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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

 

Current Standings:

1. Liverpool (46)
2. Leicester City (38)
3. Manchester City (32)
4. Chelsea (29)
5. Man Utd (24)
6. Wolves (24)
7. Spurs (23)
8. Sheff Utd (22)
9. Arsenal (22)
10. C.Palace (22)
11. Newcastle (22)
12. Brighton (19)
13. Burnley (18)
14. Everton (17)
15. Bournemouth (16)
16. West Ham (16)
17. A.Villa (15)
18. S’ton (15)
19. Norwich (11)
20. Watford (9)

Predictions

• Liverpool 3-1 Watford
• Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth
• Sheff Utd 1-0 A.Villa
• Leicester 2-1 Norwich
• Burnley 1-2 Newcastle
• Southampton 0-0 West Ham
• Man Utd 2-1 Everton
• Wolves 1-2 Tottenham
• Arsenal 1-3 Man City
• C.Palace 1-1 Brighton

Norwich 1-1 Watford

Chelsea 2-0 C.Palace

Burnley 3-1 W.Ham

Newcastle 1-3 Bournemouth

Southampton 0-1 Everton

Spurs 2-1 Sheffield Utd

Leicester 3-0 Arsenal

Wolves 1-1 A.Villa

Man Utd 1-0 Brighton

Liverpool 2-2 Man City (Impossible to predict!)

Liverpool 5-5 (5-4 pen) Arsenal

Well, what a game. Liverpool and Arsenal played out a ten-goal thriller at Anfield and managed to take advantage of Dani Ceballos’ missed spot-kick to won 5-4 on penalties. Liverpool took the lead with Mustafi putting one into hos own net before Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Martinelli allowed Arsenal to lead 1-3. James Milner scored from a penalty but Liverpool were trailing 2-3 at half-time. Arsenal then came out again, with Maitland-Niles scoring to make is 2-4 in Arsenal’s favour. A wonder goal from Chamberlain gave a bitter taste in Arsenal fans as he scored a screamer from distance against his former club. Origi made a wonderful turn to make it 4-4. However, Joe Willock did what Chamberlain did, making it 4-5 to the Gunners. However, in stoppage-time, Origi scored a scissor kick to make it 5-5. Curtis Jones scored the decisive penalty to help Liverpool progress to the quarter-finals.

Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United

Chelsea were looking for revenge against United after their 4-0 drubbing at Old Trafford. However, United emerged winners again. A foul on Daniel James in the 12 yard box allowed Rashford, who missed at Norwich, to score the resulting penalty kick. Batshuayi, the late hero for Chelsea at Ajax, managed to score a solo goal for Chelsea to equalise with United. Rashford, who has been constantly critiqued by pundits this season for not playing well as a striker, scored a thunderous free-kick from 43 yards (40 metres, yikes!) to seal the win for United. United are slowly grasping their way back to their dominant form.

Other Results

Burton 1-3 Leicester

Oxford United 1(4)-1(2) Sunderland

Everton 2-0 Watford

Crawley Town 1-3 Colchester (Yes, they are a League 2 side who won Spurs)

Man City 3-1 Southampton

Aston Villa 2-1 Wolves

Granit Xhaka has always divided opinion among Arsenal fans. Some love him, but most hate him. Yesterday (or Sunday I should say), he insulted the fans while getting subbed off. The fans booed him when leaving the pitch, causing this provocative behaviour from the Swiss International. Many fans, however, do not know/underrate the impact he has made on the pitch.

Interceptions

Xhaka doesn’t have the highest interceptions in the EPL under Emery- but is close. He has intercepted 40 balls- behind Shkodran Mustafi (58).

Chances created

Xhaka wins this accolade, with 47 chances created under Emery so far in the Premier League. Surprisingly following him is Mesut Ozil, with 46. He has created 26 of them in 2019 alone.

Goals

Xhaka has scored more than 10 goals for Arsenal.

