May 2009, Champions League Semi-final and Arsenal get blown way by Manchester United 3-1. Basking in their glory, United defender Patrice Evra mentioned that it was 'men against boys'. Like an improved version of an old model, Sunday's clash of the titans was mark II. Both teams started very well: the usual high intensity that comes with Arsenal and Man United. The best chances came initially to Arsenal and Andre Arshavin - who on three occasions had opportunities to put the set up teams Fabregas and Nasri to score. With all his effort and endeavour it wasn't the Russian maestro's day.
The game was nicely balanced, with a sense that the first goal would be essential to who wins the match. It came from United and with skill from Nani that proved the faith Sir Alex showed in starting him, playing on a weakness of Gael Clichy being susceptible to the pace of Villa's Ashley Young.
Stepping in between Clichy and Nasri, then past Denilson and producing a shot come cross only to put tipped in by Almunia. The mood changed at the Emirates, as if they knew they where already beaten. Four minutes later it was 2-0 a counter attacking move with Carrick, Nani and finally Rooney finishing beautifully for his 100th Premier League goal.
Game over when JS Park 3-0 with the freedom of The Emirates to score - another painful and frustrating day for Arsenal fans who are facing the realisation the league is slipping away.
Vermaelen got a consolation goal but no more than that. It's back to the drawing board for Arsene Wenger whose team need to get back to winning ways quickly before the knives come out about their in-ability to make the next step and last the pace of the title race. As good as Arsenal have been without a leading striker, the match was evidence that they require a target man to offer a plan B then playing to feet and through the middle of defences!
Arsenal fans need to keep the faith, 'In Wenger We Trust' still must resonate, they are still in the race for the title, it has become tougher but not impossible - next Chelsea a true test of their character.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Can the defence please call for Ferdinand and Vidic
Throughout Sir Alex's illustrious managerial career at Man United, he has owed much of his success to his central defensive partnerships: from Bruce and Pallister in the early to mid 90s, then Johnsen and Stam and now more recently Ferdinand and Vidic. The performances in recent games against Burnley and Manchester City suggest that they are there to be shot at with a Kalashnikov and not a Magnum!! Burnley where presented with at least three glorious chances to score last Saturday week, all made possible by schoolboy defending from Evans and the very experienced and internationally capped Wes Brown.
Manchester City - and more notably Carlos Tevez - took full advantage of this in the league cup semi-final 1st leg at Eastlands, showing Fergie that United should have paid the money and kept him, to give support to Rooney up-front.
This is a Man United team that is in transition and clearly playing below par, dogged by injuries to key players - none more notable than Vidic and Ferdinand. They are the cornerstone of the Man United defence and provide Van De Sar with the protection that led them to a third consecutive league title and a Champions League Final. In reserve Wes Brown can provide cover but becomes a better centre-half when he plays the number two position, and not lead. He has also been hit with injuries over the last few seasons. Johnny Evans is definitely a player for the future, played wonderfully well in the Carling Cup ’09 campaign including the final itself, but again he is still raw and needs to be nurtured around a more established defender.
This is why getting Ferdinand and Vidic back is so crucial to United winning silverware: without them they’re vulnerable to being hurt by top quality opposition, especially in Europe. Question marks are being asked about whether United are strong enough to win trophies this season or if the cracks starting to show in their once formidable stature. Yes, they won 4-0 on Saturday against a struggling side Hull, relying on Rooney to score the goals, but they have lost the ‘fear factor’ they are there for the taking, that would be music to the ears of their rivals, waiting to pull the trigger.
Yes, they won 4-0 on Saturday against a struggling side Hull, relying on Rooney to score the goals, but they have lost the ‘fear factor’ they are there for the taking. That would be music to the ears of their rivals, waiting to pull the trigger.
Manchester City - and more notably Carlos Tevez - took full advantage of this in the league cup semi-final 1st leg at Eastlands, showing Fergie that United should have paid the money and kept him, to give support to Rooney up-front.
This is a Man United team that is in transition and clearly playing below par, dogged by injuries to key players - none more notable than Vidic and Ferdinand. They are the cornerstone of the Man United defence and provide Van De Sar with the protection that led them to a third consecutive league title and a Champions League Final. In reserve Wes Brown can provide cover but becomes a better centre-half when he plays the number two position, and not lead. He has also been hit with injuries over the last few seasons. Johnny Evans is definitely a player for the future, played wonderfully well in the Carling Cup ’09 campaign including the final itself, but again he is still raw and needs to be nurtured around a more established defender.
This is why getting Ferdinand and Vidic back is so crucial to United winning silverware: without them they’re vulnerable to being hurt by top quality opposition, especially in Europe. Question marks are being asked about whether United are strong enough to win trophies this season or if the cracks starting to show in their once formidable stature. Yes, they won 4-0 on Saturday against a struggling side Hull, relying on Rooney to score the goals, but they have lost the ‘fear factor’ they are there for the taking, that would be music to the ears of their rivals, waiting to pull the trigger.
Yes, they won 4-0 on Saturday against a struggling side Hull, relying on Rooney to score the goals, but they have lost the ‘fear factor’ they are there for the taking. That would be music to the ears of their rivals, waiting to pull the trigger.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Sol Gamble? Not really
July 2001 a beautiful summer’s afternoon was transformed the sensational news I received from a text saying that ‘Arsenal have just signed Sol Campbell’. To my amazement as in 2001 to be experiencing the same surprise that he’s back, and this could be Arsene Wenger’s shrewd bit of business ever!
