EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 27
6 February 1958, British European Airways Flight 609 crashed at Munich airport. On that plane were the famed and legendary Busby Babes. There were 23 fatalities and 21 survivors. It destroyed what was to be one of the greatest generations of players in English football history. In that plane was a certain Duncan Edwards, who survived that crash initially but succumbed to his injuries weeks later. He was only 21. He was a very great player and also an entertainer. He was quick thinking with thunderbolt shots from massive thighs. I have never seen him play. According to one of the game's great Sir Bobby Charlton, who was his team mate and survived the crash, Duncan Edwards was "the best player he has ever seen and the best he has ever played with". That is saying a lot from a great player himself. All who has played with him or watched him play agreed he should be mentioned alongside all time greats like Pele, Maradona, Charlton, Best as the finest players who has ever played the game. He was said to be a world class player at the age of 19. He was the original boy wonder ahead of George Best.
"He had strength and character that just spillt out of him on the field. I'm absolutely sure that if his career had had a decent span he would have proved himself the greatest players we had ever seen. Yes, I know the great players - Pele, Maradona, Best, Law, Greaves and my great favourite Alfredo di Stefano - but my point was that he was better in every phase of the game. If you asked such players as Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney about Duncan their answers were always the same: they had seen nothing like him". Charlton remembered taking a corner and Duncan Edwards scored the winner blasting past ten people and if he were playing against today's massed defences, Duncan would simply knock them down. He was phenomenal and you will never find another like him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW-yS18Nc4c (Germany v England, 1956)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUxdNLEpNQE England v Scotland, 1955)
Liverpool and Tottenham played an EPL classic match on Sunday in a pulsating game of soccer drama. Burnley upheld the best of British grit by getting a point against runaway Manchester City. Bournemouth continued their revival with another win after previously embarrassing Chelsea at their own den. It got worse when they got thrashed 4-1 by Watford. Manchester United struggled to beat Huddersfield.
"He had strength and character that just spillt out of him on the field. I'm absolutely sure that if his career had had a decent span he would have proved himself the greatest players we had ever seen. Yes, I know the great players - Pele, Maradona, Best, Law, Greaves and my great favourite Alfredo di Stefano - but my point was that he was better in every phase of the game. If you asked such players as Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney about Duncan their answers were always the same: they had seen nothing like him". Charlton remembered taking a corner and Duncan Edwards scored the winner blasting past ten people and if he were playing against today's massed defences, Duncan would simply knock them down. He was phenomenal and you will never find another like him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW-yS18Nc4c (Germany v England, 1956)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUxdNLEpNQE England v Scotland, 1955)
Liverpool and Tottenham played an EPL classic match on Sunday in a pulsating game of soccer drama. Burnley upheld the best of British grit by getting a point against runaway Manchester City. Bournemouth continued their revival with another win after previously embarrassing Chelsea at their own den. It got worse when they got thrashed 4-1 by Watford. Manchester United struggled to beat Huddersfield.
Before we get to the next matches, here are the reasons why we watch soccer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoxNcCYKaN0&feature=share
Tottenham v Arsenal - This is going to be another great match and one where both sides must win and it is a London derby! Recent events will make this even more interesting. The Gunners have new found confidence while it is hard on Tottenham having just played a high intensity game against Liverpool. Based on this season and current form Tottenham are slight favourites but Arsenals' most recent vigour cannot be ignored. Tottenham have the highly skilled Mousa Dembele, the highly rated but off-form Dele Alli, the match winning ability of Christian Eriksen and man of the moment who has just scored a hundred goals - Harry Kane. Arsenal have their own arsenal to boot - Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette.
Spurs were overran by Liverpool in the first half but came back strongly in the second to steal a point but that could be Liverpool allowing them to by sitting back. Alli was booked for diving and I felt a man of his considerable talent need not do that as it was not his first time. He was already going down and in that instant Lovren withdrew his tackle and Alli was tumbling down. It looked completely silly. For me, diving is cheating. It is an act of dishonesty. There may come a time when referees would wave play on when he is genuinely being fouled. As to Harry Kane, all this while watching him, I have never saw him cheating or diving and in fact, there were times he was tripped but regained balance and continued.
