The English Premier League Preview (Part One)

By Ewomazino Orowor

The 24th season of the Premier League gets underway tomorrow- 76 days after the conclusion of the previous campaign.

From the new official Premier League ball, to heavy transfer activities in some clubs (with astonishing vignetted transfer-related activities in some others), to new kit sponsorship deals, to if "Harry Kane" can match last season's goal scoring form; to which teams will constitute the relegation dog fight; who the Europa League contenders- or would-be avoiders -are and much more, the 2015/2016 season has been replete with talking points long before Man United and Tottenham kick-off.

However, let's  focus on the title-winning chances of the four main contenders for the money-spinning 2015/2016 season in England's topflight division.

Four of the Best
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United, who occupied the top four places, respectively, in the table at the end of last season, are the front-runners this term. I expect an almost-there threat from Southampton, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Let's preview the two blue-jersey teams first, leaving the red ones for part two.

Chelsea

The Blues- with ruthless efficiency where necessary -were dominant last season. For all but the second week, Mourinho's men blossomed at the summit of the EPL table. Such was their near-impeccable campaign that many still consider them as the safest bet for the title. But are they really the safest bet?

"Hello! Is Chelsea there?" If the transfer window were to be anthropomorphised, that's probably what we'd be hearing. That's because Chelsea's had a quiet transfer window. Although, they boast a strong first XI, they are light on the bench- they're losing depth. 

In the event of an injury crisis or loss of form (not forgetting their apparent fitness challenges), they haven't got capable replacements for the mitochondria of their squad. Players like brickwall Nemanja Matic, most fouled Premier League player last season and player with the most assist last term- Eden Hazard and Cesc Febregas respectively -do not have their quasi equivalents on the bench.

Upfront, Chelsea have another conundrum! If Diego Costa continues to struggle with his hamstring, how will they get goals? Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have not proven to be  adequate understudies. While the former may have specious reasons to be a prospect, the latter is- or has become -a risible figure. Falcao has continued where he left off at Old Trafford, thrilling us with his comedic perormances- the Pastor Maldonado of the Premier League. 

The Columbian is also further justifying the superstition behind the Chelsea No. 9 jersey. In the more recent memories, except for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Hernan Crespo, the likes of Mateja Kezman, Khalid Boulharouz, Steve Sidwell, Franco Di Santo, and Fernando Torres never excelled as Chelsea number 9s. Falcao is a real worry and may be on his way into that uncelebrated list. 

However, there is still some time for Mourinho to do some business in the market for some execllent outfield additions. 

But the real business begins tomorrow with a tricky opponent- Swansea City -at that. Chelsea's result tomorrow- and in the remaining opening round of fixtures -will really matter. Replicating their pre-season form may put the champions under pressure- if they are not under pressure already to dispel the opinions of their pre-season critics.

By and Large, Chelsea have a lot on their hands this term and the food for thought will be that the Premier League title has not been retained by holders  for six years now.

Will the Blues break boundaries or will Champions League priority be an excuse?

Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini will be eager to expiate last season's mediocre display especially after extending his contract at the Etihad till 2017. Although, they finished as runners-up,  Man City's dispirited second half campaign took them out of contention in the race for the title (a period in which we also witnessed their embarrasing exit from the Champions League). 

Poignant reminders indeed of their disappointing trophyless season. 

This was inevitably due to the half-heartedness of majority of their senior players- except for Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero and a few others. 

This may sound like cheap criticism but a large chunk of Man City's squad apparently lacked the hunger to match the achievements of the preceding title-winning campaign. That has to change this term because a repeat should lead to drastic changes at the Etihad. Pellegrini has to justify the trust he's received to avoid being the most likely starting point of any such drastic changes.

If the squad has the right drive, motivation and consistency, Man City may pose more threat to Chelsea's title defence than any of Arsenal or Man. United. With the arrivals of Raheem Sterling and (especially) Fabian Delph, Man City have further added depth to their squad. 

What's more, here's a stunning Man City EPL sequence:
2011/12 - Champions
2012/13 - Runners-up
2013/14 - Champions
2014/15 - Runners-up
2015/16 - ____?____
Fill in the gap! It's simple arithmetic progression!

Writer: Ewomazino Orowor

'I will never relegate my calling at NFF for Arsenal' - Amaju Pinnick defends self

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick has explained why he was in England on Sunday after he was spotted at the Wembley Stadium where Arsenal defeated Chelsea to clinch the 2015 Community Shield.

