PLAYS OF THE WEEK (10/05/16).

Club football season is coming to an end and everyone is gearing for the International competitions. Teams are getting dividends of what they've invested in or not, but as usual let's get into what is a constant, PLAYS OF THE WEEK.

FLOP OF THE WEEK: Newcastle United (Premier League).


Just when things were looking good and on the up, Newcastle United  had to beat Aston Villa to improve their chances of remaining in the Premier League but they went on to play a laboured draw against the team tagged the whipping boys of the league. This result has put Newcastle in a situation where they could get relegated even before the last day unless fortune favours them.


GOAL OF THE WEEK: Whabi Khazri (Sunderland).


In a game where Sunderland needed a positive result to continue their push to remain in the Premier League, this lad comes up with a goal fit enough to see again again again and again. Chelsea cleared a corner and it was all like a ping pong contest were Chelsea kept clearing and Sunderland kept keeping the ball alive till it fell to Khazri who hit a stinging volley that went through Courtois and rattled the net.

SAVE OF THE WEEK: Jan Oblak (Atletico).


The 23 year old has been class all season breaking records and has been key to Atletico's season.
Jose Gimenez was at fault for a penalty conceded by Atletico and Thomas Muller stepped up to take. Oblak guessed the right way and saved the penalty but it was the follow up that was breathe taking, how he immediately stood up to deny Bayern Munich.

MATCH OF THE WEEK: Lyon V Monaco (Ligue 1).


This was a battle to find who is second best in the French League and it was expected to be an interesting affair and we got a football match.

First-Half, Lyon took an early lead as Rachid Ghezzal put them 1-0 up in 3 minutes, 5 minutes later it was 2-0. Alex Lacazette his 20th goal of the season. Lyon were in total control and the ship was sailing their way when Monaco striker got himself sent-off in the 23rd minute. Lyon scored their 3rd goal in the 34th minute as Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa got in the goals for his new club. A minute after Lacazette got his brace after a fine move from the Lyon attack. 4-0. Veteran Ricardo Carvalho got a goal back for Monaco but it was a mere consolation. First-Half finished 4-1.

Second-Half: The same momentum were in the Lyon players and they did not stop scoring. Yanga-Mbiwa got his second on the night to make it 5-1 and Lacazette completed his hat-trick to make it 6-1. A cameo appearance from Nabil Fekir was another present for the Lyon faithful, full-time score 6-1.

MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Sam Allardyce (Sunderland)

Big Sam, that is what he's known as in the country and he was a bit subdued in helping his team beat Chelsea 3-2 which has seen them climb out of the relegation zone. The main thing for them on the day was that they kept moving, fighting and going for the win. They never let their heads down even though they were trailing twice in the game. Now it's all in their hands to remain in the Premier League.




TEAM OF THE WEEK: Bayern Munich (Bundesliga).


Bayern Munich last weekend won their 4th Bundesliga title in a row which is a league record. The German superior did the norm as they beat Ingolstadt 2-1 to clinch the title.



COMBINED TEAM OF THE WEEK: 

GK: Vito Mannone (Sunderland).


The goalie was on top form as he stopped Chelsea from getting an equaliser which resulted to a priceless win and 3 points which saw Sunderland get out of the drop zone and be in pole position to remain in the Premier League.

RB: Juanfran (Atletico)


The full-back was sound on the night as he limited Frank Ribery from doing his norm. Juanfran has been a key member of Coach Simeone's squad and we're sure the final of the Champions League will be another classic.


CB: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Lyon).


The center-halve got a brace in Lyon's 6-1 drubbing of AS Monaco. Mapou was also solid at the back for his team as they have now claimed 2nd place in Ligue 1.



CB: Diego Godin (Atletico).


He came back at the perfect time for Atletico and he put up a defensive masterclass as Atletico qualified for the finals of the Uefa Champions League, where they would play their city rivals Real Madrid.


LB: Christian Fuchs (Leicester City).


The Premier League winner was a menace for Everton attacking wise and defensively, he always looked like he could get a goal but was unlucky on coronation day.


CM: Andy King (Leicester City).


You could call him a Legend as he has stuck by Leicester since they've been in the trenches. He is the first player to win the League 1, Championship and Premier League with one club. He scored and assisted another as Leicester showed Everton who's boss in their 3-1 win. Well you a King for a coronation.

CM: Steven Davis (Southampton).


The Northern Ireland captain scored both goals as Southampton beat Tottenham at the lane as they push for an Europa League place. The game finished 2-1 and Southampton are now 6th.

LW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid).


CR7 was back amongst the goals as he scored a brace in Madrid's 3-2 win over Valencia as they look to pip the title from Barcelona on the last LA LIGA matchday.

RW: Isaac Cuenca (Granada).


The former Barcelona was on song as he helped Granada remain in the La Liga for another season by scoring a brace in his team's 4-1 away win versus Sevilla.

