Tag: Premier League

Kiss it…

DEFOE_280x390_934278aJermain Defoe scored a record 5 goals in one half of football to help Tottenham secure one of the biggest wins in Premier League history. The blue side of North London battered Wigan 9-1 and reminded everyone they do have what it takes to hang around the top 4 with all the other big boy wannabes. Only Manchester United have scored 9 goals in the Premier League and that was against Ipswich many moons ago. And yes, once upon a time, Ipswich were in the top flight!

Not even ‘Arry Redknapp could believe how his team trounced Wigan. Wigan have been doing some solid business under new manager Roberto Martinez. They have fought well thus far in the Premier League this season and have secured a couple of surprise results including a 3-1 victory over Chelsea. Does this mean Tottenham are better than Chelsea? Of course it doesn’t, but it’s an interesting fact don’t you think? What does it mean when Manchester United lose to Burnely, but Tottenham beat them too? We looked at this trend in the Topsy Turvy post a few weeks ago. We will only know if it means anything at the end of the season and what Spurs really need to do is beat the likes of United, Chelsea and Arsenal to up their game to the next level.

One thing is sure from this result. If injuries are not a factor and form is not an issue, Jermain Defoe will be going to the World Cup with England next summer. And if Aaron Lennon can keep up his current play, he will be on that same flight to South Africa with his Spurs pal. These two players wreaked havoc on Wigan this weekend. They were devastatingly good and there was no stopping them. If they can produce this type of football every week, Tottenham are absolutely a team to be reckoned with and England might benefit from their chemistry at the World Cup.

We have to give credit where credit is due fellow football fans. It’s not easy to score goals in the Premier League. Spurs scored 9. Defoe alone scored 5. Only 3 other players have scored that many in a Premier League game. Spurs were playing against a decent side. The question about Spurs is consistency. Can they bring their “A” game to every game? History has shown us this is not usually the case. But history is there to be altered. Can Tottenham continue the good fight and prove they can hang with the best of them?

Other notes from the weekend…we footie fans needed Manchester United to win so they can keep close to Chelsea. Arsenal blew it against Sunderland. They need to win that game in hand more than ever now. Liverpool look like they are out of the race after a draw with Manchester City. They just don’t look good enough and they don’t have that Liverpool spirit about them. How long will Rafa hang on? Even with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham all still sniffing around, everyone is starting to talk about the Premier League being a two horse race? I’d hate to think so when there is still so much football to be played. What do you think? I believe anything is possible as long as it’s still this side of Christmas!

Don’t pop the champagne cork just yet…

John_Terry_and_Fran_924814aJohn Terry was very quick to goad his rivals following a famous victory for Chelsea over Manchester United at the weekend. The England captain was feeling pretty confident after the Blues win and so he sent a cocky “catch us if you can” taunt to his favourite Premier League foes.

Don’t you think it’s a bit early to be riling up the likes of Arsenal and even Manchester United, despite the fact you did just beat the latter? Let’s not forget how well Aston Villa are doing too and how Manchester City and Tottenham are still sniffing around like they want to steal something. I mean you are only 5 points clear at the top, Arsenal do have a game in hand and it’s only November! Settle down now Mr.Chelsea.

The fact people get so excited about the league being won in November is laughable. There is so much more football to be played and anything can happen. Just ask Liverpool if they thought their season would end up like it has over the last few weeks. Teams can suffer major injury setbacks and as we’ve already seen this season, unpredictable results are more than possible.

I admire the purpose behind John Terry’s message. I hear the spirit and gamesmanship in his voice. But as players, managers, chief executives and fans have learned over the years, don’t get ahead of the next game. Don’t start disrespecting your opponents too much. And don’t think about the victory parade when there is still everything to play for. There’s no doubt Chelsea are the team to beat. But we have a long and arduous season still ahead.

