Monday Morning Premier League Analysis
Gareth Barry is a reliable points accumulator. He’s quietly reached 60 points thanks to three goals (all penalties), three KC’s and seven clean sheets. Martin Laursen missed with two unchallenged headers - he will add to his goal tally of three for the season soon.
Harry is on a mission to get as many points as possible before most of his team head to Ghana for the African Cup of Nations. It was their sixth successive away win - two short of the all time Premier League record. Muntari was class - he’s now the eighth best midfielder in the game.
Chelsea 2 Sunderland 0
Drogba’s knee operation went ahead and he’ll be out for some time. Chelsea didn’t miss him here but you feel they will in the weeks ahead. Cech not fit enough to feature. Ashley Cole back in ahead of Bridge.
Gordon on the bench again for the Black Cats whilst Jones played on his own up front. Chopra didn’t even make the squad. I wonder if Liam Miller has apologised to Roy Keane yet for his stupid sending off - rather him than me.
David Moyes must be gutted that The Yak (eight goals in 12 starts) has gone back on his decision to quit international football and is likely to get called up for Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations. The unlucky Baines started but did his hamstring after just 23 minutes.
It was 0-0 at half time and Fulham had put up a decent fight in the first half. 81% of the goals they have conceded have come in the second half - more than anyone else in the Premier League. Get a decent fitness coach Lawrie!
14 goals in his last 14 games in all competitions for Ronaldo, including nine in seven appearances at Old Trafford. Tevez with six goals and three KC’s is now a whole twenty points clear of strike partner Rooney - although Wayne with 4.4 points per start Vs 4 for Carlos has a better points strike rate. Wes Brown to continue at right back now that Gary Neville has suffered a further injury setback.
Derby held out for 40 minutes before the inevitable happened. It had been 13 hours and 16 minutes since they last scored away from home. Small crumbs of comfort for Paul Jewell.
Newcastle 2 Birmingham 1
Looks like Big Sam (despite the protestations) has reverted to 4-3-3 Bolton-type. Still, if it works, can the Toon army complain? Martins scored from the spot and Beye grabbed the lucky late winner.
Cameron Jerome is having a decent season and having scored two in two is now one point ahead of Kenwyne Jones and Dave Kitson in the battle of the cheap strikers. Kapo had to settle for a sub appearance once again. Birmingham look to have some self-belief back and looking at their fixtures could go on a good little run.
Rafa played the big guns but the 4-3-3 formation didn’t click and once they went behind attention turned to Tuesday night. Crouch admitted afterwards that they hadn’t practised the new formation much. Gerrard bagged his ninth goal in 10 games.
Doyle (10th best striker) and Hunt (bargain at just £3.5M) are firing for the Royals. Hunt took the penalty and Doyle scored with his head once again - his only route to goal so far this season. Reading’s home form looks good enough to keep them mid table.
With just one clean sheet in 11 have Rovers hit the wall? Ooijer picked up a nasty looking hamstring injury and will be out for some time. I can’t believe that after 11 starts and five sub appearances Pedersen has no goals and just one KC to his name.
Ashton looked sharp after another long spell out. He came on for the injured Etherington at half time. George McCartney notched his second KC of the season. He’s a massive bargain at just £2m and if you need to release funds to bolster midfield he is your answer.
All hail Gery Megson. Kevin Nolan (20 points in last four games) is back on song and Liverpool youngster Danny Guthrie looks a decent prospect. Can they keep hold of Anelka? With eight goals in 13 starts they really need to.
One point from the last 27 available for Wigan who are now four points from 17th position. It’s an uphill task for Steve Bruce - but he loves a fight.
Middlesbrough 2 Arsenal 1
Boro’s first penalty of the season was tucked away by Stewart Downing, who with 56 points has been by far their best player so far. Tuncay showed signs that he could cut it in the Premier League and Aliadiere worked hard alongside him.
Arsene blamed fatigue and after a run of away games and the continued absence of Fabregas, Hleb, Flamini and RVP the 22 match unbeaten run came to an end. Flamini should be back for the Chelsea game but doubts remain over the others. Eduardo looked lightweight and was subbed at half time.
Chimbonda sporting a dodgy pair of white tights scored the first on the stroke of half time. It was his second goal of the season and IF (big) Spurs could keep a clean sheet he’d be a decent signing. Bent got the nod for the suspended Keane although it was Defoe who came on to score the winner.
Man City really don’t like their trips to London. Michael Johnson returned and young Kelvin Etuhu started for the first time. Vassell started in the lone striker rule. Bianchi scored within three minutes of coming on. They do need a new striker in January though and for Elano to get fit asap.
That’s it for now.
I hope you’ve banked a few transfers for the busy Xmas period and beyond.
Cheers,
Tom
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Tags (click to view more!): Gareth Barry, Ghana, Ashley, David Moyes, Ronaldo, Old Trafford, Rafa
Posted by Tom @ YTM |
