Arsene Wenger is undoubtedly an excellent manager, he has been a big success at Arsenal and is a man of great knowledge and huge managerial talent. But when he recently claimed that coming second in the League is not a "disaster" - implying that his club would be happy with second place, it prompted more than a few raised eyebrows. Wenger is a winner, you can see from his reactions when his side loses, or suffer a bad result that he oozes the passion to win, however, defending his sides performances and position in the League when supporters have been waiting 6 years for a trophy is not the way to go to appease those fans.
I agree to an extent with what Wenger said; yes, there are 18 other teams in the League who would love to be in Arsenal's position, yes there are clubs all over the world that would give anything to be in the Champions League every year, and yes, every club would love to be in a comfortable financial position. But when fans have been waiting so long for any silverware, and the manager, some say does not buy enough big name players or spend enough money, it mus become frustrating.
Now Fabregas, who was in Arsenal's 'invincible' side of 2003/04 knows what it is like to win a trophy at Arsenal. The majority of Arsenal players currently at the club, do not, and the Arsenal captain has seen this situation coming for a while. He made some very intriguing and valid points too, especially as his manager only recently defended the clubs position on the issues he raises:
“That the team are always in the Champions League, that we compete until the end, that we have young players, economic stability – for the board this is important. “But I imagine there will be a moment when you have to decide do you win things or not? The ‘Invincibles’ team (of 2003-4) is the best I have played in. “Now a lot has changed. From 2007 on I started to say, ‘We don’t win but we play very well’.After that you realise it doesn’t work. You enjoy it, during a part of the season, like this year, when we were in four competitions. “You say, ‘Here I have it all’. But then you cannot make the fi nal step and a decision has to be made – to go out to win or to develop players. But I imagine there will be a moment when you have to decide do you win things or not?"
"From 2007 on I started to say, ‘We don’t win but we play very well'. After that you realise it doesn’t work. You enjoy it, during a part of the season, like this year, when we were in four competitions.
“You say, ‘Here I have it all’. But then you cannot make the final step and a decision has to be made – to go out to win or to develop players.”
These are genuine concerns from a player who has seen, and captained a side full to the brim with talent, yet unable to bring trophies home. It is sad really, that one of the greatest players of his generation may prove unable to bring Arsenal glory in the form of prestigious trophies.
When Arsenal's performances force their website to have to publish headlines like:
"Gunners let half-time lead slip in London derby on Saturday."
"Gunners lose ground after letting a four-goal lead slip."
"Last-minute mix-up ends Gunners' hopes of glory at Wembley."
It is a shame as the squad is full of talent, but, as their manager implies, their position isn't bad enough for supporters to complain or criticize. Arsenal's goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny agrees with his captain; he wants to win, and is not happy with settling with second place:
"We are only thinking about winning the title, not who is behind us.
"We go into everything to finish first. We are Arsenal - we don't want to finish second and we definitely don't want to finish third. We just think about winning."
This is the right attitude to have, and Arsenal and their manager must have it when going into their game against Tottenham. It is crucial that they make the most of Manchester United's minor slip-up against Newcastle. Arsenal must win against their local rivals Tottenham to keep the pressure on United, because if they don't, quite frankly, they don't deserve to finish first. It will be a season of missed opportunities, avoidable slip-ups and unfortunate incidents that define Arsenal's season rather than trophies. This isn't what any Arsenal fans want, and it is surely not what Wenger wants.
Manchester United were slowed in their chase for the Premier League title with a goalless draw to Newcastle. In a fixture which usually splurges goals, it was surprising to see such a lack of them in a game which Newcastle started very well indeed, putting pressure immediately onto the United defence with excellent chances falling to Peter Lovenkrands several times only for him to waste them. United responded with an attack involving Chicharito and Rooney, but when the latter broke into the box after a lucky bounce, it was hit well over and the chance was of course gone.
United never really got into the pace - their pace, and although in the second half were not challenged very much in defence, were not greatly effective going forward either. Ryan Giggs spurned the best opportunity, as can seen above when a ball pulled back was hit agonisingly wide by the United veteran. It was the best chance of the game, and on another day, the Welshman would have seen it hit the back of the net, but unfortunately for him and United's title charge, to was not one of those days.
There were a couple of penalty appeals too. Firstly Nani went down in the first half, with no real contact on him. To be fair he didn't really appeal, probably through guilt for going down in the first place, but it isn't good to see. Then Lovenkrands was caught by Anderson in the box, with real contact, but nothing was given, much to the strikers frustration. United had another appeal turned down when Chiek Tiote raised his arms when a shot came at him in the box, and the final one in the last few minutes saw Chicharito fall under a challenge in the box. Lee Probert blew his whistle, and for a second United fans' eyes were wide open in anticipation. But a penalty was not given, rather a yellow card for Chicharito for simulation.
United are still on course for their 19th title, but will have their nervousness levels raised if Arsenal win against local rivals Tottenham on Wednesday. With Arsenal still to play at the Emirates, and Chelsea to play at Old Trafford, the way the title goes is well in United's hands. Maximum points will be United's target, but today's performance must be improved to do so.
