The Snub Heard Around the World

To shake or not to shake...

Apparently the younger of the Ferdinand brothers chose not to shake, which is appropriate, since it was just a match played in the schoolyard by a bunch of kids. Oh, wait...it wasn't? It was a grown man pretty much causing a tantrum in front of millions of viewers worldwide? Oh that was very mature of you, Anton. NOT! There was a lot of speculation as to whether or not Ferdinand was going to shake the hands of John Terry and Ashley Cole ahead of Saturday's Chelsea-QPR match, even more so than the game itself. It pretty much turned out exactly how people expected it would, Terry and Cole, the only two adults out of the three apparently, were all ready to shake the hand of every QPR player, until Ferdinand obnoxiously and obviously skipped the hands of the two Chelsea players. No one would have really thought much into it, unless Ferdinand didn't make such a big deal about it. Now, I'm not just saying this from the point of view of a Chelsea fan, Ferdinand was clearly making a big deal out of something as simple as a handshake. JT's good name has been cleared, and I, as well as everyone else I'm sure just want all of this to be over. But no, Ferdinand had to remind us all, and prove how childish he was in the process. Well, thats enough on that! Cole and Terry were the bigger men, and hey, it's not like JT isn't used to people snubbing him on the handshakes (Wayne Bridge...this means you). Next time, let's try to keep the personal problems off the pitch gentlemen. 

Now onto the game itself! The result was a 0-0 draw and honestly, I'm okay with that. There was a fast, high intensity energy throughout the match and either side could have come up with a goal. Chelsea had a few amazing shots on goal, stopped by new QPR keeper, Julio Cesar. Unfortunately (for everyone else, not QPR obviously) the Brazilian legend chose to end his time with Inter in Serie A, to play for the prem in England, and out of all the teams, he chose QPR. Actually, a majority of QPR's starting line up was sort of a whos who of rejected players from around Europe. I mean, they were pretty busy in this transfer window, I guess its time to break the new guys in. Park and Fabio from Manchester United, played well, Park is even QPR's captain. Fabio was subbed out in the 20th due to injury, poor guy can't catch a break. Why he would choose to play the exact same position as his twin brother is beyond me, obviously the better one will get to play, Fabio only had 5 starts for Manchester United last season, his twin, Rafael getting the rest. But you know what, I'm rooting for him at QPR, it's your time to shine Fabio, show us what you've got! Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora both came from Fulham, and actually work extremely well together, unfortunately, Johnson went off in the 33rd, also due to injury. Another newcomer, Jose Boswinga, from Chelsea, umm have fun...I didn't like you anyway. 

The Chelsea subs immediately made a difference, Daniel Sturridge, a player who I really want to see more of, both for England and Chelsea, I think he's just great, and Moses with his first start really widened things up for Chelsea, the away side, and had some magnificent crosses. For now, Chelsea is still at the top of the table, with Manchester United in a close second, who also won this weekend (boo who cares), just in case you were wondering. :) 

But the team that impressed me the most this weekend would have to be Arsenal. Sure it was against a newly promoted Southampton side, and 2 of the 6 goals were own goals from them but, still! Since the news of Van Perise's exit this summer everyone was a little nervous about how Arsenal was going to fair without him, and apparently its not too bad. Of the 4 goals scored by the Arsenal players, there was one by Podolski, two by Gervinho, and one by Theo Walcott, exactly the people you would expect to step up with Van Persie gone. My fav Oliver Giroud replaced Podolski in the 75th, a goal is coming for him soon I can feel it!

Now onto the team that made me the most sad this weekend. I want Liverpool to do well, I really do, I just don't know what the problem is! Luis Suarez is one of my favorite players ever, and he was the savior of this game against Sunderland, scoring the tying goal in the 71st after having conceded one in the 29th. Liverpool's starting line up is full of stars, their captain Steven Gerrard, Borini, Daniel Agger, Glenn Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Stewart Downing, and of course Luiz Suarez, so then why are they currently 17th in the table? Sure its early in the season but, they have yet to win a game so far this season, drawing 2 and loosing 2. This is a club with great history, and one that I really respect, I hope that as the season progresses, things look up for them. 

Another disappointment, Spurs (I could care less if they continue to suck or not) managed their first win of the season against newly promoted Reading, and are currently in the middle of the table with 5 points. 

Man City could also only manage a draw against Stoke (hahahahaha!!) I also need to mention that I just finished watching the Newcastle-Everton game and it was fantastic! Thats why this league really is the best in the world, even a game between sides like these can be edge of your seat nail biters! Everton was the better team throughout the first half, deserving the lead at half time, until Newcastle really stepped it up in the 2nd half, starting with an equalizer from Demba Ba in the 49th minute. But it was the last 10 min that really were spectacular. 2 disallowed goals for Everton, one, an offsides call that didn't seem to be offsides, and the second, a ball clearly over the line, but not according to the linesman. Just when you thought it was over, Victor Anichibe scored what seemed to be a game winner for Everton in the 88th, until Demba Ba came back 2 minutes later in stoppage time to equalize for Newcastle yet again! The game was really great!

Next time....

Now if you thought this week in the prem was great, just wait until tomorrow. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been waiting for so long it seems for the return of my favorite league in the whole entire world! There are so many games I wish I could watch them all! I can't wait to watch my Chelsea defend their title against Juve on Wednesday. The most exciting game on Tuesday will definitley be the group of death match between Real Madrid and Manchester City...too bad I hate them both, here's to Dortmund and Ajax winning that group! (sighhh I can dream can't I?) I do love every game in this league though, and Europa League on Thursday! It's going to be an exciting week in the soccer world, enjoy it! May your days be as beautiful as the game we love!! Ciao!!!!

Calcio Queen