EliteFootballTalk

Rest in Peace, Gary Speed - 1969-2011

2011-11-27T20:18:00.002Z

It was a moment of stunning sadness to listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport at around 12:20pm today when the excellent presenter, Ian Payne, interrupted a conversation on Saturday's premier league action with anguish and shock in his voice to announce that he had received terrible news. He then said he would go to the Liberty Stadium where commentator Nigel Adderley would reveal the news.

With a sombre tone Nigel Adderley revealed the unacceptable: Gary Speed, football manager of Wales, had been found dead in his home earlier this morning and police say his death is not being considered as suspicious.

All football supporters will have been as stunned as Ian Payne when hearing this despairing news. Gary Speed was the ultimate professional Premier League footballer and he was beginning to forge a successful career as Wales football manager. He conducted himself with immense dignity and integrity on and off the pitch. He was a footballer whom no supporter or commentator ever had a negative word for because he exemplified strong commitment, talent and sportsmanship. Everyone had respect for the high level character that he brought to the game of football, and to life.

On behalf of everyone at EFT we send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Speed. His towering legacy will long outlast this extremely sad day.

Chamakh needs a massive boost of confidence only a big-match goal can bring

2011-08-16T16:22:00.003+01:00

Arsenal will go into tonight's Champions League qualifier against Udinese with Marouane Chamakh up-front. He showed at Bordeaux that he is a striker with fearlessness and goal-scoring prowess. He then began his Arsenal career with good promise as his name regularly featured in the goal-scorer's column.

So what has happened to him in the first eight months of this year?

Chamakh's body-language on the field currently appears devoid of aggression and goal-scoring will. When I watched him on the field in pre-season he looked to me like a man with terribly low self-confidence. He seemed lost on the pitch and his touch appeared to have deserted him.

Chamakh has scored only one goal for Arsenal in the calendar month of 2011: an FA Cup replay goal against Leyton Orient back in early March. Perhaps it is the lack of goals which is having a destructive effect on his performance? Whatever the cause, it appears painfully apparent that the Chamakh footballing game is being adversely affected in a significant way.

With Chamakh in his current state I am concerned that too heavy a burden will be placed on Van Persie to score the goals needed to challenge in competitions. This is the main reason why a resurgent, goal-scoring, full-of-confidence Chamakh would be a tremendous asset for Arsenal to have this season.

I hope tonight will see the return of the Chamakh who excelled at Bordeaux and promised much in the first few months of his Arsenal career. For me, a big-match goal from Chamakh would be a fantastic sight to watch because it could herald the re-birth of his confidence, power and direction on the pitch.

Good luck Chamakh and come on AFC!

Thank you Cesc - Wilshere and Ramsey development will make up for his loss

2011-08-15T11:51:00.002+01:00

Cesc Fabregas will sign for Barcelona today after completing a medical at the Nou Camp. The composed tone-setter of Arsenal since debuting as a sixteen year old will be missed. He brought a lot of class and decency to the football field in the Premier League and I wish him continued progression at his home club.

Thank you and best wishes Cesc!

With Cesc gone the onus on Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey to lead the Arsenal midfield has heightened. And I am extremely confident in their ability and mentality to take on this excellent responsibility.

Wilshere and Ramsey are the two most exciting midfield talents that Britain had produced in the last decade. Wilshere held his own against the magnificent Barcelona midfield of Xavi and Iniesta to underline his innate superb ability and tenacity. Meanwhile, Ramsey has shown enough on the pitch before and after his horrendous leg break to demonstrate that he is a box-to-box midfield talent reminiscent of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

20 year old Ramsey is already the captain of Wales while Wilshere has shown the relish, drive and maturity on the pitch to be a future Arsenal and England captain. Both have the temperaments to ensure they can achieve great success.

Arsene Wenger has the managerial excellence to ensure that both these players fully develop their potential and I have no doubt that the future at Arsenal will be very strong with these two tremendous young talents in the centre of pitch. In my opinion they certainly have more than enough in their games to cover the departure of Cesc from AFC.

Squillaci - Silvestre - Cygan: the weakest Arsenal link

2011-08-07T11:55:00.002+01:00

It's been a messy year for Arsenal. A couple of days after Christmas last year, Arsenal took apart Chelsea at home with a full-on performance which promised an exciting 2011 for the Gunners.

Unfortunately the atmosphere of that night has long-since dissipated and in its place has materialised a fog of unease and uncertainty that is threatening to engulf the Arsenal.

The first seven months of 2011 has seen Arsenal buffeted and wobble. The experienced steward, Arsene Wenger, looks like an increasingly beleagured captain who is seriously struggling to control his fine ship.

These are extremely rocky waters that Wenger has encountered, and with an imminent storm of fixtures to be navigated it is unclear in what condition Arsenal will look come the end of the month.

If I could make one immediate suggestion in this testing period to the great Wenger it would be to stop playing Sebastien Squillaci. It appears that when he is on the pitch we are at our weakest defensively with dire consequence. For me he follows the line of Mikel Silverstre and Pascal Cygan in being Arsenal first-team centre-backs who look a couple of quality levels below their teammates when on the pitch.

Scott Booth, the co-commentator on ESPN last night as Arsenal played Benfica, neatly highlighted the ease with which the scorer of Benfica's second goal turned past Squillaci on the edge of the box before driving a fine shot past Fabianski. Squillaci was indeed turned too easily: in my opinion it was characteristically sub-par defending in the Arsenal shirt for the French defender.

It probably did not help the mentality of Squillaci that just four minutes after coming on the pitch Benfica had equalised after a first half which Arsenal controlled and led. A goal four minutes after coming on the pitch must have raised feelings for him of that awful day at St James Park in February when four goals were conceded by the Arsenal shortly after he came on a sub for the injured Djourou.

To me Squillaci looks like a defender low on confidence; a defender who fundamentally lacks belief in his defending ability.

This is a period when Arsenal need to dig deep. There are tests to overcome this month which will define the subsequent 12 months. To come through them we need to be at our strongest all over the pitch. And, for me, this means avoiding playing Squillaci, who unfortunately is proving himself unsuitable for the Arsenal defensive cause.

By consequence, the incentive to immediately buy a new centre-back must surely now be overwhelming for Wenger??

Sagna-Cahill-Samba-Vermaelen backline: title winning?

2011-06-22T23:21:00.012+01:00

Yesterday evening I was told that within AFC headquarters the talk is strong that both Samba and Cahill will be arriving this summer to form a brand new centre-back partnership, with Vermaelen moving across to left back to replace the departing Gael Clichy.

If this is correct, then I think its time to get quite excited if you are an AFC supporter.

The thundering determination of Samba alongside the Bould-like presence of Cahill is something that I think would get all Arsenal fans fired up. Having two centre-backs well over six foot is a tantalising prospect having lived through a trophy-less era of small-sized six foot maximum centre-backs.

Playing Vermaelen at left back gives the prospect of added height defending set-pieces, which has been a major achilles heel for our great Arsenal. Plus we can discard the short corner option and aim directly on the six yard box for Samba, Cahill and Vermalen to leap powerfully through the air to head on goal.

A back four of Sagna, Cahill, Samba and Vermaelen promises battling grit, overriding determinaton and unstoppable power. Pushovers no more, we can have a backline that can out-muscle rather than be out-muscled.

Moreover, their presence can engender an increased confidence in the fans at the Emirates, whom with good reason have become increasingly edgy with the sight of our shaky defence of recent years vintage. A stronger atmosphere to will on the players will deliver better results at our Home.

I hope Sagna, Cahill, Samba and Vermaelen is the back-four line-up at the start of the season. If it is, Arsenal fans can be legitimately expectant that the title is ours for the taking.

Arsene Wenger, we are waiting on you to deliver as you have so many times in the past..

Bentdner should have played instead of Rosicky

2011-02-27T20:42:00.004Z

Congratulations to Birmingham for their 2-1 win over Arsenal in today's Carling Cup final. An even match seemed like it was going to enter into extra time until a devasting mix-up between Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny gifted an open goal tap-in for Obefemi Martins to win the cup for the Blues.

For me, Arsenal lacked sharpness and composure today while Birmingham's players looked comfortable and hungry in sticking to their maximum-pressing game plan combined with hoping to pick up opportunities from long balls to Zigic. The Blues' style won't have them challenging for championships but they can be effective in cup football - as proven this season in their Carling Cup success this season.

From the Arsenal perspective, I was slightly disappointed before the match to see Rosicky start ahead of Bendtner for the final, and I was underwhelmed by the cup final performance of the Czech attacking midfielder. For me, Arsenal's playability shifts down gear when Rosicky starts matches - his movement, decision-making and execution of pass and final ball has not been to a high standard this season, and so it proved again today.

I would have much preferred for Nasri to occupy the Cesc central playmaker position and start Bendtner in one of the wide forward positions. Bendtner has his doubters but there is also no doubt that he more potential to be a goal-scorer and match-winner than Rosicky. In a cup-final starting as favourites you should go with firepower and look to close the contest early, but Wenger looked to choose otherwise today when putting Bentdner in the bench.

Moreover, Bentdner's height in the air would have been a useful defensive asset to be depoloyed against Birmingham's predictable set-piece tactics - which was the source of their first goal where the 6 foot 9 inch Zigic headed home.

Wenger will dwell heavily on this match and I hope he carefully considers whether his team selection was correct. For me, the team selection in the match against Chelsea on 27 December 2010 was the turning point for our season - it was the best team selection I had seen Wenger make in a long time and produced an immense result. On the other hand, this team selection looked to have a flaw in my instinctive analysis of it and in the end the team didn't function and flow as it could through the midfield and attack.

The cost of this was that we were vulnerable to being hit to a knock-out sucker-punch in the final few minutes. Martins landed it and Arsenal can have no complaints.

Well done the Blues.

Rest in Peace, Dean Richards

2011-02-26T14:04:00.003Z

I am very sad and stunned to learn that the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers centre back has passed away at the young age of 36 years old.

I remember being impressed with Richards' demeanour and stature on the pitch - a composed and strong figure to have in the centre-back position.

His career was stopped short because of worrying dizzy spells and headaches. It was a profound disappointment to see a talented and committed player have to retire early from the game and supporters across the footballing community wished him good health in retirement. The BBC news report written in the last hour does not reveal whether these medical problems are the cause for his premature passing.

On behalf of all at EFT and the wider football supporting public we offer our sincere condolences to Dean Richards' family and friends.

Rest in Peace, Dean Richards.

Ian Holloway & Blackpool

2011-01-27T18:43:00.002Z

It's emerge today that Blackpool Football Club have been fined £25,000 for fielding a weakened side at Villa Park on 10 November. He made 10 changes to the team from that fielded against Everton at Bloomfield Road, and after the Aston Villa game, which Blackpool lost by 3-2, Holloway said he had to make changes because his regular players were struggling to keep up with a hectic game schedule. On the point about fielding a weakened side and possible sanctions for doing so, Holloway said:

"If some bright spark from the Premier League wants to tell me who I can pick, then come and have a cup of coffee and you'll probably get it chucked in your lap.....Let them try and fine me, it's an absolute disgrace. I'll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football, and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise."

It was stated that Holloway had threatened to resign if the Premier League were to fine the club, albeit if that was what his chairman, Karl Oyston would agree was in the best interest of the club. So no, Holloway will not be resigning as a result of this fine, because he has done magnificently at Blackpool, getting them into the top flight after an absence of three decades, done the double over Liverpool, beaten other teams and positioned the club in 12th place so far.

But, the same thing happened to Mick McCarthy of Wolves, who fielded a weakened side against Man United at Old Trafford on 15th December , in anticipation of a Burnley game five days later at Molineux which seemed easier to approach for points. Wolves had played, and beaten, Spurs at White Hart Lane 0-1 on the 12th December, and McCarthy made 10 changes to that side to field at OT. Wolves was fined £25,000, which was suspended due to mitigating circumstances submitted by Wolves with which the Premier League had sympathy.

The difference with that verdict and Blackpool's is that the Premier League also took into consideration Blackpool fielded a weakened side against Southampton at The St. Mary's Stadium on 8th January, prioritising the league game at home four days later against Liverpool in the league. Holloway had made nine changes from the side beaten by Birmingham on the 4th January at Bloomsfield to field against Southampton, and he was blatant on TV saying he would do so. He did not fancy Blackpool's chances in the competition, stating that staying up was his main priority.

My point is, the manager is the forefront runner for selection. He picks the team he feels is best for the game, and if that selection is dependable on fighting relegation, seeking promotion, seeking to raise up the table to get into a European place, or is based on an opposition too good for his side, then that's his prerogative. It's his team, let him pick who he wants to, from his squad, because it's his neck on the line.

Arsene Wenger, for one, took Arsenal into the 2nd leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, fielding the likes of Andrei Arshavin, Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, practically a full strength side, when in the past he has fielded mainly the younger players in the squad. He could have done, but he appeared to have focused on getting into the final much more and did away with a young team for his more EPL choice.

But that was his choice, not one the Premier League favoured. I don't think clubs should be fined for fielding players they would usually not field. As long as a player who plays for a club has the right to, then leave it to the manager to choose who he wants to choose from his squad.

RedsMan.

Andy Gray & Richard Keys

2011-01-27T17:34:00.002Z

Andy Gray & Richard Keys have left Sky Sports for good. Andy Gray was dismissed, Richard Keys resigned. For those who don't know, these two presented several live football programmes for Sky for almost two decades. They were the faces of Sky Sports football, Keys was the presenter and Gray was the former footballer who would analyse the action points of the game concerned. At first I was hooked on Gray's analysis, felt he was quite right on most occasions, using his screen gadgetry to explain his points of view.

The only thing with Gray, with me, was his criticism of referees'. I see referees as having a very difficult time in officiating at games, making decisions at the speed of play. Whether they are right or wrong, they should be left alone to make decisions without hassle or harassment from players, and non-constructive criticism from pundits. Non-constructive criticism has led to referees having a bad reputation for a role, I think, many of us would not look to even go near, much less exercise. We can criticise, but we won't try the role to see for ourselves how it is.

That aside, Andy Gray, along with Richard Keys, has come up with another point that has left a bad taste with others, much less myself. The Wolves v Liverpool game on Saturday gone had a lineswoman, Sian Massey. Gray and another Sky reporter, Andy Burton, were discussing about Miss Massey's looks, and during this exchange Burton said he was told by a crew member that Massey was "a bit of a looker." Gray remarked in a manner to indicate his dislike for a lineswoman - "What do women know about the offside rule?"

At another point before the game started, Gray and Keys were in discussion about Massey in the studios, saying female referees do not know about the offside rule. Keys added "Someone better get down there and explain offside to her." Gray replied "Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don't know the offside rule." Keys then said "Course they don't. I can guarantee you there will be a big one today."

Well, Keys was spot on, there was a big call in that game, and Massey at first was looked on as if she got it wrong, only for replays to show she got it correct. Besides, even if she had got it wrong, linesmen have been getting it wrong for years. How could it be said women do not know the offside rule when you have women players playing for the professional clubs?!?

That's the main core of the furore that erupted. Since then, other elements have emerged of Gray and Keys, individually, making comments that indicated more sexism to wards women. It would seem these two have commented off-air to the point that someone leaked the footage of them deliberately. Whether whoever that person was knew of the repercussions of doing so is something else. But the result is Sky will not have them as presenters any more, their faces will no longer have anything to do with Sky Sports, and to be frank I think it was inevitable. They could not continue once the footage had gotten out.

Keys was present at the TalkSport studios, giving his side to the issue. He considered 'dark forces' were at work in getting him and Gray out of Sky, although Keys officially resigned (before he was dismissed, I think). But considering the comments made, are there any more footage to know of? Had they been making comments like these for a long time? And if so, didn't Keys think someone would be offended by them, and eventually his career for Sky would be untenable if such comments were released into the general public by the media?

Dark forces may have been at work against Gray and Keys, but they were not in human form. One was named 'Ethics', the other 'Karma'.

RedsMan.

Roy Hodgson - Liverpool Football Club manager?!! Resign in the morning!!

2010-12-29T22:46:00.002Z

Goodness gracious me. Liverpool Football Club have never played in the last 10 seasons as woefully as they did tonight. We were facing a team fighting for points, fighting off relegation, we are in negative goals difference (when was the last time that happened?!!), we needed the points tonight and this night was the night we were suppose to show a determination for turning the corner and grinding out results in our favour. We were at Anfield tonight, against Wolves, and we should have finished the game the winners.

Instead we have players playing out of position, we have a lethargic response, and we conceded just the one goal and left it at that. Tonight was the disgrace of Liverpool Football Club, and that was down mainly to Roy Hodgson. His words afterwards just have not inspired me he has heart and soul behind the role as manager, and it was no different after tonight's abysmal showing of a supposedly thought-out Liverpool XI:

"It was a performance way below what we are capable of and what we wanted to give. I'd like to give Wolves credit, but I think we were a bit unlucky to lose the game, probably 0-0 would have been a fair result. But it was nowhere near our expectations or hopes.

"It was a bad day at the office, there was plenty of effort but no end product and the players are very disappointed in there. The fans have left angry and that's understandable. However, it would be dangerous to clear a lot of players out on the basis of one game. We wanted our renaissance to start today, but it hasn't happened. Panic would be the wrong thing to do but I'm not the sole arbiter of that."

What?!?! 'Arbiter'??! Roy Hodgson is the "sole" person behind choosing who plays, who starts, and who doesn't. The team has cracked under pressure and have only managed to hold tight in the home games mostly. We have lost to Wolves to add to the lost to Blackpool at home, for the first time for both defeats in so many years. We've travelled to Man City, Newcastle, Everton & Spurs to walk away licking huge wounds, and lousy Hodgson providing the limpest, lamest of post-match interviews with hardly any backbone but several snaps at the media instead.

We knew it would be a hard job to take on with poor owners, limited funds and a squad despondent from finishing out of the top four, in 7th place, relinquishing our Champions League voyage and looking likely to have relinquished it for another season to take up the Europa League which, with no disrespect to the competition, we should not be in. Having finished with 18 games two seasons back and being top with 38pts, we're 12 with 18 games gone and 22pts. Twenty six points from top, even seven places and 11 pts from 5th.

Oh yes, it can still change, with a miracle. Man City and Spurs have rocked the top four places, Chelsea have just about edged a 1-0 win at home against Bolton tonight, Arsenal were held after their stewing of Chelsea at the weekend, with Liverpool looking ever more unlikely to have any influence in going up and up the table. Players are lethargic, unresponsive, not producing the quality of football we need at the club, and there's a manager who probably comes off as if he has little to no clue in what he is doing. There's no belief coming from him and it's rubbing onto the players.

We have one of the best midfielders and strikers in Europe amongst a few others decent enough to take the club forward, left with the bare bones of the reminder of the squad who are not up to standard. Hodgson has brought in Meireles, Poulson and Konchesky and only Meireles seems something of a decent signing. Joe Cole cannot get into his groove as yet and there's no sign he ever will. If things do not pick up sharply soon, we will lose the few good players we have. We have gone from bad to worse, and the only answer is for John Henry to call an emergency meeting, telling Hodgson to leave NOW and replacing him with someone who will get the team moving and playing. We cannot afford to continue like this, at all, this is shambolic.

RedsMan.

The importance of the first penalty in a shoot-out

2010-12-27T16:27:00.004Z

Here is a link to a research study that shows a team's chances of winning a penalty shoot out is raised by 20 per cent simply through opting to take the first penalty.

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/newsAndMedia/news/archives/2010/12/Penalties.aspx

Something to bear in mind the next time your team enters the dreaded shoot out lottery...

NUFC coach Chris Hughton sacked: Whose decision was that?!?

2010-12-07T01:15:00.002Z

Didn't Chris Hughton raised Newcastle United from the Championship into the Premier League after just one season? Didn't he do so as champions of the Championship? Unbeaten all season at home in the Championship? Three months into the EPL, Newcastle, candidates for relegation at the start of the season, have recorded memorable wins against the likes of Arsenal at The Emirates for the first time in 5 years I believe, and a 5-1 drubbing of Sunderland, their bitter North-East rivals. They are currently 11th in the table.

Despite how Hughton had to raise not only the club back into the EPL, he had to raise its morale, its confidence, get to the players, make them believe in him, make them believe they can go back up, and he did it all very well. And yet, a decision was made to release him from the club three months in, which will undoubtedly ask many questions that will remain unanswered. Why? Why now?? Who will replace him? Will it affect the players' performance?

But with bad results consisting of a drubbing themselves at the hands of Bolton, and a home defeat to another promoted side in Blackpool, Hughton appeared to have his card marked from a while back. Blaming his lack of experience for why he had to go, owner Mike Ashley has not left himself with much respect amongst the fans yet again, some of whom felt he wasn't in touch with their expectations. Many of them would have knighted Hughton, much less kept him at the club.

A few players have expressed their disappointment, and shock, at the decision. A balance of good results with bad, they were all still behind the coach. And he made a few good signings, Newcastle signings, the type that fitted in with the club - Sol Campbell, Mike Williamson, Peter Lovenkrands, Wayne Routledge - those who offered something that collectively made for a decent, fighting side capable on their day of being hard to beat. Now the players face responding to interim coach Peter Beardsley for the time being, again another unassured person in charge of the players.

What is Mike Ashley going to do next at NUFC - change their home strip colours??

RedsMan.

Bale is one of the three best British players produced in the last 30 years

2010-11-26T16:11:00.007Z

When I saw Gareth Bale play for the first time in an away match against Man Utd in August, I mentioned that Alex Ferguson should eventually sign the 18 year old full back as the long term replacement for Ryan Giggs.

Bale then disappeared somewhat after a bright start to his Spurs career - and really only resurfaced in the latter half of last season when he was outstanding in helping to drive Spurs to a Champs League position. At this time I often mentioned that Real Madrid should sign him up as a new Galactico.

This season Bale has gone into seamless overdrive. He is a one man stampede down the left wing. His attributes are stunning: he regularly beats his opponent with ease; has a fantastic delivery with his left foot; has a tremendous strength, pace, stamina, balance and athleticism; has an excellent on-field temperament; and can ping a left foot shot with a force and accuracy that few in the world can emulate.

For me I think that Bale is arguably the best British player I have seen since first watching football in the late 1980's. Giggs and Gascoigne are perhaps the two best that I have seen - and I do not hesitate to put Bale at their level.

What is your view?

What the hell is going on with the England squad??

2010-08-09T23:42:00.003+01:00

What he blazes is gong on with our national football team's set up? We have a friendly on Wednesday days before the official kick-off of the Premier League, we have players taking turns to announce their decision to retire from international football, others reporting to be too ill to play and then end up playing later on, while one decides to snub the coach, for what reason I just cannot think of.

A friendly to follow on from a debacle of a WC2010, probably the worst I've seen England play since I've been watching them, and most definitely their worst most recent performance, their worst under Fabio Capello, and their worst World Cup campaign EVER. The expectations from the players was so contrasting to their actual general output in South Africa. Capello shares some blame for perhaps not having a Plan B or C when Plan A just faltered, collapsed, and just ended up on the ground disjointed and erratically malfunctioning to a complete stop.

The players ended the campaign with a finish from the Germans that appeared to have made up for previous defeats, and a drubbing that was equal to the defending we offered. The England players came off that pitch to drown their sorrows, according to the account by David James in one tabloid. Yes, drown it all in a pool of vodka and cigars. Personally, if I was one of those players, I would have returned to my hotel room and laid on my bed, going over and over what happened, what should have happened, and what could happen when I return home. Wouldn't be up in the mood for drinks and cigars, especially since I don't drink or smoke.

The image and attraction of the national team had gone down in the estimation of many natives here in England, and what we have is an uncompromising friendly days before the 'best league in the world' starts. I would personally use many fringe players on Wednesday and leave the seniors alone.

England squad to face Hungary:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), John Terry (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Forwards: Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Terry, Barry, Lampard, and Rooney should not feature. Darren Bent is out with a back problem. I find it something else that Gibbs and Wilshere are involved, having not played in the league per the Capello requirements, but it's a friendly and why not to give them a chance to shine. Michael Carrick would have been a good addition but between him and Alex Ferguson, Capello was deceived into believing Carrick was not fit. Ferguson said he was of the opinion Carrick wasn't fit Friday, and then heard sometime after he was fit, in time for the Community Shield match too! Isn't that magic??

It's 'unusual' for a player to be declared unfit, only to be fit enough almost 48hrs later. For the record, I don't believe it. Another incredible display was Ashley Cole's. Cole should definitely not feature on Wednesday after he blatantly snubbed Capello's hand at the Community Shield yesterday. Either Capello said something to him previously or he was put up to do it by another, because I can't think of any reason Cole would have to do it. And Ashley Cole to dare snub anyone, with his reputation off the field?!

One of the best left-backs, arguably the best, in the EPL; in Europe; sought after by his previous boss Jose Mourinho to come to Real Madrid; and he thinks he has the right, the gall, to snub our national football coach?? There are a few managers in the EPL right now who wouldn't have that happening without sanction, a few others who it wouldn't dare happen to. Players upset and snubbing their manager as they come off? Should damn well grow up. You may not like the man but you show your respect nonetheless, because it's business.

