When each seasons that passes there are always those games which stick in the memory for that bit longer than the others. Ask any fan to name their pick of the bunch, then of course it’s going to be a imperious day over their bitter rivals, or perhaps a cup final penalty shootout win after a goalless 120 minutes (Yes Liverpool fans I am looking at you). When it come to general quality spectacles though, there are always a select few that leave you a gasped, wondering whether what you just witnessed was reality. What better way to appreciate the game we love than recall the special days of last campaign. Let’s just focus on the league though, after on the continental stage, well you’d as well name it the ‘Real Madrid Show’ :
6) Aston Villa 2-3 Wolves
When this season began there was genuine excitement around the possibilities of what both teams could manager, however it is fair to say that when it came to external excitement, the Birmingham side hogged that. Despite losing Jack Grealish to an amusing £100 million price tag, Villa arguably had strengthened in the transfer window. The likes of Bailey, Digne and Ings were all additions to an already talented squad. After a goalless first half this encounter had anything but a classic written all over it. Villa looked in the ascendency though. The pressure finally paid off as a John McGinn deflection just after a Danny Ings header meant that Dean Smith’s men looked in cruise control. Put it this way, a Wolves comeback was far from the writing on the walls. Roman Saiss was defiant though and he headed home to have Wolves with one foot back in the match, scavenging for a equaliser. Creating chances after that wasn’t easy though and they had to wait for another set piece in the form of a corner before the next one opened up. Did they let that opportunity pass up? Of course not. Conor Coady stepped up big time with a scrappy header which saw Villa’s seemingly solid lead slip through their fingers. Both sides would’ve probably settled for a draw at this point, although this match is on this list for a reason. When a Ruben Neves deflection from a free kick turned the scenario on it’s head, you could hear a Pindrop from the home spectators. The same spectators who just minutes before were celebrating what seemed an inevitable victory. Bruno Lage’s side grit was inspiring as they showed they could excel in the ugly side of the game. Despite losing in open play chances 13-4 to Villa they headed back home with maximum reward as a resilient performance shone through. A real turning point for Wolves in their season it proved to be as they began to challenge for European football. Plus, a turning point in Dean Smith’s season as it was the begin of the end for his Villa journey.
Bayern Leverkusen 3-4 Borussia Dortmund
German football, generally thought of as the most direct of leagues with intensity that most struggle to match, it’s fair to say that on this particular day the Bundesliga lived up to that name. Take Leverkusen and Dortmund and place them on a pitch, entertainment will never be far away. While its often goals galore with these two sides leaky defences were also a common theme amongst them. Therefore, it’s fair to say that a high-scoring encounter was forecasted. Teenage sensation Wirtz opened the scoring with a cool toe-poke finish to continue his red hot form. However, Dortmund soon got on top (and that was a trend which despite a tipsy turvy score line) and were leading 2-1 . In general in possession Dortmund were more controlled where as Leverkusen were more risky in counter-attack and as a consequence lost the ball on many occasions. The fact that it was Leverkusen that had 12 unsuccessful dribbles compared to their opponents two rather highlights that. One things both teams could share though was a lack of quality goalkeeping on show, according to Whoscored neither keeper was able to manage more than two saves. Dortmund did find themselves behind 3-2 however , that’s when after drawing level the man of the moment Erling Haaland stepped up to close the curtains on a classic.
4) Man City 2-3 Spurs
Another routine season it had been for Man City and a league title to add to an already illustrious tenure under Pep Guardiola looked as though it was approaching. Yet, a draw away to Southampton plus Liverpool’s remarkable consistency had the Cityzens looking over their shoulder coming into a clash with Conte’s raw Spurs side. City dominated early on which was far from a surprise, however what maybe was a surprise was the boldness of the high line they were imposing. With the like of Son and Kane in a Spurs frontline it was an extreme risk. One that was exposed early on as Son did superbly breaking through the lines and setting up Kuluveski for the opener. City equalised not long after though with Gundogan and it returned back to square one. City dominated throughout with 21 shots to 6 and 42 crosses to 4 stacked in their favour. Yet, the counter attacking of Spurs was a constant threat which made this game such a spectacle. Before long, it was Harry Kane who punished a City side which pursued him in the Summer as they yet again fell behind. A true moment of footballing irony at it’s finest. Had it not been for V.A.R Guardiola’s men would have fell behind 3-1, in contrast the Etihad faithful breathed a sigh of relief. A penalty was awarded in injury time with Riyed Mahrez able to take advantage and slot it neatly home. The day had been saved, a point salvaged, a title grip still firm. Of course though, with Man City and Tottenham are we ever blessed with simplicity? A repeat of the 2018/19 Champions League occurred as Tottenham waited patiently till the 95th minute to strike the fatal blow and oh yes, it had to be Harry Kane of all people. Celebrations in Merseyside were in full swing as a title race appeared to be blown open.
