Lazy

Hello all,

I've been writing a few pieces for Checkerboard Collective which explains the silence over here. Please check out my stuff there because obviously no one else will...

Later.

Weekend Predictions

Bit under the weather so I'll keep things simple this weekend:

Aston Villa v Wolves 1-1

Blackburn v Blackpool 3-2

Everton v Fulham 1-0

Manchester United v Bolton 2-1

Stoke v Newcastle United 2-0

Tottenham v West Ham 3-1

West Brom v Arsenal 0-2

Wigan v Birmingham 2-2

Chelsea v Manchester City 2-1

Sunderland v Liverpool 2-1

Weekend Flutter

Just before I get some sweet shut eye, here are my picks for the weekend.

Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Hard not to take United at evens against weakened opposition at Old Trafford. Even if it is Arsenal. And even if it is the FA Cup quarter finals. Most bookies now have United at odds-on so I'm glad I jumped on when I did. Hard to say whether it will be over or under 2.5 goals. Given all the key players missing I think it will be a close match and under 2.5 goals but haven't put anything on it.

Cagliari vs. Udinese
I'm going for high flying Udinese at 1.9 for over 2.5 goals. Seems a steal compared to Racing & Football Outlook's calculation of 1.57. Despite sneaking past bottom of the table Bari one nil last weekend I think they'll be on the offensive again away from home. For Cagliari, last week was their first home clean sheet since October and obviously I'm betting against something similar happening.

Midweek Premier League Preview

Everton vs. Birmingham City

The home side have had a bit of a resurgence as of late (not including the Cup capitulation to Reading). They've have seen their injury woes lessened and won two on the trot. An inversion of sorts, Birmingham have lost two on the trot and have a serious relegation battle on their hands. Simply because I don't think either team will extend their record to three consecutive wins/loses, I'm predicting a 1-1 draw. I calculate under 2.5 goals at about evens but the bookies are selling at around 1.70 so we know their prediction.

United's Away Form Conundrum

Upset at United's away form this year? Get out your green and gold scarves!!!

Three defeats in Manchester United's last four away matches and its that time again – green and gold scarves, crisis talk and knee-jerk radio call-in punditry. Flipping through Philippe Auclair's fantastic biography of Eric Cantona and delving back into my own memories of that pre-Treble Manchester United side, however, gave food for thought on the current team's away form in the league this year.

That mid-nineties United side bullied their way to success in the Premiership with the best away record for each of the first nine seasons of the Premier League era. In the subsequent ten seasons they've topped the away table three times and only one of those occasions lead to a league title. On the face of it, the statistics suggest United now face more competitive opponents than two decades ago – Chelsea's transfer policy and Arsenal's consistency would confirm this – but is there a deeper, underlining reason for their poor away form this year?

A closer look at the statistics might not show much of a decline – United took 36, 40, 34, and 42 points away from home during the previous four seasons – an average of 2 points per match. Three of those seasons saw United score over 30 goals away from home with goal differences of +17, +14, +18 and +22. Even if Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool managed better away records during various seasons United still claimed the title three times over that period. United's opponents might have performed better away from home, but they still couldn't manage to perform better overall.

On one hand this year is not much different. Despite having only the fourth best away form they top the table with two months to go in the title chase. On the other hand they have conceded 21 goals after 15 matches – last year they allowed only 16 away goals in total – and have managed an average of only 1.33 points per match away from Old Trafford.

Much of the blame has been placed on Johnny Evans. United's poor start to the campaign, particularly away from home, was hampered by Rio Ferdinand's absence through injury. Evans featured in all three of their high scoring draws to kick off the season – games at Fulham, Everton and Bolton. The matches at Craven Cottage and Goodison Park both featured rare late equalizers. United conceded seven goals in those first three away matches – almost half their average total from the previous four seasons. Since those three high scoring draws Evans failed to start away from home until United's first loss of the season to Wolves last month.

Certainly Evan's poor form and defensive frailties in the absence of the Ferdinand/Vidic partnership have hurt United's away form this year. But looking at their recent form on the continent begs the question. They haven't conceded an away goal in this year's Champions League; letting in only one goal in seven matches. How can a side that successful away in Europe struggle away from home in the league?

In 2006/07 Champions League season United lost four away ties – Copenhagen, Celtic, Roma and Milan. Not including the 2009 final, they have lost only once since – to a stoppage time Ivan Olic winner last year in Munich. During that time United have kept thirteen clean sheets and allowed 0.48 goals per match.

United's success away in Europe has featured numerous defensive pairings, so its hard to blame the Ferdinand/Vidic partnership exclusively for their league away form. Against Wolfsburg in 2009 Carrick, Fletcher and Evra formed a makeshift defensive trio to hold the then German champions to a single goal in a 3-1 victory. The stats, at least, make one think it might be tactics and not necessarily personnel responsible.

Its obvious Ferguson has adapted well to the Champions League; appearances in the later knockout stages considered a given these days. This was not always the case. Granted the pre-Treble side with Cantona suffered from UEFA's “foreigners” rule - meaning Welsh, Scotch and Irish players were limited in team selection – but it still took Ferguson years to transform the most consistently successful away side in the Premiership into a good side away in Europe.

The problem now seems to have come full circle. Tactically aware, able to sit back and absorb pressure on the continent, United seem to have forgotten how to attack and strangle their hosts in the league. Their recent defeat to Chelsea was significant not only for the points dropped but also for showcasing a side, for half the match at least, that looked like it wanted to win away from home.

Far too many times, espcially in the wake of the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez, United have been content to rely on their host's hospitality than really going for the match. Fans will certainly cite the lack of a fiery midfield engine ala Bryan Robson or Roy Keane. Although few, if any, top Premiership teams currently feature a midfield dynamo in that mold, there is truth to the belief that United's current crop of young midfielders are more proficient than creative. On a number of occasions they have relied on the vision of veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs to unlock defenses. Yet it's Ferguson's coaching and tactics that have formed these younger players. Anderson, as an example, came to the club with the reputation as a marauding attacking midfielder but has subsequently often performed in a more conservative holding role for United.