Pinnick who is known to be an Arsenal fan was criticized by some section of Nigerian football lovers for going abroad to follow a foreign league game at the expense of National Team duties.

Nigeria U23 Dream Team and the Super Falcons were on duty in Congo and Banta respectively on Sunday for a spot in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

''Hello all, no doubt I am an Arsenal fan but I will never relegate my calling at NFF for Arsenal, he said in a statement.

''When Arsenal was playing against Manchester some months ago, I was on the road to Ibadan to watch 3SC against Rangers. My vision about my mission in NFF is clear and by God's grace we shall get there.

''I came to London for meetings with a consortium of would be sponsors, some requested to see the head coach.

Aside that, there are lots of global politics going on and if Nigeria must be accorded her pride of place in global football politics, then we must participate at the highest level.

''I appeal for your understanding and prayers, nothing good comes easy, I love you all AMP.''

Meanwhile, Nigeria Dream Team qualified at the expense of Congo while the Super Falcons failed to make it to the Olympics

Omeruo moves to Turkish club Kasimpasa

Super Eagles defender Keneth Omeruo

has joined Turkish Super Lig side, Kasimpasa on loan.

The 21year old Chelsea defender was on loan at Middlesbrough last season and has now move away 

Petr Cech finally gets to pose with Arsenal Jersey

Courtesy: Arsenal.com

Petr Cech has agreed to join Arsenal from Chelsea on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

He completed his medical on Friday and will join up with his new team-mates shortly to begin preparations for the 2015/16 season.

Cech’s Arsenal squad number will be revealed soon. 

Well deserved! Mourinho and Hazard claim Premier League Award

Mourinho and his back room staff

Jose Mourinho and Eden Hazard have been named Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year and Barclays Premier League Player of the Year respectively.

The Portuguese previously won the accolade in 2004/05 and 2005/06 when Chelsea were also the champions.

Eden Hazard

PFA Player of the Year, Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and now Barclays Premier League Player of the Year.

Mourinho gives me confidence, Hazard hails Chelsea boss

Chelsea forward  Eden Hazard has attributed his performance this season to the moral boost he received from the Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Google Image: Eden Hazard and Jose Mourinho

He told Sky Sports after their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Satmford Bridge on Sunday: ''He gave me a lot of confidence. He let me play. I can play my best on the pitch.

''The team needs a player like me, like William, like Diego (Costa), we are here to score - try to change the game. All the players did very well.''

The 24-year old Belgian has so far scored 14 goals, provided 8 assists for Chelsea this season and also won the PFA Player of the year award.

Chelsea are champions of England! City, Arsenal, United left in chase for UCL

Jose Mourinho's men have won the premier league title after defeating Crystal Palace by a lone goal courtesy Eden Hazard follow-up on his saved penalty.

Manchester City also pipped Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 to further strengthen their place on the log for a champions league spot.

Sergio Aguero cemented his position as the premier league top scorer as he grabbed the headlines at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be away at Hull City on Monday night as Arsene Wenger's men battle for a comfortable spot.

Fabregas joined Chelsea to win trophies says Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Cesc Fabregas opted to join the Blues ahead of Arsenal because he needed to crown his effort with trophies.

The Spanish midfielder joined Chelsea a year ago from Barcelona and would be playing against his former side for the first time since returning to the Premier League.

''I know why he chose Chelsea,'' Mourinho said. ''I don't know why he didn't choose Arsenal. I only know what we promised him and what he promised us. 

''I can't talk about why he left Arsenal, why he didn't go back. I don't know if it was his decision or the manager's decision. We promised him a team built in the style to suit his play. 

''Normally good projects go in hand with titles and he was looking for that.''

On whether the former Arsenal skipper would receive a warm welcome from the fans at the Emirates, Mourinho said: ''I'm not worried about that. Frank Lampard played at Stamford Bridge without any problem and with a good reception.

''I don't see a reason for Fabregas not to have the same at the Emirates. But he is more than ready if he has a bad reaction. He played at Barcelona in an Arsenal shirt.''

After 12 meetings, Jose Mourinho has not lost against Arsene Wenger's tutored side but Sundays affair promises to be a cracker.

Wenger insists his focus is on the game against Chelsea not ''Jose Mourinho''

It is no news that Arsenal Manager has not beaten Mourinho after 12 meetings, but the French man has played down the significance of clashing with the Chelsea manager when both sides clash this weekend in the Premier League.

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday but the Gunners boss does not want to be drawn into managerial rivalry between himself and the Portuguese.

