With a third of the Premier League season now gone by, the table is starting to find its level and supporters are starting to get a better understanding of where their respective clubs are at this season and the challenge that faces them in the coming months. Once again the Premier League has been broken up into three tiers, with each team facing their own private battle.
Unlike previous years there has certainly been some stability on the managerial front with only Steve Bruce succumbing to the bullet so far, as clubs look to show patience with their managers to turn around their current plights. The managers may not be so patient with players at their disposal and may look to make significant changes in the January transfer window.
The January transfer window is loved and loathed in equal measures, with many managers and supporters alike welcoming the opportunity to freshen things up, while others see it as a source of distraction. History shows it is a renowned place for panic buying, as last January certainly proved, but there have been notable successes in the past that shows it can be a significant period to turn around a club’s fortunes. I feel the African Cup of Nations and the unprecedented amount of long term injuries we have seen will force many club’s hands and subsequently we can expect to see another expensive month for many Premier League chairman.
So how do you feel about Liverpool’s fortunes so far this season and would you look to see changes made in January? Who would you like to see brought in and ultimately who would you like to see moved on in the up and coming window?
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So with the January Sales in the football world opening imminently, the Guardian has today reported that the total amount spent will be less than half that of the 2011 amount – which to be fair included two vastly overpriced, underperforming donkeys, but luckily for both their managers are in need of a trip to Specsavers and feel both are performing just fine. In reality if either were to be sold now, they would come with an enclosed ‘with sympathy’ card.
That aside, the £225 million spent this time last year has no chance of being broken apparently. This is due to a number of reasons, and in no small part the FFP regulations, with clubs scrambling to adhere to these rules, or face being kicked out of the Champions League in the not so distant future – or in the Manchester clubs case, the UEFA cup should the precedent they set this season be repeated.
TV deals are also up in the air and will affect spending, especially in the case of Spanish clubs, who are currently attempting to end the dominance of the big two when it comes to this kind of revenue. Not to mention we are in a touch and go economy – sorry Mr Cameron but we are – and clubs simply do not have money to throw away – Chelsea and City being obvious exceptions here.
That being said, there are a number of clubs who for varying reasons simply have to enter the transfer market – yes they have to spend wisely, but spend they must if they want their seasons to stop going into disarray.
Let’s start with Blackburn – Steve Kean everyone’s favourite punching bag has claimed to have met with the Venky’s to discuss January targets and thinks they will sign 4 players, including a defender. Well considering their rate of conceding goals, this sounds like a stellar idea from Kean. Blackburn have injury issues and to be frank need a couple of players to come in and freshen things up. They also risk losing a couple of players, especially young prospect Junior Hoillet and will have to look to reinvest this money in the club.
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Right at the other end of the scale we have moneybags Chelsea, who are in desperate need of a defender, with Gary Cahill looking a cert to complete the move as soon as the window opens, and with the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea could do with a forward and some cover in the middle of the park as well. Now we all know Roman is not short of money, and with AVB eager to stamp his mark on the club, we could well see yet another big spending January from the Blues.
Wenger has stated there are funds to buy in the transfer window, and with players off to the African cup he may well be forced into doing so. The two month signing of Henry is brilliant news for not just Arsenal fans, but all Premier League fans who will love the chance to see a downright legend back even for a couple of months.
Clubs who have very little to spend may have to sell before they can buy, and take Everton – new players are needed so much it is not funny, yet the funds are not there – perhaps someone like Rodwell will be sold to make money available? This will again kick start the market likewise with players who are looking for a move, clubs will have to replace them, and will be forced to buy as a result.
Depending on which supporters you talk to, no fan would say their club does not need to buy anyone and is a complete squad. Yes, they may differ over where the money should be spent – United fans for example – some may feel a defender is where the money should be spent due to mass injuries, others may still long for a creative midfielder. Either way they feel someone should be bought.
Certain managers will be out for a bargain – Redknapp and Warnock to name a couple, and it would be no surprise if the transfer window threw up a shock or two. Never count big spending City out either, and they have the power to bid astronomical sums of money for any player.
Whilst the record of last season may not be breached, the fact remains, certain clubs simply have to invest, and a little money this January may mean big rewards at the end of the season.
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Manchester City have fined striker Carlos Tevez four weeks wages and given him a written warning after investigating Roberto Mancini’s claims that the attacker refused to come off the bench against Bayern Munich back in September.
The South American maintains his innocence, but the Etihad Stadium outfit have sided with their Italian coach and believe the forward to be guilty of improper conduct and breach of contract.
The club have also handed down a two-week suspension to the ex-Boca Juniors goalscorer, which has already been served in the wake of the controversy.
“Manchester City football club can confirm that a disciplinary hearing has been concluded in relation to a charge of misconduct by Carlos Tevez,” a statement on the official website reads.
