Can you believe that we are just 2 days shy of December? Such has been the pace at which this year has flown by, and of course the season itself; in a months’ time, we would have celebrated Christmas, gotten pissed on Boxing Day, and reached the half way point of the season! Between now, and then however, there is still plenty of football to be played across Europe, and this weekend saw the latest rounds of play take place throughout the continent. With no further ado, let us dissect the happenings of the weekend…

Top 4 takes shape as Aguero brace buries Burnley, Liverpool late show see’s off Sunderland, The O had to go, as Chelsea inflict Spurs’ first league defeat, and Arsenal breakdown Bournemouth to stay in touch, while United home struggles continue…

Manchester City kicked off the Premier League action this weekend, as they travelled to meet a Burnley side, who had the distinction of being the only side to defeat Liverpool this season, while also leaving Old Trafford with a point in late October. Having to quickly regroup from their mid-week excursion in Germany, Pep Guardiola rested both: David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, as Yaya Toure, and Nolito came back into the City starting XI. Still suffering a mid-week hangover, Burnley took the lead within 15 minutes, as Dean Marney put the home side ahead, with a wonderful, first time volley, that nestled into the bottom right-hand corner of Claudio Bravo’s goal. Luckily for Manchester City, they can count on of the best strikers in the world to bail them, and that’s exactly what Sergio Aguero did, as he netted twice from close range within the hour, to salvage the victory for the away side, who had been far from their best. That win lifted City back to the summit of the table, albeit temporarily, as both Liverpool and Chelsea were set to play later on in the day.

Liverpool could ill-afford to lose further ground at the top of the table following their draw with Southampton last weekend. Standing in front of them was a Sunderland side brimming full of confidence, as they had reeled of 2 wins on the spin. David Moyes made no secret of what his teams tactic would be heading into their trip to Anfield, however not even the bus he parked, could prevent Liverpool from securing all 3 points, as Divock Origi’s wonderful strike broke the Sunderland resistance with just 15 minutes to go, before James Milner made it academic with a 90th minute penalty. The win would not come without casualties however, the majestic Philipe Coutinho was stretchered off, after just 35 minutes, and could miss the rest of the year, as he convalesces from the ankle injury sustained in this contest. On the bright side, this would be Liverpool’s first run of back to back clean sheets in the league since February/March. Furthermore, ‘the Reds’ must march on into their EFL Cup quarter final clash with Leeds United tomorrow night, without their Brazilian hit-man, and it should be an easy enough task given the replacements at Jurgen Klopps disposal; therefore expect Liverpool to reach the semi-final for the third season running, with a 4-1 win at home, before travelling to Bournemouth, where they should repeat the 2-1 win they secured at Dean Court last season.

After seeing their 1st place position occupied by both: Manchester City, and then Liverpool, earlier in the day; Chelsea would entertain the visit of Tottenham with the added incentive of needing a win to return to the summit of the division. It wasn’t like motivation was a factor for ‘the Blues’ mind you, as the narrative heading into this London derby was the memory of the highly entertaining 2-2 draw here this past May, where Tottenham’s title challenge ended, and Leicester City were crowned champions. With their mid-week efforts to Monaco, and history against them at Stamford Bridge; it was always going to be a tall order for Tottenham to see off an in-form Chelsea side, however Mauricio Pochettino’s side were blistering as they came out the blocks; penning Chelsea into their own box amid flurry after flurry, and thus it was just rewards, when Christian Eriksen’s long range pile-driver, ended Thibaut Courtois’ run of 10 hours without conceding a goal, with just 10 minutes gone on the clock. Spurs continued to run Chelsea ragged, as the weaknesses of Chelsea’s much praised 3 man back-line began to present themselves. The pendulum would ultimately swing back in favour of the home side, as Pedro was able to equalise for Chelsea just before half time, with a truly glorious effort; curling home with his right foot, just outside the box, leaving Hugo Lloris with no chance at all. Chelsea would start to exploit the wilting Spurs side, as their mid-week efforts began to catch up with them, and with tired legs, come tired minds, and with just 5 minutes played of the restart; Diego Costa (after some fine work) would set up the charging Victor Moses to bury home from close range, to give Antonio Conte’s side the lead, and ultimately the 3 points, as Chelsea returned to 1st place, with their 7th win in a row in the bag; ending Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the 2016/17 Premier League season in the process also. With a week to digest their exit from the Champions League, and their unbeaten league start coming to an end; I expect Tottenham to see off Swansea 4-2 next weekend at White Hart Lane.

