Archive for April, 2011

GAME OF THE WEEKEND: Arsenal v Manchester United

We have seen time and again in recent years that when Arsenal play United in the important games at the business end of the season, they always blow it. They have not beaten United in the second half of a season since January 2007. ...

The question of the moment is this: do we want him here? Jose Mourinho has been making noises all season that he sees his future in the Premier League; it is, he says, his natural home.

For some time, the suggestion has been that he is ear-marked as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United, whenever it is the great man decides to step down. ...

The question of the moment is this: do we want him here? Jose Mourinho has been making noises all season that he sees his future in the Premier League; it is, he says, his natural home. For some time, the suggestion has been that he is ear-marked as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United, whenever it is the great man decides to step down. ...

The Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be a contrast of styles.

One team will look to take the initiative while the other attempts to block them and launch counter-attacks. And when the attacking team becomes exhausted, they will be in real danger.

This is

'Manu alone against Man U' is a rough translation of the headline in Germany's biggest-selling paper Bild this morning. And it isn't wrong.

Last night in the Veltins Arena, Manuel Neuer gave one of the great Champions League performances. Four times the Schalke keeper defied all known laws of both physics and physiology keeping out shots, mainly dispatched by Javier Hernandez. ...

Have Schalke what it takes to beat Manchester United? Honestly, no.

I was asked who I wanted in the last 16 and I said Schalke. Schalke were the weakest side at that stage of the tournament and they still are.

I'm not saying Schalke are rubbish but it would be bizarre to see a team who are struggling in mid-table in their own domestic championship win the Champions League.

Schalke are being carried by Raul at the moment. ...

Arsene Wenger has gracefully accepted the blame for his team's failings this season after the defeat at Bolton which all but ended their hopes of winning the title. It is good of him to join the club, because plenty of people have been holding him responsible for a while.

Admitting blame is one thing, but until he can manage to swallow his pride, learn from his mistakes and change his ways then I do not see Arsenal going any further under him. ...

MATCH OF THE WEEKEND: Chelsea v West Ham United

This is a match upon which so much hinges at both ends of the table. ...

Well, that's a result. After what it describes as its closest poll in years, the Football Writers' Association has announced that Scott Parker has been voted Footballer of the Year. Apparently he just sneaked past Gareth Bale - already crowned the PFA Player of the Year - on the ballot's finish line. ...

Well, that's a result. After what it describes as its closest poll in years, the Football Writers' Association has announced that Scott Parker has been voted Footballer of the Year. Apparently he just sneaked past Gareth Bale - already crowned the PFA Player of the Year - on the ballot's finish line. Personally, my choice was Nemanja Vidic, on the simple grounds that he has given this year some of the most compelling defensive performances I have seen. ...