tie-1. Manchester United (26 Points)
Winner of the match this weekend is in first place. United remain absolutely en fuego, scoring 4 goals in every game they play.
tie-1. Arsenal (26 Points)
Arsenal and United are both on 26 points, but Arsenal have a game in hand. If they had taken full points off Liverpool over the weekend they'd be in first alone, but United cannot be ignored. This team also loses credit because of that trainwreck Almunia in net.
3. Chelsea (21 Points)
Can't put City over them, because City just got shown why they do not belong in the Champions League. Chelsea quietly are building a head of steam, and I don't see them stopping any time soon.
4. Blackburn (21 Points)
Shhhhhh, don't look now, but this team is on the verge of stepping up into the Champions League.
5. Liverpool (20 Points)
They need to take full points off their final 3 Champions League matches, to even have a chance at progressing into the knockout stage. Their league form has been poor as well. Mark Klautenberg gifted them a match against Everton 2 weeks ago, aside from that they would be in the middle of an embarassing stretch. By the way, Steven Gerrard is playing like ABSOLUTE crap. For Liverpool AND England.
6. Manchester City (22 Points)
That's what happens when you lose 6-0. I was shocked to see Chelsea run circles around this team, it didn't even look like they were trying.
7.Portsmouth (19 Points)
They've played Liverpool, Arsenal, United, and Chelsea. They drew United and Liverpool at home, in games that could have been won, and lost to Arsenal and Chelsea on the road. The fact that they have played those 4 matches and they are still on 19 points and in 7th on the table, speaks a lot for Harry.
8. Everton (16 Points)
They've been dropping a lot of points lately, but I think they will stumble onto their form and go on a nice run. Liverpool were extremely fortunate to beat them, and aside from that, Everton have been playing pretty well.
9. West Ham (14 Points)
Too many draws, but they really do play well. Some of those draws will eventually turn into wins for this club, and they will put up a good fight in the middle of the table.
10. Newcastle (17 Points)
Win a game, lose a game, win a game, lose a game. This team is frustrating. They go and beat Spurs 3-1, than lose to Reading 2-1.
11. Aston Villa (11 Points)
Sinking like a rock. My good friend Matt Clayton chose to support this team after I showed him the Villa-Chelsea match and the Villa-Liverpool match. He fell in love with Ashley Young, and hasn't looked back since. I kind of feel bad the way this team is just falling apart.
The remaining 9 teams just don't deserve to be talked about. They should all be relegated. I would rank them just as they lie on the table probably, maybe with Tottenham a few spots higher.
12. Reading
13. Birmingham
14. Tottenham
15. Fulham
16. Sunderland
17. Wigan
18. Middlesbrough
19. Bolton
20. Derby
I promise this much, Bolton and Derby will definitely be relegated at the end of this season.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A Note from Raj
You must be proud that two of your pupils are in the final….
I am more than proud. They’ve learnt too much. Last year at Real Madrid when we played Barcelona we had dinner with Laporta and he told me that Rijkaard has learned a lot from me. After our 3-0 defeat I told Laporta that Rijkaard had learnt too much, so have Benitez and Ancelotti.
It is normal in the case of Carlo. After all he played for you. But Benitez went to learn your methods in his honeymoon, that’s stranger…
He came to see me work at Milanello and when I was with the Italian NT.
He is a great coach. He is showing that in a special football like English football. His biggest strength is that he can achieve much with very few top quality players. Gerrard is his most talented player, but he hasn’t got two like him. Liverpool are exemplary in two ways: their spirit and tactical organization. Benitez knows what he is doing. His team lacks talent, but they are a true team, compact, modern and with a great football culture. He’s work has been fantastic.
He has said no to Real Madrid again…
I know, I have read it. I believe Rafa is ready to coach Real Madrid or any club in the world. He is a master like very few, and when you have an encyclopaedia like him on the bench you have to trust the master. Rafa reminds me of myself when I was young. He is like me in some ways, but he has gone higher than me. He won the league and the UEFA Cup with Valencia. He arrived at Liverpool with a better CV than me when I arrived at Milan from Parma. I don’t share the opinion that Rafa can only coach teams without stars. If the star players don’t work hard they are worth nothing. You can see proof of that at Real Madrid last season.
= Arrigo Sacchi on Benitez.
This was sent to me from a good friend, an unfortunate Liverpool fan. I guess some people are still supporting him, but if I were a Scouse there would be a lot of questions I'd be asking right now. Arrigo Sacchi is famous for his time spent with AC Milan, back to back European Cups, some Serie A titles, and a handful of other trophies. He's pretty well respected, but I think he may be a little biased here. I don't doubt that Benitez is a good manager, but I think his time in Liverpool is probably up.
