FootballTalk

Remember This Post? HAHAHA

2012-04-11T07:55:00.001-07:00

Just having a look back a some blogs from earlier on in the season and came across this beauty..... Oh dear silly comments to make....

Yesterday was a relatively normal day until I went onto Twitter to see how the world was getting on, to my surprise I saw a certain Tweet from a certain radio sport talk-show that quite literally made me fall to my knees laughing.
Once I started recovering I became rather annoyed at the report suggesting Manchester City are better then the amazing Arsenal Invincibles team of 2003-2004 season.

Let that soak in for a little while.....

Now don't get me wrong City have been simply awesome this season and fairplay to them but after only 11 games unbeaten does anyone have the right to compare them to a great team and one of the most historic events in English football?.

Arsenal went the whole season unbeaten 26 wins and 12 draws 0 loses and actually went 49 games before being beaten in the league.

This team was built by Wenger without the massive spending power of City who's team probably costs 5-6 times more.

This talk-show also made the comment that Aguero is a better player then Bergkamp.... REALLY??! Talking about adding insult to injury... He's quality but can say that after such a short time it's just not right and makes you think that maybe they should stop talking about football because clearly they have no idea.... What's next? Balotelli better then Henry?!?

Rant over....

Arsenal V Newcastle Utd

2012-03-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

This season has been far from a good one for both fans and club alike but theres light at the end of the tunnel and the silver lining of potential Champions League football that didn't seem possible running into the New Year.

From the opening whistle you could see the hunger in the Arsenal players eyes. I was at the game last night and thought it was pure dominance by the Gunners that almost ended in frustration until the Verminator bundled over a 95th minute winner.

When Newcastle opened the scoring against the run of play in the 14th minute it seemed common place that RVP linked with Theo to strike past Krul no less then 60 seconds later.
At the very point that the equalizer went, Newcastle started playing for the draw with Krul clearly time wasting at every opportunity.

The Arsenal eventually prevailed in the last gasp which has put them just 1 point behind rivals Spurs who have to be looking over there shoulders at both Arsenal and Chelsea who now have that sniff of Europe's top competition
and with their experience running into the last 10 games would you bet against Spurs finishing 5th maybe even 6th??

Thoughts on a postcard......

Score Predictions For Mid-Week Premiership.

2012-01-30T12:12:00.001-08:00

After another eventful F.A Cup weekend it's back to the bread and butter of the Premiership this Tuesday & Wednesday and also the predicting competition myself and my co-writer Michael F are having.

Here it goes:

Tuesday Fixtures:----

Swansea v Chelsea
PBS: 2-1 MF: 0-3

Spurs v Wigan
PBS: 4-0 MF: 3-1

Wolves v Liverpool
PBS: 2-1 MF: 0-1

Everton v Man City
PBS: 1-0 MF: 0-3

Man Utd v Stoke
PBS: 1-1 MF: 2-0

Wednesday Fixtures:----

Aston Villa v QPR
PBS: 1-1 MF: 2-0

Blackburn v Newcastle
PBS: 2-1 MF: 2-2

Bolton v Arsenal
PBS: 1-1 MF: 1-1

Fulham v WBA
PBS: 2-0 MF: 1-2

Sunderland v Norwich
PBS: 2-1 MF: 1-1

Well these are our predictions and we shall see if I'm still leading the table on Thursday morning.

Good games ahead.

Samba wont be giving his all for Rovers.... oh dear

2012-01-27T03:30:00.001-08:00

Another day goes by in the transfer market with Christopher Samba still in Blackburn colours but in my opinion he is digging himself a rather big grave with his latest comments about not being able to give the club 100% effort.

He's obviously trying to force his way out in January but a sensible well, advised player would have kept quiet knowing that he would more then likely move this summer.
The fact he has come out with these comments puts him in a sticky situation if no one comes in with a bid because he will be picked for the team and I'm sure he can expect some Steve Kean style booing around Ewood Park.

I bet he's praying for a new club to come and save him right now.

Is player power getting over the top silly now?....

Answer.... YES

Who Is The Current Best Shot Stopper In The Premiership?

2012-01-24T01:03:00.001-08:00

This is definitely a subject that for me is certainly up for debate and will have many different views and opinions the world over.

While researching this topic I checked through various sites and blogs to see what other people's top 10 keepers in the EPL were. During this time I came across this list from earlier in the season:

10- David de Gea
9- Mark Schwarzer
8- Asmir Bergovic
7- Pepe Reina
6- Brad Friedel
5- Petr Cech
4- Joe Hart
3- Shay Given
2- Tim Krul
1- Wojciech Szczesny

This list was made on October 21st 2011.

