Escorpiius
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Manchester City v/s Southampton: 3-2
Well, I won't lie - I was kinda excited when Southampton took the lead; though I kinda knew City won't lose. The match was a replica of the historic last match of 2011-2012's season. Tevez opened the score (in an off-side position) and then City monotonously controlled the match. They had glaring chances but they started slacking off and Southampton's two goals gave life and thrills back into the match; which I was all for. Dzeko and Nasri ended up clinching it for Citizens.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. City's play is clearly more known by opponents now. So I expect less crusade 5-0 or 6-1 victories in this season's term; despite their rich squad.
2. City's players have matured enough to remain in the Top Side for years now. This new comeback victory proves it.
3. City's defense is very good but when it turns to slacken during domination periods of their team. City will need to be more deadly with their chances; if they don't want to get surprise upsets. Make no mistake, the two goals of Southampton were hold-up goals but it came mainly because City became overconfident of their force. Should be careful or they'll receive surprise blows like the 1-0 defeats against Sunderland or Everton of past season.
4. It was Silva's worst match since he came into EPL imo. He missed a penalty, shoot on the bar in front of an open goal and had many mistimed passes. On the other hand, Nasri as excellent. I have a deep belief that the best duo of playmakers will help their team with the title quest. By such, both players need to remain on their top-form.
5. Southampton will need to fight for their survival but they showed interesting glimpses; mostly in midfield section. Last year, Swansea had one of the best midfield possession and revealed hidden gems like Siggourdson and Allen. I won't say the same for Southampton but their striker - Lambert - is a clinical finisher. If served well, he could have a decent tally by the end of the season.
West-Bromwich Albion v/s Liverpool: 3-0
I can't say how good it felt to watch this match with a Liverpool supporter
Anyways...
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. The first goal is a beast. Best goal of this season for now.
2. Liverpool is in jeopardy. Allen is good but Gerrard is a ghost of his former shelf. Suarez had weird misses and Borini didn't impress.
3. This match against WBA was supposedly a routine match before having tough matches following. With such a catastrophic start, I won't be surprised if they are in relegating position at around the 10th Day or so. Their next 4 matches include: City, Arsenal, Sunderland & united. May God have mercy on them. (I don't mean that though xd)
Arsenal v/s Sunderland: 0-0
In a pretty underwhelming performance, this match had the feel of an season's opener sadly. Both teams weren't really at their best and delivered average performances. Giroud had a awful miss; which all cynics quickly retorted that RVP wouldn't miss this one. I'll be fair though - let's not bury him too fast.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Cazorla will be a star. All chances that Arsenal got in this match was stamped by him. He is linking admirably well with Arteta. I took point that Arsenal need to have a leader. I can't say if he'll be that player since he lack that leadership ability and is very humble on the field. But, he has all to be the most valuable asset of the Gunners.
2. Sunderland has a solid team. Defends extremely well and is very disciplined under a great manager like O'Neil. Won't be surprised to see them in Top 10 this year.
Everton v/s Manchester United: 1-0
I won't start deploring our midfield and how a CM/CDM will have been more needful than RVP, like most United fans did. It's done now and we'll need to fight with what we have. That apart, it was a very good match. Lots of physical intensity and two teams who replied back and forth to each other.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Fellaini is a fantastic player. His heading timing is terrifying and David Moyes got the merit to use him brilliantly well in his tactic. He is Everton's key man. If he is on the same level throughout the season, he's gonna end up as one of the best player and Everton could finish pretty highly.
2. Kagawa will also be a star. If I'm not wrong, he barely missed 3 passes or so. His play with Rooney is slowly taking shape like I hoped for. In fact, it's been a long time that I saw Rooney playing so many exchange passes in midfield; perhaps ever since he became orphan of Ronaldo. Also, Kagawa is really hardworking, roams really quickly, is very intelligent in his positioning and has a keen eye.
3. That apart, United players weren't at their best. Nani was disastrous - I'm not really against his possible Zenit transfer to speak the truth. Rooney was good in midfield but far from his best when it came to offense. Scholes was his usual self. Welbeck was not really good. Cleverley was very promising though and seemed to return slowly to his best since his injury. Valencia was average in that awkward right-back position. Vidic's recovery graph is increasing if we go by pre-seasons matches. Evra was okay but again, Evra didn't brought much danger from left flank. Carrick can't do much in central defense. De Gea was excellent.
4. Everton's aerial domination is what gave them the edge in this match. Fellaini and Jelavic were constant danger for United while Distin and Jagielka pushed all dangers away.
5. United needs some improvement to do. Their defense need to be more solid but I guess, they fared averagely in a defense where only Evra and Vidic were in their positions. I won't be harsh on that cause Everton is a very good team. It's a team that lost only two home-matches last season and even those two defeat were mere 1-0 score against solid sides like Arsneal and United. They are no squash material.
6. I'm glad Fergie dropped the 4-4-2 finally but still, this team is too offensive. Removing Nani to play another CDM/CM will add more defensive solidity that was much needed. Our midfield lacks physicality in duels and the fact that Fellaini destroyed Cleverley/Scholes in air with his height, power and timing shows that.
