His men’s Serie A title rivals Inter Milan may have slipped up, but AC Milan boss Massimiliano continues to preach caution.Allegri watched his side beat Sampdoria 3-0 at the San Siro on Saturday, with Inter slumping to a 2-0 defeat away to Parma.
The results leave Milan eight points clear of third-placed Inter, but with Napoli still within touch distance, Allegri urged his side not to let up.
“We’ve got to keep an eye on Napoli,” Allegri said.
“Admittedly eight points with only 15 available is a very tough ask, but rather than celebrate Inter falling behind, I’d keep an eye out for Napoli.”
“We struggled tonight in the first half. Sampdoria defended well in an orderly fashion and we had problems but in the second-half our pressure told and I think it was a great win.”
“After the break we put more pressure on and it went well for us.”
Clarence Seedorf, Antonio Cassano and Robinho all got on the scoresheet for Milan, but Allegri could be facing a striker shortage in the coming weeks with Alexandre Pato and Christian Abbiati both limping off injured and Zlatan Ibrahimovic serving a three-match suspension.
“We hope to get Pippo Inzaghi back before the end of the season, as he is training well and working really hard,” Allegri said.
“At this point there are no big problems. We are leading and we have to keep going to the end. We still have Robinho and Cassano upfront. We are monitoring Inzaghi week by week and his recovery is going well but he has been out for over four months.”
When I decided to choose my own Premiership Team of the Year, I thought it would be a breeze. I’ll be done in 20 minutes. Three days and two migraines later, I realised how difficult it is. I watch a lot of football, too much- but there are still many teams that I haven’t seen quite enough of to give a definitive judgement. But eventually I got there, though if you ask me tomorrow I’ll have changed half the team. I have tried to be totally unbiased, and have also considered all performances for their club team, not just Premier League games. I also was boring and went for a conventional 4-4-2, whilst shoehorning players randomly into midfield, perhaps picking more of a team of the top performers rather than a team that would work the best together. A little artistic licence should always be allowed.
Goalkeeper: Edwin Van Der Sar.
Seems to be having his best season in his final season. Admittedly not the most overworked keeper in the division, but a season of few mistakes and some crucuial saves sees him get the nod. One of a number of big holes that Alex Ferguson will soon have to fill.
Left Back: Leighton Baines.
An underwhelming season for some of the big-name left backs. Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra have hardly set the world alight, also making plenty of headlines off the field for all the wrong reasons. Baines though has been a model of consistency in a team that had a difficult season, and has shown himself to be a great crosser of the ball, and all-round striker of the ball. Inevitably will be linked to other clubs over the summer having notched 11 assists so far this season. Newcastle fans might argue Jose Enrique is even better though.
Central Defence: Vincent Kompany.
Mark Hughes had his uses. Bought from Hamburg for a mere £6m in 2008, he should be on all shortlists for player of the year. Hampered slightly by injury last season, he has come of age this season, and should be an integral part of what could be a very exciting Belgian national team over the next decade or so.A cool, calm, collected and classy defender, surely a future Manchester City captain, and a great ambassador for the club off the pitch too.
Central Defence: Nemanja Vidic.
Once more a rock in the centre of defence for Manchester United, an even more vital cog now that Rio Ferdinand’s back is slowly getting the better of him. Tough and uncomprimising, with the added ability to get away with fouls, a bonus for any manager! You know the rest….
Right Back: Bacary Sagna.
No outstanding candidates that I could think of in this position. Was tempted to plump for a rejuvinated Stephen Carr, but not seen quite enough of him to be sure. Arsenal’s defence is regularly criticised, but the blame surely lies more centrally, and they haven’t conceded quite as many as some might think. Solid season, gets up and down the pitch, compliments the midfield and attack well, athletic, not done much wrong from what I have seen.
Continued on Page TWO
Midfield: Samir Nasri
Great season undoubtedly, having muscled up to cope with the strains of the Premier League. Some great goals, great link up play, a classy player that fits in perfectly with the Arsenal ethos. However I have read a few Arsenal fans question his effectiveness against the top teams, and he has faded a little recently along with the rest of the team. Great goal against Spurs though, and at his age a great career awaits.
