Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has called his side’s 8-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday ‘incredible’, and feels the home team deserved the result.
The under-strength visitors were missing some sidelined players, but the England international is not using this as an excuse for the sensational victory.
“Whether they had the full squad out or not we were always going to try and have a go at them and score goals and although they’ve got a few players out, you can take nothing away from our performance today because I thought it was brilliant,” the 25-year-old told Sky Sports.
The former Everton frontman bagged a hat-trick with two free-kicks and a penalty, which took his tally for the Red Devils past 150; a milestone he is proud to have achieved.
“I was aware of that before the game and a lot of my milestone goals have come against Arsenal. My first goal for Everton, my 100th Premier League goal and now obviously 150 so it’s obviously a great feeling but I think the performance today was incredible and we fully deserved the result,” Rooney continued.
From a personal perspective, 2011-12 have started well for Rooney, who will look to spearhead United’s surge towards a 20th top flight title.
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“I’ve had a good pre season, worked hard, got my head down and fortunately that’s paying off for me,” he concluded.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has stated that he feels speculation over his future at the club in the press is unfair, and that it will not affect him going forward.
Sunderland have had a slow start to the campaign, picking up only five points from their first five games and being eliminated from the Carling Cup, leading to rumours that Bruce could be sacked.
The Black Cats manager has dismissed the rumblings, stating that he felt the criticism was unwarranted.
“Anybody who’s managed at this level will know that it engulfs you very, very quickly, and here in the north east it does engulf you quicker than anywhere,” he told Sky Sports News.
“The two years previously we’ve done OK, nothing spectacular. We finished 10th, which was the club’s third-highest finish in 55 years.
“Then within two weeks (of the new season), all of a sudden you’ve lost the plot – that’s the way it happens. I thought it was unfair but then again, I would say that.
“The most important for me is to get over it and learn from it, about how quickly things do change up here. But certainly, it’s not going to derail me in my thoughts of exactly what we’re trying to achieve,” he stated.
Sunderland got their first win of the term last weekend, beating Stoke 4-0 at the Stadium of Light, and now take on Norwich at Carrow Road on Monday night.
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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has stated that negotiations over a new contract for captain Fabricio Coloccini are underway, but fears bigger clubs may try to tempt the defender away from St James’ Park.
The Argentina international has had a commanding start to the Premier League season, and is a key reason for the Tyneside’s run of eight games without a defeat.
With the South American’s current deal expiring in June 2013, Pardew is keen to extend the centre half’s stay at the club.
“I have got to be honest, I think we are okay, that’s about the only sign I can give you,” he told Sky Sports.
“You have got two parties here, you have got a club offering a contract to Colo, but really it’s about Colo. If he agrees to the contract, then all’s well and good.
“It’s difficult because his agent is Argentina-based and doesn’t have particularly great English either, so we are waiting for him to come back across, and we think we can get the deal done,” he admitted.
With Coloccini impressing at the heart of the Geordies rearguard, Pardew is concerned that other Premier League rivals may try to tempt the defender to leave the club.
“If he takes the shine of Alex Ferguson or [Roberto] Mancini, then we will have a problem.
“But the more success we have, the more chances we have got of the player actually saying ‘I’ll stay’.
“The financial position we are starting to get ourselves into gives us a chance to maybe compete a little bit stronger for those players who are threatened.
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“That’s why this season is very, very important. At football clubs, when you get the feeling we have at the moment, if we can keep that, then we are going to have a successful year, I don’t doubt it,” he concluded.
For a player who is now the wrong side of thirty, it is strange that only now Scott Parker is really being noticed and picking up the accolades he deserves. Whilst it may be normal in Serie A for players to only reach their peak in their latter years, in England being over thirty means you are officially past it – just ask Frank Lampard, after a couple of bad games the media were treating him like a dead man walking – yet Parker has only now blossomed into a top class player – or so it would seem.
Whilst it cannot be denied that Parker is in brilliant form, and has been for the last couple of seasons, he has not gone from being a mediocre player to a winner of the player of the year award over-night. At Charlton the midfielder was hailed as one of the best prospects in English football and enjoyed a good spell at the club, making a name for himself before an ill-fated transfer across London to Chelsea.
