The European Through Ball Vol. 3

In today's edition of the European Through Ball, United win again without breaking into third gear, Bayern start the Bundesliga in typically dominant fashion and Monaco have a lucky escape against Lille.

Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 1

• Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj were the two most technical players on the pitch. They posses the innate ability to do something extra with the ball at their feet, marrying it with a lightness of touch and vision that brings finesse to their team's play. The only moment of true inspiration in the game came when the two combined for United's winning goal. With the Red Devils creating options to overlap on the left wing, Mata picked Januzaj in the box with an exquisite pass that flummoxed the home defence. The young Belgian then sidestepped Micah Richards with a clever turn before finishing via a deflection. It wasn't synonymous with the rest of the game, but it was a winning moment worthy of a bigger match.
• There is a sense amongst the British press that despite his tactical deficiencies Tim Sherwood will at least make Aston Villa fun to watch after the mundane reign of Paul Lambert. On the evidence of their first two matches though it seems we won't see much different from the Villains. For someone who advocated entertaining football in his stints as a pundit, Sherwood didn't seem to have any ideas to breach United's defence. The only player who caused any moments of anxiety for the visiting defence was left-back Jordan Amavi, when he galloped forward to create some attacking forays down the left. The centre of the park had wilful running and endeavour but little in the sense of penetration or possession. With time running out, Villa resorted to lumping the ball into the box to utilize Rudy Gestede's aerial prowess. This hit-and-hope philosophy clearly posed no challenges to Chris Smalling and Danny Blind. Sherwood might say a variety of things to curry favour with the press, but for neutrals and fans alike it seems Villa Park will once again be home to perspiration rather than inspiration.
• So how did United's new signings do in their second game? Memphis Depay looked like he was slowly developing an understanding with Luke Shaw down the left, but didn't do much otherwise. He could have opened his account for United but missed a good chance after Mata found him with a through ball. Morgan Schneiderlin wasn't exceptional but seems to be adjusting to the rhythm of his new teammates, while Bastian Schweinsteiger was more at ease in the centre of the park compared to the outing against Spurs. Matteo Darmian and Sergio Romero were once again solid without the need for anything spectacular against Villa's average attack. Sterner tests lie ahead before we can start making some concrete judgements on Van Gaal's new buys.

Bayern Munich 5 Hamburg 0

• That Bayern Munich opened their defence of the Bundesliga with a comprehensive win at home is hardly a surprise. That Arjen Robben, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller would create and score was hardly a surprise. So the only intrigue about Bayern's season opener was how new signings Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa would fit into Pep Guardiola's tactical scheme. The Chilean was his usual energetic self providing an extra option in the box when Bayern had the ball while relentlessly pressing and tackling without it. It was Costa who caught the eye though. Comfortable on either wing, the Brazilian consistently beat his marker with pace and trickery. His comprehensive attacking display was highlighted by a beautiful curling cross with the outside of his left foot to assist Muller as well as a nice curling finish to get a goal of his own. Costa will have tougher assignments, but it seems Bayern finally have a decent backup option in case Ribery or Robben get injured when it comes to crunch time in the season.
• Meanwhile Hamburg look like they are in for another season of strife. Surviving by the skin of their teeth last time around, Bruno Labbadia faces a tough task even if he just wants to have a slightly better season. Albin Ekdal will bring some goals from midfield and the Swede might well have more of an impact against other teams in the Bundesliga. Ideally a fully match-fit Marcelo Diaz along with Ekdal should at least ensure Labbadia gets some much-needed tenacity in the middle of the park. However, the signing of Emir Spahic to partner the erratic Johan Djourou at the back doesn't bode well, nor is the arrival of Sven Schipplock the most ideal solution to the goalscoring problems the team faced last season. It seems like staying in the league is the only realistic ambition for this proud club.

