Sir Alex & Mike Phelan's Conflicting Contradiction

Well it didn't take long for Sir Alex Ferguson to completely blow his Manchester United assistant, Mike Phelan's assertion last week well and truly out of the water. It can't really be much of a surprise, considering what Phelan actually said. I mean, as soon Phelan declared, "we can't dispute the referees decision" after Mark Clattenburg's decision not to take action against Wayne Rooney for the now infamous elbow on James McCarthy, you just knew that in the very close future, exactly that would happen.

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't exactly hide and shy away when asked about a controversial referee's decision. He has been critical of the men in black many times in the past, whether that be due to a decision made by them that he strongly disagrees with, or even if their fitness is called into question. He doesn't cower in corners when it comes to the men that call the shots. So for Mike Phelan to say after the Wigan game that he and his club (including Sir Alex) could not criticize a referee's decision, well it is a bit rich.

It is even more bizarre once you hear what the Manchester United manager said after the Chelsea game of the referee. It is fair to say, that from his comments, the Scot isn't the biggest fan of Martin Atkinson.
He said:

"You want a fair ref. I don't know how he got this game. I must say, when I saw who it was, I did fear that,"

"We defended badly for the first goal, That was a bad one to lose but the penalty kick was so soft, deary me.

"It's three years in a row that decisions have changed the game here. It was incredible.

"Luiz had done (Javier) Hernandez off the ball and nothing was done. Then he does Rooney, clear as day.

"You are talking about what changed the game in the second half, these are decisions that change the game and he [Atkinson] is going to be refereeing every week!

"I'm proud of my players. They endured a lot of bad decisions against them and they have done their best.

"They [Chelsea] got a lot of decisions that surprised me in a major game like that."

Now if you looked carefully, you may have seen a little criticism of the referee. Okay, okay, there is a lot of criticism aimed at Martin Atkinson. I wonder whether Mike Phelan sees it that way considering his statement earlier about not criticising referees?

Sir Alex's frustration is understandable though, as David Luiz certainly should have seen a red card for at least three very bookable offences.
The first tackle on Michael Carrick was a definite yellow - and he as shown the card. It was a late, vicious and dangerous challenge that had Carrick flying through the air. Then Luiz committed a questionably worse foul on Rooney, as he cynically blocked a run with an outstretched leg. The referee had no obstructions to the incident, but waved lay on. Luiz also blocked Chicharito off the ball, leaving Chicharito lying on the floor thanks to the body check but no action was taken.

Other debateable decisions include the penalty given to win the game in which Yuri Zhirkovic left his leg in looking for the foul from Smalling, and the fact that Vidic was shown red, but not Luiz. All in all, it was a frustrating night for United and Sir Alex, who blew a golden opportunity to move further away from Arsenal in the title race, and leave Chelsea's title hopes languishing in fifth/fourth place.

Arsenal as it happens have a game in hand and now have some well needed confidence as the season edges towards a conclusion and play tonight in an FA Cup replay with Leyton Orient after their loss to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final. Arsenal have now witnessed Manchester United's second loss of the season and will have a chance to inflict the third when the two title challengers come head to head later in the season, which could become a very decisive game in the race for supremacy.

Up next is Liverpool for United, and here's hoping that no controversial referee's decisions will impact the game and that Mike Phelan keeps his dubious statements to himself when in front of BBC cameras.

WATCH: Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham Carling Cup Final

Match Report Here

Arsenal 0 - 1 Birmingham [Zigic]



Arsenal 1 - 1 Birmingham [van Persie]



Arsenal 1 - 2 Birmingham [Martins]

Blues end 48 Year Drought to Keep Arsenal's One Going

Watch all Match Goals Here

Arsenal's 6 year trophy drought had nothing on Birmingham's 48, but it was the team in Blue who proudly walked away knowing that the sorry statistic is no more, and that Alex McLeish is now the proud manager who can place silverware in Birmingham's dusty trophy cabinet. So first of all, congratulations to Birmingham City.

