Arsenal Land Themselves Some Quality

Arsenal has added diminutive playmaker Santi Cazorla to their list of summer transfers. Jumping off the wage-withholding ship of Malaga, the Spanish international joins Lucas Podolski and Olivier Giroud as the newest players entrusted with showing their stuff at the Emirates. What a signing for the Gooners, seriously. He's such a tidy player, whether outside, in the middle, or supporting a striker, which most likely will be Giroud. 

It shows major intent, and in the done in the wake of Robin Van Persie's decision to not sign a new contract, saves Arsenal from looking like a feeble can't-hackit club. 

Think Arsenal will set up like this next season? Assuming RVP is gone.

Giroud

      Podolski         Cazorla         Oxlade-Chamberlain 

Arteta   Song 

   Vermaelen  Koscielny  Mertesacker    Sagna

Scezney 

Liver n' Onions: Andy Carroll, better with us than against us

With reports still somewhat swirling around the possible departure of Andy Carroll from Liverpool, I have been forced to ponder the fallout that would occur if actually leaves. Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers has made it  crystal that Carroll does not fit into his system, and that he is willing to ship the big lad out by any means necessary. Ok fair enough he dosen't fit into the style of play your trying to cultivate, yet here is the problem that occurs if you dump him. 


This is the same problem that occurred when Fernando Torres was firing for Liverpool, that is with Carroll gone Liverpools attack will be resting solely on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. What happens if god forbid he gets hurt?...Or more likely suspended. What happens then?  Looking at Liverpool's roster the lack of experienced or semi-experienced strikers is astounding. The newly acquired Fabio Borini is by nature a striker but I have my doubts on his ability to lead a line, when I have watched him he looks more suited to play off of a number 9 type. After that their is nothing that Liverpool could feel confidant putting out against the Premier League's elite. Carroll may not be first choice but what is the harm of having backup. Looking currently at Liverpool's squad I foresee the starting XI looking something like this:


4-1-3-2 or 4-4-2

Reina

Johnson  Skrtel   Agger  Enrique

Lucas

   Downing  Gerrard     Cole 

  Borini  Suarez 

A fluid forward line full of movement and interchanging of postions, which is not conducive to hitting Carroll's strong points. If that's not working Carroll is plan B. If new signings such as Clint Dempsey or Gaston Ramirez enter the fray, this shall change, but keeping Andy Carroll at the club can only help not hinder. I would also say that I'd rather have him with us than against us. 

Recollecting on the days of old, back when Torres walked Merseyside I remember the issue the team had in his absence relying on David N'gog for goals due to a lack of recognized strikers on the books. I don't want to see this happen again. 

Keep Carroll and get rid of the chaff i.e. Charlie Adam.

Liver n'Onions: RVP Strikes Back

Before the praises where sung of Liverpool's triumphant penalty kick shoot-out win in the Carling Cup final, Liver n'  Onions wanted to see how the reds would fair at the weekend against Arsenal. I, like many took their recent form into account in making a prediction wrongfully or not. This said Arsenal was not a stale bag of bread, in terms of form- still riding high off the 5-2 trouncing of city rivals Tottenham.  Giving the Reds my much invested faith I put a ten on them to shove the Gunners back down the barrel of the gun they have be residing in for most of the year. But it's a home game, how did that slip my mind…It was the early kickoff being staged at ever growing performance cesspit known as Anfield. Much to my chagrin, that ten dollars I had riding on them did not stand a chance.  Before I continue this quick photo compilation sums up Liverpool's,

Form away from Anfield:

Form at Anfield:

Pretty much sums it up, you could say proofs in the Persie…If you may. Arsenal snapped Liverpool's unbeaten home streak with their 2-1 coup at Anfield. It may have been the first loss, but draws have been a plenty. Looking at the content of the 90 'minutes played on Saturday you would render a win was in the offing for the Reds. Arsenal looked shabby in possession and lost their midfield quarterback Mikel Arteta through a rather ambiguous injury. Top-four hopefuls Liverpool had their chances but what has separated them from a team that would make that final Champions League spot  their own is their ineptness to take chances. Prior to the game the Liverpool attacking unit had only managed 12 goals between them. Top scores Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez are on 6 which is frankly not good enough.  The look of disgust on Dirk Kuyt's face after his poorly taken penalty was saved by the keeper Scezney said it all. With the better play falling on the side of Liverpool, the man, the myth and the monster Robin van Persie struck again, to compound woes even further. A game where Liverpool should have had 3-points in the wallet, they emerged with none. You just cannot stop the Dutch maestro, he's  so hot you could cook an omelet on him. His volley in the 3rd minute of stoppage time was superbly taken, leaving Pepe Reina with no chance, even at his front post.

