Gloves off as De Gea castrates
Arsenal
Before we get down to brass tacks, let’s start by saying that Arsenal v Man United was arguably the game of the season so far. Too many big matches have been cagey or one-sided affairs of late, not least those involving Jose, but this was no such game. Jose’s tactics were a throwback to the Ferguson era of hitting teams on the counter attack… and no team are more susceptible to such a counter as Arsenal. Twice they were hit, which coupled by a terrible few seconds for Mustafi, was enough for United to score 3 goals which Arsenal couldn’t answer. The Gunners certainly couldn’t be accused of not trying. They had over 30 attempts in the match and an astonishing 16 on target. De Gea broke the League record for most saves in a match and it isn’t even worth a debate anymore on whether or not he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. He is. Period. Let’s all move on.
Before we get down to brass tacks, let’s start by saying that Arsenal v Man United was arguably the game of the season so far. Too many big matches have been cagey or one-sided affairs of late, not least those involving Jose, but this was no such game. Jose’s tactics were a throwback to the Ferguson era of hitting teams on the counter attack… and no team are more susceptible to such a counter as Arsenal. Twice they were hit, which coupled by a terrible few seconds for Mustafi, was enough for United to score 3 goals which Arsenal couldn’t answer. The Gunners certainly couldn’t be accused of not trying. They had over 30 attempts in the match and an astonishing 16 on target. De Gea broke the League record for most saves in a match and it isn’t even worth a debate anymore on whether or not he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. He is. Period. Let’s all move on.
Far more damaging to United though was the red card issued
to Paul Pogba that will keep him out of the Manchester derby. The decision was
both understandable and harsh. It wasn’t even remotely intentional or
dangerous, he didn’t even break stride as Bellerin collapsed in front of him. But
the replay’s make it look horrible and any appeal is essentially useless. More
so given the petulant sarcastic clapping of the referee as he left the field.
Pogba is United’s best player, De Gea aside, and will be a huge miss for the derby
just as he has been since he got injured. The trouble is that for Manchester
United… and for the entire league… they simply have to beat City or the title
will be completely over on the 10th December.
Jose… bring back the bus.
Five Star Liverpool find
their mojo again
There must be no more pleasing sight for a manager then when you rotate your side and record back to back aggerated 8-1 victories. Klopp has managed just that as his side prepare for a crucial game in Europe this week. After Salah came off the bench to finish off Stoke, it was the turn of his Brazilian duo to put Brighton to the sword. Firmino and Coutinho scored or created all five of Liverpool’s goals and were a blur of skill and energy throughout. Liverpool remain the most watchable side in the league both when on form or off it… and once again they served up a feast for the viewing public. With Spurs fading like the setting sun, their visibly jaded and slender squad being slowly fed to the sharks, it looks a fantastic fight for the Champions League this season between teams for which the handbrake is very much, pressed permanently down.
There must be no more pleasing sight for a manager then when you rotate your side and record back to back aggerated 8-1 victories. Klopp has managed just that as his side prepare for a crucial game in Europe this week. After Salah came off the bench to finish off Stoke, it was the turn of his Brazilian duo to put Brighton to the sword. Firmino and Coutinho scored or created all five of Liverpool’s goals and were a blur of skill and energy throughout. Liverpool remain the most watchable side in the league both when on form or off it… and once again they served up a feast for the viewing public. With Spurs fading like the setting sun, their visibly jaded and slender squad being slowly fed to the sharks, it looks a fantastic fight for the Champions League this season between teams for which the handbrake is very much, pressed permanently down.
Leicester continue Puel
revival
Only Manchester City have defeated Leicester since their new manager took over and the Foxes are now back in the top half with 20 points to their name. Leicester remain a team well capable of beating anyone on their day; and seem to have reignited the spark in the mercurial Mahrez to help them along the way. They were stronger and more cutting than a hard-working Burnley side and fully worthy of the three points, despite having to rely on their keeper to make some top drawer saves to keep things level in the second half. Leicester now embark on a run of fixtures that sees them play Newcastle, Southampton and Crystal Palace – three completely anaemic sides – in a row. Win all those… and my prediction that they might get back in the top six this year won’t look half as daft as it did two months ago.
Only Manchester City have defeated Leicester since their new manager took over and the Foxes are now back in the top half with 20 points to their name. Leicester remain a team well capable of beating anyone on their day; and seem to have reignited the spark in the mercurial Mahrez to help them along the way. They were stronger and more cutting than a hard-working Burnley side and fully worthy of the three points, despite having to rely on their keeper to make some top drawer saves to keep things level in the second half. Leicester now embark on a run of fixtures that sees them play Newcastle, Southampton and Crystal Palace – three completely anaemic sides – in a row. Win all those… and my prediction that they might get back in the top six this year won’t look half as daft as it did two months ago.
