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.
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
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, 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.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
LVG facing the sack
The pressure is mounting on Louis Van Gaal after Manchester United suffered back-to-back defeat, first at relegation-threatened Sunderland followed by FC Midtjylland.
The question now on everyone's lip is, if Van Gaal is an upgrade of David Moyes. Let us take a look at the results under both managers.
Louis Van Gaal
Played 51 Win 28 Draw 12 Lose 11 Win %: 54.90
David Moyes
Played 51 Win 27 Draw 9 Lose 15 Win %: 52.94
Van Gaal's win percentage of 54.90% is just slightly better than Moyes' 52.94. But the amount of investments made by the former is almost 4 times as much, £249.6m compared to £67.7m.
With such heavy spendings, the fans have every right to demand better performances from their team.
Are they really that bad?
Based on WhoScored.com, the Red Devils garnered an average rating of 6.83, 56% of possession, 10.2 shots conceded per game and 11.6 shots per game for themselves.
Hardly vintage Manchester United at her peak.
They are now six points away from Manchester City who occupied the fourth position. The prospect of missing out on the Champions
League position is real.
When this becomes a reality, one would expect Van Gaal to be shown the door.
In fact, there are rumours going around that the Dutchman will be sack soon and replace by Jose Mourinho. The appointment could happen as early as before Arsenal trip to Old Trafford.
The question now on everyone's lip is, if Van Gaal is an upgrade of David Moyes. Let us take a look at the results under both managers.
Louis Van Gaal
Played 51 Win 28 Draw 12 Lose 11 Win %: 54.90
David Moyes
Played 51 Win 27 Draw 9 Lose 15 Win %: 52.94
Van Gaal's win percentage of 54.90% is just slightly better than Moyes' 52.94. But the amount of investments made by the former is almost 4 times as much, £249.6m compared to £67.7m.
With such heavy spendings, the fans have every right to demand better performances from their team.
Are they really that bad?
Based on WhoScored.com, the Red Devils garnered an average rating of 6.83, 56% of possession, 10.2 shots conceded per game and 11.6 shots per game for themselves.
Hardly vintage Manchester United at her peak.
They are now six points away from Manchester City who occupied the fourth position. The prospect of missing out on the Champions
League position is real.
When this becomes a reality, one would expect Van Gaal to be shown the door.
In fact, there are rumours going around that the Dutchman will be sack soon and replace by Jose Mourinho. The appointment could happen as early as before Arsenal trip to Old Trafford.
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Stars aligning for Arsenal
Arsenal must be dreading their trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City. So often the bogey team for Arsenal, they must be glad to come away from the fixture with a point.
Some will say this is just another game, unlike the local derbies or top of the table clash. But is this really so? Not, according to the fortune tellers among the fans.
They will look into the history books and point out a fact. In the past 5 seasons, no eventual league champion has lost at the Britannia Stadium.
Looking at the likely contenders for the title this season, Stoke has beaten both Manchester clubs while Tottenham has yet to visit Stoke. Only Arsenal and Leicester has gone and came away without suffering a defeat. If we are to push further, Liverpool has recorded a win.
The historians in them went further. Out of the five seasons, four teams who led the table on New Year's Day remain in top spot at the end of the season. And the club who is leading the pack on New Year's Day, Arsenal.
Putting both "facts" together, the fortune telling instinct kicks in and they predicted that the Gunners will be crowned champions come May. It is written in the stars, they says.
How far is their prediction from the reality? Let us look at the statistic provided by WhoScored.com.
With an overall rating of 7.07, Arsenal are the top in terms of performance points, followed closely by Leicester with a score of 7.02.
Arsenal under Wenger's reign is known for their possession and passing game. While they have somewhat change their tactics this season, they are still among the top of the pile with 55.8% possession and 84.3% successful passes.
One surprising stats is the number of goals from counter-attack. Speed is essential during a counter attack and with a forward line consisting of Sanchez, Walcott, Chamberlain and aided by Bellerin raiding down the right flank, they have plenty of it. How they cannot take advantage of it is anyone's guess.
Topping almost in all categories, it does looks like the London club is in for a real shout. The fortune tellers could be right afterall.
But there is one fact they missed out. The only team which was at the top on New Year's Day and failed to win the title, ARSENAL.
Do you think Arsenal will end their 12 years wait for the league title?
Some will say this is just another game, unlike the local derbies or top of the table clash. But is this really so? Not, according to the fortune tellers among the fans.