I wouldn't chalk down the absence of players to Liverpool's loss, because it really was a smash and grab performance by the Gunners. But this said pundits have come out asserting that Liverpool is still way too dependent on their Captain Steven Gerrard, who did not play at the weekend. Ok i would agree to some extent, as Liverpool look lost  i the midfield when he's not playing, lacking a supplemented  vision with players like Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. Ever since the exit of now Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Barcelona's Javier Mascherano  the reliance on Gerrad  has become too much, though for many years he has been capable of doing it all. To these pundits I would pull the tainted victory mask off and look at Arsenals situation. Would Arsenal have won that game if not for their captain Robin van Persie? He does it all for Arsenal, he has scored 31goals in all competitions this season, and is top goal scorer in the Premier League. He has rescued Arsenal on numerous occasions with his goals, leading by example. Would Theo Walcott have pulled off the same deft dagger in the dying embers of the game…I  don't thinks so. Liverpool's over reliance on Gerrard is a notion holds water, but so does Arsenals over reliance on Van Persie. I pose this question: If one team where to lose their star man, Arsenal- RVP and Liverpool- Gerrard, who would be worse off? 

Liverpool and Arsenal's situations are not all that dissimilar. Two teams that are, or once were part of the fabled top four, have since fallen from grace and are repairing the damages trying coping with the fallout. Both have long standing managers who have come under scrutiny. Arsene Wenger in terms of longevity as manager, and Kenny Dalglish with his association to Liverpool, as player and manager. Both struggle to find a cohesive squad of players. Arsenals reluctancy to buy opting to rely on youth, and Liverpool's over-spending on un-proven talent. Where they finish in the league this year is really anyones guess, and both will certainly have to fight to get into the top 4.

A little nibblet to munch on before Liverpool faces Sunderland at the weekend.

Stay Oniony my friends

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham= thoroughly gripping entertainment

The latest London Derby to take place follows suit in the trend of these derbies being the most exciting games to take place all year. Arsenal's 5-3 win over Chelsea last weekend, Fulham's destruction of QPR and now the thoroughly exciting Tottenham vs. Fulham game. Complete with an own goal, injuries left, right and center, ridiculous goal mouth saves...and a late nail in the coffin from Jermain Defoe. Here is how the scoring broke down.

Tottenham Hotspur: Gareth Bale (10′)
Tottenham Hotspur: Aaron Lennon (45′)
Fulham: Younes Kaboul (og 57′)
Tottenham Hotspur: Jermain Defoe (90′)

My pick for the game of the weekend.

Liver n'Onions: Are we as good as we think?

Liverpool's performance against Tottenham at the weekend was just about as rank as a bag of month old Onions left out in the sun to rot. Under the cosh from the first moments, Liverpool where out played by a team that has been the living embodiment of mediocrity in recent times. In a game where the Reds saw red twice with the sending off of Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel, who both looked out of depth, out of touch and out of position. I will cut  Skrtel some slack for his dismal performance as he was filling in as an emergency right back due to the injures of Martin Kelly Glen Johnson. The tackle that lead to his sending odd was shambolic and rash, expected from a young player like Coates-who made his debut, but not Skrtel, a experienced defender and should show more maturity in his decision making, earning  Andy Grey's  " Rocks for brains." This was the second  in the double action personnel loss  sustained, after Charlie Adam  headed to the showers early, after picking up his second yellow. Liverpool couldn't start the attacking engines falling behind to a wonder strike from Luka Modric. Not long after the opening goal I had a realization that shook me to my core. Looking at the teams that lined up next to each other, I had to ask myself " Is Liverpool's first team any better than Tottenham's?  It should be better!  But upon examination i have dug up some dirt that you could grow unicorns on. Let me explain the procedures of this examination.  I am strictly looking at the players potential, talent, and how they are viewed in a modern footballing sense. The line-ups on sunday where:

