What a way to start the New Year. No, I'm not talking about Reading vs Liverpool.
There's a new Becks in Manchester. And by god, is he a rising star. This was the first time I witnessed Jermaine Beckford play after hearing a lot of "rumours" about how good he is. After his performance at Old Trafford in the FA Cup Third Round, in my opinion, they are not "rumours". He gave Wes Brown and Johnny Evans a run for their money and even more. What's more - he even came out on top. Don't be surprised if he's on his way to the Premier League come summer time.
As for Leeds United performance, they were quite magnificent. Their attitude was marvelous. I am out of superlatives to define their hard work and passion. The result that they earned at Old Trafford justified all of the above said qualities. People might say this was a one-off from Leeds United but they are run-away leaders in League One and should earn promotion to the Championship comfortably.
For a League One team to come to Old Trafford and play two up front till the 87th minute, even after going one nil up in the first half, speaks volumes about the manager. I agree, it might have turned out to be a collossal mistake, but the attitude to go for it even at the risk of getting beat was refreshing for the neutral fans and spectators.
It is a real pity, especially for football lovers, that Leeds United are in League One. They have a team to be more than match for any team in the Premier League. Lets hope this is a sign of things to come for Leeds United in their quest to get back their suspended status of being a top club in Europe.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Million miles per hour
It was a fabulous weekend of football for one and all in the English Premier League. Most of the matches if not all, provided glorious entertainment and drama. Right from the Stoke-Wigan game to the Liverpool-Arsenal game, there was fantastic entertainment around the grounds in the Premier League. The televised matches produced some stunning/shocking results for all to see.
We might have possibly seen the goal of the season from Figueroa when he scored from his own half against Stoke. If that was David Beckham, I bet it would have been on the front page of every newspaper. Well, the back page doesnt look bad either.
The world then witnessed some comical defending/comical goals from Everton and some brilliant finishing from Chelsea as that match ended in a 3-3. Another 3-3 encounter between Bolton and Man City almost had Gary Megson and Mark Hughes at wits end.
At the same time, Spurs was left spurning their chance to consolidate their position in the top 4 again, by losing to Wolves. However, this time, they never looked like coming back. Hats off to Wolves. I'm sure Shebby Singh was one of the few who was watching this one ahead of the Chelsea game.
In the late kickoff on Saturday. We witnessed Aston Villa sneaking past United in an encounter which promised goals, but delivered only one. Nonetheless, some of the football on display was magnificent and the only thing missing was 6 minutes of Fergie time.
Sunday promised a mouth watering encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal. Well, my mouth did start watering at Liverpool's display in the first half where they should've finished the game off. As it was, they didn't and my mouth dried up in the second half when a barrage of deflections meant the ball ended up in the back of Pepe's net. Super cross from Nasri I have to say. Then some Arshavin magic ensured my mouth remained dry for the rest of the night (possibly rest of the season). Arshavin at Anfield seems to be a goalscorer unleashed.
All said and done, the pundits were baffled with the results as their predictions for the entire weekend had gone haywire. But it was an advertisement for English Football like none other.
The players/fans of certain clubs might be ruing their missed opportunities. But there was one clear winner in Asia - ESPN Star.
We might have possibly seen the goal of the season from Figueroa when he scored from his own half against Stoke. If that was David Beckham, I bet it would have been on the front page of every newspaper. Well, the back page doesnt look bad either.
The world then witnessed some comical defending/comical goals from Everton and some brilliant finishing from Chelsea as that match ended in a 3-3. Another 3-3 encounter between Bolton and Man City almost had Gary Megson and Mark Hughes at wits end.
At the same time, Spurs was left spurning their chance to consolidate their position in the top 4 again, by losing to Wolves. However, this time, they never looked like coming back. Hats off to Wolves. I'm sure Shebby Singh was one of the few who was watching this one ahead of the Chelsea game.
In the late kickoff on Saturday. We witnessed Aston Villa sneaking past United in an encounter which promised goals, but delivered only one. Nonetheless, some of the football on display was magnificent and the only thing missing was 6 minutes of Fergie time.
Sunday promised a mouth watering encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal. Well, my mouth did start watering at Liverpool's display in the first half where they should've finished the game off. As it was, they didn't and my mouth dried up in the second half when a barrage of deflections meant the ball ended up in the back of Pepe's net. Super cross from Nasri I have to say. Then some Arshavin magic ensured my mouth remained dry for the rest of the night (possibly rest of the season). Arshavin at Anfield seems to be a goalscorer unleashed.
All said and done, the pundits were baffled with the results as their predictions for the entire weekend had gone haywire. But it was an advertisement for English Football like none other.
