TheBackpassRule
The beautiful game
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Charlemont Star 2-2 All Saints Match report.
http://www.charlemontstarfc.co.uk/club/153630/News/view/602664
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
5 Of the best!: The top 5 Premier League goals from the weekend.
5) Juan Mata - Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal - As beautiful as this clean strike was by the diminutive Spaniard, he can only grab fifth place on our list mainly because of the humiliation he and his side suffered and the hands of Arsenal and in particular Robin Van Persie. This hit was a peach though, and will be remembered as Mata's best goal in a blue shirt to date, but one would have to be very brave to argue he won't score better in his time at Stamford Bridge. As good as the tricky midfielder was here, Arsenal full-back and goal scorer Andre Santos was poor, his defending was Brazilian-esque, and after witnessing his finish at the other end he should probably consider a permanent switch. After failing to hold off the mammoth-like Belgium teenager Romelu Lukaku, the ball broke for the former Valencia man, who after 2 touches and very little back lift, hit a swerving, dipping effort across Szczesny and into the opposite side of the net. Possibly the only small silver-lining from a very dark cloud of a day for Chelsea fans.
4) Stiliyan Petrov - Sunderland 2-2 Aston Villa - Since his move south of the border from Celtic into a more defensive role at Villa park, we have not been to accustomed to see that rocket of a shot that he used to possess when applying his trade in Glasgow. Sunderland fans got a good glimpse of it after 20 minutes on Saturday afternoon though, in fact Steve Mignolet got the best view, as it flew straight past his left shoulder into the top-corner. After good running and a decent ball from Gabby Agbonlahor out to Alan Hutton, the Scottish full-back placed a correctly weighted lay-off nicely into the Bulgarian skipper's path, the rest was pure technique, his body positioning for the effort was spot-on and he hit the cleanest left-footed shot even a midfield veteren like himself would of ever hit. A smashing effort, just a shame that it couldn't of been a winning goal at the end of the game, rather than the starter in a thriller, which almost gets rather forgotten about and pushed aside. Great strike.
3) Gareth Bale - Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Queens Park Rangers - An unbelievable statistic to start you off for this one - Gareth Bale's opener against QPR was his first at White Hart Lane since New Years Day, I for one am sure Spurs season ticket holders never believed they'd have to wait so long to see that love heart celebration. Cue the 'London buses' cliche and what Bale provided his adorers with to kill the game as a contest at 3-1, was someway to making up for his 10 month home goal drought and a little reminder to the rest of us what the Welsh lad can do - and why he was and remains still coveted by some of the elite European sides. Typically silky work on the edge of the QPR from Dutchman Rafael Van Der Vaart was followed by a ball over to the left of the penalty area were Aaron Lennon pounced in waiting. His deft first touch set the ball for Bale, who dummying the shot gave it back to the England winger only to play the one-two back into Bale's left-footed path. As can be imagined from the description, it was some one-touch move, and the fact that Gareth Bale was able to finish it with a 16 yard curling effort past Paul Robinson with his in-step only added a nice cherry to the top of the cake. Bale at the top of his game.
2) Junior Hoillet - Norwich City 3-3 Blackburn Rovers - This young Canadian is certainly making a name for himself, there have been many stories hot of the press since the turn of the Summer transfer window about a possible move forward to a top 6 Premier League club - he is rated that highly. He has done his chances appositely no harm at all here as what was looking like a drab affair was suddenly sparked alight. With Hoillet taking possession of the ball down the Blackburn left, he produced a couple of blink-and-you-miss-it step-over before cutting past two hapless Norwich defenders, still running more central than towards John Ruddy's goal - he was a good 25 yards out, but it didn't half the confident youngster what followed was a peach of an effort right past Ruddy into the top right hand corner of the the Carrow Road net, plenty of power and pace the Canadian managed to equip that shot with, much like his dynamic movement and skill when approaching opposition. Most definitely one of the Premier League stars to keep an eye on.
1) Theo Walcott - Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal - It has been well documented in the English press that young Theo Walcott hasn't exactly lived up to expectation in his few years with the Gunners, admittingly he was worryingly young, but he is now 22 and (Would you believe it!?) in his sixth year at Arsenal. Surely he has to start living up to that potential that is so blatantly there, work on that final ball/cross that is just lacking from his finished game. Either way, more stunning moments like this, and he'll have everyone chomping at the bit - things appeared the furthest possibility away from dangerous when Theo picked up the ball on the Arsenal left with a line of two banks of three Chelsea defenders infront of him. This was before he chose his most valuable asset, the pace burner, he practically charged beyond the first two challenges before losing his footing still outside of the Chelsea box - on the ground with 5 pairs of Chelsea legs around him, the once England hat-trick hero dragged and wiggled up off the floor and burned past two further defenders! It was purely incredible to see and a mervellous solo goal, having witnessed a fair few around not many individual goals spring to mind - to have fell to the floor and regained footing whilst holding his composure after such a run to bury an unstoppable finish past no slouch in Petr Cech, is a thing of real beauty. A truly worthy winner of our top 5 this week.
4) Stiliyan Petrov - Sunderland 2-2 Aston Villa - Since his move south of the border from Celtic into a more defensive role at Villa park, we have not been to accustomed to see that rocket of a shot that he used to possess when applying his trade in Glasgow. Sunderland fans got a good glimpse of it after 20 minutes on Saturday afternoon though, in fact Steve Mignolet got the best view, as it flew straight past his left shoulder into the top-corner. After good running and a decent ball from Gabby Agbonlahor out to Alan Hutton, the Scottish full-back placed a correctly weighted lay-off nicely into the Bulgarian skipper's path, the rest was pure technique, his body positioning for the effort was spot-on and he hit the cleanest left-footed shot even a midfield veteren like himself would of ever hit. A smashing effort, just a shame that it couldn't of been a winning goal at the end of the game, rather than the starter in a thriller, which almost gets rather forgotten about and pushed aside. Great strike.
