Liverpool have already made a big transfer splash at the start of this busiest of months by completing the signing of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £12m but after making such a terrible go of things in the summer, there is plenty of work left to do, so what should be right at the top of the agenda for manager Brendan Rodgers?
With the club currently seven points adrift of Chelsea in fourth place and 11 points ahead of Wigan in the relegation zone, with a Europa League campaign still to contend with, there is plenty left to play for at Anfield this term, not to mention local pride with Everton above them in the league at present.
January represents a potentially dangerous time to do business, but with regards to the various comings and goings on Merseyside, it could prove to be a season-defining month for Liverpool.
Click on Brendan Rodgers to see his full to-do list for the month
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Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Robert Green could be set to regain the number one shirt after Julio Cesar endured an afternoon to forget at Villa Park.
The former England stopper was initially first choice down at Loftus Road, but an opening day mauling at home to Swansea left then manager Mark Hughes dipping into the transfer market for a replacement. However the Brazilian’s poor display during their defeat to Aston Villa could well have reopened the door to Green.
“We should have dealt with it,” Redknapp told The Daily Mail when questioned on the opener.
The QPR manager’s thoughts on Andreas Weimanns’ goal were hardly positive and there was certainly no vote of confidence for Cesar and his defence when it came down to Benteke’s late winner.
When asked whether or not Green would have been in goal, had he been fit Redknapp replied: “Oh, I couldn’t say that, could I?
“I’d be putting myself right under the cosh. I don’t need that as the moment. Why would I cause myself a problem by saying that?”
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In the end it was a tale of two keepers at Villa Park as Brad Guzan took all the plaudits. The American was on fine form and produced a stunning save to deny Christopher Samba what looked like a sure fire opener in the first half.
There’s no doubt that Bale would be receptive to a move to Madrid, in fact you’d struggle to find a player in the world that wouldn’t be interested in a move to a club with such stature.
You also couldn’t blame Bale for citing Champions League football as his reason for departure, especially as the only reason they got so close to qualifying in the first place this season was because Bale single handily carried them there.
Tottenham of course missed out on Champions League qualification on this season’s last game of the season by the smallest of margins, meaning that North London stayed red – as per usual. But Bale proved that he definitely had Champions League form with 21 domestic goals for the club this season, and he showed that presence right up to the end of the season as he scored a 90th minute winner at home to Sunderland.
Bale may well deserve Champions League football next season but if he actually thinks that Tottenham owe him Champions League football or more money or something like that, then he’d be wrong. Because after all, it wasn’t all that long ago that Bale was distinctively average. In fact it was only a few seasons ago that Bale was a target for clubs such as Birmingham and West Ham for a reported fee of just £3 million. A far cry from the rumoured £80 million deal that Real Madrid are said to be interested in offering Daniel Levy.
If Bale feels he has a second season to back up his Real Madrid claims, then why not take it at Spurs? That way he can give AVB the opportunity to build a squad around him, and maybe, just maybe help his Tottenham side earn another go at Champions League football within the next couple of seasons. At the age of just 23 there’s no rush to be uprooting your life, especially when you have a young family settled here in the UK.
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If Bale can keep up last season’s form, then he’ll always be a wanted man, and will therefore always be on the radar of Europe’s top clubs. So there’s no need for Bale to jump ship just yet.
Stoke struck twice in the last 10 minutes at the Britannia Stadium to condemn Newcastle to a fourth straight Premier League defeat.
After having their egos bruised against Southampton on Sunday the Magpies were handed the daunting assignment of ending their miserable run by securing their first away win of the season in the Potteries.
Tony Pulis’ men had gone 13 games unbeaten in front of their own supporters – a run stretching back to February – but left it late to snatch a victory that moves them up to ninth in the table.
The hosts were almost gifted an early when Mike Williamson contrived to hit his own post as he tried to clear a cross from the right.
Peter Crouch was then forced off after being caught by Fabricio Coloccini’s stray arm in an aerial challenge as the half ended on a decidedly low note for Pulis.
