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The Full English: Light Speed
The race to the English Premier League crown took a strong turn towards greater Manchester as the results midweek gave the Red Devils yet another edge over second-place Liverpool. Will the weekend continue to shine on Sir Alex and Co.?
Apr 24, 2009 10:01:01 AM
By Shane Evans
When the sun starts to stay out longer, and everything begins to turn green, that time often referred to as spring, I tend to become a bit more contemplative. I see things in a new light. Not sure why, but my personal horizons expand.
Having said that, my view on the end of the season has stayed exactly the same. I still think Manchester United have what it takes to repeat as champions. I still have no faith in the other team from Fergusonville. I still think Roy Hodgson is one of the best managers in the EPL. And yes, I still think Newcastle will avoid relegation, though barely.
I suppose the only thing that has changed in my all-knowing brain would be my opinion of a certain sprightly little Russian. He’ll get his time in the sun a bit later.
This weekend, as most weekend’s are, will be full of hotly contested matches from up and down the country. At my count, there are about 10 teams still actively fighting for positioning in the league. The other half of the table would be happy with their spot if the season ended today. Agree with that or not.
The title isn’t won yet, but Manchester United are close. It continues with Spurs at home, and coincidentally enough, it will be this week’s first strip of bacon. Tasty!
The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Manchester United v. Tottenham (Old Trafford, April 25th, 12:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
The first bout on my little fight card of sorts is a rematch of the Carling Cup Final. Oh, joy...what a thriller that was. Granted, neither team played a full squad, but seriously, that was hard to watch.
This one will hopefully be a bit different. Both teams play exciting football and like to score goals. Manchester United are in the driver’s seat (yet again) for the English Premier League crown, and a win in this one would certainly put another nail in Liverpool’s coffin. It’d put about five in Chelsea’s, if you support that Blues, of course.
As I like to do from time to time, I’d like to reiterate something previously stated. Harry Redknapp has done an excellent job with Spurs and he should be proud of their position in the league. Taken from the brink, Harry’s boys are back in the thick of things and next year we should finally see a Spurs team who compete for an entire season.
That all starts next year though, and a trip to Old Trafford is the last thing every manager in the league wants to do. That is even more true given the current circumstances that the Red Devils find themselves in. They are hungry for wins, and want to put this title business to bed. The Lilywhites might just be the next victim in their quest.
In their last match against Portsmouth, United played a dominant match. There is no question of that. They maybe should have converted a few more goals, but regardless, it was a vintage performance. A steadying victory, if you will. In this match, the competition is stronger so they’re going to have to step it up a notch or two. Luckily that’s something they’re good at.
TFE Prediction: I don’t want to discredit the job Harry has done, but Sir Alex won’t let his boys rest until that trophy returns to his cabinet. Red Devils win a good one, 3-2.
Newcastle v. Portsmouth (St. James’ Park, April 27th, 3:00 p.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
The stage has been set. The whole nation will be watching. Two teams fighting for their Premier League lives will be going at it from an always packed St. James’ Park.
Alan Shearer hasn’t found life easy as the boss of his hometown team, but as with most things worth a dime, you have to work hard to make it happen. Survival in the world’s top footy league is no different.
This match is the biggest match of his managerial career (does that go without saying?). No doubt about that. It’s also huge for me, as I mentioned before, I think they stay up, and if they don’t take three points from this match, that will be an awfully daunting task.
Similar to Harry Houdini at Spurs, Paul Hart has done a solid job since taking over at Fratton Park. Presented with a team that looked dead in the water, Hart has turned the south-coasters into a strong team, one who play with purpose. That wasn’t the case against ManU on Wednesday, but very few teams go into Old Trafford and control play.
In a match like this, where both teams need the points, it comes down to one thing: desire. I’d bet my life savings (well, the millions that I’ll have one day) on the fact that Shearer has his troops ready for this one. They have no choice but to be ready. I’d bet even more that the Toon Army will be a massive 50,000 strong in support of their beloved Magpies.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this, folks. These teams aren’t fighting for silverware. They’re fighting for pride. I’d argue the latter is infinitely more important. How about that for deep?
TFE Prediction: Much to the delight of the Geordie faithful everywhere, Newcastle scrape out a 2-1 win over Pompey and edge slightly closer to safety.
Everton v. Manchester City (April 25th, Goodison Park, 10:00 a.m. ET, Setanta Xtra)
Do I really even need to write anything here? Manchester City have let me down, time after time. I had such high hopes for them at the beginning of the season and what have they given me? A 6-0 thrashing of Portsmouth...in September.
Mark Hughes is a good manager and should be given a second season to turn the Citizens into a legitimate contender. It just seems like this season is a wash. They have been so terribly inconsistent, it’s hard to swallow. I don’t even want to think about what the fat cat Dubai investor big wigs are thinking about this season. They’re probably salivating for the summer transfer window. I can’t look past David Villa popping in and taking a spot up front next season. Should be interesting, that’s for sure.
The last match between these two back in December produced a reasonably equal showing. Everton came away 1-0 winners, but it was a 90th minute Tim Cahill tally that did it. That was then and this is now though, and Everton are a much stronger team at the moment.
