So, as you can probably guess from my previous entries, I am an Arsenal fan. Partisan as I try to be with other clubs while writing, I will almost always end up with one foot firmly stuck in the Arsenal camp. This does mean that some of my articles can have a certain bias towards Arsenal but I try not to get too bogged down in it (especially when I'm writing about Formula One).
The fanbase for Arsenal is split right now, more than ever. Those who believe Wenger should leave on his own terms and those who believe that he should leave now. I find it very hard to identify with either camp for the simple reason that they both make good points. On the one hand, Wenger has had enough time at the club, precious little over the last thirteen years to show for it and he should step aside and let a new person take over the reins and on the other, he's the most successful post-war manager Arsenal has ever had and should be treated with respect as such and his time will come when he says it has.
If you were to say to a Tottenham fan, or a Liverpool fan, or even a Man Utd fan right now that we coule offer them eternal Champions League group stage football, reasonable shots at the title, the odd cup run and a sustainable financial base, they would jump at it. So why are Arsenal supporters asking for Wenger Out? It seems almost inconceivable that consistency is reviled rather than revered.
The answer is simple really, because we're so consistent, we know when the bad spells are going to hit and when our season does down the proverbial toilet. This is end of February/early March. It's so incredible predictable that it's painful. Year on year Arsenal crash out of the Champions League, then have a poor run of form in the Premier League that ends their title race followed by a tame cup exit (although 2014 and 2015 were exceptions). It's so incredibly difficult to run against that that it's easy to lose hope by November, when Arsenal are top of the league.
And therin lies the Wenger Dilemma. Would you rather have the security of knowing that your team will always make the top four and be financially secure, or would you rather have a new manager who might not bring the consistency but at least might be able to motivate the players through March and into April in a higher league position? Moyes and van Gaal failed to emulate Ferguson, what's to say that Arsenal won't suffer the same fate?
In truth, right now Arsenal are in sixth after an abhorrent run of form and are unlikely to hit the top four. But then we said that back in 2012 when, at one point during a North London Derby, Tottenham were thirteen points ahead. Then we went on a winning streak (that started with a 5-2 victory in said derby) that meant Arsenal finished above Tottenham. Consistently frustrating.
Sunday, 26 March 2017
Friday, 2 December 2016
Nico Rosberg - Racer, Gentleman, Champion
2016 Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg's decision to retire is a surprise, there's no doubt about it. However, it's almost certainly the right one. So why was it made?
Lewis Hamilton
Nico won nine races to Lewis' ten this season. Lewis' engine failure in Malaysia could easily be pointed to as the reason Nico won the Championship. As a result, this season will always have a whiff of 'what if?' Nico will always know that he is a great racing driver and World Champion, but his race to race ability is not quite at the level Hamilton runs at. To try and beat Lewis again would probably be a fool's errand, especially with the rule changes next year that will most likely favour a man who's sole purpose is speed. Lewis will always have the edge and I'm sure that Nico does not want to go through next year with the added pressure of retaining his Championship as well as beating his teammate.
Family
In his statement, Nico mentioned how much pressure he had put on his young family this year. He has a small child and he had, effectively, asked his wife to look after their daughter for the entire year as he chased down what seemed to be an impossible dream. He has extra incentive to step back now. He knows that he has made more than enough money to live a comfortable life without Formula One and now he has the chance to concentrate on his wife and daughter, to be a husband and father. As classy as he always has been, he views that as a higher calling than anything else could be. He has asked so much of his family he is now in a position to give it back and then some.
World Champion
"Derice, a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you're not enough without one, you'll never be enough with one." Words immortalised by John Candy in Cool Runnings. Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton. The World Champions who have never looked like they're enough with just the one (or two/four/three respectively). You can argue that it adds to the hunger of the racing driver but you can also argue that it's a bit pathetic. Rosberg now has one Championship. He was complete beforehand so he has hit the pinnacle of all he has ever know. To retire and leave may look like giving up the fight but he will leave knowing that he was the best racing driver on the planet at the point he called time on his career.
Nico Rosberg will be sorely missed in the paddock, mainly by his own engineers who regularly praise how technically brilliant he is and how excellent his feedback can be. The sport will be poorer for losing Jenson Button, Felipe Massa and Rosberg in one year but with new, young, fresh racing drivers like Max Verstappen stepping into the gaps, next season will be one to watch!
Lewis Hamilton
Nico won nine races to Lewis' ten this season. Lewis' engine failure in Malaysia could easily be pointed to as the reason Nico won the Championship. As a result, this season will always have a whiff of 'what if?' Nico will always know that he is a great racing driver and World Champion, but his race to race ability is not quite at the level Hamilton runs at. To try and beat Lewis again would probably be a fool's errand, especially with the rule changes next year that will most likely favour a man who's sole purpose is speed. Lewis will always have the edge and I'm sure that Nico does not want to go through next year with the added pressure of retaining his Championship as well as beating his teammate.
Family
In his statement, Nico mentioned how much pressure he had put on his young family this year. He has a small child and he had, effectively, asked his wife to look after their daughter for the entire year as he chased down what seemed to be an impossible dream. He has extra incentive to step back now. He knows that he has made more than enough money to live a comfortable life without Formula One and now he has the chance to concentrate on his wife and daughter, to be a husband and father. As classy as he always has been, he views that as a higher calling than anything else could be. He has asked so much of his family he is now in a position to give it back and then some.