In truth the reasons for United's poor away form this year probably stem both from personnel and tactics. Ferguson now prefers, or simply reverts to, a European style away from home, but in the absence of Ferdinand and Vidic United don't have world class centre-backs to adhere to that plan in league play. Also Premiership sides simply do not behave in the same manner as European sides do. Marseille were themselves cautious and conservative against United in their Round of 16 first leg in a way Wolves, Chelsea and Liverpool were never going to be back in England. Having conquered Europe, Ferguson needs to rediscover how to conquer England.

Monday Preview

Short article on Manchester United's away form coming soon. No apologies for the number of United articles recently. I do watch every single one of their matches so it shouldn't be a surprise.

Blackpool vs. Chelsea

Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell are suspended and I just can't see Blackpool getting anything out of this match. I calculate Chelsea to win at 1.62 - more generous than RFO at 1.85 but far greater than the bookies at 1.30.

I also think the match will go over 2.5 goals and it wouldn't surprise me to see Chelsea win to nil. Bookies though are offering over 2.5 goals at around 1.44 which is way under my own estimate of 1.72.

So although I'm not laying down any money, I'm guessing Chelsea away win and over 2.5 goals.

The Weekend Preview

Trust me, I know what I'm doing...

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

After their blistering encounter at Stamford Bridge midweek, Manchester United face another tough away day at Anfield. Amidst all the discussion of refereeing decisions and less than clinical finishing from United, it has been lost to most critics that Chelsea simply wanted the match more, espcially in the second period. United, a goal up, looked satisfied to slow the pace down and even with the scores leveled looked pleased to leave with a point. Given the upcoming matches at Anfield and the Emirates a point away at Chelsea would have suited United. Chelsea, however, had no reason to settle and it showed. While all the talk is about getting back into the title fight, they have a real fight on for a Champions League spot and they played with true purpose in the second half.

United who haven't been the best away from home this year now face another tough task at Anfield. Liverpool might be lingering in sixth but their home form is what has kept them in the hunt for a European place. Only Spurs and Sunday's opponents United have fewer home loses this year. United are also missing their usual centre back pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand.

I expect a slower match than Tuesday's and for both sides to score. While United might again be satisfied with a draw there is the possibility that Arsenal will have overhauled their lead against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon. I'm guessing a 1-1 draw, but would surprised if Liverpool lose given their home form and United's backline.

Juventus vs. AC Milan

The Rosseneri took the first step to the league title with a win over Napoli on Monday. While Napoli did nothing to put up a fight, failing to register a single shot on target, Milan can take comfort in the form of Alexander Pato. Although with Allegri not starting the young Brazilian in previous matches it might be more trouble in squad selection. However after his second half performance against Napoli, culminating in a splendid goal – a curling effort from outside the box – it would be shocking if he didn't keep his starting spot against Juventus on Saturday.

Juventus, who a couple weeks ago defeated a listless Inter, have since lost away to Lecce and at home to Bologna. The latter result indicative of their season – they've lost four times and conceded twenty one goals at home. Milan, on the other hand, have lost only once on their travels and conceded a paltry ten goals away from home.

At home though Juventus have showed some grit in the big matches this season; Udinese the only side above them to take all three points at the Stadio Olimpico. It probably won't be a very exciting match given Milan's defensive record away, but a win would take them into their midweek European match with Spurs and next month's derby against Inter with some confidence.

Hannover vs. Bayern Munich

Having lost two home games in a row, Dortmund in the league and Shalke in the Cup, Bayern are on the verge of crisis just when things were beginning to look good after the winter break. They currently trail their hosts Hannover by two points in the hunt for third place, the final spot for Champions League qualification. Bayern are poor away this year, dropping points on eight occasions and no side has won more home matches, eight, than Hannover.

The match promises to be exciting and high scoring. If Bayern fail to win their confidence could unravel ahead of the all important Champions League second leg tie against Inter.

Marseille vs. Lille

Last week's draw with Lyon did Lille no favours. OM took all three points in their match and three more would see them overhaul Lille in the table and possibly go top depending on Rennes result at Montpellier.

A tight match might go in Marseille's favour as they have the meanest defense in the league behind Rennes and were able to rest midweek while Lille progressed in the French Cup.

The Weekend Flutter

After the failure of last weekend, thanks Sven, its a surprise to everyone we're back for another battering.

Hannover home win or draw against Bayern Munich at 2.11

Bayern look shattered after loses Dortmund and Shalke. 2.11 seem generous odds that they won't get past Hannover.

Birmingham City home win against West Brom at 2.24

I've bet against West Brom two weeks running and they've managed two late comebacks, but I don't think they'll repeat that feat here. Birmingham should be on a high from their League Cup win and generally the winners of that tournament show improved form in the League. They've also got a real relegation fight on their hands and as worries about club's finances have surfaced they can't afford to slip any closer to the drop.

Brest home win against Bordeaux at 2.65

Bordeaux have been terrible away from home this year, their last match producing a 1-5 drubbing by Lorient. Again, good odds against a team that's won only three times on the road and conceded eighteen times in the process.

Freiburg home win against Werder Bremen at 2.55

Bremen are tinkering on the edge of the relegation zone and have lost seven times away from home. They've only scored nine goals and conceded and incredible thirty one times. Freiburg have had a good season and are still in the hunt for a Europea League spot. Again, good odds.

RFO's banker of Norwich City, Wrexham, Darlington at 4.16

After going February undefeated I'm guessing the Racing & Football Outlook's banker picks will fail on my first try. Oh well...

Weekend Round Up

An inverted Diego Forlan?

Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester United 4

The final result flattered the visiting league leaders, to say the least. A solitary goal from Javier Hernandez was all the separated the sides in a lackluster first half. United's passed the ball poorly, as they've been prone to do away from home this season, and Wigan had a number of good chances. Van der Sar was in good form, though, and as Wigan pushed forward in the second half they left their defence exposed. United scored again through Hernandez - “a natural goalscorer” a common theme amongst pundits – and then from Rooney and Fabio for a relatively easy Saturday afternoon.

