The English Premier League (a definition in a game)
Sunday morning at 11 am I started to watch what happened to be the best Soccer game I have seen this year. It was between West Ham and Tottenham, two east ender teams that would most likely be considered Darby game but, in fact it's just a bitter rivalry.
First we need to talk about the best thing in Euro sports; "relegation". Relegation is a great thing. If your team finishes in the bottom 3 teams of a 20 team league in the premier league then the next year you don't get to play in the league. The top 3 teams from the league below, the First Division, replace you and you are forced to earn your way back into big time money and television football.
West Ham, is a strongly supported team who just last year finished second in the FA cup, losing on penalties to Liverpool in what was another amazing game. but this year West Ham, despite signing two amazing Argentines in Teves and Maschereno (since let go) they have failed to put any polish on their play and need to win or point in at least 7 of their final 10 games to move out of relegation. Though that seems difficult, for a team with this much talent, it is very possible.
Tottenham has of late been a favorite football team due to their high priced signings and maturation efforts of local England favorites such as Lennon, Jenas, and Robinson as well as huge international stars in Defoe, Berbatov, Lee, and Keane. Tottenham should be a top 5 or 6 squad but have underachieved this year thus far but should still be playing in higher Euro Football next year.
Tottenham and West Ham hate each other. The pace and effort for the first 20 minutes was rare. In EPL play you find what you don't find in other Euro football, pain, pace, blood, and professional production only rivaled by the American NFL. The Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Italian leagues may produce some great games but they just don't measure with the drama that is manifested by the EPL.
The game below in the video had me on the edge of my seat the entire of Sunday morning. If you aren't a fan of sports or think soccer is a sissy game then I would implore you to watch an EPL game (preferably a Darby game) and then tell me at the end of that game that you didn't find yourself immersed in the beautiful game.
Enjoy this:
Goal 1: Watch Tevez bring the ball down via his chest to Nobel's right. Just amazing work. Goal 2: Tevez with the magic free kick. This was Teves' first goal and at the 30 minute mark this was the decided thus far. It's amazing he makes it out of the crowd of Green Streeters after leaping in. Goal 3: Lennon acting job followed by Defoe's free kick. Defoe used to play for West Ham watch his trot and stare. Goal 4: This won't be mentioned in the goal of the year breath but should - watch the back heel by Lennon. Simply amazing! Goal 5: Zamora came on 15 seconds before he scores this goal. Goal 6: Berbatov may be one of the most underrated creators in the game. Goal 7: Just listen to the call and how heartbroken the announcer is for the home team.
So now West Ham will face almost certain relegation unless they manage to get points off of Arsenal, United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the next six weeks....that was the sound of me laughing. The heart break that must follow after being up 2-0 in a game you need to keep your team in the league against one of your most hated rivals (Milwall sp? is their most hated) has to be unreal. Tiny Bubbles West Ham - Tiny Bubbles lads (they sing Tiny Bubbles at their home games...yeah I know...fuckin English people) Link posted by JVMM : 10:22 AM
