When I got back it was already 0-1. I expected Southampton to get blown away in a furious onslaught from the damaged young Gunners, eager to show the doubting public what they were made of . . . but they bottled it. Yes, they fought doggedly for a point, but that wasn't enough. As I said last week, they needed a statement performance. They didn't give one. With so many games left it would be stupid to write them off yet, but it is safe to say that they are no longer favourites.
City showed their class in Munich and again at Wembley on Saturday. Now they face Real in a tricky UCL semi-final and Man U in an even trickier FA cup final. Two clubs I absolutely despise. Those games are going to make uncomfortable viewing. Prayers will be said and sacrifices made to the Flying Spaghetti Monster beforehand. Wednesday evening sees the big clash at the Etihad against Arsenal. It has now become a must win for the Gunners rather than for City. How quickly things change.
Statement performance of the week came from the Toon. They were 5-0 up against Spurs within 21 minutes. For this you have to blame Levy and the board. Pep said at his presser that the reason City contest leagues, FA and League cup finals and UCL semis season in, season out is down to the club management structure and policy. That is so clear in modern footy. Spurs have won nothing in years and don't look like winning anything either. Newcastle, on the other hand, have built slowly since the takeover. It will be interesting to see how they progress in the coming years. It looks like they have the right manager, now they need to continue their careful recruitment policy and avoid idiotic spending, like spunking £80 million on Harry Maguire.
At the other end, Southampton look doomed, along with two from Leeds, Leicester, Forest and Everton. Bournemouth aren't out of it yet either, but have a defensible gap. My money is on Leicester and Forest but it really is too tight to call. Forest and Leeds have spent too many seasons down below and don't deserve another spell out of the EPL.
City showed their class in Munich and again at Wembley on Saturday. Now they face Real in a tricky UCL semi-final and Man U in an even trickier FA cup final. Two clubs I absolutely despise. Those games are going to make uncomfortable viewing. Prayers will be said and sacrifices made to the Flying Spaghetti Monster beforehand. Wednesday evening sees the big clash at the Etihad against Arsenal. It has now become a must win for the Gunners rather than for City. How quickly things change.
Statement performance of the week came from the Toon. They were 5-0 up against Spurs within 21 minutes. For this you have to blame Levy and the board. Pep said at his presser that the reason City contest leagues, FA and League cup finals and UCL semis season in, season out is down to the club management structure and policy. That is so clear in modern footy. Spurs have won nothing in years and don't look like winning anything either. Newcastle, on the other hand, have built slowly since the takeover. It will be interesting to see how they progress in the coming years. It looks like they have the right manager, now they need to continue their careful recruitment policy and avoid idiotic spending, like spunking £80 million on Harry Maguire.
At the other end, Southampton look doomed, along with two from Leeds, Leicester, Forest and Everton. Bournemouth aren't out of it yet either, but have a defensible gap. My money is on Leicester and Forest but it really is too tight to call. Forest and Leeds have spent too many seasons down below and don't deserve another spell out of the EPL.
So fingers crossed Everton and Leicester get the chop. Their owners deserve it.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
At the Hammers tomorrow , LFC will need to tighten their sham defence . Forest & Leeds to jin the Saints for the drop .
ReplyDeleteAt least we can all agree this season doesn't count due to the World Cup...
ReplyDelete3 points from 12 for the Gunners. League done and dusted, by the looks of it
ReplyDeleteCracking goals too.
DeleteOnce we drop into the bottom three, I cannot see us escaping.
ReplyDeleteBarry
DeleteLeicester have got Tielemans, Barnes and Maddison back to some form at just the wrong time for you. Bamford's missed sitter could prove damaging
Peter, If we go down, it will be because of those home thrashings occasioned largely by the absence of Wober. Forest are as big a concern after that victory over Brighton. The strain on all of us as fans is almost unbearable which is why I am blacking out this weekend's matches until the final whistle.
ReplyDeleteif you have the time and inclination, read Phil Hay's piece on "Choose Leeds" in the Athletic to get the feel of the existential nature of being a Leeds United supporter.
https://theathletic.com/4448500/2023/04/26/choose-leeds-leicester-premier-league/