Five things we learned last week from the EPL
Refereeing in the Premier League is pathetic
First was Howard Webb and now comes Mark Halsey. The Premier League has seen a sudden insurgence in players’ disapproval of the refereeing quality. Halsey missed out on crucial decisions that could have won Liverpool the game. Maybe the pressure got the better of him, or maybe, he just isn’t good enough. For a man who has been in the profession for over two decades, a better performance was expected of the Hertfordshire native. However, just like how other refereeing decisions in the past year have turned tides in a game of football, Halsey cost Liverpool with the controversial penalty kick and at the same time, not sending Johnny Evans off.
England’s refereeing quality has tremendously decayed over the years – remember Graham Poll in Germany 2006 and Howard Webb in the Euros and 2010 World Cup? The FA needs to reevaluate its refereeing contingent before more controversy stems up in big games.
Manchester City: Invincible no more?
First, a draw against Stoke and now, a less commanding display against Arsenal. City doesn’t seem to be close to the form that governed their progress last year and earlier this week, the team was convincingly knocked out of the League Cup by Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. Less assuring as the billion dollar team can be, Mancini has stated that his priorities lie within the Premier League and European Club competitions. However, the side just did not show up against Villa and were easily beaten in its own half by a rejuvenated Arsenal. The club may be reveling from having bought half the Arsenal squad but still hasn’t cemented itself at the top from the gargantuan amounts of money being spent.
Everton is the better Merseyside club
The table reads Everton with 10 points while Liverpool lament in the relegation zone with a measly two. Clearly, the Merseyside nation has seen the underdogs surge to the top while the mighty Reds have struggled to beat anyone this season. The defence that once held Liverpool afloat has disappeared when it matters most, while the finishing has been atrocious. I predicted Rodgers to turn things around but he hasn’t and soon could be the first man to go. On the other hand, Moyes continues to get the best out of his under-rated squad and should be competing for the 6th spot in the League this year.
Southampton finally reaps awards for its football
While Aston Villa restored its claims to stay alive in the League with a competitive display against City in the League Cup, it was shambolic against a newly promoted Southampton squad. Of all teams to make it into the league this year, Southampton has clearly played the best football so far and finally got what it deserved. 4 goals, exquisite ball control and an attractive passing game, Southampton dominated from the beginning. Will Southampton stay up this year? Maybe or maybe not but performances like this will sure boost the team’s credibility.
QPR is in crisis
First game of the season and Swansea drubs QPR 5-0. Since then, QPR’s performances have improved yet it has struggled to seal a victory, often losing tight games. At White Hart Lane this past week, the North-West London Club put out a strong defense yet succumbed to a more quality side in Tottenham. After five games, the side hasn’t won a game and doesn’t possess the squad depth to resurge back up the leaderboard. The coming games against West Brom and West Ham should be crucial to determine if this Air Asia owned franchise will put up any fight at all this season.