Paul Robinson decides to step down, not that his goalkeeping last season was worthy of a special mention, then again neither was Robert Green's in comparison but James and Hart were worthy and there was only one other place - which one out of Robinson and Green would you have chosen? Sam Allardyce was livid with Robinson's WC exclusion, and his words reflected so:

"Perhaps Joe Hart can run [Robinson] close but he hasn't got 41 international caps of experience and hasn't played in major championships before." Joe Hart for me was in good form last season for Birmingham, was partly the reason why they did so well in general for the season too.

".....ever mind the David James scenario, who is spasmodically in and out because it seems he has a bit of an injury problem." Sorry, Sam, James was in good form himself leading into the World Cup and I would have made him my keeper to start off against the USA. Comparing Robinson to James and Hart was wrong; comparing him to Green would have given his words more depth.

Wes Brown has stepped down too. He has another World Cup in him, much less the forthcoming 2012 European Championships, and I don't feel players step down to make way for others - they want that international place for themselves as long as possible. I think Brown has had his head twisted in regard to the England squad by another.

So the friendly on Wednesday is now more than a friendly - it's crunch time for Capello. The side must perform, must win, must deliver. And if the 'fringe' players do not impress, it will put more pressure on Capello. At £6m per year, the man has signed up for an expensive rollercoaster ride that seems to be spearheading down at the moment. All the talk of sacking him was ludicrous - when you have players and pressure like he is having now, it's more of a case for encouraging him to remain. And don't give me that rubbish about needing an English manager. We have done that to no avail, already!

RedsMan.

England v Germany, World Cup 2010: A catastrophe

2010-06-27T22:33:00.002+01:00

Good God. I have never seen such an abject performance from our players in a long time. Maybe in recall to the Euro2008 qualifier with Croatia at home, losing 2-3, comes close. But today they were unbelievably poor. We started to play when a goal down and that was emphasised by the second Germany goal. The belief was there for the first 10mins of the second half and then we just fell apart.

For a national side renowned for our defending, our resilience against pressure (our two games against Portugal in Euro2004 and WC2006 refers) even with 10-men, we were weakened. We didn't play as a unit overall, and individually we came up with nothing overall. It was a disaster. It was a catastrophe. No doubt the England team will either be subjected to ridicule from waiting fans or, to imitate the reception of the France team, hardly any fans will welcome them.

So much expectation, so much emphasis on a winning start, so much hype over Wayne Rooney, to no avail. From the first game with the USA, we were found to have sparked brightly but then lacked enough combustion to piston on at that level. The Americans came at us because we allowed them to, they got a fortuitous goal via Robert Green but they were leading to it anyway. The second half we started brightly again and just did the same, just lacked enough combustion to maintain the industry of our play.

We were worse in the Algeria game. Their players were not favoured to provide much for us, particularly when we were suppose to react after the USA game and aim to win to top the group. It was meant to happen like that, as if we had the game sewn up. The reality of that game was much in contrast. We laboured to provide anything of a show of good playability and came off the field a worse team to our opponents. Much was expected of us and was not reached, little was expected of Algeria and they achieved more.

We knew we needed a big response against the Slovenians, to qualify AND for reputation. We put the 'poo' into rep-poo-tation, we started mediocre and really laboured to get any form of delivery into the box, particularly from James Milner, looking anything but the player for Aston Villa. One cross later, one goal later, all was forgiven about Milner. He was touted for MOTM, even though the second half from him brought little else.

We won 1-0 when we should have won by a higher margin, Rooney and Defoe guilty of missing sitters. We started the second half well for 15mins and then either tiredness or slackness settled in, where we found ourselves battling to come at them and ended up wasting time to get through. The game should also be remembered for the emphasis on how we sat back. A block from Terry, then Johnson, and the third effort going wide.

People celebrating us winning, the cracks were papered over, we had qualified for the knockout-round, little else to focus on. I don't know what happened in training but I find it hard to believe Fabio Capello's words after the Algeria game, that the players' response in the matches was different from that in training. Surely if he saw a difference in the first two matches, he should have addressed it? Investigated it, analysed it? He's smart enough to do that. What we had to offer the Slovenians was something a little different, but just a little.

I felt we were similar to the Germans inthe competition, conceding one goal, holding firm in defensive, forming passes to get forward. Aside from the Germans' first game against a comatose Australia side, we could match up with them and then some, provided we improved a notch or two. However, we didn't. It was said we played our worst against Algeria. Today superseded that statement. And it was just incredible to have witnessed.

Both teams started hesitantly, seeing how the other team would start, and in that instance we started to build into a good performing side, asking questions and making statements in their third. But then defensively we began to fall apart. Gareth Barry was slow and hardly looked to come forward with the ball with authority, passing it as quickly as he received it. We were being pulled about because we allowed them to manoeuvre with the ball and off the ball, and that opened us up.

I've said before how Matthew Upson had been exposed by the high long ball for West Ham, I even named the striker who scored from such a moment. And lo and behold, it happened again. Manuel Neuer kicked the ball up field, John Terry had taken up position too far up so the ball went past him, Upson had taken position too far from Miroslav Klose, hardly any marking for such a ball. The ball bounced between Terry and Upson, Klose pounced onto it, Upson played catch-up when he can't because he has little pace, Klose had already gotten into position to chase the ball and simply fended off Upson to then poke it past David James.

Germany then attacked and opened up our defence afterwards because certain players just failed to hold them off and were beaten easily. This called for Glen Johnson to come across to cover, only on this occasion I think it was Mezut Ozil who decided to shoot, rather than play in the totally unmarked Lukas Podolski on our right.

Did we learn from that moment? No. Because it happened again, our defence was pulled apart, Johnson had to come across to cover. Germany DID learn from previous, though, as Podolski was found, ONCE again unmarked on our right, and even from a tight angle he managed to squeeze his shot through James' legs and inside the far post. One goal down was bad enough, but two made it a trek up a 60% gradient. Just unbelievable defending from four of our supposedly best defenders.

We gained a goal back, and a slight reprieve for Upson, when Steven Gerrard crossed in for Upson to head in. That one ball crossed over was about the only decent cross we had made throughout the game. Another was Milner's cross in the second half, which went straight to Neuer with both Defoe and Rooney running in afterwards some seventeen years later.

Then controversy. Frank Lampard came to life to loft the ball towards goal, it came off the underside of the crossbar, with Neuer totally beaten, and bounced up then down into Neuer's arms. Replays showed the ball had gone over the line by some feet but it was not given. I won't dwell on it as we still had time in the game to score again, and we didn't. If video technology was allowed, the referee could consult it or ask for it to be consulted by the fourth official, or a fifth official, before thoroughly confirming the goal or denying it. It's one for Sepp Blatter. End of discussion on that one.

So 2-1 down, we showed some spirit at least to come back, and should have been level. But we weren't, so at half-time we gather, we discuss, we emphasise on what it was, what it should be and what it will be when we go back out there. For the first 10mins it worked, we were coming at the Germans with gusto and drive, but we lacked the final ball to finish off our chances. Shots from distance were taken briefly and were woeful, we would either overplay the ball, send it over the bar or hit a Germany player. Lampard free-kick off the crossbar aside, we offered little else.

The third Germany goal came via another Lampard freekick that came off the Germany wall, Barry got to the rebound and then lost it, the Germany counter-attack was swift through three players, one of whom played another in quick time, and the chase was on. Again we were defensively pulled apart, no one covered our left, and once Bastian Schweinsteiger had played in Thomas Mueller unmarked on our left, it was 3-1, albeit James had parried the ball into the net.

Did we learn from that? No. A Germany clearance almost three minutes later found both Barry and Ozil racing for the ball. Well, it was Ozil racing, Barry went in like a headless chicken and tried to challenge Ozil immediately, despite the Werder Bremen man easily out sprinting him. Ozil rode the challenge, it left Barry on the ground and behind, Ozil raced on to feed across for Mueller to finish us off, again unmarked on our left.

What a BBQ. We deserved to be spit-roasted and turned over if we look to play so absent-mindedly as we did. We got served because we just could not hold to order and perform as needed, as we can. I wonder if Capello is contemplating resignation, and it wouldn't surprise me, if you coach players who respond off the pitch, but nothing like on it. And I think he was compelled to defeat during the game because of that point.

When you see something simple as a high long ball, and you have two tall players who relish heading like Terry and Upson become disorientated and out of position, particularly against a predator for such moments like Klose, you should feel that their focus needs strict attention. For me, Terry cannot conduct himself as a defender who hardly needs any advice. Even the ever-reliable Ashley Cole was found wanting but you can expect that when your fellow defenders are all over the shop. As for Rooney, practically our biggest flop, enough said. Just didn't turn up in South Africa, for some reason.

I really did have big expectations of ourselves this time. We have talented players, apparently ready to go, ready to show the world, show the folks at home, and we finally appeared to have a coach behind them who seemed to have good tactics, strategy, experience, accomplishments, and the steel to let anyone in the team know when they are not performing well enough, from the captain to the bench players.

That said, why didn't he at least pull off Rooney to let Peter Crouch have a go, as one option? We hardly changed the team despite giving below-par performances, we had a squad of players to choose from. Barry, Upson, Green and Emile Heskey should never play for us again, we definitely need to bring in new blood and nurture them into form, and we definitely should be dropping players for low performances, friendly or otherwise. We should be monitoring and enhancing players for the future, and should discipline those who have been picked for a long time and STILL not providing when it is required, when necessary, when vital.

For the life of me, we cannot produce such a performance again. EVER. But until the next international, I won't be holding my breath on it. It will be interesting to see whether Capello hangs around, but if he does he has to bring out the guillotine, and take no prisoners. I would. I wouldn't care who didn't like it, there will always be someone not liking it but that's tough. Either you play or you pay.

RedsMan.

England vs Germany: World Cup 2010, Sunday 27th June

2010-06-24T10:37:00.002+01:00

A good number of English people are happy this morning not to have to face waking up to the headlines that would spell our exit from the World Cup. James Milner supplied the cross for Jermaine Defoe to stab in the solitary goal of the game. While I was very happy at the time, and am content now about it all, there is still the inquest.

Milner, to start with, started very lacklustre. He seemed to be sluggish in his approach and little of the dynamic energy you see him exert for club. With a yellow card hovering over him, I felt it was a risk playing him and when it came to the first 15-20mins Milner was not at the races. Obviously he came good for the goal and that was practically it for the first half from Milner. Wayne Rooney was far more flexible with Defoe as lone striker, he and Gerrard seem to have this telepathy between them both which almost ended up with a second goal. Rooney was more lively than previously, which was better to see.

We had a good half, not because of the goal but of the playability too. The Slovenians topped the group with no defeats so letting them have possession would be dangerous, and we kept at them to prevent that. We were still missing Frank Lampard. The central midfielder who was pivotal to Chelsea's season, was quiet. Again. Got himself involved because he had to, and for his EPL reputation he remained on the pitch.

Gareth Barry was standard, showed up in attack and cleaned up somewhat under it. Still hesitant in coming forward with the ball. Glen Johnson, again, looked short of some sharpness in defence and for someone who is fit and has pace, Johnson was almost taken over by their left winger. But he came good overall and defensively, we held ourselves well enough for the lead at half time.

The second half wasn't as good as the first. The first 20mins gave us two excellent chances to increase our lead through first Defoe then Rooney, and we showed some of the guile from the first half. But from that point on, we laboured, and Slovenia came onto us, resulting in one point where first Terry then Johnson blocked out two efforts and the follow-up from that went wide. From then on it was equal for both sides and it was fortunate, maybe even just, that we emerged winners.

Now don't fool yourselves. We won, three points well needed and we got it but the response, in my opinion, was half of what we wanted. The Germans have played well, even with 10-men against Serbia, and they have good dangermen in Lukas Podolski and Mezut Oezil, not to mention Bastian Schweinsteiger (their version of Gareth Barry), and Miroslav Klose.

England will have to step up their stamina and pace because the Germans simply industrialise. In other words, they will pass and move efficiently and quietly, which made the difference in their last game with Ghana, who were strong and pacey. We will have to play like Ghana and I think changes are still required from that of yesterday:

James

Johnson

Upson

Terry

A Cole

Lennon

Gerrard

Barry

J Cole

Crouch

Rooney/Defoe

Would still stick with Rooney as it may well relish playing against the Germans, which is all dependent on his fitness. I heard he is a doubt but I suspect he will be fit for it. If not, I don't see the partnership of Crouch and Defoe putting us out of place and I think Crouch would be good to put up against the frame of 6'6" Per Mertesacker. I think without Rooney, actually, we would stand a good chance nonetheless.

But let's not get carried away from yesterday. Many radio 'pundits' and presenters seem to be.

RedsMan.

Mutiny: What the blazes is gong on in the England camp?!!

2010-06-22T22:02:00.002+01:00

So John Terry comes out in conference, undermining Fabio Capello's authority. I have listened to the full conference he gave and I still can't find the words he said that were bad, nonetheless he shouldn't have done it. If there is anything to be said regarding the players, it's the current captain, Steven Gerrard, not the former one.

There are a few questions to be asked:

1) Why did Terry step forward with these 'concerns'? Why didn't he convey them to Gerrard, as captain of the squad, and let Gerrard speak out? Does this then undermine Gerrard's role as captain?

2) Was this a case of someone on behalf of the FA sanctioning Terry to speak, and nothing to do with Capello?

3) If he felt he was being honest, why apologise? And whose idea was it for Frank Lampard to appear, as if to provide a blanket over it all?

4) Did Terry anticipate his move would bring nothing other than a push to apologise? That Capello would not drop him, like most other coaches would, because Capello needs him for tomorrow?

5) Does this now mean there still exists 'player power' that will come out like a union, and is it a positive movement?

What the blazes was Terry doing?? He complained about tactics and the 'conditions' the players had to endure in between training and games. He mentioned Joe Cole should start, and it was Cole he emerged with firstly onto the training pitch this morning. If Terry starts doing things his own way, then it will set off fireworks. And he will get burned.

We know what he did wrong, so does Terry. You would think he would keep out of the headlines for wrong reasons, and yet here you are. Capello had to come out immediately and quell the rumour-mongers hungry for gossip and exclusives. Capello will step down if we don't qualify, and between Terry's All Bold move and the Slovenia game, all parties have come together and spoken together amicably, which is crucial. We can't have this negativity at all, much less hanging around us with 24-48 hours to go.

I've already stated what Capello should do for the win. Here, I'm hoping all has been cleared, it leaves the players feeling much better and gives them that flexibility to go out and play as they do for their clubs. Because something appeared to be holding them back in their two games.

RedsMan.

WC2010: Woeful England set up nervy final game

2010-06-18T21:56:00.004+01:00

Well, from tonight's performance, if certain members of the first XI remain to start against the Slovenians, they should be counting themselves lucky. Individual players who grace the EPL looking as if they're afraid to take the bull by the horns, even as a novice matador. England were lethargic out there, for some reason that I don't think the players even know. They know one thing, and that is it isn't working out there when needed, when allowed, when opened to them.

Emile Heskey should have played his last England game period, much less in the tournament. He was a decent addition to experiment with in the qualifiers, likewise Michael Owen, if just to get the other players to blend in and gel as one. Tonight, he was not up to standard, and I don't know why. His performance culminated in one moment when he was released down our right, proceeded to step over and get his feet caught up almost, only to end his effort with a cross that eluded everybody, even the goal.

Wayne Rooney was again in and out of the game, but on a worse level. Touches let him down, passing likewise and he wasn't getting a good run of the ball to make himself noticed, where he usually steps immediately into space to receive and makes an effort out of nothing. ITV cameras caught him at the end stating how shameful it was to be booed off by your own fans. When England play a stinking game like tonight, be lucky it's only boos, Wayne.

Glen Johnson - fantastic going forward, questionable in defence of late, hardly seen going forward and being creative tonight as he usually is. If there was someone substantial to replace him, I would contemplate it heavily. Number of times he was caught out at the back on runs, he was so slow to react when clearing the ball at one point and was fortunate to get a free-kick for it. There were times he got a good foot or block in but the other times should not have happened.

Jamie Carragher - keen, die-hard, may have come too late now for his cherished role in central defence. Incredible that he still conducted himself to not only give a potential good dead-ball moment to Algeria with a free-kick, but got himself booked as well to miss out on the Slovenia game. Maybe a blessing in disguise for Michael Dawson to step in at last (for those who love to point it out like desperate schoolteachers out of work, I said 'Michael', and not 'Matt').

John Terry was his usual self, although in the second half he tended to get himself penalised for challenges under which Karim Matmour took the invitation to go down readily. His back pass almost played in Algeria, something which I just couldn't believe from him. Gareth Barry looked afraid to come forward with the ball, instead looking to get rid of it at any moment once inside the Algerian half, and we still could not utilise Aaron Lennon along the wings with his pace.

All in all, I would make changes. Urgency is required now throughout the 90mins+, and not every now and then. Carragher is out so Dawson comes in. Heskey should be out to allow for Peter Crouch or Jermaine Defoe. Joe Cole MUST come in to start. If Milner is fit, I would include him as well. There are players on that bench raring to go while a first XI has twice lacked in providing the goods. Changes are imminent, Fabio. My team for Wednesday against Slovenia:

James

Johnson

Dawson

Terry

A Cole

Lennon

Lampard

Gerrard

J Cole

Rooney

Defoe/Crouch

We'll see. Slovenia were jokers earlier on and should have qualified via 6pts but the Americans have a good level of talent and persevered as the Slovenians took their 2-0 lead for granted. As it stands in our group, if we draw again and the USA do likewise, we're out. The way we've been, we're not conceding from open play but we're not scoring equally at the front. With a squad consisting of the captain and vice-captain, creators in Milner and J Cole, and the likes of Rooney and Defoe, not to mention Crouch, that is not up to standard.

The Slovenians were slouchers at 2-0 up so they do work towards getting a lead, something we should bear in mind. I suspect the USA can beat Algeria and we therefore MUST beat Slovenia to ensure qualification. It is paramount, pivotal, essential, there is nothing else but a win to achieve on Wednesday, and if we start off on our feet for the first 20-25mins, we can do just that.

RedsMan.

England's Rob Green: People, Give it a Rest!!!

2010-06-14T08:16:00.004+01:00

Disappointing was the draw with the Americans......very. We scored early and well, good play between Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard for our goal in the 4th minute, but we then didn't capitalise on the way we had opened the American defence. Instead we allowed them to show what they can do, and obviously they had their spring in their step particularly from dead-ball moments.

A few free-kicks later and we seemed to be floundering in clearing danger, one ball went over Ledley King who at 6ft plus should have made it, the danger nonetheless came to nothing. So both sides began to come at each other almost equally, at a push the USA had more possession than we did. Shouldn't be happening.

However, the error made by Rob Green, notwithstanding it was an absolute howler, was NOT the reason why we drew the game. The reason why he made the mistake was NOT because he didn't get his body behind the ball (which so many media writers are using), but because he didn't get his hands behind the ball. His body was there, his hands were not totally, the path of the ball therefore struck the outside of his right hand and spun off into the goal. It almost seemed a destined event, the way it happened with very little recovery, no chance to grab the ball back or even claw it away.

We still had five minutes after the equaliser to score, we even had a break of 15mins and then another period of 45mins+ to score another, and we failed. THAT is the reason we didn't win the game, the RG howler occurred in one minute, we still had 89mins+ to score more than one goal.

What also didn't help was the needless bookings of James Milner, Jamie Carragher and Gerrard. Milner was not well, beggars the question why he played in the first place. Carragher went through the back of I think Clint Dempsey, and Gerrard appeared to have been too outspoken about his challenge on Dempsey. Wayne Rooney as in and out of the game, Aaron Lennon hardly picked up the number of chances to tear down the right as expected, King didn't last more than one half, much less one game, Carragher seemed slightly erratic, and Heskey SHOULD have rifled the net with a blaster when put through by Lennon.

Green did block out Jozy Altidore when through at an angle, something which the so-called writers put down to outpacing Carragher with ease, despite the fact Carragher couldn't challenge at that pace with a booking hanging over his head and the positioning being in the box! Playing as a unit, we were cracking up in front of their goal. We had little stability upfront and our chances were doomed as they started. If we have the ball wide for a delivery, we're aiming for the likes of Rooney, Heskey, and another out of Lampard or Gerrard, a minimum of three in the box.

Now we face Algeria who also had a goalkeeping clanger that actually cost them their game with Slovenia. What do we do?? Drop Green for Joe Hart, if David James isn't fit? Green has been a decent keeper under pressure for club, who narrowly avoided relegation, and I would like to see a top keeper handle that pressure all season. He has made a number of good saves for club, but it would have been a very tight call between him and Blackburn's Paul Robinson. Not because of anything Sam Allardyce said but Robinson had done well last season, possibly better than Green.

Maybe Fabio Capello chose Green because he saw a keeper under big pressure all season. I would have taken Robinson myself, but as it stands, Green is there and if he is in goal, we get behind him. I think he will have learned from the error and could well be a better keeper for it. But this constant talking over it is monotonous. The so-called 'mistake' that occurred in Zagreb, October 2006 was replied over and over again, and Robinson is STILL attached to blame for it.

It was a kick on the rear to draw, so we show character, guile, strength and unity, we want the win, we NEED the win, we have players who can player very well, and we do our thing. We do what we know we can do, and we do it for 90mins+.

RedsMan.

South Africa 2010: And then they were....less with 7

2010-06-01T21:47:00.005+01:00

So Fabio Capello has released his final choices of 23 players to take to South Africa for the World Cup 2010.

They are:
David James (Portsmouth), Joe Hart (Man City), Robert Green (West Ham)
Rio Ferdinand (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Ledley King (Spurs), Matthew Upson (West Ham)
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Michael Carrick (Man United), Gareth Barry (Man City), Joe Cole (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City), Aaron Lennon (Spurs)
Wayne Rooney (Man United), Jermaine Defoe (Spurs), Peter Crouch (Spurs), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa)

Now, the question is, is this squad sufficient enough to win the World Cup? I think any side England puts out is full of eleven players capable of matching most in the world. But on the match day, where will their focus be? England was expected to give a good show against the Mexicans, which more or less they did, but they were expected to humble the Japanese, which they didn't. Relying on two splendid own goals, England were saved from a battering of its own from the press.

My quibble is certain players have been left behind who shouldn't be. Out of Adam Johnson (Man City), Scott Parker (West Ham), Michael Dawson (Spurs), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Tom Huddlestone, Leighton Baines (Everton) and Darren Bent (Sunderland), for me Parker, Bent and Dawson SHOULD be going. They would replace Warnock, Upson and Carrick. Dawson has been a tough tackling, heading defender for club throughout, more so than King. Parker has been fighting like a soldier for West Ham, and the season they had showed it. I'm not a fan of Bent, but I think he can latch onto a chance when none seem to be coming, and deliver for us. Might have been lost out there in Graz' UPC Arena somewhat, but he still has the ability to link up with the main striker or second striker.I also think Bent can hold up the ball as required by Heskey, and yet also be a striker who can score, unlike Heskey.

SWP hasn't shown enough for me to be going to SA, I wonder if his father's constant speaking in the media over Shaun's omission under Sven Goran-Eriksson had any influence in his selection. Ashley Young should be going instead of him, clearly. I felt Baines had done enough to be A Cole's understudy, and certainly not Warnock, but there you are. Strange decision.

King is reliable for a game at a time, had a tough time against the Mexicans, didn't feature against the Japanese, and is lucky to be still chosen, especially over Dawson, just to make up the second XI defensive quartet. Upson hasn't had a good season for me and there is one goal that typifies him, a high ball that he had time to deal with but didn't, allowing the striker to run onto it and score. David Nugent for Burnley, at Turf Moor, February 2010, score 2-1. And yet Upson is selected.

Another reflection on who should go to SA is putting the players into two teams, a first XI and a 2nd one:
First XI - James; G Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, Ashley Cole; Lennon, Gerrard, Lampard, J Cole; Rooney, Defoe.
Second XI - Green; Carragher, Upson, King, Warnock; SWP, Carrick, Barry, Milner; Heskey, Crouch.
Man left over: Hart
My preference for the second XI - Hart; Carragher, Dawson, King, Baines; Milner, Parker, Barry, A Young; Crouch, Bent.
Man left over: Green

So much was made about Walcott, all because he went, controversially, to the 2006 World Cup as a young player. Remember Eriksson said, regarding Walcott's inclusion for that World Cup campaign, that despite not using him, it was good to bring him to the tournament as experience for upcoming World Cup campaigns. It would appear at this junction that that has clearly happened to the contrary. The fuss over Walcott has helped him to not be chosen for South Africa. He made way for something promising after finishing the Croatians with his hat-trick, but he hadn't surfaced well since then for club nor country.

So let's dwell on what is, rather than what one thinks it should be. First game kicks off against the Americans a week Saturday, the 12th June. We know of a few of the U.S. players (Donovan, Dempsey, Howard, skipper Bocanegra, Spector, Onyewu), and we know they have good players. The onus is on us to start hard, quick, and thorough to keep the Americans on the back foot and hopefully pressure them into opening up for goals. Make it a date.

Redsman

Arsenal fighting spirit; Barcelona total-football-plus; Brazilian commentary on Walcott's goal and best wishes to Captain Cesc

2010-04-02T13:56:00.008+01:00

The first half of the Arsenal v Barcelona match on Wednesday night was mesmerising. Barcelona immediately zoned into a supersonic rhythm of pass and move attacking football the speed of which I had never seen before. It was co-ordinated football of record-breaking speed. You could tell that the Barcelona players knew they had hit a new level of brilliance, and Pep Guardiola said after the game that it was the best first half he has ever seen from his team. This was special football - its football that should be remembered.

