Sometimes its frustrates me that football is run by people that don’t seem to understand the game. They don’t understand the passion that it evokes, and how important it is to both players and spectators. Season after season, I witness moments on the football pitch where bad decisions are made, and whether or not those decisions end up being pivotal, it annoys me that they could have been prevented.
One such moment that certainly wasn’t pivotal, occurred on Sunday afternoon in the match at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton’s Tamir Cohen was brought on for the final five minutes against Arsenal, and from a corner in the final minute, he headed home the winning goal. In honour of his late father Avi Cohen (a former Liverpool player) who was killed in a motorcycle accident, he took his shirt off to reveal a t-shirt with a picture of his father.
A poignant moment. However, referee Mike Jones was forced to caution the Israeli as removing your shirt is a bookable offence. I don’t blame the referee; I’m sure failure to show the yellow card would have resulted in Jones getting suitably punished for not following the guidelines.
In this instance, Cohen’s booking was irrelevant. Bolton won the game, and it was a fitting tribute to Avi Cohen. But what if there were different circumstances? What if it was a cup final, with thirty minutes remaining, and Cohen had already been booked? Referees can’t be sentimental, and surely it should make no difference what the scenario is. Therefore, he would have been sent off for displaying a genuine moment of emotion. Even if a player takes their shirt off for no real purpose other than to express passion, why is it deemed an offence worthy of a yellow card?
FIFA don’t know.
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: "A player who removes his jersey when celebrating a goal must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour."
Yes we know that, but why?
FIFA don’t know.
Baring the torso? Potentially revealing something offensive underneath? Time-wasting? Inciting the crowd?! They all seem very unlikely and utterly ridiculous. Yet this is a rule which could play a major role in a game of football.
Here’s poor Eric Hassli, striker for the world famous Vancouver Whitecaps, getting a second yellow card for removing his shirt after scoring a penalty. (Hilariously, he has an identical shirt underneath to try and get away with it!)
There are some rules in football which I disagree with, but can sort-of understand why they exist. If you jump into the crowd to celebrate a goal, fans could possibly get crushed as they rush down to celebrate with the goalscorer. Therefore you deserve to get booked for risking the safety of the fans.
But I don’t believe there is any risk involved with removing ones shirt. It’s a moment of passion, and I can only assume that the people who make the rules don’t know what that is. They certainly don’t know what it’s like to score a goal.
I’m just glad that Tamir Cohen's had the opportunity to pay tribute to his father. And it only cost him a yellow card.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Monday, 4 April 2011
The closest relegation battle in years - but who will survive?!
The top of the Premiership table appears to be fading towards a predictable conclusion; and whilst it is naïve to assume anything this season, it looks as though Arsenal’s frailties and Chelsea’s terrible mid-season spell have gifted an underwhelming Manchester United side their 19th league title.
If the finale to the title race turns out to be slightly anti-climactic, the battle to stay in the Premier League will more than makes up for it. I can’t remember so many teams fighting for their lives at this stage in the season - it is truly remarkable to see eight teams still in trouble with just seven games to go. Mick McCarthy got it spot on responding to a question regarding a sufficient points total for survival, “I just keep cracking on and hope we end up with more points than three other teams at least”.
Since the 1995/1996 season when the number of clubs competing in the Premiership was reduced to twenty, only Sunderland (1996/97), Bolton (1997/98), and West Ham (2002/03) have suffered relegation despite reaching 40 points. Considering all twenty teams this season have already reached the 30 points mark, 2010/11 may be another rare season where 40 points isn’t enough to survive.
So as we approach the run-in, let’s take a look at the sides still in danger, and whether they have what it takes to get enough points to stay in the division:
Wigan, current position: 20th, played - 31, points - 31
Momentum: The Latics have enjoyed a couple of decent results; first of all beating fellow strugglers Birmingham City with a last minute Maynor Figueroa strike, and then earning a point against Spurs on Saturday. Their next three matches are away from home, so understandably they’re everyone’s favourites to go down.
THAT player: Charles N’Zogbia - Wigan’s player of the season last year, and hard to argue against him winning it this time around. The Frenchman will need to be in top form to inspire his side for the remainder of the campaign.
Goals: Or lack there of. The league’s lowest scorers, and top scoring Hugo Rodallega has only managed 7.
Verdict: Relegated. The four points earned against Birminham and Spurs were vital, but with five of their remaining seven matches away from home, I can’t see Martinez masterminding a revival.
Wolves, current position: 19th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: Mick McCarthy’s side have generally played well all season, but have been unable to convert good performances into good results. But the last few weeks have seen them earn valuable points against Spurs, Blackpool, West Brom, and most recently, neighbours Aston Villa. Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle was a setback, and the loss of Kevin Doyle to injury is a massive blow, but their final seven games are against sides from seventh downwards, so if they can re-discover their good form, survival is a very real possibility.
THAT player: Jamie O’Hara - a really wise loan signing, and has already made an impact. Wears his heart on his sleeve and works incredibly hard for the team.
Goals: Mick McCarthy must be cursing his luck with Doyle ruled out for the remainder of the season, but the likes of Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks Blake will get goals, whilst Matt Jarvis will be on a high after his call up to the England squad.
Verdict: Safe, just. Mick McCarthy’s side have started to show a winning mentality which has been missing all season, and there’s enough talent in the team to win games.
West Ham, current position: 18th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: What a strange season it has been, especially at Upton Park. Back in January, it was reported that West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was Avram Grant’s last in charge. And then suddenly, he had the full backing of the board. Only those involved really know what was going on, but since that day, the Hammers have only lost two league matches, beating Blackpool, Stoke, and Liverpool along the way. The return of Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the signing of Senegalese striker Demba Ba have added an unexpected sense of optimism around the club. The manner of the defeat to Man United on Saturday was disappointing, but with crucial games against Wigan, Aston Villa and Blackburn still to come, there’s plenty for the Hammers to be hopeful about.
THAT player: Scott Parker should be an England regular in my opinion. He brings so much to the West Ham team, and without his passion and ability, they’d be relegated already.
Goals: Demba Ba has been a revelation - such a handful for defences, and his goals have been key to their current resurgence. Elsewhere, the likes of Cole, Piquionne, Hitzlsperger and Parker will all contribute with the odd goal.
Verdict: Safe. Why? Two words: Scott Parker.
