EPL 2020/21 - Game Week 9

This pandemic has taken so many lives, injured and hurt many others and also causing all businesses to falter and turning lives upside down. Of course sports and soccer were not spared. In Italian Serie A, Juventus is 5th. In La Liga, Valencia who were struggling have just thrashed Real Madrid 4-1 leaving Real Madrid in 4th while Barcelona are in 8th. 

In the EPL, Southampton chalked up 1st position for one night only as the next day Tottenham took over as leaders before Leicester edged them by a point and took over hours later. Liverpool would have led that table but played to a 1-1 draw with City at the Etihad. It was a superb first half but a tepid second. The first half pace took their breaths away. When legs are tired, the minds go too. Instincts become split second decisions and split seconds linger on and things become different. This is indeed a strange season. With other European leagues allowing 5 substitution and the Premier League allowing only 3, probably due to what they thought to be fairness as big teams have a larger squad then this is open season where any team could fancy a shot at the title simply because the bigger teams who are also playing in Europe in a condensed season will suffer even more fatigue, suspension and most damagingly injuries. Liverpool look like a hospital playlist now as those who were injured, a few seriously, got Covid and the team is now crocked - Alisson (recovered), Van Dijk (long term), Fabinho (recovering), Gomez (long term), Trent (out a month), Robertson (hamstring), Henderson (just injured). The Reds may have lost the entire back line and Klopp may now have to play himself. 

You will also realize that there will be plenty of penalties awarded and poor offside calls due to VAR. You may also see more and more players instead of creating  chances or crossing for his team mates to score may now resort to aiming their shots on their opponents arms in the penalty box to secure a penalty. After all there are usually 4 pairs of them there unless defenders are handcuffed with their hands behind and run in a funny way. VAR decisions on offsides have also been controversial. 

RIP Ray Clemence

When I first watched and followed Liverpool as a young boy, they captured my imagination. It was already post-Shankly and it was Bob Paisley who impressed me. Bob looked like everybody's uncle, was always so humble and did his magic in a quiet way. The Kop, their fans were magic and their anthem You'll Never Walk Alone was something I could associate with given the meaning of its lyrics. Words that inspire not just in soccer but as in life. The Liverpool way of playing football looks so simple and easy. The Reds were always scouting for young talents from the lower divisions that cost them little and would later become legends and stars. In the long history there are too many to mention but from Scunthorpe, two of them who came to Liverpool were my all-time favourites not just at Liverpool but anywhere - Kevin Keegan and Ray Clemence. 

Of course there many others like the elegant Alan Hansen, the majestic Graeme Souness, the terrific Terry McDermott, the wizardry of John Barnes, the unique Peter Beardsley but it was Kevin Keegan's aura, his mesmeric all action style I like best. After that, I found that there are so many great goalkeepers in the world but there was none like Ray Clemence. Clemence was probably the first libero goalie as he was sweeping and mopping away every ball that got past their backline. There were few more adapt at cutting out crosses. He is quick and his throws outfield to launch fast attacks were often very effective. His cat-like reflexes were a given. While most goalies hold the ball with two hands and ran towards to edge of the penalty box to launch their kicks, Ray did it with one hand - his right hand since he is left-footed. Nobody does that. 

To me, he was also the most stylish goalkeeper. Only Pat Jennings is as stylish and elegant. There was a time in the 1978/79 season where Clemence conceded only 16 goals in an entire season with only 4 of them at Anfield and also kept 28 clean sheets. Mind you, that was in a 42-match season not like the current 38. This may never be repeated. Of course a great defence helped but the thing is when a goalie has not much to do his focus and concentration are extremely vital. Some keepers were once in awhile caught napping. His focus and concentration was impeccable. There was no goalkeeper who commands his six-yard box like him as he was always shouting and commanding his defence. I also thought that he caught most crosses rather then punch and those were the days where goalies do not wear gloves. The legendary Ray Clemence was England's, Europe's and the world's best in his time. 665 appearances, 335 clean sheets. So many clean sheets it looked like a laundry shop. He went on to Tottenham Hotspurs to continue playing with great distinction. 

(The Great Ray Clemence) - Watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avSxpTNEVBw&t=10s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjbarpYudFc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wfpw2PBe4s&t=3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pQr5ASTrZU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4pgmd7y5-M

Peter Shilton has twice more England caps but with no disrespect to Shilton who was a great goalie but I totally agree with many who knew Clemence was the best. Phil Thompson played with both and said Shilton was good but really not as good as Clemence. So many years ago the wonderful Alan Hudson said that Shilton made easy saves looked like difficult saves but Ray Clemence made difficult saves looked easy ones. Then this week John Aldridge said exactly the same thing. Bill Shankly called him the best goalkeeper in the world sayin git was no doubt about that. Tommy Smith said he was the best keeper he has ever seen and was in the same class as Gordon Banks. Ian St. John called him the best and if he were manager would select him ahead of all others. You'll never get tired watching him play. He was also a great character and a highly respected and well liked man. There will never be another. Thank you for the joy you brought. Rest In Eternal Peace legend. YNWA!