Ancelotti certainly has Chelsea moving in the right direction and with their transfer ban being lifted just last week, they now have the ability to strengthen their team in January, which a few weeks and months ago was looking highly unlikely. A potentially stronger Chelsea after the painful Christmas fixture list is definitely a scary prospect for the rest of the league. But let’s rewind very quickly to just a few weeks ago when Chelsea had lost 3-1 to Wigan and everyone was asking “what’s wrong with Chelsea?” It’s a funny old game is football, so don’t go popping the champagne cork just yet…

The magicians of Merseyside strike…

218830-FBLiverpool beat their arch enemy Manchester United 2-0 at the weekend and this result is without doubt one of the sweetest for the scouse house in years. Nobody gave them a chance. The media ripped them to pieces. Benitez was ready for the chop. And even John Terry labeled them a two-man team. My how things can change so quickly in football. The magicians of Merseyside pulled the rabbit out of the hat big time with this victory and I believe they surprised us all!

With four losses in a row resulting in one of the worst runs of form in the club’s history, Liverpool appeared as though they were heading into some serious turmoil. As the owners continue to be at each others throats and key players suffer from injuries, the hopes of bringing the title home after so many years was slowly fading fast once again. The walls at Anfield were caving in and the claws were coming out thick and fast from all angles.

Even the Liverpool fans turned on manager Rafa Benitez. The fans have always been Rafa’s security blanket. They feel a sense of loyalty for the Champions League success he has brought to the club. The fans fell in love with Rafa when he secured the Champions League trophy. And then when he took them to another Champions League final, they fell in love with him all over again. And last year when Rafa couldn’t quite finish off United in the title race, the fans showed their support once again. But finally that loyalty was tested after a recent run of bad results, including a dismal loss to Sunderland last week.

Going into the United game, Liverpool football club was under an intense amount of pressure. Rafa Benitez was probably under the microscope more than ever before. Some say that a loss to United could have cost him his job, despite the recent vote of confidence from the board. The entire city needed to get behind the team. The manager needed to pull it together. And the players had to go out, perform heroics and get a result that nobody believed they could. Well somehow it all came together and Liverpool won one of the most important games in their recent history. A loss would have meant their Premier League hopes were all but over. And it could have spelled the end for Rafa. Instead he and his red army get to live and fight another day.

This is what makes the Premier League so exciting. Just when you think a team is down and out, they fight back and show their will to win the biggest prize in domestic football. Credit to Rafa and his team for the togetherness they showed and the team spirit they displayed to win the game over their most hated of rivals. Let’s not sugar coat this in any way. These two teams despise each other and Liverpool’s victory will leave a bitter taste in Manchester United’s mouth. The reigning champions were beaten fair and square. There is no referee to blame it on this time. Perhaps it’s Fergie and his Red Devils that face the pressure now.

How do you think Liverpool will do from here? Can they still win the title? How do you think United will bounce back from this loss? Do United have enough quality in their team to crowned champions again? Does anyone else agree it’s time for John Terry to shut-up?

Look out for the party crashers…

Dunne_and_Collins_2_911003aThe wannabe top four teams of the Premier League are really making a case for themselves this season. Aston Villa beat the power house that is Chelsea 2-1, Tottenham piled on the misery for Portsmouth with a victory at Fratton Park and Manchester City continue to prove they are serious about challenging for the title even though they walked away with a draw against Wigan.

Seeing these types of teams rise up and worm their way into the elite group of teams in the Premier League is a great thing for English football. It certainly makes the game more exciting for us fans and it’s great to see the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City making a run for it. Don’t you find this refreshing?

Aston Villa is my team of the week. They have often lost games like they won against Chelsea. It’s happened to them many times against the current big four. But they showed a superb team spirit and togetherness which eventually won them the game. Brad Friedel was a monster in goal and he certainly saved his team on a few occasions. Collins and Dunne were immense on set pieces and their goals were much needed after Drogba put Chelsea ahead. Whether Aston Villa have the squad and fitness to fight on in February, March and April we shall see. This has always been the question mark against Aston Villa. Can you see them breaking into the top four this season? Can they stay consistent?

