Odds and Sods

The score read 2-1 Liverpool, but Everton probably deserved a result for their effort.  The person most grateful to Mark Clattenburg should be Rafa Benitez, who got away with some questionable managerial decisions.  Why do you leave Benayoun on the bench for virtually the whole season and then inexplicably put him in the starting XI for the Merseyside Derby?  He looked as if he had never played with the other players on the field.  How much heat would he have taken for pulling Gerrard had it ended a 1-1 draw?

The Hibbert foul was a penalty, although Stevie G’s dive certainly leaves a sour taste in the mouth.  Your legs don’t naturally splay to the side when someone is pushing you from behind.  At least try to go for the goal you jerk.  And apparently judo-tackling someone in the box is ok if you are Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool to win the 2009 UEFA Cup!

Reading looked absolutely terrible in their 4-2 loss to Blackburn.  Somehow, in a few months time, Marcus Hahnemann has transformed from one of the best keepers in the Premier League to a poor man’s Paul Robinson.  They look to have made a hideous mistake in not upgrading last season’s side.  If they stay up, it will only be because other teams were worse.  Even across an ocean one can strain and hear the sour raspberry sound of Coppell’s balloon deflating.

Arsenal gave a rather sub-par performance against Bolton.  But, while this match would have had 1-1 draw written all over it last season, they strolled away this year with a 2-0 result.  Van Persie’s absence looks like it may have a large impact.  Eduardo was useless and Adebayor had the shooting accuracy of Dick Cheney.  If Arsenal don’t continue to get the goals from midfield, they may be in trouble.  It may be time to give young Theo a go up front.

Chelsea had another less than impressive performance, but got the result against Boro 2-0.  Drogba’s goal was a skillful one and Alex had a magnificent free kick.  However, a club with even an iota of virility up front would have taken advantage of Chelsea’s weakness at the back and given them a game.  Middlesbrough should be worried.  They were not that spectacular last season, and they have replaced Yakubu and the Hamburgler with Mido and Aliadiere.  Tottenham, maybe Bolton, and maybe Fulham one would expect to play better.  Boro is about where they should be and where they will be all season, scrambling to avoid relegation.