Archive for December, 2007

Should John Terry Still Be Captain?

Chelsea captain John Terry was made captain of England by Steve McClaren, and his determined to keep hold of the armband. There has been some debate over where he should remain captain after being involved in incidents on the field which have lead to several charges from the FA.

It is looking increasingly likely that Fabio Capello will take the England job, and Terry has concerned over retaining the captaincy.

“The new manager can change things completely,” he said. “That’s his decision and I fully respect whatever he decides.

“Whoever the manager is he’ll make the right decision for England - not for John Terry or Steven Gerrard or for anyone.

“But I want to keep the armband and drive this thing forward. I want to make England successful.”

England Have “Mental Block”

The English FA have taken their time over finding a replacement for Steve McClaren, who was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

It appears as though Fabio Capello is likely to claim the job, and has addressed his concerns over the national team, claiming the big players have a “mental block” when it comes to representing their country.

“There is tremendous difference in the attitude they show from one game to the next,” he said. “How can players of the level of Beckham or Owen have performances so different when they play for their national team?

“It’s clear the shirt is very heavy even for those great champions. The manager has a fundamental role to play in this situation. He has to be more of a psychologist than a tactician or a technician.

“It’s clear there is a mental block - otherwise how can you explain their elimination from Euro 2008?”

Fergie’s Arsenal Prediction Comes True

Last Wednesday, Arsenal were three points ahead of the Champions and also had a game in hand. It was therefore assumed that by today, Arsenal would be six points clear at the top.

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Newcastle on Wednesday evening, Ferguson said, “Arsenal are playing well, but it’s a long season and they know that, too. They will drop points, there’s no doubt about that.” I don’t believe he could have predicted how quickly his words would come in to fruition, with Arsenal drawing with Newcastle and losing to Middlesbrough.

Arsenal stand just one point ahead now and have a tough test to come next weekend when they face Chelsea. Manchester United will play Liverpool on the same day, meaning Arsenal could see themselves third come Sunday evening, if results do not go their way.

Redknapp’s Claim To Be Investigated

During Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Harry Redknapp has claimed Villa supporters were guilty of using “filthy” and “abusive” language towards him. He claimed he was sickened by the songs as there were many children in the crowd.

Aston Villa have today responded to Redknapp’s claims, saying, “If Harry Redknapp or Portsmouth make a complaint to us then we will consider what is said and make our investigation.

“There are stewards behind the dug-out area and they are trained in all types of security.

“We would really need to see the degree of the complaint before we could go any further.”

Goals by Van Persie

Videos of goals by Van Persie

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ix0jUKAKbrc

http://youtube.com/watch?v=30RlSZTYXrw

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XIxVJbQU8_4

http://youtube.com/watch?v=LZMc-figTLo

http://youtube.com/watch?v=LPBvCS7TUVk

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8BPJ0VDVtvg

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jDpWDEeol-Q&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZvG_EEvNGmA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=H0471×7CTCk

Flop Shevchenko Not Depressed

It was always going to be difficult for Andriy Shevchenko to live up to potential after signing for Chelsea for a massive £30 million. However, I don’t think anyone expected the former Milan man to flop as dreadfully as he has in the Premiership.

However, Chelsea boss, Avram Grant, has today insisted that Shevchenko is not depressed, and that he will be relied upon over the coming months when Didier Drogba will be away playing in the African Cup of Nations.

“One of the reasons why I have not rushed to make a decision on signing during the African Nations Cup is we have good strikers here in Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro,” said Grant.

“They are in the squad because they will be useful during that period, but not just then. I want him (Shevchenko) to be useful this month as well.

“He is not depressed. I can only judge players by what I hear when they speak with me or what I see in training. He is happy in training and he is training very well.

“When you come to a big club and you have so many big strikers, sometimes there are big names that don’t play for a period of time.”

Ferguson Ready For Battle

Manchester United reclaimed the Premiership title last season, ensuring Jose Mourinho ended his last season at Chelsea without the most prized trophy.

Ferguson has claimed that this year will be tougher for him to retain the title, with Arsenal and Liverpool now in the picture, after finishing twenty points behind the season before.

“I said at the start of the season that after finishing so far behind last year Arsenal and Liverpool wouldn’t want that again,” said Ferguson.

“We expected improvement from them both. Arsenal are doing very well, Liverpool are winning a few games and Chelsea’s form since they lost to us has been very good.

“I think you are going to get that now. It is going to be a real battle for the league.”

Big Sam: Shearer Doesn’t Scare Me

Sam Allardyce is going through a difficult spell as new Newcastle United manager. After proving his worth as manager of Bolton, he moved to Newcastle last summer. Despite a positive start, the club have struggled in recent games, and criticism is being directed at the new manager.

Newcastle United legend, Alan Shearer, has been tipped to replace Allardyce in the North East local press. Allardyce has today spoken out claiming there is little truth to the rumours, and hopes Shearer would only take over after he had brought success to the club.

“If Alan decides to take my job, I hope it’ll be when I’ve decided to leave,” Allardyce said.

“That will mean I’ve made the club successful and he’ll be taking over a club that I’ve improved significantly, like what happened with Sammy Lee and Bolton.

“If it’s the other way then you have to live with it.

“I don’t particularly see that as a burden because if you lose your job then somebody else is going to take it, whether it’s Alan Shearer or whoever.

“I know Alan reasonably well and when that situation comes up he’s always said that he’s not ready.

“If that’s the case, and somebody wants to employ him down the line after me or whatever, then that’s life.”