Waking up this morning to check the result from a 3am kick off Carling Cup Final, I can't have been alone in expressing only mild surprise at the result.
Whilst the odds were stacked heavily in the favour of Arsenal, and on paper there was every reason to suppose this would be a one-sided cruise to a routine trophy win, there is one place that always promised to level things up. That place is inside the heads of Arsenal's players. Has there ever been such a good team, with such a fragility of mind?
Arsenal seek to play football in the creative and artistic manner that their players and, in particular, their manager strongly believe is the right way to play the game. It seems however that allied to this aesthetic approach is the tortured psyche of the classic bohemian artist. For every game in which Arsenal show signs that they are building resilience, demonstrating a more robust physicality and a better capacity for grinding out wins, they always have the ability within themselves to collapse.
This result must be desperate for Gunners fans. When will a better chance come along to get the 'no trophy in 5 years (and counting)' monkey off their backs? The longer that record continues, the greater the pressure with each opportunity. It is difficult to see when they will be presented with another cup final against - with as much respect and credit to Birmingham as is due - against a much weaker team enduring a fairly miserable season. The Blues have previous as the catalyst for Arsenal's now all too familiar 'wheels coming off' Spring routine. It is entirely feasible to see this disastrous resault heralding another collapse. Barca away, United away - forget about the two cups then. As for the League, they will need to pick themselves up having been kncked spark out...and do you believe they can do it?
Having only seen highlights I can't comment too much on the game itself, other than to reflect on the farcical situation that surrounded all three goals. The first was appalling defending. The winner was just ridiculous - even Pique and Puyol know there is a time for Row Z. And as for Arsenal's goal, only they could lose their most important player on the pitch at the time to injury in the act of scoring an expertly crafted acrobatic goal. Laughable.
Birmingham deserve the plaudits and will rightly enjoy their success, and may well kick on from this to salvage mid table obscurity from an otherwise depressing season. They may feel they are not given the credit they deserve for beating one of the big boys in a cup final. The thing is, they would not have beaten United or Chelsea, simple as that. Only Arsenal can crumble like this and they simply have to do something about it.
Maybe the key is in the personnel. All the great Wenger teams had the combative, imposing, physical leaders. Adams, Vieira, Gilberto, Campbell - none of those players had the technique of the current crop, but they also would not have meekly and mildly allowed a Cup Final to diasappear like that or surrendered a 4 goal lead. (It's possible to cite the Owen Cup Final of 2001, but Arsenal battered Liverpool for 85 minutes of that game) The current squad can play better football than arguably any side in Britain over the last 15 years, including their Invincible peers...but they just are not fearsome. They rarely look like steamrollering a league that is there to be steamrollered, this year in particular.
Maybe if not in the players themselves, the key to success lies in a change of approach. Barcelona have shown that great football can be allied to a will to win, and the result is phenomenal success. Not everyone can be Barca though, and indeed most successful teams play a significantly different brand of football. Could this be the path that Wenger should go down?
A change to the Arsenal approach would be a loss to English football - if they were to follow the pragmatic, functinal approach of Chelsea and, this year in particular, Man United, the league would be worse off. The Emirates trophy cabinet, on the other hand...
Monday, 28 February 2011
Thursday, 17 February 2011
arcebarce
There are times in all of our lives when we have made inexplicable decisions.
Firstly to explain this viewpoint there is the Dragon Metaphor. If the dragon is asleep, tiptoe slowly past and don't wake him up. You might just get away with it. Try to avoid anything that wakes him up, and for the love of God don't kick him in the eye and reset his iPod. He will be angry with you - and then you've got an angry dragon to deal with. Years ago I remember watching Olympique Marseille kick off their Champions League campaign at the Bernabeu, against the Madrid of Zidane and co. Marseille started well enough, Madrid had the better of the play, but no breakthrough. L'OM grew in confidence, and then shortly before half time they scored to take the lead. Within 5 minutes, Zinedine Zidane had scored once and set up another. They woke up the dragon. Barca will be hurt by this defeat and, as well as the need to overturn the scoreline and progress, will have a point to prove.
