It hasn’t been a great 24hrs for Arsene Wenger as not only was he forced to sell Samir Nasri, but has seen Jack Wilshere suffer an injury setback that will see the playmaker ruled out for weeks. The French manager is under no illusion about the significance of tonight’s game against Udinese and the importance for the club to be competing in the Champions League.
Elsewhere in the papers Adebayor’s move to Spurs looks to be sealed; Newcastle accused of two illegal approaches, while Pallister believes the current United youth must match the golden generation.
Deputy PM backs call to release Hillsborough files -Mirror
Arsenal suffer fresh blow with Wilshere injury relapse –Guardian
Adebayor deal on as Spurs give way – Independent
Newcastle accused of illegal approach for two players – Guardian
Liverpool make £8m offer for Coates – Guardian
‘United youth must match golden generation’ –Daily Telegraph
Lukaku admits he always planned to walk in idol Drogba’s big boots – Daily Mail
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Arsenal were FORCED to sell Nasri claims Wenger – Mirror
Rangers Toon into Barton and prepare to bring Hammer down on Parker – Daily Mail
Referees are coming under increasing levels of scrutiny lately, with their every decision second guessed by fans of the game. One way in which match officials receive high levels abuse is through a, perceived, favouring of the top sides, becoming almost afraid to give decisions against the ‘big boys’ due the media backlash they may receive.
It’s a frustrating state of affairs, with fans knowing that their side will be in for a tough day when venturing to the fortresses of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Etihad, not just through the quality of opposition, but the way in which referees act during the occasion.
Just ask Mick McCarthy, who during his spell at Wolves saw Frank Lampard’s lunge on Adam Hammill deemed to be a yellow card offense. Just a matter of weeks before Nenad Milijas had received his marching orders for a tackle, which on later viewing appeared to be fair, leading to an even greater sense of injustice. The Chelsea man received a caution for the challenge, which shows the referee had noted the event, but deemed it to have been a minor offense. Although this is hypothetical, if the challenge had of been committed by a player such as Karl Henry, the likelihood of escaping without seeing red would have been far reduced. Even Andre Villas-Boas admitted after the game that his midfielder had been lucky:
“What I would say is that Peter Walton decided on a criteria and established that criteria for the rest of the game. Five minutes into the game there was a situation for a yellow card and he decided not to give it.” Villas-Boas said in his post match press conference.
“I know the challenge might have been over the top but I think Peter conceded that Frank is not that type of player to be sent off, to lose his head over a challenge. I would congratulate his decision and his criteria-making during the game. What I normally don’t accept, particularly in the Queens Park Rangers game is establishing a criteria and then not sticking to it.”
Although the decision may have been based on Lampard’s reputation, a flimsy excuse, it does hint at a fear factor for referees when it comes to making big calls against the top-sides. The media circus surrounding the ‘better’ clubs in England is huge, with each game they partake in gaining mass media coverage and analysis on television networks across the globe. The comments of these managers as a result gain increased importance, with their arguments being transmitted to a wide audience. Peter Walton may have been aware of the comments made by AVB after the QPR clash, in which he criticised the officials, and in a bid to stay out of the spotlight could have backed out of the decision.
There are more and more examples of this throughout the Premier League, with the cliché of never getting a decision at Old Trafford. Although they are not the only home team to benefit from such a helping hand, the claim is to some degree valid. If an incorrect decision however meets United at a ground such as Carrow Road, the media frenzy would usurp that of say Grant Holt being denied a penalty kick in front of the Stretford End.
Managers increasingly influence referees, with half time ‘chats’ becoming a frequent occurrence. This trend is one that can only have a negative effect on the game, with officials expected to perform in an unbiased fashion. Any influence during the interval compromises this, with a niggling ‘should I give this decision?’ in the back of their mind after a conversation with a manger with a large reputation.
