tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37398887131674554522024-03-09T02:59:26.042-08:00BallsPhil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-9508844184027311892023-08-11T11:15:00.003-07:002023-08-11T11:15:31.712-07:00The Annual Football Predictions Blog 2023/24<p class="MsoNormal">I don’t think there’s been a more difficult season to
predict. New managers, players and teams in the top flight with obvious
favourites and teams that will almost certainly struggle to say. While
predicting a winner is almost too easy, it will be who goes down that will have
the most interest because on last year’s evidence a number of once top teams
may find going very hard, especially without the kind of investment needed to
just tread water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For the first time in over a decade, my best friend and Everton supporter Roger is not partaking in this. He's had a shit year and Everton, while still in the Premier League, aren't exactly filling their fans with optimism. So I'm flying solo this season. Let's hope that Everton confound expectations and 2024 is a better year for old Big Nose #1 and he's back here next year with his usual footy witticisms. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here’s my forecast for the 2023/24 season:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. <b>Manchester City</b>
– yes, they’ve sold a few players, but I can’t see them being stopped. They
have a number of youngsters coming through who look readymade replacements,
such as Cole Palmer who dazzled at the Euro U21 championship and scored that peach of a goal in the Charity Shield defeat. I expect no one
will stop them, but they will, as usual, slip up a few times to give the
chasing pack some hope.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. <b>Arsenal</b> – as
much as it pains me to say, this is a team that has recruited well this summer
and will be determined to have another good season despite having extra
pressure heaped on them by being back in the Champions League again. They just
might be too strong for the chasing pack, but a long way short of actually
challenging, but their progress will piss a lot of Spurs fans off.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. <b>Manchester United</b>
– I put them in 3<sup>rd</sup> more because I fail to see other teams
capitalising. Erik ten Hag has done a good job but I think they’re going to
struggle to stay in the race. Some reasonable signings and probably their best
manager since SAF, they’re going to be a good bet for winning a domestic cup if
Man City takes their eye off the ball.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. <b>Liverpool</b> –
This is my first real gamble. They have lost a few solid players, albeit
probably past their prime and the recruitment hasn’t been spectacular, but I think
the Europa League will suit Klopp for a season; he can experiment with squad
players and concentrate on improving results in the league. It’s going to be a
huge race for 4<sup>th</sup> this season and I think the Reds will scrape into
it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5. <b>Newcastle United</b>
– I think the Champions League will be their domestic league undoing. This is
going to be a tough season for a team that seems to have recruited well, but
they’re now going to have a target on their backs and the schedule might prove
to be a problem. They will still have enough to finish high, but not high
enough to continue the meteoric rise Howe’s had since arriving. However 5<sup>th</sup>
is now the Holy Grail for some teams because from this season it means
Champions League qualifiers at least.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6. <b>Tottenham Hotspur</b>
– Another optimistic gamble on my part, but frankly even without Harry Kane
this is a team with enough ability to be up there. No European commitments, a
refreshed squad and a manager with an attacking nature and the desire to bring
Spurs football back to Tottenham. They’ve recruited well, considering no
European football and the likes of Maddison and Vicario will set a new
standard. This will be a huge season and I think the team will rise to the
occasion, mainly because they’ve done well with Kane when he’s been injured and
I feel his departure will lift the pressure some players have had on them – it’s
their turn to shine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7. <b>Chelsea</b> – the
best Pochettino can hope for is European football at the end of his first
season. I know Alan Hansen famously said you can’t win anything with kids and
was proved extremely wrong, but this Chelsea side is a work in progress; they
seem to have signed everybody with potential but it’s going to take time for
them to gel. I expect there will be massive highs and disappointing lows and
the pressure will be on the former Spurs man to deliver in his second season,
which is a long way away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">8. <b>Aston Villa</b> –
8<sup>th</sup> is going to seem like a massive disappointment, especially
considering they’ve signed some top players, but the Europa Conference was a
real hindrance to West Ham and I think Unai Emery’s men are going to find the
Thursday/Sunday schedule tough to get used to. They will take big points off
the top teams but may well struggle against teams they should beat. Might win
the Conference, they have a squad that should be better than the rest.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">9. <b>Brighton</b> –
another team that is going to find Europe extremely tough going and you can’t
escape the fact they’re a selling club and need to ensure those they’ve lost
are replaced with equally good players, which seems unlikely. Will continue to
play lovely football, but may struggle away from home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">10. <b>Crystal Palace</b>
– my personal jury is out regarding Woy Hodgson but they have a squad that is
more than capable of being better than the rest. 10<sup>th</sup> is about as
good as any Palace fan can expect given the quality that usually finish above
them and while there’s no doubt they won’t be involved in a relegation fight,
they’re also not going to be involved in a European chase either.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">11. <b>Burnley</b> – if
Vincent Kompany is as good a coach as many believe him to be and with the very
canny signings he’s made, I think the Lancashire club are going to surprise a
lot of people and won’t be anywhere near a relegation fight. James Trafford is
an excellent signing from Man City and he will stake a claim to be England’s 2026
goalkeeper. This is a side that will upset a lot of teams.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">12. <b>West Ham</b> –
losing Declan Rice was tough, but given the quality of some of the relegation
fodder, David Moyes should be able to juggle the Europa League with a safe EPL finish
quite easily. Despite little recruitment, this is largely the same squad that
many thought would be challenging for a Top six place and while they didn’t do
that they did win a European trophy and that will galvanise the team.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">13. <b>Fulham</b> – why
so low given what a cracking season they had on their return to the top flight?
I think they’re going to find teams will expose the gaps this team has and if
Mitrovic goes I struggle to see where their goals are going to come from. I
doubt they’ll be involved in a relegation dog fight but Marco Silva might start
to wonder why he didn’t take the Saudi shekels when they offered them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">14. <b>Everton</b> –
even without serious recruitment Sean Dyche will do what he did with Burnley
and make this team too good to go down and better than the six team below them.
The threat of relegation will hang over them but I think the gap between
Everton and the bottom five will be telling by season’s end.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">15. <b>Brentford</b> –
this could be the story of a season of two halves – one without Toney and one
with. Brentford needs to at the very least tread water until their goal scoring
talisman returns from his extremely long betting ban. Thomas Frank is a great
manager, but this is going to be a tough season for the Bees because a lot of
teams will have sussed out how they play and be prepared for it. A relegation
fight isn’t out of the question, but ultimately they’re going to be too good
for the bottom five…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">16. <b>Bournemouth</b> –
regardless of the reputation of their new manager and what can be classed as a
bolstering of the squad, Bournemouth are going to struggle to stay in the
Premier League, but will probably achieve it by virtue of not being the worst
team and taking vital points off of all their rivals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">17. <b>Nottm Forest</b>
– I don’t expect Chris Cooper will be in charge by the end of the season; he
may well be the first managerial casualty. This is a club that appears to have
thrown caution and money to the wind in its recruitment policy and that might
be the one thing that keeps them up – they have some good players.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">18. <b>Wolves</b> – this
is a huge gamble and could depend on whether Julen Lopetegui stays. If he goes
I can’t see this team getting enough points to stay in the league, but even if
he stays I don’t think Wolves have recruited much at all, don’t appear to have
any money and there’s a feeling that all is not well at Molineux. I don’t
expect he’ll be sacked, but I do expect he’ll walk before Christmas if things
are looking perilous, if that happens they’re doomed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">19. <b>Sheffield United</b>
– I don’t know if they’ve recruited well, I expect they’re going to be hoping
that teams struggling in the relegation zone last season won’t have improved
and they can scrape a second season by virtue of not being one of the worst. I
can’t see them doing anything but struggling, but I expect them to take at
least 3pts off of Spurs because they do that whenever they’re in the top
flight.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>20. <b>Luton</b> – might
spring a few surprises, will draw a lot of games, but in the end the lack of
quality and sheer weight of the task ahead of them is going to be too much. They
could rival Swindon and Derby for the title of worst team ever to play in the
EPL.</p><p>FA Cup winners - Man City</p><p>League Cup winners - Man City</p><p>Champions League winners - Bayern Munich </p>Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-17190474072546212192022-07-30T06:46:00.001-07:002022-07-30T06:46:05.704-07:00The Annual Football Predictions Blog 2022/23<p>Getting on for 15 years now Roger and I have been doing this and for a wee while at the back of last season it looked like it might come to an end, for a season at least, but Everton stayed in the Premier League, while Spurs did the unlikely thing and qualified for the Champions League. It was a season of contrasts and I expect the thought of having to do one of these and try and be positive about your own team's chances can't be much fun...</p><p>Obviously, these always come out before the start of the season, which means some big business might have been done after our predictions, but generally we can't complain - neither of us are <i>that</i> accurate, but we're always there or thereabouts with the odd rogue - one of us had Leicester being relegated the year they won it!</p><p>Here's Roger to kick things off:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Phil has
insisted we do this thing again. Last season I was way off, as were my team who
only survived due to there being enough teams who were actually worse than than
the inept shower I've supported since a choice between Everton and L****poo*
was forced on me by dad, who quite reasonably told me to choose between Roger
Hunt and Alan Ball and the teams they played for, as you can't follow both.
Bally it was then, as he was my favourite player in 1968. Which was hundreds of
years ago, when people were shorter and lived by the water. Everton
occasionally won things back then, too. Anyway...<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1st -
Manchester City<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There
really is no reason to bet against them continuing their dominance, is there?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">2nd -
Chelsea<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Second
will more than likely be L****poo* again, but you've got to have hope haven't
you? Chelsea by their standards have so far bought hardly anyone, and Raheem
Sterling is hardly the player to take them up a notch. They have trimmed their
huge squad by about 73 players too, so they've no chance of coming second
really.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3rd -
Liverpool<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">They'll
miss Mane an awful lot, and Mo Salad will miss him the most. It's the hope that
kills you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">4th -
Arsenal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Gabriel
Jesus & Zinchenko are class buys, and might be enough to edge Spurs out of
fourth place. In the real world, where Chelsea will be third, they may even
give them a run for their money. Trouble is its Arsenal, who always go flaky at
some point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">5th -
Spurs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
bastards bought our best player and one of two reasons on the pitch why we
stayed up last time, for a frankly ridiculous £60m, along with the usual
handful of forrins I've never heard of. Hooevvuh, the other players they've
acquired don't seem to be of the class of Arsenal's signings, so unless they have
a surprise or two still to arrive, they might slip a place this season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">6th -
West Ham<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">With
last season's experience filed away, I reckon the Moyesiah will have enough
guile this time to get and stay ahead of a very average Man Utd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">7th -
Man Utd<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Who 's
this Lisandro Martinez, then? A bit of an unknown quantity this time round, as
Utd have a new boss with no prior Prem experience. After the honeymoon period,
I can't see them doing anything other than sliding further down the table. I'm
probably utterly wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A BIG
gap to..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">8th -
Newcastle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Unbridled
optimism has never been in short supply at the Barcodes, but this season there
is actually a basis for it, given their new owners' bottomless pockets and no
FFP to worry about for a couple of seasons. Surely Newcastle can't fuck up
having loads of money in the hilarious way Everton have? I think Eddie Howe has
it in him to take them to the next level, but the Saudis probably won't have
the patience. When they lose a couple of games, they might publically execute
him on the pitch, or chop his right hand off, or summat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">9th -
Fulham<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There's
always one promoted club who do better than expected, but Fulham, another club
with cash oozing out of every pore are probably actually expected to finish
about here, so...<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">10th -
Crystal Palace<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Patrick
Viera has got Palace playing decent football, which given their history of
lumpen prole hoofing is quite remarkable. Will be doing battle with their
monied rivals at Craven Cottage all season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There is
nothing to choose between the teams finishing 11th, 12th and 13th, I might as
well put them in alphabetical order. Oh... I have<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">11th -
Leicester City<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">12th -
Southampton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">13th -
Wolverhampton Wanderers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">14th -
Aston Villa<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yawn<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">15 -
Brighton & Hove Albion<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There's
a lot of teams in this thing, ain't there?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">16th -
Everton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It's
hard work being a Evertonian. Escaping relegation by the width of a toffee
wrapper last time, thanks mainly to some amazing home support in the last few
games, and of course Richarlison's goals, and Pickford's saves, I can't see
anything but another struggle this time. With no money to spend, so far we've
bought two players from a relegated team, sold our best player and not replaced
him so far. If DCL doesn't find his form, and quickly, we are well and truly
fucked. But there are three or four teams who look even worse on paper. It's
that hope thing again...<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">17th -
Brentford<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What are
they even doing here? Their average league position throughout their history is
10th in the old Third Division. However, given the woeful nature of the three
teams below, they'll escape on goal difference on the final day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">18th -
Bournemouth<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
season's yo-yo club are yo-yoing straight back down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">19th -
Leeds Utd<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">They had
two very good players last season. They've sold them both. Nuff said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">20th -
Nottingham Forest<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Looks
like they've bought and loaned an entire new team. A big risk. It won't pay
off.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Chumps
League - Look, I really don't care. To me, this is a fantasy competition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">FA Cup -
Look, I really don't care. To me, this is a fantasy competition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">League
Cup - Look, I really don't care. To me, this is a fantasy competition. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">And that was Roger as we know and love him, brimming with optimism
and waxing lyrically about his favoured sport…<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>This year I'm going to do my half a little differently, mainly because I fancy a change.</p><p><b>The Top 4: Man City, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea</b>.</p><p>In that order. It will be very little change but it might be a lot closer in points total. City have Haaland who appears to be able to score goals simply by farting at the ball; Liverpool has strengthened and they won't miss Mane and I think Tuchel at Chelsea<b> </b>will struggle to get consistency from his team and might possibly not be there at the end of next season.</p><p>Antonio Conte's busy transforming Spurs and I think the six signings so far are a great addition to the squad that now needs some trimming. I don't think they can challenge for the title, but they won't be that far behind and this season I think they might break a couple of their hoodoos.</p><p><b>5th to 7th: Man Utd, Arsenal, West Ham.</b></p><p>Ten Haag has done enough to set United back in the right direction, but it won't be plain sailing and they'll hit some bumpy patches. Arteta has done some interesting recruiting and the Arse will improve, but not enough and it will start to feel as though 6th is roughly what they'll get until the stagnation can be addressed properly. The Hammers are better than every team below them.</p><p><b>8th to 11th: Newcastle, Aston Villa, Leicester, Palace.</b></p><p>I'm reluctant putting the Bar Codes so high up because they haven't spent much and I think the three teams I have below them could easily finish 8th. Villa will see this as progress. Ted Rogers might see his star wane some more and Palace are better than every team below them.</p><p><b>12th to 17th: Wolves, Brighton, Brentford, Everton, Leeds, Fulham.</b></p><p>The only things I have to say about this is Everton are rubbish and have been fucked up by poor ownership, bad choices and spaffing too much money on bang average players. They will have a dreadful season, but I don't think they will flirt quite as dangerously with relegation this season. I also changed my mind about Fulham; I had them going down, but I've relented because they're stronger now than they were the two previous times they were in the top flight when I had them finishing mid table both times.</p><p><b>18th to 20th and Relegated: Southampton, Nottm Forest, </b><b>Bournemouth.</b></p><p>It will be a south coast disaster. Hassenhutl's luck will run out and Forest and Bournemouth won't have the quality over 38 games. These are the three teams that will score the least amount of goals and accrue the least amount of points, therefore they're all fucked. </p><p><b>Champions League: </b>I can't see any other team other than Spurs. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂</p><p><b>FA Cup: </b>I can't see any other team other than Spurs. 😂😂😂😂</p><p><b>League Cup: </b>I can't see any other team other than Spurs. 😂😂😂</p><p>* The higher amount of emojis the more unlikely I think it is</p><p>... And there you have it. Another year of being close-ish lies ahead. It would be nice if another 'Leicester Year' can be had, it shakes things up, but it's unlikely.</p>Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-73714485587217251372021-08-14T02:47:00.010-07:002021-08-14T02:47:48.426-07:00The Annual Football Predictions Blog 2021/22<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Annual Premier
League Predictions Blog 2021/22<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Last season, between Roger and me, we managed to pretty much
forecast an accurate picture of how we felt last season would end. There were
obviously the glaring mistakes, but in general we did okay, especially
considering we guessed our own teams’ finishing positions spot on, which is
both excellent and a little bit sad.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the twelve months since that blog; Spurs have lost their
arsehole and Everton’s manager proved to be an arsehole and now both teams
start a new season with new managers and little optimism. Liverpool have lost
their World Heritage standing, mainly because of the proposed Everton stadium
at the docks and Spurs lost £200million in unrecoverable income and fell, like
a stone, out of the top four and back into mid-table mediocrity. If the Toffees
learn anything from this season, it’s likely to be two-fold: 1) don’t waste
your money and years of the club’s time building a new stadium and 2) don’t
employ your biggest rival’s ex-manager, possibly a few years after his peak.
The similarities with Spurs are never-ending…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So… how do we see the forthcoming season unfolding?
Personally, and I expect Roger feels the same way, the enthusiasm, optimism and
hope we’ve both had at times over the last decade has almost completely
disappeared and the prospect of another long and potentially boring season is
very real. Here’s what I think:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1<sup>st</sup>: <b>Man
City</b> – especially if they sign Kane and Grealish. I don’t really have a
problem with Citeh the way I do United or Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, but
they’re proving that there’s no longer such a thing as a level playing field
and I expect they will run away with the title this season, even without world
class additions.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2<sup>nd</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chelsea</b>
– I don’t care where they finish as long as they don’t win any more trophies.
The Poor Man’s Man City is a dislikeable bunch of worthless cunts and I’d like
to see them lose every match they play in. They have overtaken Arsenal in my
personal hatred charts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3<sup>rd</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Man
Utd</b> – the Manchester dominance won’t continue, just. Good signings, Ole
getting the hang of managing a proper side and the ability to grind out enough
results to keep them in touch with the real challengers. They’re never going to
be what they were, at least not in my lifetime. Still good enough to stay in
the top 4 for the foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Liverpool</b>
– and so the top four is a repeat of last year. Liverpool peaked eighteen
months ago and have been overtaken by at least three teams; plus not a huge
amount has happened on the transfer front – running to stand still. Might win a
cup.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leicester</b>
– knocking on the door again and will be unlucky not to break into the top 4;
will suffer from their usual slumps at the most inconvenient times.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6<sup>th</sup>: There will be quite a gap between 5<sup>th</sup>
and 6<sup>th</sup> and for the first time in years I’m hard pressed to see a
finishing order for the lower European places. West Ham are in the Europa;
Spurs are in the Conference, Aston Villa have reinforced extremely well, but lost Grealish and Everton are again in transition and likely to play
extremely dull football to grind out results; so who is going to finish 6<sup>th</sup>?
Let’s have a punt on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leeds United</b>.
No Europe, good recruitment, top manager. I see a big improvement coming.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spurs</b>
– it pains me to forecast them so far down the table, but this is as optimistic
as I can get. I like Nuno Espirito Santo; I think he’s a nice guy. I don’t
expect he’ll see two years out, especially if Pochettino continues to be linked
with a return (although that depends on how far Spurs fall). I also suspect
Spurs will get through to the Europa Conference final – whether they win it or
not is another matter. It is a horrible time to be a fan of this team. They
have plummeted from contenders to has-beens in the space of two seasons and
that has been largely down to ENIC’s failure to invest in players when they
were needed and then being kicked in the teeth by COVID when they were ready to
make themselves lots of cash from the new stadium, American football, rock concerts
and boxing matches – football was always going to be low down that list, now…
Levy needs to spend some of those billions squirrelled away or simply sell up
and get a progressive owner in. Sad times but some encouraging signings and the
promise of getting rid of more deadwood and bringing a few youngsters through.
As long as we’re entertaining and challenging in a couple of cups, I don’t mind
a season of low expectations.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">8<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everton</b>
– I expect the same from the perennial underachievers of the 21<sup>st</sup> Century.
Benitez’s appointment is likely to be as successful as Mourinho at Spurs or
anyone at Celtic at the moment, which is damning but also probably accurate.
Their season was probably summed up the other morning when Rafa said that James
Rodriguez was surplus to requirements and should look for another club. This is
their only world class footballer and for a club mired in a child sex abuse
scandal with one of their other senior players, I expect things will only get
worse before they ever get better…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">9<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arsenal</b>
– they are in more of a decline than Spurs. The manager will be sacked by
Christmas and it will be an uphill struggle from then on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">10<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">West
Ham</b> – the Europa League will do them. A return to mediocrity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">11<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Aston
Villa</b> – even without Grealish they’re still almost capable of top half;
it’s whether their signings are as good as they’re believed to be. It’s a tough
league for the top 10 and they might just miss out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">12<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Crystal
Palace</b> – this will be seen as an improvement and a step in the right
direction for new boss Patrick Vierra.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">13<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wolves</b>
– new manager, poor recruitment; one wonders what the owners are thinking.
Probably enough to stay out of trouble.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">14<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southampton</b>
– the end of Hassenhutl and a season of struggle.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">15<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brentford
</b>– a valiant effort, will shock many teams at home; will do more than enough
to survive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">16<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brighton</b>
– Graham Potter is touted as a great upcoming manager; Brighton will play nice
football and still struggle all season.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">17<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Newcastle</b>
– skin of their arses time. Bruce will somehow manage to keep his job all
season.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">18<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Burnley</b>
– Dyche’s swansong? It’s time this team’s luck ran out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">19<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Norwich</b>
– as doomed as they were last time; likely to have lost their best players by
the time the season really gets going.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">20<sup>th</sup>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Watford</b>
– doomed. End of. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">FA Cup: Rotherham<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">League Cup: Wycombe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Champions League: Lokomotiv Plovdiv<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Europa League: Wales<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Europa Conference: The Moldovan Figure Skating Movement.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And now for Roger’s effort. I call it an effort although he
didn’t put much into it. However, where I have eschewed humour for a more
serious approach this season, he’s filled in the void left…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">***<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I can't remember being less enthusiatic about a new football
season than for the forthcoming round of predictable fare, for, well forever.
My lot have finally had FFP caught up with them, and after 5 years and now 6
managers, the ability to spend has been severely curtailed by the regulations.
In a close season when the usual suspects continue to spaff cash at players
without a care in the world, Everton, once a big club in the increasingly dim
distant past, are now going to be slugging it out for a top half finish with
the also-rans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The way FFP "works", it seems to me to be a fairly
pointless exercise as the gap between the Big Six and the rest gets ever wider,
making bridging that gap more and more difficult for once big players like
Everton. I am coming to the conclusion that the Euro Super League thing should
be allowed to go ahead. At least it would give our league some genuine
excitement. Still, it could be worse, I could support the Cobblers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1st - Man Utd - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Look, it would be too easy to say Citeh, again. Utd have spaffed
well, and I fancy them to give it a right go.</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2nd - Man City - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">They have probably spaffed in fine fashion too, but I can't be
bothered to check. Even real Citeh fans must be getting bored by now, surely?</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3rd - Chelsea - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">That Tuchel fella looks like he knows what he's doing. I fancy
Roman to blow his face off with a sawn-off shotgun as the culmination of a
bloodbath in Knightsbridge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4th - Leicester - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This time, they'll get their noses in front of the Shite. He
hopes....</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">5th - Liverpool - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fuckity fuckity fuck...</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">6th - Arsenal - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">With an average squad age of 13, the Gooners could find those late
night matches hard to cope with. Expect them to be top at some point, and then
lose 5 on the trot. As per normal, then.</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">7th/8th/9th/10th - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Perm any combination of Spurs, Villa, Leeds, Everton. I'm afraid
West Ham will slide back into the anonymous middle bit, now they've got away
fixtures in Ulan Bator on Thursday nights to contend with.</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This middle bit makes me want to go for a shit. I really don't
care.</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Will Brentford stay up? No. Neither will Watford or Narch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Cup - Aston Villa</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">League Cup - Aston Villa<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Right... now to go and do something useful, like string my </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">ukulele</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">***</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And that's all they wrote. Who will be closer to the truth? Last season it was just about a tie.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-52691469221545148252020-09-11T07:48:00.004-07:002020-09-11T07:48:53.869-07:00The 2020/21 Premier League Predictions Show (Part 17)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s that time again – except it isn’t, that time is usually
the beginning of August rather than when autumn starts throwing shitty sticks
at everyone. As usual, myself and my dear friend Roger have wasted everyone’s
time with our pointless tallywacker – it’s just a bit of fun, ennit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2020/21 Premier
League Predictions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1<sup>st</sup> Man
City</b> – I think City will pip a four-way title race, probably with a game to
spare and with considerably less points than recent years; this is going to be
the season about the best managers with the most even squads and the top four
will have those squads. Pep’s guile will see them through. They will be dynamic
at times, but beatable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Liverpool</b> – I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re there or thereabouts for the
entire season without ever being in pole position. Some teams will suss them
out after a season of playing them; tactics will change against them and they
will be less effective. Due an injury crisis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3<sup>rd</sup> Man
Utd</b> – there will be times when you think you’re watching the United of old
and there will be the times when a serious title challenge looks a million
miles away. They will lead for periods, but never look like winning. Solskjaer
might struggle to get them as consistent as their fans would hope and that will
continue to haunt him when ‘better’ managers get linked with his job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4<sup>th</sup> Chelsea</b>
– the inexperience will matter and despite extensive investment, Lampard will
lose out to Solskjaer in the race for just 3<sup>rd</sup> place. They will
evoke memories of the past by leading the pack at times, but that will be the
nature of the beast next season, I think. The top four teams of last season are
still way ahead of the chasing pack and they’ve all done business or probably
have enough in reserve to go another season without being seriously threatened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5<sup>th</sup> Arsenal</b>
– that said, Woolwich has done good business, I expect they will believe for
long periods of the season that a top four place might be achievable,
especially if one of those above falter, but I believe they will always be at
least two wins away from catching the tail, however, this season they will (sadly)
be too good for the chasing pack. Woolwich fans will be able to brag that
they’re in a league of their own…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6<sup>th</sup> Wolves</b>
– There will be no European football next season for Wolves and you would think
that would play into their hands perfectly, but the race for the last European
spot will have heated up more than ever and they will end up hoping one of the
teams above win a cup or two, if they can’t squeeze into the last place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7<sup>th</sup> Tottenham</b>
– And there you have it – not 8th. That’s the level of confidence I have in my
team and their poisonous has been of a manager. Nothing that has happened
pre-season to make me think we have a foreskin’s chance at a circumcision of
winning anything – Hojbjerg is an average alternative to what we already had,
but at least it will shake things up. The imminent arrival of Wolves’ Matt
Doherty at right back does little to inspire when rivals are splashing £50m on
their own full back, but he does have form. Oh and… Joe Hart… FFS – who is already
claiming he’s better than Hugo Lloris. I don’t believe we will play attractive
football, we will draw far too many matches and be picked apart by far more
adventurous teams. The hunger and passion has evaporated and we don’t see
anywhere near enough of the dazzling attacking play that made us so dangerous.
It will be a season of deep disappointment scarred by pointless defeats,
humiliating cup exits and a growing clamour for the removal of the manager who,
of course, will blame everything on someone else. Will he be sacked? It may
happen if we’re mid-table and out of the EFL and Europa cups, but it depends on
how much it will cost penny-pinching Daniel Levy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8<sup>th</sup> Everton</b>
– is the spiritual brother of Spurs - so much potential and yet so little
achievement. Everton’s problem is they have a great manager and a disjointed,
unbalanced squad with far too many average players. A huge amount of investment
is needed and the ability to attract top players to their side. They need
quality in most positions and I don’t see them getting it, just yet, however
the signings of Dacoure, Allan and Hammez Rodriguez could be just what they
need to get the ball rolling. They might, as I always predict, confound
expectations and win a cup.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9<sup>th</sup>
Leicester</b> – This will be a disappointing year for Brendan ‘3-2-1’ Rodgers
because they just won’t be good enough to maintain the chase, especially with
Europa Cup involvement and a reasonably untested squad of fringe players. Vardy
might not shine as bright and I can heads dropping.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10<sup>th</sup> Southampton</b>
– this will be classed as an achievement, but only just. The Saints will finish
last in the top 10 race, but they will have a cushion over the bottom half of
the table, which will, at times, have been as tight as the top. They’ll beat
teams above and below, but not enough to progress the way their manager
probably would expect. They need to spend money and convince players to join.