It got worse after the break when Newcastle broke the deadlock just two minutes after the restart, Papiss Cisse following up after Asmir Begovic spilled Demba Ba’s long range effort for his second league goal of the campaign.
The Senegalese forward was denied a second by Begovic soon after as the visitors sought to take the initiative and pick up their first domestic win since the end of October.
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But basic defensive errors have underlined their poor start to the season and they were eventually pegged back with nine minutes to go as Jon Walters rose unmarked to head substitute Cameron Jerome’s cross past a motionless Tim Krul.
And four minutes later the turnaround was complete as Kenwyne Jones’ flick into space was slotted into the net by Jerome after he gave Fabricio Coloccini the slip to earn a Stoke a thrd win in their last four games.
As a fascinating Saturday of Premier League football drew to a close, the Manchester United manager addressed the media with fury in his eyes.
It is fair to say Sir Alex Ferguson was not overly pleased with the officials time keeping during Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Ferguson told the BBC – now no longer the subject of his anger –the amount of stoppage time added on by the officials was an “insult.”
Ferguson said: “They gave us four minutes [injury time], that’s an insult to the game. It denies you a proper chance to win a football match.”
“There were six substitutions, the trainer came on, so that’s four minutes right away and the goalkeeper must have wasted about two or three minutes and they took their time at every goal kick.
“That’s obvious to everyone today and it’s a flaw in the game that the referee is responsible for time keeping. It’s ridiculous that it’s 2012 and the referee still has control of that.”
In theory the Manchester United manager is correct. Roughly 30 seconds were lost for each United goal, and around a minute for Dempsey’s second half strike.
Add to that 30 seconds for each substitution, any injuries and Tottenham’s time wasting, there should have been more than four minutes added on.
But Ferguson’s attack on the officials could not be more ‘pot kettle black’, from the man who has made the phrase ‘Fergie time’ one of the most commonly known in British football.
How often do you see the correct amount of stoppage time added at the end of a game?
Hardly ever is one answer, never another. The amount of stoppage time at the end of every match is always questioned one way or another. Saturday was no different.
Saturday’s post match interview was just another example of Ferguson the sore loser, the man we seem to meet after every Manchester United defeat.
Not only did his comments draw attention away from the fact Tottenham had put in a fantastic performance, his comments were also simply dillusional, especially when you look back at the countless stoppage time debacles involving him and his side down the years.
What will it be next week? Ferguson “insulted” his side did not get given a penalty?
Did you hear him complaining about the amount of time added on at Anfield two weeks ago?
Daniel Agger and Martin Kelly both picked up injuries that needed at least two to three minutes of treatment each. There were five second half substitutions, three goals, as well as a penalty and other stoppages.
The officials added on just five minutes, but Ferguson left happy as his team fortuitously picked up three points.
Whilst he has a fair point that the officials need to look at how much stoppage time is added on, this is not an isolated incident and has been going on for years.
Just because his side have been the victim on this occasion, Ferguson feels he has the divine right to pipe up and question the whole system.
But now football’s godfather has spoken out, and alluded to the fact referee’s should not be responsible for the amount of time added on, expect to see a change in the system sooner rather than later.
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Rightly so in many respects, because the lack of time added on does so often short change teams and supporters.
But why is it only now Ferguson has spoken that press and pundits are nodding their head in agreement?
This has been going on for years and years, and Ferguson has been one of the biggest obstacles for officials to overcome in their quest to simply add up the lost minutes of each half, with his manic watch pointing and words in the ears of various fourth officials.
If Ferguson is successful in his quest to take the task of adding up the amount of stoppages out of the referee’s hands, it is solid proof he holds more power and authority than any manager in world football.
Expect a change in the way stoppage time is handled very soon.
Follow me on Twitter @LukeGreenwood89 and let me know you’re thoughts on Fergie’s latest rant.
Nicky Butt has been appointed by Sir Alex Ferguson as a reserve team coach so that the former Man United favourite can gain valuable experience to aid his future career as a manager, according to the Daily Mail.
