Sometimes, the league table does lie.

Hello everyone, first things first, an introduction. I am the writer of the football blog They Think It’s All Over… and Abayomi has kindly asked me to write weekly blogs on this site. I am a huge Evertonian and so my blogs will focus on football happenings on the blue half of Merseyside, and I do try and write fairly and without bias, but as you will all know, sometimes one’s heart can get the better of you, so I apologise in advance in case that happens. I hope you enjoy reading what I have to say, please leave comments and visit me at my site if you do!

To business then, and I intend today to put forth an argument in contradiction of one of football’s great old sayings, that ‘the league table doesn’t lie’. If we are thinking entirely literally, to challenge it seems insanity itself. The league table displays the stats of each team in accordance with how they have performed that season, it doesn’t make them up, and so it doesn’t lie. However, if one considers the league table to be an indicator of which teams are the best, I believe that, on occasion, it can be found to be fallacious.

The point of this argument and the relation it holds to my club, Everton, is that I firmly believe that Everton are a better team than Aston Villa. Villa currently occupy the fifth spot (but will perhaps move back to fourth once they play Hull City later today) while Everton are in sixth. Thus many would argue that Aston Villa are, at present, superior to Everton as a team. This is probably the view of the media too, who have been quick to praise Martin O’Neill’s men this season, as they have indeed put in some impressive displays.

There is even serious suggestion that Aston Villa may do the unthinkable and break the monopoly of the ‘big four’ on the Champions League places this season, probably at Arsenal’s expense. And I must concede, Villa have had a blinding season so far. Picking up points against most of the ‘big four’ and looking very impressive in beating the lower sides too, they certainly are a forced to be reckoned with. But I don’t think they’re better than Everton.

You see, Everton haven’t had a very good season so far. We haven’t really got into our stride form-wise, and our best players especially have taken a long time to get going – they are now starting to, but so far, the likes of Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott have been below par, as was Yakubu, before he got injured.

And there’s another point, injuries. Now one cannot make excuses and I am not trying to do so, there is no gurantee that we would have fared any better without the injury troubles we’ve had. But I think it is fair to think it entirely likely that if we had had slightly better luck with injuries, we may have fared a tad better so far this term. I mean, what team wouldn’t suffer with injuries to the likes of Cahill, Arteta and Yakubu? As well as others to Pienaar, Osman, Anichebe, Vaughan, Valente and more at other times? There has not been a single game this season when Moyes has not been forced to name a teenager amongst his substitutes, and while we have some great young talent (boy, do we!), it can leave you short of experienced options, which are important.

But aside from a lack of form and troubles with injury, it was the start of the season that really struck us down. We had a very unsettled summer. Huge frustration in the transfer market led to the season beginning without any major signings and then in the last few hours we payed a hell of a lot for a big Belgian fella’ with funny hair. Don’t get me wrong, Fellaini has done well since he joined, but it wasn’t the Summer we all pictured after last season’s fifth place finish.

But then, we are not a club who has ever had a lot of money to spend. Moyes spent fifteen million (ish) on Fellaini and pretty much bugger all else on the others, and that has probably done us for the season. But aside from financial stringencies (which in the current economic climate are looking more and more sensible as time goes on) we had the other upsets of a manager hesitant to sign a new contract and a stadium move that was flickering on and off more than a bloody strobe light.

Moyes’ indecision over whether to put pen to paper on his contract was bemusing. He stated a number of times that everything was essentially in place and so we were just thinking ‘well just sign the damned thing then’. But it rumbled on and on and it got to the point where I actually thought that the best young manager in the country (go on, challenge that statement) might leave our club. Whether it was a lack of transfer funds or just a genuine patch of cold feet we may never know, but certainly, since he signed, we have gone uphill quite quickly. A bit of stability goes a long way at a football club.

The other thing was the ground move. I for one am hesitant to leave Goodison, especially for somewhere outside the city, but it seems the club are keen and we ‘need’ to so they pushed on. Unfortunately it all seems to have gone tits up and has left a rather bitter atmosphere around the club. None of this should affect the players really, because as long as they have a pitch to play on, that should be enough, but somehow in football, if there is unrest at a club at all, it does tend to filter through and have an effect on the playing staff.

