A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far Far Away…

Yes, that’s right, Star Wars is back!

After a ten year absence from the silver screen, the Star Wars franchise has returned to the forefront of Hollywood once more with the eagerly anticipated Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Now in the capable hands of Disney, Star Wars is being led down the path of a third trilogy under the stewardship of talented director J.J. Abrams, and the first instalment of that umbrella is certainly not a let down.

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher all return along with Anthony Daniels as C3PO and fan favourites Chewbacca and R2D2.

But the true stars of the show are the fresh faces in the shape of John Boyega as Finn and Daisy Ridley as Rey.

Boyega introduces a fresh wave of humour to Star Wars, throwing the movie back to the original trilogy where humour plays an important role in its success.

Where Harrison Ford, as Han Solo, brings great humour in the original trilogy, Boyega brings the perfect mix with his acting partner to Episode VII.

This humour is reinforced brilliantly by new character Poe Dameron’s (played by Oscar Isaac) BB-8 droid which brings a great deal of light-heartedness amidst battle to the forefront of the table.

Boyega is incredibly believable as a troubled Stormtrooper who is morally conflicted and instantly has the viewer rooting for him to succeed.

Ridley as Rey is strikingly similar to an early Natalie Portman’s character in The Phantom Menace back in 2001, and like Portman she becomes a main player as the film progresses.

Her rags to riches like rise during the film too has the viewer fixed on her story, and many questions about her past are left unanswered by the film, setting a good premise for future instalments.

Hamill only plays a small part due to the storyline but Ford and Fisher play more than just cameo appearances and you are not left disappointed by their inclusion in the film as in other revitalised franchises.

Perhaps one of the best performances however, has to go down to the fantastically dark Kylo Ren.

Played by Adam Driver, Ren is evil, but draws a unique line between evil and confliction which has you gripped all the way through.

Ren is a similar sort of character to Darth Vader but introduces something new to the table in that his confliction is evident from the start.

Driver plays him expertly and looks instantly at home portraying the evil of the Dark Side.

The only hindrance of Episode VII is that in many scenes it bears a close similarity to the plotlines of Episode IV.

The idea of a new dawn, and much of the story follows a similar pattern to that of A New Hope, however it is unclear as yet whether this is Abrams’ plan for the trilogy or whether, in true Star Wars like fashion, there is a major twist to come.

My inclination is likely that it will be the latter.

So, to sum-up, the movie is fast-paced, full of action, explosions, battle scenes and interesting characters.

It does everything you want of a Star Wars film, everything, and is in my mind, unquestionably the movie of the year.

 

9/10

King: Leicester Can Compete For Europe Regularly

Leicester City midfielder Andy King believes they can become regular challengers for a top-four spot after impressing over the first half of the season.

Claudio Ranieri’s men are the surprise leaders of the Premier League at Christmas after suffering just one defeat all season – a 5-2 loss to Arsenal in September – while winning their last three, including a 2-1 win over champions Chelsea two weeks ago.

The Foxes’ title challenge has been predicted to falter by many, with Ranieri himself continuing to focus on Premier League survival as the main objective, but King believes there is no lack of belief at Belvoir Drive and City can achieve great things.

“It’s a big couple of years, challenging for the Premier League title is obviously a big ask, but I don’t see any reason why we can’t be in the top four or six, or even the top eight to start with and then try and build from there,” he told Sky Sports.

“That’s the owners’ vision. That’s what they set out when they first took over the club. He’s (Ranieri) an experienced manager, he’s managed in Europe and is doing a really good job here.

“He’s aware that he’s inherited a really good team and squad and maybe even better than what he thought he might be getting.

King says Leicester’s reaction to defeat against Arsenal shows the strength of character of the squad and demonstrates why they can’t be written off this year.

“When the fixtures were drawn at the start of the season we thought December could be a really tough period for us if we didn’t make a good start.