Tottenham starting lineup: (4-4-2)

Friedal, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou- Ekotto, Kranjcar, Parker, Modric, Bale, Defoe, Adebayor

Liverpool's starting lineup: (4-4-2)

Reina, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Adam, Lucas, Downing, Carroll, Suarez

Friedal v. Reina:

Both are fantastic keepers who have been around the Premier League for a long long time. In terms of notoriety, Reina is regarded as a more of a star, as a sure fire stater for almost any national teams, that don't have Iker Casillas in their national pool.  Both are regarded as two of the more consistent keepers in England. So I will call it pretty much a wash between the two keepers with Reina taking the slight edge of the American.

Better player: Reina

Kyle Walker v. Martin Skrtel:

Taking into the account that Skrtel was forced to play out of position, he had a miserable game with Tottenham pinpointing his side as the entry point in behind. Kyle Walker is a promising English youngster who had a successful loan at Aston Villa only to be called back to N. London and given  Corluka to vie with for first team football. Looking at the two is comparing a horse and a donkey, with Skrtel playing out of the position so I won't go further in depth.

Better player: Walker

Younes Kaboul v. Jamie Carragher:

The age old stalwart of  Merseyside it seems is reaching his final swan song, looking sloppy and slow. Ok its not that bad yet, but the wonderful servant to Liverpool is a fantastic center back that most teams would like on their books. A few years ago I would take him over Kaboul anyday, and I probably still would, but the gulf of class between Carragher and the Frenchman is not so wide.

Better player: Carragher

Ledley King v. Daniel Agger:

Both very injury prone players who when fit are great assets, but If your lucky enough to have them lacing up their boots in successive games you should be counting your chickens. Agger and King are quite different players excluding the knack for picking up injures, Agger is a fiery, aggressive player who often talks himself into trouble, even the way he looks, the foehawk  and the tat's completes the facade. King is the opposite. Calm, composed, and clinical in the back, playing it safe and as I said when fit is a force to be reckoned with.

Better player: King

Benoit Assou- Ekotto v. Jose Enrique:

Enrique has started his Liverpool career liked we all hoped. I see him settling even more as the Reds get on a role and stop hitting speed bumps in the shape of Stoke City. He has linked well with Downing on the left, but I would like to see more adventure in his runs, overlapping and swinging 'em in. Now that Capdevilla is the wrong side of 30, expect to see Enrique as a regular in Spain's left-back spot.  Hearing  chatter from many outlets it seems that  Assou-Ekotto has been pinned at the the weak point in Spurs defense, I don't really see it. Bedsides his poor balls out, he looks decent to me. for my team I am going with Enrique hands down lads

Better player: Enrique

Scott Parker v. Lucas Leiva:

Scotty Parker is the embodiment of industry, voted Sports writers players of the year last season, shows a great bit of business by Spurs. Hard working, spirited, continually doing the simple things well.  Lucas the Brazilian forced many Liverpool fans to the bottle, watching him give away balls and perform miserably for his first couple years at Anfield. I wished someone would bind his hands, blind fold him and drop him off at David Moyes door step. Since then he has come on leaps and bounds, surgical in his short range passing, tracks players well and works his socks off.  I love the player now and has a few youthful years on Scotty Parker. This is cannon fodder as I'am  taking Scotty Parker for his hunger is second to none.

Better player: Parker

Luka Modric v. Charlie Adam: 

The turmoil surrounding the transfer that did not come, certainly did nothing to slow down the creative Croatian as he undid the Reds with an outrageous strike. For me the gulf in class is enormous between Luka Modric and Charlie Adam. In the start of the season Liverpool had Adam, Meireles, Gerrard, Aquilani, Lucas and Henderson on the roster. Out of those 5 arguably the better 2 left, leaving us with Adam as our creative midfielder.  When Captain Gerrard returns to the side, I expect/ hope Adam gets dropped to the bench, as I remain bewildered  over his contribution other from his set-piece and corner expertise. Modric is more dynamic going forward, dosen't seem to make rash challenges, especially on a yellow. Both players are good with a pass, but when you sign Modric you get a more complete player.

