Wigan Roberto Martinez and hopefully then can replicate that in the Irish side. A lot to prove from him for sure but it is probably the best we got in that position unless Andy Reid does get that recall. He definitely deserves his chance again after playing really for Nottingham Forest the past twelve months. Wes Houlihan deserves his chance as well. Why Trapattoni stubbornly stuck to his guns and not pick him when it was obvious he should have been in the first team is beyond me but he should get a chance under whomever gets the job. Others like Robbie Brady, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes, Anthony Pilkington, Ciaran Clark and Kieron Westwood and there is still a good basis for a good team that can play decent football is well which would be the other thing that the fans would want if possible as most of the football under Trap's reign was terrible to be fair.
Who is going to get the job? Martin O' Neill is the favourite to get the job and if nothing else O'Neills greatest asset is his man management skills and to convince the team that they can beat anyone and play without fear although the flip side to that is that his Sunderland reign ended in tears and some of the football they were producing was quite frankly terrible,. I would welcome his appointment but would approach with cautious optimism as well. Roy Keane has been mentioned but could he get on with the F.A.I. after their past? Probably not I would reckon. Mick McCarthy has also been mentioned and most Irish fans would welcome Mick back in the fold as apart from the Saipan debacle Mick mostly did do a good job first time around and has experience of getting Ireland to a world cup while playing some good football as well. Brian McCdermott and Chris Hughton are definitely future Irish managers but too soon for both as they have big club jobs at the moment with Leeds and Norwich but their time will come down the line. The bottom line is the team definitely is not as good as it one was but there are still enough good players for Ireland to be a threat to qualify for Euro 2016 and it does help that 24 instead of 16 qualify for the tournament and fans are hoping that we can go to Germany in three years time for another big tournament and to do it in a style that is somewhat pleasing to the eye. Over to the F.A.I. to appoint the right man.
Ill leave you with a montage (of sorts) to Traps reign:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRdobJFHABI
Friday, August 30, 2013
Premiership Preview Super Sunday
I had a nightmare with the predictions last week so hopefully this week ill get back on track!
Saturday
Man. City Vs Hull (BT Sport 1 12.45 ko)
Hull will be buoyed by their battling win against Norwich and with a lot of the game with ten men but they wont be kidding themselves about how hard a task it will be going to the Eithad even though Man City suffered a shock loss to Cardiff last week. City looked ill at ease without Vincent Kompany and also the continuing poor form of Joe Hart who was to blame for at least two of the goals. City should still have too much for Hull at home and go into the international break in good stead.
Prediction: Man City 3 Hull 1
Cardiff Vs Everton (Setanta Sports 1)
Cardiff had an amazing win over Man City last weekend and they should carry that confidence coming into this weekend against an Everton side who have yet their find their feet under new boss Roberto Martinez and the shadow hanging over the potential departures of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. They are playing nice football but have yet to to find their cutt9ng edge and if Cardiff especially at set pieces can replicate their win from last week you could fancy them for the win again this time although I think a draw would be more likely.
Prediction: Cardiff 1 Everton 1
Newcastle Vs Fulham
Newcastle need something good to happen and it could happen here. Doubts still linger about whether Yohan Cabaye is going to be at the club by the end of the transfer window but rumour has it he will be playing this weekend and could be the difference here. Fulham have been branded the laziest team in the league. They were very poor against Arsenal but also in Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent they could score a lot of goals as well. Think there could be a load of gals here and maybe a point is the best either can expect.
Prediction: Newcastle 2 Fulham 2
Norwich Vs Southampton.
Could be a really good game this one. Norwich were very poor against Hull last week but at home they will get a load of pints. I like the look of Southampton and it will be interesting to see how Osvaldo fits into the picture. He should have been sent off last week and will need to keep his temper in check but there is no denying his talent. I think Southampton will nick this one but would not be one hundred percent confident on it.
Prediction: Norwich 1 Southampton 2
West Ham Vs Stoke
West Ham look a very good outfit and have made a good start without conceding a goal as well which is a bonus. They wont be easy to beat at home but a lot of what they can achieve this season will be the fitness of Andy Caroll. He provides the focal point of their attack and if he is not there I think in certain games West Ham will struggle to score. It will take time for Stoke to adapt to Mark Hughes style of play and early on I fancy they will not take too many points early on in the season and also need a few more bodies up front. I see a comfortable afternoon for West Ham.
