WDF Team to Watch: Sunderland AFC

Yes. Our Team to Watch for February is Sunderland. Not the Manchester teams or Tottenham, or even Liverpool (shocking inclusion, I know). Sunderland. A sinking ship in December became the Black Pearl of The Premier League (see Pirates of the Caribbean). In the eleven league matches since Steve Bruce was sacked Sunderland have had seven wins, one draw and three losses. This is due, in no small part, to the hiring of Martin O’Neil. Sunderland has won ten out of 15 matches in all competitions under O’Neil. (Oh, a fun fact: those three games they lost were against Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal, all by one goal.) Now, when Sunderland signed Sessegnon from PSG back in 2011, I thought that was a brilliant piece of business. He was great for PSG but never really showed his true ability in the EPL. He is now hitting unstoppable form with the Black Cats (see Norwich game, February 1^st). The team has evolved from the bland, boring football they played under Bruce to a free flowing, counter-attack game. Lining his side up in a formation similar to Bruce’s, O’Neil let Sessegnon play in a traditional number 10 role drifting from flank to flank or driving through the centre. Going forward, they look like a 4-4-1-1. Defending, the shape is that of a 4-5-1. Sessegnon was not the only resurrection that O’Neil brought about; players like James McClean and Fraizer Campbell have been revelations under O’Neil. Players drift in and out of position in a beautiful but simple fashion, leaving such teams as Norwich, Wigan and even Manchester City absolutely perplexed. O’Neil’s task now is to solidify his defense, as I do not see relying on Manchester United rejects Wes Brown and John O’Shea as the answer. Bring someone in like James Tomkins; a young centre-half who’s decent on the ball and is a good tackler. And most of all, he’s young! He has a good bit to learn but working with someone like O’Shea, who has played for one for the Big Boys, could help progress both Sunderland as a team and Tomkins as a player and a future England star. Oh yeah! And some bloody wingbacks! Wow does that ever need improvement! But, one thing at a time; I shouldn’t get too ahead of myself. Regardless of the slight vexations that need to be worked out, O’Neil has transformed a mediocre side into a dangerous threat in the Premier League.

WDF News: Arsenal FC - Guns but no bullets

Arsenal has only won two of their past six league games. This equals to only one league win a month, starting in January. Not even as of late, but since the beginning of this season Arsenal’s form has become something of a question mark. On Wednesday Arsenal loss the first leg of their Champions League game to AC Milan 4 - 0. Arsenal’s woeful luck continued onto Saturday after facing elimination from the FA Cup by Sunderland 2 – 0 on Saturday.  Their loss against Milan and Sunderland has literally taken away any chance of Arsenal winning any type of silverware this year.  The last piece of silverware Arsenal had won was the FA cup in 2005 and the last time they have won the league title was in 2004. Even Tottenham’s current form is better then Arsenal’s and it is Tottenham and not Arsenal who are known for their mediocrity. It is not as if they haven’t had their opportunities. Throughout the years Arsenal has always been known to scout out young talent and turn them into absolute wonder kids; Clichy, Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Adebayor, Henry, Yaya Toure, Van Persie just to name a few. Where the problem lies for Arsenal is their inability to keep their young star players and their lack of attention towards signing developed star players. Arsenal’s last big signing was Samir Nasri for £11m in the summer of 2008 who was only 20 years old. Nasri is now excelling at Manchester City in his prime. Even at this point Arsenal still has a lot of very good young talent such as Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, but their lack of experience on the field has expressed itself into offensive and defensive breakdowns. Arsenal is a prestigious club with a great history and their dedicated fans deserve a team that will play to their true potential. What it really comes down to is how transparent are the board's decisions and attitudes among their fans. Until this happens the veiled finger will start pointing in different directions at who is at fault for the current mediocre form of the Gooners? Arsene Wegner or the Board? Who ever it is the fans deserve an answer.

