ONE of the most prestigious events of the year takes place on Sunday with millions across the country watching on TV and voting for their favourite to win.
No, not the X Factor final, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award is what really matters. Ten worthy nominees go head to head for the great prize but for me one man stands out head and shoulders above the rest as having the X Factor. Having led the England cricket team to an epic Ashes victory over Australia, Andrew Strauss deserves to take the award.
Amazingly though, Strauss is not even expected to come in the top three, as far out as 40-1 with some bookies to win. That is a travesty. Winning an Ashes series is up there with winning the football or rugby World Cups and an Olympic gold medal, and Strauss was outstanding both as a captain and a batsman in England’s triumph.
It was more special when you look at the dire straits the England cricket team were in at the start of the year. When Peter Moores was sacked as head coach and Kevin Pietersen resigned as captain as their rift became public, England were heading nowhere fast and an Ashes win was unthinkable. But in Strauss, England had the best man for the job – a calm and thoughtful character, who did not panic at the situation, and he was well complemented by new head coach Andy Flower.
The role of captain in cricket is harder than it is in just about any sport, especially at Test level when there is so much to think about over five days of the most intense nature, and Strauss had a steep learning curve as England lost a series 1-0 in the West Indies, despite scoring three centuries himself. However, he turned things around quickly and an improving England side beat the Windies on home soil to build up momentum for the Ashes series.
While Australia might not have been the side they were in the past they still arrived in England on the back of a great series win in South Africa and as the best side in the world, and England were very average in comparison to 2005 when they last beat the Aussies. After England escaped with a draw in the first Test at Cardiff, Strauss swung the momentum of the series with his match-winning 161at Lord’s.
A rain-affected draw at Edgbaston was followed by a comprehensive Australian victory at Headingly with no-one giving England much hope for the final test at The Oval. But that was to become Strauss’ finest hour as he picked the team up to earn a thrilling win.
Throughout the series, he out-thought his opposite number Ricky Ponting and the triumph was even more incredible when you consider England were without their best player, Pietersen for most of the series, while the talismanic Andrew Flintoff looked on his last legs.
If that wasn’t enough, England have just become only the second ever team to win a one-day series in South Africa, under the captaincy of Strauss.
The favourite to win the Sports Personality award is Formula One World Champion Jenson Button. That was a magnificent story when you consider it looked as though he was going to be without a team just weeks before the season but the problem with that sport is it relies so much on the cars, and Brawn GP blew the rest of the competition away in the first part of the season.
For me, team principal Ross Brawn should take the most credit for that success. Like many others, I expect Lewis Hamilton to be in with a much greater shout of the world title when he is in the same car as Button next season.
Perhaps the reason Strauss is considered such an outsider for the award is that people prefer a working class hero like Andrew Flintoff, who won the award after the 2005 Ashes triumph, as opposed to the public schoolboy, mild-mannered character of the current England captain. But Strauss was arguably more critical to England this year than Flintoff was four years ago, and without him they would not have only lost the Ashes series but it may have been 4 or 5-0.
That is why he deserves to win the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Friday, 11 December 2009
Thursday, 26 November 2009
One Hull of a recovery for Premiership strugglers
FOR as long as anyone can remember, all football managers have been fearing the vote of confidence, which often sees them lose their job soon after.
So you have to wonder if Adam Pearson pulled off a masterstroke when he refused to give manager Phil Brown any assurances over his long-term future when he returned as Hull’s chairman.
In a refreshingly honest approach, Pearson said Brown would be in charge of the next game against Stoke but that he hasn’t got a job for life. Since then Hull are unbeaten in three games, with two wins and one draw, and all of a sudden they look like they might have what it takes to stay up for another season.
So you have to wonder if Adam Pearson pulled off a masterstroke when he refused to give manager Phil Brown any assurances over his long-term future when he returned as Hull’s chairman.
In a refreshingly honest approach, Pearson said Brown would be in charge of the next game against Stoke but that he hasn’t got a job for life. Since then Hull are unbeaten in three games, with two wins and one draw, and all of a sudden they look like they might have what it takes to stay up for another season.
Time to use video technology and punish cheats properly after hand of Henry
IN THE aftermath of Thierry Henry’s handball against the Republic of Ireland there should be two pressing points for FIFA to consider – introducing video technology in games and finding a way to sufficiently punish cheating.
Everyone who saw the TV replays could see Henry blatantly and deliberately control the ball with his hand (twice) before crossing for William Gallas to score. And no doubt the fourth official also saw it on the replay.
Which begs the question, why can’t they do something useful rather than trying to make sure the managers are inside the lines of their technical areas? If the linesman saw Henry handle the ball he could tell the referee and the goal would have been disallowed so why don’t the fourth officials have the same powers when they’ve got the advantage of being able to see a replay? For something that is so clear cut and when so much is at stake?