All in all then, things were looking a bit grim. And then we had a very dodgy start to the season, and as we were holding our heads in our hands thinking things couldn’t get any worse, we went out of Europe. For me, that was a big thing. We got a really tough draw against Standard Liege, incredibly tough compared to the other English clubs, especially considering we were the top English qualifier and Man City snuck in because they ‘play fair’ (what a load of nonsense that is, just by the way).

We gave Liege a run for their money, but fair play to them, those Belgians are a top side and deserve to be in the UEFA Cup group stages as much as we do, which is a lot. Either way, the competition was going to lose a good team and we were it in the end. And that was disappointing for the club. We had such a great run in it last season, losing only on penalties to Fiorentina after having beaten the eventual champions Zenit St. Petersburg relatively comfortably in the group stages. To then find ourselves with no hope of repeating the adventure gave the club a huge dent to morale.

And we have a history in that department. A few years ago, after we finished fourth (yes, it HAS been done before, thank you very much) and qualified for the Champions League, we were all set for a rollicking good time in Europe when we crashed out. Drawn against (another toughy) Villareal we were unfortunate to be knocked out after Duncan Fergson had a goal calamitously ruled out in what was, without doubt, the worst decision in the career of the world’s best ever referee, old beady eyes himself, Pierre Luigi Collina.

Bounced into the UEFA Cup we then fell at the first hurdle against Dynamo Bucaresti (I think, but don’t quote me on it) and found ourselves not in Europe at all, despite our magnificent fourth place finish. That then had the added knock on effect of causing the players to lose morale almost completely and have a very stuttery first half of the season, almost like we have this time around, after again going out in the first round of the UEFA Cup.

So there we go, a (not so) brief summary of the various things that may have impacted on our season in a negative way so far. I say again, these are not excuses. There is no guarantee that things would have happened differently under different circumstances and many of them were our own doing, or at least avoidable, but I think it is fair to say that all of them, to some extent, may have hindered our progress through this season’s Premier League campaign.

And so we return, eventually but inevitably, to the reason behind this whole article. Because Villa haven;t had any of these problems really. They’ve had a few injuries, but who doesn’t? And it’s been nothing on the scale of what we have suffered. Their best players (indeed most of their players) have not been struggling for form. Gaby Agbonlahor have set the League alight and even earned the privilege of being mentioned in the same breath as ridiculous and doubtlessly career ruining moves to some of Europe’s top clubs in the English press.

They don’t have any particular financial worries either. Indeed, their foreign owner is probably the sort of foreign owner that Carlsberg would profess to provide (that is; the best foreign owner in the world). He does not lavish them with money and it’s good friend, pressure, but he provides for them what they need, and has the sensible nature to not mess around with affairs that are beyond his expertise. That meant that Villa had a good little summer, bringing in a few players to add good strength in depth to an already promising squad, without upsetting the apple cart by splashing out massively, as say, Tottenham did.

A much more accommodating draw in the UEFA Cup first round meant that they didn’t have much trouble getting into the competition proper and avoided the sort of blow to morale that has affected my club. All in all then, Villa’s path through this season has been altogether smoother than Everton’s rather bumpy one. Which suggests, to me, that the league table does, on occasion, lie.

I’m not saying categorically that Aston Villa are worse than Everton. Nor am I denying that on current form, Villa are superior to my beloved Toffees. But what I will contest is the assertions made by certain elements of the English media that Villa are the most worthy and most likely challengers to England’s ‘big four’. For one thing, people easily forget that we did in fact break the monopoly a few seasons ago. And for another, I think we are just as likely to do it again, as Villa are to do it.

Because if one takes away all the factors that I discussed above, Everton’s season would perhaps have panned out slightly differently. Because although we have had a poor start to the season form wise, we are still in sixth position. We are still only three points (maybe six by tonight) behind Villa themselves. We are still very much in touch for the European places. Imagine then, if our season had been as smooth as Villa’s. We could be well up there with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd as well as that other Merseyside club. You know the ones I mean.

So for people to jump to the conclusion that Villa are the best team outside the ‘big four’ is to make a mistake I think. It is to do us a bit of an injustice. Because yes, they have been great, and yes, they hold their current position on merit, but, the league table doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story. Everton’s season has been blighted by disturbances and they are not reflected in the table, nor should they be. But I think the table may read differently if they had not occurred.