Prospects Corner: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

I’m getting sick of Arsenal wonder-kids. Honestly, do they factory produce football talent?! Ramsey, Wilshire, Coquelin, Walcott, the list seems never ending. Arsene and his eye for talent… Anyway, moving right along... Oxlade-Chamberlain came to prominence during his tenure with Southampton, rising through their prestigious youth academy. (Other players you may know who graduated out of the Saints Academy are Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Leon Best — you know, small stuff.) He made his first team debut at 16 years and 199 days old. Oh, and by the way, that made him the second youngest player in Southampton history to play a first team game — the first was Theo Walcott. He signed his first pro contract a couple of days after turning 17 and went on to make 36 appearances for the Saints scoring nine times.  A couple of days short of his 18^th birthday, Oxlade-Chamberlain signed for Arsenal in a deal worth £12 million. He started slow with the Gunners, largely because Wenger made it that way, but is now integral to their success. In the last three games Arsenal has played, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been the best player on the field for the Gunners. Yes, even outshining the mercurial Robin van Persie. When Oxlade-Chamberlain is on the pitch the whole team works better. On top of his natural leadership skills, he is wickedly talented. Versatility is his middle name and Alex can play anywhere in an attacking midfield position. He can cross, dribble, pass and score (two goals against Blackburn, taken in fine style, I must say). He is on his way to being a complete midfield package. Prediction time again: next season he’s Arsenal’s MVP. Already more valuable than Walcott, Gervinho (don’t get me started on him), Rosicky and pretty much anyone else playing in an attacking role, Oxlade-Chamberlain is destined for greatness.

WDF News: Evra vs Suarez

Yes and the English Premier League Soap Opera continues. The racial dispute that exist between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez escalated, even though intentions were to bring the conflict to a halt. During the pregame meetings Suarez skipped Evra's hand, but Evra was intent on shaking his hand. Which lead to Ferdinand not shaking Suarez hand out of pure principle for his teammate. And then all pandemonium went loose...Just watch:   

Oh man poor Ferdinand caught in caught in between that cruching tackle. It seemed as if Evra had every intention of hurting Suarez, not sure if the League will look at that. What was Evra thinking. He could have really hurt Ferdinand when they are already going through such a crazy injury scare. If he had made contact with Suarez that could had been a potential red card and that reckless tackle made the United back line so open. But oh it doesn't stop there check out the celebration  after the United win.

I really couldn't tell you who is the bigger child. Suarez for his racial game smack talk towards Evra (common Suarez be more creative, that is low) or Evra's on field antics that prolonged the dispute. For pearl sake it is a handshake, you are not going to catch koodies. I guess sense gives you money, but money don't give you no damn sense.  

WDF Pregame Big 4 Line Up: Game 25

Manchester United vs Liverpool FC Feb 11

The Red Battle Begins

Manchester United: You know when you are treading water for a really long time and your arms get really tired. So now you’re just concentrating on trying to keep you head above water. Well this is Manchester United. They are still suffering an injury epidemic. Even though they are two point from the top it seems as if they just only have their finger tips on the cliff.  Their recent 3-3 tie with Chelsea proves how unpredictable they have become these days. They either show up strong and early or late with horrible excuses.

Key Player – Ryan Giggs: Believe it or not but, United just signed Giggs to another one year contract. I can’t believe he is still playing without any robotic body parts. Giggs is so old, but I got to tell you he is class and he is very football smart. Expect him to be the main distributor in the centre of the park.

Liverpool FC: Liverpool is coming off of a 0-0 loss to Tottenham. Even after their offensive explosion against the Wolves it didn’t seem like they could get anything going offensively against Tottenham. It only seemed as if Bellamy, Gerrard and Carrol were attacking at times. And what does three attackers against four defenders equal? A lack of inspiration. A more aggressive attack will be necessary for success    

Key Player - Craig Bellamy: Let's try and remember here that Craig Bellamy is actually a striker and not a winger. He is very valuable to Liverpool right now, because they lack so much quality on the wings right now. He has traded in his scoring talents for wing play making skills. By the way doesn't look like a raging bull running down the wings.

