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Arsenal have announced the arrival of Mikel Arteta, the former Gunners captain. The Spaniard, who was the assistant manager at rivals Manchester City, signed a 3.5 year deal with his contract expiring in May 2023.

“This is a huge honour. Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We need to be competing for the top trophies in the game and that’s been made very clear to me in my discussions with Stan and Josh Kroenke, and the senior people from the club.”

“We all know there is a lot of work to be done to achieve that but I am confident we’ll do it. I’m realistic enough to know it won’t happen overnight but the current squad has plenty of talent and there is a great pipeline of young players coming through from the academy.”

Arsenal fans will be expecting from their former captain to improve their tactics, team selections, and possibly make some signings in the January transfer window.

#mikelarteta #arsenal #manager #headcoach

Liverpool vs West Ham is postponed.

Everton 2-1 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-1 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa 2-0 Southampton

Norwich City 0-1 Wolves

Brighton 1-2 Sheffield Utd

Bournemouth 2-2 Burnley

Man City 1-1 Leicester City

Watford 1-0 Man Utd

Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea

 

Ahh, good to see the Premier League back. We have some tasty fixtures for Christmas and here is all you need to know!

Games of the weekend

1. Man City vs Leicester- Etihad stadium

An absolute christmas cracker of a fixture, and City will really want/need to win this one. They are, quite shockingly, 4 points behind Leicester and are in third place. The two sides are much different from the time they last met, spiralling in opposite directions. City last won this fixture 1-0, after Vicent Kompany, the man they ever so need now, scored a thunderbolt to basically wrap up the title. Currently, Leicester are better but don’t write the champions off, especially at home.

2. Tottenham vs Chelsea

Another Christmas cracker of a match. Chelsea won 2-0 in their last meeting- Kieran Trippier scored a comical own goal after a miscommunication with Hugo Lloris. Spurs are a different side now, fielding the likes of a rejuvanated Dele Alli and a lethal Serge Aurier. Thankfully Tottenham play at home, so the smaller amount of Chelsea fans in the stadium will be muffled out by the home supporters (so hopefully we don’t hear boos for Mourinho). Will also be an interesting match.

Potential Upset

Watford vs Man Utd

Many people thought Liverpool vs Watford would be the easiest fixture of Matchday 17 (Including ourselves), but Nigel Pearson once again announced his name to the Premier League, causing Liverpool to dig deep to score 2 goals. Watford could have even be leading us had they been more clinical. Watford will hope to be more clinical against a possibly sluggish United side.

Predictions will come later. Do note Liverpool vs West Ham will be postponed as Liverpool are playing in the Club World Cup. 

 

Liverpool scraped past Monterrey to reach the Club World Cup final. I mean, we couldn’t do much about it. Keita’s goal was cancelled out by Rogelio Funes Mori’s equalizer. Firmino’s substitution proved vital as he converted a TAA cross to score the winner in stoppage time (90+1′). We really couldn’t do much in the game, Van Dijk, Lovren, Matip, Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho were injured, while Firmino and Mane weren’t at their best form. So we had to field a starting XI with Divock Origi, Shaqiri and Adam Lallana and Jordan Hendorson at Centre-back. That’s how desperate we were. Alisson was at his best- giving a five star performance including some excellent saves denying huge chances by th opposition. Let’s hope Gini, Van dijk, Mane, Bobby Firmino, Lovren and TAA can all make it in the Starting XI this Sunday.

Aston Villa 5-0 Liverpool

Aston Villa cruised past Liverpool. Horrible performances from Salah and Mane. Where were they? Nah, just kidding. Liverpool fielded a U23 side with an average age of 19 years of age. The youngest in their history, this young side actually went with a strong mentallity and in fact created more chances than the hosts. However, Aston Villa’s clinical finishing gave them an ‘easy’ 5-0 win.