So before jumping on the Villa bandwagon, I say, give it some time. Let the road run it’s course. We have had our fair share of bumps and hopefully will not suffer too many more. Villa may have a few around the corner, and the true test will be if they can stand up to them as well and as successfully as Everton have so far. Villa and Everton are two very, very strong teams and I think they will push the ‘big four’ all the way. Let us wait and see the final league table before we make our final judgements though, because that table is one that doesn’t often lie, I will grant you that much.

Thank you for reading, I hope you found it worthwhile. Please visit my site if you did, by clicking the banner below. Cheers.

WILL IT BE 3 IN A ROW FOR UNITED Or Can Arsenal, Liverpool And Chelsea Still Win? The Premiership, Arsenal, and more from a United fan’s point of view

The Red Devils have been by far the most successful clubside in England since clubs in the old First Division resigned to form what we now know as the Premiership in 1992. For a club that had not tasted league success in 25 years of asking, 1993 saw many of the clubs younger fans witness their heroes lifting a league trophy for the first time. As unbelievable as that experience probably was then what was even more amazing has been the swash buckling manner the club has brushed aside rivals since then. With 10 wins out of 16 to date, United definitely have been the undisputed kings of the Premiership. While Arsenal provided some competition in the 90s, Keane,Cantona, Beckham, Scholes, Giggs et al ensured it was not nearly enough as United still took 5 out of 7 titles during the period . And a Champions League trophy to boot to end the old millennium!

The New Millenium
United continued the seeming vice-like grip it had on the trophy winning 2 straight (2000 and 01) in the new millennium. Many feared that United were about to continue from where they stopped in the previous century. Arsenal’s win in 2002 was a welcome relief (to neutrals) and many hoped that it would signal the end of that era. Arsenal had over the years under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger gradually emerged as truly credible contenders to United. With players like Thierry Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Campbell, Parlour, Overmars, and co the Gunners were not in short supply of talent or experience in every square inch of grass.

Lapses of concentration, fatigue, (whatever the pundits feel comfortable with) saw the Gunners squander a comfortable lead in March (a la Newcastle) and surrendered the title to a resurgent United. Harry Kewell and Leeds probably hit the final nail on a campaign that faltered at the very end. United, always waiting in the wings waved thank you sir and simply cruised by.

It was back to business for United but not for long. After that painful lesson the Gunners were not to lose a league game for another 15 months. That was how vicious their response was! United surely were no longer undisputed lords of the manor.

But even more was to come. And still in London. Where Chelsea was undergoing a revolution of sorts. Roman Abramovich, the young Russian billionaire had injected so much money into Chelsea that by 2005 the club was able to win its first title for 50 years in style. Chelsea retained the trophy the following year and Jose Mourinho was fast becoming a legend not just at the Bridge but arguably also in the
Premiership.

Chelsea not United had suddenly become the force in English football and during Mourinho’s time they remained unbeaten (in the League) at home. Chelsea also had a better head to head against the big 3(during the period) especially Arsenal who never won a match against Chelsea during Mourinho’s time.

But you cannot put a good side down, not for too long at least and United came back with a vengeance beating the new kids on the block (Chelsea) in a tightly contested race for the Premier League in 2007 and repeating the feat in style the next year in one of the most exciting finishes to a Premier league season. With the Champions League crown won also in sensational style, United were back! 2 Premier league titles in 2 seasons!

Question is will it be 3 straight this term ? Are United going back to the days of dominance of the domestic league. Can we? Or will any of the other ‘big 4’ members have a say. Or maybe a dark horse.

The Contenders:
Liverpool:

Based on their form during the first half of the season you have to say Liverpool are strong contenders. They are the current league leaders and have had their brightest start to a season in a long while. They have conquered their big 4 fear (not lost in 3 encounters) and together with Arsenal have the best head to head to date. So what is the problem?

1. Kid gloves. They have not been ruthless. Not the way Chelsea was in 2005, United in 2007 or indeed Arsenal in 2003/04. For a side that has not won the League in almost 2 decades there is no ruthless streak in their performances to whet the appetite. Despite being on top, supporters of Liverpool and many watchers of football are still not very confident of their position. The jury will be out on this and opinions will be divided. Truth be told those currently behind Liverpool in the standings feel a lot more confident of catching up than if a United or Chelsea were ahead. Even Arsenal’s run last season was more solid and clinical than the current league leaders.

While they may have lost just once all season, it is their inability to kill off certain games that have called to question their championship credentials. Selection blunders and injury to arguably their best player Torrez have made Liverpool look a lot less convincing than they were in the first third of the season. His quick return may spark a strong challenge but they may already have been out of it.

