Editor’s Note: “Get Stuck In” is EPL Talk’s weekly column featuring review, analysis and opinion on all the happenings in the Premier League each week from different EPL Talk bloggers and podcasters. If you currently write for EPL Talk and would like to contribute to “Get Stuck In”, contact Jesse Chula at JesseChula(at)gmail(dot)com.

QPR’s West London Derby Victory was Aided by Chris Foy – Jesse Chula

Queens Park Rangers were victorious over West London rivals Chelsea on Sunday in what ended up being an altogether unconvincing win at Loftus Road. Chelsea were able to dominate the majority of the possession early on through their superiority in midfield and their overall class in every position. That domination slowly begin to wane when referee Chris Foy awarded Rangers a questionable penalty in the game’s eighth minute when Chelsea’s Davis Luiz was said to have fouled Heidar Helguson in the box. Luiz’s challenge was questionable yet may not have warranted a spot kick. Helguson himself stepped to the spot and lifted his attempt past Petr Cech for the game’s only goal yet Foy wasn’t done leaving his mark on the match.

While Foy’s decision to award QPR an early penalty realistically could have gone either way, his decision to send of Chelsea’s Jose Bosingwa in the 33rd minute was easily the game’s most contentious moment. Bosingwa didfoul QPR’s Shaun Wright-Phillips, for that there is no doubt, but whether Wright-Phillips was in on goal and thus had a clear goal-scoring opportunity (warranting a dismissal for Bosingwa) wasn’t altogether clear. Replays show that Bosingwa was level with Wright-Phillips and ready to make his challenge on the ball as opposed to pulling him down from behind. Nonetheless, Foy sent off Bosingwa much to the dismay of the remaining Chelsea players.

Later in the first half QPR were a goal and a man up on Chelsea when Foy rightly sent of Didier Drogba for a two-footed challenge on Adel Taarabt yet his two previous decisions, his penalty award to Rangers and the sending off of Bosingwa, had done enough to swing favor to the home side, even if they saw out the 1-0 win rather unconvincingly.

Swansea City are the Next Blackpool and Mini-Barca That I Can’t Stop falling in Love With – Alexander Fairchild

My first article for EPL Talk was about a club from the Northwest by the name of Blackpool. At the end, I wrote of my hope that one of the promoted teams could fill the shoes of the Seasiders, and Swansea confirmed they were that team on Saturday.

The first Welsh side to grace the Barclays Premier League was picked by 29 of the 59 readers who posted relegation predictions to be relegated, and 16 had the Swans in last (myself included), while countless others put the promoted side in 17th. Scott Sinclair & co. were phenomenal in the Championship Play-Off Final in May, despite a minor second half hiccup against Reading. The very first time I saw the Swans, the one thing that immediately stood out was their ability to possess the ball.

Swansea’s passing charts are simply unbelievable for what many would consider to be a lower tier Premier League side. Their third of the field is all blue (from completed passes), but it’s their inability to link up in the opposite half that holds them back. In the club’s first Premier League game against Manchester City, they completed more passes than the Citizens attempted in the whole of the match and that was not the only time Brendan Rodgers‘ side did that.

However, Swansea’s game plan is all too simple and easy to break apart. It is as follows: possess, get the ball to Sinclair or Dyer, and hope for a cross to fall to Mr. Graham. The Swans live and die by their wingers and if these two don’t produce, the team is hopeless. This occurred late in their draw with Wolverhampton. At the weekend, the wide-mids showed up in the first half and Mick McCarthy had no answer to Dyer’s pace on the right, as Nathan beat two Wolves’ defenders and Swansea hit the target twice. While those numbers are not all that impressive, Dyer made Wolves’ stalwart defense crawl into their shell, as I held my breath each time the winger got the ball on the right flank.

There’s just something about Swansea. It may be the white shirts, the mysterious aura of a Welsh team in a English league, Dyer, Sinclair, Vorm (the next Dutch #1), Graham, Tate and the golf cart incident, possession, but most of all it’s that Blackpool-like feel they bring to the each game. They’re somebody to support at the bottom. It could be the American in me that likes Swansea, because they are the underdog in every match they play.

Once this team can build up, get forward, and finish, look out, because the Swans may stay up in the top flight for years to come.

It’s Now Time to Adopt Newcastle United As Your Second Favorite Club – Jesse Chula

Matched now only by table topping Manchester City, Newcastle United remain one of only two Premier League sides still unbeaten in league play. Credit to Alan Pardew and his staff for their recent acquisition of continental players seen impressing on Tyneside including the smooth Yohan Cabaye, the opportunistic Demba Ba and to a lesser extent, the forward thinking Gabriel Obertan. Coupled with the incredibly effective Cheick Tiote in central midfield, Cabaye has settled into English football quite quickly and even scored the winner at home against Wigan Athletic on Saturday to claim three points as Newcastle solidified their early season hold on fourth spot. While opponents of the Premier League continue to paint a picture of predictability as far as the top of the table is concerned, the early season success of Newcastle should come as a welcome and fresh scent to those opposed to the traditionally successful English clubs.

Whether or not the Toon can keep pace with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea for the spot of ‘there, or there abouts’ is yet to be seen. For now, or until they encounter a poor run of form, it’s time for you to adopt Newcastle as your second favorite club as they attempt to throw a black & white wrench into the inner workings of the upper half of the table.

Old Trafford Is Turning Into a Library – The Gaffer

If you had to pick one game on the fixture calendar that would guarantee an electric atmosphere at Old Trafford, the Manchester derby would be it.

On Sunday, however, the Manchester United home support was eerily more quiet than usual. And for the record, that was well before Mario Balotelli scored the first goal for Manchester City.

While Old Trafford hasn’t been known for having the most vocal home support for quite some time, I was really disappointed by how blase’ the crowd was. The City supporters often drowned out the United fans even though they were completely outnumbered.

United supporters may blame an aging support, corporate sky boxes and tourists that are there for just the one game, but those are just excuses. Clubs like Tottenham, Stoke City and Swansea don’t seem to be suffering as their noisy fans fill the stadium.

For a trip down memory lane, here’s an Old Trafford crowd who were far more vocal (albeit in 1983, and listen out for those horns blaring)!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NdmsGT-AzM

Editor’s Note: “Get Stuck In” is EPL Talk’s weekly column featuring review, analysis and opinion on all the happenings in the Premier League each week from different EPL Talk bloggers and podcasters. If you currently write for EPL Talk and would like to contribute to “Get Stuck In”, contact Jesse Chula at JesseChula(at)gmail(dot)com.

A Time For Concern In Manchester? – Matt Hackenmiller

Manchester United’s unconvincing win against Norwich City did nothing to calm the nerves of fans after the Red Devil’s Champions League draw against Basel midweek. The return of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez failed to spark the attack as was expected for the defending champions. Moreover, the back line continued to look shaky and uncertain against the Norwich counterattacks. I won’t even get into the Krispy Kreme felony that forced a change in goal. Three points is three points, but most Manchester United fans were expecting a more dominate performance.

What is more troubling though is the trend that United has started to play down to its competition. They played well against the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, but have not looked their best against West Brom, Stoke City, and now Norwich City. This is something that most top clubs go through at times and if not corrected, it can cost United a chance at their twentieth championship. The international break is often looked upon as an annoyance for most clubs, but this one seems like an opportunity for the Red Devils to regroup before fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City later this month.

Match Between Tottenham And Arsenal Proved That A Shift In Power Is Upon North London – Jesse Chula

Spurs are back and there’s no doubt about it. After enduring a slow start to the season because of some difficult early fixtures and the distraction that was the Luka Modric transfer saga, Spurs have rebounded themselves up to sixth in the table with four wins in a row and still hold a game in hand. While not convinced they were at their absolute best at the Lane on Sunday, Spurs were still able to gain three points against their bitter rivals through solid play from Rafael van der Vaart, who scored the game’s classy opener, Gareth Bale, who blitzed both Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson on the left wing, and from a brilliant wonder strike from Kyle Walker which proved the winner.

Question marks still hang over Arsene Wenger, his job safety and 15th spot Arsenal in regards to just where the current version of the Gunners will ultimately finish in the table. Where there aren’t question marks, however, is where the power in North London currently rests. All arrows point to White Hart Lane, Redknapp and Spurs while Arsenal fans are left scratching their heads wondering where it all went wrong as they endure an early season of struggles watching a lesser version of The Arsenal. On Sunday, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie, Per Mertesacker and to a lesser extent, Mikel Arteta, all failed to deliver in the North London derby. For now, at least, Arsenal continue to be a work in progress.

David Moyes Has A Right To Feel Aggrieved In Loss To Liverpool But Must Also Look At His Team Selection – Jesse Chula 

The sending off of Everton’s Jack Rodwell at Goodison Park in Saturday’s Merseyside Derby was easily the weekend’s most contentious moment. Referee Martin Atkinson botched a massive call when he should have simply awarded Liverpool a free kick, or at worst, cautioned Rodwell in the 23rd minute. Instead, Atkinson sent off young Rodwell with a straight red stemming from a challenge on Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Saturday’s highest profile match was instantly changed. Suarez was guilty of making a meal out of the challenge and definitely played his part in the sending off of Rodwell which left Atkinson with a tricky decision that he got terribly wrong.

However, neutrals and supporters alike have asked questions of Moyes’ team selection, specifically questioning the Scot’s decision to leave out club stalwart Phil Neville in central midfield. Moyes also selected Seamus Coleman in favor of the recently acquired (on loan from Real Madrid) midfielder Royston Drenthe. On Saturday, Moyes selected a decent enough squad, but could it have been a bit stronger? Although he has a right to feel aggrieved by Atkinson’s performance, Moyes may want to rethink his team selection next time out against the league’s elite.

Gloom over Lancashire – Kartik Krishnaiyer

While the two big Manchester clubs have gotten the headlines, the early part of the 2011-12 season has not been kind to the other Premier League clubs close to Manchester. In fact, it hasn’t been a great start for most of the traditional Lancashire clubs.

Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. The clubs which are within a 25 mile radius of one another have all fallen on hard times together, just as local neighbors are in their ascendancy.

All three clubs have managers who advocate an open style of play, in direct contrast to their immediate predecessors (less so in the case of Wigan where Steve Bruce was a pragmatist). Yet, the results for the three clubs are extremely worrying. Bolton supporters hounded Gary Megson based on the aesthetics of play, but Owen Coyle’s results have simply not been much better. In fact, it can be strongly argued that Megson’s teams were better equipped for the grind of relegation battles and tough road matches.

Under Roberto Martinez, Wigan has entertained and played a mouth-watering passing game. But the club continues to struggle to achieve results and many of Martinez’s buys have not stood up when compared to similar buys by Steve Bruce.

Blackburn under the naive leadership of Venky’s is destined to record one of the worst seasons of the Premier League era. Steve Kean is nothing more than a figurehead manager, representing all that is wrong with the new ownership group.

The gloom gets worse in the area. Burnley, Bury and Rochdale all got off to rough starts in their divisions (although the Clarets have recently recovered). Preston is outside the Championship for the first time over a decade and Stockport is outside the Football League for the first time in over a century.

Football has fallen on hard times in neighboring Yorkshire, with both Sheffield clubs in the third flight, Bradford City near the bottom of League 2, and Leeds United outside the top flight for eight consecutive seasons. During this period, Lancashire has been the most successful region of the country in footballing terms, but that seems to be changing before our very eyes.

ESPN Shows How to Broadcast the Premier League The Right Way (Once Again) – The Gaffer

A message to ESPN: Don’t. Change. A. Thing.

Saturday’s live broadcast by ESPN2 of Everton against Liverpool was a perfect example of how the “Worldwide Leader In Sports” is running away with a superior TV production of the world’s most popular sports league.

First, you had the wonderful opening with Ian Darke walking outside the Cavern Club in Liverpool, and bringing some historical perspective to the Merseyside derby (as well as something that most Americans can relate to: a love of The Beatles). Second was the usage of aerial shots, which gave us TV viewers at home some wonderful shots above Goodison Park. If anyone didn’t realize how close the terraced homes were that encircled Goodison Park, now you know.

Third and finally, viewers in the US were able to watch pre-match interviews with Graeme Sharp and Tim Howard. By the time the match was ready to kick off, the excitement level was at a fever pitch.

Let’s hope ESPN sticks to their proven formula of bringing soccer to US viewers.

Editor’s Note: “Get Stuck In” is EPL Talk’s weekly column featuring review, analysis and opinion on all the happenings in the Premier League each week from different EPL Talk bloggers and podcasters. If you currently write for EPL Talk and would like to contribute to “Get Stuck In”, contact Jesse Chula at JesseChula(at)gmail(dot)com.

Manchester United are an Entirely Different Side Without Their Two First Choice Strikers – Jesse Chula

But shouldn’t we have already known that?

When news broke in the hours leading up to kickoff of Manchester United’s away match to face Stoke City that Wayne Rooney hadn’t even traveled with the squad, United supporters quickly looked to Javier Hernandez to lead the line for United with Dimitar Berbatov. While Berbatov, last season’s co-leader in goals scored, seemed a fair enough replacement for the ‘ham-strung’ Rooney, Michael Owen proved an inadequate stand-in for Hernandez when the Mexican was forced off after just eleven minutes due to a collision with Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic.

Owen had entered the match at the Britannia Stadium after bagging a decent enough brace away to Leeds United in the Carling Cup midweek and his appearance against Stoke City on Saturday only proved that the Potters are no Leeds. United’s front attacking two of Berbatov and Owen lacked pace, creativity and at times, meaningful involvement. Credit Stoke City for another brilliant display at home, for staying organized and for continuing to focus on their strengths, even if they were numerous balls into the box to Peter Crouch. Their focus paid off. Stoke equalized in the 52nd minute when Crouch rose unmarked in the box and headed home from a Matthew Etherington corner.

In the grand scheme of the 2011-12 Premier League title race, fans and supporters, bloggers and pundits, must all keep in mind the effects injuries have on the top and title-chasing squads. Although the point earned away on Saturday for the defending Champions wasn’t necessarily a bad one, United will have realized that they’re a totally different side without the quickness, creativity and brilliance of Wayne Rooney and Chicharito up front as their failure to dominate possession gave way to numerous chances for Stoke City to grab a winner.

Stark Reality Hits Swansea In The Face – The Gaffer

If you watched the first twenty minutes of Chelsea against Swansea on Saturday, you would have seen the Swans play the Blues off the pitch. Swansea maintained the possession, passed around international players such as Juan Mata and others with ease, and created a couple of dangerous crosses into the box.

In addition to that, Swansea had a shot from Nathan Dyer which was deflected against the crossbar. Then there was a clearance off the line by Chelsea from an Ashley Williams header. Let’s not forget the last gasp moments in the Chelsea box with Swansea missing a few gilt-edged chances. And last but not least, there was a consolation goal from a free kick where Williams headed the ball in after Jose Bosingwa switched off from marking him.

Despite some of the positives that can be taken from the game, this game was a slap in the face to me as a Swansea City supporter. It clearly showed that Swansea are missing two important pieces. The first is a player who can change games in midfield. After Fernando Torres got himself red-carded for a two-footed tackle on Mark Gower, Swansea had a massive advantage to play the remaining 50 minutes of the game with an extra man. However, no one seemed to rise to the occasion for Swansea. There was no one who took the bull by its horns and took the game to Chelsea. Instead, what we continued to see was a pretty passing game but no Swansea player pushed Chelsea back. Contrast how Swansea played against Chelsea with the spirit shown by Stoke against Manchester United. It was night and day.

That sort of player who can change games and lead the charge is a Joey Barton or Kevin Davies.

That brings me to the second thing that Swansea is missing. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, but we need a creative midfielder. On Saturday, both Joe Allen and Mark Gower did really well in midfield as defensive midfielders who pushed forward from time-to-time. But they weren’t providing clinical passes to Leroy Lita, Scott Sinclair or Nathan Dyer. Lita didn’t get the service he needed to give him a chance at scoring.

Earlier this season Brendan Rogers turned down the opportunity to sign Marcos Senna from Villarreal. Rogers said that it wouldn’t be fair to the other players that Senna would be making a significantly higher wage structure than them. But sometimes you have to pay for a key that will unlock the door for Swansea.

The stark reality that hit Swansea in the face this past weekend against Chelsea was that they need to be more aggressive when given an opportunity, and their current midfielders need to be more creative when moving forward. Hopefully the Swans can improve in these two areas because elsewhere they’re on song.

Editor’s Note: “Get Stuck In” is EPL Talk’s weekly column featuring review, analysis and opinion on all the happenings in the Premier League each week from different EPL Talk bloggers and podcasters. If you currently write for EPL Talk or would like to in the future and want to contribute to “Get Stuck In”, contact Jesse Chula at JesseChula(at)gmail(dot)com.

Abu Dhabi’s Gain Will Be Sunderland’s Loss – Earl Reed

In the hours leading up to match day four, a rumble crossed the Twitter waves. The rumor regarded Darren Bent’s heir at Sunderland, Asamoah Gyan. Those rumors proved accurate, and the Ghanaian striker has made a loan move to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

I’ve spent this (Saturday) morning watching Sunderland coping with his departure. At least on this day loaned Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner was his replacement. Bendtner is a completely different type of player than Gyan, relying less on pace and more on size. He’s actually a lot like Connor Wickham, the youngster that manager Steve Bruce signed over the summer from Ipswich. When they secured Bendtner, I assumed he would pair up front with Gyan, with the Danish player serving as a stopgap while Wickham developed. When Steve Bruce brought on Wickham in the second half, putting both target forwards up front, I couldn’t help but wish that the Black Cats still had Gyan available. He scored a quick answer against Wigan late last season to help Sunderland avoid relegation. Without Gyan, the only ray of hope I see right now is Ji Dong-Won, who is more of a pure striker than Bendtner and Wickham. He picked up a goal in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea, but for me the Korean came on 15 minutes too late.

Gyan ends up in the Middle East, playing against inferior opposition, likely for an extra wad of cash. This seems mildly reminiscent of Samuel Eto’o moving from Internazionale to Anzhi in Russia. But any real comparison of these two forwards’ exploits is absurd. Gyan has barely scratched the surface of his career, and now he’s taking his talents to a competition that is certainly well below Premier League standards.

So does this mean Gyan sees the writing on the wall at the Stadium of Light? It sounds as though Gyan sought this out. Many of us saw the Black Cats as a sleeper team with their off season signings, especially the experienced John O’Shea and Wes Brown. Bruce’s position seemed precarious back in June, and now he must be teetering on the edge of dismissal. With that uncertainty, coupled with the new forward additions, maybe Gyan decided to weather the storm from afar. In any case, the departure of Sunderland’s leading scorer only adds to the concerns Wearside.

Don’t Sleep On Chelsea For The Title – Kartik Krishnaiyer

There has been a tendency among talking heads covering the English game to anoint Liverpool as a contender this season and to write off Chelsea. I myself was guilty of this transgression in our pre-season podcast just a few short weeks ago (August 7^th). But what has transpired in the last month has been a re-asserting of a side that has won five trophies since Liverpool last claimed a piece of silverware (the 2006 FA Cup). The sale of Raul Meireles to Chelsea from Liverpool for a nominal fee of £ 12 million given the level of the player (and when compared with some of Liverpool’s costly midfield buys of the summer) has dramatically shifted the balance between the two clubs as has Chelsea’s smart purchase of winger Juan Mata, to fill a real need for the West London club.

It is worth noting both Meireles and Mata were available for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal to pursue, but the Gunners ended up securing other targets, which in my opinion are unlikely to make the same type of impact on the Premier League. Add the new signings to a core that includes Frank Lampard, the most prolific goal scoring midfielder of recent times, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba and you have the ingredients for a team that competes at the highest levels in England and Europe.

Another factor discounted which will factor in the coming renaissance of Chelsea is the return to health and form of Jose Bosingwa. Before his injury, the Portuguese International was among the best right backs in the world, and he appears to be finally regaining his form after two very difficult seasons. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Arnesen signing Ramires is now looking like a more comfortable Premier League player.

All of the early headlines have been focused on the two Manchester clubs, and for good reason. But Chelsea’s squad depth trumps Manchester United and their level of player accomplishment blows Manchester City’s group of high priced but largely untested and unaccomplished players away. Come May, we could be talking about how Chelsea lurked in the backgrounds and grabbed a Premier League title with steady play and superior squad depth.

Wayne Rooney is in the Form of His Life for Manchester United and Phil Jones is a Star in the Making – Jesse Chula

The Juggernaut that is the defending English Champions have now scored 18 goals in their first four Barclays Premier League matches while Wayne Rooney, United’s undeniable talisman, boasts eight of those marks thanks to two league hat tracks on the trot.

Much is currently being discussed in regards to Rooney being the best player in Europe at the moment while he’s also in the process of proving to the Premier League just what he’s capable of when fully fit both physically and mentally. Much opined on within the last year, the 25-year old English striker entered the 2010-11 season after an appalling summer – his embarrassing off-the-field shenanigans only served to augment his disastrous World Cup for England in South Africa.

Unsettled with the pressure to compete for England and the baggage he carried from his personal affairs, Rooney performed far from his attacking best much of last season. After a quiet and restful Summer, however, Rooney has been nothing short of brilliant for United as they currently top the table over Manchester City on goal difference.

Rooney is seemingly scoring for fun and has lost none of the pace, energy or determination that he’s known to display for United. On Saturday away to Bolton, Rooney covered large portions of the pitch as he looked to be enjoying himself while reacquainting himself with strike partner Javier Hernandez. Rooney was even seen clearing balls in the box as a sort of makeshift center back on Bolton set pieces.

United fans likely expected Rooney to be close to the kind of form he’s in currently but no one around Old Trafford would have expected defender Phil Jones to have made such an immediate impact for the Red Devils. On Saturday, Jones naturally fit in at right back and proved he’s much more than a quick, strong defender, but also a player who can augment United’s attack moving forward. Jones is a definite star in the making.

The Biggest Difference Between the Championship and the Premier League – The Gaffer

Watching Swansea play this season in the Premier League, it’s incredible how much of a gap there is between the Championship and Premiership. Sure, I knew it. But it’s one thing to experience it and see it with your own eyes when it’s your team.

Not surprisingly, the biggest difference is that it’s significantly more difficult to create chances inside the box in the Premier League than the Championship. Watch any highlight reel of goals being scored in the Championship and you’ll see how many are scored from inside the box, and how much time strikers have.

In the Premier League, it’s almost as if there’s a force field blocking teams from penetrating an opponent’s back line of four defenders. It’s harder to get past them, and the sneaky through balls are picked up more easily. In a typical Premier League game, teams are not going to have dozens of chances in an opponent’s box to score. And, if they do, it’s probably the result of a ball being floated in from a corner kick or free kick.

The gulf between the Championship and Premier League is immense. So when teams, like my Swansea City, get chances in the box, they have to be incredibly clinical to take advantage of the situation. In a game against Premier League heavyweights, chances will be few and far between. So when they come, it’s imperative that clubs such as Swansea and Norwich capitalize on them.

After four games, no wins and no goals scored, I’m still optimistic about Swansea. They’re continuing to play well and it’s only a matter of time before one of their shots, headers or deflections finds the net.

Manchester City Have Two ‘A’ Squads – Jesse Chula

Well, you get my drift don’t you? As City claimed three more points to continue their 100% start to the season, boss Roberto Mancini was able to rest a few of his key players who were coming fresh off international duty last week. Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Pablo Zabaleta were all on City’s expensive bench while also full internationals Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong both failed to even make the bench. The bottom line here is that City have options, good ones.

Manchester City kick off their first ever UEFA Champions League campaign this Wednesday and look poised to progress out of the group stages due to equal parts talent on the pitch and the ability to utilize their strength in depth.

Gael Clichy is Pushing Manchester City Forward – Kartik Krishnaiyer

Arsenal’s self described “summer of hell” centered on the sagas of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. However Arsene Wenger’s biggest mistake may very well have been allowing Gael Clichy to leave the Emirates for a nominal fee of £7 million.

The loss of Nasri could very well be irrelevant for Arsenal, if Gervinho emerges as a top tier winger, while Fabregas has been replaced by the competent if unspectacular Mikel Arteta. But the unproven nature of Kieren Gibbs combined with what has to be viewed as a questionable panic buy of 28-year old Andre Santos, makes Wenger’s decision look silly. Even more striking is the quick impact that Clichy has had for Manchester City, playing a critical role in the buildup play on the left flank while serving as a lock down, man marking defender.  Clichy has been at the heart of several impressive Citizens moves during the first month of Premier League football.

Clichy’s positive impact has been greater for City thus far than Nasri’s. While Nasri was simply enhancing a position of strength in City’s midfield, Clichy was a bargain buy at a position of need for the club. The left back spot at City has been occupied by the underwhelming likes of Stephen Jordan, Ben Thatcher, Michael Ball, Wayne Bridge and Alexander Kolarov in recent years.

Clichy’s transfer could be a decisive move in the title race. It elevates City from a fight for third place to contender to chase down Manchester United and Chelsea, while it weakened an already questionable Arsenal back-line and put great distance between last seasons’ third placed City and fourth placed Arsenal. Doing business with rivals in near proximity to you in the table is always dangerous but in this case, Wenger played with fire, and appears poised to be burnt with little return in the bank or on the pitch to show for it.

Photo by HEMADRIDISTADI

Editor’s Note: EPL Talk is excited to present a new weekly column to readers which will incorporate various opinions from different bloggers and podcasters each Monday after the Premier League. Get Stuck In will allow each writer the chance to express their opinion in regards to what stuck out to them the most from the respective gameweek and as always, will give you the reader the chance to comment on the different opinions or express one of your own in the comments section.