Everton 2-2 Leicester City (Leicester win 4-2 on penalties)

The game of the round didn’t fail to dissappoint as Everton played a nail-biting 2-2 draw against second-placed EPL club Leicester. Everton came back from 2-0 down after a last-gasp screamer from Leighton Baines in the 91st minute. The miss of the match, though, was Richarlison missing a posibbly easy goal after Schmeichel’s poor pass gave a huge chance for the hosts. He did make up for that however- doing well in the shootout by making 2 saves. Another highlight of the match was James Maddison’s penalty saved by Pickford (in the shootout).

Oxford Utd 1-3 Man City

You may think this as nothing surprising, but you will be stunned when you see the statistics. Both sides had the same amount of shots (18), and Oxford had one more (5) on target than City (4)! Unbelievable stat, showing that City are vulnarable. However, Bravo made sure that didn’t affect the scoreline with a fine string of saves. Had Oxford been more clinical, they could have put on a bigger fight. I honestly feel bad for saying this is the easiest game of the round. The hosts had hope for 4 minutes after they equalised right after half-time started. City win, though, and face local rivals United hoping to get revenge for their 2-1 loss at the Etihad.

Man Utd 3-0 Colchester

Oops, I think I made a mistake. This was to be the easiest game of the round, but then again City are reigning EPL Champions (I said City vs Oxford would be the easiest). Man Utd cruised past a Colchester side, a League Two Colchester side, winning 3-0. The hosts looked threatening on the attack and effecient defensively. Maybe this could be something for Solskjear?

Semi-final fixtures (Over 2 legs):

1. Leicester City vs Aston Villa
2. Man City vs Man Utd (Game of the round)

Courtesy of: HITC Sport

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3UFSVP6ormiRWUg_rmH2zA

Man City: Wigan 1-0 Man City (FA Cup- Final) (2013)

The only motivating factor before the 2019 FA Cup final for Watford was that their opposition lost to a relegated side in the same final in 2013. City surrendered the title by 11 points, crashed out of the UCL in the group stage, and gave up on the FA Cup. This final could have sweetened their bitter season. However, they were lackluster in all aspects, sleepwalking to see themselves 1-0 down after a 91st minute winner.

Man Utd-  1. Man Utd 1-4 Liverpool (EPL) (2010)                                                                                              2. MK Dons 4-0 Man Utd (League Cup) (2012)

Sorry Red Devils- not a good decade for ya’ll. Although they were doing well in the EPL in 2010, they saw themselves being smashed 4-1 by their arch rivals- Liverpool- in their own backyard. El Nino (Torres) starred in the show. The more humiliating one however, was losing to 3rd Division side MK Dons in the League Cup. By the way, they are in 21st place in the same league.

Newcastle: Newcastle 0-6 Liverpool (EPL) (2013)

Newcastle fans will most likely cringe when remembering this result. Earlier in the decade, Newcastle were doing SURPRISINGLY well- they were finishing 13 points above Liverpool and qualified for the UEL. The next year, they would lose their local derby to Sunderland and then concede 6 at home to a Liverpool side without the banned Luis Suarez.

Norwich: Man City 7-0 Norwich (EPL) (2013)

Norwich’s 3-2 win over City could be considered revenge for this 7-0 thrashing in 2013. It was 5-0 at half-time. Not the best, but not a lot to say from this match.

Sheffield Utd: Sheffield Utd 1-3 Bury (League One) (2015) (R.I.P Bury)

Before I say anything, R.I.P Bury. To consider the fact in 2015 they would be unbeaten in 15 away games (Including this) to extinction. It really is a disgrace. Sheffield United were up against a mid-table Bury. Yet they still lost with strong League One names. Shameful but once against may Bury rest in peace.

Southampton: Southampton 0-9 Leicester City (EPL) (2019)

Sorry S’ton fans but if anyone loses 9-0, that too at home in the Premier League, you don’t deserve to be in the first tier. I predicted a 2-0 win for the Foxes because Southampton could be dangerous at home. No, instead it was a plastic sword against a Light Saber. When watching the highlights, I couldn’t believe this was a Premier League match. The players just kept missing headers and were horrible in defence. I’m sorry to say this but it’s true.

