All posts by h79snht.top

A topsy-turvy North London derby saw the team who dominated the game reduced to holding on by the end. But both of the North London clubs have shown that they are capable of battling at the top of the table this season.

On 28th August 2011, Arsenal were beaten 8-2 by Manchester United and Spurs beaten 5-1 by Manchester City. That season City won the title and United battled them at the top. This season, Spurs beat City 4-1 and Arsenal beat United 3-0. The tables are turning, and North London is getting in on the title action.

Last night, Spurs fought hard, worked hard and really should have put the game to bed before the 75-minute mark.

Only a few good saves by Petr Cech saw a team who lacked a killer instinct from finishing-off the Gunners. Suicidal defending let them in behind, but the chances either weren’t clear cut or were saved brilliantly by a goalkeeper earning as many points for the Gunners as Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil do at the other end.

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Spurs played as we’ve come to expect from Mauricio Pochettino. This is perhaps the best Spurs side we’ve seen since they finished fourth under Harry Redknapp, yet they’re made up almost exclusively of young players who have either been brought through by Pochettino himself or sourced early from other clubs around Europe.

Erik Lamela has become something approaching the player we thought he’d be when he first joined the club as Gareth Bale’s replacement with a big reputation. Christian Eriksen has been dangerous as usual, but has added more of an edge to his game, aided by the bustle and work-rate around him. Harry Kane is still Harry Kane, despite reports to the contrary.

More importantly, the defence have completed a miraculous turn-around from team who conceded as many goals as two of the relegated sides of last season, into one with one of the best defensive records in the league. They’ve conceded only ten goals so far, only one more than City and Arsenal and two more than those defensive maestros Manchester United.

So the progress is almost obvious at this point, just given the stats and the form of certain players. But what’s even more impressive is the fight in the team. Having dominated for most of the game, to concede an equaliser must have been heart-wrenching, but to hang on and earn a point was heroic.

We praise Pochettino’s team for their fitness when seeing-out games better than their opponents, when pressing furiously for 90 minutes or when they score in the dying moments. But last evening showed their mental toughness as well as their physical toughness. Against a team with some wonderful attacking talent – Kieran Gibbs and Mathieu Flamini in advanced positions notwithstanding – and against a raucous crowd baying for blood, Spurs held firm.

It was a testament to their defence, but also to the fact that they wanted it badly. What Spurs can take away from this is their show of strength, they won’t be title favourites this season, but they could well be in the mix.

Arsenal, on the other hand, can take something similar.

We’re now, it seems, in the midst of the annual Arsenal capitulation. Injury crises, missed opportunities and a potential exit from the Champions League al threaten Arsenal’s season. Yet yesterday they put up with it in a way they never have before.

Some inspired subs from Arsene Wenger fooled us all. No one thought that he could bring on Kieran Gibbs as an attacking threat and actually change the game. But I, and many others, had the experience Arsenal fans have been having for years. You should always trust in Wenger!

He brought in Petr Cech this season as the only signing, and he’s been winning them points. The defence looks more confident, and even when they’re beaten, Cech still comes to the rescue. The squad looks like it’s dealing with the injury crisis. Things look good for Arsenal, despite a distinct lack of signings over the summer and an injury crisis.

What used to be the point of no return for Arsenal’s season has become just a tough spell.

Both North London clubs can take so much from the derby day draw. The contest was tied, but that’s sometimes what you get between two tough competitors. If they both play the way we know they can after this game they’ll be up towards the top of the table come the end of the season.

This time the Manchester clubs may not be so far out of reach.

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The Queens Park Rangers fans are gathered around the jukebox in The Transfer Tavern this evening discussing who will be best suited for their clubs vacant managerial position.

The Daily Star has announced that QPR have got their shortlist of replacements for former manager Chris Ramsey down to two names.

Both Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Chris Powell are reported as the current front runners for the position.

Hasselbaink has worked wonders since taking over at Burton Albion he led them to promotion from League Two last season, and that form has continued into this season with the side currently sitting in third place in the League One table.

As for Powell he was relieved of his duties at Huddersfield earlier this season as the owner was looking to take the club forward in a different direction.

The Queens Park Rangers fans in The Transfer Tavern are hopeful that the club can secure the services of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink imminently.

QPR fans, is the former Chelsea striker the right man for the job? Let us know in the comments below!

Adnan Januzaj is a curious footballing case of ‘where did it all go wrong’. It’s very much like an episode of Eastenders: dramatic, but a little predictable in the modern game.

Putting the Pat Butcher earrings aside, Januzaj is a strange example of a youngster where so much was expected, but so little delivered.

