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
Showing posts with label Chelsea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chelsea. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 August 2016
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.
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.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Premier League still in pink health
A week ago, three Premier League clubs were facing the prospect of being knocked out of the Champions League group stage which sparked talks of a waning Premier League.
A week later, three of four teams managed to make it through to the next round with Chelsea and Manchester City topping their group. The only casualty being Manchester United who dropped to the Europa League.
So, is the Premier League still a force to be reckon with?
Based on WhoScored.com statistics, Olivier Giroud and Willian are tied as fourth highest goalscorers with 5 goals apiece.
With 4 assists and an average performance point of 8.39, Alexis Sanchez is fifth in both the assist and performance table.
Four players from the Premier League clubs appeared in the Group Stages Best XI, Petr Cech and Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal are joined by Chelsea's Willian and Cesar Azpilicueta.
This compared to three from La Liga, two from Russia, one each from Germany and France.
The question might have dies off for now, with Arsenal and Chelsea drawing old nemesis in Barcelona and PSG respectively, there are every chance that the only British club left in the competition is Manchester City. Expect it to come to the forefront in the quarter-final draw should this happen.
A week later, three of four teams managed to make it through to the next round with Chelsea and Manchester City topping their group. The only casualty being Manchester United who dropped to the Europa League.
So, is the Premier League still a force to be reckon with?
Based on WhoScored.com statistics, Olivier Giroud and Willian are tied as fourth highest goalscorers with 5 goals apiece.
With 4 assists and an average performance point of 8.39, Alexis Sanchez is fifth in both the assist and performance table.
Four players from the Premier League clubs appeared in the Group Stages Best XI, Petr Cech and Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal are joined by Chelsea's Willian and Cesar Azpilicueta.
This compared to three from La Liga, two from Russia, one each from Germany and France.
The question might have dies off for now, with Arsenal and Chelsea drawing old nemesis in Barcelona and PSG respectively, there are every chance that the only British club left in the competition is Manchester City. Expect it to come to the forefront in the quarter-final draw should this happen.
Monday, 7 December 2015
Leicester goes top while Chelsea lost at home again
Marko Arnautovic scored twice within the first 15 minutes to condemn the Manchester City to their second defeat in three games.
Joel Campbell put the host ahead but Olivier Giroud's own goal ensure both teams went into half time on level time. The Frenchman scored on the right end to put Arsenal ahead and Aaron Ramsey ensure the victory.
When Manchester United hosted West Ham, it was the third best home record versus the third best away record. The result was both side cancelling each other out in a 0-0 draw.
Southampton was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Aston Villa. Joleon Lescott put the away team ahead before Oriol Romeu equalised in the second half.
Leicester moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City. Riyad Mahrez scored all three goals.
The match between two newly promoted teams saw the home team grabbing all three points. Troy Deeney put the home team ahead and Odion Ighalo added a second in the 90th minute.
FT West Bromwich Albion 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spoils were shared between West Brom and Tottenham. Dele Alli put the visitors ahead but were held back when James McClean equalised for the home side.
Chelsea's dreadful season continues as they slumped to another home defeat, their fourth this season. Glenn Murray scored the only goal of the game.
Newcastle grabbed a much needed victory to move above cross-town rival Sunderland in the league table. Martin Skrtel put through his own net before Georginio Wijnaldum confirmed all three points.
Crystal Palace went ahead through Scott Dann before in-form striker, Romelu Lukaku, equalised for the home team.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal : 7.14
Leicester: 7.04
Tottenham: 7
Manchester City: 6.99
Everton: 6.94
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.33
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.82
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.72
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Joel Campbell put the host ahead but Olivier Giroud's own goal ensure both teams went into half time on level time. The Frenchman scored on the right end to put Arsenal ahead and Aaron Ramsey ensure the victory.
When Manchester United hosted West Ham, it was the third best home record versus the third best away record. The result was both side cancelling each other out in a 0-0 draw.
Southampton was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Aston Villa. Joleon Lescott put the away team ahead before Oriol Romeu equalised in the second half.
Leicester moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City. Riyad Mahrez scored all three goals.
The match between two newly promoted teams saw the home team grabbing all three points. Troy Deeney put the home team ahead and Odion Ighalo added a second in the 90th minute.
FT West Bromwich Albion 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spoils were shared between West Brom and Tottenham. Dele Alli put the visitors ahead but were held back when James McClean equalised for the home side.
Chelsea's dreadful season continues as they slumped to another home defeat, their fourth this season. Glenn Murray scored the only goal of the game.
Newcastle grabbed a much needed victory to move above cross-town rival Sunderland in the league table. Martin Skrtel put through his own net before Georginio Wijnaldum confirmed all three points.
Crystal Palace went ahead through Scott Dann before in-form striker, Romelu Lukaku, equalised for the home team.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal : 7.14
Leicester: 7.04
Tottenham: 7
Manchester City: 6.99
Everton: 6.94
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.33
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.82
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.72
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Home comfort no longer an advantage
Whether the club is fighting for the title or fending off relegation, home results are important. With familiar surroundings and the home crowd roaring the team on, the home team certainly has the advantage.
But is this the case? Not, if one look at the results from the first 40 games in the Premier League. It reads, played 40, 9 wins, 14 draws and 17 defeats.
Among the casulties, Chelsea and Stoke City, who have gained a reputation of being hard to beat at home. Between them, they have garnered just a single point.
So, did the teams performed better away from their comfort zone?
Let us take a look at the statistics, provided by WhoScored.com
Shots per game / Possession (%) / Pass Success (%) / Aerials Won / Rating
Manchester City
[home] 18 / 53.2 / 87.9 / 12 / 7.31
[away] 18 / 58.4 / 88.5 / 14 / 7.29
Swansea
[home] 14 / 50.5 / 84.0 / 12.5 / 7.10
[away] 18.5 / 53.8 / 81.8 / 19 / 6.90
Arsenal
[home] 20.5 / 60.8 / 85.4 / 26 / 7.03
[away] 21 / 62.5 / 88.7 / 14 / 7.05
Leicester
[home] 16 / 42.6 / 70.8 / 16 / 7.00
[away] 7 / 40.9 / 65.7 / 20.5 / 6.85
Watford
[home] 14.5 / 55.3 / 79.5 / 21 / 6.93
[away] 9 / 40.9 / 79.7 / 16 / 6.77
Manchester United
[home] 14.5 / 56.6 / 86.1 / 10.5 / 6.91
[away] 10 / 57.7 / 84.0 / 20 / 6.80
Southampton
[home] 20 / 56.0 / 84.9 / 18.5 / 6.90
[away] 14 / 47.9 / 77.2 / 22.5 / 6.99
Aston Villa
[home] 13 / 52.2 / 82.5 / 20.5 / 6.88
[away] 9 / 47.4 / 78.6 / 22 / 6.94
Tottenham
[home] 16.5 / 50.8 / 82.9 / 16.5 / 6.86
[away] 14 / 55.4 / 82.3 / 18 / 6.69
Crystal Palace
[home] 13.5 / 46.8 / 79.8 / 19.5 / 6.75
[away] 12 / 40.7 / 74.0 / 11.5 / 7.04
Chelsea
[home] 18.5 / 55.1 / 82.2 / 17.5 / 6.74
[away] 12.5 / 53.1 / 82.1 / 18.5 / 6.58
Everton
[home] 10 / 53.8 / 81.3 / 15.5 / 6.69
[away] 9 / 48.6 / 81.6 / 14 / 7.06
Sunderland
[home] 8 / 43.1 / 68.6 / 15.5 / 6.63
[away] 9 / 47.9 / 76.3 / 23.5 / 6.68
Liverpool
[home] 15.5 / 56.7 / 83.7 / 20 / 6.60
[away] 11.5 / 45.5 / 75.8 / 25 / 7.10
Newcastle United
[home] 5 / 42.7 / 79.9 / 11.5 / 6.57
[away] 5.5 / 37.1 / 75.4 / 10 / 6.62
Norwich
[home] 18.5 / 51.6 / 80.9 / 10.5 / 6.56
[away] 12 / 48.0 / 76.7 / 16.5 / 6.64
Bournemouth
[home] 8 / 54.9 / 80.0 / 21.5 / 6.52
[away] 14 / 49.6 / 74.5 / 22 / 6.78
Stoke
[home] 10 / 48.0 / 78.8 / 14 / 6.46
[away] 10.5 / 52.1 / 82.8 / 11.5 / 6.75
West Ham
[home] 10 / 54.7 / 78.1 / 23 / 6.45
[away] 10 / 40.9 / 72.1 / 16.5 / 7.28
West Brom
[home] 12 / 40.6 / 78.6 / 11 / 6.43
[away] 10.5 / 45.4 / 79.4 / 18 / 6.96
Looking at the numbers, this is definitely so, with only 7 teams managed a better average home ratings.
