Answer: Which vagabond Welshman indirectly played a deciding role in the 2008-09 Premier League title race?
Question: Who is Jason Koumas?
Sorry for the Jeopardy! style, but I took their online contestant quiz last night and most likely failed miserably.
Anyway, this odd midweek slate of games might have done more to impact the title race than any matchday we've yet seen.
First and foremost, Liverpool might only sit two points off the pace of now penthouse occupying Manchester United, but this weekend might be its last stand. Or specifically Rafa's last stand. If Liverpool loses to Chelsea at Anfield it's not getting up off the mat to answer the bell.
Quite simply, January was Liverpool's Waterloo. (What's with the old milatary references? What's next Sir Alex Ferguson climbing the Alps on elephants?) In the first month of 2009, Liverpool only won one of its five matches -- 2-0 against Preston North End in the FA Cup. In it's three league games, the Reds were 0-3-0, drawing Stoke, Everton and Wigan -- in essence six dropped points. (Ok, you could argue that a draw against Everton wasn't a terrible result, but the way it happened -- Tim Cahill's 87th minute, wide-open header was dropping points.)
I don't exactly want to pile on Liverpool, since I stupidly picked it to win the league in my August predictions. Yet, it seems a 50-50 proposition that Benitez lasts past the season, if he even wants to be at Anfield. Ending the Wigan 1-1 draw with both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard on the bench isn't exactly the way to win over the wary Liverpool faithful ahead of Sunday's epic against Chelsea, with whom the club is now level on points. (Yeah, but could Rafa have expected Lucas Lieva to stick out his leg and take down Koumas on a suspect penalty call.)
Bottom line, let's make this unusual comparison. Liverpool's season has been like the Batman motion pictures. (No, not my beloved Adam West version.) Take the first months of the season as the credible "Batman" staring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. As the months wore on the movies and Liverpool's performance got worse, until it was running on fumes. So yes, the conclusion is that Liverpool in January was "Batman & Robin" only without Gerrard and Torres prancing around Anfield in molded plastic nipple suits. (And obviously without 'witty' one-liners from Arnold in silver pancake makeup.)
In short, Liverpool needs to reboot its season Sunday against Chelsea. Gerard may wear the superhero cape, but he needs the rest of the squad to step up.(Anyone know which team Christian Bale supports?)
The other huge revelation from the midweek is more succinct -- Why can't Aston Villa win the league?
The Premier League era since 1992 has seen only four clubs win the league -- Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and ... Blackburn Rovers!
Aston Villa are only three off the pace and have a pretty manageable second-half schedule. The only hiccup could be in the small squad gets past CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup and has a prolonged stay in Europe.
Based on form, Villa is as hot as anyone and if they're getting goals by Emile Heskey on his debut, something in the karma department is working in their favor.
Beyond that, when healthy Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young create mismatches with every club due to their speed. Brad Freidel is as solid as it comes in goal and Martin O'Neill is a classy manager. Perhaps the only hole is the defense on a whole can be beaten. (And who'd have thought Randy Lerner would be the template for a foreign, namely, American owner?)
Come on, Villa -- Yes you can!
The two other revelations from the midweek -- Arsenal still isn't that great, despite every pundit continuing to speak as if the Gunners are Brasil 1970. The Gunners were extremely lucky Robin van Persie latched onto Abou Diaby's longball in the 93rd minute against Everton at Goodison Park. Tim Howard didn't need to make a save until the second half -- need I say more?
Is Andrei Arshavin a cure-all for what ails Arsenal? Absolutely not. The one silver-ling from Wednesday's draw is that it effectively kiboshed any hope of Everton sneaking into four place. Arsenal is only eight off the pace and five behind Villa for fourth. It's mathematically possible, but Arsene Wenger best hope Martin O'Neill's crew eats some dodgy lasagna down the stretch, or pipping fourth won't happen.
