Congratulations

I can say everything I need to about this weekend's EPL action in four quick points so we are not going to waste time.


1) Congratulations to the top table teams that got the job done.  Everton was perhaps the most efficient in a clinical shutdown of Manchester United in which the Toffees never looked in danger in the 2-0 win that finishes any chance of CL for the Red Devils; it also apparently finished any chance of David Moyes finishing the season with Man United.  Arsenal allowed Hull to feel like they were in the match but eventually walked away with a 3-0 win.  Liverpool was never behind but never comfortable in a 3-2 win at Norwich.  Honorable mention to Tottenham for a 3-1 win over Fulham to keep Europa League hopes intact.


2) Congratulations to Aston Villa for picking up an unexpected point against Southampton. Didn't see the match but it can't have been all that riveting, except for the context.  Dennis adds: Not all that riveting indeed.  Southampton could (should?) have been up at least 1 and probably 2 goals within the first 5 minutes.  It settled into a back and forth contest that, while mildly entertaining, never really felt like it would produce a winner.  None of that matters now and Villa snagged one of those 2 crucial points I mentioned last week, leaving them one win away from really feeling safe.  Beating Norwich [ed note: Swansea?] this weekend seems like our best chance, so I am preparing for the worst.  


3) Congratulations to Newcastle, who's performance was less "pooh-er" than recent weeks' even though it was still a loss, 2-1 to Swansea. An early goal (the thing where the ball crosses the line between the posts) gave the Magpies a lead; a swell header by Bony evened up the match for Swansea in first half stoppage time.  Slight advantage to Newcastle in the second half but they could not get a game winner.  A breakaway in stoppage time led to a PK which Bony converted and the losing streak continues. 


4) Congratulations to Chelsea for turning what should have been a boring romp against Sunderland into compelling theater. Of course it came at the cost of Chelsea pissing away control in the title race.  Uh-oh, I feel a rant coming on.  Did Chelsea not bother to watch the tapes from Sunderland's performance on Tuesday against Man City?  Maybe realize that this team is not going quietly into the relegation night.  And enough with the whining.  Until you  learn the difference between a ball that hits the hand and the infraction of handling - I'm looking especially at you Ivanovic and Salah - just stfu.  And Chelsea should have spent the second half a man down after Ramires' disgraceful blow to Larsson's face.  I don't blame Mike Dean for not seeing it.  His attention had turned to the right to follow the play because he had to make a determination of whether advantage would apply.  Plus, why would Dean need to focus on the Ramires, since no one would be stupid enough to strike a player in the face with the ref right there?  The PK - tough call but not outrageous.  Azpilicueta went for a slide tackle in the box at greater than a 90 degree angle from behind and made contact with Altidore.  What do you expect?  Assistant coach Rui Faria's performance on the sideline was impressive; maybe if the whole squad had focused that kind of passion on playing soccer, the result might have been different.  Mourinho completed the ugly day with a sarcastic post game performance that will likely earn him a hefty fine.  And to think I used to lust in my heart over Chelsea.  I feel like I need a shower. 


In MLS action...

Houston and the Union played a 0-0 draw that likely did not advance the cause of MLS.  Outplayed in the first half, the Union had a much better second half but can you really say they threatened to score?  This habit of getting draws at home is a formula for finishing 7th in the division. 

Red Bulls were idle over the weekend but just completed a mid-week thrashing of Houston.  With two consecutive wins, they jump to 3rd in the division, allbeit with a few extra games played.


In Football Manager action...

It is now late May on the cyber calendar. The players are on vacation until June 30.  I'm about to take my annual one-week vacation.  We just managed to sign Gaetano Hoffman, a fictional 21 year-old Swiss striker who my scouts say is ready now to play at the Premier League level.  Still looking to add an experienced keeper and a stronger left back but probably won't be able to do that until July 1, when I get my new salary and transfer budget plus I can get players on loan. 


This weekend

With Chelsea's loss to Sunderland, their marquee match with Liverpool has lost some of its luster.  It may lose even more if Mourinho follows through on his idea to play his second team so as to save his regulars for the second leg of the CL semi-final with Atletico (0-0 after the first leg in Madrid).  Man City has to play a hot Crystal Palace on the road to make sure they keep pace and/or gain on the top two teams.  Everton travels to Southampton for a tricky match while their competition for the last CL spot, Arsenal, gets to host Newcastle (oh man that could get ugly).

Interesting stuff down in the relegation zone where just eight points separate 12th and 20th in the table.  Aston Villa travels to Wales to play Swansea, Sunderland hosts Cardiff, West Ham is away to West Brom, and Fulham welcomes Hull City to Craven Cottage.  Points are critical to all; winning is important, not losing is even more important.

Europa League spots are still up in the air as Spurs take on Stoke and Man United faces Norwich.

Still a lot of viewing to be had...