EliteFootballTalk

England after EURO2012: We ARE a good side.....we need a new thorough direction

2012-06-26T21:55:00.000+01:00

I think England is a good side, but it's getting them to play the way they should to win games thoroughly. Glen Johnson is known more for his attacking than his defending; John Terry has a good footballing brain to get into places although his lack of pace can be exposed; Joeleon Lescott is a decent covering CB; Ashley Cole provides a stern performance practically every game for club and country; Scott Parker is a decent DCM although his coming forward and passing lacked something last night; Steven Gerrard did well as captain and in helping out but as the game went on, his fitness was tested (a polite way of saying he was knackered);

James Milner and Ashley Young both lacked throughout the tournament, hardly any runs down the wings and any providing for the forwards to get on to; Welbeck got praise for his winning goal against the Swedes (which I think was not intentional) and provided little else after; Wayne Rooney should have not been in the Ukraine nor Italy game but brought on as a sub, which would have kept him hungry on the bench and more eager to get out there and make a difference, more than he did against the Ukrainians).

Let's not forget we didn't lose last night in the 120mins, we lost it on the two penalties we didn't convert. From when Riccardo Montolivo missed, we had to score all our penalties, it was that straightforward. Aim hard, aim low, and even do what Andrea Pirlo did, which was to aim down the middle since the keeper suspects just left or right. What a cool yet chilling finish by Pirlo, which I think was to show he was nowhere finished yet, AC Milan.

We did well against the French but we held back and let them come at us; we did the same with the Swedes, we scored and then allowed them to come at us, gave them two goals and were lucky to get two back to win. We were 2nd best to the Ukrainians, they wanted it more, had more of the ball and failed to convert their chances. We were fortunate twice in there being two deflections and a fumbling by Andriy Pyatov for our goal, and that the effort by Marko Devic was judged not completely over the line.

Sunday night, it was the same again. We were 2nd best, 2nd to the ball, we allowed the Italians to come at us and see if they could break through, and, like the Ukraine game, the Italians did, only for their final effort to fail. The amount of times they had gotten through, particularly Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano, it was just waiting for the inevitable goal. We couldn't just sit back the whole time, and when we went forward with promise, our cohesion in the end just ran out and broke up. If we should have scored, the Italians should have score double. They deserved the win.

What it is with England is we do not either have any flair players or encourage them. Flair players can take on opponents practically every game, the whole game, they thrive on a one-man creativity that is determined, focused and even artistic. At half time, the BBC looked on Pirlo and showed when he had time on the ball and how he played it each time. Shearer also mentioned that either Rooney or Danny Welbeck should drop back and track Pirlo to prevent this, which I think Rooney did now and then, and it worked. Only thing was it ceased when the 2nd half started.

As for Andy Carroll, I felt Carroll did well enough to try to open up something for England. Being almost 7ft, his running isn't going to be a major asset, his height should be. He laid off the ball when he could and tried to get into the game, but the game just called for pace upfront, someone who will get at the defence and push it. Someone like Jermaine Defoe. For me, get the ball to Defoe or play him through and he'll have the pace and the annoyance of shooting at goal from any angle, with either foot and more times than not he is successful. Lord knows we had no pace showing on the wings until Theo Walcott took over from Milner, while Young had been an absolute shadow of himself throughout.

We had Welbeck and Rooney upfront. One has ingenuity as an asset, the other has pace, but neither trait was functioning like it has done last night. Rooney hadn't been himself since coming into the Ukraine game, and that's another thing. It was as if his name was already written to start, when he should have started on the bench, easier to say in hindsight. I wonder if Rooney had actually shown anything of worth in training to be selected.

Cole can attack well, so can Johnson. We have good defenders, we have old-school central midfielders, experienced players, and we have decent wingers with good forwards. It's about getting them to play with flair, confidence, determination and execution. Right now we have some confidence and determination and little execution. What the Germans have is definite execution, they have cohesion from back to front and they are hungry for the goal. The Spaniards have flair from almost every player, confidence and good execution from almost every player, and that's from the starting 11 to those who come on later. Pedro Rodriguez came on against the French and almost set up Torres, almost scored himself. They start without a forward, so who is scoring the goals? Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Xavier 'Xavi' Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, even Sergio Busquets, all midfielders. No Fernando Torres, no Fernando Llorente, and they're also without David Villa.

The Portuguese and the Italians will no doubt be the underdogs in their respective games. Other than Christiano Ronaldo so far, Bruno Alves has been tight at the back, Fabio Coentrao has been better coming forward while doing well in defence along with Pepe, Miguel Veloso has come forward well, so too has Joao Pereira. Italy's best players were Pirlo, Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli linked well with Leonardo Bonucci, Federico Balzaretti threatened well, and then there was Balotelli and Cassano. If the last two combine better and have their shooting boots on, then they will put out the Germans. Then you look at the Germans - Mesut Ozil will create something, Philip Lahm likes to come forward, the crosses have to be made for the likes of Mario Gomez and even Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, even Thomas Mueller, and against the Greeks they even changed up to introduce Marco Reus and Andre Schurrle, the latter who asks no invitation to shoot on goal.

The Italians have Pirlo, we have Gerrard. Gerrard can ping a pass from yards or from one side to the other, but he wasn't doing that much in the tournament. When he did, Lescott and Carroll scored from them. But then, why should he? When the wingers to whom he would have picked out, even the forwards, were just not making enough movements to warrant such passes. So we don't have enough flair going forward, we hold onto the ball and pass it around, hardly anyone looking to suddenly snap onto the ball and take it forward to the opposition. So we adopted more of a defensive stance......playing for penalties?! I don't think so but the play was such that we were booed on the ball in the first half.

We need an injection of pace on the wings, upfront, even in defence. Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand, hardly a striker could out-pace them, much less out-muscle them, while Ferdinand and Terry provided pace and a good football brain at the back. Pacey players usually aim to use that trait to beat off opponents towards goal. The likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott, even Defoe, may well fit in as regular starters. Gerrard could be tiring, who could come in that position with pace? Jordan Henderson?!! Young has to improve drastically on his Euro2012 role, while for me Milner is now no longer an option for the starting 11.

However, you can have the players on the day or night, but it takes one more goal than the opponents to beat them, and anyone at any time, anyhow can score. It's the controlling of the play that is fundamental over a match. Do our players want to control a game, or not? That's the question, and I think Roy Hodgson has provided a test, a little change, a glimpse into wanting to add something different to the squad. Disappointing as Sunday night was, it wasn't lost on open play, and that's promising.

RedsMan.

"Just so we don't get it twisted here....I'll be in a pub somewhere supporting England this summer! Love the lads!"

2012-06-04T23:19:00.001+01:00

Those are Rio Ferdinand's words, which followed after his representative Jamie Moralee had castigated the England coach Roy Hodgson for overlooking selecting Ferdinand to replace Gary Cahill. Moralee is stated to have said: "It's a lack of respect. He wants to play....Rio's very disappointed. He thought he had done enough. It's very difficult to accept. This is a player with 81 caps for his country. I don't know anyone who understands it. It's not been handled in the right way."

Who is Jamie Moralee, in connection with the England squad, the coach and his team? No one. He doesn't choose who plays, who doesn't, who is in to attend the tournament nor who isn't. Hodgson has a tough enough task of covering for now four injured players who are out of the tournament beckoning, three of whom are arguably major omissions (with no disrespect intended towards the Norwich keeper John Ruddy) in Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and Cahill. He has to blend some fresher faces with some experienced ones in order to get them to gel as a unit, prepared to lead a battle that starts with France, and ends with the Ukraine to ensure progression from the group stage. That's the beginning.

A number of voices I've heard today have stated Hodgson has made a wrong decision in overlooking Ferdinand on this occasion. There's the continuing niggling point the journalists seem to like aiming at Hodgson about what exactly are the 'footballing decisions' he came to that ended with Ferdinand being left out of the squad and John Terry being left in. I don't know why they are doing this, the fact that it's Ferdinand and Terry only being discussed concerning the 'footballing decisions' just gives the game away anyway. Considering these two defenders have held the central rear guard for so long together for England, through thick and thin, and are now not to be currently considered to play for their country together, there's no smokescreen to it. So why continue to ask the same question?!