3) Gareth Bale - Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Queens Park Rangers - An unbelievable statistic to start you off for this one - Gareth Bale's opener against QPR was his first at White Hart Lane since New Years Day, I for one am sure Spurs season ticket holders never believed they'd have to wait so long to see that love heart celebration. Cue the 'London buses' cliche and what Bale provided his adorers with to kill the game as a contest at 3-1, was someway to making up for his 10 month home goal drought and a little reminder to the rest of us what the Welsh lad can do - and why he was and remains still coveted by some of the elite European sides. Typically silky work on the edge of the QPR from Dutchman Rafael Van Der Vaart was followed by a ball over to the left of the penalty area were Aaron Lennon pounced in waiting. His deft first touch set the ball for Bale, who dummying the shot gave it back to the England winger only to play the one-two back into Bale's left-footed path. As can be imagined from the description, it was some one-touch move, and the fact that Gareth Bale was able to finish it with a 16 yard curling effort past Paul Robinson with his in-step only added a nice cherry to the top of the cake. Bale at the top of his game.
2) Junior Hoillet - Norwich City 3-3 Blackburn Rovers - This young Canadian is certainly making a name for himself, there have been many stories hot of the press since the turn of the Summer transfer window about a possible move forward to a top 6 Premier League club - he is rated that highly. He has done his chances appositely no harm at all here as what was looking like a drab affair was suddenly sparked alight. With Hoillet taking possession of the ball down the Blackburn left, he produced a couple of blink-and-you-miss-it step-over before cutting past two hapless Norwich defenders, still running more central than towards John Ruddy's goal - he was a good 25 yards out, but it didn't half the confident youngster what followed was a peach of an effort right past Ruddy into the top right hand corner of the the Carrow Road net, plenty of power and pace the Canadian managed to equip that shot with, much like his dynamic movement and skill when approaching opposition. Most definitely one of the Premier League stars to keep an eye on.
1) Theo Walcott - Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal - It has been well documented in the English press that young Theo Walcott hasn't exactly lived up to expectation in his few years with the Gunners, admittingly he was worryingly young, but he is now 22 and (Would you believe it!?) in his sixth year at Arsenal. Surely he has to start living up to that potential that is so blatantly there, work on that final ball/cross that is just lacking from his finished game. Either way, more stunning moments like this, and he'll have everyone chomping at the bit - things appeared the furthest possibility away from dangerous when Theo picked up the ball on the Arsenal left with a line of two banks of three Chelsea defenders infront of him. This was before he chose his most valuable asset, the pace burner, he practically charged beyond the first two challenges before losing his footing still outside of the Chelsea box - on the ground with 5 pairs of Chelsea legs around him, the once England hat-trick hero dragged and wiggled up off the floor and burned past two further defenders! It was purely incredible to see and a mervellous solo goal, having witnessed a fair few around not many individual goals spring to mind - to have fell to the floor and regained footing whilst holding his composure after such a run to bury an unstoppable finish past no slouch in Petr Cech, is a thing of real beauty. A truly worthy winner of our top 5 this week.
Theo Walcott's fantastic solo goal after beating 5 defenders!
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Around Europe: How it's looking - Italy's Serie A
Second in this quarterly season feature is the Italian Serie A - And what a fascinating year this one is shaping up to be in Italy...
The story so far has to be that of European giants Internazionale, after Italian coach Gian Piero Gasperini had horrendously struggled with his squad at the beginning of the 11/12 campaign, he was given the marching orders around late September with his side of individual class hovering precariously above the relegation places. Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri was bought in as his replacement, Inter's 4th coach in a year after Rafa Benitez, Leonardo and Gasperini. Though as has been well documented results haven't exactly shot through the roof and Inter Milan remain in 17th spot, following a disappointing result this weekend to The Old Lady that is Juventus. As a football follower it is extremely difficult to see where that squad is going wrong - they've achieved much success in recent years, not to mention the quadruple achieved a mere 2 years back. Could it be the ageing squad? Is it time for Javier Zanetti, Walter Samuel, Esteban Cambiesso and Lucio to step down? The lack of expenditure over the summer cannot contribute to the baron spell - Diego Forlan being the man supposed to fill the rather large boots that were left behind by Samuel Eto'o after his trip to Russia. The Uruguyan hasn't delivered as would of been expected, only 1 goal in 5 league appearences isn't great, but the worry that fellow striker Mauro Zarate, Giampaolo Pazzini and Diego Milito only have 4 goal between them so far is a real worry for Inter fans.
Rasing our eyes further up the table the view, admittingly without Internazionale, is not to dissimilar to what we are being accustomed too. Juve, the only unbeaten squad remaining in the Serie A, hold top spot with 19 points from 9 games, although not to suggest they're pulling away, their defence hasn't been exactl water-tight, conceding more goals (7) that 7th place Siena. Lazio, A.C Milan and Napoli prop up 3rd, 4th and 5th places in what is a relaively imaginable top half it is Udinese sitting pretty in second spot only one point behind Juventus that falls under the far over-used term 'shock'.