Blackpool, current position: 17th, played - 31, points - 33
Momentum: As Ian Holloway’s side welcomed the new year, the Seasiders were in the top half of the Premiership, having experienced a wonderful first half of the season. Four months later, and Blackpool are in freefall, having gained just eight points from fourteen matches in 2011. If the league table started from January 1st, they would be rock bottom. Having said that, the recent 3-1 win against Spurs proves that this team are fearless and capable of getting results. The question is, can they find their 2010 form?
THAT player: Charlie Adam, who else? According to reports, he was minutes away from heading to Tottenham. Blackpool fans can thank their lucky stars that the move fell through, and he stayed in the north west. He seems to be key to everything good that the Tangerines do.
Goals: Once again, if Adam stays fit, he will get crucial goals - penalties, free-kicks, tap-ins, and if he can add a few more to his current tally of nine league goals, they’ve got a great chance of surviving. Unfair not to mention DJ Campbell, who’s also scored nine, and when he returns from suspension, Blackpool’s attack will be more potent.
Verdict: Safe, just. With their remaining fixtures, the home matches against Wigan, Newcastle and Stoke stand out as season defining contests.
Aston Villa, current position: 16th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The Aston Villa fans have made it clear how they feel about Gerard Houllier. The Frenchman has shot himself in the foot on a number of occasions: first, carelessly indulging in his past, stating he would rather lose to Liverpool than any other club, and then, somewhat bizarrely leaving out key players as his side surrendered to Manchester City in the FA Cup. Since that 3-0 defeat at Eastlands, the Villains have lost at Bolton, and more painfully were beaten by neighbours West Brom at Villa Park. Chief Executive Paul Faulkner has backed the under fire boss, and now the Villa faithful must do the same.
THAT Player: Ashley Young. Villa boast several young talented English players, and none more talented than their versatile midfielder. He’s attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, and therefore his final role as a Villa player could be to inspire his side to the two or three wins they require for safety.
Goals: Darren Bent. He’s scored five times since joining Villa, and with talent from wide and behind him, he’ll get plenty of chances.
Verdict: Safe. Is the phrase, “too good to go down”, a kiss of death? With the players they’ve got, they should be in the top ten.
Birmingham, current position: 15th, played - 30, points - 34
Momentum: Winning the Carling Cup will give Blues fans many happy memories of that day at Wembley, but the bigger picture is that it may have dented their chances of survival. Since the final on February 27th, they’ve suffered defeats to fellow strugglers West Brom and Wigan, and lifting that trophy must seem a distant memory. The win against Bolton on Saturday was crucial, and with struggling Sunderland visiting St Andrews, and a trip to Ewood Park in the coming weeks, McCleish’s side need to continue the momentum.
THAT player: Craig Gardner - Local lad and Blues fan, represents what Alex McCleish demands from his players. His passion, but more importantly, his ability, could prove to be crucial.
Goals: Only Wigan have scored less this season, with Nikola Zigic and Cameron Jerome failing to have the desired effect.
Verdict: Relegated. Lack of goals being the determining factor.
Blackburn, current position: 14th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The award for Strangest Decision of the Season goes to the Blackburn Rovers chicken loving owners, who thought getting rid of Sam Allardyce would be a good idea. They replaced the vastly experienced Allardyce with the vastly inexperienced Steve Kean, and that decision could come back to haunt them come May. Winless since January 23rd, Rovers are in big trouble unless they start winning.
THAT player: Chris Samba - inspirational captain and defender, and is the second highest scoring defender in the league with four goals (behind Robert Huth). He may need a few more goals to keep his side in the league.
Goals: Rovers don’t have a prolific scorer, which could be a big problem for Steve Kean. However, they do have players capable of scoring - the young Canadian David Hoilett looks a good prospect.
Verdict: Relegated. They’ll need at least two wins from their remaining games, and I can’t see them getting that.
West Brom, current position: 13th, played - 31, points - 36
Momentum: Roberto Di Matteo may consider himself a tad unlucky to have been sacked, but Roy Hodgson has steadied the ship somewhat, and is still unbeaten as Baggies manager. The win against Liverpool on Saturday was Hodgson’s first home victory as boss, and the side looks more defensively sound. This unbeaten run will only boost confidence within the camp as they head towards the business end of the season.
THAT player: Peter Odemwingie has scored almost a quarter of West Brom’s goals this season, and if he can get a few more, it’ll go a long way in keeping them in the league.
Goals: Aside from the Nigerian, the Baggies do have plenty of players capable of scoring, even if the stats suggest otherwise. No-one apart from Odemwingie has managed more than four league goals this season, but James Morrison and Chris Brunt will get on the score-sheet.
Verdict: Safe. They’ve got a tricky run-in, with Chelsea and Spurs around the corner, but Roy Hodgson will keep it tight at the back and earn enough points to keep them up.
PREDICTION:
13th West Brom
14th West Ham
15th Aston Villa
16th Wolves
17th Blackpool
18th Birmingham
19th Blackburn
20th Wigan
If the finale to the title race turns out to be slightly anti-climactic, the battle to stay in the Premier League will more than makes up for it. I can’t remember so many teams fighting for their lives at this stage in the season - it is truly remarkable to see eight teams still in trouble with just seven games to go. Mick McCarthy got it spot on responding to a question regarding a sufficient points total for survival, “I just keep cracking on and hope we end up with more points than three other teams at least”.
Since the 1995/1996 season when the number of clubs competing in the Premiership was reduced to twenty, only Sunderland (1996/97), Bolton (1997/98), and West Ham (2002/03) have suffered relegation despite reaching 40 points. Considering all twenty teams this season have already reached the 30 points mark, 2010/11 may be another rare season where 40 points isn’t enough to survive.
So as we approach the run-in, let’s take a look at the sides still in danger, and whether they have what it takes to get enough points to stay in the division:
Wigan, current position: 20th, played - 31, points - 31
Momentum: The Latics have enjoyed a couple of decent results; first of all beating fellow strugglers Birmingham City with a last minute Maynor Figueroa strike, and then earning a point against Spurs on Saturday. Their next three matches are away from home, so understandably they’re everyone’s favourites to go down.
THAT player: Charles N’Zogbia - Wigan’s player of the season last year, and hard to argue against him winning it this time around. The Frenchman will need to be in top form to inspire his side for the remainder of the campaign.
Goals: Or lack there of. The league’s lowest scorers, and top scoring Hugo Rodallega has only managed 7.
Verdict: Relegated. The four points earned against Birminham and Spurs were vital, but with five of their remaining seven matches away from home, I can’t see Martinez masterminding a revival.
