Burn Out Equals More Money For FA

As we dawn on  a new year some are thinking about resolutions we wont keep to, some are looking back at the year gone past reminiscing on the good and bad moments of the year, and some are still pondering on the same problems and issues that never seem to go away. As in the case for football it's the issue of burn out in English football. How is the England team suppose to compete with Germany's, Spain's and Brazil's of this world, where they have winter breaks and protect their players from burn out? How does the FA hierarchy expect their football team, the nations team to compete in summer tournaments after a 50-60 game season? They can't if Gregg Dyke and co stop being money hungry and more about the wealth fare of the players. 

There was an article years ago when former France and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Viera, who won 3 Premiership and 3 FA Cups with the Gunners, complained during the 2001/2002 season, where he played 66 games before flying out to play for France in the World Cup in Japan. That he was too tired and couldn't feel his legs, causing a uproar in the media and with manager Arsene Wenger as he requested a break. As with the case of Raheem Sterling back in October this year, there is some cause for concern that players are being used as cash slaves to the billions the Premiership makes every year and not getting the rest they deserve. Hence why there's been a big shout for a winter break to be introduced in England but as I told my friend when we had this discussion months back. Mr Dyke wouldn't appose such things as it stops them making money. Burn out not only causes high fatigue amongst players also causes reoccurring and career threatening injuries as Micheal Owen is a clear example of this. In his debut season he played way to many games at his young age before he made a name for himself at the 1998 World Cup. With many pundits even himself cited that's the reason why he accumulated so many big injuries during his career.

 Another solution which could help players from receiving less burn out is that the FA should scrap the League Cup competition. For years this competition has been irrelevant as many club mangers use this farse of a cup to play youngsters and give fringe players a chance. The competition has no use for the English game unless your Hull or Bradford city. No disrespect to those teams but with clubs in Europe and chasing the league where the core of the England team is based, I highly doubt that the Mickey Mouse cup is a priority. By scrapping the cup it shortens the season to maybe 40-50 games where players gain more rest. But with more games making more money I doubt players getting burned out is Gregg Dyke and the FA's concern as long as there's more 0's in the bank.

World Class Or Far Fetched??

Wayne Rooney may have made a mile stone in making 100 caps for England on Saturday. But there's a dark cloud on whether the English and United talisman will be remebered, as a world class player or another English player who fizzled out to early in their career. The once excited talent that he was and dubbed the new saviour of English football. Can we say call him world class are not? Is Rooney the real deal? As many have questioned his ability as he hasnt been his best in years.

I had a debate about his ability with a friend of mine whose a United fan funnily off. Who not to mention has a big grudge agaisnt the Old Trafford striker lol, the way he slags him off you would've thought Rooney stole his money or violated him. He argued that Rooney is not world class, he's past his best and is too cocky and selfish. I argued that on his day Rooney is one of the best in his position. A few seasons ago you could say he was on par with the like's of Messi, Ineista, Ronaldo and Xavi. As a Arsenal fan I love the way he plays his fire, his tenacity his ability is amazing. I just hate when he scores aiganst us. (Puts hands on forhead and looks away in shame. His record against us ain't too bad lol) Rooney will always have his doubters and say his international career never matched up to his club form. But so what are we going to say about Henry, Lampard, Gerrard and so many  great players before. Who had great club careers are they less of a player because they never perfomed for their countries? Rooney may have withered away in recent seasons, and may not be getting people of thier seats like first did 10 years ago where he was a boy but you can't ignore his impressive goal tally and his CV.

Say what you may about Wazza. But his 12 club honours, 280 career goals, 140 assits, 100 caps and a short way of beating Bobby Charlton's record for most England goals. Has to go down as something if not world class apart from Gerrard, Lamaprd and Ferdinand. Wayne Rooney has been one of the best English players in last 10 years he's adored by fellow proffesionals across the globe. A defenders night mare and a great servant to the game. He may have had his troubles, slept with a few prostitues even held Man United to ransom TWICE!! But great players give you great problems. We havent seen an eplosive British talent like him since Paul Gasgoine. The Englad set up might have some good young starlets coming through but I doubt we'll ever see a raw talent like him with raw ability and finesse. If that's not world class I don't know what is.

