Billy Brake
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Articles by Billy Brake
Kerr scores hat-trick as WSL leaders Chelsea destroy Birmingham
By Billy Brake 04/04/2021 A first-half hat-trick from Sam Kerr helped Chelsea ride out a comfortable 6-0 victory over Birmingham City at Kingsmeadow. Fran Kirby chipped in with two goals and an assist for the Blues, in a team performance which sees the side consolidate their position at the summit of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
Solskjaer's reds need more than comebacks to win titles
Manchester United FC VAVEL Being comeback specialists suits the current Manchester United chic, but it bemoans room to improve if they are to become genuine title contenders. By Billy Brake2 February 2021 14:06 LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is challenged by Bernd Leno of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2021 in London, England.
Five things we learned from Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool
Manchester United FC VAVEL Manchester United marched past rivals Liverpool and through to the fifth round of the FA Cup - here's what we learned from the match. By Billy Brake25 January 2021 12:32 MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scores their side's third goal past Alisson Becker of Liverpool from a free-kick during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Giants' defensive improvements a sign of things to come
NFL VAVEL The significant improvements seen in the New York Giants' defensive unit are signs of positive change from head coach Joe Judge. By Billy BrakeDecember 1, 2020 12:06 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in action against Kyle Allen #8 of the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium on October 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated Washington 20-19.
New York Giants summit NFC East after beating Cincinnati Bengals
The New York Giants moved to the top of the NFC East after they secured a 19-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals Graham Gano kicked four of four field goals to drive Big Blue over the line, in a match which saw two backup quarterbacks go head-to-head. Daniel Jones found Evan Engram on the Giants' opening drive for a big play of 53 yards, Wayne Gallman Jr. rushing for the one-yard touchdown on fourth and goal, despite a valiant stand from the Bengals.
Houston Texans defeat New England Patriots for season's third win
NFL VAVEL 344 passing yards from Deshaun Watson proved to be the difference as the quarterback guided the Houston Texans to a tense victory over a frustrated New England Patriots side. By Billy BrakeNovember 22, 2020 5:00 PM HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 22: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans looks to pass during their game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Houston, Texas.
Manchester United 1 - 0 West Bromwich Albion: Lacklustre United claim all three points at home
Manchester United FC VAVEL A number of VAR involvements in penalty decisions saw Manchester United run out victors in a tense game against winless West Bromwich Albion.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants: kickoff, team news, predictions
NFL VAVEL The New York Giants will be out to settle the score after their narrow defeat three weeks ago. By Billy BrakeNovember 18, 2020 11:45 AM PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 22: New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) blocks Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) during the game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 22, 2020 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Everton 1 - 3 Manchester United: Solskjaer returns to winning ways in crucial victory
Manchester United FC VAVEL Manchester United overturn a 1-0 deficit to run out 3-1 victors against Everton at Goodison Park, in what was a must-win fixture for Solskjaer's side. By Billy Brake7 November 2020 15:32 LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Edinson Cavani of Manchester United scores his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on November 07, 2020 in Liverpool, England.
The inherent issue with singular awards
In both association and American football, the prestigious individual awards have become predictable and very narrow in scope, writes Billy Brake Although one of the more exciting parts of any sport is the awards of its best performing players that season, these prestigious accolades which deign an individual ‘the best’ are often narrow in their scope and forgo recognition that any team must be greater than the sum of its parts.
Giants slip to Bucs despite halftime lead as Brady completes comeback
3-0, min. 6, Succop FG. 3-7, min. 12, Lewis seven-yard TD. 3-14, min. 28. Gallman two-yard rush TD. 6-14, min. 29, Succop FG. 9-14, min. 35, Succop FG. 15-14, min. 39, Gronkowski three-yard TD. 15-17, min. 45, Gano FG. 22-17, min 52, Mike Evans touchdown. 25-17, 57, Gano FG. 25-22, min. 60, Tate touchdown.
Istanbul Basaksehir vs Manchester United Preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch
Manchester United FC VAVEL Following their bleak 1-0 home to defeat to Arsenal, Manchester United will look to maintain their impressive Champions League form which sees them top Group H.
The early contenders for each NFL award
Billy Brake looks at the players who have impressed in the opening weeks of the NFL season As Week Six of the NFL began on Sunday, and with there being only ten weeks left of the regular season, it’s an apt time to make a slightly too early stab at the various end-of-season accolades on offer. To allow for more room, I’ve only featured each player once, across all categories. There’s a high chance, for example, that if Derrick Henry doesn’t win MVP he could win offensive Player of the Year.