Prediction: West Ham 2 Stoke 0
Crystal Palace Vs Sunderland (Sky Sports 1 5.30 ko)
Palace and Sunderland have not made the best of starts to the premiership. Palace under Ian Holloway are already struggling and Ian Holloway has already has his odds slashed to be the first manager sacked in the premiership. It is going to be difficult to get out of the malaise they are already in even if it is two games down. Thankfully they are playing a Sunderland side who are trying to find their feet with all the new players that are in the new squad Palace might be able to sneak three points here.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2 Sunderland 1
Sunday
Liverpool vs. Man. Utd. (Sky Sports 1 1.30 ko)
Big game for both. I do fancy Liverpool in this one. They have made a very good start and I can see them taking advantage of a United side still trying to find their feet under David Moyes. Pressure will be on Moyes more than Rogers and even though Wayne Rooney's performance was a source of relief for Moyes the lack of chances they created against Chelsea would cause alarm bells and I can see Liverpool keeping it tight and catching United on the counter and with Daniel Sturridge on the form that he is in there is no reason why he can't continue his form into this game and get the three points for the Pool.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 Man Utd.1
West Brom Vs. Swansea
West Brom have made an indifferent start to the season and missing the presence of Lukakau has hurt them for sure but with Nicolas Anelka and Matej Vydra available for this game against Swansea they might get their first win of the season. Swansea have struggled so far this season but it has been a difficult start for them but I see West Brom picking up the three points here.
Prediction: West Brom 1 Swansea 0
Arsenal Vs. Spurs (Sky Sports 1 4.00 ko)
Spurs have spent around 100 million as of today. They broke their transfer record for the third time this summer with the signing of Eric Lamela from Roma. It will be too late for him to play in the derby but that and also the impending arrival of Christian Eriksen from Ajax and AVB has built up a formidable squad for the forthcoming campaign which rightly has Arsenal fans worried. Arsenal still need to add but Arsene Wegner's press conference ahead of this game he seemed relaxed and the belief is he will get signatures before the transfer window closes which will strengthen the squad which is needed badly. This game will have loads of goals as usual but I do give Arsenal the edge simply because of the previous two games between these two at the emirates have finished 5-2 to the home side and the crowd will probably carry Arsenal through on this one as well.
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Tottenham 2
Next blog has the review of the weekends action and also a review of the super cup between Bayern Munich and Chelsea which should be a fasinating match between the two best friends of the world Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
Goal of the Week: Daniels Sturridge's effort was probably a better goal for Liverpool against Aston Villa but I love chips over the keeper and Danny's effort for Zenit St. Petersburg against Pacos Ferreira was one of those sweet efforts you can replay again and again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3sC7D4r0S4
Talk next week enjoy the weekend!
Saturday
Man. City Vs Hull (BT Sport 1 12.45 ko)
Hull will be buoyed by their battling win against Norwich and with a lot of the game with ten men but they wont be kidding themselves about how hard a task it will be going to the Eithad even though Man City suffered a shock loss to Cardiff last week. City looked ill at ease without Vincent Kompany and also the continuing poor form of Joe Hart who was to blame for at least two of the goals. City should still have too much for Hull at home and go into the international break in good stead.
Prediction: Man City 3 Hull 1
Cardiff Vs Everton (Setanta Sports 1)
Cardiff had an amazing win over Man City last weekend and they should carry that confidence coming into this weekend against an Everton side who have yet their find their feet under new boss Roberto Martinez and the shadow hanging over the potential departures of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. They are playing nice football but have yet to to find their cutt9ng edge and if Cardiff especially at set pieces can replicate their win from last week you could fancy them for the win again this time although I think a draw would be more likely.
Prediction: Cardiff 1 Everton 1
Newcastle Vs Fulham
Newcastle need something good to happen and it could happen here. Doubts still linger about whether Yohan Cabaye is going to be at the club by the end of the transfer window but rumour has it he will be playing this weekend and could be the difference here. Fulham have been branded the laziest team in the league. They were very poor against Arsenal but also in Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent they could score a lot of goals as well. Think there could be a load of gals here and maybe a point is the best either can expect.
