There comes a time almost every season for sides exceeding pre- campaign expectations to experience a reality check. With the inconsistent nature of the majority of the title contending teams, however, this year has presented a major opportunity for an unheralded club to really compete with the biggest sides.
Bolton were excellent in beating Blackburn last time out having spent a large proportion of the second half with only 10 men. The team spirit developed by Owen Coyle has become very evident at the Reebok, and this will surely be tested by a Sunderland side with arguably one of the strongest forward lines in the league.
Steve Bruce will be missing a number of key players defensively. With Titus Bramble still out and Anton Ferdinand struggling, the Trotters may well return to their tactics under previous managers and put physical pressure on makeshift centre-half Nedum Onuoha. How he handles Kevin Davies will be key.
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.
So it seems Roberto Mancini wants to replace Manchester City’s mercurial Argentinian with a fellow countryman. The Italian has earmarked Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Agüero as the man he wants to step into the soon to be vacated shoes of captain and talismanic goal scorer Carlos Tevez. According to The Sun, City are in advanced talks with Atletico over a £35 million pound deal for the 23 year old.
Mancini sees him as the ideal successor to Tevez who looks likely to leave Eastland’s once and for all after months of grumbling about his future at the club. Off the field we had it all from Tevez last season with the player slapping a transfer request in, considering early retirement and falling out with a number of executives at the club.
But in his two years on the field he’s proved to be simply invaluable during the clubs rise up the Premier League. His commitment and intensity on the pitch coupled with him consistently finding the back of the net and boasting record better than any City forward over the last 10 years. Sadly though it looks like Tevez won’t be wearing the famous light blue next season and Mancini want’s Agüero as City’s new idol.
But, if he does finally leave Atletico and take up residence in the blue half of Manchester will he be able to replace his fellow countryman? It would be foolish of Mancini to expect him to replicate what Tevez offers to City not just in attack but also all over the field. The pressure on the club to win trophies and perform at the high end of the Premier League is 100 times more intense than it was five years ago.
Only in the last two years have City finally started to show some sort of progress and that coincided with Tevez’s arrival at the club. Everyone knew how good he was at neighbours United but he has taken things to a whole new level at City, which culminated in winning the FA Cup last season and qualification to the Champions League.
Tevez plays like a bulldog. His stocky physique is perfect for the high paced rough and tumble Premier League. His ability to barge people off and hold up the ball despite his diminutive five foot eight height is remarkable. Agüero is a similar size but not as well built as Tevez. Then there’s his insatiable nature to chase down and be a nuisance to defenders which is something City fans haven’t seen since the days of the Wasp himself Paul Dickov. Can you see Agüero chasing lost causes and make defenders run scared?
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When it comes down to technical ability Agüero probably edges it. His light footedness on the ball and ability to glide past defenders without breaking a sweat is a joy to watch at times. He has a footballing brain that so many of us dream of possessing. Then again you do get around thirty minutes on the ball in Spain to decide what you want to do. It would be risky to bring Agüero in and expect him to adapt to his new surroundings and pace of the Premier League whilst also replacing Tevez. The pressure on his shoulders could turn him into another expensive City striking flop.
Impatient City fans have already seen the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy, Jo, Felipe Caicedo and even Edin Dzeko sign for big money and perform at a standard well below where the club aspires to be. However for a player who made his debut at 15 for Independiente before making the move to Atletico aged 18, pressure would be something he’s used too. But playing in the Premier League with fans screaming at you every week and expectations exceedingly high it can be a daunting prospect even for the most experience of players.
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There is no doubting Agüero’s abilities as a footballer in La Liga but coming to the Premier League and trying to fill the boots of Tevez will be a tough task if it does transpire. At 23 he does have time on his side but in the burdensome environment that is England’s top division time is a luxury that might not be afforded.
It’s all become a bit familiar hasn’t it? I don’t know what it is, but every time England are due to play, whether it’s a friendly or a major tournament, you can’t help but be embraced by the anticipation that this time, we have really turned a corner.
Unfortunately, we have been let down. Again. The stale performance against France prolonged the feeling of embarrassment felt post world cup, whilst our opposition, who had a similarly awful summer, seemed to have firmly put their disgraceful time in South Africa behind them.