Tough call.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">11<sup>th</sup> Leeds</b>
– Speaking of tough calls: what Leeds will return to the Premier League? Will
it be the slick team that threatened the Champions League in 2000 or the one
that sank without a trace in 2004? Marcelo Bielsa is a bit of a legend amongst
other managers and this team with its youth and fearlessness will be
interesting to watch. I expect they will do enough to never be threatened, too
much, with relegation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">12<sup>th</sup>
Burnley</b> – It might be time for Sean Dyche to see if he really is a top
manager and to do that he needs to be offered a better job. What he achieves
with his – on paper – average side harks back to Allardyce turning Bolton into
players. This coming season they will have to settle for second best of the
rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">13<sup>th</sup> West
Ham</b> – David Moyes probably isn’t the man to take this club forward and I
kind of expect Eddie Howe to take over by Christmas and that would be a good
fit. They will be little more than makeweights and will be fearful of losing
their top players to better clubs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">14<sup>th</sup> Sheffield
Utd</b> – forecasting second season syndrome is like shooting fish in a barrel,
but many have confounded the experts and done well. The Blades need to stay in
the top flight and survival is key. Their debut season was beyond expectations,
but this year the board will just be happy to be in the mix for a third season
in the elite. Chris Wilder, like Dyche, is a manager with a growing reputation,
he might need to leave his beloved club to realise that potential.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">15<sup>th</sup>
Crystal Palace</b> – Will always find what they need to avoid being dragged
into a relegation battle while always being on the fringes of it. They need to
score goals. This could be Woy’s swan song. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">16<sup>th</sup> Fulham</b>
– the bane of my predicting life, them and QPR. I expect Scott Parker’s job
this season is not to repeat the last time they were in the top flight and to
ensure they get a second consecutive one. Will play some good football and pull
off a shock or two (probably against Spurs), but will have long periods of
nothing going right for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">17<sup>th</sup> Brighton</b>
– Perm any three from four; these will be one of the teams that will ping-pong
between the bottom places and minimum safety all season – the bottom will be as
tight as the top at times. They will have enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">18<sup>th</sup> Newcastle</b>
– The Bar Codes might find the more even playing field they had gifted to them
last season might be a tad more difficult this. Unlikely to sign anyone with
real quality, they will slowly drift into the drop zone more through inability
to get points in key matches than through being really poor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">19<sup>th</sup> Aston
Villa</b> – out of their depth and out of time, although a prime candidate to
become the new boomerang side. The thing is they do have an advantage over
teams with higher aspirations; they are Aston Villa and they’ve been champions
of England and Europe inside the lifetime of many; whether they’re sleeping
giants or decomposing relics is a tough one, but they won’t have enough to beat
the drop this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">20<sup>th</sup> West
Brom</b> – I fear I won’t be the only person who puts WBA at the bottom of the
heap. I do believe that all of the bottom 8 clubs will be involved in a
relegation battle at some point all season, but I fear the Albion might not
have the staying power and when the going gets tough they could do a Norwich.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FA Cup – Man Utd<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
League Cup – Everton<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Champions League – Bayern Munich<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Europa League – Arsenal (just to rub Spurs’ fans noses in it
some more)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cobblers – 17<sup>th</sup> but safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stenhousemuir – 5<sup>th</sup> and battling for a play-off
shot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, down the road in Shoesville...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Football under Covid restrictions without crowds is like the
skiing down Pavonis Mons. There’s no atmosphere, and the end is never in sight.
Still it’s better than no footy at all I suppose. The tiny gap between last
season and this one means I have approximately five minutes to get this done,
which gives me a better excuse than usual for my wayward predictions. Here
goes…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1<sup>st</sup> - Man
City</b> – It’s them or the unmentionables, as those two are still way ahead of
the rest, so I have to hope that Pep is sufficiently riled by the runaway
success of them in Red down the East Lancs road, that he can steer Citeh back
to the summit. Of the two title contenders Citeh have more strength in depth,
is my more logical assumption. Even so, £41m for Nathan Ake?! Wotdefook?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Liverpool</b> – Like Citeh, they have made very few additions, and shipped a
few out, so it’s as you were. They are a couple of injuries away from having
their burgeoning ambitions checked. I hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3<sup>rd</sup>
Chelsea </b>– Of the top half clubs in this list, only two clubs have made
significant additions, and in addition Chelsea have spent more than anyone.
With no pre-season, it remains to be seen how those additions work out, but on
that basis, and just to vary my top 4 from Phil’s, I predict 3<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4<sup>th</sup> Man
Utd</b> – Got better as the season went on, stopped, and eventually stuttered
over the line. The season, not Utd. I reckon they will keep up the improvement,
but I don’t think they have enough quality to go higher than 4<sup>th</sup>. A
largish gap to 5<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5<sup>th</sup>
Arsenal</b> – In transfer terms, the Arse have long been stingier than their
more famously tight-fisted neighbours, but looking at their acquisitions, they
have done some canny business. This time their Chelsea cast-off looks like a
steal. Willian has more class in his pinky than that perennially overrated
lummox with the excessive hair at the back. Plus, they can’t be a crap as last
season, surely?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6<sup>th</sup>
Everton</b> – Yes, it’s another stupidly hopeful punt for my lot. Last season,
Everton’s slothful excuse for a midfield were practising social distancing
before it was a thing, only their safe measure was about 15 metres, leaving
massive holes for any opposition with its wits about it to exploit at will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However… Everton are second only to Chelsea in
squad-altering acquisitions this term, and if (it’s a big if), Rodriguez,
Allan, and Dacoure gel quickly, we have a decent team. Nowt in the way of back
up, as most of last season’s deadwood is still here. Our wage bill must be
eye-watering, and I wonder how we will get under the FFP radar, if my daft
prediction of 6<sup>th</sup>, and thereby European qualification comes true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first game is away to Spuds, and crap as they might be,
on their ground we are worse, as we haven’t won at WHL (is it still called
that?) since 1806. It’s the hope that kills you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7<sup>th</sup>
Tottenham</b> – Unable or unwilling to throw enough money at the team when they
reached the lofty heights of successive Chumps League qualification to turn
them into true Championship contenders, an inevitable gradual decline has since
set in. When [one of] your big signing[s] is Joe Hart on a free, the measure of the club’s
current ambition is clear for all to see. That lovely new stadium is going to
take some paying off, it seems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They will still beat us in the opening fixture though, that
is almost guaranteed. And they might win a cup.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8<sup>th</sup> Wolves</b>
– Another more than decent team with a charismatic manager, but I suspect they
have hit a ceiling. Ask Spurs what happens then – ennui sets in and it all goes
a bit “meh”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9<sup>th</sup>
Leicester</b> – Vardy ain’t getting any younger is he?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is where it gets a tad difficult. Everything down to 9<sup>th</sup>
is fairly obvious (pretend you didn’t see Everton in there), but below that it
is a lottery. It will be as tight as Cher’s face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10<sup>th</sup> Leeds</b>
– The safe bet is that Southampton are the best of the rest, but I fancy Leeds,
who will either hit these dizzy heights or go straight back down again, such is
the unknown quantity factor. Unlike Phil, I know nowt about their manager, but
it seems he is fawned over by llamas back home. He seems a bit mad, which is always
good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">11<sup>th</sup> –
Burnley</b> – This one really depends if Sean Dyche isn’t tempted by a bigger
club who need saving from relegation round about mid-season, whenever that is,
with the prospect of better things to come. Newcastle, maybe, if they have
finally unburdened themselves of Mike Ashley. If Dyche goes they could fall
faster than the UK’s current international reputation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">12<sup>th</sup>
Southampton</b> – I like Ralph Hassenhutl (I had to look up how to spell his
surname, I admit!). He’s like Klopp’s sane brother. Maybe that’s the problem,
he’s a little too safe. As for the club, they’re another one that without
significant investment will never be more than makeweights. I wonder how their
pre-season management planning meetings go? It must be difficult raising excitement
levels above a sleepy torpor. I recommend Ralph turns up in lederhosen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">13<sup>th</sup> West
Ham</b> – The best of the also-rans. Moyes does what Moyes does best. No
surprises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">14<sup>th</sup>
Crystal Palace</b> – Under Woy, Palace have put in a trademark application for
14<sup>th</sup>. This assumes Zaha stays, and stays relatively injury-free. If
he goes, probably three or four places lower.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">15<sup>th</sup>
Fulham</b> – This high only due to the size of the owner’s wallet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">16<sup>th</sup>
Sheffield Utd</b> – They might be lucky to stay up, but I’ll give them 16<sup>th</sup>,
through the sheer force of will of their boss. Can’t see a repeat of last
year’s unexpected heights, as they lack the surprise factor this time round.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">17<sup>th</sup> Aston
Villa</b> – I have always had a soft spot for the Villains, them being the
other half of the oldest and most played top flight fixture. Dean Smith is an
identikit “tough guy” English boss, in the manner of Dyche. It may be only his
strength of character that keeps them up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">18<sup>th</sup>
Brighton</b> – Like Southampton only worse. Would give their fish’n’chip suppers
to be that average.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">19<sup>th</sup>
Newcastle</b> – I used to laugh at the Barcodes, a club and a fanbase with
delusions of grandeur, yet they have won diddly in my lifetime, apart from
maybe a Fairs Cup? Now, I just feel sorry for them. “Mike Ashley is a cunt”
must be the most repeated phrase of any Barcode, now being shouted on every
street corner in Toon after the much anticipated Saudi takeover went tits up,
possibly because the sheikhs couldn’t countenance subsidising a man who probably
aspires to a similar or worse human rights record. Until the fat controller
sells up, you can’t see them progressing at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s amazing they have kept hold of Joelinton (so far,
there’s still time), the one bright spark in a stripey sludge of average. The
only other thing that would keep them up, apart from a takeover, is the roar of
50000 Geordies at every home game. With no prospect of that for the
foreseeable, they are royally fucked, m’lud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">20<sup>th</sup> West
Brom</b> – If ever a club has “bottom” stamped on its arse as the door slams on
it, it’s West Brom, a club who aspire to be dour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FA Cup – Spurs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
League Cup – Spurs under-12s<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no opinion on other trophies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Cobblers – lucky to stay up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that concludes the vote from the English ones.</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-63069939136081078642020-03-30T03:40:00.002-07:002020-03-30T03:40:35.539-07:00Filling the VoidI gave up on Football Manager a few years ago. I had a rubbish old computer and playing a season almost felt like actually playing a season. My PC had the minimum requirements to run the game effectively (but I had to pare back on leagues and the number of players), albeit slower than a snail racing a sloth over molasses.<br />
<br />
About six months before the apocalypse, I purchased a new home computer. I'm old, I wanted something I could sit at a desk and use; so none of these tablets or modern mobile phone rubbish, I wanted something to remind me that I'm a product of the 20th century.<br />
<br />
To treat myself, I bought last year's Football Manager. I spent a few hours updating the editor ensuring the first season I played was going to be as close to how it looked as possible. The game, a vastly different thing to FM14, the last time I purchased it, was tough to get the feel of and I had several aborted starts while I got the hang of it. I also decided not to cheat, even if it meant losing to Arsenal (which hasn't happened so far).<br />
<br />
I started the 2019/20 season at the end of February. The major things I did was sell Ben Davies, Moussa Sissoko and Heung Min Son. The first was out of choice, the second the board took the option to sell away from me, selling the Korean for £60million + add-ons, without me having a say in the matter. How lifelike was this new game? Son broke a leg in City's third game of the season.<br />
<br />
To make matters worse, five days before the transfer deadline Levy sold Alderweireld for £61m to Man Utd and wouldn't let me send Ledley King on an extensive Continental A licence course. He did allow me to buy Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus for £30m and I took a gamble on a number of young inexperienced players to act as backup for key positions. Top signing was Toni Lato, an 18-year-old Italian left back, who was bought with 3½ star potential and quickly turned into a superstar when Rose kept getting sent off. His rating shot up to a potential of 5 stars and he was playing at 4 stars by the end of the season, relegating an argumentative and bitter Danny Rose to the U23 squad and being transfer listed.<br />
<br />
Borja Emeterio was signed as a backup for Aurier (who performs consistently well in FM, remarkably), Miguel Baeza was brought in for small beans to cover Lucas and for a laugh, I popped over to Brazil to see if I could take long-time FM superstar Gabriel Batista on loan, to double up on all attacking midfield positions. I was not only amazed I got him, but I managed to get a £35m buy-out. I also attempted to find a promising midfielder and settled on Claudio Gomez from one of Spanish giants; more so in this than any previous game you see the need for attracting top scouts. Gomez came to me on loan with a 5 star recommendation, but was actually on 2½ after assessment from the coaching staff - the game recommended I terminate the loan deal because the player was not good enough.<br />
<br />
I then played <i>this</i> season.<br />
<br />
Six games in an Man U were top with six wins from six and we were second with five wins and a draw. Then we got thumped 4-1 at Southampton and lost at home to Man City and slumped down to 8th. This was only the 2nd of what would turn out to be a total of 5 defeats all season, including defeats to Real Madrid and Spartak Moscow in the Champs League and defeat in the FA Cup QF to Everton.<br />
<br />
Spurs won the league by 1 point, beating Man City in the penultimate game of the season at the Etihad to go above them with just a win at home to Watford to guarantee us the title. Kane scored a hat trick as Spurs beat the Hornets 3-0 to win their first Premier League. I also had won the League Cup beating Leicester 3-1 and the Champions League beating Chelsea also 3-1. A treble in my first season (and Everton won the Europa League even though I wasn't aware they'd qualified for it and the Arse finished 8th).<br />
<br />
I felt an enormous amount of weirdness to be honest. My biggest criticism of FM is that once you understand how the game worked it was easy to win even without cheating; whatever algorithms they use - in game - always seem weighted to winning. In FM14, I took Northampton from League Two to the Premier League and a 6th place finish before actually having a lousy season and getting relegated (and then losing interest...). It would appear that even modern versions of the game allow people who know what they're doing find it easier. Like the random button on MP3 players; just how random is 'random'?<br />
<br />
Equally; how long before I would have grown bored with this new game had my FM version of Spurs become as uninteresting as the real life version? "How's the game? Oh, I finished 12th, lost my striker to Man U and won fuck all again; it was great." Is not something to inspire you to keep Football Manager in business.<br />
<br />
Three days ago, I started next season. Lato's out with a broken leg, meaning I had to buy a player. I got Kurasawa from PSG for £22m and he's going to give me a hard time. because 9 games into his first season he's angling for a new contract. I dumped Gomez back to Barca and was amazed to find I could buy Jadon Sancho from Dortmund for £20m, so I did, even though the fans think it was a stupid decision, he's scored five goals in his six games. Parrot is now in the main squad and has fantastic potential even if he's acting like a spoiled shit. Foyth's improvement has been positive as I didn't think he would make the grade and two apprentices have been promoted to the main squad because they're too good not to: Noel Willock was literally the perfect replacement for Eriksen, even if he's only 16 and Baz Chumley is an 18-year-old centre midfielder, who the coaches feel could be world class (I don't think either of these exist in the real world).<br />
<br />
Nine matches in and we're 4th, in a six way battle, with two points dividing everyone. We've won 6 and drawn 3 and are currently on a 38 match unbeaten streak in the league. Levy, despite the success, is still giving me a hard time with budgets and I'd say 80% of the problems I've had with unhappy players have been down to the chairman; either not allowing players to have improved contracts or simply selling players without asking me (and then in the manager appraisal Levy tells me the fans thought selling Toby was bad business!). One tip for aspiring future players; a player's potential and ability will drop if you consistently don't offer them a new contract, even if you want to. Levy only wants to pay Lucas Moura what his potential says, which means, despite being a key member of the team, I have a ceiling which the chairman will not allow me to go above, even if I fiddle with the budgets. It's like the game knows Levy is renowned for this kind of thing...<br />
<br />
If only real football could be as easy as FM, eh?<br />
<br />
Stay safe, footballing chums.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-72501709546907723482019-08-10T02:07:00.002-07:002019-08-10T02:07:37.289-07:00The 2019/2020 Football Predictions<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s that time of the year again when both the big noses
indulge themselves in crystal ball gazing. I’ll kick off with my predictions
and then Roger will sidle up to my Word document, whisper sweet nothings at it
while defecating all over the keyboard. Yes, football’s back (if you don’t
count the Women’s World Cup, Europa and Champs league preliminaries, Scottish
football and various U19, U21 and U23 tournaments all shown on cable). Yay,
football is baaaaack...<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manchester City:</b>
Two points. Firstly, this lad Rodri they’ve bought. In 9 months football
pundits will look at you in disgust if you mention Rodri and Fernandinho in the
same sentence; the Spanish lad will be revered, you watch. Secondly, if Phil
Foden is as good as Pep reckons... Let’s put it this way, I don’t think
Liverpool will have as good a season as they did last year; I do think Citeh
will, possibly even improving by a fraction or two. Strength up and down the
team, the only person not unduly worried by the seeming lack of central
defenders is the manager – speaks volumes that. 1<sup>st</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tottenham</b>: I have
this feeling, now that Daniel Levy has spent some money, that this could be a
big improvement on last season, which is needed as it felt a little like the
end of an era at times. The new guys – Tanguy Ndombele, Ryan Sessignon and
Giovanni Lo Celso all have potential for bigger and better things and with
barely anyone leaving of note, Spurs can at least enter the season with a far
bigger squad able to contend with injuries. I expect fewer defeats, more
commanding displays and a closer gap between them and the two above them. I
expect Eriksen will go by the end of the European transfer window, but if he
doesn’t he needs to knuckle down and treat every game like a game he’s up for
because he disappears far too quickly and can often win games, but more often
appears to be carried. I would like to see Spurs win something, but to do that
now needs more investment than sheer luck, but win something, install a
‘winning mentality’ and they could well push on. The stadium, sponsorship and
all manner of deals done outside of football suggests the team is ready to
properly join the top 4 club, that means winning something; usually something
big – probably not this season. 2<sup>nd</sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Liverpool</b>: Will
still be there or thereabouts, but more likely the latter. A few teams will
start to work out how this side play and there’s going to be a complacency
problem at times, oh and the exhaustion of having to play up to 67 games
between the Community Shield and possibly an attempt at retaining their
Champions League trophy. That is pretty much two games a week. There is also
going to be pressure to take the lesser cups more seriously; I don’t know who
from, probably journalists, but I think momentum thru progression is expected
and I feel, ultimately, it might be another nearly season. 3<sup>rd</sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arsenal</b>: It must
have been extremely perplexing to Spurs fans to see Arsenal so busy in the
transfer window and them only playing Thursday Night Football in Europe – but
an overhaul was probably, like Spurs, long overdue. I really believe Emery’s
task this year is to return to Wenger ways – top 4 at all cost. It’s
uninspiring and a little defeatist and I wonder what Arsenal fans must think of
a club that appears to treat top 4 as a trophy, of sorts. Let’s face it, at the
moment you’re going to have to be very good to take on Man City and Arsenal are
still rebuilding and some way behind Liverpool and their rivals Spurs. I find
it weird that I should be urging Arse fans to accept it has to be baby steps to
begin with. That said, they’re going to emerge from the pack this season not
based on inspiring football, but because everyone around them is heading for a
season of crisis. 4<sup>th</sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chelsea</b>: For
Frank Lampard going to one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i>
clubs so soon in his managerial career means one thing: succeed, or fail:
quicker, more miserably than any other manager and seriously curtail your
career. I’m sure he’s not short of a few bob, but Chelsea are that Football
Manager Players’ dream/nightmare: having to play with the team you signed up
for and not being able to do any transfers. I think he’ll have moments; Roman
will stay calm and eventually, like last season they’ll end up in a position
that looked unlikely for most of the season. I think, providing it doesn’t all
go tits up quickly, he’ll be given some time. Maybe Chelsea fancy creating the
next Pep? 5<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manchester United</b>:
Which brings us to the third club that’s going to have a crisis on the pitch:
in Man Utd’s case it will be similar to Ole’s first season; great start and
then players were found wanting and ones who got reprieved from this season’s
cull will be in line next. They will still be thereabouts and might even win a
cup, just to remind everyone that while they’re not the best team in
Manchester, they’re still better than most of the others. As for Paul Pogba;
I’m really sure he brings something to the game, but in the four or five times
I saw Man Utd play last season, he was less effective than Charlie Adam. 6<sup>th</sup>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everton</b>: Let’s
face it, like Spurs wanting to finish about Arsenal, before anything else;
Everton would like to be alpha males again and this season has to be the first
signs of evidence they’re heading for that region. I’m not sure what they’d do
if this season doesn’t see an improvement or even if they can do it? Spurs are
only in that elite group by gatecrashing the party with some great football,
even if they once didn’t splash the cash. The Toffees are at that stage and have
been at for what seems like forever. Lots more expectation than hope in their
fans’ camp but a general feeling of not knowing how they can break the top 6.
This season it’s about beating Wolves and Leicester into 7<sup>th</sup> and I
think they’ve done enough to make people think they might stand a chance, they
need a good start and have completely revamped their team, so I’m not convinced
they’ll hit the ground running, but I think they have enough. 7<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wolves</b>: Despite
an excursion into Europa League mayhem, I don’t think that will be too much of
a problem for Wolves and it could be believed they’d think a top six position
was more than capable and not be happy without one. Outside the top 6 is all
they’re capable of at the moment. In 2020 football, 7<sup>th</sup> is almost a
new 1<sup>st</sup>, because it gives the best team in the rest of a chance to
feel better about themselves and it occasionally allows the team to have less
holiday so they can play in the Faroe Islands in July while all their mates, at
other clubs, are still on the beach sending you pictures of their arses. This
is as far as Wolves can progress without an oligarch, Arab or insane American
prepared to throw a billion at the club. 8<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leicester</b>: would
like to finish 7<sup>th</sup> as, logically, it’s as good as it’s ever going to
get after the euphoria of winning the league. I think this season it’s simply
going to be a case of they could be heading for the potential of becoming the
new Everton, which given how close the teams are, sounds really like damning
with faint praise. 3-2-1’s Brendan Rogers has a lot on his plate trying to
convince richer clubs he deserves another crack at the big time and taking on a
team like the Foxes proves he’s got a couple of big sweaty balls. 9<sup>th</sup>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">West Ham</b>: are
scum and I should hate them. I mean, we have a rivalry with our rivals;
someone, somewhere seems to have invented this rivalry between Spurs and the
Hammers. First I’d heard of it was a few years ago and I’m not against wishing
them well; far more than Arsenal or Chelsea and because the wife supports them.
They have a good manager, who like Woy Hodgson won’t let you down until he does.
They’ve spent money again: often West Ham transfer windows look like a kid
playing Football Manager. Ooh, he looks good. Buy him. The problem now is, are
there any teams outside the top six you can see going on an unbeaten run for
ten or fifteen matches? This lot are scum and I should hate them. 10<sup>th</sup>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Watford</b>: in the
current scheme of things, this lot are probably the last of the obvious choices
to play in the little mini-league between 7<sup>th</sup> and 12<sup>th</sup>.
The Italian owners do have ambitions for this club, they simply don’t have the
money to ensure those ambitions are anything other than token. Watford often
feel like they should be a team I should like, because of it being in
Hertfordshire, but they’ve often just been one of the teams making up the
numbers, much like they are now. 11<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Burnley</b>: are
probably never going to recreate their form of a few years ago, which saw them
qualify for Europe, that go horribly wrong and have a massive impact on the subsequent
league season. I’m not sure fans of middling Premier League teams want to cut
short their summer holidays to watch Burnley versus HB Torshavn. Sean Dyke
lives near Northampton; I always thought he sounded like he was local to me...
Imagine him wearing a pink leotard, carpet slippers and nipple clamps, it makes
knowing Burnley are staying in the EPL a little less painful. 12<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Crystal Palace</b>:
essentially what I wrote for Watford but with more speech impediments and the
letter W. 7-12<sup>th</sup> is a success, of sorts, for owners and keeps the
price reasonable should they decide to pass the baton on to another mug who
doesn’t realise the club has no heritage and isn’t really even in London.
They’ll win the race to avoid relegation by March. 13<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southampton</b>: Joe
90’s evil Austrian twin will get bragging rights and permission to wear the
glasses this year. Evil Austrian Twin might realise the actual chances of
Southampton bucking the growing trend (of big clubs and also rans) and wonder
what it’s like to manage a club with more prospects than EPL stability. Saints
want top 4, Ralf can say ‘there’s a four in where we finished’. Saints fans
should be holding street parties, in streets. Something else. Blah blah blah.
14<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Aston Villa</b>: I
kind of think this could be one of the one or two glaring errors or unexpected
survival stories of the season, or something that involves words, in some kind
of order. Are Villa this year’s Fulham (as in they’ve replaced the entire team
with people you’ve never heard of like a pot head in a sweet shop)? Has the
club spunked too much of its junk on a load of shite? Would 15<sup>th</sup> be
regarded as some kind of success? No? Okay. 15<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bournemouth:</b> I
think Bournemouth are better than we think and I really like their manager, Joe
90 [Put a pair of NHS specs on him, shut your eyes and you’re almost there] The
thing about this team is they actually look quite comfortable in the Premier
League and have almost reached the position where people who still remember
Bradford Park Avenue being a league team are even getting used to them being
where they are rather than with Ted MacDougal and his 4<sup>th</sup> Division goal
scoring feats... That said, there will probably only be four teams below them.
16<sup>th</sup> <span style="background: #0084FF; color: white; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 4.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Norwich</b>: Delia
crying tears of gravy. Gingerbread men swooping off the terraces of Carrow
Road. Mustard gas used on innocent Stewart White. Yes. Yes. Yes yes and just
about, missus. 17<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Newcastle</b>: ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha 18<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brighton</b>: It was
a toss-up between this lot and the lot I went with for bottom and I obviously
don’t follow this lot, but when they got rid of Antony Knockaert, I kind of
wondered if I’d missed something about football as he was pretty much
Brighton’s most inventive and dangerous player last year and therefore, based
on that knowledge that I have, I reckon this lot will be this season’s
Huddersfield, but not as bad. 19<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sheffield United</b>:
I had a brief flirtation with the Blades in the early 1970s. I was
disillusioned supporting Spurs and the Blades had got promoted, were briefly at
the top of the league and [players names from then] was or were [something] etc
etc etc. Blah blah blah valiant performances. Blah blah blah great supporters.
Blah blah blah fans singing ‘can we play you every week’ to Spurs when they
record their only wins of the season, twice in the league and in both cups.
Mauricio Pochettino said, “Thank fuck they didn’t play in the Champions
League.” 20<sup>th</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FA CUP: Man City</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
League Cup: Man City</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The EFL Vanarama Rumbelows Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: Man
City U21s</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Champions League: Man City</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Europa League: Wolves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Championship Winners: Derby</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cobblers to finish 9<sup>th</sup> (or maybe 19<sup>th</sup>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the Roger for the weather in his own unique way...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arsenal - 3rd<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The expensive winger will be absorbed into the Arsenal murk
of big wins followed by inexplicable losses. Top sometime in November, followed
by the inevitable wobble. They're an odd bunch, the Gooners. Will sleepwalk
into 3rd, given Chelsea's transfer woes, Spuds stingyness, and Utd's
ordinariness. A hundred miles off 2nd, mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Aston Villa - 16th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's good to see The Villans back in the top flight, and it
resurrects the most played top flight fixture too. The only promoted side to
borrow and spend heavily against the Prem TV money, will their scattergun
transfer policy/gamble pay off? As an Everton fan I know only too well that
signing everything that moves below the radar of the big hitters rarely works,
but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. There's no cow in Bovril... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AFC Bournemouth -
15th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the clubs beginning with B (ignore the AFC affectation,
if you please) will struggle, but Eddie Howe's lot are the best of that bunch
by a decent distance. At some point he'll go to a bigger club, and then the
Cherries will be well and truly pipped, but until then they'll survive by the
width of a deckchair. Where the Bs end up is anyone's guess, but none of them
higher than 15th is my punt. You'd get decent odds for all three Bs getting
relegated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brighton - 20th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See Bournemmouth... only much worse. I like Chris Houghton,
but his team are anonymous, and hopeless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Burnley - 18th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See Brighton... only not quite as bad. Sean Dyche belongs in
the Championship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chelsea - 7th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Losing Hazard is so obviously a massive blow for the most
disliked club in London, and combined with a transfer ban means it wil be
difficult if not impossible for Chelsea to improve on last season, especiallly
with a new and unproven manager. Frank Jnr may well do a Solksjaer, and start off
with the speed of John Terry hastily leaving a team mate's wife in a hotel
room, but will The Czar have the guts to sack a fan favourite when he's lost 6
in a row over Xmas? Yes, he will, obviously. #freezouma ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Crystal Palace - 13th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Holding on to Zaha, even a disgruntled Zaha is enough to
secure Woy mid twable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everton - 6th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another turbulent summer in the transfer market has seen my
lot have a massive dump of unwanted players - 23 at the last count - left by
the disastrous Koeman/Walsh/Fat Sam era, and make some decent signings, but the
loss of Gueye and Zouma (unlikely we will get him in January now Luis has been
shipped out) may prove critical to our chances of improving on last season.