As seen below, EPL Talk’s Jesse Chula, Kartik Krishnaiyer, Earl Reed and the Gaffer himself all opine on the fascinating weekend that was week three.

Spurs’ Luxury Players Are Unhappy – Earl Reed

Today’s match between Manchester City and Spurs saw a return to the lineup for Luka Modric. Much has been made of his desire to leave Spurs, probably due to their lack of Champions League football this year. Tottenham was riding high in early March of this year, looking for another Top 4 League finish as well as a title in the UCL. But the last 6 months have seen a U-turn for Tottenham: losing to Real Madrid in the UCL Quarterfinals, failing to re-qualify for the UCL, and also starting off the current campaign with two unflattering losses to the Manchester clubs.

Recall Week 1 from last season, where Roberto Mancini’s Blues were fortunate to escape with a scoreless draw, saved by the play of goalkeeper Joe Hart. Today’s 5-1 drubbing at White Hart Lane epitomizes a fall from grace for Spurs.

What about these “luxury” players? Luka Modric looked out of match fitness, and most certainly uninspired. Rafael van der Vaart effectively walked off the pitch with a minor injury. Gareth Bale was decent, but has not found the form that manifested against Internazionale in last year’s Champions League (I only consider Bale a “luxury” player because of the supposed interest from continental clubs). Couple that with a group of forwards that scare no one at this point (Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko), and it leaves you wondering how Tottenham can return to their previous play.

In my opinion, Tottenham has never been the same since the first Real Madrid UCL quarterfinal in April. Something happened in the dressing room before that match. Aaron Lennon was a late scratch, and Peter Crouch proceeded to earn two quick yellow cards. Spurs lost that match 4-0 to Madrid.

At this point, I’m not sure Redknapp can gain this group of players back into his corner. They have been a shell of their former selves. Modric is obviously unhappy, and I would openly wonder if van der Vaart also stands with one foot out the door. Daniel Levy has some major decisions to make in the coming weeks, but without some investment in a quality finisher it will take a lot for these higher-caliber European players to jump back on board with the club’s direction.

The Premier League Should Look At Erasing 12:00 PM Kickoffs in England – Jesse Chula

There were only two things worse than Saturday’s West Midlands Derby between Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers: the first being the quite silly 12:00 PM local kickoff time in Birmingham, and the second, by default, was the same kickoff time for supporters across the globe, specifically here Stateside. Premier League fans braved a 7:00 AM Saturday morning kickoff to catch what was then a third vs. fourth place in the table clash that failed to live up to any hype largely because of the lackluster atmosphere in display at Villa Park.

While Mick McCarthy’s Wolves and Alex McLeish’s Aston Villa have both enjoyed decent starts to the 2011-12 Premier League campaign, one wouldn’t have been out of line in guessing that an early season match between the two (let’s face it) current over-achievers had stalemate written all over it. It without a doubt failed to impress, and the early kickoff didn’t help the atmosphere around the usually vibrant Villa Park, one of the Premier League’s most exciting grounds.

Saturday’s early match was in fact the lowest attended match at Villa Park since December of 2006 which again speaks volumes of the absurdity of the decision by the Premier League to stage what was on paper a semi big local derby match to start off week three of league play. To further how odd the 12:00 PM kickoff was, the two sides have had no real or recent history of crowd trouble which again asks the question ‘why?’.

While most of us Stateside love our Saturday morning ESPN coverage team of Ian Darke and Steve McManaman, even they couldn’t help but to point out (with the help of a camera) the numerous sections at Villa Park which housed empty seats. Sort this one out Premier League or maybe even better yet, Villa and Wolves supporters. We Want Our Atmosphere!

Newcastle Ascendant Under Ashley and Pardew – Kartik Krishnaiyer

Amid all the gloom and doom scenarios articulated on Tyneside this summer, few considered the possibility that the Magpies would be chasing a European spot. But right now Alan Pardew’s team looks cohesive in midfield and well organized at the back, despite losing arguably their three best players this summer.

Joey Barton’s twitter rants and the departure of Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique appeared to throw Newcastle into a potential relegation scrape. But instead what has emerged is a team with a solid defense, and a remarkable team spirit. Back to back victories away to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby and home to Fulham have Pardew’s side looking more cohesive and confident than most of the division.

Leon Best is proving to be a better Premier League player for the club than he was in the Championship. The Republic of Ireland International now has to be re-emerging on Giovanni Trapattoni’s radar for future National Team call ups. Cheick Tioté has emerged as one of the best box to box midfielders in the early portion of the Premier League season.

Mike Ashley has been heavily criticized by Newcastle fans and the London based Football press. But reality is that the club is healthier under his stewardship than it was when Freddie Shepard ran the club. Newcastle’s decade  plus of underachievement was finally laid to rest with promotion back to the Premier League at the end of the 2009-2010 season, and the club is being run in a logical way. Living the Dream is nice if you can afford it, but stabilizing mid-table and perhaps making a run at Europe every few seasons is a more practical reality for the Magpies.

Ashley may not articulate his positions as well as he could, but his positions regarding finances and high salaried players are logical given the financial realities of this era of Premier League football. But to argue Newcastle is a poorly run club in this day would be a fallacy. Additionally, Alan Pardew’s work resembles his Reading and West Ham successes and not his disastrous tenure’s at Southampton and Charlton.

Do not be surprised if Newcastle finish in the top half and make a deep run in one of the domestic cups.

Danny Welbeck’s Injury Was Unfortunate and Ill-Timed – Jesse Chula

There was certainly no escaping the brilliant performance from Manchester United at home to Arsenal on Sunday. While Arsenal supporters hope and pray for another time and day, the United faithful at Old Trafford and around the world are basking in the glory that is another rebuilt, retooled and revised Championship-caliber United squad under Sir Alex Ferguson.

It’s not the first time Fergie has worked his magic in rebuilding his team in Manchester but it very well may be one of the last. Integral to United’s early season success thus far has been the fantastic and energetic performances from 20 year-old Danny Welbeck. Welbeck, a Manchester lad, spent last season on loan at Sunderland where he impressed overall but scored only a modest six goals in twenty six league appearances. To contrast, and though Sunderland is no Manchester United, Welbeck already has two goals in three appearances this season.

Welbeck looks the part of a classic #9 for United and has linked very well with United’s attacking amalgam of Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Nani and others. His fantastic back-heel pass in last Monday’s match v Spurs set up Anderson perfectly for United’s second goal of the night. Welbeck is a long player with pace to burn, skill on the ball and he’s good in the air. He makes intelligent runs off the ball and has definitely shown a good touch and even a few tricks.

During Sunday’s 8-2 thrashing of league rivals Arsenal, Welbeck pulled up just slightly lame while tracking down a ball into the box in the second half. Welbeck immediately grabbed his hamstring, went down and was soon replaced by Javier Hernandez. Initial reports suggest that Welbeck will now miss four to five weeks while nursing the injury.

As United move forward, they’ve no shortage of attacking talent to place into the hole left by Welbeck. The aforementioned Hernandez was one of last season’s most exciting stories while the almost forgotten Dimitar Berbatov, last season’s co-leading scorer, continues to languish on the bench. For neutrals, fans of good football, good performances and quality attacking talent, the loss of Welbeck’s positivity for a few months is a fact to lament.

Why I Feel Sorry For Wojciech Szczesny – The Gaffer

Arsenal’s triumphant display against Udinese mid-week was a joy to watch. The highlight, one of many from the match, was Wojciech Szczesny’s incredible diving save to tip over Antonio Di Natale’s penalty. It was something you’d expect to see in a Roy Of The Rovers comic. Except, in this case, it was real life, which made it that much more enjoyable.

Fast forward four days and Szczesny was between the goalposts for Arsenal at Old Trafford. And what a contrast it was. Manchester United completely ripped the Gunners apart with such precision that it looked like it was target practice with shots and crosses being rifled in one after the other toward the Polish goalkeeper’s net.

If you look at each of the eight goals that Manchester United scored Sunday against Arsenal, you can’t blame Szczesny for any one of them. In fact, the scoreline could have been much worse with United’s 14 shots on target. Szczesny made several crucial saves to prevent the Red Devils from scoring more.

Usually in a game where a team gets thrashed, the goalkeeper is guilty for letting in a few soft goals. But not in this match. Szczesny commanded his box well, and kept a positive attitude throughout the match, always giving 100%. Even before this match, I was convinced that the Polish goalkeeper is one of Arsenal’s best assets. It’s just a shame that the team that’s out in front of him is in massive disrepair.

I’m hoping that Szczesny can move on from here. He’s proven himself as the number one goalkeeper for Arsenal. He’s only 21 and has a bright career ahead of him. Hopefully he won’t blame himself for Arsenal’s devastating loss. For once, Arsenal’s defeats haven’t been a result of a dodgy goalkeeper. Now that they’ve solidified themselves between the post, this is a big positive for the Gunners. Hopefully he can spearhead a new generation at Arsenal that learns from their mistakes and progresses forward. Whether they can or not, Szczesny has a bright future ahead of him no matter where he lands.

The Middle Tier Is Much Larger Than We Expected – Earl Reed

The talk heading into this season was a tiered approach to dissecting the teams in the Premier League. Since everyone had different definitions of those tiers, my preseason take was: your Big 4 or 5 (Man’s United and City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and/or Arsenal); another 3-4 contending for Europa League football (Stoke, Tottenham, rejuvenated Sunderland, and maybe Aston Villa); 5 that were stabilized in the League (Everton, Fulham, Bolton, Newcastle, West Brom); and the 6 relegation possibilities (Wolves, Wigan, Blackburn, QPR, Norwich, and Swansea).

But at this point, it seems there is a top 4 likely forming (my original top grouping sans Arsenal). There’s also Blackburn, which stands out as the clear doormat without some form of major change. In between, you have 15 teams, and it can be difficult to put your finger on where those teams actually stand in the grand scheme.

Obviously Spurs are better than last place, and while they could push towards Europe, Wolves ultimately should end up on the south side of #7 (just ask Mick McCarthy yourself). But overall, when you start to weigh results and schedule strength, it looks like these teams may not be that different.

My theory behind this trend is simply augmenting the 2010/11 season with one simple modfier: money. Last season may have displayed more parity than we’ve ever seen before in the league, especially below last season’s Top 6. Aside from the top 4 that exist right now, none of the other teams in the league have made a significant investment in quality. The rest of the league has basically stood pat, aside from modest transfers. That has allowed the four big spenders to rise like cream. Out of the other top clubs, Arsenal has lost three key players without real reinvestment (Fabregas, Nasri, and Clichy), and Tottenham is in a bit of disarray (as I detailed earlier). That has brought them back to the rest.

I think we’ve seen a restatement of what money means in this league. We’ve all known its significance in success, but this season you’re clearly watching the rich getting richer, while the rest are fighting to overcome mediocrity. Everyone will have their opinion on whether it’s right or wrong, but it can make for some boring blowouts.

So modern football, eh? As much as the Premier League captivates our imaginations and dominates our pub and water cooler conversations, not every fitba fan, young or old, buys into the product that many millions across the world invest so much time, energy and (most importantly) money into.

Smyth: The big turn off is the characters involved in the game, at every level. Players, managers, directors, the showers-that-be. There are so many snide, avaricious types who behave in a way that shames whatever is left of masculinity. There is a desperate lack of honesty and nobility. What, as Tony Soprano says, ever happened to Gary Cooper?

I know United have been incredibly successful, but that alone is not enough. There is, or at least there should be, a United way of doing things – with style, class, dignity and most of all glory. It’s extremely hard to argue that the values established by Sir Matt Busby have been adhered to in recent times. There’s the Glazers, United’s cautious football in the majority of big games (never more so than the 9-0-1 formation employed in Barcelona in 2008), and the nature of many of the star players.

Things that are good about the game? The way Barcelona pass the ball (though there is so much to dislike in other areas of their game). Paul Scholes. The fact some of the prehistoric elements, such as racism, have been removed. Andres Iniesta. As a United fan, the humble enthusiasm of the Da Silva twins and Javier Hernandez. Thomas Mueller. It’s not the case that all football was good before and all football is evil now; it would be absurd to say that. But there has been a serious decline at pretty much every level. Apart from the tight shorts. Nobody misses the tight shorts.

Smyth: It’s easier to list the players and managers who *don’t* make me feel that way. Money and victory are prioritised to an inappropriate degree, and to hell with fair play, dignity, honour and the rest. Football was our childhood sweetheart, but now we wake up every day next to a money-grabbing whore.

Smyth: I think YouTube does quench the thirst: the range of stuff on there is incredible. The best thing about YouTube is that it doesn’t just reinforce your memories of old football, it also introduces you to wonderful stories you didn’t know (have a look, for example, at the two legs of the 1986 European Cup semi-final between Gothenburg and Barcelona). I have a file, up to about 400 links now, of stuff that I want to watch (compilations of, say, Dragan Stojkovic’s passing) and just haven’t had time. I could spend a whole day on there. I don’t know enough about Uefa, but I suspect they wouldn’t be forthcoming, no. There are some terrific resources on the internet, though, especially http://soccervideotapes.homestead.com/

Smyth: It’s hard to see anything but a steady deterioration: in playing standards (see that hideous first leg between Real Madrid and Barcelona, one of the most depressing matches imaginable), in terms of driving out the real fans as the game becomes ever more commercialised. I just don’t see how football can recover; the new values are too deep-rooted. I see the same teams challenging for competitions, with the only ones able to break the glass ceiling being clubs like Manchester City with obscene amounts of money.

Smyth: The Denmark team (and, crucially, fans) of the 80s evoke everything that football should be: fun on and off the field, fearless attacking football, humility, decency, fairness, adventure, and so on. They didn’t win a trophy, but they got something much more important: glory, and in industrial quantities. I co-wrote a piece on them for the Guardian site which, unusually for something I’ve written, I’d recommend. Their story is so interesting. Probably the person who encapsulates what football should be is Dave Mackay. The Gary Cooper of football.

Smyth: I’m writing a book about how football sold its soul, which includes many rambles about retro football, only 94 per cent of which are about that Denmark team. I’m also very excited about the upcoming Retro MBM site: all those involved editorially are class acts, and good people too. If I find £1m in a hedge I will immediately quit the day job and edit a site devoted to retro football features. Until that day comes, I’ll be lying in a dark room watching old football videos, getting off on all the Proustian rushes.

With all the excitement surrounding the recent announcement from Manchester United and other top European clubs regarding their summer plans to again tour North America, I decided it would be timely to share an interview with not only an incredibly prolific author, a preeminent historian of soccer in North America, but also a true gentleman of the game and the history surrounding it, Colin Jose.

Jose has researched the history of soccer in both Canada and the United States for over 40 years and currently serves as the historian at the Soccer Hall of Fame in Vaughan, Ontario and as Historian Emeritus at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York. Jose has written nine books on the history of the beautiful game in North America including books on the NASL, the World Cup and soccer in Canada.

In the interview, I discuss with Jose the deep history of European clubs touring the States, their success with these early tours, the NASL and even get some thoughts from him regarding today’s soccer landscape.

Chula: In the past five years especially, the soccer landscape in North America seems to have grown tenfold. Leading this revolution has been the advent of technology which has provided soccer fans with HD broadcasts on satellite televisions from Europe’s top leagues. But second in the revolution just could be down to major European clubs touring the States and Canada in the summer. How big of a deal do you think this phenomenon is currently and is likely to become over the course of the next 10 years?

Jose: When I came to Canada over 50 years ago, TV was black and white, there was one Canadian channel (CBC) and if we were close to the border, we could get ABC, CBS and NBC on our antenna.

There might have been one soccer game shown each year, usually the F.A. Cup Final. Then came the NASL, which changed everything, hardly noticeable at first, but as time went by and Pele joined the Cosmos, things began to move. NASL teams held displays in shopping malls, often led by Ron Newman. And people took their families to soccer games because they could afford to while they couldn’t afford to go to baseball or football.

Ask Clay Berling or Lynn Berling of Soccer America. It was the beginning of where we are today. The kids that were attracted to the game back then form today’s fan base. The proliferation of TV channels, especially the sports channels with their hunger for sports to fill the time with, turned to soccer. So suddenly, sports fans that had never seen very much soccer before were able to watch and learn about, and follow the game on a regular basis. They got to know the teams and the players. Teams toured in the 50s, 60s and 70s, just as they do today, but the audience has grown thanks to TV. Suddenly games involving touring teams that used to draw 10,000 or 20,000 ethnic fans are attracting 60,000 and 70,000 fans from all walks of life. Manchester United first toured North America in 1950 and played 11 games. They came again in 1952 and played 12 games and there was nothing like it as many people showed up.

To read the rest of the interview and to learn more about the history of European teams touring North America, sign up for EPL Talk Pro, It’s a private newsletter for soccer fans featuring exclusive access to quality video, audio, and the written word about the Premier League. Learn more about EPL Talk Pro. Or, sign up today for $4.99/month at www.tinyletter.com/epltalkpro and gain immediate access to this complete article plus video and audio documentaries, more exclusive articles and more.

First person and interactive, I AM PLAYR allows users to witness first hand exactly what it’s like to be a young, up and coming footballer working your way up through the ranks at River Park F.C.

Training, match day and extra-curricular activities are all interspersed with real life live footage provided by professional actors who make you feel as if you’re actually in the changing room getting the hair dryer treatment at halftime. But beware, when brash playmaker Billy Laidlaw asks you to join him at the club after your first match, you better be ready to make a quick decision to accept his invitation or head home for some much needed recovery.

Take a look at the official trailer to see exactly what I AM PLAYR is all about:

I recently got the opportunity to spend a few days with the beta version for I AM PLAYR before it’s official release on Facebook to provide EPL Talk Pro subscribers with an early and exclusive look at the game. While any final judgements on my end will be held until the final version of the game is completed, the beta version, without a doubt, proves there’s plenty of potential surrounding this well thought out and expertly designed game.

More SIMS than FIFA 2011 or Pro Evo, I AM PLAYR will still appeal to a wide audience largely because of it’s accessibility through the social media monster we’re all on, which of course is Facebook. Scheduled to launch officially very soon, I AM PLAYR looks poised to grow and be enjoyed by many football fans across the globe.

My personal prediction is that it’ll be huge. Because of the superiority that Facebook enjoys as the social media king, I AM PLAYR will have the ability to reach millions of football fans in various parts of the world in a short time while positive word of mouth, “likes”, and a flawless launch (if they can see one through) will set the game down the path to online dominance.

After all, I AM PLAYR looks to be the first of its kind while a site as incredibly popular as Facebook will provide the game the folks over at We R Interactive have created with the perfect platform for a viral existence.

“He’s got everything, this boy. Pace, power,…..”

Players begin the game by actually signing their first professional contract at fictional River Park F.C.   It’s a contract so detailed and extensive, players quickly learn the exact amount of money they’ll be earning each week. Appearance and goal bonuses are included in the pay packet which tends to widen the eyes of the new player hoping to break into the first team and make a splash.

Veteran striker Danny Deans will be your strike partner and role model, but the Gaffer has high hopes that your goal tally will soon replace the older Deans’ and that you’ll not be the first flop he’s signed since he’s been in charge. A word of caution: disappoint him and risk suffering his wrath in front of the whole team in the changing room.

“Real football, real decisions”

Players get the opportunity to make their very own decisions when playing I AM PLAYR. From which football boots to wear, to which training drills to spend the most time on, and even to which girls to chat up via text. All the decisions you’ll make in the lead up to match day will ultimately affect your performance when you take the pitch on Saturday.

For the first time in a game that I’m aware of, players get to experience exactly what it’s like to be an English footballer. For now at least, it seems as if the brains behind I AM PLAYR have left no stone unturned.

As far as actual game play is concerned, I AM PLAYR won’t be for the gamer who thrives in a FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer for console environment. Matches are simulated by scrolling text before the player gets one or two chances to score an equalizer or a match winner when a ball is played to him. Simply stated, as a player you have little more to do in an actual match than take one to two shots on goal.

The draw and the variable that will set I AM PLAYR apart from other games is the first person simulation and decision making which will affect the game play. Match simulation, even with your contribution as a striker, takes little more than a few minutes to complete. Then, it’s off to another week of training and decision making.

“Who is PLAYR? We are, you are”

There are no second chances in I AM PLAYR, just regret and points dropped. Fail to train effectively, suffer the consequences on match day. Go out for a late night instead of rest and recovery time, miss a sitter to win away.

While the final version of the game still looks to be a few weeks or more away, the beta version itself holds enough substance in it to prove the folks behind it know what they’re doing.

Be one of the first to get involved with I AM PLAYR on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/iamplayr

Editor’s note: As a member of EPL Talk Pro, you can join the free beta version of I AM PLAYR now. Visit the I AM PLAYR app page on Facebook, click the ‘like’ button and then click on the ‘Go to App’ button and you’re in!

And here’s an exclusive interview with We R Interactive co-founder Tom Thirlwall:

Jesse: Does We R Interactive have any future plans of launching an iPhone and or iPad application for the game?

Tom: We have an application in development at the moment… We want to make sure we play to the strengths of different devices, so we’re thinking through where and how people will play the game, and tweaking the browser version to make sure we give people a great mobile experience.  With I AM PLAYR we’ve tried to build a game that people can jump in and play quickly for an immediate fix, at the same time as building their expectation for the next big match. That guiding design principle translates to mobile devices very well.

Jesse: I AM PLAYR’s beta version looks to be incredibly well thought out, well designed and well planned. Just how much time and resources went into getting an early idea to a beta version and then that beta to a final game that looks poised for success?

Tom: The Beta version took around 9 months to design and build, which is pretty quick… That’s largely down to the the team we’ve assembled. We have people with a lot of experience working on both leading video games, like Championship Manager, and online dramas and they’ve all jumped at the chance to bring those two entertainment forms together in a meaningful way. A passion and knowledge for football helps too, as we put authenticity at the heart of PLAYR.

Jesse: Having only played the beta version, I’m concerned about some of the difficulty of the controls in the training mode. Will there be any additional changes and or tweaks to the beta version as it pertains to actual game play before the final version is launched?

Tom: We tweak the game continually in response to additional features and user feedback. Looking at the training mode alone we’ve implemented many changes already. Some, such as extending the number of drills from 30 to 45 are obvious. Others, such as tweaks to ball physics or goalkeeper difficulty may go unnoticed, but will shape a better experience over time. We’re always looking for that sweet spot in balancing difficulty. Players need to feel like they’ve achieved something when they complete a drill, without becoming frustrated with the challenge. I should also mention that the Beta version represents about 10% of the planned features, so the game will evolve each month as we add more and more…

Jesse: We all know that Facebook is a massive success and likely a perfect platform for I AM PLAYR to launch from. Speak just briefly about the relationship between We R Interactive and Facebook. Are there any special licenses or permission needed to launch a game as ambitious as I AM PLAYR on Facebook?

Tom: Facebook offers a great way for people to share good content, and our hope is that I AM PLAYR raises the bar in terms of the level of quality people expect when they think about Facebook games.

No special permissions are required to build games on Facebook and the democratisation of content that this allows is tremendously healthy. Facebook, I believe, shares that view and have been very responsive and supportive when we’ve had technical questions.

Jesse: With the eventual success of I AM PLAYR pending, are there any future plans to expand the game into versions for PC and Mac or game consoles like PS3 or XBOX?

Tom: Not currently, and that would only ever happen if the rhythm of the game were to work in the living room. We are deliberately not FIFA or Pro Evolution. They’re great games that people play for several hours at a time. Whatever platforms we look at, we’ll always consider the device, its control method and where and how the game is played before we make any firm decisions. The games industry is littered with bad conversions to different formats, so it’s only a step we’d take if a particular console had a great fit with our game design.

Jesse: I AM PLAYR looks to be much more SIMS than FIFA or Pro Evo. What deciding factors went into this decision making process?

Tom: That’s not a conscious decision, but I’m pleased with the comparison. We set out to put players in the boots of a professional footballer. We wanted to give people a taste of a life that many of us would like to experience. To do that, we had to create an authentic 1st person football game for the first time ever, but we also had to offer a glimpse of life beyond the pitch. Everything you do in the game has consequences, and in that respect it’s far more similar to The Sims than previous football games. Building a game with meaningful consequences is difficult, but it was vital to capturing the authenticity we’re looking for, so it was an easy design decision to make.

Jesse: There’s definitely an extensive cast of actors involved with I AM PLAYR and even a few well known pundits involved. Can you give readers any ideas about who else may be involved in the game? Are there any surprise guests you can hint at?

Tom: That would spoil the surprise! But let’s just say that as PLAYR becomes recognised, a couple of England’s finest players take notice…

Editor’s note: If you’d like to join EPL Talk Pro, sign up today for exclusive content, contests, audio documentaries, videos and more.

Another week and yet another incident allowing football fans to again see just how silly the FA operate, or in this past weekend’s case, fails to operate. Reminiscent of a clumsy, bumbling teenager attempting to un-hook his first bra strap aged 16 because of their historical callowness, the FA possess neither the ability to make an unpopular decision or the ability to re-write their own rules thus allowing common sense to prevail.

On Saturday, attempting his best George St-Pierre impersonation, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney bludgeoned Wigan’s James McCarthy proper elbow to the head style during United’s eventual 0-4 away win. The issue, even more vital than the incident itself (which was shocking and ridiculous by definition), was that referee Mark Clattenburg in fact witnessed the infraction yet deemed his actions in only awarding Wigan a free kick “appropriate”.

It’s at this point where we begin to pick up the pieces, attempt to reassemble them and form coherent thought over the whole matter. While the three parties involved – Rooney, Clattenburg and the FA – are all guilty in some shape or form, it’s the sum of the absurdity that assigns the Rooney-Clattenburg incident as one of the most laughable ever.

