euro 2012 preview

greetings roaders.

On the eve of the beginning of the most anticipated major footballing tournament since, well, World Cup 2010, It is time to post my thoughts, predictions and a look at the favourites, but also some of the dark horses to lift the trophy in Kiev on July 1st

The Favourites:

SPAIN

We have to begin really with the holders and many people's pick, Spain. All the household favourites will in attendance; Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso, Ramos, Casillas et al. Absent however will be the spaniards relentless captain, Carles Puyol and prolific major tournament goalscorer David Villa. 

There will be some new faces along for the ride; Athletic Bilbaos defensive mid Javi Martinez will be expected to fill the collossal boots of Puyol and if he's not he could be deployed next to Xabi Alonso in a holding role. In attack will be Chelsea's versatile winger and playmaker Juan Mata, though it is doubtful he will squeeze himself into a starting berth, such is the talent at Spain's disposal. Throw David Silva into the mix also.

Another of Bilbao's players and perhaps the biggest key to Spain's hopes is Fernando Llorente. In toutnaments past, the holders have always had a prolific marksmen (Villa, Torres). Having had a sensational season in Spain, as both scorer and provider this could be his tournament and is my pick for golden boot. More on that in a minute.

A lot of pundits have opted for Spain as champions. Not for me. Yes, I can see them scoring quite a few goals - with a front line of Torres/Llorente, Mata/Silva, Fabregas/Pedro, who couldn't - but for me they are not a defensive stronghold. They are without Puyol as previously mentioned, but Pique has been in poor form and I think Iker Casillas is now a weak point; He is not as good as he was. As Chelsea have proved, and more so the Swiss in the last world cup, if plan A doesn't work, there is no plan B and then they are eminently beatable.

GERMANY

Like Spain, the Germans have a plethora of attacking options; Up top they have Bayern Munich's goal machine Mario Gomez, Arsenal's new recruit Lukas Podolski and former golden boot winner Miroslav Klose (both Poldi and Miro wil be in there native Poland for all their group games). Then they have the dynamic Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil, the prodigal Marco Reus (21) of Monchengladbach and Thomas Muller playing in behind them; All young, all burgeoning talent. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira provide the back up through the midfield.

Germanys key area will be in defence. Here they are more than capable; Germanys biggest, most powerful and above all, best, defender Mat Hummels will be partnered likely by either German defensive stalwart Per Mertesacker or Holger Badstuber. Versatile full back Philipp Lahm will either be deployed at left or right back (most likely left) with Borussia Dortmunds' double Bundesliga champion Marcel Schmelzer at right back, or possibly Jerome Boateng.

Germanys matchwinner could take the form of 6'5 Manuel Neuer. This guy is huge. he doesn't immediately look it, but in person he a giant. He has certainly bulked up in recent years. Neuer's penalty record is superb; It should be he. is an intimidating figure between the sticks. But he is also incredibly agile for a big goalkeeper. 

Prior to Bayern Munichs Champions League final defeat, I had Germany as pretty hot favourites. But Chelsea's shock victory has laid doubts in my mind. They will go far, however.

HOLLAND

Few can argue the Dutch merit and pedigree of Bert van Marwijk's side coming into this tournament; They have Europe's two hottest strikers in Van Persie of Arsenal and Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Schalke 04; A devilishly attacking midfield of Sneijder, Robben, Afellay and Van der Vaart.

Runners up to Spain in South Africa, The Dutch have gone from strength to strength and scored 37 and conceded only 8, notching up an 11-0 win over San Marino in qualifying from Group E. 

The impressive Marten Stekelenberg will be between the sticks for Oranje, with Gregory Van der Wiel at right back. If there is a weak link it is in the defence. The Dutch lack height. Joris Mathijsen is 6'1 and is not getting any younger and Ron Vlaar is inexperienced in tournament football. Everton's Johnny Heitinga will back the defence up with his usual steely presence.

Holland haven't won a major trophy - despite coming close on several occasions - since Marco van Basten's 1988 side. With goals aplenty in the side, could this be the team to bring glory back to the low countries? In my opinion....Yes. If they don't they will come very close.

The Dark Horses:

FRANCE

Since France's 1998 and 2000 glorious reign as World and European Champions under Jacques Santini, the French have fallen flat, in no small part to the tyrannical reign of Raymond Domenech. The squad under the tutelage of Laurent Blanc, as it is now, is young, raw and still not without problems. But make no mistake, this team is POTENTIALLY very dangerous.