Udinese seemed to have found the perfect balance between exciting youth, Chilean full-back Mauricio Isla is a well documented, sort-after future star. Gabriel Torje too, the Romanian 21 year old winger has been linked with the Premier League in Chelsea. Their midfield is packed with powerhouses, Ghanain duo Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah have both featured in all leagues games, and look very dynamic and useful. It has to be said though experience is where Udinese are really profiting from this year, with 30 year old Giampiero Pinzi happy to sit in behind talisman Antonio Di Natale, a figure who, after his explosive start to the term, needs no introduction. After goals in all but 3 league games thus far, seasoned 34 year old Di Natale has been thrust back into the spotlight as the central figure and creator in chief. 7 goals in 8 games have proved terrific, and are the essential reason on Udinese's brilliant start.
This time casting our eye down to the foot of The Seria A, after barely surviving last time around Lecce already find themselves in a bit of a tangle, having only taken 5 points from 9 games they are sandwiched inside of the bottom three by new-comer Novara and Cesena. Lecce need not to be to worried though, after s soid 14th spot last time out, 2nd season syndrome seems to really have been the case for Cesena, rock-bottom without a win all season, and with only turn-up forward Adrian Mutu to turn towards for a serious goal scoring threat, they look as though they are there for the long run this term.
A shout-out once again to last years Serie B runners-up Siena, fighting out with the likes of Palermo and Fiorentina for mid-table security after a non-pour-us solid defence seems to be the boundaries on their making of a side. Despite not holding many household names they boast of a solid back 4 of Vitiello, Rossettini, Terzi and Del Grossi, it is mainly thanks to these 4 and Zeljko Brkic behind them for that 7th spot, with only 6th goals conceded they hold the second best defensive record in the league behind second placed Udinese. Not only here to they pack a punch though, up top they can put the ball in the back of the net, with Italian forward Destro and Calaio amongst the goals, 8 league between them. They look an almost certainty to continue their marvelous start, and to carry on shocking the pundits and onlookers.
Individual watch - Having already glorified Antonio Di Natale it is only correct to find a mention for German Denis, Sergio Giovinco and Miroslav Klose, of Atalante, Parma and Lazio respectively, one goal behind Natale on 6 these three have all also flew into the new season, with emphasis on the Argentinean Denis who is helping his Serie B Champions Atalante no end with this tremendous scoring run. Miroslav Klose has been round the block, and to many he could be placed in any team inside any league on the planet and score goals for fun. The tragic news of A.C Milan schemer Antonio Cassano's illness is a shame, his start to the year creativity wise has been nothing short of first class, with 6 assists for his team-mates, alongside Liverpool-Loanee Alberto Aqualini, with 5, A.C look like they have all the ammunition and firepower to mount another serious title challenge. First and foremost hoping a swift and successful recovery for Cassano.
Household names, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rodrigo Palacio, Steven Jovetic and Wesley Sneijder have all been solid, the first and latter of that list admiringly not as solid enough for Inter fans to be 100% satisfied however the goal and assists stats can't lie...
We've just entered November, and those who say there's a problem with Inter clearly have an argument and ground to stage it, yet it is very early days, a few wins on the spin which this side are clearly more than capable of will put the smiles back on Internazionale fans faces, under new coach Ranieri, things should start improving. For the last word keep an eye on Sienna and Atalanta, 2 sides bought up from Serie B last year, that with a bit of guile mixed with solidarity have proved that they can rub shoulders and even overtake the big boys. Here's hoping the Italian folks have such excitement in their Seria A come this time in May.
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| Claudio Raineri took over at The San Siro in late September. |
Rasing our eyes further up the table the view, admittingly without Internazionale, is not to dissimilar to what we are being accustomed too. Juve, the only unbeaten squad remaining in the Serie A, hold top spot with 19 points from 9 games, although not to suggest they're pulling away, their defence hasn't been exactl water-tight, conceding more goals (7) that 7th place Siena. Lazio, A.C Milan and Napoli prop up 3rd, 4th and 5th places in what is a relaively imaginable top half it is Udinese sitting pretty in second spot only one point behind Juventus that falls under the far over-used term 'shock'.
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| Antonio Di Narale has raced clear in the Seria A scoring charts this term. |
This time casting our eye down to the foot of The Seria A, after barely surviving last time around Lecce already find themselves in a bit of a tangle, having only taken 5 points from 9 games they are sandwiched inside of the bottom three by new-comer Novara and Cesena. Lecce need not to be to worried though, after s soid 14th spot last time out, 2nd season syndrome seems to really have been the case for Cesena, rock-bottom without a win all season, and with only turn-up forward Adrian Mutu to turn towards for a serious goal scoring threat, they look as though they are there for the long run this term.
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| Siena's 'keeper Zeljko Brkic has been the second least busy goalkeeper in the division |
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| Antonio Cassano is in every football fans prayers whilst recovering from his rare illness. Following such an impressive start to the year. |
Household names, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rodrigo Palacio, Steven Jovetic and Wesley Sneijder have all been solid, the first and latter of that list admiringly not as solid enough for Inter fans to be 100% satisfied however the goal and assists stats can't lie...
We've just entered November, and those who say there's a problem with Inter clearly have an argument and ground to stage it, yet it is very early days, a few wins on the spin which this side are clearly more than capable of will put the smiles back on Internazionale fans faces, under new coach Ranieri, things should start improving. For the last word keep an eye on Sienna and Atalanta, 2 sides bought up from Serie B last year, that with a bit of guile mixed with solidarity have proved that they can rub shoulders and even overtake the big boys. Here's hoping the Italian folks have such excitement in their Seria A come this time in May.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Mario Balotelli - 'The Rocket-man' - Insane or insanely brilliant?
