EPL Talk » Premier League

Arsene Wenger’s Wise Words on the Fiasco in Paris

Eric Altshule — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:42:13 +0000

The appetite for commentary on the farce in Paris still seems strong, and I thought Arsene Wenger had a very wise take on the entire situation today. Wenger is, obviously, a French supporter and very close with Henry. In fairness to the Irish fans, the world football community, and for the sake of Henry, he called for the game to be replayed.

For Wenger, labeling Henry a cheat is too far. Cheating implies a degree of conscientious decision-making, and in a play that takes a fraction of a second and in the height of an emotional encounter, “cheat” is too harsh a word. As Wenger said, “For me people who bought referees, who took drugs, they are the real cheats in sport.” That is a healthy bit of perspective.

Moreover, the people who really let the football world down are the people who refuse to allow modern technology to correct errors. Wenger said that he is sure that that as the referee moved back to the circle for the kick-off, he knew there was something very wrong with that goal. But what could he do about it? He did not see the handball, and he can’t change a call because Shay Given was outraged, whether Given was right or not. FIFA left the referee alone to take the blame, and was not there to help him when he needed it the most.

Finally, this is what Wenger said about the impossible position Henry is now in: “A player of his stature has a massive pressure on his shoulders and if somebody has to do something for Thierry, it is French football and France as a country, not to leave him out there alone against the whole world. France has to say ‘yes it was a handball and we offer a replay’.”

You cannot be more fair than that.

Premier League Preview, Nov. 21-22

Randy Capps — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:05:05 +0000

After an International break that completed the 32-team field for the World Cup next summer in South Africa, the EPL surges back to action this weekend with an important fixture at Anfield.

That game is on ESPN in glorious high definition. Here’s the entire TV schedule.

Now, on to the previews:

Liverpool vs. Manchester City

Two teams with designs on playing in the 2010-2011 Champions League meet Saturday morning at Anfield.

Table watch: The Reds are in seventh place on 19 points, just one point south of sixth-place City.

Paging El Niño:Fernando Torres seems in line to make the start up front for embattled gaffer Rafa Benitez, and he may also have Steven Gerrard and a match-fit Alberto Aquilani from which to pick.

The Barry watch: City manager Mark Hughes may have Gareth Barry back in the lineup, assuming he shrugs off a groin strain.

Craig Bellamy also has a similar injury.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Birmingham vs. Fulham

Call this an elevator match as Fulham tries to continue its rise to the top 10 while Birmingham tries to steer clear of the relegation zone Saturday morning at St. Andrews.

Table watch: Birmingham is in 15th place on 12 points while the Whites are in 11th spot with 15 points.

Drawing conclusions: City finds itself only two points above the relegation fray despite posting back-to-back draws against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Injury watch: Birmingham will be without Garry O’Connor (hip), Martin Taylor (ankle) and David Murphy (knee), while Fulham’s Diomansy Kamara (ankle) is likely to miss out while Danny Murphy (knee) and Andrew Johnson (groin) are question marks.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Burnley vs. Aston Villa

A pair of top 10 sides meet at Turf Moor on Saturday as the Villans come calling.

Table watch:Burnley is in 10th place on 16 points while Aston Villa is in fifth place on 21 points.

Options, options:Villa boss Martin O’Neill might have Emile Heskey and James Collins back in the fold for the trip to Turf Moor.

Second anniversary:Burnley manager Owen Coyle is celebrating his second year on the job. “I’ve said before that he’s been terrific for all of us,” Burnley’s Wade Elliott told the Lancashire Telegraph. ”When he came, the first thing he said was he wanted us to go out and express ourselves, be positive, that there would be no comeback if we made mistakes trying to do the right thing.

“That probably sums up his ethos, aside from what’s come with him getting us promoted.”

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Chelsea vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Front-running Chelsea welcome Wolves to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Table watch: Chelsea is in first place on 30 points while Wolves is in 19th position on 10 points.

They said it: “We’ll be the underdogs and have got nothing to lose, so we might as well go there and go for it. This is the reason why we wanted to play in the Premier League to play against teams like this. Of course it’s difficult but it’s another good experience and we’ll be going there ready to give it everything we’ve got.” – Wolves captain Joey Craddock, to Sky Sports

Yeah, but it’s not broken: Apparently, a fractured tibia may not keep Chelsea’s Ashley Cole off the pitch this weekend, according to a report on ESPN International.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Hull City vs. West Ham United

Two of the league’s biggest underachievers to date tangle at the KC Stadium this weekend.

Table watch: Hull has 11 points, good for 17th place. West Ham is in 18th place on 10 points.

Last time: West Ham won 2-0 when these teams last met back in January.

Looking ahead: Despite their win before the International break, Hull City has been struggling a bit. West Ham has as well. So it’s tough not to see this one as a relegation six-pointer.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Sunderland vs. Arsenal

The Stadium of Light is the venue as Arsenal meets the Black Cats.