By Clattenburg’s own admission, the 35-year-old witnessed Rooney throw a haymaker of an elbow to the head of McCarthy yet somehow failed to deem the action violent conduct which would have witnessed the 25-year-old England striker miss massive matches the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool away this week and a third – likely a home FA Cup tie Vs. Arsenal.

Because Clattenburg blew a call that could have severely injured a Premier League player, the FA, under their very own laws, are left powerless to defy Clattenburg’s initial opinion. When viewed as a simple mathematical equation, football fans and head-scratchers the world over are left with something resembling this:

Wayne Rooney’s elbow + Mark Clattenburg’s eye = FA fail

At best and when given the benefit of the doubt, Clattenburg may have witnessed only half of the incident because of the fact that it did in truth happen off the ball which only places the proverbial ball in the court of the FA to use common sense. United fans and Rooney devotees may scoff at these sentences but when the red-shaded glasses are removed from their eyes, they’ll see an obvious infraction of rules resulting in a violent offense which should have led to a three match suspension.

Just because the referee didn’t witness the incident in its entirety doesn’t mean it failed to transpire. It’s for this very reason, and because of the power of video technology, that the FA must soon consider at minimum a tweaking of rules and at maximum an overhaul or risk even more ridicule from the world football community.

Some readers of EPL Talk are new or semi new to football, based outside of the continent of Europe yet possess an affection for the UEFA Champions League unmatched to that of even the Premier League. The current format of Europe’s premier club competition allows the majority of the top footballing talent in the world to compete against each other across the width and breadth of the continent in front of millions of watchful eyes across a myriad of countries.

These attentive eyes sit poised in front of massive LCD widescreens, cram together in pubs or bars to drink their team to victory or huddle in front of the smallest of black and white TV sets in anxious anticipation that their idols can produce something memorable.

This is the version of the Champions League that we currently know and enjoy. It’s a version of a more global competition as opposed to interpretation 1.0, the old European Cup, which was without much of the pomp and fanfare that we see today. Yet Europe’s premier club competition – sometimes dominated by England’s finest – wasn’t always the cash cow or world phenomenon it is today. The advent of technology has of course played its part in the competition’s popularity allowing fans and supporters the chance to view matches or highlights from HD televisions, smart phones, and computers from almost anywhere in the world by simply pressing a few buttons.

Additionally, matches come thick and fast in the competition’s group stage which is played from September through December each year as the annual event attempts its best Darwin impression by weeding out the weak.

While there’s little argument that that knockout stage through to the final provides viewers with the most excitement, drama and entertainment, some proof does exist that the bloated and oft-criticized group stage needs at minimum an amending, at maximum an overhaul. But first, back to our soccer newbies.

The ongoing structure in play to crown a club champion of Europe has only been in existence since 1992 and more specifically, since the 1997-98 season which allowed runners up from certain countries the opportunity to compete in group stage play which is how we know the competition today. But before UEFA empowered so many more clubs the chance to compete in a competition many say they have no right participating in, Europe crowned a champion with much less fuss and much more romance, at least that’s one side of the debate.

The European Cup started in 1955 and allowed just the winners of the European football leagues the chance to play for the title by playing in a two-leg knockout format (home and away) until just one club stood victorious over Europe. We of course know that has now changed yet the old guard and romantics still wax poetic over how much better the old format was and that the shiny new(ish) format of more matches, more teams and thus more money has done little to improve the competition while doing more to hinder it.

While it’s certain that the best of the most recent installment of the Champions League is still to come over the course of the next few months, which format is better in allowing European football the opportunity to crown its yearly champion? Sure the current group stage arrangement allows smaller (and more) clubs the chance to play but does more always equal better? When was the last time a European minnow or medium-sized club played in the final or even won?

A quick glance down the European champion list from the last decade or so reads like a who’s who of European giants. Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan and Inter Milan all have titles while the absence of a previous year third place German club or fourth place Italian club from the list of champions lends belief to the doubters of the newer format and prompts one to ask the question, “what’s the point of all the additional clubs if they never come close to winning it?”.

Regardless of if you’re a football baby or a fitba grandfather, the question is definitely worth your time. While it’s unlikely-impossible that UEFA would ever consider a change that would see the governing body revert back to the old European Cup format, it’s an interesting debate that football fans continue to have every year between September and December while the group stage trudges on and stumbles its way through until the round of 16.

Just as the knockout stages are now in full swing, maybe, just maybe the answer to the aforementioned question is staring us right in the face as some of the most exciting and dramatic football is now upon us.

Editor’s Note: Jesse Chula is returning to EPL Talk.com after a short trip to England late last year and a stint as contributing Editor for England at SB Nation Soccer. He can be reached for comment by email at jesse.chula@epltalk.com and on Twitter @JesseChula.

Headquartered in New York City, the $1.26 billion revenue-generating company took some time to add the highly demanded channel, but footie fans who were watching on Tuesday would have been surprised by their fortune. Specifically serving areas in Kentucky near Lexington, Bowling Green, Louisville, Northern Kentucky, in Ohio near Columbus and Indiana in Evansville, Tuesday’s addition of the beautiful game in HD by one Lexington citizen was simply described as “beautiful”.

As of press time, the only two major markets where FSCHD has been added are Lexington, KY and Columbus, OH (channels 921 and 929 respectively). Should soccer fans reside in any of the other geographical areas listed above who subscribe to Insight and wish to receive FSCHD, those such fans are encouraged to contact your local office and demand that the channel be added.

With all the sack stories and rumors emerging across world football within the last week or so, I tend to speculate and try to guess myself which manager is most likely to be next.  While I feel sorry for anyone who loses their job, I understand the sacking of managers is as much a part of football as boots and the pitch itself.

Poor old Rafa Benitez is gone from Inter Milan, Big Sam Allardyce and Chris Hughton have parted ways with Blackburn and Newcastle United respectively, and it seems our old friend Steve McClaren’s days could be numbered at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg if he doesn’t turn things around quickly when league play resumes in mid January.

So while it seems like managers are a dime a dozen and can be replaced at the drop of a hat, players, while they can also be dropped to the bench or the reserves for a spell until they regain form or fitness, seem to be much better protected as it pertains to their job security. Since Christmas is now upon us, I’m granting football fans one wish before the insanity of the boxing day schedule and the fixtures to follow before the new year.

Now is your chance Premier League fans, now is the time to let the world know which one player on your beloved Premier League team you just wish would go away. Don’t be shy.

As a Manchester United supporter, I’d sack second choice goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Not because I think he’s a bad keeper or terrible person, but because I don’t think he’s the right fit at United to eventually replace current #1 Edwin van der Sar who will retire at the end of the season. Also, Kuszczak is good enough to get picked up by another Premier League club in mid table or one that will eventually get promoted for the 2011-12 season so I wouldn’t feel terrible letting him go.

While it’s likely United are willing to spend money to invest in a new keeper anyway, the sacking of Kuszczak would also allow room for Ben Amos and possibly Conor Devlin to gain valuable experience with the first team over the course of next season. So there’s my pick, let’s hear yours in the comments sections below.

Ah, it’s that time of the year again and I simply love it. No, not Christmas, but the end of the year lists that all end up being about the same everywhere you look. Seriously, I think every music magazine has awarded album of the year to Kanye West, but that’s a topic for another article. Here we discuss the Premier League and the individual footballers that make it one of the best leagues in the world.

2010 has been quite interesting if you’re a fan of the Premier League. We’ve seen current Champions Chelsea start the season on a flier only to loose out on some key players and suffer once again from the goings on behind the scenes as owner Roman Abramovich and his cronies have their way. Adding parity to the Premier League, all three promoted teams are comfy in mid table or there abouts while once boring Bolton have enjoyed a mini resurgence under current boss Owen Coyle. The end of last season’s title race was a close one with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney picking up most of the accolades. Chelsea were deserved Champions but Manchester City and Tottenham have emerged as serious title contenders in the last four months.

While familiar faces currently hold the top two spots in the standings, 2010 hasn’t been the kind of year dominated by English football’s ‘big 4’. Liverpool are re-building under Roy Hodgson, Manchester United have been solid without being great, and Arsenal seem to be plagued by the same old problems that have hindered their title credentials for the last few years. Critics will say that the big 4’s lack of dominance has burdened an already top heavy league while proponents will argue just the opposite. Regardless of your stance on the overall theme of this year’s Premier League, there have been some standout performances which we’ll now take a look at in the form of the league’s best starting XI.

Author’s Note: While not an easy feat, the following list has been complied by analyzing performances from the entire 2010 calendar year. If readers fail to see a player on the list they feel was deserved, it’s likely said player had a great few months but was injured, suffered a drop in form, fell to the fact that only one player can occupy each position or simply wasn’t good enough over the course of the last 12 months. As always, feel free to leave comments and suggestions in the space below.

Goalkeeper – Joe Hart, Manchester City– While Chelsea’s Petr Cech has enjoyed his best form since 2007, the league’s best keeper thus far has been the England #1 Hart. Hart started 2010 on loan with Brum then was called back to his parent club Manchester City. He began the season in the kind of super-human form football fans are used to seeing on highlight reels and maybe even in their dreams. Manchester City are chasing the title and with Hart healthy, fit and between the sticks, they’ll feel their shot at the title will increase.

Right Back –Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea– Having filled in for the injured, first choice right back at Chelsea Jose Bosingwa, Ivanovic slowly claimed the spot as his very own over 2010 yet remains available to fill in in defense wherever needed. A good crosser of the ball when getting forward to support attacks, Ivanovic is a staunch defender and able to score the occasional goal from a set piece when opportunities present themselves.

Central Defender –  Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United – Vidic has arguably been the league’s best defender for a couple of years as well as this calendar year of 2010. Strong, smart and with brilliant defensive positioning, Vidic remains a staple in the heart of United’s back line and should be considered as one of the best defenders in the world.

Central Defender – Vincent Kompany, Manchester City– Although City have been leaky recently, they’re not challenging for the title for nothing. They finished last year in fifth and look to improve upon that this season. Kompany has been a rock solid defender for City through their resurgence up the table.

Left Back – Leighton Baines, Everton– Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra have also had a great 2010, but I grow tired of players the likes of Leighton Baines missing out on recognition. Baines has been one of a few standouts on an Everton side with not much to gloat about in recent weeks. And although one could argue that Baines isn’t asked to do as much as the aforementioned Cole and Evra, he remains as important to his team as Cole and Evra do to theirs. Baines just missed out on joining England at last summer’s World Cup to Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock but it wasn’t because of form, but more because of the experienced players in front of him. Baines is a solid defender and possesses the attacking abilities that modern day full backs need to enhance the shape of their team moving forward.

Midfield (Right) – Nani, Manchester United– Nani’s stock has risen immensely in 2010 with some great wing play on the right, a number of important goals scored and has shown he possesses the kind of footballing maturity needed to succeed at United. Nani was brilliant in last season’s away victory at Arsenal on 31 January by turning in a man of the match performance and remains one of the league’s most dangerous attackers when on form.

Midfield (Attacking) – Samir Nasri, Arsenal– The brilliant Nasri can play on either flank or in central midfield in an attacking role. Quite possibly the league’s form player so far this season, Nasri has been an instrumental play-maker and attacker as Arsenal chase the Premier League title. Quick, a good link player, a goal scorer and emerging as a leader while Cesc Fabregas continues to struggle with injury, Nasri has excelled as a footballer in 2010.

Midfield (Defensive) – Nigel de Jong, Manchester City– What a year City midfielder Nigel de Jong has had for both club and country. His exploits in South Africa, while at times controversial, earned him a starting spot in the Final v Spain while he remains a staple with club. Strong in the tackle, a good distributor of the ball and a solid defender, de Jong is currently one of the most effective defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

Midfield (Left) – Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur – No one in the world has been as effective on the left side of midfield in world football in 2010 as Bale has been for Spurs. First a left back with attacking abilities and now an out and out attacking winger, Bale’s stock has risen higher than any footballer this year. Bale’s a strong, marauding runner, a brilliant crosser of the ball, dangerous over a free kick and can score goals. His trickery in attack is only matched by his effectiveness when running at defenders while his abilities to defend shouldn’t be overlooked.

Forward – Didier Drogba, Chelsea– Drogba hasn’t been at his best in recent weeks, yet he’s still a top five goal scorer this season and was last season’s highest scorer. Although he’s battled sickness and injury, Drogba remains a threat the moment he steps out onto the pitch and let’s not forget, Chelsea are the title holders largely because of how good Drogba was earlier this year.

Forward – Carlos Tevez, Manchester City– Like Drogba, Tevez is always near the top of the goals scored list while his work rate remains mostly unmatched by any other forward in the Premier League. I’m happy to hear that he’s rescinded his transfer request and will remain at City, at least for the time being. Tevez is one of the league’s best and most exciting players to watch.

Bench: John Terry, Chelsea – Patrice Evra, Manchester United – Petr Cech, Chelsea – Darren Fletcher, Manchester United, Roger Johnson, Birmingham City – Florent Malouda, Chelsea – Wayne Rooney, Manchester United – Darren Bent, Sunderland – Stewart Downing, Aston Villa

Gameweek 17 ended with Manchester United taking sole ownership of first place after they were able to overcome Arsenal at home, 1-0. It was a tight game that often lacked the quality needed to make it the weekend’s marquee match off paper, but it was a result the Reds will welcome. United’s defense of Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra are slowly coming back into their best form as a collective while a midfield five led by Darren Fletcher and Anderson were staunch enough to keep Samir Nasri, Andrei Arshavin and an unfit Cesc Fabregas mostly quite.

While the win by United was expected by many, what can football fans learn from the match, if anything? For me, the answer: not much at all. Arsenal, while entering into Monday night’s encounter as league leaders, still lack the winner’s mentality needed to challenge for the title by beating stronger teams such as United and Chelsea. For now at least it seems as if the Gunners are destined for another ‘there, or there abouts’ season.

Manchester City emerged from Gameweek 17 the more viable title challenger than Arsenal did. Although their 1-3 victory away to West Ham was expected, Premier League fans are starting to learn more and more about City each week. The lesson? That City can hurt you at anytime and are not solely reliant on just one or two players. While the sad but true Carlos Tevez saga continues to boil off the pitch, City continue to rage on it.

In the weekend’s other match of extreme importance, struggling Chelsea were able to cancel out an early Roman Pavlyuchenko strike to earn a point at White Hart Lane. Much has been spoken about John Terry’s solid performance in the heart of defence yet Chelsea’s more glaring concern at the moment should be their inability to create good chances and score goals.

To put Chelsea’s struggles into perspective, the Blues are a team that scored 21 goals in their opening five matches of the season yet have scored only three goals in their last five league matches while earning a paltry six points out of a possible 21 since the start of November.

Honorable Mentions –

Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United– United’s back line was solid and stingy on Monday night, rarely tested, but effective when asked to be. Vidic, as always, was an integral part of the the clean sheet United enjoyed. Many would say United’s ability to keep Arsenal scoreless was more attributed to Arsenal’s stagnant attack, but Vidic’s second half lunge to block what looked to be a certain Marouane Chamakh equalizer was a moment of defensive brilliance.

John Terry, Chelsea– Another defender makes the list this week who turned in a great performance. Although Terry’s Chelsea weren’t able to overcome Spurs away, it wasn’t the former England captain’s fault. Terry was brilliant in the heart of defense, displayed the poise and defensive positioning that’s made him one of the best defenders in England, and won the majority of his tackles over the course of the full 90 minutes. Did John Terry announce to the league that he’s coming back into his best form with Sunday’s performance?

Stuart Holden, Bolton – The American midfielder fired home a dramatic late winner on Saturday while it seemed as if Blackburn were still celebrating their 87th minute equalizer. Bolton were deserved of the three points they earned on Saturday in large part because they were able to score twice after going down to ten men in the 56th minute. Holden’s 88th minute strike was one of those emphatic blasts into the back of the net that was destined to be a match winner.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Yaya Toure, Manchester City– The City midfielder purchased from Barcelona last summer was sensational on Saturday at West Ham. Toure was credited with only one goal but should have been awarded a second when he skinned James Tomkins on the left side of midfield and surged his way into the box to shoot past Robert Green. Toure’s effort was adjudged to have hit off the post before bouncing off Green and in. It was laughable that the goal wasn’t awarded to Toure who did all the work to create the opportunity, but the three points gained by City on the day will likely be all the Ivorian is concerned with.

Early in the match, Toure opened the scoring when a simple ball into the box from Gareth Barry caught West Ham’s Jonathan Spector sleeping. While attempts such as Toure’s have witnessed the ball soar into row Z more times than anyone can count, Toure blasted his shot emphatically past Robert Green and City never looked back. Goals aside, Toure was at his best on Saturday surging forward into the space that Spector and Scott Parker gifted to City in the center of the pitch.

With a gifted supporting cast surrounding Toure in the form of David Silva, Jo and Gareth Barry, City always looked a threat moving forward against West Ham. Toure’s performance both in attack and defensively was welcomed as City were without club captain Carlos Tevez due to suspension. While the potential loss of Tevez in January on paper is a disaster, if Toure, Silva and Adam Johnson off the bench can continue to turn in performances like they did on Saturday, the little Argentine’s absence may not be felt as much as City fans are anticipating.

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The Gaffer and I stay in constant communication throughout most weeks in hopes we can continue to develop relevant ideas into entertaining original content for EPL Talk. Some weeks are chock-full of story ideas because of the dramatic nature of the Premier League which makes our job slightly easier.

Other weeks we’ll spend the free time in between our full time day jobs racking our brains over interesting story lines in hopes we can continue to make EPL Talk the best Premier League blog around – a blog different from others with educated writers who have strong opinions, an engaging blog more exciting than just your run of the mill match reports, and a blog that promotes reader interaction in the form of discussion, debate and community.

While our love and passion for football remains unmatched as it pertains to other interests in our lives, The Gaffer and I share a love for many other hobbies including film, TV, books and popular music. It’s with that last interest that we’ve decided to do a comparative analysis (for lack of a better phrase) between football and music. More specifically, if all 20 Premier League clubs were bands or music groups, which ones would they be and why?

While the nature of this article is intended to be more fun and jovial than analytical or serious, there will be something to be gained from its contents as it pertains to certain themes, characteristics and the specific and glaring distinguishing factors we all garner from clubs in the Premier League. The comparisons will be broad in nature as they pertain to how both the club and artist have touched various elements of pop culture in both the UK and the States.

Adversely, if you’re not a seasoned Premier League fan and you have a decent knowledge of popular music, you’ll then quickly be able to utilize your knowledge of music to then learn something about the 20 Premier League clubs we’ll be discussing. As always, feel free to leave your own suggestions, thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

• Arsenal = Kanye West– Smooth as silk Arsenal are at their best when moving forward as a collective. Their progression and innovation make them one of the league’s best while Kanye West bears similar traits as an artist. Widely watched, often emulated but never duplicated by those attempting to, Arsenal embody much of what hip hop king Kanye West does in music. West, or Yeezy as he’s more affectionately known, is also at his best when those around him join in the party. For example, on Yeezy’s new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West shines on tracks All of the Lights and Lost in the World, both of which feature guests such as Rihanna and Bon Iver (the Alex Song and Jack Wilshere to Samir Nasri), while the album itself also includes Jay-Z, John Legend, Beyonce and Kid Cudi to name a few. When both are at their best, they’re highly entertaining, flashy and a joy to watch.
• Aston Villa = The Streets– If Mike Skinner reads this, he’s bound to be a bit disappointed. Skinner is the brainchild behind popular UK grunge rap outfit The Streets, is a Brum boy, and a Birmingham City supporter first and foremost. But while Skinner’s loyalties lie with the Blues, Aston Villa remind me of the kind of raw rhymes and garage beats The Streets have come to be known for simply because they’re currently comprised of a rag tag group of youngsters attempting to find their way – not entirely unlike the protagonists in Skinner’s earlier albums.
• Birmingham City = Motorhead– Direct, predictable, pounding, unpolished football/heavy metal that can often times leave you with the slightest of headaches. Let’s face it, Alex McLeish has the Blues playing the Premier League’s most expected football while their current 16th place position remains about as exciting as that mole on the left side of Lemmy’s face.
• Blackburn Rovers = Hootie & The Blowfish– One of the two were only relevant in 1995 while the other one was only relevant in 1995. I now apologize to Blackburn fans while I also extend my condolences to those few out there who still listen to Hootie. Since their Premier League triumph as Champions in the 1994-95 season, Blackburn have finished as high as sixth and as low as 19th. While their relegation in ’99 was short lived – Rovers stayed down for only two years – they’ve only averaged a 10th place finish since coming back up all the while Darius Rucker has at least enjoyed a decent resurgence as a solo country artist.
• Blackpool = The Killers – Once a band who ruled the States and the UK, The Killers have fallen away in popularity, if only somewhat, yet remain an incredibly solid band much like Blackpool’s current state when they made the difficult jump from the Championship to the Premier League. Upon their first ever stint in the Premier League, Blackpool have impressed thus far this season as they sit tenth. The Killers also impressed upon their arrival on the big stage when they released their now 6x platinum debut album Hot Fuss in 2004. Another similarity between the two are the cities from which they both call home. The Killers originated from Las Vegas in Nevada, a city like Blackpool which is largely reliant upon the tourist industry surrounding it.
• Bolton Wanderers = Justin Timberlake– Bolton fans, I’m hooking you up here. Timberlake, once a member of a boring boy band has now turned into a jack of all trades entertainer as an actor (see under Timberlake’s multiple stints hosting SNL or his performance in the 2010 film The Social Network), a well respected solo artist and quite the dancer. Bolton once existed to bore and annoy all those before them but have recently turned into one of the league’s most exciting attacking teams under Owen Coyle. Timberlake is the kind of entertainer who is always looking to better himself while it seems Bolton is thriving under Coyle who also refuses to remain idle.
• Chelsea = Abba– Swedish Pop group Abba ruled the radio charts and the world for a few years in the late 70’s and early 80’s as one of the most commercially successful acts in pop music history. Their refined, produced sound coupled with the good looks of members Frida Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog made them the epitome of the posh, over-luxurious pop sound that would go on to dominate the musical landscape during the 1980’s. When Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea in 2003, he too would be involved in a group that would soon be the envy of the rest of the world. Entry into Chelsea’s West London home of Stamford Bridge was soon the hottest ticket in town as I imagine a ticket to an Abba show would also have been in the late 70’s. Chelsea soon won back to back Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho who Abromovich brought in and posh soon had a new definition.
• Everton = Pearl Jam– Eddie Vedder has led one of America’s most solid rock bands for twenty years. Backed by an incredibly loyal fan base, Pearl Jam have barely had to change their familiar sound since 1990 while Goodison Park has housed Everton FC also for quite some time, since 1892 to be exact. Goodison remains a charming stadium with loads of personality, Everton won’t challenge for the league anytime soon, and David Moyes has The Toffees stable yet somewhat struggling this year. Likewise, Pearl Jam’s most popular days are well behind them yet they remain a stable rock band with good intentions.
• Fulham = John Denver– Charming old club who never offend anyone, play their home games at Craven Cottage located near the River Thames and have a lot of American fans. Don’t these characteristics of Fulham sound like something you’d hear in a John Denver song? Surely the American singer-song writer once sang about a river or a cottage, didn’t he? While he never spoke out of turn, Denver’s mellow, laid back nature made him American folk royalty. John Denver was cherished by his fans yet in all honestly was about as neutral as they come. Speaking of neutral, Fulham have made it their lot in life to draw as many Premier League matches as possible. So far this season, Fulham have drawn ten out of seventeen matches which sees the London club just out of the relegation zone because of a better goal difference than Wigan.
• Liverpool = Bob Dylan– The Beatles would be far too obvious of a choice here so I’ve chosen the blueprint of American folk music to compare to (arguably) English football’s most historic and successful club. Whenever I reach for a mental picture of either, I find myself somewhere near the above pictured black and white Dylan of the late 60’s, replete with cigarette in hand, glazed eyes and hair untouched in days. Likewise, when I close my eyes and think of Liverpool, I envision the European Cup lifting, mustache sporting and Bill Shankly led side of days gone by. Why is this? Why do I not associate Liverpool with a more recent era or Dylan as he is today? The answer: both are national treasures and will likely never be matched as they were in the past.
• Manchester City = Oasis – OK, I’m taking the easy way out here, but can you blame me? Although they’re now no longer a band, Oasis, in their day were the biggest band in the world full of excess with the ambition to match it. City these days have a similar ambition – big spenders looking to conquer England today, then Europe tomorrow, followed by the World. Obviously, the former members of Oasis are massive City supporters which is reason enough the two belong together. After all, with both Oasis and Manchester City, most feel strongly one way or another while few are left with undecided feelings.
• Manchester United = The Clash– A staple of English football and as important of a band as you could be coming out of the UK not named The Beatles or the Rolling Stones, The Clash and Manchester United have a few similarities as it pertains to their significance during their respective times. While the aforementioned Beatles and Stones could be compared to the Leeds United and Liverpool sides of the 70’s and 80’s, The Clash can be compared to United because both of the aforementioned clubs/bands (Leeds United/The Rolling Stones & Liverpool/The Beatles) paved the way for what was to come later. The Clash’s importance as a band both politically and culturally, and United’s dominance of the Premier League since its inception and (United’s) effectiveness as a brand worldwide make the two a realistic enough comparison.
• Newcastle United = Madonna– Over the course of the last 27 years, Madonna has been the kind of artist that was constantly in a state of change, evolution and was often times delusional while morphing into her next persona. Newcastle are a big club with a passionate fan base but like Madonna, The Toon have gone through so many changes in the last few decades in their pursuit of a major trophy under the watchful eye of current owner Mike Ashley that fans are starting to change the lyrics of “Like A Prayer“, to “Hear Our Prayer’, in hopes Ashley will sell the club to a more capable owner. Since the year 2000, Newcastle have had nine different managers in charge while Madonna probably had the same amount of pop persona’s in the decade prior.
• Stoke City = The White Stripes– Kind of tough, gritty and definitely workmanlike, Stoke City and The White Stripes belong together on this list. The White Stripes gained critical success in the early 2000’s because of their authentic, lo-fi-DIY grunge rock sound. Stoke City have never been labeled as a team who play beautiful football which is why the comparison to the hard playing White Stripes makes so much sense.
• Sunderland = Eurythmics – Lead guitarist Dave Stewart was born and bred in Sunderland and his and Annie Lennox’s partnership as the two main focal points of the band are reminiscent of the working relationship between owner Ellis Short and chairman Niall Quinn. The band eventually broke up and both artists went solo, so let’s hope that Short and Quinn last longer in charge of the Black Cats.
• Tottenham Hotspur = Kings Of Leon – Been around the block a few times before finally breaking through as one of the world’s biggest bands, Kings of Leon have alienated their core fan base in the last year as they continue their pursuit of rock star immortality. Spurs fans remain an incredible and passionate lot, but their recent success in both the Premier League and the Champions League witnesses the North London club gaining fans all across the world, not unlike the next big thing in pop music.
• West Bromwich Albion = Eric Clapton – The rock guitarist played a concert as part of West Bromwich Albion captain John Wile’s testimonial in 1982. “Slow Hands” also had an Albion scarf draped across his guitar on the back of his Backless album. Several years ago he was rumored to be interested in investing in the club, but that never happened. Nowadays, Clapton continues to play concerts around the globe while West Bromwich Albion impress fans with their attractive brand of football that would make Clapton proud.
• West Ham United = The Fratellis– The Fratellis announced to the world their existence with 2006’s Costello Music. Much like West Ham’s 2006 where they so nearly lifted the FA Cup over Liverpool, little has been heard of the raucous Scottish band since ’06. West Ham are now fighting relegation while in a way, it seems as if The Fratellis are facing a similar fate if they don’t produce another worthwhile album soon. While the two entities struggle to remain relevant as the world changes around them, it’s definitely safe to say that West Ham’s boisterous and rowdy support would feel at home at a Fratellis concert.
• Wigan Athletic = Kid Rock– Kid Rock is the kind of artist that just sticks around when he really should just go away. Wigan, while I have nothing against them, really don’t belong among the elite football teams in England’s top flight, do they? Kid Rock is from Detroit, Michigan – a town more famous for Motown, R&B and hip hop as opposed to Rock’s Southern fried rap-rock twang. Likewise, Wigan is a rugby town first and foremost while the football places second. While both have enjoyed some moderate success within the last decade, can we all agree they don’t belong in the spotlight?
• Wolverhampton Wanderers = Tony Bennett – Wolves were an incredibly influential football team in the 50’s, lifting the First Division title three times and finishing second three times. While their dominance of English football during the early half of that decade saw them instrumental in establishing the European Cup, so too was Tony Bennett’s influence upon jazz standards and show tunes. Bennett’s sound can still be heard today in current pop artists such as Michael Buble and Josh Groban. Neither are incredibly influential to this day while both retain their core group of supporters and fans.

