There were actions in the La Liga, the Carling Cup and the
Serie A on a thrilling night that saw Barcelona lose their perfect start to the
season and Real Madrid manage a narrow win at Bilbao. In the Carling Cup, there
were wins for Sheffield Wednesday, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Chelsea
and Liverpool while Arsenal edged out Tottenham in a North London Derby.
The talking points in some of these games however raised a
few questions I just can’t let lie.
1.
Will Wenger give Flamini a new deal?
In one magical stroke, the tireless Frenchman turned from an
outcast to a derby hero and all well-deserved after scoring a fine brace
against the city rivals.
But sentiments aside, is Flamini really what the Gunners
need in central midfield? Wenger should take a close look at the impact
Schneiderlin makes for the Red Devils before throwing another deal at his
compatriot.
2.
What again is A-N-O, please?
Of course Benzema, Bale and Cristiano made up the BBC to
rival the MSN starring Messi, Suarez and Neymar. Well, MSN went on to win the
treble (like I needed to remind anyone).
Last night, the trio of Aspas-Nolito-Orellana however made
MSN appear like over-paid school kids as they ran riot against the favourites.
Barca fans are not part of those asking this question this
morning, though.
3.
Who said Martial was a panic buy?
Was it Roy Keane or was it Gary Lineker or was it Jamie
Carragher? It has to be one of those know-it-all ex-players now turn TV
pundits.
Anyway, the boy already likened to Thierry Henry is proving
them wrong. Another goal last night.
After only coming on as a substitute. Making
it four goals in four games. That’s as many as Falcao had all season last
season. Panic buy my ass.
4.
What are Arsenal fans high on?
If they are not mobilizing for a #WengerOut campaign, they
are creating new names to tag an inefficient Giroud. They want Arsenal to sign
Benzema, Higuain, Suarez, Cavani and every striker on the market just to soothe
their ego and when their demands are not met, they want heads to roll.
They lose against Chelsea, they moan to draw pity. They win
against Spurs, they go berserk and start destroying the stadium. Something just
isn’t right with the Londoners supporters recently.
I hope to go God it’s not the after-effect of smoking ganja.
5.
When is Rodgers getting the boot?
Forget that Sturridge is not ready and Benteke was rested,
Liverpool should be beating sides like Carlisle effortlessly and pitilessly. Yet
they only overcame the Championship sides via penalties.
This Liverpool team can’t improve further under Rodgers. I
like him but it will be a surprise if he is still in charge come January.
6.
Where the heck is last season’s Juventus?
The Serie A champions’ domestic form continues to baffle
many, my humble self included. I mean, you don’t go from being super to being
stupid in the space of six weeks, right?
Yes, they lost vital team players in Teves, Vidal and Pirlo
but they bought well and are experienced enough to avoid the silly mistakes
costing them valuable points.
A few more poor games and Inter will be out of sight.
7.
Is Inter Milan ready for the title tilt?
Talking of the devil, Mancini’s men could not even qualify
for the Champions League last term but are already showing champions quality
this time. Of course it’s still too early in the season but they are already
ten points better than the defending champions.
I still don’t believe they have it in them to sustain their
form all season but who says the impossible can’t be made possible.
8.
What is Alan Pardew feeding Palace boys?
The Palace squad certainly looks fitter, stronger and
fearless under Pardew but muscle-building just can’t explain the turnaround
Alan Pardew has brought to this group of average players.
They are tough to
play against, hard to beat (ask Man City and Arsenal), have got guts (beat
Chelsea at the Bridge) and they outclass the minnows too. They certainly have
more than just pizza in their menu.
9.
When will McClaren start feeling the pressure at
Newcastle?
Two points out of a possible 18 and a pathetic performance
against an under-strength opposition. To my father, that’s failure and nothing
will make you avoid a spanking.
Yet the former England boss seems to be doing just enough to
keep his job at the Tyneside.
10.
Is Ronald Koeman the next Arsenal manager?
Frankly speaking, Wenger will not occupy that role forever. Many
have mooted Jurgen Klopp as a possible successor. So is Tony Adams. Maybe even
Pep Guardiola. Wenger might even wait for Dennis Bergkamp to acquire his
coaching licence before vacating the seat.
One man however who has constantly been overlooked is the
Southampton gaffer. The Dutch legend has done a fine job since he arrived in
England and his current side are playing as pretty as anyone in the division. Isn’t
that what all Gunners fans crave?
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