Tag: Owen

The weekend that was…

08_Ashley_Cole_cele_892833aChelsea look sublime. Can anyone catch them? Ancelotti is doing a fantastic job at the Bridge so far this season. He has the team swinging their pants down the King’s Road again. Ashley Cole is scoring goals now!! The Blues are looking good. They’re looking real good. Can anyone beat them? Do you think Chelsea are they putting all their efforts into this season as they won’t be able to transfer players and make a real run for the league next season?

Arsenal looked good against Wigan. But let’s face it, they should be beating teams like Wigan by 3 or 4 goals. Vermaelen is really proving to be a solid signing by Wenger. It’s still early in the season to make judgements about him, but he certainly is looking good. He gets forward and puts himself into scoring positions. Arsenal fans should like that. He reminds me of Vidic a little. Fabregas was wonderful against Wigan and I would like to see him shine more in the big games. I agree with the commentator though…the atmosphere at the Emirates was like a testimonial game. Where’s the chanting and the excitement? And what about the players. Who cares if it’s the 4th goal…you just scored for Arsenal so show some passion please!

Tottenham have hit the skids. They need to stop the bleeding right now before their sensational start to the season requires a blood transfusion. Surely losing Modric cannot be the reason they’ve lost 2 games can it? Has Modric become that influential down at the Lane? Who is going to step up and fill that role? Do you think ‘Arry should start Jenas? They looked weaker to me with him starting. And I think Lennon needs to stay consistent if he wants to be the starter on that right side for England. That means good performances every single week.

Liverpool seem to be getting back on track. Torres looked superb at West Ham. His first goal was finished with pure strength and determination. And the winner he netted was again proof that Torres can score any goal, anywhere, anytime. The power behind his header to make it 3-2 was fierce. I for one am excited to see him almost back to his best. Let’s see how the next few games go. For me, Gerrard is really slow out of the blocks for the scouse house this season. Benayoun and Kuyt are playing really well together. And as for Carra, I still believe he’s a liability and could cost Liverpool games this season. As I’ve said in previous posts, leave him on the bench. You need someone with more pace back there. Carlton Cole embarrassed him.

Burnley pulled off a huge win at home against Sunderland. Great performance, good win and another 3 points to help them in their efforts to stay in the Premier League. It’s amazing how moving to a new club transforms players who are lacking in confidence. Nugent was amazing. His first goal was one of the best goals scored this weekend. I bet Paul Hart is wondering how Owen Coyle got him to play like that! It’s a long hard season so securing these points early is a good thing for Burnley. Let’s hope they don’t suffer the same fate as Hull City. They are far more exciting to watch than Hull were last season! Seeing such an old club like Burnley do well right now is a great football story. Sunderland on the other hand need to get their act together. Bruce has a good set of players, but they don’t seem to have an identity yet. Perhaps that will evolve over the season.

It’s great to see Everton winning big again. They dominated Blackburn Rovers and hopefully this win will give them every confidence to start climbing that Premier League table. They have been rocked by so many injuries again this season, but you never hear David Moyes complain about much. He just puts his head down and gets on with it, which is why so many people respect him. I for one would like to see him do well.

Aston Villa are also playing much better right now. Good results in the last couple of weeks should give them a boost. Let’s see if they can hang in there.

Here are my nominations for Goal of the Week. What do you guys think?

1. David Nugent against Sunderland (1st goal)

2. Michael Owen against Manchester City

3. Vermaelen against Wigan (2nd goal)

4. Bellamy against Manchester United (1st goal)

5. Torres against West Ham United (1st goal)

What caught your eye this weekend?

Two old geezers made the difference…

Britain Soccer Premier LeagueOn Sunday, we witnessed why the Premier League is the best and most exciting league in the world. The Manchester derby had everything. Passion, goals, panic, flare, heartache and pure elation. In the end it finished Manchester United 4 Manchester City 3. And it was two old geezers who stole the headlines and made the difference in the game of the week. Take a bow Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen.

United and City evolved their rivalry into war on the Old Trafford pitch. And if the players were Russell Crowe, the Theater of Dreams was the Coliseum. The atmosphere was undeniable. The fans were ready for their own battle and their singing could be heard around the world. When Manchester City fans were chanting their hearts out, the Manchester United fans would sing louder as if to say “how dare you raise your voices in our house.” Even when Bellamy shoved goals down their throats, the United fans refused to give up. And when United would score again, City fans would crank it up another notch. It was a superb display of fan support.

