It’s always fun talking Arsenal and the beautiful game with broadcasting royalty, Paul Ross. Whenever we chat, there’s always a wee bit of pop culture thrown in. This week, it was a nod to a little old school Saturday morning TV with, Tiswas!
https://talksport.com/radio/listen-again/1617840000/1617841800/
A five-star team always needs five-star calibre players.
The Galaxy have signed many great players over the years and these signings have resulted in a true evolution of Major League soccer at domestic and international level. The most notable of course is, David Beckham. He elevated and changed the game in the United States like no other football player. Beckham helped garner more eyeballs on Major League Soccer and was the nucleus to bringing in more sponsorships and collaborations with big brands that added commercial value to multiple cities and business across the country. He sold tickets. He put bums on seats. And when LA Galaxy signed him, it changed the game forever.
In addition to Beckham, there was of course homegrown talent like, Landon Donovan. Undoubtedly the poster boy for American soccer since his teens, he also became an LA Galaxy captain and legend. Donovan was the connectivity to American culture, the growth of the game and had a huge influence even when big name European players joined the club. He formed an incredible partnership with Robbie Keane and after a dodgy start with Beckham, they found their way and formed one of the most prolific on field relationships in MLS history. But all great things come to an end. And once again LA Galaxy found themselves in a place to to replace legends like Beckham, Donovan and fan favourite, Robbie Keane. Enter the era of Zlatan!
Zlatan arrived with huge fanfare. He even took out an entire page in the LA Times thanking himself and telling Angelinos they were welcome that he was in their city! The bravado was nothing short of what we would expect from the self-proclaimed lion. He lit up MLS immediately and he was the catalyst for infusing a true rivalry with noisy neighbours, LAFC. The lion roared and the Galaxy fans loved every second of it.
Zlatan however decided he had one more chapter to write in Europe. He had left such a huge footprint in Los Angeles that replacing him would probably be one of the hardest tasks of all for this great MLS club. Once again, they had a trump card to play, but this time, would it work?
Enter Javier Hernández, aka Chicharito, the beloved Mexican legend who could now become a new hero in Los Angeles, especially with the large community of Hispanic fans who adore the Galaxy. He had every ingredient to make this one of the most special signings in the club’s history. After all, he played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and other great clubs across Europe and has always been a star for country. But not all stars shine brightly right away. Sometimes it takes a journey in order to find a new place on this earth to shine.
As we look towards the new season, we couldn’t help but rewind to the excitement, hoopla and pizazz in LA when Chicharito did arrive. There was so much hope and many believed this signing was the right move to follow the legend that is Zlatan. With that said, not all moves are seamless or easy. It’s tough moving to a new country and team. When you’ve known something to be a certain way for years, it’s only human to feel challenged with a new environment. And imagine having the hopes of a nation and city on your shoulders too?
Everyone will agree Chicharito’s debut in MLS was hugely disappointing. But he’s been fighting his way back to fitness and form and has elevated his engagement in the task at hand during the off season. Can he dethrone the current golden boy and ex-Arsenal man, Carlos Vela? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, we cannot wait for kick-off and everyone who is a part of the LAG community is rooting for Chicharito to shine as bright as the five stars on the Galaxy shirt!
The return of the greatest game in the world is upon us. The hope. The dreams. The anticipation. The love. The hate. The rivalry. The passion. The despair. The elation. The sweet smell of victory. The bitter taste of defeat. Football is back. How did we make it through the summer?
With every new season come changes. New managers. New players. New tactics. New style. New kits. New boots. New everything. But the one thing that remains the same is what every team is fighting for. To be crowned champions. To win trophies. To be the best of the best.
Who will win it all? Who will disappoint? Who will rise as a new star? Who will fade into the football wilderness?
Join in the fun and share your predictions. From Premier League champions, to relegation, the golden boot, Champions League places and more, British Soccer Diva leaves no stone unturned. You too can look into your crystal football, channel your inner footydamus and give us your predictions for the season ahead.
