Thursday 31 May 2012
Sunday 13 May 2012
An Amazing Final Day of the Premier League
Can any other competition bring the immense excitement and ups and downs of the premier league. The craziness of the season never more encapsulated by the last day with the title going down to the absolute wire and an amazing end to the season. If you're still trying to digest like me, here's a quick wrap up of a hectic final day:
Man City v QPR
Well had everything, a QPR side that went from defensive to absolute-shut-up shop defense with 10 players in the box it seemed at stages. A lucky goal from Zabeleta relieved the tension at the Etihad and with 80% of possession it looked as if Man City had no chance of losing. Till a bad error from Lescott allowed Cisse to blast the equaliser. Then Joey Barton got sent off, if the red card against Tevez was debatable his behaviour afterwards certainly wasn't. Well played Carlos? Then completely against the run of play QPR went ahead. Mancini tried everything Dzeko and Mario on, Toure's injury from earlier was looking to be a big loss. Then a lovely cross in injury time from Silva sent in Dzeko for a perfect header. Then the 38 million pound man Aguero smashed in the equaliser. Cue the moment, cue the man, worth every cent. Then raptures.
Man United v Sunderland
United did everything they needed to do, Rooney with header but the only surprise was that he and also United did not score more from a game that was over pretty early in piece. Shattering to hear about the City result with the game over. They were champions till the last 5 minutes of the league.
Arsenal v WBA
For awhile looked shaky there but Arsenal in the end deservedly finished third. All those Wenger knockers from earlier in the season have gone quiet. Hodgsons last game in charge the work he did with WBA should not be underrated.
Chelsea v Blackburn
No surprises here. Good finish to the season for Di Matteo's possible last game in charge. Blackburn, sad to see you go.
Everton v Newcastle
Newcastle have looked tired this last month, but that shouldn't detract from an excellent season. Everton more to play for with the chance of finishing above Everton and on their budget was no mean feat.
Tottenham v Fulham
Tottenham did what they needed to do, now waiting on Chelsea in Champions League to see if they'll be back.
Swansea v Liverpool
/indicative of both their seasons really. Swansea the surprise packets Liverpool disappointing.
Stoke v Bolton
Bolton have every right to be aggrieved. First goal was a foul on the keeper and that penalty? QPR deserved to stay up but Bolton... this isn't the last you'll hear of this.
Norwich v Aston Villa
Norwich like Swansea impressive, Aston Villa have just done enough to survive. Standard result.
Wigan v Wolves
Not the great relegation battle it could've been, will be great to see Wigan around for another season.
Well that's it from me, what did you think? Leave a comment. Follow me on twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/DMSport1) And take care of yourself
Monday 2 April 2012
Premier League Run home: In brief
7 Rounds to go and the deep end of the season now begins, but there's still enough intrigue at the top and as always the bottom of the table to keep fans interested, here we sum up very briefly each premier league teams chances
1.Manchester United (76pts)
Sir Alex has done it again, 5 points ahead of the Manchester neighbours, everything has came together nicely. Just need to keep doing what they've done so far, winning against every team that comes up against them, the defence even minus Vidic is holding up well and De Gea is looking better by the week. Besides Man City the only teams that could cause trouble for Man United are Sunderland away and possibly Everton. The title looks all but assured now however.
2. Manchester City (71)
Need to rely on Manchester United dropping games, and not just the blockbuster at the Etihad. That's also assuming all the remaining games are won which is no foregone conclusion with the on-fire Arsenal at the Emirates. Going to really regret the dropped points against Stoke city, Sunderland and Swansea the three big 'S''s. Need Aguero back and Silva to rediscover his old form because City are in a lull which will more than likely cost them the title.
3.Arsenal (58)
Need to shore up 3rd place to once again travel to Europe. As much as people rave about Ferguson from less resources what Wenger does with his team is just as incredible. Champions league football will keep on Van Persie and next season who knows? Should be able to finish top 4.
4.Tottenham (58)
Still playing cracking football, with class such as Bale, Modric and Adebayor and the magnificent management of 'Arry will stave off Chelsea and Newcastle to return to Champions League football.
5.Chelsea (53)
Undergone a resurgence under Di Matteo of all people but won't be enough for him to keep his job or enough for Chelsea to make Champions League football in all likelihood. The treasured competition Europa beckons...
