City edge closer to Premier League title,

As Touré’s goals prove ever so vital,

But the red half of Manchester is doom and gloom,

No additions this year to United’s trophy room,

Down at the bottom, there’s drama aplenty,

As Bolton choke in the final twenty,

That allows QPR to draw ever near,

To securing their top flight place next year,

Equal excitement in the top four race,

As Arsenal stumble for the thrill of the chase,

But as Tottenham and the Toon fail to succeed,

The Gunners still hold their third place lead,

So the attention moves to the final day,

Now United fans must start to pray,

That their old boy Sparky can do them a favour,

Although their faith might well waiver!

 

Player of the Weekend

Nearly three months ago, Wayne Rooney tweeted about how he found it amusing that the Touré brothers had reached the African Cup of Nations Final and lost. Unsurprisingly, this tweet resurfaced yesterday as Yaya Touré scored the goals which look to have all but secure a first Premier League title for Manchester City.

The Ivorian’s contribution was significant on Sunday as it was in the Manchester derby just over a week ago. This time he had two goals to show for his efforts too – his first a delightful low curling strike was followed by a second five minutes time, a poke from close range. Much is made of his enormous price tag but Manchester City fans won’t mind at all, given the terrific first season he’s had at the club.

Goal of the Weekend

Clint Dempsey has been having his best season in the Premier League to date. He grabbed his 17th goal of the campaign at the weekend to help Fulham to a 2-1 win against Sunderland. The American has been pivotal to the Cottagers securing their third top 10 finish in the last four years.

His goal at the weekend wasn’t too bad either. After Mahamadou Diarra was fouled 25 yards from goal, Clint Dempsey stepped up and thumped a free-kick past Simon Mignolet. It could turn out to be his final goal at Craven Cottage but if so, it was a fantastic way to bow out in West London.

Performance of the Weekend

The Premier League this season hasn’t adhered to a script but then again, when has football ever done so? Still, Norwich City were perhaps not credited enough for their display at the Emirates on Saturday with the majority of focus, as you’d expect on Arsenal’s failure to win. The Canaries though demonstrated great resilience in their 3-3 draw.

The most impressive aspect was to be found in their second equaliser. You could have attached little blame to Norwich had they wilted after van Persie’s put Arsenal into the lead. Steve Morison’s goal showed the spirit which Paul Lambert has managed to instil at Norwich. It’s going to be interesting to see how Norfolk outfit fare in the Premier League next season but as long as Lambert’s still the manager, there’s no reason why the Canaries can’t survive again in the top flight.

Quote of the Weekend

The final few days of the season are usually spruced up by fans with a bit of fancy dress. So it’s all the more encouraging hearing a manager telling his club’s supporters to get involved.

After his side’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, Brendan Rodgers had the following message for Swans supporters prior to next week’s encounter against Liverpool:

“I’m going to ask all the fans on that day if they can wear, as a tribute to ourselves and Elvis Presley, as many Elvis Presley costumes…because when we got promoted the bookies said there was a greater chance to see Elvis Presley than for us to stay at this level.”

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Hopefully between now and then, there’ll be a little less conversation and a little more action to ensure it happens…*

*I would like to take the opportunity to apologise for anyone offended by my shameful attempt to slip Elvis Presley lyrics into my final sentence. Hope you’re not all shook… whoops, nearly did it again!

For more Premier League musings on Twitter, follow @archiert1

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Last season John Berlyson said a few things on how the season would pan out, that we would break the one million pound mark, that deals would be done early and all the money from the Steve Morison to Norwich City move, would go into the team for the upcoming season.

Lions fans were left massively disappointed with signings as £1million plus signings were dreams, and the reality was Dany N’Guessen and wage thief Jordan Stewart.

This left Jackett without a main striker as top scorer, Darius Henderson would usually pick up little knocks or niggling injuries, which left us with the dynamic duo of John Marquis and Dany N’Guessen. Plus the money from the Morison deal was mostly spent on trying to make sure the Lions came into profit for the last financial year.