Make no mistake about it, when the now 20-year-old burst onto the scene in October 2013, few would have questioned Januzaj was going to make it to the top. He single handedly ensured a 2-1 victory against Sunderland in his first start by scoring both goals as United came from behind to win.

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In an effort to stave off interest from other clubs who could have signed the Belgian for a minimal fee, United offered the former Anderlecht man a bumper five year contract.

In December that year, Januzaj was then nominated for BBC Young Sports Personality of the year, having featured on only 10 occasions for the Red Devils. Quite the start, right?

But with mighty highs come the terrible lows. Januzaj began to build a reputation for diving during the latter parts of the 2013-2014 season, which saw him booked three times for simulation after Christmas. The media erupted into frenzy, and you couldn’t help but think how such a young man could deal with the stardom that comes with playing for United.

After being handed the illustrious number 11 shirt at the beginning of the 2014-2015 campaign, one would have thought Januzaj’s form may have picked up. Sadly it didn’t and at the end of August 2015, he was loaned to German giants Borussia Dortmund, on a season-long deal.

What a place to reinvent yourself. Borussia Dortmund are easily one of Europe’s biggest heavyweights and to get the chance to go and play with one of the best side’s in Germany was a fantastic opportunity for Januzaj, who had become somewhat of an outcast at Old Trafford.

But it was a chance wasted, and another case of what could have been.

“It is a pity he did not show the desire and attitude you need to progress at his age,” said Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel.

WANT MORE? >> Man United transfer news | Latest transfer news

A damming verdict from one of Europe’s most admired managers. The problem with Januzaj is that he may have peaked too early. He came in and transformed United when he broke through a couple of years ago and fans instantly thought he could become the next Ryan Giggs. And he well and truly could have been.

But to become the next United prodigy you need a work ethic like no other. You need a desire to succeed that is so great, nothing will ever stand in your way of success, and it just doesn’t seem like Januzaj has that in his locker.

He was offered a lucrative contract, and at only 18-years-old, that is a big responsibility to look after. But that’s modern football, and it’s the only way big teams can protect their young stars from prowling rivals.

Whether Januzaj can recover? Only time will tell….

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Southampton continue to be among the best teams in the Premier League when on song, though are marred by inconsistency.

Though that’s been a theme throughout the season on a much larger scale, it is perhaps fair to say the Saints haven’t received as many plaudits this time around than last.

While that points to the fact they are now an established top half outfit, able to beat anyone on their day, even the most ardent of supporters surely would concede their have been some dismal runs of form.

Manager Ronald Koeman has done a remarkable job to turn the fortunes around for a team that were sliding down the table at an alarming rate just before the festive period into top six challengers.

Clearly, the pre-Christmas slump was not truly indicative of the sort of quality on show at St. Mary’s, but it was really the first time major questions have been asked of their Dutch coach.

It’s all very well waxing poetic on the former Barcelona legend when the going is good, but his switch to a 3-5-2 was a brave decision when the pressure was on and ultimately worked wonders. Management at its finest.

Still, the South Coast outfit are prone to the odd off-day, as proved in their recent trip along to Bournemouth, who dispatched their visitors with ease.

So, the club are well placed for a top six finish with 11 games to go. With that in mind, here are FIVE fixtures that will make or break Southampton’ top six challenge…

VS STOKE CITY (AWAY) – 12TH MARCH

To harbour any real hopes of bettering last season’s seventh placed finish, Saints need to beat the teams in and around them.

Amidst the waters below the Champions League battle, lies a ferocious mini-league that appears to have been created in the vacuum between fifth and ninth.

Saints currently occupy ninth, while Stoke sit in seventh. In order to keep ground on the race for a Europa League spot, they really need to get a result in the Potteries next weekend.

The home side reflect Southampton in many ways, boasting a raft of top quality players though are prone to the odd slip up.

VS LIVERPOOL (HOME) 20TH MARCH

Wedged between the two aforementioned sides is Liverpool. Due to the recent history between the Merseyside giants and the Saints, it’s a fixture the fans truly sink their teeth in to.

Though the Reds are clearly not the team they once were (many, many years ago now), a victory at Anfield is still naturally somewhat of a coup, for any side.

Considering the manner of the 6-1 Capital One Cup loss earlier this season, Koeman and his men will no doubt be looking for revenge against Jurgen Klopp.

By beating their hosts later this month, Saints could potentially leapfrog them in the table and make up ground on the Europa League race.