Prediction: Newcastle 2 Fulham 2
Norwich Vs Southampton.
Could be a really good game this one. Norwich were very poor against Hull last week but at home they will get a load of pints. I like the look of Southampton and it will be interesting to see how Osvaldo fits into the picture. He should have been sent off last week and will need to keep his temper in check but there is no denying his talent. I think Southampton will nick this one but would not be one hundred percent confident on it.
Prediction: Norwich 1 Southampton 2
West Ham Vs Stoke
West Ham look a very good outfit and have made a good start without conceding a goal as well which is a bonus. They wont be easy to beat at home but a lot of what they can achieve this season will be the fitness of Andy Caroll. He provides the focal point of their attack and if he is not there I think in certain games West Ham will struggle to score. It will take time for Stoke to adapt to Mark Hughes style of play and early on I fancy they will not take too many points early on in the season and also need a few more bodies up front. I see a comfortable afternoon for West Ham.
Prediction: West Ham 2 Stoke 0
Crystal Palace Vs Sunderland (Sky Sports 1 5.30 ko)
Palace and Sunderland have not made the best of starts to the premiership. Palace under Ian Holloway are already struggling and Ian Holloway has already has his odds slashed to be the first manager sacked in the premiership. It is going to be difficult to get out of the malaise they are already in even if it is two games down. Thankfully they are playing a Sunderland side who are trying to find their feet with all the new players that are in the new squad Palace might be able to sneak three points here.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2 Sunderland 1
Sunday
Liverpool vs. Man. Utd. (Sky Sports 1 1.30 ko)
Big game for both. I do fancy Liverpool in this one. They have made a very good start and I can see them taking advantage of a United side still trying to find their feet under David Moyes. Pressure will be on Moyes more than Rogers and even though Wayne Rooney's performance was a source of relief for Moyes the lack of chances they created against Chelsea would cause alarm bells and I can see Liverpool keeping it tight and catching United on the counter and with Daniel Sturridge on the form that he is in there is no reason why he can't continue his form into this game and get the three points for the Pool.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 Man Utd.1
West Brom Vs. Swansea
West Brom have made an indifferent start to the season and missing the presence of Lukakau has hurt them for sure but with Nicolas Anelka and Matej Vydra available for this game against Swansea they might get their first win of the season. Swansea have struggled so far this season but it has been a difficult start for them but I see West Brom picking up the three points here.
Prediction: West Brom 1 Swansea 0
Arsenal Vs. Spurs (Sky Sports 1 4.00 ko)
Spurs have spent around 100 million as of today. They broke their transfer record for the third time this summer with the signing of Eric Lamela from Roma. It will be too late for him to play in the derby but that and also the impending arrival of Christian Eriksen from Ajax and AVB has built up a formidable squad for the forthcoming campaign which rightly has Arsenal fans worried. Arsenal still need to add but Arsene Wegner's press conference ahead of this game he seemed relaxed and the belief is he will get signatures before the transfer window closes which will strengthen the squad which is needed badly. This game will have loads of goals as usual but I do give Arsenal the edge simply because of the previous two games between these two at the emirates have finished 5-2 to the home side and the crowd will probably carry Arsenal through on this one as well.
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Tottenham 2
Next blog has the review of the weekends action and also a review of the super cup between Bayern Munich and Chelsea which should be a fasinating match between the two best friends of the world Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
Goal of the Week: Daniels Sturridge's effort was probably a better goal for Liverpool against Aston Villa but I love chips over the keeper and Danny's effort for Zenit St. Petersburg against Pacos Ferreira was one of those sweet efforts you can replay again and again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3sC7D4r0S4
Talk next week enjoy the weekend!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Premiership Review Chosen One vs Special One.
