EPL 2021/2022 - Game Week 6

Jimmy Greaves RIP

The finest finisher and most natural goal scorer in the English game has passed away. His 41 goals for Chelsea in the old First Division remains a club record. His exploit with Tottenham made him a Spurs legend and his 44 goals in only 57 games made him an England great. He is the one who made every striker want to a goal scorer like him. RIP Jimmy Greaves.

Mohamed Noh Hussein - RIP

One of Singapore's own great soccer legends - Mohamed Noh often affectionately known just as Mat Noh has gone home. Rest In Paradise. Noh was one of my favourite players. Always the gentleman, he was good looking but shy and was a definite favourite of the women fans. Noh was also known as the Allan Clarke of Asia and Singapore because the way he played has an uncanny resemblance to Clarke who once played for Leeds United and England and was a most elegant and stylish player. I would venture further that Noh was even more stylish and elegant.

Mat Noh running with the ball near the right touchline and running towards goal was pure poetry in motion. As elegant as a galloping horse and graceful as a swan. Noh was a master of the dummy and body feint. When right-back Hasli Ibrahim passed a ball forward to him, he would run towards it with his marker breathing down his neck but as he approached the ball, he will let it run through his legs, turned the defender and be on his way. I learned that from him. Very often I have seen him receiving 50m passes from Zainal Abidin with whom he has a telepathic understanding and he would simply be while running lifted his right leg and trapped the ball in mid air with the middle top of his right foot, cushioned and controlled it so easily and then he would hug the touchline, beat his man before swinging in the crosses with deadly accuracy. 

When attacking the bye lines, Noh would stretched his marker and beat his man with a body feint pretending to cross with his right foot and then switching to his left. Sometimes, he did it twice - feinting and switching from right to left then left to right again to the embarrassment of his opponent and the delight of the fans. Opponents were often left on their back sides watching his back as he galloped away. Noh was also two-footed. I saw him scored an amazing goal away to Perak. From the right wing cutting in, he has beaten two defenders and with his left foot, send the ball crashing to the top corner of the goalie's right. Another unique goal was his back heeled goal versus Pahang where he left the goalie and defenders rooted. 

Noh also scored that penalty (against R. Arumugam) that saw Uncle Choo's Singapore beating that illustrious Malaysia team in a Pre-World Cup game at the time where Malaysia was a top team in Asia. I also watched him frequently up close as he played for and captained Toa Payoh United in the then NFL. I was a fan of Toa Payoh United as I used to live there and because of Mat Noh. We also got to watch him play in the Business League and for Singapore Malays. I watched him up close with the rest of the soccer legends whenever they trained under Uncle Choo at my school field next to Jalan Besar stadium when it was occupied by other soccer matches. From these legends, I watched and learned from them. How Kim Song dashed past opponents and also his trademark flying headers, how S. Rajagopal swung his banana kicks, executed his rabona and also his overhead bicycle kicks. How Hasli Ibrahim did those scissors' tackles turning his opponents into scissors cut curry rice, Lim Teng Sai, Syed Mutalib, Lim Tien Jit (Rocky) and Robert Sim made those no nonsense tackles and putting their head into areas where even angels fear to tread. How Zainal Abidin strolled in midfield and casually made those 50m pinpoint passes anywhere. How M. Kumar stuck to his opponents like a leech. How V. Khanisen never stopped running. How super sub Crazy Horse Nasir Jalil contributed with his wild running. How Samad Allapitchay made his forays upfield from defence. How Dollah Kassim made his own magic. How Noh would trap a ball in mid air with his right foot, how he dummied his opponents and his full works of body feints then try to practise them on a soccer pitch when I played. In those days, players do not have their names on their back but we could easily identified each of them with their unique style and how they played. We have something to look forward to every home game at Kallang and some would travel up north for the away games. Our mundane lives were uplifted. 

I have personally met Mat Noh only a few times - where he once worked for MAS and at his old home in Toa Payoh where I bumped into him at his block and once just outside his house where he happened to have just came out from his house. He was a man of few words. Humble and very reserved. I have always wanted to meet all my boyhood soccer heroes just to tell them in person how much many soccer fans of that generation and I love and appreciated the joy they have given us. I have since met up with Quah Kim Lye, Andy Yeo, Robert Sim, Lim Teng Sai, Syed Mutalib, S. Rajagopal, Ho Kwang Hock and Quah Kim Song. I would asked them about the rest such as the late M. Kumar, Hasli Ibrahim, Zainal Abideen and especially about Mat Noh but to my dismay no one really knew where was Mat Noh or what and how has he been doing at the time. I have met Eric Paine and spoken to him on a few occasions and David Lee on numerous occasions but my regret was I have not met up close with Mat Noh to personally tell him how we lived through that time as one united nation because of players like him and the soccer legends.

I have never missed a match at the National Stadium and my friends Ben and Lionel were often with me. My late uncle Eric was always with me and we would later rope in my dad and his friend often getting there early just to ensure we could find a car park lot. There have not been and never will there be a number 8 like him again. Ever. We shall never forget our legends and Mat Noh is one of the greats. Thank you for those glorious memories. So long hero! May you rest in eternal peace. 

