Languishing Liverpool and Other League Happenings

Another day, another loss. 

Opening the goal scoring account.

It's their worst start to a season since 1962-1963 (when they were a wee newly promoted side).  But it wasn't that Liverpool played poorly per se, it was just, in a cruel twist of fate against the Premiership's paradigmatic less-than-prodigious-striking side, they were the ones that could not put the ball away.

Despite outshooting the opposition 19-11 and holding the majority of possession throughout, Gerrard and company nevertheless lacked any semblance of cutting edge, sorely missing a true striker up top (Suarez, try as he might, is not the out and out goalscorer the stuff of which dreams are made).   The question is - now that the transfer window has closed - where do they go from here?

The story for Arsenal was again their defense, which stymied the Reds offensive forays and kept another clean sheet, allowing Podolski and Carzorla to capitalize on counterattacks.  Diaby excelled with some impressive footwork and movement in the midfield, but, for the most part, Arsenal bypassed the middle of the pitch for a more direct route to goal, in a switch reminiscent of Romney's flip flop on universal healthcare on the way to the Republican nomination (they just did it with more conviction).  In forsaking their usual roundabout fare for an effective counterattacking approach, Wegner's men showed an adaptability that had been missing heretofore and should give the faithful hope for the season ahead, particularly after two less than heartening draws.

GOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

Elsewhere, Man City topped QPR a day after the big monied side brought on five new signings, including Mancini's San Siro compatriot Maicon and former Chelsea reject Scott Sinclair, while Swansea, the current No. 2 side in the league, had their 100% streak broken with a 2-2 tie against Sunderland.

Meaning the top 4 after 3 games are as follows:

1. Chelsea - 9 pts, 6 GD
2. Swansea - 7 pts, 8 GD
3. West Brom - 7 pts, 5 GD
4. Man City - 7 pts, 3 GD


League leaders Chelsea had the weekend off, but not before suffering a humiliatingly hapless 4-1 defeat at the hands of Aletico Madrid in the Super Cup, with former target Radamel Falcao putting away a hat trick within the first 45.

On a side note, Fernando Torres now cannot play: 1) in Spain, 2) off of another striker, 3) more generally with any quality for Chelsea for more than two consecutive games...the thing is even with all of Abramovich's millions he still can't buy a midfield that will spoon-feed El Nino service like Spain's national side and even if that were a possibility will Roberto di Matteo be as benevolent in his side selection as del Bosque was during the Euros?  And even if he did have the heart to, should he?

RVP 2 MUFC

With enough acronyms to make even the most well-read footie fan's head spin, RVP will be under the employ of SAF and M.U.F.C. after Wenger and the Gunners agreed (we're told reluctantly) to a 20 million pound plus deal for the 29-year striker. 

Good thing red suits him.

So what does this mean for each club?

Obviously, for Arsenal, this begs the question of who will fill the 6'1"void at the top of their formation, for, as much as he is wont to admit it, not all talent can be homegrown under the constrains and demands of today's market such that there is a need to go out and make purchases to fill out a line-up.  Indeed, Arsene Wenger's men were found wanting in the midfield as adequate replacements for Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri (the latter despite his insipid attitude) had not been found. 

The good news is that this time 'round they can call upon newly-signed Lukas Podolski and the-only-marginal-bright-spot-from-France's-Euro-2012-foray Olivier Giroud.  Both seem suited to the free-flowing style Wenger prefers, though Podolski in particular seems to have more to prove after two sub-par seasons with Koln, following his relegation to bit player at Bayern and an inability to recapture his national team form circa 2006 (not to judge or anything...).  Nevertheless, there has been some serious contemplation of life post-RVP for A.F.C., which is an improvement over a year ago.

In terms of Man Utd, the fact that they missed out on the Premier League title by one goal could not be far from their minds as they fought off advances from City, Juve and others to secure the signature of the League's top scorer.  And, despite my well-known distaste for one Wayne Rooney, even I must admit that the Red Devils striker pairing is the stuff of a Fantasy Football fan's wet dreams.  Whether they can play together, of course, remains to be seen, but I am inclined to believe that van Persie's finesse will be a nice complement to Rooney's bullish charms *cough, cough* (excuse me, as I have just managed to choke on my own words...).  Moreover, pace say a Berbatov, RVP is not disinclined to create on his own and provide for others, ranking as the top assist man in the Premiership last year, while still scoring 40% of his team's goals. 

