The Brilliance of Anthony Martial

Even as Manchester United's dream of Champions League football ended at the Boleyn Ground's farewell match, the legend of yet another teenage Manchester United star began.

On a rather difficult night for United, both on and off the pitch, heightened by some shameful behavior from West Ham fans, Anthony Martial was superb.

When chances were extremely less, he took every single opportunity that came his way - converting Juan Mata's beautiful drag back from close range for United's equalizer, and then scoring a brilliant solo goal from the wings, beating West Ham's second choice keeper Randolph magnificently at his near post.
Though it wasn't enough in the end, the performance of Martial on Tuesday night just established why he could be the next big thing for United.

When Martial had started his United career on his debut against arch rivals Liverpool, he scored a beautiful solo goal which eventually won United's goal of the year. The fans had been in raptures. The inevitable "next Ronaldo" chants started, while many critics were weary of yet another teenage sensation fading away (remember Federico Macheda's Aston Villa debut goal?). But then Martial scored a brace against Southampton, and continued his season in a manner which revealed not just god gifted talent, but hard work and dedication in chasing down every ball, and a maturity and calmness in front of the stick that lay far beyond his young shoulders.

He kept scoring important goals, moving far ahead of the United pack in terms ofleading scorer, and the United fans loved the kid from across the Pond who seemed to be taking the Premier League by storm.

"Tony Martial came from France" they chanted at Old Trafford. "Cantona are you watching?" they chanted at the Wembley after the French teenager scored a injury time winner against West Ham, to book a place for United in FA Cup's showpiece final, giving them a chance to end their 3 year barren trophy run. The 19 year old equaled Wayne Rooney's goal scoring record, which made him the joint highest teenage goal scorer in United's history, matching Rooney's 17 goals debut season now more than a decade back.

Perhaps no other player in an United shirt has managed to capture the Old Trafford faithful's heart quite like him, barring David De Gea, who doesn't look like he's from Planet Earth at the moment, and another teenage sensation Marcus Rashford, who had a sensational debut season as well.

As Many of United's old guard struggled to find the passion and winning habit that defined the Ferguson era, United's new guard, many of whom had been thrown in the mix due to United's mid season injury catastrophe, have looked more than able to carry on the mantle of United's Legend. Their youthful exuberance has allowed them to play a carefree brand of football which has been a refreshing change from Louis Van Gaal's stone cold tactics.

United's present might not be bleak, considering the upcoming FA Cup final, but it's their future relying heavily on the young shoulders' of players like Martial, Rashford and Jesse Lingard, which look the brightest. 


POST BY : DEBADRIT BISWAS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY OR MID TABLE ANONYMITY: WHERE DOES MAN UNITED FIT ?

In a case stranger than that of Benjamin Button, Manchester United find themselves just a point behind the fourth and final champions league spot, as the Premier League season turns into the final stretch.

Louis Van Gaal has been in tremendous criticism 

Watching them against Manchester City in the 171st Manchester Derby, it was hard to believe that they were outside the top four. A disciplined defense, a well-oiled midfield keeping the supply lines to City's danger man Sergio Aguero relatively dry, and a lethal attacking trio, who showed maturity beyond their tender age. All in all United looked a side who should be comfortably in the top 4 and making challenges towards the Title. And it hasn't been much different against most of the top teams. The only team in the top 7 to have beaten United are Arsenal, in a 3-0 embarrassment at the Emirates. Surprisingly perhaps, United have picked up points against every single of the top 7 members, and  lead the points table when it comes to 'points against top half opponents'.

They beat Liverpool comprehensively both at home and away, thanks to a debut Wonder goal from Anthony Martial at Old Trafford, and a late volley from Captain Wayne Rooney at Anfield. They have won at Tottenham, drawn at the King Power, beaten Arsenal at Old Trafford, drawn with West Ham, and taken 4 points off Manchester City. Watching United play in the big games this season has indeed been a rare
pleasure.

Credits : SkySports

And that is where it has all gone wrong. While United have dazzled against "The Big Boys", they have failed to build any kind of momentum against the regular and bottom half teams. They have had shocking losses against Sunderland and Bournemouth, drawn both games with hapless Newcastle and lost to Swansea. There awful away form has put them in the bottom half of the away points table, managing just 4 points from the last 5 away outings.

They have struggled to break down the dogged away teams from the bottom half at Old Trafford, and have at times been stunned by unexpected goals, most recently at West Brom.

Lingard's screamer against West Brom in United's 2-0 victory.

Despite their shortcomings and fragility, United are definitely still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, but with games coming up thick and fast, with back to back games against Everton (United won their game against Everton 1-0) and Tottenham, Louis Van Gaal needs to sort out the uncertainty in the team.

