A statistical look at #NUFC’s fixtures.

In a season in which complaints have more often than not  been leveled at the manager’s lack of playing style and personnel usage, the only thing that Pardew and the board will care about is results.  By breaking down the season’s fixtures into three blocks, it is easier to notice patterns, such as the possibility of result improvements or decline as the season progressed.

The first block of results is the first 12 games of the season:

Tottenham (H) 3pts
Chelsea (A) 0pts
Villa (H) 1pt
Everton (A) 1pt
Norwich (H) 3pts
Reading (A) 1pt
Man Utd (H) 0pts
Sunderland (A) 1pt
WBA (H) 3pts
Liverpool (A) 1pt
West Ham (H) 0pts
Swansea (H) 0pts

Total: 14pts, 3 wins, 4 losses, 4 draws
GF: 13 GA: 17
Home pts: 10pts out of a possible 21 pts
Away pts: 4pts out of a possible 15 pts

The second block is of the next 12 games:

Southampton (A) 0pts
Stoke City (A) 0pts
Wigan (H) 3pts
Fulham (A) 0pts
Man City (H) 0pts
QPR (H) 3pts
Man Utd (A) 0pts
Arsenal (A) 0pts
Everton (H) 0pts
Norwich (A) 1pts
Reading (H) 0pts
Aston Villa (A) 3pts
Chelsea (H) 3pts

Total: 10pts, 3 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw
GF: 20, GA: 26
Home pts: 10pts out of a possible 18
Away pts: 4pts out of a possible 18

The last 13 games of the season:

Tottenham (A) 0pts
Southampton (H) 3pts
Swansea (A) 0pts
Stoke (H) 3pts
Wigan (A) 0pts
Man City (A) 0pts
Fulham (H) 3pts
Sunderland (H) 0pts
WBA (A) 1pt
Liverpool (H) 0pts
West Ham (A) 1pts
QPR (A) 3pts
Arsenal (H) 0pts

Total: 13 pts, 4 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws
GF: 11, GA: 24
Home pts: 9 pts out of a possible 18
Away pts: 5 pts out of a possible 21

From these results, several points stand out:

- The start of the season was where Newcastle picked up the most points, 14. From there things only got worse as the second part of the season led to 10 points and the last saw a slight improvement up to 13 points.

- Newcastle only had two away wins all season. They lost 10 away games and drew 7.  Newcastle gained 13 points out of a possible 57 points.

-Newcastle’s away form was consistently poor as they picked up 4 points from their 1st 12 games and 2nd 12 games, before picking up 5 points in the final 13 games.

- Newcastle’s saviour was their home form with 9 wins at SJP, 1 draw, and 9 defeats. This led to a points return of 28 points out of a possible 57.

- Newcastle scored most of their goals in their 2nd 12 games, with 20 goals. 6 of these coming in two high scoring defeats away at Arsenal and Man Utd. Consequently, their last 13 games saw their least amount of goals scored, 11.

- Newcastle’s defending was easily one of the worst seen. They conceded 67 goals over the season. The defending was worst in the 2nd 12 games and the last 13 with 26 and 24 conceded respectively. Essentially, Newcastle conceded twice a game on average in those 25 games.

- Newcastle’s record against the top four was one win, against Chelsea at home. Otherwise, Newcastle was to lose every single encounter, 7 matches.

-Newcastle’s record against teams who found themselves in the relegation mix (11th-20th) at home was mostly excellent. At home, Newcastle won 6 of their 9 encounters, beating Norwich, Fulham, Stoke, Southampton, Wigan and QPR. They lost 2. Losing to Sunderland and Reading. They drew once, against Villa. Newcastle picked up 19 out of 27 points at home against teams in the relegation battle at home.

Newcastle’s record in the relegation battle away from home made for less impressive reading. Newcastle won just twice, beating QPR and Villa. They drew 3 times against Sunderland, Norwich and Reading. However, Newcastle  lost 4 of their 9 fixtures, losing to Fulham, Stoke, Southampton and Wigan away.

 

While this is not to read as a indictment of Alan Pardew and/or the players, it is clear where Newcastle’s strengthes and weaknesses fell in the season, and goes some way to explaining a dismal season.