At this time of writing, 'Super' Mario Balotelli is at the peak of the footballing world. With 5 goals in his last 5 domestic games, Balotelli is making the headlines - and for a pleasant change, it's for all the right reasons.
Undoubtably he is, to City fans and football followers in all, one of the biggest frustrations in the game, such an incredible talent this boy has - yet all we seem to read about are his 'excursions' off field, not looking to defend him here, there have been many - far too many in fact. The ultimate question is 'Can he turn the corner and put it behind him?' Last weeks admittance of finally growing up and moving on was scarred by a certain 'firework' incident nonetheless he then re-alit on Sunday with his superb performance in the Manchester derby rout.
So, which Mario Balotelli is it going to be over his career? The 'Super' Mario that delights, wows and inspires fans, or the Mario that is familiar to front page headlines? Ruining what chance he has of making the very top...
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| With his brother Enoch - at the family home before Mario Barwuah's fostering. |
A little delving into Mario's upbringing suggests far from an easy childhood, after being born Mario Barwuah to Ghanaian immigrants in Italy, he generated health problems from his cramped and poverty-like conditions. After much discussion it was ultimately decided fostering was the best option, this was where an Italian couple by the name of 'Balotelli' stepped into his life. This alone is enough to thrust confusion and rejection in any young mans life. Furthermore though, after Mario made it on the radar through his footballing talents, his biological parents regained contact and wanted him to return. Unsurprisingly Mario cast that offer aside without a blink, claiming they were 'glory hunting' and wanting him for the 'fame and fortune'.
It is easy to read through a list of his offenses, brand him an idiot who just happens to be a talented sportsman and move on. Without a doubt though many fostering or adoption cases cause difficulties in the child's mind, exactly what could of occurred with Balotelli, perhaps having the pressure of the worlds media and press over his shoulder 24/7 is preventing his emergence as a man. Or, has he had the opportunity to grow out of this 'childish behavior' and are we being too kind on him looking to his defence?
It is not as though Roberto Mancini bought his compatriot to The Etihad Stadium without understanding the consequences, Mario's attitude in Italy had succumed to much critisicm from pundits, fans of his own Inter Milan side, teammates and most infamously his ex-boss Jose Mourinho, not one to step out of the spotlight himself. Being an African immigrant playing in Italy, even after taking up Italian citizenship is not easy, 3 times over his career for Nerazzurri did Balotelli have to withstand frankly shocking racial chants from giant Turin rivals Juventus, opposing fans would not accept him, hence the chant "Black Italians do not exist"...
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| The incident with Juve's Felipo Melo that instigated dirty scenes. |
This can't of been easy for the 18 year old, and would not of made his growth any easier, all of the above is excusable, to an extent it's horrific that a young man would have to bear such inhuman comments. Not all though, is defendable - His time at Inter was marred by his own stupidity and thoughtless behavior. He came into conflict with Mourinho several times, first of all regarding his lack of effort in training, he showed poor side of his discipline for the first time on field against Juve, when an elbow from Brazilian Felipe Melo sparked terrible, violent scenes. His well documented tension with ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reached a climax when Mourinho's Inter side returned to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League tie, leaving without Mario Balotelli, who he'd had an alleged 'altercation' with in the week prior - at all times his teammates were losing faith, veterans Javier Zanetti and Marco Materazzi were not impressed and let their feeling be-known to the Italian public.
The moment that undoubtedly sealed his switch from Internazionale though was when Balotelli appeared on Italian TV Show 'Sriscia La Notizia' - bearing an AC Milan shirt, for the majority this was the point of no return, being in and out of the side for the rest of the term before being offloading to The Citizens for £24m in summer 2010.
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| Mario posing on TV with a Rosseneri shirt. |
Perhaps then, finally a chance for Mario Balotelli to leave his actions of the past behind him, to forget old ways and live to play the football - his occupation, his life.
Not entirely, to name just a few occasions Mario has caught the English press limelight;
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| Writing off his Audi R8 in the Aug 2010 smash. |
-Crashed cars
-Allergic grass reactions forcing him to not play
-Strolling out of casinos offering the homeless £1000
-Being dismissed on more than one occasion for violent conduct on field
-Throwing darts at a City youth player!
-Swearing on live TV
-Arrested when he and his brother were caught 'wandering' around an Italian female prison because he just wanted to 'take a look'
-The 'Why always me?' T-shirt against United
-Causing a rift on international duty from playing with his iPad after being left on the subs bench
-That lethargic back-hell when one-on-one with a keeper in a City pre-season friendly in the States
-And to top it all off preparing for a Manchester derby by setting his house on fire courtesy of a firework.
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| The beautiful T-shirt 'Super' Mario unveiled after his first goal against United. |
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| His outragious back-heel after being in on goal in a friendly with LA Galaxy. |
Some occasions are humorous, some portray the Italians great personality, but there has to be a cap, a cut-off line for a professional footballer who is idiolised by thousands of youngsters. Through his first year in England he was gathering a reputation for himself of simply being an angry man, who wasn't enjoying his football, even when scoring, showing no signs of emotion. Even at The Etihad 2 weeks ago when City trounced Villa 4-1 Balotelli had an altercation with the opposition fans, giving him the need to wind them up and return to his old antics after netting.
