All posts by h79snht.top

When this new Premier League season begun back in August many would have expected few teams to still remain unbeaten going into October’s fixtures. Champions Manchester United? Probably. Massive spending Manchester City? Almost certainly. Aston Villa and Newcastle United after losing various key players? Ye…..hang on a minute! Don’t you mean now perennial title challengers Chelsea? Nope. Or how about big spending and revitalised Liverpool? Certainly not. Finely balanced and attacking Spurs? No no no! Strange as it may seem, as the first league fixtures of October ended, there are four Premier League teams who are still yet to taste defeat this season in the league; first placed Manchester United, second placed Manchester City, fourth placed Newcastle United and seventh placed Aston Villa.

Undefeated and flying under the radar of some of the supposed ‘bigger’ clubs in the Premier League Newcastle United and Aston Villa are enjoying a fine start to this season. Even the most ardent supporters of these two clubs would have struggled to believe they would be unbeaten after 7-league games, after the extremely turbulent summer they witnessed. To be honest, many must have feared the worst. Let’s start in the north-east on Tyneside.

Newcastle were still reeling from the loss of local lad Andy Carroll as the summer began, but with the transfer window now open again, here was a proper chance to use the huge sum of money they received for their former striker and replace him. Instead, talk was of an exodus of more key players, due to broken promises and contract issues. Captain Kevin Nolan was first high profile name to leave. What must have confused (and maybe embarrassed) fans of the Toon Army was the fact that he left to join a side in the Championship! Next to leave and following in Carroll’s footsteps was the much vaunted Spaniard Jose Enrique, amidst a flurry of unhappy Twitter messages. Finally, never to be outdone in the controversy stakes (and certainly not on Twitter) was a certain Joey Barton, who appeared to spend most of his time fighting with the board but staying on the right-side of the fans, before making-up with the management team, then leaving for newly promoted QPR on transfer deadline day.

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Three more key players had departed, and their replacements seemed a little underwhelming. In came midfielders Yohan Cabaye, Sylvain Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid from France, followed by another Frenchman, albeit from Manchester United, Gabriel Obertan who had endured a nightmare career thus far with the Champions in England. The striking role was filled by yet another Frenchman with experience of the English league with West Ham in Demba Ba. Enrique’s replacement was found in one time promising Italian left-back Davide Santon. Those six players were hardly household names to the average supporter, but somehow manager Alan Pardew has moulded an impressive unit with Cabaye in particular standing out from the bunch. The retuning Ben Arfa from long-term injury also seems like a new signing. Other than an Arsenal in turmoil, Newcastle are yet to face any side fighting for a top-four finish and beyond so sterner tests are to come, although they have beaten their derby rivals and a tough Wolves side away from home, whilst drawing with fellow surprise packages Aston Villa.

Villa also had their fair share of traumatic events during the summer and many feared they too, would be left worse off. Against the backlash of appointing Alex McLeish, former manager of their most hated rivals Birmingham City, Villa fans with disgruntled from the off, to say the least. Making things seem worse, something Villa fans have had to become accustomed to during the summer transfer window also occurred; they lost their best players. Off went Ashley Young and fans player of the year Stewart Downing to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, whilst also losing ever-green keeper Brad Friedel. In fairness, a great replacement in Shay Given was signed to take his place in goal, and Spurs duo Alan Hutton and Jermaine Jenas also came in, adding Premier League experience. The long pursuit of Charles N’Zogbia also ended and came in as a perfect wing replacement for Young/Downing.

However it is the return to form of Gabriel Agbonlahor that has helped Villa remain unbeaten in the league this season, firing in 4-goals in 7-games. Perhaps even more influential in keeping their unbeaten status is new keeper Shay Given who seems to perform highlight saves every fixture. Similar to Newcastle however, tougher tests are yet to come for Villa as they too are yet to face any of the clubs who are challenging for honours this season.

Are both clubs getting the credit they deserve thus far? Probably not. Will they remain unbeaten all season? Again, probably not….but who knows? It’s a funny old game!