Better player: Modric

Bale v. Downing:

This comparison is  consistency vs. streakiness, with Gather Bale being as streaky as they come. He had one half of a fantastic season but before that there was a stretch of I believe 28 games that when ever he started, Spurs lost. The jet propelled Welsh man can out run  seemingly anyone, and has it in his locker to turn a defender like Maicon in to minced meat. The problem with Bale is  he doesn't do it enough. Downing on the other hand  has been a consistent performer for years now, climbing up the footballing latter, from Middlesborough to Villa, to the National team, to Liverpool. You can bet your house on the fact that every game he will swing in a good cross, beat a few players and get to the by-line more times than you could fathom. Bale can dazzle with the spectacular(refer to the San Siro last year),  but Downing is the tortoise I this situation I dare not to pick the hare.

Better player: Downing

Kranjcar v. Henderson: 

Kranjcar is a real tactile player, who creates going forward with silky passing and creative vision, but is lacking in confidence. Henderson acquired a massive fee this summer for his promise and has performed decently for Liverpool so far but he will grow. He can operate in the center, or on the wing where Dalgleish has deployed him. He's a rudimentary player, doing the simple things well, and is composed for his youth.  I think in terms of footballing experience and skill at the moment Kranjcar pips Henderson, but I say this with a condition that  come a couple years Henderson will far surpass him.

Defoe vs. Suarez:

Suarez hands down, no contest. More dynamic, hungrier, more skillful and harder working. Both players are quick, diminutive and natural goal scorers. Suarez takes this one although he failed to break the Spurs defensive shackles this weekend.

Better player: Suarez

Adebayor v. Carroll:

For the life of me I cannot even remember what Carroll did in the game, besides being involved in the he disallowed goal, he was pretty anonymous in link up play. Carroll earned about half of his ridiculous transfer price tag at Newcastle, but since moving to Liverpool has struggled for fitness. The man is actually a boy, in age and how he acts, shows tremendous promise but has yet to show it. Looking at the teams Adebayor has played for over the years says it all, Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham. He is clinical when on song,tricky scoring on his home debut on the weekend with a cheeky chip over Reina. Both have baggage, controversy, and are much maligned by fans alike. In terms of doing it…Its gotta be Adebayor

Better player: Adebayor

Judging Tottenham so far this season is somewhat unfair to the Spurs as they have faced a flying Man City side, and an even higher soaring United. With much being made over the lack of spending done by Arry this summer, looking at the starting lineup that faced Liverpool at the weekend speaks volumes of the squad they have, clearly seen in comparison to Liverpool who spent massively. I have to ask myself…are the Reds are any better than Spurs. This is a slightly worrisome realization that the fight to get back into Champions League contention will be tougher than expected.

EPL review weekend of Aug 26th

One word would do the trick in summing up this weekends football action in the Barclays Premier League, WOW! This weekend fans saw a plethora of goals-wether for, or against your team- making it one of the most exciting weekends in recent remembrance. It was a glorious weekend for the Manchester clubs, with City un-doing Tottenham 5-1, with 4 goals from on-song Edin Dzeko. United had their way with a anemic Arsenal 8-2, to which a glance at Wenger's face is all you have to see to some up the strife going at Arsenal. It was surely a weekend that N. London will  be quick to forget, and if the Riots of weeks prior was caused by this I would understand.  Tottenham and Arsenal are both clubs stumbling to find their feet early in the 2011-12 season, due somewhat I reckon to the lack of signings and the distraction of big players leaving their respected clubs. The long transfer saga of Modric to Chelsea may or may not be finalized by the end of the window come Wednesday, and If I was Harry I would hope it is. It's an added distraction that does nothing but hurts to morale of the player, and the players around him. Modric started but was removed shortly into the second half. His final swan song….maybe? Clearly looking as he didn't want to play seen in the effort he put forth.  Need I speak further on the problems at Arsenal...I will in relation to this game. Do to lack of players available to Wenger, the young back line of Koscielny, Djorou, Jenkinson and Traore did not cut it against the stampede of a frontline played by United. Caught buy playing a high line too often, Welbeck and Nani were free to tear them to shreds, Not to mention a Hat-trick from Rooney-including two from set pieces'. Rosicky failed to impress in a attacking sense, and his link play was dismal. RVP was the only player who looked up for it, even though missing a penalty with  a weak effort, giving  United's keeper, De Gea, the sense he was all that, and a bag of potato chips. Wenger's lack of tactical shuffling at the break-all be it limited options- saw this pillaging continue to the bitter end, to where if the game was still playing, Man U would still be burying their chances.

