Simeon Jackson scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to gain a well deserved draw for Norwich after Fulham threatened to leave Carrow Road with all three points.
Orlando Sa’s curler after seven minutes looked to have sealed a priceless away victory for the Cottagers only for Jackson to pop up in the 94th minute nodded the ball home to keep Paul Lambert’s side firmly camped in the top half of the Premier League – a similar position occipired by Blackpool who ended the season in the bottom three. They dominated the second half with David Stockdale’s goal bombarded before the late equaliser cost Martin Jol’s side dearly at the death who should have added to their lead long before the Canaries finally broke their resistance. It’s that sort of fighting spirit that will stand them in good stead come the business end the campaign as they refused to throw in the towel even in the dying embers.
With Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson not even in the squad for the trip to East Anglia, prompting speculation over their futures at Craven Cottage, Sa was tasked with leading the line and showed he can cut it in the top flight opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes. The young striker swivelled on Zak Whitbread before curling a sumptuous effort past John Ruddy to give the visitors an early lead. It should have been two soon after only for the 24-year-old to see Kyle Naughton to clear his effort off the line after being played in by Kerim Frei. Norwich finally started to get themselves into the game after that with Bradley Johnson seeing his strike deflected wide before Stockdale did superbly to tip Whitbread’s header onto the woodwork. Fulham still attacked with purpose and were close to doubling their lead through Clint Dempsey but the American’s header rattled against the cross bar before Frei stung Ruddy’s palms with a cracking strike from distance.
Lambert threw on captain Grant Holt at half time and it changed the complexion of the game as the Canaries begun their aerial assault on the visitors goal. However they almost levelled in emphatic fashion with Naughton opting to take a more conventional route to goal cracking the bar with a strike from distance before Anthony Pilkington lashed one over from 20-yards. Andrew Surman then forced Stockdale into a low save before Lambert made his second telling substitution throwing Jackson on for Steve Morison. The Canadian striker saw a swerving effort smarmy saved by Stockdale before heading in Elliott Bennett’s delicious cross to snatch a vital point for the Canaries.
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You can say what you want about the transfer windows and while most football managers tend to be disparaging about them, most supporters will be lying if they didn’t admit that they get bought into the daily gossip and rumours that sweep the newspapers, forums and various blog sites. Much of the stuff that gets written never prevails, but it doesn’t stop us all getting excited while the speculation mounts up. The January window so far has been a little quiet as we approach the half way through point; however you do get a sense that in this period we are witnessing the calm before the eventual transfer storm in the Premier League.
The lack of spending at the top of the Premier League has surprised many, especially given the open nature of this title race; the fight for a top four finish, not to mention the open fight to stay in the Premier League. It appears that clubs are biding their time and we all sit and wait for that breakthrough transfer that generally kick-starts everyone into action. Whether we will witness the type of money that was squandered last January remains to be seen, but I would be incredibly shocked if the window passed without at least one big money move.
Kenny Dalglish has come out today and suggested that he doesn’t expect any new arrivals or players leaving Anfield in the next 24hrs. Whether that will happen remains to be seen as Liverpool have a habit of undertaking some last minute activity in the transfer market, as proven in the last two windows.
So how do Liverpool fans feel about the lack of transfer activity in January? Did the squad really need improving and have you heard any rumours about potential incomings or outgoings at Anfield?
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I recently stumbled on have an article in the Mirror stating that Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh is one of the worst signings in recent history – pretty dire considering he was free. This got me to thinking, is he really that bad in comparison to some of the other howler signings made by Premier League clubs?
Sometimes players fail to make an impact because they cannot acclimatise to the style of the Premier League or the glorious weather in England – especially the north – other times it is the amount of injuries they sustain that hamper their performance, or the sheer amount of money that is paid for them which makes it virtually impossible for them to live up to expectations. We can all remember the classic horror signings such as Sergei Rebrov but here are some more recent signings that had fans despairing throughout the Premier League.
