Nicola Cortese Should Be Ashamed of Himself

afternoon roaders!


I a had transfer special on the go and was all ready to post. That was until last Friday lunchtime, when I walked into Old Street's very swanky No.1 Sports Bar in London town, for me to look up to the see the news on Sky that Nigel Adkins had been sacked. So whilst its fresh in my mind, I thought I'd share my thoughts...

Nigel Adkins was appointed as Saints boss on September 12, 2010, shortly after the silver fox, Alan Pardew had been sacked. Adkins left Scunthorpe Utd and signed a three year deal at St Marys. After the honeymoon period, Adkins side then struggled at home, but conversely thrived away from home. Having been appointed manager when Southampton were in League 1, Adkins achieved back to back promotions; From League 1 to the Championship and inside 2 seasons the Saints made the return to the top flight, after a seven year absence.


Their first season back has proved to be a struggle. But then when you look at the fixture list for them, it was always likely to be; playing Utd, City and Arsenal in the first four games, which already put a huge significance on the Wigan game at home, in only their second game. The Saints lost narrowly to a Robin van Persie hattrick, and played very well at the Etihad, again losing 3-2 after a rousing comeback. They then lost 6-1 to Arsenal away.

From that point on, the season began to turn around. The next matchday saw Southampton beat an in-form Villa side, 4-1, Rickie Lambert scoring a brace. Conversely, the next 5 fixtures saw even less of a return; the opening 5 games saw Southampton record 3 points from 15. The next 5 saw them record a solitary point, which saw away defeats to West Brom, West Ham and Everton. the single point coming at home to Fulham. But Nigel Adkin's side were beginning to come together.


In the next five games, 8 points from 15 were recorded. In the last 7 games, the Saints have lost just one game, but more importantly in the last 5 are unbeaten, including a high scoring draws against an eternally stubborn Stoke City and last Wednesday a shock comeback point versus the European champions at Stamford Bridge, with Everton visiting St Mary's this evening. The saint's form is good. That cannot be refuted.



Which is why the sacking of Adkins is baffling. Having survived the chop after a poor start, chopping the weak links of Jos Hooiveld and Danny Fox at the back, they have looked a far more solid outfit. Adkins has bought well, with the coup of Gaston Ramirez and Jay Rodriguez from Burnley. But more keenly the emergence of Luke Shaw at left back has been a real fillip for the team. Nicola Cortese Southampton's Chairman has - in my eyes - always been a staunch advocate of his man in charge.

Questions have been asked about his Ego being the prime reason for his sacking. Im not so sure. But to bring in Mauricio Pochettino (incidentally the man who ahem, fouled Michael Owen for England's penalty against Argentina in Japan/South Korea 2002), a man who has just been sacked for leaving Espanyol bottom of La Liga, with little managerial experience. It just doesn't add up. There has been talk of a fan mutiny and with David Moyes' men to entertain tonight, that may come sooner rather than later...

   

New Year..New Liverpool...?

happy new year roaders! hope you all had a very merry festive season

I am much overdue on posting as I have now relocated to our fine capital, so no doubt you will be hearing more about us. The rolling site makeover continues and the new logo is nearly all set to go...


The turn of the year has seen some very curious results, and indeed shifts in momentum, that once seemed impossible; certainly at the start of the season. In this post I focus on one such shift.


Back in September, six weeks into the season, I wrote about the struggles of Liverpool and how one of two things would happen;

'Brendan Rogers will be sacked; Liverpool will drop to the Championship. If this happens, (unthinkable I know) John Henry will take his ball and leave. Liverpool will be left with a mountainous pile of debt and with their sponsors, Standard Chartered in a precarious financial position, Liverpool could become the next Leeds United' 

Given their plight, It was not such a far-fetched prediction. But I must congratulate Liverpool and in turn eat humble pie as they really have turned things around. So what are the reasons for said upturn in fortunes?..