Vick, Jackson and the new quarterback
Billy Brake takes a look at the latest evolution of the role of a quarterback in the NFL, developed by Michael Vick and embodied by Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Along with new styles and evolved physical traits, the forthcoming National Football League season will see the true dawn of a new era of quarterbacks who will redefine the signal-caller role as we know it.
Make or Break for Solskjaer: Manchester United 2020/21 season preview
With the club back in the Champions League following last year’s 3rd place finish, Billy Brake previews an important season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United before the Premier League begins again next weekend With next season looming dangerously on the horizon, and Manchester United only recently coming around to genuine transfer activity, the signs are somewhat ominous for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Former England Sevens star playing in MLR: 'It's more of a 'when' than an 'if' this league takes off'
8:10pm, 01 August 2020 Mat Turner has been with the Seattle Seawolves since Major League Rugby first began in 2018, and is looking to add a third title to the side’s cabinet as rugby continues to grow in the United States. Turner, who played schoolboy rugby in Cape Town and featured 34 times for England Sevens, not only plays for Seattle Seawolves but is also their director of operations.
'I'm very excited': USA Eagles boss Gary Gold's blueprint for rugby to take flight in America
2:31am, 22 July 2020 Going into its fourth season, Major League Rugby has expanded yearly since its inception, and its existence is helping to professional rugby in the United States. USA Eagles head coach Gary Gold believes it will have a significant effect on the national team’s development. Gold, who joined the Eagles at the end of 2017, believes the existence of the league offers a chance for players to learn alongside some of the game’s strongest talents while expanding the sport internally.
An In-Depth Analysis of the Success of NFL Quarterbacks by Geographical Location
Across all 32 teams in the National Football League, there are a total of 124 quarterbacks going into the 2020/21 season. But the discrepancy in where they’re from provides a unique insight into football culture around the country. While on a state basis California has provided the most quarterbacks to the current NFL, the South has just over 40% of quarterbacks coming from the area. The division of the geographical areas was done in line with the United States Census Bureau definition.
What if the NFL produced a rugby team?
After working South Africa’s Rugby World Cup 2019 winners into an NFL outfit, Billy Brake picks a Rugby Union XV from NFL players It’s one thing to consider what rugby players in the NFL might look like, but the reverse concept comes with its own set of challenges. However, I’ve compiled a team which might not fare too badly in two 40-minute halves, rather than four 15-minute quarters. The most difficult thing to get around is perhaps the different requirements and skillsets of each position.
What if the 2019 Springboks joined the NFL?
We embrace a sporting crossover, as Billy Brake picks an American Football side from the 2019 Rugby World Cup winning South Africa team One of the more intriguing debates in world sport is the comparison between the NFL and rugby, often the complexities of each sport disregarded – thankfully, Main Stand Musings has done some of the work for you. Plenty of players have switched between the two codes, including Christian Wade, Jarryd Hayne, Nate Ebner, and Alex Grey.
Diogo Dalot has a crucial role to play for Manchester United
Diogo Dalot is still a very useful squad player for United and gives the team depth. His versatility offers coverage and ability along the right. Feature Modified 02 Jul 2020, 20:07 IST Diogo Dalot. Since he first arrived at Old Trafford, Diogo Dalot has never quite managed the boom that had been hoped for. Still, it’s far too soon to dismiss one of the club’s most versatile players who provides options in key areas where Manchester United currently lack.
An in-depth Analysis of the NFL's Two Newest Stars
Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are two of the most talented and talked about quarterbacks to enter the NFL in years. Across the course of 2019, there was ongoing debate between football fans surrounding whom, out of the two, would be first off of the draft board. Ultimately, it was the prior that won that battle but does it mean that he is now guaranteed to have the more successful NFL career? Absolutely not.
The resurgence of Nemanja Matic
Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic is undergoing an improbable renaissance at the club he was set to leave. His composure and experience have proved invaluable for United as the revamp continues. Feature Modified 25 Jun 2020, 23:45 IST Nemanja Matic. There seemed a time when Nemanja Matić was destined to unceremoniously depart Old Trafford after he had seen a drastic decline in his playing time - but he’s since become an essential cog in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rapidly improving machine.
Manchester United's Anthony Martial should be dropped for genuine striker Odion Ighalo
Anthony Martial is no longer the striker Manchester United need leading the attack right now. Odion Ighalo might have the better ball-holding skills that could add variety to the attack.
How do you solve a problem like Evan?
With the 2020 NFL season looming, New York Giants tight end Evan Engram faces a crucial year of his career. Billy Brake questions whether the Georgian can put his injuries behind him and make good on his evident natural talent Whichever club or team you support, every fan understands the frustration of a big name on the team sheet never quite managing to live up to what’s been expected of them, for whichever of the multitude of reasons – and Evan Engram is no different to rest.
