Mo Salah - The Closest Thing to Messi on Planet Earth.

Now. Now. Now. I am not in any way saying Liverpool's Mo Salah is on the same level as Lionel Messi. The Argentinian is the greatest of not only his own generation, but any generation before him. But, a tricky left footed winger, who is more then capable of playing down the middle. Can glide past opposition defenders effortlessly and is posting record breaking goal scoring stats. For years these attributes have been the calling card of Barcelona's number 10. This season however, he's got some competition. In the form of the man dubbed as, The Egyptian King.

In the race for the European golden boot. Messi and Salah are tied. 29 league goals each. Since signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2017, Mo has gone from strength to strength, and the Liverpool fans have fallen in love with their new talisman. He looks set to win the Premier League golden boot in his Premier League return. And with five league games to play, is just two goals off of the record of 31 goals in a 38 game season. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Alan Shearer are all tied with that amount, illustrious company for Salah to compete with. Not just for him to compete with, but to surpass.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has held the record for most goals scored in a single season by an African since 2010. When Salah scored a late winner against Palace on March 31st, he pulled up right besides him. He has already comfortably broken the record for most league goals scored by a foreigner in their debut season. A tally which stood at 24 goals, scored by former red Fernando Torres. Salah's goal against Palace was also the 21st league game he has struck in this season, a joint highest. Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin Van Persie also scored in 21 league games during a single season, and with five games to go, one more goal will make that record his own.

Records continue to tumble with Salah. With 38 goals in all competitions this season, scored in just 41 games, that is the third highest amount ever chalked up by a Liverpool player. Trailing to tallies of 40 and 47 goals, both held by Ian Rush. Mo's debut season for the redmen is the most prolific in the clubs history, and seeing him surpass Rush's record with a minimum of six games left to play is not an impossibility. This season has also seen Robbie Fowler's record for 20 left footed goals in a season surpassed, no prizes for guessing who by.

I'm sure by now I've explained just how good of a season Salah is having. But how does it explain a comparison to Lionel Messi? That would be the execution of his play style. An ability to take on defenders and make them look like amateurs is one that Messi has used to great effect throughout his career. This season, Salah is following in suit. Taking of opposition at full flight, his composure never ceases to amaze. Whether the ball is bouncing, gliding along the turf, or being floated over to him, Salah doesn't panic. Take his most recent goal. The opener against Manchester City in an already famous night at Anfield. Inside 10 minutes, the ball fell to the Egyptian, 6 yards from goal, with the goal gaping. But with Ederson and Kyle Walker both throwing themselves in his direction. The Kop screaming in front of him, and huge expectation on his shoulders. So many would crumble, Salah made it look just as easy as it was. Never rushing, never lashing at it, just firing the ball home.

Now you might be asking. "How does scoring a goal as easy as that compare him to Messi?" If you're asking that you've clearly missed the point but I present, exhibit B. Salah recently struck four (yes four) at Anfield against Watford. His third goal being the pick of the bunch in my opinion. With six (yes six) yellow shirts around him, Liverpool's number 11 twisted and turned, taking every one of them out of the game. Somehow keeping his balance, and then hooking the ball out from underneath his feet, past a stranded goalkeeper and into the corner. That goal wasn't even the only one from that 90 minutes which drew comparisons to Messi. For his first he drove at Watford's defender, gestured to come inside and quickly dropped his shoulder to go outside. Leaving the back tracking defender to fall back as Salah slotted in the goal. In almost identical fashion to how Lionel Messi left Boateng scrambling at the Nou Camp in 2015.

Anyone who still disagrees with me might be saying. "Oh that's just one game." Again, I'd question just how much football you watch. Salah has been hitting these heights all season and playing to a remarkable standard. Away at Porto in the Champions League, Salah was not the star man for the night, with Sadio Mane hitting a hat-trick. However the goal of the night went to the Egyptian, for perhaps the most composed goal you will see all season. After the ball came back off of the post and bounced up for Salah he proceeded to flick it up, before keeping it alive with his head. Knocking it over a diving goalkeeper. As it dropped a defender threw himself in the way of the ball, so Mo allowed it to drop, waiting for the man to over commit. Which he did, before tapping it into an empty net on the volley. The goal oozed class. The man oozes class.

So... this season Salah has demonstrated the play style of Lionel Messi. Scored at the rate of Messi. Broken record after record, and did it with a class and style we're use to seeing from Argentinian number 10's. The key wording there however is 'this season.' This season, Salah has been as good as Messi. But what about next season? And the one after that and so on. I personally believe Salah, if he continues to grow and evolve his game, can be at that level. He has all the tools, a talented set of team mates who all know his quality, and a fan base who quite literally worship him. When Jurgen Klopp signed Mohamed Salah from Roma last summer, no one would have predicted this. Four Premier League POTM awards already to his name, he has also been nominated for March's award. A front runner for the PFA POTY award, competing mostly with Man City's Kevin De Bruyne. The accolades do just continue to stack up and they don't appear to be slowing down.

The Untouchables - Are Pep's Manchester City side the best in Premier League history?

After rolling over Everton at Goodison Park, Manchester City are one win away from history. A win in the Manchester Derby in the coming weekend will secure the Premier League title in record time. Right now Pep's men side sit 16 points clear with eight games to go, and the margin has been substantial for most of the campaign. While everyone below them has been dropping points, City have been winning football matches. Only losing one game all season, and drawing just three, the so far illusive 100 point mark is within their grasp. A minimum of five wins and one draw will make The Citizens the first Premier League side to ever hit 100 points, but will it make them the best?

Pep Guardiola was called a fraud by many after his lacklustre first season in charge of City, and now on for a potential treble, he's left his neigh-sayer's red in the face. The question of the best of all time is thrown around way too often in football. Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo dominates the conversation in the minds of modern day football fans. But with so many changes in style football has undergone over the years, picking the best of all time is a tall order. However, with the Premier League starting in 1992, only 26 years ago, picking the best Premier League side of all time is much more accomplishable.

THE INVINCIBLES!

That is what any Arsenal fan reading this article would have been screaming since they clicked on it. I went into a lot of detail in an article I had published at THE VERSED (FKA Clickon Sports) about why the Invincible's were not as great as you remember. That same article was posted on this blog last October so feel free to click off this and give it a read but to quickly put this argument to rest. A lack of points when compared to other champions. A lack of goals when compared to other champions. A style of play towards the end of the campaign which SCREAMED fear of losing. Speaking of losing, LOSING the biggest game of the season in the Champions League to Chelsea. If you aren't convinced check out my full article on the matter, but although historic, Arsenal's Invinicbles are not the greatest. Sorry.

Now that's out the way let me explain why I believe Pep's City have a very strong case.

Anyone with a footballing brain can appreciate how Guardiola not only manages his side, but
coaches individual players on how to reach their full potential. Raheem Sterling being a prime example. Since the 2013/2014 season at Liverpool, Sterling has floundered, living off of his potential. Rumours off a move to Arsenal in part exchange for Alexis at the start of the season added more fuel to the fire. But now, with the current season still going strong, Sterling is enjoying his best year yet. A guaranteed starter with over 20 goals this campaign, and a shoe in for the World Cup. His erratic movements have been replaced with finely timed and methodically thought out runs. His sloppy final balls it no more, 16 league goals speaks for itself. Perhaps more clearly then any other player, Guardiola has been there to put an arm around the young winger and keep guiding him. Whether in training or mid way through a match, an arm around the shoulder and words of encouragement makes any player feel like gold. Sterling oozes confidence, and it is no coincidence that it coincides with Pep getting is team to play his way.

