Sports – Maine Thoughts

Football Focus

Posted on 2 Oct 2014 by mainethoughts

Last week’s action in the Premier League

Wasn’t last week full of excitement? Well yes it was – for some teams more than others. Manchester United were certainly in good spirits last week Saturday as they managed to grab a 2-1 win at Old Trafford against West Ham. Wayne Rooney just can’t seem to keep his leg down as the newly promoted skipper received an instant red card for – what some might call a ‘fierce’ tackle. Leicester City travelled to Selhurst Park only to find their jubilant spirits deflated as Crystal Palace defeated them 2-0. Whereas Manchester City seemed to have had a blast at the KC Stadium after knocking 4 goals past Hull City. The Tigers managed to grab 2 consolation goals, but didn’t quite have the panache to get the victory.

The derby clashes managed to end well for all sides involved as we witnessed draws at The Emirates and Anfield. Steven Gerrard almost had the last laugh with his critics after firing home a brilliantly taken free-kick to give Liverpool the lead. But Everton skipper, Phil Jagielka – in the dying embers of the game! – showed Gerrard he could bend one in too, with a stunning cracker, resulting in a 1-1 draw at full time. Arsene Wenger almost added more grey hairs to his scalp when his side came close to their first defeat of the season. Spurs’ Nancer Chadli slotted one in to put the visitors ahead, but it wasn’t long until Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tucked a goal away, leaving the match at 1-1 at stoppage time. Chelsea sealed yet again another seamless victory, with their 3-0 win against Aston Villa.

Matches in store for this weekend

This weekend’s games are undoubtedly going to have many highs and lows. Aston Villa are one of the many teams that kick off at 15:00pm, as they go head to head with Manchester City. Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge, ahead of what might be a tough test against Chelsea. Tottenham play host to Southampton – who have kicked off their premier league campaign with a flying start! Graziano Pelle will surely be looking to find the net again, as the forward has been looking prosperous for The Saints. Everton trot off to the North West of England for their clash with Manchester United.

Hot Topic of the week

Both Everton’s Men and Ladies may not have got a victory last weekend, but it was the Ladies who will be finding the defeat harder to stomach, as their defeat meant relegation from The Woman’s Super League. Read here to get the full news: http://www.gaff.tv/news/everton-ladies-relegated/

FIFA 15

Posted on 25 Sep 2014 by mainethoughts

Gaming fans brace yourselves! There isn’t long to go now until the release of EA Sports’ FIFA 15, as the popular game officially hit stores this Friday. With a range of new features and even more dynamic gameplay, gamers are most definitely going to be in for a treat once they get their hands on the new edition.

One of the many exclusive features – which I’m sure gamers will be pleased about – is that you are now able witness players showing emotion and intensity based on the events of that particular game. With over 600 new emotional reactions, you can be sure to expect disappointment, joy and frustration displayed more uniquely by your favourite players during crucial moments – missed tackles, missed chances, penalty decisions and many more! – in the game.

It gets even better! As goalkeepers have been completely transformed for FIFA 15, you can now expect them to be much more responsive than they were in the previous edition. There are a variety of save animations that can be witnessed, making the gameplay exciting and realistic as can be.

Tomorrow be sure to get a copy, as they – without a doubt! – will sell out fast. Once you do, make sure you get on that settee, sit back, relax, turn on your console and enjoy what might turn out to be one of the best of the lot.

Football Focus

Posted on 23 Sep 2014 by mainethoughts

Last week’s action in the Premier League

What a week we had witnessed! Last weekend’s fixtures were full of plenty goals and surprises to say the least. This season might just prove to be the year of the underdogs, as the likes of West Ham, Leicester and Crystal Palace have been showing the big teams that they mean business in this year’s campaign. The clash between Leicester and Manchester United was one filled with action and beautiful end-to-end football. United took the lead courtesy of two brilliant goals by Robin Van Persie and Angel Di Maria – who is showing Van Gaal and the fans that he was a valuable investment. The Red Devils’ lead was short-lived as Leicester came from behind and went all the way to grab the winner, as they fought tooth and nail for their 5-3 victory.

Arsenal continue to keep their fans happy with their unbeaten run with 3 goals – in the space of three minutes! – against a lacklustre Aston Villa side. The Gunners 3-0 win comprised of goals from Danny Welbeck , Mesut Ozil and Aly Cissokho, who accidently slotted one past Villa keeper; Brad Guzan. Daniel Sturridge’s injury woes is seemingly affecting Liverpool’s morale after they suffered a 3-1 loss against West Ham. Manchester City managed to disrupt Chelsea’s consecutive winning streak, which resulted in both sides grabbing a point. Frank Lampard proved to be a super-sub as he found the net in the dying minutes of the game, making the match 1-1 at full time.

Matches in store for this weekend

This weekend’s fixtures will be sure to have you glued to your settees! There is an array of exciting matches. We have not only one but two derby clashes! Liverpool host Everton at Anfield just after 12 noon. Whereas Arsenal battle it out with fellow north Londoners; Tottenham. Can Chelsea get back to their winning form against Aston Villa? Villa travel to Stamford Bridge, there is no doubt that they will be looking to redeem themselves after last week’s heavy defeat. Manchester United will also be looking to restore some of their pride when they go head-to-head with West Ham. It most certainly won’t be a walk in the park, especially if The Hammers put on a repeat performance that gave them a comfortable win against Liverpool last Saturday.

In other news….

FIFA 15 is coming out on Friday! The game is undoubtedly going to sell like hot cakes; you better grab a copy as quickly as you can. Gamers are most certainly in for a treat as the game play has improved considerably.

THE BORUSSIA DORTMUND INTERNATIONAL KIT 2014/15

Posted on 19 Sep 2014 by mainethoughts

PUMA are pleased to unveil the Borussia Dortmund 2014/15 International Jersey. This will be the official kit sported by the Bundesliga side ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign.

The BVB jersey comes in the traditional bright yellow colour with the sponsorship logo providing the only colour contrast. This year’s jersey boasts a simple but stylish collar design which is a new look compared to the crew-neck style of the 2014/15 Home jersey.

Marco Reus Sporting The UCL 14/15 Kit — Marco Reus

The PUMA logo is represented on each side of the sleeves with the main one situated on the top-left. The BVB crest sits across with the two stars, which are symbolic of Dortmund’s five Bundesliga titles, directly above it.

The Champions League 2014/15 attire is completed with black shorts and long yellow socks. Dortmund fans can purchase the full kit or the jersey on the official club website, with the name and number of their favourite player emblazoned on the back.