Why is this so? A theory is that the home teams have to take the game to the oppositions and in the process, exposed themselves to the counter-attack which the away teams usually deployed.
But whatever the reason, one can be sure that as the season progress, it will be business as usual.
But is this the case? Not, if one look at the results from the first 40 games in the Premier League. It reads, played 40, 9 wins, 14 draws and 17 defeats.
Among the casulties, Chelsea and Stoke City, who have gained a reputation of being hard to beat at home. Between them, they have garnered just a single point.
So, did the teams performed better away from their comfort zone?
Let us take a look at the statistics, provided by WhoScored.com
Shots per game / Possession (%) / Pass Success (%) / Aerials Won / Rating
Manchester City
[home] 18 / 53.2 / 87.9 / 12 / 7.31
[away] 18 / 58.4 / 88.5 / 14 / 7.29
Swansea
[home] 14 / 50.5 / 84.0 / 12.5 / 7.10
[away] 18.5 / 53.8 / 81.8 / 19 / 6.90
Arsenal
[home] 20.5 / 60.8 / 85.4 / 26 / 7.03
[away] 21 / 62.5 / 88.7 / 14 / 7.05
Leicester
[home] 16 / 42.6 / 70.8 / 16 / 7.00
[away] 7 / 40.9 / 65.7 / 20.5 / 6.85
Watford
[home] 14.5 / 55.3 / 79.5 / 21 / 6.93
[away] 9 / 40.9 / 79.7 / 16 / 6.77
Manchester United
[home] 14.5 / 56.6 / 86.1 / 10.5 / 6.91
[away] 10 / 57.7 / 84.0 / 20 / 6.80
Southampton
[home] 20 / 56.0 / 84.9 / 18.5 / 6.90
[away] 14 / 47.9 / 77.2 / 22.5 / 6.99
Aston Villa
[home] 13 / 52.2 / 82.5 / 20.5 / 6.88
[away] 9 / 47.4 / 78.6 / 22 / 6.94
Tottenham
[home] 16.5 / 50.8 / 82.9 / 16.5 / 6.86
[away] 14 / 55.4 / 82.3 / 18 / 6.69
Crystal Palace
[home] 13.5 / 46.8 / 79.8 / 19.5 / 6.75
[away] 12 / 40.7 / 74.0 / 11.5 / 7.04
Chelsea
[home] 18.5 / 55.1 / 82.2 / 17.5 / 6.74
[away] 12.5 / 53.1 / 82.1 / 18.5 / 6.58
Everton
[home] 10 / 53.8 / 81.3 / 15.5 / 6.69
[away] 9 / 48.6 / 81.6 / 14 / 7.06
Sunderland
[home] 8 / 43.1 / 68.6 / 15.5 / 6.63
[away] 9 / 47.9 / 76.3 / 23.5 / 6.68
Liverpool
[home] 15.5 / 56.7 / 83.7 / 20 / 6.60
[away] 11.5 / 45.5 / 75.8 / 25 / 7.10
Newcastle United
[home] 5 / 42.7 / 79.9 / 11.5 / 6.57
[away] 5.5 / 37.1 / 75.4 / 10 / 6.62
Norwich
[home] 18.5 / 51.6 / 80.9 / 10.5 / 6.56
[away] 12 / 48.0 / 76.7 / 16.5 / 6.64
Bournemouth
[home] 8 / 54.9 / 80.0 / 21.5 / 6.52
[away] 14 / 49.6 / 74.5 / 22 / 6.78
Stoke
[home] 10 / 48.0 / 78.8 / 14 / 6.46
[away] 10.5 / 52.1 / 82.8 / 11.5 / 6.75
West Ham
[home] 10 / 54.7 / 78.1 / 23 / 6.45
[away] 10 / 40.9 / 72.1 / 16.5 / 7.28
West Brom
[home] 12 / 40.6 / 78.6 / 11 / 6.43
[away] 10.5 / 45.4 / 79.4 / 18 / 6.96
Looking at the numbers, this is definitely so, with only 7 teams managed a better average home ratings.
Why is this so? A theory is that the home teams have to take the game to the oppositions and in the process, exposed themselves to the counter-attack which the away teams usually deployed.
But whatever the reason, one can be sure that as the season progress, it will be business as usual.
Monday, 31 August 2015
Manchester United and Chelsea lost further ground
Manchester City continue their winning start to the season with a victory over Watford. Raheem Sterling scored his City goal shortly after half time and Fernandinho added a second to ensure that City goes into the international break with a three points lead at the top of the table.
Champions Chelsea stuttering start continues as their lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, only the second time in 100 home games under Jose Mourinho. All the scoring came in the second half with Bakary Sako putting Palace ahead only for Radamel Falcao to equalise. But it took the visitor only two minutes to restore their lead through Joel Ward.
Liverpool and Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of West Ham and Swansea respectively.
Manuel Lanzini making his premier debut, got a dream start when he put West Ham ahead in the third minute. Mark Noble made in 2-0 after Lovren's mistake. Any hope of a fight-back was extinguished when Philippe Coutinho was sent off for two yellow card offenses. The numbers was even out when Mark Noble joined the Brazilian for an early shower. Diafra Sakho added a third just before the final whistle.
Over at Liberty Stadium, Juan Mata put the Red Devils ahead but the home team hit back in quick succession with goals from Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis.
Arsenal's poor conversion rate in front of goals continue as they struggled to beat Newcastle who had to play 74 minutes with 10 men, after Aleksandar Mitrovic got his marching order. The Gunners needed an own goal from Fabricio Coloccini to ensure they came away from St. James' Park with all three points.
Callum Wilson followed up his hat-trick the previous weekend with another goal to put Bournemouth in front. Jamie Vardy equalised from the spot on the 86th minute to maintain Leicester's unbeaten start to the season.