For Ferdinand, I assume he was OK for Moralee to state those words, as if they also represent Ferdinand's mind on the issue. For me, Hodgson's decision making are practically similar to the decisions by a referee - they're made, rightly or wrongly, and they will not change. Furthermore, it is not up to anyone else to make the decisions, and yet nonetheless there is the constant bemoaning over said decisions as if others know better or could do better. As far as I'm concerned, Hodgson has considered all factors and made his decisions, and it doesn't matter whether anyone else disagrees with him. He is the England coach who is in position to do so, no one else.

My affiliation is with Liverpool FC. Had this been any of our players bemoaning, I would say the same. When Andy Carroll went off substituted at St James' Park last season, he went off in a strop, swore towards the manager. I said he was bang out of order, and had practically written off his chances of playing for Liverpool again. The decision was made to take him off, and, like with other players in identical circumstances, he shouldn't be mouthing off like that towards the manager, regardless what he felt about the change. You come off, respectfully, and you can air your thoughts afterwards to the manager. Behind closed doors. That's because you do not disrespect the manager in front of anyone else.

There are some players who feel their name is an instant insertion into the England squad whenever an international looms. Failing that, one or two players have decided to not be on stand-by, for whatever reason. Micah Richards, another considered as one who should have been selected, may well have been called up to replace Cahill, had he not refrained from being on the list.

I imagine it is frustrating for Ferdinand to be sitting in Manchester or wherever he may be, instead of being one of the England squad preparing for the tournament, is there a player who wouldn't give their limb to be there?! But if you're not chosen to be, then that's it. You certainly do not make your disappointment known in such a manner as he has done via Moralee. The words above I quoted from Ferdinand's Twitter page should have also been included along with those stated by Moralee, not for Ferdinand to have to type them afterwards like some damage limitation move.

RedsMan.

Rest in Peace, Gary Speed - 1969-2011

2011-11-27T20:18:00.002+00:00

It was a moment of stunning sadness to listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport at around 12:20pm today when the excellent presenter, Ian Payne, interrupted a conversation on Saturday's premier league action with anguish and shock in his voice to announce that he had received terrible news. He then said he would go to the Liberty Stadium where commentator Nigel Adderley would reveal the news.

With a sombre tone Nigel Adderley revealed the unacceptable: Gary Speed, football manager of Wales, had been found dead in his home earlier this morning and police say his death is not being considered as suspicious.

All football supporters will have been as stunned as Ian Payne when hearing this despairing news. Gary Speed was the ultimate professional Premier League footballer and he was beginning to forge a successful career as Wales football manager. He conducted himself with immense dignity and integrity on and off the pitch. He was a footballer whom no supporter or commentator ever had a negative word for because he exemplified strong commitment, talent and sportsmanship. Everyone had respect for the high level character that he brought to the game of football, and to life.

On behalf of everyone at EFT we send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Speed. His towering legacy will long outlast this extremely sad day.

Chamakh needs a massive boost of confidence only a big-match goal can bring

2011-08-16T16:22:00.003+01:00

Arsenal will go into tonight's Champions League qualifier against Udinese with Marouane Chamakh up-front. He showed at Bordeaux that he is a striker with fearlessness and goal-scoring prowess. He then began his Arsenal career with good promise as his name regularly featured in the goal-scorer's column.

So what has happened to him in the first eight months of this year?

Chamakh's body-language on the field currently appears devoid of aggression and goal-scoring will. When I watched him on the field in pre-season he looked to me like a man with terribly low self-confidence. He seemed lost on the pitch and his touch appeared to have deserted him.

Chamakh has scored only one goal for Arsenal in the calendar month of 2011: an FA Cup replay goal against Leyton Orient back in early March. Perhaps it is the lack of goals which is having a destructive effect on his performance? Whatever the cause, it appears painfully apparent that the Chamakh footballing game is being adversely affected in a significant way.

With Chamakh in his current state I am concerned that too heavy a burden will be placed on Van Persie to score the goals needed to challenge in competitions. This is the main reason why a resurgent, goal-scoring, full-of-confidence Chamakh would be a tremendous asset for Arsenal to have this season.

I hope tonight will see the return of the Chamakh who excelled at Bordeaux and promised much in the first few months of his Arsenal career. For me, a big-match goal from Chamakh would be a fantastic sight to watch because it could herald the re-birth of his confidence, power and direction on the pitch.

Good luck Chamakh and come on AFC!

Thank you Cesc - Wilshere and Ramsey development will make up for his loss

2011-08-15T11:51:00.002+01:00

Cesc Fabregas will sign for Barcelona today after completing a medical at the Nou Camp. The composed tone-setter of Arsenal since debuting as a sixteen year old will be missed. He brought a lot of class and decency to the football field in the Premier League and I wish him continued progression at his home club.

Thank you and best wishes Cesc!

With Cesc gone the onus on Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey to lead the Arsenal midfield has heightened. And I am extremely confident in their ability and mentality to take on this excellent responsibility.

Wilshere and Ramsey are the two most exciting midfield talents that Britain had produced in the last decade. Wilshere held his own against the magnificent Barcelona midfield of Xavi and Iniesta to underline his innate superb ability and tenacity. Meanwhile, Ramsey has shown enough on the pitch before and after his horrendous leg break to demonstrate that he is a box-to-box midfield talent reminiscent of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

20 year old Ramsey is already the captain of Wales while Wilshere has shown the relish, drive and maturity on the pitch to be a future Arsenal and England captain. Both have the temperaments to ensure they can achieve great success.

Arsene Wenger has the managerial excellence to ensure that both these players fully develop their potential and I have no doubt that the future at Arsenal will be very strong with these two tremendous young talents in the centre of pitch. In my opinion they certainly have more than enough in their games to cover the departure of Cesc from AFC.

Squillaci - Silvestre - Cygan: the weakest Arsenal link

2011-08-07T11:55:00.002+01:00

It's been a messy year for Arsenal. A couple of days after Christmas last year, Arsenal took apart Chelsea at home with a full-on performance which promised an exciting 2011 for the Gunners.

Unfortunately the atmosphere of that night has long-since dissipated and in its place has materialised a fog of unease and uncertainty that is threatening to engulf the Arsenal.

The first seven months of 2011 has seen Arsenal buffeted and wobble. The experienced steward, Arsene Wenger, looks like an increasingly beleagured captain who is seriously struggling to control his fine ship.

These are extremely rocky waters that Wenger has encountered, and with an imminent storm of fixtures to be navigated it is unclear in what condition Arsenal will look come the end of the month.

If I could make one immediate suggestion in this testing period to the great Wenger it would be to stop playing Sebastien Squillaci. It appears that when he is on the pitch we are at our weakest defensively with dire consequence. For me he follows the line of Mikel Silverstre and Pascal Cygan in being Arsenal first-team centre-backs who look a couple of quality levels below their teammates when on the pitch.

Scott Booth, the co-commentator on ESPN last night as Arsenal played Benfica, neatly highlighted the ease with which the scorer of Benfica's second goal turned past Squillaci on the edge of the box before driving a fine shot past Fabianski. Squillaci was indeed turned too easily: in my opinion it was characteristically sub-par defending in the Arsenal shirt for the French defender.

It probably did not help the mentality of Squillaci that just four minutes after coming on the pitch Benfica had equalised after a first half which Arsenal controlled and led. A goal four minutes after coming on the pitch must have raised feelings for him of that awful day at St James Park in February when four goals were conceded by the Arsenal shortly after he came on a sub for the injured Djourou.

To me Squillaci looks like a defender low on confidence; a defender who fundamentally lacks belief in his defending ability.

This is a period when Arsenal need to dig deep. There are tests to overcome this month which will define the subsequent 12 months. To come through them we need to be at our strongest all over the pitch. And, for me, this means avoiding playing Squillaci, who unfortunately is proving himself unsuitable for the Arsenal defensive cause.

By consequence, the incentive to immediately buy a new centre-back must surely now be overwhelming for Wenger??

Sagna-Cahill-Samba-Vermaelen backline: title winning?

2011-06-22T23:21:00.012+01:00

Yesterday evening I was told that within AFC headquarters the talk is strong that both Samba and Cahill will be arriving this summer to form a brand new centre-back partnership, with Vermaelen moving across to left back to replace the departing Gael Clichy.

If this is correct, then I think its time to get quite excited if you are an AFC supporter.

