Football Top.com - International football rating

2013/2014 Premier League season highlights

Leon Smolski — Thu, 22 May 2014 14:25:15 +0000

2013/2014 season has been one of the most intriguing ones in Premier League history with top four clubs finishing inside just seven points. It was not until Day 36 that we knew the first team to drop from the top division. With some players getting ready for the World Cup and the rest having holidays, we can summarize the highlights of the season.

1. Is there life after Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United?

That was the first season without gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm of Manchester United since 1986. Some of us were not even born at the time when the great Scot took charge of The Red Devils. And if there is one team that would like to forget the season as soon as possible it is the United squad. Everybody was aware the transition from Ferguson era to new life would not be easy. But few could imagine the defending champions would be this vulnerable. The champions hardly had any squad changes in the build-up to the season. But there was one immense difference. Sir Alex left and David Moyes was brought in. He had done a decent job with Everton and was meant not to let the squad fall apart in their first season without his predecessor. What actually happened is that he failed to do so. The Red Devils struggled to replicate their usual performance and became the laughingstock for the whole year. Wayne Rooney and Co. were knocked out of all Cup competitions and finished the Premier League season outside the European zone for the first time in many, many years. Despite a six-year contract, signed before the season, David Moyes was sacked before the end of the season, Ryan Giggs became an interim head coach and Louis Van Gaal will be trying to restore United fear factor in the 2014/2015 season.

2. Brendan Rodgers vowed to prove English players can play attractive and efficient football. He wasn’t bluffing.

Just like nobody predicted the sharp downfall of Manchester United, nobody considered Liverpool as serious title contenders. But the Rodgers’ ‘small horse’ kept harassing opposition defenses throughout the season and netted an incredible 101 goals, just one less than champions Manchester City. The Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who had claimed he was happy at Anfield, scored 31 goals in 33 matches. In the end The Reds were just two points short of the title. Five Liverpool players will represent the national team in Brazil and Brendan Rodgers pledged his players will be even more competitive in the next season.

3. In the era of commerce club owners have no patience and trust.

Nine clubs sacked their head coaches during the season. Fulham did it twice. Probably only Crystal Palace and Sunderland were the winners of those chaotic changes. Pragmatic Tony Pulis simply had more experience than Ian Holloway to keep the Eagles in Premier League and build a solid back line. Gus Poyet got more time than scandalous Paolo Di Canio to work with The Black Cats and left it late to impress and drag the club out of relegation zone. Other managerial changes hardly had any positive impact on the squads.

4. Gareth Bale was worth a whole bunch of players who were brought in to replace him.

Daniel Levy or whoever is in charge of decisions at Tottenham Hotspur should take a serious look at his work at White Hart Lane. The entire whole lotta sack of money received from Gareth Bale’s transfer to Real Madrid was spent on Vlad Chiriches , Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen, Soldado and Erik Lamela. A year later Spurs finish sixth, one place below their 2013 level. Besides, they were humiliated twice by both Manchester City and Liverpool. With Andre Villas-Boas sacked and Tim Sherwood hardly a long-term option, Tottenham board will need to lure a top-class head coach to make things right at the club.

5. Premier League actually has plenty of young talent, including that with English passports.

Premier League has been vastly condemned for buying its way to success. However, last season most clubs proved there is place for young talents who could become world-class players in the years to come. 18-year old Luke Shaw has been impressive for Southampton and duly received a call-up to represent the England national team in Brazil. He is now tipped for a multi-million transfer to Manchester United. Ross Barkley and John Stones were the revelations at Everton. Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan have been brilliant for runners-up Liverpool. Andros Townsend and Harry Kane impressed for the Spurs. Arsenal’s few British players, Oz and Jack Wilshere, were worth being invited to The Three Lions. With Brendan Rodgers’ mentality and English talent the national squad could become a serious power in world football.