Hazard deserves a
bigger stage
Regardless of how much he may have de-railed my fantasy football season (I mean… come ON Harry will you stop being so… fucking… Spursy!) – there are some times in football where all you can do is sit back and applaud. Hazard is a truly wonderful footballer to watch when on song and it remains odd that he has stayed at Chelsea for so long when he could play amongst the absolute greats of his era. This may well be his last in a blue shirt as he enters his prime but for now his fans get to watch a man at the absolute top of his game. Chelsea weren’t great this Saturday, but with Hazard in this sort of form it simply doesn’t matter. The Belgian glides across the turf like a gazelle and he possesses a dip of the shoulder so sexual I half expect the opposition full backs to come out on the spot. Going into a run of games where it seems Chelsea play the bottom three on repeat for three months… sit back and enjoy the ride.
Regardless of how much he may have de-railed my fantasy football season (I mean… come ON Harry will you stop being so… fucking… Spursy!) – there are some times in football where all you can do is sit back and applaud. Hazard is a truly wonderful footballer to watch when on song and it remains odd that he has stayed at Chelsea for so long when he could play amongst the absolute greats of his era. This may well be his last in a blue shirt as he enters his prime but for now his fans get to watch a man at the absolute top of his game. Chelsea weren’t great this Saturday, but with Hazard in this sort of form it simply doesn’t matter. The Belgian glides across the turf like a gazelle and he possesses a dip of the shoulder so sexual I half expect the opposition full backs to come out on the spot. Going into a run of games where it seems Chelsea play the bottom three on repeat for three months… sit back and enjoy the ride.
Swansea staring into
the Abyss
Swansea are rock bottom and have a fixture list over Christmas which is at best poor and at worst horrific. They were beaten yet again this weekend by Stoke, themselves struggling and their manager must now be on borrowed time that has been borrowed… by borrowed time. Before a run which sees them play City and Tottenham at home and Everton and Liverpool away, they have a winner takes all battle with West Brom next weekend. Freed from the shackles of Tony Pulis, West Brom celebrated the appointment of “Galatico” Alan Pardew on Saturday. By drawing 0-0. With Crystal Palace. A team who literally hadn’t keep a clean sheet all season until 5 days ago and have now recorded back to back goal-less cluster fucks to send us all into a dreamless slumber from which the only way to be awakened is….
Swansea are rock bottom and have a fixture list over Christmas which is at best poor and at worst horrific. They were beaten yet again this weekend by Stoke, themselves struggling and their manager must now be on borrowed time that has been borrowed… by borrowed time. Before a run which sees them play City and Tottenham at home and Everton and Liverpool away, they have a winner takes all battle with West Brom next weekend. Freed from the shackles of Tony Pulis, West Brom celebrated the appointment of “Galatico” Alan Pardew on Saturday. By drawing 0-0. With Crystal Palace. A team who literally hadn’t keep a clean sheet all season until 5 days ago and have now recorded back to back goal-less cluster fucks to send us all into a dreamless slumber from which the only way to be awakened is….
Team of the Weak
Ryan – has had a fine season but conceding 5 goals at home ain’t gonna win you a medal kid
Clark – left to marshal a Newcastle defence shorn of their only defender and looks like he just wants the pain to stop
Mustafi – horrible error which led to United’s second goal and then seemingly substituted himself in shame
Mawson – a shadow of the defender who emerged last season and needs a taxi out of dodge, fast
Vertonghen – devoid of leadership in a team with a desperate need for it
Bong – Bong? Seriously? That’s his name? How have I only just realised this…
Xhaka – you are supposed to sit Granit. That is your fucking job. Sit, protect, pass. Stop being ten yards out of position for every counter attack in fucking history
Sterling – electric of late but had an absolute shocker here and was bailed out by the now standard brilliance of De Bruyne
Depoitre – Huddersfield have scored 2 goals in 6 matches. Not having an actual centre forward is probably not helping
Lukaku – almost scored in his own net this week, progress
Defoe – Probably time he went back and played in Canada again isn’t it?
Ryan – has had a fine season but conceding 5 goals at home ain’t gonna win you a medal kid
Clark – left to marshal a Newcastle defence shorn of their only defender and looks like he just wants the pain to stop
Mustafi – horrible error which led to United’s second goal and then seemingly substituted himself in shame
Mawson – a shadow of the defender who emerged last season and needs a taxi out of dodge, fast
Vertonghen – devoid of leadership in a team with a desperate need for it
Bong – Bong? Seriously? That’s his name? How have I only just realised this…
Xhaka – you are supposed to sit Granit. That is your fucking job. Sit, protect, pass. Stop being ten yards out of position for every counter attack in fucking history
Sterling – electric of late but had an absolute shocker here and was bailed out by the now standard brilliance of De Bruyne
Depoitre – Huddersfield have scored 2 goals in 6 matches. Not having an actual centre forward is probably not helping
Lukaku – almost scored in his own net this week, progress
Defoe – Probably time he went back and played in Canada again isn’t it?
Enjoy the final few days off before the festive fixture list
kicks in people. Happy hunting.
https://twitter.com/HinduMonkey
https://twitter.com/HinduMonkey
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