If you want to read more from myself including news, thoughts and views you can follow me on Twitter @fantasista1077 thanks!

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Most fans, during the course of their lifetime, have had cause for complaint when it comes to feeling victimised by the powers that be. Whether it is the media, the FA, referees, or some other authoritative body: most fans, teams and managers have tried to argue that they’re getting the short end of the deal.

So as we reflect on Wayne Rooney’s undoubtedly rash actions against Montenegro, is there any evidence to suggest that his subsequent three-match ban is in any way an example of how UEFA are uniquely punitive when it comes to England?

Platini

Whilst Michel Platini may not have been part of the committee that decided Rooney’s fate last week his influence within UEFA is significant enough for some to believe that he could have played a role in any decision made. If we couple this with his comments from 2008 about English teams financially cheating in European football then we can already hear the conspirators among us accusing UEFA and its president of Anglophobia.

And it is true to an extent that Platini is not English football’s biggest fan. His comments about our clubs in the past have been abrasive at best and I’m sure many will remember the enormous smile on his face as Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona in 2009.

However, can we really suggest that these are English specific qualities that Platini resents? Are they not merely universal problems that exist within football and most of us complain about anyway? Who, apart from Manchester City fans, is pleased to have a club who can outbid every other on the planet? Not me.

And so whilst Platini’s attacks on English clubs have been hard to take would we react as unsympathetically towards them if an English head of UEFA touted them? Or are we simply unhappy that someone has dared to criticise ‘the best league in the world’?

I am afraid this is rather the point too. Nobody likes criticism, least of all people who already feel as though their neighbours dislike them (as we do in the football). And, whilst Platini definitely has his moments as an insufferably arrogant man he does make a fair point. Financial domination is cheating. Many will disagree with Platini, insisting that he appears too eager to put England down, but as the man himself says says: ‘he’s just doing his job’.

FIFA

The vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups also left a bitter taste in the mouth of English football fans. The suspected corruption within FIFA has grown in to a worldwide mistrust of the organisation and several nations, including England, feel as though they have been let down. England had arguably the best bid; the infrastructure and stadiums on offer were second to none and the World Cup would have been the most profitable were it to be held in the UK. This too has fuelled the suspicions of many that England is often held at a disadvantage.

Rooney

Ultimately there is no real proof of any anti-English agenda and we must face up to the fact the Wayne Rooney was punished for his actions within the means of the law. There may be a debate as to whether the ban would have occurred for a striker from another country but it has happened before to other players such as Arshavin in 2008 and Vidic in 2006. At the end of the day Rooney knew the potential outcome and he has been dealt with accordingly.

The truth

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Yes, it may seem unfair, but we must accept it with grace. If we don’t then we run the risk of sounding like a plethora of bitter robots. Unable to accept accountability for our actions, constantly complaining and making ourselves even fewer friends in the process.

England’s faults and failures are a result of nobody’s doing but our own. The suspect behaviour of UEFA and FIFA may or may not be a figment of our imagination. But, in the end, even though Rooney’s suspension will continue to consume England fans’ predictions for our performance this summer we must remain aware that when the Euros arrive England’s attitude and inherent sense of entitlement to success (perpetrated by media and fans alike) will be the real enemy, not UEFA.

Written by Hamish Mackay

Harry Redknapp admits that he has a selection dilemma on his hands due to Rafael van der Vaart’s preference to play as a second striker and reluctance to play on the wing.

The Spurs boss used the Netherlands international on the right flank against Arsenal in the London outfit’s last outing, but Van der Vaart does not enjoy the defensive responsibility of playing in midfield.

With England striker Jermain Defoe in good form, and playing well alongside Emmanuel Adebayor, Redknapp is struggling to fit all his top players into his first team.

“Yes, it does seem to be a problem. Rafa can’t run back and chase the full-back. Against the better teams it is a problem,” he told The Sun.

“Rafa’s best position is in the middle, playing just behind the front man. The only problem is that Jermain Defoe plays there too and Jermain is playing very, very well at the moment.

“So, I guess I have got a decision to make, haven’t I? I suppose it’s now between Rafa and Jermain over who plays in the team.”

