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English Premier League: My Over-30 All-Star XI

  By O-Posts Team | October 18, 2024 - 21:44 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Formation: 4-3-1-2

 

GK: Petr Čech

He may no longer be the Chelsea’s first choice, but let’s face it, there aren’t many teams in the world whose starting XI wouldn’t include Čech if they had the choice. With his height and agility, Čech has made hardly any mistakes whatsoever in his ten years in the Premier League, and there can be no complaints from fans at his service. A fantastic servant with perhaps one of the Premier League’s wisest brains to add.

 

RB: Branislav Ivanovic


Another blue comes in at right-back, this time in the form of Branislav Ivanovic. Now, this time last year I probably would have put Bacary Sagna in here, but the Frenchman has not yet managed to make the Manchester City right-back position his own, and so I’d view Sagna in this team as not quite fair. So, I’ve gone for Ivanovic who has been at his best so far this season. As a Centre-back for much of his career but with the power and energy to get forward, Ivanovic is perfect for Chelsea as he is great defensively but can additionally link up with the attacking trio Mourinho loves to play.

 

CB: Per Mertesacker

Mertesacker only just makes this team, having turned 30 just a few weeks ago. Upon him joining Arsenal in 2011, many claimed he didn’t have the pace to be successful in the Premier League, but he’s certainly shored up and toughened up the Arsenal defence since his arrival. It wasn’t long ago that Arsenal fans used to dread every corner and throw-in, but such an issue has been reduced by the aerial presence of the man his fans call the BFG.

 

CB: John Terry

If I was writing a list of underrated players, I would probably include John Terry there as well. You see the quality of this 34 year-old whenever he’s not there, and I for one believe England would have done better if he was there at the World Cup. In big games, I feel there is no better centre-back, just look at how he played against Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal last season.

 

LB: Paul Konchesky

I’ll admit Konchesky isn’t one of the most flashy, pacy, or powerful left-backs in the League, but he’s got all the positional awareness and experience his club Leicester need to thrive. He hasn’t always been at his best over the past four to five seasons, but he has this year, and at 33 he’s proving that a player can hit his peak again, even after a disappointing spell at Liverpool.

 

CM: Gareth Barry


Towards the end of his time at Manchester City, Barry looked somewhat lost, as he was pushed out and unlikely to get a starting place ahead of the dynamic Fernandinho. However, the loan move to Everton which followed only added to his repertoire as he put in some marvellous midfield displays to help Everton to fifth. Technically gifted in spite of his primarily defensive role, Barry is one man to never underestimate.

 

CM: Frank Lampard


Many thought Lampard was past Premier League fitness when he was released by Chelsea in the summer, but since joining Manchester City on loan, he’s looked very much capable. Technical ability and his excellent timing seem never to leave Frank, and it was a typical Lampard goal which saw him level for his new club against his former club last month.

 

CM: Yaya Toure

 
I’ll admit that few of these players over 30 would get in a current best Premier League XI, but Yaya Toure would in a significant number of people’s books. Few adjectives haven’t been used to describe Yaya Toure on the playing field so I won’t bore you with those, but believe it, he is a certified game changer on his day. The goals he scored provides a great deal too, and I certainly feel he’s at his best when in the centre of an attacking trio with a double pivot behind him

 

AM: Tomas Rosicky


Rosicky, a Czech international, is one of those players who arguably gets better with age. Technically superb, Arsene Wenger appears to love the balance he brings in the big games, and he’s always a threat from free-kicks and corners too. Arguably one of the most underrated players in the League, he may struggle to play as much this season due to the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, but this is still one potentially decisive player.

 

ST: Robin Van Persie


It’s been an odd last 12 months for Robin van Persie. Idolised by almost everyone in the years of Fergie, but his injury-hit 2013/14 calmed down the fan-fare. Still, van Persie is deadly, and probably one of the most technically gifted of the Premier League era. Like Rosicky, a starting place may be harder to come by with loan signing Falcao now in the Manchester United squad, but someone with van Persie’s ability shouldn’t fear this, he should relish it.

 

ST: Emmanuel Adebayor


Many don’t think of Adebayor as 30, but he is and he’s still a regular starter for Tottenham. As controversial as he is a respected Premier League scorer (see Arsenal fans), Adebayor still threatens Premier League defences. He came in slightly raw and not so confident, but now his movement and reading of the game is arguably his biggest strength. Tottenham fans still owe Tim Sherwood for bringing him back in from the cold last season.

 

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

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English Premier League: The Five Best Players So Far This Season

  By O-Posts Team | November 8, 2023 - 01:18 | , , , , ,
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Naming the very best player in any particular sport is sure to spark controversy. There’s loads of debate each year when FIFA names its World Player of the Year. Still, it’s so much fun to talk about which player deserves accolades that we can’t help but stir the pot further.

Here’s a look at the five best players in the Premier League this year.

1. Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal

The midfielder has scored in nearly every game he’s appeared in this year, and he won league player of the month honors. It’s not just his scoring that earns him kudos from teammates and opponents alike, however.

They also point out that he’s among the strongest passers in the league.

2. Robin van Persie, Manchester United

Van Persie is a huge threat on the Netherlands’ national squad, ringing up a hat trick in their most recent game against Hungary and leading the team with 41 goals. But he’s also tops among Premier’s Dutch players as well.

He recently became the league’s all-time leading scorer from Holland, breaking Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s record for most goals.

