Overhead Analysis

Time for optimism?

2009-09-03T15:50:00.005+01:00

Can Ireland build on their strong position in Group 8 with a win in Cyprus? The next week of international football will have a huge bearing on whether thousands of Irish supporters will defy the knowledge of birds and flock in the opposite direction to the South African winter to spend June singing, drinking and vuvuzela-ing on the streets of Jo-burg or Cape Town. On Saturday night Ireland return to the scene of their most shocking crime to date. Forget the draw against Liechtenstein or that a last minute goal was needed to beat San Marino, Irelands 5-2 humbling in Cyprus was a real low. On Saturday night however, we have the chance to make amends, and to clear another important hurdle in our quest to join the party at next summer’s World cup at the same time.

Since that nightmare in Nicosia Ireland have made huge strides. Under Trappatoni they look like a far sturdier unit than the outfit that combusted under Stan. Granted the campaign has been more steady than spectacular but that steadiness and organisation has left us in 2nd place behind Italy and unbeaten in group 8. Ireland should line up very similarly to the team that started against Australia recently. Trapp will probably opt for Keith Andrew instead of Darron Gibson and may go for the inform Hunt instead of McGeady. One thing is for sure that with Given in nets (Paddy Kenny played in Nicosia last time and had a night to forget!) and with Trapps defensive set up, Ireland will be far more difficult to break down this time round.

Sean St Ledger is a doubt, which would be a real shame as I’ve really liked him in the team so far. Since Paul Mc Grath I can’t think of any Irish centre half who can play football as well as defend and I think the Dunne/St Ledger partnership could be a very successful one. At the other end of the pitch things are looking good aswell. McGeady, Hunt, and Keane have all started well for their clubs this season. Duff has got plenty of games under his belt and Doyle, although just returning from injury played 90 mins for Wolves last weekend. I also hope to see Trapp unleash the joker in the pack, Caleb Folan, at some stage. I took great pleasure in watching Cannavaro and Zambrotta, two of the best technical defenders in the game get bamboozled by Folans aerial ability and eagerness to drive toward goal.

Interestingly while Ireland plays Cyprus, Italy will have a tricky away tie to Georgia and then follow that up by hosting Bulgaria next Wednesday. I wouldn’t bet on the Italians picking up maximum points from both those games so the group table will really have taken shape by this day next week. With three games to play it could be quite simple; if Ireland take the maximum 9 points we finish top of the group. It’s not that much to ask, we CAN beat Cyprus away, this is the same Cyprus whose last competitive game was a 6-1 friendly defeat to Albania, we CAN beat Italy at home, this Italy are a shadow of their former great teams and are crumbling as a superpower of world football. Finally we CAN beat Montenegro at home, because they’re shite.

Unfortunately, over the years I’ve learned from many disappointments that Ireland never take the easy route and there’s always a cavernous sized bump in the road in every qualifying campaign. Let’s hope for once we can avoid further heartbreak, I for one am confident that we will qualify, starting with a 2-0 victory against Cyprus this Saturdays. What do you think…?

A Game of Four Quarters

2009-08-13T17:37:00.006+01:00

A Treasonous Breach of the Foundations of English League Football

Ready the gallows, prepare the guillotine and inform the firing squad; for what I’m about to suggest is a treasonous breach of the ‘foundations’ of English League Football. As can be discerned from the barrage of overwhelmingly clichéd soundbites yawned at us by Premier League managers every year, the League is the staple of every English Club. While those competing in Europe, except in the Europa League, would obviously love to come home brandishing a big, shiny, foreign thing, and for Everton the FA Cup is a nice distraction, managers from Big Sam to Brian Little have convinced us over the years that The League is their bread and butter. Well, what I suggest is not that we change the basic diet of the Premier League altogether, but merely divide the hallowed format into quarters.
The League is rightly considered so sacred as it is felt that it represents the only logical way to determine the truly best team in the country. Only by having every team play the same teams the same amount of times every year and comparing the results, it is believed, can the true Champion be determined. While this logic remains sound, I feel that it is also a system that is responsible for maintaining the biggest problem in English football at the moment; the disparity between the Big Four and the rest. The lack of parity in the Premier League is a self-sustaining problem, i.e. the rich get richer. The League format and Champion’s League qualification procedures have ensured that there remains little hope for those outside but to pray for a outrageously wealthy Arab.
Like Aston Villa, Man United and Arsenal before, the way forward may lie in looking across the Atlantic. While many with little appreciation for the format of US sports will find this detestable, the best way to cure the ennui and nausea caused by the least exciting of the major leagues in the world is to adopt the US system of dividing the competing clubs into smaller geographical regions.
This is what I suggest: taking last years competing Premier League clubs, we divide the Premiership into four, roughly geographical, Divisions:
1. London- Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham
2. Midlands- Aston Villa, Porstmouth, Stoke, West Brom, Wigan
3. North-West- Bolton, Everton, Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City
4. North-East- Blackburn, Hull, Middlebrough, Newcastle, Sunderland

As anyone with a passing knowledge of English Geography will realise, these are not strictly geographical but as close as can be attained while maintaining equal numbers, but strict alignment is not important, the important part is the grouping together of the current strongest teams.
The fixture list would work as such: Each year the teams in each Division play each other four times- twice home and away. The teams in two Divisions, changing year on year, will play each other home and away once. The remaining fixtures will consist of teams in one division playing all the teams in another at home, and all the teams in the remaining division away. For instance, every year all the London teams play each home and away twice. Then, all the teams in London play the teams in North-East home and away. The teams in London then play all the Midland teams at home and the remainder of their fixture list is made up of games away to teams in the North-West. Each division would have a similar structure but consisting of different opponents each year. Thus there would be a 36 game season each year, with all the teams competing in the same Division playing the same teams, maintaining the crucial element of fairness provided by the league format. The winners of each division would go into a playoff format with the winner with most points playing the winner with the least at home, this being followed by an ultimate Final between the playoff winners. While the playoff participants would be the Champions League representatives the following season. The finalists would each play a total of 38 games. Relegation would be determined in a similar way, with playoffs and the two defeated teams being sent down.
While this may seem unbelievably complicated, the league table at the bottom explains how last year would have panned out using the Division system.
I realise that proposing a replacement for the traditional league format is blasphemy. A curse against the God that is football. But football is already cursed. For better or worse the Premier League has abolished numerous traditions of English football as it once was. Gone are 3pm Saturday afternoon kick-offs. Gone is Match of the Day as the only source of TV football. Gone is the fan with the fag in the crowded terrace. Gone is the two-way street of player/club loyalty. Gone is a fair competition between competing teams. I am casting no judgment on the benefits or detriments of each of these changes to football as we know it, I am merely making the point that football in the last 20 years has changed more than in the previous 100, and that it is time to realise that nothing is sacred anymore, Sky and Setanta have made sure of that. Everything is subject to change. So why not the league format.
By placing the Big Four into the same division it ensures that only two can reach the playoffs each year. As the league below indicates, they would most likely dominate any smaller team in the division, but gradually, as success breeds success, the smaller teams would grow and attract better players. Conversely, the richer teams, without the guarantee of a place in the top four and European football, would lose attractiveness to fans and players and thus would come back toward the field. The rich would get poorer and vice versa.
The effect of having the stronger teams competing for limited places in the final reckoning has benefits beyond simply bringing them back toward the field. By having Chelsea and Arsenal play each other twice as often as normal, it will arguably lead to the best team being declared division winner. By increasing the direct competition between Man Utd and Liverpool, then truly the better side can be determined. Wouldn’t we rather the league was decided not by which team beats Hull most often, but by which team beats their direct competition for honours most often? I hear the deafening assent of Liverpool fans.
Yet, the noble pursuit of unhindered competition is not the only benefit of the system. The darker, financially-driven aspects would also prosper. Year on year, the most popular games in the League, both in TV viewers and in attendance, are the games between the Big Four and derby games. By doubling the amount of Man Utd-Liverpool, Chelsea-Arsenal, Man-Utd-Man City, Liverpool-Everton, Arsenal-Tottenham and Newcastle-Sunderland games, both the gate receipts and viewing figures would increase over the season. The argument that this might dilute the product, as it were, can be rejected with a view north of the border, where the Old Firm derbies happen just as frequently but remain no less viewed or enjoyed by fans. As an added benefit, every two seasons, there would only be one Man Utd-Chelsea or Arsenal-Liverpool game, so it would become an occasion to savour and one-off spectacle that year.
Every season, like clockwork, right around Christmas, we hear a loud groaning emanating from somewhere in the League. Sir Alex, after a 1-1 draw away to Fulham, two days after a victory in the FA Cup, will moan about fixture congestion. Or a player will look enviously at the continent and lament the lack of a winter break in the Premiership. The Division system has only 36 games for 60% of the teams. By shaving two valuable weeks off the calendar for the season, we could finally afford to give the poor, overworked players a Christmas break. In return, maybe they would shut up and stop comparing themselves to slaves.
Any financial loss incurred by having two less league games every year could be offset by the increase in interest in the Premiership Playoffs and Final, sure to garner greater viewing figures than a last day of the season, 11th place showdown between Bolton and Wigan.
But I can hear the arguments already. The existing league format is the only objectively fair system to determine the best league in the country. Well the current system is not fair, that’s plain to see. Without any hope of competing financially with the Champions League clubs, other clubs have no chance of competing at all. In any case, the league below illustrates that the system has very little effect on the overall points tallies of most teams. The stronger teams will still get more points, but the system allows them the weaker teams a chance to compete at the business end of the season; in the playoffs.
In actual fact, the current league system is not objectively fair anyway. The Aston Villa that Chelsea play away in September is bound to markedly different from the one Liverpool play away in May. Injuries, form, January signings, fixtures and any possible change in management will make a difference in terms of the difficulty of the task facing the teams. At least by competing against your direct rivals more often over a season, the chance of the truly better team emerging victorious increases.
I’m not a fool, I realise that the chances of this system being adopted are as likely as an Ngog hat-trick. Neither the fans, with their attachment to ‘tradition’ and Amerophobia nor the Big Four, with their attachment to their wallets, will stand for it but something must be done. The wealthier the Big Four get, the poorer the League becomes as a whole and there’s only so many Middle-Eastern bazillionaires willing to come in and Sheikh things up.

Playoffs: Liverpool v Sunderland
Chelsea v Aston Villa

Relegation Playoffs: Fulham v Middlesbrough
W Brom v Bolton

Guest Article Submitted by: Barra Neary

Let the games begin....

2009-08-06T13:07:00.005+01:00

With the new season only a week away the team reveals their predictions for the coming 9 months...

Oskar's Predictions

1 Arsenal
2 Liverpool
3 United
4 Chelsea
5 Man City
6 Tottenham

Bottom 3
18 Wolves
19 Burnley
20 Portsmouth

Top Scorer
Dimitar Berbatov

In what has been an off season that has been characterised more by subtraction then addition, the landscape of the top of the premier league has seen significant upheaval.