Although decisions do sometimes go against the established powerhouses and in favour of the minnow’s it’s hard to argue that it occurs enough to be considered fair. A decision such as a red or yellow card, or penalty kick can be the difference between European qualification and mid-table obscurity, and even worse relegation and safety. To have this come down to the influence of reputation and status is a wrong which needs to be addressed through giving match officials greater space to do their job.
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The power of the media and coaches opinions within that realm are not fair on officials, who have one of the toughest jobs of all in the world of football. Correct decisions seem to slip under the radar, while the slightest error is lambasted, with hurtful comments and criticism rife. The only way to improve refereeing is be to lay off the officials slightly; who are operating under the media magnifying glass, where on mistake can ruin a reputation.
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Everton manager David Moyes has dismissed speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Moyes had been mentioned as a possible successor to Martin O'Neill, after the Irishman quit Villa Park over a disagreement about finances for the coming campaign.
However, Moyes insists he is more than happy at Goodison Park and has no intention of going anywhere else.
He told talkSPORT:"I'm loyal to Everton. I've always said that. It's a really good club and this year we have a really good team and we have a good chance to really do well.
"So, no. I'm really happy at Everton and that's where I'll be this season.
"We have some really good players at Everton, I can't hide it. Lots of clubs want our players, but I've always said if they want them they'll have to come with bags of money, because we weren't selling.
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"I wanted to keep them all together. It's probably the strongest team and squad I've had. So I thought if I could keep them there it would give us an even better chance.
"We've not got the injuries we had last season. So I'm looking forward to taking this team forward and at least giving it a go to see what we can do."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
This must be what all that fuss was about in the first place. John Obi Mikel’s £16m move from Lyn Oslo to Chelsea, via a Manchester United contract, was an ugly affair. Both clubs fought hard for a player who was clearly one of the world’s top talents. At the under-20 World Cup just before the deal, only Leo Messi had impressed more than the hulking Nigerian, and Frank Arnesen fought vehemently to secure his services. Managing to split the opinions of his own fans, and PL audiences in general, Mikel is starting to show why there was such a battle in the first place.
As an attacking midfielder for his country (pretty unbelievable considering some of his efforts on goal), Mikel was the youth team’s long term answer to Jay-Jay Okocha’s retirement. As with almost everything Mourinho touched at Chelsea during his time in West London, there were more defensive matters to be dealt with first: thus dictator, became destroyer. Mourinho already had Lampard and Essien, and Makelele was just about entering the twilight of his position-defining career; Mikel’s stature, married with neat touches on the ball, made him the ideal candidate to become chief bouncer at the door of Chelsea’s backline.
Before Stamford Bridge was recording score lines more suited for under-11 games, negativity was the main accusation to make of the outfit, and Mikel, without the rampant box to box play of Essien, was becoming the scapegoat: still excellent at his primary role, it was considered there were too many sideways passes, not enough impetus to drive the team on from deep. Under Ancelotti, and now especially that Essien has returned to partner him, rather than the mechanic Michael Ballack, that role has evolved into a more creative, positive duty.
At 6”3” his aerial ability has never been in question, and his strength is there for all to see. But it is his passing (direction more so than quality) that has seen the biggest transformation. Just under 40% of his passes now go forward, more than double the rate of last season, and what is more, his completion rate of 73.1% is more than other player in the league so far this season.
The adaptability between himself and Essien allows for greater fluidity in the middle of this Chelsea side. There is still the considerable weight to throw around as the league’s heaviest squad, but there is an extra vibrancy to accompany this virility. When Lampard returns to the fold, it will be a formidable threesome, and arguably the most potent combination of defence and attack in the league.
Mikel is not the only big improvement in the PL this season: Nani continues to grow (how much so? We will discuss tomorrow), Elmander suddenly looks like an international striker, Vincent Kompany has gone about his business commandingly while the big names around him grab the headlines, and United’s aloof Bulgarian is reminding everyone just how good he was at White Hart Lane. But you get the feeling with that list that they were simply underperforming, while Mikel was doing what had been drilled in to him, rather than the natural game he was used to, at the expense of his own reputation.
