In a week which culminated in Manchester City winning the Carabao Cup in a cakewalk of a game against Arsenal and Manchester United beating Chelsea in a game which included a goal from the one who never scores against “big” opponents, supporters of teams from outside of Manchester could be forgiven for feeling a little left out.
Tottenham Hotspur managed a win away at Crystal Palace but, then again, any other result would have been a surprise.
Liverpool strolled to a 4-1 win at home to West Ham United who fielded two full-backs who were considered to be “ageing” when they were both still playing in Manchester!
Three of Liverpool’s goals were scored by the usual suspects so there is nothing wrong with the team going forward and each of Firmino, Mané and Salah look to be in good form which is good news as we approach the bit where the Champion’s League gets serious.
Just a quick few words on Stubborn Old Man before we turn our attention to Manchester. We are not the type of publication to say “we told you so!” to Arsenal and their supporters, that would be too much like kicking them when they are down. But, in fairness, we did tell you so.
Wanted Urgently – Experienced captain and crew to right a sinking ship – apply The Emirates
We warned, for what it was worth, that retaining Arséne Wenger as manager for another two months, never mind years, would be a recipe for disaster. We warned that it would lead to at least a couple of years in the wilderness as far as the Champion’s League is concerned simply because they will not get into the top four in the Premier League.
Even we, if we are honest, did not expect to see them in 6th place and ten points behind Tottenham in 4th.
They do, of course, have the opportunity to sneak through the back door of that competition if they can win the Europa League but, having been drawn against AC Milan in the next round, that is looking very unlikely.
Gooners, fed up with their never angry, always polite and ever Mr. Nice Guy manager, will be hoping he has the decency to fall on his sword at the end of this season. Don’t hold your breath!
Respect for Rom…..
Romelu Lukaku has now scored a goal against one of the big six! Well done, it’s about time! So what is all the fuss about, it was bound to happen at some stage, right?
Well apparently, the big Belgian has decided he deserves more respect than he is currently getting. Why does he want respect? That is usually something for a doctor, or a lawyer or a politician but a footballer? Why?
Red Rom scores one of his rare goals against top six opposition
It turns out that he feels he doesn’t get enough respect for his goalscoring exploits and would like some more please!
The fact that he gets remunerated extremely handsomely for doing his job is not at issue here. The fact that he gets remunerated extremely handsomely on the occasions when he doesn’t do his job, such as all those times he failed to score against one of the big six, is also not at issue here.
So we are not talking about Lukaku only doing what he is paid to do, even though that is the fact. We are talking about respecting him because he, generally speaking, does what he is paid to do.
The crux of the matter is that when a football player is paid far too much money, as is the case with ALL Premier League players and many, many others, then the money can never be an issue with them, (unless their pay cheque is signed by Daniel Levy), so they look for something else they feel is lacking in their lives.
It is human nature to have a moan about something and Lukaku has now discovered respect or, in his case, the lack of it.
And finally…..
Pep Guardiola wears his yellow ribbon with pride. It shows his solidarity with two members of the Catalonian government, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, who were jailed in October last year for their part in the referendum which wants independence from Spain.
Pep Guardiola – His silent political statement is out of place
However people may feel and whatever their political views may be, the fact remains that the two were guilty of organising an illegal referendum which sought to destabilise the Spanish government.
Pep Guardiola is to be congratulated for his achievements within football and applauded for his staunch political stance and beliefs outside of it. The two, however, should not be mixed.
It may be just a small yellow ribbon but behind it is a political statement which has no place in football or, indeed, any sport.
WHY SAY ANYTHING? 
Pep Guardiola should stick to football and leave politics out of sports.
Lukaku should keep his mouth shut and show some respect to the fans who pay his wages.
He hasn’t justified the money paid for his transfer or the big pay check that he picks up every week .
So what does he want respect for and from who ?
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