Premier League preview: Everton vs Arsenal and other fixtures

Leon Smolski — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 11:55:56 +0000

With the season rolling up to the end, the clubs enter the crucial stage, with the six-pointers coming both in relegation zone and in the top.

Everton vs Arsenal
A crucial clash at Goodison Park that could be decisive in the battle for a Champions League spot. The Toffees lie just four points adrift of fourth-placed Gunners and have a match in hand. If they manage to exploit Arsenal’s poor spring form and take three points in Liverpool, they would close the gap to one point and will have a postponed Crystal Palace game to play.

Arsene Wenger, though, is aware of the the threat and must finish in the top four to be able to sign an extension of his contract that expired in the summer. He will still miss a number of first-string players at Goodison Park, such as Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. Aaron Ramsey seems to be fit and could take a part in the game. Roberto Martinez will be missing Lacina Traore, Steven Pienaar, Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson. Ross Barkley is doubtful. The teams have met twice this season, with Arsenal winning in the FA Cup 4-1 and a 1-1 draw in Premier League. Both matches were played at Emirates.

Manchester City vs Southampton
This match could have been a no-brainer, with the hosts on the way to Premier League title and The Saints far from European Cups and relegation battle, but for one nuance: at least four Southampton players work their socks off to impress Roy Hodgson two months before the World Cup. And the match against title contenders is definitely the one that counts. Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert are the ones who still have a chance to catch a plane to Brazil this summer. Matija Nastasic, Sergio Aguero and Micah Richards are sidelined for the hosts, while Maya Yoshida, Nat Clyne, Victor Wanyama, Danny Fox and Kelvin Davis are doubtful for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The teams drew 1-1 at St.Mary’s last December.

Chelsea must stop their poor form to beat Stoke City at Stamford Bridge and get back to the title race. Manchester United travel to Newcastle after an inspiring draw against European champions Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. West Ham United host free-scoring Liverpool, who have won their last six Premier League games. Cardiff host Crystal Palace in what might be a last chance game for Ole Gunnar Solskajer. Norwich take on West Bromwich in another relegation battle. Aston Villa, who lost Cristian Benteke through a cruciate ligament injury for six months, play against struggling Fulham in Birmingham.

Saturday, 05/04
Manchester City vs Southampton
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Cardiff City vs Crystal Palace
Hull City vs Swansea City
Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea vs Stoke City

Sunday, 06/04
Everton vs Arsenal
West Ham United vs Liverpool

Monday, 07/04
Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland

FIFA International friendlies: England v Denmark and more

Leon Smolski — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:18:09 +0000

Players, whose place in the England squad for the World Cup in Brazil is not concrete, have the last opportunity to impress Roy Hodgson at Wembley against Denmark on Wedneday night.

England v Denmark
Roy Hogdson was seen at St.Mary’s Stadium last Saturday, as Southampton hosted Liverpool. These two clubs employ nine out of thirty England players, called-up to represent the national team in the match against Denmark with Luke Shaw earning his first call-up. Another five players come from Manchester United, three from Chelsea, two from Everton, Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal. Cardiff, Norwich, West Brom, Celtic and Toronto have one representative in the squad. However, Spurs head coach Tim Sherwood claimed Kyle Walker will not be fit for Wednesday fixture, as well as Danish international Christian Eriksen. Denmark will not take part in the World Cup having been the lowest-rated group runner-up during qualification campaign.

England’s remaining friendlies against Peru, Ecuador and Honduras come in May and June after the final provisional 30-man squad will have been named.

South Africa v Brazil
The hosts of the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, South Africa and Brazil, meet in Johannesburg. Bafana Bafana, who finished behind Ethiopia in the group and failed to qualify for the tournament, will test the Selecao, who missed the entire qualification campaign as Cup hosts. South Africa leader and Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will sit out the friendly match along with Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
Luiz Felipe Scolari brought the following squad to Joburg:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo)

Defenders: Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Rafinha (Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Paulinho (Tottenham), Ramires, Oscar, Willian (all Chelsea)

Strikers: Neymar (Barcelona), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Hulk (Zenit), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro)

The Brazilian specialist claimed ahead of the game:
‘If you are a team like Brazil and you take part in a World Cup, everybody expects you to lift the trophy. We are certainly working towards that aim’.