Manchester United bossed this game from start to finish. They didn’t give their old team mate Tevez a sniff of much. Bellamy was really the star of City’s show and Giggs was at the heart of everything good for United. In the 1st half Manchester City played really well and they stood tall against their fiercest rivals. The “wannabe top four boys” of the Premier League had a point to prove and they certainly had a fighting spirit about them in the early stages of the game. But a tactical move by their manager Mark Hughes to put Steven Ireland out on the left allowed the Manchester United midfield more space and the Red Devils took complete control in the 2nd half.

Ryan Giggs made it all happen for United. Together with Fletcher and Anderson in midfield, they totally dominated possession and created lots of chances to finish off the game. And it took several attempts to finish off the game. Just when City thought they had stolen a point after Ferdinand’s giveaway to Bellamy, Giggs and Owen combined for the winning goal. It was a delicious ball from Giggs and a sublime finish from the never say die Owen. How fitting for two old heroes. Giggs proves once again his legendary status in football and Michael Owen sends a clear message to Capello. Can he build on this? Can he really mount a case to get to South Africa?

And what about Sir Alex Ferguson. He bought on Valencia and he too helped change the game. Then he subbed Berbatov for Owen and he netted the winner. His plan worked to perfection throughout. He wanted this one badly and his team delivered. He wanted to prove that United are still the best team in Manchester. Oh and by the way…they are! With over 400 million pounds of talent on display in this game, it was the pure beauty of football that won in the end. It was the fans that reaped the rewards and the game of football was victorious.

Who was your man of the match? Did you think Tevez was a factor at all? Was the referee fair with the injury time played? Is Fletcher the answer in midfield for United? Would City have won with Adebayor? Is Shay Given one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the world? Do you think the result was fair?

Fight backs. Light slaps. London Rules. Week 2…

50020379Week 2 in the Premier League saw Manchester United fight back to their winning ways, Rodallega get a light slap from Vidic…and Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal prove that London really does rule.

Before we talk about some of the action, did anyone notice the lack of crowds at some of the games? When Manchester United travel, they usually put bums on seats for the home team but there were a lot of empty seats at Wigan. I was surprised. Same at Birmingham and Sunderland. Is this still an issue of the economy? Are clubs charging too much money for tickets? Are fans picking and choosing their games more carefully? Does the availability of games on TV affect attendances?

Manchester United sent a message to the football universe that they are back and ready to defend their title. Wigan gave it a good go and for a while it looked as though they could score. But once Rooney nailed the first goal, it was curtains for Wigan. Rooney is a top quality player that United and England need fit. This could be a gigantic year for him. Could it also be a big year for Michael Owen? He finally netted his first Premier League goal for the Red Devils! Perhaps now the media can stop talking and writing about it. Let’s hope he scores a ton. Would you like to see Owen do well? By the way, should Vidic have been red carded for the slap on Rodders?

Tottenham didn’t look as sharp against West ham, but they still won. It was a better game from Lennon and another good performance in midfield from Palacios and Huddlestone. The Spurs defense looked shaky at times against West Ham. If it wasn’t for Carlton Cole’s awful back pass to Defoe, the Hammers could have stolen a point from this game. Shame for Cole as he scored a beauty in front of Capello to put West Ham 1-0 up. If Cole has a good season, he could be a surprise pick for the World Cup. Do you think he stands a chance of making Capello’s squad?

Chelsea looked solid. Full of quality. Boundless confidence. Very scary. They are in it to win it. Lampard is their talisman. He deserves more respect. He is a very special player. I think most fans would want a Frank Lampard in their team. Wouldn’t you?

Arsenal look really good. Portsmouth game them a few scares here and there but nothing too threatening. Almunia was at fault for Portsmouth’s goal. Diaby looked like Viera on Saturday. If only he could play like that every week. Fabregas masterminded the midfield until he had to go off with an injury. Let’s hope he doesn’t miss the big match against Manchester United. Does anyone else just love Eduardo? His first touch is exquisite. His attitude is amazing. Arshavin needs to start warming up and Gallas and Vermaelen are forging quite the team.

Manchester City win again. Adebayor scores for the second week in a row. Do you think City can get a 3rd victory on the trot? Will Lescott make a difference when he signs from Everton?

We all complimented Burnley on their great victory against United. This week they beat Everton at home. This team is out to prove they belong with the big boys in the Premier League. Keep it up Hull. Er sorry. I mean Burnley.

