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 did you think of West Ham United’s farewell to Upton Park this past week?
I was looking forward to it as the Hammers have always had a special place in my heart—their claret and blue was the first kit I ever owned, and they were also the school colours of my primary school. Sadly, my excitement soon turned into frustration with the embarrassing antics outside Upton Park and the attack on Man United’s bus. This was exasperated with the ridiculous comments by chairman David Sullivan when he blamed United.
Still, once the game started all was forgotten. It was a superbly entertaining match and even from all these miles away you could taste the atmosphere. United’s defence was terrible, but West Ham played really well and were clearly lifted by the support.
The closing ceremony seemed a little odd—I’m not sure Marlon Harewood should really be one of the interviews on such an occasion. All due respect to him, and he did score some big goals, but really? Harewood is interviewed, but there’s no mention of Sir Geoff Hurst? I understand he had other commitments and couldn’t attend, but surely he deserved some love? Overall, though, it was an occasion for the fans in attendance, and these things rarely translate well on television anyway.
Swansea City has re-signed manager Francesco Guidolin to a two-year extension. Good move by the Swans?
Seven wins and three draws in fifteen matches under Guidolin are impressive, so yes, I think it’s a great move to extend the Italian’s contract. I was happy to see him arrive at the Liberty as I had great respect for the job he did at Udinese in Serie A. It is so difficult to take over a club mid-season, as generally speaking you have to make do with what you have as the transfer situation is so difficult. Entering the final weekend Swansea sit eleventh and have a chance to ruin Manchester City’s entire summer, not to mention next season, with a win.
Everton has fired manager Roberto Martinez. Was this a inevitable? Who’d be a good replacement?
I think it was inevitable. Everton have been atrocious for much of this season, especially down the stretch where they have seemed to have just given up. It is a shame though: Martinez was considered one of the top young managers as recently as the beginning of this season. I always felt he was given a free ride by the media who lapped up his friendly nature and the fact that he did actually try to play good attractive football.
I was a little suspicious given his record at Wigan was hardly the stuff of legend, and although at Everton he enjoyed a decent first year, he was unable to build upon it. Martinez seems like a smart manager, and certainly progressive, and I am sure he will have learned from this experience. However, he has much to prove now, and when he gets his next job (which won’t take long) he will not be considered a “can’t miss” managerial prospect any more.
Danny Welbeck is out for nine months due to injury. How big of a blow is this for England at Euro 2016, and for Arsenal?
It does seem England actually has some depth up front, although Welbeck was very good in Euro qualifying prior to his previous injury. Therefore I don’t see it as a huge blow, after all he hasn’t featured for Roy Hodgson for some time. He was a player that could be relied on to provide hard work hard and he wouldn’t hurt the team.
For Arsenal, much the same. His injury doesn’t really change any of their planning going forward as with or without him. The Gunners greatest need has to be a top quality centre forward, doesn’t it?
It’s the final week of the season. Who’s going to claim that last top four spot: Manchester City or Manchester United?
City hs the tougher task as they are at Swansea while United are home to Bournemouth. However despite City being so inconsistent this season, and the fact that their character has been a major problem, they are still a team that can rely on their talent alone in such games. I would not be at all surprised to see City smash Swansea on Sunday. When it comes down to it, this group of players demand Champions League football—remember Raheem Sterling citing ambition rather than money last summer—so now they are under pressure, it is up to them. They lucked out with United losing to West Ham on Tuesday, so now it is put up or shut up.
Sportsnet’s Soccer Central podcast (featuring Thomas Dobby, Brendan Dunlop, 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.