One moment you are sad about a goalless draw by the team you support. The world turns their arsenal against you highlighting your errors what should have been done. The next moment, you are ecstatic about a massacre across the city. That was my weekend.
Wenger’s 67th birthday party didn’t go as planned at the Emirates. Middlesbrough say back and contained the Gunners who forgot their scoring boots with Ludogorets. Petr Cech and Koscielny made sure the party didn’t turn sour with saves and tackles. The game somewhat emphasized the importance of Cazorla to the Arsenal team. El Neny may not have replicated the Spaniard’s artistic footwork but his partnership with Coquelin was not as exceptional.
Looking at results from across the Premier League, the Gunners can tow the excuse of “fixture clog”. Leicester City were the only team with mid week European action that managed a win over the weekend. It was one that Ahmed Musa would remember in ages as he grabbed his first goal for the Foxes. The Foxes went on to defeat Crystal Palace 3-1.
Tottenham played out a goalless draw with Bournemouth, Manchester City needed a late equalizer from Kelechi Iheanacho to salvage a 1-1 draw against Southampton at the Etihad, and Manchester United…. well… er…. they were hammered by Chelsea. What a reunion for Jose Mourinho. It looks like recent reunions turn out in 4-0 defeats. You can ask Pep on the other side of Manchester.
The table is very tight. The top 3 teams with 20 points are separated by goal difference. The next two teams are just a point off. This is an entertaining season. Are you looking for 89 million pounds?
In Africa, the 2016 CAF Champions League came to an end with Mamelodi Sundowns winning their first ever title. Zamalek won 1-0 but were defeated 3-1 on aggregrate. Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns. Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh emerged the highest goal scorer with 9 goals.
I leave you with two quotes from the weekend:
“You do it at 1-0, not 4-0”. – Mourinho’s comment to Conte’s jubilation during the humiliation at Stamford Bridge.
“At least you can have a drink on your birthday. When you win you deserve it, when you don’t you need it” – Wenger on the 0-0 draw on his birthday.
That’s the lot for Monday morning. EFL Cup is next tomorrow.
SoccerGunz 