''It is not a confrontation (between managers), it is a confrontation of two teams,'' - he said.

''Football is down to the fact that the performance on the day will decide the game and the result, so let’s focus on that.''

Mourinho's Blues defeated Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last October but the Gunners recent form can see them to getting a favourable result at the weekend.

Nigeria, Europe divided as Arsenal and Chelsea boast of most Twitter followers

The Gunners (Arsenal) as they are called may not be atop the Premier League table but are leading in terms of Twitter ''followership'' in some selected countries in Europe and Africa and closely followed by Chelsea.

In Nigeria, Arsenal boasts as Total of 26.10%, Chelsea 25.17% and Manchester United 18.04% .

Top three clubs by Twitter followers in selected countries:

UK: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

Ireland: 1 Liverpool, 2 Man Utd, 3 Arsenal

France: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City

Germany: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City

Spain: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Liverpool

Italy: 1 Chelsea, 2 Man City, 3 Arsenal

Netherlands: 1 Arsenal, 2 Man Utd, 3 Chelsea

USA: 1 Arsenal, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man Utd

Russia: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

India: 1 Man Utd, 2 Arsenal, 3 Liverpool

Australia: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man Utd

Brazil: 1 Chelsea, 2 Arsenal, 3 Man City

Skysports.com

View full Map representation here as released by Twitter

UEFA Youth League triumph excites Chelsea forward Dominic Solanke

Chelsea U-19 forward Dominic Solanke has expressed his delight after his side defeated Shakhtar Donesk 3-2 in the UEFA Youth League final to be crowned champions on Monday evening.

The 17-year old who finished as the tournament's highest goal score on 12 goals admitted it was a tough battle against the Ukrainian side but his side came out smiling.

''It's a dream come true,''- he said on uefa.com ''We've worked hard all season in this competition and won most of our games, losing only one, and we all put in a great shift to get here.''

''We were always confident going into the final and we produced what we needed to.

''Shakhtar are a very organised team and they made it hard. They equalised just before half-time, which was difficult for us, but we came out in the second period ready to go and managed to get a few more goals.

''It's a tough task to get into the first team at Chelsea, but you've got to keep working.''

Chelsea, United win as Arsenal record emphatic 4-1 victory over Liverpool

Chelsea defeated Stoke City 2-1 at the stamford bridge to stay atop the Premier League table.

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from 65 yards but it couldn't prevent Chelsea winning to strengthen its grip on top spot with eight matches to go. 

Arsenal climbed to second spot after an overwhelming 4-1 over Liverpool, with a three-goal burst coming in eight minutes. And Manchester United also rose to third with a 3-1 victory that featured an exquisite volley from captain Wayne Rooney.

Manchester City have a date to keep at Crystal Palace on Monday and the outcome of the match would determine if they indeed want to stay where they are right now.

In other games Queens Park Rangers stunned 10-man West Bromwich Albion 4-1 on away soil while Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 to grab a victory in three months.

Swansea beat Hull City 3-1 and Everton edged Southampton one nil.

Chelsea Goalkeeper Petr Cech set to quit the Blues if he does not become first choice again

Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, has expressed his frustration of having to remain second fiddle at the English club and stated he is ready to quit if he does not return as the team's number one again.

The Czech has only played in 14 games this season, after manager Jose Mourinho decided to make Thibaut Courtois his first choice, following a three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

Cech moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2004 but considering leaving the bridge.

''I don’t know what the club’s idea will be,'' he told Czech newspaper Idnes. ''It looks like it works well with me and Thibaut as a duo.

''But that can work for one season only. I don’t want another one like this.''

The 32-year-old also stated he was going to have discussions with Mourinho and Chelsea officials, to decide his future.

He added: ''There always will be speculation, I leave it for the summer.

''It will be important to sit down with the club, with the manager, to consider all the pros and cons. We will see what will work out the best.''

English Premier League Roundup: United, Arsenal win convincingly, Chelsea held and City beaten at the weekend

Red devils Manchester United made Old Trafford uncomfortable for Tottenham Hotspurs as they roast the visitors 3-0 in Premier league match on Sunday.

League leaders Chelseas failed to take full advantage of the slip from Manchester City as they drew 1-1 against Southampton who came from behind to secure a draw at Stamford bridge.

Diego Costa ended his eight-game scoring drought, by rising to head in Branislav Ivanovic’s measured cross.

The Saints had better plans as they drew level before the break, after Saido Mane was fouled inside the box by Nemanja Matic. Tadic stepped up and drove his spot kick down the middle.

