Can Man Utd Improve Away From Home To Fend Off Man City's Title Charge?

We are now approaching 2011 and the midpoint of the Premier League season. The season to date has seen some very interesting results, but where is the Premier League title going to end up? Man Utd's sheer resilience and ability to not be beaten sees them at the peak of what I consider to be the most hotly contested Premier League title since it began. The blue half of Manchester will be buoyed by the fact that they are sitting on level points with United; despite United having two games in hand at this stage. So, if we are to believe the words of Man City's First Team Coach Brian Kidd then the title is Man Utd's to be lost, but where could it be lost?

United have gone about their business almost quietly this season. Whilst the focus of many articles in the media and blogs alike has focused on Chelsea's faltering form, or Arsenal's evident inconsistency or on the crisis at Liverpool, few have focused on the fact that Man Utd remain unbeaten going into 2011!

Man Utd have been a formidable force at home this season. Photo: Zimbio.

Aston Villa - Tough Times Lie Ahead As Houllier Loses The Fans

Following the scenes at Anfield on Monday night, Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is not a popular figure amongst the Villa faithful. His widely reported comments following Villa's 3-0 loss to Liverpool were a final kick in the teeth to fans who have been given nothing to cheer about recently. Houllier's job has now been made a great deal harder. Not only does he need to somehow haul Aston Villa from the wrong end of the Premier League table; he must now tackle scathing Villa fans who feel his loyalties in some ways remain on Merseyside. 

Houllier was welcomes back by the Anfield faithful, but quickly dismissed by angry Villa fans. Photo: AFP

Toon Soon? - Newcastle Chairman Mike Ashley Sacks Chris Hughton

This afternoon it took an announcement on Radio 5-Live to realise that the game we so rightly love is becoming stranger and stranger by the day. This afternoons news that Chris Hughton has been sacked as Newcastle manager is bewildering to me. I intend to focus on the reasons behind the sacking and what lies in store forthe club for the remainder of the season. I’d also welcome the opinions of Newcastle fans and football fans alike on the fickle nature of the business these days.

Let’s focus simply on facts to begin with. Newcastle United lie 11th in the Premier League table this afternoon, having taken 19 points from their opening 16 games. The club lie 5th in the ‘Goals Scored’ table, with 24 goals. They have conceded 25 goals in 16 games so far this season, which is 7th best in the Premier League. Perhaps crucially the club lie 17th in the Form Guide (based on the last 6 games). This is for me the reason why Chris Hughton has lost his job this afternoon. Form is an unbelievably powerful tool by which to judge the success of a Manager in football. Whilst some may argue that this is entirely accurate, others would suggest that their are many more factors by which to determine success.

Chris Hughton will no doubt feel bitterly disappointed at the sacking. Photo: NUFC.co.uk.

Arsenal - Superb Samir Nasri Covers Up Arsenal's Frailties For Now

Last week I posted an article focusing on how Arsenal may suffer in the absence of Cesc Fabregas. Today's 2-1 victory over Fulham has not changed my mind on Arsenal completely, however I feel compelled to write an article focusing on where Arsenal are getting it right; and where they are still lacking in my opinion. I would welcome the opinions of Arsenal fans and football fans alike in determining how the clubs' fortunes may pan out over the remainder of the season.

Samir Nasri has been in scintillating form this term. Photo: Daily Telegraph Online.

Hardest Football Players...Do Any Exist In The Premier League These Days?

It is an age-old debate that is still discussed amongst many football fans. Who is the hardest player in the Premier League? Whilst I realise the article topic is a little diluted, I do think it is worth talking about; if simply for entertainment value. I also value the thoughts of football fans who may enlighten me on how a player is judged to be 'HARD' these days. I intend to focus on the Premier League's hardest players from my era (90's, 00's) and decide if the cliché is a thing of the past. I would also appreciate some feedback on hardest football players from back in the day (circa 60's and 70's) and how these players have been given such a prestigious label!

Was Duncan Ferguson the hardest player ever to grace the Premier League? Photo: Daily Mail.

Arsenal - Could Fabregas Absence Damage Arsenal's Season Further? Can Spurs Capitlaise?

Arsenal fans will undoubtedly agree with me when I say that Cesc Fabregas is one of the greatest Midfield talents the Premier League will see. A domineering Midfielder so comfortable on the ball he can make an experienced crop of Midfielder's look shabby. I think Fabregas is what really makes Arsenal tick, which is why I believe his reoccurring hamstring injury could prove very costly for Arsenal this season. Tottenham fans will be licking their lips when they see big names like Fabregas forced to watch from the sidelines because I feel Arsenal are the only team to stop Spurs breaking into this season's top three.

Will the Fabregas injury continue to stop Arsenal getting into their rhythm? Photo: Football News.

Man Utd Showing Consistency As Chelsea Hit A Blip

Chelsea fans may know more than me about recent events at the club. However, one thing is for certain; Chelsea are faltering at at time when Man Utd are demonstrating all of the attributes needed to win a Premier League Title. The question is, what is going wrong at Stamford Bridge? Should we put Chelsea's current form down to injuries? Changes in back-room staff? or lack of squad depth?

