Question of the Week (Your PFA Player of the Year in England)
Apr 27, 2009 Question of the Week
For sentimental reasons, it will be Ryan Giggs. However,for all good reasons,Frank Lampard should be awarded the Player of the Year award.He is a thorough professional who toils and fight for the Blues no matter what the circumstances are. There was not a drop of his head nor was there any sign of petulant behaviour in and on the field. Under all the four Chelsea managers, starting from Jose Mourinho, he never moan or groan over any issues, real or imagined. When his other richly paid teammates were under performing under Felipe Scolari, he soldiered on, giving all his best by his barn storming display week in and week out. He is also scoring goals. In the 34 games that he played this season, the total of 12 goals and 10 assists was a statistic which any midfielder would be proud of. For his contribution to the team, for his professionalism in and out of the field and for being a shining light to the younger players, I will certainly vote him as the Player of the season.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Does Giggs deserve the PFA Player of the Year award this season?
Does Giggs deserve the PFA Player of the Year award this season?
Apr 27, 2009 Thought of the Day
It has been a long time coming for Ryan Giggs to receive this award. The players have to send in their votes early and thus may have given the votes to him for sentimental reasons, knowing that he is in the twilight of his career. The chronicles of Ryan Giggs’ exemplary conduct and professionalism throughout his career are endless. No one can talk about him in any form of negative light. He may not be a storming winger now, but his calming influence in the midfield, when he was fielded, was one component which made up a successful Man Utd team.
Apr 27, 2009 Thought of the Day
It has been a long time coming for Ryan Giggs to receive this award. The players have to send in their votes early and thus may have given the votes to him for sentimental reasons, knowing that he is in the twilight of his career. The chronicles of Ryan Giggs’ exemplary conduct and professionalism throughout his career are endless. No one can talk about him in any form of negative light. He may not be a storming winger now, but his calming influence in the midfield, when he was fielded, was one component which made up a successful Man Utd team.
Was Rafa being arrogant?
Was Rafa being arrogant?
Apr 21, 2009 Thought of the Day
For all counts, Rafa Benitez IS arrogant His words, his gestures have all indicated those moments of arrogance clearly for everyone to see. He needs not defend his streak of one-uppance if he is all conquering but do it in private. In public, at least show some RESPECT to the teams and fellow manager.
Apr 21, 2009 Thought of the Day
For all counts, Rafa Benitez IS arrogant His words, his gestures have all indicated those moments of arrogance clearly for everyone to see. He needs not defend his streak of one-uppance if he is all conquering but do it in private. In public, at least show some RESPECT to the teams and fellow manager.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Does Michael Owen fit in the current England set-up?
Does Michael Owen fit in the current England set-up?
Mar 31, 2009 Thought of the Day
March 31st, 2009 at 8:08 pm
England needs a target man cum finisher. Micheal Owen is FINISHED as far as international football is concerned. He had lost the power and speed required for a striker after going through a series of injuries. Moreover, there is no place for a ferreting sort of player that he is, in the England team at this moment. Agbonhaler and Theo Walcott are much better options.
Mar 31, 2009 Thought of the Day
March 31st, 2009 at 8:08 pm
England needs a target man cum finisher. Micheal Owen is FINISHED as far as international football is concerned. He had lost the power and speed required for a striker after going through a series of injuries. Moreover, there is no place for a ferreting sort of player that he is, in the England team at this moment. Agbonhaler and Theo Walcott are much better options.
Question of the Week (EPL relegation battle)
Question of the Week (EPL relegation battle)
Mar 31, 2009 Question of the Week
March 31st, 2009 at 8:03 pm
1. West Bromwich Albion could have let it too late to save themselves even though they have only Liverpool from the top 4 to play in the fixtures. Their home form, which can decide one’s survival, had been patchy. Gary Megson had done his best in motivating a side which often played open and attacking football but lacked the finisher.
2. Middlesborough will follow WBA down and sadly Gareth Southgate will be sacked in the aftermath. His struggling side lacked the consistency. Worse, they have yet to play Man Utd, Arsenal and Aston Villa. These are games which spelled DOOM.