The thundering determination of Samba alongside the Bould-like presence of Cahill is something that I think would get all Arsenal fans fired up. Having two centre-backs well over six foot is a tantalising prospect having lived through a trophy-less era of small-sized six foot maximum centre-backs.

Playing Vermaelen at left back gives the prospect of added height defending set-pieces, which has been a major achilles heel for our great Arsenal. Plus we can discard the short corner option and aim directly on the six yard box for Samba, Cahill and Vermalen to leap powerfully through the air to head on goal.

A back four of Sagna, Cahill, Samba and Vermaelen promises battling grit, overriding determinaton and unstoppable power. Pushovers no more, we can have a backline that can out-muscle rather than be out-muscled.

Moreover, their presence can engender an increased confidence in the fans at the Emirates, whom with good reason have become increasingly edgy with the sight of our shaky defence of recent years vintage. A stronger atmosphere to will on the players will deliver better results at our Home.

I hope Sagna, Cahill, Samba and Vermaelen is the back-four line-up at the start of the season. If it is, Arsenal fans can be legitimately expectant that the title is ours for the taking.

Arsene Wenger, we are waiting on you to deliver as you have so many times in the past..

Bentdner should have played instead of Rosicky

2011-02-27T20:42:00.004+00:00

Congratulations to Birmingham for their 2-1 win over Arsenal in today's Carling Cup final. An even match seemed like it was going to enter into extra time until a devasting mix-up between Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny gifted an open goal tap-in for Obefemi Martins to win the cup for the Blues.

For me, Arsenal lacked sharpness and composure today while Birmingham's players looked comfortable and hungry in sticking to their maximum-pressing game plan combined with hoping to pick up opportunities from long balls to Zigic. The Blues' style won't have them challenging for championships but they can be effective in cup football - as proven this season in their Carling Cup success this season.

From the Arsenal perspective, I was slightly disappointed before the match to see Rosicky start ahead of Bendtner for the final, and I was underwhelmed by the cup final performance of the Czech attacking midfielder. For me, Arsenal's playability shifts down gear when Rosicky starts matches - his movement, decision-making and execution of pass and final ball has not been to a high standard this season, and so it proved again today.

I would have much preferred for Nasri to occupy the Cesc central playmaker position and start Bendtner in one of the wide forward positions. Bendtner has his doubters but there is also no doubt that he more potential to be a goal-scorer and match-winner than Rosicky. In a cup-final starting as favourites you should go with firepower and look to close the contest early, but Wenger looked to choose otherwise today when putting Bentdner in the bench.

Moreover, Bentdner's height in the air would have been a useful defensive asset to be depoloyed against Birmingham's predictable set-piece tactics - which was the source of their first goal where the 6 foot 9 inch Zigic headed home.

Wenger will dwell heavily on this match and I hope he carefully considers whether his team selection was correct. For me, the team selection in the match against Chelsea on 27 December 2010 was the turning point for our season - it was the best team selection I had seen Wenger make in a long time and produced an immense result. On the other hand, this team selection looked to have a flaw in my instinctive analysis of it and in the end the team didn't function and flow as it could through the midfield and attack.

The cost of this was that we were vulnerable to being hit to a knock-out sucker-punch in the final few minutes. Martins landed it and Arsenal can have no complaints.

Well done the Blues.

Rest in Peace, Dean Richards

2011-02-26T14:04:00.003+00:00

I am very sad and stunned to learn that the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers centre back has passed away at the young age of 36 years old.

I remember being impressed with Richards' demeanour and stature on the pitch - a composed and strong figure to have in the centre-back position.

His career was stopped short because of worrying dizzy spells and headaches. It was a profound disappointment to see a talented and committed player have to retire early from the game and supporters across the footballing community wished him good health in retirement. The BBC news report written in the last hour does not reveal whether these medical problems are the cause for his premature passing.

On behalf of all at EFT and the wider football supporting public we offer our sincere condolences to Dean Richards' family and friends.

Rest in Peace, Dean Richards.

Ian Holloway & Blackpool

2011-01-27T18:43:00.002+00:00

It's emerge today that Blackpool Football Club have been fined £25,000 for fielding a weakened side at Villa Park on 10 November. He made 10 changes to the team from that fielded against Everton at Bloomfield Road, and after the Aston Villa game, which Blackpool lost by 3-2, Holloway said he had to make changes because his regular players were struggling to keep up with a hectic game schedule. On the point about fielding a weakened side and possible sanctions for doing so, Holloway said:

"If some bright spark from the Premier League wants to tell me who I can pick, then come and have a cup of coffee and you'll probably get it chucked in your lap.....Let them try and fine me, it's an absolute disgrace. I'll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football, and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise."

It was stated that Holloway had threatened to resign if the Premier League were to fine the club, albeit if that was what his chairman, Karl Oyston would agree was in the best interest of the club. So no, Holloway will not be resigning as a result of this fine, because he has done magnificently at Blackpool, getting them into the top flight after an absence of three decades, done the double over Liverpool, beaten other teams and positioned the club in 12th place so far.

But, the same thing happened to Mick McCarthy of Wolves, who fielded a weakened side against Man United at Old Trafford on 15th December , in anticipation of a Burnley game five days later at Molineux which seemed easier to approach for points. Wolves had played, and beaten, Spurs at White Hart Lane 0-1 on the 12th December, and McCarthy made 10 changes to that side to field at OT. Wolves was fined £25,000, which was suspended due to mitigating circumstances submitted by Wolves with which the Premier League had sympathy.

The difference with that verdict and Blackpool's is that the Premier League also took into consideration Blackpool fielded a weakened side against Southampton at The St. Mary's Stadium on 8th January, prioritising the league game at home four days later against Liverpool in the league. Holloway had made nine changes from the side beaten by Birmingham on the 4th January at Bloomsfield to field against Southampton, and he was blatant on TV saying he would do so. He did not fancy Blackpool's chances in the competition, stating that staying up was his main priority.

My point is, the manager is the forefront runner for selection. He picks the team he feels is best for the game, and if that selection is dependable on fighting relegation, seeking promotion, seeking to raise up the table to get into a European place, or is based on an opposition too good for his side, then that's his prerogative. It's his team, let him pick who he wants to, from his squad, because it's his neck on the line.

Arsene Wenger, for one, took Arsenal into the 2nd leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, fielding the likes of Andrei Arshavin, Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, practically a full strength side, when in the past he has fielded mainly the younger players in the squad. He could have done, but he appeared to have focused on getting into the final much more and did away with a young team for his more EPL choice.

But that was his choice, not one the Premier League favoured. I don't think clubs should be fined for fielding players they would usually not field. As long as a player who plays for a club has the right to, then leave it to the manager to choose who he wants to choose from his squad.

RedsMan.

Andy Gray & Richard Keys

2011-01-27T17:34:00.002+00:00

Andy Gray & Richard Keys have left Sky Sports for good. Andy Gray was dismissed, Richard Keys resigned. For those who don't know, these two presented several live football programmes for Sky for almost two decades. They were the faces of Sky Sports football, Keys was the presenter and Gray was the former footballer who would analyse the action points of the game concerned. At first I was hooked on Gray's analysis, felt he was quite right on most occasions, using his screen gadgetry to explain his points of view.

The only thing with Gray, with me, was his criticism of referees'. I see referees as having a very difficult time in officiating at games, making decisions at the speed of play. Whether they are right or wrong, they should be left alone to make decisions without hassle or harassment from players, and non-constructive criticism from pundits. Non-constructive criticism has led to referees having a bad reputation for a role, I think, many of us would not look to even go near, much less exercise. We can criticise, but we won't try the role to see for ourselves how it is.

That aside, Andy Gray, along with Richard Keys, has come up with another point that has left a bad taste with others, much less myself. The Wolves v Liverpool game on Saturday gone had a lineswoman, Sian Massey. Gray and another Sky reporter, Andy Burton, were discussing about Miss Massey's looks, and during this exchange Burton said he was told by a crew member that Massey was "a bit of a looker." Gray remarked in a manner to indicate his dislike for a lineswoman - "What do women know about the offside rule?"

At another point before the game started, Gray and Keys were in discussion about Massey in the studios, saying female referees do not know about the offside rule. Keys added "Someone better get down there and explain offside to her." Gray replied "Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don't know the offside rule." Keys then said "Course they don't. I can guarantee you there will be a big one today."