Now to Arsenal. I said before the game, that if Arsenal were to lose, it would be through an individual error, and not the fact that Birmingham's quality was greater. In the end, it proved to be true, as Koscielny hesitated in clearing the ball in front of his goalkeeper, only for the ball to rebound off of Sczcesny into the path of Obafemi Martins for the easiest goal he will ever hope to score. Arsenal threw away their best chance to lift silverware today, and it is that reason why Arsenal fans will be so distraught.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, end to end, with full commitment from both sides as they fought fiercely in front of their passionate and willing fans who created a brilliant atmosphere at a packed Wembley Stadium. The pitch was perfect, much improved from the previous finals, which suited Arsenal's silky passing and quick, intricate play, but the Gunners could not take full advantage of it against the resilient Birmingham defence who stood strong for much of the game.

After Nicola Zigic's headed goal opened the scoring, anything looked possible, only for the stand-in captain Robin van Persie to strike into the corner for the equaliser. But it was the final goal from super substitute Martins that won the game and broke Arsenal hearts.

The man of the match was awarded to the deserving Ben Foster who was once again outstanding in a Carling Cup final win, mirroring his stunning performance for former club Manchester United two years ago. The Englishman told Sky Sports that winning the cup was the best feeling after the birth of his two children, and they would certainly be proud of him, just as the whole of Birmingham, and his former employers Manchester United surely are.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenals wonder kid was excellent again, doing his best to run the midfield in the absence of Fabregas, and doing a very good job. He couldn't lead his side to a win, but he created the goal after bringing the ball forward and striking the bar with a spectacular shot, however, he was left with his hands on has had after the winning goal rippled the net, and Arsenal fell, defeated.

The game may decide Arsenal's future. At the start of play, they were in all four competitions, and favourites to grab at least one. That chance has been blown by yet another defensive error, although very unlucky, and could break their season as they head into the vital closing stages of the title race and Champions League knockout-stages.

Arsenal may still be in all three competitions, including that knockout stage with Barcelona fast approaching, but it was Birmingham who delivered an unlikely knockout blow today which saw the Gunners fall to their knees in disbelief and distress. How will they react to such a cruel blow?

Fabregas & Walcott Out - And Arsenal want Bojan Krkic

Despite the injuries, there is good news. Arsenal apparently want Bojan Krkic of Barcelona [Full Story].

That seems unlikely; especially as Barcelona have only recently called Arsenal "immoral" in their capture of a Barca academy player. I wouldn't think Barcelona would be too keen on dealing with Arsenal after that.

Anyway...
Fabregas and Walcott will miss the Carling Cup final through injury, and Walcott is likely to miss the Barcelona clash on the 8th March. This must be unbelievably frustrating for Fabregas especially, seeing as his main aim as captain was to lift a trophy, and now Arenal's best chance of doing so has come about he is going to be nothing more than a Wembley spectator.

Wenger said of Walcott who suffered an ankle injury against Stoke:

"Walcott will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem.

"I would say today it is very unlikely he will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game.

"I imagine the worst so maybe I will be surprised in a positive way but I just give you my gut feeling at the moment."

And of Fabregas:

"You cannot play football when you're injured. He's sad and disappointed but it could have been worse the injury - it's a very small one. We have many targets in front of us so it is important he is not out for longer."

Asked how long he would be absent, Wenger replied:

"One or two games maybe."

I think it isn't so bad that Fabregas will miss the next few games. The injury isn't at all serious, so he will just be rolled up in cotton wool and rested until the Barcelona game. It may work out well. No disrespect to Birmingham, but even without Fabregas and Walcott, Arsenal are comfortably the better side and should win comfortably.

The Walcott injury on the other hand isn't so good. His pace will be missed against Barcelona, but Arsenal should cope - although Wenger hasn't completely ruled him out of it, and still hold the hope that he will be pleasantly surprised.

Fabregas & Walcott Injuries [Pics] & Reaction

So Arsenal claimed victory against a physical Stoke side to move within a point of Manchester United at the peak of the Premier League. But the three points came at a price. Two of Arsenal's talismanic players in Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott went off the pitch injured, with the latter having to be stretchered off.

See what Arsene Wenger had to say about the injuries below:

Wenger on Fabregas injury:

"Fabregas has a hamstring problem. We will assess that tomorrow. It is impossible to see how serious it is. We will know Thursday."

"It is of course a concern that he (Fabregas) is injured but it happens unfortunately. He was very upset. I am as well. But it is not his fault or mine. It is part of sport.

"It's strange when it happens early in the game but we have to face it. We did the job after that in a very professional way."

Wenger on Walcott Injury:

"Theo Walcott has an ankle sprain and he is out. For how long, I don't know, but he is definitely out of Sunday.