Neither Arsenal nor Manchester United enjoyed good results over the week end. United lost to local rivals City in the FA Cup Semi-final, and, although Arsenal didn't lose, it must have felt like a loss with the equalising penalty so late on in the game for Liverpool. Both results were crushing. Players' morale will have taken a blow, but it is who recovers first, and gets up from the low blows they have been dealt who are most likely to win the League. A quick recovery is crucial.
United are now favourites to win their 19th League title after Arsenal's week-end draw, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side 6 points clear at the top, but the Scot knows that any slip up could be capitalized on by Wenger's side. It is still a tight battle, and a battle either could yet win. Arsenal however will have to win every remaining game to stand a chance, and they must start with beating their local rivals Tottenham on Wednesday. If they lose or draw this game, it is surely over, but if they win, it keeps the heat on United, who they are yet to play.
United play on Tuesday against Newcastle at Saint James' Park. The atmosphere will be loud and tense, but with Rooney back, United will be favourites. The English striker is back from his FA ban for the swearing incident, and will be eager to make an impact after watching his side crash out of the FA Cup in great animation on the sidelines. United will hope he is bursting with goals - goals which will propel United further away from Arsenal, and closer to lifting the Premier League trophy.
Sir Alex has been here before, and he knows the huge importance of the Newcastle game:
"Going to Newcastle is the most important game we have coming up because the league is still our first priority. The Premier League and the Champions League are the two priorities at this club.
"The players had a big adrenaline surge for the semi-final with Manchester City but we need to win on Tuesday. And that's why Newcastle and the home game with Everton next Saturday are vital - after that there are only four games left and then we go to Arsenal the following week.
"So it's absolutely crucial for us and I think everybody knows when you go to Newcastle you have to deal with the atmosphere up there. They have fantastic supporters and you know they will be on your backs."
This game is vital in the Premier League race, and it is all about picking the players up and getting on with the job. There is a danger that some players may be mentally and physically drained because of the adrenaline of the Cup game, but with United's strength in depth, this should not be a problem.
Arsenal on the other hand do face a massive test against Tottenham, who, as the clubs local rivals, would love to rub salt in the wounds of the Gunners whilst moving closer to the Champions League places. It should not be forgotten that this is also a must win game for Tottenham, as their exploits in Europe this season have shown, they need the prestigious competition to keep their top players such as Bale and Van der Vaart at the club whilst using it as a valuable asset to attract top players to the club.
A good response to a bad result is vital, and whichever team wins the three points in the next few days will certainly have a better chance of winning the League. But anything can happen in football.
Manchester United moved 10 points ahead of Arsenal with two first half goals for Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia - with both goals created by Nani for his 17th and 18th assist of the season.
Wayne Rooney was serving his ridiculous 2 match ban and was missing, while Sir Alex Ferguson was up in the stands watching over his United team proudly as the eight changes from the midweek Champions League game against Chelsea proved enough to overcome Mark Hughes' Fulham side.
Nani's contribution for both of the goals was outstanding, skilfully weaving around the defenders and setting up Berbatov for the first, and then using his pace to reach the ball, getting round the goalkeeper and flicking it to Valencia for the second.
Kevin Gameiro, a 23 year old French striker currently playing for Ligue 1 side Lorient is a reported transfer target for Arsenal.
The forward has apparently been watched by Arsenal scouts sent by Arsene Wenger to track his progress - and they have been impressed. The young striker has played a total of 26 games this season, scoring 17 and creating 3. His consistency has also impressed Arsenal scouts, with talk of a move not distracting his on field impact at Lorient, with goals continuing to flow.
Gameiro is a fast, energetic player with good dribbling abilities, demonstrated in the video below. He is contracted to Lorient until the end of the 2011/2012 season, but the club president, Loic Fery admitted that it is likely they will have to let the player go:
"It is true that we are mulling over three options."
"We can let him go when his contract expires, sell him in the summer or renew his contract. But the latter is complicated because we have made several incredible efforts and he has not accepted."
Fey said in August:
"There is no such thing as an untransferable player. Gameiro, and players like him, can and will leave the club, even if we would prefer that they stay.
Tottenham were said to be interested late 2010, but did not move for Gameiro and Arsenal have since been linked strongly with the player who would cost around £10 - 15 million. The fact that he has rejected several contract extensions at Lorient suggests that he may have his eye somewhere else, and Lorient would surely rather cash in on him than wait until his contract runs its course.
Douglas Costa has been monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson for the past four years and it seems the 20 year-old Brazilian is a little closer to joining up with fellow Brazilians Rafael and Fabio at United after being spotted at the Manchester United - Bolton game on Saturday.
Costa is part of the Shakhtar Donetsk side that have reached the quarter finals of the Champions League and is seen as the perfect replacement to Paul Scholes in the United midfield. Costa is an attacking midfielder with pace and dribbling ability who can be utilised on either wing or up front as a second striker.
Manchester United would not comment on his appearance at Old Trafford, seen above, but Sir Alex had tried to sign him when he played at Brazilian side Gremio. A deal fell through and he signed for Shakhtar who will apparently ask for close to £20 million if United come calling. That is £15 million more than what Shakhtar bought him for in January 2010 and £13 million more than what United originally offered Gremio in 2009.
