Now that the EPL kicked off without the incident of the red card on the weekend, we are in football season proper. Teams have scrambled to tweak their squads while some are having a rethink on having to dip into the transfer market with the conclusion of their first day losses.

One of those teams is Liverpool who, from being title contenders are suddenly looking not just short of fire power up front (my criticism of them last season even as they dropped only 2 points in their last 11 games) but seem very brittle at the back. Shall I say the magic word? Alonso? Could the absence of Liverpool’s best player last season be manifesting his importance to a team which seemed unable to create service for Torres and Gerrard?

It is too early to rule Pool out of a title bid of course. But if Lucas Leiva continues to play the Alonso role, Masch style, the Merseyreds could soon be chanting “next season” once again. Even if he is crocked and no one knows how he’ll adapt from the slow, deliberate pace of the Serie A to the frenetic pace of the EPL, Aquilani is suddenly a big big player for Liverpool. I personally love the player and believe he will be a creative spark for them. But in my estimate, he is too much of an attacking midfielder to bring the calm that Liverpool were gouging their eyes out for in the midfield against Tottenham Hotspurs.

Again, too early, but bad bad first signs. Financial clouds gathering storm, a loss, a ManU win. Hmm.

The team which beat the Reds, Spurs, looked particularly impressive. While all the talk has been about Manchester City and their 100 million dollar team, Spurs looked really good. King, Palacios, Bassong, Modric and Assou-Ekoto is a solid basis for provide service for the ludicrously named ‘fab four’ of Defoe, Crouch, Keane and Pavlychenko (the short guy, the tall guy, the good lookin chap and the moody European hah). Spurs if they can keep their consistency especially on their travels look good for a top six finish, easy. But again, its the Spuds and its too early.

Chelsea were my picks for the title before the start of the season. Their match with Hull made me doubt them a little but then their win over SUnderland to bring them to the top of the league confirms my suspicion the oldies from London might take away the league trophy. Yes Ancellotti is an EPL virgin (not anymore though after Stephen Hunt poked in a goal) but he is plenty savvy and slow as they were, they seem like they will grind out wins after win. Too much like Scolari, you say? True. Lack of width? Of course. But the Italian’s substitutions show a canny more proactive operator than Scolari. Add to that, Joe Cole will return and you have just about an aging, creaky, pension-demanding but possibly league-winning team.

Which brings me to last year’s league winning team, ManU who also made a happy 1-nil start against Birmingham City with Rooney finally been afforded some limelight. The boy will score 20 goals this season EASY. Owen looked slow but his poaching movement still seems to be around. Will he start banging em in? Possibly. Berbatov won’t score you bucketloads. He’ll look classy and he’ll be impossible to take the ball off but will be provide the impetus to the team. Nani seems to be better than last season but more injury prone. Valencia is a good solid player, capable of a few great moments.

Verdict? Dependable ManU but the fear factor has been removed. Flat-track Ronaldo has departed so it’ll be that more difficult for the Devils to dispose off of so-called smaller teams. That had been United’s strength the last 3 years. I am actually glad for a good start by em (coz bad starts by them mean good recoveries traditionally). Having seen them play and yes it’s early in the season, I predict a blip and a third place finish for them.

And then  finally my beloved Arsenal who handed out a spanking of ginormous proportions to Everton at Goodison Park 6-1. Plenty to be excited about? Yes! Vermaeleun, damn he’s short but damn he looked good. Song was actually playing as if he were bothered (jumped great with Felliani) though he still had that papoo, what-am-i-doing-here-look. Brilliant though. Denilson is a 6/10 who was a 8.5/10 on the night. Is this a career-changing season for him. I hope so but I have seen him play as well before. Must find consistency. Bendtner… have always hated him doing dribbles with his undoubted fast feet. I think I may have a rethink, playing much better and I feel Ade’s departure may have something to do with his unleashing of good football. Eduardo – I love him and he is massively underrated. Fabregas seems to have found scoring boots. He’s belting em. Must not imitate his performances in 2006 when he scored a few at the start but then nothing the rest of the season.

Arsenal, title-contenders? Almost but not quite yet. They need consistency and I am fairly confident (seeing their games against Celtic and Everton) they will display that against the lesser sides as well. Arsenal are never no-hopers and I am really hoping to stick a few up the arses of those who were predicting Arsenal would slip out of the top-4.