Almost more interesting than the match itself was a short shot of United's players in the stands. Giggs, Obertan and Bebe sat behind Sir Bobby Charlton. While the two United legends watch attentively the youngsters fiddled with their mobiles; Obertan even wearing headphones. Its not surprising the pair failed to break down non-league Crawley Town in the FA Cup last weekend with attitudes like that.

Bayern Munich 1 Borussia Dortmund 3

All the prematch talk was about Bayern. They'd won late against Inter in the midweek and had Robben in fine form after demolishing Mainz and Hoffenheim. Dortmund, not coming off the winter break in the best of form, had the midweek to rest, however and could bury Bayern's hopes of retaining the league title.

The first half set off at a frantic pace, both sides going all out. Dortmund went ahead against the run of play through Lucas Barios but Bayern shortly equalized with a debut goal from new signing Gustavo. Only two minutes later Dortmund retook the lead with as Barios produced a great run deep into the Bayern half before Gotze laid off a pass for Sahin to finish with a curling effort from outside the box.

Bayern tried to fight back but whatever chances they fashioned were snuffed out by Mitchell Langerak, the 22 year old Australian keeper making his league debut in stunning form.

With the title all but sealed the big question is what does the future hold for this talented Dortmund side. How long with Jurgen Klopp stay as manager and how long will his talented young players stay? Against Bayern Klopp fielded a team averaging 22.3 years old. Sadly its the norm for young talent in the Bundesliga to gravitate to Bavaria. Can Dortmund build on the success this year and break the flash-in-the-pan title wins of Wolfsburg, Stuttgart and Werder Bremen? And how will Klopp's break neck attacking football play out on the big stage in Europe?

Lille 1 Lyon 1

A game which started with two early goals quickly descended into a stalemate. With both sides coming off midweek European games, Lyon's arguably the tougher of the two, and with so much at stake with Rennes winning on Saturday and Marseille on Sunday, the draw comes without too much surprise. Although Lyon have been prone to conceding away from home Lille failed to put Lyon under much pressure in the final third. The pitch was in terrible shape and certainly didn't help Lille's fast counter attacking style. In the end Lyon probably deserved to win but for a number of magnificent saves from Mickael Landreau.

So, in the tightest title race in Europe, Lille and Rennes top the table with OM one point adrift, PSG two points off and Lyon four points below. Next weekend sees another title clash with OM host Lille while Rennes travel to Montpellier, who just beat Lille 1-0 a week ago.

Palermo 0 Udinese 7

Truth be told, I stopped watching after 35 minutes. 3-0 up, away from home, and Udinese looked like they were playing a pub team. All credit to Sanchez and Di Natale, who were in superb form, but this contest ended early and just descended into a farce.

I will note that Sanchez's second goal brought a smile to my face as he did a few step-overs and rounded the keeper to slot into an empty net. Most players these days take a shot early and bend the ball around the keeper, but Sanchez's style brought back the hey-day of Serie A in the 80's and 90's and not just a hint of a couple Roberto Baggio goals. It'll be interesting to see where he ends up next season as it'd be a shock for Udinese to hold onto him in this kind of form.

The Weekend Flutter Continued...

Obviously Part 1 fell flat on it face. Not the best of debuts. But hey, you win some and you lose some. Lessons learnt all around. Think positive. That kind of nonsense.

Anyway, here are tomorrow's picks:

Stoke City vs. West Brom

Stoke are usually good at home and I still don't trust Roy Hodgson to have sorted out all of WBA's defensive problems. I'm backing them at 1.90 to win but know it'll end in a dull 1-1 draw.

Milan vs. Napoli

This should be a close match between first and second in the league. I picked Napoli on the handicap (+1) at 1.84 as I don't think Milan will win by more than a goal.

The Weekend Flutter Pt. 1

Am I really backing this man?

Saturday Edition

Everton vs. Sunderland

Although Everton have just knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup I imagine they'll still struggle in the league. Sunderland have had a good season and Steve Bruce, having recently extended his contract with club, has built a consistent side. I'm backing Sunderland double chance (win or draw) at 2.02.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Blackpool

We all know Blackpool leak goals as often as they score them but I think Mick McCarthy has his side well enough organized at home to keep a low scoreline. Blackpool are also missing captain Charlie Adam. He's obviously crucial to the side. Under 2.5 Goals at 2.20. Odds were at 2.35 but I moved too slow.

Mallorca vs. Barcelona

The longest shot of the day. Barcelona are missing Puyol, Xavi, and Valdes but most importantly Mallorca are disciplined and perform well enough at home to the top sides to keep this contest close. I like Mallorca double chance at 3.00 and Under 2.5 Goals at 2.10. Good luck? Will need it.

Stade Rennes vs. RC Lens

Rennes, second place and in good form, take on Lens, second bottom and floundering. At 1.65 Rennes look good for the win.

Leicester City vs. Coventry City

Steadied under Sven-Göran Eriksson and hunting for a play-off spot Leicester City look a safe bet at home against a Coventry side that hasn't won away since November. City win at 1.50.

Rennes and Leicester all-up at 2.48

See above – two favoured sides at home.

Match of the Day

Bayern Munich vs. Borrisia Dortmund

Humdinger and probably the highlight of the weekend. A loss for Bayern and the nails will be well and truly nailed in the coffin for their title hopes. Dortmund have had a slip blip since the winter break but are still ten points clear and had no midweek matches while Bayern traveled to Milan. Too tight to put money on but too exciting to miss watching.

Better late than never...

Times have changed. Ten years ago this would not be happening: 3:00pm GMT kickoff on a FA Cup weekend and punters have packed Hong Kong bars to watch Australia and Japan contest the Asian Cup Final. Prior to the World Cup 2002 in Japan/South Korea even most football enthusiasts would be hard pressed to name an Asian footballer outside of Hidetoshi Nakata.