We need to begin up top; Luiz Suarez has turned from Profligate to Prolific in the space of 3 months. In the opening 5 games, The uruguayan scored only 2 goals, as the Reds failed to win a single game, and lose 3 of 5. Since then, the turnaround has been astonishing and it is in no small part to Suarez. Back in the same article I wrote, I highlighted the next 6 games as vital:

Norwich (a)
Stoke (h)
Reading (h)
Everton (a)
Newcastle (h)
Chelsea (a)


In those 6 games, Liverpool went unbeaten, but further more only lost one game in the next nine; Thats 15 games played and only one loss, to Spurs at White Hart Lane. More importantly, after such a terrible start, they have won 10 out 15 games, scoring at least three in 40 percent of games. Luis Suarez scored a hattrick against an adapting Norwich City, drew with Stoke, but helped the Merseysiders beat Reading, draw with the Toffees, Magpies and Blues. He scored in each of the final 3 games of the run, also assisting at Carrow Road and Goodison.

Suarez has scored 4 goals over the festive period and now has alloted 15 Premier League goals this season, eclipsing his efforts last season already. It is fairly simple to these eyes that chances he was missing in the past, he is now converting, but also he is creating more chances for his team mates. When Suarez plays, Liverpool are likely to win. And in a league where wins count for so much, that is priceless.

One could point to the midfield for Liverpool's rejuvenation. Steven Gerrard is back to form and when he ticks, so do they. Liverpool's talismanic captain has either scored or assisted in the last 6 games, of which the Reds have won all six. Gerrards vision and drive is such a big factor in the team, as was witnessed in last nights game at Anfield; his aerial pass to Suarez for the third goal was akin to one from his heyday. Now Lucas has returned to full fitness, Liverpool have a more dynamic central partnership and can also not be overlooked, that since his return to the squad - bench or starting 11 - Liverpool have not dropped a single point.

Liverpool's wide players are proving to be just as influential. Downing has hinted at form for quite a while and against Fulham in the 4 nil victory he showed glimpses of what he is able to do, with a goal and an assist. I am not even suggesting that he is now a good player, but after waiting an entire year to notch an assist - let alone managing to score - he could be an important player for the remainder of the season. On the other side of the midfield, Raheem Sterling is now really now starting to uproot trees. The former QPR academy player has come on leaps and bounds and has 2 goals and 5 assists to his name. The youngster has the pace of a young Michael Owen, but also the composure of the likes of a Robbie Fowler. Sterling has freed up space ahead of him and is a very real reason, why Suarez has scored so many goals. His second of the season will be fascinating to monitor

Liverpool's improvement in defense has been a revelation. They now have a real unit and a sense of understanding each others presence and where necessary, to cover runs ahead of the play. I wrote last season about how much Liverpool missed Daniel Agger, or more particularly, how much Martin Skrtel did. When these two are at the back, infront of the slightly erratic Peipa Reina, it gives all parties a huge boost, knowing each others ability that they have, when playing to their very best. For Aggers' ability are just a crucial at both ends of the pitch; 2 goals but 8 clean sheets. Its a big return.



The player I have kept my widest eye on has been Jose Enrique. Since battling injury and Andre Wisdom for a place in the team, Enrique has really got his head down. Not unlike in a Samson and Delilah way, since he has shaved his head, he seems more professional and determined. In the game versus Wigan he was utilised on the left of a front three and notched his first Liverpool goal, an assist and a clean sheet in a man of the match performance. In the next two games, versus Swansea and Spurs he was given the same role but wasnt as successful despite being looking a real threat whenever he ventured into the 18 yard box. What's most interesting, is since the Southampton game, where he re-assumed his role as left back, it seemed as though he had learned more about his defensive duties; His role up top looks to have made him a more complete player.

On the opposite side of defence, Glen Johnson finally looks to have come of age as a defender. He looks stronger and more confident on the ball. Johnson has always been touted as a right winger than a right back; He already has a goal and three assists to his name. Just like with England though, he is often the last line of defence making crucial tackles. He has 9 clean sheets.


Just like in my previous article I am gonna look at the next 6 fixtures for the Reds:

Man Utd (a)
Norwich (h) 
Arsenal (a)
Man City (a)
West Brom (h)
Swansea (h)

Without a shadow of a doubt 4 of 6 games are tough assignments, but particularly the big guns ALL away. Realistic target? well Arsenal away is tough to call. Liverpool will look for revenge against a very jekyll and hyde Gunners, Utd away I cant see anything but a home win, but I can see City struggling against them. Swansea at home will always be difficult but ultimately winnable as is West Brom, Norwich also

So the next 3 away games are monumental for Liverpool's season, but with a front line of Sterling Suarez and now Sturridge, Liverpool hav the pace to scare a lot of teams, and seemingly the defence to hold steady. Once the game at the Etihad has ended, we will know more about this side and whether this New Liverpool are just a flash in the pan....