Where Are They Now?
By Billy Brake. Current Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spent three seasons in charge of the club’s reserve side between 2008 and 2011. During that time he coached a variety of players and saw numerous successes, none more so than the 2009/10 Reserve League Playoff, which saw them crowned champions of the Reserves Premier League. With the game level 3-3 after normal time, the match went to a penalty shootout.
Opinion: Drew Brees’ comments aren’t a shock - the NFL is a racist institution
At Main Stand Musings, we believe that you can’t separate sport from political and social issues. In this comment article, Billy Brake argues that NFL star Drew Brees’ comments about the United States flag in the wake of George Floyd’s death encapsulates the sport’s problem with race. Justice for George Floyd. Black Lives Matter.
New York Giants’ Daniel Jones is one to watch
After a successful debut season with the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones is worth keeping an eye on when the NFL returns. Billy Brake profiles the 23-year-old former Duke University star While much of the off season has been swept up in Tom Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a quarterback-filled 2020 Draft, the second-year New York Giants starter Daniel Jones will be one to look out for when the NFL returns.
The Top 10 Debut Rock Albums
Pearl Jam seemed to be battling Nirvana as the champions of grunge, but Ten is an outpouring of the band’s own blend of grunge with an ageing style of rock, earning the tenth spot on this list. This Nirvana-Pearl Jam rivalry was motivated, mostly, due to both bands hailing from Seattle and their respective popularity — it’s the Beatles vs The Rolling Stones all over again.
The Top 10 Debut Rock Albums : The Indiependent
As turbulent as the current climate is, all the extra time we’re spending indoors offers an opportunity to practice reflective listening. We’ve revisited some of the best pieces of music history, albums that shaped the landscape of what we listen to today. Here’s a round up of the top ten debut rock albums. 10.
The Indiependent
The film documents the 2007 concert by the band, as part of their tribute to the founder of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun. It was Led Zeppelin’s first concert together since 1995, and featured the late John Bonham’s son, Jason, on drums. The film was released in 2012, while the 2013 supporting album went on to win that year’s Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. The film will be available from May 30th to June 2nd until 8pm on the band’s YouTube channel.
All the things I learnt coming to Edinburgh from South Africa
I was born in London but grew up in South Africa, so I was excited to go to the place I was born and see what Edinburgh had to offer. What I learnt was that it’s cold, people are obsessed with Arthur’s Seat, you can carry an egg around a club without anyone batting an eyelid. These were all the things I discovered coming to Edinburgh from my beloved Cape Town.
50 Years On From The Beatles’ Final Album
Reflecting on the legacy of ‘Let It Be’ Let It Be was released fifty years ago on this day (8 May), but the anniversary of the Beatles’ final studio album just serves as another reminder of the generational transcendence and influence of their music. It also recalls the fractious nature of their demise and the emotionally-charged recording sessions — but regardless, the band has remained so steeped in the world of music that it is practically impossible to understand modern music without them.
The Indiependent
Let It Be was released fifty years ago on this day (8 May), but the anniversary of the Beatles’ final studio album just serves as another reminder of the generational transcendence and influence of their music. It also recalls the fractious nature of their demise and the emotionally-charged recording sessions — but regardless, the band has remained so steeped in the world of music that it is practically impossible to understand modern music without them.
Jadon Sancho Transfer Alternatives Man United Could Get For Free
By Billy Brake. With a lack of live football action to entertain fans, transfer rumours have taken up even more space in the footballing sphere. Manchester United, still very much in the midst of a long-discussed rebuild, will need to make a few savvy deals to ensure a place in next season’s top four, so regularly feature in the rumour mill as a result.
'His Dark Materials' Composer Releases Unheard Charity Demo : The Indiependent
Graham McCusker, who wrote the music for the BBC series His Dark Materials, has released an unearthed piano piece that was unused in the final soundtrack, with the proceeds going to charity. The piece, which is titled His Dark Materials: Theme For Lyra, was originally written for the protagonist and intended for particular moments or feelings. “I wanted them to use [it] for Lyra’s character, as a theme for a time when Lyra is alone or in deep thought.
TV News: Leslye Headland set to produce new Star Wars series for Disney+
Headland, who was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series with Netflix’s Russian Doll, is in position to oversee the as-yet-unnamed, female-led series. She will serve as the writer, executive producer and showrunner for the series, yet another offering in the growing Star Wars TV world, including Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian.
My Chemical Romance Reschedule UK Tour To 2021
The rock band, famous for ‘Teenagers’ and ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’, had parted ways in 2013 but reunited at the end of 2019, causing a stir amongst fans. But like many before them, they have had to postpone their UK tour as a result of the current coronavirus crisis. “Due to the current COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our UK and Ireland dates until 2021” stated the band on a social media statement.
