Erik's Wand & A Strange Title Race

 

                 Erik Ten Hag was appointed United manager 10months ago

Manchester United's win over Leeds United on Sunday evening seemed to be much more than the three points, as has been said and reiterated by United fans and football lovers alike , there's a wave at Old Trafford never seen since when? well most people say Sir Alex me I say since Jose Mourinho. Well, the point is this United look like genuine contenders in every competition they're in at the moment and yes the belief is back. The hope of a comeback while trailing, the conviction of getting a win even when the odds look dour and the sudden realistic expectation of silverware at OT are all testament to Erik's magic wand. There's always been this argument of which manager got the best out of Marcus Rashford but I think we have a winner now. Marcus is on fire and to be fair the whole squad is. At least their confidence seems to be in a good place.

                       Rashford has 21goals in all competitions this season

A title race stranger than fiction

When Arteta left his position as Pep's assistant for the Arsenal top job, few I mean only very few would have have envisaged that arteta's gunners would challenge the cityzens to the title. The apprentice challenging the sorcerer. Arsenal's title charge has been robust and astute, defying logic and everyone's projection. However, in recent weeks their charge seems to have dimmed just a bit with one point from a possible six it is that time in a title fight where composure come to play. The big question is do Arsenal have what it takes to fight off serial winners city and be England champions for the first time in 19years. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Mikel was Pep's understudy

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The LUK Effect : 3 Talking Points From EPL Round 2

 The Lukaku Effect 

Not many footballers get to experience 2 debuts for one club, even fewer get to achieve that in a space of 10 years before hitting 30. Romelu Lukaku 's football sojourn  has seen him play in Belgium, England and Italy, returning to the club he left as a teen a Serie A champion.

A debut goal would have been a fairy tale return and yes it was. The big Belgian was unplayable and unstoppable in the opposition defence proved that the man with the highest combined transfer fee in history was not a fluke.

Top 5 combined transfer fees

Romelu Lukaku - £293.5M

Neymar - 246.6M

Cristiano Ronaldo - 191.4M

Kylian Mbappe - £165.7M

Eden Hazard - £162M

This Chelsea team seem to have put the icing on a carefully baked cake by Thomas Tuchel. 5 goals scored and none conceded, the blues look to like a scary force this season.

Moyes Means Business

West Ham's 4-1 demolition of Leicester City on Monday night put something of a reality check on last season's FA Cup winners , but most importantly it underlined the hammers' resurgence since the second coming of David Moyes. A 6th place finish  last term  has been consolidated on by 2 decent showing this seaaon with 8 goals in 2 games, Moyes' side sure desrve their place at the top of the table. A disappointing stint at Manchester United didn't deter the scot who was handpicked by his successor Sir Alex Ferguson. The highlight of the night was Michail Antonio's milestone, two late goals 4 minutes apart saw the Englishman surpass Paolo Di Canio's Premier League goal tally (47) putting him on 49 goals. The hammers sit pretty and deservedly so.

Greenwood's Time?

Okay, we all know how good and exceptionally talented Mason Greenwpod is but this season has seen a reborn attacker. The 19 year old has struggled for form and with injuries since breaking COVID 19 rules while on international duty with England on September 7, 2020.

The arrival of Jadon Sancho and the return od Jesse Lingard from a decent loan spell seemed to have reignited the spark in the teenager who only showed glimpses of brilliance towards the end of last season. Two pinpoint and clinical finishes in as many games, Greenwood is staking a claim for a starting berth in a crowded attack, finally justifying the no.11 shirt and providing healthy competition for  $100M signing Sancho.

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Transfer Talk : Why Auba Might Be A Barca Misfit

 

We are 10 days away from the end of this Summer's transfer window. There has been a lot of big monet moves, eye catching free transfers and exodus from clubs. However transfer rumours don't ever go away even when the door is slammed shut. Such rumour has followed Arsenal captain ever since last season. A poor 2020/21 campaign by his standars amid reports of a rift with manager Mikel Arteta doesn't bode well for the Gabonese in North London right now. Barcelona have been the latest club mentioned in a long list of suitors. 

Messi's move to PSG has created a huge void in their attack, one which manager  Ronald Koeman is desperate to fill. The Aubameyang pursuit comes on the back of having signed forwards Depay and Aguero, Dembele, Fati and Braithwaite also remain in the squad while Coutinho and Segi Roberto also have attacking acumen. Aubameyang May not necessarily fit into a team that has revolved around La Pulga for a little above 12 years. Messi burst onto the scene as a teen whose talent was evident but it wasn't until he took the no.10 shirt that the balon d' ors started flowing, 7 managers later Barca have a problem Aubameyang can't solve and Koeman should know this. Aubameyang's style of play is in contrast with the cules set up. The former Borussia Dortmund man plays as a point striker but enjoys flexibilty to roam around the front three, cutting in from left or right which he is actually  also good at.