The player has scored 15 goals in 61 appearances for Shakhtar and a move to United could prove difficult with a work permit a possible stumbling block as well as the Ukranian clubs good financial position. As the richest club in Ukraine and this seasons good Champions League showing, they will be in no rush to sell their best players.
Arsenal's increasingly disheartened manager Arsene Wenger confirmed some more bad news today in relation to Thomas Vermaelen. Wenger said at his pre match press conference:
“For Thomas Vermaelen the season is over."
“In fairness he has not played since September, I never expected him to be fit before the end of the season. He is not out on the field yet and it is impossible [for him to play] after six months without competition. I am confident he will have a full recovery but for this season we cannot rely on him.”
Considering how long Arsenal have had to cope without the Belgian centre back this season after he suffered an Achilles injury on international duty, the news won't be as big a blow.
Wenger also set the record straight about Johan Djourou's injury. The Swiss defender dislocated his shoulder in Arsenals FA Cup loss to Manchester United and was immediately ruled out for the rest of the season. However, under closer inspection by he Swiss FA, it has emerged that Djourou has a chance of playing his part in the final run of games but will be out for six weeks. Wenger said:
“Johan Djourou is out for at least six weeks. There’s a little chance [he will play again this season], he has an arthroscopy on Monday and we will know more about the damage in his shoulder. We hope we will have good news but no matter what happens he will be out for six weeks.”
The International break next week will be a good time for players to recover from injuries they have picked up during the recent tough run of closely arranged fixtures, with Cesc Fabregas hoping to benefit. The Spaniard will be missing for the week end game, but Wenger hopes he will have recovered by the time the International games are over. Walcott holds little chance of recovery any time soon and will certainly miss England's games in the week:
“Cesc Fabregas is out for the game on Saturday. He should be back after the international break, maybe, he has a chance, but he is not available for the weekend. Walcott is not available for the weekend and he has no chance [for the international break]. He is not available for England.”
Wayne Rooney has dismissed any talk of a big money transfer this summer. Rumours have been circulating - as they so often do - that the contract troubles last summer are still very much present in the United camp and that the signing of a new 5 year contract was simply a way of making more money out of a sale in the summer. These rumours suggest that the bridges that Rooney burned with Sir Alex Ferguson over his contract saga are beyond repair and that the manager will look to sell in the summer. But Rooney says these rumours are simply not true. Firstly, he banished any idea that him and Sir Alex have fallen out:
“My relationship with Sir Alex [Ferguson] has no problems whatsoever."
Perhaps all of those doubters were looking too far into the situation, and not taking the contract he signed for face value. You can't really be blamed for that considering Rooney's poor form at the start of the season with his personal problems causing havoc on his on field performances. The England striker said:
“I’m enjoying my football here and, if I was going to leave in the summer, I wouldn’t have signed a new contract when I did. I’ve signed it and I intend to see it through to the end.”
Those questioning his commitment anger him too:
"Yes, you get angry. On Sunday I didn’t even know it was in a newspaper until I was on the way home from training. I stopped off at the garage to get petrol and a few people asked me if I was leaving in the summer. I’ll be here until I’m in my thirties though, that’s for sure.”
Rooney's form has certainly picked up in the last few games. He played very well against Marseille on Tuesday with his touch much improved and his cross field passing ability delightfully brilliant as well as clever, quick thinking passes to set up goal scoring opportunities.
"The last two or three weeks is the best I’ve felt all season. I feel sharp and, if the manager needs me to get up and down the pitch, then fine.
"I haven’t played as many games so I feel good, but the more you play, the more consistent you are and better you feel.
“Since I had my injuries, people have taken their chance when they’ve come into the side and done brilliantly, so I’m delighted that we are still in three major competitions and it’s going well.”
He isn't getting carried away however with the possibility of a Manchester United treble. United remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, but Rooney insists United must take one game at a time:
“We have to just take each game as it comes. We can’t look at that [The Treble].
“If you talk about that then it just puts pressure on ourselves, so we need to just concentrate on each game and see what happens.
"We didn’t win the league last year or the Champions League or the FA Cup, so we need to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing it.”
Jens Lehmann could soon become one of very few current Arsenal players to have lifted any silverware wearing the Arsenal kit. Lehmann won several trophies at Arsenal; the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and claimed Champions League runners up medal.
Arsenal have not won a major trophy since the German left Arsenal, and whats more, when Lehmann won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2004, it was done so without losing a single match. His anticipated return to Arsenal comes too late to repeat this feat, just as it is unlikely for the achievement to be completed again, but his experience in abundance and leadership qualities could prove vital in a title race with all too familiar rivals.
Lehmann is reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a short term move to solve Arsenal's current goalkeeping crisis. Wojciech Szczesny, Lukas Fabianski and Vito Mannone are all injured and therefore unavailable, leaving only Manuel Almunia to occupy the goal. Of course you only need one goalkeeper on the pitch at one time, but suppose Almunia were to pick up an injury - which considering Arsenal's current bad luck seems unfortunately likely. They need another keeper, and Lehmann could be a perfectly satisfactory solution.