Since the host nations shocked the footballing world in 2002 they've given us the household names like Park Ji-sung and Shunsuke Nakamura, as well as emerging talent in Cha Du-ri, Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda (not to mention adding the talent of the Australian sub-continent to the Asian Federation in 2005).

As the standard of players has increased East Asia has overhauled the Middle East as the stronger footballing force in the region. Saturday night's final was only the second occasion that a team from the Middle East failed to make the final – the other, in 2004, when China lost to Japan in Beijing. The failure of the Middle Eastern teams, not only in this Asian Cup but also at the World Cup and in World Cup qualifying, is a watershed for Asian football. Although, to be fair, Japan's rise is no recent flash in the pan – they had won three of the past five finals prior to the 2011 final in Doha.

While Japan have seen their most famous sons Nakata and Nakamura call it day with their international careers, Australia have been propelled in this Asian Cup by veterans of their golden generation – Mark Schwarzer, Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Lucas Neil and, in particularly good form, Harry Kewell. For these players, all in their 30's, the final was a last chance for international honours. It would be very surprising to see any of them, should they qualify, in Brazil 2014.

Leading up to the final things certainly looked positive for the Australians. They had cruised into the final, defeating Uzbekistan 6-0 in the semi-finals and Japan's young playmaker Shinji Kagawa would miss the final due to a fractured foot. Most of the smaller Asian teams had found it a tough task going up against the physically stronger Australians. Yet the only team to really match the Australians physically, South Korea, were knocked out by Japan in the semi-final – a match so open and entertaining it threatened to dwarf the final. In the end it nearly did.

While the open, end to end play extravaganza in the semi-final showed off both Korean and Japanese technical prowess, the openness of the final was due to the frantic and chaotic pace of the match. Without Kagawa pulling the strings in the midfield the Japanese had difficulty settling down and controlling the match and had to wait until the second half for their only real chance in regulation – a pinpoint cross from Yuto Nagatomo and a great header from Shinji Okazaki that just sneaked outside the post.

The Australians had the lion's share of goal scoring opportunities, and had Harry Kewell kept the same form he'd shown earlier in the tournament they would have run out quite easy winners. The best chance coming in the second half after Kewell headed the ball past the last defender but he failed to convert the subsequent one on one chance against the Japanese keeper Kawashima.

As the match progressed to the end of regulation and into stoppage time the Australians looks visibly tired – strange considering it was the Japanese who had to go all the way to penalties to secure their place in the final. Uncharacteristically slack on defense, the Australians allowed substitute Tadanari Lee to sneak unmarked into the area and finish a gorgeous volley with just ten minutes left in extra time. The cross again provided by one of the standout players of the knockout rounds left-back Nagatomo.

Japan's win, while adding to their recent domination of the event over the past twenty years also heralds the dawn of a hopeful era. Kagawa is 21 years old, captain Hasebe is 27 and Honda and Nagatomo are 24 – all already feature in the top European leagues (Nagatomo just finalised a loan deal to Inter Milan a few hours ago) and should be in their prime for the next World Cup. This summer the team will head to Argentina for the Copa América as one of two specially invited nations outside the CONMBOL region. The other nation, Mexico, will send their U-23 Olympic team reinforced with five senior players but Japan has yet to announce who they will send. While matching a full strength side against top South American opposition presents a fantastic opportunity for the side, many of the European players will be in desperate need of rest after a non-stop year at the World Cup, Asian Cup and regular club season. Still, whoever features, the experience will certainly help as the young side looks to adapt itself to competing against top international opposition.

Unfortunately as the Japanese are ascending, the Australians are at the end of their golden generation. For the core of their team, veterans of the Premier League for most of the 2000's, this was their last major international competition. At the moment we haven't seen the quality of Cahill and Kewell coming through the ranks. Qualifying for the next World Cup will be hugely significant for the national football side. Should they fail to make it to the finals in 2014 Australian football could find itself floundering in a nation already preoccupied on other sports.

So....

Does this mean Rooney will start playing better?

The State of Football

A year ago I pointed out how the media loves to blow up – or just make up – a football club's off-field problems when they are having a tough time on the pitch, specifically in the case of Portsmouth. The crisis club mantle thus far this season undoubtably falls to Liverpool but thunderclouds loom over Old Trafford.

Last year having lost arguably two of their best players in Ronaldo and Tevez, United failed to capture a fourth successive and overall a nineteenth league title, both unaccomplished feats in English football. Off the field the owners refinanced their enormous debts, kick starting the anti-Glazer “Green & Gold” movement and a highly publicized, but failed, attempt from a group of wealthy United fans, the Red Knights, to purchase the club.

On the surface consolation was found in the that United finished only one point behind champions Chelsea, a league cup title and the belief they would most likely have progressed further in the Champions League if not for an ankle injury to Wayne Rooney. In truth the injury to Rooney revealed how much the club relied on the striker in the first place. The old guard of Giggs and Scholes performed brilliantly, but by the end of the season even United fans knew changes were necessary if United were to keep up with big spending Chelsea and Manchester City.

Unfortunately for United supporters the changes this season haven't come in the expected, or desired, manner. Star player Rooney had a terrible World Cup, endured a tabloid scandal and appeared to have a loss of form until recent developments regarding his desire to leave United turned a bad situation into a potential disaster. Since the subject has already been turned inside out by anyone who has ever pretended to be a journalist, I'll try to keep things simple and present as many facts as possible.

1. The Player

As we've all read this week, Rooney wants to leave United due to concerns over the club's ability to challenge for top honors. While this is certainly believable, it's most likely a PR angle to shift the blame from himself and his Mr. Ten Percent to the club, ensuring he looks good in the papers and in the fan's eyes – espcially the anti-Glazer demographic. Even though it's true that United are not in the condition to win trophies as they were upon his arrival in 2004, it's impossible to discount the fact that he, and his agent, would stand to make a lot more money if he left than if he stayed. In fact, upon his arrival from Everton, Arsenal had just gone a whole season unbeaten and Roman Ambramovich had already begun spending silly money at Chelsea, a situation, football wise, not completely different than today. The difference then? Fiances.

