Irish Nerves Got the Better of Trapattoni’s Team

It was built as a must win game, and following an impressive run of results which saw Ireland defeat Italy in their own back garden, the Irish public were genuinely confident of a victory against the Slovakians. However, the dire first half performance against the Slovaks brought the Aviva stadium crashing back down to earth with a bang. 

Trapattoni has long been criticised for his negative type of football, particularly his continued trust in the pairing of Glen Whelan and Keith Andrews in central midfield.The decision by the experienced tactician to omit the highly rated James McCarthy from the squad altogether, came as a huge surprise considering the lack of creativity Ireland possess in the middle of the park.The lacklustre showing by the Irish in the opening 45 minutes is a direct result of the Irish team lacking a player to take the game by the scruff off the neck. 

This is where Whelan and Andrews failed dramatically, and not only in this department.Trapattoni is a classic Italian tactician and likes his central midfielders to be defensive, which in turn allows his wingers to get forward and be creative. The Irish public have grown accustomed to this, however, Whelan and Andrews did not even do their defensive duties on Friday night.Whelan will struggle to get into the Stoke team this season, and Andrews who has been shipped off by Blackburn of all teams to Ipswich on loan, had all the signs of a Championship player on Friday night.

Their roles are quite simple, break up the play of the opposition and give the ball to the Irish players who can actually play football. For this to happen, it would entail either of them looking for the ball from the Irish defence, and spreading it out to one of the wingers or the front two, neither of them did this and therefore Ireland were stuck with long balls from the defence. Andrews and Whelan might have been forgiven of this had they put in a good defensive display, although this was most certainly not the case. Both of these players did not press the Slovakian midfield, and they did not attempt to win the ball back; they merely stood off their opponents and let them play the ball around and dominate possession.

This kind of performance from the midfield duo will be punished in Russia should it happen again. On the other hand, Ireland’s second half improvement should not be overlooked, particularly the performances of Damien Duff and the work rate of McGeady, Ward, St Ledger and Dunne. Duff presented Robbie Keane with a sensational cross in the second half, and all the La Galaxy man had to do was direct the ball into the net from five yards. However, the Tallaght man must have been thinking of Hollywood, as he could only direct his header over the bar.

To the dismay of many Irish people, Keane is not to blame for the result, as Richard Dunne also missed a clear cut header in the dieing seconds of the game. The overall performance was not good enough and the team selection must be come under evaluation, in particular O’Shea and Andrews, who did not look fit and had their worst performances in a green shirt to date.However, all is not lost and per usual Ireland have the chance to go out on Tuesday night with their backs to the wall and put in a excellent away performance against the Russians in Moscow. 

Ireland play their best football away from home, and Russia are not exactly a super power in world football at the moment.Trapattoni will need to dust his side down, and instil a winning mentality within the Irish side. Ireland’s style of play could work in their favour Tuesday night, and it would not be a surprise should they come away from Moscow with a result.

On the other hand, the harsh reality for Irish fans is should  Ireland not get three points against the Russians, then they find themselves in third place with a tricky tie against Armenia to come also. It’s all down to Italian tactician now to prepare his Ireland side as best he can, just like he did against Italy and France in the previous campaign. All the Irish public can do is hope for a repeat performance of those ties, and three points to go with it. 

It may be otugh, but try and look at the glass half full; it could taste nice on Tuesday night. 

Manchester Set to Dominate Premiership Title Race for the Foreseeable Future

Following the whitewash by the two Manchester teams over Arsenal and Spurs this past weekend, it is difficult to see the title leaving the city of Manchester in the near future.There’s an old saying that goes ‘anything you can do, I can do better’, and this is most certainly the case between Manchester United and Manchester City at this moment in time.

Just as little as three years ago, it would have unthinkable to put the blue side of Manchester possessing a team in the same ranks as Barcelona and Real Madrid.  It has to be sad that the same team is now easily placed within the top five teams in the world.

In the aftermath of City’s emphatic 5-1 victory away to Spurs, it would have hard to imagine United topping that result, and Sir Alex would have been more than happy with a solid hard fought 1-0 victory. However, the labouring and ageing United team of last season, now appears to be old news. 

It is no secret that United were not at their best last season, particularly their away form. While everyone huffed and puffed about replacing Paul Scholes with a similar type player, Sir Alex had different intentions.To the untrained eye, Sir Alex began his rebuilding process last season, when he signed Smalling and Hernandez. This past summer he added De Gea, Young and Jones, and these five players have injected  pace and youthfulness that even has Barcelona watching over their shoulders.

