EPL 2015/16 - Game Week 37

The next time I walk past a soccer shop or that King Power shop at Bangkok Airport, I shall walk in and purchase a Leicester City jersey as I said a few weeks into the season, long before they were crowned champions. It was simply because of the way they play so joyfully and fearlessly. I will also do it even if they were not champions as they have given many enough joy!

What a befitting ending for the Foxes! Champions of England! They did not have to lift a finger for it to happen but when Tottenham surrendered a 2-0 lead for Chelsea to equalised at 2-2. It was all over. At 5,000 to 1 there is unlikely to be a greater story ever told in soccer folklore and annals. With this betting odds, Leicester's unlikely win is liken to William Hill's odds for (1) Finding Elvis Presley alive! (2) President Obama becoming a baseball pro after leaving the White House! (3) Kim Kardashian being US President in 2020! 

Leicester City gave hopes to all teams in particular smaller ones that nothing is impossible but not all teams can achieved that even for the big and rich clubs as you would need certain things in place. Before that, they often played well but lost and was nearly relegated. Not every that sells "Char Kway Teow succeeds like the famous one nor everyone who hung a sign that says "Famous Laksa" actually is famous or makes good laksa.

This is a season where many of the big clubs faltered. Chelsea, Manchester City, United, Arsenal and even Liverpool. The smaller clubs also got better creating some upsets along the way to spoil the party. Leicester have no other distraction other than the league.

What was the most telling and beautiful was the fact that the Foxes were made up of mostly rejects from their previous clubs for one reason or another such as never really be given the opportunity or told that they were not good enough, a few from as many as three other previous clubs. Then they came together and did the unthinkable and the unimaginable. They have consistently matched the best individually and as a team, physically and mentally as well. How and why? They have someone who saw something in them, believe in them and knew how to play to their strength. They have the best team spirit too. Claudio Ranieri has never won in the top leagues and even Jose Mourinho considered him a loser. Who's laughing now? Perhaps Ranieri always knew what he has been doing but his time is not right yet. Now it has happened! And as Ranieri said - Dilly Ding Dilly Dong! This is why sometimes in life, you just have to dig in. Only fools mock others and when your time has come, just offer a humble smile. 

Oh yes, please do not forget Steve Walsh, their great talent scout. Never forget the unsung heroes. It was Walsh rather than Ranieri that brought us Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'golo Kante. That is great partnership at management level.

(Ranieri - Unclely Maestro):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPNzhJQbzJ8

Vardy was an unknown factory worker playing non-league soccer, drinking beer before training and now FWA's (Football Writer's Association) Footballer of the Year! Did you see that goal he scored against Germany against the world's best goalie? Nobody does that to Neuer! They should make a movie on the story of this great Leicester team with Jamie Vardy starring as Jamie Vardy. Compelling!

(The Leicester Story - Foxes Never Quit):
https://www.facebook.com/IQuoteFootball/videos/864694253635317/?pnref=story

(Vardy Goal!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v78Yki9UvMM

(His Story):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRbYIL2J0l8

Riyad Mahrez was at French Ligue 2 and unwanted as most felt that he is too frail to make an impact but now PFA (Profesional Footballers Association) Player of the Year! You should have seen him last week with ball glued to his feet turning three Manchester United defenders inside out and then into knots.

(Riyad Mahrez - The Dazzler!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYp6hi-ICA0

(Mahrez Magic!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_AF0lV8Dk

Even Kasper Schmeichel finally buried the ghost of being Peter's son. Even Ulloa who appeared less came in and did his job so well. Everyone became a star and the stars became a cluster and Leicester became a galaxy. When you watch them play, they never quit and always fight till they drop. Leicester can flow or can crash like water as Bruce Lee once said. Be water my friend. You build on each other's strength and positive energy. Now the universities should make a case study out of this episode. The world can learn. I will say this once again: It is never the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog!

Life is the same way. You may not have the opportunity. The timing may not be good or your time is not yet. So remember that when you are struggling, dig in and take root. The time will come for you to flourish when all the stars align themselves. Let Leicester City inspire you. This is a truly wonderful story. Enjoy it the city of Leicester. Next time will be tougher and hopefully all the players stay. You should also listen to their theme for hunting. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeMvEEqlKbA

(Post Horn Gallop - the Leicester March):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHzrJtBRkSI

(Rise of the Foxes):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz159p9VR7I

(Best Moments):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaHhyWqwzYY

(Leicester City Anthem):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCj4rkmI9W8

We should also congratulate Diego Simone for leading Atletico Madrid into Champions League final over mighty Bayern Munich. We need more of these exciting stuffs! Now for the relegation candidates:

Norwich v Manchester United - The Canaries is a nice team but with three matches left it is going to be tough to stay up as after this match they will host Watford and travel to Goodison Park to play Everton. What are their chances starting with the Red Devils? United actually played very well at Old Trafford against Champions Leicester City and fighting for a place in Champions League. They could beat Watford or take a point, looks more like a point and then at best another point from Everton. At 33 point, they will go down. Norwich have not scored in three matches against lesser opponents so it is a tall task. Fight they will but not score. Marcus Rashford should add one for United here. This boy is already amazing at 18 and he will be a top player some day. Is Roy Hodgson bring him to France? He should anc could be the ace in the pack. So I reckon 0-2.