Yann M'Vila put Sunderland ahead at the Villa Park only for Scott Sinclair to hit a double before half-time. Jeremain Lens equalised for the visitor to share the spoils.
Tony Pulis, who was given a warm reception on his returned to Britannia Stadium, left his old hunting ground will all three points. Jose Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the games after Stoke had Ibrahim Afellay and Charlie Adam sent off.
Southampton finally got their first win of season, a 3-0 victory over Norwich. Graziano Pelle scored on the stroke of half-time before Dusan Tadic added two more in the space of three minutes.
Tottenham was still searching for their first win as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Everton.
Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.3
Arsenal: 7.04
Swansea: 7
Southampton: 6.94
Leicester: 6.92
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.46
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 8.36
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.08
Pedro (Chelsea): 8.07
Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City): 8.04
*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Champions Chelsea stuttering start continues as their lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, only the second time in 100 home games under Jose Mourinho. All the scoring came in the second half with Bakary Sako putting Palace ahead only for Radamel Falcao to equalise. But it took the visitor only two minutes to restore their lead through Joel Ward.
Liverpool and Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of West Ham and Swansea respectively.
Manuel Lanzini making his premier debut, got a dream start when he put West Ham ahead in the third minute. Mark Noble made in 2-0 after Lovren's mistake. Any hope of a fight-back was extinguished when Philippe Coutinho was sent off for two yellow card offenses. The numbers was even out when Mark Noble joined the Brazilian for an early shower. Diafra Sakho added a third just before the final whistle.
Over at Liberty Stadium, Juan Mata put the Red Devils ahead but the home team hit back in quick succession with goals from Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis.
Arsenal's poor conversion rate in front of goals continue as they struggled to beat Newcastle who had to play 74 minutes with 10 men, after Aleksandar Mitrovic got his marching order. The Gunners needed an own goal from Fabricio Coloccini to ensure they came away from St. James' Park with all three points.
Callum Wilson followed up his hat-trick the previous weekend with another goal to put Bournemouth in front. Jamie Vardy equalised from the spot on the 86th minute to maintain Leicester's unbeaten start to the season.
Yann M'Vila put Sunderland ahead at the Villa Park only for Scott Sinclair to hit a double before half-time. Jeremain Lens equalised for the visitor to share the spoils.
Tony Pulis, who was given a warm reception on his returned to Britannia Stadium, left his old hunting ground will all three points. Jose Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the games after Stoke had Ibrahim Afellay and Charlie Adam sent off.
Southampton finally got their first win of season, a 3-0 victory over Norwich. Graziano Pelle scored on the stroke of half-time before Dusan Tadic added two more in the space of three minutes.
Tottenham was still searching for their first win as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Everton.
Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.3
Arsenal: 7.04
Swansea: 7
Southampton: 6.94
Leicester: 6.92
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.46
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 8.36
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.08
Pedro (Chelsea): 8.07
Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City): 8.04
*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Monday, 24 August 2015
Liverpool and Manchester United lost perfect record
Before the start of the weekend ganes, there were four teams who had 100% from their first 2 games. At the end of it, only Manchester City gets to keep their perfect start in tact.
The Citizens follow up their 3-0 success over Chelsea with another impressive victory at Goodison Park with Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri scoring the goals.
Liverpool and Manchester United were held to goal-less draw against Arsenal and Newcastle respectively. Both Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Rooney had goals wrongly ruled out for outside.
Leicester and Riyad Mahrez continued their brilliant start to the season with the Algerian equalising after Dele Alli had given Tottenham the lead 60 seconds earlier.
Champions Chelsea finally got their first win of the season at The Hawthorns. Debutant Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring and Diego Costa put Chelsea 2-0 ahead. James Morrison made up for his earlier missed penalty by pulling a goal back before Cesar Azpilicueta restored the Blues 2-0 advantage. James Morrison got his second of the night but West Brom could not find an equaliser against ten men Chelsea after John Terry was sent off.
Bournemouth scored their first Premier Leagues goals when Callum Wilson scored twice to put the newly promoted side 2-0 ahead. Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate levelled the score for the Hammers before Marc Pugh and Callum Wilson restored Cherries' 2-0 lead. Modibo Maiga pulled one back but forcing a draw proved too much for the home side who had Carl Jenkinson sent off.
Crystal Palace players scored all three goals in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Scott Dann put home side ahead only for Pape Ndiaye Souare to put through his own goalkeeper. Bakary Sako pops up with the winner to spare the Senegalese's blushes.
Watford got their third consecutive draw, helding Southampton 0-0 at Vicarage Road.
Matches between Norwich City vs Stoke City and Sunderland vs Swansea ended in a 1-1 draw.
Mame Biram Diouf put Stoke ahead in the 11th minute and Norwich replied through Russell Martin 17 minutes later.
Swansea scored on the stroke of half time, courtesy of Bafetimbi Gomis. Jermain Defoe replied to ensure Sunderland got their first point of the season.
Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.33
Liverpool: 7.12
Arsenal: 7.04
Swansea: 7.02
Watford: 7.01
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 9.22
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 8.51
David Silva (Manchester City): 8.25
Pedro (Chelsea): 8.21
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.14
The Citizens follow up their 3-0 success over Chelsea with another impressive victory at Goodison Park with Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri scoring the goals.
Liverpool and Manchester United were held to goal-less draw against Arsenal and Newcastle respectively. Both Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Rooney had goals wrongly ruled out for outside.
Leicester and Riyad Mahrez continued their brilliant start to the season with the Algerian equalising after Dele Alli had given Tottenham the lead 60 seconds earlier.
Champions Chelsea finally got their first win of the season at The Hawthorns. Debutant Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring and Diego Costa put Chelsea 2-0 ahead. James Morrison made up for his earlier missed penalty by pulling a goal back before Cesar Azpilicueta restored the Blues 2-0 advantage. James Morrison got his second of the night but West Brom could not find an equaliser against ten men Chelsea after John Terry was sent off.
Bournemouth scored their first Premier Leagues goals when Callum Wilson scored twice to put the newly promoted side 2-0 ahead. Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate levelled the score for the Hammers before Marc Pugh and Callum Wilson restored Cherries' 2-0 lead. Modibo Maiga pulled one back but forcing a draw proved too much for the home side who had Carl Jenkinson sent off.
Crystal Palace players scored all three goals in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Scott Dann put home side ahead only for Pape Ndiaye Souare to put through his own goalkeeper. Bakary Sako pops up with the winner to spare the Senegalese's blushes.
Watford got their third consecutive draw, helding Southampton 0-0 at Vicarage Road.
Matches between Norwich City vs Stoke City and Sunderland vs Swansea ended in a 1-1 draw.
Mame Biram Diouf put Stoke ahead in the 11th minute and Norwich replied through Russell Martin 17 minutes later.
Swansea scored on the stroke of half time, courtesy of Bafetimbi Gomis. Jermain Defoe replied to ensure Sunderland got their first point of the season.
Top five performing team *
Manchester City: 7.33
Liverpool: 7.12
Arsenal: 7.04
Swansea: 7.02
Watford: 7.01
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 9.22
Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace): 8.51
David Silva (Manchester City): 8.25
Pedro (Chelsea): 8.21
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.14
*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Monday, 10 August 2015
Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd wins
Finally the big kick off is here and normal service for weekends resumes.
