Chatecke » Defoe missed Torontos off-season due to commitments

Around the Wheel: Five Thoughts from the Weekend 1. Fake Nike Air Max 270 . European Hangover: Six Premier League teams played in European competition mid-week. Only one of the six teams won on the weekend, while the group earned a combined five points. Everton lost to Palace, Liverpool to West Ham and Spurs fell to West Brom. Its a storyline to monitor as the season progresses. Fitness and squad rotations are looking to be key, especially coming off a World Cup summer. Advantage to deeper squads and those without midweek commitments. Some criticism of last years top teams is warranted, but credit to greater parity across the league. The approach, commitment and execution of lesser clubs have been altogether impressive. Five of the teams currently in the top half of the table were in the bottom half or not even in the top flight a season ago. There is no such thing as a soft week in the Premier League. 2. Rodgers Critique: Two straight league losses and midweek struggles against a European minnow have Brendan Rodgers facing adversity for the first time in his Liverpool tenure. The dip in form is striking from a 4-0 win at White Hart Lane before the international break to where we are today. Rodgers is taking some heat, which seems out of place. The gaffer isnt a passenger in any match. Few are more active, changing tactics and formation to get the most out of his team. Down 2-0 and nothing going their way, Rodgers took off Javier Manquillo after 22 minutes and changed tactics from four at the back to a 3-5-2. Raheem Sterling and Alberto Moreno as wing players paid immediate dividends, as the former scored to bring Liverpool into the match. Rodgerss side ran out of steam, struggled to on the counter and was altogether sloppy in a 3-1 loss. Rodgers showed similar tactical flexibility early last season before settling with a consistent approach. Look for him to do the same. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge saved Liverpool on multiple occasions last season. Rodgers will have to find an alternative approach to compliment the slew of new players in his squad. There are few better managers who play better to his players strengths. Patience, not panic, is required. And better individual performances are a necessity. 3. Clattenburg Strikes Again: Controversy has swirled around referee Mark Clattenburg in recent seasons. He was again a central figure Saturday for all the wrong reasons. Manchester United led Leicester City 3-1 when Jamie Vardy shouldered Rafael off the ball, a clear foul, before diving moments later to earn a penalty through less contact made by the United defender. Clattenburg obliged, pointing to the spot, getting it all wrong in what became the turning point of the game. Choosing to ignore the first foul, Clattenburg had to turn a blind eye to a lesser offence. He did not. The lack of consistency in call is unacceptable. And just as bad, he rewarded simulation. Vardy later knocked Tyler Blackett off the ball in an aerial challenge. No call was made, leading to Blackett being sent off after a desperate challenge in recovery leading to another penalty and the fifth Leicester goal. Uniteds schoolboy defending was plain to see. As were Clattenburgs inexcusable mistakes leading to the improbable 5-3 scoreline. 4. Mourinhos Method: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was critical of his counterpart Jose Mourinhos tactics in the 1-1 draw at the Etihad. Pellegrini called Chelsea a€?a small team trying to defend,a€? after Mourinho predictably put 10 players behind the ball, relying on superior defensive organization and forcing the home side to break them down in the all-important tie. This is how Mourinho operates and shouldnt come as a surprise. Mourinho looks at these negative tactics as the best way to pick up away points against top competition. Chelsea has players as dangerous as any on the counter. So frustrate and sucker-punch proves effective, as witnessed in last seasons 1-0 win at the Etihad. We saw it from Chelsea at Old Trafford last season. And well see it on travels to the Emirates, Anfield and at United this year, as well. Dominate at home and dont lose away, no matter how boring it may be: its Mourinhos recipe for league success. 5. Surging Saints: Onlookers would have been willing to give head coach Ronald Koeman time to bring his new-look Southampton side together. Its all come together remarkably quickly for the second-place Saints. The only loss on the season came opening day at Anfield in a match they deserved something out of. Few teams look more fluid than Southampton, which has seven new key players in the team. Ever more positives, newcomer Sadio Mane has yet to debut and the impressive Jay Rodriguez continues his battle to return to fitness. With over ?