3. The Toonies will be watching Championship football next season as Chris Houghton is clueless on how to get them out of the rut. Their home form is dismal. Away from home they won only 2 matches. What makes one think that htey can perform miracles in the forthcoming games against Chelsea (home), Spurs (away), Liverpool (away) and Aston Villa (away)? Why did they sell Shay Givens to Man City at the late stage of the season? He is worth many points and could certainly have been their saviour!!
Mar 31, 2009 Question of the Week
March 31st, 2009 at 8:03 pm
1. West Bromwich Albion could have let it too late to save themselves even though they have only Liverpool from the top 4 to play in the fixtures. Their home form, which can decide one’s survival, had been patchy. Gary Megson had done his best in motivating a side which often played open and attacking football but lacked the finisher.
2. Middlesborough will follow WBA down and sadly Gareth Southgate will be sacked in the aftermath. His struggling side lacked the consistency. Worse, they have yet to play Man Utd, Arsenal and Aston Villa. These are games which spelled DOOM.
3. The Toonies will be watching Championship football next season as Chris Houghton is clueless on how to get them out of the rut. Their home form is dismal. Away from home they won only 2 matches. What makes one think that htey can perform miracles in the forthcoming games against Chelsea (home), Spurs (away), Liverpool (away) and Aston Villa (away)? Why did they sell Shay Givens to Man City at the late stage of the season? He is worth many points and could certainly have been their saviour!!
Question of the Weekend (United’s turning point?)
Question of the Weekend (United’s turning point?)
Apr 17, 2009 Weekend Question
There is seldom a turning point for Utd as impactful as the win over Porto away. The Red Devils are always the first one to do the unthinkable, the latest was winning at Porto which no other English team had done so. One must remember that Utd is fighting in three major fronts and blips, setbacks are expected. It is the ability to bounce back immediately after each set back that defined a great team from a good team. There is no need to win in style all the time as it is an impossiblity but grinding out results where it matters is important. his is the ingredient which the Red devils has in plenty.
Apr 17, 2009 Weekend Question
There is seldom a turning point for Utd as impactful as the win over Porto away. The Red Devils are always the first one to do the unthinkable, the latest was winning at Porto which no other English team had done so. One must remember that Utd is fighting in three major fronts and blips, setbacks are expected. It is the ability to bounce back immediately after each set back that defined a great team from a good team. There is no need to win in style all the time as it is an impossiblity but grinding out results where it matters is important. his is the ingredient which the Red devils has in plenty.
Question of the Week (Lewis Hamilton’s “Lie-gate” Scandal)
Question of the Week (Lewis Hamilton’s “Lie-gate” Scandal)
Apr 14, 2009 Question of the Week
How hard the mighty fell. Lewis Hamilton must be feeling really stinky at this moment, being branded as a liar. His reputation as a sportsman is in tatters. Like one caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he had no option but to bite the bullet and move on and take whatever consequences the FIA might impose on him or his team. He seemed to be so naive that he went along with the lie that his team cooked up.Suspension from racing will be too harsh a punishment. Docking points from him or his team would be a better alternative, like what happened to some Serie A teams previously when they have to start from negative points because of ‘irregularities’ in the previous season. At least, it gives him a chance to remain in racing which is in his blood. Punish him by all means but do not over-punish.
Comments was published in Friday 17th April's New paper
Apr 14, 2009 Question of the Week
How hard the mighty fell. Lewis Hamilton must be feeling really stinky at this moment, being branded as a liar. His reputation as a sportsman is in tatters. Like one caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he had no option but to bite the bullet and move on and take whatever consequences the FIA might impose on him or his team. He seemed to be so naive that he went along with the lie that his team cooked up.Suspension from racing will be too harsh a punishment. Docking points from him or his team would be a better alternative, like what happened to some Serie A teams previously when they have to start from negative points because of ‘irregularities’ in the previous season. At least, it gives him a chance to remain in racing which is in his blood. Punish him by all means but do not over-punish.
Comments was published in Friday 17th April's New paper
The Macheda poser: Was United ethical in signing him?
The Macheda poser: Was United ethical in signing him?