3. Luis Suárez, Liverpool

Former Liverpool player Michael Owen recently said that the fiery Uruguayan is good enough to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona; high praise indeed,as those are two of the world’s most storied clubs. Suárez has moves so slick they make defenders look like heavy-footed plodders.

One of his favorite moves is the “nutmeg,” sending a ball right through an opposing player’s open legs rather than dribbling around him. Talk about a crowd pleaser.

4. Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal

Yes, two Arsenal players make the list, but it’s hard to argue when the squad sits atop the Premiere League standings. Koscielny is making a case to be named the top defender in the league. He held the aforementioned Suárez scoreless in the big Liverpool-Arsenal match, and the Frenchman is the one Arsenal trusts to keep the opposing team’s best player in check.

All this should erase those bad memories from his debut season when he got a red card in his very first game with the club three years ago.

5. David de Gea, Manchester United

Just as no list of farm machinery for sale would be complete without prices, no list of the best players in the Premier League would be complete without a goalie, and David de Gea is clearly at the top of the list.

There’s no doubt Manchester United would be losing a lot more games if not for de Gea’s breathtaking saves. He has more than 30 so far this season, and he’s excellent at stopping balls shot at close range.

Michael is a full-time blogger who has passions in all corners of the online world. In his down time he enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and blogging on everything from technology, to business, to marketing, and beyond. Follow him on Twitter or Google+.

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Premier League: The Player and Team of the Year

  By O-Posts Team | April 12, 2024 - 20:42 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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It’s that time of the season when footballers get to vote for their mates or fellow countrymen in the LMA player of the year and young player of the year awards; as well as a team of the year.

So, for what it’s worth, here’s my team and players of the year:

 

Goalkeeper

Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)

Despite Stoke surprisingly slipping toward the threat of relegation, Begovic has been the Premier League’s stand-out keeper. This season he’s shown himself to be a great shot stopper, calm under pressure and not fazed by physical attention.

His consistency has been top drawer and the only question mark is where he’ll be playing next season as a summer offer from a big club surely awaits.

 

Defenders

 

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Other than a few bad games, Johnson has been excellent this season. His defending, often much maligned, is better than given credit for. Going forward, he’s been able to show off his impressive technique in a transitional Liverpool side.

 

Ashley Williams (Swansea)

Williams has been a rock at the back in a landmark season for Swansea, showing a high level of consistency. He looks at home in the Premier League, strong in the air, comfortable on the ball and has been the League’s centre back this year.

It doesn’t surprise that the big clubs are beginning to sniff around him, it’s just a shame for him that he’s not 5 years younger.


Pablo Zabaleta (Man City)

In the absence of another stand out centre back over the full course of the season and the fact that Zabaleta was unlucky to lose out to Glen Johnson for the right back slot, I’ve put Zabaleta in alongside Williams.

Whilst Man City have missed the forward runs of the injured Micah Richards, Zabaleta has been the model of consistency and presents City with a dilemma once Richards returns to full fitness.

 

Leighton Baines (Everton)

It will be difficult to find anyone who disputes that Baines has been the outstanding left back in the Premier League this year. Whilst Everton have challenged for a Champions League spot, Baines has been a key man at the back and going forward with a goals and assists record this year that a winger would be happy with.

 

 

Midfielders

 

Juan Mata (Chelsea)

The Spanish playmaker has grown in stature this season and is a contender for player of the year. Whilst he may not make the speedy headline grabbing runs of Gareth Bale, but he more than makes up for it with his technique, guile and awareness.

His goal and assist stats for this season are impressive, but his influence for Chelsea this season has gone beyond stats.

 

Michael Carrick (Man Utd)

Although I’m not a Carrick fan, even I have to concede he’s had his best season since moving to Old Trafford. He’s always been a good passer of the ball, but this season he’s had more influence in attacking play and had probably his best season since his last at Tottenham, leading to a deserved England recall.

 

Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Devastating on his day, he’s showing more consistency and added goals to his repertoire this year. He’s become so vital to Spurs attacking threat that the team can look a little lost without him on the pitch.

He’s established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League this season and will undoubtedly attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer.

 

Forwards

 

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

May not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Uruguayan hitman has taken his game to another level this year. His balance, skill, technique and unpredictability make him a nightmare for opposition defenders and his improved finishing that has taken him to the top of the goalscoring charts.

The level of performance and consistency he’s attained have moved him into footballs elite.

 

Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)

An outstanding debut season, not only because of his age, but also because it’s all been in a struggling Aston Villa side. His pace and physical presence naturally help him settle into English football, but his ability, link up play and goals have really grabbed everyone’s attention and the £7m Villa paid for him already looks a bargain.


Robin van Persie (Man Utd)

£24m for a 29 year-old with a questionable injury record, on the face of it, is something of a gamble. However, van Persie’s goals have been key to Man Utd all but securing a 20th League title, especially in the first half of the season, when Utd struggled to keep a clean sheet.

He’s also shown that his goal tally in his final season at Arsenal was no fluke and his class is there for all to see.

 

Honourable mentions also go to Simon Mignolet, Hugo Lloris, Matija Nastasic, Rio Ferdinand, Jan Vertonghen, Moussa Dembele, Andreas Weimann and Michu

 

Player of the year: Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

For me, he’s been the best player in the league this year and not just because he’s scored the most goals. He’s performed week in, week out and deserves the player of the year award, but probably won’t get it because of reputation. He’s one of those players that home fans love, but opposition fans hate.

So, despite him being the player of the year, don’t expect him to get the award his performances have deserved.

