AFTER yet another dismal showing last night in front of a foolishly-expectant home crowd at Anfield, Liverpool Football Club remains in relative-crisis mode. The 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers was one that should have been avoided, but now we are subject to more excuses as to why the Merseysiders failed to turn up.
One point argued by Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray last night was that Liverpool looked rusty, having had their last two league games postponed and over a fortnight's rest. Wolves on the other hand, played only three days ago, slumping to a 2-1 home defeat to Wigan Athletic. In Gray’s opinion, Mick McCarthy’s merry men were a whole lot sharper than Roy Hodgson’s Scouse screw-ups.
Gray’s arguments could be seen as perfectly valid if it were not for the fact that throughout the season we are subject to managers complaining about fixture congestion and players underperforming due to too many games in too short a space of time.
Liverpool’s rest period of 17 days would be envied by other teams, but for a team whose best players would seemingly benefit from rest and recuperation from past injury problems, it has not worked out. The recent postponements meant Steven Gerrard was allowed time to return from a hamstring problem and Fernando Torres, if we are to believe what we are constantly subjected to by media sources, was given his first rest since he was 10 years old.
Also within this time period, it seems Glen Johnson has reverted to a Benjamin Button-esque state, now possessing the footballing capabilities of his 12-year-old self. One moment in last night’s first half was of particularly naïve nature, as he needlessly booted the ball out across his own box for a throw-in. Rather than holding his hands-up and admitting the act of travesty, he instead appeared to signal to his forward players that they should have already been in the stands waiting for it. If Liverpool are to miraculously gain a place in Europe by May, expect a 3-year-old nappy-wearing Johnson to be held aloft by Pepe Reina in front of the Kop amidst the celebrations, and then given the opportunity to complete five-yard passes to Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher.
The truth is that there is a combination of on-pitch factors which are directly affecting the team’s success. David Ngog is not going to be the next Thierry Henry, and just as it took Sir Alex Ferguson years to realise David Bellion wasn’t either, Liverpool should get rid of the young Frenchman. Any hopes of a possible partnership with Fernando Torres were surely vanquished last night, as both forwards struggled to hold up the ball and allow midfielders to join the attack.
Liverpool’s problems stem from this ability to not keep the ball in the final third. Fernando Torres is not the same player he was two years ago, and it looks often like English defences have him well and truly found out. Those who claim the Spaniard is still unfit must be as tired of their own voices as journalists are. Wolves last night were quick to close down the striker when he was receiving passes, but in reality they didn’t have to try too hard as the Spaniard’s control let him down more as the game went on.
Supporters of Torres who claim the Spaniard has poor support and delivery from teammates should look at the likes of Darren Bent, a player who has never played with a Gerrard, a Beckham or a Bergkamp, yet has consistently scored throughout his career in the Premiership. Torres looks constantly unhappy nowadays, but I’m sure his body language would be even more vitriolic if he were being supplied with through balls by Bent’s current teammates Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley.
There is a severe lack of confidence amongst the Liverpool team, but this is not something which the Charlie Chalk-lookalike Hodgson has solely instilled. Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool last season were at times equally awful, bowing out of the FA Cup early to Reading in a pitiful performance, and suffering the same tactical problems as Hodgson faces now.
Tactically, Liverpool’s biggest problem may lie in their reputation. Hodgson may have saved Fulham from relegation and moulded them into a capable outfit, but they were often playing teams who were open and not afraid of going for the jugular. Liverpool however, are still a club that can inspire fear, and with big names likes Gerrard, Torres and Reina, opposing sides often set-up with men behind the ball, frustrating the Merseysiders and limiting their opportunities.
It would be no surprise if at the time this article was published Hodgson had either handed in his resignation or had it terminated. His appointment was generally to be considered as a stop-gap. He was an elderly, experienced coach, who, though often appeared to be going blind, could help guide Liverpool through what was always going to be a transitional period.
The mid-table position comes as no surprise to many who have seen the decline of the team in the last 18 months or so, but many of the Kop faithful have found it hard during this period to accept Hodgson as the bloke responsible for managing their beloved club.
However, Hodgson should surely have not been expected to win titles and trophies. He was hardly achieving such feats at Fulham during his reign at Craven Cottage; instead he was battling against the odds and achieving commendable results and performances on a shoe-string budget. Indeed many Liverpool fans that were aware of financial restraints in the summer saw Hodgson as the perfect replacement to deal with such circumstances, due to his Fulham record.
Inheriting a Liverpool team in decline, Hodgson’s role was to steady the Liverpool ship and rebuild for the future, possibly for another manager to take charge when the team looks like it can win big trophies again, and consequently win all the plaudits. Rather like when former-boss Benitez took over Gerard Houlier's side in 2004.
There is nothing wrong with replacing Hodgson mid-season, and replacing him with someone like the heavily respected but equally-dour Kenny Dalglish. Most Liverpool fans would most probably desire a manager who isn't making decisions like playing Ngog and Torres up front together, employing Raul Meireles in a wide position, or simply playing Paul Konchesky.
Indeed, if something is not working and you don’t intend to continue with the set-up in a few years time anyway, then by all means cut your losses. However, as other teams get richer and rivals improve, Liverpool cannot afford to slip too far away. The club lacks a direction and a plan of attack – on and off the field. A short-term replacement for Hodgson however, is unlikely to have the galvanising effect that most Liverpool fans would like.
Finally, for those of you who wish to see old Roy first step on the shores of Liverpool docks back in the summer, please look at this rare clip...
Thursday 30 December 2010
Sunday 5 December 2010
Why Wenger Should Be Praised
Arsene Wenger seems to split opinion even amongst his own fans. When the relatively-unknown Frenchman first joined the Gunners back in 1996, he revolutionised a club that had been in transition ever since George Graham left over 12 months earlier. His replacement Bruce Rioch had only lasted a year at the club since being appointed boss in 1995, as he struggled to impose himself on the London giants.
Rioch signed Chris Kiwomya. Then again he signed Dennis Bergkamp, thus he will always be remembered somewhat-fondly at Arsenal. However, playing with the likes of Ray Parlour and David Hillier was probably not the experience Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood had sold to him, and Arsenal fans were rightly worried that Bergkamp may not have been happy if things continued.
We all remember the statements from Arsenal players a month or so into Wenger’s reign, as Arsenal improved dramatically. It almost got tiresome. The once rigid and weary-looking back four suddenly turned into sprightly, yoga-loving teenagers, expressing themselves, and each praised Wenger for giving them mental strength and belief.
Nearly fifteen years on and Wenger is still at the helm. He is now Arsenal’s most successful manager ever, despite the club not having won a trophy since 2005. For a Frenchman with no previous knowledge of English football (a fact Sir Alex Ferguson once famously castrated Wenger for when Wenger began to criticise fixture congestion), achieving such success is nothing short of remarkable. As Jonathan Pearce commented on last night’s Match of the Day, Wenger is soon approaching his 17th semi-final when they meet Wigan in the League Cup .
However, Wenger’s insistence on his policy of filling a team with skilful players who love to pass the ball, feel the ball and caress the ball has attracted criticism from people who are unhappy when this style does not get results. It is an old argument now, one that has been going for years, and one that doesn’t look like going away anytime soon if Match of the Day continues to keep the likes of Alan Hansen and the old biddy Mark Lawrenson in jobs.
It is a criticism often forgotten when Wenger’s side are in-form and picking up results, and those who are in Wenger’s camp must often melt in anger at the hypocrisy at times of the British media. How many times have we lazily heard pundits criticise Arsenal for lacking a more direct ‘Plan B’ when attacking, only to hail the magical passing style of the ‘Plan A’ that rips apart a team the week after with no acknowledgment of the prior criticism dished out. You cannot have it both ways Mr Pundit.
The other criticism of his recent sides has been the perceived ‘lack of backbone’ that supposedly leaves a soft centre for aggressive teams to take advantage off. Wenger’s early Arsenal sides had a strong midfield pairing of Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira, but since the two departed, Wenger has chosen to feature neat, technical centre midfielders instead of a more combative type.
The current midfield features a very similar type of player. Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Denilson, and Andrei Arshavin are all skilful, diminutive right-footed players with great technique. The promising left-footed Jack Wilshire appears to be offering simply a Southpaws version of the aforementioned players, rather than offering an alternative. Alex Song and Abou Diaby have a significantly bigger physique than them, but DIaby is deceptive and is a box to box player with a fine touch, and Alex Song would prefer to stay on his feet than slide in like a rampaging Scott Parker.
Wenger’s team does have a major weakness in that their defence is not up to the standards set by his previous Arsenal sides. Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillachi have not yet settled and they have missed Thomas Vermaelen badly. Those who argue that Arsenal’s defence is not protected enough by its midfield should note that that Manchester United’s first choice defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are consistently excellent despite United not employing a ‘Makalele-type’ midfielder in front of them.
Arsenal’s midfield, according to some will never win anything, with robust Premiership sides like Stoke and Wolves getting ‘stuck in’, ‘winning the battle’ and making the Gunners drop vital points consistently. It is this that apparently leaves some Arsenal fans frustrated with Wenger, and when pundits every week are saying the same thing, mud sticks.
Wenger’s disbelievers consider Wenger of being either ignorant, naïve, or not good enough to instil physical competencies in midfield, but the simple truth is that the manager, as always, sees it differently. Rather than trying to improve on areas with apparent deficiencies, Wenger tries to improve on his teams strengths.
Let us not forget the first half of the first leg between Arsenal and Barcelona in the Champions League last season. Arsenal were destroyed in that half not by a side who were intent on disrupting their play, but by a side that simply wouldn’t let them have the ball (Although admittedly Barcelona did work extremely hard when they didn’t have the ball).
Barcelona are undoubtedly the benchmark for Wenger, and although some clubs are so far away from the standard of the Catalan giants, Wenger knows that his team are close to emulating them. Consequently Wenger tries to maintain a fluent passing style, which we all know has looked ridiculously good at times and has outplayed the very best.
Wenger entered the Premiership with an open mind, a thinker. It is clear he sees the way Arsenal play as the way to success. He doesn’t want to play like anyone else, he doesn’t want to bow to media and fan pressure to buy more physical and experienced players, but he does want to win trophies.
Does every team have to play the same way? With a defensive midfielder in front of a back 4, a big striker up front with aerial presence or a five-man midfield to suffocate the opposition? All are viable tactics but it is up to the manager to see what he feels best. This is Arsenal’s most successful and longest serving manager after all.
Why thus, should anyone try and mould a free-flowing easy-on-the-eye Arsenal side into something that we believe could be more productive if it means we lose the charm and beauty of their style of play? It would be criminal for Arsenal or Wenger to change their principles. Wenger should stick to his Plan A, just as Spain and Barcelona do, and he deserves a lot more respect from what he currently gets.
Let’s not forget, children growing up playing the game look to those they watch every weekend for influence on their own game, copying their stopovers etc. If the future of England international football is to improve, it will do no harm for children to see players passing the ball to each other patiently and skilfully, with an emphasis on technique and possession. Spain and Barcelona have re-written the rule-book as to how to become successful at the very top level, and the youth of today should aspire to play like them and not like a side managed by Sam Allardyce or Mick McCarthy.
With Robin Van Persie essentially having been out of the first team for 12 months, and Cesc Fabregas suffering from injury problems this season, Arsenal have been shy of arguably their two most talented players this term, yet find themselves top of the league at the time of writing. Samir Nasri’s fantastic double yesterday against Fulham proved that other players are stepping up, and with the lack of a decent top Premiership side left in the League Cup it looks likely that Wenger will finally win a first trophy since 2005, a trophy he has not yet won. It may not be the only trophy he picks up this season.
Rioch signed Chris Kiwomya. Then again he signed Dennis Bergkamp, thus he will always be remembered somewhat-fondly at Arsenal. However, playing with the likes of Ray Parlour and David Hillier was probably not the experience Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood had sold to him, and Arsenal fans were rightly worried that Bergkamp may not have been happy if things continued.
We all remember the statements from Arsenal players a month or so into Wenger’s reign, as Arsenal improved dramatically. It almost got tiresome. The once rigid and weary-looking back four suddenly turned into sprightly, yoga-loving teenagers, expressing themselves, and each praised Wenger for giving them mental strength and belief.
Nearly fifteen years on and Wenger is still at the helm. He is now Arsenal’s most successful manager ever, despite the club not having won a trophy since 2005. For a Frenchman with no previous knowledge of English football (a fact Sir Alex Ferguson once famously castrated Wenger for when Wenger began to criticise fixture congestion), achieving such success is nothing short of remarkable. As Jonathan Pearce commented on last night’s Match of the Day, Wenger is soon approaching his 17th semi-final when they meet Wigan in the League Cup .
However, Wenger’s insistence on his policy of filling a team with skilful players who love to pass the ball, feel the ball and caress the ball has attracted criticism from people who are unhappy when this style does not get results. It is an old argument now, one that has been going for years, and one that doesn’t look like going away anytime soon if Match of the Day continues to keep the likes of Alan Hansen and the old biddy Mark Lawrenson in jobs.
It is a criticism often forgotten when Wenger’s side are in-form and picking up results, and those who are in Wenger’s camp must often melt in anger at the hypocrisy at times of the British media. How many times have we lazily heard pundits criticise Arsenal for lacking a more direct ‘Plan B’ when attacking, only to hail the magical passing style of the ‘Plan A’ that rips apart a team the week after with no acknowledgment of the prior criticism dished out. You cannot have it both ways Mr Pundit.
The other criticism of his recent sides has been the perceived ‘lack of backbone’ that supposedly leaves a soft centre for aggressive teams to take advantage off. Wenger’s early Arsenal sides had a strong midfield pairing of Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira, but since the two departed, Wenger has chosen to feature neat, technical centre midfielders instead of a more combative type.
The current midfield features a very similar type of player. Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Denilson, and Andrei Arshavin are all skilful, diminutive right-footed players with great technique. The promising left-footed Jack Wilshire appears to be offering simply a Southpaws version of the aforementioned players, rather than offering an alternative. Alex Song and Abou Diaby have a significantly bigger physique than them, but DIaby is deceptive and is a box to box player with a fine touch, and Alex Song would prefer to stay on his feet than slide in like a rampaging Scott Parker.
Wenger’s team does have a major weakness in that their defence is not up to the standards set by his previous Arsenal sides. Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillachi have not yet settled and they have missed Thomas Vermaelen badly. Those who argue that Arsenal’s defence is not protected enough by its midfield should note that that Manchester United’s first choice defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are consistently excellent despite United not employing a ‘Makalele-type’ midfielder in front of them.
Arsenal’s midfield, according to some will never win anything, with robust Premiership sides like Stoke and Wolves getting ‘stuck in’, ‘winning the battle’ and making the Gunners drop vital points consistently. It is this that apparently leaves some Arsenal fans frustrated with Wenger, and when pundits every week are saying the same thing, mud sticks.
Wenger’s disbelievers consider Wenger of being either ignorant, naïve, or not good enough to instil physical competencies in midfield, but the simple truth is that the manager, as always, sees it differently. Rather than trying to improve on areas with apparent deficiencies, Wenger tries to improve on his teams strengths.
Let us not forget the first half of the first leg between Arsenal and Barcelona in the Champions League last season. Arsenal were destroyed in that half not by a side who were intent on disrupting their play, but by a side that simply wouldn’t let them have the ball (Although admittedly Barcelona did work extremely hard when they didn’t have the ball).
Barcelona are undoubtedly the benchmark for Wenger, and although some clubs are so far away from the standard of the Catalan giants, Wenger knows that his team are close to emulating them. Consequently Wenger tries to maintain a fluent passing style, which we all know has looked ridiculously good at times and has outplayed the very best.
Wenger entered the Premiership with an open mind, a thinker. It is clear he sees the way Arsenal play as the way to success. He doesn’t want to play like anyone else, he doesn’t want to bow to media and fan pressure to buy more physical and experienced players, but he does want to win trophies.
Does every team have to play the same way? With a defensive midfielder in front of a back 4, a big striker up front with aerial presence or a five-man midfield to suffocate the opposition? All are viable tactics but it is up to the manager to see what he feels best. This is Arsenal’s most successful and longest serving manager after all.
