www.Go To The Mountain - Musings of a Potential Guru

The international break for Euro qualification gave us a break from the hustle and bustle of weekly league soccer. England got off to an impressive start with a 5-0 rout of the Czech Republic. Czech Republic are no minnows and it was also the way England played that got them the results. It could only enhance their reputation with the introduction of very young and talented players like Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson Odoi. This is not to mention Manchester City's Phil Folden and Liverpool's Rhian Brewster. You could add Declan Rice, Joe Gomez, James Maddison, Trent Alexander-Arnold, etc. There is also Ross Barkley who left Everton to be with Chelsea but did not feature enough playing on the left and Southgate seemed to have used him correctly in a freer role since Declan Rice protects the back. At one time Barkely was described by some as a combination of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack meaning some genius with power but he was injured too often in the past. This is an in

Last week Crystal Palace surprising lost to Brighton (1-2). West Ham too crashed at Cardiff (0-2). Brendan Rodgers got Leicester City to play his way and his changes brought a 3-1 win over Fulham. Jamie Vardy became more involved, had a lot more touches and two goals. Newcastle's come from behind win was a Rafa Benitez masterclass. They were two goals down by the 31st minute and remained so by half-time but came roaring back to win 3-2!  Meanwhile, Tottenham maybe showing signs of fatigue and for the second time despite leading through their talismanic striker Harry Kane were defeated 1-2 by a spirited Southampton side and boy did you see that screamer from James Ward-Prowse that sealed victory. Manchester City cruised to a 3-1 win over Watford with a controversial first goal. Liverpool fought and had Burnley beaten 4-2 still breathing down City;s neck. Chelsea was fortunate when Eden Hazard scored in 90+2 minutes to level 1-1 with Wolves and finally Arsenal ended Manchester Unite

Liverpool has handed over the lead at the top to City when they could have a ten point lead but now they are one behind after too may drawn matches. The brilliant 5-0 rout of Watford was not repeated at Goodison Park where Everton played so well and did City a favour. It was a somewhat tame and weak performance from a team trying to be champions. Last season's most fearsome trio has been reduced to a whimper especially Mo Salah who was unstoppable last season but could be the worst Liverpool player on the pitch on Sunday. Attack, their greatest strength has now become their weakest link. In exchange for controlling a game, the exhilarating attack were seldom unleashed this season. No more front foot attacking soccer with real intent. Opponents fear to play them last season and only defence was a let down.  Klopp ought to be more attacking as attack is the best form of defence and Liverpool this season have the best defence. You could argue that if they attack more then they may

Another year has quickly gone by. Even the Lunar New Year has come and gone. Prior to that I managed to squeeze in a game and the wonderful buggy man at the club has so kindly shown his thoughtfulness by issuing a buggy with the number "88". It was a good gesture even though I am not a numbers man nor superstitious. It was his thought of a double prosperity. This is what quality service is all about - a little thought and a little touch.  This time of the year you will have many friends who would send you horoscope. I call them horror scope. Put it this way, most people have an average life and in life there will be ups and downs. The horrible scope will say which signs are good and which bad for the year. I have observed for so many years, those who are supposed to have good or bad generally have an average year. Some who are supposed to have good year turned out bad and vice versa. If a person fell and scratched his knees, is it good or bad? It is good b

Liverpool are leading Manchester City by a single point after they played a boring goalless draw at Old Trafford again missing out capitalising on the the opportunity. Manchester United parked a bus and were poor. So too Liverpool who despite United strangely having three players injured by half-time. The Reds should have up the ante to win but were toothless despite dominating possession. Last season, Liverpool had the most feared attack not only in England but probably Europe but their defence sucked. This season they have a more than solid defence but changed the way they play and their attacking game has suffered. That balance is not right and they have become predictable. Allison showed once again his worth with his one-handed strong left arm to stop Jesse Lingard who could have scored. Virgil van Dijk is just priceless as he was once again calmness personified. He could never be rushed and always unruffled.  Liverpool also made their Champions League return match at the Allianz