Solution to the FA’s flawed system. #ENG #Football #MLS #Referees

A lot is made of a bad tackle. Sky repeatedly show an awful tackle in slow motion and from every angle possible, while pundits offer their disdain. In cases like McManaman on Haïdara, this is completely understandable. It was moronic. That isn’t to say this hasn’t happened before, and won’t happen again. While it is difficult to stop these tackles arising, the FA have to change their system.

Currently, there are many flaws. The most irritating of which is the rule that retrospective action can not be taken if the ref saw and acted upon the offence. Where is the sense in this? Referees are human, and will make mistakes. The FA could remove a lot of animosity by changing this rule.

The answer to flaws like this lies across the Atlantic. The MLS may get a lot of criticism, but it has one aspect brilliantly controlled.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee backs up a league which has a fairly poor refereeing standard. The Committee is made up of a panel of independent adjudicators who act in certain circumstances and these aspects should be implemented into the Premier League.

1: Red Card Seen and Produced by Referee:
In MLS, the automatic one match ban can be added to, and the fine increased if the panel believe the case deems it necessary. The phrasing is key to this rule. It applies to tackles of a “reckless nature” and acts in “order to protect player safety.” This attitude is bizarrely found to be lacking in the lax attitude of the FA retrospective ban.

2: If the Referee Sees the Incident and Deems it Anything but a Red Card:
The committee has the ability to review evidence, and if the committee unanimously decides that a red card is deserved, it is given. This attitude allows for a level of referee protection, without the stupidity that allows so many red card offences to be ignored in the Premier League.

3: For Persistent Offenders:
This is a brilliant bit of common sense from the league. Repeat offenders suffer these sanctions:
-The MLS Club and Players Union are informed of  the League’s  behavioural monitoring of the offender
- The player can receive supplemental punishment if offences are continued
- A probationary period occurs, and good behaviour ends this period.

It is clear to me that the FA system has to change, in order to end the controversy and furore over every debatable challenge. The MLS system works, and shows a great deal of respect to the referee, the league and the players. This balance is key to the wellbeing and integrity of the league. It’s time the FA progressed for the best of all parties involved.

Just where has it gone wrong for #NUFC?

After the critic defying season that led Newcastle United to 5th place and a place in the Europa League, Newcastle were not expected to repeat it. The Europa League added many arduous fixtures on top of a congested fixture list, historically  clubs league position always suffered while in the Europa League. However, no fans were expecting a relegation dog fight and the performances that have littered their season so far. The league position however can be explained. 