Manuel Almunia came into the game low on confidence after being somewhat at fault for the late Brimingham equaliser at the weekend. But he made save after brave save in the first twenty minutes to keep Arsenal from being snowed under; showing a strength of character which partly explains why Wenger continues to stand by him. Vermaelen made a tremendous sliding clearance from a deadly cross, and Song and Sagna got their bodies in the way of goalbound shots. Barcelona had reduced us to the old-school Arsenal of the Geroge Graham era - extreme defensive scrambling with the crowd roaring the players to hold on in there. It was amazing and my respect definitely goes to Barca for exhibiting football in the first half that was verging on perfection.

Zlatan scored two classy goals early in the second half with the otherwise excellent Vermaelen abandoning his defensive position. It was two bad goals to give away - but given the nature of Barcelona's first half performance it was perhaps a fair reflection of Barcelona's dominance up to that point.

The turning point was the 67th minute introduction of Walcott. This guy has scored an international hat-trick in Croatia; he tore apart the whole Anfield pitch to set up Adebayor for what looked set to be a crucial Champs League quarter final winner having just turned 19 years old; and he always displays a demeanour and temperament that makes me believe that he will translate his elite potential into achievement. He is a big-time player; he has what it takes.

Walcott's timing of his run followed by his first touch at lightning speed from a sublime Bentdner pass was fantastic; his composed finish too quick for Valdes to react to. His celebration was full of class too - running straight to Diaby with determination etched on his face; he represented the Arsenal fighting spirit that has long been part of our club.

Walcott had Barcelona on the edge. Every time he got the ball he looked dangerous and the Arsenal crowd knew that he had turned the momentum to our side. It was Walcott's dinky cross into the box which let to Bendnter's tremendous cushion header into Cesc's path and the resulting award of a penalty. Cesc's conversion of the penalty with a broken leg again demonstrated the Arsenal fighting spirit; this is a team with true character unlike the cowardly kickers of Stoke and Birmingham.

This match will be remembered for great footballing reasons. Barcelona's first half performance in the home of Arsenal was total-football-plus; while Arsenal's footballing fightback in the second half showed a resilience and courage worthy of respect - Cesc's commitment to keep running across the Emirates with a broken leg epitomising his and Arsenal's excellent fighting spirit.

The bad note from the night came in the news that Cesc has now been ruled out for the rest of the season with a leg fracture. Hopefully he recovers in time for the World Cup - he is a player and personality who does not deserve to miss out on playing in the world's biggest football competition. The best of luck Cesc.

If you would like to see the goals again check out the video below. In particular you may want to listen out for the Brazilian commentary of Walcott's goal - it's fantastic!

Great respect to Glenn Whelan; Best wishes to Aaron Ramsey

2010-02-28T12:06:00.004Z

Glenn Whelan has my greatest respect for immediately looking after and not leaving Aaron Ramsey straight after he received the shocking compound leg break after a late challenge by Ryan Shawcross. Whelan will now always have my respect for that exceptional reaction.

We all hope Aaron gets back to football as soon as possible. His progress has been excellent this season and I hope that this injury proves to be just a terrible test for him to go through on his way to becoming the world class midfielder that he has the ability and temperament to become. You've got it all Aaron, and we at Arsenal will support you on every step of your recovery and return to the pitch.

Arsene Wenger - sign up Saha for our strikerless team!

2010-01-31T22:09:00.008Z

Watching Arsenal play Man Utd was a lot like watching Murray play Federer in the Australian Open final. Playing the strongest in your sport are the times when your weaknesses are highlighted, and cannot be covered up. Deficiencies will be exploited. Flaws will be capitalised upon. There is less opportunity for a second chance.

Murray found today that although he is very good, against the best he needs to have the best shots to take crucial break and set points; and he isn't quite there yet. Similarly, Arsenal playing against Man Utd today without a recognised striker, found a fatal limitation in their game that can't be covered up like when playng against the likes of Bolton or Portsmouth.

With the lack of a lethal finisher, the chances that were created early on were not taken. Meanwhile, Rooney - playing the best football of his young career - scored the killer second goal for a Man Utd side that thoroughly deserved their comprehensive win. How Arsenal would have loved a striker of the quality of Rooney in their team today!

It will be a real shame if Arsenal's determined challenge this season in the league and champs league was to falter because of the lack of a top quality striker to convert chances against the best teams: the teams you need to beat to win trophies. But, with Wenger saying he is unlikely to get a striker by the close of the transfer window tomorrow, that may well be the case this season.

If I was part of Arsene's back room staff I would demand that we buy a striker to aid the team. In particular, I would say that we go all out for Louis Saha (who is out of contract in the summer). Eligible for the champs league, a natural striker, a good goal-scorer, has big team and big match experience, is relatively cheap: we should give Moyes an offer he can't refuse.

A strikerless team is just not good enough when it comes to competing against the best of the best. Its quite an obvious statement - and hopefully it won't become the headline of our season.

Rafael Benitez: What ARE you feeling for Liverpool FC?

2010-01-13T22:31:00.005Z

Frustration doesn't do justice enough to my feelings right now. I'm not acting on a knee-jerk after the game, this has been the poorest season for many decades, much less since Rafael Benitez' reign. He started well, very well, continued with another cup win, even took us into another Champions' League final which we should have won. Since then we have declined and not even the purchase of one of the best strikers in Europe, alongside having anchored the presence of one of the best central midfielders in Europe, has excelled Liverpool Football Club enough at home nor in Europe.

I have campaigned for Benitez to have longer time; for fans to have more patience. I have sieved through the countless wind-up merchants who speak rather through hope than intellect. I have sat through a number of poor performances this season, last season, seasons before, which have cost us. We should have won the title last season, we was that close. Benitez instead chose, at the wrong time, in the wrong way, to respond to 'words' from another manager. When in fact Benitez should have damn well responded by urging his players to do the responding on the pitch. Not in public.

He gets himself involved with words from the club owners; from Martin O'Neill. Does he relish doing so? Liverpool Football Club always, always maintained its discussions, either with another party or in-house, behind closed doors. We don't want the press to highlight and pound on and kneed and squeeze on any little rumour to do with LFC, that allows the public to read and the players to find out. We have a manager who is that tactically good to win trophies, get players playing well, that Real Madrid wanted him. But it seems his bullish approach to anything or anyone who he perceives is perching against him has him coming over rather flushed than composed.

How many good players does Chelsea have? Is Carlo Ancelotti having a problem managing and encouraging them to play well? Not since the season began but maybe at the moment. Arsene Wenger, does he have an issue in conveying his thoughts to them? We held them until half-time at Anfield in the league and then just capitulated whereas the Arsenal players didn't stop. Now we have a Reading side, coming to Anfield, little fear, bottom of the Championship, no manager, and yet they churn out a display that clearly warranted victory and we didn't. And we're the ones at home, at a fortress of a ground, with the manager, especially one who was sought after by one of the best teams in Europe.

Look at the players we have. Right now, they aren't worthy of playing in the red shirt, not one bit. Players moan and groan they are not getting picked, not starting, but what have they done when they have started? What is it with Benitez that he doesn't see the players who are playing rubbish, who we see? Is it he cant do anything with them because he has no funds to grab hold of to bring better players in? It isn't my job to assess the players, as a fan my job is to cheer and support the team to victory. But when you look at Philip Degen, Lucas Leiva, Andriy Voronin, you can see they are not performing well enough to inspire the team.

Ryan Babel is tenacious and eager to fire and fight for the team, and we've seen him just miss very good chances to score, as well as seen him fire good chances into the goal. We should employ him far more often than we do. My goodness, Leiva should be getting some real grit and fight in him on loan to the Championship (certainly tonight, the Reading players have shown how you fight whilst in Championship mode). Our defence has been affected to tatters, there is little to no cohesiveness, the stability we had has been rattled, for some bizarre reason. And it is there we have to strengthen first before we look anywhere else. We're not scoring, we sure as hell shouldn't be conceding. And i have no confidence whatsoever in Mauricio Pellegrino as First Team Coach. None.

I earmarked this game for a good 3-1 or 3-0 win, thought that Liverpool would conjure up the spirit we have and play a thorough game to Reading. Forget about Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard coming off, we should be having the type of players who can still do a job, if not THE job. What does it now take for Benitez to either change something in the side that has been bugging them since pre-season or change something within himself? This is the opportunity to be very glorious with a side that has been asleep far too long and should be waking up fresh and vibrant for a campaign of continuous great playability and even greater achievements.

An Aston Villa side or an Everton side would have given more guts out there tonight, on balance of how we played. Anything that can go wrong is doing that very well this season, without an iota of why. It's ridiculous. Out of Europe so early, out of the title race, out of the FA Cup and the league cup, it's happening too often and too readily. Why does he persist in playing Dirk Kuyt on the right so often? Yes, he has come in with a few goals and assists, but what would he have achieved playing so often upfront? Why persist in playing Leiva so often? He is not strong enough for the EPL.

He has Gerrard, Torres, Reina, die-hard Carragher (though I think this should be his last season as he looks quite flustered and is hanging on until the last drop of energy is sapped out of him before he retires), good wingers in Babel and Yossi Benayoun, Javier Mascherano, a good defender in Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson, why waste time in deploying players who are not living up to this level of players?

Well, right now, we are a laughing stock of the EPL. Commentators and pundits can't wait to nudge up the notch on our expectations, debt talking, Torres and Gerrard leaving stupid little tidbits and the rest of it. We can only put that to bed and improve our playability at the same time by winning games, all of them. I don't think Emiliano Insua is a good enough left-back, Fabio Aurelio acts in the interim between there and left wing and I think he should feature much more at left-back. I think someone else should play between Torres like Kuyt, and not Gerrard, who should go into central midfield. Players fitness pending, we should field a side like this:

---------------------------------Reina----------------------------------

Johnson---------Carragher---------Agger-------------Aurelio

-----------------Mascherano--------Gerrard------------------

-------Benayoun----------------------------------Maxi--------

------------------Kuyt----------------------

--------------------------Torres-------------------

I just had a feeling that with extra-time we would shoot ourselves in the foot, it's not the only home defeat where we've led only to surrender. The goal was even a deflection, and we made no in-roads towards their goal to warrant scoring another, that's another thing. We would work towards the goal and score and repeat. Now we're scoring one goal and seem to be stuck in doing it again. We're not attacking well enough, the sharpness, the keenness, eye for the pass, eye for goal, has dwindled, and if Rafael Benitez isn't going to pick up on it and face whatever it is that is causing these woeful, pathetic performances, then he has to go.

These players need to know about themselves and that they are expected to perform 10x what they have so far. To be honest, I am looking at Man City as strengthening themselves for that top 4 finish, they don't look a side easy to draw, much less, win, against and they have a good manager with financial backing behind him to maintain that course. Liverpool FC right now look to be finishing 5th or 6th if we don't buck up and get a rocket up ourselves to wake up out of this dull cloud and get back to playing how we should, and have done. With Benitez.

RedsMan.

Rafa Benitez and Liverpool in crisis

2009-12-13T21:58:00.003Z

In August, I wrote an article called "Why Liverpool may struggle this season". Now just over 4 months later, I wish I hadn't because Liverpool's season has been nothing short of a disaster.

Including the pre-season friendlies, their record as at today's date reads played 32, won 12, drawn 7 and lost 13.

Shocking.

I saw the whole game against Arsenal today and I was shocked at how bad Liverpool were in the second half. I have never witnessed a poorer second half performance - no shots on goal, no creativity, no passion, no commitment, nothing.

This is more than just a blip. It cannot be blamed on injuries. It cannot be blamed on bad luck. It cannot be blamed on not having a big transfer budget. It is not just about lacking in confidence.

Liverpool are in crisis and I cannot see a way out.

France v Republic of Ireland: Cheating to Prosper

2009-11-18T23:03:00.003Z

Having watched tonight's game, the Irish were very, very hard done by, by one of the world's respected footballers. If you are reading this and don't know what happened, this was the 2nd leg of a World Cup 2010 qualifier between these two nations, and France were leading 1-0 on aggregate from the 1st leg.

With Robbie Keane of the Republic of Ireland scoring in the first half, that levelled the game at 1-1, both scoring an away goal. So extra-time of 30mins kicked in after the original 90mins, and shortly before the first half of extra time had occurred, France had a free-kick within the Irish half. The ball was chipped over, the Irish failed to defend it, failed to clear it, it bounced to France's Thierry Henry, and as the ball came to make contact the 1st time with his forearm, Henry moved his palm to control the ball and square it for William Gallas to head in.

Now, Henry ran off with a celebrating grimace as the France players celebrated over to Gallas, he clearly felt very relieved and showed no sign of any regret for what he had done. Ireland's goal-keeper, Shay Given, immediately remonstrated to the officials about the handball to no avail. The goal stood. This coming some time after France's Nicolas Anelka feigned contact in the box to try to gain a penalty, only for the referee to give a goal-kick.

Superb refereeing to deny Anelka a penalty, should have booked him. But Henry, considered one of the most respected, respectable players in the game, at the end, sat alongside Ireland's defender Richard Dunne on the pitch as if to console Dunne! The gall of it.

I don't condone cheating. Some players, if not most, are skilled enough, fit enough, wise enough, shrewd enough, to gain that advantage without resorting to any influence outside the rules of the game. Henry was one of those players, and now isn't. Some still say the English have still not gotten over the 'Hand of God' by Diego Maradona in 1986. It shouldn't be called that but instead the 'Hand That Robbed'. It gained an advantage that should never, ever, have stood but inexplicably it did and the damage was done thereafter. England was so close to matching Argentina but for that moment.

Maybe some will say Ireland would have gone out on penalties, or they would have gone to South Africa and become whipping boys. Well, when you consider the likes of Henry, Anelka, Sidney Govou, Karim Benzema (who remained on the bench throughout), Patrice Evra, and the Irish have modest players who gave heart and valour in France's own ground.....the French were very, very fortunate. Very fortunate, indeed.

And a stay of execution has happened for Raymond Domenech. Having kept Benzema on the bench, with France not scoring up until nearly 105mins, this dreadful cheating moment has earned him a last-gasp reprieve. Do the French deserve to go further into the tournament? No. While they did well enough to earn a place in the final, they don't look the same side to repeat that again this time round.

But if there was going to be any poetic justice, they would repeat their feat in 2002. Because no way should Henry be captain and hold that magnificent trophy aloft. Does not deserve to even touch it as a player any more.

RedsMan.

LIVERPOOL FC: The Fall Before The Rise?

2009-08-26T19:24:00.002+01:00

Well, almost 48hrs has passed from the debacle of our defeat to Aston Villa at home. Now, it is not the defeat that hurts, as a team can recover form from a defeat and go on well. Man Utd showed that last season dropping positions and then perking up. I can put into perspective what the result on Monday possibly meant to most, if not all, LFC fans, in three points:

1) Losing to Aston Villa. Aston Villa were beaten, at home, in their opening game by Wigan, who were starting with Robert Martinez. They then went away to Austria to lose to Rapid Vienna, just by the single goal. They then face up to coming to Anfield, after we had beaten Stoke 4-0, and even that match was after we started so lethargically at White Hart Lane. The prospects of an away win, or even Villa scoring, were slim. We were to capitalise on Villa's current woes and our recent found form. We were not suppose to lose on Monday.

2) Losing at Anfield. I think the last time we had lost at home was to Man Utd in December 2007, to a single Carlos Tevez touch. Almost two years ago. Anfield is a fortress, so why did we simply down tools and allowed it to be invaded?

3) Losing 1-3. Following on from point 2 above, we were not suppose to lose. We were not to lose by a margin of having conceded three and scoring one. We allowed ourselves to be 0-2 down by half time, and I care not for whether a corner should have been allowed or not. Once the referee gives it, we positioned ourselves and we defend the goal. The last time we lost 1-3 at home to Villa was back in September 2001. Eight years ago.

So those who had written us off for the title just couldn't hold themselves from the laughter. Funny how so many make predictions so early into the season. If that would be the case, then Man Utd's positioning of 19th two seasons ago meant they would be relegated. But we all know they didn't, doing the exact opposite by winning the title. So how, three games in, we're meant to be out of the title race is bewildering, unless people wish to make out something from our squad. When you compare the teams of the top 4 favourites, people think they have a justifiable cause to do so:

Liverpool 1st XI: Reina; G Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua; Mascherano, Leiva; Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun/Babel/Reira; Torres

Man Utd: Foster; Rafael, Evans, Vidic (back from injury), Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Anderson, Park; Rooney, Berbatov

Chelsea: Cech; Boswinga, Carvalho, Terry, Cole; Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Malouda; Anelka, Drogba

Arsenal: Almunia; Eboue, Vermaelen, Gallas, Gibbs; Fabregas, Denilson, Diaby; Arshavin, RVP, Eduardo

That is how those teams are right now. They can, most certainly, change, with some absentees returning and vying for a place, maybe even slotting in straight away in a few cases. But Liverpool shouldn't be declining at the moment, not with the push we had from last season, with the only difference being Xabi Alonso's omission. Did he really make such a difference or are we missing a player who we have not yet learned to cope without and can only do so with a few matches under our belt? Was Monday's defeat another bad day at the office, to be blamed on the players, or one that is the manager's fault?

For me, there are few excuses to make one feel consolable. After Monday, I had to think, think what went wrong, what can be done to put things right. No doubt anyone reading this will let me know their views, but one person I really hope to be interested with a POV is Rafael Benitez. Tall order, and from some of the comments I have read from certain forums, it is a good thing he doesn't read them....Or does he? I hope he does pass by EFT, and picks up on these points from me:

1) At the earliest opportunity, link Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger in defence. Jamie Carragher is 'Carra', and that alone is 'nuff said' in LFC. But I think he be more of a benefit to us now providing support coming off the bench than starting on the field. Agger is a pacy, strong, tall centre-back who provides a good header for dead-ball moments and a left-foot strike. Skrtel is our 'henchman', a die-hard, putting himself on the line with his blocks and tackles. They are our up-n-coming centre-backs. The onus is on getting and keeping Agger fit. The onus is also on getting and keeping all our players fit!

2) Drop Lucas Leiva. Impressive as the U-20's Brazil captain, not as the central midfielder for LFC. Not anything in the slightest in the mold Alonso brought, and RB, you know why you brought over Xabi. You brought over Mohammed Sissoko to be the new 'Patrick Vieira' and he was anything but. You made a central midfield well out of Alonso and Javier Mascherano, another you know well why you brought him over for. You made it so Steven Gerrard could aid Fernando Torres upfront, accompanied by Dirk Kuyt and another. Changes, Mr Benitez, changes. And it's changes needed now to spearhead our season, starting with Leiva. You may not want to hurt but instead develop the youngster, but we dont have time for that right now.

3) Move Gerrard into central midfield in front of Mascherano. The Argentinian appeared to want a move from Anfield but for negotiations failing. To lose both Alonso and Mascherano would be akin to cutting into your veins. I don't mind bleeding Red, but it is bleeding that has to be worth it. So we managed to hold onto Mascherano, and we've acquired Alberto Aquilani. 'Injury-prone', 'Sicknote', I've read him being called (unsurprisingly) but we can rehabilitate him to provide us that strength and vision from central again. In the interim, Gerrard should be moved to central midfield, with Leiva dropped.

4) With Gerrard central, that can bring out the defensive and attacking flair of Mascherano on the counter, with Gerrard taking over on the attack to feed the flanks and/or upfront. Saying that, we want our wingers. We have a choice out of Ryan Babel, Albert Riera, Yossi Benayoun, and Nabil El Zhar. Anyone who has seen El Zhar perform should know the Moroccan is an eager winger with pace and skill. Is he ready for a regular EPL run? I don't think so but he is coming along. That said, Benayoun was dropped against Spurs after performing so well last season. That was to give Babel a chance he has been itching for. The Dutchman didn't come up to scratch.

5) Both Babel and Leiva, for me, have this season to thoroughly impress. I still think Babel can give us a lot more, Leiva not so right now. Now Riera is available, it is he on the left and Benayoun on the right who should start, every game. That then relieves Kuyt, finally, to go up front as the second striker to Torres. Kuyt can feed the flanks, hold the ball up from central, and bring in the wingers, and when you talk about Riera and Benayoun, they are both inquistive and determined players who take on full-backs. And they both provide crosses and assists.

6) Brush up on our defending from dead-ball situations. This is where, for some reason, we are most vulnerable. Some blame it on this 'zonal-marking' strategy. It's a point worth noting. Mark a space, fine. If a player moves out of that zone when the ball is played, that adds confusion and we're exposed. Go back to player marking, ensure someone is designated to being the ball winner to head away danger, instead of the ball coming over and people are looking for anyone to head the ball. That is what we use to have in Stephane Henchoz and Sami Hyypia, made them formidable defenders.

7) An obvious point but one that needs making. I've heard some voices and opinions say the difference between Benitez and Alex Ferguson is Ferguson pushes his team to win, no matter the cost, no matter the match, pre-season, league, cup matches, Europe, it doesn't matter. Benitez was said to prefer a draw at some stage in a match if Liverpool aren't making the waves they should be. So we should install into the players that we will not settle for anything but a win in every match. If they can get close enough to make a chance, they should execute it. Too often we have not punished chances, too often. Against Villa on Monday, we were similar to Man Utd in Rome - starting well for the first 20mins and then waning, which allowed the two goals before half time.

I believe that if LFC were to implement my points, we will become stronger and go more formidable for the title. It is no way whatsoever over for us in the title race. Our focus now in every game has to be as stated in point 6 above. Besides, we could be having a lull in our play to improve much later on.

In the season of 2001-2002, when Villa last won 1-3 at Anfield before Monday, Arsenal won the league and FA Cup; LFC ended 2nd; Man Utd ended third, trophyless and failing to win the title to make a historic four consecutive title wins. Does all of that sound appropriate for this season? Well, Chelsea ended up 6th in 2001-02, so we perhaps cannot read too much into the above! However, by my reckoning, on balance of how we've finished under Benitez since his arrival, we could finish 2nd this season, 3rd next season.....to win the title in 2011-12. How is that?

2004-05 - 5th;
2005-06 - 3rd;
2006-07 - 3rd;
2007-08, 4th;
2008-09, 2nd;
2009-10, 2nd;
2010-11, 3rd
2011-12, 1st
2012-13, 1st

Well, some can get a nice chuckle out of that, especially LFC fans, but you never know. It's been a slammer so far, and Bolton away will provide a firm test for us to gain a win and get back on the track, but even after that we must press on, no more false dawns. Champions League football and cup competitions will soon turn the corner and we have to put our defeats to the back and concentrate on each match.

RedsMan.

Why Liverpool may struggle this season

2009-08-09T10:01:00.004+01:00

I have been following Liverpool's pre-season games. The stats read played 7, won 2, drawn 2 lost 3.

I am not normally too concerned about friendly matches, as they are all about getting players fit and ready for the new season. Perhaps I shouldn't therefore read too much into Liverpool's disappointing form, but there are several reasons why I am concerned that Liverpool may struggle this season:

1. Absence of Alonso - no doubt he will be missed. Rafa will replace him with Lucas until Aquilani is fit. That's the double wammy here - Lucas is a poor player and Aquilani sounds as though he won't be fit for another 2 months. He will also need time to settle into the English football (not a certainty for a player who has only ever played in the Italy). Alonso's absence has created a massive void in Liverpool's midfield and I cannot see any current Liverpool player who can come in a do as good a job.

2. Defensive frailties - Carragher, Agger, Skrtel and Aurelio have all suffered injuries in pre- season and are doubts for the start of the season. Johnson is a good signing but Liverpool look seriously vulnerable in defence when they replace any one of the above with their younger reserve players.

3. Lack of wingers - this is a old old problem and for some reason has not been rectified. Kuyt on the right and Benayoun on the left - where is the width?

4. Gerrard and Torres cannot play every game - if they could, they would be supermen. If either one of these players gets injured, Liverpool virtually lose 50% of their attack. Liverpool have no decent replacements for these players - Voronin, Ngog, Babel are nowhere near as good.

5. Will other players want to leave? Mascherano has already given Barcelona the green light to make an offer. Thankfully they didn't, but how long will it be until he and others get fed up?

6. Lack of transfer funds - Liverpool have to sell to buy - period. They simply don't have the power in the transfer market like Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City etc do. Liverpool risk being left behind.

7. No new stadium - as much as we love Anfield, it is too old and too small. Liverpool need that new stadium built asap to generate the revenue to even get close to the likes of Man Utd. The stadium won't be built any time soon however.

8. Pressure - Liverpool came very close to wining the league last season that there will be even more pressure this time round for them to go one better. Ths slightest sign of a stuggle will pour the pressure on Rafa. 3 season without a trophy - how long can this go on for?

9. The Americans - enough said.

The Passing of a Blessing to Football

2009-08-03T11:41:00.002+01:00

Sir Robert William Robson, CBE

Where do you start on one who was so positive on and off the pitch?

Player, Manager, a knight, a commander. One who transformed his experience and thought into a sport as a 'teacher', who raised a quiet side in Ipswich Town to the FA Cup famously over Arsenal, the UEFA Cup thereafter against AZ Alkmaar, the Dutch league twice consectuviely with PSV, and again in Portugal with Porto (after he was unfairly dismissed from Sporting Lisbon) and then the domestic trophies with Barcelona, as well as what is now the UEFA Cup.