Along with the free scoring Manchester v. London game's, Everton's game against Blackburn, and Chelsea v. Norwich tickled this fans interests, adding to the excitement of the weekend. An unflattering score of Everton 1 - Blackburn 0, speaks nothing of the excitement, and heartbreak felt by the clubs. Blackburn looked on top for most of the match, but it was a case of the proverbial cliche of "not" taking your chances that saw Blackburn undone, as they missed two penalties. Both times the players, stepped up to take the spot kick, a miss looked in the offing. Between these, and Rvp's failure from the spot has made it 7 missed from a possible 10 penalties given this year. Outstanding! Fittingly Blackburn felt were kicked in the teeth as Fellaini was challenged unfairly in the box seeing Everton being awarded with a penalty  in the final minutes. Manager Steve Kean was disgusted as he, and Blackburn fans know that the silky Spaniard, Mikel Arteta doesn't miss from there. 

Chelsea's battle with Norwich should be all but a formality  for the West London club, but proved to be more difficult than expected. Debut's were given to new boy's Juan Mata, and Romelu Lukaku off the bench and the Spaniard brought a new dimension to the Blues attack instantly. Almost purchasing an assist with his first touch through serving a delicious cross into the box's harks back to the days of Robben and Duff's wing-play for Chelsea. Mata's goal was icing on the cake as Malouda hat already put them ahead after Grant Holt had equalized for the Canaries.

An easy win over Bolton is what Liverpool needed. Slightly lucky against Arsenal last week, this week required a convincing win over an Epl mainstay like Bolton. Jordan Henderson opened his Liverpool account with one of the many, many, goals of the weekend with a left foot curler into the top corner. The second came from a corner met by the shaved head of substitute Martin Skrtel, beating Zat Knight to the punch. Zat Knight was once again involved as Charlie Adam hit a grass cutter form out side the box, through the big center backs legs to give the Red's 3 goals, and 3 points.

Players of the week:

Not in order...

1.) Samir Nasri: Had the best of debut games in the game vs. Tottenham, cementing in nicely to the fluid ( contradictory) forward line of City. With the likes of Silva, Aguero and Dzeko all rotating and mixing positions it was practically a swingers party. Coming up with assists and playing instrumental in the build up for the first two Dzeko goals, the frenchman looks the final cog in City's goal machine.

2.) Juan Mata: another debutant who, against the still stale Chelsea squad, looked like a mt. goat on speed. Popping up left and right, giving width to attack and even scoring a goal to seal the win. Thought be it a substitute appearance...AVB will surely have him from the start come their game against Sunderland, Sept 10th.

3.) Wayne Rooney: Had a hat trick in their drubbing of Arsenal, two from free kicks, and one from a penalty.  His passing, goals, and work rate proved too much for Arsenal to cope with.

4.) Ashley Young: Looks the part, once again proving Sir Alex's prowess in signing fantastic players ( for the most part). His skill on the ground, crosses, and shots! Scoring two fantastic curlers past Scezney one as good as the next. He had one of the games of the weekend, and if not for Dzeko, he would be my player of the weekend. 

5.) Edin Dzeko: Now to the cream of the crop. 4 goals for the red hot Bosnian, all with variation. From simple tap-ins, to picking his spot from outside the box and wrapping his foot around it. It was just one of those games he couldn't have gone wrong in. Justifying his spot over Carlos Tevez, a pick of mine for flop of the season, Dzeko looks like proving me dead wrong with 6 goals out of 3 games! Magnificent.