How are you enjoying the season so far? Have you been to any games? What did you make of week 2?

Legend Robbie Fowler…

fowlerThey refer to him as God in Liverpool. To this day he is adored by the Kop and every other inch of Anfield. He is untouchable. He is one of their finest. And Robbie Fowler certainly is a Premier League legend.

Dynamic, inventive and sometimes controversial, Fowler was an incredibly gifted player who became a real football superstar with Liverpool during the 90’s. He was part of the glamorous “Spice Boys” gang that also included Jamie Rednknapp, Steve McManaman, David James and Jason McAteer. I didn’t think the label was deserved, but perhaps it was those shocking white suits they wore at the 1996 F.A. Cup Final that really ignited the media’s attention!

Most people thought this so-called “Spice Boys” team under achieved by not winning the Premier League title. And despite the tag he and his team mates received, nobody could deny the brilliance of Fowler in front of goal. He loved to hunt for goals and defenders were his prey. He would torture, twist and turn them embarrassingly inside out. He was one of the most natural finishers the Premier League has seen.

Although he never became a Premier League champion, Fowler still enjoyed the taste of victory and success by winning the F.A. and League Cup twice and he also won the U.E.F.A. and Super Cup respectively. From 1993-2001 he made 246 appearances for Liverpool scoring 122 goals. He scored twice in that famous 4-3 victory over Newcastle United, a match from the 1995-96 season which many refer to as “the greatest game every played.”

But in 2001, Fowler’s fairy tale with Liverpool came to an end. Following huge frustration at being left out of the squad and falling behind Emile Heskey and Michael Owen as a first choice striker, Fowler departed for Leeds. It was weird because you always expected someone like Robbie to stay at Liverpool his entire career. It didn’t seem quite right seeing him in a Leeds shirt. When he departed from Liverpool, Fowler’s career was never the same again. Following his time at Leeds, God then moved to Manchester City, then to Cardiff City and finally to Blackburn Rovers.

But like all fairy tales, there was to be a happy ending and he did return to Liverpool for one last season in 2006. Fowler walked away with a Champions League Runner-Up medal and on May 13th, in his last game for Liverpool, he would be given the captain’s armband. Just before the game would end, Fowler would be substituted to a standing ovation. At least he got to say goodbye to the Kop end the right way.

Following his second stint at Liverpool, Fowler’s overall record was 191 goals in 369 appearances. He is the 4th highest scorer ever in the Premier League. People say he should have played more for England too. He made only 26 senior appearances for his country, scoring 8 goals. For some reason he couldn’t quite nail down a regular place in the squad. This was debated across many newspaper columns for a good few years.

Regardless of his failures with England, Fowler has certainly left his mark on the game and an eternal foot print in the hearts of Liverpool fans. To this day, Fowler’s name is chanted by fans around Anfield as though he were still wearing that #9 shirt. He was an exceptionally talented player and very exciting to watch. Where do you rank Fowler?

Burnley 1 Manchester United 0. This is not a typo…

burnley-goal_666x45_870581aWelcome to the Premier League Burnley! In your first home game of the season, you beat Manchester United, the reigning champions of England. Soak it up. Congratulations. Your victory was much deserved.

Two veterans led the way for one of the oldest clubs in British football. Robbie Blake scored a stunning goal that any world class striker would be proud of. And goalkeeper and fan favourite Brian Jensen was immense in goal. Known as “The Beast”, he saved a penalty from Michael Carrick (which Rooney or Owen should have taken) and was a giant throughout the game in front of goal. The entire team played good football and they should all be proud.

Owen Coyle could have taken the job at Celtic this summer but he chose to stay at Burnley so he could finish the job after getting them into the Premier League. He’s built a good side. They appear to have a togetherness that will help them through a gruelling Premier League season and their passion, fight and belief shone through against one of the best. But let’s not get carried away. Hull City started off causing mayhem and destruction and we all know how their season ended don’t we? Will Burnley end up like Hull? Can they build on this incredible win and survive the battle at the bottom? They did beat Arsenal and Tottenham in the Carling Cup last season.

Here are some fun facts. Burnley’s population is a little over 73,000, just under the average attendance at Manchester United’s home games. This was the first top flight match at Turf Moor since 1976. It has been 41 years since Burnley have beaten Manchester United. Welcome back to the big time boys!