The ex-united midfielder made 387 appearances for the Red Devils, before moving on to Newcastle and Birmingham. Butt, who also has 39 England caps to his name, will now be assisting Warren Joyce to compete in the Barclays Under 21 Premier League, the Lancashire Senior cup and the Manchester Senior Cup.
Butt has been awarded his coaching badges, allowing him to manage a top flight team, but has opted to join the coaching team at Carrington to get back to the training ground and pick up some tips from his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
“He’s had a few opportunities to take on jobs but wanted just a wee bit of a chance to revisit the training ground again to get himself back into sync, which we’re happy to do because he was a fantastic servant to us” said the United manager.
“I don’t know what his long-term future is but, in the meantime, he’s helping out with the reserves.”
Man United youngster Tom Thorpe is pleased with the new addition to the coaching staff.
‘It’s brilliant, Especially when a player with a lot of experience comes back and has done it from an early age” said the novice defender.
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“He was at the club for quite a while and has gone through to the first team. It’s great for him to pass on his experience and different ways of playing with different styles” he added.
Watching Sunderland slump to defeat at home against a side they were expected to beat was nothing new to Sunderland fans, in fact the game resembled that of many Black Cats’ performances over the past few years.
The main thing which struck me as the North East side stuttered to a 0-1 defeat against Aston Villa was the bizarre sense of deja vu the contest gave me. Watching a Sunderland team toil and try and work the ball forwards into the Aston Villa area with wild panic but looking increasingly vulnerable on the break, lacking the fast players to cover ground quickly and cancel out two-man counter attacks. This match was nothing new, I saw the same game when Sunderland drew 0-0 with Fulham last year – it had many of the same characteristics as did the 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic in the same season.
It also resembled the forgettable home performances following last year’s FA Cup exit, where the Wearsiders fortuitously drew with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers. Without going off on too big a tangent, my point is, a year on under Martin O’Neill there isn’t a great deal of difference to what Sunderland do tactically at home and how they perform, compared to how they played under Steve Bruce.
I believe too much emphasis from fans is based on what a manager does and doesn’t do, when really nine times out of ten the teams with the best players win football matches. Using my club first as an example, a year into his stay on Wearside Martin O’Neill’s changes to the side are minimal, Sunderland offer slightly greater resilience away, some players such as Lee Cattermole have improved due to a slightly more defined role in the team, there’s a slightly more clear style of playing but that’s about it for my money.
Watching Sunderland in their most important matches, (at home, against teams outside of the top six), it’s almost impossible to separate the approach this year from that of the way the team played before under Bruce. Begging the question apart from club transfers which now in England is completed more and more by people other than a manager, what is the great importance of those in charge?
The Black Cats did enjoy a great up-turn in form instantly under O’Neill, due to a vast number of reasons. The introduction of James McClean into the team added more width and creativity to the side, fans patience was restored with the new manager, results such as the 1-0 over Manchester City may not have been possible under Bruce where fans were more restless and wouldn’t have been so reserved seeing their side concede so much possession. Luck also played a part – an offside goal gifted Sunderland three points against the league champions and against Blackburn in the Ulsterman’s first game a wrongly disallowed goal and failure from the referee to award a stonewall penalty to the visitors are often overlooked when discussing the turning point in the Black Cats’ season.
Tottenham Hotspur are a curious club sat fifth in the table after an indifferent start, the London club appear well-placed to achieve their goals for the season, yet there’s a great sense of unrest at the club. Much of this seems to be surrounding their manager Andre Villas-Boas, who has been hammered by some fans and some sections of the press in the wake of their 1-0 to defeat at home to Wigan.
Using the context of his sacking at Chelsea, many have labelled the Portuguese as clueless. Yet when comparing him to his popular predecessor Harry Redknapp a great point has to be made about the disparity in the teams the two managed. One of the best play-makers in Europe was present for Spurs last season in Luka Modric. While many of the London club’s disappointments this season have come when the superb Moussa Dembele has been missing – suggesting that players play a greater role than the man who puts them on the pitch.