They will look into the history books and point out a fact. In the past 5 seasons, no eventual league champion has lost at the Britannia Stadium.
Looking at the likely contenders for the title this season, Stoke has beaten both Manchester clubs while Tottenham has yet to visit Stoke. Only Arsenal and Leicester has gone and came away without suffering a defeat. If we are to push further, Liverpool has recorded a win.
The historians in them went further. Out of the five seasons, four teams who led the table on New Year's Day remain in top spot at the end of the season. And the club who is leading the pack on New Year's Day, Arsenal.
Putting both "facts" together, the fortune telling instinct kicks in and they predicted that the Gunners will be crowned champions come May. It is written in the stars, they says.
How far is their prediction from the reality? Let us look at the statistic provided by WhoScored.com.
With an overall rating of 7.07, Arsenal are the top in terms of performance points, followed closely by Leicester with a score of 7.02.
Arsenal under Wenger's reign is known for their possession and passing game. While they have somewhat change their tactics this season, they are still among the top of the pile with 55.8% possession and 84.3% successful passes.
One surprising stats is the number of goals from counter-attack. Speed is essential during a counter attack and with a forward line consisting of Sanchez, Walcott, Chamberlain and aided by Bellerin raiding down the right flank, they have plenty of it. How they cannot take advantage of it is anyone's guess.
Topping almost in all categories, it does looks like the London club is in for a real shout. The fortune tellers could be right afterall.
But there is one fact they missed out. The only team which was at the top on New Year's Day and failed to win the title, ARSENAL.
Do you think Arsenal will end their 12 years wait for the league title?
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
England greatest striker
While both teams are hardly the force they used to be, the match between Liverpool and Manchester United will always be one of the most anticipated game of the season. It is no difference when the two side met over the weekend.
How the game panned out mirror the problems bugging either side. Despite playing better and having created better chances, Liverpool is unable to find a way to goal. Manchester United on the other hand, scored with probably their only clear-cut chance, when Wayne Rooney reacted the quickest after Marouane Fellani's header came back off the crossbar.
In scoring the goal, Rooney has created history. Firstly, this is his first goal at Anfield in more than 10 years. Secondly, with 176 goals Premier League goals for the Red Devils, he became the player who scored the most Premier League goals for a single club, surpressing Thierry Henry's record of 175 goals for Arsenal.
His current total goal tally stands at 242 goals in all competition, just 7 shy of Sir Bobby Charlton's all time record of 249. At 30 years of age, there are plenty of chances left for him overtake and become Manchester United greatest scorer.
On the comparison with Sir Bobby Charlton, Rooney has overtaken former's 45 years reign as England's all time leading scorer.
With 6 goals in 17 league appearances, according to WhoScored.com, this is hardly Rooney's vintage season. But time and again, the England skipper bailed his side out.
Records are crumbling and the next in line will be Peter Shilton's record of 129 appearances for the Three Lions. With 109 caps, don't bet against it happening.
So, is Wayne Rooney the best English striker ever for both club and country?
How the game panned out mirror the problems bugging either side. Despite playing better and having created better chances, Liverpool is unable to find a way to goal. Manchester United on the other hand, scored with probably their only clear-cut chance, when Wayne Rooney reacted the quickest after Marouane Fellani's header came back off the crossbar.
In scoring the goal, Rooney has created history. Firstly, this is his first goal at Anfield in more than 10 years. Secondly, with 176 goals Premier League goals for the Red Devils, he became the player who scored the most Premier League goals for a single club, surpressing Thierry Henry's record of 175 goals for Arsenal.
His current total goal tally stands at 242 goals in all competition, just 7 shy of Sir Bobby Charlton's all time record of 249. At 30 years of age, there are plenty of chances left for him overtake and become Manchester United greatest scorer.
On the comparison with Sir Bobby Charlton, Rooney has overtaken former's 45 years reign as England's all time leading scorer.
With 6 goals in 17 league appearances, according to WhoScored.com, this is hardly Rooney's vintage season. But time and again, the England skipper bailed his side out.
Records are crumbling and the next in line will be Peter Shilton's record of 129 appearances for the Three Lions. With 109 caps, don't bet against it happening.
So, is Wayne Rooney the best English striker ever for both club and country?
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
Arsenal extend lead. City keep pace.
Michail Antonio put West Ham ahead under controversial circumstances. Former Reds' striker Andy Carroll added a second with a typical bullet header.
Arsenal were made to work hard for their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. The visitors had the better chances but found Petr Cech near impossible to breach. They were made to pay when Laurent Koscielny popped out with the winner.
