Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1 review

The margin of the result may have been slim but on Sunday Manchester United revealed gulf in class between the two highly touted teams.

How it was won – The biggest shock at half time was that Manchester United were not further ahead. They dominated possession territory and chances and could have been three goals to the good. Despite being away from Old Trafford, United managed to grasp a stifling hold on the game thanks to the pace and lively work of their full backs in a 4-4-2 formation. Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva constantly pushed forward into midfield and beyond. This allowed central midfielders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher many passing options when they were on the ball. They had the choice of going square and wide with these full backs, hitting the runs of Cristiano Ronaldo and Park Ji Sung coming off their flanks high in the oppositions half and looking more directly forward to Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, one of whom would drop into a deeper role.

These options and the fast and efficient passing of United allowed them to retain possession high in City’s half despite their opponents having a three-man central midfield, negating Mark Hughes’ men’s numerical advantage. Particularly in the first half, City could not get close to United players or the ball and, subsequently, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men dominated proceedings and created many chances as they threw players forward and overwhelmed the opposition. It only garnered one goal in the first half but it could have been many more and in the second half, when United went down to 10 men after Ronaldo’s sending off, United’s superiority in passing and movement ensured City never had enough ball to win the game.

United’s domination of the game reveals the scale of work facing Mark Hughes and his Manchester City squad.

Premier League predictions

Saturday

Aston Villa 2 Fulham 0
Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 2
Stoke 1 Hull 1
Sunderland 0 Bolton 1
Wigan 2 West Brom 0

Sunday

Chelsea 1 Arsenal 1
Manchester City 1 Manchester United 3
Portsmouth 1 Blackburn 0
Tottenham 2 Everton 2
Liverpool 3 West Ham 0

Big Game: Arsenal v Chelsea

Arsenal's title challenge is hanging by a thread - if not already dead - and after a disappointing week Chelsea will be desperate regain some form and extinguish any lingering optimism around the Emirates.

Key players:
Arsenal - All eyes will be on the Gunner's new captain Cesc Fabregas, but if Arsenal are to get any return from this game his midfield partner Denilson will have to establish a platform from which their attacking forces can operate.
Chelsea - Nicolas Anelka faces his former team on one of the hottest streak in his career. He has scored 12 goals in 15 league games and with Joe Cole a doubt the pressure will once again be on the Frenchman to convert the chances.

Injuries:
Ars - Abou Diaby, Kolo Toure, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue all out.
- Emmanuel Adebayor, Bacary Sagna and Samir Nasri fit.
Che - Juliano Belletti, Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Franco di Santo all out
- Alex fit, Joe Cole doubt.

Suspensions:
Che - Drogba

Won and lost:
The battle for middle turf - Chelsea's physical and combative three in midfield will look to dominate the middle ground preventing Fabregas from pulling the strings and forcing Arsenal to move the ball wide against the inclination of their centrally minded midfielders.

No Drogba - Arsenal with draw comfort from the absence of Didier Drogba - an Arsenal tormentor in the past - which should ensure their Achilles heel of failing to defend aerial bombardments is less exposed. But the Blues will look for enjoy as Anelka, supplied by Deco, runs in behind the sometimes clumsy Silvestre.

Arsenal forced to go wide on counter - As Chelsea revert to a 3-4-2-1 in pssession with the full backs bombing on and Obi stepping back into defence, Arsenal will have to find space in the vacated full back areas with the wingers and full backs pushing forward - a risky but necessary ploy. This will peg back the Chelsea full backs and allow the Gunners a foot hold in the game.

Turning the titanic - With teh robust but often immobile pairing of John Terry and Alex at the back for Chelsea, Arsenal will also look for Fabregas to play in the tricky Robin Van Persie as a sharp turning rapid firing option.

Frantic - With the pace of both sides they will look to hit on the counter attack so expect at times a some frantic and open exchnges.

Result:
Arsenal to scrape a draw and prolong the ambituity that engulfs them. 1-1.

Transfer eye - Spurs in for German international

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is considering a move for German international Lukas Podolski in the January transfer window.

The Bayern Munich striker, who has scored 31 goals in 60 games at international level, is unhappy in Germany and handed in a transfer request earlier this week.
Having secured the services of Landon Donovan for the second part of the Bundesliga season, Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann is willing to grant Podolski’s wish and allow him to leave.

With Darren Bent, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Fraser Campbell the English side’s only options up front, Redknapp is desperate to land a proven goalscorer in the transfer window. And the Spurs boss believes Podolski can catapult Tottenham away from the relegation zone and up the Premier League table.