ST: Luis Suarez (Barcelona).


The man is a beast this season and he continued to show his class as he scored a brace in Barcelona's derby win against Espanyol. Barcelona beat Espanyol 5-0 and Suarez helped to keep his team top of the league, plus 50 goals in 48 games is not a bad return.

ST: Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon).


A hat-trick against Monaco in Lyon's 6-1 drubbing has kept Lyon firm position of 2nd place in French Ligue 1. Lacazette now has scored 23 goals in 42 games this season, two season wonder.



PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon).


People say France will miss Benzema in the Euros, but when you see the likes of Giroud, Martial, Gignac and Lacazette you might want to change your mind. Lacazette looks like an up and coming Karim Benzema. He has pace, quick feet and can score goals. With form like this, a place in the French squad is cue for the 24 year old.

PLAYS OF THE WEEK ( April 26th to May 2).

First we'll like to apologize, PLAYS OF THE WEEK has not been posted for a while now and that was due to some changes going on with our site in other to make things easy and smooth for you the fans. Secondly what a week to come back, fairytales do happen, Leicester City with the odds of 5000/1 have won the Barclays Premier League, who would have taught, anyway let's get to business.

FLOP OF THE WEEK: Bayern Munich (Bundesliga and Champions League).

The Germans would have had a torrid week as they lost their first leg away Champions League tie to Atletico 1-0, and over the weekend, they had the chance to wrap up the the Bundesliga but this was halted as Moenchengladbach held the Bavarians to a draw at the Allianz Arena. Guardiola and his boys did not have any answer to these setbacks but everything could turn around by the time we're posting the next Plays OF The Week.

GOAL OF THE WEEK: Saul Niguez (Atletico).

More misery for the Bavarians on POTW, but props has to be given to the lad for his bravery and craft. Saul picked up the ball from the midfield area ran through on goal beating three Bayern players in the process. then picked his corner perfectly placing a shot that Manuel Neuer could not reach. Good goal by the 21 year old spaniard, he's one to watch.

SAVE OF THE WEEK: Karl Darlow (Newcastle).

It's times like these we really cherish this sport we love so much, as the drama of a last ditch tackle or something important could get you to a step of you achieving your goal and ambition. Newcastle conceded a penalty after going 1-0 up with few minutes left in the game. Former Geordie Yohan Cabaye stepped up to take the penalty and the frenchman hit the ball low and hard but the young goalie was able to read the situation and save the penalty. That save from Karl Darlow might just help Newcastle beat the drop as they look to continue to be a Premier League team.

MATCH OF THE WEEK: Watford V Aston-Villa (Barclays Premier League).

This was going to be a match for pride as both teams know their faiths already. Aston-Villa are getting ready for life in the Championship while Watford have ascertained their desire of remaining a Premier League club.

In the first-half, Watford were in control at the early stages but it was Villa that took a shock lead as Clarian Clark scored from an assist by Ashley Westwood, 1-0 to Villa. The West-Midlands club held their own and were showing some spirit but all fell downcast as Swiss International Almen Abdi scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 from a well placed free-kick. (Fun Fact: That is the first free-kick scored by a Watford player in the Premier League). 1-1 at the break.

Second-Half started with Villa on the up and they were rewarded for it as a quick 1-2 passing move between Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew resulted to the latter getting the second goal for Aston Villa. It looked like Villa were finally going to get a victory but drama took place in the 73rd minute were Aly Cissokho was sent-off for a last man challenge on Ikechi Anya, Villa down to ten men. Minutes after Watford capitalised on their man advantage as captain and lifelong Birmingham fan Troy Deeney scored the equaliser. 2-2 with just stoppage time to go but Villa as they've been all season could not hold on as Troy Deeney scored again to win it for Watford 3-2. Aston Villa have now gone 11 games without a victory #OHBOY.

MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Rafa Benitez (Newcastle).

Could possibly be his toughest job in his merry go-round career, and Newcastle faithfuls are loving the man already. With 8 points from a possible 12 in Newcastle's last four games, Rafa has been able to rally his troops as they look to beat the drop and continue being a Premier League club next season, Newcastle's latest 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace got them out of the drop zone and they're odds on favorites to remain in the league versus their rivals. If he manages to keep them (Newcastle) up, we're sure Chelsea fans will not be happy.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Leicester City (Barclays Premier League).

5000/1, these were the digits ignored by punters all over the world and now it has come to pass. If you got on it then kudos and if not you can try Burnley next season because that is the same number given by the bookies. Extraordinary achievement from this crop of players, they were determined, desired and ready to fight for themselves as they charged towards the title. Every obstacle they dealt with the situation and also they were able to contain the pressure that was put towards them. We could write a whole column on Leicester but that's for another day let's just congratulate the English Champions Leicester City by poking ourselves and know the feeling is true. 