World Champion
"Derice, a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you're not enough without one, you'll never be enough with one." Words immortalised by John Candy in Cool Runnings. Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton. The World Champions who have never looked like they're enough with just the one (or two/four/three respectively). You can argue that it adds to the hunger of the racing driver but you can also argue that it's a bit pathetic. Rosberg now has one Championship. He was complete beforehand so he has hit the pinnacle of all he has ever know. To retire and leave may look like giving up the fight but he will leave knowing that he was the best racing driver on the planet at the point he called time on his career.
Nico Rosberg will be sorely missed in the paddock, mainly by his own engineers who regularly praise how technically brilliant he is and how excellent his feedback can be. The sport will be poorer for losing Jenson Button, Felipe Massa and Rosberg in one year but with new, young, fresh racing drivers like Max Verstappen stepping into the gaps, next season will be one to watch!
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Re-Signings - For Or Against?
So there we go, the summer transfer window for 2016 is now officially shut and what have we learned? That managers at the Etihad Stadium are wasteful, that Jose Mourinho has more money than sense and that, despite a record of £90m spent over the summer, Arsenal fans are completely unsatisfied with Arsene Wenger. Confusing isn't it?
Two transfers have caught my eye. One that had been in the works for a while and one that picked up momentum during transfer deadline day and was officially announced moments before the window callously shut. Those of Paul Pogba and David Luiz. I am determined to make an argument for and against both of these signings, let me know what you think.
Pogba - For
One of the best midfielders in Europe last season and instrumental in France reaching the Euro 2016 Final on home soil. He embodies everything you want in a midfielder. Happy to sit back and challenge for the ball when your team doesn't have it and will be the marauding attacker when you do. At only 23 he has already played in both a Champion's League Final and a European Championship Final. He has won Serie A four times, in the team of the year twice and made it to the FIFPro World XI in 2015. The calibre of Paul Pogba is undoubted. He is a quality signing for Manchester United and will go on to greater wonders with one of the most famous clubs in the world. And at 23, he can only improve.
Pogba - Against
Eighty-nine million pounds. Let's just sit with that for a second. For a player who has won nothing at European or international level. Yes, he made it to the CL and Euro 2016 finals but he didn't win them. He's no Patrick Vieira. He's not a figurehead that people can rally around. He is, at best, a very good squad player. He can't hold a candle to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Gareth Bale. In July, a Liverpool fan with far too much time on his (or her) hands showed the statistical similarities between Pogba and the most wildly average player to ever pull on an England shirt James Milner. The link is at the bottom of the page and it's hilarious. I'll admit, this is my opinion, but Man U have so chronically overpaid for Pogba, they really are going to struggle to justify it after a couple of barren months.
Luiz - For
Since David Luiz has left Chelsea, he has won Ligue 1 twice, played in a home World Cup Semi-Final and has been named in the Ligue 1 Team Of The Year twice. He is generally acknowledged as one of the best defenders in Europe. Chelsea sold him to Paris Saint Germain for £50m and has re-signed him now for £34m, making a £16m profit, No-one has made that much of a profit since Tottenham sold Robbie Keane to Liverpool in 2008. It's a shrewd move, Luiz has the Premier League experience now tempered with a couple of seasons with a team in Europe and Antonio Conte is no fool. He would have done his calculations and checked the statistics before agreeing to re-sign David Luiz.
Luiz - Against
Any monkey with money can win Ligue 1. No, seriously. Even Radamel Falcao flourished in France. Put him in a proper league (like, say, two seasons in the Premier League) and he is found out quicker than an elephant playing hide and seek in the desert. Sure, David Luiz has won a few leagues here and there and even a Champion's League at Chelsea but he could not be more past it. Look at his performance in the World Cup Semi against Germany. They lost 7-1. And Luiz could not have played worse! The mediocre performances of the strikers in France only flattered his ability as a defender. He's slow, struggles to read the game and can't step up in the big games. Why Chelsea re-signed him is beyond me. He will have only gone soft in France and he will be brutally exposed by even the most Bendtner of strikers now he's back in the Premier League.
What do you think of your team's transfer dealings over the summer? Let me know in the comments.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/top-stories/see-james-milners-liverpool-stats-stack-man-united-target-paul-pogba/
Two transfers have caught my eye. One that had been in the works for a while and one that picked up momentum during transfer deadline day and was officially announced moments before the window callously shut. Those of Paul Pogba and David Luiz. I am determined to make an argument for and against both of these signings, let me know what you think.
Pogba - For
One of the best midfielders in Europe last season and instrumental in France reaching the Euro 2016 Final on home soil. He embodies everything you want in a midfielder. Happy to sit back and challenge for the ball when your team doesn't have it and will be the marauding attacker when you do. At only 23 he has already played in both a Champion's League Final and a European Championship Final. He has won Serie A four times, in the team of the year twice and made it to the FIFPro World XI in 2015. The calibre of Paul Pogba is undoubted. He is a quality signing for Manchester United and will go on to greater wonders with one of the most famous clubs in the world. And at 23, he can only improve.