While it is big spending Manchester City that have grabbed the headlines with their lavish spending, the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso are likely to cause just as much commotion as Arsenal’s Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor. While three of last year’s top 4 are involved in this wheeling and dealing, it is the final member of the group who are conspicuous in their absence. Chelsea are many people’s favourites for the title this year, often because of the virtue that their pre season has been the most settled. There have been no high profile departures from Chelsea this year, despite sustained interest in Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole and most of all, John Terry. The fearsome Michael Essien continues to draw the plaudits and Didier Drogba’s signature on a 2 year contract extension will have caused more wrist related pleasure to Chelsea fans then they ever could have thought possible. However despite this, I believe the blues will finish fourth this year.

Let’s be honest – they will stroll into the champions league places. I simply can’t see City disturbing the top four this season, at least without the addition of a quality defender. But if Carlo Ancelotti’s record in charge of a bunch of pensioners is anything to go by, league glory is a long way away from Chelsea’s grasp just yet. In charge of a settled, talented but grey Milan team, Ancelotti won only one scudetto in what is a very long time in Serie A football. It is still astonishing that Galliani, Berlusconi et al deemed to keep him in a job given his last few seasons at Milan. With Yuri Zhirkov the only major addition to a side that needs major freshening up, I can see Chelsea adrift of the other big 3, although don’t be surprised to see them finally succeed in Europe.

Manchester United are perhaps the hardest side to predict this season. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly going to have a big effect on the champions, with many games last season won solely through the magic right foot of the world’s best and most arrogant player. Replacing his goals is going to be a huge challenge for United, but not so much I would suspect as winning the midfield battle. The anonymous performance of Anderson in the champions league final suggests the talented youngster has a bit more to go before he is good enough to be a mainstay in this side, and despite Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher being useful players, neither would instantly command a place in the midfield of Chelsea or Liverpool. On the flanks, Luis Antonio Valencia is an exciting prospect who one suspects may struggle at this level, while neither Giggs nor Nani would inspire any fear into the opposition. While I have a feeling that this is the season Wayne Rooney will be exposed as being far from world class, I also feel that Dimitar Berbatov is the man who will get the goals for United this season. Marginalised under the reign of King Ronaldo, the Bulgarian maestro will live up to his £30m fee this year, and I predict will be this season’s top scorer. The defence will be rock solid as usual, and Ben Foster will claim the England number one jersey but there isn’t enough bite in midfield to sustain a title challenge, despite three victories on the trot.

Liverpool were originally my favourites to win it all this year, but the departure of Xabi Alonso has left a gaping void in the middle of the park. Benitez has done well to get £30m out of Madrid for a defensive midfield player, but neither Lucas nor new boy Alberto Aquilani is the answer here. Liverpool have lost their heartbeat, and while they are far too talented a side not to challenge for the title, I fear they will come up slightly short, by 3 or 4 points. While it is hard not to rate a side that boasts a motivated Steven Gerrard, a fully fit Fernando Torres, a consistently excellent defense upgraded by an £18m full back and the vastly underappreciated Dirk Kuyt, it is hard to escape the notion that Liverpool without Alonso is the equivalent of an Arsenal without Fabregas.

It is this very Arsenal who I believe are this year’s champions in waiting, despite their 9-1 price tag with the bookies. Arsene Wenger has the look of someone who has indentified the problems in his team and who knows how to fix them. A combined fee of £39m for Adebayor and Toure is masterful business, and although the Frenchman has not yet spent the proceeds, I expect a midfielder with steel to be recruited to help Fabregas in the centre of the park. Thomas Vermaelen, despite his much cited lack of height, is an astute addition to the squad, and Johan Djourou is deserving of an extended run in the first team. Two top class full backs and an underrated keeper give Arsenal a solid look, but expect to see Wenger’s failed 4-5-1 experiment manifest itself into a 4-3-3 with the lethal Arshavin and the brilliant van Persie complementing Nicholas Bendtner in the centre. The mercurial 17 year old Jack Wilshere has looked excellent in pre season, and based on how much he has bulked up I expect him to play a big role in the gunners season this year, although Theo Walcott may find himself marginalised. Wenger’s patience has been both his virtue and his greatest flaw, but I feel that this is the season he will be rewarded. The Arshavin compromise with his philosophy has added a new dimension to the team, and with so much attacking talent in one side I can see Cesc Fabregas lifting the premiership trophy this season.

At the other end of the table, the only team I see surviving of the newly promoted threesome is Birmingham City. Alex McLeish appears to have heeded the lessons of his relegation season by bringing in some foreign talent in the form of the powerful Christian Benitez, who despite an injury which will rule him out of the start of the season, has potential to be an excellent signing for the blues. The astute purchase of Roger Johnson from Cardiff City along with a solid spine to the team makes them survival material in my book. I hate Phil Brown as much as the next man, but I believe his patience in the transfer market will be rewarded with another season in the top flight. Seyi Olofinjana adds beef to a midfield that desperately needs it, and the addition of Jozy Altidore could in my opinion prove to be a masterstroke that allows Brown to take the pressure off Geovanni.

Wolves survival prospects can be shot down in two words: Mick McCarthy. Burnley’s can be killed off with a swift glance at what is a bloody awful squad. The established side I fear for this year is Portsmouth. Virtually unrecognisable from Harry Redknapps FA cup winners, the farce surrounding their takeover bid has put the south coast side in massive danger of relegation this year. If Sylvain Distin leaves the sinking ship for Liverpool as expected, they will lack solidity as well as bite – let’s not forget that Kanu and David Nugent are their only two strikers as of now. They look relegation certainties to me, and probably face a reunion with Milan Mandaric in the 2010/2011 championship season.

That’s it for my preview – for the record Barca win the Spanish league, Inter the Italian, Stuttgart the bundesliga and Chelsea the champions league. Here’s hoping for a great season.

Shane's Predictions

Top 6:
1 Chelsea
2 Man U
3 Pool
4 Arsenal
5 Everton
6 Man City

Bottom 3
18 Hull
19 Portsmouth
20 Burnley

Top Scorer
Anelka

Compared to last year’s squads none of the top four have yet strengthened (by the time the season begins Chelsea will probably gazump me by signing David Villa and Franck Ribery) and in fact you could argue that Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal have gotten weaker in comparison to last year. As a result my favourites for the title this year are Chelsea.

For the last few years Chelsea have had the strongest squad in the Premiership and if it wasn’t for the revolving door fixed outside their manager’s office I believe they would have won a lot more. They have remember been extremely close, in ’08 they lost the Champions league and Carling Cup finals and were pipped to the premiership on the last day. After last year’s much talked about semi with Barca they can again count themselves unlucky/robbed not to have got the chance to atone their previous years champions league final defeat. In terms of their league campaign last year they definitely suffered from the instability of Scolari’s departure but a worrying stat for Ferguson et al is that Chelsea picked up 34 points from the last 13 games of the season when a steady manager arrived. I predict Ancelotti to have a similar effect as Hiddink, he’s been hugely successful with a ‘mature’ squad at Milan and will have a similar age profile at Chelsea. Not that thats important, what is important is how he sets his team out. The Italian favours a midfield diamond which will liberate Frank Lampard. Unlike Scolari, he will benefit from the energy of a fully fit Michael Essien and a focused Didier Drogba, with Yuri Zhirkov – recommended by Hiddink – a potentially eye-catching addition on the left. Add to this the ever improving Florent Malouda, Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole, Nicholas Anelka and a fit again Ricky Carvalho back to partner “Mr Chelsea… if the price is right” John Terry and you’ve got a squad that I think will triumph come next May.

Ruling out Man Utd is always dangerous.... The obvious argument is that United will struggle to find the goals Ronaldo scored but it’s a real problem they face and difficult to see where else those 25-30 goals will come from. Less obvious is Tevez’s effect on United’s season last year. He single handedly dug them out of a few games they looked destined to drop points in last year and came up with goals and assists at crucial points of crucial games.

Last summer Benitez felt Alonso was surplus to requirements but this year he tried everything to keep his compatriot. The fact that new boy Aquilani has barely played since March would worry me and I think the Pool will find a gaping gaping 'not too shabby' Alonso shaped hole in midfield as his guile, experience and passing range is difficult to replace. I also think Liverpool played above themselves for much of last season. They needed their best season for years to stick with United and even then they fell 4 points short. I don’t think they will be able to last the pace again this year.

93% of Arsenal fans don’t think they can win the league without landing a major signing (according to a poll on the clubs website) and I couldn’t argue with them. In fact I think they need two or three signings of Arshavin’s quality to be considered serious contenders. They are a class act on their day but have too many off days when they fall behind in a game and with nobody in the team capable of pulling them out they end up dropping points in games where none of their title rivals struggle.

Some may be surprised that I don’t predict Man City to challenge at all. It will be very interesting to follow their progress but my tip is for them to be as mediocre as the ambition of the players who joined them. Saying that I think they’ll have enough quality to see them to a Uefa cup spot.

In terms of relegation, I probably could have picked six teams likely to go down but I think Burnley, Hull and Portsmouth will be the weakest and I’m not looking forward to watching games involving any of them.

Most importantly and to have it as printed proof if Chelsea finish above Arsenal this year than Oskar Persson will have to bow down to yours truly and hand over a cool 20 bills. Come on you blues....

Fenning's Predictions

1-Liverpool
2-Man Utd
3-Chelsea
4-Arsenal
5-Man City
6-Everton

18-Hull City
19-Pompey
20-Burnley

Top Scorer: Dider Drogba

Liverpool have strengthened their squad in a few important areas (Glen Johnson and Aquilani) and for this reason I believe they will end the 19 year wait and lift the Premier League for the first time. Also I believe Liverpool will bring in one more player before the end of the window. My concerns lie, predictably, with the fitness of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, and then secondly, the ability to fill the spot which Alonso has vacated. Javier Mascherano is a young player who has plenty of ability; Liverpool fans will hope that he can improve the passing element to his game.

The rest of the top 4 have all lost important players. I believe Wayne Rooney will be a huge player for Man Utd this season. But not even Rooney can be expected to score the goals that Ronaldo has scored in recent years and he will also have to cover for the departed Carlos Tevez.

Chelsea will be interesting to watch under a new manager, but I believe it will take Carlo Ancellotti a season or two to understand the frantic pace of the English game.

I think Man City will be a real force this year, but a top four spot is just out of their reach as it will take time for all their new players to gel.

Time to face up to Old Firm banana republic

2009-04-03T17:07:00.002+01:00

Barry Ferguson and Glasgow Rangers fans deserve each other...

There are occasions in life when the actions of an individual may not be unexpected, but the extent of them may well still surprise you. The Barry Ferguson situation that appears to be unfolding at Rangers is one such example. For those of you who have not seen the news, the Rangers man has been stripped of the captaincy following his being caught on a drinking bender while on international duty, along with goalkeeper Allan McGregor. This would be bad enough in itself. But the pair than went on to flick the V sign with their fingers from their position on the Scotland bench throughout what was an absolutely vital qualifier against Iceland.

