United: 'Two' close to 20!

When Sir Alex Ferguson was prodded after conceding the Premier League title to their city rivals in the final minute of last season, he sharply replied “Yesterday, I said those Sunderland fans who were cheering for City, remember the day. We won’t forget that.” He didn’t forget when the Liverpool fans waved a board reading ‘Come back when you have 18’, and he most certainly won’t this either.

Weeks on since that day, and Sir Alex Ferguson is ringing changes at the club with 19 domestic titles. Ji Sung Park, among the most faithful servants of the club in recent years, has left to join Mark Hughes’ QPR. Despite failing to do his former boss a favour, and avenging his own rather shameful exit from the Eastlands, Ferguson has been rather kind towards Sparky. Following Park to Loftus Road was one half of the Da Silva twins, Fabio. But if the clubs to which the United boss does prefer to loan his young guns out to becomes a case in study, it is clearly evident that former Devils’ own have an edge over the rest.

However, the case in study presently is how United are going to shape up for the next season, and if that is good enough to win them back the Premier League. The move to sign Shinji Kagawa seemed pretty logical given the lack of creative presence in our midfield. The Japanese international boasts of an enviable record for the reigning Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, having made 25 goal contributions in 36 appearances. Compare that piece of statistics to the current crop of United players, and only Wayne Rooney produced a better contributions/match ratio.

But Kagawa Shinji alone, as Rio put it on twitter, would not solve our midfield crisis. A Rooney in the hole would provide better defensive support to our central midfield duo than Kagawa. So while the hottest property of Asian football brings a lot of inventive insight into the game, it fails to bring solidity to a midfield which has been over run by opponents frequently last term. But this theory could be argued on the basis of Tom Cleverley’s prolonged absence last season, and the fact that Darren Fletcher has already become a zombie in fans’ minds.

Nick Powell, the newest emerging talent in English lands promises to be one for the future. To think this Crewe starlet would break into the first team with the likes of Danny Welbeck and Chicharito fully fit is nothing short of over burdening the kid with far-fetched expectations. And with Kagawa’s arrival coinciding with his, its highly likely that the most talked about strike partnership in England (read Rooney and Welbeck) would cease to exist. With just a single striker seemingly the future at United, Powell would find himself pushed further down the pecking order. Kagawa does play on the left for his country, with Keisuke Honda occupying the central role regularly. But the wily old Scotsman has already gone public with how he plans to utilize Shinji i.e. right behind the striker.

The impending move for Everton left-back Leighton Baines seems to have hit the docks after the gaffer found new admiration and hope in youth product Robbie Brady. While Fabio’s loan move to QPR is with a definite view of fetching him more game time, Brady’s supposed promotion to first team ahead of the curly haired Brazilian defender comes as a surprise. Why wasn’t Fabio retained while young Robbie sent out for a loan stint?

Unlike most who have been going bonkers over the signings United have made already, I would show a little restraint in my reactions. I am excited with the signings as I honestly believe they will most definitely add quality to this side. But there remain plenty of grey areas that haven’t yet been attended to, areas which could prove to be decisive once again in the title race next year. It would be a fallacy to think Cleverley’s return to fitness would put an end to United’s midfield misery. United are still a couple of signings short, if you ask me. They need a proven central midfielder who could slot in seamlessly alongside Carrick, and be equally adept in going forward and helping his defenders. In spite of Baines not particularly fitting into United’s transfer policies, it would be a big gamble counting on Patrice Evra to come good after a couple of disappointing seasons. And an even bigger one, if Brady is being looked upto as the deputy to the declining Frencham next season. If you’re a Mancunian, you should be comforting yourself knowing Fergie has hinted at a couple of more arrivals. But then again, knowing Fergie, you would not!

Under the Toon Microscope- Newcastle United

Back in 2008-09 when the season concluded, the once mighty Newcastle United found themselves relegated to the Championship,the first time in the Premier League era sparking off debates whether and if they are going the ‘Leeds way’. Three seasons on and in one of the most dramatic turn around, the Magpies finished fifth – a high since the Bobby Robson days. When the season started many wouldn’t have bet on Newcastle to qualify for Europa and the fact they almost pulled off a dramatic feat to finish in the top four testifies the great football they have played since last August. While their fate still hangs in the balance, (Chelsea winning Champions League this weekend would mean they miss out on European football next term) they were indeed one of the success stories of the greatest edition of Premier League.

