Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard looks on course to return to captain his side this weekend against West Brom. The midfielder has been out of action for since the beginning of March after undergoing ankle surgery, but could return to training this week. Gerrard was absent from England's 2-0 victory over Wales at the weekend but Liverpool will be boosted by their captain's early return should it happen.
With the club still eyeing a possible late challenge for the Champions League, Gerrard will be desperate to return to action sooner rather than later, and the midfielder has claimed to be nearing full training and members of Betfair Black should bear this in mind.
"The ankle's good. I'm probably three or four days away from full training, so hopefully I'll be involved against West Brom. There are big games still left to play this season," he said.
Gerrard was forced to watch from the sidelines as his side threw away their final chance of the season to pick up some silverware, with Portuguese side Braga edging through the two sides' Europa League clash. The only hope to bring some unexpected joy to their loyal fans would be if Kenny Dalglish bring about a top four finish. Anyone in the Betfair loyalty program won't be holding their breath on this one.
With eight games left of the current campaign, Liverpool are eight points behind fourth placed Manchester City. While it may seem an impossible mission, eight wins from eight could really throw the cat amongst the pigeons come the final round of games of the season. Dalglish won't risk his captain if Gerrard isn't 100% fit though, the two games after West Brom will be the ones that Liverpool will really need their influential skipper.
After taking on West Brom at the weekend the club will face two games that have the power to make or break their already slim hopes of the Champions League places. Hosting Manchester City on the 11th, then heading to the Emirates to face title hunting Arsenal on the 17th, will be the games when Gerrard's inclusion really will be necessary.
If Liverpool could pull of the shock of the year and finish in the top-four, then it would rank up there with this club's recent achievements, Kenny Dalglish would be literally crowned King of Liverpool with Gerrard as his prince.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Soccer World: Scottish officials deny Neymar racism claim
Scotland officials have denied Brazilian forward Neymar was the victim of racist abuse during the friendly match between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Neymar told reporters after the game that a banana was thrown on the pitch in his direction and that he was the target for racist chants during Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Craig Levein’s side. He was also booed when he was substituted after 89 minutes, having scored twice in an otherwise uneventful game.
Now the Scottish Football association have released a statement insisting the Santos striker wasn’t the target of abuse from the travelling Scottish supporters, and insisted the boos were for “perceived unsporting behaviour” during the match.
It read: The Scottish FA refutes claims from Neymar that he was the victim of racist jeers."
“The tens of thousands of Scotland fans who travelled to London were, in fact, commended for creating a carnival atmosphere not just inside the stadium but across the city throughout the weekend." It continued.
Police match commander Mark Sheeran backed the claims of the SFA, saying: “The Scottish fans' behaviour was first class. There were no issues at all inside the stadium."
Officials from the SFA have contacted their Brazilian counterparts to discuss the issue and relay Scotland’s unhappiness at the allegations made by Neymar.
The incident occurred when a banana was thrown on to the pitch late in the game, which was then removed by Lucas Leiva, who plays in a Liverpool shirt.
Speaking to Brazilian TV, Neymar said: This atmosphere of racism is totally sad. We leave our country to play here and something like this happens."
"They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty the entire stadium was jeering. It's sad. I would rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating." He added.
Lucas also condemned the crowd for their alleged actions, and believes Europe is a hotbed for racism.
"They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. That has to change. Everybody is equal today. It's a matter of respect." He commented.
Neymar told reporters after the game that a banana was thrown on the pitch in his direction and that he was the target for racist chants during Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Craig Levein’s side. He was also booed when he was substituted after 89 minutes, having scored twice in an otherwise uneventful game.
Now the Scottish Football association have released a statement insisting the Santos striker wasn’t the target of abuse from the travelling Scottish supporters, and insisted the boos were for “perceived unsporting behaviour” during the match.
It read: The Scottish FA refutes claims from Neymar that he was the victim of racist jeers."
“The tens of thousands of Scotland fans who travelled to London were, in fact, commended for creating a carnival atmosphere not just inside the stadium but across the city throughout the weekend." It continued.