“The charge relates to events during the Champions League match against Bayern Munich on 27th September 2011.
“Following a detailed investigation and associated hearing, a disciplinary panel has upheld the charge of misconduct. Five separate breaches of contract formed the basis of the decision by the panel.
“As a result Carlos Tevez has been fined four weeks’ wages and has been suspended for a period of two weeks (deemed to have already been served). He has received a written warning as to his future conduct.
“Carlos Tevez has been informed in writing of the decision of the disciplinary panel, and the Club has written to the Professional Footballers Association for ratification of the fine,” it concluded.
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The news is not unexpected, and will be another motivation for the player to leave the current Premier League leaders come the January transfer window.
An 11th home defeat of the season earned Leeds United another unwanted record in one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory. The 2-1 loss to Leicester City on the final day ensured that the Whites ended the season having suffered more home defeats than in any previous campaign.
The game was United’s season diluted into a handy ninety minute bite sized chunk. Leeds showed promise in the early stages of the game, with some neat and incisive football causing Leicester some early problems. However, the Whites lost the iniative and handed the visitors the lead with some characteristic comedy defending. Michael Brown sliced the ball horribly into the air in the centre circle putting the hapless Danny Pugh under pressure from Martin Waghorn. The former Manchester United man was caught in two minds, and used neither of them as he failed in his attempts to get the ball back to Andy Lonergan, allowing the Foxes striker to stride on and fire past the United keeper.
The majority of the second half was a non-event until Leeds stepped up a gear in the closing moments, roared on by the ever faithful Elland Road crowd. It looked as if the fans were to be rewarded with a point when Danny Webber forced the ball over the line for his first (and probably only) Leeds goal following good work by Robert Snodgrass with just eight minutes remaining.
However this season has seen Leeds find new ways to add to the suffering of the fans, and they allowed Leicester to snatch the points right at the death as the ball ricocheted into the path of substitute Harry Panayiotou to deflect the ball past Lonergan.
The game itself was of little or no importance to either club, although the result ensured Leicester finished above the Whites in the final table, with Leeds finishing the season in a lowly 14th place.
One of the major talking points of the match was the reception afforded to Jermaine Beckford on his first return to Elland Road since his departure following his promotion winning goal against Bristol Rovers two years ago. The Leicester striker was serenaded with the song commemorating his goal at Old Trafford in the famous FA Cup victory over Manchester United, and he showed his affections to the crowd with waves and blown kisses. This apparent love-in must have infuriated Nigel Pearson who withdrew the striker at the interval.
The likelihood of Beckford returning to Elland Road are slim, but it will be one of the rumours that will begin to circulate now that the season has drawn to a close. Neil Warnock’s real work as Leeds United manager will start now as he begins to dismantle the current squad and begins to assemble his own. With the signing of Portsmouth centre half Jason Pearce expected to be announced this week, United fans will be hoping that he is the first of the many signings that will be required if Leeds are to challenge for promotion next season.
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If the signings are not forthcoming, then Ken Bates can expect more afternoons like the uncomfortable one he had yesterday. The Leeds United Supporters Trust arranged a “party” in his new East Stand development, and spent the majority of the match berating the Whites chairman, and his chief executive Shaun Harvey.
With a disastrous season consigned to the history books, Leeds face a make or break summer. Just two years ago the club seemed on the up, with a return to the Championship, average crowds close to 30K and a general feeling that the good times were about to return. Two years on, all that good feeling has disappeared, crowds have dwindled and there is a definite feeling of malaise around Elland Road. The club have launched their new kit for next season with the tag line “New Shirt, New Start.” It’s time for the club to ensure that is more than just words and show the supporters that the good times are just around the corner.
Newcastle made their best start to a season for 17 years with first half goals from Demba Ba and Jonas Gutierrez giving them a 2-1 win against Wolves at Molineux.
Alan Pardew’s men have yet to taste defeat in the current campaign and are now sitting pretty in third place after their hard fought victory in the Midlands. Ba carried on where he left off last week against Blackburn scoring the opener before a superb solo strike from Gutierrez gave the Magpies some breathing space. A late charge from the home side saw Steven Fletcher pull one back before a penalty shout was tuned down and Kevin Doyle had a legitimate goal disallowed in stoppage time. Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy had some harsh words for referee Mark Halsey at the final whistle whilst those in away dugout breathed a huge sigh of relief after the late drama. A side built on a relatively small budget is oozing confidence at the moment and it was unthinkable eight weeks ago to think they’d be just four points off the Premier League summit. Credit must fall at the feet of Pardew who has made his team hard to break down and also breathed new life into a clutch of strikers written off before a ball had even been kicked.
