All posts by h79snht.top

England’s drab performance against Malta was followed up by yet another drab performance against Slovenia, proving that Wayne Rooney wasn’t the whole problem after all.

Before last night’s game, Gareth Southgate was sitting pretty with a 100% record as England boss, perhaps hoping that a win over Slovenia would solidify his fledgling bid to become the permanent national team manager.

But then the game happened. England weren’t just uninspiring; they were bailed out by their goalkeeper, Joe Hart, who had a fabulous game. And although your goalkeeper is part of your team, although it’s certainly not cheating to rely on your goalkeeper, England shouldn’t need to be bailed out by Joe Hart when they play a qualifier against Slovenia. It simply shouldn’t happen.

But, as with most disappointments with England in the qualifying stages of a World Cup cycle, it isn’t terminal. This can be saved – the Three Lions are still unbeaten in qualifying since 2009, they still have a plus 73 goal difference since they lost to Ukraine in 2009, they are still top of the group and they still have plenty of time to put it right.

It was the night that was, however, and here are five pictures that sum up England’s underwhelming evening….

Southgate in charge

It was only his second game in charge, but Gareth Southgate came into the game defending a 100% record. Now he is no longer level with Sam Allardyce as England manager with the best win percentage. It’s down to a lowly 50% after a disappointing draw in a competitive game.

Rooney on the bench

There was a big call to be made by Southgate, however. It was a competitive game, and it was a competitive game that saw the England captain left on the bench not because of injury, but because of form and ability. It was massive decision from Southgate, but surely one that needed to be done. That doesn’t stop the sight of the England captain sitting on the bench from being a strange one.

Captain Henderson

In Rooney’s place came Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson – a man who is used to the armband. But just like most England players, he isn’t used to drawing a qualifying game.

Hart to the rescue

They did draw the game, but it could have been so much worse for England if they didn’t have Torino’s Joe Hart between their sticks. Hart may have been in the middle of a personal footballing tragedy in August, but he’s now settled into his new surroundings in Northern Italy. Against Slovenia, he was England’s saviour on a night when they could well have been defeated.

Nothing he could do

Rooney did make it onto the pitch against Slovenia, given some time to try to make things right on a disappointing night. He couldn’t. Rooney’s powers are on the wane, and his impotence was obvious.

Philippe Coutinho has been a revelation this season, scoring regularly and becoming Liverpool’s go-to man on many an occasion. He has been instrumental in the Reds’ rise to the top of the Premier League, so much so that Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for him.

In the long-term, it is easy to see how the Brazilian would fit in at the Catalan giants, and it is equally easy to see why he might want to go. Neymar and Coutinho will surely play alongside each other for club, as well as country, one day… but not just yet.

Right now, Coutinho is not at the level required to play for Barcelona. Granted, he is not far away, but he would certainly benefit from staying with Liverpool for the time being. At the age of 24, there is plenty of time for a move in the future. Luis Suarez, for example, did not head for the Nou Camp until the age of 27.

As it stands, Barcelona have a midfield three of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic. Coutinho would not get in ahead of them. Nor would he get into the side as part of the front three, where he plays for Liverpool – no need to explain why that would be.

In addition, Liverpool are in a strong position: much more so than when the likes of Suarez and Raheem Sterling left in the recent past. Coutinho relatively recently signed a new contract, and even though he is only on a modest £75,000-a-week, there will surely be an acceptance from the club that his wage will have to be increased in the near future, and they are likely happy to do that. Coutinho is not the type to kick up a fuss over money.

Coutinho is simply not someone who makes a commotion. Less than a year ago, he was happy to accept a relatively modest wage in the modern era, and for Liverpool to potentially double his salary to bring him up to the level of the other top earners like Daniel Sturridge and James Milner would not be too hard to do.

The Brazilian and his wife, Aine, are settled on Merseyside, having recently had their first child, and Coutinho is a vital cog in an impressive Liverpool side. Playing alongside compatriots Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva, he seems happy. He has stated many times that both himself and his family are content, and whilst that might not be the case forever, it is for now.