But this season it seems that Berylson will be keeping true to his word. He said before the end of the season, where the Lions ended up comfortably mid table, that Millwall will try to get deals done early this summer.

This has already been proved with the signing of goalie Maik Taylor, the extension of the contract of Josh Wright and recently two deals in a week which saw the signings of Scott Malone and Chris Taylor. Early signings will only help with the team for the upcoming campaign plus the Lions will not have to have a signing frenzy on transfer deadline day like In 2010, ironically the three signings brought in on transfer deadline day, would not be considered as part of the starting 11.

Berlyson also said before the Lions second season in the championship, that money would be spent before the start of the season. This really didn’t happen as the majority of signings were free transfers. Whereas before the start of this season money was already spent, a £750k rumoured price tag was spent on Scott Malone by the Lions from AFC Bournemouth, a player who has been scouted many times by Jackett. Malone became Millwall’s Third signing from the Cherries in as many years, like having our own feeder club.

Berylson may not have been so willing to spend this time last year, ironically due to Kenny Jackett’s success. KJ got the Lions promoted and then flirted with the play-offs in concetutive seasons, on one of the smallest budgets in the division.

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But then Berylson still gave Jackett a limited budget as Millwall came into the dreaded “second season syndrome” season. The Lions struggled until January, where money was given to spend, which help sign, now starters, Shane Lowry and Andy Keogh. Jackett may have been a miracle worker in League One, but maybe not so much in the Championship.

It seems now that Berylson understands how much needs to be spent to be competitive in the Championship and will now back the team with more transfer funds. Kenny has done wonders with a limited budget, but with the backing of the board behind him? Watch out top six, Millwall are coming.

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Another English campaign at a major international tournament has left a sour taste in the mouths of fans across the nation. As always an immediate autopsy has commenced to see where all the problems lie. But the fact is that the Three Lions did not perform well in a single game at the tournament, playing a far too rigid, predictable and overly-defensive style of football. Despite only playing in two of the four games, Wayne Rooney has come in for some criticised for his lack of impact in the Italy game with former manager Fabio Capello suggesting that only Sir Alex Ferguson can get him firing.

Rooney had previously suggested that communication in the camp was better with an Englishman in charge and after England were eliminated on penalties by Capello’s native Italy, he had a dig at the 26-year-old. According to The Sun, he said:

“After seeing the latest game, I think Rooney only understands Scottish. That’s because he only plays well in Manchester, where Sir Alex Ferguson speaks Scottish.”

Indeed Rooney had been in fantastic form for Manchester United in the season just past. He scored 27 league goals and eight in other competitions in what was his most prolific season for the Red Devils. Had Manchester City failed in their dramatic late comeback against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season, Rooney’s winner against Sunderland would have also handed United the Premier League title.

Such form only served to increase the expectations on him to perform at Euro 2012, despite being banned for the first two games. Against Ukraine he looked off the pace and struggled to get involved in the game. Yet he still provided the difference as he nodded in the game’s only goal to put England through top of their group. It is a hallmark of great players that they always manage to make an impact even when they are having an off day.

Yet that trait abandoned him in the quarter-final. He was completely ineffectual throughout the 120 minutes as he spent large parts of the match chasing shadows across the pitch with the Azzurri dominating possession. England rarely got forward and therefore Rooney was unable to make an impact where he has often proved so deadly.

The striker has been criticised heavily but in all fairness the entire team performed well within themselves. The problem was that in Roy Hodgson’s rigid 4-4-2 formation, Rooney was expected to drop back into midfield and pick up Andrea Pirlo. That should not be asked of the team’s most prolific player. He should have been allowed to push on the last man with an extra midfielder coming into the side to provide more competition in the middle of the park.

It was different duty to that which he is used to at Manchester United. If he drops back at Old Trafford, he does so on his own terms and in order to pick up the ball not to mark another player. In actual fact, Rooney got into one of England’s best scoring positions and but for Ignazio Abate’s boot he could have troubled Buffon with a decent header.

