Tag Archives: Football

The Chosen’s gONE

david-moyes-man-utd

(Photo Credit: whatculture.com 2014)

You wouldn’t have needed a crystal ball to predict this one, the inevitable has occurred and David Moyes has been given the sack three games from the end of the season. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision it cannot come as a surprise to the majority of football fans, even more than that, it couldn’t have been much of a shock to the entire world! Everyone seemed to know of the Scott’s troubles. There has been much made of his unwanted records, lowest points tally in the clubs premier league history, worst league home form ever, first time lost three in a row since 2001 and many, many more. With all of this in mind here are some of the key failings I feel are responsible for the poor season. Continue reading →

England’s Key Players

Barney Ronay World Cup predictions
(Photo credit: The Guardian.co.uk, 2014)

It cannot be denied that this season the premiership has been fantastic. With three teams in with a chance of taking the trophy and any combination of 7 different teams all in relegation trouble this year is set to go right down to the wire. What is even more exciting than this is, with a World Cup fast approaching, the number of English players at the top of their game all vying for one of those precious seats on the plane to Brazil.

England are long overdue a decent tournament and with a spree of young, hungry, inform players this is looking to be a great opportunity. Here are just a few of the young English players that could make a serious impact at the World Cup.

Continue reading →

English Sport. Spoilt for Choice?

grassroots football(Photo Credit: blog.pitchero.com, 2014)

This week it has been announced by Sport England that many sports will be receiving cuts in their funding, most notably our national sport Football. Also among the list of funding cuts are; Rowing, Cricket, Netball, Golf and Hockey all sports we as a nation are traditionally ‘good’ at. Funding in large is being cut due to a decrease in participation at grassroots level. in a country steeped in sporting history how can participation in sports be decreasing? Continue reading →

Referee? You must be mad!

marriner(Photo Credit: BBC.com/sport, 2014)

In the wake of the biggest win of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea career and Arsene Wenger’s 1,000 game as manager of Arsenal it would be fair to assume that these would be dominating the headlines this weekend but once again a referee is. Granted, it’s one of the most bizarre mistakes in premier league history.

During Chelsea’s demolition of Arsenal Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made a save most keepers would have been pleased with and after some deliberation a penalty was given. The right decision. After this it meant that a red card also, had to be given. Again right decision. But, some how, the official Andre Marriner mistook Chamberlin for another player, Kieron Gibbs, sending him off. What an absolute howler! Everyone makes mistakes right? Not sure the Arsenal faithful will see it that way but it does lead you to question how hard is it really to be a referee? Continue reading →

How do you solve a problem like United?


david-moyes_2782018b(Photo Credit: Telegraph.co.uk 2014)

After another record breaking week for Manchester United, their first ever loss in Greece, some are starting to question the clubs capabilities. The premier league champions have been more than disappointing this season currently sitting in 6th 15 points off of the top and 11 points away from a champion’s league qualifying place leading many to question what has gone wrong? Is it the manager? The players?  Or was the Fergie effect just that good? Continue reading →

Mata: Who’s Really Won?

Mata: Who’s Really Won?

                       

Juan-Mata-Chelsea-August-2013_2997353(Sky Sports.com)

 

This week has been dominated by speculation as to whether an understated, softly spoken, Spaniard will remain in London or, take trip up the M6 to Manchester. With the signing of Mohamed Salah by Chelsea announced the Mata move is looking more and more certain, teams of journalists are parked outside Trafford training centre awaiting the arrival of United’s saviour.  The expected transfer fee is expected to be around £37 million a transfer record for the red devils, with this in mind one has to wonder who is really getting the best out of this deal? Continue reading →

Players have a right to dive?

 suarez penalty

(Photo Credit: Daily Mail.com, 2014)

Another weekend of top flight football and another weekend cloaked in controversial decisions. Putting the struggles of Manchester United and their ‘Manager’ (I think that’s what they’re calling him) to one side, one particular incident this weekend interested me the most. 
Somewhere around the 50 minute mark at Anfield, with the Reds trailing 2-1 their star man Suarez went through on goal and seemingly appeared to be taken out by the on rushing Brad Guzan. My instant reaction, watching it in real-time, was penalty, simple. After watching hundreds of replies at different speeds and from every angle imaginable I still hold that view. In my opinion, and it is solely that my opinion, Jon Moss had absolutely no other option but to award the penalty, from his angle, at that speed, there simply was no other choice. The big talking point however is was it a dive? Continue reading →