Police match commander Mark Sheeran backed the claims of the SFA, saying: “The Scottish fans' behaviour was first class. There were no issues at all inside the stadium."
Officials from the SFA have contacted their Brazilian counterparts to discuss the issue and relay Scotland’s unhappiness at the allegations made by Neymar.
The incident occurred when a banana was thrown on to the pitch late in the game, which was then removed by Lucas Leiva, who plays in a Liverpool shirt.
Speaking to Brazilian TV, Neymar said: This atmosphere of racism is totally sad. We leave our country to play here and something like this happens."
"They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty the entire stadium was jeering. It's sad. I would rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating." He added.
Lucas also condemned the crowd for their alleged actions, and believes Europe is a hotbed for racism.
"They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. That has to change. Everybody is equal today. It's a matter of respect." He commented.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Soccer USA / Soccer Player: Juan Agudelo stardom imminent?
The United States continues to receive timely goals from the New York Red Bulls forward in international play.
After his equalizer against Argentina last evening, let's see what the Internet has to say...
+ Young Agudelo trends upward in U.S. draw against Argentina - CNNSI.com/Grant Wahl
+ Youthful Agudelo proves clutch once again - Yahoo! Sports/Martin Rogers
+ Juan Agudelo's Star Is Soaring - Rotowire.com
You know you have arrived when, with a week to go, one of the upper echelon fantasy sport sites takes time out of its nonstop baseball coverage to post on the happenings of Juan Agudelo.
What's your take? Should the USMNT utilize caution and continue to showcase Agudelo as a second-half substitute or should Bob Bradley unleash Agudelo in the upcoming match versus Paraguay?
After his equalizer against Argentina last evening, let's see what the Internet has to say...
+ Young Agudelo trends upward in U.S. draw against Argentina - CNNSI.com/Grant Wahl
+ Youthful Agudelo proves clutch once again - Yahoo! Sports/Martin Rogers
+ Juan Agudelo's Star Is Soaring - Rotowire.com
You know you have arrived when, with a week to go, one of the upper echelon fantasy sport sites takes time out of its nonstop baseball coverage to post on the happenings of Juan Agudelo.
What's your take? Should the USMNT utilize caution and continue to showcase Agudelo as a second-half substitute or should Bob Bradley unleash Agudelo in the upcoming match versus Paraguay?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Soccer World: Pulis taking FA Cup all too seriously
Tony Pulis is a man who is obviously taking the FA Cup extremely seriously this season. That much has, in fairness, been clear since the competition started all those months ago, with the manager consistently coming out with some entertaining fighting talk before Stoke's numerous fixtures, all of which have brought them to the point at which they are able to prepare for a semi-final clash with Bolton at Wembley, a game the FA Cup betting odds suggest they could win.
Another indicator of just how seriously the Stoke boss is taking the imminent clash with Bolton became clear this week, when Pulis put a loan lock on the Stoke squad, meaning that football league managers hoping to take advantage of some of the talent at the club temporarily will be left disappointed as the emergency loan window draws to a close this week.
It is thought that a number of Championship clubs have identified Stoke targets in order to help boost their various ambitions, whether they be promotion ambitions or simply wanting to avoid the drop into League One, but Pulis has said no to all of these requests, with Ipswich and Sheffield United among those clubs let down by Pulis.
Even though the sort of player who would probably have been acquired in any loan at this stage of the season won't be turning out for the Potters as they emerge at Wembley in April, you have to admire Pulis's statement that it isn't "worth the risk". Stoke need to keep their squad intact as they prepare for such a huge game, even if none of the fringe players end up making an impact during the match itself.
If they start sending out signals to their existing players and their fans that they are a club that farms players out, rather than attracts high-quality newcomers, then it would also send a signal that Stoke do not deserve to be playing in an FA Cup final, and what could be more damaging than that? Pulis is, as many have highlighted this season, a wise man indeed.
