I just had the most amazing couple of days; what a weekend! Wow! I didn’t see that coming. But I really should have. It was fully loaded, packed. Here’s how it all started.
I mean, how can you not just love weekends? Firstly, you do not get to wake up early. Saturday mornings are rare, they should be cherished. You have the ability to turn off the alarm clock. And just sleep. We have the luxury of sleeping a little longer on weekends, and it’s great.
What about TV time? Saturdays are great because you can catch up on your favourite shows, see movies. Basically, you get to unwind and chill. If hanging out is your thing, fine. If not, you can rest easy. I did and I loved it. But that was not all.
Sunday came and, drum roll…it was the final day of the English Premier League season. So many potential plot twists. Would Arsenal qualify for the Champions League? Would Liverpool pip City to the Premiership? Soon enough, it was match time, and the premiership didn’t disappoint.
From City going 2 goals down, to Liverpool being held, I had my fill of drama. Well, eventually, City won the League and Tottenham took the final Champions League spot, much to my joy. As a United fan, I couldn’t wait for the season to end any sooner, but I was glad that Arsenal, with all their noise, were also not going to make the Champions League next season. It was a great night.
That’s Not All
Subsequently, the final of season 7 of the Nigerian Idols also held on Sunday Night. I love the show. Well, I love music so, yes. I had followed this season from the beginning and I surely wasn’t going to miss the finals. The show was just about to start when I ran out of electricity units. Whattttttt! Not today! Thank God I knew VTpass would plug me in speedily, and they came through. I got my token instantly and was able to watch my favourite contestant Progress win the show!
It was a great weekend and I already can’t wait for the next, as it is the Champions League final battle between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Trust me to pay my tv subscription before then to avoid stories that touch. In all, I can say, what a weekend!
It was a pulsating night of Champion’s League football as Atletico, United, Benfica and Ajax were held in the first leg of their last 16 match. What a night! What a game! Amazing couple of games they were. Evenly matched were the teams. It served for a thrilling couple of games. And it’s anyone’s guess as to who is making it to the quarter final as Atletico, United, Benfica and Ajax were all held to draws. All level!
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
Like we anticipated, United were seeking to emulate the three other English sides left in the Champions League by securing a first-leg lead in the first knockout round. And interim coach Ralf Rangnick said on the eve of the trip to Madrid that he was prioritising this competition. Strong words. However, his side fell behind to a beautiful goal by Joao Felix within seven minutes of kick-off in Spain.
Having cleared the initial corner, Atleti left-back Renan Lodi swung in a cross from the left that Joao Felix raced past Harry Maguire to greet with a stunning header that went in off the near post. Indeed, it was stunning. United’s goalie was rooted to a spot. Subsequently, teenage sensation Anthony Elanga cameto Manchester United’s rescue. Firstly, he latched onto Bruno Fernandes’ pass. Secondly, he reversed his shot across Jan Oblak into the bottom corner. Wheeling away, jubilant scenes followed.
That goal claimed an unlikely 1-1 draw for Manchester United at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in the Spanish capital. All square. Half time. Game on!
Benfica vs Ajax
Meanwhile, in the midst of the Ukraine-Russia saga, Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk saved Benfica after Ajax’s Sebastien Haller scores at both ends. As a result, it’s still all to play for. Not only did the free scoring Haller take his tally in this season’s competition to 11 goals in seven games, he also contributed an own goal in a pulsating clash at the Estádio da Luz. Born goal scorer!
Ajax were ahead after 18 minutes through their captain, Dusan Tadic, but an unfortunate own goal from Haller levelled matters seven minutes later. Not for long though. Haller made amends in the 29th minute. Benfica would level matters again though. A second-half header from substitute Roman Yaremchuk ensured a draw for the hosts and a boost to their hopes in the second leg next month. It’s still all to play for at the Amsterdam Arena on 15 March.
The last 16 first leg of matches are complete. Some teams have one foot in the Quarter final already, others still have it all to play for. You won’t have to wait too long however. Just make your Cable TV payments, pay electricity bills, buy airtime and data easily with VTpass now so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful action when it resumes on Tuesday, March 8.
It was matchday 3 in the Champion’s League round of 16 and we saw Chelsea win as Juventus were held. The Champion’s League has been kind to English clubs this season as all 3 who have played have recorded wins. And if Manchester United win on Wednesday, all 4 would have recorded wins. Incredible! English clubs seem to be coming into their own in this competition.
You would recall we had an all-English final last season. Could we be looking at another? Too early to call I presume. Well, this season’s Champion’s League has not failed us yet. And on matchday 3, we saw Chelsea win and Juventus held as they both played their first leg matches.
