Another weekend and another manager spitting their dummy out over a referee, as their respective sides fail to get the results they were hoping to achieve. Maybe the likes of Wenger and Ferguson would be wise to look at their own side’s failings, instead of searching for a scapegoat. United have lost three of their last five games – was it really the referee every time?
I know it is nothing new and managers are forever bemoaning officials for making mistakes, but what does it achieve? It always amuses me that the likes of Wenger will happily come out and criticise the wrongdoings against Arsenal, yet will never actually accept his own side’s fortune when he benefits from a bad decision. Ferguson likewise has a similar blind spot, but what are they hoping to achieve with their continued outbursts of foul play? Maybe Fergie believes that referees are conspiring against United, in light of the Wayne Rooney elbow furore last week, but his outbursts aren’t doing football any favours.
I am not going to stand here and preach that managers aren’t allowed to have a moan at officials, because as an ex-player I can understand their frustrations, but to put their dropped points down to them is an easy excuse in my book. I know they make mistakes and it would certainly be nice, not to mention help defuse potential ramifications, if the referees could explain the reasoning behind their decisions after the game, but they have no duty to so you have to accept it. You get good and bad decisions throughout a season and have to accept that the referees are only human, given that FIFA are unwilling to ensure their lives are made easier with the use of video technology. At the end of the day it wasn’t Martin Atkinson’s fault that United couldn’t turn their dominance into goals at Stamford Bridge, or Anthony Taylor’s problem that Arsenal once again failed to kill off their opposition despite the numerous chances that they created. Maybe Fergie and Wenger are simply attempting to take the heat off their underperforming stars, or perhaps their own masks are slipping as the pressure of the title race sets in.
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Former Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham defender Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock is one of the great characters of English football. Razor has the same no-nonsense attitude off the pitch as he did on it.
Uncompromising, controversial and outspoken, read more of Razor’s thoughts in his weekly column
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Although the Magpies sit in 11th position in the table, which would usually be comfortable at this stage of the season, they are only 4 points away from the relegation zone. Whilst the focus has been on Aston Villa’s relegation chances, Newcastle have also taken some interest especially with the decision to sack Chris Hughton in December, the appointment of Alan Pardew and the sale of Andy Carroll all being questioned.
The Toon Army go into this game with only one victory in their last 10 league games and will be without key players Cheik Tiote and Leon Best for a game against an in-form Wolves side. Despite Kevin Nolan scoring goals into double figures, the team are clearly missing the presence of Andy Carroll up front.
Wolves are the in-form team out of all the relegation candidates with only 1 defeat in their last six games, they are undefeated in their last four and a victory at Villa Park from England debutant Matt Jarvis could only have boosted morale.
Despite being in the relegation zone, Mick McCarthy’s men will be only 1 point behind Newcastle if they are to win on the road again at St James’ Park. However, despite what the form guide suggests, Wolves have only won twice away from home this season and have the worst away record in the division.
In contrast, Newcastle has scored the most goals in the Premier League at home behind Manchester United. However, without players like Tiote and Best, they could struggle against a Wolves team who are on some very good form and might just edge it.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Watch Jason Cundy & Scott Minto on Scoreboard and see their pre-match predictions
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Marseille manager Didier Deschamps has scoffed at suggestions he is planning to leave the French club at the end of the season.Deschamps steered Marseille to their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years last season – his first in charge – and the club are within touching distance of repeating as champions as the 2010-11 campaign draws to a close.
Marseille are second on the table, four points behind leaders Lille with nine games left in the season, and have nothing but their domestic campaign to focus on after being eliminated from the Champions League by Chelsea.
It would seem all is well at the Stade Velodrome under Deschamps, but unrest in Serie A has prompted whispers the 42-year-old could be making a return to Italy.
His former club Juventus are believed to be ready to part ways with Luigi Delneri and could make Deschamps an attractive offer, while Roma are looking for a permanent replacement for caretaker boss Vincenzo Montella following Claudio Ranieri’s resignation.
But the former France international has laughed off the rumours of his impending exit, saying he is already making plans for Marseille’s 2011-12 campaign.
