EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 13

We are taking the international break due to EURO 2002 Qualifications. Trouble brewed over from that weekend match between Liverpool and Manchester City and turned into a Sterling/Gomez fracas. Gareth Southgate has chosen to be transparent and also decided to drop Raheem Sterling for England's home match against Montenegro. He has already been accused from both sides - one for being overly harsh and the other for being too lenient. For me, Southgate showed courage and leadership and in doing the right thing. For being transparent and up front, he has prevented more speculation. Do you believe that something happened somewhere and nobody will know? He is too intelligent for that. In fact, every word uttered by him is intelligent. You can read about what he said yourself. 

Rio Ferdinand said that in his time, "players got punched, ribs broken, nose busted and heads kicked like a football". Really? He also said that Southgate should have handled it internally. Sterling is very important to England and has been a role model but if you showed lack of maturity then there must be no exception. No one should go about grabbing another person's throat and when you have made a mistake one has to face the issues that follows. Rio may have been a great player but he is not a manager or never been one. For me, it is like you should not bring your work frustrations home and vice versa. Even recent court cases has been extremely lenient in Singapore when clearly the offender got off lightly in my books. No wonder the world has become what it is now. 

Meanwhile, Harry Kane scored two hattricks back to back for a new England record. He added one more against Kosovo away and brought his international tally to 32 goals in 45 matches. If he stays away from injury and keeps his form, it is east to see him break all England records and overtake Wayne Rooney. In 8 Euro 2020 qualifying matches, Kane scored 12 goals with 5 assists. Stellar! What a player! Georginio Wijnaldum scored a hattrick for the Netherlands against Estonia. This man is at his peak. His control and mastery against Man City was outstanding and then now this. Perhaps his best international year for sometime. Do not forget his goals that destroyed Barcelona. There is more to come from this man.

However, the same cannot be said of him at club level and now made worse with the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino by Tottenham. Pochettino to me is one of the finest and often coveted coach who made Tottenham Hotspurs. With a limited kitty due to their stadium building, he brought in players astutely and introduced youth players and over many years has helped Spurs to over-achieve with top 4 finishes and last season to the final of the Champions League. Spurs has now appointed Jose Mourinho as the new man. Does Mourinho fit Spurs brand of attacking soccer? Maybe this time? I have never seen an attacking Mourinho team before. If anything, he is ill-fitted but Chairman David Levy has been fond of changing managers but is stingy where as Mourinho is a big spender. The jokes were already out that Harry Kane will play centre half and Son Heung-Min will play left back under him. Mourinho builds his teams from the back and plays pragmatic boring soccer. He has said that he will not repeat his same mistakes but to make new mistakes. 

Nearer home, I really think that Tatsuma Yoshida is showing the way. What a great coach! He knows what he is doing and doing things with confidence and clarity. He is not afraid to try out old or new players, drop players and rope in youngsters and not afraid to fight and play an attacking game. Singapore played 5 matches, won 2, drew 1 and lost 2 and played well. They should have beaten Yemen at home but conceded twice too easily then they shocked Palestine 2-1 before their losses to Saudi Arabia (0-3) and Uzbekistan (1-3) and recently had Yemen beaten 2-1 away with two superb goals. I have not seen a Singapore team playing like this for a very long time. Way to go Yoshida-san! Arigato gozaimasu!

Game Week 12

We have not seen almost one third of the season. Norwich took over Watford to prop the table when they went down at home to them and marked Watford's first win of the season. Chelsea continued their amazing run when they mastered Crystal Palace. Burnley achieved a Manchester City kind of score over West Ham, Newcastle stunned Bournemouth, Southampton slumbered at home to Everton, Tottenham were fortunate with a 1-1 home draw to Sheffield United. All these happened on Saturday. On Sunday, Leicester showed their true ambition when they won 2-0 against Arsenal. Manchester United reignited themselves with a comfortable win over Brighton while Wolves overcame a stubborn Villa. 

