We all love an underdog story. To see anyone face up to a challenge that seems impossible and yet overcome it provides hope and excitement for everyone. The story of an underdog battle through adversity is no more prevalent than in the Premier League when, on many occasions, a team who is not given a hope of survival, defies the critics and achieves success in the toughest competition in the world.
The 10 stories listed here are heralded as some of the greatest moments in Premier League history. From incredible comebacks and relegation avoiding victories, to unfounded league success and ‘David Vs Goliath’ style victories, all of these moments captured the watching football world and truly indicate why the English game is the most exciting, unpredictable and emotionally resonating in the world.
Click on the picture of a rocking Hawthorns to start the countdown
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It feels quite difficult not to be blinded be all the razzmatazz that’s surrounding Manchester United at the moment. A Marouane Fellaini induced defeat at Goodison Park last night may have brought supporters back down to earth, but the summer additions of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa have certainly brought a bit of glitz and glamour back to Old Trafford.
The Hollywood high profile feel of these sorts of acquisition always create a nice sense of pre-season belief, but it’s important not to forget the components of an already successful team. Because there is one player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side who may not necessarily bestow the flair and high profile of some of his colleagues, but he isn’t half crucial to the team’s future prospects. Antonio Valencia is more industry than ingenious; but he must start games for United.
It was a refreshing sight to see that amongst the influx of talent at Manchester United this summer, there was still room for Antonio Valencia in the starting line-up at Everton last night. It did however, soon become very clear that the Ecuadorian was in the team more as emergency cover than essential winger, as his stint at right back suggested. But whilst he suffered a difficult evening at the hands of the marauding Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar, his first-team prospects may strangely have been handed a boost.
Because for all United’s crisp passing and pretty patterns across the midfield, they failed to really create anything in the way of clear-cut chances. Now, before the sirens come out for media stirring and overreaction, you can’t read too much into the first game of the season; especially against a team as dogged and competitive as David Moyes’ Everton. But they were craving a more direct outlet last night or at least something a little more effective.
And they have the asset to do just that, although emergency right-back probably isn’t the most effective way to deploy him. Antonio Valencia is the quiet man of Old Trafford and his lack of baggage and fuss is perhaps testament to a Premier League profile that is often overshadowed by the likes of Nani and Ashley Young. Valencia gets on with the job and does it effectively. No rubbish, no whining and little theatrics. Just an outstanding work ethic and one of the most wicked deliveries in the league.
It’s always been like that since day one of Valencia’s Old Trafford career. He was brought in amongst a strangely muted atmosphere at Manchester United in 2009, following the £80miilion departure of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, and expectations for the new season were somewhat mixed. Despite the gifted talent of the man that had just departed, Valencia is of course a completely different package to the Portuguese, but that didn’t necessarily stop him being labeled as a replacement.
But Valencia got his head down and stuck to his game, paying dividends for both Manchester United and Wayne Rooney in particular, during his first term in Manchester. United narrowly lost out to Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea for the Premier League title during the 2009-10 term, but Valencia played his part, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions. The biggest benefactor was Rooney, who owed Valencia more than a few drinks as the winger played a key part in helping the Englishman net 34 goals in all competitions during his real breakthrough season as a goal scorer. Valencia didn’t showcase the sort of showboating or goal scoring talents of his predecessor, but it didn’t matter- his game is about effectiveness and he proved that in abundance.
Even last season, as Sir Alex Ferguson swooped for the services of Ashley Young, some still raised question marks about Valencia’s ability to survive in a squad that boasted both Young and Nani. But the statistics speak for themselves. Valencia knocked up 13 assists in the Premier League last season, second only to David Silva’s tally of 15 for eventual champions, Manchester City. Nani may be more of a match winner, but Valencia is perhaps the more consistent outlet with his almost industrial levels of performance.
He needs to add more goals to his game, but his role is as that of the provider, not the show stealer. His game is built around selflessness- he puts in the sort of tireless shifts defensively that his rivals would baulk at; look no further than Fergie’s decision to start with him in the Champions League final against Barcelona for evidence. But it’s his delivery that is the centerpiece of his game. In a league where we so often talk about the fabled notion of end-product, Valencia has it in abundance and he has produced the goods time and time again. His explosive pace and imposing strength catalyze the wonderful craft of his right foot. No need for step overs and no need for messing around- just a truly scintillating ball into the box.