The German international would also represent good value with money tight at White Hart Lane. A bid of GBP5million should force the German to sell a player who is becoming more trouble than he is worth. The Tottenham hierachy are still keen to sign Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Asharvin, as is Redknapp, but the Russian side’s daunting valuation of GBP20million means a deal is unlikely leaving Podolski as the primary target.

Monday debate - Should Wenger get rid of Gallas?

Arsenal's season is already on the ropes and William Gallas' recent outburst has heightened the sense of discontent at the Emirates stadium. Having stripped the international defender of the captaincy, should Arsene Wenger rid himself of the disruptive Frenchman in January?

Yes - Not only has Gallas been a destabalising influence as capatian, he has also been a destabilising presence in defence. The French international has had a poor season and has failed to show the required command as the senior figure in Arsenal’s defence. Gallas has previous in this respects. Last season he famously sat on the turf as Arsenal endured another tough game against Birmingham.
Wenger needs to reconstruct the centre of his defence and, given his tempremental attitude and waning ability, Galla sis no longer a long-term prospect. Wenger must begin the search for his replacement immediately whether that is from within the club or via the January trnsfer window. Any extra cash the Frenchman would generate would be welcome.

No - Arsenal’s defensive frailties are more accute than ever. The days of a back four cut from granite is long gone and, since the departure of Sol Campbell, Arsenal’s title ambitions have continually been undermined by a meek defence. It is staggering that Wenger has not shown more urgency in strengthening this area. Arsenal’s lack of height and stomach for a tackle, have made them vulnerable to crosses and even long throw ins - as exercised by Rory Delap - this season.
Gallas may be a bad influence, but when on his game he is still Arsenal’s best centre half. There will be few world class defenders on offer in January and Arsenal’s youngsters are not ready to step into the massive breach.

Verdict - Time for Wenger to take out the trash.

Germany vs England - Review

The vitriol following England's win over Germany has been emphatic. But the greatest significance of the night was a German team, playing in their capital city, and little more than a shell of the once great footballing super power.

England’s performance was decent, ever more when considering it was a back-up side, and there were some promising displays from the likes of Michael Carrick, Glen Johnson, Shaun Wright Phillips and Stewart Downing. But you could scarcely believe they were playing the mighty Germans.

In truth England were given an easy ride. Johnson and Wayne Bridge were rarely tested at full-back, John Terry and Mathew Upson enjoyed a hassle free evening in Munich and Carrick and Gareth Barry were afforded the run of the midfield, being given time and space to create and dictate at will. The intimidating, bullying and beguiling Germans of previous years were replaced by a fragile rabble that have struggle under the wieght of national expectations for a few years.

We have known for a long time that Germany have lost their individual skill but their collective belief looks as though it has finally run dry. The truth is Germany’s power have been on the wane for the past decade. They have reached a world cup final in 2002 and came close in 2006 as they did in 2008, but on those occasions it was down to a remarkable reserves of mental strength and a tactical cohesiveness rather than a formidable force of individuals. And, while tactics and belief are great for plucky performances, they are the preserve of the underdog and not those that aspire to be the to dogs. The best teams have it all.

With any dynasty belief and confidence out lives ability. The mental certainty gathered over years of triumph can often endure for some time after the decline has set in, but set in it has and the German’s have realized their own mediocrity with devastating effect.

Prior to the game, Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff criticized the English Premiership for having too many foreigners and not producing enough England players. He should look more closely at the state of affairs in his own nation. Germany need to find some players and quick. For England they must remember that it was ‘only Germany’ – it still sounds slightly bizarre but is increasingly accurate.

Time for Shearer to be Newcastle manager?

Former Newcastle midfielder Robert Lee believes Alan Shearer is ready to take over at St James` Park.

While the ex-England striker has admitted he would be interested in taking over the club at some stage in the future, he has consistently denied he was ready to fulfill his destiny. But now could be the time.

Owner Mike Ashley is closing in on a new owner, they are out of the relegation zone and, best of all for a potential new manager, Joe Kinnear has decimated any expectations. The presence and antics of Ashley and Kinnear at the top of the club has deprived Newcastle fans of notions of grandeur. Where at the start of the season there were hopes of a top six finish, now survival in the top-flight is the goal and the person who delivers it will be an instant success. They are in a mire and immediate aspirations are out the window.

