Ahead of every weekend this season I will give you my three thoughts on what’s going on in the Premier League. These might not always be the biggest stories, but rather my personal observations as the games approach each Saturday.
So, Matchday 10 (with a bit of Toronto FC throw in for good measure), here you go…
TFC all business after first playoff win
I must admit I was a little surprised when I made my way into Toronto FC’s locker room following its historic first playoff victory against Philadelphia on Wednesday. I didn’t pack my ski goggles and rain coat in anticipation of a champagne shower, but I did expect there to be somewhat of a party atmosphere.
Instead, I discovered an all but empty room, calm and quiet—it was as if the team realized that there was nothing to celebrate just yet, that the job at hand had just begun. Bang on! Not that I’m criticizing any other team that happens to play in our fair city, but this “business first” approach by TFC commands respect, and it will serve the team very well as it enters a mouth-watering two-legged Eastern Conference semifinal against New York City FC.
The captain Michael Bradley, one of the more thoughtful and intelligent footballers you could interview, made it very clear that nothing had been accomplished yet, and that it was back to work today. Wednesday was more than just about the result—it was about a dominating performance that changed the narrative that surrounds this club; the ghosts have not been exorcised just yet, but they are becoming less and less frightening.
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Top boys ready to roll?
Back to the Premier League now, and how great was last week? As tight as the table was entering the weekend, it became anyone’s guess who the top team is after a few of the top boys dropped big points. With Manchester United bouncing back from its pathetic loss to Chelsea with a nice feel-good derby win against Manchester City in the League Cup midweek, this weekend feels like one of those where the big clubs are going to begin a new stretch with a run of good form.
I have no statistics to back this up, just a gut feeling; but with Man City at the Hawthorns, Man United hosting Burnley, Arsenal travelling to Sunderland, Liverpool meeting Crystal Palace and the hard-charging Chelsea facing Southampton, this might be a platform weekend to launch their title bids.
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Black Cats not landing on their feet
Last Saturday on Sportsnet’s Premier League broadcast we debuted a new segment called “Crisis Club.” It’s a (often tongue in cheek) look at which team merits the title on a week by week basis. Of course, it’s too early to truly be in crisis, unless you are Sunderland.
The Black Cats took the honour last week (much to Danny Dichio’s disappointment) and it could be argued they will be in the mix every week given how their season is playing out. David Moyes has become such a tragic figure, and I am not sure if there is a man more deserving of our sympathies more. He came into the club well into the transfer window, following Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated departure to take over the national team, and he inherited a squad that has fought tooth and nail for survival for several years.
The current malaise must be on the players, and Moyes should escape the wrath of the fans and the media, but to see him post-match last week following another heartbreaking loss, he cut the figure of a man who is well and truly taking full responsibility. It is not his fault, and he deserves the chance to break up this team and start again even if that means relegation this season, but football being football, would anyone be surprised if he is cut loose before Christmas? Spare a thought for David Moyes, he doesn’t deserve this.
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