EPL 2021/2022 - Game Week 8

Another interesting and exciting week of EPL soccer in Game Week 7 before the international break saw Manchester United held 1-1 at Old Trafford by Everton where Martial redeemed himself a bit by scoring but the weakened Toffees without their key strikers were quite a match for them and when they thought they got a winner in the 86th minute, VAR came to rescue of the Red Devils. Sir Alex Ferguson said the "you should always start with your best payers" in reference to Ronaldo not starting. Would he really made the difference on the day? Or perhaps Solskjaer should only rest him against teams in the lower half? Have Sir Alex himself rested his top players from time to time during his days? If so, then it is not a fair comment. Which has a higher chance now - United winning the title or OGS getting the sack? 

Norwich finally got a point at Turf Moor as they battled Burnley to a 0-0 draw. Southampton played a good game at Stamford Bridge and looked like repeating their draws with United and City but two late goals in the 84th and 89th minute saw them defeated 1-3. Leeds finally got their first win, a huge sigh of relief after victory over Watford. It also led to the dismissal of the Watford manager Xisco Munoz and they have now appointed former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.

Meanwhile, the EPL welcomed a new Korean "Hwang Hee-Chan" on loan from RB Leipzig to Wolves as he scored a brace, both identical goals from different ends to help Wolves beat Newcastle 2-1. The Magpies were not that bad as they matched Wolves and even have a higher xG. Like Southampton, Burnley and Norwich, Newcastle are still without a win. Brighton are in sixth on merit as they rained blows at Arsenal and would you believe had 58% possession, an xG of 1.16 to the Gunners' 0.34, 21 shots to 8, 18 chances created to 5. Though Harry Kane fired blanks despite a Europa Conference hattrick, Spurs edged Aston Villa 2-1. West Ham played well but Brentford battled to a deserved win even as Jarrod Bowen scored the equaliser in the 80th minute but substitute Yoane Wissa got a winner in the 94th minute. 

The last match had everything you love in a soccer match. It was pulsating and dramatic played at the highest level. Liverpool drew City 2-2 in a thriller. Liverpool shat themselves in what was a poor first half as City ran the show but their second half was like you came to the wrong theatre because they were bloody good. They eventually had  a higher xG than City of 1.18 and created the bigger chances. How do you explain when Fabinho was facing a goal mouth that was gaping only for Rodri to block and saved a certain goal that could have won the game for the Reds but City also have their chances. In Phil Foden, England have a bright prospect as has been well known. He was City's best player and scored an impressive equaliser. Kevin De Bruyne's other equaliser has an element of luck as action replay showed Alisson ready and diving to make a save only for Matip who in trying to block diverted the ball to the other side into his own net. 

Liverpool's two goals were special especially the second one. The first was the incredible speed of their counter attack and when Salah skipped past his man and ran towards goal, he found Mane with a perfect lay out to score. The second was pure magic from the man himself. It was an impossible goal that only Maradona or Messi could score. He was in a tight space, received the ball in no advantageous position and surrounded by three man with no clear space and yet he outwitted, outmaneuvered  and had four men beaten (leaving Silva on his backside) after pulling the ball away, he turned Laporte twice and scored from a difficult angle against a very good defence and very good goalie with his weaker right foot. With Messi and Ronaldo at the tail end of their career, a new King has arrived. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ68OskGqow (Mo Salah goal v Man City).

Even famous commentator Peter Drury was ecstatic: "This is Play Station football! It is ridiculous! You cannot do that without a joystick!" The last three champions are now occupying the top three spots. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have shown their strengths and flaws aplenty. 

Newcastle United

The biggest news right now is the take over of Newcastle United FC. Mike Ashley's 14 year love-hate-hate-hate owner-relationship with the Magpies has come to a happy ending much to the relief of the Toon Army who are among one of the most passionate fans in the Premier League or anywhere. Many would detest the big money thingy, the politics and whatever but to the die-hard and long suffering Newcastle fans, there is a new saviour and there is light at the end of the tunnel and hope they could be at the pinnacle of football where 52,000 fans could roar themselves hoarse at St. James Park. Even Man City could not fill up their stadium like Newcastle could so one could imagine if the Magpies are actually flying. Surely from now they could stop flirting with relegation every season. They may soon have a new manager, some exciting signings and dare to dream and hope again.