Why thus, should anyone try and mould a free-flowing easy-on-the-eye Arsenal side into something that we believe could be more productive if it means we lose the charm and beauty of their style of play? It would be criminal for Arsenal or Wenger to change their principles. Wenger should stick to his Plan A, just as Spain and Barcelona do, and he deserves a lot more respect from what he currently gets.
Let’s not forget, children growing up playing the game look to those they watch every weekend for influence on their own game, copying their stopovers etc. If the future of England international football is to improve, it will do no harm for children to see players passing the ball to each other patiently and skilfully, with an emphasis on technique and possession. Spain and Barcelona have re-written the rule-book as to how to become successful at the very top level, and the youth of today should aspire to play like them and not like a side managed by Sam Allardyce or Mick McCarthy.
With Robin Van Persie essentially having been out of the first team for 12 months, and Cesc Fabregas suffering from injury problems this season, Arsenal have been shy of arguably their two most talented players this term, yet find themselves top of the league at the time of writing. Samir Nasri’s fantastic double yesterday against Fulham proved that other players are stepping up, and with the lack of a decent top Premiership side left in the League Cup it looks likely that Wenger will finally win a first trophy since 2005, a trophy he has not yet won. It may not be the only trophy he picks up this season.
Sunday 21 November 2010
How do you solve a problem like Berbatov?
THERE are fewer frustrating sights on a football field than when a footballer doesn’t appear to be trying. No matter how much you cheer him on from the terraces, or indeed your own sofa, it’s like water off a duck’s back. The player in question has most likely got to where he is by having the exact same ethos throughout his career, right from youth football up to the first time he pulled on a shirt for his country.
Take Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov for example. The Bulgarian is often seen pacing somewhat leisurely around a football pitch, waiting for precision balls to his feet for him to conjure up a moment of magic, ignoring the responsibility of tracking back to help his team-mates. The mercurial Eric Cantona was not too dissimilar throughout his United career, though the Frenchman was a warrior in leadership and spirit, if not in physical graft. Cantona set the example for a breed of younger players like David Beckham and Paul Scholes, inspiring them to put extra hours in on the training ground in which to hone their skills, and attempt to fulfil the premise of ‘practice makes perfect.’ Even a poor last showing in the 1996/1997 season couldn’t put a black mark on what had been a fabulous career at United, with the Frenchman still conjuring up the ability to score arguably his most iconic United goal – that chip against Sunderland.
This season’s hat-trick against arch-rivals Liverpool looked to have helped Berbatov gain the hearts of United supporters that had criticised his attitude and end-product for a club that had spent £30m on him early in the 2008/09 season. However, just as the saying ‘form is temporary/class is permanent’ goes, Berbatov looks unlikely to change his ways. The lethargic swagger around the pitch which Berbatov exhibits is simply his style, and United fans wishing to see moments of brilliance will also have to put up with the more incredulous times.
The hat-trick appeared to have helped Berbatov also win over his critics. A week earlier he had swept in a fantastic goal against Everton, and the striker appeared to brimming with confidence as he led a forward line that appeared to be coping admirably without Wayne Rooney. Since then however, Berbatov appears to have fell into the same inconsistent form as we have seen from him since he joined the club in 2008, and it is well publicised that he is not managed a single goal since the Liverpool game.
Yesterday’s omission from the starting line-up against Wigan saw Sir Alex Ferguson confessed that he had chosen to simply leave Berbatov out, and there was not even a place on the bench for him. The United boss admitted: "I just left him out - picking my subs today I just thought I had to give a different type of variety.”
This is not the first time the Bulgarian has been left out of match-day squad completely this season. Berbatov did not feature in United’s previous home fixture against Wolves, a game in which United were poor in and needed a last-minute goal by Ji Sung Park to secure three points. Earlier in the season, Ferguson admitted to making a mistake by not including Berbatov in the squad for the Champions League fixture against Glasgow Rangers, a match that saw both teams draw blank.
Ferguson has always defended Berbatov openly in the press, and was particularly in high praise for the striker after the Liverpool game. Ferguson said: "There's been a lot of criticism of him, which happens at this club when we sign someone for big money and he isn't scoring a hat-trick every week. But there has never been any question about his ability.
"Lots of questions were asked about him last season and he was made something of a whipping boy, to the point where he must have wondered whether he had a future at Old Trafford. We could have avoided the worst of the aggravation if people had only asked themselves two questions. Firstly they should have queried whether the man had real ability, and the answer for me was undoubtedly yes. Next they should have looked to see if he was a Manchester United kind of player and, again, I think there was no doubt about him. I concede that at times he seemed to struggle but if you are satisfied about a player's credentials you must persevere and trust your judgment."
However, Ferguson is astute enough to know when a player is in poor form, and is brave enough to take action. Defenders Johnny Evans and John O’Shea were seen as culpable for the poor defensive showings of United earlier in the season, and the United manager has given few minutes on the pitch to the two ever since. Alarmingly for Evans, the Northern Ireland international has not played a single minute since the 2-2 draw at Bolton. Rio Ferdinand’s return has of course hampered Evans’ chances of game-time, and Evans’ lack of versatility compared to O’Shea does not aid him, but Ferguson has clearly sent a message to the defender. Berbatov himself will be given no differential treatment.
Indeed it was the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last weekend which prompted Ferguson’s surprising line-up yesterday against Wigan. United were poor in most areas at Villa Park, but the decision to replace both Berbatov and striker Javier Hernandez early in the second half was a sign that Ferguson had become ultimately frustrated with the output of United’s forward line. Berbatov may well have complained about a lack of service from a stagnant midfield, but one needs to only look at Sunderland’s Darren Bent to see that a striker can still score and lead the line effectively without world-class support. Hernandez, in his first season with the club, looks a fantastic prospect and has plenty more to offer, but Berbatov’s lacklustre performance must have given Ferguson some serious grievances about a player that cost the club £30m.
Berbatov started his career at United in a decent fashion. In the league, he reached double-figures in assists, and with a similar amount of goals to his own name he looked to have a bright future at Old Trafford. Indeed a couple of scrappy goals at home to Celtic in the Champions League gave a suggestion that Berbatov might well be the classy poacher that United have lacked since Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s departure in 2006.
For all the class that Berbatov possessed, the languid style of his football slowly frustrated the United fans that wanted him to become a legend. United fans the season previously had seen a fabulous front-three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez bring home the Champions League as well as retain the Premiership title. That front-line had skill, power, pace and goals. Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008, and Rooney and Tevez proved that having hard-working strikers blessed with an abundance of talent really is the best attributes a manager could want.
It was somewhat strange then that Ferguson chose to spend such money on an area that was arguably the best in Europe at the time, although the United manager may have already foreseen that Carlos Tevez would not have a long-term future with the club. The injury-prone Louis Saha would have also given Ferguson concerns about strength-in-depth, and the Frenchman was shipped off to Everton around the same time Berbatov was signed.
If Ferguson is looking to sell Berbatov this summer, United’s strength in depth is something he will have to consider, and it may well seal Berbatov’s fate.
Wayne Rooney will be looking to hit the same form he reached last season now he is back from injury, and few doubts remain that he will, once he wins over the United fans again. Hernandez is a fantastic talent with pace, goals, heading ability and technique, and it will be him and Rooney that will spearhead United’s title challenge. Young Federico Macheda still has his doubters amongst the Old Trafford faithful, but United’s backroom staff have undoubted faith in the Italian’s ability to improve. His terrific strike against Villa last week would have done him a world of good. Danny Welbeck has also shown signs of improvement during his loan spell at Sunderland, and Ferguson would have been delighted to see his young forward destroy Chelsea in last Sunday’s 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Such young talent however, does lack the experience Ferguson craves, particularly when competing in Europe. Indeed, it was Berbatov’s experience, technique and patience that was expected to help United fare better, particularly as United (up till the 2007/2008 season), were struggling away from home. Unfortunately for Berbatov, Rooney’s improvement in operating as a main striker last year restricted his appearances. Such success with Rooney as the front man in a 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation inspired Ferguson to implement tactics in league games as well as in Europe.
Berbatov’s ability to bring others into the game is unrivalled at United, and this unselfishness hampered his own goal-scoring record. He had scored 15 league goals in his final season at Tottenham and thus looked to be a complete package when United finally showed serious interest in signing him. However, goals at United have generally been shared around throughout Ferguson’s reign, and this has been very much the case since Berbatov’s arrival.
The Bulgarian is often derived for being in deeper positions than United fans would like, despite these positions often being determined by the tactics of Ferguson himself. Berbatov would also have found it frustrating how he wasn’t picked for the ‘big’ fixtures last season, only thrust into the action against inferior opposition. Thus when he does get a chance he is often so starved of confidence by the manager that he is unlikely to get on the score-sheet, particularly as he is expected to threaten the goal from non-threatening, deep-lying positions.
It is becoming more and more apparent that Berbatov will most likely be playing his football elsewhere this time next year, despite Ferguson’s praise of the striker earlier this season. Loved more by football purists than fans and critics, the striker still has a good few years in him to leave his mark on the game, and will undoubtedly still have an important part to play this season for United. Neutrals would love to see Berbatov continue to play regularly in the Premiership, and players returning to Spurs and Harry Redknapp are not uncommon, but one hopes that his United career hasn’t damaged the confidence in which he used to use to enormous effectiveness.
Take Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov for example. The Bulgarian is often seen pacing somewhat leisurely around a football pitch, waiting for precision balls to his feet for him to conjure up a moment of magic, ignoring the responsibility of tracking back to help his team-mates. The mercurial Eric Cantona was not too dissimilar throughout his United career, though the Frenchman was a warrior in leadership and spirit, if not in physical graft. Cantona set the example for a breed of younger players like David Beckham and Paul Scholes, inspiring them to put extra hours in on the training ground in which to hone their skills, and attempt to fulfil the premise of ‘practice makes perfect.’ Even a poor last showing in the 1996/1997 season couldn’t put a black mark on what had been a fabulous career at United, with the Frenchman still conjuring up the ability to score arguably his most iconic United goal – that chip against Sunderland.
This season’s hat-trick against arch-rivals Liverpool looked to have helped Berbatov gain the hearts of United supporters that had criticised his attitude and end-product for a club that had spent £30m on him early in the 2008/09 season. However, just as the saying ‘form is temporary/class is permanent’ goes, Berbatov looks unlikely to change his ways. The lethargic swagger around the pitch which Berbatov exhibits is simply his style, and United fans wishing to see moments of brilliance will also have to put up with the more incredulous times.
The hat-trick appeared to have helped Berbatov also win over his critics. A week earlier he had swept in a fantastic goal against Everton, and the striker appeared to brimming with confidence as he led a forward line that appeared to be coping admirably without Wayne Rooney. Since then however, Berbatov appears to have fell into the same inconsistent form as we have seen from him since he joined the club in 2008, and it is well publicised that he is not managed a single goal since the Liverpool game.
Yesterday’s omission from the starting line-up against Wigan saw Sir Alex Ferguson confessed that he had chosen to simply leave Berbatov out, and there was not even a place on the bench for him. The United boss admitted: "I just left him out - picking my subs today I just thought I had to give a different type of variety.”
This is not the first time the Bulgarian has been left out of match-day squad completely this season. Berbatov did not feature in United’s previous home fixture against Wolves, a game in which United were poor in and needed a last-minute goal by Ji Sung Park to secure three points. Earlier in the season, Ferguson admitted to making a mistake by not including Berbatov in the squad for the Champions League fixture against Glasgow Rangers, a match that saw both teams draw blank.
Ferguson has always defended Berbatov openly in the press, and was particularly in high praise for the striker after the Liverpool game. Ferguson said: "There's been a lot of criticism of him, which happens at this club when we sign someone for big money and he isn't scoring a hat-trick every week. But there has never been any question about his ability.
"Lots of questions were asked about him last season and he was made something of a whipping boy, to the point where he must have wondered whether he had a future at Old Trafford. We could have avoided the worst of the aggravation if people had only asked themselves two questions. Firstly they should have queried whether the man had real ability, and the answer for me was undoubtedly yes. Next they should have looked to see if he was a Manchester United kind of player and, again, I think there was no doubt about him. I concede that at times he seemed to struggle but if you are satisfied about a player's credentials you must persevere and trust your judgment."
However, Ferguson is astute enough to know when a player is in poor form, and is brave enough to take action. Defenders Johnny Evans and John O’Shea were seen as culpable for the poor defensive showings of United earlier in the season, and the United manager has given few minutes on the pitch to the two ever since. Alarmingly for Evans, the Northern Ireland international has not played a single minute since the 2-2 draw at Bolton. Rio Ferdinand’s return has of course hampered Evans’ chances of game-time, and Evans’ lack of versatility compared to O’Shea does not aid him, but Ferguson has clearly sent a message to the defender. Berbatov himself will be given no differential treatment.
Indeed it was the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last weekend which prompted Ferguson’s surprising line-up yesterday against Wigan. United were poor in most areas at Villa Park, but the decision to replace both Berbatov and striker Javier Hernandez early in the second half was a sign that Ferguson had become ultimately frustrated with the output of United’s forward line. Berbatov may well have complained about a lack of service from a stagnant midfield, but one needs to only look at Sunderland’s Darren Bent to see that a striker can still score and lead the line effectively without world-class support. Hernandez, in his first season with the club, looks a fantastic prospect and has plenty more to offer, but Berbatov’s lacklustre performance must have given Ferguson some serious grievances about a player that cost the club £30m.
Berbatov started his career at United in a decent fashion. In the league, he reached double-figures in assists, and with a similar amount of goals to his own name he looked to have a bright future at Old Trafford. Indeed a couple of scrappy goals at home to Celtic in the Champions League gave a suggestion that Berbatov might well be the classy poacher that United have lacked since Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s departure in 2006.
For all the class that Berbatov possessed, the languid style of his football slowly frustrated the United fans that wanted him to become a legend. United fans the season previously had seen a fabulous front-three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez bring home the Champions League as well as retain the Premiership title. That front-line had skill, power, pace and goals. Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008, and Rooney and Tevez proved that having hard-working strikers blessed with an abundance of talent really is the best attributes a manager could want.
It was somewhat strange then that Ferguson chose to spend such money on an area that was arguably the best in Europe at the time, although the United manager may have already foreseen that Carlos Tevez would not have a long-term future with the club. The injury-prone Louis Saha would have also given Ferguson concerns about strength-in-depth, and the Frenchman was shipped off to Everton around the same time Berbatov was signed.
If Ferguson is looking to sell Berbatov this summer, United’s strength in depth is something he will have to consider, and it may well seal Berbatov’s fate.
Wayne Rooney will be looking to hit the same form he reached last season now he is back from injury, and few doubts remain that he will, once he wins over the United fans again. Hernandez is a fantastic talent with pace, goals, heading ability and technique, and it will be him and Rooney that will spearhead United’s title challenge. Young Federico Macheda still has his doubters amongst the Old Trafford faithful, but United’s backroom staff have undoubted faith in the Italian’s ability to improve. His terrific strike against Villa last week would have done him a world of good. Danny Welbeck has also shown signs of improvement during his loan spell at Sunderland, and Ferguson would have been delighted to see his young forward destroy Chelsea in last Sunday’s 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Such young talent however, does lack the experience Ferguson craves, particularly when competing in Europe. Indeed, it was Berbatov’s experience, technique and patience that was expected to help United fare better, particularly as United (up till the 2007/2008 season), were struggling away from home. Unfortunately for Berbatov, Rooney’s improvement in operating as a main striker last year restricted his appearances. Such success with Rooney as the front man in a 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation inspired Ferguson to implement tactics in league games as well as in Europe.
Berbatov’s ability to bring others into the game is unrivalled at United, and this unselfishness hampered his own goal-scoring record. He had scored 15 league goals in his final season at Tottenham and thus looked to be a complete package when United finally showed serious interest in signing him. However, goals at United have generally been shared around throughout Ferguson’s reign, and this has been very much the case since Berbatov’s arrival.
