I was reading well-known UK football journalist Sarah Winterburn the other day following Liverpool’s Club World Cup triumph in Qatar.
She said: “It does feel like a major trophy”.
Her reasoning behind the statement was that it was “hard to win” having seen the Reds struggle to get a result against Flamengo over 120 minutes. What kind of logic is that?
It’s a weird one because barring her, Jurgen Klopp and his players, we all know it is another Fifa money-generating glorified set of friendlies.
In fact, I was shocked when the decision was made to field a bunch of children against Aston Villa in the League Cup quarterfinal, resulting in a demoralising 5-0 thumping.
I guess the idea of being world champions was based on the marketing spin-off afforded to the winners?
You know, big sponsors and a worldwide fan base who generally know little about the importance of history, relevance and culture in the English game now proudly boasting about “the best team in the world” rubbish.
You would have thought the continued gap-building at the top of the Premier League would have taken preference?
Or maybe the confidence is running so high, the idea of fatigue and squad rotation isn’t an issue? As for the League Cup, well, it lost its shine many years ago. Who knows which of these factors played the biggest part in the decision?
CLOBERKNOCKER: Manchester City and Leicester City. Picture: Rui Vieira/AP.
Saturday’s fixture between Manchester City and Leicester would also have been factored in, knowing that at least one of the two chasing sides would be dropping points.
On that front, it was a great game at Eastlands for an hour or so, until City really took total control. For me one of the most interesting factors was the undoing of Ben Chilwell - apparently one of Frank Lampard’s priority targets and the best English leftback since Ashley Cole.
I’m a fan and he is excellent, but Riyad Mahrez was buzzing down the right like the kid didn’t exist!
The 3-1 result in City’s favour leaves a very healthy looking position for Liverpool, with a 10- and 11-point gap respectively and a game in hand!
Club World Cup or not, you just can’t see this going any other way and judging on recent interviews with Klopp, its likely some further strengthening in January is on the cards.
Onto Sunday and what a crazy pair of matches Man United were completely flat at Watford, who had only one win in their last 22!
It was only after Paul Pogba came on for the first time since September that there was any kind of genuine threat. The Frenchman was brilliant.
CLOBERKNOCKER: Manchester City and Leicester City. Picture: Rui Vieira/AP.
I know many United fans don’t see his value, but he showed who and what he can be, unfortunately surrounded by a team who are a level beneath him.
The loss punctured the brilliant wins against City and Spurs and unfortunately it’s back to the drawing board.
Of course my Sunday was made by the complete dominance by Chelsea at Tottenham.
Yes, the home side went down to 10 men after an hour following the stupid “kicking out” by Heung-Min Son, but either way, tactically, Frank Lampard outsmarted his mentor and made easy work of the afternoon.
On a sour note, I was shocked with the racist behaviour coming from Spurs fans, aimed primarily at Antonio Rudiger following the Son incident.
The game was halted and for the first time (I’ve ever heard it) the stadium announcer let everyone know what was happening.
I say I’m shocked not because I’m unaware of racism in football, I just can’t understand it.
Tottenham have a number of black players, that part of north London is also multiracial, there’s traditionally a lot of black supporters (in the firm as well).
I hate Tottenham, but I’d also go as far as to say, they’re definitely not a racist club.
The irony is that back in the day, they were subjected to anti-Semitic chants wherever they went, given the large contingent of Jewish support.
North London rivals Arsenal also had some crowd problems during and after their away trip to Everton.
FREE-FALL: Arsenal. Picture: Phil Noble/Reuters.
A section of fans have had enough of the infamous Arsenal Fan TV brigade.
I feel sorry for Robbie Lyle (owner and interviewer). He’s a decent fella. It’s the muppets he speaks to every week, Troopz, DT and the likes, who, with their ferocious negativity, have turned the tide against them.
The Gunners are in freefall at the moment on and off the field. it’s gonna be an interesting few weeks!
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy festive season. Peace!