Speaking of Pep's way. City's Brazilian keeper Ederson was quoted stating that his side's tactics bring joy to all football fans. And he isn't wrong. An incredibly high pressing style, reminiscent of that of Pep's Barcelona side, forces opposition into submission. Keeping the ball away from their goal, and in the rare occasion Ederson does find the ball in his possession, a 60 yard cross field pass is one of the many strings to his bow. David Silva has been having a career defining season in midfield, when many tipped him to be on the way out. A Spaniard over looked for years in the Premier League now can not be ignored. Alongside Fernandinho who has been consistently solid, sometimes going un-noticed but never in a bad way. Of course the talisman Kevin De-Bruyne running the show will draw the headlines, and rightfully so, he's sublime. But every single player in the starting eleven is there because they fit the system. Sane and Sterling have been untouchable down the wings, and are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were 12 months ago.

You can criticise City for 'buying the league' but instead of just throwing money at star names like Arsenal and Manchester United have done this season, they've spend big on players who make their system fit. £50 million on a right back is ludicrous right? Is it when Kyle Walker has been comfortably the best wing back in the league all season and has been a nightmare of any opposition flank that has came across him. The same to be said about £60 million on a centre back right? Laporte has slotted into a defence that has been the stand out this campaign, after being called out for being shaky over the last couple of years. Very little has been spent going forward, and that's because Pep KNEW where the weaknesses were, and fixed them. Yes he had the financial means to bring in the best players, but so do Arsenal and they're in 6th. Pep and his team also has the tactical know how to spot and bring in appropriate targets.

Now into some good old fashion statistics. As mentioned, a win for City this coming week would mean they have secured the title quicker then any other side in Premier League history, which is historic in itself. Also as I mentioned, the form table would indicate that the champions will finish with over 100 points for the first time in Premier League history. Which wasn't even done in the old 42 game season format. Moving away from points. If the season was the end right now, they would have scored more then any of the champions from the last four years. And remember there is seven games to play, the record is in sight. 103 goals is the current record, held by Chelsea's 2010 title winning side. An average of two goals a game would ensure they beat that amount; so far they've averaged 2.8 per game. Switching lanes to defence, City would have to concede 8 more goals between now and the end of the season to end with the joint best defence of the decade. Any less and of course they'd end as the best defensive champions in recent times. With an average of 0.6 goals conceded per game, it's likely they'll hold that record as well.

So broken down, the stats point to Manchester City's 2017/2018 team - Winning the Premier League title, finishing with over 100 points which has never been done before, as well as winning it with 6 games to spare which is a record. On top of that - breaking the record for most Premier League goals scored in a season, and registering the best defensive record in the past decade (fourth best record for the champions this century.)

Now moving away from stats. City play with a style that is eye catching, and enjoyable for any football fan to take in. A style similar to that of the great Barcelona side of 2009-2011, said to be the best club side in European history. During a season when some of England's big guns have been torn apart by the media for playing unattractive and boring football, Pep's men have not only been entertaining, but incredible efficient. One league defeat makes them the second most winningest side currently in Europe's top five leagues this season, only behind the unbeaten Barcelona. With English football under constant scrutiny recently, Manchester City are a shining light. World class players from back to front. World beaters like KDB and Sergio Aguero. Breakthrough superstars like Sane, Sterling and Jesus. Proven masters such as David Silva and Vincent Kompany, The Citizens have it all.

A Champions League quarter final Wednesday 5th April is so far Pep's and City's biggest game of the season, a huge test away at Anfield. A reply of the one Premier League fixture they have lost this season. Nearly impossible to call (But I did, check out my most recent article). But win, lose or draw in Europe, a domestic season to remember Manchester City have put in. The best side in Premier League history? It's hard to argue against it.

Liverpool 2-2 Spurs - WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

A game of two halves, two screamers, and two hugely contentious decisions. When Mo Salah jinked his way through two challenges inside the Tottenham penalty area and poked the ball over Lloris the game looked won. Before, following a knock down from a long throw into the box, Lamela threw himself down following a Van Dijk challenge. Referee Jon Moss waved it off, very confidently. Before the linesman rose his flag, calling for a penalty. Moss changed his decision, awarded the Penalty, and Harry Kane stuck away his second penalty to snatch a point.

Before going into the decisions, let's look at game that preceded them.

The game couldn't have gotten off to a better start for Liverpool. After a long ball forward by Karius, the ball bounced around the Tottenham defence. Eric Dier tried to play a pass back to his goal keeper, and paid the price. Top scorer Mo Salah latched onto the pass, racing through, before squaring up Lloris and calming slotting it into the bottom corner. 1-0 to the home side.

Anfield's crowd was in full voice for this encounter, and were nearly rewarded with a second goal after a James Milner shot was deflected, looped over the French goal keeper but just wide of the mark. Moments later a brilliant Alexander-Arnold cross found it's way onto Firmino's head, but he arrived on the scene a fraction too late and failed to gain the right contact.

 A few feisty tackles started to fly in down Liverpool's right. First from Ben Davies on Trent AA, which saw no decision given. And later in the half a flying Alexander-Arnold caught Davies in a very similar way, but was given a yellow card. The home crown started to get on the referee's back, Jon Moss, who infamously sent of Sadio Mane away at Manchester City earlier in the season.

The rest of the half went by without incident. A long range shot from Dembele forced a decent save from Karius; holding onto the shot down to his right. A late flag from the linesman could have lead to serious injury for both Lloris and Firmino, but the Brazilian brushed it off. At the break is was the home side ahead, and increasing their lead over Spurs in the table to five points.

Into the second half and Spurs came flying out of the blocks, and to the credit of the heavily criticised Liverpool defence, they looked organised, drilled and focused. A factor that has been overlooked by the main stream coverage of this match *SKY* was Virgil Van Dijk's leadership. You can hear him a mile away. His presence makes as big an impact on the Liverpool back line as his defensive qualities do. Even Karius heeded the screams from the big Dutchman, charging off of his line at a call to deny Son Heung-min at close range.

As Spurs dominated possession, Liverpool attempted to play on the break. Salah bursting away down the right, with an overlap on both sides to choose from. But a poorly laid pass lead to the attack breaking down, the best chance Liverpool had for the majority of the second half. The constant pressure from the North London side lead to a chance as Dele Ali broke into the area, before going down and being booked for diving. Drawing cheers from the Liverpool fans in the Kop, who had felt hard done by so far by the officials.

Then came goal of the season contender, number one. A ball was played in from Tottenham's left, attacking the Kop end. Karius met the cross, punching 30 yards from his goal. Before Victor Wanyama ran onto the loose ball and struck the most venomous of shots. Striking across the ball, causing it to start outside the post, and fly into the top corner. After the game Harry Kane joked that Wanyama's team mates had asked him to stop shooting from range. I'm sure those voices will have been silenced. Unstoppable springs to mind. A very much deserved equaliser for the away side, 1-1.

