September began with a bang, as club returned competition after the international break, bringing with it demonstrations of resilience, doubt, history-making, one-touch volleys, and an impromptu sit-in(?) in this week’s Top Five of the Week:
1. From the ashes they rise
Remember Chelsea’s shocking opening weekend loss to Burnley at Stanford Bridge?
It now seems like a distant memory not because it happened about a month ago, but because Antonio Conte’s squad left it buried in the past with a string of three consecutive victories since then.
More Top Picks What Age Can A Child Be Screened For Irlen Syndrome
The latest win came Saturday with an impressive performance at King Power Stadium against Leicester, 2-1. Alvaro Morata is looking more and more like the quality striker he -and Chelsea fans- hoped to be, and the defensive prowess that earned the admiration of the soccer world has gradually returned to its peak form from last season, only giving up two goals since the Burnley loss.
After four matchdays, it is safe to say the champion is back.
2. Lack of ammunition in Madrid?
Speaking of Alvaro Morata, his former team does sure miss having him right about now.
This weekend’s surprising 1-1 draw against Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu revealed an Achilles’ heel in what is arguably the best roster in the world, line by line: the lack of striker options off the bench.
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo has been serving his suspension earned in the Spanish Super Cup, so there is nothing Zinedine Zidane can do about that. However, it has become evident that the void left by Morata was not filled by someone of equal or greater value. Borja Mayoral was kept in Madrid this season after several loan spells, but it is clear the team does not quire trust him yet to step up when Karim Benzema is absent, as will be the case for the next month or so.
With Champions League action starting this week, Zidane is facing one his toughest managerial challenges to date. How will he figure this one out?
3. Bundesliga makes history…and a statement
Women have served roles in men’s soccer at the club level, with some being assistant referees and even being the main official at lower-level competitions.
Until today.
38-year-old Bibiana Steinhaus became the first woman to be the head referee of a match in one of the top five European leagues (Germany, Spain, England, Italy, France), officiating the Hertha Berlin-Werder Bremen 1-1 draw on Sunday. Steinhaus made her way to the top with experience in the lower division of German football -most recently in 2. Bundesliga with 80 matches under her belt- and the Frauen-Bundesliga, Germany’s women’s league.
September 10, 2017 marks the date Steinhaus became a pioneer for women officials in top world soccer, and the day the Bundesliga rose to another level of institutional greatness.
4. The real Inter is back
Don’t look now, but Inter are becoming a legitimate contender for the Scudetto in Serie A.
The Rossoneri are one three teams in the breakaway group atop the standings in the Italian league, along with Juventus and Napoli, all with a perfect nine points in three matches. But Luciano Spalletti’s side is arguably the most impressive-looking of them all, so far. Mauro Icardi has been in incredible form, being the top scorer along with Paulo Dybala, Ivan Perisic is proving why Jose Mourinho was so keen on signing him, and the aquistions of Borja Valero, Matias Vecino, and Milan Skriniar have provided a real boost, after seasons of failed acquisitions. Most importantly, it looks like the players found a manager they trust and believe in Spalletti.
Today’s victory against Spal provides this week’s Goal of the Week, courtesy of the aforementioned Ivan Perisic.
5. Get off my lawn!
Anyone who grew up playing the game encountered the angry neighbor whose porch or backyard is invaded by flying soccer balls.
One woman in France decided to make a stand -or a seat in this case- to defend her yard.
A French amateur Sunday league match between home side Juillan III and Tarbes FC was interrupted after a local resident, tired of balls flying over her fence during practices and matches, took matters into her own hands. The exasperated woman responded by taking a chair and sitting in the center of the pitch in the 65th minute of play.
Efforts to negotiate a “peaceful” solution with the angry neighbor and resume the match were unsuccessful, and the match had to be abandoned.
More Top Picks Area Rug