The big four / five endured mixed results with only Manchester City making an early statement. The Citizens put West Brom to the sword with Yaya Toure (twice) and Vincent Kompany scoring the goals.
Holder Chelsea was held to a 2-2 by Swansea at Stamford Bride. The Blues led twice and had Courtois sent off.
Arsenal was humbled by West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Both goals were results of Cech's mistake, the signing that many said tilt the title in the Gunners' favour.
Liverpool and Manchester United were hardly inspiring in their 1-0 victory. Liverpool needing a Coutinho superb goal and the Red Devils had Kyle Walker to thanks for the three points.
Steve McClaren's tenure as manager of Newcastle began with a 2-2 draw against last season surprise package, Southampton.
Leicester will try to avoid last season scrap and did their cause no harm with a opening 4-2 victory over Sunderland.
None of the newly promoted team manages a win. Watford earn a point with at 2-2 draw at Everton, while both Bournemouth and Norwich lost their home game against Aston Villa (0-1) and Crystal Palace (1-3) respectively.
Top five performing team *
1) Manchester City: 7.70
2) Leicester: 7.55
3) West Ham: 7.52
4) Watford: 7.42
5) Crystal Palace: 7.42
Top five performing players *
1) Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 10.00
2) Marc Albrighton (Leicester): 9.31
3) Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.80
4) Adrian (West Ham): 8.78
5) Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 8.31
*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
The big four / five endured mixed results with only Manchester City making an early statement. The Citizens put West Brom to the sword with Yaya Toure (twice) and Vincent Kompany scoring the goals.
Holder Chelsea was held to a 2-2 by Swansea at Stamford Bride. The Blues led twice and had Courtois sent off.
Arsenal was humbled by West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Both goals were results of Cech's mistake, the signing that many said tilt the title in the Gunners' favour.
Liverpool and Manchester United were hardly inspiring in their 1-0 victory. Liverpool needing a Coutinho superb goal and the Red Devils had Kyle Walker to thanks for the three points.
Steve McClaren's tenure as manager of Newcastle began with a 2-2 draw against last season surprise package, Southampton.
Leicester will try to avoid last season scrap and did their cause no harm with a opening 4-2 victory over Sunderland.
None of the newly promoted team manages a win. Watford earn a point with at 2-2 draw at Everton, while both Bournemouth and Norwich lost their home game against Aston Villa (0-1) and Crystal Palace (1-3) respectively.
Top five performing team *
1) Manchester City: 7.70
2) Leicester: 7.55
3) West Ham: 7.52
4) Watford: 7.42
5) Crystal Palace: 7.42
Top five performing players *
1) Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 10.00
2) Marc Albrighton (Leicester): 9.31
3) Yaya Toure (Manchester City): 8.80
4) Adrian (West Ham): 8.78
5) Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 8.31
*Statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Wednesday, 5 August 2015
MOAN-inho at it again
A master of the mind game, Jose Mourinho had started his game before the season gets underway.
First he took a swipe at Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool for spending more money than his Chelsea and buying their way to the title.
He might have selective memory but to put records on the table, over the period between 2004 and 2014, no manager in the world has spend more money than the Portuguese during his spells with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. His total spending, nearly €1bn, €22m more than his closest rival Carlo Ancelotti who succeeded him at Real
Second, after the Community Shield defeat at his nemesis Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, he said, "My opinion is the team that defends very well, that leaves their philosophy in the dressing room, changes their attitude, plays all the second half with nine players in front of the box, doesn’t concede and scores one goal, from that perspective they deserve to win.
"This is football. This is very good tactical organisation. Congratulations to them."
While Mourinho might seem to be praising Arsenal, it does not mask the fact he is critising Wenger for deploying the park-the-bus tactics, something which Mourinho has perfected and used frequently during big games en-route to the league title last season.
But is Arsenal really that bad?
Based on WhoScored.com statistic, the Blues' manager is far from being true.
Total Shots
Arsenal - 11
Chelsea - 14
Shots on Target
Arsenal - 5
Chelsea - 2
Pass Success
Arsenal - 75%
Chelsea - 80%
Aerial Success
Arsenal - 39%
Chelsea - 61%
Dribbles
Arsenal - 5
Chelsea - 11
Tackles
Arsenal - 11
Chelsea - 18
Possession
Arsenal - 43%
Chelsea - 57%
Knowing Mourinho, he will usually try to unnerve opponents whom he thinks is a threat to his Chelsea team. For him to pay such "tribute" to Arsenal, one can be sure that he sees Arsenal as a genuine contender.
First he took a swipe at Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool for spending more money than his Chelsea and buying their way to the title.
He might have selective memory but to put records on the table, over the period between 2004 and 2014, no manager in the world has spend more money than the Portuguese during his spells with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. His total spending, nearly €1bn, €22m more than his closest rival Carlo Ancelotti who succeeded him at Real
Second, after the Community Shield defeat at his nemesis Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, he said, "My opinion is the team that defends very well, that leaves their philosophy in the dressing room, changes their attitude, plays all the second half with nine players in front of the box, doesn’t concede and scores one goal, from that perspective they deserve to win.
"This is football. This is very good tactical organisation. Congratulations to them."
While Mourinho might seem to be praising Arsenal, it does not mask the fact he is critising Wenger for deploying the park-the-bus tactics, something which Mourinho has perfected and used frequently during big games en-route to the league title last season.
But is Arsenal really that bad?
Based on WhoScored.com statistic, the Blues' manager is far from being true.
Total Shots
Arsenal - 11
Chelsea - 14
Shots on Target
Arsenal - 5
Chelsea - 2
Pass Success
Arsenal - 75%
Chelsea - 80%
Aerial Success
Arsenal - 39%
Chelsea - 61%
Dribbles
Arsenal - 5
Chelsea - 11
Tackles
Arsenal - 11
Chelsea - 18
Possession
Arsenal - 43%
Chelsea - 57%
Knowing Mourinho, he will usually try to unnerve opponents whom he thinks is a threat to his Chelsea team. For him to pay such "tribute" to Arsenal, one can be sure that he sees Arsenal as a genuine contender.
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Cech to replace Ospina?
While the transfer window does not open until 1st July, the rumour mill has been in overdrive.
One potential deal of the summer could be the transfer of Petr Cech from Chelsea to Arsenal.
After losing his first team spot to Thibaut Courtois, Cech looks set to leave the Champions. The Czech's preference is to remain in London and that puts Arsenal in pole position to sign the stopper.
The transfer, if it does happen, would mean one of David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny leaving the club. According to various reports, Ospina will be sacrificed.
Rather surprising when the Colombian just joined last season and has done admirably since taking over the gloves, scoring an average rating of 7.06*.
Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny had a rating of 6.46* and Petr Cech averages 6.99* in 6 appearances.
It does not make sense to sell your statistically better player, doesn't it? Then again, this is nothing but rumours.
P.S - Anyone remember Lukasz Fabianski? With a rating of 7.09*, he was the 4th best performing goalkeeper in the Premier League.
* stats provided by whoscored.com
One potential deal of the summer could be the transfer of Petr Cech from Chelsea to Arsenal.
