The English Premier League Preview (Part Two)

Without much ado, we shall examine the chances of Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively, in the concluding part of this preview.

Arsenal

The feeling abounds that this may be Arsenal's season. Arsene Wenger's hoodoo-ending victory in the Community Shield is testament to the idea that it will not be the same old (disappointing) story for the Gunners in 2015/16.

With two consecutive FA Cup triumphs, it appears Wenger's blend of youngsters and a few galacticos is about to pay off with his first Premier League title as Arsenal boss since the 'invincibles' season.

Arsenal's newest galactico- Petr Cech - is a pair of safe hands (this, though, doesn't aim to detract from David Ospina's proficiency). Like David de Gea was to Manchester United last season, the former Chelsea goalie could be worth double points to the Gunners this term. The 33-year-old Czech international's stay at the Emirates could be as successful as Edwin van der Sar's period at Old Trafford after the Dutch joined from Fulham at age 35.

Another comforting boost is that Arsenal have a settled squad and Wenger's quest for cohesion in his team couldn't be closer than it presently is to fruition. If Karim Benzema eventually joins, that would be a jackpot. More so, apart from (injury prone) Jack Wilshere, there are no lenghty injury concerns.

Furthermore, if pre-season matches are anything to go by, then the general fitness level and form of Arsenal's squad suggests they can begin the season as they ended the last- losing only once in their 14 concluding league games.

The concern, though, will be if collectively, Wenger's men have fully developed the winning mentality and character, both of which are requisite in order to avoid wilting off later in the season.

However, expectations are still high and optimism among the Arsenal faithful is ubiquitous.

But isn't there a theory that the Gunners usually disappoint when there is wide-spread confidence they will deliver?

Manchester United

Louis van Gaal's first season in charge of Man. United was fraught with drama. His second season, in which he's confident of silverware, may be more dramatic.

The 64-year-old bemoaned United's lack of creativity in their 1-0 defeat by Chelsea last April. Unsurprisingly, United have been very active in the transfer window so far.

Following United's robust transfer activities, van Gaal's squad seems to be stuffed with players having speed and creativity.

Google Image: Man Utd

I'll be looking forward to the Memphis-Rooney partnership. But more intriguing is the patty-and-condiments-in-a-hamburger-bun midfield that van Gaal's got.

On the one hand, one could immediately wonder if such overcrowded option of players in the middle helps his course towards alleviating the squad imbalance he suffered last season.

However, with United's imminent berth in the group stages of the Champions League- barring a defeat in the hands of Club Brugge - such abundance of versatile talent in midfield may ultimately foster the freshness of the squad for majority of the season.

In addition, avoiding the poor start experienced in the previous campaign will be one of Louis van Gaal's priorities. Anything short of a win in today's lunch time kick-off may lead to some head-scratching and definitely nothing to celebrate on Louis van Gaal's 64th birthday.

In all, Man. United have a title-winning squad, at least, on paper. But has Louis van Gaal discovered his most effective Man. United XI yet?

The Wait is Over!

Yes, the wait is over- the season is all ready here. Ironically, though, it implies we only just started waiting- for who will emerge as champion in May 2016.

While we have our fingers crossed, it's certain we'll be thrilled by the nail-biting moments, blunders, sensational strikes, saves, flicks & tricks, as well as upsets.

On the Spot.

I have a feeling the Premier League trophy is heading for Manchester. Blue or Red? It may be hard to tell.

The caveat, though, is that football is a funny old game. Even the best of pundits can be reduced to amateurs by the bravado of football's unpredictability.

So, do not deride me if by May ending of 2016, the top four places in the Premier League table have no vestige of resemblance to my conjecture below.

1. Manchester City

2. Arsenal

3. Chelsea

4. Manchester United

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

Manchester United players visit Google Headquarters

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata and a few of his team mates took time out to visit the headquarters of online search engine, Google in San Francisco.

United are currently on a pre-season tour of the states but thought to learn more about the online company.

The Spanish midfielder shared via Instagram, "Thanks for an inspiring afternoon, @google. #dreambig"

United d will play French side Paris Saint Gernan on Saturday in another game as they prepare for the new seaons.

De Gea is United's Player of the Season

David De Gea has been named Manchester United's player of the season in an award ceremony held on Tuesday.

Source: Manutd.com (Wayne Rooney and David De Gea)

The Spanish Goalkeeper has been on top of his game for the Red devils this season and is currently in contract talks with reports linking him to Real Madrid.

"I want to say thank you to my team-mates, they have been fantastic this season and I love them. We have a great dressing room and I would like to say thank you very much," said De Gea after being presented with his award by club captain Wayne Rooney.

When asked about his favourite save of the season, the Spaniard said simply: "I think for the goalkeepers any save is important to help the team. I am very pleased [with the award] and I only want to say thank you to my team-mates."

Fellow Spaniard Juan Mata also recieved for the Goal of the Season award for his second strike in the 2-1 win over Liverpool in March.

Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium are best grounds in the Premier League

Old Trafford

Arsenal and Manchester United playing grounds (Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford) have been adjudged the Ground Team of the season in the Premier League.