Scotland went on to win 2-1, but what was an excellent result for them has been overshadowed by the situation. Walter Smith has shown that there is at least some dignity left in Scottish football by stripping Ferguson of the Rangers captaincy, dropping the pair of them and he now appears to be about to put them on the transfer list.

Good for him. Smith should rightly be applauded for illustrating that no Rangers player is above either his country or his club. The generally odious element that are the Rangers fans have predictably hopped on the bandwagon, backing the manager and talking about how Ferguson was too cocky, how he should never have thought he was bigger than Glasgow Rangers. I wonder who gave Ferguson that impression? Surely not the same fans who forced one of the most talented young managers in Europe out of the club over his refusal to back down over dropping one Barry Ferguson? Paul Le Guen is the architect of the great success Lyon have enjoyed in France over the last number of years – they had never won a league title before his arrival – and he has taken a terrible Paris St Germain side and turned them into title contenders. He is clearly a very good manager, and had he received the same backing as Smith has now, I have no doubt that Rangers’ wait for a title would be over.

However as usual the xenophobic and intolerant “fans” that make up a majority of old firm regulars did not allow him that time – how dare a French upstart drop the poster boy of Scottish football? Unfortunately this is what has come to pass as par for the course in the Banana Republic of Old Firm football. The terrible scenes that accompanied last year’s UEFA cup final in Manchester were proven to be more than a coincidence with the continued use of disgusting, vile and racist chanting by the Rangers fans, epitomised by the abuse the alleged “Fenian bastard” Aiden McGeady received in a recent Old Firm game. While I am in no way suggesting that Celtic fans are saintly in any way, one cannot deny that the incidents involving the blue half of Glasgow are far more common and more severe than those instigated by the hoops. There certainly wasn’t any trouble at the Celtic vs. Porto final a few years earlier, quite the opposite with FIFA awarding Celtic fans the fair play award for their conduct in Seville.

Having said that, hopefully this incident is the first step in a much needed wake up call to Scottish football. Ferguson and McGregor’s behaviour is proof that the disgusting behaviour of the fans is being translated onto the pitch, and the fact that they chose to insult the entire tartan army with their behaviour shows their contempt for anything past their empire at Rangers. Scottish football is about more than Celtic and Rangers – it’s about time their players and fans recognised this.

Gold Standard

2009-04-03T12:53:00.002+01:00

With awards season round the corner, it's time to break down the top ten contenders for the PFA player of the year award...

With only 8 games left in the season the time has come for the annual awards season. Just like the Oscars, there will be some hot favourites, some outside chances and of course some perennial Scorsese esque runner ups. Given that the voting is over at this stage, it is time for my own opinion on the top 10 premier league players this season. We’ll begin at number 10 and run from there.

10. Robin van Persie

While Arsenal have comfortably sewn up a champions league spot at this stage, the fact that they are back up there can be put down to two players in particular, both of whom appear on this list. The first is van Persie, a frustrating figure for fans of the gunners whose quality is undoubtable, but whose durability is under constant scrutiny. Forget Cesc Fabregas, when van Persie is fit he is unquestionably the best player on the team, one who is adept at creating chances as he is scoring them. A cannon of a left foot combined with a class that can only be described as Dutch brilliance mean that Arsenal have a frontman who can lead the team for years to come – if they can keep him fit.

9. Stephen Ireland

While the Andy Reid debate continues to rage in these shores, the fact that Stephen Ireland has yet to return in a green shirt is the real tragedy to befall the Irish team this term. City signed a whole host of players, including the mercurial Robinho, but it is clear that when it comes to City’s attacking threat there is one man Mark Hughes trusts over any other. Ireland’s early form in particular this year was as good as any in the entire league, and drew many weary sighs from members of the green army who have not seen a schemer in his class since the days of Ray Houghton. There will no doubt be many more expensive arrivals at Eastlands over the summer, but this is one member of the side who is absolutely assured of his place.

8. Phil Jagielka

Everton have been the unsung success of this season, quietly creeping into 6th place without ever really threatening to go one further like Aston Villa have done this season. This represents undoubted progress – David Moyes has seen previous successful seasons followed by mediocre ones in comparison – and much of this consistency is down to Everton’s superb pairing at the back in Yobo and Jagielka. Moyes has developed Jagielka superbly, and it is very much worth remembering that when he signed for the blues he was considered to be a defensive midfield player, a position he thrived in throughout his Sheffield United days. The tactical awareness and sureness on the ball he developed through this time has served him well in his deployment into the back four, and his progress this season has seen him awarded with an England debut. The two merseyside teams are characterised by rock solid spines to the teams, and no one epitomises this more for Everton than Phil Jagielka.

7. Brede Hangeland

While the name by number seven is Hangeland himself, it would be rude not to recognise the contribution of some of his teammates. A superb partnership with Aaron Hughes, who has come a long way since the Lawrie Sanchez days, is helped immeasurably by the tactical nous and leadership of Danny Murphy, whose position in front of the back four might not provide a Mascherano style toughness, but does provide assured possession and few mistakes. Hangeland however, has been the standout of the three. The best example of a superb transfer policy, Roy Hodgeson has proved his calibre as a manager by leading Fulham to 8th place in the league after keeping them up the season before. Hangeland has it all – strength, physique, pace, positioning and leadership, and he is an advert as to the benefits of a manager playing his trade in another country. (One doubts that Hodgeson would have signed him without prior experience of Scandinavian management) While the majority of the top four sides have rock solid defenses, it would not be a great surprise to see Arsenal come in for the Norwegian international come summer.

6. Luis Antonio Valencia

The spark in premier league surprise package Wigan Athletic, Valencia looked like he had ability in his games for Ecuador at the 2006 world cup, but seemed far too lightweight for the demand of the premiership. He is the perfect advert for how ability is always going to be a greater determinant of success than physique in football, despite certain managerial philosophy dictating the contrary at clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan. Valencia’s performances have been absolutely superb, and have seen him linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United. These are not empty tabloid links; this boy has everything required to succeed at one of the clubs at the pinnacle of the English game. Trickery, pace, superb crossing and an ability to beat his man are the hallmarks of a player who appears to be close to the complete player, and one who has a great future whether in these shores or abroad at the likes of Real Madrid.

5. Martin Laursen

A controversial choice given how much game time he has missed, but on his day it is hard to argue against the fact that he is arguably the best defender in the league. It is no coincidence that his absence has seen Villa’s form spiral downward, and combined with the return of Robin van Persie his injuries have given the momentum back to Arsenal in the race for fourth place. He is a paradoxical players – he has undoubtedly proved why Milan deemed him to be a good enough player for their ranks, yet at the same time as shown comprehensively why they let him go. A player who is as injury prone as this is always going to be a liability in some format, as you could lose them at any time. Villa have found this out to their cost, as their fans hopes and dreams were dispelled by the return of the distinctly average Zat Knight to the line-up following Laursen’s serious knee injury. While they will undoubtedly have to strengthen the centre back position in the summer, the great irony is that they will not find someone with more ability than this defensive colossus with shaky foundations.

4. Xabi Alonso

There are many that say Rafa Benitez is a lucky manager, and their case will have been helped no end by the reemergence of Alonso through this campaign. Anonymous for the past two seasons, Alonso’s immense popularity with the fans shielded him from the fact that Benitez was absolutely spot on in his rationale of cashing in on him to sign Gareth Barry. As fate would have it, logic failed to rule the day once again, and Alonso retained his place in the heart of the Anfield midfield, and has responded with his best season to date in a red shirt. The metronomic passing that was a hallmark of his first season at Liverpool has returned, and he has been missed as much as Steven Gerrard when his name is not in the starting line-up. There have been many occasions where Liverpool have come from behind this season. If Benitez has rested a couple of players in some of these matches, it is telling that he does not turn to a second striker to change the tide of the game – instead he motions to Alonso to rise from the bench and to raise the tempo of the match. Alonso’s form has not gone unnoticed – he is back in the starting line up for his country, and it is probably a safe bet that he will not be touted around Europe this season.

3. Nicolas Anelka

It is absolutely mystifying as to why this man has not received more plaudits this year. The league’s top scorer has stepped up to the plate magnificently, performing week in week out as a lone striker while Didier Drogba appeared to take on his traditional mantle of “Le Sulk.” Anelka has always had the tools to succeed as a modern frontman – pace, power, finishing ability and game intelligence. While his career has been dictated by agents thus far, a breakout season with Chelsea this year almost certainly points to pastures greener in the future. On a personal note, I have never seen a better player in the flesh – having had the pleasure of being present in Anfield in March 2002 against Newcastle, the day the lights went out, Anelka was the star of a three pronged attack alongside Owen and Heskey. Anyone who has seen the French enigma in the flesh, and who has seen his exquisite touch light up a game of football will surely agree that he is worth a top three finish in the PFA awards this year.

2. Nemanja Vidic

The favourite to win this years award, and justifiably so. Vidic has performed admirably in a United defence that broke records left right and centre this season. Forget the mediocre Edwin van der Sar, the real plaudits are deservedly heading Vidic’s way for his domineering displays that broke the consecutive clean sheet record. While I still maintain that Ferdinand is a more valuable defender, his absence for a considerable number of games saw Vidic take the lead and develop considerably as a player. However, a number of costly errors this year have seen him slip out of my top spot. The two against Liverpool come to mind, but there have been several similar incidents where generous refereeing has let him off the hook. Vidic might get exposed for pace every now and again, but his displays throughout the rest of the season crown him as the seasons best defender in my humble opinion.

1. Steven Gerrard

My choice to win the award this year is not motivated by bias, but by having had the pleasure of watching arguably the most complete player in world football week in week out. Gerrard can play well in a deeper role, but it is in his new position that Benitez has managed to unleash the torrential ability that has existed in his captain to play in a more attacking role. The amount of times that Gerrard has taken a game by the scruff of a neck through sheer grit, ability and determination has gone over my head, and one almost expects him to do it at this stage. I have never particularly liked Steven Gerrard, even as a Liverpool fan. He is arrogant, he would have gone to Chelsea without the admittedly over the top protestations of the fans and having seen how he has treated young fans waiting for autographs on occasions outside Anfield I would certainly never sing his praises on a personal level. But in terms of pure footballing ability he is unquestionably the best player in England on form, and is only rivalled by Eto’o and Messi this season.

Honourable mentions outside the top 10: Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Ashley Young, Danny Murphy, Peter Crouch

Is the King about to return?

2009-03-31T21:45:00.003+01:00

Shearer to swoop in and save the Geordies season

Eight games to go in the Premier League and Newcastle are sitting not so pretty. Relegation battles are not what Geordie fans expect for their loyal and unwaning support. The supporters however are not the only people associated with the club who have suffered heartache on the back of their shambolic performances; JFK suffered a stroke at the sight of his teams defending and stand in manager Chris Hughton is having little effect. Newcastle have tried everything; even recruiting the services of a Shay Given look alike to stand in nets but to no avail. So what are the Geordies going to do? My guess is that Newcastle’s greatest ever export is going to be swooped in to save the season. That’s right Alan Shearer (not Cheryl Cole) will be swooped in to save Newcastle from Championship obscurity. He tried a bit of punditry before everyone realised he’s one of the most boring men alive and now he’ll get to stick his finger in the football management pie. Expect lots of uninspiring team talks and post match interviews but plenty of imaginative one armed celebrations should Newcastle miraculously survive the drop. You heard it here first….

