Johnny Howson deserves a mention in this part of the alphabet
simply because he scored the winning goal for Norwich City today in their 1-0
victory at Stoke City. The win takes the Canaries onto 7 points from 6 games
and 15th position in the Premier League table at this early stage of
the season.
Hull City – The Tigers took 3 seasons to fight their way back into
the Premier League after their relegation in May 2010. Although they have
tasted defeat twice in 6 games (away to Chelsea and away to Man City) it’s been
a hugely impressive start to the season, with not only 3 league wins under
their belts but also progression through 2 rounds of the League Cup. From the
moment that new signings Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore were introduced
after an hour (already 2-0 behind) of their opening day defeat at Stamford
Bridge, Hull have played some terrific football.
Steve Bruce has assembled a
decent looking squad and you would think that if they keep picking up points
against teams that are supposedly meant to finish in the lower reaches of the
table, then Premier League safety will be assured. A note of warning, however,
in 2008-09 the Tigers enjoyed a similarly excellent start to the season and
only escaped relegation on the last day of the season.
Eden Hazard – It’s fair to say that Hazard had a terrific first
season in the Premier League with Chelsea, weighing in with 9 goals and 11
assists and a host of man of the match performances. It’s probably also fair to
say that the skilful Belgian hasn't yet come to life under new manager Jose
Mourinho. It’s early days though and there is plenty of time yet for Hazard to
begin tormenting defenders once again. For a player that is still only 22 and
with 38 international caps already won, we have yet to see the very best of
this talented winger.
Javier Hernandez – Chicharito is rated very highly by just about
everyone in football and in his first 3 seasons at Manchester United he
averaged very close to a goal every 2 games. The problem for Hernandez may well
be Man United. With Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and others as attacking red
devils, his starting opportunities are always going to be limited. This season
could be the most important of his career; he is 25 now and should be
approaching his most productive years as a footballer. The Mexican international
(35 goals in 53 appearances) needs either a sustained run in the United team or to look for pastures new (possibly even as early as January)
because even though he will never be a doubt for the Mexico World Cup squad
(should they qualify) in Brazil 2014, he will want his fitness and form to be
in good order. Watch this space!
Half Time is very important in any Premier League match. If you are
at a game, these are the very precious 15 minutes when you get to stamp the
feeling back into your feet, get a hot drink and get the smart phone out to
scan the rest of the half time scores. It’s also the time to dream that you can
get back into a match that you are losing convincingly, if only the manager
well reshuffle the pack or the time to panic if you have dominated the first
half and only have a 1 goal lead. It’s also usually the time when your club
tries to outdo itself with some particularly bad half time entertainment!
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