Here are the games that took place earlier today:
Aston Villa-3 West Ham United-0: I saw a little of this game, and Villa dominated right from the start. West Ham only managed to get one shot on goal, while logged a remarkable 16 corners. Stewart Downing and Stiliyan Petrov scored for Villa in the first half, while James Milner scored maybe his last goal for Villa in the 66th minute. The fans at Villa Park cheered Milner for possibly one last time before his was subbed in the 85th minute.
Marc Albrighton also received mass appraise from the fans after he assisted on a goal and recorded three shots.
Blackburn Rovers-1 Everton-0: Everton controlled this game, but a stumble by American goalkeeper Tim Howard cost Everton the game. Howard attempted to clear the ball, but muffed it, and it fell to the feet of Nikola Kilinic. Kilinic slotted the ball home, and that was the difference in the game.
Everton had chances to tie the game. They took 21shots, but only four of them were on goal. Everton had 70% of the possession, but were not able to capitalize on it. Ultimately, Everton will be disappointed with their start of the season. Blackburn, on the other hand, will be thrilled to come away with three points.
Bolton Wanderers-0 Fulham-0: This was a very evenly matched game, and the scoreline suggests that. David Stockdale filled in admirably for Mark Schwarzer in goal. Schwarzer has made it clear he wants to go to Arsenal, and he'll probably end up there. American Stuart Holden had a good game for Bolton, almost scoring but falling just short.
Sunderland-2 Birmingham-2: Sunderland thought they had the game all wrapped up after gaining a two goal lead in the 56th minute. Even though Sunderland lost Lee Cattermole to a red card in the 43rd minute, the game looked locked up. It was not to be however, as Birmingham stormed back and tied it in the final minutes.
Darren Bent scored from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 24th minute. Birmingham cut the lead in half in the 77th minute with a goal from the head of Scott Dann. Liam Ridgewell was the hero for Birmingham, tying it in the 88th minute. Both sides will be disappointed. Sunderland because of the red card and the collapse. Birmingham because of the questionable penalty call.
Blackpool-4 Wigan-0: Blackpool smashed Wigan and sealed this game early on. This is a shock win for the many of us who wrote Blackpool off. Again, I did predict that Wigan would be relegated this year, but I did not think Blackpool would utterly destroy them.
Marlon Harewood was the Man of the Match, scoring two goals and assisting on another. Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alex Baptiste also scored in Blackpool's first game in the top flight since the 70's. Manager Ian Holloway will be proud.
Wolverhampton Wanderers-2 Stoke City-1: Steven Fletcher had a joyous debut with Wolves today, scoring a goal in the 39th to put his club up two. Only two minutes earlier, David Jones hit the net to open the scoring. Stoke City showed some promise but struggled when Kenwyne Jones was subbed out due to injury.
Great start for Wolves at home. These are the kinds of games they need to win to stay afloat in the Premier League.
Chelsea-6 West Bromwich-0: Chelsea came out flying in their opening game today, destroying newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. Man of the Match Didier Drogba netted a hat trick in the game. Florent Malouda netted two goals himself. Frank Lampard also found the back of the net at Stamford Bridge.
This was too be expected from the defending champions, but it is still a good sign. Chelsea's preseason struggles clearly have not carried over into the season.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Tottenham Draws With Man City
In the first Premier League match of the season, Manchester City and Tottenham failed too score a goal at White Hart Lane. The star of the game was Man City goaltender Joe Hart, who keep Tottenham off the score sheets with some remarkable stops. It was a good start of the season for Man City, earning a point on the road. Tottenham fans will be disappointed that their team couldn't break through against City.
The first half was dominated by the Spurs. Jermaine Defoe terrorized the Manchester City defense, but couldn't beat Hart. Defoe twisted his hips and unleashed a wicked shot. I don't know how Hart reacted quick enough to make the save but he somehow did.
Gareth Bale had a played a good game for Tottenham but missed a sure goal late in the game. A cross aimed at Robbie Keane was deflected by Hart and bounced right back out to Bale. Bale's not too good with his off foot (right). and he muffed a kick wide.
Manchester City can't be too pleased with how they played, despite earning a point. There defense was lackadaisical in the first half, and their offense managed only two shots on goal. Hart was the one bright spot. He had been in a battle with Shay Given for the starting position, but that battle may be over for the time being.