Moise Kean (with a name like that he had to sign for us, didn't he?) although
only 19 sounds like a great buy, and hopefully a fruitful partnership with DCL
awaits. In my never humble opinion we dodged an £80m-sized bullet by not
landing Zaha, a ridiculous price for an intermittently good player prone to
hissy fits and injury. Iwobi at less than half the price may be bargain of the
summer.<br />
However, it's all very well scoring 15 more goals than last year, but if we let
in 15 more, it hardly matters. The position of main defensive midfielder is one
where age and experience always have it over youth and enthusiasm, and although
23-year old Jean-Phillipe Gbamin may turn out to be the best defensive
midfielder since Roy Keane, a direct Gueye replacement he ain't - yet. No replacement
for Zouma means we are light in the CB positions, as I strongly suspect Mina
may be a walking sicknote, and the cover is no great shakes. I may be
completely wrong - it's been known to happen!<br />
Hopefully it all works out and we edge past a faltering Chelski on goal
differnce for 6th. Mind you, as we all know, it's the hope that kills you.<br />
#freezouma</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leicester City - 10th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A mini league with Watford and West Ham is not won by the
Foxes, despite Brenda's Scottish canniness. Although Maguire is an overrated
lummox, they'll still miss him, with no obvious replacement bought. Otherwise,
meh...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Liverpool - 2nd<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Runners up again despite not splashing any cash. Salah will
be found out by VAR, Klopp off to Spain, or the mental health ward. We can but
dream. It will be another close one, but not as close as last year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manchester City - 1st<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can't really bet against them. About the only thing that
will stop them winning the PL, and by more than they did last time, too, is if
they get to the semis and beyond in the Champion's League. Then, Pep's focus
may well change. Expect some more bizarre cardigan wear in the winter from the
winningly personable Spaniard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Manchester Utd - 4th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How long Gunner Graham lasts in the job is open to question,
but I suspect that they'll grind out a few results, and Pogba will win a few
singlehanded before sulking for a few games. Harry Maguire £80m?! Really?
Solksjaer will keep his job as they finish 4th, a result of falling morale in
the Spuds camp when the players find out that Levy is charging them £10 an hour
to park at the training ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Newcastle Utd - 17th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Broocie Rubberface gone by Xmas, turmoil, cue mucho Geordie
wailing, moaning (a lot of moaning), and gnashing of teeth. Saved on the last
day of the season by an own goal off Jordan Henderson's arse that secures them
the one point needed to stay up. Mike Ashley is burnt at the stake after the
game. There's a lot of fat, he burns for a loooong time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Norwich City - 19th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Narch are back! And straight down!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sheffield Utd - 14th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris Wilder is a very good coach, and may well do a Moyes
and get the Blades punching above their weight enough to stay up. 14th is a bit
of a gamble, but why not?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Southampton - 12th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no idea what to say about Southampton, so I'll say
nowt. Midtable obscurity beckons, again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tottenham Hotspur -
5th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still the second best name for a football team in the
country, after Accrington Stanley, of course. Remember those close seasons not
so long ago when Spuds were associated with any player that so much as looked
at his agent, and then they ended up buying only two? These days Spuds are
probably the last club to be associated with anyone, and yet another transfer
window slams shut on Daniel Levy's titanium reinforced wallet, which was
suffering the trauma of having shelled out a club record fee of three shekels
plus the club goat on a defensive midfielder/fluffer for the Potch. Didn't they
land another midfielder on deadline day? If so, that's two more players than
last year, so, progress. Or... stagnation, which means decline, so 5th, with an
exodus of the manager and Harry Kane by this time next year. You read it here
first - well, that's if my bit goes before Phil's. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[It doesn’t]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Watford - 9th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can last season's dizzy heights be maintained? Very
possibly, given the generally poor quality of all the remaining bottom half
teams from last season, plus those promoted from the Championship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">West Ham Utd - 11th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The energy vampire that is the London Stadium will hold back
the Hammers by at least 2 places from where they should be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wolverhampton
Wanderers - 8th<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will be very little between 6th, 7th and 8th, and
Wolves will only finish bottom of that mini league due to being up and down
like the Prime Minister's trousers at an interns' indictment session, as a
result of playing in the Thursday Night League, a poisoned chalice unless you
have a huge squad. I hope. I like the manager's beard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FA Cup: Not Everton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
League Cup: Not Everton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The EFL Vanarama Rumbelows Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: Not
Everton U21s</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Champions League: Definitely Not Everton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Europa League: Not Everton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Championship Winners: Not Everton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Rejoin us in May as we laugh and wail about how good/bad/indifferent we were.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the football, someone has to.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-76106372520878222592019-05-13T11:15:00.002-07:002019-05-13T11:15:45.341-07:00Season Review: How Do You Not Like That?It's been the strangest of seasons. Liverpool have had a massively successful season, yet so far have nothing to show for it. 97 points and finishing 2nd has got to be one of the biggest kicks in the guts any team has ever suffered?<br />
<br />
Man City were maybe not as worthy champions as Liverpool were unbelievably worthy runners-up. Four defeats against one, both teams virtually unplayable - all season. They have made it a classic season. Except, apart from the token challenge by a Spurs side that already looked like they'd blown it - there was a point where, if Spurs won their remaining 13 games they would have won the league because they would have beaten the then two clubs above them. In reality, they played the last 13 games like a team struggling against a relegation threat and fourth was, in the end, gifted to them by the inconsistency of those below them, especially an incredibly profligate Arsenal, who <i>really</i> should have sown up 3rd weeks ago and ended up 5th.<br />
<br />
You kind of have to take Spurs out of standard end-of-season reviews because they're a special exception this year; so if you analyse Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man Utd, the most impressive was undoubtedly Wolves, despite finishing three wins shy of 6th. They still might screw up next season by getting into the Europa League, but they did themselves proud this season and with that kind of improvement the top six will be looking over their shoulders next year. They're ahead of those around them by virtue of being the new boys - second season syndrome could strike if they're playing in the Europa League at the end of July.<br />
<br />
Unai Emery had an arguably better season than Wenger's final one, but they still missed out on an automatic Champions League place, but might still squeeze in if they win the Europa; they have Chelsea in their way and there will be no love lost. Chelsea and their fag-smoking mad monk have won no friends and have become a slightly distasteful element of the Premier League. It is a club that is clearly not being run as well as it once was and you feel that they're going to go backwards, especially with a transfer ban (upheld after appeal). Man Utd fans were praising saint OGS 8 weeks ago; they ended the season with almost the worst form in the league and had they not had a good patch might have struggled for 6th. There's a lot of work and money needed to be spent there.<br />
<br />
And then there was Spurs. Rediscovered the 'spursy' nickname with some awful performances and instead of salvaging wins from losing positions, they seemed to do the opposite this year. 13 defeats... 7 of those came in the days and weeks following the outside title challenge claim (they did exactly the same in 2012). The last player to sign for Spurs was Lucas Moura, two transfer windows ago and this season the club has been blighted by injuries, have played 4/5ths of the season back at Wembley and no one really expected them to get in the top four, yet they finished 4th and more importantly they did something else.<br />
<br />
Looking back at the forecasts Roger and I made in August, neither of us did that bad. I had Fulham in the top 10, he had Watford relegated, I had the top 4 with City as winners, he also had City winning but only two of the others. We were as close as City and Liverpool in the end.<br />
<br />
However, while that part has told part of the story, the season is not over. It has something special right at the end. The fact that Arsenal play Chelsea in the Europa final is an achievement in what is a far more unpredictable tournament than the Champions League usually throws up, but that is overshadowed by Liverpool versus Spurs. Yes, Spurs. In the Champions League they have been the team that refuses to lay down and die. They were less than 20 minutes away from elimination in Barcelona in December. They played some of their best football of the season by getting rid of Dortmund and played in two of the most nail-biting ties against Man City. Ajax should have been easy, but Spurs lost the first leg, at home and were 2-0 down at half time in Amsterdam.<br />
<br />
Liverpool had not had an easier ride but they struggled to get out of their group and generally sailed through the knockout until they hit Barcelona. Despite playing really well, the reds got stuffed 3-0 and all seemed lost. Just less than 24 hours earlier they were winning 4-0 to mark possibly the most remarkable comeback in European football history. At half-time in Amsterdam, Spurs trudged off looking beaten. The squad, hampered by injuries, quite threadbare and exhausted, also hadn't got Harry Kane. Any Spurs fan would have thought at that point there was not going to be a grandstand finish; most of them were hoping we didn't get humiliated.<br />
<br />
The last man to sign for the club, Lucas Moura, teaming up with a rejuvenated Dele Alli, scored three times, his third with almost the last kick of the match to ensure four English clubs compete in the two European cups. As a Spurs fan, all I can say is... blimey.<br />
<br />
As a Spurs fan I'm petrified. Ah, forget about the final, I'm proud my team has made it, of course I'll be disappointed if they lose, but... wow, man. No, what I'm petrified about is winning it. Winning would maybe mean losing Pochettino. The players who want to leave to win a European title will have achieved it. Winning it might completely break up a once great thing.<br />
<br />
I expect at least five of our players will never pull on a Spurs shirt after June 1st. Spurs have achieved top four finishes for four consecutive years. They cannot be considered as anything than probably the third best side in the country. The board needs to replace the players going and bring in a couple of others and that means rebuilding with players that ease into the team quickly; that don't need to bed in and will expect to be paid the money a top four side should be paying with the resources at their disposal. ENIC needs to take Spurs into the same areas as Arsenal as far as wages are concerned and that will cost them a lot of money <i>and</i> they also need more players... There's nothing to suggest that Daniel Levy will spend anything apart from, well, having to.<br />
<br />
No one knows at this point what Chelsea will do between now and August. You expect Olly will get to spend some cash and then half a season before the knives come out and Dick Emery will continue to positively rebuild, depending on which European cup competition the Arse are playing in. The team that is no longer the joker in the pack are the team now punching at a similar weight, with a better stadium and arguably more money but most importantly greater expectations from the fans. There are no more excuses. Investment in the squad has to happen because we're at the end of an era.<br />
<br />
The squad that got us here is about to fall apart. The first sign was Kyle Walker, but we coped without him. Then Dembele and we struggled to dominate. Now we're facing more departures and we're in a position where we have to look at our squad and ask ourselves not who needs to go but who needs to stay.<br />
<br />
I expect Hugo to remain, I also expect Gazzaniga to take the #2 jersey and possibly an academy promotion to fill the benchwarmer's position.<br />
<br />
In defence, regardless of age, Jan Vertonghen shouldn't go anywhere; he's got three years in him at least and what he can teach and what he gives makes him essential. Davinson Sanchez is the other rock and these two would be the centre two for the coming season in my team. It's the rest that are problematic; Serge Aurier won't be going anywhere, I expected him to get time, like Sissoko, and he's useful as a back up. There's a question mark over Juan Foyth but I feel that's fan backlash and press speculation. I believe Eric Dier is a confidence player and needs a run in the team to get him to the position that makes him important; whether he's got first team stamped on him is now a doubt and his temperament can be a problem. He's a better defender than he is a defensive midfielder. Ben Davies is also an adequate squad player and Kyle Walker-Peters is going to need to step up. What the team might need are new left and right backs.<br />
<br />
Midfield isn't really a position we've considered a problem in recent years but next season it can't just be built around Winks, Sissoko, Alli and Lamela. It's remarkable that I can consider Moussa Sissoko as worthy of inclusion, yet he's proved his worth more than once and if he can score some goals... Harry Winks runs the midfield in a way that hasn't been seen for years; he always finds space. Dele Alli needs to step up; a good rest over the summer will do him the world of good and I believe that he'll be used deeper in the next season because he controls it very well and could well fill part of the void from Eriksen's inevitable departure. Lamela will, if injury free, be given one more season to see if he can consistently do what he occasionally does. I expect Oliver Skipp will remain part of the main set up and maybe another will move where he was, but we need three midfielders and one of them needs to be first team material.<br />
<br />
Up front it's clear that support for Kane, Moura and Son is now a priority. There needs to be a goalscorer; a target man; someone who can play with Harry as the #10.<br />
<br />
That's six players and guess what? Not all six are going to work out; we know that. We also know that some of them might take a year to get with the program. The problem we have is we can't really expect any more players and, let's be honest about this, we've bought about four players in five years that have pulled on a first team shirt more than as a cameo.<br />
<br />
I figure we need to or will lose Vorm, Trippier, Rose, Wanyama, Alderweireld, Janssen, N'Koudou, Onoma, Llorente, probably Cameron-Vickers and, of course, Eriksen. I say, 'of course' because we could get £150million for him and that could get us three good players and meaning Daniel Levy might only have to spend another £100million on rotation players. We are going to struggle to find and then buy enough players without having to either keep some of what we've got or possibly doing a 'Gareth Bale' and spending a lot of money on a certain amount of unknowns - either that or Levy has to loosen the wage strings.<br />
<br />
But that is to come (or not, maybe). Before then the biggest night in the club's history has to happen. Win or lose, I hope the boys do themselves proud.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-16972781009162099962018-07-29T08:53:00.001-07:002018-07-29T08:53:33.079-07:00The 2018/19 Predictions<div>
Football, eh? Fuck me we could all do with a break from it...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
For well over 106 years, Roger and I have done our annual Premier League forecast. I spent an hour looking at previous predictions and have to declare that we've always been better than 60% correct, with one or two notable embarrassments. Leicester to narrowly escape relegation the year they won it. QPR to be mid-table every time they got back in the top flight. Both were far more crazy than the seemingly mad forecast that Spurs would win the league (they finished 2nd) or that Everton would win the League Cup - almost every year (they never have).<br />
<br />
<div>
This year we are blessed with a Premier League without either West Brom or Stoke City who both of us have wished to be relegated for yonks (yet I don't recall either of us forecasting their demise the year they went down). There are more obvious candidates for the bottom five than the top five, but as last season proved, promoted teams are no longer the most vulnerable.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
There is also the simple fact that with the exception of a few clubs, there's barely been any transfer business of note, which means a lot could change in the next 10 days, although quite how much immediate impact any new signing is going to have is negligible now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are my predictions for the coming season; Roger's will either follow mine or be before mine, depending on which blog this is posted on.<br />
<br />
<b>Arsenal:</b> Like Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery sounds like some vaguely bottom related ailment. The former PSG manager inherits a stagnant team needing something new to focus on. Another season in Thursday night hell will do them no favours and it's whether they have enough quality players to sustain a challenge for the top 4 that is of the biggest concern. Emery won't make many friends but he won't do bad enough to get sacked. They will take all cup competitions seriously as their only real silverware chances.</div>
<div>
<b>Bournemouth:</b> Is Eddie Howe the new Messiah? Well, he has more technical nous than Gareth Waistcoatgate. The problem is Bournemouth are punching above their weight and all they can realistically hope for is a campaign where they're never too close to the drop. Tough season where they need some of their 'investments' to stand up to their potential.</div>
<div>
<b>Brighton:</b> In an alternative reality Chris Hughton eventually becomes the manager of Tottenham. In our reality this is unlikely to happen despite him being an excellent and under rated manager. This season he's going to need a lot of grit and determination from his players because, quite simply 18 other teams have more quality.</div>
<div>
<b>Burnley:</b> It's the Europa League wot did it for them. How Sean Dyche hasn't been coaxed by a 'bigger' club is a mystery, apart from the fact he just doesn't fit the modern manager role. He's a modern-day Sam Allardyce and the chances are he'd fail at another club and his stock as a tactician would fall. Burnley will be happy with group stages of Europa, mid table and a cup semi - they might get them all.</div>
<div>
<b>Cardiff:</b> Does the anagram of Colin Wanker have it in him, at his age, to be a proper Premier league manager or will the Welshmen crash and burn, again? I can't see them putting up a fight. The Spaniard who was at Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday will be in by Christmas.</div>
<div>
<b>Chelsea:</b> The last time they had a new Italian manager I said they'd finish 6th and they won it. Like Arsenal, they are a club in a decline cycle, the new manager will be good for moral and form, but ultimately they won't be a team like others and will struggle again to break the top 4.</div>
<div>
<b>Crystal Palace:</b> Here's a weird one. Based on form and other irrelevant statistics, some computer came up with a prediction that Palace were capable of a top three finish. I'm not agreeing with that computer, but I get the feeling this team under a rejuvenated Woy Hodgson won't be struggling this season.</div>
<div>
<b>Everton:</b> Will the new manager turn this usually guaranteed top 7 team into a top 7 team? Will they win the League Cup? One of the season's mysteries because a) is the manager actually any good? b) do they have the players and have they bought anyone in that can change games? And c) Even if they can are they better than at least three of the six sides above them? Sorry Rog, but no.</div>
<div>
<b>Fulham:</b> Puzzle time. This season's QPR? I've always had a soft spot for Fulham; nice ground, mad owners, some great players and with a manager who oversees a game as madly as he played, you can expect the unexpected from this team. Watch Ryan Sessignan; he'll be worth a lot of money soon.</div>
<div>
<b>Huddersfield:</b> Seriously doomed without better quality. I can't see them having the resilience of Bournemouth and even though their manager is a really capable future star, this will likely be their EPL exit.</div>
<b>Liverpool:</b> Say it with hilarity in your voice - this lot are the proper pundits' tip to beat Man City to the title. On paper they've filled in most of the cracks by doing a lot of their transfer work while others were pondering the world cup. Even more so than when the FSW or Brenda were in charge, there is an expectation this could be the year Klopp beats Pep, but I feel Liverpool, like Spurs, have forgotten how to win the most important matches and most fans of most other clubs would simply be excited at the prospect of a great season. However, the weight of Liverpool fans' is often too much for the players to burden themselves with.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Leicester:</b> Obviously, they'll never hit the heights they did, but now they are also no longer regarded as relegation fodder. This is a big season for the former Champions and they will want a top 7 finish to maybe give them some more Europe the season after next. This is a club with some money and you can't fault their ambition, but losing Mahrez, their most creative player, will need to be addressed.<br />
<br />
<b>Man City:</b> Honestly? You can't really see anyone else really challenging. If Citeh play to 75% of what they did last season they'd still win the league, despite whatever improvements there have been elsewhere. I'd love to see Pep throw all of the money and grandeur away and take on the job of managing Northampton Town for 3 years on £100k a year transfer budget. Then I'd acknowledge he's a brilliant manager, but while he has bottomless resources to essentially buy whomever he wants wherever it is difficult to see anyone else really giving this team a run for their money for the next three years.<br />
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2755">Man Utd: </b>I
seriously expect this team to have moments of extreme embarrassment
this season. I have a feeling that Jose won't last the course,
essentially because I don't think he has the passion for it any more and
he would have preferred to have managed Man U when they were very good.
It is no longer a pre-requisite to play for Man U if you're a world
class footballer and only this team's quality will ensure they get
anything from what could be Mourinho's last season in football
management.</div>
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2801">Newcastle: </b>Why
is the FSW still there? With no money and an owner who actually is a
Spurs fan, I can't see Newcastle being anything other than the new
Stoke. They have two or three good players who will want a better season
or they'll be at bigger clubs in January.</div>
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2858">Southampton:</b>
The new West Brom? Mark Hughes is competent at best and is one of that
list of managers who always get offered jobs when they get sacked for
being shit at their last job. I wish I could be a football manager for a
few weeks... As for the south coast side? I expect a long tough season,
slightly less fraught than last year.</div>
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2827">Watford: </b>Who
is their manager this week? Won't finish in the top 10, this year, next
year or in 2050. Have less chance of success than Elton John has of
having a #1 hit while singing naked up to his groin in a sheep.</div>
</div>
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2827">West Ham: </b>The
wife and brother-in-law's team and one I have always had a soft spot
for despite Whammers' hating Spurs like we were the paedo that stole
their children. I never like seeing them get relegated, but I hate
playing them and they're often more up for beating Spurs than the Arse.
Pellegrino is a remarkably astute signing, but this is going to be a
year of general rebuilding.</div>
</div>
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2827">Wolves: </b>This
season's proper mystery. They have a manager reasonably unknown but
sounding like a fancy Spanish dish in a Michelin-starred restaurant who
appears to love the Portuguese (cos he is one) and have turned Wolves
into a real dark horse for complete survival. Many people of my age and
older will look at Wolves in the top flight and think that an order has
been restored, but I've always disliked the team, so I want to change my
mind.</div>
</div>
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<b id="yiv6074695017yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532818614595_2827">Tottenham: </b>I
was so wrong about playing at Wembley and I was so glad I was wrong. I
really thought Spurs would struggle to finish in the top 6 with Wembley
as a millstone and another tough Champions League campaign. In
September, Spurs move into New White Hart Lane (and play Liverpool, so a
nice easy start) before that they have three away matches and a 'home'
game at Wembley against Fulham. It's a bitty start, just the kind of
thing a team that notoriously screws up any chance they have of
genuinely challenging for a title by having crap starts to the season.
Plus, you have to factor in the unbelievably massive work that Daniel
Levy has done in the transfer market. So far, with August 1st just round
the corner (and a deadline that closes on the 9th), Spurs have signed
exactly 0 players.They have at least 13 players <i>still</i> on holiday
after world cup exertions and while it gives the B team a chance to
shine, Spurs could have a bench that resembles the local nursery school
for August.</div>
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The
'Spurs' fan in me, looks at all the inactivity, all the lack of real
depth, at the new shiny stadium that needs to be a fortress and all the
seemingly hollow bullshit from the manager about concluding business
early and getting the squad right and I really worry about this season.
However, the optimist in me is weighing up the factors against the team
last season and how well they did considering and I have to think that
Spurs are no longer a team that buckles at adversity. For the fringe
players there has never been a better opportunity (even if these include
Sissoko, Llorente and a few others who you'd be hard pressed to get
excited about) to establish themselves over the 1st team. I expect a
high finish more because of others failure to be consistent rather than
us ever really challenging.</div>
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<div>
<b>Final Table:</b></div>
<div>
<div>
Man City<br />
Tottenham<br />
Liverpool </div>
<div>
Chelsea</div>
<div>
Man U<br />
Arsenal<br />
Crystal Palace </div>
<div>
Everton<br />
Leicester<br />
Fulham</div>
<div>
Burnley</div>
<div>
West Ham</div>
Wolves<br />
<div>
Newcastle</div>
<div>
Southampton<br />
Bournemouth<br />
Watford<br />
Brighton<br />
Cardiff<br />
Huddersfield<br />
<br />
FA Cup winners: Man City</div>
League Cup winners: Liverpool<br />
European Champions League winners: Sligo Rovers<br />
Cobblers?: Play-offs<br />
1st Manager sacked: Claude Puel<br />
<br />
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A
new football season beckons, rising in a vista of hope, only to be
crushed by the jackboot of despondency. Well, if you're an Everton fan
at any rate. Actually, the hope is a little less ecstatic than this time
last year, so at least the onset of despondency will be easier to take.
Pass the happy pills, nurse, I'm going in...</div>
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2018/19
will see more insane transfer prices and obscene wages for the top
players, while my local team Northampton Town teeters on the verge of
collapse, stymied by allegedly corrupt former owners and and a brazenly
incompetent local council, the latest owner is thiscloseto walking away
in frustration. Ho-hum.</div>
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Anyway,
this time of year Phil and I make fools of ourselves with our annual
predictions. Last season I was spectacularly wide of the mark, reckoning
that Chelsea would retain their title! So, settle in for more
hilariously myopic crystal ball gazing...</div>
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<b>ArsenaL: </b>Unai
Emery sounds abrasive and vaguely anal. I know or care little about
what the Arse have been up to this close season. They have become the
West Brom of the top half of the table, consistently dull and
predictable. OK, West Brom aren't in the PL any more, but yer know
worramean?! Expect a cup win, and little change in their league
position.</div>
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<b>Bournemouth:</b> Eddie
Howe - a lot of Evertonians wanted him as Martinez' replacement, and he
had to be a better bet than Fat Sam, eh? The question is how long can
he and his team keep it up? I reckon this time round they will need the
football equivalent of a packet of blue pills to stay up. If Howe has
been poached by Xmas, then expect a relegation battle which they might
lose. Otherwise, a relegation battle they might win.</div>
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<b>Brighton:</b> Quite near Bournemouth, but not as good. Straight back down again.</div>
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<b>Burnley: </b>Sean
Dyche looks like a low achieving pugilist. His bunch of scrappers will
be in a battle for 7th/8th with my lot. We're quite flaky, so I expect
to lose, but the dreaded burden of hope makes me predict otherwise.</div>
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<b>Cardiff: </b>Hail
the return of Colin Wanker! What were his parents Dan Bhoj and Rosi
Ticl thinking? At least they're back to playing in blue. Another club
with a barking and seemingly clueless foreign owner. The bottom half of
the PL is full of relegation candidates with nowt between them, and this
lot are one of them.</div>
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<b>Chelsea:</b> By
the time this is published they might have sold Courtois to Real Madrid
and bought Pickford from us. Even though Man City epitomise the unlevel
playing field of modern football, somehow, it's still Chelsea everyone
hates. If they buy Pickford I hope they implode under a huge tax fraud
case involving the Russian mafia, and sex trafficking, the utter utter
bastards. If not...meh...6th</div>
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<b>Crystal Palace:</b> Woy
did quite well with them last time. If they sell Zaha to Spurs or
anyone else, as is likely, they could be in big trouble, otherwise solid
upper mid-table.</div>
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<b>Fulham:</b> This
flaky bunch of west Lahndan chancers have an owner even madder than
Vincent Tan, and even more unlikable than Ambramovich. Buy Wembley?!
Wtf?! For that alone they deserve to fail, badly.</div>
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<b>Huddersfield:</b> I
know absolutely nowt about this lot. Oh yeah...David Wagner, a sort of
saner version of Klopp. Will probably win the title. Or finish bottom.
In that case, 17th.</div>
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<b>Liverpool:</b> It's
their year! Unfortunately this time a lot of pundits and journos agree
with the fans' annual deluded nonsense, and sadly they might just be
right. Added to that this may be Klopp's last chance before he gets
poached by Bayern Munich. On the other hand, Citeh could win it in their
sleep at the moment, so 2nd, probably...hopefully.</div>
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<b>Leicester:</b> Their
fans still haven't stopped smiling, and who can blame them? Can't see
anything vastly different from last season to be honest. Then again,
Vardy isn't getting any younger and they've lost Mahrez, so this could
be the start of a slow slide back down the table. That prediction
probably means they'll win it again.</div>
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<b>Man City:</b> Money, money, money, it's a rich man's world. 1st, obviously.</div>
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<b>Man Utd:</b> By
some distance, the dullest team in the top six. Even when he was
winning stuff with Chelsea, Maureen had the demeanour of a bloke who
hates his job, now he just looks like someone who can't wait to retire. I
know the feeling. Wake me up before you go go, Maureen.</div>
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<b>Newcastle:</b> There
is a sizeable minority of Everton fans who, every time we change
managers recently, want the FSW as our boss. They can <b><i>fuck right off</i></b>. Have
they no memory? Anyway, like Phil said, how is he still at Newcastle?
