"If I was involved with a team who got beat 7-0 there, I wouldn't be able to look my family in the eyes anymore."
Oh Gary. When it rains it pours. But I don't want to talk about the sorry state of Gary Neville's Valencia, when that ship has sailed already. Neville is horribly out of his depth and when it's sink or swim, he's one dodgy butterfly stroke away from going under. No I want to talk about Barcelona. Specifically, Luis Suarez.
Ever since Suarez went to Barca, he's been playing third fiddle to Neymar and Messi. There are a number of reasons for this (Messi is the best player in living memory for a reason) but simply put, I don't think that Suarez is worse than Neymar, and he's not a million miles away from Messi either. 35 goals now in all competitions this season, compared to Neymar's 21 (although Neymar has played five less games and secured four more assists) back up this fact, but more to the point, I think Suarez is a better finisher, a more direct player and yes Neymar has more tricks in his locker, but I think Suarez is an exceptional player, more than just the third cog in MSN. He is one of the most inventive players that I've ever seen and after last night's display, where he put four past Gary Neville's beleaguered Valencia, he's one of the true greats of the game. But, more importantly, he's scored the winning goal in a Champions League final, something his critics are eager to overlook.
Yes his disgraceful behaviour on the pitch at times leaves a lot to be desired, but then seeing as Neymar is currently facing four counts of fraud, let's not be too quick to call Suarez the one of the three who is the least respectable.
As for Barcelona as a whole? They won five trophies in 2015. I for one, cannot see anyone stopping them from repeating that feat in 2016. They're three points clear at the top of La Liga with a game in hand on their rivals (and a game that they really should win against Gijon) and after last night's demolition, they're in the Copa Del Rey final against either Sevilla or Celta Vigo. Obviously the biggest question mark is if they'll win the Champions League again but I can't see any team in the world out there capable of stopping them. Over two legs they have the quality to dismantle any top team, and those closest to them are a Real Madrid side who were butchered the last time they came up against Barca and a Bayern Munich side that haven't really grown since Barca tore strips off of them at the Camp Nou last year. Sure, there's always the possibility that someone will put in a terrific defensive performance and knock them out but at this point, I can't see anyone over two legs keeping Suarez, Messi and Neymar at bay.
Barkley turns it on; Chelsea don't
Based on Everton's bad form, I predicted that they would really struggle against Newcastle. But, a team like Everton is full of class individuals who always have the potential to turn it on, and Ross Barkley did just that against Newcastle. Although both of his goals were penalties, the second a sublime chip showing how confident and classy this young man is, it was his general performance that warrants credit. He hit the bar, forced Shelvey to head onto his own crossbar and was just generally a menace to the Newcastle back line. His invention and creativity are a real sight to behold and he is such a dangerous and class player.
Meanwhile, Chelsea did not turn on the style against a Watford side who sit 9th, one point behind Liverpool and four ahead of their opponents last night. As ever, Diego Costa was at the heart of the action, pushing his luck with the referee and carving out some great openings for a frustrated Guus Hiddink's side, only to find Gomes in his way. Watford will be the happier side with a point, but for Chelsea, it's yet another bump in the road.
The Hard and Fast Section
- Oh Duckworth Lewis. How I have not missed you.
- Care and Marler start for England. The more things change...
- Tyson Fury might retire from boxing. Good riddance.
- Celtic continue to be hilariously bad at football.
- Katie Swan is our new national tennis hero.
- Piepa Cleary is an idiot. She knows the rules.
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