He took on the mantle of his 'home' club, in Newcastle United, his boyhood team, and he made them a worthwhile competitor in the top flight of English football. I implored for him to remain there when he was passed on for Souness. And Bobby showed how much of a competitor he was off the pitch, as well as on it, in his sparring rounds with cancer. Four times that re-match occurred, and eventually Sir Bobby was defeated. But put up a fight he did, nonetheless, as such a character he was. It truly made him a gentleman, an honourable professional and a figure of football that there is clearly a rarity of right now.

Football now is a competitive arena almost as much off the pitch as on it. In fact it would seem more off it. Money has become a catalyst to some success and where would our English hopes be if the managers of the top flight teams were compelled to restrict their spending and be persuaded into nurturing more of the homegrown talent. I would think our national team would simply flourish and prosper, continental teaching (in some cases) mixed with homegrown application. That is the kind of football Sir Bobby would have an integral part of in his later managerial period.

From when he was pushed from St James' Park, instead of having to hang onto such roles as a consultant to Steve Staunton for the Republic of Ireland squad, Sir Bobby would have been better placed to bring through more of England's talent in a sophisticated national football school, something separate and yet parallel with those being taught under the tutilage of the top flight coaches. He would have cherished that role.

My fondest memories come mostly from the 1986 & 1990 escapades in the World Cup. How we made waves into the QF in Mexico, only to be out-done (still bewilderingly) by Maradona's 'Hand of God', and then further by his run for the 2nd goal. Italy, where a tearful Gascoigne had to be consoled, where an equally tearful Stuart Pearce missed, in the semi-finals.

Other tributes have stated Sir Bobby would be sorely missed. I echo that. Other than the likes of Bobby Moore, the Charlton brothers, there hasn't been a more gallant person. Thank you, Sir Bobby.

RIP.

Can Ajax and Belgium supporters describe the qualities of Thomas Vermaelen?

2009-06-20T13:03:00.004+01:00

It is one summer overdue but finally Arsene Wenger went out into the transfer market and bought Arsenal a much needed centre-back: the Ajax Amsterdam captain and Belgian international, Thomas Vermaelen.

It would be great for readers and visitors to our site if Ajax or Belgium supporters could let us know what this guy is like as a player and a personality? Is he comparable to any current premier league centre-backs?

Personally, I am hoping that Vermaelen has fighting spirit and leadership qualities similar to a John Terry or Tony Adams. Does he have this type of character?

It would be great to know this sort of detail from regular Vermaelen watchers!?

Ronaldo - Goodbye and thank you for the memories

2009-06-13T10:42:00.003+01:00

In the last few days, hundreds of column inches have been dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo’s imminent record breaking transfer to Real Madrid; articles about the rights and wrongs of the transfer, the second coming of the “Galacticos” era, who United will buy to replace the irreplacable. What I have really taken an interest in though is the reaction of the Manchester United fans.

Most United fans have been saying that the team can cope without him, that in the last few months the tactics of the team have detrimentally been skewed to accommodate his talent (the Champions League final being case in point) and that Sir Alex Ferguson can build yet another great team but this time based around the mercurial Wayne Rooney. I would agree with all those sentiments and feel that they need to be aired. However, what has largely been missing is the expression of thanks to Ronaldo for his six brilliant years of service to United.

Ironically, Ronaldo arrived in the wake of the transfer of another Old Trafford superstar, David Beckham, to Real Madrid. I will never forget his debut against Bolton where he electrified a pensive crowd with a dazzling substitute appearance, all step overs, tricks and electric pace. It was clear that a superstar had arrived, and a humble, brace wearing one at that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jv8cA9mQt4

Over the years his petulance and tantrums may have come to the fore, but so too have his extraordinary skills and (like my fellow EFT contributor has pointed out in another article on this site) his undoubted bravery. Put simply, Ronaldo has been the most effective player in club football for the past three years.

My favourite Ronaldo moment was his last minute winning goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the 06/07 season. He ran the length of the field with the ball seemingly glued to his boots to score a sensational and crucial goal in a game United should not have won. In many such matches, Ronaldo has pulled United through.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krxm0s-rYjo

Whatever anyone says, Ronaldo will be missed by United and by English football. He bought flair and skill, the like of which we may not see on these shores for a long time to come. Ronaldo may owe a lot to United for developing him into the player he is today, but the club owe him an even bigger debt for the trophies he has helped them win. So I hope United fans will join me in thanking Ronaldo for his great service to the club and wish him luck in La Liga.

Sorte e adeus!

Wenger, Benitez and Ancelotti should be quietly pleased as Ronaldo's exit leaves a massive void

2009-06-12T16:48:00.010+01:00

The team at EFT are currently taking a good rest from football analysis as we enter the off-season. However, the pending sale of Ronaldo from Man Utd to Real Madrid in an £80 million deal can't be left unremarked.

For me he has been the major reason for Man Utd's amazing 'double' win of the Premier League and the Champions League in 2007-2008 and their near repeat of this success in 2008-2009. Not only is his goals tally in the last two seasons simply stunning - approx 70 goals - but he also bought a will to win and intensity for attacking success that gave Man Utd a special X-factor crucial to their success over this recent period.

Ronaldo is currently irreplaceable by any single player if the aim is to recruit an individual who brings the same level of playability to the pitch. This makes logical sense as he is officially the number one player in the world. The only two other players who are in his league is Messi and Kaka - and they will not be going to Man Utd anytime soon.

Franck Ribery has been mooted as a possible replacement and he really impressed me in a France World Cup qualifier I saw a couple of months ago. He is a fearless attacking player with the same 'give-all' attitude of a Tevez and a Rooney. Indeed, I would say he is in the same mould of these two players - as he likes to rove with freedom around the pitch and keep a very high tempo and intensity. Yet, he does not possess the same electric pace and all-round ability of Ronaldo, nor would he give Man Utd the same superstar-presence as the Portugese winger.

I think the absence of Ronaldo will have a marked impact on Man Utd. He was worth more than just a single player in an eleven player team. And his ability to remain practically injury free in the last two seasons contributed so much to Man Utd's success. Ferguson was happy to rotate many players this season and last except for two: one of them being Ronaldo (Vidic being the other). As long as Ferguson had Ronaldo on the pitch he knew his team would possess in just one player the superb attacking talent and intense attitude that could win the match.

With Giggs and Scholes showing in the Champs Final that they are at the very end of their fantastic careers and Tevez seemingly also on his way it could well be the case that next season will be one of 'transition' for Man Utd. Man Utd may need some time to find their rhythm next season which can be exploited by their more settled rivals: Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Indeed, the eyes of Benitez, Ancelotti and Wenger should be more firmly set on achieving Premier League title success next season with the departure of the best player from the current champions. In this context, it will now be even more interesting to see what players come in/stay at these clubs as they look to seize upon the increased possibility of breaking the fantastic 'three year in a row' title winning success of Man Utd.

On a final note it must be the case that Premier League supporters congratulate Ronaldo on his play during his time here and to wish him well at Real Madrid. Although he bought an over-dramatisation and penchant for diving that was quite frustrating to watch - it is important to remember that he also bought a great courage to the pitch and an attacking flair and invention that was thrilling to watch. It is also the case that youngsters in this country are imitating Ronaldo in taking a dynamic and very skilful approach to improving their play. In this way his impact may be extremely positive in the years to come - as his commitment to ally amazing skill with courageous attacking intent may hopefully be reflected in the play of the next generation of English footballers.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 14 (final week!)

2009-05-24T08:59:00.005+01:00

Abdul:

Arsenal v Stoke, 16:00 3-0
Aston Villa v Newcastle, 16:00 1-1
Blackburn v West Brom, 16:00 1-1
Fulham v Everton, 16:00 2-0
Hull v Man Utd, 16:00 2-1
Liverpool v Tottenham, 16:00 3-0
Man City v Bolton, 16:00 2-0
Sunderland v Chelsea, 16:00 1-2
West Ham v Middlesbrough, 16:00 0-1
Wigan v Portsmouth, 16:00 2-0

SKG:

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke, 16:00
Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle, 16:00
Blackburn 1-1 West Brom, 16:00
Fulham 2-1 Everton, 16:00
Hull 1-1 Man Utd, 16:00
Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham, 16:00
Man City 3-0 Bolton, 16:00
Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea, 16:00
West Ham 3-0 Middlesbrough, 16:00
Wigan 1-1 Portsmouth, 16:00

Redsman:
Arsenal v Stoke City 2-1
Aston Villa v Newcastle 1-1
Blackburn v West Brom 0-0
Fulham v Everton 2-1
Hull City v Man Utd 0-2
Liverpool v Tottenham 2-1
Man City v Bolton 2-0
Sunderland v Chelsea 0-2
West Ham v Middlesbrough 2-1
Wigan v Portsmouth 0-2

T:
Arsenal v Stoke City 2-1
Aston Villa v Newcastle 1-2
Blackburn v West Brom 2-1
Fulham v Everton 0-2
Hull City v Man Utd 1-1
Liverpool v Tottenham 3-1
Man City v Bolton 2-0
Sunderland v Chelsea 0-2
West Ham v Middlesbrough 2-2
Wigan v Portsmouth 2-0

Wenger got it right! Underlines the power of picking the right players in the right positions

2009-05-17T12:24:00.012+01:00

The result was a nil-nil against a team that was taking a cautious approach. Nonetheless, Saturday's Arsenal team selection by Arsene Wenger for the match against Man Utd - and congratulations to them for being very worthy champions - struck me from the outset as correct all the way down the team line-up.

It shows that Arsene Wenger - as you would expect despite ridiculous media hyped-up hysteria that would want you to believe the contrary - is still an analyst to believe in.

Number one good move: Playing Alex Song at centre-back. For me this is the position that is best for Song and for Arsenal. For sure he can do solid job as the anchor Central midfielder - but for me he does not quite have the attacking instincts, nimbleness of movement and forward passing skills to be a top player in this position. Indeed, this was shown in the big games that Arsenal had against Man Utd in the Champs league - an inablilty to apply forward pressure against them left too much of a burden on Cesc/Nasri to launch attacks, who in turn were shutdown by the stampeding Fletcher, Anderson and Carrick.

Number two good move: Playing Denilson in the anchor role. Denilson is my player of the season. I like his hard working attitude and his ability on the ball. Why Arsene Wenger decided he should be left out for Alex Song in the Champs League semis is beyond me. Even a non-Arsenal fan but very astute analyst - Andy Gray - said the same in the commentary yesterday, saying that he feels Arsenal have lacked without Denilson in the midfield. So it was great to see Denny back in the proper first team yesterday - and again for me he had a very solid game.

Number three good move: not playing Mikael Silvestre. Silvestre has the unforunate distinction of having played in two four four draws this season - plus conceding another four against Chelsea last week. For sure these defensive nightmares for Arsenal can't all be pinned on Slivestre - but for me he is noticeably an unsteady centre-back who appears far past his best when playing for Man Utd at left back around six or seven years ago. Song is far better than Silvestre at CB - and must always be the preferred option if there is an available centre-back slot.

Number four good move: keeping Walcott on the bench away from home. Walcott is a superb player in the making. However, when he starts on the right side of midfield away from home the opposition team have an advantage. Walcott is not a natural midfielder and does not have good defensive instincts or ability. This means that the home team have a better chance of winning the midfield battle and getting in our defence. And if you are playing against very good opponents you are then asking for problems. Moreover, Walcott is an excellent impact substitute, as he has shown a couple of times at Anfield in the last two seasons. Putting the speedster on fresh when the game is stretched and the opposition is tired is always a positive move. Next season Rosicky - we all hope! - will be back. With him and Nasri well adept as solid right hand side midfielders, I hope Wenger declines to use Walcott as a starting right winger next season - and instead promotes him to the centre-forward line.

Number five good move: having a right midfielder on right midfield. Basically an extension of the argument above. Having Nasri on the right midfield tightened up the defensive side of our midfield and consequently the whole team had a better stability.

Number six good move: keeping out an out of form Adebayor. After his FA Cup semi final and Champs League first leg performances, I would have dropped Ade and have opted for the in-form Nicklas Bendtner to have started the second leg against Manchester United. Adebayor's demeanour is not good at the moment and he does not look to have a good focus on the game or Arsenal at present. Arsenal need eleven players who are ready to give their all with full focus - and with Ade in the team we would only be getting on 10 and a half players which is not good enough.

Number seven good move: keeping Diaby in central midfield. Please Arsene - do not play Diaby on the left wing anymore like you did in the first leg at Old Trafford. It just doesn't work against world class teams to play a gangly central midfielder on the wing.

Aside from these good moves which gave me confidence before the match on Saturday that we'd see a more stable Arsenal team there was one other move which is very intriguing.

Number one intriguing move: Keeping Cesc in the 'hole'. I prefer to see Cesc play deeper so he can get on the ball earlier from defence, take control of the tempo of the game, and pick out his incisive forward passes. Wenger said last month that he believes Cesc is better at playing deeper and gave reasons to back it up.

So why does Wenger persist in playing him in the 'hole'? Is it because he has someone lined up to play Cesc's naturally deeper position next season and he is trying to groove Cesc in the 'hole' position to accomodate this new player? Is it because Wenger has found out that Xavi Alonso would be willing to come to the Emirates if Liverpool agreed to sell him? Is this the core reason why Cesc is stil being played in the 'hole'?

I would find this move to be an exciting development were it to happen (with respect to my Liverpool supporting colleagues here at EFT).

Saturday for me showed what a difference it makes to get the team selection right. Arsene in my opinion went off the boil in the last month in terms of his team selections for big games. It was reassuring and very good to see him get back on track on Saturday.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 13

2009-05-15T19:18:00.004+01:00

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul remains defiantly in first place and his predictions are up first:

Abdul:
Bolton v Hull, 15:00 1-1
Everton v West Ham, 15:00 1-1
Man Utd v Arsenal, 12:45 2-0
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa, 15:00 1-1
Newcastle v Fulham, 15:00 0-0
Stoke v Wigan, 15:00 1-2
Tottenham v Man City, 15:00 2-0
Chelsea v Blackburn, 16:00 2-0
West Brom v Liverpool, 13:30 1-2

Redsman:
Bolton v Hull 2-1
Everton v West Ham 2-0
Man Utd v Arsenal 3-2
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa 1-2
Newcastle v Fulham 2-1
Spurs v Man City 2-2
Stoke v Wigan 1-1
Chelsea v Blackburn 3-0
West Brom v Liverpool 1-3
Sunderland v Portsmouth 0-2

T:
Man Utd v Arsenal 1-1
Bolton v Hull City 2-1
Everton v West Ham 1-0
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa 2-1
Newcastle v Fulham 2-0
Stoke City v Wigan 1-1
Tottenham v Man City 1-2
West Brom v Liverpool 0-3
Chelsea v Blackburn 3-0
Portsmouth v Sunderland 2-1

SKG:
Bolton 1-0 Hull, 15:00
Everton 2-0 West Ham, 15:00
Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal, 12:45
Middlesbrough 1-1 Aston Villa, 15:00
Newcastle 1-1 Fulham, 15:00
Stoke 0-2 Wigan, 15:00
Tottenham 3-2 Man City, 15:00
Chelsea 1-0 Blackburn, 16:00
West Brom 1-2 Liverpool, 13:30
Portsmouth 2-1 Sunderland, 20:00

EFT Scorecast Weekend 12

2009-05-08T22:28:00.004+01:00

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul remains defiantly in first place and his predictions are up first:

Abdul:
West Ham 1-1 Liverpool
Man Utd 2-0 Man City
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea
Newcastle 2-0 Middlesboro

SKG:
Blackburn 2-1 Portsmouth,
Bolton 2-0 Sunderland,
Everton 1-1 Tottenham,
Fulham 2-2 Aston Villa,
Hull 1-0 Stoke,
West Brom 0-2 Wigan,
West Ham 0-1 Liverpool,
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea,
Man Utd 3-1 Man City,

T:
Blackburn 1-1 Portsmouth,
Bolton 0-1 Sunderland,
Everton 1-0 Tottenham,
Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa,
Hull 2-0 Stoke,
West Brom 1-1 Wigan,
West Ham 0-2 Liverpool,
Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea,
Man Utd 2-0 Man City,

Redsman:
Blackburn v Portsmouth 1-1
Bolton v Sunderland 2-1
Everton v Spurs 1-2
Fulham v Aston Villa 3-2
Hull v Stoke 1-3
W Brom v Wigan 2-0
W Ham v Liverpool 1-3
Man Utd v Man City 1-1
Arsenal v Chelsea 2-2
Newcastle v Middlesbrough 2-1

Skipper:
Blackburn v Portsmouth, 1-1
Bolton v Sunderland, 2-0
Everton v Tottenham, 2-1
Fulham v Aston Villa, 2-1
Hull v Stoke, 1-1
West Brom v Wigan, 1-2
West Ham v Liverpool, 1-3
Arsenal v Chelsea, 2-1
Man Utd v Man City, 3-1
Newcastle v Middlesbrough, 2-1

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona: Don't blame the man in the middle; blame the men on the outside

2009-05-06T23:10:00.003+01:00

The referee in tonight's Champions League semi-final 2nd leg at Stamford Bridge was Norwegian Tom Ovrebo. The headlines of the English papers tomorrow will metaphorically 'scream' it was his fault why Chelsea went out of the semi-finals, went out of the one chance they had to avenge their defeat last year. As far as I'm concerned, yes, Mr Ovrebo was at fault. But he wasn't the only one.

Mr Ovrebo was at fault for the lack of progress for Chelsea. I can only think of four potential penalty shouts that occurred in the game, I believe there could have been one more. First, Florent Maluda took on Dani Alves (who, for me, was something of a disappointment to say the least tonight) and then turned back on him. Alves clearly impeded the Frenchman and a free-kick was given. Alves was at the time inside his penalty box, Malouda was outside. I don't think that was a penalty.

Drogba took on Yaya Toure in the box, once played in by Frank Lampard. Toure grabbed Drogba's shirt but Drogba went down only after the ball was out of his control. That was a penalty for me. Nicolas Anelka touched the ball near the Barcelona penalty box, Gerard Pique had his right arm raised before Anelka played the ball and the ball comes off Pique's hand. That, to me, was a penalty.

The last Chelsea corner came to Michael Ballack, he swung a shot towards goal and it came off Samuel Eto'o, off his left arm. Eto'o was in position before the ball was struck. That wasn't a penalty and Ballack's disgraceful, ugly harassment over the referee afterwards rightly earned a booking.

Now, aside from those penalty shouts, what did Chelsea do to earn the win? They had Michael Essien aim at the ball and score a superbly taken left-foot volley. It put them ahead 1-0 after the ninth minute. Thirty six minutes later they hardly came at Barcelona, the away side made most of the football. What Chelsea did was play defensively in front of the penalty box, they had numbers in position in spaces to deny Barcelona that space to play their little through balls, their little passes. They defended deep to avoid Barcelona playing the long through balls, and their task was made all the more easier with Thierry Henry withdrawn.

People will say 'what is wrong with that?', but while it was cunning to thwart Eto'o and Lionel Messi from those movements around and through the defence, thwart the passing and breaking by Andres Iniesta and Xavi, it stopped Chelsea from their usual attacking flow, at home. Their usual break from the midfield three, with Lampard threading passes to the flanks and then joining late, was missing, and it left Drogba on his own having to battle with Toure. Toure was fortunate to have escaped twice from possible Drogba-breaks on goal.

I can only think of one moment in the second half when Chelsea came forward, with Anelka drawing defenders to him and then passing to Drogba, who turned Pique and then shot weakly at Victor Valdes, with the rebound gathered and shot by Lampard blocked, and then Malouda hitting the side netting. That was it.

Then Eric Abidal (another defender who failed tonight and who I have never rated for club nor country) was taken to have fouled Anelka on the run and was red-carded, although replays showed Anelka tripped over his own leg with no contact from Abidal. Another bad decision. But that didn't even push Chelsea to surge onto Barcelona's goal. Chelsea seem to have felt comfortable a goal up, a man up, and then simmered. And that led to Barcelona's goal.

That slacking in focus, that same focus that denied Barcelona space last week and tonight, allowed for Barcelona to maintain the ball from a cross, with Messi receiving and playing it to Iniesta, who had the time and space to take a chance first time. Ballack was the nearest player and he ducked or turned away from the shot. It was practically the only effort Petr Cech had to move to. It was the one time Chelsea afforded Barcelona space to do something......and it cost them.

I watched the game with others and I said to them that if Barcelona were to take a chance first time, they could score. That was because whenever Barcelona got within sniffing distance of the penalty edge, they were being snuffed out, and that was because not only did Chelsea deny them space, but also because Barcelona seemed to want to walk the ball into the area as they mostly do in La Liga. Defences open more to them in the Spanish league, whereas here Chelsea's plan was to close up tight. The one moment Barcelona took the opportunity first time they scored, it was the only shot on target from them.

Don't blame the referee entirely. Chelsea still had the majority of the game to play for and they hardly did that. Depending on penalty appeals to get them through was desperate. They didn't play the attacking football they are renowned for. In both legs Barcelona were the attacking team and it is they who earned their passage into the final. And it is ironic that where Barcelona looked more vulnerable with Abidal off, where Chelsea became too relaxed, that it was then when Chelsea lost control of their focus. And the whole tie.

The reactions after the game were understandable but I cannot condone them. I can understand when (not if) a driver cuts up another driver, the first driver becomes frustrated and displays that frustration towards that second driver, from their car seat, but that's it. I cannot condone road-rage, especially where it can almost come to violence. The Chelsea players are understandably upset but they individually dealt with their disappointment, with a few not visibly becoming animated towards the referee. Nor the camera.

We all have disappointments and if we allow our emotions to take over, people will be at each other's throats daily. What's next, a throw-in is not given and the referee has to run for cover? A child is denied a free-kick and swears at the referee? I don't want bad habits coming into football. Disappointments are to be dealt with with maturity, not in the manner seen tonight. When you add up that, without the penalty appeals, Chelsea didn't play enough for the win, you should realise Mr Ovrebo isn't the only one at fault for Chelsea's exit. But it is easier to target him than to look at the players themselves.

RedsMan.

Congratulations to Birmingham, Preston North End, Sheff Utd, Burnley & Reading; damnation for Joey Barton

2009-05-05T17:16:00.003+01:00

Additional to the congratulations to Wolves for their clinching of promotion and the Championship title, the English Football League Championship has finished and further congratulations go to Birmingham on reaching the automatic-promotion packed 2nd place with an away win at Reading. That defeat meant Reading, Sheff Utd, Burnley and Preston North End will all battle in the play-offs for the coveted third avenue to promotion to the proverbial 'big league'.

Is there a favourite of anyone's to emerge at the end? I personally would like either Burnley or PNE. Nothing against Sheff Utd nor Reading, but neither of the other two teams have been in the Premiership. But a favourite for who I think will go through is Reading. It will be a tight battle as we've seen Burnley grab a few Premiership scalps and can produce good attacking football and so can Reading. I think PNE will have to battle deep to get through and Sheff Utd likewise.

Now for the commiserations. Former Premiership teams Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton Athletic have gone down further into League One. I find it being something else to link League One with those teams, they seemed better than to be dropping leagues. They were, to me, definite Championship material and then questionable Premiership quality, not questionable Championship material and then poor enough to drop into League One.

Four seasons back, Norwich was in the Premiership, doesn't seem that long ago. They relegated alongside Southampton that season. Charlton's fall was as recent as two seasons ago. The likes of Jeremy Goss, Robert Fleck, Steve Bruce; Darren Huckerby, Gary Doherty, Leon McKenzie of Norwich. Mick Channon, Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer; Theo Walcott, David Prutton, Brett Ormerod for Southampton. Clive Mendonca, John Robinson, Scott Parker; Darren Ambrose, Richard Rufus, Darren Bent. Seems a shame.

My last note is on Joey Barton. What is it that needs to happen for this young man to actually wise up? Newcastle United, one from rock bottom in the Premier League, go off to face Liverpool, at Anfield, a team who are biting at the bits in chasing Man Utd for the title, therefore are fevering for three points, have lost only twice in the league thus far, who thrashed Newcastle at St James' Park 1-5. Alan Shearer is in control and chooses Barton to spearhead the assist behind Mark Viduka as the lone striker, with Peter Lovenkrands and Obafemi Martin either side of Barton on the flanks. A 4-2-3-1, ambitious but a potential to thwart Liverpool's efforts and aid the away side.

That's the plan. But it crumbles with two Liverpool goals in the first half. Not the end of the world, bring the players in, maybe change one or two positions, maybe not, maybe encourage one or two players, a draw could be obtained if nothing else, but fundamental to that is focus. No silly tackles, giving the ball away, needless dangerous free-kicks, keep it simple, keep it safe, keep it firm. And what does Joey Barton do? It's what he didn't do. With Newcastle under attack and the ball going wide with Xabi Alonso following it, Barton just needs to shadow the Spaniard, keep him away from supplying towards goal or passing back to a team-mate.