Wolves, current position: 19th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: Mick McCarthy’s side have generally played well all season, but have been unable to convert good performances into good results. But the last few weeks have seen them earn valuable points against Spurs, Blackpool, West Brom, and most recently, neighbours Aston Villa. Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle was a setback, and the loss of Kevin Doyle to injury is a massive blow, but their final seven games are against sides from seventh downwards, so if they can re-discover their good form, survival is a very real possibility.
THAT player: Jamie O’Hara - a really wise loan signing, and has already made an impact. Wears his heart on his sleeve and works incredibly hard for the team.
Goals: Mick McCarthy must be cursing his luck with Doyle ruled out for the remainder of the season, but the likes of Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks Blake will get goals, whilst Matt Jarvis will be on a high after his call up to the England squad.
Verdict: Safe, just. Mick McCarthy’s side have started to show a winning mentality which has been missing all season, and there’s enough talent in the team to win games.
West Ham, current position: 18th, played - 31, points - 32
Momentum: What a strange season it has been, especially at Upton Park. Back in January, it was reported that West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was Avram Grant’s last in charge. And then suddenly, he had the full backing of the board. Only those involved really know what was going on, but since that day, the Hammers have only lost two league matches, beating Blackpool, Stoke, and Liverpool along the way. The return of Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the signing of Senegalese striker Demba Ba have added an unexpected sense of optimism around the club. The manner of the defeat to Man United on Saturday was disappointing, but with crucial games against Wigan, Aston Villa and Blackburn still to come, there’s plenty for the Hammers to be hopeful about.
THAT player: Scott Parker should be an England regular in my opinion. He brings so much to the West Ham team, and without his passion and ability, they’d be relegated already.
Goals: Demba Ba has been a revelation - such a handful for defences, and his goals have been key to their current resurgence. Elsewhere, the likes of Cole, Piquionne, Hitzlsperger and Parker will all contribute with the odd goal.
Verdict: Safe. Why? Two words: Scott Parker.
Blackpool, current position: 17th, played - 31, points - 33
Momentum: As Ian Holloway’s side welcomed the new year, the Seasiders were in the top half of the Premiership, having experienced a wonderful first half of the season. Four months later, and Blackpool are in freefall, having gained just eight points from fourteen matches in 2011. If the league table started from January 1st, they would be rock bottom. Having said that, the recent 3-1 win against Spurs proves that this team are fearless and capable of getting results. The question is, can they find their 2010 form?
THAT player: Charlie Adam, who else? According to reports, he was minutes away from heading to Tottenham. Blackpool fans can thank their lucky stars that the move fell through, and he stayed in the north west. He seems to be key to everything good that the Tangerines do.
Goals: Once again, if Adam stays fit, he will get crucial goals - penalties, free-kicks, tap-ins, and if he can add a few more to his current tally of nine league goals, they’ve got a great chance of surviving. Unfair not to mention DJ Campbell, who’s also scored nine, and when he returns from suspension, Blackpool’s attack will be more potent.
Verdict: Safe, just. With their remaining fixtures, the home matches against Wigan, Newcastle and Stoke stand out as season defining contests.
Aston Villa, current position: 16th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The Aston Villa fans have made it clear how they feel about Gerard Houllier. The Frenchman has shot himself in the foot on a number of occasions: first, carelessly indulging in his past, stating he would rather lose to Liverpool than any other club, and then, somewhat bizarrely leaving out key players as his side surrendered to Manchester City in the FA Cup. Since that 3-0 defeat at Eastlands, the Villains have lost at Bolton, and more painfully were beaten by neighbours West Brom at Villa Park. Chief Executive Paul Faulkner has backed the under fire boss, and now the Villa faithful must do the same.
THAT Player: Ashley Young. Villa boast several young talented English players, and none more talented than their versatile midfielder. He’s attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, and therefore his final role as a Villa player could be to inspire his side to the two or three wins they require for safety.
Goals: Darren Bent. He’s scored five times since joining Villa, and with talent from wide and behind him, he’ll get plenty of chances.
Verdict: Safe. Is the phrase, “too good to go down”, a kiss of death? With the players they’ve got, they should be in the top ten.
Birmingham, current position: 15th, played - 30, points - 34
Momentum: Winning the Carling Cup will give Blues fans many happy memories of that day at Wembley, but the bigger picture is that it may have dented their chances of survival. Since the final on February 27th, they’ve suffered defeats to fellow strugglers West Brom and Wigan, and lifting that trophy must seem a distant memory. The win against Bolton on Saturday was crucial, and with struggling Sunderland visiting St Andrews, and a trip to Ewood Park in the coming weeks, McCleish’s side need to continue the momentum.
THAT player: Craig Gardner - Local lad and Blues fan, represents what Alex McCleish demands from his players. His passion, but more importantly, his ability, could prove to be crucial.
Goals: Only Wigan have scored less this season, with Nikola Zigic and Cameron Jerome failing to have the desired effect.
Verdict: Relegated. Lack of goals being the determining factor.
Blackburn, current position: 14th, played - 31, points - 34
Momentum: The award for Strangest Decision of the Season goes to the Blackburn Rovers chicken loving owners, who thought getting rid of Sam Allardyce would be a good idea. They replaced the vastly experienced Allardyce with the vastly inexperienced Steve Kean, and that decision could come back to haunt them come May. Winless since January 23rd, Rovers are in big trouble unless they start winning.
THAT player: Chris Samba - inspirational captain and defender, and is the second highest scoring defender in the league with four goals (behind Robert Huth). He may need a few more goals to keep his side in the league.
Goals: Rovers don’t have a prolific scorer, which could be a big problem for Steve Kean. However, they do have players capable of scoring - the young Canadian David Hoilett looks a good prospect.
Verdict: Relegated. They’ll need at least two wins from their remaining games, and I can’t see them getting that.
West Brom, current position: 13th, played - 31, points - 36
Momentum: Roberto Di Matteo may consider himself a tad unlucky to have been sacked, but Roy Hodgson has steadied the ship somewhat, and is still unbeaten as Baggies manager. The win against Liverpool on Saturday was Hodgson’s first home victory as boss, and the side looks more defensively sound. This unbeaten run will only boost confidence within the camp as they head towards the business end of the season.
THAT player: Peter Odemwingie has scored almost a quarter of West Brom’s goals this season, and if he can get a few more, it’ll go a long way in keeping them in the league.
Goals: Aside from the Nigerian, the Baggies do have plenty of players capable of scoring, even if the stats suggest otherwise. No-one apart from Odemwingie has managed more than four league goals this season, but James Morrison and Chris Brunt will get on the score-sheet.
Verdict: Safe. They’ve got a tricky run-in, with Chelsea and Spurs around the corner, but Roy Hodgson will keep it tight at the back and earn enough points to keep them up.
