Transfer Talk: Part 2

March 21, 2019Transfer Talk, Weekend BuzzChelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Huddersfield Town, PL AnalysisKeliDey

It is time! We shall borrow that famous quote from Rafiki in the Lion King and once again discuss who your team needs to bring or kick out, this summer. Behold, Transfer Talk: Part 2!

Chelsea

Just like how Manchester United are going through difficulty replacing the great Sir Alex, The Blues are going through hell replacing their beloved no.9, Didier Drogba. Torres was woeful, Costa was a brief remedy, Morata short of confidence and Giroud was crafted for the bench. Gonzalo Higuain has failed to reach expectations he had set so high in Spain and Italy, despite his excellent link-up play with the Belgian maestro Eden Hazard, who we think should stay to give mentorship to rising star Hudson-Odoi and allow teen prodigy Vinicius Junior to flourish. We think Chelsea need a hungry, pacey, all-round striker like Piatek or Timo Werner or even Alfredo Morelos at Rangers. We also think a defender will be a good addition to their ranks, like Johnny Tah or Danny Rugani. This might be a busy window for Chelsea. Good thing they don’t have any complications with the FA that could screw up their plans. Right?

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“Right”

Crystal Palace

We think it’s pretty obvious. don’t you?

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Everton

Should Marco Silva keep his job, he should set priorities on finding a younger, hungrier right winger to understudy or replace Theo Walcott, make Andre Gomes a Toffee permanently, and sign a young, but capable goalie to understudy Jordan Pickford to keep the English man in check. Dean Henderson anybody?

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Fulham

Fulham look destined to return to the Championship and considering that they already spent a whooping 100 million on players that do not turn up, like Anguissa, Jean Seri, Schurlle. But if there is anything Fulham should do, it should be keeping the big Serb Mitrovic at Craven Cottage to help them fight till the end, and should the worst happen, fight for a spot back at the Prem next two years.

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“Goofy smile innit?”

Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Squad has a team decent for their stature. PL Analysis just feels they need a capable manager who can utilise them to produce great results. Hassenhuttl would have been great, but he’s been already been poached by the Saints. Doomed to return back to the Championship as the clock ticks onward to May, it is something the Terrier board will ponder on for a looooooooong time.

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That’s it for now. Leave in your messages on who you think should go in or get out this summer, and we might just consider them. Ciao Ciao.

Player Analysis: Mo’ Salah

March 8, 2019Player Profiles, Weekend BuzzLiverpool, Mohamed Salah, PLKeliDey

It’s been a while since we’ve analysed a player hasn’t it? Think we should do it again viewers? OK, going to our random player analysis wheel… we’re spinning, we’re spinning, we’re spinning… oh looky here, we got Mo’ Salah!

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The PL has graced some of the most prolific, deadliest of strikers the world has had the privilege to watch. Legends like Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Van Nistelrooy, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba, to modern heroes like Sergio Aguero, Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez, Wazza, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku. But of all of these strikers, despite the sheer number of goals they scored season after season, or the net busters they managed to pull off, like an absolute beaut Robin Van Persie ripped past Aston Villa in 2013, or the ripper Shearer lashed into the net in 2001 against Everton, none have scored 32 goals in a single season. None. Nada. Zilch. Zero.

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“I was sooo close”

Except this man.

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Mo Salah was signed in 2017 from Italian giants Roma, after his decent performances and reasonable goal+assist return in a league considered super defensive. Jurgen Klopp, pioneer of gegenpress, that he, not Julian Brandt, was the missing piece, the man to lead the attack of the Reds and lead them to their first, first ever PL title. We pause to remind Liverpool fans that Blackburn and Leicester have won the Premier League before. Salah scored on the opening day of the PL season and pretty soon he was the most feared forward around, using his pace, powered by his desire to score goals or lay it off to his teammates to take on even the toughest of defenders.

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“Hashtag Puskas Things”

He ended the 2017/18 season with 3 player of the month plaques, PFA player of the year, African player of the season, BBC African player of the season and the golden boot. He also became the first player to score 32 goals in one league campaign. Shearer and Cole, arguably two of the most elite ever have the next best with 31, and they were playing down the middle. As to affectionately put it, a guy on Twitter said that “Salah is the best thing we’ve seen since Crissy Ron.”