If you were to listen to Alan Pardew’s comments, you’d believe that Newcastle United are only struggling because of injuries. While this is a valid point, it is easily forgotten that the team struggled before the likes of Yohan Cabaye got injured. The problem is not confined to this reason, it is widespread and calls question onto Alan Pardew and his employers. The Newcastle United board have mantra, whether you agree with it or its intentions, or not. The mantra focuses on strong first team players that will be supplemented by youth and fringe players. The Europa League, the FA Cup and the League Cup have shown the system has failed. The likes of Sammy Ameobi, Shane Ferguson and James Tavernier have shown that the youngsters are either not ready, or simply not good enough. When combined with the injury crisis, it has left Alan Pardew’s choice weak. Regardless of selection, criticism can be placed on Pardew himself. His tactics have bewildered at times. The attempted solution to the Ba and Cisse conundrum caused more harm than good. Cisse so far wide, led to full backs and wingers having the time of their lives down the channels, while Ba’s increased greediness left the likes of Cisse isolated. With Ba out of the picture, Pardew has a great chance to redevelop the team around a central, and more selfless, Cisse. The midfield has also suffered from tactics, the early stages of the season was dominated by long ball, which overlooked the team’s strength, and left the likes of Cabaye and Anita ineffective. In recent weeks, the ball has been kept on the ground a lot more. This is still negated by the Newcastle approach of treating the football like a bomb, with panicked, rushed and often thoughtless passes attempted. The return of Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Jonas will hopefully implement the patience and calmness required in the midfield. By the far the biggest problem area for the team has been defensively. Krul, Williamson, Simpson, Santon and Coloccini have all been guilty of some truly woeful errors. While it is normal for a defender to have the odd mistake, the alarmingly regularity is deeply concerning. Pardew can marshal the defence all day and all night, but if basics are forgotten on the pitch, it counts for nothing. Pardew’s training ground methods are not only in question defensively, but also in the realms of set pieces. Newcastle have no creativity in this sector, and possess one plan: a floated high ball to Mike Williamson. It doesn’t matter who takes it, Marveaux, Cabaye, Anita or Bigirimana, the pieces have been poor. To improve this, movement and decoy runs need to be done at the very least, if only to make the Williamson tactic look effective. Other than that, alternative set pieces need to be implemented. Predictability is the easiest thing for a team to defend against. Equally, defensive organisation has appalled. Newcastle have conceded the most headers in the league, and this isn’t surprising. Danny Simpson’s inability to close down wingers leads to too many crosses for the centre back pairing to deal with. On the left, Santon’s attacking instincts, reliance on his right foot, and occasional lapses in concentration have led to similar occurrences. Both Coloccini and Williamson have tried to stop this, often getting dragged wide and leaving gaps in the defence. Hugely important for the defence is communication, something which is largely lost on our back four. The clearest example of this is the many failed offside trap attempts. Communication is key to shape and maintaining defensive solidity. At the other end of the pitch, things are from golden. Demba Ba carried the goals for the team, but equally got more and more greedy the more he scored. Cisse has struggled through tactical mishandling, and the loss of Cabaye and Ben Arfa has put chances to a premium, despite the great efforts of Slyvain Marveaux. While the above makes it sound like the end is high for Newcastle, Pardew still possesses the same elements that brought the side into the Top 5. Pardew should draw upon this. The defence was impeccable in the early stages of the season, and this was in large due to two midfielders, usually Cabaye and Tiote, lying deep to provide extra cover to the defence. With the current situation, a return to this will alleviate the huge amount of pressure on the back line. In midfield, keeping it simple is the key. Newcastle’s inadequacy with the ball is alarming, short simple passes should be encouraged, rather than the hit and hope long balls, the return of Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa should help encourage better possession. Up top, the solution is seen by most Newcastle fans. Newcastle were lethal in a 4-3-3 and brought the best of Cisse to the team, a return to that should improve goal scoring efforts. Corners and free kicks have largely been wasted since Carroll’s departure, suggests that Newcastle should just keep it simple, merely keep the ball in motion, rather than gifting it back to the opposition. Pardew is perfectly correct in bemoaning injuries, it has effected the team, but there is no excuse for tactics, and failure of the basics. Good teams are built upon getting the basics right, Newcastle desperately need to apply this to defending, set pieces and possession.

Newcastle United have the quality to compete and survive, but much work is needed to return Newcastle to its effective best.

The English Treatment of the #EuropaLeague. #NUFC #LFC #THFC

The ugly brother of the Champions League, the Europa League has received constant scorn from English sides. While teams such as Bilbao and Sporting Lisbon have attacked the competition, teams like Stoke sent out a weaker team to the slaughter vs Spanish giants Valencia. In recent seasons, Atletico, Porto and Shakhtar Dontesk have won the competition. The last English side to win the Europa League? Liverpool, 2001. 11 years ago.

There are reasons for English sides to disregard the Europa League. The Premiership and money go hand in hand and if you want the big money, you simply must finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League. If you just missed out the year before, and fall into the Europa League, it’s seen as added, and unneeded games. Keeping in theme with money, the financial awards between the Champions League and the Europa League is eye watering as seen in this table:

Europa League and UCL comparison:

The contrasts in money rewards for each round in the two competitions.

A few shocking things stick out from the data. By reaching the playoffs, you are already in the range of millions of euros. To reach that range in the Europa League, you need to get as far as the final. When clubs are  allowed for domination by finance, the incentives clearly lie within the Champions League. furthermore, and perhaps more worryingly, winning a group match in the Champions League is a further 100,000 euros more than reaching the Semi Final. Simplifying the data, financially, it is better to do poorly in the Champions League group stages than to try to reach the further stages of the Europa League.

