I touched on it in an article yesterday about the positives and negatives from the Wolves game, but I think it is worthy of elaborating about how the Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez began to gel during the match on Saturday. You can see for yourself in the video below in Carroll’s best bits how Suarez and the Geordie are beginning to link up better, thanks to StrawberryFieldsLFC for the footage:
[youtube zVPvCxA-mGo]
So why has the partnership begun to gel? As you can see from the five minute highlight reel, one of the most noticeable things is that Andy is playing a lot more to his strengths. Some of this can be attributed to his team mates too who are beginning to learn how best to use the 22 year old and the rest due to Andy playing differently himself. At the end of last season when he was fit, and at the start of this season, 1 of 2 things has been happening.
1) The Reds have been pumping up long balls to Carroll so he can hold up the ball or flick the ball on. The problem has been the Geordie has been too isolated and either flicks the ball on to nobody or cannot keep possession of the ball because of an aimless hoof up to him.
2) Carroll was playing far too deep when the Reds have the ball higher up the pitch. There were too many times where the Reds have got into good crossing positions and Andy hasn’t been at the back post where he should have been.
The first issue was generally down to the fault of the team while the second issue could be contributed to Carroll’s lack of confidence. Both factors combined to mean that Carroll wasn’t been utilised to the best of his abilities.
Against Wolves, these problems seemed to have been addressed to some extent, and it is benefiting the partnership between himself and Suarez. Carroll, even when playing up front alongside Suarez, has been too isolated and with aimless long balls being pumped up to him, it was not a surprise he was ineffectual.
The likes of Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen have surely been working on these problems in training as it was evident that the Reds elected to play the long ball a lot more selectively and you can see that Carroll knocked down the ball to both Suarez on a number of occasions and once to Steven Gerrard later on in the game to get a long shot away. Players such as Suarez were playing a lot closer to Carroll, and the link up play between the pair improved exponentially because of it. You can see a partnership beginning gel as a direct result of the pairing actually playing as a pair.
Another big factor is of course how Carroll elected to play the game himself. There seemed to be a lot more energy about Andy around the pitch, closing down players and making forward runs. It paid dividends in the fact he actually played a lot more of the game inside the opposition penalty area than he has done recently. He was nearly rewarded with a goal but was unlucky to hit the post from a header.
So in conclusion, we saw a more confident Andy Carroll on Saturday, playing to his strengths with the team better able to utilise his abilities, and in the process helping him strike up better combination play with Luis Suarez . Let’s hope he continues in the same vein of form in his next match and he gets a goal too.
Article courtesy of David Tully from Live4Liverpool
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Niko Kranjcar emerged from the bench to score Tottenham’s last-minute winner against Bolton at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
An early Rafael van der Vaart penalty had been cancelled out by Daniel Sturridge’s second-half effort but substitute Kranjcar, who had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes, scored a spectacular 93rd-minute goal to give Spurs all three points in their 2-1 triumph.
The home side could not have asked for a better start and took the lead with only four minutes on the clock.
Van der Vaart’s free-kick form the edge of the area caused panic in the box, the ball striking Kevin Davies on the arm leaving referee Mark Clattenburg no choice but to point to the spot. The Dutchman coolly dispatched the penalty for his 10th English Premier League goal this season.
Immediately from the re-start, Bolton lost possession to Aaron Lennon who surged at Wanderers’ back-line and tricked his way into the box.
Bolton defender Sam Ricketts stuck out a leg in attempt to stop the winger but was a fraction too late and sent Lennon flying.
Van der Vaart clinically tucked his second penalty of the day past Jussi Jaaskelainen, however Clattenberg ordered a re-take due to an encroachment by Wilson Palacios.
The Dutchman sent the ball exactly the same way, but unlike his other two successful penalties, this third attempt flew inches wide of the post to keep Bolton in the game.
Tottenham’s bad luck continued as striker Jermain Defoe had a header ruled out for offside after a precise van der Vaart cross, while Peter Crouch dallied on the ball when one-on-one with Jaaskelainen allowing Paul Robinson to come to the visitors’ rescue with an excellent sliding challenge.
Just before half-time, Clattenberg was pointing to the spot again after a Gary Cahill handball, but the referee hadn’t seen the linesman’s flag which had been raised moments earlier for an offside.
Steven Pienaar made his home debut, coming on at half-time for van der Vaart who had a calf problem, and was immediately causing problems.
But it was another player signed in January, Bolton’s Daniel Sturridge, who had the bigger impact, as the striker on-loan from Chelsea levelled 10 minutes into the second half.