The question is - Will Ronald Koeman be willing to give Aubameyang this freedom and notwithstanding the presence of the aforementioned forwards?? OR Will Arsenal's no.14 join a long list of Barcelona flops?? 

Ronald Koeman has a 65.45% win rate at Barcelona

The Barcelona's financial situation suggests that adding a player who won't be a fantastic investment or commercial success due to differences in playing styles of club and player will be woeful for business. 

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THE SON SHINES : 3 Talking Points From The EPL Opening Weekend

 

The EPL sneaked into our thoughts of Friday August 13 as Brentford FC reminded fans of what magic this league is all about as the stunned Arsenal 2-0 in front of a delighted home support. It was their first top flight appearance in 74 years, with 10 games gone and 370 to go Ziccifoot looks at these talking points from the first weekend.

No Kane No Problem?

  The manner in which Nuno Espirito Santo's Tottenham cherry picked defending Champions Man City was really one for the cameras as Heung-Min Son's customary celebration suggested. However, when we scratch a little deeper we a team playing with tactical discipline and in such manner as to make lightof Harry Kane's absence. Bergwijn has a telepathic understanding with Son a Tottenham's defence was pretty resolute.  The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Son's brave strike from the edge of the box just enough for his side to edge the Cityzens. The road is surely long with this being the 1st out of 38 for the lily whites, last season Kane and Son combined goal contributions reached 34 goals just 2 behind Drogba/Lampard. It is yet unknown whether the duo will surpass the record as Kane's future hangs in the balance. If Kane does leave Nuno will need to galvanise and motivate his team many more times but he has the team to live without the lethal England captain.

BRUGBA!!!

A lot, a whole lot has the said about the ability of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Paul Pogba's partnership in midfield. These questions have been asked and with good reason because while fernandes' career at United has been explosive and exceeded many expectations  that of Pogba has been plagued with inconsistencies, flashes of brilliance that are few and far between. While Pogba's talent isn't in doubt , the ability to produce every week has raised questions about the two playing together. Saturday's early kick off however did prove us wrong as pogba bagged 4 assists (2 for Bruno) eclipsing his tally of of last season and Bruno scoring an opening day hat trick United's 2nd in the league post Ferguson. BRUGBA 's latest showing will leave fans drooling for more and critics staying tuned.

No Blinking

There were no draws in the EPL opening weekend. This stat has a loud message for all 20 clubs.. Since taking over at Stamford Bridge Thomas Tuchel has made Chelsea look like a team reborn. The 3-0 victory over Patrick Vieira's Palace seemed a routine victory but that hasn't been the case in recent years.  Chelsea will be looking to go one better I think by winning the EPL and the re-signing of old boy Romelu Lukaku is a bold writing on the wall. Manchester United's big margin victory has put them in pole position after GW1 and Varane has been recruited to sure up a somewhat shaky defence. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a lot of attacking options to spick from and now he has a good problem to deal with. The only lacking ingredient could be right mentality and motivation. That's you're the manager Ole.. 

No City Blues

In the absence of a recognised striker Man City got of to a very wrong foot losing at White hart lane. However, we all know better than writing of a Pep Guardiola side. Well no just yet put into consideration the beginning of life without record goal scorer Sergio Aguero and the 'hunger' of their opponents Tottenham. Two goals conceded and none scored in their last two games doesn't sound very Man city to anyone but stats don't lie, they still have their possession football going for them and it's a question of when and not if..  

Tottenham on the other hand have a manger who has seemingly craved this kind of challenge all his career, his exploits with Wolves and Spurs showing against the champions makes it clear that Nuno is on a mission.

now let's talk about 

... Leicester City . The 2015/16 defending champions have normalised being in the top 6 in recent seasons. This is down to a shift in mentality (I think). Seeing themselves as a big team (well they are) under Brendan Rodgers has catapulted  the foxes to winning the FA Cup against Chelsea last season and the Community Shield against Man City . These wins are no fluke my friends, make no mistake about it. An Ageless Vardy and A rejuvenated Iheanachò can be crucial to this team. Since arriving the King Power Stadium Rodgers has forged a team capable of grinding out narrow wins and/or draws, now this is what Champions do right?

Liverpool

Had a comfortable victory over Norwich on Saturday evening. On the back of an indifferent season no one knows what to expect from Liverpool. However  Salah is still out here breaking records for fun. Liverpool's ability to sneak into the top3 on the final day of last season is still a mystery. Their attack remains as sharp as ever and with Virgil Vantastic back at the back this title race needs no blinking from any contender..

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England v Germany : 2 reasons why another thriller might be on the cards.