The Bulgarian is often derived for being in deeper positions than United fans would like, despite these positions often being determined by the tactics of Ferguson himself. Berbatov would also have found it frustrating how he wasn’t picked for the ‘big’ fixtures last season, only thrust into the action against inferior opposition. Thus when he does get a chance he is often so starved of confidence by the manager that he is unlikely to get on the score-sheet, particularly as he is expected to threaten the goal from non-threatening, deep-lying positions.
It is becoming more and more apparent that Berbatov will most likely be playing his football elsewhere this time next year, despite Ferguson’s praise of the striker earlier this season. Loved more by football purists than fans and critics, the striker still has a good few years in him to leave his mark on the game, and will undoubtedly still have an important part to play this season for United. Neutrals would love to see Berbatov continue to play regularly in the Premiership, and players returning to Spurs and Harry Redknapp are not uncommon, but one hopes that his United career hasn’t damaged the confidence in which he used to use to enormous effectiveness.
Friday 15 October 2010
Wayne Rooney - Born of Frustration
WAYNE Rooney has frustrated many a football fan in recent years, particularly those supporting the team he is playing against. However, this week provoked debate amongst even his own Manchester United fans as to whether he is doing all he can to lift himself out of the barren spell he finds himself in.
The Old Trafford faithful have adopted ‘The White Pele’ as one of their own, a far cry from one of their first glimpses of Rooney as a cocky Merseyside scally playing for Everton. Indeed, the Stretford End’s chants of “Have you ever had a salad? Have you f*ck!” provoked a then-tubby Rooney into hacking down young emerging talent Cristiano Ronaldo with such force you would think Ronaldo had hidden Rooney's Mars Bar. However, two years later, a chocolate-free Rooney was lining up with Ronaldo as the two looked to bring back glory to a Manchester United side in transition.
Seven years down the line, and recent comments to the media have surprised many, concerning his recent form and fitness. Rooney seemed to cast aside any arguments about his fitness of late, by stating his ‘troublesome’ ankle has been fine all season. This, despite the fact that both Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Mike Phelan (who must rival Ralph Milne as one of Ferguson’s worst signings) have openly indicated that Rooney has had a problem with it. Speaking after England’s qualifier against Montenegro, Rooney said: “I’ve had no ankle problem all season.” Of course, Rooney may well believe he is fit enough, and is simply taking some of the blame himself. Ferguson on the other hand, as the superb man-manager he always has been, is protecting his own player. Phelan on the other hand is simply doing a "Yes-Boss" job that would make Phil Neal proud, and Graham Taylor orange with rage.
With Ferguson claiming Rooney’s on-the-pitch problems have been physical, it’s more likely that Rooney is suffering from the same mental problems that have blighted his short career to date. Despite Rooney’s intimidating presence on the pitch, his high-tempered aggression, and his tremendous will to win, Rooney has had more than couple of notable bleak periods in his career, where goals have dried up and his usually-assured touch has eluded him.
Of course, much has been said about Rooney needing to mature, about his need to learn how to control both his aggression and also his instincts to track back. As a teenager, Rooney was arguably a more explosive player than he is now, being more prone to run at defenders, rather than his modern game which sees him looking more likely to create something from an exchange of passes or to deliver a deadly through ball. Even his aptitude for long-range shooting seems to have dwindled somewhat, much to the relief of goalkeepers.
However, as he approaches his 25th birthday this month, Rooney needs to focus on his game more than ever. He needs to cut out the media-work for a start, although rumours have it that sponsors have been less than impressed with his recent misdemeanours with women other than his wife, thus some of these decisions may be taken out of his 'busy' hands.
The awful Street Striker TV programme on Sky One, which Rooney attaches his less than glitzy name to, should be the next to go. With today’s modern innovative coaching techniques, it seems unlikely that monitoring a bunch of teenagers run around an industrial estate avoiding a bunch of dead cats, whilst attempting to chip the ball into a disused skip is not going to mould them into the new Lionel Messi.
If it’s not the off-the-field distractions, we must look on the pitch. Confidence can affect everyone, but Rooney seems to suffer most. Though for a player with his reputation, being a ‘confidence’ player is not acceptable. Indeed, an argument can be made that the best players have supreme confidence at all times – their confidence in their own ability overshadowing any distraction or factors that may try and lessen their performance.
His ex-team-mate Ronaldo for example, is as popular as George Best was for his celebrity status as much as his footballing competence. However, Ronaldo, despite his tendency to flop around the pitch with his arms flailing and deploying THAT facial expression, has a steely, unflappable confidence, which has helped him reach the highest levels of his capabilities. However, Rooney’s goal-droughts and losses of form are becoming much too common and are often unexplainable. Such inconsistency is threatening to affect Rooney’s status as one of the country’s finest ever players.
In Rooney’s defence, Ronaldo rarely suffered from injuries during his time at United, whereas Rooney unfortunately picked up impact knocks such as metatarsal injuries, which were beyond his control. However, it is the less obvious injuries that many have speculated that Rooney has been suffering from, which is the cause for debate. His manager Ferguson has tried to put a positive spin on the issue, claiming it is Rooney’s eagerness to play with injuries that can be his downfall. If this is the case, is it not up to Sir Alex to and his medical team to decide what is best for the team, the player, and the club in the long run? Ferguson it seems, may be giving Rooney more liberty than he has ever given one of his players since the Scot took the reins at Old Trafford.
Despite appearing to be a family man, who is perfectly happy living the rest of his life out in the North-West, Rooney has developed an ego in other areas, and somewhat of a superiority complex. His obvious frustrations with England’s performance in the World Cup led to an outburst on camera abusing England fans for booing the players. Sorry Wayne, but whether booing or not is particularly constructive, fans who travelled to South Africa had every right to express their own opinions on the England team after such an abject display. His outburst was almost definitely pre-meditated, meaning Rooney, in his own mind, believes he is justified in such actions, and that he can ‘do no wrong and basically ‘do as he wants’. It wouldn't have been too surprising if he'd blamed Steve McClaren. When his head goes in a match, he simply cannot mentally pick himself up again. It’s this maturity issue that is harming his game.
Rooney, like Fernando Torres in some aspects, is running out of excuses when it comes to explaining his own personal performances. Torres, in his defence, has had injury problems, though his attitude, particularly in body language, has been nothing short of childish over the last 18 months. Within just a few months of his arrival in the summer of 2007, neutrals marvelled at the skills and goal-scoring talents of the Spaniard – a foreign player taking wonderfully to the Premiership in a similar vein to Gianfranco Zola and Jurgen Klinsmann when they moved to Premiership football in the mid 1990’s. Now Torres has become a victim, or a parody if you will, of the egotistic ways of the Premiership, where money and big club aura’s rule, and lesser clubs and players are looked on in disdain by expensive big-club imports. However, this issue is for another day…
Rooney is at home to West Brom this weekend, and although now playing in a deeper role to last season, mainly due to the excellent form of Dimitar Berbatov this term, Rooney is still capable of a world-class display. As he proved last season when he hit a season’s best goal tally, and produced terrific form both in domestic and European competitions, Rooney is a world-beater on his day, and is arguably the striker most defenders in the Champions League fear most, such is the variety of his game combined with a fantastic work-ethic. However, he must achieve consistency quickly for his stock to rise again.
The Old Trafford faithful have adopted ‘The White Pele’ as one of their own, a far cry from one of their first glimpses of Rooney as a cocky Merseyside scally playing for Everton. Indeed, the Stretford End’s chants of “Have you ever had a salad? Have you f*ck!” provoked a then-tubby Rooney into hacking down young emerging talent Cristiano Ronaldo with such force you would think Ronaldo had hidden Rooney's Mars Bar. However, two years later, a chocolate-free Rooney was lining up with Ronaldo as the two looked to bring back glory to a Manchester United side in transition.
Seven years down the line, and recent comments to the media have surprised many, concerning his recent form and fitness. Rooney seemed to cast aside any arguments about his fitness of late, by stating his ‘troublesome’ ankle has been fine all season. This, despite the fact that both Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Mike Phelan (who must rival Ralph Milne as one of Ferguson’s worst signings) have openly indicated that Rooney has had a problem with it. Speaking after England’s qualifier against Montenegro, Rooney said: “I’ve had no ankle problem all season.” Of course, Rooney may well believe he is fit enough, and is simply taking some of the blame himself. Ferguson on the other hand, as the superb man-manager he always has been, is protecting his own player. Phelan on the other hand is simply doing a "Yes-Boss" job that would make Phil Neal proud, and Graham Taylor orange with rage.
With Ferguson claiming Rooney’s on-the-pitch problems have been physical, it’s more likely that Rooney is suffering from the same mental problems that have blighted his short career to date. Despite Rooney’s intimidating presence on the pitch, his high-tempered aggression, and his tremendous will to win, Rooney has had more than couple of notable bleak periods in his career, where goals have dried up and his usually-assured touch has eluded him.
Of course, much has been said about Rooney needing to mature, about his need to learn how to control both his aggression and also his instincts to track back. As a teenager, Rooney was arguably a more explosive player than he is now, being more prone to run at defenders, rather than his modern game which sees him looking more likely to create something from an exchange of passes or to deliver a deadly through ball. Even his aptitude for long-range shooting seems to have dwindled somewhat, much to the relief of goalkeepers.
However, as he approaches his 25th birthday this month, Rooney needs to focus on his game more than ever. He needs to cut out the media-work for a start, although rumours have it that sponsors have been less than impressed with his recent misdemeanours with women other than his wife, thus some of these decisions may be taken out of his 'busy' hands.
The awful Street Striker TV programme on Sky One, which Rooney attaches his less than glitzy name to, should be the next to go. With today’s modern innovative coaching techniques, it seems unlikely that monitoring a bunch of teenagers run around an industrial estate avoiding a bunch of dead cats, whilst attempting to chip the ball into a disused skip is not going to mould them into the new Lionel Messi.
If it’s not the off-the-field distractions, we must look on the pitch. Confidence can affect everyone, but Rooney seems to suffer most. Though for a player with his reputation, being a ‘confidence’ player is not acceptable. Indeed, an argument can be made that the best players have supreme confidence at all times – their confidence in their own ability overshadowing any distraction or factors that may try and lessen their performance.
His ex-team-mate Ronaldo for example, is as popular as George Best was for his celebrity status as much as his footballing competence. However, Ronaldo, despite his tendency to flop around the pitch with his arms flailing and deploying THAT facial expression, has a steely, unflappable confidence, which has helped him reach the highest levels of his capabilities. However, Rooney’s goal-droughts and losses of form are becoming much too common and are often unexplainable. Such inconsistency is threatening to affect Rooney’s status as one of the country’s finest ever players.
In Rooney’s defence, Ronaldo rarely suffered from injuries during his time at United, whereas Rooney unfortunately picked up impact knocks such as metatarsal injuries, which were beyond his control. However, it is the less obvious injuries that many have speculated that Rooney has been suffering from, which is the cause for debate. His manager Ferguson has tried to put a positive spin on the issue, claiming it is Rooney’s eagerness to play with injuries that can be his downfall. If this is the case, is it not up to Sir Alex to and his medical team to decide what is best for the team, the player, and the club in the long run? Ferguson it seems, may be giving Rooney more liberty than he has ever given one of his players since the Scot took the reins at Old Trafford.
Despite appearing to be a family man, who is perfectly happy living the rest of his life out in the North-West, Rooney has developed an ego in other areas, and somewhat of a superiority complex. His obvious frustrations with England’s performance in the World Cup led to an outburst on camera abusing England fans for booing the players. Sorry Wayne, but whether booing or not is particularly constructive, fans who travelled to South Africa had every right to express their own opinions on the England team after such an abject display. His outburst was almost definitely pre-meditated, meaning Rooney, in his own mind, believes he is justified in such actions, and that he can ‘do no wrong and basically ‘do as he wants’. It wouldn't have been too surprising if he'd blamed Steve McClaren. When his head goes in a match, he simply cannot mentally pick himself up again. It’s this maturity issue that is harming his game.
Rooney, like Fernando Torres in some aspects, is running out of excuses when it comes to explaining his own personal performances. Torres, in his defence, has had injury problems, though his attitude, particularly in body language, has been nothing short of childish over the last 18 months. Within just a few months of his arrival in the summer of 2007, neutrals marvelled at the skills and goal-scoring talents of the Spaniard – a foreign player taking wonderfully to the Premiership in a similar vein to Gianfranco Zola and Jurgen Klinsmann when they moved to Premiership football in the mid 1990’s. Now Torres has become a victim, or a parody if you will, of the egotistic ways of the Premiership, where money and big club aura’s rule, and lesser clubs and players are looked on in disdain by expensive big-club imports. However, this issue is for another day…
Rooney is at home to West Brom this weekend, and although now playing in a deeper role to last season, mainly due to the excellent form of Dimitar Berbatov this term, Rooney is still capable of a world-class display. As he proved last season when he hit a season’s best goal tally, and produced terrific form both in domestic and European competitions, Rooney is a world-beater on his day, and is arguably the striker most defenders in the Champions League fear most, such is the variety of his game combined with a fantastic work-ethic. However, he must achieve consistency quickly for his stock to rise again.
Sunday 26 September 2010
Riding the Rollercoaster
HAS there been a greater story in the Premiership’s short history than Blackpool being promoted to the top tier? Despite being one of the football league’s oldest clubs, Blackpool were slowly turning into the club everybody had forgotten existed, with the club secondary to the fame of the town’s fairground attractions. “What? They have a football club too? Are you sure? Where’s the stadium? I can't see it. Is it on South Pier?”
Blackpool was the club that nobody ever imagined would reach the Premier League. Indeed last season, as they reached the Championship, they were favourites to go straight back down into Division One. They were the novel club by the seaside, who wore tangerine, who Stanley Matthews played for. They were never expected to win titles in the modern era, just survive, but just try telling that to their increasingly loveable manager Ian Holloway.
Holloway is now as famous for his words of wisdom as he is for his excellent management career. Blackpool have started life surprisingly well. Defeats at Arsenal and Chelsea were expected, but away wins at Wigan and Newcastle proved that any team promoted to the top tier should be given respect. In Spain recently, bookmakers reportedly gave newly promoted Hercules ridiculous odds of 100/1 when they visited Barcelona at the Nou Camp recently. Such odds are unheard of in England, and they are unlikely to, following Hercules’s shock 2-0 victory over the Spanish champions.
‘The Tangerines’ are riding their very own rollercoaster at the moment. For a club with a small stadium, small fan base, and a notably small salary-budget, Blackpool have massively over-achieved to have reached the dizzy heights of the Premier League. Every few years a team is labelled the ‘worst in Premier League history.
It happened early on in the Premier League’s history, with Swindon Town suffering badly in the 1993/1994 season, a season only really notable for a creditable home draw against reigning champions Manchester United, and the flailing helicopter arms of Jan Age Fjortoft. Years later, Derby County were absolutely awful in the 2007/08 season, finishing with a record low of just 11 points, with the Rams heavily dependent on a strike-force consisting of the peanut-headed Robert Earnshaw and also Steve Howard, a forward with the mobility of Jan Molby after a carvery.
Derby County however, play in the excellent Pride Park stadium, with large crowds every week. In stark contrast, Blackpool were forced to play their first fixture away this season, at Wigan, as one of Blackpool’s stands was not yet up to the building standards required by the Premier League. Wigan themselves have proved that a small club, with small attendances, can stand their ground in the Premier League. Blackpool fans must hope that Holloway can emulate what Paul Jewell and Steve Bruce did, although Holloway’s style of football is more akin to an attractive passing game than the dogged determined pressing system that Jewell and Bruce implemented.
On the pitch, Blackpool will look to talisman Charlie Adam for goals and craft from midfield. Adam has so far started brightly and doesn’t look out of his depth. Experienced forward Marlon Harewood had a dream debut at Wigan and will look to lead the line, particularly away from home where Holloway will most probably flood the midfield. DJ Campbell, who was brought back to Bloomfield Road after successfully helping the club win promotion last season, will add pace and enthusiasm also. However, with a lack of real quality in the squad, Blackpool know they face an uphill battle to stay in the Premiership.