“Rafa is a terrific footballer. He has great skill. But if you’re in the team and asked to do a job, really, you should just do it,” he concluded.

Redknapp’s headache is due to a team performing well, with Spurs winning their last four Premier League games in a row and looking to challenge for a Champions League qualification finish this campaign.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Reports in the media on Tuesday morning indicate that under pressure Chelsea are ready to make a January move for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

Andre Villas Boas’ men have lost their last three league fixtures, including defeats at home to Arsenal and Liverpool, and now find themselves 12 points behind current Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The Portuguese coach has stated that his side are still in the race for the title but must know that his team cannot afford to drop further points and risk the gap at the top widening.

Cahill is currently in the last year of his contract at the Reebok Stadium, and has not yet indicated whether his future lies with Owen Coyle’s men or elsewhere.

The England defender is a free agent come the summer, and although the struggling club will be keen to hold on to their star player, may feel a January sale would be preferable to losing him with no monetary reward.

Both The Telegraph and Mirror Football indicate that Chelsea are ready to offer a cut-price £7 million for the centre half, as they look to shore up their leaking backline.

Tottenham and Arsenal both tried to sign Cahill during the summer window, and will watch as event unfold in the new year.

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By Gareth McKnight

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All of the connotations associated with West Ham’s history of football over the years were brought into disrepute this summer as notorious long ball merchant Sam Allardyce arrived at Upton Park. However, surely the ‘academy of football’ tag can be forgotten for a while as the club look to bounce back immediately from its relegation from the Premier League last season.

After Avram Grant’s horrific spell in charge last year, things could only get better for the East End club who currently sit second in the Championship after missing a chance to go top last weekend. Allardyce has definitely brought his own style to Upton Park along with pals Kevin Nolan, Joey O’Brien and Abdoulaye Faye.

A large number of Hammers fans were sceptical over the appointment of Allardyce and his perceived negative tactics. Over the years an Allardyce side has been very quick to play the long ball and defensive, but in my opinion he was just utilising what he had at his disposal. Each club he has been at have had players in their side that suit the aerial game, and so it has been successful when used.

Allardyce performed wonders at Bolton and Blackburn and wasn’t given enough time at St James Park (Sports Direct Arena); where it is notoriously a tough place to be a manager. To say that because Big Sam is in charge, then West Ham will become a dull, physical team is extremely harsh. Playing to their strengths West Ham will keep the ball and use their width, not lump the ball up to 5ft7 Sam Baldock. Talented footballers Jack Collison, Mark Noble and Henri Lansbury defy any Allardyce tradition and the fact that the clubs tallest player; Carlton Cole; cant head the ball anyway, the long ball has rarely been successful.

One thing that Big Sam has given to the Hammers is a tougher mentality and more of a will to win. Last season if West Ham went one nil down, they lost the game. Away from home they were unable to win and rarely scored a goal. Scoring 33 goals in 38 games at the highest level is just unacceptable. However, yes they are playing weaker opposition, but the Hammers have already scored 36 goals this season and have won more than last year, and it’s not even Christmas yet.

Since Alan Pardew left Upton Park in 2006 West Ham have not had the squad to be able to play silky football, as is equally pleasing on the eye as it is on the league table. West Ham fans can’t possibly suggest they were happy with the results over the past 18 months or so and the football has not been much better.

With Allardyce now in charge the Irons will play to their strengths; which is a necessity in the Championship, and will more than likely earn promotion back to top flight as they will go from strength to strength in the second half of the season. With Big Sam one of the favourites with some people to become the next England manager (no thank you) it is in everybody’s interest to sit and watch a few West Ham games this season as his style of football may surprise you, but the impressive results shouldn’t.

Managers such as Ron Greenwood and John Lyall, who sadly past away in recent years, have left a long legacy at Upton Park but West Ham are a very different club to that at the moment and Allardyce will be looking to make a similar successful time during his stay in East London. Given a chance Allardyce will get the Hammers promoted and keep them in the Premier League.

