It's starting to feel like we are the Southampton of fantasy soccer (football) podcasts. It's been a struggle to get content published in our pod feed when you need it most. And now, we have a computer that has crashed.
We are working on an update so that we can resume podcasting ASAP. In the meantime, we are definitely cancelling one of our pods this week. Stay tuned on our social media channels or our website for more information throughout the week.
Meanwhile, here are my (Scott’s) thoughts on the matches from GW 13 in the Premier League:
Tottenham 3-1 Chelsea was one of those post-international break results that was shocking as it was happening but can easily be explained. Chelsea just weren’t ready to play. Meanwhile, Spurs had one of those passionate displays. The result? A 3-1 scoreline.
Harry Kane may soon become the Kane of old, but the real story here is Son’s run. The run that led to his goal was a thing of beauty. Simply stunning.
Mauricio Sarri, when evaluating his squad in this match, provided the Manager Quote of the Week. He said, "Today I did not like anybody.” Even the stars — Hazard and Alonso — have been absent now for far too long.
We were told at the start of the season that Chelsea were 1-2 years away from contending under Sarri. It was hard to believe in late September. Not so much in late November.
Manchester City just can’t help but win big. The 0-4 result over West Ham should be no surprise. I planned to ask Dave and Brian about that fourth goal (Sane’s second) in stoppage time. Was it wrong for them to do that? Were they basically running up the score?
My answer is no. When goal difference is your first tiebreaker, you have to keep scoring when you have the chance, no matter what the individual match scoreline might be. Plus, all of these players are professionals. They are going to be fine.
There’s nothing new to say about the City goal scorers, so let’s just say this about West Ham. If Marko and Michail Antonio can play together (healthily) in the same way as they did for glimpses of time here, the Hammers will improve.
Liverpool almost kept up with City by winning at Watford 0-3. TAA’s free kick was a thing of beauty. And with Shaqiri starting alongside the front three, this may have finally been the week that he was freed.
Lastly, you have the feeling that Jordan Henderson’s double yellow sending off might have more impact on Hendo himself than on the club. He has struggled for playing time, and now he will watch a little more.
Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal made it 17 matches in a row without a loss for the Gunners. Jefferson Lerma had himself a day. His was the own goal of all own goals. If only his blast off the post could have balanced his scoring. The goal of the match belongs to Josh King. His shot taken from a corner angle was another work of art.
Everton 1-0 Cardiff was the right result. Everton is flying right now, sitting in 6th ahead of Manchester United, who drew 0-0 at home against Crystal Palace. United also put in a lackluster performance after an international break. Who knows what you will get from one week to the next with them?
Murray and Vardy scored the goals in Brighton 1-1 Leicester, but the story on our Slack workspace was all about James Maddison’s sending off. Both yellows were warranted, including the one where he “anticipated” contact when going down inside the box. Remember, it’s not about whether or not Maddison’s intent was to dive; it’s about the fact that he actually dove.
Fulham 3-2 Southampton was fun, wasn’t it? Mitrovic and Schurrle, with some impressive moments from Sessegnon showed us what the Fulham attack is capable of. However, don’t get too excited, Fulham fans. This defense is still just as bad as it has been all season.
On the Southampton side, I had predicted Stuart Armstrong to have a decent season and help the Saints along the way. This brace showed how good he can be, but time will tell if he becomes a one-match wonder.
Speaking of braces, where did Aaron Mooy’s come from? That Wolves 0-2 Huddersfield scoreline was crazy. The Terriers have had some bad luck this season; you knew that had to change at some point. In this match, it finally did.
Wolves looked like a bad Championship side here. Let’s put that top-seven talk to bed, okay?
Burnley 1-2 Newcastle was the Monday match. I have nothing to say since I didn’t watch it and don’t plan to. I didn’t miss much, did I?