So close yet so far....

2009-03-30T00:06:00.003+01:00

Another night of mediocrity for the Irish football team

On reflection, last night’s performance from Ireland can be described as nothing more than dire continuing on from our previous dire performance, the smash and grab 2-1 win against Georgia. Last night we took a very early lead and after that were dominated by the Bulgarians in terms of possession and class, you really would’ve thought the team in white were the home team. So as Trapp faces his biggest test yet against the Italians on Wednesday I feel there are huge issues that need to be resolved otherwise this promises to be yet another doomed campaign:

Why can’t Ireland win a game comfortably?

So far this campaign Ireland have drawn twice and have won three games, all of those three games were won by the narrowest margin of one goal, usually with tense endings with us camped in our own box. It is the usual story with Ireland, you nick a goal and then you sit on it and hope to God the other team don’t have enough quality to score. Why is it that when Ireland goes a goal up they can’t go for the jugular and get a second goal, allowing them and the fans to relax? After Irelands early goal last night they didn’t do a single thing in the first half, Bulgaria surged at them and had four good chances with Given called into action. The second half continued in the same vein, the sense of impending doom realised when Bulgaria got their goal and you couldn’t say the bastards didn’t deserve it. In the 96 minutes of football that was played last night Ireland had no sustained pressure, not even ten minutes camped in the opposition half, chances were scarce and the fans were left to cheer for corners and throw ins high up the pitch. There is an attitude problem that seems to run through Irish teams, when Bulgaria scored their equaliser the urgency returned to Ireland briefly but why wasn’t this urgency there when we were 1-0 up and could’ve killed the game and secured a vital three points.

Are Kilbane and Mc Shane really our best fullbacks?

I have a lot of time for Kevin Kilbane, he’s as honest as they come and has been very loyal to the Irish cause. Likewise Paul Mc Shane is a brave defender with a big heart BUT the bottom line is these guys are really shit footballers. These days’ full backs are becoming more and more important to a team; good fullbacks will be seen overlapping wingers high up the pitch and also remain solid in defence. Our Hull City duo cannot offer us that and we need to find somebody who can. Usually you can at least say Mc Shane is solid but last night he was nut megged, skinned down the line and beaten for pace with ease. Every time Mc Shane got the ball he shirked responsibility and looked to give it to someone else, that meant going backwards a lot of the time. When he did get into advanced positions and McGeady gave him the ball in a couple of yards space instead of getting a cross in the box he looked to give it straight back to McGeady, at international standard you can’t afford to have a guy so uncomfortable on the ball. Kilbane will of course be remembered in this game for calmly slotting Petrov’s centre passed a hapless Given but I wouldn’t really blame him for that. What I would blame him for is a lack of ambition, I never saw him in the opposition half and every time he got the ball he simply pasted it as hard as he could up to Keane and Doyle, it wasn’t good enough.

Why the fuck doesn’t Trapparoni make substitutions?

Last night as in other games, a change was desperately needed. Bringing on Andy Keogh on the 90th minute is absolutely useless. Why not do it twenty minutes earlier. McGeady was ineffective the whole game, what’s there to lose? I get the impression there is a very cautious approach from Trappatoni that probably also explains why Ireland don’t win games by more than one goal, but if ever there was a game that needed a shake it was last night. Granted our bench wouldn’t strike much fear into any team but some of the players on the pitch were spent and fresh legs could’ve brought some urgency to our performance.

Where is the creativity going to come from?

Last night we really missed Duff, who has been our most creative player this campaign. So in his absence it all lay on the shoulders of Aiden Mc Geady who once again had a stinker in an Ireland shirt. Hunt was willing and did well for Ireland’s goal but for all his running and enthusiasm often very little come from it. The gruesome twosome in the centre of the park can’t open teams up. Who else can we turn to? Stephen Ireland would be what’s needed but he won’t play so it’s back to the most overplayed argument in Irish football, bring back fat Andy Reid, the only Irish player who can pass the ball with conviction.

Was Glenn Whelan on the pitch?

Good oul’ Glenn Whelan, ‘the invisible man’ I hear his Stoke team mates affectionately call him and if they don’t they should. His central midfield partner Andrews wasn’t a whole lot better but at times he did show some adventure with a chip just over hit to Kevin Doyle and his cross to the same player in the last minute. He also got a few tackles in. To put it simply Whelan is just not up for the job, not good enough. I watched about twenty minutes of England last night and you see Lampard and Gerrard on the ball so often, they WANT the ball, they show for it, they pass it and they move. Glenn Whelan on the other hand managed to go the whole game without getting his name mentioned. The purpose of a midfield player is to link the backs with the strikers, pick up ball and pass it off. If you have an invisible man in centre midfield your only option is what happened repeatedly last night, long ball after long ball was lumped up field, by-passing the midfield and being easily dealt with by the ‘Bulgar’ defence. It’s an insult to Andy Reid that this man is accumulating caps at his expense and we can’t afford to have invisible men when we play the World Champions on Wednesday night.

Ibracadabra

2009-03-23T22:00:00.004Z

The only thing more unbelievable than some of Ibrahimovic's skills is the refusal of the British and Irish public to accept him as a world class footballer...

Every now and again a footballing opinion spreads like wildfire, is adopted as gospel, and is repeated amongst those that worship at the television as some kind of footballing mantra. There have been many sporting opinions I have disagreed with over the years, but arguably the one that grates the most is the idea that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no more than an average footballer.

I do feel I have to declare some baggage at customs. Being born in Sweden, there is a slight bias that could be levelled at me, particularly ever since his magical backheel against the Azzurri at Euro 2004, but I am always careful to put aside any of this when writing in any capacity. Strangely, his performances at Euro 2004 are always overlooked when it comes to the opinion of the average football fan in the emerald isle, but the gospel is preached all the same; Ibrahimovic has never performed on the big stage, in the champions league, the world cup or the European championships.

This does him a grave injustice. However, before dealing with these accusations let's look at the positive. Ibrahimovic has an exquisite touch, and an exquisite footballing brain. Those in the know at Inter have compared him with Dennis Bergkamp, a personal footballing hero of mine and one of the finest I have ever seen play the game. In ways this is accurate; those who saw his sumptious backheeled pass against Bologna this season would no doubt agree. What Ibragoal has that Bergkamp never did however is pace and power. He is deceptively quick, and his lanky frame belies a strength that is perfectly in sync with what his manager, Jose Mourinho likes in a frontman. His goal record while patchier in his early years, has been straight out of the top drawer at Inter; 53 goals in 86 starts. This is comparable with Fernando Torres strike rate at Liverpool to put this into perspective, and in a league where it is arguably more difficult for a striker to score lots of goals given the tactical mindset.

It is ironic given the physical similarities that along with Francesco Totti, Ibrahimovic is probably the most underappreciated footballer from Serie A amongst English and Irish fans. The accusation that he did not turn up to the 2006 world cup or Euro 2008 is a ridiculous one given the fact he was carrying reasonably serious injuries during both tournaments. While he has not performed to his best during champions league knockout games for whatever reason, his phenomenal performances for a poor Swedish side at Euro 2004 along with some terrific games against the biggest teams in Serie A should be enough to show those of us in the west what a brilliant footballer he is. Jose Mourinho has labelled him as the best player in the world ahead of the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, and one suspects this may be more than hyperbole.

It is in my opinion the sky factor which is holding him back from being anointed with the likes of Torres, Eto'o and Aguero as one of the best strikers in world football. It is sad that Serie A football is no longer available for us to watch without knowing about the sources that exist for football streaming in the depths of the internet. Without the likes of the fantastic James Richardson to host shows like Football Italia, the hidden delights of what is still in the top 3 footballing leagues in the world will remain hidden for a long time yet. While Messi, Robben, Forlan and Navas show off their skills on a weekly basis on our sky boxes, it is one of footballs great tragedies that we are unable to tune in to see Ibracadabra's latest trick for the Nerazzurri at the San Siro.

Champions' League Quarter-Final Draw Familiarity Breeds Contempt

2009-03-20T16:53:00.006Z

Today’s Champion’s League Quarter-final draw in Nyon has thrown up some very exciting ties. It has given football fans the opportunity to relive some of the most memorable matches of recent years.

The draw has thrown Chelsea and Liverpool together for a fifth consecutive year in the Champions League. At this point Chelsea and Liverpool have played so often both domestically and in Europe that they know each others’ strengths and a fierce rivalry has grown. A new chapter will be added to this rivalry on April 8th and April 14th when they compete for a place in the semi-final. The last time these sides met in the Champions League was in the semi-final of last year’s competition. Chelsea eventually prevailed in what was one of the games of the season. The 2008 semi-final had everything: a Riise own goal, a Lampard penalty, extra time, a Babel consolation wonder goal and pre-match remarks from Benitez on Drogba’s diving.

This season’s contest promises to offer the same excitement. Liverpool look a resurgent team since their mauling of Real Madrid in Anfield and a classy show against Manchester United in Old Trafford. Bentiez has signed a new five year deal which will end the sub plot about his future which has often overshadowed the action on the pitch. Liverpool are full of confidence at the moment, they have a great record in Europe and Benitez will make his side very difficult to beat over two legs. Also if Gerrard and Torres can remain fit the Merseysiders will fancy their chances of emulating their performances in 2005 and in 2007 of beating Chelsea on the way to the final.

Chelsea look like a different prospect since the arrival of Guus Hiddink in February. Key players have started to deliver and Chelsea are a different outfit with a fit, motivated Didier Drogba leading the line. Chelsea have been in good form recently and are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions. Chelsea will also be encouraged to have the second leg in Stamford Bridge, the same format as when they defeated Liverpool last season. Which ever team progresses to the semi-final it promises to be an excellent night of football.

Today’s draw has made the prospect of an all English final for the second year in a row very likely. Arsenal vs. Villarreal is a rematch of the 2006 semi-final which The Gunners won 1-0 on aggregate and Riquelme missed a penalty in the final minutes to send the game to extra time. Manchester United vs. Porto is a rematch of the 2004 quarter-final when the footballing world was introduced to José Mourinho as he sprinted down the touchline with his coat flapping after Costinha scored in the 90th minute. Mourinho’s Porto went on to win the competition that year. Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich has thrown together two of Europe’s most attacking teams. Bayern progressed to the quarter-final stage after inflicting a record 12-1 aggregate defeat on Sporting Lisbon. While Barcelona have scored 78 goals in La Liga this season, so expect goals galore in the Allianz Arena in Munich on April 8th.

My predications, for what they are worth: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona to progress to the semi-finals. But before I head to the book makers I can contemplate the unspeakable a Manchester United and Liverpool Final in Rome on May 27th.