Manager of the season

After finishing twelfth last season, Pardew needed to shore up his squad and so he did. Andy Carroll’s departure to Liverpool for an extravagant £35m the previous winter meant they needed a striker –more importantly the boss had the money to get one. However, their top goalscorer this season came for free from Upton Park – Demba Ba has been one of the signings of the season. While others pondered, Pardew jumped to get this French striker to St.George’s.

Ba was the first of a series of signings that the club made – Frenchmen Yohan Cabaye, Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan joined as well. Young and promising Davide Santon, the lad largely remembered among football fans for his heroics against a certain Cristiano Ronaldo when they faced United in the Champions League back in 08-09, joined the club from Italian giants Inter to solve the problems in defense. Tim Krul, who had been warming the benches till then, became the new first choice goalkeeper for the Magpies. The team started the season looking extremely bright, the new signings were already making their presence felt and Newcastle went unbeaten for 11 weeks in the Premier League till they finally lost to eventual Champions Man City.

A lean period followed with inconsistent and lacklustre displays throughout November and December. The turn of the year brought better fortune for the club with Pardew’s boys celebrating 2012 with a sparkling 3-0 win over United – the french duo of Ba and Cabaye combining to register a great win. However, the month of January has other significance for the Geordies. The goal machine from SC Freiburg Papiss Demba Cisse joined the club and went onto pump in 13 league goals since his first appearance against Tottenham in the 5-0 annihilation of the Tyneside club. Cisse and Ba worked brilliantly together and Cisse’s signing gradually seemed to be a managerial masterstroke as the Senegalese marksman continued to score goals for fun.

Month of March and the Magpies managed to steal a march (that rhymed!) on their opponents going on a six match winning streak till it was brought to a halt by a resurgent Wigan side after having finally woken up from their deep slumber. The weeks leading upto the season end were pretty tough fixtures for Newcastle and although they did manage to get the better of Chelsea, (the Londoners getting trolled by Cisse completely) defeats to City and Everton on final day sealed their fate and they missed out on the top four finish.

Cisse and Cabaye both have been revelations this season

For the Geordies, there has been plenty to rejoice about this season. The club once put up on sale for peanuts (£100m) after relegation are again competing with the country’s elite. They have a manager who seems to be in total command of the ship and with Graham Carr doing his scouting really well, Pardew has put together a reasonably strong squad. It would be a great incentive for the club if they do play in Europe next season, that will ensure their top players staying and the revenues improving.

 Highs of the season:

• 3-0 win over Manchester United at the beginning of the year catalysed their season,which was somewhat on the wane after an impressive start
• Individual performances-Fabricio Coloccini, Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote, Tim Krul
• Finishing fifth and conditional qualification for Europa League next season.

Lows of the season:

• Tottenham’s drubbing of Newcastle,5-0
• A disappointing 4-0 defeat to Wigan
• Being knocked out of FA Cup by Championship strugglers Brighton.

Player of the Season 

Papiss Demba Cisse – Steering off stiff competition from captain Coloccini and goalie Krul, he is my pick. Newcastle’s late surge to finish high in the table was pretty much down to this one man, scoring goals at will.

Moment of the season

Papiss Cisse wondergoal – Did you see THAT?

Latest Transfer Rumors: 26th May

Off to Madrid?

1. Juventus are looking to sign Edin Dzeko from Manchester City. While Dzeko has reiterated his desire to remain at City, a move to Juventus is very possible.

2. Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero could be headed to Arsenal if reports are to be believed.

3.Valencia sign Joao Pereira according to reports.

4. Lucas Moura is tipped to join Real Madrid this summer. The Brasilian is high on Mourinho's wishlist.

5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be on his way of Milan this summer with Arsenal as a possible destination.

6. Manchester City have reportedly opened negotiations over Thiago Silva with AC Milan. 

Euro 2012 Analysis: England

The appointment of Roy Hodgson as the England manager was greeted warmly across footballing circles, especially by their fans. But the squad picked has thrown up a few surprises and yes, more importantly for the critics, something to talk about. With the Euro finals just weeks away and the English team being the perennial underachievers in World football, Roy’s surprise selection has been the primary fodder for blogs and websites over the Internet. Here’s a look at the team he has drafted.

England: Hart, Green, Ruddy – Baines, Cahill, Cole, Glen Johnson, Jones, Lescott, Terry – Barry, Downing, Gerrard, Lampard, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Parker, Walcott, Young – Carroll, Defoe, Rooney, Welbeck.
Standby: Butland, Jagielka, Henderson, Adam Johnson, Sturridge.

