NEXT GEN SERIES (part 1)

The semi final matches for the next Generation series were played today, (What is Next Gen Series?) with three out of the four semi finalists being English clubs.

Arsenal V Chelsea: The first of the two matches was a London derby played near sunny Lake Como, Italy.
Arsenal were one up at half time through a Akpom goal. The ball was rolled to him and it would have been more difficult to miss. 1-0
 Chelsea came out much more determined in the second half, and equalised after a saved Baker penalty was met by the inrushing Feruz. The Arsenal players fell asleep after the penalty save and Feruz simply reacted quicker than anyone else. 1-1
 Chelsea then went infront for the first time. Baker didn't seem affected by the penalty miss and took aim from around 35 yards out. The keeper expected the ball to bounce higher than it did, and it went under his embarrassed arms. 1-2
Boga made it 3-1 to Chelsea when he met Kiwomya's cross at the back post after 64 minutes and Chelsea looked set for the final. 1-3
But then a remarkable comeback was ignited. With three minutes to go Akpom was once agin found with a cross from the right. He managed to bundle home his second from 6 yards out. 2-3
Arsenal then made it all square with a minute or so left. Gnabry, who has had a few first team apperances for the Gunners, produced a moment of individual brilliance. He skipped past his marker before firing low in the far corner. The margin for error in the finish was very close to zero. 3-3
Into extra time, and only one goal was needed for Chelsea to hold on to victory this time. Swift picked up the ball and went past is man on the by-line with a nice bit of skill, before squaring it to captain Baker who scored his second, with what proved to be the winner. 3-4 FULL TIME
 Chelsea move on into Mondays final.

International Team of the Week

While the international break was not as good as we all know the Premier League would have been, the players who really performed for their country over the past week should still be noticed.

THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK TEAM OF THE WEEK

BUFFON: Started his week conceding two against Brazil. There was not much he could have done about the goals, but he did make a good save against Neymar. His real performance was on Tuesday when Italy faced Malta. He was truly professional other than the moment he gave away a penalty, but being the outstanding keeper he is, he saved it.

Janmaat: Decent against Romania, but set up two out of the three goals against Estonia and almost had another one.

Varane: Made his debut for France against Georgia and looked very comfortable. He also featured against Spain and once again played well, but his only regret will be a missed header at the far stick from a corner.

Sergio Ramos: A highlight of the Madrid defender's career came against Finland, where he made his 100th Spain cap, and on the momentous day he managed a goal from a corner. Also played well against France and kept teammate Benzema quiet.

Lahm: Played well enough against Kazakhstan the first time. He supported Muller fairly well going forward. When Germany faced Kazakhstan days later he was much more impressive. playing more as a winger than a wing back, and after an amazing run set up Gotze for the second goal.

Gago: Against Venezuela he was fantastic, both defensively and when playing with a more attacking mentality. It was the more attacking mentality that meant he split the defence with a couple of fantastic passes.

Van der Vaart: Even as a sub he was the man to spark the Dutch victory over Estonia when he scored the opener early in the second half. Against Romania he was taken off early in the second half, but not before he scored the early opener.

Young: Was the star man against the formidable San Marino, and also scored the pick of the 8 goals, with a right-footed belter. Came on as a sub against Montenegro, however didn't really do much, but it was for his San Marino performance that he got in this team.

Reus: Didn't feature in the first of the two Germany Kazakhstan matches, but in the second he scored two of the 4 goals and was a threat throughout the game.

Balotelli: Was very lively and had a handful of chances from start to finish against Brazil, would have scored more than the one he did if it wasn't for some decent saves from Brazil and QPR keeper Julio Cesar. When Italy travelled to Malta Balotelli was incredible - the man of the match and a million miles ahead of the rest. Two goals, but that's not even half of the story - was amazing throughout.

Van Persie: Poor first half against Estonia. Missed a sitter in the second but did manage to get his name on the score sheet. After mixed reviews against Estonia he was the man of the match against Romania, with the assist for the first and the second and third he scored himself, meaning he has now surpassed Cryuff for Netherland goals with 34.


PLAYER OF THE WEEK: BALOTELLI - was fantastic in both of his appearances. Three goals in 2 sounds pretty good but that doesn't even come close to saying how good he was, especially against Malta.