Chelsea vs Lille
Chelsea seized control of their Champions League last-16 tie with Lille, putting in a no-nonsense display as goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic secured a 2-0 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Havertz had already missed two good chances by the time he rose to meet Hakim Ziyech’s corner unmarked to put the newly crowned World Champions in front after eight minutes. And although Lille, who were making it to the last 16 for the first time in 15 years, were impressive, Chelsea extended their advantage when Pulisic ran onto N’Golo Kante’s pass to beat Leo Jardim in the 63rd minute. Consequently, Chelsea can now head to France in 3 weeks feeling like they have one foot in the Quarter Final already.
Villareal vs Juventus
Free-scoring Dusan Vlahovic scored inside the first minute of his Champions League debut for Juventus. Insane, right? Vlahovic made his European bow for Juve after his £66.6 million January move from Fiorentina and needed just 33 seconds to put the visitors ahead in Spain. It’s the second-fastest goal ever for a Champions League debutant.
With clear cut chances few and far between, Dani Parejo earned a 1-1 draw for Villarreal in the first leg of their last-16 clash. Subsequently, Villareal looked more likely to score. They grew in confidence. Probed and probed the Juve defence. But there was to be no other breakthrough. The tie ended 1-1, leaving things finely poised for the second leg in Turin in three weeks time.
Another footballing weekend has gone by and we had some heavyweight clashes in the EPL Week 3. Throw in the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is possibly making a return to the Premier League with Manchester United, there’s quite a number of things to talk about.
Arsenal Is Breakfast And Everyone Is Having A Bite
Arsenal was completely annihilated by Mancity when both clubs played on Saturday. Following their defeat to Chelsea in the previous game, they needed a response. However, we got none. Completely outplayed, outclassed and outnumbered, they simply didn’t show up. Arsenal shouldn’t be losing by 5 goals to any club, and have now failed to score in the opening 3 games of the EPL for the first time. They also have failed to gather any points so far and now lay bottom of the table. For a club that started the season top of the table, they shouldn’t be at rock bottom after three games.
Chelsea Produce Defensive Masterclass To Foil Liverpool
If “Attacks win games but defences win titles” were a football club, it would be Chelsea. The London club had to fight for their lives when they played Liverpool at Anfield, with a ten-man team. Kai Havertz’s 22nd minute opener had given them the lead, but the game was turned on its head when James Reece handled the ball on the stroke of halftime. Salah restored parity for Liverpool from the resulting penalty, game on! Liverpool came out in the second half like the big bad wolf. They huffed. They puffed. But, they couldn’t break down a resilient Chelsea team who produced a defensive masterclass to hold on to a point. For Chelsea, this point would feel like a win. Liverpool though were left rueing an opportunity missed.
Manchester United Set Premier League Away Record And Ronaldo Is Coming
United set a new Premier League record as they achieved the longest run of away games without tasting defeat, spanning over an impressive 28 games. The performance here, however wasn’t impressive. United fans have been ecstatic over the idea of club legend, Ronaldo, returning home. This is set to be announced officially in the coming days but if Ronaldo was watching this game before United scored, he might have changed his mind. This United team look like they need a defensive midfielder if they are to ever reach their potential. Varane on the other hand looks ready to settle in perfectly into the defence though, but will it be enough? Pogba said it best last week, records are nice but trophies are better!
It’s back and we’ve all missed it, yes, we’re talking about the English Premier League! Another season is underway and we’re already in week 2. It’s another shot at glory for some, while for others, it’s a battle to remain in the top flight. Messi may not be here, but no one can argue that the EPL is still the most entertaining league in European football. Missing out on the action? Say no more! Just visit vtpass.com now to renew your Cable TV subscription and get plugged in to your world of sporting action. Meanwhile, here’s what happened in week 2.
Men Against Boys As Chelsea Schools Arsenal At Home.
One thing was glaring, Chelsea is not Arsenal’s mate. Firstly, Chelsea has 2 Champion’s League trophies over Arsenal who have none. Secondly, Arsenal were completely played off the field here, with Lukaku playing like a man on a mission, bringing back memories of Didier Drogba against Arsenal. The sad thing is that we all saw this coming, despite Arsenal’s bright start to the game. It was the same old story, with the Arsenal team starting off sharp but unable to maintain their intensity. This Blues are a team on a mission while Arsenal faces the possibility of going into the international break bottom of the table as they face last season’s champions, Manchester City next.
United Equals Away Unbeaten Record But Silverware Is Always Better
It was mixed feelings for Manchester United as they came from behind to claim a point against The Saints. It extended their away unbeaten run to 27 games (a joint record) but also scuppered the start to the season they would have wanted following their 4 – 0 win in the opening game. The draw also doesn’t help their bid to keep Paul Pogba. Pogba has started the season in record breaking form, bagging 5 assists in 2 games. United’s star man is yet to extend his contract beyond 2022 and has stated he prefers trophies to records. Ouch. Shots fired, United. Point taken (pun intended)
5-star City Bounce Back In Style
City fans got their smile back as they bounced back from an opening day defeat at Tottenham. They trounced newly promoted Norwich City 5 – 0, with record signing Grealish also getting off the mark. This is how we are used to seeing Guardiola’s Manchester City, winning, with huge score lines.