 

 

Runner up: Robin van Persie (Man Utd)

His goals put United in pole position to regain the Premier League title and give the club an instant return on their heavy investment.

Gareth Bale will be many people’s favourite for the award and may even get it, but despite putting in some great individual performances, he hasn’t shown the level of consistency that Suarez, van Persie and even Mata have.

 

Young Player of the year: Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)

As I mentioned earlier, a fantastic debut season in English football for the Belgian striker, who at 22, looks to have a bright future ahead of him. His goals and all round play for Villa could be enough to keep them up and helped Villa fans forget about the out of favour Darren Bent.

 

Runner up: Matija Nastasic (Man City)

Has slowly but surely settled into the City side, growing in stature as the season has gone on. Quick, strong and technically gifted, his selection ahead of the more experienced Joleon Lescott is no longer a talking point.

Having just turned 20 and brought in from Fiorentina as part of a swap deal for Savic, he is looking a very astute piece of business from City.

 

Written by Andy Wales

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Robin Van Persie: A Big Miss For Arsenal

  By O-Posts Team | March 25, 2024 - 20:24 | , , ,
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It hasn’t been easy, speaking from an Arsenal point of view, watching your former lethal striker do so well in another club, especially for your rivals. His name is Robin, and he was like the perfect idol.

It has been over three months since Arsenal sold Robin Van Persie to Manchester United for a fee believed to be around £24 million. His departure also saw the arrival of former Montpellier and French international striker Olivier Giroud, who I won’t be so quick to criticize.

After all, given the fact it is his first season at Arsenal, his goals so far this season has been quite encouraging from a statistical point of view. But sadly, he is nowhere near to Robin. He would also fall behind Rooney and even Chicharito in the pecking order at Manchester United - making the Manchester City starting 11 is also a huge doubt.

For example, we have seen decent chances that Giroud has failed to convert and we find ourselves frustrated and then admitting “Robin would have scored that “. I’ve been guilty of saying that, and I will continue to do so until something is done about the strike force situation at Arsenal.

Don’t quote me wrong. I am not saying Giroud is not worth playing for Arsenal, in fact his brilliant scoring record and eye for goal hasn’t gone unnoticed. Scoring 14 goals so far and over 7 assists for a striker in his debut season at the club isn’t that bad to say the least, but he hasn’t really shown any sign of replacing the incredible work Robin has rooted and replacing a striker of his calibre was definitely going to be a difficult task.

The sale of Robin Van Persie has left a big (very big) vacuum to Arsenal, especially in the striking department as Olivier Giroud, as I mentioned, is struggling to produce the magical touch Robin had, despite having a good scoring record in his first season so far at the club.

Robin’s eye for goals and brilliant technique makes you ponder if this guy is really human. All you need to do is create the chance and leave Robin to handle the rest. When Arsenal need an equalizer or maybe a winning goal, he usually provides them. Also, not forgetting the fact that he is a consistent player and can bring positives out of a negative game in a matter of seconds.

He did that against Liverpool and Everton, his curling effort against Tottenham, and the list goes on. His tally of 37 goals out of Arsenal’s total of 95 goals in all competitions in the 2011/2012 season, is a testament to his undeniable talent and outrageous ability.

I have to say that I am not really surprised Robin has adapted at his new club. He is a consistent player and he is showing the same fate at his new club. He’s also a genius who is ready to fight, and provided his full commitment in his time at Arsenal. The downside was, he was never patient. He is a big player, and big players have massive “egos”. They dictate what they want, and if you display some of sort of opposition they would most likely depart in a moment’s notice.

Van Persie’s former manager, Arsene Wenger, had this to say about big players and “egos”:

“Can you become a big player without a big ego? I would say no, it’s impossible”

As much as Arsenal fans won’t hide their bitter frustrations on losing Robin to Manchester United, I would suggest Wenger should have done more to keep his big man. Rooney almost quit United after some behind the scenes outbursts with manager Alex Ferguson, with Mirror football quoting “Rooney to leave United after outburst with Ferguson beyond repair “.

The major difference between Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger is Ferguson’s way of understanding big players who have massive egos, and that you need to act and rise to their level to keep them at your club. He did the same on this situation, and Rooney stayed.

It still saddens me that he left, but he has clearly stated his desire to win trophies which Arsenal have failed to provide.

Arsenal lost a leader, talisman, a born goalscorer and a fighter. If Arsenal fail to finish in the top 4 this season, only then would the cost of his departure be very clear. Only then.

 

Written by @femi4arsenal

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Premier League Betting Preview: Top 5 Super Sunday Bets

  By O-Posts Team | January 13, 2024 - 14:19 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Its here. The first Premier League Super Sunday of 2013, and Sundays do not get much more super than the fixtures that await us on this chilly Sunday 13th. The ascendancy of the noveau riches may have altered the order of power at the top end of English domestic football on a permanent basis, but for this soppy writer at least, Manchester United versus Liverpool remains the quintessential date in the league calendar. As a lower-division supporting neutral, the M62 derby is the first match I look for when the fixture lists are produced each close season.

The two most successful clubs in the land, 37 titles between them, 8 European Cups, hundreds of millions of fans worldwide, if an alien who knows nothing about football - or Tom Cruise - popped down to catch a game to get up to speed with what all the fuss is about this Premier League malarkey, you’d hope that this would be the game that he - or Tom Cruise - popped down for. Passion, history, quality.

And the match afterwards isn’t bad either as the champions travel down to the Emirates minus their midfield lynchpin, striking talisman and ex-Gunners playmaker. Add to the mix that Manchester City have not recorded an away league victory against Arsenal for 38 years and you are guaranteed a major story to come out from North London this afternoon.