From what I saw from the mid-week games, Chelsea and Tottenham look hot. Arsenal also look like they are a different proposition this season. Defoe looks like he’s a man on a mission. Not only does he want to do well for Tottenham, but you can sense his determination to get into that World Cup squad for England. Could it be a battle of London this season for the title? Who knows. Liverpool bounced back well at Stoke last night and it was good to see Torres playing well. Without Ferdinand and Vidic at the back, United look vulnerable.

Are we in for a sensational season or what?

He’s a blue devil now…

Join_us_280x390_845842aHere it is. The picture Manchester United fans didn’t want to see. Former United heroes Mark Hughes and Carlos Tevez proudly show-off the blue shirt of Manchester City to celebrate Tevez joining the team. If I were a United fan I’d be gutted. It would feel like someone just stabbed me in the heart. Of all the teams in all the land, did Tevez have to join City! What a dagger!

Carlos Tevez will be a superstar at Manchester City. He will be the main man. He will get everything he wanted at United and more. And Tevez wants to prove Sir Alex Ferguson wrong. Signing for City is a calculated move. It’s also a move about money of course, but why not twist the knife while you’re trying to make your point. Will Sir Alex regret this one?

United have now lost two world class players in Ronaldo and Tevez. They have signed Michael Owen from Newcastle, Antonio Valencia from Wigan and Gabrielle Obertan, a relative unknown from Bordeaux. Now these are not the superstar names United fans were expecting to see swing through the Theater of Dreams doors this summer. But if Sir Alex pulls this off, it will be the shrewdest bit of business he’s done in a while. The man has done it before with his 1990’s so-called team of kids (Giggs, Neville, Beckham) and he can certainly do it again.

So be patient United fans. Let the new season start before you start throwing the same daggers Tevez did.

I see Michael Owen…

Michael_Owen_280x39_840301aDo you remember how shocking it was when you realized Bruce Willis’ character  in the Sixth Sense was actually one of those dead people the kid kept saying he was seeing? Well shoot the shrink people! We’re not even halfway through the summer transfer season and we already have a shock-of-a-transfer story that could rival the shocking twist of the Sixth Sense.

Michael Owen has been signed by Manchester United. Let me just writepeat that…Michael Owen has been signed by Manchester United. Who wasn’t shocked beyond belief when they heard the news? I was shell-shocked. Anyone who says they saw this coming is a complete and utter liar.

For the last 2 seasons Owen has been hovering around St.James’ Park like a ghost. He was deflated. There was no life left in him. He had become like a dull, dark cloud. Very much like Bruce Willis’ character in the Sixth Sense. And now Newcastle were relegated, who was interested in buying this one time phenom?

Hull City, Stoke City and some other mediocre City named sides were apparently interested! But were these the only teams impressed by Michael Owen’s famous past? Not quite. Just as Owen’s reps were preparing another mail out of that now infamous 34 page soccer sales brochure, he received a surprise phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson inviting him out for a spot of lunch. By the time they were done with their pudding, Owen was offered a contract at Manchester United. It was easy for the ex-Liverpool hero to accept. Perhaps there’s even a part of him that wants to prove Liverpool made a mistake letting him go to Real Madrid all those years ago.

Sir Alex Ferguson likes to gamble and the media is painting this as a huge one. But we all know most transfers are huge gambles. This one could end up being a great gamble. This transfer could be the shrewdest bit of business this summer. For one, Owen will be playing with world class players again. No disrespect to Newcastle, but Manchester United is a different breed of football club. There are players that can inspire Owen to be better and at United, he will be a star name among other superstar names.

You could compare Michael Owen’s forthcoming adventure to that of David Beckham’s recent experience. Beckham was playing for the LA Galaxy and then he found himself going to AC Milan on loan and all of a sudden he’s in the form of his life playing in Serie A, the UEFA Cup and also playing a part in England’s World Cup campaign. With the medical facilities at United and the talent that will surround Owen, he could find himself achieving the same. And how satisfying would it be for him to pull that England shirt on again and prove his doubters wrong? 

Sometimes people grab their second chance and they savor it like a fine wine. Others throw it away like an empty beer can. Michael Owen was dead at Newcastle. You could see it. You could feel it. He will not let this chance pass him by. He is a very ambitious man who wants to show the world he still has it. Do you guys think he will find his world class form again? Can he stay injury free? Has Sir Alex Ferguson taken too much of a gamble and will he be saying “I see Michael Owen” for the rest of his life…?