                                

Last week's underperforms face off tomorrow.

Out of the opening fixtures to the EPL the two most disappointing performers Arsenal and Liverpool will  dook it out for their first win of the 2011-12 season this Saturday. The highest profile match so-far  with teams in the once fabled top four, should be an exciting spectacle, with both teams going for the throat to grab a win. Arsenal started their season with a flat performance against Newcastle, where a flash point between Gervinho and Joey Barton was the high point in the 0-0 draw. A game played without recently departed captain Fabregas, and next to leave Nasri, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves and secure a win. 

With all the hype of the coming season for Liverpool, signings and all, flattered to deceive in their opening match v. Sunderland, with a second half capitulation. Dalgleish spent a lot on young English talent this summer to justify this, he needs a win. In the first half Liverpool sprung from the gates like a bat out of hell,  but this frenetic energy did not last done by a fantastic strike by Seb Larsson. For Dalgliesh's boys to get off the mark, they need to win silencing, the doubters and installing confidence. 


This need to win should create a fantastic atmosphere, and looking at last year's fixture can re-affirm that. Last year's opener between these clubs ended1-1 with Joe Cole getting sent off on his Liverpool debut. An uncharacteristic howler from Pepe Reina in the final minute, provided service for Chamakh to bury it canceling out an David N'gog strike earlier in the match. This match may serve as the tonic to the hoodoo currently troubling  Joe Cole, assuming he plays. Nasri will not play as he inches closer to his move to City, so the Middie's of Ramsey, Ro-shitsky, and Song must have a good game against the rising tide that is Liverpool's midfield.


Prediction:
Arsenal will still struggle to start, as they lose 2-1. Suarez and Carroll will both score for the Liverpool, and RVP for the Arsenal. 


T.V. 
ESPN 2 
7:45am ET

Patience is the game, Dalgleish's the name.

mmmm…. the smell of promise, cut short like buns toasting in the oven pulled prematurely from their toasty creation, somewhat resembled  Liverpool's opener against Sunderland. All the gyp seemed justified until  Liverpool's first half dominance was quickly forgotten after being done by a top drawer volley off the boot of Sunderland's Seb Larsson. If you are to lose, that is the way to do it. I say lose even thought the final score read 1-1, but for the Anfield club it was a loss. All the excitement of the coming season and big money signings created a stir of hope and promise, that due to the result has been put on hold.  seen in the fantastic reception received by the fans  for the opening of the 2011-12 EPL season. 

In the first half Liverpool  looked to have jet- heeled enthusiasm, spraying passes around and  retaining possession well.  Luis Suarez looked to have not skipped a beat on the back of his fantastic half season for Liverpool, and a Copa America, earning a penalty which he thrashed over the bar. However this was quickly forgotten when he nodded in a cross at the front post  from fellow new-boy Charlie Adam, to make it 1-0. Newboy's Charlie Adam, and Jordan Henderson - playing against old side- looked good in the first period, and in collaboration with Lucas bossed the likes of Lee Cattermole and young Jack Colback. Taking into account the abundance of midfielders at Dalgleish's disposal, bringing on the likes of Raul Miereles in the 2nd-half should provide sustained midfield domination for the whole 90, but Sunderland clawed their way back in to contention.

As the whistle sounded for the break, Liverpool had felt that they should have been at least 2 to the good,  after a mazy run from Downing, saw him cut onto his left but his shot riffeld of the crossbar. On the whole Downing was docile in the game, but the added width was an improvement, and the balls into the box from Downing and Adam look to pay dividends in the future. 

The impotence in Liverpool's play subsided, and the crowds fanfare dwindled as their grip on the game loosened. Sunderland still struggled to trouble Reina in goal, until a ferocious volley changed this and Seb Larsson finished in fantastic style, hitting it first-time at the back post. Reina had no chance, as the Swede who signed on a free from Birmingham scored on his debut. This was the last significant chance for either side as the game petered out towards its climax. 

