With the clocks going back in England heralding the official end of 'Summer' (thanks for all your hard work, must try harder), thoughts turn towards Christmas and the festive season. Having just read the results from England and studying the impact on the Premier League table, I feel confident in stating that this Christmas is going to be a good one for Chelsea fans.
The five point lead that they currently hold with a quarter of the season done is by no means conclusive. As they showed against Manchester City, they are not invincible; and the latest win over Blackburn was according to reports not the most comprehensive dismantling of an opponent - but a win nonetheless. However they are confidently notching up the wins, racking up the points, and striding towards what would be their fourth Premier League title.
The reason that Christmas holds so much for potential for Blues fans is revealed with a quick look ahead at the fixture list (see, research and everything goes into these columns!). On December 13th in what promises to be a feisty encounter under the Monday Night floodlights, Man United host Arsenal. Despite the emergence of City, Tottenham et al; Wenger and Ferguson pose the most significant threat to Chelsea. A draw here would be a welcome result in West London - but whatever the outcome, one of them will be dropping points.
6 days later Chelsea host United, with another chance to take points from a direct rival. Finally, the day after Boxing Day, Carlo Ancelotti's Blues travel to the Emirates - again, what better way to tighten your grip on the title by claiming a win and taking points from a direct rival all in one.
Of course current form can change and this is all based on prediction, never one of my strong points; but the fixture computer may have handed Chelsea the chance to head into 2011 with a damn-near unassailable lead.
Sports Betting seems to be massive over here in Sydney - many pubs have a betting shop built in - and anyone with money on Chelsea to claim back-to-back Legaue titles should be feeling pretty good about their investment right now, and may well have a very Merry Christmas.
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Another team which was heavily backed by punters this Summer is my very own Southampton. After a good win yesterday the Saints have moved into a group of teams on similar points - although we currently sit outside of the play-off's, another win could take us to second. A showdown with current runaway leaders Brighton at St Marys later this month could well be the Saints' own chance to damage a rival and stake their own claim.
Either that or we'll screw up again.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Australia 1, England 0
Keeping up with goings-on in Europe is difficult from Australia.
The news programmes adopt a particularly insular approach, mentioning only the most significant of global events; plus the time difference is currently 10 hours ahead of England.
This plays particular havoc with trying to follow the football - Saturday afternoon games would kick off at 5am Sunday morning here, and coverage is only available on pay per view television (an unaffordable luxury to the currently unemployed blogger.)
Furthermore, football - I refuse to call it soccer and you can shoot me if I ever start - is very much a niche sport over here, the A-League pales into comparison in terms of coverage against the AFL and the Rugby. Interestingly, however, things are by no means as bleak as the above facts might combine to suggest.
Earlier this week, following the Champions League action, I watched a 1 hour highlights/analysis show on free-to-air Australian TV at the not unreasonable time of 10pm. And here's the thing:
It was brilliant.
The 'key' matches were shown in extended higlights packages of around 5 minutes or more - those featuring Europe's biggest or most glamorous clubs. Every goal from every game was also shown, albeit in some cases very briefly and without replay. But where the show really delivered was on the analysis.
It has long been a gripe of mine that Match of the Day and in particular ITV are guilty of failing to provide anything near decent, intelligent and informed coverage of football. Describing what has just happened IS NOT ANALYSIS and adds nothing to the event. We can all see that he has taken a touch and then slotted it past the keeper, quite why we need Andy Townsend/Alan Shearer/Jamie Redknapp to tell us what we are looking at is beyond me.
What we don't have however is the reference point that comes from a career at the highest level of football - or the tactical insight of a top class coach or manager.
This is what the Aussie show provided - goals were deconstructed in terms of what the defence had done wrong, the skill behind a clever run that a particular player was making, how in fact the opposition could/should or did counteract...for the first time in a long time watching football, I really felt as though I was learning something. To understand how in fact Javier Zanetti had found himself in so much space for his goal (due to the intelligent and very deliberate run inside from the right winger) and also to be shown quite clearly why Tom Huddlestone was maybe five yards out of position too often, leaving Sneijder free rein - it was compelling viewing and I loved it.
Maybe it is due to the fact that football is so niche in Australia - they know the only people watching are going to be into it; whereas BBC/ITV feel they need to cater to a general audience. Maybe it is due to the apparent American-style love for statistical/analytical breakdown of sport over here. Maybe the pundit was just generally smarter or better informed than his English counterparts.
Whatever the reason, there was only one conclusion - the coverage over here is much, much better. England, you are being short-changed. We knew it all along but travelling thousands of miles has simply confirmed it. Right now there may well be nothing we can do about it, but as soon as I'm back I'll get on the case.