VS NEWCASTLE (HOME) 9TH APRIL

Southampton enjoy a dominant record over Newcastle United, particularly on the South Coast, though the fact the travelling Toon Army will presumably be fighting for their lives adds an extra dimension to the tie in early April.

Liverpool and Stoke play each other that weekend, while West Ham host Arsenal earlier in the day. Perhaps this particular weekend could prove pivotal in deciding who finishes in the top six.

On paper, Saints have the easiest game.

VS MAN CITY (HOME) 1ST MAY

Due to the rapid improvement at Southampton Football Club since their arrival back into the Premier League, the manner in which they disposed of Manchester City in February 2013 takes on more poignance.

That was the first win under Mauricio Pochettino and a benchmark for their best performances since, with their distinctive high pressing style in all its glory.

While that result will help little on the pitch, it can serve as inspiration as the final month of the season begins in earnest. Both sides could have plenty to play for when the game rolls around, with City still able to challenge for the title. However unlikely it may be.

VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (AWAY) 7TH MAY

The penultimate game of the season sees Southampton travel to White Hart Lane, potentially providing the chance to scupper their former manager’s hopes of winning the league.

Should Saints play to their best ability, it will be very hard for Spurs to keep up with them. Though they have impressed almost universally with their highly energetic style of play, signs of fatigue appeared to be setting in during their loss to West Ham.

Koeman’s side could well be in the running to breach the top six at this point, though this fixture could have much heftier implications. Perhaps the South Coast side will have a major say as to where the Premier League title ends up.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has claimed that under-fire manager Louis van Gaal deserves a lot of credit for having faith in Manchester United’s young players, Sky Sports reports.

Van Gaal has been under intense scrutiny and pressure these past few months, with the club being knocked out of the Champions League and unlikely to challenge for the title being 13 points behind league leaders Leicester City.

But in recent weeks, the Dutchman was forced to call up young players due to a high number of injured first-team stars, and the academy prospects that he selected have been incredibly impressive, especially 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has scored four vital goals in the last two games, while the likes of Guillermo Varela and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also fared well in defence.

And Merson believes LVG deserves a lot of credit, even feeling sorry for the former Barcelona boss amid talks of a summer exit.

“I feel sorry for Van Gaal a bit,” Merson said. “He could have come into United and spent all that money on 28-year-olds, proven footballers who have won things.

“That might not have helped the club in the long term but it might may have delivered a trophy. However, in three years time it would leave the club in a worse place than they are now.

“But he hasn’t done that. He went out and has bought youngsters for the future and has given other youngsters a chance.

“It’s not the same as [Arsene] Wenger, who has been manager for almost 20 years. Van Gaal has been there for less than two, so it’s a completely different case.

“He has bought players for the future for United as a club. He’s not thinking of himself, he’s hoping they are going to be in a better position when he leaves.”

United host Watford at Old Trafford in their next Premier League fixture.

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It’s a depressing time for the AF. Sitting in its underwear watching football is all the poor guy lives for. Get up in the afternoon, fumble through the fridge for leftovers, a quick jaunt through Twitter, a few episodes of something naff on Netflix and then the game on TV. All before slumping on the sofa with a takeaway and a few cans. Just to help the poor soul back to sleep.

But this is the week we’ve been dreading. It’s the international break. There is no football until Thursday, and nothing on Sunday either. This is a disaster.

It’s not so much the lack of quality football – the AF will watch anything, after all – but it’s the fact that we’re about to have a rather light-looking week of almost literally nothing to look forward to. AF will probably have to venture outside and talk to real people.

And you too might have to make plans outside of the loving embrace of Sky and BT Sport! AF says: if your relationship is on the rocks, here’s your week to try and save it!

Here’s your lot – it’s slim pickings this week.

Thursday

A whole lot of nothing until Thursday night turns to sheer desperation. Wales host Northern Ireland in a Home Nations friendly match that sort of feels like a game played out on the deck of the ship of the damned souls.

Wales won’t have Gareth Bale, their most recognisable player by a wide margin. Northern Ireland will be without Chris Brunt – depressingly one oftheir most recognisable faces.

But after a long week, this is live football. And it’s on the Beeb. In Wales. What more could you ask for? A couple of beers to get you through it, perhaps.

You can watch….

Wales 0-0 Northern Ireland – 7.45pm – BBC 2 Wales

Friday

Friday is Good Friday – always good for some Football League action, that is. Swindon Town face promotion-chasing Wigan Athletic in League One, which should whet the appetite before one of the greatest showdowns in international football: Republic of Ireland v Switzerland. Who could forget Hakan Yakin’s goals against Ireland in Euro 2004 qualification? No one, that’s who!