I am more than proud. They’ve learnt too much. Last year at Real Madrid when we played Barcelona we had dinner with Laporta and he told me that Rijkaard has learned a lot from me. After our 3-0 defeat I told Laporta that Rijkaard had learnt too much, so have Benitez and Ancelotti.
It is normal in the case of Carlo. After all he played for you. But Benitez went to learn your methods in his honeymoon, that’s stranger…
He came to see me work at Milanello and when I was with the Italian NT.
He is a great coach. He is showing that in a special football like English football. His biggest strength is that he can achieve much with very few top quality players. Gerrard is his most talented player, but he hasn’t got two like him. Liverpool are exemplary in two ways: their spirit and tactical organization. Benitez knows what he is doing. His team lacks talent, but they are a true team, compact, modern and with a great football culture. He’s work has been fantastic.
He has said no to Real Madrid again…
I know, I have read it. I believe Rafa is ready to coach Real Madrid or any club in the world. He is a master like very few, and when you have an encyclopaedia like him on the bench you have to trust the master. Rafa reminds me of myself when I was young. He is like me in some ways, but he has gone higher than me. He won the league and the UEFA Cup with Valencia. He arrived at Liverpool with a better CV than me when I arrived at Milan from Parma. I don’t share the opinion that Rafa can only coach teams without stars. If the star players don’t work hard they are worth nothing. You can see proof of that at Real Madrid last season.
= Arrigo Sacchi on Benitez.
This was sent to me from a good friend, an unfortunate Liverpool fan. I guess some people are still supporting him, but if I were a Scouse there would be a lot of questions I'd be asking right now. Arrigo Sacchi is famous for his time spent with AC Milan, back to back European Cups, some Serie A titles, and a handful of other trophies. He's pretty well respected, but I think he may be a little biased here. I don't doubt that Benitez is a good manager, but I think his time in Liverpool is probably up.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Power Rankings
It's another international break, so here is another edition of my power rankings. For those of you who don't think I know anything I would like to take this time to tell YOU THE READER, that I am currently ranked 1963/82,457 on I Know The Score. THat is the Official Premier League Predictor website. I'm just saying, I know a thing or two. On to the rankings!
1. Manchester United
I'm not saying I don't love what Arsenal are doing, and they may just be the best team in the world. There is one thing that bothers me though. They haven't really played any tough matches away from home. They've won some good matches at home, but when you consider that they've only played outside of London TWICE...it leaves a little bit to be desired. Manchester United started the season so rough, and to only be two points off the mark is very impressive. They are the champions defending, and they deserve to be here.
2. Arsenal
If they can maintain their current form going into the match at Anfield next month, I will coronate them as kings of England. Until then, I'm simply unimpressed with continuous drubbings of Bolton, Tottenham, and Steaua Bucaresti.
3. Manchester City
What can you say about this team. They play gorgeous football, rooting for them is absolutley infectious. I hope they fight for a Champions League spot all season. The goings are still early though
4. Liverpool
Rafa is an idiot. This team should be in first by a country mile, instead he rotates and rotates and watches wins turn to draws. Fire Benitez.
5. Portsmouth
Harry for Chelsea! I love their manager. This spot is probably an aberration but they do play damned hard down there on the South coast.
6. Chelsea
My beloved Blues are slowly coming back to life. A 2-1 win over Valencia, 1-0 at Bolton and a nicely timed international break will likely bring everyone back around to rememebering who they play for.
7. Aston Villa
HE'S HERE! HE'S THERE! HE'S EVERY-FUCKING-WHERE! ASHLEY YOUNGGGGG! ASHLEY YOUNNGGGG! (note: for some reason he cannot be found on the England National Team)
8. Blackburn
Just can't win close games for some reason. Start putting more balls into the net and they will move up.
9. Newcastle
Model of inconsistency
10. Everton
Read spot #9
11. West Ham
12. Wigan Athletic
13. Birmingham
14. Reading
15. Sunderland
16. Tottenham
17. Fulham
18. Middlesboro
19. Bolton
20. Derby County
This team will be relegated, watch them now because you will probably never see them again.
1. Manchester United
I'm not saying I don't love what Arsenal are doing, and they may just be the best team in the world. There is one thing that bothers me though. They haven't really played any tough matches away from home. They've won some good matches at home, but when you consider that they've only played outside of London TWICE...it leaves a little bit to be desired. Manchester United started the season so rough, and to only be two points off the mark is very impressive. They are the champions defending, and they deserve to be here.
2. Arsenal
If they can maintain their current form going into the match at Anfield next month, I will coronate them as kings of England. Until then, I'm simply unimpressed with continuous drubbings of Bolton, Tottenham, and Steaua Bucaresti.
3. Manchester City
What can you say about this team. They play gorgeous football, rooting for them is absolutley infectious. I hope they fight for a Champions League spot all season. The goings are still early though
4. Liverpool
Rafa is an idiot. This team should be in first by a country mile, instead he rotates and rotates and watches wins turn to draws. Fire Benitez.