This is in contrast to what Manchester City has been up to this past summer, where all the talk was focused on whether or not Carlos Tevez would stay. A few weeks on and now look at the position Manchester City are in. They are top of the league, have two new stars in Aguero and Nasri, are in the Champions League, and Tevez can’t even get a game.

It’s ironic how Sir Alex has always relied on youth and patience over trying to buy success, the resistance in paying over the top for Sneijder highlights this. On the other hand, Manchester City have no problem in buying the title, and the way things are going it may not be long before it happens.

To return to the Sneijder matter, it will be interesting to see if the midfield of United, i.e. Anderson, Cleverley, Fletcher, Carrick and Giggs, will be strong enough to retain the Premiership and over throw Barcelona as European Champions. Sir Alex has signed players in the January transfer window before, and don’t be surprised if he gets out the check book once again come January.

With regards to the rest of the chasing pack, it would not be fair to rule out Chelsea all together from the title race. However, Villas Boas certainly has his hands full in getting the most out of his side, in particular Fernando Torres. The addition of Mata will help Torres as he is a creative attacking player. However, Luka Modric does look like the final piece of the jigsaw, but old timer Harry Redknapp is willing to battle to the death to keep his star man.

Udinese Victory Could Prove to be the Biggest of Wenger’s Career

It’s hard to imagine an Arsenal victory over Udinese as possibly being the most important of Wenger’s career, but this is the situation Arsenal are now in.

When Arsenal went down 1-0 before half time, it really did look like the inevitable for Wenger’s side. However, credit has to be given where credit is due, as it is not easy to come back from a goal down and win away from home, let alone in Europe but also in a game that had so much riding on it.

If United, Chelsea or Manchester City were to get knocked out of the Champions League then they can concentrate on winning the Premiership, this is not the case with Arsenal. Their sole priority this season will be to keep up with the chasing pack, and remain a top four team.

It is easy to jump on the Wenger bandwagon and highlight his faults and possible stubbornness, just listen to Piers Morgan on Twitter. However, this victory over Udinese could be the turning point Arsenal fans have been waiting patiently for season after season. 

The Fabregas saga is finally over and most Arsenal fans would not speak too harshly of him, as he did stay on an extra two seasons after all. The Nasri transfer is different, yes he is a top player, but he is not irreplaceable and if anyone can replace him it is Wenger. 

There are already reports that Wenger has moved for the highly rated Eden Hazard, and that he is also considering a bid for Scott Parker. It is no secret that Arsenal are interested in Scott Dann, while a reported move for Everton’s Tim Cahill has also surfaced. 

It is these types of signings that will make the difference for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger has been thrown a lifeline with this result, and who’s to say that the likes of Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshire, Gervinho and Van Persie, won’t step up to the plate all the time and take games by the scruff of the neck for the Gunners.

One thing is for sure, these players need reinforcements and they need them soon as the transfer window is coming to an end. He may not like it and he may not agree with it, but Arsene Wenger must get the check book out and save Arsenal’s season before it even begins. 

Don’t write the Frenchman off just yet.

Exciting Season Ahead after Premiership Curtain Raise

If the first weekend of the Premiership season is anything to go by, then the season ahead may prove to be the most entertaining yet. In week one, we saw a potentially new Liverpool, the solidness of Chelsea with a sharp Fernando Torres, the return of hair on his head and a goal for Wayne Rooney, and to top it all off, the debut of a new Premiership sensation.

So the Premiership is back and once again our lives can feel fulfilled, as we have plenty to talk and argue about. Jamie Redknapp is back looking as well as ever, and he is joined by his new colleague, the infamous and not so handsome Gary Neville. However, everything is not rosy just yet in the Premiership garden, as wrinkles and grey hairs may be soon be appearing on certain Premiership managers.

One man who does not have to worry about that is Kenny Dalglish. His Liverpool side were very impressive in their first half performance against Sunderland, and it would be foolish to read too much into their tired second half performance, as it is the beginning of the season. Charlie Adam and the impressive Luis Suarez look like excellent signings, however, Liverpool still look a bit short in numbers, particularly in defence. Also, it should not be forgotten that Stephen Gerrard is yet to return to the side.