The facts speak for themselves - Arsenal’s central defensive pairing of Gallas and Vermaelen is first choice, but beyond that Arsenal have major league problems. The defensive frailties are in the replacements Silvestre (if he was so good why would Ferguson let me go for nothing??) and Senderos (only ever played one good game for Arsenal - 2005 FA Cup Final) replacement cover was very much needed.
Arsenal are attacking on three major fronts and if any level of success is to be achieved then another central defender as cover was needed. That is what Campbell will be, cover - not a starting 11 player but someone when called upon can do the job. Campbell may be 35-years old but he has proved his fitness over the past 3 months to Wenger and the very demanding first team fitness coach Tony Colbert. But most importantly he can provide much needed leadership to younger players who still are yet to hold aloft silverware at The Emirates.
Campbell was part of the successful team that won 2 league titles (2002, 2004) and 3 FA Cups (2002, 2003 (despite not playing in the final) and 2005), he knows what it takes to win trophies and more recently captained Portsmouth to Cup success in 2008, a time which Arsenal haven’t one anything.
The facts speak for themselves - Arsenal’s central defensive pairing of Gallas and Vermaelen is first choice, but beyond that Arsenal have major league problems. The defensive frailties are in the replacements Silvestre (if he was so good why would Ferguson let me go for nothing??) and Senderos (only ever played one good game for Arsenal - 2005 FA Cup Final) replacement cover was very much needed.
Arsenal are attacking on three major fronts and if any level of success is to be achieved then another central defender as cover was needed. That is what Campbell will be, cover - not a starting 11 player but someone when called upon can do the job. Campbell may be 35-years old but he has proved his fitness over the past 3 months to Wenger and the very demanding first team fitness coach Tony Colbert. But most importantly he can provide much needed leadership to younger players who still are yet to hold aloft silverware at The Emirates.
Campbell was part of the successful team that won 2 league titles (2002, 2004) and 3 FA Cups (2002, 2003 (despite not playing in the final) and 2005), he knows what it takes to win trophies and more recently captained Portsmouth to Cup success in 2008, a time which Arsenal haven’t one anything.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Mid Season Review
With the Premier League season now past the halfway point, let’s review via the good old school grading system just who deserves a thumbs up and who needs detention.
Arsenal
Vast improvement and looking like this year can mount a title bid, but need to kept first team members fit such as Fabregas, Arshavin, Gallas and Vermaelen. Van Persie is a huge loss to The Gunners who really need to buy another striker in January. If they’re going to win the league it will be by a low points total courtesy of teams beating each other
Grade: B
Aston Villa
Carrying on from how they started last season. A team who prefer to play counter-attacking football then breaking and wearing teams down. In the hunt for a top four spot and in a semi-final of the Carling Cup. Comparisons will be drawn to their form in the second half of last season and judging by The Late Late show with Fernando Torres in their last home game, it could be a valid point.
Grade: B
Birmingham City
Tipped to go down at the start of the season and now currently the form team in the Premier League, winning 6 of their last 8 games only conceding 4 goals in the process, with currently the best centre-half pairing in the country (Scott Dann and Liam Ridgewell). 8 more points from safety - should be thinking about a top 10 finish.
Grade: A
Blackburn Rovers
Survival is the key for Big Sam’s boys; they struggle to score goals and missed the creative flair of -David Dunn over the last month or so. Up-front Di Santo, McCarthy and Roberts aren’t getting the supply from midfield, not the type of strikers that create something from nothing - still in with a shout of winning a trophy.
Grade: D
Bolton
This is a team in real trouble this season; seem to have lost the fear factor that was around playing Bolton under Big Sam. Subsequently Gary Megson was given the ‘elbow’ on recently. Defensively Bolton are shocking, leaking more goals than a burst water mains! Up-front other than Klasnic (who has only recently been showing some decent form) they're not offering much else. Bottom three this season!!
Grade: E
Burnley
Great start to the season and very much the league’s surprise package. However, poor away form (only 1 point all season) has a sniff of Hull 2008-09 - relying on their home form will put more then pressure on them then a Dyson vacuum. Make no mistake; these boys are in real trouble unless they start picking up points on the road.
Grade: C
Chelsea
New manager, top of the Premier League, but not all’s happy at The Bridge. On their day the Cheese Rolls are the best in the business, they really are, but defensively even with JT they have problems. Cech is at Checkmate in goal, they are susceptible to the high ball and in midfield they have less width than Kate Moss’s waist! Still favourites to win the title but January will be an acid test with Drogba, Kolou and Essein due to African Nations.
Grade: A
Everton
Sticky season so far for The Toffees, been hampered by injuries in key positions - Jagielka, Arteta, Yakubu and Osman to name a few - and a poor start to the season, especially at home. Forget about last season’s dizzy heights, with little money to spend Moyes and Co. need to tough it out and allow key squad members to return. Got more than enough to stay in the league, and could get a run together in the Europa League, to give their fans a few exotic away days.
Grade: D
Fulham
Playing out of their skin at the moment, good free flowing football, very attack minded and in Bobby Zamora a striker who is showing the form that got him the move to Tottenham from Brighton. Damien Duff is looking like his old self, top 7 finish on the cards, maybe time for a cup run, and in Roy Hodgson a worthy contender for manager of the season.
Grade: A-
Hull City
The plea for Tigers' fans would be ‘save our Jimmy Bullard’. It’s that simple, with him in their team they will stay up, without him Hull struggle. A plucky result against Bolton, but Hull struggle to score goals and lack a creative flair, that only Bullard gives them. If they stay up it will be by the skin of their teeth…..again!