Click on Veron below to see the Top 10 Worst Signings
Newcastle full back Davide Santon has admitted that he is happy at the club and has no plans to return to Italy in the near future.
The Italy international signed for the Tyneside club from Inter, and has stated that despite a few teething problems in England, he is now content at the Sports Direct Arena.
“Now I feel very comfortable,” Santon told intervistasportiva.com, translated to English by Sky Sports.
“At the beginning I struggled to find space because I still had some problems and because the coach wanted me to understand the type of football they play here but now I’m finding more space and continuity and I’m happy.
“The fans are fantastic, really, they give you a crazy charge and incite the team regardless of the score.
“I’m really happy here and I’m glad to have signed for five years with Newcastle.
“Come back in Italy? Not at the moment. In the future you never know, it will depend on the opportunities, but now I don’t think about it.
“The National team? I hope to come back but I’m not thinking to the European Championship. Now I’m interested to play and find continuity, if all goes well things will flow from that,” he confessed.
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that if the gap between his side and current Premier League leaders Manchester United increases to eight points, the race for the title will be over.
The Etihad Stadium outfit have led the way for most of the season, but faltering form has seen the defending champions open up a five-point advantage at the summit.
The Italian coach has admitted making mistakes of late, and stressed that if the gap gets any bigger his side can kiss the title goodbye.
“If we go eight points behind then it is finished,” Mancini told Sky Sports.
“It’s clear we are disappointed. We have made some mistakes, me and the team. We have also been unlucky, like losing three or four key players at an important moment.
“But when you are a strong team you should be able to pass these difficult moments.
“Yet football can change in two or three games. I had an experience in Italy with Inter Milan when we were five points behind with five games to go yet we still went on to win the title,” he concluded
Meanwhile, reports have emerged stating that Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure had to be pulled apart in a dressing room bust-up at half time in City’s 3-3 draw against Sunderland on Saturday.
The Daily Mail have published that Toure was disappointed with Balotelli’s behaviour in the game, with a war-of-wards ensuing.
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City travel to London to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
It’s been a hectic few weeks for the Addicks as since my last blog Charlton have picked up 9 massive points without conceding a goal and now sit on the verge of promotion.
Four points mathematically promotes us but a slip up from Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday with Charlton winning takes us up at Carlisle. However it will not be a simple task with the Cumbrians unbeaten at home game September.
They have already picking up wins against Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield this season and no doubt will be looking for the scalp of Charlton to increase their own playoff ambitions. Carlisle head into the game on the back of a frustrating 0-0 home draw with Scunthorpe, a result that dropped them down to 7th position following Notts County’s victory.
They will have to go for the remainder of the season without one of their key stars this season in Lee Miller who has bagged himself an impressive 15 goals, but is ruled out with injury. So Carlisle will be relying upon the Ivorian striker Francois Zoko to add to the 12 goals his already scored this season. The highly-rated striker was linked with quite a few clubs during the January transfer window but nothing materialised and he is still a Cumbrian. Another class act within the Carlisle squad is the very experience John-Paul McGovern, the Scottish midfielder has been a key member of a prominent midfield throughout the season bagging the odd goal here and there aswell.
The Addicks have already beaten Carlisle twice this season, following a comfortable 4-0 victory in the league and then a hard fought 2-0 fa cup second round victory. But I’m sure Chris Powell will be telling his men how this game will be so much harder than those two routine wins at the Valley earlier in the season, and Carlisle definitely will not be taken for granted.
But Charlton seem to have their mojo back and will be thinking if they can keep that 4th consecutive clean sheet then they have a great chance in getting three points again. However there is one thing for sure this fixture always brings out goals, following last season Charlton’s 4-3 win in Carlisle and then their 3-1 defeat at home and so far 4-0 and 2-0 successes at home so going on past results this game promises us goals.
