A week of awesome soccer action

The past week has borne some of the most exciting football action we have seen all season. Where do I even start? Kenyan Premier, English, Champions league...

KENYAN PREMIER LEAGUE:
On Friday night, I was having a chat with sports anchor, Mike Okinyi before I left work for the day, and he was talking of Gor Mahia leading the Tusker Kenyan Premier League and I thought... "These Gor guys are just too optimistic". I actually told him that. I hate to admit it, but it looks like Mike was right, even though that was a cheap goal(if it was in fact a goal). It probably wasn't but credit to Gor Mahia. You do not get such a goal if you do not create that chance. Credit also to Sserunkuma too The UG player has totally transformed Gor's season. Gor face Muhoroni. I think that will be an easy game for them with the talent they flaunt.

AFC Leopards are starting to realize that they might lose the title now, after some crazy weeks of poor form. It could be too late. Only time will tell though. It's two games to the end and anything can happen in football. Remember Arsenal lost to Birmingham in an FA Cup final, and Man United were thrashed 6-1 at home by the bitter rivals. Ingwe next face Mathare United. That will be a tough fixture. A must-win, and a tough fixture.

Tusker FC... they're still my most preferred title winners. Its sad they conceded that silly 'goal' against Gor Mahia. We demand goal-line technology in Kenya. Tusker play Western Stima this weekend. Very tough team, considering they hammered Ingwe earlier this season.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
We always like to come down hard on Liverpool fans because of their team's performances of late, but I can honestly say that this week, Liverpool played some great football. against Anzhi, they were composed and kept them out comfortably. Against Everton... they played even better football, created the scoring opportunities they haven't been getting lately, but they still lack one thing... LUCK.

Arsenal... they look to be taking Liverpool's place as the laughing stock of the premier league. Thing is they lost at home in the Champions league and played shit against QPR. And whats worse... they meet Manchester United next. At least they won their three points against QPR, so they won't feel bad if United beat them.

Manchester United.... faced by a worthy opponent, this team crumbles. But they are also extremely lucky. These are the kind to enter Safaricom's 'Bonyeza ushinde' and actually win the prize and use it to bribe the staff to pick them again in future. Am a United fan by the way...
We won our CL game against a stubborn Braga. They deserved to lose though. Nobody comes to OT and brandishes a City shirt just cause... That was only punishable by a painful winner. Against Chelsea... well, both red cards were deserved. We are in agreement, eh? Moving on...

Chelsea.... They were just a sad sacrifice in this war against Man United. They played some good football and exposed United on several occasions until their indiscipline side kicked in.... Hehe. These guys do not play like worthy champions of Europe. So unconvincing. By the way am inviting any opposing arguments on that issue. Only in the premier league do they play like prospective champions.

Let us just sit and wait for the weekend's fixtures for now. Especially the big match, Man United vs Arsenal. This fixture was always a big deal. Be it on a Sunday evening or Monday night fixture.... this fixture used to be watched as if the next day was a public holiday... people not caring whether they're working the next day.

WE REMIND OURSELVES

First of all I salute you all in the name of the beautiful game and all that makes it so. Ronaldo, Messi, Scholes, Xavi.... OK, let me stop. I might mention all of the Barca players. I am no Barca fan. Neither am I a hater, don't get me wrong. Today... WE REMIND OURSELVES.

Remember the days when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were relegation battle material? NO? Me neither. Kenyan football was only for the players then. Even Kenyan media didn't cover it. They still dont. But look at the attention they have gotten since they changed managements. Now every mashemeji derby is like a publlic holiday. Cops are extra, fans even more. Lets now wait and see if either of them will win the title and then we shall have something to reminisce. In the meantime, Tusker FC are giving them a run for their money. I remember when they were fifth, and AFC looked to have a solid grip on the lead. I thought they'd never make it. Turns out Coach Matano is really just what they needed.