Spurs were bossing the ball, and any attempt at an attack from Liverpool was snubbed out by the Lilywhite's back line. Jan Vertonghen in particular who was sublime (again a performance ignored by mainstream coverage of the match.) What followed was talking point number one. Dele Ali won the ball in midfield and played a ball through to Harry Kane. The pass was under hit and made it's way to Dejan Lovren, when a bobble took the ball over the swinging foot of the Croatian to Harry Kane. Who latched onto the loose ball, rounded Karius and went down. Penalty. Upon second viewing you can see Harry Kane is a yard offside when the ball is played, and the contact from Karius is minimal. Now I am under the impression that the ball must actually be played by an opposition player, for an attacking player in an offside position to become active in the game again. Lovren did not play the ball. And once Kane rounds Karius, the 6ft2 English striker starts to go to ground way before any 'contact' is even made. Once the sleeves of the goal keepers jersey touches Kane's boot he goes down. The argument here is that any contact, no matter how slight, will knock a player running at full flight off balance. Kane was not at full flight. He has accelerated from 6 yards away, taking roughly five steps, before taking the touch around the goal keeper. I can see why the offside was not given, but Kane 100% dived.

All of the previous argument counts for nothing however. When Harry Kane stepped up, and hit the ball straight down the middle. Only for Liverpool's number one to call his bluff, and bat the ball away. It takes huge, to quote Tory Deeney, 'cajones' to stay in your spot when facing a penalty from the in form striker in the world. The games stays at 1-1.

The next ten minutes went by in a flash until the fourth official announced four added minutes. The penalty save had shot life back into the home side in their push for a winner. Enter, the Egyptian King. Goal of the season contender number two. Salah charged down the right before attempting a cross which cannoned back off of Dele Ali, a potential hand ball. Instead of standing around the league's second highest scorer recovered the ball. Showed great strength to hold off a challenge from Ben Davies; showed power to push off of his right foot, cutting past Vertonghen before having great composure to lift the ball past Lloris into the roof of the net. Anfield erupted and the game appeared won in the 92nd minute. 2-1.

Jurgen Klopp's trademark spring down the line in the bag, Spurs had one final throw of the dice. A long throw in from the right which was challenged for my Llorente and Van Dijk. Neither man got a real purchase on the ball as it dropped to the Dutch centre back. Facing the Kop end he swung to strike it clear. Before Eric Lamala charged in to challenge and went down holding his calf. Referee Jon Moss, who had what appeared to be a clear view, waved it off confidently and Liverpool cleared as the four minutes of added time ticked to a finish. This is when we reached, talking point number two.

The linesman flagged, the same linesman who Moss consulted and went against for the first penalty, swayed the mind of the man in the middle for the second. The view of the linesman was, not only obstructed by Liverpool full back Roberton, but also no greater then that of the referee. Now there is contact between Van Dijk and Lamela, but Jon Moss has 100% bottled the biggest decision of the game. The referee's thought process seems to be, initially, that contact was minimal and Lamela has played for the penalty, which is accurate. So what baffles me is his decision to allow the linesman to over ride the call. From viewing the foul over, you can see the Argentine winger throwing himself into the tackle and to the floor before he is in the vicinity of Virgil Van Dijk. He doesn't con the referee, but he does the linesman (who did also miss Lamela was offside from the initial knock down.)

Despite the cries from the Liverpool players Harry Kane had a second opportunity from the spot, and a second opportunity to join the 100 club for Premier League goals. No mistake second time round. Sticking it in the bottom right hand corner, equalising with the last kick of the game. 2-2.

Man of the match - Mo Salah.

What a game. What an advert for English football. What a goal scorer in Harry Kane. These are what you'll hear coming from the mouths of most pundits following the game. Despite Harry Kane barely having a sniff all night, he was given an extended interview on Sky Sports. Despite brilliant defensive displays by both Van Dijk and Vertonghen they were barely mentioned. A controversial end once again, over shadowed a brilliant game of football. Salah's second goal, which was describes as being a goal only Lionel Messi could score, was shown once on Sky in the analysis of the game. Where as the penalty decisions we're shown over and over again.

Where as I'm fuming with the coverage and analysis, Liverpool fans are fuming at the officials, claiming they cost the red men two huge points. Jurgen Klopp seems to be of the same opinion. certain that the first penalty was offside, and the second the referee was wrong to allow his decision to be overruled. Despite this the German manager was very complimentary of Spurs who came to Anfield and tried to play their game. A sublime game of football between two of the best sides in the country, battling for a place in the Champions League next season. Overshadowed by the officials and this countries idea that Harry Kane is the best thing since sliced bread.

20 Myths of the Premier League - Fact or Fiction.

AFC Bournemouth - EDDIE HOWE FOR ENGLAND

I personally am a big fan of Eddie Howe. A young, enthusiastic, English manager who has done great things at the seaside club with very limited resources. If the FA MUST hire an Englishman, Howe is my pick. But if the manager of a side 13th in the Premier League table is the man for the job, we as Englishman need to re-evaluate our expectations. Don't hire an Englishman just for the sake of it.

Verdict - FICTION

Arsenal - THE INVINCIBLES ARE THE BEST ENGLISH TEAM OF ALL TIME

I have actually compiled an entire article on this point recently which was published by Clickon Sports. So if you want more details feel free to find it either on this site or on Clickon (Re-named as 'The Versed') . But to make it short and sweet for the sake of busting the myth. Did the 03/04 Arsenal side reach a record points total? No. In fact when Premier League champions are concerned, five sets of champions recorded more points. Goals, they scored loads right? Nope. In the last decade, eight of the ten champions of England scored more then the Invincibles. But they did go unbeaten right? Yes, in the league, but they actually lost their biggest game of the season to Chelsea in Europe. But going unbeaten is an incredible achievement. Fact, but do the maths - you can go unbeaten in the Premier League season and still get relegated. Please go an read my piece I wrote on this, I can't stress that point enough!

VERDICT - FICTION

Brighton & Hove Albion - A GOOD DAY OUT 

I was struggling to find something to say about Brighton, they have only returned to the first tier of England this season after a long hiatus. Their fans are nothing to shout about, but yet are also nothing to be embarrassed about. The try to play decent football, but also are known to try and grind out a result. So what what can I say? You know you'd love an away day at Brighton. A lovely sea-side town, one of the warmer places to go in England. And when it comes to the football, your side always have the possibility of bringing home three points from the Amex. No one really hates Brighton, because how can you hate them?

VERDICT - FACT

Burnley - THE GINGER JOSE MOURINHO 

Dyche's nickname isn't quite as memorable as 'the special one' but it's perhaps as complimentary. Burnley are a side who, time after time, upset expectations. I can speak for everyone who wrote the claret and blues off this season (I predicted them to finish dead last!) But Sean Dyche's side currently find themselves in 7th place, and been flirting with the top 6 for much of the campaign so far. Where as last season they were virtually unmatched at home, this time around their away record is exemplary. There is always something with the side from Turf Moor, they find a way to scratch and claw themselves to where they want to be. Not quite total football, but football none the less. masterminded by the ginger Jose Mourinho.

VERDICT - FACT 

Chelsea - "I'VE BEEN A FAN SINCE THE 90'S"

Any fan of the blues that claims to have been a fan before the Russian money came in. Ask them one simple question. "Who is Jesper Gronkjer?" If they can not tell you that Gronkjer scored the winner in the last game of the 2002/2003 Premier League season. The goal which secured Champions League football and secured that Roman Abramovic invested his fortune in Chelsea instead of going across London to Spurs. If they can not answer this question, the were likely, not chanting blue is the colour before 2003.

