EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 33
I was brought up on English soccer. As a little boy growing up in old but very young Singapore, you are considered lucky if you even owned a small TV shared by a large family. Others could only rely on the community centres. We only have black and white television and I remembered you probably get to watch some wrestling and weekend soccer highlights of the previous week. Back then in the 70s and only from 1974, along came colour TV and the weekly football highlights was called "Star Soccer".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWYHmH-d-08 (Star Soccer).
And then the F.A. Cup:
Later in May 1974, I got to watch Star Soccer at our National Stadium at Kallang. Coventry City, Derby County and Everton participated. Then, Coventry was led by managers Joe Mercer and Gordon Milne who was a former England and Liverpool player. Coventry had a star goalkeeper at the time in Bill Glazier with a front-line led by David Cross and Colin Stein with star Liverpool born midfielder Dennis Mortimer. Unfortunately, their biggest star Tommy Hutchison did not come as he was preparing a World Cup match for Scotland. Everton was led by Billy Bingham and the strikers were Mike Lyons and Joe Royle. Everton's biggest star - England international Bob Latchford was not here. Coventry drew 1-1 with Derby and defeated Everton 2-1 to win the Anchor Cup. This, the Malaysia Cup, the 1974 World Cup, my soccer-crazy school who were often in the Final of school competition, Liverpool FC got me hooked on soccer.
Liverpool FC
In 1974, the teams competing in the First Divison were: Derby (1st), (2nd) Liverpool, Ipswich, Everton, Stoke, Middlesborough, Sheffield United, Manchester City (8th), Leeds United, QPR, Burnley, Wolves, West Ham, Coventry, Newcastle, Arsenal (16th), Birmingham, Leicester, Tottenham (19th), Luton, Chelsea (21st), Carlisle - 22 teams. You will notice that Manchester United was not here but yet I heard so much history about the Red Devils from teachers, friends and the newspapers, especially George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and of course the Munich air disaster many died including Duncan Edwards who according to Bobby Charlton was the greatest and finest player has has ever seen. To rise from the ashes like a Phoenix is stuff of legends and Sir Matt Busby, himself a former Liverpool player was such a legend as he revived United with the Busby Babes.
I like the names Albion and Wolves but it was Liverpool , the way they play that looked so simple, the way they promote young players and the way they bought players cheaply from the lower divisions and made them into superstars that captured my imagination. They always have great scouts looking for unpolished gems! Even Bob Paisley himself and some that followed were backroom staff.
I like the names Albion and Wolves but it was Liverpool , the way they play that looked so simple, the way they promote young players and the way they bought players cheaply from the lower divisions and made them into superstars that captured my imagination. They always have great scouts looking for unpolished gems! Even Bob Paisley himself and some that followed were backroom staff.
Their squad comprised: Ray Clemence, Emlyn Hughes, Alec Lindsay, Tommy Smith, Chris Lawler, Ian Callaghan, Jimmy Case, Phil Thompson, Steve Heighway, Ray Kennedy, Terry MeDermott, Phil Boersma, Kevin Keegan and John Toshack and they were led by Bob Paisley. Clemence was bought from lower division Scunthorpe United and so was Kevin Keegan, Phil Neal (Northampton), Emlyn Hughes (Blackpool), etc. They were not even League Champions or European Champions at the time but I like the way they were managed and play, the style of their players and their teamwork. Certainly not less is till today their fans and the iconic, famous anthem - "You'll Never Walk Alone!" There was great conviction, compulsion and I was completely swayed and determined not to walk alone. Soccer as in life. As a young boy, I would save some pocket money just so that I could lay my hands on the latest issues of "Shoot!" magazine. That was where I honed my knowledge of English soccer and soccer form the rest of Europe and the world.
Klopp Effect
Liverpool became the flag bearer from the 70s to the 80s conquering England and Europe. The last time they won the league title was in 1990, 30 years ago. Those were the lost years and there were the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters. Everything was broken. The new owners have made an impact but it was definitely the appointment of Jurgen Klopp that changed it all as he rekindled the spirit of the club. Every country, club or leader could take a leaf from here. Klopp connected the fans, the club and his players, staff and everyone with trust. He takes the fall when things went awry and credit his players, the fans and the backroom staff when all is rosy. He did not claim to know everything and recruited other coaches and trainers who were better than him in certain areas. His standing and influence from the start has been immeasurable. He is a most remarkable leader. Players from all over the world would love to play for him. Coaches and opponents respect him and hold him in the highest regard. If you wish to be a successful leader learn from him and adopt his humility.