Grade: E
Liverpool
Underachieving again, as the team that flatters to deceive the most in the Premier League. After a very good 08-09 season (which they should have won the league) Liverpool’s expectations were high and has proven unrealistic. Too much reliance on G&T - not the drink, but Gerrard and Torres. Glen Johnson has been a good signing, Reina is very reliable but the depth isn’t strong enough. Kuyt on the right???? Lucas in midfield??? Clearly haven’t replaced Xavi Alonso, but with all the problems with G&T fit, they can still get fourth spot.
Grade: C
Manchester City
The Premier League big spenders, who are proving to be real contenders for a Champions League spot. Quality throughout the squad – the question is what is City’s best line up and will Robinho go in the transfer window? Still a bad smell in the air over the handling of the Mark Hughes dismal and Mancini will need time, something that he may not have. Only guarantee is that they can and will spend in the transfer market.
Grade: B
Manchester United
Proving this year that they are beatable, suffering 5 defeats already this season, as always in the hunt for the title. Injuries have hit United hard; especially defensively with Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Neville, Fabio and Raphael all have had spells in the treatment room. Defensively they are suspect – (just ask Leeds fans) Valencia is looking to be a good buy and Rooney is having his most productive season in goal scoring to date. More needed from Berbatov, and Owen simply needs more game time. Opportunities for silverware beckons.
Grade: A-
Portsmouth
A team that are in real trouble both on and off the pitch, players haven’t been paid for three months and a recent fan protest to the ‘get the board out’ to boot. Bottom of the Premier League but only 4 points off safety and recent performances against Man United, Liverpool and Burnley suggest that progress is being made. But they are deep rooted in financial trouble and with four players away on African Nations duty (Dindane, Belhadj, Kanu and Utaka) Avram Grant will need to wave a magic wand.
Grade: F
Stoke City
Last season’s surprise package are showing that it wasn’t a fluke. They are a serious Premier League outfit with a tactically astute manger in Tony Pulis. Strong defensively, being lead by Ryan Shawcross and Huth, the threat of dead ball situations from Rory Delap and an intimidating venue at Britannia Stadium gives them more than enough to pose threat to teams despite recent dip in form.
Grade: C
Sunderland
A solid team that have improved slowly under Steve Bruce, growing a tendency to throw away points in late stages of games, notable against Birmingham, Everton and Portsmouth. In Darren Bent, alongside Kenwin Jones Sunderland have real match winners - keeping Lee Cattermole fit will be the key as to whether they move up the table or get drawn into a relegation fight.
Grade: C
Tottenham Hotspur
Along with Manchester City and Aston Villa, the best equipped side to try and break the strangle hold of the ‘big four’. They have real depth across the full squad and especially in midfield and upfront including Lennon, Kranjcar, Modric, Defoe, Crouch and Keane. Spurs have tightened up defensively as well! With four consecutive clean sheets – they will be well in the mix for the four spot, can they last the pace? The key will be keeping a centre back pairing fit as King, Woodgate and Bassong have suffered from key injuries this season.
Grade: B+
West Ham
Put simply West Ham are in a right 2 and 8! Struggling at the bottom of the league, no money to spend, looking likely to have to sell before they can buy, combined with a team that is hit by huge injuries (including top scorer Carlton Cole) and suspensions. Main difficulties will be the small squad and inability to keep clean sheets - tough remainder of the season for the Claret and Blues.
Grade: E
Wigan Athletic
Another team who will be watching the trap-door this season, conceding on average nearly three goals a game, the highest in the Premier League and only one win in eight games. In Hugo Rodallega, Wigan do have a goal-getter but defensively The Latics need to improve at the back and get more for players such as Scharner, N’Zogbia and Koumas.
Grade: F
Wolves
Similar situation to Wigan, survival is the number one priority, manager Mick McCarthy was heavily criticised for resting 10, starting on a recent visit to Old Trafford saving for a big ‘six pointer’. 3 wins in their last 6 games prior to the new year, is the kind of form that will keep them in the top flight but they have only scored 17 league goals this season, the lowest in the Premier League. May suffer the same fate as West Ham.
Grade: E
Happy New Year!
Arsenal
Vast improvement and looking like this year can mount a title bid, but need to kept first team members fit such as Fabregas, Arshavin, Gallas and Vermaelen. Van Persie is a huge loss to The Gunners who really need to buy another striker in January. If they’re going to win the league it will be by a low points total courtesy of teams beating each other
Grade: B
Aston Villa
Carrying on from how they started last season. A team who prefer to play counter-attacking football then breaking and wearing teams down. In the hunt for a top four spot and in a semi-final of the Carling Cup. Comparisons will be drawn to their form in the second half of last season and judging by The Late Late show with Fernando Torres in their last home game, it could be a valid point.
Grade: B
Birmingham City
Tipped to go down at the start of the season and now currently the form team in the Premier League, winning 6 of their last 8 games only conceding 4 goals in the process, with currently the best centre-half pairing in the country (Scott Dann and Liam Ridgewell). 8 more points from safety - should be thinking about a top 10 finish.
Grade: A
Blackburn Rovers
Survival is the key for Big Sam’s boys; they struggle to score goals and missed the creative flair of -David Dunn over the last month or so. Up-front Di Santo, McCarthy and Roberts aren’t getting the supply from midfield, not the type of strikers that create something from nothing - still in with a shout of winning a trophy.