A storm was also caused when Jermain Defoe was substituted for Emmanuel Adebayor, but under Redknapp the diminutive frontman was often second choice to the former Manchester City striker suggesting there could be plenty of logic behind the switch. Watching Tottenham when they were at their best against Chelsea, it was also hard to see a great deal of difference in approach, they moved the ball at a high tempo and were dependent on width to stretch teams, much like under Redknapp.
Other teams with good off the pitch structures can overachieve and succeed on it. Swansea City have established a style of play and that remains the same regardless of manager and also have assembled a squad that suit that approach. In my view transfers are the most important part of management with everything else being overstated.
City are a good example of this, the most important thing Michael Laudrup has done in Wales is bring in technical players who work their system. He did that well signing Ki from Celtic and Jonathan De Guzman, the acquisition of Michu is also among the most important things he’s achieved. While the team’s style is more direct and the Danish legend likes inverted wingers, the main reason Swansea are still over-achieving is because he’s signed good players.
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West Brom also continue to maintain Premier League status despite having had three different managers during their current run in England’s top division. While undoubtedly their gaffers deserve some praise, the Baggies also have an underrated team; James Morrison, Shane Long, Jonas Olsson and Youssuf Mulumbu are among the most underrated players in English football.
Do we overstate managers importance, let me know your thoughts on Twitter: @jimmylowson
Brendan Rodgers has deflected criticism aimed at his ‘keeper Pepe Reina after the Spaniard’s error almost cost Liverpool a place in the Europa League group stages.
The Reds drew 1-1 with Hearts on the night, going through 2-1 on aggregate, but it could have been a very different story had Luis Suarez not scored the decisive equaliser two minutes from time.
Hearts’ David Templeton gave the visitors the lead after launching a seemingly routine shot at goal from just outside the area, but Reina somehow spooned the shot into the net.
Despite the error, Rodgers remains confident in his shot-stopper’s ability: “Pepe has been brilliant since I’ve been here. He’s been a pivotal part of how we work. He’s been excellent off the field, a real good guy who understands the ideology of what we’re trying to do.
“Unfortunately for goalkeepers it’s part and parcel of the game. There’s no blame attached – unfortunately for goalkeepers they make a mistake and sometimes it leads to a goal.”
It sums up an unconvincing two-legged victory for Liverpool, who needed an own goal from Andy Webster in the first leg to take a lead back to Anfield.
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Rodgers’ side will now play Udinese, Young Boys and Anzhi in the group stages following lunchtime’s draw.
You can follow all the deadline day deals on our live blog right here
Daniel Levy has a reputation for entering the market late, and signing off on a few last-minute deals is very much part of the way the Spurs chairman operates.
This summer has been markedly different to last year for Spurs, who went all out in a £100million spree to offset the departure of Gareth Bale. This time around, the signings have been far more low key and well short of that total figure.
Expect Spurs to be active late on again, with the club linked with players currently plying their trade in the Premier League.
Here’s a look at five players who could join Tottenham before the transfer deadline.
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Javier Hernandez
Clubs from Italy and Spain have sounded out their interest in Javier Hernandez, but Tottenham have had the Mexican forward on their radar in the past.
Hernandez is sure to be out of Manchester United by the time the transfer deadline rolls around, and a knockdown fee may be attached to the striker.
Having plenty of experience in the Premier League, Hernandez would be a good buy for Spurs, who are looking to bounce back from a terrible campaign last season.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Football – Ecuador v France – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group E – Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 25/6/14Morgan Schneiderlin – France Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Southampton may have been encouraged to sell Morgan Schneiderlin, but the south coast club have thus far held firm on the want-away midfielder.
Tottenham are reportedly the only Premier League club to register any serious interest in the player, though their bid fell well short of Southampton’s valuation.
Regardless of what may be said about Southampton, this is undoubtedly the right time to cash in on the player. A deadline day move may be possible if Schneiderlin persists with the angle of wanting to move on.