At this moment, Liverpool should be happy to enjoy watching the Brazilian every week. At some point, he will move on – and when he does, it is not a slight on the club. Rather, moving to Barcelona is simply the dream move for most players, not least those from South America.

There is no need to fear a Coutinho exit right now. At some point it is inevitable unless Liverpool somehow reach the level of Barcelona in the meantime. But it won’t happen just yet.

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The vast majority of neutrals aren’t giving Celtic much hope for their visit to the Etihad Stadium this evening.

With Manchester City already through due to their head-to-head record over Borussia Monchengladbach and Celtic already eliminated from the Champions League, it seems unlikely Pep Guardiola will field his strongest starting XI against the Scottish title holders.

Nonetheless, the Citizens will be desperate to return to winning ways after losing to title rivals Chelsea on Saturday and from their three prior meetings, Celtic have not actually beaten the Manchester outfit – losing one and drawing two.

At the same time, the gulf in quality is impossible to overlook and Celtic are yet to claim a win on the road in Europe this season – infamously even losing to Lincoln Red Imps back during July’s qualifying rounds.

But not every statistic points to an inevitable Celtic defeat – in fact, some suggest the exact opposite. FootballFanCast take a look at three that should give Bhoys fans hope, and cause some concern amongst the City faithful.

Rodgers’ record vs. City

Some managers just always seem to have the beating of certain teams and that appears to be the case with Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers. Indeed, despite his clubs never coming close to rivalling the two-time Premier League champions in terms of finance, quality or depth of squad, the Northern Irishman’s record against them is incredibly well-rounded – winning three, drawing three and losing three.

To say the 3-3 draw at Celtic Park in September was down to tactical decision-making might be a little flattering; in truth, it was a gung-ho 90 minutes where both teams simply went for it. But nonetheless, Rodgers appears well aware of City’s weaknesses and how to exploit them.

His first win against the Citizens came all the way back in 2011/12 when he was in charge of newly promoted Swansea City, and Rodgers added two more victories during his Anfield tenure.

If there’s one concern, however, it’s that Rodgers has never actually won at the Etihad – drawing once and losing three. But there’s a first for everything and tonight could be just that.

Image courtesy of Transfermarkt.

City can’t keep clean sheets

Clean sheets – 5

Goals conceded per game – 1.13

UCL Clean Sheets – 1

Goals conceded per UCL game – 1.8

Pep Guardiola has always been more focused on his sides having an impact at the glamorous end of the pitch but City’s defensive record this season must be of some concern to the Spaniard. From 23 games across all competitions, the Citizens have kept just five clean sheets, coming against relatively modest opposition in Steaua Bucuresti (twice), Bournemouth, West Brom and Borussia Monchengladbach – their only shutout in the Champions League.

Equally, they’ve conceded 1.13 goals per game on average; but that jumps up to a whopping 1.8 in the Champions League proper, in no small part due to Barcelona’s 4-0 win at the Nou Camp and Celtic netting thrice during the reverse fixture in September.

That suggests Celtic will get on the scoresheet tonight – especially with Moussa Dembele boasting 17 goals already this season – and provided City aren’t already running away with it at that point, Brendan Rodgers’ boys will have something to hold onto.

City’s home record

When facing a Pep Guardiola side at home, the immediate assumption is that they’ll wipe the floor with you. The Spaniard lost just twice at the Allianz Arena during his time as Bayern Munich gaffer and it was a similar case during his trophy-laden Barcelona tenure. Of course, the style of play is a big factor in that, with his sides always looking to dominate possession and continuously attack – which usually forces the opposition to camp in their own box and hope for the best.

But that’s not been the case since his move to Manchester. The Citizens have lost once at home already this season – to Chelsea last weekend – and only won once at the Etihad Stadium since the end of September, losing one and drawing three of their last five games.

Admittedly, the solitary victory was in the Champions League against Barcelona. But it suggests City still haven’t got their home game-plan quite right and sides like Everton, Middlesbrough and Southampton, who all claimed 1-1 draws, should give Celtic hope of snatching at least a point.