First against third will take place on Monday when Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in what will be a fitting end to an exciting weekend. Arsenal lead United by the slimmest of margins, just a point, due to United missing out on league play last weekend against Blackpool because of extreme weather. Whenever two of English football’s biggest clubs meet, fireworks can be expected. Let’s face it, United and Arsenal have dominated the Premier League since its inception so Monday’s prime time match is sure to be enjoyed by millions across the world.

The interesting thing about United v Arsenal, at least this time around, is that top spot is up for grabs and both sides will look to attack with purpose while neither (in recent years) have been prone to set up defensively. Other traditional ‘big 4’ matches featuring Chelsea v Liverpool or United v Chelsea have sometimes proved to be dull, boring affairs while Arsenal v United always entertains.

All pre-match variables point to an open and attacking but tight encounter with top of the league on the line. United have yet to loose in the Premier League this year and Arsenal have the physiological advantage of actually being league leaders thanks to some sensational play in recent weeks from their emerging talisman Samir Nasri.

Before Monday’s appointment, here are three key match-ups we at EPL Talk think will make a difference in the outcome of Manchester United v Arsenal 2010-11, Pt. One.

Samir Nasri v  United’s Defense – Nasri is easily the Premier League’s form player of 2010. His contributions to an Arsenal side who have lacked a full strength Cesc Fabregas or Theo Walcott or an out and out goal scorer have seen Arsenal reach the Premier League summit while many would argue they’ve yet to play their best football. Because of Nasri’s emergence as Arsenal’s best player this season coupled with the fact that the Gunners are still without first choice defender Thomas Vermaelen, many believe Arsenal to be serious title contenders when they’re finally able to put a full-strength team together.

Nasri has been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season because of his versatility as a footballer. He’s capable in a midfield three, a good passer of the ball, pacy and has developed a healthy goal-scoring obsession in the form of eight league goals so far this season. Nasri uses his pace (second fastest on a quick Arsenal side just behind Walcott) and incredible footwork to create space and goal scoring opportunities.

Depending on how Arsene Wenger elects to use his star player will also depend on which of United’s midfielders or defenders will encounter him the most. Should Wenger place Nasri on the left side of Arsenal’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, he’ll run into Rafael the most. This could prove incredibly exciting because of how quick both players are while Nasri’s abilities won’t necessarily be used to provide Arsenal with width, but will more likely be used to create space for others by cutting in from the flanks.

Darren Fletcher in midfield is also a likely participant in the containing of Nasri. Because of his work rate and defensive midfield abilities, Fletcher, if fit and starting, will be key in slowing down the league’s best player.

Dimitar Berbatov v Sebastien Squillaci – Berbatov is the league’s leading goal scorer with 11 and will look to add to that tally by testing Arsenal’s (at times, shaky) central defensive pairing of Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal have conceded the most goals this season out of the other three title contenders-United, Manchester City and Chelsea-with 18, so it’ll be up to their center backs to keep them in the game by quieting the Bulgarian.

Berbatov has enjoyed some fine service from those around him in the form of Nani and specifically Wayne Rooney while his finishing has been equally as effective. United’s forward two of Rooney and Berbatov have begun to form quite the partnership upon Rooney’s return to first team action. Although not entirely matured as of yet, their combining in attack has produced a few moments of pure class thus far this season.

As for Arsenal’s Squillaci, the French defender has been asked to step in as cover for the injured Thomas Vermaelen more than expected this season. Although solid on many occasions, Squillaci has been error prone in recent weeks as he trudges through his first season in the Premier League. Pay special attention to his defensive positioning and look for United to attempt to test Arsenal’s back line through crosses into the box from the width that Nani will look to create on the flanks.

Alex Song v Wayne Rooney – Arsenal seem to have found the ‘hard man’ they’ve craved in recent years in the form of Alex Song. Song will sit just in front of the back four which is exactly the space that fit again Wayne Rooney likes to occupy. Playing more as a play-maker or link player than an out and out striker, the battle that Rooney and Song will encounter with each other should be a hard fought one and likely key in a tight match.

Song is a strong midfielder, good in the tackle and can get forward to support in attack when opportunities present themselves. Rooney’s desire to be involved in every movement United attempt and his thirst for the ball witnesses the England striker in more of a roaming role than a ‘high up the pitch goal poacher’. If Rooney can better Song, look for United to create more and enjoy more meaningful possession than Arsenal. Likewise though, if Song can contain Rooney in the same way Fletcher will hope to neutralize Nasri, Arsenal can use Song’s ball winning skills to spark counter attacks into United’s half.

While the predictions will be left to the punters, the match promises to live up to the hype surrounding it. Arsenal would be lying if they said they wouldn’t be pleased with a draw while three points for United would be massive heading into next weekend’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as they pocket that game in hand for January.

Occasionally a player will rely upon another player so much that they’re less than half the player they could be without said player who compliments them so well. If you’re confused by that word amalgam, don’t be. Just make sure you watch Manchester United’s next match on Monday at home against Arsenal and pay special attention to the brew that has become United’s forward two.

In Tuesday’s 1-1 draw v Spanish side Valencia, Berbatov had the kind of night he may wish to soon forget, but it wasn’t because of a lack of service from those around him, specifically Rooney. Although he didn’t score and United failed to win, time after time, Rooney set up his Bulgarian teammate with inch perfect balls, flicks and passes into space as United first looked to draw level and then advanced looking for the winner in their last Champions League group stage match.

None will forget Berbatov’s five-goal performance from just two weeks ago, but just how many football fans noticed how heavily Rooney was involved in the build up? It was a masterclass from Berbatov in finishing but one could argue it was equally as fine of a performance from Rooney in the skill of passing and play-making – United’s Tuesday performance was similar in fashion without producing the same number of goals.

While many United fans will say that the Red Devils are far from their best, their ability to create decent chances against quality opposition such as Valencia at least witnesses them moving in the right direction. Since Rooney’s return and his easing back into Premier League and European football, the England striker has appeared in three full matches and as a late substitute in United’s 2-0 win v Wigan.

In those appearances, Rooney has found the net only once through a penalty in the Champions League yet his service has been borderline sensational. On Tuesday, United set up 4-4-2 which played out more as a 4-4-1-1 as Rooney dropped deeper into the space behind Berbatov who was highest up the pitch. Rooney’s link play coupled with the width that Nani on the left flank and United’s two Brazilian fullbacks (brothers Rafael and Fabio) were able to provide, witnessed the home side create viable chances that eventually provided United with the result they so desired.

Credit must go to Rooney who obviously wishes to score from open play but continues to carry extra weight until United secure a better creative central midfielder than Michael Carrick. Paul Scholes is a legend but will soon retire, Anderson is more of a work-horse and Darren Fletcher is a brilliant footballer begging to be paired with a player the likes of Xabi Alonso or Wesley Sneijder.

Until a player of that caliber steps up or until United splash the kind of cash no one is even sure they have, look for Rooney to remain the linchpin of United’s attack, regardless of if he scores or not.

Gameweek 15 of the Barclays Premier League was a brilliant example of just how exciting and intriguing the league can be. There were plenty of goals scored, a few standout performances and some entertaining matches both at the top and bottom of the table. Heading into the weekend, I had high hopes for Bolton v Blackpool which ended up a fantastically open match that ended 2-2. It was a good advert for positive, attacking football and my hope is that both sides continue to play in such a manner and that wins will come to them.

Spurs beat Liverpool 2-1 at home in a game that seems to be defining their kind of season: a little shaky at times, quite brilliant at times, and quite unabashedly Tottenham throughout. Manchester United decided to get out of second gear and into third, and who better to make that transition against than Blackburn at home? The Reds 7-1 thrashing was a case study in efficient, attacking football, while who would have guessed United could score seven without Rooney appearing even once on the score sheet?

Chelsea continue to trudge through November with another result not equaling three points. Having earned a point in their away match at Newcastle, the Champions have now earned four out of a possible 15 points in their last five matches. Definitely not the form of Champs while much uncertainty continues to surround that of the future of current boss Carlo Ancelotti.

While December now approaches, the top five teams in the standings are separated by only five points. With so many fixtures yet to be played and quite a few to come in just the next few weeks, how many of the five title contenders will be left with a realistic shot of winning the league come the new year?

Honorable Mentions –

Luka Modric, Tottenham – Spurs first goal was credited as an own goal to Martin Skrtel, but it was Modric’s fantastic run past Liverpool’s back line at pace and his cross into the box which forced Skrtel into the error. In a match that ebbed and flowed and witnessed both sides enjoy good spells, it was Modric for Spurs who pulled the strings going forward and who remained a threat throughout.

Modric’s qualities are no secret to Premier League fans. He’s a quick, nimble and smart midfield play-maker who can play central or on the left side. He’s an exceptional passer of the ball and is good getting forward. Spurs inability to keep clean sheets this season has only been matched by their ability to get forward, create and essentially outscore their opponents. Modric, along with Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart, has been key in that strength for Spurs.

Chris Brunt, West Brom– In a match mostly overshadowed by the traditionally bigger clubs in the Premier League, West Brom’s 1-4 victory over Everton at Goodison Park remains one of the most impressive of the weekend. Having secured only one point from their last five matches, the Baggies were in desperate need of a positive result after such a fine start to the season.

On Saturday, Brunt scored one and assisted on another as West Brom got the exact result they so desperately needed. Brunt’s assist came when his well placed corner found the head of Paul Scharner who opened up the scoring in the 15th minute. Ten minutes later, Brunt scored one himself when his stunning free kick beat a flailing Tim Howard in goal.

Scott Parker, West Ham – The incredibly influential Scott Parker was back for West Ham this weekend and scored the Hammers’ third and final goal of the day. Important for West Ham not only because of his abilities as a footballer, but also because of his leadership, Parker embodies the kind of gusto West Ham needs if they’ve any realistic ambition of staying up this season.

Strong in midfield, good in the tackle, a good passer and with the ability to get forward to score, Parker, who was all of these things on Saturday, led West Ham to see off Wigan at home 3-1. The win keeps West Ham bottom but supporters won’t be complaining too much about only their second win this season.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United– Was there ever going to be a suprise here? Unlikely. United were able to put seven past Blackburn while Berbatov had a staggering five to lead the Reds back to the top of the Premier League. So what do you say about a player who was able to score five times in league play?

Berbatov was at his best on Saturday and was able to set a new standard as it pertains to finishing. Widely the beneficiary of quite the impressive team performance, Berbatov was killer in front of goal in actually taking his chances but must give a portion of the credit to his teammates. Wayne Rooney, Nani, Anderson and Michael Carrick were all superb for United in setting up Berbatov.

While the service he received was excellent, Berbatov was quite the striker on Saturday. Finishing from a myriad of angles and making the best of his opportunities, Berbatov enters into the Premier League history books as one of only four players to ever score five goals in the Premier League.

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It’s no secret that Bolton have played some fine football this season as their current fifth place position proves. While Bolton were once a side under Sam Allardyce who played anything but beautiful football, Owen Coyle has done wonders at the Reebok in an incredibly short time. With a cast of players largely similar to Gary Megson’s Bolton who languished in the Premier League towards the bottom and with no real ambition, Coyle has been able to inject his brand of gusto-laden football into Bolton to the tune of some more than healthy results.

In just four and a half short months last season, Coyle proved the right man for the job when he pulled Bolton out of the relegation zone and finished the season in 14th on 39 points. Over the summer, Coyle secured the services of Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake but it was his time spent with his first choice starting XI that has proved most decisive in Bolton’s impressive run of results this season.

While Bolton continue to thrive under Coyle and chase a European spot of some form, I can’t help but to notice just how many other Premier League sides are implementing similar styles of attacking football and staying committed to the cause of attack.

Joining Bolton on the list of clubs who are attempting to shred the moniker of dull and boring sides in the Premier League are West Brom, Wolves, Blackpool and Wigan (Saturday’s match between Bolton and Blackpool is sure to be an incredibly open and entertaining match).

Although Coyle himself is no innovator of tactics new or unheard of, his dedication to positive football seems to be catching on as teams once thought of as unable to compete with traditionally bigger sides have enjoyed some success against them this season.

West Brom drew United and beat Arsenal away from home, Wolves beat Manchester City at home and Wigan beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Although Wolves and Wigan remain in the relegation zone currently, it’s not for their lack of trying while they’ve stayed committed to attacking football.

While Coyle’s formation of 4-4-2 that has been so successful isn’t breaking ground in English football, his tactics and organization of his team have been paramount in what Bolton have been able to achieve this season. A central midfield pairing of Stuart Holden and Fabrice Muamba compliment each other well and both feature close to the top of the tackles won list. Both work hard and have the ability to complete a decisive pass while Holden often gets forward resembling a third striker.

Kevin Davies continues to do what Kevin Davies does well and strike partner Johan Elmander has been in scintillating form in recent weeks. Chung-Yong Lee has performed tirelessly on the wing, exposing many of the league’s left backs with his pace and invention and a back-line led by Gary Cahill has been solid enough without flirting with shakiness.

Coyle’s strength can be described as noticing what players are good at, recognizing that talent and molding it with other players who have different strengths to form a cohesive unit. Whether or not Coyle and Bolton can keep up their fantastic run is yet to be known, but what is a sure thing, is that Coyle will stay committed to attack thus proving he’s a quality manager while it seems others are noticing and trying their best to do the same.

If you read last week’s post and failed to believe me, then just maybe because of this weekend’s matches and results you’ll start to realize that this league isn’t one that falls into the cliched colloquialisms that tend to surround themselves with the Premier League.

Supporters of both Manchester clubs will emerge from the weekend most happy while Tottenham fans are likely still too delirious to realize how ecstatic they actually are after winning away to Arsenal. For all its plaudits, this season’s first North London derby in the league truly was an epic taste of Premier League glory as Spurs came from two down to win 2-3 against all odds.

Arsene Wenger seems to give Premier League fans two or three great moments each year as his frustrations get the better of him. Last season, with arms spread out in a moment of disbelief and dishevelment, Wenger found himself in the Old Trafford stands without a seat.

Saturday’s capitulation by Arsenal at the hands of Tottenham will be remembered by the water bottle that was hurled to the ground in a petulant fit of rage, it’s remnants covering Pat Rice without the slightest hint of remorse from Wenger. For all the joy Wenger brings to the neutrals, something dreadfully important remains elusive as it pertains to this Arsenal side.

Honorable Mentions –

Ben Foster, Birmingham City – The Manchester United throw away keeper has found his best form at Birmingham City this season quite like Joe Hart did last season while on loan at St. Andrew’s. Although Foster is a Blue to stay and Hart is back with his parent club, there seems to be something in the water in Birmingham that young England keepers are drinking to reach their full potential.

Foster was solid on Saturday for the Blues in their 1-0 win over Chelsea who continue their recent run of bad form. For all their inefficiencies, Chelsea still tested Foster in goal multiple times over the course of the full 90 yet Foster stood tall to produce a myriad of good saves in a man of the match performance.

Morten Gamst Pedersen, Blackburn – Pedersen’s free kick exploits in the last few weeks have produced a couple of moments of pure quality – stunning in their own right while seemingly defying the laws of physics at the same time. Most recently, the Norwegian midfielder/attacker curled an impressive free kick from an impossible angle past a flapping Brad Friedel just before the half to open the scoring in Sunday’s eventual 2-0 win at home.

The perfectly struck free kick tugged and teased Friedel out of the Villa goal only to dive in at the precise moment in which Friedel stood no chance to recover. The swinging arm of Friedel could only get the slightest of touches before the ball found the back of the net and Pedersen celebrated his goal while Blackburn soon took a slim lead into the interval in a match where the first half didn’t impress.

Pedersen then added a second for Blackburn to double Rovers’ lead when he flicked in Ryan Nelsen’s well struck ball across the face of goal. It was equal parts right place/right time and intense moment of precise timing and skill to slot home his second of the day.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City – Is Tevez the Premier League’s best player? That question may have an answer on another day, but on Sunday, the little Argentine was yet again at his best as his former national coach Diego Maradona looked on at Craven Cottage. Maybe just a step offside but incredibly close to being level, Tevez scored City’s first when he held off Carlos Salcido and finished well past Mark Schwarzer low and to the corner. Tevez set up Yaya Toure for City’s third with a well timed ball directly into the path of the midfielder who took a great first touch and finished into the same corner as Tevez before him.

Continuing his brilliance, Tevez scored a cheeky second (City’s fourth) when he knew exactly what he was doing by flicking on a Pablo Zabaleta shot with his back to goal past Mark Schwarzer to end any idea of a Fulham comeback. For City, the 1-4 performance was one their fans have wanted to see for sometime as the 0-0’s started to pile up. Tevez, alongside David Silva, remains the catalyst for City’s attack and overall performance. When the Argentine is at his best, others perform to his standard which is greatness personified.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Johan Elmander, Bolton – If you’ve not been watching Bolton this season then you should change that soon and enjoy a match or two of their efficient, organized and highly energized brand of attacking football. Owen Coyle sets up Bolton in a 4-4-2 formation with Elmander and Kevin Davies up front – two strikers who work brilliantly together, a midfield with plenty of width through the in form Chung-Yong Lee and Matthew Taylor, and a very balanced central midfield comprised of Stuart Holden and Fabrice Muamba – Holden often getting up front in a forward role while Muamba holds in a defensive position.

The big Swedish striker scored a brace in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Newcastle and while a two goal performance will always warrant a mention, it was the way in which both of Elmander’s goals were constructed and executed in such a manner that defined Bolton’s play this season that initially caught my eye and prompted me to recognize Elmander as the weekend’s best player.

Elmander’s first was a brilliant one-two punch with strike partner Davies but was the result of some fine individual brilliance from Elmander himself when he side-stepped Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal to finish. It was Bolton’s third of the day but maybe their most impressive of the season and a perfect example of what has made them so impressive thus far this season.

Elmander’s second was equally as impressive but a better example of Elmander’s individual brilliance – his strength, desire and at times his ability to create something a bit special out of nothing. In the 72nd minute, Bolton’s Matthew Taylor found Elmander with what was essentially a clearance out of Bolton’s half and into an area of safety. Elmander took Newcastle’s Fabricio Coloccini one v one, won the waiting ball, out-muscled Coloccini and plowed forward towards goal to finish past Krul again. It was another great goal from Elmander who is now level with Andy Carroll as the Premier League’s leading goal scorer with eight.

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The funny thing about the Premier League is that you never quite know how things will turn out until matters play out on the pitch. Before the weekend, many were waxing poetic on Chelsea’s very realistic chance of thrashing Sunderland by four, maybe five to Sunderland’s sad nil. Sunderland failed to get that memo though and while Arsenal were able to hold serve away to Everton, participants in the Premier League title race now looks to be a competitive three.

As injuries continued to pile up and plague an Aston Villa side who were coming off a dramatic midweek win against Blackpool, many assumed Manchester United would have their way at Villa Park to close the gap on leaders Chelsea. Even though Villa eventually conceded a point to United after going up by two goals, United were no where near the dominating force many said they would be.

And lastly in the ‘let’s just see how things play out’ saga, Liverpool, just last weekend disposed of Chelsea in grand fashion at Anfield while it seems the ‘one step forward, two steps back’ saying could prove to be an accurate moniker for Liverpool’s season as the Reds stumbled to a 0-2 defeat against Stoke City.

So while Premier League detractors continue to spout the evil rhetoric that denotes a lack of parity in England’s top flight, the faithful and the believers in the league just need to point to gameweek 13, its results and excitement, as proof things aren’t always as they seem and that there’s some pretty good reasons why the game continues to be played out on the pitch.

Honorable Mentions –

Marc Albrighton, Aston Villa– Villa were quite dangerous when Albrighton possessed the ball at his feet on the right flank and crossed into the box. The extremely effective and pacy winger used his full bag of tricks to torment Patrice Evra and provide relevant service that only required a decent target man to head home. Although Albrighton missed what should have been a certain goal when he headed a stunning Stewart Downing cross across the face of United’s goal and out, he soon made up for the miscue.

After Villa opened up the scoring through an Ashley Young penalty, Albrighton finished a picture perfect counter attack when he tapped in another great Stewart Downing cross (Downing too was brilliant on the day). Soon after his strike to double Villa’s lead, Albrighton this time proved a defensive asset when he saved one by heading away Rio Ferdinand’s close range effort.

Aston Villa currently hold the key to the future (and the present) with some of their young players. Barry Bannan, Nathan Delfouneso, Jonathan Hogg and Albrighton himself look a good lot for Villa to hold onto and nurture for the upcoming years.

Nedum Onuoha, Sunderland– You just knew someone from Sunderland would make the list, didn’t you? Shouts for Danny Welbeck, Asamoah Gyan and Jordan Henderson all crossed my mind while it was Sunderland’s starting right back who eventually gets the mention for his all-around good play on Sunday. Sunderland produced a master class in counter attacking football in their eventual 0-3 victory at Stamford Bridge and while the victory should largely be credited to Steve Bruce’s tactics and the overall team effort, it’s hard to leave a Black Cat off the list.

Sunderland’s opener was the first time a visiting player scored at the Bridge this season and wasn’t it one to behold? Onuoha picked up the ball some 30+ yards from goal and ‘Messi’d’ his way past three Chelsea players before slotting home a slow roller past Petr Cech for a deserved lead. It was arguably the goal of the weekend as it stunned the Stamford Bridge crowd and even the match commentators.

While Onuoha continued to hold down the fort on Sunderland’s right side, Jordan Henderson’s ball into the path of Asamoah Gyan for Sunderland’s second was a thing of beauty and unlocked Chelsea again before Danny Welbeck tapped in a third to seal a now famous victory.

Samir Nasri, Arsenal– No stranger to this list, Nasri has arguably been Arsenal’s best and most consistent player this season. In his right-ish attacking midfield role, Nasri played creator with his pace, passing ability and vision during Sunday’s 1-2 away win against Everton. The victory put Arsenal second in the table and sets them up nicely for next weekend’s North London derby against Tottenham.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Gareth Bale, Tottenham– Also no stranger to this list and he’ll continue to appear until he proves otherwise, Bale was up to his usual tricks on Saturday against Blackburn. Equal parts goal scorer and provider, Bale remains the lynch-pin to a Tottenham team who currently look solid, but just maybe spread a little thin as a top four spot continues to elude them. Tottenham should qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League, an incredible feat for a club who were so recently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table under Juande Ramos.