Games for Arsenal are coming in thick and fast, and injuries are the last thing that Wenger would have wanted, especially to their captain Fabregas and sometimes game changing winger Walcott. The three points will however soften the blow as the days count down towards the Carling Cup final on Sunday against Birmingham.

Wenger praised his sides performance against a defensive Stoke side:

"We did the job after the injury in a very professional way against a Stoke team who defended very well. They were very compact but we were intelligent, calm, patient and overall I believe we were resilient."

Stoke have been criticized for the way they play sometimes - using Rory Delap's long throw, not playing on the ground and being too physical - Wenger even once said they played with "rugby" tactics. But he had no complaints after Wednesday's game:

"No. I have no issue with the long throws and I do not have issue with any other aspect of their game. It is a team you know you have to prepare mentally for before the game because you will not take the points if you do not do it.

"Nobody likes to play against Stoke because they have a very special way to play the game, but I have to say tonight for me they defended in a very intelligent way. When we found some space they quickly cut it off and we could not take advantage."

Manchester United 5 - 0 Birmingham

Ben Foster suffered a miserable return to Old Trafford, conceding five goals to the ever potent attack of Dimitar Berbatov with his third hat-tick of the season, Ryan Giggs with a wonder goal and a Nani strike that is becoming a familiar feature at Old Trafford. 

The Premier League's top scorer opened the scoring in the second minute. Some supporters may have been just settling into their seats, preparing for a tough game against resilient opposition, but no sooner had they sat, they were back on their feat celebrating Dimitar Berbatov heading in from a yard out thanks to a Ryan Giggs corner which was headed on from O'Shea at the near post to the Bulgarians awaiting forehead.

Less than thirty minutes later, and Berbatov had grabbed another goal, but this time with his feet. An attacked stared from the middle of the park and red shirts bursted forward in numbers, but only Rooney and his strike partner were needed. Rooney was given the ball, ran and passed it to Berbatov on the edge of the box, and after getting it out of his feet, struck it passed the helpless Foster.

The third goal Sir Alex Ferguson called "very, very exciting". In a reversal of roles, Berbatov tackled a Birmingham defender in the final third, and fed it to Rooney. Rooney then clipped it back to the Bulgarian, and ran down the right wing and waited for the return ball. He got it, and smashed it across the face of the goal for the waiting Ryan Giggs on the corner of the six yard box to blast into the roof of the Birmingham net.

United were on the attack again and again, but there was no goal for Rooney. He missed a golden opportunity too, as a Nani cross flew into the box, and as Rooney did so many times last year, he made his deadly run to smash it into the net. Unfortunately for him and United, the ball didn't quite make contact, and another chance for Rooney was gone. He was, and has been throughout the season, a creator of goals and not the scorer, and is still hugely valuable to United in this sense, but a few more goals would be welcome.

The fourth began from veteran keeper van der sar in the United goal. He hoofed it up field, and waiting on the left wing was Rooney to bring it down beautifully, and slot it through to Giggs in the box. The Welsh winger then hit it into the box for the brilliant hat-trick to be completed.

There was a little mix up in the United defence, a rare Nemanja Vidic mistake, as he was unable to get a cross out of his feet. The ball was taken off of him in the box, and it was crossed into flashing right past Edwin van der sar in the goal, only for it to be missed by Keith Fahey at the far post. It was an open goal, and all that was needed was a simple tap in, but the pace of the ball was too much to control from a yard or so out. Maybe this was what Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger meant when he said United were "a bit" lucky to still be unbeaten.

The final goal came from Nani; his eighth of the season, and he did it somewhat familiar fashion. On the right, he cut inside, and from outside the box, cut inside on his left and smashed it into the bottom left corner to seal the win for United, and cap a miserable day for Birmingham and Foster in goal.

When asked about the Bulgarian's display, who took his tally for the season to 17 in the Premier League, he admitted:

 "It was marvellous.

"He could have scored more and we were a bit wasteful at times with our finishing, but you can't complain at that performance.

"I think it helps when you score an early goal. When we scored they had to open up and I think we capitalised on that.

"It was a good scoreline at half-time, I was able to take Patrice Evra off to give him a break and bring young Fabio on. And then I was able to take Ryan off because we've got a big game on Tuesday."