Tottenham looked good despite the 0-0 draw. Their offense was fluid and their defense was tough. I was personally impressed with Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Joe Hart told Sky Sports that he does not consider himself the #1 goalie at City, even with his Man of the Match performance today. He went on to praise Shay Given and say about today's game(all quotes from skysports.com): "It was just an enjoyable day. I love playing football and it was great to be involved."
The first half was dominated by the Spurs. Jermaine Defoe terrorized the Manchester City defense, but couldn't beat Hart. Defoe twisted his hips and unleashed a wicked shot. I don't know how Hart reacted quick enough to make the save but he somehow did.
Gareth Bale had a played a good game for Tottenham but missed a sure goal late in the game. A cross aimed at Robbie Keane was deflected by Hart and bounced right back out to Bale. Bale's not too good with his off foot (right). and he muffed a kick wide.
Manchester City can't be too pleased with how they played, despite earning a point. There defense was lackadaisical in the first half, and their offense managed only two shots on goal. Hart was the one bright spot. He had been in a battle with Shay Given for the starting position, but that battle may be over for the time being.
Tottenham looked good despite the 0-0 draw. Their offense was fluid and their defense was tough. I was personally impressed with Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Joe Hart told Sky Sports that he does not consider himself the #1 goalie at City, even with his Man of the Match performance today. He went on to praise Shay Given and say about today's game(all quotes from skysports.com): "It was just an enjoyable day. I love playing football and it was great to be involved."
Friday, August 13, 2010
Premier League Predictions: 10-1
Here is a link to #20-11. So here is the top-10:
10. Fulham
Manager: Mark Hughes
2009/10 Finish: 12th
Players to Watch: Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera
Preview: Mark Hughes is taking over Fulham after Roy Hodgson left for Liverpool. He has a talented squad, and he will be able to please the Fulham fans with a top-10 finish, but just barely. Fulham does have an American connection in Clint Dempsey, on of the best U.S. players.
9. Sunderland
Manager: Steve Bruce
2009/10 Finish: 13th
Players to Watch: Darren Bent, Jordan Henderson, Kieran Richardson
Preview: Sunderland is a very good squad, they will surprise many people by finishing in the top-10 this season. They have a huge scoring threat in Darren Bent up top. Jordan Henderson is a terrific young midfielder. Also, Sunderland have money to spend. They haven't spent it yet, but maybe by the second transfer window. This will be a successful season for Sunderland.
8. Aston Villa
Manager: Caretaker Boss Kevin MacDonald
2009/10 Finish: 6th
Players to Watch: Emil Heskey, Richard Dunne, Nathan Delfouneso
Preview: Villa is sinking fast in the ocean known as the Premier League. With Martin O'Neil quitting a week before the season, plus the eminent sale of star player James Milner. I was tempted to put Aston Villa even farther down in the table, but I can't. They still have some good young players mixed with reliable veterans. As far as I'm concerned, Milner is already on Man City. This will be a disappointing season for Villa because they will miss out on European competition.
7. Everton
Manager: David Moyes
2009/10 Finish: 8th
Players to Watch: Louis Saha, Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville
Preview: Everton are a very interesting club. They have a solid squad all around. Everton are just off the top-6 teams. There will be some separation there. Everton do have an American connection with goaltender Tim Howard, one of the best goalies in the league. Good news: Europa League. Bad news: just the Europa League.
6. Tottenham
Manager: Harry Redknapp
2009/10 Finish: 4th
Players to Watch: Luca Modric, Ledley King, Robbie Keane
Preview: Okay, it's no secret I don't like Tottenham, but that is not why I think they will drop two spots from last season. With Man City improving by the day, Tottenham will just not be able to keep up. Hey look to the bright side: more Europa League.
5. Manchester City
Manager: Roberto Mancini
2009/10 Finish: 5th
Players to Watch: Carlos Tevez, Robinho, Emmanuel Adebayor
Preview: Manchester City is trying the old "buy a championship" approach. I could type every player they've brought/bringing in, but I'm not going to do it. A collection of star players, assembled on a field, having barely played with one another, doesn't lead to success. Just ask team England.