The players/fans of certain clubs might be ruing their missed opportunities. But there was one clear winner in Asia - ESPN Star.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Spurning Spurs
Last weekend might just give an indication on why Spurs, try as they might, may not gatecrash into the top four this season.
Anybody who saw the match between Spurs and Villa will tell you that Spurs deserved to win, in fact, ought to have to won it. But, they failed to do so. Villa was in the game for 10 minutes and for the rest 80 minutes, Spurs managed to score just the single goal.
Anybody who saw the match between Everton and Liverpool will tell you Everton did not deserve to lose, maybe ought to have won it even. Liverpool were in the game for a measly 15 minutes and was absolutely battered for 75 minutes. Yet, Liverpool managed to come out winners by a two nil margin.
Spurs had spurned their opportunity to consolidate their position in the league table in my view. You might say it was one of those days for all the four clubs, but I see this as evidence as to why Liverpool will finish in the top four and why Spurs will not.
Anybody who saw the match between Spurs and Villa will tell you that Spurs deserved to win, in fact, ought to have to won it. But, they failed to do so. Villa was in the game for 10 minutes and for the rest 80 minutes, Spurs managed to score just the single goal.
Anybody who saw the match between Everton and Liverpool will tell you Everton did not deserve to lose, maybe ought to have won it even. Liverpool were in the game for a measly 15 minutes and was absolutely battered for 75 minutes. Yet, Liverpool managed to come out winners by a two nil margin.
Spurs had spurned their opportunity to consolidate their position in the league table in my view. You might say it was one of those days for all the four clubs, but I see this as evidence as to why Liverpool will finish in the top four and why Spurs will not.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
From almost to almost
I apologise for the increasing number of posts dedicated to Liverpool, but no other club seems to be making as much news as Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool's demise in the UEFA Champions League with a game to go has been seen as a shock for many. Liverpool's struggle to keep up with United, Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League has got many shaking their heads. And why not. Liverpool have made it to the knock-out stages in every season under Benitez. Liverpool were top of the English Premier League after Christmas last season.
Benitez keeps saying that there is not much difference between last season's team and this season's team. Save Alonso. So, there should be no reason to doubt the team this season.
But I think the fact that there has not been much difference between last season's team and this season's team has contributed to Liverpool's struggle. Lets be frank, Liverpool were lucky last season with all their last minute goals/equalizers. I seem to agree with Sir Alex's comments - "This particular Liverpool team peaked last season." Most of this Liverpool team were playing at their best last season even without Gerrard and Torres. That seems to be part of the problem.
Club finances are a whole other issue. The fact that Liverpool are not willing to spend in the transfer market seems to be incurring the wrath of a few players themselves. You can say, Liverpool are in debt, but, so are United. That doesn't stop them from spending if they want to.
Last season, Liverpool "almost" won the league. This season, I hope, Liverpool dont go on to "almost" finish fourth.
This post is about problems. To think about a solution, there needs to be a change. Where? Who? I do not know. The question is, does Hicks, Gillete, Purslow, Benitez know?
P.S. It has been one year that The Kop End has been alive. Thanks to one and all who have been reading.
Liverpool's demise in the UEFA Champions League with a game to go has been seen as a shock for many. Liverpool's struggle to keep up with United, Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League has got many shaking their heads. And why not. Liverpool have made it to the knock-out stages in every season under Benitez. Liverpool were top of the English Premier League after Christmas last season.
Benitez keeps saying that there is not much difference between last season's team and this season's team. Save Alonso. So, there should be no reason to doubt the team this season.
But I think the fact that there has not been much difference between last season's team and this season's team has contributed to Liverpool's struggle. Lets be frank, Liverpool were lucky last season with all their last minute goals/equalizers. I seem to agree with Sir Alex's comments - "This particular Liverpool team peaked last season." Most of this Liverpool team were playing at their best last season even without Gerrard and Torres. That seems to be part of the problem.
Club finances are a whole other issue. The fact that Liverpool are not willing to spend in the transfer market seems to be incurring the wrath of a few players themselves. You can say, Liverpool are in debt, but, so are United. That doesn't stop them from spending if they want to.
Last season, Liverpool "almost" won the league. This season, I hope, Liverpool dont go on to "almost" finish fourth.
This post is about problems. To think about a solution, there needs to be a change. Where? Who? I do not know. The question is, does Hicks, Gillete, Purslow, Benitez know?
P.S. It has been one year that The Kop End has been alive. Thanks to one and all who have been reading.