The Italian can be, as the title suggests insanely brilliant on field, he has shown, in Italy and in his year and a bit in the North-east huge, huge potential. His boss at both Inter and City Mancini believes: "His attitude is all that is stopping him becoming in the best 3 players in the world, with Ronaldo and Messi". These are high praises, and pundits alike agree - his recent form, that infamous double in this weeks Mancunian derby, his marvelous performance in last years FA Cup final victory have left City fans drooling over his talent...
All that both Mario Barwuah as it was, to all of us Balotelli, doesn't need is to find himself on the wrong side of the newspaper, because on the face of it, it could tarnish and spoil what could be a splendid career, full of goals, trophies, awards, memorable moments and his enjoyment of the game.
Surely he would love all of that? To really show his 'glory-hunting' parents what they're missing out on...
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| Mario's foster parents, The Balotellis and inset, his biological father - Thomas Barwuah |
Monday, 24 October 2011
5 Of the best!: The top 5 Premier League goals of the weekend.
5). Darren Fletcher - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - In the grand scheme of things, it meant nothing, nada, zilch. We all know what happened in that incredible 90 minutes, how the balance of power is looking to have shifted over to the blue side of Manchester. It was the only excuse United fans had to lift an eyebrow all afternoon, and to be fair to the Scot - it was a marvelous, technical finish. After taking control of a lose ball half way into City's half he played a quick ball into Javier Hernandez's feet who had his back to goal around 25 yards out. 'Little Pea' using his first touch, set the ball into Fletcher's path, who has buried his fair share of peaches of his United career, superbly used his instep to curl the ball into the top corner, it was United's only moment of quality all game. In all it emphasised City's dominance the fact that a beautiful goal like this would not get a single back page mention.
4). Bryan Ruiz - Fulham 1-3 - Typically, as a few days ago i featured an article about this lad not reaching his full potential, he really stepped to the plate and shut me up on Sunday. At the time Fulham were 1 down, and had bought on their mid-drought Costa Rican forward to bolster their front line in the search for an equaliser. The front 3 of Fulham combined well in the end for Ruiz's finish, Andy Johnson's surged towards Everton's goal before picking out American Clint Dempsey inside the 'D', Dempsey sprayed it left to Ruiz, who had just entered the left side of the area, seemingly in a position to curl in a cross to one of the aforementioned. To the whole of Craven Cottage's surprise though, with a little look up he dinked a beautiful little chip agonizingly over Tim Howards's grasp. A delightful way to bag your first goal in English football - and a great way to silence those wannabe writers who had been writing your performances thus far off! (Take it all back Bryan!)
3). Edin Dzeko - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - The second goal of this week's top 5 from the Manchester derby - and not the last! This, the 6th and final goal of Fergie's and all United supporters nightmares was all about the assist, in fact the assist propelled it into our list, that was the extent of sheer quality shown. Yes, you've guessed correctly, it was that little magician David Silva I refer to, he's had a fabulous, fabulous season in all honesty, he really is stepping up his game and is many pundits undisputed 'best Premier League player' at this precise moment. This outrageous assist, would not have harmed those claims. After using a lovely touch to bring an aerial Chris Smalling header under his control , he used his second touch (still without the ball hitting the turf!) to volley an absolutely perfect ball right into the Bosnian front-mans path, exquisite accuracy, the just right weight. It was a gobsmacking moment, Dzeko finished it well, but with was all about the little Spaniard - pure brilliance.
2). Yohan Cabaye - Newcastle 1-0 Wigan - After having a nightmare myself pointing out Bryan Ruiz's lack of performance and goals since his summer move, I feel a tad relieved to mention a certain French Newcastle midfielder I praised in the same very article who bagged his first goal the weekend - and what a strike it was!
Much has been made of Newcastle's fantastic early season form, which has seen them lie in 4th place heading towards the end of October, they faced a tough time Saturday though, at home to a stubborn Wigan side determined not to flop to their sixth straight Premier League defeat. The Geordies were frustrated all day, well, up to 81 minutes that is - as Cabaye added the only thing that has been missing from his brilliant performances since his move, a goal. A decent Ryan Taylor cross from the Newcastle left saw fellow summer signing Sylvain Marveaux take the ball down elegantly before laying it into his compatriots path, much like Fletcher above him, the Frenchmen used his instep to guide his effort beautifully into the top corner, a great, great goal of technical brilliance. It sparked wild scenes at St James's Park as clearly a new cult hero has been born.
1). Mario Balotelli - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - This goal for me epitomized Manchester City's rise to dominance, particularly their sheer control of this game. It wasn't a cracker from 30 yards, it was a superb team goal, full of individual class and it really portrayed City's power all over the squad. David Silva the genius was the architecht at the heart of the superb flowing move again, his one touch ball out to the right by-line was met by Micah Richards, who inturn knocked a one-touch ball down the line for fellow Englishman James Milner, who along with Silva, provided a masterclass performance Sunday. Milner's prodded first time ball into Silva's penalty area burst was quality, as Nani managed to hold him up, Milner continued his run and seemingly without lifting his head to spot the former Villa man, Silva played a beautiful, telepathic reverse ball to set Milner in wide of the goal, although his task seemed simple now the England international still picked out a perfect square ball for man of the moment 'Super' Mario Balotelli, who added yet more 'fireworks' to his weekend by finishing with a confident side footed volley past De Gea for his second. The move was full of class, individually and team-wise - To see a team giving a Manchester United side the run around like this was strange, and painted a very strong portrait to the rest of the League on how to win at Old Trafford - In style!
