It is Still Early to Tell

The second day of competitive football in EPL and La Liga has seen some contrasting results comparing to the opening games. And so far only Manchester City has fallen prey and slumped to a stunning 2-3 defeat against a well organized Cardiff City. And tonight will be a great conclusion for day 2 and what the EPL season would be in the coming days as ManU and Chelsea will square-off at Old Trafford. On the other hand, all eyes are set on Real Madrid as the imminent transfer of Gareth Bale is forthcoming, who have been staying at his agent’s apartment in Marbella.

Although it is still too early to tell as it is still only the second day but at some point it will be crucial not to be taken advantage early on of the season. So winning each game will only benefit each team especially if the 2011 EPL season is to be repeated wherein, Man City only won in goal difference right at the very last game of the season. And speaking of last-gasp goal, Manchester City had almost duplicated their 2011 stoppage time victory as Cardiff was 3-1 up going into injury time. City can only manage to pull one back despite a couple of chances before succumbing to a stunning defeat.

It was stunning because Man City is already a goal up just seven minutes at the start of the second half and I haven’t seen also the fire power and style that they have had in thrashing New Castle in their first match. And I could only see two reasons of their defeat. First and foremost, the absence of injured captain Vincent Kompany has made two defensive mishaps with a makeshift center back of Javi Garcia alongside Joleon Lescott. Or probably, The Bluebirds just played an incredibly disciplined and well organized football in front of home crowd in their first Premier League home match.

Image from wikipedia

Classy Man City Rout New Castle

Barca’s 7-0 demolition of Levante last Sunday might be phenomenal when you simply look on the numbers without consideration of the type of opponent they have. They may be playing their highly disciplined style of play again but I believe that with what Manchester City showed last night in thrashing New Castle with a 4-0 victory is far better, knowing that the Magpies is not a push-over team. And if only Man City don’t have so many missed opportunities on goal then they must have buried New Castle right from the beginning.

Their aggressive and offensive type of play could have scored them a few more goals especially Eden Dzeko who was so unlucky not to score from several clear chances he has had. But perhaps that has something to do also with the excellent saves and quality goalkeeping by New Castle keeper Tim Krul who was very busy all throughout the match, diving and parrying here and there. Yet even his outstanding effort and somehow luck, must have reached its limit at some point as he surrendered four stylish goals from David Silva, Aguero, Yaya Toure and Nasri.

And I think Sergio Aguero’s 22^nd minute perfectly fired goal into the far corner is probably the goal of the match as it was not only a superbly created goal but it also came from the other half of the field, supplied by Kompany towards Dzeko who mindfully showed great passing skills. He created a perfect back-heel pass straight into Aguero’s path then slotted a low shot that went in off the far post which I think beyond the reach of Krul even with his already outstretch arms. And with the very resounding 4-0 win over New Castle, Man City emerged at the top of the leaderboard.

Image from wikipedia.

No Christmas Break at EPL

I thought the football season gas gone for Christmas break so I didn't bother to open the sports section that I often checked every time there’s an upcoming game whether it is their league games or the Champions League. But to my surprise the Premier League don’t seem to know what Christmas is all about since they still have games last 26 Dec and 29 Dec. And if I wasn't watching the news on TV, I wouldn't know it and will miss again Manchester City’s game again.

Man City is already seven points behind city rival and league leader ManU as they lost away to Sunderland last 26 Dec. And their game last night against Norwich City was a nerve racking match right up to the added injury time which they eventually prevail. At first, I thought they’ll have a comfortable win as Man City went to an early 2-0 lead within four minutes after kick-off, courtesy of Dzeko. But Norwich was able to maintain their composure and fought back up to the end despite conceding two quick goals. 

It was an entertaining match yet very stressful especially in the last 10 minutes of the game just right after Norwich made its third goal and is trying to close the gap as The Blues was forced to play the second half with 10-man when Nasri was given a straight red card just before the half time whistle was blown.

Image from wikimedia commons.

City are the Champions

13 May is a big day for mothers around the world as many have celebrated the annual event to commemorate the work of the mothers. But in the football world, one football club celebrates Sunday by winning the 2012 Premier League title in probably the most dramatic and nerve breaking way. And you can even put and use all superlatives alike and it will fit as description of how the game ended. Manchester City won the EPL title in a stunning fashion and probably one of the greatest finishes in Premier League history.

Manchester City is champions of England beating city rivals United in a seemingly impossible and thrilling finale. And it did not come in an easy way in fact, at some point many (including myself) thought that it will become a historic collapse for Man City as they made a crucial mistake a few minutes after the second half has started. QPR leveled the game just three minutes into the second half and the once thought that City had one hand already on the championship trophy vanish into thin air putting them on the edge of darkness.

The incredible finish started when ManU scored their only goal after 20 minutes from kick-off, putting a bit pressure to Man City but Zabaleta responded just on time, six minutes before half time. Making the game practically over since ManU need to overhaul an 8 goal difference but when the second half started, a twist of event happened. City were stunned when QPR make it 1-1 at three minutes after the second half started then doubled it in the 66^th minute. As if disaster struck the second time around for Man City and they now need two goals to claim their first title in 44 years.

After 90 minutes of playing time, Manchester City is still down 1-2 and as ManU and their fans started to celebrate then Man City delivered a big blow. The referee calls for five minutes of extra time, thanks to the sending off of Barton with his flagrant foul that causes another drama. And five minutes is just all they needed to turn things around in Man City’s favor. Man City tied the game in 92 minutes and hanging on a thin line of hope before the improbable became a reality. With just over a minute left, destiny happened and the championship race goes down to the very last minute of the season. Aguero fired the ball into the back of the net from a timely pass from Balotelli, sending the Etihad Stadium into raptures. And all that Manchester United can do is to watch in disbelief as Manchester City claimed as Champions in EPL.

NB: Image from Best Season in Premier League History.

Within Sight of Title

Manchester United’s win at Swansea is not enough to deny city rivals Man City towards the path of capturing its first English championship since 1968. Yaya Toure has put Man City on course on the Premier League title with win at Newcastle even before Man United’s win. And the championship race goes down the wire to the last game of the season.

Leaders Man City is facing QPR at Etihad Stadium while Manchester United is visiting Sunderland at the same kick-off time on Sunday, 13 May. A win by both Manchester City and United will hand the championship title to Man City even they are level in points but the former has superior goal difference. All that ManU can do is to pray that Man City will lose if not then they have to score at least 8 goals and hope that their city rivals will have a draw with relegation threatened QPR. It is a tall order for United to overhaul an 8 goal difference going to the final match of the season. Compounded with the fact that Manchester City has yet to concede or taste defeat at home this season.

On the other hand, QPR needs at least a draw to stay in the Premier League even if Wigan and Bolton will win their last game and much more for Bolton. They are also facing a 9 goal difference if they want to stay at the top tier. I don’t want QPR to lose but they are facing the mighty Manchester City that never been defeated at Etihad Stadium this season.

NB: Image from wikimedia commons.