Not a full slate of fixtures this weekend because of the FA Cup, and there wasn’t a great deal at stake in most of the games. Obviously we had a title to win, but for the likes of Spurs and United it’s all about not finishing as the worst of the rest.
Basically the Premier League now consists of 17 teams, with the other three spots being filled on a one year rotation by whoever comes up from the Championship. There’s every chance that Spurs are going to be the worst of the actual Premier League teams this year, yet that fat scruff manager is still being chesty about it. This rant this week was something, even for him.
“I love the frenzy around finishing fifth this year … they’re all brilliant, aren’t they?” Postecoglou said. “We finished fifth last year. Why is it such a disaster that we finished fifth? Around this time last year, I was asked to lose a game [against City]. And I was wrong for wanting to win it. We finished fifth but it’s not a good story. A better story is my tenure has been a disaster and it continues to be. I just think that the kind of hysteria that is surrounding what’s happening at the moment is all premeditated for a certain outcome. Hopefully we can defy that.”
Mate, you’re 16th. Why are you talking about finishing 5th last season when you’re 16th now, and likely to end up 17th? You’ve lost 19 games and counting in the league this season. Probably best to keep your head down and hope you fluke the Europa League, rather than coming out swinging like this. Can’t help himself though, he’s such an arrogant fuck.
But anyway, this weekend’s games. I’ll start with the battle for the top five and all of those “brilliant” teams going for it. First up, Newcastle, where Beheddie was back in the dug out after his illness. The Geordies eventually made short work of Ipswich, but it took them a while to break through though.
Ipswich were reduced to ten men midway through the first half thanks to two quick yellows for Ben Johnson. The first is for a dive on the edge of the box. There’s no contact but I don’t think was a ‘dive’ as such, and you could argue that he’s having to try and avoid the outstretched branch of Burn. It wasn’t a free-kick but I think it’s harsh to book him. Ben Johnson getting caught cheating isn't anything new though.
Having already been booked, I have to say that the lad is a fucking moron for what he did next. Isak beat him all ends up with a lovely little flick, but it’s out by the touchline so just let him go and have one of your team-mates come over on the cover. Don’t put both arms around him and hold him back, because that’s always going to get you a second booking (unless your name is Joelinton or Guimaraes).
Newcastle had plenty of first half chances but Isak kept wasting them. Eventually VAR came to their rescue by giving them a soft penalty that Isak converted. Burn headed in the second when Trippier stood one up to the back post for the big fucking lamp post to nod in. Osula made it three with a towering header from a corner.
The result confirmed Ipswich’s relegation and this is the first time in history that all three teams have been relegated with four games still to spare. If they keep their squad together and McKenna stays, they’ll run away with the Championship. And then go straight back down again, because that’s where we are now.
One or more of the “established 17” are going to have really fall off a cliff for that to change, and seeing how even the worst of them (currently West Ham but potentially Spurs) have some boss players, that just doesn’t seem likely does it?
Newcastle are third and looking good for one of those CL places, which increases their chances of keeping hold of Isak. They’re being linked with my boy Mbuemo this week. If that happens, welcome to Anfield, Anthony Gordon.
Next up, sorry West Ham who plumbed new depths by throwing away three points on Potter's old stomping ground. Ayari’s 25 yard curler set Brighton on their way but Kudus levelled following a Bowen cutback. Goal number four on the season for a player who many people seem to think would be a good signing for us. You sure?? Soucek has scored twice as many, maybe we should sign him too?
West Ham were good value for their lead but they imploded spectacularly. Mitoma equalised in the last minute when he was left completely unmarked in the middle of the six yard box, and Baleba won it in stoppage time with a brilliant 30 yard curler that found the corner.
West Ham are a disgrace. Look at how that winner came about. Brighton had a corner and West Ham’s players weren’t even watching as they took a short one. Areola palmed away the cross, and then when Baleba gets the ball nobody closes him down until eventually Bowen made a token gesture but got there too late.
Fullkrug was benched but Potter said it was nothing to do with his post match obliteration of his team-mates in a BBC interview. I believe him, because Potter probably agreed with every word of it. If he didn’t, then he’s got no chance of turning them around. If Fullkrug was mad last week, fuck knows what he was thinking after this shambolic collapse.
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