“I’ve already started planning for next year, because that’s my job,” Deschamps said.
“All this speculation about who will move where makes me laugh. Today, I’m 100 percent at Marseille, and will be tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.”
“There’s really no reason for these rumours. I’ll draw my own conclusions at the end of the season depending on our position.”
English Premier League teams Chelsea and Liverpool are also believed to be in the mix for Deschamps’ services, with Carlo Ancelotti rumoured to be returning to Italy and Kenny Dalglish no certainty to remain at Anfield either.
Hamilton Academical kept their slim hopes of avoiding relegation from the Scottish Premier League alive with a 2-1 victory over Hibernian.Seemingly destined for the drop, the Accies struck twice in the first half on Sunday before holding on to register their first league win since October last year.
The victory puts them within nine points of 11th-placed St Mirren.
Hibernian, already certain to compete in the relegation play-off, pulled a goal back in the second half but could not find another in front of their home crowd.
Young Dutch forward Nigel Hasselbaink set up the opener for the Accies with some nice work down the left, squaring for James Chambers to finish in the ninth minute.
The visitors almost found a second soon after when Lee Kilday struck the crossbar with a header, but Billy Reid’s men did double their advantage in the 34th minute.
Ali Crawford’s free-kick was headed away by Hibernian forward Akpo Sodje, but it struck team-mate Liam Miller before finding the net.
The hosts reduced the deficit through Sodje in the 66th minute, when the much-travelled striker placed his shot nicely after a long ball from Callum Booth.
The Accies held off some late pressure to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. Hibernian remain eighth.
Porto returned home to celebrate their Liga Sagres title with a 3-2 win over Sporting Lisbon on Sunday, while Benfica defeated Beira-Mar.Porto, who clinched the Portuguese league title at bitter rivals Benfica two weeks earlier, finally made their triumphant return to the Estadio do Dragao to a rapturous reception from their fans.
The atmosphere was briefly tempered when Sporting took the lead through Andre Santos, whose long-range attempt in the 18th minute took a deflection off team-mate Matias Fernandez and skipped past Porto goalkeeper Helton.
But scores were level eight minutes later as Falcao, Porto’s prolific Colombian striker, brought the home fans to their feet with a header from 12 yards out.
The Colombian nabbed a second five minutes after the restart with another header, this time a diving effort to connect with Joao Moutinho’s chipped cross from the right.
Substitute striker Walter, brought on for Falcao, also got in on the act with an 87th-minute goal, one that was equalled by Fernandez one minute later to dampen fan celebrations until the final whistle.
Elsewhere, Benfica returned to winning ways after consecutive league losses with a 2-1 victory over Beira-Mar.
Second-half goals from Brazilian defender Sidnei and Argentine attacker Franco Jara put Jorge Jesus’ team back on the winner’s list, albeit with second spot on the table already wrapped up.
Substitute Ghanaian attacker Ishmael Yartey scored what proved to be a consolation goal in the third minute of stoppage time for 10th-placed Beira-Mar.
Portimonense kept their slim hopes of remaining in the top flight alive with a 1-0 win at Uniao de Leiria.
A 63rd-minute goal from Pedro Silva was enough to bring his team within six points of safety with three league games to go.
Madi Panandetiguiri was sent off for the losing side after picking up two bookings in four minutes, while Silva too received his marching orders 11 minutes before full-time.
Finally, Rio Ave made it three-straight wins with a 1-0 victory over the struggling Naval 1 Maio.
Defender Milhazes scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute as they moved to within a point of a Europa League spot.
Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean believes one more victory will be enough to secure survival following a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.Martin Olsson’s goal in the 20th minute at Ewood Park on Saturday was enough to secure Blackburn their first win since January.
They are now 15th in the English Premier League table with 38 points, three points clear of the relegation zone with three matches of the season left to play.
Blackburn are away to bottom side West Ham United next, before a home match against league leaders Manchester United.
They travel to second bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day of the season.
“We’ve got to play West Ham and we’ve got to play Wolves in the last game so everybody can’t get three points,” Kean said.
“So I imagine if you’ve got 40 points and a good goal difference, which we have, that’s going to see you safe.”