Redknapp a Symptom of Premiership's Short Sightedness

2009-03-05T19:15:00.005Z

If Daniel Levy is to prove he has a vision for Spurs, he should sack Harry Redknapp at the end of the season...

I read with interest today that Aaron Lennon believes Tottenham can still qualify for European competition. While morale may be high after their 4-0 win over Middlesbrough last night, his quotes are ill advised given the mirth that they will be greeted with from Arsenal fans, the media at large and the large mob that seems to enjoy Tottenham Hotspur’s failings. They will no doubt annoy Harry Redknapp too, who let us remember has been brought in to guide Spurs to safety and away from the spectre of relegation. While the “Harry Houdini” headlines that have followed his short Tottenham career are inspired more by an overly friendly relationship with Fleet Street than by his actual performance, it is hard to begrudge what has been a decent, if unspectacular job that he has done since his arrival.

Despite this, it is my belief that should he keep Spurs up, Harry Redknapp should be paid off and removed as manager of the club. Controversial? Yes. Necessary? Definitely.

You see, Spurs need more Aaron Lennons at this club, players that are not afraid to aim higher even if it ultimately results in failure. It is something that has resulted in several recent disappointments for the club, most notably the lasagne-gate incident of the 05/06 season, but what is even more gutting for spurs fans is the fact that the massive disappointment of the following season has led to the club losing its license to dream. Daniel Levy is an excellent chairman on the financial side of the spectrum, and under his stewardship Spurs have become one of the best run clubs in Europe, finishing 14th in terms of turnover out of all clubs in the world. This is despite a relatively small stadium which limits their match day revenue and having never appeared in the champions league. His on the pitch decisions haven’t gone quite as well. The manner in which he sacked Martin Jol was reflective of what a bad decision this was, and having to buy out an expensive 5 year deal that he had lured Juande Ramos with was not a positive move either. Redknapp’s appointment was a watershed however – for the first time Levy had appointed someone not on the basis of a vision for the club, but to fight the relegation wildfires that had spread through it. It was shocking to hear of his complaints about a fixture pile up when he should have been pumping his team up to fight on several fronts, and if I was a spurs fan I would have been horrified at his disdain for the UEFA cup given their lack of European football over the years.

Redknapp’s appointment is an illustration of the pandemic of short-termism that appears to have affected English football. When I look at the English top flight, I see other managers whose stay is only likely to be a brief one. Joe Kinnear’s ill advised appointment as Newcastle boss may yet cost them their top flight status, and Ricky Sbragia taking the reins on Wearside is a similar exercise in stupidity. There is quite simply nothing to suggest that these two managers are ever going to take their respective teams to the level of UEFA cup qualification, and this must be heartbreaking for their supporters. Guus Hiddink is a great manager, but if his comments are truthful and he is not going to stay at Chelsea, then his appointment is a shocking indictment of Roman Abramovich’s supposed footballing knowledge. The fact is, football clubs crave stability, and there are countless items of evidence to support this.

I am not going to insult anyone’s intelligence by going on about Alex Ferguson being given the time to succeed, as this has been covered far too often for me to add anything new to the rhetoric. The most recent example of a club with a vision that has brought them success is Aston Villa. For those unfamiliar with the activities of one Randy Lerner, the Aston Villa owner has shown a view forward that messers Gillett and Hicks would do well to take note of. Lerner's history as owner of the Cleveland Browns NFL franchise has given him an excellent grounding in managing a sporting organisation and he has applied his lessons to Aston Villa in earnest. The appointment of a proven manager on a long term contract was the first step, but trusting his new employee to oversee events on the pitch without interference was crucial. Lerner has shown that the differences in sporting culture across the Atlantic are more than bridgeable by involving the fans in the process of change, letting them take part in matters as diverse as the design of the new club crest to the sponsorship of their kit. (The acorns logo that is emblazoned on Villa’s shirt is that of a charity, not a corporation.) Many balked at the £9.5 million price he spent on Ashley Young, but Lerner’s support of O’Neill meant Villa acquired a player who has quite simply been a revelation. It has taken the course of three seasons to see O’Neill lead his team to the Champions League places however, and one wonders what Martin Jol and Juande Ramos could have achieved had they been afforded the same time.

The ultimate reason for the success of Randy Lerner is not rooted either on the pitch or in the boardroom – it is his understanding of both, and knowing when to get involved in each of them that sets him apart from his fellow chairmen. We see the consequences of progress on the pitch without any off it at Liverpool, and those of someone proficient with the numbers but not with sporting prowess at Spurs. The sad thing for Daniel Levy is how close he probably came to emulating Lerner however. Martin Jol and Juande Ramos were both inspired appointments in my opinion, and despite them not working out were the right ones. Harry Redknapp is a significant backward step for Tottenham, and if Daniel Levy is to prove he has not become too afraid of failure to succeed, he should sack him at end of the season.

Chelsea: the future is not so bright...

2009-03-04T12:45:00.006Z

Mourinho may be loved by the Chelsea fans but he didn't leave them much to cheer about over the long term

When the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League was recently made, it yielded a fixture list that excited every football fan. Probably the most intriguing tie of the round was the showdown between Seria A and the Premiership. Two of world footballs superpowers, Inter Milan and Manchester United, two teams who have dominated their respective leagues in recent years would go head to head over two matches. The winner of this game would probably emerge as strong favourites to make the final at least, perhaps go all the way and lift the trophy.

What made this tie even more interesting was the sub-plot of two of the great managers of the modern game behind these two clubs. Once again Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson would be pitting their talented squads and tactical brains against each other. The relationship between the two seems to be one of admiration and respect, for such rivals they are surprisingly civil and complementary to each other. So far it has been the Portuguese who has had more success when the two men have competed. Mourinho, lost only once to Man United in 10 previous meetings while in charge of Chelsea and of course Mourinho really came to prominence in England when he raced down the touchline under the steely glare of Ferguson as Porto knocked the Red Devils out of the Champions League at Old Trafford in 2004.

However despite Mourinho having the upper hand in the head to head contests so far Ferguson has undoubtedly shown that he has a greater vision for long term sustainable success. Mourinho left West London a Chelsea legend and always will be regarded in the highest esteem at the club as will Sir Alex at United, but if Ferguson had flown the coup on the same day Mourinho did, it would seem that the Scot left his club with better future prospects than the Portugeezer left his. With United’s current squad you can see a number of players coming through the ranks and proving to be up to the challenge.

This season alone we’ve seen Jonny Evans and Raphael Da Silva look incredibly assured in the United first team. Fabio Da Silva, Ben Foster and Danny Welbeck have also impressed when given a run out while although I don’t currently see too much to merit in Darron Gibson, Ferguson holds the Irish international in high regard and will hopefully mould him into a top player. On top of these new comers to the squad there are many other valued members of United's first team under the age of 25 including Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez with Nani and Anderson proving strong players to have in reserve. Even the more experienced members of the squad like Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra aren’t exactly over the hill; all are either 26 or 27. To complement this youth there are the experienced heads of Ryan Giggs, Edwin Van de Sar and Paul Scholes to keep their younger colleagues grounded.

In contrast Chelsea’s first team features very few spring chickens. Key figures like Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Deco and Didier Drogba are all already beyond their 30th birthdays. Solomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel are the only first team regulars aged 23 or younger and while this may be a team for the here and now it doesn’t bode too well for the future of the blues. While Alex Ferguson was signing Rooney and Ronaldo to build a team around for years to come, Mourinho was acquiring the services of Ballack and Shevchenko, players who were undoubtedly world beaters in their day but also players whose football careers were nearing their twilight.

The second leg of the Champions League showdown promises to be a fascinating game. Fergusons men are much fancied but it is also likely that Mourinho will sting the Scotsman on his own turf again by nicking a crucial away goal. Whatever the result, Ferguson can feel assured that he has a squad and indeed a club that will continue to challenge for every trophy in the years to come, while Mourinho has left a very tricky task for the managers who have so far replaced him. In five years time the vast majority of Man Uniteds current squad could still be with the club, it’s very unlikely that the same can be said for Chelsea. When Ramon Abramovich does find a long term replacement for Big Phil Scholari it’s going to be a huge task for the new man to rebuild a team that are not only capable of winning in the present season but who will continue to challenge for trophies year after year.

Monday's European Ramble

2009-03-02T21:49:00.005Z

Phil Gartside deserves a pat on the back, but the hangover for Valencia will be bad this week...

Good Day

Manchester United

What a couple of weeks for the now champions elect. The Carling Cup final victory may prove to be nothing more than a footnote on what appears to have the makings of an all time great season, but this was a significant weekend in the league as well. Frank Lampard’s late goal for Chelsea is the only thing preventing their third coronation in three years, as the memories of what almost proved to be an implosion last year will be fresh in the mind of Alex Ferguson. The talk will centre on Liverpool, but it is important not to underplay the fact that this is an excellent side who may yet go down in history if the long season doesn’t catch up on them.

The Bolton Wanderers Board

While the ink has not yet been put on paper, it seems according to reports that Gary Megson will be rewarded for an excellent season with a new contract at the Reebok. Still inexplicably detested by the Bolton fans who should be more than used to his brand of football, Megson has quietly done an absolutely fantastic job at Bolton, even after the “Ginger Mourinho” chants have faded. To illustrate the credit due to Phil Gartside, one needs to look no further than the North-East where Newcastle struggle due to constant changes of the management team. Bolton may not make the UEFA cup places, but a mid table finish is an excellent result for a club that many expected to see in the relegation zone this season.

Middlesbrough

Their first win in four months, and another excellent result against the top four for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Real Madrid

The many people who mocked the headlines of the Madrid press a few weeks ago suddenly have a whole lot of egg on their face. Now only four points behind arch rivals Barcelona following their 10th win in a row, the Spanish title race is intriguingly positioned. It should be remembered however that Real have an extremely difficult fixture list remaining, but if they manage to stay in touch, May’s Clasico could well have far more riding on it than was thought possible.

Diego Forlan

It may have been Aguero who grabbed the headlines, but it was Forlan who brought Atleti back into the game with a coolly taken penalty at 3-2 down. The consensus in the rumour mill is that Diego is seeking a move back to England to put his reputation there to bed, and on the past three seasons evidence, the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal could do far worse than to take a punt on the ex Manchester United striker.

Osasuna

The seemingly doomed Pamplona side are somehow on the verge of clawing their way out of the drop zone. The likes of Getafe should be looking over their shoulders extremely nervously.

Mario Balotelli

While I admittedly haven’t seen all that much of this clearly talented young player, the words of Jose Mourinho suggest that he could be a little bit special. "On the pitch Mario doesn't fear anyone and he doesn't respect anyone," said Mourinho afterwards. "I like him this way." A two goal haul in Inter’s 3-3 draw with Roma must surely have piqued the interest of any watching Manchester United fans, as would his frantic middle finger gesturing at the Roma fans.

