Soccer - EPL Commentary

Before I start, let us observe a minute's silence as a mark of respect for Paul The Octopus.............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya85knuDzp8

Alright, they said Paul died in his sleep, nice way to go. Even though Paul has been invited all over the world, many offers were rejected by his keeper. Yet I think Paul could be too stressed out.

The Manchester United and Wayne Rooney saga has just ended but drama ensured over the last weekend for compelling viewing. It has certainly lighted up things a bit despite the haze here. Beginning with some unfortunate comments by Indonesian minister and spokesman who said that the haze has only "came out a week and people are complaining. What about the air the Indonesian forest produce throughout the year?"

The Haze

Customer service, recovery opportunity and "everything you should not say or do" PR suicide was committed by the Indonesian minister and/or the spokesperson when he said that. These days if you can find someone who would say sorry like a gentleman make him a good friend because it is rare. First it was denied that the haze was a result of fire burning there. Why deny it when anyone these days can see from satellite? Maybe you can google it too. When you are in business and there was service failure, admit it. People think that saying sorry is admission of guilt and liability for compensation. Lying and getting found out (which is inevitable) is worse. As if not enough, they said it was the responsibility of the province to stop it. Familiar isn't it? Oh, it is not my department and not under my care. Take responsibility. If you ruin the reputation of your family, company or country, nobody cares if it is your department. You take them down with you. "The haze is only a week and you complain. What about the air our forest produce?" There are golfers who hit stray balls and hit some other golfers on the other side. When you get hit by a golf ball and didn't die, it is still very painful. If you are the one who hit that ball, apologise sincerely even though you won't be charged as it was purely accidental but there were golfers who came over and instead of saying sorry, ask what you are not happy about and "why? you are a pro and had never hit a stray ball?" It is all about etiquette, being a gentleman, doing the right thing and education. It takes a great man to say sorry. It's like saying I am burning my own house down and can afford it so why you bother? What's your problem? Sometimes, your house gets flooded or burn accidentally and you need other people's help too. Partly, because we got spoilt watching HDTV and LED TV that is clearer than real life so we are not used to such haze. What to do? Even if we burn ourselves silly we are just a little red dot. Ok, ok better don't say too much, otherwise next time our golf bunkers have no sand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi6RA3UQNEo

Chelsea

Chelsea has a good chance as ever to retain their title. They look solid. Wolves can give anyone a hard time but the Blues prevailed. Despite, many players not available, they showed no signs of weaknesses.

Arsenal

Arsenal put on perhaps their best performance. An away 3-0 thrashing of Manchester City who is another title contender. The Gunners were really awesome. Samir Nasri is in top form and Fabregas is back. If they can maintain this kind of ruthless from, the title is theirs.

Manchester City

A man down early on, they actually played well. On any other day, they would have gotten a much better result. It could have been worse if Joe Hart hadn't make those saves including the penalty. This is a setback.

Manchester United

With all the saga going on, the Red Devils did a little better than previous games. Yet again, they let slip a lead when Stoke's Tuncay scored such a beauty. Hernandez is now making waves with a goal previously then a brace here and added the winner in the Cup. This boy life is suddenly going roses. Will they be back now that the dust has settled. Will Rooney be hot again. Manchester United has to rebuild and in all probability they won't win the title this year.

Liverpool

Liverpool started with earnest and in great hunger for a win. They dominated the proceedings and the only reason it was a goalless first half is testimony of solid and great goalkeeping from Paul Robinson. He should have been in the England fold during the World Cup and even now. He looks slimmer and meaner now. The only crime he committed was when a faltering England lost to Croatia and Robinson receiving a back pass ran out to kick the ball but the back pass hit a protruded turf and went into the net. Pool could have scored 3-4 times but for Robinson. When Blackburn equalised you really felt sorry for Liverpool for their grip on the game and yet conceded. Then Fernando Torres scored. Welcome relief for all especially Roy Hodgson. If you have watched this match you would have thought Liverpool fielded a different team. They should be back and Anfield will delight again.