It is ironic that upon Lehmann's supposed return to Arsenal, Manuel Almunia will be ahead of him in the pecking order. During his Arsenal days, Lehman became increasingly frustrated with the fact that Almunia was chosen ahead of him, and complained to Wenger about it;
"My coach confirmed my impression that he uses a different measuring stick to evaluate [Manuel] Almunia. For me this was a disappointment. It's very frustrating. When I see the performances on the field, I get angry and I have to clench my fist in my pocket."
That was said in 2007, and it looks as if four year on, Lehmann will return with his fist clenched firmly in his pockets. However, it is a nice situation for him to be in - returning from retirement to a club which he earned close to 200 appearance for, and helped to several (now rare) trophies. He could also help the current, still relatively inexperienced squad during the final stages of this incredibly tight title race.
It's a win - win situation isn't it? Well, unless the form of the end of his Arsenal career returns, and upon playing his first football game in a while if Almunia doesn't start, makes a crucial, title losing mistake.
Manchester United's unbeaten record may lay in tatters after the shock loss to Wolves last week, but they still have their unbeaten home record to cling hold of, not to mention being in pole position to win the Premier League title for a 19th time. They will host their fierce rivals Manchester City - a rivalry that has been burning ever more ferociously since the mass money injection that City have enjoyed, and their climb up the league table. United now recognise City as a threat. They don't like it.
A win for United will see them jump seven points clear at the top - a feat they could have achieved last week if it wasn't for Wolves, and if a win is achieved, it will strike another dent on City's hopes of winning their first League title in 43 years.
It has to be said, the omens look good for the men in red. City have won just one of their last 26 league visits to Old Trafford and have failed to score in four of their last five league encounters with their rivals. Consider then that United have the best home record by quite a distance this season, and the mountain that City have to climb is a daunting one.
City do have some of the statistics on their side however. As they travel to Old Trafford, they can remember that their away record is the second best in the League, having taken 22 points on the road behind Arsenals 25.
It must be emphasised though, that form counts for nothing in derby's. And in any case, whatever the form guide tells us about United this season, it can't hide the fact that the performances haven't been the strongest in some very lucky results.
Dimitar Berbatov, the Premier League top scorer is up against Carlos Tevez - a former United team mate, and current second in the top scorer list with 18 behind the Bulgarians 19. Both players will have their chances to build on those impressive tallies, and whats more, both could make themselves local heroes in what could be the game of the week-end.
Sir Alex Ferguson could be without Javier Hernandez due to fatigue after the Mexican had to travel across the world and back for his countries friendly against Bosnia in the week. The United manager will be without Ferdinand and Evans who have a calf and ankle problem respectively, so the youn Chris Smalling will partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence.
City will definatley be without England starlets Adam Johnson and Micah Richards, while Mario Balotelli is doubtful with a problematic knee injury and Nigel De Jong is struggling with ankle trouble.
Football fans will be hoping that the drab 0 - 0 draw which was witnessed between these two sides earlier in the season will not be repeated, but perhaps the Man City manager Roberto Mancini might accept that result now. There will be top quality on show on Saturday, and anything could happen. Both sides should be eager to win, and as long as they are not too cautious as was previously witnessed, it could be an entertaining and enjoyable match of football. Much depends on whether the impressively good United or the poor United show up.
Wenger has already confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny is Arsenal's number one goalkeeper as he has "done nothing for me to take him out", and now the Polish international has had praise heaped onto his shoulders from the former Arsenal goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann.
In Lehmann's first season as number one for Arsenal, he was part of their brilliant unbeaten Premier League winning side of 2003/04. Szczesny may not be experiencing that with Arsenal this season, but he hasn't shown too many signs of slipping up, and in his short run of consecutive appearances has shown a command for his goal and consistency that Lehmann would have certainly been proud of. Evidently, he is:
"He has got everything he needs apart from the experience and the maturity, so he needs to work hard. He is very talented."
Now 41 and retired, he has an array of trophies to show off, but the last trophy he won at Arsenal has also been the last trophy that Arsenal have won after suffering over half a decade trophy drought. His last was the F.A Cup of 2005 in which he saved the Paul Scholes spot kick in the penalty shoot-out against Manchester United. Coincidentally, Arsenal's rivals in the Premier League this season are Manchester United once again, and Lehmann believes that his former team can finally lift a trophy once again this season:
"I think now they are coming to the end of this transition period that started after we won our last Cup. It was always obvious that Arsène wanted to change the team, and he had to,"
"The boys have matured now, so I hope that they are going to win the title."
Arsenal are still to host United at the Emirates, and when they do on the 30th April, they will have the chance of ending the Red Devil's unbeaten run in the Premier League - that is if it isn't already broken before the time they meet. Manchester United are currently five points clear at the top of the table and if Arsenal can keep a clean sheet against them with Wojciech Szczesny in goal, they have a good chance of lifting that coveted Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.
Poor Owen Hargreaves. The Manchester United midfielder has constantly been plagued with terrible injuries to his knees, suffering from an extremely serious case of patellar tendinitis which was described by his surgeon, who has 35 years experience in his field as the worst case he had ever seen.
