Round up of Week 32

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
The game ended 0-0 and that is about all you can say for a dire, tactical game where neither side deserved to win.  With Arsenal and Chelsea winning this weekend, Harry will need to inspire his team to some form in the last 6 games if he is to finish above Arsenal and/or win a Champions league spot.

Liverpool 1-1 Villa
Suarez had a good game overall and Gerrard's crosses were devastating.  However, Chris Herd's early goal had the home fans in a nervous mood.  Especially given that it was a result of some uncertain goalkeeping by their debutante, Doni.  It is fair to say that he did settle down after a shaky start.  Liverpool dominated the game from a possession (~70% to 30%) and shots (24 to 5) standpoint.  The telling statistic was that only 5 out of their 24 shots were on target.  King Kenny often cites bad luck as the villain of the season, but it is clear that the Anfield club are in dire need of an out-and-out striker.  I continue to be baffled by the decision to leave Maxi out of the game entirely.  To add insult to injury, Liverpool end the weekend a point behind their local rivals Everton - who they will be playing very soon in the FA cup.

Chelsea 2-1 Wigan
Most fans will talk about the decision that went United's way this weekend (more on that later), but on Saturday a key decision fell in the favor of another big club.  Ivanovic was clearly offside when he scored Chelsea's first goal.  Wigan can be proud of their performance at Stamford Bridge as they went toe-to-toe on possession and shots on goal.  However, the deciding factor in the game came late in stoppage time.  When the in-form Torres (what?)  showed brilliant technique to volley a pinpoint Drogba cross only to see it hit the far post.  Juan Mata was perfectly placed for a tap-in and Chelsea won the game.  I had earlier predicted Chelsea to end in 5th, but with Spurs showing shaky form, Chelsea have a strong shout to pip them for that final champions league spot.  Currently they are 3 points behind spurs and even on points with Newcastle United.

Manchester United 2-0 QPR
I recently wrote a blog about how the data shows that United does not get any more/less penalties than other teams.  However, this is the exact sort of game that rivals fans cite when they state the opposite.  My initial reaction to seeing the 'tackle' was - "Ashley Young dived."  The replay showed that although there was some contact, it was obvious that Young was going down before the contact was made.  Therefore, I would still maintain that it was a dive.  What made it worse was the fact that Young was blatantly offside when the ball was played, so it should have been a non-issue in the first place.  I firmly believe that diving should be punished retrospectively and I hope FIFA/UEFA/FA will implement that rule starting next season.  Once Derry was sent off, you knew United were going to win.  Rooney put away the penalty and United dominated the rest of the game, topping off with a Scholesy beauty.

It must be said that even with 10 men, QPR did not give United a ton of clear cut chances.  There were a couple of exceptions, of course.  In my preview, I had predicted that Taraabt  would be found wanting on his defensive duties.  That prediction almost came through as he allowed United's right back, Rafael to waltz into the 18 yard box and Scholesy played him a delicious dinged pass that landed in his stride.  Rafael tried to chip the goalkeeper but Kenny pushed the ball onto the post.  Another great opportunity was a vicious strike from my man-of-the-match, Michael Carrick, who managed to strike the upright.

It's a luxury to be able to criticize your team when they are sitting pretty on top of the league, but that is exactly what I will be doing - Rooney and Welbeck had poor games.  Despite a well-taken penalty, Rooney's overall performance was disappointing.  His passing and distribution were erratic and he was involved in an ugly tackle towards the start of the game.  Welbeck is young and a hard-working forward, but he is currently experiencing a drop in form.  Chicharito has also been struggling with second-season-itis.  Would Fergie please bring Berbatov out of the wilderness for the last few games? Today's game was begging for Berba's control and vision up-top and home games against Villa, Swansea and Everton would be perfect opportunities for Berba-type games.

Either way, with United sitting 8 points clear, the title will be staying at Old Trafford.

Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
The much-hyped game of the weekend was rather disappointing overall.  I was surprised that Tevez did not start and that Benayoun did.  Also, why Wenger keeps picking Walcott is beyond me.  Yes, he has scored in a few games, but he is surely better coming off the bench in big games? With Clichy continuously showing walcott to the outside, and matching him for pace, Walcott was completely nullified.  Oxlade-Chamberlain, on the other hand, is capable of coming onto his left foot and creating a moment of magic.

I was also baffled by Arsenal's decision to constantly cross balls in the air.  With RVP coming deep, when the ball was sprayed to the wings, Arsenal were trying to aim for either Benayoun, Walcott or the on-rushing Rosicky.  Kompany, at least 6 inches taller than all of them, had no trouble heading out crosses.

I was a little disappointed with the Arsenal players' constant rolling around trying to get players carded.  I cannot count how many times the likes of Sagna, Santo and Walcott fell to the floor as though they had been shot.  Only to jump up like bunny-rabbits once the foul had been called.  Having said that, NOTHING excuses Balotelli's first tackle on man-of-the-match Alex Song.  That was a career ending tackle.  Luckily for Song, Balotelli caught him towards the top of the shin-guard... any higher... and that was a broken leg at best.  Balotelli was at his frustrating best in this game - yelling at teammates and shooting when a pass was a better option.  Eventually he did get sent off and deservedly so.  This sending off is his 4th of the season and with the widely-expected retrospective ban for his tackle on song, I am expecting that Balotelli will be missing for at least 5 games.  In fact, I am going to argue that he might has played his last game in a Citizens shirt as I expect him to move on in the summer.

Because you are an asshole

For the record, what a magnificent goal that was by Arteta.  Mikael Arteta was the player signed by Wenger to replace Nasri.  He is an intelligent player who sits deeper than Nasri did and is a very good passer of the ball.  During his time at Everton, he did not score a lot of goals, but when he did - they tended to be memorable ones.  That strike was deserving of winning any game.

After City went a goal down, Mancini finally put Tevez on, but by then it was way too late and Arsenal should have had a second right at the end.

Week 31 - round up

What a weekend of football!

I only got to watch the Manchester United game in it's entirety - as I was busy with other things all weekend.  I did, however, catch some highlights of the other games.  So other than the United game, the following will not be in-depth analysis:

Manchester City, surprisingly dropped points against Sunderland.  I had predicted that City would win this one but only managed a 3-3 draw.  City fans will be disappointed with the final result but should be pleased with the fact that their side came back from 3-1 down.  Balotelli scored a blinder (although his performance was marred by an on-field argument with his team mate, Kolarov).  Kolarov, himself, scored an excellent goal to tie the game up.  Sunderland fans will be thrilled by their team's performance.  This was not one of the games that I expected City to slip up in, and I think that that might be it for the premier league race...

Chelsea beat Villa 4-2 with Torres being involved in all the goals.  However, the big talking point was the news that Villa's captain Stilyan Petrov (who I had predicted would have a big impact on this game) was diagnosed with leukemia.  My best wishes go out to 'Stan' as he seems to be a stand up dude and definitely a very talented player.  This season has been tough for football players - Abidal, Muamba, Petrov and Bryan robson have all dealt with serious health concerns and the legendary Gary Speed unfortunately took his own life.  Here's to hoping Petrov gets better soon.

Liverpool lost to Sunderland 2-0.  Liverpool are slowly turning into a laughing stock, I'm afraid.  With Carroll's diving and Reina's red card, luckily Daglish had to answer more about those silly events than his team's abject performance.  Liverpool had a strong shout for a handball, but cannot claim that they deserved any points from this game.  Here's to hoping that they can finish out the season strongly and win the FA cup.

Tottenham beat Swansea City and, in my opinion, are back on track for that 3rd place finish I predicted.