Midfielder: Luka Modric
The true star of the Spurs midfield. Forget Bale’s one league assist or Van De Vaart’s explosive three-month spell, the biggest talent in the Spurs midfield is Modric right now. Brilliant control of a football, great passer, the type of footballer like David Silva that you’d pay good money to watch. Van de Vaart and Bale produced a total of 3 goals and 2 assists between them from January until mid-April in 2011, so they miss out.
Midfielder: Scott Parker
Sean Custis at The Sun thinks Parker has stood out this season because of the dross around him. But surely it is harder to perform when surrounded by poorer players? A stand out season, England recognition once more at long last, he has dragged the West Ham team forward through many matches, though it may well be to no avail. The Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
Midfielder: Nani
With a heavy heart I include Nani. Without a trace of bias, everything I hate about modern footballers is encapsulated in this man. Infuriates his own fans much of the time, but has undoubtedly had his best season, bringing a greater influence to proceedings on the pitch, with some great long range strikes, dribbling and ball control, and his 18 assists and 10 league goals cannot be ignored.
Continued on Page THREE
Forward: Carlos Tevez
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One of the easier choices. By his high standards has been off the boil recently before hit by injury, but his influence on the Manchester City team cannot be underestimated, City often over-reliant on him, focusing play around the Argentinian. Second highest Premier League scorer, he is selfish like most top strikers, but obviously knows where the goal is, and is a phenomenal workhorse, always giving his all on the pitch whatever may be happening off it. Will be hard to replace if, as expected, he leaves City in the summer.
Forward: Peter Odenwingie
The first thought for the final berth was Javier Hernandez, a scoring machine who has settled instantly in the Manchester sunshine. But is Odemwingie’s achievement not better? Crucial to securing Premiership football for the Baggies next season, 13 league goals in a promoted team is a wonderful achievement. Born in Uzbekistan, but a Nigerian international, a bargain buy for just £1m, he has had a successful debut season, scoring some crucual winners, and his goal against Spurs this week made him West Brom’s top goalscorer in a single Premier League season (the game was still played at an amateur level before 1992).
So there it is. I already doubt three of the choices. No, four. What of those that just missed out? Hernandez and Carr have been mentioned. A full season for Hernandez would undoubtedly have seen him in. No Chelsea players either, possibly a big oversight as much of their defence could have a case for inclusion. Sub keeper would be Wigan’s stopper Ali Al-Habsi, or an ever-improving and maturing Joe Hart. Injury once more hampered Van Persie. Berbatov as top Premier League goalscorer looks like a glaring omission, but he has scored only 4 goals in the league away from Old Trafford, scores in clumps (flat-track bully sometimes?), and even his manager seems to distrust him now. Jack Wilshere has a wonderful career ahead but I think he has been slightly overhyped for now. Ditto for Gareth Bale. He hasn’t performed every week, and is remembered for a couple of world-beating performances rather than overall consistency – the world is his oyster though, and all that. Van De Vaart’s energy fades during matches, and faded this year a bit too. You could still argue for his inclusion though. David Silva could easily replace Modric – I expect even more from him next season, plus a few more goals, once he has adjusted to English weather. I already love him though. De Jong should really be in there, and would have been in a 4-5-1 formation. Forget Kompany, Tevez, or Silva. De Jong is City’s most important player. He makes the team tick, and protects the defence as if his life depends on it. With him on the pitch City have conceded every 117 minutes, With him off it, every 63 minutes.
Kevin Nolan misses out for his chicken celebration, Joey Barton because he is Joey Barton, Andy Carroll wasn’t far off, nor Gary Cahill, Robert Huth (for goalscoring alone!) and maybe Charlie Adam too, though the January transfer window shenanigans seem to have done him no favours.
Either way, it is an impossible team to decide definitively. Football is not that simple, and picking teams certainly isn’t. Still, at least the migraine has gone now.
Everton can bolster their Europa League hopes for next season when they meet Champions League-bound Manchester City on Saturday.The Merseysiders, who recorded a 1-1 stalemate with relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic last Sunday, are ruing their typically slow start to the 2010/11 season, especially given they are only seven points from fifth – currently occupied by Liverpool – which carries a Europa League place.
David Moyes’ men – who have racked up 48 points so far – realise usurping Liverpool is unlikely, but have made clear their intentions to hold onto seventh place, and build on it next season.
England international defender Phil Jagielka is determined to make life hard for the Citizens, who are not yet fully guaranteed of Champions League action for next season.