You can watch…

Swindon Town 0-3 Wigan Athletic – 5.30pm – Sky Sports 1

Republic of Ireland 0-1 Switzerland – 7.45pm

Saturday

After the long Good Friday, Saturday does bring some sort of excitement into the life of the flagging AF. It’s surely the highlight of the week: spending the afternoon watching replays of the 1966 World Cup final and of that night in Munich when England triumphed 5-1, AF will be getting into the mood for England’s trip to Germany on Saturday night.

It’s a chance to see what the likes of Danny Drinkwater and Jamie Vardy can do against the world champions on their own turf, and a chance to see if England can win the Euros this summer.

Though you probably don’t really need to watch the match to answer those questions… Round the evening off with some live MLS action as DC United take on FC Dallas, where the star of the show is surely Alvaro Saborio and his 105 caps for Costa Rica. AF highly recommends this game if you have trouble sleeping.

You can watch…

Switzerland U21 1-1 England U21 – 6.00pm – BT Sport Europe

Germany 3-0 England – 7.45pm – ITV 1

DC United 1-0 FC Dallas – 9.30pm Sky Sports 5

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has backed captain Scott Brown to excel under his stewardship at the Scottish champions.

Brown suffered with injuries and a dip in form at the end of last season and at the age of 30, some have suggested he is past his peak.

WANT MORE? >> Celtic transfer news | Scottish Premiership transfer new

The Northern Irishman has however backed the Scotland international to emulate Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, whom he helped to adapt his game in the latter part of his career at Anfield.

Rodgers told the Sunday Post:

“I saw Scott at Hibs as a young player and I thought he was a great athlete, very mobile and competitive. He came to Celtic and is a real warrior. He’s up for every single game.”

“Towards the end of the season he was maybe hit a little bit by injury. But he’s 30 years of age and I think he’s still got his best years ahead of him.”

“When I went to Liverpool Steven Gerrard was 32. There was talk that his best days were maybe gone but Steven went on for the next two years and was brilliant for me. He was a great leader and nearly went on to pick up the title. His performance level went up.”

Rodgers has also confirmed Brown will be the club’s captain next season but he may need to adapt his game slightly in order to fit in with the new style of play.

Rodgers is known for possession-based, high tempo football and he will shape his side and bring in players who will best suit this style and philosophy.

With the bloated size of the squad and the short time period until the Champions League qualifiers in mid-July, Rodgers will have to make changes to the side quickly in order to impose his way of playing.

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Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all interested in signing Croatia’s Euro 2016 star Ante Coric, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

Croatia’s 19-year-old young player of the year is at his first major tournament with his home country having had an impressive season with Dinamo Zagreb in which he managed four goals in 19 starts during the clubs league campaign.

A host of English clubs are said to be keen to secure the youngster’s signature this summer following his impressive form, with Manchester City looking to table a bid of around £6million for the young midfielder.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also reportedly spoken to Coric, and scouts at Chelsea have allegedly recommended the former Red Bull Salzburg youth player to the Blue’s having been excited with his performances.

The name not mean much to many fans of the Premier League, but at only 19 years of age, Coric is one of the upcoming stars of world football.

Here are five things you need to know about the Croatian ahead of his proposed Premier League switch …..

He turned down Barcelona …

At the young age of 12, Coric turned down a host of European clubs including Barcelona and Chelsea to join the academy at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.

He believed that the players of his age at the club were better than any of those elsewhere in Europe, and that they trained more often too.

How’s that for work ethic at 10?

He’s a record breaker …

Coric holds the prestigious title of being the youngest goalscorer in Europa League history, having bagged with only a mere 17 years and 157 days to his name.

The Croatian came on as a late substitute in Dinamo’s opening game against Astra Giurgiu and scored the 5th in a 5-1 victory.

His Croatia debut was in May …

That’s right, May. And not May 2014 or 15, May 2016. Coric gained his first international cap earlier this year in a 1-0 friendly win over Moldova earlier this year.

The youngster had only two international appearances to his name before being named in the Euro 2016 squad, and was called up alongside fellow Zagreb player Marko Rog.

He play’s behind the strikers …

While able to play across the whole of the midfield, Coric is at his best in the ‘number 10’ role, sitting in just behind the strikers.

His quick feet and ability to find space between the defence and midfield make him a danger to the opposition, and Coric is more than capable of either finding a killer pass or the net when in that hole.

He’s loved at Zagreb …

Zagreb has a fine reputation of producing some of the finest players in Croatia over the years, with the likes of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovavic moving on from the club in recent years.