Leicester's goal-less streak extends to 3 games when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth. Riyad Mahrez had the best chance of the game but he missed from the penalty spot.
Manchester United ended their 6 games winless run with a 2-1 victory over Swansea. Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal after Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out Anthony Martial's opener.
Alexander Tettey scored the only goal of the game to give Norwich a 1-0 win over Southampton which saw Victor Wanyama sent off shortly before the goal.
Sunderland came away with three important points against fellow struggler, Aston Villa. Patrick van Aanholt gave Sunderland the lead with Carles Gil equalising for the away side. Jermain Defoe then scored two goals to give Sunderland the win.
Jonny Evans late goal gave West Brom a 2-1 victory over Stoke after Stephane Sessegnon and Jonathan Walters had levelled the score at 1-1.
Manchester City scored two goals in three minutes to leave Vicarage Road with all three points. Yaya Toure cancelled out Aleksandar Kolarov's own goal before Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal.
Chelsea continue their revival under manager Guus Hiddink. Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored the goals.
Points were shared between Everton and Tottenham. Ex-Spurs player, Aaron Lennon gave Everton the lead before Dele Alli equalised at the stroke of half time.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.08
Leicester: 7.01
Tottenham: 7
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.93
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.09
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.84
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.65
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.63
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Arsenal were made to work hard for their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. The visitors had the better chances but found Petr Cech near impossible to breach. They were made to pay when Laurent Koscielny popped out with the winner.
Leicester's goal-less streak extends to 3 games when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth. Riyad Mahrez had the best chance of the game but he missed from the penalty spot.
Manchester United ended their 6 games winless run with a 2-1 victory over Swansea. Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal after Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out Anthony Martial's opener.
Alexander Tettey scored the only goal of the game to give Norwich a 1-0 win over Southampton which saw Victor Wanyama sent off shortly before the goal.
Sunderland came away with three important points against fellow struggler, Aston Villa. Patrick van Aanholt gave Sunderland the lead with Carles Gil equalising for the away side. Jermain Defoe then scored two goals to give Sunderland the win.
Jonny Evans late goal gave West Brom a 2-1 victory over Stoke after Stephane Sessegnon and Jonathan Walters had levelled the score at 1-1.
Manchester City scored two goals in three minutes to leave Vicarage Road with all three points. Yaya Toure cancelled out Aleksandar Kolarov's own goal before Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal.
Chelsea continue their revival under manager Guus Hiddink. Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored the goals.
Points were shared between Everton and Tottenham. Ex-Spurs player, Aaron Lennon gave Everton the lead before Dele Alli equalised at the stroke of half time.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.08
Leicester: 7.01
Tottenham: 7
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.93
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.09
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.84
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.65
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.63
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Monday, 28 December 2015
Leicester and Arsenal loses
Bojan Krkic put Stoke ahead and Marko Arnautovic added a superb second to condemn Manchester United to their third consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a goal-less draw, a result which maintained the unbeaten run in December for both team.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but Troy Deeney to level the score from the penalty spot. Odion Ighalo then put Watford ahead only for Diego Costa to score his second of the match. Oscar has a chance to put Chelsea back in front but miss from the spot.
Remi Garde's winless run as manager of Aston Villa continues as the Villians were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham. Aaron Cresswell put the visitor ahead but Jordan Ayew converted his penalty to level things up.
Liverpool ended eicester City's 10 games unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory. Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Manchester City before goals from Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony gave the home team a 3-0 half-time lead. Kevin de Bruyne added a fourth. Fabio Borini scored a consolation goal for Sunderland.
Sung-Yueng Ki scored the only goal in the match between Swansea City and West Brom. The result snapped the Swans' 7 games winless streak.
Tottenham defeated Norwich 3-0 with two first half goals from Harry Kane and another by Jonathan Howson in the second period.
A late goal by Tom Cleverley ensure Everton leaves St. James Park with all three points.
Southampton inflicted Arsenal's heaviest defeat of the season. Cuco Martina opened the scoring with a brilliant goal. Shane Long added a second before Jose Miguel Fonte punished the Gunners sloppy defending from a corner. Long rounded off the scoring with his second of the night.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.09
Leicester: 7.03
Tottenham: 7.01
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.92
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.26
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.69
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Dimitri Payet: 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a goal-less draw, a result which maintained the unbeaten run in December for both team.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but Troy Deeney to level the score from the penalty spot. Odion Ighalo then put Watford ahead only for Diego Costa to score his second of the match. Oscar has a chance to put Chelsea back in front but miss from the spot.