Fabio Capello now has to deal with everything which is inevitably going to thrown at him. Liverpool’s physiotherapist, Darren Burgess, used Twitter to vent his frustration at how long Steven Gerrard played, the media have decided the youngsters aren’t good enough, despite feeling they should have gone to the World Cup and Gareth Southgate even suggested pre match that Andy Carroll should have been left in the stands, to warn him about him future off-the-field conduct.
None of this is new, though. The fallout from an England game is as predictable as Audley Harrison hitting the canvas, but we must look for positives in time for the next England game so we can become full of expectancy once more.
Here’s five things I learnt from England last night:
1. Gerrard should be captain. I’m a huge fan of Rio Ferdinand and I think the assurance he brings to England and Manchester United’s defence is irreplaceable, but if we are going to get the best out of Steven Gerrard, then the only way is to hand him the armband. It shouldn’t take something like this for the Liverpool skipper to step up, but he seems to thrive on the added responsibility and becomes Beckham-like in his one-man mission to win games for his country when he is captain. I got the feeling that had he been wearing the armband, he wouldn’t have let Mathieu Valbuena run past him quite so easily for France’s second goal.
2. The kids need time. After that joke of a World Cup, Capello had no option but to look to the future. Marcel Desailly said last night that the youngsters aren‘t ready, but they’re never going to be unless they are given chances, and last night was the perfect opportunity for that. Andy Carroll was fighting up top on his own with little service, which isn’t uncommon for an England striker, and I’m sure Jordan Henderson would have learnt a thing or two about international football after having a tough night, to say the least. But they weren’t alone. The senior players didn’t exactly shine so the kids by no means disgraced themselves. International football is another step-up from the Premier League which is why we so often struggle, but the more exposed the younger players or to it, the better they will become.
3.Phil Jagielka is not a right back. In the interest of using these friendly games to look at other options, why did Capello start Jagielka at right-back? He has been a rock playing centre back for Everton and England when called upon, so we know he’s good enough and an option should Ferdinand and Terry continue to be plagued by injuries. Micah Richards was on the bench and is much more acclimatised to life as a full-back. He is a real prospect for England and now he seems to be back to form and fitness, there is no reason why he can’t be competing with Glen Johnson.
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4. Adam Johnson and Peter Crouch have to start. Peter Crouch must be starting to think he’s done something to really annoy Fabio Capello. 22 goals in 42 international game speaks for itself, irrespective of who it’s against. I can understand not starting him last night; the game represented a chance for Carroll among others to show what they can do. During the summer, though, Crouch was ignored to the point where he might as well have not been in South Africa, but every time he plays, he seems the only one likely to threaten the oppositions goal. Similarly, Adam Johnson looks a breath of fresh air whenever he comes on. Admittedly he’s not been playing as regularly as maybe he should at Man City, but I don’t see a better option to fill that jinxed left-hand side slot. He provides energy and is direct in attack, plus he can actually cross and score goals!
5. England miss Rooney. Like it or not, there is no denying Wayne Rooney was sorely missed against France. When Capello’s troops needed someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck, they were found wanting. His aggressive nature and ability to creative something out of nothing gives England an extra edge, even when things aren’t going to plan. If Capello can make sure he stays forward to work alongside Carroll (or Crouch) instead of coming deep, then England would look much more of a threat than they did against France.
The most notable point from England’s defeat, was the gulf in class between ourselves and the French. They seem to have forgiven and forgotten the summer’s antics and are now building with a togetherness which Capello’s men lack. The future looks bright but it’s going to take time. There was no disgrace in being beaten as long as the game was useful – food for thought Mr. Capello.
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.
Melbourne Victory say their interest in Harry Kewell is ‘very real’ as speculation continues to rage on which club the Socceroo will join.Kewell has left Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, with Victory said to be rivalling fellow A-League clubs Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC in their bid to bring the 32-year-old back to Australia.
While the MLS, English Premier League and clubs in the Middle East have also been touted as a potential destinations for the former Leeds United and Liverpool forward, Melbourne Victory chief executive officer Richard Wilson confirmed the club’s interest to theworldgame.com.au on Friday.
