123 days. That’s how long it took for Thomas Tuchel to deliver a European trophy for Chelsea following his appointment as the club’s first team manager. Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Man City in last weekend’s final in Porto demonstrated how far Chelsea have come over the past four months, but the title of European Champions… Continue reading >
Bad champions. That was the damning verdict on Liverpool by Roy Keane, the outspoken pundit and winner of multiple titles as captain of Manchester United. Keane’s assessment came after Liverpool were beaten 4-1 at Anfield by Man City, who would comfortably finish the season as this season’s champions. However, while the claim had some merit… Continue reading >
The biggest surprise to the news of Frank Lampard’s sacking as Chelsea manager was the number of people in the game who genuinely seemed to be surprised by it. That’s not to suggest that I agreed with the decision, but instead was based on the ruthless manner in which the London club has been run… Continue reading >
As the UEFA Champions League heads into the final round of matches in the group stage of the competition, there’s a mixed picture for the four competing English clubs. Man City and Spurs guaranteed their places in the next round following Matchday 5, while Liverpool and Chelsea each missed out on the opportunity to progress… Continue reading >
After strong league performances by Man City and Liverpool over the 2018/19 Premier League season, it’s understandable that most predictions for this season’s winners focussed on one of those two teams. But despite the existence of a 25 point gap between last year’s runners-up, Liverpool, and Chelsea in 3rd position, it’s not an unrealistic prospect… Continue reading >
The 2018/19 Premier League season is only a month from being concluded, and with the title race having been one of the most closely fought for years, every match remains critical in determining whether Man City or Liverpool will come out on top. The two sides have been within touching distance of each other for… Continue reading >
There were huge contrasts in the reaction to Jose Mourinho’s sacking as Chelsea manager on Thursday. Fans of Chelsea were understandably disappointed that the man who led the club during last season’s title win had now been removed as club manager. Meanwhile, Mourinho’s detractors – of which he has seen a growing number this season… Continue reading >
The Premier League returns today, after a short break due to FA Cup action. With most teams having only a dozen games left to play, it’s set up for a thrilling finale to what has so far been one of the most fascinating campaigns to date. Chelsea currently lead, but after a potentially tricky home… Continue reading >
It’s a sign of the modern game that each and every footballing defeat is treated with hysteria and calls for managers to be sacked. So it’s no surprise that the pressure on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger intensified following their penalty shoot-out defeat to Bradford in the League Cup last night. Arsenal are without a trophy… Continue reading >
It’s funny how managers are treated so differently in the media. Some are able to do no wrong, regardless of any periods of under-achievement or mistakes they might make. Others can do nothing right, and their achievements are belittled – or credited entirely to someone else. An example of the former is Mark Hughes, who… Continue reading >