  

Germany ’s failure to top Group F in the latest version of the Euros earned them a date with perennial rivals England. While this is a mouthwatering fixture, it still lacks the vintage names and both teams have not played with any visible intensity all tournament. However, this fixture has all the potentials to be a classic. Here is why.

Southgate’s Boys Have A Point To Prove

England has underachieved in major tournaments ever since their only  World Cup victory in 1966, Even failing to qualify for some major tournaments, most notably in 1994 and 2008. Generations come and go. The golden generation of England between 2002 and 2008 failed to deliver the goods. having gotten to the semifnals of the World Cup 3 years ago the set of players would be looking to go one better. While the squad is a bit changed the bulk of the players remain and of course the manager too. Pressure and expectation has been one downfall of the English side for quite a while but with an average age of 24 there is youth and exuberance and the players will surely feel they stand a decent chance which is why they will look to go for broke with Germany looking to have lost their fear factor.

Pride And Hate

These two teams have history between them which is why form may not tell the full story. Majority of the results in their fixtures have been controversial. One thing for sure is that the loser leaves and lives with the undesirable taste of defeat from this kind of rival.

                 Michael Owen Scored a hattrick as England beat Germany 5-1 in 2001

The history both countries share is already an appetizer for an epic encounter.

Did you know? 

When England won the 1966 World Cup on home soil Germany had a goal that crossed the line disallowed. They ended up losing 4-2.

In 2010 second round World Cup game, England had a goal that crossed the line disallowed. They ended the game 4-1 losers.

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Arsenal Have Decided To Axe Wenger.. . You Won't Believe His Replacement Though

Arsenal fans and faithful have good news coming as Arsenal are considering sacking their long-serving and longsuffering manager at the end of the season. This consideration comes after the gunners were thoroughly humiliated at the hands of the cityzens in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday evening.

The Frenchman renewed his contract at the end of last season after Arsenal picked up the FA Cup at the expense of Premier League winners Chelsea, but while the 68 year old is willing to see out his contract in North London, Arsenal have other ideas.

The 2004 English Champions have been blown off course in the league table and will need a miracle to make the top four and failure to win the Europa league could bring an end to Mr.Wenger's 22 year reign.

Arsenal have spent the past 12 months planning for Wenger's replacement and have significantly   reduced the Frenchman's influence by appointing a new technical director. Joachim Low, Leonardo Jardim and former captain Mikel Arteta have all been touted as possible replacements but it's former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers who is in the leading to replace Mr.Wenger.

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Rodgers Spent Three Full Seasons At Anfield

Arsenal and Wenger host Manchester City on Thursday, an opportunity for them to make up for their inexplicable  implosion on Sunday.

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Jose Mourinho's Triumph Against Chelsea Spoke Volumes, But His Struggles Continue

Manchester United on Sunday evening recorded a second home victory over Chelsea (Mou's off and on ex) in less than a year. It was typical of the Blues who were champions of England to take the game to United and they didn't disappoint as Alvaro Morata rattled the woodwork in the 5th minute. Willian then started and finished off a sweeping counter attack in the 32nd minute.

Mourinho's red devils actually looked toothless in the first thirty minutes of the encounter with much credits going Alexis Sanchez for that. During the opening exchanges against a big rival United were anything but threatening.

The Comeback

Manchester United's big Belgian Romelu Lukaku managed to get behind Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen for a typical no.9 finish after a beautiful interplay between Martial six minutes before the break. Lukaku had clearly moved on from the reverse tie in November where he failed to have a touch of the ball in the opposition half. The former Everton marksman could have added more gloss to his performance on the day with a half volley but Thibaut Courtois'  fingertip save made sure the scores remained even.

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JLings came on for Anthony Martial in the 64th minute to help United complete a rare comeback

Scorer Lukaku turned provider in the 75th minute when he 'danced' two Chelsea defenders to provide a cross which Messi Jesse Lingard nodded home from close range. The red devils held on to seal the victory with an improved second half, but that victory came with more questions than answers for Manchester United.. .

A Misfiring Sanchez

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Sanchez had no impact against Chelsea

Aside Sanchez's cross for Lukaku's half-volley in the second half, the Chilean was largely anonymous in a game that was his biggest yet as a Manchester United player. Mourinho might be questioning his own decision to sign the two-time South American champion. Sanchez's arrival was supposed to herald 'a new beginning' for the 2013 Champions however the Manchester club have seen their form drop in the league. Sanchez's impact has been close to nothing and once again the signing has not gone Manchester United's way.

No Attacking Appetite

It is very clear that Jose Mourinho has fashioned his team for predominantly defensive approaches and it is saddening for the football world to see Manchester United play with such lack of belief. Anthony Martial before his substitution was not a threat though he assisted Lukaku in bagging the equalizer. A club like Manchester United should approach games with pride and with attacking mindset which was missing for large parts of the game.

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