Sunday 13 December 2009

Premier League Tops and Flops

Sports - Football - Premier League - Picks of the Weekend

Top game: Everton's and Aston Villa's historic results at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford respectively have to mentioned. But the one to watch, was the strugglers against the cruisers, Bolton versus Manchester City. It was end-to-end-stuff, with referee blunders but still mouthwatering viewing. You did not know which way it was going to go next. City will definitely feel more like it was two points lost rather than a point gained, in contrast to Bolton, who can and will be proud as Larry.



Top team: Villa were brilliant. They put their bodies on the line and threw themselves in against United, stopping and blocking the champions with great tackles and loads of bodies in the box. Especially Manchester City and Chelsea should have a look at this defensive display as they have been leaking most goals from set pieces and should therefore rethink and - structure their defence.

Top player: Ivan Klasnic has impressed me lately. The first goal against City did look offside, but it does not change the fact that the Croatian striker is a thorn in the opposition's defence's eyes. Every point is precious for Bolton's battle and he is the main combatant for them.


Top goal: The second Wigan goal was amazing. Defender Maynor Figueroa spotted Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen off his line when a free kick was given just inside his own half. The Honduran's quick thinking and exquisit skill, took the ball over and past the Danish goalie. Cheeky and legendary. Andrey Arshavin's winner for Arsenal at Anfield was unstoppable, off the post and in, nowhere near in react for the goal keeper, even if Pepe Reina had wings.


Flop game: Hull City's goalless draw against Blackburn was the only disappointment of the day. No goals, no penalties, no red cards, no controversial refereeing decisions... Just a draw... A rarity this season.


Flop team: What happened with the top two? They seemed disorganised and shaky, especially at the back. I feel the title race is more open than people think with not even half the season gone and the top teams leaking and weakening... I can understand Alex Ferguson's rage in that respect. Minutes, seconds are crucial and can end up being lethal.


Flop player: Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is facing police-investigation after a clash with a fan - looks like he cannot deal with defeat and being picked on. He is a professional football player and should know better how to deal with situations like this professionally. I say that every time a situation escelates between players, too, they get payed enough to keep their sences.


Flop goal: Petr Cech was furious with his players after he was left stranded when Didier Drogba headed and Everton free kick against Louis Saha's shoulder to see it deflect into goal. Set pieces seem to be the bogey for Chelsea, this match showed it again Everton capitalised well on it. Glen Johnson's own goal at Anfield could not have felt more like a curse. It seems like nothing is going Liverpool's way at the moment. I wonder where or when the fall will end...


My Predictions - Actual Results
Birmingham 2:2 West Ham - 1:0
Bolton 1:1 Man City - 3:3
Burnley 1:0 Fulham - 1:1
Chelsea 3:0 Everton - 3:3
Hull City 3:1 Blackburn - 0:0
Man Utd 3:1 Aston Villa - 0:1
Stoke City 1:2 Wigan - 2:2
Sunderland 3:2 Portsmouth - 1:1
Tottenham 5:0 Wolves - 0:1
Liverpool 2:2 Arsenal - 1:2

1 comment:

Worm1957 said...

Watch out for Birmingham City - On a good run & money to sprend in January. Won't get into Europe but will do a lot better than expected.
And they have Benitez playing for them!!