“They’ve got Champions League football on their minds and we want to stay in seventh at the very least,” Jagielka told BBC Radio.
“There are points to play for. We’ve had a decent run against them especially away so it’ll be interesting to see how we get on at home.”
Jermaine Beckford, who has came into the side following Louis Saha’s untimely injury, has netted seven goals this term, and will provide the Toffees their attacking spark up front at Goodison Park.
Influential Australian Tim Cahill and silky Barcelona-trained midfielder Mikel Arteta returned to the starting 11 last week after recovering from respective injuries, and should provide much of the attacking impetus on Sunday.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are relishing the prospect of Champions League football next season, currently occupying fourth place on the table.
Boss Roberto Mancini has overseen a three-match winning streak – including a galvanising 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat of arch-rivals Manchester United.
But despite their 2-1 win over basement side West Ham, Mancini warned his troops their ticket to the Champions League was not yet assured.
“I think after what we have done, we deserve to be in the Champions League, but we have another four games – it is not finished,” he said.
City are seven points clear of their nearest rival, Liverpool, and will not want a repeat of the two sides’ clash in December when goals from Cahill and young gun Leighton Baines denied them victory.
And given they still have a potentially taxing FA Cup final encounter against Stoke a week later, they will be eager to consolidate their position with a win over Everton.
The game also represents the first time Joleon Lescott has returned to Goodison Park – and the first time he faces his former side since his big-money transfer to Eastlands in 2009.
FIFA have suspended Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner from all football-related activities after ruling they had a case to answer over bribery allegations.But allegations of corruption against FIFA president Sepp Blatter were dismissed at a news conference in Zurich by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb – a FIFA ethics committee member.
FIFA also insisted they would press on with their planned presidential election on Wednesday, and claimed they would launch a full inquiry into the accusations.
Asian Football Confederation president Bin Hammam had been due to take on Blatter in the election, but he pulled out on Sunday.
Bin Hammam and CONCACAF president Warner, both members of FIFA’s executive committee, are alleged to have tried to bribe members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to vote for Bin Hammam in the election.
Bin Hammam responded by claiming Blatter was aware of corruption within the organisation but failed to report it, which in itself is a breach of FIFA’s code of ethics.
“We are satisfied that there is a case to answer against (Bin Hammam and Warner),” Damaseb said.
“There is going to be a full inquiry.”
“No investigation against Blatter is warranted.”
“The committee is satisfied there is a case to answer, therefore a case will be held in due course where they will be expected to answer the charges against them.”
Despite the cloud of corruption surrounding the organisation, FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said he could see no reason to postpone the election.
“The allegation against Blatter has been cleaned by the committee,” Valcke said. “Why should we postpone the election?”
It was estimated the hearing into the bribery allegations against Bin Hammam and Warner will last for around 30 days.
Diego Maradona has blasted world football’s governing body FIFA, saying it is run by people who do not understand the game.The Argentine legend – now manager of Dubai club Al-Wasl – slammed the unopposed re-election of president Sepp Blatter, stating he wanted no part in the organisation.
“They have invited me to be part of the FIFA family. And I ask, ‘What family?’,” Maradona said.
“This is not a family if no one plays soccer. No one is asking what can be done to improve soccer. There are motorcyclists, swimmers, race car drivers, but there is not one soccer player that can give advice. (There is) so much power and so much stupidity in FIFA. Every day, it’s a different scandal. And this, the soccer players don’t deserve this.”
Maradona, 50, was revealed as United Arab Emirates Football League outfit Al-Wasl manager in May, but was officially unveiled in Dubai on Saturday.
He had been out of football since Argentina’s quarter-final exit in at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Press speculation in the Middle East has put the value of his two-year contract at close to US$10 million.
With one more game of the 2010/11 season remaining, Al-Wasl sit fifth in the league and are on the verge of qualifying for next season’s AFC Champions League.
Maradona takes over in September ahead of the 2011/12 season, replacing Costa Rican Alexandre Guimaraes.
With the players’ holidays coming to an end, the Manchester United team will be returning for pre-season training soon and I’m already finding myself getting increasingly excited for the new season to start. There are five big reasons I can’t wait for the kick off:
1. Ashley Young
I’ve thought the winger belongs at United ever since he started to flash potential when Watford came to the Premier League, now he’s here this signing could be a big impact on the team. Many see Young as a similar mould as Nani and Valencia with his pace and skill. However Young’s direct finish product in his crossing ability will be the best in the United team, something I can’t help but sometimes feel Nani lacks. Also being a set piece expert, Young should give United the opportunity to be threatening from free-kicks and corners again.
