The Battle for the League, Race for an European place and Race for Survival in The Premier League
We are approaching the very end of the league season and as Tradition demands, each league is meant to produce a league winner, teams that would represent the league in the Europes elite competition (UCL, UEL, UECL) and also teams that would move to the lower tier of the league.
So far so good, we've had league winners in 3 of Europe's top 5 leagues, which includes Spanish La Liga (Real Madrid), French Ligue 1 (PSG) and German Budesliga (Bayern Munich) with the Premier League and the Serie A yet to produce league winners.
**A BREAKDOWN OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE SITUATION**.
The race for the top 4 and the league title will likely go down the wire to the final league game of the season.
Over the weekend, Liverpool defeated Newcastle 1-0 to temporarily move atop of the Premier League. Later That same day, City defeated Leeds United by 4 goals to nil to move back to the summit of the Premier League Table. Top 4 Battlers Manchester United drew 1-1 with, Rivals Chelsea, Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-1 and Tottenham won at home to Leicester City.
**As it stands**:
Manchester City sit atop of the Premier League with 83 points after 34 games. Their destiny is in their hands as they will be crowned champions of England, if they win their remaining 4 games, regardless of the outcome of Liverpool's fixtures.
**Remaining Fixtures**:
They play at home to Newcastle, away to Wolverampton Wanderers, away to West Ham and at home to Aston. Will they pick maximum points from their remaining 4 fixtures? We would discover that as we progress.
**Liverpool** are Second on 82 points after 34 games, just one point below Manchester City. For them to win the league, they'd have to win their remaining 4 fixtures and hope that City drops points (either draw or lose).
Remaining Fixtures:
They play at home to Tottenham Hotspur, away to Aston Villa, away to Southampton and at home to Wolverampton Wanderers. Will they win their remaining 4 games? They have won 13 and drawn one of their last 14 games, with their only draw coming against title rivals Manchester City. They are currently on a 2 game winning streak and if it continues this way, they have a high chance of winning their remaining 4 fixtures but just as I said earlier, their destiny is not in their hands. Their League title triumph is subject to the outcome of City's remaining fixtures.
**Chelsea** are currently on 66 points and need seven out of a possible 12 points to secure a top 4 spot.
Remaining Fixtures:
They play Wolverampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Leicester City and Watford in their remaining four fixtures of the League season. Will they get the required number of points to finish in the Top 4? Well, that will be decided in the weeks to come because they are currently on a poor run of form and have lost three of their last 6 games, drawn one and won two, with their most recent loss coming against relegation battlers, Everton.
**Arsenal** are currently on 63 points with 4 games to go. They are closely followed by London/Top 4 Rivals **Tottenham**, who are currently on 61 points. They need to win their remaining four fixtures to cement their top four spot and Champions League Berth for next season. They are yet to play Tottenham in the second leg, in what will likely act as the decider because the winner takes it all.
**Manchester United** trail **Arsenal** and Tottenham by 8 and 6 points, respectively, having played a game more than both teams. At this stage, their chances of finishing in the top 4 are quite slim and look impossible at the moment. That sums up their season.
**RELEGATION BATTLE**
Burnley, Leeds United, Everton, Watford, Norwich.
Norwich, Watford and Everton lie in the relegation zone. Norwich were relegated last weekend, following Watford's loss to Burnley. Watford are 12 points off the safety zone and will likely join Norwich City in the Championship next season. The battle for the last relegation spot is between Burnley, Leeds and Everton, who are on 34, 34, 32 points and 34, 34, 33 games played respectively. They'd have to battle it out for the remainder of the season. Who do you think will finish in the top 4, who do you think will relegate?
Feel Free to drop your comments below.
Lead image: source https://images.app.goo.gl/2wuVJz4N59wAWZLb9
May 2, 2022
Effects of Bayern Munich's dominance on the Bundesliga
**Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga for the 10th straight time and the 31st time overall, last Saturday 23rd of April by defeating Borrusia Dortmund 3-1.**
The 2021/2022 season Bundesliga win, made it their **10th** title in as many seasons, with Dortmund being the last team to win the Domestic League.