It takes an incredibly strong minded individual to keep going despite being bombarded with injuries which must frustrate the undoubtedly talented individual beyond belief. It would be fair to call the Canadian born England midfielder "injury prone", or perhaps just "unbelievably unlucky". The question is, how can he continue at the top level with all of these injuries - the latest one a torn hamstring, of which I gather, he is slowly recovering from.
Manchester United have already seen Gary Neville walk out of Old Trafford after an outstandingly successful long career wearing red, while Edwin van der sar has announced his retirement at the grand age of 40. Nobody likes to see a professional have to step down, whether it be because of their advancing age, or incessant injuries. But sometimes it is necessary.
Hargreaves joined United in 2007, hoping to help the Red Devils to unrivalled success with him playing a big part. The former became true, as it has consistently done over the years, and the latter was true for the first year. In United's 2007/08 season, Hargreaves clocked up a good 34 appearances in all competitions, playing his part in United's Premier League and Champions League success that year. However, a couple of seasons down the line, and the players' tally of appearances has only increased by 5 - and not many of them were where he played the full 90 minutes.
Hargreaves is now 30 years old, and the Manchester United team is starting to bring in younger players into the setup. His contract expires in the summer, so Hargreaves is currently in a race against time to prove to his manager that he deserves a contract renewal. But if there is one thing that Hargreaves knows from experience which shouldn't be rushed, it is injuries. It is sad to say, but it looks as if he is fighting a losing battle. When will we see him back for United at 100% fitness and battling away like the engine he is at the heart of the United midfield? I'm not so sure we will.
On Monday, Hargreaves was included in the club's 25-man Premier League squad, but he has not made the cut for the Champions League. It would be great to see him return, but whenever I see him on the pitch, I am constantly weary of his fragility, and frightened that in a flicker, he could be hobbling off of the pitch, down the tunnel and into that all too familiar treatment room. Despite his inclusion in the Premier League squad for the second half of the season, it seems unlikely that he will play a big part.
Hargreaves has had a successful career as a footballer. Seven years at Bayern Munich saw him win four German Bundesliga titles and the 2000/01 Champions League. His short happy period at United also saw him win a Premier League and yet another European trophy, but age and injury have taken its toll on poor Hargreaves, and he may be only one more injury away from hanging up his boots and giving up football for the sake of his body.
Before the game, Sir Alex Ferguson brushed aside the unfortunate fact that Wayne Rooney's goalscoring record this season has been poor, and stated that Berbatov was thriving on Rooney's hard work around him, and therefore the partnership is successful.
However, he will no longer have to explain the questionable goalscoring form of Rooney this season if the 25 year-old continues in this vain. Two good goals from inside the box; the places he was scoring them all last season, as well as a clever assist both helped Manchester United passed Aston Villa in front of the pleasantly pleased Old Trafford crowd. Were they witnessing Rooney's return to form that everyone had been waiting for?
Whatever they did witness didn't take long to unfold. A clearance by van der sar in the United keepers box saw Rooney bring the ball down with exquisite touch, and with a clinical finish, blasted the ball past a flailing Brad Friedel in the Aston Villa goal. This may have been the spark that Rooney needed to kick start his season again. He had already mounted on the right track, and now the engine in him was beginning to chug away. It will take a few more games and goals, but soon, Rooney could be back in full swing, speeding along the right track, smashing in goals, reminiscent of last season - well, hopefully.
His second goal, and United's, came just before half time. The goal highlights Rooney's need for service. This season, he has desperately missed the unselfish Antonio Valencia's reliably accurate delivery from the right wing. Today, Nani won the ball on the right, and emulated Valencia with a superb delivery into a perfect area - too far for the keeper to catch, and close enough for the striker to poke home. Rooney did so brilliantly, controlling his shot into the net with his left foot, and wheeling away behind the goal in a toned down version of delight- but delight nevertheless.
Just to put the crowd on edge, United slacked off in their defending, and allowed Darren Bent time and space in the box. Stewart Downing crossed it to the English striker, and with the whole goal to aim at and no one to challenge him, Bent had to score - and he did. Aston Villa then had the chance to get back into the match, and grab an equaliser - much like United did in the previous fixture this season.
Alas, United did what they have done many times this season. That is, just as the opposition got themselves into a better position, and had the momentum to continue, the Red Devils killed the game. The killer goal in this game came from an unlikely source, and with an equally unpredictable finish.
Nemanja Vidic headed down in the box to Wayne Rooney from a cross from the right. He then began his movement away to give Rooney space to hold the ball up and find space. Rooney watched Vidic, and teed him up perfectly to swerve a powerful shot into the net as the helpless Villa defence watched on.
United have done it again, and remain undefeated in the Premier League. Berbatov may have not added to his growing goal tally, but Rooney has, and can use this game as a springboard to better things and finally redeem himself to the United fans after that transfer saga. Finishing with a quote from Sir Alex Ferguson himself on Rooney:
"The man's got a great appetite to play and everyone should remember that.
He may have been ineffective during his time at Tottenham, and unable to gain a regular first team place, but Adel Taarabt has become a major part of QPR's promotion push as they sit top of the Championship table, with the 21 year-old Moroccan wearing the captains armband.
