Jose Mourinho won his silverware as manager of Manchester United as the Red Devils defeated Leicester City in the Charity Shield.
Jesse Lingard puts United ahead after an amazing run. Last season top scorer Jamie Vardy equaliser for the champions. It was then left to new signing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to his first competitive and winning goal for the Red Devils.
According to statistic from WhoScored.com, both teams had 9 shots but Manchester United had 6 on target against 2 from Leicester City. The pass successful rate was 82% and 75% respectively.
From a statistic point of view, Manchester United does deserve to win the match.
While it is always good to win some silverware, the Charity Shield win does not prove anything. But it will give the winner a boost when the season begins in a week time.
Sunday, 7 August 2016
Tuesday, 2 August 2016
One to ten. Premier League predictions
As we moved into the month of August, fans of the English Premier League are starting to come out from their hibernation mode.
It is because August is when the new season will begin.
The curtain raiser is the FA Charity Shield on 7th August between Champions Leicester City and FA Cup Winner Manchester United.
So how is your team going to perform in the coming season? Let us make our prediction for the top 10.
Manchester City
Serial winner Pep Guardiola has taken over and has laid down his rules. With another four new signings expected to be completed soon, Manchester City will take some stopping. Our prediction: 1st
Manchester United
Like cross-town rival, Manchester United has appointed a serial winner by the name of Jose Mourinho. And along with him, came additions in the form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The latter two smells goals and it will be fun time at Old Trafford. Our prediction: 2nd
Chelsea
With Antonio Conte at helm and a few additions later, the self-destruction will not happen again. Should be good enough to challenge for the title but will fall just short. Our prediction: 3rd
Arsenal
There are obvious flaw in the team and Arsene Wenger seems to have a difficult time fixing it. A more prolific striker and a dominating central back is what they need to really challenge for the title. Until he can find them, Champions League spot is what they will be fighting for. Our prediction: 4th
Tottenham
Always the bridemaid of the bridemaid, it looks like another similar ending for Tottenham. While they do possess a good squad, they lack that extra bit of quality to push through. Our prediction: 5th
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp first full season in charge but the Reds does not the necessary quality to finally end their title drought. Their possible piece of silverware should come in the form of a cup competition. Our prediction: 6th
West Ham
One of the more exciting teams to watch, the Hammers will be pushing hard for one of the Europa League spot. Other than that, there is nothing much to look forward to. Our prediction: 7th
Southampton
While the heady days in the top four is gone, Southampton has done very well despite having to rebuild their squad every season. European spot will be too much an ask. Our prediction: 8th
Everton
A new owner and manager, this will be a transitional period for the Toffees. They have done well on shoestring budget previously and in new owner, Farhad Moshiri, the blue side of Mersey might not have to work under that constraint anymore. How they will fare depends much on their ability to retain players like Lukaku and Stones. Our prediction: 9th
Leicester
Two of their best players last season, N'Golo Kante has left and Riyad Mahrez has refused to commit his future to the club. Even if they are still around, repeating their feat is unlikely. There is a niggling feeling that the foxes will suffer the "the second season" syndrome. Our prediction: 10th
It is because August is when the new season will begin.
The curtain raiser is the FA Charity Shield on 7th August between Champions Leicester City and FA Cup Winner Manchester United.
So how is your team going to perform in the coming season? Let us make our prediction for the top 10.
