No surprises in football

Nothing surprises me in this game, last day drama

So there you have it, Manchester City and their wealthy owners join the illustrious names as Premier League Championship winning clubs. I have had to wait a couple of hours for it all to sink in, as this is surely the most remarkable end to a season there has ever been. A few thoughts on the incredible day and those involved.

Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers

I am a firm believer that you finish a league campaign where you deserve, so congratulations to those at the Etihad. I must say, they do make it interesting. A goal (aided by poor goalkeeping) put them in the lead, but Cisse’s thumping finish had their nerves going. After a silly red card, it was theirs for the taking, 3,4,5 goals? Not in this season. Drama and unpredictability followed. Rangers score next and City press and press. I’ve learnt in football that the hardest time to score a goal is when you run out of ideas, and the opposition create a wall of defence. QPR defended heroically, had they done so all season they would be comfortably mid table it has to be said. At times I couldn’t believe what I was watching, the R’s could not retain the ball. It was all academic until the 5 minutes came up on the board. City fans were leaving (honestly) but those in the stands gave an almighty roar and hope was restored, and a quality deliver was powered home. Once they got the first of the 2 needed, in my eyes it was inevitable they would get the 2^nd, despite only 2 minutes left!

Manchester City

For those who witnessed the dark days, I hope they thoroughly revel in this success. Being a fan is the hardest job in football, and those from Maine Road have had it harder than most, with United’s dominance of English football this last 20 years. I am sure City will be thinking tomorrow, with a sore head and a few sickies at work being pulled, that the challenge starts now. Can they form a culture at the club where players want to stay and fight for title after title, cup after cup. United saw off these challenges from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, how will MCFC fair? Given the funds at their disposal, one would assume they can dominate and compete every year. The management is so important, Mancini looks like he has the hunger and fight to have a say on a generation. Congratulations, enjoy it, get rid of any disruptive faces and there may be a power shift. The dynamics could change football for a very long time.

Manchester United

They did their bit, but you would expect them too. A club with true history and fighting qualities were always going to win at The Stadium Of Light when they had to. We all know it was previous results against Wigan and Everton that lost them the title. One thing that stands out for me is a couple of quotes from the greatest manager of all. Congratulating City, their bitter rivals is highly commendable so soon after the final whistle given the way the last few minutes unfolded. He was also quick to mention his players would learn from the experience, and be around for the next 7 or 8 years. Refreshing to hear.  They’ll be back.

Joey Barton and QPR

I wouldn’t normally want to comment on him, but sadly he has everyone wanting to cast an opinion. I won’t go into his violent conduct, attempted head butt and refusal to leave the field of play, I want to raise another matter. When you belong to a team, you want success for your team mates more than you want success for yourself.  You watch how hard your mates train and the anguish on the supporters’ faces every week, so to do what he did makes no sense at all. It’s crazy. Unforgiving. Had Jonathan Walters not scored at Stoke against Bolton, QPR would have gone down. The sad thing is that someone will always employ this idiot. I am fortunate to influence hundreds of kids with a football every week; I pray that none of them end up like him.

The Premier League

It truly is an incredible league, and the extraordinary scenes at the end should not surprise anyone. Well done Manchester City, deserving title. Well done Arsenal on getting automatic Champions League qualification (again) Well done Spurs, pulled it round to finish 4^th, how unfair and unlucky should they not get the chance to represent English competition next season. With suspensions galore, its anyone’s guess in the CL Final next weekend, Spurs will be waiting anxiously. Well done Newcastle on creating a dramatic race for 4^th, and heightening expectations in their football mad city. Well done Everton, finishing above their city rivals for the first time in 7 years. Well done Swansea, Norwich and Wigan for applying a philosophy to passing football and being successful with it. Commiserations to Bolton, Blackburn and Wolves.

What next?

EURO 2012. Promises to be a fantastic tournament and I personally cannot wait to support such a gentleman like Roy Hodgson. It’s been a quiet build up, but now it’s going to explode. One thing is certain, we’ll all be watching, then counting down the days to start of the domestic season. It’s a funny old game