4. Liverpool
Manager: Roy Hodgson
2009/10 Finish: 7th
Players to Watch: Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres
Preview: Last season was a fluke for Liverpool. They have a good team. They just need to put it together. Even with a "takeover" imminent at Anfield, the addition of Joe Cole and Christian Poulsen, will help them get back into the top four. That said, they will not compete for the title, as there will be a sizable game between Liverpool, Man City, and Tottenham and the top 3.
3. Chelsea
Manager: Carlos Ancelotti
2009/10 Finish: 1st
Players to Watch: Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien
Preview: Last season's winners will not repeat as champions this season. The injury bug tends to affect older teams, and Chelsea is certainly getting older. Last season was a last hurrah for the Frank Lampard-John Terry lead team. They still have a good squad, and will contend for the title until the final month of the season.
2. Arsenal
Manager: Arsene Wenger
2009/10 Finish: 3rd
Players to Watch: Cesc Fabregas, Aaron Ramsey, Andre Arshavin
Preview: Wenger's contract runs out at the end of the season. Now, as of posting this, no extension has been agreed upon, but Wenger says one is close. Arsenal need to win some hardware this season to justify a Wenger extension. They can win the Premier League if they can stay healthy, but that just hasn't happened in recent years. They may not win the Premier League, but they may win hardware.
1. Manchester United
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
2009/10 Finish: 2nd
Players to Watch: Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Javier Hernandez
Preview: They have one of the best finishers in the Premier League in Wayne Rooney; One of the best young players in Javier Hernandez; One of the best veteran playmakers in Paul Scholes. All of that plus more makes up the best team in the Premiership. They have a blazing counter attack that usually ends in a through ball to Rooney, and you know the rest. United will be Champions once again, but it won't be by a big margin.
10. Fulham
Manager: Mark Hughes
2009/10 Finish: 12th
Players to Watch: Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, Zoltan Gera
Preview: Mark Hughes is taking over Fulham after Roy Hodgson left for Liverpool. He has a talented squad, and he will be able to please the Fulham fans with a top-10 finish, but just barely. Fulham does have an American connection in Clint Dempsey, on of the best U.S. players.
9. Sunderland
Manager: Steve Bruce
2009/10 Finish: 13th
Players to Watch: Darren Bent, Jordan Henderson, Kieran Richardson
Preview: Sunderland is a very good squad, they will surprise many people by finishing in the top-10 this season. They have a huge scoring threat in Darren Bent up top. Jordan Henderson is a terrific young midfielder. Also, Sunderland have money to spend. They haven't spent it yet, but maybe by the second transfer window. This will be a successful season for Sunderland.
8. Aston Villa
Manager: Caretaker Boss Kevin MacDonald
2009/10 Finish: 6th
Players to Watch: Emil Heskey, Richard Dunne, Nathan Delfouneso
Preview: Villa is sinking fast in the ocean known as the Premier League. With Martin O'Neil quitting a week before the season, plus the eminent sale of star player James Milner. I was tempted to put Aston Villa even farther down in the table, but I can't. They still have some good young players mixed with reliable veterans. As far as I'm concerned, Milner is already on Man City. This will be a disappointing season for Villa because they will miss out on European competition.
7. Everton
Manager: David Moyes
2009/10 Finish: 8th
Players to Watch: Louis Saha, Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville
Preview: Everton are a very interesting club. They have a solid squad all around. Everton are just off the top-6 teams. There will be some separation there. Everton do have an American connection with goaltender Tim Howard, one of the best goalies in the league. Good news: Europa League. Bad news: just the Europa League.
6. Tottenham
Manager: Harry Redknapp
2009/10 Finish: 4th
Players to Watch: Luca Modric, Ledley King, Robbie Keane
Preview: Okay, it's no secret I don't like Tottenham, but that is not why I think they will drop two spots from last season. With Man City improving by the day, Tottenham will just not be able to keep up. Hey look to the bright side: more Europa League.
5. Manchester City
Manager: Roberto Mancini
2009/10 Finish: 5th
Players to Watch: Carlos Tevez, Robinho, Emmanuel Adebayor
Preview: Manchester City is trying the old "buy a championship" approach. I could type every player they've brought/bringing in, but I'm not going to do it. A collection of star players, assembled on a field, having barely played with one another, doesn't lead to success. Just ask team England.