First things first, and the league leaders simply have to be favoured to snap up the three points which will bring a 20th league title tantalisingly closer to Old Trafford. At the time of writing, United are available at odds-against to defeat their bitter rivals, a price which in my eyes represents staggering value. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are 21 points ahead of Liverpool in mid-January, having won nine of their ten home league matches this season. They have scored in every one of them, scoring at least twice on each occasion barring the 1-0 victory over West Ham in November.

In other words their Merseyside opponents, who have been victorious on the road in only three of their ten attempts this campaign, will almost certainly have to score at least two goals today to avoid defeat. Liverpool have achieved this feat only three times this season, albeit two of those matches were their most recent away league games, against QPR and the Hammers.

However, trips to Loftus Road and Upton Park are a significant step down from a daunting journey to Old Trafford, where Liverpool have suffered four successive league and cup defeats since a Benitez and Torres-inspired 4-1 mauling of the Red Devils in 2009.

Both Spaniards have changed allegiance to Chelsea since, and while the Blues will be hoping Liverpool can do them an unlikely favour in opening up the title race with a rare away win, there is simply too big a gulf in class. United have been scoring an average of a goal a game more than Liverpool all season (whilst both teams boast similar defensive records) and if Ferguson’s declaration that Wayne Rooney will not make today’s match due to a nagging knee injury is fact as opposed to curveballed kidology - he has plenty of form in that respect - then it is not as if there is a shortage of options to make up for the loss of the Scouser.

Ferguson can utilise the pace of Javier Hernandez to pair up with key man Robin van Persie, or the physicality of Danny Welbeck to rough up Liverpool’s bouncer-like centre-back pairing of namesake Agger and Martin Skrtel. The most likely eventuality, though, is that Shinji Kagawa will be deployed in the number 10 role which Rooney has developed into smoothly over the last few months, acting as an effective conduit between van Persie up top and his midfield, the only area of the park where this Liverpool side can hold a candle to United.

In the reverse fixture in September which United won 2-1 at Anfield, Liverpool were admittedly running the early exchanges of the game via the midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey the best player on the park until his sending-off for a rash tackle. Expect Shelvey to again link up with Joe Allen and captain Steven Gerrard in the centre of the pitch, with the remit from Brendan Rodgers to consist of bossing Tom Cleverly and Michael Carrick.

No easy task at Old Trafford however, especially with Cleverley maturing by the game and Kagawa having the legs to essentially become a quasi-box-to-box-midfielder, albeit with more emphasis on appearing in his opponents box than his own. He mastered this role with distinction in his illustrious last couple of seasons at Borussia Dortmund, and can demonstrate his attributes to great effect today.

The gulf between United and Liverpool may well be illustrated to its maximum out wide, where young full-back Andre Wisdom will be issued the daunting task of keeping a marauding Ashley Young quiet in the absence of the injured Jose Enrique. The saving grace for Rodgers, of course, is the form of their controversial yet undeniably brilliant forward Luis Suarez, and he has proved in the past that he doesn’t shirk the big occasion having produced some top performances against United since arriving on these shores.

However when you look a little closer into the background of those fixtures, its not all it seems. His man-of-the-match performance in Liverpool’s last league victory against United in March 2011 was in the absence of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Johnny Evans, while the United captain was also absent with injury when Suarez notched at Old Trafford last season.

Perm any two from the aforementioned three defenders to start today, and the talented Uruguayan will have a tough task on his hands in front of what will undoubtedly be an extremely hostile Mancunian crowd. Daniel Sturridge is not match-fit. Liverpool fans haven’t seen their side beat a top-ten team all season and will head down the M62 this afternoon in hope as opposed to expectation, as all roads lead to a United victory with the starring role set to be afforded to the man from the land of the rising sun.

Kicking off at 4pm is the small matter of Arsenal versus Manchester City. The champions are languishing somewhat seven points behind their neighbours in the table - a gap which may go into double figures by kick-off time - but they have proved themselves to be the hardest team to beat in the league away from home. They can boast the fewest number of away defeats - just the one at Sunderland on Boxing Day - and just the ten goals conceded in as many away matches. Only Swansea and today’s opponents have conceded less on their travels.

Both Arsenal and Man City can boast durability away from home, and at terra firma both sides have scored 25 goals so far this season, although this record is more impressive in respect of the Gunners as they have played two home games fewer than City at this moment in time. In fact there is not a lot in it when it comes to the goal statistics, with Arsenal having scored only one goal fewer whilst playing a game less, and conceding only three goals more.

The main reason it seems for Arsenal lagging eleven points behind Man City in sixth place is their propensity for drawing games of football. Only draw specialists Everton have endured more stalemates out of the top eight teams, and today could be another day for shared points. There’s no doubting that City have the better squad, yet even their not-so-meagre resources will be stretched by the notable key absences of Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero, all for differing reasons.

With Mario Balotelli mentally AWOL, City are down to their last two recognised strikers. Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko are not a bad pairing to find at the bottom of your barrel, though. That notwithstanding, Aguero is City’s best striker, Nasri is at his most effective on the counter at away days such as these and Toure is the driving force in the champions’ midfield. There are no ready-made equivalent replacements for those three, and expect City to pit out a more dour formation with unspectacular players such as Gareth Barry and James Milner coming to the fore.