“We then lost to Arsenal and people thought ‘is that it? Is that them finished now?’ and we’ve bounced back and now we’re ten unbeaten again, so we’ve got resilience and quality in depth which we can call upon when needed.”

Leicester look to extend their lead at the top by five points when they travel to Liverpool on Boxing Day.

 

Mourinho Bemoans ‘Disgraceful’ Ball Boys

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said Leicester City deserved to beat his struggling Chelsea side on Monday night but branded the ball boys at the King Power stadium a “disgrace to the Premier League.”

Leicester moved back to the top of the Premier League table with goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez condemning Mourinho’s side to just a point above the relegation zone.

But afterwards Mourinho launched a bizarre attack on the Foxes’ ball boys as his side failed to score an equalising goal after Loic Remy reduced the deficit.

“They fought with everything and defended everything,” he said.

“We just couldn’t score. The ball boys were amazing too.

“The ball boy point I just say because it is a disgrace for the Premier League.”

Chelsea host Norwich at the weekend as they look to avoid dropping into the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Ranieri: “No Club in the World Can Afford Vardy and Mahrez”

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has claimed “no club in the world can afford Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez” after the duo stole the show in his side’s 2-1 win against Chelsea last night.

Vardy has scored 15 premier league goals this season whilst Mahrez has had a hand in 18 of his side’s 34 goals this season with 7 assists and 11 goals.

“No,” replied Ranieri when asked if he was worried his star performers would leave in the January transfer window.

“Why? No one can buy them. They don’t have the money to buy them.

“I think the performance of Mahrez and Vardy was fantastic, but they are only the pinnacle of the iceberg because behind them there is a big spirit who work and help each other.

“We know Vardy and Mahrez are our credit cards, but to do this, it is important that the other players play well too.”

Leicester travel to Everton on Saturday looking to extend their lead at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League Table.

Majestic Mahrez Stuns Chelsea

Leicester City produced a brilliant performance to beat Champions Chelsea at the King Power Stadium last night increasing the pressure on Jose Mourinho.

Claudio Ranieri’s men returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over the Blues in a match which saw Chelsea drop to just one-point above the relegation zone.

Jamie Vardy’s 15th goal of the season before half time and Riyad Mahrez’ superb curling solo finish shortly after the break sealed the win for the Foxes.

Chelsea substitute Loic Remy pulled one back but Leicester defended valiantly to hold on and replace Manchester City at the summit of the table.

Mourinho’s job now hangs in the balance with his Chelsea side collecting just 4 wins from the opening 16 games.

Ranieri kept faith with the same eleven who started the 3-0 win away at Swansea last weekend and Mahrez, who scored all three goals at the Liberty Stadium, tested Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois inside two minutes with a curling effort from distance.

The hosts maintained their high-tempo start but suffered a blow when playmaker Danny Drinkwater was replaced in the 17th minute by Andy King after suffering a hamstring injury.

Chelsea settled soon after but then were forced into a change themselves when last season’s player of the year Eden Hazard had to be brought off after a clash with Vardy in the 31st minute.

Vardy inflicted further misery on Mourinho just a few minutes later when man-of-the-match Mahrez’ tantalising cross evaded the static Kurt Zouma and was volleyed beyond Courtois by the oncoming Vardy.

Chelsea came close to an immediate equaliser, but Nemanja Matic’s looping header clipped the crossbar and went behind.

Mourinho’s side were unable to get a shot on target in the first half and three minutes after the restart the Foxes made them pay.

Mahrez controlled the impressive Albrighton’s cross exquisitely before shimmying magnificently away from Cesar Azpilicueta and curling a fine finish into the opposite corner.

Chelsea’s first shot on target finally came in the 62nd minute, but, after being released by Cesc Fabregas, Costa was well denied by Kasper Schmeichel.

Chelsea came close from the resulting corner when the Dane failed to collect the initial cross in from Willian’s corner but Ivanovic was denied at the back post by a fine block from full-back Christian Fuchs.