When defending the Europa League, a lot of people look to other leagues to show English “disrespect,” and often look across to Spain. It’s an unfair comparison to make, league dynamics play a part in team priorities. The success of Bilbao and Atletico is impressive, but it is also the most prestigious trophy they can possibly win. Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate the league and it’s trophies, and of course the Champions League. While the likes of Bilbao and Atletico can cause the odd domestic shock, therefore they were, and are, unrestricted in obtaining success in the Europa League. In contrast to England, we have a more open access to the success, while the Premiership title is past Newcastle, Liverpool and possibly Spurs, the FA Cup and League Cup are there to be won in any season by these three clubs. This is still isn’t their priority, their priority is to reach the last Champions League space of 4th place, last season, 4th place was wide open until the last  game day. It’s understandable that some clubs neglect the Europa League.

While the negatives of the Europa League are continually stressed to football fans, there are positives to the competition. As Newcastle and Liverpool are learning, it is a fantastic opportunity for younger players and squad players. Newcastle especially, have learnt that careful rotation with relation to opposition strength can reap rewards. This strategy has Newcastle top of their group ahead of Bordeaux by 3 points. Liverpool have given youngsters such as Andre Wisdom the chance to prove themselves, and have found themselves top of their respective, and difficult, group by 2 points. For the managers, it gives a very nice selection headache. André Villas Boas loves this competition after lifting it with Porto, so Spurs have taken a slightly different strategy to Newcastle and Liverpool, playing fairly strong sides regardless of opposition.

A lot of criticism of the competition was found directed at Stoke’s inability to win after playing in the Europa League, but it has become a widespread myth. All three English sides this year have adjusted relatively well to a heavier calendar. So far, Spurs have won after every Europa League match. Liverpool have struggled in the league, but winning against Anzhi is the type of result that can build confidence, right before a game as huge as the Merseyside Derby. For Newcastle, their start has been much weaker than last time out, and their performance of the season came in the Europa League, thrashing Bordeaux 3-0, and despite a thrashing from Man Utd a few days later, have started to turn a corner.

All three English clubs this year want a fourth place finish and a place in the Champions League,  but if they fail instantly in the competition, it puts hard work to waste. While the financial benefits will keep boards happy, managers won’t be found in such a comfortable position. The Europa League is a fantastic opportunity to sample what European nights are like, and the opportunity to experience group stage football and past that, nights against some top European sides. In other words, a diluted version of the Champions League. The Europa League can give vital experience for a higher level of European football if teams apply themselves correctly.

It’s clear that there are huge flaws within the Europa League, not least the disparity between the Champions League, but there are also benefits. For fans, trophies are what every fans wants. To taken on some good European sides, along with stronger teams dropping from the Champions League, and winning would be the pinnacle some clubs could meet. Great teams such as Porto and Atletico have won the competition through applying the right attitude. If Newcastle, Liverpool and Spurs take the competition seriously, their rewards, while not financially great, could be the making of al three sides. Unfortunately, like a lot of football today, it comes down to the money from chasing the Champions League, or winning.

100%: The Possession Game. #LFC #AFC #FCB #RMFC #SwansFC

 

Statistics have become a real focal point in football. Want to prove that Luis Suarez is wasteful? Go and check Opta. Want to prove that Cristiano Ronaldo does pass? Check Opta. Statistics have become evidence for opinions to some football fans, but statistics don’t take variables into account. Passing and possession have become the two most sought out facts, to “prove” how much a team dominated a game, or how good your central midfielder is with the ball. It’s played a role in the rise of possession football opinions.

 

 

Xavi. Essential to Spain, the most successful of possession football. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

As much as it is loved by football “purists,” and fans of FIFA and Football Manager, it isn’t an instantly successful formula, and it certainly isn’t easy. For every Barcelona and Swansea, you have the failures of Espanyol and Shakhtar Donetsk. Brendan Rodgers personifies the successes and failures, while he was rightly praised for his work at Swansea, it was not his formula. Roberto Martinez brought the style to Swansea, and Paulo Sousa kept a tweaked version of possession football going. While Rodgers was struggling to implement his style at Reading, Swansea were beginning to learn their style of football. Rodgers movement into the Swansea hotseat allowed him to bring his style to a squad able to play this form of football. Players such as Joe Allen and Leon Britton had great touch and the ability to retain the ball, the technical aspects required. These types of players are difficult to nurture.