I say it week after week, but I have no choice: United remain unbeaten. Some performances this season have been poor, and the Red Devils have come out very lucky to still have that unbeaten record, but this performance was certainly not one of them. Birmingham were totally outplayed and United sit proudly at the top of the table.

Arsenal beat Wigan convincingly too, and now sit second, 2 points behind United, while Manchester City lost to Aston Villa which sees them drop to third. It was certainly a good day for United, despite the Arsenal win. Maybe now United can sort out their away form and cruise to a Premier League unbeaten season with an improved away record.

The Away Draw Returns - Birmingham 1 - 1 Manchester United

Another late goal, another two points dropped, another disappointment for Manchester United.

[View Higlights Below]

Away to Birmingham is a tough game with their defence so tight and their defensive tactics to spring on the counter attack if they can, but Berbatov seemed to have wrapped up the points with his 58 minute goal - the Bulgarians' 14th of the season. 

This was not the case however, and after a ball was played into the box, the giant Zigic knocked it down (with his arm) - to Lee Bowyer who was in a borderline offside position, and Bowyer poked it home. No official spotted the illegality and Birmingham duly celebrated their point as if they had won, while United trudged off at the end with a familiar sickening feeling. For this has happened before. Manchester United had once again dropped vital points at a vital time when the situation could have been avoided.

The first half was very tight, with chances few and far between - a fluky Giggs cross scooped above Ben Foster in the Birmingham goal only for him to tip it onto the post, and this was the most threatening of chances. United were able to control possession in general without creating many chances as Birmingham defended closely.

After the beautifully worked United goal in the second half, the game opened up much more. Birmingham had to push forward leaving space in behind their defence, but they were able to cope well with Uniteds attack. There wasn't much cutting edge, and United missed their pacey wingers like Nani or Valenica as well as the recently departed Park, who has left for the Asia Cup.

The result isn't much to worry about for the Red Devils, as they stay top above noisy neighbours City, have their two games in hand and maintain their unbeaten record this season. However, conceding yet another late goal and drawing away from home for the seventh time in eight away matches this season is a problem that must be addressed. The away record could cost them the title.

Birmingham 1 - 1 Manchester United Highlights

Snow Ruins the Football Week-end As Matches are Postponed

Premier League Postponements

Arsenal v Stoke

Birmingham v Newcastle

Liverpool v Fulham

Wigan v Aston Villa

AND
NOW

Chelsea v Manchester United

A week-end of football is destroyed because of masses of snow falling from the sky and settling on and around the grounds - leaving the surrounding areas to dangerous for fans to walk along.
A Liverpool spokesperson said:

"Although the Anfield pitch is playable, the conditions around the stadium and further afield for people travelling to the match are such that the decision was taken, following police advice on safety grounds, to postpone the game. All existing tickets will remain valid for the rearranged fixture and supporters will be advised of the new date as soon as possible."

It is pretty much the same story everywhere else, with the club, referee or local authorities deeming the surrounding area of the stadium too hazardous, despite the best efforts of ground staff.

The postponement of the Arsenal game against Stoke is probably a big disappointment for the Arsenal fans in particular. They would have loved to give Ryan Shawcross a right old rollicking because of the Aaron Ramsey incident, but that will have to be delayed for a little while until a new date is figured out. Arsenal could have also taken advantage ahead of the Chelsea - Manchester United game on Sunday, as a win against Stoke would have put them top of the table, and therefore put more pressure on the two teams to win at Stamford Bridge.
However, now the big game between Chelsea and United has been called off a day in advance because of the weather. It may be seen as good news for some United fans, as it means Paul Scholes, who would have been still recovering from an injury on Sunday, should now be ready to play in the renewed fixture. This snow is changing everything.

Snow, snow, snow. How big a part could it play in the title race?

Roy Keane to Take on Old Rivals in Cup Semi Final

Just as cup draws always seem to do, two former rivals will fight fiercely against each other once again. Former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane and his Ipswich side have been drawn against United's notorious rival in Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, while the former Birmingham owners will see their current club, West Ham take on their old side.

Keane was renowned for his highly competitive, and aggressive style of play - the perfect leader therefore, for a massive club, and his Ipswich players would probably tell you that he hasn't lost any of his massive passion for winning. In his playing days, there was no team that Keane loved beating more than Arsenal, so the Irishman will gratefully snatch the chance to re-live his United glory days and progress to the Carling Cup final.