Giuseppe Mascara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPYbxw7n184&feature=related

The Bundesliga

Yet another team takes the top spot in a topsy turvy season as Hertha Berlin rise to the summit, inspired by the gloriously pony tailed Andriy Voronin of strikerless Liverpool.

Bad Day

Liverpool

Let the autopsy commence. The only thing worse than seeing the wreckage of Liverpool’s title challenge for their fans must be the fact that they have to look past Chelsea to view it. Rafael Benitez will point to the injuries to Fernando Torres as a big reason for where they stand now, and this should prove to be justification for the exit of Rick Parry. Many fans will turn on Benitez following recent results, but it should be remembered that expectations have been unrealistically high for some time. The champions league will prove to be an important competition this year in the grand scheme of Benitez’s reign, as should an early exit follow their league capitulation, next year’s challenge will be undermined from the start.

Newcastle United

Anyone of the believe that the toon are “too big to go down” need only look at their remaining fixture list. Their next four games include three home ties against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, with a crucial away trip to Hull sandwiched in between. With no manager at the rudder, and a host of disinterested looking players, Joe Kinnear’s team look heartless. (No pun intended) Newcastle are going to have to lean heavily on their fans over the next month, as without a big result against one of the big 4 sides, they may well find themselves in the relegation zone come April.

Phil Brown

While his efforts this season so far have understandably been lauded, one has to wonder whether Brown is becoming a victim of his own success. Self promotion is one of the less savoury aspects he appears to have inherited from his mentor Sam Allardyce, and his regular appearances on Setanta Sports’ football coverage would appear to be proof of this. His rant at Geovanni, who could well prove to be the difference between premiership football next season or not, was ill advised and bore the hallmarks of a big ego and outdated management methods. Much like his infamous centre circle team talk, it could prove to be a defining moment in the tigers season.

Valencia

For non followers of Spanish football, it is difficult to overstate just how much trouble Valencia are actually in. On the pitch, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 21 matches, have been knocked out of the UEFA cup and a 2-1 home loss to Valladolid at the weekend means that they fall to 6th place. Champions league football and the funding it brings are necessities for them this year – their squad has not been paid in weeks, the construction of their new stadium has been halted as they have run out of money and they have not found a buyer for the Mestalla in the current economic climate. Having been regulars at the top table of the European game for a number of seasons, the departure of Villa, Silva et al this summer may well herald the end of Valencia as a significant force in Spain.

Anyone who missed Atletico vs Barcelona

An unbelievable match that quite simply was the best game I have seen since Istanbul 2005. Stunning performances from Aguero, Forlan, Messi and Henry, couple with a complete absence of defending made for a mach that will go down as a classic for many years to come.

AC Milan

It has been a very bad week for Milan. After throwing away a 2 goal lead to Claudio Pizarro and Werder Bremen in midweek, they went and lost 2-1 away to Sampdoria on Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti is beginning to come under a lot of pressure for what is now for all intents and purposes going to be a trophyless season yet again, and the presence of a useful Genoa side 4 points behind them in 5th place suggests that another season without champions league football is not unthinkable for the Rossoneri. The David Beckham sideshow that is the most reported aspect here is not the main news in Milan however; Burlusconi’s comments about his “friend” Florentino Perez suggest that should the ex Real president return for a second term, that Kaka will be off in the summer. The Manchester City affair seems to have soured his relationship with the club, and with a restless fan base baying for blood all signs point towards a summer of change at the San Siro, both on and off the pitch.

PSV Eindhoven

An absolutely hopeless season for the dominant force in Dutch football over the past few seasons went from bad to worse as a home loss to Vitesse left them more or less dead in the title race. With the controversial playoff system for champions league qualification scrapped for this season, they also look set for a place in next season’s Europa League at best, with Ajax best placed to catch FC Twente in second. The title looks wrapped up with another comfortable AZ win, but the Eredivisie has a lot of intrigue left in it yet.

My Friday Predictions

One out of eight means I will be hanging up my premiership predicting as soon as someone else is free to do it!

The Hot Crossed Friday Premiership Predictions

2009-02-27T12:18:00.005Z

Predictions for this weekends Premiership action...

Saturday

Everton vs West Brom (12.45 Kick Off, live on Sky)

A particularly uninspiring game to kick the weekend off, with Everton looking to keep the pressure on the top 4 without the services of Mikel Arteta who is out for the season. West Brom are looking certainties for the drop as things stand but I can see them picking up a point in this game. Expect West Brom to occupy a deeper position than an armbandless baby in a swimming pool, and hold out for a 0-0 draw.

Draw

Arsenal vs Fulham (3pm Kickoff)

A big game for Arsenal, particularly following their last league outing at the Emirates last weekend. While Fulham are quite comparable in terms of difficulty to Sunderland, I see a comfortable win for the gunners this weekend. They know how important 3 points is tomorrow, and with the pressure temporarily lifted from their shoulders following a morale boosting win over Roma, Arsenal will coast to a 3-0 victory in this tie.

Home Win

Chelsea vs Wigan (3pm Kickoff)

Wigan are another one of the sides with not much riding on their league form, but this game has something different about it than the game taking place in North London. Hiddink will not allow complacency to set in for his first home league game, but I feel that Chelsea will have their eye off the ball for this one. Wigan may not have a huge amount to play for, but Steve Bruce is not the kind of manager to let them rest on their laurels. Players like Hugo Rodallega will be trying to prove themselves and I can see a score draw taking place at the bridge.

Draw

Middlebrough vs Liverpool (3pm Kickoff, Live on Setanta Ireland)

The riverside has proved to be a tricky place for visiting big 4 teams over the last few years, and Liverpool will no doubt be placed under pressure with Gareth Southgate’s men desperate to move out of the relegation zone. Liverpool will undoubtedly field a weakened team following their trip to Madrid and with a game against Sunderland to follow on Tuesday, so expect to see the likes of David Ngog, Lucas and Ryan Babel involved. Despite this I can see Liverpool winning, as Middlesbrough have to go for the win and this will suit Benitez’s team. A brave Middlesbrough to go down 2-0.

Away win.

Sunday

Hull vs Blackburn (12.30pm Kickoff)

This is the game of the weekend in my humble opinion, and arguably the real first relegation six pointer of the year. Hull have been falling faster than a banker’s pension, and find themselves only 5 points away from the relegation zone, a position that was unthinkable back in December when they last won a league game. Blackburn for all the good work that has been done under Allardyce are only one position higher from when he started, and had a bad result in the midweek FA cup ties. The added subplot of the apprentice taking on his master is apparent in Phil Brown meeting Sam Allardyce for the first time, and will add spice to an already tasty encounter. Call me stupid if you will, but Hull have to win at some stage and I have a feeling Geovanni may be involved for the first time in a while. I can see a high scoring home win, perhaps a 3-2 or something like that. Expect fireworks.

Home Win

West Ham vs Manchester City (12.30pm Kickoff)

This is potentially an utterly uninteresting game, but the only intrigue for me comes from how City build on a useful 1-1 draw at Anfield and their progression in the UEFA cup. Mark Hughes appeared a very happy man after last nights game, and he is no doubt aware of the importance of a good cup run in regard to his future of manager. West Ham have hit a bit of a slump following a good run of form, and I can see another good win for Robinho and his gang.

Away Win

Bolton vs Newcastle (1pm Kickoff)

An absolutely massive game for the toon, with Chris Hughton continuing to take charge as JFK recovers from his quite possibly verbally induced heart problems. Gary Megson continues to do an excellent job with no credit whatsoever, and the siege mentality that pervades Bolton has led me to believe that they can achieve a sixth place finish. Newcastle are in a bad place right now, and I just can’t see them getting anything out of this game. They would do well to remember the last time they won at Bolton, the first day of the 2007/2008 season, and Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge. He is lurking manacingly with his Blackburn side in wait for them to slip, and to take revenge on his former employers.

Home Win

Aston Villa vs Stoke (3pm Kickoff)

"It stayed personal for him and had nothing to do with football. I suddenly realised my manager could destroy my career. He must really have had a down on me, because why would he effectively destroy my chances for me to change clubs?" Thomas Sorenson certainly doesn’t appear to have much time for Martin O’Neill, and his first return to Villa Park appears a good opportunity to stick it to his former manager. Villa have looked tired in recent weeks, leading O’Neill to rest 9 first teamers for the trip to CSKA Moscow. It’s a gut feeling, but I think that Stoke might just nick this one, with a bit of help from their keeper along the way.

Away Win.

Looking beyond the bright lights of the Premiership

2009-02-27T11:06:00.004Z

A dull premiership title race might drive fans to the championship...

Recently I’ve heard a few comments declaring this year’s season the worst in Premier League history. A bit harsh I thought until I had a look at the table and this week’s fixtures what is in store is underwhelming to say the least. In terms of the title race, Liverpool go to Middlesbrough to try to use their game in hand to close the gap at the top to four points, Chelsea who appear out of the running are home to Wigan and surprise fourth place Aston Villa are at home to Stoke. Even if Villa lose this game and Arsenal win at home to Fulham, Martin O’Neill’s side will remain in a Champions League spot. Unfortunately, as is the case most seasons it’s just not close at the top and as United continue to grind results out week after week it seems inevitable that they will retain their title for their 11th Premier League crown in this the 17th year of the competition.

Since Blackburn Rovers lifted the trophy in 1995, only three clubs have won the Premier League - Manchester United (eight times), Arsenal (three times) and Chelsea (twice). In addition, Manchester United have not finished outside the top three since the formation of the Premier League, with Arsenal finishing inside the top five in all but two seasons, while Liverpool, without an English league title since the pre-Premier League era, have not finished lower than fifth since 1999.

It is hard to complain however; this week we watched all four English teams perform marvellously against other European superpowers in the Champions League. The problem therefore is that the top four are very good, too good in fact for the rest of the league and this juxtaposition has in recent years made the relegation fight rather than the title race the most interesting contest in the run in to the seasons close. This season Aston Villa have shown great heart and spirit to maintain a 4th spot as we move into March but the fear I have is Everton were in a similar position last year before as anticipated running out of steam so that the normality of the top four resumed.

A quick and easy solution for disgruntled Premier League fans is to turn their attention to the Coca Cola Championship. The Championship is a rare and unique league in that each year throws together totally different fortunes for many of the different teams. It must be the most unpredictable league in Europe. There are few other leagues where a team can start the season with four consecutive defeats and finish as Champions a la Sunderland under Roy Keane. This time last year Watford were setting the pace in the league and looking certain to qualify automatically for the Premier League, they currently lie 18th, three points above the drop zone. In '07-'08, the difference between promotion and relegation was a meager 27 points and from one week to the next the league table becomes irrelevant as each game can swing either way.

It makes for a very exciting league, any team can go up or any team can get relegated. Last season three very unlikely teams joined the World’s greatest league. Stoke City were rank outsiders for promotion before the season, but somehow managed to shock everyone. The same goes for Hull City who, seen as mid-table finishers again after avoiding relegation the year before, somehow managed third place and a playoff final victory at Wembley. This season Wolves, who have long threatened to reach the Premiership are in poll position but are closely followed by Birmingham and Reading. Another factor that makes the Championship so exciting is the virtual lottery that is the playoffs. Currently all of the top 11 clubs at least are capable of making the playoffs.