Second, from a more pragmatic point of view, is the effect that Arshavin's winner has on the tactical set-up of the game. At 1-1, the away goal from Barcelona would take them through, forcing Arsenal to score or be eliminated. Whilst the open approach has been shown to be potential suicide against Barca (5-0 El Classico springs to mind), this morning Arsenal defeated Barcelona by sticking largely to their principles. Of course they enjoyed less possession than they are used to and of course they looked to exploit their pace on the wings, but they certainly did not deviate massively from their usual modus operandi. They would be more comfortable with a task of 'play your normal game', look to catch them with swift attacking football when you get the ball, don't stop doing what you normally do.
At 2-1, however, as long as the score stays the same, Arsenal are through. The temptation therefore to sit back and protect the lead must be immense. Jose Mourinho, pre 5-0, showed repeatedly that a stifling, negative and frustrating game can be effective against the Catalan Dragons. The year United eliminated Barca in the semi final they too adopted that approach and came away with the required result. The thing is, Arsenal have never looked convincing enough defensively to take that approach. Where is the Lucio in that line up who can commandingly marshal a defence and keep them composed? Where is the Vidic who will bruise and bully the attackers trying to pass? Johann Djourou has a chance to live up to the potential he has been displaying this season, but he will scarcely face a sterner test. Wenger will have a tough decision to make when setting out his strategy for this game. If they decide to sit back they could get a 0-0 and sneak through...they could, also, concede early and then be back to Square One. I'd argue that a sensible approach for Wenger to take would be that classic shout from players across the Sunday League pitches on taking a lead...'0-0 lads, 0-0'
Arsenal's win capped an incredible week for North London, following in the wake of Tottenham's tremendous 1-0 win in the San Siro against Serie A leaders AC Milan. Spurs fans must be having the time of their lives, this inaugural Champions League campaign just gets better and better for them. Without star players Bale and Modric (who played for the closing stages despite recent surgery) and facing up to a Milan side fresh off an emphatic 4-0 weekend win, this was no easy task for Harry Redknapp's men.
You know what I mean, the things you look back on and think, why did I ever do that, what was I thinking, how could I have ever thought that would be a good idea? The very history of human events is littered with infamous moments of extreme folly, stupid, brainless moves that just defy explanation. This morning, Australians fell victim to perhaps the most inexplicable decision of all time.
Alarm set to allow for precisely one snooze, I practically leapt out of bed (by my standards), in eager anticipation of the football extravaganza about to unfold. Arsenal v Barcelona, a more mouthwatering prospect for lovers of the pass and move game you could not find. The dissenting voices that challenge Barcelona's status as the greatest team on the planet are these days few and far between, and Arsenal themselves are without question the most aesthetically pleasing team that Britain could send into this Champions League last 16 clash. What a game, tie of the round no doubt- on paper it would be exciting enough, but when brought to life with the memories of last year's epic tie that resulted in Arsene Wenger's memorable description of Leo Messi as a 'Playstation player'...you knew we were in for a treat.
And here comes the brain aneurism....
SBS decided to show AS Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk.
As Dr Evil might justifiably exclaim....Rrrrrrright.
Hastily taking charge of the situation, I was able to salvage the second half and so was able to enjoy the second 45 minutes of a match that certainly did not disappoint.
Arsenal's dramatic late turnaround, with 2 goals in 5 minutes to cancel out and then usurp David Villa's opener, led to massive celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. Rightly so - this Barcelona team do not get beaten very often, and for many of the Gunners this will have an element of revenge/catharsis from the Nou Camp mauling 12 months ago. In an odd way however, they might have been better off with a draw.
And here comes the brain aneurism....
SBS decided to show AS Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk.
As Dr Evil might justifiably exclaim....Rrrrrrright.
Hastily taking charge of the situation, I was able to salvage the second half and so was able to enjoy the second 45 minutes of a match that certainly did not disappoint.
Arsenal's dramatic late turnaround, with 2 goals in 5 minutes to cancel out and then usurp David Villa's opener, led to massive celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. Rightly so - this Barcelona team do not get beaten very often, and for many of the Gunners this will have an element of revenge/catharsis from the Nou Camp mauling 12 months ago. In an odd way however, they might have been better off with a draw.
Firstly to explain this viewpoint there is the Dragon Metaphor. If the dragon is asleep, tiptoe slowly past and don't wake him up. You might just get away with it. Try to avoid anything that wakes him up, and for the love of God don't kick him in the eye and reset his iPod. He will be angry with you - and then you've got an angry dragon to deal with. Years ago I remember watching Olympique Marseille kick off their Champions League campaign at the Bernabeu, against the Madrid of Zidane and co. Marseille started well enough, Madrid had the better of the play, but no breakthrough. L'OM grew in confidence, and then shortly before half time they scored to take the lead. Within 5 minutes, Zinedine Zidane had scored once and set up another. They woke up the dragon. Barca will be hurt by this defeat and, as well as the need to overturn the scoreline and progress, will have a point to prove.
