Corner Flag Talk

CORNER FLAG TALK’S PL POWER RANKINGS-AUGUST -BY COURTNAY TURPIN 10) Jorginho - hard to argue that the Italian isn't the most important component of Maurizzio Sarri’s Chelsea side. The control and guile he gives from the deep lying player maker in Sarri’s 4-3-3 is next to none in the league. 9) Virgil Van Dijk - Since making his debut for Liverpool in February, the Dutchman has been involved in most clean sheets in the league. With Liverpool keeping three so far this season, Van Dijk clearly deserves a spot on this list. 8) Richarlison - Prior to his red card vs Bournemouth, the Brazilian was in fine form for Everton putting doubts over his capabilities and end of season form for Watford last year to bed. Only this low in our power ranking due to the silly red card he obtained. But, with one game left on his ban and his 2-goal scoring debut for Brazil over the international break, we look forward to seeing his premier league exploits for the rest of the seas...

Thoughts on this Year’s Men’s Awards Before I get started, I should put out a disclaimer that I do think individual awards are needed in football. Its all great to be a functioning tool in a team’s system, that at the end of the day may not do anything particularly noticeable, but helps the team perform at the top level’s efficiently, a certain Sergi Roberto and Joshua Kimmich come to mind. However, to truly stand head and shoulders above the elite in world football at the end of a given period should be recognized with something tangible. Albeit these awards may have suffered with respect to their stature due to the era of Messi vs Ronaldo where it seemed like for so long it was not an award just anyone could win; but rather it’s a testament to the level at which these giants of the game were performing at. For the first time since Kaká won the Ballon D’or in 2008, someone other than the afore mentioned superstars has won a major football award. Luka Modric wo...

PREMIER LEAGUE RECAP: WEEK 1 It’s finally started, Premier League season 2018/2019. This summer has been hectic with respect to footballing term, especially for players and fans attached to clubs in England; The FIFA World Cup which was fantastic and largely enamoring, followed by the integration of the shortened transfer window for English based clubs and ultimately, the start of the new season which started 24 hours later. After several changes both in players and backroom personnel for 19 of the 20 clubs (Spurs the exception) the season kicked off under the lights Friday 10 th of August in Old Trafford in the premier clash between Manchester United and Leicester City and the matchday concluded on Sunday with the reigning champions Manchester City taking on Arsenal at the Emirates. Let’s now go into a recap of the weekend. Weekend’s results: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspurs AFC Bournemo...

One would tend to wonder, why would anyone really do a preview for a friendly game? Truth behind it is, for the first time for some time, each club are going through very different period than what their fanbases are accustom to. For Arsenal, it is its first managerial change in over 20 years. a new style, philosophy and everything seems to be on the up. By the looks of things from preseason, Arsenal are on course to win the quadruple... I kid. However, everything around the club, seems different. The responsibilities that have all laid upon Arsène Wenger for years, which may have hindered him from focusing on the team, has now been shared amongst several new roles in the club. All this change spearheaded by none other than Arsenal's chief executive, who, ironically, is linked with a move away. However, despite their efficiency, bringing in 5 players before the second week of July, a lack of funds from consecutive years of missing out the Champion's League and some recently ...

It's quite exciting is it not? New season, new manager and a whole bunch of uncertainty. In this uncertainty lies hope that something special can come from this era, the Emery Era. For some Arsenal fans, Arsene was the only manager they knew, so this period of waiting to see what a new manager has in store is unexplored territory. As for Emery, Arsenal is seen as a fresh start after a confusing time at PSG. Many would consider winning every domestic trophy at least once to be a success, but such were the expectations on his shoulders after the club's massive dealings in the transfer window. As time passed, rumors circulated that he did not even have full control over his squad and was told by those above him to give special treatment so some players, namely Neymar Jr. Now Arsenal is the complete opposite where historically the manager has almost a hand in every area of the club's running, albeit his title is 'Head Coach' and not manager. Thus, brings us here not...