I like talking about club football. But it has ended after a spectacular 10 months which seen twists of all kinds. And because the warm-up games to the World Cup are hardly indications of how the teams will fair in the actual tournament, I wouldn't bother reading too much into it.
Although it must be mentioned that England lost to Belarus B. Other than Hleb from Arsenal, I don't think there are many other big name Belarusians known in this part of the world - forgive me if I'm wrong - but he plays for Belarus A and not the B team!Yet England, with a side featuring names like Sol Campbell, Jamie Carragher, Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon, Stewart Downing, Peter Crouch and of course Michael Owen (and the list goes on), they still lost. But I already said I wouldn't read too much into games such as those.
I shall give my views on the latest big-name transfers though. Firstly, as a Liverpool fan, I would touch on the topic of Fernando Morientes, who the club confirmed has joined Valencia for an undisclosed fee. Not disclosing the fee was probably to save the embarrassment of announcing a loss on a player they paid £6.3million 16 months ago. The sale price of 'Nando' was believed to be less than £3million. The sale of Morientes doesn't come too much a big surprise though, having failed to perform to expectations in his stay on Merseyside. Many think it was because he hasn't adapted to the English game, and I agree. He scored only 12 goals in 61 games, that is about 1 goal every 5 games - which is much less than a striker of his repuation should deliver. I think it was a good decision by Benitez to make way for another top-class striker. He would probably sell Neil Mellor and Sinama-Pongolle as well. But having said that, I do feel a bit disappointed I didn't get to see a top class Morientes scoring and playmaking in Liverpool. There was so much expected of him, and although he did show some touches of class he is known for, it wasn't regular enough. It was a waste that he didn't show form for Liverpool. But form like that is not tolerated in a club like Liverpool. Though I am a keen admirer of the Spaniard, we'll have to say it's for the best for the club to make way for a striker who can adapt to the demands of the Premiership.
Secondly, Robert Pires as moved away from Arsenal after 6 years. He moved to Villareal - and honestly, Arsenal must be laughing now. Pires, though classy, had been out of form of late - and hence out of the team. Wenger has had brought in a more than capable replacement in Tomas Rosicky - a true world class player. I just hope he adapts to the Premiership, because I would love to watch his talents on display at the new Arsenal Staduim. Arsenal would have a good mix in midfield. Gilberto Silva can play the destructor role (breaking down opposition attacks, I hope and not his own), Fabregas to spray passes from midfield - sort of Xabi Alsone or Pirlo-like and there are pacy wingers like Ljungberg and Reyes. There is also the skill and technique of Hleb, and the energy of Diaby. Rosicky would fit into the Arsenal midfield perfectly, and the London club probably got themselves a playmaker twice as good as Pires in his peak and 7 years younger.
Transfer speculation is that Andy Johnson, also known as AJ, is on the move to the Premiership. Having failed to bounce back into the top flight, Crystal Palace have let their star striker go. If you have been reading my blog, you would know I'm an admirer of this top quality finisher. And at £8.5million pounds, he is rightfully priced. I have quoted his stats before, but more importantly, is his ability to finish off team moves with deadly efficiency. Not playing for a big club, and able to score over 20 goals a season regularly, shows that he is no fluke. Wigan or Bolton would be lucky to have him, although I did wish he would have gone to a bigger club like Liverpool or Manchester United. Face it, with Morientes gone, or with the imminent departure of Van Nistelrooy, the two clubs could use a proven striker. I remains to be seen who the clubs will bring in to replace their big-names.
Lastly, I forgot to mention earlier that Chelsea are wasting a whole lot of money signing Michael Ballack, not that it woud really matter to Mr Abramovich. But why Ballack? He is 30 years old, and Chelsea have a packed mid-field already. With Lampard, Essien, Makelele and Gudjohnson already in the midfield, and even Joe Cole had been forced to the wing, Chelsea do not need another midfielder. At £130,000 a week, the extra midfielder doesn't come cheap. I think they should worry about strengthening other areas instead of wasting their money packing their mid-field and get problems of unhappy big-name players. It is a good thing, from the Chelsea point of view that they are trying to buy Shevchenko and maybe Ashley Cole, and these are the areas their team needs improvement in. But I think Chelsea would jsut be a victim of the big-name disease. Real Madrid have shown already that it doesn't work - having failed to win a trophy for the last 3 seasons. But Chelsea doesn't seem to learn from other's mistakes. Ballack is 29 going 30, Shevchenko a similar age, Crespo is 30 as well, it shows that they are signing the big names, but maybe these men are approaching the end of their careers and arguably past their peak. What happened to signing good young talent like Robben, Cech, Essien and Wright-Philips. I forgot, Cech and Robben were signed by Claudio Ranieri while the Wright-Phillips project turned out wrong. I wonder if Mourinho has the abilities to pull young talent like how Arsene Wenger or Alex Ferguson does. Perhaps not.
In recent times, Wenger had brought up Fabregas, Reyes, Van Persie, Diaby and spotted Henry going a few years back. And who can forget Theo Walcott - who has yet to feature in an Arsenal senoir game but is picked for England's World Cup squad. Alex Ferguson on the other hand, had brought up his old school players like the Nevilles, Scholes, Giggs, Silvestre and to some extent Beckham - I think he is overrated too, but let's give him some credit ok? - and more recent young exciting talent like the famous one-footed Rooney and fleet-footed Cristiano Ronaldo and the natural goal-scorer Rossi.
I haven't seen Mourinho bring up young talent - or not as yet. In fact, Robben is on the decline, I have mentioned that Wright-Phillips project is going Wrong-Phillips. Glen Johnson looks to be nurtured in the wrong way as well. There have been question marks over Lassana Diarra, and really the only success was Essien - but he was already a big player before he arrived at Chelsea. I haven't seen young players come through the system at Chelsea in the past 2 seasons - forget the John Terry and Frank Lampard, they broke into the team ages ago.