The biggest match lived up to expectations with drama and played at a frenetic pace and at the highest level. After all, it was Klopp v Guardiola and Liverpool v Manchester City. The visitors to Anfield pounded the Reds from the start and kept them at bay. Klopp's boys' response was a sucker-punch by the 6th minute. They broke free through Mane whose low cross was half cleared and the fabulous Fabinho was first to the ball where he shunted with the outside of his right foot to the right and instantly let rip a scorcher from 25m which stunned City. There was controversy because some, City fans in particular would  have concluded that there was handball and a penalty should have been rewarded. For those who are impartial or more observant, the handball occurred earlier when City's Bernado Silva was involved with a handball. The referee merely allowed play to flow and when he saw Liverpool have regained possession he allowed advantage play but the resulting lightning raid became a goal. That was a correct decision. At worse, a penalty should not be given to City but Bernado Silva to be penalised. If the first goal by Fabinho was stupendous, the second was sensational as well as crushing and wicked and a masterclass in turning defence into attack. Alexander-Arnold looking harmless on the right, switched the ball to his left foot and unleashed a 50m cross-field swirling pass that drop into acres of space and the marauding Andrew Robertson latched onto it before cracking a low cross across the penalty box and into space, had a bounce and where a fully-stretched Fernandinho failed to clear, not even connect and the onrushing Salah darted in to head home in the 13th minute. I do not think anyone has seen a goal like that. Right to left, left to right and bang! All within 10 seconds or so. 

By the 51th minute, Captain Jordan Henderson beat his man on the right and floated an exquisite cross like a winger  that sailed over a defender, curved away from Claudio Bravo where Mane scored with a diving header. Yes, Mane could dive. City have their chances but they just won't go in. Was that a lack of belief they could win at Anfield? It really was a proper game of football! Strangely, Liverpool have not been converting their chances like that all season, yet those three lightning raids were perfect in execution. A nine point lead is nothing and could be overcome unless you stay strong for the rest of the season. Liverpool have already beaten the teams currently lying in 2nd (Leicester 2-1 at Anfield), 3rd (Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge), 4th (Manchester City 3-1 at Anfield), 5th (Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane) and 6th (Arsenal 3-1 at Anfield) and yet to have lost a single game and did not looked like they have shifted out of 3rd gear. So if they could reach up to higher gears when needed then they could be on to something. City have lost 3 times now and yet to play 5 of the top 6. Failure to land the title and having lost by a single point could have broken the spirits of most men and destroyed plenty of souls but not these mentality giants now fast becoming mythical monsters.

Really, Liverpool is not leading City by 9 points being the focus but are leading Leicester City and Chelsea by 8 points. A lot can still change and the Reds just have to work their socks off till the end as right now they are in a good place. City will get stronger again, Leicester and Chelsea could surprise too. In fact, Liverpool will not only have to contend with City but Leicester and Chelsea as well.

West Ham v Tottenham - West Ham have been abysmal. Manuel Pelligrini has real problems as the Hammers look heavy laden and even as Tottenham have been a shadow of themselves which is not a complement, the Hammers are worse and very underwhelming. Harry Kane has not scored that many for Spurs till now but he has his second hattrick for England in two international games and he got it all within 37 minutes against Montenegro but it appeared to me that Kane has been better served for England than Spurs. He scored again away to Kosovo with another assist to bring England tally to 32 goals in 45 matches. In total, he played in all 8 qualifying round matches scoring 12 goals with five assists for a new England record and he has never grab anyone by the throat in a canteen. So West Ham has to nullify a striker in great form for his country. This is also a London Derby with great rivalry and the Hammers has a tendency to upset Spurs here. Will the new managerial effect takes place immediately? Considering the fact of the little time he has - no. It depends on how Spurs' players respond. West Ham have not won for 2 months since beating Man Utd 2-0 in September. Manuel Pelligrini may welcome Mourinho with good plan as his team is floundering. This is a good point to start to win back his own fans. In their previous league matches played here, the Hammers lost 0-1, 2-3 and before these won 1-0 twice so it is half tricky here. Give Mourinho a couple more matches when he next host Bournemouth and make a visit to his ex club Manchester United. Draw. 2-2.