I intend to focus on the possible reasons for Chelsea's 'uncharacteristic' form, as well as focusing on why Man Utd's resilient and commanding style of play could land them a 12th Premier League Title.

Carlo Ancelotti appears frustrated at Chelsea's recent form, but insists all is OK at the London Club. Photo: BBC Sport.

Liverpool - How Will The Team Cope In Steven Gerrard's Absence?

Gerrard's Hamstring injury could have big repercussions for Liverpool's season. Photo:PA. 

Any Liverpool fans' blood will have been boiling in the 84th minute of England dyer and meaningless loss to France on 17th November. In my opinion one of the world greatest players sustained an injury playing in a hapless, woeful and simply pointless Friendly exercise that we as England fans have become so accustomed to. How will Liverpool be affected by Steven Gerrard's absence in the coming weeks? Can the club brave the storm? or will it be a very cold December at Anfield? I'd like your thoughts.

Firstly, my opinion about England Friendly matches during a hectic domestic schedule is that they simply should not happen. Whilst I do not support Liverpool myself, I can sympathise with Liverpool fans who might now see a torrid start to the season continue into 2011. Gerrard's inclusion and subsequent injury that arose from the Friendly raises various debates, which I intend to focus on briefly. 

Man City - Can Money Buy You A Premier League Title?

It was August 2008 and Man City fans were beaming with excitement following the clubs' takeover by Abu Dhabi United Group. City fans might have been forgiven for thinking that the club might endure some real success in times to come. Some questions are still to be answered, with one particular question coming to mind...Can you buy a Premier League Title?

Teves is proving his Premier League credentials, but can it lead Man City to the Premier League title? Photo: Eurosport.

To set the tone for the radical change that Man City have seen in just over two years, I consider it noteworthy to focus on what the club have spent on personnel in an attempt to bring happier times to the club; and to assess the degree to which such spending has succeeded. 

Aston Villa - What Does An Experienced Free Transfer Add To A Young Premier League Team?

When news broke that Aston Villa had signed Robert Pires at the ripe age of 37 it got me thinking...why has such a signing been made? and who stands to benefit from it? I hope to look at the value of such a signing and whether experience is the key in the ever-changing modern game. Can a Premier League team benefit from signing an experienced player whose career will soon be drawing to a close? Can you think of any past success stories or catastrophes at your cub? If so I would really like to hear from you!

Does Robert Pires offer more on the training ground than he does on the pitch? Photo: AVFC.

When Robert Pires spoke of his six month contract at the club, he said: "I hope to bring my experience to the team and help the younger players". This statement suggests that perhaps his role as a player at the club may precede his role as a mentor.

Who Will Pay The Price For Inconsistency In This Seasons Premier League?

The Premier League is deemed the highest quality and most competitive football league the world has to offer. Recent results and events in the league are starting to strongly support this theory; so is this potentially going to be the best Premier League season we as football fans have the pleasure of seeing? I hope to get close to an answer in the following article and look at why so many teams this season are falling victim to gross inconsistency (with the exception of a few).

Are Spurs contenders for the title, or is it a step too far? Photo: BBC Football.

I am revelling in the fact that week by week I am not sure what is going to happen. Cast your mind back over the last five or six Premier League seasons and you will be reminded of the dominance of Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal in the top four spots in the league. This trend was broken last season only by Tottenham achieving fourth place in what was a slightly different season to what is deemed 'the norm'.

Have Man Utd Conceded Too Many Goals By Their Standards?

Footballing Fans of the World...  what do you think? Something has changed since the days when Man Utd were accustomed to not conceding goals. I recall in the 1990's when I was becoming acquainted with the beautiful game; the presence of players like Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Denis Irwin would lure opposition Strikers into thinking they would be in for a quiet day...and with good reason!

Is pace the way to break through United's normally solid back line? Photo: AP Photo.  

Furthermore, in recent times, like 2008/09, United achieved an exceptional 14 games without conceding a goal; a statistic that at the moment stands in United's history as their longest streak without conceding. However, something has changed this season, but what is it?...Is it down to injuries? lack of squad depth? attacking quality in the Premier League or the general pace of the modern game? One thing is for sure, teams in the league do not worry as much about not scoring against United as they used to. As well all know, the quality they possess going forward means they always have goals in them. 26 goals scored this season is a statistic second only to Chelsea (28), which when you consider the margin of some of Chelsea's victories is an impressive one.

Chelsea - Ancelotti Defeated By Sunderland's Tactical Prowess

Any football fan could have been forgiven for thinking that Sunderland's trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday would be a forgone conclusion. I myself would be the first to admit that I expected a Chelsea victory; that is until I saw the team sheets roughly an hour before kick off, at which point my thoughts began to alter. 

Ramires has yet to show what he is undoubtedly capable of. Photo: Zimbio

For a start, Chelsea's bench screamed inexperience, with the exception of Salomon Kalou of course. The likes of Van Aanholt, Kakuta, Bruma, McEachran and Sala suggested that if this game wasn't going Chelsea's way it might be very difficult to spark a comeback using the substitutes that were available on the day. 

