Football is an emotional game and every result has a way of producing various forms of excitement and emotional display. It was an emotional Sunday around – from London in the Premier League to Libreville in the AFCON and to Sagamu in the NPFL.
Tears
Host Gabon crashed out of the 2017 African Cup of Nations. They needed to defeat Cameroon to secure a place in the quarter finals but the Panthers of Gabon could not break the Cameroonians. The Lions of Cameroon needed just a draw to secure passage. It was tears around Gabon after 90 minutes. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was in tears and has blamed poor preparations.
Relief
At the Emirates, Arsenal needed a penalty in added time to grab a hard fought win over Burnley. It was a game that was heading goalless until Mustafi grabbed his first goal for Arsenal. In added time, the Gunners gave away a penalty and Gray equalized for Burnley but Sanchez converted for Arsenal later on to give Arsenal all three points.
It was a personal relief for me with Sanchez on my FPL team. I still had a poor week though but I will manage the 49 points from my makeshift team.
Giggle
Manchester City and Tottenham shared the spoils and ended their game 2-2. Manchester United grabbed a late equalizer to remain 6th on the table. Liverpool lost at home to Swansea – a first win for the visitors. Wouldn’t you smile if you support Arsenal?
Ponder
There were 10 home wins in the NPFL on Matchday 3 but one of such games was the talking point. Remo Stars needed a late penalty to see off Abia Warriors 1-0 in Sagamu. The call was questionable and while the Nigeria Referee Association is looking into the referee’s score card, I am pondering if any team could go 49 games ounbeaten in the NPFL. Time to wake up. You can also ponder about the referee in the NPFL.
Happiness
Enyimba got a 2-0 win over El-kanemi warriors. It was not the whitewash I hoped for but a clean sheet and two goals scored is good enough, especially seeing that Mfon Udoh grabbed a goal too. I pray they don’t lose their next game. It is clogged league with no room for relaxation.
I got to go. Work calls.
SoccerGunz 