More than this though, there has to be a definite psychological boost to Man Utd's legions, as they have finally made a big signing on par with what their cross-town rivals have been doing in spades.  It must be all the more sweet the City was in the running for this one as well.  With the ever-increasing importance of deep pockets in the sport, it is imperative that the Red Devils do not fall behind the pace, which, contrary to Real Madrid and Man City form, does not mean splashing out huge sums for every big name on the market, but rather making strategic acquisitions upon a sober assessment of needs and talent vis-a-vis the competition and not being thrown off by the going rates for said players.  This is exactly what Ferguson and Co. have done here, and, in terms of personnel moves, the fans cannot ask for much more coming in to the new season.  

Tempestuous Tevez

Anyone could've seen this coming.

Disaffected player + Match at Home Ground of Former Employer x Intensity of Cup Tie = THIS and THIS

No wonder Greater Manchester police are on alert for the return leg.

In other cup news, Tottenham and Leeds tied 2-2 away, while Arsenal lost 1-3 to a solid Stoke side with Sol Campbell's return being characterized "as nothing short of a disaster."

Returns are tricky like that.

Mancini Hearts Vieira

Now that the Special One has confirmed the exit of Inter midfielder, Patrick Vieira, odds are the French international will be able to escape Serie A for Premiership pitches, as he is rumored to be heading to Man City. As you'll remember, Mancini was responsible for bringing Vieira to Italy as Inter's manager, and now he is eager to bring Vieira in for his leadership qualities, while the Frenchman is happy to finally have a chance at first team football...and the potential for a World Cup spot come summer.

In other January transfer window news:

• Mancini also had eyes for Juan Sebastian Veron, but the Argentinian maestro has decided to stay at Estudiantes instead of returning to England. The man has learned the lessons of Figo, where his NT teammate, Carlos Tevez, obvi missed the memo.
  
  
• Leeds' FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford has put in his request to leave Elland Road, with Newcastle United as front runners in the race to procure his services.
  
  
• Liverpool fans can look forward to having Atleti forward Maxi Rodriguez join their ranks, though Rafa may not have the funds to keep him on anything but a temporary basis.

Man Utd Pull A Madrid

The headlines could be the same: "Top-Flight Title Contender Dumped out of League Cup By Third-Tier Side."

If you're blanking a little allow me to refresh your memory. Remember way back when Madrid were dropped out of the Copa del Ray in humiliating fashion by third-tier side Alacorn? Well Man Utd successfully replicated that feat losing 0-1 at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup, while their main title challengers, Chelsea, ran riot against Watford. Not only does this loss mark the first loss to a lower tier team under the tutelage of SAF, but it also came to hated rivals Leeds, an enmity which, despite the years and flights that separate the two sides, has not dissipated.

So will this embarrassment on their home ground spring United into action and compel players (particularly those in its fragile defense) to redouble their efforts a la Madrid, or does it portend the beginning of the end of United's season (either for lack of personnel or the loss of one in particular)?

At least, United's upcoming Carling Cup match against a resurgent Man City will help us get a better idea of their trajectory. It's all in how you respond, right?

UPDATE: Barca has joined the top of the table losers in league cup competitions, crashing out of the Copa del Ray. The Blaugrana lost 1-2 to Sevilla, though the referee's incompetence, as opposed to their own ineptitude, may have had more to do with the final result.

Mark Beats Robinho to the Exit

Just not by choice. Mark Hughes was sacked about an hour and a half after City's 4-3 win at the weekend.

For many, the proverbial writing was on the wall for weeks. The frustrating run of draws were not the most flattering to Hughes' managerial skills, and, it could be argued, the 78 million pounds in new additions have not lived up to their potential under his stewardship. But then there's the mitigating fact that taking a mediocre, mid-table side and trying to vault them into the top four in 6 months is neither probable nor even possible, no matter how much money you try to throw at that side. The ethos of an elite side does not necessarily come with elite league players.

In their press release, City bosses cited lack of progress as a reason for the firing, but, according to Hughes, the agreed target was 6th place and 70 points at season's end. And he left them in....6th place, on pace for 65 points, having only lost two league games this season (the fewest in the Premier League). Year on year, City is up 11 points, the greatest improvement amongst all top flight teams, save Tottenham.