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Gareth Bale bagged a brace to put Norwich to the sword at Carrow Road and strengthen Tottenham’s Premier League title hunt going into the New Year.

Harry Redknapp’s side now sit just seven points behind the two Manchester clubs at the top and also have a game in hand with Bale’s second half double making it two wins in the last three since their defeat against Stoke at the start of December. Spurs certainly took advantage of the fact leaders City dropped points yesterday and will now be gearing up for a title tilt come 2012. Norwich simply couldn’t cope Spurs’ pace and purpose in the final third whilst their front two of Grant Holt and Steve Morison were expertly marshalled by Younes Kaboul and William Gallas. Paul Lambert will be disappointed that his side failed to put up more of a fight but won’t be too hasty in criticising his players after their exploits in the first half of the campaign see them occupy 11th.

Both sides struggled to create any clear cut opportunities in the first half with the away side fashioning the first chance of the game through Bale who hustled Russell Martin off the ball before scooping the all over the bar. That seemed to wake Spurs up as they started to flex their muscles and Bale saw his strike smothered by John Ruddy after he latched onto Luka Modric’s weighted through ball. Controversy then reigned inside Carrow Road as referee Michael Oliver opted not to point to the spot following Morison’s foul on Gallas whilst they waited in a crowded penalty area for Rafael Van Der Vaart’s free kick.

Spurs continued in the same vein after the break and took only 10 minutes to break the deadlock with Bale sending a scuffed effort past Ruddy after being set up by Emmanuel Adebayor who showed superb strength to hold off a host of Norwich defenders before feeding the Welsh winger. Going a goal down prompted the hosts to pushing further up the pitch in search of an equaliser and ultimately leaving themselves susceptible on the break which Bale exploited in style after 67 minutes. Modric was the architect picking out the Welsh flyer who charged from the half way line and through the Canaries defence before nonchalantly dining the ball over Ruddy whilst still at full tilt. It was a goal that typified the pace, power and elegance that has made Bale arguably the best winger in the top flight and sealed a precious three points for Spurs who’s title challenge has now moved into fifth gear.

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Jean-Louis Dupont, the lawyer that helped Jean-Marc Bosman change the laws regarding player opportunities at the end of their contract, has argued that the Premier League rules about third-party ownership of players are not legal. The laws, whilst legal in other countries, state that third party ownership is not allowed in England with Premier League spokesmen saying that they want to protect the integrity of the Premier League and avoid the problems faced by South American clubs. But is it time this rule was challenged?

High transfer prices

One of the main benefits of abandoning the rule would be in a transfer market with such inflated prices it would be easier for clubs with less money to buy players. For example if they were to buy a player that was half owned by a third party then they may only have to pay half of the transfer fee as the third party may be happy for their player to change clubs without selling their stake.

Therefore if player ‘x’ was valued at £20m then a club may only have to pay £10m for him. Clubs such as Everton, who are finding it hard to find the funds to buy players, are particularly likely to benefit from this. Alternatively If they wanted to buy a player that was fully owned by a club then they might be able to persuade a third party to invest part or half of the money into the transfer, therefore alleviating the burden of the entire transfer fee. In this way Dupont has posed the question: what is the difference between the club using a third part owner to help them and a club going to the bank for a loan? This has greatly helped clubs in the Portuguese leagues where money is limited and indeed several of the top clubs make use of this system.

Dupont says the he is “not convinced that restrictions to that business are legitimate,” and said that he believed any challenge to the law would have a “very very good chance” of succeeding.

Negatives

However, there would obviously be downsides to any alteration or abandonment of the law. With outside companies owning stakes in players then millions of pounds are being taken out of a football industry in which the majority of clubs are already short of cash. Whilst teams with small buying power will be able to use these companies to supplement their spending power they will also receive little profit when the player is sold. People might say that this doesn’t matter but ultimately money is being given from one football club (the buyer) to a company that is not certain to reinvest that money back into football therefore depriving the industry of money put in by fans.