Chelsea kicked off the Super Sunday action away to Stoke City, which was always going to be a tough place to begin the season with. Tony Pulis is assembling a good side with Stoke; with the returning Jonathan Woodgate looking like an excellent purchase should he stay fit. New Chelsea manager Andres Villas Boas will have had a rude awakening at what the Premiership can muscle up after visiting the Britannia stadium. There are plenty of positives for Chelsea fans to take away from the game, with the sharpness and movement of Fernando Torres up front, being the main talking point. Chelsea has a sleeping giant in their camp, and should he wake, along with the imminent capture of Luka Modric, then they will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership.

Manchester United showed glimpses of brilliance against West Brom, and in the end it could be argued that they were lucky to come away with all three points. However, they never really looked like they got out of second gear, and they lost both centre halves to injury. Wayne Rooney looks to be nearing his best, while Ashley Young continues to look like he has been in the United squad for years. It looks as though Sir Alex Ferguson is content with his squad, and it remains to be seen whether or not he is correct. Tom Cleverley looks a real talent, and who’s to say he’s not good enough to step up to the plate for the United first team. Anderson also played well against West Brom, and this could finally be the time for the Brazilian to step up to the plate. The ever present Ryan Giggs and the returning Darren Fletcher, have also yet to kick a ball this season.

All eyes were on the Etihad Stadium Monday night, as the big spenders Manchester City got their season underway against the Premiership newcomers Swansea. The game was hyped up to be a real David versus Goliath confrontation, but Swansea played very well up until the hour mark. The resilience of Brendan Rogers’ side was finally broken, as the class of Manchester City proved to be too good for Swansea. However, it was a debutante and super sub that stole the show, as Sergio Auguero made his much anticipated debut for Manchester City. The silky Argentinean came off the bench to score twice, with his second strike an early contender for goal of the season. Before the game, all the talk was about whether or not Carlos Tevez would be staying at the club.The question is now, does Manchester City really need him, and how good will they be if he actually stays? The red half of Manchester must be at least a little bit worried.

To return to the topic of managers under pressure, Arsene Wenger could arguably be facing the biggest two weeks of his career. The Cesc Fabregas saga has finally been put to bed, and it looks likely that Samir Nasri will also be following him out of the club. Wenger has always been one to rely on youth and his patented worldwide scouting system; surely now he is going to splash the cash before the end of the transfer window. His side were lucky to overcome Udinese last night in the Champions League qualifiers, and surely now the Frenchman must be aware that his side is lacking seriously in all departments. Arsenal play Liverpool at the weekend, and if Dalglish’s side play anything like they did in the first half against Sunderland last weekend, then Arsene Wenger may get his wake up call a lot earlier than expected.

There’s an old saying, ‘don’t fix it if it isn’t broken’, this is most certainly not the case at the Emirates Stadium.

Joey Barton & Newcastle - the finger of blame.

It is difficult to figure out who is to blame in the whole Joey Barton saga, as him and his employers are as bad as each other at decision making. Barton’s criticism of the Newcastle hierarchy is not being questioned by anyone, particularly the Newcastle fans. What is questionable however, is the character he is portraying on Twitter.

For once is his career, Barton is on the right side of an argument and as a result could receive an arguably undeserved career boost. Barton has made every mistake under the sun as a person more so than a footballer, however, this could be his chance to make it right and redeem himself if at all possible.

The fact that Newcastle are willing to part with arguably their best player on a free transfer, is as hard to believe as their decision to allow Kevin Nolan to leave for half nothing to West Ham. The fact that Nolan was willing to drop down a division to leave the Magpies is a worrying sign for the faithful Newcastle supporters.

I am not sure if it is something in the water at St James Park but decisions and careers tend to go Hayward for the personnel there. Shearer the Messiah was brought in and that didn’t work, King Kev was brought in that didn’t work, then Chris Houghton stepped up and did an excellent job and what happened, he was sacked. Just when everything seemed stable at Newcastle, Houghton was sacked and replaced by Alan Pardrew. Since Pardrew was brought in, Newcastle have continued to improve, boasting the solid midfield pairing of Nolan and Barton.

The incredible 4-4 draw with Arsenal last season showed a team spirit that has been missing in the Toon army for too many seasons now. The fact the two men driving the engine of that team are now going to be playing elsewhere is unthinkable. Joey Barton is not an angel, he is one thing however, a gifted central midfielder who can drive a team on. Should Barton keep his head down and maybe his tweets to himself, he may just find himself at a top Premiership club in the coming weeks. 