You could say that Everton was hopeless as Arsenal led 4-0 at half-time with Aaron Ramsey scoring a hattrick and Mkhitrayn matching with a hattrick of assists.Do note that Ramsey is a very dangerous and powerful player. Each time he has scored, a famous person or celebrity has died. They called it the curse of Ramsey. Senator Ted Kennedy, Osama bin Laden, Steve Jobs, Muamma Gaddaffi, Paul Walker, Robin Williams, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Nancy Reagan all died after he scored. He has just scored a hattrick, take cover. Someone has to stop him. The schedule has been unkind to Spurs who played back to back against Manchester United, Liverpool and now Arsenal. Spurs can beat anyone on their day. At the expansive pitch of Wembley, featuring two attack-minded teams, I would expect a classic with goals. Manchester United lost because they dare not play. Arsenal will play. In fact, Wenger should be more confident with their last showing. He was once the saviour, the man who changed not just the Gunners but English football, built her future, spotted and groomed their stars, created the "Invincibles" but through his own stubbornness, philosophy as a purist, Arsenal have weaved themselves around the pitch and into a bit of mess. This could be Arsene Wenger's swansong and eventually he will be missed. Aubameyang always scores and Kane love scoring against Arsenal. Expect fireworks and goals. 2-2.
Spurs were overran by Liverpool in the first half but came back strongly in the second to steal a point but that could be Liverpool allowing them to by sitting back. Alli was booked for diving and I felt a man of his considerable talent need not do that as it was not his first time. He was already going down and in that instant Lovren withdrew his tackle and Alli was tumbling down. It looked completely silly. For me, diving is cheating. It is an act of dishonesty. There may come a time when referees would wave play on when he is genuinely being fouled. As to Harry Kane, all this while watching him, I have never saw him cheating or diving and in fact, there were times he was tripped but regained balance and continued.
You could say that Everton was hopeless as Arsenal led 4-0 at half-time with Aaron Ramsey scoring a hattrick and Mkhitrayn matching with a hattrick of assists.Do note that Ramsey is a very dangerous and powerful player. Each time he has scored, a famous person or celebrity has died. They called it the curse of Ramsey. Senator Ted Kennedy, Osama bin Laden, Steve Jobs, Muamma Gaddaffi, Paul Walker, Robin Williams, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Nancy Reagan all died after he scored. He has just scored a hattrick, take cover. Someone has to stop him. The schedule has been unkind to Spurs who played back to back against Manchester United, Liverpool and now Arsenal. Spurs can beat anyone on their day. At the expansive pitch of Wembley, featuring two attack-minded teams, I would expect a classic with goals. Manchester United lost because they dare not play. Arsenal will play. In fact, Wenger should be more confident with their last showing. He was once the saviour, the man who changed not just the Gunners but English football, built her future, spotted and groomed their stars, created the "Invincibles" but through his own stubbornness, philosophy as a purist, Arsenal have weaved themselves around the pitch and into a bit of mess. This could be Arsene Wenger's swansong and eventually he will be missed. Aubameyang always scores and Kane love scoring against Arsenal. Expect fireworks and goals. 2-2.
Everton v Crystal Palace - The Toffees did well to have beaten Leicester but were disastrous in that mauling by Arsenal. Palace's form dwindled and could not win but were not defeated. Given the home ground advantage of Goodison Park and probably some grilling by Big Sam, Everton could not afford another poor showing if you ask me. Many of their own fans walked out at half time against Arsenal when they were already 4-0 down. With Zaha apparently out for a few weeks, the most important player and threat from Palace has been negated before a ball is kicked. This is Everton's biggest chance for 3 points. 2-1.