Remi Garde's winless run as manager of Aston Villa continues as the Villians were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham. Aaron Cresswell put the visitor ahead but Jordan Ayew converted his penalty to level things up.
Liverpool ended eicester City's 10 games unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory. Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Manchester City before goals from Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony gave the home team a 3-0 half-time lead. Kevin de Bruyne added a fourth. Fabio Borini scored a consolation goal for Sunderland.
Sung-Yueng Ki scored the only goal in the match between Swansea City and West Brom. The result snapped the Swans' 7 games winless streak.
Tottenham defeated Norwich 3-0 with two first half goals from Harry Kane and another by Jonathan Howson in the second period.
A late goal by Tom Cleverley ensure Everton leaves St. James Park with all three points.
Southampton inflicted Arsenal's heaviest defeat of the season. Cuco Martina opened the scoring with a brilliant goal. Shane Long added a second before Jose Miguel Fonte punished the Gunners sloppy defending from a corner. Long rounded off the scoring with his second of the night.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.09
Leicester: 7.03
Tottenham: 7.01
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.92
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.26
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.69
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Dimitri Payet: 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
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
Monday, 14 September 2015
The Legend - Wayne Rooney
For 45 years, since 1970, Bobby Charlton was England's top scorer with 49 goals. Many had tried unsuccessfully to eclipse the record, with Gary Lineker coming close at 48 goals.
But on 6th September 2015, history was rewritten when England hit San Marino 6-0.
Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot to put the Three Lions 1-0 ahead and in the process, he equaled Bobby Charlton's 49 goals feat.
Three days later, again via a penalty, Rooney broke the record and became the greatest goal scorer for England.
Here is a timeline of Rooney's England career thus far. You can catch all the 50 goals at the end of the article.
But on 6th September 2015, history was rewritten when England hit San Marino 6-0.
Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot to put the Three Lions 1-0 ahead and in the process, he equaled Bobby Charlton's 49 goals feat.
Three days later, again via a penalty, Rooney broke the record and became the greatest goal scorer for England.
Here is a timeline of Rooney's England career thus far. You can catch all the 50 goals at the end of the article.
2003
- Feb 12
Aged 17 years and 111 days, Rooney became the youngest player to play for England when he earned his first cap in a friendly defeat against Australia at the Boleyn Ground. - Sep 06
Aged 17 years and 317 days, became the youngest player to score for England, equalising in a 2–1 away victory over Macedonia in a UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match.
- Feb 12
2004
- Jun 17
His first tournament action was at UEFA Euro 2004. Became the youngest scorer when he scored twice against Switzerland. But record was topped four days later. - Jun 24
Suffer an injury as England were eliminated by Portugal in the quarter-final, via penalty shoot-out. - Jul
Named in UEFA's Team of the Tournament for Euro 2004.
- Jun 17
2006
- Jun 15
Came on as a substitute in England's 2006 FIFA World Cup opening match against Trinidad and Tobago despite suffering a foot injury in April 2006. - Jun 20
Started the next game against Sweden. - July 01
Red-carded in the 62th minute of the quarter-final match against Portugal, again on penalty kicks. Cristano Ronaldo, Rooney's teammate at Manchester United played a big part in the sending off.
- Jun 15
2009
- Oct 14
Top scored for England in their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with nine goals; one behind the UEFA section's overall top goalscorer, Theofanis Gekas of Greece. - Nov 14
Captained England for the first time in a pre-tournament friendly with Brazil.
- Oct 14
2010
- Jun 27
England was knocked out in the second round and Rooney finished the tournament with no goals. - Sep 07
Scored England's first goal in their 3-1 win over Switzerland.
- Jun 27
2011
- Sep 02
Scored twice against Bulgaria in their UEFA Euro 2012 qualification. - Oct 07
Sent-off against in the last qualifier against Montenegro. Punished with a three game ban, meaning he will miss all the group stage matches. Reduced to two games after appeal.
- Sep 02
2012
- Jun 19
Return for the last group stage match against Ukraine and scored the only goal. - Oct 12
Became England's 5th highest goalscorer after scoring twice in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
Captained England for the first time in a competitive game.
