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Episode 54 - Lopetegui Under Pressure and Amorim's First Big Test
22 Plays18 days ago
Nick joins Mikey as they discuss if Lopetegui can survive at West Ham after their loss to Leicester, Ipswich’s struggles, Amorim’s early impressions and his first big test away at Arsenal, and finally, looking ahead to Thursday evening’s games.
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Transcript
Introduction and Fixture Preview
00:00:08
Mikey
Hello and a very very warm welcome to the Daily English Premier League Podcast brought to you by none other than GSPN. My name is Mikey and today I am joined with Nick. How are we pal?
00:00:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm good looking forward to tonight's fixtures recording before the Wednesday evening game, so big games tonight.
Review of Tuesday Night's Results
00:00:29
Mikey
yeah absolutely and it's a pleasure to be back after what feels like a long time we've had the international break december is a hectic month for me and i know that no one's actually bothered who's listening to this but it's good to be back talking all things premier league and what other than A place to start for me would have to be Tuesday night's results and I'll quickly tell you that the results and Nick I'd love to get your insight into what you thought about those games. and They're a bit indifferent but we had Ipswich at home to Palace and Palace came away with ah a way win which was a very very
00:01:08
Mikey
a good result for them, maybe an expected result, but a good result all the same.
Ipswich vs Palace: A Closer Look
00:01:13
Mikey
And then ah the other game we had was Leicester against West Ham. Ruud van Nistre Roy's first game in charge for Leicester. And let's be honest, quite a woeful West Ham side this campaign so far. um Let's start with Ipswich and Palace Park. Did you manage to see that game?
00:01:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so I was chose to write a match report on this game, and I wish I'd picked the other game. This game was woeful. Ipswich failing to win at home again. They've still not won a game at home, which is a massive thing for promoted sides. You feel like they need to make their home ground a fortress.
00:01:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Palace getting their first away win of the season and they've got five ah They got points in five of the last six games now and the one they didn't they got a red card in against Fulham so it feels like Palace are going in the right direction now they they've changed their system slightly against Spurs and beat them at home and since then the Eagles are soaring a
Ipswich's Season Challenges
00:02:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
bit. They're up to 16th now Ipswich I don't really know what's going wrong they They feel like they're having close games all the time, but they just can't get the goals to get them a point, get them a win. Obviously, your against your team United, they probably should have won. Liam Dilak just couldn't score. And then yesterday, they were struggling to create chances against Palace, and at home, you need that atmosphere. It didn't feel like there was that atmosphere, despite it being a late-night, mid-week game.
00:02:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think, I wouldn't say these teams are going in opposite directions but it feels like Palace are trying and and almost successfully pulling themselves away from this relegation battle whereas Ipswich can't seem to quite fit the jigsaw piece in the right places to get the results to try and pull away from this as well.
00:03:16
Mikey
Yeah, it's it's interesting because I really agree with what you're saying there. It's which for me have been a team that have ah what you could say is have been quite unlucky. At the start of the season, their performances against really big teams city in Liverpool stand out for me at the start of the season. And they really took the game to those teams. And
Leicester vs West Ham Analysis
00:03:39
Mikey
and they've played good football like you said last week against United, um it was they deserved the win but they're stuck at 19th in the league and Palace for them really that between those two teams that was a six-pointer I know that after today's games Palace could drop back into that ah relegation zone and they're definitely within that but as you said the trajectory seems to be with them at the minute and going forward
00:04:08
Mikey
I just think it it seems a little bit dismal because as you say, yeah home form is where you your Premier League status is won and lost in my opinion ah and at the minute it's which seemed to be not managing to grind out these results.
00:04:26
Mikey
And I do think the Premier League isn't forgiving enough and it'll probably bite them on the bum. So they they are well within the thick of it.
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I.
00:04:35
Mikey
They're nowhere near out of the race at the minute. I think it's very much a chance where they can pull that back together. But yeah, I do agree with you. I think they need to find these results against teams that are in and around that area um because it will will prove difficult coming to towards the end of the season.
00:04:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i I was saying on one of the previous episodes, it feels a bit like Luton last year, where they were having good performances, especially at home. But Luton had the atmosphere at home. It doesn't really feel like Ipswich have that same atmosphere yet. And maybe it's just because it was Palace, it wasn't a big team. but I don't recall it being insanely flight fiery against United either. So it's similar in the sense that they're playing well, not getting results. But we saw what happened to Luton eventually.
West Ham's Performance Critique
00:05:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
They went down. So it feels like it's going to go that same direction to me at the moment.
