Category: Premier League

The Penalty Gods punish Arsenal…

zeus-greek-mythology-687267_1024_768They say you reap what you sow. And the Gunners can tell you it’s true. Not even a Godly strike from Arshavin could save Arsenal. They lost to Manchester United in a game they absolutely should have won. They gave away a costly penalty and some might think it was the Gods punishing them for Eduardo’s dive against Celtic earlier in the week. Were the Penalty Gods trying to put the world right at Old Trafford on Saturday? Did Arsenal deserve at least a point for their efforts? Will they bounce back in their next game against Manchester City? Do you think Wenger could play up front after showing his water bottle kicking skills?

Manchester United were exceptionally lucky to get a win against Arsenal. I know they came back and gave it a good fight, but in the overall picture of play, Arsenal made United look really average. The penalty decision was questionable and the own goal from Diaby was incredibly unlucky. Arsenal then had a goal disallowed in the dying seconds and again, you’ve seen them given. Rooney was brilliant. He is the spark for United. His passion drives the team and you can’t deny their never say die attitude. Rooney is the engine though. He is United right now. They need him more than ever. The Gods were certainly on the Red Devil’s side in this game.

Tottenham won again. You read that right people. Tottenham won again. What did they put in the juice down at the Lane? Surely they can’t keep this up can they? ‘Arry is doing a superb job so far this season. It’s a shame Modric will be out for 6 weeks. They say it’s a broken leg. What a blow as he’s been sensational. How will this affect Spurs? Lennon has been on fire in the last couple of games and deserves his England recall. Crouch helped change the game when he came on and he too deserves his call-up from Capello. Can Tottenham really win the League? Can they keep this up? Or will they be arguing about ketchup in a couple of months?

Chelsea look dangerous. They demolished Burnley. Remember, Burnley beat Manchester United last week. Interesting that, don’t you think? Chelsea look connected as a team. They look like they are playing for each other. They’ve maintained the spirit Hiddink recreated from the Mourinho days. Ancelotti has added his flavour to the mix and the Blues are looking good. Frank Lampard continues to impress for me. And it might be painful to hear because I know it’s painful to write but…Ashley Cole is having an incredible start to the season. What do you think of Chelsea?

Liverpool were lucky. The good news for them is they had a very average performance and still won the game. It was so typical of Gerrard to hit a winning goal the way he did when he was not really a factor throughout. This will help the team’s confidence and seeing Torres and Gerrard score will help. Not sure about the new signing Kyriakos. Let’s give the guy more time though. Carragher is a liability at the back. Rafa should stop acting with his heart and start acting with his head when it comes to Carra. He’s a good player to have on the bench. If Liverpool want to win, they need to fix their problems at the back.

Manchester City kept their 100% record alive. Adebayor scored again. Gareth Barry is the most impressive of their new signings. He has to be one of the best midfielder’s in the country. Let’s see how City do in the next few weeks when they meet Arsenal and Manchester United. They are doing well, but for me, they are not interesting yet. It was good to see Everton win. I think Distin is a solid signing for them. Villa won their second in a row so that will help them continue to build their confidence. Stoke are in 4th place! Go on Stoke!

What stood out for you this week?

It’s a Topsy Turvy game this football…

MrTopsy-TurvyLast night Aston Villa beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield. Liverpool fans must be feeling sick this morning. This is not how they planned out their season at the pub this summer. It will take a lot more than a couple of pints to erase this miserable loss.

Did anyone tell the Liverpool players the summer is over and it’s time to get back to work? Do they know it’s not pre-season any more? Someone send them the memo.

Liverpool just don’t look like the same team right now. Torres appears sluggish. Gerrard looks lost. The defense looks dodgy. The midfield is uninventive. The majority of the team can’t finish. And the manager is too busy moaning instead of coaching. Get off your soap box Rafa and get on with it. Stop acting as though the world is against Liverpool. Start doing your talking on the pitch.

Liverpool need to bring in a couple of new players. The scouse house has another week or so to splash the cash in the transfer market. It’s tough to talk about whether or not they will be better with Aquilano as we haven’t seen him perform in the league yet. And despite his acquisition, they could still use an additional midfielder and perhaps even a little more firepower up front. They cannot afford to lose too many more games. We all saw what happened to Arsenal last season. Once they lost 3 or 4, there was no turning back. It was over.

The new season is up to it’s old tricks again. We have plenty of drama early on. Hold onto your balls as though Ronaldo were firing one right at you people. This is going to be one Topsy Turvy season. Are you ready to roll with the nutmegs?

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?

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?

What does your crystal ball say..?

crystal_ballI’ve resisted. I’ve tried everything to curb my urge to talk predictions. Who are we kidding though? How can we avoid it? We all know it’s out there. Everyone’s already talking about who they think will win the league. It’s inevitable. Wouldn’t it be nice to know if we are fan prophets? Come on. You know you want to.

Here’s how I think the Premier League will finish this season. What does your crystal ball say? What do you see in the footballing future? Come May, we will compare our tables and a fan will rise as the British Soccer Diva Premier League Champion.

