Never Too Old

As 2012 began with astonishing come backs and a magical FA Cup third round, it was a joy to see some romance returning to the beautiful game. Players such as Paul Scholes, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane all proving you are never too old and that the passion for football certainly doesn't diminish with age.

It is a common sight for footballers to appear on the front pages of newspapers as well as back pages, which has tarnished the sports reputation and credibility. Too often these sportsmen are treated as celebrities rather than professionals, creating egotistical personalities and spoilt minds. So when a sense of positivity is found it should rightly be celebrated, as should seeing a player playing for the love of the game rather than his bank account.

Henry's 'dream' second debut against Leeds in the FA Cup was a reminder that not all footballers play for the pound sign. That there are still some role models out there. The Frenchman was full of emotion after his match winning performance and has been overwhelmed with the reaction that he has received since crossing the pond to return to London. This fairy tale story was the perfect antidote for a season spoilt with racism claims, controversial refereeing decisions and managerial sackings.

Also rolling back the years was England's favourite football competition the FA Cup. This historic piece of silver wear has produced some magnificent and unforgettable moments over the past century. Yet, the clash of Manchester United and City in this seasons third round will surely go down as one of the most entertaining games in the cups history. A match expected to be full of talking points, it did not disappoint. Being 3-0 behind at half time and down to 10 men, Manchester City were unlucky to lose 3-2, almost completing a historic come back.

Welcome to Manchester

The FA Cup has long been known to change the fortunes of clubs and create victorious heroes. So it was rare this afternoon when the losing team left the pitch with credibility and respect from the neutral spectators. Manchester City may not be retaining the Cup this year but their defeated 10 man team were applauded for their heroic loss to rivals Manchester United in the third round.

3-0 up at half time and a man to the good, Alex Ferguson’s men assumed the game was beyond City’s reach and took their foot off the pedal in the second half. This complacency allowed a spirited home side to claw their way back into contention and almost pull off an amazing comeback. Mancini’s defensive tactics he has learnt from his time in Italy were put to good use as City held a strict shape and refused to be broken down. Micah Richards wore his heart as well as the captains’ armband on his sleeve following Kompany’s controversial red card and was instrumental in Manchester City’s fight back. It is still a mystery why he is not in the England set-up. Surely Fabio Capello can only ignore him for so long. Possessing great enthusiasm, technique and stature, Richards is becoming one of the most accomplished full-backs in the Premier League. Goals from Kolarov and Aguero pulled City back into the game and provided a frantic finish. As the rain poured down inside the Etihad Stadium late on so did the City pressure. Some last ditch United defending ensured passage into the next round and temporary bragging rights.

Roberto Mancini’s sympathy and frustration could both be seen in his astonishing post-match interview. Failing to come to terms with the harsh sending off of Vincent Kompany and full of pride for his other 10 warrior’s, Mancini struggled to answer the questions put to him. Possibly wary of facing punishment for criticising Chris Foy’s refereeing decisions, Mancini hesitated answering whether he thought the sending off was a correct decision and even eventually responded by asking the interviewer for his opinion. This defeat does not crown United as the best team in Manchester but does act as a reminder for City that they are not yet invincible.

The rise of the blue moon may have been sudden in comparison to Europe’s other elite clubs, yet Manchester City are fast becoming a dominant side in football and show no signs of stopping. Highly likely to add to their riches in January, City are creating a team that can match the best teams in Europe. However, there have been other days like today this season for Manchester City where they have been undone by attacking teams such as Napoli and Bayern Munich, but it must be remembered that a team takes time to be a champion. Mancini must be given this time if City are to become the dominant force in Manchester. United have the history, whereas City are making it.

Title race could Re-Open After January Closes

Due to the improving force of Roberto’s Mancini’s City and Alex Fergusons team’s consistency, it appears more than likely that come May the Premier League trophy will be heading to Manchester. It is often said that a title cannot be won in December but it can certainly be lost. However, with all of the top five looking to spend in the January transfer window, the three trailing London clubs are looking to the New Year as a chance to recover their season’s ambitions.

