Arsene Wenger endured another tough match in the dugout after watching Arsenal succumb to defeat against Olympiakos last night.
The Frenchman was left frustrated with officials after the Greek side were controversially awarded a corner, from which Giannis Maniatis scored the equaliser. Kostas Mitroglou went on to secure the victory in a match the Gunners had led with Tomas Rosicky’s first-half strike.
The result extends Arsenal’s run of winless games to four, and the under-fire Wenger cursed his team’s misfortune, as he told ITV1, “For their first goal, it was a goal-kick, simple as that.”
“What is the fifth referee doing behind the line? Nobody knows. I don’t think it was the right decision, but we have to cope with it. After that they scored a good goal.”
The Gunners had already booked their place in the tournament’s knockout stages, but the defeat meant they finished the group as runners-up behind Schalke and will be pitted against a group-winner in the next round.
Nevertheless, Wenger was happy with the performance of his team in his 150th Champions League game in charge. “Some of the younger players did very well for an hour and that is very positive. Also Tomas Rosicky has not played for six months and he had a good 45 minutes and that is the positive of the night.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they host West Brom at the Emirates, hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Swansea.
Andy Carroll’s brace last week against West Brom has triggered immediate questions from the British media over the occasional England’s striker’s immediate future. The lanky Geordie has spent the year in the footballing wilderness, having been exiled to Upton Park by the incoming Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers at the start of the season, with fairly little in the way of assurances over whether Carroll will ever be let back in to the Anfield fold.
No doubt, the West Ham loanee will be breathing a sigh of relief following Sam Allardyce’s comments about making his move a permanent fixture. Big Sam said in a press conference last week preceeding this weekend’s clash against Liverpool; “I wouldn’t have spent as much time as I did trying to get him [Carroll] here if I didn’t want him here on a permanent basis. We would have hoped he’d score a few more goals, but the circumstances around why he hasn’t are ones we can put right. In other words, keeping him match-fit would mean more goals.”
Fairly promising words of intent from the Hammers boss, and similarly, Alan Pardew has continually referenced to and implied the possibilities of a return to St.James’s Park for Carroll throughout his West Ham tenure, all be it at a much lesser price than the £35million Newcastle sold him for just eighteen months ago.
But that is where the first problem over Carroll’s future is quickly encountered – how much is he actually worth? Whilst its now become commonly accepted that the £35million Liverpool forked out in January 2012 will go down in the history books as the most overzealous and plethoric transfer fee in the history of English, and possibly even world football, its aftermath and legacy will be the Hammers forward’s next move.
Should the tabloids’ predictions prove to be true, signing Carroll on a permanent basis at Upton Park, or financing a return to Newcastle will cost £17.5million. Of course, Liverpool are taking a 50% loss in good faith, but that still equates to £52.5million being spent on a striker in the space of 3 years that has only ever scored 25 Premier League goals.
It doesn’t take a monetary genius to realise that it hardly represents a good deal, especially considering the viable alternatives and recent transfers, including Christian Benteke from Genk to Aston Villa, at a cost of £7million – with the Belgian recording 15 goals and four assists in 25 league appearances, and being two years younger than Carroll – and Swansea’s Michu, whose move from Rayo Vallecano was a steal at just £2million, with the Spaniard currently fourth in the Premier League scoring charts, sitting behind three already established top flight footballers who are all candidates for Player of the Year.
So, can a potential £17.5million deal for Carroll actually be justified? Perhaps my comparative examples were a bit unfair, the largest factor behind transfers within the boundaries of the Premier League being so much, and similarly the prices of English players being so high, is that their capability of playing in the English top flight is already secured, and thus in theory, the risk of any potential transfer between one Premiership club to another will not result in a flop – although there are plenty of examples that would argue otherwise.
[cat_link cat=”West-Ham” type=”tower”]
And although perhaps Carroll is still yet to reignite the pedigree of his talent that lead to him finding the net 11 times in 19 appearances for Newcastle in the latter half of 2011, which also triggered his move to Anfield, there is no doubt that the 6 foot 3 front man, even on a bad day, is at least of some tactical use in the Premier League, as the threat he poses naturally draws opposing defenders towards him, and the confusion provided allows for the likes of Kevin Nolan to take advantage of the situation and find a vital yard of space in the penalty box.
Similarly, you get the feeling that Andy Carroll would have a job for life at West Ham. He fits perfectly into the Allardyce mould, centred around playing direct, hard-working football, and making the best out of dead ball situations. He provides the perfect focal point at the tip of the Hammers’ attack, and furthermore typifies the team’s current style; it’s no coincidence that four of the striker’s five goals this season have come from set pieces. With Allardyce at the Hammers’ helm, the club content for now with mid-table mediocrity, and Carroll providing an invaluable service up front even if he’s short of goals, there are shades and echoes of the career of Kevin Davies – whether that’s a good thing or not is open to interpretation.