COMBINED TEAM OF THE WEEK: 

GK: Karl Darlow (Newcastle United).

After first Tim Krul and Rob Elliot were sidelined with long-term injuries, the young English lad Karl Darlow was thrown into the mix of battle and so far the goalie has been paving his way. His key moment was the penalty save in his team's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace which got the Magpies out of the drop zone.

RB: Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United).

Another player who has stepped up his game since Rafa Benitez came in, the dutch man has been used at full-back positions where he has flourished racking up goals and assists recently. He had a solid game against Crystal Palace as he helped his team obtain all three points in their Barclays Premier League fixture.

CB: Stefan Savic (Atletico).

The center-back has been part of the pack that has kept 5 clean sheets in their last five games and Barcelona and Bayern Munich are part of the opponents they've faced. Savic was very solid against Bayern, he was always on the tail of Lewandowski giving the polish striker no breathing space. Atletico's defence can have a shout of being one of the best out there today and Savic is an important part of it.

CB: Wes Morgan (Leicester City).

We've really not rated him in the TSM camp, but he has been able to show character and lead his pack to the summit of greatness. Morgan was great in Leicester City's 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford over the weekend. He scored the equaliser that got his team a point and that point also confirmed them as Champions of  England. Wonder if one of the big teams will cash in on him?

LB: Filipe Luis (Atletico).

The full-back has always been top notch for his club. The thing about it is that he can mix it up, when he has to silky he will give you that and when he has to be rugged  and fight, he also has that in his locker. Great performance from the full-back in the past week as he helped Atletico beat Bayern and Rayo Vallecano respectively.

CM: Mark Noble (West-Ham).

 A hammer till he dies, the West-Ham captain scored a brace as he helped West-Ham gain all 3 points in their 3-0 away win at West-Brom. West-Ham are still in touching distance to play Champions League football net season and that'll be a new way to launch a Stadium.

CM: Saul Niguez (Atletico).

The man on everyone's lips at the red side of Madrid. The young man's solo goal was enough to get a first leg victory for his team over Bayern. Hope his form can continue and propel his team to greatness this season.

RW: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid).

No Ronaldo, no worries we've got Gareth Bale. He has carried the mantle since Ronaldo hit the sidelines by getting vital goals for his team. For the second week running Bale has scored the winning goal for Real Madrid which keeps them in touch in the battle to win the league title

Bale is a player Real can look forward to in years to come.

LW: Eden Hazard (Chelsea).

People ask where he has been all season well he answered with a 45 minutes cameo as he helped Chelsea salvage a draw after they were 2-0 down at half-time against Tottenham. His magic of last season burst on the Stamford Bridge pitch and his performance on the night waved the crowd. He capped of his performance with a great goal which also dented Tottenham's title hopes. 

AM: Sadio Mane (Southampton).

Not many can boast of two Premier League hat-tricks but this Senegalese can. He was involved in all 4 goals scored by Southampton as they thrashed Manchester City 4-2 at the St Mary's over the weekend. Mane scored a hat-trick and assisted another to help boost Southampton's chances of qualification for Europe.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).

Routine win for PSG as they beat Rennes 4-0 in their Ligue 1 fixture. Ibrahimovic scored a brace on the night which takes his tally to 44 goals in 47 appearances this season. Fine wine never gets old.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wes Morgan (Leicester City).

The Jamaican International has been top notch all season, his leadership qualities have come into play as Leicester celebrate what is a fairytale in Sports today. He scored the goal that won them the title at Old Trafford and his never say die attitude has propelled him and his teammates to the greatest achievement they could ever ascertain. They're all legends and Wes Morgan leads the pack.

PLAYS OF THE WEEK (15/03/16).

Sorry we did not bring you PLAYS OF THE WEEK last week, we had to sort out some technical issues and now that is behind us we can now focus on the sport we love; Football. It was another shocking week ranging from the FA Cup and other league games coming through, anyway let's get into it.


FLOP OF THE WEEK: Arsenal (FA Cup).

Earlier in the week the Gunners played their replay fixture against Hull and they went through the fixture easily seeing their opponents off 4-0 on the night. The victory got them a quarter-final tie against Watford, and as usual Arsenal tend to show their consistency of being inconsistent. They lost the game 2-1 which saw them get knocked out of the competition in which they were back to back winners over the last 2 years. Now they've slim hope of getting silverware this season as they're on the edge in the Premier League and Champions League.


GOAL OF THE WEEK: Dimitri Payet (West-Ham).

The french midfielder has been on sensational form for West-Ham all season and he kept doing his what he knows how to do best as he helped West-Ham get a replay in their 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Payet gave West-Ham the lead by scoring a beater of a free-kick, beating David De Gea from 30-35 yards. Enjoy the goal;

SAVE OF THE WEEK: David De Gea (Manchester United).