Bournemouth v Wolves - Bournemouth and Wolves are now level with 16 points and are in 9th and 8th respectively but one thing is clear - both can play good soccer. Bournemouth may have lost to Newcastle but they have beaten Manchester United. Wolves hardly really lost and that is the problem, they don't win too often too but they had beaten City. The Cherries are decent at home but  their goals have dried up and Wolves are currently in better form. It is a draw for me. 1-1.

Arsenal v Southampton - The Gunners were outplayed by Leicester in their last match who rained 19 shots at them. Before this match, they have not won in four matches. The Saints are at their lowest ebb and have not won in such a long time that their battle to save themselves from relegation begins now! Arsenal are in a bit of a rut themselves and while Aubameyang was hot from the beginning, he has been stuttering in recent games. Southampton seems a good chance for him to get back. I mean Gunners' fans are crying but still in 6th so what is your problem. Please spare a thought for Man U and Everton fans. After this you are playing Norwich, Brighton and West Ham. You should be glad and could climb right up especially that Gunners have not won in their last five matches. Unai Emery was expected to face the sack but Pochettino beat him to it. The danger is that if he keeps plodding along, there are talks of Pochettino succeeding him. He should be safe for now as Arsenal should prove too good for the Saints. I know some may think the Gunners will win big here but I think not. Home win. 2-1.

Brighton v Leicester - Brighton was quite surprisingly timid when they lost 1-3 to Manchester United despite 57% possession at Old Trafford. Leicester City are now a very good and strong team and in Ben Chiwell as we know all along for a long time, he is the best English left back. He has 3 assists for England with 24 minutes. Jamie Vardy now leads the goal-scorers chart with ten goals. He is the holder of the record for the most goals scored in 11 consecutive matches 3 seasons ago and has now scored 21 in 23 games under Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers has liberated his soul and operating him correctly and I would think it is hard for Brighton to contain him as he has scored in the last 3 times they have met. To think that the Seagulls would be without their main centre halves especially Lewis Dunk would mean Vardy has the licence to kill. If the others are not careful, the Foxes may quickly climb up to 2nd or even 1st. After this, they host Everton and Watford, travel to  Villa and wait for Norwich at home. So far, Brighton have already over-achieved and after this match, they have to travel to Liverpool and Arsenal next. Leicester have only lost twice to Manchester United and Liverpool both away and drew twice at home to Wolves and away to Chelsea. You may think they are due a defeat and Brighton could surprise. I think not. Away win by Leicester. 1-2.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Palace was subdued by Chelsea and lost 0-2 at Stamford Bridge. On a good day, they could trouble top teams but their fixtures have been tough. After their 0-2 loss to City they held Arsenal 2-2 and followed by two defeats to Leicester 0-2 and Chelsea 0-2 and now host leaders Liverpool. Selhurst Park can be a difficult place but Palace seem to be better away than home. Liverpool will dominate but Palace can cause a surprise so Liverpool must find a way to at least keep a clean sheet and get first half goals otherwise their host may steal one and set up a blockade. You do not want to beat City, lead by 8 points only to drop points now.

If Liverpool play the way they did City, then there is not a team that could cope. Allison Becker made things look simple with his presence, he was always composed and calm. Trent Alexander-Arnold was huge and if he makes himself a defensive stalwart he will be the most complete player. Oh and that wonder cross-field 50m pass! Sterling showed TAA's weaknesses. Andrew Robertson was fearless, full of energy and oh that glorious cross for Salah! Lovren passed the test with flying colours as he stopped Aguero and a few blocks. Van Dijk was typically the rock - dominant and calm. He was so good you do not really notice him. That challenge on Gabriel Jesus showed you who was the boss. Henderson played like a good captain should, was relentless and that wing play and cross for Mane - just wow! Gini Wijnaldum really turned up for this where he could at times be quiet. All his touches in tight spaces were quite incredible. He was formidable and never lost the ball. He was really tops for me. Fabinho was simply not just fabulous. He was amazing. He is the Kraken that has been released. He snapped at his opponents, sprayed passes, relieved opponents of the ball so easily and hit that incredible first goal! Salah has not rally been at his best. Maybe his ankle trouble bothered him but he was certainly on fire and headed the important second goal! Like Salah, sometimes Mane's touches were not too good. Maybe they were both too fast but boy oh boy - what an excellent dive for the headed goal! Firmino's works were always underrated. His touches and movement were good and he is always their first defender. 

