EPL 2016/17 - Game Week 26

I did not have time at all to give you any write up last week but I jotted down very quickly a a tiny piece of paper and kept it with the prediction as follows Predicted Score (Actual):

Arsenal 2 Hull 1 (2-0), Manchester United 2 Watford 1 (2-0), Middlesborough 0 Everton 2 (0-0), Stoke 2 Palace 0 (1-0), Sunderland 1 Southampton 1 (0-4), West Ham 3 WBA 2 (2-2), Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1 (2-0), Burnley 1 Chelsea 1 (1-1), Swansea 1 Leicester 1 (2-0), Bournemouth 0 Manchester City 3 (0-2). You could see a few surprises or at least results that most of you did not expect such as Southampton who has fared poorly recently and having lost 1-3 at to West Ham, have won 4-0 away to Sunderland and the Black Cats themselves so convincing at Palace and won 4-0 away crumbling at the feet of the Saints at home. 

After the numerous sloppy display nobody gave Liverpool a real chance of winning against a very strong Tottenham but the Reds showed once again that they could be unplayable when they decide to play. Mind you, Tottenham are a very good all round team but they did not have a chance as Liverpool put them to the sword from the whistle. Of course Chelsea are still very good but if you knew what Burnley could do, you will the result is possible. Manager Sean Duche must be given credit for having a pop at the leaders at their own game and doing the rest a favour. It cold be a template for the others to follow in knowing how to stop Chelsea. Meanwhile, Leicester's incredible fairy tale last season has turned into something you won't even wish on your enemy. They need prayers to avoid creating another opposite kind of unwanted history - of going down the next season. 

Arsene Wenger and Arsenal

Now they are saying that the Sing Min chickens were culled because not due to the noise but fear of bird flu. What about all the bird shops? I think the conditions here are worse than the free roaming chickens. Talking about culling and noises, the noise may be about to kill two great clubs and their managers - Luis Enrique's and Arsene Wenger's embattled Barcelona and Arsenal. 

Wenger is and will always be a great manager, a legend. When he first came from Nagoya Grampus Eight, he was unknown where by now his shock of dark hair has turned completely grey like the London sky. He was affectionately called the Professor for he introduced art to his club, changing the way players eat, train and play. He spots young players and turn them into super stars. He built a great team the helped the Gunners win the doubles and he created the "Invincibles" that went an entire season unbeaten achieving a record. Remember Thiery Henry who was an unknown winger sitting on the bench at Juventus. There was Dennis Bergkamp, Roberto Pires, Petit, Ljungberg,Patrick Viera, etc. 

The Gunners once had the most impressive defence in England and Europe with Martin Keown, Steve Bould and Tony Adams n the middle flanked by Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn. They were impregnable. Why didn't they build on that surprised me. Because Wenger wanted a different way of playing? The days of building their stadium took its toll as they did not compete for the best players in the market. So too the lack of ambition of just being happy to be in the top four in EPL. Even though they have always go through the qualifying stages of Champions League, they never made it beyond for a long time. Arsenal were also unlucky to be often paired with either Barcelona and Bayern Munich but you can't offer that excuse because at this level, you are going to meet the best teams anytime. 

While they can be breathtaking to watch when flowing, Arsenal were often caught short in (i) defending, (2) leadership, (3) character. Steve Bould as Wenger's assistant has not improved their defence greatly. They need a Viera patrolling the middle of the park and bossing the game. The players in part have also let him down for all his loyalty. Often described as Barcelona-light, Arsenal has finally played like Barcelona and got the same result - Barcelona got thrashed 4-0 by PSG while Arsenal got mangled by Bayren Munich 5-1. The swords and jokes are out - the Special One, Normal One, Tactical One and Five One. Wenger do not deserve it as many have learned from him (including other clubs) but it may be time for him to move on. All good things must come to an end and the Professor needs a fresh challenge. Whatever the outcome, he is a legend in Gunner's folklore. 

Chelsea v Swansea - The leaders have a hiccup at Turf Moor and while others fell by the way side, they have Wolves beaten away in the Cup. The Swans have moved up to 15th thanks to Paul Clement who helped achieve great odds when his Swansea side had three great wins only having lost to City narrowly away. Looking at both things you will realize confidence is such an important ingredient. Remember how dismal Chelsea were last season and how Swansea were just in recent times? Though hosted at Stamford Bridge, it will not be easy as Swansea is getting better. Chelsea is still going strong but I shall pick a draw based not just on their recent results but also the way they play. Versus Liverpool, won 3-2 away, beaten Southampton 2-1 at home, lost 1-2 away to City which they could have drawn and beaten Leicester 2-0 at home. There is something about Clement. 2-2.

Crystal Palace v Middlesborough - Palace have gone to the dogs since that 2-0 away win at Bournemouth. This is a must win match for Sam Allardyce especially to get ahead and out of the relegation zone and a win will bring Boro down and level on points. Otherwise, Sam can kiss his reputation of saving clubs goodbye. Palace's performance have been poor and even at home I do not expect them to win. Draw. 1-1.

