Premier League Team Of The Week 5

The team of the week is back. This is an unusual weekend as regards result and goal scorers. Southampton defeated Liverpool at home, Manchester City thumped Manchester United in the Manchester derby...And John Obi Mikel scored his first premier league goal in his 185TH game. So here is it...

 

Goalkeeper:

All Round Sports.

All Round Sports.

Diverting our minds from the high pace NBA 1st round draft pick which saw our very own Oladipo come out tops, the weekend seems to be in full swing with preview of the FIFA confederation cup final.

A mouth-watering fixture between the European/ world champions Spain and the south American giants Brazil promises a lot of action between the two attack minded teams.  Guessing this could be described as the tie of the tournament rivalling the entertaining Spain and Italy fixture. Sure to see the likes of Neymar who has impressed both fans and neutrals alike with his magical foot work and eye for goal and also Fernando Torres to be a surprising starter for spain alongside Iniesta and Xavi.

The finals which kicks off mon 01/07/13 at 11pm promises to be entertaining. Meanwhile, the 3rd place game is for sun 30/06/13 at 5pm. You can as well place your bets on the golden ball nominees Neymar, Iniesta and Pirlo.

No worries about misfiring strikers btw....no Gambo gambles. #bless

By @idibia_

UP, CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH B-RED(HKN).

Up, Close & Personal with YEMI: B-red(HKN) Talks Money, Fame, Women, HKN, School and All with Yemi.

YEMI: Hello, tell us who B-Red is

B-red: My name is Adebayo Adeleke, my artist name is B-red, I'm the 2nd out of four and I play the drums, sing and produce music. I'm an artist signed to my cousin Davido's record label HKN.

YEMI: How was it like growing up?

B-red: I was born in America in Atl, and then moved back to naija @ the age of 5 and from then I've been going back and forth from Nigeria to America and school too.

YEMI: Cool... Now we all know why you’re always dripping the Yankee Swag! It’s from birth. Lol..

So, how and when did you start music?

B-red: Music… ummm… I started playing the drums at the age of 6 then started singing and producing @ the age of 16. I Started with a group in Atl, kb international. Me, Davido! Sina and this jamoo guy named Jamrock for a year then moved to Lagos with HKN music.

YEMI: Wow! That's massive. Means you started music a long time ago.

YEMI: Have you produced any major track in the Naija music scene? Or do you have anyone of your productions coming soon?

B-red: No. Nothing major yet but co-produced 1 or 2 tracks on the O.B.O album and yea the next track I drop I’ll do the drums. lol

YEMI: That's nice. So I guess it’s safe to say you contributed to the Dopeness of the O.B.O album as regards beats. Personally, I can't wait to hear the next track you are dropping. Who's the best producer you've worked with in Naija?

B-red: Lol. No, Shizzi did all the dope beats and the best producer I've worked with is Shizzi..

YEMI: Haha.. But you contributed...

B-red: Yes

YEMI: That's wassap! Shizzi is dope. He kills every beat. Compared to other artists, do you think your rise to stardom was easy or difficult?

B-red: Ummm… I'm on my on lane and it was not easy. It was difficult ‘cause you have to go through some struggles but I'm still pushing to get to the next level.

YEMI: I like your spirit. Still on your grind. So there are several rumours flying around that you left HKN for D'Ark entertainment. Are these rumours true?

B-red: No comment.
I've always been HKN.

YEMI: HKN still. That's wassap! What inspired your hit single 'insane gal'?

B-red: Umm… it was just a good day and Shizzi woke me up that let's work and everything came through like a freestyle, then O.B.O walked in and blessed the song.

YEMI: Wow. You prolly didn't even know it would turn out to be a hit song. I must confess, the video is slick too. When should we be expecting to see the 'Long Time' video?

B-red: I swear I did not know and I’ll be shooting long time in a few weeks

YEMI: Haha.. I would have said I know that feeling but sadly I'm not an artist :( ..lol.. Can't wait to see the 'Long Time' video. When is your album coming out?

B-red: I'm not really thinking of an album now.

YEMI: So I guess we'll just keep expecting more singles for now then. Just to for the doubting fans, Shina Rambo is your blood brother?

B-red: Yes more singles, videos and shows for now.
And yes Sina Rambo is my older brother.

YEMI: Oh cool. We gon keep blasting your jamz. And I see that the 'yankee sweg' runs in the blood. Giving that lots of your fan are the ladies, how do you handle so much attention from these female fans?

B-red: Umm @ first it was exciting to me but now it’s a normal thing. I've done shows everywhere with Davido across the world so I'm used to it now.

YEMI: Oh I see. So is B-red single or are you in a relationship? 
B-red: Hmmm can this question not be asked? lol

YEMI: Lool. Ok then. So I have like three questions left for me to ask.
How would you describe your ideal kinda woman?

B-red: I wouldn't say I have a specific type. I just like a woman that has class and is independent. And sexy of course.

