Despite playing second fiddle to Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez for large parts of the year, Dimitar Berbatov still rattled in 20 Premier League goals last season.
The Bulgarian striker was on fire, when he made it onto the pitch, and started to repay some of the large fee that Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United spent on him.
There were some rumours over the summer that Berbatov may be leaving Old Trafford, but they didn’t materialise and the 30 year old will be central to the Red Devils’ title challenge this season.
Here is Berbatov on his way to America for Manchester United’s pre-season friendlies, living up to his name as Mr Cool!
Can you come up with a funny caption for this picture?
Leave your suggestions below…
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The featured Picklive match tonight is Leeds v Arsenal at Elland Road in the FA Cup, but what is Picklive you might be asking? Well, Picklive is quite simply LIVE fantasy football, so if you love live footy and fantasy football, you’ll absolutely love Picklive. If you haven’t played before then you can sign up for your FREE trial right now and have a go during the third round replay tonight. All you need to do is pick THREE players for the live game, but who should you select?
It may be a cliché, but Leeds really do have nothing to lose and all the pressure will be on Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. Their top Picklive points scorer this season is Kasper Schmeichel, but you’d have to reckon that the Gunners are going to score at least once, unless a there’s a repeat of the Carling Cup tie at Ipswich of course! Next up is Ferderico Bessone, but he’s not likely to play, so if you’re looking to follow the stats then Richard Snodgrass may well be your best bet.
In Picklive big points are on offer for goals, with 20 points available per goal. Thus picking a likely goalscorer in your selection of players is a sound idea. In Leeds’ last match in the Championship against Scunthorpe, Sanchez Watt, Max Gradel, Bradley Johnson and Davide Somma all hit the back of the net, and wouldn’t it be ironic if Arsenal youngster Sanchez Watt knocked his parent club out of the FA Cup?
For Arsenal, Welsh international Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance for the Gunners since breaking his leg last year. It would be good to see Ramsey back in an Arsenal shirt and if he does play he’ll be keen to do well and show why he’s strong competition for Jack Wilshere for the tag of Wenger’s most promising youngster.
One player who hasn’t faired well in Picklive this season is Theo Walcott, which is reflective of his inconsistent performances for the Gunners. However, Walcott looked extremely lively in the FA Cup tie at The Emirates and was causing constant problems down the Leeds left in the final few minutes of the match.
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It’s completely up to you who you choose to be your Picklive players tonight, but I’ll nudge you in the direction of Sanchez Watt, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey. Does anyone else take your fancy?
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Love fantasy football? Love live footy? You’ll love live fantasy football! Take part in the Leeds v Arsenal match and play Picklive for FREE Go on, give it a go!
England manager Roy Hodgson has stated that he is proud of his players despite their Euro 2012 elimination at the hands of Italy.
With the game going to penalties after a 0-0 draw, Ashley Young and Ashley Cole missed spot-kicks to see the Three Lions crash out of the tournament.
Despite this, Hodgson cannot fault the effort shown by his players.
“I thought the chances were there for both teams. I actually thought we created some very good chances ourselves,” he told reporters, published in Sky Sports.
“But as the half wore on, and extra-time, I thought we were tiring badly and we weren’t able to establish enough good possession in the midfield so they came at us time and time again.
“In some ways, you might have even preferred it if they’d have got a goal in that time when they were playing well as that’s a little bit less of a cruel way to lose than on penalties.
“We’ve gone out but we’ve gone out without actually losing the game and I think we’ve gone out with our heads held high.
“I personally think the lads have done a fantastic job for their country and I also think that people have appreciated it.
“I really can’t fault the players for their effort. Towards the end we had a lot of players out there running on empty really.
“Tired legs, fighting off cramp – but they kept going right to the end.
“But when you go to penalties you have a chance. Unfortunately it was Italy who took that chance and not us.
“The five penalty takers we have are good ones and we’ve been doing a fair amount in training with Ashley Young smashing in penalties on a regular basis so of course you hope.
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“I know everyone in this country has an obsession with penalties and that’s going to get even worse now but the fact is you can’t reproduce the tired legs.
“You can’t reproduce the pressure. You can’t reproduce the feeling of nervous tension. They stood up to it better than we did, (Andrea) Pirlo’s penalty being a classic example,” he concluded.
Stewart Downing has completed his move to Liverpool from English Premier League rivals Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.The 26-year-old midfielder, capped 27 times for England, was the subject of two failed bids from the Anfield club before a fee reported to be 20 million pounds was settled on earlier this week.
Having agreed personal terms and completed a medical, the 26-year-old becomes Liverpool’s fourth signing alongside Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni, who arrived at Anfield earlier on Friday.