EL CLASSICO: Remember the post about Ronaldo that I wrote? Here it is: great players win, good players affect games I cannot go into the details again you can read it for yourself. I can only say a few words about the Classico. Heated affair. Barca and their flair play were all over the pitch running things, AS USUAL. And boy were they passing the thing all around. Let me tell you, if Real Madrid can change their formation when they play Barcelona(and mind you they are only one of the few teams who can beat the latter), then that just places Barca at the top of the food chain. 
One thing is a fact though; Real Madrid have one of, if not the best defenses, and attack force(ask City), in the world. Not many teams can keep Barca at bay like that, and still reserve the attacking threat that they had. They rode their luck although you could see they tried at least. 
That said, the fluidity of Barca last night night.... You cannot be a hater, honestly. Although Cristiano, aka CR7, and Messi(insert your favorite nickname here)stole the show from the others, as usual. Whomever you pledge your loyalties to, CR7 or Messi, you are in a lucky generation. One that got to watch two great players do battle. Remind yourself of that fact. You will tell your kids

THE MILAN DERBY: This used to be a great contest. The days of Ronaldo(Brazilian), then later Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Dejan Stankovic, Ronaldinho, Gatusso, Inzaghi, Zanetti, Maldini(remember him?) and the likes. I personally focused on it more during the days of Maldini(AC Milan) and Adriano(Inter). I made Inter my team henceforth on Play Station(am a PES guy btw) and yes, I was also a force to reckon with, on 'loser-pays'. People feared me. Until Manchester City rose to glory. Thats beside the point. The Milan derby was played on the same day as the Classico(7th October 2012) just in case you've forgotten yesterday's date). That went unspoken of. Anyway, Walter Samuel scored the only goal, as Inter were red carded but held on for the three points. These guys in Italy just love to play it rough. Remember those days? When football was football? And no referees 'protected' the players? Yes, we all do.

Moving on to the the juicier stuff. Giroud broke his Prem duck. yaaay! Hooray for Arsenal guys. Remember when Tottenham had gone winless against Manchester United at OT? Well, gone are those days. My friend told me to make sure I blogged it. Damn, that was a... different game. Tottenham really wifed us in the first half. 62% possession, 2 goals up. That was a tough reality. 
And Chelsea are having a great season. They are now not dependent on wingers, they have play-makers all over their mid(Mata, Oscar, Hazard) and engines in the names of Mikel and Ramires. But they have always been strong in midfield. And QPR... Remember the days they had a team, now they have a new full team and subs... and they're still rooted at the bottom of the EPL table. I think what they need now is a new manager. All in favour of having Mark Hughes sacked say AYE!!... sorry i forgot this is not Parliament and am not the Speaker. 

Do you remember the days when the Prem was graced by players like Dirk Kuyt, Fabrice Muamba, Ole Gunaar Solskaer and the likes? Kuyt, leave alone Gerrard, carried Liverpool on his back. Look where they are now without the man. Mwamba... he helped his team a lot. Sad he wasnt around to help them survive. Neither will he be there to help them back up into the Prem. Manchester United still remains the team to beat on the other hand. They've had no shortage of attackers. Though they will need a powerful man to take up the role of Scholes. Just like Barca will struggle to  replace Xavi, another great player.


DID YOU KNOW:
Sir Alex Ferguson took up the management of Manchester United at a time when they were in the relegation zone? 
Well, now you know. 



Our 'Know KPL Teams' blog just took a step closer. My friend @MikeOkinyi, yes, THE one and only Mike Okinyi, Citizen TV sports anchor, has agreed to do a guest post for us. Thanks in advance Mike, that'll be awesome. 

Also, our new website will be online hopefully.... next week. Its about time, eh?  We would want that 'Know KPL teams and their managers'
Lets talk football another time, good people.

Of Premier transformations

 The wise people said 'if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it definitely is a duck'. With the Euros, Olympics and pre-season friendlies over and done, the premier is shaping up into something potentially very interesting over the next few weeks. With the new signings, new injuries(Wilshere, Ledley King and the other weaklings), potential returns of stars(Fletcher, Anderson, Cleverly, Diaby, Bent etc), new managers (BBC says 6clubs changed managers in the EPL... Chelsea, Liverpool, Swansea, Aston Villa, Norwich City, West Brom... oh and Tottenham. Thats 7 if you ask me).

The battle for the Top 4 hots up this time... with Liverpool having signed a midfielder(Joe Allen) and a striker(Fabio Borini). If you recall they lacked someone to lead the team the middle in the absence of Gerrard and a striker as they were too dependent on Suarez. I think their fortunes will probably change for the better now though I don't see them winning the EPL.

Tottenham Hotspur look like they strengthened their midfield even more. Looks like they realized having to depend on the injury-prone Huddlestone can prove frustrating. And they also signed Vertonghen for centre back following Ledley King's retirement due to frustrations in his injury-plagued career.