Many in the world are mistaken that you have to manipulate people to get your own favourable results. Keep information and knowledge to yourself so others won't get better than you. Manipulation is self centred. Once you do that, you get carried away and you begin to think that you are clever so that you would manipulate in every situation and everyone including your family and best of friends just so that you seem always in control not understanding that manipulators are fearful of failure, lack confidence, has no faith in self and thus has to manipulate to get an end result they wanted.
The truth is sincerity, humility and getting the best out of people with trust and belief thumps the rest. Focus on the process not the result. Everyone knows the results they want but few understood the process to get there. Just like Klopp, earned that respect and your people will fight for you and some would even die for you even when you do not ask. This is why people management is so very important and dong things from the heart. Man were laughing at Klopp calling him a nowhere man and that he could only get to the finals but will not win and come back second best. What he has done with Liverpool will have no retort. Liverpool will not defend the title, they will attack the title next season. Most importantly, make sure you choose a right leader always.
Anfield
There is something about Anfield. Every club has their own cauldron. Yet the simple sign "This Is Anfield" conjured by Bill Shankly stood its time. His "It's there to remind our lads who they're playing for and to remind the opposition who they're playing against" and "For a player to be good enough to play for Liverpool, he must be prepared to run through a brick wall for me then come out fighting on the other side". There is such raw passion at Anfield that has moved many including Arsene Wenger and even Jose Mourinho. Thelegacy of wonderful players from the days of Roger Hunt to Kevin Keegan and John Toshack, Kenny Dalglish, Peter Beardsley, Ian Rush and John Barnes, Robbie Folwer, Steve McManaman, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Ron Yeats, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes to Alan Hansen and Sammi Hyypia till this team. Enought for generations to talk about over strong drinks and in winter countries over a low fire as it elicits romance. Great stories all over of pain, great romance and surely magic. Liverpool FC is not superior to others, heck they may not even win the title again next season but any pure soccer fan should be in awe of what they have done. Rival fans will show their tribalism to try to demean these great achievements by saying that Liverpool have to wait 30 years to win it and may have to wait another 30 and in the meantime gloat over their teams' past glories. As for me, despite the great performances of Liverpool last season I was happy for Manchester City because they played brilliant soccer to win the title. I am first of all a soccer fan first and my club is Liverpool. I will congratulate anyone that wins it, better still with exhilarating soccer.
Game Week 33
Many in the world are mistaken that you have to manipulate people to get your own favourable results. Keep information and knowledge to yourself so others won't get better than you. Manipulation is self centred. Once you do that, you get carried away and you begin to think that you are clever so that you would manipulate in every situation and everyone including your family and best of friends just so that you seem always in control not understanding that manipulators are fearful of failure, lack confidence, has no faith in self and thus has to manipulate to get an end result they wanted.
The truth is sincerity, humility and getting the best out of people with trust and belief thumps the rest. Focus on the process not the result. Everyone knows the results they want but few understood the process to get there. Just like Klopp, earned that respect and your people will fight for you and some would even die for you even when you do not ask. This is why people management is so very important and dong things from the heart. Man were laughing at Klopp calling him a nowhere man and that he could only get to the finals but will not win and come back second best. What he has done with Liverpool will have no retort. Liverpool will not defend the title, they will attack the title next season. Most importantly, make sure you choose a right leader always.
Anfield
There is something about Anfield. Every club has their own cauldron. Yet the simple sign "This Is Anfield" conjured by Bill Shankly stood its time. His "It's there to remind our lads who they're playing for and to remind the opposition who they're playing against" and "For a player to be good enough to play for Liverpool, he must be prepared to run through a brick wall for me then come out fighting on the other side". There is such raw passion at Anfield that has moved many including Arsene Wenger and even Jose Mourinho. Thelegacy of wonderful players from the days of Roger Hunt to Kevin Keegan and John Toshack, Kenny Dalglish, Peter Beardsley, Ian Rush and John Barnes, Robbie Folwer, Steve McManaman, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Ron Yeats, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes to Alan Hansen and Sammi Hyypia till this team. Enought for generations to talk about over strong drinks and in winter countries over a low fire as it elicits romance. Great stories all over of pain, great romance and surely magic. Liverpool FC is not superior to others, heck they may not even win the title again next season but any pure soccer fan should be in awe of what they have done. Rival fans will show their tribalism to try to demean these great achievements by saying that Liverpool have to wait 30 years to win it and may have to wait another 30 and in the meantime gloat over their teams' past glories. As for me, despite the great performances of Liverpool last season I was happy for Manchester City because they played brilliant soccer to win the title. I am first of all a soccer fan first and my club is Liverpool. I will congratulate anyone that wins it, better still with exhilarating soccer.
