The "expansion" Portland Timbers had a debut MLS season to remember. The team quickly became the darling of the TV networks with their passionate and creative fans, the team played an exciting brand of soccer, and the resurgence of Jack Jewsbury gave them some high-profile players. The team even had a goal of the year […]

Apart from The Gaffer waxing lyrically about Swansea, there has not been that much on the other two promoted sides here on EPL Talk. It has been quite a year for QPR and Norwich but what did 2011 mean to them and what could happen to them in 2012? Norwich City: Promotion for Norwich into […]

It’s been scintillating six months of English football. We’ve had blow outs (8-2, 5-3, and 6-1 between some big guns) and some stunning individual performances (numerous hat-tricks and goal line saves). With half a season to go, it’s time to decide who has made the Team of the Season so far, settling in a traditional […]

The fall of 2011 has marked a turnaround of sorts for Gareth Barry. More confident performances for Manchester City as well as the honor of scoring England’s 2,000th goal in the 1-0 November friendly win over Sweden. Late last season, former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton referred to Barry as “slow as a turtle,” and […]

Hello EPL Talk followers and football fans alike....and happy holidays to all. I'm finding it difficult to not only think about the condensed fixtures and amazing games there are in the immediate future, but I'm trying to save some smiles for the crazy aunt and ten little cousins about to be parading throughout my house...but […]

On behalf of everyone at EPL Talk, may you and your family have a Happy Holidays during this special time of the year. I appreciate your support and hope that the holidays and 2012 are an even better year for you and your loved ones. Cheers, The Gaffer

At the start of this season former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce declared his intention to finish above local rivals Newcastle at the end of the season and the two north east sides have had mixed fortunes in the Premier League so far this season. Newcastle began the season with a goalless draw at St James […]

Not surprisingly, most of the soccer gifts I've received over the holidays since I was a young child have been soccer-related. As I've gotten older, they may have morphed from toys to video games to books, but it's very rare that something soccer-related isn't under the tree every year. If I had to pick one […]

Here’s a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly from week seventeen of the Premier League. Note: Readers can follow Matt on Twitter @thehackreport Cheers 1. Russell Martin: Norwich’s center back was all over the pitch against Wolverhampton. He had three interceptions and twenty clearances to quell the Wolves’ offense. 2. Wolves/Norwich: […]

“Fact Or Fiction” is a series that will be run every Friday. In this series, an assertion will be made regarding an impacting topic in the Premier League. EPL Talk writers Matt Hackenmiller and Earl Reed each offer their views on whether the statement is “Fact or Fiction.” Fact or Fiction: At this point in […]

Much like the education centres around the country, Wolverhampton Wanderers broke up for their Christmas break on Tuesday with much to ponder over the festive period as they reflect on what they have taken in this season of giving and in Mick McCarthy’s case how good will may not be extended to ALL men… Two […]

It's a sad reflection on the state of football and humanity when racism charges trump football. I do not condone racism, but the media frenzy regarding the charges The FA has made against Luis Suarez, followed by the news that John Terry will be charged for the alleged racist comments made in a recent match, […]

There was only one thing DC United fans knew for sure going into the 2011 season, and that was this season couldn't be any worse than the previous one. After setting the standard for futility, the team not only climbed its way back into respectability (through its play on the field and front office dealings) […]

On a night when their main title rivals Manchester City were disposing of Stoke City at the Etihad, the red side of Manchester maintained the pressure with an away trip to Fulham that could barely have been easier. Three first half goals saw them pull clear of an insipid and frustratingly inconsistent Craven Cottage outfit, […]

Detailing The Pyramid Looking at the current role of tactical analysis in football coverage Producer: Richard Farley Executive Producer: Christopher Harris First Published: March, 2011. Starring: Jonathan Wilson (The Guardian) Michael Cox (Zonal Marking) Andy Brassell (BBC World Football Phone-In) Bobby McMahon (Fox Soccer Report) Grant Wahl (Sports Illustrated) Richard Whittall (A More Splendid Life) […]