Blackpool WILL go down this season, with the teams lower down the table looking stronger than the likes of Burnley and Hull City from last season. But even if they don’t last in the Premiership, the shrewd financial running of the club, by recently departed Chairman Karl Oyston, should see the club in good stead in years to come. The ex-Chairman has openly boasted about how the club is the only one he knows not to be in debt. A rare feat in today’s game. Oyston was reported to have stepped down as Chairman due to becoming disillusioned at a lack of success in the transfer market over the summer. He blamed the lack of integrity amongst agents, claiming the club were not going to be held ransom by a culture of greed, eating away at what is left of the soul of football.
For many, the battle has already been won by Blackpool. Beating a host of bigger clubs, with bigger budgets and bigger reputations, the Tangerines should relax and enjoy the ride. Living legends such as Dave Bamber and Jimmy Armfield should watch on with their feet up, and Stanley Matthews should be looking down on his former club with immense pride. Many clubs may well have gone bust in 20 years time, thus Blackpool could be the last men standing!
Blackpool was the club that nobody ever imagined would reach the Premier League. Indeed last season, as they reached the Championship, they were favourites to go straight back down into Division One. They were the novel club by the seaside, who wore tangerine, who Stanley Matthews played for. They were never expected to win titles in the modern era, just survive, but just try telling that to their increasingly loveable manager Ian Holloway.
Holloway is now as famous for his words of wisdom as he is for his excellent management career. Blackpool have started life surprisingly well. Defeats at Arsenal and Chelsea were expected, but away wins at Wigan and Newcastle proved that any team promoted to the top tier should be given respect. In Spain recently, bookmakers reportedly gave newly promoted Hercules ridiculous odds of 100/1 when they visited Barcelona at the Nou Camp recently. Such odds are unheard of in England, and they are unlikely to, following Hercules’s shock 2-0 victory over the Spanish champions.
‘The Tangerines’ are riding their very own rollercoaster at the moment. For a club with a small stadium, small fan base, and a notably small salary-budget, Blackpool have massively over-achieved to have reached the dizzy heights of the Premier League. Every few years a team is labelled the ‘worst in Premier League history.
It happened early on in the Premier League’s history, with Swindon Town suffering badly in the 1993/1994 season, a season only really notable for a creditable home draw against reigning champions Manchester United, and the flailing helicopter arms of Jan Age Fjortoft. Years later, Derby County were absolutely awful in the 2007/08 season, finishing with a record low of just 11 points, with the Rams heavily dependent on a strike-force consisting of the peanut-headed Robert Earnshaw and also Steve Howard, a forward with the mobility of Jan Molby after a carvery.
Derby County however, play in the excellent Pride Park stadium, with large crowds every week. In stark contrast, Blackpool were forced to play their first fixture away this season, at Wigan, as one of Blackpool’s stands was not yet up to the building standards required by the Premier League. Wigan themselves have proved that a small club, with small attendances, can stand their ground in the Premier League. Blackpool fans must hope that Holloway can emulate what Paul Jewell and Steve Bruce did, although Holloway’s style of football is more akin to an attractive passing game than the dogged determined pressing system that Jewell and Bruce implemented.
On the pitch, Blackpool will look to talisman Charlie Adam for goals and craft from midfield. Adam has so far started brightly and doesn’t look out of his depth. Experienced forward Marlon Harewood had a dream debut at Wigan and will look to lead the line, particularly away from home where Holloway will most probably flood the midfield. DJ Campbell, who was brought back to Bloomfield Road after successfully helping the club win promotion last season, will add pace and enthusiasm also. However, with a lack of real quality in the squad, Blackpool know they face an uphill battle to stay in the Premiership.
Blackpool WILL go down this season, with the teams lower down the table looking stronger than the likes of Burnley and Hull City from last season. But even if they don’t last in the Premiership, the shrewd financial running of the club, by recently departed Chairman Karl Oyston, should see the club in good stead in years to come. The ex-Chairman has openly boasted about how the club is the only one he knows not to be in debt. A rare feat in today’s game. Oyston was reported to have stepped down as Chairman due to becoming disillusioned at a lack of success in the transfer market over the summer. He blamed the lack of integrity amongst agents, claiming the club were not going to be held ransom by a culture of greed, eating away at what is left of the soul of football.
For many, the battle has already been won by Blackpool. Beating a host of bigger clubs, with bigger budgets and bigger reputations, the Tangerines should relax and enjoy the ride. Living legends such as Dave Bamber and Jimmy Armfield should watch on with their feet up, and Stanley Matthews should be looking down on his former club with immense pride. Many clubs may well have gone bust in 20 years time, thus Blackpool could be the last men standing!
Sunday 19 September 2010
Refreshingly Direct?
The never-say-die attitude of the Premiership again came to the fore yesterday, this time at the Stadium of Light, as Darren Bent’s late, late goal denied Arsenal of what would have been an excellent three points against Sunderland. Arsene Wenger was perhaps justified in his complaints about how much stoppage time was played, but he must be cursing the slack defending that again cost his side a valuable win. As Bent punished yet another sloppy clearance by Gael Clichy, Wenger must have had flashbacks to St Andrews two seasons ago, when Clichy gave a ball away in his own area then proceeded to concede a penalty against Birmingham. The penalty, duly converted by James McFadden, was a dagger in what was a realistic Arsenal title challenge back in 2009. It also prompted a hilariously childish rage by William Gallas, who showed such apparent passion for the Gunners as an Arsenal captain that day, that he now plays for rivals Tottenham.
Although Arsenal ended the game with 10 men, and thus can point to utter misfortune that they conceded the goal when they did, they never really seemed comfortable with what was being thrown at them. Steve Bruce favours directness in his tactics, with two strikers being supplied by two wide men. Indeed, it is perhaps this attacking set-up which explains Sunderland’s success in home fixtures, whilst their success on their travels is sporadic at best. When the Stadium of Light is at full-volume, the directness of Bruce’s tactics seem to work in tandem with a crowd that try to suck the ball into the opposition’s goal, encouraged by their side’s eagerness to move forward. You do get the feeling however, that some Sunderland fans are just relieved to see the ball as far away from the bumbling defensive partnership of Titus Bramble and Anton Ferdinand as possible.
Such is the fashion in the modern game to set up with a five-man midfield and build play slowly through possession, it was somewhat refreshing to see a team achieve success in direct play, turning defence into attack quickly and efficiently. However, this set up has attracted criticism from football purists, especially when clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona have proved you can play pretty football and be successful.
Thus it is rare when tactics that are completely the opposite are employed in the Premier League. Whereas clubs like Wigan and Blackpool have attempted to try and play a passing style, other clubs have adopted a hugely contrasting approach. Stoke City in particular play a style reminiscent of many team in the 1980’s, a decade which saw teams like Wimbledon punt long balls up to their centre forwards. Even Arsenal, a team who easily play the best football in the Premiership in the modern era, were advocates of the long ball approach under George Graham way back in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Such a strategy was hated by fans and critics alike, but it gave particular problems to centre-backs, who had to deal with aerially-dominant forwards like Mick Harford, John Fashanu and Andy Gray. Everton in their defence played some great football and were highly successful in the 80’s, but then again Fashanu and long-ball merchants Wimbledon were also successful, beating ‘Pass and Move’ Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final. Only Gary Mabbutt would be one to not praise Fashanu’s footballing career, as the former Spurs defender was on the end of a nasty elbow by the former Gladiators presenter in the early 90’s.
In the modern game you could almost compare Stoke’s success at avoiding relegation to the feats of ‘The Crazy Gang’, such is the power and finance of the Premier League’s top clubs. Of course, there are other clubs that have done well to stay up over recent seasons, but none have achieved the success with such an extreme direct style of play. The simple art of dealing with a long ball into the area was natural to the defenders of 30 years ago, but foreign defenders used to playing against neat and tidy opposition, who keep the ball on the floor, are not used to deep, high deliveries coming into their penalty area. One couldn’t imagine the youth coaches of Real Madrid and Barcelona spending hours on the training ground instructing young defenders to head balls away from inside their six-yard box.
Premiership audiences have seen football evolve into a more technical game since the league re-launched itself in 1992. Thus when Stoke, (or anyone who La Liga-bound Sam Allardyce manages) do launch long balls into the oppostion's penalty area, from positions where most clubs would take a quick, short free-kick, the result is refreshingly enthralling. Clubs who find success with this tactic may develop this strategy further if they remain open to inventiveness. Why not increase the height of a long free-kick pumped into the penalty area, making it drop down into the danger area like an atom bomb? Attacking centre-backs will be then be competing against the centre backs from the defence – an equal tussle that could easily result in the type of confusion already seen at the Britannia Stadium most Saturday afternoons thanks to deliveries from Matthew Etherington and ridiculously long throw-in's by Rory Delap. There’s no doubt utilising the unique qualities of Delap have been relatively successful since Stoke were promoted, thus if team’s don’t have a Cesc Fabregas or a Mikel Arteta, why not bypass the midfield and instead launch long balls into a set of giant 6 ft 7 strikers? Deal with that Wenger.
Critics of course may point to the successful clubs of recent years playing with totally different tactics. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have played some scintillating football and won many, many games. Tony Pulis however, not only realises that he doesn’t have the cash at Stoke to buy players like Fabregas, but is innovative enough to know that there can be another way to play and compete against Premiership opposition. Allardyce was the first to show signs of complete innovation when rules regarding off-sides were amended five years or so ago. He consequently positioned two players standing way off-side during free kicks, who were allowed to remain onside as long as they didn’t touch the first ball played into the box. Indeed see here for such a goal that caused so much bedlam, that it caused Ian Walker to score a calamitous own goal.
You only have to look at Chris Samba’s goal for Blackburn yesterday against Fulham to see a goalkeeper and defence struggle against an unusual tactic, in this case Paul Robinson’s giant punt. Of course, many referees would have seen the blatant foul by El Hadji Diouf, but it’s not the fault of Diouf or the much-maligned Allardyce that the goal was allowed to stand.
In open play, the danger of the long ball is that you run the risk of losing possession quickly and consistently, and if you are up against top quality opposition you may not see the ball again for 2 to 3 minutes. However, in set piece situations, even a harmless-looking free kick 80-90 yards from goal, there is no reason not to send up the big men, as you would a corner kick. It might not be pretty, and fans may have something to say when they are forking out 50 quid for a match ticket, but if winning is all-important, then as long as it stays within the legalities of the game, then surely any tactic to win is as justifiable as the next tactic. Create the chaos, anything could happen.
Although Arsenal ended the game with 10 men, and thus can point to utter misfortune that they conceded the goal when they did, they never really seemed comfortable with what was being thrown at them. Steve Bruce favours directness in his tactics, with two strikers being supplied by two wide men. Indeed, it is perhaps this attacking set-up which explains Sunderland’s success in home fixtures, whilst their success on their travels is sporadic at best. When the Stadium of Light is at full-volume, the directness of Bruce’s tactics seem to work in tandem with a crowd that try to suck the ball into the opposition’s goal, encouraged by their side’s eagerness to move forward. You do get the feeling however, that some Sunderland fans are just relieved to see the ball as far away from the bumbling defensive partnership of Titus Bramble and Anton Ferdinand as possible.
Such is the fashion in the modern game to set up with a five-man midfield and build play slowly through possession, it was somewhat refreshing to see a team achieve success in direct play, turning defence into attack quickly and efficiently. However, this set up has attracted criticism from football purists, especially when clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona have proved you can play pretty football and be successful.
Thus it is rare when tactics that are completely the opposite are employed in the Premier League. Whereas clubs like Wigan and Blackpool have attempted to try and play a passing style, other clubs have adopted a hugely contrasting approach. Stoke City in particular play a style reminiscent of many team in the 1980’s, a decade which saw teams like Wimbledon punt long balls up to their centre forwards. Even Arsenal, a team who easily play the best football in the Premiership in the modern era, were advocates of the long ball approach under George Graham way back in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Such a strategy was hated by fans and critics alike, but it gave particular problems to centre-backs, who had to deal with aerially-dominant forwards like Mick Harford, John Fashanu and Andy Gray. Everton in their defence played some great football and were highly successful in the 80’s, but then again Fashanu and long-ball merchants Wimbledon were also successful, beating ‘Pass and Move’ Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final. Only Gary Mabbutt would be one to not praise Fashanu’s footballing career, as the former Spurs defender was on the end of a nasty elbow by the former Gladiators presenter in the early 90’s.
In the modern game you could almost compare Stoke’s success at avoiding relegation to the feats of ‘The Crazy Gang’, such is the power and finance of the Premier League’s top clubs. Of course, there are other clubs that have done well to stay up over recent seasons, but none have achieved the success with such an extreme direct style of play. The simple art of dealing with a long ball into the area was natural to the defenders of 30 years ago, but foreign defenders used to playing against neat and tidy opposition, who keep the ball on the floor, are not used to deep, high deliveries coming into their penalty area. One couldn’t imagine the youth coaches of Real Madrid and Barcelona spending hours on the training ground instructing young defenders to head balls away from inside their six-yard box.
Premiership audiences have seen football evolve into a more technical game since the league re-launched itself in 1992. Thus when Stoke, (or anyone who La Liga-bound Sam Allardyce manages) do launch long balls into the oppostion's penalty area, from positions where most clubs would take a quick, short free-kick, the result is refreshingly enthralling. Clubs who find success with this tactic may develop this strategy further if they remain open to inventiveness. Why not increase the height of a long free-kick pumped into the penalty area, making it drop down into the danger area like an atom bomb? Attacking centre-backs will be then be competing against the centre backs from the defence – an equal tussle that could easily result in the type of confusion already seen at the Britannia Stadium most Saturday afternoons thanks to deliveries from Matthew Etherington and ridiculously long throw-in's by Rory Delap. There’s no doubt utilising the unique qualities of Delap have been relatively successful since Stoke were promoted, thus if team’s don’t have a Cesc Fabregas or a Mikel Arteta, why not bypass the midfield and instead launch long balls into a set of giant 6 ft 7 strikers? Deal with that Wenger.
Critics of course may point to the successful clubs of recent years playing with totally different tactics. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have played some scintillating football and won many, many games. Tony Pulis however, not only realises that he doesn’t have the cash at Stoke to buy players like Fabregas, but is innovative enough to know that there can be another way to play and compete against Premiership opposition. Allardyce was the first to show signs of complete innovation when rules regarding off-sides were amended five years or so ago. He consequently positioned two players standing way off-side during free kicks, who were allowed to remain onside as long as they didn’t touch the first ball played into the box. Indeed see here for such a goal that caused so much bedlam, that it caused Ian Walker to score a calamitous own goal.
You only have to look at Chris Samba’s goal for Blackburn yesterday against Fulham to see a goalkeeper and defence struggle against an unusual tactic, in this case Paul Robinson’s giant punt. Of course, many referees would have seen the blatant foul by El Hadji Diouf, but it’s not the fault of Diouf or the much-maligned Allardyce that the goal was allowed to stand.
In open play, the danger of the long ball is that you run the risk of losing possession quickly and consistently, and if you are up against top quality opposition you may not see the ball again for 2 to 3 minutes. However, in set piece situations, even a harmless-looking free kick 80-90 yards from goal, there is no reason not to send up the big men, as you would a corner kick. It might not be pretty, and fans may have something to say when they are forking out 50 quid for a match ticket, but if winning is all-important, then as long as it stays within the legalities of the game, then surely any tactic to win is as justifiable as the next tactic. Create the chaos, anything could happen.
Sunday 12 September 2010
Champions League - Let Battle Commence
FANS of European football are now only days away from the first round of group fixtures for this season’s Champions League, and although English clubs failed miserably last season to even make the semi-finals, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal will aim to make this season’s final, enticingly staged at Wembley next May. Tuesday and Wednesday nights will never be the same again. Expect another over-polished Sky Sports production featuring pointless questions by Richard Keys, and the continued presence of the ever-shortening trousers of Jamie Redknapp. Over on ITV, viewers will look to see who the replacement is for Robbie Earle, a pundit nobody openly liked until the nation felt sorry for him after this summer’s World Cup tickets fiasco.