I will be making the long trek north just off the Scottish boarders, with what is expected to be a good Charlton following. I do believe Saturday could well be the day we get promoted as I can see Colchester being a tough side for Sheffield Wednesday to beat. But first things first, let’s get our win against a tricky Carlisle side before concentrating on results elsewhere. Come on lads, carry on doing us proud.
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The end of the season not only heralds a much needed rest for players after a long, tiresome season, for some it can be the end of their spell at the club as the retained players list is publicised, inevitably leading to some missing the cut for the next season.
Sometimes managers have to put sentiment aside and be ruthless with their decision-making due to budgetary constraints and other factors. This is what John Still has had to do in the Daggers case, releasing a host of players including four from that iconic day at Wembley that capped a meteoric rise to League One.
The first, most significant departure is club captain Mark Arber. Joining Dagenham initially on loan, he has become a stalwart of the team in recent years. His experience initially in the good times through the eventual successful play off campaign was priceless. At the same time, other qualities, particularly the past two seasons where the team has been struggling in the league have been equally as beneficial, especially when you consider the youthful nature and the chopping and changing to the team in the previous campaign. Whilst the reasons for his departure are understandable, a vital cog of experience in the team will no doubt leave a void.
Another fans favourite Jon Nurse also seems to be on his way out of the club for good. The Barbados International has been pivotal in the past few years, playing his way into the team and clearly becoming synonymous with the starting line up when fit. Another dose of experience in a very youthful team whose loss could be detrimental come August. Without doubt the highlight of his tenure at Dagenham was his goal at Wembley to see the Daggers over the line against Rotherham.
Peter Gain, a third source of experience has gone. Showing the spirit that epitomises what the fans want to see, Gain has struggled with a horrendous run of injuries this year, so perhaps his departure is less surprising than Arber and Nurse. Nevertheless his performances have been one of the most consistent for the club since I’ve been an avid spectator.
The fourth player making way and by far the youngest is Damien McCrory. Technically more able than your average League 2 player, I believe he will find no problem in attracting potential suitors of his services at this level of the game. I am disappointed to see him go, but maybe a fresh start is something he needs.
Since the news broke of these players, John Still has said he is ‘not 100% sure’ that all are leaving the club. Make of that what you wish, but until anyone hears otherwise we must assume they are gone for good. Good luck for the future lads.
You can follow me on twitter @scottycrowe92
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Chelsea’s signing of Porto star Hulk seemed like a formality after it emerged Porto were willing to accept bids in the region of £38m as apposed to his £80m release clause.
However, talks seem to have stalled in recent weeks and now the Mail are reporting Porto are digging in their heels as they are desperate to hang onto their star striker.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants to make Hulk the clubs third signing of the new Chelsea revamp following the acquistion of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin.
Chelsea are prepared to meet the £38m asking price and Hulk has told Porto he wants to join the Chelsea revolution this summer in an attempt to force through a move but Porto are playing hardball and feel Hulk would still be happy to stay in Portugal.
According to the players’ representative Teodoro Fonseca Chelsea are not the only ‘big’ European club interested in his Brazilian client:
“The Blues [Chelsea] are not the only European club interested and at the moment it all depends on Porto,’ Fonseca told Record.
I am in permanent contact with president Pinto Da Costa but there have been no advances on this subject.
The club want him to stay and we have received the offer of a new deal. If Hulk stays in Porto then there is no problem as he is happy in Porto.
He has had three years of interest from big European clubs and he still plays in Portugal”.
Chelsea see Hulk as the ideal candidate to go someway to replacing Didier Drogba, or though a place on the right hand side of the Chelsea attack seems more likely. Judging by the formation Roberto Di Matteo and by the players they have signed Chelsea dream of a front four of Hazard, Mata, Hulk and Torres.
When Chelsea met Porto’s asking price instantly this seems Porto have considered trying to get more for their star asset. As Chelsea were happy to pay £38m Porto are probably testing the waters and seeing how far they can push the famous Abramovich cheque book.