It’s been done before on the biggest stage possible – the last World Cup final in 2006, ironically involving France against Italy. In extra-time, Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi and the incident was missed by the three officials on the pitch but fourth official Luis Medina Cantalejo saw it on the replay told referee Horacio Elizondo, who sent the Frenchman off.
It didn’t matter how the decision was made, the important thing was that the right decision was made. If the fourth official was not used, Zidane might well have scored in the penalty shootout and France instead of Italy could have unjustly been crowned world champions.
That moment promised to be a revolution in football but I’ve not seen anything like it since. While it would be dangerous to question every decision using technology, as most contact decisions are debatable anyway, if the fourth official has got conclusive evidence to change the decision as in Henry and Zidane’s case, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to tell the referee what they’ve seen.
While the handball decision cannot be changed and a replay would only open up a can of worms, FIFA can still punish Henry. Football is a long way behind other sports such as Formula One and rugby in terms of dealing out sufficient punishment for cheats.
If Henry was banned for five international games, thus missing some, if not all of France’s World Cup, it would surely make other professional footballers think twice about going to such extreme lengths to win. Similar punishments for players that blatantly dive to win a penalty when no contact has been made should be put in place.
As an admirer of Henry’s supreme talent of course it would be a shame if he was to play no part in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup. But surely it would be a much bigger shame if cheating was allowed to continue as just part and parcel of the game.
Everyone who saw the TV replays could see Henry blatantly and deliberately control the ball with his hand (twice) before crossing for William Gallas to score. And no doubt the fourth official also saw it on the replay.
Which begs the question, why can’t they do something useful rather than trying to make sure the managers are inside the lines of their technical areas? If the linesman saw Henry handle the ball he could tell the referee and the goal would have been disallowed so why don’t the fourth officials have the same powers when they’ve got the advantage of being able to see a replay? For something that is so clear cut and when so much is at stake?
It’s been done before on the biggest stage possible – the last World Cup final in 2006, ironically involving France against Italy. In extra-time, Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi and the incident was missed by the three officials on the pitch but fourth official Luis Medina Cantalejo saw it on the replay told referee Horacio Elizondo, who sent the Frenchman off.
It didn’t matter how the decision was made, the important thing was that the right decision was made. If the fourth official was not used, Zidane might well have scored in the penalty shootout and France instead of Italy could have unjustly been crowned world champions.
That moment promised to be a revolution in football but I’ve not seen anything like it since. While it would be dangerous to question every decision using technology, as most contact decisions are debatable anyway, if the fourth official has got conclusive evidence to change the decision as in Henry and Zidane’s case, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to tell the referee what they’ve seen.
While the handball decision cannot be changed and a replay would only open up a can of worms, FIFA can still punish Henry. Football is a long way behind other sports such as Formula One and rugby in terms of dealing out sufficient punishment for cheats.
If Henry was banned for five international games, thus missing some, if not all of France’s World Cup, it would surely make other professional footballers think twice about going to such extreme lengths to win. Similar punishments for players that blatantly dive to win a penalty when no contact has been made should be put in place.
As an admirer of Henry’s supreme talent of course it would be a shame if he was to play no part in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup. But surely it would be a much bigger shame if cheating was allowed to continue as just part and parcel of the game.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Man City will be crunch clash for Benitez's Liverpool future
EVERY game seems to be make or break for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez at the moment.
He was supposedly on the brink before the 2-0 win over Manchester United and after the 3-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday the pressure is back on again.
While a defeat at Lyon on Wednesday would mean Liverpool’s Champions League and Premiership hopes would be effectively over already, I cannot see Benitez going – just yet anyway.
The real crunch game for the Spaniard’s immediate future will come on November 21 when they take on Man City at Anfield.
Traditionally, Liverpool are not a sacking club and would prefer to review things at the end of the season, not to mention the huge compensation package they would have to pay Benitez. Changing managers now won’t suddenly make them title contenders this season and they will have a much better pick next summer when a new manager can come in and start from scratch.
However, lose to City and their hands might be forced early. After the disastrous start to the season, Liverpool’s targets have to be revised and qualification for the lucrative Champions League next season will now be their top priority.
There is no doubt that City offer the biggest threat to the ‘Big Four’ monopoly and a win at Anfield would have Liverpool’s owners fearing the worst.
The idea of missing out on the Champions League and the financial benefits that come with it is unthinkable for a club like Liverpool. If that is put under serious risk, Benitez will surely pay the price before it’s too late.
He was supposedly on the brink before the 2-0 win over Manchester United and after the 3-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday the pressure is back on again.