While the Ramos days are far gone, the Redknapp and Bale days seem to be here to stay. Bale bagged a brace in Spurs 4-2 win over Blackburn on Saturday, his brilliant snap header to open the scoring was easily the highlight of the day. For Bale, one would assume it should be impossible to keep this kind of form up for much longer. But as the Welsh wizard continues to score and provide vital goals for his club from the position of left midfield, the assumption that Gareth Bale is a flash in the pan remains one only held by those who know little about football.

If the 2009-10 season was the one in which Bale announced his name to the Premier League, then the 2010-11 campaign looks to be the one in which Bale’s name appears along side the league’s best.

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In arguably the weekend’s marquee match, undefeated Manchester United traveled to Birmingham to take on undefeated at home Aston Villa to open Premier League play on Saturday. The match itself placed 10th against 2nd in the league while it saw United coming off one of their best team performances of the season, Wednesday’s Manchester derby.

Aston Villa are in the midst of an injury crisis which witnessed the Villans without the services of John Carew, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell, among others. For all their absentees, Villa were by far the better team in what ended up a scoreless first half. Numerous balls into the box, both from Marc Albrighton on the right and Stewart Downing on the left, were flown into United’s penalty area yet Villa lacked the height and attacking gusto needed to head home.

Manchester United failed to really test Brad Friedel in the first half through a two-man strike force of Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez. The game’s second half witnessed a resurgent Villa and a United side that continued to lack any real spark in attack, until late on.

For the neutral, the match would have been an entertaining and open contest that ended with both sides sharing a point. Villa hit both the crossbar and the post in the second half before finally finding the breakthrough when Ashley Young converted a well deserved penalty.

Villa’s second of the day was the result of a spot on counter attack when Marc Albrighton deservedly finished after playing well throughout the match. While Villa continued to boss the match, United remained lackluster until Sir Alex Ferguson elected to pull his two starting strikers in favor of Federico Macheda and Gabriel Obertan who both provided the spark United needed to take control of the match late on.

Without further ado, here are five observations from what ended up a great Premier League match.

• Aston Villa have more than a few incredibly promising young players. Villa looked most dangerous in the match when the ball was at the feet of Marc Albrighton on the right side of midfield. Time after time Villa utilized the crossing abilities of Albrighton to provide service that was only lacking a target man such as John Carew or Emile Heskey to head home Albrighton’s crosses. For Villa, young Scot Barry Bannan was impressive in the center of midfield with his accurate passing and vision. Although not dominant, Bannan produced a few moments of quality that lends a lot of belief to his potential.
• United’s Nani is the epitome of a player who drifts in and out of form. When United lack the services of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, they desperately need Nani to be at his creative best. On Saturday, he wasn’t. In fact, he was far from the Nani who so brilliantly uses his pace both down the right flank and cutting into the center of the pitch to create the space he needs to shoot, pass or cross to United’s strikers. Going forward, it was painfully obvious that United were without a few of their key attacking players as time after time their attacks would break down in the final third.
• When Manchester United fail to create width, they struggle. I suppose this could be said about most clubs on most days, but whether it’s Nani on the right, Giggs on the left or Evra overlapping United’s left sided midfielder, United need to create width on the flanks as opposed to forcing play so narrowly down the center of the pitch. It’s far too easy for clubs to clog the middle, sit back and defend. While it could easily be said that United missed Scholes, Giggs and Rooney, creative players the likes of Nani and Dimitar Berbatov are good enough to provide such a spark, they just weren’t on the day.
• Stewart Downing had quite the game for Aston Villa. The former England winger gave Wes Brown fits all day long bombing down the left side of midfield. He produced a cross to marvel at midway through the second half that Marc Albrighton should have headed home. Downing’s pace and inventiveness will appear in the nightmares of Wes Brown who had a difficult time dealing with Downing’s creativity.
• Sir Alex Ferguson still knows how to effectively implement his substitutes. In a move not seen that often, Ferguson pulled both of his starting forwards at the same time in the 73rd minute and replaced them with Federico Macheda and Gabriel Obertan. The move turned out to be the much needed change United needed as they ran riot over Villa for the final 15 minutes. Macheda scored United’s opener with a blistering strike and Obertan attacked with pace and purpose and could have easily won the game for United if it wasn’t for Brad Friedel’s face saving Obertan’s late shot.

As exciting as the game was for the neutral, both sets of supporters will likely feel slightly disappointed. Villa thought the three points belonged to them while United fans will view the draw as yet another two points dropped.

The first installment of this season’s Manchester Derby takes place on Wednesday at Eastlands. Manchester United are coming off of a dramatic win at home where South Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park bagged a brace with the winner coming very late on. It was one of those weekends in the Premier League where not only did United win, albeit not very convincingly, but also a weekend where teams either side of the Red Devils lost.

United will of course only be worried about their results, but Chelsea’s 0-2 loss at Anfield and Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle seems to have implemented a ‘top 2’ in the league. As far as the win v Wolves, United were far from their cohesive best as what was very close to a B squad experienced a myriad of problems in attempting to dispose of Wolves. Bebe was quite poor in midfield while Gabriel Obertan and John O’Shea, although decent on the day, failed to provide any real spark of creativity for United.

Manchester City are too coming off of a win. City traveled to the Hawthorns where they disposed of a West Brom side who’ve commited to playing football this season to the tune of some fine results. Summer signing Mario Balotelli proved a good buy when he too scored a brace for the Citizens. Balotelli also saw red in the game and will now serve a three match ban.

With Carlos Tevez back in the lineup, City will always pose a threat in attack. David Silva has been in scintillating form for the past month and with Balotelli now out, the possibility of a start for winger Adam Johnson could prove daunting for United’s defense.

As City continue to ambitiously spend an inordinate amount of money on new blood, each installment of the Manchester Derby grows in stature and anticipation. And just as City’s attack starts to congeal, so too does United’s defense began to instill that bit of confidence into the rest of the team.

On Wednesday, all eyes will be on Eastlands as the Manchester Derby is sure to thrill. So who takes the three points and the crown of Manchester’s finest?

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• Trying Something New, & A Brace For Your Thoughts?

Authors Note: Due to the fact that I’m not as much of an ego maniac as some might think, this week on the Footballer of the Week, I’m going to let you (the fine readers) decide who gets the award. Simply read through the list of mentions and vote in the poll below. Check back throughout the day as voting will close in the very near future.

If readers enjoy this new format or if I remain too confused to pick someone myself, we’ll stick with it. So VOTE!

Gameweek 11 will be mentioned in the same sentence with words the likes of ‘entertaining’, ‘enthralling’, ‘exciting’, and maybe even a little bit ‘exhausting’. Manchester United fans will be pleased with their three points while teams either side of them, Chelsea and Arsenal, both lost on Sunday. Manchester City won away to a tough West Brom while City new boy Mario Balotelli looks to prove this author correct in his prediction that Balotelli will be sent off at least three times this season.

Aston Villa finally scored a goal in a Premier League match after close to 400 minutes without one only for Fulham to equalize late on to snatch a point. Newcastle kept alive a dream week where they destroyed their fiercest rivals only to travel to London to dispose of Arsenal. While a front two of Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll continue to work well together, a midfield led by Joey Barton and Cheick Tiote continues to impress.

Mentions –

Fernando Torres, Liverpool – Easily the weekend’s biggest and most talked about match, Chelsea’s visit to Liverpool lived up to all the pre match hype when Howard Webb blew the whistle. Fernando Torres was the star man for the winning side as his brace secured an important three points for Liverpool who seem to have shed any remaining ideas that the club are in decline.

Torres opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he was released in on goal by a brilliant pass from Dirk Kuyt. Torres’ first touch was magical while his finish was clinical. John Terry was left in the dust and Liverpool had a deserved lead. If his first was good, his second was great. Torres doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 44th when he received the ball in a wide position towards the left side of the box. His cut towards the center of the box gave him just enough room to curl a right footed shot past Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry and finally Petr Cech.

Sunday’s performance was nothing short of exactly what Torres and Liverpool fans needed to right the ship that is Liverpool’s season. As new owner John Henry looked on from the directors box, the win moved Liverpool to 9th in the table while more importantly it proved that Liverpool can compete with the league’s best.

Kevin Davies, Bolton – Hi, My name is Kevin Davies. I’m running for Premier League Footballer of the Week. I do nothing but win important headers, create space for others and score important goals for my club. In my team’s recent 4-2 win over Tottenham, I bagged a brace and brilliantly set up Martin Petrov for our fourth goal of the match by flicking a back-header directly into his path to goal. It was a brilliant piece of skill that I must admit impressed even me. Petrov finished with a cheeky side footed strike and the three points were ours. I’d appreciate your vote.

Ji-Sung Park, Manchester United – Like the other players listed, Park too scored an important brace for his club on Saturday. United were far from their best but beat a determined Wolves side due to a few moments of quality from Park. His first half strike was neatly taken when he was found by a brilliant Darren Fletcher ball into the box. Park produced a good first touch to settle and slotted home past Marcus Hahnemann.

Park’s second came incredibly late on for United but settled the affair when again the South Korean was found by Darren Fletcher from a central position. For the winner, Park had plenty to do by cutting in towards goal and beating three Wolves players to again beat the American keeper. The three points gained by United put them second in the league now three points ahead of third place Arsenal and only two behind leaders Chelsea.

Mario Balotelli, Manchester City – While I don’t believe Balotelli to be a finished product, the raw, unpolished version of him sure is good. The fourth player on this list to score a brace, and the only one to see red, Balotelli, in his match v West Brom, perfectly illustrated the exact type of player he is: a brilliant but frustrating player lacking the discipline needed to thrive in the Premier League.

Balotelli’s first was slightly fortunate. The now 20 year old striker was the benefactor of some fine Carlos Tevez work when the Argentine’s ball into the box was sort of bundled over the line by Balotelli. A scrappy way to enter into the Premier League scoring books, but an opener City will take.

If Balotelli’s first was the result of being at the right place at the right time, his second was pure class. Silva’s long ball into the box reached Balotelli who found himself with plenty of work left to do. Although his first touch wasn’t the best, Balotelli was able to use his strength to fight off Gabriel Tamas, take another touch and finish across the face of Scott Carson’s goal.

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In the ongoing saga that is The Times online and its red headed stepchild that is the paywall, some concrete numbers are starting to emerge pertaining to the overall success of the experiment.

First, the good news. According to TechCrunch, The Times online signed up 105,000 paying subscribers plus another 100,000 who were already long time print subscribers during the recent switch. Those are decent numbers for a venture everyone said would fail, but there is a downside to the initial subscription reports.

Now that we know how much The Times were able to gain from June, how many readers fled once the paywall was implemented? According to comSource, The Times lost 4 million unique viewers, or a decline of 62%. Individual page views also saw a steep decline from May, 2010 through September, 2010 dropping an estimated 90% over the summer (that’s 41 million down to 4 million).

For those just skimming the numbers, one wouldn’t be remiss in thinking that the paywall was an epic disaster after reading the site lost 4 million readers. The error in that line of thinking is that those 4 million readers weren’t paying to read articles on the site. So sure, there are less eyes looking at the site, but the ace up the sleeve for The Times online is that even though they lost a large portion of their audience, a fate they surely knew they’d encounter, the readers that remain are now paying a subscription fee to fund the site.

One only needs to crunch the numbers to see whether or not the subscription fees outweigh those of online ads that were viewed by some 4 million more readers before the paywall. In simple terms, what generates more money, online ads to a large number of readers or subscription fees paid by a much smaller audience?

May I warn those against the idea of the paywall that it’s highly likely, at least initially, that The Times online will make more money WITH the paywall than before when articles were free, even with far less people visiting the site. Whether or not you believe the amount of revenue generated to be the only determining factor in The Times‘ success may be left up to you. As I reported in early September, there are other factors to consider.

For the geeks, here’s how the numbers and $$$ break down:

• First off, let’s say that the 105,000 new subscribers The Times gained in the summer are splt up between full subscribers and ‘pay as you go’ subscribers which pay $1.60 for a days access to the site (full subscribers pay $3.20 per week or $12.80 per month). With those numbers, we can assume The Times generates approximately $7,680,000 per year from its elite group of readers, the full subscribers.
• 50,000 (readers) x $12.80 = $640,000 x 12 months = 7,680,000

We must also add to that number the casual readers who only ‘pay as you go’, or randomly purchase a days worth of reading on the weekend. This is where it gets tricky, so we’ll take a guess. For the sake of our example, I’ll use Erick Schonfeld’s (TechCrunch) example where he assumes two days a month per person would generate another $160,000 in monthly revenue for a total of $9.6 million per year (there, we added the $7,680,000 to the revenue generated from the ‘pay as you go’ customers).

That $9.6 million is a pretty impressive figure as long as it outweighs what The Times were receiving from online ads when they were free (and remember, the 100,000 we talked about earlier were already print subscribers and thus get free access to the online site simply by activating their online account – so for the sake of the example, we don’t need to include them).

Before we finish, we must first define a CPM, or cost per thousand impression. CPM is a term used to measure the cost or worth of an online ad appearing at a website. For example, businesses who wish to advertise on a site purchase ad space at a predetermined rate or CPM which is driven by the amount of traffic to the site. An average CPM could run around $5. If we continue the example with that rate, it proves that The Times online paywall should be generating more revenue than when it was free.

41 million estimated page views (/1000 because of the cost per thousand impression) x $5 CPM = $205,000 in monthly revenue. Multiply that by 12 months ($2,460,000) and The Times should be doing two to four times better than they were before the pay wall. Another point to consider is that with a subscription needed to view the site, The Times doesn’t necessarily have to have that many readers to turn a major profit. In their case, a major decline in eyes wouldn’t have bothered them, at least initially.

I briefly touched on the definition of a success or failure earlier, but it’s also important to consider. Is a financial gain the sole variable we should look at when considering if the paywall is succeeding or not? Or, should we factor in the amount of people leaving the site and say the paywall was only slightly successful or a borderline failure? Will writers and journalists soon start to leave knowing their work can only be read by a limited number of people each month?

Ultimately, those questions are for you to decide for yourself. For now at least, it seems as if The Times online paywall has done its job in making money through subscriptions. They’ll only hope they have a plan in mind for when their customer subscription peaks, or when subscribers tire of the fees and leave for the free news elsewhere.

Saturday in the Premier League was eclipsed by the top three clubs in the table while Sunday witnessed two massive local derbies play out to incredibly different results. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United survived their respective matches to gain three points without dominating inferior opponents while Sunday’s rivalries produced a 0-0 and an emphatic 5-1 demolition.

The work in progress that is Manchester City again took one step forward and two steps back as a deserved Wolves side beat the Citizens in front of a brilliant crowd at Molineux. City took a well deserved early lead when a Jerome Boateng through ball put David Silva in on goal and Silva was subsequently felled by Richard Stearman and a penalty was awarded.

City looked the part of title challengers until just after Emmanuel Adebayor slotted home the penalty. After the lead, Manchester City all but sat back and invited Wolves to attack. Wolves obliged emphatically while £100m of attacking and footballing talent fell prey to the league’s 19th best team. City fans must soon start questioning the tactics and first team selection of boss Roberto Mancini as City’s loss on Saturday marks their second in a row, both with winger Adam Johnson far from the starting XI.

Honorable Mentions –

Matt Jarvis, Wolves – Jarvis started the match at home against City on the left flank and produced a number of good crosses into the box throughout his side’s 2-1 win. The 24 year old midfielder who gives fits to all in his path has been in fine form for Wolves this season yet the club still languish in 19th. Saturday’s home win could be just what Wolves need to jump start their season while Jarvis’ recent performances could be enough to warrant England consideration from Fabio Capello.

Mick McCarthy will want more of the same from his star man as Wolves hope to avoid any late season flirtation with relegation in their second season back in the top flight.

Matt Jarvis is the kind of player who thrives when he’s able to get at defenders one on one and provide service to a waiting striker in the box. He’s not as pacey as Gareth Bale or Nani, but he’s easily as efficient and hard working as any winger in the Premier League. Jarvis, along with opposite side winger Stephen Hunt, were the difference makers as they succeeded in stretching the City defense which enabled them to create two scrappy goals for the win.

Robert Green, West Ham – Rarely do I mention or award a player whose team lost over the weekend but Robert Green’s exploits for West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday deserves at least a nod. Green was sensational on the day between the posts for the Hammers who lost 1-0 and remain bottom, but it was the kind of inspirational performance Hammers fans would have wanted to see as their beloved continue to struggle.

Save after save was witnessed until Alex Song scored his third goal in three games late on for Arsenal to snatch all three points at home when West Ham were deserved of at least a point. Green has had a difficult run of form since his blunder for England at the World Cup this past summer but remains a quality shot stopper when tested.

Clint Dempsey, Fulham – The US international scored a brace for Fulham on Saturday against Wigan to lead the Cottagers to a much needed three points. After just a half hour, Dempsey jumped to meet a Carlos Salcido cross into the box to head home his first of the match. Dempsey’s opener was an impressive display of his attacking and heading abilities as he simply rose above the Wigan defenders to meet the ball first.

Dempsey’s second was twice as impressive when just before the half he was able to turn scraps into gold when he met a Chris Baird ball with a swinging right foot and volleyed his shot past Ali Al Habsi in the Wigan goal.

For Fulham, the points were secured before the half which allowed the London club to climb to 9th in the table.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Kevin Nolan, Newcastle – Newcastle’s Captain scored a hat-trick in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear Derby while Toon fans pinched themselves and asked the question, ‘does it get any better than this?’. When former Newcastle player Titus Bramble saw red and the goals continued to flood in, most Geordies started to answer that question with an unequivocal ‘No’.

The derby really was a tale of one side’s competence in front of goal and the other side’s incompetence at everything else. Newcastle opened the scoring through Nolan when the midfielder found the ball approaching him deep in Sunderland’s box. Without the time for a touch to settle, Nolan flicked the ball over his head while falling to the ground to beat Simon Mignolet for his first but not his last goal of the day.

Nolan’s second was the result of some shoddy defending by Sunderland, inept in all rights, but the Captain found himself in a forward position at the right place at the right time and showed enough poise to again beat Mignolet when the ball trickled into his path. Nolan’s third and final came off of a well taken set piece from Newcastle when Joey Barton’s corner found the other man of the moment, Shola Ameobi, who flicked on to Nolan to head home an unsaveable effort.

It was a day Newcastle won’t soon forget while most importantly the win places them 7th in the league table.

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Saturday’s late game features Tottenham’s visit to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in arguably the weekend’s most entertaining contest. Manchester United are coming off a decent enough week which saw them finally win away in the Premier League at Stoke City by the score of 2 goals to 1. Their midweek Carling Cup fourth round tie also witnessed a victory, both matches saved by United new boy Javier Hernandez who is sure to get the start this weekend against Spurs.

Spurs are coming off a hard fought draw at home against Everton. The North London side were obviously slightly hungover from their Champions League loss away in Milan as they had some 48 hours to prepare for the Premier League fixture as the weekend’s first match last Saturday. It’ll be interesting to see how both sides attack in such an important fixture, but a fixture where certain key players will be available, rested and ready come Saturday.

United are currently third in the league table, level on points with both Arsenal and Manchester City with goal difference separating the three. Tottenham are in fifth, behind by only 2 points.

The story on paper before kick off surely has to be dominated by Spurs woeful record against Manchester United in the Premier League over the course of the last 20 years. Manchester United have 18 victories in 22 matches against Spurs and have lost none of their league matches against Tottenham since December, 1989. While football continues to be played out on the pitch, here are 3 key match ups to watch this Saturday when Spurs hope to break their terrible slump against Manchester United.

Author’s Note: Recent news suggests that Harry Redknapp may rest Gareth Bale. These match ups are under the impression that Redknapp will stick with his first choice starting XI.

Gareth Bale v United’s Right Back, Likely John O’Shea – Unlike the position of left back, easily dominated by Patrice Evra, United lack an out and out first choice pick at right back since Gary Neville’s better days. John O’Shea will be a good shout because of his age and experience, but Rafael da Silva’s pace and energy could also be utilized by Sir Alex Ferguson to combat the roaming ways of one Gareth Bale, easily one of the best left sided midfielders in the world on current form.

Bale’s ability to run at and take on defenders is currently unmatched in the Premier League. He recently scored a San Siro silencing hat-trick against European Champions Inter Milan in the Champions League, one in which he used and abused Brazilian right back Maicon (also considered to be one of the best in his position in the world) on multiple occasions.

Gareth Bale boasts great on the ball skills, a fantastic shot and cross, and the ability to hit a perfect ball while standing over a set piece. Watch for Bale to advance Spurs forward position if he finds even the slightest bit of space to either shoot, or send crosses into the box for Peter Crouch to win.

Whether or not United employee a right back that can match pace, skill and industry to keep up with Bale is yet to be seen. If O’Shea encounters problems early on, look for Darren Fletcher to lean towards the right side of midfield to assist in defending Spurs attack.

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez v William Gallas – Should Sir Alex elect to start Hernandez, look for his darting runs, pace and shooting ability to trouble a Spurs second choice central defense. With Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate still out with long term injuries, former Arsenal bad boy William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong or Younes Kaboul should get the start in central defense.

For United, Chicharito is the in form man of the moment. His brace last weekend secured three points for United while his late substitution during United’s midweek Carling Cup tie provided enough time for the Mexican striker to grab the winner. He’s a solid finisher who’s settling into English football quite quicker than anyone predicted. Look for Hernandez to impress at home on Saturday while partnering Dimitar Berbatov up front for United.

William Gallas may be in the twilight of his career, but he’s definitely still a crafty and experienced defender. Look for Chicharito to try and exploit Gallas’ weaknesses with his pace and movement while not under estimating Gallas’ abilities to man mark Chicharito out of the game.

Attack v Attack, Nani v Rafael van der Vaart – Although the two won’t necessarily meet fact to face much during the match, both players are extremely important as it pertains to their sides attacking shape. Nani is enjoying his best form ever as a United player while van der Vaart made the transition from Real Madrid to the Premier League quite seamlessly.

Nani will start on the right side of midfield for United to add width down the flank. He’ll also cut in quite a bit when looking to shoot. The key to Nani’s play being effective will be his wastefulness, or lack thereof in attack. Nani can be extremely productive going forward (and can track back to defend), but he’s frustrated United fans immensely during his time at Old Trafford for being far too wasteful on certain occasions.

Rafael van der Vaart has been in sensational form for Spurs during his first season in English football. He’s scored 4 league goals for Spurs and has been a positive addition to a Spurs side that wasn’t lacking creative or attacking players before his arrival. Van der Vaart will likely line up slightly behind main target man Peter Crouch but will drift in and out of forward positions and midfield throughout. His passing, skills on the ball and link play with those around him has made him a class player in his day.

Enjoy Saturday’s match football fans and feel free to leave any key match ups you think we should watch for in the comments section.

While his most recent revelation has proved, one in which Michael Owen expressed his desire to languish on Manchester United’s bench instead of pursuing first team football elsewhere, the story of Owen’s decline into English football obscurity, while often times sad, continues.

With yet another fresh injury to the hamstring again placing Owen on a bench in England’s top flight, even now the optimists must believe the striker is considering what would be a semi early retirement at only 30.

Far away are the days of Owen’s England exploits. His goal in the eventual loss v Argentina in World Cup ’98 announcing the words ‘Michael’ and ‘Owen’ to the world is now a far cry from his current state of affairs. Or, maybe just an earlier chapter in the book that is his playing career for club and country.

Owen’s Liverpool days, one in which the striker scored 118 goals in 216 appearances for the Reds, oddly feel further away and more distant than his glory days for England.

Stints at Real Madrid and Newcastle witnessed moderate success but also injury concerns that would serve as a warning for things to come for Owen. Regardless of the setbacks, his never say die attitude gave fans hope he’d one day again reach his best form.

While Wayne Rooney has just penned a new five year deal and with the in form Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez also in the fold, Owen’s already slim chance of getting starts for United continue to dwindle as each day passes.

For now, Owen is in the final year of his current contract with Manchester United and it seems highly unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson will grant the striker another year of bench time with the Red Devils. While this most recent injury setback looks to keep him out for the next four weeks at least, Owen remains candid about his desire to stay and fight for his spot at United.

Most recently, in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Owen spoke of his desire to stay at United instead of pursing first team football at a different club, “I won’t drop down the leagues and whether I would even want to drop down to a poorer Premier League team, I don’t know“.

Which translates to Owen hanging up his boots if United refuse to grant him another year or two in Manchester. While I’d absolutely hate to see him go, it’s obvious his best days are well behind him and that Michael Owen has a few serious decisions to consider in the near future.

While the Carling Cup begins again today and tomorrow, a lot of talk is being brandished around about the relevancy of the actual existence of the tournament itself. While I believe the League Cup has enjoyed a resurgence over the course of the last few years, many disagree stating it’s a silly competition that simply gets in the way of the Premier League and Champions League (for those clubs participating in it) and takes away from the much more prestigious FA Cup.

But while bored and spoiled Premier League fans miss out on matches the likes of last years Manchester derby semi final and this season’s Chelsea 3-4 Newcastle thriller, the few Carling Cup fans left out there continue to enjoy some pretty good matches.

So I want to pose the question again to readers of EPL Talk, do you feel that the Carling Cup is a waste of time at least for the Premier League clubs who participate in it? Would the time spent playing out lackluster matches between a David and Goliath be better spent resting players?

Vote in the poll below while if you’re not a fan of the Carling Cup, leave a comment below stating why.