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A Bolton break saw Mark Davies feed the former Manchester City player in space on the edge of the area, and the young forward curled the ball low into the corner past the despairing dive of Heurelho Gomes.
Moments later Cahill was booked for diving in the box, while at the other end Defoe flashed an effort over from 20 yards as both sides threatened to take the lead.
Jermaine Jenas then came closest to breaking the deadlock as he rattled the post from a free-kick and Pienaar almost capped his White Hart Lane debut with a goal but was denied down low by Jaaskelainen.
It was left then to Kranjcar to seal the win deep into stoppage time; the Croatian dancing passed two defenders before releasing a long-range effort Jaaskelainen could only palm into the net.
Micah Richards has stated that Team GB boss Stuart Pearce has united the squad and is a key reason the side are through to the knockout stages of the Olympics.
The hosts are undefeated as yet and topped Group A after two wins and a draw.
The Manchester City defender has praised the England under-21 coach, and feels that Pearce has brought the players together.
“I have always liked him since we were at Manchester City. He really knows how to fire up the boys in the changing room,” The Telegraph quote Richards as saying.
“He tells the boys how good they are. He gives so much confidence to the boys. We are fighting for each other. We have a great team spirit. It’s given us a freedom to play our football.
Richards has been frozen out of the senior England set-up by both Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson, but the versatile defender has reiterated his desire to play for the Three Lions.
“Whether I get picked for the next game [against Italy on Aug 15], it’s not up to me. All I can do is keep knocking on the door. I will never turn my back on England.
“A lot of people asked me why I didn’t go on standby. It was nothing to do with I didn’t want to play for England. I wanted to play. Stuart has given me that chance,” he concluded.
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Team GB take on South Korea in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Cardiff.
Sir Alex Ferguson has full belief in his youngsters to fill the injury void at Old Trafford. United suffered a triple blow last weekend, losing three of their first choice defenders, therefore a big few weeks lay ahead for Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes a delicate matter to handle at Old Trafford; United criticism bordering on the ridiculous, while Fergie was perhaps premature in letting Wes Brown go.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.
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Caption Competition: From one Man United ‘keeper to another
Was Sir Alex Ferguson premature in letting him go?
What a difference 12 months makes at Old Trafford?
How to handle this delicate matter at Old Trafford
This United criticism bordering on the ridiculous
United succeed where both Chelsea and Arsenal fail
Manchester United’s ability to adapt is what sets them apart
Why United’s supporting cast has such a key role to play
Wenger looking to pip Fergie to £11.5m Ghanaian
Fergie eyes up £20m Plan B
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Best of WEB
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Les Sealey. A Tribute To A Great Man. – Red Flag Flying High
Fergie lauds teen Pogba as Reds future but what of the present? –United Rant
We can handle the injuries but there is one major concern – The Busby Way
Why Does Sir Alex Ferguson Subject Himself To This Every Week –United Religion
Living with United… Paul Greenhoff interview – 7Cantonas
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Today there have been stories linking Jermaine Jenas in a transfer to Aston Villa. My question today is, would Spurs fans shed a tear if Jenas moved on?
At this minute Modric is probably one of Redknapp’s first names on the team sheet, along with Bale and Van Der Vaart. This realistically does not allow for Huddlestone, Palacios, Jenas, Sandro, O’Hara , Kranjcar and Piennar (if he is tried them in the middle), to play in the centre of midfield.
Importantly, Aston Villa appear willing to splash a good amount of cash on Jenas. While I would not call for his head before others (particularly O’Hara after his comments last year), if Jenas represents the best value for money, it should be him that makes way. If Tottenham get an offer around £8-10 million then they would be unwise to turn it down.
Since Harry has made it clear that he does not want to sell Crouch in this window, and since the policy of ‘sell before you buy’ seems to be in place at White Hart Lane this year, the option of £8-10m for a squad player seems very reasonable.
It seems this year that Redknapp has real ambitions of breaking into the top four and a desire to bring in experienced and/or world class players. Diarra is a name that has been linked with Spurs and he is an option that would definitely improve the Spurs squad and move them in the right direction.
People may feel that an anchoring midfielder like Diarra is just a better version of Palacios, and if Diarra comes in it should be Palacios that goes. However, Jenas at £8-10m would prove better business. Furthermore, if Harry is looking to strengthen with players other than Diarra, the loss of Jenas would prove less of a blow than that of Palacios. Yes, Jenas may be better at keeping possession, but Palacios remains superb at winning the ball. The winning of the ball in the defensive half of the pitch will be crucial to Tottenham’s counter-attacking style.