The report linked the Victory with a package involving a wage plus image rights, a percentage of profits from new memberships sold and a share of gate takings and new sponsorship deals. It is claimed the Jets deal includes a salary of up to AU$2 million a season.
“Our interest in Harry Kewell is very real and on-going,” Wilson said.
“We can’t say too much right now, other than to say we are very keen.”
“Harry’s value to the A-League and Australian football in general would be fantastic. It would be as good as anything that has ever happened in the competition and probably better.”
Wilson said ‘sometimes you are not in control of deadlines’, intimating that he was unsure of when Kewell and manager Bernie Mandic would make a decision on a new club.
Manchester City's England midfielder James Milner has hit out at continuing rumours of a dressing-room split at Eastlands.
The papers seem convinced that there are problems at City following two consecutive defeats, but Milner insists that such talk is far from being true.
He told reporters:"When we see nonsense written in the papers it pulls us closer together.
"When it seems like the whole world is against you, that is when you pull together.
"These things will make us stronger as a football club. You go through times when things aren't quite right and it's important to keep things right off the field.
"I've been at Newcastle and Leeds where the press seemed be outside the training ground whenever you drove in. We can't control what's off the field, we can only control results.
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"Having on-field disagreements says we're very hungry to win football matches. We'd be worried if there wasn't that hunger because we're desperate to win trophies.
"In changing rooms up and down the country you'll see people disagreeing, but it's forgotten as soon as you step off the pitch. We're a tight group."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
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.
Swansea City have booked their place in the Championship play-off final with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.The Welsh outfit held Forest to a 0-0 draw in their semi-final first leg at The City Ground, but Swansea took the upper hand in the space of five first-half minutes on Monday at Liberty Stadium, when Leon Britton and Stephen Dobbie both scored.
Robert Earnshaw hit back for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining, but after Forest shot-stopper Lee Camp came up for a late corner, Swansea sealed the win through Darren Pratley’s effort into an empty net from the halfway line.
After Swansea monopolised possession in the opening exchanges, it was the visitors who almost went ahead after five minutes courtesy of a brilliant counter attack.
Attacker Nathan Tyson was freed down the right hand side and his cut-back pass found a surging David McGoldrick, but his left-footed shot skimmed the crossbar with City goalkeeper Dorus de Vries beaten.
The home side responded with their own chance, going within inches of an 18th-minute lead when attacker Fabio Borini also struck the crossbar.
The Italian attacker produced a fine turn before his right-foot shot was deflected onto the bar after a desperate block from Forest defender Wes Morgan.
But Swansea did open the scoring 10 minutes later thanks to a fine individual effort from Britton.
The midfielder received a short corner before being given too much space by the Forest defence, curling a left-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the area with Camp unmoved.
The tie was all but over when they got a second through Dobbie five minutes later.
He played a one-two with Nathan Dyer before beating two markers and placing across Camp and into the bottom corner.
Nottingham should have been back in the game early in the second half when Tyson again carved out an opportunity, cutting back for Marcus Tudgay, who inexplicably fired over the bar from close range.
Forest did pull a goal back when Earnshaw got in behind the Welsh club’s defence to fire home a right-footed shot in the 80th minute, making for a tense finale.
Earnshaw almost single-handedly forced extra time when he hit the woodwork in injury time, making it the third time Forest found a goal post in the match.
But with Camp desperately trying to help his side score an injury-time equaliser from a corner, Pratley took full advantage on the rebound by striking a swinging ball straight into the heart of an empty net, moving Swansea one step closer to the Premier League.
While Rafael van der Vaart is slowly becoming the transfer bargain of the summer, it begs the question as to where he ranks among the great foreign imports that have graced White Hart Lane over the years.
This article is a tribute to the top greatest foreign imports to wear the famous White shirt and while I am sure there are many players that we all agree on, I am certain there are other players that many of you will believe should have been included on the list. Scan the gallery and my reasons for each player’s inclusion in the team; however please feel free to add any glaring omissions that I may have made in the comments below….
Click on the White Hart Lane gates to see the top 10 foreign imports to grace the white shirt