Well, Keys was spot on, there was a big call in that game, and Massey at first was looked on as if she got it wrong, only for replays to show she got it correct. Besides, even if she had got it wrong, linesmen have been getting it wrong for years. How could it be said women do not know the offside rule when you have women players playing for the professional clubs?!?

That's the main core of the furore that erupted. Since then, other elements have emerged of Gray and Keys, individually, making comments that indicated more sexism to wards women. It would seem these two have commented off-air to the point that someone leaked the footage of them deliberately. Whether whoever that person was knew of the repercussions of doing so is something else. But the result is Sky will not have them as presenters any more, their faces will no longer have anything to do with Sky Sports, and to be frank I think it was inevitable. They could not continue once the footage had gotten out.

Keys was present at the TalkSport studios, giving his side to the issue. He considered 'dark forces' were at work in getting him and Gray out of Sky, although Keys officially resigned (before he was dismissed, I think). But considering the comments made, are there any more footage to know of? Had they been making comments like these for a long time? And if so, didn't Keys think someone would be offended by them, and eventually his career for Sky would be untenable if such comments were released into the general public by the media?

Dark forces may have been at work against Gray and Keys, but they were not in human form. One was named 'Ethics', the other 'Karma'.

RedsMan.

Roy Hodgson - Liverpool Football Club manager?!! Resign in the morning!!

2010-12-29T22:46:00.002+00:00

Goodness gracious me. Liverpool Football Club have never played in the last 10 seasons as woefully as they did tonight. We were facing a team fighting for points, fighting off relegation, we are in negative goals difference (when was the last time that happened?!!), we needed the points tonight and this night was the night we were suppose to show a determination for turning the corner and grinding out results in our favour. We were at Anfield tonight, against Wolves, and we should have finished the game the winners.

Instead we have players playing out of position, we have a lethargic response, and we conceded just the one goal and left it at that. Tonight was the disgrace of Liverpool Football Club, and that was down mainly to Roy Hodgson. His words afterwards just have not inspired me he has heart and soul behind the role as manager, and it was no different after tonight's abysmal showing of a supposedly thought-out Liverpool XI:

"It was a performance way below what we are capable of and what we wanted to give. I'd like to give Wolves credit, but I think we were a bit unlucky to lose the game, probably 0-0 would have been a fair result. But it was nowhere near our expectations or hopes.

"It was a bad day at the office, there was plenty of effort but no end product and the players are very disappointed in there. The fans have left angry and that's understandable. However, it would be dangerous to clear a lot of players out on the basis of one game. We wanted our renaissance to start today, but it hasn't happened. Panic would be the wrong thing to do but I'm not the sole arbiter of that."

What?!?! 'Arbiter'??! Roy Hodgson is the "sole" person behind choosing who plays, who starts, and who doesn't. The team has cracked under pressure and have only managed to hold tight in the home games mostly. We have lost to Wolves to add to the lost to Blackpool at home, for the first time for both defeats in so many years. We've travelled to Man City, Newcastle, Everton & Spurs to walk away licking huge wounds, and lousy Hodgson providing the limpest, lamest of post-match interviews with hardly any backbone but several snaps at the media instead.

We knew it would be a hard job to take on with poor owners, limited funds and a squad despondent from finishing out of the top four, in 7th place, relinquishing our Champions League voyage and looking likely to have relinquished it for another season to take up the Europa League which, with no disrespect to the competition, we should not be in. Having finished with 18 games two seasons back and being top with 38pts, we're 12 with 18 games gone and 22pts. Twenty six points from top, even seven places and 11 pts from 5th.

Oh yes, it can still change, with a miracle. Man City and Spurs have rocked the top four places, Chelsea have just about edged a 1-0 win at home against Bolton tonight, Arsenal were held after their stewing of Chelsea at the weekend, with Liverpool looking ever more unlikely to have any influence in going up and up the table. Players are lethargic, unresponsive, not producing the quality of football we need at the club, and there's a manager who probably comes off as if he has little to no clue in what he is doing. There's no belief coming from him and it's rubbing onto the players.

We have one of the best midfielders and strikers in Europe amongst a few others decent enough to take the club forward, left with the bare bones of the reminder of the squad who are not up to standard. Hodgson has brought in Meireles, Poulson and Konchesky and only Meireles seems something of a decent signing. Joe Cole cannot get into his groove as yet and there's no sign he ever will. If things do not pick up sharply soon, we will lose the few good players we have. We have gone from bad to worse, and the only answer is for John Henry to call an emergency meeting, telling Hodgson to leave NOW and replacing him with someone who will get the team moving and playing. We cannot afford to continue like this, at all, this is shambolic.

RedsMan.

The importance of the first penalty in a shoot-out

2010-12-27T16:27:00.004+00:00

Here is a link to a research study that shows a team's chances of winning a penalty shoot out is raised by 20 per cent simply through opting to take the first penalty.

http://www2.lse.ac.uk/newsAndMedia/news/archives/2010/12/Penalties.aspx

Something to bear in mind the next time your team enters the dreaded shoot out lottery...

NUFC coach Chris Hughton sacked: Whose decision was that?!?

2010-12-07T01:15:00.002+00:00

Didn't Chris Hughton raised Newcastle United from the Championship into the Premier League after just one season? Didn't he do so as champions of the Championship? Unbeaten all season at home in the Championship? Three months into the EPL, Newcastle, candidates for relegation at the start of the season, have recorded memorable wins against the likes of Arsenal at The Emirates for the first time in 5 years I believe, and a 5-1 drubbing of Sunderland, their bitter North-East rivals. They are currently 11th in the table.

Despite how Hughton had to raise not only the club back into the EPL, he had to raise its morale, its confidence, get to the players, make them believe in him, make them believe they can go back up, and he did it all very well. And yet, a decision was made to release him from the club three months in, which will undoubtedly ask many questions that will remain unanswered. Why? Why now?? Who will replace him? Will it affect the players' performance?

But with bad results consisting of a drubbing themselves at the hands of Bolton, and a home defeat to another promoted side in Blackpool, Hughton appeared to have his card marked from a while back. Blaming his lack of experience for why he had to go, owner Mike Ashley has not left himself with much respect amongst the fans yet again, some of whom felt he wasn't in touch with their expectations. Many of them would have knighted Hughton, much less kept him at the club.

A few players have expressed their disappointment, and shock, at the decision. A balance of good results with bad, they were all still behind the coach. And he made a few good signings, Newcastle signings, the type that fitted in with the club - Sol Campbell, Mike Williamson, Peter Lovenkrands, Wayne Routledge - those who offered something that collectively made for a decent, fighting side capable on their day of being hard to beat. Now the players face responding to interim coach Peter Beardsley for the time being, again another unassured person in charge of the players.

What is Mike Ashley going to do next at NUFC - change their home strip colours??

RedsMan.

Bale is one of the three best British players produced in the last 30 years

2010-11-26T16:11:00.007+00:00

When I saw Gareth Bale play for the first time in an away match against Man Utd in August, I mentioned that Alex Ferguson should eventually sign the 18 year old full back as the long term replacement for Ryan Giggs.

Bale then disappeared somewhat after a bright start to his Spurs career - and really only resurfaced in the latter half of last season when he was outstanding in helping to drive Spurs to a Champs League position. At this time I often mentioned that Real Madrid should sign him up as a new Galactico.

This season Bale has gone into seamless overdrive. He is a one man stampede down the left wing. His attributes are stunning: he regularly beats his opponent with ease; has a fantastic delivery with his left foot; has a tremendous strength, pace, stamina, balance and athleticism; has an excellent on-field temperament; and can ping a left foot shot with a force and accuracy that few in the world can emulate.

For me I think that Bale is arguably the best British player I have seen since first watching football in the late 1980's. Giggs and Gascoigne are perhaps the two best that I have seen - and I do not hesitate to put Bale at their level.

What is your view?

What the hell is going on with the England squad??

2010-08-09T23:42:00.003+01:00

What he blazes is gong on with our national football team's set up? We have a friendly on Wednesday days before the official kick-off of the Premier League, we have players taking turns to announce their decision to retire from international football, others reporting to be too ill to play and then end up playing later on, while one decides to snub the coach, for what reason I just cannot think of.

A friendly to follow on from a debacle of a WC2010, probably the worst I've seen England play since I've been watching them, and most definitely their worst most recent performance, their worst under Fabio Capello, and their worst World Cup campaign EVER. The expectations from the players was so contrasting to their actual general output in South Africa. Capello shares some blame for perhaps not having a Plan B or C when Plan A just faltered, collapsed, and just ended up on the ground disjointed and erratically malfunctioning to a complete stop.