  

One Man Team

How long will Arsenal rely on Sanchez? Football is a team game where 11 players ALL put in a shift. This is what makes a top team this is why Chelsea are on fire and on top of the table because Terry and Co are putting in a shift for the team even though it's mainly Costa and Fabregas getting the plaudits this season. Arsenal may have injury crisis and most of thier star players like Wilshire, Arteta, Mertesacker and even man of the moment Ramsey are loosing form. The gunners can not solely rely on Sanchez to fire the goals and save Arsenal every week. 

With the Chilean in hot form with his 11 goals in 17 games for the Gunners some wonder why he even left Barcelona to join the Gunners. He had to make way for Suarez but surley a player in the prime of his life playing with top players in La Liga from Messi to Neymar. But I'm sure he could've went to another team where he's playing with players who put in a shift. This was a step down for the forward and I'm sure he's already having second thoughts of coming to the Emirates.

Days after he signed I saw one of those conedy picture sketches on Twitter of Sanchez in a Arsenal shirt, saying that he would use Arsenal as a stepping stone to go Man City. I saw this and thought I wouldn't be surprised if he hands in a transfer request in the summer. Becaue the way Arsenal are going this season he can't be carrying the team on his shoulders and end up with egg on his face. Which has been the case last week in the Anderlect and Swansea games. A player of his quality deserves better and in a team challanging for trophies. Maybe Arsenal are not the team he should've signed for.

To Ban Or Not To Ban Social Media

I'm sure we were all shocked when experienced defender Rio Ferdinand insulted someones mum on Twitter a month ago. After being trolled by a fellow tweeter on the social network that has caused so much controversy since it birth in 2004. With many manager including Ferdinand's boss Harry Rednkapp for the social site to be banned from the game. It has caused some debate for some time now but is banning Twitter going to prevent less trouble or just cause players make trouble elsewhere?

 

The FA have done well to clamp on ignorant tweets and has sent a clear message to footballers to be careful what they tweet. But banning the app from the game is not going to send out a great message what about the players who use it for personal gain and positive use like Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart does.

 It's personally not fair on those that are not tweeting controversial stuff. Plus we live in a world with free speech not everyone will agree with our logic and opinions but that's life but if it's breaching the rules and disrespecting the company they play for. For example when the FA fined Ashley Cole £90,000 in 2012 for calling them a bunch of w******. Many like myself would agree with Mr Cole lol. It sent a clear message that you cant go disrespecting the people you work for on Twitter no matter how bad you think they've done you.

This is not the first time Ferdinand has been in a spot of bother over a tweet in 2012 he was fined 45,00 for calling Cole a "choc ice." If you do the math the FA have taken 60k of the veteran defender. I'm sure he will be more careful now on the time line. Who want's to lose £60,000 over tweets? Not me that's for sure. Banning the site over 140 characters is over the top. We've all made mistakes on Twitter if I told you mine we'll be here to the next world cup. But on that note I don't think Gregg Dyke and the FA are willing to pull the plug on the blue bird yet since they've mad £350,000 in the last 3 years over Twitter scandals. I'm pretty sure they're waiting for the next player to make a gaff on Twitter and hit them with hefty fine.

Never Air Dirty Laundry In Public

Harry Rednapp claims he has no issues with Adel Taarabt after calling out the midfielders fitness and desire last week. While the contreversial attacking midfielder claims other wise. But we all know the golden rule in football and that's not to air out your durt laundry in public. It lowers the moral of the players and the squad and brings a divide to the squad. As talented as Taarabt is we all know the shenangans that comes with the Moroco international. Surley now with Rednakpps comments and insults upon him he will be even worse, and let's be honest QPR are relegation favourites they need to get the best out of him if they are to survive.

Even Roy Keane a football personality like Redknapp who keeps it real and blunt has said that managers should never call out thier players to media, espically ones that are important to the team like Taarabt is to the hoops. After Ferguson blasted and exposed the former Ireland and cult legend Keane in his book. He said at times that dirty laundry should never be exposed to the public as it's a lack of loyalty. With Redkanpp doing that he could loose the dressing room not to mention Taarabt. Managers should take players aside and blast them privately.