A titanic tussle awaits on Saturday lunch time, as Manchester City and Chelsea go head to head at the Etihad Arena. In what was set to become Britain’s premier fixture, just 2 seasons ago; both sides’ struggles last year prevented the fixture from becoming that very game. This season however, it is a different proposition entirely, as the respective Guardiola, and Conte regimes, have seen Chelsea, and Manchester City, occupy 1st and 3rd respectively, after 13 games, with just the 1 point separating the 2 sides. Up until the 2013-14 season, where Jose Mourinho steered Chelsea to a 1-0 win at the Etihad Arena, ‘the Blues’ were on a terrible run of 4 straight defeats, away to ‘the Citizens’. The 2 sides would split 1-1 draws during Chelsea’s triumphant 2014/15 title winning campaign, before Manchester City famously defeated Chelsea 3-0, both home, and away last season. Pep Guardiola would have no doubt seen holes in the Chelsea defence that are there to be exploited, and with a full week’s preparation to dedicate to their opposition; expect City to take the Tottenham blue-print in attacking the Premier League’s leaders from the off-set, much like they did at Old Trafford back in September. Conte will surely prepare his side for the early blitz, and down the stretch, Chelsea’s best work will come to the fore. In the end, I believe this contest comes down to Chelsea’s resourcefulness, and the waning concentration of the Manchester City back-line, and in the end, I expect the spoils to be shared 2-2, as Chelsea stun the home side with a late equaliser, as Liverpool once again assume control of 1st place, at the end of match-day 14.

Arsenal were looking to end a run of 3 draws in all competitions against Bournemouth in Sunday’s early kick-off, and as advertised in Origami with Aragami 71; ‘the Gunners’ did indeed prevail to a 3-1 win. Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring after a laboured back pass, enabled the Chilean superstar to punish the away side. Eddie Howe’s side would find a way back into the contest, after Callum Wilson’s penalty, just 12 minutes later. In the end, Arsenal’s quality told its own story, as Theo Walcott celebrated the week he became a father, by putting his side 2-1 ahead, 10 minutes after the restart, before Sanchez sealed the deal late on, from close range. The 3-1 win keeps Arsenal just 2 points behind Manchester City, and 4 ahead of Tottenham in 5th. Their next assignment comes in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, where they host Southampton. ‘The Saints’ will not make it easy, and were unlucky to lose to Arsenal in the league on September 10th; in the end, I believe Arsenal will reach the semi-final, however they will need extra-time to complete a 2-1 win. Arsenal’s next challenge in the league will come away to West Ham United. You have to go back to November 5th 2006, to see the last time West Ham defeated Arsenal at home in the league, with last year’s 3-3 thriller, snapping a run of 4 straight home defeats for ‘the Hammers’ to their North London rivals. While West Ham were fortunate enough to leave Old Trafford with a point, they will not be afforded such luck against Arsene Wenger’s side, who should come away as 3-1 winners against, what has been a thoroughly disappointing West Ham side this season.