2. The Manchester Derby
With City’s team strengthening by the transfer window the Manchester Derby’s are growing more and more competitive and this is represented in the football betting. That’s why I have never loved Wayne Rooney more and been more relived when his goal of the season, acrobatic kick flew into the noisy neighbour’s net. It’s not only just the derby matches themselves now, the rivalry has grown to a scale on which City are poised to compete for the Premier League title. If this is the case next season then any points taken from derbies will be even more vital. An even more exciting prospect would be if the two meet in the Champion’s League knockout stages, in which case let’s just hope United can bring City’s fast progression to a halt.
3. Michael Owen
I almost feel like I shouldn’t be writing this and realise it is the most bizarre aspect of United to be excited about and I would not be surprised if I am on my own with this. Plagued with injury since his return to the Premier League and only netting 14 goals since his arrival, two years ago, at United does not make Owen much to shout about. Despite this I can’t help but get excited when I see him on the pitch in United colours. He is a natural finisher, proven through a fantastic career, and at 31 is not over the hill. If Owen can overcome fitness issues he can still grab the goals to change a match. If rumours of Berbatov’s departure materialise I don’t think Ferguson will bring in a replacement yet but may instead trial Welbeck and Macheda. In this instance Owen may receive more playing time and may finally become a reckoning force in the United attack, something I think he is still capable of.
4. Chicharito
I’ve sung Javier Hernandez’s praises until my throat is sore this last season, and that’s the least he’s deserved. The striker enjoyed an emphatic start to his United career netting twenty goals in his first season without being an every game first team starter. Towards the end of the season Hernandez overtook Berbatov as first choice for Rooney’s strike partner, and so surely will keep this role next season. The difficult second season syndrome is a rotten concept in football and is something which looms ahead of the new United favourite. The reason Chicharito is an exciting prospect for me next season is because he has shown he is a natural striker and continued to improve throughout the season. Therefore I think he can overcome second season syndrome to pass last season’s goal tally and continue to develop into a world class player.
5. The defence of a title
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Finally what better reason to look forward to a new season than your team having one of the most prestigious titles in the footballing world to defend, the Premier League champions. Next season’s title race promises to be an exciting with presumably Chelsea, as always, contending United for the league and this time round possibly even City and maybe Liverpool pushing for the top. However so far United seem to have strengthened their team the most and so we will have to wait and see how their rivals respond. Fans will also be looking for another run at the Champions League and so does another tussle with Barcelona await?
Read more of Tom Daniel’s articles at Red Flag Flying High
If the recent over-hype of Barcelona is anything to go by then you could be lead to believe that the only attractive football that has ever graced the face of this planet has only been played in the past four to five years. But let’s put this into a little perspective here, Barcelona are just one example of many who have played subliminal football, of a technicality and uncanny ability that is completely unique to that particular club and no other, not even other clubs within Spain. It is not right to suggest then, unlike other obsessive media outlets, that Barcelona , Catalonia and the greater Iberian peninsula are in the indestructible ascendancy and that the rest of the world must stand around and take heed of our mighty deficiencies.
‘Mes que en Club’ goes the club motto, ‘more than a club’ to me and you and in every respect it is, Barcelona represent Catalonia, they are the embodiment of an area which are autonomous in all but name. A club which, for the Catalonians at least, are worshipped with nationalistic fervour and in their club have their vehicle to fly the Catalonian flag on the world-stage. The football, in some respects, matches this ethos.
The entire football community are in state of semi-permanent-flux about Barcelona at the moment and in some respects you cannot blame them. However, the football they are playing at the moment is completely unique, save for that of the national team, which includes several key Barcelona players. It is wrong for people, for casual observers, tacticians and members of the press to suggest that every club should try to match this style of football. Why? Barcelona will rule the roost for another few years yet but teams will eventually learn how to break them down, to turn their high-tempo, short-passing game into their weakness.