Mourinho then switched to a three-man defence and Remy headed home a Pedro cross to halve the deficit with 13 minutes remaining, but Leicester held out a nervy final 10 minutes to a rapturous reception from the home fans.

After the final whistle, Mourinho spoke of feeling “betrayed” by his players in the defeat.

He said; “They deserved to win because they were better than us during a long period of time. I think we were the best team, I will say for 20-25 minutes, maximum 30 minutes. They were the best team for one hour.

“They were very consistent and very focussed. They didn’t make any mistakes. They were aggressive with everybody playing high intensity, high tempo with a great mentality. It was difficult for us and then we conceded two goals that are unacceptable to me because I know one of my best qualities is to read the game for my players.

“It is to read the opponent and identify every detail about the opponent. These two goals, the movement of Vardy between the two central defenders then the cross with the left foot. The Mahrez in the box one against one – I want one against two because I want the midfield player to close the best foot.

“(The) two goals are difficult to accept because I feel like my work was betrayed.”

With his side now 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, Mourinho was asked if his side’s top-four chances had gone;

“Yes. Clearly, yes”, he replied.

In stark contrast City manager Claudio Ranieri said he was “very satisfied” with his side’s performance and that his team must stay “grounded” when faced with the expectation their current position sees them in.

He said; “We played against the champions but we want to make a fantastic match for our fans because they believe, they are dreaming.

“It is good if they continue to dream but for us it was important to make a great performance with a fantastic spirit. (Also) tactically I am very satisfied. We concentrated for 95 minutes against the champions. That is not easy.

“For our fans we are top of the league, but for me and my players we need another five points. Don’t laugh. It is the truth.”

Leicester travel to Everton on Saturday looking to extend their lead at the top, whilst Chelsea host Norwich at Stamford Bridge.

Boro’ Still Keen On Bamford

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has left the door open for Crystal Palace loanee Patrick Bamford to return to the club next month.

The Eagles face losing England Under-21 international Bamford during the January transfer window as parent club Chelsea weigh up whether to activate a recall clause in his season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old has struggled for game-time since moving to Selhurst Park, failing to score in his eight appearances for Alan Pardew’s side, much to the frustration of the Blues, who had expected him to get plenty of Premier League experience.

Middlesbrough could reportedly put pressure on Chelsea to recall Bamford by offering to give him more first-team football at the Riverside – the Englishman having flourished during his loan stint in the north-east last season.

Boro boss Aitor Karanka has kept his cards close to chest on a possible move for Bamford but admits it would be nice to have him back should the opportunity arise.

“I think it’s understandable that he is linked with us because he was really successful last season here,” said Karanka.

“Everybody has a good relationship with him at this club. I have always said the door is open to him, I have a good relationship with him and we will try to make the best decision for everybody.”

Foxes Target Demarai Gray

Leicester City have revitalised their pursuit of highly-rated Birmingham winger Demarai Gray, the Mirror understands.

The talented 19-year old was subject to a bid by City manager Claudio Ranieri in the summer, where the Foxes triggered a release clause in his contract but Gray opted to stay at St Andrews.

The fee, believed to be around £3 million would represent great business for a player who has shown a great deal of potential in the last 12 months for the Blues.

Gray opted to stay at Birmingham due to a better chance of first-team football, but with the Blues not a certainty for the promotion race, the England Under-20 international could be tempted elsewhere.

Claudio Ranieri has stated that City are not looking to strengthen in January but should Gray become available, the possibility of loaning the teenager back to St Andrews for the remainder of the season could be an option.

Gray has featured in 21 games for the Blues this season, scoring once.

Defeat At Leicester Could Spell The End For Mourinho

Jose Mourinho’s time in charge of Chelsea could come to an abrupt end should the Blues lose at leaders Leicester on Monday.