Table watch:Sunderland is in eighth place on 17 points while the Gunners are in second place on 25 points.

Injury report:Arsenal’s injury list grows as Robin van Persie picked up a knock during the break. Add him to a list that includes Nicklas Bendtner (hernia), Gael Clichy (back), Denilson (back) and Johan Djourou (knee). But Theo Walcott (knee) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) might see time for Arsenal.

Sunderland has a couple of long-term injuries and will also be without Michael Turner and Kenwyne Jones through suspension.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Manchester United vs. Everton

The Red Devils suddenly find themselves five points off the pace and in third place in the league standings as the Toffees visit Old Trafford for the Saturday finale.

Table watch:United is on 25 points, good for third, while Everton is in 12th place on 15 points.

In the dugout:Even though he was hit with a two-match ban this week, Sir Alex Ferguson will be in the dugout for this match. The ban won’t start until next week against Portsmouth.

Match facts:From Eurosport - 33 percent of the goals Manchester United have conceded have come from shots from outside the box, the highest percentage in the top flight. … Everton are yet to score a goal in the opening 15 minutes of any Premier League match this season. … 35 percent of Manchester United’s goals have been netted in the final 15 minutes of games – a league high. … United are the only team in the Premier League who have not dropped any points from a winning position in the league this season. … Everton have only won one of their last 28 Premier League meetings with United.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Bolton Wanderers vs. Blackburn Rovers

Two teams hoping to avoid the drop zone tangle at the Reebok Sunday morning.

Table watch: Bolton is on 11 points in 16th place while Blackburn is in 14th place on 13 points.

A repeat performace:Blackburn’s results through 11 games under Sam Allardyce are identical to the 2008-2009 team’s efforts under since-fired coach Paul Ince.

Streaking – the wrong way:Bolton has just won win in tis six home matches while Rovers have dropped five straight league matches, allowing 18 goals and scoring just three in that span.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wigan Athletic

Spurs will be hoping to hang on to their place in the top four as the Latics visit White Hart Lane.

Table watch:Spurs are in fourth place on 22 points while Wigan is in 13th spot on 14 points.

Modric still out:Tottenham’s Luka Modric won’t feature this weekend, but is nearing a return from his fractured fibula.

Don’t bet the draw:It has been 12 matches since Spurs had a draw at home and it has also been a dozen matches since Wigan forged a draw on the road.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Stoke City vs. Portsmouth

The Potters will try to keep Pompey in the basement when the two sides meet in the late game on Sunday.

Table watch: Stoke is in ninth place on 16 points while Portsmouth is in 20th place on seven points.

Injury report: The Potters will be without Mamady Sidibe (hamstring), Salif Diao (calf) and Amdy Faye (back), while Portsmouth may be without John Utaka and Steve Finnan (both groin). Linvoy Primus and Hermann Hreidarsson (both ankle) will be out for sure.

Don’t go down: Stoke City and Portsmouth are the only teams yet to recoup any points after falling behind in a Premier League game this season.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Is Rafa Headed Out the Door?

Eric Altshule — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:34:32 +0000

Rafa Benitez gave a bizarre interview to the Times yesterday, and Liverpool fans should be worried that the pressure may be getting the better of their leader. When a manager spends time talking about the support he is getting from the management, threatening to quit, and talking about the legacy he wants to leave behind, he sounds less like a manager worried about this weekend’s game against Man City and more like a man who wants to put this whole mess behind him.

The Benitez model of management was always about thrusting your entire stack of chips into the middle of the table. With a modestly sized stadium and owners who are not oil sheiks or Russian kleptocrats, Liverpool could never afford highly-priced players from their operational income. Instead, they needed victories in major competitions if they were going to compete with Chelsea, Manu U and Real Madrid for players. Winning the Champions League, the FA Cup, and other major competitions allowed Liverpool to finance their appetite for big names. They pulled an inside straight in 2005 when they won the Champions League, which allowed them to participate in the tournament the next year even though they finished fifth in the EPL.

However, that run of good cards may be coming to an end. This summer Benitez spent £17 million on an injured Alberto Aquilani (which Benitez portrayed as some sort of bargain price because he was injured) and £18 million on the good but hardly outstanding Glen Johnson. With his soft center in the back line, limited options on the bench and a complete reliance for goals on Fernando Torres, who has had trouble staying fit this season, things look bleak for Liverpool.

Barring a miracle, Liverpool will not qualify for the knock out stages in the CL and are faced with a difficult path to get into the top four this season. If Liverpool loses the revenue stream that comes with European football, the entire operation will have a stink of death about it. Without reinforcements, the team is growing older and improved performances seem unlikely. Without success, reinforcements cannot be bought. This is the pain spiral that hits teams with limited resources that do not husband those resources wisely.

Benitez knows this, and his consternation over this reality leaked out in that Times interview. Without European football, the options are bad for Liverpool, and the job of managing Real Madrid seems to be Benitez’s escape hatch. When he threatens to resign if Liverpool sells Torres (which nobody seems to have proposed) or talks about how “I want to leave a winning legacy,” this is clearly a man thinking about his life after Anfield.