Tottenham’s path to victory this weekend was a little easier. Beating Portsmouth isn’t exactly a difficult task this season, but with ex-Pompey boss Harry Redknapp returning to the team he helped build, it was going to be a heated affair. In fact, there were a few ex-Portsmouth and ex-Tottenham players on display in this battle. Sharp shooter Defoe scored against his old club but saw himself go from hero to zero after being sent off for a stamp on Portsmouth’s Mokoena. Despite the setback, Spurs went onto win and they maintained their place within the top four. Can they keep it going?

Liverpool have some serious problems. If Torres and Gerrard are not in the squad, they struggle to win. I cannot see them winning the league this season. It seems they may have to make some major transfer moves in January if they want to push for the title. What’s lacking for me when I watch Liverpool is their team spirit. They might put in the effort, but where’s the fight? You can’t blame a balloon for your loss. You need to make your own luck on the pitch sometimes and Liverpool just couldn’t find the inspiration to do that. Can you see Liverpool turning it around this season? Benitez is under pressure, can you see him losing his job if things don’t improve?

West Ham lose to Stoke. Are the East Londoners in trouble? Surely the buyout of the club couldn’t come fast enough for Hammers fans? Is Zola’s job safe for now?

My goal of the week was Robbie Blake’s for Burnley against Blackburn. How great was it to see two old rivals like Blackburn and Burnley back in the Premier League battling it out in one of football’s best local derby’s? The fans created an incredible atmosphere and the old rivalry was well and truly alive. Long may they reside in the Premier League so we can see more great games like the one witnessed on Sunday.

Oh and will someone send the lifeboat out to Phil Brown and his Hull City tigers…

Fabregas the fabulous…

cesc_280x390_901840aFabregas turned on the sexy football against Blackburn this weekend and watching him play was like observing an artist create the perfect painting. It was as though a masterpiece unfolded before your very eyes and witnessing the process felt like something very special. Fabregas made 4 goals, scored a peach of a volley and hit the bar as well. He was simply fabulous. No wonder Barcelona want him so badly.

Fabregas masterminded Arsenal’s performance from start to finish and on a day when Arsene Wenger was celebrating his 13th anniversary as manager, his captain and team did not let him down. Even former captain Thierry Henry was cheering from the stands and marvelling at the Gunners display of beautiful football.

They tore Blackburn to shreds and played their best football so far this season. Sure there were question marks about their defense at times, but Arsenal weathered the storm, stood strong and showed some grit and determination against a very tricky Blackburn team. In seasons past Arsenal could have easily lost a game like this after going 2-1 down, but they had a little something extra this time around and the belief in their ability to win the game was evident. From Fabregas, to Rosicky, to Vermaelen, to Arshavin and even Walcott the sub, Arsenal’s quality and class shone through in abundance.

By the way, I’m wondering if Vermaelen is a better striker than defender? The Belgian international has scored 5 goals in 8 games for Arsenal and is definitely proving to be one of the best summer transfers by a Premier League team. Do you think he’s worth the money so far? How did you rate Fabregas this weekend? If Arsenal play like this, can they win the title? Who scored the better goal, Vermaelen, Fabregas or Bendtner?

It wasn’t a particularly exciting week in the Premier League. Chelsea bounced back really well against Liverpool. The scouse house looked weak again for me and if you look closely, Carragher was responsible for both goals and Gerrard gave the ball away so cheaply in the last 20 minutes of the game. Torres missed a couple of exceptional chances but he just couldn’t find his magic touch today. If Torres isn’t scoring, Liverpool aren’t winning right now. With this loss to Chelsea, are Liverpool’s title hopes over?

Manchester United were lucky to escape with a point. It wasn’t a great performance but it was worth watching the game just to see Berbatov’s goal. It was delicious. Darren Bent’s goal wasn’t bad either and he is proving to be a great signing for Sunderland. United are going to have to play better than that if they want to retain the title. Were they lucky to get a point in your eyes?