Image courtesy of Whoscored.

In July, Yaya Toure is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium as his contract at Manchester City expires. The Ivorian’s relationship with the club has been an intense affair and one that’s seen his once untouchable position change of late. However, he remains an excellent footballer, and has been back in the fold in recent weeks.

How can they potential replace the African superstar, then?

When it comes to replacing Toure, Man City could end up in a similar situation to when Arsenal attempted to move on from Patrick Vieira unless the correct move is made.

Since switching to the Etihad Stadium in 2010, the significance of Toure to City’s recent success cannot be understated. His big-game performances, crucial goals and exceptional leadership have guided City from the wilderness to being one of Europe’s most iconic clubs.

Nonetheless, his relationship with Pep Guardiola has been a turbulent affair and the duo came to blows in the summer when Toure’s agent continuously spoke out against the new Citizens manager.

With the end looming large, and Toure’s near seven-year City career drawing to a close, here are THREE potential replacements for City to consider for the midfielder…

Julian Weigl

It was only last week the Borussia Dortmund midfielder was linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.

According to German publication BILD, City are contemplating a move for the Germany international and are willing to quadruple his wages to convince him to swap Dortmund for Manchester.

Weigl has been likened to Xabi Alonso and has become an integral member of BVB’s recent success. A move to Man City would see him join former team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, and Weigl could be the ideal Guardiola player.

Mahmoud Dahoud

Like Weigl, Dahoud is another young midfielder creating quite a buzz in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach. The Syrian-born, Germany youth international was Gladbach’s star performer against Guardiola’s City in both Champions League games, illustrating his qualities.

His dynamism and ability to go from box-to-box would perfectly emulate the departing Toure, even though he may not be ready to fill the Ivorian’s void in the short-term.

Youri Tielemans

Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans has gathered a reputation in Europe as one of the continent’s hottest young midfielders.

With City almost guaranteed to be pursuing another central midfielder in the winter and summer, Tielemans could be an ideal candidate to replace the giant Ivorian.

City have previously had success with Anderlecht starlets such as Vincent Kompany, who famously came through the Belgian club’s academy. If Tielemans could provide half the success delivered by Kompany, City would be more than happy to have him.

Inspired by Iain Macintosh’s journey with Everton on CM01/02, I’ve decided to boot up Football Manager 2017 and take Aston Villa back to the glory days of the 1980s.

Previous episodes: Episode One, Episode Two, Episode Three, Episode Four, Episode Five, Episode Six, Episode Seven

It’s a new year, and I’ve taken it upon myself to craft a new me. In the real world, anyway.

In this parallel world, in which I’m the manager of Aston Villa, it’s still December 2016 and life continues to play with my emotions. We enter the final month of the year on a four match unbeaten run in the Championship, but history tells me a run of good form doesn’t mean anything with this bunch of players, a disappointing result is normally just around the corner.

Things seem to be looking up, though – we’re just two points off the play-off spots and my players finally seem to be getting used to our style of play. I thought we’d reached an understanding a couple of months back, but the Reading and Fulham results were sickening. Back to back defeats to end a run of six unbeaten. With the benefit of hindsight, I really don’t have a clue whether they’re getting used to my tactics or if they just choose when to turn up and when not to bother.

The January transfer window opens soon and I plan to bring in some reinforcements. Some players may have to leave in order for me to balance the books, so they’re technically playing for their Villa Park futures now. Not that they seem to care, mind.

On the subject of transfers, Tony Xia gets in touch with some good news. He’s given me a transfer budget of £16m, which I intend to spend wisely – this is Aston Villa, of course.

Another beacon of wise financial dealings, Leeds United are up next in the league. This should be another victory in the bag for us. They’re 20th and have lost five consecutive games in all competitions. Their last league win came midway through October, so we should win.