7. United will need to bury their half-chances. There were 5-6 instances where a United player got in front of Howard's goal but they were stopped by a defender before shooting. And I know many cynics blasted United that we didn't create enough danger but I'd like to point out that we did have decent chances despite Everton's packed defending.
Newcastle v/s Tottenham: 2-1
The second's most powerpacked match after Everton/United with 2 teams that finished pretty high last season. Was a pretty great match and Spurs were kinda unlucky. Deserved to took the lead in first half but didn't. Then they were punished by a wonderful strike by Demba Ba.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Spurs got a promising team. Siggourdson is no Modric but he's gonna help a lot in midfield task. Their team didn't change much; so I expect them to feature very well this year too. They'll be a danger to all teams.
2. Same for Newcastle. Unchanged team and gonna be a solid side yet again.
3. Still, for Villas-Boas's sake, Tottenham shouldn't lose too much. Personally, a draw will have been a fairer result in this match but it's football.
Wigan v/s Chelsea: o-2 & Chelsea v/s Reading: 4-2
The Wigan match had not much to talk about. Took advantage quickly and they controlled the rest of the match. I was kinda sad that they didn't attack more though cause Wigan wasn't really Barcelona. As for yesterday's match, they did a good comeback victory; even if the 3rd goal was offside.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Hazard is being showered in praises, so I'll start with him. Firstly, it doesn't surprise me cause I get all Ligue 1/Ligue 2 matches at my place and he was my favorite player in French league in last 2 years. He is doing pretty well - 3 assists and 2 penalties created; which makes for impressive debut season. He is also gelling well with Mata. Yeah, he dived a little too much imo but then again, it's an early characteristic of players who come from Ligue 1 since there's a pretty BIG difference in physicality. Drogba, Henry, Gervinho, Ben Arfa, Benzema ect... all fell pretty easily when transferred from Lige 1. Some lose this awful habit over time (Benz) and some keep it forever (Drogba). Hazard is a showman playmaker. He has all to become popular but it's up-to him if he wanna tarnish that image with another tag - diver.
2. Chelsea has a very offensive squad now which is much better than last year's aging team. But I'm kinda surprised that they aren't more frivolous in offense and are sticking to their infamous 'bus park' tactic. I can understand against big teams but it's surprising me against smaller teams like Wigan-Reading.
I'm sorry for this late analysis but I was kinda busy. Still, this post is more an analysis of the good points/minus points of EPL's top teams rather than a match analysis. I was also going to post on Madrid/Barca's duel along with EPL teams but I think I'll wait post tonight's Supercopa Classico.
Well, I won't lie - I was kinda excited when Southampton took the lead; though I kinda knew City won't lose. The match was a replica of the historic last match of 2011-2012's season. Tevez opened the score (in an off-side position) and then City monotonously controlled the match. They had glaring chances but they started slacking off and Southampton's two goals gave life and thrills back into the match; which I was all for. Dzeko and Nasri ended up clinching it for Citizens.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. City's play is clearly more known by opponents now. So I expect less crusade 5-0 or 6-1 victories in this season's term; despite their rich squad.
2. City's players have matured enough to remain in the Top Side for years now. This new comeback victory proves it.
3. City's defense is very good but when it turns to slacken during domination periods of their team. City will need to be more deadly with their chances; if they don't want to get surprise upsets. Make no mistake, the two goals of Southampton were hold-up goals but it came mainly because City became overconfident of their force. Should be careful or they'll receive surprise blows like the 1-0 defeats against Sunderland or Everton of past season.
4. It was Silva's worst match since he came into EPL imo. He missed a penalty, shoot on the bar in front of an open goal and had many mistimed passes. On the other hand, Nasri as excellent. I have a deep belief that the best duo of playmakers will help their team with the title quest. By such, both players need to remain on their top-form.
5. Southampton will need to fight for their survival but they showed interesting glimpses; mostly in midfield section. Last year, Swansea had one of the best midfield possession and revealed hidden gems like Siggourdson and Allen. I won't say the same for Southampton but their striker - Lambert - is a clinical finisher. If served well, he could have a decent tally by the end of the season.
West-Bromwich Albion v/s Liverpool: 3-0
I can't say how good it felt to watch this match with a Liverpool supporter
Anyways...Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. The first goal is a beast. Best goal of this season for now.
2. Liverpool is in jeopardy. Allen is good but Gerrard is a ghost of his former shelf. Suarez had weird misses and Borini didn't impress.
3. This match against WBA was supposedly a routine match before having tough matches following. With such a catastrophic start, I won't be surprised if they are in relegating position at around the 10th Day or so. Their next 4 matches include: City, Arsenal, Sunderland & united. May God have mercy on them. (I don't mean that though xd)
Arsenal v/s Sunderland: 0-0
In a pretty underwhelming performance, this match had the feel of an season's opener sadly. Both teams weren't really at their best and delivered average performances. Giroud had a awful miss; which all cynics quickly retorted that RVP wouldn't miss this one. I'll be fair though - let's not bury him too fast.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Cazorla will be a star. All chances that Arsenal got in this match was stamped by him. He is linking admirably well with Arteta. I took point that Arsenal need to have a leader. I can't say if he'll be that player since he lack that leadership ability and is very humble on the field. But, he has all to be the most valuable asset of the Gunners.
