Arsenal must be dreading their trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City. So often the bogey team for Arsenal, they must be glad to come away from the fixture with a point.
Some will say this is just another game, unlike the local derbies or top of the table clash. But is this really so? Not, according to the fortune tellers among the fans.
They will look into the history books and point out a fact. In the past 5 seasons, no eventual league champion has lost at the Britannia Stadium.
Looking at the likely contenders for the title this season, Stoke has beaten both Manchester clubs while Tottenham has yet to visit Stoke. Only Arsenal and Leicester has gone and came away without suffering a defeat. If we are to push further, Liverpool has recorded a win.
The historians in them went further. Out of the five seasons, four teams who led the table on New Year's Day remain in top spot at the end of the season. And the club who is leading the pack on New Year's Day, Arsenal.
Putting both "facts" together, the fortune telling instinct kicks in and they predicted that the Gunners will be crowned champions come May. It is written in the stars, they says.
How far is their prediction from the reality? Let us look at the statistic provided by WhoScored.com.
With an overall rating of 7.07, Arsenal are the top in terms of performance points, followed closely by Leicester with a score of 7.02.
Arsenal under Wenger's reign is known for their possession and passing game. While they have somewhat change their tactics this season, they are still among the top of the pile with 55.8% possession and 84.3% successful passes.
One surprising stats is the number of goals from counter-attack. Speed is essential during a counter attack and with a forward line consisting of Sanchez, Walcott, Chamberlain and aided by Bellerin raiding down the right flank, they have plenty of it. How they cannot take advantage of it is anyone's guess.
Topping almost in all categories, it does looks like the London club is in for a real shout. The fortune tellers could be right afterall.
But there is one fact they missed out. The only team which was at the top on New Year's Day and failed to win the title, ARSENAL.
Do you think Arsenal will end their 12 years wait for the league title?
Thursday 21 January 2016
Tuesday 19 January 2016
England greatest striker
While both teams are hardly the force they used to be, the match between Liverpool and Manchester United will always be one of the most anticipated game of the season. It is no difference when the two side met over the weekend.
How the game panned out mirror the problems bugging either side. Despite playing better and having created better chances, Liverpool is unable to find a way to goal. Manchester United on the other hand, scored with probably their only clear-cut chance, when Wayne Rooney reacted the quickest after Marouane Fellani's header came back off the crossbar.
In scoring the goal, Rooney has created history. Firstly, this is his first goal at Anfield in more than 10 years. Secondly, with 176 goals Premier League goals for the Red Devils, he became the player who scored the most Premier League goals for a single club, surpressing Thierry Henry's record of 175 goals for Arsenal.
His current total goal tally stands at 242 goals in all competition, just 7 shy of Sir Bobby Charlton's all time record of 249. At 30 years of age, there are plenty of chances left for him overtake and become Manchester United greatest scorer.
On the comparison with Sir Bobby Charlton, Rooney has overtaken former's 45 years reign as England's all time leading scorer.
With 6 goals in 17 league appearances, according to WhoScored.com, this is hardly Rooney's vintage season. But time and again, the England skipper bailed his side out.
Records are crumbling and the next in line will be Peter Shilton's record of 129 appearances for the Three Lions. With 109 caps, don't bet against it happening.
So, is Wayne Rooney the best English striker ever for both club and country?
How the game panned out mirror the problems bugging either side. Despite playing better and having created better chances, Liverpool is unable to find a way to goal. Manchester United on the other hand, scored with probably their only clear-cut chance, when Wayne Rooney reacted the quickest after Marouane Fellani's header came back off the crossbar.
In scoring the goal, Rooney has created history. Firstly, this is his first goal at Anfield in more than 10 years. Secondly, with 176 goals Premier League goals for the Red Devils, he became the player who scored the most Premier League goals for a single club, surpressing Thierry Henry's record of 175 goals for Arsenal.
His current total goal tally stands at 242 goals in all competition, just 7 shy of Sir Bobby Charlton's all time record of 249. At 30 years of age, there are plenty of chances left for him overtake and become Manchester United greatest scorer.
On the comparison with Sir Bobby Charlton, Rooney has overtaken former's 45 years reign as England's all time leading scorer.