00:05:33
Mikey
Yeah, yeah, definitely think you could be right. And ah the next game that I wanted to talk to you about was Rude Vanisteroy's Homecoming. His first gaming charge for Leicester. And Jamie Vardy was on the score sheet in less than two two minutes in two minutes. And it was it's fairly comfortable. Tuning up. And then a late goal from West Ham. Saw it go 3-1 in the end.
00:06:01
Mikey
and what was what was you did you did what What was your opinion on that game? What did you think?
00:06:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
The result didn't quite feel representative of the game. ah Obviously, Leicester go ahead and get the win, which is great for van Nistroy in his first game. But West Ham came close a lot. They probably should have equalised while it was 1-0 to Leicester. They were doing well in the second half.
00:06:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, less to get that second, they get the third and the game's over and you only get the late, full-cred goal off the bench in injury time. And we've seen today ah David Ornstein has said that Lopatek, where he's under severe pressure, and similar to Wolff, in my opinion, I think by not sacking him, they're delaying the inevitable but inevitable a bit.
00:06:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
and i don't know how much of it is his fault and how much of it is just i can see he brought in so many of the players i was gonna say maybe it's the squad's fault but he brought in so many of those players in the summer there's just no physicality and pace in that team edson alvarez again yesterday was really poor i think he has a case of being the worst player in the league so far this season I think they need to just get rid of Lopategui before it gets too late and just sort of refresh things possibly.
00:07:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe get a manager who'll bring a bit more legs in January if they have the money to do so.
00:07:28
Mikey
Yeah.
00:07:32
Mikey
Yep.
00:07:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, it was a weird game. I don't think it was three. The three ones not representative.
Why Choose Zencastr for Podcasting?
00:07:41
Mikey
Yeah, no, I do agree with that. I mean, they've spent big and and they were targeted for like big things because the the signings in my opinion were very good. ah There just seems to be a lack of cohesion at the club. And you're absolutely right. I don't know an away result where you have 61% of the possession. You've got a total of 31 shots, 10 of which are on target.
00:08:08
Mikey
you've made 591 passes in comparison to just under 400 passes and then you lose 3-1 for me as a manager as a coach if you look at those stats the only thing that your players aren't doing are converting chances because you're dominating a game you're creating the chances but they're not converting them so is it Is it a lack of clinical finishing in their attacking ah quarters? Or is it, are they just, I don't know, i don't what is the issue there? Because Leicester clearly aren't defending or or stopping them. I didn't see the game myself, but they're not doing enough to stop them getting the chances. Is it just having clear cut chances that is the issue?
00:08:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think there were only a handful of chances where you go, oh, they really, really should have scored that.
00:08:57
Mikey
Right.
00:08:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think we've it's been the ongoing story at West Ham for a few, ah probably near a decade now, of getting the striker that will score goals. Because every season, it's we've got this new guy.
00:09:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was full cricket this year. And there's been a little spell of Ings recently. But they're always reverting to Mick Antonio and he's got a proven record of scoring but it's not to the levels that they will need to continually like push towards what they want which is clearly European football because they did it two, three years on the bounce.
00:09:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think a lack of clinical finishing, like you said, is a big issue. Bowen and Kudas feel like there are only two players I look at and go, oh, you're really exciting when Paquetta's not playing. And I think he can be a bit inconsistent. So they ah obviously they played Arsenal at the weekend and they were terrible against Arsenal.
00:09:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as much as the stats are flattering to them in this game, I think it's more of an outlier in a game they should be winning anyway against a team that is expected to go down.
00:10:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
the so yeah i think Like you said, I think you'll go.
00:10:13
Mikey
Yeah, definitely on the side, you know.
00:10:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he'll go but I just I don't think I don't know how much of it is his fault like I was saying I think that I just don't think the squad has the pieces in it to be a great team like people may be expected at the start of the year.
00:10:27
Mikey
Yeah.
00:10:35
Mikey
Yeah, yeah, definitely cutthroat Nick what we've got today. We talked about two games and he's got rid of two managers already. I love it. Anyway, Nick, tell us about, gia no, tell us about Zencaster, please.
00:10:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently. If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencaster.
Arsenal vs Man United Preview
00:11:11
Mikey
Beautifully done. And as we segue into our second part of today's podcast, we're going to quickly gloss over the games that will already be results. um And we're going to just touch on some of the bigger games that we want to talk about. And I wanted to start with that with Arsenal and Man United. Big game. ah I haven't been on since Amarin has taken over.