Monday, November 16, 2009
"Frank"ly
After taking a minor month long sabattical from the blogging world, watching in dismay Liverpool's results (not so much performance) from the sidelines, I am back to whipping up my thoughts into words. Needless to say, it is the internationals that has got me writing again.
Most of you know my view on international weekends - especially the useless kinds. One of the visible side-effects of these internationals(useless or not) is the unwanted injuries for many players. Somehow, players have a knack of getting injured when they are on international duty. Not surprisingly, a handful of them got injured during/before/after the weekend - Robin Van Persie, John Terry to name a few.
I know it is not right to feel excited when players get injured, but ever so often, fans of rival clubs look out for any injuries for players from fellow rival clubs. Well....
But to be "frank", there is this one particular player who, when he gets injured gives me a personal satisfaction - even though he has done me no harm "intentionally". Well, a lot of his goals were not intended to hit the target either. But.........
I do wish him well though...
Most of you know my view on international weekends - especially the useless kinds. One of the visible side-effects of these internationals(useless or not) is the unwanted injuries for many players. Somehow, players have a knack of getting injured when they are on international duty. Not surprisingly, a handful of them got injured during/before/after the weekend - Robin Van Persie, John Terry to name a few.
I know it is not right to feel excited when players get injured, but ever so often, fans of rival clubs look out for any injuries for players from fellow rival clubs. Well....
But to be "frank", there is this one particular player who, when he gets injured gives me a personal satisfaction - even though he has done me no harm "intentionally". Well, a lot of his goals were not intended to hit the target either. But.........
I do wish him well though...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Worth hoping?
When Liverpool visited Stamford Bridge, I was one of the countless Liverpool fans 'hoping' that Liverpool win, and in the process, continue/start their challenge on the Premiership crown. But the whole world knows what happened.
Ex-Liverpool greats, many pundits and Liverpool fans were saying, "We got 14 points against the big 4 last season. We have to improve on the home form against the lesser sides."
Well, now, if you dont beat the Big 4 this season, I don't see any point in thrashing the lesser sides at home. I know I sound skeptical after just one game against the Big 4, but that was Liverpool's strongest 11 and their strongest "bench" and that was not good enough. (Do not talk about Aquilani now)
I am going to come out and say what many Liverpool fans know, but maybe unwilling to admit. Liverpool, at present, are not good enough to win the title. Liverpool do not have the squad to win the title. And god, I hope they don't.
P.S. Stay tuned to find out why I hope they dont win the title this season.
Ex-Liverpool greats, many pundits and Liverpool fans were saying, "We got 14 points against the big 4 last season. We have to improve on the home form against the lesser sides."
Well, now, if you dont beat the Big 4 this season, I don't see any point in thrashing the lesser sides at home. I know I sound skeptical after just one game against the Big 4, but that was Liverpool's strongest 11 and their strongest "bench" and that was not good enough. (Do not talk about Aquilani now)
I am going to come out and say what many Liverpool fans know, but maybe unwilling to admit. Liverpool, at present, are not good enough to win the title. Liverpool do not have the squad to win the title. And god, I hope they don't.
P.S. Stay tuned to find out why I hope they dont win the title this season.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Question time
The FA has come under serious scrutiny this season for a variety of incidents. Criticizing the referee is one among the many. That brings me to the incident which had me livid.
Everyone knows the amount of added time that was played when Michael Owen netted his winner against Manchester City. 5 min 20 sec. Fergie was beaming, obviously and he was extending his congratulations to the fourth official on the touchline.
Fast forward a few matches, and Alan Wiley played 4 min 3 sec of added on time (when it was supposed to be 4 min).
Fergie was fuming and he has called Alan Wiley unfit to wear a referee's shirt. He was declared unfit for a variety of reasons. Read this to know more.
There have been a series of managers who have been charged by the FA for showing disrespect or speaking out against the referees. Why, Benitez was charged for being sarcastic towards the referee. Will the FA charge Fergie or will they turn a blind's eye just because he is Sir Alex Ferguson?
Everyone knows the amount of added time that was played when Michael Owen netted his winner against Manchester City. 5 min 20 sec. Fergie was beaming, obviously and he was extending his congratulations to the fourth official on the touchline.
Fast forward a few matches, and Alan Wiley played 4 min 3 sec of added on time (when it was supposed to be 4 min).
Fergie was fuming and he has called Alan Wiley unfit to wear a referee's shirt. He was declared unfit for a variety of reasons. Read this to know more.
There have been a series of managers who have been charged by the FA for showing disrespect or speaking out against the referees. Why, Benitez was charged for being sarcastic towards the referee. Will the FA charge Fergie or will they turn a blind's eye just because he is Sir Alex Ferguson?
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