And this is what Manchester United have to ensure they keep in their starting XI. Sir Alex has a lot of options in midfield now, but he can’t become too seduced by the aesthetically pleasing passing game or creating his own ‘carousel’ as he likes to call it. They need a cutting edge to compliment the craft. Shinji Kagawa is a wonderful prospect but he’s no wide player and his success at Borussia Dortmund came in a far more central role. Balancing the team is an art but there is one man who could prosper more than any from Valencia’s presence in the team.
When you sign a 30-goal-a-season striker, you need to give him the best possible service you have available. Valencia was, as already mentioned, a crucial component in eeking goals out of Wayne Rooney when he started playing higher up the pitch. There’s no reason why he can’t repeat the trick with Van Persie. Young and Nani are both creative outlets and they offer perhaps a more dynamic option to Sir Alex on the flanks. But surely the best bet in terms of getting the best out of Robin van Persie is plumping for the Ecuadorian.
Robin van Persie harnessethe sort of firepower that can see Manchester United back as Premier League champions again. But he’s not going to be able to do it all on his own. But be it Van Persie and Rooney up front together, Rooney just behind, or even Danny Welbeck for that matter, the purest choice of winger to get the most out of your attack must be Antonio Valencia.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Manchester United host Fulham this Saturday at Old Trafford and it’ll be interesting to see if Ferguson will maintain his faith in Valencia. Let’s just hope he’s played a little bit further up the pitch this weekend.
How do you feel about the role Valencia has to play in the United team this season? Guarenteed starter or forever in Nani & Young’s shadow? Let me know how you’d get the best out of Van Persie on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and tweet me your line-up.
Today I’m tasked with writing a blog on Sheffield Wednesday on the same day that David Cameron stated in the House of Commons, “Today’s report is black and white. The Liverpool fans were not the cause of the (Hillsborough) disaster.”
Cameron then went on to issue a “proper and profound apology on behalf of the government and the country”.
How am I meant to follow this? Lets face it, the biggest news to come out of Sheffield Wednesday of late is that, 23 years after the incident, the club have apologised for what happened that day.
A statement said, “Chairman Milan Mandaric and the current board of directors have adopted a policy of complete compliance with the requests of the Hillsborough Independent Panel and on behalf of the club would like to offer our sincere condolences and an apology to all the families who have suffered as a consequence of the tragic events of 15 April, 1989.”
As for the national news, the full extent of the huge police cover up that ensued after the Hillsborough Disaster is now out in the open. Sickeningly, it is thought that 41 of the 96 fans that died could have survived after the cut-off point of 15.15pm set by the coroner, meanwhile, 116 of the 164 police statements had been altered to fit better what the police wanted people to believe.
In the HoC, Ed Miliband said it best, he said, “It shames us as a country that it has taken 23 years to get to the truth of what happened at Hillsborough.”
I’m sorry, as a Wednesdayite I wanted to do a blog on how we need to use the Brighton game this weekend to bounce back from the Crystal Palace defeat, how the international break may have given us a chance to regroup, and how I want Dave Jones to make sure that the defeat remains as a blip and not the beginning of a bad spell.
However, as a football fan it’s hard. 96 people were lost at a football game, in my home city. I know that the state of football grounds back then was an accident waiting to happen. I know that there are several factors to look at with regards to what happened that day and that several people must take the blame for what transpired. I also know that it shouldn’t have taken place, those people shouldn’t have died, and more importantly, my local police force shouldn’t have tried to cover it up and try to blame the innocent.
I have no doubt there were a handful of drunken Liverpool fans in and around Hillsborough that day, I think you’d be pushed to find a football ground in the country that doesn’t have a few people who are bevvied up in it’s parameters on match day, however, does that mean they can be blamed for what happened? Of course it doesn’t. Does that give the police the right to try and scapegoat them? No it bloody well doesn’t.
I can’t really even fathom what the families of the victims must have been going through all these years. Personally I’m horrified that the police force in my local area would have gone to such extents to exonerate themselves, and secondly, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t do more to help the cause over the years.