Their huge win over Manchester United(‘s B team) in the FA Cup semis at the weekend will surely have them riding high, and as usual the atmosphere at Goodison Park will be top notch. The win could put them into the much-coveted fifth spot, provided Aston Villa slip up for the umpteenth time.
TFE Prediction: Everton are the better side in this one and it shows as Mark Hughes’ woes continue. The Toffees keep up the good work in a 2-1 win.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Andrey Arshavin, Arsenal: Well, what can I say? I’m not going to say I was wrong about him when I said he wouldn’t do well in England and all, because I’m never wrong, but his performance against Liverpool was something special. Four goals? How many times can you say you’ve seen a player net four against opposition like that. What a match as well. I won’t ruin it all though, as both the player and the match will be featured in the next “Fish & Chip Shots.” That is unless West Brom-Sunderland ends 5-5 with a freaky five-goal performance from Dijibril Cisse. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan: I cannot get enough of Mourinho. He’s brilliant. I can’t wait until Sir Alex retires and hands the job over to “The Special One.” Apparently life in England is paradise, at least compared to Italy. I couldn’t have said it better myself. It just seems like he’s always one step ahead of everyone else. Gotta love that.
Carlos Tevez, Manchester United: The Red Devils do enjoy a long drawn-out transfer saga. Will he stay? Will he go? I think he’s great and even I’m getting a bit sick of hearing about this. I feel for him though. You know United is his top club, but it’s like he’s gotta dump the really good-looking girl because she isn’t letting him be himself, and instead pick a less-attractive slice who likes him for who he is. Similar to something you’d see on Full House or a show of that ilk.
Leicester Update:
CHAMPIONS! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! WE ARE league one CHAMPIONS! Excellent news. Get your Leicester City Foxes League One Champions desktop wallpaper now! I know I did. But in all seriousness, it’s huge for Leicester to be straight back up in the Championship. A team of our stature doesn’t belong in the third division (this season was the first in the 125 year history of the club to be in the third level of English football) and next season we’ll be back playing with confidence. Winning trophies, no matter how insignificant, always raise the morale of a club. Oh, and today’s match is a sellout. That’s big in so many ways.
And Finally...The Black Pudding of the Week:
Roy Keane, Ipswich Town: The gaffer is back in charge of a club, and it’s a perfect place for him to be. Ipswich are a promising club with a lot of talent and are on the rise (currently in 9th in the Championship). I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have them battling for promotion next season. It’s good to have him back in the game, it’s better when he’s a part of it. Unless you’re name is Alfe Inge Haaland.
Check out the England homepage for all the latest news about all things EPL!
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature “The Full English” appears every Friday morning. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com for questions, comments or concerns or follow him on Twitter.
When the sun starts to stay out longer, and everything begins to turn green, that time often referred to as spring, I tend to become a bit more contemplative. I see things in a new light. Not sure why, but my personal horizons expand.
Having said that, my view on the end of the season has stayed exactly the same. I still think Manchester United have what it takes to repeat as champions. I still have no faith in the other team from Fergusonville. I still think Roy Hodgson is one of the best managers in the EPL. And yes, I still think Newcastle will avoid relegation, though barely.
I suppose the only thing that has changed in my all-knowing brain would be my opinion of a certain sprightly little Russian. He’ll get his time in the sun a bit later.
This weekend, as most weekend’s are, will be full of hotly contested matches from up and down the country. At my count, there are about 10 teams still actively fighting for positioning in the league. The other half of the table would be happy with their spot if the season ended today. Agree with that or not.
The title isn’t won yet, but Manchester United are close. It continues with Spurs at home, and coincidentally enough, it will be this week’s first strip of bacon. Tasty!
The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Manchester United v. Tottenham (Old Trafford, April 25th, 12:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
The first bout on my little fight card of sorts is a rematch of the Carling Cup Final. Oh, joy...what a thriller that was. Granted, neither team played a full squad, but seriously, that was hard to watch.
This one will hopefully be a bit different. Both teams play exciting football and like to score goals. Manchester United are in the driver’s seat (yet again) for the English Premier League crown, and a win in this one would certainly put another nail in Liverpool’s coffin. It’d put about five in Chelsea’s, if you support that Blues, of course.
As I like to do from time to time, I’d like to reiterate something previously stated. Harry Redknapp has done an excellent job with Spurs and he should be proud of their position in the league. Taken from the brink, Harry’s boys are back in the thick of things and next year we should finally see a Spurs team who compete for an entire season.
That all starts next year though, and a trip to Old Trafford is the last thing every manager in the league wants to do. That is even more true given the current circumstances that the Red Devils find themselves in. They are hungry for wins, and want to put this title business to bed. The Lilywhites might just be the next victim in their quest.
In their last match against Portsmouth, United played a dominant match. There is no question of that. They maybe should have converted a few more goals, but regardless, it was a vintage performance. A steadying victory, if you will. In this match, the competition is stronger so they’re going to have to step it up a notch or two. Luckily that’s something they’re good at.
TFE Prediction: I don’t want to discredit the job Harry has done, but Sir Alex won’t let his boys rest until that trophy returns to his cabinet. Red Devils win a good one, 3-2.