PREDICTION:
13th West Brom
14th West Ham
15th Aston Villa
16th Wolves
17th Blackpool
18th Birmingham
19th Blackburn
20th Wigan
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
How to beat Barcelona...
Last night, Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by a far superior Barcelona side. There’s no shame in that; I don’t think anyone will succeed in overcoming the Catalan giants in this year’s tournament. They aren’t perfect though - Arsenal scored six times in the four encounters between the two, and possibly should have scored more. If you attack them, you might score, but by doing that you’re leaving yourself open at the back and they’ll probably score more than you.
Jose Mourinho proved with his Inter side last season that Barcelona are beatable, but that was courtesy of one of the finest defensive displays ever witnessed in the Champions League. To beat them by attacking them is another thing. It’s an almighty task for any opponent, and you could argue that succeeding against them is as psychological as it is technical. You need: a) patience, b) concentration, and c) most importantly, luck. In the second leg at the Nou Camp, Arsenal managed, at most, one out of three.
It must be incredibly frustrating chasing shadows as most teams do when facing Guardiola’s side - mentally exhausting, and I have sympathy with Arsenal’s attack, who failed to manage one shot on goal last night. Once they managed to get the ball off them, they couldn’t find space; they were surrounded by blue and red, and on the rare occasion that space became available, they couldn’t take advantage.
So how do you beat Barcelona?
1) Pace
Arsenal looked most dangerous when running at the Barcelona defence. I thought Wilshere and Nasri were excellent - Nasri made several dashes down the left, and one of those led to the corner from which Busquets headed into his own net. For me, this highlighted how much they missed Walcott last night. He has his critics - decision making perhaps isn’t his forte, but his lethal pace frightens the life out of defences. Barcelona play so high up the pitch, so there is a vast area of space to run into if they give the ball away (see Bendtner goal last season).
2) Set Pieces
Barcelona don’t do set pieces. When they get a corner, they normally play it short, or look for a pass to start another 200 pass move. So inevitably, defending corners makes them uncomfortable. They aren’t a big side, so any crosses into the box can be a problem, as seen by the panic which resulted in a clumsy own goal last night. Nikola Zigic is a pretty hopeless player, but Barcelona would have been scared stiff of him if he was in an Arsenal shirt last night.
3) Don’t play them at their own game
They have the three most technically gifted players in world football: Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi. The speed in which they can find space, control the ball with the perfect touch, and then play it to a team-mate is incredible. Arsenal are excellent at this type of football; the best in the Premier League, but they struggled to string together three passes in a row last night. Off the ball, Barcelona are as good as they are with the ball. They don’t worry about the player who is free, they just make sure the ball doesn’t get to him. This makes it even more important to play to their weaknesses - pace, width and height.
4) Have a full strength first eleven
There isn’t much a manager can do to guarantee the fitness of his first choice eleven. It’s a long season, and if you want to compete in all competitions, you will get injuries. Arsenal certainly would have been a greater threat to Barcelona had Walcott been available, and a fully fit Cesc Fabregas may have influenced the game as he would have hoped. Whether Arsenal would have beaten them is another matter, but there are enough frailties in Barcelona’s defence to suggest that they are far from invincible.
5) Get lucky
Arsenal had their share of luck over the two legs: Messi had a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside in the first leg, and at the Nou Camp, the same player may have felt hard done by when the referee didn’t give a penalty for a blatant foul. Whether it was inside the box is debatable, but it was one of many decisions that referee Massimo Busacca got horribly wrong. The major piece of luck that Arsenal did not receive, was the crazy second yellow card shown to Dutch striker Robin Van Persie for kicking the ball away after the whistle was blown. Whether he heard the whistle or not is irrelevant; how the referee deemed it as time-wasting is baffling. It’s not like he kicked the ball into row Z, and it wasn’t the 89th minute, so wasting time at this point in the game wouldn’t have been in Van Persie’s mind. However, common sense didn’t prevail, and the Dutchman was sent off, making Arsenal’s task near impossible. If he had stayed on the pitch, would he have converted the chance that Nicklas Bendtner missed? Possibly. It would have been a win coated with fortune for the Gunners, but injustice in football is common, and in most cases, required, to beat the mighty Barcelona.
Mighty - yes. Perfect - no. They have weaknesses, and if you try to exploit those flaws; run at them and get some high crosses into the box, they are beatable. However, you’ve also got to hope that they have an off day and you get the rub of the green. Possible. Unlikely, but possible.
Jose Mourinho proved with his Inter side last season that Barcelona are beatable, but that was courtesy of one of the finest defensive displays ever witnessed in the Champions League. To beat them by attacking them is another thing. It’s an almighty task for any opponent, and you could argue that succeeding against them is as psychological as it is technical. You need: a) patience, b) concentration, and c) most importantly, luck. In the second leg at the Nou Camp, Arsenal managed, at most, one out of three.
It must be incredibly frustrating chasing shadows as most teams do when facing Guardiola’s side - mentally exhausting, and I have sympathy with Arsenal’s attack, who failed to manage one shot on goal last night. Once they managed to get the ball off them, they couldn’t find space; they were surrounded by blue and red, and on the rare occasion that space became available, they couldn’t take advantage.
So how do you beat Barcelona?
1) Pace
Arsenal looked most dangerous when running at the Barcelona defence. I thought Wilshere and Nasri were excellent - Nasri made several dashes down the left, and one of those led to the corner from which Busquets headed into his own net. For me, this highlighted how much they missed Walcott last night. He has his critics - decision making perhaps isn’t his forte, but his lethal pace frightens the life out of defences. Barcelona play so high up the pitch, so there is a vast area of space to run into if they give the ball away (see Bendtner goal last season).
2) Set Pieces
Barcelona don’t do set pieces. When they get a corner, they normally play it short, or look for a pass to start another 200 pass move. So inevitably, defending corners makes them uncomfortable. They aren’t a big side, so any crosses into the box can be a problem, as seen by the panic which resulted in a clumsy own goal last night. Nikola Zigic is a pretty hopeless player, but Barcelona would have been scared stiff of him if he was in an Arsenal shirt last night.
3) Don’t play them at their own game
They have the three most technically gifted players in world football: Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi. The speed in which they can find space, control the ball with the perfect touch, and then play it to a team-mate is incredible. Arsenal are excellent at this type of football; the best in the Premier League, but they struggled to string together three passes in a row last night. Off the ball, Barcelona are as good as they are with the ball. They don’t worry about the player who is free, they just make sure the ball doesn’t get to him. This makes it even more important to play to their weaknesses - pace, width and height.