The Croatian champion’s manager Zoran Mamic however claims that Coric has the potential to usurp the rest.

“Ante is a treasure for our club. He is a greater talent than Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic were at his age.” he said when describing the young midfielder. Quite the compliment.

It may be early days in Pep Guardiola’s Man. City reign but he’s clearly not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in his squad, none more so than with his goalkeepers.

The opening Premier League weekend saw Joe Hart omitted from the first eleven in a clear sign that the new manager wants his team to play his way regardless of reputation. Naturally it’s put a question mark over the England number one’s future at the club but Pep himself risks causing a dilemma if he doesn’t act quickly.

He may have started Willy Caballero in goal against Sunderland on the opening day but very few are of the impression the former Malaga stopper is Guardiola’s preferred choice. Clearly then, new faces are needed, but with not long left in the transfer market before it shuts the former Bayern Munich boss needs to act swiftly.

Fortunately, unless you’re Joe Hart, Pep seems rather decisive and so here are THREE ‘keepers we think he should go for…

Claudio Bravo

Bravo is Pep’s number one goalkeeping target and a deal seems to be ready to go through.

The Barcelona stopper is exactly the kind of goalkeeper Guardiola likes, he’s quick off of his line, agile and great with his feet.

He also has good experience in winning trophies, well you would at Barcelona, and this will only aid City’s quest for domestic and continental glory.

Alphonse Areola

The young PSG man faces tough competition from Kevin Trapp in the French capital and may find opportunities limited given the German is only 26.

Bravo, however, is 33 and so Areola should get a chance once the Chilean retires. The Frenchman is a good ‘keeper and was the first choice on loan at Villarreal last season so with Guardiola’s tutelage he could become very good.

Pepe Reina

Don’t be surprised if Guardiola tries to get Reina in, the Spanish goalkeeper knows exactly how Pep likes to play.

Reina was always good with his feet and with his Premier League experience from his days at Liverpool it would be a low risk move.

Whether he’d want to leave Napoli where he is first choice is up for debate but the chance of winning a Premier League title for the first time would surely intrigue.

Despite a successful 15/16 season and entry into the Champions League on its way, there are some tweaks to be made at Tottenham.

Strength and depth are always seemingly the buzz words whenever a team is put together, and when a club is in Europe, it seems to take on more meaning

Mauricio Pochettino has built a very capable and exciting side at Tottenham and their performances at points last season blew away most of the opposition.

However, with Europe calling at the very highest level and another competitive year in the Premier League, Pochettino will be strengthening his squad, which is good news for the fans, but not for all of the players.

So here are four Spurs players that need to leave White Hart Lane to enable them to play more first team football next season…

Ryan Mason

Mason has struggled for playing time under Pochettino recently, and has seen himself go from the fringes of the England side to a bench warmer at White Hart Lane.

Mason has spent his entire career at Spurs and only broke into the first team the season before last after loan spells here and abroad. After his Premier League debut, the midfielder made 29 further starts and secured a five and a half year contract in 2015, but bad luck with injuries has seen the Spurs man on the bench more often.

It will be difficult to see him break into a side with Alli and Dembele playing so well, so boyhood club it might be, but it’s time to move on.

Nacer Chadli

‘Hit and miss’ is how you may describe Nacer Chadli’s career at Tottenham.

At times unstoppable, and at others unreliable, the Belgian often frustrates the faithful with his inconsistency. The 27-year-old almost always seems at his best when either off the bench or others are underperforming, but looks almost incapable of maintaining a high standard in a run of games.

He has scored 25 goals in 119 appearances in his three seasons in north London, but could be allowed to move on after falling down the pecking order last season.

Son Heung-Min

The South Korean forward has been linked with a move away from Spurs despite only joining them from Bayer Leverkusen in a £22m move last summer.

The Daily Telegraph claimed Spurs are ready to sell the striker after he managed just four Premier League goals in his debut season in England. The biggest problem will be to find a club willing to offer the £22m Tottenham paid for Son, following an unspectacular first season in English football that was disrupted by injury.

The 24 year old is still highly rated in Germany and Spurs will hope to attract the interest of Bundesliga clubs.

Alex Pritchard

The England Under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, where he had very little playing time.

But that has not deterred Premier League clubs, as well as a host of Championship sides, from showing an interest in Pritchard this summer. Until he sustained an ankle injury last summer, Pritchard was on target to be an important back-up player in Pochettino’s squad.

It is now understood that Spurs are prepared to let Pritchard leave despite the fact that some at White Hart Lane even believed the 23-year-old could succeed Christian Eriksen in the first-team, were the Dane ever to leave Spurs.