On paper this team should make fun of Leeds, but for some reason I’m not entirely convinced. I do, however, keep faith in Jordan Ayew, despite the fact he’s not scored for three games. Ross McCormack, though, is on fire right now. I sense he’s desperate to hurt his former club with goals.

At last! A convincing victory at Elland Road finally moves us into the top six. McCormack’s brace set us on our way to another three points and Jack Grealish sealed it all off to ensure we go into the busy festive period as one of the Championship’s form clubs.

McCormack now has six goals and three assists from his last five appearances, which is pretty incredible. It took him a while to decide he wanted to play, but he’s clearly enjoying himself now. I’ll put that down to my incredible man management skills, obviously.

We have 21st placed Wigan up next, who have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions. Another straight forward victory should be on the cards, but first, it’s the draw for the FA Cup third round…

Tasty! Remember how we beat them last time? Of course you do, it was emphatic. I’m a hero because of it. I’m determined to ensure we don’t leave it as late next time.

I’m forced into making three changes for the visit of Wigan. Jordan Amavi and James Chester are both suspended after picking up five yellow cards, while Ross McCormack will be benched because he’s recovering from man flu and doesn’t look too great – I’ll only bring him on if I have to. Elphick, Osman and De Laet come in to replace them.

Somehow we won that, but I won’t complain. It wasn’t the best of performances – Wigan had more chances than us and will be disappointed to have not taken anything from the game. It’s a victory that takes us up to fourth, five points off the automatic promotion spots. Finally it feels as though we’re achieving something.

A trip to Carrow Road is up next and I’ve been able to revert back to what is probably my strongest XI, barring Westwood who is suspended for five yellows now, Leandro Bacuna replaces him.

I knew that would be tough but I didn’t expect us to be outplayed. Norwich deserved the three points and I’m now definitely considering making several signings in January. That’s the disappointing defeat following a good run of form I’m starting to become accustomed to. The amount of yellow cards we’re picking up is beginning to worry me as well. That’s 14 bookings from our last three matches. Vicious bunch, my players.

We’re down to seventh again but it’s still very close up there. Just six points separates 4th and 11th, so there’s still so much to play for. We really need to start pulling away from those around us though, otherwise we’ll be in trouble. How I spend my £16m transfer kitty in January will no doubt decide the second half of our season, so I’ve told my scouts to start looking for worthy additions.

Our next two games are huge: QPR away next, they’re 3rd, and then Burton Albion, just a point and a place below us in the table. Failure to pick up points will leave us with a mountain to climb for automatic promotion, which would be a disaster. I may not even have the chance to spend that £16m if we don’t win these games!

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s men are the bookies’ favourites, but I’m still quietly confident of getting a result. I’m at a stage where I know what my players are capable of, it’s just getting them to do it consistently that seems to be the issue. Hopefully I’ve got them on a good day…

I can accept a point, especially after trailing for most of the game. Jordan Ayew’s goal was wonderful and Jack Grealish should’ve won it for us at the death but he missed from just a couple of yards out.

The trouble is, we’re now 7th and two points adrift of the play-offs. We were fourth just a couple of games ago, which shows just how ruthless this league can be. But it also shows how quickly we can get back on track. We must be beat Burton then, no excuses.

That makes me feel a lot better. Two second half goals secured all three points, including a rare one from James Chester. It wasn’t the best of performances but that’s what makes great teams, right? Winning despite not playing well?

With just one game left in December (another meeting with Leeds) I’m beginning to make some early moves in the transfer market. Aly Cissokho has asked to leave and so I’ve accepted a £925k bid for him from Burnley. But most importantly, Derby accept my £11.5m bid for Tom Ince. Some would say that’s expensive, but they’re willing to sell and I could do with more depth in midfield. £25k-a-week has been offered to him and I’m confident he’ll be a Villan by January 1.

Before that, though, December has to end the same way it started: with victory over Leeds United.

Do that and we’ll go into the New Year in the play-off spots and with a positive goal difference. It’ll set us up nicely for our trip to 18th placed Cardiff on January 2. I’m naming an unchanged XI and tell the lads I expect them to win. No pressure.