Maybe I have picked out the flaw in "the special one".
26.5.06
18.5.06
Final to Forget
Although Barcelona fans would beg to differ, I don't think this final lived up to its billing. And I would go as far as saying it was a final to forget.
People spoke about the Liverpool-Milan Final long after the new season of the champions league kicked off. I doubt many would speak about the Barca-Arsenal final in the same way. I think it was mostly down to the referee.
We are all entitled to our opinions, and I feel the referee wasn't totally imparitial. Or at least he made some errors. The most obvious one would be when Lehmann was sent off. It spoilt the game totally. It would be a brilliant contest were it 11-a-side, but Arsenal being one man down would predictably pack their defense and try to catch Barcelona on the break. With only a single Henry up front, even the genius of Fabregas couldn't find space for him. It would be that sort of night.
Although even Mr Wenger thinks a red card was fair, I don't think so. If not for the sake of the exhitbition, then for following the rules. The rules state that a professional foul is commited when a player prevents (usually deliberately) an opposition player a chance at goal. However, in this case, Guily followed up the trip on Eto'o and hence a goal was still scored and it should have counted and Lehmann shouldn't have been sent off. Although it is hard to tell, I would think that Lehmann didn't deliberately trip Eto'o, the striker was merely too quick for him. And besides, with no malice intended and the ball did end up in the back of the net, there should have been no need to spoil the game.
Poor Jens Lehmann, and you also have to feel for Robert Pires, who most believe has played his last game of Arsenal - and what a way to go, sacrificed early because of the loss of a goalkeeper. But most of all, the spectacle of the two best attacking teams in Europe was destroyed by one team forced to defend for the majority of the game.
The red card was the main talking point, but other talking points include Eto'o's goal. Arsene Wenger seems to think it was offside. And personally, TV replays show that it probably was. However, in the defence of the referee, it was probably hard to see the faintest touch by Larsson that would have ruled Eto'o offside. It looked like it didn't matter that the referee that was photographed in a Barcelona top didn't get to officiate. The decision still seem dubious.
Other incidents include giving Theirry Henry a yellow card, when it was clear that he got the loose ball, and if anything, Van Bommel accidently kicked Henry (whilst going for the ball) and hence got tripped. Also, the numerous free-kicks given to Barcelona at the edge of the penalty box - which Ronaldinho, who had an aweful game by his standards, failed to capitalise on - would serve to think that all the officials might have been wearing Barcelona jerseys.
In the end, Juliano Belletti scored the winner, after incisive work from Larsson. TV replays and commentators suggested it might have gone wide of the far post had Arsenal keeper Alumnia not touched it. Well, it is such luck that wins games. But if 11 men Barcelona could only beat 10 men Arsenal 2-1, then it would be interesting to imagine what might have been had both teams been at full strength for the whole game.
But hats off to Barcelona for now. They have won the game, although it was not proof that the best team won. But I didn't feel the magic when Puyol lifted the cup compared to when Gerrard did. I guess last year, it was more of a final to remember, it had goals and drama. This one just had poor refereeing decisions and a lack of contest.
I would say it was a final to forget.
People spoke about the Liverpool-Milan Final long after the new season of the champions league kicked off. I doubt many would speak about the Barca-Arsenal final in the same way. I think it was mostly down to the referee.
We are all entitled to our opinions, and I feel the referee wasn't totally imparitial. Or at least he made some errors. The most obvious one would be when Lehmann was sent off. It spoilt the game totally. It would be a brilliant contest were it 11-a-side, but Arsenal being one man down would predictably pack their defense and try to catch Barcelona on the break. With only a single Henry up front, even the genius of Fabregas couldn't find space for him. It would be that sort of night.
Although even Mr Wenger thinks a red card was fair, I don't think so. If not for the sake of the exhitbition, then for following the rules. The rules state that a professional foul is commited when a player prevents (usually deliberately) an opposition player a chance at goal. However, in this case, Guily followed up the trip on Eto'o and hence a goal was still scored and it should have counted and Lehmann shouldn't have been sent off. Although it is hard to tell, I would think that Lehmann didn't deliberately trip Eto'o, the striker was merely too quick for him. And besides, with no malice intended and the ball did end up in the back of the net, there should have been no need to spoil the game.
Poor Jens Lehmann, and you also have to feel for Robert Pires, who most believe has played his last game of Arsenal - and what a way to go, sacrificed early because of the loss of a goalkeeper. But most of all, the spectacle of the two best attacking teams in Europe was destroyed by one team forced to defend for the majority of the game.
The red card was the main talking point, but other talking points include Eto'o's goal. Arsene Wenger seems to think it was offside. And personally, TV replays show that it probably was. However, in the defence of the referee, it was probably hard to see the faintest touch by Larsson that would have ruled Eto'o offside. It looked like it didn't matter that the referee that was photographed in a Barcelona top didn't get to officiate. The decision still seem dubious.
Other incidents include giving Theirry Henry a yellow card, when it was clear that he got the loose ball, and if anything, Van Bommel accidently kicked Henry (whilst going for the ball) and hence got tripped. Also, the numerous free-kicks given to Barcelona at the edge of the penalty box - which Ronaldinho, who had an aweful game by his standards, failed to capitalise on - would serve to think that all the officials might have been wearing Barcelona jerseys.