The French front 3 will consist of Giroud, Benzema and Menez, all extremely capable of goals. We then have the young Yann M'Vila who Arsenal have been strongly linked with. Likely next to him will be the ever improving Cabaye. Then in the wide roles we are likely to have Franck Ribery and Lesri who will cause worry to many defences. Elsewhere, Matthieu Valbuena will likely provide an option of the bench, together with Florent Malouda. 

The French defence consists of veteran Philippe Mexes, Rami of Valencia and Laurent Koscielny. Evra and Clichy will vie for role of left back with Matthieu Debuchy at right back.

Like the Dutch France have the ability to score goals. Benzema has had a fantastic season in Spain now he has settled in at Real. Ribery will be the dynamic playmaker we expect. Mexes has now been in football for over a decade and for me he is not as secure as say a Marcel Desailly or Lillian Thuram. If Clichy is utilised at left back he will trouble defences with his pace but his defensive abilities leave a lot to be desired. The French in this tournament? Jurys out..Much will depend on the England game...

RUSSIA

Russia come into the Euros under the guidance of Dick Advocaat, who has transformed them into a very potent team. Not so much in defence, but going forward. Russia's big players are arguably all very similar, in attacking mid/striker roles.

Firstly there is Arsenal's enigma that is Andrey Arshavin. Indiferrent for the Gunners playing in a wide role - where frankly, he doesn't seem interested - he went on loan back to Zenit and has adopted a more central role and unsurprisingly has found more joy and freedom. The fact of Arsenal is irrelevant; Whenever he
plays for Russia, he looks very good.



With him will be the precocious Alan Dzagoev of CSKA. Classic Russian player; small, pacy, excellent on the ball. It will be interesting to see how he gets on. Elswehere is Yuri Zhirkov, who will get forward on numerous occasions. Strikers Pavlyuchencko and Alexander Kerzakhov blow hot and cold but can be deadly. 

Russia's hope will depend on them being not given a chance by pundits and this is where they are a real threat. They will get through the group, then anything is possible.

POLAND

The Poles haven't often been a threat in major competitions since the early 90's. This Poland side has more than a few big players. Being on home soil, this could be the perfect opportunity for Poland to show what they are made of. 

Much of the Polish threat will come from the Dortmund trio of Lukas Piszcek, Jakob Blaszocowski and the In form Robert Lewandowski. Kuba (Blasz) as he is dubbed by the Westfelanstadion faithful, is a great little playmaker. Piszcek, is a particularly attacking full back and will get forward. Lewandowski comes into the Euros on the back of being named Bundesliga player of the season, having scored 22 goals and notching 6 assists.

I saw him last season and he was poor. Behind the play and slightly clumsy. In just one season, he has become a revelation. He is a huge aerial presence and has a strong right foot. He is being linked with a big move after the tournament and an impressive showing will improve chances of that happening. I fancy him to be one of, if not the main marksman of the competition. IF Poland get out of the group

which I think, with Russia, they will....

ENGLAND

England's build-up to the tournament has been plagued by injury after injury. It is a huge shame. They will be without Wilshere, Cleverley, Cahill, Barry, Walker. Particularly in the cases of Wilshere, Cahill and Walker it is a huge shame. With those three added to Englands squad, they would be extremely well set. As it is, not a huge amount is expected of the Three Lions.

Much will depend on the opening group game of France, but I feel England still have more than enough to get them far. Roy Hodgson is adept at getting the best out of his players but from the get go it is not like England have poor players. Terry and Lescott are both extremely capable defenders and moreso have a real aerial presence in opposition penalty areas. Johnson isnt great but can attack and will attack. Ashley Cole or Leighton Baines are both excellent outlets at left back.

The midfield of Parker and Gerrard if fit, will compliment each other beautifully. It is then case of who to play on the wings. Walcott? Milner? Ox? I think Milner will start against the French and when they tire, Roy will utilise Theo to break them down on the counter attack. Chamberlain could be a revelation. He COULD be the Owen of France 98'. 

The big question is who do England play up front. Young will operate likely in a wide attacking role, behind the striker. With Rooney suspended until Ukraine, it is a perfect opportunity for Andy Carroll or Danny Welbeck to show what they made of. As I've said before, Andy Carroll will be the X Factor for England; defences will not be able to cope with his movement and his unpredictability.