Manchester City
Serial winner Pep Guardiola has taken over and has laid down his rules. With another four new signings expected to be completed soon, Manchester City will take some stopping. Our prediction: 1st
Manchester United
Like cross-town rival, Manchester United has appointed a serial winner by the name of Jose Mourinho. And along with him, came additions in the form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The latter two smells goals and it will be fun time at Old Trafford. Our prediction: 2nd
Chelsea
With Antonio Conte at helm and a few additions later, the self-destruction will not happen again. Should be good enough to challenge for the title but will fall just short. Our prediction: 3rd
Arsenal
There are obvious flaw in the team and Arsene Wenger seems to have a difficult time fixing it. A more prolific striker and a dominating central back is what they need to really challenge for the title. Until he can find them, Champions League spot is what they will be fighting for. Our prediction: 4th
Tottenham
Always the bridemaid of the bridemaid, it looks like another similar ending for Tottenham. While they do possess a good squad, they lack that extra bit of quality to push through. Our prediction: 5th
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp first full season in charge but the Reds does not the necessary quality to finally end their title drought. Their possible piece of silverware should come in the form of a cup competition. Our prediction: 6th
West Ham
One of the more exciting teams to watch, the Hammers will be pushing hard for one of the Europa League spot. Other than that, there is nothing much to look forward to. Our prediction: 7th
Southampton
While the heady days in the top four is gone, Southampton has done very well despite having to rebuild their squad every season. European spot will be too much an ask. Our prediction: 8th
Everton
A new owner and manager, this will be a transitional period for the Toffees. They have done well on shoestring budget previously and in new owner, Farhad Moshiri, the blue side of Mersey might not have to work under that constraint anymore. How they will fare depends much on their ability to retain players like Lukaku and Stones. Our prediction: 9th
Leicester
Two of their best players last season, N'Golo Kante has left and Riyad Mahrez has refused to commit his future to the club. Even if they are still around, repeating their feat is unlikely. There is a niggling feeling that the foxes will suffer the "the second season" syndrome. Our prediction: 10th
Monday, 25 July 2016
Europe stars joins the Premier League
With the season still a few weeks away, what is feedings the fans' appetite for action is the transfer coming in and out of their favourite club.
Indeed, there are some big signings which will make the coming season one of the most interesting in the history of the Premier League.
Let us take a look at some of the biggest transfer so far and we will only be covering new additions from abroad.
Granit Xhaka - Arsenal
After an impressive Euro 2016, Arsenal looks as if they have gotten a gem. Hard tackler with an eye for a pass, Xhaka will add much needed steel to a midfield brimming with good technical players.
Michy Batshuayi - Chelsea
Another of Belgium's impressive strikers. With 21 goals* and 9 assists*, Chelsea will be hoping they have found the new Didier Drogba.
Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City
One of the best midfielders in Europe before injuries pampered his progress. If he can stay injury free and rediscover his form, Gundogan will be a firm crowd favourite.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Manchester United
Without doubt, the biggest signing thus far, Ibrahimovic brings with him goals and experience. Age might be catching up, but if he replicate his 47 goals* haul last season, the Red Devils have plenty to look forward to.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Manchester United
A front-line of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan will be handful for even the stingiest of defence. With 19 goals* and 11 assists*, the Armenian is worth every cents that the Red Devils has dished out.
Vincent Janssen - Tottenham
With 31 goals* for AZ Almaar, the Dutch international will help Kane share some of the goal scoring responsibilities. After coming so close last season, the white lilywhites that the new addition will be final puzzle to finally end their league title drought.
All statistics from WhoScored.com.
Indeed, there are some big signings which will make the coming season one of the most interesting in the history of the Premier League.
Let us take a look at some of the biggest transfer so far and we will only be covering new additions from abroad.
Granit Xhaka - Arsenal
After an impressive Euro 2016, Arsenal looks as if they have gotten a gem. Hard tackler with an eye for a pass, Xhaka will add much needed steel to a midfield brimming with good technical players.
Michy Batshuayi - Chelsea
Another of Belgium's impressive strikers. With 21 goals* and 9 assists*, Chelsea will be hoping they have found the new Didier Drogba.
Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City
One of the best midfielders in Europe before injuries pampered his progress. If he can stay injury free and rediscover his form, Gundogan will be a firm crowd favourite.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Manchester United
Without doubt, the biggest signing thus far, Ibrahimovic brings with him goals and experience. Age might be catching up, but if he replicate his 47 goals* haul last season, the Red Devils have plenty to look forward to.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Manchester United
A front-line of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan will be handful for even the stingiest of defence. With 19 goals* and 11 assists*, the Armenian is worth every cents that the Red Devils has dished out.
Vincent Janssen - Tottenham
With 31 goals* for AZ Almaar, the Dutch international will help Kane share some of the goal scoring responsibilities. After coming so close last season, the white lilywhites that the new addition will be final puzzle to finally end their league title drought.
All statistics from WhoScored.com.
Wednesday, 13 July 2016
All hail Portugal
As EURO 2016 comes to an end, the soccer fans will go into hibernation mode until the season reopens in about a month's time.
Before that, let us take a look back at EURO 2016.
Due to the expanded format, we got smaller nations like Northern Ireland, Wales and Iceland taking part in a major tournament.
Credits to them, they performed admirably, especially Wales which went all the way to the semi-finals.