Everton, too, will fall short of the Champions League but not for the efforts of Tim Cahill. The Aussie is on absolute fire and if it weren't for teammate Mikel Arteta would be MVP of the league. Too bad the team can't hold on in the final minutes of a game.
Lastly, before the picks, the league is Manchester United's to lose and if the Red Devils goof up, Chelsea will be there like a circling vulture to pick up the corpse.
Saturday
* Stoke City v. Manchester City -- (Live, Setanta, 7:45 a.m.) Guess I missed the memo that Craig Bellamy is all of a sudden the savior for Manchester City. Then again, maybe he and Mark Hughes share some sort of Welsh mind meld that nobody else knows about. ... Stoke 2, City 1
* Aston Villa v. Wigan Athletic -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) Did anyone else see Hugo Rodallega's thumping freekick hit the post, nearly sinking Liverpool completely on Wednesday? It's a wonder why so few players transfer out of the Mexican League successfully. ... Villa 1, Wigan 0
* Hull City v. West Brom -- Obviously a must win 'six-pointer' for both clubs. ... Hull 2, West Brom 1
* Bolton v. Tottenham -- So apparently Bolton captain Gary Nolan is on the verge of moving to Newcastle? Strange. Almost as strange as Tottenham winning at White Hart Lane, which it did during the week. (Cry about it Gary Megson.) ... Bolton 1, Tottenham 1
* Fulham v. Portsmouth -- Fun reminder of the razor-slim margins on the ass-end of the table, Fulham's had by all accounts a good season for a club of its means, but if Portsmouth wins Saturday at Craven Cottage, it leapfrogs their hosts. ... Fulham 1, Portsmouth 1
* Middlesbrough v. Blackburn -- No light can escape from a blackhole. ... Boro 0, Blackburn 1
* Arsenal v. West Ham -- Another amazing fact, West Ham are only a couple points off a UEFA Cup spot and haven't lost since Dec. 20. Wonder how all these weird international signings fit in, with emerging dudes like Jack Collison. You know what, though, that nice little run comes to a screeching halt at the Emirates. Arsenal might be living off its rep, but still eats up a team like West Ham. ... Arsenal 2, West Ham 0
* Manchester United v. Everton -- (Live, FSC, 12:30 p.m. double-check your local listings on this one since this game was moved from Monday) Maroune Fellaini as you've never seen him. Brilliance! Everton will be a game, but if Cahill is out with the foot injury he picked up on Wednesday, they're going to need somebody, anybody, to step up and at least try the United goal. ... United 2, Everton 0
Sunday
* Newcastle United v. Sunderland -- (Live, Setanta, 8ish a.m.) This is a fun derby for the fans, but do the players care all that much? ... Newcastle 1, Sunderland 0
* Liverpool v. Chelsea -- (Live, FSC, 11 a.m.) Will it matter that Liverpool ended Chelsea's massive unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season? Will it matter that Liverpool seems to be unraveling at the seams? Perhaps the ghosts of Anfield rouse them to a mild dead cat bounce. Why not, right? ... Liverpool 2, Chelsea 1
Last round: 8-2
Season: 103-121
Finally, what's the deal with ESPN scrolling random soccer scores from the around the world lately? Though we have to tolerate ESPN for certain elements of the world game, when he comes to European leagues I'd like it to have a clear separation, like church and state. (Is this a precursor to ESPN acquiring PL rights in the next stage of open bidding? I'll have my fingers crossed, for sure.)
Question: Who is Jason Koumas?
Sorry for the Jeopardy! style, but I took their online contestant quiz last night and most likely failed miserably.
Anyway, this odd midweek slate of games might have done more to impact the title race than any matchday we've yet seen.
First and foremost, Liverpool might only sit two points off the pace of now penthouse occupying Manchester United, but this weekend might be its last stand. Or specifically Rafa's last stand. If Liverpool loses to Chelsea at Anfield it's not getting up off the mat to answer the bell.