Spain v Italy
The winners of the last two World Cups face each other in Madrid, at Estadio Vicente Calderon. Diego Costa could make his debut for La Furia Roja after obtaining Spanish citizenship. Manchester United and Chelsea stars Juan Mata and Fernando Torres were left out of the squad, but other Premier League players, such as Santi Cazorla, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Silva, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo are all in the team.

However, Spain manager Vicente del Bosque highlighted that ‘This is just a squad to play Italy, not for the World Cup’.
Emmanuele Giaccherini from Sunderland was called up to represent Italy.

Other fixtures:
Turkey v Sweden
Romania v Argentina
Ukraine v United States
Austria v Uruguay
Switzerland v Croatia
Germany v Chile
Republic of Ireland v Serbia
Belgium v Cote D’Ivoire
Poland v Scotland
Wales v Iceland
France v Netherlands
Portugal v Cameroon

Premier League fixtures. Southampton v Liverpool and more

Leon Smolski — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 14:09:10 +0000

With Manchester derby being postponed for 25 March, and Sunderland preparing for the League Cup final, there will only be eight Premier League matches in weekend.

Fulham v Chelsea
The clubs from bottom and top of the league meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Felix Magath started his reign with a draw at The Hawthorns before letting winter signings Ryan Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole leave on loan. Even before the ‘Iron Felix’ was appointed as a manager, Fulham started to show signs of improvement, holding Manchester United at Old Trafford and allowing Liverpool winner late in injury time. The German specialist has no injury concerns. Chelsea, who just returned from Turkey after drawing with Galatasaray in the Champions League, only have two days to recover for Premier League match. However, Jose Mourinho should have enough squad depth with David Luiz the only concern. With Manchester City missing the round, The Blues could extend the gap from their main title rivals to six points.

Southampton v Liverpool
Southampton and Liverpool are not bound by additional competitions and can focus on Premier League alone. Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw and Jay Rodriguez have got a huge confidence boost after being called-up to represent The Three Lions in the upcoming friendly tie against Denmark at Wembley. Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Jordan Henderson will represent Liverpool in the national squad. Southampton inflicted the only defeat on the Reds at Anfield in current campaign courtesy of Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, who will not be able to help his team this time around. Brendan Rodgers has been pleased to see Lucas Leiva and Mamadou Sakho train returning from injury breaks. Liverpool will be inspired by an opportunity to finish weekend on second or third place ahead of Manchester City.

Stoke City v Arsenal
Stoke City have demonstrated solid performance against top clubs this season, beating Manchester United, Chelsea and holding Manchester City and Everton. Arsenal, meanwhile, have not been too comfortable on the road. Arsene Wenger has many squad concerns with Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Jack Wilshere all doubtful for the travel to Britannia Stadium. Robert Huth is likely to return to action for The Potters.

Everton v West Ham United
Hull City v Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Norwich City
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Cardiff City

What happens to Southampton and Mauricio Pochettino after Nicola Cortese resignation?

Leon Smolski — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 09:57:04 +0000

As Southampton executive chairman Nicola Cortese resigns, can Southampton become an easy shop for Premier League giants?

Nicola Cortese guided Southampton since the German businessman, Markus Liebherr, had bought the club back in 2009. He was the man who was behind the team’s revival as the Saints progressed from League One to Premier League in three years. Cortese managed to establish a solid young squad capable under the manager Nigel Adkins but later replaced him with a Spanish young coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has turned the side into a competitive power in the English top flight. However, back in May 2013 Pochettino claimed he was only working at the club as long as Cortese did, which made the pundits think he would resign immediately after the chairman. Still, the Spanish manager will not quit until after the upcoming fixture against Sunderland and could be in talks about his future at the club with the new chairman Katharina Liebherr, daughter of Markus Liebherr, who had passed away in 2010.

