What a weekend, yet again!
Welcome back to my blog! The Premier League has again been incredible, with lot's of results that have affected the league table in mesmerising ways!
But before we get into the action I would like to discuss with you a few topics. One of them being a new layout. Based off the fantastic feedback, I have planned a new way to set out my blog post to make it much more personal and interesting rather than just a simple report but with the reports on the games coming in a much more entertaining and personal way. So I hope you like that.
The next thing i'd like to propose is an additional post during midweek, providing there is no weekday Premier League fixtures. This post however is something I want to leave up to my blog readers. Suggest to me through any of my social media sites or through e-mail another topic you'd like me to discuss, if there is one. This could be anything from my football games with my teams on a Saturday and Sunday or it could even be my experiences and how I do playing Football Manager 2016, which I absolutely love. Let me know and I will attempt to get it uploaded during the week.
The final thing is live games I will be attending in a couple of weeks. Due to the fantastic support on my blog, I have been invited to attend a Bradford City game against Southend United on the 16th of February. I am privileged to have the opportunity to watch the game from the comfort of the press box and I would be willing to blog the match if that's something you'd like to read as an alternative to the premier league.
Likewise, I have kindly been granted a ticket to be part of the atmosphere in the Championship clash between Leeds United and Middlesbrough on the 15th of February. Again, I would be able to blog this game like the Bradford City match, as long as it would be something that would be accepted on the blog.
However, I these opportunities have only fallen my way thanks to the tremendous support on my blog and for that I couldn't thank you enough. I enjoy interacting with my readers and so if you have an idea of something I could discuss in a future blog, or if the games I am going to be attending in the coming weeks are something you'd like to see just let me know.
But for this edition I will be discussing my top points from the weekend dating 6-7th February 2016. The post will include:
- Top 2 Fixtures...
- Top 3 Players...
- My thoughts on the rest of the results...
- Run-down of the latest news!
TOP 2 FIXTURES!
Manchester City 1 - 3 Leicester City
Is there anywhere else I could possibly begin but with the master class shown by the wonderful Leicester City at the Etihad. It is becoming increasingly difficult to argue reasons why Leicester are not favourites, let alone candidates for this seasons title! Each week people say 'This week they'll loose' but they prove everybody wrong every time. With this enormous result against fellow title challengers, I think Leicester have proved themselves worthy and I have found myself willing them to do well and wanting them to actually win the league because what an achievement it would be.
I hear a lot that Leicester are basically a 2 man team, but how can they be. Yeah, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have been stand out players with the goals and assists which have boosted the team right to the top of the league but you can't take any credit away from any other Leicester player.
In the game against Manchester City, another valuable Leicester player stepped up for them and provided them with an encouraging early lead, the player being solid centre back Robert Huth. It was a perfect start for The Foxes. The Algerian winger, Mahrez whipped an inviting ball into the 6 yard area, where it was scrambled in by Huth. I thought it was poor defending from the Manchester City players. Huth should have been recognised as a danger despite being a centre back, it didn't look as though any of the players had taken charge to organise the defence and make sure everyone was focussed and this is what allowed Robert Huth to bundle the ball into the net, Leicester will take the early advantage.
What I find fascinating with Leicester is their courage and adventurous play style, which Ranieri deserves credit for. Even when they came up against a tough opponent they attack and don't sit back inviting the pressure but look to pile it on their opponents regardless of who they are which is a joy to watch.
Kante, in the Leicester midfield, I think has been a gem for the team. The player is proving to be a commanding player and I think if he keeps up the performances he has put in this season, he will be a world beater in a few years to come. Kante really reminds me of a Yaya Toure or even Patrick Viera kind of player. His strong physicality and ability to dictate the play makes him an incredible player.
Every action was from the away side, their persistence and disciplined defence had kept Manchester City players quiet and the fans alike, with the travelling Leicester fans drowning out the Man City supports, and so they should do as Leicester went into halftime on the front foot.
Leicester City went 2 goals up, just 3 minutes into the second half, and like they had managed to begin the game, started the second half fantastically well. The goal, scored by Mahrez, I thought was superb. It was a beautifully struck shot that slammed past Joe Hart, leaving him a spectator to the goal. Kante, got the assist after beating 2 City players but Mahrez's strike, if you haven't already I suggest you take a look at. It was the type of goal I would dream of scoring in a Sunday game never mind at the Etihad against giants Manchester City.