Here's what Barton did do. He runs up and leaps into a 'tackle', with almost two feet and contacts Alonso on the ankle. A sore injury results to Alonso, thankfully, while Barton pleads innocencebut is straight red-carded nonetheless. Absolute reckless 'challenge', Newcastle a man down, a manager's hopes (which were probably slightly cracked at half-time) just obliterated. Not only that but Barton, looked on as the kind of central attacking midfielder with grit that Shearer needed for the remaining games, is now banned for those remaining games. The one player shouldn't make a difference but you never know.

Those remaining games at home to Middlesbrough and Fulham and lastly away at Villa Park, are pivotal. Middlesbrough cannot seem to score for life, which almost matches the current qualities of their North-East rivals. Fulham, despite now smarting from a Chelsea defeat, still harbour good qualities and intentions for that now all-important seventh spot for Europe. Not to mention Aston Villa, who crucially picked up three points last night to cement their European spot for next season.

Now it is stated that Barton and Shearer came to in the dressing room over Barton's red card, and the player is not only suspended from further games, and out for the rest of the season, but is now suspended from the club "until further notice". Notice that I think he won't be getting from the club. Shearer may move on afterwards but he has some influence at SJP. Would you deny a player like Barton from playing under your management or do you think you can put up with the threat of him behaving in the manner that has him disciplined more by the authorities than actually playing?

I argued for Barton on his return to Newcastle from prison while others consider him too dangerous a threat to any club while playing. I thought prison would curb him, hopefully push him to channel his aggression in the right manner, he could return to football and show us the better side of him. Maybe I was wrong.

RedsMan.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 11

2009-05-02T10:36:00.003+01:00

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul remains in first place by a small margin and his predictions are up first:

Abdul:
Chelsea v Fulham 1-0
Man City v Blackburn 3-1
Middlesbrough v Man Utd 1-2
Portsmouth v Arsenal 1-0
Stoke v West Ham 2-1
Tottenham v West Brom 2-0
Wigan v Bolton 1-1
Liverpool v Newcastle 3-0
Sunderland v Everton 0-0
Aston Villa v Hull 2-0

T:
Middlesbrough v Man Utd 1-2
Chelsea v Fulham 2-0
Man City v Blackburn 1-1
Portsmouth v Arsenal 1-1
Stoke City v West Ham 0-1
Tottenham v West Brom 3-1
Wigan v Bolton 2-1
Liverpool v Newcastle 3-0
Sunderland v Everton 1-1
Aston Villa v Hull City 2-0

Redsman:
Chelsea v Fulham 2-1
Man City v Blackburn 2-0
Middlesbrough v Man Utd 1-3
Portsmouth v Arsenal 0-2
Stoke v West Ham 1-1
Tottenham v West Brom 2-1
Wigan v Bolton 1-1
Liverpool v Newcastle 2-0
Sunderland v Everton 1-2
Aston Villa v Hull 3-1

Skipper:
Chelsea v Fulham, 1-2
Man City v Blackburn, 2-0
Middlesbrough v Man Utd, 2-1
Portsmouth v Arsenal, 2-2
Stoke v West Ham, 1-0
Tottenham v West Brom, 2-1
Wigan v Bolton,2-1
Liverpool v Newcastle, 4-0
Sunderland v Everton, 2-1
Aston Villa v Hull, 2-0

SKG:
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham, 15:00
Man City 2-0 Blackburn, 15:00
Middlesbrough 0-2 Man Utd, 12:45
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 15:00
Stoke 1-1 West Ham, 15:00
Tottenham 4-0 West Brom, 15:00
Wigan 2-1 Bolton, 15:00
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle, 13:30
Sunderland 1-0 Everton, 16:00
Aston Villa 3-0 Hull

The spirit of football

2009-05-01T20:08:00.002+01:00

I came across this:

"Newcastle tea lady Kath Cassidy, who has spent over 40 years serving cuppas to the great and good at St James' Park, has her own ideas about how to motivate the players in their battle against relegation.

"I might go into the dressing room before a game with my picture of Jackie Milburn holding his medals. I'd say to the players 'Get your finger out, look what he won for £20 a week.""

When players in the English Premier League really do appreciate who they play for, for they are in the top tier of English football, how much they are paid, and what is expected from them in every game, then we as the fans and supporters can go to games and/or watch them on TV and watch such appreciation emit from their football.

Players actually playing thoroughly, with more focus, more accuracy, more determination, more aforethought, more grit, more ability, would be what the EPL would simply stand for globally. Players of Milburn's ilk did so, a good chunk for the payment, and probably an equal chunk or more for the love of the game. It would make the EPL much more competitive, at the top, in the middle, and around the bottom of the league.

RedsMan.

Who is worthy of staying in the Premier League?

2009-04-28T22:16:00.002+01:00

NEwcastle played a goalless draw with Portsmouth, and it was a result I had predicted exactly, due to the scoring form of both teams of recent. Newcastle have good scoring power in Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka and captain Michael Owen, but they all failed to score. I wondered, if Newcastle were to be relegated, whether Owen would remain at St. James' Park. I then wondered if there were any opinion on any player, playing with a team still at threat of relegation, who one would consider worthy of remaining in the Premier League. Teams as in Blackburn, Sunderland, Hull, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom.

Now, for me, the likes of Jonas Guttierez, perhaps Mark Viduka, and arguably Owen, are worthy of staying on, worthy of interest from a Premier League club. Owen has the instincts he has been renowned for, but he seems to have lacked in receiving the kind of service his ability requires. Guttierez has shown ball control I've rarely seen in the EPL, he can go on runs and hardly lose the ball, and as such is quite useful in assisting chances. Viduka enters into the realm of football where retirement may seem the next near step but I think he can hold up the ball and play players in very well.

Others like WBA's Chris Brunt, who has a firm shooting left-foot and an eye for a through-pass; Boro's Stewart Downing, England international with good pace, attacking ability on the wing and good assists; Sunderland's Djibril Cisse, Steed Malbranque or even Kenwyne Jones; Hull's seasoned Kevin Kilbane, Geovanni, or Andy Dawson; Blackburn's Benni McCarthy, Matt Derbyshire, or Stephen Warnock?

Who, out of those sides, would you consider worthy of staying in the Premier League, were their respective clubs to suffer relegation?

RedsMan.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 10

2009-04-24T20:27:00.005+01:00

Abdul:
Man Utd 2 - 1 Tottenham
Arsenal 3 - 1 Middlesbrough
Blackburn 1 - 1 Wigan
Newcastle 2 - 0 Portsmouth

Skipper:
Bolton v Aston Villa, 2-1
Everton v Man City, 2-0
Fulham v Stoke, 2-0
Hull v Liverpool, 0-2
Man Utd v Tottenham, 1-2
West Brom v Sunderland, 2-1
West Ham v Chelsea, 2-1
Arsenal v Middlesbrough, 3-1
Blackburn v Wigan, 2-1
Newcastle v Portsmouth, 2-1

SKG:
Bolton 1-1 Aston Villa, 15:00
Everton 2-0 Man City, 15:00
Fulham 2-1 Stoke, 15:00
Hull 1-2 Liverpool, 15:00
Man Utd 2-1 Tottenham, 17:30
West Brom 0-2 Sunderland, 15:00
West Ham 1-1 Chelsea, 15:00
Arsenal 4-0 Middlesbrough, 13:30
Blackburn 1-0 Wigan, 16:00
Newcastle 2-1 Portsmouth,

T:
Bolton v Aston Villa 1-1
Everton v Man City 2-0
Fulham v Stoke City 1-1
Hull City v Liverpool 1-3
West Brom v Sunderland 1-2
West Ham v Chelsea 0-1
Man Utd v Tottenham 3-0
Arsenal v Middlesbrough 1-1
Blackburn v Wigan 1-2
Newcastle v Portsmouth 2-0

Redsman:
Bolton v Aston Villa 2-1
Everton v Man City 2-2
Fulham v Stoke 3-1
Hull v Liverpool 1-3
Man Utd v Tottenham 2-0
West Brom v Sunderland 1-1
West Ham v Chelsea 1-1
Arsenal v Middlesbrough 3-0
Blackburn v Wigan 0-1
Newcastle v Portsmouth 0-0

Arshavin, Torres, Benayoun: take a bow!

2009-04-21T23:37:00.003+01:00

The title really says it all. Football fans must salute the skill, determination and pure finishing execution of these three players in a football match that was relentless in attacking action and effort. Arsenal and Liverpool have an intimate history - and tonight produced yet another amazing match of football between these two sides that shall be remembered.

Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
Torres 49 Arshavin 36
Benayoun 56 Arshavin 67
Torres 72 Arshavin 70
Benayoun 90+3 Arshavin 90

EFT Scorecast Weekend 9

2009-04-18T14:21:00.003+01:00

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul remains relentless in first place and his predictions up first:

Abdul:
Aston Villa v West Ham, 2-1
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 1-1
Portsmouth v Bolton, 0-0
Stoke v Blackburn, 1-1
Sunderland v Hull, 2-0
Man City v West Brom, 2-1
Tottenham v Newcastle, 3-1

Skipper:
Aston Villa v West Ham, 2-1
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 2-2
Portsmouth v Bolton, 2-2
Stoke v Blackburn, 1-0
Sunderland v Hull, 3-1
Man City v West Brom, 2-1
Tottenham v Newcastle, 2-1

SKG:
Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham, 15:00
Middlesbrough 2-0 Fulham, 15:00
Portsmouth 1-1 Bolton, 15:00
Stoke 1-2 Blackburn, 15:00
Sunderland 1-0 Hull, 15:00
Man City 3-0 West Brom, 15:00
Tottenham 3-1 Newcastle, 13:30

Redsman:
Aston Villa v West Ham, 2-1
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 2-3
Portsmouth v Bolton, 1-2
Stoke v Blackburn, 2-0
Sunderland v Hull, 2-0
Man City v West Brom, 2-0
Tottenham v Newcastle, 3-1

T:
Aston Villa v West Ham, 1-0
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 2-1
Portsmouth v Bolton, 1-2
Stoke v Blackburn, 1-0
Sunderland v Hull, 3-0
Man City v West Brom, 2-0
Tottenham v Newcastle, 2-2

Walcott is ice; RvP a fighter-thinker; Ade a positive team-orientated 'confidence' player

2009-04-16T15:35:00.019+01:00

The three goalscorers last night - Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor - are fantastic representatives for Arsenal. I say this not simply on the back of their goals in the win over Villarreal to place Arsenal into the semi-finals of the Champs League, but more broadly because of their individual temperament/character and what their meshing in the forward line lends to the overall character and force of the team.

Walcott is ice. When Arsenal bought him from Southampton I wrote on this site that Walcott reminds me of another sporting TW: Tiger Woods. There was a sense in his demeanour, in his choice of words, that he had a calm and winning temperament of exceptional quality. In his first cup final aged 17 years old he demonstrated his superb ice-cool temperament with a wonderful opening goal after five minutes against Chelsea followed by a celebration which showed his passion and desire behind the quiet demeanour.

This attitude combination: ice calm and winning desire, is one that transmits to teammates who should gain confidence knowing they have a teammate not only blessed with sensational natural talent in their side but who vitally also has the cool not to be daunted by any occasion. Witness Anfield last season in the Champs League quarter final; England away in Croatia; and last nights big Champs League match, for further examples aside from the 2007 Carling Cup Final of his ideal temperament for big match occasions. Walcott has a temperament far beyond his years.

RvP is a fighter-thinker-technician of the highest level. On the pitch he fights for the ball, and then with the ball at his feet he is mentally alert and thoughtful in looking for either a killer pass or killer finish with a technique that I still think is the most aesthetic and awesome in the league.

His fighting mentality also is one that transmits to teammates and supporters - he sets an example for fighting for the ball and not shirking from a battle or opportunity. Instances of this that standout for me is his lunging finish at the far post for an equaliser against Man Utd in January 2007 (which resulted in a broken foot and a four month lay-off), his two goals against Chelsea this season when Arsenal were at a very low point confidence-wise; and THAT kung-fu kick goal against Charlton where only a player of massive fighting desire and technique would have attempted, let alone executed with masterpiece brilliance, that running high-jump volley. He is a superb member of the team and has matured into a growing leader of this third-gen squad.

Adebayor is a footballer I have supported during his tough spell earlier this season. He puts in a tremendous amount of a work in the forward line which is well appreciated by teammates and a good portion of the Arsenal support. And when he talks I notice he always genuinely accentuates a team-ethic and a focused positive attitude which I think reflects well on an excellent perspective to his football and his teammates.

However, more than most players in this Arsenal side, Adebayor is also a 'confidence player' - a guy who can be unstoppable when he feels the confidence of the fans and his team, but who loses his technique and confidence quickly if he feels the ire of the fans. The latter was the case earlier this season - where a clumsy piece of tactical play in his negotitation (I guess probably demanded by his agent) for a new Arsenal contract last summer offended some fans, many of whom, I suspect, were already doubters of the player despite the fact he shouldered the burden of the front line last season with 30 odd goals and an immense amount of running without the injured RvP and Eduardo and the departed Henry. It was clear to me from his demeanour during the first half of this season that Adebayor decisively felt the criticism from this section of the Arsenal support and as a result his edge in confidence and sharpness diminished.

The recent seven week layoff was a blessing in disguise for the big Togolese player - giving him the space to re-group, re-focus and re-energise. His two goal comeback against Man City was also massive for the resurgence of the 'big-on-confidence' Adebayor that we have seen in the last fortnight - a change in the atmosphere of fan reaction to Adebayor was tangible and so with it the bolstering of his self-belief. Subsequent goals in both matches against Villarreal are testament to the return of an Adebayor who looks to have gained his vitality. This gives me satifaction because for his workrate for the team and his expressions of a team-ethic and a positive approach to football I like to see him feeling good about his game and the support around him. It is also great for the team because it is clear that an Adebayor who is 'big-on-confidence' is also a profound - and quite unique - attacking weapon.

I feel that when you have three players in the forward line of the team who exhibit a great array of positive mental characteristics on top of excellent footballing ability you have the makings of something sensational. Arsene Wenger has recruited into his third generation side in Walcott, RvP and Adebayor a stunning complement of attitudes in the forward line: an ice-calm winner; a fighter-thinker; a positive team-orientated runner and finisher.

Due to injuries this mix has not had the chance to apply itself together. Last night was really the first time all got to start together in a big match. And all three contributed their considerable physical, technical and mental qualities decisively to a winning effort.

It is also a trio that from their interactions on the pitch look like they have a good understanding and relationship to each other - which can only be conducive to their development as a forward line. I feel yesterday saw just the start of an explosion of play from this attacking trio as a collective unit - which should be fantastic for all Arsenal fans and supporters of good football to watch.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 8

2009-04-11T11:44:00.004+01:00

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul is still running strong in first place but has been unable to get his predictions in by the deadline so its second placed Skipper's predictions up first:

Skipper:
Chelsea v Bolton, 2-0
Liverpool v Blackburn, 3-0
Middlesbrough v Hull, 2-1
Portsmouth v West Brom, 2-0
Stoke v Newcastle, 2-0
Sunderland v Man Utd, 1-1
Tottenham v West Ham, 2-1
Wigan v Arsenal, 1-2
Aston Villa v Everton, 2-1
Man City v Fulham, 2-1

T:
Chelsea v Bolton, 1-0
Liverpool v Blackburn, 2-1
Middlesbrough v Hull, 1-1
Portsmouth v West Brom, 1-1
Stoke v Newcastle, 1-1
Sunderland v Man Utd, 0-3
Tottenham v West Ham, 1-1
Wigan v Arsenal, 1-1
Aston Villa v Everton, 1-1
Man City v Fulham, 2-1

SKG:
Chelsea 3-0 Bolton,
Liverpool 1-0 Blackburn,
Middlesbrough 2-1 Hull,
Portsmouth 2-0 West Brom,
Stoke 2-2 Newcastle,
Sunderland 0-2 Man Utd,
Tottenham 3-2 West Ham,
Wigan 0-3 Arsenal,
Aston Villa 2-1 Everton,
Man City 3-1 Fulham,

Redsman:
Liv v B'Burn 3-1
Stoke v Newcastle 1-1
Boro v Hull 1-2
Chelsea v Bolton 1-1
P'mouth v West Brom 2-0
S'land v Man Utd 2-1
Tottenham v West Ham 2-1
Wigan v Arsenal 0-3
Aston Villa v Everton 2-1
Man City v Fulham 2-2

Arsenal re-acquainted with at one time the world's most underrated footballer

2009-04-07T12:29:00.003+01:00

Arsenal take on Villarreal in Spain later this evening in a Champions League quarter final first leg. This match will see two of the most football-intelligent and progressive managers of the last two decades pit their wits against each other: Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini. For those who admire football played on the ground in technical, attacking, quick-moving style this is the match you want to watch: these two managers make it their life-mission to create such football and to win with this style.

For those who also like tradition, memories and goodwill in football there will be the great moment tonight of 35 year old Robert Pires coming up against the team he helped earlier this decade to a fantastic era of success and sublime football that will never be forgotten in the history of the English game.

Pires was a technical fighter of a left winger who could finish and assist with equal world class ability and composure and who was excellent at dribbling with close control in attacking straight lines up the pitch. I liked the repeating ways he would curve his right foot round the ball to curve in shots from the left inside the right post or alternatively how he would glide pass a defender to the touchline and side-foot pass the ball with deliberate accuracy into the path for a player like Thierry Henry or Freddie Ljungberg to tap in from short range.

Pires was integral to the attacking total football of Arsene Wenger's second generation side that won the double in 2001-2002 and then superbly went the whole season unbeaten to win the title in 2003-2004 season. He scored loads of goals from his left midfield starting position and stacked up multiple assists. His attacking combination down the left side of the pitch with a young Ashley Cole at left back (the good old days of Ashley Cole!) and Thierry Henry roving in a left forward position was the source of many goals and was a major weapon of Arsene Wenger's genuinely great second generation footballing squad.

In Pires' last season at Arsenal aged 32 years old he was the most senior outfield player of a squad undergoing a transition with far lesser-experienced players like Fabregas, Clichy, Senderos, Reyes, Adebayor, Eboue, RvP, Flamini, Hleb, Diaby, Walcott coming through. I liked the 'old-head' role he was playing and I remember in particular a memorable performance on the right side of midfield in a 3-1 home win against Liverpool where a young Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry also had excellent games in what was a must-win league match in the come-from-behind race with Spurs for fourth place. And of course there was THAT tackle on his former teammate and fellow Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira, in which after winning the ball his forward pass led to a crucial home goal in the Champs League quarter-final first leg against Juventus.

Pires deserved in his career to have a starting place in a Champs League final and he was not alone in frustration and disappointment when he was tactically taken off the pitch for Manuel Almunia by Arsene Wenger after only ten minutes of the 2006 final in Paris because of the sending off of Jens Lehmann. Wenger really had no alternative as Ljungberg was a fitter and more energetic player - but it was a bitter moment for a classy player and character like Pires to be removed so prematurely from an occasion that his football would have adorned.

My younger brother was always consistent in saying that Robert Pires was the most underrated player in the world. And he was not alone, in 2004 we were happy to see that the captain of Mexico and the coach of Vietnam put Pires as number one in their votes for FIFA World player of the year. It was great that he got this recognition - albeit not in the places you would expect it! - in what was Arsenal's fantastic year.

For me Robert Pires was a superstar player with a great balance in his temperament between determination and composure. This reflected in his game - always attacking with intent and in the heat of the moment more often than not he knew and could execute with precision whether it was best to pass, shoot or dribble. And from what I've seen in my glimpses of the Spanish league, little has changed in his style of play and effectiveness with Villarreal.

So tonight there will be great scenes when Pires lines up against Arsenal shirts and shakes the hands of his former manager, Arsene Wenger; those of former teammates like Toure, Clichy, Cesc, and greets the travelling Arsenal fans. Next week, at the Emirates, his reception will similarly be fantastic, and that will be produce more great scenes reminding us of the capacity of football to produce excellent moments of solidarity and genuine goodwill.

It will be a deserving moment and fitting legacy for a player of the quality and character of Robert Pires.

Liverpool’s title credentials under my examination Part 2 from Craven Cottage (Fulham v Liverpool)

2009-04-05T13:15:00.000+01:00

Back in December I made a trip down to Anfield to see Liverpool take on Hull. Yesterday, I made a trip to Craven Cottage with my little brother and some friends to see If Liverpool could continue their recent resurgence and pile the pressure on United.

Craven Cottage is a lovely little ground, which is situated on the banks of River Thames. From the Putney stand if you look through the gaps, which appears in the corners of the Riverside stand you can see people enjoying a bit of sailing. We were supposed to be in the neutral area in the Putney stand, absolutely no chance, the entire stand was packed with Liverpool fans. It was my brother’s first time going to a football patch, he definitely enjoyed the experience.

NOT since February 8 have Liverpool topped the Premier League. After 90 minutes it looked as if they would do so only by goal difference, leaving Manchester United with two games in hand. Then, substitute Yossi Benayoun gathered the ball in the penalty area, sped around the slipping Paul Konchesky and shot past Mark Schwarzer, breaking Fulham’s resistance and leading to wild celebrations in the Putney stand. Fulham, who came within seconds of thwarting another Top Four side. They defended stoutly, rode their luck after Liverpool had hit the woodwork four times in the first period.

The lateness of the goal should not hide how deserved the victory was. Liverpool were not as fluent as they had been in rattling in 13 goals in their previous three games, but they were comfortably the better side, and had more than enough good chances to have won emphatically.
It was Benayoun’s introduction quarter of an hour from time that saved Liverpool. Suddenly there was a guile to their desperation, and Benayoun had twice gone close when Babel’s ball, aimed initially at Gerrard, fell for him 12 yards out. He struck a crisp angled drive, and this time neither Schwarzer nor the woodwork could intervene. As the celebration in the Putney End attested, Liverpool’s dream of a first title in 19 years is still very much alive.

Liverpool need to continue as they are and hope that United slip up. In truth they could have been well clear of United by now if they did not throw away so many points at home. However, there is no pint looking back in anger but focus on what’s ahead. The title race is definitely on.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 7

2009-04-04T12:26:00.002+01:00

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul is looking very good in first place and his predictions are first up:

Abdul:
Arsenal v Man City 3-0
Blackburn v Tottenham 1-1
Bolton v Middlesbrough 2-0
Fulham v Liverpool 0-2
Hull v Portsmouth 1-0
Newcastle v Chelsea 0-2
West Brom v Stoke 1-0
West Ham v Sunderland 1-1
Everton v Wigan 1-0
Man Utd v Aston Villa 2-1

Skipper:
Arsenal v Man City, 2-0
Blackburn v Tottenham, 1-2
Bolton v Middlesbrough, 1-0
Fulham v Liverpool, 0-2
Hull v Portsmouth, 2-2
Newcastle v Chelsea, 1-2
West Brom v Stoke, 2-1
West Ham v Sunderland, 2-1
Everton v Wigan, 1-1
Man Utd v Aston Villa, 1-1

SKG:
Arsenal 3-1 Man City,
Blackburn 1-2 Tottenham,
Bolton 2-0 Middlesbrough,
Fulham 1-1 Liverpool,
Hull 1-0 Portsmouth,
Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea,
West Brom 1-1 Stoke,
West Ham 2-0 Sunderland,
Everton 2-0 Wigan,
Man Utd 2-1 Aston Villa

Redsman:
Arsenal v Man City 2-0
Blackburn v Tottenham 2-1
Bolton v Middlesbrough 1-0
Fulham v Liverpool 1-2
Hull v Portsmouth 1-1
Newcastle v Chelsea 1-3
West Brom v Stoke 2-1
West Ham v Sunderland 2-0

T:
Arsenal v Man City 1-1
Blackburn v Tottenham 1-1
Bolton v Middlesbrough 1-2
Fulham v Liverpool 0-3
Hull v Portsmouth 0-0
Newcastle v Chelsea 0-2
West Brom v Stoke 3-1
West Ham v Sunderland 1-1
Everton v Wigan 1-0
Man Utd v Aston Villa 2-1

Alan Shearer - a Selfish Opportunist?

2009-04-01T13:11:00.002+01:00

I will set out from the outset that I have never been Alan Shearer’s biggest fan. I also accept that this article is not fact-based as it is based on my own perceptions and because there is no way of knowing what goes on in the board room at Newcastle United. However, I do believe that there is more to Shearer’s appointment to Newcastle today than just his love for the club.

Shearer was an extraordinary player, the most talented out-and-out striker that England has produced in a long time. However, I always felt that he welded too much power, both at Newcastle and with England, and I was alarmed at how comfortable he felt in having such a dominant influence as a player. The prime example of this was his role in almost single-handedly sacking Ruud Gullit as manager at Newcastle.

I have been even more unimpressed with Shearer since he hung up his playing boots. His analysis with the BBC has never, to my mind, been insightful or thought provoking. Instead he has resorted to clichés and old fashioned football mantra – “they need to have passion”, “they don’t like it when it gets rough” etc etc. For me, he does not have what it takes to be a modern football manager.

But what has riled me most is the overbearing influence he happily enjoys over Newcastle from the sidelines. Graeme Souness, Sam Allardyce, Glen Roeder have all had their tenures and indeed appointments undermined by Alan Shearer’s refusal to declare his intentions regarding his inevitable approach to manage the club. I would very much doubt that any one of these managers would say that Alan Shearer actually supported their efforts with the club and yet he has declined to accept the mantle and responsibility of managing Newcastle himself. I feel that this is because he has been fearful of the harm to his reputation as the prodigal son should he not prove to be a “success”.