Yes it was the big game this weekend but it failed to deliver the fireworks that a lot of people were expecting. The ploy of playing without a recognised striker was a weird choice as Chelsea ended up for an hour of the game with four attackers and no real focal point. The United defenders had no-one to mark most of the time. Jose was trying with his attack to move the united back line around and keep them guessing but I do not think after this game Kevin De Bryune will play centre forward again any time soon. The big news for United was the inclusion of Wayne Rooney and he was the best player on the pitch involved in nearly all the good moments on the pitch for the Red Devils. The one thing that struck me was even when Torres came on Chelsea were still very negative but United struggled at the other end to create anything either but at least it seemed that they were more going for the victory than Chelsea were. You would fancy Jose and Chelsea were more happy with the point but it will be more interesting to see if Chelsea experiment again without a recognised striker. More good news as it seems Rooney won't be handing in a transfer request to force a move to Chelsea and with Jose imposing a forty eight hour deadline for Wayne to decide it seems more likely Rooney will stay with United and if he keeps producing performances consistently like he did in the Monday Night Game then it will be a boost for David Moyes and also the Manchester United support were fully behind him in the stadium even if Chelsea fans were cheekily cheering for him as well as if he was going to them!
The shock of the weekend was Cardiff's 3-2 victory over Manchester City and questions over the absence of Vincent Kompany and the alarming poor form of Joe Hart. The second and third goals from corners were very poor defensively from a City point of view and would not be surprised if they go back in for a central defender before the window shuts as I do not think Javi Garcia is the answer in that position. Great victory for Cardiff nonetheless passionate crowd and Frazier Campbell's two goals would certainly have gone done well at his former club Manchester United. Cardiff City Stadium will be a hard place to go this season.
Results: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal, Everton 0-0 West Brom, Hull 1-0 Norwich, Newcastle 0-0 West Ham, Southampton 1-1 Sunderland, Stoke 2-1 Crystal Palace, Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool, Cardiff 3-2 Man City, Tottenham 1-0 Swansea, Man Utd. 0-0 Chelsea.
Next Blog Friday League Cup and Champions League Reviews plus Preview of the weekend including the Euro Super Cup between Bayern and Chelsea and the big double header on sunday Liverpool Vs Man Utd and The North London Derby between Arsenal and Spurs.
Last but not least Romario and his best goals for Barcelona.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfVBnVZyQN0
The shock of the weekend was Cardiff's 3-2 victory over Manchester City and questions over the absence of Vincent Kompany and the alarming poor form of Joe Hart. The second and third goals from corners were very poor defensively from a City point of view and would not be surprised if they go back in for a central defender before the window shuts as I do not think Javi Garcia is the answer in that position. Great victory for Cardiff nonetheless passionate crowd and Frazier Campbell's two goals would certainly have gone done well at his former club Manchester United. Cardiff City Stadium will be a hard place to go this season.
Results: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal, Everton 0-0 West Brom, Hull 1-0 Norwich, Newcastle 0-0 West Ham, Southampton 1-1 Sunderland, Stoke 2-1 Crystal Palace, Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool, Cardiff 3-2 Man City, Tottenham 1-0 Swansea, Man Utd. 0-0 Chelsea.
Next Blog Friday League Cup and Champions League Reviews plus Preview of the weekend including the Euro Super Cup between Bayern and Chelsea and the big double header on sunday Liverpool Vs Man Utd and The North London Derby between Arsenal and Spurs.
Last but not least Romario and his best goals for Barcelona.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfVBnVZyQN0
Friday, August 23, 2013
Premiership Preview
Saturday
Fulham Vs Arsenal (BT Sports 12.45 ko)
After their loss last weekend to Villa and all the negativity about their lack of signings at the club fans and manager alike were relived of the three-nil win against Femerbache which will get Arsenal into the champions league proper for the sixteenth time in a row which is some sort of achievement. The problem over lack of signings is still there and business will need to pick up next week if there is any chance they will win anything this season. They face a tricky tie against a Fulham side which recorded a rare away against Sunderland and with Dimitar Berbatov in their side against a patched up Arsenal defence in particular they will prove a threat and traditionally these are tight derby matches. I would still fancy an Arsenal win though but it will not be easy.
Prediction: Fulham 1 Arsenal 2
Everton Vs West Brom (Setanta Sports 1 3.00 ko)
Everton should be favorites for this one as they would have been disappointed about dropping two points to Norwich last weekend. West Brom struggled last week in losing to Southampton and even though it was a last minute penalty and goal they conceded it was deserved victory for Southampton and Roberto Martinez's first home game in charge the Everton team should be motivated and too good for West Brom.
