The coming together of Liverpool and Manchester United is one of the Premier League’s titanic clashes and you have the opportunity to watch all the action from the Legends Lounge at Anfield this Saturday lunchtime.
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Win VIP tickets to the titanic clash at Anfield
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Spain slipped to an unlikely 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fabio Capello’s under-strength England side at Wembley on Saturday. While England’s limited yet encouraging performance has dominated the back pages, and rightly so, little attention has been paid to the quite frankly petulant response of Spain’s players in the aftermath. Tiki-taka has had fans creaming themselves all over the world for the best part of six years now, and while it is certainly a fantastic way to play if you have the requisite players at your disposal, it is not the only way to play. The eulogising over this style of play has now given way to a warped and bizarre state of affairs by which all over styles of football are measured. A hierarchy has been established, with tiki-taka as its sovereign master.
Barcelona are most football fans second team. When they’re at their best, it’s doubtful that we’ll ever see another team quite like it. In full flow, they are the epitome of what most footballers aspire to. Effective, possession-based football is the Holy Grail; it’s the in-vogue style of the decade.
However, what has begun to irritate me is the fact that most people see victories lessened if they are not done in that very same style. To use an extreme example, if England somehow managed to win the Euro’s playing like they did against Spain for the entire tournament, by that very same token, their victory would be somehow less worthy as it flies in the face of the only apparent accepted footballing principles of our times. This all begs the question, when did we begin to trade substance for style? Or more pertinently, perhaps, when did we begin to rank styles of football based on their aesthetic quality?
Spain’s success at international level has been built primarily around Luis Aragones insistence that they replicate Barcelona’s domestic success, style included, on the international stage. It has worked a treat – Spain are unquestionably the best international side of the last 25 years or so and Barcelona are now arguably the best club side ever. There‘s clearly something to this tiki-taka, then.
But what does bother me, is the way that these footballing deities react when it all doesn’t go their way. Simply because they are sticking to their principles despite it becoming abundantly clear during the duration of the match that their style isn’t working, that they attempt to take the moral high ground. It’s a get-out clause to fall back on in defeat that we’ve seen time and time again.
Cesc Fabregas stated after the England game: “We made England defend nearly the whole 90 minutes. You want teams to have a go at you and test you and see what happens.”
“We saw two completely different styles of football. The more defensive one won but we know that the only way they could score was from a free-kick or a corner and we conceded a not very intelligent free-kick. We paid for it but, basically, we are happy because we played very well.”
For anyone that actually watched the match, Fabregas’s version of events is a generous way of spinning it. Spain lacked penetration, width and invention. They were slow on the counter and were by and large predictable. They were the worst kind of tiki-taka – passing for passing’s sake.
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When Fabregas argues that he wants teams to ‘have a go at you and test you and see what happens’, in lamens terms what he is actually saying is ‘we want them to play openly, because we know that we have the better players, it’ll make us look good and we’ll definitely win.’
Whenever Barcelona or Spain lose, the opposition is always derided for having played ‘negative’ or ‘defensive’ football. But when you consider the quality of the opposition, how the hell else are they supposed to play?
Spain and Barcelona are in possession of some of the best players in the world, in a system that they’ve been trained in for the entirety of their footballing education and subsequent careers. England on the other hand were a side missing arguably their three best players (Rooney, Gerrard and Wilshere, not to mention Ashley Young) while in the midst of experimenting with new players in unfamiliar positions.
To play an openly attacking brand of football without the players necessary to carry it off would have been absolutely brainless (just look at Wigan). England were well within their rights to play defensive football if they felt that it was the best way to go about getting the desired result.
Spain have a fierce commitment to passing football, so much so that it has spawned an ideology practiced and imitated all over the world with varying degree of success. While their style of play is easy on the eye, without the necessary spark like Barcelona have with Lionel Messi, it can become somewhat, dare I say it, boring to watch.
Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque said after the game: “England played very deep and did what they had to and are very physical.” while the deplorable Sergio Busquets offered in direct contrast to the all-knowing Fabregas: “We weren’t expecting England to play so defensively, with 10 behind the ball but we also have to respect that style of play.”