Justin's pick: Man Utd 2 - 1 Liverpool                  Austin's pick: Man Utd 0 - 3 Liverpool

Aston Villa vs Manchester City Feb 12

Aston Villa: Aston Villa's current form has not been entirely inspirational. They have only won one game out of their last five games. Their last win was against Wolvehampton. Don't let the intimating name mislead you though. These Wolves have been the subject of prey for the past while. Since the absence of Ashley Young Villa have seem to loss the ability to create. Man I bet aboglahar misses him a whole lot.

Key Player - Robbie Keane: with Agbonlahor on the injury list Villa will look towards Robbie Keane to finish theory scoring opportunities. Robbie is a proven scorer of the Premier League and can finish well. The question...who on Villa can deliver him the ball. 

Manchester City: Manchester city is a rolling and rocking train. They won their last game in convincing form against Fulham 3-0. Their last game also proved many disbelievers of their defence wrong. Vincent Kompany made Clint Demsey seem non-existant. Despite their earlier loss to Everton this team is in form and only they can impede their current success. Or maybe Manchester United will in April.

Key Player - Yaya Toure: Ecstatic couldn't even come close to the words Alberto Mancini must feel to have Yaya Toure back (or as I like to call him Makalali 2.0. If City were a car Toure would be their engine and transmission. He is the most lethal defensive mid out there. He holds, defends, scores, creates, he does it all.

Justin's pick: Aston Villa 0 - 3 Man City              Austin's pick: Aston Villa 0 - 3 Man City

 Newcaslte Magpies vs Tottenham Hotspurs Feb 11

Newcastle Magpies: Newcaslte is looking pretty swanky these days. They have won their last two games.  They have also scored four goals in their last two games. Newcaslte is starting to look like their vintage counterparts

Key Player – The Senegalese Front: I know you’re looking at the name like what? But to be honest we couldn’t just choose one player, but two instead; Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse. This attacking force is like Steven Segal and Arnold Schwarzenegger in an action packed movie with big guns and absolutely no dialogue. They don’t even talk, just grunt manliness as they defeat their foes. But going back on topic Ba and Cisse are going to cause havoc for defenders. Cisse speedy and Ba target man, what a combination. May I also add that Ba has sixteen goals. Can someone say Alan Sheerer.

Tottenham Hotspurs: Tottenham is looking very strong defensively, but their paugle of injuries makes their movement forward very static. A perfect example of this was against the Liverpool game. At times it seemed like Adebayor was the only one attacking, just him against four defenders. In order for Tottenham to win they have to support Adebayor and give him some delivery.

Key Player - Scott Parker: Newcastle can be so dangerous on the counter-attack with Ba and Cisse running at you. Saying this Scott Parker need to do a good job of holding the mid field. He will have to make critical tackles and help keep possession. Don’t let Newcastle catch you on the back foot Scotty Parker.

Justin's pick: Newcaslte 2 - 2 Tottenham                   Austin's pick: Newcaslte 1 - 2 Tottenham

Arsenal Gunners vs Sunderland Blackcats Feb 11

Arsenal Gunners: Arsenal have shaken the monkey off their and have finally won their first game of the New Year, and oh man was it ever a win. They blew the Rovers out of the water 7-1. Expect Arsenal to play with more confidence cause they have a habit of being really streaky when it comes to goals.

Key Player - Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain: All hail Prince Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain... I am sorry was that to much? But you got to hand it to his parents, what a name. My bad getting off topic. Anyways Chamberlains play last game was inspirational. He was making strong runs and scored two goals. Tell me if I am wrong but don't Arsenal look so much better as a team when he is on. What a youngster.

Sunderland Blackcats: The past while Sunderland has been looking like a pretty mean black cat. From the beginning of the year Sunderland has won seven of their last nine games, including MANCHESTER CITY! They have done all this under the new management of Martin O’Neil. Oh and let me tell you fear does not linger in the back of the net for Sutherland. They have scored seven goals in their last three games.

Key Player- Stephane Sessegnon: Oh man this man single handily powered the Sunderland offence. Sessegnon is always there like him and Sunderland has been best friends for years. He is instrumental and every single goal, be it an assist or scoring himself. And man he is everywhere, right, centre, left. For a minute I thought I was seeing doubles.   