Victory. Comfortable, sweet victory. The Villa fans head to the City centre for their New Years Eve celebrations with huge smiles on their faces. Their beloved Villa are back to winning ways and well in the race for promotion.

2017 is a huge year for the club. It must be in the Premier League come August, and it’s down to me to ensure they’re there.

Here’s how we end 2016…

Bring on 2017. And Tom Ince. He’s joining…

<< Click here for Episode Seven | Click here for Episode Nine >>

In unquestionably the biggest story in the Premier League today, manager Slaven Bilic has unexpectedly revealed that talismanic attacker Dimitri Payet wants to leave West Ham.

The French maestro was a revelation for the Hammers last season, arriving from Marseille for an £11m fee and going on to earn a PFA Player of the Year nomination for a potent return of nine goals and twelve assists.

That, coupled with some spectacular goals for France at Euro 2016, has seen Payet’s stock rise exponentially over the past 18 months. Now considered to be the top talent outside of Europe’s elite, it appears the 29-year-old’s ‘head has been turned’, toÂuse the old cliche.

Of course, the news leaves West Ham in an incredibly tricky situation; Payet’s absence severely reduces the attacking quality of their starting XI, but Bilic only has a matter of weeks to find a solution before the January transfer window closes. Likewise, the Hammers need a replacement who can hit the ground running – suggesting he’ll probably need to be already plying his trade in the Premier League.

But the Irons certainly aren’t strapped for cash and selling Payet would further increase Bilic’s transfer budget. So with that in mind, we take a look at FOUR Premier League replacements West Ham should consider.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Gylfi Sigurdsson is arguably the Premier League’s most talented No.10 outside of the top six, producing a consistent supply of goals throughout his spells with Swansea and Tottenham Hotspur to notch up an overall return of 45 strikes in 182 appearances.

The Iceland international is famed for his searing strikes from long-range, potent dead ball deliveries and impeccable technique, which, coupled with his talismanic status inÂthe Swansea starting XI since Wilfried Bony’s 2015 move to Manchester City, makes him very much a kindred spirit to Payet.

Aged 27 and well proven in the English top flight, the timing is certainly right to make a move for Sigurdsson and tie him down for his best years. It seems inevitable the attacking midfielder will leave before the start of 2017/18 – but would Swansea sell halfway through a relegation battle?

Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay has suffered a spectacular fall from grace since being hailed as one of the most exciting youngsters in world football upon his Manchester United arrival in summer 2015, quickly falling out of favour under Louis van Gaal and now finding himself further marginalised by Jose Mourinho – managing just four substitute outings so far this season in the league.

But there’s clearly an incredible talent in there somewhere – one that fired PSV Eindhoven to their first title in nearly a decade at the age of 21 and hugely impressed at the World Cup a year previous – and a move away from Old Trafford could quickly see the Oranje ace revive his stuttering career.

Manchester United appear more ready to sell than the other clubs mentioned in this article, but after twelve months in the wilderness, is he sharp enough to immediately fill Payet’s void?

Matt Phillips

Another player in fine form, Matt Phillips is finally delivering on the immense potential once heralded of him as a youngster in the Football League. Indeed, the 25-year-old has been pivotal in West Brom’s rise from midtable to Europa League reckoning, notching up four goals and eight assists in the top fight.

The Scotland international bagged a stellar 40-yard strike for QPR towards the end of the 2014/15 campaign, further underlining his natural ability, and now appears to have found the confidence to bring out those moments of magic more regularly – whilst still adhering to Tony Pulis’ industrious demands off the ball.

West Ham are certainly a higher profile club than West Brom, but could the current five-place difference in league standings put Phillips off a move to east London?

Robert Snodgrass

West Ham are believed to have already tabled offers for Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass and although the Scotland international is by no means a world-beater, a run of fantastic form suggests he’d hit the ground running in east London.