First though, I'm off to the beach. Crikey.
PS The Heart are ticking over nicely, currently mid-table but within a win of third.
PPS So Wayne Rooney is a master negotiator...who knew?!
The news programmes adopt a particularly insular approach, mentioning only the most significant of global events; plus the time difference is currently 10 hours ahead of England.
This plays particular havoc with trying to follow the football - Saturday afternoon games would kick off at 5am Sunday morning here, and coverage is only available on pay per view television (an unaffordable luxury to the currently unemployed blogger.)
Furthermore, football - I refuse to call it soccer and you can shoot me if I ever start - is very much a niche sport over here, the A-League pales into comparison in terms of coverage against the AFL and the Rugby. Interestingly, however, things are by no means as bleak as the above facts might combine to suggest.
Earlier this week, following the Champions League action, I watched a 1 hour highlights/analysis show on free-to-air Australian TV at the not unreasonable time of 10pm. And here's the thing:
It was brilliant.
The 'key' matches were shown in extended higlights packages of around 5 minutes or more - those featuring Europe's biggest or most glamorous clubs. Every goal from every game was also shown, albeit in some cases very briefly and without replay. But where the show really delivered was on the analysis.
It has long been a gripe of mine that Match of the Day and in particular ITV are guilty of failing to provide anything near decent, intelligent and informed coverage of football. Describing what has just happened IS NOT ANALYSIS and adds nothing to the event. We can all see that he has taken a touch and then slotted it past the keeper, quite why we need Andy Townsend/Alan Shearer/Jamie Redknapp to tell us what we are looking at is beyond me.
What we don't have however is the reference point that comes from a career at the highest level of football - or the tactical insight of a top class coach or manager.
This is what the Aussie show provided - goals were deconstructed in terms of what the defence had done wrong, the skill behind a clever run that a particular player was making, how in fact the opposition could/should or did counteract...for the first time in a long time watching football, I really felt as though I was learning something. To understand how in fact Javier Zanetti had found himself in so much space for his goal (due to the intelligent and very deliberate run inside from the right winger) and also to be shown quite clearly why Tom Huddlestone was maybe five yards out of position too often, leaving Sneijder free rein - it was compelling viewing and I loved it.
Maybe it is due to the fact that football is so niche in Australia - they know the only people watching are going to be into it; whereas BBC/ITV feel they need to cater to a general audience. Maybe it is due to the apparent American-style love for statistical/analytical breakdown of sport over here. Maybe the pundit was just generally smarter or better informed than his English counterparts.
Whatever the reason, there was only one conclusion - the coverage over here is much, much better. England, you are being short-changed. We knew it all along but travelling thousands of miles has simply confirmed it. Right now there may well be nothing we can do about it, but as soon as I'm back I'll get on the case.
First though, I'm off to the beach. Crikey.
PS The Heart are ticking over nicely, currently mid-table but within a win of third.
PPS So Wayne Rooney is a master negotiator...who knew?!
Thursday, 21 October 2010
United on the Wayne
So, bloody hell, it all seems to be kicking off in a big way over at Old Trafford then doesn't it?!
Prior to his official statement, the 'noises' and 'reports' that were emanating about Wayne Rooney's intentions were taken with a pinch of salt by me and, I presume, many others. But there is nothing of the tabloid rumour in his statement, and it must be seriously concerning for United fans.
Rooney has essentially stated that his team-mate's are no longer of the calibre required to win the trophies to which he has been accustomed over recent years. As my previous blog discussed, their results this year have not been up to scratch. Further to this, the fact that Ronaldo and Tevez have not been adequately replaced (buying youngsters, potential notwithstanding, is not the same) would seem to give some weight to Rooney's grievance.
However one thing seems to be conspicuous in it's absence from the England striker's viewpoint.
Wayne, mate...you've not exactly been tearing the world apart lately, have you?
The fact that he has chosen to time this decision on the back of easily the worst run of form that he has ever slumped to - 2010 starting so brightly and now an annus horribilus - may well weaken his position.
His first touch at the moment would not get him in the Barcelona Under 15's team. Granted, he is one of football's leading global superstars and many clubs will be clamouring to get his name on the back of their replica shirts (City's Garry Cook is presumably stalking in the bushes outside Rooney Mansion as we speak) but if this does happen, he will have to do some serious improving.
Whatever happens here, I can't help but shake the feeling that Alex Ferguson - despite probably operating under more constraints than at any other time during his tenure - will be thinking to himself that young Wayne might be making a big mistake. We shall see.
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While one young British superstar throws his toys out the pram despite playing like a complete Heskey; another is busy showing the world what us Saints fans have known for years.