Manchester United were once again frustrated at home, as they could only convert one of 17 shots on goal, as they stuttered to a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham. Diafra Sakho caught the home side cold after just 2 minutes, when he headed Dimitri Payet’s free-kick home, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised 18 minutes later, with a header of his own. Jose Mourinho’s second touch-line ban of the season, summed up the frustrations of the home side, as they once again failed to score the winning strike, in what is becoming an embarrassing league campaign for the 20 times English champions. Their saving grace has been the cup competitions however, and in the EFL Cup in particular, United have been a pillar of consistency. They will get the chance to atone for their draw with West Ham, as they meet Slaven Bilic’s side again on Wednesday night. I expect Manchester United to come up trumps in a 2-1 win, as the likes of Wayne Rooney, and Anthony Martial should be given the chance to impress. The progression to the semi-final, leads to a tricky showdown with Everton at Goodison Park; a ground which has not been kind to ‘the Red Devils’ in recent times. In a clash between 6th and 7th, United can ill afford to allow Ronald Koeman’s side to usurp them in the league standings, and thus I expect United to defeat an Everton side who have recorded just the 1 win in their last 8 league games, by 2 goals to 1.

Milan continue ascent with Empoli destruction, Lazio keep their place in the top 4, with Atalanta hot on their heels, Genoa go goals galore in Juventus humbling, and ruthless Roma prevail against plucky Pescara…

After the disappointment of conceding the late equaliser to Inter in the Milan derby, Saturday’s trip to Empoli represented the perfect opportunity for Milan to show their dominance at the expense of struggling Empoli. Gianluca Lapadula opened the scoring in Carlos Bacca’s absence, with a finely taken effort after just 15 minutes. The Milan goal, led to a spell of unprecedented pressure for the home side, and they found themselves back on level terms within 2 minutes, as the former Milan man: Ricardo Saponara volleyed home, following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s misplaced parry. Empoli were unlucky not to have scored a second before the interval, as Saponara was guilty for missing a series of efforts. The hour mark would spell the turning of the tide, as the red-hot Suso, continued his excellent form with Milan’s second goal, another cutely taken effort from just inside the box. 3 minutes later, Andrea Costa would see Giacomo Bonaventura’s low cross deflect off of his boot, and into his own net, as Milan went 3-1 ahead. They would add insult to injury 10 minutes later, as Suso once again turned provider for Lapadula, as he notched his second of the game, as Milan ran out 4-1 winners. On a weekend where Juventus play Atalanta, and the Rome derby takes place, Milan could very well be within touching distance of the league leaders, or at least have some space away from Roma. Hosting 19th placed Crotone, I can’t see anything past a 3-0 Milan win as they prepare for the showdown with Roma, a week on Sunday.

Simone Inzaghi’s excellent start to life once again at the helm of Lazio continued on Sunday morning, as they defeated Palermo 1-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored the only goal of the contest, gifting ‘The Eagles’ their 6th win in 9 games; placing them on 28 points, just a point behind AC Milan, and Roma, who occupy 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Fellow high flyers: Atalanta (whom Lazio, impressively own a 4-3 victory over) made 6 wins in a row, and 8 from their last 9, as Bologna were next to fall victim to Gian Piero Gasperini revolution, as they picked up a 2-0 win at the Renato Dall’Ara. Andrea Masiello, and Jasmin Kurtic, provided the goals for the Beragamo based outfit, and will have the ultimate test of their credentials, as they meet Juventus on Sunday, at the Juventus Stadium.

Juventus themselves, suffered the indignation of a 3-1 humbling at the hands of Genoa on Sunday afternoon. The fabled result began with just 3 minutes gone on the clock, as finally, Giovanni Simeone prodded the ball home after a series of saves from Gianluigi Buffon had thought to have kept the home side at bay. It would be just 10 minutes later when Simeone added Genoa’s second, heading in Darko Lazovic cross-come-shot, past Buffon to send the home side into dream world. The lethargic and shell shocked visitors, would then be stunned with a 3rd just before the half hour mark, as Alex Sandro netted an own-goal (just before the oncoming Simeone, preventing the Argentinian from notching his hat-trick), to effectively seal the result in favour of the home side. Juventus waited 10 minutes after the interval, to introduce Gonzalo Higuain, however the Argentine forward would also prove ineffective at breaching Mattia Perin’s goal. Miralem Pjanic would net a trademark free-kick, with less than 10 minutes to play, however it be too little, too late; as Juventus succumbed to a 3rd defeat this season.