2. The Club

Prior to Wayne Rooney's arrival at United the club had spent 99 million pounds on five big purchases from 1998-2002. These included Dwight Yorke, Jaap Stam, Juan Sebastian Veron, Rio Ferdinand and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The final three of those purchases came between 2001 and 2002 and cost 76 million pounds. United were the transfer market bullies, having no English competition anywhere close to them. But in 2003 Ambramovich bought Chelsea and began his own spending spree. Still United managed to secure Rooney a year later for 27 million pounds, a world record fee for a teenager.

In 2005 the Glazers took over United, but spending stayed pretty much the same, 92 million pounds on 5 players from the take over until the summer of 2008. Then came America's financial crash, crippling the Glazer's non-United investments. Since America's recession United have spent 32 million pounds on four major purchases. No paltry sum, but it pales in comparison to previous spending and in light of Cristiano Ronaldo's 80 million pound move to Real Madrid.

The club has long claimed for the past two years that it has money spend, especially in regards to the massive Ronaldo transfer fee, but that in the current market prices have been overinflated. The fact is this never stopped United before. Previously whenever United relinquished control of the league title they spent big. In 1995 they broke the English transfer record for Andy Cole at 7 million pounds. In 1998 they purchased Jaap Stam and Dwight Yorke for 22 million pounds. In 2002, just one year after purchasing Veron for 28 million and breaking the English transfer record again, they spent 29 million pounds for Rio Ferdinand. And in 2004 they bought Rooney.

Since 2005, when the Glazer's took over the club, United have not broken the English transfer record nor splashed out in the same way to regain the league title. The 30 million pounds spent on Berbatov showed United could still throw their weight around the market, but once the US stock market crashed the club immediately took the line that the transfer market was overinflated and their policy was to spend on youth. Their oldest transfer since Berbatov's move, Michael Owen's free transfer not included, was Antonio Valencia, 24 years old when he arrived last year.

This doesn't even include all the details regarding the enormity of United's debt. On the basic face of the matter, United's behavior in the transfer market proves they are not in the same position to win trophies as they were when Rooney arrived.

3. The Manager

Finally, Sir Alex. Even rival fans would most likely begrudge Sir Alex the title of genius. He's won it all and then done it again, but on the back of a lot of money. Even before he won a title he broke the transfer record to bring in Gary Pallister. Of course Rooney isn't the first player Ferguson has bumped heads with and he managed the club to titles even after seminal figures like Ince, Stam, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy and Keane wanted away. But again, he achieved his success by spending a lot of money.

It should be noted that Ferguson has never patched things up with a player once they want away or he's had enough of them. He benched Ince, Beckham and Van Nistelrooy in a similar manner to Rooney and, in the end, it was only a matter of time before they left the club. Of course in each case he denied a rift with the player.

His own press conference earlier this week, like Rooney's, was a PR exercise in blame shifting. In Ferguson's eyes, he is Manchester United. What he does makes or breaks the teams performances. If he speaks out against the Glazers there will be internal turmoil, endless speculation, upset supporters and possibly boycotts. He won't do anything to damage the unity and belief at the club. So of course it's no surprise he takes the club's line that they have money to spend. He says he doesn't know why Rooney wants to leave and yet Rooney's statement says his representatives were clear in asking about United's intentions to remain a potent force in the transfer market. Then again Rooney said he wasn't injured and Ferguson has outlined that he was.

When it comes down to it, both Ferguson and Rooney have lied. Ferguson to protect the club and Rooney to protect himself. Normally most fans would side with Ferguson for protecting the club, but in this case, with the poor management of the Glazers its hard to understand him. Speaking to Sky TV he laughed off the question of whether he could guide United to further trophies. There's no doubt Manchester United pre-recession could rise back up, but given their clear inability to purchase world class talent, it seems more unlikely that United will win major honors with the Glazers as owners.

***

Ian Holloway made headlines today for claiming “football should look at itself” and “The game is wrong. The people in charge of the game are wrong. They are so wrong this is frightening.” While he was referring to Rooney and the Bosman ruling the message really should have been about football ownership.

It's nothing new that the clubs with the most money win the most trophies. For the most part the league table at the end of a season matches the amount of money that clubs spend on their wages. This is the way football has been since it became professional. But the problem is the amount of money involved now and the attitude towards this amount of money. The issue of club ownership and fiscal responsibility needs to be resolved immediately.

Since the inception of the Premier League we've seen the collapse of Leeds and Portsmouth and close calls with West Ham, Newcastle and Liverpool. United are tinkering on the edge and it wouldn't come as any surprise if their collapse finally signaled the start of some serious legislation on the matter of ownership, debts and club spending.

Quote of the decade

"Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better. He used to shock us in training by doing footy tricks with a golf ball that most players can't even do with a football. I really fancy Joe for the [player of the year] award this season."

-Steven Gerrard

Why the Kool-Aid isn't appetizing

I recently received this Fox Sports column on the World Cup in my inbox. Unfortunately I can't email the writer directly (well I can but there's a word limit), so I figured I'd leave him an open letter here. Plus I feel the topic warrants discussion (aka. I feel like rambling on about something no one else really cares about or will ever read).

Dear Sir,

Firstly I must confess that I do not regularly follow your column or American sports. I do, however, respect your opinion and expect you are quite knowledgeable regarding the popular sporting competitions here in the States.

That said, I would like to mention a couple points in response to your article on the World Cup.

1.First of all it seems rather silly to start off an article by alienating the audience you wish to speak to. Shouldn't editorial journalism aim to openly discuss topics with those of a differing viewpoint? Essentially, what's the point in preaching to the choir?

2.You mention that “prejudice, for me, isn't the problem” and yet later admit if “you were raised with soccer, I'd totally get it.” This sounds like prejudice to me – a preconceived judgement or opinion – but prejudice isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact it's unavoidable really. The issue is whether or not one can recognize their prejudices. You weren't raised with soccer, so you don't like it all that much. Seems like a normal reaction.