The transfer market is still open. Who knows where Suarez will end up? Who knows if Rooney will be wearing blue next season? And who knows if Gareth Bale will be living in Madrid? These predictions are based on how each team is made up right now.
This is how we see the Premier League Table at the end of the season…
Chelsea
Manchester United
Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur
——————-
Arsenal
Liverpool
Everton
Swansea City
West Ham
Sunderland
Southampton
West Brom
Aston Villa
Norwich City
Newcastle United
Fulham
Cardiff City
——————-
Stoke City
Hull City
Crystal Palace
Premier League Accolades…
Golden Boot = Sergio Aguero
Golden Glove = David de Gea
Player of the Year = Juan Mata
Young Player of the Year = Romelu Lukaku
Manager of the Year = Jose Mourinho
Miscellaneous…
Steal of the Summer = Etienne Capoue
Comeback Player of the Year = Andy Carroll
Most Hat-Tricks = Luis Suarez
Manager to be Sacked First = Alan Pardew
Most Yellow Cards = Stoke City
Most Red Cards = Sunderland
Other Trophies…
F.A. Cup Winners = Chelsea
Carling Cup Winners = West Ham United
The Premier League is only days away and boy do I have a treat for all of you.
In A Conversation With Bobby McMahon from Fox Soccer Report and Forbes.com we break the game down to its core and talk tactics. From Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle, Bobby shares his brilliant football brain with you.
We also chat about the managerial changes and who Bobby thinks will be in trouble. Plus don’t miss Bobby’s Top 4 predictions as you might be surprised who he has missing from his list. He also shares who he thinks will sink to the Championship at the end of the season.
Don’t miss Bobby McMahon broadcasting his las show on Fox Soccer Report on Thursday 16th August.
It’s that time of year where the flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer and everyone’s mood is filled with optimism. It’s also that time of year where the men are separated from the boys on planet football. That’s right folks. Spring is here. Do you know what else that means? It’s time for Arsenal to fall apart.
Over the last few years, spring has become more predictable than an episode of a daytime soap opera. Either Chelsea or Manchester United are leading at the top of the Premier League and winning the F.A. Cup, and Barcelona are dominating in Europe, destroying anything within 10 yards. It’s also the time of year where Arsenal dissolve as quickly and as easily as an Alka Seltzer.
At bloom’s first sight, the Gunners usually get knocked out of every trophy they are contending for. There’s talk of a quadruple from Christmas to about mid-March and then bam. Spring hits and it’s like Arsenal develop allergies against winning. Could this be the year where the script is written differently?
If Arsenal don’t win a trophy again this season, it’s almost a certainty Fabregas will leave. And after seeing Jack Wilshere play and bloom beautifully himself this season, the Gunners should finally cut the Fabregas umbilical chord. Time to let the Spaniard go. Let’s face it. During Arsenal’s Champions League battle with Barcelona, Fabregas looked like he was already gagging to play for the Catalan giants. In such a big game for the Gunners, Fabregas was doing too much hugging and kissing of the opponent if you ask me. It’s good to be friendly, but not that friendly before kick-off.
Can any Arsenal fan endure another spring full of tears? Or will this finally be the season of change. Hope springs eternal for many Gooners around the globe…
The January transfer market can be as exciting as it is annoying for some clubs. In the middle of the season, transfers can cause unrest and can lead to disastrous results.
Teams can lose their best players, and before you know it, the season is over. However, teams can also buy great players and see their season end in a winning fashion. Either way, people either love or hate this time of year.
The January transfer window hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, but the last few days can always prove to be a shocker. And there is a story brewing that is making all the headlines. Fernando Torres is being hunted by Chelsea. Surely Liverpool don’t want to sell him, do they?
With Argentine strike Luis Suarez on his way to Anfield from Ajax, this could well be the time where the scouse house finally part ways with the Spanish superstar. Suarez impressed at the World Cup for Argentina and could be a perfect replacement for Torres.
Torres could use a fresh start. He has been ravaged by injuries the last couple of seasons and we haven’t seen the best of him. He is however finding some form of late and could join Chelsea at the perfect time. But should Torres leave?