Come to that how is that cockney sportswear spiv still their owner? More
mid-table fodder, unless Benitez finally does get poached, in which
case, yet another relegation prospect.</div>
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<b>Southampton: </b>Meh...wherever they finish, it will be next to Newcastle in the table.</div>
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<b>Tottenham:</b> They've
just played in virtually every game in the World Cup so they'll be
asleep for a few weeks, and then disorientated by their move 50 yards
down the road. Expect Harry Hotspur to get lost, looking for the new way
in, not being the sharpest pin in the box. Like Phil I thought
Wemberlee would be their undoing last season, but I was wrong, as per
normal. For the first time I can remember, Spuds have a resilience about
them, and actually don't look flaky. Except when they play Chelsea,
obviously. Will lose to Chelsea twice, but slug it out with Liverpool
for 2nd, and hopefully win, but I doubt it somehow. Third.</div>
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<b>Watford:</b> My
dad's team, so I've always had a soft spot for them. Right now they are
an advert for how not to run a football club. Will struggle, badly.</div>
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<b>West Ham:</b> A
horrible team, led by a likeable wily old fox. Unlike Spurs, the wide
open spaces of their new ground is causing them big problems, and
probably still will this time. Mid table fodder.</div>
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<b>Wolves:</b> I
used to like the 70s Wolves starring Derek Dougan, and their weirdly
designed main stand. I know nothing about them now, nor does anyone else
it seems. Therefore, they will do best of all the promoted teams. Mid
table.</div>
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<b>Everton:</b> Like
all clubs we have a sizeable number of idiots in our fanbase. This
time, they wanted Marco Silva sacked for losing a couple of pre-season
friendlies with our team of misfiring misfits, plus Richarlison. These
people are so short sighted they probably hold each other's dicks in the
loos at Goodison and don't notice.</div>
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Silva
wasn't my first choice, but he's got my support as he has of any fan
with two braincells to spark off. A bit of an unknown quantity he's not
been at any club long enough to really judge, so we'll see. The best
signing we've made as I write this on 29th July, is Marcel Brands as
director of football from PSV, a bloke who so far has said all the right
things, and in Richarlison bought someone who may be able to change a
game. However what we really need is a centre back to partner Keane, who
will be a great footballing defender, given the same partner for more
than one game in a row, and a left back. Jags and Baines are both
getting well past their sell bys, and Williams is just fucking awful. I
suspect we can't give him away, so perhaps it's best to have him shot
and turned into glue to hold Woodison Park together for another year
while we wait for the mythical new ground to start appearing,
mirage-like at Bramley Dock. I won't be holding my breath.<br clear="none" />It
will take three or four transfer windows to sort our mess out, so yet
another forgettable season beckons. Frankly, all I want this year is to
avoid relegation and win a cup, as it will be 24 long years since we
last won a pot at the end of this coming season!</div>
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<b>Final table:</b></div>
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Man City</div>
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Liverpool</div>
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Tottenham</div>
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Arsenal</div>
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Chelsea</div>
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Man Utd</div>
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Everton</div>
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Burnley</div>
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Crystal Palace </div>
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Leicester</div>
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Wolves</div>
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Newcastle</div>
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Southampton</div>
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West Ham</div>
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Bournemouth</div>
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Fulham</div>
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Huddersfield</div>
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Watford</div>
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Brighton</div>
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Cardiff</div>
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<b>FA Cup:</b> Arsenal</div>
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<b>League Cup: </b>Everton (sigh...)</div>
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<b>Chumps League: </b>Boris Johnson</div>
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<b>Cobblers:</b> Last day survival, both in a footballing and fiscal sense </div>
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<b>First managerial sacking: </b>Whoever's in charge at Watford<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1532879096475_8688"> </b></div>
</div>
</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-2346241452056792882018-07-14T06:26:00.001-07:002018-07-14T06:26:02.201-07:00England's World Cup 2018As Spurs, Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and maybe a couple of others prepare to welcome home World Cup winners, runner's up and 3rd and 4th place medallists, it's time to really examine England's most successful world cup since 1990.<br />
<br />
Except, without wishing to appear like I'm jumping on a negative bandwagon, I do think in the euphoria of a semi-final appearance, it's prevalent to examine some of the things that obviously do not make Gareth Southgate a winner, just yet.<br />
<br />
Jordan Pickford stands out as one of the outstanding goalkeepers of the tournament; he had one or two moments, but he's young and he was fearless. He was let down by areas that he would not have been let down by with a different defence.<br />
<br />
The Defence: Against Tunisia and Panama playing Kyle Walker - arguably the country's finest right wing back and one of the best in the world - as a centre back, when there were two perfectly excellent centre backs on the bench was excusable, but once the opposition started to be more wily, surely that was the time to stiffen it up? Except, England had Kieran Trippier in the right wing back position and he was arguably England's player of the tournament. It seems that Southgate's version of getting Scholes, Lampard and Gerrard in the same team is how to play the two best English right backs in the same team and make the surplus-to-requirements Liverpool teenager feel as though he's there for more than a holiday with his bigger mates?<br />
<br />
The problem is, who do you drop? One is lightning fast and the other is one of the best crossers of a ball since Beckham. The problem is, Walker isn't a world class centre back by any stretch of the imagination. France arguably left an entire team of quality players at home (and still took Giroud), maybe part of being an England manager is having to make decisions that mean someone misses out?<br />
<br />
John Stones was solid and dependable; I have no complaints about his inclusion and I'd also suggest that Harry Maguire had a tournament to remember and one that will only increase his value. The problem is that I'd also have to say that Ashley Young had a good tournament; he didn't particularly do anything wrong and having an older head on the pitch was a good thing; but we missed the natural left foot and speed of Danny Rose, who never made the impact coming on as sub as he can when he grows into a game naturally from the start.<br />
<br />
Eric Dier is as good a centre back as he's a defensive midfielder (he can also play right back) and he's a better ball player (and defender) than Walker. He could also have been used in a revolving back 4/back 5 scenario. Walker and Trippier could have played as alternating wingers.<br />
<br />
I also could not understand why Fabian Delph was taken and used in a position he would never play for Man City in. Delph has become a good converted wing back, like Victor Moses at Chelsea and Young at Man U, but he's picked, and played in his old position because there's an embarrassment of riches in the wing back department.<br />
<br />
The Midfield: I wasn't the only person mystified by the inclusion of Delph as a central midfielder, but considering England took a grand total of 7 footballers who can, have and do play in right back positions for their clubs, I would have thought that a couple more midfielders wouldn't have gone amiss. I'm no fan of Jack Wilshere but I think he's a much better player than Fabian Delph and Jonjo Shelvey would have provided freakish distraction allowing Harry Kane to score even more goals. The thing is for an England football team to be light of a midfield is not a positive sign, especially when there appears to be few on the horizon, excepting the injured players, of course (but would the relatively inexperienced Harry Winks be ahead of someone like Ruben Loftus-Cheek?).<br />
<br />
Jordan Henderson actually had a reasonably good tournament. He was better than I expected or even believed he could be, I simply don't think he offers England anything other than workmanlike from midfield. He tries hard, but so, as some people say, do fat girls. The same can pretty much be said of Jesse Lingard, who, despite excellent moments, never seems to achieve what you expect of him when you need it. Ruben Loftus-Cheek replaced Dele Alli for a couple of games and did okay, but it wasn't until he returned and scored that the Spurs man started to look up for the cup, but surely RL-C could have done Lingard's role, the way Dier could do Henderson's? Simply put, our midfield should have been more prominent. One of our tactics in the Croatia game seemed to be the back five passed it around a bit, played it back to Pickford who launched it up field - shades of Graham Taylor.<br />
<br />
I believe Dele Alli plays well in central midfield, when he has his usual crowd around him; he's far more creative in a Spurs shirt than he was for England; the problem is - and this isn't bias - he's best as a #10 styled player and better in that position than both Sterling or Lingard.<br />
<br />
The Forwards: Harry Kane didn't look fit. He hasn't looked fit since his injury back at the end of March. He's a player England have to play, but preferably when he's fit and up for it, not just the latter. Raheem Sterling does lots, sadly there's very little return in this team because they're not Man City. Sterling plays a specific way and doesn't read the game well, he's just tenacious enough to get consolation prizes for his greedy tendencies. Marcos Rashford displayed both naivety, nerves and flashes of brilliance; he warranted being on the field longer than Sterling. Vardy looked like he was at the beach. Welbeck might have well been - we could have brought at least another midfielder, even if it was just 'a potential' like Trent Alexander-Double-Barrelled-Liverpudlian-Lad?<br />
<br />
England's Competition: Tunisia hit us back at the right time because that game was fizzling out and England needed a wake-up call. Panama could have happened to anyone half decent and Belgium was an almost pointless B-team game (as it will be on Saturday). By the time extra time arrived in the Last 16 match against Colombia, it was obvious that they had started to suss out our one routine from set pieces; the fact Sweden also sussed it but failed to do anything about it glossed over some glaring cracks hidden by how fortuitous we'd been with the draw. In the semi, Croatia really struggled with our set-pieces in the first half, but pretty much weathered the storm; by the time they'd collected themselves for the second half they dealt with set plays easily and started to play it around with some belief. Instead of being tired, they were fired up by their equaliser and anyone with half a footballing brain saw the best hope England had from that point on was actually penalties.<br />
<br />
Southgate pretty much kept the same line-up, the same Plan A, throughout the entire World Cup. Look at a maligned manager, Roberto Martinez of Belgium; he changed things around against Brazil and Belgium breezed through that match with little to worry about. Belgium might not have beaten France in the other semi-final, but Martinez was at least shifting things around. My only criticism of Martinez was he didn't rotate his excellent squad enough and appeared to play some of his clearly less capable players at times - but what do I know? Some of those unfancied footballers won games for him!<br />
<br />
When you look at how England got to the semis - Tunisia, Panama, Colombia and Sweden - you would be excused from believing it wasn't exactly hard (Albeit the performance against Sweden was largely excellent). Croatia - many positions lower than England is the laughable FIFA rankings - had experience and a couple of world class footballers and pretty much offered the young English lads their only real test. They reminded me so much of Spurs versus Juventus in last season's Champions League; the better team failed to capitalise and were then suckered and had no reply.<br />
<br />
In general, this world cup was as full of surprises as the last European Championships. The early loss of Germany, Argentina and Spain opened it up and some teams performed considerably better than they should ever have been allowed to. No one is suggesting the competition was fixed, but Russia's penalty shoot-out defeat in the quarter-finals was possibly the most justified result in the entire competition. Russia should never have been given the cup; like Qatar in four years, this does nothing for the world game and loads to help line the pockets of oligarchs and sheikhs as well as shining a grubby spotlight on human rights abuses, which, of course, FIFA are blissfully ignorant of on an industrial scale.<br />
<br />
The world cup is a bloated and unnecessarily large competition that stirs up unwanted jingoism from English twats (and others). It impinges on the far more important domestic football seasons and makes people think they're seeing stunning matches and a celebration of football; when in reality we'll lap up anything in a hot summer with no club football and Wimbledon. Equally, the same could be said for the European Champions League - which should be for Champions only and not an invitation for rich clubs to make more money (and that includes the exclusive club my own team is now entering). The World Cup should be smaller, maybe with just 16 nations, if this means the same 16 nations almost every four years, then FIFA needs to invest more of its banked billions on developing nations, on bigger youth tournaments (which allows these young talents more of a platform than academy or B team football), on ensuring smaller leagues are not only supported but encouraged to develop players from every country that wants to play football.<br />
<br />
That isn't going to happen. I might as well argue with a brick wall because England got to a world cup semi-final! Just be thankful they didn't get through to the final or even win it.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-42563253599324299712018-04-13T11:38:00.002-07:002018-04-13T11:38:26.400-07:00The Arse EndWith the season drawing to a far more exciting close than most would have expected three months ago, there are some burning issues still to be resolved...<br />
<br />
Can Liverpool win the Champions League, again?<br />
Which of the four remaining teams will lift the FA Cup? Will it be boring boring Man U or Chelski or can Spurs win their first FA Cup since the 1990s or Southampton their first since the 1970s - oh, Bobby Stokes.<br />
Will the Premier League Champions elect continue to implode? And probably more pertinent, will any of the current other three teams in the Top four blow it, when all have reasonably easy run-ins?<br />
Who will be joining WBA in the Championship next season?<br />
And will Arsene Wenger still be in charge of Arsenal next season, even if they win the Europa League and therefore qualify for the Champions League?<br />
<br />
The fact there are still things to talk about, some of which don't include Man Citeh, is further proof you should never expect anything in football.<br />
<br />
Let's examine the questions in detail:<br />
1. Can Liverpool win the Champions League again? Well, it's not beyond their capabilities; but just because they seem to have got the size of Man Citeh doesn't necessarily mean success. Liverpool have a theoretically easy run-in. They face Chelsea, who by then might have even less to play for or a cup final, either way it's not going to be as tough as facing them three months ago. Other than that they're more than capable of winning all their remaining matches, which if Spurs and Man U do the same would mean they finish fourth.<br />
Here's where all kinds of fun comes into play: If they finish fourth, but win the Champions League, none of the top four would be required to qualify for next seasons Champions League and, neither would Arsenal if they won the Europa League - so Liverpool winning the European trophy would benefit everyone but only if they finish 4th.*<br />
<br />
2. Who will win the FA Cup? Man U versus Spurs at Wembley one day and Southampton versus Chelsea the next. Two weeks ago I was rubbing my hands at that draw. We're better than Man U and on hindsight I would have preferred them in the final. However, while it seems a straight shoot out between the two top four sides to play Chelsea in the final, the south Londoners' are anything but unbeatable at the moment and while they have a great record at Wembley, the real fly in the ointment would be if Southampton won. Why? Because they'll win the cup. Spurs can beat anyone who play their way, which is why we've beaten Man U and Chelsea in recent months - home and away - Southampton represent the chaos which has a tendency to stymie Spurs, especially at 'home'. The winner of this competition should come from the first game but it will raise some awful questions for Spurs fans if they lose, again, in the semi-final.<br />
<br />
3. Will Man Citeh continue to implode and is the current top four a done deal? If Citeh lose on Saturday night, to Spurs at Wembley, then I would put a large amount of money on the Londoners finishing in the top three (that's second or third), but will Citeh lose <i>four</i> games on the bounce? When was the last time champions elect were throwing away matches like marbles down a drain? *This is where it is key - if Spurs can beat Citeh then it'll be a straight race between Spurs and Liverpool for 3rd. Man U, who have probably the easiest run in now, will have to lose and draw in their remaining six matches for Spurs to catch them. The thing is Spurs are the form team in the league so you can't rule them catching Man U if the latter falters. The problem is you can feel a backlash coming from Guardiola's men and we haven't had a serious beating since they tore us apart in Manchester. As usual, while Champions League is all but guaranteed, but nothing is simple for the Spurs.<br />
<br />
4. Who's going down? Who cares unless you support a team with less than 36 points at the moment? I wouldn't be surprised if either Stoke or Southampton manage to turn their form around in the remaining matches. It's still a lottery.<br />
<br />
5. Will Wenger stay at the Arse? Honestly? I don't really care, but frankly he's taken Arsenal nowhere in years apart from all those cups they've won since Spurs last lifted one... From a comedy perspective it would be fantastic for them to win the Europa League to see the absolute dichotomy it will place the 50% or so of their fans who want the Frenchman gone. The ridiculous thing is, this year's Europa League would have Burnley salivating at their chances of lifting it; it's been low on quality and Everton provided everyone with comedy football. Only really Athletico Madrid stand in the Arse's way of regaining Champions League football for being mediocre at best.<br />
What it would mean for spend-thrift Wenger, who only seems to buy strikers of any real quality? At the moment, Arsenal are where Spurs were five years ago, the problem here is that Spurs were going forward, while Arsenal have, apart from their ability to win cups, gone backwards and won't be challenging for the title again soon... Or will they? The situation with Arsenal isn't helped by the fact they're in a rich - no pressure - vein of form. There is no denying they are far too good to be lower than 6th, but not really good enough to be higher and arguably, the only way for them is back up. Whether he stays or goes, they will have to spend big in the summer to maintain it and even that isn't a given. Them winning the Europa League would be a slap in the face for all Spurs fans in more ways than one.<br />
<br />
A bonus 6. England at the World Cup - what are the chances? Frankly, there's more chance of us boycotting it than there is of us winning it. It will be mainly won by Germany, with other teams finishing just behind them or by a distance. England have about as much chance as Denmark; it won't be embarrassing as it was last time, but TV won't feature that many live England games; five at best would be my guess. Out on penalties to Brighton.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-55185973073793384602017-10-09T05:03:00.000-07:002017-10-09T05:30:59.005-07:00England are Spurs (but worse)I recently read a rant by a QPR fan that left no doubt about his (and other QPR fans) feelings towards Harry Redknapp. While discussing this rant with my friend, an Everton supporter, I came up with a theory about Redknapp that I'm now going to extrapolate on as a way of possibly explaining why the England football team's failure is probably John Terry's fault as well.<br />
<br />
I have often cited John Terry as being the reason why Spurs completely-unexpected title challenge in 2012 withered on the vine and died spectacularly - within weeks of punters daring to suggest that Harry's team could possibly do it. Terry's racism caused Fabio Capello to leave the England job and while I don't think he was anywhere near the best man for the job, his leaving caused the widespread expectation that Harry Redknapp would replace him and do to England what he appeared to be doing at Tottenham.<br />
<br />
Harry, as some fans and commentators claimed, was good until 'Daniel Levy fucked him over in January 2012' and Harry has always claimed - mainly off camera - that he asked for two players to help give Spurs a chance of winning the title (they were 2nd in January 2012 and even Paul Merson was talking about them being stalking horses) and he asked for Carlos Tevez and a top class defender. He got Ryan Nelson and Louis Saha, combined age about 170. Spurs ended up finishing 5th and I think, from memory, they took about 7 points between February and May - it was heartbreaking to watch and many Spurs fans conveniently forget that not so illustrious last few months of Harry's reign.<br />
<br />
There were many other factors at work than listed above. There was family tragedy, a fraud case, some or unfortunate bad timing with contract talks and, of course, when Capello quit and the press installed him as the 'only' replacement, it obviously went to his head. The fact that the FA, in its infinite stupidity, chose Roy Hodgson probably put paid to Harry's career and ruined the national side's chances of being something other than one of the regular teams who make numbers up at competitions.<br />
<br />
Roy's period in charge was a strange blend of unbeatable and unwinnable. In qualifications England were dull but imperious. At the World Cup and then the Euros - even without extra pressure from the media - they were woeful and reinforced the view that whenever England does something positive, it will follow it up with something worse than ludicrous. When an England manager decides that Harry Kane should be taking corners you know that he isn't the man who should be doing the job...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What if Harry Redknapp had got the job he wanted? My belief is when he failed to get the England job it kind of killed his desire. Spurs faded badly and he's done nothing of note since. In fact, his stock fell so badly at Birmingham that it's probably a good thing he's 70 and in need of retirement. When he was being touted as Fabio's replacement, Spurs were playing some stunning football - yes, they had Bale, Modric, Van der Vaart, an almost Ledley King and players who gelled well with the stars, but Harry had brought Spurs on from an upper mid-table team to genuine top 4 challengers and while his tactical management left a lot to be desired, his man-management brought the best out of mediocre players - the perfect man for an England job, surely?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Had Daniel Levy not been a plonker - he was pretty much solely responsible for Spurs failure to do anything but become a joke in 2012 - he could have got £250,000 from the FA, got shot of a man he didn't really like and got the same end result, but maybe a year earlier. But he didn't and Roy got the job and I don't think there was one England fan in the country who looked at his appointment and got a hard on for our future prospects.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not going to attempt to presume the hypothetical, but I can't help thinking that playing for England would suddenly have become important again - like it might have if Brian Clough had ever seriously been considered in the 1970s, the last time England were really awful. Reading some autobiographies and historical reports, you got the impression that under Ron Greenwood and Bobby Robson, England felt like a team not a collection of individuals. Graham Taylor set us back when we should have gone forward, Venables took us forward and should never have been sacked. Hoddle might have become something special had the press not picked up on his 'eccentricities' and from that point on, we simply flattered to deceive. Apart from the 5-1 win in Germany (which was the catalyst they needed to reform their game), I can't see anything fond to look back on from Keegan onward.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think you don't necessarily have to be a world class team to win a competition - Greece and Denmark have proved that - but you do need a coach who can look at what he's got and make them work together for the good of the team. I don't think we've had a coach since Venables who has done that. Obviously, Harry's reign would have had to have been done without wheeler-dealing; he couldn't just go and buy a journeyman Romanian to slot into left back in a crisis; but he might have taken a young English left back and slotted him into an existing set up smoothly; put an arm round his shoulders and told him that he wasn't going to be a jinx and he wouldn't have picked him if he didn't have faith... Who knows; Harry might have been worse than Roy? I doubt it, though. My mum wouldn't have been as bad as Roy and she's been dead 20 years! Sandra Redknapp would have been better than Roy and would have scored a few poacher's goals for us after picking herself over Darren Bent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now it's late 2017. We're less than nine months from the next World Cup finals, which we have qualified for, in stunningly dull fashion. The most positive thing you can say about the management is Southgate is honest enough to tell everyone we're shit before it's been proved, again. The thing is I don't actually think we are that bad, we just never pick the right man to manage us and while the incumbent is trying hard, he isn't <i>that</i> good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Look at the class of 2017. I'm going to throw a few names at you, see if you can guess the link: Danny Rose (when fit), Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker, Harry Winks? With the exception of Walker, who is now at Man City, this is Spurs. This is an England squad with more Spurs players than I can ever remember. One newspaper columnist even suggested Southgate was trying to get England to play like Spurs, and wouldn't that be something worth staying in and watching games for?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Southgate's problem is his players who <i>aren't</i> playing for Spurs. If Mauricio Pochettino put Jordan Henderson into his team, Sissoko would look world class. If Oxtail-Chambermaid played ahead of Alli or Eriksen, Spurs would be rubbish. Poch plays the 4-2-3-1 formation that Southgate has used in his last half a dozen qualification games (discounting the final game) and frankly playing two defensive midfielders against Malta is only going to work if those players are capable of turning up and scoring the odd goal - like Dier, Wanyama and Dembele do at Spurs. Dier in an England shirt is a bit of an enigma; he comes and goes like a troublesome bout of the trots and I think this is down to whether or not England actually need two covering midfielders against opposition Germany can beat 8-0, but we struggle to get 1-0s against.<br />
<br />
In fact, in many ways, England's biggest puzzle at the moment is Jordan Henderson. I simply cannot understand what he is doing in an England shirt. I've watched football for a long time, I like to think that, in general, my opinions gain more agreeable responses than angry ones and I can't understand why he's there in the same way I can't understand why Sissoko is so high up in the Spurs pecking order. I hear we have a dearth of decent midfielders and this might be true; England often have no left back for a generation and five vying for the same position in the next. Look at Paul Scholes, someone who should have got 150 caps, but you know... If midfielders were really the problem I could understand it, but I think this is just scapegoating before the event.<br />
<br />
I've seen Dele Alli play in a far more defensive midfield role for Spurs. Early last season especially and whenever he got booked. Poch would bring him deeper, give him more responsibility and not only did we stay as solid, he created a lot from a deeper position and showed much more discipline. If continuous England bosses want to play all their favourites, even if that means there are five number 10s on the pitch, then you can play an attacking midfielder in a less attacking role, surely. Eriksen can do it, Dembele can and it looks like Harry Winks can also do it. I think Alli can do it, probably better than most.<br />
<br />
If England could play the Spurs way, it would need a solid centre and two ball-playing central defenders - as far as I can see they can just about do this, but in many ways England doesn't have Vertonghen or Alderweireld because they're Belgian, both of them... But, there are some excellent central defenders playing in 2017, getting the right partnership is key but probably doable with this group of players.<br />
<br />
The wing backs have to be Walker and Rose, if both fit and playing the way we know they can. Here is the most dynamic wing back pairing in world football from the same country and there's this myth growing about how good they are together, which gives England an unexpected psychological advantage (for a change).<br />
<br />
England do not have Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele or Victor Wanyama - at the moment they have Jordan bloody Henderson... - but they do have Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Dele Alli, who all play together at club level. I think that's the midfield problem sorted. Up front, there is a burgeoning partnership in Kane and Rashford; they can both play off each other, drop into the number 10 position and could score goals for fun (if they had a progressive midfield behind them).<br />
<br />
I don't care who's on the subs bench as long as they can slot into that system and they can play a high press, high tempo game easily. I would also take Jordan Henderson to one side and let him down, reasonably gently.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-1193683376400131322017-01-20T04:46:00.001-08:002017-01-20T04:46:15.294-08:00Pep's Most Difficult JobI fancy tempting fate. Football fans hate to tempt fate, especially Spurs fans, because it will all go wrong and for some strange reason you will think it's your fault it all went tits up. The thing is I tempted fate with a massively proportioned sex doll at the start of the season by stating, quite emphatically, that Tottenham Hotspur would win the league and then in December, after the team suffered defeat against a poor Man Utd team, I started to think my forecast was going to go the same way as other bursts of optimism in the past.<br />
<br />
Since then Spurs have strung seven straight wins - six in the league and a rare emphatic win in the FA Cup - and each game we win the better we look. At times last weekend, against one of my club's bogey teams, we played like Brazil circa 1970 with Dele Alli as Pele and Harry Kane as Jairzinho. At times the football we play makes Barcelona look, you know, a bit, okay but nothing special. On a couple of occasions on Saturday I felt like a child being subjected to some ultimate glee-inducing fun. At one point, after one stunning move resulted in a simply wondrous disallowed goal, I clapped my hands together like a child seeing Father Christmas for the first time. There is something remarkable about the feeling you get from watching your football team play with such confidence it's almost scary - it transcends sex and just condenses into an ecstatic joy that I can only imagine my friends, who support teams that have won things, have felt.<br />
<br />
This Spurs team scares me as much as it delights me. There is almost an entire team of potential world class footballers on display. At this moment in time I'm struggling to see a weak link in the side when it's on the same wavelength. That alone is some kind of surreal reality matched only by the weird shit that is going on in the world, add to that the first manager we have had who looks both happy and determined to do better <i>and</i> is doing it in a way that must give Daniel Levy almost unbearable erections of joy. I'm struggling to find any other negative than we're going to end up being much richer than we are now when all of them and the manager are bought for £1billion by another 'bigger' team.<br />
<br />
Remember the Harlem Globetrotters - a team who, legend has it, were so good they gave up competitive basketball and just played exhibition matches against top teams they then proceeded to demolish. That's my Spurs at the moment (maybe not in Europe, but certainly within these more isolated shores).<br />
<br />
Yet, ironically, I find myself feeling slightly sorry for one of my team's rivals and opponents this coming Saturday. Frankly, I couldn't care less if Man City crash and burn and lose their Arab owners lots of money and I, on the surface, find it hilarious that the media-proclaimed 'best manager in the world' is struggling to turn his team of expensive class into a unit that will challenge for the title.<br />
<br />
Any harsh critic of Pep Guardiola will point out that the two teams he has managed so far, both only really had one or two serious rivals and if you need evidence that anyone can win a league in a division of one just look at Brendan Rogers at Celtic. Most people who manage Celtic get to add trophies to their CVs and act like priapic porn stars because in their league there is no competition. What Pep possibly did realise is while the Premier League has four, maybe six, likely winners, he probably didn't think the other 14 pesky teams are more than capable of upsetting the odds and beating your side. Pep probably suffered some slightly embarrassing losses in his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but English football has a tendency to throw up unexpected results and City's 4-0 thumping by 'average' Everton made me feel a little sorry for him.<br />
<br />
It really isn't his fault he's been so successful at two of the world's richest and most successful clubs. His style of football isn't bad and he's proved that with world class footballers at his disposal he can do good things; but he's never really tried to manage at a slightly lower level, where you have to show your adaptability rather than just bring on a £50m player from the bench. This is why Mauricio Pochettino is likely to end up managing one of the world's richest clubs and why he might even get something others aren't often afforded - time. This is also why Spurs' visit to Man City this weekend is so significant. First off, it's a game neither side can afford to draw or lose because with Chelsea playing easier opposition the odds are they will pull even further ahead. Secondly, and more long game, is the stock of each manager. Mauricio looks happy, relaxed and his team are playing in a way that would make any manager happy (and secure). Pep on the other hand looks like a man who has been presented with his first real problem - plucky opposition - and he's not sure what to do. The pressure is really beginning to show on him and while I don't think his job is at risk, it would be if he, as I sometimes think he might, just resigns in the middle of press conference, storming out and never seen again outside of Spain.<br />
<br />
The third and, at present, least important thing about the game will be how many of the Spurs side will the Sheikhs be eyeing up a transfer deal for? And from a personal position, the fourth thing is can we continue our current upper hand over City? I hope we can because even 7 points behind Chelsea is a big gap, but one I think we can overcome in the next five months; 10 points might be enough to put a dent in our chrome. The loss of Jan Vertonghen is a worry, but we have able cover and usually players who come in at the back retain the rhythm. We're the better side at the moment, the mark of true champions is whether they can overcome these kind of obstacles. <br />
<br />Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-31869724432330722262016-09-16T15:49:00.001-07:002016-09-16T15:49:39.564-07:00Leicester City - This Year's Conspiracy Theory<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was like all the other teams let them win.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard Spurs fans make this suggestion of Leicester as
their own team’s title challenge petered out. As conspiracy theories go, the
other Premier League clubs letting Leicester City win the league is about as
far-fetched as fake moon landings and Piltdown man.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I’d like to make a case for <i>why</i> some Spurs fans would rather come up with an excuse than face
the reality of why their team didn’t win and possibly make them feel better
about being cast as the villain in what shouldn’t have been a two-horse race
between footballing underdogs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no denying that titles are not won in August, but
they are almost certainly lost and Spurs fans need to look at the 3 points from
a possible 12 at the start of the season as being far more important in the
grand scheme of things than the woeful capitulation from the moment Chelsea got
back into the game at WHL, precipitating a collapse and some of the most
unfortunate scenes on a football pitch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leicester’s August was not title winning, but it was
effectively guaranteeing them survival and while Ranieri kept banging on about
40 points, by November he must have thought the way he had the team playing
that a mid-table finish was almost guaranteed. Yet, the inconsistencies of the
big clubs meant Leicester never dropped out of the reckoning, instead it
fuelled the team – obviously driven by confidence – and I believe the beginning
of the key factor began to nestle into the heads of the other Premier League
players for the other 19 teams – including Spurs – if we don’t win it, we don’t
mind Leicester winning it.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know, if you ran this theory past Mark Lawrenson or Danny
Murphy, Alan Shearer or Dion Dublin they would laugh in your face and tell you
that footballers aren’t that complex and they only play to win. Except, by late
January the only two teams that looked like they had the desire to win were
Leicester and Spurs – both went on fabulous unbeaten runs and with Chelsea long
dead in the water, Man Utd flattering to deceive and Man City and Arsenal just
not showing the right amount of consistency, the impossible started to become a
reality; there was a good chance that one of the big four <b><i>wouldn’t</i></b> win the league.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you look at the last six games of the Premier League
season 2015/16 – at the point where pundits no longer believed anyone would
catch Leicester – you would have been excused had you woken up in an
alternative reality where the Foxes were the dominant team and there was a
fading hope of someone else resting control from them. The amount of insipid
performances against them; the seeming failure of coaches and squads coming to
terms with what was essentially the same tactic week in week out; had it not
been for those perennial ignorers of scripts West Ham, the East Midlands would
have been celebrating long before Spurs implosion against the wind-up experts
Chelsea.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aggrieved fans will point out how West Brom produced
arguably their best performance of the season to put a dent in Spurs’s title
challenge, or how Chelsea, devoid of passion, found bags of it to deny Spurs.