This move is something that can be attributed as a key factor in Parker’s career stalling and was a classic example of one step forward two steps back. At Chelsea Parker lost none of his ability, yet struggled to find a way into a team who had the best midfield in Europe at the time. No matter who you are, it would have been nigh on impossible to replace either Makelele or Lampard in the heart of Chelsea’s team, thus Parker’s opportunities were limited.
Despite winning the young player of the year award in 2003-2004, Parker struggled at the West London club, and this compounded with a metatarsal injury met he dropped off the radar for most people. It was after his transfer to Newcastle that Parker really started to rebuild his career, and having lost none of his talent he easily became a vital player for Newcastle, and showed he was captain material to boot.
Media and pundit attention was slowly falling back onto Parker, and he was beginning to get the respect he deserved, yet it took another couple of seasons before people really sat up and took notice of the player when he was the shining light in an otherwise awful season for West Ham. Much like Joe Cole, the skipper led by example both on and off the field, and could not have done more or played better than he did during their final season in the Premier League before relegation.
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Not only is Parker a lion on the field, he is also widely acknowledged as being a superb motivator in the dressing room, with both John Terry and Carlton Cole saying his team talks were inspirational – Lampard called Parker’s pre match talk the best he had ever witnessed. Parker also displays a consistency that is lacking from a great number of players in the modern game, and is a consummate professional, so it seems strange that it is only now he has received the recognition and awards many may feel he deserved earlier in his career.
Of course, a mixture of injuries and lack of opportunities did make it hard for Parker, and it is always easier for people to give the so called ‘flare players’ praise, yet how much do Manchester United lack a player like Parker? It is players in his mould that are vital to the success of clubs, and how Redknapp will be thanking his wheeler dealer stars that he pushed for Parker to sign for Spurs.
It is this move which has brought further attention for the player – it stands to reason that the bigger the club the more attention individual players will attract, and Parker is finally getting the respect he deserves.
From an international perspective, the central midfielder has often been overlooked, unfairly, and has been yet another casualty of the Lampard – Gerrard problem – playing one and Parker alongside them could have been a clear option for England, yet this was an option that was never really explored. Not only does Parker have the ability to play for England, his attitude is something that our national team is in dire need of.
At a time when the captain of the national team is being investigated for racially abusing a fellow player and our star striker clearly has anger management issues when things are going awry off the field, a player like Parker would not go amiss.
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It seems funny that the media are so quick to build up payers after a couple of good games, yet a player who has been a consummate professional throughout his career is only receiving the level of appreciation he deserves now. Of course stories on how well Parker performs are not nearly as interesting as the off the field antics of certain players – Mad Mario anyone – or speculation on who is next in line on the managerial chopping block. Yet Parker has been too good to ignore in the last couple of years, and not only does he deserve all the praise he is receiving, a place in the England starting line-up is something that would not be undeserved either.
Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye is happy with his side’s start to the season, but knows that the next month will show if the Tyneside club are real contenders for a top four finish.
Alan Pardew’s men are in third place in the standings and still unbeaten, but have to play some of the division’s best sides after the international break, something that Cabaye knows will test his team.
“We got off to a good start with the draw against Arsenal and winning the derby away against Sunderland,” the France international told The Journal.
“The fact we’ve conceded very few goals has really boosted our confidence. We have 25 points and we’re still unbeaten, and that’s great to have that heading into the international break.
“But when we come back we’re playing City at their place, United at their place, then we’ve got Chelsea at home; after that we’ll really know how good we are,” he stated.
Cabaye has impressed since signing from Ligue 1 champions Lille, and has been linked with a move to Manchester United of late.
However despite the rumours, he is focussed on succeeding for his current employers, whom he signed a five-year contract with in the summer.
“I heard about United’s interest in me, but things are only just beginning.
“I have a bit of experience of clubs following me, so I would rather not get carried away by thinking too much about such things.
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“I simply want to concentrate on my objectives with Newcastle – and playing for Newcastle,” he concluded.
In possibly the greatest opening to the Premier League in its history, the 2011-12 season is already proving to be sensational as it seems anyone can beat anyone and the title race is wide open. Three from a possible 14 clubs will be relegated and the title race is between at least six teams. With some shock results and defensive issues all around, there have been some positives and negatives for every team.