The talks started growing about possible sales of the players to interested clubs, including both Manchester giants. Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert were named among the most likely stars to leave Southampton. However, we believe the resignation of Nicola Cortese will not trigger the players’ exodus. Some of them, like Adam Lallana or Morgan Schneiderlin, played before Liebherr takeover. Most of them played under Nigel Adkins, now they play under Mauricio Pochettino. What they manage to keep throughout all the changes is faith in the team and enormous ambition, which they have proven in the last four seasons. So if any squad member parts ways with the club, it will be for any reason but Nicola Cortese resignation. Mauricio Pochettino, however, will quit if he is a man of the word. The question is whether he lasts till the end of the season.

Premier League fixtures: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Leon Smolski — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 10:06:27 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur play against United and must bounce back after dismal perfomances at Etihad last week and at White Hart Lane against Newcastle before that to save face.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
Two high-profile clubs have underperformed so far this season with The Spurs lying 9th and United 6th in the table. Tottenham have not won in any of the last twelve matches against the Red Devils at White Hart Lane (W0 D4 L8) and struggle to produce goals in current campaign. They did not find the net in the last three games in Premier League. However, they managed to keep seven clean sheets in twelve matches. Both clubs were involved in European games in midweek with United beating Leverkusen in Germany by 5-0 and Spurs overcoming Tromso 2-0. Eriksen, Adebayor and Rose are out for Spurs, while Carrick is sidelined for Moyes with Van Persie, Vidic and Rafael doubtful.

Chelsea vs Southampton
Jose Mourinho is set to make changes in the squad that lost to Basel on Tuesday and produced a mere one shot. Chelsea nad Southampton are the two best defensive sides in Premier League and only conceded 10 and 7 goals respectively. The Saints scored just five goals in their five previous games on the road in Premier League. David Luiz will not be able to help his team, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren are doubtful for Mauricio Pochettino.

Manchester City vs Swansea City
City seem unstoppable at Etihad and Michael Laudrup has a headache figuring out how to stop Aguero, Negredo, Dezko and co. Swansea in turn have never scored at Etihad and their two main strikers Michu and Bony are doubtful for the clash.

Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Cardiff City vs Arsenal
Everton vs Stoke City
Norwich City vs Crystal Palace
West Ham United vs Fulham
Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
Hull City vs Liverpool
Chelsea vs Southampton
Manchester City vs Swansea City

Chelsea target Southampton Luke Shaw

Basil Naumov — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:19:13 +0000

Сhelsea are hot on the trail of Southampton promising youngster Luke Shaw.

The Blues boss Rafa Benitez has instructed his scouts to watch the 17-yeat-old defender in action and the reports impressed him to such an extent he plans to bring him toe the Stamford Bridge in summer. The Spaniard considers the player to be a long-term replacement to ageing Ashley Cole, who will be released from the club as soon as his contract expires.

However the Saints are unlikely to settle for anything less than £10 million. Luke Shaw has made 17 Premier League appearances, since breaking into the first team this season.

Southampton starlet Luke Shaw pens a new deal

Basil Naumov — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:51:23 +0000

Southampton were given a huge boost with the news that their highly-rated youngster Luke Shaw committed the future to the club by signing a long-term contract.

17-year-old attacking fullback is praised by media as having the bags of ability and is considered one to watch in the near future. The fans feared that yet another nurtured talent could leave the club and follow the way of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott and Bale into the arms of rich club. That is why player’s decision to extend the deal with the club brought the sense of relief for the coaching staff and the fans alike.

Luke Shaw has made 12 appearances for the club this season and is held in high regard by the Southampton coaching staff.