EPL, England, Europe, Features, Ian John, Leagues, Regions POSTS
Performances of the Weekend : Defoe and Spurs lead the way
Published by Ian John on November 23, 2009
Are you a soccer fanatic? Do you have strong opinions about the game? Think you have the chops to write about it? Contact Us then...
Another weekend passes in a blaze of glory for some, ignominy for others, none more so than Wigan manager Roberto Martinez who must have been looking forward to going back to work on Monday morning about as much as Roy Keane’s Irish publicist. The 9-1 hammering meted out to Wigan by a rampant Tottenham Hotspurs was as shocking as it was unusual. Let’s not forget, this is a Wigan side who have beaten both Aston Villa and Chelsea this season. But their second half capitulation at White Hart Lane must go down as one of the most embarassing episodes in Premiership history. How wise also of Sky TV to not show this game, but instead fill the nations TV screens with Stoke taking on Portsmouth, a game which was so magnificently dull that I switched over halfway through to watch a recorded American College football game.
Now of course, after his five goal second half salvo, most people are saying Jermaine Defoe is not only the best finisher in England, but the nicest man, the sexiest dancer, the cleverest scientist and are absolutely secure in the knowledge that he will go to South Africa, win the world cup singlehandedly, and return home before sorting out the Middle East problem in his lunchtime. However even Defoe would probably draw the line at trying to coax Liverpool out of their current slump in form. The Anfield men drew another ‘must win’ game at the weekend. A point which leaves them about 15 points and £100m behind Chelsea. Anything less than a win in Hungary on Tuesday and a Lyon victory in Florence, will mean elimination from the Champions League too. No wonder Jermaine turned that one down.
Manchester United romped to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Everton. Darren Fletcher’s opener was an outstanding strike from a player who seems to be growing in importance at the club. I think he is going to become Manchester United’s version of Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta. A player who came through the ranks, who was perhaps a little unappreciated at first surrounded by a galaxy of stars, but who has quietly developed into one of the key players for the team. Everton didn’t look particularly good and with Louis Saha alone up front for most of the first half, they offered about as much attacking threat as a cooked and stuffed turkey. They’ll need to buck their ideas up considerably for the weekend’s derby game with Liverpool. Oh, hang on, no they won’t.
Chelsea ran out predictably comfortable winners over Wolves at Stamford Bridge. 4-0 probably not being too flattering. I can’t really say anymore on this as I’ve not seen the game in any great detail. Well it was all a little predictable wasn’t it and I have heaped enough praise on Chelsea this season as it is, so I don’t want them getting all egomaniacal.
Sunderland defeated Arsenal in the shock of the day. Darren Bent scored without the help of his striker parter B.Eachball . Arsene Wenger accused his players of “choking” it, which is a bit unfair. Sunderland look a much better side under Steve Bruce these days.
Blackburn gave manager Sam Allardyce a welcome boost ahead of his heart operation with a 2-0 win at Bolton. David Dunn’s form for Rovers has caught the eye of many who are suggesting he could make the England squad. Dunn however doesn’t feel it is likely given the strength in depth in that area and he may well have a point, but I am sure Capello is keeping an eye on things.
Finally, David Beckham’s LA Galaxy missed out on being MLS champions on penalties after Real Salt Lake defeated them on spotkicks after a 1-1 draw. The good news for David is that his specialist Doctor at Milan reckons he can play on until his forties. One wonders if Carlo Ancelotti has heard this…
Image Courtesy of ***MarksChopman*** at Flickr.com
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...719 views
One
Nabyl Charania on Mon, 23rd Nov 2009 11:27 am
Wigan gave up in the 2nd half, it was embarrassing, Tottenham should have maybe eased up after being up 5 or 6 . I’m just upset I didn’t have defoe in my fantasy squad.