Another indicator of just how seriously the Stoke boss is taking the imminent clash with Bolton became clear this week, when Pulis put a loan lock on the Stoke squad, meaning that football league managers hoping to take advantage of some of the talent at the club temporarily will be left disappointed as the emergency loan window draws to a close this week.
It is thought that a number of Championship clubs have identified Stoke targets in order to help boost their various ambitions, whether they be promotion ambitions or simply wanting to avoid the drop into League One, but Pulis has said no to all of these requests, with Ipswich and Sheffield United among those clubs let down by Pulis.
Even though the sort of player who would probably have been acquired in any loan at this stage of the season won't be turning out for the Potters as they emerge at Wembley in April, you have to admire Pulis's statement that it isn't "worth the risk". Stoke need to keep their squad intact as they prepare for such a huge game, even if none of the fringe players end up making an impact during the match itself.
If they start sending out signals to their existing players and their fans that they are a club that farms players out, rather than attracts high-quality newcomers, then it would also send a signal that Stoke do not deserve to be playing in an FA Cup final, and what could be more damaging than that? Pulis is, as many have highlighted this season, a wise man indeed.
Soccer Player: Barcelona's Daniel Alves with club through 2015
27-year-old Barcelona right back Daniel Alves signed a new contract recently with the Spanish super club that will keep him with the outfit through 2015.
The Brazilian international speaking with Barca's official web site after his historic signing touched on his joy of playing for such an impressive club.
"I'm playing at one of the world's most desired teams, which is making history. The most important thing is that I'm happy and I want to make the most of it. It is a privilege and a joy to be here."
His new four-year contract calls for him to make €25 million per season with €50 million in earnings for his final season. A €150 million buyout clause is included in the deal.
He joined Barcelona via Sevilla in 2008.
Alves will be at the club when his nation, Brazil, hosts the World Cup in 2014.
The defender will be 31-years-old at that time; Alves may or may not still be in A Seleção at that point.
Have your say...
+ Will Alves be worth his contract?
+ Will he make the 2014 World Cup roster?
The Brazilian international speaking with Barca's official web site after his historic signing touched on his joy of playing for such an impressive club.
"I'm playing at one of the world's most desired teams, which is making history. The most important thing is that I'm happy and I want to make the most of it. It is a privilege and a joy to be here."
His new four-year contract calls for him to make €25 million per season with €50 million in earnings for his final season. A €150 million buyout clause is included in the deal.
He joined Barcelona via Sevilla in 2008.
Alves will be at the club when his nation, Brazil, hosts the World Cup in 2014.
The defender will be 31-years-old at that time; Alves may or may not still be in A Seleção at that point.
Have your say...
+ Will Alves be worth his contract?
+ Will he make the 2014 World Cup roster?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Changes on the horizon
We have to admit. We are humbled that after 3+ years of writing about the beautiful game, people continue to search us out. Sadly, we have slowed to a snail's pace here over the last three months -- of course not counting the top-notch posting of Tom Mallows -- but overall our posts are down.
Now re-energized we will be breaking posts into four categories moving forward: Soccer World, Soccer USA, Soccer Games and Soccer Player.
We hope to continue to peak your interest regarding the beautiful game.
Regards,
Soccer City FC
Now re-energized we will be breaking posts into four categories moving forward: Soccer World, Soccer USA, Soccer Games and Soccer Player.
We hope to continue to peak your interest regarding the beautiful game.
Regards,
Soccer City FC
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Chelsea aim for famous Premier League comeback
This weekend's 2-0 victory over fellow top-four contenders Manchester City was a sign that the Blues are now less concerned by the prospect of being pipped to fourth place by London rivals Spurs, than they are looking up the table at both Arsenal and Manchester United. The three points were of course essential to their daring to retain such ambitions after a stuttering season, but the manner of the victory – absolute and comprehensive – was a real indicator that they truly mean business between now and May.
Arsenal have their own problems of course. With confidence absolutely shot amongst the back five – a situation which has seen the retired Jens Lehmann being brought back into the fold. They are also looking absolutely leaderless in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, Wenger has his own headaches to remedy before he starts to look at the prospect of chasing down league leaders Manchester United and their four point advantage with any genuine intent and those looking at lay betting should remember this.