3.However, the constant need to discuss soccer and why it's boring and why you, as a American sports enthusiast, don't like it gets old really quick. No one else in the entire world does this. You won't find an English journalist writing an article on how dull baseball is during the World Series. Nor would you find a Chinese reporter mentioning how funny it is that American football players wear so many pads during the Super Bowl. If an American sport captures the attention of a foreign nation, such as basketball has in China, then it is followed with some interest. If it doesn't, as American football might be in China, then it just isn't discussed.

4.This leads to the main point of your whole article: you are annoyed that you have to hear so much about a sport you care so little about and which you imagine most Americans care very little about. You're a little bored this summer and need a good whine; not unlike an Englishman during alternating years between World Cups and European Championships who is forced to watched boring old cricket. Now a more interesting article would ask why anyone is trying to kick “a hole in the ancient force field” that keeps Americans from liking soccer and the likelihood of this actually happening.

5.During the World Cup in 2006 and estimated 93 million people worldwide watched each match and more than 5.6 billion people watched matches live during the entire tournament. My research might not be top notch, but the point the article makes is right on the money. American television networks crave the kind of audiences the rest of the world has when it comes to soccer. It's an untapped market here in America and like all untapped markets a demand has to be created. But what the idiotic American network executives fail to realize and what is most important about this whole issue is that sports are unlike other products. The demand for sporting events doesn't come top down through basic marketing maneuvers. The demand comes from the people. People know what sports they like and the networks have to react accordingly. No one is going to convince you that soccer is interesting by marketing it at you (which is why they got all your kids to play so they get them while they're young). Its a fake gesture, a free market capitalist cowboy attempt to wrangle in a few more dollars. The rest of the world worships soccer. Hell, the rest of the world calls it a completely different name. That's how much Americans don't care about it. And you know what? It's all right. It doesn't really matter if soccer catches on here in the States. It probably will gain popularity due to the “steady growth in the Spanish-speaking population” and a younger generation more acquainted with the game. But the rest of the world doesn't care. And really, most Americans won't care. The only people that care either stand to make money out of the sport's success in the US or are the targeted clientele who feel the need to convert everyone else.

Anyway, my response seems to be just about as longer as your original article, making the probability that you've actually read any of this very small. I hope your enjoy the sports you grew up with and I hope that you leave me to enjoy the sports that I grew up with.

Regards,
Joe Buckner

Ingurland, Ingurland, Ingurland

It's easy to lose hold of logic and reason in the face of such passionate events like the World Cup. For one, I slunk to a new low and purchased The Sun's Guide to the World Cup. Reviews on Amazon were positive and truth be told the guide is good. Good comedy that is.

Besides picking England to win the World Cup, the Sun's experts - including sages Ian Wright, Terry Venables, and Harry Redknapp - predicted that Germany would fail to make it through their group stage. Yes, the German team that placed third at the World Cup in 2006 and were runners up at Euro 2008. While England, who haven't progressed past the quarter-finals in twenty years at the World Cup and didn't even qualify for Euro 2008, would win the lot. Had me in tears. Mind you not the same kind of tears streaming down the faces of the English nation yesterday.

Funny really how English tears of pain pretty much lead to tears laughter everywhere else in the world. Everyone here at Pass It! has had a right good laugh, not only at the atrocious England performances but at the headless-chickens-running-around-the-yard reaction from the press. Is it Johnny Foreigner's fault? John Terry's failed coup? Exhausting Premier League season? Over hyped millionaire brats? Lack of goal line technology? Robert Green's blunder against the States? Incompetence of the FA?

The difficulty the press is finding is a clear cut scapegoat. In 1998 it was Beckham's lash at Simeone. 2002 it was David Seaman's flapping against Brazil. 2006's quarter final exit was once again blamed on a sending off, this time to Wayne Rooney. But now in 2010, with so many abject performances and no sending offs the English media have no single person to blame.

Since most you've probably already been beaten over the head with "expert" analysis as to England's failure in South Africa I'll limit my reactions to those regarding the coach, Fabio Capello.

The media is divided over this one. Folks like Harry Redknapp - good old 'arry - protest the need for an English manager; putting forward his own name with Roy Hodgson and Sam Allardyce. Big Sam for England? The thought alone of an Allardyce's 4-5-1 has already put me to sleep.

As has been well documented, no English manager has won the league title since Howard Wilkinson in 1991 and only two English managers - Joe Royle and Harry Redknapp - have lifted the FA Cup since 1994. There simply have been no successful English managers during this "golden generation" of footballers.

A number of journalists have also pointed to the fact that while Capello has had a successful club career he has no experience at major international tournaments. This is rather silly as the past three World Cup winning managers (Lippi, Scolari, Jacquet) also had no prior international experience - unless we're counting Scolari's success with Kuwait in the 1990 Gulf Cup.

The manager though has to shoulder a lot of the blame. He obviously didn't bother learning English and if he treats some players in the disgraceful way he treated Stuart Pearce I wouldn't be surprised by a lack of motivation in the squad. The English squad was the oldest at the tournament with aging players like David James and Jamie Carragher featuring while Premier League standouts Joe Hart and Michael Dawson didn't get so much as a sniff. Darren Bent, scorer of 25 goals this year for Sunderland didn't even make the squad. The fact that on the eve of announcing the squad Capello tried to convince Paul Scholes, six years retired from the national side, to return speaks volumes.

While a different manager, or an English manager, might not have been able to win the tournament, I imagine the side would have performed a hell of a lot more admirably. Personally I'd much rather have a Mike Bassett-esque manager telling the media he's going to play "four-four-fucking-two", watch a couple of traditional wingers bomb down the sides and read stories of players out on town until the wee hours of the morn.

As 1966 wades further and further into the distance the English have become more and more desperate, to the point where international football is no longer any fun. As the country that gave us the game and entertains us with the best league int he world this is quite sad. I can only hope Ian Holloway leads a young plucky England out to Euro 2012.