Even at St. James’s, where under Alan Pardew the French revolution of arriving Ligue 1 talent has brought with it a more attractive, open and progressive style of play in comparison to West Ham’s, Carroll would still have a purpose at the club. The return of a prodigal son on Tyneside always pleases Magpies fans, and similarly there can hardly be any bad feelings about the move to Liverpool, considering the expensive transfer has essentially funded the influx of players that saw Newcastle finish 5th in the Premier League last season.
But what would his role actually be at the club? Papiss Cisse has had his ups and downs, and is not the player that many of his initial wonder goals suggested he may be, but going on record and form, he’d still claim a spot in the Starting XI as a lone striker over Carroll. He would certainly receive more game time than the ageing veteran Shola Ameobi, the Magpies’ only other senior forward, but if the West Ham striker is to be a regular bench warmer, he may as well take his chances at Anfield, and Newcastle may as well not fork out £17.5million for a player who would provide a service that could be attainable for a lot less, or even through the promotion of a decent youth product, or Ameobi himself for that matter.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I am a firm believer that Carroll’s potential future transfer would not be as disastrous as the last, recording just six goals in 44 league appearances in Liverpool colours, and I buy into the argument that had the nine-times-capped England man been match fit for the whole season, his goal tally would break double figures come the end of the current campaign. Similarly, there is no doubt that Carroll’s physique and aerial threat provides opportunities to score for his surrounding team mates.
But does a ten goal per season striker, who is essentially the next Kevin Davies, or perhaps Niall Quinn, really warrant a £17.5million transfer? Daniel Sturridge cost Liverpool £5million less just a matter of months ago, and Robin Van Persie cost £2.5million more less than a year ago.
Of course, every transfer comes with its own specific situation which pushes the fee in one direction or the other. But every party involved in Carroll’s future transfer will know that the deal will not be financially beneficial for either club. Liverpool will have to accept a considerable loss, whilst either Newcastle or West Ham will be acquiring a striker in the knowledge that he’s been purchased for above his market value. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the deal can never make sense, but for reasons that escape the realms of business, and out of sheer desire from Allardyce or Pardew to sign Carroll, I believe Liverpool will eventually receive a fee that is not too far away from their current asking price.
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.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will bring back his big guns when Manchester United arrive at Anfield on Sunday.
Rodgers left the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger behind for Thursday’s trip to Switzerland to take on Young Boys in the Europa League.
He was left impressed by the way his young team performed coming away with a 5-3 victory, and Jonjo Shelvey is in contention to start after the 20-year-old emerged from the bench to score the two decisive goals on Thursday.
Manchester United arrive at Anfield on the back of four straight victories in all competitions, and are set to recall Robin Van Persie and Patrice Evra to the starting line up.
Whilst Liverpool are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, United have not won at Anfield since 2007, losing four or their last five.
The animosity between the two sides that has been a feature in the last year since the Suarez, Evra row will be put aside, with it being Liverpool’s first home game since the Hillsborough enquiry came to light.
Key Battle: Steven Gerrard v Michael Carrick
Steven Gerrard has yet to really find his form so far this season, playing at the tip of a midfield three just behind Luis Suarez. It will be up to Michael Carrick – set to make his 350th Premier League appearence – to halt the threat of the Liverpool captain. You feel Gerrard is due a big game, and there is no bigger occasion than this. It is so often the case that if Gerrard plays well, Liverpool do. You can see him being the key to Brendan Rodgers hopes of recording a first Premier League win as Liverpool manager.
Prediction : Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United – I feel that Liverpool are due a touch of fortune, and with an emotional crowd behind them, may just be spurned on to victory. It is often the case that the Reds perform best when they have been under fire.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
United have looked somewhat shaky at the back this season, and no doubt Luis Suarez will be in the mood to shine. It will be tight, but I fancy home advantage to tilt it in Liverpool’s favour as it has done so often in this fixture during the past five years.
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?”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
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 nothing better than seeing a spectacular volley fly into the top corner for your team. We all dream of replicating this ourselves, but more often than not – like most football moments we try to recreate – it is more likely to happen on the popular FIFA series.
FIFA 13 has vastly improved it’s shooting facility since the last title and volleys and different types of finishing can be practised in the arena mode before a game, or in training mode.