 

 

Brendan Rodgers. Mixed success with his mantra. (Photo credit: Strabanephotos)

Even if a side is successful at implementing the style of football, it is not always guaranteed success. Teams like Ajax insist on no individualists in their side. Barcelona are much the same, even if Messi doesn’t appear it on the surface. Obviously, this can make competing in competitions such as the Champions League difficult. Often the best players in the world come with the ego package. Look at Cristiano, Rooney and Ibrahimovic as examples. Barcelona even tried Zlatan out, and his inability to play with Messi without being the star man led to a swift waste of money and departure from Zlatan. While money and buying individualists does not guarantee success, it certainly helps restrict other clubs, such as Ajax. How do they compete with sides stacked with international superstars? They’ve got it this year in their group. Man City and Real Madrid are the reality of buying in individualists.

 

 

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the outsider. (Photo credit: Susanne Davidson)

Keeping with the theme of Barcelona, this myth that they are unbeatable because of their style is untrue, their own philosophy can be their downfall. Chelsea showed exactly where their flaws lie. Barcelona insist on a strict, quick closing down and hassling of the opponents the instant they lose the ball, it is key to the philosophy, but it is also a weak point. If a team can break through the initial 10-20 seconds of pressure, Barcelona can be easily broken down, their high position up the pitch allows for more space for a counter. Liverpool have also shown basic errors of the philosophy under Rodgers, Skrtel’s mistake to gift City a goal showed two things. One, how difficult it is to condition players to this style, pressuring him on the ball caused him into uncharacteristic panic, and a poor ball to Reina rather than a clearance caused his downfall. Secondly, following the philosophy to its definition can inhibit a team under pressure. Rather than clearing the ball up or out for a throw in, “safety first”, the team feels the need to transfer the pressure to the keeper with a backpass, or a riskier pass elsewhere.

 

 

High pressure, a vice? (source: Flickr)

Arsenal are also a club often vilified or adored for their style of football. While it is impressive that Wenger has managed to continually nurture and find footballers to play within its style for so long, its issue is apparent. There is a lack of a Plan B. Arsenal struggle to break teams down, they physically exert them to the point of exhaustion, but, they are predictable, teams know what to expect and how to stop it, especially away from home. Arsenal can’t change it and go more direct, or alternate their play. They don’t have the personnel or conditioning for it. The nature of possession football requires certain players, big bruising target men and powerhouse centre backs often don’t fit the style, and thus can’t offer the alternative styles.

 

Arsène Wenger (Photo credit: Ronnie Macdonald)

A final criticism of possession football came to prominence during the Euro’s. “Spain are boring.” Football fans had grown tired of this now centrepiece of Spanish internatonal football. In fact, stats would disagree, Spain scored more goals at Euro 2012, than in Euro 2008 and the World Cup of 2010. They also beat Italy 4-0 in the final. What made it appear boring was something that can’t be quantified by maths. The possession game stopped the usual game of changing momentum between the sides, increased shots, counter attacking football and the sorts of things that makes football entertaining to the neutral. Spain’s philosophy restricted opposition, made them chase shadows for 90 minutes. Their style also eliminated risk, why play a Gerrard-esque 60 yard cross-field ball when you can play 3 or 4 short passes to the same area? This patient, probing style of football may have killed off the spectacle of the opposition, but it won Spain a trophy. Spanish fans would rightly say this vindicates their approach.

Stick to your style, reap the rewards. (Photo credit: HargaTerbaik)

 

 

Possession football has its weaknesses as mentioned above, but so do other styles. Counter attacking football has a weakness, it relies on conceding the momentum to the opposition for large periods, a big risk. Defensive football has one too, you have to be clinical on scraps, or you won’t win. There simply isn’t a style of football that divides fans as much as possession football, some adore the technicality and the efficiency, some find it boring and over-exaggerated and overplayed with far too many backwards and sideways passes. Despite what football hipsters and football purists may tell you, there is no right way to play football. While football may have changed the point of trophies with the injection of mega money, the aim is to win trophies. If you do so playing like Stoke, fair enough. If you win playing like Barcelona, fair enough. Possession football is just another efficient style of football, just like a counter attacking 4-2-3-1 that the “anti-Barcelona football” Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid play.