Rio’s strained relationship with the Chelsea captain John Terry might have led to his exclusion. And with a season which has been mediocre for the larger part, what are the odds that he would slip up at the finals again? Stewart Downing would be rejoicing over his selection after being ‘assisting’ Liverpool last season to, oh wait, nothing. Steven Gerrard will have to deal with something difficult, besides his form, fostering unity and brotherhood in that side. Funny isn’t it?

History in the tournament:

England failed to qualify for the last Euros back in 2008 under manager Steve McClaren. World Cup’10 was equally disastrous suffering decimation at the hands of Germany, who remains one of the favorites to win this. England’s form in the Euros and other major tournaments can make dead people cry. Their 3rd place finish back in 1996 under their most successful manager Terry Venables remains their best performance in a Euro.

The Manager:

Roy Hodgson’s managerial profile isn’t so attractive when compared to his predecessor Fabio Capello, but one thing that stands out is his vast experience. Hodgson has been around for a long time, but this job is definitely the biggest challenge he has ever faced. Prior to this, Hodgson has led the Swiss national football team to the ’94 World Cup where they were eliminated in the round of 16 courtesy Spain. Before his departure from Switzerland to manage the Nerazzuris, Hodgson ensured that the Swiss qualified for the ’96 Euro Championship. Brief stints as manager of UAE and Finland national sides; have reinforced his credibility in managing international teams. Roy Hodgson recently led West Bromwich Albion to their best ever league finish in three decades.

Players to watch:

1. Joe Hart -

Safe hands.

The Man City goalkeeper is just 25 but as established himself as the undisputed No. 1 in his country. Superb shot stopping abilities coupled with his domineering attitude in front of goal makes him a difficult keeper to get past.

2. Wayne Rooney

Has transformed into a world class player.

Wayne Rooney has been the England’s top striker by a country mile for some time now. He has had a terrific season for United, scoring 34 goals in all competitions. He has been used more as a withdrawn striker alongside Danny Welbeck by Fergie and the duo has looked lethal every time they played together. It would be interesting however, to see if Hodgson would be adventurous enough to use them both. But given the type of football he prefers and his affinity towards disciplined defending, odds are that it would Steven Gerrard behind Rooney. Rooney is set to miss the first two games through suspension.

3. Alex Ox-lade Chamberlain-

The trump card!

This young Arsenal midfielder isn’t a surprise inclusion to be honest. Pace in abundance and some trickery as well, Chamberlain can be a very potent weapon against wearing oppositions coming on as a substitute. There is no doubt about the lad’s temperament but it wouldn’t possibly be a classic case of “too much too soon”.

Injuries:

Roy Hodgson would be absolutely gutted to miss out on PFA Young footballer of the Year Kyle Walker through a broken foot. The Tottenham right back would have been his fist choice but is now set to miss it. United center half and Rio’s understudy Chris Smalling has also been ruled out with a hamstring. Danny Welbeck is carrying a niggle into the Euros but is expected to be fit for the start of the tournament.

Formations:

Hodgson will most likely go in with a 4-4-1-1 with Gerrard playing behind Wayne Rooney. Cahill and Terry are the likeliest to be the defensive partners, having played alongside each other for Chelsea. Barry will fight it out with Tottenham ace Scott Parker for the defensive midfielder slot. The rest pick themselves.

Strengths and weaknesses:

Well I really would have to wrack my brains to think what that one thing is that can drive this English side forward and turn them into potential contenders. The likes of Terry, Gerrard and Lampard might possibly be playing their last major tournament for the country and would ideally want to sign off on a winning note. This side has quality in all departments but after a really grueling season of football, how kicked up are they?
There is no one to control the play’s tempo; they will miss someone in Scholes or Murphy mould. That defense isn’t the best either, Terry has slipped pretty often over the last season and has been found wanting against quicker forwards. And to top that all, problems in the dressing room don’t help their cause either.

Verdict:

Roy Hodgson surprised everybody with his team selection and also with the urgency with which it was done. Why was that inspite of being appointed so late, Hodgson declared his squad ahead of most others? With Champions League final on the 19th May, he could have waited to find out if his picks get a knock or not. The series of events leading up to the finals is anything but encouraging from a fan’s point of view. Besides, some would argue that this is one of the weakest English sides ever to go into a major tournament. Their stars are at the twilight of their careers with fading form. Why don’t I consider England as a contender? Simple, they are chokers. To say they would go out early is a safe bet given their history in this competition. And to top it all, England are in the group of uncertainty with likes of France, Ukraine and Sweden. But yes, miracles happen.