Pogba - Against
Eighty-nine million pounds. Let's just sit with that for a second. For a player who has won nothing at European or international level. Yes, he made it to the CL and Euro 2016 finals but he didn't win them. He's no Patrick Vieira. He's not a figurehead that people can rally around. He is, at best, a very good squad player. He can't hold a candle to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Gareth Bale. In July, a Liverpool fan with far too much time on his (or her) hands showed the statistical similarities between Pogba and the most wildly average player to ever pull on an England shirt James Milner. The link is at the bottom of the page and it's hilarious. I'll admit, this is my opinion, but Man U have so chronically overpaid for Pogba, they really are going to struggle to justify it after a couple of barren months.
Luiz - For
Since David Luiz has left Chelsea, he has won Ligue 1 twice, played in a home World Cup Semi-Final and has been named in the Ligue 1 Team Of The Year twice. He is generally acknowledged as one of the best defenders in Europe. Chelsea sold him to Paris Saint Germain for £50m and has re-signed him now for £34m, making a £16m profit, No-one has made that much of a profit since Tottenham sold Robbie Keane to Liverpool in 2008. It's a shrewd move, Luiz has the Premier League experience now tempered with a couple of seasons with a team in Europe and Antonio Conte is no fool. He would have done his calculations and checked the statistics before agreeing to re-sign David Luiz.
Luiz - Against
Any monkey with money can win Ligue 1. No, seriously. Even Radamel Falcao flourished in France. Put him in a proper league (like, say, two seasons in the Premier League) and he is found out quicker than an elephant playing hide and seek in the desert. Sure, David Luiz has won a few leagues here and there and even a Champion's League at Chelsea but he could not be more past it. Look at his performance in the World Cup Semi against Germany. They lost 7-1. And Luiz could not have played worse! The mediocre performances of the strikers in France only flattered his ability as a defender. He's slow, struggles to read the game and can't step up in the big games. Why Chelsea re-signed him is beyond me. He will have only gone soft in France and he will be brutally exposed by even the most Bendtner of strikers now he's back in the Premier League.
What do you think of your team's transfer dealings over the summer? Let me know in the comments.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/top-stories/see-james-milners-liverpool-stats-stack-man-united-target-paul-pogba/
Monday, 20 June 2016
Brexit - A Premier League Story
Since the dawn of time, great international players have come to play in the English Premier League. George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, Luis Suarez, Pre-Chelsea Fernando Torres. England is known for having the best league in the world and the reason I believe Ronaldo to be better than Messi. Ronaldo has proven he can do it on a rainy Tuesday in Stoke, I think. So, with such a wealth of international, and in particular European, talent on display, what would a post-Brexit Premier League look like?
The answer is that it would probably not look that much different. At least not for the next couple of years. However, seeing as both sides of the campaign like to use the 'worst case scenario scare the shit out of everyone' tactic, I will do the same. Why? Because it's fun.
The main battlefield for the campaigns has been immigration so that's where I'll start. In England, if a Premier League club wishes to by an overseas player, they can buy one of two types of player. European or non-European. The distinction is simple, European players do not require a work permit but non-European players do (we'll use E and nE from now on). If we leave the EU and restrict all immigration as far as the eye can see, as the Leave campaign say is possible, then every E will need a work permit, just like nE. This is incredibly problematic because the requirements for a work permit in football are very strict. The player needs to be "internationally established at the highest level" and someone "whose employment will make a significant contribution to their sport at the highest level." On this basis, no young nE will ever be able to join a Premier League team. But that's not so bad, there are plenty of young E's knocking around right?
But, if we leave, those young E's will have to get work permits to join a Premier League club. Suddenly not so rosy. Young players with the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo and pre-Chelsea Cesc Fabregas who were not 'internationally established' when they signed for Manchester United and Arsenal respectively could never have joined in the first place. We'd be handing that quality of talent straight to other European nations.
Premier League teams would have to start fielding young players from their own academies, which would mean more James Milner's and more Jordan Henderson's prancing around and losing the ball in every team. No one wants to see that. You could argue that it helps to develop home-grown talent. It doesn't. Anyone who's good gets to play, whether you're British, E or nE. If the player is not good, he doesn't play. It's as simple as that.
However, even if the immigration was waived for footballers as they provide entertainment and are economically beneficial, how do we know we'll be able to afford them in a post-Brexit world? If, as Remain claim, our economy would tank if we left the EU then surely the value of the pound will go with it. In that scenario, we would be unable to pay the top players the wages they demand. Prices across the country would go up thanks to inflation and Adnan Januzaj would be available for a steal at £45m. Suddenly, the British transfer record would be smashed by consecutive purchases over the course of one transfer window and the overall spending by Premier League teams would crash past the £2bn mark well before the August deadline. Mainly spent on mediocre but necessary signings like Andros Townsend, Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott. In a worst case scenario, the £100m mark is broken for the first time with Manchester United willing to 'splash out' on Dele Alli because of one good season, making a mockery of the transfer record because Real Madrid had offered Tottenham just €95m, which, because of the new exchange rate, is roughly the same.
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's the most watched sport on the world, nothing tangible will change, it'll just mean more paperwork for the clubs, that's all. Comment about your opinions of how the Premier League will look post-Brexit.
Friday, 10 June 2016
Euro 2016 - Prologue
So, here we go again! The European Championships are back. This time in France. The hosts kick off their campaign against Romania on Friday so I thought I'd do my daily tournament blog again and start it all here, the day it all starts. I'm not going to go through the teams one by one but I will go through the groups. Starting with A.