“It’s a great feeling and I’m very happy to be here. It’s been a long time coming and I’ve had to wait a few weeks, but I’m really pleased to be here,” Downing told Liverpool’s official website.
“With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come here and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go.”
“It will be a great feeling to run out at Anfield. It’s always nice to come and play here. The atmosphere is always great and the fans are brilliant.”
“When I wanted to come to Liverpool, it was the first thing I thought of – playing at Anfield in front of those great fans. I’m really looking forward to it.”
A thirst for silverware was also a key motivator for the winger, who becomes Aston Villa’s second high-profile departure of the close season after Ashley Young’s move to Manchester United.
“It would be nice to win something. I’m sure that’s the same objective for everyone, not just me personally,” Downing said.
“My aim is to be in the team, to play well and give something back because the manager has pushed the boat out to get me here, so hopefully I can give him something back.”
The length of Downing’s new contract has not been announced but has been described by Liverpool as a ‘long-term deal’.
Downing moved from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa in 2009 for a fee of around 12 million pounds.
There are some things in life that we know for certain. The smelly guy with the greasy hair and whiskey bottle inside a brown paper bag will always be the one that chooses to sit next to you on the bus. It’s always during that important meeting with your boss that you mother calls your mobile to find out if she can visit for the weekend. And it’s always the weekend that you’re going to an away game that she invites herself.
Of course, if you’re a City fan, you’ll have gone into Monday night’s game with that feeling of inevitability in the pit of your stomach. Everton, struggling this season and hovering just above the relegation zone, coming to the City of Manchester Stadium to play City who, with a win, could go top of the league for Christmas day – it’s odds on for a home win, surely…? City’s defence don’t let much through easily and, on their day, they can score some pretty decent goals.
Even if they managed a draw, they’d spend Christmas day in second place.
So now it’s Christmas Eve and, with no more fixtures to be played before tomorrow, City sit in third. Can any of us actually say we’re surprised at this? It’s one of those inevitabilities of life as a City fan; if there’s an easy way to do something or a way to reward the fans with something nice every now and then, you can sure as hell bet City will do it the hard way. If they do it at all.
It must be hard-wired into the club’s DNA. We have a phrase for it that has been doing the rounds since well before I started going to watch them: Typical City. City beat the top of the league by three goals, then lose to the bottom team the week after – Typical City. City are the subject of a takeover and become the richest club in football, only to subsequently spend that Christmas in the relegation zone – Typical City. City go joint top of the league after a great performance without one of their most important players and, that evening, said important player hands in a written transfer request – Typical City.
And, would you know it, it was Typical City FC and not Manchester City FC that turned up on Monday evening. I’m not saying that the game was an easy one, far from it. What I am saying is that, with most of the league games last weekend falling victim to the weather, City knew before kick-off that a victory would leave them top of the league. So, naturally, they didn’t start playing until they’d given Everton a two goal head start.
For the record, I feel ‘given’ is the correct work since Everton didn’t exactly have to work hard to get those two opening goals. My Sunday league team could have scored those two opening goals with the state of City’s defending, though, in fairness, to Everton, my Sunday league team wouldn’t have been able to see out and win the game from that position. They’ve got me in goal, for starters.
In fact, Everton’s defending is something that we should praise the visitors for, too. City piled on the pressure for about 70 minutes and the only way they could score was a deflected cross from Yaya Touré. The story of the game is summed up in City’s shooting statistics: 32 shots, 4 on target. Nearly all of City’s shots were from range or blocked (suspiciously with arms on several occasions – Phil Neville played a blinder in goal for Everton), while Everton scored all of their shots on target.
True, they spent most of the game time wasting or in their own box, but it’s not against the rules to park the bus as they did. It wasn’t pretty to watch, but I daresay their fans don’t care seeing as they won the game. And it’s down to City to score the goals necessary to go on to win the game (which would be helped without such an atrocious start to the match).
It would also be quite hypocritical of me to criticise their style of play, given that it’s exactly what City had to do whilst strapped for cash under Stuart Pearce in order to stay in the Premier League. It’s always far too holier than thou to say how football should be played and many teams have been successful in many different ways.
The bonus for me, though, was that Leighton Baines was in my Fantasy League team. And with such a disastrous weekend for everybody because of the fixtures called off, I benefited quite nicely, while everybody else in my league scored roughly 1-3 points. Which moved me up to 347th position, so every cloud, eh?
I’ve no doubt that City will win something and soon. In fact, if they don’t, then questions need to be asked, starting with what the hell did everyone at City do in a past life to upset the footballing Gods and how bad was it? It must have been something quite bad if they conspire to stop City winning something despite such an investment as the one they have received.