2. Sunderland has a solid team. Defends extremely well and is very disciplined under a great manager like O'Neil. Won't be surprised to see them in Top 10 this year.
Everton v/s Manchester United: 1-0
I won't start deploring our midfield and how a CM/CDM will have been more needful than RVP, like most United fans did. It's done now and we'll need to fight with what we have. That apart, it was a very good match. Lots of physical intensity and two teams who replied back and forth to each other.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Fellaini is a fantastic player. His heading timing is terrifying and David Moyes got the merit to use him brilliantly well in his tactic. He is Everton's key man. If he is on the same level throughout the season, he's gonna end up as one of the best player and Everton could finish pretty highly.
2. Kagawa will also be a star. If I'm not wrong, he barely missed 3 passes or so. His play with Rooney is slowly taking shape like I hoped for. In fact, it's been a long time that I saw Rooney playing so many exchange passes in midfield; perhaps ever since he became orphan of Ronaldo. Also, Kagawa is really hardworking, roams really quickly, is very intelligent in his positioning and has a keen eye.
3. That apart, United players weren't at their best. Nani was disastrous - I'm not really against his possible Zenit transfer to speak the truth. Rooney was good in midfield but far from his best when it came to offense. Scholes was his usual self. Welbeck was not really good. Cleverley was very promising though and seemed to return slowly to his best since his injury. Valencia was average in that awkward right-back position. Vidic's recovery graph is increasing if we go by pre-seasons matches. Evra was okay but again, Evra didn't brought much danger from left flank. Carrick can't do much in central defense. De Gea was excellent.
4. Everton's aerial domination is what gave them the edge in this match. Fellaini and Jelavic were constant danger for United while Distin and Jagielka pushed all dangers away.
5. United needs some improvement to do. Their defense need to be more solid but I guess, they fared averagely in a defense where only Evra and Vidic were in their positions. I won't be harsh on that cause Everton is a very good team. It's a team that lost only two home-matches last season and even those two defeat were mere 1-0 score against solid sides like Arsneal and United. They are no squash material.
6. I'm glad Fergie dropped the 4-4-2 finally but still, this team is too offensive. Removing Nani to play another CDM/CM will add more defensive solidity that was much needed. Our midfield lacks physicality in duels and the fact that Fellaini destroyed Cleverley/Scholes in air with his height, power and timing shows that.
7. United will need to bury their half-chances. There were 5-6 instances where a United player got in front of Howard's goal but they were stopped by a defender before shooting. And I know many cynics blasted United that we didn't create enough danger but I'd like to point out that we did have decent chances despite Everton's packed defending.
Newcastle v/s Tottenham: 2-1
The second's most powerpacked match after Everton/United with 2 teams that finished pretty high last season. Was a pretty great match and Spurs were kinda unlucky. Deserved to took the lead in first half but didn't. Then they were punished by a wonderful strike by Demba Ba.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Spurs got a promising team. Siggourdson is no Modric but he's gonna help a lot in midfield task. Their team didn't change much; so I expect them to feature very well this year too. They'll be a danger to all teams.
2. Same for Newcastle. Unchanged team and gonna be a solid side yet again.
3. Still, for Villas-Boas's sake, Tottenham shouldn't lose too much. Personally, a draw will have been a fairer result in this match but it's football.
Wigan v/s Chelsea: o-2 & Chelsea v/s Reading: 4-2
The Wigan match had not much to talk about. Took advantage quickly and they controlled the rest of the match. I was kinda sad that they didn't attack more though cause Wigan wasn't really Barcelona. As for yesterday's match, they did a good comeback victory; even if the 3rd goal was offside.
Escorp's Notices on this match:
1. Hazard is being showered in praises, so I'll start with him. Firstly, it doesn't surprise me cause I get all Ligue 1/Ligue 2 matches at my place and he was my favorite player in French league in last 2 years. He is doing pretty well - 3 assists and 2 penalties created; which makes for impressive debut season. He is also gelling well with Mata. Yeah, he dived a little too much imo but then again, it's an early characteristic of players who come from Ligue 1 since there's a pretty BIG difference in physicality. Drogba, Henry, Gervinho, Ben Arfa, Benzema ect... all fell pretty easily when transferred from Lige 1. Some lose this awful habit over time (Benz) and some keep it forever (Drogba). Hazard is a showman playmaker. He has all to become popular but it's up-to him if he wanna tarnish that image with another tag - diver.
2. Chelsea has a very offensive squad now which is much better than last year's aging team. But I'm kinda surprised that they aren't more frivolous in offense and are sticking to their infamous 'bus park' tactic. I can understand against big teams but it's surprising me against smaller teams like Wigan-Reading.
I'm sorry for this late analysis but I was kinda busy. Still, this post is more an analysis of the good points/minus points of EPL's top teams rather than a match analysis. I was also going to post on Madrid/Barca's duel along with EPL teams but I think I'll wait post tonight's Supercopa Classico.
A little late, but in your face Barca, lol 