Group A (Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland)
France, as hosts, start the tournament on Friday evening with a match against Romania. I have actually seen both of these nations play each other before. It was at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and they were playing rugby but I'm sure the experience will be broadly similar. I'm picking France as my team to win this summer. If you're confident enough to not bother taking a player like Karim Benzema then you know you have an incredibly strong squad. There's not a dud name on that squad list. Romania are looking in good shape, having qualified from a group that included 2004 winners Greece and group winners Northern Ireland. Austria (ranked 10th in the world thanks to FIFA's insane coefficient system, one place above England), qualified top of a group that included heavy-hitters Russia and Sweden so they've got a good chance at progressing past the group stage. Finally, neighbours Switzerland round off the group. Switzerland could only come runners up in their qualifying group after England's 100% record. The Swiss are in a tough group but should progress.
To qualify: France and Switzerland
Group B (England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia)
This is a tough group, make no mistake. England qualified for the tournament with a 100% record. Impressive when you consider there was a strong Swiss team in their group. Less impressive when you see that the remaining teams were Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino. Hardly European powerhouses. Nonetheless, they became only the sixth nation to achieve that feat. The main problem facing England are themselves. Although many of the squad play Champions League football, none of them play for a non-Premier League team. They lack experience of other leagues that makes other teams so potent. Russia are always dangerous, their squad is pretty strong but the same problem occurs with them as with England, only one of their squad plies his trade outside of Russia. Wales have had an outstanding qualifying run. They deserve to be at this tournament. Only time will tell how much of an impact Gareth Bale will have on proceedings. He is the best weapon in their arsenal (lol), but he is not the only one. They are in France because of an impressive collective team effort. Slovakia should be commended too, they came runners up in a qualifying group that included Spain and Ukraine. They deserve this opportunity as much as Wales do.
To qualify: England and Wales
Group C (Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland)
The world champions have something to prove. For too long, Spain had been the kings of Europe, then the world, then Europe again. Now it's Germany's turn to shine. Unfortunately, the team got off to a rocky start in 2016 by losing to England, beating Italy, losing to Slovakia and finally beating Hungary a few days ago. A mixed bag that does not set them up well for the Championships. They should still qualify from an incredibly simple group. Ukraine are here by virtue of a playoff win against Slovenia, Poland came second in the same qualifying group as Germany and Northern Ireland qualified from a group with only one top-20 FIFA ranked team in it, Hungary. Poland do have the qualifiers' top scorer in their ranks in Levandowski so they do have considerable attacking firepower up front so expect them to be dangerous going forward but porous at the back.
To qualify: Germany and Poland
Group D (Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey)
Impressive list of holiday destinations aside, this is a tough group. Spain should qualify, but the way they were torn apart in their opening match against The Netherlands in 2014 asks questions of the current crop of Spain players. Ironically, I think their main attacking threat comes from Hector Bellerin (but then I would say that, wouldn't I?). His pace makes him both potent going forward and dangerous for pacy attacking players in defense. Croatia are always a danger, qualifying from the same group as Italy. The Czech Republic topped their qualifying group with Turkey as runners up so they know each other pretty well. It will be an interesting match up with difficulty predicting the outcome of the group as there are some strong teams with none having to get here by way of a playoff berth.
To qualify: Spain and Czech Republic
Group E (Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden)
Why Belgium are ranked second in the world is beyond me. It's a real struggle to understand the FIFA coefficient system. Quarter-finalists in Brazil, couldn't beat Wales in qualifying and a mixed bag in the friendlies leading up to the Championships and they're ranked second? Nah, that doesn't sit well with me. Anyway, it's a tough group to qualify from. Ireland will give it everything, with memories of their 2002 heroics in Japan and South Korea still very much in people's minds with Roy Keane as assistant manager of the current side. Italy are Italy and should qualify and do well. Although they have lost a lot of the shine that made them World Champions in 2006. Sweden have Zlatan. Need I say more? Yes, they won't qualify.
To qualify: Italy and Belgium
Group F (Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal)
Not really a tough group. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, should prove victorious. Austria qualified top of a group that included Russia and Sweden so I wouldn't write them off. Especially when you consider that they didn't lose on their way to qualifying. Iceland also qualified from a tough group, beating World Cup semi-finalists The Netherlands twice en-route to a runners-up finish. Hungary had to settle for a playoff berth but beat Norway to book their place at France 2016.
To qualify: Portugal and Austria
It'll be a tough call to predict, but I think France will come out on top. I believe that the team and the country need the win after the last few years. I read an article recently that commented on how France was divided before the World Cup in 1998 right down religious, political and societal lines and I can't help but see that those issues have reared their ugly head again. Nobody likes the French. They're an arrogant and self-serving group of xenophobes who spend most of their Tuesday to Wednesday, 9-4 with a two hour break for lunch, working lives on strike but the country is hurting. Extremist groups are there in the foreground everywhere you look. I'll be cheering on England (because Greece didn't qualify) but I hope that France do well. It won't heal the pain of the last few years, but it will help.