Tim Krul has also seen his stock rise after a series of commanding displays in goal and he showed why he is so highly rated making a series of superb saves in the opening exchanges. Firstly he dived low to keep out Jamie O’Hara’s free kick before twice denying Doyle. He then pulled off a miraculous double save from Fletcher and Adam Hammill as the home side dominated early on. Those saves proved crucial as the visitors finally got into their groove and took the lead through Ba. He and Leon Best are clearly benefiting from the faith shown in them by Pardew and the Senegalese striker was again on target after hitting a hat trick at St James’ Park last week. he took just 17 minutes to find the net heading in Yohan Cabaye’s corner from the left. With a mix of deadly pace and power in attack it was no surprise when they doubled their lead through Gutierrez seven minutes before half time. The Argentine isn’t renowned for scoring goals and he’ll remember this one for a while surging past four challenges before slotting past Wayne Hennessey to celebrate the new contract he signed just days prior in style.
Wolves were then denied a penalty just minutes later with Steven Taylor’s foul on O’Hara deemed to have taken place just outside the area with McCarthy furious on the touchline. The second half didn’t contain much excitement until Fletcher nodded in the hosts consolation before Doyle had his effort chalked off in controversial circumstances. Hammill’s deep cross was headed back across by Matt Jarvis into the path of Doyle who planted the ball past Krul. The Wolves players spun away to celebrate only to see their joy turn to despair with the assistant referee raised his flag after judging that Hammill’s cross had incorrectly gone out of play. It proved to be decisive as the Magpies held on to keep their impressive run going and leave the home side staring at a fourth consecutive defeat.
Get over to Goaldash and check your numbers to see what you might have won!
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Arsenal have been the busiest team on transfer deadline day, signing Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Yossi Benayoun before the window closed.
Arsene Wenger had spoken of his desire to strengthen his squad, especially following the 8-2 humbling by Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, and has spent big to bring new faces to the Emirates.
Spaniard Arteta has joined from Everton in a £10 million deal, and will go some way to plugging the hole left by countryman Cesc Fabregas. The Telegraph has stated that the former Rangers midfielder has taken a dramatic wage cut, from £75,000-a-week to £55,000-a-week, to secure a move to The Gunners, and David Moyes could not stand in his way.
“Mikel indicated to me he wished to join Arsenal. I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I was not able to offer him,” the Goodison Park boss admitted.
As expected, defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos have moved to North London to steady the side’s backline, with the Germany international costing £9 million and the Brazilian £6.2 million; both completed medicals on Tuesday and officially signed on Wednesday.
Finally, Benayoun has joined Wenger’s men on a one-year loan deal from rivals Chelsea. The Israel international has had an injury plagued time at Stamford Bridge and was forced down the pecking order by The Blues’ signature of Juan Mata; he will hope to get more first team action in North London.
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Wealthy football club owners; whether you love them or hate them they seem destined to stay within the modern fabric of the game. Much criticised for their carefree spending and reputations as ‘non-football’ people who don’t know the game deep down, their escalating influence in football is likely to be quelled somewhat by FIFA’s new Financial Fair Play Regulations. Aimed at forging more long-term responsible spending and assuring a more level playing field, the rules which are planned to come into operation for the 2013/14 season, are likely to decelerate the passage to success such as Manchester City are discovering.
Sheikh Mansour’s investment has revolutionised the Citizens into a title chasing outfit and in direct comparison, old established top four outfits such as Arsenal, who maintain a more sustainable business model, are now struggling to catch up.
So we ask ourselves, can the new regulations really aid Arsenal’s cause in their pursuit of long-term success? Has Arsene been correct all along?
At the route of the issue is club debt and teams spending way more than they earn in the chase for short-term accomplishment, which indeed may hamper their long-term standing within the game. Last November, the Telegraph reported that Manchester City posted a record-breaking loss of £194.9 million with wages amounting to £174 million.
Similarly, Paris Saint Germain finds themselves in a comparable position following the clubs venture with the Qatar Investment Authority.
The new rules mean that high spending clubs are allowed to make a loss of £37.5 million over a two-year period, followed by £25 million in the three years following, with the longstanding aim of breaking even.
Compared to City’s recent loss, FIFA’s prescription is minimal, and clearly represents the cost cutting measures that will have to be made by trophy contending clubs such as Mancini’s side.
Of course, trimming the playing squad is the most obvious and damaging effect the new regulations pose for the carefree spenders, paying credence to the arguments of Wenger and Arsenal. Although their fans may be fed up with the clubs transitional state, Wenger’s careful stewardship could eventually pay off.
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Criticised by some for running a business instead of a football club, Wenger has always prioritised paying back the debt as created by the move to Emirates Stadium. As increased gate receipts allowed wages to rise sustainably so Arsenal could remain at least competitive on the pitch, Wenger has maintained his steady business plan not breaking the bank for players deemed overpriced or overrated, much to the growing disgruntlement of the Emirates faithful.