Apr 13, 2009 Thought of the Day
Those who questioned the ethical issues concerning Macheda’s transfer to Man Utd should question themselves first instead of painting a kettle black. Lazio screamed ‘kidnap’ when Macheda put up match winning performances for Utd. Where were they before they happened? Did they really treasured him so much? Did they help his family when they are in the dumps?Man Utd did all those and at the same time polished this raw diamond in their academy. A talent without careful development is just a talent, no more no less. Moreover, Utd did not break any law in bringing Macheda over to UK.There are many young talents from S America, Africa and Europe, waiting to be discovered and polished. If Man Utd and the likes do not gather and develop them, they will still be in their slums and ghettos, promise unfulfilled. Thus do not talk about ethics here!
Apr 13, 2009 Thought of the Day
Those who questioned the ethical issues concerning Macheda’s transfer to Man Utd should question themselves first instead of painting a kettle black. Lazio screamed ‘kidnap’ when Macheda put up match winning performances for Utd. Where were they before they happened? Did they really treasured him so much? Did they help his family when they are in the dumps?Man Utd did all those and at the same time polished this raw diamond in their academy. A talent without careful development is just a talent, no more no less. Moreover, Utd did not break any law in bringing Macheda over to UK.There are many young talents from S America, Africa and Europe, waiting to be discovered and polished. If Man Utd and the likes do not gather and develop them, they will still be in their slums and ghettos, promise unfulfilled. Thus do not talk about ethics here!
Question of the Weekend (Post-Sat match Views)
THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEKEND: Tomorrow night sees a packed Saturday in the English Premiership with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all playing their opponents on the same day. Tell us – after their games – who are the biggest winners and losers, in relation to the title race and even Champions League commitments.
April 12th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
This weekend’s results probably tell a story about priorities. Liverpool, realising that they have a very uphill battle to fight against Chelsea in the Champion’s League seemed to be gearing towards the EPL title. Blackburn Rovers offered very little resistance.Chelsea, meanwhile seemed relaxed and in control mode when they were 4-0 up until Bolton scored three and nearly stole a draw. This overconfidence was carried over from the 3-1 win over Liverpool. If they persists on such self-indulgence, don’t be surprised that Liverpool can do a Milan over them.The Red devils are in a poor uncertain form now. The defence lost confidence esp Vidic who nearly scored an own goal under very little pressure! However, mamma mia, a saviour came in the form of a very young and previously unknown striker Macheda. The rest of the team are jaded, strangely unmotivated though they are chasing three titles at this moment. Sir Alex had admitted that it is extremely difficult to win all 5 titles in a season. He knew that his team can slog it out in the EPL. Howver in the Champions’ League, the unexpected challenge of Porto overturned all his plans. He must come out with something special in order to win the second leg at Porto. Don’ t say don’t…the Red devils could just nick it!
April 12th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
This weekend’s results probably tell a story about priorities. Liverpool, realising that they have a very uphill battle to fight against Chelsea in the Champion’s League seemed to be gearing towards the EPL title. Blackburn Rovers offered very little resistance.Chelsea, meanwhile seemed relaxed and in control mode when they were 4-0 up until Bolton scored three and nearly stole a draw. This overconfidence was carried over from the 3-1 win over Liverpool. If they persists on such self-indulgence, don’t be surprised that Liverpool can do a Milan over them.The Red devils are in a poor uncertain form now. The defence lost confidence esp Vidic who nearly scored an own goal under very little pressure! However, mamma mia, a saviour came in the form of a very young and previously unknown striker Macheda. The rest of the team are jaded, strangely unmotivated though they are chasing three titles at this moment. Sir Alex had admitted that it is extremely difficult to win all 5 titles in a season. He knew that his team can slog it out in the EPL. Howver in the Champions’ League, the unexpected challenge of Porto overturned all his plans. He must come out with something special in order to win the second leg at Porto. Don’ t say don’t…the Red devils could just nick it!
Monday, March 9, 2009
How to beat United?
Question of the Weekend (How to beat United?)
Mar 6, 2009 Weekend Question
THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEKEND: WHAT strategies can Jose Mourinho use with his Inter Milan team so that they can beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League next week?