Verdict - FICTION

Crystal Palace - THE BEST FANS IN THE COUNTRY 

Crystal Palace fans, like most fans in England, will claim to be the best in the country. But unlike most, they make a real go of it. Claret and blue flares burning, flags waving, and songs singing throughout most games at Selhurst Park. And they have earned a reputation for being extremely supportive to their side. Maybe not the popular or obvious choice, but the case is very much there for Palace fans. However, the fact is, the noise coming from Selhurst is significantly lower at times of turmoil then it is when things are looking up. Where as this is the case for most sides, I personally do not believe the 'best fans in the country' would let their support drop off when their club is struggling for form. A bit harsh yes, but this is my article so I'm going with it.

VERDICT - FICTION

Everton - THE OTHER SIDE FROM MERSEYSIDE

Do the Toffee's have the rich history of Liverpool? No. Do they have the current attacking power of Liverpool? No. Do they have the world wide support of Liverpool? No. But to call Everton the 'other side from Merseyside' would be a disservice. Particularly in the 1980's, Everton were as good as any side in Europe - winning one FA Cup, one European Cup Winners Cup, and two English league titles. However the Heysel Stadium disaster, which lead to a ban of English clubs from European competitions saw Everton lose their chance to compete for more top prices across the continent. And much of the title winning side moved on as a result. A history worth shouting about, which could have been so much more if it wasn't for outside events.   

VERDICT - FICTION

Huddersfield town - THEY'RE JUST HERE TO ENJOY THE RIDE

The Terriers just seem happy to be here. The fans, the players, even the manager and the board. I think it's fair to say that very few people would expect Huddersfield to still be a Premier League side in 5 years time. This is no dig on the Yorkshire side, they simply are not a big enough side to compete with the riches of the biggest league in the world. The only other Premier League sides of a similar size to Huddersfield are Brighton and Bournemouth, both of which have a financial backing that simply is absent for the Premier League first timers. It will be fun while it lasts no doubt however to anyone involved with the club.

VERDICT - FACT

Leicester City - CRISPS

Now this one really did make me laugh, but how can it not be crisps! Their best player of all time? Arguably Gary Lineker. As his Twitter bio will tell you - "Still flogging spuds." In reference to his glistering career as a representative for Walkers crisps.  Speaking of Walkers crisps, the famous old ground, Filbert Street, was replaced in 2002. And in it's place we got, the Walkers stadium. Crisps through and through.

VERDICT - FACT

Liverpool - THE HISTORY CHANNEL 

Now this one hurts (I'm a Liverpool fan if you are new to this site!) Liverpool football club have, without a doubt, the most storied and successful history in English football. 18 League titles. 5 European Cups. 7 FA Cups. And 8 League Cups. An incredible tally. But then, you realise there has only been one trophy won by the reds in the last decade (A league cup in 2011.) And even more painful reading for Liverpool fans, they haven't won the league title in the last 28 years. 1990. And yet Liverpool fans claim to be following one of the biggest sides in Europe. In terms of prestige, no doubt, Liverpool are up there with Barcelona and Real Madrid. But how can a claim be made for Liverpool to be one of the world's biggest sides, without a league title in 28 years?

VERDICT - FACT 

Manchester City - OIL MONEY HAS BOUGHT SUCCESS

Can you really argue with this? Manchester City were a mid table side, dwarfed in size by their cross city rivals United as recently as the mid 2000's. When one of Sheikh Mansour's investment companies acquired City the amount of money that was being thrown around was unheard of, even by fellow Premier League side Chelsea, the most recent team to benefit from foreign money. Although I would argue that 'Pep has bought the title' in this most recent season is a floored argument, you can not say with any confidence what so ever that City would not have won two Premier League titles in the past five years if it wasn't for Mansour's cheque book.

VERDICT - FACT

Manchester United - THEIR FANS DON'T LIVE IN MANCHESTER  

No matter how much I'd love to claim that the 20 times champions of England have no Manchester based fans, they do sell out Old Trafford every week. They are, at the end of the day, one of the most well supported sides on the planet. So the fact that you always see someone representing the red devils when you go on holiday is not exactly surprising. A pretty staggering statistic is that, out of every ten adults ON THE PLANET, there is on average of between one or two United fans amongst the bunch. Now United's clear use of signings from certain countries to indulge their foreign fans *cough cough* Kagawa *cough cough* is a story for another time, and although United do have a huge amount of fans outside of Manchester, this is down to their immense support more then their lack of Manchester based support.

VERDICT - FICTION

Newcastle United - THE BIGGEST CLUB IN ENGLAND 

Try and have a conversation about the current state of Newcastle United with a Newcastle fan right now. It's almost a certainty that you will hear your fair share of shouting and swearing. And this frustration is built from the incredible last of success lately for a club the size of Newcastle. Now during the 90's, the Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish era, Newcastle were a very good side. Kind of the way Spurs are a very good side now. But did they win anything? You know the answer to that. In fact, they haven't won a trophy since 1955. Maybe it's time those expectations are lowered a tad.

VERDICT - FICTION 

Southampton - LIVERPOOL'S OUT OF TOWN ACADEMY 

Since 2014 the Saints have sold a grand total of 6 first team players to the red half of Merseyside. Most recently Virgin Van Dijk for a Liverpool record £75 million. Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Rickie Lambert have also made the switch in the last four years. It's not all doom and gloom for Southampton however, as they have received over £170 million in transfer fees from these players and aren't massively worse off in their league position. But calling Southampton Liverpool's out of town academy? It's easy to see why!

VERDICT - FACT 

Stoke City - A COLD TUESDAY NIGHT AT STOKE

No one looks forward to an away day at Stoke. The generic statement thrown around by fans since Stoke joined the English Premier League. Under Tony Pulis the Potters were a hard to beat, well drilled, tough tackling side that loved a good old long throw. When Pulis was replaced with Mark Hughes the crunching tackles were replaced with tricky wingers, the Welshman trying to change the ideology of Stoke. 'Stoke-alona' however didn't last long, and now not only are this Stoke side not hard to beat at home, the style Hughes tried to implement never really saw the light of day.

VERDICT - FICTION

Swansea City - THE WELSH BARCELONA

When Swansea City were promoted to the Premier League in 2012, they brought with them a certain style of football, which drew the attention of many fans. A slick, passing style, seemingly implemented by the manager Brendan Rodgers. I say it was brought in by Rodgers as when he left to Liverpool, he took the style with him. Now, it wasn't an immediate change in style, under Michael Laudrup the Welsh club did win the League cup in 2013. But over time, the Spanish like tika-taka football has been replaced with a style much more expecting from a side battling relegation.

VERDICT - FICTION 

Tottenham Hotspur - HARRY KANE WILL BREAK THE PREMIER LEAGUE SCORING RECORD

At the time of writing this Harry Kane has scored 99 Premier League goals. Alan Shearer, the record holder, ended his career with 260. That leaves Spurs' Kane with 161 goals to hit before he ties the great Shearer. Now Kane is 24, Shearer retired at 35 so lets assume Kane does the same. That's potentially 11 Premier League seasons left in his career. That would mean Kane would have to score an average of 15 goals a season for those 11 years to beat the record. This isn't impossible, the Englishman has scored 20+ Premier League goals for the past four seasons. But to keep that sort of form up for the rest of his career? That is one tough ask. And we haven't even factored in the possibility that some of the world's biggest clubs are after the Englishman. Say... Real Madrid? Virtually any time away from the top tier of English football would make this an impossible task. Sorry Spurs fans, you'll have to win a real trophy!

VERDICT - FICTION

Watford - MANAGERS JOB IS A 12 MONTH GIG

The fact is Watford have not had a manager last over a year in charge since 2012. Eight managers since then have taken charge of the Hornets to varying levels of success. It does make you wonder who is in charge of the hiring and firing at Watford with especially the last three gaffers - Quique Sanchez Flores, Walter Mazzarri and Marco Silva. All relieved of their day to day duties despite not doing a poor job at all. Their must have been a bet placed somewhere by the Watford board. 'Most managers hired and fired in ten years.'