I wasn’t even born when all of this went on, all I’ve been able to do is read about it from people who were there, who saw it all. I’m not going to profess to being an expert on the matter, but after today’s revelations what I can do is concur with my team’s statement when they say, “We can only hope that the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report goes some way to providing the closure sought by all those involved.
“The thoughts of everyone at Sheffield Wednesday FC remain with the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives, their families, and the wider Liverpool community who have all been affected so deeply by the disaster of 23 years ago.”
This weekend we take on Brighton, a team level with us on points, but five goals ahead of us with regards to goal difference. A win would put us back on track and help us continue the push towards the Premier League that so many Owls fans are looking for.
It’s going to be a tough week or so for Jones and his boys if they’re looking to start another unbeaten run, after Brighton we’ve got Huddersfield and Bolton to consider, but I’m confident.
I’ve said it before, one defeat isn’t a problem, it’s a stumbling block. It’s all about how you overcome that block that sets the tone for your season. And do you know what? I have complete faith that DJ can help our talented squad overcome this stumble with flying colours. Onwards and upwards boys.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
By the way, it looks like we’re all but certain to get Ross Barkley from Everton on loan. No one can really say how this will work out, but he’s a damn talented boy and should be a good addition to our ranks.
The stage was set for another audition soaked in scrutiny, as Crystal Palace faced Huddersfield Town under the bright lights of the television cameras. With the January transfer window less than a fortnight away, young starlet Wilfried Zaha was once again the talk of the town.
The match commenced in a nightmare fashion for the Eagles when Damien Delaney saw red for an ugly lunge on James Vaughan after just 10 minutes. However, the home side embodied the fading cliché that it’s harder to play against ten men and deservedly took the lead when Zaha combined with his partner in crime Yannick Bolasie to score his fifth goal of the season.
A disappointing 1-1 scoreline failed to disguise another promising performance that saw Zaha awarded Sky Sport’s Man of the Match. After his comments on the game itself, attention swiftly turned to his ambivalent future at Selhurst Park and while the club will be reluctant to let their prize asset leave, could a deal that sees Zaha return on loan be the best option for all parties concerned?
The interest in the 20-year-old is set to reach fever pitch next month with an extensive list of potential suitors growing by the day. Palace chairman Steve Parish has insisted the player will not be sold while the team are pursuing promotion and with the boundaries between success and failure often coming down to the smallest of margins, Zaha’s individual brilliance could well prove the deciding factor.
The £20m valuation may have caused the football community to collectively roll their eyes but the club are finally in a position of financial security in which it doesn’t want or need to sell their best players. The potential for a bidding war is an increasing possibility – especially if Liverpool enter the fray – which means that now could be the perfect opportunity to conduct a lucrative sale, without technically losing the player.
Ian Holloway is clearly growing weary of recycled speculation and may decide to cash in simply to give his tongue a rest, but then again he’s hardly the strong, silent type. No, he is a manager that thrives in the transfer market, sourcing potential bargains to build a team from revived rejects and forgotten talent. If Holloway can attract the likes of Charlie Adam on a shoestring budget, imagine what he could achieve when the purse strings are a little looser.
Much like Lionel Messi, Zaha has enjoyed an extraordinary year and attracts a similar number of terrified defenders every time he receives the ball. His confidence levels and newfound ruthless streak has propelled him into position as the Championship’s finest talent.
However, he has faded slightly since his recognition at international level, a victim of his own success, who is still trying to cope with the expectation and pressure of modern football. Perhaps therefore a confirmed Premier League destination could alleviate the shackles that come with constantly trying to impress, without being thrown into the deep end midway through the season. The discarded talent of players that have moved too soon are littered in every top-flight reserve squad in the country.
Maybe it’s best if Zaha departs the club altogether to make room for the numerous other attacking youngsters lurking on the outskirts of the first-team. The names Jonathan Williams and Kyle De Silva may not resonate on the conscious of the average football fan but they are next in line to carry the homegrown torch at the club.