1. Mourinho to do the “Special Dance” in front of Sir Alex at the hallowed Old Trafford ground thus confusing the hair dryer, making him hotter and blocking his view
2. Mourinho to run along the touchline like the linesman, berating every Man Utd player for every tackle making them feel guilty
3. Mourinho waving to the Old Trafford fans as he ran along the touchline as if he is thanking them for the Porto memories
4. Mourinho declaring himself to be the ONE RIGHTFUL successor to Sir Alex at the centre circle before the game starts, confusing everybody
5. Mourinho contacting the ‘ugly one’ Ronaldo to welcome him to Inter-Milan thus making Cristiano felt wanted
6. Mourinho again boasting that Ibrahimovic as better than Ronaldo and Berbatov combined but parked him in front of Ceasar’s goalmouth with the other 9 players together with the bus
7. Mourinho to send a poisoned bottle of wine to Sir Alex and toast him before the match starts
8. Mourinho to warn the referee before the game not to chat with Sir Alex or else….remember waht happened to that Swedish referee?
9. Mourinho to swear in Italiano and Portuguese, saying that he meant to say I LOVE YOU ALL
10. Mourinho and all his managerial/coaching staff to wear dark glasses with trench coat to look menacing like MIB
With the 10 must-do to cover all areas, Inter will surely win at Old Trafford.
Mar 6, 2009 Weekend Question
THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEKEND: WHAT strategies can Jose Mourinho use with his Inter Milan team so that they can beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League next week?
1. Mourinho to do the “Special Dance” in front of Sir Alex at the hallowed Old Trafford ground thus confusing the hair dryer, making him hotter and blocking his view
2. Mourinho to run along the touchline like the linesman, berating every Man Utd player for every tackle making them feel guilty
3. Mourinho waving to the Old Trafford fans as he ran along the touchline as if he is thanking them for the Porto memories
4. Mourinho declaring himself to be the ONE RIGHTFUL successor to Sir Alex at the centre circle before the game starts, confusing everybody
5. Mourinho contacting the ‘ugly one’ Ronaldo to welcome him to Inter-Milan thus making Cristiano felt wanted
6. Mourinho again boasting that Ibrahimovic as better than Ronaldo and Berbatov combined but parked him in front of Ceasar’s goalmouth with the other 9 players together with the bus
7. Mourinho to send a poisoned bottle of wine to Sir Alex and toast him before the match starts
8. Mourinho to warn the referee before the game not to chat with Sir Alex or else….remember waht happened to that Swedish referee?
9. Mourinho to swear in Italiano and Portuguese, saying that he meant to say I LOVE YOU ALL
10. Mourinho and all his managerial/coaching staff to wear dark glasses with trench coat to look menacing like MIB
With the 10 must-do to cover all areas, Inter will surely win at Old Trafford.
Who Can take over Rafa?
Question of the Weekend (Who can take over Rafa?)
Feb 27, 2009 Weekend Question
Wanted : Liverpool manager
Criteria :1. As Red as possible, face and all
2. Can speak English, Spanish and gibberish like repeating the same sentences
3. Can sit side by side and work with Americans, yeehah!
4. must work with bags of peanuts to pay for players
5. Must be able to face the press without giving repeated answer
6. must not give excuse that the Reds are turning corners
7. must be able to boast that Liverpool has only two teams, Liverpool and Liverpool reserves
8. must be thick skin to withstand any barbs on failed tactics
9. must be able to answer and stand up to all the Reds legends like Daglish, Hansen, Souness, Rednapp (?), Fowler, etc
10. must be able to use the hair dryer on his players.
Who can fulfill all those?None
Who is closest?
Kenny Daglish
Feb 27, 2009 Weekend Question
Wanted : Liverpool manager
Criteria :1. As Red as possible, face and all
2. Can speak English, Spanish and gibberish like repeating the same sentences
3. Can sit side by side and work with Americans, yeehah!
4. must work with bags of peanuts to pay for players
5. Must be able to face the press without giving repeated answer
6. must not give excuse that the Reds are turning corners
7. must be able to boast that Liverpool has only two teams, Liverpool and Liverpool reserves
8. must be thick skin to withstand any barbs on failed tactics
9. must be able to answer and stand up to all the Reds legends like Daglish, Hansen, Souness, Rednapp (?), Fowler, etc
10. must be able to use the hair dryer on his players.