November Assessment.. Whose Standing Out?

greetings roaders. We are now three months into the new season. I did a relegation piece a few weeks back and its curious how things are turning out. Some quite surprising. Instead of doing a team by team appraisal (which frankly would bore both you, and I) I am going to highlight the teams that are really raising collective eyebrows, across the board, for both the good and bad reasons.


EVERTON



Everton's excellent start to the season has caught some unaware. But I am not surprised. I have fancied them to do very well this season. They have a team with an excellent manager, a real togetherness with players that have played together for a few seasons now and their telephatic-like understanding of one another is really now showing. You combine that with a couple of inclusions that David Moyes has made, and the Toffees are now a force to be reckoned with; Home and away.

The purchase of Kevin Mirallas from Olympiakos in the Summer, could be one of the Glaswegian's best acquisitions to date and at only 6m to boot. Mirallas has a roaming role for Everton, primarily out on the left wing, but his industry allows him to cover the central role also, in the hole behind Nikica Jelavic. The belgian has scored 2 goals and has 3 assists to date. His open playing style has also alowed Jelavic to increase his contribution - thought not in goal tally - via his hard work and strength up top. Mirallas playing wide has also allowed Marouane Fellaini to play in a new position behind the striker and use his height and formidable strength. This new freedom has allowed Fellaini (and his hair) to notch up 6 goals already. For those of you that don't have a degree in rocket science, thats a goal every two games....

For me though, the key difference to Everton this season is the link up play between Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar. last season Baines' attacking commodities came to the fore. Now he can defend more than adequately, frequently being the Toffees' last line of defence but now also has a telepathy with his South African team mate that allows Baines to bomb forward whilst Pienaar can simultaneously cover his run but also to provide a real width in the attack. Baines is also the designated penalty taker and he has not missed a single league penalty to date.

They may indeed sit fifth now, but if they are to challenge for a top four spot, they really need to convert more of the plethora of chances they create. As was in evidence at the weekend.

that leads me very nicely on to....


NORWICH

After tipping the Canaries to struggle - which they initially did - Norwich have turned into a solid outfit. They have played nearly a third of games in the season already and yes they have lost a third of those games, but that doesn't really tell the story. The Arsenal game seemed to prove pivotal - Certainly to Arsenal - But also Norwich City.

That was the game that signaled the beginning of the current malaise of Arsenal. Conversely, Norwich have gone six games unbeaten. That includes that against Arsenal, but also Man Utd at Carrow Road, where they have not conceded a single goal, also beating Stoke City. Norwich also recorded draws at Reading, Villa and most impressively against the aforementioned Everton, this past weekend. In six games then they have scored five but only conceded two. That's impressive in anyones book. They may not be prolific, but boy can these budgies defend ;)....


I think a lot of their progress can be apportioned to two players; Sebastian Bassong and Javi Garrido. Garrido, lets not forget is a former Man City left back and is not shoddy. He's not what you would call world-class but sometimes, especially in the EPL, teams don't need that; just that one player who threads things together nicely, or rather two in this case. Bassong Ive always liked as a player. He wasn't given a fair crack at Newcastle, less so at Spurs, but was still out of favour much of the time. But that is kind of the point; He's not an amazing player, but he is a perfect fit for a mid table Premier League side that doesn't score many goals.



I still think Norwich will go through a rough spell, but having beaten two of the top four sides, they have to fancy their chances of staying out of trouble. As I predicted, Chris Hughton has got the Canaries playing well.


SWANSEA


In my pre season article, I didn't really focus on the Welsh outfit, as I knew they would be fine. They have a great manager and a great footballing ethos, that Brendan Rodgers installed and that now Michael Laudrup has continued. Swansea deserve huge praise. When a new manager comes in, much uncertainly awaits. Laudrup however has bought very shrewdly, much like a young Arsene Wenger would have done at the beginning of his Arsenal tenure.


