One of the consistent downfalls of England teams in recent tournaments has been the reluctance of managers to experiment away from the ‘tried and tested’, both in terms of players selected and formations employed. Roy Hodgson has, on occasion, moved away from the rigid 4-4-2 system that has for so long plagued England’s line ups, but, for the majority of his tenure in charge, when able to, he has selected what is in his view the best 11 players in each position. This may seem like the right thing to …
Let’s face it. Arsenal and Arsene Wenger and have over-performed this season. The very fact that they are still in the Premier league title race is itself a testimony to the fact. They have also qualified for the FA cup quarterfinals after knocking out rivals Liverpool and Tottenham. Of course, they are all set to bow out of the Champions League but only the staunchest of Arsenal fanatics would try to predict that Arsenal could win the tie against the world’s best club right now, Bayern Munich.
Juxtaposing this season’s campaign …
“Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important.” Few football lovers can afford to forget Sir Alex Ferguson’s final speech to the United fans before his emotional goodbye to the world’s biggest football club but few have remember the wisdom that was at the heart of his speech. Sir Alex had an unremarkable first season in Manchester, finishing a disappointing 12th in League and only managing to get as far as the fourth round in the FA Cup, so the former Manager understands the value …
Having already lost to Southampton 3-1 at St. Mary’s last season, and after being defeated 1-0 at Anfield this season, Liverpool took on a Southampton side who have done very well in the first half of the season, particularly against big teams in their home ground.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was about to play his 100th club game. If Daniel Sturridge scores today, he would set a record for scoring in 9 consecutive Premier League matches. Liverpool made one change to their side that beat Swansea 4-3 at Anfield a week ago. …
Whilst the previous World Cup in South Africa was an amazing event this article highlights why Brazil could and possibly will be the best ever. From the people to the country and the location I will give an insight that I think you will find interesting.
I first went to Brazil 5 years ago and since then I have fell in love with not only the county but also the people. I arrived in the country via the Argentina border after a trip to Buenos Aires. I had no major expectation …
Last week’s Champions League games saw two high profile incidents of the ‘triple punishment’, which means that a player gets sent off, concedes a penalty and has to complete a suspension (length varies by competition). This seems harsh considering the player may have fouled their opponent accidentally and since a similar tackle elsewhere on the pitch would usually only result in a yellow card, unless it was particularly dangerous.
In the games last week one of the three punishments can be questioned. Martin Demichelis deserved to be sent off, but it’s …
The moment England were pulled out of the hat for Group D, everyone – Hodgson and Dyke included – dubbed the draw a disaster. Tortuous 1000 mile coach trips and an opening game in the humid 40° C Amazon. Not to mention the impregnable Italians and unstoppable Uruguay. But a Costa Rican crusade? Surely not.
It’s true to say the onslaught of Pirlo and Ballotelli, followed by Suarez and Cavani, send more shivers down the spine than Bryan Oviedo. And assuming Costa Rica gift three points apiece to our two main …
If we are to believe the Daily Mail (don’t laugh) Wayne Rooney is worth about £300,000 a week. All comparisons are odious but perhaps it’s worth remembering that a player with over 500 top flight appearances and retiring in 1977 earned considerably less than £200,000 in his entire career.
The question is of course problematic and the debate often confused.
The worth of anyone or anything cannot be reduced to money alone. A painting, let’s say Paul Cezanne’s 1888 creation The Card Players, sold for, give-or-take, $250 million. A private sale to the …
When David Moyes was appointed as the manager of Manchester United, there were some eyebrows raised. The Scot had no doubt done a commendable job at Everton with limited financial resources. But making a mid table regular a tough team to beat is hardly what a Manchester United managerial hopefuls resume should look like. Nevertheless the club appointed him as their manager which was largely backed by retiring manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Fast forward the scenario to 6 months since his appointment and the current state of affairs at this club …
The season may not be over yet but it has to go down as one of the best in Premier League history. The football being played is right out of the top drawer, the title race is as close as it could get and there are quite a few candidates for relegation.
But what really intrigues me is the performance of some of the English players.
Steven Gerrard is getting used to playing as the regista which would be hugely beneficial for England. Jack Wilshire is getting some quality game time and …