Prediction: Everton 2 West Brom 1
Hull Vs Norwich (3.00 ko)
Hull would not have probably learned much in their loss to Chelsea last week except maybe the much higher quality of the better teams in the Premiership. They will be up for this, their first home game against a team they will probably think they can beat . A good draw for Norwich in their first game with Ricky Van Wolfswinkel scoring on his debut and also the arrival of Johan Elmander has boasted their striking options even further. A high scoring contest is on the cards I would reckon here.
Prediction: Hull City Tigers 2 Norwich 2
Newcastle Vs West Ham (3.00 ko)
Newcastle's first home game of the season should be interesting with the turmoil over Joe Kinnear's appointment, and the absence of Yohan Cabaye after Arsenal's bid and subsequent improved bid from Paris St. Germain raises questions as to if Cabaye is staying at the club. They need a win here to get the fans on their side and the way the fans react to to the team could be important in this match. West Ham got off to a solid start against Cardiff last weekend and looking to extend their good run this weekend. Their away form was poor last season and with only one fit striker at the moment they could struggle to score at St. James Park. I do think West Ham can win this one simply because Newcastle have worst problems.
Prediction: Newcastle 1 West Ham 3
Southampton Vs Sunderland (3.00 ko)
Southampton had a good win over West Brom last weekend and have since added Daniel Osvaldo from Roma which could be a very good signing indeed. Sunderland were poor against Fulham and Paolo Di Canio might take a while to figure his best team out since there are a lot of new faces at the Stadium of Light and I think Southampton can take all three points in their first home game of the season.
Prediction: Southampton 2 Sunderland 0
Stoke Vs Crystal Palace (3.00 ko)
Stoke were decent and compact in their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool but were lightweight upfront. Palace struggled against Spurs and one-nil was quite flattering to them. Stoke if they reproduce their intensity of the Liverpool performance with a bit of better quality in the final third will surely win this one out.
Prediction: Stoke 2 Crystal Palace 0
Aston Villa Vs Liverpool (5.30 ko Sky Sports 1)
Villa have been good in the first two games and look a very decent side judging by the first two performances. Liverpool were also good although they should have put the game to bed and nearly lost two points but a Mignolet save, saved the win for the reds. Villa could have a real good chance of getting the three points but if Liverpool do improve in the finishing department it could be a very good game indeed. Villa to edge it but I could not say that to a reasonable degree.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1
Sunday
Cardiff Vs Man City (4.00 ko Sky Sports 1)
Cardiff had a bit of a struggle last weekend against West Ham not registering a single shot on target. Their new signing Andreas Cornelius might get a run out this weekend and could help them up front. City were very good against Newcastle and I think if they play to the same level against Cardiff there is only going to be one winner.
Prediction Cardiff 0 Man. City 3
Tottenham Vs Swansea (4.00 ko)
Tottenham had a good European victory during the week to go along with the victory against Crystal Palace and they are in good shape. With the inevitable departure of Gareth Bale Spurs are planning the future without him although it looks as though Willian deal has fallen though which will be a blow to them although if they do get Eric Lamela it will still be a boost to them. Swansea want the transfer window to end now as there is a still a threat of them losing both Michu and Ashley Williams which will be a blow to them. They were unlucky losing 4-1 to Man Utd last weekend and a good European victory has showed what a good team they are but I do think Spurs will be too good for them on the day.
Prediction: Spurs 3 Swansea 1
Monday
Man Utd. Vs Chelsea (8.00 ko Sky Sports 1)
I always hate the fact that big games like these are on very early on in the season as I do not think they mean as much as if they played it lets say middle of October. A loss for either side wont really do either any harm. United have Robin Van Persie on fire as usual. Chelsea might jig their team a little bit. It will not surprise me if this is a draw and both teams move on a quickly as possible.
Prediction: Man Utd 1 Chelsea 1
Goal(s) of the week. Real Sociedad scored two crackers in Lyon to nearly guarantee them qualification into the group stage in the Champions League.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUNZW6fgo9k
See ya Monday enjoy the action over the weekend. Also looking forward to the return of Formula One as well. I hope Fernando Alonso pulls something out of the bag but it is probably between the Red Bulls and Mercedes again.