4) Have a full strength first eleven
There isn’t much a manager can do to guarantee the fitness of his first choice eleven. It’s a long season, and if you want to compete in all competitions, you will get injuries. Arsenal certainly would have been a greater threat to Barcelona had Walcott been available, and a fully fit Cesc Fabregas may have influenced the game as he would have hoped. Whether Arsenal would have beaten them is another matter, but there are enough frailties in Barcelona’s defence to suggest that they are far from invincible.
5) Get lucky
Arsenal had their share of luck over the two legs: Messi had a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside in the first leg, and at the Nou Camp, the same player may have felt hard done by when the referee didn’t give a penalty for a blatant foul. Whether it was inside the box is debatable, but it was one of many decisions that referee Massimo Busacca got horribly wrong. The major piece of luck that Arsenal did not receive, was the crazy second yellow card shown to Dutch striker Robin Van Persie for kicking the ball away after the whistle was blown. Whether he heard the whistle or not is irrelevant; how the referee deemed it as time-wasting is baffling. It’s not like he kicked the ball into row Z, and it wasn’t the 89th minute, so wasting time at this point in the game wouldn’t have been in Van Persie’s mind. However, common sense didn’t prevail, and the Dutchman was sent off, making Arsenal’s task near impossible. If he had stayed on the pitch, would he have converted the chance that Nicklas Bendtner missed? Possibly. It would have been a win coated with fortune for the Gunners, but injustice in football is common, and in most cases, required, to beat the mighty Barcelona.
Mighty - yes. Perfect - no. They have weaknesses, and if you try to exploit those flaws; run at them and get some high crosses into the box, they are beatable. However, you’ve also got to hope that they have an off day and you get the rub of the green. Possible. Unlikely, but possible.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Ronaldo wasn’t the luckiest, but he definitely was one of the best
Every lover of football has a hero from when they first started watching the great game. I, amongst many others my age, was extremely fortunate to witness the skill, strength, and speed of the Brazilian legend Ronaldo whilst I was growing up. He must have inspired millions of children all over the world to start playing football, and there must be thousands of current professionals who owe a debt of gratitude to Il Fenomeno for educating them on how to play the game properly.
Today, Ronaldo announced his decision to retire from professional football at the age of 34. He had been plying his trade at Brazilian side Corinthians, and was expected to retire at the end of the season, but defeat in the Copa Libertadores (the South American Champions League) has led him to quit the game prematurely. However, his move away from Europe and AC Milan in 2008 was effectively an unspoken retirement. His lack of fitness meant he could no longer perform at the highest level, and the injury he sustained at Milan when jumping for a cross against Livorno was the beginning of the end.
In that match in 2008, Ronaldo ruptured his kneecap ligament, and it was not the first time he had suffered such an injury. On several other occasions earlier in his career, during his time at Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, he was sidelined because of his knees. These injuries have led many to query whether his spells out of football define his career with the question: “what if?”. But as someone who has always admired the many qualities of the Brazilian, I believe that his ability to return from injury on many occasions, at different clubs, in different leagues, and still perform to an incredible standard, make him the most talented footballer of the last twenty years.
He played for four of the greatest and most famous clubs in world football: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, and left his mark on all. My favourite memories of him were whilst he was playing at the Nou Camp at the beginning of his career. Whilst it was only a short spell, some of the goals he scored were beyond belief. At Barca, he scored 47 times in just 49 appearances, and the majority of them were great goals.
He had the knack of getting on the end of a through ball even if the defender had several yards on him; his speed and strength made him resemble a steam train, barging his way through defences. And then when he found himself one on one with the keeper, it was impossible to guess what he would do. Such was his speed, the goalkeeper barely had time to react to a first time strike, and if he chose to round the keeper, his quick feet left his opponent wrong footed and on their backside, watching the ball being rolled into an empty net.
There were headers, penalties, tap-ins, the occasional 25 yard screamer, and he didn’t mind using his left or right foot; both were effective during his glittering spell at Barcelona. That’s not to suggest that when he left the club he didn’t continue in that vein; Inter Milan and Real Madrid benefited greatly from his goals and performances. It’s true that injuries did spoil his time in Milan and Madrid, but the stats confirm his greatness throughout: 59 goals in 99 appearances for Inter, and 104 in 177 for Real, which of course included that famous hat-trick in the quarter final of the Champions League against Manchester United, where the Old Trafford faithful stood and applauded the Brazilian’s performance.
If that wasn’t enough, his CV also boasts 15 World Cup goals, which no other player in history can match: those goals helping his country to lift the trophy on two occasions. Throw in some awards: three time World Player of the Year (only matched by Zinedine Zidane), two time European Player of the Year, the 1998 World Cup Golden Ball, the 2002 World Cup Golden Shoe, and us Brits recognised his qualities as well, awarding him the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.
The fact that he achieved so much despite his injuries, highlight what a phenomenon he really was. Of course people will ask the question, “What if?”, but Ronaldo should not be looked back on by questioning what he could have achieved. He was unlucky with injuries, and quite possibly made bad decisions when choosing clubs, but judge him by what he did on the pitch, which was sensational. At the end of Messi’s career, will people question his greatness if he fails to win a World Cup with Argentina? There seems to be a criteria that has to be matched in order for a footballer to be given legendary status, but like all professions, an element of luck aids great success. Ronaldo wasn’t the luckiest, but he definitely was one of the best - a legend.
Today, Ronaldo announced his decision to retire from professional football at the age of 34. He had been plying his trade at Brazilian side Corinthians, and was expected to retire at the end of the season, but defeat in the Copa Libertadores (the South American Champions League) has led him to quit the game prematurely. However, his move away from Europe and AC Milan in 2008 was effectively an unspoken retirement. His lack of fitness meant he could no longer perform at the highest level, and the injury he sustained at Milan when jumping for a cross against Livorno was the beginning of the end.
In that match in 2008, Ronaldo ruptured his kneecap ligament, and it was not the first time he had suffered such an injury. On several other occasions earlier in his career, during his time at Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, he was sidelined because of his knees. These injuries have led many to query whether his spells out of football define his career with the question: “what if?”. But as someone who has always admired the many qualities of the Brazilian, I believe that his ability to return from injury on many occasions, at different clubs, in different leagues, and still perform to an incredible standard, make him the most talented footballer of the last twenty years.
He played for four of the greatest and most famous clubs in world football: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, and left his mark on all. My favourite memories of him were whilst he was playing at the Nou Camp at the beginning of his career. Whilst it was only a short spell, some of the goals he scored were beyond belief. At Barca, he scored 47 times in just 49 appearances, and the majority of them were great goals.
