Stuttering giants
When EPL got underway this season, inspite of Chelski's big spending, there was one team which I expected to start with all guns blazing. But their occasional callous approach has only managed to bring back pictures of how poorly Rafa's Liverpool had started their last two seasons. Losing by the worst scoreline since 1964 to arch-rivals Everton sums up the woeful start to Liverpool's season. For all Kop fans waiting for the glory days of '80s to return, this is the worst teaser they could have got. Rafa got a couple of selections wrong by throwing Sissoko and Carragher straight into the cauldron called Goodison Park. Robbie Fowler's good record against his boyhood club counted for nothing as Liverpool were unable to capitalize on good possession. If someone were surprised on how Sami Hyypia was able to withstand for so long in the premiership, evidences of his ageing could be seen when Andy Johnson overran him only to be denied by a last ditch effort. Somehow one has to feel for the impressive Daniel Agger. What a ripper against West Ham!!! If ridding Moro and Cisse were solutions to Liverpool's striking problems, the answer is a loud 'No'. I wonder why Peter Crouch always creates selection problems for both England and Liverpool. He scores somehow or other, but certainly does his bit in causing selection headaches for even a manager as astute as Rafa. If my words are not to be believed, Kuyt- Bellamy combination seems to have worked out far better against PSV last night. I certainly feel, Kuyt must be given enough chances to show his mettle.
The goalless draw, fortunately did not have a damaging effect as the other group match also meandered towards a stalemate BTW, Moro nets a hat-trick to kickstart Valencia's return to big time. Certainly, all his tricks had gone on a vacation when he was in England. Wonder if Reyes will also find back his goal scoring boots in Spain!!!
Another sad story happens to be coming out of the brand new 'Emirates' stadium. Arsenal seem to have atleast 10-12 shots at goal, but somehow manage to miss the net. Henry has been the main culprit. But we all know how clinical he could get when fully fit. The young boys have been poor in giving the killer ball. The final third needs to be worked on. This is where you can see ManU work wonders. I'm sure they'll tear Arsenal defense apart coming September 17. However, if Wenger puts his thinking cap on, he would come to know that Djourou is still not EPL Centre back material. Whatever astute deals he did on the fading minutes of transfer deadline are being put to waste by playing Gallas at Left back, the position where he deliberately performed averagely against Boro to avoid being typecast. Likewise, Fabregas seems to be wasted as Arsenal have never really got their passing going through the midfield. And a concept of 'wing' has vanished from their lexicon. Hleb and Rosicky look like mirror images who cut in without stretching the defenders till the edge of the square. And Baptista certainly looked to be in no man's land. His position is in the midfield alongside Gilberto. He has a good work rate and can make runs from deep.
Walcott still hasn't earned Wenger's trust. How else can you explain him not being even on the bench against Boro?And teams like Boro and Villa basically come to escape a hounding they've frequently suffered at Highbury. An impatient Arsenal only manage to get themsleves behind, courtesy either stupid goalkeeping or amateurish defending.
Hamburg will be no pushovers!!!And United, sounds scary.
When EPL got underway this season, inspite of Chelski's big spending, there was one team which I expected to start with all guns blazing. But their occasional callous approach has only managed to bring back pictures of how poorly Rafa's Liverpool had started their last two seasons. Losing by the worst scoreline since 1964 to arch-rivals Everton sums up the woeful start to Liverpool's season. For all Kop fans waiting for the glory days of '80s to return, this is the worst teaser they could have got. Rafa got a couple of selections wrong by throwing Sissoko and Carragher straight into the cauldron called Goodison Park. Robbie Fowler's good record against his boyhood club counted for nothing as Liverpool were unable to capitalize on good possession. If someone were surprised on how Sami Hyypia was able to withstand for so long in the premiership, evidences of his ageing could be seen when Andy Johnson overran him only to be denied by a last ditch effort. Somehow one has to feel for the impressive Daniel Agger. What a ripper against West Ham!!! If ridding Moro and Cisse were solutions to Liverpool's striking problems, the answer is a loud 'No'. I wonder why Peter Crouch always creates selection problems for both England and Liverpool. He scores somehow or other, but certainly does his bit in causing selection headaches for even a manager as astute as Rafa. If my words are not to be believed, Kuyt- Bellamy combination seems to have worked out far better against PSV last night. I certainly feel, Kuyt must be given enough chances to show his mettle.
The goalless draw, fortunately did not have a damaging effect as the other group match also meandered towards a stalemate BTW, Moro nets a hat-trick to kickstart Valencia's return to big time. Certainly, all his tricks had gone on a vacation when he was in England. Wonder if Reyes will also find back his goal scoring boots in Spain!!!
Another sad story happens to be coming out of the brand new 'Emirates' stadium. Arsenal seem to have atleast 10-12 shots at goal, but somehow manage to miss the net. Henry has been the main culprit. But we all know how clinical he could get when fully fit. The young boys have been poor in giving the killer ball. The final third needs to be worked on. This is where you can see ManU work wonders. I'm sure they'll tear Arsenal defense apart coming September 17. However, if Wenger puts his thinking cap on, he would come to know that Djourou is still not EPL Centre back material. Whatever astute deals he did on the fading minutes of transfer deadline are being put to waste by playing Gallas at Left back, the position where he deliberately performed averagely against Boro to avoid being typecast. Likewise, Fabregas seems to be wasted as Arsenal have never really got their passing going through the midfield. And a concept of 'wing' has vanished from their lexicon. Hleb and Rosicky look like mirror images who cut in without stretching the defenders till the edge of the square. And Baptista certainly looked to be in no man's land. His position is in the midfield alongside Gilberto. He has a good work rate and can make runs from deep.
Walcott still hasn't earned Wenger's trust. How else can you explain him not being even on the bench against Boro?And teams like Boro and Villa basically come to escape a hounding they've frequently suffered at Highbury. An impatient Arsenal only manage to get themsleves behind, courtesy either stupid goalkeeping or amateurish defending.
Hamburg will be no pushovers!!!And United, sounds scary.
posted by Marauder | 8:04 PM
1 Comments:
What a pity. The Sept 17 story didn't turn out as it should have been... ManU's got to justify the dream start during that match. It's just purely unfortunate that van der Sar's got to miss the match. But to give credit, Kuszraczk did well.
What has impressed me more is the quality of the goals scored. We've seen Drogba, Kanu and Johnson scored some wonderful goals. But the tip of the iceberg has got to be the Xabi Alonso one. That's class.
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