After losing his first team spot to Thibaut Courtois, Cech looks set to leave the Champions. The Czech's preference is to remain in London and that puts Arsenal in pole position to sign the stopper.
The transfer, if it does happen, would mean one of David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny leaving the club. According to various reports, Ospina will be sacrificed.
Rather surprising when the Colombian just joined last season and has done admirably since taking over the gloves, scoring an average rating of 7.06*.
Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny had a rating of 6.46* and Petr Cech averages 6.99* in 6 appearances.
It does not make sense to sell your statistically better player, doesn't it? Then again, this is nothing but rumours.
P.S - Anyone remember Lukasz Fabianski? With a rating of 7.09*, he was the 4th best performing goalkeeper in the Premier League.
* stats provided by whoscored.com
Monday, 22 June 2015
Season 2014/15 in review
Chelsea won the double of League title and cup. Arsenal retained their FA Cup. Hull, Burnley and QPR were relegated to the Championship and Manchester United snatched back their Champions League position.
We look back at the 2014/15 season and give our verdicts on the performances for the teams.
Chelsea - Led the table from day 1 and never relinguish the position, clinching the title with 3 games to spare. Beside the title, the Blues was won the League Cup. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.28
Man City - As the saying goes, "Winning the title is hard, retaining it is harder". Manchester City season prove just about right. The collective lost of form from the core players like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero was their achilles heel. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.29.
Arsenal - Poor start means their title challenge was over by November. Put together an amazing run of 9 wins in 11 games towards the end. But gap proved too huge to overcome. Retain the FA Cup in emphatic style. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.38.
Man Utd - The appointment of Louis Van Gaal and new signings like Angel Di Maria, Macros Rojo, Luke Shaw, Danny Blind and Ander Herrara gave the fans plenty of look forward to. But, the Red Devils proved to be very much a team in transition. More importantly, they wrestle back their Champions League spot. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com: 7.20
Tottenham - Touted as the team to break the big four stranglehold but ended up as the bridesmaid yet again. The emergence of Harry Kane was the highlight of their season. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Liverpool - After coming to within a whisker of finally ending their 25 years wait for the league title, Reds' fans started the season with high hopes. But the sale of Luis Suarez and the injuries substained by Daniel Sturridge dashed all hopes. Managed to make it to the semi-finals of both the FA and Capital One Cup but fans expected more. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com: 7.06
Southampton - After the mass exodus of players, many predicted that Southampton will struggle. However, they exceed all expectation and remain in the top four for most part of the early season. Falter towards the end but still, managed to qualify for Europe next season. Surprise team of the season. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Swansea - A mid table club who is not expected to challenge the big boys. However, they managed to overcome the lost of star striker Wilfried Bony, who joined Manchester City in the January transfer window, to stay in the top half of the table. Our rating: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.03
Stoke - Another of the mid table team, without any high hopes going into the season. Did well to retain their 9th position. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 7.04.
Crystal Palace - "One man's poison is another's meat". You can said that about Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew. Much hatred at the St James' Park, Pardew left the Magpies to join a Palace stuck in relegation zone and guided them to 10th position, their highest ever position in the Premier League. Pardew became the only manager to take over a club in relegation zone and eventually guided them to the top half of the table. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.00.
Everton - This is the season whereby we were suppose to see the rise of Ross Barkley after his breakthrough season the previous year. However, he did not really set the league on fire. So too did Everton. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.96.
West Ham - The highlight of an otherwise average season is their qualification to the Europa League first qualifying round after finishing top of the Premier League Fair Play table. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 7.01.
West Brom - Another of the mid table club who managed to meet what must be their main objective, which is to stay in the Premier League. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91.
Leicester - Started the season brilliantly but lost their way. Look set for relegation until they went on an amazing run, collecting 22 points out of a possible 30 to secure their survival. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com: 7.02
Newcastle - Appointed John Carver in January after Alan Pardew left to join Crystal Palace. Under Carver, Newcastle only managed to collective 12 points in 18 games. A win on the last day of the season secured their survival. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Sunderland - Draw specialist (17) and joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Sunderland spent the entire season hovering around the relegation positions. The club parted way with Gus Poyet and Dick Advocat was named as the replacement. The Blacks Cats eventually did just enough to retain their Premier League status. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Aston Villa - Joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Aston Villa parted way with Paul Lambert in February. The appointment of Tim Sherwood coincide with an upturn in form. They managed to fend off relegation and made it in the FA Cup. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 6.82.
Hull - After the highs of playing in the Europa League as a losing finalist in the 2013-14 FA Cup, Hull was brought back to earth with a heavy landing. After a relatively good start, The Tigers managed only 5 points out of possible 30 during the Nov-Dec period. They tried to fight against the odds but was unable to reverse it, Newcastle's final day victory condemn Hull to the Championship next season. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.92
Burnley - One of the favourites for the drop, Burnley put on a valiant fight but the difference in class was simply too great. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
QPR - The London club only managed to get their first away win, and indeed the first away points, in their 11th attempt. With such absyml away record, it is no wonder that they have been around their relegation zone. And their fate was sealed when they got hammered 6-0 by Manchester City. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
We look back at the 2014/15 season and give our verdicts on the performances for the teams.
Chelsea - Led the table from day 1 and never relinguish the position, clinching the title with 3 games to spare. Beside the title, the Blues was won the League Cup. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.28
Man City - As the saying goes, "Winning the title is hard, retaining it is harder". Manchester City season prove just about right. The collective lost of form from the core players like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero was their achilles heel. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.29.
Arsenal - Poor start means their title challenge was over by November. Put together an amazing run of 9 wins in 11 games towards the end. But gap proved too huge to overcome. Retain the FA Cup in emphatic style. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.38.
Man Utd - The appointment of Louis Van Gaal and new signings like Angel Di Maria, Macros Rojo, Luke Shaw, Danny Blind and Ander Herrara gave the fans plenty of look forward to. But, the Red Devils proved to be very much a team in transition. More importantly, they wrestle back their Champions League spot. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com: 7.20
Tottenham - Touted as the team to break the big four stranglehold but ended up as the bridesmaid yet again. The emergence of Harry Kane was the highlight of their season. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Liverpool - After coming to within a whisker of finally ending their 25 years wait for the league title, Reds' fans started the season with high hopes. But the sale of Luis Suarez and the injuries substained by Daniel Sturridge dashed all hopes. Managed to make it to the semi-finals of both the FA and Capital One Cup but fans expected more. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com: 7.06
Southampton - After the mass exodus of players, many predicted that Southampton will struggle. However, they exceed all expectation and remain in the top four for most part of the early season. Falter towards the end but still, managed to qualify for Europe next season. Surprise team of the season. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Swansea - A mid table club who is not expected to challenge the big boys. However, they managed to overcome the lost of star striker Wilfried Bony, who joined Manchester City in the January transfer window, to stay in the top half of the table. Our rating: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.03
Stoke - Another of the mid table team, without any high hopes going into the season. Did well to retain their 9th position. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 7.04.
Crystal Palace - "One man's poison is another's meat". You can said that about Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew. Much hatred at the St James' Park, Pardew left the Magpies to join a Palace stuck in relegation zone and guided them to 10th position, their highest ever position in the Premier League. Pardew became the only manager to take over a club in relegation zone and eventually guided them to the top half of the table. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.00.