The worry for a Tottenham fan if they lose Jenas is that he is just coming back to full fitness and has looked brighter this season than last and he is always willing to try his best. Plus, he is English which is important for the ‘home-grown players’ ruling. Add that to the fact that he is eligible to play for Spurs in the Champions League, something that a cup-tied player like Diarra is not, and you can see how he may be missed.
So if a Spurs fan has ambitions to succeed in Europe, they may well have a strong case in bemoaning the sale of Jenas. However, if you believe Spurs to have a genuine chance to finish in the top 4, the sale of Jenas for a good price would be a smart option and would allow for a better midfielder. If Harry wants to bring more playersin , the sale of Jenas would allow him to do that. If he is not looking to further strengthen the squad, he will need Jenas.
Either way, time is running out for Spurs and they will have to make a decision quickly, but that seems to be the way with the transfer window these days.
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Like the sound of a cross between Fantasy Football and eBay? Check out Player Manager now, it’s even better than it sounds!
Tottenham are ready to offer £7 million for highly-rated Blues goalkeeper Jack Butland according to The Daily Mail.
The north London club are thought to be in the market for a new goalkeeper, as new coach Andre Villas Boas is said to have identified this as an area that needs strengthening.
Butland was called into the England squad for Euro 2012 and has impressed in club appearances in the lower leagues sufficiently to have a raft of Premier League clubs chasing his services.
Southampton are thought to have had a £6 million bid rejected by Birmingham City for the talented goalkeeper, and Spurs will now up the ante in a bid to capture his signing.
It is believed that Villas Boas would even allow Butland to remain at St Andrews on loan for the first year of the deal.
Meanwhile, Rafael van der Vaart’s future is also very much in the balance, as Spurs are supposedly ready to offload the forward.
The Netherlands international’s wife works for a TV station in Germany, and as such the playmaker has been linked with a move to the Bundelsiga.
Former club Hamburg and Champions League qualifiers Schalke are thought to be keen to sign him, with £10 million sufficient to convince Villas Boas to part with the attacker.
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Pick over a current world eleven? Easy. Decide upon the worst FA Cup final suit in the history of Wembley clashes? No problem. Choose from a list of classic football video games and identify a winner? Impossible.
I thought this was going to be the most fun article ever. The idea of smashing out hours of qualification drama on FIFA: Road to the World Cup with a fledgling Trinidad and Tobago side and once, just once winning the league title on Pro Evolution Soccer 5 sounded incredible.
Alas, my task was a little tougher than I thought it might be. Can I justify including Steven Gerrard’s Gameboy Advance game in the list, even though no one will have heard of it? Can I possibly get a mention in for ‘Michael Owen’s World League Soccer’ and the painstaking banter between the forgotten Peter Brackley and Ray Wilkins every time there is a lull in play?
I know I can’t possibly please everyone, but all of the games on this list are absolute masterpieces, one way or another- let me know your favourite…
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10: FIFA Street (2005)
Presumably inspired by the Nike advert from the 2002 World Cup, FIFA Street was EA Sports’ attempt at trying to bridge the gap between themselves and the phenomenally successful Pro Evolution Soccer series.
Released in between their 2005 and 2006 editions, the game never really took off, and was a little too complicated, however there was enough about it to admire its inventiveness. Putting Peter Crouch on the front cover, however, was not the smartest move in the world…
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9: FIFA 2000 (1999)
By the turn of the century, the FIFA series was almost untouchable. Helped by a number of turkeys released around the same time, such as; ‘Michael Owen’s World league Soccer’ and ‘This is Football’, the game franchise was a significant force to be reckoned with. This edition, released in October 1999 managed to pack in the first comprehensive season mode and the ability to unlock classic teams.
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8:World Cup Italia 90 (1990)
Not quite the game that started it all off, but one of the first attempts to try and tie in a major tournament with a video game release. Sega’s Mega Drive was not renowned for its sports simulators, however there was much here that later games would build on.
The interface is very reminiscent of arcade soccer games that adorned cinemas, leisure centres and airports throughout the 1990’s, and for a game that is over 20 years old, the concept and graphics hold up well.
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7: FIFA RTWC (1998)
Back when I first acquired a football game for the PC, my main requirements were that the goalkeeper could get sent off and that you could give every player on your side a peroxide blonde haircut in tribute to the Romanian side that donned the look in that year’s World Cup.
Sadly, the holy grail of the goalkeeper getting sent off was still some years away, however this game remains very close to my heart. A meticulous qualification process was available to those with patience, and the database of players and teams from across the world was unrivalled. The commentary of Des Lynam, Andy Gray (R.I.P) and John Motson was also world class.