 

 

 

#NUFC v #MUFC preview.

For the first time this season, against Bordeaux, Newcastle managed to play a consistent 90 minutes. Recently, the first half has shown an inability to control the midfield and a distinct lack of chances for our attacking players. The turn around in the Bordeaux game is heartening when the next game is Manchester United.

TEAM NEWS:

Manchester United have their own issues. Like Newcastle, they’ve had a defensive crisis this season. Once again, Vidic is sidelined for the foreseeable future, so Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans will be expected to start at CB, with Smalling edging closer to a return for Manchester and possible bench inclusion. The less predictable aspect for them is goalkeeper. Lindegaard and De Gea have been in constant rotation for the team, with De Gea performing so well against Cluj, he could easily keep his place in the line up. Giggs should drop to the bench with the return of Carrick and Scholes. The ever improving Shinji Kagawa should be fresh after sitting out midweek. Out wide, Manchester United are struggling, with Young and Valencia out, the enigmatic and inconsistent Nani should start. Rooney and Van Persie started to form a partnership against Cluj, Van Persie grabbed a brace, while Rooney picked up two assists.

Probable line up:

De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Scholes, Carrick, Kagawa, Rooney, Van Persie

For Newcastle, a hint of the familiar is felt with a lack of cover defensively exposed, Coloccini and Taylor will miss out once again, so Perch and Williamson will continue as they did against Bordeaux. The game comes too early for Tim Krul, and with Rob Elliot injuring himself midweek, it is certain that Steve Harper will start, and young Jak Alnwick will be on the bench. In midfield, normality will be resumed, Cabaye and Tiote played 60 and 70 minutes respectively and look fit to start. Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba and Davide Santon as three of the most impressive players this season look set to step back into the fold. Up top, if 4-4-2 is kept, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse will return together.

Probable line up:

Harper, Anita, Perch, Williamson, Santon, Jonas, Cabaye, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Ba, Cisse.

MUFC WEAKNESSES:

Last seasons 3-0 win in this fixture highlighted some of Man United’s apparent weaknesses. The physical pairing of Shola Ameobi and Demba Ba dominated their backline and highlighted their difficulties in dealing with the long ball side of the game. Patrice Evra’s erratic form should appear in Pardew’s notes as an area for Ben Arfa to dominate. Ferguson’s overlooking of his need to strengthen the midfield steel can also play into Newcastle’s hands, if Cabaye and Tiote can control the midfield, both RVP and Rooney will look to drop deeper and deeper into their own half, restricting their attacking shape.

THINGS FOR NUFC TO AVOID:

Obviously all the talk is centred upon Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. Losing Coloccini’s intelligence at reading the game is a big blow when facing two intelligent strikers. Tiote and or Cabaye will need to offer cover for the defence and stop Kagawa’s influence in pockets of space, and to nullify Rooney or RVP if they start to drop deeper. Fearing Manchester United is common, but playing with confidence and attacking desire can reap dividends, last weeks game against Spurs showed they are there for the taking, conversely, Manchester United backlash can be fearsome, riding out Man United pressure is vital.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Bordeaux should give Newcastle plenty of confidence, and if they can again exploit wide areas, and control the centre, we can compete and control just as we did in midweek in similar style. Unlike Reading, back line concentration is vital and if we’re to get anything individual mistakes and careless hoofing need to be stopped. Similar individual mistakes will be punished this week more than Reading did so in the last Premiership game. Most predictions have spoken of two great attacking arsenals and two poor defences. I expect Pardew and Ferguson to take more controlled approaches after both conceded in avoidable situations in their previous games. The game will be lost or won in midfield, as both have midfielders capable of shielding a weaker midfield and creating the odd chance as both sets of strikers only need a few chances to score, and both sides have a midfield capable of controlling the game.