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But after a Champions League Final where Salah came face to face with mayhem personified and left the battlefield with a broken shoulder, and a rather disappointing World Cup, few expected Mo to match his feats of the season before. And, unless the Egyptian King scores a few dozen goals before the season ends, to keep the Kop faithful title dreams alive, then yes, we the haters were right. But the best save for the big moments, and if you have an 88 rated Fifa Card, you are one of those selected few.

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But to be fair to the Egyptian, he has performed. He’s still in the race for the Golden Boot, though facing stiff competition from Kun Aguero and Harry Kane, and in certain matches, like against Brighton and Wolves, it’s taken him to snag a win and keep the hopes of Liverpool alive. He’s been played as a center forward numerous times this season, and it has at times proved fruitful. To be fair, this would be a perfect season for some.

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But after the high standards Mo set last season, many expect him to be targeting the standards of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. Mo has also been unable to net against the big guns, with his account empty when it comes to any of the London sides or the Manchester giants. He has often cut a frustrated figure at times, rather than that cool figure that we PL fans were used to just a season ago. And, let’s face it, many of you have been betting on the Egyptian to net his 50^th goal of the PL sooner than later. We feel for you. We really do. But when it comes to Mo, the goals will come. After all, kings are born to serve, aren’t they?

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Any comments regarding The Egyptian King? Leave them in the comment box, or contact the greatest Premier League site in the world and we will do our very best to answer.

Transfer Talk: Part 1

March 2, 2019EPL Star Focus, Player Profiles, Transfer Talk, Weekend BuzzArsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Cardiff, PL, PL Analysis, Transfer TalkKeliDey

Though it seems so far away, your site that gives you only the best for the world’s best league feels like we should share our analysis on what your PL club should do this summer.

Arsenal

The Gunners should solve their defensive crisis by buying a big-name center-back to add to their ranks or a prospect that could serve the club for years to come. Harry Maguire at Leicester is a decent fit for a club of such stature, whilst looking abroad, Savic of Atletico Madrid, Johnathan Tah at Bayer 04 or Daniel Rugani at Juventus are decent options to pull on the famous red shirt.

Arsenal should also consider letting Mesut Ozil go. The German is full of creativity, but is a highly controversial figure, and does not seem to turn up when it matters most. Either a change in attitude for Mesut, or he goes, and a midfielder of the sort should be brought in to replace him, like Julian Brandt or Ever Banega, despite the latter’s age.

AFC Bournemouth

The Cherries are a good side, but soon Bournemouth faithful will start demanding for Europe soon, after all their seasons in the top flight. Eddie Howe should set his sights for a youthful center back to become Nathan Ake’s long term partner, and if Callum Wilson is truly set for the big time, Bournemouth must replace him. PL Analysis feel Che Adams could do the job for them.

Brighton and Hove Albion

If Brighton wants to assure that next season they will not flirt with relegation, then they need a bunch of players. Mat Ryan is a great goalkeeper, so the Seagulls should do all in their power to keep the Aussie at the Amex. A decent replacement for Glenn Murray should be looked for, and a decent holding midfielder should be acquired during the summer.

Burnley

The Clarets are capable of performing big, as 2017-18 showed and shocked all PL supporters. Burnley have a great squad, with youth on the rise, like Dwight McNeil, but they should make a bold step and sell Joe Hart. Tom Heaton has looked back to his best, and Hart as somewhat limited the chances of other England-international Nick Pope. However, Hart could still see a future in the PL, as Championship teams like Norwich who are fighting to be back in the PL, would need a good stopper like him.

Cardiff

Life can be cruel. Emiliano Sala was the perfect fit for the Bluebirds in their battle to stay up. He had everything needed of a striker, the eye for goal, great work-ethic, decent pace. But, alas, the ruthless English Channel prevented what could have been a vital turning point in the relegation battle. Not only do Cardiff now need a striker, they would need to keep Victor Camarasa, on loan from Real Betis at Wales, as he is key to making the side tick.