The reported interest from other clubs is a scare tactic clubs and agents use to get the best deal for a player i.e. transfer fee and wages. This seems like a lot of games from Porto and I see Hulk playing a Stamford Bridge next season.
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We are all aware of the Womens Rights Act which took place in the 80’s but 30 years later is there really equality between Men and Women? Especially in Football? If I was to ask you what the last Women’s England match was would you know? If I was to ask you who the top scorer in England Women’s football was would you be able to give me a name? I bet you could answer both questions without hesitation if I was asking about England men’s football.
Fara Williams. A name that rings a bell? It should do because she is England’s current top goalscorer. Williams has scored 36 goals for her country, more than Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer two renown names in football who we consider legends for our country and she is not even a forward. Why is it that Williams is not publicised by the media similar to Wayne Rooney who is a global icon?
Women’s football is not promoted well enough by our institutions like the BBC. 17th June 2012, BBC Two broadcasted a Women’s Euro Qualifying match against Holland. BBC Two because the BBC prioritised Songs Of Praise which was on BBC One and of course they couldn’t replace that with a Women’s football match. England won 1-0 to take them second of their qualifying table. The match was played at Salford City Stadium with a capacity of 12,000, 1/7th of the capacity of Wembley’s 90,000 where the England men’s team play. The game didn’t even sell out of the 12,000 as the attendance was only a mere 5,505, which is less than League Two team Torquay United have on a weekly basis. This is the comparison to The Npower League Two team and an International team which is ludicrous. The public are influenced by the media and the media need to do more to promote women’s football. The lack of interest in women’s football comes down to the lack of knowledge and momentum surrounding the game.
Next year England’s Women will play in the UEFA European Championships. This year we saw the men’s Spanish team lift the title as the BBC and ITV not only showed every England game, but every single game of the tournament. Will we get to see the same footage from the Women’s tournament? Probably not. We will be fortunate to see a handful of England games. The BBC need to take this opportunity to get the public involved in Women’s football. If it is presented more regularly, the more interest will be taken in the sport which will help boost Women’s football as a whole.
Women’s football does not share the same opportunities as Men’s Football as the options at grass roots are very non existent. Women’s football do not receive the same amount of funding thrown into it as men’s so there is not the same support and opportunities for training. Most women footballers also have to require a day job alongside their footballing career. This answers a lot of questions as to why the performance of the man’s game is at such a higher level, given the extra efforts on the training pitch put in.
The Wimbledon championships has just finished which every year is broadcasted by the BBC. The women’s tennis is equally shown as the men’s in the tournament, so why can’t this be the case for football? Tennis shows no comparison between men and women in their abilities and are treated equally in the media and that is only one example where men and women are equal in sport. It is obvious that football is a male dominated environment, however that does not mean it can’t be breached.
Large media institutions like the BBC need to acknowledge their power and come to terms to educate the public in women’s football. The lack of interest in the women’s game is resulted by the lack of knowledge and availability. If the BBC take the opportunity to broadcast the women’s UEFA European Championships it will greatly help aid the future for women’s football.
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As the hysteria surrounding Robin van Persie’s proposed move to Manchester United reaches fever pitch, there’s already been murmurings of where the Dutchman would rank ability wise within Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad. Would it be he or Rooney that take the title of most talented?
But however good both are as footballers, neither can take the title of United’s most important player. That belongs to Nemanja Vidic. As the big Serbian returns to the fold after a season decimated by injury, his teams’ title hopes have been boosted as much as any impact Van Persie may potentially have. It’s game on back in Manchester.
It’s difficult to look past the 6-1 demolition job Manchester City inflicted on them back in October, as United’s darkest day in recent times. But where as the pain and the symbolism of that day may take a lot longer to exorcise, it was events on a brisk Wednesday night in Basel, which had a more defining effect on their season. United were sent crashing out of the Champions League after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to FC Basel, failing to reach the group stages for only the third time in 17 years. But that wasn’t the worst of it.