The race for the playoffs endures many twists and changes and ensures that many teams still have it all to play for right throughout the season. A team that just miss out on automatic promotion and come third can come up against a team who scraped into fifth position on the final day of the season for a multi million pound tie, it may not be the fairest system but it is the unpredictability that makes it so exciting for the fans.

It must be a great league to support a club in, of course without the same levels of money there isn’t the same talent on show from foreign imports but fans pay a more reasonable price into a variety of stadiums ranging from modern to traditional, there is an abundance of talent (mainly home grown) on show and a scalp occurs almost every week. Every season there are six new teams in the Championship, whether it is via promotion from League One or Relegation from the Premier League, meaning each and every season is fresh and exciting. What it means is that season after season genuine football fans of at least 12 clubs can watch their teams praying that they scrape the results to put them in the mix come play-off time. What it means is that fans can go from watching their teams against the likes of Plymouth and Doncaster one season to visiting Old Trafford and Anfield the next. That is the dream and a roller coaster journey is guaranteed if a club are to achieve it.

It would be schadenfreude to write these Germans off

2009-02-26T11:40:00.003Z

Bayern's 5-0 win proves they are champions league contenders, in spite of Jurgen Klinnsman...

As the Liverpool squad warmed down in the Bernabeu last night following another excellent away victory in the competition which defines Rafael Benitez as a manager, people’s thoughts inevitably turned to the post match interview following the latest set of rumours that have arisen about his future. The source of this constant speculation can be traced back just over a year ago, when the clubs two bumbling American owners let slip that they had considered Jurgen Klinnsman as an insurance policy in the event that Benitez might walk away from the club.

While Europe waited in baited breath for Rafa’s take on the matter, Klinnsman himself must have been revelling in what was an excellent away display against an admittedly poor Sporting Lisbon side. Bayern defeated Sporting 5-0, with goals coming from Franck Ribery (2), Luca Toni (2) and Miroslav Klose. The talk of the office in my place of work has been about the 4 English teams and Barcelona as potential winners, but the idea of Bayern as potential champions has on the whole been laughed off. Anyone tempted to play down their chances would do well to remember the old adage – never write off the Germans.

It is a fair point that Bayern have been poor in the Bundesliga this year. They currently sit in 4th place, 4 points behind leaders Hamburg and also chasing surprise package TSG Hoffenheim and Hertha Berlin. It is also no exaggeration to say that the Munich public have not taken to Klinnsmans methods. I myself recently wrote in a blog post that he risks being consigned to the list of managers to impress at an international tournament and fall away. No amount of column inches and opinion spouting however can take away from the fact that Bayern Munich are in possession of what is an extremely tasty team.

The talisman of course, is one Franck Ribery. Ribery is the reigning Bundesliga player of the season, following a superlative season last year which saw him score a hatful of goals. It is a measure of how far the Bundesliga has fallen from the European consciousness that he was not being talked about in the same breath as Ronaldo, Messi et al, as he is undoubtedly in the same class as the aforementioned. Ribery also appears to have settled extremely well in Munich, taking to the German culture like a fish in water, and the Bayern fans have reciprocated, showing their appreciation for the Gallic flair and excitement that the former Marseille man brings to the table.

Bayern’s strike force may not be the paceiest, but it is one that can certainly get goals. Luca Toni is much maligned on these shores following a disastrous Euro 2008 championship with Italy, but those who mock his exploits with the national side should take a look at his goal scoring records for Bayern first. Toni scored 24 goals in 31 games in the league last season, and a good deal more in Bayern’s UEFA cup run to the semi finals, where they were surprisingly halted by the talents of Andrei Arshavin and Zenit St Petersburg. Miroslav Klose provides to foil to the more powerful Toni, and his record of 9 goals and 5 assists in the league so far this season illustrates that he is much more than the pure goals corer he is perceived as by fans of the premiership.

A silky and solid defensive partnership of the Rio Ferdinand esque Lucio and the rugged Argentinian Martin Demichelis is complimented at full back by the marauding Philipp Lahm and one of either the Italian Massimo Oddo, or German prospect Christian Lell. Although the clubs record of 30 goals conceded in 21 games is not very good, this is a defence that can step up to the plate and deliver on any given day, and the likes of Lucio in particular are extremely suited to the possession based nature of the champions league.

The other midfield mainstays of the team are the talented but inconsistent Bastian Schweinsteiger, the evergreen Ze Roberto and the reassuring presence of Mark van Bommel in front of the defence. Ze Roberto continues to belie his age providing the guile in the centre of midfield to complement the steel of van Bommel, and it is easy to forget that he has been all the way to the champions league final before as part of the excellent Bayer Leverkusen side who lost to that unforgettable Zinedine Zidane volley in 2002.

The question remains as to exactly why this extremely talented side appear to have been written off. It is common consensus that any champions league winning side has a talisman that the side is built around, be it Ronaldo in 2008, Kaka in 2007, Ronaldinho in 2006 or Gerrard in 2005. Franck Ribery has all the qualities to be that player for Bayern, and is only likely to come into even better form in the second half of the season following a reasonably serious injury he suffered in the summer. The champions league will provide an escape that this Bayern side undoubtedly need from their league form, and I would wager that no one would fancy playing them in the quarter finals. It could well prove to be schadenfreude for the side involved.

Pretty Shitty City

2009-02-23T23:12:00.002Z

Manchester City have shown little signs that they are capable of meeting their ambitious targets...

I’ve had a real chip on my shoulder ever since the Abu Dhabi United Group arrived in Manchester to splash the cash around Eastland’s. I don’t know why but it really angered me that just because a large influx of cash was pumped into the club that they were being spoken about as the most likely to break into the top four and Manchester City officials were flying out to Saudi Arabia armed with ambitious documents about how everyone will be drinking Manchester city energy drinks in two years time.

Maybe the root of my irritation is more due to the fact that I had €20 on them to beat Stoke recently and then watched on in disbelief as they were not only beaten but couldn’t even carve a decent chance out against Stoke team reduced to ten men early in the game. Call me a cynic, call me an old boring bastard, but I for one was delighted when Kaka didn’t succumb to the truck loads of cash offered by the newly wealthy Manchester City. People told me he’ll definitely go, that it’s all about money these days and that no man could refuse a basic salary of £500,000 a week. So I found it refreshing that there is at least one player in the world with the integrity to say no to a transfer motivated only by money. Kaka showed a characteristic that appears to have deserted modern football... loyalty.

For the entire of last summer while a very exciting international tournament was progressing, the main headlines on the sports pages each day were dedicated to nonsense like “Ronaldo’s mother wants him to live in Spain”. Comments like this would be amplified in a flurry of rumours and it seemed inevitable that Christiano Ronaldo would turn his back on Old Trafford. In the end it didn’t materialise but throughout the ‘affair’ all it would have taken would’ve been Ronaldo to say a few simple words, “I'm happy in Manchester, I'm not going anywhere”... he never did.

Similar displays of disloyalty were displayed by Robinho in his transfer to Chelsea... eh I mean Man City. Robinho reportedly broke down in tears repeatedly in front of the Real president at the time, Ramón Calderón as he begged to be allowed leave the then Spanish champions and one of the most historical clubs in the world. He hoped to go to Chelsea, in the end it didn’t seem to matter to him which shade of blue he wore; his services went to the highest bidder.

This brings me back to Man City; along with the arrival of Robinho there was talk of breaking into the top four, league titles and Champions League campaigns. Man City fans rejoiced and fully believed that this was their break, that this could mean that they would finally no longer be the eternal bridesmaids to the red side of Manchester. However it hasn’t yet gone to script. Dumped out of both the Carling and FA cup they are currently mid table but still in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup. A key reason why things haven’t taken off as hoped is that when money has been invested before, like with Chelsea there was a better base of players there in the first place. At Manchester City they were looking to people like Darius Vassell to get their goals, the squad was desperately imbalanced and this was a club remember that not too long ago spent a season in the third tier of English football.

Robinho may have increased the profile of the club and made it a more desirable destination for other players but as wish-lists were being drawn up of players that will be bought fantasy football style, Cesc Fabregas summed it up best by dismissing a move to Manchester City by claiming “It would be career suicide”. David Villa, David Silva and Gianluigi Buffon obviously thought similarly and how could they think otherwise. Manchester City will definitely not be in next year’s Champions League and it’s very unlikely they will play in the competition in two years time.

Looking at who they did sign left-back Wayne Bridge was the club's first January signing, arriving from Chelsea for about £10m, quite a princely sum when you consider Wayne bridge became the best paid left full in the world after making the move. Craig Bellamy joined from West Ham for a fee believed to be worth £14m. Nigel De Jong joined shortly after with German media reporting that Mark Hughes's side may have paid as much as £18m to sign him even though the midfielder had a clause in his contract that would have allowed him to leave Hamburg in the summer for £1.8m.

The scene started to resemble a scenario I'm regularly faced with late on a Saturday night. There are ten minutes to go before the nightclub ends and the cream of the crop are either taken or have aggressively declared their lack of interest so the only alternative is to take whatever I can get or leave empty handed. This smash and grab approach (moving away from the analogy) is not going to work in the long run. Players like Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bridge definitely have talent but never seem consistent enough to cut it at big clubs. Also, despite spending a lot on transfers this season the squad still seems quite lightweight (Richard Dunne excluded) in defence.

It’s likely that City’s season will finish with a mediocre mid table position this year, but what will be more interesting than their form between now and May will be the calibre of players they bring in over the summer. It would seem a Uefa cup position would be the minimum they require if they are to attract the top tier talent over the summer. At the point of writing this it looks more likely that Robinho will leave the club rather than them being able to attract players of his calibre. To my eyes Manchester City have a stiff task ahead of them if they are to achieve the ambitious plans they have set for themselves.

Monday's European Ramble

2009-02-23T18:48:00.001Z

Real Madrid are making the Spanish title race interesting, but Arsenal continue to flatter to deceive...

Good Day

Real Madrid

For those who missed it, Real’s 6-1 demolition of Betis was an absolute spectacle and one which ought to serve as a warning to Liverpool fans who might be taking this side lightly. All six of Madrid’s goals came before half time, and Raul in particular put in a performance reminiscent of his very best form of years past. While some commentators openly laughed at the declaration of papers such as Marca that the “title was back on” after last weekend, this Madrid win coupled with Barca’s shock 2-1 loss has triggered memories of the spectacular Barcelona collapse of several years ago, ironically owing much to a bad result against Espanyol. The Madrid public are warming to Juande Ramos, and Wednesday’s tie will prove an interesting gauge of their progress thus far.