The players ended the campaign with a finish from the Germans that appeared to have made up for previous defeats, and a drubbing that was equal to the defending we offered. The England players came off that pitch to drown their sorrows, according to the account by David James in one tabloid. Yes, drown it all in a pool of vodka and cigars. Personally, if I was one of those players, I would have returned to my hotel room and laid on my bed, going over and over what happened, what should have happened, and what could happen when I return home. Wouldn't be up in the mood for drinks and cigars, especially since I don't drink or smoke.

The image and attraction of the national team had gone down in the estimation of many natives here in England, and what we have is an uncompromising friendly days before the 'best league in the world' starts. I would personally use many fringe players on Wednesday and leave the seniors alone.

England squad to face Hungary:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), John Terry (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Forwards: Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Terry, Barry, Lampard, and Rooney should not feature. Darren Bent is out with a back problem. I find it something else that Gibbs and Wilshere are involved, having not played in the league per the Capello requirements, but it's a friendly and why not to give them a chance to shine. Michael Carrick would have been a good addition but between him and Alex Ferguson, Capello was deceived into believing Carrick was not fit. Ferguson said he was of the opinion Carrick wasn't fit Friday, and then heard sometime after he was fit, in time for the Community Shield match too! Isn't that magic??

It's 'unusual' for a player to be declared unfit, only to be fit enough almost 48hrs later. For the record, I don't believe it. Another incredible display was Ashley Cole's. Cole should definitely not feature on Wednesday after he blatantly snubbed Capello's hand at the Community Shield yesterday. Either Capello said something to him previously or he was put up to do it by another, because I can't think of any reason Cole would have to do it. And Ashley Cole to dare snub anyone, with his reputation off the field?!

One of the best left-backs, arguably the best, in the EPL; in Europe; sought after by his previous boss Jose Mourinho to come to Real Madrid; and he thinks he has the right, the gall, to snub our national football coach?? There are a few managers in the EPL right now who wouldn't have that happening without sanction, a few others who it wouldn't dare happen to. Players upset and snubbing their manager as they come off? Should damn well grow up. You may not like the man but you show your respect nonetheless, because it's business.

Paul Robinson decides to step down, not that his goalkeeping last season was worthy of a special mention, then again neither was Robert Green's in comparison but James and Hart were worthy and there was only one other place - which one out of Robinson and Green would you have chosen? Sam Allardyce was livid with Robinson's WC exclusion, and his words reflected so:

"Perhaps Joe Hart can run [Robinson] close but he hasn't got 41 international caps of experience and hasn't played in major championships before." Joe Hart for me was in good form last season for Birmingham, was partly the reason why they did so well in general for the season too.

".....ever mind the David James scenario, who is spasmodically in and out because it seems he has a bit of an injury problem." Sorry, Sam, James was in good form himself leading into the World Cup and I would have made him my keeper to start off against the USA. Comparing Robinson to James and Hart was wrong; comparing him to Green would have given his words more depth.

Wes Brown has stepped down too. He has another World Cup in him, much less the forthcoming 2012 European Championships, and I don't feel players step down to make way for others - they want that international place for themselves as long as possible. I think Brown has had his head twisted in regard to the England squad by another.

So the friendly on Wednesday is now more than a friendly - it's crunch time for Capello. The side must perform, must win, must deliver. And if the 'fringe' players do not impress, it will put more pressure on Capello. At £6m per year, the man has signed up for an expensive rollercoaster ride that seems to be spearheading down at the moment. All the talk of sacking him was ludicrous - when you have players and pressure like he is having now, it's more of a case for encouraging him to remain. And don't give me that rubbish about needing an English manager. We have done that to no avail, already!

RedsMan.

England v Germany, World Cup 2010: A catastrophe

2010-06-27T22:33:00.002+01:00

Good God. I have never seen such an abject performance from our players in a long time. Maybe in recall to the Euro2008 qualifier with Croatia at home, losing 2-3, comes close. But today they were unbelievably poor. We started to play when a goal down and that was emphasised by the second Germany goal. The belief was there for the first 10mins of the second half and then we just fell apart.

For a national side renowned for our defending, our resilience against pressure (our two games against Portugal in Euro2004 and WC2006 refers) even with 10-men, we were weakened. We didn't play as a unit overall, and individually we came up with nothing overall. It was a disaster. It was a catastrophe. No doubt the England team will either be subjected to ridicule from waiting fans or, to imitate the reception of the France team, hardly any fans will welcome them.

So much expectation, so much emphasis on a winning start, so much hype over Wayne Rooney, to no avail. From the first game with the USA, we were found to have sparked brightly but then lacked enough combustion to piston on at that level. The Americans came at us because we allowed them to, they got a fortuitous goal via Robert Green but they were leading to it anyway. The second half we started brightly again and just did the same, just lacked enough combustion to maintain the industry of our play.

We were worse in the Algeria game. Their players were not favoured to provide much for us, particularly when we were suppose to react after the USA game and aim to win to top the group. It was meant to happen like that, as if we had the game sewn up. The reality of that game was much in contrast. We laboured to provide anything of a show of good playability and came off the field a worse team to our opponents. Much was expected of us and was not reached, little was expected of Algeria and they achieved more.

We knew we needed a big response against the Slovenians, to qualify AND for reputation. We put the 'poo' into rep-poo-tation, we started mediocre and really laboured to get any form of delivery into the box, particularly from James Milner, looking anything but the player for Aston Villa. One cross later, one goal later, all was forgiven about Milner. He was touted for MOTM, even though the second half from him brought little else.

We won 1-0 when we should have won by a higher margin, Rooney and Defoe guilty of missing sitters. We started the second half well for 15mins and then either tiredness or slackness settled in, where we found ourselves battling to come at them and ended up wasting time to get through. The game should also be remembered for the emphasis on how we sat back. A block from Terry, then Johnson, and the third effort going wide.

People celebrating us winning, the cracks were papered over, we had qualified for the knockout-round, little else to focus on. I don't know what happened in training but I find it hard to believe Fabio Capello's words after the Algeria game, that the players' response in the matches was different from that in training. Surely if he saw a difference in the first two matches, he should have addressed it? Investigated it, analysed it? He's smart enough to do that. What we had to offer the Slovenians was something a little different, but just a little.

I felt we were similar to the Germans inthe competition, conceding one goal, holding firm in defensive, forming passes to get forward. Aside from the Germans' first game against a comatose Australia side, we could match up with them and then some, provided we improved a notch or two. However, we didn't. It was said we played our worst against Algeria. Today superseded that statement. And it was just incredible to have witnessed.

Both teams started hesitantly, seeing how the other team would start, and in that instance we started to build into a good performing side, asking questions and making statements in their third. But then defensively we began to fall apart. Gareth Barry was slow and hardly looked to come forward with the ball with authority, passing it as quickly as he received it. We were being pulled about because we allowed them to manoeuvre with the ball and off the ball, and that opened us up.

I've said before how Matthew Upson had been exposed by the high long ball for West Ham, I even named the striker who scored from such a moment. And lo and behold, it happened again. Manuel Neuer kicked the ball up field, John Terry had taken up position too far up so the ball went past him, Upson had taken position too far from Miroslav Klose, hardly any marking for such a ball. The ball bounced between Terry and Upson, Klose pounced onto it, Upson played catch-up when he can't because he has little pace, Klose had already gotten into position to chase the ball and simply fended off Upson to then poke it past David James.

Germany then attacked and opened up our defence afterwards because certain players just failed to hold them off and were beaten easily. This called for Glen Johnson to come across to cover, only on this occasion I think it was Mezut Ozil who decided to shoot, rather than play in the totally unmarked Lukas Podolski on our right.

Did we learn from that moment? No. Because it happened again, our defence was pulled apart, Johnson had to come across to cover. Germany DID learn from previous, though, as Podolski was found, ONCE again unmarked on our right, and even from a tight angle he managed to squeeze his shot through James' legs and inside the far post. One goal down was bad enough, but two made it a trek up a 60% gradient. Just unbelievable defending from four of our supposedly best defenders.