Fourth placed Chelsea have been early to publicly identify their transfer targets ahead of the January sales. With Andre Villas-Boas hoping to offload some deadwood in his team, new recruitments are a necessity. Alex, Malouda and Ferreira are all looking for a new club and could join Anelka (who has already agreed to join Shanghai Shenhua) out the exit door. Although these players are surplus to requirements, their positions will need to be refilled swiftly. Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Juventus’ Milos Krasic have been approached and both look likely to sign. Completing the signature of Cahill would be a massive boost to Chelsea, with all four of their title challengers interested in the England international. With Didier Drogba and Saloman Kalou both departing for the African Cup of Nations in January, Villas-Boas’ side will be lacking in creative talent. Krasic, who has recently fallen out of favour at current club Juventus, would be an astute signing, valued at around £7m. The Serbian who can play on either flank will allow Daniel Sturridge with a chance to impress in his favoured centre forward role. Furthermore, Fernando Torres will be given the opportunity to prove his worth and rediscover his confidence and form during the African’s absences.

Another team needing to reinvest in attacking positions are Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s team have been heavily reliant on captain Robin van Persie for goals this season and seem to lack a player who can share this burden. Arsenal’s second top scorer this season is Theo Walcott with four goals, though he has scored a mere fifth of the amount van Persie has netted. Marouane Chamakh and Andrey Arshavin have both been largely disappointing since impressive starts to their careers in London and could both leave in the summer. With new signing’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chu-Young Park yet to be fit enough to demand a run in the first team, Wenger may dip into the transfer market targeting loan signings. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been mentioned as a possible target on a two month loan deal as has Wayne Bridge to temporarily ease Arsenal’s troubles at fullback. It is unsure whether Henry, who trained with Arsenal earlier this month to maintain his fitness, would be willing to accept this offer as he is wary of jeopardising his legendary status at the club. Wenger is clearly considering bringing in the prolific Frenchman, having recently stated that Henry could still perform successfully in the Premier League after being impressed with him in training. Still adored by the Arsenal fans, there would be delight amongst the stands if Henry were to return. Wenger has however recently ruled out a move for Bridge who is deemed not good enough to meet the standards of a top Premier League team.

London’s highest placed team, Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to invest heavily to keep their fantasy season going. After losing heavily in both of their first games to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively it was expected that Spurs would endure a difficult season and could be replaced in the top six by the re-emergence of Liverpool. However, Harry Redknapp’s side have defied early critics to produce some dazzling football and be placed third in the table, and the Manchester clubs nearest challengers. This remarkable run of form saw the London club win ten of their next 12 games, drawing the other two. Now serious title contenders, Redknapp will look to bolster his squad to maintain a threat at the top of the table. High priorities include a world class striker to assist Emmanuel Adebayor upfront. Jermain Defoe’s recent lack of form has forced Tottenham to explore other alternatives. Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi is greatly admired by Redknapp who was unsuccessful in bringing the Italian to White Heart Lane in the summer. Another bid could be launched but would need to exceed the £30m mark. Other targets include Internacional’s Leandro Damiao and Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente.

With the top three teams trailing the Manchester giants hoping to acquire strikers in January and add steel to their backlines, they will hope that the transfer dealings will pay dividend. An apparent two horse race could soon become a Grand National and make for an exciting spring before an eventful summer.

125 Years of The Arsenal

For over a decade The Arsenal have been entertaining audiences in England and have produced some of the most successful teams in English football as well as great individual talents. They are a club that I have religiously supported my entire life and this weekend they celebrate their 125^th anniversary. To mark the occasion, three statues of Arsenal legends were unveiled outside the Emirates Stadium by chairman Peter Hill-wood. The three icons being paid tribute to were Herbert Chapman, one of the most influential people in English football and hugely successful as Arsenal manager, Tony Adams, Arsenals most successful captain, and Thierry Henry, the clubs record leading goal scorer and fans favourite. Watching Henry’s emotional speech after receiving his recognition was a great moment for Arsenal to see just how much the club means to people. It is clear that Thierry Henry has fallen in love with the club and whilst holding back the tears declared, “Once a Gooner, always a Gooner”.

Although being a Gooner can at times become extremely difficult when a squad full of dynamism and talent fail to achieve the success their play warrants, they are a team who I love and will always follow. It is often said that true supporter can be found during a club’s turmoil. I am frequently reminded in the press that The Arsenal have not won a trophy for 6 years, yet my passion for my team has not diminished. Since the move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, The Arsenal’s supporters have grown in volume and are slowly turning this modern piece of architecture into an intimidating force. Although it may not have the same feel that other stadiums such as Anfield or St James’ park possess, the Emirates is starting to feel like home.