1. Arsenal

2. Chelsea

3. Manchester United

4. Tottenham

5. Liverpool

** Shocked yet??

6. Manchester City

7. Aston Villa

8. Everton

9. Sunderland

10. Wigan

11. West Ham

12. Fulham

13. Stoke

14. Blackburn

15. Birmingham

16. Portsmouth

17. Hull

18. Bolton

19. Burnley

20. Wolves

Heaven, I’m in heaven…

gods-sunshineFinally, the agonizing wait is over. The greatest show on earth is back. The passion, the agony and the ecstasy of the Premier League is already in full swing. I loved every single second of opening weekend. How was it for you?

Manchester United put in a reliable performance, Chelsea were predictable, Liverpool looked unsavoury and Arsenal were sublime. Of the other teams challenging to break into the top 4…Tottenham looked impressive, Manchester City dazzled for about 10 minutes and Aston Villa were woeful. Now seeing as this is only week one, we won’t get too carried away with what we’ve seen thus far. Remember how we all thought Deco would be another Zola after Chelsea’s first game last season? Well I’m sure we don’t want to make mistakes like that again as we kick-off the 2009/10 campaign. But as fans, we can’t help ourselves in saying what we see, even if it is just week one!

So here’s what I saw and we’ll start with last season’s top 4…if Arsenal can sustain that type of play throughout the season then they have the ability to carve-up any team in the Premier League and I’m even going to say they looked as good as Barcelona when they are at their best. Vermaelen looks like a great signing and Gallas seemed to play exceptionally comfortably with him. Fabregas and Denilson were on fire and Bendtner shined playing on the right for the Gunners. We know Everton aren’t that crap. But are Arsenal really that good?

Hull were very unlucky. Chelsea got very lucky. 6 minutes of injury time. Really referee? Despite that, you can’t deny Drogba his free-kick winner in the dying minutes. Drogba was Chelsea’s best player. It’s as though he’s playing to redeem himself from the disgusting outburst he had during last year’s Champions League semi-final. If he’s going to play like this all season, he could be the key to the Blues success. Can Drogba deliver this year? For Hull, it could be another struggle. I can see why Michael Turner is attracting the likes of Liverpool. He was a rock for Hull and by far their best player. Does anyone else ever mistake him for Michael Dawson though? Can you say twins?

Manchester United already missed Ronaldo in their first game of the season. Who wouldn’t? He’s one of the world’s best players. Sir Alex Ferguson has said it’s going to be tough without him. And it might well be for United as they defend their title. New signing Antonio Valencia had a solid home debut and Berbatov’s touch at time was exquisite. However, the main man for United this year will be Rooney. They need him to stay fit. Without him, they will struggle. Rooney could have an award winning type of season. The shackles are off. Watch him fly. Can Rooney be a sensation? Do you see United winning 4 in a row?

Not to hit the panic button just yet, but Liverpool didn’t look good at all. There was no invention in their play and it felt as though Alonso was missing from that midfield. Torres and Gerrard were rusty and Benitez should have played Benayoun from the beginning. Babel just can’t cut it and he gave another poor performance. Glen Johnson had a great debut for the reds and was the reason they won that penalty. Benitez might need to buy a couple more players before the transfer window ends. And he needs Aquilano to get fit as soon as possible. Can Liverpool mount a challenge this season?

Now to the top 4 wannabees…Tottenham rolled over Liverpool and looked more like title contenders in this first game. From defense to attack, they dominated and made Liverpool look like a very average Premier League team. Modric, Huddlestone and King controlled the game. Defoe looks ready to rumble. Ekotto is establishing himself as an elite player and Lennon could still use some refnining. Is it me or does Huddlestone remind you of Hoddle? And if it wasn’t for his bum knees, could Ledley King oust Terry or Ferdinand from the England squad?

Manchester City, the new billionaire boys club of the Premier League got off to a great start. Don’t let the score fool you though. Blackburn put up a good fight and could have taken a point from the game. There’s no question Adebayor was flying from the word go, but for me it was the likes of Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips that were at the heart of everything good for City. Mark Hughes still has a lot of work to do. They still look suspicious in defense and once again, Robinho had another average game. You can’t help but wonder how this team will react in a moment of adversity. I can see them tearing each other apart. Can you?

Notable mention of course goes to Wigan for a superb start beating Villa. Note to all Wigan fans…just remember how good a start Hull City made last season! And this is just week one. See…I told you it was too hard to keep the ole’ gob shut. Heaven, we’re in heaven…

Bye-bye Manu, bye-bye…

TRUE_BLUE_____Emman_848719aIt looks like Arsenal fans have been given something to shout about this summer…they’re finally shot of Emmanuel Adebayor!

The love-hate relationship is over. Adebayor’s taunts about leaving have to be heard no more. And surprisingly, he didn’t end up at his “dream club” AC Milan. Adebayor signed-up for the Manchester City revolution and a whopping salary of 130,000 pounds a week. So much for wanting to play Champions League football and joining an elite European club.

