EPL: the great leveller
GOAL RECORDS TUMBLE
THE glamour, glitz and glory of the English Premier League becomes a great leveller when the elite teams are at a sudden loss for words.
Having just played Champions League fixtures over the past week and with a mix of fortunes, the once enthralling English League has lost its value as a major threat in the game’s greatest club competition.
Many are speaking about the downward spiral of the English League, but realistically it’s the most competitive by a country mile.
The week’s scintillating display of football is a prime example of the great battle to be crowned champions.
Sergio Aguero’s quintuple in 20 minutes breaks another Premier League record as Manchester City humbled Newcastle United, who just a week ago gave Chelsea a scare.
This 6-1 thrashing, after Newcastle took the lead, makes Aguero one of the most prolific attackers in the league.
Manchester City, after losing the last couple of games, showed why they are still title contenders, but consistency will prove to be pivotal in their charge for another league title. David Silva was surely missed in their two defeats and showed his class against Newcastle.
The little magician has a sublime touch on the ball in tight areas.
City are certainly looking ominous but will need all their key players to stay fit, in order to lift the crown, come end of the season.
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea is having a nightmare in the football world, which is totally unusual for him. However, if anything, this is a true test of Mourinho’s ability to bounce back.
The omission of John Terry and Eden Hazard in the Champions League was a huge talking point as they lost to Porto, and then losing to Southampton has piled the pressure on Mourinho.
The big question now is. will Roman Abramovich sack his controversial manager? Even though I detest his arrogance, now is the time for Mourinho to pull his side out of the doldrums and prove his worth as a manager.
Super Sunday saw Liverpool draw with Everton and sack Brendan Rodgers finally.
Rodgers has lingered on for far too long.
However, a worry for me is the timing, as they have tough games lined up. Rodgers has himself to blame as his team selection has been, in my eyes, absolutely atrocious.
Alberto Moreno, one of the stars in the last few games, should have started every game from the beginning of the season.
I’ve been appalled by the omission of this youngster, in favour of Joe Gomez, who still has to prove his mettle. Jurgen Klopp seems to be the front runner to take over, and for me, this German is the right man to bring the club back to its rightful status.
Manchester United, humiliated by Arsenal, will be a major talking point as the pundits have been waiting for this, claiming that United’s defence is not a title-winning one.
Alexis Sanchez, the star alongside Mezut Ozil, stunned United as another record has been broken with United conceding three goals for the first time in the opening 20 minutes in the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal looked shellshocked on the sidelines as his team tried to get back into the game. Memphis Depay has not proved his worth in the League.
Wayne Rooney is looking better as an English rugby player and United as a whole needs a better balance to their starting line-up. This season will ultimately see a nail-biting close, as teams fight for top honours and to stay away from the relegation battle.
THE Rugby World Cup is at its most crucial stage as teams fight to get to the next round.
South Africa overcame Scotland, but not to my liking if we want to be lifting that trophy.
The absence of key “aged” players was a bonus as they lack the legs and firepower to drive the ball well.
I believe the Springbok coach has still not got his selection right as Adriaan Strauss should be a starter.
The Beast can’t carry the ball two metres and should be left out if SA want to advance to the final stages of thisWorld Cup. Nevertheless, as loyal South Africans our blood is green and gold and let’s hope the Springboks can find that much needed inspiration to bring home the William Webb Ellis trophy.