In other transfer happenings…Edin Dzeko’s move from German club Wolfsburg to Manchester City is at present the most expensive transfer in this January window. I always thought he was a quality player who could do some serious damage in the Premier League. But did he join the right club?
Other transfers that made headlines include Emmanuel Adebayor to Real Madrid from Manchester City on loan, but do we care?
Darren Bent seems to get more expensive as he moves from club to club. Aston Villa paid Sunderland 18 million pounds with the transfer fee rising to 24 million. Is he worth it?
Ryan Babel finally ended his Liverpool nightmare and darted off to Hoffenheim for 6 million. That’s a good move for him and he needed to get out. Should another Premier League team have picked him up?
England has beens David Bentley and Wayne Bridge went on loan deals. Bentley left Tottenham for Birmingham and Bridge left Manchester City for West Ham. Can these players resurrect their careers with these latest moves?
We are heading towards the most exciting part of the season fellow footie fans and it’s all leading to a massive crescendo. Take a deep breath. Oh and by the way, the Diva is back…
Did anyone think Newcastle would thrash Aston Villa 6-0? Are Chelsea going to score 6 goals week-in-week-out? Is this Theo Walcott and Arsenal’s season to shine? Are Manchester City the real deal this time around? Do Manchester United look sluggish? Will Tottenham flounder after a stellar showing last season? Is it me or do Liverpool look pizazzless?
We all know the season rarely ends the way it starts. But I feel like I can make one prediction already. West Ham look woeful and unless they strengthen their team, they are toast. Their fans can look forward to life in the Championship if their first two games are anything to go by. Time to put some superhero power in those bubbles Hammer fans!
Everyone was blown away by Blackpool’s first game and they soon bounced back to earth after being tossed like a salad by Arsenal. Theo Walcott looked explosive and he sure feels like a man with a point to prove. It’s good for Arsenal that he’s started off the season that way. Let’s hope he can stay fit .
Manchester City have spent gazillions on some foreign imports but it’s the homegrown talent that look like the sharpest tools in the shed. Adam Johnson and James Milner could be the difference in that team this season and to see young British players flourish and play with such style is refreshing. I’m not rooting for City, but I am rooting for Johnson and Milner to do well!
Newcastle stunned Villa and perhaps even themselves with an outstanding home return to the Premier League. Is Andy Carroll finally the man to fill legend Alan Shearer’s shoes? He could be a winner for the Toon and England. Will be exciting to keep watching how he progresses.
Chelsea look sharp and ready to defend their title. So what’s new?
Manchester United look non-plus at this point. But the Red Devils always get off to a slow start. Perhaps this season is the type where no team can afford a slow start?
It seems you were all chicken to cast your stones and vote who you think will finish where. It’s time to put your footballs where your mouths are fellow fans. Check out the THIS IS IT post and plaster your predictions for the football world to see. What has caught your eye so far?
Thank goodness normal life has resumed once again…
Our crystal ball spoke to us clearly and concisely when the excitement and anticipation of the 2009/10 season kicked-off. We made our predictions. We chose the chosen ones and it was off to the races.
As the best of the best galloped into the eyes of victory and defeat, we raved, we ranted, we posted and we polled about the beautiful game. And as the race to be crowned champion nears its end, we can’t help but wonder, who will cross the finish line first?
For so long Chelsea have been the favourites to scoop the Premier League title. If I remember correctly, we warned the Stamford Bridge outfit not to celebrate too soon. At Christmas, the Chelsea players and faithful believed they had it in the bag. There was an evident cockiness to them which has become synonymous with Chelsea. But a loss to Everton and a whipping by Manchester City in their own park soon made the Blues players and fans realize the fight to the finish will not be so easy. Did they under estimate their opponents? Did the John Terry scandal hurt them? What would they do without Drogba? Will the iron Chelski curtain find its strength again as they head towards the finish?