Man City looked good. Not terrifying though. Also fortunately saw enough from the Rovers to suggest, City might not be such a grand-daddy in the league as they were in the transfer market.

I have just breezed through the list but I needed to because I had fallen way behind. Detailed blogging to follow.

I will not give up on this most auspicious of seasons. Not this time, baby. Happy footballing, world.

French and brown. But Thierry Henry?

First up is the surprising signing of Gabriel Obertan. Of course the ManU fans will have you believe the kid is the next Christiano and that Ferguson has unearth a real gem at 3 million pounds (cue inevitable comparisons to Thierry Henry). Yes the kid is fast but he looks more like David Bellion of a few years ago than either Ronaldo or Henry. Obertan is also the player of the year in the Toulon Tournament held just last month and by winning that, he joins an exclusive list which includes Figo and Giovinco to name a few. So the boy definitely has talent and at 3 mil is almost risk-free. But being compared to Henry and Ronaldo is a pressure almost no one can bear and to put that tag on the shoulders of a young kid who couldn’t even find a place in Bordeaux’s first team last season seems way to much.

I give the transfer a 5.5/10 rating given that its almost risk free. However, I do not see him adapting straightaway and with a lack of tricks in his bag, he may struggle initially. That initial struggle will also call into question his mentality and if he may be able to stand the physical vigours of the English Premier League.

Obertan may have come but where does that leave the mercurial Nani? One would have thought, he would have gotten a straight run in the team competing with Park Ji-Sung and Tosic (who may make more appearances next season with Valencia almost a permanent on the right). It seems he may have to fight for his place now. Ferguson does not seem very enamoured with him either even though he possesses an even higher level of skill at the moment than Ronaldo did when he came on against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford six years ago. His problem has always been his decision-making, quite like Ronaldo all those years ago. Yet he has been unable to make the set-up. One would have thought having a run of games in the team would only give him time and confidence (like Ronaldo got during the dominating years of Chelsea). I fear Nani’s career may be at an end unless he starts delivering from the onset.

So Manchester United is scrounging for bargains in the basement with Obertan and Owen despite having 80 million in the bank. Is it savvy? Sure. Would they have wanted to sign Benzema if they had a chance? Without a freakin doubt.

Another team looking to balance the books (and make a tidy profit) is Liverpool is reports are to be believed.

With the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in doubt, the Anfield outfield is looking at Lee Cattermole as a possible replacement. Yes the same from Wigan. He is a good player no doubt but a top-four club team? As a replacement for Alonso and Mascherano?? Liverpool will have to battle with Sunderland in order to secure the boy’s signature. If this basement bargain hunting isn’t a sign that the Premier League is on the decline at least year, I don’t know what is.

Masch-monster II?

Chelsea, the mega-billionaires are now being trounced into paupers as well by Manchester City. It is ironic and plenty amusing as City try to BUY the talismanic symbol of Chelsea.

But with Terry being a twit, i am sure there will be more time to talk about that.

Chelsea have snapped up Yuri Zhirkov for 18 million pounds in what sounds like a great deal to me. 18 million is big money (I am an Arsenal fan after all) but it isnt the marquee signing that they are craving for. Besides, they already have the admittedly very good Ashley Cole at left-back. So unless they want Zhirkov to play on the left of midfield, it really doesn’t make sense. UNLESS they are about to sell Cole? Barcelona do need a rather good left back as do Real Madrid. It is just a thought.

The flying Russian - but where will he play?

More curiously, Chelsea snapped up Ross Turnbull, the Borough keeper on a free and are now looking at Adam Johnson. Yes, a precocious talent but really? I doubt any of the big European clubs will be quivering in their boots at the thought of facing upto the rather decent but hardly great Johnson. Maybe it has to do the home-grown players rule that is coming up.

Adam Johnson - the scourge of the continent

For whatever reason, the Premier League has been made poorer this season. Manchester City could probably still entice Eto’o or Lucio but having lost Ronaldo and with plenty of rumours surrounding Alonso and Mascherano, it seems the summer will hand with more notable exits than entries.