YEMI: Raaa! I think class and independence is sexy too :D . How has Music and the fame affected your personal life?

B-red: Lol. Can't really go to school again so I'm doing online school‘cause the first time I went to school in a Naija uni they chased me and my bro Sina so it was crazy and also now I really can’t go to most public places without security. I have to travel up and down, and it’s tiring but we still love it, and staying in shape.

YEMI: Hahaha... I can only imagine. Hope they didn't catch you?LOOL

B-red: Lol. na

YEMI: Haha.. Fastest runner. Quick question by the way. I remember back in the day, you used to be one best basket ballers and you were also one dope footballer in high school. Do you still shoot hoops and play soccer?

B-red: Yes, I still play B.ball and football, but more of football on my free time.

YEMI: Now I see how u stay fit. Where do you see yourself in 5years?

B-red: In 5yrs I see myself @ the top....very top

YEMI: Amen to that Gee!!!
So before I leave, I'd like you to say a word or two to the upcoming artists out there.
B-red: Just keep working harder and anybody can blow. Dreams come true, just ask Obama.

YEMI: Yessur! I like that. That's wassap!. Thanks a lot for your time for this interview on the LSS Social blog. Really appreciate. We'll be looking forward to more of your jams. God bless yah!

B-red: 

(y)

Premiership Team Of The Week

Premiership Team Of The Week
 By Busari Isa Olalekan

It was another rip-roaring weekend
in the Premier League and a
number of players stood out
enough to make the Team of the Week. There were some brilliant games on Saturday, but the drama was topped off in style between Manchester United and Southampton.
There were many great performances, it was a tough decision process but we are confident we have the best starting XI from this latest round of fixtures.

1. GK – Vito Mannone, Arsenal


The young Italian’s future at Arsenal
appeared over following a disastrous
performance against Olympiacos in the
Champions league last season, but
injuries have given him his chance and
he is taking it well. Two clean sheets in two games. Mannone made some quality stops at Anfield against Liverpool and his form has meant the Gunners aren’t missing usual number one Wojciech Szczesny.

2. CB – Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal


The left footed defender had his day against Suarez and Borini. The gunner captain controlled the defence in a manner we've not seen since the days of Sol Campbell.

3. CB – Gareth McAuley, West Brom

The Northern Irishman seems to be
thriving under new manager Steve
Clarke and he was instrumental in the
Baggies continuing their brilliant start
to the season against an in-form
Everton and outstandingly keeping out Marouane Fellaini and Nikica
Jelavic while also grabbing the goal
that sealed the victory with a powerful
header.

4. CB –Vincent Kompany, Manchester
City

The Citizens’ captain was his usual
imperious self in the heart of defence
against QPR on Saturday and made
sure there would be no repeat of the
comeback Mark Hughes’ men made in
the final game last season, which nearly derailed City’s title hopes. The
Londoners grabbed an undeserved
equaliser in the second half, but
Kompany made sure his men did not
throw it away this time.

5. RM – Hatem ben Arfa, Newcastle
United
The Frenchman is a special player whenon song and he most certainly was against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Toon were one down at half-time, but Ben Arfa topped a display full of skill and creative with an outstanding goal.

6. LM – Raheem Sterling, Liverpool

At only 17 years old, Sterling is showing everyone what an exceptional talent they have in their ranks at Anfield. The young winger was easily the most impressive player in red and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. He caused lots of problems for the Gunners defence and came close to equalising in the first half, seeing his shot hit the post.

7. CM – Santi Cazorla, Arsenal

Arsene Wenger said Arsenal were lucky
to have such a player as the Spaniard
after the game against Liverpool and he was not wrong. Cazorla has hit the
ground running in the Premier League
and was finally rewarded for all the
chances he has been creating so far. His pass set-up Lukas Podolski for the first and the German striker reciprocated for Cazorla to fire under Pepe Reina and seal the three points.

8. CM – Paul Scholes, Manchester
United
Every time the veteran United
midfielder puts in a display like this, Sir Alex Ferguson gets warned about the difficulty he will have replacing him. The Old Trafford side were struggling at Southampton when Scholes was introduced, but this changed soon after he came on. The 37-year-old was his classy self and played like...Paul Scholes

9. CF – Steven Fletcher, Sunderland

It was a successful debut for the
Scottish striker at unbeaten Swansea
and he showed why Martin O’Neill was
prepared to pay Wolves £14million for
him. Two quick goals at the end of the
first half – one lovely finish and one
good predatory play – got Sunderland in the lead and Fletcher proved that he is a player that belongs in the top flight.

10. CF – Robin van Persie, Manchester
United

It doesn’t seem to matter what shirt the Dutchman is wearing, he simply deals in goals. His game-winning hat-trick at Southampton was further proof of his world class ability. He showed good mental strength to put an embarrassing missed 'panenka' penalty behind him to seal the win deep into injury time and the three goals exhibited the different facets to his game - all of which he does outstandingly...And HE SCORES WHEN HE WANT.