If or rather when Zaha achieves his big money move, it should make Crystal Palace far more desirable when trying to tie down potential stars. With the threat of the Elite Player Performance Plan, it will be crucial that players understand they too can achieve first-team football and walk a familiar route to the Premier League via the club’s youth academy. Maybe, the term ‘feeder club’ won’t be a negative label one day, especially if the Eagles can build a reputation for selling players at the right time, for the right price.
It seems obvious that any transfer bid received in January will be made infinitely more attractive by the option to keep Zaha until the summer. However, it’s difficult to draw up a list of appealing destinations that would be willing to offer such a clause.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal are perhaps favourites given the player’s affinity with the club and Arsene Wenger’s act of public admiration. However, he’s likely to be drafted straight into the senior squad, especially if ‘contract rebel’ Theo Walcott departs, but when have the Gunners ever spent the money needed to acquire a high-profile signing? Andrei Arshavin is one name that springs to mind but that move has essentially ended in tears.
Likewise, today’s tabloids suggest Spurs have made the first official contact, which makes this whole affair sound like a boring episode of Star Trek, but Daniel Levy is unlikely to offer a fee north of £10m, which makes his interest rather futile. Manchester City on the other hand have the bank balance to meet the player’s soaring estimation, but why would any youngster even consider descending on Eastlands since watching Adam Johnson’s and Scott Sinclair’s careers grind to a halt.
Manchester United appear the most feasible candidates, given their existing plethora of attacking talent both on the flanks and up front. Sir Alex Ferguson is clearly striving to build a bright future as his retirement date looms ever nearer and I can think of no brighter prospect than Wilfried Zaha.
West Ham welcome Sunderland to Upton Park on Saturday hoping to maintain their 100% home record.
Martin O’Neil brings his side to East London in search of their first three points having drawn all three of their opening Premier League fixtures.
Whilst unbeaten, Sunderland know their creativity needs to improve, having averaged just five shots per game this season, the lowest in the division.
Allardyce see’s his side currently sitting in eighth, and knows a victory could see them leapfrog into the top four ahead of Sunday’s fixtures.
Carlton Cole is set to continue deputising for the injured Andy Carroll, although the on loan Liverpool striker has returned to light training. Jack Collison also remains sidelined with a knee injury, whilst Matt Jarvis could make his first start for his new club after finding himself on the bench for last weekends trip to Norwich.
Sunderland remain without the injured trio of Carlos Cueller (hamstring), Phil Bardsley (ankle) and Wes Brown (knee).
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
A late decision is expected to be made on Adam Johnson, after the winger was forced to withdraw from the England squad a fortnight ago with a thigh problem.
With two of English football’s most hallowed sides prepare to face off tomorrow night, it seems apt to look back at some of the truly epic clashes between Manchester United and Newcastle through the years. The Magpies and the Red Devils have come to blows (literally on some occasions) across the decades, creating moments that get discussed annually in the build-up to the clubs’ modern day meetings.
From home wins to away day shocks, terrific goals to bundled tap-ins and league wins to cup triumphs, this fixture has had something to cater for every football fan through the years, so here are ten of the very best Manchester United vs. Newcastle ties…
[interaction ]
Newcastle 4-3 Man Utd, 2001
In homage to Sir Bobby Robson’s 100th game in charge, his side recorded a memorable 4-3 home win against United. The Geordies were 3-1 up with just over 30 minutes on the clock, before two goals in as many minutes from Ryan Giggs and Juan Sebastian Veron looked to have put the momentum well and truly with the travelling side. However, that man Alan Shearer popped up in the 82nd minute to drive the ball into the net and send the home fans into a state of euphoria. To cap an awful day for United, Roy Keane was dismissed late on for aiming a punch at the Newcastle No. 9.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle, 2005
With a weakened team and an awful record at Old Trafford (their last win at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ having occurred in 1972), Newcastle kicked off at United with optimism in short supply. However, a shock Darren Ambrose effort put the ‘Toon’ 1-0 heading into the second-half. But, the visitors’ joy was turned into despair with one swing of a precocious Wayne Rooney’s right boot, as the then youngster sent one of the finest volleys in Premier League history fizzing into Shay Given’s net. Wes Brown’s headed winner was not quite as spectacular, but it did complete another comeback win for United.