3) Lazio 4-4 Udinese
When it comes to high scoring affairs and in general exciting mesmerising football, nothing comes close to what this season’s Serie A has provided. After a heavy loss at Napoli Maurizio Sarri found himself under great pressure. (Not that he is a man who will take too much notice of it. Pressure only seemed to be pilling on him after Udinese took the league with two quick fire goals. The Roma side however, didn’t lie down and were soon 4-2 up in a incredible turnaround. Sighs of relief from Lazio fans were evident. Yet a monstrous amount of injury time would no doubt have placed a bit of faith in Udinese that it wasn’t over yet, chapters had still to be written. A 99th minute 3rd goal from the away side only fuelled that belief, plus had all eyes across Italy glued on their TV Screens. Something felt as though it was coming. Of course, in the hundredth minute of time Udinese completed one of the most incredible comebacks, one which will be talked about for years to come. (On this blog anyway)
2) Atalanta 4-4 Torino
Gasperini’s Atalanta side are hardly allergic from high scoring encounters and it’s far that reason they own the reputation of one of the entertainers on the continental stage. A rescheduled match day twenty proved to be well worth the wait, although it would be re-writing history to say it was a majorly anticipated one. A match up of formations in theory, despite the fact it’s fair to say in reality few teams play the ‘Atalanta way’ with their demanding wide overload and fluid front line. Although Atalanta had been coming into this one suffering a slight slump, three points was a necessity of a confidence builder. Despite going behind an incredible De Roon finish plus a general spell of domination had Atalanta on cloud-nine. Although a spell which saw Fueler score what has to be said a classy finish of an own goal, plus two more strikes and Atalanta found themselves 4-2 behind. Despite both teams effectively even in possession (when rounded 50%) Atalanta had managed 17 shots whereas the visitors only 5. Not only does that show different amount of a clinical level but a deep contrast in playing styles. As mentioned, parallel formations were in play (3-4-1-2), however it was the away side who had the more controlled approach and it was paying dividends. A late counter plus a strike from twelve yards out meant though that Atalanta did salvage a point from proceedings. It was one of too many draws though from a side who ultimately missed European football qualification.
1)Roma 3-4 Juventus
Of course, this was on the list. Had it not been this article would have saved better purpose in a bin lorry. In the reverse fixture it was Juventus who were superior by one goal, in an average at best tie in the terms of entertainment. To put it into perspective, the events that proceeded were far from forecasted. Mourinho’s Roma were low in the confidence tank after losing to eventual Série A champions AC Milan, a Milan side who fielded an unrecognisable midfield three. Juventus had their own problems as well though, as a poor start to the season had effectively already diminished their title aspirations, as unfounded as they may have been. Early on it was Roma who were more tidy, a trend which never evaporated, as in the ninety minutes Roma lost the ball 22 times compared to Juventus’ reckless 38. Tied at one goal each Roma looked in the ascendency and so it proved to manifest. A 3-1 lead deep into the second half and three points looked all but nervy. Pellegrini though had other ideas and a spectacular double had all at the edge of their seats. Following on, one of the most memorable moments of the season occurred. De Sciglio scored just his second career goal to punish à lackadaisical Roma defence to steal an incredible three points. In the end it was another frustrating loss which ruined Roma’s champions league hopes.
If you’ve taken anything from this list it should be to keep an eye on the under-televised, underrated and underappreciated spectacle that is Italian football. While some claim that the quality isn’t that of the Premier League, when it comes to entertainment and pure football, the once frowned upon has now taken the main stage.
Image Credit :
Beyond The Score 
Leave a comment