Debut of Money in Paris, Three Debutants. #PSG #Lorient #Ligue1 #Lavezzi #Ibrahimovic #Verratti

The summer has been relatively quiet for most teams across Europe, the Euros and possibly even the Olympics impacting the summer transfer market. Even the big spenders Chelsea were eclipsed by Paris Saint Germain, spending a huge €124,696,000 euros estimated by http://www.transfermarkt.com. 

PSG got to showcase their new talent in their home opener against Lorient. Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and  Marco Verratti were handed their full home competitive debuts. It was widely expected that a team containing these three should crush Lorient, a team that finished 17th last season. Thanks to a woeful back five of Douchez, Jallet, Alex, Sakho and Maxwell, along with a lightweight midfield, anything but a crushing occurred. 

The biggest name signing of the three would no doubt be Zlatan, a man who excels in such conditions. In the early stages of the game it was apparent that he would not be operating as a central striker, finding himself on both flanks as well as in central positions. All three debutants have arrived from Serie A, an expansive league with pockets of space. While Ligue 1 has less space, Zlatan handled the change far better than Verratti and Lavezzi. As early as the 8th minute, Ibra showed his intelligence by dropping back for an expected cross, whilst Lavezzi charged in near post and was presented with no opportunity, summarizing the acclimatisation. Ibra’s hallmark aerial presence was felt, as only Lorient’s Ecuele Manga seemed capable of containing him, Ibra creating the space for Alex’s unmarked header that should have been scored, before Alex and Ibra reversed roles later, with Zlatan heading wide. Notably, in the second half, Zlatan improved considerably as the impressive Ecuele Manga was substituted with apparent injury. as Ibra began to dominate aerially, and PSG began to vary their play with longer balls, often executed by Verratti before his substitution. Not long into the second half, Zlatan again found perfect space before hitting a first time volley off the post. This proved to be a sign of what was to come, as Zlatan finally got his goal. A long ball into the box, a header for most strikers, was gracefully controlled by Ibra, before he volleyed a fortunately placed ball past the impressive Audard. Zlatan finished the game a hero, as Blaise Matuidi was wiped out late in the game, leading to a penalty, which Audard was unfortunate not to keep out. The man who loves the attention, was PSG’s hero.

Lavezzi, on the other hand, did not instantly acclimatise to the change of style from Serie A to Ligue 1. He struggled to find a presence early on in the game, he was however helped by the presence and movement of Ibra. In the first half, Lavezzi made many a run, and he was either not found, or a poor touch wasted the opportunity presented to him. In the second half, Lavezzi’s name was heard more and more, although not always positive, as he missed the goal from around two yards, following ingenious play from Zlatan. The partnership between the two was growing as the game went on, Lavezzi was finding more space out wide and began to drill crosses into the box, leading up to Zlatan’s half volley off the post. The most impressive move in the game involved the two prior mentioned, an exquisite and unexpected ball through to Lavezzi was blasted across goal for the constantly poor Menez to blast over the goal. This was to be his last action before he was replaced by Nene. Clearly, Lavezzi will take time to adapt, and going off his wayward touches, match fitness will also be needed.

The smaller name of the three, Marco Verratti was also the most understated of the three. Verratti was however, to suffer at the headless chicken that was Chantôme, which allowed Lorient far too much space on the ball when on the counter attack. Throughout the game, Veratti took up a position in front of Alex and Sakho, a quarterback role. Verratti would often drop back to collect the ball to start moves, or drop behind a player as an extra option, this strategy bought him time enough to play long passes, a trend that got better as the game went on. It was clear from early exchanges, that the defensive side of the game was not Verratti’s forte, and Chantôme was often too high up, highlighting the need for Verratti to play alongside Matuidi, a solid player who would take the brunt of the defensive aspects of midfield, as Loreint often strolled their way past the midfield and found themselves directly up against the poor back 5. However, for a 19 year old, Verratti’s confidence and matureness, showing composure on the ball was extremely encouraging, he lasted 57 minutes before Matuidi replaced him.

A mixed start for Paris Saint Germain with the superstars stealing the show, but opening the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Lorient, suggests that Ancelotti can’t wait for his other superstars Silva and Moura to arrive.