Diego Costa’s Favorite Movies And Other Monday Ramblings
By Zahir Gilani
Diego Costa, Arsenal and literature…it’s the Monday Ramblings!
What do Arsenal fans have in common with a pre-Renaissance painting? Both lack perspective. Last Monday Gunners fans were planning their Premier League title parade, today they are in crisis. They’ve probably already started this season’s Wenger Out campaign.
If you had Petr Cech as your fantasy goalie things could be worse: you could have started Courtois.
Last season Chelsea finished with 87 points but only 4 of those came from Swansea at home, Man City away and West Brom away. So even if they win only one of the next two, they’re still on pace for 87 again in my eyes.
I’m reading “How Soccer Explains the World” by Franklin Foer. It’s a fantastic read which I recommend to everyone. In one chapter Foer documents the Old Firm, the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, and the history of sectarian violence that surrounds it. On weekends when Rangers and Celtic play, admissions in Glasgow’s emergency wards increase nine-fold.
I also recommend “The Fix” by Declan Hill.
Continuing on the literary tip, “Diego Costa: The Art of War” is on bookshelves. One excerpt from the biography talks about his fondness for a certain genre of film, and his surround sound system. This was during his formative years at Albacete, check out the passage below.
"Vicente Ferre de la Rosa, an administrator at the club, on the complaints from one of Costa’s neighbours: “On one occasion they [Costa and friends] had a porn movie blaring out and the poor woman came down to tell them to turn the volume down. ‘What’s the matter? Don’t you like making love?’ a wide-eyed Costa asked her sweetly. – via 101 Great Goals"
And NO John Terry was not his teammate at the time…nice try.
Chelsea look likely to acquire Ghanaian left back Abdul Baba Rahman. Here is probably the most pertinent info regarding the move: former Chelsea boss and head coach of Ghana’s national team, Avram Grant, keeps close ties with the Blues. He has been on them for a while to sign Baba, because Grant believes he is just that good.
Manchester United beat Tottenham this past weekend and didn’t even need a shot on target to do so after Kyle Walker’s first half O.G. They did register a superfluous shot on goal in the second half, spoiling what would have been the most efficient/fruitless win ever.
Last week United fans became incensed when Thiago Silva claimed that PSG are a better club and Angel Di Maria is taking a ‘step up’ by joining the Parisian side. All over social media the Red Devil army bragged about their history and the titles they’ve won and how PSG would never reach that level. It dawned on me that they sound just like Liverpool fans who boast about all the trophies they won back in the 70s and 80s.
Is that what you want United fans? To sound like Liverpool supporters? Nah, didn’t think so.
Swansea FC have subsidized tickets for their travelling fans this season. No ticket will cost more than £22, down from £34.
Here’s my impression of the John Stones transfer saga:
Chelsea: We want John Stones.
Everton: He’s not for sale.
Chelsea: Ok…so how much?
Man United: We’ll give you Jonny Evans.
Chelsea: Get lost United. Nobody wants Jonny Evans.
Everton: We don’t want to sell.
Chelsea: If you won’t accept any offer just say so.
Everton: We won’t accept any offer.
Chelsea: Here’s an offer. We’ll wait to hear back from you.
The whole thing has reminded me of the summer of 2013 when Mourinho was serenading Wayne Rooney and ultimately failed to sign him.
Neymar has the mumps.
According to an old Englishman who is a patron at the pub where I watch the matches, Phil Jagielka is the fastest player in the Premier League. I believe every word that comes out of Eric’s mouth.
And finally I’d like to ask Michael Oliver to stop reffing Chelsea games. Even when you get calls right I’m positive that they’re wrong.
Last season in the first game of the year Michael Oliver failed to send off Burnley’s keeper and wrongfully booked Diego Costa for diving in a similar one-on-one in which Courtois just saw red. Then he missed Ospina knocking Oscar’s lights out at the Emirates. Joe Hart headbutted him in a Manchester Derby and got no reprimand, but when Di Maria snatched at his jersey, Oliver sent him off. This guy is inconsistent and makes mistake after mistake on the biggest stage but still keeps his high profile job…
Wait who were we talking about again? Oh that’s right – Arsene Wenger.
Check out the rest of the Ramblings series here!
Next: Chelsea FC Transfers: Abdul Baba Rahman Deal Delayed