He has been impressive for the Championship leaders, and has gained his admirers - namely, his manager, Neil Warnock, who believes that Taarabt is good enough to play for Real Madrid. The attacking midfielder, who is given licence to roam and really be a creative spark in the Rangers side, has scored 13 goals for his side, and is in top form. Form that is attracting the top sides, if reports are to believed.
When reading reports on the players performances, it is a running theme that the young midfielder can drift in and out of the game. Sometimes he can be world class, yet sometimes he can be completely out of the game. He does however, continue to create goals for his team mates as well as scoring goals, and is usually the biggest threat to the opposing defence in is team.
He is also a big admirer of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. The QPR manager insisted that the player is going nowhere this January, but Taarabt has suggested that if Arsenal were to come calling, he would jump at the chance of joining a French legend, Arsene Wenger:
"I would progress with Arsene Wenger. He is a legend in France. I like the way Arsenal play. If Arsenal come, I'll be very happy."
The question is, would Taarabt be able to make it in the Premier League? He may be lighting up the Championship, but as he is all to aware from his time at Tottenham, the difference in quality between the Premier League and Championship is, a big leap. Taarabt would argue that he has improved significantly since 2007, and his time at QPR has taught him more about English football with a regular team place, but one thing that must improve, must be his consistency. He may have the quality for it, but does he have the consistency for the Premier League? He is certainly an exciting prospect.
Sunderland, Wigan, Spurs, Blackpool and Everton... All teams who Liverpool have dropped points against after taking the lead. This was during and after Roy Hodgson's tenure as manager two of Kenny Dalglish's three games in charge have ended up with Liverpool dropped points from winning positions.
Aston Villa aren't too good to go down...
Villa have only won 2 out of their last 12 games...
The match was distinctly average made up of long balls, head tennis and generally talentless football. Neither side proved their Premier League credentials. Villa looked toothless bar a few moments from Stewart Downing, Carew lacks pace and work rate and Agbonlahor is better suited to a 100 metre track than a football pitch. They better be looking over their shoulders now they've got Reo Coker and Petrov back in the side no more excuses...
Luka Modric is a world class player...
Darren Fletcher spent most of the game chasing after Modric...
He ran the show against Manchester United, always beating the first man marking him and releasing the ball efficiently. Bale, Lennon and Van Der Vaart are good players but the little Croat was the best player on the pitch in their biggest league game of the season...
Chelsea need to spend some money...
Chelsea can no longer rely on Drogba after his out of Malaria and as a result look toothless...
After threatening an overhaul of the team Carlo Ancelloti held back and it was business as usual with Chelsea. No major changes to their aging first team against Blackburn and a 2-0 victory. Didier Drogba still isn't looking very convincing, I'm not so sure that victory may kick start a title challenge...
Getting two goals against West Ham the Dutchman's return from injury has been long awaited and he seems to have given his side the cutting edge so many say they've been missing. If he can stay fit I think the Gunners can aim for a serious title push...
West Brom scored three and Blackpool scored two...
Ian Holloway's boys have been looking excellent this season. But against Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom side they were beaten 3-2. This doesn't look like a major result but take into consideration that West Brom lost their last five games and now Blackpool have lost four out their five games in January...
Former Spurs and Chelsea midfielder Gustavo Poyet has recently come out and spoken about the decline of the Premier League. Speaking to Reuters Poyet said,
"I'm a bit critical of the Premier League this year, I know people may not agree with me but I don't think it's one of the best Premier Leagues in the last few years -- to be honest I think it's one of the worst. Maybe it's more competitive and interesting but at the same time I would say there is not one team that is really better than the rest. Some say the other teams are getting better but in my opinion the top teams this year have got worse."
So what about Manchester United this season? They've gone into the year unbeaten and are through to the second stage of the Champions League without losing a game, where do they stand in Poyets opinion?
"Look at United, they are not even playing well but they are top. They deserve to be top, don't get me wrong, but if they are top without being at their best what's happened to the rest?
There is also a comparison to the major European leagues and a critique of the matches between the "Big Four" this season from Poyet.
"Look at any other league. If you go to Spain, Barcelona are top because they are absolutely fantastic. If you go to Italy, the same, the teams that are top there it's because they are doing so well and playing good football."
Poyet also said some of the matches between the leading clubs in England had been poor.
"I've been very disappointed," he said. "Apart from Arsenal v Chelsea, all the rest including the Manchester derbies and Arsenal v Manchester City, were awful.
"You expect more but it's even difficult to pick the best player in England. The Premier League has to be careful.
"I think the best players in the world give you something every week to be happy about. In Spain you watch Barcelona and Real Madrid every week and (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo are always, always giving something," added Poyet.
"The fans will think the money they paid for their ticket was worth it. If I go to Manchester every week it's difficult to pick a player ... the same at Chelsea, and I could go on.
"Only (left winger) Gareth Bale at Spurs has been exceptional."
Now it's all well and good making statements about the demise of the big four, but where is the proof? Have they really dropped off? Well I'm going to have a look if this is a case by comparing Chelsea and Manchester United this season so far and from the 2007-2008 season...
At the end of the 2007-2008 season English football was at its zenith, Manchester United were European Champions after beating Chelsea in the final of the Champions League. Out of the semi-finalists in the Champions League that season three out of the four sides were English. At the end of that tournament none of the English sides had been beaten by foreign opposition...