Game Week 33
Norwich v Brighton - Brighton's 3 match unbeaten run was ended at home to Manchester United. Norwich can't even remember when was the last time they have won. Heck, they can't even win at home. In their current state with six games left they are not expected to survive unless they win all their remaining matches and hope others lose. 1-2.
Leicester v Crystal Palace - Leicester City is one of the teams that suffered most after returning from lockdown. They have not won and did not show their form before the abrupt stoppage. Palace's own good run was comprehensively annihilated by Liverpool and further slumped to a home defeat to Burnley so it is a bad time to visit the hurt Foxes. Howver, both teams are in a slump and Leicester may even lose their 3rd spot to Chelsea just a point behind and United three behind. Unpredictable but I shall go for a home win. 2-1.
Manchester United v Bournemouth - The Red Devils result at Brighton (3-0) was special as Brighton was then having a decent run. I like Mason Greenwood and have said before that when he turns up, you can expect a goal. Bruno Fernandes was already a very good player before he came and he settled so quickly. If they could sustain United can be fighting for some honours next season. A good attack and resolved midfield woes. Bournemouth have quite solid achievements and play open passing soccer under Eddie Howe who is a good coach but right now seems rather doomed unless they start getting points and it is not a good time to visit Old Trafford especially after a 1-4 home trashing by Newcastle. Any point gained by the Cherries would be a surprise as United are very much in form. 3-1.
Wolves v Arsenal - Wolves have been excellent all season and continued their winning way on resumption with 3 clean sheets. At least the Gunners have started winning too so it makes this an interesting match with Arsenal 9 points behind them. Arsenal have found a winning rhythm but Wolves are tough nuts to crack. 1-1.
Chelsea v Watford - Chelsea are on a fabulous winning streak and Frank Lampard's stock has certainly rise several notches. He has been brave to bring in and fielded so many youngsters and proven a good strategist with his substitutions. They will be one of the teams to watch next season when his injured players return and his signing of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. If all blends well they could be challenging for honours. Watford have not won in 4 matches and are still in danger of dropping. This match is cold comfort for them but the Hornets could take heart that Chelsea are still nursing a weakness in defence which allowed West Ham to have beaten them 3-2. The Hornets are in rotten form so Lampard's boys will get full points at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea players are playing for next season as the boss ring in changes. 2-0.
Burnley v Sheffield United - Burnley seemed to have awaken after that thrashing by City and went on to win their next two. Sheffield United is another team that have suffered most since coming back and were nowhere near their real abilities having lost all three matches they have played. Both sides have turn around especially the Blades 3-1 win over Spurs was huge. Do not expect many goals. 0-1.
Newcastle v West Ham - The Magpies lost for once ending their undefeated run but that was to Man City and came back strongly with an away 4-1 trouncing of Bouremouth. West Ham not only did not win but could not score a single goal in three matches but it all came and ended the poor run to win 3-2 over Chelsea which is a surprise. Newcastle have been playing well and are in mid-table but the Hammers really need the points. While Newcastle are purring, the Hammers have found their mojo having beaten Chelsea 3-2. COuld be an interesting match but they will share the spoils. 2-2.
Liverpool v Aston Villa - The newly crowned Champions given the Guard of Honour were soundly spanked. They started well at the Etihad as Salah crashed his shot against a post and missed several chance but put out a poor overall performance. I think they drank too much beer in celebration of winning the title. Alisson was not his usual self, Trent Alexander-Arnold even nearly gave away a goal with a poor throw in, Andy Robertson literally over the place, Joe Gomez often so good gave away an unnecessary penalty by putting a hand across Sterling the allowed Sterling to score as the shot went through his legs. City have shown they are still the team to beat next season as they were so good. How will the new champions react at Anfield? Villa hardly scored and conceded the joint-most goals at 60 nearly 2 a game. There must be a backlash at Anfield. 3-0.
Southampton v Manchester City - The Saints are probably safe and hosting a City side that romped 4 past Liverpool without reply. Former Liverpool player Danny Ings have had his best season ever and could be top scorer if he gets a few more. A home win would be an upset as City are still playing the best football. 1-3.
Spurs v Everton - Spurs 1-3 shocker at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane left them in 9th and a tall task lies ahead. Everton are undefeated and won their last two games. The only bright spark for Spurs is that Harry Kane has been scoring and they will need him to repeat that. Carlo Ancelotti has and will improved the Toffees so a draw is likely. 2-2.
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