Here was an article I have previously posted that has mentioned him fondly (Kallang Roar) and a few others (Singapore Soccer Legends) I have shared in nostalgic memories of our Singapore Soccer Legends:

http://gforce-guru.blogspot.com/2011/07/kallang-roar-part-three.html

https://gforce-guru.blogspot.com/2011/11/singapore-soccer-legends.html

https://gforce-guru.blogspot.com/2013/11/singapore-soccer-legends-part-2.html

EPL

Varied stories abound last weekend in the EPL and all interesting to varying degrees. All question marks hanging around Thomas Tuchel have been dispelled. Pre-match reports suggested Tottenham have a long list of injuries and key to it was Son Hueng-Min so we thought Chelsea will have a lucky day but the way Spurs went at them from the whistle with Son playing suggested otherwise. Nuno Espirito Santo was having the upper hand and unsettled Chelsea but again Chelsea's defence was brilliant and stood firm. He took off Mount and then had 3 holding midfielders to switch his attacks from the flanks. Spurs were playing well but found no answer and Chelsea finished them off.

Unbelievably, Ronaldo has scored in every match he played for his new old club. He did it again at West Ham. The Hammers were solid as expected but it took a wonder goal from Jesse Lingard who is often capable of such cheekiness. Last seasons' West Ham's loanee hurt the team he was a part of previously. Cheekiness is written all over his face that is how it is but pray tell me why David Moyes never learned from Gareth Southgate when they were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute and he promptly brought in his old captain Mark Noble who came in and walked straight to the spot for his kick which was saved by David De Gea. No warm up. There were ten other players who could do it. 

Brighton are now 4th. Finally the results are matching their play. Graham Potter's stock is rising. Aston Villa were brilliant as they tore Everton apart. Back to the drawing board for Rafa. Meanwhile, Arsenal are progressing doing it just like Spurs earlier with 1-0 wins. City have some problems though. Nobody gave Southampton a chance but the Saints battled them to a stalemate at the Etihad such that Guardiola has to throw in Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Liverpool, like Chelsea gave a masterclass eben as Palace gave them some early jitters but they prevailed with a 3-0 win. That is another clean sheet. Klopp is beginning to rotate as there are too many games, playing one every 3 days but to change an almost entire backline was always going to be tricky. Now the table shows Chelsea and Liverpool on top them Manchester United level on points but lesser on goal difference and Brighton fourth. Dream on. Game of the week shall be at Stamford Bridge where Europeans Champions meet English Champions. Hosting the same opponent they pipped to the title.

Chelsea v Manchester City - The biggest clash this weekend with very expensive squad. In previous seasons, we may be asking if Chelsea could get a point. City are the defending champions and still a very good team. Results ain't bad but by their own high standard that 0-1 defeat by Spurs and 0-0 draw with Southampton rankled. Pep's plea for more supporters was met with disdain from their supporters' club. You will know by now Chelsea could withstand all blows and land you some solid ones too. European Champions should be favourites over English Champions. Strangely, Saul Niguez was on many teams' radar but Chelsea decided that they "Better Call Saul" on loan and he had a nightmare debut. Chelsea were held 1-1 by Villa at home in the EFL Cup and only scraped through on penalties. So they are not unbeatable but both did not field their best team. City romped to a 6-1 win over Wycombe. No that it was only Wycombe but they are free scoring again. Do note that both teams have conceded only one goal this season. Chelsea have scored 12 while City 11. So far, City have nothing to fight with so Pep has to pick a fight with his own fans. City won't crumble here. Hack, Chelsea could even win this one but I think it will be a close game which is likely to end a draw. It is going to be so tight this season neither could afford a defeat. 1-1.

Manchester United v Aston Villa - Ronaldo is likely to score again. No? No matter, Ronaldo is the international top goal scorer in men's football but the all time international top goal scorer is a woman and she is Canada's Christine Sinclair who has 187 goals to Ronaldo's 111. The Red Devils could do well this season even. Even Jesse Lingard came on and got a pretty late goal. Even a last gasp penalty could do them no harm. Villa may have played their best game when Everton didn't know what hit them so they could possibly push their host real close. The Red Devils have a strong attack but a porous midfield and defence and is unbalanced. Better teams can exploit those weaknesses and maybe Villa is now a better team. West Ham got their sweet revenge in the EFL Cup where they triumphed 1-0 away at Old Trafford! United are unbeaten to Villa in their last 8 meetings but while history may be a reference, it is nothing. Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and now Villa has an impressive Leon Baily to boot and surely they can score here. United will win games but on some occasions they may slip. Will this be one? I think United's attacking talents may just ride out this one as they could score just a bit more than Villa. 2-1.