He had the knack of getting on the end of a through ball even if the defender had several yards on him; his speed and strength made him resemble a steam train, barging his way through defences. And then when he found himself one on one with the keeper, it was impossible to guess what he would do. Such was his speed, the goalkeeper barely had time to react to a first time strike, and if he chose to round the keeper, his quick feet left his opponent wrong footed and on their backside, watching the ball being rolled into an empty net.
There were headers, penalties, tap-ins, the occasional 25 yard screamer, and he didn’t mind using his left or right foot; both were effective during his glittering spell at Barcelona. That’s not to suggest that when he left the club he didn’t continue in that vein; Inter Milan and Real Madrid benefited greatly from his goals and performances. It’s true that injuries did spoil his time in Milan and Madrid, but the stats confirm his greatness throughout: 59 goals in 99 appearances for Inter, and 104 in 177 for Real, which of course included that famous hat-trick in the quarter final of the Champions League against Manchester United, where the Old Trafford faithful stood and applauded the Brazilian’s performance.
If that wasn’t enough, his CV also boasts 15 World Cup goals, which no other player in history can match: those goals helping his country to lift the trophy on two occasions. Throw in some awards: three time World Player of the Year (only matched by Zinedine Zidane), two time European Player of the Year, the 1998 World Cup Golden Ball, the 2002 World Cup Golden Shoe, and us Brits recognised his qualities as well, awarding him the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.
The fact that he achieved so much despite his injuries, highlight what a phenomenon he really was. Of course people will ask the question, “What if?”, but Ronaldo should not be looked back on by questioning what he could have achieved. He was unlucky with injuries, and quite possibly made bad decisions when choosing clubs, but judge him by what he did on the pitch, which was sensational. At the end of Messi’s career, will people question his greatness if he fails to win a World Cup with Argentina? There seems to be a criteria that has to be matched in order for a footballer to be given legendary status, but like all professions, an element of luck aids great success. Ronaldo wasn’t the luckiest, but he definitely was one of the best - a legend.
Friday, 11 February 2011
Brighton vs. Hartlepool, Saturday 12th February, Kick-off: 3pm
Sports Saturday with Ben Holt, 2-6pm, Juice 107.2, www.juicebrighton.com
Build up to the game begins at 2pm, featuring interviews with manager Gus Poyet, and midfielder Gary Dicker, and from 3pm we'll have regular updates from the Withdean and around the country. Plus, the chance to win an Brighton & Hove Albion home shirt.
February is the month where Albion will see who their real promotion rivals are. It’s not particularly clear at the moment - as soon as a team look to be the one to challenge, they concede a last minute goal and drop points (see Bournemouth and Southampton last Saturday).
So who are the main title and promotion contenders?
The in-form team at the moment is Lee Clark’s Huddersfield, with a finely balanced squad including plenty of goalscorers - Jordan Rhodes, Gary Roberts, Anthony Pilkington, and returning striker Danny Cadamarteri, all on the score-sheet recently. An excellent run seeing them earn 17 points from a possible 21 has placed them in 3rd position, a point behind Bournemouth with a game in hand. We may find out in the next couple of weeks if they are the team to challenge Albion, as their next two games are against fellow promotion hopefuls Oldham and Bournemouth.
Southampton are still second favourites with the bookies, but despite all the talent they’ve got, last Saturday’s 4-4 thriller at London Road will be a worry for Nigel Adkins. The Saints led by two goals twice, but were pegged back by the Posh and dropped two vital points. Since thrashing Oldham 6-0 last month, they’ve only managed five points from a possible twelve. They host Carlisle on Saturday; a must-win for Adkin’s side.
Charlton have done well since bringing in Chris Powell; they’ve won three and drawn one, and still have a couple of games in hand over the teams around them. Bradley Wright-Phillips is a perfect signing for them, as he’s shown already with two goals in as many games, and with experienced players such as Johnnie Jackson and Christian Dailly, they’ve got a great chance of getting automatic promotion. Their last three matches have seen three wins and three clean sheets, but on Saturday they face Peterborough, who have scored nine in two matches.
As for Bournemouth, how costly will conceding that Dean Cox equaliser last Saturday prove to be? The Cherries are being written off for a top two finish because of the number of games they’ve played, but credit where credit is due, if the Cherries had avoided a last minute Orient equaliser on Saturday, Lee Bradbury would have taken 13 points from 5 games as manager. With trips to strugglers Walsall and Bristol Rovers coming next, it’s a great opportunity to keep the pressure on Albion. But anything other than 6 points from those two games, and a play-off spot will surely be their best chance of gaining promotion.
For Brighton & Hove Albion, it’s very simple: keep doing what they’ve been doing and the wonderful new stadium at Falmer will be hosting Championship football next season. A win against Hartlepool on Saturday would almost guarantee top-spot for another week. It’s a remarkable achievement to think that they’ve been top since September, but they don’t want to surrender their spot at the summit. Maintaining 1st place is somewhat out of Gus Poyet’s hands; if Bournemouth win all their remaining games in February, they will go top, but having played four more than Albion. The important thing is for Brighton to ignore the teams around them and the league table, and instead focus on themselves. The pressure is on the rivals to keep getting results, and that is not a pressure which Gus Poyet envies.
Last 5 matches:
Brighton:
W (2-4 Bristol Rovers away)
D (0-0 Leyton Orient away)
W (0-1 Watford away)
W (2-0 Colchester home)
L (1-0 Bournemouth away)
Hartlepool:
W (1-0 Colchester home)
L (4-0 Oldham away)
D (1-1 Notts County home)
L (4-0 Peterborough away)
D (0-0 Bristol Rovers away)
Albion's starting line-up vs. Bristol Rovers (last game):
Ankergren, Greer, El-Abd, Calderon, Painter, Bennett, Dicker, Bridcutt, Barnes, Murray (Sandaza), Wood (Noone); Subs not used: Brezovan, Elphick, Taricco, Battipiedi, Holroyd
Build up to the game begins at 2pm, featuring interviews with manager Gus Poyet, and midfielder Gary Dicker, and from 3pm we'll have regular updates from the Withdean and around the country. Plus, the chance to win an Brighton & Hove Albion home shirt.
February is the month where Albion will see who their real promotion rivals are. It’s not particularly clear at the moment - as soon as a team look to be the one to challenge, they concede a last minute goal and drop points (see Bournemouth and Southampton last Saturday).
