Midweek Madness!
This week came with fixtures for Tuesday and Wednesday night, packed with superb goals, vital victories and an even more of the magical season for Leicester City. I'm back for my next post into My Premier League Thoughts!
However to kick off this edition I must firstly apologise and thank you for the enormous amount of support!
I admit to an unprofessional mistake from my behalf from the last blog post. I had said I would include my Top January Transfers, but accidently didn't include it. It was an honest mistake but I will ensure to rectify it in the coming weeks when I have an opportunity to do a similar type of blog post!
Despite the error, I must stress my appreciation for the tremendous support and positive views on the last post. It was much more than I'd ever anticipated and I was overwhelmed at the popularity on the post. I cant thank you enough but I'm not here to show my gratitude and without further a do ill be on with the purpose for my blog, the Premier League.
This edition will see my analysis on my favourite 5 games from midweek which will include:
- Leicester City Vs Liverpool
- Norwich Vs Tottenham
- Manchester United Vs Stoke
- Crystal Palace Vs Bournemouth
- Everton Vs Newcastle
Leicester City 2-0 Liverpool
Leicester City came into the game against Liverpool after a short break, with them being out of the FA cup, whereas Liverpool were off the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw with West Ham United, where Jurgen Klopp had been forced into playing a team mixed in with lots of youth. However, despite being slightly inexperienced the youngsters did well, holding out for a replay before they hope to advance to the next round.
Back to recent premier league form and a confident Leicester approach the game from a 3-0 victory over Stoke City and were looking to retain their position of top dog in the league. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez looking to pick up form and continue their dominance of goal scoring. Leicester's form looks increasingly exceptional with every game and even if they do miss out on the title, they will defiantly be the talk of the season come May! Claudio Ranieri's fantastic squad approached the game fielding the 4-4-2 everybody has become accustom to, but they can never be underestimated. The line-up included the likes of Kasper Schmicheal in goal, a centre back partnering of Robert Huth and Wes Morgan. The controlling midfield, Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater and the athletic Marc Albrighton down the right flank. Shinji Okazaki, who has appeared 15 times this campaign scoring 4 times, partnered up with the in-form English man, Jamie Vardy in the striker role.
Liverpool welcomed back many of their usual starters for this game after being rested in the FA cup against West Ham. The Belgium goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet started in between the sticks, a 4 man defence which included the likes of Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren. A player who has had a strong season so far is Emre Can, who was placed in a defensive midfield role alongside Lucas. James Milner, Jorden Henderson and Roberto Firmino provided the attacking threat just as they'd successfully done against Norwich and the man who had come up with the dramatic winner in that game, Adam Lallana was starting this game for the team in a attacking midfield position. Klopp again opting the keep the big Belgian Christian Benteke on the Liverpool bench.
The two teams clashed in a season where Liverpool are 13 points behind Leicester City who were hoping to keep the encouraging progress and make headway against Arsenal and Manchester City to remain the league leaders.
Leicester City started brightly on the pattern pitch inside the King Power Stadium, with a few, quick passes leading to an opening for Mahrez to fire just wide of the post.
Jorden Henderson was looking to lead an attack for Liverpool, who had players charging forward however fantastic pressure from Danny Drinkwater cause Leicetser to regain the ball and a simple throughball into Jamie Vardy created a real chance for Leicester, Vardy boxed it into Okazaki who saw his header saved by a strong Mignolet hand.
Mignolet's strong hand was again to Liverpool's rescue when sloppy defending lead to Mahrez having the ball set up nicely. With hitting a shot from all of 35+ yards it has to be sensational, and sensational is what it was. A curling effort heading straight for the top corner if it wasn't for Mignolet who stayed alert and acrobatically pushed the ball away. If the ball had of fired past the goalkeeper, it would have been a goal I would have admired highly. It had everything from technique to accuracy but unfortunately no luck as it was kept out.
The deadlock wasn't broken until the second half, some incredible work from Mahrez after holding off a challenging he maybe could have been awarded a freekick for allowed him to rather hit and hope a ball up to the strikers where Vardy managed to get to it and Oh My Word! What a hit! Is there anything Vardy can not do. A screamer of a half volleyed shot from Vardy rocketed into the top corner, beating Mignolet. He know exactly where he wanted to put the ball and exquisitely executed the shot, magical. It just sums up the player Vardy is, the form he is on and the team for which he plays. Fantastic goal. I thought Dele Alli's goal was good but this hit from Vardy is right up there and it will be a close contest for goal of the season now.