Less Rock, More Talk

Don't know what day of the week it is? What time of the day it is? What meal you should be eating next? Or even when you last ate? When you have to be at work next? Spent a little too much time with your Panini sticker album? Fantasy team? Daily podcasts? Hourly news reports? Minute to minute tweets? My god, it's 2010 World Cup overdose!

Amidst watching six hours of football everyday Pass It! has found time to bring you in depth analysis of all the action so far.

1. How is it that in this commercial golden age of football the commentators and TV pundits just get worse and worse? TV revenue ballons and yet someone feels the need to send Alexi Lalas and John Harkes halfway across the world to jabber on like...well, American tourists. Neither one of them seems able to accept the fact that the United States' disallowed goal against Slovenia isn't the first time a referee has made a mistake let alone something worth mentioning every half a minute.

Granted ESPN has shelled out a lot to bring in the likes of Martin Tyler, Ruud Gullit, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Steve Mcmanaman (lord knows he ain't cheap) but the asinine and Ameri-centric comments from Lalas and Harkes have ruined a few matches. We here at Pass It! have even discovered the frequency of the vuvuzelas in order to turn them up in the hopes of drowning out the blabbering yanks.

2. While some have acknowledged the success of the South American sides in the tournament so far, few are offering an explanations why. Pass It!'s opinion? It's really not that complicated. The South American qualifying campaign involves at least eighteen matches against high level opposition. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay all had to face each other twice before reaching the finals in South Africa. In the end Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia all finished within two points of Uruguay. Did I hear someone say squeaky bum time?

Contrast this with European qualification groups, such as the one the reigning champions Italy faced - Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro and Georgia - and it's not hard to see why the European sides might struggle. The European teams need to play only ten matches and could qualify, as Switzerland did, despite losing to the likes of Luxembourg at home and drawing against Israel and Latvia.

The number of competitive matches against quality opposition look to have given the South American teams an edge over their European rivals in the early stages of this World Cup. Of course, as we all know, it's early days yet and the knock out rounds could easily turn everything upside down.

3. It's 2010 and some Yanks think they'll win the World Cup before an African side, yet you still have to teach people - soccerball fans, mind you - about the offsides rule. USA to win the World Cup? You're 'avin a laugh. The only reason this Pass It! correspondent sleeps soundly at night is knowing he won't have to live to see it happen. Sadly he still has to spend his waking hours attempting to educate American soccerball fans.

4. Finally, cheers to Nicolas Anelka for finally having the guts to tell Raymond Domenech what the entire country has been dying to for years. In the end the buck stops at the FFF who should have fired Domenech's ass a long time ago. At any rate with Larry White filling in Douchenech's role I've already put a nice bet on France to take Euro '12.

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That's it for now. I won't promise any more posts because there won't be any. Back to the Panini sticker album!

Groundhog Day A Little Early for Gooner Kids

“Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today.”

We all know how life at the Premiership works. You lose one match and when you wake up in the morning to read the papers you might have a club crisis on your hands. So it really won't come as much of a surprise to see Arsène Wenger's critics creeping out of the woodwork to continue their well documented judgements – not enough experience, not enough strength, not enough depth. Arsenal's supporters must themselves be a pit perturbed at Wenger's inability to bring in attacking options in the absence of Robin van Persie, not to mention shocked to see Sol Campbell, the only incoming player in the transfer window, back at the club.

Even the manager seems a bit fed up. After Sunday's loss to United Wenger criticised his side as “naïve” and pointed to “mental reasons” for why his side fell so short. The real question though is what does that say about Wenger? We've seen his young Arsenal side produce some scintillating football but repeatedly fail when confronted with physical challenges, “anti-football” and opposition players who can take long throw-ins. The issue has reached a comic point now as almost every report on the club finds room to break out the Islington kindergarteners line. But if his youngsters are naïve, shouldn't we label their manager likewise to continue with them?

As with a tragic hero, the Frenchmen's strengths can also be his undoing. Wenger's stubbornness and rigid adherence to his footballing philosophy produced one of the most fantastic sides from the past two decades. Yet these same qualities have meant Arsenal have not won anything in five years and failed to finish in the top two during that same period. There's no doubt of Wenger's eye for talent, shrewdness on the transfer market, and advocacy of the beautiful game. But that won't necessarily win you titles. Just as Don Revie. Well, I guess we can't technically ask Don Revie...

It's no secret, Wenger just cannot, or refuses, to adapt. What do you do when facing a physical Stoke City who like to utilize Rory Delap's long throw-ins? Apparently nothing, until after the match when you have a bit of a moan and wildly suggest the possibility of kick-ins. And what happens when your side faces an packed central midfield of Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher? You think you might want to throw on a couple wingers and stretch the game out, but instead Wenger decided to crowd things further with Song, Fabregas, Nasri and Denílson in the midfield. Meanwhile Nani and Park bombed down the wings to devastating effect and left Arsenal looking well and truly like, well, Islington kindergarteners.

Of course you can't sack Wenger because he lost to United, the second place side in the league. And you can't sack him after Arsenal lose to Chelsea, the top side in the league, next weekend. But you do have to ask questions. Wenger might have to cut a piece of humble pie and take a look at his “untouchable” counterpart Ferguson as an example. The Scotsman has constantly been destructing and constructing sides since he took over at Old Trafford. A quickness to offload players, further quickness to give aging players a chance, changing formations and a revolving door of assistant managers has ensured Manchester United have consistently remained in the trophy hunt season after season.

While Wenger is often praised for his production line of good little footballers, his saving grace might be to gamble with a player who won't always say yes; with a bit of a rash streak to them but who can propel a team forward almost at sheer will. Not unlike another Frenchmen, one whom helped kick off Ferguson's success at United.

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Now that the first month of this new year new has passed we can begin to asses what lies in store for us in 2010.

