Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with Sportsnet soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
What stood out for you the most on the opening weekend of the season? Arsenal losing at home to West Ham? Swansea picking up a point at Stamford Bridge? Something else?
Assuming that Jose versus the good Doctor doesn’t count, the Arsenal result probably stands out above all else. It isn’t so much that the Gunners lost to West Ham; it was just that if ever there is a team that is able to feed its critics it is Arsenal. Let’s be honest, week one of the season always dishes up a couple of odd results, but why Arsenal? The team was coming off a Community Shield win against their hated rivals Chelsea, and some of the most respected voices in the sport (and me) had them as the favourites to win the title this season—and the general hilarity that such views would be met with seemed to be far less than in the past. So, rather than build on this momentum, they mail it in against a team that admittedly played very well, and a team that is certainly made of stern stuff, but a team that is still called West Ham and was playing at the Emirates. It is so damn typical of Arsenal, just when things are going so well…you get the picture.
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What did you think about Stoke City signing Xherdan Shaqiri for a club record fee? How can the Swiss international help the Potters?
Like many fans, when I think of Stoke I still think of the pre-Mark Hughes Stoke, a solid team that accepted mid-table mediocrity as its calling, and a team that refused to even pretend that the game could be played any other way than physical, long ball footy. Dreadfully unfair, as Hughes is slowly shaping this team into something different. That is why it has struck me as such a strange signing, and so un-Stoke like. Just as last year when Bojan arrived, it just felt wrong and weird, even when he was putting in wonderful performance after wonder performance. I will eventually get this right, and respect Stoke the way they deserve, but I need another half season or so. I suspect Shaqiri felt the same way this summer as well; this transfer did seem to drag on, and I get the feeling if he’s honest he’d admit that he’s a bit surprised he ended up at Stoke.. Aside from all that, I think he’ll be brilliant in the Premier League.
What can we expect from Harry Kane this season? Can he duplicate what he did in 2014-15?
Yes, he can. Kane obviously broke out last season, and Mauricio Pochettino nurtured him perfectly. The thing about Kane is that he does so many things so well, but none exceptionally, that makes him an all-round top player, and so hard to defend. He is big, pretty strong, has a real creative eye, and is a natural finisher, all in all a great package. Against Manchester United last week I thought he was excellent, and as shown last year for his country, enjoys the big stage and has a very calm demeanour that will serve him well. Spurs are clearing out some dead wood this season which was needed, and if they can add some pace to compliment Kane up top, I think he’ll be lethal once again.
Aston Villa hosts Manchester United on Friday? What do you think of the idea of the Premier League playing games on Fridays?
This will be a regular thing next season, and I for one love it! There are enough games to give us a nice tidy four day footy weekend, and given what the TV deals are going for these days it only makes sense that you throw some love back to us wonderful media people; after all, we need to feed our families too. Is it just about the money? Of course it is, get over it, soccer is big money business, we are all just self-hating consumers who need their fix, and the Premier League is happy to main-line us what we crave.
Manchester City hosts Chelsea on Saturday? Is it too early in the season for this marquee match-up? Does it lose some of its intrigue because it’s happening on Matchday 2?
I must admit I do like the marquee tilts a little later in the season, especially as the window is yet to close and who knows how these teams will look come September. That being said, given the week Chelsea has had, and given the awful mood Jose Mourinho is in, what better time for a Man City win over the champs? This would really push the Special One closer to the edge, would throw a wonderful (albeit ludicrous) ‘Champs in Turmoil’ narrative into the mix, and that would really spice up the early season, which can sometimes get a tad predictable sometimes. Besides, April 16th will be the reverse fixture, and that will be juicy enough for everyone!
Soccer Central podcast: SPORTSNET.CA’s Soccer Central podcast, hosted by John Molinaro and James Sharman, takes an in-depth look at the beautiful game and offers timely and thoughtful analysis on the sport’s biggest issues. To listen and subscribe to the podcast, CLICK HERE.