These modes are great for honing your skills and also a lot of fun as you are constantly chasing the highest score to unlock further levels.
With regards to pulling off a spectacular volley, it is all about three things.
Firstly is the accuracy of the cross. It is important to judge the flight of the ball all the way onto your players foot. Floated crosses are usually better for volleys, as it gives you more time to judge the flight of the ball.
This leads on to the second and most important aspect which is timing. The timing is absolutely everything when trying to execute the perfect volley. Watch it all the way and when the moment is right, prepare to strike.
Finally, as you strike the ball, hold down the L2 button simultaneously with the circle button, to ensure the player attempts a volley, rather than a header.
The L2 button ensures the player will volley the ball no matter what position, so if it has been timed to perfection there is every chance he may execute an overhead kick, or spectacular strike of some kind.
Practice is everything, so be sure to try out the shooting drills in the arena beforehand.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Judge the flight of the ball, ensure perfect timing, and hold L2. And be sure to save the replays of your spectacular goals.
Take a look at the video below to see some of the finest volleys, long shots and overheads scored in FIFA 13!
When Mario Balotelli signed for Liverpool this summer, everybody knew that it would be a bumpy ride.Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Cesare Prandelli have all failed to tame the enigmatic Italian, but Brendan Rodgers understandably sawÂhis £16million valuation as a risk worth taking, accepting the inevitable highs and lows, the vast spectrum of the sublime to the ridiculous, that eternally accompanies the former Manchester City striker.Twelve games and just two goals into his Reds career however, it appears the Anfield boss is already thinking twice, recently refusing to rule out the notion that Balotelli could be moved on as early as January. Jamie Carragher has likewise speculated that the 24 year-old won’t be on Merseyside next season.So, was that £16million swoop actually good value for money? We at Football Fancast think not, and just to prove it, here’s FIVE strikers, all available for around the £16million mark during the summer (or less), Liverpool could – and probably should – have signed instead.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON BALOTELLI TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
DANNY WELBECK
It may have been a transfer shrouded in controversy, considering the last player to directly swap Old Trafford for Anfield was Phil Chisnall in 1964. But the contrasting fortunes of Danny Welbeck and Mario Balotelli since their summer moves is evident for all to see.
Indeed, Balotelli’s netted just twice in twelve outings for the Reds and is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League. Welbeck, on the other hand, has bagged five goals in his first seven Gunners appearances, including a hat-trick against Galatasaray in the Champions League:
But it’s not all just about the goals. Whereas the Italian international has already proved himself incredibly alien to Liverpool’s style of play, Welbeck – purchased by Arsenal on deadline day for an identical £16million fee – is quick, agile, industrious and lethal on the counter-attack, suiting the Reds perfectly.
He’s also a year Balotelli’s junior and home-grown, which again, fits into Liverpool’s transfer policy under Brendan Rodgers far better than the former AC Milan striker.
Alexandre Lacazette
Former Ligue 1 stars certainly have a mixed track record in the Premier League and I’m not suggesting 23 year-old Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette doesn’t come with obvious risks for a club like Liverpool.
But the three-cap France international was amongst Ligue 1’s most prolific front-men last season, as shown below:
And he’s carried that goalscoring form into the current campaign:
This kid’s quickly looking like the real deal. He finished off a hat-trick against Lille earlier this month with this skilful effort:
Famed for his electric pace, goals and versatility – often featuring out wide in attack as well as centrally – Lacazette more than meets Brendan Rodgers’ summer stipulation for ‘multipurpose signings’. Here’s a clip of the 5 foot 11 forward in action:
Newcastle were hot on the Frenchman’s heels during the summer, but their £10million bid fell on deaf ears. It’s likely another £6million however, in addition to Liverpool’s clout in the transfer market, could have convinced Les Gones to sell.
LOIC REMY
Loic Remy’s failed medical at Anfield remains besmirched in mystery. The France international was set to join the Liverpool ranks for a mere £8.5million in July, but an apparent heart defect convinced the Reds pull the plug.
Bizarrely however, the 27 year-old had passed a medical to make it into Didier Deschamps’ France squad just weeks previously, and by the end of the transfer window had passed yet another medical to officially sign for Chelsea – again, for a cut-price £8.5million.
Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Brenan Rodgers may feel his decision was justified. But there’s no doubting Remy’s goal-scoring credentials in the top flight, with a return of 21 goals in 45 Premier League appearances – including this cool finish on his Chelsea debut:
Compare that to Mario Balotelli, who has scored less Premier League goals, 20, in more appearances, 61, and cost £7.5million more. Here’s a look at Remy in action:
PACO ALCACER
Football – Sevilla v Valencia – UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg – Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla, Spain – 24/4/14Sevilla’s Diogo Figueiras and Paco Alcacer of Valencia in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
If Liverpool knew what they do now about Valencia star Paco Alcacer, perhaps we would have seen some explicit interest over the summer.
the bargain of Europe’ according to one Spanish publication.