Monaco 0 Lille 0

• Leonardo Jardim might well be right to prioritize next week's crucial Champions League playoff against Valencia. After all, it's the club's only shot of getting to the group stages of Europe's premier competition whereas the league provides plenty of opportunities to catch up. However, it was still a strange decision to start neither Stephan El Shaarawy nor Anthony Martial in the home opener after both played well in the victory at Nice. In stead the unproven Guido Carillo started, depriving Monaco of a genuine attacking threat in the box. As well as the Portuguese trio of Joao Moutinho, Bernando Silva and Ivan Cavaleiro played in midfield, they just weren't able to trouble the brilliant Vincent Enyeama in Lille's goal. By the time Martial and El Shaarawy came on, Monaco simply didn't have any rhythm to trouble Lille's defence. Tipped by many to be PSG's closest challengers this season, Jardim can't afford such selection errors too many times if Monaco are to repeat the successes of last year's campaigns in Ligue 1 and Europe.
• You won't get a tougher start to the season than playing the champions at home and then the third place team away in your first two league fixtures. That has been Lille's lot this campaign, but the Northerners can be happy with the performances if not the points. Herve Renard's men were unfortunate to lose against PSG in the season opener and had their fair share of chances to win comfortably against Monaco. Goalscoring is clearly going to be a problem that Renard will have to grapple with for most of the season, but the dual Cup of Nations winner has at least got Lille playing with verve and intensity that was missing for the majority of last season. Lille should have a comfortable season in mid-table, but if Renard can inspire his men to perform consistently, a Europa League spot may not be out of the equation.

Premier League Midseason Review - Aston Villa

Games Played: 19
Games Won: 5
Games Drawn: 5
Games Lost: 9
Goals For: 18
Goals Against: 25
Goal Difference: -7
Home Form: 8 out of 30 points (18th in league)
Away Form: 12 out of 27 points (8th in league)
League Position: 13th

Summary of the season so far:

After last season’s close escape from relegation there was genuine hope at Villa Park about Paul Lambert’s team kicking on this season with a group of young players that were now battle-hardened. In stead, Aston Villa have played some uninspiring football, especially at home where they have managed a pitiful haul of seven goals in 10 games.

After a promising start to the campaign which featured exciting wins against Arsenal and Manchester City and two close defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea, the Villains have gone off the boil. Christian Benteke has looked a different player since getting injured in September, while the midfield has been devoid of possession and creativity in what has to be classified as a mediocre season for Aston Villa so far.

Player of the season so far:

It’s taken a long time to happen, but Villa fans are finally beginning to see why the club splashed a huge amount of money on Fabian Delph. Delph can hold his head high after a first half of the season that has been epitomized by energy and running coupled with good defensive discipline as well as an eye for a good pass. With his fellow midfielders all struggling Delph’s form has been crucial in holding Villa together.

A quick mention for Brad Guzan and Libor Kozak. The goalkeeper has made vital saves to ensure Aston Villa have at least sneaked some wins on the road, as well as escaping with draws in matches where the team has been thoroughly outplayed. Kozak has chipped in with some crucial goals to help the team, and while the Czech forward is not at the same level as Benteke, his hard work and finishing ability are at least reaping some rewards for the team in the final third.

Underwhelming players:

A lot of players fall in this category. In the interests of time and space, I will highlight only a few. Benteke started the season at a canter, but his injury clearly stalled his momentum. I don’t want to be too harsh on the Belgian, as one can never make a clear judgement about the physical and more importantly — psychological scars of returning from and injury. The sense remains that all Benteke needs is one goal to kickstart another good run of form.

Leandro Bacuna and Antonio Luna bring some flair going forward, but both have been caught out defensively on numerous occasions. One would have hoped the centre-backs would have improved after last seasons horrible displays, but Nathan Baker and Ciaran Clark continue to show positional naivety. Finally, after looking so assured with the ball in midfield last season, Ashley Westwood has regressed to passing the ball sideways this season much to the detriment of the team.

High Point of the season so far:

The win at home against Manchester City was special. Villa were outplayed for vast swathes of the game, but a stunning free kick form Bacuna and a calamitous error by Joe Hart resulted in a shock win for Aston Villa. Two surprise wins on the road against Arsenal and Southampton demonstrated Villa’s strength in the counter attack, especially when Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Wiemann are fit and in form.

Low Point of the season so far:

It’s a small matter of solace for Aston Villa that they haven’t been humiliated in any fixture. However, that doesn’t justify the drudge they have served up at Villa Park this year. Worst amongst the home losses was a 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, while stalemates away to West Ham and Hull were easily the worst games of football to be watched this season.

January transfer requirements:

A decent central midfielder is badly needed in Aston Villa’s starting eleven. Delph’s energy is crucial, but Westwood’s failure to progress this year means Villa don’t have a midfielder capable of linking with the attackers, nor do they possess the ability to slow the game down in the centre of the park. This has been the reason for their downfall at home, where they have proven incapable of breaking down the opposition. An experienced centre-back wouldn’t be amiss either, especially if the Villains find themselves in a relegation battle again.