The closer the Londoners got to being a threat to Leicester, the harder their
opponents seemed to try. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The simple truth is Mauricio Pochettino used less players in
the closing 12 weeks of the season than 18 other Premier League sides; when it
came down to the nitty-gritty, the manager did a Harry Redknapp and failed to
trust much more than his preferred starting XI. I can see it even now – Poch sitting
at home thinking, “If I play Ryan Mason or Tom Carroll or Nacer Chadli how am I
going to live with myself if we screw up and lose the league by one point; I
will be forever labelled as the man who lost the league because he played
someone else instead of the knackered and under-performing Christian Eriksen...”
Obviously Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele didn’t help matters and neither did the
arguable lack of investment in <i>something</i>
during the previous January when we needed something – even a short term loanee
– the stir it up at the club and refocus the players.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s much easier to say that 18 other Premier League
sides gifted Leicester the title because it makes them feel better...</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward less than six months and the top 7 of the
Premier League looks more like how people expect the top of the league to look:
the two Manchester clubs, three London clubs and, hello, the two Liverpool
teams again. The seven largest clubs in the country occupy the top 7 spots and
there’s the battle for the next eight months – three of them are going to miss
out on prizes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-67202152524279963602016-07-27T06:54:00.000-07:002016-07-27T16:17:34.586-07:00The 2016/17 Football ForecastEvery year my good, dear friend Roger and I become pundits and forecast the forthcoming football season and we put it up on our joint sports blog called Sports Discuss - which, in Internet terms, was as popular as someone's soiled underpants. Abandoning that idea, we're going to publish this jointly through our own blogs, for exposure more than anything else.<br />
<br />
We were once known as The Wippo Brothers & Clive.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
As
is now well know, my predictions come from Missed It Meg, the most
unreliable wizard in the universe, and a seer whose stygmatism inflicted
second sight peers myopically through bottle-bottom thick glasses.
Meg's predictions are to reliability what the Labour
Party is to credible opposition politics, or, if I have to spell it
out, a fucking shambles...so, here goes:</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>AFC Bournemouth</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Will
veer between 11th and 17th and could finish anywhere in that range.
Already there have been seven unspectacular additions to the squad,
replacing six leavers and this will mean they will remain the Premier
League's yo-yo team, up and down like the Assyrian Empire. I predict
they will beat Spurs at home.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Arsenal</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
As
a Toffee it is always galling listening to the interminable moaning of
Gooners, but I can grudgingly understand their grouching given the
unspent zillions under Arsene's mattress. About time the craggy old
Frenchy retired methinks, or is it Wenger's plan to peg it in the dug
out?. They'll do enough to scrape 4th as ever, having at some point been
top and looking unbeatable. Plus ca change...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Burnley</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I
know as much about Burnley than I do about lathe maintenance. Bottom, I
reckon...which probably means Europa League qualification beckons. Will
draw with Spurs at WHL.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Chelsea</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Blimey,
that Kunte Kante fella makes Jose look reserved, does he not? Have
already spent over £60m of loose change on two new players, expect more
to come, who with the gesticulating bloke should probably take a while
to bed in. 2nd or 3rd.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Crystal Palace</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
A
sort of classier version of Stoke, occasionally a bit mad, just like
their manager. Will hover round the Useless League places.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Everton</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I
was going to hold off writing this prediction thing until we had
actually bought someone, but given our track record that would mean the
season would be a week old already. Even with Moshiri's wallet on board
it seems we have been a bit slow off the mark, the only purchase so far
being Leicester's director of football. An offer has been made for
Witsel who is mulling over a £100K a week contract. ho-hum.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Koeman was the guy I wanted, but then so was Martinez, so who knows what will happen. <br />
The
obvious key to any improvement is keeping hold of Lukaku, and to a
lesser extent, Barkley and Stones. Never a dull moment at The Old Lady
since Moyes left, for sure. We can't do any worse than last season, so
I'll go for 6th and a cup!</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Hull</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
With
no Barcodes to keep us entertained this season, 'Ull are making an
early bid for the title of the Premier League Comedy Club. What an
omnishables! Down, down deeper and down...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Leicester</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
My
prediction for the Foxes last season, like most, was waaay off, but at
least I didn't predict them to go down. Surely there's no way they can
repeat last season's miracle? I reckon upper mid-table. Right, I'm off
to put a tenner on them being Champions again...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Liverpool</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2033" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Klippety
is the first likeable manager the Shite have had since Houlier, and
he's now forging them into his own team, with 13 (!) departures and 6
additions so far. With no Euro distractions, I'm rather scared they'll
do a bit too well for my liking. Only thing stopping them is the new
team bedding in. Top four likely. :(</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Man City</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2037" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
The
team who on paper should win it every year. The key word is "team",
which they seldom resemble. Is "The World's Best Manager" the man who
can get them playing like they recognise each other? Hands off Lukaku or
Stones, ye over-monied entitled fuckers...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Man Utd</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2075" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
There
was an early and strong rumour that The Special One would actually take
up a proper challenge (my lot), but unsurprisingly he plumped for the
bottomless loaned wealth of the red half of Manchester. Like their
neighbours they have been very quiet in the transfer market so far,
so...hands off Lukaku or Stones, ye over-monied entitled fuckers...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2115" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2114">Middlesbrough</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
A
similar amount of transfer activity to Bournemouth, but unlike The
Cherries they do not have a year's experience behind them. Will hover
around the drop zone all year, but may survive.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Southampton</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
They
can't keep rebuilding and thriving each season, surely? Summat has to
give. Another hard one to call. Mid table anonymity along with...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Stoke</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
...and</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2166" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2165">Sunderland</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
You can tell I've had enough of this, can't you?</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Swansea</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Just
been bought by a Yank, apparently. Good track record, Yanks owning
football clubs, eh? Will scrap it out with the other three teams
beginning with S for 12th.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2219" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2218">Tottenham Hotspur</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2167" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
A
great name that sounds like it came out of a boys comic, and a team who
veer between brilliant and scared of their own shadows. The loss to
Bournemouth and the home draw against Burnley will be what ultimately
costs them the title. At least they'll finish above Arsenal at last.</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>Watford</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Goodbye, Vicarage Road... ;)</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>West Ham</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
A
almost spanking new and virtually free new ground (the bastards), a
good manager and a good squad. What could possibly go wrong? Everything,
probably, knowing The Hammers.<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2248" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2247">West Brom</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2276" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I thought I'd finished this thing then realised I hadn't mentioned The Baggies...in the mix with the "Esses".</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2275" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2274" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<b>The Table:</b></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2273" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: red;">1. Citeh</span></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
2. Spurs</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2280" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
3. Liverpool</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2272" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
4. Arsenal</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2253" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
5. Man Utd</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2254" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
6. Chelsea</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2281" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
7. Everton</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2255" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
8. Leicester</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2271" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
9. Crystal Palace</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2256" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
10. West Ham</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2282" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
11. Southampton</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2270" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
12. Sunderland</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2283" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
13. Stoke</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2284" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
14. West Brom</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2257" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
15. Swansea</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2258" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
16. Bournemouth</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2259" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
17. Middlesbrough</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2261" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: orange;">18. Burnley</span></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2262" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: orange;">19. Watford</span></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2263" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="color: orange;">20. Hull</span></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2264" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
League Cup: Everton</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2265" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
FA Cup: Everton</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2266" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Champions League: Not Everton</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Useless League: Paraguay</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
****</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
And I, for once, am rather more measured (with a surreal caveat)...</div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv3302824936gmail_default" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2267" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_8024" style="color: #3333ff;">
I
can't remember an impending football season with so much uncertainty
about it, yet if you read the columns and listen to the early shots from
the pundits you'd think it was already shaping up to be the same old
same old. I don't think it will be as predictable as the experts think.
For a start two new teams in the Champions League; Man Utd in the Europa
Cup and a host of new managers, new players and new grounds.</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3976" style="color: #3333ff;">
Oh
and for the first time since I've been doing this (must be 10 years
now), you'll have to wait until the end to find out my positional
predictions.</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3799" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_5021" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_8085">AFC Bournemouth</b>:
The problem for Eddie Howe's men is the other big problem that hounds
the unexpected survivor of an almost certain relegation - Second Season
Syndrome. The Cherries appear to have spent interestingly without really
raising any eyebrows. The key to a second consecutive survival battle
is not just who is worse but also how they improve on some excellent
results last season. It's going to be tough. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Possum</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_5020" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3800" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2854">Arsenal</b>:
One thing you'd be silly to do is write off Arsenal as a serious top 4
contender, but if you hear some of the pre-season banter from Arsenal
fans on the radio you'd think their season was over already. It would
appear the lack of investment and new players has again mightily pissed
off the fans, who argue, quite rightly at times, that if their team
could only scrape into 2nd in a supposedly woefully inferior last
season, surely some investment is needed to ensure they don't go
backwards. I think they might start to go backwards, especially if
injuries hit them hard early on. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Wildebeest</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3801" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3802" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Burnley</b>:
I really can't see this being a season with any real high points. They
are not going to do a Leicester and might find themselves way off the
pace from almost the word go. Will win friends and play some good
football, but it just won't ever be enough. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>rabbit</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_5019" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3975" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Chelsea</b>:
With no European participation, a slew of new recruits (and more on the
way) and a little more than just their pride at stake, I expect a
faltering season from the former champions, but only because it will
take Conte - the new man - a few months to get it right. The success of
teams around them in Europe could dictate the final standings at the end
of the season. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Pike</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3960" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3959" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Crystal Palace</b>:
Have been nothing but ambitious in transfers and targets and will fancy
their chances if they hit a rich vein of form - which they are capable
of, especially at home. Will be tough to beat this year and Pardew will
have learnt from the second half of last season. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Bald eagle</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3958" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3832" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Everton</b>:
One of the real puzzles in this year's league battle. Ronald Koeman
didn't so much transform Southampton as do what you'd expect a manager
to do when he follows someone who has shown the team's vast improvement,
he took it to the next level and Southampton sans some of arguably
their best players were better without them. Koeman also hasn't got big shoes to fill as Roberto Martinez's reign spluttered
to a resounding end and a team with so much potential, in a season when
they should have done so much better, was a flop. They don't appear to
have signed anyone yet and despite having lots of money, this is a
worry, especially if you're a Toffee's fan. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Panda</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3957" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3956" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Hull</b>:
A club in turmoil. Only 13 fit players in the squad. The manager has
just quit and the club is essentially for sale. I'd have a fiver on them
to win the league. I expect them to go down and badly but I said that
about Leicester last season. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Your crap dog</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3955" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3954" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Leicester</b>:
And here they are, the Champions. Will they be champions in May. No.
I'm positive of this. They will however begin the season like they
finished last season and will remain tough to beat and difficult to play
against unless you know how to close them down. A decent replacement
for Kante is needed, but who was Kante last August? This is going to be
as tough as old boots for them. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Lupus Lupus</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3953" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3952" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Liverpool</b>:
No Europe and we all remember what happened last time that happened?
This time they have Jurgen Klopp, a lot of his style of players and
definite signs at times towards the end of last season that a new ethos
was taking shape at Anfield. This team, for the first time in years,
worries me. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Giraffe</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3944" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3943" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469626796595_2855">Man City</b>:
The Premier League really is the Champions League of managers this
season and few come bigger than Pep Guardiola. Had the other Special One
not moved into Old Trafford you might have pretty much given the title
to Citeh given the foregone conclusion-ness attached to them. For
Guardiola, read Antonio Conte above, this won't be an easy ride, it will
get better and all the signs will start to show that the future is
scary, but maybe not this year. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Gorilla</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3942" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3941" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Man Utd</b>:
Determining factors - is Mourinho washed up? Will the Europa League
hinder? Will they even bother with it? Will the weight of expectation
become too high again? There's no denying the quality that's been
brought in and that of those still being negotiated for. I just have a
gut feeling that this could go horribly wrong and it's a real cheat to
say it probably won't but I want to put it out there. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Hyena</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3940" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3939" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Middlesbrough</b>:
A dark horse for certain survival? There's something about them that
suggests a resilience and staying in the Premier League isn't as
difficult as it once seemed for newly promoted clubs. Have spent wisely
and on some good players. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Geordies</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3938" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3903" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Southampton</b>:
my underdogs for the relegation zone. The new manager might yet be
another brilliant pick and the academy still continues to churn out
future stars; but it must be hard playing for a club with both a Europa
League campaign and with the knowledge you play for a selling club.
Unlikely to repeat last season and could struggle if things get tough. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Seal</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3902" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3901" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Stoke</b>:
I'm fed up with writing about Stoke and most years I write bugger all
about them. Will frustrate and flatter to deceive. Mid-table as per. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Shrew</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3900" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3904" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Sunderland</b>:
David Moyes can turn Jermaine Defoe into a defensive midfielder. Surely
a season of mediocrity but no real flirtation with relegation? Either
this team will improve or no one will change their fortunes for a while.
I think they'll bother neither end of the table. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>a very defensive minded sloth</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3930" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3899" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Swansea</b>:
possibly the bottom has dropped out of Swansea a little and if
Siggurdsson is prised away from them before the window slams shut then I
fear for their future. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>lungfish</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3922" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_6437" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>Watford</b>: Who knows? What's the new manager like? How will the 30 new recruits slot into the team? Bizarre club. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Cuckoo</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3905" style="color: #3333ff;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_3906" style="color: #3333ff;">
<b>West Ham</b>:
We all know Bilic is a top quality manager. How the Hammers settle into
their new home is a huge uncertainty. Fortress or target? West Ham were
the first team to win at the Emirates, I believe, expect Arsenal to
return the favour. Europa League could hinder league progress a little,
depending on how serious they treat it this year. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i> Peacock</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_6447">West Brom</b>: God, I so hope they go down. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>skunk</i></div>
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<b id="yiv7341404707yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469568021364_6446">Tottenham</b>:
Optimism has never been in plentiful supply with me and my team and
after a brilliant season, the team imploded to remind us all just how
good they are at fucking up when Arsenal are sniffing at their arses. I
expect nothing less than finishing above the Gooners and maybe we have
the makings of doing more than that. The one key factor in Spurs failure
to finish higher than 3rd was their failure to convert matches against
obdurate opponents intent on a draw or nicking the win. The football
they played, by and large, against the so-called big boys was
irresistible at times and there's no reason why that shouldn't continue
even with Champions League commitments. Sensible purchases, early on,
and more brilliant raw talent being promoted from the youth coupled with
something Spurs haven't had for a long time, continuity, means that I'm
actually more than optimistic for them in a season with so many unknown
factors at work. <b>Animal Most Like - </b><i>Vorlon</i></div>
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<b>The Table</b>:</div>
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<span style="color: red;">1. Tottenham</span></div>
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2. Liverpool</div>
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3. Man City</div>
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4. Chelsea</div>
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5. Man Utd</div>
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6. Everton</div>
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7. Arsenal</div>
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8. West Ham</div>
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9. Leicester</div>
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10. Stoke</div>
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11. Crystal Palace</div>
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12. Southampton</div>
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13. Watford</div>
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14. Middlesbrough</div>
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15. Sunderland</div>
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16. Bournemouth</div>
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17. WBA</div>
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<span style="color: orange;">18. Swansea</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">19. Burnley</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">20. Hull City</span></div>
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League Cup: Man City</div>
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FA Cup: Chelsea</div>
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Champions League: Bayern Munich</div>
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Europa League: Kazakhstan Korinthians</div>
</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-288275103863824252016-04-23T02:13:00.001-07:002016-05-03T02:12:46.281-07:00And you thought this year was exciting...The football season 2016/17 is so far away the 2015/16 one isn't even over, yet because of the abject failure of the Big Four to have much impact on the title, some pundits and journalists are already forecasting incredible things for <i>next </i>season.<br />
<br />
Such is the belief of some journalists, by the ultimate week of next season there will be eight team all on 75 points, all with exactly the same goal difference and five more on 74 who could knick something if every result goes against what is needed. The other 8 teams will be vying for relegation. No one is suggesting that Middlesbrough, Burnley or Brighton could do a Leicester. In fact no one is suggesting Leicester can do a Leicester. If they do win it this year, no one is realistically even talking about them retaining it - not even the looniest Leicester City loons. This season is a one-off. Normal service will be resumed. Next season all the top teams will have the top people in place and, of course, next year, Rodney, we'll all be millionaires... Except, the poor joke is on me, next year all the Premier League clubs will almost be billionaires.<br />
<br />
So, shifting focus away from my beloved Spurs, I thought I'd look at this coming August:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Arsenal </b>- I know Arsenal fans who believe that Wenger will die in post. This is the one that's too close to call in because I think Wenger's time there depends on where they finish in the league this season. With two easy matches and a game against their rivals for 3rd, you would think Champions League football is guaranteed and therefore Arsene plays out the last year of his contract because he will have fulfilled the minimum requirements of said contract. I expect if that happens it won't get renewed and he'll be offered the chance to 'go upstairs'. That offer might come earlier if they find themselves in 5th, or even 4th, at the end of May, in a season where the top two were Leicester and fierce local rivals Spurs. Not good enough (huzzah).</i><br />
<i>Next season prediction: With Wenger and without serious investment a top five spot is unlikely; however, even with a new manager and a lot of money, there is no guarantee the returns will be instant, especially with so many clubs now having vast quantities of money. They blew it this season and without a change that will have psychological effects. Plus some of their stars are beginning to look nervously at the door...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b style="font-style: italic;">Bournemouth </b><i>- will not trouble the top half of the table and I say that with confidence and then I look at Leicester and 12 months ago you would probably have struggled to put a Rizla between Leicester's narrow-avoidance of relegation team and Bournemouth's Championship winning side. You can't say that now and who knows what investment Bournemouth might make even if their maximum ground capacity falls well short, or what standard of players they might be able to attract. The only drawback to all of that is the last few years have proven almost unequivocally that having a </i>team<i> is proving to be more consistent than having superstars. Eddie Howe is one of the best young managers in the country and he gets his </i>team <i>playing. Yet Bournemouth's success pretty much boils down to their ability to persuade people to go to the south coast, where lots of old people retire to.</i><br />
<i>Next season prediction: bottom half of the table.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Chelsea</b> - there seems to be this belief in some quarters that Antonio Conte is going to have a kind of first-coming-of-Mourinho effect; in others is the belief that a huge amount of investment is needed. And then there's those who feel the club has more prospective excellence loaned out (40) it should look at itself rather than venture into the hit-and-miss world of hoping a great and mega-expensive footballer fits into your ways and methods. Some don't. Some world class footballers cannot adapt to some approaches. Plus, there really does seem to be something rotten at the heart of Stamford Bridge at the moment, like the fall out of the Eva Carneiro business had been brewing for months beforehand and we just saw the head of it and not all the pus stewing away below it. Has any defending champions ever looked so pallid and disinterested?</i><br />
<i>Next season: Hazard will go, so to could a few others. If Conte allows the youth to flourish and is given an entire season to oversee the repackaging of Chelsea (but has a couple of Galactico signings, so that Roman can feel all big in the trousers) then the season after next they might be worth a punt on finishing in the top four; but next season... top half only.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Crystal Palace</b> - and repeat... I could pretty much say the same thing, but slightly different for every club, because the amount of money sloshing about in their banks come next season is going to make signing Messi a reality - in realistically metaphoric terms only - for some big </i>named<i> clubs, but is also going to mean some clubs picking up class acts who would normally not look at a club like Palace because if they want to play or want to sit on a bench or in the reserves of a 'top' club then they obviously are more interested in money than playing football. London is Palace's advantage.<br />Next season: we discover if everything people accuse Alan Pardew of is correct and whether Palace playing in Europe (A cup final spot against Man U would guarantee it) will really hinder the team or bring it forward. If the latter happens I see a struggle because of a lack of real depth - one that has been their undoing in the latter half of this season. Might struggle to make the top half.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Everton</b> - I expect the Toffees will start next season with a new manager, but stranger things have happened at that club. Martinez should be fired for his failure to achieve anything in a season where LEICESTER won the title. At one point in January, the Merseyside club had the sixth best goal difference in the league and yet were 11th. This is a club with some real talent and yet they have the league table appearance of a 1990s Spurs side - high expectations and shit finishes. I liked their manager and I thought they got the better deal when my team got Andre Villas Boas...</i><br />
<i>Next season: Everton strike me as the kind of club with the right manager in place could hit the ground running. That said, they have to hope that this season of underachievement doesn't stimulate the likes of Barkley and Lukaku into wanting away, maybe to a club showing more ambition? Top half but need to keep their star players.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Leicester City</b> - and here's the rub; Leicester will pocket a shed-load of cash from winning the league, but can they a) invest it wisely and b) keep the ethos of this team together? Can they compete in the Champions League and make a fist of defending the title? Could Jamie Vardy be a one-season-wonder? This season we have seen what the power of confidence can do and the power of a settled team - the top two in 2015/16 used less players than the 18 teams below them; next year the others will have a better chance of countering Leicester's style of play than Spurs' and I say that because history suggests that is what usually happens, while Spurs' style of play begins with them being as fit in the 90th minute as they were in the 1st - the only way to counter that is to match it.</i><br />
<i>Next season: I'm going to be optimistic. Leicester will scrape into the last 16 of the Champs League (but they enter the draw as a fourth seed given their absence from Europe for ever) and will finish 7th. Equally, they might get tonked in Europe and struggle against teams that mark Mahrez and Vardy out of games, but I think some of this year's momentum will see them all right.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Liverpool</b> - the real threat, but there will be some changes and those changes could be crucial. I expect Klopp's Liverpool to be next season's Leicester or Spurs and that's because they are beginning to look like a well-drilled, organised and attractive GERMAN side. They could win the Europa League next month; they've already beaten a GERMAN team that humbled Spurs and having a fifth team in the Champions League would at least offset the worry that Leicester will bugger up our coefficients. They have started to look like an embryonic Spurs side - the one that started to look good at the back end of 2015, by next season they will have gained some consistency.</i><br />
<i>Next season: top 3</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i><b>Manchester City</b> - Pep Guardiola. I'll say it again, Pep Guardiola. So what? He's managed two of the greatest team ever in the same way that Andy Cole played up front for the best Man U side ever. </i><i>Pep s</i><i>cores with stars. It would be nice to see what he'd do if he managed Orient or Fleetwood. Man City have fallen behind in many ways; they have some of the best players in the world in their side and I'm sure under the right coach they will prove this. But is Pep the right guy? Probably; but when you think about what Chelsea, Man U, Liverpool are likely to do in the transfer market, or the likely improvement in Spurs or the extensive rebuilding Pep has to do in certain areas, I no longer think this is a nailed on certainty. </i><br />
<i>Next season will have expectations, but also a wee bit of patience. I don't think they'll win it, but they will finish top 3. They might be the only 'expected' team to place there.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Manchester United</b> - with or without Van Gaal or Mourinho this is a team in transition and given history is likely to struggle to return to the position it believes it should be in. Van Gaal might win the FA Cup and finish 4th thus keeping his job for the final year of his contract. I kind of want this to happen because Man Utd are the new old Spurs - inconsistent but sometimes great. Yet, I don't believe Mourinho is actually that good, so him coming might be a great car crash. Equally, I refer you to comments about Pep Guardiola in the previous entry and ask if this possible manager could do it with no stars at his disposal and no budget?<br />Next season will probably be a massive disappointment yet like this season will have periods where they pick up plenty of points. The Man U era might be over, but they might still keep on the coat tails and sneak into 4th... Only </i>might <i>though</i>.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Southampton </b>- if ever there was a collective side who could do a Leicester it's this team, but you just get the impression they don't know how to move up from where they have got. Keep Koeman and some of their outstanding players and you're looking at an outside top 6 club; lose him and it'll get no worse than mid-table. This is a progressive club that is almost single-handedly helping other teams rise above them by letting all their players and staff leave. That said I don't think of Southampton as being a 'new' Premier League side; I view them as a Premier League side who wandered off the plot for a few years (like Leeds, Bolton and the Sheffield clubs), so I'd be surprised if they allowed the club to slip out of the big time again.</i><br />
<i>Next season: probably won't seriously trouble the top or bottom six and in this era of billions that will probably be enough. Will have a big say in the outcome because on their day, at home, they are very tough to beat.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Stoke</b> - I like Mark Hughes, but like Arsene Wenger, I don't think he's that cutting edge any more. He's been around too long now and seems capable of taking clubs to a certain level, but no higher. On paper Stoke look quite good; on the pitch on Monday night, Spurs literally took them apart and had fun with the pieces. There are some good (in Football Manager) players in the squad, but they seem to be reclaiming the 'thug' tag and also carry a lot of dead wood. Stoke aren't in any danger of doing anything remarkable, but they probably need a progressive manager to get the best out of their quality players and that manager also needs to develop youngsters while ridding the club of the likes of Crouch, Adam and Given.</i><br />
<i>Next season: nothing to see here, move along mid-table.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Swansea</b> - the fact they're still here is testament to the way smaller clubs have adapted to the Premier League. However, this season while they never looked in danger of relegation, there were moments where they couldn't do anything right and Swansea and Palace both played themselves into a relegation race they should never have been in, considering their positions and points tally after Christmas. They were in danger because they don't seem to have come on and if they don't move up a few gears it will get worse.</i><br />
<i>Next season: bottom six, whether they will go depends on how bad three other teams end up.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Watford</b> - who can say? Rumour has it that Flores is in danger of losing his job, despite Premier League safety by March and an FA Cup semi-final (maybe even Europa League football next season). An unlikely nomination to be the next Leicester, but as I've said, who would have thought of Leicester? They play nice counter-attacking football and have defied the odds and the pundits - this is a different Watford that has flirted with the top flight in the past.</i><br />
<i>Next season: mid table mediocrity and all the happier for it.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>West Brom</b> - this is an average side with an average manager and are likely to lose a couple of players in the summer. West Brom might think they're too good to go down, but as Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland can attest, reputations means dick. How does this club attract big players and play football that will make them more attractive? I have no idea, but they need something.</i><br />
<i>Next season: serious relegation candidates.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>West Ham</b> - we tend to forget because of Leicester and Spurs that the most common conversation when Slaven Bilic took over was whether he could prevent the Hammers from being relegated. Nine months later they have pushed for a Champions League place without ever looking like they were serious. This is a good side and I expect them to get better; however a new stadium could be a blessing or a curse. Moving to Stratford is one of the biggest 'unknown' factors in next season's league. If they take to it they could do better, if it doesn't fit then this is a team that sometimes fall quite spectacularly.</i><br />