2007-2008 Reserves: Foster, O'Shea, Pique, Park, Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Nani, Anderson, Saha
During this season Manchester United had their strongest squad in the last twenty years and this showed in their achievements winning both the Premier League and the Champions League. Its obvious from the reserves that there was plenty of quality cover for rotation or in case of injuries. There is also room for tactical switches, for example Saha was an alternative as a direct centre forward instead of the "false nine" role Cristiano Ronaldo player. Or if Alex Ferguson wanted to play a convential 4-5-1, Rooney and Tevez could go off for Nani and Park. This was a great squad as well as an exceptional first 11.
This season only Rooney from the attacking triumvirate is at Manchester United, with Ronaldo and Tevez being replaced by Nani and Valencia or Park. Now the first team is still made up of players from the 2007-2008 squad. Those players who are now in the first team weren't able to get in the side in 2007-08 so this either is a decline or the players have now developed to the stage where they are now good enough for first team football. The only changes have been the loss of Ronaldo and Tevez.
My next case study is Chelsea the side who finished runners up in the PL and CL in 2007-2008 season.
If you look at the current team in comparison to the one in the season under Avram Grant, just like Manchester United there has been very little change to the first team.
Current Reserves: Turnbull, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Bruma, van Aanholt, Ramires, Zhirkov, Benayoun, Kalou, Sturridge
The only changes from the side in 2007-2008 is that Carvalho, Makelele and Joe Cole have left and been replaced by former squad players Mikel, Alex and Anelka. With Chelsea, their reserves have diminished noticeably this season, in 2007-2008 their reserves were made up of established internationals. This season they have Turnbull, van Aanholt, Bruma and a declining Paulo Ferreira. These players wouldn't have got near the first team in previous seasons.
This season Chelsea's decline can be seen through their results - they currently lie fifth in the table having already lost 6 games out of twenty one. Two seasons ago having Chelsea or Manchester United lose six games in a season was unthinkable, but this season they have both looked beatable on numerous occasions.
2007-2008 League Table
If you look at the table from 2007-08 there is a clear gap between the big two and the rest of the Premier League with there being a massive 20 point gap between Chelsea and Everton. Arsenal and Liverpool as usual pushed them close but failed to upset the duopoly.
Current League Table
The current table shows how close the current league is. There doesn't seem to be such as gap between the big four and the rest. Why is this? Have the rest improved? Or have the big clubs declined? Well I think its a bit of both but the one overriding factor I feel is that Chelsea and Manchester United have both stagnated. What I mean by stagnation is that their decline has followed the frugal spending of their owners. They have both sold players but have failed to replace them and improve their squads.
Spending Figures 2006-2011
If you look at the spending figures for the Premier League for the last five years the three biggest spenders have been Spurs, Man City and Sunderland. Two of those are now the top four and the third is 6th compared to 15th where they finished in 2007-2008. Chelsea and Manchester United are 10th and 14th in the spending figures respectively and this can be seen in their performances...
One thing that does point to a lowering of standards in the Premier League overall is how easy the promoted sides have found it. In past seasons the promoted three would steal points off teams around them and write off the games against the big four. Blackpool have beaten Liverpool twice this season, Newcastle have beaten Liverpool, Arsenal and grabbed a respectable draw against Chelsea and finally West Brom have beaten Arsenal and drawn away to Manchester United.
Conclusion
I personally feel that this season the Premier League is weaker than it has been in the previous 5 years. I think the money has dried up at clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have also done a good job of hoovering up talent from various clubs leaving very little for the English sides. This was reflected in the nominees for the Ballon D'or where hardly any British based players were given any sort of recognition.
With the January transfer window being swung wide open recently and the rumour mill going into overdrive, I feel its time to have a look at the best and worst signings from last time the window was open.
Best Signings
Firstly its time for the best signings, it must be the best feeling for a manager when a signing comes off exactly how you planned it. But as in every season there are some who have been better than expected...
Richard Kingson - Free Transfer (Blackpool)
You cant go wrong with a free transfer. Especially when you sign a full international who has Premier League experience. This season this free transfer was Ghanaian international Richard Kingson for Blackpool. He has spent time at both Sunderland and Birmingham but failed to convince.
Due to an injury crisis manager Ian Holloway handed first team goal keeping duties to him and he has repaid his managers faith in him ten fold. He is now first choice ahead of the highly rated Matt Gilkes.
Half of Europe was looking for an attacking midfielder, Liverpool bought Joe Cole, AC Milan bought Kevin Prince Boateng and Manchester United... Well they gave up and bought lots of strikers. Whilst all this was going on Spurs snuck in under everyone's radars and snapped up Van Der Vaart. To sign a full Dutch international with Champions League experience at the peak of his career for £7.5 million pounds is a bargain in itself, but with the performances he has been putting in for Spurs since his move have rubber stamped his move as a complete success.