Who can fulfill all those?None
Who is closest?
Kenny Daglish
Liverpool's Title Dream is Over
Question of the Week (Liverpool’s title dreams over?)
Mar 3, 2009 Question of the Week
If you noticed about the body language of the Liverpool players after they were 2-0 down against M’boro, you would see the true reflection of the importance of that result to their title hope. It was a sinking feeling even though it is not beyond them to catch up with the Red Devils. However, they know that once they caught the sail, the Red devils are virtually at the finishing line. Rarely do we see them falter badly at the last stretch as they have the squad and experience to weather it all, to go for the kill. Yes, Liverpool’s title dream is fading. Their icon, Stevie G is a one-man tem and he is overstretched, as can be seen from his injuries. Torres? He was finding the demands of EPL too much and is breaking down more often. The rest of the Reds??? They are a mediocre bunch who relied too much on their captain. Without him, they are like headless chicken. They can only hope for a miracle to happen and hope that someone would rise up among the Red ashes to aspire them at the final sprint. It is a forlorn hope. Rafael Benitez had already admitted it so.
Mar 3, 2009 Question of the Week
If you noticed about the body language of the Liverpool players after they were 2-0 down against M’boro, you would see the true reflection of the importance of that result to their title hope. It was a sinking feeling even though it is not beyond them to catch up with the Red Devils. However, they know that once they caught the sail, the Red devils are virtually at the finishing line. Rarely do we see them falter badly at the last stretch as they have the squad and experience to weather it all, to go for the kill. Yes, Liverpool’s title dream is fading. Their icon, Stevie G is a one-man tem and he is overstretched, as can be seen from his injuries. Torres? He was finding the demands of EPL too much and is breaking down more often. The rest of the Reds??? They are a mediocre bunch who relied too much on their captain. Without him, they are like headless chicken. They can only hope for a miracle to happen and hope that someone would rise up among the Red ashes to aspire them at the final sprint. It is a forlorn hope. Rafael Benitez had already admitted it so.
Jose Mourinho for Man Utd?
Is Jose Mourinho the right man for United?
Mar 2, 2009 Thought of the Day
Jose Mourinho is not the right choice for a club like Utd. It is like water and oil.The Special One is too brash and has a gigantic ego. Though he is tactically sound, his brand of pragmatic, safety first football will not go down well with the Red Devils. It will be very difficult for him to embrace the Devils’ culture and brand which always emphasise attacking football. Through the years, Sir Alex has instilled that seige mentality in his players. At the same time, he has long term plans in grooming players for the next generation. Jose goes the opposite. In his couple of years at Chelsea, he paid for the successes. As a result, the same group of players grew old together without younger replacements. Jose laid seige at other people instead.One thing one has to admire him is that he is Sir Alex’s equal in mindgames.Man Utd will never find another Sir Alex. Rather, that person must embody all that Utd stands for and Jose is not that person.
Mar 2, 2009 Thought of the Day
Jose Mourinho is not the right choice for a club like Utd. It is like water and oil.The Special One is too brash and has a gigantic ego. Though he is tactically sound, his brand of pragmatic, safety first football will not go down well with the Red Devils. It will be very difficult for him to embrace the Devils’ culture and brand which always emphasise attacking football. Through the years, Sir Alex has instilled that seige mentality in his players. At the same time, he has long term plans in grooming players for the next generation. Jose goes the opposite. In his couple of years at Chelsea, he paid for the successes. As a result, the same group of players grew old together without younger replacements. Jose laid seige at other people instead.One thing one has to admire him is that he is Sir Alex’s equal in mindgames.Man Utd will never find another Sir Alex. Rather, that person must embody all that Utd stands for and Jose is not that person.
Jose Mourinho for Man Utd?
Is Jose Mourinho the right man for United?