Everton - This is the season whereby we were suppose to see the rise of Ross Barkley after his breakthrough season the previous year. However, he did not really set the league on fire. So too did Everton. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.96.
West Ham - The highlight of an otherwise average season is their qualification to the Europa League first qualifying round after finishing top of the Premier League Fair Play table. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 7.01.
West Brom - Another of the mid table club who managed to meet what must be their main objective, which is to stay in the Premier League. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91.
Leicester - Started the season brilliantly but lost their way. Look set for relegation until they went on an amazing run, collecting 22 points out of a possible 30 to secure their survival. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com: 7.02
Newcastle - Appointed John Carver in January after Alan Pardew left to join Crystal Palace. Under Carver, Newcastle only managed to collective 12 points in 18 games. A win on the last day of the season secured their survival. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Sunderland - Draw specialist (17) and joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Sunderland spent the entire season hovering around the relegation positions. The club parted way with Gus Poyet and Dick Advocat was named as the replacement. The Blacks Cats eventually did just enough to retain their Premier League status. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Aston Villa - Joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Aston Villa parted way with Paul Lambert in February. The appointment of Tim Sherwood coincide with an upturn in form. They managed to fend off relegation and made it in the FA Cup. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 6.82.
Hull - After the highs of playing in the Europa League as a losing finalist in the 2013-14 FA Cup, Hull was brought back to earth with a heavy landing. After a relatively good start, The Tigers managed only 5 points out of possible 30 during the Nov-Dec period. They tried to fight against the odds but was unable to reverse it, Newcastle's final day victory condemn Hull to the Championship next season. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.92
Burnley - One of the favourites for the drop, Burnley put on a valiant fight but the difference in class was simply too great. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
QPR - The London club only managed to get their first away win, and indeed the first away points, in their 11th attempt. With such absyml away record, it is no wonder that they have been around their relegation zone. And their fate was sealed when they got hammered 6-0 by Manchester City. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
Premier League opening day fixtures 2015/16
The pick of the opening day fixtures is at Old Trafford whereby Manchester United will take on Tottenham Hotspurs.
Champions Chelsea will start against Swansea City and Manchester City will face West Brom.
A London derby will see FA Cup holder Arsenal playing host to West Ham.
For the promotees, Watford will travel to Goodison Park to face Everton while Bournemouth and Norwich will play host to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively.
Opening day fixtures - August 8, 2015
Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Arsenal v West Ham United
Chelsea v Swansea City
Everton v Watford
Leicester City v Sunderland
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United v Southampton
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City
Champions Chelsea will start against Swansea City and Manchester City will face West Brom.
A London derby will see FA Cup holder Arsenal playing host to West Ham.
For the promotees, Watford will travel to Goodison Park to face Everton while Bournemouth and Norwich will play host to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively.
Opening day fixtures - August 8, 2015
Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Arsenal v West Ham United
Chelsea v Swansea City
Everton v Watford
Leicester City v Sunderland
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United v Southampton
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
The Legend - Frank Lampard
Born in June 20 1978, 16-year-old Lampard joined West Ham as an apprentice and made his first team debut in January 31 1996, coming on as a substitute for John Moncur.
He secured a place in the first team by the 1997-98 season and the following year, helped West Ham finish 5th in the Premier League, their highest-ever Premier League placing.
In 2001, he moved to rival London club Chelsea for £11 million and established himself as a prolific scorer at the west London club and was a key part of the sides which won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06 and a domestic cup double in 2007.
In his 13 years with Chelsea, he has won 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Community Shields, 1 Champions League and 1 Europa League.
A three-time Chelsea Player of the Year, Lampard is Chelsea's all-time top scorer with 211 goals in all competition and one of seven players, only midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League.
He is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table, behind Ryan Giggs.
Personal accolades includes FWA Football of the Year 2005, runner-up in both FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or. In 2010, he received the FWA Tribute Award.
Internationally, Lampard was capped 106 times by England and scored 29 international goals. He was voted England Player of the Year for two consecutive years in 2004 and 2005. He was named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2004 after scoring three goals in four games. He was top scorer for England in their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign with five goals, and played at three World Cups. He is England's most prolific penalty taker with nine goals, surpassing the previous record holders, Ron Flowers and Alan Shearer.
See below for his career timeline.
He secured a place in the first team by the 1997-98 season and the following year, helped West Ham finish 5th in the Premier League, their highest-ever Premier League placing.
In 2001, he moved to rival London club Chelsea for £11 million and established himself as a prolific scorer at the west London club and was a key part of the sides which won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06 and a domestic cup double in 2007.
In his 13 years with Chelsea, he has won 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Community Shields, 1 Champions League and 1 Europa League.
A three-time Chelsea Player of the Year, Lampard is Chelsea's all-time top scorer with 211 goals in all competition and one of seven players, only midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League.
He is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table, behind Ryan Giggs.
Personal accolades includes FWA Football of the Year 2005, runner-up in both FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or. In 2010, he received the FWA Tribute Award.
Internationally, Lampard was capped 106 times by England and scored 29 international goals. He was voted England Player of the Year for two consecutive years in 2004 and 2005. He was named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2004 after scoring three goals in four games. He was top scorer for England in their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign with five goals, and played at three World Cups. He is England's most prolific penalty taker with nine goals, surpassing the previous record holders, Ron Flowers and Alan Shearer.
See below for his career timeline.
1978
- Jun 20
Born in Romford, London.
- Jun 20
1994
- Joined West Ham United's youth team as an apprentice.
1995
- Signed professional contract.
- Oct
Went on loan to Second Division Swansea City.
- Signed professional contract.
1996
- Jan 31
Made debut for West Ham against Coventry City, coming on as a subsitute for John Moncur. - Aug 17
Made his first start in a 2-0 away defeat to Arsenal.
- Jan 31
1997
- Mar 15
Broke his leg in a 0-0 home draw against Aston Villa. Claimed to have been jeered from the pitch by West Ham United supporters and considered leaving football.
- Mar 15
1998
- Nov 19
Scored his first hat-trick against Walsall in a League Cup fourth round game. - Made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals.
- Nov 19
1999
- Ever present for the season, helping West Ham United to fifth place and qualification for the Intertoto Cup.
- July 24
Scored his first European goal in a 1-1 away draw with Finnish side FC Jokerit. - July 28
Scored in the semi-final of the Intertoto Cup to put West Ham into the final. - Aug 24
Among the goalscorers as West Ham won the Intertoto Cup. - Sept 16
Scored his goal in the UEFA Cup against NK Osijek. - Oct 10
Made his England debut in a 2-1 friendly win over Belgium.
2000
- Finished the season as West Ham's third top scorer with a total of 14 goals.
2001
- Finish season as West Ham's third top scorer with 9 goals.
- Jun 14
Joined Chelsea for £11 million. - Aug 19
Made his Chelsea debut in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. - Sep 16
First red card in Chelsea's colour came in a match against Tottenham Hotspur.
2003
- Aug 20
Scored his first England goal in a 3-1 win over Croatia.
- Sep
Named Barclays Player of the Month. - Oct
PFA Fans' Player of the Month.
- Aug 20
2004
- Named in the 2004 PFA Team of the Year as he reached double figures (10) in league goals.
