The False 9

After indulging in far too much Christmas food and enjoying the festivities that only New Years can bring, I feel some footballing thoughts/banter need to be shared once again. Has a lot changed in the last fortnight? Man United are still taking two steps forward and one step back, Arsenal are still managing to somehow fight off the big money movers in Chelsea and Manchester City while Sunderland and Crystal Palace are still shortening as favourites to be relegated this season. In saying all that the last two weeks has bought to us a buffet of football and there has been a number of upsets and games which have given purists great delight. Liverpool’s 5-0 thumping of Tottenham straight away springs to mind with the quality of goals on show second to none. With so many games being played throughout the league and various cups, there has also been a number of high profile injuries. Manchester striking duo of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have only played a hand full of games together this season, with last year’s golden boot winner, Van Persie, struggling the most, only playing 11 games in the league and the majority of those being only half fit.

The same can be said of the Christmas toll on Arsenal, with Oliver Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil missing multiple games throughout the period. The biggest loss has however been Theo Walcott who is out for the season with a ruptured ACL. This robs the Gunners of that sheer pace that in some games is the key to unlocking teams that ‘park the bus’. Luckily for them, young gun Serge Gnabry is looking like he belongs in the first team, belaying his meagre 18 years of age. On top of this Alex Oxlade-Chamberlein is back from a long term knee injury, so all is not so bad for Arsenal. They will still however be looking to dip in to the winter transfer window to bolster their frontline, like a number of other teams. United will also once again be on the lookout for a maestro to bolster their midfield which has been overrun too many times this season. It is usually seen as a desperate time for teams to buy players, but there are the odd bargain buys that teams do come across. Prices are generally inflated given how desperate teams are, but for some, the extra cost of these players can lead to greater advantages in the future. The next few weeks can prove vital to a team’s survival in the league or for their quest of EPL glory come May. Let’s hope there are a few more stars coming across to the EPL for us to enjoy.

Manchester United vs Swansea

This match has taken on extra significance given United have lost 3 on the bounce including their FA cup 3rd round tie against Swansea, who are coincidently coming back to town. When was the last time anyone had heard of United losing 3 in a row?? It is credit to their history that we are so surprised by these results, with Sir Alex Ferguson moulding sides that challenged on all fronts and rarely went through any rebuilding phases. With David Moyes going through 6 months of hell so far, the fans have had his back, but they are starting to turn. They are not used to these results and Moyes really has to start turning things round. With Robin Van Persie still out, they are without their talisman and top goal scorer. United will be praying Wayne Rooney is fit otherwise Danny Welbeck will once again have to shoulder the attacking mantle of the side. With the busy Christmas period over, all teams are counting the costs of injuries and United have had their fair share. It is time the players stand up and play with a bit of pride. As an Arsenal fan it can be taken as condescending, however Moyes is copping more than his fair share and it would be great to see some hunger and desire in the Theatre of Dreams this weekend.

Swansea sits 4 points outside the relegation zone even though many would not even consider them as relegation strugglers. Ever since their FA cup trophy last season the extra games in the Europa League seem to be more of a hindrance to them more than anything else. Their league form has been poor, yet they still manage to produce quality football which other teams only wish they can play. With Miguel Michu out indefinitely, they have lost their top goal scorer from the last campaign, but have found a lively replacement in Wilfried Bony. 2 goals in his last league match against Manchester City and the winner midweek against United show he is in good form against the mancunians. He is likely to have to play the 90 minutes again this weekend, but his link up play with the midfield has provided Swansea with the ability to keep the ball in the final 3rd and play long ball when needed. His ability to shoot from range has defences constantly worrying about him and have to put him under greater duress than what they would like.

The Deciding Factor

An early goal will be crucial in this game. If United don’t score early, the fans will quickly start to show their frustrations as it has been building gradually over the last fortnight. A home atmosphere that is uncomfortable for the home side will put them under added pressure and will spur on the Swansea side to put another nail in Moyes’ coffin.

Prediction

I’m sure United will come out with some sheer determination to put the doubters to rest. I can see things clicking for once. United 3-0.

Newcastle vs Manchester City

After an adequate month of December, Newcastle has gone luke warm over the last fortnight with successive losses against Arsenal, West Brom and then Cardiff City in the FA cup. They will be ruing missed opportunities as the cup competitions in particular have been targeted over the last 12 months and after taking the lead at home, should never have been knocked out by Cardiff. Their drop in form has coincided with the cold streak of their iconic goal scorer Loic Remy. After scoring 10 goals in the League so far this season, he has gone missing in the last 3 matches (although he was a sub midweek) and hasn’t got himself onto the score sheet. Obviously you can’t expect your top striker to run hot the whole season, so others around him must step up and fill the goal chart. Papiss Demba Cisse scored in the Cup but he has left the club wanting so far this season, so the backup striker should be working hard to provide a greater threat for the club in the coming weeks. Against City every opportunity will need to be capitalised on because there may only be a few. St James’ Park should be buzzing with the Leagues form team coming to town.

Man City have now won 5 league games on the bounce and strolled through their midweek League Cup match with West Ham, winning 6-0 and making it look like child’s play. There are still rather large question marks over their away form and this will be a good test for them at St James’ Park. Having lost Sergio Aguero over a month ago, there were doubts over City’s ability to score so many goals without the Argentine, however in Alvaro Negredo they have unleashed the beast, as he is known, and he has ably substituted for Aguero, including a stunning hat trick against West Ham in the League Cup. With the likes of Jesus Navas and Fernandinho starting to find their feet in the EPL after coming from foreign leagues, this side is starting to purr. They can attack from all areas and with Vincent Kompany back, they have a defensive leader who is able to organise and lead the troops around. Newcastle will realise that any mistakes they make this week could mean the dropping of 2 or 3 points.

The Deciding Factor

Can Newcastle awaken the away demons the City lads have been facing? If they can keep it close till after half time they have the chance to cause an upset. However if Negredo gets his way, this match could be over relatively quickly as a contest.

Prediction

As much as I love the way City have been playing and smashing teams on the fly, i’m still concerned with their away form. Until I see them play consistent football away, i’m going to sit on the fence in this one. 2-2 Draw.