Quite simply, January was Liverpool's Waterloo. (What's with the old milatary references? What's next Sir Alex Ferguson climbing the Alps on elephants?) In the first month of 2009, Liverpool only won one of its five matches -- 2-0 against Preston North End in the FA Cup. In it's three league games, the Reds were 0-3-0, drawing Stoke, Everton and Wigan -- in essence six dropped points. (Ok, you could argue that a draw against Everton wasn't a terrible result, but the way it happened -- Tim Cahill's 87th minute, wide-open header was dropping points.)
I don't exactly want to pile on Liverpool, since I stupidly picked it to win the league in my August predictions. Yet, it seems a 50-50 proposition that Benitez lasts past the season, if he even wants to be at Anfield. Ending the Wigan 1-1 draw with both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard on the bench isn't exactly the way to win over the wary Liverpool faithful ahead of Sunday's epic against Chelsea, with whom the club is now level on points. (Yeah, but could Rafa have expected Lucas Lieva to stick out his leg and take down Koumas on a suspect penalty call.)
Bottom line, let's make this unusual comparison. Liverpool's season has been like the Batman motion pictures. (No, not my beloved Adam West version.) Take the first months of the season as the credible "Batman" staring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. As the months wore on the movies and Liverpool's performance got worse, until it was running on fumes. So yes, the conclusion is that Liverpool in January was "Batman & Robin" only without Gerrard and Torres prancing around Anfield in molded plastic nipple suits. (And obviously without 'witty' one-liners from Arnold in silver pancake makeup.)
In short, Liverpool needs to reboot its season Sunday against Chelsea. Gerard may wear the superhero cape, but he needs the rest of the squad to step up.(Anyone know which team Christian Bale supports?)
The other huge revelation from the midweek is more succinct -- Why can't Aston Villa win the league?
The Premier League era since 1992 has seen only four clubs win the league -- Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and ... Blackburn Rovers!
Aston Villa are only three off the pace and have a pretty manageable second-half schedule. The only hiccup could be in the small squad gets past CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup and has a prolonged stay in Europe.
Based on form, Villa is as hot as anyone and if they're getting goals by Emile Heskey on his debut, something in the karma department is working in their favor.
Beyond that, when healthy Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young create mismatches with every club due to their speed. Brad Freidel is as solid as it comes in goal and Martin O'Neill is a classy manager. Perhaps the only hole is the defense on a whole can be beaten. (And who'd have thought Randy Lerner would be the template for a foreign, namely, American owner?)
Come on, Villa -- Yes you can!
The two other revelations from the midweek -- Arsenal still isn't that great, despite every pundit continuing to speak as if the Gunners are Brasil 1970. The Gunners were extremely lucky Robin van Persie latched onto Abou Diaby's longball in the 93rd minute against Everton at Goodison Park. Tim Howard didn't need to make a save until the second half -- need I say more?
Is Andrei Arshavin a cure-all for what ails Arsenal? Absolutely not. The one silver-ling from Wednesday's draw is that it effectively kiboshed any hope of Everton sneaking into four place. Arsenal is only eight off the pace and five behind Villa for fourth. It's mathematically possible, but Arsene Wenger best hope Martin O'Neill's crew eats some dodgy lasagna down the stretch, or pipping fourth won't happen.
Everton, too, will fall short of the Champions League but not for the efforts of Tim Cahill. The Aussie is on absolute fire and if it weren't for teammate Mikel Arteta would be MVP of the league. Too bad the team can't hold on in the final minutes of a game.
Lastly, before the picks, the league is Manchester United's to lose and if the Red Devils goof up, Chelsea will be there like a circling vulture to pick up the corpse.