This award shows that tireless efforts of the men working behind the scene is being recognized

Emirates stadium

Run by the Playing Surfaces Committee in conjunction with the STRI, there is a scoring system in place which is compiled using marks from match officials and match delegates.

There is also a pitch assessment visit by Dr Stephen Baker, head of sports surface technology at the STRI, and an assessment of each club's management of the pitch, whilst also factoring in elements such as environmental issues, shade from the sun and pitch usage throughout the season.

Barclays Premier League Grounds Teams of the Year, 2014/15

Winners: Manchester United (grounds team led by Tony Sinclair), Arsenal (led by Paul Ashcroft)

Highly commended: Aston Villa, Southampton, Swansea City

Source: Manutd.com

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

Bale is not for sale! Zidane warns Manchester United and other clubs to stay clear

Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has reiterated that Gareth Bale will not be leaving the club this summer.

The Castilla coach made this statement following reports suggesting that the Welshman might be making a return to England in the summer to join Manchester United.

It has been a challenging season for the former Spurs star after the loss to rivals Barcelona, which saw fans attacked his car.

''Real Madrid buy the best players in the world. They don’t sell them,” Zidane told the Daily Mirror.

''Of course other clubs will be interested in him, he would improve any squad in the world, but the president has said he is not for sale and that is because he is not for sale.

''That will be the answer to Manchester United or any other club that asks the question.

''He was a big part of our success last season especially in the Champions League, and as we look to defend our title I am sure he will play a successful part again.''

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.

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.

FA Cup: Welbeck beats United at Old Trafford, sends Arsenal to semi final

Danny Welbeck scored against his former side Manchester United at the Old Trafford to seal Arsenal's semi final spot in the English FA Cup.

The Gunners took the lead through Nacho Monreal but the Reds didn't hesitate to respond as captain Wayne Rooney headed home to put the game at per.

Welbeck who left Untied last Summer for the Emirates capitalized on Antonio Valencia's 61st minutes mistake to seal the victory for his visiting side.

United finish with ten men after Angel Dimaria was shown two yellow cards for diving and immediately for pulling the referee's shirt from behind.

Arsenal will now play winner between Reading and Bradford.

Arsenal in Trouble! Rooney hopes to end FA Cup Trophy drought

Wayne Rooney has spent about 11-years with Manchester United, won many trophies but the FA Cup trophy still eludes him.

United will confront rivals Arsenal in the quarter final of the FA Cup this weekend and it promises to be a cracker. 

Rooney has missed out in the finals on two occasions, in 2005 shootout defeat to Arsenal and again in 2007 when Didier Drogba’s solitary goal in extra-time earned Chelsea a 1-0 triumph at the new Wembley

''We have an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on Monday and that is massive for us,'' Rooney told ManUtd.com and thePress Association. ''We haven’t been to a final for a few years, we want to try to win that game and we are looking forward to that.

''Of course, I think it is a massive trophy. It is a trophy that, growing up as a youngster, I used to love watching and I was fortunate enough to see Everton lift the FA Cup in 1995 when I was nine years old. It is something which I would love to do and hopefully it can be this year.''

The last time both teams met was in Novemeber 2014 in a league match which ended 1-2 in favour of the Reds devils.

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.

United beat Preston, to face Arsenal in quarter final

Sky Sports: FA Cup Trophy

Manchester United came from a goal down to beat Preston in the fifth round of the FA Cup to qualify for the quarter final.

The Reds have now been drawn against premier league rivals Arsenal while Liverpool will host Blackburn Rover.

Giant-killers Bradford will host Reading while another Premier League tie see Aston Villa travel to West Bromich Albion.

Ties to be played 7 and 8 of March 2015

FA Cup: Manchester United Cruise into Fifth round

Manutd.com

Manchester United have advanced to the FA fifth round after seeing off fourth tier side Cambridge United in a 3-0 replay win at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

It ended 0-0 at Cambridge but the Red devils have finally showed their superiority over the stubborn side as goals from Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and James Wilson were enough to drawn their opponent.

Chris Smalling's Interesting insight into Manchester United Dressing Room

Chris Smalling lets us into the Red devils' dressing room and reveals who sits near him in the Aon Training Complex dressing room...

Google Image: Chris Smalling

''I sit in the right-hand corner next to Jonny Evans. Ben Amos used to be next to me, but he moved because he kept leaving his wet gloves on the side - we pushed him over to the goalkeeper corner! I was also next to Danny Welbeck, but his place has been taken by Jesse Lingard, and Tyler Blackett is next to him – it’s quite a young corner, but it’s also a fun corner to be in.

Daley Blind is next to Tyler and Michael Carrick is next to him, so it’s a good corner and a tidy one too! Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney tend to be pretty loud in their corner, but ours probably rivals theirs.

''You get to know people better when you sit next to them every day, and I think that goes for the whole dressing room - everyone gets on well. We’ve had quite a few new players and youth players coming through and it’s been easy for everyone to gel together.