Arsenal lost to QPR.  This was the most surprising result of the weekend.  Not surprising, however, was that Adel Taraabt was involved.  Taraabt is one of the most naturally gifted footballers in the premier league.  His attitude and work ethic leave a lot to be desired, however.  I'm guessing he'll be moving away from QPR this summer as I still believe that they will get relegated - and, frankly, they deserve it after the way they treated Warnock.

Manchester United beat Blackburn 2-0.  At one point, United had 81% of the possession but had only one shot on target.  That is how resolute the Blackburn team was - until the 80th minute.  They stacked up two banks of four and gave United tons of time on the ball.  However, as soon as the ball was played anywhere near the penalty box, it was clear that the Blackburn players were ready to throw their bodies on the line.  When Valencia finally scored (with a shot/cross) that took Robinson by surprise, Blackburn lost their resolve and let in another well-placed goal by Ashley Young.  David de Gea, United's goalkeeper, yet again turned out a man-of-the-match performance as he made three brilliant saves to keep United in the game.  United are now 5 points clear of City and might be as many as 8 clear by the time City play Arsenal this Sunday.  Squeeky bum time.  It was interesting to see how United lined up - they played a 4-3-3 consisting of the expected back 4 - Rafael, Evans, Rio and Evra, a midfield trio of Carrick, Scholes and the unexpected Jones, and a forward line of Chicha with Valencia and Rooney shunted to support from the inside forward position.

The reason United played three in the middle was so that Jones could challenge Yakubu in the air; that ploy worked well, especially as the Yak had dominated United in the fixture at Old Trafford.  However, as Rooney was played out left, United lost some of their creative edge and definitely lacked the width.  poor Evra was playing as an auxiliary left winger for most of the game.  Valencia was undoubtedly the greatest threat in the entire game and whipped in cross after cross that nobody could get to.  Left backs must have nightmares of coming up against Antonio - he is simply the best winger in the league.  Finally, Fergie threw on Welbeck, Giggs and Young and it restored the balance and threat of 4-4-2 that United seemed to prefer.    Chicharito's performance was marred by terrible first touches and some erratic passing.  Both Welbeck and Chicha are having disappointing ends to their season and Fergie might be ruing his decision of banishing Dimitar Berbatov.

Next up - preview of week 32.

Week 31 - preview

Aston Villa vs Chelsea
I expect Chelsea to take the three points in this one.  Aston Villa has been poor all season - especially against the big clubs and are now dealing with the injury to their main striker, Darren Bent.  Gabby Agbonlahor can be a serious threat on his day, but luckily for Chelsea, his days are few and far between.  If Aston Villa are to take anything in this game, both Stiliyan Petrov and Charles N'Zogbia will have to boss the midfield.  This may prove difficult has Chelsea will play three in the middle - in a 4-3-3 formation - likely to be Ramires, Essien and Meireles.  It will be interesting to see how Chelsea's manager, Robert deMatteo will rotate the front three after a successful (but tiresome) excursion midweek in the champions league.  It's likely that Drogba will start with Sturridge making way for Malouda and probably Kalou - after his goal in the aforementioned game.  Torres will certainly play a part - probably off the bench.  This a game that requires a fit John Terry, or else Emile Heskey will boss Luiz/Cahill in the air.  I predict 0-2 win for Chelsea.

City vs Sunderland
Obviously, City are favorites to take all three points here - especially now that Kompany has been declared fit for Saturday's game.  Although City have been struggling up front as of late, I think the presence of Tevez will galvanize the team into putting a couple of goals past Sunderland.  Having said that, Martin O'Neill's side has been performing well with Sessegnon and the-man-who-could-not-hit-the-side-of-a-barn Nicolas Bendtner scoring goals for the mid table side.  If Sunderland are to get anything out of this game, they will have to utilize the width afforded to many teams by City.  City tend to operate through the middle and their three man central midfield is often susceptible to good wing play.  That is, of course, if you can get past Yaya Toure.  I have a feeling Kieran Richardson will have a key role to play in this game and may provide an assist.  I predict a 2-1 win for City.