6.Newcastle (53)
Have pulled many surprises this season, excellently managed by Pardew, finishing 6th a great result to set up a real play for next season.
7.Everton (43)
Surely David Moyes has got to be headhunted by Tottenham or Chelsea for their next manager? Just does it week-in, week out, probably won't hold off Liverpool but who knows?
8.Liverpool (42)
Been a disappointing premiership, but Kenny Daglish should do enough to put them above rivals Everton, with a FA Cup and Carling Cup a consolation.
9.Sunderland (41)
Have played better than they're results have shown, will stay at 9th.
10.Fulham (39)
Difficult run home, will drop down the table
11. Swansea (39)
Playing beautiful football, will run home their impressive season by finishing in the top10
12. Norwich (39)
Must be cursing their run home, but enough to stay up though will drop a bit down the ladder
13. Stoke City (38)
Whatever you say about the way they play it's effective and will rise to 11th-12th in all likelihood.
14. West Bromwich (36)
Will snatch enough points to just about stay where they are
15. Aston Villa (33)
The luck has not been on Mcleish's mens side but will be worried with a horrible run home
16. Bolton (29)
Will get enough enough points to avoid relegation.
17. Queens Park Rangers (28)
Horrible horrible run home. Hughe's men will be cursing their luck. Hard to pick but expect them just to scrape through.
18. Blackburn (28)
Might be leaving it too late, if can beat West Brom, Norwich and Wigan will survive.
19. Wigan (28)
Have been great to watch, will be sad to see them go down
20. Wolverhampton Wolves (22)
Are gone.
1.Manchester United (76pts)
Sir Alex has done it again, 5 points ahead of the Manchester neighbours, everything has came together nicely. Just need to keep doing what they've done so far, winning against every team that comes up against them, the defence even minus Vidic is holding up well and De Gea is looking better by the week. Besides Man City the only teams that could cause trouble for Man United are Sunderland away and possibly Everton. The title looks all but assured now however.
2. Manchester City (71)
Need to rely on Manchester United dropping games, and not just the blockbuster at the Etihad. That's also assuming all the remaining games are won which is no foregone conclusion with the on-fire Arsenal at the Emirates. Going to really regret the dropped points against Stoke city, Sunderland and Swansea the three big 'S''s. Need Aguero back and Silva to rediscover his old form because City are in a lull which will more than likely cost them the title.
3.Arsenal (58)
Need to shore up 3rd place to once again travel to Europe. As much as people rave about Ferguson from less resources what Wenger does with his team is just as incredible. Champions league football will keep on Van Persie and next season who knows? Should be able to finish top 4.
4.Tottenham (58)
Still playing cracking football, with class such as Bale, Modric and Adebayor and the magnificent management of 'Arry will stave off Chelsea and Newcastle to return to Champions League football.
5.Chelsea (53)
Undergone a resurgence under Di Matteo of all people but won't be enough for him to keep his job or enough for Chelsea to make Champions League football in all likelihood. The treasured competition Europa beckons...
6.Newcastle (53)
Have pulled many surprises this season, excellently managed by Pardew, finishing 6th a great result to set up a real play for next season.
7.Everton (43)
Surely David Moyes has got to be headhunted by Tottenham or Chelsea for their next manager? Just does it week-in, week out, probably won't hold off Liverpool but who knows?
8.Liverpool (42)
Been a disappointing premiership, but Kenny Daglish should do enough to put them above rivals Everton, with a FA Cup and Carling Cup a consolation.
9.Sunderland (41)
Have played better than they're results have shown, will stay at 9th.
10.Fulham (39)
Difficult run home, will drop down the table
11. Swansea (39)
Playing beautiful football, will run home their impressive season by finishing in the top10
12. Norwich (39)
Must be cursing their run home, but enough to stay up though will drop a bit down the ladder
13. Stoke City (38)
Whatever you say about the way they play it's effective and will rise to 11th-12th in all likelihood.
14. West Bromwich (36)
Will snatch enough points to just about stay where they are
15. Aston Villa (33)
The luck has not been on Mcleish's mens side but will be worried with a horrible run home
16. Bolton (29)
Will get enough enough points to avoid relegation.
17. Queens Park Rangers (28)
Horrible horrible run home. Hughe's men will be cursing their luck. Hard to pick but expect them just to scrape through.
