10 Things We Learned in the Premier League

By: Daryl | April 21st, 2008

David James is not a right back 1. David James thinks he’s a right back
Doesn’t matter what type of magnificent form David James is in, he’s still magnetically attracted to no-mans-land. In the early stages of Man City’s 3-1 loss to Portsmouth, James came running out of his box to collect the ball in the right back position, even though Sol Campbell was there. The result was confusion, followed by a Manchester City goal and that depressingly familiar “shit, it happened again” look on James’ face.

2. Titus Bramble’s timing is impeccable as always
“Titus Bramble believes he can shed his cruel ‘Titus Shambles’ tag by following the example of Portsmouth keeper David James.”

3. A Manchester United equalizer is inevitable
With Man Utd trailing Blackburn 1-0 and the clock running down, you just knew Man Utd were going to score. Not sure why, but you just knew.

4. Brad Friedel > Kasey Keller
Watching the two keepers in action this weekend, it’s hard to believe the two men were ever competing for the US national team jersey. Friedel was immense and (almost) unbeatable for Blackburn as he made save after save after save to keep Rooney, Ronaldo and the rest out. Kasey Keller let one through his legs.

5. History doesn’t always repeat itself
This time last season, Liverpool prepared for their Champions League semifinal game by fielding a weakened team against Fulham. Clint Dempsey scored the winner and more or less guaranteed Fulham’s Premiership safety. This season the first bit happened, but the second bit didn’t as Fulham lost 2-0 and are looking like relegation fodder.

6. It’s easy when the pressure’s off
Arsenal 2-0 Reading

7. Or maybe it’s just easy when you’re playing Reading
The Royals haven’t scored or won in four games and are sliding towards relegation. They’re in 17th now, juts one point above 18th place Birmingham.

8. Referees are real men too
Birmingham’s Mehdi Nafti was tangling with Aston Villa’s Ashley Young in the Second City derby, so ref Mark Clattenburg intervened by giving Nafti a proper shove to get him away from Young. Less than thirty seconds later an unmarked Young scored the opening goal.

9. Ashley Young is the English Zidane
OK, maybe not. And maybe he got some help from Clattenburg (see number 8.) But Young played a free role in this game and looked an absolute menace.

10. Even with nothing to play for, derbies are important
Just ask this guy.