**WHAT EFFECT DOES THE DOMINANCE HAVE ON THE LEAGUE?**
Let's put this into perspective. The English Premier League is ranked as the best league in the world. This is majorly due to the level of competition in the league. In the Premier League from, we've seen 5 different clubs lift the Domestic League title in 10 years; in the Spanish league we've seen 3; in the French league we've seen 3 and two in Seria A.
This competitiveness in the premier league, is made possible because virtually every team in the league has relatively the same spending power except for a few teams. This relatively equal amount of spending power among teams in the league has helped project a positive image about the league and has also helped the small teams build up to the level required to compete against the big guns.
The same cannot be said about the Bundesliga. The league has more or less been monopolized by Bayern Munich; they've won the last ten Bundesliga titles and have won more league titles than the other 17 teams combined. Last season, RB Leipzig finished behind Bayern in second position, and what did Bayern do? They went further to sign Liepzig's Coach **Julian Naglesmanm**, Their best Midfielder, **Marcel Sabitzër** and their best Defender **Dayot Upamecano**. This method of signing outstanding players from rival teams has even further degraded the quality of the league. Bayern have won **8** of their last **10** league titles by **8 points** or more. The closest any team other than Bayern has been to winning the league was in the 2018/2019 season, when Dortmund finished 2 points behind Bayen Munich. Presently, they lead second-placed Borussia Dortmund by 12 points with 3 games to go.
TV RIGHTS
As for the TV Rights, it's quite obvious that Bayern Munich gets a large chunk of it, giving little or no room for developing other teams in the league. In the premier league, for instance, every team there-in receives an equal amount of money in TV Rights, with the only disparity coming in Prize Money.
In recent years, the Bundesliga has been dubbed the "Farmers league" due to Bayern Munich's dominance and they've further cemented that claim, which has given the league, a bad name and image.
What do you think would solve this looming problem; who is at fault, Bayern Munich or Bundesliga? and what should be the solution?
The Bundesliga is reportedly drawing up plans for an end of season Playoffs, so as to revitalize German Football after Years of Bayern Dominance.
Lead image Source https://images.app.goo.gl/zNWXVyMVoTkrBhPC6
**April 30, 2022**.
Ronaldo's Stunner Earns Manchester United a draw against Chelsea. UEL and UECL Updates.
**Ronaldo's 17th league goal of the season and a superb David De Gea performance earns United a draw against Chelsea.**
**Chelsea** had lots of opportunities to break the deadlock early in the 1st half, but they couldn't find a way past **David De Gea**, who saved a stinging Reece James shot from distance and produced a superb save to deny Kai Harvetz in a one-on-one opportunity.
In the 60th Minute**, Marcos Alonso** gave Chelsea the lead with a superb strike, from a Reece James cross which was flicked onto his path by Kai Havertz. **Cristiano Ronaldo** responded almost immediately with a stunner. He latched onto a Nemanja Matic long ball over the defense, controlled and rifled the ball, above the keeper and into the top corner. **Reece James** had a chance to win it late on for Chelsea but saw his Curling strike hit the post.
Chelsea are left to rue their missed chances, although it wouldn't dent their top 4 hopes, as they need just 7 points from their last 5 games to secure the top 4 spot.
STATS
Cristiano Ronaldo's strike was his 101st in the Premier Leagueand his ***first*** against Chelsea in the competition. His other goal against the Blues came in his first Champions League final in 2008.