Second, from a more pragmatic point of view, is the effect that Arshavin's winner has on the tactical set-up of the game. At 1-1, the away goal from Barcelona would take them through, forcing Arsenal to score or be eliminated. Whilst the open approach has been shown to be potential suicide against Barca (5-0 El Classico springs to mind), this morning Arsenal defeated Barcelona by sticking largely to their principles. Of course they enjoyed less possession than they are used to and of course they looked to exploit their pace on the wings, but they certainly did not deviate massively from their usual modus operandi. They would be more comfortable with a task of 'play your normal game', look to catch them with swift attacking football when you get the ball, don't stop doing what you normally do.
At 2-1, however, as long as the score stays the same, Arsenal are through. The temptation therefore to sit back and protect the lead must be immense. Jose Mourinho, pre 5-0, showed repeatedly that a stifling, negative and frustrating game can be effective against the Catalan Dragons. The year United eliminated Barca in the semi final they too adopted that approach and came away with the required result. The thing is, Arsenal have never looked convincing enough defensively to take that approach. Where is the Lucio in that line up who can commandingly marshal a defence and keep them composed? Where is the Vidic who will bruise and bully the attackers trying to pass? Johann Djourou has a chance to live up to the potential he has been displaying this season, but he will scarcely face a sterner test. Wenger will have a tough decision to make when setting out his strategy for this game. If they decide to sit back they could get a 0-0 and sneak through...they could, also, concede early and then be back to Square One. I'd argue that a sensible approach for Wenger to take would be that classic shout from players across the Sunday League pitches on taking a lead...'0-0 lads, 0-0'
Arsenal's win capped an incredible week for North London, following in the wake of Tottenham's tremendous 1-0 win in the San Siro against Serie A leaders AC Milan. Spurs fans must be having the time of their lives, this inaugural Champions League campaign just gets better and better for them. Without star players Bale and Modric (who played for the closing stages despite recent surgery) and facing up to a Milan side fresh off an emphatic 4-0 weekend win, this was no easy task for Harry Redknapp's men.
They played the game perfectly, an astute mix of defensive solidity and an attacking verve to exploit their pace and speed; the goal from Crouch in the 80th minute will have delighted the manager as it was no doubt precisely the type of goal they were plotting. Something about the San Siro really agrees with their wingers, Lennon showing devastating speed and skill to beat the defence and then composure to slide the ball across for Crouch to roll in.
As with Arsenal, progression to the quarter finals is by no means secure...but with the likely return of Bale and home advantage to enjoy, Tottenham have every right to be optimistic about their chances. Indeed all four sides remain in with a chance of progression, hopefully they will serve up another round of exciting attacking football. Nothing is certain, but at least they have given themselves a chance.
Well, that's not strictly true, one thing is for certain...after this mornings debacle, I won't be relying on SBS. To the pub!
As with Arsenal, progression to the quarter finals is by no means secure...but with the likely return of Bale and home advantage to enjoy, Tottenham have every right to be optimistic about their chances. Indeed all four sides remain in with a chance of progression, hopefully they will serve up another round of exciting attacking football. Nothing is certain, but at least they have given themselves a chance.
Well, that's not strictly true, one thing is for certain...after this mornings debacle, I won't be relying on SBS. To the pub!
Monday, 14 February 2011
Two Ronnies (ish)
Rising a good 6 feet off the Old Trafford turf, Wayne Rooney connected powerfully with the ball to meet Nani's deflected cross and send it rocketing into the roof of the Manchester City net; Joe Hart left rooted to the spot, just another enthralled spectator, in a way that only the highest quality goals can do. In doing so, Rooney edged United that bit closer to a record 19th title, critically damaged the title aspirations of those in sky blue, and perhaps signalled that 11 months into his annus horribilus, his stock may be about to rise again. The goal was no doubt a thing of perfect execution and aesthetic brilliance, certainly a fitting match-winner in any game, but the possibility for this goal to take on legendary status is surely more to do with it's importance than it's pure CIDI brilliance.