While a defeat at Lyon on Wednesday would mean Liverpool’s Champions League and Premiership hopes would be effectively over already, I cannot see Benitez going – just yet anyway.
The real crunch game for the Spaniard’s immediate future will come on November 21 when they take on Man City at Anfield.
Traditionally, Liverpool are not a sacking club and would prefer to review things at the end of the season, not to mention the huge compensation package they would have to pay Benitez. Changing managers now won’t suddenly make them title contenders this season and they will have a much better pick next summer when a new manager can come in and start from scratch.
However, lose to City and their hands might be forced early. After the disastrous start to the season, Liverpool’s targets have to be revised and qualification for the lucrative Champions League next season will now be their top priority.
There is no doubt that City offer the biggest threat to the ‘Big Four’ monopoly and a win at Anfield would have Liverpool’s owners fearing the worst.
The idea of missing out on the Champions League and the financial benefits that come with it is unthinkable for a club like Liverpool. If that is put under serious risk, Benitez will surely pay the price before it’s too late.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Football is a cruel business
THE departures of League One bosses John Barnes and Peter Taylor from Tranmere Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers respectively is a reminder of the harsh world of football.
I always find it a bit of a mystery why a manager considered good enough at the start of the season is no longer good enough with less than a quarter of the season gone.
It’s hard to make a strong case for Barnes after Tranmere’s disastrous start to the season but the surprising thing there is that he was given the job in the first place.
Taylor left Wycombe by mutual consent, though everyone knows these matters are never “mutual”, no matter how clubs want to dress it up - they’re either black or white with no grey areas. I get the impression Taylor was sacked and, looking in from the outside, I feel he got a bit of a raw deal.
Wycombe have yo-yoed between League One and League Two for years and if they’re realistic a 20th place finish this season would be an achievement and a sign of progression. After leading Wycombe to promotion last season, surely Taylor would have been the best candidate to try and achieve that.
I always find it a bit of a mystery why a manager considered good enough at the start of the season is no longer good enough with less than a quarter of the season gone.
It’s hard to make a strong case for Barnes after Tranmere’s disastrous start to the season but the surprising thing there is that he was given the job in the first place.
Taylor left Wycombe by mutual consent, though everyone knows these matters are never “mutual”, no matter how clubs want to dress it up - they’re either black or white with no grey areas. I get the impression Taylor was sacked and, looking in from the outside, I feel he got a bit of a raw deal.
Wycombe have yo-yoed between League One and League Two for years and if they’re realistic a 20th place finish this season would be an achievement and a sign of progression. After leading Wycombe to promotion last season, surely Taylor would have been the best candidate to try and achieve that.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Man City and Hughes have a long way to go to win the sceptics over
WITH money and power always comes a certain degree of scepticism.
You only have to take a look at the way Chelsea have arguably overtaken Manchester United as the most hated club in the country amongst neutrals since Roman Ambramovich took over with his millions to see that. So the nouveau riche of Manchester City should tred carefully if they want to win people over – but they’ve not made the best of starts.
Sure there’s a lot to be admired about the way owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has kept faith with a young British manager when others might have sacked Mark Hughes to bring in a ‘big name’ foreign manager and if City were to come out of the shadow of rivals United and break the Big Four monopoly that would be no bad thing. However, in the last few weeks, City and Hughes haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory.
First of all there was the pursuit of Joleon Lescott, which certainly rubbed Everton boss David Moyes up the wrong way. Even Chelsea, rather hypocritically, had groans about the way City tried to sign England captain John Terry.
Then there was Emmanuel Adebayor’s behaviour in the 4-2 win over Arsenal when he seemed intent on booting the boot in (quite literally) on his old club and caused a riot in the crowd and an innocent steward to get injured by celebrating his goal in front of the Gunners fans.
Then in the Manchester derby, Craig Bellamy decided to wander over to a fan who got on the pitch and give him a slap even though the stewards had the situation well under control.
Perhaps worse is the way Hughes has stood by Adebayor over his stamp on Robin Van Persie and even went as far as to suggest Bellamy could be labelled a ‘national hero’ for his actions. Of course, he didn’t take such a laissez faire approach when Man United scored the winner deep in stoppage time and a massive outburst on the officials followed.
Personally I can’t believe quite how much fuss has been made over the late goal this week, while the behaviour of Bellamy and Gary Neville, who celebrated the winner in front of the City fans, has been more or less brushed under the carpet.
Firstly, it’s not hard to see where all the stoppage time came from when you consider there were four goal celebrations in the second half before Bellamy’s equaliser which added at least another 45 seconds, and three substitutes in the 90 plus Michael Carrick’s introduction in stoppage time, all adding another 30 seconds each.