Fulham Vs Arsenal (BT Sports 12.45 ko)
After their loss last weekend to Villa and all the negativity about their lack of signings at the club fans and manager alike were relived of the three-nil win against Femerbache which will get Arsenal into the champions league proper for the sixteenth time in a row which is some sort of achievement. The problem over lack of signings is still there and business will need to pick up next week if there is any chance they will win anything this season. They face a tricky tie against a Fulham side which recorded a rare away against Sunderland and with Dimitar Berbatov in their side against a patched up Arsenal defence in particular they will prove a threat and traditionally these are tight derby matches. I would still fancy an Arsenal win though but it will not be easy.
Prediction: Fulham 1 Arsenal 2
Everton Vs West Brom (Setanta Sports 1 3.00 ko)
Everton should be favorites for this one as they would have been disappointed about dropping two points to Norwich last weekend. West Brom struggled last week in losing to Southampton and even though it was a last minute penalty and goal they conceded it was deserved victory for Southampton and Roberto Martinez's first home game in charge the Everton team should be motivated and too good for West Brom.
Prediction: Everton 2 West Brom 1
Hull Vs Norwich (3.00 ko)
Hull would not have probably learned much in their loss to Chelsea last week except maybe the much higher quality of the better teams in the Premiership. They will be up for this, their first home game against a team they will probably think they can beat . A good draw for Norwich in their first game with Ricky Van Wolfswinkel scoring on his debut and also the arrival of Johan Elmander has boasted their striking options even further. A high scoring contest is on the cards I would reckon here.
Prediction: Hull City Tigers 2 Norwich 2
Newcastle Vs West Ham (3.00 ko)
Newcastle's first home game of the season should be interesting with the turmoil over Joe Kinnear's appointment, and the absence of Yohan Cabaye after Arsenal's bid and subsequent improved bid from Paris St. Germain raises questions as to if Cabaye is staying at the club. They need a win here to get the fans on their side and the way the fans react to to the team could be important in this match. West Ham got off to a solid start against Cardiff last weekend and looking to extend their good run this weekend. Their away form was poor last season and with only one fit striker at the moment they could struggle to score at St. James Park. I do think West Ham can win this one simply because Newcastle have worst problems.
Prediction: Newcastle 1 West Ham 3
Southampton Vs Sunderland (3.00 ko)
Southampton had a good win over West Brom last weekend and have since added Daniel Osvaldo from Roma which could be a very good signing indeed. Sunderland were poor against Fulham and Paolo Di Canio might take a while to figure his best team out since there are a lot of new faces at the Stadium of Light and I think Southampton can take all three points in their first home game of the season.
Prediction: Southampton 2 Sunderland 0
Stoke Vs Crystal Palace (3.00 ko)
Stoke were decent and compact in their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool but were lightweight upfront. Palace struggled against Spurs and one-nil was quite flattering to them. Stoke if they reproduce their intensity of the Liverpool performance with a bit of better quality in the final third will surely win this one out.
Prediction: Stoke 2 Crystal Palace 0
Aston Villa Vs Liverpool (5.30 ko Sky Sports 1)
Villa have been good in the first two games and look a very decent side judging by the first two performances. Liverpool were also good although they should have put the game to bed and nearly lost two points but a Mignolet save, saved the win for the reds. Villa could have a real good chance of getting the three points but if Liverpool do improve in the finishing department it could be a very good game indeed. Villa to edge it but I could not say that to a reasonable degree.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1
Sunday
Cardiff Vs Man City (4.00 ko Sky Sports 1)
Cardiff had a bit of a struggle last weekend against West Ham not registering a single shot on target. Their new signing Andreas Cornelius might get a run out this weekend and could help them up front. City were very good against Newcastle and I think if they play to the same level against Cardiff there is only going to be one winner.