For the traditional powerhouses, they faced-off each other during the knock out stage.
Spain vs Italy, Italy vs Germany, Germany vs France, all "final worthy" match.
European champions had a few surprise winners in the past, most notably Denmark in 1992 and Greece in 2004. We can now add Portugal into the list.
After drawing all their group stage games, no one actually fancy the Portuguese. In fact, they have only won once, against Wales, over the course of 90mins.
But their defensive work put in an excellent shift which resulted in their first major senior silverware.
Therefore it is not surprising to see their best performing players being Raphael Guerreiro (7.45*), Pepe (7.38*) and Cedric Soares (7.34*).
Some might argue that this is anti-soccer, but defense is just as important as attack.
There are also some who said, Portugal is lucky to have gotten "weaker" opponents like Croatia, Poland and Wales enrouted to the final. But hey, you have to make your own luck.
They can say whatever they want, but at the end of the day, Portugal is the King of Europe.
* All statistics from WhoScored.com
Before that, let us take a look back at EURO 2016.
Due to the expanded format, we got smaller nations like Northern Ireland, Wales and Iceland taking part in a major tournament.
Credits to them, they performed admirably, especially Wales which went all the way to the semi-finals.
For the traditional powerhouses, they faced-off each other during the knock out stage.
Spain vs Italy, Italy vs Germany, Germany vs France, all "final worthy" match.
European champions had a few surprise winners in the past, most notably Denmark in 1992 and Greece in 2004. We can now add Portugal into the list.
After drawing all their group stage games, no one actually fancy the Portuguese. In fact, they have only won once, against Wales, over the course of 90mins.
But their defensive work put in an excellent shift which resulted in their first major senior silverware.
Therefore it is not surprising to see their best performing players being Raphael Guerreiro (7.45*), Pepe (7.38*) and Cedric Soares (7.34*).
Some might argue that this is anti-soccer, but defense is just as important as attack.
There are also some who said, Portugal is lucky to have gotten "weaker" opponents like Croatia, Poland and Wales enrouted to the final. But hey, you have to make your own luck.
They can say whatever they want, but at the end of the day, Portugal is the King of Europe.
* All statistics from WhoScored.com
Sunday, 10 July 2016
The country vs club enigmas
When it comes to selection for the national teams in a major tournament, there are usually two criteria. One, the form of the players in the season before the tournament and the other the big name players.
However, there are times whereby the club form cannot be translated into country form and vice-versa.
Let us take a look at 5 players who club form differs vastly when donning the national colours.
* All ratings provided by WhoScored.com
Aaron Ramsey
It will not be far-fetched if we are to say that Ramsey was Wales' most influential player in their march to the semi-finals. With four assists, one goal and a rating of 7.7, the midfielder is in WhoScored.com team of the tournament. In contrast, Ramsey managed only a rating of 7.21 for his club.
Olivier Giroud
Like his Arsenal team-mate, Giroud is one player the Gunners' fans will not be too upset to see leaving the club. The striker's form coincide with Arsenal mid-season slump and not many would have predicted his impact for France. With a club rating of 7.07 versus 7.60 for his country, he certainly made his selection justifiable.
Eden Hazard
Hazard and his Chelsea team had a torrid season which resulted a personal rating of 7.11 for the recently concluded season. But his rating of 7.92 shows that his form picked up during the course of Euro 2016.
Thibaut Courtois
Like team and country mate Hazard, Courtois had a poor season with a rating of 6.66. His improved performance for Belgium culminated in him being named in WhoScored.com team. His rating of 7.1 ranked him as the best performing goalkeeper.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The biggest name in Euro 2016, the Portuguese was expected to take the tournament by storm. After a quiet start, Ronaldo started to chip in some goals. But his tournament rating of 7.37 paled to his club form of 7.99.
Do you think of any players who should be in the list? Let us know by leaving your comments below.
Wednesday, 6 July 2016
Gathering of the master tacticians
While the best players like Messi and Ronaldo is plying their trade in the La Liga, the coming Premier League season will see some of the best tacticians fighting it out.
Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte will take charge of Manchester City and Chelsea respectively while Jose Mourinho has return to the English game, this time, in charge of Manchester United.
The new season will also be Jurgen Klopp's first after he took over Liverpool in midway in the recently concluded season.
Add these names to the likes of Arsene Wenger, Claudio Ranieri and Mauricio Pochettino, we are looking at almost the whose who in the game.