VERDICT - FACT

West Bromwich Albion - YO YO CLUB

This one is simply just facts. Between 2002 and 2010, West Brom fans watched four promotions to the Premier League and three relegations back down to the Championship/Division one. To their credit, since 2010 West Brom have retained their Premier League status, in an attempt to shake their reputation as the yo-yo club of English football. But they aren't quite there yet.

VERDICT - FACT

West Ham United - THE WEST HAM WAY

The West Ham way. An idea that West Ham United fans demand a certain quality of football to be played by their team. With managerial appointments of recent times seemingly beating this idea into the ground, modern football fans are all too familiar with a very different West Ham way. (100%, I stole this one from Paddy Power.) The West Ham way - Win a trophy every 35 years, sign players you don't actually own, sign players who are never fit, BUBBLES.

VERDICT - FICTION

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Why the Dortmund man is NOT the answer to Arsenal's prayers.

I started quite the debate on Wednesday night when I said on Twitter (@HSJPalf) that I did NOT believe Aubameyang was the correct target for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, in their attempts to save their season and replace Alexis Sanchez. This brought quite a reaction from Arsenal fans, defending the striker as if he was already a Gunner. However the man from Gabon is still very much a Dortmund player, despite the German club stating they would sell their number 17 if the money was right. Having been left out of the Dortmund side yesterday in the Bundesliga, Arsenal fans have declared that the deal is done. This is very much not the case, which if you ask me, is a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. Before another set of Arsenal fans attempt to crucify me, let me explain myself.

Disclaimer: I am in no way saying Aubameyang would be a bad signing for Arsenal. He will score goals. There is a reason he has attracted the attention in the first place. He is a top drawer striker. 

Now... to the real reason you clicked on this.

The statement I made that really angered the Arsenal contingency on Twitter was as follows. 

"I've been saying it for years. Aubameyang is a Balotelli. Bags and bags of talent, but such a p*** poor attitude meaning that he's more of a hindrance then a help. Why have Bayern Munich stayed way away from signing Dortmund's best player for the first time in a decade? Attitude." 

Minor exaggeration? Perhaps. But I stand by everything I said. The Gabonese front man has created more headline for his off the pitch antics in the last year then he has for his performances in a Dortmund shirt. His flamboyant lifestyle has drawn attention of social media football fans all around the world, in particular his chrome Porsche super car. Turning up late to training has became a trait of Aubameyang, and club rules put in place by manager Peter Stoger have been quick to be broken. 

The details of Aubamyang's actions have been hard to come by, but the indication is that there is more then meets the eye. The striker's attitude has always been an issue, and despite a desire to back their man at all times in the past, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and Sporting Director Michael Zorc have both publicly criticised P.E.A in recent weeks. 

Reports also coming from the Dortmund camp indicating that the players have tired with the extremely long least Aubameyang is being restrained with by the Dortmund hierarchy. Reportedly expressing their concerns with the board in a recent meeting. 

Comments made on Aubameyang's attitude aren't solely coming from Dortmund or irrelevant journalists on the internet. But also from outside sources, namely Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes. The legendary manager was quoted referring to the want away striker as a 'rotten apple' and that in the footballing world, a players attitude does not suddenly change when moving to another club. These comments, supported by Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac, were meant as a warning to Arsenal.

An argument can be made that this attitude is a result of Pierre's desire to leave Dortmund. And to that I say. Coutinho wanted away from Liverpool, as did Luis Suarez. Alexis wanted out of Arsenal. All world superstars on the level of Aubameyang. All openly and publicly wanted out. But the key difference is not none of them went to every extreme to force a move through breaking club rules. The attitude shown by the Gabonese striker is not one you find with all want away footballers, just the ones with a lack of respect for their employers. This lack of respect that surely will not be tolerated at Arsenal. A club, ran by the men at the very top. Arsene Wenger is said to have a huge amount of power at the North London club due to his long tenure in charge. Any manager to follow you imagine will not have this same power. So suddenly, no amounts of goals could protect Aubameyang from the board who run Arsenal like a business more then any club in the land. They will likely not see the goals tally, but more likely they will see a negative public imagine on their club, due to the business of their striker. And in the business world, what happens to an employee bringing the business into disrepute? They get fired.

It appears clear that Dortmund have given up with Aubameyang, and wish to move on. No figure has been stated, just a statement that should Arsenal meet their requirements, they get their man.

Now a big part of Aubameyang's recent almost exile from BVB has been the players distaste to his actions. I'll keep this one short. P.E.A's attitude and lifestyle will not change should he get his move to Arsenal. So imagine this. It's late April, early May 2018. Arsenal have no silverware to their name (providing Manchester City beat them in the League Cup final, and how could you back against Pep's side!) Out of the title race, and are struggling to or perhaps even certain to fail in their race for a top four place. Imagine the reaction on the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Petr Cech, and other senior members of the squad when Aubameyang rolls up to training. Once again, is his chrome Porsche, late, laughing and joking, filming something for Twitter, or Instagram. All while he earns over £200,000 a week. And while his team mates are working hard to try and save a decidedly poor season. That would get anyone's backs up, and just like that, the distaste for Pierre has made its way to North London. 

The signing of a big player will raise the moral temporarily in any side, it is then up to said player to keep that moral boosting. Not infuriate his team mates, something I am certain it will take the now former Dortmund striker mere moments to accomplish.

Coming back to that point about moral. Yes, a big name signing would always raise the moral of a side. But, in this case. Does that signing absolutely, 100%, have to be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

Let's look at this logically. Arsenal are a club riddled with issues. Top players wanted out, fans wanting their manager out, the board seemingly not caring about on the picture results. Not to mention the contract debacle that saw Alexis leave for a snip of what he is worth, and could lead to the departure of Ozil and Wilshere this summer. So if you have £50 million to play with, why spend that money on a man who will simply add more fuel to the fire?

And to this I say. Edison Cavani.

Now I'm not saying I am a member of Arsenal's recruitment team (It seems to me that they actually seem to pay far less attention to actual football then they should!) But if I was, I would say this to them.

"So we have a lot of money and want a big name signing. How about, just a thought. Instead of a player who is a known trouble maker, we sign a professional."

To this I am met with a round of boo's (In my mind the Arsenal recruitment team are Arsenal fan TV) and they all tell me that Aubameyang's attitude is nothing when you look at his goals. So my response is.

"Yes but how about we sign someone who is a true professional as well as a brilliant goal scorer."

Who? Who? Who? (The recruitment team are now the New Day.)

"Why not Edison Cavani? Doing virtually no research will tell you that last season, in Aubameyang's best ever season for goals, Cavani out-scored him. He also averaged more goals per game then Pierre, had a better pass success rate which would play a big part when you consider Arsenal's style of play and he registered double the amount of assists. And that is just in the league. He out-scored Aubameyang in the Champions League too. And despite being deployed out wide for much of his time at PSG, a tactical decision Edison clearly was not fond on. He still played to an incredibly high standard and showed a first class attitude for the good of the team."

But Cavani is older then Aubameyang (As someone pointed out on Twitter the other night as if I had no idea.)