Arsenal are of course not without their problems but they are finding their goalscoring touch of late, and where Arsene Wenger deploys Theo Walcott today will give a massive indication as to how ready the manager believes his young charge is to emulate Thierry Henry in a central striker role.

Walcott should be afforded that chance, and should relish the opportunity to use his pace to snap at the heels of the young City centre-back Matija Nastasic, who has played ably in his first season in the Premier League at the age of just 19 yet has struggled in the bigger games.

With Toure and Nasri absent the midfield battle will be a more even affair as well, with Jack Wilshere working his way back to form nicely, aided in his tripartite partnership with fellow ballplayers Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta, the latter of course scoring the winner in the corresponding fixture last season to ensure City’s Highbury/Emirates hoodoo rumbled on for yet another year.

The hoodoo may well be rumbling on to a fifth decade, as a stalemate seems the most likely outcome in this afternoon’s late fixture.

 

TOP FIVE SUPER SUNDAY BETS

1) Man United to beat Liverpool 21/20 BETVICTOR
2) Shinji Kagawa Man of the Match 16/1 STAN JAMES
3) Arsenal vs. Man City Draw 5/2 BET 365
4) Theo Walcott Anytime Goalscorer 2/1 STAN JAMES
5) Edin Dzeko Last Goalscorer 7/1 STAN JAMES

 

Written by Emelie Okeke

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Robin Van Persie: The Best Decision Fergie Has Ever Made?

  By O-Posts Team | January 6, 2024 - 18:55 | , , ,
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Manchester United sit atop the EPL table comfortably looking down on the other 19 teams in the division thanks largely to the influential and sometimes breathtaking displays of a certain Dutch import, Robin Van Persie. It was like tales by moonlight when it was announced five months ago that RVP had agreed to join Manchester United from arch-rivals, Arsenal. Difficult as it was to believe, it was the reality of things. Another masterstroke by Sir Alex Ferguson, the evergreen warlord of the Red Army.

Arsenal fans ranted and raved, but that did not stop their beloved captain from following his heart. At his formal presentation as an MUFC player, he declared that the little boy in him told him to join the 19 time English Champions, even though noisy neighbours, Manchester City offered more money. It has been the best decision of his career yet and he has since not regretted it.

There have been masterclass signings from Eric Cantona, the undisputed king of the Theatre of Dreams to Cristiano Ronaldo who Fergie transformed to become the best player on the planet, but the RVP deal might just top them all. Sir Alex was enraged not only by the way Man Utd threw away the title last time out, but that it was won by goal difference.

He made his move to buy an established world class footballer to help out with the attacking frailties (even though Wayne Rooney came up with 27 league goals last season). English superstar, Wayne Rooney has been about the only one carrying the burden of the United attack on his broad shoulders, until a certain little pea was unearthed in Mexico.. Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez took some of the weight off Wazza (Rooney), but Fergie wasn’t satisfied.

The record buy in MUFC history, Dimitar Berbatov became a bit part player and had to be shipped off, just as 2001 Ballon d’Or winner, Michael Owen was released. Danny Welbeck flattered to deceive, although we can excuse his immaturity because he is still learning the ropes. A tested and top quality forward had to be brought in to make the difference and that’s exactly what ROBIN VAN PERSIE has done this season.

From his first goal v Fulham to his hat-trick at St Mary’s to the last minute winner against Manchester City, the Dutchman has shown the world what he is capable of - if placed among fellow world class, goal driven, champions. His 20 goals this season includes 16 EPL strikes which puts him on top of the goalscorers’ chart.

The notion that he depends too much on his left foot is fast becoming an old fable as his last 3 goals for the Red Devils has been struck with his seemingly weaker right foot. The goal on Saturday (yesterday) against West Ham was blasted home with his right foot and that yet again, was a vital one as it ensured that Manchester United still remained in the F.A Cup- a trophy SAF so desperately wants to hoist this season. It has been 9 seasons since the 3 time European champions were crowned champions of the world’s oldest and most prestigious cup competition.

The decision to bring in RVP to the MUFC fold will go down as one of the best in sporting history. The way the marriage has gone thus far, it will continue to blossom and yield the right results.

It will be the most fantastic player purchase ever if he (Van Persie) leads the team past Real Madrid in the eagerly awaited UCL ROUND OF 16 match up.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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Special Feature: The World’s Top 5 Best Center Forwards

  By O-Posts Team | December 24, 2023 - 18:29 | , , , , , , ,
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The number “nine” is arguably the most famous and iconic number in football. The “fox in the box”, the goal scorer who gets on the end of things and in many cases, the key player in a team.

So with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Andres Iniesta being often debated as “the best” players in the world, who is the world’s best centre forward?

 

5. Sergio Agüero

When news broke of Manchester City signing Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Agüero for a huge £38 million, many proclaimed that he would struggle and take a while to settle in, if ever. But two goals on his debut against Swansea, 30 goals in the 2011/12 season as whole, and a Premier League title winning goal later, Agüero is considered as one of Europe’s greatest and most feared strikers.

He is extremely difficult to track and play against, meaning he can never be ignored. Even in Manchester City’s poor champions league campaign this season, Agüero has caused problems.

He’s already somewhat of a legend amongst some City fans and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

 

4. Robert Lewandowski

After a few good years, the last two have proven to be “breakout” years for Robert Lewandowski. With Borussia Dortmund winning the Bundesliga in 2010/11 and then in 2011/12, fans all over the world have realised just how good Robert Lewandowski is.