Of course, we as a footballing nation turn into expert pundits ourselves over the course of the season, but not all fans will want to see English clubs do well in European competitions. The argument here being that it’s hard, for example, to hate Chelsea every week, then suddenly be expected to support them on a Wednesday night against a Spanish club, with only marginally more foreign players themselves.
The much-heralded English clubs had dominated in the competition until recently, with every final since 2005 featuring one of the Premiership big boys. Thus it was refreshing last season to see Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Lyon fight it out with the not-so-refreshing Barcelona for the coveted trophy.
Not that English clubs had embarrassed themselves last season. Manchester United went out unluckily on away goals to a Bayern Munich side that seemed somewhat destined to reach the final. Chelsea were ousted over two tight games by eventual champions Inter Milan, and Arsenal were the unlucky opponents to face Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. Only Liverpool failed to impress, though such was the inner turmoil at Anfield last season, it wasn’t surprising to see them fail to qualify from their group.
Manchester United did manage to win the now-defunct Cup Winners Cup in1991, but then suffered some awful Champions League campaigns until 1997 when they reached the semi-finals. Arsenal and Chelsea also managed to win the same trophy in 1994 and 1997 respectively, but the big trophy, the European Cup, continued to elude the English elite until United’s success in 1999.
The days of naïve English clubs taking to Europe in the early to mid-1990’s are sadly missed. Attacking 4-4-2 formations away from home were hilariously torn apart by experienced compact European outfits, and the limit on foreign players (including Welsh, Irish, Scottish players) made for some dubious line-ups. In 1994 English goalkeeper and porn-star lookalike Gary Walsh was chosen to replace the ‘Great Dane’ Peter Schmiechel as Manchester United took on Barcelona at the Nou Camp. How Ferguson must have rued his decision as Walsh played more like Bradley Walsh, and United were hammered 4-0. The best players in the world were certainly not playing in England at that time.
Indeed, when Manchester United finally won the European Cup in 1999, they beat a marvellous Juventus side along the way, a side that had reached the three previous finals. Marcello Lippi’s Juventus sides of that era were undeniably magnificent, featuring players like Zidane, Del Piero, Deschamps, Davids, Di Livio, Peruzzi, Conte, Vieri, Boksic, Jugovic, Ravanelli, Sousa and Vialli. They were equal to the superb AC Milan side of the early 1990’s, although Milan admittedly won more European Cups.
The success of clubs like Juventus, Milan and Ajax in the 1990’s, combined with the superior talent of the players at their disposal, gave the Champions League a real mystique. It gave English football a target to reach, a level of football that has now been met, and indeed sometimes surpassed in recent years. Beating a side like AC Milan away from home would have been unthinkable 15 years ago, but as Wayne Rooney and Manchester United disposed of the Italian giants with ease last season, it was sad to see a Milan side that lacked the quality and the aura usually associated with the club. It was in stark contrast to the team they share their stadium with - Inter, who saw manager Jose Mourinho successfully impose his superb tactical acumen on a side that lacked direction and organisation in previous European campaigns.
English clubs should return to dominant ways in this season’s Champions League, but if they fail it will at least add weight to the argument that the competition is still anyone’s to win, not just the rich Premier League elite. Indeed over in Spain, as Real Madrid have found out to their cost in recent seasons, money cannot guarantee you a European Cup, though this year, in Mourinho, they may well have the right man in charge finally.
Finally, for the nostalgic amongst you (and for Inter Milan fans), here's a link to a clip of a goal scored at the San Siro that I hadn't seen for ages. Enjoy.
Of course, we as a footballing nation turn into expert pundits ourselves over the course of the season, but not all fans will want to see English clubs do well in European competitions. The argument here being that it’s hard, for example, to hate Chelsea every week, then suddenly be expected to support them on a Wednesday night against a Spanish club, with only marginally more foreign players themselves.
The much-heralded English clubs had dominated in the competition until recently, with every final since 2005 featuring one of the Premiership big boys. Thus it was refreshing last season to see Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Lyon fight it out with the not-so-refreshing Barcelona for the coveted trophy.
Not that English clubs had embarrassed themselves last season. Manchester United went out unluckily on away goals to a Bayern Munich side that seemed somewhat destined to reach the final. Chelsea were ousted over two tight games by eventual champions Inter Milan, and Arsenal were the unlucky opponents to face Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. Only Liverpool failed to impress, though such was the inner turmoil at Anfield last season, it wasn’t surprising to see them fail to qualify from their group.
Manchester United did manage to win the now-defunct Cup Winners Cup in1991, but then suffered some awful Champions League campaigns until 1997 when they reached the semi-finals. Arsenal and Chelsea also managed to win the same trophy in 1994 and 1997 respectively, but the big trophy, the European Cup, continued to elude the English elite until United’s success in 1999.
The days of naïve English clubs taking to Europe in the early to mid-1990’s are sadly missed. Attacking 4-4-2 formations away from home were hilariously torn apart by experienced compact European outfits, and the limit on foreign players (including Welsh, Irish, Scottish players) made for some dubious line-ups. In 1994 English goalkeeper and porn-star lookalike Gary Walsh was chosen to replace the ‘Great Dane’ Peter Schmiechel as Manchester United took on Barcelona at the Nou Camp. How Ferguson must have rued his decision as Walsh played more like Bradley Walsh, and United were hammered 4-0. The best players in the world were certainly not playing in England at that time.
Indeed, when Manchester United finally won the European Cup in 1999, they beat a marvellous Juventus side along the way, a side that had reached the three previous finals. Marcello Lippi’s Juventus sides of that era were undeniably magnificent, featuring players like Zidane, Del Piero, Deschamps, Davids, Di Livio, Peruzzi, Conte, Vieri, Boksic, Jugovic, Ravanelli, Sousa and Vialli. They were equal to the superb AC Milan side of the early 1990’s, although Milan admittedly won more European Cups.
The success of clubs like Juventus, Milan and Ajax in the 1990’s, combined with the superior talent of the players at their disposal, gave the Champions League a real mystique. It gave English football a target to reach, a level of football that has now been met, and indeed sometimes surpassed in recent years. Beating a side like AC Milan away from home would have been unthinkable 15 years ago, but as Wayne Rooney and Manchester United disposed of the Italian giants with ease last season, it was sad to see a Milan side that lacked the quality and the aura usually associated with the club. It was in stark contrast to the team they share their stadium with - Inter, who saw manager Jose Mourinho successfully impose his superb tactical acumen on a side that lacked direction and organisation in previous European campaigns.
English clubs should return to dominant ways in this season’s Champions League, but if they fail it will at least add weight to the argument that the competition is still anyone’s to win, not just the rich Premier League elite. Indeed over in Spain, as Real Madrid have found out to their cost in recent seasons, money cannot guarantee you a European Cup, though this year, in Mourinho, they may well have the right man in charge finally.
Finally, for the nostalgic amongst you (and for Inter Milan fans), here's a link to a clip of a goal scored at the San Siro that I hadn't seen for ages. Enjoy.
Friday 3 September 2010
Good Enough At Goodison?
ONLY two games into the new Premiership season and a handful of managers are already seeing their jobs looking less safe than when the season started. Wigan's Roberto Martinez has been tipped to be the first casualty, after heavy defeats to newcomers Blackpool and current champions Chelsea. However, the recent 1-0 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane may have eradicated any hastiness that Wigan chairman Dave Whelan may have been considering. Such excellent results like the Spurs one may even prompt Whelan to rename the Spaniard ‘DW Martinez’ if they continue; such is the pride that Whelan shows towards his assets. Martinez is relatively new to the Premier League, something probably in his favour when it comes to forgiveness; however, it is one of the longest-serving managers in the Premiership, David Moyes of Everton, who may well be the dark-horse to leave his job sooner or later.
Sir Alex Ferguson (unsurprisingly not the subject of this article) tipped Everton to be a surprise package in this year’s Premiership, with the Scot backing his compatriot Moyes to break into the top four with his Everton side. With Manchester City and Liverpool going through a period of transition, Arsenal struggling with injuries, Aston Villa currently without a manager and Tottenham competing in the Champions League for the first time, Ferguson pointed to Everton as the side who could sneak under the radar to surprise them all.
The Toffees, as per usual, ended last season strongly, particularly at the turn of the year, with the return of Mikel Arteta from injury proving a catalyst in the way they recovered from their poor start. Promising youngsters Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling (now at Newcastle) gave Evertonian’s hope that the future was bright, and new signings Dimitar Bilyaletdinov and Johnny Heitinga settled in well.
Sir Alex thus, was probably not alone in singing Everton's praises ahead of the new campaign. Despite the chase for Champions League places being tougher than ever, Everton appeared to be in the right shape, physically and mentally, for a successful season.
Unfortunately, the Everton faithful have seen their club make an all-too familiar start, failing to win any of their opening 3 games or keep a clean sheet, and only scoring once themselves in the 1-1 draw against Wolves. It’s all well and good finishing the season on a high, but if you start the season carelessly and sluggishly, then finishing strongly is the least you can hope for. Last season Everton had only won 3 league games by Christmas, making the 11-match unbeaten run that they finished the season on even more impressive. Come Christmas, they had to fight, and fight well.
Moyes would undoubtedly call himself a fighter of sorts, particularly as his club, with limited funds, have seen themselves go head to head with richer clubs over recent seasons. The fury seen on Moyes’ face last season when scarf-wearing Roberto Mancini dared to enter his personal space with his woven tassels during a bad-tempered Everton/Manchester City game was priceless. Moyes is a tough Scot, who after initially winning a league title with Celtic, battled it out in the lower divisions of English football, as a player and manager, to learn his trade. Indeed the type of players Moyes has attracted to the club are embedded with the work ethic and spirit that he craves in his teams. However, it is this type of player, and more so the type of player Moyes attracts, that may stall Everton’s chances in the near future.
With the exception of Mikel Arteta, Louis Saha and Bilyaletdinov, Everton’s players seemingly have immediate instructions to work hard all over the pitch, to press, to close down. Moyes knows his team tends to do best when their backs are against the wall, when the media is writing them off and when their league position belies their quality. However, this attitude may not be helping Everton start seasons with the results the team’s quality can obviously achieve.
An argument can of course be made that Everton’s successful recent achievements are because of this mentality instilled by Moyes, and that in the current financial climate, with rival clubs getting richer all the time, Everton are over-achieving. Thus it is whether Everton fans want to continue as they are, fighting against bigger foes, against the odds and achieving highly respectable league positions, which may determine the future of Moyes as Everton boss.
Everton’s boardroom have showed little ambition to match the financial muscle of the current top clubs in England, thus are unlikely to attract the highest calibre of player that the Premier League is turning out more and more. A manager like Moyes is also more likely to attract respectable cast-offs than world superstars, which again isn’t too much of a bad thing as long as the results are in line with fans expectations.
Of course, things could be worse. Indeed if it wasn’t for last day of the season goals from Gareth Farrelly, Barry Horne and Graham Stuart over the last 16 years, Everton could still be a club playing its football outside of the top tier. In the future, the club could overspend and find itself in the lower echelons of the football league in years to come. The club is comfortable, the playing-staff is of a high quality, and the youth system continues to produce fine players capable of competing at a high level. It is simply whether Everton want to gamble for more, which may make or break the club as a force in forthcoming Premiership seasons.
Should Everton choose to replace Moyes, the club would be leaving their current contented position, and travelling into unknown territory. A high-profile foreign replacement has risks associated with poor stability, ‘dodgy’ imported foreigners and ‘dubious’ coaching staff, but get the right man in charge and you can attract players with winning attitudes, in particular players who won’t wait till the team is sitting in mid-table at Christmas before they get going. Indeed, investment is certainly needed to keep Everton as a reasonable force, but again some may argue that big-money backers, should they look in the direction of the Toffees, would prefer to see a more high-profile manager than Moyes at the helm anyway.
Sir Alex Ferguson (unsurprisingly not the subject of this article) tipped Everton to be a surprise package in this year’s Premiership, with the Scot backing his compatriot Moyes to break into the top four with his Everton side. With Manchester City and Liverpool going through a period of transition, Arsenal struggling with injuries, Aston Villa currently without a manager and Tottenham competing in the Champions League for the first time, Ferguson pointed to Everton as the side who could sneak under the radar to surprise them all.
The Toffees, as per usual, ended last season strongly, particularly at the turn of the year, with the return of Mikel Arteta from injury proving a catalyst in the way they recovered from their poor start. Promising youngsters Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling (now at Newcastle) gave Evertonian’s hope that the future was bright, and new signings Dimitar Bilyaletdinov and Johnny Heitinga settled in well.
Sir Alex thus, was probably not alone in singing Everton's praises ahead of the new campaign. Despite the chase for Champions League places being tougher than ever, Everton appeared to be in the right shape, physically and mentally, for a successful season.
Unfortunately, the Everton faithful have seen their club make an all-too familiar start, failing to win any of their opening 3 games or keep a clean sheet, and only scoring once themselves in the 1-1 draw against Wolves. It’s all well and good finishing the season on a high, but if you start the season carelessly and sluggishly, then finishing strongly is the least you can hope for. Last season Everton had only won 3 league games by Christmas, making the 11-match unbeaten run that they finished the season on even more impressive. Come Christmas, they had to fight, and fight well.
Moyes would undoubtedly call himself a fighter of sorts, particularly as his club, with limited funds, have seen themselves go head to head with richer clubs over recent seasons. The fury seen on Moyes’ face last season when scarf-wearing Roberto Mancini dared to enter his personal space with his woven tassels during a bad-tempered Everton/Manchester City game was priceless. Moyes is a tough Scot, who after initially winning a league title with Celtic, battled it out in the lower divisions of English football, as a player and manager, to learn his trade. Indeed the type of players Moyes has attracted to the club are embedded with the work ethic and spirit that he craves in his teams. However, it is this type of player, and more so the type of player Moyes attracts, that may stall Everton’s chances in the near future.
With the exception of Mikel Arteta, Louis Saha and Bilyaletdinov, Everton’s players seemingly have immediate instructions to work hard all over the pitch, to press, to close down. Moyes knows his team tends to do best when their backs are against the wall, when the media is writing them off and when their league position belies their quality. However, this attitude may not be helping Everton start seasons with the results the team’s quality can obviously achieve.
An argument can of course be made that Everton’s successful recent achievements are because of this mentality instilled by Moyes, and that in the current financial climate, with rival clubs getting richer all the time, Everton are over-achieving. Thus it is whether Everton fans want to continue as they are, fighting against bigger foes, against the odds and achieving highly respectable league positions, which may determine the future of Moyes as Everton boss.
Everton’s boardroom have showed little ambition to match the financial muscle of the current top clubs in England, thus are unlikely to attract the highest calibre of player that the Premier League is turning out more and more. A manager like Moyes is also more likely to attract respectable cast-offs than world superstars, which again isn’t too much of a bad thing as long as the results are in line with fans expectations.
Of course, things could be worse. Indeed if it wasn’t for last day of the season goals from Gareth Farrelly, Barry Horne and Graham Stuart over the last 16 years, Everton could still be a club playing its football outside of the top tier. In the future, the club could overspend and find itself in the lower echelons of the football league in years to come. The club is comfortable, the playing-staff is of a high quality, and the youth system continues to produce fine players capable of competing at a high level. It is simply whether Everton want to gamble for more, which may make or break the club as a force in forthcoming Premiership seasons.
Should Everton choose to replace Moyes, the club would be leaving their current contented position, and travelling into unknown territory. A high-profile foreign replacement has risks associated with poor stability, ‘dodgy’ imported foreigners and ‘dubious’ coaching staff, but get the right man in charge and you can attract players with winning attitudes, in particular players who won’t wait till the team is sitting in mid-table at Christmas before they get going. Indeed, investment is certainly needed to keep Everton as a reasonable force, but again some may argue that big-money backers, should they look in the direction of the Toffees, would prefer to see a more high-profile manager than Moyes at the helm anyway.