Gareth Bale is the real deal. Make no mistake - at 17 he carried a Saints team to the brink of promotion, all while playing as a left back. Those of us who saw him in youth team days alongside Theo Walcott were impressed by the maturity of his play and the quality of his touch. Now, it seems, the entire footballing world will know all about him.
A hat-trick in the San Siro (by all accounts a hat-trick of the highest quality) will possibly mean Gareth Bale is playing in the Champions League 2010/11 for even longer than Tottenham are. The big fish will want him, and trust me, he is good enough.
Prior to his official statement, the 'noises' and 'reports' that were emanating about Wayne Rooney's intentions were taken with a pinch of salt by me and, I presume, many others. But there is nothing of the tabloid rumour in his statement, and it must be seriously concerning for United fans.
Rooney has essentially stated that his team-mate's are no longer of the calibre required to win the trophies to which he has been accustomed over recent years. As my previous blog discussed, their results this year have not been up to scratch. Further to this, the fact that Ronaldo and Tevez have not been adequately replaced (buying youngsters, potential notwithstanding, is not the same) would seem to give some weight to Rooney's grievance.
However one thing seems to be conspicuous in it's absence from the England striker's viewpoint.
Wayne, mate...you've not exactly been tearing the world apart lately, have you?
The fact that he has chosen to time this decision on the back of easily the worst run of form that he has ever slumped to - 2010 starting so brightly and now an annus horribilus - may well weaken his position.
His first touch at the moment would not get him in the Barcelona Under 15's team. Granted, he is one of football's leading global superstars and many clubs will be clamouring to get his name on the back of their replica shirts (City's Garry Cook is presumably stalking in the bushes outside Rooney Mansion as we speak) but if this does happen, he will have to do some serious improving.
Whatever happens here, I can't help but shake the feeling that Alex Ferguson - despite probably operating under more constraints than at any other time during his tenure - will be thinking to himself that young Wayne might be making a big mistake. We shall see.
-----------------------------------
While one young British superstar throws his toys out the pram despite playing like a complete Heskey; another is busy showing the world what us Saints fans have known for years.
Gareth Bale is the real deal. Make no mistake - at 17 he carried a Saints team to the brink of promotion, all while playing as a left back. Those of us who saw him in youth team days alongside Theo Walcott were impressed by the maturity of his play and the quality of his touch. Now, it seems, the entire footballing world will know all about him.
A hat-trick in the San Siro (by all accounts a hat-trick of the highest quality) will possibly mean Gareth Bale is playing in the Champions League 2010/11 for even longer than Tottenham are. The big fish will want him, and trust me, he is good enough.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Angry about Desmond
First things first, apologies for the delay in getting the blog updated, having arrived in Sydney still losing the Jet lag battle it's been difficult to find the time and internet connection; but the aim is to get back to 2/3 updates a week from now on.
Waking up this morning to check the results (Saturday afternoon games kick off about 4am here) the one thing that leapt out was that Manchester United have racked up yet another 2-2 draw. Reading more to learn that they threw away a 2-0 lead...at home...to West Brom, and the over-riding conclusion was that Alex Ferguson will not have been a happy bunny.
The fact that Chelsea were held by Aston Villa and so have not extended their lead is some comfort, but this is very un-United. The teams with whom they have shared 4 goals are not exactly stellar rivals either, but lesser lights of the Premier League; teams they would usually expect to take 6 points from over a season and crush into submission from a position of 2-0 up.
It may well be a little bit Neejurk to suggest that they have big problems. United are notoriously slow starters, and many years have looked shaky coming into Autumn only to put on a ludicrous winning run from Christmas onwards, to make fools of anyone who forecast their demise a few months before. That being said, it is impossible not to notice the current slump.
With their talismanic leader Rooney in all kinds of trouble (he has been a shadow of his best since his injury in March) and a reliance on two midfielders with a combined age of about 89, it is clear that United are not - on paper at least - the terrifying prospect that they were throughout the 90's and 00's. But they are still Manchester United and, crucially, they're still Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. The current habit of throwing away winning positions will surely not continue because if nothing else, those players will be getting almighty grief from their boss. And no-one likes that.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Hong-Kong-Long way to go
Greetings readers, this post comes to you all the way from Hong Kong where I have spent the last few days taking on jetlag and getting a thrashing of embarrassing proportions.
The place is absolutely nuts, very busy and extremely advanced. But this is not a travel blog, this is a football blog; so with true journalistic integrity I have been secretly taking notes over the time here. The intention is to form my thoughts into something cogent and readable even after 4 days of sleep deprivation and drinking with Chinese Brian.