Moreover, there are negatives for the layers themselves too. David Dein, former chief executive of Arsenal likened the third-party ownership system to slavery saying that the players get even less say in where they play. Plus whilst players fully owned by clubs might have contracts to see out players owned by companies are not limited to contracts, they are owned beyond the length of their contracts at a club.

Another problem with the system is the anonymity of the third parties that own the players. A player could be, unknown to the public, part owned by the owner of a rival club to that which the player s employed by. Therefore there would be the possibility of that owner influencing the performance of his player against the club he owns

Compromise

In the end it may not be up to the Premier League to decide whether we continue with the current rules or not. If Dupont, or any other lawyer, decides to take it to court it could go above the heads of those controlling the English game; but whichever way we end up going certain decisions need to be made. If we are to choose, or are forced to accept, third-party ownership then we must ensure that there can be no anonymity amongst those owning stakes in players, and there must be rules preventing club owners, or those involved in clubs, from taking part in part-owning players.

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If we refuse to change our current laws then two things must happen: the Premier League must find a way to help clubs like Everton, who have little spending power, to find ways to either compete or diminish the spending power of the top clubs. Secondly we must ensure that punishment for breaking these rules is consistent. Neil Warnock has been on both the beneficial and detrimental side of the third-party rules. Tevez’s Old Trafford goal sent his side down in 2007 but just last season QPR were aided in their promotion by Alejandro Faurlin, their central midfielder who was part owned by a third party. Both players made the difference between Premier League and Championship participation for their rivals yet the fines were completely different. And, unsurprisingly, Warnock could see no hypocrisy in the matter. Whatever decision is made we need to ensure that modifications are made to the chosen system, for neither of them are right.

Follow Hamish on Twitter @H_Mackay

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Tottenham’s meteoric rise from a relegation threatened club to a force in Europe has coincided with Harry Redknapp’s tenure with the club, but it’s no coincidence. Arguably the best English manager around Redknapp has transformed Spurs from a team with a multitude of flaws to one that can, on their day, compete with anyone around. They proved that last year in the Champions League and their proving it in the Premier League this season too. So what is it exactly that has Redknapp given to the north London outfit that was lacking from the previous teams? He may not be the most tactically astute manager in the world but he has other qualities that are equally as important for any team

Belief

It’s pretty clear that the belief Redknapp instils in his players is a huge factor in terms of their success. You only need to look at Portsmouth’s FA cup victory conducted by the now Spurs manager to see that he has the ability to persuade his players that they are capable of anything, and they are. Club captain Ledley King was not short of praise for his manager when speaking to Henry Winter for The Sunday Telegraph:

“He tells us we don’t know how good we are, that we are an unbelievable team. The reason we’ve gone eight [league] games unbeaten is we’ve started to believe we really do have a good squad.”

This is undeniable when you look at Spurs’ performances under Harry. Take their rivalry with Arsenal. Before Redknapp Spurs hadn’t beaten their rivals in the league for over a decade. Their 2-1 victory of the Gunners at White Hart Lane in 2009 exorcised that demon. Spurs also went seventeen years without beating the Gunners on their home soil; last year’s 2-3 comeback means that that record no longer stands either. In fact out of the eight north London derbies that have ensued since Redknapp took over at the club Spurs have come out on top overall with three victories, two losses and three draws. The performances last year in the Champions League too highlighted the belief that now courses through the Tottenham team. Their victory over Inter Milan, the defending champions, at the Lane was truly a feat to behold. To outclass one of the world’s best teams on your first appearance in the Champions League and then go on to knock AC Milan out of the tournament was the pinnacle of many of the younger generation of Spurs’ fans supporting careers.

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Transfer dealings

To say that Redknapp’s transfer dealings have always been brilliant would be a lie. He has been accused of leaving previous clubs with unmanageable debt and players that he buys are often done hastily, some times overly so. However by and large Redknapp’s forays into the transfer market have left Spurs with a squad that not only boasts a brilliant first eleven but also remarkable depth.

For the seasons previous to this one they have perhaps been lacking a world-class striker but for anyone who remembers the efforts made by Tottenham to sign such a player last January there can be no accusations directed at Redknapp of ignoring squad weaknesses.