Meantime, with a wasted week due to the international break, more footballers could be going down with Covid. Let us amble through for Game Week 9:

Newcastle v Chelsea -The Magpies after a few nice wins and good performances have gone back to being their past selves. Has Steve Bruce done a good job? After all at this point they are placed above Manchester United but have just succumbed to Southampton (0-2) who are just like them usually but not now. Chelsea are the top scorers in the league with 20 goals in 8 games leading by a goal. Their 4-1 romp over Sheffield United was evident of their attacking prowess. Not only that, they have been keeping clean sheets - a marked improvement which must be pleasing for them. Goalie Edourd Mendy and Kurt Zouma have been very good and Zouma was even scoring a couple of times. It must been the influence of 35 year old Thiago Silva. Chelsea could now rival Liverpool for having the best pair of full backs in Reece James on the right and Ben Chiwell on their left. They could properly launch a serious campaign with a title shot but be warned that the Magpies have a good record versus Chelsea at St. James Park. They have won 5 in 7 while Chelsea did once. Then again this Chelsea have a high strike rate going into this game. If Callum Wilson is fit to play Newcastle have a bigger threat and they have sometimes surprise top six sides. Looks like a Chelsea win for everyone but I say draw. 2-2.

Aston Villa v Brighton - At the beginning, Villa were tipped for the drop but how have things changed. They have Liverpool nicely dusted off 7-2. Beaten Leicester 1-0 away, crashed to Leeds and lost to Southampton and just trounced Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates. This was no fluke. Something is going on at Villa Park these days. Brighton once again could not win as they were held 0-0 by Burnely. When Nick Pope was Man-of the-Match you understand how the proceedings went. The Seagulls had 19 shots at Pope. Jack Grealish has been outstanding, in fact since last season and Villa must surely hold on tight to him as the big clubs' vultures will circle. Its not only just Grealish who has been outstanding for Villa and even England but the addition of Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley have added ammunition and fire power. Odds are stacked against the Seagulls who have not beaten Villa since 1980. Despite playing quite well and often competitive Brighton have won just once this season. Villa look good and watch out for Jack Grealish, a darling of the Premier League and England. 3-1.

Burnley v Crystal Palace - Burnley are without a win and it looks like a long and troubled season but they have a habit of coming back late, very late. How good were Crystal Palace for thumping Leeds 4-1? I mean Palace would sometimes win but not by 4-1. Its normally 1-0. Scoring 4 for Palace is at most a once in a year thingy. The Clarets have not even scored at home this season while the Eagles have soared with 3 away wins. Based on probability they could get one here but Palace could nick a win here. 1-1.

Fulham v Everton - Fulham have actually improved. After their first win, a 2-0 victory over WBA they played well by lost 0-1 to West Ham. Everton had more possession but crashed at home to United. From what I saw they have played poorly but then United played well. That so confident and Everton is suddenly no more. The London club would provide the Toffees a chance to bounce right back to winning ways as anything less may cast even more doubts to Ancelotti's boys. However, in their last 3 matches, Fulham were in better form than Everton. Fulham also won 11 of 16 matches versus Everton at Craven Cottage. Unless Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James Rodriguez pull a rabbit out of the hat, the Toffees may face some difficulties. 1-2.

Liverpool v Leicester - The Reds have a blistering start away to City last week. Klopp played a brave lineup with four attackers. Leicester's 1-0 win over Wolves was solid but unspectacular and are now league leaders. Liverpool have lost another to injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold will have to sit out some important games stretching from now to maybe the later half of December. He will miss this game and likely also fixtures with Atalanta, Brighton, Ajax and Wolves causing yet another blow to Klopp. Its like the soccer gods are testing Liverpool. His natural replacement is the 34 year old James Milner - unspectacular but versatile and effective. It looks like he could keep on playing till 70. Either Milner or the 19 year old Neco Williams will come in and Williams is already playing for Wales. Last season Liverpool won this tie 2-1 at Anfield where Milner scored a 90+5 minutes penalty winner with almost the last kick. At the time Leicester were also having a solid season and being touted as potential champions but on the return leg Leicester crashed 0-4 at home as Firmino scored twice, Milner added another penalty and Trent Alexander-Arnold had a goal too. This time, TAA is injured and Firmino will be singing "I am not half the man I used to be" and "there's a shadow hanging over me" due to his lack of goals and assists though he is still a very good and important player. Will Klopp stick with him? If so, will he come alive here? Vardy continue to defy the odds with Leicester with his goals. In the their last game, he scored a great penalty but squandered the second penalty. If Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson do not recover in time from injuries international matches and Joe Gomez already out, Klopp may have to play in defence. Last I heard even Rhys Williams has been left out of England U21 squad due to an injury scare. The Reds are unbeaten in 6 meetings with the Foxes (5 wins 1 draw). Jamie Vardy may have a field day with a crocked Liverpool defence. Looks like a mouth watering clash here. Salah has tested positive for Covid and will be out but Jota is a good replacement but if Henderson and Robertson do not play with a makeshift backline, Liverpool may suffer heartache because Leicester are very good. I have lost count of Liverpool's unbeaten record at Anfield now stretching into the more than 60s. Will Leicester end their record? Leicester certainly have the ability to win over a weakened Liverpool side. Liverpool may have to adapt to play somewhat differently with a 4-2-3-1. Perhaps the makeshift team could play to a draw and win if the replacement players raise their game. With so many players out it will be a miracle for Klopp to field a proper team but if anyone could do it Klopp is the one and the cynosure. It looks grim for the Reds but don't bet against it. 3-2.