We gained a goal back, and a slight reprieve for Upson, when Steven Gerrard crossed in for Upson to head in. That one ball crossed over was about the only decent cross we had made throughout the game. Another was Milner's cross in the second half, which went straight to Neuer with both Defoe and Rooney running in afterwards some seventeen years later.

Then controversy. Frank Lampard came to life to loft the ball towards goal, it came off the underside of the crossbar, with Neuer totally beaten, and bounced up then down into Neuer's arms. Replays showed the ball had gone over the line by some feet but it was not given. I won't dwell on it as we still had time in the game to score again, and we didn't. If video technology was allowed, the referee could consult it or ask for it to be consulted by the fourth official, or a fifth official, before thoroughly confirming the goal or denying it. It's one for Sepp Blatter. End of discussion on that one.

So 2-1 down, we showed some spirit at least to come back, and should have been level. But we weren't, so at half-time we gather, we discuss, we emphasise on what it was, what it should be and what it will be when we go back out there. For the first 10mins it worked, we were coming at the Germans with gusto and drive, but we lacked the final ball to finish off our chances. Shots from distance were taken briefly and were woeful, we would either overplay the ball, send it over the bar or hit a Germany player. Lampard free-kick off the crossbar aside, we offered little else.

The third Germany goal came via another Lampard freekick that came off the Germany wall, Barry got to the rebound and then lost it, the Germany counter-attack was swift through three players, one of whom played another in quick time, and the chase was on. Again we were defensively pulled apart, no one covered our left, and once Bastian Schweinsteiger had played in Thomas Mueller unmarked on our left, it was 3-1, albeit James had parried the ball into the net.

Did we learn from that? No. A Germany clearance almost three minutes later found both Barry and Ozil racing for the ball. Well, it was Ozil racing, Barry went in like a headless chicken and tried to challenge Ozil immediately, despite the Werder Bremen man easily out sprinting him. Ozil rode the challenge, it left Barry on the ground and behind, Ozil raced on to feed across for Mueller to finish us off, again unmarked on our left.

What a BBQ. We deserved to be spit-roasted and turned over if we look to play so absent-mindedly as we did. We got served because we just could not hold to order and perform as needed, as we can. I wonder if Capello is contemplating resignation, and it wouldn't surprise me, if you coach players who respond off the pitch, but nothing like on it. And I think he was compelled to defeat during the game because of that point.

When you see something simple as a high long ball, and you have two tall players who relish heading like Terry and Upson become disorientated and out of position, particularly against a predator for such moments like Klose, you should feel that their focus needs strict attention. For me, Terry cannot conduct himself as a defender who hardly needs any advice. Even the ever-reliable Ashley Cole was found wanting but you can expect that when your fellow defenders are all over the shop. As for Rooney, practically our biggest flop, enough said. Just didn't turn up in South Africa, for some reason.

I really did have big expectations of ourselves this time. We have talented players, apparently ready to go, ready to show the world, show the folks at home, and we finally appeared to have a coach behind them who seemed to have good tactics, strategy, experience, accomplishments, and the steel to let anyone in the team know when they are not performing well enough, from the captain to the bench players.

That said, why didn't he at least pull off Rooney to let Peter Crouch have a go, as one option? We hardly changed the team despite giving below-par performances, we had a squad of players to choose from. Barry, Upson, Green and Emile Heskey should never play for us again, we definitely need to bring in new blood and nurture them into form, and we definitely should be dropping players for low performances, friendly or otherwise. We should be monitoring and enhancing players for the future, and should discipline those who have been picked for a long time and STILL not providing when it is required, when necessary, when vital.

For the life of me, we cannot produce such a performance again. EVER. But until the next international, I won't be holding my breath on it. It will be interesting to see whether Capello hangs around, but if he does he has to bring out the guillotine, and take no prisoners. I would. I wouldn't care who didn't like it, there will always be someone not liking it but that's tough. Either you play or you pay.

RedsMan.

England vs Germany: World Cup 2010, Sunday 27th June

2010-06-24T10:37:00.002+01:00

A good number of English people are happy this morning not to have to face waking up to the headlines that would spell our exit from the World Cup. James Milner supplied the cross for Jermaine Defoe to stab in the solitary goal of the game. While I was very happy at the time, and am content now about it all, there is still the inquest.

Milner, to start with, started very lacklustre. He seemed to be sluggish in his approach and little of the dynamic energy you see him exert for club. With a yellow card hovering over him, I felt it was a risk playing him and when it came to the first 15-20mins Milner was not at the races. Obviously he came good for the goal and that was practically it for the first half from Milner. Wayne Rooney was far more flexible with Defoe as lone striker, he and Gerrard seem to have this telepathy between them both which almost ended up with a second goal. Rooney was more lively than previously, which was better to see.

We had a good half, not because of the goal but of the playability too. The Slovenians topped the group with no defeats so letting them have possession would be dangerous, and we kept at them to prevent that. We were still missing Frank Lampard. The central midfielder who was pivotal to Chelsea's season, was quiet. Again. Got himself involved because he had to, and for his EPL reputation he remained on the pitch.

Gareth Barry was standard, showed up in attack and cleaned up somewhat under it. Still hesitant in coming forward with the ball. Glen Johnson, again, looked short of some sharpness in defence and for someone who is fit and has pace, Johnson was almost taken over by their left winger. But he came good overall and defensively, we held ourselves well enough for the lead at half time.

The second half wasn't as good as the first. The first 20mins gave us two excellent chances to increase our lead through first Defoe then Rooney, and we showed some of the guile from the first half. But from that point on, we laboured, and Slovenia came onto us, resulting in one point where first Terry then Johnson blocked out two efforts and the follow-up from that went wide. From then on it was equal for both sides and it was fortunate, maybe even just, that we emerged winners.

Now don't fool yourselves. We won, three points well needed and we got it but the response, in my opinion, was half of what we wanted. The Germans have played well, even with 10-men against Serbia, and they have good dangermen in Lukas Podolski and Mezut Oezil, not to mention Bastian Schweinsteiger (their version of Gareth Barry), and Miroslav Klose.

England will have to step up their stamina and pace because the Germans simply industrialise. In other words, they will pass and move efficiently and quietly, which made the difference in their last game with Ghana, who were strong and pacey. We will have to play like Ghana and I think changes are still required from that of yesterday:

James

Johnson

Upson

Terry

A Cole

Lennon

Gerrard

Barry

J Cole

Crouch

Rooney/Defoe

Would still stick with Rooney as it may well relish playing against the Germans, which is all dependent on his fitness. I heard he is a doubt but I suspect he will be fit for it. If not, I don't see the partnership of Crouch and Defoe putting us out of place and I think Crouch would be good to put up against the frame of 6'6" Per Mertesacker. I think without Rooney, actually, we would stand a good chance nonetheless.

But let's not get carried away from yesterday. Many radio 'pundits' and presenters seem to be.

RedsMan.

Mutiny: What the blazes is gong on in the England camp?!!

2010-06-22T22:02:00.002+01:00

So John Terry comes out in conference, undermining Fabio Capello's authority. I have listened to the full conference he gave and I still can't find the words he said that were bad, nonetheless he shouldn't have done it. If there is anything to be said regarding the players, it's the current captain, Steven Gerrard, not the former one.

There are a few questions to be asked:

1) Why did Terry step forward with these 'concerns'? Why didn't he convey them to Gerrard, as captain of the squad, and let Gerrard speak out? Does this then undermine Gerrard's role as captain?

2) Was this a case of someone on behalf of the FA sanctioning Terry to speak, and nothing to do with Capello?

3) If he felt he was being honest, why apologise? And whose idea was it for Frank Lampard to appear, as if to provide a blanket over it all?

4) Did Terry anticipate his move would bring nothing other than a push to apologise? That Capello would not drop him, like most other coaches would, because Capello needs him for tomorrow?

5) Does this now mean there still exists 'player power' that will come out like a union, and is it a positive movement?

What the blazes was Terry doing?? He complained about tactics and the 'conditions' the players had to endure in between training and games. He mentioned Joe Cole should start, and it was Cole he emerged with firstly onto the training pitch this morning. If Terry starts doing things his own way, then it will set off fireworks. And he will get burned.

We know what he did wrong, so does Terry. You would think he would keep out of the headlines for wrong reasons, and yet here you are. Capello had to come out immediately and quell the rumour-mongers hungry for gossip and exclusives. Capello will step down if we don't qualify, and between Terry's All Bold move and the Slovenia game, all parties have come together and spoken together amicably, which is crucial. We can't have this negativity at all, much less hanging around us with 24-48 hours to go.

