WanderlustSport

Aside from the fact that death is getting closer, one of the unpleasant things about growing older is that you hear the same things over and over again about practically everything, including football. You heard all the hot opinions from young, intelligent people who believe they have found the goldmine of knowledge when Sam Leitch aired Football Focus, which was once known as Football Preview, fifty-five years ago.  I say this to show how foolish it is to believe something is completely unique, not to claim to be an authority on the subject. We've all been there, so you have to be careful not to be condescending or snarky. It does drive you crazy, though, when someone says something so basic that it must be the most creative thing you've ever heard.  This is especially true when they mistakenly believe that you are a certain type that they believe defines your generation and that you must unavoidably fit in. For instance, when Manchester United was demoted, they said, "Se...

After defeating Sheffield United in a thrilling play-off final, Sunderland has returned to the Premier League. Don't be so cynical, guys, please, please, please. In the Premier League, promoted teams have recently had a difficult time.  Despite heavy investment, Southampton almost set an unpleasant record this season, and teams like Luton, Burnley, and Ipswich were unable to make it. When football fans analyzed Sheffield United and Sunderland's chances of surviving before this season's Championship play-off final, they came to the conclusion that, ironically, the Blades are more Premier League-ready despite losing with 16 points and 104 goals given up just the previous season.  They finished the Championship campaign comfortably third with 90 points, 22 ahead of play-off semi-final opponents Bristol City, who they easily defeated. However, after securing their play-off berth, Sunderland had a terrible regular season. It was a thrilling victory over Coventry City under Fran...

The German season came to an end on Saturday, and Sky broadcast every game. Ironically, it only served to highlight how much fun it is, even after winning the league. Furthermore, England is ranked third, fourth, or even lower in the fun ruler when it comes to a legitimate Serie A title race. The match between Chelsea and Manchester United was usual; it wasn't a particularly bad game; it was just nothing. It seems that men who had never played football and were not planning to do so now were playing the game. And this season has been like this. It makes you want Alan Smith to exclaim, "Christ, this is so boring." Instead, his voice has a timbre that is permanently disappointed. Do you recall the days when these games were quite competitive? No longer there. Completely gone. It's difficult to deny that money and enjoyment are inversely related. Stamford Bridge was blatantly evident. They weren't even playing, but I would assume they were only doing it fo...

Following Wednesday's Europa League final defeat, Man Utd has responded to Ruben Amorim's invitation to depart Old Trafford without receiving any compensation.  Prior to halftime, Brennan Johnson's strike gave Tottenham their first trophy since 2008, and the Red Devils lost 1-0 to conclude a dismal season. It has been a miserable season for Amorim, who was reportedly already discussed leaving earlier this season, and the Portuguese manager offered to leave without pay on Wednesday following Man Utd's loss to Tottenham.  Amorim took over as head coach of Manchester United in November, but the team's Premier League performances and results have not improved under the Portuguese manager. Man Utd is currently 16th in the league going into the final weekend of games, with the Red Devils winning just ten games this season. "At this time, I will not be here defending myself," Amorim declared. I find it quite difficult, hence I am unable to accomplish it. "I...

Forest has given the rest of us faith that Man City will reach funny new heights under Pep Guardiola's leadership, and they are still in the running for the Champions League.  Having won seven of their last eight games, Nottingham Forest was tied for second place with Arsenal and as near to Liverpool (6 points) at the top as Newcastle sixth in mid-January. They widened the gap to seven points by the beginning of April, moving up to sixth place. No matter the level, playing in Europe is an incredible accomplishment for Nottingham Forest, who ended 17th last season with fewer than half the points they have won so far this season.  However, after a run of one win in six games allowed the more conventional (let's call them dull) competitors to enter, it will be a blow, if not a crushing one, to not qualify for the Champions League after holding one of the spots for so long of the year. With one game remaining and Forest holding a Conference League spot, it's likely that we wil...

Even while a lot of modern football has changed into physical and tactical warfare, success still heavily rests on individual quality, as this weekend has painfully brought home. Oliver Glasner's team won the FA Cup after Eberechi Eze took advantage of his huge chance for Crystal Palace at Wembley, while Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush did not show up for Manchester City. Jarod Bowen's genius turned a 2-0 deficit into a huge fright that Nuno Espirito Santo's team had to endure after West Ham gave nothing at all for more than 80 minutes against Nottingham Forest. Black-and-white supporters were understandably alarmed to learn that Alexander Isak had not been cleared to play in Newcastle United's match against Arsenal. Those concerns turned out to be valid. Aside from giving it away to give the visitors their first significant chance on goal, David Raya was on course for an absolute worldie, even making up for that error twice over with a fantastic double save. The fir...

With Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United impacted, Chelsea will be active during the "exceptional" early transfer window added for Club World Cup signings. Dean Huijsen [From Bournemouth to Real Madrid or Chelsea] According to the incredibly ambiguous most recent rumour, Chelsea wants A Winger and A Striker to arrive in time for the competition, therefore it is inevitable that they will be busy. However, it is obvious that they are interested in Huijsen and that they will have fierce competition for him. They may not mind if Chelsea's desperation stops a summer-long auction because Bournemouth is unlikely to obstruct the center-half and a £50 million release clause puts it mainly out of their control anyhow. Although Huijsen "dreams" of Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso may have a bright center-half in his new team, Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the running. Trent Alexander-Arnold [From Liverpool to Real Madrid]  By opting to fly the coop, one of their own...

Right now, Chelsea supporters are primarily discussing two topics: will we make it into the Champions League? And if we don't, will Enzo Maresca continue to work? "Probably" is the response to both questions.  The Blues will finish fifth at worst with two victories over Manchester United, an embarrassment, and Nottingham Forest, a team that looks eager to snatch defeat from the jaws of triumph. Their chances are favorable. No matter how obvious Maresca says the "improvement" is, his employment will be in grave danger if they don't qualify. How many times did Chelsea finish in the Champions League [places] over the last two years? And we have spent practically the entire season there this year. Is it better or worse? Already, things have improved.  He's not incorrect. With two games remaining, Chelsea has now tied the record set by Mauricio Pochettino last season, and the Italian is already feeling the effects of his quick start. If Chelsea's ...

The Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur is something to look forward to. Despite their domestic issues, they have been the two finest teams in the league this season.  In stark contrast to their Premier League performance, Spurs have been strangely comfortable in Europe, as Ruben Amorim's team is still the only undefeated team in the European competition this year. They defeated Athletic Bilbao 7-1 overall, including two three-goal victories. Even though the second leg on Thursday had a hint of drama, Old Trafford never really went into panic since Bilbao was unable to score a second goal. Amorim chose the same starting lineup that had dominated in Spain because he didn't want to take any chances in a competition that United had to win. This time, things were never going to be as simple as they had been in the first leg, and even without the Williams brothers, who were both sidelined due to injury—yes, that Inaki Williams, who once played 251 c...