With Wayne Rooney turning on the style and making a case to be European Footballer of the Year, Manchester United are once again finding their strength and form at the right time. Determined to create history and make it four Premier League titles in a row, the Red Devils are as hungry as ever for silver ware. They’ve already bagged the Carling Cup, they have one eye on a Champions League quarter final spot and they are two points clear at the Premier League summit. Granted they haven’t been as exciting to watch as a team this term, but Rooney has given us every reason to be up for watching Manchester United play. Do you think they’d be flying if Ferdinand and Vidic were fit all season? Do you think Rooney deserves to be Player of the Year? Has Valencia been a success? Will Berbatov be the man United fans want him to be?
And what of Arsenal? After losses to Manchester United and Chelsea, everyone had written off their title chances for good. How could the Gunners win the league if they couldn’t beat the two best teams in the country? Somehow, some way, Arsenal have hung in there. Even though they lost to the big two, they picked up some good results in games we’ve easily seen them lose over the last few seasons. Beating the likes of Stoke and Hull has helped. Losing Ramsey to such a horrific injury has not. But unlike the Eduardo injury experience which saw Arsenal implode that season, it appears this time around the team are galvanized to win it for Ramsey. They seem to have a purpose we may not have seen in recent times. Can Arsenal finish strong without Fabregas? Would they be clear of United and Chelsea on points at this stage if Van Persie hadn’t been injured? Was Vermaelen the best buy of the season? How good could Arsenal actually be if they bought three more world class players?
The rest of the league are fighting for a fourth Champions League spot, a Europa League place or just plain old fashioned survival. How do your predictions match up to what you thought at the beginning of the season? Who do you see wining it all? Chelsea? Manchester United? Or Arsenal? Can Tottenham really steal a Champions League birth? Will Manchester City or Aston Villa ruin their coming out party? Will we see another famous old club like West Ham go down? Has Hull City’s luck finally run out? When Portsmouth go down, how much further will they sink over the next few years? Remember Leeds?
There is still much to play for. It’s sad that the season is almost ending but fear not fellow footie fans! The silver lining is that we are in a World Cup year so the wait for some quality football won’t feel like eternity. Could this be the year Wayne Rooney shines on the world stage? Is it his time to be crowned a world football superstar? The race to the finish line is almost over. The only question is, who will win?
Charlie Brown often gets off to a bad start around the holidays. But somehow, some way, it all comes together for him in the end with a little help from his friends and Santa Claus of course. Around this time of year, Santa can be your best friend. He can bring you gifts you never dreamed of and he can make things happen by just simply sliding up and down your chimney! If you could have one football wish this holiday season what would it be? What would you like to receive from Santa?
If you are a Liverpool fan, you might want a new manager. If you are a Manchester United fan, you might want to see new referees in the league. If you are an Arsenal fan, you are praying for something silver this year! If you are a Tottenham fan, you are hoping your man Defoe can keep up the scoring! If you are a Chelsea fan, you might be wishing for the double this season. And if you are a Manchester City fan…well you got your gift when you beat Chelsea!
Spare a thought for Portsmouth, Hull and West ham fans. What can they be hoping for this holiday season? A boat to prevent them from drowning as they lurk in the deep and dangerous waters of the Premier League? What about Bolton fans. Surely their wish is to see the back of Gary Megson already. They’ve been asking Santa for years now! And let’s spare a thought for Evertonians. They are having a dodgy season and are finding themselves at the wrong end of the table. Are they praying not to be the Newcastle United of the 09/10 season?
You could be wishing for the Premier League title, the Champions League, the F.A. Cup, the Carling Cup, or just plain and pure survival. Heck you might already be praying your country wins the World Cup next summer. Whatever it is we might be hoping for, the one thing that brings us all together is the love of the game. The passion, the heartache, the elation and the despair. It’s that time of year. It’s Christmas. It’s the time where hearts can be broken and when the shape of things to come is evident. It’s make or break time. Keep praying, keep hoping, keep wishing and keep watching. Santa’s bag of tricks could be on your side this holiday season. If Charlie Brown is anything to go by, it might just turn out fine in the end for some of us fans…
The 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…