But more to the point, Hughes’ main concern should have been why a striker of Michael Owen’s goalscoring calibre was given so much time and space to score the winner.
It is also worth remembering that it was 11v11 and in all that added on time Man City had just as much chance of scoring the winner as United did.
United have been branded lucky over the years for the amount of late goals they have scored but that’s why they have been so successful. They always play to win until the final whistle – something Hughes and City might want to make a note of if they are serious about redressing the balance of power.
You only have to take a look at the way Chelsea have arguably overtaken Manchester United as the most hated club in the country amongst neutrals since Roman Ambramovich took over with his millions to see that. So the nouveau riche of Manchester City should tred carefully if they want to win people over – but they’ve not made the best of starts.
Sure there’s a lot to be admired about the way owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has kept faith with a young British manager when others might have sacked Mark Hughes to bring in a ‘big name’ foreign manager and if City were to come out of the shadow of rivals United and break the Big Four monopoly that would be no bad thing. However, in the last few weeks, City and Hughes haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory.
First of all there was the pursuit of Joleon Lescott, which certainly rubbed Everton boss David Moyes up the wrong way. Even Chelsea, rather hypocritically, had groans about the way City tried to sign England captain John Terry.
Then there was Emmanuel Adebayor’s behaviour in the 4-2 win over Arsenal when he seemed intent on booting the boot in (quite literally) on his old club and caused a riot in the crowd and an innocent steward to get injured by celebrating his goal in front of the Gunners fans.
Then in the Manchester derby, Craig Bellamy decided to wander over to a fan who got on the pitch and give him a slap even though the stewards had the situation well under control.
Perhaps worse is the way Hughes has stood by Adebayor over his stamp on Robin Van Persie and even went as far as to suggest Bellamy could be labelled a ‘national hero’ for his actions. Of course, he didn’t take such a laissez faire approach when Man United scored the winner deep in stoppage time and a massive outburst on the officials followed.
Personally I can’t believe quite how much fuss has been made over the late goal this week, while the behaviour of Bellamy and Gary Neville, who celebrated the winner in front of the City fans, has been more or less brushed under the carpet.
Firstly, it’s not hard to see where all the stoppage time came from when you consider there were four goal celebrations in the second half before Bellamy’s equaliser which added at least another 45 seconds, and three substitutes in the 90 plus Michael Carrick’s introduction in stoppage time, all adding another 30 seconds each.
But more to the point, Hughes’ main concern should have been why a striker of Michael Owen’s goalscoring calibre was given so much time and space to score the winner.
It is also worth remembering that it was 11v11 and in all that added on time Man City had just as much chance of scoring the winner as United did.
United have been branded lucky over the years for the amount of late goals they have scored but that’s why they have been so successful. They always play to win until the final whistle – something Hughes and City might want to make a note of if they are serious about redressing the balance of power.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Gerrard and Lampard thrive for Fab's 'new England'
THE Gerrard-Lampard debate now seems to be a thing of the past.
Fabio Capello has succeeded where previous England managers have failed by getting the best out of the two midfielders, not to mention Wayne Rooney, who has scored nine goals in eight qualifying matches.
I was one of Steven Gerrard’s critics when he was so inspirational for Liverpool yet distinctly average for England but Capello seems to have found a role for him where he has flourished. The left of midfield might not be Gerrard’s preferred position but with a license to roam inside, he’s flourished and his link-up play with Rooney and the fluidity with which they often change positions has been a particularly pleasing feature of the ‘new England’.
Lampard’s international career also seems to be resurrected under Capello. He seemed to be in decline after the 2006 World Cup but ever since the 4-1 victory in Croatia last year he’s back to his best and was as good as anyone on the pitch in the 5-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley that sealed England’s spot at the World Cup. Two goals apiece and stand-out performances from Gerrard and Lampard was the confirmation, if it was needed, that both can play a big role in the same England team.
The transformation under Capello is nothing short of incredible. From the team that looked hopeless less than two years ago in the 3-2 defeat against Croatia that ended our Euro 2008 hopes, England now go to the World Cup with possibly the best chance of winning it since 1966.
Of course, we shouldn’t get too carried away. Without expecting England to win it, I think we will be competitive and once you get past the group stages, it’s a knockout competition where anything can happen. Spain and Brazil are the favourites and look like the two sides to beat and the perfectionist Capello knows there is still work to do. Doubts still remain over the goalkeeper position, the defence has looked shaky at times and our fortunes at major tournaments are unlikely to change until we master how to score from the penalty spot.
Fabio Capello has succeeded where previous England managers have failed by getting the best out of the two midfielders, not to mention Wayne Rooney, who has scored nine goals in eight qualifying matches.