4. Liverpool
Manager: Roy Hodgson
2009/10 Finish: 7th
Players to Watch: Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres
Preview: Last season was a fluke for Liverpool. They have a good team. They just need to put it together. Even with a "takeover" imminent at Anfield, the addition of Joe Cole and Christian Poulsen, will help them get back into the top four. That said, they will not compete for the title, as there will be a sizable game between Liverpool, Man City, and Tottenham and the top 3.
3. Chelsea
Manager: Carlos Ancelotti
2009/10 Finish: 1st
Players to Watch: Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien
Preview: Last season's winners will not repeat as champions this season. The injury bug tends to affect older teams, and Chelsea is certainly getting older. Last season was a last hurrah for the Frank Lampard-John Terry lead team. They still have a good squad, and will contend for the title until the final month of the season.
2. Arsenal
Manager: Arsene Wenger
2009/10 Finish: 3rd
Players to Watch: Cesc Fabregas, Aaron Ramsey, Andre Arshavin
Preview: Wenger's contract runs out at the end of the season. Now, as of posting this, no extension has been agreed upon, but Wenger says one is close. Arsenal need to win some hardware this season to justify a Wenger extension. They can win the Premier League if they can stay healthy, but that just hasn't happened in recent years. They may not win the Premier League, but they may win hardware.
1. Manchester United
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
2009/10 Finish: 2nd
Players to Watch: Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Javier Hernandez
Preview: They have one of the best finishers in the Premier League in Wayne Rooney; One of the best young players in Javier Hernandez; One of the best veteran playmakers in Paul Scholes. All of that plus more makes up the best team in the Premiership. They have a blazing counter attack that usually ends in a through ball to Rooney, and you know the rest. United will be Champions once again, but it won't be by a big margin.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Premier League Predictions: 20-11
Here are my 2010/11 Premier League predictions and previews. I will be going in reverse order, starting with the the team I think will finish last up until #11 for this post. Later in the week, I will post who I think will finish in the top 10 in the league table. Enjoy.
20. Blackpool
Manager: Ian Holloway
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Neil Eardley, Brett Ormerod, Charlie Adam
Preview: Blackpool are just happy to be up in the top league. Many newly promoted teams like to keep a tight budget for players. Blackpool is no different. The most they've ever spent for a player is £500,000. The big four teams pay 12-year old youth players that amount. Almost all the players on Blackpool's roster are from the UK or Ireland.
While Blackpool have a good manager in Holloway, their roster is just not up to Premier League standards. I have a feeling they will be back in the Championship next season.
19. West Bromwich Albion
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Yossuf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans, Chris Wood
Preview: West Brom are more prepared to face the Premier League than Blackpool. That said, I still think they will be relegated. The "Baggies" have a more experienced roster than Blackpool, and have a small chance to stick around in the Premier League.
18. Wigan Athletic
Manager: Roberto Martinez
2009/10 Finish: 16th
Players to Watch: Emmerson Boyce, Chris Kirkland, Charles N'Zogbia
Preview: I think Wigan were lucky to avoid relegation last season. Their goal differential was worst in the EPL last season at -42. I don't think they'll be so lucky this season.
17. West Ham United
Manager: Avram Grant
2009/10 Finish: 17th
Players to Watch: Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Robert Green
Preview: West Ham just avoided an relegation last season. Of course, 17th wasn't their ideal finish. They do have some quality players however. Captain Matthew Upson started center back at center back for the English national team in the World Cup. Green gave up that soft goal against the USA, which lead to a 1-1 draw. West Ham will just escape relegation this season.
16. Newcastle United
Manager: Chris Hughton
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Kevin Nolan, Sol Campbell, Nile Ranger
Preview: After bringing in Sol Campbell from Arsenal, Newcastle basically have no money for any more players. That said, they still have a decent enough squad to stick around in the Premier League. Newcastle gained their promotion by winning the Championship. They will avoid relegation, but they will not finish higher than hated rival Sunderland.
15. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manager: Andy Dalziel
2009/10 Finish: 15th
Players to Watch: Kevin Doyle, Michael Kightly, Ashley Hemmings
Preview: Wolves surprised many by avoiding relegation last season. This season they are expected to stay in the league as they try to become a Premier League mainstay. They brought in Stephen Fletcher to play with Irishman Kevin Doyle up front. Wolves may surprise some people again this season.
14. Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
2009/10 Finish: 11th
Players to Watch: Ricardo Fuller, Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap
Preview: Stoke terrorized Arsenal and Man City in in the F.A. Cup and finished 11th in the table. Everyone was shocked by Stoke City last year and Rory Delap's long throw-ins. That will not be the case this season. Teams that took Stoke lightly last season will not this season.
13. Birmingham City
Manager: Alex McLeish
2009/10 Finish: 9th
Players to Watch: Ben Foster, Roger Johnson, Stephen Carr
Preview: Birmingham had a great season in 09/10. Ben Foster will have to come up HUGE if Birmingham hope to crack the top 10 this season. Joe Hart, on loan from Man City, saved Birmingham time and time again last season. Birmingham will return back to earth this season.
12. Bolton Wanderers
Manager: Owen Coyle
2009/10 Finish: 14th
Players to Watch: Lee Chung-yong, Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill
Preview: Bolton finished a disappointing 14th last season. Acquiring Martin Petrov will help them, but they will still not get into the top 10. They need more young talent to inject some creativity into the side.
11. Blackburn Rovers
Manager: Sam Allardyce
2009/10 Finish: 10th
Players to Watch: El Hadji Diouf, Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones
Preview: Blackburn have a lot of young talent. That is great for the future of the club, until bigger clubs snatch them away that is.
Check in tomorrow for my prediction as to who will finish in the top 10 in the Premier League.
20. Blackpool
Manager: Ian Holloway
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Neil Eardley, Brett Ormerod, Charlie Adam
Preview: Blackpool are just happy to be up in the top league. Many newly promoted teams like to keep a tight budget for players. Blackpool is no different. The most they've ever spent for a player is £500,000. The big four teams pay 12-year old youth players that amount. Almost all the players on Blackpool's roster are from the UK or Ireland.
While Blackpool have a good manager in Holloway, their roster is just not up to Premier League standards. I have a feeling they will be back in the Championship next season.
19. West Bromwich Albion
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Yossuf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans, Chris Wood
Preview: West Brom are more prepared to face the Premier League than Blackpool. That said, I still think they will be relegated. The "Baggies" have a more experienced roster than Blackpool, and have a small chance to stick around in the Premier League.
18. Wigan Athletic
Manager: Roberto Martinez
2009/10 Finish: 16th
Players to Watch: Emmerson Boyce, Chris Kirkland, Charles N'Zogbia
Preview: I think Wigan were lucky to avoid relegation last season. Their goal differential was worst in the EPL last season at -42. I don't think they'll be so lucky this season.
17. West Ham United
Manager: Avram Grant
2009/10 Finish: 17th
Players to Watch: Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Robert Green
Preview: West Ham just avoided an relegation last season. Of course, 17th wasn't their ideal finish. They do have some quality players however. Captain Matthew Upson started center back at center back for the English national team in the World Cup. Green gave up that soft goal against the USA, which lead to a 1-1 draw. West Ham will just escape relegation this season.
16. Newcastle United
Manager: Chris Hughton
2009/10 Finish: Promoted
Players to Watch: Kevin Nolan, Sol Campbell, Nile Ranger
Preview: After bringing in Sol Campbell from Arsenal, Newcastle basically have no money for any more players. That said, they still have a decent enough squad to stick around in the Premier League. Newcastle gained their promotion by winning the Championship. They will avoid relegation, but they will not finish higher than hated rival Sunderland.
15. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manager: Andy Dalziel
2009/10 Finish: 15th
Players to Watch: Kevin Doyle, Michael Kightly, Ashley Hemmings
Preview: Wolves surprised many by avoiding relegation last season. This season they are expected to stay in the league as they try to become a Premier League mainstay. They brought in Stephen Fletcher to play with Irishman Kevin Doyle up front. Wolves may surprise some people again this season.
14. Stoke City
Manager: Tony Pulis
2009/10 Finish: 11th
Players to Watch: Ricardo Fuller, Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap
Preview: Stoke terrorized Arsenal and Man City in in the F.A. Cup and finished 11th in the table. Everyone was shocked by Stoke City last year and Rory Delap's long throw-ins. That will not be the case this season. Teams that took Stoke lightly last season will not this season.