England will be tough to beat. If they can get goals here and there, they could go far.

Elsewhere, if Ireland can get it together, they could make the Quarters. I don't fancy Italy AT ALL. they have demons and skeletons in there closets. But well Italy, are Italy. Ukraine, Croatia, The Czechs (No goal threat, aging keeper) Sweden (though they will go close), Portugal and Denmark will probably just make up the numbers.

But this is the Euros, and its wide open in my opinion...

PREDICTIONS:

Final 8:    SPAIN HOLLAND GERMANY RUSSIA FRANCE ENGLAND POLAND IRELAND

Final 4:    SPAIN ENGLAND HOLLAND GERMANY

Final:       HOLLAND GERMANY

HOLLAND EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS.

WE SHALL SEE...

enjoy the opening matches. Back next week....

The French Market...

afternoon roaders.

ola! even as I returned from my iberian adventures, bringing with it glorious weather. it was worth the turbulence...


I want to focus this week on the formerly derided, untapped market, of French football. Previously, if a manager had scouted and subsequently bought from lesser french clubs, he would have been lambasted. But in the past few years with the transfer market as it is, with hugely inflated fees and players wages, scouts have increasingly used the near continent as their talent pool; and what a pool it is turning out to be. Now when a french based player is touted within the media as being destined for his/her club its not a case of 'OH NO' nor 'OH YES' but more OH....OK INTERESTING. This is frankly nothing short of meteoric departure from how things were.

taking a look at the wider picture, of course there has always been talented french footballers, Cantona, etc. but only really at the height of the game.  Arsene Wenger used to be the big buyer from Le Championnat, what with his vast scouting network and oh being french and all. Pires, Vieira, Henry, Petit were all members of Arsenal's invincibles side. Now not only are there more of a choice of french players, but a plethora of belgian and african talents, all of which are beginning to catch the big boy's eye.

In the past few seasons however, the purchase of French talent at lower level has been more widespread. Generally, because where they were seen as not physical enough for the top leagues - in particular the Premier League - but now and increasingly so each year, that appears to have been a myth. Looking at the success stories of last season, Yohan Cabaye, when he moved to Newcastle from Lille, I tipped for success.   Though it took time for his burgeoning talent to come to the fore, it was always bubbling under the surface. Then his goal against Wigan in October was his moment. From then on he never looked back.

Lets look at the evidence with the new crop of french based talent.  

To name a few: (top to bottom, left to right) Eden Hazard (belgian, Lille) Marvin Martin, (french, Souchaux)   Yann M'Vila (french, Rennes) Laurent Koscielny (french, Arsenal) and Olivier Giroud (french, Montpellier)

The above four have all started to make big waves in France. 3 frenchman, 1 belgian.

Lets start with a guy who has been a sensation for the last 3 seasons at Lille. He was a guy who was earmarked by Arsene Wenger from an early age, but was priced out of any potential move to the Emirates and has now (like Mata, sigh) found a new home at Stamford Bridge, or the 'Power Station' as it's now, rather jovially being dubbed. He will not come cheap, mind. It is estimated his combined fee will reach £78m, once his wages and add ons have been taken into account.

God I hope Chelsea go bust.....i digress.....

Then we have two french midfielders; one 23, the other 24. Both in the Euro 2012 squad. M'Vila is a player who at the moment is a player who could be heading for Arsenal after the tournament. Where the other could be the cheaper, riskier alternative. Both players are excellent ball holders and adept at moving the play forward, much like Cesc Fabregas did.

The final player currently in focus is Montpellier's talismanic striker Olivier Giroud. His 25 goals and 9 assists     helped the french club win this seasons French title. Whilst comparisons could be made with Arsenal misfit Marouane Chamakh, he has better positioning and is stockier, which could be perfect for the Premier League, should he make the jump.

If France go far in the Euros, Id expect him to be up there with the top scorers.  

I will be posting a pre-euro piece next week

enjoy the weekend.

The Hodgson Appointment

greetings roaders!


less than a week has passed since the FA appointed Roy Hodgson as the surprise new England boss. Popular or not, it cannot be said it wasn't a major surprise. Everybody and his dog (and rosie) expected 'Arry to be the man to lead the country's hope, expectations - and ultimately - disappointment into the summers gathering in eastern europe.

