How The Barclays Premier League Cookie Will Crumble

After 11 rounds of game, the Barclays Premier League is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent seasons. At the beginning of the season, Chelsea and Manchester City were odds on favourites to win the league’s title, while Hull City and Crystal Palace were facing a sure return to cellars of English football.

Fast forward to Mid-November, the teams are getting prepared for round 12 set of games; Arsenal is leading the chasing pack of title hunters, pre-season favourites, Chelsea, are sitting fourth with an inconsistent team, lacking fire power upfront and the stage fright actors, Manchester City, keep forgetting their lines away from home in eight. With more than 25 % of the games out of the way and all the tell-tale signs showing, it’s safe to say this is how the cookie will crumble.

TOP 5

5. Southampton:

 Mauricio Pochettino’s men are enjoying a fairy-tale start to this season, the best the club has ever had in their top flight history. Unbeaten at home this season, the Saints has earned a draw at Old Trafford and has shocked Liverpool by walking away from Anfield with all three. A  long way yet to go, 3^rd spot might be too ambitious but Southampton will definitely be in Europe next season.

4. Manchester City:

 A goal keeping “Hart” ache and a poor away form, pre-season favourites Manchester City are currently sitting in eight spot and Manuel Pelligrini is finding it hard to motivate his players away from the Etihad.  Sergio Aguero’s and Yaya Toure’s red hot form cannot be ignored but the loss of David Silva to injury will do no good for these players and the team.

3. Liverpool: 

The Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez pairing is the best the English Premier League has seen in recent years and it will definitely fire Liverpool back in contention with the big boys this season. Title contenders? No. Liverpool still lacks the killer instinct to finish off teams in the top half of the table. While they will be back in the Champions League this season, Rodgers and his men will have to wait a while before Anfield is back to its glory days.

2. Arsenal:

 Top of the table after 11 games, did Arsene Wenger finally get it right? A lost to Aston Villa at the start of the season, the Gunners’ fans thought the team was in for another trophy-less, roller coaster season. But then came the signing of Mesut Ozil. Fortunes changed and Wenger and his merry band of men are now the talk of the town. Before you get all excited though, there is still one big chink in the Gunners’ armour, the lack of top class replacements.  Injury to an already over worked  Oliver Giroud could leave the Gunners bare in attack with a tame Niklas Bednter who has been firing blanks since April 2011. Barring another big transfer in January, Arsenal will fall short in their title hunt for yet another season.

Mourinho and his Bandits

1. Chelsea:

 The return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge will once again pay off for Roman Abramovich. Currently sitting in fourth  with inconsistent results, the men from Stamford bridge possess the depth and firepower to turn their season around. While Chelsea still lacks conviction in attack, the current form of Et’o and Torres is promising and if things keep going their way like the last minute  “penalty” at West Brom, there will be no stopping Mourinho and his blue bandits.

Relegation

20. Crystal Palace:

 One win in 11 games, bottom of the table and manager-less, Crystal Palace already has their faith written in stones.

19. Sunderland:

 It’s dark days for the fans at the Stadium of light, yet another team struggling to win away from home and already with a change of management less than halfway through the season. While Steven Fletcher is a creative upfront, his partner Jozy Altidore is still to have any impact on his second return to England. Adam Johnson could cook up some magic out wide but it’s got to be one heck of a broth if its going to save his Sunderland team.

18. Norwich: 

Norwich City might currently be sitting at 15^th and outside the drop zone, but the signs are already showing. With only one win away from home, only Sunderland and Crystal Palace have scored less goals than the Canaries this season. Their defending is not much to write home about either, conceding the most goals in a single game this season, only Sunderland (22) has conceded more than Norwich (21) this season. While it will be a close call with the likes of Hull City, Stoke City and Cardiff, also expecting to flirt in the drop zone, we are giving the boot to the Canaries to fall.

Top 10 Moments of 2012

 

 

10.  The  Jamaica Reggae Boyz defeated the US men’s football team (2-1) for the first time. The game also saw American striker Clint Dempsey scoring the fastest World Cup Qualifying goal for the national team in 35 seconds. The game will forever be remembered not only for its historic value but also for the two spectacular free kicks scored by the Jamaicans.

 

9. Down and Out? - In the summer of 2012, World Champion Boxer Manny Pacquiao lost his first fight since 2005. While his first loss was a controversial decision, Pacquiao went on to lose again. Juan Manuel Marquez knocked out the Filipino fighter in the 6th round leaving him down on the canvas and leaving many to wonder if he is out for good.

No Getting Up

8. Michael Phelps - On July 31, Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all time when he captured his 19th medal at the London Olympic Games. The American swimmer finished with a total of 22 medals and left his mark on the year that was.