Thursday 29 July 2010
Signing Of The Summer
Despite the new Premier League season coming on the back of what was certainly an interesting World Cup, the talent that was showcased has certainly not been snapped up as quickly as the tabloids suggested. Wesley Sneijder, who won practically everything last season, was linked with Manchester United, but nobody really thought that would happen did they? Indeed, United’s most famous worldwide signing was Juan Sebastian Veron, at his peak when bought in 2001, but even then the move was helped by Veron being at the time embroiled in a passport investigation. One imagines a more settled Veron would have stayed in a Serie A competition that was better than any league in the world at that time.
David Villa was joint top scorer in the World Cup, yet his recent move to Barcelona was not only expected but was wrapped up before the World Cup. His Spain and Valencia team-mate David Silva joined Manchester City during the World Cup also, thus despite the pair being two of the world’s greatest players, the transfers were not subject to the kind of sensationalism such moves normally attract.
Silva is likely to be the signing that will garner most attention when the new Premiership starts in August. Fortunately for the Spaniard, City gaffer Roberto Mancini has brought in other expensive signings Yaya Toure, Aleksander Kolarov and Jerome Boateng, who although aren't likely to be involved in glorious attacking football and headline-grabbing individual displays, have cost enough to take some of the pressure of Silva.
One wonders what players would currently be arriving at Eastlands if Mark Hughes was still in charge. Hughes, dismissed from Eastlands last December, was clearly taking City forward, but not at the rate desired from the club’s new owners. Harsh treatment for a manager who is used to success, and who would clearly have achieved it had he been given another few years to mould the team into his own. Hughes needn’t have worried that being British would have failed to attract some world ‘superstars’. Mancini certainly had success at club level as a player, but he is still yet to become a legendary veteran of European club management himself. Indeed this shows how much of a factor money and a promise of a new ‘revolution’ is in attracting players like Silva and Boateng.
At the time of writing, Hughes is set to become boss at Fulham, who saw their own manager depart Roy Hodgson depart for ‘crisis-club’ Liverpool, a club so in ‘crisis’ they are in the Europa Cup and have players like Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at their disposal. How Hodgson must regret the day he turned his back on Chris Baird, Paul Konchesky and Dickson Etuhu, in favour of pastures new.
It is thus Hughes who is responsible for taking control of Fulham’s fortunes. A club that reached the Europa Cup final last season and yet still continued to impress in the league, particularly at Craven Cottage. Fulham may just have made the signing of the season in appointing Mark Hughes as their manager. What makes the signing so impressive is that Fulham paid no transfer fee for the unemployed Hughes.
Hughes is a stubborn sort. Brought up within the super-manly arms of Ron Atkinson, and witness to Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment, Hughes certainly knows how to get what he wants. In the five years he spent as manager of Wales, Hughes revolutionised the national set-up, developing an almost unhealthy obsession with everything that affected the first team, from the training facilities, to the Welsh youth-set-up, right up to Robbie Savage’s deodorant choice. His demands on his players and indeed loyalty to them are such that most players end up loving him. Indeed Hughes’s teams are often known for a never-say-die attitude, combined with a modest quality that can surprise the best.
Fulham are a club that have apparently over-reached in recent years, despite having an excellent chairman, a fine coaching and playing staff, and a London location that would attract most footballers. The size of their ground is obviously something people point to when considering the size and worth of Fulham Football Club, but if truth be told, Fulham have that to their advantage. The claustrophobic environment of Craven Cottage helped the club dispose of so-called giants Juventus and Roma last season, and also helped the team gain maximum points in home fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Hughes is the perfect choice for Fulham, and they have every right to set their sights on qualifying for Europe again this season. They have an excellent defence in players like Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland, and even if Mark Schwarzer does leave, there will be no shortage of top-class keepers elsewhere that will be eyeing up the vacant goalkeeper's jersey. Danny Murphy and Zoltan Gera add craft to their play, whilst Bobby Zamora and the brilliant Clint Dempsey will always score goals. Hughes will be working hard to improve a good team, indeed his favourite son Craig Bellamy is bound to join him sooner rather than later. Fulham fans pondering whether Hodgson’s departure will signal the end of what has been a brilliant period should fear not. Mark Hughes was a great signing as a player for many clubs, and he continues to have such an effect as a manager.
David Villa was joint top scorer in the World Cup, yet his recent move to Barcelona was not only expected but was wrapped up before the World Cup. His Spain and Valencia team-mate David Silva joined Manchester City during the World Cup also, thus despite the pair being two of the world’s greatest players, the transfers were not subject to the kind of sensationalism such moves normally attract.
Silva is likely to be the signing that will garner most attention when the new Premiership starts in August. Fortunately for the Spaniard, City gaffer Roberto Mancini has brought in other expensive signings Yaya Toure, Aleksander Kolarov and Jerome Boateng, who although aren't likely to be involved in glorious attacking football and headline-grabbing individual displays, have cost enough to take some of the pressure of Silva.
One wonders what players would currently be arriving at Eastlands if Mark Hughes was still in charge. Hughes, dismissed from Eastlands last December, was clearly taking City forward, but not at the rate desired from the club’s new owners. Harsh treatment for a manager who is used to success, and who would clearly have achieved it had he been given another few years to mould the team into his own. Hughes needn’t have worried that being British would have failed to attract some world ‘superstars’. Mancini certainly had success at club level as a player, but he is still yet to become a legendary veteran of European club management himself. Indeed this shows how much of a factor money and a promise of a new ‘revolution’ is in attracting players like Silva and Boateng.
At the time of writing, Hughes is set to become boss at Fulham, who saw their own manager depart Roy Hodgson depart for ‘crisis-club’ Liverpool, a club so in ‘crisis’ they are in the Europa Cup and have players like Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at their disposal. How Hodgson must regret the day he turned his back on Chris Baird, Paul Konchesky and Dickson Etuhu, in favour of pastures new.
It is thus Hughes who is responsible for taking control of Fulham’s fortunes. A club that reached the Europa Cup final last season and yet still continued to impress in the league, particularly at Craven Cottage. Fulham may just have made the signing of the season in appointing Mark Hughes as their manager. What makes the signing so impressive is that Fulham paid no transfer fee for the unemployed Hughes.
Hughes is a stubborn sort. Brought up within the super-manly arms of Ron Atkinson, and witness to Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment, Hughes certainly knows how to get what he wants. In the five years he spent as manager of Wales, Hughes revolutionised the national set-up, developing an almost unhealthy obsession with everything that affected the first team, from the training facilities, to the Welsh youth-set-up, right up to Robbie Savage’s deodorant choice. His demands on his players and indeed loyalty to them are such that most players end up loving him. Indeed Hughes’s teams are often known for a never-say-die attitude, combined with a modest quality that can surprise the best.
Fulham are a club that have apparently over-reached in recent years, despite having an excellent chairman, a fine coaching and playing staff, and a London location that would attract most footballers. The size of their ground is obviously something people point to when considering the size and worth of Fulham Football Club, but if truth be told, Fulham have that to their advantage. The claustrophobic environment of Craven Cottage helped the club dispose of so-called giants Juventus and Roma last season, and also helped the team gain maximum points in home fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Hughes is the perfect choice for Fulham, and they have every right to set their sights on qualifying for Europe again this season. They have an excellent defence in players like Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland, and even if Mark Schwarzer does leave, there will be no shortage of top-class keepers elsewhere that will be eyeing up the vacant goalkeeper's jersey. Danny Murphy and Zoltan Gera add craft to their play, whilst Bobby Zamora and the brilliant Clint Dempsey will always score goals. Hughes will be working hard to improve a good team, indeed his favourite son Craig Bellamy is bound to join him sooner rather than later. Fulham fans pondering whether Hodgson’s departure will signal the end of what has been a brilliant period should fear not. Mark Hughes was a great signing as a player for many clubs, and he continues to have such an effect as a manager.
Friday 23 July 2010
A Big Season For Nani?
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva once claimed Manchester United’s Nani had a ‘big head’, after an FA Cup 4th round tie in 2008. The young Portuguese winger, whose head size had never before been questioned but whose face is certainly annoying, had terrorised Arsenal all game, scoring once and assisting in two goals. It showed promise for a player bought only a few months earlier, suggesting Nani could evolve into the type of top-class winger Manchester United have had a knack of producing over the years. Trickier than Steve Coppell, more of a threat from long-distance than Ryan Giggs, and young enough for his manager Alex Ferguson to mould as he sees fit, Nani looked to be at the right stage of his career, and at the right club too.
That same season however, Nani was overshadowed by a magnificent season by his Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who hit over 40 goals in all competitions, including a Champions League final goal against Chelsea. If Nani wanted to realise the level he needed to reach to be a Manchester United star, Ronaldo had shown him the way.
Fast forward a year to the end of the 2008/2009 campaign, and Nani had played only half the games he had in his first season, scoring only league goal. The potential Nani had shown in his debut season had not been reached. Manchester United supporters were left frustrated by Nani around this time. They saw a player with undoubted skill, good pace and a rocket of a shot. Nani’s tendency to overplay and not supply good enough service to United’s strikers was becoming a bad habit that he, and Ferguson, needed to address.
Tricky, skilful wingers are often associated with having a poor end product by fans and pundits, though this is often a lazy criticism. There is a more accurate correlation between the speed of the player and his crossing quality. A moving ball is harder to hit accurately than a standing ball, as it requires greater timing. If the player crossing the ball is running at full pace, then the quality of the cross delivered is at even greater risk of losing accuracy. Note the quality of crosses from Ryan Giggs as his career has progressed. The lightning speed and trickery of the Welshman was never in question in his early United career, but his final ball was often inconsistent. Giggs no longer has anything like the pace he once had, yet his crossing accuracy is now second to none. Indeed Giggs is always likely to be able to produce these crosses of brilliance. Indeed, at 37 years old, it is unlikely Giggs would still feature for United if he couldn’t bring qualities like this into Ferguson’s team.
The England international team have had an abundance of speedy, diminutive wingers in recent years. Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright Phillips and Theo Walcott were all battling for the right-wing spot in South Africa, and all three have been criticised for their final ball throughout their career. It is their lightning pace however, which hinders their ability to cross accurately. (One imagines the un-predatory instincts of Emile Heskey also didn’t help wingers when they were deciding where to deliver a cross)
In regards to Nani, he has shown the ability to be an excellent crosser, and also has showed signs of being very quick on occasions. However, he tends to cross when he is in full control of the ball. He has the ability to cross with two feet also. Thus it is the question of when Nani will put the ball into the box that must frustrate strikers like Wayne Rooney. Rooney openly raved about the service from the more direct Antonio Valencia last season, a player who tended to cross the ball earlier. These crosses were often delivered back into an area just in front of the opposition defence, where Rooney would drop off into, and more often than not convert. Indeed, when United played away to AC Milan in last years Champions League, it was a cross from the substitute Valencia, on for Nani, that led to Rooney putting United in front.
Nani, although still young, still remains a frustrating player to this day, though his form improved dramatically in the second half of last season, single-handedly tearing apart Arsenal and a shockingly-under par Gael Clichy at the Emirates Stadium in January. ‘Maturity’ is often a buzz-word thrown around young players like Nani when they begin to show improvement, but he showed a level of performance at times that gives every United fan hope that next season will be Nani’s best season yet. Whether his final-third link-up play with Rooney will improve is another matter, but one imagines that if the two form an-on field relationship like Rooney and Ronaldo did, then United could be in with a great shout of bringing the Premiership trophy back to Old Trafford.
That same season however, Nani was overshadowed by a magnificent season by his Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who hit over 40 goals in all competitions, including a Champions League final goal against Chelsea. If Nani wanted to realise the level he needed to reach to be a Manchester United star, Ronaldo had shown him the way.
Fast forward a year to the end of the 2008/2009 campaign, and Nani had played only half the games he had in his first season, scoring only league goal. The potential Nani had shown in his debut season had not been reached. Manchester United supporters were left frustrated by Nani around this time. They saw a player with undoubted skill, good pace and a rocket of a shot. Nani’s tendency to overplay and not supply good enough service to United’s strikers was becoming a bad habit that he, and Ferguson, needed to address.
Tricky, skilful wingers are often associated with having a poor end product by fans and pundits, though this is often a lazy criticism. There is a more accurate correlation between the speed of the player and his crossing quality. A moving ball is harder to hit accurately than a standing ball, as it requires greater timing. If the player crossing the ball is running at full pace, then the quality of the cross delivered is at even greater risk of losing accuracy. Note the quality of crosses from Ryan Giggs as his career has progressed. The lightning speed and trickery of the Welshman was never in question in his early United career, but his final ball was often inconsistent. Giggs no longer has anything like the pace he once had, yet his crossing accuracy is now second to none. Indeed Giggs is always likely to be able to produce these crosses of brilliance. Indeed, at 37 years old, it is unlikely Giggs would still feature for United if he couldn’t bring qualities like this into Ferguson’s team.
The England international team have had an abundance of speedy, diminutive wingers in recent years. Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright Phillips and Theo Walcott were all battling for the right-wing spot in South Africa, and all three have been criticised for their final ball throughout their career. It is their lightning pace however, which hinders their ability to cross accurately. (One imagines the un-predatory instincts of Emile Heskey also didn’t help wingers when they were deciding where to deliver a cross)
In regards to Nani, he has shown the ability to be an excellent crosser, and also has showed signs of being very quick on occasions. However, he tends to cross when he is in full control of the ball. He has the ability to cross with two feet also. Thus it is the question of when Nani will put the ball into the box that must frustrate strikers like Wayne Rooney. Rooney openly raved about the service from the more direct Antonio Valencia last season, a player who tended to cross the ball earlier. These crosses were often delivered back into an area just in front of the opposition defence, where Rooney would drop off into, and more often than not convert. Indeed, when United played away to AC Milan in last years Champions League, it was a cross from the substitute Valencia, on for Nani, that led to Rooney putting United in front.
Nani, although still young, still remains a frustrating player to this day, though his form improved dramatically in the second half of last season, single-handedly tearing apart Arsenal and a shockingly-under par Gael Clichy at the Emirates Stadium in January. ‘Maturity’ is often a buzz-word thrown around young players like Nani when they begin to show improvement, but he showed a level of performance at times that gives every United fan hope that next season will be Nani’s best season yet. Whether his final-third link-up play with Rooney will improve is another matter, but one imagines that if the two form an-on field relationship like Rooney and Ronaldo did, then United could be in with a great shout of bringing the Premiership trophy back to Old Trafford.
Thursday 22 July 2010
Smog On The Tyne
There is often an argument that being relegated can do a football club wonders – You can 'start again', regain a winning mentality, and get rid of the highest paid players crippling the wage bill – the ones who failed to turn up on a Tuesday night in December down at Craven Cottage.
Newcastle United have been on the slide for years, so when they finally went down in 2009 it was no surprise. However, they have bounced straight back by winning the Championship. But do they have the same quality and impetus that they showed in 1993 when Kevin Keegan took them up from the old Division One?
Keegan’s men burst on to the Premiership scene in 1993, drawing at Manchester United thanks to a typical Andy Cole finish. Indeed, the relationship between Cole and new signing Peter Beardsley was one of the stories of the 93/94 season, leading Newcastle to a fantastic 3rd place finish in their debut Premiership season. Cole himself hit over 30 goals, in a team that would eventually go on to be labelled as ‘The Entertainers’. Keegan himself produced the most entertaining moment of this era, comically lambasting Alex Ferguson live on air in 1996, for comments the Scot had made about Stuart Pearce days earlier.
However, slowly but surely, Newcastle slowly imploded. The super-high expectations of the Geordie faithful seemed to dwarf the younger players (not literally)coming through. Alan Shearer retired and wasn’t properly replaced. The glory days of Ginola, Asprilla and Gillespie were long gone, and were replaced with depressing Saturday afternoons watching David Rozenhal, a past-his-best Nicky Butt (who only seems to be able to chip the ball in the air for inept team-mates to fail to control), and Jean Alain Boumsong. Many ‘big name’ players on big salaries also let the club down horrendously. Lee Bowyer, Emre and Michael Owen show your faces.