Everton were too good for Newcastle as they continued thier impressive form from Europe beating the visitor 3-0 at Gudison Park.

In Saturday's encounter, Arsenal thumped West Ham 3-0, Manchester City failed to get a result from Burnley as they lost 0-1 away to open the game between them and the table toppers Chelsea to five points. 

Leicester City played 0-0 draw, Sunderland lost 0-4 to visiting Aston Villa, West Brom edge Stoke City 1-0while Crystal Palace were too good for Queens Park Rangers as it ended 3-1.

David Luiz hurts Chelsea as PSG knock the Blues out of Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain have qualified for the next round of the Champions League, after a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw red to reduce his side to ten before Gary Cahil grabbed the opener later in the second half.

Former Blues' defender David Luiz headed home a header to take the tie to extra time.

The extra-time was quite dramatic as Thiago Silva handled the ball in the area to earn the Blues a penalty which Eden Hazard stepped forward and coolly restored Chelsea’s lead.

As fate would have it, Silva nodded in PSG’s second, to eliminate Jose Mourinho’s side on away goals rule.

In the other match of the day, Bayern Munich hammered 10-man Shakhtar Donestk 7-0 at home, to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Congratulations Chelsea: 2015 Capital One Cup Champions

Chelsea FC defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to clinch the 2015 edition of the Capital One Cup with goals from Captain John Terry and Diego Costa.

This is Mourinho's first trophy since his return to the Blues.

Sunday's Capital One Cup Final is a must win for Chelsea - Quotes from Jose Mourinho

Cheslsea Football club have a date to keep with Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday and the Blues manager has told his players that losing is not an option.

''It is a final we have to play and a final we have to win,'' he told reporters.

''This is the only moment since I arrived in July 2013 that I don’t think about the future of this club,'' Mourinho added. ''I just think about the moment, I just think about this game.

''We have a final to win on Sunday and nothing else matters.''

Mourinho also expressed his hope, that his team will continue to fight for more trophies in future.

He said: ''Chelsea cannot win everything and cannot win every season,'' he said. “If you want to do that we have to change country to where the competition is not so hard.

''Chelsea, in the last 10 years, won just the League Cup twice but was many times at Wembley and won FA Cups, won Premier Leagues and the European Cup.

''We try to build with this new generation of players and try to make Wembley something normal for us and try to go there year after year.''

Mourinho at Wenger again! The Chelsea manager thinks Arsenal should be on top

Mourinho is at it again! The Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, has taken a swipe at Arsene Wenger, claiming Arsenal should be contesting for the Premier League title.

The Gunners are currently 12 points behind the Blues with 12 matches left and sit in third place. Mourinho stated that with the quality of their squad, they should be among the front runners.

"Arsenal? I don't understand why they are not where we are, with Manchester City, because I like their team. I think they have very good players. Alexis, Welbeck... important players added to an already very good squad. I think they are a team for more.

"At this moment Wenger has a dream job that we would all love to have. He has the stability and has the time to buy and sell and wait for success... and wait, and wait... I think he has the dream job.What he did to get so many titles in a certain period gives him the credibility that he deserves. Obviously he is a fantastic manager but he's in a fantastic position to be successful. When I look at the players, I really think they have to win."

EPL Round up: Manchester City close in on Chelsea after destroying Newcastle, United beaten and Arsenal win away

Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at home after Jose Mourinho’s men took the lead through a deft Branislav Ivanovic in the first half.

The table toppers then had Nemanja Matic sent off in the second half, before Burnley drew level.

Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud scored to see Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

In other games, Swansea defeated Manchester United 2-1, Victor Moses scored from the spot to see Stoke City defeat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park after coming from behind.

Hull City beat QPR 2-1 in a match which saw Joey Barton sent off and there were no goals between Sunderland and West Bromich Albion.

In the last match of the day, Manchester City destroyed Newcastle United putting five goals past Tim Krul to reduce the gap between them and league leader to five points.

UCL: Bayern held to barren draw, Chelsea secures 1-1 draw at PSG

German champions Bayern Munich were held to a goalless draw in Ukraine Ginta Shakhtar Donetsk in Tuesday's UEFA champions league first leg match.

The Germans despite their passing and possession failed to break the Ukranians and also saw Xabi Alonso sent off in the second off for a bookable offence.

In the othe game on the night, Chelsea were able to grind out a 1-1 draw in Paris against french champions Paris Saint German.

Branislav Ivanovic's header set Chelsea ahead late in the first half while Edison Cavani equalized for the home team.