With 6 goals in 17 league appearances, according to WhoScored.com, this is hardly Rooney's vintage season. But time and again, the England skipper bailed his side out.
Records are crumbling and the next in line will be Peter Shilton's record of 129 appearances for the Three Lions. With 109 caps, don't bet against it happening.
So, is Wayne Rooney the best English striker ever for both club and country?
Monday 11 January 2016
Half time report: 2015 - 16
As we moved into the second part of the season, let us take a look at the first half and how the teams have performed.
Arsenal
A lengthy injury list is threatening to derail their season again. But so far, the Gunners have been holding strong. Their season could very well depends either on the players keeping themselves fit or any reinforcement that Wenger might bring in. WhoScored.com rating: 7.08
Leicester
Realistically speaking, survival ought to be their main objective this season. Not only have they met it in double quick time, they have threatening to gatecrash the big five's party, leading the table at one point. But a win-less and goal-less 3 games run seems to suggest that the bubble has burst. WhoScored.com rating: 7.01
Manchester City
The Citizens can be brilliant in one match and atrocious the next. The absense of captain, Vincent Kompany, does not make things any better. One would expect City to kick on in the second half of the season and make it a real charge at the title. WhoScored.com rating: 6.99
Tottenham Hotspurs
Slowly and quietly, Mauricio Pochettino is building a team that could challenge for the title. But this is a season too soon but it would not hurt if Pochettino could bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane. WhoScored.com rating: 7.00
Manchester United
With heavy investments in the summer, the fans are waiting in anticipation for the good times to return. But a return of just 24 goals is not what the fans expect to see. Louis Van Gaal's honeymoon period is definitely over and unless he could turn it over, we should see the his back at the end of the season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.82
West Ham
The Hammers have played some brilliant soccer at times and have defeated the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. They have sacrified Europa League for the Premier League and it looks like the trade-off has been justified. WhoScored.com rating: 6.92
Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew continued his good work from last season. Together with Leicester and West Ham, they have been the surprise teams this season. Barring a total collapse, they will be fighting for another season next. Maybe an Europa League place to boot. WhoScored.com rating: 6.85
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers who was sacked in October. The change in management, however, did not bring about an upturn in form. Until Klopp brings in his players, the problems from last season will continue to bug them. Till then, Capital One cup looks like their only chance of a silverware. WhoScored.com rating: 6.83
Watford
The hornets is among the favourites for relegation but among the teams that were promoted last season, they play the best football. They are just 4 wins away from securing their status and they should just do it. WhoScored.com rating: 6.85
Stoke
Mark Hughes attempt of cnverting Stoke's style of play must be lauded but this has not translate to result. They will be safe with nothing to look forward to unless they can overturn their results in the second lef of the Capital One Cup semi-finals. WhoScored.com rating: 6.80.
Everton
The Toffees is in a situation whereby their results does not reflect their performances. They will have nothing to fight for in the Premier League but they in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup and could potentially set up a Wembley meeting against cross-town rival, Liverpool. WhoScored.com rating: 6.93
West Brom
Another club whose objective is to secure their status in the top flight and they have been doing just that. Not setting the league on fire nor looking up or down at their fellow strugglers. WhoScored.com rating: 6.74
Southampton
The heady days of being in the top four seems a long time ago. On their days, they could churn out brilliant results but it is getting rarer. Their focus should be keeping their star players and rebuilding the team in the summer. WhoScored.com rating: 6.83
Chelsea
One of the worst, if not the worst, title defense. The rift between Jose Mourinho and the players has seen the blues averaging just one victory a month. Guus Hiddink has since taken over Mourinho as manager, albeit an interim one. Their only hope of appearing in next season Champions League lays in them winning the trophy this season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.81