Last weekend, in what was to my mind easily the most exciting and action-packed Saturday of all time in the Premier League, United capped of a day of madness by losing their 6 month long unbeaten run, to Wolves, the team at the bottom of the pile. Had Arsenal not become the first team in Premier League history to throw away a 4 goal lead to drop 2 points at St James Park, the gap would have been reduced to a mere 2 points. Even with the 4 point gap, the fact that United had finally been defeated gave a real hope to the chasing pack - throw in the fact that derby day was a week away and there was every reason to believe that United were about to falter.
Rooney's emphatic finish was more than just a piece of acrobatic skill and beautiful technique. It was a stunningly impactful way to deliver a statement of real intent, an unavoidable message. To their cross city rivals: No, you are not at our level yet. To the title pretenders in North and West London - No, we are not going to crumble. Even to the rest of Europe, No - you can't forget about us. Perhaps, most importantly for Rooney himself...No, I've not lost it. I am still the main man in this team's attack...I am still the best player England have, I am still going to tear holes in the defences of every team that they put up against me. I've not lost it.
The true importance of this most sumptuous of match winning goals will only be revealed between now and May 22nd. In that time, United have to face Chelsea twice, as well as travel to the Emirates to deal with the team who at present would appear to be their biggest threat. Each team has at least 11 games of football left. That may not sound like a great deal, and indeed with every passing week that Alex Ferguson's team win, time runs out for their rivals - but there is still plenty of time for things to change. United, Arsenal or even Chelsea could go on a winning run that takes them to the brink. Every one of them is going to win games when they looked lost, and throw away points that they wouldn't be expected to between now and then. Ultimately it will be the moments of unforgettable quality that count the most, and the challenge is on for anyone in the League to produce something more memorable than United's number 10 managed on Saturday.
Last weekend, in what was to my mind easily the most exciting and action-packed Saturday of all time in the Premier League, United capped of a day of madness by losing their 6 month long unbeaten run, to Wolves, the team at the bottom of the pile. Had Arsenal not become the first team in Premier League history to throw away a 4 goal lead to drop 2 points at St James Park, the gap would have been reduced to a mere 2 points. Even with the 4 point gap, the fact that United had finally been defeated gave a real hope to the chasing pack - throw in the fact that derby day was a week away and there was every reason to believe that United were about to falter.
Rooney's emphatic finish was more than just a piece of acrobatic skill and beautiful technique. It was a stunningly impactful way to deliver a statement of real intent, an unavoidable message. To their cross city rivals: No, you are not at our level yet. To the title pretenders in North and West London - No, we are not going to crumble. Even to the rest of Europe, No - you can't forget about us. Perhaps, most importantly for Rooney himself...No, I've not lost it. I am still the main man in this team's attack...I am still the best player England have, I am still going to tear holes in the defences of every team that they put up against me. I've not lost it.
The true importance of this most sumptuous of match winning goals will only be revealed between now and May 22nd. In that time, United have to face Chelsea twice, as well as travel to the Emirates to deal with the team who at present would appear to be their biggest threat. Each team has at least 11 games of football left. That may not sound like a great deal, and indeed with every passing week that Alex Ferguson's team win, time runs out for their rivals - but there is still plenty of time for things to change. United, Arsenal or even Chelsea could go on a winning run that takes them to the brink. Every one of them is going to win games when they looked lost, and throw away points that they wouldn't be expected to between now and then. Ultimately it will be the moments of unforgettable quality that count the most, and the challenge is on for anyone in the League to produce something more memorable than United's number 10 managed on Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------
One of the relatively few people on the planet who could have regarded Rooney's feat with an indifferent shrug today announced his retirement from football.
Ronaldo - the REAL Ronaldo, accept no imitations, has finally called it a day. For a few years now I've known this day was coming, and I knew I would be affected. I didn't realise how sad I'd find it.
Ronaldo in his prime was sheer electricity. More lethal than a Shark Lion (mythical beast I just invented which combines Great White Shark and Lion) Ronaldo was for a good time simply unplayable. The myriad of compilation tapes on YouTube highlight his most outstanding goals and skills, but to really appreciate him you needed to watch him in a full match. Every time the ball went to him, the anticipation in the crowd was only matched by the panic in the opposition defence.