This Manchester United team has produced dazzling pieces of magic, which has only highlighted the prolonged periods of drab football which their fans have had to endure.The mark of a Title winning team has always been grinding out the difficult results, and unfortunately United still lack the steel and resolve of yesteryears which made them stand out in any football field

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

A passionate football fan and a die hard Manchester United fan for a decade, this dog lover and foodie has the ambition of becoming a doctor. With the motto of making, "the world believe the power of words", Debadrit sure knows how to wield his pen as effectively as his stethoscope. 

The Legend of Johan Cryuff

"If I wanted you to understand it, I would have explained it better"

At 6 PM this Thursday, in a seemingly lazy evening I was just sitting on my couch scrolling through my phone until my eyes fell on a certain article about the unfortunate death of the great Johan Cruyff at the age of 68, who was suffering from lung malignancy. The world seemed to have stopped for a moment. I could feel the blood veins in my head pump while immersing into this sudden numbness. And then dawned the realisation of the fidelity.

An younger Johan Cruyff

Football is a game of strategy and calculation. You induce precise tactics and formation and hope your players execute the plans perfectly. That's a perfect winning formula isn't it? Unless, of course, if you are a Johan Cruyff. He was simply an artist, a painter,who painted in the football field. An enigma, whom the world failed to understand. The genius of the Ajax bred footballer was beyond the knowledge of the football world. And we, the fans, simply watched him to feel good. Through the 60s and 70s, Ajax and Netherlands seemed to have pioneered the revolutionary 'total football'. And Cruyff was the man who put the ideas into action. Ajax won 3 European cups in succession. Dutch football captured the imagination of the world, reaching the World Cup final twice, unfortunately, to lose against the host in both the finals. And the game was played around the boy from Amsterdam. With 33 goals in 48 games for the Oranje and 290 in 519 in the club level, he was one of the most prolific players to have played the game. But in true sense, Cruyff's vision and perception of the game was pristine. He could make passes that others could not. He could spot a run quicker than anyone else. He was a perfect football player in every way.

                                            He was simply special!


It's a pity that he is not among us anymore, yet he still is. There is a Cruyff inside  every kid in the streets of Amsterdam aspiring to play for his nation, he is in every pass, every move in the football pitch. He is alive, can't you see? He is an evergreen figure in the turf, with everything associated to football. Tomorrow morning you will wake up, the world will move on, you will move on. Players will take their positions, teams will score, coaches will win, fans will love and Cruyff? He will keep watching football from somewhere, we are all  unknowingly living, breathing under his grace.

“He had it all – vision, attitude, presence. He was also very flexible, so when opponents tried to kick him he would always anticipate what was about to happen and move just in time. Defenders couldn’t touch him. He would be the provider for the main striker but was a prolific goalscorer himself too.”

 - Ruud Gullit

Dedicated to an amazing footballer, an artist, a loving father and a husband and, more importantly, a lovely human being. Rest In Peace Johan Cruyff.




About the author :- 

Shreyan Mukherji is a student of English literature hailing from Asutosh College, Kolkata! While football, comic fiction and movies occupy the larger chunk of his interests, this dude is a massive sports fanatic and a social worker too.

From Rags to Riches : Why Leicester deserve a perfect ending!

It is not often that one sees a real life transformation of the often quoted "rags to riches", "zeroes to heroes" scenario, far less in such a short period of time, but Leicester City, who have gone from the bottom of the table in February 2015, to 5 points clear at the top of premier league table, look like they are destined to achieve their seemingly improbable dream.

To start it off Leicester have been brilliant. Many critics would still argue such a compliment is not justified, but the fact is that Leicester have been so close to perfect this season, that just brilliant will be an understatement.

Shinzi Okazaki

They have accepted their financial limitations, with Shinzi Okazaki their costliest signing, and have instead focused on building a team which clicks so well, you could hear it from south of London. A team built on pace, Leicester have been drilled  on the dharma of counterattacking, and they do it perfectly. The blistering pace of Jamie Vardy, coupled with the breathtaking Riyad Mahrez, has seen Leicester plunder in goals, against seemingly impenetrable defenses. And not just the celebrated duo upfront, Leicester's success has been its entire team's proficiency in almost all the departments.

Vardy and Mahrez, the lethal Leicester duo

In goal, Kasper Schmeichel  has produced brilliant performances. while not perhaps yet at the level of his father, he is certainly taking steps in the right direction. Robert Huth and Wes Morgan have been solid at the heart of Leicester's defense. Both of them are in their 30s, and fast approaching the twilight of their careers and they are not likely to beat anyone for pace. But they have used their experience and footballing intelligence brilliantly, defending deep, containing forwards, and making timely challenges.