I first came to know about Newcastle United through the exploits of Malcom Macdonald. He was strong, powerful and a prolific goal scorer. Once, he scored all five goals as England defeated Cyprus 5-0 and was affectionately known as Supermac. Later, I was to follow the exploits of Kevin Keegan who twice brought the Magpies up from the lower division as champions to the Premier League and built one of the best teams that have graced the league. Their swashbuckling style of attacking soccer was unmatched. Kevin Keegan was my all-time favourite player in his Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle and England days and also as Manager at Newcastle United.

It was then that I bought myself a Newcastle kit - the one with "Newcastle Brown Ale" with a Blue Star in the middle. It was also what I thought was the best Newcastle kit. I would also drink this sometimes.

Who could beat a Manchester United team led by Sir Alex Ferguson 5-0 (1996)? Newcastle United with players like Philippe Albert, Peter Beardsley, Les Ferdinand, David Ginola, Alan Shearer and the rest. The Red Devils have Peter Schmeichel, Dennis Irwin, Gary Neville, Gary Pallister, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Eric Cantona, Solskjaer in the first XI that day. Watch this incredible team:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vAJkK7jb_k 

With the oily money from Saudi Arabia, Newcastle can sign any manager and players but it will not buy immediate success but at least it shall remove the yearly misery of their faithful fans. Newcastle United was founded in 1892 and are nicknamed the Magpies because of their black and white stripes outfit that resembled a the Magpie bird though their crest has two seahorses so they could have been called the Seahorses. If only Kevin Keegan was at Newcastle back then and he has such Royal money he would have been King. After all, soccer as in life is really about the timing. Just as Keegan was known as Mighty Mouse in his halcyon days, will Newcastle United be known as the Mighty Magpies someday soon?

Watford v Liverpool - Watford having a new manager may have lifted the team but Liverpool need to buck up. Can the experience of Claudio Ranieri make them better immediately? The Reds will surely remember it was Watford that ended their unbeaten run in 2019/20 season with a shockingly big win. Watch out for Ismaila Sarr who was and maybe still is a Liverpool interest and target for he may be Watford's best player. Liverpool should have won against their current biggest rivals but were held both times at Anfield by Chelsea and then City and unless they do not lose the return ties, these are points lost. The first half at Anfield was really poor and many of the players did not play well. Now they have conceded 5 goals in 2 games after only conceding 1 in 4. Liverpool were lucky in that Mo Salah was there to save the day with his magic of an assist and a magical goal that should have won the game. Salah is not just a great goal-scorer but a scorer of great goals. He is no ordinary person too. Once, it was reported that he found the man who robbed his family, gave him money and helped him to find work. He also funded hospitals, schools and gave money to many families. If you look at his Bruce Lee look-alike ripped body, you know how hard he trains all the time. 

Liverpool need to improve. Their defence were rocked by Brentford and City so first of all they need to shore up. Their midfield needs to protect their defence more. They have the most shots at goal and chances created so they just must be more clinical with their conversion. They will also not have the services of key players Alisson and Fabinho who played for Brazil and will not make it in time back for the game but instead head straight to Spain for the Champion League game versus Athletico Madrid. Liverpool could still win as they have Mo Salah! 1-2.

Aston Villa v Wolves - This tie here last season was 0-0. Villa had a good start and Wolves not but now Wolves are just a point behind Villa after two consecutive wins. Villa won at Old Trafford but lost at Spurs while Wolves won at the St. Mary's and beaten Newcastle. Villa are better than both Wolves' previous opponents so this could be a close battle but I think Villa should pull off a win at Villa Park. 2-1.