While I'm not in total agreement with the list I think it does show a lot about how the season has formed and maybe taken us a little by surprise.?

David de Gea has had a very uncertain start to his life at Man Utd and with a 19 million price tag on his head I think it's fair to say we expected more from the youngster. For this reason he wouldn't make the top 10.

Shay Given is such a good keeper and has looked really handy when he's played but has only just returned from a spell out injured so think by the end of the season could hit the top 10 but currently not.

That's just naming 2 that I would change from that list that I found from earlier in the season.

The question I think is what or how would that list look now as we tip just over the halfway point of the season?

My top 10 keepers in the league,
August 2011 - January 2012

10- Ali Al Habsi
9- Brad Friedel
8- Wayne Hennessey
7- Petr Cech
6- John Ruddy
5- Wojciech Szczesny
4- Pepe Reina
3- Joe Hart
2- Tim Krul
1- Michel Vorm

This would be my list currently which I admit would still be up for debate but is a better reflection of how the season has formed.

What's your version of the top 10 keeper?

Arsenal V Manchester United The Preview.

2012-01-22T02:22:00.001-08:00

Well where do you start with this one?! Maybe 8-2 to United way back at the start of the season?

This result will be in the back of everyone's mind going into the match both fans and players alike.
Fact is I think this was one of those freak results that happen once in a while and at the Emirate today at 1600
It'll be a different story.

The Arsenal players seemed fired up and want to have a revenge mission that sees their own season get back on track.

It's a very hard one to predict for me as both sides have been seriously dented by injuries. I can see a draw written all over this one but Arsenal fans would happily take a 90th minute winner by Henry to get everyone smiling at the Emirate once again.

Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur The Preview

2012-01-21T18:00:00.001-08:00

Many people will consider today a league title showdown between arguably the 2 most exciting teams in the premiership this season...

This is a very hard one to call, Man City will fancy their chances as their home form is unbelievably great but the way Spurs play could quite conceivably dent that respectable record.

The main argument for Spurs fans expecting a win from their team would probably be the loss of the Toure brothers and Kompany and even though they will be missing Adebayor themselves, would you ever back against Defoe?? I think not..

That being said I'm going to go with an absolute thrilling 3-2 victory for Man City which will firm their place at the top of the table and make Spurs rethink their title hopes.

Norwich Hold Chelsea To A 0-0

2012-01-21T07:05:00.001-08:00

Norwich City achieved their first clean sheet since being back in the Premierleague and in turn kept Chelsea from earning 3 points which has to ultimately end any hopes of the title depending on other results of course.

Another talking point will be one more game gone without Nando scoring and even though Ruddy did so well to stop him scoring it still doesn't reflect well on the out of form Spanish international.

So is champions league qualification the best the blues can hope for? And is that even going to happen?

Who knows....

My Weekend Premierleague Predictions.

2012-01-20T00:16:00.001-08:00

I thought each week from now until the end of the season I would give the old prediction game a go along with new football talk writer Michael F.

In this little bit of competition between each other we have decided we will receive 1 point for the correct result and 3 points for the correct scoreline.

Feel free to join in and test your own prediction ability with ours.

Saturday Fixtures:----------

Norwich v Chelsea
PBS: 2-1 MF: 1-2

Everton v Blackburn
PBS: 2-2 MF: 2-1

Fulham v Newcastle
PBS: 0-2 MF: 1-1

QPR v Wigan
PBS: 3-1 MF: 1-2

Stoke v West Brom
PBS: 1-1 MF 1-1

Sunderland v Swansea
PBS: 2-0 MF: 3-0

Wolves v Aston Villa
PBS: 2-1 MF: 1-1

Bolton v Liverpool
PBS: 1-1 MF: 0-4

Sunday Fixtures:----------

Man City v Spurs
PBS: 3-2 MF: 1-3

Arsenal v Man Utd
PBS: 1-1 MF: 8-2

Well there we go for this weeks prediction game, not sure about Michaels Arsenal scoreline but dreaming is believing as they say.

All in all another potential great weekend ahead of us and some fantastic fixtures, let's hope it lives up to it.

Drogba To China?

2012-01-19T05:50:00.001-08:00

According to a Chinese newspaper Didier Drogba is very close to completing his move to Shanghai Shenhua to link up with Anelka who moved earlier this month.

Is this really a good move for Chelsea?? If true then they will be losing a real goal scorer when Torres still can't hit the target and Sturridge is still being played out wide.

I would say that this would be a clear sign that Chelsea will be seeking a new striker but who??

Did Anyone See The Swans Coming?

2012-01-18T04:56:00.001-08:00

Going into the game at the weekend just gone, Swansea would've considered themselves having a good campaign in their first season in the Premiership and now after the 3-2 victory over Arsenal this fact is surely confirmed on more of an official basis.