Over at Old Trafford, they too have a series of problems. Still with the obvious strain of competing in both the FA Cup and the Champions League, they have also had their mercurial manager sentenced to the stands for the next four domestic fixtures – an inconvenience regardless of how experienced their playing and remaining backroom staff are. Add to this issue, the fact that Ferguson has virtually no available defenders following injury to Rio Ferdinand and the fresh problem of stand-in Jonny Evans being given a straight red card for his horrendous tackle which has seen Bolton's Stuart Holden sidelined for six months. Anyone wondering how to use Betfair should take this into account.
Carlo Ancelotti will be licking his lips in anticipation of seeing Michael Carrick attempt to do a job at centre-half for a large portion of what remains of this season – his biggest problem is finding a way to help Torres hit the back of the net for the first time since his £50m move. Not that this is really an issue when you're winning of course, and winning they are. Three victories from their last three Premier League outings suggest that their stock is very much on the rise – it's squeaky bum time indeed.
Arsenal have their own problems of course. With confidence absolutely shot amongst the back five – a situation which has seen the retired Jens Lehmann being brought back into the fold. They are also looking absolutely leaderless in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, Wenger has his own headaches to remedy before he starts to look at the prospect of chasing down league leaders Manchester United and their four point advantage with any genuine intent and those looking at lay betting should remember this.
Over at Old Trafford, they too have a series of problems. Still with the obvious strain of competing in both the FA Cup and the Champions League, they have also had their mercurial manager sentenced to the stands for the next four domestic fixtures – an inconvenience regardless of how experienced their playing and remaining backroom staff are. Add to this issue, the fact that Ferguson has virtually no available defenders following injury to Rio Ferdinand and the fresh problem of stand-in Jonny Evans being given a straight red card for his horrendous tackle which has seen Bolton's Stuart Holden sidelined for six months. Anyone wondering how to use Betfair should take this into account.
Carlo Ancelotti will be licking his lips in anticipation of seeing Michael Carrick attempt to do a job at centre-half for a large portion of what remains of this season – his biggest problem is finding a way to help Torres hit the back of the net for the first time since his £50m move. Not that this is really an issue when you're winning of course, and winning they are. Three victories from their last three Premier League outings suggest that their stock is very much on the rise – it's squeaky bum time indeed.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Are Barca unstoppable?
Having come up against the second best Premier league side, according to the current table anyway, and swatted them away like a very tiny fly, Barcelona have already dealt with one of the best that Europe has to offer, leaving their opponents questioning whether or not they stand a chance of stopping Pep Guardiola's side from picking up the Champions League crown this season.
With the likes of Messi, Xavi and Villa part of what can only be described as the most potent attack of all time, and with their defence having shown that it has the strength and ability to press to make sure that they can regain the ball as soon as they lose it, Barcelona have proved that, whether in possession of the ball or not, they have the kind of talent that sets them apart from good, solid sides such as Inter Milan and Manchester United and the Champions League predictions reflect this.
However, although the side from the Catalan region should certainly be receiving as much praise as can be thrown at them right now, they also need to ensure that they maintain a level of focus that was missing last season as they let the distraction of triumphing at the home of their arch rivals cause them to take their eye off the ball and allow a hard-working and plucky Inter Milan side dump them out of the competition. Those looking at the Champions League betting tips should remember this.
Should they find that the desire to repeat their Wembley success of the 1990s stops them from concentrating and focusing on playing their football, then they may well see their undoubted talent fail to reach its potential for the second year running, leaving this famous team failing to make the mark on history that it surely has the potential to achieve.
With the likes of Messi, Xavi and Villa part of what can only be described as the most potent attack of all time, and with their defence having shown that it has the strength and ability to press to make sure that they can regain the ball as soon as they lose it, Barcelona have proved that, whether in possession of the ball or not, they have the kind of talent that sets them apart from good, solid sides such as Inter Milan and Manchester United and the Champions League predictions reflect this.