Kasper Schmeichel

In midfield Mark Albrighton, Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante have been revelations. The three of them symbolize the well drilled, hardworking midfield of Leicester, holding excellent positions, tracking back efficiently, and putting excellent forward balls.

Much of Leicester's success can also be credited to the way they do things differently. While most teams love possession, Leicester stand 18th on the premier  league possession charts with just a 41% average, and have based their game on counterattacks. Most team can't justify playing with 2 strikers, Leicester do it day in and day out, and as a result they are at the top of the Premier League scoring charts with 52 goals, sharing the position with Manchester City. The difference between the teams is a whooping 220£ million.

Most teams hate long balls. Leicester pop them forward at every chance, and more often than not, Vardy gets there first.

It would have been a tiny minority who would have believed a few months back that Leicester had it in them to continue their unprecedented flight at the top of the World's most competitive League. But now it would be equally hard to find a critic who has not been, for the want of a better word, touched by the impossible dream of Leicester.

Not bogged down by expectations, the foxes have soared, defying odds and breaking expectations. and now with 9 games to go and a 5 point lead, the League is theirs to lose.

The finishing line is in sight, and maybe, just maybe, the foxes deserve their own fairy tale.



About the Author :-

A passionate football fan and a Manchester United follower for a decade, this dog lover and foodie has the ambition of becoming a doctor. With the motto of making "The World believe in the power of written Words", Debadrit Biswas knows how to wield his pen as effectively as his stethoscope! 

The Blues take on The Reds

2004 marked a great year in the history of Premier League, not just because of Arsenal's golden unbeaten run, but also because of the appointment of Jose Mourinho as next to the throne of newly powerful Premier League side, Chelsea. Not only did the manager secure two back to back but formed a competitive but respectful rivalry with his contemporary Sir Alex Ferguson ( the then manager of Manchester United).

Years have passed since then. Manchester United and Chelsea have been the indisputable forerunners of English football. Immensely successful in both European and domestic competitions, these two clubs and especially their fanbases grew what we now call one of those modern-animosities in club football. Extremely fierce, passionate and attractive, the Reds and the Blues go head to head in a couple of hours at Old Trafford.

The Chelsea duo Fabregas and Costa will be missing their trip to Manchester

A dismal start from the last years champions, this season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Chelsea. Losing to Bournemouth, Leicester city, Southampton was too much to digest for the footballing nation. So much so that it actually led to the sacking of the most successful manager in their club history, Jose Mourinho. It's too early to say that Guus Hiddink ( the interim manager ) has turned things around, but it has been an improvement from the former lacklustre Blues. Diego Costa's brace came as a  much needed respite in last matches 2-2 draw against modest Watford.

Is he the next person poised for United's managerial positon? Only time will tell

Manchester United on the other hand are in a similar tumultuous position. With the fans questioning veteran Louis Van Gaal's reign and a lot of rumours about Mourinho being appointed as his successor if he gets sacked, things have never been tougher for the Red Devils. Without a win in their last 5 premier league games and an unprecedented exit from the Champion League, the fans and the authorities are desperate to turn things around for the 20-time league champions. They come into this match after an embarassing defeat at the hands of low lying Stoke City.

With 8 goals, Juan Mata has been United's top scorer this season

So the stakes are high and the pressure is on, it's a must needed win for the men in red and a desperation to keep the momentum going for the men from London. 

Louis Van Gaal

Mistakes shall be very very costly!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :- 

A movie aficionado and a football fanatic ,Anubhav Chakraborty is pursuing his graduation in English from Maharaja Manindrachandra college.The Founder and Editor of ExPRESS magazine, Anubhav is also an avid traveler and a Social activist. 



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Vardy - A TALE TO TELL !

At the age of 16 he was released by Sheffield Wednesday and almost gave up playing football after he went to earn his living in a carbon fibre company.

Started his senior career with Stocksbridge Park Steels who ply their trade in Division One  South Of The Northern Premier League . Surprised I guess ? Because most of u like me have'nt even heard about this league .

He went on to join Halifax town of the Northern Premier League where he went on to score 27 goals in his debut season and even bagged the “Palyer’s Player Of The Year”award .

He then moved on to Conference Premier League side , Fleetwood Town , where he helped them win the title by scoring 31 goals and he even won the “Player’s Player Of The Year” award. 

Jamie Vardy playing for Fleetwood town , 2012.

He then went on to sign for Leicester City In May 2012 for a non league record Transfer fee of 1 million.

[ Leicester have signed non-league striker Jamie Vardy for £1m. What has football come too. Jesus Christ!!

— Jack Nex (@JackNex87) May 18, 2012 ] - This was the response after the signing ! 