As a Manchester United fan, I love to see Manchester City loose, but to be dominated by both players and fans alike was fantastic. The game saw a record attendance at the Etihad, were 54,693 supports witnessed the game, but id have given anything to be in the stands with the Leicester fans. Their support was truly impressive to sound out the shell-shocked City fans and the chants the fans were singing were the funniest, as they mocked the home fans with chants like 'Can we play you every week' and 'We're staying up' what a fantastic set of fans, and they have a good sense of humour too.
Huth, popped up again for Leicester City, adding to the jubilant fans awesome away day when he made it 3-0 to Leicester. His well timed looping header left Hart with no chance and secured the points to send Leicester SIX points clear at the top of the table. Who'd have thought it, but its well deserved. You can't argue with the dominance shown by Claudio Ranieri's team to basically ease past Man City.
Unfortunately, for Leicester they couldn't hold on to a clean sheet, as the Argentina striker Sergio Aguero struck a late consolation for the Manchester team. His header into the bottom corner gave something for the City fans to have a shout about but it was short lived when the full time whistle went just a couple of moments later and they realised they had suffered a 3-1 defeat, which see's them slip 6 points behind Leicester.
It's been a great season for the Foxes up until this point, and I hope they can continue it until the final day. It would fantastic as a neutral to see them lift the title come the final day as they deserve it. Also with Leicester ending their campaign against Chelsea at the bridge, it would be special for Claudio Ranieri as he would lift the trophy at a stadium of a team he used to manage, so I think there is extra incentive for him there.
Chelsea 1 - 1 Manchester United
Manchester United are a team I obviously enjoy discussing with them being my favourite team. So with that being a slight factor for me writing up on them, it was also a clash of giants. Traditionally, this has been one of the games in the season every fan would want to watch. The fixture has seen plenty of action from high scoring games, to individual rivals and controversial red cards (*cough cough* David Luiz) All these factors result in the game being a fantastic contest which is often heated and passionately contested amongst the fans.
I had high hopes for my team coming into the game. Positive results of late against Derby and Stoke could drive the team forward to getting a good result. But what is more potent going to Stamford Bridge is Louis Van Gaal's reaction to the fan's demands. The team has been looking more confidant and playing with more attacking freedom and purpose in the previous 2 games than in the games we've had the endure since the lucky 1-0 win over Tottenham on the opening weekend.
I wouldn't consider myself a starry-eyed fan. Id say i understand how football should be played on a basic standard, because there is much more to managing then what the fans see. But I know that Manchester United are an attacking team and should be very capable at pressing teams for the full 90 minutes and should be beating teams comfortably, rather than scraping through, picking up draws.
Many of my friends are Manchester United fans, and they feel that Van Gaal doesn't deserve to be the United manager anymore and are excited about the rumours surrounding Jose Mourinho with the Red Devils. I have the opposite view on this statement, I believe Van Gaal does warrant more time. I'm not blind and have noticed mistakes like the lose of Javier Hernandez, it is very upsetting and disappointing that Van Gaal didn't see what a wonderful talent the Mexican possessed and now I bet he is kicking himself at what he let go. Nobody is perfect though, everybody makes mistakes and despite the loss of a fan favourite, Van Gaal could deliver success at United. His 'philosophy' didn't quite work out the way he wanted, the intent was there, cut out the amount of goals conceded, but with that came no attacking play from Man United, however in the recent games approaching the Chelsea encounter the tables had turned and we were outing 3 past teams and scoring in the first half.
The game against Chelsea started very promising too, as we began by not sitting back, not sideways passing but actually looking to go forward with the ball, look for the wizard, Martial on the wing and attack Chelsea's goal. Within, 15 minutes we'd forced 2 saves out of Courtois in the Chelsea goal.
Can I just point out Chris Smalling! What a player. Ive mentioned him in a previous post but he proves each week what a fantastic defender he is turning out to be! Along with David De Gea, who had a solid game, points have been won just from the solid defence we have.
A positive first 45 minutes ending 0-0, but there were positives to take for both teams. Manchester United started brighter, but Chelsea woke up and put heavy pressure on the United defence. Both teams were cancelling each other out well. As a fan, it was actually enjoying to watch and I had butterflies every time both teams attacked because they possessed so much firepower with Wayne Rooney and Diego Costa being on top form for their respected teams.
53 minutes into the game, Jesse Lingard had a really good chance saved by Courtois. Lingard attempted to place the ball into the bottom corner with a curling effort from the edge of the area, but a strong gloved hand prevented United taking the lead. As a striker I felt Lingard had done enough to score but if I had been in his situation blasting it as hard as I could along the ground maybe could have seen a more successful result? The 'keeper didn't have much vision on the ball and the Chelsea defence had backed off, leaving the Manchester United player a great opportunity which unfortunately he didn't take.