I wasn't sure if I was watching Leicester City or Barcelona soon after the goal, when the Leicester players played some fluent 'tiki taka' football around the Liverpool players. The sharp one two's and slick flicks was a master class to watch and put into context the Leicester City team's confidence. The excellent play resulted in Okazaki being brought down in the area, and instantly I assumed it would be a penalty to Leicester. The referee said no and waved play on. It was heart-breaking to watch as it seemed Leicester deserved something from their creative play.
It was 2-0 to Leicester through that man again, Jamie Vardy. Mahrez put pressure on Sahko in the Liverpool defence and his only half clearance allowed Okazaki to pick up the loose ball and his deflected shot fell into the path of the England man who buried the chance straight into the top corner.
Full-time was met by a rocking King Power all in fine tune and cheers for another 3 points into the bank on their triumphant march to May where they hope to claim the Premier League title, it would be a delight to watch but also something they would have truly deserved. Fantastic!
In addition I think both teams would have benefited from signings they unfortunately missed out on after the January window slammed shut. Loic Remy, a target for Ranieri would have added extra firepower to Leicester. From a neutral fan of Leicester's storming season, Remy becoming a Foxes player would have been even more exciting. Especially as I consider Loic Remy to be a great goal scorer and would have fitted perfectly into the side.
Liverpool looked as though they'd secured Alex Texieria from Shaktar Donetsk according to the rumours that circled around throughout the eternity of the transfer window but it seems as though a deal couldn't be completed. Personally, I think Liverpool already have two players who play like Texieria in Coutinho and Firmino but with saying that every player is different and he may have a quality Liverpool are desperate for.
Norwich City 0 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham travelled to Norwich after being emphatic winners on their most recent travels to Colchester for the FA cup, coming away with a 4-1 victory. Norwich who had already been knocked out of this seasons tournament had extra days to train and be prepared for a tough battle against Spurs, who would climb to 3rd in the league with a win at Carrow Road.
Norwich find themselves without a win in 4 games and just 2 points above the drop zone. However they had positives to take from their 5-4 loss to Liverpool which might just give them confidence. Putting 4 past opponents and failing to win is a rarity and the passion to continue going despite going down from 3-1 up would hopefully lift the heads downed by the unfortunate result.
Declan Rudd began the game in goal behind a 4-4-2 formation consisting of Ivo Pinto, a January signing, Bassong in centre back, Tettey and Mulumbu taking up centre midfield and Steven Naismith hoped to carry on his form from his debut last week alongside Mbokani.
Harry Kane, also looking to be within contention for the England striker role this summer, lead the line for Tottenham. Alli, Son and Erikson formed a attacking line in behind, with Dembele and Eric Dier providing strength in the midfield behind them and Kevin Wimmer debuted his premier league career in defence with Alderwiereld starting next to him. French man Hugo Lloris was the man in goal.
With exactly 1 minute on the clock, Tottenham had their first corner of the game. It was swung into the box and Norwich were slow to clear the ball, eventually finding Erikson in a few yards of space his low driven shot was met by Declan Rudd, but when he needed help from his defenders nobody was on hand and the young, inform English man Dele Alli had no doubts from just a few yards out and stroked the ball into an empty net. 1-0 Tottenham.
The early goal left Norwich with a mountain to climb, Alex Neil must be desperate to try cut down and the amount of goals Norwich have conceded of late. They are putting themselves in no stable position and if they are not careful, could find themselves in a sticky relegation battle before long!
A lovely backheeled touch from Alli guided the ball to Harry Kane on the edge of the 18 yard box, he turned and fired his shot away, but it was only parried into the path of the overlapping Dele Alli, whose touch had kind of let him down but the Norwich defender Sabastian Bassong clattered into the young talent, gifting Tottenham a penalty. Harry Kane stepped up to take it, hoping he could continue his goal scoring run. Was there ever a doubt? The confident run up resulted in the goalkeeper diving the opposite direction to which the ball was slotted into, 2-0 Tottenham within half an hour played, it seemed to be plane sailing for them now.