Sunderland v Chelsea - The Black Cats relegation escape artists for the last several seasons. A point behind the Magpies with a game in hand, the Cats will want to do one over their bird derby rival so after hosting Chelsea, they will host Everton and visit Watford. So Everton and Watford have a say about Norwich and Sunderland. Their next two games may be draws so they could end with 34 points. The home team's record against the visitors is discouraging and Chelsea played a good game against Tottenham last week. But Sunderland have shown they are battling and have hope of pulling off something but I think Chelsea would be too good for them. Due to their fight, it could be close. 1-2.

Aston Villa v Newcastle - Villa led Watford 2-0 last week and still lost. After this, the Magpies have only one match to go where they host second placed Tottenham at St. James Park. Benitez has worked his magic as Newcastle turned around with WDDW in their last four matches. This match will be like a 50 million pounds cup final to stay up. Next up with Tottenham at home, the visitors are disappointed and have nothing else to play for having missed on being champions, they may get a draw but if they lose, these three points away to Villa is precioussssss! In their last five head-to-head, there were two draws and three Newcastle wins. I see Newcastle grabbing three precious points here. 1-2.

Crystal Palace v Stoke - Palace have a superior record against Stoke who have been poor on their travels and without a clean sheet in nine games but the visitors may be encouraged that Palace have only won once in nine matches at Selhurst Park. It points to a draw to me. 1-1.

West Ham v Swansea - The Hammers totally destroyed WBA at the Hawthorns with Payet at times torturing his opponents. West Ham are going places and with a bigger spanking new stadium coming up, they can only do better. Even Andy Carroll looked a solid acquisition. The Swans on the other hand surprised and delighted with an emphatic 3-1 win over Liverpool which was surprising because they have just been recently torn apart 0-3 by Newcastle and 0-4 by Leicester. However, at Upton Park, they may not be up to West Ham's level. The Claret and Blue will boss them and win and I hope they catch Manchester United and leapfrog them. 3-1.

Bournemouth v WBA - Both sides are in such a similar slump that any coincidence that they are on the same 41 points, had four losses in their last five matches, they will laboured for a draw. 1-1.

Leicester City v Everton - After the euphoria for the achievement of historical proportion, will Leicester take a back seat or still go play like the title depended on it. Regardless of the outcome, the Foxes will be presented the trophy as champions after full time in front of their fans. Everton travels well and have a good record against Leicester and this fixture pairing has the highest ratio of draw in the history of the competition. While Jamie Vardy, newly crowned FWA Player of the Year will be welcomed back, his team mates Danny Drinkwater and Robert Huth will be suspended. So will it end in a draw? Nay, I say a Leicester win. 2-0.

Tottenham v Southampton - Tottenham came so close. They were also quite deserving of the title except Leicester is more. In their last five head-to-head, Tottenham won four an drew once. Problem is while Spurs drew their last two matches, the Saints won both and they score 4-2 away to Villa and 4-2 at home to City. How are these as form? Spurs may be affected by coming so close. I feel this will be a draw. 2-2.

Manchester City v Arsenal - If there is one team City would lost to it would be Arsenal. As recent as their last four meetings, the Gunners won two and drew two. City's win rate against Arsenal in the history of the EPL is less than 20%. City have to look over their shoulders as United have a game in hand but four points behind and any slip up can be detrimental. Their last match will see them visiting Swansea. Arsenal last match is easier - playing host to Aston Villa. City have also just lost to Real Madrid and could be exhausted so the advantage goes to Arsenal. Frankly, City's from has been rather poor but they may decide to win it for Pellgrini. Should be a good match. 2-2.

Liverpool v Watford - Liverpool bounced back with a vengeance beating Villareal 3-0 to overcome the first leg deficit. What a manager! Eight months, two cup finals. Will Klopp rest some players like he did for Swansea? If the full good team comes out from the tunnel, Liverpool will win. 3-1. 

(Liverpool v Villareal):
http://www.90min.com/posts/3177019-video-all-goals-from-liverpool-3-0-villarreal-match?a_aid=35370