Stoke City v Brighton - Stoke's undefeated run of 2 ended when Bournemouth overcame them but are now hosting a Brighton side that are undefeated in their last 3 matches and just having beaten the Hammers 3-1. However, this is an away game for them. Paul Lambert must fashion something to spur a Stoke win. This is crucial as the bottom team WBA have 20 points and up to West Ham at 12th they are only all separated by 3 points. From 11th to 9th teams only have 30 to 31 points. Two wins or losses in a row could change everything. I saw a bit of how Brighton played last week and was impressed. I would think they should not lose here. 1-1.
Swansea v Burnley - You would not believe how Swansea were before the arrival of their new Portuguese manager Carlos Carvalhal. He was sacked by lower tier Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea fans feared the worst when he was appointed thinking it was a desperate attempt. Swansea have not lost in their last 5 matches where they have achieved famous wins over Liverpool and Arsenal. They have just defeated Notts County 8-1 in the F.A. Cup and Tammy Abraham is back this time with a hattrick! This is his chance to lead Swansea. Burnley's bright season has changed where they have found themselves not tasting victory in their last five (lost 3 and drew 2) but their last one was a fine match with a home draw against Manchester City truly showing the best of British grit. Swansea are certainly capable of winning this one but I saw how Burnley thwarted City last week and at some point in that match even threatened City's goal. That was a courageous performance. I would say they would both cancel each other out. 1-1.
West Ham v Watford - The Hammers were rising with David Moyes leading the charge but their last win was in January and have not won since. Their last match was a 1-3 defeat by Brighton and it was disappointing. Arnautovic and Lanzini were their heroes but with both out they have since struggled. The Hornets must believe that their revival is here for they have just beaten Champions Chelsea 4-1! A feat no one else has done. There could be good mews that Arnautovic could be back in time to feature in this match. Long time Hammer Mark Noble alone may not be enough to save West Ham as they are in wretched form and they will need to step up. Unless there is a big surprise, a draw at best but Watford may just pip them for a an away win. 1-2.
West Ham v Watford - The Hammers were rising with David Moyes leading the charge but their last win was in January and have not won since. Their last match was a 1-3 defeat by Brighton and it was disappointing. Arnautovic and Lanzini were their heroes but with both out they have since struggled. The Hornets must believe that their revival is here for they have just beaten Champions Chelsea 4-1! A feat no one else has done. There could be good mews that Arnautovic could be back in time to feature in this match. Long time Hammer Mark Noble alone may not be enough to save West Ham as they are in wretched form and they will need to step up. Unless there is a big surprise, a draw at best but Watford may just pip them for a an away win. 1-2.
Manchester City v Leicester - City offered 65 million pounds for Riyadh Mahrez which the Foxes rejected and now Mahrez has gone missing. This is almost like winning without having even to fight. The highest form of victory as Bruce Lee once said. Leicester's fine form has taken a knock recently. If Leicester were to remember how in their season when they became champions, they had no fear and in fact defeated City but some of those players like Kante, Drinkwater has left and now Mahrez is missing. There is only Jamie Vardy and Albrighton and several others. City are too strong for almost everyone. Can their manager Claude Puel fashion an unlikely result for their host? Unlikely but I think he could make it a closer affair. 2-1.
Huddersfield v Bournemouth - Huddersfield's season has fell flat after a good start. They have not won a league game for quite some time but have just beaten lower rung Birmingham 4-1 in the F.A. Cup. Before this, they lost 0-2 to the Red Devils but are now facing the Cherries on the rise. Bournemouth went to Chelsea and won 3-0, how is that for form and belief? They followed up with a come from behind 2-1 win over Stoke. Eddie Howe's team is not letting go their recent revival but an away match is often tougher and if Huddersfield are invigorated they could make it tougher. 1-2.