The subtlety of their language cannot fail to portray their patronising tone. England may have been the victors on the pitch, but somehow, amidst all the fawning over their abilities, a degree of faux moralising has crept into football – so much so that Spain will probably see themselves as the real victors of the match because they tried to play football ‘the proper way’, therefore completely contradcting the point of football in the first place – to win.
Spain and Barcelona are both fantastic sides. At their best they exemplify all the best qualities that you’d possibly want from a football team. However, their style of play, as admirable as it may be, is not the only way for a successful side to operate.
Somewhere amongst all the hyperbole we’ve lost our perspective. Part of what makes football an inherently absorbing game is the plethora of contrasting of styles; the beauty of it is that it has no formal hierarchy in terms of accepted principles – a scrappy 1-0 can mean just as much as a 5-0 trouncing.
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The over the top praise often attributed to tiki-taka has distorted the playing field. To decry a style as ‘defensive’ or ’negative’ simply because it contradicts with your own smacks as little more than an excuse trotted out when the likes of Fabregas don’t get their way and steamroller the opposition into submission. Spain and Barcelona are the standard-bearers of our times, however amongst all the mythologising and moralising, it’s worth remembering that to be successful, there are other ways to play the game aside from tiki-taka, as blasphemous as that may sound.
While Samir Nasri arrived at Manchester City as one of the brightest talents in Europe and with an array of experience at the highest level from his time at Arsenal, he also brings with him one of the tennis world’s gems in girlfriend Tatiana Golovin.
Nasri may not be one of the Premier League’s most decorated players, nor did he feature in the 2010 World Cup for France, but as one of the most gifted attacking players in the league he adds another dimension to Manchester City’s already seemingly flawless attack.
Tagging along for the almost limitless City adventure is Nasri’s stunning girlfriend Tatitana Golovin – a native of Russian who was known for one of the best forehands in tennis.
Currently an inactive pro, she’ll give Nasri enough company as he settles into his new home in Manchester.
Click on Tatiana below to see her gallery
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Click on the banner below to win a pair of tickets to Liverpool v City!
The morning after the night before and Ellis Short now has the task of finding the right man to take the reins at Sunderland following the dismissal of Steve Bruce yesterday. Mark Hughes and Martin O’Neill are the early favourites for the post with polls suggesting that supporters would prefer the Mackems to move for the latter.
Elsewhere in the news Carragher is keen on Wembley appearance; Newcastle in war of words, while Wenger wants to remain patient with Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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News
Sunderland sack Steve Bruce
City owner wants Premier League title
Carragher wants Wembley appearance
Wenger wants to give Oxlade-Chamberlain time
Ancelotti slams Chelsea team
Newcastle in war of words
Gunners ready to make club record bid
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Transfer Talk
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Hoilett and Anelka on Spurs New Year wish list – Metro
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City lie in wait as Paul Pogba stalls on new United deal – Independent
Moussa tells Arsenal to reunite him with Gervinho – Daily Mail
Lucho Gonzalez looking for move – Sun
Rovers and QPR eye PAOK midfielder Fotakis – Daily Mail
It will come as no shock to anyone that Mr Bargain Deal himself Harry Redknapp is looking to enter into the January transfer window. What may come as a shock is that instead of looking to get a cut price deal for a player, Harry is considering what can only be described as a marquee signing – someone who is a little bit ‘special’ and who would cost the big bucks.
Yet do Spurs really need such a big signing to show people the progress that they have made in the recent seasons – becoming actual title contenders this time around. The progress that Spurs have made since Redknapp took charge, and even since the signings of Parker, Friedel and Adebayor in the summer have meant that the North London side have begun to wake up from being one of football’s biggest sleeping giants, and can make a claim for a top four spot this season with ease.
The special player that has been talked about is Carlos Tevez, yet Redknapp seems doubtful over this, and that can only be described as a good thing, with Tevez a disruptive force where ever he seems to go, and Spurs need that like a hole in the head.
It is partly their collective mentality and team ethos that has seen them do so well, and the signing of a big name – and with that will come big egos – could well rock the boat in a way they do not want.