QPR vs Arsenal
QPR are in trouble - there's no doubt about that.  They are currently in the relegation zone and I honestly believe they are going to stay there.  Arsenal are going to trounce QPR and it may end up being a case of how many can they score.  With Joey barton and Taraabt in the wilderness and Cisse suspended, I cannot see QPR scoring any goals.  The only chance QPR may have is if the Arsenal players take the game for granted.  Van Persie will run riot in this game and I expect at least a goal and an assist from him.  Walcott may also have a good game and be able to utilize the slow wing backs of QPR.  Personally, I would like to see the Ox start.  4-0 to Arsenal.

Newcastle vs Liverpool

Tale of two sets of strikers

Definitely the pick of the games of Round 31.  In august if you had told me that Newcastle would be 8 points above Liverpool and would be equal on points with Chelsea, I would have told you to lay off the peyote.  Let's think about this - Newcastle SOLD all their stand out players from last season - Andy Carroll (in January), Jose Enrique, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton.  Meanwhile, Liverpool bought the first two on that list, Downing, Henderson, etc. I cannot state this enough - almost every pundit picked Newcastle for relegation this season and they are currently sitting in sixth place.  If Alan Pardew does not win manager of the year, I will cry.  Liverpool will have to deal with the mercurial brilliance of Cisse and Demba Ba.  I expect ex-united boy Gabby Obertan to have a field day against Martin Kelly and whip in crosses for fun.  Liverpool's away form has been good and I think Downing is starting to find his feet.  Carroll will get a villain's welcome at St. James' Park and it will be interesting to see how he handles the anger directed towards him.  Although newcastle's defense is good in the air, they are fairly leggy, so Suarez may have a big role to play in this game.  His direct running may be the source of Liverpool's goal in the game.  At the other end, I expect big Demba Ba to score.  Game ends 1-1.

Tottenham vs Swansea City
The Spurs train has been somewhat slowed by the Redknapp nonsense and they are also feeling the effects of having been a part of the Fabrice Muamba situation.  They will need all their mental strength to beat my favorite promoted side, Swansea City.  The Swans are a pleasure to watch and are a credit to the premier league.  They are the Athletic Bilbao of the premier league - a side built of small-time players who play the game like it should be played.  I expect Saha to start the game alongside Van derVaart with Bale and Lennon on the wings.  Scotty Parker will play in the middle with the croatian maestro Modric conducting play.  Possession will be controlled by Swansea City and Spurs will win the game from a goal against the run of play.  1-0.

Rovers vs United
Rovers have had a tumultuous season and are currently in the relegation battle.  However, they are the only premier league team (other than City, of course) to beat United at Old Trafford this season.  This sets up a revenge game for the united players and I expect them to be excited to set things right.  United will set up as follows - De gea, Jones /Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Young, Scholes, Carrick, Rooney, Chicharito.  Ferguson will drop Welbeck to the bench after a poor showing in the Fulham game and I expected Chicharito to exploit the slow Rovers defense.  Valencia will be a handful and Rovers will probably (and they would be stupid not to) double-mark him, allowing the United right back to bomb forward on the overlap.  While it often works, both the United right backs are very young (19 years) and are defensively suspect on the counter attack.  Therefore, this game will be decided on United's right (Rovers' left).  I expected United to win 3-1.  Chicharito double and a midfielder's goal

Season review/predictions - Tottenham and Liverpool

Tottenham
Tottenham's season started rather unceremoniously. Their game against Everton was postponed due to the riots and they were then trounced by United and City and found themselves in the bottom three. However, from that point until very recently, they were a pleasure to watch. The pace and trickery of Bale and Lennon, the creativity of Modric and Van der Vaart and the supporting roles from the likes of Scotty Parker and Sandro combined to produce some of the fastest football in all of England. So much so that by January, Tottenham were considered the only real challengers to the Manchester clubs. However, after the Capello debacle and subsequent Redknapp circus, Tottenham's form has dropped. They now find themselves in Fourth place but I think they will pip Arsenal to a third place finish as Tottenham have the easier run in. I think it will take one ugly victory against plucky Swansea City to set them on their way again.