Newcastle United v Manchester United - The Magpies have lost just twice in eight matches and both were against Manchester City but problem is they have won also just two. Strangely, they were rather poor at home in St. James Park. They played 1-1 with Palace in a surprisingly exciting match last week. United were not troubled when they won against Huddersfield but they have failed to win six of their 13 away games. United are too strong for Newcastle but Rafa Benitez is a master of surprise especially with set-pieces and who could achieve a one off result. If United attacks from the start they will win but if they choose to take it slower, the patience may lead to frustration as the clock ticks. I think United is too strong so they may eke out a 1-0 win but Newcastle may just park the bus aka Mourinho bus. 1-1.
Southampton v Liverpool - The Reds should have won at Anfield against Spurs. The way their front three pressed were impressive. There were wasted chances. It was obvious Liverpool sat back n the second half allowing Spurs back into the game and dominated with 65% possession. Liverpool are best when playing their style of attack and pressing but they have in the past attack and lost. Kane was offside but I do not think Kane dived but there was minimal contact. Lamela too. From my TV view and angle, Virgil van Dijk was about to clear the ball and Lamela came in from behind. There was no way Lamela was in a position to score and was denied. Kudos to Spurs for the come back. Anyway, those are water under the bridge and it was a great advertisement for the EPL. Kudos to Liverpool and Tottenham!
When Liverpool visits the St. Mary's, they are playing a team who are their unofficial feeder squad. They have previously till recently signed at least six Saints' players. Southampton have been woeful this season including at home. Liverpool are in total contrast having scored 32 goals on the road 13 times. However, the Saints have steadily climbed up from the bottom three recently with good results, unbeaten in their last 5 matches including a 1-1 draw with Tottenham and beating WBA 3-2 away. It is not going to be a stroll in the park for the Reds visiting. IN fact, Liverpool have to be wary of their set piece with James Ward-Prowse at the helm, Jack Stephens and the exciting Mario Lemina.
Loris Karius was not too bad and but he has to prove himself. I felt that he could have held on to Eriksen's cross rather than punching it out which led to Wanyama's super scorch of a goal. It has to do with confidence. Virgil van Dijk will be a great long term asset for their defence once he is at his fittest and settles down with his back line. Last time with Tottenham, Klopp opted for a work horse midfield. A more creative one would strengthen their case of creating more damage. If only they had Lallana available. The front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah will continue to wreak havoc. Mane has not been like his best of last season but he will come true again. Firmino has increased his goal tally and there is nor forward better at pressing than he is. Ah, Mo Salah needs no introduction. Watch:
Loris Karius was not too bad and but he has to prove himself. I felt that he could have held on to Eriksen's cross rather than punching it out which led to Wanyama's super scorch of a goal. It has to do with confidence. Virgil van Dijk will be a great long term asset for their defence once he is at his fittest and settles down with his back line. Last time with Tottenham, Klopp opted for a work horse midfield. A more creative one would strengthen their case of creating more damage. If only they had Lallana available. The front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah will continue to wreak havoc. Mane has not been like his best of last season but he will come true again. Firmino has increased his goal tally and there is nor forward better at pressing than he is. Ah, Mo Salah needs no introduction. Watch:
https://www.thisisanfield.com/2018/02/watch-21-mohamed-salahs-goals-record-premier-league-haul-far/
https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolFC/videos/10156514908627573/ (Salah's goal v City)
Liverpool have been guilty of dropping points at times when you least expect it. This could be one of those matches. They will have to buckle up at the back and hit the front foot going forward. Despite being so prolific, they have been guilty of wastefulness at times. 1-3.
Chelsea v WBA - Chelsea are in a crisis. Perhaps there are dressing room issues we know not because the results are not showing. Their last two matches were disastrous. 0-3 at home to Bournemouth and 1-4 away to Watford. This happened during Mourinho's tenure too. Somethings are not right. No doubt they are hosting bottom club WBA, remember how Swansea had beaten Liverpool and Arsenal. A third defeat would be horrendous! Conte is obviously having a few problems so he has to navigate his way out but are his players with him? The Baggies should seize the day for the opportunity. Can they steal a point or cause an upset? 3-2.
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