Liverpool should feel as though the game was theirs to take, with a  massive home support behind them, and the excitement of what could be in the upcoming season. We all recognize that the Dalgleish dynasty will take time to build, but  an opening fixture win was necessary. You cannot pull much form the first match but the doubters will voice their opinion using this as proof that a top-4 finish will not be in the cards for the Merseyside club

Promising features:

Newest signing of the bunch Jose Enrique  was cast into the fire, after only completing one full training session with the club, making his debut against Sunderland. The Spaniard had a  decent game, getting caught out a couple of times, but overall slotted in quite well with Liverpool's back- line.  Had limited forward forays but linked up well with midfield anchors and Downing on the wing. 

Suarez looked up to his old shenanigans, thought his energy levels drained towards the end of the match, fitting of the amount of football he has played this summer.

Andy Carroll, though predominately anonymous,  linked decently, with on-running players. Ferdinand, had him in his pocket for most of the game, but his ability to find space to get  his ponytailed head on the ball was un-canny. 

Troublesome features:

With the return of Steven Gerrard looming like a ominous shadow, Dalgleish has to find where to play the no. 8.  Will he play him behind Carroll,   pushing  Suarez out onto the wing? Will he start him in the place of Henderson? Will he have deeper role next to Lucas. The uncertainty is worrisome, but a player of Gerrards stature must play, even thought during his Injury last season Liverpool played some of their best football. 

Conceding goals was a feature in their pre-season fixtures, and although it took a piece of brilliant skill to undo them Saturday, the threat is still there. Young Flannigan had a difficult game in the right-back spot beaten to easily by  Ji-Dong Won and Larsson.

Patience is Key for Dalgleish and Co. and like said in his post match interview, more is expected of his players. His new signings will take time to settle into the idiosyncrasies of Anfield, and when the team faces Arsenal next weekend it should be on. 

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Spot Kick's 2011-12 EPL Predictions Are Here!!!

Let me apologize to my few followers for not keeping up with my EPL team previews for the 2011-12 season. I know it seems I abandoned ship, leaving you all with just the one full preview of....Fulham?  Life happens, actually it's more like fantasy as I spent the last couple days getting fitted for my role as an extra in an upcoming Jaoquin Pheonix movie. Now I will cut right to the chase and get to my predictions.


Christmas...superficial, Birthdays...overrated, but the start of the footballing season, sublime. 
And now drumrole......


 1.) Manchester United                                      Top Scorers, (all comp's):
 2.) Chelsea                                                        Luis Suarez   21
 3.) Manchester City                                          Robin van Persie  19
 4.) Liverpool                                                    "Chicharito" Hernandez  18 
 5.) Arsenal
 6.) Tottenham                                                  Surprise of the season:
 7.) Aston Villa                                                 Stefen Savic ( Man City)
 8.) Fulham
 9.) Everton                                                       Flop of the season:
10.) Bolton                                                        Edin Dzeko 
11.) West Brom                                                 Gabriel Obertan
12.) Newcastle                                                  Fernando Torres ( Goals scored...6 total)
13.) Stoke                                                          Signing's of the season:
14.) Sunderland                                                 Gervinho (Arsenal)
15.) Blackburn                                                  Ashley Youing (Man U)
16.)Wolves                                                        John Arne Riise (Fulham)
17.) QPR                                                           Demba Ba (Newcastle) 
----------------- Relegated----------
18.) Wigan
19.) Swansea City
20.) Norwich

                          After winning  the Copa America practically on his own, the Uruguayan will destroy defenses this year. 

Looks to have no confidence. Was fantastic in the Bundesliga, but will once again struggle for an impact.

Where's the allure? Reminiscent of a car without a speed-o-meter.

Total goal tally....a clinical 6. Suddenly that Lukaku signing looks something special. I am not being bitter, he's lost it. My bet is in two season's he'll be heading back to Athletico, to find himself.

Still unsure over Lescott?? the young Montenegrin might not get much time, but when he does he'll shine like a Swarovski. 

United lifts shield for 15th time.