Also, is everyone now sort of waking up to Arsene’s miserly transfer wiliness. Ferguson especially with his stables of youngster (Tosic, Ljajic(?), Nani, Welbeck, Macheda, Obertan, Possebon, Da Silva brothers) seems to have caught to Le Professor’s strategy. Of course, having experienced players in his squad (helped by a big bank balance) puts him at an advantage.

So far so good though. Next season is promising to be interesting.

(will become super interesting when Arsenal buys a DM)

Consider the facts when the transfers is completed.

Owen despited being a rickety truck for a few many years now will be paid between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds basic salary with the rest being determined by his own performances. Such a deal for a player who may seem past it but can still score goals looks like a good risk to me. And let us not forget he will cost a WHOOPING nothing pounds because he is a free transfer. It is a lot like betting on the Australians to retain the Ashes. You have pretty much 1 in 19 chance of going wrong.

I really thought Liverpool would go for Mickey but Fergie has jumped in front of the queue with a very smart move. Sure Owen made few starts at Newcastle, and has been a bad boy addicted to horse racing but he has still banged in the goals with more than a goal in 2 games. That is predatory goal-scoring. Nobody says Van Nistelrooy can’t score goals just because he is 33. Same goes for Owen on a lower scale.

Don't know about injuries but certainly knows how to don a hat

In other news, Antonia Valencia made his 17 million (or something) pound move to Manchester United from Wigan Athletic. I have always maintained he is a very good player, under-rated in many quarters. And given that he is young, he will provide plenty and eventually come good for his price tag. The nagging question is, “is being worth 17 million pounds really what United need, having let go of what was 80 million pounds raiding down the right, left and centre of their forward line?” Seems like a 6/10 signing to me.

Will he be at least a quarter of a player Prima Donna Ronaldo was?

Of course, United fans should shudder at United favorite, Steve Bruce’s assessment when he claimed he “believes Wigan have unearthed the new Jermaine Pennant in Ecuador’s Antonio Valencia.”

Terry in his best light

In other news, Chelsea have rejected a 30 million pound bid for their captain John Terry. They termed the bid derisory and would not consider selling their club talisman. Sounds good to me. In a world where Glen Johnson costs 17 million pounds, Terry should be at least 45 mil. Please remember, I am talking in terms of market inflation and not in terms of money buying quality.

Of course Terry is and will always be a twit, even to his boyhood club. This is what the Guardian had to say about noble Terry’s sentiments regarding the bid:

“City believe that ‘despite all his claims to the contrary, Terry is intrigued by what is happening at Eastlands and would like, at the very least, to speak to the club’s billionaire owners in Abu Dhabi.’ “

That is called loyalty from the England captain boys. It also rings out a word, that is just crying to be heard out aloud… lemme hear it, lemme hear it? There you go: “Mercenary.”

So the semi-finals are as follows:

Spain v USA

Brazil v South Africa

Which basically means we should expect a mouth-watering final between the beach boys and those Spaniards who love shitting (to contextualize, Spanish swear words are all some sort of mutation on the theme of shitting; i.e. shitting in your milk, in your mouth, in your mama’s ass, etc etc. Very fecally motivated).

The United States were the surprise winners of course. The way Egypt had been playing against the big boys, no one gave the boys from Stateside a whisper of an opportunity. However, for anyone who has actually watched the confederation cup instead of blowing hot gas about it will know despite losing 3-1 to Italy and 3-0 to Brazil, the Americans have actually been very handy in the attacking-third.

Against Brazil, for example, they hit the bar and created numerous chances. Their defence might not resemble even a shack wall but led by Landon Donovan and the handy Clint Dempsey and the very hand Jozy Altidore, they pose a decent attacking threat.

On the other hand, one should have seen this result coming, if not the degree of the loss. Egypt are floundering in their World Cup qualifying, drawing matches against teams such as Algeria. Having seen them play so well agains the big boys, I can only assume they are a little bit like Arsenal, if you don’t mind the comparison. Against quality opposition, their players are allowed the liberty to attack and hence be truer to their footballing philosophy. However, against more physical sides, they struggle. They may only have a degree of this bug however.

The match between USA and Egypt was quite open with flourishes coming from Donovan who showed why Bayern were interested in signing him up permanently. He is very handy and one mazy, determined run showed his quality on the ball. He is better than Dempsey who hasn’t done half bad at Fulham so I am surprised teams such as Everton, Aston Villa, Fulham or even West Ham are not looking at him.