"Irrelevant. Cavani is a goal scorer, who is not incredibly quick, not a muscle bound Goliath, and despite being by no means short, he is only 6ft, so no giant either. And yet look at his goal record. He is a goal scorer with a goal scorer's brain. You never forget how to get into the right positions and you never forget how to put the ball in the back of the net. You never lose it despite your age. But do you know what you do lose? Physical traits. You know, like speed. Aubameyang's number one goal scoring tool. At 28, Pierre will probably have two, maybe three years before those legs can't carry him at an incredible speed anymore. At 30 years old Cavani is in the best form of his life as his knowledge of the game grows, and I don't think it's overly dramatic to say I can see him being a better player in three years time then he is now.

And now the recruitment team say to me that Aubameyang wants away from Dortmund, making the deal just a case of paying the correct fee, not convincing the player to leave a club he loves. (Again, this makes me question how much football this group of people watch.)

"Again, an irrelevant point. Because one, you could convince virtually any striker to move if you offer them a big enough pay packet (sad but true) And two, this in no way makes the Cavani deal a non starter because of one name. Neymar. The Uruguayan striker is clearly frustrated and sick of PSG's record signing. Sick of being pushed to second and potentially even third in command after Mbappe, and sick of his achievements being over looked. (He is now PSG's all time leading scorer.) Cavani would not take much convincing to come to North London.

I feel like this has gotten away from me a little bit, but to put it simply. The point I am making is that Arsenal should sign a big name to bring about a rise in moral within the club. But that signing should be a player who ticks all of the boxes. A player who wants to be there, be part of the side, only ever help the club grow as well as providing the goods between the white lines. Not a flamboyant trouble maker who's goals aren't enough for his current club to put up a fight to hold onto him.

The only reason I can think of for choosing Aubameyang above all else is his relationship with Henrikh Mkhitaryan. At Dortmund the two were sublime together, and with Mkhitaryan moving to Arsenal in a swap for Alexis, a chance to rebuild their connection could be what Arsenal are after. Which is a very fair point, but to this I'd say that quality always recognises quality. The great players player their best football with the other great players. Yes a ready made connection is a way to fast track to success, but that's not to say that Mkhitaryan couldn't play to the same standard with any other team mate.

Now watch this, in true style, P.E.A will complete his move to Arsenal, become a perfect professional and fire in goal after goal. In the unlikely event of this happening I am ready to stand corrected.

I feel as if Arsenal, a club in such turmoil need stability, and this move is just not a way to get it. 

How on earth do you spend £147 million?

So... Barcelona finally got their man. £147 million is what it took for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp to finally let go of their number 10. The 'little magician' Philipe Coutinho. Now the Merseyside club find themselves with a huge transfer kitty but without their best player.


However, the month is still young. With 24 days left until the transfer window slams shut, Liverpool have to act fast. But simply, how do you spend £147 million in just over three weeks?


Step one - Thomas Lemar.


Despite a deceivingly average first half of the season, the French midfielder has bags of ability. And he contains plenty of the same traits as the man he would be replacing. Excellent on the ball, with a technical prowess unmatched by his team mates at Monaco, it's easy to see why Klopp has been so keen to get him in. A brilliant eye for a pass, as well as a keen ability to shot from range, Lemar is Coutinho if the Brazilian was French. One more plus point is the Frenchman's ability from dead ball situations, a trait of Coutinho's that will perhaps be missed the most. So the addition of Monaco's number 27 could go a long way to filling the hole at Anfield.

Reports are coming out now saying that the club WON'T try to sign Lemar in January. This appears to be down to Monaco's insistence that they will not sell. However, that doesn't rule out a pre contract agreement. £70 million and a sell on clause could persuade Monaco to let him sign for Liverpool on July 1st.


 Persistence is key in this market to get the man you want. Much like Barcelona's constant attempts to sign Coutinho, Liverpool should employ similar tactics to bring in Lemar.


 £147 million - £70 million = £77 million remaining.


 Step two - A NEW number one.


 Simon Miglonet and Loris Karius. Both keeper had shown signs of greatness before signing for LFC. And both keepers appear to have lost it almost instantly. It's time for change between the sticks and  anyone involved with the club can clearly see, if there is one position Liverpool can't compete with the other top 6 teams in. It's in goal.


 So where, and more accurately, who is the money invested in next?

 Roma's Alisson and Atleti's Oblack both are rumoured to be targets. Now if LFC stuck the whole £77 million left from the sale of Coutinho on Oblack, it MIGHT be enough for Atleti to sell. I haven't seen enough of Alisson to compare him to Oblack, but he looks far and away better then what Klopp currently has at his disposal. And much like Ederson to city, could be a wise investment. Around 30 million seems like a sensible price as that is the current record signing fee for a goal keeper (Ederson from Benfica to Man City in the sumer of 2017.)


 Also reports that Mignolet could be used as part of a swap? The addition of the Belgian keeper to the deal would see the asking price fall and get a big wage bill off of the books. Let's say then the club pay £25 million + Mignolet for Alisson.


 £77 million - £25 million (And Mignolet) = £52 million remaining.


 Step three - Van Dijk's centre back partner.


 With £52 million left after the signings of Lemar and Alisson, you could argue the remaining money could be invested in two or three players to help boost the squad. And to this point I say. Liverpool need another centre back. VVD looked completely comfortable and at ease during his debut against Everton in the FA Cup. But, frighteningly better then his partner, Joel Matip. Now the likes of Matip, Klavan or Lovren would make for suitable rotation players, but no more then that. If Klopp is to take his team to the places he sees, Van Dijk needs a partner up to his standards.

Now this is tricky, as over the last six months the only defender talked about joining Liverpool was VVD, with other names and rumours being turned aside almost instantly. Klopp set on getting his man and refusing a plan b. However one name sticks on the head. Koulibaly.


 Napoli (in the summer) were reportedly looking to offload the defender, for a fee of around £57 million. Now while they challenge for the title in Italy, I imagine they would not be looking to sell Mane's international team mate. And i'm sure, with January very much being a sellers market, Napoli would be in no rush to change their minds again. However though. Much like Mignolet being part of the deal to bring Alisson to the club, maybe Klopp could persuade Napoli with a name. Dejan Lovren. Dejan. With the signing of a new centre back, in the eyes of most at least, would fall to AT LEAST fifth choice centre back. Behind the likes of VVD, Matip, Klavan and of course the new addition, in this case, Koulibaly. And this is without taking into consideration the rapid improvement of youngster Joe Gomez, which, by the summer, could see Lovren as Klopp's sixth choice.


 An offer of £45 - £50 million for Koulibaly, with Lovren added for good measure, could be enough to tempt Napoli into selling.


 £52 million - £50 million (And Lovren) = £2 million remaining.


 That does actually leaves £2 million, which we'll just say FSG can keep. So for the £147 million the club will make for Coutinho, Klopp gets: his first choice replacement in Lamar; a potentially world class keeper in Alisson; and solid partner for VVD in Koulibaly.


As well as two big wages bills off of the books in Mignolet and Dejan and FSG still turn a profit. Then January ends, February begins and the club push on. Right now, Liverpool are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League next season, a competition they are still in this time around, facing FC Porto in the round of 16. Klopp's side are also still within a shot of winning the FA Cup, Liverpool being one of the favourites at this stage.


 And then, just like that, the season ends. The world cup happens over the summer, and then it all starts over again. But in this scenario, Klopp has HIS team, a side he has built, and a side he will mould to go on and do great things.


 (Or they'll just blow the whole £147 million on Southampton players like Liverpool did with the Suarez money!)

Simone Zaza: The West Ham flop flourishing for Los Che.