The title of  community shield, did not connotate a defense display by both Manchester club's, as each team went for the throat, and an thrilling opening to the new season.  The final game, capping off of the pre season ended emphatically with a Manchester derby, that had almost everything. A rip-roaring start, shenanigans from Balotelli , goals, and bone-crunching tackles.  Both teams were off  to the races from the start as United looked much the better side, pinning City back for most of the first half. The sky blues' had trouble coping, racking up 5 yellow cards in the first half. Yet, when Phil Dowd blew for the break, City was up 2-0. United's  new boy David De Gea looked an easy target in goal,at fault for the goal's as he failed to come for a lofted ball from a set-peice, finding the expansive fore-head of Joleon Lescott, for the first. The Spanish youngster did all but redeem himself after being caught flat-footed on a Dzeko blast from outside the box. For United's dominate showing, they failed to reap the rewards.  
The game seemed a tale of two halves when early in the second United equalized off the boot of Chris Smalling, connecting to the end of  Ashley Young's  cross. The wind where in United's sails, as once again City looked out-classed for the second as Nani scored after some  ticky-tacky play, that gave meaning to Geometry.  The game looked set to for penalties, until a stoppage time clearance from Rooney landed at City defend Vincent Kompany's feet, but a bounce in United's fortune, evaded the Belgian, and landed right in the path of  the on-rushing Nani, putting him clear in on goal, making it 3-2 United. United seal their 15     Community Shield trophy, and well deserved of their play.


Though the class of the clubs' looked slightly unbalanced, City gave it a good running, and be it early, the project on the blue side of Manchester, looks one to pay dividends. It seems every season English fan's alike bill the upcoming season as the most exciting, but it's true, this season does seem something special. Will City  announce themselves as a title challenger? Can Chelsea plus new manager AVB keep up? Will Arsenal struggle for a Champions' League spot? Can Liverpool get back into the top four? All tantalizing question that  will be answered come the business end of the campaign

Fullham 2011-12 season preview

This post kicks of my EPL team previews for the 2011-12 season. They will be done in no particular order, just by which club suits my mood that day. 

Today: Fulham

Last year finished: 8th

Fulham have made a large stride away from mediocrity this summer by ousting Mark Hughes, and wrapping up manager  Martin Jol. Making his return to the Premier League after a coaching spell with Hamburg. Fulham fans look-on in hope and expectation that the former Spurs boss can bring them back into Europa League contention. He is a charismatic figure, a real fan favorite,  which is much needed after the departure of the sullen Hughes. It's hard to believe that Fulham, real mid-table mediocrity, was competing in the Europa League final not to long ago! A talented unit, who under Manager Roy Hodgson played out of their skin. Jol will look to recapture such inspirational play, and I would bet that he will be successful in creating that cohesive unit once again 

Transfers: Fulham have seen more players leave the club than join. Jol seems to be building for the future through signing of younger foreign talent, an eye for such talent is know to be one of his better qualities.

Notable Signings:

John Arne Riise from Roma, brings the Norwegian hammer back to the EPL, which is a welcomed sight to many. This talented player spent many years at Liverpool and now can implement his bombarding style in West London. Unfortunately of Arne, he will not be playing along side brother Bjorn- also at club- as he has been loaned to Sheffield United. 

Gael Kakuta remains on loan from Chelsea, a player who is still young, but has much to prove. With regular spot at Chelsea not in the cards, the young French-man has been sent down the road a bit, to get some valuable experience. Brilliant in flashes but needs to be more consistent and impose himself on proceedings more.

Signing of  Palermo youngster Pajtim Kasami  is a perfect example of Jol's eye for young talent, as the Swiss Midfielder looks to have a bright future at age 19.

Notable Departures:

Kagisho Dikagacoi has joined Crystal Palace on Loan,

Much maligned John Pantsil has signed for Leicester City on a free, after too many lapses in concentration forced his stock to plummet among Fullham fans.

American Eddie Johnson has been loaned to Preston North-End which saddens me deeply, as another American gets sent to a lower division, making viewing the player that much harder for American audiences.

Key to Success:

Clint Dempsey! call me a nationalist, but the tricky American gets around the park, creates space and can score fantastic and clutch goals - just look at the winner against Juventus in the Europe League. For Fulham to succeed Clint needs to be on song and have a healthy striker to link up with. 

When all is said, and done:

Fulham does not quite make it to a Europe League spot, which is ok because they are building, but give Aston Villa a run for the 7th spot, but end up 8th like last year.