Saturday
* Stoke City v. Manchester City -- (Live, Setanta, 7:45 a.m.) Guess I missed the memo that Craig Bellamy is all of a sudden the savior for Manchester City. Then again, maybe he and Mark Hughes share some sort of Welsh mind meld that nobody else knows about. ... Stoke 2, City 1
* Aston Villa v. Wigan Athletic -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) Did anyone else see Hugo Rodallega's thumping freekick hit the post, nearly sinking Liverpool completely on Wednesday? It's a wonder why so few players transfer out of the Mexican League successfully. ... Villa 1, Wigan 0
* Hull City v. West Brom -- Obviously a must win 'six-pointer' for both clubs. ... Hull 2, West Brom 1
* Bolton v. Tottenham -- So apparently Bolton captain Gary Nolan is on the verge of moving to Newcastle? Strange. Almost as strange as Tottenham winning at White Hart Lane, which it did during the week. (Cry about it Gary Megson.) ... Bolton 1, Tottenham 1
* Fulham v. Portsmouth -- Fun reminder of the razor-slim margins on the ass-end of the table, Fulham's had by all accounts a good season for a club of its means, but if Portsmouth wins Saturday at Craven Cottage, it leapfrogs their hosts. ... Fulham 1, Portsmouth 1
* Middlesbrough v. Blackburn -- No light can escape from a blackhole. ... Boro 0, Blackburn 1
* Arsenal v. West Ham -- Another amazing fact, West Ham are only a couple points off a UEFA Cup spot and haven't lost since Dec. 20. Wonder how all these weird international signings fit in, with emerging dudes like Jack Collison. You know what, though, that nice little run comes to a screeching halt at the Emirates. Arsenal might be living off its rep, but still eats up a team like West Ham. ... Arsenal 2, West Ham 0
* Manchester United v. Everton -- (Live, FSC, 12:30 p.m. double-check your local listings on this one since this game was moved from Monday) Maroune Fellaini as you've never seen him. Brilliance! Everton will be a game, but if Cahill is out with the foot injury he picked up on Wednesday, they're going to need somebody, anybody, to step up and at least try the United goal. ... United 2, Everton 0
Sunday
* Newcastle United v. Sunderland -- (Live, Setanta, 8ish a.m.) This is a fun derby for the fans, but do the players care all that much? ... Newcastle 1, Sunderland 0
* Liverpool v. Chelsea -- (Live, FSC, 11 a.m.) Will it matter that Liverpool ended Chelsea's massive unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season? Will it matter that Liverpool seems to be unraveling at the seams? Perhaps the ghosts of Anfield rouse them to a mild dead cat bounce. Why not, right? ... Liverpool 2, Chelsea 1
Last round: 8-2
Season: 103-121
Finally, what's the deal with ESPN scrolling random soccer scores from the around the world lately? Though we have to tolerate ESPN for certain elements of the world game, when he comes to European leagues I'd like it to have a clear separation, like church and state. (Is this a precursor to ESPN acquiring PL rights in the next stage of open bidding? I'll have my fingers crossed, for sure.)
Labels: Prem Picks, Premier League, Soccer
Newcastle are dead-in-the-water.
Given on his way to ManC.
Barton and Owen out for nearly the rest of the season.
Martins out.
The Mullet was very very sad.
They will be lucky to stay up now.
It used to be a person could DVR a soccer game and then watch ESPN for days without fear of ever learning the outcome of the game. Not true anymore with the scores showing up on the ticker. You have to be on your toes now.
The WorldWide Leader picking up the Premier League has some ups and some downs. Can you imagine Chris Berman doing the games live? Or Bobby Knight doing the color? But since they hire every fired coach to do commentary, at least Sam Allardyce will always have a job. Big Sam could be the PL's answer to Barry Melrose, only more comprehensible. Better yet, Sir Alec could take the job as ESPN's studio wizard. I can hardly wait for the day that he interviews 'Arry Redknapp after a game. We would need subtitles for that one.
I couldn't believe ESPN started running scores...on midweek matches to boot. Gotta scotch tape up a sheet of paper over the screen during PTI now.
An with Christian Bale Assaulting his mom and sis, I am banking he is a fan of those dirty Scousers.
Good take on the league by the way.