Chelsea... they are clearly phasing out their old guard. I honestly dont see Di Matteo winning it with these youngsters, just yet at least. They are yet to gel, and the old guard(Lamps, Drogba Terry et al) used to deliver anyway. That is where AVB also went wrong.You cannot phase out experience all at once for energy and flair

Arsenal.... After their beloved captain came out and said that the club had no ambition, they went out and signed Giroud (French Top Scorer and League winner), Podolski (FC Cologne's top scorer in a poor season) and Santi Cazorla. In my opinion... they are all average. Take the French Ligue 1 for instance, its not that strong a league is it? Podolski... he may be different, yes, but he couldn't save his former team from sinking. Cazorla... if he really is THAT good, why haven't Barca signed him? See where am going with this? But then again, it is Wenger's tradition to 'build' stars for other teams. I do believe they will flourish, though not this season. Top 3 maximum. I also enjoyed watching Diaby playing during their pre-seasons. He always looks very sure on the ball. Hopefully he can take over from Song, if his injuries dont come back to haunt him again... seeing as Wenger has made him a star for Barca.

Manchester United... Signed Kagawa(great midfield talent this one), Powell(I think he is a striker) and that other random striker guy... Henriquez. Really? Do we really need a striker? Either Fergie is growing too old for the game(which I doubt) OR... a formation change is about to take place. And an attacking one for that matter. But the problem with that is that it could be unfair to some players.
Take 4-3-3 for instance. Scholes definitely starts, eh? Him and Carrick. Then Kagawa, since he has flare. What happens to Fletcher, Anderson and Cleverly and Ashley Young? But I can see why he hasn't signed any other midfielders. The team is obviously full of depth if Sir Alex plays 4-3-3.
Striking... assuming Valencia and Nani are promoted forward to supply for Rooney/Van Persie or whoever... what happens to Bebe, Macheda, Welbeck, Berbatov, Nick Powell? And if Valencia and Nani are not promoted forward, then that leaves them in a very tricky place since they are wingers and not central midfielders.
Lets talk about injuries... They really had them exposed last season. Influential captain Nemanja Vidic is now back. So are Anderson, Cleverly and Fletcher. Imminent returns of Jones, Smalling and the probable rise of a home-grown left back who could eventually be Patrice Evra's long term replacement, going by the name Blackette, are a sign that there could be better things to come.
The Red Devils look stronger, but I dont think City will make it any easy for them.
They could reclaim the title... if Manchester City's stars falter along the way

Champions, Manchester City.  I write about them last because they are champions, and they are definitely NOT least. First of all, they may not have signed any big players just yet BUT... that also comes as a hidden advantage. See, they wont have to wait for their team to gel, they just have to pick up from where they left last season.. and it looks like they are already up to the task. case in point, their strong pre-season games. Tevez is back.. with a vengeance. He scores, he assists, he runs the game. I don't need to remind you of the lethal combo they form... together with Balotelli, Aguero, Yaya, Nasri and Silva. They signed Jack Rodwell from Everton the other day. I dont see him coming above De Jong or Andy Johnson in the pecking order just yet. They are arguably the best with their stars on form.

On the other end of the table, I see Swansea struggling after selling two of their midfield dynamos, Sigurdsson and Joe Allen. I also foresee QPR and one of the new entrants struggling...

GREAT CAPTAINS: HOME AND AWAY

The upcoming premier league season will be bigger, better and much more interesting than last season, at least I think so. Yes, I know, we witnessed a new winner after a very long time, and yes, the premier league was won on the last day having gone all the way down to the wire, but I still think the battle-lines are already being defined. From the imminent departure of captain Robin Van Perfect(for Man United), to the signings of Kagawa & Hazard, to the awarding of a six-year contract to Vincent Kompany. Lets not forget the other potentially big deals coming up... Modric, Baines et al.

Influential Captain Kompany

Lets talk about captains though. They're important. They're influential. They lead by example. Everybody knows that right? Remember when Vidic got injured? See what happened to United... they conceded and kept conceding and lost the title to City eventually. Think Barca... Puyol got injured, Barca lost the title to Real Madrid. Look at Manchester City... Kompany got appointed captain, and the boy has led that team to their first title since 1968. I think we are now on the same page.

