Club managers curse international breaks for three reasons: players bringing back dodgy souvenirs; players returning with injuries; and interrupting the teams flow.
It is this third reason that is the most common syndrome of international week, and teams that best deal with the disruption are ones that resume form immediately. So, it was no surprise to see Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool all register contrasting victories and look better for the break offered by international commitments.
One side, Spurs, had displayed great form that saw them leading the Premier League prior to the international break. Yet that hiatus managed to completely knock the wind out of their sails, the North London side looking toothless against Man United despite taking the lead inside a minute through Jermain Defoe’s spectacular strike.
ROONEY PLAYS TO TIGHT MARGINS
Wayne Rooney again lead the attack for United, and his tireless efforts to create openings looked to be leading to frustration as the England man was repeatedly flagged for offside. Rooney’s decision to play right up against the last defender would no doubt test the linesman and despite a couple of incorrect decisions his endeavour eventually paid off, when, having beaten the offside trap he coolly nut-megged both defender and keeper to round off the victory with a fantastic individual effort.
BENAYOUN & KUYT PROVIDE THE ANSWERS
Liverpool’s Israeli international Yossi Benayoun scored a hat-trick and could have had more as Liverpool overpowered Burnley to get their title challenge back on track. The performance answered calls for more creativity from the Reds, as chance after chance materialised with a more balanced looking side.
Significantly, Dirk Kuyt reminded everyone of his striking prowess and the Dutchman showed renewed confidence for the position with an instinctive finish for Liverpool’s second goal that might leave Benitez contemplating a Torres/Kuyt partnership.
CHELSEA SHOW MATURITY TO SET THE PACE
Carlo Ancelotti’s team left it late to beat Stoke in a performance that already leaves their rivals in pursuit. Fluent passing and self-belief has added to the side’s quality, with a better team sprit about the Blues this term. Despite the announcement of their transfer ban, the squad is still immensely strong with established internationals all showing good form driven by intense competition for places – an intimidating thought when you consider that Joe Cole and Yuriy Zhirkov are still yet to feature.
FA SEEK TO NAIL ADEBAYOR AS CITY HAIL ARSENAL’S NEMESIS
Man City are here to stay. Saturday’s emphatic result was achieved without Carlos Tevez and Robinho, yet the pre-match build up should have warned every one of what to expect. Former Gunners Kolo Toure and Emanuel Adebayor welcomed their old pals and left us with lots of talking points.
The much-maligned Adebayor justified the enormous outlay it took to lure him to Eastlands, putting his former club to the sword with a majestic performance founded in a desire to prove a point to his previous club.
Yet controversy overshadowed the result with Adebayor lucky to stay on the pitch following a stamp on Robin Van Persie that left the Dutchman bloodied. It looked less an ‘accident’ and more horrific with each replay and City must be prepared to lose their top scorer to a lengthy ban in addition to any internal reprimand.
Then came the goal celebration – a sprint the full length of the pitch that incited the Arsenal fans who had been berating their former striker all game and most of last season too. It remains to be seen if the FA will offer a more lenient punishment to Adebayor; enough to deter such a reckless act of incitement to celebrate a goal but not too much to deter the gladiatorial element that provides so well for players and supporters alike.
As for City, a team built of expensive mercenaries, they will generate an electric atmosphere every time each one faces a former club knowing they have something to prove. In the process, these highly paid individuals may prove good value for City and Mark Hughes, who has options aplenty to ensure every team sheet is charged with quality and passion.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Rooney, Drogba and Defoe all in with a shout with the Tottenham striker edging it for sheer audacity.
SHOT OF THE WEEK
With no outstanding candidate, this accolade goes to Roger Federer who hit an unbelievable shot during the Semi’s of the US Open. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQhIEPbM0g
HERO & VILLAIN OF THE WEEK
No prizes for guessing this one…step forward Adebayor