I've already stated what Capello should do for the win. Here, I'm hoping all has been cleared, it leaves the players feeling much better and gives them that flexibility to go out and play as they do for their clubs. Because something appeared to be holding them back in their two games.

RedsMan.

WC2010: Woeful England set up nervy final game

2010-06-18T21:56:00.004+01:00

Well, from tonight's performance, if certain members of the first XI remain to start against the Slovenians, they should be counting themselves lucky. Individual players who grace the EPL looking as if they're afraid to take the bull by the horns, even as a novice matador. England were lethargic out there, for some reason that I don't think the players even know. They know one thing, and that is it isn't working out there when needed, when allowed, when opened to them.

Emile Heskey should have played his last England game period, much less in the tournament. He was a decent addition to experiment with in the qualifiers, likewise Michael Owen, if just to get the other players to blend in and gel as one. Tonight, he was not up to standard, and I don't know why. His performance culminated in one moment when he was released down our right, proceeded to step over and get his feet caught up almost, only to end his effort with a cross that eluded everybody, even the goal.

Wayne Rooney was again in and out of the game, but on a worse level. Touches let him down, passing likewise and he wasn't getting a good run of the ball to make himself noticed, where he usually steps immediately into space to receive and makes an effort out of nothing. ITV cameras caught him at the end stating how shameful it was to be booed off by your own fans. When England play a stinking game like tonight, be lucky it's only boos, Wayne.

Glen Johnson - fantastic going forward, questionable in defence of late, hardly seen going forward and being creative tonight as he usually is. If there was someone substantial to replace him, I would contemplate it heavily. Number of times he was caught out at the back on runs, he was so slow to react when clearing the ball at one point and was fortunate to get a free-kick for it. There were times he got a good foot or block in but the other times should not have happened.

Jamie Carragher - keen, die-hard, may have come too late now for his cherished role in central defence. Incredible that he still conducted himself to not only give a potential good dead-ball moment to Algeria with a free-kick, but got himself booked as well to miss out on the Slovenia game. Maybe a blessing in disguise for Michael Dawson to step in at last (for those who love to point it out like desperate schoolteachers out of work, I said 'Michael', and not 'Matt').

John Terry was his usual self, although in the second half he tended to get himself penalised for challenges under which Karim Matmour took the invitation to go down readily. His back pass almost played in Algeria, something which I just couldn't believe from him. Gareth Barry looked afraid to come forward with the ball, instead looking to get rid of it at any moment once inside the Algerian half, and we still could not utilise Aaron Lennon along the wings with his pace.

All in all, I would make changes. Urgency is required now throughout the 90mins+, and not every now and then. Carragher is out so Dawson comes in. Heskey should be out to allow for Peter Crouch or Jermaine Defoe. Joe Cole MUST come in to start. If Milner is fit, I would include him as well. There are players on that bench raring to go while a first XI has twice lacked in providing the goods. Changes are imminent, Fabio. My team for Wednesday against Slovenia:

James

Johnson

Dawson

Terry

A Cole

Lennon

Lampard

Gerrard

J Cole

Rooney

Defoe/Crouch

We'll see. Slovenia were jokers earlier on and should have qualified via 6pts but the Americans have a good level of talent and persevered as the Slovenians took their 2-0 lead for granted. As it stands in our group, if we draw again and the USA do likewise, we're out. The way we've been, we're not conceding from open play but we're not scoring equally at the front. With a squad consisting of the captain and vice-captain, creators in Milner and J Cole, and the likes of Rooney and Defoe, not to mention Crouch, that is not up to standard.

The Slovenians were slouchers at 2-0 up so they do work towards getting a lead, something we should bear in mind. I suspect the USA can beat Algeria and we therefore MUST beat Slovenia to ensure qualification. It is paramount, pivotal, essential, there is nothing else but a win to achieve on Wednesday, and if we start off on our feet for the first 20-25mins, we can do just that.

RedsMan.

England's Rob Green: People, Give it a Rest!!!

2010-06-14T08:16:00.004+01:00

Disappointing was the draw with the Americans......very. We scored early and well, good play between Emile Heskey and Steven Gerrard for our goal in the 4th minute, but we then didn't capitalise on the way we had opened the American defence. Instead we allowed them to show what they can do, and obviously they had their spring in their step particularly from dead-ball moments.

A few free-kicks later and we seemed to be floundering in clearing danger, one ball went over Ledley King who at 6ft plus should have made it, the danger nonetheless came to nothing. So both sides began to come at each other almost equally, at a push the USA had more possession than we did. Shouldn't be happening.

However, the error made by Rob Green, notwithstanding it was an absolute howler, was NOT the reason why we drew the game. The reason why he made the mistake was NOT because he didn't get his body behind the ball (which so many media writers are using), but because he didn't get his hands behind the ball. His body was there, his hands were not totally, the path of the ball therefore struck the outside of his right hand and spun off into the goal. It almost seemed a destined event, the way it happened with very little recovery, no chance to grab the ball back or even claw it away.

We still had five minutes after the equaliser to score, we even had a break of 15mins and then another period of 45mins+ to score another, and we failed. THAT is the reason we didn't win the game, the RG howler occurred in one minute, we still had 89mins+ to score more than one goal.

What also didn't help was the needless bookings of James Milner, Jamie Carragher and Gerrard. Milner was not well, beggars the question why he played in the first place. Carragher went through the back of I think Clint Dempsey, and Gerrard appeared to have been too outspoken about his challenge on Dempsey. Wayne Rooney as in and out of the game, Aaron Lennon hardly picked up the number of chances to tear down the right as expected, King didn't last more than one half, much less one game, Carragher seemed slightly erratic, and Heskey SHOULD have rifled the net with a blaster when put through by Lennon.

Green did block out Jozy Altidore when through at an angle, something which the so-called writers put down to outpacing Carragher with ease, despite the fact Carragher couldn't challenge at that pace with a booking hanging over his head and the positioning being in the box! Playing as a unit, we were cracking up in front of their goal. We had little stability upfront and our chances were doomed as they started. If we have the ball wide for a delivery, we're aiming for the likes of Rooney, Heskey, and another out of Lampard or Gerrard, a minimum of three in the box.

Now we face Algeria who also had a goalkeeping clanger that actually cost them their game with Slovenia. What do we do?? Drop Green for Joe Hart, if David James isn't fit? Green has been a decent keeper under pressure for club, who narrowly avoided relegation, and I would like to see a top keeper handle that pressure all season. He has made a number of good saves for club, but it would have been a very tight call between him and Blackburn's Paul Robinson. Not because of anything Sam Allardyce said but Robinson had done well last season, possibly better than Green.

Maybe Fabio Capello chose Green because he saw a keeper under big pressure all season. I would have taken Robinson myself, but as it stands, Green is there and if he is in goal, we get behind him. I think he will have learned from the error and could well be a better keeper for it. But this constant talking over it is monotonous. The so-called 'mistake' that occurred in Zagreb, October 2006 was replied over and over again, and Robinson is STILL attached to blame for it.

It was a kick on the rear to draw, so we show character, guile, strength and unity, we want the win, we NEED the win, we have players who can player very well, and we do our thing. We do what we know we can do, and we do it for 90mins+.

RedsMan.

South Africa 2010: And then they were....less with 7

2010-06-01T21:47:00.005+01:00

So Fabio Capello has released his final choices of 23 players to take to South Africa for the World Cup 2010.

They are:
David James (Portsmouth), Joe Hart (Man City), Robert Green (West Ham)
Rio Ferdinand (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa), Ledley King (Spurs), Matthew Upson (West Ham)
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Michael Carrick (Man United), Gareth Barry (Man City), Joe Cole (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City), Aaron Lennon (Spurs)
Wayne Rooney (Man United), Jermaine Defoe (Spurs), Peter Crouch (Spurs), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa)

Now, the question is, is this squad sufficient enough to win the World Cup? I think any side England puts out is full of eleven players capable of matching most in the world. But on the match day, where will their focus be? England was expected to give a good show against the Mexicans, which more or less they did, but they were expected to humble the Japanese, which they didn't. Relying on two splendid own goals, England were saved from a battering of its own from the press.