- Came in second for the FWA Footballer of the Year award, behind Thierry Henry.
- Participated in his first international competition, scoring against France and Croatia in the group stages and in the the quarter-final against Portugal. Named in the team of tournament by UEFA.
- Voted England Player of the Year by fans
2005
- Feb 27
Chelsea won the Football League Cup, in which Lampard scored twice in six matches, which included the opening goal against Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final.
- Mar 09
Scored one of the goals in Chelsea's famous 4-2 win over Barcelona to progress to the quarter-finals for the Champions League.
- Mar 19
Scored a long-range goal from 30 yards against Crystal Palace in the Premier League which Chelsea won 4–1 in their quest for the Premier League title.
- Apr 06
Scored 3 goals in 2 legs in the semi-final tie against Bayern Munich as Chelsea won 6-5 on aggregate. His second goal in the first leg was a spectacular one.
- Apr 30
Scored both goals against Bolton Wanderers in a 2–0 win which clinched the Premier League title for Chelsea, ending the London's club first top-flight title in fifty years.
- Named as Barclays Player of the Season and Footballer of the Year. Finished the season with 13 goals (19 in all competitions) and led the league in assists with sixteen.
- Sep
Selected as a member of the inaugural World XI. - Dec 28
His record of consecutive Premier League appearances ended at 164 (five better than previous record-holder David James) when he sat out a match against Manchester City due to illness. - Voted England Player of the Year by fans.
- Finished runner-up to Ronaldinho for Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
- Voted FWA Player of the Year.
- Feb 27
2006
- May
Chelsea's top scorer with 16 goals as they won back-to-back Premier League title. - England's top-scorer in their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign with 5 goals.
- Jul 01
One of the three England players who missed their penalties in the shootout against Portugal, alongside Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
- Dec 17
Scored his 77th Chelsea goal in a 3-2 win over Everton. Overtook Dennis Wise as Chelsea's highest scoring midfielder.
- May
2007
- Spent much of season as team captain in John Terry's absence.
- Jan 06
Scored his first Chelsea hat-trick in the FA Cup third-round tie against Macclesfield Town.
- May 19
Provided the assist for Didier Drogba to score the winning goal in the 2007 FA Cup Final.
- Finished season with 21 goals in all competition, including a career-high six FA Cup goals.
2008
- Feb 16
Scored twice in the 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win over Huddersfield Town to became the eighth Chelsea player to score 100 goals for the club.
- Mar 12
Scored four goals in a 6-1 rout of Derby County. - Apr 30
Grieving the loss of his mother a week earlier, Lampard decided to play in the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, scoring penalty in the 98th minute of extra-time to eliminate Liverpool on a 4-3 aggregate.
- May 21
Equalised for Chelsea in the 45th minute against Manchester United in the Champions League Final before eventually losing 6-5 on penalties.
- Named UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year.
- Aug 13
Signed new five-year contract with Chelsea worth £39.2 million, making him the highest-paid Premier League player. - Sep 13
Scored 150th club career goal against Manchester City.
- Oct
Named Premier League Player of the Month for the third time. - Nov 2
Scored 100th Premier League goal in a 5-0 victory over Sunderland.
- Feb 16
2009
- Jan 17
Scored a stoppage time winner against Stoke City in his 400th Chelsea appearance.
- Finished the season with 20 goals and 19 assist.
- Named Chelsea's Player of the Year for the third time.
- Aug 09
Scored in the Community Shield and also in the penalty shootout which Chelsea won 4-1.
- Oct 21
Scored his 133rd goal for Chelsea in a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid to move him up to 5th among the club's all-time goalscorers. - Oct 30
Nominated FIFA World Player of the Year Award for the sixth straight year.
- Jan 17
2010
- Mar 27
For the second time in his career, hit four goals in one match against Aston Villa to bring his goal tally past 20 for the fifth consecutive season. With 151 goals, it put him as Chelsea third highest scorer. - Apr 25
Scored twice in Chelsea's 7-0 win over Stoke City to bring his tally to 20 league goals for the first time. - May 09
Scored one and assisted two others in the final match of the season where Chelsea thrashed Wigan Athletic 8-0 to clinch the Premier League title.
- May 15
Ended his season by lifting the FA Cup. - England exited the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Lampard achieved the record of having made 37 shots on goal without scoring in a World Cup tournament, more than any other player since 1966.
- Received the FWA Tribute Award.
- Mar 27
2011
- Jan 09
Scored twice and gave an assist in a 7-0 win against Ipswich Town to reach 201 career club goals.
- Feb 08
Captain the national team against Denmark in a friendly. - Nov 12
Captained England to a 1–0 friendly victory over World Champions Spain where he scored the only goal.
- Jan 09
2012
- Feb 25
Scored in Chelsea's 3-0 win against Bolton to become the only player to score at least 10 goals in nine consecutive seasons in the Premier League. His 149th league goal. - Mar 14
Provided one assist and then equalising the aggregate score against Napoli. - Apr 04
Converted a crucial penalty to give Chelsea a 2-1 win over Benfica to advance to the Champions League semi-finals. - Apr 09
Scored his 150th Premier League goal in a 1-1 draw against Fulham. - Apr 24
Trailing 2-1 on aggregate against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, assisted Ramires' goal with a through-pass which levelled the aggregate score at 2–2. Fernando Torres added another goal in stoppage time to give Chelsea a 3–2 victory overall.
- May 05
Assisted Didier Drogba's winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup Final.
- May 19
Captained Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League Final due to John Terry's suspension. Converted his team's third spot-kick, helping Chelsea win 4-3 on penalties.
- Ended season as Chelsea's topscorer with 16 goals in all competitions.
-
May 31
Missed Euro 2012 with a thigh injury. - Dec 23
Marked his 500th appearance in the Premier League by scoring in an 8-0 win over Aston Villa.
- Feb 25
2013
- Jan 06
Lampard's agent Steve Kutner announced that Lampard would not be offered a new contract with Chelsea and would leave when his contract expired in June 2013. - Jan 12
Scored a penalty in the 4-0 win over Stoke City to move to second spot on Chelsea's highest goal scorer list with 194 goals.
- Feb 17
Scored his 199th goal in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Brentford. Became Chelsea's all-time leading FA Cup goalscorer with 26 goals.
- Mar 17
Scored his 200th Chelsea goal against former club West Ham. - Mar 22
Scored his 28th international in a 8-0 win over San Marino to surpassed David Platt as England's highest scoring midfielder.
- May 11
Scored two goals against Aston Villa to break Chelsea's all-time scoring record.
- May 15
Captained Chelsea in the Europa League Final against Benfica, winning 2-1 to secure the 11th major trophy of Roman Abramovich era.
- May 16
Signed a one-year extension with Chelsea. - Sep 10
Became only the eighth English player to earn his 100th England cap, doing so in a World Cup qulifier against Ukraine. - Dec 04
Scored against Sunderland to become 4th on the all-time Premier League goal-scoring list, beating Robbie Fowler's 164 goals.