Another thing that must be acknowledged is the fact that they managed to retain Luka Modric in the summer, and this is more of a signal of new times to come for Spurs – being a club that no longer has to sell big names – than a big January signing which could more than likely be a flop – just think back to Carroll and Torres!
Spurs this season are not only financially secure but are also more than looking decent prospects in the league. Couple this with the fact that they are playing good football in attack and have finally learnt how to shore things up at the back, and you have a very good team and a very bright future.
People are sitting up and taking notice of Redknapp’s side, and adding an overpriced and overpaid ‘star’ in January will not make much difference to this. Yes, if the right player at the right price comes along, Spurs are more than entitled to go for it, but buying for the sake of having a ‘star’ on their books is something that would do far more harm than good.
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Roberto Mancini has reportedly asked the Manchester City hierarchy for additional funds to strengthen his squad’s defensive options, as Vincent Kompany is set to learn his fate on Tuesday.
The Etihad Stadium skipper was dismissed for a challenge on Nani in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, which Mancini’s men have appealed against.
Kompany will find out whether the appeal has been successful or not on Tuesday, and if the red card is upheld will face four matches on the sidelines, as it is his second dismissal of the season.
The Telegraph indicate that Mancini has approached the club’s owners for additional transfer funds to buy a new defensive player in January.
As Kolo Toure is also unavailable through international commitments at the African Cup of Nations, Joleon Lescott and Stefan Savic are the club’s only recognised centre backs available for selection currently.
Meanwhile, City are being linked with a move for Real Madrid centre half Raul Albiol in an attempt to bolster their backline, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
The Spain international as been frozen out at the Santiago Bernabeu, and risks missing out on Euro 2012 if he does not play more first-team football in the second half of the 2011/12 campaign.
Big-spending Malaga and Serie A giants Juventus have also been speculated with a bid for the 26-year-old.
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Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt has spoken of the impact of Craig Bellamy, and feels his team-mate has improved since his first spell with the Merseyside club.
The Wales international has scored nine goals since moving to Anfield from Manchester City in the summer, and Kuyt is full of admiration for Bellamy’s ability.
“Craig has been unbelievable. He looks even better now than he did the first time he was here – it’s not very often you can say that about someone who spends two spells at a club,” the Netherlands international told Mirror Football.
“Usually, the first time is better, but this time, with Craig in better shape, he knows exactly what he can do and he’s really professional in training every day, not just helping himself, but the whole of the squad.”
Bellamy was awarded the club’s Player of the Month award for January, for the second time in a row, but has stated that success for the team is more important.
“I’ve always had the view that a goal is a bonus for me. They don’t alter how I go about my game,” Bellamy said.
“The aim for me is to try and win and to try and play as big a part as I can in the game. And if I’m able to score or create one, it’s a bonus.
“If goals come, great, but winning games is more important for me.
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“To win the player award two months on the run means something to me. Do I think I’ll get a third? No, so I’m going to milk it this month!” he admitted.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has stated that he was happy with his team’s performance on Monday night, as his men drew 0-0 with Tottenham.
The Anfield crowd saw a positive display from The Reds and Luis Suarez return from the bench, but no goals against the north London side.
The Scottish coach applauded how the Merseysiders went about their business, despite not recording a victory.
“I think the most important thing for us was we’re really pleased with the way the team played,” he told Sky Sports after the stalemate.
“We put them under an awful lot of pressure. We kept our own shape, purpose and determination.
“Like any other game you just need the bounce of the ball to go your way. If we’d got one to go our way we possibly would have won it.
“We’ve played all the top sides here, Tottenham are a top side, and we’ve done very well against them.
“So whether we think it’s just or unjust is irrelevant at the moment. The most important thing for us is we’re really pleased with the way everyone performed.
“Everybody deserved credit. Pepe didn’t have much to do. Everyone made a contribution.
“It would have been disappointing had we not got anything from the game. I don’t think the harshest of the critics would have said we deserved nothing.
“Andy Carroll was very, very good tonight. We’re delighted with him.
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“We’re in a better position than we were in last year. We’ve got a cup final to look forward to.
“Like everyone else we’d like to convert more chances. There’s not another team that has constructed as many chances as we have, I don’t think. And there’s not as many teams that has lost of few goals as we have. So we’re three quarters of the way there,” he concluded.