“I thought we performed with a lot of attitude and spirit and togetherness,” he added.
“Today there wasn’t a want for the points, there was a need which is a very different emotion. You could feel it in the dressing room.”
“The lads had a focus and I thought they gave an outstanding and professional performance. They gave me every single thing I asked for before the game and more.”
Bolton boss Own Coyle felt his makeshift team did not deserve to go home empty handed after a committed performance.
“I’m frustrated,” Coyle said.
“I felt the application the lads put in was terrific given again we were decimated by injury and really had a makeshift team.”
“We started the game well and probably could and should have scored and then we’ve shot ourselves in the foot with the goal we’ve lost.”
Bolton bounced back from a 5-0 FA Cup semi-final thrashing against Stoke to beat Arsenal 2-1 last week, but the match against Blackburn proved beyond Coyle’s team.
“I think a lot of them acquitted themselves very well in terms of the effort, both physically and mentally, they had to give given how big the last couple of weeks have been for them and coming off a tough midweek game as well,” he said.
Kenny Dalglish is looking to make QPR’s Moroccan international Adel Taarabt his first summer signing, and the Metro has reported that the Scot will use Joe Cole as ‘bait’ in order to get his man.
The former Spurs youngster has been instrumental in helping QPR regain promotion back to the Premier League with 19 goals and 16 assists. The Championship player of the year has also been rumoured to have caught the eye of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Joe Cole and his family have failed to settle on Merseyside since moving away from the capital after the Englishman’s free transfer from Chelsea and are eager for a return to London. One stumbling block could be Cole’s current reported wage of £90,000 a week, however Liverpool’s owners are keen to ‘splash the cash’ and could offer the former West Ham man a lump sum payoff to facilitate his move to QPR.
Kenny Dalglish is looking to make QPR’s Moroccan international Adel Taarabt his first summer signing, and the Metro has reported that the Scot will use Joe Cole as ‘bait’ in order to get his man.
The former Spurs youngster has been instrumental in helping QPR regain promotion back to the Premier League with 19 goals and 16 assists. The Championship player of the year has also been rumoured to have caught the eye of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Joe Cole and his family have failed to settle on Merseyside since moving away from the capital after the Englishman’s free transfer from Chelsea and are eager for a return to London. One stumbling block could be Cole’s current reported wage of £90,000 a week, however Liverpool’s owners are keen to ‘splash the cash’ and could offer the former West Ham man a lump sum payoff to facilitate his move to QPR.
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As things stand, there appears to be a significant risk of seeing more images of Harry Redknapp playing golf on Sky television this summer than there is of seeing Tiger Woods with club in hand in the coming weeks.
A day does not appear to pass without the Tottenham boss giving his green-side views on the transfer window and his club’s potential targets over the summer. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the cockney geezer, with many finding Redknapp’s wide-eyed enjoyment of his recent European adventure an endearing and refreshing trait in the cynical world of European qualification.
The goodwill shown towards the former Portsmouth boss by the football public and written press looks set to sweep Redknapp into the England job next autumn- an eventuality that was brought into sharper focus after England’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Saturday. However, no matter how you dress them, the accomplishments of the man who would be king in the last 12 months make for confusing reading.
Domestically, Tottenham have underachieved. Considering the strength of Redknapp’s squad, and relative struggles of each of the club’s nearest rivals, to finish fifth this season represents a real missed opportunity.
Tottenham fans will talk about the transformation that Redknapp has overseen in his near three year spell at White Hart Lane. To rescue the club from the foot of the table and catapult them into a Champions League is, on paper, remarkable. However, few sides have the sort of transfer budget afforded the former West Ham boss. To spend over £100 million across such a short period, one might rightly expect some significant improvement.
You only need to compare the first choice midfields of the league’s biggest guns to appreciate the narrowing gap between the top six in the division. Whereas once Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal would have six or seven players who would walk into their rival’s line up- it is arguably Tottenham’s creative engine that is most desired by the rest of the division.
That is not to say that Spurs are without holes to plug ahead of what looks set to be a very busy transfer window. A chronic lack of goals at key times last season undermined their European charge, and Redknapp has already moved to bring in reinforcements in goal after a number of high profile howlers from Brazilian stopper Heurelho Gomes.