Everton v Norwich - Everton have to regroup and re-assess themselves after crashing at Villa Park. Norwich have serious problems with zero points, scored only 2 goals till now with 14 conceded. So the Toffees could heave a sigh of relief to host them at Goodison Park. Norwich have poor results and nothing to show but Farke continues to play attractive soccer. The Toffees got dumped by QPR on penalties in the EFL Cup after the match ended 2-2 while the Canaries stumbled out after a 0-3 defeat by Liverpool. You may be surprised to know that 2 seasons ago, Norwich won 2-0 here but lost 0-1 at  home. Head to head Everton won 4 Norwich 3 and they drew 6 times. Everton just look a bit better but perhaps just perhaps Norwich may steal a point? 1-1. 

Leeds v West Ham - Leeds are without a win after 5 games which is unusually bad for them. They should have won 3 drew once and lost 2 by now type. They could not win against FUlham in the EFL Cup but won on penalties. The second season syndrome seemed to have hit them. West Ham are kicking themselves especially David Moyes for his bizarre decision on the last gasp penalty kick. Its only their first defeat. Do not blame Noble, the blame has to be on Moyes but immediately vindicated themselves with a sweet 1-0 away win over the Red Devils in the EFL Cup. Leeds record versus West Ham is not encouraging. Last season they lost 1-2 here and 0-2 away. Last 4 meetings record were 2 draws and 2 defeats. Leeds may be at home at Elland Road but their leaky defence could be obliterated by injuries such that only Liam Cooper is available. If they fill up with rookies or put Kalvin Phillips to play in defence they will be much weaker in both midfield and defence. The Hammers will exploit them and Bielsa and Leeds could be in for more misery. Don't just watch Antonio, Rice, Fornals and Benrahma. Have a good look at Jarrod Bowen. I think he is special. I was amazed to have watched him whizz past Man U's Fred, Luke Shaw and Ronaldo in a very tight space in a single, quick flowing mover. Jaw-dropping! He is going places. 2-3.

Leicester v Burnley - Leicester's great promise have grown weaker by the week. Hovering in 12th with 3 defeats and 2 wins, they must bring back their winning touch. Good thing is Jamie Vardy is still scoring. Burnley may have lost their last 2 matches but they will always be that battling team. They have just won 4-1 against Rochdale in the EFL Cup with Jay Rodriguez scoring all the 4 goals! Surely he must be considered in the first XI now. Last season the Foxes won 4-2 here but drew 1-1 away. History favours Leicester but who knows what Burnley might do. Leicester will have to fight all the away if they were to win. 2-1.

Watford v Newcastle - Watford may have a surprise season. No doubt last week's win was over Norwich but it was a solid display. However they crashed 1-3 at home to lower division Stoke City in the EFL Cup. Last season the Hornets won 2-1 at Vicarage Road but were held 1-1 away. So this is an unpredictable game. Newcastle are not on winning form at all but they should steal a point. 1-1.

Brentford v Liverpool - Newcomer Brentford have lost just once with 2 wins and 2 draws and was fabulous when they not only won but won at the Molineux when Wolves was playing well and also won by two clear goals and kept a clean sheet. In Ivan Toney, they have a Drogba-resque striker capable of causing troubles to opponents. Do also note that the Bees have only conceded 2 goals in 5 games and have made it tough for all their opponents so far and so this is a real test of their credentials as rookies. The last time they met here I think many of us were not born yet. The Bees are no easy meat and they have to watch Ivan Toney but Liverpool should be too strong. Still no easy game. 0-2.

Southampton v Wolves - The Saints are marching. They have already held Manchester United 1-1. TO prove that this was no fluke, they proceeded to hold Manchester City 0-0 at the Etihad. On their day they could match the best! They have just overcame Sheffield United on penalties after the game ended 2-2. Southampton are having a good run but Wolves have a great record versus Southampton with W6D4L1. Last season Wolves won 2-1 here but right now the Saints are marching in. How about a draw? 2-2.

Arsenal v Spurs - A couple of 1-0 wins have been an incremental improvement for the Gunners. A 3-0 win in the EFL Cup over Wimbledon is a welcomed distraction. Spurs' fine win over City seemed like distant memory as their promising 3 win start to the campaign has fizzled out. They were held by Wolves 2-2 in the EFL Cup but won on penalties. This London derby is interesting as both teams were usually battling for top four though safely on the top six but things have certainly changed. Its a "Forrest Gump" moment - where "life is a box of chocolate, you never know what you gonna get". Historical record suggest they are on par - W10D7L10. Last season Arsenal won 2-1 but in the other tie lost 0-2. Right now, both teams do not look great and their fortunes have been reversed. I think Spurs should start Bryan Gil because he is different for you can't do the same stuffs and expect a different result. They shall battle to a draw in this London derby. Could be an entertaining match. 2-2.

Crystal Palace v Brighton - Brighton are having their best run in ages! They have also just beaten Swansea 2-0 in the EFL Cup. They must keep it up so that they do not slump. Palace will not be easy opponents as the Eagles have shown so far. Last when they met here it ended up 1-1 but Palace won 2-1 in the other leg. Brighton are looking good at the moment but it won't be easy to break down Palace. 1-1.