''The dressing room is always pretty lively. We all come in around a similar time and there are always lots of jokes. Sometimes there will be socks thrown around so it’s good to be able to see everyone from our corner! You have around an hour to prepare before training and everyone is always in good spirits. It helps that we’re in good form and we want to keep it going.'' (Source: Manutd.com)

Simply put, a winning team will always have a lively dressing room. #Fact or what do you think?

Omeruo's Middlesbrough to play Arsenal in Fifth Round of FA Cup

Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo's Middlesbrough will be away at the Emirates when they take on Arsenal in the 5th round of the English FA Cup.

The Gunners dumped Brighton out of the competition on Sunday, while Aitor Karanka’s side eliminated Premier League champions Manchester City from the competition.

If Manchester United win their replay against Cambridge, they will play either Preston or Sheffield United.

Here are the full draws:

Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool or Bolton

Arsenal vs. Middlesbrough

Aston Villa vs. Leicester City

West Bromwich Albion vs. West Ham United

Bradford City vs. Sunderland or Fulham

Blackburn Rovers vs. Rochdale or Stoke City

Preston or Sheffield United vs. Cambridge vs. Manchester United

Deloitte: Real Madrid is the Richest Club in the World for the 10th year

Spanish giants Real Madrid have been confirmed by world's reputable financial accountants Deloitte as the richest football club in the world for the 10th year running. 

Despite a poor run of performance in the season in question, Manchester United rose two places to make second place while Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal made top 10.

1. Real Madrid - £459.5m

2. Manchester United - £433.2m

3. Bayern Munich - £407.7m

4. Barcelona - £405.2m

5. Paris Saint-Germain - £396.5m

6. Manchester City - £346.5m

7. Chelsea - £324.4m

8. Arsenal - £300.5m

9. Liverpool - £255.8m 

10. Juventus - £233.6m

11. Borussia Dortmund - £218.7m

12. AC Milan - £208.8m

13. Tottenham - £180.5m

14. Schalke 04 - £178.9m

15. Atletico Madrid - £142.1m

16. Napoli £137.8m

 17. Inter Milan - £137.1m

18. Galatasaray - £135.4m

19. Newcastle United - £129.7m

20. Everton £120.5m

21. West Ham United - £105.3m

22. Aston Villa - £101.9m

23. Marseille - £100m

24. Roma - £97.7m

25. Southampton - £97.3

26. Benfica - £96.6

27. Sunderland - £95.7m

28. Hamburg - £92.2m

29. Swansea City - £90.5m

30. Stoke City - £90.1m

Cambridge draw Manchester United in FA Cup fourth round (See full draw)

Google Image

Lowest ranked team in the draw Cambridge United who ply their trade in League Two will have their hands full when they take on red devils Manchester United in the fourth round of the English FA Cup.

Title holders Arsenal play Brighton while Chelsea will take on Bradford or Milwall, all fixture scheduled for 23rd and 24th of January.

Below are the full fixtures:

Brighton vs Arsenal

Southampton or Ipswich vs Crystal Palace

Cambridge United vs Manchester United

Blackburn vs Swansea

Chelsea vs Milwall/Bradford

Derby vs Chesterfield/Scurnthorp

Brighton vs Arsenal

Preston vs Sheffield United

Birmingham vs Westbrom

Aston Villa vs Bournemouth

Cardiff vs Reading

Wimbledon vs Liverpool/Bolton

Burnley/Spurs vs Leicester City

Rochdale vs Stoke

Sunderland vs Fulham/Wolves

Doncaster/Bristol vs Everton/Westham

Manchester City vs Middlesborough

Manchester United Players handed Christmas Day Off

Manchester United has asked his players to sit at home and enjoy Christmas with their families and would not be training as usual.

The Red devils face Newcastle on Boxing day and the manager has chosen to reward his players with the day off, report on the club website states.

''I have changed that, I have given them free time and Christmas day with the family,'' the boss told MUTV on Friday. “We shall come together the next day here at our Aon Training Complex. Then we will have all of the meetings like we have done all season.

''I believe in a total human being so the environment is also important. I think they are more pleased to be at home with their wives and children. I hope they shall give everything to beat the opponent then.''

 

Van Gaal was manager of the Dutch national team this time last year and was able to enjoy his Christmas holidays at home in the Netherlands. Although he enjoyed that time, the boss is just as happy to lead the Reds into action against Newcastle.

 

''When you are a national team coach then you don’t have to do anything at Christmas because in the Netherlands the players are also free and have holiday,” van Gaal explained. “But here we play football and that is also nice.''

Van Gaal disagrees that Manchester United are a one-man team

The heroics of United's goalie David De Gea has left many to suggest that the team is a one-man team but the manager thinks otherwise.

Google Image: David De Gea save

Louis Van Gaal stated after United's 3-0 spanking of Liverpool at Old Trafford that the recent performance is a collective effort.

''We are doing it like a team and the team is winning, not one player,” Van Gaal said in the postmatch news conference.

''I can mention also other players, the influence of their performance was high but the press wants always one or two.

''I could mention more than three. We were very good today. I want to mention the team instead of individuals. That is my philosophy. I think the team has done very well and De Gea has contributed a big part of that.''