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The stats that make him a scapegoat at Arsenal

Cross Accuracy

Xhaka has a cross accuracy of a mediocre 25%.

Duels

Xhaka has won 540 duels but lost a high 496 of them.

Errors leading to goals

As a midfielder, it is not impressive to realise Xhaka has 7 errors leading to goal.

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Conclusion

Just because he is your captain, you can’t put all the blame on him. Yes he may be inconsistent, but he is in reality a rather vital midfielder (defensively) for Arsenal. Imagine how many goal arsenal would have concede without Xhaka. So relax, mates.

Chelsea

Captain America scored a perfect hat-trick away at Burnley as Chelsea ran riot an would eventually win 4-2. Pulisic is the first player since Didier Drogba in 2010 to score a perfect hat-trick for Chelsea in the EPL. A sensational 7 consecutive wins for Chelsea in all competitions, as Lampard is constantly improving his youthful Chelsea side.

Leicester

Leicester had 15 shots on target- 9 went in. The Foxes equalled the Premier League record for its biggest marginal win in its history (Man Utd 9-0 Ipswich Town). They have also broken the EPL record for the biggest away win (Before that it was Nottingham 1-8 Man Utd, Solksjear scoring 4). Vardy and Perez scored hat-tricks as Chilwell, Maddison (sensational free-kick), and Tielemans also found themselves on the scoresheets.

Liverpool/Tottenham

Liverpool recorded a nervy win over Tottenham. Although the scoreline was unconvincing, their football and mentality were. After Son’s deflected shot hit the bar, Harry Kane, as always, managed to nod in the rebound just 48 seconds after kick-off. Sissoko was involved in the goal as he switched roles from zero (UCL final) to hero. However, Liverpool kept pressing, and found the breakthrough after Henderson slotted his half-volley into the net. It was a huge relief for Liverpool as all their shots were practically saved by Gazzaniga. Mane won a penalty and Salah unsurprisingly converted fron 12 yards. A good yet tough win for Liverpool.

 

Man City

City won Villa 3-0 after a rather frustrating first half with Sterling, David Silva, and Gundogan scored. Ederson was ruthless in goal as he didn’t let any Villa shot go in- even when the win was already in the bag for City. Sterling scored just 20 seconds after the second-half kicked off and David Silva got a subtle touch on De Bruyne’s cross. The EPL at first gave the goal to De Bruyne, but De Bruyne was then changed to the provider as David Silva claimed the goal. Gundogan hit a rebound from Bernado Silva’s shot to secure the win for City. City aren’t over yet- Liverpool need to be wary as they travel to Anfield on 11 November.

 

Man Utd

Man Utd won 3-1 away at Norwich. Last week, Man Utd were showing a horrible statistic- recording their last away win 7 months ago. However, they have won two away matches in the space of 3 days. Tim Krul saved 2 Penalties from Rashford and Martial although the pair found themselves on the scoresheets. McTominay scored United’s 2000th EPL Goal in the eventful first half. Norwich managed to grab a consolation thanks to a sleepy Man Utd defence. That was also 1 reason why Liverpool equalised against the Red Devils last week.

 

Arsenal

Oh, Arsenal. Really? Another set of bottling. Arsenal lost grip of a two-goal lead to draw Crystal Palace 2-2 in which Xhaka stole the spotlight. As the was going off the pitch while being subbed off, the rather toxic fans booed him off. This proved Xhaka as he then decided the cup his hands over his ears and told the crowd to ‘ f*** off.’ He then threw his captain’s armband on the floor and took off his jersey. Arsenal fans please be more respectful and less toxic. You are telling a club legend to leave the club, after he won the EPL with the Invincibles? Now you do this. I know Xhaka played badly, but remove that Toxicity. If a player does not play well in other clubs, they are bound to be encouraged/not be given a toxic reaction. However, Xhaka, as a captain should not react in such an annoyed way.