Prospects for the second half of the season:

Aston Villa are one of the most unpredictable sides in the division. Despite not being blessed with creativity, Aston Villa’s threat on the counter means they are capable of getting points away from home even when being completely dominated by the opposition. However, serious questions are starting to be asked about Paul Lambert’s style, and there is only so much longer the fans will tolerate the manager if the quality of play does not improve. In their current guise it’s hard to see Villa improving to the point where they jump ahead of Swansea and Hull, but there is just enough quality in the squad to keep the club from being relegated this season.

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Premier League Predictions Round 15

After an exciting midweek round of Premier League fixtures filled with goals, the next round of weekend fixtures are already upon us. My predictions below.

Manchester United vs. Newcastle United

The pressure continues to mount for David Moyes after Everton beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Roberto Martinez's first visit to the theatre of dreams as manager of the Toffees. To add to Moyes' woes, Wayne Rooney is suspended, and nobody has a clue as to when Robin Van Persie will be back in the side.

Newcastle actually played pretty well in their defeat at Swansea, and were it not for Michel Vorm, Loic Remy could even have had a hat rick. It's been a while since the Toon Army have celebrated in Manchester, but if Alan Pardew can inspire some belief in his troops, there is no reason why Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote can't be the latest midfield pair to dominate the Red Devil's weak centre.

Prediction: A game with a history of goals and excitement, I am not so certain we are going to get something very exciting this time around. Lunchtime kickoffs don't generally bring the best out of teams, and in front of another tense Old Trafford crowd, I see Newcastle nicking a point.

Crystal Palace vs. Cardiff City

Crystal Palace got the expected win in Tony Pulis' first home game in charge at Selhurst Park, despite barely managing to string two passes together in their encounter against West Ham. Nonetheless, there was enough defensive discipline on display, and if Barry Bannan can continue to cross well with his cultured left foot, Marouane Chamakh will always have a chance to score. The less said about Cardiff's stalemate against Stoke the better.

Prediction: These were the kind of games that Pulis mastered when managing Stoke, and I see the Eagles winning their second game in succession.

Liverpool vs. West Ham United

There have been enough superlatives written about Luis Suarez's phenomenal display against Norwich. It's not often that one scores four goals in one match, much less four goals of different yet exceptional quality. Liverpool will be relying on their talisman to lead them to another three points, which are an absolute must in light of the Reds upcoming visits to the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and White Hart Lane.

West Ham are in the midst of a horrible run, and are playing some truly dreadful football. If it wasn't for a win against the truly abject Fulham last weekend, the Hammers would be in the relegation zone and Sam Allardyce would certainly be under greater scrutiny.

Prediction: While West Ham have previous in frustrating Liverpool at Anfield, I just don't see it happening this time around. There may still be tactical flaws in Brendan Rodgers planning, but he has brought back goals to Anfield, and I think Liverpool will score a few more at home in this fixture.

Southampton vs. Manchester City

The Saints were supposed to recover at home against Aston Villa after two tough losses on the road to Arsenal and Chelsea. In stead what transpired was Southampton's worst defensive display of the season in a shock defeat. Mauricio Pochettino should look to make some changes just to freshen up things and ensure that his starting eleven all remain grounded.

Manchester City put in one of their best away displays of the season in the 3-2 win at the Hawthorns. If it wasn't for the Citizens coasting in the last ten minutes the scoreline would have reflected the true dominance of City. Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero all continued their sublime form, and if they can follow up at St. Mary's, then City can justifiably claim to banish their away day blues.

Prediction: It was Southampton's 3-1 win in this fixture last year that marked the arrival of Pochettino's pressing game in the Premier League. Both managers have a clearly defined European style, and this is the game where I take my risk this week and suggest a close victory for the Saints, as City's midfield two might struggle against Southampton's incessant pressing high up the pitch.

Stoke City vs. Chelsea

Mark Hughes promised a lot in the summer upon taking charge of Stoke, however the style hasn't really improved, and the results are hardly a ringing endorsement of his appointment. The midweek draw against Cardiff was a terrible advert for the Premier League, and just where the Potters next goal is coming from is anyone's guess.