This is part one of a series on PL Analysis. Be sure to look out for more Transfer Talk in the coming weeks.

Any comments. Leave ’em below and maybe we might read them.

Ciao

Best French Players of the PL

February 28, 2019EPL Star Focus, Player ProfilesBoly, France, Kante, Laporte, Martial, PL Analysis, Pogba, SissokoKeliDey

Bonjour all lovers of the world’s most loved league. You came here, not only because this site is awesome, but you were curious to see who we at PL Analysis think are the best players of the PL that originate from good ol’ France. Or as the native will put it: les meilleurs jouers francais. The awesomeness of Google Translate.

6. Willy Boly

The Ivory Coast Football Team has come up with a proposal to Willy for let him play for the Elephants of Africa, and if he accepts, who can blame him? France have the aggressive Samuel Umtiti and the composed Raphael Varane as their first-choice center-backs, and after them Didier Deschamps has the pick of Aymeric Laporte, Presnel Kimpembe, Kurt Zouma, Adil Rami, Clement Lenglet, Sakho and so much more. At 28, it would be ideal for the big man to swap the iconic dark blue for another stint with orange.

But despite international conflicts, Willy has proven to us at PL Analysis that he is one supreme player. He is ever ready to defend, as his last ditch tackle against West Ham earlier in the season shows, yet pops up at crucial moments to guide his side to valuable points. His goal against City would have ensured him the adoration of the Pack, and his performance this year brings him on onto this oh-so-prestigious list.

5. Anthony Martial

Football365 posed a question about whether Tony Martial is the next Eden Hazard. Well if he continues playing like this then for all we know he could be on stage with the Ballon D’or award in his hands. Okay, we might be exaggerating a bit, but Anthony Martial, in all honesty has been frightening this year. For a man who many United loyals felt was not playing for the badge, he has scored 9 PL goals and has had 2 assists. His overall play has been good, but if there would be only one thing that would have ensured Martial a place on this list, it would be that goal against Fulham. Click the link and watch “the French Ronaldo” at his best.

https://www.nbcsports.com/video/man-uniteds-anthony-martial-doubles-lead-over-fulham

4. Moussa Sissoko

It seems that ever since N’golo Kante has been shifted to attacking duties, everyone has realized that there are other excellent, Energiser powered box-to-box midfielders in the PL. One of such is Moussa Sissoko, who, ironically, was considering a move away from England. However, with his namesake gone to China, his career has been completely revitalized by Pochettino and he has cemented a place on the list of several Spurs cult heroes.

3. Aymeric Laporte

Laporte is what you would call a true Guardiola player. He was already a decent player at Athletic Club but his record move to the blue side of Manchester has enhanced his game. He is composed, makes clean, yet crucial tackles that most defenders will never dare attempt, and, if that is not good enough, he can play as a sweeper, like German legend Sammer, playing awesome passes that lead to goal-scoring chances. In fact, Aymeric Laporte, to us, is capable of being a rock in Les Blues for years to come, but as and when Didier Deschamps puts down the croissants and actually sees this man play, then he has to be content with being the PL’s best French defender.

2. Paul Pogba

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
― Rob Siltanen

It’s good to see that two things about Paul Pogba that we are fond of have not changed.

Firstly, he has not given up on haircuts.

And secondly, it’s good to know that the creative, world-class, leader Paul Pogba who was stifled for so long by the”Special One” himself is still around and is imposing himself on football matches. 16 direct involvements in 14 games?! It will take a true boss to beat you to top spot…

N’golo Kante

And step forward the boss… N’golo Kante!!!

It seems pretty silly, almost stupid, to play the world’s best defensive midfielder, the man who won his teams titles, the only man with five hearts and a dozen lungs, as an attacking midfielder. Many players would have complained, or even revolted but not our man here. Despite his immense contributions when Chelsea are playing well, he still completes his defensive duties. If any one should be Chelsea Player of the Year, it should be N’golo Kante, one of the few legends who quietly does his job.

Any Comments? Leave them in the comment box or contact us. We’ll be happy to respond. Au revoir.

Best 6 defenders (CBs) so far.