Case and point being Miguel Cuesta, or 'Michu'. Signed from Rayo for just 2 million pounds in the Summer, after scoring 15 goals in La Liga in his first season there. Michu perhaps is not your classic Premier League striker, which may be the reason why so few teams went in for him as well as the fact Rayo weren't exactly setting the world alight with their style of football. Nevertheless, in 12 games, he has scored 7 goals already. In the same league, Fernando Torres has scored just 4 more, despite his 59 appearances. Huge credit has to go to Michael Laudrup for that, but perhaps more moreso with Pablo Hernandez.

Another Spaniard at Swansea. Together with Chico Flores, Angel Rangel and Michu, not forgetting Jonathan de Guzman's La Liga experience with Villarreal, Pablo has settled in very nicely in the first third of the season. How Swansea managed to sign Hernandez from Valencia for the measly sum of 5million pounds, I still haven't quite worked out. It was a total coup in my eyes. Hernandez has played with the likes of Mata, Villa, Joaquin, Albelda and Soldado and it is evident he has learnt well from them. Very well.

Deployed on the right winger, often drifting inside, he gets plentiful service from De Guzman, Leon Britton but also Wayne Routledge, who likes to switch wings often during periods of play. Pablo scored 16 goals for Valencia during 4 seasons and is not prolific, certainly, but his hold up play is strong and allows Swansea to flood forward in numbers on the counter attack. He has already scored 2 goals in 9 appearances for the Swans; that is sure to increase.

Swansea will meander in terms of form throughout the season and they will draw more games than they win, but the Welsh outfit, under the great Dane, will be absolutely fine. 


I will be reviewing teams throughout the season..


if you have yet to do so, please follow me on twitter @the91stneil

De Ja Wenger...

afternoon roaders. slightly later post than anticipated and also to say part two of my Dortmund feature will follow soon.


As an Arsenal fan, I have seen the good times, but most recently (and quite often) the bad and the ugly, infact quite hideous.  Once again the ugly has reared its head, after the clubs best start in years, certainly defensively-speaking. Whether it be a cogent argument of not, the facts do not lie; Since the international break Arsenal have simply not been the same team.


After being unbeaten in five games at the start of the season, conceding only 2 goals in the process, Chelsea rolled up to the Emirates and squeaked a 2-1 win. I was concerned. With just one game to go until the interlull, we had to go to West Ham on a chilly Saturday October evening and I foresaw a tough game. Such fears however, did not materialize, and we gave an excellent showing, with Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla running the show in an impressive 1-3 win. Make no mistake; West Ham will be hard to beat at the Boleyn ground for the remainder of the season. I was upbeat.


Certainly moreso, as our return game was against Norwich at Carrow Road. Norwich are a tricky side to play away no doubt and after sharing 6 goals the last time the sides met, there would have been trepidation. But the last team to play Norwich away were Liverpool, who lets be honest are a team in transition and yet they are capable of scoring 5. So Arsenal, having scored 10 goals in their previous 10 league games, should have been optimistic, and strong favourites to record a win.

Unfortunately with Arsenal these days, form can dip - alarmingly so - resulting in great players becoming completely average. Arsenal are the prime example of a confidence team; When one players form drop it spreads through the team like wildfire. Norwich was the beginning of such malaise. Norwich marked out Santi Cazorla out of the whole game, yes, but other elements of Arsenal's attacking, er, Arsenal were simply missing. Ramsey was running about unsure of his role, Gervinho was his usual profligate self, Giroud just didnt look happy and Ive never seen Thomas Vermaelen so jittery.

But the big factor for me was the absence of Kieran Gibbs. Gibbs' progress at the infancy of stage of this season, should not be overlooked. His defensive ability has doubled but his pace and elusiveness has also been a headache for teams in the attacking phase of the pitch. In Gibbs' absence Andre Santos has had to cover his position. Ask any Arsenal fan what they think of him and you will get a response along the lines of; 'Santos? oh he's good in attack but he just cannot defend'. Case and point the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge last season. That is what we have seen of late, only now we don't get his attacking.