Group A (Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland)
France, as hosts, start the tournament on Friday evening with a match against Romania. I have actually seen both of these nations play each other before. It was at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and they were playing rugby but I'm sure the experience will be broadly similar. I'm picking France as my team to win this summer. If you're confident enough to not bother taking a player like Karim Benzema then you know you have an incredibly strong squad. There's not a dud name on that squad list. Romania are looking in good shape, having qualified from a group that included 2004 winners Greece and group winners Northern Ireland. Austria (ranked 10th in the world thanks to FIFA's insane coefficient system, one place above England), qualified top of a group that included heavy-hitters Russia and Sweden so they've got a good chance at progressing past the group stage. Finally, neighbours Switzerland round off the group. Switzerland could only come runners up in their qualifying group after England's 100% record. The Swiss are in a tough group but should progress.
To qualify: France and Switzerland
Group B (England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia)
This is a tough group, make no mistake. England qualified for the tournament with a 100% record. Impressive when you consider there was a strong Swiss team in their group. Less impressive when you see that the remaining teams were Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino. Hardly European powerhouses. Nonetheless, they became only the sixth nation to achieve that feat. The main problem facing England are themselves. Although many of the squad play Champions League football, none of them play for a non-Premier League team. They lack experience of other leagues that makes other teams so potent. Russia are always dangerous, their squad is pretty strong but the same problem occurs with them as with England, only one of their squad plies his trade outside of Russia. Wales have had an outstanding qualifying run. They deserve to be at this tournament. Only time will tell how much of an impact Gareth Bale will have on proceedings. He is the best weapon in their arsenal (lol), but he is not the only one. They are in France because of an impressive collective team effort. Slovakia should be commended too, they came runners up in a qualifying group that included Spain and Ukraine. They deserve this opportunity as much as Wales do.
To qualify: England and Wales
Group C (Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland)
The world champions have something to prove. For too long, Spain had been the kings of Europe, then the world, then Europe again. Now it's Germany's turn to shine. Unfortunately, the team got off to a rocky start in 2016 by losing to England, beating Italy, losing to Slovakia and finally beating Hungary a few days ago. A mixed bag that does not set them up well for the Championships. They should still qualify from an incredibly simple group. Ukraine are here by virtue of a playoff win against Slovenia, Poland came second in the same qualifying group as Germany and Northern Ireland qualified from a group with only one top-20 FIFA ranked team in it, Hungary. Poland do have the qualifiers' top scorer in their ranks in Levandowski so they do have considerable attacking firepower up front so expect them to be dangerous going forward but porous at the back.
To qualify: Germany and Poland
Group D (Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey)
Impressive list of holiday destinations aside, this is a tough group. Spain should qualify, but the way they were torn apart in their opening match against The Netherlands in 2014 asks questions of the current crop of Spain players. Ironically, I think their main attacking threat comes from Hector Bellerin (but then I would say that, wouldn't I?). His pace makes him both potent going forward and dangerous for pacy attacking players in defense. Croatia are always a danger, qualifying from the same group as Italy. The Czech Republic topped their qualifying group with Turkey as runners up so they know each other pretty well. It will be an interesting match up with difficulty predicting the outcome of the group as there are some strong teams with none having to get here by way of a playoff berth.
To qualify: Spain and Czech Republic
Group E (Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden)
Why Belgium are ranked second in the world is beyond me. It's a real struggle to understand the FIFA coefficient system. Quarter-finalists in Brazil, couldn't beat Wales in qualifying and a mixed bag in the friendlies leading up to the Championships and they're ranked second? Nah, that doesn't sit well with me. Anyway, it's a tough group to qualify from. Ireland will give it everything, with memories of their 2002 heroics in Japan and South Korea still very much in people's minds with Roy Keane as assistant manager of the current side. Italy are Italy and should qualify and do well. Although they have lost a lot of the shine that made them World Champions in 2006. Sweden have Zlatan. Need I say more? Yes, they won't qualify.
To qualify: Italy and Belgium
Group F (Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal)
Not really a tough group. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, should prove victorious. Austria qualified top of a group that included Russia and Sweden so I wouldn't write them off. Especially when you consider that they didn't lose on their way to qualifying. Iceland also qualified from a tough group, beating World Cup semi-finalists The Netherlands twice en-route to a runners-up finish. Hungary had to settle for a playoff berth but beat Norway to book their place at France 2016.
To qualify: Portugal and Austria
It'll be a tough call to predict, but I think France will come out on top. I believe that the team and the country need the win after the last few years. I read an article recently that commented on how France was divided before the World Cup in 1998 right down religious, political and societal lines and I can't help but see that those issues have reared their ugly head again. Nobody likes the French. They're an arrogant and self-serving group of xenophobes who spend most of their Tuesday to Wednesday, 9-4 with a two hour break for lunch, working lives on strike but the country is hurting. Extremist groups are there in the foreground everywhere you look. I'll be cheering on England (because Greece didn't qualify) but I hope that France do well. It won't heal the pain of the last few years, but it will help.
Sunday, 15 May 2016
What A Finale!
This Premier League season has been nothing short of extraordinary. 5000-1 outsiders Leicester claimed their first ever league title with three games to spare. You have got to hand it to them, they did a marvellous job. Everyone thought they would peter out well before the end but they held their own and completed one of the best footballing stories for a generation. I think that most football fans wanted them to win in the end.
Actually, there wasn't a huge amount to play for on the last day of the season, Leicester were crowned winners, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich knew they would spend 2016/17 in the second tier which left just the final Champions League spot up for grabs, and a lot of North London pride.