The screams from Kurt Zouma were a significant measure of his pain. It is unusual that you hear the shouts from players through the TV but Zouma had really hurt himself jumping for a ball. The Chelsea defender had landed awkwardly, which resulted in a broken leg. The long delay in the game, suggested it was bad and even the stretcher had to be used to carry the player off the field. It is ahuge blow for the young defender and I hope he recovers well as he could have a promising future ahead of him as he has already shown at his young age the ability to command the back four and defend confidently.
Just after the hour mark though, Lingard would put the Red Devils a goal infront. Martial drilled the ball in from wide of the 18 yard box, Rooney tee'd it up and Ligard on a swivel turn, rippled the top corner of the net. I thought it was a high class goal, inch perfectly placed into the net. It was much deserved by United, as they had looked threatening all game and finally managed to beat the Belgium goalkeeper.
There is no argument, in my opinion, that David De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. The saves the Spaniard pulls off are worldclass. Resulting from a corner being only half cleared, Ivanovic sweetly struck a volley, which was rifling into the top corner, only for De Gea to pull out an incredible stop. And again with not long left, Costa managed to get through on goal, but the brave De Gea, got down well and kept the 3 points looking likely for Manchester United. That's why I believe he is the greatest, the fact he can win the team points, as a goalkeeper suggests a lot about his talent.
But to the grief of every Manchester United fan, and the joy of the Chelsea supports, Chelsea would equalise. Diego Costa, scoring on his first appearance against the Red Devils. I think he got desperately lucky with the goal however. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson just lacking in experience was caught playing the Chelsea forward onside, Costa turned being unmarked and was sliding tackled fantastically well by Borthwick-Jackson, but unfortunately the challenge didn't have enough on it to take the ball out of play but instead created an easier angle for the finish as De Gea had gone to ground to prevent the initial effort.
Despite only coming away with the single point, as a Man United fan there were plenty of positives to take away from the draw. The attacking intent and playing with a purpose was particularly deserves applauding. As for Chelsea, they should be relieved to even get 1 point from that game as they were outplayed for much of it. I would also like to ask if anyone saw Hazard? no me neither...
BEST 3 PLAYERS!
1.
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| Ross Barkley |
Ross Barkley put in a dominating performance for Everton against Stoke City, in his team's comfortable 3-0 win. The England man was involved in plenty of Everton's attacking play, dictated the tempo and showed great work-rate. His discipline helped Everton overcome Stoke who are difficult to beat on their home turf.
I rate Ross Barkley's weekend performance a 9/10!
2.
 |
Mousa Dembele
Mousa Dembele ensured Tottenham's commanding win over Watford. The midfielder played a stand out performance, for a Spur's team that won 1-0. The midfielder not only played a nice ball to Alli who set up the only goal of the game but kept the teams structure throughout the game and won key battles in the midfield to resolve any pressure Watford possessed.
Dembele gets a 8/10 rating for his solid efforts in the centre of the team.
|
3.
Robert Huth
It was difficult to pick out one individual from the wonderful team that overcame Manchester City at the Etihad. But with a brace as a defender and a commanding centre back performance too Robert Huth deserves a mention in player of the week. His goals won Leicester the game and put them 6 points clear.
For that reason I give Robert Huth a 10/10 and stand by the fact that he is fully deserving of it.
Full Fixtures Reaction!
Manchester City 1 - 3 Leicester City
- As ive discussed, it was a fantastic result which see's Leicester clear of Man City by 6 points. I personally, don't see this result as a shock either. It proves how worthy Leicester are of leading the pack and could prove an important result for them in coming weeks.
For Manchester City, it was a bitter defeat, a game they would have been nervous for but anticipated a win after current form. However it just goes to show money isn't everything, with the team that Leicester won with only costing £22.5 million.
Aston Villa 2 - 0 Norwich
- It may be too early to say every game is a cup final for Aston Villa, but 3 points against Norwich who have been playing well of late, will be not only a real confidence booster but a huge booster to their hopes of survival. Norwich will be disappointed to have lost but could we see a late great escape? I wouldn't put it past Aston Villa to do so.
Liverpool 2 - 2 Sunderland
- 8 minutes of gloom for Liverpool fans who not only saw their supports deplete but their 2 goal advantage too. What looked to be a cruising 2-0 win, ended 2-2 after goals from Johnson and inform Defoe pegged Liverpool back to only earn a single point. The supporters already unhappy with ticket prices, will have been left miserable after hearing the result, but are they to blame? Had they have stayed would it have given Liverpool the extra push to close up the game? Maybe, but I don't blame them for what they did, if it gets across the important message that 'Football is nothing without supporters' then good on them!