In the end, Juliano Belletti scored the winner, after incisive work from Larsson. TV replays and commentators suggested it might have gone wide of the far post had Arsenal keeper Alumnia not touched it. Well, it is such luck that wins games. But if 11 men Barcelona could only beat 10 men Arsenal 2-1, then it would be interesting to imagine what might have been had both teams been at full strength for the whole game.
But hats off to Barcelona for now. They have won the game, although it was not proof that the best team won. But I didn't feel the magic when Puyol lifted the cup compared to when Gerrard did. I guess last year, it was more of a final to remember, it had goals and drama. This one just had poor refereeing decisions and a lack of contest.
I would say it was a final to forget.
15.5.06
Champions League Final
Somehow this year I'm more excited about the FA Cup Final than the Champions League final. Maybe it's because I'm a Liverpool supporter and they were participating in the latter last year, but the former this year.
This year's eltie European competition pits the two best attacking sides on the planet I believe - or at least in Europe. Barcelona and Arsenal, it doesn't get better than that. I wouldn't be as excited about it were it Villareal and AC Milan I reckoned, but fact now is it is the Catalan Giants against an English Powerhouse.
I would still call Arsenal a great team in England although they finished only 4th. They play the best football in the Premiership at the moment. Chelsea for all it's results, can't produce the same kind of mouth-watering football as a championship-winning Arsenal team 2 seasons back. Manchester United have been pulling off results too, but other than Rooney and Ronaldo, they fail to impress with the flair. Liverpool are an attractive side sometimes too, but they tend to switch off their flair on occasions. Like during the FA Cup final, they were playing many "long-balls" which didn't impress me. They were capable of winning games 7-0 though, which we all remember being similar to Arsenal's 7-0 win over Middlesborough.
All they need is Fabregas on form to play the passes to Theirry Henry, and he would play make the rest. The thing about Henry is that he is so good, the opposite team puts so many players on him. That either frees up his other team-mates, or he would show his class by beating the many players on him. He is one player that can change the game all on his own. And I seriously hope he does that in the Champions League Final.
His opponent is undoubtedly Ronaldinho, who is arguably the most flambouyant world-class player that the moment. Some of the things he does on the pitch just leaves you in awe and worship him as the master of Joga Bonito. He truly is the player to watch, if not for his tricks, then his runs, if not then for his passes and vision, if not for his goals. He has everything, maybe other than the agression to defend.
The beautiful thing about Barcelona is that they have such great hard-working players who win the ball and play the simple passes so that Ronaldinho doesn't tired himself out with the things the rest of the team needs to do. The best midfielder in the world is arguably Steven Gerrard, I say this because he does everything for his team, defend, play-make and score goals. Ronaldinho only has to worry about the attacking aspect of his team. Because he has players like Motta and Van Bommel to do the hard crunching work.
And unlike Gerrard, Ronaldinho has a partner-in-crime Deco who can do almost everything Ronaldinho can only with less flair. And Deco would be the star of any other team but is not in this since the brilliant Brazillian is there. Deco has a great range of passing ability which allows the team to find Ronaldinho, and while Deco himself can go for audious shots and dizzy runs, he implements his vision into the game to bring other of his team-mates to play. He was missed in the victory over AC Milan as it was obivous Ronaldinho had less space to work in, because players like Deco were not around to free up his space, it hence ended 0-0 in the Nou Camp.
To complement the importance of playmakers is strikers to finish off their work. In Samual Eto'o, they have one of the best finishers in the game. Not only can he create things on his own, he has pace and skill to finish off passes that are supplied to him. To add presence to their forward line, they have Hendrik Larsson to win headers and score goals. He is something like a free Peter Crouch, only that he does the job so much better. Giuly on the other hand is under-rated, but adds a different dimension to the Barcelona team. He has his own creativity and skill, which is an excellent addition to a forward line known more for just putting the ball into the net.
I would talk about the defences of the two teams soon, if I got time before the match actually kicks-off in another 3 days! But whether I do or not, you would look at the attacking ability of both teams to know you got a wonderful final to look forward too.
This year's eltie European competition pits the two best attacking sides on the planet I believe - or at least in Europe. Barcelona and Arsenal, it doesn't get better than that. I wouldn't be as excited about it were it Villareal and AC Milan I reckoned, but fact now is it is the Catalan Giants against an English Powerhouse.
I would still call Arsenal a great team in England although they finished only 4th. They play the best football in the Premiership at the moment. Chelsea for all it's results, can't produce the same kind of mouth-watering football as a championship-winning Arsenal team 2 seasons back. Manchester United have been pulling off results too, but other than Rooney and Ronaldo, they fail to impress with the flair. Liverpool are an attractive side sometimes too, but they tend to switch off their flair on occasions. Like during the FA Cup final, they were playing many "long-balls" which didn't impress me. They were capable of winning games 7-0 though, which we all remember being similar to Arsenal's 7-0 win over Middlesborough.
All they need is Fabregas on form to play the passes to Theirry Henry, and he would play make the rest. The thing about Henry is that he is so good, the opposite team puts so many players on him. That either frees up his other team-mates, or he would show his class by beating the many players on him. He is one player that can change the game all on his own. And I seriously hope he does that in the Champions League Final.
His opponent is undoubtedly Ronaldinho, who is arguably the most flambouyant world-class player that the moment. Some of the things he does on the pitch just leaves you in awe and worship him as the master of Joga Bonito. He truly is the player to watch, if not for his tricks, then his runs, if not then for his passes and vision, if not for his goals. He has everything, maybe other than the agression to defend.
The beautiful thing about Barcelona is that they have such great hard-working players who win the ball and play the simple passes so that Ronaldinho doesn't tired himself out with the things the rest of the team needs to do. The best midfielder in the world is arguably Steven Gerrard, I say this because he does everything for his team, defend, play-make and score goals. Ronaldinho only has to worry about the attacking aspect of his team. Because he has players like Motta and Van Bommel to do the hard crunching work.