Essentially, Hughes was fired for drawing too many games, which doesn't make the most sense, but patience has never really been a virtue of Premier League owners.

As for his replacement, Mancini's time at Fiorentina and Lazio were successful, yes, but he went in with very little expectation, so impressing was not necessarily the most difficult under those circumstances. Moreover, his first Scudetto winning Inter side had the good fortune of receiving the title after Juve had been stripped of it and relegated to Serie B, as a result of the Calciopoli scandal.

Indeed, Mancini was sacked for not being able to replicate Inter's domestic success on the European level. In this context, his optimistic domestic goals (he claimed he would lead City to a top four finish this year and a league title in the near future) are understandable. Obvi if he doesn't win at that level, and there's no guarantee that he will against Continental opposition...then there's no guarantee of a job.

Bye, Bye 'Binho

The weather never suited him.

Money can't buy happiness. Or so it seems for Robinho and moneybags City, with the former rumored to be taking leave of the latter in the January transfer window, heeding the call of of Catalan country.

And with that move, it's pretty much a wrap for the Brazilian revolution in the northwest. With Elano gone, Robinho soon to be, and Jo as good as, it is unlikely City will carry out their plan to play in the Brazilian style with actual Brazilians.

Update: No 'Dinho NOOOOOO!

Please do not let this be the last kit we see you in....red and black were never your colors.

Never have unsubstantiated Brazilian football rumours nearly brought us to tears (well, ok, not tears, but still made us pretty upset). We had such high hopes for you regaining your form far, far away from the old age home that is AC Milan, but word is that you are contemplating retirement, given how unlikely it is you will be a part of Dunga's 2010 squad and your general unhappiness at the San Siro (though you shoulder little blame on the latter count: Serie A manages to sap the joy from and stiffle the imagination of most attacking players).

But before we begin our journey through the 5 stages of grief, we have a simple plea for you 'Dinho....DON'T GIVE UP! The footballing world would surely be a sadder place without your buck-toothed grin in it (and we mean that in the most loving of ways...honest!), and, more than that, we're confident that you can regain your form of only a few years ago (that is, if playing actually were fun for you again). So, in our desparate bid to keep you playing professionally, we've taken it upon ourselves to complie a list of suggestions for possible your next move:

1. Tottenham - Why you ask? Really, why not? It's all in the management - look at the transformation Harry Redknapp has been able to affect with a squad that was in shambles mere months ago, after the disastrous reign of Juande Ramos. With you motivated once more and incorporated into Harry's structure, you'll surely provide Spurs with that extra irresistable bit of attacking class and tie it all together through the midfield. Plus, they already have a leader in Ledley King and won't need you to take on those responsibilities (because, if we're being honest, you've never really been suited to that role.)

2. Everton - Another solid option with a strong manager at the helm. Though David Moyes' boys have been struggling of late, they seem to have righted their ship over the weekend and could definitely use you in their bid to stay relevant in the race for the top four this season. Furthermore, the recent resurgence of Louis Saha should quell your fears about being discarded as used goods (should you put in a good faith effort), because, well, a club that stuck with Saha through all of his setbacks, would surely offer you a similar opportunity to regain your fitness.

3. Manchester City - City have shown interest in the past, but you can forgive us our skepticism as to Mark Hughes' ability to manage personalities. Still, it is a solid option: loads of money on hand and always looking for publicity.....

Onwards and upwards, we always say...in this case key word being onwards (but we're convinced, 'Dinho, that upwards will follow shortly thereafter...)

The Good, The Bad, and The Fugly: Premiere League Edition (9/19-9/20)

He's a winner all right.

The Good: Magnificent Manchester Derby - There were a lot of candidates this week...Vermaelen's brace, Chelsea's dismantling of Tottenham and Liverpool's fight-back against West Ham (a close second, to be sure) but in terms of competitiveness and quality goals nothing could touch the brilliance of the Manchester Derby. It had all the elements the voice-over announcers use in describing those cliched footballing movies (Goal 2, anyone?), but without the corny music and the inevitably of a studio-directed ending. The (competitive) Manchester Derby is back, and we couldn't be happier!


The Bad: R.I.P. Blackburn - Having not heeded our warnings about the reputation of one Samuel Allardyce and his negative football, Rovers are now left to suffer at the hands of his inane tactics. Not only are they holding down the bottom of the table (with Pompey and Hull City), but they have earned their place with play that makes most football fans seek the nearest sharp object, with which they can gauge out their eyes. We offer Blackburn fans our sinceret condolences for this season and hope that they've begun their mental preparations for Championship football.


