I predicted the other day that the English Premiership would be the same old story this season with the traditional top four of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool calling the shots. Whilst I still stick to my forecast, little did I know that there would be an elite class that would perfect in the art of scoring six goals per match.

Chelsea and Arsenal have formed the nucleus of that elite class punctuating the act with hat-tricks by their top goal merchants. Not forgetting Newcastle United also thrashed Aston Villa 6-0 on Sunday with Andy Carroll grabbing his first hat-trick for Newcastle United. Defending goal king Didier Drogba’s hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-0 mauling of West Bromwich and the one by Theo Walcott of Arsenal against Blackpool, have really set new standards in the league. It may be too early in the day but if they continue with this trend the league title could be decided well in advance of the concluding fixtures.

Chelsea’s 12 goal haul in two matches is reminiscent of their stormy finish last season that won them the cup with one point on the last day of the marathon race. Perhaps one would say The Blues want to set the records straight right from the beginning and avoid that harrowing experience of Manchester United breathing menacingly on their necks during the home stretch.

It is such characteristics that make the English Premier League the most exciting in the world. The snag however is that the best league does not make England the best football nation in the world and this is why the national concern to develop home grown talent must be taken seriously.

My favourite manager, Alex Ferguson, has said several times that investing in younger players is of more benefit in the long run. “Young players develop if you are looking after them properly. They do have a loyalty because they appreciate the education you give them as coaches”, says Sir Alex.

It may not be easy to wait for the home talent to grow when you are used to seeing the best players in action in the Premiership. The influx of wealthy owners who have become part of English football clubs may have to be critically analysed for whatever its worth. Sir Alex says these owners go on a “kamikaze” effort to spend their money.

I must confess I had to consult my dictionary to look for the meaning of “kamikaze”. It says in World War II, a member of the Japanese Air Force who volunteered to crash an aircraft laden with explosives suicidally on a target; an aircraft used in such an attack.

In the country where I hail from, many interpretations could be given to Alex Fergusons’s words, so your understanding of the usage of kamikaze is as good as mine. Currently in my country there is a heated national debate on the meaning of the popular phrase” so many ways of killing a cat”. 
Ferguson’s ominous prediction is that this kind of spending is not going to stop suddenly. It could go on for two or three years until such time as “they understand you can’t necessarily achieve all the time by spending”.

Well said Sir Alex, I didn’t know the veteran football manager could be so diplomatic at times. No offense intended I am simply impressed at the way he couched his message. The man has not mentioned any names but those who have spent millions on huge signings but are still found wanting in the European Cup know themselves.

How I wish my long standing friend Alhaji Abdul Karim Grunsah, founder of Ghana Premier Division club, King Faisal, would also be a bit diplomatic at times.

The fiery football administrator is noted for his plain talk but I am afraid his recent allegation of an existence of secret agents who collude with referees to determine the results of Premier league matches could throw Ghana football into turmoil. National security can even come in for good measure.

Hear him “some referees take cattle, sheep and goats plus cash. Most of the clubs are swimming in debts because of these things”. What an indictment. In what appeared to be a sober reflection, he appealed to his fellow club officials to stop contacting referees for favours. He ended by calling on the Football Association to review the membership of the Referees Appointing Committee.

It would be interesting to get the official reaction from the Referees Association to Grusah’s allegation. Incidentally Grunsah has a cattle ranch and the next league season starts on September 5th.

Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.