Lets narrow it down and talk about Kompany. The boy just signed a new six-year contract to keep him at City till he is 32. For a club(Manchester City) to show that much faith in a player(the captain, the leader, the Kompany), is reward enough for him being so influential. And deliver he has. Remember how he got the captaincy? Let me run that by you... Toure was made captain on signing for City from Arsenal, and then he was involved in that doping saga, so he was dropped as captain, upon which Tevez the prodigal son was appoined. We all know his story, don't we? Yeah... so in his absence, guess who was appointed? The Kompany. He's the only one player, who was not signed by Mancini, who has been shown favour, and still remains in the team. Think of Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Micah Richards, Mwaruwari(remember him?), Wayne Bridge. Even De Jong saw the better part of the bench for most of the second half of last season. The City captain is confident that he and Kompany(get it?) can build on last season's win. And I wouldn't doubt him. I just don't think United, Chelsea and Arsenal will let them

Closer Home... The Mashemeji Derby(GOR MAHIA vs AFC LEOPARDS) is around the corner. This is a rivalry that goes all the way back to when our grandfathers were still young men. It was a duel between Luo and Luhya. It has since become the biggest match in Kenyan football, since the tribal factor is gradually fading away, and the clubs are signing players from various parts of East Africa. Every time these two great rivals meet, it becomes a heated affair, as in every derby worldwide, with each one wanting to come out with the upper hand. It gets ugly at times. It has been suggested that extra security be provided during duels between these two rivals as some fans take it as the perfect time to wreak havoc.

The Mashemeji Derby

And as such, sometimes, it comes down to the captains of these teams. Remember the last time these two great rivals met? I'll refresh your memory. Most people in Kenya wanted Gor fans to be banned. Remember the clash at the stadium when the Gor fans started hurling stones into the pitch? It was the Gor captain who spoke to them amicably and they eventually stopped the chaos. And for that... we should respect and honour all responsible captains. Am sure our friend Carol Radull knows the guy and will pass our regards, right Carol?

So, to all who will be attending the Mashemeji derby, all the best. Enjoy the game. Most of all, be safe. That said, I cannot wait for the EPL to resume. The Supersport analysis is one of my favourite segments of soccer. 

Also, do not forget about the August 4th soccer Tweet up at Saint George Primary, Hurlingham. Its a free event, just show up, play soccer, meet and socialize with other peeps. Thats all. 

Enjoy yourselves. Lets talk more football another time, eh?

EPL REVIEW, A FAN'S VIEW

It has been a freak season this, eh? 

First it was Manchester United suffering an injury crisis we only wish on Arsenal, and which led to United getting whooped 6-1, at home... by their noisy neighbours. I was majorly hurt by that one, being a United fan. Then played second fiddle to our noisy neighbours for a few months. Bookies(I used to assume these are guys who read books so much) said the Manchester derby would decide the potential winner. I didn't believe it but now I think I do. The bragging rights are entirely with the blue side of Manchester now. We played shit, we paid for it. Simple. It'll be interesting to see how the league plays out from here on.

Then it was Arsenal with their injuries. Jesus, this team... and the random inconsistencies. And some classy own goals. Koscielny takes this award if it ever is coined. Then it was the 8-2 demolition by Man United.

Then came Newcastle. This team I'd say, for a team that got promoted, is doing really well. They are now challenging for Chelsea and Tottenham's - and what used to be Liverpool's place a while back - place in the league.

Tottenham recently started stamping their authority(mostly on Arsenal and bottom half teams) in the Premier League.But their form had dipped since February, I think, owing to the whole Redknapp leaving to manage England. Shocker! Roy Hodgson landed that position. That's another thing right?

Now West Brom will be looking for a manager next season. Tottenham may also be. I think Redknapp let himself get carried away with the England job speculations, that he may be feel bad for letting his team down. So I personally think he might move on elsewhere. That creates a lot of speculation about his star players... Bale and Modric. They could also leave, don't you think?

Chelsea and Liverpool have been average. I can't discuss average, that's a waste of your valuable time. But I will do just that and remind you of the racism charges that faced the two average clubs. Funny how Suarez was dealt with immediately and yet JT's case was postponed till after the Euros. Leaves a lot to be answered, eh? That aside, Liverpool have done well to save their season and look likely to seal a double having already won the Carling Cup. They have to beat Chelsea though.

Wigan... I have no words for them. They lag behind the whole season and then out of nowhere beat United, Arsenal and Newcastle. Clearly remaining in the Premier League is a priority. Wolves are already out, and two other teams are going to join them down in the Championship. someone has got to go. I personally think Blackburn should go. They have been riding a crisis wave for a long time now

Still lots of footballing action coming up in the next few weeks. Euro, Olympics, and the pre-season and transfer gossip. Not forgetting our very own Kenyan Premier League. We certainly will be talking up on that. Lets talk some more football some other time