With social media in place in this era of football airing out a clubs troubles is as easy as ABC. Every day a player is venting on a social outlet or managers are speaking to the press. What happened to the good old days where players and coaches kept quiet? And aired out when they had biographies after thier careers. Now a days it's like competition of who can shade thier respective club the most. It needs to stop it's turning the beuatifal game into an ugly soap drama where the characters of the community love airing out thier dirty laundry to the masses. Football is sport not a media circus! If I wanted drama and shade throwing I would watch Eastenders or Housewives of Atlanta 😴😴😴or even better scroll on my time line.

English Burn Out

Once again the debate of whether or not English players should have a winter break in the league has come again. When Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling complained to England boss Roy Hodgson that he was "tired" last night. The England boss was going to start the Liverpool ace but dropped him as he complained of feeling jaded just before England played Estonia. It's caused an uproar with ex players and neutrals on social media criticizing the Liverpool players plea to the former Kop boss. The debate comes in if the FA need to introduce a winter break to protect players from burn out and get them to be fit and performing at their best in summer national tournaments. It would've been a completely different story if Hodgson had started him knowing he complained of fatigue knowing the back lash he would've received from Liverpool and the back pages.

There's way too many games that come thick and fast in the Premier League espically as a big part of the England squad are in the top 6 sides in the league where they are involved in 4 competions. Where if we do the math thats nearly 50-60 games in a club season not to mention international duty. Sterling is still a young player still finding his feet which many people forget last season he was in the fight of his life with  the title race that Liverpool haven't won in 24 years and then went to Brazil for the World Cup that's mentally and physically drained him. He's in the form of his life and gaining cult status why should'nt he protect himself and get rest? Sometimes we forget footballers train everyday and play 2-3 matches a week for 9 months! The young Liverpool star is not used to it, fair enough he made cameo's this week for the 3 Lions but don't forget the hectic season he had last season and now Liverpool are in Europe this season imagine the season he's going to have, hence why Brendan Rodgers dropped him earlier in the season.

With Rio Ferdinand and Gary Linekar coming to the Liverpool midfielders defense on Twitter yeserday and Ferdinand citing that breaks would enhance the players performances in international football. There is cause for concern in what the FA is doing to prevent burn outs with players involved with the national team the other top leagues have winter breaks where it's benefited them Germany and Spain are clear examples hence why they are top nations winning silverware. Or are football players of this generation modern slaves who get one or even two weeks holiday, if they're lucky here to make the Premier League a profit?

The Most Delusional Fans In The World

Yh I said it. My fellow Gooners have lost the plot these days it's like we're so content with finishing 4th, so content with average players and its like we're so content in a manager that's past his best. But Sunday after that pathetic defeat to Chelsea really summed it up for me is that I'm probably the only sane Arsenal fan in the world and many are blinded. You should've seen the arguments in my Twitter mentions on why we lost and why I shouldn't be harsh on Ozil.

If this was a courtroom Mesus Ozil would be my first witness to come to the stand. Let's be honest if the German play maker was to leave now he would go down as one of the worst expensive transfers in footballing history. He's come as the best number 10 in the world to now the joke number 10 of world he made 93 assists, scored 19 when he was at Madrid. Since he's been at Arsenal 18 assists, scored 6 goals it's not good enough for a 42 million signing. But yet it's like the wool is over Arsenal fans eye they make excuses as "He's getting to know the league" "He's playing out of position." All excuses if Ozil is a top player he would've adapted to league just like Costa did, Mata did and so many class players have. As for him playing out of position all the top attacking midfielders have played on wing Silva has done for it City. Di Maria has done it his whole career what is Ozil's excuse? In modern day football everybody knows number 10's are always shifted to the wing and great players have to be versatile in this game. Like I've always argued if Ozil was playing the way he was at let's say United wouldn't Arsenal fans would be breathing down the neck of United fans just like we did with Veron, Djemba Djemba and Forlan. He's been here nearly two seasons and haven't seen the best he's a flop his poor performances in Brazil didn't do him justice either.