￡30 million in summer profit and genuine talent on the field, there is much to like at Southampton. Team of the Week Mannone (SUN) Reid (WHU) a€“ Mertesacker (ARS) a€“ Lescott (WBA) a€“ van Aanholt (SUN) Downing (WHU) - Morrison (WBA) a€“ Ozil (ARS) a€“ Moses (STK) Vardy (LCFC) a€“ Cisse (NEW) Player of the Week: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) a€“ Seventy-nine seconds of magic by the World Cup-winner. A goal and an assist to silence the critics - the same number of goals hes been involved in as he had in his last 11 Premier League games. Ozil showed composure and elite passing ability throughout the 3-0 win at Villa Park. A shift inside to play a more traditional number 10 role was instrumental. Goal of the Week: Angel Di Maria (Manchester United) a€“ The three Manchester United goals in the 5-3 loss were all of the highest quality. The best of the bunch was Di Marias. The Argentine picked up the ball past the halfway line before going on a trademark powerful run with the ball. A give-and-go with Wayne Rooney gave him space to advance inside the 18-yard box before lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for the highlight-reel goal. A thing of beauty: power to precision and creative flair on top of it all. Feel Good Moment a€“ Amidst protest and Sack Pardew signs around St. James Park, Newcastle support showed unity in backing Jonas Gutierrez. The Newcastle player announced last week he is undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. The stadium joined together in standing ovation in the 18th-minute (Gutierrez number is 18,) putting aside tensions at the club to send a message of togetherness. After all, some things matter more than the future of a manger. Goat of the Week a€“ Wilfried Bony (Swansea City) a€“ Swansea was the better side against Southampton before Bony saw yellow for a second time just six minutes before the break. Both cautions were senseless; the first aimlessly running into Jose Fonte and the clincher a completely unnecessary sliding challenge from behind on Maya Yoshida. It was a boneheaded, needless tackle by Bony. Ten-man Swansea lost their way, lost the game, and the English contingent in the team was unable to impress Roy Hodgson, who was in attendance at the Liberty for the first time in two years and four months. Stat of the Week a€“ Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse scored as many goals (two) in 21+ minutes as he did in 24 games last season. Quote of the Week a€“ I woke up this morning and didnt know what I wanted today.- Frank Lampard after scoring the equalizer against his former team. Table Talk 1) Chelsea (13pts) a€“ Mourinhos team can beat you many ways, but no better way than on the counter. As long as they remain atop the table, they can dictate proceedings. Its in chasing games that Chelsea struggles. Can Remy and Drogba provide enough cover to avoid over-reliance on Diego Costa to score goals? 2) Southampton (10) a€“ Saints are rolling. Eliminated a decent Arsenal team in the Capital One Cup, as well. Morgan Schneiderlin has been immense. Victor Wanyama became the first Kenyan player to score in the Premier League. 3) Aston Villa (10) a€“ Should have taken an early lead against Arsenal with Ciaran Clark robbed by Wojciech Szczesny. Were up against it with centre-backs Vlaar and Baker out of the starting XI. Team has been hit by sickness and injury. 4) Arsenal (9) a€“ Three goals in 3:12 and 71 per cent possession speaks to how dangerous the Gunners can be. Wenger has serious questions at the back with Mathieu Debouchy out three months after ankle surgery. 5) Swansea City (9) a€“ Were the better side before Bonys sending off. Strength remains down the wings. Fernandez play at centre-back will be key. Rebounded nicely sending Everton out of the Capital One Cup. 6) Manchester City (8) a€“ Had a difficult time breaking down Chelsea. Promising play by James Milner and Eliaquim Mangala speaks to team depth. Red card to Pablo Zabeleta will bring Bacary Sagna into the team. 7) Leicester City (8) a€“ Only Diego Costa (seven) has more goals than Leonardo Ulloa (five). Physical team play suited for Premier League. Drinkwater and Cambiasso make for a nice central partnership. 8) West Ham United (7) a€“ Hats off to Mark Noble. Showed leadership giving it to goalkeeper Adrian after he nonsensically kicked out at Mario Balotelli while up 2-0. Noble kept the team together. The Hammers have turned into a passing team. They have also scored three goals off set pieces. 9) Tottenham Hotspur (7) a€“ Three sub-par performances in a row. Team not using speed and athleticism. Put only one shot on target in home loss to West Brom. 10) Hull City (6) a€“ Stephen Quinn missed a sitter in the 61st that should have put the game out of reach. Didnt do a good enough job commanding the midfield. Second consecutive 2-2 draw was fair result. Nikica Jelavic has found his scoring touch. 