Neal Maupay’s Unsuccessful Strategy of Provoking Rivals Fails to Make an Impact; Former Player Keane Spares Him
Neal Maupay, Brentford’s occasional striker and prolific wind-up merchant, has been attempting to add the dark art of sledging to his repertoire. However, his attempts to provoke his opponents have proven to be ineffective, as Brentford lost both games in which Maupay tried slating the opposition. Despite this lack of success, Maupay’s strategy is a testament to his cleverness. He has been seen poking fun at big players like James Maddison and Kyle Walker, but it seems his verbal jabs have not managed to get under their skin enough to affect the outcome of the matches.
During a recent game against Manchester City, Maupay was caught on camera trying to dig at Kyle Walker with remarks about his children. Walker, clearly angered by the comments, filed a complaint with the referee. However, with the prevalence of cameras in every Premier League game nowadays, the days of genuine football hardmen who would have dealt with Maupay physically are long gone. Most players now prefer to take the moral high ground and avoid any physical altercations.
In the past, players like Patrick Vieira, Roy Keane, Duncan Ferguson, Graeme Souness, Vinnie Jones, Graham Roberts, Dave Mackay, and Ron Harris would not have hesitated to physically confront someone like Maupay. The Frenchman should consider himself lucky that Kevin Muscat, once known as “the most hated man in football” for his aggressive challenges, has retired and won’t be facing Brentford in their upcoming match against Wolves.
The only player who has managed to give Maupay a taste of his own medicine so far is Tottenham rookie Jamie Donley. Donley landed a hefty tackle on Maupay during his short time on the pitch as a substitute, earning cheers from the home fans. Despite the lack of success in provoking his opponents, Maupay continues to use his verbal elbows as long as he can get away with it.
Roy Just a Realist
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has faced criticism for the club’s poor results, but in reality, the blame should not fall solely on him. Since their return to the Premier League in 2013, Palace has consistently finished between tenth and fifteenth place, with a spread of just eight points in terms of their points tally. The club’s chairman, Steve Parish, has not invested enough to take the club to the next level. Sacking Hodgson will not solve the underlying problems that require serious investment and time.
It’s Utter Lap Trap
Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s recent comments about a European Super League reveal his misguided priorities. While arguing for a breakaway division, Laporta named several teams but could only remember three Dutch clubs, despite their European success. This shows a lack of respect for clubs like Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV Eindhoven, who have won the European championship a total of six times.
Enz Well for Poch
Last week, Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his team’s need for a specialist set-piece expert. Little did he know that he already had one in his squad. Enzo Fernandez, a £106 million World Cup winner, proved his ability with a world-class 25-yard free-kick goal against Aston Villa. It seems Pochettino should have looked closer to home before searching for a new signing.
Selfie Aware
There has been a recent debate about celebrations on the football pitch. Some players, like Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Richarlison, have been criticized for either taking photos or deliberately underplaying their celebrations. While some argue that players should show more respect to their former clubs, it is becoming increasingly clear that these actions are driven by self-importance. Players want to make a point about their significance and the impact of their departure on their former clubs.
In conclusion, Neal Maupay’s attempts to provoke his opponents have not been successful, and he has yet to face any serious consequences for his actions. Crystal Palace’s struggles cannot be solely attributed to manager Roy Hodgson, as the club requires significant investment. Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s priorities regarding a European Super League reveal a lack of respect for certain clubs. Mauricio Pochettino may have found his set-piece specialist in Enzo Fernandez. The debate around celebrations on the pitch highlights players’ self-importance and the desire to make a statement about their significance.