Inter Milan

A routine win for Jose Mourinho’s men means that they are well set up for what will prove to be an extremely difficult tie against Manchester United tomorrow night. With the possibility of Michael Carrick playing in defence for United, the stage is set for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to finally disprove the popular notion that he is a big game bottler who is not fit for the biggest stages. Even if Rio Ferdinand manages to keep him quiet, it would take a master class to ensure that a resurgent Adriano cannot inflict any damage on a patchwork quilt of a defence. It promises to be one of several classic ties, and will hopefully live up to the billing.

Manchester United

It would be silly to write United down to the status of underdogs simply because of some injuries in defence however. Saturday evenings win over Blackburn Rovers was by no means a stroll in the park, and had Howard Webb had the bottle to send Cristiano Ronaldo, United could well have found themselves in the bad day section this week. However, the win will come at a cost. The FA have no choice but to act given the petulance of Ronaldo’s kick, which coming only a few weeks after the Shaun Wright-Phillips incident carries an inevitable 3 match ban. Given the excellent performance of Wayne Rooney this is perhaps not as much of a handicap as it might be, but Jonny Evan’s recurrence of an ankle injury comes at a bad time for Alex Ferguson’s side. Rafael da Silva was dangerously exposed by Morten Gamst Pederson throughout the game, and were it not for an idiotic dive by the Norwegian winger, the damage might have been greater. The suspicion remains that Inter will prove extremely difficult opponents, but also that United are a better side than they are getting credit for.

Martin Jol

While Juande Ramos may be the more high profile former spurs manager to be grabbing the headlines, Martin Jol is certainly doing his best to show his former team the error of their ways in sacking him. Hamburg’s 2-1 win at the weekend took them to the top of the Bundesliga, and illustrated why despite Hoffenheim eating up the most column inches of any German side, that Hamburg are perhaps the revelation of this season. Marcell Jansen continued to underline his potential as a high quality striker with a brace, and combined with Bayern’s 2-1 home loss to Cologne, catapulted HSV to the summit. It beggars belief that spurs have let two excellent managers slip through the net only to employ a journeyman English coach who regards the UEFA cup as an inconvenience.

Fulham

It has been very much a season under the radar for Fulham, but one that has illustrated what an excellent job Roy Hodgeson is doing. Their workmanlike 2-0 win over West Brom at the weekend moves Fulham to 8th place in the premier league table, somewhere they should be extremely pleased with given the spending power of Manchester City and Spurs, both of whom are casting envious glances upwards at them. Even more pleased with his weekend’s work must be Bobby Zamora, whose goal broke a premiership duck lasting almost 1,800 minutes – surely some sort of record for a striker?

AZ Alkmaar

The Dutch league may not be the most fashionable these days, but one cannot deny that it has been the most topsy turvy season in living memory. Louis van Gaal has continued the extraordinary work he is doing by opening up a 9 point gap at the top of the Eredivisie table with only 10 games remaining in the season. What is even more extraordinary about this is that the team frantically chasing them in second place in not one of the holy trinity of Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, but the Steve McClaren managed FC Twente. Ajax sit three points back from them with PSV in fourth, while Feyenood continue to struggle down the wrong end of the table despite a vital win at the weekend. To put van Gaal’s achievements into perspective, since the foundation of the Eredivisie in 1956, only 4 league titles have gone to teams outside of Holland’s big three, with AZ being the last to do so in the 1980/91 season. While the league table understandably makes for exciting reading, it may not be good for Dutch football in the long run. With Ajax and PSV struggling in Europe over recent seasons and Feyenoord rare participants since their UEFA cup win in the early years of the new millennium, these results may be the beginning of the end of Dutch teams proving to be any kind of a force in Europe.

Bad Day

Arsenal

The looming spectre of non qualification for the champions league is beginning to rear its ugly head at the emirates, and Arsene Wenger is doing little to dispel the notion that he has to a certain extent lost the plot. “Andrei Arshavin showed some good signs, but also showed that he is not completely fit,” said a deflated looking Wenger, but the fact that the Russian was the best player on the pitch in spite of this is a dire indictment of this season’s Arsenal side. Emmanuel Eboue continues to flatter to deceive, and although Robin van Persie is a wonderful talent, he certainly does not appear to relish physical games such as this one. It will be most interesting to see how the Arsenal fans, who booed their team off the field once again, react should Aston Villa do the unthinkable and break the top 4 dominance.

Liverpool

While you can’t help but admire the character of this Liverpool side, the fact remains that as a squad they are simply not good enough to win the premier league title. With Steven Gerrard hamstrung and Xabi Alonso cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines due to suspension, the Liverpool midfield looked shorn of leadership and never likely to make the breakthrough. Dirk Kuyt’s admirable efforts were neutred by the ineffectiveness of Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun, and the utter lack of drive from Javier Mascherano, who looks a shadow of the player he was last season. Even Fernando Torres had an off day, seemingly afflicted by the malaise that hovered like a cloud over Anfield yesterday. There has been undoubted progress at Liverpool this year, but it threatens to be undone by the failure of the criminally underrated Rafael Benitez to sign a new contract. Whether this is simply a hitch or something more dangerous remains to be seen, but the fear remains that Wednesday’s trip to the Bernabeu may prove to be the perfect stage for Rafa to stake his claim to Juande Ramos’ hotseat.

Luis Perea

An utterly awful day for the Atletico defender who not only saw his side slump to a late defeat at Sevilla, but was also the recipient of a hit that looked more suited to the NFL than La Liga, which broke his cheekbone, concussed him and put him out of action for at least a month. Atletico slip to 7th, behind Malaga, and are 5 points behind Villarreal who occupy the final champions league spot. The side are now at a crossroads, for should they seal a good result against Porto in midweek, the thought of missing out on European football will no doubt be an extremely unattractive one to the likes of Simao, Diego Forlan and most crucially, Kun Aguero. For the sadists amongst you, Forlan’s miss from 2 yards out is unquestionably the miss of the season – I would highly recommend a visit to youtube.

Victor Valdes

On the subject of sadism, the all round praise that Valdes had received in many quarters for his season last week was obviously not accompanied by many touches of wood. His error for De la Pena’s second in Barca’s 2-1 loss to Espanyol is one that will probably erase any hope of him being regarded as anything more than a calamity James type figure in his career.

Jurgen Klinnsman

It is promising to be a summer of discontent for the Bayern manager. Despite having one of the most talented squads seen in the Bundesliga for a long time, his side’s 2-1 loss to Cologne has continued to foster the impression that Germany’s run in the 2006 world cup had less to do with their manager and more to do with the phenomenal support they received. Without a good showing in the champions league, the risk of losing their talisman Ribery is going to be extreme.

Chievo Verona

The latest victims of an astonishingly lucky Fiorentina side that have won 4 out of their last 5 despite turning in some truly turgid performances. Adrian Mutu scored the winner after getting away with a foul described by Chievo manager Domenico di Carlo as a “kung fu move” in the build up. The result moves them above Genoa in the champions league places, but you have to believe that an improving Roma side will catch them despite being two points off the pace.

Everton

While Kevin Nolan’s horror challenge on Victor Anichibe will grab the headlines, it was the 3rd minute, season ending breakdown of Mikel Arteta that will do the most damage, and will ensure a few headaches for a second merseyside based manager this week.

Rotation Argument Comes Full Circle

2009-02-19T19:33:00.002Z

Sir Alex may yet be toasting Rafa come the end of the season...

As the news came through last night that Wayne Rooney had scored United's third en route to yet another routine win over Fulham, one Rafa Benitez must have smiled a wry smile, the kind you put on for a joke you don’t quite understand, at a dinner party you don’t quite want to be at. Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick turned in yet another excellent performance by the United centre midfield, and the addition of a good performance by Dimitar Berbatov ensured that the hosts cruised to a 3-0 victory. Nothing unusual you might say. On the contrary – this was another superb performance in the middle of the park despite the Scholes – Carrick axis being the sixth midfield pairing United have used this season.

It is an astonishing statistic, and one that will not have gone unnoticed behind closed doors at Anfield. Squad rotation has become a sort of footballing pariah over the last number of seasons, and one which has plagued Benitez in particular. It is one which has also evoked some quite ridiculous commentary over the years with Tony Cascarino citing Rafa’s “resting” of Fernando Torres as the reason Liverpool fell away in the title race despite him being rested for all of one premier league game at the time. Commentary on the issue has been conspicuously absent this year, with this seemingly down to a combination of a more settled Liverpool side and the Robbie Keane issue taking precedence over any other stories related to the club.

The statistics make for extremely interesting reading. With the exception of Cristiano Ronaldo with 29 appearances, no United midfielder has made more than 23 starts this year in all competitions. When you consider that Ronaldo was out injured for a considerable period at the start of the season, this becomes doubly intriguing. Players that would have threatened to be bit part players at the start of the season have become integral to United’s inexorable march towards the title. John O’Shea, (23 starts) Jonny Evans, (17) Ryan Giggs (17) and Paul Scholes (12) have all made far bigger contributions to the side than their appearance figures would indicate. While the likes of Alan Hansen are going a bit over the top with calls for Giggs to be crowned PFA player of the year, there is no doubt that their seamless integration into the side is a key reason for United charging like an enraged hippo through what on paper should have been a punishing schedule, particularly with the trip to Japan in December.

Nigel Clough summed it up nicely following his Derby sides 4-1 trouncing on Sunday when he said, "It's impossible to prepare for playing against them. We watched them for six consecutive games and they played six completely different teams with different ways of playing. You can watch them in 60 consecutive ways but then they'll just change who plays where." This is an extremely astute point. It’s all well and good preparing a team to deal with Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes, but you could just as easily be facing a combination of Ryan Giggs and Anderson come kick off. The squad depth at defence has been highlighted through injuries and suspensions to Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra throughout the season, and Gary Neville has been able to rest his weary ‘tasche while Rafael da Silva fills in admirably. A lot has been made of Carlos Tevez not getting a fair chance, but he has made the same number of starts as Rooney this year, and is only one behind Berbatov.

What I am trying to get at is that with the exception of Cristiano Ronaldo, not a single Manchester United midfielder or forward appears to have nailed down a position as their own. This kind of carry on would typically result in some bad results, and a public crying that too much rotation is the cause. Yet United have come back fresh from their travels, motivated because of Ferguson and apparently hell bent on disproving the managerial cliché that squad rotation is the root of all evil.

This begs the question; why has squad rotation not worked for its greatest proponent over the years, one Senor Benitez? It comes down to the issue of quality at the end of the day; United are able to call on the likes of Ryan Giggs when needed, one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, while the Liverpool sides of the past few years would spring Igor Biscan or Florent Sinama-Pongolle when one of their key men needed a rest. It would be rude not to acknowledge the formidable displays of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand when analyzing United’s year thus far, but much of United’s success to date has less to do with the record breaking 14 clean sheets, and more to do with Alex Ferguson’s continuing presence at the forefront of footballing innovation. He has consistently been able to identify the trends necessary to succeed over the years, and if his side is to master a difficult fixture list and achieve an unprecedented quadruple, he may well be tipping a glass of cabernet sauvignon to the manager of his greatest rivals.