When the new regulations do come into operation, it is comprehendible that Arsenal may be one of the main beneficiaries. Part of a dying breed of sustainable clubs, Arsenal have at least managed to remain in and amongst the top end of the Premier League, competing on many fronts, most notably the Champions League.
This achievement has been deemed remarkable by ‘glass half full’ Arsenal fans who accept Arsenal’s long-term future as more important than short-term trophy hauls. But the overwhelming majority of ‘glasses half empty’ Gunners are now tired of the clubs slow evolution and want more assurances over the clubs ambitions going forward. Fourth spot is not a trophy Arsene.
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Everyone knows Arsenal pay their players less than they could receive at other clubs. The top earner in Robin Van Persie earns a reported £80,000 a week and the Dutchman could easily improve his pay packet with a transfer, but with the majority of the squad on more responsible wages than elsewhere, Arsenal could be the best of the rest to cope with the new rulings.
In Szczesny, Vermaelen, Song and Van Persie, Arsenal does possess a competitive spine, albeit inferior at present to their rivals in the current state of the Premier League. But it will be interesting to see the ramifications upon clubs like Manchester City following the Fair Play rulings and just whether Arsenal can rise again and compete to where their fans believe they truly belong.
Will FIFA’s Financial Fair Play Rulings give clubs like Arsenal the edge going forward? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Arsenal have continued their excellent run of form by beating Everton 1-0 in a hard-fought fixture at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Thomas Vermaelen scored the only goal of the game less than ten minutes into the encounter, and the Gunners held firm to make it six straight victories in all competitions.
Arsene Wenger feels his side have regained confidence, and that they are focused to continue their winning streak.
“When the team is very confident you see that many players can score,” he told Sky Sports.
“I felt that the attitude was always very good from the players and the confidence comes from results. We turned a few results around and that creates belief.
“We had a very strong start in the first 20 minutes, 30 minutes, dominating the game.
“We didn’t take our chances and then Everton came back into the game. They became stronger and stronger and we became weaker in the second half, especially. Our link play was not good anymore.
“I felt it was a psychological circumstance. We just wanted to keep the result because it’s so important at the moment. But Everton played very well in the second half.
“For us, when you look at the fixtures you know the games when you’re in danger. To come out of that will strengthen our belief.
“For us it is very simple – we know for every game until the end of the season we have to stay focused. We have gone through a very difficult period and I believe we have learnt from that,” he concluded.
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Arsenal have leapfrogged north London rivals Tottenham into third place, and take on Aston Villa at home on Saturday.
Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four hang in the balance after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Norwich on Monday.
Anthony Pilkington gave the courageous visitors the lead after 13 minutes, before Jermain Defoe equalised with a deft chip over John Ruddy just after the half hour mark.
However, an Elliott Bennett strike in the second half gave the Canaries victory at White Hart Lane, meaning that Spurs stay two points behind Arsenal in the standings.
Harry Redknapp admitted that it was a poor result for his team, and prioritised finishing in the top four rather than winning back third place.
“We have not been in bad form the last few weeks, but today was a setback. We had a bad day,” he confessed to Sky Sports.
“It is all still to play for though.
“It is going to be close, but there are still five games to go. It is the team who wants it most.
“We would settle for finishing fourth, Champions League football is the key.
“It would be lovely to finish above Arsenal, but that is going to be tough now.
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“It is still all to play for – Chelsea have to play Arsenal, Newcastle have to play Chelsea, Chelsea have to play Liverpool away, so who knows?” he stated.
Arsenal’s injury woes continue as they will be without Aaron Ramsey for their Champions League group game against German side Borussia Dortmund.
The Emirates outfit take on the Bundesliga champions at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, and are stretched in midfield.
Wenger already has to do without Jack Wilshere, who will be sidelined for a number of months with an ankle injury, and Abou Diaby; the latest blow is difficult to take.
“Ramsey has been influential during our season but this is an opportunity to show we have a big squad. This is a good opportunity for us to create positive vibes. We need that. Every team, no matter how good it is, needs this,” he told The Daily Mail.
“I feel once we get our injured players back we can compete. Let’s get Wilshere back because he has played a big part in the quality of our game. His qualities are very difficult to find. I believe that we can be competitive. But the next two months will tell,” he stated.
With Germany international attacking midfielder Mario Gotze a key man for Jurgen Klopp’s team, added responsibility will be placed on Emmanuel Frimpong and Alex Song to shackle the 19-year-old.
Dortmund have a host of young, exciting players in their ranks and Wenger knows the home side will provide tricky opposition for The Gunners.
“I have a lot of respect for the team. They play very fast, very offence very similar to Arsenal. Dortmund have very good technical qualities, they are well organised,” he concluded.
Arsenal got back to winning ways with an edgy 1-0 victory over Swansea at the weekend, and will look to build momentum by avoiding defeat in their first European fixture of the season.
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