Under the Blue microscope-Chelsea FC

As the season is drawing to a close, it’s that time of the season when  we look back at the season and ponder what could have been and what has been. With most sides in the Barclays Premier League left with 2 or 3 games, we have a fair idea as to who will end up with what. But same cannot be said for one certain London club. In fact as I write they are preparing for a midweek clash against Newcastle United,a fixture which can very well decide which of them makes it the top four and guarantee Champions League action next season.  On Saturday, they will be up against an ‘unlucky’ Liverpool side in the FA cup final. And then, to top it all Allianz Arena awaits for Di Matteo’s men as Chelsea go head to head against Bayern in the Champions League final.

The arrival of  André Villas-Boas was greeted by most Chelsea fans across the world. He was almost like a brand new signing, with Chelsea FC reportedly paying a bomb to FC Porto to activate his release clause. But few expected the Portuguese to have a very short and unhappy stay at Stamford Bridge. When he was fired in March, Roberto Di Matteo took over and Chelsea’s season took a turn for the better. Under Villas-Boas, Chelsea were not at their best, but some have argued that Frank Lampard and Drogba’s demotion to the bench resulted in him losing the confidence of the players, especially the senior and the influential ones. Wonder how managers cope with this strange hierarchy at this club, although I always have had my reservations over Villas-Boas but the fact of the matter is no player is "bigger than the club".

Chelsea however, can still end this season with 2 major trophies and automatically assuring themselves qualification for next season’s Champions League. After rather doing the unthinkable, seeing off Barcelona with ten men at Camp Nou and their 50 million pounds rated Spanish striker coming good, finally they look in good stead to win them.

Chelsea’s biggest turning point in the season- André Villas-Boas being sacked and Di Matteo taking over. The team has ever since played as a cohesive unit,the togetherness which was missing was back there.

Chelsea’s top man for the season- Juan Mata without a shadow of a doubt. Mata has been their most influential player by some distance, with 13 goals and 21 assists to his name. Following him would be Ramires, this boy has got some engine.

Chelsea’s biggest dud of the season- Fernando Torres has done enough not to earn himself this honor, but Florent Malouda has absolutely done nothing this season. Reduced to substitute and scattered appearances this season, Malouda has put up a real poor show. 

The FA Cup final against Liverpool is another mouth watering clash. Liverpool has had a mixed season so far, they have been very inconsistent. They have done pretty well against the top sides, then slumped to defeats against sides against whom you expect them to get the job done. With Champions League qualification out of contention, FA Cup is their best chance at salvaging this season. They have already got the better of this Chelsea side once this season in the League which makes me believe that although Chelsea have been the better side on recent form, this is going to be close. Chelsea will have a tough fixture against Newcastle just a few days prior to the final, it will be interesting to see whether Di Matteo fields a side having one eye on the final. Kenny Dalglish rested his kep players Suarez, Gerrard and Reina against Fulham which Di Matteo may not have the luxury of. Fatigue, if the match rolls into extra time, can come into play although Chelsea have a big enough squad to deal with the crisis if I may call it that. Gary Cahill is expected to play a part in that who has fast established himself as a fan favorite and forming a formidable partnership alongside John Terry. While Cup finals are never easy to predict, I do feel Chelsea will end up winning this. They have been on a real high off late, Torres has joined the party too. Players like Ramires, Terry, Ivanovic who will have to sit out of the Champions League Final will go out there and give their all. If Di Matteo does start with Drogba and Torres up front, that can pose a serious challenge for this leaky Liverpool defense. 

Their season is hanging in the balance, two finals decide their season and the fate of their manager as well. But this diminutive and calm Italian surely isn’t letting the pressure get to him. He is taking it one at a time. 

As we saw it then

How many of you have had goosebumps when you strode on to that green field leading your class football team in one of those inter class football tourneys back when you were in high school? How many of you din't study the previous evening, making better use of it by chalking out strategies that can never be put to real use? Did you feel the shimmer down your spine when you walked up to take the spot kick? The missing of a heartbeat when you see the ball go past the flying goalkeeper? You remember the planned celebration be it the fashionable robot dance or the more orthodox slide and kiss the badge? The blank look in the eyes of the guys on the bench,the complaintive stare of having been left out? The sudden surge of adrenaline when you get that tackle spot on? The drooping shoulders after a poorly performed trick? The charismatic class teacher who would always egg you on to win that dang thing? That left footed winger whom you always wanted to elbow on the face? That secret glance towards the gallery to see if that girl just watched you score one?

High school football has given us so many memories that no matter how many years we leave them behind,they keep coming back to you. Very few,if any, went on to become professionals. The rest slowly quit, for playing this game was never the same without the high school mates.

Bill Shankly – Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.

Yours,


P.