As for the trophy drought, manager Arsene Wenger has once again moulded an exciting attacking team mixed with youth and experience that can realistically challenge for trophies other than the League Cup. In the summer transfer window, Wenger was claimed to have acted somewhat uncharacteristically by signing players of an older age range to what he is normally custom. However, he has never sacrificed his football philosophy and continues to believe that beautiful football is the best kind. An experienced signing like Mikel Arteta may bring some authority into the centre of the midfield but he also adds creativity and skill. Even Arsenals most robust midfielder, Alex Song, possesses good technical ability and a few nifty tricks to beat his opponent.

As well as having attacking players with flair in the likes of Gervinho, Wilshere and Van Persie, Wenger’s squad also boast an intimidating defence. It is an area that has often left the London club being able to fulfil their potential, yet with some summer signings, returns from injury and the emergence of a talented goalkeeper Arsenal look a commanding force at the back. In goal Wojciech Szczęsny has established himself as number one and one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe. At last Arsenal have found a replacement for Jens Lehman. Furthermore, new signing Per Mertesacker is beginning to form a good understanding with Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen has recently returned from a lengthy ankle injury and is the focal point of Arsenals back line.

This weekend marks a great occasion for everyone associated with the club and I am proud to be an Arsenal follower and am excited for what the future holds for my team. As Thierry would say, once a Gooner…

A New Year a New Sunderland

For Martin O'Neill, the January sales can't come around quick enough. After watching his new club slump to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Mic McCarthy's Wolves, O'Neill had the look of a man with a daunting task ahead of him. Yes Sunderland do have a squad too good to be relegated but this hasn't stopped other Premiership quality sides making the drop to the Championship in recent in years as the likes of Newcastle and West Ham have both suffered. Sunderland must act astutely when the January transfer window opens in order to guarantee they sign players who can drastically change the fortunes at the Stadium of Light.

The first area that urgently needs addressing is upfront. The northern side have severely missed a leading striker since the controversial departures of Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan which Martin O’Neill must resolve swiftly. Against Wolves, Nicklas Bendtner once again proved his selfishness as he squandered chance after chance rather than assisting his team mates. How Sunderland could do with a player like Kenwynne Jones who used to sweat blood and tears for his beloved Black Cats. Possible transfer targets such as Carlton Cole and Kevin Doyle, who would be willing to accept the challenge from O’Neill and have proven Premier League ability, would be an astute purchase. A loan move for Landon Donovan, who was tremendously effective at Everton, would also be clever business on a limited budget.

Elsewhere, Martin O’Neill desperately needs to find a team player to aid the creativeness of Sessegnon. Kieran Richardson and Sebastian Larsson are good players but do not possess the fight or the quality to turn the clubs’ fortunes around. Apart from the distribution of his set-piece plays, I fail to see where Larsson’s real qualities lay. Furthermore, he will not have done himself any favours against Wolves in front of his new manager. After embarrassingly winning a penalty with an overdramatic and ridiculous dive, he then deservedly fluffed the spot kick to cost his side the game.  Craig Gardner proved hugely influential at Birmingham last season and has unluckily fallen out of favour at Sunderland. Surely this feisty midfielder will be given a second chance under the guidance of the new man in charge. Gardner is a great partner to play in the centre of midfield with Scott Cattermole as he will add flair whilst also possessing a tremendous work rate.

O’Neill has been promised funds to spend in January and will act wisely to bring in players of good quality who are willing to fight for their team. When appointed manager of Aston Villa, he signed Styllian Petrov to add some steal and drive to the centre of midfield. Petrov has since become an iconic figure at Villa and has recently been appointed captain.

At a struggling side in desperate need of money, Everton’s Leon Osman would be a good signing for O’Neill. With few first team opportunities at Everton and with the club needing to sell to raise funds, the little creative midfielder would be likely to join. A likable player with the right attitude and dynamism, Osman would be a great support to Sessegnon as well as to the confidence of the squad.

Known as one of the best man managers in the game, O’Neill will look to reinstall the belief that some of his current players lack which has hindered their performances. Players like Gardner, Gordon and Turner will welcome the change in personnel at Sunderland in hope that the man from Northern Ireland can inspire them to reach their potential. Whoever O’Neill signs or doesn’t sign in January, the Black Cats fans can be sure that 2012 looks a lot more promising than recent years.