How will they fare and who were come up on top? Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Pep Guardiola - Bayern Munich (last season average rating: 7.13)
From Barcelona to Bayern Munich, it has been silverwares wherever Pep choose to be.
Backed by the richest club owner in the world, Pep and his Manchester City side will take some stopping.
Do not be surprise if they take a step further in the Champions League.
Antonio Conte - Italy
Italy has done reasonably well in Euro 2016 despite going out against World champions Germany, via a penalty shootout.
Much of the credit should go to Conte who got his tactics right and played to Italy's strength.
If there is one person who can get Chelsea clicking again, it will be the Italian.
Jose Mourinho - Manchester United
Chelsea's failure to defend their title won in 2015 was down to the dressing room unrest between Mourinho and the players. This resulted in the Portuguese getting the sacked.
A winner almost everywhere he goes, the Red Devils' fan will be expecting nothing less than the silverware.
The rebuilding has began and from the purchases made thus far, it does seems like Manchester United has what it takes to return to their glory days.
Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool (last season average rating: 6.91)
This will be the German first full season in charge of Liverpool. He have added some new additions and no doubt will be looking to impose his high pressing game.
If he can do it successfully and with another few quality signings, the team will be a real threat. But till then, top four should be their target.
Arsene Wenger - Arsenal (last season average rating: 7.08)
In a season that promise so much, the Gunners got hit with an ever-so familiar spring collapse that derailed their title charge.
Beside being rather one-dimensional in their play, Wenger has failed to address the weakness of his squad. Very much will depends on what Wenger does in the transfer market.
It seems unlikely that the trend will change and the wait for the title will stretch on.
Claudio Ranieri - Leicester City (last season average rating: 7.06)
The Italian did the impossible last season when he led Leicester to glory. Deploying a counter-attack strategy, the Foxes sweep aside all opponents enroute to the Premier League title.
However, with the extra commitments in the form of the Champions League, there is fear that the team might not have the resources compete in both fronts.
They created a fairy tale and the tale will end in the new season.
Mauricio Pochettino - Tottenham (last season average rating: 7.01)
Tottenham pushed Leicester City hard for the title last season only to suffer their usual end of the season collapse.
While the Lilywhites provided some great entertainment, expecting them to close the gap will be asking too much.
Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte will take charge of Manchester City and Chelsea respectively while Jose Mourinho has return to the English game, this time, in charge of Manchester United.
The new season will also be Jurgen Klopp's first after he took over Liverpool in midway in the recently concluded season.
Add these names to the likes of Arsene Wenger, Claudio Ranieri and Mauricio Pochettino, we are looking at almost the whose who in the game.
How will they fare and who were come up on top? Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Pep Guardiola - Bayern Munich (last season average rating: 7.13)
From Barcelona to Bayern Munich, it has been silverwares wherever Pep choose to be.
Backed by the richest club owner in the world, Pep and his Manchester City side will take some stopping.
Do not be surprise if they take a step further in the Champions League.
Antonio Conte - Italy
Italy has done reasonably well in Euro 2016 despite going out against World champions Germany, via a penalty shootout.
Much of the credit should go to Conte who got his tactics right and played to Italy's strength.
If there is one person who can get Chelsea clicking again, it will be the Italian.
Jose Mourinho - Manchester United
Chelsea's failure to defend their title won in 2015 was down to the dressing room unrest between Mourinho and the players. This resulted in the Portuguese getting the sacked.
A winner almost everywhere he goes, the Red Devils' fan will be expecting nothing less than the silverware.
The rebuilding has began and from the purchases made thus far, it does seems like Manchester United has what it takes to return to their glory days.
Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool (last season average rating: 6.91)
This will be the German first full season in charge of Liverpool. He have added some new additions and no doubt will be looking to impose his high pressing game.
If he can do it successfully and with another few quality signings, the team will be a real threat. But till then, top four should be their target.
Arsene Wenger - Arsenal (last season average rating: 7.08)
In a season that promise so much, the Gunners got hit with an ever-so familiar spring collapse that derailed their title charge.
Beside being rather one-dimensional in their play, Wenger has failed to address the weakness of his squad. Very much will depends on what Wenger does in the transfer market.
It seems unlikely that the trend will change and the wait for the title will stretch on.