Yeah, he's a Yankee alright

The United States played very controlled, aggressive football, combining attack with some dogged defending against an Egyptian side who complained that they were tired.

Having seen the match however, with the amount of chances they had, the States deserved the win if not the margin.

In the other match, Italy continue their descent into looking shit and only really confirming my opinion of their horrible horrible footballing team. Only for the last 25 minutes were they any threat with Andrea Pirlo the only man who looked like doing anything. Ahad-disliked Mario Camaronesi also did surprisingly well as did Rossi who looked a class act when he came on but other than that, Brazil were all over Italy.

Kaka was in his element; a gale of destructible force on the counterattack while Fabiano were clinical in front of all. Add to that the best right-back in the world Maicon Douglas and Brazil are progressively turning on the style to add to their labored but competent defence. Why is there not much hullabaloo about Maicon, I do not understand. He looks defensively stronger than Daniel Alves (who is the second-best in the world btw) as well as possessing the quality to drive in crosses into the box which actually find players consistently. There is a very fine line of brilliance between Maicon and Alves but Maicon definitely wins out on his Barca team-mate.

The Best RB in the World

Madrid should be looking to sign up this ‘galactico’ and push Sergio Ramon into CB. That would make Madrid a very hot favorite for the Champions League next season (Barca by virtue of being a brilliant team will be just as good btw but more on that later).

Lippi needs to grow up. He needs to blood young players in his team now. For me, his 2006 win was a fluke, based largely on luck than footballing quality. Of course, his hand in steeling Italian determination was a key but organizing the defence is the only thing he should be credited with. Italy have a shortage on quality up-front with Toni looking past it while Iaquinta is not a world-class player at all. Rossi needs to play regularly while Cannavaro should be shipped out pronto.

I am looking forward to one-sided semi-finals. One great thing about games like these is the fact, that you can see the quality players parade their skills to the full hilt.

Predictions

Spain 2-1 USA

Brazil 3-0 South Africa

The European champions (so felt like writing “world champions” after having seen Italy stumble time after time since 2006) notched up a record 15 consecutive win with goals from Fernando Llorente and David Villa.

I did not catch the Iraq match and my decision looks wise from the score-land and the report card, however, I did manage to see Spain boss the Bafana Bafana around. To their credit, led superbly by Steven Pienaar (how good is he btw? Coupled with Cahill and Arteta at Everton, they have a formidable midfield, some squad depth and boy can they go places), South Africa were not total mugs which is the nicest compliment I can give them playing against a technically superior, possessively bitchy-about-the-ball team like Spain.

He is seriously under-rated

Fabregas returned and actually outpaced Aaron Mokoena which is saying something because Cesc is slower than Inzi was between wickets (okay maybe not THAT slow but still). The result was a penalty which Villa missed. However, the pressure as it almost always does when a superior team plays an inferior one, showed and Spain managed to squeeze in the two goals.

These guys are the real deal

South Africa had no need to worry, it seems as Iraq could not even win.

Now comes the group B which will decide who go on through. I believe Italy actually have the tools to stop Spain with their brand of catenacchio(?), however, I really want to see Spain face off against Egypt. It will be fascinating and a whole lot closer than anyone can predict. Brazil would be aiming for at least a draw against Italy so they can virtually guarantee themselves a place in the final by having to meet South Africa in the semis.

With cricket fever in Pakistan and Tehran fever around the rest of the world, I can’t believe people aren’t talking about Brazil v Italy. I mean these are two of the most decorated sides in the world with enough superstars to keep a dark night all starry and bright. Sure it is ‘just’ the Confederations cup but cmon! These are the games you wait days and days to see, my friends. So do spare a peek at least. IF you consider yourself a football fan of any degree.

- Bacary Sagna had one assist in 08-09 while Gael Clichy had none.

#1 They will both have more next year

- Arsenal scored not-at-all-bad 68 goals this season. Out of that, midfield had only 24.

#2 I tip midfield to score more than 24. Reason? Andrei Arshavin.

I actually had a dream like this. Billy Gallas cut off a head. Of someone in a Tottenham shirt.

I am not sure I condone swords but a couple of real Goons might not actually be a bad idea.