The attacking midfielder has kept survival hopes alive almost single-handed at the KCOM StadiumÂthis term, notching up seven of the Tigers’ 17 league goals and providing assists for two more. At 29, he’s no spring chicken; but stocky, somewhat ambipedal and hardly reliant on pace, a move to a more central role could extend Snodgrass’ career at theÂtop level by a few more years.

Currently, however, there’s clearly a significant difference in valuations – West Ham’s latest bid was worth just £5million.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have added Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris to their summer short-list but the North London side are confident of keeping their goalkeeper, The Telegraph reports.

What’s the word?

Real Madrid seem content on bolstering their options between the sticks this summer and the latest name on their short-list is Spurs captain Hugo Lloris, who joins fellow Premier League stoppers Thibaut Courtois and David De Gea on Los Blancos’ wish-list.

30-year-old Lloris, who only signed a new contract until 2022 last month, is seen by Real Madrid as a more affordable alternative to Chelsea’s Courtois and Manchester United’s De Gea- but Spurs are confident their skipper isn’t interested in a move.

Real Madrid do have the finances to make a deal appealing though but their priority is Thibaut Courtois, who has experience in the Spanish capital having played for Atletico Madrid and has his family still living in the city.

Chelsea are keen to keep him though and Real Madrid may have to accept defeat if the 24-year-old signs a new deal at the club, which would then see Zinedine Zidane target a move for compatriot Hugo Lloris.

Should Lloris move?

A couple of seasons ago, when Tottenham Hotspur were out of the Champions League, the answer would have been yes. No though, the Lilywhites are not only establishing themselves as top-four regulars but have also stood as title competitors in each of the last two seasons.

Remaining competitive though is a potential issue, as Spurs will have to balance the finances of building their new stadium whilst the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United will continue splashing the cash.

That leaves Spurs alongside North London rivals Arsenal and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool likely fighting for the fourth and final Champions League spot. Although Mauricio Pochettino’s side would fancy their chances on current form, the two giants of English football are likely to enjoy a resurgence in the coming years.

As such, it is difficult for Lloris to judge a move but the fact that the World Cup will take place at the end of next season could help Spurs in their quest to keep their captain at White Hart Lane, as moving the season before an international tournament could have repercussions.

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Having suffered a frustrating 0-0 with Huddersfield in the FA Cup at the weekend, Manchester City return to a more glamorous setting as they return to the Champions League to face AS Monaco in the last 16.

A tie that seems favourable on paper, Monaco are a threat. Top of Ligue 1 and scoring at a remarkable rate this season, the French club will be fearless when they step out onto the luscious Etihad Stadium surface.

Pep Guardiola will be fully aware of just how good those from the principality are this season. Well, one would like to hope so at least. Leonardo Jardim’s side have lost only three times in the league this season and they strode to victory in their group stage, which included two victories over Tottenham.

While predicting the outcome of this tie is hard, we can rely on there being plenty of goals. Jardim and Guardiola send their teams out to entertain, there will be no bus parking, but there should be goals throughout the two legs.

This could be the match of the season. Here are THREE reasons all eyes must be on the Etihad this week…

Goal Fest

Monaco are far and away the leading goal scorers in Ligue 1, having netted over 70 times in 26 league matches. Manchester City are renowned for their attack-first style of play, even if poor finishing has seen them score only marginally over two goals per match in the league this season.

The French club boast seven players with over five league goals this season already, a testament to the balance of their team. While Radamel Falcao is their primary goal threat, the sheer talent across their squad makes them a diverse threat.

Goals are expected and rightly so.

No Sitting Back

Neither of these teams are set up to defend, there will be no sitting deep and absorbing pressure at the Etihad Stadium. We can expect an open match, with Monaco desperate to score at least one away goal and Manchester City keen to take a lead to the south of France.

The weaknesses of Manchester City’s defence are well known. They will concede to this potent Monaco attack, which will force them into a higher attacking gear. Once they let that away goal in, they will be needing to score three to come out of the first leg feeling particularly positive.

Stars to Watch

Manchester City’s exciting talents speak for themselves for any Premier League fan. Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne will all start, while Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure will also play key roles.

