Apologies for resubmitting- seems to be some issues with the previous article...
Oh that first weekend of the premier league season. Is it just me who defaults back to my ten year old self? It’s the excitement of the unknown, as every club in the land shuffle their decks in order to find that winning hand. It’s the player who set the Euros alight, the guy who demanded the extortionate fee, and the chap who for a split second looks a bit odd wearing the red of United rather than white of Spurs.
Now three months into potentially the oddest start to a premier league season (two words- Kinnear and Hull) I look at the chaps we were all looking forward to see, who have flattered to deceive so far...
GK- Heurelho Gomes, Spurs
We all knew Paul Robinson was a little bit dodgy, and that Mr Ramos was going to splash out on a new keeper in the summer. Joe Hart, Scott Carson et al were all linked, but a few eyes brows were raised when a sizable chunk was spent prizing Heurelho from PSV. Three months in, he has shown the odd flash of quality, unfortunately sandwiched between those all too familiar moments of unease and panic.
DF- Mikel Silverstre, Arsenal
Quite simply- pants for Man Utd, will be pants for Arsenal. That’s if he gets himself match fit.
DF- Justin Hoyte, Middlesbrough
Often the case- player comes through ranks at big club, player shows glimpses of quality, average club comes in and plays an inflated fee. Player falls into obscurity. An o.g. later and Hoyte is already bench warming. Oh dear.
DF-Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea
Ok, so Ivanovic landed at Chelsea in January, but I’m granting him special dispensation. On his arrival Ivanovic announced "I've been training individually and I am hoping to join the team and get into peak condition as quickly as possible". Nine months on and he made his first premier league appearance on Saturday, and by all accounts did quite well. However, that’s only after a cut price move to Italy feel through. Expect Ivanovic to disappear in January faster than those new year resolutions, and at a greater loss, despite that new gym membership.
MD- Giovani dos Santos, Spurs
Oh how I was excited about this kid. The Spanish media were shocked, spurs fans were delighted, and Giovani has been average at best. He has got time on his hands, which is good because at the moment he has swapped 20 mins every week at the Nou Camp for 20 mins in White Hart Lane. I know which one I’d prefer.
MD- Luka Modric, Spurs
He destroys England (well, Steve Mclaren’s England) and then impresses on the continent. Spurs should be scoffing at the bargain they got for a little less than £17 million. They should be beating back the advancing European elite. But confidence seems to be drained from the chap. Played out of position perhaps, struggling with the physical demands maybe- but on recent showings Modric is failing to show any signs of the quality we hoped to see.
MD- David Bentley, Spurs
A lot was made of Bentley in the summer. ALOT. Big summer move, branded the new Beckham, this was the year were Bentley was to stick it to Mr Wenger. Three months on, there’s rumours of dressing room handbags, he is out of the England squad, and a certain Theo Walcott is back as the nations golden boy... and Arsene has made a reported £8 million from the deal. Maybe he knew what he was doing after all.
MD- Carlos Villanueva, Blackburn
Paul Ince said this boy was a bit special. Villanueva said Ince is a bit annoying. Sometimes in a relationship you just feel that one person is more invested than another. Shown glimpses on the pitch, but his off the pitch verbal diarrhoea means his stay in Lancashire may well be short lived.
ST- Johan Elmander, Bolton
10 million pounds- one goal. Look Megson, he may offer the team more than just a goal threat, but surely that’s Kevin Davies job. God I miss Youri Djorkaeff.
ST- Andy Johnson, Fulham
I thought this may well be the year AJ proves that 21 goal haul wasn’t a onetime thing. A relegation scrap may yet bring the best out of him. Unfortunately after missing the early part of the season through injury, he’s now accumulated more red cards than he has goals.
ST- Dave Kitson, Stoke
Dave Kitson will never be the most fashionable (let’s face it, he’s ginger) but I always felt he was somewhat of a rough diamond. He’s an honest lad, gets his fair share of goals, and can play a bit too. Let’s not forget, it was just six months ago he was linked with an England call up. If Stoke were to stay up, I felt Kitson would have to get his fair share of goals. Unfortunately, he seems to be the only man in Britain who doesn’t get over excited by Rory Delap’s long throws.
What do you think? Missed anyone? Been a bit harsh?