After failing to impress during his loan spell with West Ham United last season, Simone Zaza is on fire. A blistering start to the season for new club Valencia, the Italian swept up La Liga’s Player of the Month award for September – beating Lionel Messi to the honour.

The former Juventus man was a laughing stock before even arriving in London, after his penalty miss during Euro 2016 went viral. During his time at the London Stadium, Zaza only managed eight appearances, scoring a total of nil-pwa goals – then to cap it off his loan spell was cancelled in January after a torrid time in England.

But everything now seems to have changed for the frontman; seven goals in his first eight games for Valencia, Zaza has led Los Murciélagos to second in the table – behind only Barcelona. From an individual standpoint, Zaza also sits second in the scoring charts – behind Lionel Messi and his tally of 11.

A physically excellent frontman, Zaza is blessed with plenty of the gifts needed to succeed in England: strength, speed and an eye for goal. Something was missing at West Ham that has clicked in Spain since his arrival.

Since his loan was cancelled at West Ham, Simone Zaza has stated his failures were down to an inability to adjust to life in England.

Quickly I didn’t feel great in many ways. Environment, culture, nutrition, training.

I do not blame anyone. 99% of it was my fault, I was not able to adapt.

– Simeone Zaza

Effortless, however, would be the word to describe how he was settled in at Valencia. Left out in the cold by both parent club Juventus and temporary home West Ham, Zaza’s first choice was Valencia.

Valencia was always the team I wanted most. Everyone told me it was a wonderful place. And it’s true. It is similar to Italy. And then to be by the sea and the sun, makes me happy, I do not need anything else.

These words from the Italian show how much surrounding himself with a comfortable environment means to him. The hustle and bustle of London never suited Zaza, and it showed on the pitch. Penning a €16million deal for Zaza showed the confidence Valencia had in the man. After failing drastically in England, it was a huge risk for Los Che.

Confidence is essential for any striker to succeed, a confidence Zaza has suddenly got in abundance. Being positioned as the main attacking outlet for Valencia, their No.9 knows the side rely on him for goals. With strike partner Rodrigo preferring to drop into an almost No.10 role, and wide men such as Goncalo Guedes providing supply from out wide, the supply line is there for the striker.

Familiarity with your team-mates allows for an almost telekinetic communication to be formed. And that is what is happening for Zaza; Rodrigo, Zaza and Guedes have all been almost ever present this campaign so far, as has been skipper Dani Perejo. Pulling the strings from the heart of midfield, the Spaniard has a range of passing that can compete with any in Spain.

The thinking from manager Marcelino is one of attacking intent, with the focus being to get floods of players into attacking positions as much as possible. Attacking full-backs on either side constantly overlapping, balls are being fired low into the box as often as possible.

For a No.9 like Zaza, this is ideal and his movement and quick thinking allows this system to flourish. Sitting between the two centre-backs and gambling on any ball played into the danger zone, this attacking thinking is made for Zaza. Zaza has scored seven goals in either league games this campaign – only one of which was scored from outside of the box.

Simone Zaza is surrounded by attacking quality at Valencia, he knows any ball played into him will be one of quality. The options are always surrounding the man on the ball, with a minimum of three options on at all times. Whether it’s a period of sustained pressure, or a lung busting counter attack – the options are plenty for Valencia and Zaza right now.

The way Marcelino lines up is to go and take the game to any opponent, at no point do they slow down. This mindset breeds confidence into your attacking outlets, and Zaza is the perfect example. The Italian front man not only benefits from Marcelino’s confidence in his ability, but the man himself demonstrates huge confidence in the ability of his team mates. As he arrives in the perfect position at the perfect time, knowing the ball played to him will be perfect. Five out of Zaza’s seven league goals so far this season have came from first time finishes or headers.

Zaza’s team around him make up a foundation that was lacking during his time at West Ham. The London club had a horrible start to last season, moving into a new stadium, and with the manager seemingly not knowing his best team. The side was in turmoil, and this had a negative effect on the players.

The Valencia fans know all too well about a club in turmoil. After years in the wilderness, Los Che are on a path to return to the glory days of Rafa Benitez’s time in charge at the Mestalla. Harmony between all parts of the club, from the players to the board room. Boss Marcelino has been given control over all things football related, and it is translating onto success on the pitch.

This form of harmony within a club would do wonders for any player, and Zaza is at the forefront of that. With the machine behind him and his team-mates, the Italian is rolling and shows no sign of slowing down.

Arsenal's 'Invincibles' - Why they weren't as great as you remember.

During the 20 seasons of Premier League awards back in 2012, Arsenal’s famous 2003/2004 side, more commonly known as the ‘Invincibles’, were voted as the best Premier League side in history.

It’s easy to see why, with top scorer Thierry Henry at the peak of his powers, Sol Campbell bossing proceedings from the back, and the pairing of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva dominating midfield, the spine of the team was unparalleled. Frenchman Robert Pires and maverick Freddie Ljungberg tormenting full backs across the country, no one could stop the Gunners.

This is how they are remembered by the vast masses, but not quite how they should be remembered.

Arsenal ended their 2003/2004 campaign with 90 points, which is no doubt a very impressive points haul for the season. Just 12 months later, however, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side finished their title-winning season with 95 points – five more than the Gunners.

So, if just 12 months after Wenger’s side finished with 90 points, Chelsea racked up more points then Arsenal, over the same amount of games, playing a lot of the same sides, Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side were not as good as the champions that followed them.

In fact, Arsenal’s total of 90 points during their famous season is only the sixth-highest points total in Premier League history. With Chelsea ending the league season with more the 90 points on three separate occasions, and Manchester United doing it twice.

Now, moving away from points and onto goals, to be precise, how few goals Arsenal scored during the season. During the 2003/2004 season the North London club had, at their disposal, one of the greatest striking partnerships in the league’s history: Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.

Henry finished the season as Golden Boot winner with 30 league goals, and with the Frenchman leading the line Arsenal ended the campaign with 73 goals which, when put into context, is incredibly low for a title-winning side. In fact, in the 13 seasons that have followed the ‘Invincibles’, only on four occasions have the champions failed to score less then 73 league goals, and only twice in the last decade.

With such attacking power how did Arsenal only manage 73 goals?

Wenger and his side played out the end of the season to avoid defeat. Now, throughout most of the season, Arsenal went out to play and they went out to win. But it was later on in the season where this point comes into play.

Four draws from their last six games shows two things: going unbeaten was firmly on the minds of the players, the coaching staff, everyone who was involved with the club – going unbeaten was the priority. It also shows that playing entertaining football and sending the fans home happy was not at the forefront of the thinking for the men in charge.

In fact, in the last six games of the campaign Arsenal, with Thierry Henry leading the line, only managed six goals. That’s an average of one goal-per-game; to put that into context only one side in the ENTIRE division had an average of one goal-per-game that season. That side was Wolverhampton Wanderers and they finished bottom.

Invincible means, too powerful to be defeated or overcome. Despite playing our their league season unbeaten, in all competitions Arsenal found themselves on the losing side in some of their biggest games.

During the course of the campaign, Arsenal actually lost to three Premier League sides. Starting with defeats home and away to Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup semi-finals – Arsenal came into the game with their eyes on the first piece of silverware of the domestic season.

The opportunity was there for Arsenal to send out a message to the other top sides in England; that the Gunners meant business. It was clear that Arsenal were looking past Steve McClaren’s side, and the underdogs walked away 3-1 victors on aggregate.