Indeed, the 21 year-old has been nothing short of potent over the last twelve months:
And that strong form has seen Alcacer rise to the forefront of Vincente del Bosque’s plans for the Spanish national team – he’s claimed four caps since his debut in August, netting thrice in the process. Here’s a look at the 5 foot 11 forward in action:
Fernando Torres-esque dare I say? Bearing no particular defining strength but an impressively varied all-round-game.
Alcacer might be a target Rodgers wants to consider for the January window, but Valencia are planning to bump up his release clause to a whopping £40million:
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
WILFRIED BONY
Liverpool were strongly linked to Wilfried Bony throughout the summer and appeared genuinely interested in the Swansea striker before Mario Balotelli popped up on their radar:
But that’s already looking like a poor piece of business from Brendan Rodgers, with the Ivory Coast international netting four times in nine Premier League outings this season – including this superb goal against Leicester City:
That builds upon a return of 16 in 34 last season to keep the Swans in the top flight, in addition to 37 goals in his final 36 Eredivisie appearances at former club Vitesse Arnhem. Here’s a clip of Bony in action:
Famed for his power, aerial ability and aggression, the 25 year-old is purpose-built for the Premier League and would offer Liverpool’s attack something a little different.
Swansea issued several hands-off warnings during the summer, but his £19million release clause – albeit, £3million more than Mario Balotelli’s transfer fee – was well within Liverpool’s financial reach.
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.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
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.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
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
Leigh Griffiths was destined to be playing in Scotland’s top league come September 1st, but a turn around in fortunes has seen the Scot net quite a few times for the Old Gold.
His time at Wolves began under Mick McCarthy who signed the highly rated youngster, in 2011 for a fee reportedly around £150,000, bought in as ‘one for the future’ the fans trusted that McCarthy had uncovered yet another rough diamond, that he was going to merge and mould into a stellar first team player, much like he did with Matt Jarvis.
After failing to appear in Wolves’ Premier League campaign in 2011, he was sent out on loan to the green half of Edinburgh, needless to say, this is where his career would really take off. However, not everything was hunky dory. To begin with, Griffiths had numerous fallouts with the Hibs manager, Pat Fenlon. He was critical of Griffiths conduct in front of supporters, after he was suspended for a second time for the same offence. Relations between the management and Griffiths in the early years of his Hibs career were not great, though the club swiftly denied reports of a training ground bust up. However, things began to pick up for Griffiths toward the end of the 2011/2012 season, scoring a vital winning goal in the Scottish cup semi final against Aberdeen. Griffiths’ total for that season was 11 in 36 – not bad, but not great.
Wolves, the following season, felt Griffiths was surplus to requirements and he was told to say up in Scotland. A blistering start to the season saw him earn the player of the month award for August and his first cap for Scotland, this came off the back of him scoring 11 goals for Hibs. He was a revelation for Hibs, despite a dip in form after winning his first cap. Come January, Dean Saunders out of desperation or tactical insight (I fear it was the former) recalled Griffiths back to the Midlands, so he could be ‘assessed’ by the management, what they had to assess him for, I do not know. Alas, his reinstatement back into the first team did not happen after the club issued a statement regarding Griffiths’ conduct on, yep you guessed it, Twitter. He was frog marched back to Edinburgh and would remain there till May.
Without wanting to bash Dean Saunders, it did highlight his inability as a man manager. There was, on his doorstep, a young, vibrant, energetic player, who was in great form and itching to play football. Saunders failed to pocket all this talent and instead, let him go. One reason for this could have been the potentially negative effect on the dressing room, Wolves were in a dire situation, they had been humbled away at Luton Town and were facing another relegation fight. The last thing that Dean Saunders would have wanted is player who is going to spout his mouth off every five minutes, it does not matter, to a degree, how good he is, it had to be all about the collective in a situation like the one Wolves were facing. But surely it was worth a gamble? Especially with the injuries Wolves had in the latter half of the season. We saw how unpredictable and volatile a footballer he may be, but we have seen with the current manager that if he is treated right, he can be a real asset to a team.
Yet again, Griffiths was charged after posting another offensive tweet, it seemed that this young man failed to have the attitude that was needed to play top level football. Time and time again, Wolves have had to let players go because of their negative attitude, players who have a lot of genuine ability but who just do not have the right application – see Freddy Eastwood as an example.