I loved Ronaldo. He was everything that, to my mind as a youngster, the Brazilian Number 9 should be - skillful, dangerous, flashy, lethal, smiling, and wearing the coolest boots ever made. An outstanding memory for me of Ronnie was the opening game of France 98, against Scotland. I'd rushed home from school to make sure I was there for all the build up, Ronaldo was the man I wanted to see. Sitting practically nose against the screen to try and make out what was on his feet (the famous blue and silver R9's) I remember being blown away by the opening spell of the game in which he visibly scared the life out of the Scottish defence. Colin Hendry literally waved for more help when they only had two against one and the one was Ronaldo.
Other stand outs are the beautiful dummy to round the keeper in the UEFA Cup Final for Inter, his debut for Real Madrid, winning the 2002 World Cup with a double in the final and his hilarious hair to ensure his baby could tell him and Roberto Carlos apart, the stunning hat-trick and standing ovation at Old Trafford, the historic goal against Ghana, a ridiculously powerful left footed strike for AC Milan, and then a glorious swansong for Cornithians.
For me, the Final of France 98 does not warrant a mention. He achieved so much, and but for the terrible injuries that his knees succumbed to cruelly often, could quite easily have been the best of all time. Football can be frustrating, infuriating even - but it can also give you some of the happiest sporting moments of your life.
Ronaldo did that for me, many of my most powerful and long-lasting footballing memories came courtesy of the dazzling feet of Il Fenomeno. Ronaldo, the restaranteurs and nightclub owners of Sao Paulo must be chuffed to bits with todays news, but I and millions of others will really miss you mate. Thanks for the memories.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Milhouse Keenan
This may not sit very easy with a lot of you.
Given the confrontational and abrasive nature of the subject in question, for years it was impossible for fans of rival clubs not to get wound up by this player, for a myriad of reasons.
Nonetheless, this column is a tribute to Gary Neville, who today announced his retirement from football.
Since making his debut in the United team in 1992, Neville has racked up over 600 appearances and won pretty much everything you can win in the domestic game. For years he was also England's undisputed choice at right back and, although injury has reduced his status in the twilight of his career, not many people would argue that over the Premiership years there has been a better right back, certainly not an English one. Part of the Golden Generation at United (for once, a team that actually justifies this tag), Neville was well established in the first team by the time of Alan Hansen's infamous 'You don't win anything with kids' prediction of August 1995. Neville's departure should signal the football world to recognise his achievement and acknowledge what an outstanding career his has been.
Unfortunately, if you asked many football fans to describe Gary Neville in one word, that word would be the worst one there is. (If you're struggling, try the same exercise with: 'Dennis Wise' or 'Lee Bowyer'...you'll get there in the end)
Neville always reminded me a bit of Gareth Keenan. Particularly during the ill-fated 'look how hard I am, I've got a moustache' years, he always seemed like someone trying too hard to be taken seriously and given the respect that his experience, authority and trophy cabinet demanded. Perhaps he wasn't helped by being David Beckham's best mate - he is very much the Milhouse of that duo. Certainly though, episodes such as the England media strike and numerous outbursts against perceived injustices towards his beloved club sent out an image of someone who didn't quite get it.
The fact is however that his apparent desperate and deluded yearning for authoritah stemmed from the very thing that caused fans of other clubs to hate him so much. Say what you like about Neville, I invite anyone to question his passion, loyalty and commitment. Of course it is easy to stay loyal to Man United when you are first choice, winning trophies and well paid. Plus for years you got to look at David's bum running around just in front of you, and you can be the first one to jump on him when he scores. (His facial hair is so cool, I'm going to get me some of that) But loyalty in itself does not necessarily result in the same kind of devotion and true passion that Neville showed throughout his career.
It is easy to imagine him going to bed in his Man United pyjamas and switching off his Fred the Red lampshade. The notorious celebrations in front of the Liverpool fans were, in the eyes of every United supporter (and many of us who found it funny), brilliant. He really, truly cared. Too often, fans bemoan the commitment of a player based on a perceived indifference to the cause. I find it relatively easy to forgive the Saints on a bad day, players can be off-touch and things might not go right - it winds me up horribly however if they are going through the motions and they don't seem to appreciate how much it means to us.
Neville had that attitude and commitment in spades, more arguably than almost any of his team-mates or rivals. For that, United fans should love him. But he was more than just a passionate fan - he was also an exceptionally good right back.