Newcastle United 1 - 0 West Brom
- Newcastle managed to climb out of the relegation zone thanks to a 32nd minute strike from Mitrovic. The narrow win was deserved after West Brom failed to even test Rob Elliot in the Newcastle net. However it was good to Saido Berahino back playing as I highly rate the young player who seems to not be having the best time at West Brom since being unsettled by Tottenham rumours. Newcastle played well, they just needed more goals and it would have been a much more representative score line.
Stoke City 0 - 3 Everton
- Everton again managing to comfortably put a side an opponent. Lukaku added to his terrific season in front of goal adding to his season tally from the penalty spot extending his record to 20 goals in all compitions. Unbeaten in 7 games, Everton managed to get back into the top half of the Premier League table, Coleman sealed a 2nd goal for Everton when he headed in Cleverley's cross, Cleverley played very well in this game I must point out. Just before the break Everton added a third to seal the points through Arron Lennon, a player enjoying his football at the moment. Stoke booed their team after an uninspiring, lacklustre performance by the whole team.
Swansea 1 - 1 Crystal Palace
- Swansea were held at home to Scott Dann's 5th goal of the season. Still missing Yannick Bolasie through injury, Palace looked in for a tough afternoon when Sigurdsson scored a lovely freekick, curling the ball over the wall and into the bottom corner. Swansea dominated much of the game up until the break. But Crystal Palace came out strong with Alan Pardew's words ringing in their ears and within 3 minutes were level thanks to Dann's header. The locked sides pressed each other but neither could find a breakthrough goal and the game finished honours even.
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 0 Watford
- Tottenham played a possessive, confident game against a Watford side who have been impressive this season. However, Watford had no luck in this game as they were dominated by Spurs. The Tottenham midfield had a solid game and their defence maintained their prestige record they have this season. Dele Alli, again involved in the goals, this time assisting Trippier who found the net to score the only goal and encourage Tottenham on their quest for a top 4 position and Champions League football.
Southampton 1 - 0 West Ham United
- Yoshida put the Saints ahead within 10 minutes to set the tone for the game. The game was toughly contested even after Southampton were reduced to 10 men following an ugly challenge from Victor Wanyama. West Ham only really applied pressure in the final quarter of the game but Southampton held out to seal 3 points.
Bournemouth 0 - 2 Arsenal
- Bournemouth were stunned by 2 quick-fire goals from Arsenal players Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil who scored in the 23rd and 24th minute respectively. Ozil whose been on fine form this season racking up the assists for his team found himself on the score sheet. There were strong shouts fro Mathieu Flamini to be shown a straight red after a reckless two-footed challenge on 8 minutes but was shown a yellow by the referee. Cech did well to keep out efforts from Bournemouth but it wasn't their day and arsenal walked away with the win.
Chelsea 1 - 1 Manchester United
- Chelsea survived defeat when Costa equalised the scoring in the 90+1 minute of the game. Manchester United played an attacking, purposeful game where they created a plethora of chances but were unable to take advantage, that was until Jesse Lingard swivelled and smashed the ball into the top corner putting United in the lead. A horrendous injury to Kurt Zouma who broke his leg resulted in 6 added minutes in which Chelsea, after applying pressure for the latter stages, stole a point.
News!
Recently, Manchester City have attained the services of high profile manager Pep Guardiola, who will bring a different perspective to the premier league. I think the manager transfer is an exciting one that will stoke the fires in other teams as they are fully aware of the capability Guardiola possesses. Its not a cause to panic however, there's been suggestions that Manchester United have become the smaller team in Manchester because of the manager signing, but which side of Manchester hold 20 titles, that's right United, so we have no need to worry.
In other news, Liverpool fans have been making a stand against ticket prices. Abandoning their sides game in the 77th minute was a clear indication of their dismay at the cost to see their side play in the Premier League. Alan Shearer notable agreed with the fans going as far as to say the 'fans should be rewarded' and I agree with both parties. It is extremely pricey to watch your team play a top flight game. The new TV deal should be enough to allow clubs to lower ticket prices and I think it would be beneficial as the atmosphere inside the stadium is what really counts.
I hope you enjoyed this post, thank you again for the enormous amount of support, I cant believe how incredible you've been and I cant say thank you enough for the opportunities you're providing me. Again, let me know on what I should include in future content and if the Leeds United and Bradford City games are something youd like to see. Thanks again and until the next one, goodbye for now!
Lee Harwood
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(I must say, I don't own any of the photo's, copyright issues)
Great blog lee. Keep it up
ReplyDeleteIts hassan btw
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