Steve Bruce is the latest Premier League manager to advocate the introduction of video technology in football, after Sunderland were denied a penalty in a recent match against Liverpool. Countless incidents over the last 12 months have supported the majority view that video replays could aid referees in attempting to make the right decision in controversial cases, not least Frank Lampard’s ‘goal’ against Germany in last summer’s World Cup.
There’s no doubt that some form of technological advancement will be introduced by FIFA in the coming years, but its form remains uncertain. With this in mind, I have devised a list of the ten major advancements which have affected the beautiful game up until the present…
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Click on the Lampard ‘goal’ below to see the Top TEN
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Bayer Leverkusen kept the Bundesliga title race alive with a 2-1 victory at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday.Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson put visitors Hoffenheim ahead on 28 minutes at the BayArena.
But Czech fullback Michal Kadlec levelled for Leverkusen, before Arturo Vidal struck five minutes into the second half to make it 2-1 to the hosts.
The victory sees Leverkusen close to within five points of league leaders Borussia Dortmund with three matches remaining.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich dropped valuable points in their attempt to finish third – and secure the all-important Champions League qualification berth – following a 1-1 draw away to struggling Eintracht Frankfurt.
Frankfurt led through Sebastian Rode’s goal eight minutes into the second half and Bayern were lucky to escape with a point, salvaged through a Mario Gomez penalty on 88 minutes.
Bayern remain fourth, one point behind third placed Hannover, while Frankfurt are 15th, now five points clear of the relegation zone.
Stuttgart boosted their survival hopes with a 3-0 win at home to Hamburg.
A Cacau brace and Christian Gentner’s goal secured the points for the hosts at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion.
Stuttgart climb to 13th place, with a seven-point buffer protecting them from the drop.
St Pauli look likely to return to the second tier after just one season in the Bundesliga following their latest defeat – 3-1 at home to Werder Bremen.
They led through Fin Bartels’ goal on 29 minutes at the Millerntor-Stadion, but a Markus Thorandt own goal brought the visitors level, before a Claudio Pizarro double in the space of two minutes guaranteed Werder all three points.
St Pauli are second bottom, five points from safety.
Kaiserslautern managed a 1-0 win away to Champions League semi-finalists Schalke, with Srdjan Lakic scoring the only goal four minutes before the break at the Veltins Arena.
The win puts Kaiserslautern 12th, three points behind 10th-placed Schalke.
Tottenham Hotspur’s love affair with the Champions League is ultimately over for another season at least, due to two shocking decisions, two decisions that have cost the club £30 million minimum. But I’m not referring to the mistakes by the officials at the weekend against Chelsea. Yes, I know these were outrageous faux pas’ by the men in black (not Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones), but surely 90 minutes, two wrong decisions and “if only we had goal line technology” debate do not single handedly capsize “The Great Entertainers’ ” European aspirations?
The first ‘shocking’ decisions I’m referring to is Redknapp and Levy’s surprising decision to not sign a world class, 20 goal-plus a season striker, after such a poor return from his forwards in the opening months to the campaign. We all know how poor the goal scoring stats are from Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlychenko and Jermain Defoe is so I won’t bore you with facts and figures. The point is, ‘Arry is renowned for his ability in the transfer market and showed this yet again with the major coup of signing Rafael Van Der Vaart for a mere £8 million, but with all the rumours constantly surrounding White Hart Lane even Arsenal fans were surprised to not see the unveiling of a world class striker. Ultimately, the North London’s outfit’s strikeforce’s inability ‘to hit a barn door with a banjo’ has cost the side dearly this campaign.
Perhaps shocking isn’t the right word to describe this decision; Spurs’ ability to entertain has enabled them to shine on the European front, but this relentless commitment to attacking, free flowing and entertaining football has hindered them on the home front. I’m referring to such games as the enthralling 3-3 draw with Wolves earlier in the season, in which Bale, Lennon and Kranjcar were all brought on when Spurs were leading at Molineux, when surely the introduction of a more defensive midfielder such as Wilson Palacios would have helped see out the game and ultimately claim all three points?
When Spurs fans reflect in May on a season that could have promised so much, they will hopefully realise that this has been a successful and pivotal season in their development as one of the best teams in the Premier League. This is a team that was bottom of the league when Redknapp took over, so challenging the top four for two successive seasons is a huge achievement; maybe after a trademark bit of wheeling and dealing by Redknapp in the summer, European games will be back on the Spurs footballing menu again the season after next.