Redknapp's destiny as next England manager seemed so assured - certainly according to the tabloid media - but in reality that was only media talk as much as transfer rumours are. In the time Capello resigned to 3pm last tuesday when Woyy was announced, the FA kept tightlipped over possible successors and not once did any representative speak openly about the position. So when its was finally announced as not the media's darling ol' twitchy himself, the press, much like a spoilt child, threw their toys out of the pram.

The british tabloids love Harry Redknapp. For the simple reason that 'Arry is a bent as they come, and he supplies the tabloid hacks with ammunition for both front and back pages, with his dodgy dealings and (alleged) tax evasion and this season with Tottenhams on-field exploits that had - for a considerable time - them in the Premier League title picture. For them he is a veritable goldmine. So I don't actually think and buy the total dissatisfaction they feel for Hodgson, certainly at the moment. It's just that Harry was THEIR choice and therefore, obviously the PEOPLE'S choice.

Doh!

So what does Roy Hodgson bring to the English national dining table? Hodgson's CV reads like a whose who of European football (and at times WHO?) certainly geographically; In Italy he had two spells at Inter in '95 and '99 and Udinese in 2001. He managed Grasshoppers of Zurich, immediately after his tenure at Inter ended. He also took charge of FC Copenhagen of Denmark in 2000. Since 2001 he has managed Finland and the UAE and had previously coached the Swiss national team between '92 and '95.


Now while the England job is BY FAR the most prestigious international posting, his international experience will do him no harm in major tournament scenarios. It would be no revelation to suggest that during Hodgson's tenure there may be few goals conceded and/or scored, as is his style. However as in evidence with West Brom, his sides also exhibit very good, attacking play, when given the chance. As West Brom's Peter Odemwingie even suggested, he makes average teams good;

     "I'm not saying the English team is average, but they have not shown the world that they are the best. Maybe Roy Hodgson might make a difference for them. They have great players but they have not won World Cups or European Championships."

Is this not the major problem with the team? Good players, big players, bigger egos. England has its egos. Terry and Lampard in particular. But what Hodgson has done in with big egos is to knock them down to size. Or drop them. This is what needs to happen with the England set-up. If Terry and Lampard do not pull rank they will be shipped out. No questions asked. Take these two volatile elements out and, arguably, there is just Wayne Rooney to control. But as Fergie has demonstrated this is possible and if he can do so, the fruits of Hodgson's labour could be rich indeed.


So what can we expect of Hodgson? Well expectations are pretty low (the press have ensured that) but this may just be perfect. We have seen that sometimes, just sometimes, the team ethos is more important than the sum of its' part. Take the Greek 2002 European champions, as a prime example; No big names, no big personalities, but a real team spirit of determination. It wasn't pretty, but it was successful. I don't think England will be a defensive as they were, but with the right coaching and techniques, England can become the defensive fortress it used to be.

Then we just need a goalscorer....

champs league analysis.....permeatations...

hi chaps.


Even before last Tuesdays incredibl (y lucky) result against Barcelona last night, I had a feeling that Chelsea were going to progress. It just had that feeling about it. One of those things. In the way Arsenal were meant to win the Champions League in 2005. (hmmm)....(sulk)


Looking at the stats over the two legs, they are nothing short of in-cre-di-ble.

                                           Barca                                                 Chelsea




Shots on Target                      29                                                       5
Possession %                         143                                                     67
Goals                                      2                                                        3


ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY THREE PERCENT out of 200. thats extraordinary. Unsurprising, perhaps, but extraordinary nonetheless, that the winning team had 67 percent share of the 200 pie. in another way thats less than 3/8ths. and this is football that is meant to be balanced. Even if a team parked the bus, that would be a unfair representation of of what Chelsea managed to achieve.

It must have been a bendy-bus....

An even more amazing stat is that Chelsea, in 180 minutes of play, had just 5 shots on target, and scored 3 of them. Thats a 60 % conversion rate. and for that they must be commended. In comparison Barca's success rate was just under 7%. What?......

Instead of match reporting, I want to focus on who Chelsea will play on May 19 in Munich.


Not Real Madrid, no, but European champions of 2000, Bayern Munich. And personally, I had a feeling it would be the Germans who would progress to the final in their own back yard. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo giving the spaniards a 2 nil lead after 15 minutes, it only meant a slight advantage of a solitary goal, and with Bayern already having had chances to notch the oh-so-important away goal, it came as no shock that Robben scored from the spot in the 27nd minute, after Pepe felled him in the Real penalty area.