I was one of Steven Gerrard’s critics when he was so inspirational for Liverpool yet distinctly average for England but Capello seems to have found a role for him where he has flourished. The left of midfield might not be Gerrard’s preferred position but with a license to roam inside, he’s flourished and his link-up play with Rooney and the fluidity with which they often change positions has been a particularly pleasing feature of the ‘new England’.
Lampard’s international career also seems to be resurrected under Capello. He seemed to be in decline after the 2006 World Cup but ever since the 4-1 victory in Croatia last year he’s back to his best and was as good as anyone on the pitch in the 5-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley that sealed England’s spot at the World Cup. Two goals apiece and stand-out performances from Gerrard and Lampard was the confirmation, if it was needed, that both can play a big role in the same England team.
The transformation under Capello is nothing short of incredible. From the team that looked hopeless less than two years ago in the 3-2 defeat against Croatia that ended our Euro 2008 hopes, England now go to the World Cup with possibly the best chance of winning it since 1966.
Of course, we shouldn’t get too carried away. Without expecting England to win it, I think we will be competitive and once you get past the group stages, it’s a knockout competition where anything can happen. Spain and Brazil are the favourites and look like the two sides to beat and the perfectionist Capello knows there is still work to do. Doubts still remain over the goalkeeper position, the defence has looked shaky at times and our fortunes at major tournaments are unlikely to change until we master how to score from the penalty spot.
Disjointed batting line-up for England's one-day zeroes
FROM Ashes heroes to one-day zeroes. England have been brought down to earth in the current series against Australia.
While the Test side seems to be heading in the right direction, the one-day side is another kettle of fish altogether and look a long way off being able to compete with the best in the world.
The bowling unit looks decent but the batting line-up looks like it’s been chucked together without any real thought. Once you get past captain Andrew Strauss at the top of the innings, the rest of the order is questionable, bordering on the bizarre. Joe Denly partnered him and made 11 on Saturday, and although he needs to be given time, I’m not sure he’s the right man for the job.
Then you come to the shambolic middle order. Ravi Bopara struggled as an opener in the first three games and doesn’t look particularly comfortable at three either. Number three is a key role and currently a problem position for England in both one-day and Test cricket. Somehow we managed to win the Ashes series with Bopara batting there in four out of the five Tests, while Ian Bell has also always looked better down the order.
For me, Kevin Pietersen has to take on the role in all forms when he gets back to full fitness. He might have had doubts about playing there in the past, but the extra responsibility might be exactly what he needs to get the best out of himself and achieve his ambition of becoming the best batsman in the world – something he is far from being at the moment.
Matt Prior started his ODI career as an opening batsman and obviously the England selectors didn’t think it worked so moved him all the way down to number three and now four. If not considered good enough to open, surely Prior would be better off down the order at six or seven?
England have also severely under-estimated the role of the finisher in the one-day side. The great Australian sides over the past 10 or 15 years have had Michael Bevan and more recently Michael Hussey. Owais Shah seemed to be flourishing when he took on that role for England so what happened? He was promoted up the order where he has made little impact ever since.
Luke Wright has only showed occasional glimpses to justify comparisons to Andrew Flintoff as an all-rounder and overall England seem have too many bits and pieces players.
There is also the strange omissions of Jonathan Trott, a player in fine form after scoring a century in his first Test to help bring back the little urn, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, an effective bowler and destructive lower order batsman who strikes the ball as powerfully as anyone in the world.
While the Test side seems to be heading in the right direction, the one-day side is another kettle of fish altogether and look a long way off being able to compete with the best in the world.
The bowling unit looks decent but the batting line-up looks like it’s been chucked together without any real thought. Once you get past captain Andrew Strauss at the top of the innings, the rest of the order is questionable, bordering on the bizarre. Joe Denly partnered him and made 11 on Saturday, and although he needs to be given time, I’m not sure he’s the right man for the job.
Then you come to the shambolic middle order. Ravi Bopara struggled as an opener in the first three games and doesn’t look particularly comfortable at three either. Number three is a key role and currently a problem position for England in both one-day and Test cricket. Somehow we managed to win the Ashes series with Bopara batting there in four out of the five Tests, while Ian Bell has also always looked better down the order.
For me, Kevin Pietersen has to take on the role in all forms when he gets back to full fitness. He might have had doubts about playing there in the past, but the extra responsibility might be exactly what he needs to get the best out of himself and achieve his ambition of becoming the best batsman in the world – something he is far from being at the moment.
Matt Prior started his ODI career as an opening batsman and obviously the England selectors didn’t think it worked so moved him all the way down to number three and now four. If not considered good enough to open, surely Prior would be better off down the order at six or seven?