The great thing about football, especially at Champions League level, is the true clash of styles that each team represents. We have a problem in England whereby we see something abroad that works and we instantly decide that this is what we must adopt as our own. As indelible as that sounds, football just doesn’t work like that. United were comprehensively beaten by Barcelona last month but they shouldn’t look towards the Nou Camp with exasperation. United play a brand of football which is also unique, a dogged persistence that formation shouldn’t be broken, which explains the rigidity of their two banks of four and an absolute belief in their ability to score a goal at any point during the game. Barcelona are unique in their ability to play without formation but this approach to the game should be handled with care.
With the internationalisation of the Premier League it is hard to suggest that the Premier league still harps back to the years of push and rush football. What is interesting though is how ball possession is still not necessarily a fundamental aspect of the English game. Many managers, Wenger included, have had limited success in trying to implement it into their teams but for all intents and purposes, this style of football just isn’t compatible with the pace and pressures of the English game. And why should it?
English football should be the master of it’s own future, not constantly blighted by the need to look elsewhere for footballing inspiration. Some observers would say that we need to look towards teams such as Barcelona and take their footballing philosophy completely to heart, but for what end? Sometimes it can be a case of trying to fit square pegs into round holes. English clubs should be helping to enshrine a distinct footballing ethos completely separate to that taught in academies such the one in Catalonia. Of course coaches should respect the technicality of a team such as Barca but football, much like life, can be played in more ways than one. Coaches need to realise that.
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The U21 Championships give rise to a certain sense of cautious optimism. The directness of players such as Scott Sinclair , Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson and the power and potential of Connor Wickham hints at a particular style and substance. It is this, fundamentally, which could be crucial in forming our footballing legacy for the future.
Read more of Thomas Walters’ articles at This is Futbol
The battle for the title next season looks like it will once again come down to London versus Manchester, but where does the future of the Premier League power lie and which city will be home of the champions 2011/12?
The top four who are most likely to be challenging for the title next season either come from the capital or Manchester, Arsenal and Chelsea down south and Manchester United and Manchester City up north. Whilst there are still outside bets including fellow Londoners Tottenham or Merseysiders Liverpool, the most likely scenario would be one of the top four being victorious come the end of next season.
The power in the Premier League has been shifting back and forth from Manchester to London over the last ten years. Since 2001 the title has changed hands seven times between Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. Last season’s winners Manchester United claimed back their prized possession from the grips of Chelsea and London but will the trophy stay in Manchester next season? My gut feeling is that it will but United are not the only Manchester based team now firmly in the hunt.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have been joined by Manchester City at the top and I believe one of these two fierce rivals will be champions come next May. The history, experience and investment at United means the reigning champions will again start as favourites. Ferguson has focused on young signings this summer in a bid to freshen up the squad and whilst still possibly needing one or two more players, Fergie has the team capable of challenging for honours over the next few years.
Rivals City have taken player investment to a whole new level in a bid to be competitive year-on-year. So far Roberto Mancini has brought in Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy to sure up the defence and transfer speculation is rife that the City boss wants to add even more attacking flair to the team, most probably in the shape of Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero and Arsenal’s Samir Nasri. The possible loss of captain Carlos Tevez would be a blow but the City players that stay at the club have a taste of silverware after last season’s FA Cup triumph. They managed an impressive third in the league last season and I think City are well placed to do even better next year.
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Despite my belief that the power in the Premier League is now based up north, you can’t right off the capital’s main contenders. New boss Andre Villas-Boas should give Chelsea a new lease of life and whilst they have been quiet in this summer’s transfer market so far, I would expect a few quality players to arrive. Their title push may also depend on whether Villas-Boas can have the Mourinho effect at Chelsea in his first season. Expectation will be high for the Blues and if Villas-Boas can add to the squad and get the likes of Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda back in top form then Chelsea will always have a good chance.
Arsenal’s title hopes are a more complex point to consider. Much will depend on who leaves over the next month, with their two best players Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri rumoured to be close to an exit. Losing both would effectively halt Arsenal’s chances of getting close to the title but if Wenger can keep at least one (and reinvest in new players) then they could be an outside bet. But both London clubs seem to be going through periods of transition, whether it be under new management or with potential changes to the squad.
Based on their title winning experience and significant investment, I think it is both Manchester clubs that are best placed to win the title next season and go on to possibly dominate the Premier League over the next few years. Though for the neutral fan a title challenge involving all four clubs from both London and Manchester will keep the league a lot more interesting next season.