Chelsea:
Currently second. Have since been demystified since the departure of the “Special One”. Indeed that United won the first of 2 league titles whilst the Special One was still very much around is instructive. The proud home record (very awesome indeed) has finally gone and clubs feel they can come to the Bridge and go for maximum points.
Injuries to key players, Drogba, Essien, Ballack Carvalho, have dealt a blow to the team.

While they may not have been convincing early on at home (and really they haven’t) their away form has been awesome. Losing only 2 points from a possible 27!

So what is the problem?
1. The manager? Many feel he simply does not make the right calls before or during games. If dressing room rumblings are true that may pose even bigger problems. In front Scolari is torn between gratitude to Anelka who has so far delivered albeit unconvincingly, or gambling on a dreaded Drogba who sends chills down opponents but can be such a baby. He’ll give you your goal this game but could miss the next 3. At times his body language suggests that he’d rather be elsewhere.

2. Home form has been worrisome. Against the big 4 they have lost to Liverpool, Arsenal and barely managed a draw against United. Apart from draws against Spurs, West Ham and Newcastle. The proud home record which was an unnecessary burden has gone but has not been replaced with a new burning fire. Your home form should be solid because you cannot always guarantee results away from home. Neither can you really at home but shouldn’t it be easier to get points at home? Will they stop dropping valuable home points? They no doubt have their work cut out but still seem the best equipped to halt a United treble.

Arsenal:
Never write off the Gunners. That’s what an Arsenal friend of mine always says. But it’s safe to say they have but an outside chance. So what’s the problem?
1. The endless rebuilding.
Even die-hard Arsenal fans now know that they are in a perpetual rebuilding whose time frame is known only to their manager. While there is talent in the squad, it is the strength in depth that has been missing since their “Invincibles” heroes departed that has been the problem. Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp, Reyes, Pires, Campbell have all left, joined lately by Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto. Replaced by whom? Good players no doubt but not of the same depth/experience to address deficiencies in specific positions. Today’s Arsenal does not command that same depth as then and coupled with long term lay-offs can only grow weaker. The transfer window will not see much activity if Arsene Wenger’s recent antecedents are anything to go by. If he does there’s no immediate guarantee of a successful blend.

2.3points=3points. A win against the Top teams is good but when it is frittered against the smaller sides it is neutralized. Arsenal remains the easiest side for the smaller teams to beat amongst the big 4. Arsenal play only one way and are easily (harried) off by more physical sides. Losing 5 games before the half way mark may be one too many to counter in the second half. Whilst they can still finish in the Top 4 it would take every one of the current leaders to fumble for Arsenal to grab the title. Knowing their second half form is suspect, their chances definitely are as well.

Aston Villa
The first real threat to the big 4 since the cameo appearances of Everton in 2005 and Spurs in 2006. Over the years Martin O’Neal has gradually built a team that is seen by many as the truly credible big 4 threat. Villa’s current form is the best in the premiership. With 14 points from their last 6 games (United are second with 11). They have by far one of the best goalkeepers in the League and hot young prospects in Agbonlahor, Young and a hunger for success.
So what is the problem?

Probably staying power. The premiership has seen its fair share of first half wonders. Newcastle, Wigan, Charlton, even Arsenal. Can Villa last the distance? What will be the response to a string of poor results (that will come sooner rather than later). Capitulation? Or defiance? Will they burn out like the Gunners did last season? Injuries? If young or Agbonlahor were to be out for 6 weeks what will the impact be on their season(especially at this time) Only time can answer those questions but of the four they are the least likely to win based purely on recent pedigree, team experience and depth.

So what are United’s chances?

Some Positives:
1.United is known to rally in the second half. With 2 games in hand and 7 points behind the leaders, United is still very much within touching distance.

2. We have played 9 of the Top 10 teams (last term away). That means the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Villa, Everton, Portsmouth, Blackburn, City will be coming to Old Trafford next year. If the current home form is anything to go by (lost only 2 points at home all season), then there is sound basis for confidence.

3. The win at the World Club Championships can only make the team hungry for more glory. Whether we are indeed “World Champions” does not matter here. What matters is the significance of yet another trophy to a hugely successful year and the ripple effect it will have on the current season. Seeing youngsters like Rafael and “not-so-youngsters” like Nani, Anderson, hugging their medals in Japan makes one wonder if they or indeed any of the “oldsters” will be content with only that piece of silverware. I doubt.