England have also severely under-estimated the role of the finisher in the one-day side. The great Australian sides over the past 10 or 15 years have had Michael Bevan and more recently Michael Hussey. Owais Shah seemed to be flourishing when he took on that role for England so what happened? He was promoted up the order where he has made little impact ever since.
Luke Wright has only showed occasional glimpses to justify comparisons to Andrew Flintoff as an all-rounder and overall England seem have too many bits and pieces players.
There is also the strange omissions of Jonathan Trott, a player in fine form after scoring a century in his first Test to help bring back the little urn, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, an effective bowler and destructive lower order batsman who strikes the ball as powerfully as anyone in the world.
Murray must overcome problem at Grand Slams
SO ANOTHER Grand Slam has passed Andy Murray by.
There is no doubt about the Scot’s supreme talent, he is still young and has plenty of time to win a Grand Slam so perhaps a panic is unwarranted. However, it is slightly concerning that Murray, now ranked number two in the world, has failed to live up to expectations in any of the majors this year. On his favourite hard court surface he has been knocked out in the last 16 at the Australian and now US Open. Going out at the quarter-finals on the clay at the French – his worst surface - was respectable and that was quickly followed by his semi-final defeat at Wimbledon - his best Grand Slam performance of the year, but one where he was hotly tipped to meet Roger Federer in the final.
Somehow, I feared for Murray at the US Open as soon as he put in such an impressive display against Taylor Dent before his defeat to Marin Cilic. It was similar at Wimbledon. After he destroyed Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals, expectation rose so high it was almost considered a formality for him to beat Andy Roddick and reach the final. At the moment Murray is unable to string the wins together needed to win a Slam and often a very good performance is followed by an average one.
It may be a psychological problem, or as John McEnroe has suggested, it could be physical as a result of overtraining between games. Either way, it is a problem that Murray will have to overcome if he wants to go on and win his first Grand Slam next year.
There is no doubt about the Scot’s supreme talent, he is still young and has plenty of time to win a Grand Slam so perhaps a panic is unwarranted. However, it is slightly concerning that Murray, now ranked number two in the world, has failed to live up to expectations in any of the majors this year. On his favourite hard court surface he has been knocked out in the last 16 at the Australian and now US Open. Going out at the quarter-finals on the clay at the French – his worst surface - was respectable and that was quickly followed by his semi-final defeat at Wimbledon - his best Grand Slam performance of the year, but one where he was hotly tipped to meet Roger Federer in the final.
Somehow, I feared for Murray at the US Open as soon as he put in such an impressive display against Taylor Dent before his defeat to Marin Cilic. It was similar at Wimbledon. After he destroyed Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals, expectation rose so high it was almost considered a formality for him to beat Andy Roddick and reach the final. At the moment Murray is unable to string the wins together needed to win a Slam and often a very good performance is followed by an average one.
It may be a psychological problem, or as John McEnroe has suggested, it could be physical as a result of overtraining between games. Either way, it is a problem that Murray will have to overcome if he wants to go on and win his first Grand Slam next year.
Monday, 17 August 2009
Liverpool can still win title after opening day defeat
AMONGST all the hype and knee-jerk reactions that surrounds the opening weekend of the Premier League season, it’s important not to get too carried away by early results.
In the previous two seasons Manchester United have drawn with teams who ended up relegated – Reading and Newcastle – at Old Trafford in their first game before going on to win the league on both occasions. In fact in the 2007/08 season, they only picked up two points from their opening three games before racking up an impressive 87 from 38 games.
So Liverpool shouldn’t be too concerned that they lost their opener to a good Tottenham side. White Hart Lane will be a tricky place to go for any Premiership team this season, while their main title rivals, Chelsea and Man United, hardly set the world alight with one-goal victories over sides who are likely to be fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table come May.
However, there are two key areas that need to be addressed if Liverpool are going to end their 20-year wait to win the league. Their first worry is the amount of goals they have conceded from set pieces over recent years, Sebastien Bassong’s headed winner being the latest. Surely it is time for the zonal marking system to be given the boot. Secondly, looking at their bench against Tottenham hardly inspires you with much confidence. While Liverpool’s first 11 looks strong, the depth is simply not there and two or three signings before the transfer window, with the priority being a striker, must surely be on Rafa Benitez’s mind if there is any more cash to splash.
Elsewhere, Roberto Martinez made a great start to life as a Premier League manager as his Wigan side recorded an impressive 2-0 victory at Aston Villa but weren’t we saying the same thing 12 months ago when Paul Ince’s Blackburn won 3-2 at Everton on the first day and look what happened there. Both are young and talented managers, I just hope Martinez gets more time than Ince did.