Grade: D
Bolton
This is a team in real trouble this season; seem to have lost the fear factor that was around playing Bolton under Big Sam. Subsequently Gary Megson was given the ‘elbow’ on recently. Defensively Bolton are shocking, leaking more goals than a burst water mains! Up-front other than Klasnic (who has only recently been showing some decent form) they're not offering much else. Bottom three this season!!
Grade: E
Burnley
Great start to the season and very much the league’s surprise package. However, poor away form (only 1 point all season) has a sniff of Hull 2008-09 - relying on their home form will put more then pressure on them then a Dyson vacuum. Make no mistake; these boys are in real trouble unless they start picking up points on the road.
Grade: C
Chelsea
New manager, top of the Premier League, but not all’s happy at The Bridge. On their day the Cheese Rolls are the best in the business, they really are, but defensively even with JT they have problems. Cech is at Checkmate in goal, they are susceptible to the high ball and in midfield they have less width than Kate Moss’s waist! Still favourites to win the title but January will be an acid test with Drogba, Kolou and Essein due to African Nations.
Grade: A
Everton
Sticky season so far for The Toffees, been hampered by injuries in key positions - Jagielka, Arteta, Yakubu and Osman to name a few - and a poor start to the season, especially at home. Forget about last season’s dizzy heights, with little money to spend Moyes and Co. need to tough it out and allow key squad members to return. Got more than enough to stay in the league, and could get a run together in the Europa League, to give their fans a few exotic away days.
Grade: D
Fulham
Playing out of their skin at the moment, good free flowing football, very attack minded and in Bobby Zamora a striker who is showing the form that got him the move to Tottenham from Brighton. Damien Duff is looking like his old self, top 7 finish on the cards, maybe time for a cup run, and in Roy Hodgson a worthy contender for manager of the season.
Grade: A-
Hull City
The plea for Tigers' fans would be ‘save our Jimmy Bullard’. It’s that simple, with him in their team they will stay up, without him Hull struggle. A plucky result against Bolton, but Hull struggle to score goals and lack a creative flair, that only Bullard gives them. If they stay up it will be by the skin of their teeth…..again!
Grade: E
Liverpool
Underachieving again, as the team that flatters to deceive the most in the Premier League. After a very good 08-09 season (which they should have won the league) Liverpool’s expectations were high and has proven unrealistic. Too much reliance on G&T - not the drink, but Gerrard and Torres. Glen Johnson has been a good signing, Reina is very reliable but the depth isn’t strong enough. Kuyt on the right???? Lucas in midfield??? Clearly haven’t replaced Xavi Alonso, but with all the problems with G&T fit, they can still get fourth spot.
Grade: C
Manchester City
The Premier League big spenders, who are proving to be real contenders for a Champions League spot. Quality throughout the squad – the question is what is City’s best line up and will Robinho go in the transfer window? Still a bad smell in the air over the handling of the Mark Hughes dismal and Mancini will need time, something that he may not have. Only guarantee is that they can and will spend in the transfer market.
Grade: B
Manchester United
Proving this year that they are beatable, suffering 5 defeats already this season, as always in the hunt for the title. Injuries have hit United hard; especially defensively with Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Neville, Fabio and Raphael all have had spells in the treatment room. Defensively they are suspect – (just ask Leeds fans) Valencia is looking to be a good buy and Rooney is having his most productive season in goal scoring to date. More needed from Berbatov, and Owen simply needs more game time. Opportunities for silverware beckons.
Grade: A-
Portsmouth
A team that are in real trouble both on and off the pitch, players haven’t been paid for three months and a recent fan protest to the ‘get the board out’ to boot. Bottom of the Premier League but only 4 points off safety and recent performances against Man United, Liverpool and Burnley suggest that progress is being made. But they are deep rooted in financial trouble and with four players away on African Nations duty (Dindane, Belhadj, Kanu and Utaka) Avram Grant will need to wave a magic wand.
Grade: F
Stoke City
Last season’s surprise package are showing that it wasn’t a fluke. They are a serious Premier League outfit with a tactically astute manger in Tony Pulis. Strong defensively, being lead by Ryan Shawcross and Huth, the threat of dead ball situations from Rory Delap and an intimidating venue at Britannia Stadium gives them more than enough to pose threat to teams despite recent dip in form.
Grade: C
Sunderland
A solid team that have improved slowly under Steve Bruce, growing a tendency to throw away points in late stages of games, notable against Birmingham, Everton and Portsmouth. In Darren Bent, alongside Kenwin Jones Sunderland have real match winners - keeping Lee Cattermole fit will be the key as to whether they move up the table or get drawn into a relegation fight.
Grade: C
Tottenham Hotspur
Along with Manchester City and Aston Villa, the best equipped side to try and break the strangle hold of the ‘big four’. They have real depth across the full squad and especially in midfield and upfront including Lennon, Kranjcar, Modric, Defoe, Crouch and Keane. Spurs have tightened up defensively as well! With four consecutive clean sheets – they will be well in the mix for the four spot, can they last the pace? The key will be keeping a centre back pairing fit as King, Woodgate and Bassong have suffered from key injuries this season.
Grade: B+
West Ham
Put simply West Ham are in a right 2 and 8! Struggling at the bottom of the league, no money to spend, looking likely to have to sell before they can buy, combined with a team that is hit by huge injuries (including top scorer Carlton Cole) and suspensions. Main difficulties will be the small squad and inability to keep clean sheets - tough remainder of the season for the Claret and Blues.