Finally - A defensive signing

Thomas Vermaelen, it has now been confirmed, has signed for Arsenal FC. So what do we know about our newest recruit, other than the fact, that he is Belgian and has a name which will throw many numerous Paki-pronunciations of his name.

He has arrived from Ajax which is an admirable pedigree by anyone’s standards. I have personally been able to see him only fleetingly but at 5’11-5’12 he is definitely not very tall. He is, however, well built, beef-cake in the dictionary of those who like to have their men gora and European. Sol Campbell would have approved I am sure.

He has 21 caps for Belgium as well 143 for his club side having made his debut at the Arsenal-appropriate age of 18.

How he performs in the English Premier League will not be known until he actually plays a few games for us but at 10 million pounds, he should be decent at least. Regardless of how he performs, I really hope Vermaelen has been bought to address a key chink in our armour and not merely to replace BOTH Toure and Gallas. Billy Gallas will most probably leave given his sulking while captain and his perceived mistreatment at the hands of some of the younger players in the squad but Toure should not be allowed to.

Just today, rumours have resurfaced that Manchester City will be making a 12 million pound bid for the Ivorian. Sure he wasn’t himself last season (probably because he didn’t get enough games) but his experience, in general, as well as within the team is invaluable which will not be easily filled by, let’s say Sebastian Bassong (who is another player I would like to see us go for next – followed by a defensive mid- and a striker in case Adebayor leaves).

I have a sinking feeling, given that the Africa Cup of Nations is this year, Le Professeur might be tempted to let him go. It is not so much his talent we will miss, it will be his experience. Alternatively of course, an experienced defensive mid could be bought.

Billy boy - Always showed us some passion - or tears

Toure - The lovable tongue wagger

Bassong - Future Wall of Arsenal? Please?

One thing disturbs me however. The first time, I saw Bassong was when Newcastle were 3-0 down at the Emirates and he slotted in at left-back. Could my first impressions blight his Arsenal career? Because he was struggling. Like really. (to his credit however, he would just throw his weight around – now that is something we need)

Even if the quality of Vermaelen and Bassong (still haven’t bought him yet) is good enough (and I believe it might very well be – especially in the presence of a strongman defensive mid – cannot emphasize this more), they will need to get their partnership at the heart of defence gelling faster than Beckham sells his shirts at a women’s departmental store.

As I read the other day, Arsenal do seem to be at a crossroads, where with rumours flying about our top players, consistently over the last few years, we are not, unfortunately big (financially and results wise) enough in England to even be mentioned in rumours about David Villa, David Silva or even Karim Benzema (the 2 strikers in this list would have done nicely when Adebayor leaves).

Despite my optimism, this is going to be a big season for us Gooners. That is why I have Arsenal chants sitting on my phone. Ask for the love sometimes.

The Confederations cup has seen Spain continue a run of form which has seen them saddled with the tag of favorites for the World Cup final even if it is an year away. They are already through to the semi-finals after beating New Zealand 5-0 followed by a rather less-than-routine labored 1-0 win over Iraq.

In a ridiculously easy group also including South Africa, Spain has the enviable luxury playing virtual exhibition matches before the semi-finals.

As things stand in the first group, it surprisingly seems Iraq could make the cut. They have one point and will face against New Zealand while South Africa despite being on 4 points take on Spain, whose reserve side would embarrass most sides outside the top 25.

Even though Iraq has a goal difference of -1 while South Africa has 2+, making the goal differential 3, Iraq seem to have a great chance.

Spain is guaranteed to score a couple of goals which means Iraq will need to score twice as well which against New Zealand does not appear to be such a problem.

Whereas, Group A seems relatively simple, it is the minefield of group B which is throwing up some fascinating hypothetical scenarios.

But before the points table can be discussed; allow me to don my hat to one of the most entertaining sides in world football presently; Egypt. Playing the way they do, with technique and flair, Egypt are a middle income man’s Spain. Which is not shabby at all. They were heartbroken by Brazil 4-3 after they came back from 3-1 to draw 3-3.

The penalty in question, despite being a penalty should never have been given (rightly objected to by the Egyptians). The referee definitely  had a retrospective aid through the assistant referee which according to FIFA regulations and common sense is wrong.