18. Blackburn (28)
Might be leaving it too late, if can beat West Brom, Norwich and Wigan will survive.
19. Wigan (28)
Have been great to watch, will be sad to see them go down
20. Wolverhampton Wolves (22)
Are gone.
Formula 1 - a McLaren year?
This year so far is looking like McLaren's to lose. With a car so much more further through it's development than its rivals Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes it looks like McLaren might get enough of a jump before the other teams can catch up.
Dopn't be put off by Ferrari's win, it was a near enough flawless drive by Alonso in weather that hindered McLaren. With 2 championship winning drivers in their cars and with a good all round engine it looks like Red Bull is still a month away (though Vettell and Webber have kept pace very well), Ferrari who knows and Mercedes might get pole's but it can't last the whole race as good as the drivers are.
ps-Perez, undoubtedly one for the future, alongside Riccardio and Grosjean
Problem, Man City? U mad?
Manchester City are in trouble. Not from playing extremely badly as some would have you believe mind but just for the fact that Manchester united are beating all the teams they should. Dzeko "was diving" Balotelli "has lost the respect of his teammates and the manager" and Manchester City are "choking".
Far from the truth. In other circumstances their comeback from 3-1 down against an underatted Sunderland would be sort of heralded, except for the fact it was at home and if Manchester United beat Blackburn they will go ahead by 5 points, meaning more than a derby victory will be needed to win the Premiership. Really Balotelli is who he is, Mancini is a manager who knows how to get the best out of him, and is not afraid to give him a kick up the arse or cuddle him if needed. The main problem is David Silva has lost a bit of his early season flair, unfortunately the knocks on the ankles from hard hitting defenders against the silk master have taken their toll. Also losing the 2 most in form players of the last couple of months in Nasri and Aguero hurts.
Looking harder to win for man city here but undoubtedly they've improved. They need to win every game left this season and hope united stuff up at least twice along the way. And hope Dzeko remembers to kick goals when there's defenders around.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4233458/Edin-Dzeko-blasts-dive-claims-after-Sunderland-bust-up.html
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4233375/Alan-Shearer-Mario-Balotelli-is-a-selfish-spoiled-brat.html
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4233545/Man-City-stars-reckon-Mario-Balotelli-is-costing-them-the-title.html
Sunday 1 April 2012
What's happening Liverpool!?
With the 2-0 loss to Newcastle the Carling Cup winners Liverpool look in real strife more than ever, it was gaining but with Keeper Pepe Reina's incredibly childish sendoff and 35million pound boy Andy Carrol's f-bomb rant towards manager Kenny Daglish the cracks were there for all to see.
They are wobbling at 8th even below fierce rivals Everton (who haven't spent on a player since the dark ages) and below Newcastle who have now got a nearly impeachable lead. Where did it all go wrong? This writer still thinks that they will win the FA cup mind but what are they missing?
Torres for 50 mil was a great deal whichever way you look at it, because he had been out of form for a year when he moved to Chelsea although he looked back to the Torres of old. Then he left. Carroll, Suarez et al were brought in. Carroll unfortunately has been a flop, and as solid as the new owners have been even they're starting to look shaky (the Red Sox are in their worst position in 5 years). Liverpool's style of play does not suit Carroll but he hasn't been the biggest impediment.
Luis Suarez in pure playing wise has been a revelation, scoring goals creating chances and annoying opposition teams. But then there is the fact that on the pitch he is an absolutely poor character. First racist towards Evra, (whichever way you put it he shouldn't have said it) then that farcical shirt business by Liverpool then refusing to shake Evras hand after promising too. Making the whole club, one of the greatest Football clubs in the world a laughing stock. Not to mention the 9 games he missed. He has arguably brought more baggage in trouble than that he's lifted with his play. King Kenny needs to lay down the law to his players, win the FA Cup, recruit well over summer and look towards Champions league qualification next season. Anything less is unacceptable. Trade Carroll? either he falls into line or get what you can for him 10-15mil would be a good result.
They are wobbling at 8th even below fierce rivals Everton (who haven't spent on a player since the dark ages) and below Newcastle who have now got a nearly impeachable lead. Where did it all go wrong? This writer still thinks that they will win the FA cup mind but what are they missing?