Adebayor had one great season at Arsenal…in a contract year! This guy is a greedy little bugger who was out for the big bucks. If he really wanted to stay at Arsenal he would have. Robin van Persie just signed an 80,000 pound a week contract to stay with the Gunners. He made it very clear his next contract wasn’t about the money, it was about winning. Van Persie realizes he already makes a ton of cash. He was courted by Manchester United and Chelsea this off-season but he chose to stay at Arsenal. Adebayor on the other hand took an offer from the highest bidder and isn’t even guaranteed a starting place when the new season kicks-off in August.

Adebayor could be a huge success at Manchester City. He could also flop. So many players that have left Arsenal have failed to shine when they moved for bigger, better money. Look at what’s happened to Alexander Hleb at Barcelona. Flamini at AC Milan is doing much better now, but it was tough for him at first. And in the past Viera, Petite and Overmars flopped when they left Arsenal. They were not the same players. In the end, Adebayor’s pockets might be heavier, but he may have less silverware to admire when it’s time to put his feet up from his playing days.

Will Arsenal replace Adebayor? Is he a great loss to the team? Do you think Adebayor moved for money? Will he start at Manchester City? How loud will the boos be when he goes to the Emirates next season? I wrote an article about Adebayor last season. Check it out. http://britishsoccerdiva.com/prod/?p=61. Just shows you a leopard never changes its spots…

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’d play at the Theater of Dreams…

oldtrafford_468x596Why is everyone turning down the chance to sign for Manchester United? Why don’t players want to play at the Theater of Dreams? What is wrong with everyone people?

Benzema admitted today he chose Real Madrid over Manchester United. Ronaldo didn’t want to stay a second longer in the North of England. And Franck Ribery is hellbent on joining Real Madrid over United too. I get it, and I just don’t get it all at the same time. The last time I looked, Manchester United were the team with the stable manager and the countless Premier League titles, F.A. Cup and Champions League wins over the last few years.

If I were a player wanting to win things, United would be a better choice over Real Madrid right now wouldn’t it? But it seems the lure of Real Madrid and their place in football history is too much for players to overlook. Manchester United have just as much history. But wearing the famous white for one of the world’s greatest teams seems to be the soup de jour. Or is it because they are throwing money at players and they all see an opportunity to beef up their pensions while they can? Surely they don’t want to make history and be part of a football revolution do they? I’ll give Ronaldo a pass on this one. He earned his move and gave a lot to United.

But given the choice, would you play for Sir Alex Ferguson or Manuel Pellegrini? Pellegrini doesn’t have the pedigree of Ferguson. Granted neither did Pep Guardiola and he was amazing as Barcelona manager winning the treble in his first season. But how often does that happen? Not very. Real Madrid are obviously building another Galacticos team and they are desperate to emulate what their biggest rivals did last season. It’s hard to win the treble and it’s not a guarantee these superstars are going to gel and be unbelievably good together. 

David Beckham and other Real Madrid players of the past have all said that the revolving door of managers at the Bernabeu hurt their own form and this obviously affected the overall success of the team. No player likes to have a couple of managers a month taking charge. Beckham has said many times the stability at Manchester United and knowing who the manager was and what was expected helped him and every other player evolve and progress as professionals. Perhaps it will be different with Pellegrini. Let’s see what happens when the new season starts.

Manchester United have been turned down a lot this summer. Does this mean the power is shifting to La Liga? Is this where most players want to be now? If I were one of the best players in the world today seeking a transfer, I’d sign for Manchester United in a heartbeat. It’s called the Theater of Dreams for a reason you know! Who would you sign for?

Manchester City splashing the cash…

picsrvmcfccoukThe new Chelski are starting to dig deep in their pockets of infinity. Manchester City have splashed 18 million pounds on Roque Santa Cruz. The ex-Blackburn striker put pen to paper for his old boss Mark Hughes and so the long arse chase for his signature ends. Thank God. 

I like Roque Santa Cruz. He is a good player. He has lots of quality and strength. He is a solid signing for Manchester City.

I also thought he would be a good fit for Arsenal if Adebayor left. But City is his chosen destination and that has a lot to do with wanting to play for Mark Hughes again. He scored 23 goals in his debut season for Blackburn and the Paraguay international certainly has the confidence to bounce back from his knee injury nightmare of last season. Perhaps after that injury I would have paid more around the 10-12 million pound mark. But clubs know City have the money to spend and City are willing to pay the asking price. Do you think Santa Cruz is worth the money?

Mark Hughes has been given the chance to start a revolution at Manchester City. They say Tevez is on the way but we’ll believe that when we see him pictured in the blue shirt at the press conference. Wow wouldn’t that be a dagger to United fans hearts? Mark Hughes, a hero of the past at United now manager of Manchester City. And Carlos Tevez, their Argentine Prince potentially leaving the Theater of Dreams to play for across the street for the Blue side of Manchester. Why don’t you just twist the knife on your way out Carlos!

City have Robinho too remember. And with the signing of Santa Cruz and maybe Tevez, do you think they can challenge for the Premier League next season? Will Mark Hughes still have a job by Christmas?