For how long will us fans back Wenger??? #INWENGERWETRUST yh right! He has more chance of climbing Mount Ben Nevis with a tooth pic and his stubborn mind then leading Arsenal to another league title or European honor. His tactical nous has disappeared, his judge of young talent in recent years is non existence, let's be honest would United, Chelsea or City have Nicklas Bendner in their youth set up? And lack of bringing an important player in recent windows has put a question on his managerial credentials we all know Arsenal lack a defensive midfielder he stalled with Khedira and plays Arteta who is an attack minded player. Now we're paying the price because we're getting dominated and exposed in the center of the park. But come next season the Gunners faithful will be content with 4th and maybe a league cup if we're lucky. It's time most fans wake up and smell the coffee Arsenal are no longer the formidable side they were 10 years ago but now a joke. People say Piers Morgan is a negative "plastic fan" he's just like me we've seen better from Arsenal and expect better that's why we're both sane fans living in the harsh realities not living in a bubble where most fans are content in.      

Is He Really That Guy?

"I'm That Guy" the catchphrase that's synonmous with the imposing Englishmen that's meant to be the man to spear head the Arsenal attack. But is Welbeck the guy to lead the line for Arsenal? He's not a goal scorer and he won't be filling Henry's boots that's for sure. But if last nights, the City game and his two goals for England last week are anything to go by then I would say yes.

There's many questions marks around the Ghanaian born strikers ability. But what ever Girouds lacked Welbeck has in abundance unlike Giroud, Welbeck has pace, feeds of the through the pass and makes things happens. Arsenal may have played poorly last night but all the chances the Gunners had fell to Welbeck who didn't do too badly last night in Germany. With Welebck Arsenal have a striker who will play off the last defender and will be looking to be fed not to mention his great work ethic that will be a big problem once he gets his shooting boots on and is sharp. What many nuetrals noticed that when Giroud is playing his timing of runs is poor and his poor hold up play breaks down many of the Arsenal attacks. Welbeck's link up and hold up play is exceptional and the likes Jackie Boy, Carzola and midfield co will be exceptionally happy that they have a striker that's willing to run and make things happen.

The question remains will he fire Arsenal to the top or be another Chamakah and Bendnter. Give the former Man Unitned man time and if he works on his finishing he will be. Welbeck is a talent and is a good player no matter the hot and cold verdict he gets. Many people say he's not the striker Arsenal need as he is a 10-15 goals a season forward he should at the likes of West Brom or Tottenham. But with right players around him which he has and Arsene Wenger's renowned devolopment him he could one of the most lethal marks men in the league. Like a ex pastor and wise friend says "Only time will tell."

"The X-Factor Syndrome"

You may read the title and think "Why is Ayo talking about X-Factor, isn't this a football blog?" After this blog you will understand why the state of British football links to the mediocre talent pool show that has brought less talents to the UK music industry then I go to gym. (I'm trying to loose weight by the way but I hardly work out, I know it doesn't make sense to me either)  What is the X-Factor Syndrome you ask? Well its the syndrome where a star is made from the show, they are hyped up for months, they get the Christmas number 1 and 5 years down the line you never hear from them again Rick Waller, Gareth Gates and Darius are all victims of this. This is the state of English football we have talent emerging every season, they get hyped up as the next English stars. They don't get a look in at their clubs so they're loaned out and wither away into the football wilderness in the lower leagues or they retire early then expected. Then you wonder why the England team never does well in major tournament every two years.

You all remember David Bentley don't you? He was tipped to be the next David Beckham, he retired at the age of 29 after a disappointing career that had so much promise. Quick, great shot and even a greater cross he didn't have look in the Arsenal team. (Funny how down the years Wenger has over looked so much English talent but that's for another blog.) he went on loan to Norwich then Blackburn where he picked up his career again, gained a few England caps and earned himself a big money move to Spurs then that was the beginning of the end for Bentley and the rest is history. I believe this all could've been avoided if Arsenal gave him a chance and a run in the team. As Lampard said in his Sun piece last week  he made his debut at 17 and at 18 he was a regular the season after. But these days its unlikely this happens to young English players. Their loaned out, get sold and in most cases you never hear of them again. A lot of Premier League clubs are not giving English players their chance to play. They rather play experienced foreign players or snap up young foreign players who are alien to the league. The loan system used to work it made David Beckham the player he was when he went to Preston. It revived Daniel Sturridge's career but these are a few players who really turned it around. Gregg Dyke needs to change or work around the loan system. Designing a U21 league will not unearth the next Rooney's, Cahill's and Hart's of the next generation.