So followed another 93 minutes of goalless football that resulted in the ultimate lottery of the penalty shoot out. Being contested by the most efficient of world footballs' takers; (xenophobia aside) Zee Germans!

And so it proved - after one of the worst displays of twelve-yard kicking - to be the Germans, who, once again, pulled through when it mattered.

This will be Bayern's second european final in three years. In 2010, the Germans lost 2 nil at the Bernabeu, thanks to a Diego Milito brace, inspired by a - Bernabeu bound - Jose Mourinho's Inter side. There is one thing for sure; Bayern Munich will not want to lose another final, let alone in their own back yard of the Allianz Arena. This for me will be key...

Chelsea will be without at least 2 key defenders in Terry who was foolishly sent off for a knee in the back of Alexis Sanchez and Branislav Ivanovic, who was booked - and subsequently suspended - in the aftermath. (Geoff Shreeves, what a guy). Add to that Cahill and David Luiz still struggling to be fit in time (although I suspect they will) and the Blues could be faced with a defensive nightmare of pairing Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferrerira along the back line.

shudder...

They will also be without Meireles, but perhaps most crucially, Ramires, who has been a total revelation for Chelsea this season. In a sea of egos, he seems to be the most grounded individual. His loss come 18 nights from now will be key. Chelsea will have a shout, with the irrespressible Juan Mata behind the main striker, whether it be Torres or Drogba and his support with Salomon Kalou.

Bayern too will be without key members of the team. David Alaba has been superb at left back since his Juup Hyenckes installed the 19 year old from March. He can be covered tho in the form of Phillipp Lahm, his natural position and - as Luiz Gustavo is suspended also - if not him Rafinha. The biggest problem could be the absence of Holger Badstuber, now a national team stalwart. The ukranian Tymoschuk or Van Buyten may be utilised, but both lack agility and this could be where Chelsea thrive.

Where the game will be won, I feel, is the presence of Robben and Ribery. These two will expose Chelsea's core and be able to Supply talisman Mario Gomez. Also Bayern can call upon Toni Kroos and Schweinsteiger to be the ball winners for the Germans in midfield.

So it's tough to call but because of home advantage and Bayern's supreme home record, I would shade Bayern, say 2-1...


I shall return with my views on the impending England managerial appointment

Wigan's resurgence...Tottenhams' fall from grace; some interesting comparisons...

and a very good april to you roaders...

I type this as I peer out of the window of a very rainy Starbucks in Kent.

typical april weather. Lovely.

onwards!....


In their last 11 Premier League games, Wigan Athletic have taken 19 points from a possible 33, since February. It is interesting to note, after losing the 4 games prior to said current form, they went unbeaten for 3 games taking 5 points from 9; a pre-cursor, no doubt to what was to come.

More crucially, they have taken 12 points from a possible 15 points, including wins versus the champions Man Utd and Stoke City at the DW Stadium, but more pivotally, at Anfield versus the defensively frail Liverpool and last night at citadel Emirates Stadium; only a disputed Chelsea loss (via the linesman) prevented Wigan staying undefeated in a period where few had predicted them taking a single point, let alone 12.  


It's hardly the form of a relegation threatened side.....and they shouldn't be now - relgated that is -.......

So why and how the sudden upturn in form? The emergence of Celtic's forgotten man, Shaun Maloney is partly the reason. The former Scottish Young Player of The Year in 2006, Maloney had an spell at Aston Villa under Martin O' Neill, in 2007, which was largely unsucessful, save for a brace against Chelsea in the Boxing Day 2008 4-4 thriller, at Stamford Bridge. After returning to Celtic, he signed for Wigan on transfer deadline day in August.

Roberto Martinez has cited fitness issues as the reason for his omission up until a month ago. Now he has caught up to fitness, it seems he has been the perfect catalyst for the ominous run-in for Wigan. His performance and sweet curling strike against Utd last Wednesday was rightly sufficient for him to earn man of the match (perhaps cumulative)



Another Scot, unheralded and seemingly clumsy, but now finding his feet (literally) is Gary Caldwell. This guy has truly been around the houses, so to speak. He has been at Newcastle, Hibs and Celtic, as well as loan spells at Darlington, Coventry and Derby. Since moving to Wigan, Martinez had installed him as vice, the first team captain for his unflinching and relentless performances at the heart of the back 3.