After conceding just 5 goals in 7 games, scoring 13, since the Norwich game, that rate has increased, letting in 7 goals in only 5 games, but more worryingly, scoring only 3 against Schalke, but only a stoppage time consolation versus Man Utd and a late, controversial Mikel Arteta goal at home versus QPR. The goals have dried up and I would argue its down to the Presence of the brazilian left back. Andre Santos is comparable to Glen Johnson in his lack of defensive nouse, but good attacking threat. I know for sure if I was a centre- back next to Santos, I would be terrified. I imagine that is whats occurring with Vermaelen, psychologically. In the first Schalke game at the Emirates, Santos was utterly out of his depth. In the first half he was repeatedly out of position, but looked totally out of shape and seemed to have little or no fitness.


Then there was Andre Santos at Old Trafford last weekend. Another inept performance, but what was so shockingly evident was his lack of care, passion or commitment. This was epitomised by his childish behaviour, begging for his 'mate' RVPs shirt. Now I could forgive that at the end of the game. but this is half time. It's like me turning up to work, doing a half assed job, just to be paid. The difference is I would be sacked. This is a professional footballer getting paid an obscene amount of money, in his case unjustly. Its a disgrace.

Then there is the performance as a whole. I understand the whole not wanting to concede 8 goals again. But as soon as Robin scored, we effectively shut up shop. Both teams played poorly. But the difference was, Utd looked like they gave a fuck. They simply didnt need to play well though, because Arsenal had no intention of attacking. That is a disgrace. Robin was right about the direction of the club. It sickens me to see him in a Utd shirt, but i cant be angry at him, because he is bang on.

I want to go back to my main focus of this article, that being Arsene Wenger. I don't wish to cover old ground, but I feel I may. So I want to look at why I am doing so in the first place. I want to make some things abundantly clear in my mind at least. Arsene Wenger revolutionized Arsenal Football; we are now a big, profitable club. But successful as our beloved CEO Ivan Gazidis states? Successful? we were successful, in 2005, heck we were in 2009, but this is 2012. Enough is enough. Arsene Wenger was a revolutionary manager and was superb at picking talent, grooming them and making them incredibly gifted footballers. But what about today?

In this writers mind, he was revolutionary, but unfortunately he is not evolutionary. That is where we are today. The only manager who has lasted longer than Wenger in management is Sir Alex. 25 years of ups, downs but much success. But he has not been the same manager throughout his tenure. He has evolved. He has had to. Wenger has not evolved, or at least not to the degree that he should have. Mainly because Arsene is now a law unto himself; He is essentially untouchable in his job. He would never be sacked, he would only walk away (which I would say is now a distinct possibility). His frugal spending habits, have made him the apple of his bosses eyes. The club is always in profit. Net spending is significantly less than net profit. For this reason, his shortcomings are never highlighted to him, because in Peter Hill Wood, Ivan Gazidis and Stan Kronke's eyes he is making them very very wealthy men indeed.


Wenger has always liked playing with 4-3-3 formation. In the Arsenal heydays of old, Henry would be supported by Pires on the left and Ljungberg on the right. Then the midfield would do the rest; Vieira, Petit and Gilberto would hold and push up also. These guys were bossed of the ball. Todays equivalent is Aaron Ramsey. Now I like Rambo, but I'm sorry he is not good enough for Arsenal Football Club. he repeatadly gives the ball away by trying to do to much. In the last few games prior to Fulham, he was deployed on the right on the 3 up top. Wenger seems to think that Ramsey is Iniesta. Sadly, he is not and too often is found wanting

As we saw on Saturday and as I predicted, Fulham pushed Arsenal very close again. The width of Riise and Kacaniklic, together with the guile of Bryan Ruiz and the ferocity of Berbatov was a big problem for the deflated outfit to handle. Even at two nil up, I was never convinced it was plain sailing (unlike that illiterate, unqualified pony, Robbie Savage). It just seemed to me the team looked as flat and had no ideas and lacked directed, with Wenger flapping about like a turkey at Christmas, in its vain attempts to avoid the farmer. Its just not right.

