We are the champions!

Chennai Come Out On Top When It Matters

So with the IPL now having been completed I'll look back on what was another successful tournament. Firstly, I'm delighted to see that I got my IPL Prediction right, regarding the four semi finalists. I was slightly out with their final standings but never the less its always nice to get the prediction correct. Secondly, Well done to the Chennai Super Kings for winning the tournament despite almost being eliminated before the knockout stage. They were led by a great captain in MS Dhoni whilst also showing that they do not rely on only one or two players. The likes of Vijay, Raina, Murali, Bollinger, Ashwin and all played a key role in guiding them to their first IPL triumph.

As for their finalists, the Mumbai Indians, what on earth were they doing not bringing in the likes of Pollard and Tiwary earlier? They were by far the best team in the tournament but such is sport that one wrong decision and you could be facing defeat. A special mention has to go to Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis for superb batting displays during the tournament and well done to Ojha for finishing with the most wickets in the tournament. The biggest disappointments for me were the Kolkata Knight Riders, who promised so much but failed to deliver. As for individual players who disappointed, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden failed to light up the competition while I was expecting a little more from the likes of Lee and Yuvraj from the Kings XI Punjab and Morgan and Taylor of the Royal Challengers. I'm glad they still managed to make the champions league though which will be staged in South Africa. With the expanded IPL next year its promises to continue to build on what is the games biggest domestic tournament in 2011 hopefully.

My Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Sheffield United (H)

Steve Harper (6) - I felt he was troubled with a few of their corners and did not command the six yard area the way a keeper should. He did well elsewhere though.

Danny Simpson (7) - A very good performance from Danny. He may have given away the corner which led to their goal unnecessarily but he had a solid game. Involved in the second goal while he contributed to our main attacks and he defended well. I feel a lot more positive about him now.

Mike Williamson (7) - Another good performance from Mike. He made a stunning defensive block in the first half and his defensive partnership with Colo is looking really positive.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - Like Williamson, Coloccini too had a good game. He made a great tackle to prevent a dangerous United attack in the 2nd half, while there were a few other notable challenges from the Argentinian.

Jose Enrique (7) - He sure looks another class in this division. He was good down our left even though today was not his best game of the season. His strength and ability to keep the ball despite being in tough situations is quite admirable.

Wayne Routledge (7) - He seemed to be our main spark in the 1st half but should have bagged at least one goal tonight. He still looks a good buy and I'll be looking to him to have a big season in the premier league for us next season.

Kevin Nolan (7.5) - He gets an extra rating point just for that brilliant finish. A goal worthy of winning any game. He also thread through a delightful ball for Routledge in the 1st half and he seemed to be up for it tonight.

Danny Guthrie (7) - A decent night for Danny even if not spectacular. His creativity in the middle is something that gets us going. Hope the injury is not too bad.

Jonas Gutierrez (6.5) - He was again up and down tonight. He gave the ball away at times but on other occasions he went on some excellent runs. Almost scored with a beauty too.

Andy Carroll (6) - I remember thinking after about 25 minutes, Is Carroll playing tonight. If it wasn't for two fouls he gave away I wouldn't have known. He got us the penalty and had a better 2nd half but I'd like to see him become more involved.

Peter Lovenkrands (6.5) - He scored the penalty with a neat finish but he too didn't have the busiest 1st half. He does run good angles though and almost scored in the 2nd half too with a few shots.

Substitutes

Shola Ameobi (6) - Not the same impact as the last time but then again he didn't have many minutes to play with.

Joey Barton (N/A)

Ryan Taylor (N/A)

Man of the Match: Kevin Nolan

Player Ratings vs Preston North End
Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Messi, Lampard march ahead in March!

From one footballer to the next, my award to the best sportman in the month of March goes to Lionel Messi. The magical Messi, scored an astonishing ten goals in the seven matches he played in, including two hat-tricks. He guided Barcelona to the quarter finals of the champions league while they also head the table in La Liga. When on the ball, few can argue that he is simply breathtaking to watch. The way he simply glides past defenders, with skill and speed its a joy to behold. What makes him stand out more, is that he plays with a smile and tends to just want to get on with the football when fouled and diving is not part of his game, as is for many other footballers these days. He has always been compared to Diego Maradona since he started his playing career but to me, he is fast becoming the best player of this millennium thus far. His attitude is very admirable and with performances like this past month, the world player of the year might be keeping that crown for a few years to come.

My award for outstanding individual performance of the month of March, goes to Frank Lampard. The midfielder scored four goals against Aston Villa in Chelsea's massive 7-1 win over the Midlands club. Albeit two of those goals were penalties, he was still simply outstanding, along with majority of his Chelsea teammates. The fact that it was an Aston Villa side, who reached the League Cup final, are currently still in the semi finals of the FA Cup and are sitting in the top 8 of the league makes the achievement all the more remarkable.
It is also the sixth season in which Lampard has scored 20 goals or more, which for a midfielder is unprecedented. We all know Lampard to be consistent but the display against Villa was fantastic to see. For now, I look forward to hopefully seeing him at the World Cup...