 

7. The Big Blue Bus - With 12 men behind the ball, Chelsea FC beat the unbeatable (Barcelona),  did the unthinkable (win in Munich) and proved  that anything is possible if you believe or have a little luck on your side. The men from Stamford Bridge marched across Europe with a fairytale dream and in 2012 they had their happy ending as European Champions.

 

6. Lance Armstrong - The 7th time Tour de France winner was stripped of his titles after he failed to clear his name of doping allegations. The once legendary cyclist was dragged through the dirt in 2012 and his illustrious career was left in shatters and lawsuits.  

 

5. Lebron gets the ring - After 10 seasons in the NBA, Lebron James finally got the title that has eluded him for the longest while; NBA Champion. No doubt he deserved it; the 28 year old was voted both season and finals MVP and left a mark on the year by placing himself amongst the greatest of all time.

I DO!

 

4. West Indies - The reintroduction of Christopher Gayle in the regional outfit gave the West Indies the much-needed explosive to take the cricketing world by storm. In October of 2012, the Darren Sammy led squad wreaked havoc on the  Island of Sri Lanka when they dominated the host and the rest of the world to be crowned T20 champions.

 

3. The Treble - On July 1, 2012, the Spanish men’s national team joined the elite of world football when they became the first international team to win three consecutive major titles.  Spain did so by embarrassing Italy 4-0 to win the European Championships and proved that they were not only the best team at present but possibly the best team to ever play the game.

 

2. Manchester United!! No- Manchester City - The final day of the English Premier League proved to be the most exciting of all with the two Manchester clubs providing a nail biting finish. At the end of 90 minutes, Manchester United started to celebrate but with three minutes to go in the game, City’s tides were to change, with two late goals. The “Noisy Neighbours” took the cup away from their archrivals and left them empty handed and marking 2012 ‘The year of the blues.’

 

Lighting Bolt!!!!

1.  1,2,3 Again!!!!  - Who ever said Lighting doesn’t strike the same place twice, never met Usain Bolt. The lanky Jamaican Sprinter won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m for the second consecutive Olympic games to crown himself the greatest sprinter of all time and one of, if not, the best athlete ever.  If there ever was a dull moment in 2012, the London Olympics was certainly not one of them, courtesy of  Usain St.Leo Bolt. 

Top Five Olympic Transfers

The summer is not over as yet and there are a lot more transfers left to take place in the football arena. However, with the Olympic games about to take centre stage, many of these big transfers to come might go unnoticed.  So, before the Olympics brain washes everyone, here are the top five transfers to keep an eye out for while the games are going on.


1.Robin Van Persie:
 After announcing that he will not be signing a contract extension with Arsenal, the Dutch man has left the world to wonder where he will be heading next. With just one year left on his gunners contract, there is no reason why Arsenal should not cash in on the want away striker.




2.Luka Modric:
 The long awaited transfer of Modric has continued for another season. In 2011, Chelsea were the main suitor for the Croatian but this time around, its Real Madrid with Manchester United lurking in the background. While AVB seems hell bent on keeping the little maestro, one feels the sand in his hour glass is almost out and August 2012 could mark the exodus of Modric from White Hart Lane.


3.Maicon: 
Another star player with one year left on his contract and many suitors lurking in the background. Chelsea are desperately in need of a right back, Real Madrid continue to want what everyone's got, Paris Saint German have enough money to waste and top that off with all the talented players leaving the Serie A and Maicon should definitely be out of Italy by the end of the Olympic Games.



4.Edin Dzeko:
 Manchester City's abundance of strikers coupled with AC Milan's lack there of and Edin Dzeko's need for playing time and the result is, summer transfer! After selling Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan are desperately looking for his replacement and with an abundance of cash at their disposal, even the likes of City might be tempted to sell

Dzeko "Edin" for an exit

5.Andy Carrol: 
The purchase of Italian Fabio Borini has casted doubts over Carrol's future at Liverpool. With West Ham, and former club Newcastle, willing to take the overpriced striker off Liverpool's hands, it is only a matter of time before he leaves, whether on a short term or permanent basis.

Bank On Mattocks

I remember like it was yesterday; October 1,2007 was the date that Bridgeport High thrashed Ardenne High 7-1 in the Jamaican School Boy Football Competition (Manning Cup). Representing Ardenne high, we played a terrible game but nonetheless, we were outplayed by a star-struck team for the game was dominated by the lankey Andre Clennon and the skillful Adrian King,  who scored five (5) goals between them. There was one player on the pitch that day, a player I was able to meet for the first, but by no means last time and that was Darren Mattocks.  At that time, at 16- year old, Mattocks was made to play second fiddle to his more senior counterparts.