The early indications are that Arsenal, Spurs and Stoke are in for midfielder, and Barton may be just what the Arsenal team may need – a fighter and a ball winner. Don’t expect the Barton saga to end without a twist in the tale. Newcastle has remained very tight lipped so far.  

Dalglish's Liverpool closing in on Title Contenders

With just over three weeks until the start of another Premiership campaign, we can expect to see managers becoming more and more active in the transfer market as they look to bolster their squads ahead of the new season. Manchester United have been the most active club so far this summer, but it is the Liverpool squad that has undergone the most recent re-development under Kenny Dalglish. In just over seven months King Kenny has spent big money on the likes of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and most recently Stuart Downing. The Merseyside outfit also currently possess two notable returnees in the shape of Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani, who have both looked sharp in pre season. The big money spent on Carroll, Henderson and Downing, shows that Liverpool are not afraid to possibly spend over the top on young English players. Dalglish may be taking a big gamble on Henderson in particular, but at least we know who is now firmly in charge at Anfield. He may have to move a few players on before he can spend again, with Raul Meireles possibly being the victim in a now over crowded midfield.

Alex Ferguson recently stated that he sees Liverpool as genuine title contenders once again; however, Dalglish’s men are still a few signings away from the finished article.

Liverpool arguably now boast a stronger midfield then Manchester United, but it is at the back and possibly up front where they are still lacking personnel. They are in desperate need of a left back and a world class central defender to eventually take over from Jamie Carragher. Gary Cahill, Ryan Shawcross and Leighton Baines are three notable English candidates, while Christopher Samba at Blackburn may also be an option. Up front, Liverpool have a potentially lethal strike force in Carroll, Suarez and Kuyt. However, should any of them suffer an injury throughout the season; it would be difficult for Liverpool fans to accept David Ngog, in a team aiming to claim their 19^th league title. Liverpool have started well on their new journey under the returning Dalglish and the signs are there that he will be provided with further transfer money before the start of the new season. Exciting times may be on the horizon once again for the reds.

Mancini must remain firm over Tevez

So the Manchester City fans have received the inevitable news they have been dreading, Carlos Tevez officially wants to leave Manchester. It was always baffling why Sir Alex Ferguson didn't sign the Argentinian hit man on a permanent basis when he had the chance, while it now appears more clear. As good as Tevez is and he is very good, he isn't a player that has settled at a club. His time in the Premiership has been nothing short of breathtaking, seeing him play a crucial role in West Ham avoiding relegation, winning the Premierhsip and the love of the Stretford End at Old Trafford, while most recently securing Manchester City a Champions League position for the very first time. He was arguably the best striker in England last season and this news will come as a massive blow to Mancini and his plans for the forthcoming season. However, City need to remain firm with Tevez and his advisors or risk jeapordising arguably the most important season in the clubs history.

Sheikh Mansour has invested heavily in the club and has so far seen City make good progress, finishing third in the league and winning the FA Cup last season. However, without the contribution of Tevez it is hard to imagine them being in that position now. Mansour has waisted a lot of money on talent that did not succeed at the club and must now try and make some money back or at least off load them to other clubs. Wayne Bridge, Adebayor, Wright Phillips, Dzeko, Santa Cruz, Bellamy, Kolarov, the list is endless. Carloz Tevez represents the single world class player City possess, take him out of the equation and all of a sudden they do not seem that threatening anymore. The singing of Gael Clichy from the sinking ship that appears to be Arsenal, shows that City are finally getting value for money and bringing in players with Premiership experience. However, losing Tevez after singing Clichy will be like taking one step forward and five steps backwards.

Mancini's men struggled when Tevez was missing last season and the Italian manager will be well aware of the daunting task he will face in replacing his star striker. There are not a lot of players as good as Tevez available out there, but with the money City possess they could surely pull something out of the bag, perhaps Giuseppe Rossi from under the nose of Harry Redknapp. Mancini and City fans alike, need only look at the Barcelona and Cesc Fabregas saga and take hope that players are not calling all the shots these days. Harry Redknapp and Spurs may also find themselves in a similar position should Chelsea and possibly Manchester United make improved offers for Luka Modric. City have slapped a £50 million price tag on Tevez and realistically the only clubs that can pay that are Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Unless City get there asking price they will be resilient in leaving there star asset go. Tevez is currently on €200,000 a week at City so life in Manchester can't be that bad. Mancini wont give up without a fight, but should the special one come knocking with an offer plus Benzema, they may find it hard to resist. Watch this space as they say.