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The fact that Michael Essien is already adding goals to his game makes it look as though Mikel will forever stay in the shade of his teammates’ limelight, and perhaps that is where is happiest. Any Chelsea fans that were somewhat perplexed by their nullifier, will now be witness to the fact that it was he that was being nullified. Given the license of expression, Mikel is now really proving, if it wasn’t known to already, that it was money well spent.
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Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy is on the verge of signing for Celtic as Neil Lennon continues to revamp his squad.
The Republic of Ireland international is surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light and looks set to be on his way to Parkhead in a £1.5million switch.
He spent the final four months of last season on loan at Ipswich Town where he scored six goals in 18 appearances.
Lennon said:"I think we're pretty close with Murphy. If we can get it done, we'll get him over here if we can.
"I watched him a few years ago when he was playing for Ireland in a tour of America and he impressed me. If we get him, ideally I would still be looking for another striker."
Lennon has also confirmed that he is stepping up his search for a new goalkeeper after allowing Artur Boruc to join Fiorentina.
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He added: "I'm still looking for a keeper. We have a list but I'm not going to name individuals."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said referee Chris Foy may have let the atmosphere get the better of him at St James’ Park on Saturday.The official dismissed Ryan Taylor for a two-footed tackle on Bolton’s Swedish striker Johan Elmander which meant the hosts played the final half hour of the 1-1 Premier League draw with 10 men.Pardew levelled no complaint against Foy over the dismissal, but said the intimidating atmosphere led to officiating mistakes that went against the Magpies.”I thought the referee was a little bit antagonistic to the home team,” Pardew told Sky Sports after a match which saw Newcastle stay ninth in the table.”I think sometimes referees, when the crowd gets on them, it doesn’t work in your favour.””I think that is human nature. I don’t mean any criticism of the referee, I just genuinely think he got wrapped up in it a little bit.””The crowd were booing him and he was like, ‘okay, that looks like another one to the opposition’.””It was no reflection on the result. I’m not trying to hide behind that.”Bolton manager Owen Coyle said he was delighted with the battling spirit shown by his team, and singled out on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, who scored his fourth goal in as many matches since arriving from Chelsea.”It’s another great point. We scored a very good goal and it was a terrific game with two teams that were going all out to win the match,” Coyle said.”Newcastle have been on a terrific run of form of late and we knew we would need to be at our maximum.””It was a terrific finish from Daniel (Sturridge) and we went onto create numerous chances and certainly could have gone in at half-time with the lead.””(Sturridge) is a natural goalscorer, but he is more than that. I think he is a natural footballer.””He can finish, left foot, right foot, he will score headed goals and he has got pace to burn. He is a clever footballer.”
Striker Johan Elmander has been urged to find the net on a more regular basis to try and secure a long-term future with Bolton Wanderers.
The 29-year-old Sweden international found the net just ten times in 63 appearances in his first two seasons with the Trotters and was frustrated on several occasions during the goalless draw with Fulham at the weekend.
Boss Owen Coyle told the Bolton News:"Johan was outstanding and fully deserved a goal. There was a real positivity about him and his play and that's how he needs to be.
"He's got to keep banging away at the door and, when one of those goes in, hopefully he'll go on a spree and show why he came to the football club in the first place.
"The area he has to improve in is to get more goals to go with his play. It's a fresh start as far as I'm concerned. I've got belief in him and he looked a top, top player.
"But it's for Johan to show that on a consistent basis. We all believe he has the potential to do that but, ultimately, he's the one who has to deliver and I think he's ready to do that.
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"It's always a tremendous incentive if a player is playing for a contract, because they need to show those qualities. But his biggest motivation is show people he's worth the price-tag.
"If he'd come on a Bosman then people would've said he'd been a terrific signing, but because he's come on such a big price-tag that's what they judge him on."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has revealed Michael Dawson's devastation at the knee and ankle injuries picked up while playing for England.