The manager’s bizarre attitude towards the goalkeeping position warrants a blog post of its own, nevertheless the acquisition of Brad Friedel from Aston Villa is the strongest indication yet that the FA Cup winner is no longer prepared to accept the current level of performance- regardless of how well he claims his side have done in the face of more financially powerful foes.
It is, of course, in Redknapp’s interest to continually play the underdog card- Tottenham’s inability to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition will inevitably leave a number of his high profile squad members vulnerable to sizeable bids from potential suitors. The club may be able to stave off interest this time around- the club appear in a reasonable shape financially, and as Redknapp points out- if the club do not strengthen they will be left behind.
Nevertheless, there can be little doubt that this summer represents the most unique challenge of Redknapp’s career. In previous years, the onus has been on him to live within his means and punch above his weight in both the transfer market and the league table. With such a highly talented squad at his disposal, expectation management is not a policy that the Spurs fans and board will continue to endorse. Having given the White Hart Lane faithful a taste of the big time, Redknapp must deliver more. His cries about financial imbalances may hold water, but with the league in its current state, there is a fantastic opportunity to bring big glory to north London next year.
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Before he was made England coach in 2006, Steve McClaren had two achievements to hang his managerial hat on. One domestic cup competition and a brave but futile European campaign proved enough to encourage the FA that he was the correct man for the top job. Five years on, and with a strangely similar CV, Redknapp must prove that he is more than a sum of his silverware successes and the man to bring glory to both club and country.
For a full rundown of Harry’s summer tour of Britain’s golf courses, find me on Twitter.
In light of Newcastle’s epic 2nd half turnaround at the weekend I looked into the top ten football comebacks in recent memory.
10. Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic: European Championship, 2008.
We all know how crazy Turkish fans are, as football means more than life itself to them. They went absolutely mental when Turkey produced this shocker of a comeback.
2-0 down with just 15 minutes left, but Arda Turan pulled one back to make it 2-1, and a late brace from Nihat Kahvaci saw the Turcs mark down a most unlikely win against the Czechs.
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9. Bayer Uerdingen 7-3 Dynamo Dresden: German Cup, 1986. A comfortable 2-0 home win in the first leg put Dynamo forward as favourites to progress, and was comforted by a 3-1 half-time lead in away in the return game.5-1 ahead on aggregate by the break, Bayer Uerdingen produced one of the most exciting, spectacular comebacks of all time and scored another six goals to put them through to the semis.[youtube d__RkpJhfJQ]
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8. West Germany 3-2 England: World Cup, 1970.
We all know about this comeback, and what a one it was from the Germans. England looked to defend a 2-0 lead to progress to the Semi-Finals, but Sir Alf Ramsey took off star striker Bobby Charlton to rest him for the next game, but dramatically turned into a German Victory. Beckenbauer, Seeler and an extra-time (108’) goal from Gerd Muller sent the Deutchland’ers through to the semis.
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Continued on Page TWO
7. Liverpool 3-1 Olympiakos: Champions League 2004-05.
In a year which saw Liverpool lift the European Cup in Istanbul, before another stunning comeback against AC Milan, the Reds went into the game needing to score two following a 1-0 defeat in Greece but fell short of the wire in the first half, and two became three after Rivaldo scored a free-kick.
It was two substitute appearances which pushed Liverpool to victory. Florent Sinama Pongolle tapped in Harry Kewell’s cross from 6-yards out, whilst Neil Mellor raised the Kop’s hope just 9 minutes from time. However it was an absolute peach from skipper Steven Gerrard from 30-yards out which saw Liverpool progress to the next stage, making their comeback one of the best of all time.
“This is stuff of which dreams are made – but this real life”
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6. Tottenham 3-4 Manchester City: FA Cup 2004.
Manchester City scratched their names into history for arguable one of the best FA Cup comebacks of all time away to Tottenham at White Hart Lane, after Ledley King, Robbie Keane and Christian Zieger put Spurs 3-0 up by half time. Joey Barton was sent off just before the break, leaving City with an almighty task ahead of them in the second half – hoping to not increase Tottenham’s lead.