 You look at Spain team of the last 4-5 years, this amazing German team that recently won the World Cup and the Brazil team of the last two decades. They were great because their leagues made them great by giving players of that respective nation a chance in their leagues. The reason why the England team suffers because most of these players are not starters for their teams and are over looked by foreign players. Yes the Premier League is best league in the world anyone would be a fool not to think so. But the league is flawed and doesn't have a blue print in how it can make the national team a success. Spain were a success because the Spanish League had a blue print in making and raising their players a certain way and making sure these player get games for their clubs and are starters in the top teams and other clubs. I believe that the Premier League needs to have a system where the next English talent get a look in their teams especially in the Top 5 where there's hardly any English players. I believe that the Premier League should instate a law where a number of English players should be in the squad and at least play 15-20 games a season. This way English players get in team and if their good become starters and wouldn't need to be sent out on loan. The loan system is not working and Gregg Dyke and the FA needs to follow the blue print of Spain, Italy or Germany or England will continue to suffer in many more years to come. 

Man United Are Still The Greatest Club In The World

If you told me or most football neutrals in May that United would bring in Di Maria, Falcao and most of the great signings United have made this summer. I would've laughed in your face and requested you should be in a mental institute. But even they have surpassed themselves and will be back to the force that we know them to be,these last 20 years.

With Di Maria and Falcao the best goal poacher in Europe they will be a new dimension to this United side. How Martin Edward and LVG made these signings with no European football this season is a testimony in it's self. Not to mention they already have Mata, Rooney and the injured RVP who is undergoing surgery. United boast the best attacking side besides Chelsea and City. But how LVG manages to keep all these egos and great players of attacking quality will be another question.

When Sir Alex left people feared the worst. And more or less the worst did happen but even there was hope they could come back but it was too little too late, last season was abysmal even the beginning of this season hasn't gone the way they wanted. But United will not be the sleeping giants that Arsenal and Liverpool have become if this summer window hasn't shown the intent that United has then I don't how they're going to prove the footballing world wrong. People forget United have been through worse blips and always come out with the last laugh. They won't win the league or any other silverware but with the window they've had they will be a force to be reckoned with. Do you guys think if any of the other Top 5 teams that were in United shoes could attract the Falcao's and Di Maria's of this world? I wouldn't think so. All hail the greatest club in the world this window has shown the force that is Manchester United Football Club.      

Happy 50th Anniversary MOTD

I'm from a generation where watching football is free. I can watch it when ever and where ever I want to. But this wasn't the case 50 years ago where there was hardly any football coverage. But with great persuation from broadcasting legend Sir David Attenbourough the BBC aired thier first MOTD show 22nd of August 1964. The beautifal game hasn't been the same since.

From Jimmy Hill to Des Lynam to the current great Gary Linekar whose made the she show into his own and made it become not only a TV show that will be a treasure in the British culture but a British institution hence why it's one of the BBC's longest running shows for a reason. We may live in the digital age where the internet, Sky Sports and new imposing sports gaints BT Sport are dominating British football coverage. BUT let's not forget it's MOTD that paved the way for them all. Saturday nights are just not the same with out it.

MOTD is part of many football fans lives it's the heartbeat to the footballing culture and it's show that will be here for years who can forget when Alan Hansen said "You cant win anything with kids" Then Man Utd won the league. Who can forget when Man City won the league with last kick of the game in 2012? We can't that's all thanks to the culture that is Match Of The Day, to another 50 years.

The Usual Suspects

Alan Shearer said the other night that the Premier League is divided into two divisions the top 7 and the other 13 teams that will fight not to be relegated. Well he's wrong the league is split into 3 categories there's the bottom 13 that will fight to stay in the league or stay in mid table the dark horses who will have a say in the title race and will push for a Champions League spot which are Everton and Tottenham who have formidable squads who will be a problem on their respective days. And we cant forget the top 5 who spend big and are always in a shout to lift the trophy come next May. Here is my assessment on the usual suspects for the up and coming season.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has probably had the most successful transfer window of his whole Arsenal tenure by bringing in young gem Callum Chambers whose had a promising start and World Cup heroes Alexis Sanchez & David Ospina who will add good cover in the goal keeping department. Alexis is a great player who will boast a high chance of Arsenal winning the league with his pace and goal threat. Arsenal will go into this season with optimism and will be a team feared with their attacking options this season. 