FA Cup semi final vs Manchester United, another massive game for Arsenal. But unlike in their league fixtures, the game had to have an outright winner. Arsenal really went for broke during this encounter with their old rivals. But without frontman Thierry Henry the red half of North London lacked that cutting edge. That same cutting edge their opponents had in abundance and Paul Scholes scored the only goal of the game to send United to the final.

What was to follow was Arsenal’s biggest game of the season; a Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea. After a 1-1 draw at the Bridge, Arsenal welcomed Chelsea to Highbury – firmly in the driver’s seat with an away goal to their name.

Wenger’s men faced their biggest task of the campaign on the biggest stage, and only days after falling out of the FA Cup to Manchester United the chance was there for Arsenal to really show their class. And a victory against Chelsea would have given them a huge opportunity to capture their first ever European Cup.

On the night, however, everything that had come before in the league meant nothing. Wayne Bridge scored the winner for Chelsea as Arsenal exited their second competition in the space of a week; when push came to shove, Arsenal lacked something.

Arsenal did manage to go the entire league season without suffering defeat, an incredibly accomplishment; this was achieved with some rather dubious methods. Portsmouth travelled to Highbury in September 2003, and took an early lead against the Gunners.

While driving into the box, Robert Pires dived to win a penalty, which Henry slotted away to equalise. In the years that followed the manager himself openly admitted to Pires’ dive, whereas after the game the man involved came out and denied the dive. The French wide man said it was:

“…not the way he played and that he was not a cheat.”

Because they did not lose a game, the Arsenal Invincibles are seen as the greatest Premier League side in history. They went unbeaten, that fact is not debatable – but do the maths for one moment. You could go an entire season unbeaten, and still go down, finishing on 38 points – two off the magic 40-point target sides battling the drop aim for. Football is about winning, not avoiding defeat and the 2003/2004 Arsenal side played to avoid defeat throughout much of the key stages of their season.

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger simply took advantage of what was a poor season in terms of standard of football to achieve what they did. Much like Leicester City in 2016, they won the title without being a truly remarkable team.

It’s unlikely that another side will ever go an entire Premier League season unbeaten. This is not because no side could ever do it, but because the very best sides don’t need to go unbeaten to be seen as the very best.

Crystal Palace - Just how doomed are they?

If you'd have told the average football fan that the first managerial sacking of the season would take place after just four games he'd most likely have laughed in your face. He'd be in hysterics when you then said Roy Hodgson would manage in the Premier League again. And he'd down right call you a liar when you then suggested that after the first 6 games the side at the bottom of the league would have zero points and zero goals. Now imagine the reaction when you tell him all of the pre-mentioned points happened to the same club. Come on in, Crystal Palace.  

  

Crystal Palace. Just how has it gone so wrong so quickly? As the 2016/2017 season drew to a close, The Eagle's finished in a very respectable 14th position. With Benteke firing in the goals, Zaha causing havoc down the flanks, and Sahko looking solid at the back, it appeared that Palace where on the up. Well you asked and you shall receive, May 23rd 2017, Big Sam quits. The former England manager (very briefly yes, but still former England manager) had taken over at Selhurst Park and, despite some early turmoil, got his side playing the 'Big Sam way' in time for the Palace faithful to be able to watch another season of Premier League football this time around. The reason for Allardyce's departure appeared to be his desire to retire from management, stating he 'has no ambition to take another managerial position'. This was HUGE for Palace as Sam Allardyce's tactics had been what kept them up, and it had taken time to drill those tactics into the side. Now it was back to square one, and who was the man for the job?  

  

Frank De Boer. The legendary Dutch centre back was tasked with carrying on from where Big Sam had left off. And what did he do? The exact opposite. Now, modern day football is much more tuned to the style of football De Boer wanted to play, a style similar to that of the Ajax side he was a part of for a decade. The Ajax side that managed to win five league titles, two domestic cups, and one Champions League title as well as one UEFA Cup. An Ajax side with the likes of Patrick Kluivert, Jari Litmanen, Frank Rjjkaard, Edgar Davids and Marc Overmars just to name a handful. One of the great sides in European history, playing one of the most attractive styles of football we've seen, and De Boer tried to translate a similar style to Crystal Palace. It doesn't take a genius to see how poor of a decision this was from De Boer, but when you look back at his former managerial roles you have to wonder, why did the club hire him in the first place? When Steve Parish sat down with the board of directors, and ironed out the deal to appoint Frank De Boer, did anyone in the room ask "Why are we hiring him?" A club that had clung onto Premier League survival with a manager famed for keeping poor teams up with an ugly, long ball and hard tackling style of play, wanted to hire a man who had only ever managed sides who, for one, were HUGE sides in their domestic leagues, and two, played fast paced, slick, attacking football. If this HAD been asked maybe Parry would have responded with "Yes but look at his success at Ajax!" Which would be a fair argument, De Boer did win four league titles in his first four years at Ajax... but then failed to win the Eredivisie in either of his final two seasons before leaving for Inter Milan. What happened at Inter you ask? I'm glad you brought it up! After spending big in the summer, the new manager was fired after just 88 days in charge. So, this was the man Palace we're hiring, not the legendary Dutch defender, not the all-conquering Ajax manager, but a man who's track record over the last three years could rival any as the worst in management. In all fairness to De Boer however, after a slow start, and by slow start I mean four defeats from four with ZERO goals, his side did appear to be slowly but surely, adapting to his style of play. But just like that, it appeared Steve Parish did some research into his new manager, and showed the Dutchman the door in record time. 4 games, 4 defeats, no goals, and now no manager. How could it possibly go worse?  

  

Roy Hodgson. That's how!  

  

Crystal Palace had managed to appoint their second former England manager in less than one calendar year. Take that however you like but the appointment of the 70 year old made him the oldest appointment in Premier League history. I'd pay to be a fly on the wall of any Palace fan for the moment they discovered the man who failed to manage England to a victory over Iceland, was now the captain of their rapidly sinking ship. In fairness to Roy, when in charge of 'smaller' sides he famously does quite well. He lead Fulham to a Europa League final, and over achieved with West Brom. But you have to ask yourself, is there ANY appointment in football history which has drawn less enthusiasm then this? Actually yes. When Hodgson was given the England job over Harry Redknapp! (But we won't go into that.) So, what has Roy done since being given the job? Has he registered Palace's first points of the season? No, two defeats, including a 5-0 hammering by Manchester City. Well surely they've scored a league goal by now? Again no, that makes it 6 games without a goal for Crystal Palace. And as if things couldn't get any worse, their top goalscorer and record signing from last season Christan Benteke is said to be out for up to 6 weeks with injury. This news means that, going into an extremely tough away trip to Manchester United, Palace have ZERO fit strikers. THIS is the chance for Roy to prove he isn't past it! This is the chance for him to earn the trust of the Palace fans! Solve this crisis, get some goals on the board, and prove the doubters wrong. Wait... he's after Carlton Cole to replace Benteke? FREE AGENT Carlton Cole? The man who hasn't scored a single goal for his last three clubs? Not a bright upstart from the academy, not a youngster on the fridges of the side, Carlton Cole. What was that I said about unenthusiastic?  

  Do you know what this reminds me off? Cast your mind back to 2008, Derby County, mid way through their first season back in the top flight of English football. They were rock bottom of the league and looked destined for relegation, and what did they do? They signed Robbie Savage and gave him the captain's armband. The rest is history as Derby ended with a historically low 11 points, which included just one win. Could Palace be on for a similar season? The signs are all there.