And unlike Gerrard, Ronaldinho has a partner-in-crime Deco who can do almost everything Ronaldinho can only with less flair. And Deco would be the star of any other team but is not in this since the brilliant Brazillian is there. Deco has a great range of passing ability which allows the team to find Ronaldinho, and while Deco himself can go for audious shots and dizzy runs, he implements his vision into the game to bring other of his team-mates to play. He was missed in the victory over AC Milan as it was obivous Ronaldinho had less space to work in, because players like Deco were not around to free up his space, it hence ended 0-0 in the Nou Camp.
To complement the importance of playmakers is strikers to finish off their work. In Samual Eto'o, they have one of the best finishers in the game. Not only can he create things on his own, he has pace and skill to finish off passes that are supplied to him. To add presence to their forward line, they have Hendrik Larsson to win headers and score goals. He is something like a free Peter Crouch, only that he does the job so much better. Giuly on the other hand is under-rated, but adds a different dimension to the Barcelona team. He has his own creativity and skill, which is an excellent addition to a forward line known more for just putting the ball into the net.
I would talk about the defences of the two teams soon, if I got time before the match actually kicks-off in another 3 days! But whether I do or not, you would look at the attacking ability of both teams to know you got a wonderful final to look forward too.
14.5.06
FA Cup Final
It truly is remarkable isn't it? Liverpool showed what they need to do to win cup finals, go behind, take the game to 3-3 then win on penalties with some class from the 'keeper. Fairytales couldn't have been written better, or if you wrote a fairy tale like this one, people would say you were unorginal because you used the same ending twice. But it was the same ending twice.
True, West Ham are no AC Milan, but by luck or by skill, they were 2-0 up in 26 minutes. A unlucky own goal by Carragher followed by a lucky goal by Dean Ashton. Credit to the lad for reacting the quickest, but it was unlucky that Reina spilled the ball. West Ham were lucky again when Peter Crouch put the ball into the net just to be ruled for offside. It was largely debatable, but he did look like his nose was beyond the last man. But it was a tremendously close call. On another day, it could have counted.
Cisse did well to bring Liverpool to within a goal with a well-taken Michael-Owen-sort-of-finish. And Gerrard showed all the class by hammering home the second to equalise the game.
Luck was with the Hammers though, and when Paul Konchesky scored that audious goal - which he obviously meant it as a cross - I just couldn't believe their luck! But when all seemed lost, with Liverpool lethargic, Steven Gerrard - captain fantastic showed why he is the best midfielder in the world (if you consider Ronaldinho as a forward) by sinking an incredible incredible goal that brought cheers that lifted the Millenium Staduim's roof off. It is one goal I could watch over and over again. An amazing one-touch strike from 35 metres out right into the bottom corner! And in the 91st minute of all times to score.
Extra-time was sluggish as players seemed to have run out of energy. Harewood got injured, and several Liverpool players went down with cramps. Cisse looked like he couldn't hardly walk. But with West Ham looking to have better fitness, it looked as though they might take the game. A chance fell to one-legged Harewood, but given his injury, he had an excuse to miss.
The game finally came to penalties, and I was nervous as a Liverpool fan because I thought Reina had a bad game - bad luck or whatever you want to call it, it was a bad game. But then, so I thought with Jerzy dudek about 12 months ago. Turns out Reina saved 3 penalties in similar fashion Dudek saved two (and one missed) in Istanbul.
Liverpool have won the FA Cup in exactly the same manner they won the Champions League. You really couldn't write a script for that.
True, West Ham are no AC Milan, but by luck or by skill, they were 2-0 up in 26 minutes. A unlucky own goal by Carragher followed by a lucky goal by Dean Ashton. Credit to the lad for reacting the quickest, but it was unlucky that Reina spilled the ball. West Ham were lucky again when Peter Crouch put the ball into the net just to be ruled for offside. It was largely debatable, but he did look like his nose was beyond the last man. But it was a tremendously close call. On another day, it could have counted.
Cisse did well to bring Liverpool to within a goal with a well-taken Michael-Owen-sort-of-finish. And Gerrard showed all the class by hammering home the second to equalise the game.
Luck was with the Hammers though, and when Paul Konchesky scored that audious goal - which he obviously meant it as a cross - I just couldn't believe their luck! But when all seemed lost, with Liverpool lethargic, Steven Gerrard - captain fantastic showed why he is the best midfielder in the world (if you consider Ronaldinho as a forward) by sinking an incredible incredible goal that brought cheers that lifted the Millenium Staduim's roof off. It is one goal I could watch over and over again. An amazing one-touch strike from 35 metres out right into the bottom corner! And in the 91st minute of all times to score.
Extra-time was sluggish as players seemed to have run out of energy. Harewood got injured, and several Liverpool players went down with cramps. Cisse looked like he couldn't hardly walk. But with West Ham looking to have better fitness, it looked as though they might take the game. A chance fell to one-legged Harewood, but given his injury, he had an excuse to miss.
The game finally came to penalties, and I was nervous as a Liverpool fan because I thought Reina had a bad game - bad luck or whatever you want to call it, it was a bad game. But then, so I thought with Jerzy dudek about 12 months ago. Turns out Reina saved 3 penalties in similar fashion Dudek saved two (and one missed) in Istanbul.
Liverpool have won the FA Cup in exactly the same manner they won the Champions League. You really couldn't write a script for that.
10.5.06
9.5.06
Has Sven Lost The Plot?