February 19, 2019EPL Star Focus, Player Profiles, Weekend BuzzKeliDey

The defender. More precisely, the center-back. After the goalkeeper, they are arguably the most criticized players on the entire pitch when they do wrong, but, like our chums the goalies, they are given their deserved props when they do their job well. And we here at PL Analysis feel that we should reward the best 6 defenders of the league with a spot on our site. Nope, no award yet. Keep fingers crossed lads.

6. Sol Bamba

Where would Cardiff been without Sol Bamba? Sure Neil Etheridge has been key to vital wins with jaw-dropping saves, and converted right-back Paterson has been a real beast at times, and Cardiff would have been further up the table with the goalscoring prowess of the late Emiliano Sala, but Bamba has been a real force that has driven the bluebirds. He’s strong, quick and ever ready to play for his team. Largely to him, Cardiff has had 7 clean sheets, more than Man United, 3 goals extra, over 70 crucial interceptions, 156 recoveries and a 173 duels won. He’s a defender who should be playing for a team of a higher caliber.

5. Willy Boly

Don’t get me wrong, Wolves have been extremely good this year. Patricio has been a stopper Arsenal fans have been dreaming to have, Jonny and Matt Doherty have been decent full-backs, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves stellar midfielders and Jiminez and Diogo Jota good in front of goal, but Boly, along with Connor Coady, have been one of the best defensive partnerships in the league. 5 clean sheets are only a little picture of what the Frenchman has done.

4. Victor Lindelof

Iceman has been a revelation for Man United. Sure he is not your composed Aymeric Laporte or your bullish Harry Maguire, but what the Swede needed was time to develop. He was able to contain the big Salomon Rondon, play 10 minutes through an injury, shines with whoever he plays with, and earn the comparisons to Serb great Nemanja Vidic.

3. Aymeric Laporte

Manchester City look on course to snag the PL title for the second year running. Like Wolves, they have a lot of players to thank: sweeper-keeper Ederson, the Silva bros, Kevin de Bruyne, and the ruthless Sergio Aguero. But Laporte has been an absolute revelation. His defensive side has been solid (12 clean sheets and he has been a passing wonder (130 successful long balls). An ideal successor to the ageing Otamendi and Vincent Kompany.

2. and 1. Virgil van Dijk

There were considerations for the number 2 spot. Honest. There’s David Luiz, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Maguire, Joe Gomez and the like. But none of them have been better than the names mentioned here, despite Joe, who is on injury and cannot be fully considered. So we decided to put VVD, Liverpool’s supposed beast, at both the top two spots, because, truthfully, he has been domineering and proven to be one of the best, and potentially the best on earth in a few years, as Giorgio Chiellini, Sergio Ramos and Diego Godin are reaching the end of their fine careers. But if you don’t believe us, ask Opta, or basically every Liverpool fan on the planet.

Any other defender you want in this list? Tell us in the comments below.

What Chelsea need to do to become dominant again.

February 16, 2019Reviews, Weekend BuzzAbramovich, Belgium, Chelsea, Christensen, David Luiz, EPL, Hazard, Higuain, Kante, Sarri, Striker, WingerKeliDey

After Chelsea’s humiliating 6-nil defeat to Manchester City, PL Analysis goes through the possible solutions that could permanently revitalize the Blues.

Be patient with Maurizio Sarri

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Maurizio Sarri, at Italy, was once renowned for his ability to mastermind big wins and create attack minded teams that won the hearts of footy-loving Italians. In fact, last year, almost everybody around the world rooted for Napoli to snag the Serie A, with their stellar team, only to be crushed by Gonzalo Higuain and his Juventus side. Abramovich, who has not seen such football at his club since the days of Carlo Ancelotti, seemed Sarri was the man to do the job. Everything started out fine, and at some point in the season, Chelsea were even regarded as title contenders. But then it took a few sour games and things have turned grey for the Blues and Maurizio himself.

However, despite the fact many Chelsea fans refuse to agree, Sarri does have a philosophy that could work for the club. With the crop of players he’s got, the Chelsea hierarchy could do with being patient with the Italian tactician.