The topic that has given me cause to ponder is that of the presence of English football over here. It's unavoidable whether on billboards, TV advertising or just the shirts worn by the swarms of people everywhere; no doubt the English Premier League (along with Real Madrid and in particular Barcelona) is big business over here.
I've been conducting a little tally in my head every time I clock an English club shirt, and the results are very much what you might expect but therein lies an intriguing situation. Leading the way are Manchester United and Liverpool. This is probably as would be expected due to global reach and domination of the past 2 decades for one, and the historical significance of the other. Next comes Barcelona, miles ahead of El Classico rivals Madrid. Everyone loves a bit of Leo though don't they, whether in Kowloon or Kathmandu the bloke is God. Or Buddha.
The other two English teams to crop up on a fairly frequent basis have been Arsenal and Chelsea. Again as expected due to their successes over the past 5-10-15 years. I've also seen Everton, Aston Villa, and even spotted Sheffield United and a few Glasgow Celtic shirts.
But here's the thing.
The team that has spent more money than anyone in England, the team which pays higher wages than any of their rivals, the team which has ambitious designs on becoming top dog in world football; they are nowhere to be seen.
Manchester City do not exist here in Hong Kong.
Any mention of Manchester will invariably relate to United, and people simply don't seem to care about City. They are second in the league, recently beat Chelsea, have Carlos Tevez, and yet they are no-one.
This has to be a situation that City address. Without doubt they are big news in Abu Dhabi (the slogan 'Our Country, Our City' is plastered alongside mugshots of Carlitos and friends all over AD) but to really match the big guns in England they need to be popular all over the world.
Even if they win the league and Liverpool finish in 15th, City will not be anywhere near the status of the Reds. The way the game is these days, the business side of a club and in particular marketing the 'brand' as far and wide as possible is essential - to ensure the revenue to fund the exorbitant costs. Admittedly, City are in a unique financial position in that their owners have more money than they could ever spend, but if they ignore the global marketing side of things, they will never truly be the biggest. You can't buy everything.
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The next time this blog is updated will be from my new home in Australia, where as a Melbourne Heart fan I could not be arriving at a better time. Yesterday, in the first ever Melbourne Derby and easily the biggest game of their young history, the Heart beat Melbourne Victory to earn bragging rights and more importantly a good deal of attention and respect. I'm hoping to go and watch them play as soon as I can so will report first hand on our heroes. Keep reading!
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Goliath's Fat Arse
The major talking point of this weekend's Premier League action was clearly the incredible result from Anfield.
Apparently some bookies were offering crazy odds for a Blackpool win, which may well have added to what must have been one hell of a day out for the travelling Blackpool fans. A 2-1 win in which they spent large spells as much the better team and only had one or two real scares at the death would be far more than anyone would have expected, particularly having been taught a lesson at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Inevitably, when David pulls of one of these results, all attention goes to Goliath. However these days Liverpool are looking more Gabby Yorath than Goliath. (Nothing against her but the name is similar, and it is late...) The appallingly bad start to the season is a continuation of the decline which has seemed to be plaguing the Reds since missing out narrowly in May 2009.
They absolutely will not get relegated, it is crazy to even think that could happen. Despite current appearances, they have too much quality for this slump to continue, but it is also going to be another painful season for their supporters and it could be about to get even worse.
Next up is Everton at Goodison. Everton who have just ended Birmingham's 12 month unbeaten home record. Everton who have started picking up momentum after a similarly poor start. Everton who would love nothing more than to stick the knife in further and enjoy the suffering of their great rival. I am certain however that even another defeat should not spell the end of Roy Hodgson's tenure - to me this is all just a little bit Neejurk.
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Speaking of Neejurks, Fabio Capello has called Bolton's Kevin Davies up to the England squad for the upcoming qualifier against the team named after a black Ryder Cup captain, Montenegro.
This is not the direction England need to be going. What type of football are we going to be playing if we think Davies is a viable option? He's 33 for Christ's sake, hardly looking to the future is it. Spain must be p*ssing their sides at the fact that we rely on a fat arse and a solid pair of elbows to try and improve.
I've nothing against Davies - to be honest I like him, he gave Saints some great memories and am happy he might get a cap after all these years - but it is absolutely the wrong move from Capello.
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This is the last blog I'll be writing from England as we set off for a new life in Australia tomorrow. I'm definitely going to keep it up and will try to give a variety of angles, Australian A-League as well as all the usual stuff. Melbourne Heart have their first ever derby against Melbourne Victory next week, I'll bring you an in depth report of that one!
Keep reading, thanks for all the support so far. Cheers.
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