Player of the season - Luka Modric - While Bale and VDV may take most of the credits, one cannot deny the importance of the diminutive croatian playmaker. To put it simply, when Modric plays well, Tottenham look like one of the better teams in Europe. He has also pipped in with a couple of key goals.

Signing of the season - Brad Friedel - At 40, the american stopper is in the twilight of his career, but what an impact he has had! Tottenham were leaking goals last season because of the butterfingers of Heurelho Gomes. Friedel has been a revelation. There is probably no other keeper in England that commands the box and defenders as well as he does. I would vote him as the signing of the season in all of england - especially given that he was a free transfer. And this is why he edges out the other brilliant piece of business - Scott parker.

Flop of the season - Steven Pienaar - signed from Everton, the tricky South African midfielder could not establish himself in Redknapp's plans and was loaned back to Everton in the January window. Probably worked out best for everyone involved.

Villain of the season - Harry Redknapp - This is a tough one because there has not been much wrong with Tottenham off-the-field. The manager, however, has had his issues with tax evasion charges and is now involved in the England managerial nonsense. We'll give it to ol' 'arry then.


Liverpool
They are the only club in England to have already won a trophy (and, no, United fans, the charity shield does not count). They are in the running to win the FA Cup as well, which would be fantastic. Their league form, however, has been disappointing at best. They have struggled to handle the injury/suspensions of Gerrard/Lucas/Suarez and have become the draw-team of the league. They are currently in 7th place - 2 points above Sunderland and local rival Everton, and I can honestly see one of those two pipping Liverpool to the final UEFA cup spot. However, if Liverpool do win the FA cup, it is my opinion that they will look back at this season fondly as it will give them two trophies and momentum going into next season.

Player of the season - Daniel Agger - while Liverpool have looked abject going forward, their defense has been rock solid. Daniel Agger has leapfrogged the ageing Carragher as Livepool's main central defender and has pipped in with a couple of goals as well.

Signing of the season - Jose Enrique - In my opinion, the best left back in the league. He has been the only defender to keep Antonio Valencia and Nani quiet and has a wicked ability to cross the balls from the byline. Enrique is a King Kenny signing who often goes unnoticed when Kenny gets criticized for his big-money flops. KK should get credit for his purchase of the spanish fullback from Newcastle for a relative bargain of 7 million.

Flop of the season - It would be easy to give this one to Carroll. But, I think Jordan Henderson is deserving of the title. When Liverpool signed Henderson and United signed Phil Jones in the summer, I admit, I thought Sir Alex had dropped the ball. How wrong was I? While Jones has been compared to the great Duncan Edwards, the number of good games Henderson has had can be counted on one hand of a person with one finger. His lack of positional awareness and attempts at hollywood passes have stunted the growth of the ex-Sunderland midfielder. To his credit, he has been playing out of position and is young. One can only hope that next season will be better for him.

Villain of the season - Again, it would be too easy to give this one to Suarez. I will vote King Kenny in - and I'm prepared for the vitriol Liverpool fans will direct at me for this. King Kenny's handling of the Suarez affair left a lot to be desired - in both the initial incident and the now-famous "you're bang out of order" interview when asked about Suarez' guilt in handshake-gate. Beyond that, his general interviews where he continues to propagate conspiracy theories are not befitting of the greatest player Liverpool FC has ever seen. I admire what Kenny has achieved in the game, but this might be a case of a man stuck in the past. His lack of tactical flexibility is surprising given that he has managed a side to a premier league title in the past. He has continuously played the likes of Henderson, Adam and Suarez out of position, while under-utilizing the mercurial Bellamy and Maxi Rodriguez. No one could argue that Kenny does not have Liverpool's best interests at heart, but I do not think that he should be in charge at Anfield for much longer. I do not wish to see the reputation of one of the game's greats tarnished.