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Restore Kante to the destructive role

Despite Maurizio Sarri being convinced that the world’s best destroyer of play can be effective in a more attacking role, the truth is that N’golo Kante is more of a Claude Makelele than an Andreas Iniesta. Kante’s greatest strength his is supernatural ability to detect and snuff out danger before it actually happens, and his desire to burst lungs for the good of the team by galloping from box-to-box. Maurizio Sarri once said he likes a more technical player in that role that made the dimunitive midfielder a superstar, and has opted for Jorginho, but many teams have exploited the Italian’s inability to protect his back four, leading to costly defeats Chelsea could have avoided if Kante had been deployed in that deep-lying position. Besides, now that Kante has been fairly taught the roles of the attacker, he can be ideal to Sarri’s future plans.

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Buy a younger, hungrier striker.

There is no doubt that Gonzalo Higuain is a goal scoring beast. His feats at Real Madrid were mind-blowing, and his record of most goals in a single Serie-A season is yet to be broken. However Higuain is 31, which means he is nearing the end of his peak, and soon, Chelsea would have to face the fact that they might have to scout for a new striker to live up to the greats of the past, like Didier Drogba and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank. Piatek, at AC Milan is a good fit, whilst Mauro Icardi, who is at conflict with his club is another choice. Whatever they do, Chelsea should start looking for a genuine young center-forward/striker, because that is what wins championships.

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Play Christensen instead of David Luiz

There was a time where the frizzy-haired Brazilian was one of the most imperious center back. But now, he’s basically a playmaker who hides under the tag centre-back. His ability on the ball, his passes, and his vision are beyond extraordinary for a defender, but his defending, well, eh, is not something to be admired. Luiz, in his 30s, is a great deal older than Christensen, who has not done bad when called up by Sarri. Is it time for the Brazilian to go?

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Entice Eden Hazard to stay.

The Belgian magician is one of the league’s standout players, as his 10+ goals and 10+ assists show. Hazard in his late 20s and entering his prime should be the center of Chelsea’s attention at the moment, and as he enters the final years of his contract with the Blues, and with Los Blancos seemingly interested, Chelsea should do all in their power to keep their best player at Stamford Bridge for a little while longer.

What do you think Chelsea should do to become feared again? Tell us in the comments below.

Is Ole the man for Man. United?

February 2, 2019Manager Profiles, Weekend BuzzKeliDey

Until now, the only time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was trending, was 1999, when he scored a last-gasp winner to clinch a first ever UEFA Champions League crown for The Red Devils. The baby-faced assassin had surely etched his name into the tablet reserved for the most revered Mancunian legends, and continue to do so with his tactical awareness and his awesome finishing, and becoming the best solution from the bench since David Fairclough. Since that time, he retired, obviously, won the Norwegian League with his boyhood club Molde, took charge at Cardiff, a woeful experience, returned to Molde, and seemed to be destined for a life as a manager in one of Europe’s lower leagues.

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Then Jose Mourinho got fired.

Even with the Moody One’s departure, everyone tipped Laurent Blanc, Ryan Giggs, or Micheal Carrick to take the helm temporarily, but Eddy Woodward opted for Solskjaer. Bluebird fans chuckled. City fans bellowed. Basically the whole of the PL’s fanbase one way or the other mocked the decision of Solskjaer’s recruitment.

But it seemed that Woodward’s decision paid off. Solskjaer’s enthusiasm as a die-hard red has revitalized the United team.

This man’s scoring…

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These men are working like they should…

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This man is finally proving his sum…

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And this man looks impenetrable once more.

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And these folks look happier…

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But does that mean that Solskjaer is a perfect candidate for the job?

Let’s start by analyzing the negatives of Solskjaer’s reign. Yes, there are cons to Ole’s current run.

One is that he is capable of making the wrong selections. Just last Tuesday, he gave Ander Herrera his deserved rest and put on academy-graduate Andreas Pereira, who looked lost for the entire period he played, and his error led to Burnley’s first goal. If Solskjaer did not want such a result, either he could have stuck with the aggressive Spaniard for one extra game, or introduced Fred, whose style of play is similar to the Spaniard, aggressive yet composed and astonishingly creative. He could have also played Lingard in place of Herrera, who is capable of playing in a midfield three, like he did during the World Cup.