00:11:39
Mikey
and
00:11:42
Mikey
i don't I don't think you can expect miracles in the first couple of games and to happen, but I am pleasantly um surprised at what's coming out of of Old Trafford and especially listening to him. I think he's really insightful. I think he has a very clear agenda of of of what he needs to do.
00:12:08
Mikey
He's managing the press extremely well. He's setting a high expectation what seems like coming out of the club and that's what needs to happen. ah He's not scared of ah ah bringing players into the side or dropping people. He has clearly got and a game plan.
00:12:28
Mikey
hasn't managed to execute it. He talks about what the players aren't doing as of yet. ah But he can see that there's a process happening. And I think it's quite exciting to be able to get to that point. Are they need to are they where they need to be? Absolutely not. Are we any closer? I would still say absolutely not. But for me, as a person who who didn't know anything to do with ah the new manager when he was coming in, I am very pleasantly surprised at how he came across. He seems, he's very articulate, he's got a footballing brain and I also think he's got an excellent managerial ability to to how he speaks about players and his decisions I think works well as a Premier League manager which is comparing him to to Eric Tenharg and how he sounded in front of the camera sometimes
00:13:24
Mikey
made you doubt him a little bit. And and e he speaks speaks later really well. i But all that being said is they are going away ah to the Emirates tonight, which we will both be tuning in for, and I'm sure. Yeah, so I'm sure the test will be there. Arsenal probably need a decent result, but this game's never easy for either side. um So it's a tough one to call.
00:13:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I I expect us to win just because I mean objectively with a better team at the moment.
00:13:58
Mikey
Yeah.
00:13:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
So and obviously we're at home. We've beaten United at home the last five seasons. So I'd expect us to be confident with finding we found form the last three, four games.
00:14:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we're going in the right direction. Obviously, United have are going in the right direction, but I don't think the results necessarily matter too much for United at the moment. They're more of a bonus to the performances. If Amorim can get them playing, how he wants them to play, you lose. I think that's more important currently than necessarily getting the wins.
Can Arsenal Outperform United?
00:14:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
So for this game, obviously, we play we played this system against Sporting last week and won 5-1. It was incredibly comfortable. I don't expect it to be as comfortable because it's it's united. We seem to almost come down almost to your level sometimes when we play. you but It's going to be a really interesting game because it's his first big test. Like you were saying, the way he speaks, I think, is so important because we had it with our tester as well. You come in, you have someone who is just honest about your team, and he will not fold to the media. And when you compare it to Tenharg, I'd watch it from a neutral perspective and watch Tenharg speak and go, yeah like I don't know how you can buy into this and believe
00:15:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
in him to actually go on and do things so for your club so but already looking at Amorim it's such it's such a big improvement already even if you you don't see the changes he's playing the right players you look at Amor Diallo and how he's playing at right wing back and you can't comprehend how he wasn't playing under 10 hard so I expect Arsenal to go to still win this game but I think it'll be tougher than it was against 10 hard sites.
United's Position and Potential
00:16:01
Mikey
Yeah, definitely. um The thing, you know, ah what's really mad for me is that United have had a terrible season, by all accounts. um But they're starting ninth position, and if they were to win tonight,
00:16:17
Mikey
The teams above them, the ah you know for United to get into six plays, which is mental, um and only a point behind City are Forest Spurs and Brentford, who have all got tricky games.
00:16:29
Mikey
So I'm not saying United are going to win, but the three points off being like in contention for fighting for Europe again. It's not it's not uncomprehendable.
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that middle of the table is so close in there. That middle of the table is ridiculously close.
00:16:38
Mikey
Pardon?
00:16:40
Mikey
Yeah, absolutely.
Global Sports Podcast Network Promo
00:16:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it doesn't it't feel like some teams should be there like United.
00:16:41
Mikey
And you're right. the other
00:16:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It feels like you should be so much further down when you're looking at the teams above them like Forest who have done so well, Spurs who are inconsistent but generally doing well.
00:16:46
Mikey
Yeah.
00:16:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
you see Brantford there it feels a bit weird but they're unbeaten at home so yeah it feels weird that you United are there and if they were to do the upset tonight you maybe start thinking maybe Champions League is possible this season but so
00:17:14
Mikey
Yeah, absolutely. ah so It's a wonder day so wonder if United can actually deliver. and That's the true question. But we here at the GSPM spend a lot of time delivering and depending on our platforms that we might be using. And we end up choosing that Zencaster was the one for us.