The Fugly: Woeful Wigan - Though it may be a little much with the alliteration, Wigan will certainly be hard pressed to find any redeeming qualities from their performance over the weekend. Vermaelen's double couldn't have encouraged them to go forward, but there is no excuse for their resignation to defensive play from the start. Seriously, we're beginning to think it takes special skill to be so dreadful.


Note to Wigan players: Recovering possession requires approaching the opponent who has the ball....sitting back on your haunches and hoping your mental telepathy will ensure the ball's return to you, sadly, does not work...

Home Grown: Putting the Premiere League in a Big Hole?

Let's see 1 "home-grown" player at 2o some million pounds divided by a squad of 25...we were never that good at math - we'll have to wait and see if the City accounts prove any more adept.

So earlier this week Richard Scudamore announced that at the end of each transfer window each Prem clubs will be restricted to naming a squad of 25...and...wait for it...8 of those players must be "home-grown." Now, that doesn't mean that Rafa or Arsene will be denied their Continental contingents, because, importantly, a "home-grown" player is one that has been trained for a period of 3 years in the English or Welsh professional system(s), when he was between the ages of 16 - 21, not one who is an English or Welshman by birth.



Pretty smart, no? The FA can get around the EU ruling that make illegal FIFA's preferred quotas on foreign players, while still achieving a similar result (in theory, at least). We just wonder whether the FA is giving the clubs enough time to reorganize (the rules go into effect at the start of next season), while also requiring them to show that they are financially solvent (no debts to other clubs + no outstanding taxes + ability to make all payments through the season). A collective groan has just been heard around Eastlands - but, to be fair, some 27.5 mil of that was spent on Lescott, and at least he can help with the whole "home-grown" thing.



However admirable the FA's goal is, the urgency with which the new rules will be enacted is a little suspect. Could the FA's eagerness be attributable to its desire to please FIFA in advance of the latter's decision on the England's 2018 World Cup bid? I mean since the EU slapped down Blatter's "6+5" rule with the same kind of authority that President's Obama recently employed in his verbal takedown of Kanye West, maybe this is the FA's way of showing their allegiance to Blatter's principle, if not his preferred practice.

The Good, The Bad, and The Fugly: Premiere League Edition (9/12-9/13)

Ade, Ade, Ade-bay-orrrrr....uh-oh...

The Good: Quality Man Utd v. Tottenham - A high quality match all around, with a scoreline, 3-1 United, that belied how closely contested the game was, especially in the first half. Particularly impressive was Man Utd's ability to overcome Paul "I never met a tackle I didn't like" Scholes dismissal on two yellows and persevere in the face of a solid Tottenham side. Props to Rooney for a superb solo effort to cap off the win -Roo, we know that your particular brand of "bull in a china shop" play has been overshadowed in years past by CR7's dribbling pirouettes, but we do appreciate the efficiency and can't bring ourselves to hate on your shine....

The Bad: Blundering Burnley - Listen, in those heady days of August it's easy to get caught up, and we understand that after your wins against Man Utd and Tottenham, you were sticking out your chests a bit...Prem new boys showing "The Man" exactly what you were made of...but then came the set-back at Chelsea, and, then, well, the thrashing this past weekend with the Reds and one Yossi Benayoun running rampant all over your back line (so much for that international duty fatigue...) and now you've conceded seven in those last two defeats and have barely been competitive; well, at least it was good while it lasted....

The Fugly: We here at Femme Football understand that strikers are peculiar creatures often with, um, well stank attitudes (let's just call it what it is). Bitchfests are often induced when a pass is not played to feet or when a striker *God forbid* is actually asked to defend, but, even with this knowledge, we were still taken aback by Emmanuel Adebayor's overzealous celebration and stamping on Robin van Persie.

Ade reacted in both cases with all the grace and composure of a pre-teen boy, scorned by the popular girl at school. Yes, years later when he attends his reunion to find her a washed up former Miss Maine Pre-Teen Princess, he will want to rub it in her face, but he will refrain because he will have the wherewithal to understand that her demise is punishment enough - now if only Emmanuel could leave the mindspace of a pimply thirteen year old, he would realize that scoring on Arsenal was enough and everything beyond that was just cruel...