This weeks winner was Mario Balotelli's second goal at Old Trafford, a superb, flowing team effort!
4). Bryan Ruiz - Fulham 1-3 - Typically, as a few days ago i featured an article about this lad not reaching his full potential, he really stepped to the plate and shut me up on Sunday. At the time Fulham were 1 down, and had bought on their mid-drought Costa Rican forward to bolster their front line in the search for an equaliser. The front 3 of Fulham combined well in the end for Ruiz's finish, Andy Johnson's surged towards Everton's goal before picking out American Clint Dempsey inside the 'D', Dempsey sprayed it left to Ruiz, who had just entered the left side of the area, seemingly in a position to curl in a cross to one of the aforementioned. To the whole of Craven Cottage's surprise though, with a little look up he dinked a beautiful little chip agonizingly over Tim Howards's grasp. A delightful way to bag your first goal in English football - and a great way to silence those wannabe writers who had been writing your performances thus far off! (Take it all back Bryan!)
3). Edin Dzeko - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - The second goal of this week's top 5 from the Manchester derby - and not the last! This, the 6th and final goal of Fergie's and all United supporters nightmares was all about the assist, in fact the assist propelled it into our list, that was the extent of sheer quality shown. Yes, you've guessed correctly, it was that little magician David Silva I refer to, he's had a fabulous, fabulous season in all honesty, he really is stepping up his game and is many pundits undisputed 'best Premier League player' at this precise moment. This outrageous assist, would not have harmed those claims. After using a lovely touch to bring an aerial Chris Smalling header under his control , he used his second touch (still without the ball hitting the turf!) to volley an absolutely perfect ball right into the Bosnian front-mans path, exquisite accuracy, the just right weight. It was a gobsmacking moment, Dzeko finished it well, but with was all about the little Spaniard - pure brilliance.
2). Yohan Cabaye - Newcastle 1-0 Wigan - After having a nightmare myself pointing out Bryan Ruiz's lack of performance and goals since his summer move, I feel a tad relieved to mention a certain French Newcastle midfielder I praised in the same very article who bagged his first goal the weekend - and what a strike it was!
Much has been made of Newcastle's fantastic early season form, which has seen them lie in 4th place heading towards the end of October, they faced a tough time Saturday though, at home to a stubborn Wigan side determined not to flop to their sixth straight Premier League defeat. The Geordies were frustrated all day, well, up to 81 minutes that is - as Cabaye added the only thing that has been missing from his brilliant performances since his move, a goal. A decent Ryan Taylor cross from the Newcastle left saw fellow summer signing Sylvain Marveaux take the ball down elegantly before laying it into his compatriots path, much like Fletcher above him, the Frenchmen used his instep to guide his effort beautifully into the top corner, a great, great goal of technical brilliance. It sparked wild scenes at St James's Park as clearly a new cult hero has been born.
1). Mario Balotelli - Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City - This goal for me epitomized Manchester City's rise to dominance, particularly their sheer control of this game. It wasn't a cracker from 30 yards, it was a superb team goal, full of individual class and it really portrayed City's power all over the squad. David Silva the genius was the architecht at the heart of the superb flowing move again, his one touch ball out to the right by-line was met by Micah Richards, who inturn knocked a one-touch ball down the line for fellow Englishman James Milner, who along with Silva, provided a masterclass performance Sunday. Milner's prodded first time ball into Silva's penalty area burst was quality, as Nani managed to hold him up, Milner continued his run and seemingly without lifting his head to spot the former Villa man, Silva played a beautiful, telepathic reverse ball to set Milner in wide of the goal, although his task seemed simple now the England international still picked out a perfect square ball for man of the moment 'Super' Mario Balotelli, who added yet more 'fireworks' to his weekend by finishing with a confident side footed volley past De Gea for his second. The move was full of class, individually and team-wise - To see a team giving a Manchester United side the run around like this was strange, and painted a very strong portrait to the rest of the League on how to win at Old Trafford - In style!
This weeks winner was Mario Balotelli's second goal at Old Trafford, a superb, flowing team effort!
Stop ruining our game!
After coming across the quite frankly shocking article last week about foreign owners wanting to remove relegation and promotion from and to the Premier League, I am sure I am not the only writer/fan/lover of English football that is dismayed and for loss of better words - worried and scared for the future of our game...
Things all started brewing up when LMA (League Managers Association) head Richard Bevan claimed; "Several foreign-owned Premier League clubs want to scrap relegation" last week. Any football, or even sporting fan who logged onto a news website that day or flipped to the back page of a newspaper would've been shocked to the core at these revelations - Or would they? Football is all about money, we've known so for years now - people claim it is more of a business than a sport. So, why the big shock that billionaire owners from abroad want to keep their 'franchise' in the biggest league of them all?
If McDonlads or Burger King could force through a rule where a line is drawn as to no other fast-food franchise could sprout up and suddenly overtake them in the global market - they would, quicker than a blink of an eye. It is competition - that's what it boils down to, an incentive for lower business'/clubs' to stand up and get to the peek of their profession! After competition, what is left inside football? No charge to gain promotion - What is the point? Would be the attitudes each week, football would slide down the pan and eventually subside. Yes, it's startlingly harsh but it is what will happen if quite moronic claims like this are ever put through.
Currently, 9 of the Barclays Premier League clubs are under foreign ownership, wether American, Russian, Asian or not is irrelevant, they are now a project. A way in which these tailored businessmen imagine their bank balances rising even more. With no real respect for our game, pure-blooded English fans or the deep, colourful history of English League football - what is to stop them feeling this cut-off point is unthoughtful and just totally wrong!?