Bolton had their best performance in a long time against Tottenham. They deserved the point and really showed some guts in that game. Crouch missed a great opportunity to win the match for Tottenham. Kranjcar was Tottenham’s best player by far and Lennon had another quiet game for the blue side of North London. Not very good in front of Fabio Capello. What did you think of Tottenham this week?

Well done Portsmouth for winning a game. Well done Hull for winning a game. Well done Burnley for continuing to entertain.

Team of the week = Arsenal. How about yours?

Goal of the week = Fabregas volley. How about yours?

Player of the week = Cesc Fabregas

Keane to leave the Lane again..?

robbie_280x390_901244aAs we move swiftly into October, the rumour mill is bubbling once again as the next transfer window looms. We’re sure to hear of Barcelona chasing Cesc Fabregas and there’s no doubt Manchester City will be linked with every single player in the universe. What I wasn’t expecting to hear was a move for Robbie Keane to Celtic. Really?

Having fought for a transfer back to his beloved Tottenham, it surprises me to hear that someone somewhere is trying to shift Mr.Keane away from the Lane. The purported move is splashed across the back pages today and you have to wonder, who is responsible for this? Is it Tottenham? Could it be Keane’s agent? Or is Rafa up to no good again?!

Even though Keane bagged 4 goals against Burnley, he has failed to score in 14 of the 21 league games since his return from Liverpool. I thought he made quite the statement with his performance against the Clarets, but it appears even that hasn’t squashed the question marks surrounding Keane’s current form. Something isn’t quite right with the Irishman and most would have thought he’d be happy with life and football once he returned to Tottenham.

According to most media outlets, Keane’s dream is to play for Celtic one day. Celtic is a fantastic club with great tradition and pedigree, but if you’re a hungry player wanting to win things, surely your best best for serious glory is to stick with Spurs? And being the captain, you’d think lifting trophies for the club he fought so hard to return to would be the priority. But it goes back to where did this story originate from and who is angling for Keane to move?

Do you think Keane will leave Spurs? Is ‘Arry looking to shift the Irishman out so he can start Defoe and Crouch up front? Is this the work of an agent? Does Keane really want to go? If you are a Spurs fan, would you like to see him stay or go? One thing is for sure, it would be a superb deal for Celtic…

He’s already making history…

ron07_350x475_895566a4 games. 4 wins. 4 goals for Ronaldo. Lovely jubbly. So far so good.

Ronaldo and Kaka have hit the ground running for Real Madrid in La Liga. And Ronaldo made history last night by becoming the first player to score in all four league starts for his club. Real Madrid are now level on points with Barcelona, the team they are so desperate to topple in Spain and across Europe this season. It’s a great start for the new Galacticos and up to this moment proves that Mr.Perez was right to spend the bank’s millions to acquire two of the best players in the world.

It also appears there is enough room in the team for Ronaldo and Kaka’s talent and they certainly have the Bernabeau faithful optimistic about their team’s football future once again. Sure there are question marks with regards to Madrid’s defense, but their overall play has been a treat to watch and we’re only 4 games in. There is a definite bite to them now which was absolutely lacking last season.Let’s face it, when you acquire Ronaldo and Kaka, it would almost be criminal if your team did not improve. And as Kaka said last night, “we can get even better.” Scary stuff.

With Messi, Villa and Ronaldo on equal pegging with goals scored so far, we could be in for a stunning season in La Liga. I for one already miss watching Ronaldo in the Premier League. He is such an exciting player and is setting La Liga on fire with his presence, style and exceptional play. It’s early on, but the Portuguese superstar is already making history at the Bernabeau.

Do you miss watching Ronaldo in the Premier League? Do you think Kaka is off to a good start? Do you see them winning La Liga or the Champions League?

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?

