Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
West Ham have won three in a row and currently sit fourth in the table. What’s been the key(s) to the Hammers’ success so far?
Where to begin? Probably ownership’s decision to not only stick with Sam Allardyce but back him in the transfer market. Bringing in Teddy Sheringham as a special coach looks to have been a brilliant move, as the strikers have been the story with Diafra Sakho belting seven goals, Enner Valencia bringing it every game. Even Andy Carroll is showing that he’s more than what many people think he is.
Back to Allardyce—there was so much pressure on the club to fire him, but he has shown that he can adapt his tactics. The reinvention of Stewart Downing into a central playmaker is so far a masterful piece of coaching. Wins against Liverpool and Manchester City were no fluke so I really think West Ham is a legitimately good club. Top four is probably a reach, but why can’t they hover around the European spots this season?
Saturday programming alert: Watch Chelsea vs Hull City on the four main Sportsnet channels at 9:30 am ET, West Bromwich Albion vs Aston Villa on Sportsnet World at 10:00 am ET and Arsenal vs Queens Newcastle United on the four main Sportsnet channels at noon ET. || Also, watch Crystal Palace vs Stoke City at 9:30 am ET online at Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Jose Mourinho was blaming the ball boys after Chelsea’s loss to Newcastle United last week. Was this just mind games? If so, isn’t it going a bit far to blame children?
It’s laughable, after all he did get six minutes of added time. Jose was just trying to deflect from the fact his team finally lost—no less, no more. I always find it amusing when Jose criticizes ‘gamesmanship’ as he is the master at it. I’ll never forget the behavior of his Porto team in its brilliant 2003 and 2004 European runs—effective, but dreadful to watch for any purist. At least you’re not asking me about the ‘unbeaten’ season anymore—that loss was probably a good thing for Chelsea, as that monkey is off its back.
Sergio Aguero is expected to miss four to six weeks with a knee injury. How big of a blow is this to Manchester City?
Given how brilliant Aguero has been this season it would appear to be a terrible blow. However after a brilliant performance against Roma midweek has steered City miraculously into the Champions League knockout phase, suddenly it looks a little less ominous—especially if you look at City’s schedule for the remainder of December. Leicester City, Crystal Palace, West Brom and Burnley are hardly going to terrify Man City, but it will get a lot tougher by the middle of January, so I am sure they’ll be hoping he’ll be back by then. Four or eight weeks are two very different scenarios so it really is a wait and see scenario as to how they’ll deal with his absence.
Monday programming alert: Watch Everton vs Queens Park Rangers on Sportsnet World at 2:30 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Newcastle United visits Arsenal on Saturday. There’s been renewed hostilities among some Arsenal supporters after their 3-2 loss to Stoke last week, with many wanting Arsene Wenger out. What do you think?
I have long supported Arsene Wenger, but I think it is probably time for him to step aside. His stubbornness to adapt has caused the Gunners to enter this state of complacency, however I thought some of the vitriol being spewed his way last week was disgusting. These fans that are responsible probably don’t even remember when he first took over. No matter what, Wenger deserves the fans’ respect, so if they are going to raise their voices, they need to do it in a classy fashion.
There was a banner in the crowd at a recent match that said something like ‘thanks for the memories Arsene, but it’s time to move on.’ I like that. Of concern for fans is that majority owner Stan Kroenke doesn’t seem to really care about much aside from just being competitive and qualifying for the Champions League which Wenger does every year. I just don’t see Wenger ever being fired, so it will be up to him to say enough is enough, but I’m not sure if that will be any time soon.
Manchester United hosts Liverpool on Sunday. The Red Devils have suddenly won five in a row. This is still the same team that struggled early on in the campaign. What’s going on?
I’ll be hammered by United fans here, but I still don’t think they are playing very well. It could be argued they were outplayed in four of those five games, and if not for David de Gea’s brilliance they would not be back in the top four. The fact is they are, and they are probably improving, however the injury bug is of real concern. The latest to go down (again) is Chris Smalling, and he had been playing really well of late as the defence finally began to find itself.
Radamel Falcao remains an enigma, back in the squad but not trusted enough by Van Gaal. I have a suspicion that the general weakness of the Premier Legaue this year just might result in United finishing top four, which is extremely fortunate, and a massive missed opportunity for several other clubs, as another summer of rebuilding might see United back among Europe’s elite.