Without this man in goal for United this season, the Red Devils will not be alive in the top four race or still have a chance in the Europa League. This save showed how sharp and alert David can be but it was not enough to help Manchester United in their 2-0 Europa League win

MATCH OF THE WEEK: Sevilla V Villarreal (Spanish La Liga).

It was a good game for the neutral, goals, comebacks, cards and anything you could grace for in a Football game.

First-Half  started and both teams attacked each other from the start, but it was not till the 23rd minute we saw the first goal, Vicente Iborra gave Sevilla the lead 1-0 to the home team. Six minutes later Congolese International Cedric Bakambu made it 1-1 by scoring the equaliser. It wasn't long before the same man made it 2-1 to Villarreal as the yellow submarines took control of the game. First half finished 1-2 as the visitors won the half.

Second-Half started the same way both teams attacking each other as usual but this time Sevilla put     more pressure on their opponents. The pressured payed off and Sevilla got their equaliser when            Victor Ruiz put through his own goal and the score became 2-2. Sevilla did not rest on their                 laurels and they pushed for another goal which they got rewarded for when Yevheniy Konoplyanka    scored a worldie goal to make it 3-2 to Sevilla. It was time for Villarreal to respond but it was to no   avail as Sevilla scored another goal in the 90th to clear all doubts. Jose Antonio Reyes got the 4th  goal for the home team.                                                                                                                                                             

MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Quique Sanchez Flores (Watford).

Watford have had a above average season so far and they've copped it with a FA Cup semi-final ticket in which they play Crystal Palace. They got to this stage by beating Arsenal 2-1 in their quarter-final tie against Arsenal.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Paris Saint Germain (Ligue 1).

They wrapped up the title this past weekend in style as they beat Troyes 9-0 in their Ligue 1 fixture. With 8 games to go, this is the fastest any team in France has won the league in their history. Congratulations.

COMBINED TEAM OF THE WEEK:

GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus).

The Italian veteran  kept a clean sheet in Juventus 1-0 win over Sassuolo in their weekend fixture and that was his 10th clean sheet in a row for his team which records at 903 minutes. He needs 4 more minutes to break the current record held by AC Milan great Sebastiano Rossi's record.


RB: Allan Nyom (Watford).

He had a solid game for his team against Arsenal as he helped to knock the gunners out of the FA Cup. He totally isolated Alexis and challenged him on every take on the Arsenal forward had. Nyom has been one of Watford's key players all season.


CB: Craig Cathcart (Watford).

The Centre-back had a smashing as he made last ditch tackles to stop Arsenal's shots on goal. Cathcart has been one of the unsung performers for Watford this season.


CB: Timm Klose (Norwich).

The former Wolfsburg player did not give Aguero any breathing space as Norwich were able to crop out a point in their 0-0 draw against the Citizens. It's an added point for Norwich as they look to survive in the Premier League.


LB; Danilo D'Ambrosio (Inter-Milan).

The full-back has been consistent for all the blue side of Milan all season and he showed how good he has been by getting one of the two goals scored by Inter in their win over Bologna in the Serie A. Never doubt a late call up from his country.

CM: Adrien Rabiot (PSG).

The player must have settled his nerves and put his head in the game and this week his quality told. He scored in his team's 2-1 victory over Chelsea which saw them qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals, plus he scored in PSG's 9-0 demolition of Troyes which saw them win the Ligue 1 title.

CM: Dele Alli (Tottenham).

The young sensation had a simple calm and collected game in Spurs 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. The young cub set up both goals for his compatriot Harry Kane as Tottenham continue to push Leicester City for the league title.

LW: Marco Reus (Dortmund).

The tricky forward scored a brace in his team's Europa League fixture against Tottenham (Dortmund 3-0 Tottenham), He also scored in Dortmund's 2-0 win over Mainz in their weekend Bundesliga fixture.

RW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona).

The little magician scored a goal and made up 3 as Barcelona continued their rout sharing spree, this time they beat Getafe 6-0 in their La Liga fixture over the weekend. Arsenal be wary

ST: Romelu Lukaku (Everton).

The Everton forward was able to break his jinx of not scoring against his old club by scoring a brace against Chelsea as his goals knocked the blues out of the FA Cup. Romelu is having the best season of his young career so far, he has notched up 25 goals.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).

He scored a milestone of goals this week, scored 1 in PSG's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Champions League and he scored a double brace in PSG's 9-0 win over Troyes which saw them wrap up  Ligue 1 in style.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).

At the age of 34 his numbers are still on the top, infact this should be his best tally season in his career. The veteran swede has scored 35 goals in 38 appearances this season and he has also scored a 100 goals in Ligue 1, that is in 4 seasons with the capital club. As he said he can play till his 40 and the feature on fine wine seems to be a feature of the swede's as well.