The draw extended Manchester United's unbeaten run against Chelsea in the Premier League, at Old Trafford to 9 games. They've not won at the Theater of Dreams since May 2013, when a Juan Mata goal was Enough to Secure a narrow 1-0 win for the Visitors. Chelsea have also failed to win their last 9 Premier League games against Manchester United, dating back to November 2017, where an Alvaro Morata lone goal was enough to secure the victory for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
***UEL UPDATE***
Source https://images.app.goo.gl/VvZd83iv7ZQSHDoQ7
WestHam vs Eintracht Frankfurt
In the Europa League, Eintracht Frankfurt holds a 2-1 advantage over West Ham. The Hammers are too pull of a comeback in Germany, next week, if they are to qualify for their first European final in 46 years. Frankfurt opened the scoring in the 1st minute when Ansgar Knauff knocked in a shot at the far post. Antonio equalized in the 22nd minute when he bundled home a Kurt Zouma knockdown. The visitors took the lead once in the 54th minute when Daichi Kamada Tapped home after Djibril Sows shot was parried onto his path. Jarett Bowen came so close to equalizing, with a well-dispatched bicycle kick, but saw his effort cannon off the underside of the post.
Leipzig vs Rangers
Rangers put up a great defensive performance against Leipzig but were undone in the 85th minute by an Angelino wonder strike that secured a 1-0 win for the hosts. Rangers must look to turn back the tie in the 2nd leg, if they are to qualify for their first European finals in 14 years.
UECL
Feyenord defeated Marseille 3-2 and could have scored more.
The matchup between Leicester and Roma ended in a 1-1 stalemate ahead of the return leg in Rome.
Lead image: Source
**APRIL 29, 2022**.
The NBA Playoffs: All You Need To Know
The ***NBA*** (National Basketball Association) is a group of teams/a franchise based in USA. It is made up of 2 conferences, the Western Conference and the Eastern Conference. Each conference has a total of 15 teams summing up to 30 in total. Each team competes against teams from both conferences culminating in an 82-game season known as the **Regular season**. At the end of the regular season, eight teams from each conference qualifies for the Post-Season Showdown known as the **PLAYOFFS**, in a bid to win the **NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.**
Initially, the top 8 teams of each conference at the end of the regular season qualifies automatically for the playoffs but the format was recently altered. Presently, the top 6 teams qualifies automatically while the teams in position 7-10 (4 in total) plays in a mini-tournament known as the Play-in in order to determine who would finish in position 7 and 8.
THE PLAY-IN
The team in Position 7, plays against the team in Position 8, while the team in Position 9, plays against the team in Position 10. The winner of the game between the occupiers of position 7 and 8 takes the 7th spot while the loser battles with the winner of the game between the 9th and 10th seed for the last playoff spot.
Source https://images.app.goo.gl/NaJHjA5JqNQFEosd8
PLAYOFFS
The playoffs is a competition that's played at the end of each regular season. Eight teams from each Conference are seeded and made to play against each other in a bid to win the most coveted basketball trophy, The NBA Championship. The winner of each conference plays against each other in a best of 7 series and the winner of the series goes home with the gold. The Milwaukee Bucks won the 2021 NBA championship and hopes to defend the title this off-season.
In recent times, the NBA championship has been notably won by some of the Greats to ever grace the game, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kareem AbdulJabbar, LeBron James etc.
At the end of the 2022 Regular Season, the following teams qualified for the NBA Playoffs.
**WESTERN CONFERENCE**
1. Phoenix Suns
2. Memphis Grizzlies
3. Golden State Warriors
4. Utah Jazz
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Denver Nuggets
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
8. New Orleans Pelicans
**EASTERN CONFERENCE**
1. Miami Heats
2. Celtics
3. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Chicago Bulls
7. Brooklyn Nets
8. Atalanta Hawks.
One of the favorites to win the tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers performed abysmally and failed to qualify for the Playoffs despite possessing star powers in Antony Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
For the teams in the Western Conference, Finishing in the above position, resulted in a match up between
1. Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans
2. Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets
4. Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks.
1. The Phoenix Suns took game 1 of the NBA Playoffs defeating the NO Pelicans 110-99, They went further to play 4 more games, with the Phoenix Suns currently leading the best of Seven series 3-2.
