My stand out player to date in my view has been James Rodriguez of Everton FC. He has taken to the Premier League "like a duck to water". The 29-year-old Columbia attacking midfielder was signed in the offseason from Spanish giants Real Madrid for a fee believed to be around 20 million pounds. He signed on a two-year contract for the Toffees. In the opening four games of the season James has scored three goals and assisted two and in general, has been at the hub of everything that Everton have done well in the attacking third of the pitch. A huge factor getting James to the Premier League was the fact that his old manager who he played under at Real Madrid is the current Everton gaffer. Italian Carlo Ancelotti is the man in question that attracted the flamboyant winger to the Premier League. They had a very good relationship at Real Madrid and they wanted to rekindle that at Everton. James has formed a frightening partnership with Everton duo Rich...
As far as inept opening day performances go, this one by West Ham has to be the worst I have ever witnessed as a supporter. Newcastle traveled south with a good squad, bolstered by recent signings Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, and Jeff Hendricks and they bossed proceedings from the first whistle.
It was goals from debutants Wilson and Hendricks that did the damage for the Toon, both scored after the interval. West Ham did have their chances, striking the woodwork twice in the first half through an Angelo Ogbonna header and a Pablo Fornals' effort deflected onto the crossbar.
Callum Wilson simply put, loves playing against West Ham. It was his eighth goal in nine appearances against the hammers. It was a real poachers effort to open his account for his new club. A simple cross, aided by a slight deflection was lofted into the box, Hendricks anticipated to where the ball would drop the quickest. He simply guided the ball into the six-yard box where Wilson nipped in front of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and guided the ball into the net.
West Ham did enjoy a good spell of possession but was finding the Newcastle defense extremely resolute, and tough to break down. Marshaled expertly by Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez, the attacking threat of Michael Antonio and Sebastian Haller were getting no joy in the attacking third.
Newcastle wrapped up things with just three minutes remaining when the aforementioned Hendricks received a pass just inside the penalty area. He had time to look up and pick his spot smashing a right-footed effort into the top left-hand corner.
In summary, from a West Ham supporters' point of view, there is a lot to be worried about based on what I saw. The lack of urgency and work-rate on display was shocking and unacceptable at this level. It's back to the training ground for David Moyes and his squad with plenty to think about going into the clash with London rivals Arsenal next weekend.
Key words and expressions
inept- To have a lack of skill and to be clumsy.
bolstered- To have strengthened in an area that was weak before.
boss proceedings- To dominate a match (to be in control).
debutant(s)- Someone making their first appearance.
woodwork- The frame of the goal is sometimes referred as this.
poachers effort- A sports person who is really alert in and around the penalty area,
anticipate- To think quicker than someone else and imagine what will happen next.
nipped in- To get somewhere un-noticed really quickly.
resolute- To be strong and powerful when faced with pressure.
marshal- To organize something well, with a strong character.
Fill in the blanks with the correct word or expression
It's amazing how Liverpool won the title last campaign. They were superbly ______________________ by the center-back pairing of Van Dijk and Gomez throughout the season.
To have a successful life, in general you must remain _______________________ at all times. Life isn't always easy.
As the possession stats proved, Chelsea _________________________________ against Brighton last night.
I saw a fight at the supermarket earlier. A man didn't wait in line properly. He ______________________ to the front of the line. One man took exception.
I ____________________ series 2 of Game of Thrones to be great. But I felt let down by it.
My boss had to fire my co-worker yesterday for her ______________ displays in the classroom. She received a few complaints from some parents about her poor teaching style.
_______________________________________________________________
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