Unfortunately for us all, nothing is the answer to the above question - well, nothing besides the rule 14 of the clubs must abide to the ideas put forward in the new rule. Who's to say in 2 years time we couldn't have all 20 Premier League clubs owned abroad? I'm afraid at that point, the possibility becomes even more stark...
Wigan Athletic, prime example. 30 years ago nothingness, non-league football. Look at them now! Beginning their 7th consecutive Premier League year, they are the real incentive to all of the clubs, fans and owners out there that believe their club is going no where. It is exactly the same with Leeds United and Southampton (But opposite!) 7-8 years ago they were playing Champions League football and regularly achieving top-half finishes along with cup finals. Now, after suffering a football related; Fate worse than death, and dropped into the third tier of League football are working there way back up, both having had excellent starts to their Championship campaigns.
Decorated, successful sides can have dips, some could last half a decade, some a full 10 years, perhaps even longer - but the roller-coaster ride that is being an avid football supporter never dies down. Yes, money and income from TV rights and award funds may drop, but you'll still get your 30,000 loyal supporters every week, just look-up Carrow Road, Elland Road and St Mary's.
It is surely the case the the English Football League governing body is far too strong for nightmares like this ever to come true. Nonetheless it cannot be denied that football is heading down a treacherous slope, full of uncertainty, debt and no real love and affiliation. Eventually money will catch up on our game, it could take decades but it will happen. Let's just hope and pray that the people right at the top are ready to face it head-on, to deal with the issues and keep the bread and butter of our old, fragile English game alive.We mustn't ever let it reach a hanging in the balance situation. As to many, it is a matter of life and death - Could you honestly imagine English football without end of season scenes such as these below?
Things all started brewing up when LMA (League Managers Association) head Richard Bevan claimed; "Several foreign-owned Premier League clubs want to scrap relegation" last week. Any football, or even sporting fan who logged onto a news website that day or flipped to the back page of a newspaper would've been shocked to the core at these revelations - Or would they? Football is all about money, we've known so for years now - people claim it is more of a business than a sport. So, why the big shock that billionaire owners from abroad want to keep their 'franchise' in the biggest league of them all?
If McDonlads or Burger King could force through a rule where a line is drawn as to no other fast-food franchise could sprout up and suddenly overtake them in the global market - they would, quicker than a blink of an eye. It is competition - that's what it boils down to, an incentive for lower business'/clubs' to stand up and get to the peek of their profession! After competition, what is left inside football? No charge to gain promotion - What is the point? Would be the attitudes each week, football would slide down the pan and eventually subside. Yes, it's startlingly harsh but it is what will happen if quite moronic claims like this are ever put through.
Currently, 9 of the Barclays Premier League clubs are under foreign ownership, wether American, Russian, Asian or not is irrelevant, they are now a project. A way in which these tailored businessmen imagine their bank balances rising even more. With no real respect for our game, pure-blooded English fans or the deep, colourful history of English League football - what is to stop them feeling this cut-off point is unthoughtful and just totally wrong!?
Unfortunately for us all, nothing is the answer to the above question - well, nothing besides the rule 14 of the clubs must abide to the ideas put forward in the new rule. Who's to say in 2 years time we couldn't have all 20 Premier League clubs owned abroad? I'm afraid at that point, the possibility becomes even more stark...
Wigan Athletic, prime example. 30 years ago nothingness, non-league football. Look at them now! Beginning their 7th consecutive Premier League year, they are the real incentive to all of the clubs, fans and owners out there that believe their club is going no where. It is exactly the same with Leeds United and Southampton (But opposite!) 7-8 years ago they were playing Champions League football and regularly achieving top-half finishes along with cup finals. Now, after suffering a football related; Fate worse than death, and dropped into the third tier of League football are working there way back up, both having had excellent starts to their Championship campaigns.
Decorated, successful sides can have dips, some could last half a decade, some a full 10 years, perhaps even longer - but the roller-coaster ride that is being an avid football supporter never dies down. Yes, money and income from TV rights and award funds may drop, but you'll still get your 30,000 loyal supporters every week, just look-up Carrow Road, Elland Road and St Mary's.
It is surely the case the the English Football League governing body is far too strong for nightmares like this ever to come true. Nonetheless it cannot be denied that football is heading down a treacherous slope, full of uncertainty, debt and no real love and affiliation. Eventually money will catch up on our game, it could take decades but it will happen. Let's just hope and pray that the people right at the top are ready to face it head-on, to deal with the issues and keep the bread and butter of our old, fragile English game alive.We mustn't ever let it reach a hanging in the balance situation. As to many, it is a matter of life and death - Could you honestly imagine English football without end of season scenes such as these below?
Don't let them take our game away from us!
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Ridiculous red cards!
After witnessing Yoav Ziv, the 30 year old Israeli defender applying his trade at Maccabi Tel Aviv, geniously kicking his loosely tied boot at assistant referee Christos Akrivos - earning himself a red card. It got me thinking: 'What is genuinely the most stupid/inconsiderate/moronic (tag necessary) red card ever given out? Anywhere?'
Here, sadly excluding Ziv's moment of class - is my top 5:
5). Valery Karpin - The Russian midfielder was at Spanish side Real Sociedad at the time, and after just picking up his first yellow for a challenge (if you can call it that) was substsituted by his boss for fears of picking up another yellow. This was the trigger though, as Karpin spent a staggering amount of time dilly-dallying off the field, shaking hands with every player in his reach before clapping just about every single fan in the stadium. Eventually, having reached the dugouts, the referee decided to canter over, tap an unsuspecting Karpin on the back and issue him his second yellow card. Pure comical class.