Manchester City are five points clear, Steve Bruce has been sacked by Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers are rock bottom of the league, but there are sure to be more twists and turns by May and it is becoming harder and harder to predict.
A surprise package is always nice to see in the Premier League and there have been plenty over the years from Blackburn winning the league to Burnley beating Manchester United at Turf Moor. This season has been no different and here is a look at the top ten surprise packages so far this season.
Click on Michel Vorm below to unveil the top 10
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Both Manchester clubs earned vital victories in the Premier League yesterday, extending their lead at the top of the table, but they still have a long way to go to making up for their Champions League exits two weeks ago. The disappointment and humiliation was clear to see on that night and the lack of enthusiasm about the Europa League is becoming far too constant in the modern game.
Since the competition was rebranded in 2009 from the UEFA Cup, it has become the laughing stock of Europe and any big clubs that qualify for it seem to dismiss it with a weakened side and a lack of travelling fans. There are plenty of reasons for this and I believe they can be addressed with a new format and schedule of the competition.
The first issue with that is easily fixed is the lack of motivation to win to the tournament. Clubs such as PSG and Tottenham Hotspur both had a good chance of going a long way in the competition this year, but both fielded weak sides in the majority of their games and crashed out at the group stage. A massive incentive to take it seriously would be that either the winner, or both the winner and runner-up would automatically qualify for next seasons Champions League. The chance to play at the highest level in club football would excite any player in any team and would also bring in extra funds to please the hierarchy too. For a club like Fulham or Atletico Madrid, who made the final in previous years, to be entered in the Champions League is a life changing moment and the incentive would be clear to see for clubs such as Spurs who are desperate to return the biggest club competition in the world.
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Another issue with the current set-up, and possibly the greatest issue is the Thursday night football. The late midweek games force clubs to play on Sunday’s each week which is not ideal for players and supporters, especially with other competition taking place on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s leaving a hectic schedule for the Europa teams. The solution is to play on alternate weeks from the Champions League so that games could be played earlier in the week and leave the clubs with a better chance of recovery over the week, especially travelling all over Europe. The chance to play on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s would also attract Sky to buy the rights for every game, as they do with Champions League, which will make it more attractive for supporters and clubs both financially and respectfully. No team wants to play at 5.15 on Channel 5 do they?
Another unfair disadvantage for a Europa League team is that they can work extremely hard to make it through the group stage of the competition, only to face a Champions League third place side such as United or City in the knock out round. If a club is knocked out of the Champions League, they should not automatically go into the later stages of the Europa. A Champions League side that has just been entered in the knock out draw in the Europa League will more than likely win the tournament so what is the point in the smaller clubs playing their hearts out to not stand any chance of lifting the trophy. It is almost as if it is a new tournament from Christmas onwards, which makes it doubly hard for the smaller, progressing sides.
One final solution to the lack of competitiveness from certain clubs could be an application system. At Christmas every year each country could send in a certain number of applications from their clubs (depending on their ranking) and the team that finish the highest from them sides will qualify. This may seem a little outdated, but it would prevent teams such as Tottenham Hotspur from bothering with the tournament and give only the clubs who want to be in it the chance to have a go.
Some have questioned whether the group stages are a good idea or the tournament should revert to a straight knock-out cup, but I don’t believe that is the issue with clubs dismissing the tournament as a distraction. The lack of reward and inappropriate match days are more of an issue and something that can easily be sorted out. It is time to give every team a chance of winning it and it is definitely time for every club to take the competition seriously.
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QPR are closing in on deals to bring defenders Nedum Onuoha and Taye Taiwo to Loftus Road.
New manager Mark Hughes has identified his defence as an area in which he needs re-enforcements, and talks with both players are believed to be at an advanced stage.
Hughes knows Onuoha well from his time managing Manchester City, and has admitted that negotiations are underway regarding a transfer.
“We’ve obviously expressed an interest and I think it is progressing,” the coach told Sky Sports.
“I don’t think we are at a point where we can confirm or really say it will definitely happen. We’re hopeful but it has not been confirmed yet.
“There has been conversations between both clubs and if we can make it happen we will be delighted.
“I am not sure if we have totally been given permission to speak to the boy but certainly the two clubs are talking. Faxes are going back and forth, emails and what have you.