The big news today was that Theo Walcott was selected in the England squad ahead of Jermaine Defoe, Darren Bent and Andy Johnson. Which personally I feel is insane. He admitted it is a huge gamble, and he himself has never seen Walcott play in flesh. While only listening to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's words that he has electric pace and raw talent. If he is good enough to be brought into the World Cup, how come he is not good enough to play for Arsenal - not even as a substitute appearance.
You tell me Wright-Philips is not good enough to play for Chelsea, it is a fair comment and hence should not be brought into the World Cup. But you tell me that Walcott is not good enough to play for Arsenal, yet good enough to play for England? And mind it, it is not last resort stuff, they like the likes of Defoe, Johnson and Bent!
I've always been an admirer of Jermaine Defoe. However, the Tottenham striker has found himself on the bench most of the season behind a partnerhsip of Robbie Keane and Mido. The pair work well together to justify the absence of Defoe, but some one who comes off the bench to score quality goals is better than someone who cannot come off the bench isn't it?
Andy Johnson might be playing in the Coca-cola championship, but at least he is playing first team football. He was top scorer and top assist in for his club with 17 goals and 6 assist. And it is not just a one-off high-scoring season, he has been scoring well over the past few seasons, in fact this is the first one in 2 seasons he failed to score more than 20 goals. He scored 21 goals in the season he was in the Premiership. These stats of consistancy don't lie. He is a true marksman. And he is selected behind Walcott?
I really feel for Darren Bent as well. He's previous season's totals from 2002-2003 season were 18, 17, 20, 22. He scored 22 goals this season and for a Charlton side who can hardly create anything. The biggest stat to show that he is a true marksman in a club who cannot score is that the next top-scorer in his club is Danny Murphy with 4 goals! This shows he is a quality player in a somewaht lower club. But he delivers the goods. I don't think he would stay in Charlton much longer since it is becoming more and more evident that only players in big clubs get a call to the international team - even though Bent has started 36 more times and scored 18 more goals in the Premiership alone ahead of Walcott's zero all.
Imagine that Eriksson takes this 23-man squad to Germany. The strikers would be Rooney, Owen, Crouch and Walcott. With Rooney still ruled out for the first few games of the tournament at best, then we have Crouch, who is a useful player but not a prolific goalscorer and Michael Owen who spent most of the season on the treatment table. Though he betrayed Liverpool, I still admit he is one of the best natural finishers in the game. But given a season lacking match fitness and sharpness, he doesn't look like he is going to be half the player he is. So short of match fitness, he would maybe last 60 minutes of a match effectively. Then, we would have Crouch and Walcott to lead the lines for England. Right. Having a back-up pair of Crouch and Bent, or Crouch and Defoe, or Crouch and Johnson would sound like more of a pairing that would score a goal.
Now that Rooney is injured and the odds of England to win the world cup have dropped from 6 to 7.8 (1-6 to 1-7.8), I don't even think that is good enough for people to bet on England to win because of Sven's insanity of not choosing the best players. I'll rather bet on Ivory Coast at 75-1. They stand a better chance.
You tell me Wright-Philips is not good enough to play for Chelsea, it is a fair comment and hence should not be brought into the World Cup. But you tell me that Walcott is not good enough to play for Arsenal, yet good enough to play for England? And mind it, it is not last resort stuff, they like the likes of Defoe, Johnson and Bent!
I've always been an admirer of Jermaine Defoe. However, the Tottenham striker has found himself on the bench most of the season behind a partnerhsip of Robbie Keane and Mido. The pair work well together to justify the absence of Defoe, but some one who comes off the bench to score quality goals is better than someone who cannot come off the bench isn't it?
Andy Johnson might be playing in the Coca-cola championship, but at least he is playing first team football. He was top scorer and top assist in for his club with 17 goals and 6 assist. And it is not just a one-off high-scoring season, he has been scoring well over the past few seasons, in fact this is the first one in 2 seasons he failed to score more than 20 goals. He scored 21 goals in the season he was in the Premiership. These stats of consistancy don't lie. He is a true marksman. And he is selected behind Walcott?
I really feel for Darren Bent as well. He's previous season's totals from 2002-2003 season were 18, 17, 20, 22. He scored 22 goals this season and for a Charlton side who can hardly create anything. The biggest stat to show that he is a true marksman in a club who cannot score is that the next top-scorer in his club is Danny Murphy with 4 goals! This shows he is a quality player in a somewaht lower club. But he delivers the goods. I don't think he would stay in Charlton much longer since it is becoming more and more evident that only players in big clubs get a call to the international team - even though Bent has started 36 more times and scored 18 more goals in the Premiership alone ahead of Walcott's zero all.
Imagine that Eriksson takes this 23-man squad to Germany. The strikers would be Rooney, Owen, Crouch and Walcott. With Rooney still ruled out for the first few games of the tournament at best, then we have Crouch, who is a useful player but not a prolific goalscorer and Michael Owen who spent most of the season on the treatment table. Though he betrayed Liverpool, I still admit he is one of the best natural finishers in the game. But given a season lacking match fitness and sharpness, he doesn't look like he is going to be half the player he is. So short of match fitness, he would maybe last 60 minutes of a match effectively. Then, we would have Crouch and Walcott to lead the lines for England. Right. Having a back-up pair of Crouch and Bent, or Crouch and Defoe, or Crouch and Johnson would sound like more of a pairing that would score a goal.
Now that Rooney is injured and the odds of England to win the world cup have dropped from 6 to 7.8 (1-6 to 1-7.8), I don't even think that is good enough for people to bet on England to win because of Sven's insanity of not choosing the best players. I'll rather bet on Ivory Coast at 75-1. They stand a better chance.
8.5.06
The Final Verdict
The last Premiership weekend has just concluded. And when I said on the last day it is hard to predict anything, I was right. I had 5 right and 5 wrong. Though some of the wrongs were really close.