Ferguson may command a greater deal of respect than Hodgson but it is not the case that he is the only man who can get the best out of Rooney. He may have struggled to replicate his club form on the international at the last two major tournaments, but both have been as part of an England squad shrouded in controversy.

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The comments from Capello smack of sour grapes and Hodgson has been quick to defend Rooney’s efforts in training. But perhaps if Hodgson had played to the striker’s strengths then we could have seen a more positive side of him against Italy. He failed to act on the problems that were clear for all to see during the quarter-final. Most managers would have recognised that changes were needed to get the best out of Rooney, or his team-mates. Vicente Del Bosque showed the boldness required of a top manager when he substituted Xavi during Spain’s semi-final against Portugal.

There is no doubt that Ferguson’s influence on Rooney has been huge. He has curved his wild temper but his passion still remains. While the Scot’s ability to keep him performing must not be undermined, he is not the only reason that the striker has become a world class player. Lest we forget Rooney handed in a transfer request in 2010 that would not have done wonders for his relations with the United boss which suggests that he does not see Ferguson as the key to his ability. It is not a case of the manager getting the best from the player, but rather the tactics angled in the best interests of the team’s star.

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When Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas he totally changed the way in which Chelsea went about their football. To say that his style was uncomplicated would be an understatement. Apart from the rather impressive dismantling of Tottenham and QPR, Di Matteo’s team had something of a ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality. The onus was most certainly on defence with the performances against Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in particular standing out as impressive defensive displays.

Why then have all of Chelsea’s signings thus far been attacking? The announcement that Chelsea have finalised a deal for the Brazilian playmaker Oscar is a worrying thought for fans of other Premier League sides, especially considering the west London club have already purchased Eden Hazard, his brother Thorgan, and Marko Marin.

After having achieved so much success playing in such a conservative manner, what conclusions should we draw from the purchase of four players who offer little in the way of defensive ability?

The first thing to note would be that it is unlikely that these are the Chelsea manager’s signings. Andre Villas-Boas noted that he had little say in the transfer department and you would be surprised if Di Matteo’s involvement was any different.

Nevertheless, just because Di Matteo didn’t necessarily ask for those signings it wouldn’t mean that he couldn’t ask for defensive reinforcements.

Some will argue that Chelsea’s defence is strong enough but I beg to differ. With Jose Bosingwa gone Chelsea need a reserve right-back, and preferably a specialist full-back unlike Ivanovic.

Secondly, despite some impressive performances Chelsea need to start thinking about a long-term successor to John Terry. Yes they have Cahill and Luiz but that’s all they have. Without another right back Ivanovic cannot be asked to fill in.

You also need to consider that Chelsea should look in to the possibility of replacing Michael Essien, who is a shadow of the player he once was. Mikel had a strong end to the season but is hugely temperamental and Romeu is not quite at the level that a club like Chelsea requires. So, it’s clear that Chelsea’s penchant for young attacking players is not because it is the only area that needs addressing.

That is not to say that they shouldn’t be looking to find successors to Malouda and Lampard. It just seems strange to have bought four considering they signed Mata last summer.

Perhaps what this does signal is that Di Matteo and Chelsea are concerned that without the option of playing direct football spearheaded by Didier Drogba much more creativity is needed. And they’d be right, but Lukaku, Torres and Sturridge are still strong options for that role.

What many fans will be wondering, though, is whether these transfer moves are more than that. Is Di Matteo trying to reinvent Chelsea’s team for a second time? Instead of taking the club back to basics perhaps he is trying to turn them in to the team Villas-Boas tried to create – attacking, technically gifted, fast paced and a joy to watch. It should be remembered that in his previous managerial roles the Italian has opted for attacking rather than defensive football.

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His short spell in charge of Chelsea might indicate that, rather than being a defensive coach, he is a coach that is fully aware of the tools at his disposal and knows how to play to a team’s strengths.

