Expectations were on the high when England reached the semi-finals at the world cup in Russia.
A lot of people felt the Three Lions have finally arrived to claim their rightful place in world football. There were already talks of the young team winning the next European Nations Cup.
Caution from a few people who pointed out that the team did well in the world cup simply because they had a good draw and didn’t have to meet any of the big boys until the semis were brushed aside.
The optimists claim you can only beat what is in front of you, they were particularly impressed that the young team was able to beat Costa Rica, Tunisia and Panama. The greatest achievement however was considered the penalty shootout win over Colombia. The optimists forgot that when the main tests came in form of Belgium and Croatia, the young Lions failed to deliver.
Well, moment of truth came last weekend when Spain came calling. The Spanish team was by far superior and all the frailties of the young English team were brought to the fore.
The fact is Gareth Southgate has made major improvements to the team but there is still a long way to go before we can say we have arrived. The fact is England is still a long way behind the likes of Brazil, France, Germany, Belgium, etc.
The way, fortunately, is up. England will improve with time but it will do everyone a lot of good if they don’t get carried away with the little success. It won’t do anyone any good if unnecessary pressure is put on the young players.
Back to the premiership
Spurs v Liverpool
Before Spurs’ loss to Watford, this game was billed as the first main test for Klopp and the Kop. However, you are now no longer sure. You are now wondering which Spurs will turn up for the game. Will it be the one that comfortably beat Manchester United at Old Trafford or the one that sheepishly lost to Watford?
All things being equal, this should be a fantastic game of football.
Pochettino will try to get his players back to their early season form, defensively tight and offensively dangerous. One good thing is that Liverpool will not be employing the same bully boy tactics that Watford used. However, Liverpool will be bringing another kind of threat to the game. They start their own defending right from the opposition’s half, they choke you and force you to make mistakes and they sure have players who will make you pay for this. Another tactics Spurs should be wary of is Liverpool’s tendency of drawing opponents out of their comfort zones and then hit you on the counter. This game can go either of two ways, an open one with a lot of goals or a very tight one that will end in a draw or be won with the slightest of margins. That will depend on the tactics Spurs decide to use. For Liverpool, we know how they play. It has been working so far so why change it?
Chelsea v Cardiff
It is safe to say Chelsea will get the three points from this game. Cardiff have not been able to cope with the higher standard of the premiership. They are the whipping boys of the league so far. Sarri’s boys will be too hot for the Welsh team to handle. They are becoming most people’s favourite for the drop. Although September is too early to predict who will be relegated in May, but the way results have been going for Cardiff, no one will be surprised if they end up being relegated.
Man City v Fulham
If the game against Wolves is anything to go by, it is clear that the beautiful feathers of the peacocks from Etihad can be ruffled. Fulham have spent a lot of money buying new players but they are a step or two lower than the superstars assembled by Pep Guardiola. That singular point will make a difference in this match-up. Also, Fulham don’t seem to have the native intelligence other so-called smaller clubs like Watford and Wolves possess. Fulham are likely to go about this game trying to test their might against City or go the opposite direction by trying to sit in their own half and minimise the damage.
Both ways, they will be playing into City’s hands. Three points for Manchester City.
Newcastle v Arsenal
Perhaps, the most remembered game between these two sides was the one in 2011 where Newcastle came from four goals down to draw the game 4-4. Things have changed, since then though. Newcastle have been relegated and have returned to the premiership, Arsenal have replaced Wenger with Emery. Under Benitez, cash- strapped Newcastle have been punching well above their weight. Arsenal have been getting better under the new manager. The stage is set for a thrilling game. It will be a test for Arsenal but I have a feeling they will come up trumps.
Watford v Man Utd
These are trying times for Mourinho and his boys. The dressing room seems divided and the players appear to be playing without the usual swagger associated with the lords of Old Trafford. On the other hand, Watford are full of confidence, following their defeat of Spurs who had comfortably trounced United at Old Trafford. It will be dramatic to say Mourinho’s reputation is at stake in this game but if his team lose this one, especially as tamely as they lost against Spurs, the old questions will return. People will start to wonder if the special one has indeed lost his mojo.