Prediction Cardiff 0 Man. City 3
Tottenham Vs Swansea (4.00 ko)
Tottenham had a good European victory during the week to go along with the victory against Crystal Palace and they are in good shape. With the inevitable departure of Gareth Bale Spurs are planning the future without him although it looks as though Willian deal has fallen though which will be a blow to them although if they do get Eric Lamela it will still be a boost to them. Swansea want the transfer window to end now as there is a still a threat of them losing both Michu and Ashley Williams which will be a blow to them. They were unlucky losing 4-1 to Man Utd last weekend and a good European victory has showed what a good team they are but I do think Spurs will be too good for them on the day.
Prediction: Spurs 3 Swansea 1
Monday
Man Utd. Vs Chelsea (8.00 ko Sky Sports 1)
I always hate the fact that big games like these are on very early on in the season as I do not think they mean as much as if they played it lets say middle of October. A loss for either side wont really do either any harm. United have Robin Van Persie on fire as usual. Chelsea might jig their team a little bit. It will not surprise me if this is a draw and both teams move on a quickly as possible.
Prediction: Man Utd 1 Chelsea 1
Goal(s) of the week. Real Sociedad scored two crackers in Lyon to nearly guarantee them qualification into the group stage in the Champions League.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUNZW6fgo9k
See ya Monday enjoy the action over the weekend. Also looking forward to the return of Formula One as well. I hope Fernando Alonso pulls something out of the bag but it is probably between the Red Bulls and Mercedes again.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
The Midweek Blog Episode 1 Yes It is About Arsenal
First of all my apologies for the delay in the last two Premiership Previews of the season being done after the season actually started and in this blog it will be the first of the midweek blog which will concentrate on last leagues action. This will usually be done on a Monday and then the weekend blog will be done on a Friday previewing what is coming up at the weekend.
So this first one is dedicated to Arsenal. I was at the game at Aston Villa and you all seen the game or highlights of it and seen the negative reaction after the 3-1 loss. This was my seventh time at the ground and any little thing that goes wrong in a match some of the supporters really can turn on the team and this was when at times we were winning games comfortably! This was the first time I have experienced a loss when seeing Arsenal live and the negative reaction this time sadly has been justified. When Ivan Gatzidis said in a statement at the start of June that Arsenal had money to spend all us supporters presumed wisely that there were deals for players that were just about done for and will bring this team back to where it should be and that is challenging for the Premiership and the Champions League. What has happened instead is that the club has got rid of a lot of the fringe players and dead wood but have not replaced them with better quality players which has left the squad very thin indeed and a few injuries and Arsenal will be struggling to field a first team never mind the bench.
Have Arsenal completely lost the ability to sign decent quality players altogether? From the Luis Suarez saga to letting Gonzalo Higuain slip trough our fingers to be let go to Napoli, to the half halfheartedness of bids for Luis Gustavo and Yohan Cabaye fans must be wondering what is going on? Arsene Wegner has always payed what he though the value of a player is and that is not necessarily what the seller thinks the player is worth. It is an admirable quality no doubt but what has handicapped Wegner in trying to come up with valuations this season in particular is the fact that Gatzidis said the money was there to spend and now clubs are always going to demand more money than what the player is necessarily worth because they know the money is there for Arsenal to spend. Whatever signings Arsenal make between now and when the transfer window closes if any at all will seem to be a desperation signing no matter what way you look at it. If Arsenal fail to beat Fenerbache in the Champions League play offs there will be more pressure on him and it could be the beginning of the end for him at the club which will be sad if he does bow out like that. The man who transformed Arsenal football club from top to bottom would deserve a better dignified ending than the one that many are predicting for him at this present time. Hopefully Arsenal can still get the recruitment we need and get the results needed especially in the Champions League in particular and things will go back in the right direction.
PL Results Week 1:(Sat) Liverpool 1-0 Stoke, Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa, Norwich 2-2 Everton, Sunderland 0-1 Fulham, West Brom 0-1 Southampton, West Ham 2-0 Cardiff, Swansea 1-4 Man. Utd. (Sun) Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham, Chelsea 2-0 Hull, (Mon) Man City 4-0 Newcastle (Wed) Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Ill have a few tidbits on Friday about last weekend and also preview this weekends games talk then!