Arsenal VS Wigan
I predicted a home win and indeed. But it was no surprise I guess. I did say it would be high-scoring, but I didn't expect 6 goals either.
Villa VS Sunderland
Villa just scraped this one. It was close at 2-1. But since I predicted a low-score draw, I'm wrong for this one.
Blackburn VS Man City
Blackburn would win comfortable I said. And Man City would just have to hope for a better next season.
Bolton VS Birmingham
I predicted a narrow home win. I was spot on with Bolton winning 1-0. It doesn't get more accurate than that.
Everton VS West Brom
I got this one wrong. I predicted a narrow home win. Turned out to narrowly be a draw. I was wrong about West Brom, but it was cruel they lost their 3 points with minutes to go.
Fulham VS Boro
I thought this game would be high-scoring, but it was not to be with Middlesborough fielding a second-string side. And with Captain Boa Morte injured, it turned out to be a narrow home victory.
Man United VS Charlton
I said comfortable home win, and it doesn't get more comfortable than 4-0. It was no surprises really, hats off to them for stamping their authority on second spot. Who needs Rooney anyway?
Newcastle VS Chelsea
Party mood indeed took it's toll on Chelsea, and wih the Champions fielding a second string team, they proved that a 2.38 odds on a Chelsea win would be too good to be true.
Portsmouth VS Liverpool
Liverpool did all it can to fight for second, but it was not to be with the victory by Manchester United. But a 3-1 win here still earned me money on my bets.
West Ham VS Tottenham
It was quite unbelievable, but West Ham actually won this one. I would have thought they would rest players for the FA Cup final. But looks like they fielded their FA Cup final side other than Marlon Harewood. A surprise win for me to prove me wrong. And it let the gunners take 4th. Quite incredible indeed.
Arsenal VS Wigan
I predicted a home win and indeed. But it was no surprise I guess. I did say it would be high-scoring, but I didn't expect 6 goals either.
Villa VS Sunderland
Villa just scraped this one. It was close at 2-1. But since I predicted a low-score draw, I'm wrong for this one.
Blackburn VS Man City
Blackburn would win comfortable I said. And Man City would just have to hope for a better next season.
Bolton VS Birmingham
I predicted a narrow home win. I was spot on with Bolton winning 1-0. It doesn't get more accurate than that.
Everton VS West Brom
I got this one wrong. I predicted a narrow home win. Turned out to narrowly be a draw. I was wrong about West Brom, but it was cruel they lost their 3 points with minutes to go.
Fulham VS Boro
I thought this game would be high-scoring, but it was not to be with Middlesborough fielding a second-string side. And with Captain Boa Morte injured, it turned out to be a narrow home victory.
Man United VS Charlton
I said comfortable home win, and it doesn't get more comfortable than 4-0. It was no surprises really, hats off to them for stamping their authority on second spot. Who needs Rooney anyway?
Newcastle VS Chelsea
Party mood indeed took it's toll on Chelsea, and wih the Champions fielding a second string team, they proved that a 2.38 odds on a Chelsea win would be too good to be true.
Portsmouth VS Liverpool
Liverpool did all it can to fight for second, but it was not to be with the victory by Manchester United. But a 3-1 win here still earned me money on my bets.
West Ham VS Tottenham
It was quite unbelievable, but West Ham actually won this one. I would have thought they would rest players for the FA Cup final. But looks like they fielded their FA Cup final side other than Marlon Harewood. A surprise win for me to prove me wrong. And it let the gunners take 4th. Quite incredible indeed.
7.5.06
Final EPL Weekend
It's a full schduele with all teams playing at the same time. It's the final weekend of the EPL. Here, form is thrown out of the window because teams with nothing to fight for, would probably field a lesser team, or not play so intensively. While teams with something to fight for, know it's their last chance.
There are a few key games to determine 2nd and 4th. Manchester United have an easier task of dispatching Charlton at home rather than Liverpool's away trip to Portsmouth so are widely expected to finish 2nd. Arsenal should beat Wigan, and must hope for Tottenham to fail to win away to West Ham. If Tottenham loses, Arsenal can claim 4th even if they just draw.
But although form is throw out of the window, it would be fun to predict the outcome of the matches.
Arsenal VS Wigan
Arsenal are expected to take this one out easy. But might be looking to conserve key players for the Champions League finals. I would say a home win - although a 1.18 odds are not exciting to bet on. You might be better off betting on 3 or 4 goals.
Villa VS Sunderland
I expect Sunderland to put up a bit of a show given that they had such a disappionting season, but it would be a case of too little too late. At 6.8 for an away win, it looks tempting to bet on them. But I wouldn't push my luck, and maybe got for a no-score or low-score draw.
Blackburn VS Man City
Man City has had terrible form over the last few games, and few would expect them to take it out on Blackburn at Ewood Park. Looks to me it would be a comfortable home win. But I might be eating my words because Blackburn have nothing left to fight for after securing 6th.
Bolton VS Birmingham
I have always liked a bet on Bolton at home, so this one is no different. It is a good time for the star-men of Birmingham to jack up their price and maybe even playing to catch an eye for a transfer. But I would still go for a narrow home win.
Everton VS West Brom
West Brom has never impressed me over the season and probably wouldn't do so against Everton. Everton, though, hasn't been finishing teams off. So I would go for a narrow home win, probably along the lines of 1-0.
Fulham VS Boro
This one is a tricky one to call. Because both teams have nothing to play for in the league then perhaps finishing above the other. But the best either one can hope for is 12th position. So I see them fighting out a high-scoring draw, or a narrow high-scoring win like 3-2 for either team.