Birmingham, who progressed to this stage thanks to a 2 - 1 win over bitter local rivals Aston Villa, have been drawn against lesser rivals; but rivals for a different reason. David Sullivan and David Gold owned Birmingham for 15 years, but left amid certain allegations in 2008 and admitted that:

"deep down the public have had enough of us".

Thanks to comments made by Gold, including calling the Birmingham chairman "disgusting" he was banned by Birmingham's ground, St Andrews for the recent Premier League match between the Blues and the Hammers, so it will be interesting to see the on the pitch battle between the two teams fighting for a cup fnal place.

There will be two legs to the semi final games, and the winners will book a place at Wembley on February 27th. The semi finals look like they will be entertaining games, but surely this cup is Arsenal's to lose as their biggest challengers, Manchester United, crashed out 4 - 0 in the quarter finals against West Ham.

Berbatov Grabs 5 in 36 Goal-Packed Premier League Saturday

A record breaking Premier League Saturday - wonder goals were scored, penalties were saved, red cards were brandished and 36 goals rippled the net. It was quite unbelievable.

The early kick off saw Arsenal defeat Aston Villa and the golden oldie and returning Arsenal legend Robert Pires by four goals to two. Arshavin and Nasri lifted Arsenal to a two goal lead in the first half, while Ciaran Clark scored to revive some hope before Marouane Chamakh scored 4 minutes later. Clark then scored again to raise Villa hopes again, but Jack Wilshere finished the game in the 90th minute to temporarily put Arsenal top.
They were probably hoping Blackburn would give United a good fight. If they were, they would havebeen bitterly disappointed. http://bit.ly/hxBxSi (Goals)

Manchester United grabbed 7 goals in a 7 - 1 win against Blackburn in which Dimitar Berbatov - the guy who hadn't scored since his hat-trick against Liverpool, and was said to be preparing to be sold by United in the summer - scored 5 goals. Luis Nani and Ji Sung Park scored the others, but Berbatov grabbed the match ball in delight (or his composed version of it) at the end of the game in a match that shoots his goal tally up to 11 for the season and fires Manchester United up to the top of the Premier League with a dramatically increased goal difference. (Goals) http://bit.ly/hxBxSi

Carlos Tevez announced once again that he was unhappy playing football, but Manchester City hoped to put this aside and roll over Stoke City at the Brittania. They almost won too, as Micah Richards scored from 12 yards out inthe 81st minute. But Matthew Etherington slotted home after a nice move in the ninetirth minute to crush City's hopes and squeeze a point from the game.

The other results today included a win from West Ham against relegation rivals Wigan for a precious three points, a Bolton comeback from two goals down against Blackpool, a Wolves - Sunderland thriller where Ebanks-Blake scored in the 89th minute to take the three points, and a Fulham - Birmingham draw. 2 red cards and 5 goals in the match between Everton and West Brom saw the Toffees lose their cool, and lose Arteta in a 58 minute stamp on Jara.

The full list of results are as follows:

Aston Villa 2 - 4 Arsenal

Bolton 2 - 2 Blackpool

Manchester United 7 - 1 Blackburn

Everton 1 - 4 West Brom

Fulham 1 - 1 Birmingham

Stoke 1 - 1 Manchester City

West Ham 3 - 1 Wigan

Wolves 3 - 2 Sunderland

Arsenal and Chelsea to Battle for English Defender

John Terry's injury has left Chelsea short on defenders, and therefore shaky at the back - the two consecutive losses to Sunderland and Birmingham emphasised their problems, and they will be looking to the January transfer market to bring in a replacement defender.

Arsenal do not have as bad a problem as Chelsea in terms of defenders; they can fill their back line without too many problems. However, losing a game in which you were two goals ahead doesn't exactly inspire confidence in fans critically observing the Arsenal defenders.

The solution? Gary Cahill of Bolton. The 24 year old has recently been called up to England duty, and has played an important role in the current success of his team. The chairman of Bolton has of course noted this, done some calculations and come up with a figure of around £15 million. That figure is what any possible suitors for the Bolton defender will have to pay, and Phil Gartside the chairman will have to accept due to crippling debt. He said:

“If a Champions League team knocks on our door in January that’s the best time to sell an asset because Champions League teams will pay the money”.

"Owners should be allowed to invest in equity. So if you, as an owner, want to buy a striker for £10m that shouldn't be a problem. But what you then can't do is pay him extortionate wages that take you out of the break-even situation. We are carrying too many on the wage bill."