Grade: E
Wigan Athletic
Another team who will be watching the trap-door this season, conceding on average nearly three goals a game, the highest in the Premier League and only one win in eight games. In Hugo Rodallega, Wigan do have a goal-getter but defensively The Latics need to improve at the back and get more for players such as Scharner, N’Zogbia and Koumas.
Grade: F
Wolves
Similar situation to Wigan, survival is the number one priority, manager Mick McCarthy was heavily criticised for resting 10, starting on a recent visit to Old Trafford saving for a big ‘six pointer’. 3 wins in their last 6 games prior to the new year, is the kind of form that will keep them in the top flight but they have only scored 17 league goals this season, the lowest in the Premier League. May suffer the same fate as West Ham.
Grade: E
Happy New Year!
Thursday, 24 December 2009
The End of Mark Hughes
The lights are out for Mark Hughes and his 15 month reign Eastlands. To my complete amazement no sooner had he been shown the exit door and given his P45 Roberto Mancini was wiping his feet at the entrance quicker than a rat up a drain pipe!!!
Now we all know football can occasionally bring up some stories that bring Corrie writers to their knees but this is just simply ridiculous... actually it's stupid! Sparky certaintly raised the electricity bill with his expenditure of £200m including the likes of Gareth Barry (£18m), Adebayour (£25m), De Jong (£16m), Santa Cruz (£17 ½m), Lescott (£24m), Toure (£14m) and Tevez (heaven knows exactly how much). These are all core squad players starting the majority of games, so guess what? It will take time, Rome wasn’t built in a day, or should I say Abu Dhabi!!! Ever heard of process Mr Chairman????
Time has become a commodity in football and who is the seed with for this? Rich football owners who desire to use their cash to buy football clubs as their new play toy - demanding success as instant as their coffee, as quickly as they spent their cash.
On City’s officially website Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stated ‘A return of 2 wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with targets that were agreed at the start of the season’. Were they targets made with a gun to Hughes’s head? They need time, learn how to play together as a team, understand each others strengths and weaknesses and manage the expectation that many of those players haven’t experienced before.
So 6th place in the league, the closest they have been to their local rivals since Technicolor, and in a semi final for the 1st time in nearly 30 years and to still lose your job!!! What signal does this sent to the rest of the Premier League? Messrs Zola, Brown and Megson will be feeling they could be stuffed come Boxing Day.
So what of the new boy at Man City? Roberto Mancini wasn’t the first choice, and only time will tell if he can cut it! Yes he’s won two Serie A titles, but City fans wanted a big name with Premier League experience like Hiddink or Mourinho, both proven men. Mancini's appointment feels hasty over a cloud of uncertainty and he will be under immediate pressure to succeed, especially now he has a head start being only two games away from Wembley.
This wouldn’t have done Man City’s PR any good over the handing of Hughes’s exit. Stay tuned to this drama - there are a few episodes to run still.
Now we all know football can occasionally bring up some stories that bring Corrie writers to their knees but this is just simply ridiculous... actually it's stupid! Sparky certaintly raised the electricity bill with his expenditure of £200m including the likes of Gareth Barry (£18m), Adebayour (£25m), De Jong (£16m), Santa Cruz (£17 ½m), Lescott (£24m), Toure (£14m) and Tevez (heaven knows exactly how much). These are all core squad players starting the majority of games, so guess what? It will take time, Rome wasn’t built in a day, or should I say Abu Dhabi!!! Ever heard of process Mr Chairman????
Time has become a commodity in football and who is the seed with for this? Rich football owners who desire to use their cash to buy football clubs as their new play toy - demanding success as instant as their coffee, as quickly as they spent their cash.
On City’s officially website Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stated ‘A return of 2 wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with targets that were agreed at the start of the season’. Were they targets made with a gun to Hughes’s head? They need time, learn how to play together as a team, understand each others strengths and weaknesses and manage the expectation that many of those players haven’t experienced before.
So 6th place in the league, the closest they have been to their local rivals since Technicolor, and in a semi final for the 1st time in nearly 30 years and to still lose your job!!! What signal does this sent to the rest of the Premier League? Messrs Zola, Brown and Megson will be feeling they could be stuffed come Boxing Day.
So what of the new boy at Man City? Roberto Mancini wasn’t the first choice, and only time will tell if he can cut it! Yes he’s won two Serie A titles, but City fans wanted a big name with Premier League experience like Hiddink or Mourinho, both proven men. Mancini's appointment feels hasty over a cloud of uncertainty and he will be under immediate pressure to succeed, especially now he has a head start being only two games away from Wembley.
This wouldn’t have done Man City’s PR any good over the handing of Hughes’s exit. Stay tuned to this drama - there are a few episodes to run still.
Premier League Team of the Year 2009
So here we go, it been a another fantastic year for the Premier League – a new multi-million TV rights contract, the League title going to the final weeks of the season. The relegation battle going to the final day.
The trophies were split between the big two of Man Utd (Carling Cup and Premier League) and Chelsea (FA Cup). The PFA Player of the Year went to Ryan Giggs and Football Writers Player of the Year is currently Steven Gerrard.
Do bear in mind that this team is for the calendar year of 2009 (including 2008/9 and 2009/10 seasons).
Goalkeeper – Edwin Van de Sar – Manchester United
Set a record for 14 consecutive clean sheets in 2008-09 a total on 1,311 minutes – a world record, if that doesn’t get you into a team of the year than nothing will.
Right Back – Bacary Sagna - Arsenal
Never the most glamous of positions is right back, was a tough call between him and Glen Johnson. France’s established right back, quick and consistent week in-week out and is an excellent outlet for another right sided midfielder. Not a fan of the hair though!