Managers also contributed heavily to the capitulation of the Toon Army. Ruud Gullit almost destroyed the soul of the team when he outrageously began to drop Alan Shearer, in a clear battle of egos, in which of course there was only going to be one winner. After a brief resurgence under Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness (surely a catalyst for disaster) continued the downward spiral, followed by Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce, Keegan (again) and then even Alan Shearer. In the end it was the man who had only ever been an assistant, Chris Hughton, who turned Newcastle’s fortunes around.
Chris Hughton did a great job taking Newcastle back up, and getting rid of the dark clouds that surrounded St James Park. However, a lack of investment this summer will most likely be their downfall. Their squad is almost identical to the side that went down in 2009, and although morale will be higher than during their relegation season, there is only so far morale and determination can get you. In defence, Jose Enrique and Steven Taylor may well have earned Championship plaudits last time around, (indeed Taylor has earned comparisons to John Terry in recent years, possibly not a good thing) but they did not stand up to be counted when they were last in the Premiership. Fernando Coloccini looks the best bet to gain defensive recognition, but Newcastle have never been known for their outstanding defensive abilities – an issue Hughton will be keen to address. Otherwise Newcastle will have to rely on the reflexes of Steve Harper, Tim Krul, and Ole ‘don’t call me Steve’ Soderberg.
Their midfield lacks pace and creativity, and players like Guthrie, Smith, Nolan and Barton are arguably too similar, in ability and physique, to pose a problem for most Premiership sides. Kevin Nolan bagged 17 league goals last season, reminiscent of his free-scoring midfield days for Bolton Wanderers, but any Newcastle fan expecting to see Nolan repeat those feats regularly this season should note that Nolan hasn’t enjoyed really a good goalscoring season in the top flight since the 2005/06 season. Indeed in the 20 games that Nolan played in the 2008/09 season, he failed to score a single goal. At 28 years old, the zest of bursting into the opposition penalty area to convert a striker’s knock-down is fading fast.
Up front, Shola Ameobi still masquerades as an up and coming home-grown striker, when in reality he is now 28 years old and never looked like being the next Temuri Ketsbaia, let alone the next Alan Shearer. His young strike partner Andy Carroll, last seen in the Premiership sporting a cornrow hair cut (surely a first for a white Geordie centre-forward), showed promise as a dominant aerial striker in the Championship, but whether he will be allowed such space by defenders or indeed service from colleagues this season, is yet to be seen.
Peter Lovenkrands, Wayne Routledge and peripheral Argentina World Cup ‘star’ Jonas Gutierrez offer faint hope on the flanks for a club that had some cracking wingers in the nineties. Wayne Routledge could well be a star this season should he play regularly, but note the significance of the word ‘could’, as Routledge has not once proved himself to be able to stand out consistently at the top level.
A friend of mine who supports Newcastle commented the other day, rather nonchalantly in fact, that a mid-table finish was realistic. Wow. Expectations of Newcastle fans are often high, but surely most Newcastle fans must fear that as the squad is almost identical to the one that went down in 2009, they will be in for a tough season. They could always bring Keegan back though eh?
Newcastle United have been on the slide for years, so when they finally went down in 2009 it was no surprise. However, they have bounced straight back by winning the Championship. But do they have the same quality and impetus that they showed in 1993 when Kevin Keegan took them up from the old Division One?
Keegan’s men burst on to the Premiership scene in 1993, drawing at Manchester United thanks to a typical Andy Cole finish. Indeed, the relationship between Cole and new signing Peter Beardsley was one of the stories of the 93/94 season, leading Newcastle to a fantastic 3rd place finish in their debut Premiership season. Cole himself hit over 30 goals, in a team that would eventually go on to be labelled as ‘The Entertainers’. Keegan himself produced the most entertaining moment of this era, comically lambasting Alex Ferguson live on air in 1996, for comments the Scot had made about Stuart Pearce days earlier.
However, slowly but surely, Newcastle slowly imploded. The super-high expectations of the Geordie faithful seemed to dwarf the younger players (not literally)coming through. Alan Shearer retired and wasn’t properly replaced. The glory days of Ginola, Asprilla and Gillespie were long gone, and were replaced with depressing Saturday afternoons watching David Rozenhal, a past-his-best Nicky Butt (who only seems to be able to chip the ball in the air for inept team-mates to fail to control), and Jean Alain Boumsong. Many ‘big name’ players on big salaries also let the club down horrendously. Lee Bowyer, Emre and Michael Owen show your faces.
Managers also contributed heavily to the capitulation of the Toon Army. Ruud Gullit almost destroyed the soul of the team when he outrageously began to drop Alan Shearer, in a clear battle of egos, in which of course there was only going to be one winner. After a brief resurgence under Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness (surely a catalyst for disaster) continued the downward spiral, followed by Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce, Keegan (again) and then even Alan Shearer. In the end it was the man who had only ever been an assistant, Chris Hughton, who turned Newcastle’s fortunes around.
Chris Hughton did a great job taking Newcastle back up, and getting rid of the dark clouds that surrounded St James Park. However, a lack of investment this summer will most likely be their downfall. Their squad is almost identical to the side that went down in 2009, and although morale will be higher than during their relegation season, there is only so far morale and determination can get you. In defence, Jose Enrique and Steven Taylor may well have earned Championship plaudits last time around, (indeed Taylor has earned comparisons to John Terry in recent years, possibly not a good thing) but they did not stand up to be counted when they were last in the Premiership. Fernando Coloccini looks the best bet to gain defensive recognition, but Newcastle have never been known for their outstanding defensive abilities – an issue Hughton will be keen to address. Otherwise Newcastle will have to rely on the reflexes of Steve Harper, Tim Krul, and Ole ‘don’t call me Steve’ Soderberg.
Their midfield lacks pace and creativity, and players like Guthrie, Smith, Nolan and Barton are arguably too similar, in ability and physique, to pose a problem for most Premiership sides. Kevin Nolan bagged 17 league goals last season, reminiscent of his free-scoring midfield days for Bolton Wanderers, but any Newcastle fan expecting to see Nolan repeat those feats regularly this season should note that Nolan hasn’t enjoyed really a good goalscoring season in the top flight since the 2005/06 season. Indeed in the 20 games that Nolan played in the 2008/09 season, he failed to score a single goal. At 28 years old, the zest of bursting into the opposition penalty area to convert a striker’s knock-down is fading fast.
Up front, Shola Ameobi still masquerades as an up and coming home-grown striker, when in reality he is now 28 years old and never looked like being the next Temuri Ketsbaia, let alone the next Alan Shearer. His young strike partner Andy Carroll, last seen in the Premiership sporting a cornrow hair cut (surely a first for a white Geordie centre-forward), showed promise as a dominant aerial striker in the Championship, but whether he will be allowed such space by defenders or indeed service from colleagues this season, is yet to be seen.
Peter Lovenkrands, Wayne Routledge and peripheral Argentina World Cup ‘star’ Jonas Gutierrez offer faint hope on the flanks for a club that had some cracking wingers in the nineties. Wayne Routledge could well be a star this season should he play regularly, but note the significance of the word ‘could’, as Routledge has not once proved himself to be able to stand out consistently at the top level.
A friend of mine who supports Newcastle commented the other day, rather nonchalantly in fact, that a mid-table finish was realistic. Wow. Expectations of Newcastle fans are often high, but surely most Newcastle fans must fear that as the squad is almost identical to the one that went down in 2009, they will be in for a tough season. They could always bring Keegan back though eh?
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Medal Of Honour
ONLY a day after the signing of Joe Cole, Liverpool fans can now continue to smile after Steven Gerrard spoke out to assure everyone at Anfield that he is committed to the club. Despite the midfielder signing a contract only last summer that would have seen him play at Anfield till 2013, Gerrard has surprisingly made the news with this statement of intent. Nobody really expected him to move did they? He didn’t exactly light up the World Cup, and at 30 years old his list of potential suitors would have been far fewer than say, five years ago.
Gerrard was only loosely linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Rafa Benitez’s Inter Milan looking the most likely destination should the Merseysider leave. Indeed it was Benitez’s predecessor Jose Mourinho who almost took him to Chelsea in 2005, after Liverpool saw off AC Milan in Istanbul to win the Champions League. Gerrard in the end stayed, and since has been Liverpool’s catalyst in their success ever since, though Chelsea have gone on to win the Premiership twice since he chose not to move. A league title has unfortunately continued to elude him ever since.
This isn’t the first time a talented player has chosen to stay loyal to their club in the Premier League, but only rarely has such a player failed to go and win the league at some stage. Ian Wright had to wait over five years till Arsenal won the Premiership, and even Cristiano Ronaldo went four years without winning the title. Gerrard however, made his league debut over ten years ago and is still waiting for a Chanpionship medal. He may well retire without one, in belief that it just wasn’t meant to be. He isn’t alone though.
There were some footballers with a grand reputation who, despite playing in the Premiership, never really contributed enough to warrant a trophy in the first place. For example, George Weah’s short stint at Manchester City and Chelsea at the turn of the last decade wasn’t entirely a worthless experience, but he did manage less than 20 games. Jurgen Klinsmann proved a surprise hit with a nation not exactly fond of Germans in 1994 when he moved to Spurs, but his one season ended in disappointment as they lost to Everton in the FA Cup Semi Final at Elland Road. Klinsmann would however return in 1998 to help Spurs battle successfully against relegation.
There are a hatful of players that moved to clubs just after their peak, where a Premiership trophy would have been well received, but not a necessity. Stand up Chris Waddle, Laurent Blanc, Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Gianluca Vialli and Ruud Gullit. Sit back down William Prunier.
Vialli and Gullit in particular were part of a Chelsea club that were going in the right direction, but Chelsea would only finally be crowned champions after the two had left. Unfortunately this was the case for two other stars of that Chelsea team in the late nineties - Gianfranco Zola and Marcel Desailly. Although these two still had undoubted class, in particular Zola, and contributed enormously to the improvement of Chelsea in that era, they both joined the club at 30 years of age, and had both already won domestic titles in Italy. They wouldn’t have lost too much sleep since leaving the land of the Premier League. Desailly has since starred as a popular ITV pundit during the South Africa World Cup, thankfully distracting viewers away from some of Gareth Southgate’s shirt choices.
One man who played in the Premier League but never showed a particular interest in even winning the Premiership was the hugely talented Matthew Le Tissier of Southampton. Gifted with unbelievable natural talent and a deadly right foot, Le Tissier could have bargained for a move elsewhere, and Southampton could have cashed in also, but he never really showed the desire to challenge himself at a bigger club. Le Tissier was often described as a luxury player - perhaps not disciplined enough in his work-rate to succeed at a more demanding level, and not ambitious enough to change such traits.
He is forgiven by almost all though, as Le Tissier ended his career a one-club player. He was the scorer of many a spectacular goal, indeed there really isn’t a finer thing on YouTube than THIS compilation of his greatest moments. What struck you most about Le Tissier was the consistency with which he achieved these feats, and you can only imagine what magical moments he may have conjured up if he had been involved in cup finals, last-day title deciders and European football. Sky Sports viewers have over recent years been subject to ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle preaching about the lack of flair in the England team, with Hoddle stating how our country does not allow for more expressive players to be part of our international side. Why then Glenn, did you omit both Le Tissier and Paul Gascoigne, England's two greatest creative players of the 1990's, from the 1998 World Cup Squad?
Le Tissier’s ex-teammate Alan Shearer is another player that could have achieved more medal-wise. Rejecting the chance to join Manchester United in 1992, in favour of Blackburn Rovers, Shearer could only stand and watch as Alex Ferguson’s players won back-to-back titles. It wasn’t till 1995 that Shearer finally won the medal he longed for and deserved, as Blackburn snatched the trophy away from United.
Shearer of course later rejected United again in 1996, in favour of joining his boy-hood club Newcastle United. Such honourable actions would be classed as ultra-rare in today’s modern game, though Newcastle were hardly struggling for relegation, and in fact had only lost out on the 1996 title on the last day. However, with United going on to dominate domestically ever since, and having achieved success in Europe, Shearer can only speculate on the trophies and medals he could have won at Old Trafford.
Gerrard isn’t alone in wanting to end his career as a one-club player. He certainly won’t end his career without medals. During his time at Liverpool, Gerrard has won two FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, and also the Champions League, to which he very almost won twice. It seems that Gerrard is fortunate to be at a club that holds success in European competitions as much value as success domestically, indeed Liverpool have still won the European Cup more than any other single English side. Perhaps though, Gerrard would have benefited more from a club more intent on winning a domestic title, giving him that Premiership medal he craves.
Gerrard was only loosely linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Rafa Benitez’s Inter Milan looking the most likely destination should the Merseysider leave. Indeed it was Benitez’s predecessor Jose Mourinho who almost took him to Chelsea in 2005, after Liverpool saw off AC Milan in Istanbul to win the Champions League. Gerrard in the end stayed, and since has been Liverpool’s catalyst in their success ever since, though Chelsea have gone on to win the Premiership twice since he chose not to move. A league title has unfortunately continued to elude him ever since.
This isn’t the first time a talented player has chosen to stay loyal to their club in the Premier League, but only rarely has such a player failed to go and win the league at some stage. Ian Wright had to wait over five years till Arsenal won the Premiership, and even Cristiano Ronaldo went four years without winning the title. Gerrard however, made his league debut over ten years ago and is still waiting for a Chanpionship medal. He may well retire without one, in belief that it just wasn’t meant to be. He isn’t alone though.
There were some footballers with a grand reputation who, despite playing in the Premiership, never really contributed enough to warrant a trophy in the first place. For example, George Weah’s short stint at Manchester City and Chelsea at the turn of the last decade wasn’t entirely a worthless experience, but he did manage less than 20 games. Jurgen Klinsmann proved a surprise hit with a nation not exactly fond of Germans in 1994 when he moved to Spurs, but his one season ended in disappointment as they lost to Everton in the FA Cup Semi Final at Elland Road. Klinsmann would however return in 1998 to help Spurs battle successfully against relegation.
There are a hatful of players that moved to clubs just after their peak, where a Premiership trophy would have been well received, but not a necessity. Stand up Chris Waddle, Laurent Blanc, Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Gianluca Vialli and Ruud Gullit. Sit back down William Prunier.
Vialli and Gullit in particular were part of a Chelsea club that were going in the right direction, but Chelsea would only finally be crowned champions after the two had left. Unfortunately this was the case for two other stars of that Chelsea team in the late nineties - Gianfranco Zola and Marcel Desailly. Although these two still had undoubted class, in particular Zola, and contributed enormously to the improvement of Chelsea in that era, they both joined the club at 30 years of age, and had both already won domestic titles in Italy. They wouldn’t have lost too much sleep since leaving the land of the Premier League. Desailly has since starred as a popular ITV pundit during the South Africa World Cup, thankfully distracting viewers away from some of Gareth Southgate’s shirt choices.
One man who played in the Premier League but never showed a particular interest in even winning the Premiership was the hugely talented Matthew Le Tissier of Southampton. Gifted with unbelievable natural talent and a deadly right foot, Le Tissier could have bargained for a move elsewhere, and Southampton could have cashed in also, but he never really showed the desire to challenge himself at a bigger club. Le Tissier was often described as a luxury player - perhaps not disciplined enough in his work-rate to succeed at a more demanding level, and not ambitious enough to change such traits.
He is forgiven by almost all though, as Le Tissier ended his career a one-club player. He was the scorer of many a spectacular goal, indeed there really isn’t a finer thing on YouTube than THIS compilation of his greatest moments. What struck you most about Le Tissier was the consistency with which he achieved these feats, and you can only imagine what magical moments he may have conjured up if he had been involved in cup finals, last-day title deciders and European football. Sky Sports viewers have over recent years been subject to ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle preaching about the lack of flair in the England team, with Hoddle stating how our country does not allow for more expressive players to be part of our international side. Why then Glenn, did you omit both Le Tissier and Paul Gascoigne, England's two greatest creative players of the 1990's, from the 1998 World Cup Squad?