Certainly, though, the concept of ‘Typical City’ is an interesting one. It’s been around the club for decades, yet managers, chairmen, boards, squads of players, shirt sponsors, kit colours, divisions, tactics and even stadiums have changed since it was first introduced into your average Citizen’s lexicon. How is it possible for City to have a poor record against one team that stretches back for ten or more years? The only constant in City in that period is the fans.
Can the ‘Typical City’ attitude be the entire problem? Could it be, no matter how much money is thrown at the team and no matter what improvements are made to the stadium, pitch and training facilities, that City will continue to struggle on the big occasions (Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United in the Carling Cup) because of the ‘Typical City’ sword that dangles over them? Could it really be that City will win something when we as fans stop thinking that the worst will happen because ‘that’s what City do’?
I’m no believer in all that positive energy crap that some people on telly spout out and don’t think that positive thoughts cause positive outcomes, but I do think that negativity is catching. If the fans are nervous, for example, then that tension is felt by the players on the pitch. In most games for the last couple of seasons, City have been playing well and winning most home games, but at the crucial times, it’s impossible to deny that the fans have been on edge and the players have been playing like they can’t wait to get off the pitch before something bad happens (Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United in both league games of 2010).
We know the atmosphere at Eastlands isn’t brilliant, but a collective groan after the first misplaced pass or a wholesome sigh when someone miscontrols the ball doesn’t help anyone. Oh, and if the lady who sits behind me who always seems to be very angry happens to be reading this, it’s very annoying when you shout things like “Look at him [Yaya Touré] with that f—–g snood on! He’s on all that money and he wears that!”
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Because, traditionally, people who earn a lot of money don’t feel the cold.
2010 is nearly gone, so let’s leave ‘Typical City’ behind with it. It’s Christmas Eve and City aren’t top of the league. Bah Humbug, eh? What an awful season it’s turning out to be. It’s not as if, on this day two years ago, we were sitting in eighteenth place, having just lost to West Brom, playing a quality of football that would disappoint my Sunday league team.
Manchester United will not offer Michael Owen a new contract, and as such he is free to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
The ageing striker has had an injury-plagued season, and has not featured for the Red Devils since November due to a knee injury.
Owen confirmed that he would be leaving Old Trafford on his Twitter account, but as yet has not decided what his next move will be.
“The manager informed me after our testimonial match on Tuesday that the club would not be offering me a new contract,” he confessed on the social networking site.
“I have loved every minute of the three years I have spent at such a fantastic club.
“I now plan to have a short holiday during which I will contemplate my next move.”
Sir Alex Ferguson praised Owen’s professionalism and wished him well at his next club.
“It is a pleasure to have had Michael at Manchester United,” he told the club’s official website.
“Michael is a consummate professional and was an influential figure in our dressing room. Unfortunately he had no luck with his injury this season.
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“Michael’s record of goals per game is exceptional and we wish him all the best for the future,” the Scot concluded.
Tottenham winger Niko Kranjcar has become the second Croatian to be linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this summer, according to The Sun.
Manager Harry Redknapp first brought the 26-year old to England with Portsmouth in 2006 where he won the FA Cup. He then joined compatriots Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka at Spurs in September 2009 after the clubs agreed a fee in the region of £2.5 million.
However, Kranjcar’s first team opportunities have become limited of late following the fine form of Modric, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon and the January signing of Steven Pienaar from Everton. Having made just 51 appearances in 2 seasons at the club, the ex-Hajduk Split man could be on his way out of the club with Dinamo Kiev preparing a bid for the player who has scored 10 goals for Spurs.
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A fee in the region of £6 million is thought to be enough to tempt Tottenham into selling the player. Werder Bremen and Celtic reportedly moved for the player in January with the Scottish club keen to sign the player on loan but were unable to agree terms. Neil Lennon’s side could be tempted to move for the player again whilst Wolfsburg have also reportedly registered an interest in the player.
It’s a pretty decent time to be an Arsenal fan. Wenger managed to keep hold of Cesc Fabregas over the summer and despite injuries to key players, the Gunners are currently second in the Premiership League table. If Arsenal push on and keep developing (and work harder defensively), there’s a real feeling around the Emirates that this could be the season they finally get back into trophy-winning ways. One of the reasons behind Arsenal’s relatively good start to the season is a squad with decent strength in depth.
When I say this I do not mean that Arsène Wenger has plenty of experienced players that he can call on if needs be. Instead, as has been the way with Arsenal for the last half-decade or so, if a space opens up on the team, you can always count on there being a talented youngster to fill the gap. In fact, Arsenal have so many options that I’m beginning to wonder if now would be the right time to start considering who is a genuine prospect and who might find it beneficial to seek game time elsewhere.