Claudio Ranieri - Leicester City (last season average rating: 7.06)
The Italian did the impossible last season when he led Leicester to glory. Deploying a counter-attack strategy, the Foxes sweep aside all opponents enroute to the Premier League title.
However, with the extra commitments in the form of the Champions League, there is fear that the team might not have the resources compete in both fronts.
They created a fairy tale and the tale will end in the new season.
Mauricio Pochettino - Tottenham (last season average rating: 7.01)
Tottenham pushed Leicester City hard for the title last season only to suffer their usual end of the season collapse.
While the Lilywhites provided some great entertainment, expecting them to close the gap will be asking too much.
Tuesday, 5 July 2016
Is the Premier League players setting Euro 2016 alight?
While England has been knocked out of Euro 2016, the Premier League is still very much represented in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Except for Germany, the rest of the nations does not have a fantastic league. So it is not surprising to see most of the players from Portugal, France and Wales plying their trade in a foreign league.
But what is surprising is the team with the most number of players still in Euro 2016, aside from Bayern Munich (8), is Crystal Palace.
The London club has 5 players. Mandanda and Yohan Cabaye for France, and Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley and Jonathan Williams for Wales.
Looking at the rest of the Premier League clubs, we have
Arsenal (4)
Olivier Giroud (France), Laurent Koscielny (France), Aaron Ramsey (Wales) and Mesut Ozil (Germany)
Liverpool (3)
Joe Allen (Wales), Danny Ward (Wales) Emre Can (Germany)
Manchester United (3)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Anthony Martial (France) and Morgan Schneiderlin (France)
Manchester City (2)
Ellaquim Mangala (France), Barcary Sagna (France)
Southampton (2)
Cedric (Portugal), Jose Fonte (Portugal)
West Ham (2)
Dimitri Payet (France), James Collins (Wales)
Leicester (2)
N'Golo Kante (France), Andy King (Wales)
Tottenham (2)
Hugo Lloris (France), Ben Davis (Wales)
West Brom (1)
James Chester (Wales)
Swansea (2)
Neil Taylor (Wales), Ashley Williams (Wales)
While this is quite a number of players, how many of them are playing regularly and making a mark in the tournament?
Since soccer is all about goals, we will take a look first in that department (all statistics provided by WhoScored.,com).
With three goals each, Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet are the only two players in the top 10 goal scorers.
Next up is assist and in this department, Aaron Ramsey (4) and Dimitri Payet (2) ranks among the top 5 high "assister".
In terms of overall performance, only Payet, with an average rating of 8.37, rank in the top 5.
So, quantity over quality in this sense? Let us know by commenting below.
Except for Germany, the rest of the nations does not have a fantastic league. So it is not surprising to see most of the players from Portugal, France and Wales plying their trade in a foreign league.
But what is surprising is the team with the most number of players still in Euro 2016, aside from Bayern Munich (8), is Crystal Palace.
The London club has 5 players. Mandanda and Yohan Cabaye for France, and Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley and Jonathan Williams for Wales.
Looking at the rest of the Premier League clubs, we have
Arsenal (4)
Olivier Giroud (France), Laurent Koscielny (France), Aaron Ramsey (Wales) and Mesut Ozil (Germany)
Liverpool (3)
Joe Allen (Wales), Danny Ward (Wales) Emre Can (Germany)
Manchester United (3)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Anthony Martial (France) and Morgan Schneiderlin (France)
Manchester City (2)
Ellaquim Mangala (France), Barcary Sagna (France)
Southampton (2)
Cedric (Portugal), Jose Fonte (Portugal)
West Ham (2)
Dimitri Payet (France), James Collins (Wales)
Leicester (2)
N'Golo Kante (France), Andy King (Wales)
Tottenham (2)
Hugo Lloris (France), Ben Davis (Wales)
West Brom (1)
James Chester (Wales)
Swansea (2)
Neil Taylor (Wales), Ashley Williams (Wales)
While this is quite a number of players, how many of them are playing regularly and making a mark in the tournament?
Since soccer is all about goals, we will take a look first in that department (all statistics provided by WhoScored.,com).
With three goals each, Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet are the only two players in the top 10 goal scorers.
Next up is assist and in this department, Aaron Ramsey (4) and Dimitri Payet (2) ranks among the top 5 high "assister".
In terms of overall performance, only Payet, with an average rating of 8.37, rank in the top 5.
So, quantity over quality in this sense? Let us know by commenting below.
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