Newcastle 6-3 Man Utd, 1910
For one of Newcastle’s finest moments against the champions we have to travel back over a century to 1910. In a time where football was a far cry from the game we now know, Newcastle smashed six goals past their rivals to record one of their finest performances against the Red Devils. Little is known about the game itself, but braces from Stan Seymour and Neil Harris, allied to Andrew Smailes’ and Tom Phillipson’s efforts have gone down in the history books.
Man Utd 4-3 Newcastle, 2012
A little over two years ago the two sides met at Old Trafford, with Manchester United (surprise, surprise) clinching a win with last gasp strike. The Red Devils trailed the ‘Toon’ on three occasions, each time levelling the scoreline during the Boxing Day clash. Eventually Javier Hernandez popped up in the closing minutes of the tie to bury a trademark poacher’s effort.
Newcastle 2-6 Man Utd, 2003
St James’ Park has traditionally been a fairly fruitful venue for United, and their 6-2 win in 2003 still goes down as one of their finest visits to the North East. Paul Scholes grabbed the headlines with an excellent hat-trick, while Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also found the back of the net to win a clash in which they visitors has at one stage trailed in.
Newcastle 5-0 Man Utd, 1996
Arguably Newcastle’s finest ever performance produced one of the very best games in Premier League history, with one of division’s most magical goals completing a stunning 5-0 scoreline. After narrowly missing out on the title at the hands of their rivals in the previous campaign, the Magpies were out for revenge, and they certainly punished United for the pain caused earlier in the year. Darren Peacock opened the scoring with a controversial headed effort, before David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer made it 4-0. Then came the moment that capped one of the finest games in the English football’s history as Philippe Albert released an audacious chip from 25 yards. Magical.
Newcastle 0-1 Man Utd, 1996
It is often said that good and great strikers are separated by what happens when they are having a quiet game. The good will sometimes fade into the background, while the great are always a threat, a point which was proven in 1996 by Eric Cantona. The enigmatic Frenchman was having one of his more reserved performances, but still managed to provide one moment of class to fire his side to victory. The United icon met a perfect cross from the left hand side and crashed a bouncing volley into the net for all three points.
Newcastle 1-4 Man Utd, 2005
Chances for silverware have been few and far between in the North East in recent decades, but one opportunity that was presented to Newcastle came in 2005. For all of their efforts, the ‘Toon’ met a nearly unstoppable United side at the Millennium Stadium in the FA Cup, who eventually ran out 4-1 winners to book a spot in the final – which they ultimately lost to Arsenal. The Red Devils were 3-0 up with 30 minutes on the clock, before Shola Ameobi pulled one back to give the Geordies dreams of a comeback. However, their joy was short-lived, as Cristiano Ronaldo put the tie to bed 15 minutes later.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Newcastle 3-0 Man Utd, 2012
Newcastle were flying high in early 2012, starting the calendar year with an excellent 3-0 rout against their Manchester rivals. Demba Ba opened the scoring before Yohan Cabaye curled a sumptuous free-kick past Anders Lindegaard. United attempted to fight back, and came close on several occasions, before a 90th minute own goal from Phil Jones completed a scoreline that didn’t flatter the home side.
Newcastle 2-4 Man Utd, 1986
Nearly 32,000 fans at St James’ Park saw Manchester United secure a memorable 4-2 victory in 1986. Two goals from mark Hughes sent the visitors on their way, before Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside rounded off the Red Devils’ scoring. This result extended United’s winning run against the black and whites, whose last victory in the tie came way back in 1973.
When the eccentric Dutchman was first announced as the new main man down at Old Trafford for the upcoming season, Louis van Gaal brought with him a wealth of experience that most believed would serve him well at Manchester United. Coming in off the back of a strong World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, as well as previously working wonders for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga – it seemed to most that the Red Devils had finally found an adequate replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Life in the Premier League rarely matches initial expectations however. Seeing as van Gaal spent well over £100million on some truly high profile players throughout the summer, Manchester United haven’t exactly had the best of seasons in 2014/21, with their current fourth spot in the table looking particularly vulnerable to say the least.