- Jun 19
2013
- Feb 06
Scored in the 2-1 win against Brazil in a friendly game. - Mar 03
Scored once in the 8-0 win over San Marino. - Mar 26
Opened the scoring in England's 1-1 draw againt Montenegro. - Jun 02
Scored against Brazil in a 2-2 draw in the official re-opening of the refurbished Maracana Stadium. - Oct 11
Scored in the 4-1 World Cup qualifier against Montenegro to become England's all-time top scorer in competitive international with 27 competitive goals. - Oct 15
Ended the qualification campaign with a goal agqinst Poland.
- Feb 06
2014
- Jun 19
Scored to briefly equalised for England against Uruguay. - Aug 28
Named as England's new captain after Steven Gerrard's international retirement. - Sep 03
Scored a penalty against Norway in his first match of his captaincy. - Nov 15
Won his 100th international cap against Slovenia. Scored a penalty to equalise in a 3-1 win.
- Jun 19
2015
- Jun 14
Score the winner against Slovenia, putting him joint second alongside Gary Lineker in England's all time goal scorers. - Sep 05
Scored a penalty against San Marino to equal Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals. - Sep 08
Broke the record by netting a penalty against Switzerland.
Equalled Ashley Cole's as his country 5th highest capped player.
- Jun 14
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
Thursday, 6 August 2015
Six new faces to look out for
With the season to start in a couple of days, let us look at some of the new faces that could light up the Premier League.
Jordan Ayew
Striker, Aston Villa
The man tasked with replacing Christian Benteke has goals in him. He scored 13 times in the Ligue 1 for FC Lorient.
His pace will offer Villa options on the flank as well.
Appearance: 29
Goals: 11
Assist: 5
WhoScored.com rating: 7.07
Yohan Cabaye
Midfielder, Crystal Palace
Possibly the transfer coup of the summer, Cabaye will be linking up once again with manager Alan Pardew, after the pair enjoyed a successful stint together at Newcastle United from 2011 to 2014.
A great passer of the ball, Cabaye will also be adding goals to the London club. He scored 18 times in 93 appearances for Newcastle.
Appearance: 13
Goals: 1
Assist: 1
WhoScored.com rating: 7.06
Memphis Depay
Forward, Manchester United
One of the most promising young players in the world, Louis Van Gaal was so eager to sign him up that a deal was done before the end of last season.
Top Scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 22 goals, Depay is a good dribbler with plenty of pace and packed a power long shot.
Appearance: 30
Goal: 22
Assist: 5
WhoScored.com rating: 7.92
Georginio Wijnaldum
Midfielder, Newcastle
Newcastle third most expensive player, after Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, Wijnaldum captained PSV to the Eredivisie title last season and was crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year 2014/15.
The attacking midfielder had 19 caps for Netherlands and scored 56 goals in 152 appearances for PSV before arriving on Tyneside.
Appearance: 32
Goal: 14
Assist: 3
WhoScored.com rating: 7.47
Dimitri Payet
Midfielder, West Ham
A sensational swoop. Payet was the star in the Marseille side that finished four in the Ligue 1 last season.
He topped the Ligue 1 assist chart with 17 assists and wasted no time in winning the fans over with his man-of-the-match performances in the pre-season friendlies against Southend United and Norwich.
Appearance: 35
Goals: 7
Assist: 17
WhoScored.com rating: 7.62
Roberto Firmino
Forward, Liverpool
Firmino will add creativity and goals to Liverpool.
Known for his attacking prowess and dribbling ability, Firmino will add creativity and goals to a Liverpool side who was very dependent on Coutinho as a playmaking outlet last season.
The Brazilian can play across the front three.
Appearance: 33
Goal: 7
Assist: 10
WhoScored.com rating: 7.79
Jordan Ayew
Striker, Aston Villa
The man tasked with replacing Christian Benteke has goals in him. He scored 13 times in the Ligue 1 for FC Lorient.
His pace will offer Villa options on the flank as well.
Appearance: 29
Goals: 11
Assist: 5
WhoScored.com rating: 7.07
Yohan Cabaye
Midfielder, Crystal Palace
Possibly the transfer coup of the summer, Cabaye will be linking up once again with manager Alan Pardew, after the pair enjoyed a successful stint together at Newcastle United from 2011 to 2014.
A great passer of the ball, Cabaye will also be adding goals to the London club. He scored 18 times in 93 appearances for Newcastle.
Appearance: 13
Goals: 1
Assist: 1
WhoScored.com rating: 7.06
Memphis Depay
Forward, Manchester United
One of the most promising young players in the world, Louis Van Gaal was so eager to sign him up that a deal was done before the end of last season.
