10 Things We Learned in the Premier League: Mirror Image

By: Daryl | January 14th, 2008

C Ron mirror Manchester United and Arsenal switched places at the top of the Premiership again, with Chelsea and the new and improved, smiles and sunshine version of Nicolas Anelka now snapping at their heels in third place. Liverpool slipped further back, dropping another two points against beatable opposition, and joining a four way battle for that coveted fourth Champions League spot.

At the other end, Fulham’s second half woes continued, Derby’s general woes get worse by the week, and the bottom currently mirrors the top with a four way tie for the not so coveted third relegation spot. Here are 10 Things We Learned in the Premier League…

1. Rugby tackling is not effective.
Kevin Prince Boateng’s insane attempt to bring down Joe Cole with a rugby tackle didn’t quite work out. Cole looked more confused than anything else. But it all becomes clear when you realize Boateng is German, and therefore useless at rugby.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo won’t always be a winger.
Ronaldo scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle, but such is his influence that one day he could play as a number 10 instead of a number 7. Just a theory.

3. Facemasks have come a long way in the last 15 years.
When Paul Gascoigne wore a flesh coloured facemask to play for England and Lazio in 1993, he looked like the Phantom of the Opera. Birmingham’s Damien Johnson wore one this weekend to protect a fractured cheekbone against Arsenal and you could barely notice it.

4. Jeremie Aliadiere can expect a few extra offside calls this season.
Middlesbrough’s French forward ploughed straight into the linesman during the game against Liverpool. He did help the poor fella back to his feet afterwards, but I wouldn’t bet against the (top secret) linesman’s union voting to flag him offside with increased regularity in future.

5. Michael Owen is not a lone striker
I know that, you know that, Nigel Pearson did not know that before this weekend. He does now.

6. The race for the fourth Champions League place is going to be tight
Right now Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all level on 39 points. Liverpool have one game in hand, but the smart money isn’t on them winning it right now.

7. The Incredible Sulk is no more!
Nicolas Anelka was all smiles on his fist Chelsea appearance, even when he started the game on the bench and even after the woodwork denied him a debut goal. I’m not even sure he’s the same man that grumped his way out of Arsenal and then around Europe.

8. Sol Campbell is getting forgetful in his old age
He forgot that you have to chase long balls, not just stand with your arms out and hope Kenwyne Jones doesn’t square it for Kieran Richardson to score.

9. Liverpool already have a title for the 2007/8 season DVD
“Another Two Points Dropped.” If you can’t go to places like Middlesbrough and win, then you don’t get to be in the title race. Sorry Rafa.

10. Antoine Sibierski is the new Tore Andre Flo
Sibierski emerged from the Wigan bench with the score at 0-0 and seconds later put the match winner past Derby keeper Lewis Price with his first touch.