Kane almost added another goal to his name when he found tons of space in a wide area, he controlled the ball wonderfully from a long ball over the top to him before charging his way into the box. He jinked one way before cutting past the defender and smashing the ball onto the post from am acute angle. Very unfortunate for the number 10.
Norwich had the ball in the back of the Tottenham net through Bassong who thought he'd scored for the second week running had it not been for the officials offside flag. It came from a freekick whipped in and headed on to a dangerous area, met by Nainsmith, whose shot was well saved by Lloris but not held. The ball found its way to Bassong on the line who poked home before noticing it wouldn't stand, desperately unlucky after starting the second half much more encouragingly.
In the last minute of the match, Harry Kane finally secured his second goal after hitting the post twice. Onside after being the ball was stabbed through, he bared down on the goalkeeper and kept his composure well the side foot it on into the goal and seal the 3 points with Tottenham's 3rd goal and move them up the table to 3rd.
Manchester United 3 - 0 Stoke City
Manchester United had began to regain the fans, including myself, appreciation after a positive result and style of play against Derby, winning the game 3-1, and fans were hoping that the result would encourage the same tactic of attacking play into the Premier League against Stoke. Louis Van Gaal was hoping the avenge the result from the boxing day clash between the teams and was hoping to win over the United faithful who had booed the manager after their last home game ended in defeat to Southampton.
Stoke City, who on their day are a tough team to have to play against, were looking to craft out a positive result after being dumped out of both the Capital One Cup and FA Cup within a matter of days. Sat in 9th place in the league Stoke were determined to do a season double over Manchester United but would have to do so by winning their first Premier League game at Old Trafford.
United started the match with a 4-2-3-1 line up, with De Gea in goal, young Cameron Borthwick-Jackson at left back, Fellaini and Carrick offered a defensive midfield security and Lingard, Mata and Martial accompanied the man of 2016, Wayne Rooney playing as the leading striker.
Stoke looked to inflict more pressure on Man United's hopes of top 4 with Jack Butland starting in goal, Wollschied and Muniesa in front of the England keeper with Glen Johnson and Pieters wide of them to complete the back 4. Glen Whelan started the game and Peter Crouch was looking to add to his 3 goals against The Red Devils, in his first start since May 2015.
Manchester United kicked off the game and within 15 minutes were a goal up. With just their 4th first half goal of the season, Jesse Lingard headed home an inch perfect delivery from Borthwick-Jackson, who was also celebrating his 19th birthday on the night. The United man put his 3rd goal of the season in after escaping attention in the area and calmly nodded home past Jack Butland.
Stoke looked to have a promising attack but it was soon swept away by Carrick up to Rooney who played the ball on to Juan Mata before busting a gut to get up in support. Mata returned the ball to Rooney who switched the ball across the box to Martial with a fantastic swinging ball. Martial had time and space and picked out the top corner with a sweetly struck dipping shot. It was a fantastic counter from Manchester United, that had reminisce of the play that used to be conducted under the godfather himself, Sir Alex Ferguson. 2 goals in the first half for Manchester United and the signs were encouraging that it would be a comfortable win for the home side.
Rooney almost had his 7th goal of the new year in his 7th game when he rushed onto a through ball from Anthony Martial before what I would say was a good old use of his strength to get there before Glen Johnson, he carried on to slot the ball in past Jack Butland before the referee, Rodger East decided Rooney had actually impeded the footballing law and in fact fouled Glen Johnson.
Manchester United did finally claim their 3rd of the night, Rooney grabbing his goal. Mata found acres of space down the middle of Stoke's defensive line, he threaded a ball wide to Martial, who had teased Stoke all night with electric pace and trickery, he slid the ball across goal where Rooney was waiting the gobble up the chance. 3-0, 3 points, positive reaction from the United fans, who appreciated the attacking intent and commanding game.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Bournemouth
The home side Crystal Palace welcomed Bournemouth after progressing into the 5th round of the FA Cup via Stoke's expense when they beat them at home. With new signing Emmanuel Adebayor set to receive his first start at Palace, goals could be on the cards as the experienced striker knows his way to goal. Wilfred Zaha looked to continue his quality performances of recent weeks but in recent league games against Bournemouth, Palace have only managed a single point.