We are Fans United chatting it up…

radiologo-1Since British Soccer Diva started last summer, our message and goal has been the same. To try and get as many football fans as possible posting, polling, ranting and raving their hearts out about the beautiful game.

As you all know, we are working on launching a 2 hour weekly podcast as part of British Soccer Diva and we are hopeful the show will reach others beyond this blog. The purpose of the show follows the same philosophy as the blog. We want to unite fans from across the universe so it feels like we’re all down the pub having a pint together. For now, we will be posting three 20 minute weekly round-ups and are still calling out to fellow football fans to join us.

Lady Yid currently leads the Fans Premier League Table. She got out of the blocks pretty fast, so you all have a job on your hands to catch her. It was only fitting that Lady Yid be our first fan co-hosting our weekly round-up. Don’t let her run away with it though. Start joining in the banter and fun so you can see yourself climbing up the Fans Premier League Table. For now, it’s all about Lady Yid. Go to the Radio page and listen to Round Up with Lady Yid.

If you’d like to participate in future shows email fansunited@britishsoccerdiva.com. If you love our 20 minute round-ups then please share with your mates. And if you hate them, try and keep it to yourself!! Football. Soccer. Call it what you want. We are Fans United and will be until we’re old and grey…

Hello. We are Manchester City…

_46367397_adebayorb466Manchester City battered Arsenal 4-2 today. After a dominate 1st half performance by the Gunners, Manchester City gave them a good pasting in the 2nd half. I don’t know what Mark Hughes said to his men at half-time, but whatever it was, it worked to perfection. Unfortunately for City, their great performance is not what the papers will be shouting about tomorrow morning. A deliberate and provocative celebration by Adebayor against his old club Arsenal is what will dominate the headlines on the back pages. Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate his header and Manchester City’s 3rd goal, which obviously incited fury from the Gunners fans.

What he did was wrong. He should know better. Adebayor has obviously dreamed of shoving it down the Arsenal fans throats following months of abuse by them. But so much has been written about City and Arsenal before the season started and we all know there is no love lost between Hughes and Wenger. It certainly appears as though a new rivalry has been born between these two teams and Adebayor is more than happy to lead City from the front lines. This is the first of many battles. Arsenal fans 0 Manchester City fans 1.

City’s 4-2 defeat over Arsenal illustrates how Mark Hughes and his men are ready to prove they can win the title. They have been ripped by many in the media for spending tons of money in the summer transfer market. People have questioned Mark Hughes and his ability to manage a group of growing stars. Bets have been made on whether or not they can break into the so-called Top 4. Well today, Manchester City were able to put some of their critics in their place with a dominant performance. Oh and by the way…they did it without Tevez and Robinho.

Arsenal looked in control of the game in the first half. They had good possession and it appeared as though they could do some damage. But some of their final balls and overall attempts on goal lacked bite. Sure Van Persie and Rosicky scored and the latter looked bright when he came on as a substitute for Arsenal, but it just wasn’t enough. And in the second half, Manchester City took over completely and whipped Arsenal about the pitch like jockeys on a race horse. Adebayor tortured his old team both in attack and defense. I lost count how many Arsenal corners he cleared away with his head. He played with a chip on his shoulder and it worked for him and City.

Once again there are many question marks against Arsenal. The finger will be pointed at Wenger for not splashing the cash in the transfer market. In today’s game, money definitely was the one doing the talking and winning. You could see City’s investments on the pitch and it was fruitful for them today. Let’s remember this is a long season. We still have to see how City perform in adversity. For now, they are enjoying their winning ways. And for now, it’s Arsenal that have to show what they will do in adversity.

Was this game proof that Manchester City will finish above Arsenal this season? Do you think City can win the whole enchilada? Can Adebayor finish as the Premier League’s top scorer? Do City need Robinho and should they let him go to Barcelona? Should Wenger have taken Bendtner off instead of Denilson? Should he give Jack Wilshere more playing time? What’s wrong with Fabregas? Who is getting the drinks in?