It’s been an exciting week for all football lovers. Big teams have struggled whereas less fancied opponents have given them a run for their money. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin, the top three teams in the Bundesliga all dropped points. Barcelona and Real Madrid managed unconvincing victories against bottom placed sides. In the BPL, Manchester City lost to table toppers Leicester City, and Chelsea and Manchester City had to settle for a draw. Tottenham creep us ever closer to the top and are now in second. Arsenal managed to defeat Bournemouth whereas Southampton registered another win. Aston Villa finally managed three points in their bid to fight off relegation. Let us have a look at what we have learned from the Barclays Premier League this weekend-
5) Red Devils muster 1 single point from Stamford Bridge
However Jese Lingard showed signs of brilliance again with his fantastic finish. Lingard has scored three important goals recently, against Newcastle, Stoke and now at Stamford Bridge. With Roy Hodgson in the stands watching the game, Lingard may well have an outside chance of making it to the Euros. But credit must go to the two goal keepers who made some important saves today. De Gea and Courtois were clearly the best player of their two teams.
4) Ross Barkley tipped to be a future captain
However, he can do well to improve his defensive contribution to the team and we might be having one of the most promising players from the Premier League this season. Gerard Deulofeu, Barkley and Romelu Lukaku have teamed up to form a formidable partnership and pushing hard for a Europa League spot.
With some fine performances, he has been tipped by many to be a future Everton captain. And who can deny so. Sky is the limit for this lad.
3) Joe Hart has got some company
Forster was heroic against Arsenal in midweek and produced another important save to keep out Winston Reid’s first half header. He also notched a fifth clean sheet in a row since his return.
Competition has always been stiff for the No. 1 spot, but Joe Hart has kept his rivals at bay since the last few years. But he must never get complacent should he lose his place just before the Euro’s. But with the Champions League knockout rounds on the horizon, a competition where Hart shows his real class, Forster and Butland may well have to wait a little bit longer to displace their nemesis.
2) Liverpool fans show who the real boss is
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has eloquently outlined the club’s case, and rightly pointed out where they will be delivering better value next season, but they are losing this PR battle as increased TV cash floods in. But there is no pointing to the fact that clubs have been charging exorbitant rates and the fans decision to stage a walkout will have made a strong case to other clubs trying to increase their own stadium ticket prices.
No matter what happens, the fans are the real strength of a team. Imagine Borussia without their Signa Iduna Park atmosphere. It is impossible to imagine Galatasaray without their vociferous fans. Football is a spectator sport, for the common man. Let’s not forget that.
1) Leicester City favourites to lift the Barclays Premier League
Mahrez is on course of being named the Premier League Player of the Season. With 14 goals and 10 assists this season, he has been the Foxes’ most impressive player this season. If the team manage to beat Arsenal this Sunday, odds are we will see the Foxes lifting the coveted trophy in May.