It’s just week 2 but this English Premier League season already promises loads of entertainment as there were wins for Liverpool and Tottenham also. That is where VTpass comes in. Make your Cable TV payments, pay electricity bills and buy airtime and data so you can pepper your friends as your team performs well, or be peppered if you’re on the receiving end. Whatever your payment needs, VTpass has you covered!
Have you been skipping on the happenings of the English Premier League as it unfolds on the field? Then you are missing out on a lot of fun. Catch up on the subsequent matches by logging on to vtpass.com and renewing your cable TV subscription now. In the meanwhile, you would want to know what has been in vogue for the past weeks.
Chelsea receives thrashing at home
For their very first match, Chelsea receives a brutal 3-2 defeat at the hands of Burnley FC. Sean Dyche, the manager of the winning club, proves that last year’s failure does not limit this year’s success. But more than this, many have hinged on this defeat saying it is more of a sign that Antonio Conte has lost his victory formula, and he is gone from being the fierce Teflon Don manager to being an unrecognisable complacent coach. Thibaut Courtois justifies this defeat, though, as a consequence of freak absences. By freak absences, he meant the shocking red cards flagged up for captain Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas. Diego Costa’s so-called exile can also be included as a resultant factor. This sped up the victory of Burnley, getting Chelsea off to a humiliating start.
THE STAR MAN IN TOTTENHAM’S VICTORY
Chelsea wins, the Spurs start low
Thibaut Courtois was proven right when he called Chelsea’s defeat to Burnley a wakeup call. Chelsea, in their consequent match with Tottenham Hotspur, showed they had come back stronger from their defeat. Not only did they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the match that ends with a 2-1. But they on a retaliatory note banked this victory at the Spur’s Wembley home.
All credit, however, goes to Marcus Alonso, the daring defender who brought the double to fruition. He is indeed the man of the moment. And his win is even more endearing against his unpleasant background. He was considered a mere glitch in Real Madrid. And most thought he didn’t have the guts of a Chelsea player.
This perception of him, however, is about to fizzle out. If it already has not faded away by now. While he only created goals in the past, taking little credits here and there, he has come upfront to being an indispensable scorer. The twist to this is that talks of his being replaced by other high profile players, specifically Juventus’ Alex Sandro and Tottenham’s Danny Rose had pervaded the air. But with the stunt he pulled against the Spurs, Conte will have to rethink the decision of dispensing with him. Or even forget he ever thought about it.
The new ‘unstoppable’ for this Premier League
Stunning 4-0 victories in two consecutive games! Call it chance games, call it sheer luck, however way you decide to see it, this is definitely worth calling remarkable. If you have been in tune with the Super Sports channels on your DStv, GOtv and Startimes decoders, you would relate to the fact that Manchester United are digging deep for the title this season in more dynamic ways than expected. Not only have they demonstrated athletic acumen in their games against West Ham United and Swansea FC, they have also discovered new premier league goalscorers.
THOSE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN
MAN UNITED REJOICE OVER CONSECUTIVE VICTORY
PAUL POGBA- THE MAN OF THE MATCH
Paul Pogba has been described the man of these matches, even joining the exclusive list of Manchester United’s exceptional scorers who ended one season with a goal, and the very next with a goal too (as seen in his stunning goal in the match against West Ham). Another is Anthony Martial, who has started out on an excellent note this season by scoring two goals in two games. New upstart he may be, but he seems to be blending well on the field with the likes of Romelu Lakaku and Paul Pogba. It was their rueful synergy that offset the three goals produced in just four minutes at the Swansea’s Liberty Stadium.
Another is Anthony Martial, who has started out on an excellent note this season by scoring two goals in two games. He seems to be blending well on the field with the likes of Romelu Lakaku and Paul Pogba. It was their awesome synergy that offset the three goals produced in just four minutes at the Swansea’s Liberty Stadium. While Jose Mourinho insists that Marcus Rashford still has to learn how to adapt to difficult situations and hostile treatments from rival fans, it is evident that the young chap has gotten off to an impressive start this season.
TRANSFER SUCCESSES
ROMELU LAKAKU- ONE OF THE TRANSFER SUCCESSES
Jose Mourinho has a lot to boast about his shrewd choices and bargains in the pre-season market. The inclusion of new players like Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lakaku and Victor Lindelof has proven to be quite tactical moves. Romelu Lakaku, on his part, is a perfect example of how a faithful never strays far from his master. During Mourinho’s stay at Chelsea, he was an abiding presence before he was transferred to Everton. Now back with Mourinho in Manchester United, he is proving to be just the striker that Manchester United needs. It would indeed appear that Manchester United is the new unstoppable for this English Premier League.
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