Mar 2, 2009 Thought of the Day
Jose Mourinho is not the right choice for a club like Utd. It is like water and oil.The Special One is too brash and has a gigantic ego. Though he is tactically sound, his brand of pragmatic, safety first football will not go down well with the Red Devils. It will be very difficult for him to embrace the Devils’ culture and brand which always emphasise attacking football. Through the years, Sir Alex has instilled that seige mentality in his players. At the same time, he has long term plans in grooming players for the next generation. Jose goes the opposite. In his couple of years at Chelsea, he paid for the successes. As a result, the same group of players grew old together without younger replacements. Jose laid seige at other people instead.One thing one has to admire him is that he is Sir Alex’s equal in mindgames.Man Utd will never find another Sir Alex. Rather, that person must embody all that Utd stands for and Jose is not that person.
Mar 2, 2009 Thought of the Day
Jose Mourinho is not the right choice for a club like Utd. It is like water and oil.The Special One is too brash and has a gigantic ego. Though he is tactically sound, his brand of pragmatic, safety first football will not go down well with the Red Devils. It will be very difficult for him to embrace the Devils’ culture and brand which always emphasise attacking football. Through the years, Sir Alex has instilled that seige mentality in his players. At the same time, he has long term plans in grooming players for the next generation. Jose goes the opposite. In his couple of years at Chelsea, he paid for the successes. As a result, the same group of players grew old together without younger replacements. Jose laid seige at other people instead.One thing one has to admire him is that he is Sir Alex’s equal in mindgames.Man Utd will never find another Sir Alex. Rather, that person must embody all that Utd stands for and Jose is not that person.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Scolari Sacking
THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Should Chelsea have sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari?
February 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Felipe Scolari was not given any chance to prove his worth at all. One can put it down to the earnest quest for instant success in the dog-eat-dog world of EPL. Man Utd persevere with Sir Alex despite not winning anything worthy during his early days. However, the top dogs are not so forgiving nowadays, given that Abramovich is operating Chelsea more like a business than a pure football club.Scolari should be given a performance plan of say, 2 years in order for him to build a team which he himself is responsible for.The Chelsea fans had been tasting instant success bought by millions of roubles. They don’ t see that money cannot buy the passion to play for the club. Money as a motivator is passing, not sustainable. The fans should have at least give Scolari some support, rather than shouting for his head when things are not going their way.Sir Alex was right on when he commented at the start of the season that the present group of Chelsea players are over the hill. They cannot improve further. Yet, there were no replacements. No youth programme. No plan B for players. Man Utd can just show them that. Look how a young player like Rafael slots into the team effortlessly to eventually replace Gary Neville? Jonny Evans showed that he is a bight prospect in case Rio Ferdinand is not available. In Chelsea? Zilch!Where is Peter Kenyon now? Why is he not sacked too? He should shoulder some of the responsibilities, too.Wish Sclari all the best. He may land up in Spain or back to Portugal where is much more welcomed.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Felipe Scolari was not given any chance to prove his worth at all. One can put it down to the earnest quest for instant success in the dog-eat-dog world of EPL. Man Utd persevere with Sir Alex despite not winning anything worthy during his early days. However, the top dogs are not so forgiving nowadays, given that Abramovich is operating Chelsea more like a business than a pure football club.Scolari should be given a performance plan of say, 2 years in order for him to build a team which he himself is responsible for.The Chelsea fans had been tasting instant success bought by millions of roubles. They don’ t see that money cannot buy the passion to play for the club. Money as a motivator is passing, not sustainable. The fans should have at least give Scolari some support, rather than shouting for his head when things are not going their way.Sir Alex was right on when he commented at the start of the season that the present group of Chelsea players are over the hill. They cannot improve further. Yet, there were no replacements. No youth programme. No plan B for players. Man Utd can just show them that. Look how a young player like Rafael slots into the team effortlessly to eventually replace Gary Neville? Jonny Evans showed that he is a bight prospect in case Rio Ferdinand is not available. In Chelsea? Zilch!Where is Peter Kenyon now? Why is he not sacked too? He should shoulder some of the responsibilities, too.Wish Sclari all the best. He may land up in Spain or back to Portugal where is much more welcomed.
Arsenal's season
Can Eduardo save Arsenal’s season?