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As much as I do enjoy the off the field entertainment associated with football in England, early Saturday kickoffs are always a welcome relief to the insanity of contract negotiations, rumors and managerial master classes. While topics concerning the week that was have been written on at length, it’s now time to get back down to the exploits on the pitch in what ended a weekend of Premier League football with plenty of talking points.

It was a decent enough couple of days in the Premier League that saw Manchester United finally win their first away game of the season, witnessed Chelsea continue their dominance and experienced West Brom jump into fourth spot, if only for a day or so. Manchester City failed their big test against Arsenal, although the neutrals hated to see Dedryck Boyata sent off so early in the encounter that promised to delight had XI men stayed on for both sides.

Spurs and Everton drew in a match that screamed one side was coming off a European hangover and the other was still searching for their best form while Liverpool got back on track with a win at home against Blackburn but remain in the relegation zone, if only on goal differential. West Ham remains worst but set out to attack while Blackpool were blanked away to Birmingham City.

Honorable Mentions –

Joey Barton, Newcastle – Newcastle won an important away game on Saturday v West Ham and Joey Barton played the role of provider for both of Newcastle’s goals. While it was far from a dominating performance by the Toon, they’ll take the points away from home any day of the week. Barton started the game on the right side of midfield giving way to Kevin Nolan and Cheick Tiote and his usual central midfield role. It was Barton’s cross in the 23rd that found Andy Carroll who won the header to set up Kevin Nolan for the equalizer and again Barton’s service in the 69th which found Andy Carroll for the winner when the striker headed home decisively.

One thing we’re learning about Joey Barton being back in the Premier League this year is that when he’s removed his head from his nether regions, he’s a decent enough footballer. It’ll be Barton’s leadership, experience and the occasional goal that will help Newcastle stay up this season, consolidate and push on in the coming years. Newcastle proved a few years ago that no team is too big to go down. While they currently boast a good enough squad through Nolan, Carroll, Jonas Gutierrez, Fabricio Coloccini and Barton himself to stay up this season, here’s hoping football fans don’t have to experience another Geordie meltdown in the near future.

Nikola Zigic, Birmingham City – The Serbian has now enjoyed two goals in as many weeks as his most recent effort proved enough to seal a 2-0 win at home to Blackpool on Saturday. Upon his move from Spanish side Valencia, Zigic took some time to settle into life as a Premier League footballer. In fact, he seems to still be settling. Although his goal on Saturday was the epitome of being at the right place at the right time, it just may be the little bit of luck he needs to get his first season in the Premier League off to a flying start.

Samir Nasri, Arsenal – To exclude an Arsenal player from at least the honorable mentions would be unfair to a side who saw off a determined Manchester City 0-3 away from the Emirates. Although the final scoreline shows Arsenal to have won without much fuss from City, the match itself was closer than the 3-0 mark leads it on to be. Even with a man less, City maintained some form of cohesion throughout the remainder of the encounter while some credit is due to the oft-criticised Lukasz Fabiabski who had a fine game in goal for Arsenal.

While the Gunners were able to win an important early season match to secure second spot, it was their ability to play as a team without one standout performance in the side. Cesc Fabregas was good, but failed to convert his penalty while the three goals for Arsenal came from three different players. All this said, Samir Nasri continued his good form for Arsenal when he combined brilliantly with Andrei Arshavin to open the scoring in the 20th minute, the goal his fourth in the league this season. Late on, Nasri’s hustle kept the ball in play and the Frenchman was able to slid a neat ball into the path of the just on Nicklas Bendtner who finished past Hart to seal the game.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Javier Hernandez, Manchester United – Chicharito’s exploits saved United on and off the pitch on Sunday. His brace secured Manchester United’s first away win of the season and quieted fears surrounding the Wayne Rooney saga, in that United have options up front with the Little Pea and through Dimitar Berbatov who’s contributed goals for United this season. While United maintain the services of their talisman Rooney, Fergie’s early summer buy of Chicharito looks to have been a smart one.

If there’s one thing Premier League fans have learned about Hernandez thus far this season, it’s that he’s an accurate finisher with pace. His clever back-header opened up the scoring for United, a goal that was as brilliant as it was difficult to complete, and his winner late on was a precise reaction finish that only the best strikers can pull off with their keen instincts.

Hernandez is an out and out striker the likes of a young Michael Owen. He works and works and doesn’t need a myriad of chances to put the ball into the net. While United fans mull over whether or not they’ll accept Rooney upon his return, they’ll take calm in the play of Chicharito and welcome him into the family with open arms.

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Without further explanation, here are 10 interesting observations, some football related, some not, I garnered while in England.

• In London, Everything Costs – They don’t call it the most expensive City in the world for nothing. Things like wi-fi, going to the bathroom and even ‘staying in’ to drink coffee and have a muffin at a cafe are followed by an additional cost. Most hotels in the States offer free wi-fi when you lodge with them, in London we stayed in a Premier Inn for a few days where a 24 hour block of wireless Internet was an astonishing £9 – roughly $14. As far as the cafes were concerned, the cost to stray in and dine was approximately 5% or so more for the same coffee and pastry that you could easily take away and enjoy without occurring the extra cost. Lastly, shuttle buses from Heathrow to a near by hotel also costs a few pounds. In the states, these rides are almost entirely free, a service the hotel you’re staying at shoulders as a perk to their guests. In London, these short trips cost a staggering £4 for each adult just one way. That’s £16 total which cost the Chula’s $25.15 for a short ride to and from the airport.
• That’s no Moon, It’s a Space Station –  Equally, London isn’t a city, it’s a small country in and off itself. As Laurence McKenna and Rob Smyth played navigator to our exploits, the tube, or Underground, served as our way through and across massive London. Boasting more neighborhoods, boroughs, areas and markets than one could shake a stick at, London also hosts more nationalities, tourists and non-English speaking residents or part timers than I had expected to see. “Where were all the English?”, I thought to myself as we strolled through the amazing Camden Market. Maybe others were thinking the same thing about this tall American strolling past, who knows?
• The Police Have EVERYTHING Under Control on Match Day – Granted, I was only able to experience two matches total – England v Montenegro at Wembley and Manchester United v West Brom at Old Trafford – but the laid back nature of supporters on match day was a welcomed observation. I know sketchy behavior still exists in English football, but it seems to have rid itself from top flight football in England thanks in equal parts to fans and police. The pubs and shops outside of Old Trafford on match day were packed and overflowing, yet everyone seemed to go about their business in an excited yet controlled manner. What an atmosphere!
• London’s Street Performers are World Class – Take the tube to Westminster station and cross the Westminster Bridge towards the London Eye and London Aquarium. Continue down the path walking parallel to the River Thames and there you’ll witness some of the coolest street performers in the world. If it wasn’t the Mexicans playing Jazz music or the Michael Jackson impersonator, it was the unreal living statues or the art students painting masterpieces on the sidewalk. Truly a free experience I’d recommend to anyone seeing London for the first time.
• How Did British Cuisine Get Such a Bad Reputation? – We ate not one questionable meal during the entire journey. Granted we were in nice areas filled with your choice on the world’s menu of food, but even Manchester offered delicious cuisine and not the bland, tasteless food I was told I’d experience. Manchester’s Pesto offered tasty Italian dishes in the tapas style, the Pubs in Euston had great burgers and fish and chips, while The Hobgoblin Pub in New Cross served delicious Thai food and fittingly, Hobgoblin Ale.
• Manchester Is My Kind Of City – Manchester offers the kind of smaller town vibe I was looking for as opposed to the insanity of London’s sirens and over-crowding. Although Manchester is no country town, the streets were less crowded as it’s not the tourist destination that London is. I quickly befriended the hotel owner and one employee at the place we stayed at for the weekend, The Copperhead Hotel. While we were 7 minutes walk from the City Centre, it was easy enough getting around on foot and catching a 15 minute ride by train to Old Trafford. Manchester, I’ll be seeing you again for sure.
• Be Prepared to Walk – Not really a surprise or an aspect of the trip I wasn’t already expecting, but if you’re headed across the pond for your first visit soon, make sure you’re in decent shape. Attempting to hire a car and drive myself was sure to prove an impossible feat for a myriad of reasons. Grab an Oyster card (which gets you around on the tube) and the city is yours, just keep in mind a massive amount of walking is needed to reach your final destination. In the States, we’re not used to walking as much as in Europe. This is O.K., now you know you can eat more food and drink more beer cause you’ll have walked it all off by the time you get home.
• Beer Drinkers, Welcome Home – I’m a self proclaimed beer snob. American domestics interest me in the slightest. Their weak, watered down taste features nothing in a beer I enjoy. When you go to the UK, you never have to worry about them. The much better European lagers are seemingly everywhere and are usually accompanied by a few local Ales or lesser known English beers. All are brilliant, tasty and available all day long. Also, pints in England a bigger than pints in the States, so enjoy a few pints before the match or a nice Ale with dinner.
• Communication is the Only Way – The one huge mistake I made pre-trip was not preparing an international calling plan for my phone. I live and breath by my iPhone and decided the best way to proceed with the trip was to turn it on ‘Airplane’ mode and just use it as a camera and on wi-fi when applicable. This was a mistake. Not having the 3G service I had been used to was a shock while not being able to look up directions when needed using MapQuest or Google Maps really put certain aspects of the trip in jeopardy. I was soon forced to purchase a temporary phone from Vodafone for £20 – roughly $30. This helped and is essentially a cheaper way to communicate with those on the ground in England as opposed to paying AT&T or Verizon those hefty international roaming fees. Basic temporary phones from Vodafone come with 100 minutes and 300 text messages, a savior for the trip.
• Get Your Match Tickets Before You Arrive – Unless you’re planning on attending some Championship, League One or League Two football, get your match tickets before you head over. Everything worked out fine in the end, but my decision to wait to buy United tickets until the weekend of almost proved disastrous. Thanks to the Guardian’s Rob Smyth and some last minute message board investigation, I was able to meet a fellow supporter 30 minutes before the match to buy tickets, definitely not the way you want to leave things. If you’re trying to avoid the fees involved with club membership etc., that’s fine, but still find some way to reserve your entry into your favorite club before you board your flight over. Keep in mind that the tools at your disposal to communicate with others to purchase something – your phone, the Internet – may not be available to you when in a different country. Making the trip over requires enough planning and patience already that you don’t want to leave one of the most important aspects of your trip, actually seeing the football, to chance.

While the lot of the Internet waxes poetic on the Wayne Rooney saga from various corners of the globe, I’ve remained oddly quiet on a matter concerning the club I support and a player I’ve held in incredibly high regard for some time.

Rooney’s declaration of desire this past week hit me in that kind of ‘I don’t really want to believe it’ kind of way. As I traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and connected flights back to my home in Lexington, I’d hoped the 13 hours in the air would produce a sort of clean slate on the Rooney saga, that he’d wake up and realize the error of his ways. My thoughts remain astray.

Before I woke again Stateside I tried to convince myself that surely these quotes and statements were rumors conjured up by journalists like some bad spell from a part time witch. In my faux state of disbelief, I decided the truth would soon come out in regards to the lynchpin of the club I support and that he’d been misquoted and would then restate his desire to stay and fight for the league this season.

It seems for now at least, I must prepare myself for the worst while in the current state of football in 2010, I really should have seen this coming. What defines loyalty in players anymore anyway? It’s all so disheartening.

As a football fan, these are the kinds of scenarios you think about from time to time, but assume they’ll never actually happen. As Liverpool fans with Steven Gerrard, or Chelsea fans with Frank Lampard, United fans worship the ground Wayne Rooney walks on. The great revelation now is that we must all grasp the hard to digest fact that Rooney doesn’t walk on water and is more concerned with a few extra pounds than the overall cohesive best of the team. My naivety now erased.

In a nightmarish circumstance, United supporters, because of the behavior of one, are now being asked to choose between their club’s best player and the club itself, an institution they hold so dear. My advice to them: always back your club and the manager. The Wayne Rooney’s of the world will emerge again while the history of a club can never be replicated.

Isn’t Fergie Smelling Of Roses?

While Rooney was stretched off the Carrington training ground with yet another ankle knock, Sir Alex Ferguson was drawing a figurative line in the sand over the whole matter. Ambition!, Ambition you say? Rich comments coming from a young, petulant child directed towards a club the likes of Manchester United, and more specifically, a manager the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson who has won some 35 trophies as a manager at United.

While Fergie now scrambles to right the ship and to nip the whole affair before it spreads like a cancer through Old Trafford, Rooney patiently awaits the outcome of his self imposed exile. While he sits ankle up on the couch waiting for that big money call from City, Chelsea or heaven forbid, Real Madrid, United supporters are left to wonder where it all went wrong and how all of this happened so fast.

When the dust settles and cooler heads prevail to look back upon a series of unfortunate events, will Rooney’s behavior prove the catalyst to his fall from grace, or will Fergie’s classic stubbornness prove the originator that led to Rooney’s dispersion?

The answer: A – Because Rooney’s behavior isn’t some saddening cry for help from a young man looking to get his career back on track, to rediscover his form in pastures greener, or to make more money to support his family, it’s simply further proof that football is slightly diseased, that the thoughts and desires of the young and over-paid are clouded, ridiculous and absurd.

Want proof?

In Rooney’s tenure at Manchester United, he’s captured 3 Premier League trophies, 1 European Cup, 2 League Cups, 2 FA Community Shields and 1 FIFA Club World Cup, all since 2004. A pretty ‘ambitious’ collection if you ask me. I’m starting to get the feeling that young Mr. Rooney isn’t really sure what he wants at the moment. He’s a world class player who’s ‘out of class’ at the moment and is grasping at straws as his career, form, private life – both for club and country – slowly fades from his control.

Yet what of Rooney’s sentiment expressed in the lack of injection of new United blood to support him? While the Glazers remain strategically quiet on the matter and while the debt continues to mount, what of Rooney’s ideas that cash isn’t being splashed upon top talent? Does the boy have a point?

While the David Villa’s, Silva’s, Mesut Ozil’s and the like were all snatched up by Europe’s best over the summer, United secured the sig’s of Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Bebe, not your upperclassmen of European football. But wasn’t Rooney himself in a similar situation in 2004 when he made the move from Everton?

While Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy left United soon after Rooney’s arrival, one player lamented to Ferguson that youngsters Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo weren’t good enough to win and also expressed his desire to leave. We all know how that ended.

The point here is that Rooney criticizing United for not injecting cash on new players, at least now, carries no validity. How does Rooney know that Chicharito isn’t the next 20 goal a season Premier League striker, or that Chris Smalling can’t soon replace Rio Ferdinand’s stature at the back? Is Rooney paid to judge these such aspects of football? The answer sadly remains no.

And what of Rooney’s current form? Is he currently playing like a player who can make absurd demands to leave his current club for a nice big money move away? Who’s to say he’ll find his best from anytime soon?

Until it remains abundantly clear that players are paid to play and managers are paid to manage and spot potential, the falling outs, the disagreements and the unsettled will continue to be a part of football. It’s an egotistical abomination and a sad reflection on the modern state of football.

Will I turn my back on the player I’ve enjoyed immensely over the past 5 or 6 years? Likely no, but Rooney’s actions, his statements of discontent and his desire to quit Manchester United prove to me that clubs will always be bigger than individual players and that certain players the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are more valuable, (should be) cherished and have more pride in their left foot than players like Wayne Rooney can ever hope to capture and display.

As good as United were in the opening twenty minutes of the match, so too were they awful in the second half when they allowed West Brom to equalize through a myriad of mistakes. Many of United’s gaffs were easily avoidable, Patrice Evra’s botched clearances and Edwin van der Sar’s bobble which allowed the Baggies to equalize should never have occurred, yet no one in Old Trafford on the day could fault West Brom for earning a point by continuing to stay positive in their approach.

From a fan’s perspective it was an incredible day out and a shoddy result, but ultimately a day I’ll commit to memory for some time. It was also an important day in my life; one can only see the club they support for the first time once, an obvious statement in and of itself, but often an overlooked joy in the life of a football supporter who watches from abroad.

The day before the match we had ventured to Old Trafford to take the tour and check out the mega store so we knew our way around quite well. As the pubs around Old Trafford started to fill pre match bellies with lager, fish and chips, and sausages, we too made our way off the Altrincham train for a wander and a meal then towards the stadium that would hold 70,000+ for the Premier League encounter.

Upon picking up our tickets, we joined the hoard of supporters headed to OT to find their seats just before the 3:00 PM kickoff. Our seats were incredible, just a number of rows up from the Stretford End goal we sat in amazement as all four goals scored on the day occurred just before our anxious eyes.

Although the match itself ended in a draw and two points dropped for United, the one thing I took away from the match the most is just how intriguing live football is compared to watching from television. Don’t get me wrong, there are positives involved with both mediums, but nothing can now replace the feeling of watching your favorite club live and in person. Truly an experience I should have ventured to undertake long before this trip.

United and Brass Tacks

Something is dreadfully wrong with Manchester United this season. Their ability to congeal in small portions of matches and score multiple goals only to then concede later or late on and drop points is not a sign of League Champions or League runners up. United almost seemed to sashay through segments of the second half as West Brom easily stepped into their passing lanes to spark multiple counter attacks.

United’s squad looked to be fit on the day which leads me to believe their eventual capitulation was a result of mental strength failing while it remains obvious that eleven players must still find their cohesive best in an early yet maturing season.

United’s central midfield pairing of Michael Carrick and Anderson were often times erased from the match while the front two, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov, linked well together to create multiple chances in the first half. United really should have been 3 or 4-0 up as the interval approached.

While the Wayne Rooney saga continues to frustrate England and Manchester United fans, his form currently being displayed on the pitch cannot be argued. He’s quite poor at the moment. A shell of his former self who impressed for club and country last season (minus the dreadful World Cup), Rooney remains an enigma as it pertains to his stature as one of the world’s best. A form player who’s currently out of, Manchester United’s hopes of Premier League glory or advancement far into Europe rest on Rooney or another United player’s shoulders who will step up as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs fade with age.

While Sir Alex Ferguson and Co attempt to fix the problem that is Manchester United and to plug those leaky holes, I’ve returned South to London. As gutting as it now is, this post will be the last in this short series of my exploits abroad. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I’ve been forced to cut my trip in the UK short and will be heading back stateside soon.

If you’ve taken anything away from these blog posts, I hope it would be enough inspiration to plan a trip of your own soon to see some live football in the Premier League or any of the other leagues in England. It’ll at times be a trial, tribulation and a test of patience, but will ultimately prove itself to be nothing short of a treat when the whistle blows at 3:00 PM for kickoff.

I’m liking the vibe of Manchester. Really cool town with a bit less of the fuss involved with London. Manchester, what an important city as it pertains to my life. The bands that have emerged from this area have touched me while one of the football teams, the red half, has held great significance in my footballing passions.

Me and the +1 were able to take the tour at Old Trafford this afternoon, a stunning look into the home grounds I watch on TV every weekend from the States. One odd observation I had was just how much smaller the pitch was when viewed from ground level. Maybe ‘small’ isn’t the best word, yet the pristine green just looks so massive on TV while the Stretford End seems like a never ending see of Red support. Both remained in perspective when viewed in person.

We walked through the players dressing room, the tunnel out to the pitch and even strolled down an impressive hall which featured commemoration for the victims of the Munich air disaster. The tours themselves run just about every 15 or 20 minutes with close to twenty or more supporters in tow.

Old Trafford is an incredible spectacle, and I’m hoping it tickles my fancy even more when it’s filled with 70,000 supporters this Saturday v West Brom. As far as the city, we visited the Manchester city centre upon our arrival back from Old Trafford which was abuzz with live music, cafes, pubs and a decent enough burrito joint. I’m sure a more in depth experience will present itself to me on match day. For that write up, watch this space.

It wasn’t the result I broke the bank and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean for, but Tuesday’s 0-0 between England and Montenegro was the experience I so desired as months of planning and patience finally paid off. Beautiful Wembley stadium, the tube to Wembley Park station, a cool October evening, and enough English journalists to make your head spin were all at the forefront of my senses as the afternoon curtsied to the night.

Having arrived early enough to secure my press credentials, find a seat in the lounge for a quick coffee and breeze past Henry Winter, Patrick Barclay and Martin Samuel, I soon found myself in the wrong seat in the media section just moments before kickoff. While relocating left, the Guardian’s Kevin McCarra was hard at work in my row which also housed quite a few Montenegrin journalists.

As the last few seconds of God Save the Queen echoed through the stadium, I soon felt an overwhelming sense of pride, not as an Englishman, but as a football fan. Yes, my loyalties lie with the Three Lions, but it was the grand idea that for those few special moments, I was simply a part of something bigger, something new in my often times menial 9-5. I had arrived somewhere, this was the moment I had wished for during all those Monday morning sales meetings. In a way I was experiencing my calling, or at least my passion.

The first half progressed as England dominated large spells of the match. In particular, I thought both of England’s wingers, Ashley Young on the left and Adam Johnson on the right enjoyed some decent play while England failed to be sharp or effective in front of goal. Peter Crouch didn’t impress, Wayne Rooney is still searching for his best form and Steven Gerrard was far too reserved while England’s central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott were largely untested.

Still, Montenegro kept their shape throughout and defended well. They only troubled England minimally on the break but did enough to earn a tough point and stay top of Group G. Milan Jovanovic’s brilliant volley late on could have secured all three points and a commanding lead in the table for the visitors but Joe Hart’s crossbar saved the blushes for England.

As much as I would have loved to witness a meaningful England victory, the experience of shaking hands with Patrick Barclay on behalf of Laurence McKenna and the VIP treatment placed me on cloud nine long enough for the draw to take a back seat. Tuesday’s outing will become a cherished memory in the grand scheme of my life while it will always be remembered as my first live experience of English football after so many years watching from the States.

While the international break gives way to club football, the Chula train begins to make its way to Manchester for the weekend. More sights, more football and more stories are sure to emerge as the North West awaits. As always, stay close to EPL Talk for developments as they unfold.

Special thanks to The Gaffer and certain members of The FA for making my attendance possible.

Tonight will mark my first real live experience with English football, and what better way to jump in head first than with the National team at Wembley in a meaningful match. Better yet, why not rub shoulders with some of the top English journalists currently writing for the best papers in England? Sounds like a fair enough introduction to the game I’ve cherished for so long.

As busy as I’ve been with traveling from place to place and seeing the sights, the real purpose of this trip was to sit back, relax and enjoy some football while taking in the full experience of match day. Tonight marks the beginning of that experience and while the trip itself has proved at times daunting, the rewards of travel have begun to emerge.

As far as the football being played on the pitch, from the coverage I’ve been able to catch, it seems as if a few England players have been dropping like flies in recent days. I still believe a more than strong enough squad exists to overcome Montenegro at home, but the idea of multiple players being forced out by injury the week of a Euro qualifier isn’t an ideal situation.

A capacity crowd is expected at Wembley as the day unfolds into a mostly sunny outing with little chance of rain. Some of my post match thoughts will hit the site sometime soon after the match, but could be delayed because of logistics. For those in search of a quicker fix, follow my twitter feed @JesseChula.

As I type this journal entry in the smallest of one room efficiencies in Highbury, London, the time in the upper right corner reads 7:00 AM exactly. Local time just hit noon which places my brain somewhere in the realm of insane, sleep-deprived lunatic, or, lazy traveler, as I’m only just sitting up from bed as Coronation Street appears on ITV2.

Regardless, we made it over. The overnight flight from Dallas FW will be a memory best left somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean while on the up side of the long travel time, some incredible areas were witnessed last night in London. Specifically, London’s Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. More sight seeing resumes later today and this weekend as at least for now, the weather is holding nicely.

Where’s the Football?

Having arrived in the UK as an international break was in full swing, the football has been non-existent thus far. However, England’s Euro 2012 qualifier v Montenegro at Wembley fast approaches and will be sure to create some memories.

In a million years, I never realized the jet lag would be as difficult as it has been. My plan: stay awake during the flight over, land in London around 12:30 and go all day without a nap. This way, come 10:00-11:00 PM at night, you’re dead tired and ready for bed.

Good on paper, but it didn’t work. Let’s just leave it at that. My boring sleep patters aside, this column will be reserved for football and football related issues. For now, we’re off to, I don’t know, would it be breakfast, or lunch?

• Bloody Exchange Rate

So this is it, my last day Stateside for some time. Months of planning and preparation have led to one final day in Lexington before an overnight flight delivers me and the Mrs. to Heathrow and the United Kingdom. It’s sure to be an incredible journey, one of which will be adventurous, rewarding, rainy, rowdy and maybe even a bit romantic.

Having secured tickets and press credentials already for a few matches, the search continues still for more. A large portion of the journey will be split between London and Manchester because of the wide variety of football on offer between the two cities. Scotland, specifically Edinburgh, will be seen while a week in mainland Europe still promotes possibilities.

Since this trip marks my first to the UK, myself and a few others deemed it appropriate to log my experiences for EPL Talk as a sort of continual commentary over the course of the next month. Although I don’t have a definitive blueprint for how experiences will be logged, those interested in following the trip can check EPL Talk daily (although daily updates are unlikely), follow EPL Talk on twitter, or follow my personal twitter account to receive updates.  

Final Thoughts Before the Trip

Spending a month away from your home definitely requires a lot of planning. The understated reliance on convenience really comes into play as days continue to erase before the trip revealing those random items you need, forgot you needed or can’t figure out how to pack.

Although there are deals to be found, let it be known that London isn’t the cheapest. Hours of searching were needed to find that perfect place (which I never found) while the British pound still outweighs the dollar by some measurement. Take for example the initial currency conversion I conducted a few weeks ago where $100.00 returned to my pocket £60.00.