Where Caldwell is really enjoying himself, is where Wigan deploy a 3 man defence with 2 wing backs, allowing him - unlike with many teams - to be the lynchpin of the defence. He, next to Antolin Alcaraz and Maynor Figueroa, are starting to form an inpenetrable back line, with wing backs, Jean Beausejour and Emerson Boyce, tracking up and down the wings. Being a central player, Caldwell is allowed to link up in midfield with Wigan's most important attacking outlet Victor Moses.

Moses, now 21 and recently having declared his commitment to Nigeria's national team, is often the string-puller for Wigan. Yes, he tends to be profligate, but he seems to be converting more of his chances, if not providing Wigan with a pacy, technical playmaker, as he was last night. Moses has only 4 goals, but with 6 assists, he is proving to be a better creater of opportunities.

Wigan have 4 games left and a decent 5 point gap to the relegation zone, but with games away to Fulham and Blackburn to come, as well as tricky looking games at home to Newcastle and Championship-bound Wolves, it is not a forgone conclusion.

But if they keep the momentum up they will stay up.....surely?.....



As a 21 year gooner, it brings me no joy in witnessing Tottenham Hotspur's fall from grace.......( honest ;) ), so without going into all the juicy details, I want to draw a few carefully considered comparisons with that of Arsenal.

In January, when Spurs swept aside Everton to move within two points of the two title-chasing Manchester clubs, Harry Redknapp was heard to utter this:

                 "It's not impossible for us to win the league - we have a chance"

Fast-forward two months and the target had been revised to third....

              "That's what we're capable of doing and that's where I want us to be"

Another month on, after Tottenham had been soundly beaten by Norwich City, the goalposts had been moved again...

                                         "We'd settle for finishing fourth"......

Now lets be honest these are not a million miles away from what Arsene Wenger had said last season when seemingly in with a shout of the title, his team capitulated from a position of finishing as runners-up, to third and finally finishing in fourth; each time he protested that finishing in such position would not be so bad...

a coincidence.......  ?

another comparison. In February 2008, when 2 nil down against Birmingham City at St. Andrews, Eduardo suffered his horrific leg break, which effectively ended his Arsenal career, but more prominently was the catalyst for Arsenal losing their six point lead at the summit of the Premier League, which many players failed to recover from. Indeed many gooners, see this as the beginning of four seasons, of injury-fuelled heartache for the the clubs supporters.

Fast forward four years, to a few weeks ago, to Fabrice Muamba's horrific cardiac arrest on the pitch. Since when, Spurs have drawn 3 of the last five league games, losing to Norwich and beating only Swansea. One could be forgiven for putting their current form down to events of White Hart Lane that Saturday eve. hardly relegation form, no, but for a team who needs to keep winning games in the final push for a top four position they are faltering. Now out of the cup after a 5-1 drubbing by Chelsea at Wembers, Spurs' season is now in real danger of collapsing - they could even finish outside of the top five.......

A coincidence...?

food for thought........  

Roman fickle. again, Rosicky returns to glory..

greetings, roaders.!

it has been a while since last post. but I have had a creative blank. so apologies.

If nothing else was going to get me to post it would be the - as predicted by moi, back in September - shambolic treatment and departure of Andre Villas Boas from Chelsea.

If I take you, reader, back to AVB's appointment at the Bridge in the summer;

      This is my problem with the appointment. I really like Boas. He is a very talented guy. He speaks fluent english, thanks to his english grandmther and his time working under Jose Mourinho but also Sir Bobby Robson, for a time at Ipswich in the early 2000's. He is a great coach. BUT he is a very attacking style of manager, which has put Chelsea in trouble in the past. My concern is that he may score more than concede in the early stages but with a goal shy Fernando Torres of late and a Frank Lampard out of sorts, is there anyone who can really lead the team in the way Villas Boas wants?

smug. mode.

But I take no joy in this. I expected him to last only one season, but for him to not survive the season - let alone for him to be dismissed whilst his charges are still in the Champions League (until Wednesday night at least) is shocking. For me this highlights the desperation of the most fickle man in football, the venerable Roman Abramovich. Whilst Napoli come to west London in midweek, with a two goal advantage, and likely therefore, to progress, there if the slightest chance of a revival under RDM ( as we shall now refer to him, in the acronym age). Chelsea's owner is DESPERATE for glory in the only major competition that eludes him.


But surely he wouldn't resort to murder.? It seems figuratively, he has.....