And now we have the situation where Shearer has finally accepted the accepted a role to manage Newcastle until the end of the season. For me, this is typical of the opportunist that is Alan Shearer – for this is a situation from which he cannot lose. If Newcastle get relegated, then he will argue that it was not his fault as he came on board at the tail end of the season with only a few games remaining. However, if Newcastle survive, he will be heralded as a saviour upon whom all credit should be bestowed. In effect he is using the next couple of months as his own personal management training ground – and well renumerated at that.

I have nothing against Newcastle as a football club, but I fully expect most Newcastle fans to disagree with my opinion.

What do you think?

Adebayor neatly highlights clear case of 'misinformation' journalism

2009-03-27T14:46:00.008Z

Here is Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor debunking the sourceless 'story' that featured quite heavily in the media yesterday/today (e.g. the Times, Evening Standard, ITV teletext) that 'a club versus country crisis' was ignited because of his selection for Togo this weekend:

"I am surprised that this issue has taken this dimension in the media in England because it is not an issue at all.

My boss Arsene Wenger gave me the permission to come here to play for my country and if I didn't have his blessing I wouldn't be here."

The story by Kaveh Solkehol in the world renowned Times (link below) always read like highly suspect conjecture and - in the form of Adebayor's dismissive words today - it got the treatment it deserved.

The public are short-changed when information journalism is overridden by sensationalist 'misinformation' journalism.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article5983245.ece

EFT Scorecast Weekend 6

2009-03-20T17:08:00.005Z

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Abdul is opening up a good lead and his predictions are first up:

Abdul:
Blackburn v West Ham 1-1
Fulham v Man Utd 1-2
Newcastle v Arsenal 0-3
Portsmouth v Everton 0-1
Stoke v Middlesbrough 1-1
Tottenham v Chelsea 0-1
West Brom v Bolton 2-0
Liverpool v Aston Villa 2-0
Man City v Sunderland 1-0
Wigan v Hull 2-0

SKG:
Blackburn 2-1 West Ham,
Fulham 1-3 Man Utd,
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal,
Portsmouth 0-1 Everton,
Stoke 1-1 Middlesbrough,
Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea,
West Brom 1-2 Bolton,
Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa,
Man City 2-1 Sunderland,
Wigan 1-1 Hull,

T:
Portsmouth v Everton 1-2
Blackburn v West Ham 1-0
Fulham v Man Utd 0-3
Stoke City v Middlesbrough 2-0
Tottenham v Chelsea 0-1
West Brom v Bolton 2-1
Newcastle v Arsenal 1-1
Wigan v Hull City 2-0
Man City v Sunderland 1-0
Liverpool v Aston Villa 3-1

Skipper:
Blackburn v West Ham, 2-0
Fulham v Man Utd, 1-1
Newcastle v Arsenal, 1-2
Portsmouth v Everton, 1-1
Stoke v Middlesbrough, 1-2
Tottenham v Chelsea, 2-1
West Brom v Bolton, 1-0
Liverpool v Aston Villa, 3-0
Man City v Sunderland, 3-1
Wigan v Hull, 2-0

Redsman:
Blackburn v West Ham 2-2
Fulham v Man Utd, 2-1
Newcastle v Arsenal, 0-2
Portsmouth v Everton, 0-0
Stoke v Middlesbrough, 1-1
Tottenham v Chelsea, 1-1
West Brom v Bolton, 2-3
Liverpool v Aston Villa, 3-1
Man City v Sunderland, 2-0
Wigan v Hull, 2-1

Arshavin's pull back was Pires-like and his decision making is Kasparov-like

2009-03-18T12:15:00.012Z

Andrey Arshavin has made an excellent start to his Arsenal career. His football is characterised by very smart play, attacking initiative and good technique with both feet.

Arshavin has clearly shown in his short time at Arsenal that he is a player with big footballing intelligence. A player that not only has excellent footballing ability but also thinks deliberately about the smartest ways to use that talent in specific situations is a player to really enjoy watching.

His post-match comments after the 4-0 win against Blackburn were very telling about his high footballing intelligence. Speaking about his wonderful finish from a very tight angle he described how he has scored from such positions before and then described with excellent analysis how he interprets in these specific circumstances that 'goalkeepers tend to move slightly to the centre of the goal expecting a pull-back and therefore there is space to lift the ball high at the near post'.

This analysis was fantastic showing that Arshavin adopts a chess-like analysis to football; that he thinks ahead about his immediate opponent's motor responses and then selects the best move to capitalise on it. This shows very high footballing intelligence from the Russian captain; a Garry Kasparov type approach it could be said!

Of course, the great thing about Arshavin is that he also has the ability to then carry off the move that he calculates is best.

Yesterday Arsenal were a goal down in the FA Cup quarter final for over an hour until the equaliser from van Persie. RVP had an open goal to finish in and it was laid on a plate for him by Arshavin whose cool pull back in the heat of a frantic match was fantastic. Arshavin had the chance to shoot himself (and many would have) but there was a man on the line and he instantly calculated that a pass back across the goal to RVP would be the wisest move. The weight and accuracy of the pass was perfect; RVP could not miss.

This cool decision-making and technique reminded me of how Pires often declined the chance to shoot for glory to rather pass accurately across to Henry to finish from a better position. It was great to watch; and indeed was a game-turning moment.

Andrey Arshavin is proving to live up to his reputation as a very bright player and I think we will all enjoy many superb footballing moments from him in his career with Arsenal.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 5

2009-03-14T10:27:00.005Z

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Still going strong as reigning leader, Abdul's predictions are first up:

Abdul:
Man Utd v Liverpool 1-1
Arsenal v Blackburn 2-0
Bolton v Fulham 0-0
Everton v Stoke City 2-0
Hull City v Newcastle 1-1
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth 0-0
Sunderland v Wigan 2-1
Chelsea v Man City 3-1
Aston Villa v Tottenham 2-0
West Ham v West Brom 2-0

SKG:
Arsenal 2-0 Blackburn,
Bolton 1-0 Fulham,
Everton 3-0 Stoke,
Hull 2-2 Newcastle,
Man Utd 2-0 Liverpool,
Middlesbrough 2-1 Portsmouth,
Sunderland 1-1 Wigan,
Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham
Chelsea 2-0 Man City
West Ham 3-2 West Brom,

T:
Man Utd v Liverpool 2-1
Arsenal v Blackburn 1-1
Bolton v Fulham 2-0
Everton v Stoke City 1-1
Hull City v Newcastle 1-2
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth 1-0
Sunderland v Wigan 3-1
Chelsea v Man City 2-0
Aston Villa v Tottenham 2-0
West Ham v West Brom 1-1

Skipper:
Arsenal v Blackburn, 2-0
Bolton v Fulham, 2-1
Everton v Stoke, 3-0
Hull v Newcastle, 1-2
Man Utd v Liverpool, 1-2
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 2-0
Sunderland v Wigan, 2-1
Aston Villa v Tottenham, 2-2
Chelsea v Man City 2-1
West Ham v West Brom, 2-0

Redsman:
Man Utd v Liverpool, 1-2
Arsenal v Blackburn 2-1
Bolton v Fulham 1-1
Everton v Stoke City 2-0
Hull City v Newcastle 1-2
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth 1-2
Sunderland v Wigan 1-1
Chelsea v Man City 2-0
Aston Villa v Tottenham 2-2
West Ham v West Brom 2-0

"Finishing second would still be an achievement" Rafa Benitez, manager of Liverpool

2009-03-02T13:17:00.002Z

Gerrard Houllier used to say finishing in the top 4 was an achievement, so I was just waiting for Rafa to say something like that now.

Liverpool will not win the league but to say that it is an achievement to finish 2nd is disgraceful. Maybe Rafa should at the reasons why Liverpool are not even challenging for the league title any longer, starting with his own management style and baffling decisions.

I couldn't believe it when I say Skirtel playing at right back against Boro. Can someone explain why? What is it with Rafa playing Lucas - the guy is just dreadful. And selling Keane is clearly coming back to haunt Rafa because if Torres isn't playing, Liverpool have no one up front. No strikers means no goals, and yet Rafa keeps going on about how Liverpool have missed chances to score this season.

Rafa may have a great record in Europe but unless Liverpool are content with only doing well in Europe, then they will have to replace Rafa because otherwise, Liverpool will never win the league.

Flashback: 17 year old Theo Walcott graces 2007 Carling Cup Final

2009-03-01T12:21:00.006Z

This afternoon Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup final. Man Utd will start Darron Gibson and 18 year old Danny Welbeck: two young players who have been regulars in this competition and I'm particularly impressed with the glimpses I've seen of Welbeck. Watching him this afternoon will remind me of this day two year years ago when a 17 year old Theo Walcott scored the opening goal in the 2007 Carling Cup final against Chelsea with such quality that is a striking reminder of what Arsenal have been missing from the English speedster in the last four months.

It was a fantastic finish by the youngster and the atmosphere is amazing. Watching this again is also a reminder of the special, unique feel of a cup final when everything is heightened.

Lets hope for similar quality to be on display this afternoon; and if Danny Welbeck can supply it that would be great.

Wenger looked exhausted and on the edge; in desperate need of BIG player return

2009-03-01T09:22:00.009Z

While watching the Arsenal v Fulham match yesterday the camera focused on Arsene Wenger from time to time as he sat on the bench. And the pictures were uncomfortable to watch.

First off Wenger looked seriously fatigued as if stress had decided to etch itself all over his face. I had seldom seen Wenger look this beaten during a match and it was something unmissable to note.

Second he seemed to occupy the same scrunched, hunched and tense sitting position throughout the match. If Sam Allardyce is right about 65% of communication being through body language it would have been best for the young Arsenal midfield and attack to not look over at the Arsenal bench at all during the game.

Perhaps Arsene Wenger was staying braced because he had the physical science stats at hand and knew that his side were spent physically. I definitely felt bad for the likes of Denilson, Diaby, Clichy, van Persie, Arshavin who towards the end of the second half had 'hit the wall' in terms of energy and simply could not physically chase down Fulham players in possession. Some fans couldn't believe it - moaning like these players weren't committed. For me this was not the issue - rather their bodies simply couldn't respond towards the end of the match because they had already put so much energy into the Roma match.

So back to Arsene Wenger. As I saw him looking in such a terrible and negative state on the touchline I thought of a couple of things.

First, I can't remember Alex Ferguson ever looking this stressed DURING a match as he sat on his throne at Old Trafford. Ferguson always sends out a confident and expectant aura- which his players seem to feed off. For me Wenger should have taken a leaf out of that book yesterday even if it would have been a deception of his real angst.

Second, Wenger more than ever looks extremely desperate for his superstar five attacking footballers to return to his team. Walcott, Adebayor, Eduardo, Rosicky and Cesc are massive players that Wenger has been without for a long time now (apart from Adebayor) and his patience for their return looks now to be at breaking point.

I thought it was a telling insight on Arsene's personal perspective on things when he called Eduardo's hamstring strain after a triumphant FA Cup return against Cardiff 'a nightmare'. Some may have thought he was referring to Eduardo's mental state on receiving the injury - but he is sensitive about man-management not to have described it in this way if this was the case. No, it was clear that Wenger was saying it was 'a nightmare' for him.

For me, the use of this strong description was out of character and revealing about his disappointment at having waited so long for Eduardo's return only to find that again the talisman Croatian will not be available for selection. It betrayed the ordeal he has probably been feeling this season as someone who has so much belief in his policies but has seen many things turn against him.

This has been a monumentally tough season for Arsene Wenger. He looks in a terrible state and needs his big injured players back as soon as possible to try to revive his lagging shadow team; and in turn ease his extreme personal pressure which is evidently taking its toll.

EFT Scorecast Weekend 4

2009-02-27T16:35:00.007Z

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. Still going strong as reigning leader, Abdul's predictions are first up:

Abdul:
Arsenal v Fulham, 1-0
Chelsea v Wigan, 0-0
Everton v West Brom, 2-0
Middlesbrough v Liverpool, 1-1
Aston Villa v Stoke, 2-0
Bolton v Newcastle, 1-0
Hull v Blackburn 1-2
West Ham v Man City 1-0

SKG:
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham,
Chelsea 1-0 Wigan,
Everton 3-0 West Brom,
Middlesbrough 0-0 Liverpool
Aston Villa 2-0 Stoke,
Bolton 1-3 Newcastle,
Hull 1-1 Blackburn,
West Ham 1-1 Man City,

T:
Everton v West Brom 2-0
Arsenal v Fulham 2-0
Chelsea v Wigan 2-0
Middlesbrough v Liverpool 1-2
Hull City v Blackburn 1-1
West Ham v Man City 0-1
Bolton v Newcastle 1-1
Aston Villa v Stoke City 2-0

Skipper:
Arsenal v Fulham, 2-1
Chelsea v Wigan, 2-0
Everton v West Brom 2-0
Middlesbrough v Liverpool, 1-2
Aston Villa v Stoke, 2-1
Bolton v Newcastle, 2-0
Hull v Blackburn, 1-2
West Ham v Man City, 1-2

Redsman:
Arsenal v Fulham, 1-1
Chelsea v Wigan, 3-1
Everton v West Brom 2-0
Middlesbrough v Liverpool, 1-2
Aston Villa v Stoke 2-1
Bolton v Newcastle 1-1

Arteta and Fabregas

2009-02-24T10:14:00.010Z

This is a short post to make note of the premature end to a superb season for Everton's Mikel Arteta. This is a player I have really enjoyed watching over the last few seasons and he has been fantastic in the last few months. I have reckoned for a long time that Arteta is the closest player in terms of style and composure to Cesc Fabregas in the Premier League - and in terms of shooting and crossing ability for me he is the superior player.

Arteta is a fantastic and composed tone-setter for his team just like Cesc Fabregas and it is this excellent quality that will now be especially missed. Everton have the midfield resources to place a player of good quality into Arteta's midfield gap but none will have the same level of composure, rhythmic passing and movement ability of the Spaniard.

It is a real shame that Arteta is now out for the season after sustaining a rupture to his right knee ligament with Everton pushing for fourth place and doing very well in the FA Cup. Lets hope he can make a full recovery as he is an extremely influential player for Everton and for the neutral he is an excellent player to watch.

Is Benitez playing games with Agger as he did with Keane?

2009-02-22T19:46:00.003Z

Daniel Agger is a superb centre-back. Not only is he commanding in the air and a good reader of the game but he is also comfortable on the ball and has an imagination and ability for going on surging attacking runs or stroking an accurate attacking long pass. Plus he has the technique to strike an excellent shot as testified by his long range scorcher against West Ham a couple of seasons back.

For me it is typical of the pragmatic defensive-minded Rafa Benitez that he rates the 'no-nonsense' purely defensive Martin Skrtel above Daniel Agger. I imagine him writing in his note-book during games a big tick against Skrtel for his aggressive defending and simple passes while putting a question mark against Agger's name when he makes as interception and then embarks on a dribble beyond the half-way line.

When Skrtel received his nasty ligament injury in October Daniel Agger came into the team and Liverpool maintained their tight defensive record. His performance away against Bolton was excellent - losing a tooth and playing on with courage. Against Arsenal it was his vision and ability to play a long pass that saw Keane go on to score a crucial equaliser. And against Wigan he immediately atoned for a defensive error by launching into a committed run deep into the Wigan defence which led to the comeback goal.

But despite being an effective part of a team that had maintained Liverpool's lead of the Premier League he started being undermined by Benitez. The ageing Sami Hyppia started getting games in front of Agger. And then when Skrtel was fit he displaced Agger immediately. Agger has been a regular unused sub in the last seven weeks when Liverpool have stuttered and today against Man City was even displaced from the bench by Hyppia. If Agger wasn't injured major questions should be asked of Benitez why he was left completely out.

It looks to me like Benitez's self-defeating style of man-management is on display again. His treatment of dropping Keane just as the Irishman was building up good confidence was head-shaking. And now it looks like we are seeing another stylish and determined player like Agger being slowly frozen out of the Liverpool first team.

Its disappointing because Keane and Agger are good footballers to watch and I believe they make Liverpool a more attractive and dangerous prospect because of their creativity and ball-playing ability.

There is a strong suspicion that Keane was frozen out because Benitez was looking to prove a point and stamp down his authority - though for what reason its unclear and anyway to me there can be no good reason for the treatment that the Irish captain received. Is he doing the same to Agger: leaving him out for non-footballing reasons and ultimately playing a pointless game with someone's career while also damaging the playability of the team. It looks to me that he is.

What's your own reading on the Agger/Benitez situation?

EFT Scorecast Weekend 3

2009-02-20T18:21:00.006Z

Welcome again to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar. As reigning leader, Abdul's predictions are first up:

Abdul:
Arsenal v Sunderland 2-0
Aston Villa v Chelsea1-1
Bolton v West Ham 1-2
Man Utd v Blackburn 2-0
Middlesbrough v Wigan 0-1
Stoke v Portsmouth 0-0
Fulham v West Brom 1-0
Liverpool v Man City 1-0
Newcastle v Everton 0-1
Hull v Tottenham 0-1

SKG:
Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland,
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea,
Bolton 1-1 West Ham,
Man Utd 5-0 Blackburn,
Middlesbrough 1-2 Wigan,
Stoke 1-1 Portsmouth,
Fulham 2-1 West Brom,
Liverpool 2-1 Man City,
Newcastle 0-2 Everton,
Hull 2-2 Tottenham

Skipper:
Arsenal v Sunderland, 3-1
Aston Villa v Chelsea, 2-1
Bolton v West Ham, 2-0
Man Utd v Blackburn, 1-1
Middlesbrough v Wigan, 2-1
Stoke v Portsmouth, 0-2
Fulham v West Brom, 2-0
Liverpool v Man City, 3-0
Newcastle v Everton, 2-1
Hull v Tottenham, 2-2

T:
Aston Villa v Chelsea 1-1
Arsenal v Sunderland 1-1
Bolton v West Ham 1-0
Middlesbrough v Wigan 2-1
Stoke City v Portsmouth 2-0
Man Utd v Blackburn 2-0
Fulham v West Brom 1-2
Liverpool v Man City 2-1
Newcastle v Everton 1-2
Hull City v Tottenham 2-2

Redsman:
Aston Villa 2 v Chelsea 2
Arsenal 2 v Sunderland 0
Bolton 1 v West Ham 1
Middlesbrough 1 v Wigan 3
Stoke 0 v Portsmouth 1
Man Utd 3 v Blackburn 0
Liverpool 2 v Man City 0
Fulham 2 v West Brom 1
Newcastle 1 v Everton 2
Hull 2 v Spurs 1

Man Utd's quality of football against Fulham went to a higher level

2009-02-19T11:54:00.006Z

Alex Ferguson's Man Utd teams have always had a reputation for playing an attacking brand of football. Despite my allegiances with another team I have a definite respect and admiration for the progressive style of football that Ferguson demands from his team.

But yesterday the searing quality of Man Utd's attacking football against Fulham seemed to me to go to a higher level. Their possession-passing football was mesmerising to watch with one-touch pass and move football that the Fulham team simply couldn't live with.

Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Berbatov, Park and Tevez were running rings around Fulham with fast attacking passing football that looked so easy because they kept it simple. The passing was short, quick and to feet with amazing movement into space off the ball that their opponents simply couldn't keep up with. Even John O'Shea was revelling in the football that Man Utd's more skilful players was achieving.

I like the way Berbatov has incorporated himself into the team. For me he is now a major player in Man Utd's system and has IMPROVED their team from last seasons Champs League and Premier League title winners. He is a great link-man and neatly likes to come back deep to aid possession of the ball and which also creates space for Man Utd's other attackers to exploit further up the field. His touch, control and passing on occasion is sublime and Ferguson is clearly pleased with the Bulgarian's contribution because it appears he is one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Michael Carrick is another player who should be highlighed because he has stepped up again in his level of play this season. His passing range and imagination is excellent and his presence in games is improving. I like his central midfield combination with Paul Scholes - they have a good affinity with each other and launch attacks with great speed of thought and pass.

Man Utd are now five points clear at the top of the table and if they keep playing at the level that they did against Fulham they will be unstoppable. They were all on their game yesterday and for me it was a performance that was highly impressive to watch and worthy of note.

Scolari gone, but is it Abramovich who is the main cause for a rocking Chelsea?

2009-02-09T19:46:00.012Z

Chelsea's dismissal of Luis Felipe Scolari is disappointingly premature and quite disrespecting of a coach who has achieved the ultimate prize in football.

To be dismissed after only seven months is indicative of a negative culture that is badly affecting a growing number of football club owners and supporters who react to a bad result or run of results as if there is a crisis necessitating dramatic change. The cost of this mindset is lack of stability - and that is the real problem.

Just look at how the impatience of Abramovich against managers have coincided with Chelsea's fall away from the position that Peter Kenyon once described as their 'league of one'.

Jose Mourinho was forced out despite bringing Chelsea two titles and an FA Cup. Avram Grant was told to move on despite taking Chelsea a penalty-kick away from winning the Champs League. And now Scolari goes after a couple of months of below-par football that had fallen below the initital excellent standards seen at the start of the season. A World Cup winning coach not even given a season to prove his worth: astounding.

How long will the next manager last before Abramovich believes there must be someone better and exercises his power to dismiss? And does he realise that this type of mindset doesn't often help the results of a club nor its image?

EFT Scorecast Weekend 2!

2009-02-07T11:07:00.006Z

Welcome to the weekly feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches. The updated Scorecast points table is in the EFT sidebar.

3 points is awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1). 1 point is awarded for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

Redsman:

Blackburn v Aston Villa 2-1
Chelsea v Hull 3-0
Everton v Bolton 1-2
Man City v Middlesbrough 3-1
Portsmouth v Liverpool 1-2
Sunderland v Stoke 3-0
West Brom v Newcastle 2-2
Wigan v Fulham 2-2
Tottenham v Arsenal 0-2
West Ham v Man Utd 2-1

Abdul:
Blackburn v Aston Villa 1-2
Chelsea v Hull 4-0
Everton v Bolton 1-1
Man City v Middlesbrough 2-0
Portsmouth v Liverpool 0-0
Sunderland v Stoke 2-0
West Brom v Newcastle, 1-0
Wigan v Fulham 1-1
Tottenham v Arsenal 1-1
West Ham v Man Utd 1-2

Skipper:
Blackburn v Aston Villa, 2-1
Chelsea v Hull, 3-1
Everton v Bolton, 1-2
Man City v Middlesbrough, 2-0
Portsmouth v Liverpool, 0-2
Sunderland v Stoke, 2-0
West Brom v Newcastle, 2-1
Wigan v Fulham, 1-1
Tottenham v Arsenal, 2-2
West Ham v Man Utd, 2-1

T:
Man City v Middlesbrough 1-2
Blackburn v Aston Villa 1-3
Chelsea v Hull City 2-0
Everton v Bolton 2-0
Sunderland v Stoke City 1-1
West Brom v Newcastle 2-1
Wigan v Fulham 1-0
Portsmouth v Liverpool 1-1
Tottenham v Arsenal 2-2
West Ham v Man Utd 0-2

SKG:
Blackburn 1-2 Aston Villa,
Chelsea 3-0 Hull,
Everton 1-0 Bolton,
Man City 2-1 Middlesbrough,
Portsmouth 0-1 Liverpool,
Sunderland 1-0 Stoke,
West Brom 1-1 Newcastle,
Wigan 1-0 Fulham,
Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal,
West Ham 0-3 Man Utd

What now for Liverpool's RB?

2009-02-05T10:33:00.005Z

Last night's showing from Liverpool was poor. We are not entertaining, we are not scoring,we are not progressing, we are now just simmering. We are not dropping our level but we are not ascending from it either. We are practically at a standstill. The drive, the determination, the grinding out goals, the fight, the playability, had all come to this season, resulting in just one loss in the league. Two all season. Now it's three.

When you consider we started with good players in Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, backed by Albert Reira and Dirk Kuyt, along with Xabi Alonso, we should have attacked at Everton from the whistle and kept to it. Then we lost Gerrard, and note I haven't mentioned Lucas Leiva, and our play went mediocre. The game had both sides more interested in slaps and tickles than bangs and wallops at goal. Torres had to come back often to get involved, who supplies him the ball other than Gerrard?

But the longer it went on, the more you watched Leiva, the more you would suspect a sending-off would ensue. Regardless whether a booking is justified or not, it has happened and will not be rescinded with a period in the sin-bin. Because we don't have one. Being on a warning, your football has to be sharper and more accurate than before, it shouldn't take a warning for that level of your play to come out. Not Leiva. Be sensible, maintain your stance, receive and distribute, ensure you get the ball, because you're on a warning. Not Leiva.

So for more than half an hour of play we had to hold with 10 men. And hold we did. Yet I still suspect Man Utd would have carried the fight nonetheless, it would remain to be seen. But one can refer to their FA Cup tie against Portsmouth more recently, when Tomas Kuszczak was sent off (at practically the same time in that match as Leiva was last night), and Portsmouth could have been beaten at Old Trafford, when Harry Bet Sulley - Sulley Muntari - for the winner. So without Gerrard and then down to 10 outfield players, we had to dig in and hold on. David Moyes was said to be 'elated', but were Everton such an equal to our 10 men, or vice versa?