Start adding incidentals, pints with Laurence McKenna, match tickets, programs, food, and Oyster cards, and one starts to see the £ multiply itself while sleeping. As sickening as the exchange rate is for us Americans, it’s been a known fact filed away neatly in the back of my mind for some years. It’s safe to say the Yankee dollar will be the last thing on my mind for the duration of this trip.

My thoughts will largely be occupied with the friends I meet, the football I watch and the cultures I experience. While I’ve got the rest of my adult life to scrimp and save, now is the time to branch out, to see something different and to study my passion of football before the opportunity runs away never to show its face again.

Throughout this series of posts, I look forward to feedback, ideas, suggestions and I’ll even attempt to answer questions, should they arise.

Another weekend in the Premier League brings another mouth watering clash as London big boys Arsenal and Chelsea meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. A Chelsea win would see the Champions go seven points clear of Arsenal in the first week of October, a comfortable distance early on. While the two teams stand in third and first respectively, the tantalizing early season test for Arsenal away from home could prove daunting.

While Arsenal have played some fine football through the first few weeks of the season, they’ll hope last weekend’s shock home loss to West Brom won’t set the tone for the encounter, a much tougher test. Arsenal rebounded midweek with a 3-1 win away to Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League, hoping momentum from the match will carry over to the league.

Chelsea too are coming off of a loss in the league, like Arsenal, their first of the season. As Chelsea rebounded also in the Champions League v Marseille, they’ll want nothing but three points to prove their strength, having lost their first real test of the season last weekend. Vulnerability is a dish best not served.

Although it’s debatable that Carlo Ancelotti got his formation and tactics wrong at Eastlands last gameweek, Chelsea’s impotence at creating numerous clear cut chances in the match may have been a direct result of Manchester City’s competence. While the 4-3-3- that blitzed everything in its path through the first five weeks was missing Frank Lampard, and while Lampard looks set to miss Sunday’s match as well, Chelsea remain favorites in the league because of their experience and ability to score goals.

Chelsea gained all six points on offer last year with a combined 5-0 scoreline. While neither team has changed enough over the summer to warrant a major turn in the likely outcome, the addition of Marouane Chamakh up front for Arsenal will look to test John Terry and Alex in the air. The emerging talent of Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, should he play a part, makes him one to watch.

The Chelsea starting XI, minus last week, embodies a fluid attack. Through Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as a forward three, they’ll look to press Arsenal high up the pitch and test a back four who conceded three goals last league match against a newly promoted side. Chelsea’s midfield will likely be made up of Mikel, Essien and possibly Yuri Zhirkov in to replace Ramires who looked off the place at Eastlands.

Zhirkov seems to have had a tough time settling into life as a Chelsea player and gaining regular first team football. He’s battled fitness and form over the last year, but he’s a decent enough left winger (who can also play left back), skilled and quick. Chelsea’s back line of Cole, Terry, Alex and Ivanovic (Cech in goal) has been incredibly solid this year conceding only two goals in six league matches.

Arsenal will have to meet Chelsea still without some key players. Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner will all miss with injury, while the in form Samir Nasri, Chamakh and Jack Wilshere will lead the attack. Defending against Chelsea’s capable attack will prove most challenging for Arsenal’s back line of Bacary Sagna, Sebastien Squillaci, Laurent Koscielny and Gael Clichy. Arsenal have let in seven goals this campaign to Chelsea’s two. The up and down Alex Song, Abou Diaby and Andrei Arshavin could occupy the remaining midfield and attacking roles.

The one glaring question that remains for Arsenal is goalkeeper. Besides saving a Chris Brunt penalty last weekend, Manuel Almunia had an outright stinker as he was directly responsible for a few goals. Lukasz Fabianski replaced Almunia during midweek with a fine performance having also saved a penalty. Time will tell whether or not Arsene Wenger will drop Almunia for the game v Chelsea, while if it’s not this weekend, it should be soon. Yet many Arsenal fans still debate that there’s a viable replacement currently at Arsenal that can do the job. Surely the North London side approaches January with the intent of securing another top keeper. Almunia’s form cost Arsenal at least a point in the game against West Brom, the kind of home matches they need to win if they’re to challenge for the title.

That form and those errors simply aren’t good enough for a top Premier League side who has realistic ambitions of capturing silverware. However, we’ve known this for some time. What we haven’t yet figured out is why Arsenal, specifically Wenger, elects to stick with Almunia while points slip away.

While both teams look to recover from a loss in the league last time out, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown on Sunday. On current form and results, Chelsea should be favored. Their ability to attack, both down the left and down the center through multiple avenues make them dangerous in possession and on the counter. As previously stated, or until they start leaking goals, they boast the best defense in the league.

To overlook Arsenal would be slightly silly. Arsenal, more than ever, are a team looking to prove themselves, win silverware and shed this tag they have of a team with no heart or the ability to get stuck in when it counts. Sunday’s match has the potential to be a coming out for Arsenal players like Marouane Chamakh, Jack Wilshere and the furthering of Samir Nasri’s evolution as a Premier League-caliber footballer.

Arsenal and Chelsea fans, feel free to leave your predictions, picks for starting XI’s and potential star performers in the comments section below.

In our ever evolving online community, where any Joe, Tim or Reba can start a blog, post, pontificate or reminisce, the lost art of responsibility can evade even the most keenly trained eye. As budding young bloggers dressed all in their khakis attempt the fine art of emulation, a shout to their messianic journo idols, a plethora of newbie soccer fans in America, the UK and anywhere else a laptop can connect to a local wi-fi spot fall prey to their misuse and barbarism of all things football related and the written word.

O.K., maybe the ‘B’ word was a bit harsh, and maybe the whole ‘he who is without sin, cast the first stone’ ideology should hit a bit closer to home, yet the few and the proud, those who refuse to aimlessly destroy a chalkboard or snapshot a match review to cater to their strengths, continue to stand amazed at some of the published jargon that appears each day across the width and breadth of the Internet. Truly fascinating, but who to trust?

While I’ll never slate or scoff at those who pursue their passion or simply wish to better themselves through almighty practice, there seems to be a reoccurring theme among the up and coming, the wanna-be’s and even the snobbish as it pertains to football formations and tactics. As the Zonal Marking‘s and Jonathan Wilson‘s of the world continue to enlighten football fans with their other worldly views on ‘how things work’, the charlatans continue to emerge from underneath their day jobs to plop themselves in front of their MacBooks as overnight experts. The problem: the next Jonathan Wilson awoke this very morning deciding he’d like to write tactics and figured he would pursue this new venture with content and not contemplation.

While there continues to be nothing wrong with the pursuit of the Yankee dollar or the warm, cuddly feeling of seeing ones name in all those bright lights up on high, may we at least clear up one or two minor affairs as it pertains to the use of certain terminology?

First off, it’s no sin if you’re a football fan, passionate or lukewarm, to not be able to dissect and analyze a match as experts do for major publications. The implementation of tactics, the use of various formations and the chopping and changing conducted each and every weekend in the Premier League by experienced managers, in a sense, shouldn’t always be understood by Joe in Tucson. Managers in the Premier League and across Europe spend their entire lives studying the art of football, which makes it just fine if normal soccer fans can’t grasp the idea of if a 4-2-3-1 has advantages over a 4-4-2 and why.

Secondly, those random numbers interspersed with dashes in odd sequences do not define tactics. We may like to think it’s that simple, unfortunately, it really isn’t. Think for a second about your favorite band. Not the newest flavor of the week, but one with a decent enough catalog for the example. For the sake of the exercise, I’ll choose Radiohead.

A match of football that ends 3-1 in favor of your team is their most recent release, 2007’s In Rainbows. Easily accessible, straight forward, brilliant (for you) and definitely worth another listen, or, in your case, another viewing. No need to overly analyze anything, your team was simply better in every position. Their straightforward 4-4-2 was balanced and attack-minded enough to overcome their inferior opponent. They flowed through the full 90 without much resistance, think Arsenal at home in August v Blackpool.

The very next weekend, your team draws 2-2 away when things looked to be going smoothly. Let’s define the draw as 2000’s Kid A, same band, but something slightly different, a change in direction from 97’s OK Computer, worth a deeper look and in need of analysis. The manager chose to take a risk and play one up top with a five man midfield. Now is the time for you to consider how the lone striker fared v a central defensive pairing, or why specifically the five man mid couldn’t retain possession the way you thought they would. What were the assigned roles of the deep-lying midfielder?

This is tactics. Kid A was a brilliant mix of risk and reward.

Finally, your team loses the following week at home 1-0. This loss is 2003’s Hail to the Thief, a tricky outing, positives to be taken, but maybe something was amiss, just maybe the result of some misplaced ideas. While your team lost, they reverted back to the 4-4-2 formation from the first example and the 3-1 win. Wait, 4-4-2 worked earlier, what went wrong? Tactics will help to explain, Hail to the Thief was a transition record shaded in discord. The 4-4-2 may not have worked this time because of the assignments undertaken by the full backs to ‘stay at home’, thus creating little width in your side’s attack.

If you’re still following me, the point here simply stated is that a team’s formation can show you a broad view of how they set up and the shape they’ll attempt to keep throughout the match. Tactics are a more specific ‘scrape’ of the formation. If Carlo Ancelotti deploys Ashley Cole at left back in a 4-3-3, that’s a part of the formation. Using Cole’s abilities to get forward at pace and overlap Florent Malouda in midfield was a tactical choice made by Ancelotti. 

Is the metaphor flawless in its execution? Probably not. But while students of the game we all are and strive to be, one should remember that formations can be obvious, tactics can be ambiguous. While it’s essential that the two key terms are defined and used with appropriation, it’s all a bit O.K. if you take the match as it comes. The illustration simply defines a point or two we should keep in mind when reading the latest dissertation from the recently converted. After all, to sit back and relax as the game unfolds in the manner you see fit unquestionably defines the meaning of being a football fan, just make sure you’ve got some Radiohead playing in the background.

Jesse Chula can be electronically flicked in the ear on Twitter here.

As important to a side’s balance – attacking and defending – as the right back is, so too is his not so distant cousin, the marauding (at times) left back. If you missed Football Formations 101 in school, just keep in mind that what the right back does in regards to his footballing duties, the left back mirrors on the opposite flank. A good left back can add dimensions to a side’s options while a world class one can turn those options into domination. Equal parts runner, defender, attacker and supporter, the modern day left back like that of his right back brethren remains an integral piece to the starting XI.

To define its importance, even some of the better left backs in history could barely lace the boots of the best, while the forgettable, well, there’s a reason why memory fails to recapture their footballing exploits. But the legends of the position without a doubt include Denis Irwin of the Manchester United sides of the 90’s, Bixente Lizarazu of France, Bordeaux and Bayern Munich, Germany’s Paul Breitner, Roberto Carlos of Brazil and some guy named Paolo Maldini.

As the position pertains to the Premier League, there are currently a few of the world’s best at left back earning a living in England. While the cream of the crop apply their trade in the Premier League in almost every position, it’s not the upper echelon of footballers I’m overtly concerned with. It’s the depth chart, or lack thereof, of Premier League left backs I’d like to see improve over the next few seasons as the position’s importance continues to evolve.

As Gameweek 6 of the Premier League thrilled and entertained us all, the following twenty players started for their respective clubs at left back.

Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Nicky Shorey (West Brom), Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham City), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Gael Givet (Blackburn), Stephen Crainey (Blackpool), Carlos Salcido (Fulham), Leighton Baines (Everton), Paul Koncheskey (Liverpool), Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Paul Robinson (Bolton), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Jose Enrique (Newcastle) and Danny Collins (Stoke City).

Author’s Note: In my opinion, Gareth Bale is best as a left sided attacking midfielder or winger. For the sake of this analysis, he won’t be considered as one of the league’s best left backs, but will appear in future Player Profile posts featuring wingers.

The Obvious

As we saw with the look at right backs last week, the traditionally bigger English clubs have secured a few of the best in the world currently at the position. Specifically, Chelsea and Manchester United who employ (and deploy for that matter) Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra, respectively. Ashley Cole embodies the modern day left back. He’s as fit as they come, a precise defender with pace, a skilled player on the ball and a good enough attacking option down the left. United’s Evra is similar.

Although at times not as sharp in attack as rival Cole, Evra’s experience as a defender, footballing smarts (Cole nor Evra get caught out in defense they way ‘The Obvious’ picks for right back sometimes do – Liverpool’s Glen Johnson and Manchester City’s Micah Richards) and abilities to conduct those intelligent overlapping runs has solidified his spot as one of the world’s most effective.

The Solid

How good has Leighton Baines been for Everton recently? Although the club seem to be in the midst of a mini crisis, Baines continues to deliver solid performances for the Toffees. A local lad from Merseyside, Baines made his way to the Premier League via Wigan in 2004-05. Having impressed for the Latics while catching David Moyes’ eye, Baines secured regular first team football with Everton in 2007. He’s a fringe England player because of the depth at the position with Cole, Wayne Bridge and Stephen Warnock, but Baines possesses all the abilities needed to thrive at left back in the Premier League.  

Speaking of, Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock was the player who kept Baines out of the England squad that traveled to South Africa this past summer. Warnock and Baines are similar type left backs while they also face competition in this category from Arsenal’s Gael Clichy. Clichy has arguably taken a step backwards in the last year or so as his once blistering Premier League form for the Gunners was halted by injury. Slowly getting back to his best, Clichy will likely emerge as one of the League’s most experienced left backs.

The In and Out and Bits and Pieces

Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge is a former international level left back yet his recent struggles with fitness, off the field distractions, international retirement and competition in front of him at City have put him on the fringe. Bridge can get caught defensively while he can still produce a trick or two in attack. He’ll need a good run of first team football with good results to realistically be considered as the league’s best, an eventual fate he’s not likely to see.

Liverpool’s Daniel Agger and Paul Koncheskey (who seems to hobble off the pitch every weekend) are decent enough defenders while their blistering pace and attacking prowess will never be what they’re known for. Still, Koncheskey can be a brilliant defender and like John O’Shea from the right back comparison, knows his limitations and strengths as a footballer.

You’ve not forgotten Maynor Figueroa’s goal v Stoke City from last year have you? The Honduran left back for Wigan produced one of those unforgettable moments in the Premier League when he launched a 50 yard strike from his own half into poor, unsuspecting Thomas Sorensen’s goal. It was a brilliant moment for Figueroa who’s known for his powerful left foot and set piece abilities. Gifted with pace and power, Figueroa is a solid shout.

Lastly, Benoit Assou-Ekotto has been good for Spurs this season as support for the aforementioned Gareth Bale. The Cameroon international was Spurs most improved player in 2008-09 (still deciding if that’s a distinguished title to hold) while he continues to hold down the left back spot most weekends. Challenged for left back by Bale until the Welshman so vigorously claimed the left-sided midfield spot and made it his own, Assou-Ekotto is an attack-minded full back with pace to burn.

The Premier League boasts arguably the world’s best left back in Ashley Cole while it’s yet to be known who will emerge to replace him in the coming years, if anyone. The full back position, whether at left or right, remains a vital component to a starting XI regardless of the formation the manager has implemented. His ability to support attacks, create width and defend makes his services rendered worth the price of admission.

• Emphatic Wins in their Infancy

While two massively different matches played out to identical score-lines on Saturday, the meaningful implications associated with those 1-0 wins by Manchester City and West Ham United may go somewhere over the rainbow in defining the seasons of the victors.

While Roberto Mancini got his formation and personnel spot on in what ended up being a fantastically entertaining chess match between two of English football’s biggest spenders, it was a moment of inscrutable profit that led to the difference maker. Equal parts luck and precision led to Carlos Tevez finding the break through in the 59th minute when his determined run from the halfway line set up the winner which oddly enough found an avenue between the legs of Ashley Cole and then a loving smooch off the post.

Largely a match where defenses dominated the proceedings, somehow, again, it was Tevez for City who proved the catalyst. Although the team Carlo Ancelotti fielded in Chelsea’s midweek Carling Cup loss to Newcastle was entirely different to the XI who took the field at Eastlands, the Champions have now lost two in a row after their boisterous start.

West Ham United won a football match played on a pitch of grass in the League for the first time this season when Frederic Piquionne found the net with a hard fought and well won header. Saturday’s West Ham wasn’t the team of the first five weeks of the Premier League. They played with more purpose in the derby with Spurs, defended well and showed ambition. West Ham are taking baby steps in the League which resemble something along the lines of L-L-L-L-D-W. It was the win on Saturday that pulled them out of 20th by only a point, while baby steps sooner or later turn into strides.

This allegory concludes with Manchester City fans humming “Hey, Chelsea, City we got your number time to worry” to the tune of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Got Your Money (having taken 9 points from the last 3 matches) while the Irons, in pursuit of stabilization, breathe a heavy hearted sigh of relief at the site of their first 3 points. Two clubs at different horizons win by the slimmest of margins while those 1-0’s could prove most emphatic in the infancy of their respective seasons.

Plucky Draws, Impressive West Brom and Equally Unimpressive Manuel Almunia

The two big North West clubs failed to produce inspired football in drawing to inferior opponents. Credit to Bolton and Sunderland for playing organized and determined football while talismanic figures such as Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres continue to search for their best form. Neither looked 100% fit while many hope Roy Hodgson’s tactics somehow ‘click’ with time. Manchester United’s failings shouldn’t cause too much concern, yet it was Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, two of United’s early season best, who failed to make an impact on the match.

It’s been said time and time again that Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia isn’t quite good enough to play for Arsenal if they have ambitions of silverware. I’ve always agreed with this sentiment. Almunia was largely responsible for West Brom’s second and third when his shoot stopping abilities and positional awareness failed him, again. Gonzalo Jara scored when Almunia let his low, hard shot from the right edge of the penalty area skip over his hands. For West Brom’s third, Almunia left the goal mouth wide open for Jerome Thomas when he mistakenly ran out for a ball Chris Brunt was well onto. Questions have to soon be asked of Almunia or Arsenal will surely suffer the error of his ways until he’s dropped.

Honorable Mentions –

Dedryck Boyata, Manchester City – As a colleague and I discussed the potential set up, match ups and difference makers on Friday in anticipation of Saturday’s clash, the one re-occuring theme in our pre game analysis was Chelsea’s Ashley Cole and just how dangerous the Champions could be attacking down the left. At some point in the discussion, one of us ended up spot on as Chelsea overwhelmingly favored the left side as their avenue towards goal in the first half. Enter Boyata at right back for Manchester City.

As Roberto Mancini struggled with a selection headache as injuries plagued the squad, it was the young Belgian defender who got the nod at right back. Tough would be his duties on the day as Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda continually picked at Boyata yet he stood firm. As an even-keeled matched played out like a heavyweight fight, City’s defense held strong and for long stretches were barely tested by Chelsea’s once poignant but now somehow stuttering attack. Credit to the young Boyata for a mature defensive performance against some of the league’s best attackers.

Victor Obinna, West Ham – Obinna’s strike partner Frederic Piquionne scored the winner yet Obinna also impressed leading the line for West Ham during their first win of the season. The on loan from Inter Milan winger scored his first goal for West Ham during their mid week Carling Cup victory away to Sunderland and was key for West Ham on Saturday as the Hammers dominated early spells of the match. Obinna held the ball well and was a true attacking threat when West Ham were in possession. He’s a strong, powerful striker with International experience in the form of the Nigerian national team. If he fits in well at Upton Park, West Ham have an option to buy him from Inter at the end of the season and would do well to keep him if they can avoid any additional major drops in form.

David Silva, Manchester City – Silva was effective for City in a right-ish, roaming attacking role. As Carlos Tevez did what he does best, Silva contributed to City’s forwards movements with his accurate passing and runs off the ball. In review of Tevez’s winner, which was a brilliant bit of skill, it was also Silva who matched pace with the Argentine. As Silva filled the space to Tevez’s left to pull John Terry with him, Tevez was able to take Ashley Cole 1 on 1 and finish. The move was largely successful due to Tevez and his determination, yet Silva did his part in keeping Terry busy. Silva’s ‘activity’ was enough to trouble Chelsea as City went onto to the 1-0 win. His slow settling into English football comes as a welcome relief to City fans as they pursue a top 4 finish.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Jerome Thomas, West Bromwich Albion – Thomas produced a man of the match performance for the Baggies who were involved in the shock result of the weekend. Few predicted a win for West Brom at the Emirates while even fewer predicted they’d score three goals against the Gunners. Thomas started on the left side of midfield, assisted on one and scored another with some impressive attacking movements. On more than one occasion, Thomas blew past Bacary Sagna, a decent enough right back, and was at the right place at the right time to finish a move he was heavily involved in setting up. The lead commentator of the match was correct in his assessment after Thomas (formerly of Arsenal) scored stating, “Jerome Thomas bites the hand that used to feed him“.

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As the Premier League wraps up its 6th Gameweek, the league table begins to take a familiar yet still somewhat open shape. Manchester United failed to take advantage of the losses suffered by Chelsea and Arsenal when they made the short journey to Bolton and came away with only a point. As disappointing as the draw was for supporters, United were still able to jump ahead of Arsenal and into second place. As United still search for the attacking cohesion that won them three Premier League titles in a row, here are a few key observations for United fans to keep in mind after the draw and after the first six weeks of the season.

0 Lost in 8 in all competitions (9 if you count the Community Shield) – At times United look as if they’re struggling with their oh-so-familiar early season form. But really, how bad are things? As occurrences on the pitch could easily be better, United are undefeated in all competitions this season. A few mental lapses avoided and United could easily be top of the league. While rivals Chelsea have now lost two in a row and with Arsenal dropping their first home match since January, United remain unbeaten while only 3 points behind the leaders. Maybe not Premier League favorites just yet, but until someone figures out how to beat them, they’ll remain not far from the top.

Wayne Rooney’s dip in form may take more time to sort out. He’s obviously out of sorts. No real spark, no creativity. When was the last time Rooney was pulled in the 61st minute of a match based on his form? The off the field distractions have obviously gotten the better of the England international who’s netted once in six matches, a penalty. Rooney’s always been a form player, when he’s clicking, he’s one of the best in the world, but when he’s off his game, it usually takes him a handful of games to regain his best form. Rooney’s a long way from his form of last season, but with time and patience, he’ll recover it. Dimitar Berbatov’s fine run of games has been an early season savior for United.

It’s looking more and more like Johnny Evans isn’t a Manchester United-quality defender. For two or three weeks in a row now, and with Rio Ferdinand still struggling with fitness, Johnny Evans has been caught out in central defense which has nearly led to an opposition goal and caused United problems. While he’s progressed miles in the last few years, Evans is currently experiencing a difficult run of form as he and Nemanja Vidic attempt to settle into a central defensive partnership. Usually close to a 5 or 6 out of 10 in the loathed or loved player ratings, Evans, an athletically gifted defender, must continue to focus his energies on his concentration.

Manchester United can still win the league and silverware this year. No one imagined United would be top of the league with a 100% record heading into October. As at times good and mediocre as United has been this season, they’ll likely get better. With the impending return of Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson into the first team soon, United will have more cover for the aging Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs – two players who were largely ineffective Sunday v Bolton. A completed product United have yet to become.

Nani is coming good this season and will continue to improve, impress. Nani scored a brilliant goal to bring United level in the first half when he picked up the ball at the halfway line, got the better of four Bolton defenders, and slotted home past Jussi Jaaskelainen. His continued improvement in form over the last few years hasn’t placed him in the realm of the one he replaced, but has at least showed immense improvement and growing potential. Nani is proving he’s becoming a very good attacking player and that he can be counted on. He’s contributed with goals, assists, and has even shown his abilities to track back and defend (see under his defensive performance v Leighton Baines v Everton).

Some will say it was two huge points dropped away to Bolton on Sunday while I wouldn’t necessarily disagree. But the point earned when those in front of United gained 0 could end up counting for a lot.

In the ongoing saga that is the life, career and knees of Owen Hargreaves, an end to the dramatic and heart-wrenching setbacks the England international has experienced over the last few years may finally have an end in sight.

It’s not as if United supporters haven’t had good news on Hargreaves’ progress heaped upon them every six months or so as a new niggle or additional set back emerges to dash any hopes of his curls on the pitch anytime soon. No, the positive news train has set out from the station only to return immediately back with a leaky gasket (can trains have leaky gaskets?).

Finally, maybe, hopefully, we’ll see, Hargreaves looks set to add to the 1 minute of senior action he’s experienced over the course of the last two years. Just a week ago Dr Richard Steadman, in all his world-renown glory, announced some sort of spiritual break through as the Gods of football awoke from their slumber to show a little mercy upon the knees of the knackered, breathing new life, a hope to Hargreaves that a salvaged career is his just reward to this hellish saga.

Also this week, Hargreaves has returned to full training where he’s impressed Sir Alex Ferguson. The boss, obviously concerned about a relapse, stated:

“That’s the first thing on our mind (relapse) at the moment but having watched him in training yesterday if he continues that way he’s going to give me another selection problem, no question about that”.

Forget for a second where my loyalties lie. I so desperately want Hargreaves to make a successful return. Not as a supporter, not as a football fan, but as a human being. The sheer tenacity Hargreaves has displayed in not chucking it, in pushing through the pain and in proving he’s got weak knees but a strong heart warrants fate in giving him his just reward. If not for Manchester United’s motives, then maybe just for his moxie. 

Jesse Chula can be lambasted or charmed on Twitter here.

Had you switched off your TV or DVR in anticipation of a dull night of useless Carling Cup ties filled to the brim with unknowns, B squads and fringe footballers, your premature condemnation of the old Football League Cup while not monumental, was at least a bit judgmental.