Manchester United’s Uncomfortable Reality Is Difficult For Fans To Take
As the end of another season approaches, time is swiftly running out for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm of Manchester United, but the club and its fans have to accept reality. Barring a title collapse that would be nothing short of unthinkable, Liverpool look certain to end a title drought that has lasted 30 years. When the club last won a title in the 1989/90 season, they had finished in the top two for ten seasons prior.
Manchester United's Uncomfortable Reality Is Difficult For Fans To Take
By Billy Brake. As the end of another season approaches, time is swiftly running out for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm of Manchester United, but the club and its fans have to accept reality. Barring a title collapse that would be nothing short of unthinkable, Liverpool look certain to end a title drought that has lasted 30 years. When the club last won a title in the 1989/90 season, they had finished in the top two for ten seasons prior.
Marcelo Bielsa in the big leagues
After Leeds seem to be well on their way to bottling a fourth chance at promotion in as many seasons, Marcelo Bielsa could be looking for new stomping grounds. When Bielsa took over at Elland Road, Leeds had finished seventh and 13th in the seasons prior – particularly difficult to stomach in 2016/17, when the club was fourth with just eight games left.
Scott McTominay Vital To Man United Midfield Even After Pogba Return
By Billy Brake. Scott McTominay has been one of the few consistent performers for Manchester United this campaign and he could play a crucial part in turning the club’s fortunes around this season. When the Lancaster-born midfielder first appeared on the scene, his appearances came at a relatively sluggish pace. But he made 16 of them in the Premier League last year and has ten already in 2019/20. A month shy of turning 23, he has a total of 63 appearances in his career.
The end of the Arsenal Road for Özil
Despite doing everything he can, there hardly seems to be a player with a more tumultuous time at his club than Mesut Özil does at Arsenal and it’s time he packed up for friendlier pastures. At times, Arsenal fans seem to be baying for his blood after he puts in the inconsistent performances that have, sadly, come to epitomise his time in London. He gets blamed for losses and his poor work rate is singled out, even when Arsenal themselves have been, at the best, lacklustre.
Has Pep Guardiola done all he can for Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola has established Manchester City as the powerhouse of English football, but he won’t be there forever. Eventually, he will leave and Manchester City will have to come up with something new. Upon his arrival to the Etihad, he inherited a squad that had finished 15 points behind Chelsea the following season and at a club without a league title for three years. Granted, the squad was hardly in poor shape and three years without topping the league is hardly a drought.
Ole Gunnar Soskjaer Is The Transitional Manager Man United Need
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived at the club, it was heralded as the return of the prodigal son. He seemed to have all the answers and miraculously turned Manchester United’s season around for some time. After United’s historic comeback in Paris, Rio Ferdinand emphatically made his case in the BT Studios, planting a piece of paper on the table and pleading the board to sign him. “Let him sign the contract and go,” he exclaimed. “Ole’s at the wheel. He’s doing it, he’s doing his thing.
Where it all went wrong for Manchester United
The sacking of Louis van Gaal was the decision which buried the club. Experience, knowledge and quality – the club shunned it all because of its own arrogance and set itself on a path of toxicity and confusion. Upon Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, Manchester United tried to repeat what had worked for them for the past 27 years. Bring in an experienced Scot who has more to offer than at his current post.
Man United Need Mandzukic In The January Transfer Window
Manchester United have only scored more than one goal on one occasion so far this season, in their 4-0 win against Chelsea — and how far away that now seems. Since then, nine games have seen seven goals scored and eight conceded.
Angel Gomes – The great red hope for Manchester United?
If you haven’t heard every Manchester United fan talking about him already, you should soon know the name Angel Gomes. He’s currently at Man United’s youth academy and has been since he was six years-old. He’s proven himself every year and if he doesn’t get some first-team time soon, he should leave. He’s broken a host of youth records, such as being the first academy player to score a hattrick for United since 2001, which he did in 2016.
Solskjaer needs to realise he doesn’t have the Class of ’92
While the effort that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is putting it to return to the Manchester United tradition of youth development is admirable, the manner it is done is proving counterproductive. It was nearly 25 years ago that Alex Hansen dared to say “You can’t win anything with kids,” a statement that Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to take personally as United pipped Newcastle United to the title by four points.
Carlos Vela - A career revived in MLS
Carlos Vela recently set a record for most goals and assists in a single Major League Soccer (MLS) season, hitting a fantastic 27 goals and 15 assists. He also this season became the highest scoring Mexican in MLS history. It looked like he moved to end his career, like so many have, but instead found a new lease of life. When Carlos Vela arrived in London to begin his tenure with Arsenal, hopes were high.
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