11. CF - Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

Well he played like Tevez of old (before the-self-enforced sabbatical).

Memorable mentions to Brad Freidel, Brad Guzman, Moussa Dembele, Morgan Schneiderlin and Andy Carroll who fail to make the cut.

 Premier League Best Striking  Partnership

By Busari Isa Olalekan (@noting2live4)

After Manchester United confirmed
they have reached agreement with
Arsenal for the transfer of Robin
Van Persie to Old Trafford, Sir Alex
Ferguson may have just
formulated the greatest strike
partnership the Premier League
has ever seen.
If the return of last season's top two
scorers is anything to go by - Van Persie claimed the Golden Boot with 30 goals in 2011/12, while Wayne Rooney netted a career best 27 league strikes - then the Red Devils will pose an attacking threat unrivaled by any other club in
the country.

Manchester City's short dynasty of
success could already be drawing to a
close, if the two players combine and
work as spectacularly well as is
anticipated.

Over the years, there have been some truly brilliant combinations, with United alone boasting some of the most feared forward partnerships in the English top-flight.

£24million is a lot of money to pay for a player who is approaching his 30th birthday, and that's before you even consider the Dutchman's horrific injury record. But, the combination of two players at the peak of their powers
really does wet the appetite for the
forthcoming campaign.

In tribute to the new-look Rooney and Van Persie coalition, we
attempts to identify the Premier
League's best from the rest...

2.     Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton |
Blackburn Rovers [1994-95]:

In 1993/94, Blackburn finished as
Premier League runners-up behind
Manchester United with an impressive
tally of 84 points, but having scored
just 63 goals in what was then a 42
game season. Alan Shearer netted nearly half of those goals (31), and needed someone to share the burden, prompting the £5million arrival of Chris Sutton who had amassed 25 goals for Norwich City that year. The pair linked up superbly scoring 49
times as Blackburn beat United to the
title by a solitary point, and it remains
the Ewood Park club's only top-flight
title in its current format

                    

3.  Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole |
Manchester United [1998-99]:

Widely regarded as one of the most
prolific strike partnerships in the
Premier League, the pairing of
Newcastle United's Andy Cole and
Aston Villa's Dwight Yorke looked to be
a match made in heaven for Sir Alex
Ferguson. The duo played an important role in Manchester United's famous treble winning campaign, contributing 53 goals between them. But, after the
emergence of Ruud van Nistelrooy,
their playing time became limited.
Yorke and Cole were reunited during a
brief spell at Blackburn, but failed to
rediscover their best form.

4.     Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn |
Sunderland [1999-2000]:

In many ways, this Sunderland duo
were one of the most unlikely prolific
partnerships. Just a few years prior to
the Black Cats' maiden Premier League
campaign, Kevin Phillips was playing in
a struggling Watford side in the old
Division Two, while Niall Quinn was
entering the twilight of his career at the age of 33.
The classic 'big man - little man'
combination thrived off each other, with Phillips claiming the European Golden Boot after a return of 30 league goals -his greatest ever season as a
professional. Quinn also notched 14
times, which was his second highest
top-flight tally during a 19-year career.

5.  Michael Owen and Emile Heskey |
Liverpool [2000-2003]:

After Gerard Houllier paid Leicester City £11million to bring Emile Heskey to Anfield, big things were expected of the 'little and large' partnership with Kop idol Michael Owen. In the three seasons they spent together, Liverpool qualified for Europe every year, winning the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup, managing to score 105 goals together. The relationship was also utilised at international level, with Heskey and Owen seen as England's first-choice striker pairing for a number of years.

6.  Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Chelsea [2001-02]:

When Chelsea first signed Fernando
Torres from Liverpool, Blues fans will
have hoped that the £50million man
would strike up a deadly relationship
with Didier Drogba to at least rival that
of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd
Hasselbaink. That partnership rose to prominence under Claudio Ranieri, with the Icelandic and the Dutchman scoring 52 goals in all competitions in 2001-02. Unfortunately, their prolificacy faded thereafter, with both players leaving Stamford Bridge - Hasselbaink headed

for Middlesbrough in 2004 while Gudjohnsen moved to Barcelona two
years later.

7. Thierry Henry and Dennis
Bergkamp | Arsenal [2000-2006]:

Two of Arsenal's most celebrated
strikers played alongside each other for six seasons under Arsene Wenger,
notching more than 200 Premier
League goals between them.
What Dennis Bergkamp started, Thierry Henry finished - it was that simple for the Gunners, who celebrated a league and cup double with the forwards at front, as well as playing their part in the 'Invincibles' campaign of 2003/04. Bergkamp retired in 2006, bringing to
an end their prolific partnership, with
Henry swapping north London for Spain with a big-money move to Barcelona a year later