Bournemouth are hoping they can string together a few wins to ensure they survive to fight another season in the Premier League, Eddie Howe's side are on a good run of late with just one defeat in their last 6.
The popular 4-2-3-1 was on show for Crystal Palace who fielded Wayne Hennessey as the shot stopper. Scott Dann's terrific season so far saw him in centre back along with Delaney. Jedinak and McArthur provided the defensive midfield support whereas Zaha, Puncheon and Lee providing the attacking threat, with Campbell in striker.
Up against Palace was Bournemouth's 4-1-4-1 formation of Boruc in net, Cook and Francis forming the centre of defence. Surman was the single defensive midfielder, he had Ritchie and Pugh providing width. Benik Afobe, whose been playing great since his arrival, started the match.
The opening goal came from a well crafted move. A corner for Crystal Palace went over the head of everyone but Lee got there first and cheekily back heeled the ball to Zaha to keep it in play. Zaha who has been amongst the assists this season, drilled the ball back into the danger area where it was powerfully met by Scott Dann and it shot into the net. The long 9 hours and 27 minute wait for a goal had finally come to an end with a guided volley for the defenders 4th goal of the season.
Marc Pugh then levelled the scoring following a super individual goal. The ball was played in to the winger on the edge of the box and following a piece of skill and a couple of fake shots, his precise finish nestled into the bottom corner. Tidy finish from the lad for his 4th of the season.
The game could have gone either way with both teams battling it out until the end but the breakthrough came from Bournemouth's new striker Benik Afobe! After going a goal behind, the away side managed to pull the game back and take the lead. Some nice play down the wing saw a ball played into Harry Arter, he held off pressure and fired a ball into the middle. Hennassey pulled off a smart save down to his right from Matt Ritchie but Afobe was lurking to grab the goal to win the 3 points for Bournemouth with a soft header which just about managed its way over the line.
Everton 3-0 Newcastle United
Everton looked to gaining more than a single point from this game as they have been dubbed 'draw kings' this season after 11 of their 23 league games have ended level. Their form against Newcastle looked hopeful however with 6 wins coming from the last 8 meetings.
Newcastle United had positive news when new signing Seydou Doumbia on loan from CSKA Moscow, had been granted his visa and was available for selection in the fixture. Other January signings such as Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend were also up for selection.
Both teams started with a strong 4-2-3-1 formation, with Everton's lineup including Spanish man Joel in the goal, Jagielka was partnered up with Funes Mori at the back. Barkley who has been banging in the goals in recent games, starting in the heart of the midfield, with Barry, Cleverley and Lennon also filled the middle of the park.
The away side looked to seek a win with Ayoze Perez leading the pack. Newcastle dangerman and top scorer Wijnaldum occupied in behind, Townsend and Shelvey both got starts for Newcastle and Coloccini leaded the defence with Janmaat and Elliot in goal.
A well constructed move from Everton attacking with pace in the 22nd minute allowed the ball to find Aaron Lennon on the edge of the area who put Everton a goal up with a shot on the turn. Fluid attacking positioning allowed the Everton players to create the goal as they were allowed freedom in the final third, fantastic goal.
A relatively quiet game blossomed into life after the 80th minute. Lennon ran down the wing, mazing in and out of defenders before eventually being brought down just inside the penalty area. Ross Barkley, high on confidence stepped up to take the spot kick, and with one powerful kick of the ball Everton were 2 goals in front and looking certain to go on and win the game.
A mistake by Lascelles not only allowed Ross Barkley in on goal but the Newcastle man then took down the England international resulting in another penalty for Everton late on in the game. The dismissal summed up what had been a poor night for Newcastle and converting the penalty would definitely secure the points if they weren't already. It was up to Ross Barkley to put the ball in the net and grab his second goal of the night, and he did so and cool as possible. Dinking the ball down the middle of the goal, Rob Elliot diving out of the way. A much needed 3 points for Everton, and the winning feeling will give them confidence to go on.
I hoped you enjoyed my coverage of the latest premier league fixtures. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to write this to so many viewers. In the next couple of weeks I am hoping to add a new aspect to my blog, potentially, I will let you know more on that as things develop. I might have a new layout to this blog format as just a quick heads up. But yeah, thank you again and I hope to see you in the next one, bye for now!
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