Nonetheless, Everton are through and we are not, and since the winner host Aston Villa, Everton are more suited to that than we are. Which brings me back to my original point of the article. What now for Benitez? If we are at this point of his management not strong enough to take the fight to Everton, even without Gerrard, then are we really fit to fight for the title? We've seen how Man Utd were at the start of the season without Christiano Ronaldo and as soon as he returned, in the away game at Stamford Bridge, Man Utd had toughened up. Add to that the vigourous contribution of Carlos Tevez almost every time he plays, Man Utd have hit top spot.

Many have stated we should have kept Robbie Keane, and I agree he should have remained until the summer at the least. But the decision to release him was not Liverpool's but more Keane's. And no one should blame him. He wants regular starts, which he got deservedly with Spurs. His captaincy isn't with surprise as he was captain in Ledley King's absence previously. But Keane hadn't added his goal-scoring touch when he played for us, and he did have his chances, let no one tell you otherwise. We needed an immediate response from Keane and we didn't get one. He wasn't suited to our regime as a striker. You need to be scoring regularly to earn your place, that is the strength needed to compete for the title.

And for me Dimitar Berbatov is getting away with his selection when Tevez is eagerly waiting on the bench. Keane has scored five, Berbatov six, so far. If Keane isnt getting a regular start for Liverpool, how is Berbatov doing so for Utd? That is because other players are scoring too. Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, all contribute, even Nemanja Vidic. Liverpool have waned in comparison, Gerrard our top scorer with nine, Torres is 2nd with nine (considering his injury period).

The top fifteen scorers in the EPL consist of five midfielders, Gerrard being one of them. Our midfield consist of Javier Mascherano, Alonso, Riera, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Leiva, Kuyt and none of them feature in the top list of EPL scorers with the exception of Kuyt with five goals. Is this down to the players or is it down to Benitez? Does he tell his players to feed Torres constantly, relying on the former Atletico Madrid captain for goals, or does so to get his striker working more and feeling more confident? Or does he tell his players to keep hold of the ball and only release when it is absolutely appropriate and clear to do so without error?

For me, the situation now is to play on with your strongest team. Gerrard could be out for some time and the likes of Babel, Kuyt, David Ngog, need to be playing regularly. Kuyt started very well at the start of the season, and he has scored as many as Keane. Has been quiet. Babel has determination, pace and a fierce shot, why isn't he regularly employed? Ngog has good international experience and scoring ability, scored well at PSV this season, why not let him come up now with Keane gone?

My formation A: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger/Skrtel, Aurelio/Insua; Babel, Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera; Kuyt/Ngog, Torres

Formation B: Same goalkeeper and back four; Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera; Gerrard, Torres.

Now it is testing time for Liverpool. A scan has yet to reveal the damage, if any, to Gerrard, and we should cope without him. That is, the players need to come up with more resolve, more enterprise and bring their football to a sharper level to compensate. And they can. Now is the time, with the domestic cups now gone. They are for another season, the title and the Champions League are our concern. In terms of a team built for all competitions, we are not. But we don't want that now, we want the title. The title, we can definitely go for.

RedsMan.

Arshavin signing demonstrates Wenger intent to regain leading position

2009-02-04T12:32:00.004Z

Arsene Wenger is a winner. This is clear in his obsession for football and his absolute frustration when a win is not achieved.

Arsene Wenger is equally an idealist. He will not satisfy his desire for winning through the easy route of spending loads of money on hyper-inflated transfer fees that will potentially bankrupt the club. And he will not spend vast sums of money on players who don't fit his aesthetic vision of how football should ideally be played.

This is why Wenger has preferred a 'bottom-up' policy in recent years: that of buying players very young at relatively low prices whom he can mould into his style and vision of how football should be played. Young players tend to be cheaper than players in their prime - and they are more maleable for development into a specific way of playing.

This method was always going to involve some patience on the fans behalf as they witnessed their rivals spending plus £20 million on a regular basis on 'prime-time' players. That being the case, Wenger's young Arsenal went very close last season to winning the Premier League title and enjoyed a solid Champs League run that was cruelly snatched away in a tumultuous finish at Anfield.

Buoyed by the progression of his young third generation squad, Wenger placed his faith in them to push on again this season. He witnessed the departure of Hleb and Flamini with reluctance but tellingly his only signings again were youngsters: Samir Nasri of Marseille and Aaron Ramsey of Cardiff. Such was his belief in the likes of Denilson, Diaby and Song to push through this season he saw fit to allow the veteran leader, Gilberto, to leave to Panathanikos at the end of the summer.

However, the first half of this season has been the most rocky of Wenger's eleven years at the club. Leading players failed to recapture the form of last season; the captain, William Gallas was fed-up with perceived disrespect of younger players and broke convention by telling all to the media; long-term injuries were sustained by the new captain Fabregas and the magnificent young superstar Walcott; and fans were shuddered by such events as losing a two goal lead with barely minutes to play against Tottenham and defeats to newly-promoted Stoke and Hull City.

In the last two and a half months, Wenger has steadied the ship. At the worst points of this season he protected his players from widespread criticism from fans and the media alike with amazingly optimistic comments that had bemused listeners at the time - but now make sense. He knew how fragile his young players were in what was their first major challenge of their careers - and he determined to shield them from the effects of that rather than publicly adding to the refrain.

This was excellent and smart man-management/team-management - and the result has been a slow, but steady, rehabilitation in results and performance by a side lacking its main focal point, Cesc, and its most dynamic forward, Walcott. Indeed, this paternalism by Wenger may be looked back as one of his finest hours; that when really tested he stood firm against all those who wanted him to publicly criticise his team and express an acceptance that he needed to revamp his team.

That all being said, Wenger knew that his young squad was in need of a boost of talent and experience and that the current perceived image of Arsenal as a slightly fading force on the national and European scene was in need of some restoring. In this context, his targeting and eventual acquisition of the Russian captain and super-talented roving attacker, Andrey Arshavin, is, if anything, an outward signal to all those doubters by Arsene Wenger that he is determined as ever for his club to be a major winning force into the future.

Andrey Arshavin is not in the mould of Wenger signings in the recent years because he is clearly a player in his prime who has years of experience already behind him and whose market value will not be much higher than it is now. It is a reversion to the types of signings we saw years ago made by Arsene Wenger like that of Sol Campbell, Marc Overmars, Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, Gio van Bronckhurst, Sylvain Wiltord: players entering or in the prime of their careers who can perform straight away at a level to gain near enough instant success.

It can be interpreted as a sign that Arsene Wenger's patience is not everlasting; that he feels he has been necessarily patient in the last few season as his young players have developed but that the time for success and winning trophies is now. Therefore, his signing of a special player who is in his prime; who can deliver fantastic play and tangible success now rather than in a few years.

I look forward to when Cesc, Walcott, Eduardo and Rosicky returns and how Arshavin will complement with these excellent attacking footballers as well as RVP, Nasri, Vela and Adebayor. With Arshavin as a link-man in the final third of the pitch the potential to create chances and score goals will be very high. And his aesthetic style of play will fit perfectly into Wenger's idealist vision of achieving winning plus total-football.

There is much to play for this season and Arshavin will hopefully have make a quick impact on the team. But my sense is that it will be next season with a fit squad and a level starting-field that the Russian playmaker will come to the fore as he plays his part in getting Arsenal back to the vision for the club that Arsene Wenger and the fans share: winning consisently, competing for honours, and doing so with fantastic style.

Good on you Wenger for signing Arshavin, and all the best Andrey!

EFT scorecast Weekend 1!

2009-01-31T10:53:00.009Z

Welcome to a new feature on EFT where the team here put their prediction accuracy skills to the test by trying to forecast the scores of the weekend round of Premier League matches.

3 points will be awarded for a correct score (e.g. 3-1).
1 point will be awared for a correct result (correct positive result or a draw).

T:

Stoke City v Man City 1-2
Arsenal v West Ham 2-0
Aston Villa v Wigan 3-1
Bolton v Tottenham 2-0
Fulham v Portsmouth 1-2
Hull City v West Brom 2-0
Middlesbrough v Blackburn 2-1
Man Utd v Everton 2-0
Newcastle v Sunderland 1-2
Liverpool v Chelsea 1-0

Abdul:

Stoke City v Man City 1-2
Arsenal v West Ham 1-1
Aston Villa v Wigan 2-1
Bolton v Tottenham 0-0
Fulham v Portsmouth 1-0
Hull City v West Brom 1-1
Middlesbrough v Blackburn 1-2
Man Utd v Everton 1-0
Newcastle v Sunderland 2-0
Liverpool v Chelsea 1-1

SKG:

Stoke City v Man City 2-2
Arsenal v West Ham 2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan 2-0
Bolton v Tottenham 1-2
Fulham v Portsmouth 2-0
Hull City v West Brom 2-1
Middlesbrough v Blackburn 0-0
Man Utd v Everton 3-0
Newcastle v Sunderland 2-2
Liverpool v Chelsea 1-1

Skipper:

Stoke City v Man City 2-2
Arsenal v West Ham 2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan 1-1
Bolton v Tottenham 2-1
Fulham v Portsmouth 2-0
Hull City v West Brom 2-1
Middlesbrough v Blackburn 2-0
Man Utd v Everton 1-1
Newcastle v Sunderland 2-2
Liverpool v Chelsea 2-1

Redsman

Stoke City v Man City 2-2
Arsenal v West Ham 1-2
Aston Villa v Wigan 2-1
Bolton v Tottenham 1-1
Fulham v Portsmouth 2-0
Hull City v West Brom 1-1
Middlesbrough v Blackburn 1-3
Man Utd v Everton 2-1
Newcastle v Sunderland 1-2
Liverpool v Chelsea 2-1

Is Rafa ruining Liverpool?

2009-01-29T13:28:00.002Z

Almost one year ago to the day I wrote an article called "Liverpool and Benitez must now part company". At that time Liverpool were in a terrible run of results - won 0 drawn 4 lost 1 and they ended the season without a trophy, and once again, they did not challenge for the league title.

I felt that Rafa Benitez had lost the confidence of his players by making silly decisions, hence I was amongst many people who thought he should leave.

At the start of 2009, things seemed to have changed. Liverpool were top of the league and the confidence was running high. Everyone thought this could be Liverpool's season.

Then all of a sudden things started going wrong - Gerrard was arrested, Rafa has a rant at Sir Alex, the Americans had not renewed Rafa's contract, the building of the new stadium was left in limbo, Keane was being dropped.

This has all culminated in four consecutive draws which has pushed Liverpool from 1st to 3rd. They are not playing with any confidence, and face the prospect of being pushed to 4th in the league should they not beat Chelsea this Sunday. They could find themselves out of the title race if they lose the game. Then they face Everton in the FA Cup next Weds and Liverpool's season could be in tatters if they lose that one as well.

I had a bad feeling, when Rafa went off on one at Sir Alex, that it would backfire on him There is clearly a power struggle between Rafa and the Americans, and Rafa's treatment of Keane is humiliating to say the least.

I don't know what is ruining Liverpool at the moment, but the more I think about what he has done in the past, and what he has recently done, the more I believe that it is Rafa who is ruining Liverpool.

Where the BBC falls, EFT stands up: DEC Gaza appeal 2009

2009-01-26T19:51:00.010Z

The Disaster Emergencies Committee - a body of 13 leading humanitarian charities in the UK - has determined that there is an 'overwhelming humanitarian crisis' being suffered by the civilians of Gaza.

The BBC, the public broadcaster in the UK, has refused to air its national humanitarian appeal citing concerns of breaching their 'impartiality'.

When I heard this I remembered these words by Archbishop Desmond Tutu: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

The BBC can't reasonably claim impartiality. The only time they have used this argument to refuse to air a DEC appeal was after the unlawful Israeli military offensive on Lebanon in 2006. The link is obvious and the effect on those suffering is unconscionable.

So, taking a stand with ITV, Channel 4 and Channel FIVE, we will put up the appeal here for viewers to check out: http://www.dec.org.uk/item/200

And in case you didn't recognise the player in the picture above it is the former Tottenham Hotspur and current Sevilla and Mali centre-forward, Fredi Kanoute.

Tutu would admire him!

The link again: http://www.dec.org.uk/item/200

Nemanja Vidic is the most important defensive player in the Premier League

2009-01-16T13:14:00.007Z

With Rio Ferdinand's injury in the last few weeks the significance of Nemanja Vidic has become all the clearer. For me he is the best defensive player in the Premier League with tremendous anticipation skills, heading ability, strength, aggression, presence, passing accuracy and mobility. His ability at set-pieces to time runs and direct power headers on target are also a massive asset.

His partnership with Rio Ferdinand is arguably the best club centre-back partnership in the world. I think this has been an understated vital factor in Man Utd's successive Premier League title wins plus Champions League triumph. For sure Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez et al have been fantastic in maintaining the Ferguson tradition of exciting attacking football - but its all the easier for these great expressive forward players to perform when they know they have Ferdinand and Vidic keeping it solid and aggressive at the back.

My positive thoughts about the contribution of Vidic has been somewhat justified by the seamless way Man Utd have continued to keep clean sheets in the absence of his England international centre-back partner. In fact, this recent period supports my belief that despite my admiration for Ferdinand it is actually Vidic who is the most important defensive player to Man Utd, and, moreover is the most important defensive player in the Premier League

Do you agree that Nemanja Vidic is now the best defensive player in the Premier League? If you have alternatives it would be good to know.

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T19:22:00.003Z

On behalf of the team here at EFT I wish all our readers a very happy new year.

This site is entering our fourth year and we hope that we can continue to write articles of some interest. Your comments are always welcome - keep them coming as your feedback is a vital part of our site.

Best for 2009!

T

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard: criminal or victim?

2008-12-30T13:31:00.003Z

Steven Gerrard has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an alleged nightclub brawl. He was charged along with two other men who had also been arrested after a "disturbance" outside a late-night bar in Southport, Merseyside in the early hours of Monday morning. The venue's DJ, a 34-year-old local man, required hospital treatment after suffering facial injuries. Gerrard will be appearing at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on 23 January 2009. He is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

Gerrard has always had a squeaky clean image. He has never been in this sort of trouble before and considering he put in a man-of-the-match performance just a few hours before this incident, it makes this whole story a lot more surprising.

Gerrard could be the victim of a stitch-up. He is an easy target. I just cannot believe that he could do such a terrible thing.

Last season Liverpool's season was blighted by the American owners' continuing arguments with each other. I hope this season isn't affected by Steven Gerrard's charge.

Probably make or break time for the problematic Diaby

2008-12-26T11:16:00.011Z

The suffering of the long term injury to Fabregas has fully exposed the risky nature of Arsene Wenger's decision not to bring in reinforcements to the central midfield area after the departures of Gilberto and Flamini.

For me the thought of Cesc sustaining a big injury was the 'thinkable unthinkable' - something to be aware of but only contemplate properly if it occured. Now that it has there is at least the consolation that it comes on the dawn of the opening of the transfer window and that it reinforces what is almost the uniform opinion - aside seemingly from Wenger who continues to speak with amazing optimism in press conferences - that we must buy at the earliest opportunity to strengthen out thin and young midfield area.

On Sunday it was Abou Diaby who came onto replace Cesc. Diaby came to Arsenal at the same time as Adebayor but due to injury and inconsistency of performance has not come close to replicating the impact of the Togolese striker. And although I really hesitate to do down an Arsenal player I struggle with deciding what Diaby sustainably brings to the Arsenal team.

He was bought as a CM but Wenger predominantly plays him on the wide left of midfield or rarely as a deep lying striker. These positions don't look to come naturally to Diaby - and I can't recall ever seeing a gangly player the size of Diaby be a success as a wide left midfielder, let alone one who can't produce left footed crosses.

My concerns about Diaby were reinforced significantly by an interview given by Arsene to the Arsenal website earlier this month - the transcript of which I read on the Gunnerblog site. I don't think he intended to effectively call Diaby a player lacking in footballing intelligence but unless you can persuade me otherwise it is hard not to escape that conclusion from this analysis:

Yes. He has all the ingredients; physical, technical - but at the moment, not tactical. I believe in his mind he is more an offensive player, not a defensive player. And that technical defensive awareness is more in Denilson, say, or Song at the moment. Diaby is more interested in going forward and making a difference going forward… but we try to develop that in him and he has the ingredients to become a central midfielder.

How do you develop that in him?

By working on it, he’s conscious of that… but I believe also you have to choose a position for a player where he feels completely comfortable and is suited to his psychological profile… and if you place somebody against his deep desire, he can never be completely himself.

Actually, reading these words again it appears that Wenger is losing patience with a player who is unable to adapt to his planned role despite being at the club now for three years.

Diaby has shown great strength in coming back from a broken, dislocated ankle and has the talent to be a good player. But I have long considered that he has a problem with consistency of performance and it looks from these recent words from Wenger that it stems from a lack of effort to apply himself to the significant defensive aspect of being a good all-round central midfielder.

I find this issue concerning and Wenger's words belies his statement earlier this week that he is content with the 'internal solutions' he has to replacing Cesc over the next four months. For if Diaby is unuited to a CM role at present because of tactical deficiencies that are proving difficult to iron out than surely Wenger is not envisaging Song and Denilson play every league and cup game for the rest of the season. This simply is not a good or even reasonable soultion.

For me this is make or break time for Diaby - and I think Wenger is probably viewing this particular situation in the same way. If he can't raise his game and apply himself tactically and performance-wise at a time when we are bereft of other options than I believe he never will at Arsenal.

I hope the young Frenchman makes it - but I need to see some consistent and quality performances in the next couple of months to overcome my concerns about his ability to achieve the needed Arsenal level.

Fulham v Middlesbrough: The FA's 'exceptional circumstances'

2008-12-21T11:02:00.006Z

I'm not a fan of Andrew Johnson of Fulham. I think he dives or feigns contact for decisions, not regularly but often enough. He has, in his brief spell with Everton, wound up the LFC fans like the mischievous child who sticks his/her tongue out at you whilst shopping with parents or travelling in the car, for no good reason other than boredom.

Yet when I say he was very, very harshly denied proper justice yesterday following an horrific challenge by Middlesbrough's Julio Arca, it must have been something. Johnson and Arca went 50-50 for the ball at one point and the Argentinian placed his foot nowhere near the ball, and ended up nearer Johnson's knee than Johnson's own sock. Arca's foot then trailed down Johnson's leg towards his ankle.

Replayed on last night's Match Of The Day, you heard Johnson yell out in pain. I would submit that Arca's contact was not enough to severely injure Johnson but the placing of his foot made the contact look far, far worse than it probably was. Who knows how players genuinely react to sudden contact, Johnson thankfully was OK afterwards and did not suffer a leg break or anything like that. But astonishingly referee Keith Stroud gave Arca only a booking!!! When he sees the replay, he should be feeling quite ashamed to have registered he saw the incident and issued only a booking, because if he had, there is no question Arca should have been dismissed.

Middlesbrough's manager Gareth Southgate felt aggrieved at the penalty decision given against his defender Tony McMahon. McMahon and Fulham's Bobby Zamora went to challenge in the Middlesbrough penalty box and McMahon's attempted clearance spun up and came off his left forearm. Now replays showed, for me, that it was McMahon's momentum that led to his arm touching the ball. Referee Stroud didn't give the decision but alerted by his linesman, he did. From another angle, you could see the linesman in question not give the indication of a handball the moment it occurred but the crowd and a few players appealed immediately and he then indicated with his flag. He may have looked to give the benefit of the doubt but then found his mind made up by the appeals.

Southgate may well find himself on the end of yet another bad decision, but nothing was mentioned of the potentiality of Arca being dismissed. However, the FA spoke of intervening in 'exceptional circumstances' when they dealt with former Man City defender Ben Thatcher for his thuggish elbow contact on then Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes during the Man City v Portsmouth match, August 2006. They were quoted as saying: ".....the incident is being considered as an exceptional case. The FA contends that the challenge was sufficiently serious that had Thatcher been sent off, an additional sanction would have been merited."

I can compare Arca's challenge to that of Birmingham's Martin Taylor on Arsenal's Eduardo at St. Andrew's, February this year. Similarities are Arca made no contact with the ball; his foot was nowhere near the ball; it made contact directly with Johnson's leg and trailed down towards the ankle. The only exception is Arca didn't go as far as the ankle.

We have had the appeal over respect being paid to officials during the game, the FA should now reconsider about non-intervention in such circumstances. The publicity over Taylor's tackle is clear in the memory. Arca's was almost identical. We need to stamp this challenge out, it has nothing to do with football, it will cause another serious injury and it can end the footballing career of two players, much less one.

Eduardo enjoyed 45mins of a recent reserve game against Portsmouth, I believe, and I can't applaud that fact enough. I also believe Taylor is still with Birmingham. Both of them, as a result, could have walked away from football. If the FA will not re-consider intervention, then continue to expect the type of horror challenges and the resulting injuries we came to acknowledge at St Andrew's in February. Because the FA will not.

RedsMan.

Select Alves this afternoon and he will score

2008-12-20T08:28:00.004Z

Gareth Southgate conducts himself really well and I believe he will have a very solid managerial career. I have written before on EFT that I like his footballing philosophy which is best seen in his choice of signings.

Aliadiere, Tuncay, Hoyte, Digard are examples of technically strong and athletic players with a hungry character to succeed. Southgate has said before that we wants his team to play a vibrant style of football and his signings definitely reflect this.

Add that he is determined to follow the Steve McClaren policy of integrating the Boro academy players into the first team and you have some good reasons why I'm interested to follow the development of Boro under Southgate.

His biggest signing is that of the Brazilian striker, Afonso Alves. His scoring record in Sweden was superb and his league scoring record in Holland was awesome: 45 goals in 39 games!

If you check out Youtube videos of his goals when in Holland you will see that Alves is a natural finisher. He has a shooting technique that is repetetive - he drills the ball hard and low. He has a good build and a deceptively strong running style with the ball.

Alves was bought in January by Boro and I think he complements the type of football that Southgate wants to achieve. His two goals against Man Utd last season and free-kick against Stoke this season displayed his potential to emulate his form in the Premier League. Yet after going on a run of games when he got close but ultimately was unable to score goals, he was dropped for the match against Arsenal last weekend.

Southgate's loss of patience would have been a wake-up call for Alves. Yet, if my instincts are right, it should be for the best for the Brazilian striker. It should re-focus him and make him hungry to come back with a bang and show everyone plus himself that he should be the main goal-getter at Boro.

If I was Southgate I'd play Alves against Fulham this afternoon. If Alves has the character I think he has I have the strong suspicion that he will come back with a bang and score. I would be happy for Alves if I was proved right on this. He's a player I rate and I would like to see him get it right.

It would be harsh on Aliadiere who applied himself very well in the centre forward position and scored against Arsenal. But in the long-term best interest of Boro and Alves I think its better for the Brazilian striker to get back in the action as soon as possible and show everyone that he has the character and quality to rebound from a bad period.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd or Arsenal - 75 points to win the title?

2008-12-17T15:43:00.002Z

If so, that would equal the lowest ever points total in Premership history. That was back in 1997 and in the last few years we have been accustomed to seeing the winning side gain around 90 points. The "big four" have all struggled this season and I can see this continuing. So what do you think - will 75 points be enough?

Liverpool’s title credentials under my examination

2008-12-15T18:38:00.004Z

I made a trip down to Anfield on Saturday to check out the title credentials of Liverpool. It has been a while since I have been up there, the hospitality of the staff at Anfield was tremendous and I always love visiting this football friendly City.

With the groans of dissatisfaction ringing around Anfield on Saturday you could be forgiven for thinking that Liverpool are a club in crisis, but in actual fact we remain top of the Premier League, despite a third straight home draw that has raised serious doubts about our title-winning credentials.

My wife, who is fast developing an interest for the game made some interesting observation on Dossena and Kuyt. So much has been made by Benitez about our squad being stronger this year. I would however question three key areas of the pitch, where in my view we don't have the adequate cover to expose teams when they sit back at Anfield.

Riise v Dossena

We sold Riise and bought Dossena to provide cover for the injury prone, but very talented Aurelio – for me there is no question that Dossena lacks the pace and intelligence in his game to cover for Aurelio – he was exposed for both goals on Saturday. I don't think Riise let us down too many times, save that moment in the Champion's league.

Arbeloa v?

Arveloa has been simply awesome this season. He is full of running and is great going forward and defending. But who can provide cover for him? Finnan was a solid player on the right and I wish Rafa did more to persuade him to stay.

Crouch v Keane

Keane has been struggling this season and he will find it increasingly difficult to fit into the Liverpool system. Crouch on the other had was a real threat, especially when he came off the bench. Keane simply does not influence games in the same way.

The league table does not lie, Liverpool are top and perhaps rightly so. I think if we had the right cover in the above key areas of the pitch we could have moved clear off Chelsea and United.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Anfield it was a great game to watch. I hope Liverppool can pick up at home and continue their great away record. If we can get Nando back for the second half of the season and avoid any further injuries then we have a real chance of winning the title.

Eboue destructive humiliation badly crossed the line

2008-12-07T14:38:00.002Z

When did it become okay to destructively humiliate a player from your own team?

Emmanuel Eboue has played with commitment since first playing for Arsenal about four years ago. He was excellent as an attacking right back during our run to the Champs League final. He has sometimes acted with indiscretion on the pitch but you can clearly tell from his demeanour that he is by no means a 'dirty' player or has a malicious character. He gives his best although sometimes he lacks composure in his final pass or shot.