After Roma’s defeat to Atalanta last weekend, they were gifted a route back into the title race following Juventus’ stunning defeat, and Luciano Spalletti’s side took the chance with both hands, as they defeated Pescara 3-2, at the Stadio Olimpico. Edin Dzeko needed just 7 minutes to continue his hot-streak this season, as he put away Diego Perotti’s cross, to give Roma an early lead. The two Roma dynamo’s would combine to devastating effect again shortly afterwards, as the Bosnian netted his 12th league goal this season, to put Roma 2-0 up. Pescara would not be throttled so easily however, after keeping the arrears to just 2 goals at half time, they pulled a goal back on the hour mark, as Ledian Memushaj guided a tidy right footed strike past Wojciech Szczesny to bring the score to 2-1. 10 minutes later, Roma would restore their 2 goal advantage, courtesy of Diego Perotti from the spot, however, Gianluca Capari would net a second for Pescara just 4 minutes later, to set up a nervy ending for the home supporters. In the end, ‘the Giallorossi’ would hold out for the 3 points, as they returned to second place, albeit, joint on 29 points with AC Milan, at the end of match-day 14.

Match-day 15 will be serving up 2 cracking encounters, starting at the Juventus Stadium where Atalanta are the champions opponents. Atalanta have lost all in 5 of their appearances at the Juventus Stadium, however they won’t have a better chance to get their first win over Juventus, since their halcyonic 2000-01 season, than they do here. Riding a 6 match win streak, they meet an inconsistent Juventus side, who have proven susceptible to an upset this season; still in spite Max Allegri’s sides complacency, Juventus should prevail to a 2-1 win in a very hard fought clash.

Sunday’s main event pits Eagles against Wolves, as the first Rome derby of the season takes centre stage in Serie A. This may be the most important Rome derby, since the 2000-01 season, given that Roma occupy 2nd place, and Lazio themselves sit in 4th; separated by just 1 point. Roma embark on a potentially season defining 2 fixtures, as they first play Lazio, and then meet Milan, 7 days later, as they bid to make significant distance between their nearest rivals. Lazio have not beaten Roma since the 2012/13 season, and sadly for Simone Inzaghi’s side, I expect that run to continue, as Roma edge their rivals in a thrilling 3-2 win.

Ronaldo goals guide Real past Gijon, Sevilla stay level second with Valencia victory, Villarreal slip up again, Atletico Madrid continue the rehab process with easy Osasuna win, and Barca escape the Anoeta with a point ahead of El Classico…

Real Madrid were in action early on Saturday, as they put their unbeaten start to the campaign to the test against the struggling Sporting Gijon. After his devastating hat-trick, last week in the Madrid derby; Cristiano Ronaldo continued his hot-streak with an 18 minute brace, the first of which came after just 5 minutes, when he netted from the penalty spot, before notching a trademark header shortly after. Carmona did pull one back for the visitors, 10 minutes before half-time, however Real Madrid would see off the fixture, and win 2-1 amidst the Madrid downpour.

Hosting Valencia, Sevilla had the chance to assume second place with a victory in Saturday’s evening contest. After a goalless first half, the contest exploded into life when Ezequiel Garay in-avertedly, converted Vitolo’s cross give Sevilla a 53rd minute lead. That lead would only last 12 minutes, as Munir equalised with a fine placed strike, using the outside of his right foot. 10 minutes later however, the game would swing back in the favour of the home side, as Nicolas Pareja’s finely struck shot flew past Diego Alves; gifting Sevilla an excellent 2-1 win. Rooted to the bottom: Granada next arrive at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday, and Sevilla will be favourites to snap their run of 3 games without a win against their fellow Andalusians. I am backing Sevilla to further compound ‘the Nazaries’ misery with a 3-0 home win, to temporarily close the gap to 3 points on Real Madrid.