Moreover, if Liverpool finish where they seem to be headed this season, I have a feeling the Kop will be ready to accept a new manager too. Benitez high risk strategy in player purchasing always felt tenuous to even the most passionate supporter. The Benitez era has been two miraculous Gerrard-inspired Cup finals away from resulting in a barren trophy cabinet, and the fans may be ready to see a more relaible path to success.

Is This The Arsenal Side to Redeem Wenger?

Brian Louie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:05:06 +0000

Gooners should be forgiven for indulging in optimism. With 36 goals in 11 matches, talk of Arsene Wenger’s gun slinging side has done much to impress, and you can sense the Frenchman is a few wins away from making some sort of bold prediction, ala the Invincibles. To be five points from leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, and especially with such a heavily-populated injury list, the Professor must believe his seemingly eternally-young side has the best shot at a domestic title since the Gunners’ monumental collapse two years ago.

Two years ago, Eduardo’s injury, William Gallas’ tantrum and a successive streak of draws dismantled the North London side, and Arsenal fans were left with an empty, sick feeling in their stomachs, a bit like the minute Jens Lehmann got sent off against Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League Final. Only, this time, there was the horrific nature of the Croatian’s injury and the realization that Arsenal were a young and callow team that crumbled to pieces. Now, and the Gunners are playing some of their best football. Robin van Persie has become more of the striker he was when he first became a first-teamer for Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas is a seasoned 22, and Andrei Arshavin can only be labeled a success, especially considering Wenger sold Kolo Toure for for about 2 million less to Man City.

36 goals in 11 games is impressive, reminding us of the old Arsenal, just after “1-0 to the Arsenal” became ironic after Wenger’s arrival. But the Gunners still seem a bit thin on the bench, especially in that back line. Thomas Vermaelen has been more than excellent, as Gallas seems to maintain his level of play despite all the distractions of having a crap personality and age. Once one of those two pick up an injury though, and Wenger is left to pick from Phillipe Senderos and Mikael Silvestere. Perhaps Senderos picked up incredible knowledge and quickness while he warmed the bench at Milan, and perhaps Silvestere will defy age and the two will be able to pick up the slack at times for the rest of a long season. Either way, the Gunners will have to keep scoring at will to catch Chelsea, who seem to be much tighter defensively, or at least don’t seem to fall asleep on set pieces as much.

It would be nice to see Arsenal regain a little bit of it’s luster, at least to break up the monotony of Manchester United and Chelsea. With Liverpool their own worst enemy, and struggling with a thin bench, they’re seemingly out of the picture. There’s very little staking-of-claims on the title going on between the Blues and the Red Devils, and the clash between them last weekend was akin to a pair of battering rams knocking each other senseless in the middle of the park, with a few little handbags thrown in. A push into the top four by Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur has seemed to have fizzled out, as the former spend their time performing in front of ownership in Qatar, and the latter deal with well, being Spurs.

The Gunners have yet to hold their own against a tough side. The season’s only a third of the way through, and who knows how durable Fabregas and Arshavin will be all season long. Perhaps we’ll know a bit more at the end of November, when Chelsea come to North London for a visit. With Jose Bosingwa, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole out, now’s the Gunners’ best chance to make up a bit of difference and become a threat for the title.

Arsene Wenger likes to talk about being patient, letting his young team develop, all the while holding that belief is the central tenet to winning. Gooners, do you have belief that your team can win the title this year? Have they matured enough, and does Wenger have the right pieces to bring some silver back to North London?

Chelsea Gain Edge in Premiership Title Race

footballnewsblog — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:28:37 +0000

In the first showdown between the two teams most likely to be challenging for major honours at the start of the season, Chelsea took one step closer to the Premiership title on Sunday after beating Manchester United 1-0 in a match many felt that United had to win. Chelsea are now 5 points clear of their rivals, and although there is a long way to go have taken the early lead in the title race.

John Terry grabbed the only goal of the game, heading in from a Lampard free-kick to secure the 10th straight home win and extend Chelseas lad at the top of the table. The game as you would expect became heated at times with referee decisions being a talking point as always but overall the team played well and deserved the victory.

Many of the players have had a better day in Chelsea shirts with few players really shining but it was the team performance that was important and that performance got the victory that could prove crucial at the end of the season.

One bit of bad news though was that Ashley Cole now looks set for a stint on the sidelines after aggravating a leg injury picked up against Atletico Madrid which will mean that the team will need to be reshuffled, possibly with the inclusion of new signing Zhirkov who has yet to play an important role in the first team this season.

Chelsea are now exactly where they want to be and look the strongest side in the league by far at the moment, and with Anelka and Drogba looking more lethal every game they play this season has the foundations of a great one.

Written by Danny Watson, a sports editor who blogs about football kits