- Jan 06
2014
- Apr 02
Played his 100th Champions League game, losing 3-1 to PSG. - Apr 05
Scored his 250th goal of his club career in a 3-0 win against Stoke City. - May 12
Named in the 23-man England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and a week later, named vice-captain. - May 23
Included on the list of players released by Chelsea. - Jun 03
Chelsea confirmed Lampard would leave the club. - Jul 24
Signed a two-year contract with New York City FC as a free agent. - Aug 03
Manchester City, NYCFC's parent club, announced that Lampard would join the club on a six-month deal ending in January 2015. - Aug 26
Announced retirement from international football. He earned 106 caps, scoring 29 goals.
- Sep 13
Made his Manchester City debut in a 2-2 away draw with Arsenal. - Sep 21
Came on as a substitute and scored his first Manchester City goal to level the scoreline at 1-1 against Chelsea.
- Sep 30
Made his Manchester City Champions League debut against Roma. - Dec 31
Initially reported as a loan, reports emerged that Lampard had signed a short-term contract with Manchester City as a free agent with his MLS contract not to start until the end of his stay in Manchester. The same day, it was announced that Lampard would extend his contract with Manchester City until the end of the English season and it was confirmed that that Lampard had never been an MLS player with his arrival date in MLS unclear.
- Apr 02
2015
- Jan 09
Manchester City admitted that Lampard had never signed a two-year contract with NYCFC having instead originally signed a non-binding "commitment" to join the team. - Jan 10
Confirmed intention to begin playing for NYCFC at the end of the 2014-15 Premier League Season. - Mar 14
Made his 600th Premier League appearance, becoming the second player to do so after Ryan Giggs. - May 24
Captained Manchester City in their final match of the season and scored his 177th Premier League goal to give City the lead.
- Jan 09
Thursday, 21 May 2015
Rich rich champions
All around Europe, the leagues are coming to an end and clubs being crowned champions.
In the five biggest league in Europe, we have Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and most recently Barcelona and Paris St Germain (PSG) winning their respective leagues.
Beside being champions, all the clubs had a common denomination, they are rich.
According to Deloitte report, Bayern Munich had the third most revenue for the 2013/14 season. Barcelona is 4th, PSG 5th, Chelsea 7th and Juventus 10th.
The top two are occupied by Real Madrid and Manchester United. While both did not had a good season, expect Real Madrid to be up there next season. As for Manchester United, they are a club in transition.
Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus had silverwares laden history, so it is not surprising to see their huge fanbases. However, the same cannot be said of Chelsea and PSG. Both clubs were in limbo until they were taken over by billionaire owners.
With the sheer amount of money thrown into the clubs, both Chelsea and PSG were transformed, from also-ran to champions in super short period.
As the silverwares come, so too did the fans. The result? Higher revenues from television, match-day, merchandises and the money-pot Champions League.
The revenue is then spend on strengthening the already winning team, making them almost untouchable.
The big question, money before success or success comes money?
Like all businesses, without a heavy initial investment, one will not be able to bring in the resources to create the product that will bring in the moolah.
So rightly or wrongly, the same is applicable to a soccer club.
In the five biggest league in Europe, we have Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and most recently Barcelona and Paris St Germain (PSG) winning their respective leagues.
Beside being champions, all the clubs had a common denomination, they are rich.
According to Deloitte report, Bayern Munich had the third most revenue for the 2013/14 season. Barcelona is 4th, PSG 5th, Chelsea 7th and Juventus 10th.
The top two are occupied by Real Madrid and Manchester United. While both did not had a good season, expect Real Madrid to be up there next season. As for Manchester United, they are a club in transition.
Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus had silverwares laden history, so it is not surprising to see their huge fanbases. However, the same cannot be said of Chelsea and PSG. Both clubs were in limbo until they were taken over by billionaire owners.
With the sheer amount of money thrown into the clubs, both Chelsea and PSG were transformed, from also-ran to champions in super short period.
As the silverwares come, so too did the fans. The result? Higher revenues from television, match-day, merchandises and the money-pot Champions League.
The revenue is then spend on strengthening the already winning team, making them almost untouchable.
The big question, money before success or success comes money?
Like all businesses, without a heavy initial investment, one will not be able to bring in the resources to create the product that will bring in the moolah.
So rightly or wrongly, the same is applicable to a soccer club.
Sunday, 3 May 2015
Chelsea crowned Champions.
When Chelsea hosted Crystal Palace on Sunday, the equation is simple. Win and Chelsea will be crown champions.
Win they did, 1-nil (what other scoreline will one expect). Arsenal should hand over their famous chant "1-nil to the Arsenal".
While clubs in similar situation will put up a good show, to win the game in style and reward the fans, this is not in the DNA of Jose Mourinho.
Remain tight, grab a goal and close out the game.
Thou I hated to say as much, it works and they are the "best" team during the course of the season. "Best" in churning out results, low on entertainment value.
Not that it matters to Mourinho, as long as there are trophies at the end of the season.
Anyway, kudos to Chelsea.
Now that this is settled, the top four should be done and dusted, with position to be decided, the focus will be on the relegation battle.
Barring a miracle, Burnley will be relegated. Two among Aston Villa, Newcastle, Hull City, Leicester, Sunderland and QPR will be joining The Clarets.
Who will face the drop? My picks, Newcastle and QPR.
Win they did, 1-nil (what other scoreline will one expect). Arsenal should hand over their famous chant "1-nil to the Arsenal".
While clubs in similar situation will put up a good show, to win the game in style and reward the fans, this is not in the DNA of Jose Mourinho.
Remain tight, grab a goal and close out the game.
Thou I hated to say as much, it works and they are the "best" team during the course of the season. "Best" in churning out results, low on entertainment value.
Not that it matters to Mourinho, as long as there are trophies at the end of the season.
Anyway, kudos to Chelsea.
Now that this is settled, the top four should be done and dusted, with position to be decided, the focus will be on the relegation battle.
Barring a miracle, Burnley will be relegated. Two among Aston Villa, Newcastle, Hull City, Leicester, Sunderland and QPR will be joining The Clarets.
Who will face the drop? My picks, Newcastle and QPR.
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Chelsea and Burnley inch closer
Two of the weekend matches that had significant importance were the games Arsenal versus Chelsea and Burnley versus Leicester. The former, a top of the table clash, and the latter, a relegation battle.
The mathematics is simple. Win for Arsenal and they will reel in the Blues' ten point lead. Burnley and Leicester need as much points as they can gather to escape the dreaded drop. As for Chelsea, they can lose yet retain their healthy lead.
As expected, Chelsea parked their bus at the Emirates Stadium, or in Mourinho's word, played a game that belongs to the 19th century. They got a draw and retain their ten points lead over Arsenal and Manchester City.
Two more victories is what they need to bring the league title back to the bridge.
Over at Turf Moor, Leicester won their game and moved out of the relegation zone. As for Burnley's fate, it is out of their hands. They can only win as many games as they can and hope the others will falter.
The mathematics is simple. Win for Arsenal and they will reel in the Blues' ten point lead. Burnley and Leicester need as much points as they can gather to escape the dreaded drop. As for Chelsea, they can lose yet retain their healthy lead.
As expected, Chelsea parked their bus at the Emirates Stadium, or in Mourinho's word, played a game that belongs to the 19th century. They got a draw and retain their ten points lead over Arsenal and Manchester City.
Two more victories is what they need to bring the league title back to the bridge.
Over at Turf Moor, Leicester won their game and moved out of the relegation zone. As for Burnley's fate, it is out of their hands. They can only win as many games as they can and hope the others will falter.
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