Palace are better away than home. They concede an average of 13 shots per game at Selhurst Park and Sadio mane has scored against them in their last 4 meetings and Mane is hot now as he has been all season. Injuries recently may disrupt them as they have been reports of injuries to Gomez, Henderson, Robertson, Salah and may be Virgil and Andrew Robertson, so Liverpool may be a little crippled at the moment. That would be a shame but fear not. I have friends who complimented Liverpool as a jinx but Liverpool won. They cursed and they still won. Then in exasperation said they do not care anymore and yet Liverpool won. Palace have not been scoring this season but are a team that could surprise so Liverpool cannot rest easy. Away win for Liverpool. 0-2.

Everton v Norwich - Everton are finding a way back having not lost in their last 3 matches. Norwich are in a seriously bad position propping up the table. This must be like a "gimme" in golf as it is within putter length but to the Canaries they might be thinking that Everton may be there for the atking of at least one point as they blow hot and cold, mostly cold. For the Toffees this is a must win as they next visit Leicester and Liverpool before hosting Chelsea and visits Old Trafford. The Canaries need a giant effort to produce something of epic proportion here. So it is easy to pick Everton to win. 2-0.

Watford v Burnley - The Hornets finally got their first win after 12 matches at the expense of Norwich. Did they really turned the corner or because it was Norwich. Burnley really showed their stuffs when they hammered West Ham 3-0. This is a scoreline that only Man City do. Watford must try to get points here and next when they go to Southampton as Leicester and Liverpool shall be waiting for them at home. Burnley too as they travel to Palace next then Man City and visit Tottenham. Although Watford have been playing better they will not easily beat Burnley. I think is going to be close but a draw is likely as both do not have the cutting edge. 1-1.

Manchester City v Chelsea - City are still very strong despite the epic 1-3 defeat to Liverpool and this will not be an easy match after the international break. They will be determine to bounce straight back but their defence has been weak and Chelsea's strike force strong. Chelsea could score against anyone but like City they have issues with their back line though they kept a clean sheet against Palace, their first in five matches. City have not kept a clean sheet in four matches. Raheem Sterling will have a lot to show for he runs really fast and has been a great source for goals and assists for both club and country. He is really only 24. I have been watching Chelsea ad I think they are really good. Alonso has readjusted himself. Kante is their key. Jorginho has been playing well and Willian has been very good. You trhow in Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham, I do think Chelsea can give them a good match. But everyone is saying a City win. I think Chelsea could get a point here. 2-2.

Sheffield United v Manchester United - This season, other than Leicester and Chelsea, I have great admiration for Sheffield United from the beginning. I like their spirit, application and playing to their strength. They are very organised, fearless and play good football thanks to Chris Wilder and his belief. They have no big money star players but work so well as a team. Despite only 39% possession against Tottenham away, they hit 14 shots at them and had 7 shots on target versus Tottenham's 8 and deserved their current 5th position. Long may they remain so good. The Red Devils are having their own revival. Except for that Bournemouth blip they have won home and away rising to 7th. They were good in their last match against Brighton but were a little wasteful. Rashford has been among the goals and hit three for England in three matches. United could win this one but I am just too impressed with Sheffield United to give 3 points away. Draw. 1-1.

Aston Villa v Newcastle - Villa is missing their captain jack Grealish in their last 2 matches but two slim 1-2 defeats to Liverpool and Wolves is no shame. Problem is they are hosting a recently very good again Newcastle. The Magpies had only 34% possession at home to Bournemouth and hit 21 shots at them to win 2-1. Steve Bruces' team may be limited but they do have a few interesting players who could surprise. Draw. 2-2.