A deflected shot from Sylvain Distin gave the light blues a glimpse of hope, but goals from Paul Bosvelt and Shaun Wright-Phillips put City back on track, whilst a stoppage time header from Jonathan Macken gave manager Kevin Keegan an almighty 10-man comeback victory.
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5. Tottenham Hotspur 3-5 Manchester United.
Dean Richards scored on his debut for Spurs following an £8.1 million switch from Southampton a week earlier, Les Ferdinand made it two and Christian Zieger three all before half-time.
Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham scored as United to complete an amazing five goal comeback.
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4. Angola 4-4 Mali: Africa Cup of Nations 2010.
A Stunning comeback saw Mali score four goals in 11 minutes to prevent the hosts in winning the opening game of the Cup. A brace from Barcelona’s Samuel Keita, and goals from Kanoute and Yatabare saw Mali clench an exciting draw.
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3. Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich: Champions League Final 2007, Nou Camp – Barcelona.
Mario Basler took the lead after six minutes, and Bayern Munich managed to hold on all the way into stoppage time before an UNBELIEVABLE two goal comeback from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunner Solskjaer on 90+1’ and 90+3’ saw Sir Alex’s men take the title home to England.
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2. Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal: St. James’ Park – Premier League 2011.
Walcott, Djourou and Van Persie put the Gunners ahead 3-0 within ten minutes, and four up within 26’. Newcastle were lucky to not be down by more at the break, but they turned it around for one of the best games of football I’ve ever seen.
I don’t know what Alan Pardew said in that dressing room, but I would put money down that his voice hurt or maybe a spare boot thrown Ferguson-Beckham style.
Abou Diaby’s short temper and conflict with Joey Barton (who else?) let him take an early shower whilst two controversial penalties and an effort from Leon Best pulled the Magpies back to 4-3. However it took a contender for goal of the season for the Toon Army to grab an 87’ equaliser, with Cheik Tiote smashing one in from 30 yards out into the bottom corner.
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1. Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (3-2 penalties): 2005 Champions League Final.
Milan went ahead after just one minute of play, nicely reinforced by a double brace from Hernan Crespo just six minutes before the referee put an end to a miserable Liverpool half.
Despite nearly going to bed, I stayed up to watch the rest, and I am thankful that I did!
What a comeback from the 18-time domestic league champions. Three goals in six minutes from Gerrard, Smicer and Alonso put the Reds firmly back on track, and a penalty shootout saw Rafa Benitez’s side clench their first European victory in 21 years.
Unbeatably the BEST comeback of all time.
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Have I missed any? Follow me on Twitter and ask me!
The Reds have seemingly been linked with every winger in Europe in the past week as the media try to second guess Kenny Dalglish. A deal for Downing is looking most likely; especially with reports suggesting that the winger is set to put a transfer request in so to force a summer move.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include Meireles being an expendable asset; another Bosman flop that Liverpool have become accustomed, while X marks the spot in Liverpool midfield.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
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Liverpool are far from being one-man team – but you already knew that
‘X’ marks the spot in Liverpool’s midfield
Why Liverpool are finally playing the squad game
Liverpool FC: Arsenal, Boston or bust?
Raul Meireles – an expendable asset
Another Bosman flop that Liverpool have become accustomed?
Liverpool urgent transfer priority at this moment in time
Seven reasons to be excited by his Liverpool return
The type of quality that Liverpool should be aspiring to?
Liverpool foiled with initial £15m bid
Sensible, but will it put off potential signings at Liverpool?
*Best of WEB*
One Fundamental Area Where We Can Now Match Man U- Live4Liverpool
Kenny Dalglish has got his man – now Liverpool must work out what to do with Charlie Adam – Daily Telegraph
LFC’s Transfer Policy Explained (Hopefully) – Tomkins Times
Charlie Adam – Statistical Breakdown of Season 2010/11 – Anfield Index
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He’s Fat, He’s Round, He’s worth a Million Pound, Sammy Lee – This is Anfield
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Click on Steven Taylor’s lady below to see her gallery