This season has been nothing short of a dream run for the Foxes . The normally relegation battlers have been in terrific form and are currently placed in the top four  of the English Premier League along with giants like Manchester City , Manchester United and Arsenal . 

Yesterday we witnessed something that we will recall for many years to come . Claudio Raneiri's men not only refused to bow down to the mighty Manchester United but also the one with the batton , the one James Vardy broke the legendary Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record by scoring 11 goals in a row. 

[ “Well done, Vardy. You’re number one now and you deserved it. 11 in a row.” Was the ex Manchester United striker's response after the match . ]

He , at 28 , has been the main man leading to Leicester City’s Fine form this season . Leicester city , back on November 20th 2014 were at the bottom of the Premier League table and just a year has gone and they are now at the opposite , more respectable part of the table . His story is an inspiration to thousands of Non-League footballers today and to anyone else aiming to make it big, showing that hardwork and determination can truly take you from rags to riches.

Jamie Vardy , Take a Bow ! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :- 

Rajat Subhra Ta is an ardent football supporter , a die hard Manchester United and Mohunbagan fan . Currently studying M.B.B.S in Manipal College of Medical Sciences Pokhra , he follows tennis and cricket equally passionately ! 

The David takes on the Goliath

This weekend Premier League will see, the top two teams fight it out for the top spot in the King Power Stadium. Leicester City, the current league leader, will host their immediate followers Manchester United on Saturday.

The "underdogs" have surprised us all with their scintillating display of football this season .No one expected them to top the league after a few months of top flight football . But Claudio Ranieri's men have not succumbed to the bullying of the Premier League giants. Loius Van Gaal has described Leicester top-scorer Jamie Vardy as a “nasty” problem for united and a great player, but he will be wary of Vardy’s partner in "crime" Riyad Mahrez. United this season having the meanest defence will look to contain Jamie Vardy. It is also to be remembered that their attack this season has not  been sensational, with only 19 goals scored (the least among the current top 6 teams) the onus will be on Juan Mata (United’s leading goal scorer in the league), Anthony Martial (the young sensation from AS Monaco) and Wayne Rooney (who is still searching form).

Leicester City on the other hand will look to consolidate their current league position with a win like the last season. They will be looking to improve on their record of number of goals concede which remains the highest among the top 4 teams

Kick-off: Saturday 5.30 pm (GMT) and 11.00pm (IST).

Venue: King Power Stadium.

Last season: Leicester City 5 Manchester United 3.

Referee: Craig Pawson.

Leading scorer: Vardy (Leicester city, 13 goals) and Juan Mata (Manchester United, 4 goals).

Trivia: Jamie Vardy could break a Premier League record by scoring in an 11th consecutive game against the very team that the current holder, Ruud van Nistelrooy, set the benchmark for 12 years ago.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR :- 

Subhajit Paul is an ardent follower of football completing his graduation in English from Seth Anandram Jaipuria college . Besides being a football enthusiast , he is a social activist and keeps an eye out for cricket too. 

FORZA EL VISCA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

The stage is set,the turf is ready and the footballing nation is eagered to see the new european leaders as Juventus Go toe-to-toe against Barcelona in Berlin on the 6th of june.

With a chance for both teams to earn a treble with a victory on the 6th, we can safely say that this is not going to be a David and Goliath encounter,on the contrary Barcelona might find it too tough to tame down this excellent Juventus side.Its a chance for Italian football to return at the helm of  European football after an everlasting            

period of European disappointment for Italian sides.Masimilliano Allegri's Juventus has been rewarding the football fans with a scintillating display of football for the past few seasons ,it's the time for the manager to actually return the holy grail of football to the Azzurri's, and we can expect the whole of italy backing them. WIth players like Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal in the squad, nobody can rule out Juventus's chances in their chase for their second treble. We had all witnessed how this tactical defending earned them a spot in the UCL final beating last year's champions Real Madrid. On the other hand,there's this renovated Barcelona side which is a complete turn around from what she was last year.Luis Suarez has been an instant success and the barcelona attack has gained more teeth with the inclusion of the uruguayan and Ivan Rakitic. So much has been the latter's influence that the veteran Xavi had been benched for the greater of the season.Messi is in the form of his life, he has never looked better, Neymar has been effectively doing his bit beside the two greatest players in the world, with 37 goals already this season neymar inarguably is the next biggest thing in the footballing community. 

Its a clash of the giants,the italian defense vs the swift spanish attack, the frightening MSN vs the veteran Bonucci, Chiellini and Evra. Neutral supporters are in the midst of this foliage of a strange yearning where the heart says Juventus but the brain says Barcelona. At the end of the day , let the final befit the huge expectations it carries and let the worthy win ! The crown for supremacy , the pinnacle of European glory has neared its climax !

- Anubhav Chakraborty