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 >
So, having finally completed his long-awaited transfer to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale on Sunday evening became the most expensive footballer in football history. It’s a statement which will take some getting used to – not because Gareth Bale isn’t an excellent footballer, but rather because the fee is at a level which shouldn’t be paid… Continue reading >
It was a little surprising to see so few pundits tip Man City for the league this season. Man United, as defending champions, are favoured by many to land yet another title – despite the departure of Alex Ferguson. And of those who feel that David Moyes won’t mark a first season at the Old… Continue reading >
It’s not without a sense of irony that the high cost of tickets for Premier League matches was thrust into the spotlight by Manchester City supporters. The £62 ticket price for a ticket to watch their team play away to Arsenal was no more than Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Spurs have had to pay… Continue reading >
The best league in the world. The most popular league in the world. Both are common phrases to hear, when describing the English Premier League. Of course, they’re almost always used by British journalists or ex-players covering the English game on TV. The recent announcement of the FIFpro World XI for 2012 was heavily criticised… 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 >
Well, Roberto Di Matteo lasted longer as Chelsea manager than some. The Italian’s 262 days in the job make him the fourth longest-serving of the eight men who have held the Chelsea manager’s job since the arrival of Roman Abramovich in 2003. It doesn’t make the decision to sack him any easier to understand though,… Continue reading >
I wasn’t surprised to see King Kenny shown the Anfield exit yesterday. However, nor would I have been surprised if Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s Boston-based owners, had opted to stand by the man whom they themselves appointed only a year ago. There were strong arguments supporting each course of action and whatever decision Liverpool’s American… Continue reading >
Wigan are becoming the Premier League’s finest escape artists. The manner in which the club continually flirt with relegation before eventually going on to secure their top flight status is starting to look as if Wigan get themselves into ever more desperate situations each year simply to provide themselves with a challenge. Here are three… Continue reading >
Whether or not luck was against Liverpool in their defeat to Sunderland, as Kenny Dalglish has suggested due to the comical goal which decided the game, the Reds are in a poor position in the league due to problems which have existed from day one of the season – and which have simply not been… Continue reading >