Last week’s meagre offering allowed Garry Monk’s determined Swansea outfit to complete the double over United this season, so with Bayern’s Pep Guardiola reportedly being touted as a potential replacement for the Dutchman come the end of the season, are Manchester United already starting to grow tired of Louis van Gaal?
Former Manchester United favourite, Gary Neville, has had much to say on the topic of van Gaal’s proposed departure.
Speaking on the potential eventuality that his former side fail to make the top-four this season, the Old Trafford and England star remains resolute that “Louis van Gaal should not be sacked.”
“He has to get the Champions League but, on the other hand, if he didn’t, no, you can’t just sack a manager one year and then sack another manager the year after. Where do you go from there?”
Regardless of their fate come the end of the season, Neville believes that Manchester United should not cause themselves any further instability by becoming a club known for being impatient with their managerial appointments.
“There has to be a level of continuity. I absolutely believe this time there will be continuity at Man United and they will stand by him even if he doesn’t finish in the top four, and that’s the right thing to do.”
Having said that though, many of the Old Trafford faithful will have to think twice about David Moyes’ reign with their team if van Gaal equally disappoints this season. The Dutchman has certainly had a great deal more fire power at his disposal than his Scottish predecessor, yet despite spending a quite frankly obscene amount of cash throughout the summer, the likes of Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria have simply failed to slot in effectively alongside the magnitude of stars already in place at the club.
In light of such developments, just how well would former Barcelona boss, Pep Guardiola, be suited at United should Louis van Gaal ultimately face the sack? The Champions League winning manager certainly brings with him a great deal of contacts at the Nou Camp, and with talk of Lionel Messi eventually leaving his boyhood club doing the rounds of late, Manchester United fans would inevitably be excited by the potential transfers on offer should the Spaniard be appointed.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
On the other hand, Guardiola has no real incentive to leave his current post at Bayern Munich at the moment – especially if the Red Devils fail to qualify for the Champions League. The 44-year-old former player already has some world class talent at his disposal in Germany – Philip Lahm, Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski to name just a few – and as Bayern have looked particularly formidable this campaign, thoughts of achieving the ultimate success in Europe will largely be dominating Guardiola’s mind at this current stage.
Come the end of the season though, and everybody’s perspective might just be that little bit different. Gary Neville’s analysis remains a sensible one however. Manchester United do not want to become known as unstable and untrustworthy in their decision making. Whilst Louis van Gaal may certainly be flattering to deceive at this moment, a knee-jerk dismissal of the Dutchman really wouldn’t do the famous English club any favours in this seemingly transitional period of their history. Regardless of the excitement surrounding Guardiola, Louis van Gaal is United’s man.
It has been coming for a few seasons now. Bacary Sagna’s injuries have finally caught up with him. He has lost that yard of pace and incision which used t0 ensure he was a cut above of all the other full backs in the Premier League.
The right hand side is a flank which is left heavily exposed with Arsenal due to Theo Walcott choosing to wreak most of his havoc down this wing.
Nacho Monreal has been signed on the left hand side to combat the wing threat other teams posses which has been the undoing of the North London club recently but this only half resolves the issue.
Bale and Lennon painfully exposed the inefficiencies down the sides of the Gunners and they will not want to see that slicing apart repeated any time soon.
Wenger’s success used to be built on knowing when it was the right time to move players on and develop the team for the better when it is necessary.
Despite Sagna still being capable enough he is not up to the burden of the upper echelons of the Champions League anymore so drastic action needs to be taken.
Arsenal’s dominant play has always been based around counter attacking starting from the fullbacks so solving their current right back conundrum could reignite them back to the glory trail they so desperately desire.
To see who Arsenal need to defensively deploy on the right click on the man himself to reveal the list
Summary: Southampton and West Ham moved another point closer to Premier League safety after sharing the spoils in a lively encounter at St Mary’s.
The Saints dominated much of the game but failed to make their first half pressure count with top scorer Rickie Lambert going closest to breaking the deadlock as he stretched to meet Gaston Ramirez’s free kick at the far post only for Jussi Jaaskelainen to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men continued to press and eventually took the lead through Ramirez just before the hour. Taking advantage of a loose clearance, the Uruguayan saw his first effort blocked but had the presence of mind to pounce on the ball as it became free again and expertly finished pas Jaaskelainen.