As Swiss striker Marco Streller flew into a challenge with Nemanja Vidic towards the end of the first half, you didn’t even need to listen to the Serbian’s cries of agony to gauge the seriousness of what had just happened. Vidic’s knee twisted at a horrific angle as it got caught under Streller’s body weight and the damage was significant. The diagnosis was a ruptured cruciate ligament and the result was his season curtailed in early December.
Some can point to the fact that United came as close as they did to lifting the title and suggest that maybe he’s not quite the be all and end all of Manchester United. And to an extent, that’s correct. To loose the title on goal difference alone, suggests that some of the critique aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence was perhaps misguided. Considering how much praise has been heaped upon the much vaunted-pairing of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott at Manchester City, there are massive inconsistencies in the hammering of a defence that finished level on points with them.
But the point is that it could have been so much better for United. Jonny Evans has evolved and matured into the player that many doubted he could be last season. But he still isn’t Nemanja Vidic.
What Vidic brings to the United defence cannot be defined by simply wheeling out results and statistics. He brings a solidity, an air of invincibility to the team. He is a truly formidable competitor and an absolute bedrock for Sir Alex Ferguson. Like all great defenders, Vidic has a presence about him; when he plays, others raise their game and it’s impossible to speculate as to how different things may have been, had the Serbian been available.
Titles are won and lost on the presence of players like Vidic. It seems ironic that as Vidic spent a season on the sidelines, Manchester City charged to Premier League glory with the emergence of their very own version, in Vincent Kompany. And it’s not as if Kompany suddenly morphed into such an outstanding defender overnight. But as City won games, they began developing the sort of winning mentality that defines teams as champions. And similarly to the way Vidic is viewed by his peers, the sight of Kompany on the team sheet became a symbol of solidity.
But Vidic was needed more than ever last season. With the retirement of Edwin van der Sar, Ferguson had to replace a key component of one of the best defences in recent Premier League times. The immersion of a new goalkeeper was always going to be difficult and David de Gea’s entry into a new league and new style of playing was a baptism of fire to say the least. Although to loose the lynchpin of your defence in December did De Gea no favours whatsoever. Maybe Vidic wasn’t firing on quite all cylinders just before his injury, but he could have gone a long way to easing De Gea into his first season of English footballs.
Although two games in particular, seem to stick out as turning points last season. The games against Wigan away and in particular, Everton at home must have had the Serbian throwing his crutches at the television. It seems almost inconceivable that had Vidic been playing, United would have blown a 4-2 lead at home and potentially the Premier League title with it.
The lack of concentration at the back cannot be solely attributed to inexperience- indeed, the waning Rio Ferdinand has more appearances to his name than Vidic and still he played his part in simple mistakes. Jonny Evans showed so much promise last year, but he’s not seen out Premier League titles before. Vidic has. Nothing can be taken away from Manchester City, although they know all too well how much Vidic’s loss weakened their rivals. When Kompany saw out his four-match suspension back in January, City teetered as Stefan Savic struggled to come to the fore. Had that been for four months instead of four games, their destiny could have been very different indeed.
Of course, it’s pointless speaking hypothetically about the impact Vidic could have had. The most important thing is that he’s fit, hungry and raring to go for the new season. And all the indications coming out of the United camp during pre-season, is that it’s all systems go for Vidic.
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No one was ever in any doubt of Vidic’s importance to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, but last season was a pretty brutal demonstration to anyone who thought to the contrary. It’s a classic adage, but the best footballers aren’t always the most important players. Vidic may not be capable of ghosting past four defenders and putting it in the top corner but that doesn’t make him any less important than what Robin van Persie is/was to Arsenal.
Signing Robin van Persie will be a major coup for Manchester United. But however nice it’ll be to see him in a United shirt, it’ll feel just as good for fans to see Vidic pulling on the number 15 again.
Is Vidic’s return enough to see swing the Premier League tide back into United’s favour? Let me know what you think on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and tell me how you see it.