Tottenham and Arsenal began today two points apart in second and third, respectively. Both had Champions League berths assured earlier on in the week so, realistically, they had nothing to play for. Except the record that Tottenham haven't finished higher than Arsenal in the league for 21 years. Twenty-one years! My brother wasn't even born when Tottenham last finished above Arsenal. That's a record that doesn't sit well with the white part of North London and this was their chance, their opportunity to get one over on their bigger, more talented and more successful neighbours. Ten years after Lasagna-gate and here we are again, except this was purely for pride.
For Arsenal to leapfrog Tottenham into the runners up spot, Arsenal had to beat an already-relegated Aston Villa side and Tottenham had to lose to an already-relegated Newcastle side. Tottenham only needed a point from the match because of superior goal difference.
I was at the Emirates today. I am going to tell you what it was like from my perspective. This incredible, sunny day that was full of so much tension. It's days like these that are one of the many reasons I love football.
2.45pm In the ground. Phone buzzes (I get updates from various Sport Apps). Parts of Old Trafford evacuated. Ah, that's not good at all.
2.55pm More news coming in that the rest of Old Trafford is getting evacuated. Arsenal and Aston Villa players gather in the tunnel before coming on to the pitch.
3pm Kick off around the country, except at Old Trafford. Constantly looking at my phone to see if there's any more news. Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham.
3.04pm Goal! The relief around the ground is plain to see. We've got an early goal! Surely that has to put pressure on Spurs up North? Arsenal settle into a rhythm. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham.
3.08pm Match abandoned at Old Trafford - suspect package. Five words start going round in my head: that could have been us. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham.
3.18pm Goal! But not a the Emirates. It's the one we'd all been hoping for and the stadium erupts as the news is passed around - Newcastle have scored! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 1-0 Tottenham.
3.39pm Goal! Again, not at the Emirates but up at St James's Park! Newcastle have another! Someone is standing on his seat towards the back of The North Bank holding up his hand and displaying two fingers. The Emirates erupts with cheers again. Someone recommends that no-one tell the Arsenal players. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
3.41pm Someone told the Arsenal players. They now look like they're just playing to get to half time. Come on guys! We need another goal! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
3.45pm Half time. If Arsenal come out in the second half and play like they did in the last 10 minutes of the first then we will struggle. We might even concede. At least Tottenham are still losing up North... Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
3.56pm Bomb disposal experts arrive at Old Trafford. Kelly Smith and Pedro Martinez Losa parade the Women's FA Cup in front of a very appreciative, if a little tense, Emirates crowd. Seriously, well done to the Arsenal Ladies, that was a phenomenal achievement. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
4pm Back under way. Remember, Arsenal need to win and Tottenham need to lose. It's a very anxious crowd in the sun-drenched Emirates Stadium. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
4.09pm The players must have had the highlights reel from St James's Park on in the changing room. The lazy passing and 'walk the ball into the back of the net' mentality is still there from the end of the first half. Are they not aware that only a win will do? Since we scored, we've gone forty-five minutes without even going close. Nerves are beginning to fray. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
4.18pm Goal! It's not what we wanted. Tottenham have sneaked a way back into the match. The thoughts on a Tottenham fightback start to make the crowd very edgy, especially when the payers seem to not care that much. Newcastle are still in the lead but they are already relegated, playing for nothing. It doesn't look good. On the pitch, Aston Villa win a couple of corners and the excellent Villa supporters cheer for them as if they'd scored. What a great group of fans! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham.
4.24pm Oh no! Suddenly, the future looks incredibly bleak. Newcastle have a man sent off. Now, it's a relegated side reduced to 10 men against a resurgent Tottenham side intent on getting the better of their noisy neighbours. Arsenal supports begin to resign themselves to third place. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham.
4.31pm Goal! Stress? What stress? 10 man Newcastle win a dubious penalty and convert it. Was it a penalty or not? I'll tell you one thing, there wasn't a supporter in the Emirates that cared. Tottenham now had to score another two. Down on the pitch, Arsenal were trying there best to eke out a 1-1 draw without making it look like that was what they were aiming to do. Do they not realise that we still need to win?! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham.
4.35pm Goal! And the relief starts to set in around the ground. Olivier Giroud gets his second of the match and the Emirates goes wild. Surely that wraps things up? Villa can't come back from this and Newcastle must be sailing up North. Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham.
4.37pm Goal! That's it. Game over. Hat-trick hero Giroud knows it as much as the supporters do as he bounds over to celebrate by the corner flag. Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham.
4.42pm Goal! What? Really? The news filters round the stadium that Newcastle have added a fourth and the overriding sound of laughter is heard. Everyone relaxes and starts chanting again. You could have heard a pin drop not twenty minutes previously! Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 4-1 Tottenham.
