City win first silverware
Manchester City began the new campaign with a win against closest rival Liverpool as the two favourites entertained in the Community Shield. Both teams finished the season off in impressive fashion so fans were eagerly anticipating the match and get a glimpse of what’s to come when the League officially starts on Friday.
The community shield game gave a micro insight into how the teams would set up for the season ahead and whether or not they were off the pace (summer break being a factor). To my surprise both teams looked very sharp and didn’t look at all affected by the short pre season given the fact that the season will commence a lot earlier than normal (I’m guessing that is to accommodate a Christmas break in the winter of which would benefit a lot of teams).
City are without influential ex club captain Vincent Kompany who has moved onto pastures new and will rely heavily on John Stones. However, it was arguably the best player of last season Raheem Sterling who opened the scoring for City just after 12 minutes. The England man was at the right place at the right time to stick the ball in the back of the net (the Liverpool keeper could have done a lot better than that……I know fellas that look like the old Johnny Vegas that could have done better).
City did what City do and attacked Liverpool from the start of the game and had the better half. Liverpool had it all to do in the second half and they didn’t disappoint their traveling fans. Mo Salah was a bag of tricks upfront and trouble the City defenders and keeper after twice hitting the post. Liverpool played with more attacking vigour and their efforts paid off when Matip leaped to head the ball in the back of the net from a Van Dyke cross to level the match 1-1.
City created fewer changes as Liverpool mounted pressure but unfortunately could not find the winner. The game went into penalties of which City won by 5 penalties to 4. This guaranteed Guardiola’s boys their first trophy heading into the new season and by the looks of things (if this match is anything to go by) we could be in for another block buster of a season.
PREDICTIONS
Right, so I hate predictions cause I always, always get it wrong. Why? Because I’ve predicted that SPURS would win the premier league title in the past 4 campaigns……..haha!!! And yes to say I’m wrong is an understatement.
This season though is looking like another two horse race but you have to take it with a pinch of salt as there is still a day left in the transfer market for plenty movers and shakers. So, Manchester City and Liverpool are the obvious candidates but I have a sneaky feeling a team from North London could be the surprise package (and no not Arsenal) this term especially if Coutinho and Dybala are confirmed by transfer deadline day.
But on the contrary, I predict that Liverpool will be crowned champions at the end of the season in May. They amassed enough points last term that would have seen them win the premier league at least 10 times (that ain’t easy). They look like the finished article and I believe City may not have enough this year to perform the heroics of the last campaign (not to mention no Kompany).
City Boys!!!
Baller Chats 