However, although the side from the Catalan region should certainly be receiving as much praise as can be thrown at them right now, they also need to ensure that they maintain a level of focus that was missing last season as they let the distraction of triumphing at the home of their arch rivals cause them to take their eye off the ball and allow a hard-working and plucky Inter Milan side dump them out of the competition. Those looking at the Champions League betting tips should remember this.
Should they find that the desire to repeat their Wembley success of the 1990s stops them from concentrating and focusing on playing their football, then they may well see their undoubted talent fail to reach its potential for the second year running, leaving this famous team failing to make the mark on history that it surely has the potential to achieve.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Blues European aspirations overshadowing domestic duties
Chelsea are in danger of letting their chairman's obsession with winning the Champions League interfere with their Premier League form – and in doing so may even scupper their chances of qualifying for next season's competition. Already, rather than being right up there with Arsenal and Manchester United, challenging for the title like they have been for the last five years, they are in a three-way battle with Manchester City and Tottenham and know that only two of them can claim top four league finishes when the league comes to a close on May 22nd.
Admittedly, in successfully advancing through to the last eight of the Champions League they have somewhat justified their minor dip in domestic form, but with the players, finance and infrastructure that Chelsea have at their disposal one would expect a quarter final berth and qualification for next season's competition to be the absolute minimum requirement from Carlo Ancelotti to remain in his job. Certainly that was the impression their club's representatives must have bestowed upon Fernando Torres when they wrestled his allegiance from Liverpool – but should they be pipped to the post by City and Spurs, then they could end up looking very foolish indeed. The Champions Leauge betting odds by no means make them favourites to win and qualify that way.
This of course, should not happen though – they currently sit three points clear of Harry Redknapp's outfit, and are still within touching distance of Mancini's side, and should they overtake them to finish third they would also be spared the relative humiliation of forcing their expensively assembled squad to qualify at the start of next season against a team of relative unknowns from Hungary or Slovenia. The Blues have more than enough quality to avoid such an outing though, and whilst the title now appears out of reach, should they lift the Champions League trophy and finish third in the Premier League, 2011 will be remembered at the Bridge as having been a very good year indeed.
Next up they face Man City in a real six-pointer – the winner of which will feel far more confident of their chances of finishing within the top four and the Manchester City betting suggests it could be a tough game.
Last time these two sides met, it was a 1-0 home win for Mancini's side at Eastlands but with Chelsea's new-look attack, a very different result looks to be on the cards.
Admittedly, in successfully advancing through to the last eight of the Champions League they have somewhat justified their minor dip in domestic form, but with the players, finance and infrastructure that Chelsea have at their disposal one would expect a quarter final berth and qualification for next season's competition to be the absolute minimum requirement from Carlo Ancelotti to remain in his job. Certainly that was the impression their club's representatives must have bestowed upon Fernando Torres when they wrestled his allegiance from Liverpool – but should they be pipped to the post by City and Spurs, then they could end up looking very foolish indeed. The Champions Leauge betting odds by no means make them favourites to win and qualify that way.
This of course, should not happen though – they currently sit three points clear of Harry Redknapp's outfit, and are still within touching distance of Mancini's side, and should they overtake them to finish third they would also be spared the relative humiliation of forcing their expensively assembled squad to qualify at the start of next season against a team of relative unknowns from Hungary or Slovenia. The Blues have more than enough quality to avoid such an outing though, and whilst the title now appears out of reach, should they lift the Champions League trophy and finish third in the Premier League, 2011 will be remembered at the Bridge as having been a very good year indeed.
Next up they face Man City in a real six-pointer – the winner of which will feel far more confident of their chances of finishing within the top four and the Manchester City betting suggests it could be a tough game.
Last time these two sides met, it was a 1-0 home win for Mancini's side at Eastlands but with Chelsea's new-look attack, a very different result looks to be on the cards.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Kalou a fans' favourite at Stamford Bridge
With Fernando Torres yet to find the net in a Chelsea shirt despite being at the club now for a few weeks, and with Didier Drogba still looking like a shadow of his former self as he seeks to show that he is actually capable of playing at the top level of the English game again despite seeming to lose a yard or two of pace since he contracted malaria, it's an unusual frontman who has stolen the limelight for the Blues in recent weeks.