A huge 30 goals in all competitions led to many suspecting that the 24 year old Pole would be leaving Dortmund eventually, especially considering the fact he’s already scored 14 goals in 23 games so far this season.

However, Dortmund are one of the most heavily supported clubs in Europe so they won’t give him up easily.

 

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

At the age of 31, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has arguably been better than ever in 2012. Switching from AC Milan to PSG in the summer transfer window made some believe Zlatan was slowly but surely beginning to step away from Europe’s top leagues, and that next year he’d be going to the USA or China.

But Zlatan, who won the goal of the tournament at Euro 2012 after a stunning effort against France for Sweden, has been prolific in France, forming a formidable PSG attack with Jeremy Menez, Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Some even claimed his spectacular goal against England in a friendly in November was the best goal ever scored, that’s something we’ll have to see about, but one things for sure, no one can question Zlatan’s “world class” tag after this year.

 

2. Robin Van Persie

Last season while with Arsenal, Robin Van Persie scored a magnificent 30 goals in the Premier League, helping the gunners to a third place spot which seemed unlikely after a catastrophic start.

Despite the Dutchman struggling at Euro 2012, Manchester United were willing to pay out £24 million in August, a decision that has worked out brilliantly so far. Van Persie has continued where he led off at Utd, having scored 15 goals in 21 games for the Red Devils so far.

Possessing arguably the most technically clinical and accurate left foot in the world, and able to score from anywhere, Van Persie is quite possibly the deadliest striker on the planet.

 

1. Radamel Falcao

In the past 12 months, Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has taken himself from being a highly rated and dangerous striker, to the most feared (at least in my opinion) on the entire planet. The Colombian Falcao is the sort of player that can single-handedly destroy any defence in the world, as proven by his exploits against Chelsea in the UEFA super cup back in August.

Falcao’s goals in the 2012/13 season have pushed Atletico Madrid into the giddy heights of La Liga’s top three, alongside traditional heavyweights rivals Real Madrid and current leaders Barcelona.

Many are predicting that Falcao will soon be joining Chelsea, Manchester City or even Real Madrid, and it’s easy to see why as when at his best, Falcao is truly unstoppable.

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

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Manchester United: Van Persie could be United’s next legend

  By O-Posts Team | December 21, 2023 - 19:59 | , , ,
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Robin Van Persie was in attendance alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Eric Cantona as the Manchester United honour role of strikers witnessed the unveiling of the Sir Alex Ferguson statue at Old Trafford last month. It was a fitting tribute to a man who, in 26 years at the helm of England’s most successful club, had been at close quarters with such attacking greatness.

It is Ferguson who is best placed to pass judgment on Cantona, the eternal enigma who produced his best years under the Scotsman in four title winning years between 1992 and 1997.

Cantona still possess an aura of effortless brilliance and is still regarded as the man who bridged the gap between Ferguson’s also-rans of the old Division One to the Premier League behemoth it continues to be. Therefore, it is no modest achievement to be compared to the Frenchman by Ferguson, a man who is now, fifteen years after Cantona’s passing, reaping the benefits of a Dutchman who is having the same effect of galvanisation.

“A similar profile to Eric” was the manager’s verdict when describing Van Persie to Eurosport last week, testament enough to his immediate impact in Salford.

Manchester City’s first title win, secured in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season to United’s expense, riled the 71 year old whose will to win rages inside like no other. He promised his side would be back and he turned to the purse strings to ensure it, spending £16 million on Shinji Kagawa and £24 million on Van Persie to give his attack line the same fearsome look it did back in the treble winning year of 1999; for Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Solskjaer, read Van Persie, Rooney, Welbeck and Hernandez.

It was a move borne out of Arsenal’s failure to tie him down to a new contract at the end of a year in which he demonstrated the scintillating form of 44 goals from 57 appearances for club and country.

For a striker approaching 30 years of age with an admittedly poor track-record with injuries, an outlay in excess of £20 million may have represented a gamble but with Manchester City also in the hunt, a claim that since been certified, it was one Ferguson had no problem fast-tracking in order to steal a march on his neighbours.

Five months later, a period in which Van Persie has played 24 games, 17 goals have been scored as Manchester United sit 6 points clear of City in top spot and are also in the last 16 of the Champions League, a feat they did not manage last term.

It is an achievement in itself how the 29 year old has kept the injuries at bay, there was a suspicion that his prolific year in north London was an anomaly amongst several years of misfortune dogged by ankle and foot injuries that saw him fail to make over 30 league appearances in a single season before last year. This season, he has already made 17 and it is not yet Christmas. His last forced absence was of March 2011 as he finally begins to shake the “injury prone” tag.

Van Persie goals, 12 in total in the league, have provided United with the same catalyst for success Cantona’s had done. The defence is still ropey, but Van Persie’s goals have earned wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Southampton, West Ham and Manchester City whereas Cantona famously did the same back in 1996-97 upon his return from his karate-kick induced suspension.

Then, the Frenchman hit winners against Tottenham, West Ham, Arsenal, Coventry, Liverpool in the FA Cup final and most vitally, Newcastle at St James’s Park which ultimately decided the fate of the league title.

His goals were a figurehead of the team’s success just as Van Persie’s are now, there was a feeling that his last gasp free-kick winner in the recent Manchester derby roller-coaster, or his hat-trick at St Mary’s to rescue a 2-0 deficit, was an instance of him dragging an imperfect squad from the slipstream to out in-front, it is a huge difference and Van Persie makes it.