00:17:37
Mikey
um However, ah we've already talked about Zencast, so why would I do that? Have you got the GSPN advert in front of you?
00:17:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, I do.
00:17:45
Mikey
Can you do it for me, pal?
00:17:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
This podcast is part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only network bringing you exclusive daily news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League women's football and fantasy football. A unique listening experience that puts fans first, bringing you the very latest breaking news from your team.
00:18:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
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Bournemouth vs Spurs Prediction
00:18:12
Mikey
um yeah you saved me there pal well done haha don't know where that's gone it just disappeared off my screen ah so we're into our final segment and we've got a couple of games to talk about which will be tomorrow because this is a Wednesday edition of the podcast um and the tomorrow games are Fulham against Brighton and Bournemouth against Spurs let's start with Bournemouth Spurs um two teams that will be desperate for three points. um And you know what what kind of re result do you think we could be expecting from these two?
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I kind of expect Bournemouth to win. Weirdly enough, I think I got a bit of a soft spot for Bournemouth. I like quite a lot of the players, especially in yeah ah and an attacking sense. But Bournemouth at home, I have a feeling that they'll get the win against Spurs. It's two very similar systems as well in terms of they both press really high and We were just talking about the table and teams in places you don't really expect. Bournemouth almost feel lower than I would have expected them to be based on the results you've kind of taken notice of. So they're in 13th on 18 points, Spurs are 7th on 20 points. So it'd be a massive swing in the table should Bournemouth beat them tomorrow night. So
00:19:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
It will be a very close game I think. I think both games tomorrow will be close and pretty entertaining to be honest.
00:19:52
Mikey
Yeah, and it's interesting to to mention though, with would you saying the Bournemouth win, each of Tottenham's last five away Premier League wins have all been to nil, including that and famous victory against City not so long ago. um So yeah, it'd be quite interesting. Clive has been involved in six of his last Premier League ah appearances. So he's been involved in six goals, ah five goals and one assist. So I'm sure he'll be someone to um watch out for in that game. And as you say, they do both play very similar. and They have a very similar setup. so
00:20:33
Mikey
It will be telling to see which one comes out of first, but I can see goals in that game. and If I was a betting man, goals galore would definitely be where I'd put my
Fulham vs Brighton Match Expectation
00:20:43
Mikey
money. ah Then let's jump on to the last game, which is a Fulham and Brighton.
00:20:49
Mikey
and it's It's again another interest interesting result. You'd you'd expect a Brighton win, probably. um But yeah, why are you putting yourself on that one?
00:20:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah ah I think I'd expect to Brighton win Fulmer very difficult to go to but I think Brighton have been a better team I think on Friday against Southampton they showed a bit of complacency even though they were only one goal up they were the far better side in the first half and then towards the end of the half they seemed to be cruising a little bit they came out the second half and We're still the better team but still cruising and then obviously Southampton get the equalizer They should have had a second if not for they are ruling out a pretty fine goal in my opinion So they'll be looking to bounce back. I think They if they're the better team at the moment, but only marginally and obviously it I think Fulham have the issue of They can't get a striker
00:21:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
to perform as well similar to the West Ham we were talking about at the moment. I think Jimenez is doing better of than we would have expected but maybe they should still be doing a little bit better.
00:21:57
Mikey
Mm.
00:22:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think they were they played really well at the weekend against Spurs, arguably should have won as well. So it'll be another really close game I think but I would give the slight edge to Brighton.
Brighton's Top-Four Ambitions
00:22:17
Mikey
Yeah, definitely. in Brighton will have a challenge, you know, to push on. ah They're in the top four as we speak and ah made slip out of it today, tonight, um yesterday, Jesus. and But yeah, um they they they I think they'll have a great chance to and go back into the top four at cra mc Craven Cottage.
00:22:39
Mikey
um And it's testament to them. you know They've really showed up again this season and and and brought those those results. And they're a team to beat. It's a hard team hard team to beat. Fulham are indifferent for me. i don't I don't think they've offered anything other than what a mid-table side might do. And I should imagine that's where they'll finish.
Podcast Conclusion and Social Engagement
00:22:58
Mikey
uh but it will be remain to see on Thursday night um as always Nick it's been wonderful having you uh with us it's been great to be back on a podcast if you are listening do make sure that you check out our socials send us any comments any messages at GSPN English um and yeah tell us if you think we're talking absolute nonsense or not uh give us your opinion on all things football But for me it is goodbye.
00:23:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's goodbye from me.