Darren Mattocks - Then

 But that was just the beginning. Mattocks went on to score 24 goals in his final season playing for Bridgeport, Shinning at Waterhouse in the U-21 and then being promoted to the senior team in the Jamaican National Premier league where he continued to find the back of the net. Mattocks' talent could not be hidden for long and he soon found himself being invited to training camps for the national team at both the junior and senior level.  Mattocks' Journey  took him to Akron University where he scored 39 goals in 47 matches. A second pick  at the MLS Superdraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps was next in line for the speedy attacker from Portmore, Jamaica.
Fast forward to July 11,2012 and I have just watched Darren Mattocks score two beautiful goals against Toronto FC in the American Major League (MLS).  The young striker has now scored six(6) goals in nine games this season, three of which were substitute appearances. Mattocks has shown that he is not a player that is actively involved throughout the games he plays, but he pops up when it is most important.

Darren Mattocks - Now

 Now with a Jamaica national team on their World Cup Qualifying Campaign and lacking creativity, one wonders how long it will be before Darren Mattocks is given an opportunity. Not saying that Mattocks should go ahead and start, but he would definitely be a suitable substitution. With Marlon King dropped from the squad and the absence of a creative midfielder, the occasion is now right for a young, speedy,talented striker who creates his own opportunities and is familiar with South and Central American players.  While the call for Darren Mattocks might seem a bit premature, after a goal less draw with a lackluster Antiguan team, the Reggae Boyz  needs any help they can get. Another valid point is that  Darren Mattocks could be another Caribbean Star, maybe the next Dwight York.  Like all other  countries, Jamaica needs to have faith in the younger players and help them flourish. England  tried with a  very young Walcott, America marketed Freddy Adu, Brazil with Pele, Italy with Balotelli, why not Jamaica with Mattocks?

By Ian Williams

EURO 2012 Dream Team

EURO2012 Best XI Players

GK: Iker Casillas (Spain)
After conceding just one goal in six games and making a total of 15 saves, the Spaniard was arguably the best keeper of the tournament. The Real Madrid man completed a total of five shut outs which also included a priceless save in the semi finals penalty shootout against Portugal.

RB: Glen Johnson (England)
In a tournament that saw England missing a number of key players, the Liverpool defender stepped up to provide the English defence with much needed help. Johnson was more than just a defender at the Euro2012 tournament, as he was very influential in the build up to English attacks.

CB: Sergio Ramos (Spain)
With the influential Carlos Puyol out, Sergio Ramos played as if a key player was never missing from the team.  Conceding only one goal all tournament, the Real Madrid defender kept everything under control at the back. While also being the most attacking central defender at the tournament with seven shots, Ramos played a pivotal role in keeping players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Balotelli quiet in their games against them.

CB: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
The experienced and rugged Giorgio Chiellini struggled throughout the competition with an injury, but Leonardo Bonucci stepped up to fill his boots. While the Juventus man could not stop the demolition job by the Spanish in the finals, he was very pivotal in Italy, keeping clean-sheets against Ireland, England and also in their progress to the tournament finals.

LB: Jordi Alba (Spain)
The eye catching fullback was one of the breakthrough players of the tournament.  Entering the championships with a steady reputation, the Spanish left sided player surpassed his expectations.  Alba not only caught the eyes of spectators, but also the Barcelona scouts, who quickly snapped him up form Valencia before the tournament was over.




Mid: Andres Iniesta (Spain)
Magical, creative, incisive, superb are just some of the superlatives that could be used to describe Iniesta at the just concluded Euro2012. Voted as the player of the tournament by EUFA, Iniesta, without a doubt, outclassed his opponents as Spain walked away with their third consecutive major title.


Mid: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
If you watched the games Italy played against England, Germany, Ireland or Craotia, then  you don't need any explanation for the Italian's inclusion. However, if you did not, then there is only one word to describe Pirlo and that is CLASS!

 Mid: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
A great player for club, Cristiano was yet to prove his wits for his country at a big tournament, until Euro 2012.  Joint leading goal scorer for the tournament, Ronaldo showed why he was one of the best to ever play the game. While his efforts were only enough to take his team to the semi-finals, Cristiano Ronaldo proved his worth at this tournament.




Mid: Steven Gerrard (England)
Like all captains should, Steven Gerrard led by example. A total of three assist in four games , the Liverpudlian was the main reason England advanced from the group stage.


Forward: Mario Balotelli (Italy)
Hats off to Mario Balotelli for a fairly incident free tournament. On the football side of things, Mario was super.  A quiet first couple of games then he exploded! He came off the bench to score a beautiful goal against Ireland then he unloaded a brace in the semi-finals to sink the German ship.

Forward: Fernando Torres (Spain)
El Nino! While he played a mere 189 minutes throughout the tournament, Torres was still able to score three goals and an assist while helping his team to the title. Torres, who was hampered by Spain's abundance of midfielders, was clinical in his role as a substitute as he came on, to finish off games for the Spaniards.