So who are the main title and promotion contenders?
The in-form team at the moment is Lee Clark’s Huddersfield, with a finely balanced squad including plenty of goalscorers - Jordan Rhodes, Gary Roberts, Anthony Pilkington, and returning striker Danny Cadamarteri, all on the score-sheet recently. An excellent run seeing them earn 17 points from a possible 21 has placed them in 3rd position, a point behind Bournemouth with a game in hand. We may find out in the next couple of weeks if they are the team to challenge Albion, as their next two games are against fellow promotion hopefuls Oldham and Bournemouth.
Southampton are still second favourites with the bookies, but despite all the talent they’ve got, last Saturday’s 4-4 thriller at London Road will be a worry for Nigel Adkins. The Saints led by two goals twice, but were pegged back by the Posh and dropped two vital points. Since thrashing Oldham 6-0 last month, they’ve only managed five points from a possible twelve. They host Carlisle on Saturday; a must-win for Adkin’s side.
Charlton have done well since bringing in Chris Powell; they’ve won three and drawn one, and still have a couple of games in hand over the teams around them. Bradley Wright-Phillips is a perfect signing for them, as he’s shown already with two goals in as many games, and with experienced players such as Johnnie Jackson and Christian Dailly, they’ve got a great chance of getting automatic promotion. Their last three matches have seen three wins and three clean sheets, but on Saturday they face Peterborough, who have scored nine in two matches.
As for Bournemouth, how costly will conceding that Dean Cox equaliser last Saturday prove to be? The Cherries are being written off for a top two finish because of the number of games they’ve played, but credit where credit is due, if the Cherries had avoided a last minute Orient equaliser on Saturday, Lee Bradbury would have taken 13 points from 5 games as manager. With trips to strugglers Walsall and Bristol Rovers coming next, it’s a great opportunity to keep the pressure on Albion. But anything other than 6 points from those two games, and a play-off spot will surely be their best chance of gaining promotion.
For Brighton & Hove Albion, it’s very simple: keep doing what they’ve been doing and the wonderful new stadium at Falmer will be hosting Championship football next season. A win against Hartlepool on Saturday would almost guarantee top-spot for another week. It’s a remarkable achievement to think that they’ve been top since September, but they don’t want to surrender their spot at the summit. Maintaining 1st place is somewhat out of Gus Poyet’s hands; if Bournemouth win all their remaining games in February, they will go top, but having played four more than Albion. The important thing is for Brighton to ignore the teams around them and the league table, and instead focus on themselves. The pressure is on the rivals to keep getting results, and that is not a pressure which Gus Poyet envies.
Last 5 matches:
Brighton:
W (2-4 Bristol Rovers away)
D (0-0 Leyton Orient away)
W (0-1 Watford away)
W (2-0 Colchester home)
L (1-0 Bournemouth away)
Hartlepool:
W (1-0 Colchester home)
L (4-0 Oldham away)
D (1-1 Notts County home)
L (4-0 Peterborough away)
D (0-0 Bristol Rovers away)
Albion's starting line-up vs. Bristol Rovers (last game):
Ankergren, Greer, El-Abd, Calderon, Painter, Bennett, Dicker, Bridcutt, Barnes, Murray (Sandaza), Wood (Noone); Subs not used: Brezovan, Elphick, Taricco, Battipiedi, Holroyd
Friday, 4 February 2011
Bristol Rovers vs. Brighton, Saturday 5th February, Kick-Off: 3pm
Sports Saturday with Ben Holt, 2-6pm, Juice 107.2, www.juicebrighton.com
Build up to the game begins at 2pm, featuring interviews with assistant manager Mauricio Taricco, and defender Marcos Painter, and from 3pm we'll have regular updates from the Memorial Stadium and around the country. Plus, the chance to win a football signed by the Albion team.
In my last blog, I suggested that February is possibly more important to the chasing pack than it is to Brighton. That’s not to say that having a good month isn’t thoroughly important to Gus Poyet’s team, but Bournemouth, currently in second place, have seven matches in February compared to Brighton’s five. Therefore, Lee Bradbury’s side will finish the month having played four more than the current league leaders. The fixture list has taken control, and Brighton’s league position come March is somewhat out of their hands; if the Cherries have a perfect month, they will be top of the table at the end of it. The question is, can Bournemouth, and the other chasers, take advantage of the extra games and put Albion under serious pressure?
Midweek results suggest they can indeed. A rather flat performance against Leyton Orient which Gus Poyet labelled as “the worst game we have been involved with this season” was disappointing enough. But to see Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Southampton, Oldham, MK Dons, Peterborough and Charlton all winning, would have added insult to injury. In fairness, a point at Leyton Orient (unbeaten at Brisbane Road in the league since September) isn’t a bad point. And it’s very rare to see a fixture list where none of the top 8 are facing each other. But those results mean that Albion have a lead of just a point at the top of the table.
Saturday brings Brighton another opportunity to show why they deserve to be top, as they travel to the Memorial Stadium to face Dave Penney’s struggling Bristol Rovers. The Pirates have had a torrid week, suffering a 6-1 mauling at bottom side Walsall last weekend, and then a 2-1 defeat at home to MK Dons on Wednesday. On paper, this is a hugely winnable game for Albion, but playing the league leaders could encourage the Rovers players to raise their game. In their defeat midweek, they conceded a goal after just 45 seconds; I’m sure Gus Poyet would love an early goal on Saturday to settle any nerves.
Failure to beat the Bristol side could see Albion losing top-spot for the first time in over four months. Bournemouth host Leyton Orient, who are unbeaten since their 5-0 defeat at the Withdean on New Years Day, and can boast some impressive wins against Norwich and Swansea in the FA Cup. So it’s by no means a foregone conclusion that the Cherries win earn a home win, but Gus will be looking to avoid any possibility of going second, by getting all three points.
Last 5 matches:
Brighton:
D (0-0 Leyton Orient away)
W (0-1 Watford away)
W (2-0 Colchester home)
L (1-0 Bournemouth away)
W (3-1 Peterborough home)
Bristol Rovers:
L (1-2 MK Dons home)
L (6-1 Walsall away)
W (3-1 Swindon home)
D (0-0 Hartlepool home)
L (4-0 Carlisle away)
Albion's starting line-up vs. Leyton Orient (last game):
Ankergren, Greer, El-Abd, Calderon, Painter, Bennett, Sparrow (Noone 57), Dicker, Bridcutt, Barnes, Murray (Wood 58); Subs not used: Brezovan, Elphick, Battipiedi, Holroyd, Sandaza
Build up to the game begins at 2pm, featuring interviews with assistant manager Mauricio Taricco, and defender Marcos Painter, and from 3pm we'll have regular updates from the Memorial Stadium and around the country. Plus, the chance to win a football signed by the Albion team.