It's hard to know exactly were AVB went wrong. Mata has been an excellent signing thus far. On paper he and Torres should have linked up superbly well, but only in one game has this been in evidence. The CL game against Genk, where both set up goals for each other, and scored also. Torres' goal drought has been a big factor, yes. But I think the big problem has been that Chelsea have too many offensive centre backs; Luiz, Cahill, Ivanovic (less so) and Bosingwa.


Frequently David Luiz would be found wandering down the pitch wanting to get up into offensive positions whenever possible. When Chelsea's inability to keep clean sheets began to appear, it seemed to seep through the rest of the team, particularly their stalwart Petr Cech, who has been imperious for the last 3-4 seasons, producing many a match winning performance. Then moreso through to the strikers. Torres hasn't looked himself at Chelsea possibly because is under such pressure to perform, as comes with a £50m price tag. This has led the poison that is John Terry and Frank Lampard of the old guard, to reappear and spread, making AVB's tenure terminal.


Regardless to sack him, after just 8 months in charge is ridiculous and shameful. But its just another example of what an unscrupulous man the big bucks Russian is. There is no 'quick fix' let Sir Alex and Arsene tell you that. Who wants the Chelsea job now?


I bloody dont......


Arsenal's season continues to take more twists, turns, highs, lows and upside down moments, than that of any of your popular theme park coasters does.


After effectively ending hopes of another trophyless season, with an abject perfomance, on an abject pitch at the San Siro, on Tuesday night, Arsenal showed the sort of character that has been bereft from the Emirates Stadium pitch this season. Whilst this AC Milan side are - in my view - overrated, and will only progress through to the semi finals with a favourable draw versus APOEL next Friday in Nyon, it was still an admirable perfomance from the Gunners, who aside from finishing in the top four, have little to play for.


Arsenal have been robbed of key players through injury at key stages of the season; Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott, Vermaelen and Sagna to name a few. Perhaps the biggest loss though, (in evidence) is that of Tomas Rosicky. When Rosicky signed a few days before the start of Germany 06', I was very excited. Very. But in his six years so far in North London he has seen some troubling times. In fact the only games where his presence really stands out pre 2008, is the game away at Hamburg in September 2006, in which he scored his first Arsenal goal in some style with a 30 yard screamer, in a 2-1 win.



When 'little Mozart' signed for Arsenal, there was a question mark over his past injuries. Indeed one particular knee injury occurred in his 5 years in Germany, which ruled him out of an entire season. His past seemed to came back to haunt him as a niggling hamstring tendon injury ruled him out of the entire 2008-09 campaign and kept him out of action out-right for 18 months. He came back but as with long term-injuries there were complications.


It has taken him nearly 3 years to get back to anywhere near his best form. But finally he seems to be coming good again and is showing signs of playmaker best as he was at Dortmund. I noted in a previous post that he had an excellent pre-season in Asia. Rosicky has been increasingly instrumental in games after the Xmas period, often contributing as the midfield engine, in the Fabregas role, occupying a central role, but adept at playing across the front three. These culminated in a outstanding performance against Sp**s ( ;) )
when he scored hi first goal since February 2011 but so much more than that he was fantastic whenever he got the ball.

Tomas really has given Arsenal a much needed fillip in the run in, and hopefully will, in Jack Wilshere's absence as Arsenal fight to retain their top four status. With tough games against Newcastle on Monday and games against City, Chelsea, and Stoke away to come, it will be fascinating to see how he does and where he is deployed in the weeks to come. Injury permitting. Good luck Tomas......

Weekend thoughts...Henry Honeymoon Hiatus...

afternoon roaders! Hope you like the new layout. Again I'm toying with a few ideas and it will no doubt change between now and my next post..


I'll begin with a little clip of Samir Nasri, which you may or may not have seen. He was being berrated by two Liverpool fans who drove past him in the car after the reds won the first leg of their Carling Cup Semi against Manchester City last week.

Oh what a twisted individual I am.. bwahaha..

So after all the flack Steve Kean has been taking, it appears that his side are finding some form at long last. A victory at home to Fulham on Saturday - with a man down notwithstanding - was impressive. Indeed I had Fulham to win. Especially when Rovers' main goal threat, Yakubu, was sent off for a rake of the studs on Jason Lowe.