Man United VS Charlton
I think Manchester United should dispatch Charlton easily and claim second spot. Though we have yet to see the effects of a loss of Rooney other than the 0-0 draw mid-week. As a Liverpool fan, I hope they fail to beat Charlton, but I don't really see that happening at Old Trafford.
Newcastle VS Chelsea
Party mood in Chelsea may spark a low-key affair with few hard tackles and lack of aggression. Though the champions-elect would like to record a final win to end their season on a high, Jose might field a weaker side for those who haven't got to be playing recently. Though a 2.38 odds for a Chelsea victory were irresistable for me. Away win.
Portsmouth VS Liverpool
A 5.45 odds for a Portsmouth win looks tempting after their recent resurgence. But they have got nothing to play for, having secured Premiership football again next season, while Liverpool have everything to play for. That might be the difference. But given that Rafa the Gaffa might rest key players for the FA Cup final against West Ham, Liverpool might not make it pass Pompey. Draw or narrow away win.
West Ham VS Tottenham
Tottenham are looking to finish 4th, and West Ham, with so many key players already injured, might not want to risk any more before the FA Cup final. So an away win looks likely though I wouldn't disregard a surprise draw.
Good luck in your punting! May you end off the season well!
There are a few key games to determine 2nd and 4th. Manchester United have an easier task of dispatching Charlton at home rather than Liverpool's away trip to Portsmouth so are widely expected to finish 2nd. Arsenal should beat Wigan, and must hope for Tottenham to fail to win away to West Ham. If Tottenham loses, Arsenal can claim 4th even if they just draw.
But although form is throw out of the window, it would be fun to predict the outcome of the matches.
Arsenal VS Wigan
Arsenal are expected to take this one out easy. But might be looking to conserve key players for the Champions League finals. I would say a home win - although a 1.18 odds are not exciting to bet on. You might be better off betting on 3 or 4 goals.
Villa VS Sunderland
I expect Sunderland to put up a bit of a show given that they had such a disappionting season, but it would be a case of too little too late. At 6.8 for an away win, it looks tempting to bet on them. But I wouldn't push my luck, and maybe got for a no-score or low-score draw.
Blackburn VS Man City
Man City has had terrible form over the last few games, and few would expect them to take it out on Blackburn at Ewood Park. Looks to me it would be a comfortable home win. But I might be eating my words because Blackburn have nothing left to fight for after securing 6th.
Bolton VS Birmingham
I have always liked a bet on Bolton at home, so this one is no different. It is a good time for the star-men of Birmingham to jack up their price and maybe even playing to catch an eye for a transfer. But I would still go for a narrow home win.
Everton VS West Brom
West Brom has never impressed me over the season and probably wouldn't do so against Everton. Everton, though, hasn't been finishing teams off. So I would go for a narrow home win, probably along the lines of 1-0.
Fulham VS Boro
This one is a tricky one to call. Because both teams have nothing to play for in the league then perhaps finishing above the other. But the best either one can hope for is 12th position. So I see them fighting out a high-scoring draw, or a narrow high-scoring win like 3-2 for either team.
Man United VS Charlton
I think Manchester United should dispatch Charlton easily and claim second spot. Though we have yet to see the effects of a loss of Rooney other than the 0-0 draw mid-week. As a Liverpool fan, I hope they fail to beat Charlton, but I don't really see that happening at Old Trafford.
Newcastle VS Chelsea
Party mood in Chelsea may spark a low-key affair with few hard tackles and lack of aggression. Though the champions-elect would like to record a final win to end their season on a high, Jose might field a weaker side for those who haven't got to be playing recently. Though a 2.38 odds for a Chelsea victory were irresistable for me. Away win.
Portsmouth VS Liverpool
A 5.45 odds for a Portsmouth win looks tempting after their recent resurgence. But they have got nothing to play for, having secured Premiership football again next season, while Liverpool have everything to play for. That might be the difference. But given that Rafa the Gaffa might rest key players for the FA Cup final against West Ham, Liverpool might not make it pass Pompey. Draw or narrow away win.
West Ham VS Tottenham
Tottenham are looking to finish 4th, and West Ham, with so many key players already injured, might not want to risk any more before the FA Cup final. So an away win looks likely though I wouldn't disregard a surprise draw.
Good luck in your punting! May you end off the season well!
6.5.06
Fowler For a Season
It is rare that a player has so much passion for the club that he plays with his heart, not his mind on the money. We often see players from supposed 'smaller' clubs leave because of money or ambition. But this bloke is special. He plays with his heart for the club he loves since he was a kid - Robbie Fowler.
I am obviously overjoyed by the fact that Fowler got signed for another season. With more time to build on his fitness, he is ready to show us what passion can do. Indeed he has already turned in great performances with the club before, but now he would be even hungier because he was given the second chance, and you can tell immediately how much it means to him.
I've always said that he is the reason I wear the number 9 jersey on my back. The Kop hero is back! All the best, Robbie!
I am obviously overjoyed by the fact that Fowler got signed for another season. With more time to build on his fitness, he is ready to show us what passion can do. Indeed he has already turned in great performances with the club before, but now he would be even hungier because he was given the second chance, and you can tell immediately how much it means to him.
I've always said that he is the reason I wear the number 9 jersey on my back. The Kop hero is back! All the best, Robbie!
3.5.06
Rooney Is England?
I have just a short comment about the poll in soccernet.com. They asked if England could win the World Cup without Rooney. I said "no", but it was not an entirely correct answer, in my opinion they can't win the World Cup even with Rooney.
Nevertheless, this is England's best chance in many years with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and John Terry hitting their supreme form this season, if form is anything to go by in the World Cup. And it could work for them when many of their key players get a rest towards the end of the season - like Michael Own, Ashley Cole and Ledley King.