Centre Back – Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United
Since his arrival in 2006 Vidic has been the focal point of United’s three consecutive league titles. 14 clean sheets on the bounce in 2008-09 and started every league game that season. Winner of Man Utd’s supporters and players’ player of the year ahead of Ronaldo and Giggs.
Centre Back – Phil Jagielka – Everton
Surprise choice but throughout the 2008-09 was one of Everton’s most reliable players, including playing a major part of their run to the FA Cup final including scoring the penalty to book their place. Catching the eye of Fabio Capello earning caps against Spain in February and Ukraine in April. Cruelly missed the showpiece event at Wembley due to an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in April against Man City and hasn’t played since, still a worthy inclusion.
Left Back - Gael Clichy – Arsenal
Yes another year without a trophy but when Ashley Cole left in 2006 Mr. Wenger had a more than ready replacement. The only trouble for Clichy is that Kieran Gibbs is fast becoming a player that will give him a run for his money.
Right Midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo – ex. Manchester United
Do I really need to say why? One of the best players in the world – Former Ballon D’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Scored 18 leagues goals in 2008-09 season and lead United winning Carling Cup, World Club Championship and Premier League title in 2009. Only Messi is better than this boy.
Centre Midfield – Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Football Writers Footballer of the Year 2009, the most prestigious individual award in English football, 16 Premier League goals. Quite simply Mr. Liverpool, season in-season out he carriers The Reds hopes and dreams. Fingers crossed he continues to reproduce the same form for England come South Africa.
Centre Midfield – Frank Lampard – Chelsea
Yet another 20 goal season for Big Frankie Lampard, 12 goals in 37 league appearances for Chelsea. One of the first on the team-sheet every week for Chelsea, his 20th and most important goal of the season would undoubtedly been the winner at 2009 FA Cup Final vs. Everton.
Left Midfield – Ryan Giggs – Manchester United
The only man to score in every season of the Premier League and winner of the 2008-09 PFA Player of the Year and Sports’ Personality of the Year. Giggsy has been consistent as opposed to electrifying and his awards this year have been a testament to the longevity of his fantastic career.
Centre Forward – Fernando Torres – Liverpool
The most complete striker in world football, great technical ability, superb speed, two footed, can score goals with his head too! Worth every penny and without doubt is Benitez’s best buy. Voted number 50 in a Times poll of Liverpool 50 most influential players - 62 goals in 101 games for Liverpool, better than 1 in 2. Fiat Accompli!!!
Centre Forward - Didier Drogba – Chelsea
If you asked most defenders in the Premier League who they least like to play against, the majority would probably say Didier Drobga. Yes he likes to throw a strop and can give Tom Daley a gold medal on the 10m diving board. But there is no questioning his physical presence, skill and damn knack of scoring big goals in big games. Case in questions: Goals in both the FA Cup Semi and Final of last season and his recent double of the highest quality against Arsenal in November (hurts me to say that!!!)
Manager of the Year: Roy Hodgson – Took over his team in two seasons ago in a relegation dog fight. Victory on the final day of the season at Portsmouth, then finishing 7th in 2008-09 season and have recently reached the last 32 of the Europa League.
Now as you read this you may be thinking, hang on a second, all but one is from the so called ‘Big Four’. So here an alternative list of players, who would also make a team of the year outside of the ‘Big Four’.
Team of the Year 2009 (outside of the ‘Big Four’)
Goalkeeper – Shay Given – Manchester City – Best keeper so far this season - knows how to save a penalty or two. Pity he won’t be at the World Cup.
Right Back – Mario Melchiot – Wigan - not the most glamorous role of positions, but very consistent, strong physical presence and very experienced.
Centre Back – Ryan Shawcross – Stoke City – Fantastic season surprising many teams with their ability to survive in the Premier League. Former Man United youngster, you know they are short of central defenders right now! An England call-up is around the corner.
Centre Back – Brede Hangeland – Fulham – Great year with Fulham that saw Arsenal considering a 15m bid for him, strong solid central defender - in a similar stature to Vidic.
Left Back – Stephen Warnock – Aston Villa – After a great few seasons with Blackburn moved to Aston Villa and has a good chance of being the 2nd choice left back for the World Cup.
Right Midfield – James Milner – Aston Villa – Ahead of team mate Ashley Young for England squad to the world cup, finally scoring goals to match his true ability.
Centre Midfield – Stephen Ireland – Manchester City – Proof that home grown talent does exist! City’s best player of their 2008-09 season a massive loss to the international scene for Ireland.
Centre Midfield – Clint Dempsey – Fulham – England want to watch him come June!!! Skilful and has a habit of arriving at the right time in the box. Huge cog in Fulham's successful year.
Left Midfield- Luka Modric – Tottenham – Spurs paid a few quid for this boy, but has the proven ability to unlock any defence, class act!
Centre Forward – Jermain Defoe – Tottenham – 5 goals in one game, joint top scorer in the Premier League, key member to the England World Cup squad, finally!
Centre Forward - Gabriel Agbonlahor – Aston Villa – Villa's leading marksman, 8 league goals so far this season, recent good form has got him back into the England squad.
Merry Christmas Football Fans.
The trophies were split between the big two of Man Utd (Carling Cup and Premier League) and Chelsea (FA Cup). The PFA Player of the Year went to Ryan Giggs and Football Writers Player of the Year is currently Steven Gerrard.