4.43pm Goal! No sooner had we started laughing at Tottenham's expense than news filters through that they have conceded again! Newcastle, down to ten men and with nothing to play for have just torn apart a team that were at one point challenging for the Premier League title! If you're going to go down, you might as well make it a good show. The Arsenal fans whistle their approval and a few start chanting Rafa Benitez's name. It's becoming a party atmosphere. The tension and anxiety now replaced by relief and mirth. Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
4.49pm Goal! And what a way to end your Arsenal career! Mikel Arteta pings the ball from outside the box. The goalkeeper gets a finger to it and pushes it onto the bar but the ball drops straight down, off the 'keeper's back and into the goal. Cruel for Mark Bunn, delight for Arteta. What a rock he has been. A standing ovation for the club captain as you can see the pleasure written all over his face. Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
4.51pm Full time up North. That's it! Unless we concede four goals in ninety seconds, Arsenal finish second in the Premier League! Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
4.52pm Full time! Happy St Totteringham's Day to everyone! Suddenly, all those supporters and fans take their phones out, video the reaction and the chanting and immediately send them to Tottenham-supporting friends of theirs. I left a voicemail, which I do slightly regret. Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
I don't think my heart will ever be the same again after the rollercoaster of the day. it was properly epic. Just looking back, I don't know why we were so nervous. After Newcastle scored their fist, we were in second and we stayed there. But the combination of the red card, Tottenham's goal and the lack of intent from the Arsenal players for large swathes of the match just made it difficult to believe we were going to do it. Up until the last ten minutes of course.
I want to say thank you. Thank you to Leicester for giving us a fairytale story we can all get behind. Thank you to Arsenal and the fans for just being there, ever present, this season. Thank you to the Aston Villa fans. You were relegated but made the most out of a bad situation by making us laugh. Cheering corners and cheering our first goal was extremely classy of you. I hope to see you back here next August! Finally, thank you to the Greater Manchester Police Department. It was a tough call on such an important day but you reminded everyone that safety is a priority. Again, very classy.
Euro 2016 up next. Any thoughts?
Actually, there wasn't a huge amount to play for on the last day of the season, Leicester were crowned winners, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich knew they would spend 2016/17 in the second tier which left just the final Champions League spot up for grabs, and a lot of North London pride.
Tottenham and Arsenal began today two points apart in second and third, respectively. Both had Champions League berths assured earlier on in the week so, realistically, they had nothing to play for. Except the record that Tottenham haven't finished higher than Arsenal in the league for 21 years. Twenty-one years! My brother wasn't even born when Tottenham last finished above Arsenal. That's a record that doesn't sit well with the white part of North London and this was their chance, their opportunity to get one over on their bigger, more talented and more successful neighbours. Ten years after Lasagna-gate and here we are again, except this was purely for pride.
For Arsenal to leapfrog Tottenham into the runners up spot, Arsenal had to beat an already-relegated Aston Villa side and Tottenham had to lose to an already-relegated Newcastle side. Tottenham only needed a point from the match because of superior goal difference.
I was at the Emirates today. I am going to tell you what it was like from my perspective. This incredible, sunny day that was full of so much tension. It's days like these that are one of the many reasons I love football.
2.45pm In the ground. Phone buzzes (I get updates from various Sport Apps). Parts of Old Trafford evacuated. Ah, that's not good at all.
2.55pm More news coming in that the rest of Old Trafford is getting evacuated. Arsenal and Aston Villa players gather in the tunnel before coming on to the pitch.
3pm Kick off around the country, except at Old Trafford. Constantly looking at my phone to see if there's any more news. Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham.
3.04pm Goal! The relief around the ground is plain to see. We've got an early goal! Surely that has to put pressure on Spurs up North? Arsenal settle into a rhythm. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham.
3.08pm Match abandoned at Old Trafford - suspect package. Five words start going round in my head: that could have been us. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham.
3.18pm Goal! But not a the Emirates. It's the one we'd all been hoping for and the stadium erupts as the news is passed around - Newcastle have scored! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 1-0 Tottenham.
3.39pm Goal! Again, not at the Emirates but up at St James's Park! Newcastle have another! Someone is standing on his seat towards the back of The North Bank holding up his hand and displaying two fingers. The Emirates erupts with cheers again. Someone recommends that no-one tell the Arsenal players. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
3.41pm Someone told the Arsenal players. They now look like they're just playing to get to half time. Come on guys! We need another goal! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
3.45pm Half time. If Arsenal come out in the second half and play like they did in the last 10 minutes of the first then we will struggle. We might even concede. At least Tottenham are still losing up North... Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
3.56pm Bomb disposal experts arrive at Old Trafford. Kelly Smith and Pedro Martinez Losa parade the Women's FA Cup in front of a very appreciative, if a little tense, Emirates crowd. Seriously, well done to the Arsenal Ladies, that was a phenomenal achievement. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
4pm Back under way. Remember, Arsenal need to win and Tottenham need to lose. It's a very anxious crowd in the sun-drenched Emirates Stadium. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
4.09pm The players must have had the highlights reel from St James's Park on in the changing room. The lazy passing and 'walk the ball into the back of the net' mentality is still there from the end of the first half. Are they not aware that only a win will do? Since we scored, we've gone forty-five minutes without even going close. Nerves are beginning to fray. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham.
4.18pm Goal! It's not what we wanted. Tottenham have sneaked a way back into the match. The thoughts on a Tottenham fightback start to make the crowd very edgy, especially when the payers seem to not care that much. Newcastle are still in the lead but they are already relegated, playing for nothing. It doesn't look good. On the pitch, Aston Villa win a couple of corners and the excellent Villa supporters cheer for them as if they'd scored. What a great group of fans! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham.