Abramovich will have been pleased with the results that Di Matteo acquired last year, but perhaps he would have been less so with the manner in which it was achieved. Now that he has proved himself a winner, will he prove himself to be capable of attacking football too?

Follow me on Twitter @H_Mackay

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Mikel Arteta ensured Arsenal ended a turbulent week on a high note, scoring a late winner to inflict yet another defeat on rock bottom QPR.

Consecutive defeats to Norwich and Schalke set the tone for the clubs annual general meeting on Thursday that saw supporters question the Gunners hierarchy over their ambitions for the future.

But that was all forgotten as Arteta poked home six minutes from time to break the resistance of  Mark Hughes’ well drilled Rangers side, who had Stephen M’Bia sent off in the second half, and propel the hosts in the top four.

Much of the pre-game discussion centred around Jack Wilshere’s inclusion in the starting lineup and he played 67 minutes on his first start in 17 months after his comeback from injury.

Wilshere’s first touch was greeted with cheers by the home support and he stung the palms of Julio Cesar with a fierce 20-yard drive just after Aaron Ramsey had looped a header over the bar.

The visitors posed a significant threat down the right side, with the pace of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jose Boswinga giving full back Andre Santos a difficult afternoon, but they failed to fully test Vito Mannone during the first half.

Opposite number Cesar was the far busier of the goalkeepers, pulling off a number of fine saves to maintain parity for his side frustrate the Gunners.

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Ultimately the turning point in the match came when M’Bia was shown a second yellow card  with 10 minutes remaining after stupidly kicking out at Thomas Vermaelen. QPR unravelled after that and Arteta took advantage to stab the ball home from close range after hitting the bar to break the deadlock.

Esteban Granero and Jamie Mackie spurned two excellent chances to bring the R’s level in injury time as they made it nine games without a Premier League win this season.

Many have tried and many have failed to take on the master of mind games Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s a dangerous game to play, just ask Kevin Keegan and Rafael Benitez.

Keegan’s ‘I would love it’ rant all but conceded the title to United in 1996, whilst Benitez was in charge of a Liverpool team top of the table before he started ‘talking about facts’ and Ferguson ended up claiming another title.

Then along came Roberto Mancini, who last season you could argue became the first man to triumph over Fergie in the battle of the mind games. As his team continued to pick up points and close the gap on United, Mancini took all the pressure off his players and piled it onto the shoulders of United, claiming his team ‘were not favourites’ and United had ‘easy games.’ All said in a calm and methodical manner, with a face that suggested he had been spending his time at Arsene Wengers poker school in Govan.

Of course City ended up winning the title, and one of the abiding memories of an incredible season was Ferguson and Mancini’s touchline bust up during the second half of what was essentially the title decider at Eastlands. The image of Ferguson’s face red with rage shouting expletives at the Italian, will be one that could be defining. Mancini held his own,  made his point and then calmly swanned back to the dugout with hands in pockets. He had clearly got under Fergies skin, and ended up coming out on top.

What is interesting about Mancini’s approach, is that he has never gone after Ferguson directly in the way Benitez or Keegan did. He has kept his distance, ensuring he doesn’t personally provoke the United boss. If he did, you feel there would be no way back, as Mancini is aware Ferguson has been the master for decades. There is no doubt Fergie has plenty more tricks up his sleeve, and is just biding his time to make his move.

However Mancini has started this season where he left off his title winning campaign, by playing down City’s title chances in a bid to take the pressure off his own players and pile it on to United.

“I was serious last week when I said United where favourites” he said nonchalantly. He had previously stated his multi-million pound team of superstars were “maybe in second third or fourth position” when it comes down to the favourites for the Premier League title.

Mancini has expressed his dissatisfaction at City’s lack of activity in the transfer market, but it is hard to see where they could actually improve? Is this all just a cover up to take the pressure off his side? Another centre back is seen as the priority, and the remaining days of the transfer window will give a clearer indication to City’s potential to retain their title this season.