His effect not only on the goal scoring charts but on his team-mates has also not gone unnoticed by his manager who was glowing in his reference to the quality summoned in the likes of strike-partners Wayne Rooney, who has tallied eight goals and Javier Hernandez, who has nine.

43 goals have been amassed as a team in total, ten more than closest challengers Manchester City, as they have won 14 of their 17 games. Such a potency has seriously outweighed the vulnerable back-line which has shipped 24 goals as a philosophy of “we’ll score one more than you” has seemingly been adopted; Van Persie also scored in the near-ridiculous 3-4 win over relegation threatened Reading.

There is no doubting that Van Persie’s impact can be likened to Cantona’s but there is an opportunity for the Dutchman to build a comparable legacy, just like the stars he joined to tribute his manager at the end of November. There is a chance for Van Persie to score the goals needed for United to be a consistent force both in domestic competition and on the continent, marking his name in Manchester United’s history like the series of greats before him as he does it.

That explains why he listened to the little boy inside when he made his decision between Manchester clubs in the summer, leaving Arsenal behind after seven barren years without a trophy and one glance at the further malaise occurring at the Emirates, minus his 37 goals, suggests the quality he brings to a team.

However Arsenal is the past for Van Persie and Manchester United promises an extremely bright future.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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English Premier League: Who will win the Golden Boot this season?

  By O-Posts Team | November 22, 2023 - 20:16 | , , , , , , , , , , ,
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With eight goals each, Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez headed the Premier League goal scoring charts. Now, after last weekends fixtures, Suarez has 10 goals.

Even though only less than one third of the season has gone, odds point heavily in favour of one of these two players finishing as Premier League top goal scorer, with the bookmakers heavily fancying van Persie, who won the award last season scoring 30 goals and single handily helping Arsenal to finish the season in third place.

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson has used the Dutchman as his main striker, and with Manchester United scoring goals freely, there is every possibility that van Persie could emulate last season’s goal tally, as long as he remains injury free.

Luis Suarez has scored eight of Liverpool’s 14 league goals and is currently their only active striker. If the Uruguayan can avoid disciplinary issues and remain injury free, he has every chance of exceeding 20 league goals, something he last achieved in the 2009-10 season when still at Ajax.

Even though Kun Aguero has scored only three times in eight league games, he is strongly fancied to end the season close to the 23 league goals he scored last season, while team mate and fellow countryman Carlos Tevez with four goals is also strongly fancied by the bookmakers.

However a really good outside bet for Golden Boot must be their Manchester City team mate Edin Dzeko, who is at surprisingly long odds (33/1) despite his six goals in nine appearances. City manager Roberto Mancini has used Dzeko as an impact substitute and without his goals City would be closer to mid-table, rather than in second place. But for how long will Dzeko be willing to play the role of super sub?

The odds on Newcastle’s Demba Ba and Chelsea’s Fernando Torres finishing as top scorer are about 16/1. The Newcastle man has scored seven times in the league, while Torres has scored four. Only once have either of these players ended the season with20 or more goals.

Somewhat surprisingly the odds on Wayne Rooney being the Golden Boot are as low as 20/1, even though the Manchester United man finished three goals behind Robin van Persie last season. But with the ex-Arsenal man now leading Manchester United’s attack, Rooney finds himself employed in the role of attacking midfielder rather than as the front line striker.

The award for the Premier League team of 2012 must go to Everton who have lost only five league games since January. Manager David Moyes is a shrewd operator in the transfer market and even with limited finances, has managed to pick up some exceptional bargains. Striker Nikica Jelavić joined Everton from Rangers at the end of January 2012, and the Croatian scored nine times in 13 appearances last season. In the opening 10 games of this season Jelavić has already hit the back of the net five times and the odds of 20/1 for him to finish top scorer seem very generous.

Despite being a prolific goal scorer throughout his career, Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has yet to score 20 goals in a season. Manager Andre Villas-Boas has played Defoe as his main striker this season and has been rewarded with five goals in the opening 11 games.

Honourable mentions to Swansea City striker Michu and Everton’s outstanding midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who have both scored six times, to Steven Fletcher of Sunderland who has scored five of Sunderland’s seven league goals and to Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov who with five goals in only seven games is surely it’s worth a punt at odds as low as 40/1.

 

Jeremy Collins is an avid sports fan. When not at a game, he likes to try his luck at betting.youwin.com to see if he can win enough to cover his next game ticket.

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Adam’s Premier League Column: Week 10- Vantastic! Robin scores in convincing win against Arsenal

  By O-Posts Team | November 5, 2023 - 18:12 | , , , ,
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Above: Convincing win. Van Persie with muted celebrations after he scores.

Above: Convincing win. Van Persie with muted celebrations after he scores United’s first.

Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1

Robin van Persie showed Arsenal what they are missing. Not creativity, they have that in abundance, but a proven goal scorer. Arguably they have one in Podolski and Gervinho, but in recent weeks they haven’t been firing, and that’s because of poor performances and injury.

Van Persie made an instant impact, pouncing on Vermaelen’s slip to slam home after the third minute.

United then took control of the match, missing numerous chances, but luckily they weren’t made to rue those chances as the Gunners didn’t turn up. Manchester United missed the best chance in first half injury time, as Wayne Rooney dragged a penalty wide after Santi Cazorla handballed a shot.

United’s second goal came from left back and Captain Patrice Evra, his second goal of the season. Wayne Rooney’s cross looped over the head of Arsenal centre back Per Mertesacker and left Evra to head home to give the Red Devils a comfortable cushion.