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The fight to stay in the Premier League has reached its D-day with no fewer than 5 teams fighting to stay in the division and the huge wealth that goes with it. It is so tight down there is a fair chance it could well go down to goal difference and therefore if Tottenham and Manchester United have their goalscoring boots on then it could go down to the finest of margins like goals scored.
In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Ancelotti playing down his concerns of getting axed; the FA reprimands Rooney for Twitter rant, while Mancini warns City against penny pinching.
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Tevez is not leaving, reiterates Mancini – Guardian
Ancelotti: I’m not desperate to keep job – Daily Telegraph
Premier League star with injunction out against former lover sues Twitter – Daily Mail
FA reprimands Rooney for Twitter rant – Guardian
Redknapp expects competition for Parker – Daily Telegraph
Ashley ready to bankroll Newcastle’s assault on silverware and Europe – Daily Mail
Mancini warns City against penny-pinching this summer – Mirror
Dalglish sets sights on big name and hints Kop flop Aquilani will stay – Daily Mail
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Jack’s knackered – and the FA know – Sun
Arsenal face being priced out of Cahill bidding – Mirror
Alan Pardew is looking to add some creativity to the Newcastle squad over the summer in a bid to make Newcastle a more competitive outfit. By adding a few players who have that creative flair it will enhance the Toon Army’s chances of pushing on and improving on this season’s 12th place finish. Talking to the BBC, Alan Pardew said “We need to bring players in Newcastle fans love that can get you out of your seat,we need one or two of them on top of what we’ve got and then we can go forward and be really competitive.” So with this in mind I have thought of five possible players who possess the qualities Pardew is looking for and can add that excitement and flair to the team.
Niko Kranjcar
Tottenham’s Croatian International Niko Kranjcar is a player I admire and one who has a definite creative streak to his game. Kranjcar has rarely figured for Tottenham this season and is likely to be available for transfer in the summer. As well as his ability to unlock defences with his passing and flair, Kranjcar is capable of scoring some long range wonder goals with his ferocious shooting ability. The former Portsmouth man could represent a good piece of business as he would likely command a fee in the region of £5 million. Kranjcar would add a slightly different option for Pardew to consider in centre midfield. In Kevin Nolan and Cheik Tiote the centre of the park represents endeavour, commitment and battle but lacks creativity, so Kranjcar could add another dimension.
Adel Taarabt
Moroccan trickster Adel Taarabt is another player who has spent time at Tottenham and the Q.P.R captain is a player who can produce the sublime. After a fantastic season in The Championship Taarabt has emerged as Q.P.R’s talisman, he has weighed in with plenty of top quality goals and outstanding performances. Taarabt can certainly produce moments of mesmerising skill and he can leave opposition players in a daze with his quick feet, skill and trickery. Whether he is right for Newcastle or not is debateable, as regardless of his ability, he does carry an arrogant swagger which when things are going against him tends to surface. Q.P.R would be unlikely to sell their prized asset, but if Newcastle were to sign the player he would certainly be a crowd pleaser when he is on his game.
Charles N’Zogbia
The former Newcastle winger has been linked with a return to St James’ Park in recent weeks and the Frenchman fits the bill in terms of a creative flair player. Wigan have just secured their Premiership status so any potential sale of N’Zogbia has just increased in price to in excess of £10 million. The fans know what to expect from a player who has danced past defenders and got the crowd out of their seats in the black and white before. N’Zogbia is blessed with an excellent left foot with which he can score spectacular goals and put crosses on plates for the strikers. His attitude is questionable at times but top performances would outweigh this if he was snapped up by Pardew.
Daniel Sturridge
The Chelsea striker is desperate to play first team football next season and after an impressive loan spell at Bolton he has showcased his ability. Sturridge’s nifty footwork and his creative spark have been evident throughout his loan spell and his attributes have enabled him to find the back of the net in some style. Sturridge may still have a future with Chelsea though and convincing the Blues to sell the player could be challenging. However his desire for regular football could be enough for him to secure a move away and if Newcastle could bag his services he would be a quality signing. The Newcastle fans love their goal scorers and if Pardew was to thrash out any move for the England U21 man he would certainly be adding a skilful goal getter who fits his transfer requirements.
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Paddy McCourt
Celtic’s Northern Irish left winger Paddy McCourt is a player people may not know much about as he is not necessarily a household name. However he is blessed with excellent dribbling ability and he certainly falls under the bracket of a flair player who has the potential to get people off their seats. McCourt has scored some memorable goals for Celtic as a result of his trickery and footwork which has seen him jink in and out of defenders with his mazy runs before firing home. McCourt definitely has an abundance of skill which would tick all the boxes in Alan Pardew’s search for creative flair players. However whether he would be able to exploit his talent in the Premiership in the same way he has in the SPL is uncertain.
Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Fournier has been named the new coach of Auxerre.Fournier has been brought in to replace Jean Fernandez, who quit earlier this week to move to Ligue 1 rival Nancy.
The 46-year-old Fournier led Racing Strasbourg to fourth place in the Championnat National, France’s third tier, last season, and has also previously managed PSG, Nimes and Creteil.
“I am very proud to come to this club. I will work with humility and determination,” Fournier said.
“I’ll do my job with a maximum of generosity, desire and determination. I count on the club and my staff to help me.”
“For me Auxerre is the top. The mix is senior and youth, increasing competition and it can be interesting.”
“My ambition is to build a strong team, ambitious, who plays forward and make the supporters dream.
“The fans must identify with the players. For this, we need players who give 200 percent.”
Auxerre finished ninth in Ligue 1 last season, but have played European football as recently as 2006.
Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde step back in time into 1873 in the latest Hollywood Blockbuster, Cowboys & Aliens. Directed by Jon Favreau, of Iron Man and Iron Man 2 fame, this sci-fi journey into the Wild West is sure to be a big hit, with Daniel Craig swapping his James Bond gadgets for slightly more tradition weaponry as a cowboy.
In Cowboys & Aliens, Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) finds himself in Arizona Territory, with no memory of his past. However, he soon finds out that he’s a wanted man, with Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) attempting to catch this wanted criminal. Jake also has a shackle around his wrist, but things are set to get a whole lot worse, as the city of Absolution is attacked by alien spaceships.
Now the tables have turned, Jake is no longer just a stranger and is now the city’s only hope for salvation. Jake and Colonel Dolarhyde must ally together with fellow past enemies to protect the city from the aliens. What’s more, Jake’s shackle holds the key to survival and with the help of traveller Ella (Olivia Wilde), the gunslinger starts to remember his past and unites with Apache warriors and outlaws in an epic showdown against the alien force.
Cowboys & Aliens is released in UK cinemas and IMAX® everywhere on Wednesday August 17. Watch the trailer below for a sneak peek…
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Sam Allardyce has warned Tottenham not to leave it too late to sign Scott Parker according to Sky Sports.
The West Ham boss has told his London rivals not wait to too long to land Parker and he will be left disappointed if they make a last minute swoop.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp hasn’t been shy in declaring his interest in the England midfielder although he admits finances could scupper any deal.
They are favourites to land the 31-year-old although Allardyce doesn’t want the prospect of a deal to linger on until the final day of the transfer window.
“It is a worry that Spurs might wait until the last minute because it would be the wrong time to do it,” Allardyce told Sky Sports.
“If they want to come and do it then, I will be telling the chairmen it is the most expensive time and not the cheapest.
“So if Harry is listening, or anyone at Tottenham, watch out, don’t be waiting that long because you won’t be able to do it.”
Parker is expected to leave Upton Park before the transfer window closes although no bids have been forthcoming
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Despite strong interest from White Hart Lane along with that of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal the midfielders £8 million valuation may prove to be off putting.
Pre-season is on us once more, at last, and we can all look forward once more to the excitement of a new, fresh-smelling football season, full of hope, anticipation, and ultimately tears, disappointment and death threats against the overweight, lazy left-back. But for those with a nostalgic view of life, where things used to be so much better in the world of football, before money and specifically Manchester City came along and ruined everything, even pre-season has no longer escaped the unstoppable surge of commercialism and the need to “spread the word”.
Games often used to be local and/or against lower-league teams. Perhaps they were seen as a way of supporting the smaller teams, pairing as they often did a top-level team away to a lower-level team. Or more likely teams had so little imagination they just arranged a kick-about with teams nearby, for reasons of convenience. Thus the likes of Manchester City regularly played the likes of Rochdale, Bury or Oldham. Bury almost went to the wall a few years back, so games like this could make all the difference.
In 2006, Manchester City played Wrexham, Port Vale, Rochdale and Bradford amongst others. In 2007, Doncaster and Shrewsbury, as foreign teams began to creep in more and more. In 2008, just Stockport and an array of continental teams. This pre-season will consist of a trip to America, Dublin and Wembley, an Irish Select X1 being the least glamorous of this year’s opponents.
Reserve sides are still doing the rounds locally, for City and others Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge and co. tipping up at Altrincham and Stalybridge, but the first team are many time zones away most of the time.