With the mind games beginning before the season had even kicked off, you can be sure it will be an enthralling battle once more. The way Mancini played it last season indicates the Italian could be the successor to Fergie as the new master of the mind game.

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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has stated that he would ‘have to be a nutcase’ to accept Newcastle’s offer for Andy Carroll.

The England international is thought to be available if the right offer comes along, but the Reds boss has stated that Carroll will not be going on loan.

The Magpies are thought to have offered around £12 million for the burly hitman, but this has frustrated Rodgers.

“There is no way they will do a number on us,” he told The Telegraph.

“Absolutely no chance – and certainly not Newcastle. Newcastle got £35million for this player last year. To even consider wanting to take him on loan is a liberty. There is nothing more on it for me.

“I need a minimum of three strikers. Once the window shuts, that it is it until January. I have got Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and Andy Carroll. I would need to be a nutcase to even consider at this moment to let Andy Carroll go out, unless there are other solutions for that.

“At the moment there isn’t. Andy has been working well. He knows the situation, like the rest of the group do, and we will take it from there. It is all speculation. We have got a very small squad as it is. We have lost a lot of players this summer and I have not replaced them, as of yet,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Reading are hopeful that they will be able to reach agreements with Alex Pearce and Jem Karacan over extending their respective contracts.

Both Pearce and Karacan are products of the Royal’s youth academy and have already established themselves as first-team regulars. Their current contracts will run out at the end of the 2012/13 season, and Reading’s director of football Nick Hammond is confident that the duo will commit themselves to new deals soon. He told the Reading Post:

“Talks with Jem are progressing well, so we’re hopeful of getting that resolved soon. We’re also speaking with Pearcey and it’s fantastic news about his Republic of Ireland call-up this week. It’s great to have these players come through our academy and then represent the first team in the Premier League. It’s important we secure their services to the club, but as always the deal has to be right for everyone. We’ve said for the last 10 years how vital it is we bring players through the academy and these guys are both prime examples of that good work. I remember bringing Pearcey to the club from Oxford as a teenager and Jem has been with us for a long period of time too.”

Reading face Tottenham at the Madejski stadium on Sunday, and manager Brian McDermott will be eager to record the Royal’s first Premier League win of the season as soon as possible.

[divider]

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Andre Villas-Boas has stated that Brad Friedel remains his number one choice at Tottenham, reports Sky Sports. 

The 41-year-old helped ensure Tottenham recorded their first home win of the season on Sunday, making two world class saves from Clint Hill and Junior Hoilett in the first half, which proved crucial as Tottenham went on to record a 2-1 victory.

Tottenham’s big money signing Hugo Lloris again found himself on the bench, despite keeping a clean sheet on his debut against Lazio. And it looks set to stay that way for the immediate future according to his manager.

“We have made Hugo alert that whenever Brad has a bad game we won’t (drop him). These things have to be taken very carefully,” Villas-Boas said.

“We don’t doubt Hugo’s dimension and talent but at the moment we are paying respect to a player who is performing very well.

“At the right time we will think about it or not and Hugo is an extremely good professional.

“He wants to come back into the team but he is competing for the jersey and he will get his chance very soon.”

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Friedel

Arsenal Football Club are readying a January transfer bid for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, according to The Daily Mail.

The north London side sold Robin van Persie to Manchester United in the summer and Arsene Wenger is said to be keen to find a long-term replacement for the Dutch maestro.

A number of names including Adrian Lopez, Abel Hernandez and Stevan Jovetic have been touted as potential transfer targets for the Gunners, however the French coach is an admirer of Llorente.

The Spain international has been a major player for Bilbao in their recent successful campaigns, with the San Mames club making the final of the Europa League and Copa Del Rey last season.

Llorente is in the last year of his contract with the Basque club, and has stated that he wants to move to a side playing Champions League football.

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Although Juventus are also interested, Arsenal are ready to launch a January bid for the forward.