Norwich
Another promoted side who is expected to struggle for survival but is doing enough at the moment. They do have some notably results like holding Arsenal and Liverpool to a draw and defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford. Overall, they should start to get nervous soon. WhoScored.com rating: 6.67
Bournemouth
Like Norwich, they are doing just enough at the moment. They should be worried towards the business end of the season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.73
Swansea
Another club who parted ways with their manager midway through the season. With only one win in 11 games, it is not difficult to understand the rational behind the sacking. But Swansea might regret their decision, given that Garry Monk has the best win ratio of any Swansea manager (including Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup) in the Premier League. WhoScored.com rating: 6.69
Newcastle
It looks increasingly like a mirror of last season whereby they struggled throughout and only manage to beat the drop at the end of the season. Fans will be at the edge of their seats and biting their fingernails. WhoScored.com rating: 6.68
Sunderland
Like their fiercest rival, Newcastle. See above for our half time report. WhoScored.com rating: 6.68
Aston Villa
Bottom of the table, 11 points from safety, new manager Remi Garde has a tough assignment on hand. Their predicament is rather surprising, especially after signing the likes of Jordan Ayew, Scott Sinclair and Joleon Lescott. Survival is not impossible but they will have to start winning their games. WhoScored.com rating: 6.72
Arsenal
A lengthy injury list is threatening to derail their season again. But so far, the Gunners have been holding strong. Their season could very well depends either on the players keeping themselves fit or any reinforcement that Wenger might bring in. WhoScored.com rating: 7.08
Leicester
Realistically speaking, survival ought to be their main objective this season. Not only have they met it in double quick time, they have threatening to gatecrash the big five's party, leading the table at one point. But a win-less and goal-less 3 games run seems to suggest that the bubble has burst. WhoScored.com rating: 7.01
Manchester City
The Citizens can be brilliant in one match and atrocious the next. The absense of captain, Vincent Kompany, does not make things any better. One would expect City to kick on in the second half of the season and make it a real charge at the title. WhoScored.com rating: 6.99
Tottenham Hotspurs
Slowly and quietly, Mauricio Pochettino is building a team that could challenge for the title. But this is a season too soon but it would not hurt if Pochettino could bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane. WhoScored.com rating: 7.00
Manchester United
With heavy investments in the summer, the fans are waiting in anticipation for the good times to return. But a return of just 24 goals is not what the fans expect to see. Louis Van Gaal's honeymoon period is definitely over and unless he could turn it over, we should see the his back at the end of the season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.82
West Ham
The Hammers have played some brilliant soccer at times and have defeated the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. They have sacrified Europa League for the Premier League and it looks like the trade-off has been justified. WhoScored.com rating: 6.92
Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew continued his good work from last season. Together with Leicester and West Ham, they have been the surprise teams this season. Barring a total collapse, they will be fighting for another season next. Maybe an Europa League place to boot. WhoScored.com rating: 6.85
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers who was sacked in October. The change in management, however, did not bring about an upturn in form. Until Klopp brings in his players, the problems from last season will continue to bug them. Till then, Capital One cup looks like their only chance of a silverware. WhoScored.com rating: 6.83
Watford
The hornets is among the favourites for relegation but among the teams that were promoted last season, they play the best football. They are just 4 wins away from securing their status and they should just do it. WhoScored.com rating: 6.85
Stoke
Mark Hughes attempt of cnverting Stoke's style of play must be lauded but this has not translate to result. They will be safe with nothing to look forward to unless they can overturn their results in the second lef of the Capital One Cup semi-finals. WhoScored.com rating: 6.80.