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One other flaw is that Solskjaer seems to prefer Phil Jones to Eric Bailly when picking a decisive partner to United rock Victor Lindelof. Jones is good, but his judgement can be slow, can be over anxious to do his duties. He’s also likely to leave his marker at times, like he did against Tottenham Hotspur. Bailly could be Solskjaer’s Pepe, as he is fast, aggressive, and committed to his duties, though there’s a bit of recklessness to his style of play. However, we at PL Analysis believe that Eric is the key to a great defence for United.

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However Solskjaer has been good as well, let it be said. He has brought energy back to United, as well as the distinctive counter-attacking football that was trademark of the great Sir Alex’s teams. He has played Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera in effective positions so that United’s most creative player, Paul Pogba, can dictate games and be the midfielder United splashed 89 million quid on. He has improved the relationship between all attackers, from Martial to Sanchez. He has help Marcus Rashford to add to his game as a promising striker, and he has honed Victor Lindelof into a possible successor to Nemanja Vidic.

However, despite this, many pundits feel that Zidane or Mauricio Pochettino should take the helm at United. Zidane may be one of the best tacticians and man managers in the world, but he had arguably the best squad of the last two years to contribute to his success. Pochet to is incredible, but was it not for his trophyless cabinet, United would have surely pushed for him.

PL Analysis feels that if Solskjaer seals a CL spot, as well as going on an incredible CL and FA Cup run, then why not? After all it happened to Zidane, why should it not happen to Ole, the boss who can’t simply stop grinning.

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What d’you think? Should Solskjaer stay full-time? Should Zidane get the job? Should Mauricio snag it? Tell us in the comments box below.

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Personally I think I should get the job.

EPL’s Top 7 Goalies so far

January 20, 2019EPL Star Focus, Player Profiles, Weekend BuzzKeliDey

The Goalkeeper. The most important player on the field of play, according to Nate, in the hit series Big Nate. Though this statement may not be entirely true, goalkeepers are still really important, and their presence crucial if teams want to hold on to tight leads. Today we shall dive into a list of the best goalies of the PL so far.

7. Neil Etheridge

Cardiff may be 18th on the table as things stand, but if wasn’t for the gargantuan Philippine, they may have well have been sitting at the bottom of the table. Etheridge has been crucial to their survival hopes, able to pull off gravity-defying saves and has the psychic ability to position himself correctly so saves are much more easier to make. He has made a whooping 85 saves, and has 6 clean sheets, more than David de Gea. He also saved 3 penalties, something de Gea is yet to master.

6. Lucasz Fabianski

Adrian, Adrian, Adrian. If we were you, we will be considering a move away from the Hammers soon, because the elastic Pole has grabbed the no.1 spot and is not willing to share. Fabianski has made 86 saves,the most in the PL, and some jaw-dropping ones as well. (Hunt down his worldie against United on Youtube.) His ability to adjust to the toughest of situations is part of the reasons why West Ham is in a pole position to grab a Europa spot.

5. Rui Patricio

Many people think Wolves will be the next Manchester City, profiting from a wealthy takeover, snagging great players and becoming a force to watch. Nuno Espirito Santo has been one of the best coaches of the PL, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves A* midfielders, and Raul Jiminez and Diogo Jota clinical. At the back Matt Doherty, Boly and Coady solid. But one cannot forget Portugal’s no.1, and Wolves no.11, Rui Patricio. In fact, we think he’s so good that you should just go to Youtube and look for his awesome save against both Manchester teams.

Nah, we’ll give you a stat. He has 5 clean sheets.

4. David de Gea.

Third most saves in the League(82) does not even guarantee the super Spaniard top-spot on our list. Despite the awesome use of the feet, his calmness under pressure, and his ability to baffle the best of strikers, de Gea has not done enough to snag no.1. This is because David has proved he can make mistakes (Like an absolute howler against Arsenal.), and has still not mastered the art of organizing his defence. But take those tiny flaws out and he’s one of the best in the league, if not the world.

3. Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Basque-born keeper has finally proven to be the true replacement for Thibaut Courtois, and has of late been one of the most consistent ‘keepers of Sarri’s inconsistent squad, a true embodiment of the modern keeper: Athletic, Position on point, and is able to sort out his defence. He’s had 10 clean sheets, a good number for a new goalie, and has conceded a few 19 goals. 121 accurate long balls means Alisson and Ederson have a competitor to the best sweeper keeper in the League.

2. Ben Foster

Javi Garcia must have negotiated one of the best deals of the season when he lured Benny Foster from West Brom. The English goalie had 7 clean sheets, in West Brom, and was arguably their best player, but at Watford he’s been even better. And this time we mean it. No stats. Watch his awesome save against Bournemouth and his performance against Burnley. 35 but still going strong. Like fine wine.

Alisson

13 clean sheets. 13 goals shipped in. 123 successful long balls. 29 passes per match. Transformed their defence. Top-notch positioning. The best sweeper keeper of the season so far. Match-winner. Confident. First on our list. Ladies and Gentlemen, Alisson Becker.

Other good goalies this season: Tom Heaton, Ederson, Matt Ryan.

That’s all for now. Give us your true seven best goalies and be sure to look out for more posts on PL Analysis. Bring your pals. Keep(Get it?) Reading.

6 things to look out for this weekend

January 16, 2019Player Profiles, Previews, Weekend BuzzKeliDey

Ahh, the weekend. A deserved break from the hustle of school and the madness at your workplace. You could choose to spoil yourself with assorted goodies, or treat yourself to some relaxed reading in bed, or crush your pals on the PlayStation. Oh, oh, but you could also watch the greatest league ever, with an eye for the things below.

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“What’s that? Did I hear right? Saturday’s back? Yes!!!”

Champions of 2017/18 and Champions of 2015/16.

Wolves, champions of English second-tier footy, and Leicester City, holders back in 2016, slug it out come Saturday as they both look to secure a Europa League spot. Wolves have been the surprise package of the league, with their slick-passing and team unity, as well as the presence of pretty decent players, like Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Adama and Rui Patricio. Leicester have not been to shabby themselves, sitting in 8th place, with the patient tactics of Claude Puel finally paying dividends. Expect a match full of tactical sharpness, attacking footy and plenty of goals.

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2. Will Mo’ Salah reap from Kane’s ruin?

Mohamed Salah, along with winning the League, must be wishing to add another golden boot to his shelf and prove all doubters wrong. He has not had it easy, with the presence of Aubameyang and Harry Kane breathing down the Egyptian’s neck. But with Kane, who had been very consistent till his game against Manchester United, where he suffered a knock that will keep him out till March, and Aubameyang not goal steady, Salah will be looking to run riot at Anfield against Crystal Palace.

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“Guess I’ll have to wait till next year to add another boot to the cupboard.”

3. Could United be playing UCL next year?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side may be well and truly out of the title race, and the League Cup will definitely not return to the Red of Manchester. The FA Cup is up for grabs, but a place in Europe’s elite is what United will truly want next year.

United have pretty slim hopes of beating French giants PSG, so the preferred option will be to duel it out with the top six for a top-four spot. United are level with Arsenal on points, 5 behind Chelsea and 6 behind Spurs. If they keep their current form up, United may as well end this once grim-looking season on a high.

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4. Return of Theo.

It seems like a long time ago that Theo Walcott, at age 17, was playing for Southampton and looking like the next gem of England. Then injuries, inconsistency, and lack of trust by his gaffers has plagued what seemed like a glorious career in the making. Now Walcott, nearing 30 years will be back at Saint Mary’s along with an Everton side that hunts down a Europa League spot. Ralph Hassenhuttl is looking to keep the Saints in a comfortable spot far from relegation, so expect a cracker, and a few boos when Walcott touches the ball.

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5. Can Leno step up?

Bernd Leno was tipped to be the man to replace the giant Manuel Neuer for Deutschland, with his shot-stopping abilities and excellent positioning admired bu Bundesliga fans, and making him sought after all over the world. In the summer, the German got a move to the Gunners, and after a period of playing understudy to Petr Cech, Leno has been promoted to first team duties.