February 20th, 2009 at 2:25 am
I am sorry that the return of Eduardo is not going to help Arsenal challenge for more honors this season. I say so because he was never a proven player in the first place. Having just spent half a season and as substitutes for Van Persie and Adebayor last year before breaking his leg, he still has someway to go before he proves himself. Coming back into the rigours and pace of the premier league might be very demanding for a player who has just suffered a horrific injury and has not fully acclimatized to English football yet. All along, Arsenal has been crying out for a holding midfielder, so the return of Eduardo hardly will help stabilize their flailing midfield and shaky defence. With the purchase of Arshavin, and Van Persie hitting fabulous form, the creative department and attacking department is well taken care of. ALso what is left of Arsenal’s season might just be the Champions League and FA cup. Getting into that 4th place might prove beyond them as Aston Villa and Chelsea will have the tenacity to last the distance. With so many strong teams in the Champions League playing fantasy football at the moment, Arsenal’s chances do not look at at the moment. Perhaps they should just focus on the FA cup for a realistic prospect of Silverware.
February 20th, 2009 at 2:25 am
I am sorry that the return of Eduardo is not going to help Arsenal challenge for more honors this season. I say so because he was never a proven player in the first place. Having just spent half a season and as substitutes for Van Persie and Adebayor last year before breaking his leg, he still has someway to go before he proves himself. Coming back into the rigours and pace of the premier league might be very demanding for a player who has just suffered a horrific injury and has not fully acclimatized to English football yet. All along, Arsenal has been crying out for a holding midfielder, so the return of Eduardo hardly will help stabilize their flailing midfield and shaky defence. With the purchase of Arshavin, and Van Persie hitting fabulous form, the creative department and attacking department is well taken care of. ALso what is left of Arsenal’s season might just be the Champions League and FA cup. Getting into that 4th place might prove beyond them as Aston Villa and Chelsea will have the tenacity to last the distance. With so many strong teams in the Champions League playing fantasy football at the moment, Arsenal’s chances do not look at at the moment. Perhaps they should just focus on the FA cup for a realistic prospect of Silverware.
Chelsea Formation against Villa
THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: IMAGINE yourself in Guus Hiddink’s shoes and come up with your ideal Chelsea line-up for this weekend’s game against Aston Villa in the Premiership.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
KPIs for the Defence:- reduce the defensive errors which leak goals to zero- hard tacklers like Alex and JT ro have 100% communication with Cech- wing backs to reduce urge to attack by 50%
KPIs for midfield- have three central midfielders, two holding (Deco & Mikel) and one scheming (Lampard)- Belleti to come in when system changes to 4-4-2- let Lampard forage upwards with confidence of suppurt behind
KPIs for attackers- improve tha average to 2.0- Drogba to lead line with Anelka support, interchange positions every minute- Quaresma to cross from the flanks or cut in from sideline in every attack
Guus’s Note; To use the same team formation for at least 3 games.System 4-3-3
February 18th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
KPIs for the Defence:- reduce the defensive errors which leak goals to zero- hard tacklers like Alex and JT ro have 100% communication with Cech- wing backs to reduce urge to attack by 50%
KPIs for midfield- have three central midfielders, two holding (Deco & Mikel) and one scheming (Lampard)- Belleti to come in when system changes to 4-4-2- let Lampard forage upwards with confidence of suppurt behind
KPIs for attackers- improve tha average to 2.0- Drogba to lead line with Anelka support, interchange positions every minute- Quaresma to cross from the flanks or cut in from sideline in every attack
Guus’s Note; To use the same team formation for at least 3 games.System 4-3-3
Robinho in trouble
THE POSTMAN LIM SAY HENG says: When will he ever learn? Sure, he may love partying a lot, but this is the time for him to hunker down, especially after all his recent bad press.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
It is so easy to fall into various traps laid out for these young, rich and gullible footballers to fall into. Robinho is the latest. When Man City bought him, they could have already known about his excesses and extra curricular activities of the past but they conveniently ignored them as they were desperate for instant success. It could be Robinho’s way to deal with situations like not being able to play with Kaka, no other Brazilians playing beside him as Jo is in cold storage, playing in a really mediocre team which signed only more mediocre players like Bellamy, De Jong, after being in a star studded Real Madrid team, etc. He needs a really firm man-manager to put him in place and Mark Hughes is not known as one.Poor lost Robinho. You must not go the way that Denilson, once the world’s most expensive footballer, went.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
It is so easy to fall into various traps laid out for these young, rich and gullible footballers to fall into. Robinho is the latest. When Man City bought him, they could have already known about his excesses and extra curricular activities of the past but they conveniently ignored them as they were desperate for instant success. It could be Robinho’s way to deal with situations like not being able to play with Kaka, no other Brazilians playing beside him as Jo is in cold storage, playing in a really mediocre team which signed only more mediocre players like Bellamy, De Jong, after being in a star studded Real Madrid team, etc. He needs a really firm man-manager to put him in place and Mark Hughes is not known as one.Poor lost Robinho. You must not go the way that Denilson, once the world’s most expensive footballer, went.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
THE POSTMAN’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who will come up tops in the battle of the ‘Troubled Two’ as Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday?