5. Portsmouth
Harry for Chelsea! I love their manager. This spot is probably an aberration but they do play damned hard down there on the South coast.
6. Chelsea
My beloved Blues are slowly coming back to life. A 2-1 win over Valencia, 1-0 at Bolton and a nicely timed international break will likely bring everyone back around to rememebering who they play for.
7. Aston Villa
HE'S HERE! HE'S THERE! HE'S EVERY-FUCKING-WHERE! ASHLEY YOUNGGGGG! ASHLEY YOUNNGGGG! (note: for some reason he cannot be found on the England National Team)
8. Blackburn
Just can't win close games for some reason. Start putting more balls into the net and they will move up.
9. Newcastle
Model of inconsistency
10. Everton
Read spot #9
11. West Ham
12. Wigan Athletic
13. Birmingham
14. Reading
15. Sunderland
16. Tottenham
17. Fulham
18. Middlesboro
19. Bolton
20. Derby County
This team will be relegated, watch them now because you will probably never see them again.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Goodbye Jose
I've been avoiding writing anything since the fall of "The Special One", Jose Mourinho. I had a few different ideas for what I wanted to write about concerning the genius former manager of Chelsea. First, I wanted to write about his career over the last few years and what he's done. Then, I wanted to write about the ridiculousness of the situation. I finally decided to write about my complete outrage at Chelsea FC. If anyone ever wanted a lesson on exactly what not to do with a winning franchise this is it. Jose Mourinho has taken this club to back-to-back Premiership championships; two Carling Cup victories; two apperances in the Semifinals of The Champions League; and an FA Cup victory. I understand that upper-management had its differences with Jose, over team selection and style of play, but this was just a foolish move. The back-stabbing and lying that has come out through the media since the termination of Jose has been downright horrifying for me and any Chelsea fan to endure. According to several reports in the media, John Terry seems to have led the final charge at Jose's job, and I can't tell you how betrayed I feel. It's now become clear that my 'captain' only has himself on the mind. Apparently, at halftime of the Chelsea-Rosenborg Champions League draw, Jose called Terry out for not playing as himself all season. This is the right of any manager, as it is his job to push his players. Instead, Terry continued to play lousy and then stabbed Jose in the back by going to Peter Kenyon and Abromovich and saying that Mourinho's antics were dividing the locker room. There was no division in the locker room, just Terry being unable to handle criticism. The locker room that was so 'divided' was in tears the following day upon learning of Jose being pushed out the door. The chemistry of the team is now in shambles, nobody trusts anybody else, and Abromovich has installed one of his lackey's to take charge of the team. I would be SHOCKED, to see Chelsea qualify for Champions League next year, at the rate they are working, they will struggle to finish on the top half of the table. Roman Abromovich has absolutely nobody to blame but himself for this problem. Team owners belong at the desk signing checks, not meddling in team affairs. Now we are stuck with Avram Grant in charge of a team of superstars. Avram Grant, who's biggest footballing achievement has been winning the Israeli Cup. That is roughly the equivalent of winning a local High School soccer tournament. Abromovich fired Mourinho because he wasn't playing appealing football, well now Chelsea have scored 1 goal from open play in their last 7 league matches. A team that came into the season looking to push for Champions League glory, and for the Premiership, will now struggle to qualify for Europe next season, and will certainly be knocked out of the Champions League in the group stages.
Theoretically, the players on this team should be good enough to pull through and play competitively. However, the chemistry on the team is at a shockingly low level. Lampard, Essien, Cole, Carvalho, Ferreira, Drogba, Malouda and Bridge have all asked to be sold off to other teams as soon as possible. Shevchenko is now looked at as nothing more than a whiny, grunty spy for Abromovich. John Terry has the label of backstabbing baby, instead of leader and captain. I will always be a fan of Chelsea, but I must say these are dark days, and they are embarassing days. The concept of Chelsea Pride is dead, and Jose Mourinho will always have a place in my heart. I look forward to following him for the rest of his career for all the joy he has given me, and there is a part of me that hopes one day he does have his revenge on Abromovich in the Champions League.
Theoretically, the players on this team should be good enough to pull through and play competitively. However, the chemistry on the team is at a shockingly low level. Lampard, Essien, Cole, Carvalho, Ferreira, Drogba, Malouda and Bridge have all asked to be sold off to other teams as soon as possible. Shevchenko is now looked at as nothing more than a whiny, grunty spy for Abromovich. John Terry has the label of backstabbing baby, instead of leader and captain. I will always be a fan of Chelsea, but I must say these are dark days, and they are embarassing days. The concept of Chelsea Pride is dead, and Jose Mourinho will always have a place in my heart. I look forward to following him for the rest of his career for all the joy he has given me, and there is a part of me that hopes one day he does have his revenge on Abromovich in the Champions League.
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