Like Ince at Blackburn, Martinez is trying to mould a side to play attractive, free-flowing football, rather than the more physical and in your face sort of approach that those particular northern sides have become renowned for. While Wigan looked very good on Saturday, they are unlikely to come up against a side as out-of-sorts as Villa were once the Premiership is in full swing and the challenge will be whether they can maintain the high standards they have now set themselves.
In the previous two seasons Manchester United have drawn with teams who ended up relegated – Reading and Newcastle – at Old Trafford in their first game before going on to win the league on both occasions. In fact in the 2007/08 season, they only picked up two points from their opening three games before racking up an impressive 87 from 38 games.
So Liverpool shouldn’t be too concerned that they lost their opener to a good Tottenham side. White Hart Lane will be a tricky place to go for any Premiership team this season, while their main title rivals, Chelsea and Man United, hardly set the world alight with one-goal victories over sides who are likely to be fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table come May.
However, there are two key areas that need to be addressed if Liverpool are going to end their 20-year wait to win the league. Their first worry is the amount of goals they have conceded from set pieces over recent years, Sebastien Bassong’s headed winner being the latest. Surely it is time for the zonal marking system to be given the boot. Secondly, looking at their bench against Tottenham hardly inspires you with much confidence. While Liverpool’s first 11 looks strong, the depth is simply not there and two or three signings before the transfer window, with the priority being a striker, must surely be on Rafa Benitez’s mind if there is any more cash to splash.
Elsewhere, Roberto Martinez made a great start to life as a Premier League manager as his Wigan side recorded an impressive 2-0 victory at Aston Villa but weren’t we saying the same thing 12 months ago when Paul Ince’s Blackburn won 3-2 at Everton on the first day and look what happened there. Both are young and talented managers, I just hope Martinez gets more time than Ince did.
Like Ince at Blackburn, Martinez is trying to mould a side to play attractive, free-flowing football, rather than the more physical and in your face sort of approach that those particular northern sides have become renowned for. While Wigan looked very good on Saturday, they are unlikely to come up against a side as out-of-sorts as Villa were once the Premiership is in full swing and the challenge will be whether they can maintain the high standards they have now set themselves.
Arsenal fans refunded for Bendtner shirt
NICKLAS BENDTNER was wearing the number 52 shirt for Arsenal in their 6-1 win over Everton on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Apparently the Denmark striker requested it because it’s his lucky number and they changed it so close to the start of the season that those who bought the shirt with his old number 26 on the back were given refunds.
No, I can’t believe it either. With the likes of Arshavin, Fabregas, Walcott, and Van Persie in their team, some Arsenal fans actually got Bendtner’s name on the back of their shirt!
Apparently the Denmark striker requested it because it’s his lucky number and they changed it so close to the start of the season that those who bought the shirt with his old number 26 on the back were given refunds.
No, I can’t believe it either. With the likes of Arshavin, Fabregas, Walcott, and Van Persie in their team, some Arsenal fans actually got Bendtner’s name on the back of their shirt!
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Premier League 2009/10 season preview
IT’S easy to get excited at the start of any season but the 2009/10 Premier League campaign really does promise to be the most intriguing in many years.
How will Manchester United cope with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez? Can Liverpool end 20 years of hurt and finally win the Premier League crown? Is Carlo Ancelotti the man to take the title back to Chelsea? Can Arsenal get back to the top after five barren years? Or most interestingly, can billionaires Man City break the big four dominance or even win the Premiership?
Starting with the champions, it looks as though Man United have a real job on their hands to hold onto their crown. To win it three years in a row is a fantastic achievement but no club has ever made it four in a row, and after losing one of the best players in the world it may just prove beyond them.
Instead, Liverpool will feel now is the time to snatch the crown. After going so long without winning the league, or rarely even coming close, it was crucial that they put in a serious title challenge as they did last year. Another year on and valuable lessons learnt, they are in the best position to take advantage of any vulnerability at Old Trafford. The sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid won’t be too much of a loss as long as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres stay fit for most the campaign – but strength in depth is one area where United hold the advantage.
When Sir Alex Ferguson says Chelsea are United’s biggest rivals, you feel that may just be the first of many swipes at Rafa Benitez. The same man wrote off Chelsea last year, claiming they were too old and their squad hasn't changed an awful lot since.
Ancellotti’s appointment at Chelsea is an interesting one. Like his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Premiership is new to him, although the Italian should adapt better having been involved in club football more recently. No-one can doubt his success in Europe having won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, but the fact that Inter Milan have dominated Serie A in recent years is less impressive. Chelsea may be more of a threat in Europe than the Premier League.
Everyone has been quick to write off Arsenal, but I’ve got a feeling that might just suit Arsene Wenger. Remember two years ago when Arsenal were unexpectedly flying at the top of the league until Eduardo broke his leg and then captain William Gallas had his famous tantrum on the pitch in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham?! With around £40m to spend from the sales of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor – both of whom who pretty average last season - to Man City, a couple of good signings, in particular a strong holding midfielder to play alongside the creative Cesc Fabregas, would make the Gunners real contenders and Andrei Arshavin could well turn out to be the star of the season.