Monaco’s best players are perhaps less famous, but they are at least as good to watch. Thomas Lemar and Bernardo Silva will start on the flanks, with Kylian Mbappe an option from the bench. Three of European football’s most sought-after prospects are capable of moments brilliance and are on their respective paths to the very top.

Not to mention to in-form Radamel Falcao leading the line.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool proved they still have a bit about them with a thumping 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday.Spurs had gone into the game unbeaten in eleven matches, winning ten of those, and much fancied against Klopp’s faltering Reds side.Inspired by a fiery home crowd, Sadio Mane blitzed Spurs with two goals in two minutes to send Anfield into raptures. Holding on for what was a comfortable win in the end, Liverpool picked up their first Premier League victory of 2017.It should have been no surprise they’d get a result, as this stat from Squawka shows. They’re unbeaten in matches against the top six in the Premier League this season.

It’s a fantastic record and shows if Liverpool can sort out their consistency against the so-called weaker teams in the division then they can definitely be title contenders next season.

In the big games Jurgen Klopp is getting it done and despite a dreadful start to 2017, that must fill most Liverpool supporters with hope.

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It is beginning to appear as though, finally, change is coming to Arsenal this summer. The Gunners have toyed with mediocrity for the best part of a decade, and with Arsene Wenger’s tenure at the helm seemingly coming to a close – it is time for change at the Emirates. 

Of course, Wenger could yet remain at the club, but it would make sense for the Arsenal brass to have one eye firmly on the future. If they haven’t already, they must very soon begin to consider who might take over the mantle from their current manager. A host of names have been touted with the move, Massimiliano Allegri is the perfect man for the job. 

We’ve seen at Stamford Bridge the sort of impact that Italian managers are beginning to have in England, and given that Allegri and Conte’s career paths have followed upon fairly similar paths lately – could Arsenal be the next club to secure an Italian job?

Bringing the current Juventus manager to the Emirates certainly makes a lot of sense. On a basic level, you only have to look at the success that he has achieved whilst at the helm of The Old Lady of Turin. He was certainly successful with AC Milan, having picked up a Serie A title in his debut season, but the awards have been coming thick and fast since making the switch to the Juventus Stadium. He has picked up a further two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies and even won the coveted Serie A Coach of the Year award an impressive three times. Simply put, Allegri is a serial winner – and Arsenal have been serial losers in recent years.

His qualities extend beyond just getting results, though, with his management style also perfect for the Emirates. Arsenal have been accused of laziness in recent weeks, and that is an issue that Allegri would certainly sort out. You only have to look at his recent issues with Leonardo Bonucci, with the pair recently having a high-profile bust-up. Now, certainly, Arsenal won’t want him to start falling out with players – but the addition of discipline at a club that has seemingly been lacking it could be huge. The fact that the argument was made following a 4-1 win against Palermo indicates that his desire to impress also extends beyond just securing victories. This all feeds back into his drive to always be at 100% and ensuring that he is always getting the best out of his players – a trait that Wenger has arguably lost lately.

There is certainly an argument to be had surrounding the nature of Wenger’s management, with his one-dimensional style likely playing a significant role in Arsenal’s struggles lately. The Frenchman clearly has his own methods, but his inability to change those habits is costing the Gunners. This is, again, something that Allegri will not be a victim of – with the manager regularly utilising formations based on particular games and particular opponents. For example, against an attacking side he might look to play with a five-man defence, whilst he might then shift back to a four-man defence a week later. When Antonio Conte left Juventus, Allegri chose to continue with his 3-5-2 formation for a while, before deciding to shift it up for a particular fixture. That desire to pick a side and pick a formation based on a particular opponent is vital, and it is a trait that Arsenal have lacked.

Bringing in a manager that has never been in the Premier League is certainly a risk, but for Arsenal, it is one that makes sense. Allegri has come in and made an immediate impact in his career, and Arsenal desperately need a manager that can do that. If Wenger does go, Allegri could be the man.

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