Why they can't/won't the league this season?
Arsenal are lacking a world class goal scorer upfront that will win them tight games and a striker with a goal threat. Joel Cambell may have had a good World Cup, Sanogo may have looked the part in pre season and Giroud looking the part at times in the last two years.But all 3 are no Luis Suarez. There is still questions whether Giroud can be consistent and be the main man that leads the Gunners to their first league in 10 years. Not to mention their poor form against the big teams, if Arsenal want to be title winners they need to beat their fellow rivals.

Chelsea

Chelsea have bought big and have brought real quality to the club that they were missing last season. In Cech Fabregas they have a midfielder who will make things happens and make goals lets not forget Fabregas can be a real worker in midfield something Ramires and Luiz failed to do last season. They've also brought in a quality striker which the Special One failed to do last season. Diego Costa's exploits for Athletico Madrid has made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe if he continues that for Chelsea, Chelsea will be a force in the league and could probably run away with the titles if the Spanish hitman fires on all cylinders for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Why they can't/won't the league this season?
When you think about title winning teams you think about the options they have on the bench and players that can come in and do a job when one of the preferred 11 is injured. Especially the "super subs" of the past that most of these winning teams have had  Man Utd had Ole Gunner Solsjaer, Arsenal had Kanu, Wiltord and Edu, Man City have Jovotic, Dezko, Milner and even Chelsea had Kalou. But there's holes in this squad that Mourinho needs to close up especially in the striker department, Drogba may have been a coup in the eyes of some fans and neutrals this summer but hes 33 now he may have desire and passion but his pace and goal threat to compliment them have dispensed in recent years and Torres we all know about him I don't even want to start I think his Vine compilation that has become an internet hit has already speaks for me.     

Liverpool

Liverpool weren't even given a hope in hell last season they're probably won't be this season. But with the players Brendan Rodgers has been bringing in and not to forget the dangerous attacking talents of Sturridge, Sterling and Coutinho. Liverpool will always be with in a shout and as Lovren whose been added to the mix to give Liverpool that steel in the defense that cost them the title with their woeful conceding record last season. Liverpool will always be up their in the mix.
  
Why they can't/won't the league this season?
They cannot replace a talent like Suarez who has gone to Barcelona. His 30 plus goals will be missed as Sturridge as we've seen for England cannot and finds it hard to lead the line by himself. He's best playing with another striker playing besides him. Plus as many neutrals have pointed out Liverpool have brought in shed loads of new players to the club. As Tottenham realized last season it takes time for new signings to gel and play as a team The Kop are in danger of following the same fate which could cost them the title this season. 

Manchester City

Last seasons Champions are the current favorites to regain the title they have strengthened well, that boasts the strongest squad in the league and did their business early which helped them last season. Not only do they have so many options like a buffet they have two teams that can win them the title. With one of the strongest spines in Premier League history with players such as Joe Hart, Kompany, Toure and Aguero the Ethiad outfit will be a team feared and weary of this season.
 
Why they can't/won't the league this season?
If Man City are not consistent they will loose the defense of this title and with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool adding depths to the squads and looking strong it will be hard playing catch up as they realized two years ago where they couldn't keep up with Man Utd. Out of all the top 5 City have less weaknesses the only thing that could stop them is themselves and juggling European commitments.  

Manchester United

They finished 7th last season and people are saying qualifying for the Champions League will be a even harder task for them but if LVG can get the best out of Rooney, RVP and Mata and can add another 3 to 4 faces of quality in the next two weeks of this window. Man United will be back to the devastating title chasing team that they have known to be. We saw glimpses of what they can do in pre season so if Man United can replicate that form and get the best out Rooney and co who have been inconsistent last season. The Red Devils can do anything even though they're still in transition after the post Ferguson era.

Why they can't/won't the league this season?
 Man United haven't really added bodies to their squad, apart from the additions of Shaw and Herrera which is really needed as they are few signings short of a title winning team. They have sold their most experienced defenders and if Van Gaal really wants to play 3-5-2 he really needs to invest in some world class center backs if that formation is going to work. I doubt they will bring in the targets as there is a week and a half left of the transfer market. 