Manchester United v WBA - United are blowing hot and cold so much so that you do not know what is next. I think Solskjaer don't know either. You can't predict whether they are going or coming. The trend continued in that they have been great away but sucked at home and this is a home game at Old Trafford. WBA actually played so well against Spurs and even had 12 shots at them and created 9 chances. United of course by virtue of their lineup are clear favourites but do no think its a stroll in the park. They have to work very hard to overcome and get a win to climb out from the basement and improve on their 14th position. On paper - no fight. The Red Devils could not exorcise their curse yet of not having won at home this season and scored only twice. When they last met the Baggies won. United have been struggling against bottom sides. Also WBA will have less or no internationals and their players have better rest. It could be a 2-2 draw during Covid times but United should really nail this one if they play to their ability. 1-2.

Wolves v Southampton - I feel that Wolves were better last season. Though they are a good team, their results are a bit erratic and mixed. Southampton have been very good even without the injured Danny Ings. Doing so well brings new worries in that their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is in danger of being prised away by the bigger clubs in time to come. This is what I meant about being a great coach and manager. The Saints have been playing fast paced attacking football. While they do not have the budget of the big clubs and have been inconsistent, they are sophisticated and a joy to watch. Hasenhuttl is a modern tactician who previously coached RB Leipzig with distinction. Their play in transition have been very effective. Even though they have sold Hojbjerg who has now been playing so well for Spurs, they moved captain James Ward-Prowse to the centre of their midfield to great effect. Hasenhuttl should remind many of us of Mauricio Pochettino who was the former manager of Southampton and Spurs. These two are the finest anywhere. Wolves have a fine record to the Saints and they are playing at the Molineux and Raul Jimenez has scored in both games for Mexico but then this is a different Southampton who by their own merits could win here. 2-2.

Spurs v Manchester City - Spurs are the second highest goal scorers after Chelsea but in their first half against WBA, they managed just one shot while their opponents hit them 6 times. Kudos to WBA but it took a fine header from who else but Harry Kane in the 87th minute to break Baggies hearts. Cruel. It was so unlike Kevin De Bruyne to miss that penalty against Liverpool. He is a assist machine and even superb goal scorer. City fans must be hoping this will not define their season. This is a huge game equal to the Liverpool v Leicester match. Mourinho loves the big games and love poking Pep Guardiola in the eye as he once did. Lol. Spurs won the last two home matches against City but Pep have almost twice the wins against Mourinho. Big questions here are Spurs the real deal to challenge for the title and if City are still who they are. Will Kane and Son fire? 2-2.

Sheffield United v West Ham - Sheffield United actually got a goal in open play and they had a brilliant start to lead Chelsea by the 9th minute but crumbled to a 1-4 defeat at the end. The Hammers are a different team this season. West Ham are really competitive this time around and have been winning games that they should, holding their own against the best teams but there may be some point in time they may disappoint. The Blades have been unable to win - just one draw in 11 matches even when they have played well. They are surely capable of rebounding in time. Will this be the one but form points to West Ham. 1-2.

Leeds v Arsenal - As I have previously said, Leeds style is interesting and sometimes very exciting for their all action play. The danger is that they could be left exposed like how they have crashed at Palace. It was ridiculous that Patrick Bamford's first goal was ruled offside last week. Arsenal fell flat on their face when they were trounced 0-3 at the Emirates by Villa creating an unwanted record for scoring the least goals after 8 games in 22 years. Arteta has been overhauling their style of play but there will always be road bumps in transition. As he was a student of master Guardiola, he seemed to be less criticized than Lampard or Solskjaer and at this point, Arsenal are not better than Chelsea or United. The Gunners won only 4 out of 15 on the road but Leeds faltered twice at home recently. It makes this match another huge one for the weekend. When Leeds are on form they make hell for their opponents. Arteta was the one who said playing Leeds is like visiting the dentist. The dentist is waiting and it could be a very exciting match. 3-2.

Et voila.