After some shaky performances on the road to begin the season, Chelsea have won two successive games away to West Ham and Sunderland. One may argue that Jose Mourinho's men weren't entirely convincing at the Stadium of Light, but I think it demonstrated the manager's winning mentality and ability to find solutions even in the toughest circumstances.

Prediction: In previous years this would be an extremely difficult road trip, but on current form can't see anything other than a Chelsea victory, especially since Eden Hazard and Juan Mata are in such great form.

West Bromwich Albion vs. Norwich City

This is not necessarily a game that will set the pulses racing for the neutral. However, I really enjoy watching West Brom under Steve Clarke, and I find them one of the most tactically balanced teams with a good mix of creative flair and direct efficiency. Norwich on the other hand have been one of the worst teams away from home this season, but at least the Canaries defence won't be coming up against Luis Suarez this season.

Prediction: It could be hard for West Brom to pick themselves up after putting in a lot of effort against City in their midweek home game, but Clarke will not want any points dropped against a visiting Norwich, and the Baggies should get the three points.

Sunderland vs. Tottenham Hotspur

That Sunderland managed to score three goals against Chelsea despite losing provides further evidence that Gus Poyet has added belief to the Sunderland players in addition to a general improvement in the standard of the Mackems performances.

The noises coming from the Spurs camp suggest that Andre Villas-Boas and the playing squad believe their comeback victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage might just be a turning point. We'll find out whether that's the case in the next few weeks, but the truth is that two long range goals hardly prove that Spurs have solved their scoring problems.

Prediction: I believe Tottenham were genuinely lucky to get all three points against Fulham, while conversely Sunderland probably should have garnered more points across the games that Poyet has managed. I think luck will even out in this game, and the home team will finally get their rewards in a crucial victory.

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Fulham put in their best overall performance of the season against Tottenham, and while the close defeat must have hurt, Rene Meulensteen can take plenty of encouragement from his players creative flair and defensive discipline. The key question is whether the Cottagers can now perform at the same level consistently and most importantly against teams in the lower half of the table.

Aston Villa have snuck up to tenth in the table without setting the league on fire. I actually thought Paul Lambert's charges played their best football in August and September, but results weren't matching performances. They have been playing with less flair recently, but have been unbeaten for five games now. Most concerning for Villains fans however is that Christian Benteke has gone completely off the boil, and they will hope that Labor Kozak maintains his scoring form.

Prediction: Aston Villa haven't been playing well recently, and I think this is the game where they will not be able to escape with a result, as Meulensteen inspires his troops to a much-needed victory.

Arsenal vs. Everton

This is easily the game of the round, as two teams with the most impressive midfields seen in the Premier League this season come up against each other. After an impressive away victory at Cardiff, Arsenal followed it up with a performance of complete domination against Hull City, as the Gunners made four changes without disrupting the flow of the team one iota.

Everton are coming into the game on the back of their biggest victory of the season away to Manchester United. Fans of the Toffees have fallen in love with the style and panache displayed under new manager Roberto Martinez, and for many their victory at Old Trafford wasn't surprising as Everton have recorded the most midfield possession in the league this season. Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley as well as Gerard Deulofeu and Bryan Oviedo have been grabbing the headlines, but two absolutely crucial players that have kept things ticking for Everton have been Gareth Barry and James McCarthy. Martinez will rely on the duo if Everton are to get another impressive away result.

Prediction: As impressive as Everton's win at Old Trafford was, dominating against Arsenal's midfield at the Emirates is another matter altogether. It will be a game that will be easy on the eye for the neutral, but it's the Gunners fans who will be celebrating another three points at the top of the table.

Swansea City vs. Hull City

Swansea got a crucial victory against Newcastle when not many expected them to do so. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, Michel Vorm played a crucial role with some excellent saves. Nonetheless, the fact that Michael Laudrup's men displayed attacking variety despite the absence of Michu and Wilfried Bony must be especially encouraging.

After the high of victory over Liverpool, Steve Bruce's men couldn't live with Arsenal's midfield at the Emirates. However, Hull will expect to lose some matches against the top teams, but do possess the defensive discipline to frustrate teams like Swansea who can suffer from a lack of directness a times.

Prediction: I except the Swans to dominate possession at home, but Hull will be extremely organized with two banks of four, and I can see Bruce's men can escape with a point.

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