But after being reduced to 10 men, Blackburn's young pups really shone through. Particularly the improving Grant Hanley, the aforementioned Lowe and Junior Hoilett. But it was Rovers' trusted long-serving campaigners David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen who delivered the goods when it mattered. A few seasons ago Dunn was a maestro in the Blackburn midfield but recently, injuries have seen him lose form and be frequently benched. Tough, burly and hard working, if Dunn can recapture his scoring form for the run in, Blackburn have every chance of beating the drop. Which a month ago seemed a foregone conclusion.


The same could be said for the Norse Pedersen. Last season in particular, he was adept at creating opportunities and from set pieces notably, with his traction engine of a left foot and his uncanny knack to be in the right place at the right time. His both in and out-swinging corners were ideal for the likes of Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen to get on the end of.

This season so far however, probably in no small part due to Blackburn's lack of self belief as a whole, he has found himself bench-warming as Kean began his tenure with a stockier five mad midfield, often with natural defenders pushing up into a more active role ahead of the defence, past the centre circle. The prime examples being Phil Jones (last season) and now Steven Nzonzi. Gradually though, Pedersen has began to find his role in Kean's ever evolving system. Like with Dunn, Pedersen has shown glimpses of his best form and if Blackburn are to avoid the drop, they will need theses glimpses to become more permanent features of his game.

As a part time, suffering Tractor Boy, it brings me pain to see Norwich flourishing in the top flight. But all bias aside, Paul Lambert has got the canaries playing some very attractive stuff - with bite. So that pill is slightly easier to swallow as an admirer of good teams that play good football. But not just good; clever also.
The Championship's most prolific goal-scorer last season, Grant Holt has seamlessly carried his form through to the Premier League - even if it be from the bench - scoring 7 goals and notching up 3 assists so far this season. His partner up front Steve Morison is equally consistent, if not more with 8 goals and 4 assists. Norwich in an attacking, sense are the most consistent performers outside of the top 6. Add to this some very dynamic wing players and attackers like Pilkington, Surman and Wes Hoolahan and Norwich - I have no doubt - have got enough goals in them to survive and push for a top ten finish.


Finally this week I want to AGAIN talk about the Arsenal situation. I honestly I want to bash my head against a wall. Every time the club seem like making real progress, form drops, players get injured and the manager goes into denial. After a shocking start to the season, Arsenals progress had taken them back into the top four and at least a chink of hope in the title race. The glittering form of Robin van Persie had catapulted the gunners up the table in a matter of weeks. But had it not been for the Dutchman's work and effort, in the form of 18 goals and 6 assists, Arsenal's plight would have been significantly worse and I would argue Arsene Wenger would be out of a job.

 Now, after a turbulent festive period - as it was for many teams - of a draw to Wolves at home, a defeat to Fulham away, a  victory versus QPR at home and now a defeat to Swansea away, despite RVP continue to bang the goals in, Arsenal's injury trail once again has finally taken its toll. With Sagna, Wilshere, Jenkinson, Gibbs and Santos injured, the Gunners would have been fine, but then Thomas Vermaelen picked up an ankle problem and Koscielny was then having to be paired at the back with the immobile and oft clumsly German, Mertesacker, where Koscielny was doing quite well for himself at right-back. Even when Vermaelen played it was frequently at left-back (where is first played for Ajax) so when he wasnt there it was clear that the left side of defence would be exposed, or 'short' as Le Prof is never too shy to express...  


Now far be it from me defocate on my own welcome mat, but the striking situation at Arsenal is laughable. 4 strikers; 1 on loan; 2 ineffective; only 1 goal scorer.   It sounds like a plot line from a popular reality show. Maybe Arsene would be best to sit up and realize that this IS reality. this IS a 21st century football club. This IS a big club. Or was.... Thierry Henry's fairtytale return was epic and the stuff of legend. Orgasmic even.  I said it. I havent experienced that sensation for my football team for years; only angst, nerves and shredded nerves. Followed by anxiety attacks.

Great right?...

Henry's return is fantastic and yes, we are crippled by injuries in defence, but what else is new? when defence is low we - even more urgently - need a player to deliver the goals - and not from a winger. A striker. A 6 foot + quick versatile player who doesn't necesarily breaks the bank but who ISNT a) loaned out for the season b) fails to get a work permit c) gets benched for the majority of the season as he is not 'ready' d) is frankly rubbish or e) all of the above. Do me a favour.

The situation needs to sorted soon and I hope (probably in vain) that a striker is recruited to lighten the weight of expectation on RVPs already brittle bones and muscles.

Wenger's sand timer has now, once again, been turned upside down, having been rested on its' side......