Salomon Kalou is a man who has rarely found himself enjoying an extended run in a Chelsea shirt since his arrival at the club. However, he is also a man who seems to be a consistently strong substitute for his side, capable of adjusting to the pace of a game extremely quickly and showing an impressive eye for goal to complement his pace and movement. The Betfair Football odds indicate he has helped fire Chelsea back into the title race.
At the age of 25, Kalou isn't exactly a spring chicken but with Torres underperforming and with Drogba and Nicolas Anelka starting to show their age, it could be that he has a big future in the Chelsea frontline. Against Blackpool on Monday, it was Kalou who made the difference in what was looking like a tough away assignment for the Blues, the striker winning a penalty for his side before linking up with Frank Lampard for Chelsea's third and final goal of the game. Although not many people make Chelsea betting tips to win the title, the victory boosted their chances of securing a Champions League spot.
However, with Kalou starting to reveal a hint of frustration about not being handed a sustained chance in the starting line-up, it could be that he seeks a move away from the club if Carlo Ancelotti continues to ignore him despite strong performances. Should that happen, Chelsea fans could yet live to regret letting go of a real talent whilst keeping faith in players who have only a couple of years at most left in their careers.
Salomon Kalou is a man who has rarely found himself enjoying an extended run in a Chelsea shirt since his arrival at the club. However, he is also a man who seems to be a consistently strong substitute for his side, capable of adjusting to the pace of a game extremely quickly and showing an impressive eye for goal to complement his pace and movement. The Betfair Football odds indicate he has helped fire Chelsea back into the title race.
At the age of 25, Kalou isn't exactly a spring chicken but with Torres underperforming and with Drogba and Nicolas Anelka starting to show their age, it could be that he has a big future in the Chelsea frontline. Against Blackpool on Monday, it was Kalou who made the difference in what was looking like a tough away assignment for the Blues, the striker winning a penalty for his side before linking up with Frank Lampard for Chelsea's third and final goal of the game. Although not many people make Chelsea betting tips to win the title, the victory boosted their chances of securing a Champions League spot.
However, with Kalou starting to reveal a hint of frustration about not being handed a sustained chance in the starting line-up, it could be that he seeks a move away from the club if Carlo Ancelotti continues to ignore him despite strong performances. Should that happen, Chelsea fans could yet live to regret letting go of a real talent whilst keeping faith in players who have only a couple of years at most left in their careers.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Ancelotti plays down Chelsea title talk
Sports betting online pundits note how Carlo Ancelotti is a much happier manager than he was a few weeks ago. His team are starting to perform more to the required standard and victories are being achieved. This doesn’t mean a late title surge is on for them though according to the Chelsea boss.
Following the 3-1 victory over Blackpool last night, online betting pundits note how Chelsea are 9 points behind league leaders Manchester Untied with a game in hand, but still have too much to do as far as Ancelotti is concerned.
Instead of looking at an ambitious title challenge, the Italian says the main aim for the remainder of the season is to secure a top four finish, something which is looking much more assured following the latest round of Premier League fixtures.
The Blues are now three points clear of 5th placed Tottenham and have the situation in their own hands. Considering the form they have shown in the last two or three games, these should be fairly safe hands too.
Speaking about the remainder of the campaign, Ancelotti said: “Now we have nine points and another game against Birmingham but it is too far to think we can come back in to fight for the title. To take it game by game is easier for us.”
They certainly looked more like themselves last night though with two Frank Lampard goals and John Terry header handing them a comfortable win at Bloomfield Road.
Fernando Torres is still awaiting his first goal for Chelsea despite playing the full 90 minutes, but Ancelotti was impressed with his £50m man: “He is showing good movement; he showed good movement with Drogba in the first half.
"We are happy about his performance. He is a top scorer and he will score, this is not a problem."
Perhaps Torres finding his goalscoring form is the difference between Chelsea launching an unexpected title challenge or not? There is only one way to find out....