11) Liverpool (6) a€“ Liverpool losses with Daniel Sturridge playing: six in 46. Without Sturridge: six losses in 14. Team relies far too much on Raheem Sterling without Sturridge. Neither Fabio Borini nor Adam Lallana possesses the same kind of speed or quality in attack. 12) Manchester United (5) a€“ Defensive mistakes and shape to blame, not personnel. The group should be good enough. Blackett suspended, and Jones/Evans injured leaves defence thin at the back for visit to West Ham. Luke Shaw will get into the team. United is a team of all new players. Cohesion and development takes time. No panic. 13) Stoke City (5) a€“ Unbeaten in last five away matches stemming back to last season. Peter Crouch hadnt notched a goal or assist in his last 10 games: had one of each in 2-2 draw at Loftus Road. Victor Moses was standout. 14) Everton (5) a€“ Predictable let-down game between emphatic 4-1 Europa League victory over Wolfsburg while looking ahead to the Merseyside derby. Leighton Baines remains perfect from the penalty spot (14/14). Have conceded league worst 13 goals. 15) Crystal Palace (5) a€“ A shock 3-2 away win at Goodison gives Neil Warnock his first Palace victory. Campbell and McArthur have settled nicely. Passing percentages need to improve. 16) West Bromwich Albion (5) a€“ Much better from West Brom. James Morrison, the best player on the pitch at White Hart Lane, got the deserved winner. Jonas Olsson was dropped after making crucial mistakes over the opening weeks. 17) Sunderland (4) a€“ Patrick van Aanholt is the real deal. Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton just got a piece of the defenders incredible strike in time added on, denying Sunderland first win of the season. 18) Queens Park Rangers (4) a€“ Pains me to say, but doesnt look like Rio Ferdinand has anything left. Pace is gone and gives far too much room in defending. Mauricio Isla is struggling as well, making for a shaky back-line. 19) Burnley (3) a€“ Still havent scored since the teams first shot on target of the season. Remain well organized and difficult to break down. 20) Newcastle United (3) a€“ Pardew survives another week. Barely. Newcomers Janmaat, Riviere, and Cabella have been slow to adjust. Clearance Nike Air Max 270 . "Its way better than running gassers, thats for sure," the inside linebacker said Monday, when the Chargers started their third and final week of organized team activities, which are practices in shorts, jerseys and helmets. Nike Air Max 270 From China .com) - Tony Parker scored 17 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a comfortable 99-85 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. https://www.cheapnikeairmax270china.us/ .C. -- Theyll remember the OT from the first Syracuse-Duke game -- and the Ts that decided Round 2. TORONTO -- All the stars have arrived. Now the work can really begin. Jermain Defoe practised with Toronto FC for the first time Monday, and declared himself "100 per cent" healthy and keen to start when the club opens its Major League Soccer season on Saturday in Seattle. "Its been a long time talking about it and stuff, so to actually get over (to Canada) and put my boots on and start playing, training. . . its good," Defoe said. "It feels good. Obviously a little bit strange when you first come in, but the lads have been fantastic. Good training session. I feel sharp. So yeah, happy." The 31-year-old striker had been battling a nagging hamstring injury, and didnt play in what would have been his farewell game for Tottenham Hotspur on Feb. 27 at White Hart Lane. Toronto coach Ryan Nelsen said hell wait and see how quickly Defoe adapts to his new teammates this week before deciding if he will start. "Hopefully," Nelsen said. "Weve obviously got to get him up to speed with everything, but if hes fit and raring to go it will be hard to turn down a player of that quality." Some two dozen journalists turned out to Torontos training ground just north of the city to watch the clubs biggest star practise. At one end of the pitch, the five-foot-six striker in electric-blue cleats took turns with Andrew Wiedeman and fellow newcomer Michael Bradley firing shots on Torontos goalkeepers. Defoe shook hands with his teammates, he applauded their efforts. He then dropped to the pitch for a series of crunches, and was the last player off the field. Nelsen practically scoffed when asked how Defoe did. "He was awful. Hes done," the coach said, prompting much laughter. "Again, he came in on Saturday, so we just have to be careful, just with the artificial field and a flight," Nelsen added. "Hes still got that goofy smile, and still enjoys it in the back of the net. Thats all Im worried about." Defoe missed Torontos off-season due to commitments to Tottenham and England. He was the last player to arrive among a group of key off-season acquisitions that included American Michael Bradley, Brazilians Gilberto and Julio Cesar, and Dwayne De Rosario, whos back in Toronto after three seasons with New York Red Bulls and D.C. United. "To see (Defoe) in the locker-room this morning, now its like, alright we can start now," Bradley said. Gilberto, who has been slowed by a quadricep injury, believes it wont take long to develop chemistry with the England striker. "Now that everybody is here, were able to connect, get the chemistry working together as a team, and hopefully within the week well be ready to go," Gilberto said through an interpreter. "I think the chemistry will work right away, Toronto has got no time to wait." Defoe left Spurs with 143 goals to his credit, behind only Cliff Jones (159), Martin Chivers (174), Bobby Smith (208) and the legendary Jimmy Greaves (266) in the club record book. He was sidelined by the hamstring injury when he said his farewell to the fans at White Hart Lane late last month during halftime of a Europa League match against FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Defoe was on the bench for Englands friendly against Denmark last Wednesday at Wembley but didnt get a chance to earn a 56th cap in the 1-0 win over Denmark. He said "obviously" it would help if he had participated in Torontos pre-season, but added that "hopefully in training they will understand how I play, and vice versa, and it will be OK." Defoe was asked if he had concerns about playing on the artificial turf Saturday in Seattle, and he said that even praactising on artificial turf might take some getting used to. Nike Air Max 270 Sale. Torontos indoor training is on turf, and with no warm weather in sight, it remains to be seen when the team can head outdoors to the pristine grass practice pitches. "Obviously its not something Im used to, to be honest, and even training today, it was the first time in years where Ive actually trained on this kind of surface," Defoe said. "But again, I suppose its something youre going to have to get used to. And you cant really make excuses because its the same for both teams. Same for all the players. Its something you get used to, I suppose its just part and parcel to travelling away and playing on these kind of pitches." Nelsen said the artificial pitch at Seattles CenturyLink Field may determine who plays and for how long on Saturday. "You get the travel, and then you get, not just an artificial field, its a bad artificial field. Its not like this one," Nelsen said. "Its like playing one-and-a-half. . .one-and-three-quarter games in terms of damage to your body. So weve got guys who are healthy but just dont have that hardness of fitness under them, which is a concern." This past Saturday, New York held Thierry Henry and Jamison Olave out of the Red Bulls opener versus the Whitecaps on the turf in Vancouver. Nelsen cautioned it may take some time for the newcomers to develop on-field chemistry, but pointed out the pedigree of his players will help hasten the process. "Theres no magical formula, its not like switching on a light," the coach said. "But when youve got good guys, good character, and good winning mentality, they want to learn. And everybody knows their roles. The right back on this team knows what the strikers are doing, and vice versa. So when everybody knows everybodys jobs it comes quicker." Defoe said he has no concerns about getting to know his new teammates. "Obviously its important around the training ground trying to get to know each individual and how they play," he said. "But I suppose off the pitch is important, getting to know your teammates, because you become a family. So I think thats important, but thats obviously thats something Ill do around the training ground." After the flurry of off-season signings, Defoe and Nelsen shoulder lofty expectations from fans and a front office gunning for the teams first playoff appearance. "The way I deal with it is, weve got a great bunch of guys, theyre all hardworking, they all want to win, well be very well-organized, and weve got players that can turn games," Nelsen said. "So do I worry at night when I go to bed? No, of course not. Its because of those reasons. Youre either going to win and youre going to lose, but what I can tell is all the variables and all the stuff that happens amongst a team Im really happy with. So I can sleep at night very, very well." Defoe, who has scored 19 goals for England, is also hoping to earn a spot in Roy Hodgsons World Cup squad. His competition includes Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck of Manchester United, Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez of Southampton and Andy Carroll of West Ham. "Obviously its at the back of my mind, but first and foremost its important to concentrate on your club, and make sure your form is good," Defoe said. "As a forward you get judged on scoring goals. I think thats on my mind first and foremost, and then well see what happens with World Cup." England has three friendlies left before the World Cup -- Peru at Wembley on May 30 before games in Miami against Ecuador and Honduras ' ' '