Yesterday Eboue suffered badly at the end of the game against Wigan. He successively gave the ball away very badly in the last few minutes and it was painful to watch. He had obviously lost his confidence and composure and I agreed with Wenger that it was right to take Eboue out of his misery on the pitch and sub him.

The reaction to his substitution from some Arsenal supporters was shameful. I was relieved to see Eboue being taken off both for his own sake as well as the team's. But to see him have to take on board loud cheers from his own 'supporters' as he walked off the pitch was terrible to watch. It left a real unsatisfactory feeling.

You could tell from the reaction of Ade and Silvestre in their body language and solidarity with Eboue as he went off the pitch that they felt badly for him having to take that abuse and humiliation. They and I knew that it was destructive stuff and that at that moment the stadium had crossed the line in what is an acceptable way to treat your own players.

I hope not to witness such a reaction again. It made me feel ashamed to be an Arsenal supporter.

A pleasure listening to Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson, on BBC Radio 5 Live

2008-11-26T17:17:00.006Z

Bob Wilson was Arsenal's goalkeeper during their 1970-1971 'double season' and later on was Arsenal's goalkeeping coach during the first two generations of Arsene Wenger's time at Arsenal. In 1999, he and his wife set-up the Willow Foundation in loving memory of his daughter, Anna, who had passed away from cancer. This charity has since supported thousands of individuals with a life-threatening condition to have wonderful and memorable days.

Always when I hear him talk I am impressed by the reason and manner that he puts across his opinions. He has respect for his listener and facts and looks to be constructive and supportive in his comments. His words and his manner reflects an individual who is extemely decent and for me its a bonus that a football man of his quality of character is also an 'Arsenal' man.

Yesterday, for the first time that I can recall, he was in the role of co-commentator/expert summariser for a live football match. He was commentating alongside Alan Green and Mike Ingham on BBC radio five live for the Arsenal v Dynamo Kiev match.

In tricky times its good to hear reassuring voices that you have respect for so I was glad to hear Bob Wilson on the radio give his insight and reflection on the current Arsenal situation.

He placed the current situation and events leading to it in their context with a reason that was refreshing to hear. He spoke with reasonableness and insight on the character and qualities of Arsene Wenger, William Gallas, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy etc.

He expressed an informed view that Arsene Wenger is definitely not averse to buying but that he will only do so if the potential recruit was of sufficient quality. He also strongly intimated that Xavi Alonso was very close to coming to Arsenal in the summer but that move did not go through because Liverpool were unable to get Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

Overall, it was simply a pleasure to hear Bob Wilson on the radio. He speaks with kind heart and reason on Arsenal and football and has a personable manner that seems to attract the full respect of his colleagues as well as the full respect of this this listener. This is in marked contrast to what we usually get as watchers/listeners of football broadcasts.

So, thanks to the BBC for having Bob Wilson on yesterday's commentary. And, much more than that, here's to Bob Wilson for his achievements, his character and for being a great Arsenal man.

I would love Wenger to prove his critics wrong

2008-11-24T21:01:00.003Z

Not any attempts at analysis in this post. This is more a personal piece, a hope that Arsene Wenger proves his critics wrong. Some are amazingly calling for his head, others are using a bad run - including an admittedly terrible low-on-confidence performance at Man City - to take an opportunity to rubbish wholesale his work and his 'third generation project' which some conveniently don't acknowledge took us very close last season.

Arsene Wenger deserves far more patience and respect. For me he made a mistake not buying in the summer. Wenger is human - he is entitled to make mistakes; to have made a gamble that has not paid off in relying on the talents of Diaby, Denilson and Song being ready to take on regular CM responsibilty and to gamble that the Gallas/Toure partnership be given another chance.

It is fair to highlight that and say that it may have cost us a real challenge for the title this season and criticise him appropriately. But not to the degree I have read and seen. To do that is to show no respect to past achievement and joy he has bought to Arsenal fans and general football fans over the past decade. And that is worthy of contempt.

The test is the transfer window. If no action - or at least attempt to take action - is taken and performances like against Man City continue than severe questions must be asked of Wenger. But not now; not while he is unable to enter the market. Instead we must be patient for our heavy-hitters like Rosicky, Adebayor, Eduardo, Toure, Cesc etc who were absent on Saturday to make their respective returns to the team. And we must get really behind the young players who played with their heads down on Saturday.

The supporters who went to Man City did that. More of that is needed in place of the disproportionate criticism.

(P.S. I like many other supporters have closely followed the development of Cesc since his introduction into the first team. He has been a credit to himself, his family, the club and his home country ever since his debut back in 2003. His appointment as Arsenal captain follows a natural progression of what has been a sensational development and I definitely wish him the very best.)

Toure or Fabregas for captain

2008-11-21T18:45:00.008Z

Out of trouble can come good solutions...

William Gallas has spoken out over various things that are making him unhappy at Arsenal. The fact that he has views about certain things at Arsenal is not problematic. However, by bringing the club into disrepute and publicly embarrasing Arsene Wenger who has consistently defended Gallas' captaincy, I think he was fundamentally wrong to have gone public in a detailed way about his concerns.

The allegation spreading across the net and news media is that Gallas has been stripped of the captaincy. I would support that sanction and hope it revives the value of the Arsenal captaincy which undoubteldly fell in image after Gallas' response to the sad draw at St Andrews back in February.

Gallas is not a natural leader. He is not calm and stern when faced with obstacles. He reacts with fire that often looks unsettling. He does not set a good outward example for his teammates to follow.

His public criticial outburst is another instance of extraordinary public behaviour that lets Gallas and the club down - and I would suggest two main candidates to replace him as captain.

The first is Kolo Toure. The only surviving regular starter of the invincibles - he has been a hugely committed player representing the Arsenal spirit in the best sense since his debut. I still remember his first TV interview after scoring at Stamford Bridge in one his first matches for Arsenal; he spoke with superb humility and demonstrated through his manner and choice of words a character of immense quality that made me think we have a special character to watch at Arsenal.

He hasn't let me down in this impression - most recently seen when as captain for the recent home match against Everton after damaging his shoulder in a bad fall. He got up and proceeded to play the next twenty minutes in apparent agony but a simultaneous desire to lay his body on the line for his teammates and the club. It was fantastic to see Kolo's spirit under strain; and it is this example combined with his experience that for me would make him an excellent choice as Arsenal captain.

The second is Cesc Fabregas. He is a winner in his play and in his character. When on the ball he is the most mature and composed footballer I have seen play for Arsenal (been watching since 1987). He demonstrates footballing intelligence on the pitch and maturity in his behaviour and interviews off the pitch. He is a fighter when the team is down. He is the 'go to' player when Arsenal are in possession - and has confidently assumed that position since his elevation to replacement of Patick Vieira as a precocious and level-headed 18 year old.

Fabregas has demonstrated his leadership qualities many times. In January 2007 at White Hart Lane in a Carling Cup semi-final first leg match, the home team had flown into a two goal lead against an extremely young Arsenal team and the Tottenham ground was rocking. Cesc Fabregas, at 19 years old, than took charge of the match. His performance was sensastional to watch as he drove his team to a second half comeback courtesy of two Baptista goals. It was a performance that convinced me that Fabregas had the winning character combined with influential quality to be a future Arsenal captain. I saw clearly that it was in his nature and character to be a fantastic leader. If Wenger was to honour him with the captaincy now it would be a very reasonable choice.

I'll be happy with either choice of Toure or Fabregas if it is indeed the case that Gallas will no longer lead the club. Personally I think either will bring a better representation to the captaincy than Gallas did. Lets wait and see what Wenger has in mind.

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger: To go at the drop of a Trilby?

2008-11-16T22:19:00.005Z

Did I hear an Arsenal fan call for Arsene Wenger to resign? Did I hear an Arsenal fan call for Arsene Wenger to resign?? Yes, I did, with reference to the comment here: http://elitefootballtalk.blogspot.com/2008/11/arsene-wenger-was-out-strategised-by.html

Since 1996, when Mr Wenger joined Arsenal, Arsenal had won what exactly?

The Premiership x 3, Runners-Up x 5;
The FA Cup x 4, runners-up x 1;
League Cup runners-up x 1;
Charity/Community winners x 4, runners-up x 2;
Champions League and UEFA Cup runners-up x 1.
The League and FA Cup double of 1998 & 2002.

Did I miss anything? Since the decade of the beginning of the Premiership, 1990, but before Wenger arrived, Arsenal had won the title the once, never a runner-up; the FA Cup and the League Cup the once, never a runner-up; shared the Charity/Community Shield in 1991 with Spurs after a 0-0 draw and runners-up in 1993 to Man Utd; won the UEFA Cup in 1994.

Count the shared Charity Shield, that was 4 and a half trophies before Wenger arrived. Compare that to 11 trophy victories during Wenger's reign and a very close shave in the Champions League final, the first time in Arsenal's history. Count the unbeaten season of 2004. Count the playability they are now renowned for. And then see if you can tell me, with all honesty, that it is time for Arsene Wenger to resign from Arsenal Football Club.

Shaking my head. Now when the time is shaky, when perhaps leadership is a question in the Arsenal team when the going is tough, uncertain, unpredictable, this is the sort of times that the fans' support is more crucial.

No one is happy with a loss, no one is happy if their team gets a result that is effectively not productive enough or at all, but you dont support the team expecting a win. You support a team for who they are, what they represent, come win, lose or draw.

Arsene Wenger to resign? Arsenal poised in 4th place, nine points behind the leaders. How many defeats thus far? Fulham, Hull, Stoke and Aston Villa, two home, two away. Utd won the title last season with five defeats. Yes, defeats so early in the season could be counter-productive but it isn't over. This is November.

I've been through this with some LFC fans calling for Benitez to go, amongst others. Enough said. Many ridiculed him, still do, many continue to say we will never win the league with him, whereas I have faith in him and feel he will make Liverpool league champions. However, he has made Liverpool a stronger challenger for the title since Graeme Souness' reign from 1992, with the exception of Gerard Houllier taking us to runners-up in 2002. We have been playing stronger football and we have a formidable European manager at the helm who is very tactical.

Arsenal do too. The media, bless them, go crazy over Arsenal's performances and Wenger's Midas touch. They did. Now they report on the decline, the likelihood of not being in the title run right now. They build you up and drop you down and all at a drop of a hat. For fans to question Wenger now, calling for his resignation, seems an equal drop in the sense of reality and practicality.

RedsMan.

Arsene Wenger was out-strategised by Martin O'Neill

2008-11-16T11:24:00.012Z

Aston Villa deservedly won at the Emirates yesterday. The reason for their clear victory was that Martin O'Neill got his tactics totally correct and Arsene Wenger had his team selection and tactics wrong.

The Arsenal 4-5-1 with Diaby supporting Bendtner from deep was the right formation for Man Utd because of the champion's attacking firepower and our consequential need to consolidate the central midfield.

But when playing a team who have their own 4-5-1 with ten players looking to predominantly play defence in their own half and rely on quick counter-attacking breaks- it is not right for Arsene to use the 4-5-1. There was a clear need to play two strikers to give a run around to the Villa defence. Bentdner - who was looking lacklustre anyway unlike his play against Man Utd - was isolated, squeezed and desperately needed support. Having the electric Carlos Vela alongside him would have given Arsenal greater attacking threat and more likely have tested Villa's defence.

Diaby often came out to the wings to pick up possession because of the central congestion and often got in the way of Walcott. Denilson and Cesc had little forward options to pass to and were outnumbered by the Villa central midfield three of Barry, Petrov and Sidwell who performed their primary responsibilty easily of providing a tight defensive blanket in front of the Villa back four.

It was too easy for Villa - they knew that their manager had got the tactics rights and that this system could easily counter Wenger's system.

By the time that Adebayor came on midway through the second half the damage was done - Villa were very high on confidence and had got into a great defensive groove gave whilst the Arsenal youngsters looked frustrated and had a flagging demeanour and body-language on the pitch.

When Villa got their goal on the break after Sagna went down with a twisted ankle there was effort but lack of real confidence in the body language of the players that they could comeback. The excellent Agbonlahor goal sealed it - that was the knock-out blow for this Arsenal team.

Unfortunately Wenger got the tactics wrong for Villa's system and we could not build on the much needed confidence boost of the win last week against Man Utd. This somewhat compounds - and indeed underlines - the original mistake by Wenger not to buy a top level centre-back and CM in the summer (see this post for further analysis) which was required to add the cement to the great foundations of this young squad.

The only positive I can take from defeat is that it jolts Wenger to act in January. It is clear to me that the young Arsenal players look like they desperately need more experienced heads to ease the responsibilty that Wenger had placed on their shoulders by his bad summer gamble.

Watch out for Huddlestone

2008-11-14T15:04:00.002Z

Tottenham Hotspur's Tom Huddlestone makes good football look very easy. He makes hitting a fifty yard pin-point pass look effortless. He can ping a powerful shot from outside the box with supreme ease. The pure skill and ease of his footballing talent reminds me of the play of Matt le Tissier. And as indicated by the fact that he is still an England under 21 international - he has plenty of time on his side to progress and progress.

One thing I couldn't understand at the start of this season was why Huddlestone looked to have been sidelined by Daniel Commoli and Juande Ramos. First, Tottenham signed Luka Modric and therefore looked to have put an unnecessarily expensive block in the way of the progression of Huddlestone. This was followed up by the notable lack of starts for Huddlestone under Ramos.

When I heard about Harry Redknapp's shock arrival at White Hart Lane the number one thing I thought he should do was re-instate Huddlestone to the first eleven. He is such a big talent and has so much ability that I couldn't believe that he should remain behind Modric and Zokoro in the CM pecking order.

Redknapp did this - putting Huddlestone in against Bolton and since then he has played a good part in keeping them unbeaten in six games. Huddlestone gives Tottenham a sizable presence in CM and a central midfielder who has the ability to set a great rhythm to the Tottenham possession and attacking game. He looks to have a good rapport with his teammates and I like his demeanour on the pitch; for me he looks to have a good character which will prevent him fading away like other promising youngsters can.

Huddlestone's goal against Dynamo Zagreb last week was outstanding and a good example of his supreme timing in striking a football. And against Liverpool on Wednesday he played a couple of sublime passes and struck a shot that had me very impressed.

I would like to see Huddlestone succeed. With the great motivator and proven developer of young English talent, Harry Redknapp, now in charge there is hope that his excellent talent will not be allowed to waste. His play and progression will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks and months.

Nasri's instinctive courage and shooting ability will take Arsenal to a higher level

2008-11-13T23:29:00.015Z

When Arsenal signed Samir Nasri in the summer, I looked at YouTube videos of the young play-maker and the number one observation I made was that we had signed a replacement to the frustratingly shot-shy Alexander Hleb who didn't appear afraid to shoot.

In fact, according to my limited summer analysis, we had signed an attacking play-maker who was not just willing and able to shoot hard from outside of the box - but was willing and able to do so with BOTH feet.

This gave me a lot of hope that we had signed a player who could draw a veil over the shot-cautious time of Hleb and move attacking Arsenal into an even more positive direction; moving this third generation team closer to success.

And after some promising performances and contributions - including a crucial twenty yard drive against Everton that equalised the match - we saw the difference made by Nasri over Hleb in the thrilling Arsenal v Man Utd match on Saturday.

On 22 minutes Nasri found himself twenty yards out with the ball on his less-dominant left foot but showed no caution in driving through it with great velocity that skimmed the leg of Gary Neville and on into the net for a crucial lead.

Then on 48 minutes after an extensive Arsenal passing move which saw an excellent body-turn and through ball by Fabregas and a superb decoy run by Theo Walcott, the young French-Algerian found himself 22 yards out and now on his dominant right-foot again showed no caution but rather massive intent in blasting a clean ball-strike which flew like a rocket past the helpless Van Der Saar.

The celebration of a player for me is always a good indicator of his character and temperament. And I really liked what I saw from Nasri! Wheeling away, lapping up the celebration of the crowd demonstrating he was really attuned with the big-match atmosphere, I felt that I was watching a player who has the internal burning passion and big-match confidence to be a fantastic acqusition for Arsenal.

It is my strong belief that Alex Hleb would not have scored Nasri's goals on Saturday. He would have looked for a pass in the first goal and I don't think he would have found have unhesitantly struck a shot for the second goal. I don't even think we would have seen the same passion and intent in the goal celebration.

This does not mean that I want to undermine Hleb's contributions to AFC: as I wrote back in the summer I liked watching Hleb's close control and effort but given his indecisiveness around the box I felt I would enjoy watching him far more in the Barca shirt.

Saturday's performance by Nasri vindicated this instinct.

Nasri does not just have great shooting decisiveness and ability around the box. His ball dribbling and composure on the ball when surrounded by opponents is very similar to that of Fabregas - and for me that means it is of massive quality. He also displays very good body-strength when up against stronger opponents as seen on Saturday when tussling with and beating Nemanja Vidic, plus he has impressive passing ability as displayed by his outstanding outside of the foot forty yard pass to Bentdner deep in the match.

If there were any doubters of 21 year old Samir Nasri before the Man Utd match they should be in a period of re-assessment. For me he has aspects of Joe Cole and Cesc Fabregas in his play - plus a big-match temperament and fighting spirit in his character reminiscent of another French-Algerian player who was the world's best in his prime.

Terrible signs for West Ham

2008-11-12T12:01:00.003Z

Its an amazing thing to see that the bottom eleven clubs in the Premier League are only separated by three points and the speculation has begun as to who among them will ultimately find themselves facing relegation. My strong feeling is that West Ham will be one of the three.

At the start of this season, Alan Curbishley was being pressured from above and left the club after securing two wins in three matches. Gianfranco Zola was picked with nil management experience to take over from a man who had neraly twenty years managerial experience - and the signs since then have not been good, to put it lightly.

In the last couple of months West Ham have experienced the following woes:

- lost their club sponsors;
- their chairman is closely caught up in the Icelandic banking system collapse;
- found out they are likely to have to pay huge multi-million pound compensation to Sheff Utd;
- sold Anton Ferdinand;
- Dean Ashton has picked up another long-term injury;
- their run of matches without keeping a clean-sheet has risen to 24 matches;
- they have only picked up one point in the last six matches;
- in their last match they conceded three goals in seven minutes to lose at home in dismal style.

The image of a great club like West Ham playing with a shirt that has numbers sewn on the front like they are an amateur side is reflective of a club that looks to be caught in a spiralling downturn. And to have a rookie trying to manage in these circumstances is looking a recipe for trouble.

Its difficult to think how Zola can change things round. If Curbishley was still in charge he would look to stabilize matters by getting the team organised to keep clean sheets. I think this is the right way to go - a failure to keep a clean sheet for twenty plus matches is a significant problem, let alone for a team that is struggling to score.

This means getting the defence working better - and for me that means not playing Faubert at right-back. I don't understand why Faubert is being played there? He was bought as a right winger and from what I have seen of the player he doesn't strike me as a defensive player. For me, Lucas Neill and even Behrami would be better picks at RB. I would also drop Ilunga if possible. He is good going forward but West Ham needs a stronger defensive presence at LB at the moment. McCartney would be a much better player there - Curbishley was right to question his sale to Sunderland.

I would also be regularly starting Etherington, especially over Luis Boa Morte. The Portugese international does not look anywhere near the same explosive player that he was at Fulham - while Etherington always looks threatening and positive and he (I'm probably the only one) continues to remind me of Jose Antonio Reyes.

Aside from these small changes, its difficult to think what else can be done by Zola to reverse things for the better. For me, the signs demonstrate that they look badly-equipped to battle with their fellow relegation candidates and I unfortunately see them falling into the bottom three as the season unwinds.

Idealist Wenger must admit bad summer gamble and buy in January

2008-11-06T16:30:00.013Z

It was clear from his comments at the end of last season and then again during the summer that Arsene Wenger was looking for an experienced midfielder to bring into the team.

In addition he made guarded comments about an interest in Aston Villa and England's Gareth Barry and there were huge rumuors about Xavi Alonso coming to Arsenal. Both are in the mid-twenties with years of big-match experience who can play holding CM roles. Both also have the footballing ability and intelligence to slot nicely into the Arsenal playing style. Either of these players would have been a great complement to Cesc in the Arsenal midfield and would have enhanced the maturity of the team.

But Wenger didn't sign these players - nor anyone else of this stature - despite having seen Flamini walk away and then allowing Gilberto to leave for Greece. What's the explanation?

My feeling substantiated from press rumours is that Wenger may have looked seriously at Barry or Alonso but ultimately was deterred by their valuation. Instead he decided to follow the logic of his massive project of relying on own-produced young players to form the basis of his third-generation team - and opted to rely on a combination of Song, Denilson and Diaby to fill the gap next to Fabregas.

It was a risk based on idealism - and according to the evidence it is a risk that has not worked. Defeats to Hull, Stoke and Fulham and a capitulation to Tottenham demonstrate this.

Wenger must admit this to himself and make a serious attempt to spend money on a couple of good, experienced players in a couple of key positions. I believe the benefits to the morale of this squad and the fans would be enormous if he did this during the next transfer window.

This Arsenal squad has fantastic talent. It is very close, tantalisingly close, to being a force. For me it simply needs an addition of a Barry/Alonso type in the CM and a dominating centre-back in the mould of a Martin Laursen/Vidic to be a squad that has the mark of being a complete package. I also think Arsenal can benefit from buying a hyper-experienced Gilles Grimandi type who can be utilised off the bench to defend narrow leads with a cool head and the defensive mentality to keep the team organsised and focused.

Wenger knew and let the fans know last summer that the squad needed a couple of high quality, experienced players but then let idealism take over his expressed better instincts. He can't repeat this bad gamble again during the next transfer window.

Match Of The Day: Conservative or Regulated?

2008-11-02T21:50:00.004Z

Watching Match Of the Day last night, I was quite perplexed on a few issues. Issues during the respective games upon which no discussion nor analysis was made. There was only the goals and missed chances in the Spurs v Liverpool game to speak on. Then the programme focused on Stoke v Arsenal and predominately the Rory Delap throw-ins which seem to made sports headlines. The scoreline was covered, the goals were scored, but what about the injuries? Was there no information at the time of broadcast to pass on? How was Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott doing? Was Robin van Persie's foul on Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen a foul, a booking or a straight red as it ended? Usually the pundits would debate these issues but didn't do so last night.

The penalty at Fratton Park, conceded by Papa Boupa Dioup on Titus Bramble. They just skated over it briefly, saying they were sorry for him following on from the one he conceded at Anfield on Wednesday. When I replayed the moment, Bramble blatantly dived while Dioup had stuck his foot out but brought it back before it could make the significant contact to actually fall Bramble as he did. Move on to Wigan's Man-Of-The-Moment Amr Zaki, far more interesting to speak on, and his penalty score.

But the West Brom v Blackburn game was something else. Officiating on the playing field by fresh referee Mike Jones, who has handled this current season in the EPL the games previously of Hull v Wigan in August and Wigan v Aston Villa last weekend, and he was therefore considered the 'freshman'. The awarding by Jones of a Blackburn penalty for a Ryan Donk tug on Jason Roberts' shirt was considered by MOTD as 'soft', despite the fact it is an offence in the rules of the game and as such gives away a penalty if committed in the penalty box by a defender.

'Soft' as it may be, the pundits felt it was a good decision. For me Mr Jones had excellent vision to see it and then give it, for I have seen a number of shirt-tugs during corners and freekicks that always seem to go unpunished. However, the awarding of a red for two bookable offences to Benni McCarthy was also considered unfortunate for McCarthy. I don't understand why. McCarthy had gone into West Brom skipper Jonathan Greening and earned a first booking. With that, he then came to meet a high ball that was due to go over him with his arm, a clear deliberate handball. He was rightly dismissed.

With this 'Respect' for officials that is being campaigned, albeit quietly, there has been a call for officials to do likewise and ensure they do genuinely grant decisions appropriately. Yet when they do, they are castigated. Jones was said to have given the penalty more for the fact he is in his first season in the EPL and knows he is being thoroughly monitored as to his performance. For me, that has nothing at all to do with the awarding of the penalty decision.

I'm sure it was MOTD who said Andy Johnson's first goal for Fulham against Wigan on Wednesday was on-side, when it was clearly off-side! I know my colleague, T, has stated his opinion regarding the MOTD pundits as being bias or clearly not as accurate or succinct as it should be, particularly when they look over the performances of Arsenal. For me I ask the question after last night's broadcast as to whether they are conservative with their views, choosing on what they look over and analyse, or they are regulated in what views they provide by the programme producers.

There have been other issues in which they have stated a view that, to me, was very contradictory to what actually happened, and I'll be on the look-out to report them here on EFT. Considering they use the latest technological equipment to break down moments in the game (particularly their '3-D pitch' facility where they freeze the moment in a game and produce it exactly as it is in a 3-D graphic, turning the graphic around to what could be the best angle to make judgement from), they should be much more accurate with their opinions on all issues.

I do value MOTD for its analysis, I don't depend on it solely, and to think it has to be called into further question is quite troubling. but it wouldn't be the only one. Sky Sports' Andy Gray for starters has been having a dig or two at referees regularly, and I think such sided opinion gives more pressure to referees from players, managers and fans where it is not necessary.

RedsMan.