<i>Next season: top 10, nailed on.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>As you can see, I've left out Norwich, Sunderland, and Newcastle because we have no idea which one will still be in the top flight next year, however I think whoever it is will be challenging for the bottom 3 next season.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I expect two, possibly all three, of Burnley, Brighton and Middlesbrough up next season and with the new money fountain, I can't really forecast where these clubs are likely to finish - next year is an odd one because of the levelling of the monetary playing field - clubs will no longer need to sell players in contract, can afford to raise their wages bill and spend more money on better players - so I wouldn't fancy doing any predictions with any conviction until I know who they are and what they're doing.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>That said...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It brings us to...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Tottenham Hotspur</b> - I wouldn't have believed you if you'd told me what this current season would bring, because in many ways it was more ambitious than I've dreamt of. There hasn't been <b>any</b> speculation of any seriousness linking any of their players to 'bigger' clubs. Man U supposedly want Harry Kane, but that isn't going to happen - for a multitude of reasons. Could Dele Alli be tempted away with a £50million bid? I doubt it very much; I expect he will play for Liverpool one day - he is a fan - but I also expect him to be in his mid to late 20s when that happens. What about our brilliant defence or the likes of Eriksen, Lamela or Dier - couldn't they go if a Barca, Real or Bayern came calling? Yeah, but not next season - there's no need. Will Spurs keep Pochettino? Absolutely; his project is less than half complete and you see that look in his eye, the look of a man who knows this team is going forward and has no reason to go back, at all.</i><br />
<i>Next season: First. Top. Champions. Not only will they win it, they'll win it easily, with only two clubs giving them a run for their money. I say this based on the fact Spurs play the best football in the Premier League, have the best defence and next season the draws will become wins because they will have experience added to brilliant raw talent. They are a joy to watch sometimes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>My 'avin'a-larf table for May 2017</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>1. Spurs</i><br />
<i>2. Liverpool</i><br />
<i>3. Man City</i><br />
<i>4. Man Utd</i><br />
<i>5. </i><i>West Ham</i><br />
<i>6. Arsenal</i><br />
<i>7. Leicester</i><br />
<i>8. </i><i>Chelsea</i><br />
<i>9. Southampton</i><br />
<i>10. Everton</i><br />
<i>11. Stoke</i><br />
<i>12. </i><i>Crystal Palace</i><br />
<i>13. </i><i>Watford</i><br />
<div>
<i>14. Promoted #2</i></div>
<i>15. </i><i>Promoted #1</i><br />
<i>16. </i><i>Swansea</i><br />
<i>17. Bournemouth</i><br />
<i>18. West Brom</i><br />
<i>19. Norwich/Newcastle/Sunderland</i><br />
<i>20. Promoted #3</i>Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-47676530351309016672016-04-08T05:12:00.002-07:002016-04-08T05:12:33.354-07:00The End of Season Bash (part 2)I want to make a point (again) about Leicester's participation in the Champions League next season, now that it is almost impossible <i>not</i> to happen.<br />
<br />
I'm going to sound like every punter, ever, but with a fourth spot at Europe's top table under threat by resurgent Italians and the failure - en masse - of English teams in European competitions in recent years, there is a risk that inside three years, we could be 'relegated' to having just three Champions League participants (with the third place team having to go the play-off route). To stop this, we simply have to perform better in Europe than the Italians, especially next season, because if we fail again the co-efficients could well tip towards a fourth Italian side by the time the Champions League is revamped.<br />
<br />
The Premier League, this season, has been a remarkably level playing field, which is why Leicester, Spurs and even West Ham have excelled way above expectations (and probably why Roberto Martinez will be sacked by Everton, because this talented side missed a big opportunity). It is still feasible, with Man City playing so erratically and Man Utd never guaranteed to turn up, that the Hammers could grab that fourth spot - a win against Arsenal would do lots of teams a favour. If next season England was represented by Leicester, Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham in the Champions League, then I'd bet my house that 99% of pundits would realistically say that only Arsenal stood a good chance of progressing from the group stage, based on European Cup history. You could argue that Spurs should, but the star-studded side under Harry Redknapp was a better bet on a European stage than the current side and Spurs' lack of real depth showed in their two limp defeats to Borussia Dortmund, who never looked like the side they did in the following round against Liverpool.<br />
<br />
The Premier League might be the 'best' in the world in terms of excitement and entertainment, but it clearly no longer has club sides that are dominant throughout Europe. When Alex Ferguson retired it seemed to take the heart out of English clubs European dreams. I accept that's a facile generalisation, but there no longer seems to be the urgency about Europe there once was and that might be down to the money being generated, via television, for domestic football. This also might explain why world class footballers are still preferring Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern over any of our own rich clubs - because it's easier for these clubs to win big trophies now and there's less demand on them.<br />
<br />
The Spanish League is, of the big guns, the most difficult to win outside of the Premier League. There are three teams that could win it every season, two of them are the Galacticos, while the other Madrid side punch above their weight every year. There are others capable of giving these teams 'a game', but you could forecast correctly every season by picking these three teams. Paris St German are the only team in their league; they have a squad to rival the Galacticos and are becoming a dominant force in Europe. Bayern's biggest rival is Dortmund, there are other good teams in the Bundesliga but essentially it's Bayern then the rest. These four teams should continue to dominate the Champions League because there are very few demands outside of it. In England we have schedules that kill competitions and it is obvious that the Europa League simply doesn't work for English clubs because of the over all money at stake, not the prize at the end. Champions League generates far more money and when you're a business, money tends to outweigh glory of a secondary nature.<br />
<br />
Would England take the Europa League seriously if next season you had Man City, Man Utd, Southampton and say Everton in it? Would no European involvement help Chelsea and their new manager? Can Leicester do it again? Can they challenge for the title and play at the top table and hold their own? I'd say doubtful, as would others and historically there's evidence to suggest they could end up treating the Champions League like the Nordic clubs - as cash cow rather than a winnable competition - their participation in just six matches would bring considerable riches, even if that was the be all and end all of their European jaunt and it was never repeated.<br />
<br />
However, in a world with a level playing field it isn't inconceivable that a team such as Southampton or Everton couldn't do very well in Europe; there is enough money to have bigger squads to combat the fatigue and mental catch up side of the game, but the demands of the domestic game have grown so important that comments made by Laurent Blanc - manager of PSG - ring true; he said that fatigue from a long season could play a major part in whether English clubs can do well in Europe and evidence over the last few years is they don't do well in Europe (unless its to the detriment of their league form). It is obvious that something needs to be done to help club fulfil their potential.<br />
<br />
It's all well and good condemning English clubs failure while pointing at the money, the managers and the profile, but when you expect top class athletes to perform match after match to the highest of standards (and they don't) you have to realise that Mo Farrar doesn't run 10,000 metres, in gold winning medal time, every week, while kicking a ball in front of him.<br />
<br />
It is also incredibly difficult to mould a squad team - most top clubs have their best sides and a few players who can interchange seamlessly, but start making wholesale changes and form starts to dip. Only Spurs this season have been able to rotate a lot of their players and not look much different; but it has been the rotations that have caused the biggest loss of points (not huge this season, but enough to make a difference). If you asked Mauricio Pochettino what his starting XI for the rest of the season is it wouldn't change (apart from maybe Vertonghen coming back). That's the side that almost won the Premier League and the push on they will need won't be signing star names, but holding onto who they have and signing a few equally as good players to slot in during injuries and suspensions. Most clubs don't really have good B teams - adequate, yes, but unlikely to sustain anything. So, if a club wants to take all competitions seriously, they have to play with teams they think will win and that means some players could end up involved in 60 matches in a season - do the maths, it's just too much to expect.<br />
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The question is does English football want to be champions of Europe again or is it happy living off its domestic laurels? It would seem the amount of money about to wash about has made the competitive edge wane. The league is still the important one and for six or seven teams now it will remain that way. Leicester will want to continue being a great side. Spurs won't be looking at a top four finish but a title challenge. West Ham will see the Olympic Stadium move as a bonus to continue the massive improvement under Slaven Bilic. Chelsea will expect their new manager to have instant impact and success. Guardiola's arrival at Man City throws open the possibility that some of the world class players who baulk at our league <i>might</i> be tempted. Arsenal and Man Utd will expect something extra and there's Liverpool to take into account; they have to improve at some point. It all adds up to a forthcoming season where winning the league again becomes the most important thing and with seven or eight clubs in the mix the cup competitions are going to be viewed as a hindrance rather than a bonus.<br />
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English domestic cups are utterly devalued, despite what pundits are paid to say; no one takes them too seriously until you get to the business end and even then, depending on what else your team is involved with, there is an element of lack of urgency about them. The League Cup causes problems even now, adding to a fixture list that many managers think is already too busy. One solution would be to revamp that competition but any major changes would be opposed because it carries a European place and without it the competition would be even more devalued. I'm sure that the managers of mid-table Premier League sides would argue it is one of their few ways of realistically winning a trophy, while teams always chasing bigger things will use the competition to keep fringe players happy - with the added bonus of extra game time and the chance to impress. If that fails, then no big loss, the players get a few midweek breaks. The fans would be more than happy with some silverware and they don't care how its got. I'm sure Wigan or Portsmouth fans would struggle to give back their FA Cup wins for a place struggling in the Premier League every season?<br />
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The problem is in the post-mortem; this season will have some fans of some clubs wondering if their commitments to cups was the reason they fell short. I'm talking, specifically Spurs and their one big chance of glory in 55 years and how it might not happen because of the club's earlier commitment to the cup competitions. Could some of those draws been wins? So next season, if Spurs are challenging again, could we see them treat the domestic cups with less respect? Part of me actually wants the answer to be yes. If Leicester get through to both cup quarter finals but end up in 7th because of the amount of games they played, will they be happy if the eight points they dropped meant 3rd rather than 7th? Cup quarter finalists are never remembered. If any club can win the league why risk the rewards of a top ten finish with a ultimately pointless cup run? I know it's all to do with pride and glory but some clubs know that will elude them so its really all about money.<br />
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The upshot is if England start to treat Europe like a purse rather than a winnable competition it devalues European football. Europe is unattractive without English participation - TV deals become insignificant when a big part of your desired audience isn't in it. So it ultimately isn't in UEFA's interests for England to drift out of European reckoning. The status quo might be restored next season - Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd might dominate with the pretenders back to scratching around for scraps, but if it isn't (and why should it?) then the draw of the Premier League's participation in Europe continues to be eroded because the fan bases of the new breed aren't in the league of the big money clubs and progression isn't assured.<br />
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It's a little like solving a conundrum within a puzzle within an enigma and one which every time I try and think of a workable solution I'm stymied by some different wrinkle. Whether it's about glory, money or progression, there is something or someone that will have to give to ensure that it has a fair chance of working and football chairmen are notorious for not giving an inch.<br />
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Way back when the Premier League was formed and it went from 22 teams to 20, some people were saying it should be just 16 teams, with one team relegated and one team involved in a play-off with the side finishing second in the lower league. The knock on effect is you'd now have a Premier League 2 with 20 teams, a Championship (League 1) with 24 teams and two regional League 1s (League 2) with 24 (or 20) teams each (the top six from the National league would automatically join the following season. This would immediately solve a fixture congestion for Premier League clubs, with eight games less. Can you imagine the opposition to it now if someone suggested that?<br />
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Cups will remain important to the fans of teams still in it at the arse end of the season, that will never change, but it could end up remaining a very fallow period for all of the wannabe league and European champions because there is a bigger prize now up for grabs.<br />
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It brings us back to Leicester in next season's Champions League. They will be a fourth ranked team, regardless of their champion status because they have no European form; getting out of a group with at least two top ranked sides is going to be a big ask for them and to be able to maintain the momentum from this season. It will be worse if they're drawn in a group with an Italian side. England will be lucky to get a good return in co-efficient points from the Champions League next season, so ultimately the euphoria of something different finally happening in the Premier League might end up devaluing our place in Europe.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-74691059469537653072016-04-08T04:47:00.002-07:002016-04-08T04:47:58.991-07:00The End of Season Bash (part 1)<b>Champagne's on Ice, but what about St Totteringham's Day?</b><br />
<br />
Congratulations Leicester City on winning the most unlikeliest prize of all. The claiming of the Premier League title has been a revelation that is both sweet and poison to football fans all over the country.<br />
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But... hang on, they haven't won it yet?<br />
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No, but they need a minimum of four wins from their remaining six games and while they face in-form West Ham, Man United (desperate for a top four finish) and dethroned champions Chelsea, they also have three very winnable ties against Everton, Swansea and Sunderland and that should be enough, given Spurs' tough run-in.<br />
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Arsenal, on paper, look better equipped to make a late challenge, despite having to win 3 more games than Leicester. Five of their final six fixtures are all pretty much guaranteed three pointers - Palace, West Brom, Sunderland and Norwich before a last day 'test' against Villa. However, they also face West Ham at the Boleyn Ground and Man City in sunny Mancsville - two games that will possible define their stop/start season. 15 points would give Arsenal 73 points, meaning Leicester would only need 5 points to guarantee the title.<br />
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Spurs have Chelsea away - never a happy hunting ground and against a team playing for pride. They have Man Utd at home, also another team the North London club struggle to beat, wherever they play and whatever form they happen to be in. Stoke away also poses a threat - Spurs can win there, but going to the Potteries is never, ever, a forecast-able result. That leaves West Brom and Southampton at home and a potential crazy last day when they go to St James Park in Newcastle to play a side that may or may not have already been relegated, but might also need a win to save their status. If Spurs can draw against Chelsea, and beat their opponents in the other five, that would give them 16 points and a total of 78 points, meaning Leicester would need to win four matches as Spurs have, by far, the best goal difference in the league. That, on paper could put pressure on Leicester, but the reality is, it is <i>Spurs </i>they are up against.<br />
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So, while the league title is still not mathematically impossible, most Spurs fans would have bitten your hand off at the start of the season just to finish above Arsenal, even if that was us in 16th and them in 17th. The gap between the two pernicious rivals is four points, but Arsenal have a game in hand, so that could be one point and a far worse goal difference to overcome - not impossible by any stretch of the imagination. The reality is the fight for runner-up is far more likely to stir up passions among two sets of rivals than the unexpected Leicester title.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. If Spurs were to defy the odds and win the title I would not have the slightest problem in partying like it was 1999 all over again, but I also accept that it is as unlikely as Leicester winning the title... oh... But, it has been a great season to watch and live and I never really expected something like this in my lifetime; there was always the hope but never the reality - Spurs usually fall short much earlier than this and it's the hope that gets you in the end.<br />
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I decided after the lasagne-gate incident - 10 years ago now - that I would be happy with a) supremacy over the Arse or b) just one year where we finish above the bastards; and, frankly, we've flattered to deceive and always managed to screw it up. This season, as a die-hard Spurs fan, is likely to have the same result, even if we finish 3rd and are guaranteed Champions League group football next year. 3rd would be a disaster if Arsenal were above us.<br />
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In the world of harsh realities, Spurs could end up taking just six points from their last six matches and if you were a betting man this is your best bet; except for 28 of the last 32 matches, Spurs have played like one of the two best teams in the country - many managers claim they are the best side their clubs' have faced and unusually Spurs are now tough to beat; they don't concede that many goals (less than anyone else in the top flight) and this is a team that has showed, time and time again, it doesn't know when it is beaten. Most un-Spurs-like.<br />
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Against Liverpool, in a game they needed to win and went a goal behind, I never once gave up; I could see us scoring - we did - and I could see us getting a winner - we didn't, but we didn't lose and not losing is a mentality that has benefited both Spurs and Leicester.<br />
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So I err on the pessimistic only because recent history demands it. History however has never had a Spurs side quite like this one, at least not for 55 years, and this team is ridiculously young and fit and has gained more points from losing positions than any team in the league; so there is room for some cautious optimism and, of course, this weird season could still throw up some curve balls. Sunderland are fighting for their lives - relegation this season will cost teams so much money it isn't funny - and we all know - because of Leicester's heroics last season - relegation-threatened teams somehow turn it around, sometimes. Sunderland face both Arsenal and Leicester at home and it is arguably their two most important games, because points taken from these are not expected, despite home advantage. Plus they have Big Sam and he likes a challenge, having never been relegated in his career.<br />
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St Totteringham's Day - the near-mythical day when Spurs can no longer overhaul their North London neighbours has only gone down to the last day of the season twice in recent years and both times the Arse have triumphed, despite Spurs being in pole position. It would be fair to say that I will be looking down the table over the next few weeks, not above.<br />
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If I had any finger nails, I wouldn't.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-72321775651784515712016-03-17T05:50:00.000-07:002016-03-17T05:50:11.721-07:00A Week is a Long Time etc...Let's be realistic about this - the 2015/16 season has been a revelation - it has shown us all something unique in modern football and the fact that my Spurs are 2nd, still, can be looked back on as a definite improvement, even if they end up in 4th or even 5th place. Yes, it will be devastating after a season of more ups than downs, but the future does appear to have Spurs firmly in its sights and thoughts.<br />
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Looking more like the only winners are Leicester City, who are looking so nailed on to win the unthinkable, they could have it wrapped up by the beginning of May, with a delicious irony being they go to Chelsea on the last day and would receive the customary guard of honour from the former champions.<br />
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As it stands, Leicester needs 13 points from 24 to guarantee Champions League football; every time the teams outside of the top 4 drop points that target gets smaller; they have to be long odds on to be playing at the big boys table next season and frankly a massive crash is the only thing that make that happen. Spurs need 18 from 24 just to guarantee Champions League football, but are now considered by the bookies to be Leicester's only viable rival. They sit five points behind with eight games to go; the simple fact is in those eight games, Spurs have to win TWO more than Leicester and those eight games might as well be eight grains of sand in an hourglass. The only way Leicester won't be writing their way into the history books is if they implode and start playing like Aston Villa.<br />
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You can imagine them already making their excuses for this year's success stories to fail next season: Leicester will, at best, return to mid-table mediocrity next season, especially with Champions League (should they get past the group stage). Spurs won't invest enough in players to sustain a challenge and an European adventure and West Ham are moving to a new stadium and this season's improvement is more down to the failings of the others. I'll bet they're already lining up a top 5 for next season featuring Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U and Liverpool - and most punters will place Spurs, Leicester, West Ham, possibly Everton (now they're richer than the Reds), Stoke and Southampton as the chasing pack. Logic dictates that's how it should be and as games run out, all that logic from all those pundits, is going to sound like Alan Hansen's 'You can't win anything with kids'.<br />
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Next season, if this one is anything to go by, could have 10 or 11 teams in the mix - everyone can still beat everyone else and just because Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte and possibly one or two other Galactico managers will be tyhrowing their weight against each other, what if Leicester (Claudio Ranieri), West Ham (Slaven Bilic), Tottenham (Mauricio Pochettino), Everton (Roberto Martinez or A.N. Other) can shake things up again next year? What's to stop a Watford (Sanchez Florez), or a Swansea (Guidolin), a promoted side or even Newcastle (The fat Spanish Waiter - if they survive) from throwing the 'form books' out of the window?<br />
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This might not be an exaggeration when I say the team that finishes 7th and won't play in European competition (by virtue of league finish) the following season will still pocket hundreds of millions of quids for TV and prize money - Bournemouth, by surviving, can afford to pay the same wages as Liverpool next season, if they choose to, and that means they attract players who would usually look at Bournemouth and shudder or laugh - because some footballers go where the money is.<br />
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The playing field in the Premier League has been levelled more than a little - just look at some of the players Stoke have. Top players will still want to go to the top clubs, but if the top clubs don't want them...<br />
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These could be exciting times because while anyone's team might end up struggling in this new order, they have a good chance of not. This year it will be Leicester and I congratulate them now on winning the league; too much has to transpire to prevent them and I would be delighted if my team finish 2nd. I won't say I won't be disappointed, but if you'd offered me this in August, after losing a game we should have at least drawn because of a fluke own goal, I would have bitten your arm off.<br />
<br />Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-80476635369427708382016-02-29T07:45:00.000-08:002016-02-29T07:45:05.699-08:00Every Game is a Cup FinalAt around 4pm on Sunday 28th February, I thought I might have a heart attack. I felt giddy and light-headed and strangely exhausted. A bit of research concluded I had a touch of altitude sickness.<br />
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Let me put this into some context. My beloved Spurs had been as high as 3rd in 2012 and were quietly being talked about as outside challengers for the title; regardless of what followed, Spurs did something I've grown very familiar with, they dashed my expectations with insipid performances, dropped points and a failure to keep a huge lead of their North London rivals. They eventually limped into 4th place - a fantastic achievement until Chelsea - who finished 6th - won the Champions League and deprived us the place at Europe's top table we just about deserved.<br />
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When this title talk began, in January 2012, my eyebrows took on an almost permanent Spock, gradually wilting as Spurs became Spursy. It really was downhill all the way after that. Well, not exactly 'downhill' because finishing 5th, 6th and 5th hardly shows a massive decline. I expect fans of at least 86 other football league clubs would be heartbroken for us to have finished so poorly while playing mind-numbingly dull football.<br />
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The one thing any anally-retentive fan will point to were the number of lost points to teams that true challengers would beat. The 'if only' games that every year Spurs fans point to against relegation-threatened teams where we got done over. Every so often I'd find myself more worried about playing Villa than Arsenal and that was all down to expectations and hope: I expected us to win, I hoped we wouldn't screw up. I was disappointed more often than I care to remember.<br />
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Whenever Spurs have done well, the next hurdle always seemed like a step too far. Ever since Lasagne-gate some say, but I remember back in the early 1980s when a win would have put us top in a three-way battle with the two Liverpool clubs; instead we turned a lead into a defeat and ended up a long distance behind in 3rd. Smaller hurdles - win this match go 4th, win this game go 3rd and always the pressure seemed to be too much and Spursy turned up.<br />
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At the end of September, Spurs were 100-1 to win the league; they'd had an indifferent start but had only lost one game, the problem was they were drawing too many and not killing games off - a bit Spursy and pretty much expected. With the general lack of transfer activity (lots of deadwood shipped out and only a bunch of kids brought in) most pundits believed Spurs were in for another season of transition and very few had them challenging for a top 4 spot let alone an unlikely title tilt.<br />
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The draws kept on coming and while Leicester City were winning plaudits and more than a few strange looks, Spurs were just beavering away, dropping points but not losing games and then they broke back into the top 6 and from that point on something clicked.<br />
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The false dawns came and went this time. A bad defeat at home to a woeful Newcastle could have been the catalyst to a drop in form, but the young team came out and put that defeat behind them. They had been better in every department that day apart from scoring and this was to be repeated twice more at home before January was over. Leicester performed an admirable smash and grab victory to make everyone realise the Foxes were actually <i>proper</i> challengers and Spurs, well, they would be content with 4th.<br />
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After Leicester came Leicester and then Leicester; one draw and one win (both in the cup) finally saw us get the better of them and since that league defeat the team has moved up a gear; only another home defeat in the FA Cup has blemished a perfect record as Spurs seem to have forgotten how to lose and that's (whisper this) usually the marker for future champions.<br />
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In February, Spurs went 2nd. It was almost comical. Expectations for the season had been dashed in the most contrary way, we aren't just punching way above our weight, we actually look like the best team in the league (with apologies to Leicester, but we do). The altitude hasn't bothered the team and neither it seems has the once cursed Europa League and their insane fitness levels mean they look fresher (especially at the end) having played four games in two weeks than the team who had a fortnight in Spain.<br />
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Revenge against a very competent Fiorentina side was as one-sided and easy as the fixture was for our opponents the same time last year and then a resilient Swansea decided to park a bus and see if we could break them down. I've watched Spurs dominate games this season without the reward and it looked like the old frailties were going to resurface on Sunday, but at no point during that game did I think we would lose; you don't have 34 attempts on goal without one or two sneaking past an ex-Gooner goalkeeper with a point to prove.<br />
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Then Spurs were made favourites for the title after that win. Favourites. Think about that. Favourites to win the Premier League. Wow.<br />
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I think the turning point in this team's development happened in the aftermath of their League Cup final defeat to Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino made the team go and stand and watch Chelsea pick up their trophy and celebrate. I thought at the time it was an inspired move and that was when I started to believe in the manager.<br />
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And then I look at the table and I get giddy again. Usually I'd laugh and expect the fall, but is this what fans of challengers feel? Is it right to think my team is playing so well it's the <i>other</i> team that needs to be worried? I'm not confident, but I'll bet you neither are Leicester fans, while Arsenal and Man City fans are thinking practically - regardless of what the bookies say, <i>our teams have won this before, logic dictates one of us will surely win it again </i>and the heroics of Spurs and the Foxes will be consigned to the fond memories of their fans. Except, if I was a fan of either of these chasing teams I'd be worried how much longer my club can not play like champions and still stand a chance?<br />
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This wonderfully crazy season (unless you're a Villa fan) is giving neutrals the competition they all want, although I'm sure Chelsea and Man United fans aren't as happy as they'd like to be, but every team goes through transitional stages and if they were to piss and moan I'm sure everyone else will just point to their success and tell them to share the love.<br />
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So with a terrifying 10 weeks in front of us, where the Europa League and other teams' own fixture congestion also means we have Monday night matches, Thursday night, and everything points to us facing that 'catch up' which the pundits reckon is <i>the</i> psychological disadvantage to clubs in these kind of positions. I can't help feeling that this will spur them on and that should scare the crap out of teams we're facing. Swansea looked utterly shell-shocked from the constant bombardment of their half by a skilful and youthful team so full of confidence at their own ability, the Welsh will not have a more difficult game again this season. You could forecast that it'll all come crashing down, but that doesn't look like happening to these kids. They play like champions and if they can continue to play like champions for the next 11 matches, there's a good chance they could achieve something I've always secretly known I would never see.<br />
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But... While that's a good point to stop, think about this: if Leicester City is not a flash in the pan and they improve; if Pep Guardiola revolutionises Man City; if Arsenal can show some ambition; if Man Utd get Jose Mourinho; if Chelsea bounce back to the level we expect from them; if Everton can reinvest some of this investment money; if West Ham under Bilic can thrive at the Olympic Stadium; if Jurgen Klopp really can turn Liverpool back into a top team; if Southampton continue their improvements; if Stoke continue to attract great players and learn some consistency; if every club in the Premier League has almost a billion quid to spend and if Spurs can keep Pochettino, Alli, Kane, Lloris, heck all the team and can invest in clever squad players - can you imagine just how exciting next season is going to be?Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-31290984003384698942016-01-26T16:47:00.000-08:002016-01-27T03:29:07.973-08:00Can We Start Thinking About the Unthinkable? Imagine you're new to football. You watch a team in blue from a Midlands city play and then you watch a team in red, from a Northern city. The blue team are better. You look at the league table and see the blue team are 10 points clear of the red team - this makes sense; the blue team are better. There is no evidence, at all, to suggest the red team, or for that matter any of the other teams of the same standard as them, are going to turn the current form book on its head over the last 15 games of the season.<br />
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Let's get a couple of things clear. The top four teams with the best goal difference finish as the top four every year, apart from the lone year Everton finished fourth. This means unless there's a colossal change in form and a shedload of goal difference changing, the top four teams in the premier league this season will be Arsenal, Leicester, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur; in what order these teams finish is still very much a mystery, although experts will tell you that Leicester have by far the most scary run-in (they don't). This scary run-in means that fans of teams from Manchester United (5th - 5 points adrift of 4th) to Chelsea (13th - 14 points adrift) will hope an impressive run of form might allow their teams to achieve unlikely salvation. On current results this isn't likely. We can't use history as a point of reference for Leicester because they have never been here before and no team bottom for most of the previous season has gone on to win it the following year. For Tottenham, the history is usually to blow it. Two fourth place finishes during the last ten 'challenging' years - one of which became obsolete - cements Spurs' reputation as bottlers.<br />
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This means, if the pundits are to be respected, it is a straight fight between Arsenal and Man City. To the neutral this is the most likely scenario with whoever holds on for longest finishing third. We all know that's how it will end up, probably with City beating Arsenal with a weekend to spare and Spurs being pipped by Manchester United for 4th because of a run of 1 win in 10. Except... the form book is saying it's a tough one to call because these four teams have been the four best teams in the Premier League so far and there's not that much left.<br />
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Let's examine those run-ins:<br />
Leicester City: Currently 1st on 47 points<br />
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<i>Leicester v Liverpool<br />Man City v Leicester<br />Arsenal v Leicester<br />Leicester v Norwich<br />Leicester v West Brom<br />Watford v Leicester<br />Leicester v Newcastle<br />Crystal Palace v Leicester<br />Leicester v Southampton<br />Sunderland v Leicester<br />Leicester v West Ham<br />Leicester v Swansea<br />Man Utd v Leicester<br />Leicester v Everton<br />Chelsea v Leicester</i><br />
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This is tough. Liverpool have beaten them at Anfield. City and Arsenal are their two closest rivals, so the next three matches are crucial. If they lose these matches and results go against them, they could be fourth and up to six points behind the leaders by the end of February. The thing is Leicester have ten winnable matches in this list and five tough ties, so I feel the best Leicester can achieve is 77pts.<br />
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Man City: currently 2nd on 44pts<br />
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<i>Sunderland v Man City <br />Man City v Leicester <br />Man City v Tottenham <br />Newcastle v Man City<br />Liverpool v Man City<br />Man City v Aston Villa<br />Norwich v Man City<br />Man City v Man Utd<br />Bournemouth v Man City<br />Man City v West Brom<br />Chelsea v Man City<br />Man City v Stoke<br />Southampton v Man City</i></div>
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<i>Man City v Arsenal<br />Swansea v Man City</i></div>
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This isn't easy either and while you have to fancy City to beat supposedly inferior teams they have had problems all season and have a tendency to implode at times when their defence goes AWOL. Crucially, I see a guaranteed 33pts here which would put them on 77pts - level with Leicester, but they already have a better goal difference. City, however are still involved in four competitions, Leicester just have the league to play for now.</div>
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Arsenal: currently 3rd also on 44pts</div>
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<i>Arsenal v Southampton<br />Bournemouth v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v Leicester<br />Man Utd v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v Swansea<br />Tottenham v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v West Brom<br />Everton v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v Watford<br />West Ham v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v Crystal Palace<br />Sunderland v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v Norwich<br />Man City v Arsenal<br />Arsenal v Aston Villa</i></div>
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And this is why some people put Arsenal as favourites because they feel the run in is easier and the likelihood of them beating Barcelona in the Champions League means less fixture congestion at the business end; that said I think they will only get 32 points from their remaining fixtures (putting bias aside) which means they would finish the season with 76pts.</div>
