Snippet Thoughts on The Weekend's Action in The English Premier League

Here were some of my observations and thoughts on the weekend's action, for the matches that I saw.

Portsmouth 2-0 Tottenham

Juande is a good manager. You don't win the UEFA cup twice in your first two seasons at a club if you're a rubbish manager. His response to his situation has shown he's an intelligent guy. Give him time. I think he'll prove to be a great manager for Tottenham one day but he needs support from the fans. 

Arsenal 1-2 Hull

This is why we all love football. Another reminder that money does not guarantee success.

Manchester United 2-0 Bolton

Defense looked slightly dubious at times; creeky. Needs to be a bit more organised and prepared.

Rooney's goal—dummy was smart, the finish was exquisite. Top class. I don't think as highly of Rooney as most people seem to do, but I'm pleased to concede that he is really good at those types of shots/situation/goals.

Ronaldo's penalty? ARGH! Only two games back, and he's already cheating again.

I can't comprehend why there was more focus on the referee, Rob Styles, than on Ronaldo. The way I see it, if the player doesn't dive, this doesn't happen. A professional sportsman, who has so many kids copying his actions, manipulating a referee, just isn't right.

I can already hear the retorts: "Duh, diving is part of the game!" and "He didn't dive! Look, he didn't appeal to the referee!".

First of all, what?! Come on, think! There should be no place in any sport for blatant cheating!

Secondly, watch carefully how Samuel does not even make contact with Ronaldo's left leg before Ronaldo starts falling, how he deliberately leaves his right leg trailing to forge contact with Samuel, and how he actually begins wincing the moment he makes contacts with his trailing right leg!

And finally, why would he appeal? He's got nothing to appeal for—the referee's given the penalty straight away! 

The fact is, Ronaldo's reputation helped him, not hindered him!

Some media sources have said that some Bolton players noted that "even Ronaldo said he didn't want a penalty!". If that's correct, then why did he look to the referee straight after he hits the ground (again, just watch how his head is focused downwards all the way during his fall, and then the moment he's finished his 'landing', he flicks his head straight up to the ref! Please don't tell me, after watching that clip, that he wasn't trying to dive. I reckon that after he saw some of his own players saying that it wasn't a penalty, he perceptively 'followed the crowd' and just said what they did. And that makes me hate him even more.

Scholes—Not as lethal as he once was. Two chances that the old Scholes would've buried.

Ferdinand—Has anybody noticed that he's attacking more now? He's had two good chances to score in the last two matches, after he made surging runs in each of them. This type of behavior from a defender is indicative of an extremely confident defender who is becoming more of a leader, someone who takes into his own hands the destiny of the match he is playing in.

Paolo Maldini is the best example of that type of defender.When a defender is at the top of their game, they tend to do this. My theory is that it's because they're so solid at the back that they have the freedom to boost attack. Whilst I think that there might be some cracks in the defense as a whole, Ferdinand's behavior is a good sign. 

Tevez is becoming more of United's playmaker every game. He's such an intelligent player. He reminds me of Teddy Sheringham.

Ronaldo played pretty rubbish in the game, I thought. Not much impact on the game as a whole, considering the possession we had. 

Overall performance was ok. Possession of the ball was great; it means we have control over the game. We're creating chances but not scoring most of them. We'll need to start being more lethal. If not, we're not gonna keep struggling.

Stoke 0-2 Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka—dropped for Drogba. Was I right? When he did come on, missed crucial chance again. Even when he scored it was only ok; not the best of strikes, keeper got a hand to the ball and so probably should've saved it.

What a goal the first one was! The build up play was outstanding, with Lampard's pass earning a special mention. Chelsea are showing the best team goals, which indicates that they have the best team play so far. It's a different style from Arsenal, famed for their team goals. Chelsea's style has more directness, Arsenal more intricacy. Arsenal v Chelsea is gonna be a match to watch!

Chelsea's defense, like Man United's, still looks a bit shaky. They used to clear balls if not with ease then at least with authority. Their defense used to be the personification of a rock—all trouble just bounced right back the way they came. But recently, they're looking panicky in their box. A natural consequence of Scolari's appointment?

Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland

What a great free kick from Andy Reid. So close!

Roy Keane looked damn cool in his James Bond suit. I always thought he'd be more of a track suit kind of guy.

Carew's goal—I remember Ronaldo and Henry scoring a similar goal some time in the last few seasons. I also remember how much it was raved about by the commentators at the time. If you watch the video in the link, you'll notice that the commentator (if edit please include the name) didn't even mention that it was a back heel! Not only that, but it was really well timed. I think Carew is only an ok striker, but come on, let's give credit where credit's due.

Fulham 1-2 West Ham

Mark Schwarzer—Oh dear. 

By the way, did anyone also here the commentator pronounce his name as Schwaaaartzer? I always pronounced it as Schwartzer, same as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Am I wrong?

Regarding West Ham's great recent form, I think what we're seeing is the "New Manager Syndrome" happening again. This is where a new manager comes in, simply but powerfully boosts morale through his very appointment, and players start enjoying their football again, thus higher chance of winning.

I love how, in his after match interview, Zola proclaimed that the players "will not told off for losing the ball, as long as they're trying to play good football." 

Wow.

Not only is that refreshing, it's a complete new approach that I haven't seen before (I'm big on possession as I feel it indicates control).

I think he's gonna be a great manager.

Andy Johnson's first tackle was definitely intentional. The vicious challenge could've broken the guy's leg—just listen to that scream! You could tell he was frustrated, cos the did another dangerous, this time stud showing, tackle that led to him getting sent off.

That's all for this weekend. Unfortunately I didn't catch the Merseyside derby.