My quibble is certain players have been left behind who shouldn't be. Out of Adam Johnson (Man City), Scott Parker (West Ham), Michael Dawson (Spurs), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Tom Huddlestone, Leighton Baines (Everton) and Darren Bent (Sunderland), for me Parker, Bent and Dawson SHOULD be going. They would replace Warnock, Upson and Carrick. Dawson has been a tough tackling, heading defender for club throughout, more so than King. Parker has been fighting like a soldier for West Ham, and the season they had showed it. I'm not a fan of Bent, but I think he can latch onto a chance when none seem to be coming, and deliver for us. Might have been lost out there in Graz' UPC Arena somewhat, but he still has the ability to link up with the main striker or second striker.I also think Bent can hold up the ball as required by Heskey, and yet also be a striker who can score, unlike Heskey.

SWP hasn't shown enough for me to be going to SA, I wonder if his father's constant speaking in the media over Shaun's omission under Sven Goran-Eriksson had any influence in his selection. Ashley Young should be going instead of him, clearly. I felt Baines had done enough to be A Cole's understudy, and certainly not Warnock, but there you are. Strange decision.

King is reliable for a game at a time, had a tough time against the Mexicans, didn't feature against the Japanese, and is lucky to be still chosen, especially over Dawson, just to make up the second XI defensive quartet. Upson hasn't had a good season for me and there is one goal that typifies him, a high ball that he had time to deal with but didn't, allowing the striker to run onto it and score. David Nugent for Burnley, at Turf Moor, February 2010, score 2-1. And yet Upson is selected.

Another reflection on who should go to SA is putting the players into two teams, a first XI and a 2nd one:
First XI - James; G Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, Ashley Cole; Lennon, Gerrard, Lampard, J Cole; Rooney, Defoe.
Second XI - Green; Carragher, Upson, King, Warnock; SWP, Carrick, Barry, Milner; Heskey, Crouch.
Man left over: Hart
My preference for the second XI - Hart; Carragher, Dawson, King, Baines; Milner, Parker, Barry, A Young; Crouch, Bent.
Man left over: Green

So much was made about Walcott, all because he went, controversially, to the 2006 World Cup as a young player. Remember Eriksson said, regarding Walcott's inclusion for that World Cup campaign, that despite not using him, it was good to bring him to the tournament as experience for upcoming World Cup campaigns. It would appear at this junction that that has clearly happened to the contrary. The fuss over Walcott has helped him to not be chosen for South Africa. He made way for something promising after finishing the Croatians with his hat-trick, but he hadn't surfaced well since then for club nor country.

So let's dwell on what is, rather than what one thinks it should be. First game kicks off against the Americans a week Saturday, the 12th June. We know of a few of the U.S. players (Donovan, Dempsey, Howard, skipper Bocanegra, Spector, Onyewu), and we know they have good players. The onus is on us to start hard, quick, and thorough to keep the Americans on the back foot and hopefully pressure them into opening up for goals. Make it a date.

Redsman

Arsenal fighting spirit; Barcelona total-football-plus; Brazilian commentary on Walcott's goal and best wishes to Captain Cesc

2010-04-02T13:56:00.008+01:00

The first half of the Arsenal v Barcelona match on Wednesday night was mesmerising. Barcelona immediately zoned into a supersonic rhythm of pass and move attacking football the speed of which I had never seen before. It was co-ordinated football of record-breaking speed. You could tell that the Barcelona players knew they had hit a new level of brilliance, and Pep Guardiola said after the game that it was the best first half he has ever seen from his team. This was special football - its football that should be remembered.

Manuel Almunia came into the game low on confidence after being somewhat at fault for the late Brimingham equaliser at the weekend. But he made save after brave save in the first twenty minutes to keep Arsenal from being snowed under; showing a strength of character which partly explains why Wenger continues to stand by him. Vermaelen made a tremendous sliding clearance from a deadly cross, and Song and Sagna got their bodies in the way of goalbound shots. Barcelona had reduced us to the old-school Arsenal of the Geroge Graham era - extreme defensive scrambling with the crowd roaring the players to hold on in there. It was amazing and my respect definitely goes to Barca for exhibiting football in the first half that was verging on perfection.

Zlatan scored two classy goals early in the second half with the otherwise excellent Vermaelen abandoning his defensive position. It was two bad goals to give away - but given the nature of Barcelona's first half performance it was perhaps a fair reflection of Barcelona's dominance up to that point.

The turning point was the 67th minute introduction of Walcott. This guy has scored an international hat-trick in Croatia; he tore apart the whole Anfield pitch to set up Adebayor for what looked set to be a crucial Champs League quarter final winner having just turned 19 years old; and he always displays a demeanour and temperament that makes me believe that he will translate his elite potential into achievement. He is a big-time player; he has what it takes.

Walcott's timing of his run followed by his first touch at lightning speed from a sublime Bentdner pass was fantastic; his composed finish too quick for Valdes to react to. His celebration was full of class too - running straight to Diaby with determination etched on his face; he represented the Arsenal fighting spirit that has long been part of our club.

Walcott had Barcelona on the edge. Every time he got the ball he looked dangerous and the Arsenal crowd knew that he had turned the momentum to our side. It was Walcott's dinky cross into the box which let to Bendnter's tremendous cushion header into Cesc's path and the resulting award of a penalty. Cesc's conversion of the penalty with a broken leg again demonstrated the Arsenal fighting spirit; this is a team with true character unlike the cowardly kickers of Stoke and Birmingham.

This match will be remembered for great footballing reasons. Barcelona's first half performance in the home of Arsenal was total-football-plus; while Arsenal's footballing fightback in the second half showed a resilience and courage worthy of respect - Cesc's commitment to keep running across the Emirates with a broken leg epitomising his and Arsenal's excellent fighting spirit.

The bad note from the night came in the news that Cesc has now been ruled out for the rest of the season with a leg fracture. Hopefully he recovers in time for the World Cup - he is a player and personality who does not deserve to miss out on playing in the world's biggest football competition. The best of luck Cesc.

If you would like to see the goals again check out the video below. In particular you may want to listen out for the Brazilian commentary of Walcott's goal - it's fantastic!

Great respect to Glenn Whelan; Best wishes to Aaron Ramsey

2010-02-28T12:06:00.004+00:00

Glenn Whelan has my greatest respect for immediately looking after and not leaving Aaron Ramsey straight after he received the shocking compound leg break after a late challenge by Ryan Shawcross. Whelan will now always have my respect for that exceptional reaction.

We all hope Aaron gets back to football as soon as possible. His progress has been excellent this season and I hope that this injury proves to be just a terrible test for him to go through on his way to becoming the world class midfielder that he has the ability and temperament to become. You've got it all Aaron, and we at Arsenal will support you on every step of your recovery and return to the pitch.

Arsene Wenger - sign up Saha for our strikerless team!

2010-01-31T22:09:00.008+00:00

Watching Arsenal play Man Utd was a lot like watching Murray play Federer in the Australian Open final. Playing the strongest in your sport are the times when your weaknesses are highlighted, and cannot be covered up. Deficiencies will be exploited. Flaws will be capitalised upon. There is less opportunity for a second chance.

Murray found today that although he is very good, against the best he needs to have the best shots to take crucial break and set points; and he isn't quite there yet. Similarly, Arsenal playing against Man Utd today without a recognised striker, found a fatal limitation in their game that can't be covered up like when playng against the likes of Bolton or Portsmouth.

With the lack of a lethal finisher, the chances that were created early on were not taken. Meanwhile, Rooney - playing the best football of his young career - scored the killer second goal for a Man Utd side that thoroughly deserved their comprehensive win. How Arsenal would have loved a striker of the quality of Rooney in their team today!

It will be a real shame if Arsenal's determined challenge this season in the league and champs league was to falter because of the lack of a top quality striker to convert chances against the best teams: the teams you need to beat to win trophies. But, with Wenger saying he is unlikely to get a striker by the close of the transfer window tomorrow, that may well be the case this season.

If I was part of Arsene's back room staff I would demand that we buy a striker to aid the team. In particular, I would say that we go all out for Louis Saha (who is out of contract in the summer). Eligible for the champs league, a natural striker, a good goal-scorer, has big team and big match experience, is relatively cheap: we should give Moyes an offer he can't refuse.

A strikerless team is just not good enough when it comes to competing against the best of the best. Its quite an obvious statement - and hopefully it won't become the headline of our season.