Everton v Sunderland - Everton are not in 7th for nothing. They are undefeated for some time and are winning again. Despite a rousing 4-0 away win over rival Palace, Sunderland collapsed completely sat home to Southampton by similar 4-0 scoreline they have inflicted on their opponents of the previous week. They have often escaped relegation at the last minute, there is no current evidence that they could repeat it this season. 2-0.

Hull v Burnley - If the Tigers bring their A game like they did against Manchester United (0-0) and Liverpool (2-0), they can be in for something nice but Burnley are undefeated in their last five Premier League games versus Hull winning four. The Clarets were great against Chelsea at Turf Moor two weeks ago but crashed (0-1) at home in the FA Cup against Lincoln City who made some history. Hull is battling for survival and manager Marco Silva is making a difference. Draw. 1-1.

Southampton v Arsenal - You are not going to know which Southampton or Arsenal turn up. The Saints have in recent times been a thorn among the roses for the Gunners. They stunned Arsenal 4-0 in 2015, held them 0-0 at the Emirates in 2016 and had them beaten 2-0 in the League Cup in front of the Gooners in 2016 but only in the FA Cup this year they got a sound spanking (5-0) at the St. Mary's. Southampton cruised to a 4-0 away win at Sunderland two weeks ago while Arsenal have beaten Hull 2-0 but went on to Bayern Munich and got thoroughly outplayed 5-1. Arsenal have been poor lately in all competition (WLLWL). Another poor showing could derail their season. Being contented is a good thing in life but to be contented just to be among the top four and gong through the qualifying stage of Champions League may be aiming a wee bit too low. Ten points behind leaders Chelsea with 13 matches to go means they must start piling up the points with no let up. Perhaps Wenger should bring on Lucas Perez. The Saints could surprise but lack consistency now so Arsenal may get a close win. 1-2. (Postponed due to Southampton's League Cup Final).

WBA v Bournemouth - The Baggies are doing exceedingly well in 8th position and now hosting a the Cherries who has not won for quite sometime including three straight losses home and away. Bournemouth seems to have lost their way but has a good record against WBA having won three of their last four meetings. Eddie Howe must figure a way out as they are now just six points from the relegation zone but they have a good record against WBA having won three of the four meetings in all competition. Tehy may just raise their game i this match to secure a draw. 1-1.

Watford v West Ham - The Hornet have won three of their last four premier matches against the Hammers. Both sides have been patchy in form Watford have shown their ability in their recent wins over Arsenal (away) and Burnley (home) while West Ham have gotten over the Payet issue and started to play better having won 3-1 away to Southampton. Both teams are scoring again with 2-3 goals a match. They will probably cancel out each other. 2-2.

Tottenham v Stoke - Their last two meetings were at Stoke which Tottenham won both 4-0 but Stoke were unbeaten in their last tow visits to White Hart Lane. Tottenham must win as a contender chasing Chelsea with a ten points gap. Will Harry Kane's hattrick against Fulham in the FA Cup spur him and his team to greater heights? With Eriksen and Dele Alli in fine form, I expect the home team to cruise. 2-0.

Manchester City v Manchester United - City looked to have bounced back a little and remained closest to Chelsea with an eight pint gap. United themselves are not doing too badly but then for a team like United it is not enough. They defend better than City but City have more glamour right now. Their exciting 5-3 win over Monaco in the Champions Leagues showcased how attacking soccer is so beautiful. Of course it is nice to win and to win titles but for me whatever sports you play, it has to be the beautiful version. To play pretty with some steel, that takes the cake for me. City's defence is almost the same as Liverpool. They are their own worst enemy. Both sides are on winning streaks plus being a derby brings bragging rights. City has more cutting edge but may be more worn out by their mid-week sojourn. I think both sides will end up settling for a nice and mouth-watering draw. 2-2. (Postponed due to Manchester United's's League Cup Final).

Leicester City v Liverpool - Last season when they met here, the Foxes won 2-0. When they last met in November at Anfield, they got thrashed 4-1. What a difference and should I say indifference a season made out of Leicester. Only Jamie Vardy from Leicester has scored against Liverpool but he is so out of it this year. Is Ranieri tinkering too much. If Liverpool play like they did against Tottenham, Leicester won't have a chance. This is what I meant when I described Liverpool as 'unplayable" when they decide to play. Tottenham is a very good and solid team and they were prepared when they visited Anfield but they knew not what hit them in the first half especially in the first 20 minutes. Liverpool was all over them. Or will the weaker team syndrome strike them yet again? Leicester's mid-week Champions League adventure against Sevilla will take some toll on them but Jamie Vardy gave them a slim life line for the return leg. I said slim because Leicester's defence were poor. Maybe Rainieri has been too loyal to the players who won him the title last season. 

There are times when success in life brings problems and Leicester seems to be like that. They knew  it last season that this might happened but yet could not prevent it. How often have you seen in real life, businesses or individuals rise spectacularly and crash and burn later? The Foxes are hovering just a point above the crash zone. Though Liverpool have been poor at times, they are really good when going forward. Leicester may have to wait for their next game against Hull, especially as Claudio Ranieri has just been fired. With 13 matches left for the season, is this the correct decision. What an anti-climax! 1-3.