Unfortunately, Leno has not what you might say has been the best of keepers, with Foster, Angus Gunn and Heaton, keepers far below his level have preformed better than him. Leno will almost certainly be in goal when Chelsea come to the Emirates, and in a match where stakes are high, he’ll be hoping to put on a performance that will set the tone for the years ahead.

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6. The Return of Babel

Even the most devoted PL Fans may have forgotten this man, Ryan Babel, a man who was destined for greatness at Liverpool but could never quite make among the great at Anfield due to better players in his position and his disciplinary issues.

Now Babel, who had enjoyed a fine stint with Besiktas and international footy in recent months, comes to Craven cottage, where Fulham are in desperate need of a player who can lift their hopes up. His dream debut may not be this one, facing a Tottenham side eager to forget the wounds inflicted on them by Manchester United, but expect the Dutchman to do fine.

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“You may have to spray the trim white Babel.”

Let’s look forward to the weekend, its sounding great by my estimate. Come back to see more quirky posts on PL Analysis. Bring your chums as well. Keep reading

Man City 2-3 Man Utd: An insight into one of the PL’s best ever games

January 9, 2019ReviewsKeliDey

Picture this. It’s April 2018, and Manchester City, under the skillful guidance of one of the world’s best coaches, Pep Guardiola (Bald, likes wearing sweaters.), are in a poll position to win the league.

No one could challenge them at this stage.

They had over a dozen points over their red-wearing neighbors, Manchester United. They had scored over eighty goals as a team, had a superior goal difference, and had only lost once throughout the whole season, where they fell to the might of an attacking Liverpool side at the Anfield, an epic game by itself.

Man United were not doing bad themselves, sitting in a 2^nd place spot, and were edging closer to an FA Cup Final. However City played much better football to United, slick, purposeful passing, superb awareness and clinical finishing when it mattered most, compared to Mourinho’s prosaic football, holding on to tight one nil, two nil games by closing out the opponents possible routes to goals.

Man City had a formidable defense, the creativity of David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, the speed of Sane and the ruthlessness of Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. But United had a world-class midfielder in Paul Pogba, and the best goalkeeper in the world, David de Gea.

United went to the Etihad knowing that a defeat to City meant that the title was ensured for the Sky Blues, a painful defeat the Cityzens were itching to implement. It was truly a match to watch.

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City started off how they’ve been all season, allowing United scraps of possession and getting the ball into dangerous areas. However United too seemed to be playing with lackluster, their players looking either dull or frantic.

Soon the best team of the half had their deserved goal, a bullet header from City’s inspirational captain Vincent Kompany after some poor marking by Chris Smalling. A few minutes later City has their second with Ilkay Gündogan completing a sublime 360 to fool giant Serb Nemanja Matic, before sending a good finish into David de Gea’s net.

They could have had more goals before the first half ended, hadn’t it been for de Gea’s knee that denied Raheem Sterling. At half time, the footy world seemed to agree: Manchester City were to lift the title that very day, with Man United to be the clowns of the circus.

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“If only you knew the second half bruv.”

Everybody expected a similar second half, but as soon as the whistle blew for the remaining forty-five minutes, United sprayed balls forward, and even had a shot at goal, a sharp contrast to the first half where they had only one touch in City’s box.

Suddenly, the red half of Manchester had something to smile about: blue-haired Frenchman Paul Pogba pulled the Reds back with a goal after some good team play.

Then, suddenly United were level with the leaders, with another goal from Paul Pogba, and suddenly, it looked like the immortals of English football were crumbling.

Then not long after, it was 3-2, a smart volley from a man who caused the error to the first goal, Chris Smalling. United were winning, and were winning with football that had been hardly displayed during Mourinho’s United reign.

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“Pogbance”

Pep, determined, brought on his big guns, who he had been resting for a crucial Champions League Quarter Final against Liverpool. Kevin de Bruyne and Aguero were introduced, spelling doom in bloody red letters for Man United.

City bombarded furiously, with Ashley Young fortunate to have not conceded a penalty, and David de Gea producing a worldie of a save to deny his best friend, Kun Aguero, a chance of winning City’s third PL crown. The minutes eventually passed, and Man United came out victorious.

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“What.A.Save.”

Too bad they lost to last-place West Brom the next week.