We ll know RB is probably the least glamorous position on the pitch - maybe this adds to Neville's Gareth Keenan status. Think about it, if you had to pick a team from the staff at Wernham Hogg, where does Keenan go? RB. Ricky the temp is your engine room, Neil and Lee solid at the back, Finchy your target man up top and big Keith the Fatty Foulkes in goal. Brent would obviously play himself in centre mid but would be the deluded weak link of the team, naturally. But no doubt, Gareth (they even share the same name) goes at Right Back.
What Neville has shown though, both for United and England, is that unglamorous position or not, it is still a key part of any team; and he played it better than anyone has managed to since, for club and country. I fondly remember his excellent cross and brilliant subsequent celebration, putting the ball perfectly on Alan Shearer's forehead to give England a 1-0 lead over Scotland in Euro 96. The years leading up to the 2002 World Cup (which he missed through injury) were probably his peak, at that stage he was up there in many World Elevens, probably behind only Cafu I'd say. He gave nothing away in defence and also offered a fantastic foil for Beckham going forward, taking a defender away to create space, or overlapping to make use of his exceptional crossing ability himself.
I'd love to see him step into the post Gray-Keys world of football punditry, as I think he would have the guts to speak his mind and call it how he honestly sees it. Having only just retired he could speak first hand about many of the games main players and would surely offer far more entertainment than the bland uninsightful tripe that too often passes for punditry. Knowing his passion for his club however, it might well be that he fancies a move into coaching alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. No doubt he could get the kids to respect him, except the ones 11 and over with better facial hair, that is.
Whatever he goes on to do now, it is only right to take a moment to applaud the achievements of the best English right back of the last 20 years. But what a c..
Given the confrontational and abrasive nature of the subject in question, for years it was impossible for fans of rival clubs not to get wound up by this player, for a myriad of reasons.
Nonetheless, this column is a tribute to Gary Neville, who today announced his retirement from football.
Since making his debut in the United team in 1992, Neville has racked up over 600 appearances and won pretty much everything you can win in the domestic game. For years he was also England's undisputed choice at right back and, although injury has reduced his status in the twilight of his career, not many people would argue that over the Premiership years there has been a better right back, certainly not an English one. Part of the Golden Generation at United (for once, a team that actually justifies this tag), Neville was well established in the first team by the time of Alan Hansen's infamous 'You don't win anything with kids' prediction of August 1995. Neville's departure should signal the football world to recognise his achievement and acknowledge what an outstanding career his has been.
Unfortunately, if you asked many football fans to describe Gary Neville in one word, that word would be the worst one there is. (If you're struggling, try the same exercise with: 'Dennis Wise' or 'Lee Bowyer'...you'll get there in the end)
Neville always reminded me a bit of Gareth Keenan. Particularly during the ill-fated 'look how hard I am, I've got a moustache' years, he always seemed like someone trying too hard to be taken seriously and given the respect that his experience, authority and trophy cabinet demanded. Perhaps he wasn't helped by being David Beckham's best mate - he is very much the Milhouse of that duo. Certainly though, episodes such as the England media strike and numerous outbursts against perceived injustices towards his beloved club sent out an image of someone who didn't quite get it.
The fact is however that his apparent desperate and deluded yearning for authoritah stemmed from the very thing that caused fans of other clubs to hate him so much. Say what you like about Neville, I invite anyone to question his passion, loyalty and commitment. Of course it is easy to stay loyal to Man United when you are first choice, winning trophies and well paid. Plus for years you got to look at David's bum running around just in front of you, and you can be the first one to jump on him when he scores. (His facial hair is so cool, I'm going to get me some of that) But loyalty in itself does not necessarily result in the same kind of devotion and true passion that Neville showed throughout his career.
It is easy to imagine him going to bed in his Man United pyjamas and switching off his Fred the Red lampshade. The notorious celebrations in front of the Liverpool fans were, in the eyes of every United supporter (and many of us who found it funny), brilliant. He really, truly cared. Too often, fans bemoan the commitment of a player based on a perceived indifference to the cause. I find it relatively easy to forgive the Saints on a bad day, players can be off-touch and things might not go right - it winds me up horribly however if they are going through the motions and they don't seem to appreciate how much it means to us.
Neville had that attitude and commitment in spades, more arguably than almost any of his team-mates or rivals. For that, United fans should love him. But he was more than just a passionate fan - he was also an exceptionally good right back.