4. The gaffer. He is as hungry as ever. He’s been there and knows it all. If anyone can do the magic he can.

5. Strength in depth. Wenger would really love to be in Fergie’s boots. There is virtually a solid replacement for every position on the field save maybe for the full backs. Each position is also manned by highly rated and effective players(whether young or not too young) . This will be critical when games come thick and fast and injuries begin to take their toll.

Negatives:
There are no negatives. Of course there are! Else the FA and UEFA should just give United the trophies today. Just a few of the many though.

1. Fixture overload?
Will United rue playing in the Super Cup and the WCC? Already Vidic is a serious doubt for the first leg against Jose’s Inter courtesy of a red card in a match which even Scholes felt was not as important as the EPL. Only time will tell but if we go far in the FA Cup the effect of too many fixtures might begin to tell.

2. Balance.
Sir Alex is yet to strike the right balance in his team. Dimitar Berbatov has not looked an inch the player he was in Spurs, Rooney has blown hot and cold, and the Ronaldo soap opera has not reached its final season. Tevez has not reproduced the form that saw him leave West Ham or even that of last season. Players like Neville and Giggs seem past it while Nani does not appear to be stepping into the fray quickly enough. Van der Saar seems to have regained his form but for how long in this campaign. How soon will Fergie strike the right mix and start the blistering run that has defined ALL of his winning campaigns?

3. Carlos Queiroz.
While no one is bigger than United I must say we have missed something in the man. His presence was definitely calming influence on our Iberian imports. I just think we might miss him more than we presently think.

4. Good Old History.
The last 4 seasons have seen the Champions League winners eliminated in the first knock-out stages; Porto,Liverpool,Barca,Milan were all sent home at this stage of the competition the year after winning. A mouth watering clash with Inter can go either way and should the United lose would there be negative consequences for the League?

More questions than answers but no doubt there will be twists and turns in the New Year. Can we win it? You bet.

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My advice to Arsenal fans: Lower your expectations and be happy you’re qualifying for Champions League

The header says it all.

But I didn’t came up with the header for no reason. Only a real, major turning point can make me give an article a title so harsh, so clear-cut title. So what is that major turning point?

Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal.

Not convincing enough? How about this:

Clearly, Aston Villa had more chances, although they lack possession. Aston Villa should have won. What? Oh my gosh.

In the past it’s always Arsenal being in Aston Villa’s position, having lots of chances, dominating possession but they just somehow, someway, doesn’t get the win they deserve. Examples include the match against Stoke and some will argue Sunderland and Hull. This time it’s Aston Villa who have lots of shots, forcing Almunia to make saves, and the defence to be tested to the limit.

Kudos to Sagna

Yep, kudos to him. Man of the Match in my opinion. In attack he was delivering crosses, and at the back he was making superb clearances and well-timed tackles. For now I would say he’s better than Clichy, as he’s more consistent, and defending or attacking is a no-problem for him.

Sagna - Better than Clichy

Diaby

I had to write an article specially on him just for his incredible backheel-plus-nutmeg. Check it out.

Ashley Young’s one of the hottest youngsters at the moment

The Ronaldo Impersonation attempt

Last season he already drew media attention with his performances, but this season he establish himself as a key man behind Aston Villa’s attack. Perhaps one of the players that is responsible for the league position Villa are in, he’s fast, he dribbles well, he’s an expert freekick taker, he can score and he can create. What more do you ask from a 23 year-old winger? And honestly his dressing style kinda reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo, you know, the long socks and the shirt sleeves. No wonder Real Madrid wants him. Can’t get the original? Then go for the imitation!

Don’t bother aruging, it WAS a penalty

Yes, it was a penalty. Normally people tend to use excuses such as poor refereeing to blame for their under-performance, but it is a penalty, and long time watchers of football should be able to tell that Gallas’ tackle had no contact with the ball, and it was an obvious penalty. I don’t really blame Gallas for that though, he was just unlucky that it wasn’t somebody else committing the tackle.

Back to the title

Back to my heading. So Arsenal fans, i suggest you stop talking or thinking about winning the league and how you all “still stand a chance”. It’s over, and I can only imagine Arsenal getting as far as 3rd. In fact they should even be happy they can qualify for the Champions League, because Aston Villa’s a really good team this season, and i would expect a close fight between the Villains and the Gunners, just like how they did with Spurs 2 years ago.

