TFT Podcast Ep 61

The Premier League season finally got underway last weekend and there were plenty of goals and one or two surprises at which to marvel.

Chelsea continued an emerging habit and switched up a gear to turn a 2-0 game against lesser opponents into a 6-0 without breaking sweat. Manchester United were just as comfortable, if a little less ruthless, against Newcastle United on Monday. Aston Villa beat West Ham United 3-0 at Villa Park in their first competitive game without Martin O'Neill.

Blackpool perhaps shocked us most, not with the fact that they beat Wigan at the DW but the sheer scale of the scoreline at 4-0. Wolves banked a deserved three points after a noteworthy victory over Stoke, while Everton once again bombed on opening day with a 1-0 defeat at Blackburn that will live long in the memory of Tim Howard.

Manchester City, as always, have been in the news this week. They have Joe Hart to thank for a goalless draw against Tottenham, and TFT favourite Mario Balotelli (it's not like an O'Neill favourite - we like other players too) for a win in Europe. In between, the exit door has been swinging at the City of Manchester Stadium. Craig Bellamy has headed for Cardiff after being frozen out by Roberto Mancini's squad list, and Stephen Ireland, the man many City fans will have hoped might survive the billionaire cull, signed for Villa.

While the door was open to let out Ireland, Villa's James Milner snuck in to complete a deal between the two clubs which, if Ireland demonstrates his form of two seasons ago, is almost ludicrously weighted in Villa's favour.

Chris Nee and Gary Andrews are joined in the studio by journalist, pie appreciator and City supporter Will Dean to discuss the first weekend of the Premier League, all the comings and goings at the club and, more importantly, their prospects for the season ahead.

In amongst all the Premier League bluster on Saturday, another competition clattered into action. The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round began on Friday, with a huge fixture list on Saturday and replays earlier this week. I'm sad to say that Wembley were knocked out. Elsewhere, Gary watched Bethnal Green United take apart Basildon United and our second guest this week, Simon Barnett of The Real FA Cup took in two matches. You'll find out which ones in the show (it wasn't the 10-2).

Also on the agenda this week are the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers, Arsenal Fanshare and - of course - Major League Soccer.

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You can listen to the latest episode below:
Download link (mp3, 53mb, 77 mins)