The Swans are up to 10th and with only 1 defeat at home and that was to Manchester Utd so can really be forgiven. Things are looking great for the Welsh team.

I'm not one for upsetting a team while they are on such a high but they will have to watch out that their home form doesn't drop off due to the fact that their away form currently isn't good enough.

This whole story reminds me of Blackpool last season who were having a stormer due to their good home form but as soon as they struggled for victories at home the game was up and they were relegated at the first time of asking.

All that a side, I'm sure the fans will take it as it comes and for now at least are enjoying the fantastic season that they are having.

Will The Tevez Saga End In This Window?!

2012-01-17T05:04:00.001-08:00

As it stands every other day Tevez is either going to Inter Milan or Ac Milan and infact now PSG are sniffing around but with all the talk we still don't seem to be getting any closer to an actual real life deal.

So.... Will he actually depart in January or will City fans have to hear about his goings on for another 6 months?.

I find it strange though as probably everyone does that he wanted to move away from City to be closer to his family in Argentina, but finds himself on a likely move to Italy??? You don't have to be amazing at geography to figure that one out.

In conclusion, it's a shame Carlos Tevez won't be gracing the English top flight with his ability any longer but as he tends to leave a trail of destruction, whatever club has the pleasure next will be keeping close tabs on him for sure.

EPL Weekend Roundup..

2012-01-16T05:00:00.001-08:00

Saturday results:

Aston Villa 1-1 Everton
Blackburn 3-1 Fulham
Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland
Liverpool 0-0 Stoke City
Man Utd 3-0 Bolton
Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
West Brom 1-2 Norwich

Sunday results:

Newcastle 1-0 QPR
Swansea 3-2 Arsenal

Monday fixtures:

Wigan v Man City

It was yet another good weekend of football in the Premier league with Man Utd getting back on track with a 3-0 victory over in trouble Bolton.
This win will no doubt place the pressure on City to beat Wigan tonight and depending which Wigan turns out Man City could be de-railed with another bad result.

Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw with wolves and it seemed like Redknapp had changed his mind on their challenge on the title and downgraded their chances by saying that top 4 would be good enough.

The other main highlights of the weekend had to be Blackburn climbing out of the drop zone with a 3-1 win over Fulham despite being down to 10 men for a lot of the match.

Also.....

Swansea City showed that at home they are almost unstoppable with a 3-2 win over Arsenal and in turn denting Arsenals chances of a top 4 finish especially as Man Utd are their next opponents ... We all know how the last game turned out on that one ...

So we wait for the next instalment of the unpredictable Premiership and personally I cannot wait.

Alex To Transfer To Rs?

2012-01-12T13:25:00.001-08:00

Chelsea have confirmed that they have had an offer in for transfer listed central defender Alex.

The offer they have received is believed to be by QPR and in the region of 3 million pounds which the blues have hinted that it doesn't meet valuation.

It's likely QPR will will over a little more and as long as the Cahill deal goes through I'm sure Chelsea will sell.

So is this a good signing for QPR? I think it's probably a very good transfer for them and I'm convinced we haven't seen the best out of him as of yet.
He has huge experience at top level football which could be vital if Hughes is to guide his new team to top flight safety.

Hughes Signs For QPR...

2012-01-10T09:35:00.001-08:00

I ask fans straight off what's your true thoughts on this signing for the Rs?.

It seems all a bit strange that Warnock gets sacked due to a stretch of poor results and the within just 2 days he is replaced... This suggests to me that Warnocks replacement was set up and his sacking was going to happen regardless of results.

The other thing about Hughes going to QPR would be is it the right move?

Will Hughes spend money, achieve survival, get noticed by a bigger club then ditch QPR like he did Fulham?!

I quite like Hughes as a manager but this all seems a bit of a strange one.

Henrys Dream Return...

2012-01-10T07:37:00.001-08:00

As an Arsenal fan I was very excited about potentially seeing our living legend return.
Although we all know Thierry is no longer 24 we all prayed that he would score and as always he stepped up to the plate after just 10 minutes into his 2nd debut he scored the winner against Leeds in simply typical Henry style.

12 goals in 12 games against Leeds is some stat and Simon Graysons face dropped when he saw Songs through ball go to Henrys feet on the inside left channel... The rest is history and for all real Arsenal fans everywhere what an epic event,the Emirates was ready to burst with emotion and Thierry himself stopped just short of crying.

Even if Thierry doesn't score again on this loan period we will always have this moment and for that we thank the man, the legend, the god that is......

THIERRY HENRY.

QPR Replacement Manager?