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Spurs: currently 4th on 42pts</div>
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<i>Norwich v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v Watford<br />Man City v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v Swansea<br />West Ham v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v Arsenal<br />Aston Villa v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v Bournemouth<br />Liverpool v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v Man Utd<br />Stoke v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v West Brom<br />Chelsea v Tottenham<br />Tottenham v Southampton<br />Newcastle v Tottenham</i></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
Arguably the most difficult run-in, but also a mix of matches which could have consequences for all teams. Spurs participation in the Europa League also is a handicap and the FA Cup is another competition that the young squad won't shy away from and this will be a fatigue issue - the manager's desire to do well in everything too doesn't help. This is why I doubt Spurs have a serious chance of finishing in the top 3. I believe from their remaining 15 fixtures they will claim 30 points to finish on 72 points and this should be enough to see them finish in 4th and get a Champions League shot next season.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
I see Man Utd claiming between 27 and 33 points, which would not be enough to claim 4th. Chelsea would need to win every one of their remaining games to get 73 points. None of the other teams capable of obtaining enough points have shown the form or have enough combinations of games to make achieving 40+ points from their run ins. Only a massive collapse in form of the top four will now allow one of the other clubs in.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
I believe it will finish:</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
Man City 77 (Goal difference 25)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
Leicester 77 (GD 19)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
Arsenal 76 (GD 22)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
Spurs 72 (GD 24)</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
So, you can think about the unthinkable all you want, but there's very little to suggest we're going to have <i>that</i> major an upset, but we should see Leicester and Spurs in the Champions League next season and have to hope they can do us proud or this season will end up being for nowt.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453853411363_4308">
As for relegation: I did similar forecasts and it'll be Villa, Sunderland and probably Norwich to go down, but depending on whether or not Everton can win the League Cup, they could get seriously dragged into a dog fight if, like previous League Cup winners, they retire to the beach in their heads for the rest of the season. 40 points could be a big ask.</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-59148919932347568422016-01-15T10:48:00.004-08:002016-01-15T10:49:30.115-08:00Damned if you do or don't...Every year, my mate Roger and I forecast the coming football season by predicting where we think the 20 teams will finish and most years we're not that far off; we usually get one or two really wrong - I never had QPR ever getting relegated, he had Wigan relegated every season apart from the one they actually went down. Usually though we get it within 2 places and while there's nothing to be proud about, it's a bit of fun. This season we both had Chelsea finishing in the top 2 and Leicester relegated. Had you shown us the table from January 2016 back at the start of August 2015, we both would have probably accused the compiler of being a hopelessly romantic Leicester fan with a hate on for Jose Mourinho.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, the surprise package of the 21st century Leicester City beat my Spurs to go joint top of the Premier League with the hated Arse. It is about the fifth time this season Leicester have either been top or shared it with someone. They haven't done what every pundit in the country has forecast; they haven't fallen to pieces. They had a blip; that <i>blip</i> consisted of three games without scoring, but they still only lost once - so only really a blip if you're one of the elite top four clubs; 12 months ago Nigel Pearson would have bitten your hand off for two points from three games.<br />
<br />
I know a couple of Leicester fans and the mixture of amazement and elation is etched on their faces; they can't quite believe it and the longer it goes on the more that disbelief is compounded - they aren't getting complacent or blasé, they're just getting more convinced they're in a dream and they'll wake up with Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal fighting it out at the top and Leicester already relegated, in November. I think Leicester's story has been incredible. I wasn't even pissed off they beat us at home and prevented/pushed back our own unlikely challenge for the top, but in reality, as much as I hate to say it, I kind of wish they'd been relegated by November...<br />
<br />
English football faces a huge dilemma, one that will have massive repercussions to the Premier League and its brand name and saleability. The EPL is in danger of losing one of its Champions League spots and as it stands, unless they have a couple of really good seasons in the Champions and Europa Leagues (this season isn't looking too clever), the Italians will regain their fourth spot and the only way we'd get a fourth spot is to win the previous season's Europa League - not impossible, but on current evidence, not probable either.<br />
<br />
You all need to be aware that every season since the EPL was created and further back, the top 4 have always been four of the five sides with the highest goal difference and 90% of the time the 'other' team with a high goal difference has finished in 5th or 6th place (so has gained a European spot of some kind). This little factoid is important when you look at the current league table. The current top 6 are pretty much nailed on (historically) to finish roughly in this order:<br />
<br />
<table class="table table--football table--league-table table--responsive-font table--striped" style="background: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-collapse: inherit; border-spacing: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(75, 198, 223); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; color: #333333; font-family: 'Guardian Text Egyptian Web', Georgia, serif; line-height: 16px; width: 620px;"><thead>
<tr><th class="table-column--sub" style="color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Position">P</abbr></th><th class="table-column--main" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;">Team</th><th style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Games played">GP</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-1" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Won">W</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-1" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Drawn">D</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-1" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Lost">L</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-1" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Goals for">F</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-1" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Goals against">A</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-3" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Goal difference">GD</abbr></th><th style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Points">Pts</abbr></th><th class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(246, 246, 246); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 0.0625rem;" title="Results of previous games">Form</abbr></th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr class=""><td class="table-column--sub" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">1</td><td class="table-column--main" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="ARS" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/1006.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/arsenal" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Arsenal</a></span></td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">13</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">4</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">4</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">37</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">16</td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>43</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Man City" data-score-foe="1" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-1 against Man City"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Man City</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="Southampton" data-score-foe="4" data-score="0" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 0-4 to Southampton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to Southampton</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="AFC Bournemouth" data-score-foe="0" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-0 against AFC Bournemouth"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against AFC Bournemouth</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Newcastle" data-score-foe="0" data-score="1" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 1-0 against Newcastle"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Newcastle</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Liverpool" data-score-foe="3" data-score="3" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 3-3 with Liverpool"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Liverpool</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr class=""><td class="table-column--sub" style="border-top-width: 0px; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">2</td><td class="table-column--main" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="LEI" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/29.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/leicestercity" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Leicester</a></span></td><td style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">12</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">7</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">2</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">38</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">25</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">13</td><td style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>43</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Everton" data-score-foe="2" data-score="3" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 3-2 against Everton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Everton</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="Liverpool" data-score-foe="1" data-score="0" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 0-1 to Liverpool"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to Liverpool</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Man City" data-score-foe="0" data-score="0" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 0-0 with Man City"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Man City</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="AFC Bournemouth" data-score-foe="0" data-score="0" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 0-0 with AFC Bournemouth"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with AFC Bournemouth</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Spurs" data-score-foe="0" data-score="1" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 1-0 against Spurs"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Spurs</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr class=""><td class="table-column--sub" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">3</td><td class="table-column--main" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="MNC" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/11.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/manchestercity" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Man City</a></span></td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">12</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">4</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">5</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">39</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">18</td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>40</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="Arsenal" data-score-foe="2" data-score="1" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 1-2 to Arsenal"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to Arsenal</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Sunderland" data-score-foe="1" data-score="4" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 4-1 against Sunderland"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Sunderland</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Leicester" data-score-foe="0" data-score="0" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 0-0 with Leicester"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Leicester</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Watford" data-score-foe="1" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-1 against Watford"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Watford</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Everton" data-score-foe="0" data-score="0" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 0-0 with Everton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Everton</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr class=""><td class="table-column--sub" style="border-top-width: 0px; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">4</td><td class="table-column--main" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="TOT" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/19.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/tottenham-hotspur" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Spurs</a></span></td><td style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">9</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">9</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">3</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">34</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">17</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">17</td><td style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>36</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Southampton" data-score-foe="0" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-0 against Southampton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Southampton</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Norwich" data-score-foe="0" data-score="3" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 3-0 against Norwich"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Norwich</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Watford" data-score-foe="1" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-1 against Watford"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Watford</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Everton" data-score-foe="1" data-score="1" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 1-1 with Everton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Everton</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="Leicester" data-score-foe="1" data-score="0" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 0-1 to Leicester"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to Leicester</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr class="table-row--divider"><td class="table-column--sub" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">5</td><td class="table-column--main" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="WHU" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/43.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/westhamunited" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">West Ham</a></span></td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">9</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">8</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">4</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">33</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">24</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">9</td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>35</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Swansea" data-score-foe="0" data-score="0" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0px; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 0-0 with Swansea"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Swansea</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Aston Villa" data-score-foe="1" data-score="1" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 1-1 with Aston Villa"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Aston Villa</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Southampton" data-score-foe="1" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-1 against Southampton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Southampton</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Liverpool" data-score-foe="0" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-0 against Liverpool"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Liverpool</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="AFC Bournemouth" data-score-foe="1" data-score="3" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 3-1 against AFC Bournemouth"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against AFC Bournemouth</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr class="table-row--divider"><td class="table-column--sub" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">6</td><td class="table-column--main" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="MNU" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/12.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/manchester-united" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Man Utd</a></span></td><td style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">9</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">7</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">5</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">27</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">20</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">7</td><td style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>34</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 0.0625rem; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="Norwich" data-score-foe="2" data-score="1" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 1-2 to Norwich"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to Norwich</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="Stoke" data-score-foe="2" data-score="0" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 0-2 to Stoke"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to Stoke</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Chelsea" data-score-foe="0" data-score="0" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 0-0 with Chelsea"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Chelsea</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Swansea" data-score-foe="1" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-1 against Swansea"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Swansea</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--drew" data-foe="Newcastle" data-score-foe="3" data-score="3" style="background-color: #767676; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.25rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Drew 3-3 with Newcastle"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Drew with Newcastle</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr class=""><td class="table-column--sub" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; color: #767676; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">7</td><td class="table-column--main" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; max-width: 3.125rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top; width: 164.667px;"><span class="team-name" data-abbr="STK" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="team-crest" style="background-image: url("https://sport.guim.co.uk/football/crests/60/38.png"); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; height: 1.375rem; margin-right: 0.3125rem; vertical-align: top; width: 1.375rem;"></span> <a class="team-name__long" data-link-name="View team" href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/stokecity" style="background: transparent; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Stoke</a></span></td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">21</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">9</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">5</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">7</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">24</td><td class="table-column--importance-1" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">22</td><td class="table-column--importance-3" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;">2</td><td style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><b>32</b></td><td class="table-column--importance-2 football-stat--form" style="background-color: #ececec; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'Guardian Text Sans Web', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.375rem; min-width: 0.75rem; padding: 0.75rem 0.75rem 0.5rem; vertical-align: top;"><div class="team__results" style="font-size: 0px; min-width: 1.875rem; white-space: nowrap;">
<span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="C Palace" data-score-foe="2" data-score="1" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 1-2 to C Palace"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to C Palace</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Man Utd" data-score-foe="0" data-score="2" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 2-0 against Man Utd"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Man Utd</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--won" data-foe="Everton" data-score-foe="3" data-score="4" style="background-color: #4a7801; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: -0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Won 4-3 against Everton"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Won against Everton</span></span> <span class="team-result team-result--lost" data-foe="West Brom" data-score-foe="2" data-score="1" style="background-color: #d61d00; border-radius: 0.25rem; cursor: help; display: inline-block; height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 0.125rem; margin-top: 0.375rem; top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 0.25rem;" title="Lost 1-2 to West Brom"><span class="u-h" style="border: 0px !important; clip: rect(0px 0px 0px 0px) !important; height: 0.0625rem !important; margin: -0.0625rem !important; overflow: hidden !important; padding: 0px !important; position: absolute !important; width: 0.0625rem !important;">Lost to West Brom</span></span> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Obviously Liverpool (under Klopp) and Everton (draw too many) will fancy their chances and Palace and Watford - both having above-average seasons - will also fancy their chances, but unless the Hammers or Man U discover top 4 consistency between now and May, <i>this</i> top four will be playing for the EPL in next season's Champions League, while two of three will go into the Europa depending on who wins the League and FA Cup.<br />
<div>
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With respect to teams in the Europa League, their results will be important, but it'll be the four teams, next season, in the CL that will have the fate of English football on their hands. Can you imagine how much of a change only having three teams in the CL will be to the entire set-up of our league? But, look at that top 7 again - Leicester, West Ham, Stoke, even Spurs? The fact that Liverpool and Everton are fighting it out for 8th at the moment puts a little bit of surreal perspective on the entire season - this might not be a blip; this season might not be a fluke.</div>
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Stoke have players like Bojan, Shaqiri, Butland and Anautovic - these aren't Stoke players! These are borderline world class footballers who, you would think, would be vying for a move to Manchester or London, not the Potteries!</div>
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On the counter of that is Leicester - apart from Gokan Inler - who can't even make the starting XI - you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would walk into a Champions League side, yet they're suddenly Greece in terms of team spirit and playing the style that suits the players. If they win the league, which everyone agrees they won't, they will be the breath of fresh air everyone has needed after years and years of domination by the money clubs <i>and</i> they might as well win it, because evidence now suggests they're nailed on for a top four finish, which means they will be playing more than European Cup rugby in Leicester next season.</div>
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The Foxes will need to invest £100million+ between now and September 1st; they cannot possibly hope to compete on any level having to play a minimum extra 8 games between between September and December and the irony is with TV deal they probably have £1billion to spend on players (if they could), but it doesn't matter how much money they have, they're going to have to increase the squad by 25% and these players can't be unproven now. They can afford to gamble, but teams spend years trying to get what they suddenly have on their doorsteps.</div>
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Even if Leicester declare themselves one of the new four elite clubs and buy Messi, that is still no guarantee they'll either get through a qualifier or the group stage. This is the Champions League and it took Man City three attempts to not look totally out of their depth. Spurs have previous in this competition but not for a while and now without Bale, Modric, King... an entire team apart from Kyle Walker. I want CL football for my club, but we're no nailed quarter finalists (which is pretty much what all four English clubs need to achieve and hope the Italians struggle to do anything) even as good as we can be.</div>
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Suddenly the fantastically competitive and totally unexpected Premier League is only looking attractive to the neutral and the fans; Richard Scudamore must be cacking his trousers at the thought of no Chelsea or Man Utd in the CL and all of our hopes resting on Arsenal and Man City - both with <i>wonderful</i> records in said competition. </div>
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If the Premier League isn't even competitive enough to get four spots, how can it promote itself as the best league in the world? Oh, yes, the billions of quids slushing around and suddenly instead of sounding like a twat, Alan Sugar sounds almost prophetic. </div>
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I really like Leicester - the city and the football team (I have little time for the Tigers, tbh) - but I'd like to see them plummet into, at best, a Europa League spot because the future of English participation in Europe possibly hinges on them collapsing.</div>
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Now, ordinarily that'd be it, except I don't think Leicester are going to slump and even if they do the teams all around them have been up and down like the Assyrian Empire, so there's no guarantee anyone outside of the top four could overhaul them on current evidence. Everyone, including the pundits, will be 'over the moon, Brian' about it all and Claudio will win manager of the year, much to the chagrin of Arsene, who just led Arsenal to their first title in 11 years. </div>
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If that happens, what do they do?</div>
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Let's say the top four is how it is now at the end of the season. I'm not sure if it's next season or the one after when Spurs are playing at Stadium: MK, but that is on the horizon and could have unexpected effects on the team and those playing there; even if they're not it means Daniel Levy will have to either invest in some more players or hope he employs better physios than we've had in previous regimes. Even with a team full of international bright young things, Spurs' lack of real depth is beginning to show and of the top four they look the most likely to stutter and fall of any of them.</div>
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This means Leicester will have to spend. Ranieri has a lot of experience in the CL so that won't be an issue and if they can continue to play the way they do you'd fancy their chances, but you know that it's going to be ridiculously hard juggling the two for a side that a year ago were nailed on relegated; it is for the 'best' teams.</div>
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This means that we are going to lose our fourth spot because of coefficients and the only way to regain it would be to target the Europa League, because if this season isn't a fluke then there are going to be more Leicesters appearing on the horizon. In case you hadn't noticed, Bournemouth are making a fist of staying in the Premier league. That's B-O-U-R-N-E-M-O-U-T-H for people who don't understand the statement. Pre-season everyone was queuing up to tell you just how fast Watford were going to get relegated, especially given they usually swap managers every six games (and still got promoted) and yet Watford must fancy their chances of getting a Europa spot given that everyone around them is losing to each other. </div>
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Even Man City, with their side of almost Galacticos, are getting undone far more often than you'd expect and I get the impression Pep Guardiola is going to be joining the league at a time when it doesn't matter if your team is owned by a multi-billionaire, there's so much money about it doesn't matter who you play for as long as you don't get relegated and that means everyone has a chance of doing better than before. </div>
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You'd think that would be good for the game? You'd be hard pressed to argue against it especially if you support teams like Spurs, Everton, Liverpool, Leicester, Derby, Coventry, Hartlepool, Kettering Town ... Because the playing field would, finally, level out at the top and instead of a 'quadropoly' there'd be that thing that every football fan wants - a chance.</div>
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Except, what happens when our three CL spots are in danger of becoming two? Admittedly, at the moment, that's a long way from happening and I expect it would be highly unlikely to happen; but what happens when Man Utd, Chelsea, even Man City are no longer guaranteed a place in the lucrative European campaigns because everyone gets a billion quid a year from the Premier League deals and it doesn't matter how much money a sheik throws at you, Bill from Liverpool, or Fred from Scunthorpe can do the same. If a new team gets the chance to play CL football every couple of years and screws up our coefficient will plummet faster than Portsmouth have since winning the FA cup.</div>
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These major clubs are still bigger global brands and therefore hold a lot of power. FIFA is in such disarray that many are saying a new world body is needed to replace the tainted FIFA brand. UEFA's chief is suspended on corruption charges and anyone and everyone knows UEFA is only interested in generating money and when FIFA is done with, I expect UEFA will be next.</div>
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The brand name clubs will want to form their own superstar leagues and the lure of money will create them; but as BT has discovered, they might have bought into football at 'peak football'; for the first time since Sky came onto the scene the uptake of cable/satellite has slowed and because austerity is biting even modestly wealthy homes, more and more people are giving up their Virgin or Sky packages in favour of Freeview and hard drive recorders with Internet access and unless the government can police the internet completely, you will always find a feed or a stream for a live Premier League match. The time to create a new European Super League might have been 10 years ago.</div>
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That leaves teams from Manchester and Liverpool, London and Birmingham playing more and more exhibition and meaningless foreign competitions - ala the Harlem Globetrotters - and exhausting their galacticos and rendering them less than useful for FA International competitions such as whatever World Cup reappears and European Championships.</div>
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This <i>could</i> all happen if England's coefficient drops to a level that means we become second tier qualifiers. It might not, but if we lose that guaranteed 4th spot - and we are more likely to than not as it stands - can you see the Premier League doing anything to aid the European qualifiers in their attempts to win or at least challenge in both competitions? No, of course you can't because the EPL is in the thrall of the television companies and their schedules and it will always be that way while TV bankrolls football.</div>
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The reason English clubs have treated the Europa League like a diseased tramp while European teams treat it with dignity and respect is the stress it places on the teams involved; forget all the stats and arguments, it's quite simple, at some point the difference in value became more important than a trophy. The teams that finish 5th-7th and/or with the cups simply couldn't afford the depth of squad the top four could to be able to feel comfortable on both fronts - they maybe can now, but there's a mindset in place and that Thursday-Sunday catch up does have psychological effects and stats have proved this. Spurs winning the league this year would go a long way to dispelling this theory...</div>
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The problem is you can't change things because the TV companies don't want to. Maybe losing a 4th spot might be the catalyst for common sense to return to football finances; the problem is do any of us think that is likely to happen? No. And if all this happens it'll be because of Leicester. The price of their success could be far-reaching, but there's one thing all the pundits are ignoring - if Leicester do the unthinkable, perhaps they will play well in Europe and maintain a challenge. There's only one way to find out.</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-83156705400568071332015-09-28T11:28:00.000-07:002015-09-28T11:28:32.963-07:00Finding the Groove is one thing...... But keeping it is another.<br />
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Spurs have shown a few times in recent years the flare of the dynamic Redknapp year(s), except on Saturday what they did was in many ways leaps and bounds ahead of what you would have expected Bale, Modric, VDV and co to have done because these were kids, products of youth academies, as are most footballers, but these are playing on one of the toughest stages in the world and beating the world beaters.<br />
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Last year, Kane and co., disposed of Chelsea in a similar cavalier fashion, but the defence last year had pockets that got picked, a lot. Against an arguably much better Man City side, Spurs came back from a seemingly desperate situation - they might have only been 1-0 down, but they were second best to City in almost every department, while, remarkably, not looking half bad - City were just up for it and if it hadn't been for Captain Marveaux Hugo Lloris, we could have been 3 or 4 down and finding out just how much character this young team has.<br />
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Instead, the rub of the green evened out and we got a goal from a position that should have been a free kick for the opposition and Eric Dier continued to silence the people who don't believe he has the ability to be a holding midfielder with a cracking, skidding, half-volley that pinged in off the post and you know what they say about a goal on the stroke of half-time?<br />
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Over the last couple of years, I hate to admit it, but this is a fixture I tend to make sure I'm out for. The number of times in recent years I've checked my phone and my heart has sunk at the amount of goals we've shipped. This year, the early kick off meant I had no real excuse, so I sat down to the second half expecting a rear-guard action and probably us losing valiantly to an injury time winner from Toure or bloody Raheem Sterling and the second half started exactly how I expected it, except... instead of sitting back, we took the game to City and started probing them with a lot of unexpected <i>forward</i> balls.<br />
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There was a point at 2-1 when instead of panicking I watched the dodgy feed and thought, "we're going to tear them apart; they look utterly lost." And that's what happened; the 4-1 score line actually could have been more had the linesman been consistent and allowed Son's offside goal and the hapless City keeper not actually done his job a couple of times. The other thing that made me happy was our substitutions seemed to benefit from the team playing so well, because N'Jie looks a dazzling proposition and suddenly the question marks over our goalscoring capabilities are forgotten.<br />
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The performance was stunning and now, the question a lot, if not most, of the supporters are thinking is 'can we keep it up?' This has always been the problem with Spurs, but let's just have a look at the improvement. They were the better side at Old Trafford and lost by an own goal; they ran out of steam against Stoke and Leicester were arguably the better side but they came away with a difficult point. The Sunderland and Palace victories might have been 1-0 but both of them were, shout it, victories, and as The Arse will contest, any victory is 3 points.<br />
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So far the team looked like it was in need of clicking; there were good individual performances but also mistakes and you have to expect that from any team at the start of the season and more savvy teams will benefit not just from that but also from lapses of concentration that a younger side <i>might</i> be more prone to do, especially when they're coasting to victory. When it has clicked the team have looked good, they just haven't finished moves and that led to the single striker furore when the transfer window closed. I think we saw as near as damn it Pochettino's starting 11 on Saturday and it's going to be tough for Mason and Bentaleb to break back into that when they're fit, because Deli Alli plays with an assurance that belies his age (he's 19) and Eric Dier looks the part more and more every game and all that must thrill Roy Hodgson.<br />
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In fact, watching Spurs must really please any advocate of playing youth and watching them succeed; because let's not dismiss this win, it was a crushing defeat for a would-be champion side and it was done with a style that would have made the casual observer think that it was Spurs who would be there in May and not City. There have been false dawns aplenty in my life as a Spurs fan, but there is something extremely likeable about this young side and something that teams are going to start fearing. A top 4 spot is a long way away, but if teams such as Liverpool and especially Chelsea don't start stringing together results and we do, then two of our rivals for that spot will be playing catch up and against this hungry and ambitious bunch of kids that's not going to be easy.<br />
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It's the 'inferior' opposition they need to worry about; because if teams don't give players like Lamela the room to prove his worth the frustrations mount again. Pochettino needs to address our weakness in being unable to consistently beat teams we should be beating, specifically at home. It would be nice to turn White Hart Lane into a fortress just once before we move to the new stadium and that will only happen if they don't get complacent against sides they think they should be beating. That's the final - missing - piece in the jigsaw and none of the previous managers have been able to find it.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-7409907639388553572015-09-02T05:36:00.000-07:002015-09-02T05:36:49.682-07:00WindowsThe transfer window has slammed shut again and this time around it has been more the deals that didn't happen that dominate the news headlines. There are five teams that have been highlighted for their failures in the window - Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Real Madrid. The first and the last are in the news because of the David De Gea debacle, the other three have been criticised for their lack of transfer activity. Chelsea bought a bunch of people, loaned a bunch out and not one pundit thinks they've had a good window. Arsenal bought one player - just one - a world class goalkeeper (possibly). Spurs played hardball and got shafted - karma's wheel and all that...<br />