Spurs have confirmed that their central defender is facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines after he had to be stretchered from the pitch during England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday evening.
Dawson will now miss a significant portion of the Premier League season and also the start of the north London club's inaugural Champions League campaign.
"The boy is absolutely devastated. It is a massive blow for him and the club," Redknapp told the Sunday Mirror.
"I'd like to say something positive about the situation, but other than we initially thought it was a lot worse and he could be out for the season, what can I say?
"We have no idea what is going to take longer to heal, his ankle or his knee. But we are talking months, not weeks.
"It couldn't have come at a worse time for us with crucial games coming thick and fast.
"I'm gutted for him at a time when he has quite rightly been given a chance to stake a claim for regular first-team football for England.
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"As for Spurs, words fail me. He is the heartbeat and soul of this club.
"But thank God I went and got William Gallas on a free transfer. It's looking an even better deal now."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
The price of Premier League players is going through the roof! First Chelsea and now Manchester City have pushed the price of top footballers up to an extraordinary level, with Roberto Mancini’s latest signing Edin Dzeko costing City the small sum of £27 million and a price of £18 million being quoted in Aston Villa’s pursuit of Sunderland striker Darren Bent. But how much are certain Premier League players really worth? A new fantasy football game – Player Manager – lets you decide just that!
Player Manager is a pay-to-play game and could be described as a cross between fantasy football and eBay. Just like online auction sites, you get to bid for the players that you want in your team through a fully-automated auction. This adds an interesting angle to the standard game of fantasy football. While you’ll be used to having to pay top dollar for players like Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, in Player Manager the price of each player is market driven. So if your fantasy football competitors bid high for a player, then you’ll have to bid even higher, while staying within your budget, to secure them in your team – resource allocation as always is key.
The problem with many fantasy football games is that the majority of players end up with similar teams and just a few small differences here and there. The £100 million cap results in the usual suspects being snapped up for between £10 and £12 million. However, Player Manager rips up the fantasy football rule book in this regard, as in each league each footballer can only be signed to one team.
This means that the players in demand go for much more, with the likes of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Didier Drogba going for around £25 million on average (around one quarter of your budget) or even more in a double gameweek. So if you really want a specific player, you’ll have to pay a lot for them, which often means you having to pay over the odds for some footballers. It’s left to you to weigh up just how much you’re willing to pay for a player and whether they’ll prove to be of value for money and give you a decent points return.
Just like Premier League managers, you should be on the lookout for a bargain, too! Last weekend for example, Kevin Nolan was bought by fantasy football managers for an average of £1.6 million, which is an absolute steal for the Newcastle midfielder who scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season against Sunderland. At the other end of the spectrum Cesc Fabregas, Lampard and Drogba all went for over £20 million without picking up big points, so you don’t always get what you pay for!
Like many fantasy football games, in Player Manager you’re given a war chest of £100 million to spend. Your job is to pick a squad of players, putting your high priority targets at the top of the list. Then you have to select how much you’re willing to spend on each player, bearing in mind that if your maximum bid for a player is £50 million, that’s what you’ll have to pay if someone else bids £49 million, but you’ll only have to pay half that if no-one bids more than £24 million. The auction takes place shortly before the first match of the week, so then you can see who you’ve successfully bid for and what the make-up of your team is.
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One excellent feature that Player Manager has is that you can generate multiple teams from your list of players to play across different leagues, with it costing £1 per team to play. Also, it takes the same amount of time and effort to generate multiple teams as it does to generate one! This means that you might successfully bid for Carlos Tevez in one league, but miss out on him in another. Before kick-off you can check who’s in your team and then cheer them on as you watch your profit change in real-time depending on the success of your various teams.
After your first week you may have had great success so will only want to tweak your list of players. On the other hand you might have had a complete disaster and want to completely overhaul your squad of players, or at least how much you’re willing to pay for them. That’s the unique thing about Player Manager, as not only do you bid for your players, but you also determine how much of your budget you’re willing to fork out on them. This means that bargain hunting is just as important as out-bidding your fellow managers for Premier League stars. So sign up to Player Manager and get bidding!