Do bear in mind that this team is for the calendar year of 2009 (including 2008/9 and 2009/10 seasons).
Goalkeeper – Edwin Van de Sar – Manchester United
Set a record for 14 consecutive clean sheets in 2008-09 a total on 1,311 minutes – a world record, if that doesn’t get you into a team of the year than nothing will.
Right Back – Bacary Sagna - Arsenal
Never the most glamous of positions is right back, was a tough call between him and Glen Johnson. France’s established right back, quick and consistent week in-week out and is an excellent outlet for another right sided midfielder. Not a fan of the hair though!
Centre Back – Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United
Since his arrival in 2006 Vidic has been the focal point of United’s three consecutive league titles. 14 clean sheets on the bounce in 2008-09 and started every league game that season. Winner of Man Utd’s supporters and players’ player of the year ahead of Ronaldo and Giggs.
Centre Back – Phil Jagielka – Everton
Surprise choice but throughout the 2008-09 was one of Everton’s most reliable players, including playing a major part of their run to the FA Cup final including scoring the penalty to book their place. Catching the eye of Fabio Capello earning caps against Spain in February and Ukraine in April. Cruelly missed the showpiece event at Wembley due to an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in April against Man City and hasn’t played since, still a worthy inclusion.
Left Back - Gael Clichy – Arsenal
Yes another year without a trophy but when Ashley Cole left in 2006 Mr. Wenger had a more than ready replacement. The only trouble for Clichy is that Kieran Gibbs is fast becoming a player that will give him a run for his money.
Right Midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo – ex. Manchester United
Do I really need to say why? One of the best players in the world – Former Ballon D’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Scored 18 leagues goals in 2008-09 season and lead United winning Carling Cup, World Club Championship and Premier League title in 2009. Only Messi is better than this boy.
Centre Midfield – Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Football Writers Footballer of the Year 2009, the most prestigious individual award in English football, 16 Premier League goals. Quite simply Mr. Liverpool, season in-season out he carriers The Reds hopes and dreams. Fingers crossed he continues to reproduce the same form for England come South Africa.
Centre Midfield – Frank Lampard – Chelsea
Yet another 20 goal season for Big Frankie Lampard, 12 goals in 37 league appearances for Chelsea. One of the first on the team-sheet every week for Chelsea, his 20th and most important goal of the season would undoubtedly been the winner at 2009 FA Cup Final vs. Everton.
Left Midfield – Ryan Giggs – Manchester United
The only man to score in every season of the Premier League and winner of the 2008-09 PFA Player of the Year and Sports’ Personality of the Year. Giggsy has been consistent as opposed to electrifying and his awards this year have been a testament to the longevity of his fantastic career.
Centre Forward – Fernando Torres – Liverpool
The most complete striker in world football, great technical ability, superb speed, two footed, can score goals with his head too! Worth every penny and without doubt is Benitez’s best buy. Voted number 50 in a Times poll of Liverpool 50 most influential players - 62 goals in 101 games for Liverpool, better than 1 in 2. Fiat Accompli!!!
Centre Forward - Didier Drogba – Chelsea
If you asked most defenders in the Premier League who they least like to play against, the majority would probably say Didier Drobga. Yes he likes to throw a strop and can give Tom Daley a gold medal on the 10m diving board. But there is no questioning his physical presence, skill and damn knack of scoring big goals in big games. Case in questions: Goals in both the FA Cup Semi and Final of last season and his recent double of the highest quality against Arsenal in November (hurts me to say that!!!)
Manager of the Year: Roy Hodgson – Took over his team in two seasons ago in a relegation dog fight. Victory on the final day of the season at Portsmouth, then finishing 7th in 2008-09 season and have recently reached the last 32 of the Europa League.
Now as you read this you may be thinking, hang on a second, all but one is from the so called ‘Big Four’. So here an alternative list of players, who would also make a team of the year outside of the ‘Big Four’.
Team of the Year 2009 (outside of the ‘Big Four’)
Goalkeeper – Shay Given – Manchester City – Best keeper so far this season - knows how to save a penalty or two. Pity he won’t be at the World Cup.
Right Back – Mario Melchiot – Wigan - not the most glamorous role of positions, but very consistent, strong physical presence and very experienced.
Centre Back – Ryan Shawcross – Stoke City – Fantastic season surprising many teams with their ability to survive in the Premier League. Former Man United youngster, you know they are short of central defenders right now! An England call-up is around the corner.
Centre Back – Brede Hangeland – Fulham – Great year with Fulham that saw Arsenal considering a 15m bid for him, strong solid central defender - in a similar stature to Vidic.
Left Back – Stephen Warnock – Aston Villa – After a great few seasons with Blackburn moved to Aston Villa and has a good chance of being the 2nd choice left back for the World Cup.
Right Midfield – James Milner – Aston Villa – Ahead of team mate Ashley Young for England squad to the world cup, finally scoring goals to match his true ability.
Centre Midfield – Stephen Ireland – Manchester City – Proof that home grown talent does exist! City’s best player of their 2008-09 season a massive loss to the international scene for Ireland.
Centre Midfield – Clint Dempsey – Fulham – England want to watch him come June!!! Skilful and has a habit of arriving at the right time in the box. Huge cog in Fulham's successful year.
Left Midfield- Luka Modric – Tottenham – Spurs paid a few quid for this boy, but has the proven ability to unlock any defence, class act!
Centre Forward – Jermain Defoe – Tottenham – 5 goals in one game, joint top scorer in the Premier League, key member to the England World Cup squad, finally!