13. Birmingham City
Manager: Alex McLeish
2009/10 Finish: 9th
Players to Watch: Ben Foster, Roger Johnson, Stephen Carr
Preview: Birmingham had a great season in 09/10. Ben Foster will have to come up HUGE if Birmingham hope to crack the top 10 this season. Joe Hart, on loan from Man City, saved Birmingham time and time again last season. Birmingham will return back to earth this season.
12. Bolton Wanderers
Manager: Owen Coyle
2009/10 Finish: 14th
Players to Watch: Lee Chung-yong, Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill
Preview: Bolton finished a disappointing 14th last season. Acquiring Martin Petrov will help them, but they will still not get into the top 10. They need more young talent to inject some creativity into the side.
11. Blackburn Rovers
Manager: Sam Allardyce
2009/10 Finish: 10th
Players to Watch: El Hadji Diouf, Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones
Preview: Blackburn have a lot of young talent. That is great for the future of the club, until bigger clubs snatch them away that is.
Check in tomorrow for my prediction as to who will finish in the top 10 in the Premier League.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Aston Villa Manager Quits
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| Martin O'Neill resigned today (uploaded by dalli58 on flickr) |
This is an incredible shakeup at Villa. This is a team who has finished 6th the last three seasons under Martin O'Neill. Kevin MacDonald has been named caretaker manager for Villa in the meantime.
Here is a O'Neill about his time at Aston Villa (all quotes acquired from skysports.com): "I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely.
"It's obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club. I would like to pay tribute to the Villa players, my coaching staff and the Villa supporters for all the support and encouragement they have given both the club and me personally during my time as manager.
"I wish them all the best for the future. I will obviously be assisting the club in the immediate short-term with regard to the handover of my duties."
Here is Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Villa: "The club would like to thank Martin for the great work he has done at Aston Villa over the past four years.
"He has helped to establish the club in the upper echelons of the Premier League, has taken us to Wembley and we have also qualified for European competition for the past three seasons under his management. We wish him the best in the future."
Another statement released from the club said, "No further comment will be made by either Aston Villa or Martin O'Neill until further notice."
It is likely that O'Neill disagreed with head management over the clubs future regarding personnel decision. O'Neill set a goal to break into the top four, and was not happy when Villa sold Gareth Barry. Whatever the reason, Aston Villa have to get things together before the weekend if they wish to have a successful season.
Toure: "Premier League is Amazing"
Manchester City has made a huge splash in the transfer market recently. One of their biggest moves was paying £22 million for midfielder Yaya Toure. Toure, the Ivory Coast international, spent three seasons at Barcelona before making a move to join his brother Kolo at Man City.
Some may perceive Toure's move from Barcelona as a step down for his career. Of course Yaya doesn't think that himself. Here is Toure (all quotes acquired from soccernet.espn.com): "I don't think this is a step down.
"The Premier League is amazing. It is stronger than La Liga. And Manchester City are making great strides within it. In future they will be a big club. Every team in every country is starting to talk about the club. They know we are signing good, important players and I want to do my bit. I don't feel pressure. I do have a lot of experience and I am determined to do my very best to make this club successful.''
"When you sign for any team, the most important thing is the contact you have with the trainer. When they do something and they put pressure on in some way to sign you it is very important. When you don't talk with the trainer it is bad. That is why I came to Manchester City. We have a fantastic coach and we are signing good players. It will be great here this year.
"I love the Premier League. I have always wanted to play here. The biggest players play here. People like Steven Gerrard and my biggest friend Didier Drogba. Physically it is good. You have to be strong and I am thirsty to do well here. There are so many big teams - Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and the rest. But City are here now and maybe for United that is not so nice because we are making good progress. I really want to see how they do against us.''
The Premier League is definitely a deeper league than La Liga, although I do think Barcelona is the best club in the world. In La Liga, it's basically a competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid for the top spot. Wile in the Premier League, there are four or five teams that can go out and win the league right now.
In the last two years Manchester City have acquired Shay Given, Nigel De Jong, Craig Bellamy, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Patrick Viera, Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Jerome Boateng. This team has bought itself into contention for the top four spots in the league. They have great players, but can they put it together as a team and win games?