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With a surge of young talent being both produced in, and brought over to the Premier League, there seems to be a fixation among the media and press to draw comparisons between these players and those of the previous generation. As stars of the game grow older and eventually retire from football altogether, there is almost an obsession with discovering the ‘new’ so and so, or the ‘next’ whoever, rather than focusing on the ability of the player themselves. It seems unfair to draw comparisons between players of such a young age and those with a wealth of experience in the game, and will inevitably add to the unwanted pressure that is already on these players.
Most recently, the 18-year-old Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku has been branded the ‘new Didier Drogba’. Lukaku is currently in West London finalising his move to Chelsea where, should everything go smoothly, we can expect to see him paired up with Drogba in the near future. Perhaps only then will we see just how similar the two are in their playing styles, but physically Lukaku does appear to have the strength and power that we have become accustomed to from Chelsea’s number 11. Another comparison that may be drawn between the two is that they are both proven goal scorers. In just 73 appearances for Anderlecht, Lukaku scored 33 goals and helped his side to the Belgian League title last season. At 33, Drogba’s time at Chelsea is believed to be coming to an end sooner rather than later, and with Lukaku coming in as his ‘replacement’, there will be high expectations on the youngster to impress as well as the Ivorian has done over the past 7 years.
The retirement of Paul Scholes has left a void in the Manchester United midfield that will be difficult for Sir Alex Ferguson to fill. While speculation surrounding the possible transfer or Wesley Sneijder remains rife, it is the 21-year-old Tom Cleverley that has been tipped to ‘filll the boots’ of Scholes. Ferguson himself claimed that Scholes could not be replaced, however after a fine performance in the Community Shield on the weekend, newspaper reporters were quick to draw comparisons between Cleverley and the veteran. Cleverley has been a United player since the age of 15, however similarities between himself and Scholes have only really been made since Scholes announced he would be retiring, and a ‘new Scholes’ was deemed a necessity at the club. Highly rated for his passing, vision, and composure on the ball, Cleverley, like Scholes, is also known for scoring the odd wonder strike. Whilst the youngster appears to be adamant that he can fill the void in the centre of the United midifeld, being branded the ‘next Paul Scholes’ is likely to raise expectations even more around Old Trafford, when really, Cleverley’s talent should be appreciated regardless of who played that position before.
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Earlier this week Real Madrid signed a seven-year-old boy from Argentina who has already been tipped to become ‘the new Messi’. Messi himself was once referred to as ‘the next Maradona’, and these kind of comparisons have been evident for years now. While a lot of players might relish the opportunity to become ‘the next’ so and so, those players that fail to live up to the expectations placed on their shoulders are likely to suffer. While it seems perfectly reasonable to hold some level of expectation of players, and to assume these players can fulfill the roles that they are given at their clubs, it is surely unfair to draw comparisons between them and some of the footballing greats, especially those that were popular among the same set of fans.
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To label Lukaku ‘the new Drogba’ will only encourage Chelsea fans to compare the two, and should the youngster take a while to settle, or perhaps not prove to be as prolific as Drogba has been, then questions may start to be raised, unfairly in my view, over Lukaku’s abilities as a player. The same goes for Cleverley. If fans and the media start to expect ‘Scholes-like’ performances week-in week-out from the youngster, then a failure to do so could have its repercussions. While expectations for players are going to arise at any club, the added pressure of being compared to one of the best around is not necessarily warranted. Players should instead be encouraged to make a name for themselves without the burden of living up to the standards of another footballer hanging over their heads.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has criticised his side’s defending following their 5-1 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, and was full of praise for Roberto Mancini’s men.
Edin Dzeko bagged four goals with new signing Sergio Aguero also finding the net in a one sided display that will have alarm bells ringing at White Hart Lane.
“We didn’t defend well enough, they play a little push and run around the edge of the box, we don’t run with people, they get a free header, so we didn’t defend well enough and it cost us,” the former West Ham manager told the press.
The Eastlands outfit have won all three of their Premier League games so far, scoring 12 goals in the process, and the 64-year-old spoke of the Manchester side’s attacking prowess.
“Once you go a couple of goals down against a good side like that it’s really difficult, they’re full of quality there’s no doubt about that.
“They’ve got fantastic forward players, they’re going to be difficult for anyone to contain them for 90 minutes. They’ve got players with goals in them – you’ve only got to look at them,” he finished.
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Spurs sit bottom of the pile after two losses, and will take on Wolves at Molineux in their next game on September 10th.