He has made 20 appearances 1 of which was as a substitute so far this season and scored an amazing 10 goals. When looking back on when Van Der Vaart was signed his manager Harry Redknapp said "I took a gamble with him because he has had a hamstring problem, and when he gets tired he tends to get injuries. So when he gets a bit fatigued he does tend to do a hamstring or something else, and that's what I was scared of. I probably left him on for 10 minutes longer than I was going to because when he got hold of the ball at least he would keep it." When talking about his performances Redknapp goes on to say "he has been fantastic for us. He's a 15- to 20-goal-a-year man, and he has everything as a player. He's not just a goalscorer, but a fantastic footballer.''
Marouane Chamakh - Free Transfer (Arsenal)
The Moroccan international is another one of Arsene Wenger's gems. Signed for nothing from French side Bordeaux he has played 21 matches and scored 10 goals so far this season. He has also provided Arsenal with an Aerial threat and physical presence up front and Arsene Wenger has said about him that “He has all you want from a typical centre-forward that we have known before in England before. He fights for the club and works hard for the team.”.
Although he has dipped in form recently, I feel that these statistics and the fact that he signed for free might put him up for signing of the season at the end of the 2010-11 campaign.
Javier Hernandez - £6 million (Man Utd)
Signed before the 2010 World Cup by Manchester United, could've already been considered a very good piece of business after his performances in the world footballs biggest stage which led to him scoring two goals at the World Cup.
Since his move to United he has scored some important goals including the winners against West Brom, Stoke, Wolves and Valencia. His goals from the United bench have turned potential draws into wins which makes him invaluable in their hunt for another Premier League title.
Just to show how much of a bargain he has on his hands Alex Ferguson said "I think our scouting people deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying him before the World Cup and I think if we had been trying to negotiate after the World Cup it would have been very difficult," Ferguson also went on to say "I think a lot of teams would have been after him and it would probably have cost us two or three times more,".
Cheikh Tiote - £3.5 million (Newcastle)
After his move from Dutch club FC Twente Tiote has wasted no time in establishing himself as a first teamer for Newcastle United. The skillful and strong box to box midfielder has already drawn comparisons to Michael Essien.
He has injected energy into Newcastle's midfield and has shone in two games particularly against Arsenal and Everton. In the Arsenal game he shackled opposition playmaker Cesc Fabregas and helped his side to a 1-0 win at the Emirates. He was given recognition by The Guardian who covered his performance:
“Chris Hughton gave full Premier League debuts to two new midfielders on Saturday – Hatem Ben Arfa and Cheick Tioté. Ben Arfa made the most obvious impact, with a stunning 30-yard drive that turned out to be the game’s only goal, but Tioté also impressed in a more low-key role. Starting in place of Alan Smith, Tioté’s calm, reliable distribution in the centre of the pitch allowed Newcastle to control the midfield. Indeed, they actually out-passed Everton on Saturday, recording 276 passes compared to the home side’s 260. It may be a narrow margin but not many sides will achieve that at Goodison Park this season – not even Manchester United, who lost out 329-298 in that respect. Tioté was the key to this – completing all of his 43 passes. He also made two interceptions, completed all three of his attempted tackles, and his only shot was on target.”
Worst Signings
Now its time for those signings which haunt managers throughout the season. Whenever a manager makes a signing there is a spotlight on the player to see if the performances put in the player matches his value. Here are a few that haven't matched their values by quite a long way...
Christian Poulsen - £4.5 million (Liverpool)
He was brought in from Juventus as a replacement for Argentine Javier Mascherano and frankly he's rubbish... He's so rubbish he's spent less than 6 months at the club and he is being linked with Relegation strugglers West Ham...
Mauro Boselli - £6.5 million (Wigan)
He has played 8 Premier League games and he hasn't come close to scoring... Oh yes he has he's missed a penalty.
Signed from Manchester City after the sale of James Milner and he's done a very good job at showing why they froze him out and sold him. So far he has played 581 minutes of football, scoring no goals and has earned an astonishing £1.2 million his troubles or lack of them...
Well he's been so bad this season that his mum had to come out and defend him... And she didn't do that to well either telling Liverpool fans to stop "living off the past" and that the current side is "s**t". Well if that's the case Konchesky is doing a very good job at fitting in at his new club...
Even his current manager and manager from his days at Fulham, Roy Hodgson got the message in Liverpool's last game against Bolton. Konchesky was dropped and didn't even make the squad for the match.
Rumours are that he is already a target for former club West Ham, that's always bad news if you look at their signings in past seasons. One more thing I said earlier "you can't go wrong with a free transfer", well I lied...
Conclusion
Well that was quite a Liverpool heavy flop section, its not been the best of seasons for the Merseyside club who could soon be counting their manager in the flop section. But in a time when teams can't splash out as much as they used to, we're a bit short on flops this season as teams now bother to do their scouting or don't bother signing anyone. With the successes, they could easily turn into flops if they're not careful as there still is the second half of the season to go, penalties to be missed and managers to fall out with, we shall see what happens. As usual thanks for reading....
According to my poll which has been open since the beginning of the season, and has registered 420 votes, Arsenal will win the Barclay's Premier League 2010/11.
The Gunners received 226 votes - 53% of the overall total, while Manchester United came in at second with 122 votes and 29% of the overall total.
Chelsea were voted in 3rd with 31 votes and 7 % of the total, and the rest you can see for yourself.
It must be said that the poll means absolutely nothing, but it is interesting to see what people think, so thanks for voting!
