In his Premier League lookahead for the week, Gary Lemke’s full of praise for Brighton and Ange Postecoglou but reserves some scorn for UEFA’s out of touch sposorship policies.
SEAGULLS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS
Brighton have certainly made light of the drain on their resources, with Chelsea in particular being frequent raiders of the club. Last week the Seagulls again beat Man United, at fortress Old Trafford.
Of United’s 22 games at home in the Premier League since the start of last season they have won 17, drawn three and lost two. The two defeats? Against Brighton, who have become the first “top six” team to win four successive league games against United.
Not only that, but in Europe’s “big five leagues” since October 2022, Brighton have recorded more shots on target (244), than any other club. They are followed by Real Madrid (218), Man City (216), Dortmund (215), Bayern (214), Man United (211) and PSG (209).
This is a slick move 🤩
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 16, 2023
Brighton was balling in the build-up to their goal against Man United 🔥
They are so good 😏
💻 Stream #PL live now: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x |#MUNBHA pic.twitter.com/Orb24ElYmP
WALKER STILL WINS THE FOOT RACE
This time next week the online FIFA 24, rebranded as EA Sports FC 24, will be available. And PlayStations and Xboxes the world over will be buzzing from the activity.
One of the key markers of player ratings is their speed. Stats Perform have clocked the top speed for Premier League players since 2020/21. The top 10, and their top speeds (brackets, for club when recorded), are:
- Kyle Walker (Man City, 37.31km/h),
- Chiedozie Ogbene (Brentford, 36.93),
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, 36.76),
- Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea 36.72),
- Brennan Johnson (Forest, 36.70),
- Adama Traore (Wolves, 36.64),
- Mo Salah (Liverpool (36.64),
- Tariq Lamptey (Brighton, 36.64),
- Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea, 36.63),
- Anthony Gordon (Everton, 36.61).
For the record, Usain Bolt reached a top speed of 43.99km/h at his 100m peak.
🇮🇪| Chiedozie Ogbene is apparently the second fastest player to play in the Premier League since the 2020/21 season
— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) September 20, 2023
He has a top speed of 36.93km/h
Only Kyle Walker has been recorded as faster than Chieo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/YwwxMsbEA7
UEFA OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY
Sponsors are the lifeblood of sport and Hollywoodbets are one of the leaders in this regard, their cash injections rescuing Cape Racing to begin with, while their many associations ensure events, teams and stadiums stay afloat.
All of this makes UEFA, Europe’s “controlling body” look redundant. They have outlawed the use of sponsors associations, be it for stadiums or teams, in the Champions League.
So, the Emirates can only be referred to as the Arsenal Stadium, while the Etihad is called the City of Manchester Stadium. Even teams like Red Bull Salzburg are simply known as FC Salzburg.
UEFA doesn't believe in stadium naming sponsorships that's why you saw Emirates being called Arsenal stadium and City of Manchester stadium instead of Eithad stadium.
— Asaba James (@asabajames) September 21, 2023
WHY ANGE IS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS
I regard it as a mark of someone’s character when they genuinely make a difference in someone’s life, not simply pitch up for a posed meet and greet. Therefore, when Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou interrupted the MC wrapping up a Q&A session, to take one more question from a young man simply known as “Owen” in the front row, it melted hearts.
Owen, a staunch Spurs fan, has Down’s Syndrome and Postecoglou reached out to him and allowed to get his question in, when proceedings would ordinarily have been wrapped up. The 58-year-old Aussie showed a human side that extends far beyond the football pitch. And that’s what it is all about.
Ange Postecoglou 👏👏
— Owen 🔰 (@OwenUnitedView) September 21, 2023
pic.twitter.com/1GfbjVikdq
WHEN TRENDS ADD TO THE INTRIGUE
Something that I’ve monitored over a few seasons sometimes sees the stars absolutely align. OK, so I keep a detailed list of scores, clean sheets, wins and losses and other stats – no one can call me a dull man! – but they helped me win the global Superbru Premier League prediction competition ahead of 71 000 other players.
So, some trends that are due after five rounds of league action. Bear in mind the 2-0 result is due and away wins are at three this week.
- Win streaks to end: Man City, Spurs, Liverpool.
- Losing streak to end: Man United.
- Draw streak to end: Bournemouth.
- Clean sheet due for: Brighton, West Ham, and Liverpool.
- Due to concede: Fulham, Bournemouth.
- One of Sheffield Utd, Everton, Burnley, Luton to keep a clean sheet.
Throw all that into the potjie and see how it compares with your picks.