Newcastle v. Portsmouth (St. James’ Park, April 27th, 3:00 p.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
The stage has been set. The whole nation will be watching. Two teams fighting for their Premier League lives will be going at it from an always packed St. James’ Park.
Alan Shearer hasn’t found life easy as the boss of his hometown team, but as with most things worth a dime, you have to work hard to make it happen. Survival in the world’s top footy league is no different.
This match is the biggest match of his managerial career (does that go without saying?). No doubt about that. It’s also huge for me, as I mentioned before, I think they stay up, and if they don’t take three points from this match, that will be an awfully daunting task.
Similar to Harry Houdini at Spurs, Paul Hart has done a solid job since taking over at Fratton Park. Presented with a team that looked dead in the water, Hart has turned the south-coasters into a strong team, one who play with purpose. That wasn’t the case against ManU on Wednesday, but very few teams go into Old Trafford and control play.
In a match like this, where both teams need the points, it comes down to one thing: desire. I’d bet my life savings (well, the millions that I’ll have one day) on the fact that Shearer has his troops ready for this one. They have no choice but to be ready. I’d bet even more that the Toon Army will be a massive 50,000 strong in support of their beloved Magpies.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this, folks. These teams aren’t fighting for silverware. They’re fighting for pride. I’d argue the latter is infinitely more important. How about that for deep?
TFE Prediction: Much to the delight of the Geordie faithful everywhere, Newcastle scrape out a 2-1 win over Pompey and edge slightly closer to safety.
Everton v. Manchester City (April 25th, Goodison Park, 10:00 a.m. ET, Setanta Xtra)
Do I really even need to write anything here? Manchester City have let me down, time after time. I had such high hopes for them at the beginning of the season and what have they given me? A 6-0 thrashing of Portsmouth...in September.
Mark Hughes is a good manager and should be given a second season to turn the Citizens into a legitimate contender. It just seems like this season is a wash. They have been so terribly inconsistent, it’s hard to swallow. I don’t even want to think about what the fat cat Dubai investor big wigs are thinking about this season. They’re probably salivating for the summer transfer window. I can’t look past David Villa popping in and taking a spot up front next season. Should be interesting, that’s for sure.
The last match between these two back in December produced a reasonably equal showing. Everton came away 1-0 winners, but it was a 90th minute Tim Cahill tally that did it. That was then and this is now though, and Everton are a much stronger team at the moment.
Their huge win over Manchester United(‘s B team) in the FA Cup semis at the weekend will surely have them riding high, and as usual the atmosphere at Goodison Park will be top notch. The win could put them into the much-coveted fifth spot, provided Aston Villa slip up for the umpteenth time.
TFE Prediction: Everton are the better side in this one and it shows as Mark Hughes’ woes continue. The Toffees keep up the good work in a 2-1 win.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Andrey Arshavin, Arsenal: Well, what can I say? I’m not going to say I was wrong about him when I said he wouldn’t do well in England and all, because I’m never wrong, but his performance against Liverpool was something special. Four goals? How many times can you say you’ve seen a player net four against opposition like that. What a match as well. I won’t ruin it all though, as both the player and the match will be featured in the next “Fish & Chip Shots.” That is unless West Brom-Sunderland ends 5-5 with a freaky five-goal performance from Dijibril Cisse. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan: I cannot get enough of Mourinho. He’s brilliant. I can’t wait until Sir Alex retires and hands the job over to “The Special One.” Apparently life in England is paradise, at least compared to Italy. I couldn’t have said it better myself. It just seems like he’s always one step ahead of everyone else. Gotta love that.
Carlos Tevez, Manchester United: The Red Devils do enjoy a long drawn-out transfer saga. Will he stay? Will he go? I think he’s great and even I’m getting a bit sick of hearing about this. I feel for him though. You know United is his top club, but it’s like he’s gotta dump the really good-looking girl because she isn’t letting him be himself, and instead pick a less-attractive slice who likes him for who he is. Similar to something you’d see on Full House or a show of that ilk.
Leicester Update:
CHAMPIONS! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! WE ARE league one CHAMPIONS! Excellent news. Get your Leicester City Foxes League One Champions desktop wallpaper now! I know I did. But in all seriousness, it’s huge for Leicester to be straight back up in the Championship. A team of our stature doesn’t belong in the third division (this season was the first in the 125 year history of the club to be in the third level of English football) and next season we’ll be back playing with confidence. Winning trophies, no matter how insignificant, always raise the morale of a club. Oh, and today’s match is a sellout. That’s big in so many ways.
And Finally...The Black Pudding of the Week:
Roy Keane, Ipswich Town: The gaffer is back in charge of a club, and it’s a perfect place for him to be. Ipswich are a promising club with a lot of talent and are on the rise (currently in 9th in the Championship). I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have them battling for promotion next season. It’s good to have him back in the game, it’s better when he’s a part of it. Unless you’re name is Alfe Inge Haaland.
Check out the England homepage for all the latest news about all things EPL!
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature “The Full English” appears every Friday morning. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com for questions, comments or concerns or follow him on Twitter.
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