England - Capello's Selection Is Simply Bemusing

Here we are again, three days away from what will undoubtedly be a low-key, poor, inept and quite frankly pointless Friendly match against France at Wembley. I was however looking forward to seeing some of England's fringe players being given a chance to shine amongst England's finest players. However, by Saturday night it was evident that that simply was not going to be the case!

Kevin Davies' excellent form has gone unnoticed by Capello, but how? Photo: EPA

Lets first start with Fabio Capello; the worlds highest earning football manager, who earns £6m a year to watch Premier League matches and manage the side in the occasional unentertaining encounter. One of the primary duties he has to fill is to identify those players showing outstanding form in the Premier League and provide them with an opportunity to demonstrate such form wearing an England shirt. However, Saturday's squad announcement demonstrates plain and simply that he is not able to fulfill this duty effectively. 

Seasiders Doing Things The Holloway

When Ian Holloway took over as Blackpool manager in the May of 2009 the club were still dreaming of the chance to ply their trade in the Barclays Premier League. Holloway's managerial career had started with Bristol Rovers, where a 5-year stint consisted of 3 years as a Player-Manager. Relative success in this time saw him him take over at Queens Park Rangers (2001-2006), Plymouth Argyle (2006-2007) and Leicester City (6 months between 2007/2008). 

Holloway's appointment as Blackpool manager was greeted with great optimism by the Seasider's faithful. The fans began to see potential stability in a side that had suffered some turbulent times in terms of management. Only two months into the job and Ian Holloway had broken Blackpool's previous transfer record with the signing of a Charlie Adam for £500,000; a player we all know has had almost as much success at Blackpool as Mr Holloway himself. Holloway inherited the club as a Championship side, the ambitions of which were perhaps to stay in the league for another season. In actual fact, what happened in Holloway's first 366 days at the club was nothing short of a miracle! 

Hughton Contract Surely Not Toon Far Away?

Chris Hughton could be forgiven for feeling smug recently, given the recent form of a rejuvenated and spirited Newcastle side. If we turn back the clocks by one month things were certainly very different. Hughton was subject to a torrent of abuse from some fans, as well as the media circulating rumors of a return for Joe Kinnear! 

The 5-1 win against Sunderland prompted incredible scenes at St James' Park. Picture: Action Images.

Before we focus on recent events however, lets look back to the beginning of last season, where a depleted Newcastle side were still licking the wounds left by such a turbulent a torrid time in the Premier League. August 2009 brought change for Newcastle. Chris Hughton began his reign as Caretaker Manager in sparkling form. A string of successive wins rejuvenated the Magpies fans, who started to believe in a quick return to the Premier League. Hughton was rightly given the job on a permanent basis and the rest is history!

Hodgson Finding Life At The Kop Tough

Having spent 3 years studying in the City of Liverpool, it quickly became apparent that Football is not simply a form of entertainment in Merseyside, but rather a religion amongst many and an integral part of the City's culture. This observation applies to the Blue and Red halves of the city alike, but considering the focus of the article I intend to focus on all things Liverpool.

Poulsen is one of Hodgson's Questionable Signings

Roy Hodgson's arrival back in July was greeted by many of the Liverpool faithful as a wise move. I for one believed that Rafael Benitez took Liverpool as far as he could. Liverpool fans will cherish Champions League Final Memories and famous FA Cup Wins for a long time to come, but what does the future hold under Roy Hodgson?

Will Houllier's Bold Move Win Points?...

Don't expect to see Houllier smiling too much this season.

Well, here we are after a far from entertaining, lifeless and lackluster second city derby ended 0-0. As an Aston Villa fan it speaks volumes for the way things are going at the moment, and perhaps how our fortunes will pan out over the next season.

As usual, I was optimistic about Sundays' game and with 6 wins out of the last 6 matches against Birmingham, why wouldn't I be!? However, as the game continued I never truly felt that Villa were going to score. Certainly this is a feeling I have experienced this season already. Some may say the 0-0 draw with Chelsea was a good result (I for one will not, given the chances we had during the game). Similarly at the Stadium of Light, not once did I think that we possessed the conviction or even ability to get a goal. So why are Aston Villa playing such negative football at the moment?

Whine Rooney!

Forgive me for being a pessimist when it comes to the latest Wayne Rooney Saga, but I simply cannot understand the fickle and forgiving nature of the football world! Here you have an outstanding individual footballer, who on his day can make many of the worlds greatest defenders look like an Alsatian chasing a Balloon! However, these days it appears the average professional footballer sees the sport as nothing more than a way of making money and taking advantage. I recall seeing Rooney's goal against Arsenal back in the day; a goal greeted with hype and excitement from the majority of English football fans and beyond. I would not hesitate to agree with these people, I myself saw an outstanding professional in the making, one that could save England and become one of the greatest Premier League players ever!

Is there more to Wayne Rooney's new contract than meets the eye?