January 28th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Blues vs Reds
Team balance : +1 Redsas they have a more balanced side if Rafa Benitez does not tinker again. Liverpool’s backline of Hyppia, Skrtel. Carragher and Aurelio is steady and solid in front of reliable Pepe Reina. The midfield have enough ‘generals’ in the form of Gerrard, Reira and Alonso. Fernando Torres is gaining fitness and form and his combination with Gerrard holds the key to unlock the Blues’ shaky defence. JT and Carvalho are on the decline. With that they leaked goals through the centre as Petr Cech was exposed time and again. In the midfield, Ballack and Belleti are not as creative as Liverpool’s pair. It is in the attack that the Blues are weak especially when Drogba is still warring.
Form : +0.5 BluesThe Reds have been frustrated in the two meetings against Everton while the Blues won their two games, esp the one against Stoke with the firm belief that they won’t lie down and surrender.Midfield general : +0.5 Reds There is very little difference between Gerrard and Lampard in all manner. Gerrard leads slightly as he has a tried and tested partner in Fernando Torres wherelse Lampard had to do it all alone.Manager: +0.5 RedsRafa Benitez is more experienced in managing a league team. Though, at times he made puzzling team decisions, he had more tactical variation than Scolari. Moreover, Rafa is managing HIS team as all the players were identified by him whole Scolari inherited the team.Homeground : +0.5 RedsThough the Blues had an impressive away record, they can be thrashed as witnessed in Old Trafford. The Anfield ground is not a pleasant one for the Blues.Overall, Liverpool scored in more areas. However, all these pluses would turn into crosses if the effect of the self inflicting internal troubles get into the Liverpool team.Final score : 1:1
January 28th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Blues vs Reds
Team balance : +1 Redsas they have a more balanced side if Rafa Benitez does not tinker again. Liverpool’s backline of Hyppia, Skrtel. Carragher and Aurelio is steady and solid in front of reliable Pepe Reina. The midfield have enough ‘generals’ in the form of Gerrard, Reira and Alonso. Fernando Torres is gaining fitness and form and his combination with Gerrard holds the key to unlock the Blues’ shaky defence. JT and Carvalho are on the decline. With that they leaked goals through the centre as Petr Cech was exposed time and again. In the midfield, Ballack and Belleti are not as creative as Liverpool’s pair. It is in the attack that the Blues are weak especially when Drogba is still warring.
Form : +0.5 BluesThe Reds have been frustrated in the two meetings against Everton while the Blues won their two games, esp the one against Stoke with the firm belief that they won’t lie down and surrender.Midfield general : +0.5 Reds There is very little difference between Gerrard and Lampard in all manner. Gerrard leads slightly as he has a tried and tested partner in Fernando Torres wherelse Lampard had to do it all alone.Manager: +0.5 RedsRafa Benitez is more experienced in managing a league team. Though, at times he made puzzling team decisions, he had more tactical variation than Scolari. Moreover, Rafa is managing HIS team as all the players were identified by him whole Scolari inherited the team.Homeground : +0.5 RedsThough the Blues had an impressive away record, they can be thrashed as witnessed in Old Trafford. The Anfield ground is not a pleasant one for the Blues.Overall, Liverpool scored in more areas. However, all these pluses would turn into crosses if the effect of the self inflicting internal troubles get into the Liverpool team.Final score : 1:1
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