Everton
The Toffees is in a situation whereby their results does not reflect their performances. They will have nothing to fight for in the Premier League but they in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup and could potentially set up a Wembley meeting against cross-town rival, Liverpool. WhoScored.com rating: 6.93
West Brom
Another club whose objective is to secure their status in the top flight and they have been doing just that. Not setting the league on fire nor looking up or down at their fellow strugglers. WhoScored.com rating: 6.74
Southampton
The heady days of being in the top four seems a long time ago. On their days, they could churn out brilliant results but it is getting rarer. Their focus should be keeping their star players and rebuilding the team in the summer. WhoScored.com rating: 6.83
Chelsea
One of the worst, if not the worst, title defense. The rift between Jose Mourinho and the players has seen the blues averaging just one victory a month. Guus Hiddink has since taken over Mourinho as manager, albeit an interim one. Their only hope of appearing in next season Champions League lays in them winning the trophy this season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.81
Norwich
Another promoted side who is expected to struggle for survival but is doing enough at the moment. They do have some notably results like holding Arsenal and Liverpool to a draw and defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford. Overall, they should start to get nervous soon. WhoScored.com rating: 6.67
Bournemouth
Like Norwich, they are doing just enough at the moment. They should be worried towards the business end of the season. WhoScored.com rating: 6.73
Swansea
Another club who parted ways with their manager midway through the season. With only one win in 11 games, it is not difficult to understand the rational behind the sacking. But Swansea might regret their decision, given that Garry Monk has the best win ratio of any Swansea manager (including Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup) in the Premier League. WhoScored.com rating: 6.69
Newcastle
It looks increasingly like a mirror of last season whereby they struggled throughout and only manage to beat the drop at the end of the season. Fans will be at the edge of their seats and biting their fingernails. WhoScored.com rating: 6.68
Sunderland
Like their fiercest rival, Newcastle. See above for our half time report. WhoScored.com rating: 6.68
Aston Villa
Bottom of the table, 11 points from safety, new manager Remi Garde has a tough assignment on hand. Their predicament is rather surprising, especially after signing the likes of Jordan Ayew, Scott Sinclair and Joleon Lescott. Survival is not impossible but they will have to start winning their games. WhoScored.com rating: 6.72
Wednesday 6 January 2016
Arsenal extend lead. City keep pace.
Michail Antonio put West Ham ahead under controversial circumstances. Former Reds' striker Andy Carroll added a second with a typical bullet header.
Arsenal were made to work hard for their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. The visitors had the better chances but found Petr Cech near impossible to breach. They were made to pay when Laurent Koscielny popped out with the winner.
Leicester's goal-less streak extends to 3 games when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth. Riyad Mahrez had the best chance of the game but he missed from the penalty spot.
Manchester United ended their 6 games winless run with a 2-1 victory over Swansea. Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal after Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out Anthony Martial's opener.
Alexander Tettey scored the only goal of the game to give Norwich a 1-0 win over Southampton which saw Victor Wanyama sent off shortly before the goal.
Sunderland came away with three important points against fellow struggler, Aston Villa. Patrick van Aanholt gave Sunderland the lead with Carles Gil equalising for the away side. Jermain Defoe then scored two goals to give Sunderland the win.
Jonny Evans late goal gave West Brom a 2-1 victory over Stoke after Stephane Sessegnon and Jonathan Walters had levelled the score at 1-1.
Manchester City scored two goals in three minutes to leave Vicarage Road with all three points. Yaya Toure cancelled out Aleksandar Kolarov's own goal before Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal.
Chelsea continue their revival under manager Guus Hiddink. Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored the goals.
Points were shared between Everton and Tottenham. Ex-Spurs player, Aaron Lennon gave Everton the lead before Dele Alli equalised at the stroke of half time.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.08
Leicester: 7.01
Tottenham: 7
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.93
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.09
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.84
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.65
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.63
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Arsenal were made to work hard for their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. The visitors had the better chances but found Petr Cech near impossible to breach. They were made to pay when Laurent Koscielny popped out with the winner.
Leicester's goal-less streak extends to 3 games when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth. Riyad Mahrez had the best chance of the game but he missed from the penalty spot.
Manchester United ended their 6 games winless run with a 2-1 victory over Swansea. Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal after Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out Anthony Martial's opener.
Alexander Tettey scored the only goal of the game to give Norwich a 1-0 win over Southampton which saw Victor Wanyama sent off shortly before the goal.
Sunderland came away with three important points against fellow struggler, Aston Villa. Patrick van Aanholt gave Sunderland the lead with Carles Gil equalising for the away side. Jermain Defoe then scored two goals to give Sunderland the win.
Jonny Evans late goal gave West Brom a 2-1 victory over Stoke after Stephane Sessegnon and Jonathan Walters had levelled the score at 1-1.
Manchester City scored two goals in three minutes to leave Vicarage Road with all three points. Yaya Toure cancelled out Aleksandar Kolarov's own goal before Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal.
Chelsea continue their revival under manager Guus Hiddink. Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored the goals.
Points were shared between Everton and Tottenham. Ex-Spurs player, Aaron Lennon gave Everton the lead before Dele Alli equalised at the stroke of half time.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.08
Leicester: 7.01
Tottenham: 7
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.93
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.09
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.84
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.65
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.63
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)