King appeared ecstatic with the signings made b the manager this summer saying:

“Brad’s experience has been invaluable. He’s a calming influence. Scott’s been amazing. Players like David Silva and Robin van Persie play in that horrible position between defence and midfield, and that’s always tricky for a defender. But if I can just hold him up for a second or two, Scott’s always coming back to make a challenge before you get drawn too far out of position. Scotty’s also very good in the dressing room. He’s quite a quiet lad but when he talks, people listen.”

One of the main criticisms of Spurs over recent years has been that at times they resemble headless chickens chasing games with an over-exuberant air but with two inexpensive masterstrokes Redknapp has transformed the atmosphere of his team at the back.

It’s not just who he signs either, but the way he manages them. Adebayor and van der Vaart arrived at Tottenham with reputations for being difficult but King champions the Redknapp effect on such players:

“Some players come with a reputation of being difficult characters but they play for Harry. He’s a great man manager.”

Ultimately Redknapp, like his north London rival, will be judged on the consistency of his team and the trophies that he wins. So far Spurs fans have been happy to simply move up the table but the players and fans will begin to demand more. However with the squad they now have and the belief that he has given to his team you would be hard pressed to argue that some form of success is not on its way to the club.

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Follow me on Twitter @H_Mackay

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Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish took a dent this afternoon as they came a cropper against their great North West rivals. The Reds were never really at the races and were completely undone in the first 5mins of the second half. Defeat brought an end to what has been an excellent run of form that has seen the Merseyside club reach the 5th Rd of the FA Cup as well as book a date at the Carling Cup final at the end of the month.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles that include Suarez and Parker making acquaintance; Liverpool’s bright future, while a mixed bag of results is becoming a recurring theme at Anfield.

Best of FFC

Caption Competition: Parker and Suarez make acquaintance

The TEN Liverpool starlets set for a breakthrough in 2012?

Football’s Bargain XI vs Overpriced XI…quite a contest!

To Put It Bluntly, Liverpool must resolve this issue and quick

Hope for Liverpool, even if the spending drys up

The top TEN Liverpool Tattoos…well sort of!

Are Premier League big boys selling themselves short?

Destined for a future ‘top four’ move?

Mixed bag of results has become a recurring theme at Anfield

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A strong finish to the season from these 2 is what’s needed – Live4Liverpool

Liverpool’s Secret Weapons – Tomkins Times

The Importance of Being Skrtel –Anfield Index

Where does Steven Gerrard’s positional future lie? – This is Anfield

Is this proof that £20m Liverpool star is not a flop? – Liverpool Kop

[divider]Quote of the Week[divider]

“I’m sure people will want to talk about Luis Suárez, but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned. It’s time for all of us to draw a line and move forward.” Kenny Dalglish talking ahead of the United clash – (Guardian)

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Today’s action from Old Trafford

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Post Match Reaction

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Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has stated that he believes that his side can progress to the next stage of the Champions League, despite being 3-1 down in the last 16 tie against Napoli.

The Stamford Bridge club were put to the sword at San Paolo in the first leg, and host Walter Mazzarri’s men in the return fixture on Wednesday.

Although Andre Villas Boas has been sacked and there is a deficit to overturn, the Spain international still maintains that the English team can qualify for the quarter finals.

“In football, nothing is impossible,” the 23-year-old said in a press conference, published on Sky Sports.

“At Stamford Bridge, this Champions League, we had good results in the group – 3-0, 2-0 and 5-0.

“All the supporters, for sure, will be cheering us. It’s a final for us and I think we can do it. From the first minute, we have to try to create chances to score.

“We know that they have very, very good strikers. We have to be careful with them but we are going to press them from the first minute,” he continued.

Mata went on to admit that the change in management has been difficult, but that recent domestic wins will see them enter Wednesday’s game with confidence.

“It wasn’t easy, because you know we had a change, a big, big change.

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“But I believe the team is still believing, is still working very well and the two wins, for sure, bring to us a lot of confidence,” he confessed.

By Gareth McKnight

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