Some may perceive Toure's move from Barcelona as a step down for his career. Of course Yaya doesn't think that himself. Here is Toure (all quotes acquired from soccernet.espn.com): "I don't think this is a step down.
"The Premier League is amazing. It is stronger than La Liga. And Manchester City are making great strides within it. In future they will be a big club. Every team in every country is starting to talk about the club. They know we are signing good, important players and I want to do my bit. I don't feel pressure. I do have a lot of experience and I am determined to do my very best to make this club successful.''
"When you sign for any team, the most important thing is the contact you have with the trainer. When they do something and they put pressure on in some way to sign you it is very important. When you don't talk with the trainer it is bad. That is why I came to Manchester City. We have a fantastic coach and we are signing good players. It will be great here this year.
"I love the Premier League. I have always wanted to play here. The biggest players play here. People like Steven Gerrard and my biggest friend Didier Drogba. Physically it is good. You have to be strong and I am thirsty to do well here. There are so many big teams - Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and the rest. But City are here now and maybe for United that is not so nice because we are making good progress. I really want to see how they do against us.''
The Premier League is definitely a deeper league than La Liga, although I do think Barcelona is the best club in the world. In La Liga, it's basically a competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid for the top spot. Wile in the Premier League, there are four or five teams that can go out and win the league right now.
In the last two years Manchester City have acquired Shay Given, Nigel De Jong, Craig Bellamy, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Patrick Viera, Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Jerome Boateng. This team has bought itself into contention for the top four spots in the league. They have great players, but can they put it together as a team and win games?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Man U Downs Chelsea in Community Shield
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| Man of the Match Paul Scholes (uploaded by gordonflood.com on flickr) |
Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-1 in today's Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium. The Reds opened up the scoring in the 41rst minute with a goal from Antonio Valencia. Wayne Rooney, who played the first half, made a brilliant cross to Valencia, who slotted home the first goal of the match.
The second goal came in the 76th minute from Man U's newest member Javier Hernandez (Chicharito). After sneaking behind Ashley Cole, Valencia crossed the ball to Hernandez. The ball deflected off Chicharito's foot and then his face before finding the back of the net.
I think Hernandez was a great signing by Manchester United because of the raw talent he brings to the field. He clearly has goal-scoring ability and I think he could be a valuable sub for Sir Alex Ferguson when he needs more offense. He will have to compete with Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov for the second striker behind Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea, who have lost their last four preseason friendlies, did show some life late in the game. Solomon Kalou put home a rebound off a shot from Daniel Sturridge in the 83rd minute. Down only one goal, Chelsea turned on the burners and had chances to net a equaliser but they failed to account for Manchester United's world class counter attack.
Dimitar Berbatov sealed the deal for United in the 90th minute, when he lifted a beautiful chip over the head of Chelsea keeper Henrique Hilario. Berbatov has impressed me in these preseason matches, maybe making a case to start alongside Rooney at some point during the season.
The crowd roared in the 60th minute, when Didier Drogba came into the game as a substitution. Drogba, who lead the premier league in goals last season, did not make a huge impact on the game however. He made a few nifty moves and had one shot hit the side netting, but Man U's interior defense snuffed out most passes heading his way.
Here is United defender Nemanja Vidic on the match (all quotes acquired from soccernet.espn.go.com): "It's important to me," he told Sky Sports. "This is the last game before the season and I think we did well today. Obviously a few players didn't play a lot in pre-season and they had the chance today to build up their fitness and they did well.
"I believe there will be more (trophies). This is just the beginning. I think we have a good squad and we showed we have the energy and we showed some hunger as well and this is very important to be the champions."
Here is man of the match Paul Scholes, who continues to defy logic with his great passing even at age 35: "It was a good game and we're happy with the win. It's more of a pre-season friendly but it's a trophy, we've managed to win it and we're more than happy to do that.
"It's always good to beat Chelsea. They are a quality side who beat us three times last year. That's disappointing but we've got off to the right start this year.
"We weren't that far off last year - just one point in the league. With more determination this year hopefully we can go one step further."
This was an exciting match to watch, even though it's still the preseason. Two quality sides played hard and clearly wanted the victory. The intensity in this match just makes me more excited about what's to come when the premier league kicks off next weekend.
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