Top Scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 22 goals, Depay is a good dribbler with plenty of pace and packed a power long shot.
Appearance: 30
Goal: 22
Assist: 5
WhoScored.com rating: 7.92
Georginio Wijnaldum
Midfielder, Newcastle
Newcastle third most expensive player, after Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, Wijnaldum captained PSV to the Eredivisie title last season and was crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year 2014/15.
The attacking midfielder had 19 caps for Netherlands and scored 56 goals in 152 appearances for PSV before arriving on Tyneside.
Appearance: 32
Goal: 14
Assist: 3
WhoScored.com rating: 7.47
Dimitri Payet
Midfielder, West Ham
A sensational swoop. Payet was the star in the Marseille side that finished four in the Ligue 1 last season.
He topped the Ligue 1 assist chart with 17 assists and wasted no time in winning the fans over with his man-of-the-match performances in the pre-season friendlies against Southend United and Norwich.
Appearance: 35
Goals: 7
Assist: 17
WhoScored.com rating: 7.62
Roberto Firmino
Forward, Liverpool
Firmino will add creativity and goals to Liverpool.
Known for his attacking prowess and dribbling ability, Firmino will add creativity and goals to a Liverpool side who was very dependent on Coutinho as a playmaking outlet last season.
The Brazilian can play across the front three.
Appearance: 33
Goal: 7
Assist: 10
WhoScored.com rating: 7.79
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.
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Manchester United looks set and ready to go
When Louis Van Gaal was appointed manager of Manchester United, the objective is simple, to return the Red Devils to the heady days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
In the first part of the Dutchman revamp, he brought in the likes of Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Victor Valdes.
While the new recruits did not set the Premier League alight, they did just enough to secure a Champions League spot.
Not satisfied with just that, Van Gaal went out and get more reinforcements, great reinforcements.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Some had questioned the logic for getting Schweinsteiger, especially after the German had suffered a few injuries in recent seasons. But in 21 appearances, 6 of them as substitute, the midfielder had scored 5 goals and had 4 assists to his name, averaging a score of 7.42. Very good returns indeed.
Schneiderlin did not have a statistics as impressive as the German but he is no slouch. 4 goals and 1 assist in 21 Premier League appearances for Southampton. But the Frenchman is more of a defensive central midfielder compared to his new club-mate.
A strikeforce of Van Persie and Falcao will send fear down the spine of any defenders. But the pair had such poor season that Van Gaal had decided to let both go. In came Depay to partner Rooney up front. From a forward left position, Depay scored 22 goals in 30 appearances for PSV Eindhoven. If Depay can match his fellow country-man, a certain Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the Red Devils will be purring.
Any opposition team will dread to see a Man Utd lineup of Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Fellani in the middle of the park and an attacking trio of Rooney, Depay and Di Maria. If this is not frightening enough, they will see the likes of Blind, Herrera, Mata on the bench, waiting to be unleashed.
If LVG can keep hold of De Gea and get one more world class defender, the fans will be singing Glory Glory Man United soon.
* All statistic provided by Whoscored.com
In the first part of the Dutchman revamp, he brought in the likes of Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, Victor Valdes.
While the new recruits did not set the Premier League alight, they did just enough to secure a Champions League spot.
Not satisfied with just that, Van Gaal went out and get more reinforcements, great reinforcements.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Some had questioned the logic for getting Schweinsteiger, especially after the German had suffered a few injuries in recent seasons. But in 21 appearances, 6 of them as substitute, the midfielder had scored 5 goals and had 4 assists to his name, averaging a score of 7.42. Very good returns indeed.
Schneiderlin did not have a statistics as impressive as the German but he is no slouch. 4 goals and 1 assist in 21 Premier League appearances for Southampton. But the Frenchman is more of a defensive central midfielder compared to his new club-mate.
A strikeforce of Van Persie and Falcao will send fear down the spine of any defenders. But the pair had such poor season that Van Gaal had decided to let both go. In came Depay to partner Rooney up front. From a forward left position, Depay scored 22 goals in 30 appearances for PSV Eindhoven. If Depay can match his fellow country-man, a certain Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the Red Devils will be purring.
Any opposition team will dread to see a Man Utd lineup of Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Fellani in the middle of the park and an attacking trio of Rooney, Depay and Di Maria. If this is not frightening enough, they will see the likes of Blind, Herrera, Mata on the bench, waiting to be unleashed.
If LVG can keep hold of De Gea and get one more world class defender, the fans will be singing Glory Glory Man United soon.
* All statistic 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
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