The restoration of the League Cup wasn’t conceived Tuesday and Wednesday night. In fact, the little Cup competition that could has enjoyed somewhat of a revitalization in years past with some brilliant matches while Manchester United has captured the silverware for the past two seasons.

Whether it’s the romantic in me, the about-to-make-my-first-trip-over-buoyant enthusiasm, or simply my admiration for all things good football, the Carling Cup’s illuminating energy has reinvigorated mid week football (at least this week) in England as early Champions League group stage matches, full of mismatched blotches and missed opportunities, flatter to deceive.

Tuesday night witnessed another mixed bag of Arsenal youngsters and current first team-ers claim first blood in this season’s most recent installment of the North London derby. Arsenal ran riot on Spurs 4-1 after added extra time thanks to their familiar brand of fabulous free flowing football (and two well taken Samir Nasri pens).

Also on Tuesday, Everton continued their woeful start to a new campaign by exiting the competition at the hands of League One side Brentford. Everton new boy Jermaine Beckford and England international Phil Jagielka both missed from the spot during the penalty shoot out either side of Brentford’s Charlie MacDonald who converted to secure the famous win at Griffin Park.

Whatever Tuesday can do, Wednesday can do better. Manchester United saw off Scunthrope United 5-2 while Bebe came on late for the holders to make his Senior debut. Although his 15 or so minutes weren’t quite enough for a serious look at the Portuguese youngster, the few touches he did get were positive.

United went down early in the match thanks to a stunning Josh Wright strike when it was an equally stunning Darron Gibson chip that saw the holders draw level. Michael Owen (remember him?) scored two for United while the Red Devils proved a bit too much for the Championship side in the end.

In arguably the match of the round, Newcastle United traveled to Stamford Bridge and defeated Chelsea 4-3 with two decisive goals from Shola Ameobi. Chelsea saw themselves down 3-1 until Nicolas Anelka made it 3-2 in the 70th. Anelka, providing the much needed spark for Chelsea, again scored for the home side from the spot (an outright terrible decision to award a penalty) in the 87th before Ameobi’s second, this time a header, claimed the match in stoppage time. A true Cup classic.

In the upset of the round, if Everton’s wasn’t enough, Liverpool exited at the hands of the mighty Northampton. The League Two side saw themselves level 2-2 with Liverpool as the full 90 minutes expired, while it was Northampton who held their nerve through the ensuing penalty shoot out. Liverpool’s Nathan Eccleston missed from the spot in front of a home crowd at Anfield while Northampton went through 4-2 on pens as Liverpool exit another Cup competition as giants slain.

Other Premier League sides to advance to the Carling Cup fourth round include: Aston Villa, Wolves, West Ham, Stoke City, Birmingham City, Wigan and West Brom while Manchester City, Blackburn, Bolton and Fulham all exit.

A full Carling Cup round three results table can be viewed here.

Whether they’re man marking the opposition’s left sided attacking winger or bombing up and down the flank conducting intelligent overlapping runs in support of their right sided midfielder, the modern day right sided full back is an integral part of a team’s make up. Although not a glamour position like that of his brother the winger, a solid right back can add dimensions to a side bereft of natural width or a side facing a dangerous wing attack.

A perfect right back desinged by the football Gods has the lungs of a horse, precise tackling abilities, the speed to cover the length of the pitch in seconds and a right footed cross similar to that of David Beckham’s in his prime. In years past, names synonymous with classy right backs sound something like Cafu, Lilian Thurman, Gary Neville, Christian Panucci and more recently, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves and Maicon. The latter three are world class, while the former four embodied what makes a modern day full back great while in their prime.

The only problem with the list is that only one of the aforementioned, Gary Neville, currently apply their trade in the Premier League. And while Neville has certainly reached the end of a brilliant career at Manchester United, his culmination gives way to the search for the League’s next great right backs.

During Gameweek 5 of the Barclays Premier League, the following twenty players started for their respective clubs at right back. Although the Premier League witnesses a myriad of defenders fill in at right back from week to week due to injury, fitness and form, the following twenty will serve as a healthy enough assemblage for the comparison:

Robert Huth (Stoke City), Lars Jacobsen (West Ham), Luke Young (Aston Villa), Gretar Rafn Steinsson (Bolton), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Michel Salgado (Blackburn), James Perch (Newcastle), Tony Hibbert (Everton), Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Stephen Carr (Birmingham City), Gonzalo Jara (West Brom), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), John O’Shea (Manchester United), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Emmerson Boyce (Wigan), Neal Eardley (Blackpool) and Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea).

Picking the one best out of the lot could prove daunting and maybe even a little futile. While we like to focus on brilliant players, many of  the listed possess different qualities which may be a direct result of their background and experience playing in the top flight.

The Obvious

Upon first glance, the usual suspects from England’s traditionally more successful teams come to mind as solid, yet not quite world class, right backs. Liverpool’s Glen Johnson is the England first choice right back while City’s Micah Richards was once spoken as the next big thing for club and country. While both have distinct attributes as it pertains to their qualities, Richards and Johnson have been prone to ‘get caught out’ in defense.

Their pace and abilities to support attacking movements have been lauded in seasons past, yet their completeness as modern day defenders have yet to bear the fruition their potential once promised. Don’t misinterpret the message, they are quality players. Just remember that decent, even good-great players, will always play better if they’re surrounded by other players also considered top in their position. Although I like both immensely for different reasons, the complete product they are not.

The Solid

Does Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna ever really place a foot wrong? I like this player. He’s the type who goes about his job effectively yet quietly while in recent years he’s proved himself as one of Arsenal’s most reliable. He’s got great positional sense as a defender while his crossing isn’t his best attribute. The realist would state Sagna’s lack as an attacking threat as secondary to his defending because of how loaded Arsenal are going forward through the middle. The realist wouldn’t be remiss in that sentiment while a threat he isn’t, solid in support he is.

Luke Young scored the winner in Villa’s recent 1-0 win at home to Everton while he continues to bring more than just the occasional goal to the Villa lineup. Young’s a player of quality that has represented England in years past and is a fan favorite at Villa Park. One tends to hear about the other Young (Ashley) when Villa impress, yet the other fringe England player Luke has value at right back for the Villans.

The Youngster and the Veteran

While Wes Brown has struggled with fitness over the last few years, John O’Shea has been implemented (among others) as cover at right back for United until experience and years fulfill Rafael da Silva’s potential. O’Shea’s a classic utility man who can play center back, right back or defensive midfielder. Although not the quickest on the pitch, he’s a veteran of the Premier League at 29 who’s a decent enough defender. He won’t get forward as much as Rafael, but he won’t get caught out of position as much as the young Brazilian will because of his positional awareness. O’Shea knows his limitations, one of which is his pace. However, he’s a good passer of the ball and a decent crosser with time and space.

I say young, but I’m not quite sure 23 classifies one as a youngster these days. Aren’t 18, 19 and 20 more reasonably suited for the term? Nevertheless, Nedum Onuoha is one to watch over the course of the next few seasons. He’s a Manchester City boy currently on loan at Sunderland where he’ll be able to experience first team football each week. Having been a regular in the England U21 side since ’05, Onuoha’s best position has been said to be center back yet he possesses the qualities in attack that remain ever so important in a modern day full back. Time will tell whether Onuoha settles and finds a home at Sunderland or another club as he’s third or fourth choice in line at deep spending City.

Others

Tottenahm’s Alan Hutton didn’t start on the weekend but scored Spurs third. He’s battled injury over recent seasons but could be one of the league’s strongest at right back if he can reach full match fitness. Tony Hibbert’s been solid at Everton for years while the almost-30-year-old is in fact the longest serving current Everton player. At 34, Stephen Carr has played for a couple of Premier League clubs while he’s now Captain at Birmingham City as his career slows down with age.

Regardless of your pick, there’s still room for a standout world class right back in the Premier League. Although it’s a difficult and demanding position to master, its importance and relevance as it pertains to a side’s shape and balance shouldn’t be overlooked.

A truly great weekend of football was witnessed during Gameweek 5 where football fans saw enough goals, controversy, late drama and skill to once again prove the Premier League as the world’s most exciting domestic league. Manchester United v Liverpool will steal most of the headlines, yet there was some great football played in matches featuring Tottenham v Wolves, Everton v Newcastle and West Brom v Birmingham City that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Arsenal fans may have felt slightly cheated by ref Phil Dowd when Darren Bent’s leveling strike hit the net well after the four minutes of added stoppage time. Yet as seen in the Gameweek 2 draw featuring Manchester United v Fulham, a player again failed to convert a late penalty which would have secured the three points for the away side. Then it was Nani, Saturday it was Tomas Rosicky who failed to convert what would have been Arsenal’s second from the spot which allowed Sunderland the chance to equalize late on.

Spurs fought back from one down to record their first home win of the season when Wolves visited White Hart Lane on Saturday – a fixture won 1-0 by Wolves last season. In fact, Wolves secured all six points from Spurs last campaign which would have been in the minds of players and supporters as Spurs frustratingly pushed on looking for that elusive first home goal of the season. They finally got it through new boy Rafael van der Vaart’s penalty conversion before Roman Pavyluchenko and Alan Hutton secured a comfortable home win.

Chelsea seem to just define efficiency as of late. Although many including myself have questioned their early season schedule of fixtures and the lack of a serious challenge associated with them, the Champions still have to beat the teams placed before them until they meet stronger teams from the top half of the table. Their fluidity in attack, passing and running off the ball under Carlo Ancelotti embodies a Champion’s ambition unlike the finished product that was the title winning sides under Jose Mourinho who were less flashy than this most recent installment. Time will tell whether or not Chelsea have in fact gotten better from last season’s Championship winning side, or if they’ve indeed just aged another year and will slowly return to Earth once their schedule proves more daunting.

In other weekend matches of note, WBA beat Birmingham City 3-1 in the West Midlands Derby, West Ham secured their first point away to Stoke City while Blackburn v Fulham and Bolton v Aston Villa both resulted in a point earned for all involved.

Honorable Mentions –

Hatem Ben Arfa, Newcastle – What a debut for the French midfielder who impressed with a man of the match performance during Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Everton. Ben Arfa’s 44th minute left footed strike was a thing of beauty, while his darting runs through midfield throughout the second half proved his winner was no fluke from a player with more than just one trick up his sleeve. Newcastle seem to have captured a gem in Ben Arfa who’s on loan with the Magpies from French club Marseille. Ben Arfa’s talent as a footballer is no new secret as he’s been highly rated in Ligue 1 for a few years.

The 23 year old midfielder is best on the left side of midfield and with the ball at his feet while he could prove the ever so important creative piece to a Newcastle side who hope to avoid anything close to relegation this season. The three points secured from Ben Arfa’s debut goal on Saturday were enough to see Newcastle jump to sixth in the table while Toon fans begin to look froward to a season with Ben Arfa on their side.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City – Captain. Leader. Difference Maker. Manchester City recorded their first ever win at the DW Stadium on Sunday when they ran out 2-0 winners v Wigan. Tevez was again the difference maker for City who jumped to fifth in the league with the three points gained. Tevez scored the opener in the 43rd when a Joe Hart long ball just grazed the head of Wigan defender Mohamed Diame which put Tevez in on goal to chip over Ali Al Habsi.

Tevez had a hand in City’s second when he assisted on Yaya Toure’s stab home as the work in progress that is Manchester City continues to, well,….progress.

Didier Drogba, Chelsea – Drogba has been involved in a myriad of goals this season, either scoring himself or setting up for a teammate. He’s arguably the league’s best player and throws his name in for footballer of the week whenever he takes the pitch. The only problem for Drogba, at least as it pertains to this little column, is that he’s surrounded by players like Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard each and every week which makes picking a standout performer in a Chelsea squad seemingly loaded with standouts a difficult activity.

Regardless of who walks out onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge with the Captain’s arm band, Drogba is the leader. His ability to power his way into a game and make his mark is unmatched by that of any other player in the Premier League. Chelsea were again winners on Sunday by a dominate scoreline as they continue their breezy start to the 2010-11 Premier League campaign. In Chelsea’s 4-0 win v Blackpool, Drogba again scored, his fifth of the year, and assisted on two others as he was again heavily involved in an emphatic Chelsea early season victory.

Premier League Footballer of the Week –

Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United – A sublime hat-trick for the Bulgarian striker against a determined Liverpool side at home was enough for Berbatov to get the nod this week. Two headers and a fantastic over head volley – arguably goal of the season so far – saw off Liverpool in a fascinating and entertaining match.

Liverpool fans will understandably feel aggrieved after Howard Webb failed to send off John O’Shea for his tug down on Fernando Torres in the second half – O’Shea arguably could have seen red in the weekend’s most controversial decision. Webb may have adjudged that Edwin van der Sar was easily onto the through ball wherein the foul warranted a yellow as a goal scoring opportunity hadn’t yet presented itself.

Regardless of the controversy, it was Dimitar’s day. After putting United 1-0 up with his first half near post header, Berbatov produced a stunning piece of skill to rival Europe’s best when he caught a Nani cross high on his right thigh and flicked an overhead volley into Pepe Reina’s unsuspecting goal.

Berbatov led the day with three goals while United, still not a finished product, again conceded two goals after being up two. Thanks to Berbatov, Nani’s wing play, Scholes passing and Fletcher’s presence in midfield, United were able to this time hold on for the win, if ever so slightly. Berbatov (alongside Chelsea’s Florent Malouda) is now the Premier League’s leading goal scorer with six in five. His fine start to the season comes at the most opportune of times as Wayne Rooney has netted only once in five matches for United.

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Manchester United reserves were beaten emphatically by Aston Villa reserves on Thursday night while United new boy Bebe made his debut finishing out the full 90. Bebe stole most of the headlines due to his high profile summer transfer and has been rumored as cover for the now injured Antonio Valencia. The Portuguese striker/winger who was purchased from third division side Vitória de Guimarães for £7.4m on the recommendation of former United coach Carlos Queiroz was raised in an orphanage and has reportedly had a difficult time settling in England and adjusting to a new way of life.

Initial scouting reports described Bebe as a ‘fast, technically gifted striker, right-footed and strong in the air and 6ft 2in tall’. Although that description sounds like a manager’s dream, Bebe remains totally untested at a high level of competition while his ability to even settle and adapt to a foreign way of life with pockets full of cash may first prove more daunting.

As far as his work on the pitch, early reviews have been somewhat mixed depending on the source. The official Manchester United website clearly defined his performance where he set up on the right side of a forward three as, “plugging away manly”, and a “solid debut”. The Mail Online however described Bebe’s bow as “dire”, and that “a switch to the left didn’t help matters”.

While still other sources praised Bebe’s night positively (Mirror Football -“caught the eye with his pace and spectacular crossing”), the jury remains out on Bebe largely because of his youth and inexperience at this level. While it seems some in the English media wish Bebe to fail, a young man who has overcome the kind of adversity that Bebe has experienced through his 20 years deserves a fair shot and more than just a few weeks to settle.

If there’s quality in the player, Ferguson, reserve squad manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Co will reveal and nurture it during his time in the reserves. United were able to do it with Portuguese players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and more recently Nani who were both turned into sharpened tools from blunt objects with time. Although the aforementioned were already more established players in the Portuguese Liga and weren’t on the same scale as Bebe because of their time playing in the first division, the United coaches and staff nonetheless will work hard with Bebe to protect their investment.

Adversely, one wouldn’t be remiss in questioning Ferguson’s interest in the untested striker simply because he didn’t take the time to watch him play, not to mention that £7.4m is quite the hefty transfer fee as it pertains to this circumstance. Odder occurrences have happened in football, yet Ferguson is the type of manager who prides himself in largely making incredibly smart buys. For now, the detractors and naysayers of Fergie’s Bebe scoop will have to relent to time as the once youth shelter occupant and Homeless World Cup participant is granted the time to settle he so deserves.

For those already calling for Bebe to be the Premier League’s next high profile flop, it could prove unwise to doubt Ferguson’s buy. Although Bebe’s tranistion could take more time than the instantly gratified are prepared to give him, his sharpening could prove he’s one for the future.

Sir Alex Ferguson made ten changes from Saturday’s 3-3 draw away to Everton in hopes what was essentially his Carling Cup squad could see off Scottish champions Rangers last time out. A dour 0-0 draw at home is what played out on Tuesday night to open Champions League group stage play while those ten changes got me thinking about the personnel involved in an at times spirited, yet overall lackluster effort.

It was the kind of match that ultimately frustrated United fans as Rangers barely made the slightest attempt at a committed attack. United lacked spark and creativity until Ryan Giggs came on to replace the injured Antonio Valencia in the second half. As Darron Gibson continually blasted shot after shot into row Q of the Stretford End, Rangers continued to field ten men behind the ball. It was then left up to Giggs to provide the much needed spark. The veteran looked most likely to find a way through for the home side, yet because of Rangers stalwart defending, both sides shared the spoils with a point.

As another installment of English football’s greatest rivalry approaches this weekend, and as Liverpool have proven they can push United further, I’m curious as to which eleven players Ferguson will pick as his best to start another massively important game. A quick glance at the squad sheet proves deep enough to allow Ferguson the privilege to do what he did Tuesday night – the fielding of ten different players to open Champions League group stage play. That’s CHAMPIONS LEAGUE mind you, not the Carling or FA Cup. United have options.

Most managers would kill to have the kind of depth and quality on the bench that Ferguson has at his disposal, yet the 0-0 on Tuesday proves why the game is still played on the pitch and not on paper.

At home on Sunday, United will have to step up their personnel as Liverpool in seasons past have proven a pesky bogey team for United. Manchester United will of course set up to attack and push Liverpool while they look for an emphatic three points in front of their home crowd. So how and with whom will United set up on Sunday? Here’s one option:

Forwards

United should set up 4-4-2 with the in form Berbatov up front along side Rooney who will roam in and out of space. Rooney’s roaming from deep to high up the pitch is where he’s best, partly because of his tendencies to want to be involved in build up play, partly because it would be difficult telling him otherwise, and largely because he’s a sensational passer of the ball in the final third. His ability to play 1-2’s with teammates isn’t bad either (see under his goal for England v Switzerland last week).

This pairing works for United under the pretense that both forwards play decent enough and excel at what they’re good at. First off, Berbatov needs to display his classic #9 skills – winning balls in the air, timely hold up play and finishing abilities, yet he also must hold off on drifting back as Rooney does, something he’s prone to do. If both forwards attempt a more deepish play-maker role, United are overloaded in midfield with not enough viable options up top when play dictates there needs to be.

Secondly, and if he stays high up the pitch, Berbatov’s hold up play (something he’s often times incredible at) allows the deeper dropping Rooney the time to get forward while support in the form of Darren Fletcher, Nani and Ryan Giggs arrive from their respective positions.

Rooney will take care of what Rooney does best if he’s allowed the free role in drifting back and forth between midfield and attacking higher up the pitch. Because of his fitness and gusto for the game, he can easily work hard enoguh to occupy what’s essentially a double roll – that of play-maker and striker. The key to this working effectively is Berbatov’s commitment to his positional landmarks.

Width – Nani and Giggs

In a classic 4-4-2 system, wingers are used to create width which allows space in the middle of the pitch while the wingers draw out defenders to deal with their crosses. Speaking of, a good crosser of the ball can terrorize defenses in a relatively direct manner through a sheer numbers game of crosses into the box, or from a set piece. Although not an entirely new fad, ‘inverted wingers’ in football have been a proliferating trend as of late as the ‘cut in, wrong-footed’ wingers such as Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo, depending on where he’s employed in the team, have all used the position and method resulting in a positive end.

Realistically, and more on topic, although both can play either wing as inverted wingers, the left footed Giggs and right footed Nani fit well on their respective flanks while Nani, at least now, is the more natural winger in the classic sense. Giggs will pirouette and cut inside (as his natural pace dwindles) as will Nani which could create congestion should Liverpool set up defensively (see under the 0-0 v Rangers). Yet Nani has proved an intelligent crosser of the ball in games past (for United and also for Portugal) and possesses the ability to turn and run at defenders which could lead to a ball across the face of goal easily unlocking Liverpool’s defense.

Central

Age aside, Paul Scholes has enjoyed a fine start to his 47th season in the top flight conducting the game while the solid Darren Fletcher will work hard, clean up and push forward next to him in central midfield.

Defense

Nothing of great interest besides back four 101 as it pertains to personnel. Although, I like John O’Shea as right back instead of the aging Gary Neville or the young, brash Rafael. O’Shea, a modern day utility man if there ever was one, is a more versatile player than Neville while his defending is more sound and experienced than the Brazilian Rafael’s. Not a huge asset supporting attacks, but less of a liability than Neville who showed how easily his pace can be exploited last Saturday when attempting to deal with Everton’s Steven Pienaar. Vidic and Ferdinand look to finally be teaming back up in the center of defense with Evra in support of attacks on the left.

The 4-4-2 and subsequent positioning for United plays out something like this:

Note: It should be noted that United are largely a right sided attacking team. Nani and Valencia in games past have provided natural width on the right side while United have lacked a natural left sided winger since Ryan Giggs’ prime. Giggs himself will often play more centrally should Ferguson consider a more advanced option while his tricks and abilities with the ball at his feet are enough for the 36 year old to be effective on the left.

Potential Risks and Other Options

As we learned continuously during the World Cup, a 4-4-2 against a formation other than 4-4-2 can potentially expose the two central midfielders (in our case, an aging Scholes and Fletcher). The 4-2-3-1 (or 4-3-3) that every successful team in the World Cup implemented allowed for an extra man in midfield (see under England 1-4 Germany). This fact lends belief to Liverpool potentially utilizing a formation with Fernando Torres up front alone as the extra man in midfield advantage could be enough to pose significant problems for Manchester United should they play 4-4-2.

Should Ferguson elect the 4-3-3, he’ll have to pull Michael Carrick off the bench and likely drop the in form Berbatov. The middle three would be Carrick, Scholes and Fletcher with Carrick as the main holder. Giggs or Park and likely Nani due to Valencia’s injury would flank Rooney up top.

Realistically, United should not be favored against Liverpool this Sunday. Although Liverpool have proved in recent weeks they’re still are work in progress, so too have United proved the same thing. United’s only two victories this season so far have come at home against Newcastle and West Ham, two of the leagues worst so far. United’s lack of concentration during the Fulham and Everton away matches have proved costly. Four points costly to be exact. Time will of course tell whether or not a back again and fit Rio Ferdinand will be enough to solidify United’s leaky defense.

Liverpool will arrive at Old Trafford with an underdog’s mentality. The core of the club still have an understanding regarding the significance of the rivalry and importance of the match. As they’ve proven against United in years past, they’re dangerous with this mindset as they’ll have everything to prove against a United side still looking for a convincing win against a top side.

Last week on EPL Talk some discussion surfaced concerning Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City and his vilification at the hands of Arsenal supporters. Regardless of your personal opinion on Shawcross, through articles and comments, a line was drawn in the sand concerning the disgusting trend of horror tackles on Premier League players, specifically from Arsenal. In recent years, those very supporters have seen two of their own, and now possibly another, suffer horrendous leg breaks.

Just this past weekend another Premier League player, this time Bobby Zamora of Fulham, was stretchered off with a break as Wolves midfielder Karl Henry ‘got stuck in’ in all the wrong ways. This was the same Wolves midfield who booted Newcastle’s Joey Barton around the pitch just a few weeks ago with not even the slightest of repercussions minus a few jabs and jibes from the English media. Of course the question that begs to be asked is what is football doing to stamp out the stamping?

Red cards have been shown this and other weekends, yet the nightmarish tackles continue in ample numbers. How many more Eduardo’s, Aaron Ramsey’s or Bobby Zamora’s will there be before some serious action is taken? And what specifically can be done?

Just Saturday, Arsenal were again the target of a shocking challenge when Bolton’s Paul Robinson went in extremely high and well over the ball on Abou Diaby and likely put the Frenchman out of Arsenal contention for some time. The fact that the ref or linesman allowed this atrocity to go unnoticed and unpunished is almost as shocking as the challenge itself. Not a red, yellow, or even a free kick was awarded for one of the worst challenges this, or any other season.

It’s times and instances like these when the Premier League need to consider retroactive punishment for tackles and challenges that go unnoticed as protection for players’ health and safety – two variables that should be their highest priority. Broken legs destroy careers, a look at a video tape post match doesn’t.

Bolton under Owen Coyle seem to have turned over a new leaf of positive football in recent weeks. Their commitment going forward bares little resemblance to the Bolton of Gary Megson or Sam Allardyce. Yet it remained poignantly obvious that Bolton set out to disrupt Arsenal in all the wrong ways as seen under Kevin Davies (who should have seen red), Gary Cahill (who did see red) and Robinson’s ridiculously high lunge on Diaby.

These horror challenges Premier League fans continue to witness each season again raise the debate of pre match instructions and specific ‘assignments’ certain players undertake against different opponents. The ‘destroyer’ role in football has always been a prevalent position, yet in recent years its relevance due to the injuries and sendings off associated with it begs the question of its purpose.

Let it be known that I understand the physicality of the Premier League is just as much a part of football as boots and the ball. But the singular difference in a game that is so physical is that the myriad of accidents directly resulting from the physicality promote serious and career-threatening incidents. The physicality of tackling has always and will always lead to horrific injuries. At some point it just becomes a numbers game for the quick footed, the slight and the creative types while the British mentality of getting stuck in ruins or derails another career.

So what can be done? It’s up to the discretion of the players on the field, yet those ‘rush of blood to the head tackles’ will always exist in a game where so much is on the line. Until the FA and Premier League get involved by dishing out serious punishment retroactively, it’s unfortunately just a matter of time before one of these atrocious tackles happens again.

Note: Video not for the squeamish.