4.24pm Oh no! Suddenly, the future looks incredibly bleak. Newcastle have a man sent off. Now, it's a relegated side reduced to 10 men against a resurgent Tottenham side intent on getting the better of their noisy neighbours. Arsenal supports begin to resign themselves to third place. Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham.
4.31pm Goal! Stress? What stress? 10 man Newcastle win a dubious penalty and convert it. Was it a penalty or not? I'll tell you one thing, there wasn't a supporter in the Emirates that cared. Tottenham now had to score another two. Down on the pitch, Arsenal were trying there best to eke out a 1-1 draw without making it look like that was what they were aiming to do. Do they not realise that we still need to win?! Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham.
4.35pm Goal! And the relief starts to set in around the ground. Olivier Giroud gets his second of the match and the Emirates goes wild. Surely that wraps things up? Villa can't come back from this and Newcastle must be sailing up North. Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham.
4.37pm Goal! That's it. Game over. Hat-trick hero Giroud knows it as much as the supporters do as he bounds over to celebrate by the corner flag. Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham.
4.42pm Goal! What? Really? The news filters round the stadium that Newcastle have added a fourth and the overriding sound of laughter is heard. Everyone relaxes and starts chanting again. You could have heard a pin drop not twenty minutes previously! Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 4-1 Tottenham.
4.43pm Goal! No sooner had we started laughing at Tottenham's expense than news filters through that they have conceded again! Newcastle, down to ten men and with nothing to play for have just torn apart a team that were at one point challenging for the Premier League title! If you're going to go down, you might as well make it a good show. The Arsenal fans whistle their approval and a few start chanting Rafa Benitez's name. It's becoming a party atmosphere. The tension and anxiety now replaced by relief and mirth. Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
4.49pm Goal! And what a way to end your Arsenal career! Mikel Arteta pings the ball from outside the box. The goalkeeper gets a finger to it and pushes it onto the bar but the ball drops straight down, off the 'keeper's back and into the goal. Cruel for Mark Bunn, delight for Arteta. What a rock he has been. A standing ovation for the club captain as you can see the pleasure written all over his face. Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
4.51pm Full time up North. That's it! Unless we concede four goals in ninety seconds, Arsenal finish second in the Premier League! Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
4.52pm Full time! Happy St Totteringham's Day to everyone! Suddenly, all those supporters and fans take their phones out, video the reaction and the chanting and immediately send them to Tottenham-supporting friends of theirs. I left a voicemail, which I do slightly regret. Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa. Newcastle 5-1 Tottenham.
I don't think my heart will ever be the same again after the rollercoaster of the day. it was properly epic. Just looking back, I don't know why we were so nervous. After Newcastle scored their fist, we were in second and we stayed there. But the combination of the red card, Tottenham's goal and the lack of intent from the Arsenal players for large swathes of the match just made it difficult to believe we were going to do it. Up until the last ten minutes of course.
I want to say thank you. Thank you to Leicester for giving us a fairytale story we can all get behind. Thank you to Arsenal and the fans for just being there, ever present, this season. Thank you to the Aston Villa fans. You were relegated but made the most out of a bad situation by making us laugh. Cheering corners and cheering our first goal was extremely classy of you. I hope to see you back here next August! Finally, thank you to the Greater Manchester Police Department. It was a tough call on such an important day but you reminded everyone that safety is a priority. Again, very classy.
Euro 2016 up next. Any thoughts?
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
Tennis - the Next Big Scandal
So, football has been trashed by Sepp Blatter (YouTube Hugh Dennis on the pronounciation), Athletics by Lamine Diack and Cycling by Lance Armstrong Who'd have ever though that tennis would get involved in this doping scandal?
Well, me. Yes, technically, football doesn't have a doping scandal (yet), but that's not my point. If you look back over the last 10 years, there's been a marked increase in the technology used to catch people using performance enhancing techniques (I have to use that and not drugs because of blood doping) to cheat in the sport they're competing in. I doubt there's a single sport out there that isn't about to be exposed for widespread doping.
Now, I'm not about to say that the top level of tennis competitors like the likeable Roger Federer, the tough Novak Djokovic and the robot Andy Murray are doping. Because they're probably not. What I am going to say is that there will be a meteoric rise from someone lower down which can only be attributed to out and out cheating.
You might be wondering where I'm heading with this, but bear with me. It leads to Sharapova. All roads lead to Maria Sharapova. She has admitted that she tested positive for a banned substance. This substance has been banned since January but Sharapova has been taking it for at least 10 years, going back to her first Grand Slam win.
Two questions arise because of this. First, why has this substance only just been added to the exhaustive list of banned products? And should Maria be subject to the highest penalty available and be stripped of her titles like Armstrong was?
I wholeheartedly disagree with the latter. Predominantly because she has admitted her faults, both as an athlete and as a human. She has been honest and forthcoming and I do believe that it was an honest mistake. She is a shining example of someone who has owned up to her failings and we should all move one from it.
The former is for the legal and science teams at the ITF. Should it have been added sooner? Probably not. Sooner or later the nanny dope-free state that will exist within high level athletics will ban coffee, because it contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. Or beers, because it contains alcohol, which dulls pain.
I'm going to be candid here and say that we should be throwing our support behind Maria Sharapova from every angle, especially today. She's an inspiration to all female athletes and the way she has conducted herself should be revered and not vilified.
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