We ll know RB is probably the least glamorous position on the pitch - maybe this adds to Neville's Gareth Keenan status. Think about it, if you had to pick a team from the staff at Wernham Hogg, where does Keenan go? RB. Ricky the temp is your engine room, Neil and Lee solid at the back, Finchy your target man up top and big Keith the Fatty Foulkes in goal. Brent would obviously play himself in centre mid but would be the deluded weak link of the team, naturally. But no doubt, Gareth (they even share the same name) goes at Right Back.
What Neville has shown though, both for United and England, is that unglamorous position or not, it is still a key part of any team; and he played it better than anyone has managed to since, for club and country. I fondly remember his excellent cross and brilliant subsequent celebration, putting the ball perfectly on Alan Shearer's forehead to give England a 1-0 lead over Scotland in Euro 96. The years leading up to the 2002 World Cup (which he missed through injury) were probably his peak, at that stage he was up there in many World Elevens, probably behind only Cafu I'd say. He gave nothing away in defence and also offered a fantastic foil for Beckham going forward, taking a defender away to create space, or overlapping to make use of his exceptional crossing ability himself.
I'd love to see him step into the post Gray-Keys world of football punditry, as I think he would have the guts to speak his mind and call it how he honestly sees it. Having only just retired he could speak first hand about many of the games main players and would surely offer far more entertainment than the bland uninsightful tripe that too often passes for punditry. Knowing his passion for his club however, it might well be that he fancies a move into coaching alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. No doubt he could get the kids to respect him, except the ones 11 and over with better facial hair, that is.
Whatever he goes on to do now, it is only right to take a moment to applaud the achievements of the best English right back of the last 20 years. But what a c..
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Chicken Oriental
The writing has been on the wall for years now, things have all been pointing in one direction, all the signs have been there for all to see. Today however, with the frantic culmination of the transfer window in England, it was confirmed: Football has gone mental.
There is no way to my mind it can be argued differently. I understand economics to some vague extent (although a multiple choice ‘Macroeconomics for Business’ exam at Uni remains to this day one of the longest hours of my life, 39% was a miracle) and so I know the rules of demand and supply. If you have something that someone wants, you will be able to get them to pay a higher price for it. Furthermore, if you are aware that the buyer of your coveted item also happens to have significant means, then you are in a position of power and can raise even further the price that you ask for said asset. Finally, if the item is required in a short space of time, then guess what the price goes up ever higher. Added to this is the fact that times change, inflation goes on, prices go up. The 45m paid for Zidane and the 80m for Ronaldo are probably not too far apart once a decade of inflation is factored in.
Even considering all of the above factors, I just can’t stomach the sentence that I am about to type: Liverpool have signed Andy Carroll for £35m. Thirty-Five Million Pounds.
He is young, strong, powerful, and direct. (Just ask any of his ex-girlfriends.) He made an impressive start to his first Premier League season as the main man in Newcastle’s attack – he was just breaking through behind Martins and Owen when the Toon Army were last in the big time, but this time leading the line he has put in some eyecatching performances and scored a reasonable number of goals. He scored a solid number of goals in the Championship last season and was a key factor in his teams march to an emphatic league title.
£15m and you’ve got yourself a deal.
Thirty five is just insanity – it is a ludicrous price to pay for someone who, whilst all the above statements are true, it can also be said: his technique is fundamentally flawed, he does not have the touch, finesse or ‘tekkers’ of any other player that has ever been sold for over £30m. He has only really played for half a season in the Premier League – Amr Zaki set the world alight between August and December not so long ago. Amr who? Ek-Zaki-tly. He is reliant on a style of play that Liverpool were castigated for under their previous manager, and that even King Kenny probably won’t want to advocate for too long. He is a chav, and is always only ever a couple of drinks too many away from dragging his own reputation (and that of his club), through the mud of the tabloids and the courts.
Given the sale of talismanic-if-offcolour striker Fernando Torres to Chelsea, Liverpool had money to spend and a Number Nine shirt to fill. Moreover they needed to make some kind of statement, Hicks and Gillett would have been glad to simply take the money to plug the leaks; but the new owners have to show that things are different and they are moving on up.
Admittedly a strike force of Suarez and Carroll could quite certainly work out well for Liverpool, and it is arguable that they have removed the reliance on one main attacker and replaced him with two decent players. This could well provide a spark for the rest of their season and allow them to salvage something – Europa League for example – from a miserable couple of years. I guess what I’m saying is that I get why the owners wanted to splurge their money in this fashion.