A manager is always judged relative to their predecessor, and so Harry Redknapp`s fine start to life at Tottenham has assumed god-like status. With Shearer already enjoying messiah-like acclaim at St James’ Park, the current situation would grant him even greater time to enact his reforms.

The current managements running into the ground of the club has tempered expectation and so even with the great Shearer at the helm Newcastle fans hopes may stay in check. Now all the former hit-man needs is a billionaire backer to blast away the current hierarchy.

Transfer talk - Liverpool eye Elano

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez could offer Brazilian Elano an exit route from Manchester City in the January transfer window.

The Brazil international is increasingly frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities at the Eastlands and is now considering his options with Benitez monitoring the situation closely.

Manager Mark Hughes is not a man to tolerate his authority being undermined and Elano’s recent public criticism of the management could have created an irretreavable rift between the two.

Manchester City would demand £10million for the midfielder, but the Liverpool manager believes he can sign the 27-year-old for £8million. Benitez is keen to bolster his midfield optiions as hopes continue to rise of a first title in 18 years.

With Albert Riera, backed up bey Ryan Babel, solving many of the questions on the left flank, a right sided player is Benitz’s priority especially with Jermain Pennat set to leave the club in January.

Newcaslte and Aston Villa are also showing an interest in the developments at the Eastlands stadium.

Monday debate: First team experience or first class grooming?

Everton manager David Moyes has suggested clubs should be limited in the number of players they can sign at youth levels so the talent is more evenly distributed among the league clubs. The argument continues that it would allow young players to gain first team experience rather than languish in the academies of the ‘big teams’. Which is better first team experience or first rate grooming?

YES - That scenario would give a larger number of players what they want, an exposure to first-team football at an earlier age. It would open the eyes of youngsters to the requirements of truly competitive football with players surely making rapid progress in physicality as they face up to seasoned pros and learn important lessons. Lower league clubs would benefit through access to better players and potential earnings.

NO – By scooping up the best talent from across the globe, the elite club’s of the Premiership offer the best education for young players of all nationalities. The quality of the facilities, coaching and back-up is far better than can be offered from lower league teams. The exposure to top rate coaching and ideas can develop players of greater technical and tactical aptitude. These are the defining element of a player’s future potential. Elite academies also reveal to youngsters what is necessary to become world class by watching international players around the club and measuring themselves against peers from all over the world at an earlier age.

VERDICT – Proof is in the outcome. Arsenal has consistently produced the brightest English prospects over the last few years with players like David Bentley, Ashley Cole and Jack Wilshere coming through with potential to reach the top of the international game.

Are Arsenal really back in the title race?

The football story of the weekend is that Arsenal have answered their critics, dispelled the doubts and revived their ailing title challenge with victory over Manchester United.

Just 24 hours after stirring up suggestions that the Arsene Wenger era may come to a premature end, the media have been remorseless in vindicating Wenger and hailing his master plan. ‘How could they doubt Wenger?’ ‘Crisis, what crisis?’

But the only problem is that the Gunners will not win the title and victory over Man U will not change that. A single victory can have a huge impact on a team’s season, but this was not such a win.

It does not make up for the losses to Stoke and Fulham that revealed fragility and flakiness, which will be targeted by all in the Premiership and will not be easily rectified. Gone is there aura of invincibility that often guarantees safe passage and straightforward points. Arsenal will have to battle in every game from now on in - Chelsea are the only side to retain the image of an irresistible force that make teams quiver.

With a squad light on numbers and experience they needed a flying start, as they got last season, to build the belief in the camp that could prevail over the deep reserves, physical and mental, of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal have been beating the top teams and losing to some of the bottom ones for years. Victory was no emancipation or meaningful turning point, it does not set them on the path to the title just as victories over the top four in previous seasons have not led to silverware.

Rather it is another example of vast potential in an infuriatingly erratic narrative.

Arsenal vs Man U

Manchester United scent a wounded animal and on Saturday the Euyropean Champions could all but kill-off their rival’s title hopes.

It’s been a disastrous few weeks for Arsenal - as well as some poor results, a sensitive and weak underbelly has once again been exposed - but it could get worse. Arsenal’s title bid could be terminally damaged before mid November.

Key players:
Ars - With a number of injuries to important players, there will be huge responsibility on Cesc Fabregas as a leader and player especially as the side are still lacking a specialist holding midfielder.
Man U - Cristiano Ronaldo is finally coming back to his best form and his ability to run at players as well as shooting early from distance could prove decisive.