Justin's pick: Arsenal 2 - 2 Sunderland                       Austin's pick: Arsenal 2 - 1 Sunderland

WDF News: Capello's Resignation

Oh man this is just happening way to fast...Capello....RESIGNS!! The status of his job has only been on the bulletin for a week or so. What is even more surprising is the fact that the Football Association (FA) would decide to welcome a coaching change when you are five months away from the Euro Cup. Let’s also point out the fact that under Capello England had been playing the best football we had seen from them in years. For pearls sake they beat Spain three months ago. What is going on over in England? The FA Board must have been drinking out of the River Thames. It has been made aware that conflict between the FA and Capello was a dispute over the FA’s decision to strip John Terry of his captaincy. Capello shared his opinion of discontent towards the FA’s decision on Italian media. Today the FA and Capello had a meeting at Wembley to address the John Terry situation. The meeting ended with Capello’s resignation. ARE YOU SERIOUS CAPELLO!! Are you actually going to lose your job defending JOHN TERRY! Hey maybe the FA poured out a glass of the green water out for Capello too. When John Terry lost his captaincy the first time it shouldn’t have been even given back to him. The FA is looking at a possibility of Harry Redknapp taking over the vacant manager job, but I can’t imagine him devoting time efficiently between club and country. Even Guus Hiddink has been mentioned as an option. Can you imagine? That would be pretty wild. Steven Gerrard has also been named as a possibility to take over the captain role.        

WDF Postgame Big 4 Analysis: Game 24

Wow. A weekend of wow. I’m not sure where to begin so lets start with the big one.

1. Chelsea vs. Manchester United Feb 5

I was sitting with my girlfriend, whose knowledge of football is…maturing, lets say and she made an amazing call — at 60 minutes, I had written Man U off: 3-0 down and no sight of a revival. She turned to me, after I proclaimed with great exclaim that the game was over, and said, “there’s still 30 minutes, they could come back.” I thought this was ludicrous. Half and hour later, she was smugly cooking something delicious as my jaw and ego hit the floor, looking at a 3-3 final. The scoring opened with the much-maligned Johnny Evans turning the ball into his own net, just after the half hour mark. The OG will have his name on it but the United defense were all to blame. Seconds after the half time break, United were staring down the barrel again. United were caught deep in their half and Torres found Mata with a beautiful cross for his Spanish compatriot to volley home in fine style. More sloppy defense led to the third Chelsea goal, this time with Ferdinand to blame. David Luiz slipped his United counterpart and nodded home an in-swinging cross from the right. Replays will show that his header took a major deflection. United needed something and three minutes after the third goal Hernandez was introduced with Paul Scholes coming on minutes after. The substitutions had immediate effect on United’s offensive play and made Chelsea pay for their turn of sloppy defensive play. Two penalties in under 10 minutes put United back on the scene. Chelsea was now on the back foot and holding a very narrow lead. The pressure was too much and six minutes from time, Javier Hernandez found the equalizer. None other than Ryan Giggs picked up a loose ball near the touchline and found the unmarked Hernandez completely unmarked in the box to power past a helpless Cech. Chelsea rallied for the winner but had it not been for some sublime goalkeeping on De Gea’s part, they would put the game to bed. I’m quite sure the United fans took the ride home north much the happier of the two supporters.


2. Manchester City vs. Fulham Feb 4

Manchester City was back to winning ways against a under-par Fulham Saturday afternoon with a convincing 3-0 victory. City took the game by the scruff of the neck and dictated play right from the opening whistle. It didn’t take long for City to go ahead and ten minutes in, Adam Johnson was pulled down in the box in controversial style — a staple mark of the EPL these days. Aguero was clinical from the spot and the hounding was just beginning for Fulham. I didn’t take long for City to find the second and Johnson again was the provider on the half hour mark. Kolarov, who was looking City’s most threatening player on the pitch, whipped in a dangerous ball from the left flank finding Aguero. His deft flick-on found Johnson whose wayward shot was deflected past a helpless Shwarzer for Chris Baird’s second defensive blunder of the game. Fulham never looked threatening and City finished the game off with 20 minutes remaining. A well-worked play down the left flank found Aguero, the Argentine skipping by Phillipe Sendros to set up Dzeko for an easy finish. Even though City were greatly under-par from previous victories, this result will greatly progress their title hopes.

3. Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspurs Feb 6

Poor Liverpool. Anfield will seem more like an cursed graveyard than a hallowed sanctuary for the men in red. A master class on both teams part in defense could not inspire an attacking one and the game was left 0-0 at the final whistle. Martin Kelly did well to nullify the danger of Gareth Bale but did little going forward and the Tottenham defense were equal to the threat of Andy Carrol. There were a few sparks in this dulcet affair with Jay Spearing popping up to unleash a 25 yard cracker only to see his shot wiz by the post. Bale had arguably the best chance to win the game six minutes from time when he found himself with only the keeper to beat. Reina was outstanding and had his angles picture perfect and Bale’s shot was parried away to keep Liverpool from utter disappointment. The much-maligned Luis Saurez made a guest appearance 30 minutes from time but could do little to influence the game. The affair finished a stalemate with Tottenham going home the happier of the two, firmly situated below the Manchester teams, with Liverpool languishing in seventh.

4. Arsenal FC vs. Blackburn Rovers Feb 4

Looking at the score line you wonder if Blackburn’s team bus even made it to the stadium. Arsenal has received their first win of the New Year in convincing fashion. They crushed Blackburn 7-1. Extending a scoreless drought to two games must had been too much an overwhelming thought for Van Persie. He scored within the first two minutes off of a cross from Walcott. Blackburn thought they could make a game out of it. On the thirty-first minute Pedersen scored a beautiful free-kick 20 yards out. Placing it ever so nicely in the left top corner. The interlock didn’t last long when Arsenal scored 2 quick goals at the thirty-seventh minute and the 39^th minute. Van Persie scoring the first with another assist from Walcott and the second assisted by Van Persie to the Young Chamberlain making a cut into the box. Signs of frustration show when Givet is sent of f for a two-footed tackle into Van Persie. After that it was all down hill and more “Arsenal Gun Show”. Arteta scored in the fifth minute of off a badly cleared corner. The young Chamberlain scores again in the fifty-forth minute off of a blazing diagonal run from Walcott for the assist again. Van Persie finished his hat trick in the sixity-first minute. As the goal went on Blackburn’s now turned schoolboys performance became of something not to desire. Even Theiry Henry scored. Oh man this game was good and the Goals were nuts.

****PS. Watch out for the return of Arsenals terrifying galloping horse man….I mean Forwards….Forwards. Man Van Persie, Walcott and Chamberlain are fast.****    

WDF Pregame Big 4 Line up: Game 24

1. Chelsea vs Manchester United Feb 5


Chelsea: Chelsea's current habit of missing scoring opportunities has lead them to tying their last two games against Swansea City and Norwich City. Swansea and Norwich are both located at the bottom half of the table. Chelsea wants a win to chip away at the seven point gap that is between them and Tottenham.
Key Player - Fernando Torres: It will come down to whether Fernando Torres will keep up his passing and attacking form, even though it hasn't been producing many goals. Chelsea only have two goals in there last three league games

Manchester United: United have won their last three league matches. Nine potential starters on the United team are injured. This includes Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Nani and Vidic. This has lead to United scrapping by wins instead of in convincing fashion. Their last win against Wolverhampton has put them at the top of the table tied with Manchester City. United will look for a second win to keep their position.
Key Player - Paul Scholes: I know...Paul Scholes, put seriously think about it who else is going to play make and distribute the play for United. United will have to lean heavily on Scholes vision and passing skills to generate their offensive chances. You could also expect Giggs to make an appearance off the bench.