It looks likes it's going to be a two horse race between Man City and Chelsea but remember this is the Premier League it's not as linear and predictable like this years Eastenders story line (The who killed Story Lucy Beal is dragging too much and grinding my gears). So sit back be prepared to cry, root your team to glory be frustrated and roar in joy when your team scores. As the Premier League has just gone underway and the next 9 months will be one hell of a ride. 

Are Arsenal Title Contenders This Season?

I ask myself this question every season? "Are Arsenal title contenders" I ponder on the squad, who Wenger has sold and brought in, then I make my conclusion and think o my self "We're doomed." But since the FA Cup win there is call for belief and optimism since Arseen has brought in world class super star Alexis Sanchez and rising star Callum Chambers who had the time of his life on Sunday? This season Arsenal are going to be a team feared espically with the pace the Gunners have on the counter attack.

We may have beat the Premier League champions convincingly on Sunday but lets not forget they were a under strengthed side.  Let's see how we fair against a full strong team when we play the big boy's this season. If we can repeat Sunday's dominating performance against the Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd's of this world the title is ours. Hence as many pundits and neutrals have pointed out Arsenal lack a leader and someone that will drag the game by the horns in the deciding games of the season. I feel Jack Wilshere is this player but lack of form, controversies ( Someone explain to me why a professional player smokes and post it on Instagram? That's like recording yourself having sex and showing it to your parents. He always seems to shoot himself in the foot on social networking sites) and injuries have blighted him from the captains armband even though I feel he and Flamini are the only players at the club that play with their hearts on their sleeves. Wenger should've chosen one of these two instead of the experienced Arteta as they can turn the game on it's head if they rally thier fellow team mates more often in these games with their burning desires to win.

With Wenger citing he has more signings to make and maybe Khedira coming to the Emirates. Arsenal have options in midfield with Walcott and the Germany World Cup winners to come back they don't need another midfielder. They lack a striker with goal scorer depth Giroud may have shockingly scored 22 goals last season. But he's not the guy that will scores us goals that will win the league. Arsenal need someone like Remy who we missed out on due to Wengers poor negotiating, who is a danger and has goals in his blood or a Lukaku, that not only scores goals but can hold it down on the front of line and link up play. Every time I've seen Giroud play he's failed to do this. Sanogo is coming to promise so is Costa Rican star Joel Cambell but Arsenal need someone that's established. This season will be a big season for the Gunners and many questions will be asked of this new look Arsenal team that's for sure.


 

Are Southampton The "New West Ham"?

This summer we could see the beginning off the end for Southampton as they've sold most of their star players in Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, and Luke Shaw. Not to mention teenage prodigy Calum Chambers whose officially gone to Arsenal and will be unvieled. Southampton dubbed the "New West Ham" for producing a talented crop of British in recent years who have and are going to have promising futures in the game. Let's not forget the past players that they've had under their wings such as Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Alex Oxalade Chamberlain. But could they face the same daunting implications as being relegated this season, for selling their best players and talents that have come up through the youth ranks like West Ham did in 2003?

Just like Southampton a decade ago West Ham who were also known for playing attractive football and producing the English players of the future and stars that will dominate the Premiership for years to come. Such as Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson and Frank Lampard. But when they too sold most of their spine of the team were relegated. We all know that these days compared to the past it's hard to replace one quality player let alone most of the team. Southampton will find it hard like West Ham did and will certainly be relegation candidates fighting to stay in the league this season.  New boss Ronald Koeman has works on his hands if his team are to play Premiership football come next year.

The days of selling and replacing players are becoming more harder for a small team like the Southampton's of this world as I've previously mentioned. If Koeman doesn't think fast and start buying not only will he have a small squad that's generated 89 million in these past weeks. it will expose the lack of quality and depth that they had last season. And we all know what happens in the Premier League when you don't have quality and depth in your squad. Yh your finished! I wouldn't want to be in the director, scouts or the chairman's shoes right now, late nights, stress days and immense pressure, because I would've shot my self if it was me in their shoes.

Gerrad The Great Or Another English Flop?

Liverpool captain  Steven Gerrard announced his retirement from international duty yesterday after a poor World Cup with England this summer. He cited he wanted to look after his body due to his age and  wants to be in the right shape for the Champions League and all domestic fronts for the Kop next season. Gerrard will go down as one of the English greats and one of the most all rounded center midfielders off this generation even though he could never replicate his Liverpool magic to the international front.

