Last night saw for the first time 2 local teams battle it out for the biggest prize in club football. Prior to the game I was convinced Atletico were going to see it through. After winning the la liga title for the first time since 1996 and also most importantly loosening the headlock that Real Madrid and Barcelona have had on the Spanish league. No real major stars and like I imagine a lot of people I had never heard of Diego Costa until this season. Diego Simeone has created a well drilled outlet who are incredibly difficult to break down. I really didn't think they would get past Chelsea at the bridge but I was left speechless by that flawless performance. Real Madrid have a obsession with the Champions league. A lot of good managers have lost their jobs purely because they could deliver this to the ever expectant Real Madrid board.
This had all the makings for a classic. Atletico were on cloud 9 after doing what they needed to do at the Camp Nou and had the momentum. Real have had their best campaign in the champions league in a number of years. This highlighted with the manner they dismantled the "unbeatable" Bayern Munich.
Much was publicised with the inclusion of Diego Costa after pulling his hamstring just 7 days ago. Costa has been a major player this season and they rely heavily on his goals and exceptional hold up play that gets the others involved. It doesn't take a sports doctor to know that's hamstring injury is at least a 3 week lead time so 7 days is madness. Now we should probably presume that Simeone was hoping to get 30 minutes out of him and the form he has been in he probably had a goal in him. Seeing him limp off after 7 minutes really summed up the disaster.
Atletico going one nil up meant Real had to use all of their superb attacking talents and get at them. Things just weren't happening for Real in the first half and early in the second half. Ronaldo didn't look at his normal impeccable best so they had to find someone else to take the mantle. Di Maria was going up a gear and I have been impressed with him this year. He has had a lot of pressure since Ozil left as he has had to take the play making mantle. The pressure they were putting Athletico was relentless with 4 or 5 massive chances passing Real by. Gareth Bale must have been one of the most relieved men in Lisbon after Sergio Ramos rose and headed the equaliser with barely 2 minutes left. How would any manager be able to pick Athletico up after that? It was really tough up on them as they defended so well throughout the match.
Gareth Bale then put himself into the Real record books by being the first Welshman to score in a Champions league final. After missing the 2 big chances he showed great character to get into the position to score that chance. You sensed that the intense defending from Athletico had taken its toll as Real added 2 more to the score line. Very harsh on them and quite frankly not a real reflection of the game.
Real finally got that 10th Champions league title and was a fantastic show. Carlo Anchelotti has done a fantastic job with this group of players. One of the biggest task was making a group of superstars into a team which many have struggled to do. Diego Simone will struggle to keep hold of Diego Costa and maybe a couple of others. The fact is they may have missed out last night but they are deserved champions of Spain. It has been refreshing to see a team break into the mix and they way they have done it too has been incredible. A win last night would have been a perfect finish but regardless what a show they have put on!
Sunday, 25 May 2014
Monday, 19 May 2014
Arsene Wenger - the most relieved man in London
Sundays narrow FA cup final win against a well drilled Hull City side was the end of a very much publicised 9 year trophy drought for Arsenal Football Club. After Hull took a 2 nil lead in the opening 8 minutes, Wenger must have started to believe the "Emirates curse" himself.
It has been a up and down season at the Emirates with high hopes until late November when they were leading the pack. With City struggling away from home, Chelsea lacking a striker and Liverpool's early surge for the title petering out, Wenger must have thought this could be the year. Injuries are part and parcel of sport and all clubs have them but you have to wonder what goes on in that Arsenal medical room.
For me the biggest loss was Aaron Ramsey and him missing a chunk of the season. Ramsey had a belter of a start to the season, scoring as well as creating bag full of goals. He was scoring well timed tap ins and 25 yard screamers, he was turning into the player Wenger had put so much time and patience into. He was turning heads around Europe and must go done as the most improved player in the league probably with Raheem Sterling coming a close second. After he got that injury as well as Wilshere having his own injury battles, the season started to go down hill. Olivier Giroud was playing his part with goals and even with the harsh "not world class" tag continued to perform and for that deserves a lot of credit. It was no secret, similar to Chelsea Arsenals lack of strikers was stopping them going up a level.
It really makes you wonder if Higuain had signed, would he have been the final piece in the puzzle. I don't think anyone really knows what happened in the transfer talks but all pointers are at the wage factor. Napoli are a big club but for me I thought the lure of the Premier league would have been enough to bring him here.
Need less to say this Summer is set to be yet another huge one for Wenger. He will at least be happy with the cruel " 9 years without a trophy" jibes being over and looking to focus on piecing together a title contending squad. I think that's the next one for him to focus on. Chelsea will no doubt get their man in Diego Costa and probably a eye watering figure so they will step it up next season. Many City will no doubt already have bids all over the place for top players which will increase their chances of defending the title. Arsene will need to keep faith in the current players and not change the dynamic of the team too much.
Come August we will be all waiting for the big one and who knows who will be pulling on a Arsenal shirt.
