The words Controversial and Outspoken spring to mind when you think of Joey Barton. But even more so is the word ‘frustrating’. On his day Barton is as good as any midfielder in the Premier League, but has let his off-field dramas and his temperament overshadow what a fine player he really is.
There is no doubt that Wayne Rooney’s actions last Friday were reckless and once again he showed signs of his uncontrollable bursts of madness. Never the less, any talk of not taking the Manchester United striker to next summer’s Euro 2012 needs to be stopped straight away.
Liverpool FC, a club with a fantastic history, a superb and loyal fanbase, considerable global stature and a resurgent side made headlines for all the wrong reasons this week. Ian Ayre, the club’s managing director, floated the idea that Liverpool was considering negotiating the rights to their overseas TV deal on an individual basis.
So we are eight games in to the new Premier League season so far and already seemingly the entire country has chosen either champions Manchester United or their noisy neighbours Manchester City as their pick as title winners this season.
Arsenal spent over £50m this summer on seven new first team players. Most of them have been immediately thrust into the team and after seven games, we are starting to get a picture of how good these players can be.
As I watched Arsenal produce a dominant second half display against Sunderland, there were clear signs of improvement in a team that has had a horrific start to the season.
Ok City fans, dust off your Aston Villa celebrations and get ready for the first game in what could possibly define our whole season. Ok so the Manchester derby is coming too early for it to make or break a title challenge but certainly is still a big game. The biggest however takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday as City look to put their Champions League campaign back on track
So, what can I say? Same old Liverpool, failed to capitalize on arguably their best performance of the season against a spirited if lackluster Manchester United side. I don’t think many people would disagree that Liverpool played United off the park on Saturday. Out-fought them and out-thought them.