It was a night of celebration for Romelu Lukaku, Everton’s striker, who scored two heroic goals that helped defeat Chelsea, but just to be overshadowed by a controversy from the Chelsea striker, Diego Costa. Videos of Diego Costa’s attempt to bite Gareth Barry, Everton’s midfielder, late in the game was the center of all sports media. Following Costa’s ruthless actions, he was shown a second yellow card by referee.
It is still, however, questionable if Costa actually bit Barry as it was unclear on TV and no visible mark was to be seen on Barry’s neck. After the match, a Chelsea spokesman said that Costa discussed the issue with the club officials and rued his decision to react in such a way, but was certain he did not bite. Barry and Everton’s manager Roberto Martinez were supportive of Costa, saying, “It’s nothing to be worried about.”
Similarly, in the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Luis Suarez, a Uruguayan striker, bit a defender after frustrations of not scoring a goal. Consequently, he received a four-month ban from any official soccer activity, including training with his new team, Barcelona. Costa’s consequences may not be as hefty, but he could still face a lengthy ban from playing, which would be a huge blow for Chelsea.
Fergie: With 3 points to spare, Leicester City will win the league
Who can doubt a former veteran manager who had won 13 league titles with the Red Devils, Manchester United FC?
It has been a crazy year for the English Premier League. Just before the season started, bets for Chelsea, Man Utd, and Liverpool were flooding in, with not so much for Lecister City. (9-1) Chelsea now sits at at the bottom half while Man Utd and Liverpool are fifth and sixth respectively. Lecister City, on the other hand, is on top with a five-point lead.
It is not only Alex Ferguson who fancies Lecister’s chances, but also the stats. Sky Sports has proposed that Leicester City has a 44% chance of being crowned champions, 34% of being runner up, and 97% chance of finishing in the top four.
Sky Sports’ statistics on Leicester City’s chances in the English Premier League. Right: Claudio Ranieri
Title race over? Barcelona 8 points ahead after another master class
With 37 games unbeaten, Barcelona was the heavy favorite to win against Getafe, a team fighting against relegation, in Nou Camp—Barcelona’s home stadium. Despite surprisingly excluding Suarez from the starting eleven, the difference didn’t show. Juan Rodriguez gave Barcelona the lead within eight minutes after the whistle, followed by Munir El Haddadi, Neymar da Silva, and Lioinel Messi. Even though Messi missed a penalty, Barcelona still achieved a lopsided 4-0 victory.
Messi against Getafe player Leon. Messi proved himself, again, as one of the world’s best players, if not the best, through an excellent selfless showing.
The impressive score sheet was trivial to Barcelona’s brilliant performance; however, several youngsters stepped up and showcased promising performances. On top of that, Barcelona was able to win without their key striker, Suarez. It showed Barcelona’s versatility and massive talent in the squad, which is absolutely necessary to emulate the treble they achieved last season.
Runner-up, Athletico Madrid, are now lagging behind by eight points and will need some luck to conquer the Catalans.
Stanley Park
It is still, however, questionable if Costa actually bit Barry as it was unclear on TV and no visible mark was to be seen on Barry’s neck. After the match, a Chelsea spokesman said that Costa discussed the issue with the club officials and rued his decision to react in such a way, but was certain he did not bite. Barry and Everton’s manager Roberto Martinez were supportive of Costa, saying, “It’s nothing to be worried about.”
Similarly, in the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Luis Suarez, a Uruguayan striker, bit a defender after frustrations of not scoring a goal. Consequently, he received a four-month ban from any official soccer activity, including training with his new team, Barcelona. Costa’s consequences may not be as hefty, but he could still face a lengthy ban from playing, which would be a huge blow for Chelsea.
Fergie: With 3 points to spare, Leicester City will win the league
Who can doubt a former veteran manager who had won 13 league titles with the Red Devils, Manchester United FC?
It has been a crazy year for the English Premier League. Just before the season started, bets for Chelsea, Man Utd, and Liverpool were flooding in, with not so much for Lecister City. (9-1) Chelsea now sits at at the bottom half while Man Utd and Liverpool are fifth and sixth respectively. Lecister City, on the other hand, is on top with a five-point lead.
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Jamie Vardy, the leading goal scorer of the English Premier League, celebrates his goal against Aston Villa. |
Sky Sports’ statistics on Leicester City’s chances in the English Premier League. Right: Claudio Ranieri
Title race over? Barcelona 8 points ahead after another master class
With 37 games unbeaten, Barcelona was the heavy favorite to win against Getafe, a team fighting against relegation, in Nou Camp—Barcelona’s home stadium. Despite surprisingly excluding Suarez from the starting eleven, the difference didn’t show. Juan Rodriguez gave Barcelona the lead within eight minutes after the whistle, followed by Munir El Haddadi, Neymar da Silva, and Lioinel Messi. Even though Messi missed a penalty, Barcelona still achieved a lopsided 4-0 victory.
Messi against Getafe player Leon. Messi proved himself, again, as one of the world’s best players, if not the best, through an excellent selfless showing.
The impressive score sheet was trivial to Barcelona’s brilliant performance; however, several youngsters stepped up and showcased promising performances. On top of that, Barcelona was able to win without their key striker, Suarez. It showed Barcelona’s versatility and massive talent in the squad, which is absolutely necessary to emulate the treble they achieved last season.
Runner-up, Athletico Madrid, are now lagging behind by eight points and will need some luck to conquer the Catalans.
Stanley Park