Tottenham: Tottenham 2-7 Bayern Munich (UCL) (2019)

Raise your hand if you thought Bayern could win this fixture with at least a Goal difference of 5. I could have saw Bayern won this but barely. Not by a 5 goal margin with Arsenal reject Serge Gnabry scoring 4. Arsene Wenger must have been happy by Bayern’s win but also must have been screaming into his pillow for the fact he gave Gnabry only 10 appearances. If he was doing that well at Arsenal, I don’t think they would have needed Lacazzete or Aubameyang. Anyways, excellent display by Bayern and this countinued a horrendous start to Tottenham’s season, leading them to sack head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Watford: 1. Man City 6-0 Watford (FA Cup) (Final) (2019), 2. Man City 8-0 Watford (EPL) (2019)

Two thrashings against City in the space of 4 to 5 months. First was in the FA Cup final where they were thrashed 6-0 and then the Premier League 8-0 (fun fact- this was after Norwich beat City 3-2). It’s just sad to see a result like that.

West Ham: Wimbledon 4-2 West Ham (FA Cup) (2019)

It’s no joke when your EPL side loses to a League One side, with your full-strength team. West Ham crashed out in the fourth-round to a desparate Wimbledon side. A famous win for the club.

Wolves: Crawley Town 2-1 Wolves (League One) (2014)

Nothing much to say- just the fact these two sides are in opposite ends in the english divisions are unbelievable.

 

                                                                    

 

 

 

 

As a Reds supporter, it’s been fun watching our team under Klopp. But what are the tactics behind all our wins?

Default, In possession

Above: Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation vs Arsenal (2018)

Klopp genrally lines up in a 4-3-3 formation at the start of the match. In this case, instead of TAA, Joe Gomez fills in for Right-Back.

What Klopp does in-game is that he uses the full-backs (underlined in blue) to go upward the field while the forwards (underlined in orange) move centrally. This causes a 2-1-2-5 formation (Fabinho goes deeper as a Defensive Midfielder). This is why you see many crosses by the full-backs: to pass to the central strikers (orange).  Although Firmino looks like a #9, he is a false 9 (dropping deeper to support the other two forwards), which makes him a threat to many defences. Alisson is a sweeper keeper while Henderson can play as both a defensive and attacking midfielder.

How in-game management is crucial

It’s really crucial. In Liverpool’s 1-1 draw to United at Old Trafford, Solskjaer had the perfect plan from the start.

Liverpool lined up in their usual 4-3-3 before kick-off, and United lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Perraira playing in a more attacking position.

United- without possession

Solskjear tasked Bissaka and Young to make runs toward the Liverpool full-backs. This means Bissaka and Young would pressure Robertoson and TAA, meaning this neautralised Liverpool’s attack. This meant that only Salah, Mane and Firmino were attacking, making it a 3 vs 3 situation when Liverpool were attacking (LFC strikers vs MUFC defenders). Even if TAA and Robetson managed to break through, it would be a 5 vs 5 as Young and Bissaka would move into their defensive positions.

Substitution 71′- Lallana on for Henderson

Klopp realised Solskjear’s plan and subbed off Henderson for Adam Lallana. This now meant he would change his formation into a 4-2-4 double pivot. The defenders would be in their same place, and Robertson and TAA still had their same role. However, Fabinho and Wijnaldum would consist of the midfield, while Lallana would play as a winger. Klopp would also move a midfielder upfield (Ox-Chamberlain).

85′

Robertson and TAA manage to break through thanks to Klopp’s 4-2-4 double pivot while Young and Bissaka go to their defensive positions. However, due to the forward line consisting of 4 fowards, it was a 6 vs 5 in Liverpool’s favour.  With one man marking all the forwards. Robertson’s cross finds an onside and unmarked Lallana at the near post. Lallana scores.

(TAA is behind. It is a 6 vs 5 in LFC’s favour)

90+2′

The Ox creates a huge chance which could have won the game for Liverpool. His shot beats De Gea but is a whisker away from the near post.

 

The Carabao cup quarter-finals are here and here’s what to expect.