6: Pro Evolution Soccer 2 (2002)
Who would have known that a game which referred to West Ham as ‘Lake District’ would go on to be such a major success? The Japanese company, Konami, were responsible for the creation of the Pro Evolution Soccer (Winning Eleven) Series and in the early years of the PS2 implementation, rose to become FIFA’s biggest rival.
Games snobs initially refused to play PES because of the lack of licencing on any of the top sides or players, however the addictive nature of the series took off, even with a control system which was in direct contrast with its rival.
Played now, the game feels very dated, but the framework for success was laid here for more illustrious successors.
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5: Championship Manager 2 (1995)
Before the 2004 Eidos/ Sports Interactive split put paid to this top selling franchise, Championship Manager, was a humongous hit for football fans. Like Sensible Soccer, it was the first game of it’s kind with creators Paul and Oliver Collyer, designing the game from the confines of their bedrooms.
Starting slowly, the series exploded with the release of Championship Manager 2. Implementing many of the key features which adorn management games today, the 1995 release remained popular even after more updated versions were made available.
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4: FIFA 2010 (2009)
When the Playstation 3 finally hit shelves in the first quarter of 2007, the big question surrounded how EA Sports and Konami would deal with the transition from PS2 to PS3.
FIFA games from the early noughties had become formulaic and to be honest, pretty dull. As always they were a visual treat, but the ability to bend the ball in on the volley from 40 yards every game quickly became mundane.
When PS3 came along, everything changed. Konami struggled to transfer the fluidity of the PS2 hits when developing a visually more impressive product for the new console. EA Sports were quickly ahead, learning from many of the mistakes they had made in the PS2 era.
FIFA 2010 was an amalgamation of the best parts of the franchise’s visually stunning past, and the addictive playability that had contributed so much to the success of EA’s rivals.
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3: Pro Evolution Soccer 6 (2006)
I once sat down with a friend at university and had a race to 100 (ish) wins on ‘Pro Evo 6’ over the course of a term. It was the sort of titanic tussle that I will look back on with my grandchildren and explain how I gave away a 35-6 lead and recovered from being 95-70 behind to draw level at 99 apiece.
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There was something about Pro Evo 6 that compelled you to keep playing. It had neither the technical wizardry of recent FIFA Playstation 3 versions, nor the endearing loveableness of earlier Konami incarnations, but it was just so damn addictive.
Despite drinking enough Red Bull to believe that Tal Ben Haim might actually be a decent central defender, taking the shoulder buttons out of my controller because I believed it made Michael Ballack run faster, and not showering for three days I eventually lost the series 105-103. Needless to say, I struggled with the ladies that term…
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2: Football Manager 2005 (2004)
After being the product of the Eidos/ Sports Interactive split in 2004, Football Manager has set new standards for sport’s management games. Quite simply, the level of detail and control afforded the armchair fan is insane.
Sports Interactive have done particularly well in creating a consistent interface across each edition which they still release on an annual basis. The biggest advantage over competitors, however was the introduction of the network game, linking armchair fans all over the world. Millions of courses, degrees and exams have been failed the world over as a result of this particular feature.
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1: Sensible Soccer (1992)
When I took a straw poll of my friends’ favourite games on this list, Sensible Soccer was the first name on everyone’s lips.
When you look at the game’s level of invention, it is not hard to see why it remains such a popular title. Originally released for the PC, later 3D versions were released, however, it was this basic, birds eye view of the football pitch that initially won over fans.
The 1994 release of The Sensible World of Soccer was later named as one of the ten most important video games ever created by a Stanford study. Most uniquely, SS managed to transfer it’s charms across all platforms and systems- a feat that both FIFA and PES have yet to manage.
Arsenal will hope to keep up with the Premier League pace setters Manchester United with a victory at home to Everton tonight. The Gunners are just 5 points behind their old rivals but will face a tough test against an in form Everton side. The Toffees have only suffered one defeat since November and were unlucky not to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Samir Nasri limped off during Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield and faces a month on the sidelines, which could prove costly as he is their leading goal scorer this season. Also missing tonight will be central defender Sebastien Squillaci, who is suspended and that could mean Alex Song dropping back from midfield as cover.
David Moyes has questioned their lack of firing power to win games and this may be the case tonight; his side came close to winning at the Emirates last season when Arsenal scored a last minute equaliser. Tim Cahill is back from international duty but will be rested for the game so an unchanged team from Saturday is expected.
Prediction: 1-1
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bet365 will match new customers’ deposit up to the value of £200!