1. Ronaldo reincarnated in Nani? I for one can't wait to see another Portuguese winger hepped up on steroids, photographed in bulging swim trunks, necking with Paris Hilton and flirting with a move to Real Madrid. Some flashy tricks, a few goals and crashing an expensive sports car wouldn't hurt either.

2. It seems Robinho has finally got some sense knocked into him and realized what a great career move leaving Manchester City can be. It did wonders for Richard Dunne. Robinho to win the World Cup in South Africa to this summer. Who knows how many boxes of condoms he'll need for that celebration...

3. Wayne Rooney will get injured prior to South Africa. You know it'll happen. What on earth will journalists do if he doesn't? England needs her daily metatarsal updates. Ad men at daily publications across the country demand them.

4. Rafael Benitez to remain in charge of Liverpool next season. Hilarious.

5. Sir Alex Ferguson discovers the best way to “put City in their place” and fields his U-16 Academy team in the Carling Cup Final. Post match reaction: “We just didn't want them to bloody win it! Even if its only the Mickey Mouse Cup!”

Weekly Update

Something tells me the real Berlusconi might not be smiling...

Cracking derby matches in Manchester and Milan, the magic of the FA Cup officially back on, a ten goal roller coaster at Villa Park, Barca taking the Winter Title undefeated, and frolicking Dutchmen in Bavaria ensured an action packed week of football no matter what you were watching. The only disappointment coming in the African Cup of Nations where the big stars and big teams have failed to live up to expectations in the continent's biggest football year in its history.

In Manchester most of the focus has been on Gary Neville and Carlos Tevez's little spat. Shame really, as the two probably couldn't get into a real spat without a translator and because the first leg League Cup semi-final proved a great match. The goals themselves weren't much to look at – Giggs being at the right place at the right time, City's penalty should have been a free kick - but Rooney's dominance in the latter stages and Given's incredulity at refusing United an equalizer meant that even neutrals could be forgiven for slipping off the edge of their seats. Both teams will feel they can take the second leg and set up a date with Villa at Wembley. The real question is whether or not Ferguson will rest anyone ahead of their league match against Arsenal on the weekend.

The Milan derby provided one of the best matches this season. Inter surged out of the gates, tearing away at Milan's injury hit and aging defense. They were rewarded with a Milito goal early on but things took a bizarre twist when the referee sent off Wesley Sneijder with a straight red card for nothing more sinister than a bit of sarcasm. Milan failed to capitalise, Inter scored another, Mourinho went a bit mad on the touchline and after the final whistle the unused substitute, and eternal pantomime villain, Marco Materazzi pranced around the pitch in a Point Break-esque Berlusconi mask. The only thing missing was a Super Pippo goal celebration.

Somehow the FA Cup managed to squeeze excitement out of every single tie. The pick of the lot going to Leeds' further revolt against Premiership big boys – this time against Spurs at White Hart Lane. Defoe missed an early penalty and the ubiquitous transfer target Jermaine Beckford scoring two equalizing goals, the second coming in the ninety fourth minute. Heroics from Leeds' keeper Casper Ankergren ensured a mouth watering replay at Elland Road as the consensus among fans and critics seems to be that the cup magic has returned.

The only true downer of the weekend cup ties was Arsene Wenger fielding a very weakened Arsenal side. Yet every cloud has a silver lining and Stoke City easily beat Arsenal's kids (and in football terms, a grandfather, as Sol Campbell made his return to the Arsenal first team) by three goals to one.

Anyway, I could go on and on about this week, there were really that many talking points but to maintain your sanity and my employment I'll finish the update with the week's funniest moment: Arjen Robben tumbling around on the sidelines with a rather reluctant Louis van Gaal.

Top Ways to Pretend to be a Footy Pundit

Go on Gary, get stuck in, mate!

1. Constantly lambast Liverpool for their zonal marking. Really? Exactly how do you expect to mark your opposition?

2. Or go on and on about Chelsea's diamond formation being their demise...Top of the league, game in hand – rather sounds more like a recipe for success.

3. Lament the loss of the magic of the FA Cup. Seems someone has forgotten that both Manchester United and Liverpool have been knocked out in the Third Round.

4. Moan about the current interpretation of the offsides rule. Strange, the interpretation makes sense and, theoretically at least, favors the attacking side.

5. Demand video replays. Take away referring errors and exactly what will TV presenters have to talk about? Hmm, in that case maybe there is a positive to introducing video technology.

   Anyway, welcome to 2010 - a World Cup year no less. Pass It! will try its best to get off its lazy arse and waste more of your time in this coming year.

   Coming soon: Who Goes First - Fergie vs. The Glazers?, More Articles About How Shite US Soccerball Is, South Africa Previews, More Empty Promises...

Same old Arsenal...

The Irish football association wants a replay. Thierry Henry thinks it would be the fairest option. Hell, even 82% of the French public said yes when polled about whether they think there should be a replay. Presumably the other 18% probably just feel sorry for the Irish and couldn't bear to see them sweat more blood, miss more golden opportunities and end up with nowt. Again.

But of course FIFA are licking their lips. The precious cargo of France and Portugal made it safely through the dicey playoffs. We'll all get to see Cristiano Ronaldo cry in South Africa. Of course that'll be after they eliminate England on penners and we all have to watch David Beckham and John Terry cry. Based on their performances over the past few years it will be a miracle if France even make it to a stage where crying would be acceptable. They might as well have just gone out to a "brave Irish side"® and sacked Domenech before what will surely be an embarrassing World Cup campaign. Seriously, their manager believes in horoscopes. It's the twenty first century and people still believe in that shit?

The only person making any sense amidst all the controversy is Ireland's manager Giovanni Trappatoni. As much as the majority of the footballing world would love to see a replay it would set a terrible precedent. Trap has rightly pointed this out in his post-match comments. Where would we draw the line? What about a missed penalty decision? A controversial sending off which could have just been a caution? A bad offsides call? There would end up more decisions off the pitch than on it.

Of course the easy solution is television replays. But that's not cool with the old school and plus it wouldn't leave us much to complain about. Every good story needs a villain.