This is now Arsenal's worse start to a season under Wenger. Thats 30 years ago, 1982, when we had 14 pts. But football was different then to the fast paced game we have now. I would argue, that even with the likes of Vieira, Petit, Gilberto, etc. that they wouldn't have the same impact. This is what Arsene does not comprehend. Football changes. He is like the old-fashioned grandparent who refuses (or doesnt acknowledge) change. So, 25 years ago we were, on paper better than now. That means pre-Wenger. If that doesnt mean Arsenal have gone backwards, I dont know what evidence there is.


Its all just so stale. If Wenger stays, with Gazidis preached Financial Fair Play within 2 years we'll be nearer Liverpool than Man City. That is food for thought. We thought the North London derby last year was pivotal. It could just be Wenger's last one(s)

Dominant Dortmund. Part 1...

greetings roaders.


I thought this issue, I would focus on a team outside of the Premier League (indeed this issue will be staggered over the course of this week as I want to go into things at length) A team who have had past glories and until fairly recently, have faded into the limelight of European Football. A team who I have followed with interest for four years. A team who I would like to claim as my fourth team (but that would be ridiculous)


Borussia Dortmund.


Dortmunds history had its golden era (much like PSGs) in the mid 90s. Ottmar Hitzfeld was at the helm for much of their success. After being hired in 1991, Dortmund went on to win the Bundesliga in '95 and '96 for two successive years and beat a much fancied Juventus side 3 -1, in a memorable 1997 Champions League Final in Munich. The side included European Champion Matthias Sammer, Lars Ricken and the prolific Jan Koller

The years that followed saw their downfall. Hitzfeld was sacked in '98. The Westfalenstadion, (named after the region of Westphalia, where it is located) Dortmund's home, started to mount up debt, due to poor management and the economic climate in Germany. In 2000, the club were floated on the German Stock Exchange with little success. This set the club back further.

In 2006, the stadium was renamed Signal Iduna Park - as it is now - to reduce debts. The stadium is named after a local insurance company. The stadium is the biggest in Germany ahead of the Allianz Arena and Veltins Arena. It holds up to 80,000 people. Any visitors can be assured of an electric, partizan atmosphere.

Though a 'fresh' stadium and fresh financial approach was installed, Dortmund remained in the doldrums until 2008, when Jurgen Klopp was appointed. At the time, Klopp had just resigned as manager of relegated Mainz and was a free agent. In his first year alone, he won the the DFB Supercup (the equivalent of the Capital One Cup), beating Bayern in the final. It was clear that Klopps approach of attacking football had reinvigorated the former champions of Europe.



In the 2010/11 season, Dortmund won the Bundesliga - at a canter - winning the championship with two games remaining. The following season, they defended their title successfully, winning the Bundesliga with a record total of 81 points, together with winning the DFB Pokal, to win Dortmund's first-ever domestic football double. Winning the Bundesliga that season, for the fifth time now means players wear two stars above the crest on their shirts.

In their first season back in the Champions League last term, they made a lot of admirers with their attacking style. However they could only finish bottom of their group behind Arsenal, Olympiacos and Marseille. Marseille, after conceding two late goals at home in the final group game, meaning they missed out on place in the latter rounds of the Europa League.

One former player of that winning roster included Man Utd's Shinji Kagawa (much of whom's performances got him the move).

in Part 2, I will focus on the current roster, Dortmunds current style influences and the potential bright, almost golden, but most certainly exciting future, that may be in store for Germanys most fashionable club.

The Ones To Watch...

greeting roaders!

the interlull is once again up us. sigh. but fear not I have plenty candy for your eyes. read on dear viewer.


so in place of my usual piece, i am going to look further abroad, to the continent. Yes, thats right, the players that may or may not be making an arrival in the Premier League sooner or later.


Luis Muriel, is I have to be honest, a player that slipped off my radar of late. A player that had been offloaded on loan more than a certain Danishman I could name. He seemed to be a player who just didn't quite have it when it came to breaking into the top level of players on the continent. Having had loan spells with Lecce in Serie A, and Granada in Segunda division, Muriel has now returned to Udinese, and signed a new 5 year contract. Now his club obviously see his burgeoning talent coming through.