2012-01-08T10:36:00.001-08:00

It's not even official that Neil Warnock has left yet and already talks of Mark Hughes replacing him has hit twitter.

Would this be the right route to go down?! Can Hughes do something that Warnock can't?

Who would be your replacement?

Warnock Gone?!?!

2012-01-08T10:23:00.001-08:00

Reports are circling around that Neil Warnock has left QPR not sure if it's of his own accord or even if it's true as there's been nothing official yet.

Fans yesterday were very unhappy with the F.A Cup performance but surely that can't be the reason?

Many will say the hierarchy will want a bigger name in charge and what better time then the January transfer window?

What's your thoughts guys??

Manchester Derby Ends In Utd Win...

2012-01-08T07:15:00.001-08:00

Bragging rights have returned to the red half of Manchester after today's F.A Cup 3rd round victory.

Man City will feel a little hard done by after Kompany was sent off aswell as at one point being 3-0 behind but all credit to City when they hit 2 back with a well worked freekick by Kolarov and a goal by Aguaro but it was all to little to late.

So after a good victory by Utd, a wonderful performance by Rooney and the return of Scholes does this give The Red Devils the momentum? Is the ball back in there court? We shall see....

Henry Move Now Official.

2012-01-06T12:02:00.001-08:00

The deal for Thierry Henry on a 2 month loan from New York Red Bulls has officially been signed off meaning he can play in the F.A cup 3rd round tie against Leeds Utd.

According to reports he will be put straight into the lineup as Wenger wants to rest Van Persie.
This is going to bring back the glory days for all Arsenal fans all over the world.

Arsenal fans won't be expecting miracles but I think most fans would agree it's a deal well worth doing just for the fact of having a winner in every sense of the word once again gracing the Gunners.

Now it's official what's your thoughts on this move.?

Has The Festive Schedule Decided The Top 4?

2012-01-05T12:49:00.001-08:00

As usual it's been a very hectic fixture list over the festive period but as we look at the league table here in the first week of January, are we seeing the realistic final four?

Current top 7....

1• Manchester City. Points - 48
2• Manchester Utd. Points - 45
3• Tottenham H. Points - 42
4• Chelsea. Points - 37
5• Arsenal. Points - 36
6• Liverpool. Points - 34
7• Newcastle Utd. Points - 33

While looking at the league as it stands it becomes apparent to me that Spurs really find themselves in with a chance of completing for the league title.
Not only were they the only team not to lose over the Christmas & new year they also have a game in hand which if they win will leave them level on points with Man Utd and therefore just three points behind Man City.

After the last few matches alot of people from fans to pundits will consider Manchester Utd in real trouble after losses to Blackburn and Newcastle respectively but in reality they are still up there.

My main question to football fans everywhere as the title suggests, is the top four decided or do Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle still have a chance?

In conclusion my personal opinion is that apart from Spurs no one in the premiership is majorly consistent right now and for me that leaves the top four very much wide open.
With 18 games still to play it's anyone's game and I wouldn't be so confident that the top 4 we currently have in place will still be firm by the time May comes around.

Michael F.

Is Harry Playing The Market Again?

2012-01-05T12:18:00.001-08:00

In the Times newspaper today it is reported that Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a bid of 15 million pounds for Blackburns Christopher Samba & Junior Hoilett.

If for some reason struggling Rovers go for such a deal then Redknapp would've pulled off a couple of awesome signings and surely strengthen Spurs enough to be considered potential champions.?!

Many people will think yes...

What's your thoughts?

Warnock Is Ready To Spend To Survive...

2012-01-05T07:40:00.001-08:00

QPR have already brought in the loan signing of Frederico Macheda from Manchester United until the end of the season but Neil Warnock wants more players signed in their fight to stay in the Premierleague.

How many more players will we see QPR sign?

And.....

How much will Warnock need to spend to survive?

Have Southampton Been De-Railed?

2012-01-05T07:30:00.001-08:00

Friday: Southampton 0-1 Bristol City
Monday: Brighton 3-0 Southampton

Will those of Southampton's last 2 results end their chance of automatic promotion?

This might sound like a strange question as they are still top of the Npower Championship on goal difference but we see this kind of situation all the time where teams trail off as the season moves along.

The Saints haven't really had a major bad patch as of yet so maybe this maybe it so they will want to be getting on the winning road again as soon as possible.

This January Adkins will want to bring in some new faces to try and bolster their challenge but here's my question:

Will we see Southampton back in the Premierleague next season?

Headlines: Suarez Says Sorry.

2012-01-05T07:19:00.001-08:00

The reds striker has apologized for his role in the reason racism issue between himself and Patrice Evra but hasn't actually directed the apology at the player himself.