Two minutes later, Arsenal were finished, as Jack Wilshere was shown red by referee Mike Dean for two yellow cards. However, Cazorla netted a mere consolation goal as he shimmied to his right to curl a shot into the top corner.

A nightmare for Arsenal, Man Utd didn’t look much happier either, though.

 

Fulham 2 Everton 2

A game packed with drama and plenty of goals! It was truly an end to end game. The visitors didn’t have the best of starts as they went 1-0 down inside the first seven minutes. Everton ‘keeper failed to keep out a Brian Ruiz free-kick, and he could only tip it onto the post where it inadvertently cannoned off his back and into the goal.

Everton didn’t get back into the game until ten minutes after the interval when Kevin Mirallas used the ball well to set up powerhouse Fellaini who slotted home to give the traveling fans something to cheer. Fellaini then put the Toffees in front, leaving three quarters of Craven Cottage with something to chew on.

However, Steve Sidwell had other ideas, and leveled in the last minute for Fulham. Everton had numerous chances to seal the three points, but couldn’t take advantage of some sloppy Fulham defending, leaving manager Martin Jol to say: “Everton dominated us and all we could do was try to be positive. But it doesn’t mean anything in football if you don’t score the goals, we just never gave up.” (BBC Sport)

 

Norwich 1 Stoke 0

Bradley Johnson’s solitary strike was the only difference between the Canaries and the Potters, leaving manager Chris Hughton pleased. He told Norwich’s official site: “It’s satisfying. It was a real tough game, and irrespective of whether you play Stoke home or away, they are a team of quality.”

Stoke will no doubt be disappointed that they wasted numerous opportunities, most noticeably from Kenwyne Jones, who scuffed a chance early on in the second half.

 

Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 1

Sunderland have been dependent on main striker Steven Fletcher this season, but he couldn’t deliver the goods for the Black Cats who currently sit one place ahead of the Villa in 16th, although it was the lower placed outfit that took home the three points.

The score was goalless at half-time, and it took until the 57th minute to seal the points. Gabriel Agbonlahor had previously gone an incredible 28 games without a Premier League goal, so of course, he scored to send the Villa faithful home in delight.

Aston Villa are the lowest scoring side this season, and that was another reason for more celebration. The hosts had a penalty decision turned down, perhaps wrongly, as Benteke looked to have handled John O’Shea’s glancing header.

 

Swansea 1 Chelsea 1

Chelsea were enjoying their impressive start to the season, but Michael Laudrup’s side halted the celebrations. However, Chelsea took the lead after the break. Victor Moses’ impressive performance in their 5-4 Capital One Cup victory against Manchester United merited a start for the Nigerian international.

He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and put the Pensioners in front on 61 minutes with a header. I think that Moses is a superb talent, and if given game time, which could be unlikely with the depth of the Chelsea attack, he could be one of their main men.

Chelsea failed to see the game out, and with Oscar, Hazard and Torres all playing, you would have thought that they would pose much more of a threat. However, Swansea looked to have gained some confidence from their Capital One Cup victory against Liverpool at Anfield, and they eventually equalized two minutes from time.

Pablo Hernandez slotted past Chelsea custodian Petr Cech from the edge of the area to give the home side a share of the spoils.

 

Tottenham 0 Wigan 1

André Villas-Boas’ reign as Tottenham took a step backwards. Spurs were booed off at full time after their second successive defeat at White Hart Lane. The deadline was broken 10 minutes after the interval, as Brad Friedel could only get his hands to the ball when he was behind the line, seeing Ben Watson run away in jubilation.

Tottenham fans were left even further frustrated as AVB brought off Jermain Defoe, who is the clubs top scorer this season with five league goals, to bring on struggling forward Adebayor.

 

West Ham 0 Manchester 0

Manchester City were held to a stalemate after a goalless game at Upton Park. The home side should have been in front; as Kevin Nolan’s early strike was wrongly ruled out for offside. Man City had the best chances to take the three points back to Manchester through Gareth Barry and former Hammers star-man Carlos Tevez.

However, the Hammers defence stood strong and earned a respectful point, one that boss Big Sam will no doubt be pleased with.

 

Queens Park Rangers 1 Reading 1

It was a battle at the bottom, neither team has recorded a win yet, so a point doesn’t really do either team any justice. Reading took a deserved lead sixteen minutes in, former QPR centre back Kaspars Gorkss netting on a half-volley, although the Rangers ‘keeper Julio César won’t want to look back at it again as it was a shot that should never have troubled the Brazilian international.

QPR had to find some inspiration, and that came on 66 minutes, as Djibril Cissé scored his first goal since May to earn the Mark Hughes led side a draw.

Rangers threatened again, and Cissé could have bagged the three points, however the best chance fell to Adel Taarabt, who dribbled past numerous Reading players to shoot straight at impressive ‘keeper McCarthy’s legs.

 

Liverpool 1 Newcastle 1

Liverpool were forced to a draw at Anfield, and had to come from behind to do so. Newcastle dominated the majority of the match in truth, and went ahead two minutes before the break in spectacular fashion. Hatem Ben Arfa dribbled the ball to the by line, before pulling back a cross which found French midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who thumped the ball past Brad Jones.

It took a bit of individual genius for Liverpool to grab a point, after Luis Suarez controlled a long pass from Enrique to dribble round ‘keeper Tim Krul to leave himself with a tap-in on 67 minutes.

Newcastle centre back Fabricio Coloccini saw red seven minutes from time, which I feel was wrongly given.

My Team of the Week

 

Written by Adam May

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