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Hello everyone! I've been off for quite sometime, about 5 years now. At some point I just got into a lot of things and the blog suffered. But thankful the motivation to do this is back and hopefully you'd enjoy the posts.

Thanks.

Doing a Leicester - The Hole

Jamie VarDDDDDYY!! MahrEEEZ!!! Those were usual names bellowed by commentators as Leicester City FC downed teams on their unprecedented march to being crowned English Premier League champions in the 2015/2016 season. Both players combined to score 41 goals (out of the club's 68) and assisted a further 17 goals. These key stats show that their poor form throughout the 2016/2017 EPL season might be the cause of Leicesters' dreadful run in the league (though they've been superb in the Champions League up till the point of this article) and quite possibly, eventual relegation from the league. However, I'd like to point out that the MAJOR problem the team has had is the loss (ironic due to the fact that a huge financial profit was made in his sale) of N'golo Kante - The Hole.

OK, I wasn't going to be cliche (is that even the right word?) but here it goes; when you remove the engine of a car would it move? Would it even start? At least if you had no fuel in the tank and an engine in place the car might attempt to start. Right? *Don't disprove me, it's my blog!*. I had a gut feeling, after hearing of his transfer to Chelsea, that Leicester won't be the same team. In this present age of football, where goal scorers are the only respected players, it would be difficult for one to understand the importance of a "non-stop maniac-esque marauding" midfielder. And yeah, why would such pesky midfielders be appreciated when all they do is destroy beautiful "tiki-taka" football? The answer is simple; to allow the "glossy" attackers actually get forward (not trying to defend against the opponent) and maybe score a goal. Oh! and i forget, they help the centre backs when their team is defending. Kante wanted to leave immediately the offer from Chelsea came in, or at least that's what we all thought. So Leicester can't be blamed of selling off their best players to the highest bidder *coughs* Arsenal *coughs*. However, the club was pretty slow to react, they probably thought it wouldn't be a biggie.

Getting a player in the mold of Kante would be either very difficult or extremely expensive. Like it or yes (no mistake made here), Kante is the best defensive midfielder in the world presently (again, as at the time of posting this article). Ranieri tried using a couple of players in that role, Amartey and King, which ultimatley failed. He then lived up to his name, the "thinker-man" and kept changing the team formation, none of which really improved their fortunes. In the winter transfer window, Wilfred Ndidi was purchased from Genk to try and fill "The Hole". So far much has not changed but there seems to be some glimmer of hope from his displays. Would this be enough to get Leicester "started" and out of a relegation dog fight, which they seem to be in already? Come May 2017 we shall see if Leicester can do a Leeds (1992/93 season) or create a new phrase by "doing a Leicester".

RVP's next stop

The Arsenal captain has confirmed that he would not renew his contract with Arsenal which leds to the question, where next for the Dutch forward? Staying is still an option but would that be healthy for the club come the new season? Wenger purchasing players like Giroud and Podolski has not convinced Van Persie. He stated that there's a difference between him and Wenger in the way forward for Arsenal. Well let's weigh up his options.

Manchester City have been known to have a keen eye on Van Persie so too are Barcelona who are now showing more interest since his revelation concerning his future was made public. Man City have players who he might be friends with from his Arsenal days sure as Nasri and Clichy which should help him settle in well plus an ambition matched with that of the Club. Also he is sure to earn nearly double what he gets at Arsenal FC.

Barcelona might not be a bad option too but the competition for starting places are much with players such as Messi and David Villa in the central attacking role and Sanchez, Pedro who are younger and more adept to the Barcelona style on the flanks. Juventus also have a strong interest in the forward as they look to defend their Serie A this coming season, they are in search for a world class striker and RVP fits the bill. The Serie A has also been known to favour older players hence RVP's career might just be beginning if he heads over to Turin barr any long term injuries. A surprise move to Old Trafford should not be off the cards as Sir Ferguson is an admirer of the striker but the wrath of Arsenal fans might be too much for him to consider a move there.

To me, i feel he is not of appreciative of the faith and patience that Arsenal and particularly Wenger have shown to him through all the injury ridden seasons during his stay (well he's still there for now) at the club he claims to love. Its his choice anyway, a choice that has dragged Wenger back a bit just as the departures of Fabregas and Nasri did. Where would be the best destination for RVP? Please drop your comments

The "King" is gone

Kenny Dalglish has been sacked as the manager of Liverpool F.C today follwing a poor end to the season. Liverpool had struggled to find winning form this past season especially at Anfield their home ground. The club stated "After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. The search for a new manager will begin immediately." Club chairman had kind words for him explaining that Dalglish was requested at the time to become manager because Liverpool F.C needed him and he took on the challenge.

Early favorites to replace him are former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez and Andre Villas-Boas. Do you feel it was right to sack King Kenny? Do under performing player cause this sacking of managers always? Please make your comment.

Nosiy neighbour's win the EPL

In a final day match that had so much at stake for both Man City and QPR, the league and survival respectively, we had a contender for match of the season. The excitement, the intensity, this game had it all. At one stage it seemed like City had lost the league until an extra time winner from Sergio Aguero, for me their player of the season, gave them all three points and the English Premier League title for the first time in 44 years. QPR would have Stoke City to thank as their equalizer against Bolton Wanderers from the spot ensured QPR's safety in the league condemning Bolton to Championship football next season.

In other results Koscielny's header against West Brom guaranteed Arsenal a place in next season's Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur finish the season in fourth spot and might be in for the qualifying round of the Champions League provided Chelsea lose in the Finals against a Bayern Munich side who have the advantage of playing in their stadium. Newcastle would have to be content with a spot in the Europa League after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Everton ended their hopes of a place in next season's UCL. This is the first time in a long while in the EPL that all three promoted teams have survived relegation.

This was a very exciting season for me in the EPL, can't wait till the next one kicks off in August. Though i would miss Bolton sorely next season maybe it was about time they relegated. Did City deserve the league? To me they did, might have been a bit cruel if Man United snatched it in the dying minutes of the season, what do you think? Surely Man City would be stronger next season right? Would love to hear your opinions

Juventus win Serie A

A two goal win against Cagliari has seen Juventus clinch the title with a game still left in the season. AC Milan had a slim chance if they had won their derby match over city rivals Inter but a 4 - 2 defeat to them saw lose the scudetto.

Juventus deserved the title in what has been an astonishingly excellent season for them. Just a few seasons ago a scandal that rocked Italian football saw them relegated to the second division but ever since they have come back stronger than before. They remain unbeaten so far this season and with one game left they might write themselves into the history books as the first team in Italian football since the implementation of a twenty team league to win the Serie A.

Next for them is the return to the champions league. How prepared are they for that? Surely a bit more investment is required right?