Remember the kiss on Highbury's turf that just got Arsenal into the Champions League? Expect the same this season, just that it's gonna be a slap on the face

I want to hear from all the Arsenal fans out there. Surely you feel the same way I do? Or you still stubbornly think that Arsenal can still win the league? Tell me more in the comments box.

Dariano

Diaby: This boy’s a little special

Abou Diaby.

Years ago he he would be associated with the “Alex Songs” and “Amaury Bischoff” kind of players today, if you know what I mean. That means, if he was injured, it wouldn’t be such a big heartbreak of Fabregas’ proportions. If you’re still so “old school” and feels it’s the same Diaby now, then watch how he played in Aston Villa vs Arsenal. Maybe he didn’t really put up a “hero of the day” performance (that title goes to Sagna), but that backheel of his, oh it was sensational. One of the best in recent times perhaps.

The big thing about it isn’t the backheel itself, it was the player who executes it. Abou Diaby. What in the world? You kidding me?

This kid has really gone a long way, years ago he was “strictly right-footed” and could only operate in the centre. But now, he’s two-footed, left foot, right foot, no problem. When he first came to Arsenal he was dubbed the “new Patrick Vieira” by Arsene Wenger. Okay, I know Vieira outmuscles guys, has long legs, can head well, but I didn’t know he could do a fantastic backheel-plus-nutmeg. Diaby can. it shows how good Arsene Wenger is at re-training players, and how good Diaby really is, let’s just say Diaby’s potential is a treasure chest, and Arsene Wenger is the key to unlocking it. Not every manager has the right key, but Arsene Wenger owns Diaby’s.

For those who didn’t see the goal, maybe I will post a video. But for now, I will tell you exactly what he did.

Diaby was shielding the ball from Curtis Davies, and out of nowhere, he does a clever backheel, nutmegs Davies in the process, and got onto the ball. He then finds Eboue, and credit to Eboue, for bringing the ball into the box and executing a pin-point, perfect pass to Diaby, who then finishes it pass Brad Friedel. Mind you, Adebayor needs a couple of clear cut chances to score, but he only needs one.

Oooh what a goal. Sadly it wasn’t enough for Arsenal to get a win, or else he would be making headlines.

Dariano

Robbie Keane for Arsenal?

Although it sounds rather absurd and stupid, there were rumours that Arsenal may be signing Liverpool’s Robbie Keane, as Keane hasn’t played the football and scored the goals he wanted to in Liverpool. And the ironic thing is, Keane was the one who scored a stunning goal in Liverpool’s match against Arsenal.

But the chances of him moving is really slim. Liverpool wouldn’t really just sell a player they bought for 20 million after half a season. It’s not a smart financial move, and seeing Arsenal and Liverpool are rivals (not the right time too, 20 years ago, everybody know what Michael Thomas did), Liverpool wouldn’t want to sell and the asking price may be high. And will the fans accept it too? I don’t know. This is a man who once played for Arsenal’s fiercest rival, Tottenham Hotspurs, and he may have changed club, but the history is still there.

Finally, Robbie Keane’s goal against Arsenal was fantastic, and that may just be what Keane needs to start his goalscoring run.

So from what I think Robbie Keane won’t be moving.

AS Roma and Arsenal: More than just Opponents

So, the Champions League draw have been over, and I have to admit one of the most anticipated matches is Inter vs Man Utd. Italian champions vs English champions. I’m an Arsenal fan, so I’m rather happy about it. Man Utd think they are the best, well eat this! Let’s see how you get past Inter.

But there is another fixture I’m very much looking forward to. Roma vs Arsenal. Why? Both are my favourite teams, and they are 2 very similar clubs. Mirror image in other words.

Firstly, both clubs are having some financial problem. Which is the reason why both clubs doesn’t spend big. Look at the players Arsenal and Roma have signed in the past few seasons: While big stars like Cristian Chivu left, instead of getting a big money replacement Luciano Spalleti got Juan for a mere 6.3 million euros. When the legend of Arsenal, Thierry Henry left, many people was thinking whether his replacement could lived up to expectations. Arsene Wenger chose to fork out only 8 million to sign Eduardo Da Silva, and although he’s injured at the moment, his future looks bright.