In my last blog, I suggested that February is possibly more important to the chasing pack than it is to Brighton. That’s not to say that having a good month isn’t thoroughly important to Gus Poyet’s team, but Bournemouth, currently in second place, have seven matches in February compared to Brighton’s five. Therefore, Lee Bradbury’s side will finish the month having played four more than the current league leaders. The fixture list has taken control, and Brighton’s league position come March is somewhat out of their hands; if the Cherries have a perfect month, they will be top of the table at the end of it. The question is, can Bournemouth, and the other chasers, take advantage of the extra games and put Albion under serious pressure?
Midweek results suggest they can indeed. A rather flat performance against Leyton Orient which Gus Poyet labelled as “the worst game we have been involved with this season” was disappointing enough. But to see Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Southampton, Oldham, MK Dons, Peterborough and Charlton all winning, would have added insult to injury. In fairness, a point at Leyton Orient (unbeaten at Brisbane Road in the league since September) isn’t a bad point. And it’s very rare to see a fixture list where none of the top 8 are facing each other. But those results mean that Albion have a lead of just a point at the top of the table.
Saturday brings Brighton another opportunity to show why they deserve to be top, as they travel to the Memorial Stadium to face Dave Penney’s struggling Bristol Rovers. The Pirates have had a torrid week, suffering a 6-1 mauling at bottom side Walsall last weekend, and then a 2-1 defeat at home to MK Dons on Wednesday. On paper, this is a hugely winnable game for Albion, but playing the league leaders could encourage the Rovers players to raise their game. In their defeat midweek, they conceded a goal after just 45 seconds; I’m sure Gus Poyet would love an early goal on Saturday to settle any nerves.
Failure to beat the Bristol side could see Albion losing top-spot for the first time in over four months. Bournemouth host Leyton Orient, who are unbeaten since their 5-0 defeat at the Withdean on New Years Day, and can boast some impressive wins against Norwich and Swansea in the FA Cup. So it’s by no means a foregone conclusion that the Cherries win earn a home win, but Gus will be looking to avoid any possibility of going second, by getting all three points.
Last 5 matches:
Brighton:
D (0-0 Leyton Orient away)
W (0-1 Watford away)
W (2-0 Colchester home)
L (1-0 Bournemouth away)
W (3-1 Peterborough home)
Bristol Rovers:
L (1-2 MK Dons home)
L (6-1 Walsall away)
W (3-1 Swindon home)
D (0-0 Hartlepool home)
L (4-0 Carlisle away)
Albion's starting line-up vs. Leyton Orient (last game):
Ankergren, Greer, El-Abd, Calderon, Painter, Bennett, Sparrow (Noone 57), Dicker, Bridcutt, Barnes, Murray (Wood 58); Subs not used: Brezovan, Elphick, Battipiedi, Holroyd, Sandaza
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Welcome to February - Can Albion's rivals use their extra fixtures to catch up?
Welcome to February. What a relief to have made it through January without losing anyone. Off the pitch, it was an incredibly nervous time for Albion - constant rumours about Elliott Bennett, Glenn Murray, and Inigo Calderon moving to various Championship clubs. But these rumours didn’t seem to have any impact on the pitch, as the Seagulls glided through January with only the Cherries preventing a 100% record for 2011 so far.
February will finish with Albion having several games in hand over rivals. Southampton and Huddersfield have six games this month, and Bournemouth have seven compared to Albion’s five. So it’s a big opportunity for the sides below to take advantage, and really put pressure on Gus Poyet’s team to perform in a crucial March.
THIS IS HOW THE LEAGUE ONE TABLE LOOKS NOW:
PLAYED PTS
BRIGHTON 25 49
BOURNEMOUTH 27 46
HUDDERSFIELD 26 43
SOUTHAMPTON 25 41
OLDHAM 26 40
MK DONS 27 40
PETERBOROUGH 25 39
THIS IS HOW THE TABLE WILL LOOK ON FEB 28th BASED ON CURRENT FORM, LIKELY RESULTS, AND IF NO TEAM HAS A BRILLIANT RUN:
PLAYED PTS
BRIGHTON 30 60
BOURNEMOUTH 34 59
SOUTHAMPTON 31 53
HUDDERSFIELD 32 53
PETERBOROUGH 32 52
OLDHAM 33 51
MK DONS 34 51
Of course, it is ridiculous to predict what is going to happen, because there have been so many crazy results this season. But if Albion get to March with 60 points, top of the table with 4 games in hand over Bournemouth, Gus Poyet will be extremely happy.
For Albion to lose their great position, it will take either a huge collapse, or one or two of their rivals having brilliant runs. So far this season, no team apart from Albion have shown the form to suggest they will be in the Championship next season.
If none of their rivals have a run of form in February, Albion can be quietly confident of competing in the second tier of English football next season.
February will finish with Albion having several games in hand over rivals. Southampton and Huddersfield have six games this month, and Bournemouth have seven compared to Albion’s five. So it’s a big opportunity for the sides below to take advantage, and really put pressure on Gus Poyet’s team to perform in a crucial March.
THIS IS HOW THE LEAGUE ONE TABLE LOOKS NOW:
PLAYED PTS
BRIGHTON 25 49
BOURNEMOUTH 27 46
HUDDERSFIELD 26 43
SOUTHAMPTON 25 41
OLDHAM 26 40
MK DONS 27 40
PETERBOROUGH 25 39
THIS IS HOW THE TABLE WILL LOOK ON FEB 28th BASED ON CURRENT FORM, LIKELY RESULTS, AND IF NO TEAM HAS A BRILLIANT RUN:
PLAYED PTS
BRIGHTON 30 60
BOURNEMOUTH 34 59
SOUTHAMPTON 31 53
HUDDERSFIELD 32 53
PETERBOROUGH 32 52
OLDHAM 33 51
MK DONS 34 51
Of course, it is ridiculous to predict what is going to happen, because there have been so many crazy results this season. But if Albion get to March with 60 points, top of the table with 4 games in hand over Bournemouth, Gus Poyet will be extremely happy.
For Albion to lose their great position, it will take either a huge collapse, or one or two of their rivals having brilliant runs. So far this season, no team apart from Albion have shown the form to suggest they will be in the Championship next season.
If none of their rivals have a run of form in February, Albion can be quietly confident of competing in the second tier of English football next season.
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