Muriel, a former two time world under 16 player of the year, has had problems breaking into the first team at Udinese, perhaps due to the evergreen Antonio di Natale. If you are a keen Fifa 13 player, you will be aware of this blistering pace (but not his acceleration as EA Sports, have decided) and he has started this season promisingly and has now been called up to the Colombian national team, alongside the Vargas', Guarins and Falcaos.  


What is going on in Catalonia? There must clearly be something in the water, as Barcelona's conveyor belt of talent shows no sign of breaking down. One again last season saw the emergence of new talent at le Camp Nou. One of said talent being Cristian Tello. Tello came up through Barca's B team and is primarily a winger. He has had limited chances to start games under Pep Guardiola, such is the plethora of talent. It was strongly rumoured that he did not fit into Tito Vilanova's first team plans this season and a move was mooted but the 21 year old has confounded his doubters - and his manager - to force his way into the first team squad.





This season he has appeared prominently in the Champions League, and had a starring role in the comeback home victory against Spartak last month and was named man of the match. Whether he can continue his strides depends very much on his competitiors, and as he is they include Messi, Pedro, Adriano, Cuenca and the returning David Villa, he has his work cut-out.



Another player who finally has his chance to shine is Isco of Malaga. When Santi Cazorla departed for Arsenal in the summer, it was meant to signal the end of the Qatari owned club's short lived spell of wealth. Santi left, Rondon departed for Serie A and Isco was meant to follow, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd all mentioned strongly. But nothing materialised - yet. he seemed happy to stay. In Cazorlas absence, Isco has been given a free reign of the midfield and left wing, much like Hoilett was supposed to be QPR (ahem).

In Malaga's champions league debut versus Zenit, he was the star of the show, scoring twice and running the ball from both ends of the pitch. He was also instrumental in the 3 nil away win at Anderlecht. Isco has yet to have his big breakthrough. he played for Valencia's youth team from 2006 to 2009 and progressed onto the first team, before moving to Malaga last summer. At only 20, it seems Isco is primed for his role as one of the most exciting players on the continent, and for me will get a big move within the next two seasons.

I want to finish the weeks piece, on someone you should already be aware of and as such, should not be labelled as 'one to watch'. But as i have not covered him in any sort of detail I will now.

that man is Radamel Falcao.

For me it is straight forward enough. He is the best striker in the world, at present. Period. He is a player I have noted for the last four years. Falcao, for those that have been living under a rock, is a 27 year old Colombian striker. Falcao was purchased by Porto from River Plate in 2009, for the paltry sum of, 3.95 million euros. He then showed Europe what he was all about. In his first season with Porto he scored 25 goals finishing behind Oscar Cardozo only. In 2010/11 he scored 17 goals in one season of the Europa League to overtake Jurgen Klinsmann's record of 15 goals in one european campaign. Suffice to say, Porto won the trophy.

The following summer, he moved to the spanish capital, with Atletico, replacing the outgoing Sergio Aguero, for 40m euros. It has been with Los Coloncheros, that Falcao has impressed me the most. Particularly in the Europa League. Every time I see him play he scores goal; he is prolific; he oozes skill and balance. His performance versus Bilbao in the final last year was sensational, scoring two goals and terrorising the Bilbao defence all night. But the key for me is that they had very few clear chances in the game. Anything that comes his way he dispatches, he is the ultimate clinician; GP would be proud of him (bad joke)

In the Super Cup versus Chelsea, even as the season was in its embryonic stages, he destroyed and humiliated Chelsea's defence. Falcao ruthlessness infront of goal makes him the best striker in world football.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are sniffing very loudly around him and a move of 45million euros is being suggested in the spanish media. He is a very likely to be seen in the Premier League very, very soon.

That fills me with  huge amount of excitement.

Oh and of course dread :/

Liverpool teetering...

afternoon roaders!

nothing 3 weeks, then 2 come along in five days. That's better than the transport service in my home village.....