4). Neymar - This Brazilian has talent, and clearly will go on to achieve big, big things across Europe and for the national side. But, he does have a temper on him, that edgy side that is lightly to get him in trouble a fair few times over the course of his career. Here after bagging a beautiful solo goal in the 3-2 Copa Libatadores victory over Colo Colo - Neymar headed straight to the sidelines, to grab a face mask of himself, and after putting it on (UPSIDE DOWN!?) he was then given his marching orders by the referee for reasoning that could literally be anyones guess...
3). '19, honestly 19 of the 22 players on the field!' - Recreativo were beating Saladillo 1-0 in Spain's lower tier 2 years ago, the referee had already sent off one Recreativo player, probably the worst decision he's ever made! As shortly after half-time a fight broke out between players from either side which quickly transitioned into a mass brawl, involving everyone - coaches, managers & even the fans raided the pitch to get in on the action. All this while super referee Jose Manuel Barro Escandon fled from the pitch fearing for his own safety!
The game was abandoned, and in his final match report the man in black stated he'd sent off 19 layers from either side leaving only 3 men suspension free! Be interesting to see who made the two sides squads for the next game!?
2). Takahiro Masukawa - This one is QUALITY - and to be fair to the referee, for the first time on this list, has made the correct decision. It is just for the fact this poor poor Japanese defender playing for J-League side Naguya Grampus could only last 5 seconds of the game before picking up his red - that made it such a good one! Straight from kick-off Masukawa was played the ball only for his first touch to chronically let him down, whilst nippy little forward Naoya Okane stole in and was then pulled back by unfortunate Takahiro. 100% correct from the man in the middle, fair play - Just real, real special when your game lasts 5 seconds and you pick up an extremely unwanted world record!
1). Ashley Vickers - He didn't get sent off for tackling a streaker did he!? Really? Don't tell me referee's can sink so low? It's true I'm afraid - Dorchester Town's player-manager Ashley Vickers brilliantly rugby tackled a local idiot who took to the field in a mankini, later he admitted to being opponents Havant & Waterlooville supporter Alan Young, who admitted to have entered the pitch for a bet down at his local! Vickers believed he was doing the stewards a 'favour', despite not impressing officials - he probably got a cheer from every football fan in the world for that tackle. Yet, the nonsensical decision from the ref showed no humour, no personality and no gratitude towards the player-boss, who gave the overweight, shockingly out of shape stewards a big helping hand here. So banned for 3 games as a player and a boss in the dugout - for stepping up and helping fellow humans take down a lunatic? Fully deserving of this number one spot.
Here, sadly excluding Ziv's moment of class - is my top 5:
5). Valery Karpin - The Russian midfielder was at Spanish side Real Sociedad at the time, and after just picking up his first yellow for a challenge (if you can call it that) was substsituted by his boss for fears of picking up another yellow. This was the trigger though, as Karpin spent a staggering amount of time dilly-dallying off the field, shaking hands with every player in his reach before clapping just about every single fan in the stadium. Eventually, having reached the dugouts, the referee decided to canter over, tap an unsuspecting Karpin on the back and issue him his second yellow card. Pure comical class.
 |
| At least get it on right lad! |
3). '19, honestly 19 of the 22 players on the field!' - Recreativo were beating Saladillo 1-0 in Spain's lower tier 2 years ago, the referee had already sent off one Recreativo player, probably the worst decision he's ever made! As shortly after half-time a fight broke out between players from either side which quickly transitioned into a mass brawl, involving everyone - coaches, managers & even the fans raided the pitch to get in on the action. All this while super referee Jose Manuel Barro Escandon fled from the pitch fearing for his own safety!
The game was abandoned, and in his final match report the man in black stated he'd sent off 19 layers from either side leaving only 3 men suspension free! Be interesting to see who made the two sides squads for the next game!?
2). Takahiro Masukawa - This one is QUALITY - and to be fair to the referee, for the first time on this list, has made the correct decision. It is just for the fact this poor poor Japanese defender playing for J-League side Naguya Grampus could only last 5 seconds of the game before picking up his red - that made it such a good one! Straight from kick-off Masukawa was played the ball only for his first touch to chronically let him down, whilst nippy little forward Naoya Okane stole in and was then pulled back by unfortunate Takahiro. 100% correct from the man in the middle, fair play - Just real, real special when your game lasts 5 seconds and you pick up an extremely unwanted world record!
1). Ashley Vickers - He didn't get sent off for tackling a streaker did he!? Really? Don't tell me referee's can sink so low? It's true I'm afraid - Dorchester Town's player-manager Ashley Vickers brilliantly rugby tackled a local idiot who took to the field in a mankini, later he admitted to being opponents Havant & Waterlooville supporter Alan Young, who admitted to have entered the pitch for a bet down at his local! Vickers believed he was doing the stewards a 'favour', despite not impressing officials - he probably got a cheer from every football fan in the world for that tackle. Yet, the nonsensical decision from the ref showed no humour, no personality and no gratitude towards the player-boss, who gave the overweight, shockingly out of shape stewards a big helping hand here. So banned for 3 games as a player and a boss in the dugout - for stepping up and helping fellow humans take down a lunatic? Fully deserving of this number one spot.
- You absolute beauty!
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