Swindon’s 2-1 loss on Tuesday at the Ebb Stadium against Aldershot was severely overshadowed for Robins’ fans due to the extra-curricular activities taken place at the weekend by several of the first team. A draw or a win would have been enough for Swindon to be promoted at the first time of asking after relegation last season.
Changes…
Di Canio made four changes from Saturdays 1-0 win over Plymouth. McEveley, Flint, Ferry, and Holmes all dropped from the squad following some late night antics. This dented Swindon’s fluidity and composure on the ball. In recent weeks Swindon have had to grind out 1-0 victories and have not found the form that propelled them to the summit of the league 2 table.
Respect…
Following the sudden death of Paolo Di Canio’s mother on Friday, an impeccably observed minutes silence was held.
Pictured is my customised shirt in honour of both Paolo Di Canio’s parents.
Second ball syndrome…
Swindon Town fans were in full voice for the start of the match, with a useful beat provided by an Aldershot drummer in the home end. Unfortunately our performance did not match the enthusiasm of the 1263 away fans. Too many long balls, corners and crosses that did not beat the first man, misplaced passes and just an inability to attack with conviction. Another factor of Swindon’s loss was the drive and determination to be first to the ‘second’ ball. Countless times Aldershot looked hungrier for the ball and assured in their passing.
Promotion Party Cancellation…
12 minutes into the game, Aldershot took the lead with a close range effort from Madjo which followed Hylton’s shot on goal. This did not come against the run of play but certainly did dent the away fans exuberance. The atmosphere became flat and a realisation seem to come over that tonight may not be promotion night. Devera was replaced by Flint in the 29th minute due to an injury and an immediate impact was felt; with 2 clearances in succession from the centre-back. The closest effort for Swindon in the first-half came from De Vita whose back-post header landed on the roof of the net.
Optimism…
Swindon made one change at half-time, taking off De Vita and replacing him with the Southampton loanee Lee Holmes. After the early pressure from Aldershot was dealt with, Swindon were given a massive life-line in the form of a penalty. Peter Vincenti was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. Swindon captain Paul Caddis stepped up and scored what the travelling fans thought was going to be a massive step towards promotion. The travelling Robins were once again in full voice.
Little Did The Robins Know…
Within 5 minutes of the restart Swindon failed to deal with a long ball and allowed Madjo to simply cross to Hylton who smashed the ball home into the roof of the net. For those five minutes Swindon were promoted and enjoying themselves, but this goal sent them crashing back down to earth.
Flat…
Swindon never recovered enough and could not muster clear definitive chances. Even with the introduction of Simon Ferry into the equation in the 64th minute the Robins could not score what would have been a promotion winning goal.
Overall…
In summary, Aldershot played some decent football and overall deserved to win. Many Swindon fans did not know why Di Canio had dropped four first team regulars before or during the game. Several thought that Paolo did not pick the team but this later transpired into the real reason.
Reaction…
Paolo Di Canio: “A few days ago, I discovered something really bad. It was a habit in here last year and it’s maybe come back. Our position a few weeks ago maybe put some of our players in a decision to think everything is done. Maybe to go out and drink. For some, maybe it is already a holiday. For what happened a few days ago, I should change even more players. There is only one player who has an excuse for what happened and that is Alan McCormack because he had a new baby. Even if it’s a silly excuse, I tried to excuse him for what happened. There is another group of players who did something.”
Some questions to be answered…
Was Paolo right to drop those 4 players for unprofessional behaviour?
Should the players publicly apologise?
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What disciplinary action, if any should be taken?
Have the players disrespected Paolo and his family whilst he was in Italy?
Do players have the right to enjoy themselves after a game (Saturday Night)?
Would you go and watch Swindon play if most of the youth squad was playing?
Answers on a postcard (Comment or Tweet preferable)
You can follow me on Twitter for even more Swindon Town discussion.