It could have been very easy for them to feel sorry for themselves. But what did they do? They went out and beat Italy 1-0.

The result, which is the first ever defeat of Italy by an African team, is not as shocking as it initially seems. Italy, apart from Guiseppe Rossi seem to possess no other forwards capable of making international impressions. Iaquinta is decent at best while Fabio Quagliarella does not seem to be  the player he was an year and a half ago when Manchester United were interested in him. And admit it. As good as Italy were defensively in 2006, they were far from the best and in my opinion highly lucky to win the tournament.

Egypt however, held more than their own against their illustrious opponents. Worthy of mention in the 2 games played by them so far are of course Abu Treika, Mohammad Zidan, Ahmed Eid and the match-winner against Italy Mohamed Homos. Egypt highly impressed during the African Cup of Nations dismantling the much vaunted Ivory Coast and deservedly became champions. With their emphasis on passing, allied with a technique which would put the England side to shame, Egypt pressed without the ball and stretched with it. They heaved and puffed as one unit and were more than a match.

They required a bit of luck and some wayward shooting from Italy of course. El-Hadary had a blinder as Egypt’s keeper. A lot of credit must go to the Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata who has overseen a magnficent overhaul of the national side in which the majority of players ply their trade in the Egyptian league. Oh and they have had 2 of their imports, Mido and Amr Zaki missing in the tournament. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Which brings us to the table. Italy and Egypt have 3 points, USA has none while Brazil are virtually assured by being on six points. Given their performances, Egypt will be confident they can overturn the United States while Italy cannot be guaranteed a win against Brazil who have gotten better as the tournament has gone on. Interestingly enough, USA still have a chance if they beat Egypt by a sizeable margin then hope Brazil finish off the World Cup holders. Essentially, everyone is in contention which will make the final round of games worth staying up in the death of night to watch.

Predictions:

1- Spain

2- Brazil

3- Egypt

4- Iraq

He will advocate everything English from his panties to his shoelaces but when it comes to players, he conveniently forgets them. Yes he did buy Defoe and Crouch but that is about it. I am pretty sure I have nothing really against him in this regard but please, everyone know I think I hate Mr. Redknapp. Which is funny, because a few years ago, I really liked him (probably because I felt pity with the way he shook his head and stuff). Anyways his insistence on having English coaches for England when all his homeland had to offer was himself, Sam Allardyce and Steve McUmbrella; it was super annoying. On top of that, he had the balls to criticize Capello for a draw I think early in his reign (and that was in a freakin friendly).

Top this with his never-ending utterance that when he joined Spurs, they had so few points and blah, Spurs fans should be glad he didn’t get them relegated or anything.
Of course now that hes Spurs manager, I hate him all the more.

In other news, Juventus proposed a deal for David Trezeguet with Elano. Now remind me, why the hell is he considered any good anymore, the Frenchman? I mean isn’t he like ancient now? What, how old is he? Also what has he really done in the last few years? This is a ‘thakka howa’ rumour, I tell you. And how will he play in the EPL?
Well a whole like Morientes and he was decent when he came; not to mention generations younger than David.

He will advocate everything English from his panties to his shoelaces but when it comes to players, he conveniently forgets them. Yes he did buy Defoe and Crouch but that is about it. I am pretty sure I have nothing really against him in this regard but please, everyone know I think I hate Mr. Redknapp. Which is funny, because a few years ago, I really liked him (probably because I felt pity with the way he shook his head and stuff). Anyways his insistence on having English coaches for England when all his homeland had to offer was himself, Sam Allardyce and Steve McUmbrella; it was super annoying. On top of that, he had the balls to criticize Capello for a draw I think early in his reign (and that was in a freakin friendly).

Top this with his never-ending utterance that when he joined Spurs, they had so few points and blah, Spurs fans should be glad he didn’t get them relegated or anything.
Of course now that hes Spurs manager, I hate him all the more.

In other news, Juventus proposed a deal for David Trezeguet with Elano. Now remind me, why the hell is he considered any good anymore, the Frenchman? I mean isn’t he like ancient now? What, how old is he? Also what has he really done in the last few years? This is a ‘thakka howa’ rumour, I tell you. And how will he play in the EPL?
Well a whole like Morientes and he was decent when he came; not to mention generations younger than David.