What's on?

No matter what people say, Christmas television is the best kind of television. The fact that when you wake up at 7am and turn on the box there is already a film on tells you that it’s going to be a good day. So without hesitation or guilt we sit back and watch a baby polar bear looking for magic snow flake or something else utterly pointless but so enjoyable. Maybe the content of some of the shows has waned in recent years but it’s the feeling of knowing you can just sit back in your slippers with a cup of hot chocolate eating from a box of celebrations and a tube of Pringles knowing that today really is the best day of the year.

In 2009, channel 4 broadcasted a show called The Family. It was basically a ‘fly on the wall’ style documentary about a typical British family and in my opinion they got it spot on. What really stuck out though was the Christmas episode. It showed all the normal tantrums and stress that the holidays at home bring but also how we wouldn’t change it for anything. And like most households on the 25^th of December, the day started with watching television and ended with it too. Maybe I could relate to the family more because there are four children (the same as in my immediate family), they had a cat (I also have a cat. Humbug, aaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww Humbug) and even that they shared the same surname as me in Hughes. My point though is that why do so many start to moan when they see the TV guide for Christmas Day? I’m sure more people last year were tuned into The Grinch on ITV for god sake rather than watching The Queen complain for 15 minutes. They look at the Christmas shows that are on and say “well that all looks like a load of shit” yet they still watch it with a secret warm feeling inside.

Well to be honest I’m not going to be ashamed of the fact that I like Christmas television. And like every year, I’m sure that come 8pm I will be sat in my living room having just eaten a cold turkey sandwich, drinking Coca-Cola, eating my box of celebrations and covered in crumbs of everything else. And why not? It’s not like I’m busy the next day.

A New Chelsea

So just when it appears that Chelsea are in a crisis and Andre Villas-Boas is on the verge of losing his job, the London club do what they do best and prove their doubters wrong with a comfortable 3-0 win over inform Newcastle. This self-assured performance will give Chelsea a great boost going into the midweek must-win game against Valencia.

In response to the recent criticism he has received, Villas-Boas has insisted that the new philosophy he is installing into this aging team will be the last thing to be sacrificed. Sticking with a high pressing back line, Chelsea produced an efficient defensive display against Newcastle and were worthy winners. Although, the score line is a bit flattering for the away side and cruel on Newcastle, Villas-Boas will be delighted to have relieved some of the pressure and temporarily silence his critics.

As well as a commanding defence, Didier Drogba led the frontline well and looked to be regaining form and justifying his starting place. Although, three goals away from home at an intimidating ground is great news for the London club, the nightmare of Fernando Torres’ Chelsea career continues.

Since his £50million move south from rivals Liverpool, the Spaniard has managed just five goals, leaving him to settle for a place on the bench alongside the likes of Kalou and Anelka. However, although Torres’ goal-to-game ratio has been anything but impressive, I have been impressed with his work rate and his willingness to help the team. Having been heavily criticised in the media for his lack of goals, the forward seems determined to hit the back of the net and prove his value to the team.

Yet, with three different strikers providing the goals today at St. James’ Park (I refuse to use its new name, The Sports Direct Arena), Fernando Torres must be struggling to see how he will gain a starting place to end his incredible slump in front of goal.

With one Spaniard struggling to find form at Chelsea, another is establishing himself as a key player. Juan Mata has grown into one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe and has provided Chelsea with some much needed flair. Seeing his counterpart revelling in his success, Torres must be struggling to work out what he is doing wrong and what Mata is doing so right. I guess it takes Juan to know Juan.

Because of past experiences, Roman Abramovic has been expected to dismiss Villas-Boas after watching his team win just 4 of his last 9 games prior to today’s victory. Instead, he has restated his commitment and faith in the young Portuguese, which should be responded with praise. In the month of the managerial sack race, Villas-Boas must think of himself as fortunate having witnessed Steve Bruce be put out of his misery and the terrible record Abramovic has with keeping faith in his employees.

Sticking to a new attacking philosophy has won Villas-Boas many admirers but he must now find a solution to getting the best out of Torres. If the talented young coach can do this, then don’t be surprised to once again see Chelsea challenging at the top of the table come May.

By James Hughes