The champions travel to the King Power Stadium having collected just 15 points from 15 games this season, sitting 17 points adrift of their high-flying opponents.

This in itself is a stark contrast from last season where at the same stage, Chelsea were top and Leicester were bottom with 26 points separating them.

Coincidentally, the man who Mourinho took the job of during his first stint in charge at Stamford Bridge will be in the opposite dugout on Monday, and could be the man to drive the sword in the Portuguese’s’ back.

Ranieri spent 4 seasons in charge at the Bridge and despite being remembered fondly by the fans, his treatment by owner Roman Abramovich was far from pleasant.

Incidentally, should Chelsea lose at Leicester it will be the manner of defeat which will matter most for Mourinho.

If the Foxes scrape a scruffy 1-0 win the result will not be as glaring but if Leicester turn on the style, as they have been doing in recent weeks, Mourinho’s men will really have it tough.

Chelsea lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday but did not deserve to lose.

If Ranieri’s Foxes come out all guns blazing, Chelsea could find themselves on the end of a battering.

With all Mourinho’s multimillion pound, match-winning talent, losing doesn’t seem to hurt enough for Stamford Bridge’s superstars.

They have become complacent, lethargic and careless since winning the league, everything Leicester City are not.

City play with energy, raw pace, unpredictability and more importantly, sheer fighting spirit.

The King Power Stadium has been transformed into a medieval fortress.

The fans cheer on their team with the thunderous passion you could expect of a Viking landing fleet, or a 15th Century cult.

As a result, Leicester have lost only 4 times at home in 2015, just the once this term.

I don’t know about you, but if I was Jose Mourinho, I would not be looking forward to a trip to the East Midlands in a do-or-die effort to save my job.

The ‘Special One’ has a battle on his hands, and Monday could be Armageddon.

Hasselbaink Issues Austin Hands Off Warning

New QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has yesterday reiterated the club’s desire to maintain the services of top-scorer Charlie Austin.

Hasselbaink issued a hands off warning to the host of Premier League clubs believed to be circling for the 26-year olds services by stating the striker was not for sale.

“You don’t pinch. He is not going to be pinched”, the former Burton Albion boss said.

“I’m looking forward to working with Charlie, and I’m looking forward to working with everybody else as well. Charlie Austin is a very important individual at this club.

“But it’s a team game. I want to have a team. I don’t want individuals. You need a team and eventually teams win you titles. Individuals win just the game.”

Austin scored 18 Premier League goals last season and already has 8 goals for the R’s in the SkyBet Championship this term.

A string of top-flight clubs are rumoured to be interested in his signature, including leaders Leicester, Swansea and Newcastle.

Foxes Eye Austin Swoop

Leicester City are considering reigniting their pursuit of QPR striker Charlie Austin when the January transfer window opens in three weeks time.

The Premier League leaders are looking to add fire power to their squad after finding themselves surprise candidates for the league title.

Claudio Ranieri was understood to have had a £12 million bid for the 26-year old poacher rejected by the Championship club in the summer but a further bid is looking likely as the Foxes look to find a suitable strike partner for league top-scorer Jamie Vardy.

Summer signing Shinji Okazaki and last season’s club top-scorer Leonardo Ulloa have only managed to muster 3 league goals between them since August, with Austin firing 8.

Riyad Mahrez has scored 10 in the Premier League this season, including a hat-trick in Leicester’s 3-0 win at Swansea on Saturday, but Austin could prove just what Ranieri’s men need.

Leicester need a striker who is not afraid to contribute defensively, something both Okazaki and Ulloa have produced well so-far this term, but primarily a goalscorer lethal in the opposing penalty area to make use of the bundle of chances the fast-paced Foxes create.

Austin also boasts an impressive aerial presence which could aid City patch-up their only considerable weakness, their defensive vulnerability from set-plays.

With the Englishman’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Austin could be a prime candidate for a Premier League move, and at a cut price at that.