2. The Memphis Grizzlies currently leads the series 3-2, with Ja Morant Making a layup late in the game to win the game 111-109
3. The warriors eliminated the Denver Nuggets, winning the Series 4-1.
4. The Dallas Mavericks leads the series 3-2.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
For the teams in the Eastern Conference, Finishing in The above positions resulted in a match up between
1.Miami Heats Vs Atalanta Hawks: The Miami Heats won the best of 7 series, defeating the Atalanta Hawks 4-1.
2. Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets: The Boston Celtics surprisingly swept the Brooklyn Nets, 4-0. It's quite surprising because they have 2 of the most skilled players In NBA history but failed to win a game in the best of 7 series.
3. Milwaukee Bucks Vs Chicago Bulls: The Milwaukee bucks won the series 4-1, behind a solid Performance from the 2 time MVP and One time DPOY, Giannis Antetokoumpo.
4. Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors: The 76ers currently lead the serie 3-2. They hope to round it off later today in game 6.
So far so good, the NBA Playoffs has been fun.
I will keep y'all updated as we progress.
Lead image: Source https://images.app.goo.gl/DtDkzHGzhnaej9Ya9
APRIL 28, 2022.
What Is Bitcoin Cash: A beginners Guide.
https://youtu.be/ONhbb4YVRLM
**The Origin of Bitcoin Cash!!**
Source https://youtu.be/ONhbb4YVRLM
Lead Image Source https://images.app.goo.gl/ckmBXyLnHb6Myvok7
The United Revolution: Life after Sir Alex 1
Source https://images.app.goo.gl/gFpXkW4wANQtt8uL9
It's been 9 years since The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson managed his last game, Since then, Manchester United has rapidly transitioned from being the biggest club in the world to literally a laughing stock. During his 26-year stint as Manager of Manchester United, they won a total of 38 trophies, including two champions league titles and a record breaking 13 premier league titles, helping United overcome Liverpool to become the most successful club in premier league history. His final match as a Manchester united manager ended in a 5-5 draw against West Bromwich Albion. Since his retirement, Manchester United have had 7 managerial changes, which has increased to 8, with the appointment of Eric Ten Hag as the new manager. But none of them have succeeded in changing the trajectory of this club for good.
LIFE AFTER SIR ALEX
Immediately after Sir Alex retired, David Moyes was announced as the new Manchester United manager prior to the beginning of the next season.
DAVID MOYES
Source https://images.app.goo.gl/F2LzEnQKafVdtAvH6
Under David Moyes, United won the Community Shield but that was to say the least. Despite winning the community shield, they struggled in the league Finishing 7th(their lowest f ininish since 1990) which meant that they missed out on European competition for the first time since 1989-90. They were also eliminated from the FA cup with a loss against Swansea City , eliminated from the semifinals of the league cup after being beaten on penalties by Sunderland. Their Stint In the Champions league was shortlived as well as they survived a scare from Olympiacos in the RO16 but lost in the Quarter Finals 4-2 to Bayern Munich. On 22nd, April 2014, With four games to spare, David Moyes was sacked as Manager, less than a year into his six-year contract. Ryan Giggs was placed in charge of United's remaining league games of which he collected 7 out of a possible 12 points.
On 19 May 2014, Louis Van Gaal was appointed as the new United manager on a three year contract, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant.
LOUIS VAN GAAL.
Source https://images.app.goo.gl/5Ynwd4WPvxEvRZC77
Considering his already gratifying portfolio, Louis Van Gaal was the man everybody thought would lead the United revolution, the squad was strengthened to say the least. The likes of Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Angel DiMaria and Radamel Falcao but the situation didn't change.
In his first season in charge, he led Manchester United to a fourth place finish up from the 7th place position they finished the season before.
He finished fifth at the end of his second season In charge.
He won his only trophy(The FA cup) as a United manager when his team defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in the finals, thanks to a Jesse Lingard extra time winning goal.
To be continued.........
Lead Image Source https://images.app.goo.gl/2uWtF6asqU37SiHD9
APRIL 22, 2022.