Justin's pick: Chelsea 0 - 1 Man Utd      Austin's pick: Chelsea 2 - 0 Man Utd

2. Manchester City vs Fulham FC Feb 4


Manchester City: The in seemingly invincible Manchester City took a fall last tuesday to Everton putting them at equal terms with their neighbours on  the table. City wants a win to keep their spot at the top of the table.
Key Player - David Silva: With Yaya Toure being away at the African Cup of Nations, City will look towards David Silva to progress the ball up the field from their half.

Fulham FC: Fulham were deeply unfortunate to lose their lead late in their last game against West Brom. A win from Fulham can bring them up to the 11th spot.
Key Player - Clint Dempsey: Clint has been strong moving forward and attacking, He scored in their last game and currently has 14 goals this season.

Justin's pick: Man City 3 - 0 Fulham     Austin's pick: Man City 3 - 0 Fulham

3. Liverpool FC vs Tottenham Hotspurs Feb 5

Liverpool FC: Liverpool has seem to gain momentum offensively score five goals in their last two games. Visually it looks as if Liverpool has gain confidence attacking especially along the wings where they used to lack strength. A win could put them in 5th spot.
Key Player - Luis Suarez: The man of mischief, Luis Suarez is back after suffering a match ban. expect his diagonal runs to open up space for Andy Carrol to preform. You can also count on him to create some scoring chances of his own.

Tottenham Hotspurs: Tottenham's current third spot position contributes towards their offensive strength. Their last win against Wigan (3-1) is an example of this. Even with their current success Tottenham still shows vulnerability in their back line. They have given up 4 goals in their last 2 games. A win is important for the Spurs to chip away at their 5 point gap from the top.
Key Player - Gareth Bale: Gareth has been the Hotspur's main source of attack with three goals in his last two league games. look for him to continue his current scoring form and good distribution.

Justin's pick: Liverpool 1 - 1 Tottenham  Austin's pick: Liverpool 1 - 1 Tottenham

4. Arsenal FC vs Blackburn FC Feb 4


Arsenal FC: Arsenal finds themselves in some tough times right now. They have not won a single game in the past month. Arsenal's offence is fine, their defence is the problem. They have let in seven goals in their last four games. A win can put them in forth spot.
Key Player - Robin Van Persie: Van Persie will need to preform for Arsenal to produce a win. He leads his team and the English Premiership with 24 goals. He will need to be active for Arsenal to be successful


Blackburn Rovers: Blackburn's woes continue as they lose their last game against Newcastle.They currently sit just inside the regulation zone and are desperate for a win to keep them from the bottom of the table.
Key Player - Anthony Modeste: Modeste will need to step up as Blackburn's scoring force with the absence of Yakubu at the African Cup of Nations.

Justin's pick: Arsenal 2 - 0 Blackburn   Austin's pick: Arsenal 3 - 0 Blackburn

Prospects Corner: Mario Götze

I know we're supposed to be committed to the Premier League but I must devote our inaugural  "Prospects Corner" to Germany's next sensation. I'm not kidding, the kid is nuts! If you haven't heard of this wonder-kid yet, (12 International caps and 2 goals already, making him the youngest player EVER to achieve such a feat!!) I would strongly suggest checking out one of the thousand Youtube videos on him — horrific trance/house music and all. Nothing against house or trance music it just sounds like cocaine. I'm getting off topic. Götze came through (what is now becoming) the coveted ranks of the Borrusia Dortmund youth academy. His time there was short and at the tender age of 17, manager Jürgen Klopp promoted him to the first team. He took his chance exceedingly well making 5 appearances that season. The writing was on the wall and the next season Götze was handed the number 11 kit and a full starter for Borrusia Dortmund (BVB). His attacking genesis helped propel Dortmund to the Bundesliga Championship, tallying 6 goals and 11 assists. WOW! A few more statistics why don't ya! This is a blog not the BBC. Focus man, focus! Götze is by far the best attacking midfielder in Germany (a bold statement, I know) I would go even as far as to say he's challenging the much coveted Neymar for best young player (if you haven't heard of him then you're REALLY  not paying the necessary attention to achieve footy nerdness like me). Give him two seasons and Mario Götze will be showing Andrés Iniesta a few tricks on proper attacking movement and passing.