It is just a staggering price for a player that to my mind does not justify the hype – put it this way, if you were Spanish and followed La Liga, you would probably find it hilarious that the English market values a player of Andy Carroll’s ability at £35m. He would not get into any team in the top half of La Liga, and every single defender in the division would be better on the ball than he is. A few games to suss him out and he would be finished. It’s a sad indictment of English football that a player like Carroll is valued so exorbitantly.
Good luck to Liverpool – I’d like to see them back challenging for the league, as the 2008/09 title run-in was the most enjoyable in years in my opinion. A grudging good luck to Carroll – whether I like it or not he is most likely the future of England’s attack alongside Rooney for the foreseeable future (but he is still a scumbag though). And good luck to any millionaire businessman who ever dreamed of one day owning a football club. The stakes are going up all the time, and the prices are out of control.
The final word? Darren Bent for 18m. Doesn’t look such bad business now…
There is no way to my mind it can be argued differently. I understand economics to some vague extent (although a multiple choice ‘Macroeconomics for Business’ exam at Uni remains to this day one of the longest hours of my life, 39% was a miracle) and so I know the rules of demand and supply. If you have something that someone wants, you will be able to get them to pay a higher price for it. Furthermore, if you are aware that the buyer of your coveted item also happens to have significant means, then you are in a position of power and can raise even further the price that you ask for said asset. Finally, if the item is required in a short space of time, then guess what the price goes up ever higher. Added to this is the fact that times change, inflation goes on, prices go up. The 45m paid for Zidane and the 80m for Ronaldo are probably not too far apart once a decade of inflation is factored in.
Even considering all of the above factors, I just can’t stomach the sentence that I am about to type: Liverpool have signed Andy Carroll for £35m. Thirty-Five Million Pounds.
He is young, strong, powerful, and direct. (Just ask any of his ex-girlfriends.) He made an impressive start to his first Premier League season as the main man in Newcastle’s attack – he was just breaking through behind Martins and Owen when the Toon Army were last in the big time, but this time leading the line he has put in some eyecatching performances and scored a reasonable number of goals. He scored a solid number of goals in the Championship last season and was a key factor in his teams march to an emphatic league title.
£15m and you’ve got yourself a deal.
Thirty five is just insanity – it is a ludicrous price to pay for someone who, whilst all the above statements are true, it can also be said: his technique is fundamentally flawed, he does not have the touch, finesse or ‘tekkers’ of any other player that has ever been sold for over £30m. He has only really played for half a season in the Premier League – Amr Zaki set the world alight between August and December not so long ago. Amr who? Ek-Zaki-tly. He is reliant on a style of play that Liverpool were castigated for under their previous manager, and that even King Kenny probably won’t want to advocate for too long. He is a chav, and is always only ever a couple of drinks too many away from dragging his own reputation (and that of his club), through the mud of the tabloids and the courts.
Given the sale of talismanic-if-offcolour striker Fernando Torres to Chelsea, Liverpool had money to spend and a Number Nine shirt to fill. Moreover they needed to make some kind of statement, Hicks and Gillett would have been glad to simply take the money to plug the leaks; but the new owners have to show that things are different and they are moving on up.
Admittedly a strike force of Suarez and Carroll could quite certainly work out well for Liverpool, and it is arguable that they have removed the reliance on one main attacker and replaced him with two decent players. This could well provide a spark for the rest of their season and allow them to salvage something – Europa League for example – from a miserable couple of years. I guess what I’m saying is that I get why the owners wanted to splurge their money in this fashion.
It is just a staggering price for a player that to my mind does not justify the hype – put it this way, if you were Spanish and followed La Liga, you would probably find it hilarious that the English market values a player of Andy Carroll’s ability at £35m. He would not get into any team in the top half of La Liga, and every single defender in the division would be better on the ball than he is. A few games to suss him out and he would be finished. It’s a sad indictment of English football that a player like Carroll is valued so exorbitantly.
Good luck to Liverpool – I’d like to see them back challenging for the league, as the 2008/09 title run-in was the most enjoyable in years in my opinion. A grudging good luck to Carroll – whether I like it or not he is most likely the future of England’s attack alongside Rooney for the foreseeable future (but he is still a scumbag though). And good luck to any millionaire businessman who ever dreamed of one day owning a football club. The stakes are going up all the time, and the prices are out of control.
The final word? Darren Bent for 18m. Doesn’t look such bad business now…
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