What Griffiths soon discovered is that, excuse the cliché, doing your talking on the pitch, actually endears you to the fans that are paying to watch you. The Scot scored in every match in February, earning him his second player of the month award. Things were quickly on the up for Griffiths, as he bagged his first ever hatrick in a Scottish cup-tie against Kilmarnock.
That season was the making of Griffiths, he scored twenty-five goals for the club and was nominated for both player and young player of the year, winning the latter. In addition, he was included in the SPL team of the year and won the Scottish football writers player of the award. It was frustrating, as most things are for Wolves fans, to see a striker, who was ours, score for fun. Questions were asked to the management about why this precocious talent was not being given an opportunity in a Wolves shirt, those goals he is scoring in the SPL could have been goals for Wolves, potentially – who knows. He could have made the difference in our fight to stave off a successive relegation.
The season finished and with morale at the Midlands club, at an all time low, fans just presumed that Griffiths would remain at Hibs – not a candle was held for the return of the prolific goal scorer.
However, things were about to change at Wolves, another changing of the guard gave renewed hope for Griffiths, he was recalled back to Wolverhampton, despite Hibernian’s best efforts to sign their top scorer. New manager, Kenny Jackett, completed the best bit of summer transfer business – he kept Griffiths at the club, he was going to be playing for Wolves, in League One.
Awarded the number nine shirt, Jackett gave Griffiths some confidence, an arm round his shoulder. Griffiths can be a unpredictable character, as we have seen. But Jackett’s told him that ‘you are my main man and shall be for the foreseeable future’. However gutted fans were to see the previous number nine leave, it had to be done if Griffiths was to step up into the first team, it could be argued that, if Ebanks-Blake had stayed, Griffiths would be permanently plying his trade in Scotland. Jackett made a swift, decisive, strong decision to cut loose the old Wolves and bring through new blood.
Jackett has not been given enough praise for the reintroduction of a twenty-five goal a season man. Another manager would have cut their losses and sold Leigh Griffiths, Jackett did not, Jackett saw the potential in him, as he has done in so many other players at the club, he saw the mercurial talent that this young Scottish lad had and fought to keep him at the club – for me, this is the most important piece of business Wolves have done in the past five years.
So, what has Leigh Griffiths brought to this new look Wolves side? Who sit second in League One on 13 points. Well, to start with, he has brought four goals in five league games, but in addition he has brought a level of clinical finishing that has not been seen since Ebanks-Blake’s early years at the club. I first saw him Griffiths against Real Betis, in a pre season friendly, and you could see his talent come through, even then, in a nothing game – his movement off the ball, the ability to drag defenders all over the place, his speed, his awareness and, most importantly, his destructive finishing.
Leading the line, or playing as part of a two, Griffiths looks comfortable, despite his young age. Being in Scotland for those couple of years have made him into a man, because of the monopoly that is Scottish football, the pressure, from the management at least, has been reduced slightly. This has been vital in his development as a player, he has been allowed to make mistakes and it seems he has learnt from that and grown as a result. He gradually became the main man at Hibernian, and thankfully did not shy away from the pressure, but instead lapped it up. He was enjoying the fans singing his name and scoring plenty of goals in the process.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It seems that he is forming a partnership with Kevin Doyle, a partnership that has seen Wolves unbeaten in League One. Long term, it seems that Sigurdarson will take the Doyle role, once Doyle departs, and a long-term strike partnership will be forged.
With Griffiths, Wolves have an ace up their sleeve, not many teams in League One have a goal scorer, in fact, not many teams have a reliable twenty a season man. Wolves do. It seems on first viewing that Griffiths is a poacher, born offside, like a Bent or a Del Piero (though obviously no where near as good). But on closer inspection, Griffiths can drop deep if he feels he needs to, but having Kevin Doyle next to him eases that burden. Doyle is the older, more experienced player who does all the hard work and can let Griffiths grab all the headlines.
On the goal scoring front he can scores all different types, take Port Vale away, for example, he worked his backside off to get the ball from two Vale defenders, he then eventually thundered the ball in the top corner. Another example, Gillingham at home, his ability to trap the ball from a substantial height and then to angle his body in such a way that he can volley it first time past the Gills keeper is remarkable.
Griffiths has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, if Wolves are promoted in the next two years, the sky is the limit for him, and the club. With him at the helm of Wolves fight back to the Promised Land – who knows what we could achieve? Griffiths is symbol of a brighter future, a future that is breeding young, hungry, exciting and attacking players to restore some pride back into the Old Gold.