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck is keen on a move away from Manchester United in order to get regular football, and Tottenham are one of a few teams in the Premier League linked with the forward.
Spurs are said to favour a loan move for the England international, who has failed to kick on and develop into a regular scorer.
But a move may be just what Welbeck needs. A loan deal will suit Spurs, who could make the deal permanent if Welbeck performs at White Hart Lane.
What appears certain at this stage is that Welbeck will not be playing his football at Old Trafford this season.
Loic Remy
Loic Remy is still available for transfer – though you have to wonder whether any other clubs are seriously interested in the French striker. Liverpool appeared to be his big break in English football, but with little to nothing happening beyond the failed move to Anfield, it’s debatable whether Remy will land at one of the Premier League’s bigger clubs.
But Daniel Levy is known to like a last-minute venture into the market, and with Remy obviously available, the Tottenham chairman may decide on finally bringing the forward to White Hart Lane.
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After his loan spell at Newcastle last season, Remy is sure to get into double figures for goals for any side.
Alex Song
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Alex Song is still without a club, with Barcelona keen to offload the midfielder. Clubs in England have been linked, and it would make a lot of sense for Premier League teams to target the Cameroon international.
Tottenham have been one of the clubs mentioned, but they’ve thus far failed to act on Song’s availability.
It could simply be an act to see how low Barcelona go with their valuation of the player – which is already reportedly well below what they paid Arsenal two years ago.
This one looks like a deadline day deal, and one that could see Song end up back in north London.
Reports emanating from the The Mirror suggest that Arsene Wenger is eyeing up a potential swoop for Atletico Madrid’s attacking midfielder, Diego, this summer. The Brazilian is out of contract at his parent club, Wolfsburg, in Germany and the reports suggest that Arsenal are monitoring his situation, as a bargain worth keeping an tabs on.
Bargains and free signings have become something of comical material when it comes to the Arsenal boss, as two of three permanent summer signings last year – Mathieu Flamini and Yaya Sanogo – were both pulled in on a free transfer.
Since joining Atletico Madrid this year, Diego has produced a mixed bag of displays, disappointing at times whilst wowing the Atleti fans with his technique and vision. A stunning wonder striker against Barcelona in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie is the highlight of his season so far. He’s added more depth and quality to Atletico’s squad as they compete on two fronts to the last day.
In terms of what Diego would bring to the Gunners, depth is about all I can muster. He is a technically adept player, who operates in the ‘number 10’ role. His reputation isn’t one of a particularly hard worker, and he would be unlikely to get into the Arsenal side in place of any of their attacking players.
But the suggestion that Wenger views Diego as a cheap option this summer doesn’t quite ring true. He is reportedly one of the highest earners in the Bundesliga – Wolfsburg are notorious for their disproportionately high wages – which would give a good indication as to why Atletico have never signed him on a permanent deal, despite a successful season-long loan spell in 2012. The cash-strapped Madrid side aren’t in a position to offer the types of six-figure wages Diego supposedly demands, and thus have settled for loan deals on both occasions.
With only a select few at Arsenal earning anywhere near the type of money Diego – reportedly somewhere around £5 million per year – it’s highly doubtful that the Arsenal boss – not exactly a known spendthrift – would part with that type of money for a player who has largely flattered to deceive since his days at Werder Bremen.
The thought that Wenger would plump for a player of Diego’s ilk, when there are many areas in the squad that require more urgent reinforcements, doesn’t quite sit properly. Being 29, and thus in the peak of his career, Diego hardly fits regular profile of a Wenger signing. For all his technique and skill on the ball, he lacks both the mobility and the work-rate to fit in at Arsenal.
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To be truthful, the speculation feels as though the journalist was merely trying to fill pages, and gain a few extra hits. But if he were to be a genuine target for Wenger, he would add depth and little else – not to disregard the importance of squad depth, mind you. With his excessive wage requests, Diego would certainly not be a cheap investment either. It doesn’t feel Wengerish, and it certainly doesn’t feel genuine.