Wray and Nephew Contender Series breathes life in Jamaican boxing

In the late 1970’s and the early 1980’s, boxing was one of the major sports on this little island of Jamaica. Known as a set of fiercely competitive people, Jamaica played an integral role in many of the legends of the sport, whether through parentage, heritage, background or upbringing.  Fighters such as Former IBA Champion, Glen Johnson, World Champions, Mike McCallum and Lennox Lewis just to name a few, all had a little Jamaican in them.

The sport, however, lost it popularity on the isle and found itself on the ropes. In 2011 however, Wray and Nephe,w in conjunction with the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control (JBBC), presented the Contender Series to Jamaica and the country gladly accepted.  At the end of the season, boxing was once again the talk of the town; The Contender was the number 1 watched local TV show and sports idols were being created. Rikardo 'The Surgeon' Smith, Sakima Mullings and Devon Moncrieffe were the boxers whose rose to popularity from the 2011 series.

Ramal "sub-zero" Lewis vs Derrick Spencer

The 2012 series is already on its way and each week, hundreds line up at the Chinese Benevolent Association in attendance, while thousands tune in live on television to the once dying sport of boxing. In an era where technology has dominated and changed all aspects of life, the Jamaican boxing administration failed in their bid to advance with the era. Wray and Nephew, however, launched a new bid in the contender to which the Jamaican public agreed with. Prime Time Boxing came alive every Wednesday night and boxing was again being promoted through all the necessary Channels and mediums like Facebook, Twitter, Television and Newspaper adverts.

The second season is currently in the first round and already, it’s looking to surpass the achievements of the Inaugural season. With the seventh fight coming up, bets are already being placed on who will be this season’s champion. Richard Holmes, Owen Barret and Ramel 'Sub-Zero' Lewis are the favourites so far. It doesn’t matter who wins this season’s Wray and Nephew Contender though, because one thing for sure is that boxing in Jamaica is back to its former glory; alive and kicking.

Top Five Most Hated Sports Men

1.El Hadj Diouf

The Senegalese midfielder first became famous after outstanding performances for his country at the 2002 soccer World Cup. Then after moving to Liverpool for a fee of 10 million pounds, a year later he was fined 5,000 pounds and given a two match ban for spitting at a Celtic spectator during an eufa cup match. In 2004 in he was fine twice for two separate spitting incidents while playing for Bolton Wanders, in that same year he was given a four match ban by fifa for a verbal tirade with a referee during the African Nations Cup. While some players are followed by controversy Diouf on the other hand brings controversy where ever he goes. Currently a player for the Doncaster Rovers Diouf is booed and jeered at all away games and occasionally at home games as well.

Diouf has a habit for spitting at spectators

2.Tiger Woods

The former world #1 ranked golfer went from hero to zero in the space of months. With 14 major titles to his name Woods is without doubt one of the greatest golfer the world will ever see. However, in November 2009, Tiger bit off more than he could chew when over 15 women accused him of having affairs with all of them. Woods was immediately divorced by his wife Elin Nordegren and just like his wife, his sponsors left in a hurry. Currently ranked at no.18 Woods lost everything in his life that meant anything. While he now looks to be regaining his form, he has lost a majority of his fan base forever.

3.Micheal Vick

No.1 draft pick in 2001 by the Falcon, Vick has been a hated figure throughout his career. This hatred got even worst in 2007 when he pleaded guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring. The Quarterback served 21 months in prison and on his release he immediately became a target for animal rights activist and pet owners worldwide. While he has put his past behind him and continued to focus on his career, the anti Vick demonstrations still continues and it seems the animal lovers in America will never forgive him.

4.Kobe Bryant

One of the living legends of basketball Kobe Bryant is also one of the most hated, his teammates hate him for being a ball hog, his wife hates him for cheating on her and Shaquille O'neal hates him for ratting him out to the cop. Spectators hate him because everyone around him does. So while Kobe might be one of the most popular sports man of all time, it doesn’t mean we really like him.

 Kobe has no clue why he is hated!!!

5.Luis Suarez

The Uruguayan rose to stardom after scoring 111 goals in 153 appearances for dutch team Ajax, which was then boosted by his performance at the 2010 world Cup in Africa. This led to a high profile switch to English Premier League outfit Liverpool. While his brilliance in front of goal continued, he was to make the spotlight for something more detrimental, Racism. Suarez was accused of racially abusing Manchester united defender Patrice Evra and was banned on for 8 matches on his first game back the Uruguayan refused to shake the hands of Evra to spark worldwide suspicions. While Suarez is still one of the best forwards in the world, he is quickly becoming one of the most hated.