Villarreal’s poor run of form continued, as they succumbed to a 3rd defeat in 4 games, losing 2-0 at home to Deportivo Alaves. While Leganes represent very beatable opposition, Villarreal’s poor patch of form could see them slip to as low as 8th, should they fall to defeat in their next outing. Sitting just 4 points ahead of the relegation zone, I am inclined to believe that ‘the Yellow Submarine’ should see off Asier Garitano’s side 2-0 in a return to winning ways ahead of their crucial Europa League clash with Steaua Bucharest.

Atletico Madrid were up next as they sought to exorcize the demons of their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Real Madrid last weekend. After seeing Roberto Torres’ penalty saved in the 14th minute, the omens were in the favour of the away side, as 2 minute burst between the 36th and 38th minute effectively ended the tie, as Diego Godin, and Kevin Gameiro scored a goal apiece, to send Atletico Madrid 2-0 to the good at half time. Substitute Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco added a 3rd in the 90th minute, to wrap a comfortable victory for the 2013/14 La Liga champions. Their next tie sees them host Espanyol, a tie where they have won each of the last 5 La Liga outings at the Vicente Calderon. With back to back clean sheets recorded since the Real Madrid defeat, expect Atleti’ to see off Espanyol 2-0 at home, as they prepare for huge clashes with Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and then Villarreal in La Liga.

All eyes were then firmly focussed in the Basque Country, as Barcelona made the trip to La Anoeta, as they met their bogey team: Real Sociedad. Without a win at this stadium since the 2006/07 season, Barcelona were desperate for 3 points ahead of ‘El Classico’ which takes place on Saturday. Despite having the ‘MSN’ in tow, it was ‘La Real’ who were the imposing side, bearing down on Barcelona’s goal at will, and could count themselves unlucky not to have been ahead at the interval, such was the dominance they exhibited over the La Liga champions. Their persistence would finally pay off in the 53rd minute, as Willian Jose bungled home the opening goal; sending the home fans into rapture. Their joy would be short-lived however, as Lionel Messi fired home a laser guided strike, 6 minutes later, to level matters. It would be the home side who would then take control of the game, and were mightily unlucky not to have gone 2-1 ahead, when Carlos Vela’s effort was judged not to have crossed the line, and Juanmi’s subsequent effort was chalked off for offside. Replays would show that Juanmi was in fact onside, upon putting the ball into the Barcelona net. Sadly for Real Sociedad, their intense pressure would not yield their second goal of the game, as Granero squandered a host of chances, and Vela once again hit the woodwork; in the end Luis Enrique’s side escaped with a point, despite being thoroughly over-matched across the 90 minutes. Sociedad will aim to continue their strong run of form with a victory in La Coruna, as they travel to the Riazor Stadium to meet Deportivo La Coruna. Depor’ are hovering just above the relegation zone with 10 points, and surely buoyed by this excellent performance, ‘La Real’ should secure 3 points in a 2-1 win.

At long last, we come to the game of games, the contest that the entire football world stops in awe of; that’s right next Saturday, we are treated to ‘El Classico’, as Barcelona are placed in a must win situation against the all-conquering Real Madrid. I am going to be writing a special blog, covering my history of this fixture throughout the years, in short however, I am lead to believe that this contest will end in a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou. Barcelona have their backs to the wall, and I expect them to come out fighting for their lives, while Zinedine Zidane’s side seemingly always find a way to avoid defeat; which is why I am going to go for a Real Madrid sucker punch to salvage a point. I will have a comprehensive take on what I think is going to happen later this week however 😉

That’s all folks!

Well another match-day is in the bag! This one expects to be a busy week, as the EFL Cup, Monday’s Serie A games, Las Palmas vs Athletic Bilbao, and match-day 15 of Ligue 1 get rounded up later this week, and also an ‘El Classico’ special is in the works, so stay tuned! In the meantime, please check out the new additions to www.foreverfootballshirts.co.uk, with new lines set to be added in the next week or so! Until the next episode…

Goodnight and God Bless,

Steven,

OSSSUUU!!!