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Let's start with Man Utd. I'm going to buck the trend here and suggest this was possibly the best bit of transfer business done all window. Look at De Gea - he's out of contract next summer and will leave (unless he signs a new contract which is unlikely), but what was on offer was a lot of money and a keeper who isn't world class. What was also on offer was Man Utd's best player of the last two years going to one of United's main Champions League rivals - they might not win this competition but they weren't about to help the favourites for it increase their own chances. De Gea wants to be Spain's keeper in next year's Euros, to ensure that he needs to be playing and playing well, so United get their star keeper back for another season and it gives them a year to identify (and tap up) the replacement. There are lots of disgruntled people and journalists looking at the blame game and how this has been a joke; I think LVG and the United board have been shrewd - it's not like a club like Man Utd can't afford to lose a transfer fee if it means the money will come from another source.<br />
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Chelsea - apparently stole Pedro from under Man U's noses and he is likely to be a good acquisition. The rest just seemed to confirm that Chelsea want more players than they'll ever need and will loan them strategically so they barely have any impact against the main team. Chelsea are complacent and have a sense of self-belief that is being shaken by events - they will come good and shouldn't be written off. The season is only four games old.<br />
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Arsenal are coming in for more criticism than Spurs, yet on paper you wouldn't write this team off at the moment. Some major clubs stutter at the start of the season because the opposition are playing for impetus - the quality Arsenal have will shine through faster than you think and by Christmas, when the next window is about to open, Arsenal will have made light of their inactivity.<br />
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Spurs and the reasons for why they are where they are at the moment is clear - despite what has been said, Spurs are treading water and the stadium and development of Northumberland Road has now become the most important thing on Daniel Levy's mind. Had the management been clear that the next few years would be tough and depend on academy graduates there would have been a backlash but we would have known and it would have been a kick in the teeth but it would have at least given us some hope that someone in the club sees quality in the ranks and enough to ensure that a top half is ensured. But they didn't and we are short in key positions because the club wanted to get rid of all of its deadwood.<br />
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To face the next few months with what is essentially a threadbare squad is quite frightening. Spurs have had an indifferent start to the season, drawing three and losing to an own goal at Old Trafford. The next three league games could be tough - Sunderland away could be a banana skin waiting to happen because Sunderland are already fighting for their lives. Crystal Palace at home would have been considered a banker once upon a time, but Pardew has worked wonders at the club and now they're not even thought of as relegation fodder; they have also had a good start to the season and they have some momentum. Then it's Man City in Manchester and the Spurs side made up of mainly hot prospects will be pushed, pulled and possibly torn apart, especially if early goals are conceded. During this period we also start the Europa League and play Arsenal in the League Cup - it is an incredibly crucial period for this young side and if it doesn't go right for them then heads will drop. We will see whether Pochettino has what it takes to turn things around - history suggests he might struggle.<br />
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The newest additions - Clinton N'Jie and the Korean (whose name will eventually roll off my tongue and into the keyboard) are really nothing special - I say this because neither has played in the Premiership and at Spurs we know the term 'bedding in' better than most - we are the bedding club. That leaves Spurs with one recognised striker and a possible 60 odd games this season and the Euro Championship following in the summer, if Kane remains in Roy's plans.<br />
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The fact that Spurs are going into the next few months with Erik Lamela still at the club fills people with a lot of dread. His contributions to the team have been less significant than some of the club's most famous flops and the fact that Pochettino wants to keep him says more about Levy's lack of backing him than anything else. Arsenal fans are almost apoplectic about their club's inactivity, but they have a bloody decent starting XI and a fair few fringe players who would walk into most teams; Spurs have potential and little else.<br />
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As a fan I've watched clubs that historically are not serious competition to Spurs and their aspirations buy players with Champions League quality and early enough to hit the ground running. I've watched this largely inexperienced Spurs throw leads away and threaten but not score against quality teams that know how to play against predictable formations and systems.<br />
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But it is early days and we were never going to threaten for the title so the setbacks and dropped points need some perspective. Two of the 'nailed on' top four teams are just above us and realistically clubs like Palace, Leicester and Swansea <i>should </i>start to even out and slip down the table - the natural order is expected to assert itself... but... could this season throw up some shocks for a change? Will complacency have devastating effects on some of the top clubs? The table will make interesting reading at Christmas.Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-60453077812674444822015-08-18T15:00:00.002-07:002015-08-18T15:00:36.831-07:00The Bale Legacy (A Joke That Keeps on Giving)2012 was a horrible year in footballing terms (although it was a pretty miserable year weather-wise too). For Spurs fans it started impossibly and finished dreadfully. The 2011/12 season began with two straight defeats, Harry Rednapp's revolution had stuttered to a halt. There were problems with Luka Modric's attitude and the midfield maestro was engineering a move to Real Madrid.<br />
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By January, Spurs were 3rd and had put some distance between them and the teams challenging for a Champions League place. February saw the arrival of a much better Newcastle team than we currently see playing and any doubts Spurs fans had about the rather underwhelming signing of Louis Saha (on a free from Everton) to reinforce our chances of finishing in the top 3 were blown away as he and Emanuel Adebayor ably assisted by Gareth Bale tore Newcastle several new arseholes - five to be precise.<br />
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Match of the Day that night were seriously talking about the team challenging for the title - even perennial Spurs hater Paul Merson accepted that Rednapp's team, already playing beyond their supposed ability <i>could</i> upset the apple cart. Then several things happened - John Terry racially abused Anton Ferdinand and while you could argue that the thuggish EDL-like Chelsea captain's outburst has nothing to do at all with their North London neighbours it was the fallout that did us.<br />
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Fabio 'Beaker' Capello quit as England manager. The press installed Harry Rednapp as odds-on favourite to succeed him. There had already been problems between the genial media luvvy and his hard-nosed chairman and when 'Arry was acquitted for tax evasion, it opened the door for a departure from Spurs. Except it didn't pan out the way it should have. Daniel Levy demands something for nothing most times and despite Rednapp being at the end of a contract he had been eager to renegotiate, Levy started talking about compensation. What should have happened was Levy should have let him go for nothing with the proviso that he stayed to oversee Spurs big challenge.<br />
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That might not have changed the script. Spurs had a scant squad to rely on and the moment Capello quit and Rednapp didn't rule himself out the team dipped. They ended up turning a 9 point lead into a scramble for 4th place only to see their dream smashed by Chelsea (who finished 6th) winning the Champions League and preventing Spurs from taking the place in a competition it had earned.<br />
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Rednapp went. Spurs looked to the man responsible for first half of Chelsea's downfall season - Andre Villas Boas - as the man to rebuild Spurs into a serious challenger. The first thing AVB did was keep Gareth Bale, the second thing was to hand the Welshman a free rein - he had no specific position, he was a roaming attacking midfield-striker and this was the best and worst thing AVB did during his awful tenure at the club.<br />
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Bale had a season to remember and single-handedly helped Spurs to a 5th place finish with a record amount of points. The thing was most fans were puzzled - without Bale (through injuries mainly) Spurs were were pretty woeful and that 5th place finish was largely down to the teams under them <i>really </i>under-performing.<br />
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Then the inevitable happened. As Real Madrid's unofficial feeder club (we had a 'special' arrangement with them that never seemed to be reciprocated) Levy got a world record fee for the man he knew he was going to sell before the previous season ended. He sent AVB's DoF out to find not just a replacement for Bale but a new team to suited the coach's methods. In came: Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen and a bunch of others who all seemed to fit with the ethos that was being adapted. However, the net spend was actually less than had been received and with the TV money, ENIC took a healthy profit to their bank account.<br />
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AVB's second season started okay, nothing spectacular but some heavy defeats to Man City and Liverpool prematurely ended his reign. There were lots of reasons given but hostility from fans and the press put too much pressure on the young man. In came Tim Sherwood from the backroom staff - he was instantly disliked, despite helping to improve the team - goals were being scored and the team played with some of the verve fans had been treated to in 2011/12. But he was always a stop gap and arguably wouldn't have kept his job if he'd won something or finished 4th.<br />
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With the exception of Eriksen, the Bale money was increasingly looking like a really bad investment. They needed a season to bed in. They needed a coach to play to their strengths. There were more excuses than there were flops.<br />
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The inevitable manager merry-go-round resulted in us reverting to the DoF model and we signed Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton - a forward thinking, less dislikeable version of AVB. He was Argentinian - which surprisingly rings good in Spurs' fans minds (Ossie, Ricky, even Tarricco who was rubbish) and he was highly regarded, despite having zero success anywhere and a really bad second season with Espanyol.<br />
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MoPo got Eriksen playing so well he became our new Modric. Chadli scored goals and ... um... er... Erik Lamela scored that fantastic rabona in the Europa League and not much else. The Bale replacements didn't come on - Soldado, as good as he was, was incapable of hitting a cow's arse with a banjo while wearing a Spurs shirt and as time dragged on we witnessed Spurs destroy the career of yet another good footballer.<br />
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MoPo's first season was a success. He took the team to 5th, but largely because neither Liverpool nor Southampton (MoPo's old club, now playing even better despite half the team and coaching staff having been sold and replaced - thus proving you <i>can</i> bring a bunch of players in and integrate them quickly) could be arsed. Despite only being 6 points behind 4th the gulf had widened, especially now that Man Utd had returned from their year off and Liverpool sold Luis Suarez, their own version of Gareth Bale.<br />
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MoPo brought kids in and they looked like good prospects. Nabil Bentaleb, Ryan Mason and especially Harry Kane were first choices ahead of all those expensive Bale replacements. However, it didn't disguise the fact that for all the better football they were playing they were still fragile, mentally incapable of taking their game up to a level that makes a top 4 team. The team won or drew games from losing positions so often that it became clear that fitness and determination were much improved, but they also capitulated a number of times and lost or drew games they really shouldn't have. The problems weren't just the top 4 teams, but relegation threatened and mid-table teams; it was like the team went into these games expecting to win and we, as viewers, soon discovered that any team deciding to 'have a go' could disrupt MoPo's system and unsettle the team enough to make them ... not pushovers, but an easy lay (perhaps).<br />
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Season over, Spurs still had the same manager and now MoPo had his own scouting guru. Baldini's tenure is drawing to a close and five of the seven Bale replacements have been sold and the club didn't lose its shirt on them either. Spurs also got rid of some more deadwood and now the squad had a lean and youthful feel to it. By June they had already signed another defender - Kevin Wimmer from Austria - a prospect surely as he had a lot of people in front of him to play centre back. Then Toby Alderwiereld, the Belgian utility defender, joined and we also signed Keiron Trippier from Burnley, a reasonably nippy right back to join the growing ranks of right backs at the club. I remember AVB/Baldini seemingly signing a host of defensive midfielders, MoPo has a thing for right backs it seems. Andre DeYedlin seems like he was bought to appease the US market, whether he'll ever play for the team again is a doubt, especially as Kyle Walker appears to have been given a kick up the arse.<br />
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On paper the club appears to have a lot of midfield players, but of the 13 listed, one hasn't got a squad number (Aaron Lennon) and five are new academy graduates who have spent a lot of time on loan in lower leagues. Half of those that remain do not appear to be in MoPo's starting XI plans - this includes the mind-boggling Erik Lamela, a man who is one of MoPo's most consistent players - he is consistently rubbish.<br />
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The season started and there was a dearth of quality in the ranks and an obvious huge hole up front. With Soldado released from his personal hell and Adebayor without a squad number, the only striker on the books was Harry Kane, who this time last year was almost sent on loan, again.<br />
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This MoPo team instigated its high pressing game and at times looked quite comfortable. Man Utd at Old Trafford for the opener was possibly a blessing - Van Gaal's team misfired a lot in his first year and early doors they were a team to get something from - as Swansea found out last year. The opening 20 minutes showed a lot of promise, despite alarm bells ringing all around as Spurs fans scrutinised our squad and saw it wanting. Then they scored against the run of play and it was game over. We never really looked like scoring, even in the last few minutes when they seemed to wake up and realise they still could salvage something.<br />
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There were bad reactions from some fans; The Guardian and Independent web sites were littered with doom-sayers and people questioning everything. Calm was called for; it was far too early to be condemning the side. And it was Man Utd, after all.<br />
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Stoke arrived with its growing list of ex-Barcelona players and footballers that no one in the Spurs crowd would have turned their nose up at. By half-time Spurs were 2-0 up. They weren't cruising by any stretch of the imagination, but if you get a second goal on the stroke of half-time after soaking up Stoke pressure for ten minutes, you expect to come out in the second half facing a team that half thinks it's already beaten. So, it was no surprise it ended 2-2 and to a chorus of boos from the fickle home crowd.<br />
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There have been some glaring 'problems' staring at us. Eric Dier, a hot defending prospect, has been played at right back - he didn't like it - and now as the holding midfielder in what appears to be a sort of rotating 4-1-1-3-1 that transforms into a 3-5-1-1 on the offence. Dier drops back to cover for the roving full backs. Dier isn't a ball player compared to any of the people Spurs sold who could play in that position. In fact they sold their best defensive midfielder when AVB arrived and replaced him with rubbish. Tom Huddlestone might not be a contender now, but he had a season at Hull that got people talking about him playing for England again - Steve Bruce brought the brilliant player we saw when we bought him from Derby.<br />
<br />
The fact that there is no recognised striker after Kane seems to be reason people are blaming on the points thrown away against Stoke, but I think (having watched the game) that once Kane and then Mason went, the two most passionate players in our team, on the day, were taken off and that took the fight out of the team and put it on the bench. If the game had been five minutes longer we would have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, again.<br />
<br />
The same frailties are there - the ones we complain about <i>every bloody year</i>, the capitulations, the failure to see a game out, the introduction of subs who are to the detriment of the team at that moment rather than slotting in seamlessly. The football is a bit more attractive, but the more cavalier the team get, the greater the chance of the opposition scoring. The team's heads drop if things don't go according to plan and that has been a fault for as long as I've watched this team. The problem is having a plan is great, but you need other, back-up, plans if the one you choose is being turned over. MoPo hasn't got a Plan B that doesn't plunge the team into calamity.<br />
<br />
Clinton N'Jie (pronounced Jai - No N) has been brought from Lyon. He's 22 and another hot prospect. He can play on the wings, is fast and can double up as a striker - but it isn't his natural position as his 9 goals for Lyon last season proved - 7 of them were scored when he was played wide right or left. He is very quick, but he fits in with the inverted winger system that MoPo still hasn't realised is utterly predictable and easy to defend. He has youth on his side - but so does Erik Lamela - and yet I wouldn't be at all surprised if he doesn't start for a few weeks, if at all; after all, we've only played one of our new signings so far.<br />
<br />
Talk is of buying Saido Berahino from WBA. He is Kane's strike partner for the England U21 team and he scores goals, but in reality this is a guy who wants £100k a week and Kane is on £65k and he's vice captain, I thought this was the press who are driving this story, but apparently we've made a bid for him.<br />
<br />
Rumours did have us buying Juventus's Fernando Llorente, except he's 30, no longer first choice at the Old Lady; Spanish and Opta ratings put him way behind Soldado. Charlie Austin appears to be too expensive (and I think he's a step back; not as good as people think and is injury prone) and then there's a desert of nothing. We can't go to some clubs because they want something more in return - if Man Utd sold Hernandez to us, who I believe would do a job, they'd want some kind of deal in place for Hugo Lloris or even Harry Kane. Others wouldn't come to us because the reality of Champions League football grows dimmer with each passing day and will disappear if money isn't spent between now and the end of the window. but that begs the question WHY are we doing business so late again? Why wasn't the manager given the players he needed for pre-season; why does Levy always leave us to play catch up?<br />
<br />
Next up is Leicester City, a team who were written off pre-season because of their lack of ambition in hiring Claudio Ranieri and the loss of Estaban Cambiasso - the ageing midfield general Spurs could probably do with. Yet Leicester sit joint top - two wins from two and brimming with confidence. They are at home and will be looking to continue the rich vein of form that saw them easily escape relegation and now look like a genuine top half of the table team (plus they have money - lots of money). What fans would have believed was at least a narrow win has now become a 'let's hope we get a point' and what makes it worse is if Spurs do lose it plunges the team into a confidence crisis, because so many of them are so young.<br />
<br />
It was an unbelievably poor start to the season that saw the end of Juande Ramos - he had taken Martin Jol's sturdy and dependable team and turned it into spineless walkovers. This is only MoPo's second second-season club and all the promise he showed in Spain was undone by an unscrupulous chairman; Espanyol flirted with the drop and he was sacked. Had he not had friends on the South Coast, the Southampton job might never have happened. The similarities - on paper - with Espanyol cannot be ignored even if there isn't the tension or lack of patience for him at the moment, but if Leicester turn us over and the in-form Everton continue their impressive run of form against us then we could go into the International break with just one point from a possible 12 and could be 11 points behind the leading pack, who we have aspirations to be among.<br />
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MoPo complains about consistency but with that he just joins a club of previous managers who have failed to understand why Spurs are just so ... Spursy. I also think he plays with fire a lot - showing Levy on the pitch that he needs more: playing the kids over the expensive signings; playing Kane and substituting him when there was absolutely no replacement; refusing to work with Lennon or Adebayor (two of the older regime's lads) and making thinly-veiled remarks about the need to recruit while complaining about the transfer window closing almost a month into the season. I heard an alternative take on this, but whether it's clever PR or a genuine bit of covert wheeling and dealing it smacks of experimentation at a time when experiments are for teams that face oblivion.<br />
<br />
MoPo's pre-season press conference emphasised the need to finish top 4 and the intention of using the Europa League as a bedding in ground for his younger players. Half of that assertion is already looking forlorn and desperate.<br />
<br />
What can happen?<br />
<br />
The realist in me knows the decline started in 2012 - I had never seen a Spurs side play like world beaters before and I doubt I will again in my life. That's a sad forecast given that I'm only 53, but there are circumstances that many fans refuse to accept. The new stadium is costing a fortune; FFP means that even if ENIC could throw money at the club we'd struggle to justify it; Levy has been burnt so often in the past, I don't think he trusts the judgement of anyone but himself and naturally (and not a criticism) he needs to think about balancing the books especially when £100 million worth of 'talent' doesn't deliver and the new boss wants shot of them.<br />
<br />
I think MoPo is safe for the time being despite the fact that I don't believe Spurs now believe that a top four spot is remotely achievable. They haven't got the quality (nor the depth) to seriously challenge and a top 6 spot would suffice because even if the Europa League is nothing but a burden for the club it does pay its way even if it is totally detrimental to the team's domestic season.<br />
<br />
Only a catastrophic run of form would start Levy panicking - such as Juande Ramos had - or a couple of 4 or 5 goal thrashings when the fans who haven't already made up their minds come off the fence and call for the manager's head - which, of course, would just lead to the same thing happening again (and probably again). Whether MoPo is the right man for the job isn't really an issue at the moment (unless they fall apart), what is is keeping the bills down while ensuring that a top half finish is achieved between now and moving into the new stadium and then waiting around for enough money to come in to up the wages bill accordingly.<br />
<br />
The Europa League hasn't yet started for Spurs and most fans who still look at us being able to break into the top 4 will be hoping that all those 'extra' players in the first team squad play to leave the first team fresh for the following Sunday's exertions. It depends on the kind of group we're drawn into - as top seeds we should get at least two 'easy' clubs, sides capable of being beaten by a team of academy graduates and squad players. The problems start if MoPo does play the squad players and they fail to make any impression, requiring him to bring in the first team squad to try and qualify for the knockout stages. And what of the striker? Do we really expect Harry Kane to play 60 odd matches this season - with the Euros at the end of it? With no other 'proper' striker on the books, scoring goals against inferior Albanian opposition might become tough.<br />
<br />
There's this joke that surfaces whenever Spurs lose to an 'inferior' side. You see it appear on noticeboards and blogs - <i>Spurs in Crisis</i> - and I am beginning to believe that is exactly where the club is at the moment. I think there are question marks beginning to appear over the head coach; I think Levy's patience is getting shorter despite the five year contract and his reluctance to do much in the transfer market isn't because he's scared of spending money, it's because there are no obvious cheap alternatives and spending in excess of £20million is asking for another Roberto Soldado. Worst of all, I think there are all kinds of existential problems within the squad. There is another joke that does the rounds - 'It's only Spurs, lads' suggesting they have no spine, no steel and will capitulate if you hit them hard enough and that assertion isn't there unless there's some truth in it and if there is truth in it then it will get to the players.<br />
<br />
I can imagine the captain of a side 2-0 down at half-time to Spurs just casually mentioning to certain Spurs players in the tunnel about their propensity for throwing away leads when they should kill games off and it sows the seed.<br />
<br />
I also think the team has bags of confidence but can't hold it when faced by a team that fight for every ball. For a while we looked like we had adapted the ethos of the relegation battlers when they play us - harry them until they break, but faced with resilient opposition confidence turns to self-doubt and 30% of their game is lost. AVB questioned the team's mentality and was castigated for it. MoPo did the same after a couple of pathetic performances last season and this time people nodded sagely. This has made the team targets, even more so than ever before, because every Premier league manager will be saying to their team ten minutes before kick off, "It's just Spurs." He doesn't need to say anything else. Losing 2-0 at half time his message is the same.<br />
<br />
Spurs haven't gone a season in the Premier League where they haven't lost at least one game to a team that gets relegated. Martin Jol's famous Lasagne-gate team didn't throw 4th away because of a last day defeat at Upton Park, they lost it by dropping 11 points to teams that were relegated. I have a long enough memory to remember the season where Nottm Forest did the double over Spurs in a season when they finished bottom with just a handful of wins. Capitulating to 'rubbish' teams isn't exclusive to Spurs, but no other team make such a <i>consistent </i>habit of it.<br />
<br />
MoPo bemoans a lack of consistency, but he's not looking at it from the right perspective. Spurs are probably the most consistent team outside of the top 4 - they consistently confound. They are consistent at being inconsistent and when they do get some consistency Levy comes along and changes everything again. You cannot deny what this man has done for the club, you also can't deny that there are aspects of his style that infuriate and cause nothing but head scratching and anger. The alternative is Arab or Oligarch and the jury is out whether Spurs' fans really want that.<br />
<br />
Simply put, fans who expect top four football are going to have a long season, punctuated by the inevitable defeat of Chelsea or Arsenal to rekindle those beliefs until the following week when Bournemouth or Sunderland turn us over. It's an up and down trip and will remain that way for at least three more years. MoPo is now a caretaker manager, he's running a team that won't be ambitious in the transfer market and will not seriously challenge in the league and it will probably stay that way until we move into the new stadium and start generating more money. This is the reality. Top four will always be just out of our reach, post mortems will point to dropped points, probably at home, to teams who didn't roll over and the same questions, fears and anger will rise again.<br />
<br />
Welcome to mediocrity and mid-table safety again. If you can you need to move on or wait for the future to eventually arrive, then you have to give it another three years before you start seeing big changes and if ENIC are still in charge there could be 15 clubs ahead of us, with more spending power, that we need to overhaul. It could be ten years before Spurs fans can realistically think about being top 4 challengers again, but if things don't change in the areas that are obviously problems, it could be another 54 years before they win anything meaningful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Further reading:</i><br />
<a href="http://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/mp-xmas/?">http://www.spurs-web.com/tottenham-hotspur-fan-articles/mp-xmas/?</a><br />
<a href="http://thepremierleagueowl.com/tottenham-time-to-grit-those-teeth-and-smile/">http://thepremierleagueowl.com/tottenham-time-to-grit-those-teeth-and-smile/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dearmrlevy.com/dml/2015/8/18/musical-chairs?">http://www.dearmrlevy.com/dml/2015/8/18/musical-chairs?</a>Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739888713167455452.post-64350464819037277842015-04-29T16:05:00.000-07:002015-06-10T01:54:48.183-07:00End of Season Report Card<div class="MsoNormal">
The least obvious talking point of this Premier League
season, from my POV, is why the press hasn’t had the knives out for Mauricio
Pochettino the way they did for AVB and Tim Sherwood, his two predecessors at
Tottenham Hotspur.</div>
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I suppose a League Cup Final appearance kept the dogs at bay
and the fact that Spurs have been there or thereabouts for most of the less
important part of the season. Not that they weren’t when AVB was at the helm or
when loudmouth Tim was caretaker; it’s like the press gave Daniel Levy their
approval and have held off of the speculation even if they haven’t the
criticism. </div>
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Reading press reports of the season so far suggests a Jekyll
and Hyde team that has been capable of, finally, beating some of the big boys,
but has been sadly lacking at times, offering poor displays and leaving a lot
of fans scratching their heads. We have again been suffering from targeting all
the cups with the same intent as the highest league finish – and why shouldn’t
they; it’s not just for a pay cheque but for glory, especially when you play
for a team that has a reasonable chance of some minor success.</div>
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For all the manager’s sometimes baffling selections and
faith in kids, many Spurs fans will feel the team has arguably fallen short of
some their expectations. It needs to be pointed out that however vehement or
ridiculous an expectation is, it is just passion that dictates it. It’s the
hope that kills us is a term often used by Spurs fans.</div>
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So, what did I make of a season that has yielded Europa League football yet again and what did I make of the players and
how they rated.</div>
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<b>Hugo Lloris</b> – doesn’t ever get the recognition he deserves
because of the younger De Gea, Courtois and Hart, but he’s almost the star
performer in a team that needed his consistency. He saved a great number of
points and has been the rock in a fragile defence, which until recently doesn’t
seem to have found the right combination. 8/10</div>
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<b>Michel Vorm</b> – did what was required when needed. Fills me
with the kind of dread that Gomez did. I hope he isn’t the designated
replacement should Lloris go for glory, next season, which is earlier than I
expect. 5/10</div>
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<b>Kyle Walker</b> – has always worked well with Aaron Lennon and
the work they did on the right was never reflected in assists or goals, but they
did so much more to give the team balance. Lennon’s isolation has been to the
detriment of Walker and the fact he’s played while not fully fit and injured
suggests that right back is a problem position for us. 5/10</div>
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<b>Vlad Chiriches</b> – plays like he thinks he’s a cross between
Davids Bentley and Beckham; reminds me of the former much more in terms of
impact. The way he plays it’s like he’s angling for a defensive midfielder role
but has far too many basic errors in his armoury to be anything other than a desperate
measure. 3/10</div>
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<b>Eric Dier</b> – shows his age but has been a plus. Reminds me of
John Terry, but his lack of experience and wisdom suggests he has untimely
errors in him and needs to be played sensibly; injuries and inconsistency of
others have propelled him into the team faster than I would have expected. Much
promise. 7/10</div>
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<b>Younis Kaboul</b> – club captain and now nothing more than a
fringe player. Hasn’t come back from bad injuries the way you would have hoped
and while he has the enthusiasm, I don’t think the body is willing any longer.
Would do a good job for a Championship team. 3/10</div>
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<b>Jan Vertonghen</b> – if there are confidence players then
there are happiness players and Jan is this to a tee. He is a world class
defender when he is happy and he’s a liability and a bad influence on the
dressing room when he isn’t. He needs to play and he could be a leader. The
manager made a mistake not making him captain. 6/10</div>
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<b>Freddy Fazio</b> – is the curate’s egg of our defence; he is
both excellent and rubbish in equal measure. I can’t make my mind up; he has no
pace but he reads a game well; if he had both he’d be a great defender. 4/10</div>
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<b>Ben Davies</b> – has suffered from the positive form of Danny
Rose. Looks solid and a good buy which confounds the reasons for giving Rose a
new 5-year contract, unless the plan is to move Rose into midfield/wing. One for the next few seasons and could be as
important for us as Leighton Baines is for Everton. 6/10</div>
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<b>Danny Rose</b> – offers a lot of what BAE offered but is error
prone and finds himself out of position a lot. He’s been reasonably consistent
and grew into his role until injury hit him. 6/10</div>
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<b>Paulinho </b>– I have never rated him and I struggle to see what
he brings to a side – a very unBrazilian player who simply disappears in
matches and even his work off the ball has to be questioned. A real enigma, but
equally a player who, like Roberto Soldado, is in a team that doesn’t play to
his strengths. An awful signing. 1/10</div>
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<b>Etienne Capoue</b> – is a good player, he’s not for us. Bad
signing. Doesn’t work for the team and that showed by his disappearance from
the match squad. 1/10</div>
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<b>Ryan Mason</b> – there’s no disputing his heart, but technically
he simply isn’t top class – a good squad player but nothing more and his
failings are often highlighted but hidden by his willingness and work rate.
He’s the weak link in the midfield that has been favoured by the manager
largely since the New Year. I don’t rate him; I hope I’m wrong. 5/10</div>
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<b>Nabil Bentaleb </b>– could be our Patrick Vierra and is
improving all the time. He’s young, he’s entitled to some mistakes and he works
his arse up to make up for them. One of the bright future stars of Spurs,
especially if he continues to develop. 7/10</div>
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<b>Nacer Chadli</b> – the stats don’t lie, but is he really all
he’s cracked up to be? Is his form too inconsistent and does he offer enough? I
struggle to see him as more than a squad player, but who am I? Needs to show
more grit and steel in midfield. 5/10</div>
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<b>Benjamin Stambouli</b> – who? Going? 2/10</div>
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<b>Christian Eriksen</b> – brilliant and average; game-changer and
invisible man. Where would we be if he hadn’t fired at times? Used too much,
looked tired and devoid of ideas at the arse end of the season. Needs cosseting
and protecting – he loves playing, but not too much, eh? 8/10</div>
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<b>Erik Lamela</b> – a bit of a cheat, a bit nasty and for all his
brilliance at times, he’s looked lost and out of his depth at others. I don’t
know how he fits into a cohesive side that isn’t built around him and he’s no
Ronaldo or Messi. Difficult to assess; much better than last season but that
wasn’t hard. 5/10</div>
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<b>Moussa Dembele</b> – so much promise, so much running about,
nothing really forthcoming. He’s a great player and will flourish somewhere
else that plays to his strengths. 4/10</div>
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<b>Andros Townsend</b> – runs around a lot. One dimensional. Able
to turn games on a sixpence; but is he worth keeping? Impact sub at best, I
like his loyalty and drive but he lacks in good judgement. 5/10</div>
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<b>Emma Adebayor</b> – why (I know why)? Is capable of being
brilliant, you just never know when that might happen. 1/10</div>
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<b>Roberto Soldado</b> – what a great player in a side completely
out of tune with what he needs; has been destroyed by his time here and I feel
sorry for him. Works really hard and does the job of a #10 very well, but he’s
never been played there. 3/10</div>
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<b>Harry Kane</b> – many years ago there was talk of this lad; he
was going to be the next best thing and arguably the best thing the manager has
done is to allow the boy to flourish; what he lacks in pace he makes up for it
in guile. People have been waiting for his obvious fall from grace, it might
happen next season, but pundits know how good he is and quality – if unhindered
– will out. 10/10</div>
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<b>Mauricio Pochettino</b> – the manager has been protected from the
worst of the bad reactions; Spurs fans have accepted that stability needs to be
considered this time around because the quick fixes, multiple players, plus the
chopping and changing of managers has really pushed the team backwards. The
jury is out – everywhere – as to whether Pochettino is a brilliant new manager
or is one-dimensional, devoid of a plan B and is prone to the same failures
that many of his predecessors had. <br />
I wasn’t a fan of the Argentinian's appointment, but then again I have
struggled to find favour with any manager since Harry Redknapp – who I also
feel had gone as far as he could with the team. As for the new man’s ability –
when we play well we play excellently; when we play poor we look devoid of
ideas and drive – he doesn’t appear to be able to counter this when it happens.
There is a feeling he sets his teams up badly and doesn’t give them enough
freedom. There is also the argument he hasn’t got <i>his</i> players yet; but there have been players who have arrived since
he arrived – Stambouli and Yedlin that have had less than a handful of
appearances since Christmas.</div>
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Not in any imminent danger of the sack, because the board realise that stability might be just as productive as not having a clue, but next season needs to show a team challenging, not making up the numbers and anything but a top 4 spot will probably spell the end of the manager. 6/10<br />
<br />
Already a new defender has been signed - another youngster with potential - this doesn't bother me because it is an area that needs work on. I expect business to be done early this year; if it isn't then we might see deja vu all over again...</div>
Phil Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12680058800847509275noreply@blogger.com0