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has admitted that he would be open to a move away from Merseyside, but will be happy to stay at the club if no offers come in for him.
The Belgium international has been praised of late for excellent performances in the Premier League and for his nation, and as such Chelsea and Real Madrid are thought to be monitoring the £20 million-rated man.
Fellaini has confirmed that he is unaware of any offers for him as yet but is ambitious to play in Europe.
“If I have got to go, I will go, if not, I repeat, I am at Everton,” he told Belgian radio station RTBF, translated to English by Sky Sports.
“I am ambitious; I want to play in the Champions League or in the Europa League. Last season we finished seventh with Everton, and we were not able to qualify us for Europe, which was a shame.
“If an ambitious club comes in for me? Why not, just to gain experience but I’m on vacation right now, I do not give [speculation] too much attention.
“Every year they say I’ll be transferred to the left or right. But I’m still at Everton.
“If it comes, I take, if it does not come, I stay at Everton, where I am happy, and where I still have a four-year contract.
“Everything goes fast in football. You can be transferred tomorrow, as you can be in one or two years. For now, I’m on vacation, I try to arrive fresh at the start of next season. If there are any concrete offers yet? If this is the case, I am not aware.
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“They talked about me in Chelsea? If I had to go there, I would have several friends – Hazard, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Courtois … There are many Belgians! It’s good for the national team,” he concluded.
Sergio Aguero’s move to Manchester City is edging closer to completion and I couldn’t be happier. No I am not a Manchester City fan but in Aguero I think City are acquiring one of the most exciting talents in world football and he looks set to grace England’s top tier next season. Like most wonderkids from Argentina he carries huge expectation with him whether he goes but whilst City line him up to be the next Carlos Tevez, can Aguero go on and be better than the man he is replacing?
Aguero, or El Kun, has been plying his trade with Atletico Madrid in Spain’s La Liga for a number of years and like his former teammate Fernando Torres, he also now looks set to test his talents in England. Despite the attacking wealth at City’s disposal, the possible departure of captain Carlos Tevez has obviously left Roberto Mancini needing a replacement. And in Aguero you are getting that like-for-like replacement that the departure of Tevez would require.
Both Argentine internationals are small in build (both around 5ft 7in) and not your conventional target frontmen. At 23 Aguero is four years younger than Tevez, allowing Aguero time to develop and adapt to the English league. When Tevez arrived in City he had experience of the Premier League with West Ham and Manchester United but Aguero may take slightly longer to settle at City than Tevez. If the quoted £38million figure is correct then City are also doing a good deal business wise if they can sell off Tevez for a higher amount.
But what about goals? The success of Tevez at City came down to his fantastic goal scoring record and ability to change a game. With Aguero City have the same attributes. Aguero has scored 121 goals in 280 appearances for club and country (compared to Tevez’s 151 in 361). Aguero also matched Tevez’s 20 goals in their domestic leagues last season.
Another attribute so crucial to City’s success last season was Tevez’s ability to create a moment out of nothing. Aguero’s skill, pace, fast feet and eye for goal means he has similar quality. He has the frightening ability to take on and beat defenders with the upmost ease. Premier League defenders may be relieved to read about Tevez’s probable departure but with Aguero they will have little to time to relax.
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But there are ways in which the two differ. Tevez’s inability to stay at a club longer than a couple of years has been very unsettling. He clearly wants to leave and there is no doubt that this very public desire to move on has affected the club, players and manager in some way. Aguero joined Madrid aged 18 back in 2006. After understandably taking time to settle in a new country, Aguero went on to have a huge impact in La Liga. He has been on the radar of the European elite for many years and despite obvious interest in his services, he has shown a loyalty to the club that developed him beyond what many would have expected. Aguero seems keen to join City and that is crucial for Mancini. But one thing that may be lost in replacing Aguero with Tevez is Tevez’s ability to influence the team. Tevez’s played an integral role on the pitch last season in rallying the City players to victories with his endless work ethic and leadership skills. Aguero won’t offer the same presence but it will be up to City’s more senior players to take up that particular void left by Tevez.
Despite City’s obvious intentions to replace Tevez with Aguero, there is still a slim chance that both could be playing at the same club next season. The saga that is Tevez’s transfer looks far from completion whilst Aguero is nearing his move to Manchester. I do expect Tevez to still leave, with City maybe more willing to do business after signing a suitable replacement but it would be an interesting situation if both were at City come the start of the season.
The loss of Carlos Tevez will always be a blow to City after his influential time with the club but in Aguero, they have the best replacement possible to continue their aim of reaching the very top of world football.
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