Given the money Man City have spent a top four finish should be the least of their expectations. It is probably too soon for them to be serious title challengers and although they should score plenty of goals their defence still looks as though it could be shaky, even if Joleon Lescott joins from Everton.
As for the other contenders, if Harry Redknapp can continue his great start at White Hart Lane then Tottenham could be an outside bet to finish in the top four. Aston Villa looked like finishing there for much of last season and will be strong again, while Everton will continue to over achieve under the astute David Moyes.
At the other end of the table expect another desperate scrap for survival. Of the promoted teams Wolves look best equipped to deal with the demands of the Premiership, while Birmingham have made some good signings and should have just enough to stay up as long as there aren't too many boardroom distractions. Although Owen Coyle has done a fantastic job at Burnley, it is hard to see them being able to compete with clubs much bigger than them. Hull look relegation fodder unless they dramatically improve from the second half of last season and Portsmouth fans would surely take 17th place if it was offered to them now after losing several players and uncertainty over the club’s future. The likes of Bolton, Stoke City – desperate to avoid second season syndrome –Wigan Athletic may all flirt with the danger zone but should ultimately be fine.
Whatever happens, its all set up nicely for a rollercoaster nine months and then for the small matter of the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
How will Manchester United cope with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez? Can Liverpool end 20 years of hurt and finally win the Premier League crown? Is Carlo Ancelotti the man to take the title back to Chelsea? Can Arsenal get back to the top after five barren years? Or most interestingly, can billionaires Man City break the big four dominance or even win the Premiership?
Starting with the champions, it looks as though Man United have a real job on their hands to hold onto their crown. To win it three years in a row is a fantastic achievement but no club has ever made it four in a row, and after losing one of the best players in the world it may just prove beyond them.
Instead, Liverpool will feel now is the time to snatch the crown. After going so long without winning the league, or rarely even coming close, it was crucial that they put in a serious title challenge as they did last year. Another year on and valuable lessons learnt, they are in the best position to take advantage of any vulnerability at Old Trafford. The sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid won’t be too much of a loss as long as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres stay fit for most the campaign – but strength in depth is one area where United hold the advantage.
When Sir Alex Ferguson says Chelsea are United’s biggest rivals, you feel that may just be the first of many swipes at Rafa Benitez. The same man wrote off Chelsea last year, claiming they were too old and their squad hasn't changed an awful lot since.
Ancellotti’s appointment at Chelsea is an interesting one. Like his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Premiership is new to him, although the Italian should adapt better having been involved in club football more recently. No-one can doubt his success in Europe having won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, but the fact that Inter Milan have dominated Serie A in recent years is less impressive. Chelsea may be more of a threat in Europe than the Premier League.
Everyone has been quick to write off Arsenal, but I’ve got a feeling that might just suit Arsene Wenger. Remember two years ago when Arsenal were unexpectedly flying at the top of the league until Eduardo broke his leg and then captain William Gallas had his famous tantrum on the pitch in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham?! With around £40m to spend from the sales of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor – both of whom who pretty average last season - to Man City, a couple of good signings, in particular a strong holding midfielder to play alongside the creative Cesc Fabregas, would make the Gunners real contenders and Andrei Arshavin could well turn out to be the star of the season.
Given the money Man City have spent a top four finish should be the least of their expectations. It is probably too soon for them to be serious title challengers and although they should score plenty of goals their defence still looks as though it could be shaky, even if Joleon Lescott joins from Everton.
As for the other contenders, if Harry Redknapp can continue his great start at White Hart Lane then Tottenham could be an outside bet to finish in the top four. Aston Villa looked like finishing there for much of last season and will be strong again, while Everton will continue to over achieve under the astute David Moyes.
At the other end of the table expect another desperate scrap for survival. Of the promoted teams Wolves look best equipped to deal with the demands of the Premiership, while Birmingham have made some good signings and should have just enough to stay up as long as there aren't too many boardroom distractions. Although Owen Coyle has done a fantastic job at Burnley, it is hard to see them being able to compete with clubs much bigger than them. Hull look relegation fodder unless they dramatically improve from the second half of last season and Portsmouth fans would surely take 17th place if it was offered to them now after losing several players and uncertainty over the club’s future. The likes of Bolton, Stoke City – desperate to avoid second season syndrome –Wigan Athletic may all flirt with the danger zone but should ultimately be fine.
Whatever happens, its all set up nicely for a rollercoaster nine months and then for the small matter of the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
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