Leicester v Manchester United - Jamie Vardy is still the main man for the Foxes. Will Ronaldo play this week? United have not beaten Leicester in their last three meetings with a draw and Leicester having won twice - 3-1 (Cup) and 2-1 but have been undefeated at the King Power Stadium for the last seven trips. Both sides have not been playing particularly well but Leicester have been strangely indifferent this season after the promise they have shown last season. With Varane injured, United may have to do with a make shift defence which Jamie Vardy will surely exploit. With the right application from Brendan Rodgers, the Foxes must peg back the Red Devils' midfielders and prevent Fernandes and Pogba from venturing too far up the pitch. Leicester have not been at their best and will be pushing to get something here. United are much the same which should make this an enthralling encounter. United have a great away record but Leicester could get a point here. 2-2.

Manchester City v Burnley - City are the team to beat. Period. In the last four fixtures, City have won 5-0, 3-0, 5-0 and 2-0. With Phil Foden in such brilliant form he will again run the show so as physical as Burnley can be, they will be pegged back and maybe the only question is how many goals will they win by. Even with Ferran Torres suffering a foot injury, City's squad is deep and his absence could be easily overcome but Torres who may be out for three months will affect City going forward. In the last four meetings at the Etihad City have somehow won by an identical  5-0. Will it be 5 in a row. I think a big win here but with a couple less goals. 3-0.

Norwich v Brighton - The Canaries are one of four teams without a win but they have finally gotten a point at Burnley in their last outing but the Seagulls are so good this season even as they only managed draws in their last two games away to Palace and at home to Arsenal. On paper, Brighton could in this game but they will have to be sharp like they have done a few times this season if not a home point may be on the cards. 1-1.

Southampton v Leeds - The Saints have yet to win this season even though they have held City, United and West Ham. Leeds have just won their first game of the season - 1-0 over Watford. The problem with Leeds is that Marcelo Bielsa has no plan B. They can be very good when they are very good but not when they are not. If Ralph Hassenhutl could devise a plan to close the gaps and prevent Leeds from playing a free flowing game and hit them on the counter they may get their first win. With Raphinha with Brazil, Leeds will miss him. 2-2.

Brentford v Chelsea - Brentford aka the Bees are living the fairy tale. They do really swarm you like bees. They are so good that I am going to buy their jersey. So will they claim a point or more against their London rival? If you need evidence, their 3-3 draw with Liverpool and 2-1 win over West Ham are solid proof. Chelsea needed their defenders to step up to help their win over the Saints. Watch this name - Trevor Chalobah the 22 year old English youngster has already scored twice this season as a defender, more than some strikers. Ben Chiwell got the third and his season is back on track and he has also scored for England. Chelsea are too strong but they are visiting a very good Brentford in West London. Of course Chelsea are strong favourites but I expect Brentford to put out a strong showing and may just get something like they have proven and done before. Plus Lukaku may not make it. 1-1.

Everton v West Ham - This could be a great game. Everton are level on points with four other teams - City, United above them and Brighton below. It has been a great start for Rafa Benitez and the Toffees. The Hammers will continue to have a good season. As such, this will be a tough game for both teams. Everton held United away without several key players so they are not easy to overcome but West Ham are smarting from their last second goal when they lost to Brentford. There must be a strong reaction from David Moyes' boys. I suppose they will cancel out each other. 2-2.

Newcastle v Tottenham - Just love to watch Allan Saint-Maximin. What would be the reaction of the Newcastle players after the take over? How the Toon Army are feeling right now is probably one of great ecstasy but Spurs are unbeaten here in their last four trips. What has happened to Dele Alli, a player with such great potential where even Sir Alex Ferguson said he would have love to manage but did not know what has happened t him. At this stage last season, Kane had 5 goals and 8 assists. Strangely Harry Kane has yet to score and he should end the drought here. Meanwhile, there has been report of two unnamed players from Spurs that have tested positive and will miss the game. Will Steve Bruce's 1,000th match as a manager bring him joy? Problem is Spurs have not taken off and not really convinced yet. A win for them when they do sparkle otherwise the Magpies may get a draw. 1-1.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace - The Gunners bad start has ended but the Eagles have not lost here in their last three trips. Arsenal are undefeated for many games now and have beaten Spurs 3-1 but do remember that the Eagles have beaten Spurs 3-0 and recently held Brighton and Leicester. Being a London derby also means Arsenal won't have it easy as they welcomed back their legend Patrick Viera as Palace's manager. Palace are capable to continue their unbeaten streak here. 1-1.