That sparked the Hammers into life and they equalised six minutes later. Jos Hooiveld brought an end to Mohamed Diame’s powerful run 25-yards from the home goal and Andy Carroll proceeded to smash the free kick towards goal with the ball deflecting twice before finding its way past Artur Boruc.
Mauricio Pochettino post-match…”I do think we deserved the victory. We worked superbly and were better than them. We knew they would be physical and direct but I want to congratulate my players because we managed to impose our brand of football even though the pitch suited them.”
Sam Allardyce post-match…”In the end I thought we were more than comfortable. Away goals have been our problem all season and we again created some simple chances which we didn’t convert. There are six games left, we have 38 points and are in a nice position in the league.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Good day for?…James Collins: West Ham centre back was a tower of strength at the back keeping Rickie Lambert in close quarters for 90 minutes – a feat most Premier League clubs have failed to achieve this season.
Bad day for?…Jos Hooiveld: Found life difficult up against the physical presence of Carroll and was penalised for a foul on Mohamed Diame that led to West Ham’s equaliser.
Adnan Januzaj is a star that has sparkled so far this season among the relative mediocrity at Manchester United. A brace to snatch the points against Sunderland last time out allowed the rising talent to firmly announce himself on the Premier League scene.
Belgian born Januzaj has unsurprisingly earned himself quite a following, with all manner of people fighting tirelessly for both his domestic and international signature; the latter is possibly the more intriguing. Gone are apparently the days when you simply played for the country you are born in, the case of Januzaj is much more complicated. His ancestry allows him to have eligibility for a handful of nations including England and the precocious Januzaj could well have a big decision on his hands in the near future.
The Brussels born teen has been hard pressed to join the Belgian golden generation but an Albanian father and Kosovan mother may well make the decision a little more complicated. Add to this Serbian and Turkish grandparents and you can begin to see the difficulties that Januzaj has going forward. The link to England is slightly more tenuous, with eligibility stemming from employment above all else.
Standing over the precipice of international footballing failure, securing Januzaj as an England international would be quite the coup. At 18 he may still be far from the finished product but if his recent cameo’s and form in the development squad are anything to go by he could well be a major star for many years to come.
Januzaj though has made it clear that any decision over his international future will be delayed in favour of a focus on his current club Manchester United:
“At the moment, international football isn’t something that I’ve thought a lot about,” Januzaj is quoted by the Daily Mirror.
“I know that, first, I have to concentrate on what I do for United, because that is the most important part of my career right now.
“I want to play well for United and give everything for my club.”
[ad_pod id=’tui’ align=’center’]
This is certainly a lifeline for the English national team who looked set to fall behind the likes of Belgium and Albania for the United man’s services. The attitude of Januzaj is clearly as refreshing as it is prudent; this isn’t really a decision that should be taken lightly clearly. Personally I cannot help but feel a slight sense of unease that tempers the whole issue. Playing for your national team should come with a sense of pride and duty for ones homeland, it isn’t a question of choosing it is an allegiance that most people are born with.
Now obviously I don’t have quite as complex a family history as Januzaj, but people do. There are people that have travelled the world lived in all sorts of places and gained citizenship in a variety of states because of it. Very few people do however feel devoid of a homeland, there is always a sense of allegiance with a particular country.
Clearly he may be hard pressed between his country of birth and that of his parents, but a decision to represent England is plainly a ridiculous notion. This isn’t just an eligibility debate this is turning into a moral one and I doubt it is something that England will see as anything more than a nice idea.
As sensible it is for Januzaj to delay and mull over the issue, it does seem a little odd that there isn’t an obvious place that the youngster feels most at home with. If that is genuinely the case I actually feel a little sad for Januzaj.
Quality footballers are few and far between and clearly England would jump at the chance to have someone like Januzaj in their set-up. Passion is something that comes naturally and pride in playing for the three lions isn’t something that comes artificially. Whatever nation Januzaj decides to represent he may well have to deal with issues like this in the early stages of what is sure to be a budding international career wherever he chooses to ply his trade.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I agree it is refreshing that the youngster wants to take time to think over the issue, however representing England at this stage lies within the realms of fantasy.