With so much drama in the Premiership, I couldn’t resist pontificating on this weekend’s games. So here we go …
The Battle of The Former BFFs
Lost in the melodrama about the “handshake that wasn’t” were the kids. How must the kids be dealing with another case of Football Stars Behaving Badly? If the photo above is anything to go by, tomorrow’s knuckleheads are gonna be all right. Judging by the bemused look on this little guy’s face, he is enjoying every second of his time at the epicenter of Terry v. Bridge. After all, he did what JT couldn’t. He got a handshake from Wayne.
Arsenal v. Stoke Rugby Match
In the aftermath of the Aaron Ramsey leg fracture, it appears that many have missed the point. The issue isn’t the intent, but rather the result of an action. The fact that one didn’t intend to cause harm, does not excuse one’s actions. That’s why there’s a crime called manslaughter. In fairness, on the issue of overly-aggressive or reckless tackles, the blame does not lie solely with the players. Managers who instruct players to kick opposition players off the pitch and commentators who justify the approach bear some of the blame. It is highly irresponsible to encourage a mentality that can and has increasingly resulted in such horrific injuries. Surely the line between being physical and reckless shouldn’t be so thin. The suggestion that Arsenal needs to toughen up a bit has merit. However, I wouldn’t want to see teams in the Premiership go the way of teams in the NHL where having an enforcer is a prerequisite. Hockey is an overtly physical sport, football isn’t.
By the way, was it just me or did the referee swallow his whistle during the game? As the game went on, it seemed that the players honed in on the fact that the referee was off-duty. The game more closely resembled a rugby match than a football match. The referee was as culpable as anyone due to his unwillingness to keep the game under control and his reluctance to penalize players for obvious fouls. He only issued a red card to Shawcross after realizing the extent of Ramsey’s injury. Had he been doing his job, he could have settled things down prior to Ramsey’s injury.
Light at the End of the Fratton Park Tunnel
In the midst of all the financial mayhem, can you believe that Portsmouth can make it to the FA Cup Final for the second time in three years with avictory over Birmingham in the semi-finals? Go figure. It was good to see Pompey show some character and pull out an impressive victory over Burnley this past weekend. The Pompey players could have packed it in a long time ago.
Grumpy Old Men
It appears that Rafa Benitez is feeling better. That much was evident in the post match press conference,when he resumed his war of words with Big Sam. Rafa needs to work on his sarcasm because he missed the mark a bit when he said that Barcelona are considering adopting Blackburn’s style of play. Come on, Rafa. Who do you think you are? Ozzie Guillen? It takes years of baby steps to get on that level of idiosyncratic banter. I realize that some things may be lost in translation, English being his second or third language and all, but Rafa needs to get on with it and focus on the bigger picture, a top four finish.
Stubborn ‘Arry
Russia and Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has been considered surplus requirements by ‘Arry Rednapp for most of the season. You would think ‘Arry would have been keen to off-load the player as he did with Robbie Keane. No not a chance. The Big Sour Puss refused to let the player go in the January transfer window because clubs wouldn’t meet his ridiculous valuation for an unused player. Good thing ‘Arry stuck to his guns. Apparently, nowadays the Russian is very much wanted, or something close to that. According to ‘Arry, “He’s got a future here while he’s playing well and scoring goals.” ‘Arry sure knows how to make a guy feel wanted. Pavlyuchenko has five goals in his last three starts (and six goals in his last four games). ‘Arry better be thanking his lucky stars that Pavlyuchenko has kept his head in the game. Note to ‘Arry: Lose the ego and let bygones be bygones. If Tottenham are to mount a serious challenge for a top four finish, he should allow the boy to continue his fine run of form. If not, please let let him go in the summer.
Landycakes
What a difference a week makes! Landon Donovan is fast learning that life in the Premiership can turn on you in an instant. Word is he tried to remove himself from playing in his last two games because he felt a bit under the weather. David Moyes played him anyway and in this week’s encounter with Tottenham, the Big Man from L.A. suffered his first set back during his loan move, a colossal miss from point blank range. Hey Landon, welcome to the Premiership where every opportunity has enormous consequences.
While on the topic of goals during the Tottenham – Everton game, how amazing was Luka Modric’s goal? I’m a big fan of the skillful Croat. Watch him create space between defenders in the box and somehow get the ball up over the keeper and under the cross bar.
United v. Villa (Carling Cup)
Kudos to Manchester United for lifting another cup. Sir Alex just seems allergic to losing. However, with that said, I must say that Villa must feel hard done. They received a penalty for Nemanja Vidic’s hack job on Gabby Agbonlahor. However, he should have been sent of the pitch since he was the last man. As is often the case, United got the break and of course made the most of it.
By the way, I would be remiss if I (like everyone else) didn’t acknowledge Wayne Rooney’s form this season. Talk about stepping up to fill big shoes after the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlito Tevez. Wayne has single-handedly kept United in contention for a record fourth Premiership trophy in a row. Heck, think about it. A player of his calibre was asked to play a supporting role to Cristiano Ronaldo last year and did so with vigor. This season the shackles have been removed and he is showing everyone that he is a great player in his own right. It’s Wayne’s World at the moment and the rest of us are just lucky to be witnessing his ascension as arguably the best striker in the world.
“Michael Owen for England” Campaign
I wish people would stop the madness with the Owen for England campaign. Sure, Michael’s goal scoring record in an England shirt is unrivaled. However, under the reign of Fabio Capello, two things seems quite evident, players will only be selected on merit and on consistency (except maybe for Theo Walcott). The England manager is hell bent on not repeating the team selection mistakes of his predecessors who seemed to enjoy selecting inconsistent performers or injured players. Michael Owen, who has largely been used as a substitute at United, has found it difficult to remain healthy for a prolonged stretch. He limped off the pitch again this weekend after a good outing where he scored a goal in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley. It goes without saying that Michael will most likely be a spectator in June.
Ah, the Premier League …