Secondly, both clubs have been praised for their brilliant attacking football. Arsenal was believed to have played the best football ever seen in England during their “Invincibles” season (2003/04), and up till today they do just that. Roma have been praised by pundits for playing exciting, attacking football since Luciano Spalleti took over and deployed the 4-5-1 formation. Normally in football it’s “the beauty vs the beast”, but I believe in this match, both clubs will be known as “the beauties” and will be fighting their asses off.

Roma's golden boy, Francesco Totti

Lastly, both clubs have their own “star talisman” of the team. Francesco Totti have always been associated with AS Roma, and up till today the fans still “worship” him. Francesc Fabregas, although only 21 years of age, has been one of the most popular players in Arsenal at the moment, and seeing how similar both players’ style of play are, it’s certainly a battle of the golden boys. However years ago this could be even more intense, when Thierry Henry was still at Arsenal. I’m sure about 4 years ago everybody wanted to see the 2 best strikers at their peak facing each other on the football field. What a match it would be.

Arsenal's club legend, Thierry Henry

Dariano

Do you agree with me that arsenal and Roma are actually very similar? Or do you feel there’s actually another Serie A club that is even more identical with Arsenal (eg. Juventus?)? Tell me below in the comments box or register at our forum, it’s fast and easy. Thanks for reading.

Milan vs Udinese

Here is the probable lineup as pulled from various websites:

Milan (probable): Abbiati; Favalli, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Cardacio, Pirlo, Emerson; Seedorf,
Ronaldinho; Pato

What is your immediate gut reaction when you see this lineup? My first reaction was is this really the best we can do? When you consider the laundry list of injuries and suspensions it is a marvel we Carletto can even find 11 bodies to suit up. The other thing that jumps out at me, more that than lineup is the fixture itself. This is easily one of the most important matches Milan has participated in since the 07 CL Final, don’t let Fester try and tell you the otherwise with the Club World Cup.

 
Call me overzealous or even over exaggerated, but a loss tomorrow from the Rossoneri and win by the clubs in front of them, and the chance at the top of the table will slowly slip away and fourth place soon thereafter. Milan lost two early matches to Bologna and Genoa, and by dropping those points, it makes games like this one all the more must win, coupled with the table position and I think you begin to see my point.

Udinese is not a slouch and was an early riser in the Serie A table this season, since then both teams have fallen off the pace and both squads can use the points. Udinese is an interesting squad and one that is easy to respect with their great blend youth, Italian talent, and foreign players it is impressive and worth emulating in any club. Milan will not have the chance to see transfer target Zapata due to injury but Toto DiNatale and FabQuags should be in full force so the Milan defense will have their work cut out for them.

As for the defense, the notion of Favalli, Kaladze, and Janks scares the crap out of when taking into consideration the speed of the Udinese frontmen. Janks has played a ton this season, and though he is needed it may best harness Antonini’s speed in match such as this. If Antonini plays the right flank, Favalli or Janks can go to the left where they can do less offensive work because Dinho can push the issue on that flank. The other surprise inclusion is Cardacio, but I won’t believe it until I see it. Considering that we all know Carletto has three fit strikers, OK maybe not fit to score, but fit to play, it is a bit puzzling that he could roll out one striker when he has the ability to play two with a diamond midfield and the ability to leave Emerson on the bench. Seems like a pretty obvious win win situation, which means it will not happen that way.

So here we are again very close to another important match, and the last before the holiday break. The points are necessary, the lineup is piecemeal, but the goal remains the same.

My verdict: 2-1 to Milan

hopefully

Azzmilan

Referee

Me and a mate from another football forum made this up together , as he is a ref.

AT WHAT COST?

Refereeing is a lonely business.

Each match, we step onto the pitch with the whistle, and we are on our own. Yes, there are the assistant referees and the 4th officials and there is a measure of team camaraderie, but when push comes to shove and it’s time to make a decision, it’s up to you to act. It is here where your mettle is tested and we must do what we think is right, even when 11 players crowd around you saying the 93rd minute penalty you called that will probably break the tie has ruined the game and taken it out of the players hands. Then, after the match is over, we are left on our own to ponder the decisions we’ve made, and if you’ve made a mistake you add shame and despair to your loneliness. You might rethink the nasty things the players said to you, or you might relive the foul, and even when you’re right, you’re still alone. No one celebrates with the referee when he made a difficult and correct call and your family might not care either. In the end it’s just you and your crew, but eventually, when you go to sleep it’s just you.