It has been a up and down season at the Emirates with high hopes until late November when they were leading the pack. With City struggling away from home, Chelsea lacking a striker and Liverpool's early surge for the title petering out, Wenger must have thought this could be the year. Injuries are part and parcel of sport and all clubs have them but you have to wonder what goes on in that Arsenal medical room.
For me the biggest loss was Aaron Ramsey and him missing a chunk of the season. Ramsey had a belter of a start to the season, scoring as well as creating bag full of goals. He was scoring well timed tap ins and 25 yard screamers, he was turning into the player Wenger had put so much time and patience into. He was turning heads around Europe and must go done as the most improved player in the league probably with Raheem Sterling coming a close second. After he got that injury as well as Wilshere having his own injury battles, the season started to go down hill. Olivier Giroud was playing his part with goals and even with the harsh "not world class" tag continued to perform and for that deserves a lot of credit. It was no secret, similar to Chelsea Arsenals lack of strikers was stopping them going up a level.
It really makes you wonder if Higuain had signed, would he have been the final piece in the puzzle. I don't think anyone really knows what happened in the transfer talks but all pointers are at the wage factor. Napoli are a big club but for me I thought the lure of the Premier league would have been enough to bring him here.
Need less to say this Summer is set to be yet another huge one for Wenger. He will at least be happy with the cruel " 9 years without a trophy" jibes being over and looking to focus on piecing together a title contending squad. I think that's the next one for him to focus on. Chelsea will no doubt get their man in Diego Costa and probably a eye watering figure so they will step it up next season. Many City will no doubt already have bids all over the place for top players which will increase their chances of defending the title. Arsene will need to keep faith in the current players and not change the dynamic of the team too much.
Come August we will be all waiting for the big one and who knows who will be pulling on a Arsenal shirt.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
England team - Young Lions
Finally the squad is official for this Summers World Cup. After months of trips up and down the country Roy has his team. As previously blogged as predicted no major shocks in there.
Ashley Cole being left out is the biggest one. After finding his way back into the Chelsea team, I thought this would have got him in there. I think it's hard to argue that Cole at this point is a better choice than Baines. Baines seems to be getting better and better every season and after dismissing the lure of Old Trafford, it seems he is even more of the complete full back. Luke Shaw must be on cloud 9 as well as the other 2 Southampton players. Only a few days after being named in the team of the year Luke finds himself on the plane to Brazil. Scary to think this is all happening to him at just 18, wow this kid is 7 years younger than me!
I think Roy deserves credit for his selection. He has picked young and hungry players who will be relishing getting out there in June. I like a lot of people love the fact Ricky Lambert is being selected. From working his way up from lower league Football to the top of his game is pure inspiration. These days we tend to struggle to connect with modern players due to crazy wages and reported antics this has distanced the players from the supporters. You do get a feeling that Lambert is a humble guy who loves his Football.
To finish up you do get the feeling Roy has written this tournament off to a degree. By picking the likes of Barkley, Shaw and Lallana they are gaining valuable experience and hopefully building something for the next big one.
Either way I for one cannot wait to get stuck into this Summers World Cup!
Follow me @asportsfansview and get involved in the debates!
Ashley Cole being left out is the biggest one. After finding his way back into the Chelsea team, I thought this would have got him in there. I think it's hard to argue that Cole at this point is a better choice than Baines. Baines seems to be getting better and better every season and after dismissing the lure of Old Trafford, it seems he is even more of the complete full back. Luke Shaw must be on cloud 9 as well as the other 2 Southampton players. Only a few days after being named in the team of the year Luke finds himself on the plane to Brazil. Scary to think this is all happening to him at just 18, wow this kid is 7 years younger than me!
I think Roy deserves credit for his selection. He has picked young and hungry players who will be relishing getting out there in June. I like a lot of people love the fact Ricky Lambert is being selected. From working his way up from lower league Football to the top of his game is pure inspiration. These days we tend to struggle to connect with modern players due to crazy wages and reported antics this has distanced the players from the supporters. You do get a feeling that Lambert is a humble guy who loves his Football.
To finish up you do get the feeling Roy has written this tournament off to a degree. By picking the likes of Barkley, Shaw and Lallana they are gaining valuable experience and hopefully building something for the next big one.
Either way I for one cannot wait to get stuck into this Summers World Cup!
Follow me @asportsfansview and get involved in the debates!
Friday, 9 May 2014
England squad for the World Cup predictions
Monday 12th May we finally find out who Roy Hodgson has picked to go to the World Cup. In previous years I have found this fairly predictable obviously, not including Theo Walcott being brought along with only 2 other senior strikers in the squad.
I can't see too many surprises this time round either. Injury naturally has affected the selection with both Townsend and Walcott out as well as the lad at Southampton. I am wondering if this paves the way for Lennon to slot into the squad as a alternative wide man. One of the biggest question marks is the final striker slot. Rooney is a given with most probably Jermain Defoe, Danny Sturridge and possibly Lambert? Andy Carroll is popular with the England manager I believe, injuries however have affected him being selected. Personally I think he is going to bring Carroll over Lambert which a lot of people will see as a great injustice.