Rooney could be a start this World Cup, and many experts believe so... before he broke his foot. Only time will tell if he would recover in time. He would certainly boost England's World Cup hopes with them in the squad. He might be more than just a player - he could be the inspiration England needs, just like how Manchester United rely on him.
Rooney's deputy's include Liverpool's Peter Crouch, Tottenham's Jermaine Defoe and Charlton's Darren Bent. With all due respect, that's not every good prospects for England. Peter Crouch is a useful player in the squad, but he is not as influential or prolific as Wayne Rooney; although a quick Michael Owen running off him might be useful. Jermaine Defoe is a good striker, but is too similiar to Michael Owen and spent most of this season on the bench, which may or may not work against him. As for Darren Bent, I'm a fan of this young lad, he is a fantastic striker with pace and positioning. And for a club like Charlton who is struggling to score goals, his 25 this season just shows his class. However, I feel he lacks the experience especially on the international scene as his club doesn't play in Europe.
And although Alex Ferguson seems to think Rooney's World Cup is over, I would think he has a good possibility. And the anxious wait for England begins. But whether he is the difference between winning the World Cup or not, I'll let you decide.
Nevertheless, this is England's best chance in many years with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and John Terry hitting their supreme form this season, if form is anything to go by in the World Cup. And it could work for them when many of their key players get a rest towards the end of the season - like Michael Own, Ashley Cole and Ledley King.
Rooney could be a start this World Cup, and many experts believe so... before he broke his foot. Only time will tell if he would recover in time. He would certainly boost England's World Cup hopes with them in the squad. He might be more than just a player - he could be the inspiration England needs, just like how Manchester United rely on him.
Rooney's deputy's include Liverpool's Peter Crouch, Tottenham's Jermaine Defoe and Charlton's Darren Bent. With all due respect, that's not every good prospects for England. Peter Crouch is a useful player in the squad, but he is not as influential or prolific as Wayne Rooney; although a quick Michael Owen running off him might be useful. Jermaine Defoe is a good striker, but is too similiar to Michael Owen and spent most of this season on the bench, which may or may not work against him. As for Darren Bent, I'm a fan of this young lad, he is a fantastic striker with pace and positioning. And for a club like Charlton who is struggling to score goals, his 25 this season just shows his class. However, I feel he lacks the experience especially on the international scene as his club doesn't play in Europe.
And although Alex Ferguson seems to think Rooney's World Cup is over, I would think he has a good possibility. And the anxious wait for England begins. But whether he is the difference between winning the World Cup or not, I'll let you decide.
1.5.06
Verdict on Predictions
The predictions for last weekend were mostly right. Hope that means that more people would come here to view my predictions for matches in future. And post their comments about them.
We take a look back on last weekend's results.
Chelsea VS Man Utd wrong
I predicted a draw, but Chelsea came off with a win. I don't think anyone expected such a convincing victory the scoreline says. But this is the only one of two that I'm wrong.
Wigan VS Portsmouth partially right
Although I did predict a draw, I also said a narrow away win wouldn't surprise me. Indeed it was a narrow away win. 2-1, with a penalty seperating the teams. That's how narrow it was.
Birmingham VS Newcastle right
Reading my predictions before the game would tell you I predicted the score to be a draw on the back of Birmingham's last 0-0 draw. And it ended 0-0 again this time, so I was absolutely right!
ManCity VS Fulham wrong
This one turned around in the last 5 minutes of game time! Man City from 1-0 up till the 84th minute somehow managed to lose 2-1. At least I picked the right score, only that it is reversed. You would still win a bet if you put your money on 3 goals like I did.
Middlesborugh VS Everton partially right
I predicted a draw or away win. And true enough, it is as close to a draw you can get, but it resulted in an away win. A 89th minute winner by McFadden of Everton proved to be the difference. This time it wasn't Boro to be scoring the last minute goal!
Liverpool VS Villa right
I predicted a comfortable home win and it indeed proved to be. 3-1 the final score.
Charlton VS Blackburn right
I predicted an away win and it was spot-on.
Tottenham VS Bolton right
Spot-on again with a home win.
There are still Monday's games to come, but I hope you earned a small fortune on the weekend!
We take a look back on last weekend's results.
Chelsea VS Man Utd wrong
I predicted a draw, but Chelsea came off with a win. I don't think anyone expected such a convincing victory the scoreline says. But this is the only one of two that I'm wrong.
Wigan VS Portsmouth partially right
Although I did predict a draw, I also said a narrow away win wouldn't surprise me. Indeed it was a narrow away win. 2-1, with a penalty seperating the teams. That's how narrow it was.
Birmingham VS Newcastle right
Reading my predictions before the game would tell you I predicted the score to be a draw on the back of Birmingham's last 0-0 draw. And it ended 0-0 again this time, so I was absolutely right!
ManCity VS Fulham wrong
This one turned around in the last 5 minutes of game time! Man City from 1-0 up till the 84th minute somehow managed to lose 2-1. At least I picked the right score, only that it is reversed. You would still win a bet if you put your money on 3 goals like I did.
Middlesborugh VS Everton partially right
I predicted a draw or away win. And true enough, it is as close to a draw you can get, but it resulted in an away win. A 89th minute winner by McFadden of Everton proved to be the difference. This time it wasn't Boro to be scoring the last minute goal!
Liverpool VS Villa right
I predicted a comfortable home win and it indeed proved to be. 3-1 the final score.
Charlton VS Blackburn right
I predicted an away win and it was spot-on.
Tottenham VS Bolton right
Spot-on again with a home win.
There are still Monday's games to come, but I hope you earned a small fortune on the weekend!
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