 

Game of the round

Everton vs Leicester City

The Toffees are rejuvinated under their interim manager Duncan Ferguson while Leicester’s high sailing was stopped by a stubborn Norwich City in the Premier League. 

Both sides may not field their strongest sides but this will be an entertaining clash to watch for a neutral.

The two last met in the Premier League just 15 days ago, Leicester running out as 2-1 winners in a dramatic match at the King Power stadium.

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Predictable Upset 

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

While both sides want to win this fixture, Liverpool will field a very weak side while Aston Villa will field a side most probably at full strength. Liverpool’s first team squad are in Qatar for the Club World Cup the day after their B team play Villa. This is why this upset is predictable. 

The two last met in the EPL where Liverpool won 2-1 thanks to a late Mane header.                                                                                                                             ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Easiest Game

Oxford United vs Manchester City

Must be the easiest. Pep’s reserve team themselves can fight for the title. All they have to do is beat a League One Oxford United side (is it just me or do City get the easy games?). I can’t see Oxford doing Mission Impossible. If they do, this has to be one of the biggest shocks of the decade or even in football history, for that matter! The only motivating factor for Oxford is the fact that Colchester defeated Tottenham in the Third Round.

Other games

• Man Utd vs Colchester

The UCL draw commenced yesterday in Nyon at 11am (Nyon time). It was an interesting draw, and here’s what to expect in February and March.

Game of the round

 

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

This will definitely be the game to watch for neutrals. The two richest clubs going face-to-face, with world class players and managers (Shall we call it the bald derby?). I feel Manchester City have higher quality players and will edge out by an aggregate score of 2-1. They also have a better defense than Real (they should have Laporte back, after all). The two last met (Champions League) in the semi-finals during the 2015/16 season. Real won 1-0 on aggregate after an Fernandinho own goal at the Bernabau. However, they did play a friendly in 2017, City running out as 4-1 winners.

Potential Upset

Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool

With the Reds up and in excellent form (though not at their prime under Jurgen Klopp), Atletico were not the opponent they needed in the last 16. With their stubborn defence and Simeone’s defensive tactics, it will be a hard-fought battle and could be frustrating for Liverpool should Atletico manage to squeeze through. Klopp will need to be careful, especially in the 1st leg- where they will be playing at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium. At least one good things is that should they be down on aggregate, they will have Anfield to support their team to mount another comeback.

Tie(s) to look out for (Other interesting ties)

Do watch The Champions Series on B/R football!

Borussia Dortmund vs Paris-Saint Germain 

Thomas Tuchel’s reunion with Dortmund has finally come. His PSG team are playing a dangerous attacking Dortmund side (even if Sancho leaves). The main question here is: Will PSG bottle it and will Dortmund reach the quarter-finals? Or will this jinx stop? The two last met in 2010 where they drew 1-1 in the Europa League.

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich

In a rematch of the dramatic 2012 UCL Final, Bayern Munich will be looking for revenge after their loss the The Blues in 2012, where Arjen Robben missed a vital penalty. The January transfer window (a gift to Lampard) could be key for Chelsea to cause problems to Bayern. They need a new striker, Left-back, as well as a few more substitutes. Chelsea are looking lethargic and they need their energy back in this tie. Bayern, are sailing high with a few struggles here and there in the Bundesliga. I can see Chelsea do something in the tie, but I think Bayern will go through. The two last met in a friendly competition in 2017, Bayern winning 3-2.

Easiest tie

Lyon vs Juventus

You could protest and say Barcelona vs Napoli, but with their recruitment of Gattuso we can’t assume anything yet. Lyon, like Napoli, are in a civil war themselves, especially after their 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig. They have also been dealt another blow with their star man, Memphis Depay, getting a cruciate Ligament tear until May. I can only see a win for Sarri’s Juventus but hats off if Lyon make it very difficult for the Italian Giants

Honorable mention

Atalanta vs Valencia 

Just a quick one, I’m just happy to see a less fancy club enter the quarters (Valencia or Atalanta). At least we will have one club to admire to reach the last 8.

Other draws

• Napoli vs Barcelona
• Tottenham Hotspur vs RB Leipzig