The weekend saw the red half of Liverpool lose their third game in 5 matches. Liverpool have the grand total of 2 points out of 15. Its horrendous. What's worse they are currently perched on the precipiece of the abyss (The Championship) and only Reading and Southampton are lower than they. Pepe Reina has seen his net bulge ten times already this season and have only scored four in response. Lets take a look at their results:

WEST BROM 3-0 LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL 2-2 MAN CITY

LIVERPOOL 0-2 ARSENAL

SUNDERLAND 1-1 LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL 1-2 MAN UTD

Now looking at these results you wouldn't say that was a nightmare scenario. They played superbly against Man City at Anfield, only for Skrtel to single-handedly present Carlos Tevez with a late goal gift wrapped, that denied Liverpool the three points, which would have been completely merited. They were dominated by Arsenal's midfield though and although they were the better side against Man United on sunday, they still, nonetheless, lost. 

If we look further ahead, that means that having played both Manchester clubs and Arsenal at home, they will have to play all three of those later on this season, away. The only sight worse than Liverpool's current league position, will be to look at the away record. In short, it is horrific.

Liverpool's malaise, one could argue, is as a direct consequence of King Kenny's frivolous and exhuberant spending on frankly average players. (Downing, 20m, Suarez, 24m, Jose Enrique, 7m). Yes, Carroll is a good player, but at Liverpool, it is simply an improbability, given the players he has in support of him, or rather the lack thereof. But then again, it is not like they haven't spent quite a bit of money over the summer. Joe Allen was bought for a extortionate price tag of 15m from Swansea. Allen is a good player but no player  from the Welsh side, bar possibly Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, is worth even 10m.    

Liverpool's main strike signing is Fabio Borini. signed from Roma for 10.5m (what!). Considering Roma signed him from Chelsea for 7m euros - aside from the fact he is now an international for Italy (albeit a bench warmer)- this some pretty shoddy business, for a guy who was a flop at Stamford Bridge and Swansea. He is quick and seems skillful enough, but no more than a Sterling or a Suso - sitting in the Liverpool talent pool already - and who for my money, are better than Borini. It really is Extraordinary. 

Liverpool are crying out for a striker. Luiz Suarez is a fantastically gifted player. Not just at diving though, but he is so so profligate,that it frequently comes back to haunt The Reds. If only he converted half the chances that he made Liverpool would perhaps, be in the polar opposite league position of third from top and not bottom. That makes the Borini signing even more staggering. They needed a clinical striker. 

Clint Dempsey would not necessarily have been that, but Liverpool would have bought a goalscorer with one of the best conversions rates IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE in recent years. But they missed out him. How I am still perplexed. On deadline day, Villa came in with a £7m bid, which was accepted by Fulham, but understandably, Dempsey was more than reluctant to join, as he was seemingly destined for Liverpool. Every man and his dog expected a bid from Liverpool; and it came but at only £3m, 

Hold on a minute. Haven't Liverpool got a billionaire owner who owns the Fenway Sports Group, who owns the Boston Red Sox? No?......Surely hes got £7m in his 'Purse' alone?.....So instead, Tottenham come in with an offer of £5m pounds and that is accepted at 10pm. REALLY?...

It seems that Liverpool have less money than JJB Sports. But it is symptomatic of the poor recent history of Liverpool FC's, not just transfer policy, but business as a whole.

So how bad is their position exactly? Liverpool's next six fixtures are thus: 

Norwich away

Stoke home

Reading home

Everton away

Newcastle home

Chelsea away

It is quite conceivable, that Liverpool lose to Norwich, Everton, and Chelsea, the away games. However Stoke have proved to be a thorn in the side to many teams. Reading are the sort of team that would frustrate them. Newcastle have oodles of goal potential and defend well. If Liverpool got 9 points from these results it would be a total result. But I have my doubts they would even win one. Reading is almost a guarantee surely.

I think now, the biggest concern would be with the news that Daniel Agger could miss a large chunk of the season. Liverpool are a good defensive unit with Agger. He is a constant threat when in the oppositions half. But without him they are pretty horrible. Skrtel has a great understanding with him. With Martin Kelly out for the season with cruciate ligament damage also, Liverpool are in a potentially very serious situation. But could they go down?

Surely Not.

One of two things will happen; Brendan Rogers will be sacked; Liverpool will drop to the Championship. If this happens, (unthinkable I know) John Henry will take his ball and leave. Liverpool will be left with a mountainous pile of debt and with their sponsors, Standard Chartered in a precarious financial position, Liverpool could become the next Leeds United. 

Quite a thought...that.....