“I would like to think at some point today I’ll be able to speak to him directly and make him understand what we want to do here,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Nigeria international Taiwo has had limited opportunities with AC Milan since joining the Italian giants in the summer from Marseille.
It is believed that a fee has been agreed upon, and personal terms are now the only obstacle to the left back joining the Loftus Road club.
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With Argyle winning by four and Dagenham losing by five last week, perhaps it should have been obvious that this game would end goalless. In a clash that neither side could afford to lose, played in front of nearly 8000 people, Argyle would have left the pitch at full time wondering how on earth they had not won the match – they were dreadfully unlucky not to.
Argyle manager Carl Fletcher made two changes from the side that demolished Accrington last time out. Keeper Jake Cole was available for selection and replaced Romain Larrieu in goal while Robbie Williams replaced Onismor Bhasera who was away on international duty.
John Still made three changes to his Dagenham team from last week. Jonathon Bond who signed on loan from Watford in the week played in goal in place for the suspended Chris Lewington. Fellow loanee Ben Reeves replaced Medy Elito in midfield and Damien McCrory came in for Oluwafemi Ilesanmi at left-back.
It became evident early on that the Daggers had turned up to defend and planned to try and pick us off on the break. This was clear when their back four, in a rush to clear the ball as quick as possible smashed it against Argyle right back Paul Bignot, the defender ran on with the ball and squared a decent looking ball towards Nick Chadwick who could and should have done better. Sadly his shot sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
When Dagenham did break forward, they did not look threatening. Their clear focus on defence meant that when they did venture as far as the Argyle penalty area there was often nobody to meet a cross or get a good shot in. Brian Woodall looked to have got a cross into the danger zone, but with nobody there to meet it a potentially dangerous ball trickled almost apologetically out for a goal kick.
MacDonald, who had scored twice last week, was making a nuisance of himself this time out as well. Firstly only a last ditch tackle from Daggers captain Mark Arber denied the Scot a clear route to goal and then after holding off about three Dagenham players he teed up what should have been the simplest of finishes for Conor Hourihane. However the midfielder lost all composure and instead of finding the back of the net, found row M in the away end.
The Greens came out for the second half with their now custom attacking intent. The Dagenham defence backed off of Hourihane and allowed the Irishman a shot on goal, the keeper Bond was equal to it but had it been placed anywhere else he might have struggled to deal with it. If that gifted chance had not wound the keeper up enough, his defence allowing Robbie Williams to do exactly the same thing and shoot wide just minutes later will have made him red in the face.
With the game now petering out, Fletcher introduced Tsoumou for Luke Young and Daley for Ashley Hemmings, which almost immediately paid dividends. The Dagenham defence made a pitiful clearance and the ball fell to Luke Daley, whose shot from a tight angle hit the inside of the post and somehow stayed out. Within a minute Maxime Blanchard had a shot cleared off the line before Robbie Williams hit exactly the same post against with a rocket of a shot. It was not going to be Argyle’s day.
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Had the players not bothered I would be incredibly disappointed with a 0-0 draw against what is truly a dire Dagenham & Redbridge side, but they all gave 100% today and were bitterly unlucky to win the game. As it stands, Argyle are four games unbeaten with three clean sheets in a row and with the Greens playing fellow strugglers Macclesfield on Tuesday, we have another chance to continue the great escape. 3 points and another clean sheet please Fletcher!
England found out their Euro 2012 fate on Friday evening after a relatively kind group stage draw, but the squad selection for that tournament will play a hugely significant part in Stuart Pearce’s Team GB squad for the London Olympic Games that begin just 23 days after the Euro’s have concluded. With Team GB meeting up around two weeks before the opening game of the Olympics, that could leave a player with one weeks holiday throughout the whole summer if he is selected in both squads.
Even if a player does not feature heavily at the Euro’s they still shouldn’t be selected for the Olympics as playing football for 51 of the 52 weeks in a year is too much. So I have drawn up my side for the opening Team GB game at the Olympics and have taken all things into account.
The squad as a whole must have no more than three players over the age of 23 and can currently be selected from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland but politics may mean that changes nearer to the date. So here is my Team GB starting 11.
Click on Aaron Ramsey below to unveil the Olympic XI
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