If you feel enough passion and drive for this thing of ours, and you progress to the top levels, you will get offers to travel far and wide to go referee games. You can’t really say no when they tap you because there is always someone waiting to replace you when you say “no.” One step behind you, they wait. The other refs may be our friends, but far too often, in private, we hear the inner-circle criticisms, and each of us knows we are not immune. A referee once told me to ref each game at the top level like it’s your last, because if you mess up, the people that are next in line will be brought up and you may be sent to referee Heaven. These are just some of the fears and paranoias of a referee trying to make it in this world. None of this mentions the sacrifice that has to be made to reach the top rungs in this thing.

SACRIFICE
Every match for a referee is an “away game”. This is especially true when you travel out of your local area for a match. This requires a sacrifice of time, sometimes taking days off, lots of hours in cars and on airplanes for not-that-much money. Yet, the biggest sacrifice that I’ve heard of or personally experienced is time away from family. Over the summer I had to go to the West Coast twice for two events which kept me away from home for 4 and 5 days a piece. My girlfriend misses me when I am away and I always feel her sadness from the phone. I don’t like being away from her either, but this is the life I’ve chosen.

I think it’s worse for the guys who have kids. These men (and less frequently, women) have to leave home and their children several times each season. Spending time sitting on a plane is probably far less enjoyable or rewarding as playing ball with your kids or making love to your spouse. I have been told that there are some referees who made the conscious choice to not get married and have no family or kids because of their commitment to refereeing. Some guys “have a girl friend in every city.” Many have been divorced. The loneliness is not only the referee’s but it is also owned by his family, and that burden is not so easy to accept when you’re not the one with the whistle. For a group of people who work so hard to uphold the rules and fundamental fairness of the game, it’s that same dedication and desire that causes them to be so unfair to their family and home support structure. It hurts the referee and spouse/significant other. Considering that nearly all of the referees must have a primary profession to make ends meet which takes up 40 or more hours a week of their time, it seems the family only gets the leftovers during the season after soccer takes its chunk of time and attention. Leftovers are never as good as something freshly made.

We all make these sacrifices for the love of the game. Some people think sacrificing time with family for this is crazy, but then again, most people think being a referee is crazy and wouldn’t ever pick up a whistle. And they probably don’t understand, and unless they catch this refereeing “bug”, they probably never will.

For non-refs, the next time you think “these refs are terrible, they need to be trained better,” consider just how much time in training and gaining experience they DO spend on improving. To the refs who read this, the next time you go away for a long period to referee, do something nice for your spouse/girlfriend/etc.

I love this job but sometimes I take pause and wonder, at what cost?

West Ham Boss Believes Green Is Ready For England Call

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green should be given another chance at international level according to his manager Gianfranco Zola. The Hammers boss says that Fabio Capello should do ‘the right thing’ and call up Green for the next England squad.

The 28-year-old only has one England cap to his name and this came back in May 2005 when he was still a Norwich City player. Capello hasn’t named him in any of his squads since March with David James, Paul Robinson, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland all seemingly above him in the pecking order.

According to Zola though, this needs to change soon and Green should get the ‘rewards he deserves’ for the fine form he has been showing for West Ham in recent weeks. Zola went on to say that Green is looking ‘very comfortable’ in his game right now and that as long as this form continues in the coming weeks, England will come calling.

In fairness to the West Ham keeper, he has helped his side go three Premier League games without conceding a goal. The latest came at Anfield on Monday night where Green made a number of fine saves to prevent Liverpool taking the lead.

Personally, I have always been a very big fan of Robert Green. He has all the credentials to be a top-class keeper and deserves more of a chance at international level. The fact that Carson – who has made mistakes in his last two England appearances – is ahead of him beggars belief.

Then there is the injury prone Kirkland and the inconsistent Robinson to contend with, but to be completely honest – Green is far more reliable than these two. I’d much rather place a football bet on England keeping a clean sheet if Green was between the posts. Just give him that chance Fabio!

The problem for Green at the moment though is that there isn’t an international game for a while yet. England’s next fixture is a friendly against Slovakia at Wembley in March. I suppose all Green can do it continue to impress for West Ham and make it impossible for Capello to leave him out of the picture again.

There is no doubt that Green has the confidence of his club manager; it just seems that his international manager needs a little bit more convincing. He has the ability though and I for one hope he is England’s top keeper by the time 2010 comes around. Time will tell.

By Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about football betting