In the football world, the Euros is the biggest event happening this year, but there’s one particular sporting event later in the summer that’s going to completely overshadow it. The Olympics is coming to the UK and London will host the greatest sporting event in the world. The greatest athletes in their field will compete in their disciplines, but you also have the chance to show off what you’re good at.
No matter where your skills lie everyone’s best is worth celebrating, no matter what it is. While we don’t want to eliminate any particular skills, here we’d like to unearth the best footballers, or at least the ones with skills that they can show off. Whether that be that you’re adept at the crossbar challenge, amazing at keepy ups or can do something with a football that’s never been seen before, if you can wow the judges of Olympians then you’ll be in with a chance of winning some great prizes.
The prizes on offer include being featured in a TV advert for the Olympics that will be shown around the world closer to the time of the big event, but the big prize is winning a trip to London and tickets to the 2012 Olympics. Considering how difficult it is to get hold of these tickets, this prize is something special and you could even go to Wembley to watch Stuart Pearce’s Great Britain team attempt to lift the Olympics trophy.
Whatever your skill is, all you need to do is film yourself performing it with a camera or your smartphone and upload it for the judges to take a look at it. All the advice you need is to: keep it simple, keep it safe and, most importantly have some fun! Take a look at the video below for some more information and to find out how to enter…
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Believe it or not, West Ham can make history today.
A win at Barnsley will better our previous record of winning 11 away matches in a single season, which was way back in the 1957/1958 campaign. It was the season when Ted Fenton’s Hammers clinched the Division Two title and John Dick was top scorer with 26 goals in all competitions.
Unfortunately, it’s looking very unlikely that we’ll be celebrating a record breaking season as league champions again but, that doesn’t really matter anymore, does it?
Last Saturday’s loss to Reading was hard to take, especially after starting so well. The game did nothing to reassure us that Big Sam is getting to the bottom of our ‘inability to perform at home’ problem and it put us further away from our goal of automatic promotion. Despite that, and with six games left to play, a four point gap between us and second spot isn’t that big a mountain to climb. Reading will no doubt slip up and they’ve still got to go to Southampton. We’ve still got a lot to do, yes, but the season is far from over.
Anyway, with today’s visit to Barnsley in mind, we’ve got a big chance to put last week’s disappointment behind us and keep up the pressure on the top two. What’s important is that we don’t make it hard for ourselves. If we make a job of it then there’ll be more nerves and pressure on the team going into Monday’s meeting with Birmingham.
There has been a lot of discussion about what formation and what selection Allardyce should go with today. Many are calling for a Sam Baldock and Nicky Maynard partnership up front, while others are calling for Ravel Morrison to be given his first real chance for the club. Personally, Baldock deserves his chance to start. His last few appearances off the bench have been encouraging and he always looks hungry for a goal. He’s a player who, despite missing a few chances over the past few games, will only need a goal to re-discover the form that made him a fan’s favourite earlier in the season.
It is also a good game for Morrison to show us all what he can do. We’re all looking forward to seeing the youngster in action and an away day at 18th placed Barnsley will be a good time to throw him in to the mix.
There are rumours that Julien Faubert hasn’t travelled which, if true, will be a loss to us. The Frenchman has been like a new man this season and testament has to go to Big Sam for being able to get the best out of him. Barnsley have just two wins in their last 10 outings but will want to win to give themselves a chance of staying clear of the relegation zone. They’re currently nine points clear, but with six games left a poor run of form could suck them in before they even know it. I’m not going to hazard a guess at how we’ll line up today or what the score might be, purely because there’s so many variations of how Allardyce can approach this game and whenever I predict a scoreline it almost always goes the opposite way.
Hats off to all those traveling to Barnsley today, and here’s to a record breaking win for Big Sam’s side.
The Game in Numbers
22 – It is 22 years since West Ham lost a league match against Barnsley.
12 – Victory today will secure a club record for most aways wins in a single season.
6 – A win today will give West Ham their sixth double of the season.
5 – The Hammers are unbeaten in their last five away matches.
4 – West Ham have kept a clean sheet in their last four meetings with The Tykes.
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