It’s important to ensure that the experienced players get the game time they merit whilst also developing some of the younger players and ensuring they get a chance to prove their worth. One area of particular concern is the centre of the Gunner’s midfield which is congested with talent. Consider this: Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Diaby, Wilshere, Rosicky, Nasri, Eastmond, Ramsey and Lansbury are all vying for a centre midfield place in Arsenal’s squad. It’s clear that these players aren’t all going to make it at Arsenal.
It’s true that Fabregas may only be with the Gunners for another season or two. Yet it seems to me that the only players that Arsenal must make absolutely certain to keep hold of are Song, Nasri, Wilshere and Ramsey. Nasri and Song are already two of Arsenal’s key performers and Wilshere and Ramsey represent the future of the club and the antidote to a Cesc free future.
Of course, we’ve seen a number of these players grow and mature at Arsenal and some people may be upset by my suggestion that Arsenal move them on. But, have Denilson and Diaby really made the grade at Arsenal? They certainly have yet to add consistency to their repertoire. As for the younger players – surely it’s time for the likes of Eastmond and Lansbury to start seeking loan moves. The more chance for actual football they get the better it is for the player. Although it’s exciting for a club to have all these talented young players on their books, what’s important is that these players are given the chance for as much game time as possible.
If that necessitates some of these players moving on, as I believe it does, then so be it.
If you’re interested and want to hear more feel free to follow me on Twitter, where you can also keep up to date with the latest Arsenal news!
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has maintained that his side can still win the Premier League title, and has thanked the players and staff at the club for welcoming him back to action.
The Argentina international scored a hat-trick for the Etihad Stadium outfit in Saturday’s 6-1 rout of Norwich, and has been back in favour after a spell AWOL away from the club.
The temperamental forward hopes Roberto Mancini’s men can still have success this season, and is glad to be back playing.
“Of course we can still win the title,” Tevez told City TV.
“Obviously we have to put pressure on United. We just need to continue to play the way we are and we will arrive and the top. Mathematically it’s not impossible.
“I am very happy that I played very well but the most important thing is that I want to say thank you to my colleagues for all the support they have given me since I arrived.
“It wasn’t easy coming back to training and to play but they have given me a lot of support and the technical staff have been very good to me too. I really appreciate everyone’s help,” he confessed.
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With Liverpool reportedly interested in Blackburn Rovers ’ centre back Phil Jones , I thought it maybe a good idea to look hypothetically at which centre back partnership would be best for the Reds if the 19 year old did in fact arrive this summer:
Carragher & Skrtel – This partnership has been solid for the most part since King Kenny arrived as manager. While Jamie had his injury problems last season, Skrtel has played every minute of every Premier League match, with his form improving as the campaign went on. A concern for me with the pairing is that they encourage the backline to play too deep when they play because of their lack of pace, and they also lack the ability to pass out from the back; a quality essential to Dalglish’s pass and move philosophy.
Carragher & Agger – A cornerstone of Liverpool’s Champions League final run in 2007, the pairing has had limited game time together in recent seasons due to injuries to both players. While the Dane is the most gifted player on the ball, allowing an additional midfield option when bringing the ball forward, Carra compliments his footballing centre half partner, with his organisation and communication and no-nonsense defending. With the number of injuries to Agger and the fact that Carragher is now 33, it means this partnership could not be seen to be a long term solution for Liverpool’s centre back issues.
Agger & Skrtel – This pairing is definitely one of my favourites for a variety of reasons. For starters, Skrtel really needs somebody alongside him, such as Agger or Carragher, who can be decisive and authoritative. I think it is fair to say that the Slovakian is not the best organiser at the back and he kind of needs somebody alongside him who can communicate well, and ensure he is in the right place at the right time. Skrtel’s aerial ability combined with Agger’s passing range means the pairing compliment each other very well.
Agger & Jones – So how would this pairing fair? Very well in my opinion for both have decent pace but most importantly both can pass the ball out from the back. No doubt Kenny has been looking at Jones primarily because of his capabilities with the ball at feet. The 19 year old can play in central midfield too, and has played very well when asked to play there, and added on to the fact he has very good aerial ability, like the Skrtel/Agger partnership, they should work well together.
Jones & Skrtel – Another partnership I don’t see many problems with other than the fact they maybe a lack of leadership or organisation if they played together. As I have said already, I believe Skrtel always needs a guiding hand when playing in defence and I am unsure that at 19 years of age whether Jones will be authoritative enough yet to organise the backline.
Jones & Carragher – This pairing probably would have the greatest potential for next season if Agger is unfit. Jones will learn a hell of a lot playing alongside Carra in the centre of defence, and it would be great for our vice captain to be able to give the next generation any pearls of wisdom he can provide. In addition, Jones has the ability to pass the ball out from the defence, complimenting Carra’s no-nonsense style.
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For me, each pairing has its merits if we did purchase Phil Jones . Which would you go for?