Injuries:
Ars - Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue (knee) out. Doubts over Theo Walcott (shoulder) and William Gallas (thigh)
Man U - Wes Brown doubt.

Suspensions:
Ars - Robin van Persie

Won and lost:
Despite their attacking reputation, Arsenal may be forced to retreat into a disciplined defensive display as United go for the jugular at the Eimrates.
Arsenal will set-up with a very compact formation - to prevent Rooney and Ronaldo from causing havoc in between the opposition’s midfield and defence - and look to hit United on the break with the pace of Walcott (if playing), Gael Clichy and the trickery of Samir Nasri, using Niclas Bendthner as a rallying point in attack.
If Arsenal drop too deep, a distinct possibility, United will rely on the Berbatov lay-off ability of Berbatov, and Rooney’s and Ronaldo’s long range shooting ability.

Result:
United to have too many options in attack and win 2-1.

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Wenger's stubborness betrays confusion

There was a time when RAFA BENITEZ was the most stubborn man in the Premiership League.

His convictions were that Steven Gerrard should play nowhere near the centre of the pitch and that rotating his squad would preserve their title ambitions.

But the Spaniard has mellowed in his dogma. Now ARSENE WENGER has replaced him as the man to muddle conviction with stubborness with delusion.

Arsenal are already out of the league and Wenger's claims his young side is strong enough and mature enough to win a title against the established and proven professionals of Chelsea and Man U is absurd wnough for everyone to see.

Paper talk

Barcelona’s long-term pursuit of Cesc Fabregas took another turn when it was revealed they are preparing a £30million bid.

The prospect of returning to Spain and Barcelona must be growing more and more apeealing to the Spaniard.

As Arsenal leap from triumph to disaster, being simultaneously brilliant and despairing, Pep Guardiola is creating a Barcelona team seemingly more technically gifted and, critically, more effective.

The chance to form the foundations - alongside Xavi - that enable the likes of Henry, E’too, Messi and Bojan to fly, may soon be too much for Cesc. And Arsenal will have once again lost a player to a lack of ambition.


Michael Owen is reportedly a transfer target of Chelsea with a figure quoted as £3-5million.

Eventhough his contract is counting down, it is a derisory figure for a top striker and a big game player.


On a par with big city bonuses rewarding bankers for ruining the economy, Juande Ramos will receive £1.7m in compensation from Tottenham after his exit in October. A figure being half of what was his annual salary

Lewis Hamilton's destiny transformed in a blink

Breaking into the penultimate corner at the Interlagos circuit on Sunday, Lewis Hamilton was a serial loser and a man beset by demons; emerging out of the final corner he was a free man speeding into the record books as the youngest world champion in history. Rarely are destinies re-aligned so abruptly.

The flip side to Hamilton’s dramatic accession was Felipe Massa’s demise. When the Ferrari driver passed the finish line, in front of his adoring fans, he was the champion-elect and his entourage in the pit lane went into a frenzied celebration. But by the time he joined them, the race winner was a broken man. Massa had done what he had to do, but - somehow, someway - so had Hamilton, by the skin of Tino Block’s tyres.

After an era of tedium and predictability in the late 90’s, early 00’s, motor racing is once again a sport of hi-octane excitement.

Cricket bites Stanford in the butt!

The underlying premise of STANDFORD, the root of many objections, was that it sort to find a villain and humiliate him on the grandest stage cricket has ever created.

By placing a winner-takes-all, million dollar bounty on victory, they hoped the game would come down to the final ball with the outcome decided by a four, a six, a wicket or best of all a steepling shot into the night sky and one fielder standing under a $20million catch with enternity to wait - would they be blinded by the glint of falling riches or would they see nothing but a ball - the ultimate examination of nerve.

In the end, England’s universal inadequacy on the night cost the organisers their car-crash moment when a player would rob his team mates of a $1millions each.
The PR people seek to make modern sport an individual’s pursuit. It is a product of an era of over-emphasised personality driven by the demands for celebrity. But as a England proved cricket, and all team sports, are one and lost as a unit.



There was a time when RAFA BENITEZ was the most stubborn man in the Premiership League.

His convictions were that Steven Gerrard should play nowhere near the centre of the pitch and that rotating his squad would preserve their title ambitions.

But the Spaniard has mellowed in his dogma. Now ARSENE WENGER has replaced him as the man to muddle conviction with stubborness with delusion.

Arsenal are already out of the league and Wenger's claims his young side is strong enough and mature enough to win a title against the established and proven professionals of Chelsea and Man U is absurd wnough for everyone to see.