With debts reportedly close to £100 million, it is imperative for Bolton to rake substantial amounts back into the club, and with Arsenal and Chelsea waiting in the wings, the trotters will be forced to sell. Gary Cahill himself may also be looking for a way out to a bigger club where he can challenge for trophies, and as an up and coming England star, a bigger club is a bigger stage to show off his talents.

Arsene Wenger doesn't want to live through the nightmare of the 2 - 3 home defeat to Tottenham, and Ancelotti will not want to get used to losing to mid table clubs, so it seems that Bolton's admission that their top players will have to be sold opens the door to any offers from the two clubs fighting for the title.

Transfer Deadline day Summary

"Deadline Day". Here, I found a definition for you all:

Designates the approximate point in time at which work begins in earnest; employee motivation is frequently observed to be "dead" before the deadline draws near.


"Christ, it's the nearly deadline already?! Hey Pete, put down the controller my friend - it's time that we looked at these shuttle schematics."

 

Football managers may not be studying the ways in human beings can safely be transported to the moon in a space shuttle, but they are spending millions on young men who kick a ball around for ninety minutes every week. To many, like me, it is extremely important. Yes, today is "Deadline Day" and that means SkySports reporters getting extremely excited about exclusive reports and proceeding in giving us all a headaches as they scream down the expensive camera lenses to us at our homes.

 

I'm going to then start with a transfer which surprised me somewhat. Alexander Hleb has joined Birmingham City on a season long loan. The former Arsenal man who is currently owned by Barcelona, has been described by Alex McLeish, City's manager as "top quality" and a player whom he thought he would only realistically get in his dreams (or on the FIFA football games maybe?). Birmingham's spending doesn't stop there though! No, because Hleb joins fellow new signing Jiranek (Centre Back) who came from Russian club Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee, while the Chilean winger Jean Beausejour is expected to complete his transfer to St Andrew's later today. The arrivals take Birmingham's summer signings to six in total, as McLeish has already added Nikola Zigic, Ben Foster, Enric Valles and Matt Derbyshire to his squad. With all those signings strengthening their squad, I am tipping Birmingham to finish in the top half of the table, creeping into the Europa League spots. This Carson Yeung fellow who has pumped millions in for new signings is sure to get his reward! Isn't he?

Next, and we are with Liverpool. They have completed the signing of Paul Konchesky on a four year deal. Some are surprised by the signing of the former Charlton, West Ham and Fulham left-back who has never really attracted interest from the top clubs, but Hodgson obviously got along well with his former player and believes he can fill the somewhat problematic postition (one of many at Liverpool) of left-back.

In addition, with only Fernando Torres and David N'gog as their star strikers - and I use "star striker" loosley with N'gog, Hodgson is trying to hammer out a deal for Carlton Cole - West Ham's "star striker". With reports that Ryan Babel had been in a helicopter over London today, you could be forgiven if you thought that maybe Hodgson was trying to use Babel as a makeweight for the deal, with Babel heading to Upton Park. However Babel dashed Liverpool's fans hopes that they will be getting rid of the dissapointing, un prolific and waster-of-the-ball-almost-every-time-he-gets-it, by telling his followers on Twitter that he is "going nowhere".

Owen Coyle supported claim's saying that he like to play "good football" by buying a young Brazilian. Rodrigo Moreno came from Benfica and will bolster Bolton's side with his ermm.... quickness. He can also play in the wide positions as well as up-front.

Moving from one Brazilian to another, and Manchester City uber-flop Robinho has joined AC Milan for around £12 million. The figure will increse, not that City need the money, to £18 million depending on how well he does etc.

With Wigan losing 4 - 0 to Blackpool and 6 - 0 to Chelsea on their opening to games, you would think they would improve their defence. Instead, Martinez has opted for better attacking options. He has signed Manchester United 21 year old promising center midfielder, Tom Cleverley on a season long loan as well as Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo.

Sunderland have smashed their transfer record fee with the signing of Ghana international, Asamoah Gyan for £13 million. It breaks their former record of £10 million which they paid Tottenham for Darren Bent.
Finally, speaking of Tottenham, they have signed a new goalkeeper in Stipe Pletikosa from Spartak Moscow on a season long loan.
AND BREATHE!

The New Premier League Kits 2010/11 Season