It will be sad to see a player of his quality and leadership leave the England fold but what is England's loss is Liverpool's gain.  Gerrard can leave the pressures of England duty behind and go back to being one of the most dominating center mid's in European football bar his age. We may not have seen the swashbuckling and gung ho attacking Steven Gerrard in the all red Liverpool shirt in an England shirt but. We cannot deny his passion and work rate he gave in a 3 Lions shirt.  He changed his game, sacrificed his style of play to accommodate Frank Lampard whose also had a disappointing England career minus his exploits for Chelsea. Both he and Gerrard are similar players but Lampard was more offensive and were tipped to be big game players for England but both failed to shine an England shirt even though they were promised to be world beaters at the international stage. Not many players of today are willing to change their preferred position and game for fellow team mates and managers so lets tip our hats off to the Gerrard for that and was a shield for England in that midfield.  Lets not forget the assists and attacks he's started off and how crucial he was to England qualifying in major tournaments during his 14 year stint. He may not have been effective like he has been for Liverpool. But the 114 cap legend did have a part to play in England's best results in the past decade and England qualifying in this years World Cup.

Steven Gerrard one of the best players ever to play in his position. Captain Marvel who played with his heart on his sleeve like a battling soldier. The modern day English player with the mind and passion of an old style English player who wants to win and be the best where money and fame is not his priorities like most English players of today. The stigma will always be there of him not playing at his best levels just like he's done at Anfield season in and season out. But we can say that about Thierry Henry in a France shirt, Lionel Messi for Argentina and even ex Liverpool great John Barnes but even he is still applauded as one of the best wingers ever to play the beautiful game in this country. But what ever he has or hasn't done in an England shirt is that his kind and character as a player are a few or extinct in the English game and his quality will be missed all hail King Stevie G.

What A World Cup

I've been following football for the past 12 years and in those great, sad, stressful wonderful years I've seen my beloved Arsenal win the league unbeaten, I've witnessed great players like Messi, Zidane, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho grace the footballing stage and players bite other players (I wonder if Barca will put a muzzle on Suarez next season?). But nothing compares to what a great spectacle the 2014 World Cup has been. 2006, 2010 were poor tournaments but 2014 gave us entertainment, shocks, twist and turns and highs & lows that a Hollywood script writer couldn't pan out.

First of all let's say congrats to Germany who won the global showpiece on Sunday. There great defending, immense team work and mesmerizing attacking play that won them the tournament after 12 years of pain of going two finals and two semi-finals of tournament football. The Germans have produced great talents through their systems and from great work from the German FA and Bundesliga in making sure Bundesliga teams play their youth players and given them a chance. Gratitude and props must be shown to Low and Klinsman who have raised this team since 2004. If only Gregg Dyke could take note but that's for another blog. Germany have produced top talents and will be the new Spain and will be a force to reckon with  in world football.

Like every tournament there's always the stand out player just like in 1982 we had Italian striker Paolo Rossi who had controversy surrounding him before the summer tournament. As he came back from a two year ban because of a betting scandal. We can never forget about Ronaldo who came out on top in 2002 where he lead the once mighty Brazil to their filth and last World Cup victory. But this years stand out player was Monaco's Colombian ace James Rodriguez who won goal of the tournament and the golden boot award which took Columbia to the quarter finals. It's a shame he didn't win player of the tournament which undeservedly went to Messi. This tournament was about attacking play and goals and many attacking players having great World Cups that contributed to that such as Robben, Musa, Joel Cambell and Neymar.

With every World Cup there always that moment of controversy that scars the tournament. Maradonna being sent home in 1990 for drugs use, Roy Keane's spat with Mick Mcarthy that ended his World Cup in 2002. This year we had Luis Suarez biting Italian defender Chiellini and earning him a 4 month ban from all contents of football. But the real downsides of every World Cup is the best players under performing Ronaldo being the most shocking I give him effort for playing through injury, even though it could've been career threatening. But most neutrals, would have liked to see a fit Ronaldo destroying his opposition at will like he does for Madrid week in, week out. Messi's magical runs and scoring 2, 3 even 4 goals a game and Ozil showing why he was the star man in 2010. But it's impossible to see the top 10 best players in the world all play there best in a World Cup minus that it was a great show piece and just showed why football is the beautiful game of two halves.