Le Tissier’s ex-teammate Alan Shearer is another player that could have achieved more medal-wise. Rejecting the chance to join Manchester United in 1992, in favour of Blackburn Rovers, Shearer could only stand and watch as Alex Ferguson’s players won back-to-back titles. It wasn’t till 1995 that Shearer finally won the medal he longed for and deserved, as Blackburn snatched the trophy away from United.
Shearer of course later rejected United again in 1996, in favour of joining his boy-hood club Newcastle United. Such honourable actions would be classed as ultra-rare in today’s modern game, though Newcastle were hardly struggling for relegation, and in fact had only lost out on the 1996 title on the last day. However, with United going on to dominate domestically ever since, and having achieved success in Europe, Shearer can only speculate on the trophies and medals he could have won at Old Trafford.
Gerrard isn’t alone in wanting to end his career as a one-club player. He certainly won’t end his career without medals. During his time at Liverpool, Gerrard has won two FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, and also the Champions League, to which he very almost won twice. It seems that Gerrard is fortunate to be at a club that holds success in European competitions as much value as success domestically, indeed Liverpool have still won the European Cup more than any other single English side. Perhaps though, Gerrard would have benefited more from a club more intent on winning a domestic title, giving him that Premiership medal he craves.
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Joey Barton Superstar?
THE controversial Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton yesterday revealed his belief that he is as good as anyone in the country. At first glance, it would appear that Barton has rejuvenated himself, with a droll, dry sense of humour to match. However, upon close inspection, the man Sam Allardyce once relied on to try and keep Newcastle in the Premiership (and failed), was actually truthfully stating his apparent worth to the England football cause.
Although some fans would argue that Barton would have offered England an improved tenacity in midfield than what was present in South Africa, what England were in need of most was the ability to keep possession. Both a lack of world-class technique and an aptitude to look for a short pass was the downfall of Fabio Capello’s team. (Though it doesn’t help when your defenders are out-paced by Miroslav Klose) It would take the most ardent of Newcastle United fans or even a close family member of Joey Barton to claim that he would have improved England in that area.
Barton instead is a battler, a destroyer if you will, who although showed a goalscoring streak during his Manchester City career, would not be expected to fulfill such a goal-scoring responsibility at international level. However, supporting England shouldn’t just come down to claiming an average midfield battler would do a better job than our current crop. ‘Get Batty on’ was often the desperate cry of the Elland Road faithful in 2004, though to no avail, as they saw their beloved Leeds United (and David Batty) slide out of the Premier League. Surely fans in the 21st century, who are regularly witnesses to Pro-Zone, Andy Gray's numerous on-screen gadgetry, and even Andy Townsend's 'Tactics Truck' can suggest a more innovative and intelligent tactic than just sending your enforcer on to ‘sort em out.’
At 27 years old, Barton has less than 200 top-flight appearances to his name, and he is rightly more well-known for his altercations, both and off the pitch. He is one-paced, a competent passer, not blessed with real skill, and has an awful disciplinary record. Apart from a decent shooting ability, Barton’s only real positive attribute is his ability to influence and drive on others around him. However, team-mates look to these types of players to set standards and positive examples, and they usually demand ultimate respect. One feels that Barton cannot fully gain this respect with what he has done previously in not only his career, but also his life to date.
His only real accolade to date was his one and only England cap, coming on for Frank Lampard against Spain in 2007, for just over 10 minutes. He hasn’t played for the national side since. Even ex-Bolton striker Michael Ricketts played more minutes for England, albeit just 45, in a friendly against Holland in 2002. Ricketts however, is wise not to come out in the press and laud his own abilities to the national press. Quite what Barton was thinking is somewhat-baffling, and suggests his impending return to the Premiership in August should be one to watch.
Although some fans would argue that Barton would have offered England an improved tenacity in midfield than what was present in South Africa, what England were in need of most was the ability to keep possession. Both a lack of world-class technique and an aptitude to look for a short pass was the downfall of Fabio Capello’s team. (Though it doesn’t help when your defenders are out-paced by Miroslav Klose) It would take the most ardent of Newcastle United fans or even a close family member of Joey Barton to claim that he would have improved England in that area.
Barton instead is a battler, a destroyer if you will, who although showed a goalscoring streak during his Manchester City career, would not be expected to fulfill such a goal-scoring responsibility at international level. However, supporting England shouldn’t just come down to claiming an average midfield battler would do a better job than our current crop. ‘Get Batty on’ was often the desperate cry of the Elland Road faithful in 2004, though to no avail, as they saw their beloved Leeds United (and David Batty) slide out of the Premier League. Surely fans in the 21st century, who are regularly witnesses to Pro-Zone, Andy Gray's numerous on-screen gadgetry, and even Andy Townsend's 'Tactics Truck' can suggest a more innovative and intelligent tactic than just sending your enforcer on to ‘sort em out.’
At 27 years old, Barton has less than 200 top-flight appearances to his name, and he is rightly more well-known for his altercations, both and off the pitch. He is one-paced, a competent passer, not blessed with real skill, and has an awful disciplinary record. Apart from a decent shooting ability, Barton’s only real positive attribute is his ability to influence and drive on others around him. However, team-mates look to these types of players to set standards and positive examples, and they usually demand ultimate respect. One feels that Barton cannot fully gain this respect with what he has done previously in not only his career, but also his life to date.
His only real accolade to date was his one and only England cap, coming on for Frank Lampard against Spain in 2007, for just over 10 minutes. He hasn’t played for the national side since. Even ex-Bolton striker Michael Ricketts played more minutes for England, albeit just 45, in a friendly against Holland in 2002. Ricketts however, is wise not to come out in the press and laud his own abilities to the national press. Quite what Barton was thinking is somewhat-baffling, and suggests his impending return to the Premiership in August should be one to watch.
Monday 19 July 2010
Joe Cole - The Right Move?
OUT of all the clubs after the signature of Joe Cole, it may come to a surprise to many that the talented England midfielder has opted for the Europa Cup-bound Liverpool, reportedly turning down both Spurs and Arsenal in favour of moving up north. Manchester United’s weren’t particularly interested in attracting Cole, according to reports, despite many United fans feeling Cole would have added a creative spark to their squad, particularly as the free transfer wouldn’t have, for once, had the Glazer’s looking nervously at their bank balance.
As much as it was surprising that Chelsea wouldn’t give Cole the secure contract he wanted, it is also refreshing for a player like Cole to have made the move he has done. After seeing his World Cup game-time shrunk down into a handful of minutes after an injury-ravaged season, Cole has shown a willingness to move for first team football and to re-start his career, and perhaps more games to dive around or leave his foot in on opponents. Good for him. There’s definitely room for him at Anfield, as Arsenal seem to have an abundance of diminutive skilful players similar to Cole, and Spurs have plenty of wide players themselves. However, one still feels Cole could have offered Carlo Ancelotti an option on the right of their three-pronged attack. Nicolas Anelka currently occupies that role, but despite claiming he gets ‘as much joy creating goals as scoring them’, he plainly doesn’t like playing out wide, supplying Didier Drogba. It’s only a matter of time before Anelka protests and refuses to play anyway.
Cole thus, will find himself trying to appease a set of fans, who despite having built up a rivalry with Chelsea over recent years (mainly through Champions League fixtures), have shown their approval of the signing. They have every right to show approval too, as Cole can be an outstanding player on his day, and at 28 years old, still offers everything that a top European player should have. He can play on either flank, as a support striker, or even make up a three in midfield as he did in his West Ham days. He’ll have to hope his versatility doesn’t hinder him too much, as Liverpool and indeed England, need a settled, and more importantly improved Joe Cole.
Ex-Liverpool player Phil Thompson stuck his sizeable nose in again today on Sky Sports, and offered his opinion. “I’m absolutely delighted .We need that player, the catalyst between midfield and attack. It all adds up for me.” Such pressure was also laid on Robbie Keane when he arrived in 2008. In fact, upon signing Keane, ex-manager Roy Evans commented, "He will work in and around Torres which of course could free Steven Gerrard to play in more of a midfield position.” Expect a bagful of similar quotes to be thrown around lazily by ex-players over the next few days, as they hail the signing of Cole. Don’t be surprised if Cole goes the way of Keane and moves to Spurs in the January transfer window, although Cole is more likely to build up a rappore with the well-liked and respected Hodgson, than he would have done with the seemingly ice-cold Rafa Benitez.
As much as it was surprising that Chelsea wouldn’t give Cole the secure contract he wanted, it is also refreshing for a player like Cole to have made the move he has done. After seeing his World Cup game-time shrunk down into a handful of minutes after an injury-ravaged season, Cole has shown a willingness to move for first team football and to re-start his career, and perhaps more games to dive around or leave his foot in on opponents. Good for him. There’s definitely room for him at Anfield, as Arsenal seem to have an abundance of diminutive skilful players similar to Cole, and Spurs have plenty of wide players themselves. However, one still feels Cole could have offered Carlo Ancelotti an option on the right of their three-pronged attack. Nicolas Anelka currently occupies that role, but despite claiming he gets ‘as much joy creating goals as scoring them’, he plainly doesn’t like playing out wide, supplying Didier Drogba. It’s only a matter of time before Anelka protests and refuses to play anyway.
Cole thus, will find himself trying to appease a set of fans, who despite having built up a rivalry with Chelsea over recent years (mainly through Champions League fixtures), have shown their approval of the signing. They have every right to show approval too, as Cole can be an outstanding player on his day, and at 28 years old, still offers everything that a top European player should have. He can play on either flank, as a support striker, or even make up a three in midfield as he did in his West Ham days. He’ll have to hope his versatility doesn’t hinder him too much, as Liverpool and indeed England, need a settled, and more importantly improved Joe Cole.
Ex-Liverpool player Phil Thompson stuck his sizeable nose in again today on Sky Sports, and offered his opinion. “I’m absolutely delighted .We need that player, the catalyst between midfield and attack. It all adds up for me.” Such pressure was also laid on Robbie Keane when he arrived in 2008. In fact, upon signing Keane, ex-manager Roy Evans commented, "He will work in and around Torres which of course could free Steven Gerrard to play in more of a midfield position.” Expect a bagful of similar quotes to be thrown around lazily by ex-players over the next few days, as they hail the signing of Cole. Don’t be surprised if Cole goes the way of Keane and moves to Spurs in the January transfer window, although Cole is more likely to build up a rappore with the well-liked and respected Hodgson, than he would have done with the seemingly ice-cold Rafa Benitez.
Why Manchester City Will Win The League
FIFTEEN years ago, FA Premier League fans all over the world awaited the start of a new season. Unlike the present day, where millions watched the South African World Cup, football fans in 1995 had to deal with a football-free summer. What is that match that Sky Sports teases us all with, a week before the start of the new season, masquerading as a ‘classic’ to kick off a ‘new showcase season’? Ah yes, that awful Charity Shield... The 1995 Charity Shield was even more lacklustre than normal. The only notable point was that it was the only Charity Shield since the Premiership began that didn’t feature one of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea. Why? Answer: The 1994/95 season saw Blackburn Rovers crowned champions...
Blackburn had finally pipped Manchester United to the title in 1995, and although they would go on to lose that subsequent Charity Shield match against Everton, they still set an important benchmark that year – that money could buy you the title. In just a few years, Kenny Dalglish used Jack Walker’s millions to buy the best around (at the time). Shearer, Flowers, Sutton, Ripley, Sherwood, Le Saux et al, and yes even David ‘pass it sideways’ Batty. In fact David Batty already had a league winner’s medal after winning the title with Leeds in 1992.
As we approach the end of summer 2010, it is now the turn of Manchester City to try and pose a new threat to the established elite. Despite losing out on qualification for the Champions League, City have crucially still managed to attract the calibre of player they needed to improve. Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov (should he sign) will bolster a defence that often bottled it at crucial times last season. More significantly, any City fans concerned about David Silva’s lack of involvement in South Africa need not worry. Silva is the real deal. Even Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas isn’t first choice for Spain...
City are improving at a steadyrate, though United and Chelsea seem to have, squad-wise at least, stalled. Chelsea have released smug German international Michael Ballack, and more surprisingly Joe Cole, and have failed to build on an ageing squad. United still lack a world-class central midfielder, and also the firepower to aid Wayne Rooney. The defences of the top two, in particular, are unstable, whether through injuries or personal issues. In fact, John Terry now seems to resemble an ageing house-cat, lumbering about with misplaced arrogance, relying on others to help to clean up after him.
It is the quality and depth of squad that City has this season which is their main advantage. When it comes down to it, week after week, quality counts. Silva and Andrew Johnson will be fluid and dangerous on the wings. Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure will prove as tough as anyone to get past in midfield. Shay Given and Joe Hart are outstanding keepers on their day. Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure are experienced defenders hungry for success, and even Micah Richards may yet prove he has a degree of footballing ability an. Tevez and Adebayor have plenty of class up front, and more importantly goals. Indeed it’s hard to watch a game in which Carlos Tevez plays in, and for you to not expect the Argentinean to emerge victorious. He’s just that stubborn. Those that argue that Craig Bellamy will be a huge miss for City should he go should just bear in mind that Craig Bellamy has been playing Premiership football for 10 years, never attracted a top club, and only has a Charity Shield winners medal to show for his time in English football. And you know how I feel about the Charity Shield...
I just can’t see the current top two being on their game enough this season to stop the momentum of City. I don’t expect a revolution of such in future years, but Chelsea and United need to be better than they currently are, if they are to thwart City’s chances. City have been knocking on the door, and although sceptics will say that City lack the experience to win the league, experience will only get you so far. In fact Chelsea won the title in 2005 without any serious title-challenges in the years leading up to their first Premiership trophy. So it’s City for me this year. Of course, I’ve actually wagered 25 quid on City to win the league, via Betfair, so chances are that City will finish 7th...
As we approach the end of summer 2010, it is now the turn of Manchester City to try and pose a new threat to the established elite. Despite losing out on qualification for the Champions League, City have crucially still managed to attract the calibre of player they needed to improve. Jerome Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov (should he sign) will bolster a defence that often bottled it at crucial times last season. More significantly, any City fans concerned about David Silva’s lack of involvement in South Africa need not worry. Silva is the real deal. Even Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas isn’t first choice for Spain...
City are improving at a steadyrate, though United and Chelsea seem to have, squad-wise at least, stalled. Chelsea have released smug German international Michael Ballack, and more surprisingly Joe Cole, and have failed to build on an ageing squad. United still lack a world-class central midfielder, and also the firepower to aid Wayne Rooney. The defences of the top two, in particular, are unstable, whether through injuries or personal issues. In fact, John Terry now seems to resemble an ageing house-cat, lumbering about with misplaced arrogance, relying on others to help to clean up after him.
It is the quality and depth of squad that City has this season which is their main advantage. When it comes down to it, week after week, quality counts. Silva and Andrew Johnson will be fluid and dangerous on the wings. Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure will prove as tough as anyone to get past in midfield. Shay Given and Joe Hart are outstanding keepers on their day. Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure are experienced defenders hungry for success, and even Micah Richards may yet prove he has a degree of footballing ability an. Tevez and Adebayor have plenty of class up front, and more importantly goals. Indeed it’s hard to watch a game in which Carlos Tevez plays in, and for you to not expect the Argentinean to emerge victorious. He’s just that stubborn. Those that argue that Craig Bellamy will be a huge miss for City should he go should just bear in mind that Craig Bellamy has been playing Premiership football for 10 years, never attracted a top club, and only has a Charity Shield winners medal to show for his time in English football. And you know how I feel about the Charity Shield...
I just can’t see the current top two being on their game enough this season to stop the momentum of City. I don’t expect a revolution of such in future years, but Chelsea and United need to be better than they currently are, if they are to thwart City’s chances. City have been knocking on the door, and although sceptics will say that City lack the experience to win the league, experience will only get you so far. In fact Chelsea won the title in 2005 without any serious title-challenges in the years leading up to their first Premiership trophy. So it’s City for me this year. Of course, I’ve actually wagered 25 quid on City to win the league, via Betfair, so chances are that City will finish 7th...
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