Adam Lallana has really impressed this year and will rightly be brought along. I don't think Roy has any choice but to start the lad too on current form. I went to the Germany friendly a few months back. It was interesting to see the team up close. It wasn't a vintage performance to say the least but I think we showed spells of a decent team. Gerrard and Rooney were stand out for me mainly the way they spread the ball and looking to make things happen. Cleverly looked a bit shaky as well as Smalling but I think this stems from the United issue. Going back to Lallana and how he has come on I saw first hand what he can do. Lallana is what they call in "street football" a baller. He likes the ball at his feet and can take on players and get into those holes and create and finish with 9 goals and 6 assists this season for the saints.
Come Monday hopefully Roy has thought long and hard about the group of players that will fly to Brazil. We need a few "risks" ( Lallana and Shaw) as well as stability ( Gerrard, Cole and Rooney) and you never know we may win the thing!
I can't see too many surprises this time round either. Injury naturally has affected the selection with both Townsend and Walcott out as well as the lad at Southampton. I am wondering if this paves the way for Lennon to slot into the squad as a alternative wide man. One of the biggest question marks is the final striker slot. Rooney is a given with most probably Jermain Defoe, Danny Sturridge and possibly Lambert? Andy Carroll is popular with the England manager I believe, injuries however have affected him being selected. Personally I think he is going to bring Carroll over Lambert which a lot of people will see as a great injustice.
Adam Lallana has really impressed this year and will rightly be brought along. I don't think Roy has any choice but to start the lad too on current form. I went to the Germany friendly a few months back. It was interesting to see the team up close. It wasn't a vintage performance to say the least but I think we showed spells of a decent team. Gerrard and Rooney were stand out for me mainly the way they spread the ball and looking to make things happen. Cleverly looked a bit shaky as well as Smalling but I think this stems from the United issue. Going back to Lallana and how he has come on I saw first hand what he can do. Lallana is what they call in "street football" a baller. He likes the ball at his feet and can take on players and get into those holes and create and finish with 9 goals and 6 assists this season for the saints.
Come Monday hopefully Roy has thought long and hard about the group of players that will fly to Brazil. We need a few "risks" ( Lallana and Shaw) as well as stability ( Gerrard, Cole and Rooney) and you never know we may win the thing!
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Starting out
Intro
I would like to introduce myself as purely the fan. Now over my 25 years on this earth it has become apparent to me that everyone is a expert in sport. Well anyway at least everyone thinks they are.
My main sport like the majority in this country is Football. I love everything about the game; the last minute goals, the dubious penalty decisions and the nail biting relegation scraps. Now I don't support one of the so called bigger clubs in London. We are currently plying our trade in the Championship. For those too busy supporting their "super clubs" in the champions league, you may not know a great deal about this roller coaster of a league.
The Championship is a funny old league. One minute you are going to a top 2 team and nicking a win to getting completely outplayed at home by a team in the bottom 2 at your home ground. You question whether it is actually the same players at times as results can be so up and down. Anyone can beat anyone in this league (just ask Harry Redknapp at QPR) and this regularly happens. Just when you think your team are making some progress, bang you lose 3 in a week and looking over your shoulder. One of the main attractions of sport is this "uncertainty of outcome" factor which keeps us coming for more.
As it stands any of the bottom 10 can mathematically be relegated. Mathematically any of the top 14 can get promoted. This sums up how close the league is and how a mini run of loses or wins can shape your season.
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
David Moyes - Where did it go wrong?
I was shocked last week to learn David Moyes had been relieved of his duties at Manchester United. Now shocked may sound strong being their poor run of form including several home losses however I always thought he would be given time.
I remember Gary Neville on one edition of Monday night Football saying " it won't be the manager that goes, it will be the players". Neville has been around Manchester United long enough to understand the clubs ways so I believed this too.
First step to Moyes downfall I believe is backroom staff. Like most managers Moyes wanted to keep his team with him. He clearly trusted them to help he make this job a success. Like a lot of people I believe keeping Mike Phealen was important. He knew the squad and how they work and could have given valuable information onto Moyes. Dealing with Everton players is a different animal to dealing with Manchester players and I think Moyes reliesed this early on.
Second step is transfers or lack of more importantly. United have never really been one to have a big overhaul of players like neighbours city or even Chelsea some years. I was expecting more players to be brought in and I think a lot of fans would agree. United were crying out for a top drawer midfielder once Paul Scholes finally called it a day and left a gaping hole in the heart of the Manchester United midfield. Looking how the season has panned out I think Christian Eriksen who signed for Spurs would have been a great fit. Sky sports put up last week a incredible stat about 3 players; Cleverly 0 assists and 0 through balls, Fellaini 0 assists and 0 through balls and Carrick 0 assists and 0 through balls. Sadly these stats sum it up for United this season and their shortfalls.
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