Centre Forward - Gabriel Agbonlahor – Aston Villa – Villa's leading marksman, 8 league goals so far this season, recent good form has got him back into the England squad.
Merry Christmas Football Fans.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
The race is on again!!!!!!!!
A roar was felt across the country – Chelsea were beaten and with it the door left wide open for the race for the title. Hats off to Man City, they showed some bottle (Arsene Wenger are you reading this?????) - despite going a goal down to Adebayor’s best attempts to show Carlo Ancelotti that he’s the man to fill the Drogba void come January. Man City showed real levels of heart, commitment, effort, playing to their strengths and playing some decent footie - this was a cracking advert for Premier League football. Adebayor finally remembered he plays in sky blue and equalised for City before Tevez scores a goal - that really should have been saved by the once invincible Petr Cech. Chelsea fans shouldn’t be too alarmed…..well at least until the new year.
On the subject of goalkeeping another blinder from currently the best keeper in the league: Shay Given made his 2nd penalty save within a month from the right boot of Frank Lampard, who last missed a penalty when Kajagoogoo were 'Too Shy Shy'. Lets’ hope Big Frank is getting them out of the system before SA – as with Jermaine Defoe for that matter!!! Whose Tottenham team gave another example of showing they are as soft and fragile as their North London Rivals. In a nutshell: Spurs haven’t earned their Spurs!! And they’re not going to either!! All pretty football, good home form, but will get unstuck against any team that can rough them up away from White Hart Lane.
Man Utd cruised to an easy 4-0 win in East London, with a makeshift back four and the emergence of who could be the new Paul Scholes? Daron Gibson. The Wenger Boys go back to winning ways with a win at home to Stoke but need to get the cheque book (or milk tokens in their case!) and get a striker quickly!! Wenger needed emergency breakdown services and called AA, costing more than £49 per year membership to get the job done. Arshavin was fantastic, involved in everything rosy about Arsenal, showing strength, speed and terrorising the Stoke defence all day, winning a penalty (missed by Fabregas) and scoring a goal that was triple filtered and distilled 10 times.
Wenger believes Arsenal can still win the League – but Arshavin cannot lead the line week in week out, with no RVP (5 months), Theo Walcott (taking his exams) Bendtner (recovering from surgery) and Eduardo (still needs more time) Arsenal need to buy. With Wenger ruling out Van Nistelrooy is it time to go for broke and buy Gabi Agbonlahor? - A player who Arsenal have been watching over the last seasons in a move that would do his England chances a power of good!
Now unless you have been on another planet South Africa staged the World Cup draw last Friday and our very own ‘Golden Balls’ dealt England a so called EASY (England, Algeria, Slovenia and Yanks) draw to progress to the second round. But as Tim Howard proved on Sunday England must not take any of these games lightly. It’s a World Cup and its not 1966 - England are traditionally slow starts (1986, 1990, 2002), and USA did beat us in 1950!! The real lucky so and so’s were the French – who not only were lucky to be in the draw in the first place but then got drawn with South Africa (the weakest of the seeded teams), Mexico (Sven Goran Eriksson managed them!!!) and Uruguay (?????) – lucky Les Bleus, a semi-final place beckons... Let’s hope not.
On the subject of goalkeeping another blinder from currently the best keeper in the league: Shay Given made his 2nd penalty save within a month from the right boot of Frank Lampard, who last missed a penalty when Kajagoogoo were 'Too Shy Shy'. Lets’ hope Big Frank is getting them out of the system before SA – as with Jermaine Defoe for that matter!!! Whose Tottenham team gave another example of showing they are as soft and fragile as their North London Rivals. In a nutshell: Spurs haven’t earned their Spurs!! And they’re not going to either!! All pretty football, good home form, but will get unstuck against any team that can rough them up away from White Hart Lane.
Man Utd cruised to an easy 4-0 win in East London, with a makeshift back four and the emergence of who could be the new Paul Scholes? Daron Gibson. The Wenger Boys go back to winning ways with a win at home to Stoke but need to get the cheque book (or milk tokens in their case!) and get a striker quickly!! Wenger needed emergency breakdown services and called AA, costing more than £49 per year membership to get the job done. Arshavin was fantastic, involved in everything rosy about Arsenal, showing strength, speed and terrorising the Stoke defence all day, winning a penalty (missed by Fabregas) and scoring a goal that was triple filtered and distilled 10 times.
Wenger believes Arsenal can still win the League – but Arshavin cannot lead the line week in week out, with no RVP (5 months), Theo Walcott (taking his exams) Bendtner (recovering from surgery) and Eduardo (still needs more time) Arsenal need to buy. With Wenger ruling out Van Nistelrooy is it time to go for broke and buy Gabi Agbonlahor? - A player who Arsenal have been watching over the last seasons in a move that would do his England chances a power of good!
Now unless you have been on another planet South Africa staged the World Cup draw last Friday and our very own ‘Golden Balls’ dealt England a so called EASY (England, Algeria, Slovenia and Yanks) draw to progress to the second round. But as Tim Howard proved on Sunday England must not take any of these games lightly. It’s a World Cup and its not 1966 - England are traditionally slow starts (1986, 1990, 2002), and USA did beat us in 1950!! The real lucky so and so’s were the French – who not only were lucky to be in the draw in the first place but then got drawn with South Africa (the weakest of the seeded teams), Mexico (Sven Goran Eriksson managed them!!!) and Uruguay (?????) – lucky Les Bleus, a semi-final place beckons... Let’s hope not.
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