Following the 3-1 victory over Blackpool last night, online betting pundits note how Chelsea are 9 points behind league leaders Manchester Untied with a game in hand, but still have too much to do as far as Ancelotti is concerned.
Instead of looking at an ambitious title challenge, the Italian says the main aim for the remainder of the season is to secure a top four finish, something which is looking much more assured following the latest round of Premier League fixtures.
The Blues are now three points clear of 5th placed Tottenham and have the situation in their own hands. Considering the form they have shown in the last two or three games, these should be fairly safe hands too.
Speaking about the remainder of the campaign, Ancelotti said: “Now we have nine points and another game against Birmingham but it is too far to think we can come back in to fight for the title. To take it game by game is easier for us.”
They certainly looked more like themselves last night though with two Frank Lampard goals and John Terry header handing them a comfortable win at Bloomfield Road.
Fernando Torres is still awaiting his first goal for Chelsea despite playing the full 90 minutes, but Ancelotti was impressed with his £50m man: “He is showing good movement; he showed good movement with Drogba in the first half.
"We are happy about his performance. He is a top scorer and he will score, this is not a problem."
Perhaps Torres finding his goalscoring form is the difference between Chelsea launching an unexpected title challenge or not? There is only one way to find out....
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Will top managers ever learn?
Alex Ferguson is a very clever man. We saw clear evidence of that at the weekend after his team's clash against Wigan, with the United boss shrewdly putting the media in a tricky position following his prediction of the tirade he sensed would, quite rightly, be sent in Wayne Rooney's direction after his fierce elbow in the face of James McCarthy.
By criticising the English press so vocally so quickly after the game, the press were placed in a difficult position when it came to their post-match analysis. Expected by the United manager to unleash fury on the striker, some of the reactions from the largest newspapers in the country were somewhat more subdued than would perhaps be the norm.
However, last night Ferguson showed that the emotion of the game sometimes clouds the judgement and intelligence of even the finest managers in the modern game today. With the FA clearly attempting to stamp out disrespect towards match officials from both players and managers, Ferguson's comments after his side's defeat at the hands of Chelsea were ill-judged to say the least and you can bet he won't be making the same mistake again.
With referee Martin Atkinson making a couple of dodgy decisions, but nothing approaching as outrageous a judgment as Mark Clattenburg made at the weekend when he decided to keep Wayne Rooney on the pitch and reward him for his actions with a quick hug, Ferguson stated after the game: "You hope you get a really strong referee in games like this". The United manager went on to claim that he had feared the worst when the identity of the match referee was revealed in an attack that turned into a personal judgement towards one of the most experienced referees in the country.
Whether Fergie will end up being punished for his remarks remains to be seen, but you can bet that if those words had been uttered by Ian Holloway or Mick McCarthy, the reaction would have been far different.
By criticising the English press so vocally so quickly after the game, the press were placed in a difficult position when it came to their post-match analysis. Expected by the United manager to unleash fury on the striker, some of the reactions from the largest newspapers in the country were somewhat more subdued than would perhaps be the norm.
However, last night Ferguson showed that the emotion of the game sometimes clouds the judgement and intelligence of even the finest managers in the modern game today. With the FA clearly attempting to stamp out disrespect towards match officials from both players and managers, Ferguson's comments after his side's defeat at the hands of Chelsea were ill-judged to say the least and you can bet he won't be making the same mistake again.
With referee Martin Atkinson making a couple of dodgy decisions, but nothing approaching as outrageous a judgment as Mark Clattenburg made at the weekend when he decided to keep Wayne Rooney on the pitch and reward him for his actions with a quick hug, Ferguson stated after the game: "You hope you get a really strong referee in games like this". The United manager went on to claim that he had feared the worst when the identity of the match referee was revealed in an attack that turned into a personal judgement towards one of the most experienced referees in the country.
Whether Fergie will end up being punished for his remarks remains to be seen, but you can bet that if those words had been uttered by Ian Holloway or Mick McCarthy, the reaction would have been far different.
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