Torres for 50 mil was a great deal whichever way you look at it, because he had been out of form for a year when he moved to Chelsea although he looked back to the Torres of old. Then he left. Carroll, Suarez et al were brought in. Carroll unfortunately has been a flop, and as solid as the new owners have been even they're starting to look shaky (the Red Sox are in their worst position in 5 years). Liverpool's style of play does not suit Carroll but he hasn't been the biggest impediment.
Luis Suarez in pure playing wise has been a revelation, scoring goals creating chances and annoying opposition teams. But then there is the fact that on the pitch he is an absolutely poor character. First racist towards Evra, (whichever way you put it he shouldn't have said it) then that farcical shirt business by Liverpool then refusing to shake Evras hand after promising too. Making the whole club, one of the greatest Football clubs in the world a laughing stock. Not to mention the 9 games he missed. He has arguably brought more baggage in trouble than that he's lifted with his play. King Kenny needs to lay down the law to his players, win the FA Cup, recruit well over summer and look towards Champions league qualification next season. Anything less is unacceptable. Trade Carroll? either he falls into line or get what you can for him 10-15mil would be a good result.
AFL Round 1-One Sentence report
The first round of football is over and indeed it has served up enough intrigue for the 2 weeks it spanned: Here is our 1 sentence reaction to the first game performance of all 18 teams:
1.Sydney Swans
Well they played GWS who will find it hard and did what they needed to do, not pretty but solid.
2.Adelaide
Like Sydney did what they needed to do, promising start for Sanderson.
3.West Coast
Fine win away against the disappointing fading Bulldogs, midfield and rucks and the infamous "zone" again looking impenetrable at times.
4.Carlton
Showed Richmond that THEY are the real deal and will go far in September.
5.Brisbane Lions
Commendable win away from home against an emotionally tired Melbourne team, will surprise this season very talented crop of young leaders in the midfield coming through but Black is still king.
6. Hawthorn
Excellent win against last years Grand Finalists justified their favourites tag, Cyril and Buddy unstoppable.
7.Port Adelaide
Was baited by Freo and they bought it, will be back.
12.St Kilda
Disappointing to lose to a side that couldn't beat a rabbit with a stick last season, a clean out might be needed?
13.Collingwood
Showed enough and will be better for the experience, players and coach Buckley alike
14.Melbourne
Disappointing but made no excuses for it, need leaders to stand up.
15.Richmond
Hyped again lost again, still a team in progress
16. Western Bulldogs
At least they're not the worst team in the comp with "West" in their name
17.Gold Coast Suns
Not flying high, Ablett show but no one else turned up
18.Greater Western Sydney
Actually played ok gritty footy will be better than many thought...maybe.
1.Sydney Swans
Well they played GWS who will find it hard and did what they needed to do, not pretty but solid.
2.Adelaide
Like Sydney did what they needed to do, promising start for Sanderson.
3.West Coast
Fine win away against the disappointing fading Bulldogs, midfield and rucks and the infamous "zone" again looking impenetrable at times.
4.Carlton
Showed Richmond that THEY are the real deal and will go far in September.
5.Brisbane Lions
Commendable win away from home against an emotionally tired Melbourne team, will surprise this season very talented crop of young leaders in the midfield coming through but Black is still king.
6. Hawthorn
Excellent win against last years Grand Finalists justified their favourites tag, Cyril and Buddy unstoppable.
7.Port Adelaide
They won?
8.Fremantle
Impressive start to season, looked aggressive, inspired and in Fyfe a player who will be top 10 in the competition sooner rather than later
Do they still play this? Heck i love it
9.Essendon
Lucky in the end, but the Kangaroos are never easy to beat.
10.North Melbourne
Kept the rivalry going but were nearly there, loss could really hurt at the pointy end of the season
11.Geelong
12.St Kilda
Disappointing to lose to a side that couldn't beat a rabbit with a stick last season, a clean out might be needed?
13.Collingwood
Showed enough and will be better for the experience, players and coach Buckley alike
14.Melbourne
Disappointing but made no excuses for it, need leaders to stand up.
15.Richmond
Hyped again lost again, still a team in progress
16. Western Bulldogs
At least they're not the worst team in the comp with "West" in their name
17.Gold Coast Suns
Not flying high, Ablett show but no one else turned up
18.Greater Western Sydney
Actually played ok gritty footy will be better than many thought...maybe.
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