So this first one is dedicated to Arsenal. I was at the game at Aston Villa and you all seen the game or highlights of it and seen the negative reaction after the 3-1 loss. This was my seventh time at the ground and any little thing that goes wrong in a match some of the supporters really can turn on the team and this was when at times we were winning games comfortably! This was the first time I have experienced a loss when seeing Arsenal live and the negative reaction this time sadly has been justified. When Ivan Gatzidis said in a statement at the start of June that Arsenal had money to spend all us supporters presumed wisely that there were deals for players that were just about done for and will bring this team back to where it should be and that is challenging for the Premiership and the Champions League. What has happened instead is that the club has got rid of a lot of the fringe players and dead wood but have not replaced them with better quality players which has left the squad very thin indeed and a few injuries and Arsenal will be struggling to field a first team never mind the bench.
Have Arsenal completely lost the ability to sign decent quality players altogether? From the Luis Suarez saga to letting Gonzalo Higuain slip trough our fingers to be let go to Napoli, to the half halfheartedness of bids for Luis Gustavo and Yohan Cabaye fans must be wondering what is going on? Arsene Wegner has always payed what he though the value of a player is and that is not necessarily what the seller thinks the player is worth. It is an admirable quality no doubt but what has handicapped Wegner in trying to come up with valuations this season in particular is the fact that Gatzidis said the money was there to spend and now clubs are always going to demand more money than what the player is necessarily worth because they know the money is there for Arsenal to spend. Whatever signings Arsenal make between now and when the transfer window closes if any at all will seem to be a desperation signing no matter what way you look at it. If Arsenal fail to beat Fenerbache in the Champions League play offs there will be more pressure on him and it could be the beginning of the end for him at the club which will be sad if he does bow out like that. The man who transformed Arsenal football club from top to bottom would deserve a better dignified ending than the one that many are predicting for him at this present time. Hopefully Arsenal can still get the recruitment we need and get the results needed especially in the Champions League in particular and things will go back in the right direction.
PL Results Week 1:(Sat) Liverpool 1-0 Stoke, Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa, Norwich 2-2 Everton, Sunderland 0-1 Fulham, West Brom 0-1 Southampton, West Ham 2-0 Cardiff, Swansea 1-4 Man. Utd. (Sun) Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham, Chelsea 2-0 Hull, (Mon) Man City 4-0 Newcastle (Wed) Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Ill have a few tidbits on Friday about last weekend and also preview this weekends games talk then!
Premiership Preview: West Ham
West Ham
In
Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk) Free
Adrian (Real Betis) Free
Andy Carroll (Liverpool) Undisclosed
Danny Whitehead (Stockport County) Undisclosed
Stewart Downing (Liverpool) Undisclosed
Out
Carlton Cole Released
Gary O'Neil (Queens Park Rangers) Free
Robert Hall (Bolton Wanderers) Undisclosed
Positives: West Ham are always going to be a difficult side to beat under Big Sam Allarydce and also with the permanent signing of yes Andy Carroll they can cause mayhem in the opposition back line any time he is on the pitch. Problem is how many times can he play as if he is not playing they do not have many other options up front. The signing of Downing is an interesting one. Can Big Sam resurrect his career like he has Joe Cole's? West Ham will do well to get into the top ten but would not rule it out.
Negatives: The lack of options up front and their back line is suspect to pace although the arrival of Razyan Rat from Shaktar might solve that problem.
Prediction: 12th
In
Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk) Free
Adrian (Real Betis) Free
Andy Carroll (Liverpool) Undisclosed
Danny Whitehead (Stockport County) Undisclosed
Stewart Downing (Liverpool) Undisclosed
Out
Carlton Cole Released
Gary O'Neil (Queens Park Rangers) Free
Robert Hall (Bolton Wanderers) Undisclosed
Positives: West Ham are always going to be a difficult side to beat under Big Sam Allarydce and also with the permanent signing of yes Andy Carroll they can cause mayhem in the opposition back line any time he is on the pitch. Problem is how many times can he play as if he is not playing they do not have many other options up front. The signing of Downing is an interesting one. Can Big Sam resurrect his career like he has Joe Cole's? West Ham will do well to get into the top ten but would not rule it out.
Negatives: The lack of options up front and their back line is suspect to pace although the arrival of Razyan Rat from Shaktar might solve that problem.
Prediction: 12th
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