And it seems mini-tournaments are all the rage nowadays. The Audi Cup, with snazzy new (and utterly appalling) camera angles on display, or the Dublin Super Cup, the Asia cup, the Emirates Cup and let’s not forget the Herbalife World Football Challenge that Manchester City have just returned from.
Foreign jaunts like these are one of the reasons I think a winter break would be a bad idea. If the football authorities introduced any period in a season without football, clubs would simply arrange money-spinning friendlies to fill the gap and bring in some extra revenue/extend their global “profile”. And that’s the crux of why most Premier League teams spend pre-season jetting around the world. Money. Not just the money made from the tour itself, but by attempting to gain more fans globally, which will lead to greater revenue in the future. Financial Fair play will only exacerbate the desire to bring in extra revenue, and as always it is the fans that will suffer.
Pre-season friendlies are pretty pointless affairs of course. Money aside, they are there to get players fit for the regular season. They give no hint as to how the regular season will go, and the raft of substitutions that inevitably occur in each game makes for an unappetising spectacle much of the time. A 3-0 defeat to Hull for Liverpool should not signify a relegation battle in the season ahead, in the same way that West Ham’s excellent pre-season last year didn’t lead to a productive season.
The main hope is that players don’t pick up injuries. The manager might want to tinker with a few tactics/formations, before ultimately falling back to what he knows best. The games can be a good chance for new players to become acquainted with team-mates, and for us fans to meet up with friends absent over the summer. Or they can provide a shop window for players on their way out. It is also a chance for foreign-based fans to see their team, a rare occurrence for many.
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For those of us not at the games, it is no longer a situation of checking scores and speculating on what happened during the match. One advantage of modern times is the chance to watch your team in pre-season without having to go to the ground. Set your alarm clock for 4am – Chelsea are playing a Singapore Presidential Select X1, live on ESPN. Televising pre-season friendlies seems to be the norm nowadays, which at least gives fans starved of football over the summer a chance to see their “heroes” again, and helps bridge the gap between seasons just a little. The games mean nothing, but a penalty shoot-out against LA Galaxy still had the old heart beating that little bit faster.
But what the friendlies signify more than anything is that it’s almost time again – time for another 9-month roller-coaster ride. Friendlies are a little taster, easing us all back into what experts are already saying will be undoubtedly the greatest season in the history of football. Whatever your team, you still have anticipation and hope, for now. In the meantime, you can watch your team without the added stress that usually goes with the territory. Make the most of it.
Liverpool have been through a turbulent few years on and off the field which finally came to a halt with the arrival of the new owners last year and Kenny Dalglish’s return to the club in January. There were many reasons for their alarming decline, but one thing that seemed to have set the club on the slide on the field was the loss of Xabi Alonso, an integral part of the side, and someone that they still haven’t been able to replace two years on.
Alonso was a world class player, he formed an excellent partnership with Javier Mascherano, and alongside Steven Gerrard, completed one of the finest midfields around. He was a passing genius, as well as an intelligent player, and he provided the key link between the defense and the attack which Liverpool have lacked since his departure. Although it is a few years since he left, his absence in the middle of the field is still noticeable.
Alonso was a quality player, one as integral to the side as Gerrard was. When he was at the club and didn’t play, Liverpool looked like they were a man down, they lacked creativity and they have struggled with the hangover caused by his loss ever since.
Liverpool have tried to replace Alonso, but it’s a tough ask to replace such a world class player, particularly one with such a distinctive style. Lucas has come on a long way since the time he first donned a reds shirt, and he’s done well but he’s not of the same quality as Alonso, and he has yet to stamp his name on the defensive midfield role permanently.
At the end of last season, Liverpool seemed to have finally moved towards a new idea of how to play, with a new style under Dalglish. No longer did they look inept or ineffective in attack, and for the first time since Alonso left they looked creative, yet no one has staked their claim to be unchallenged in the central role. Alberto Aquilani, though his future remains uncertain, could write his name into the role. He is a different option to what Alonso provided in the past, quicker on the ball, with pace and trickery, he provides a more direct attacking threat than Xabi used to. He never really got a fair chance under Hodgson so he may prove more worthwhile this season if given the opportunity.
Charlie Adam is another, who it has been mentioned could finally fill the space left by Alonso, but he was quick to play down these comments. It is tough for every central midfielder who comes to the club because of the quality that went before. Adam is an excellent passer of the ball, with great vision, but he was quick to state that he is not another Alonso, he’s his own man. This is a new Liverpool, with new players, and under Dalglish it seems that it is time to stop looking back to what the side had in Alonso and finally move on.
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It seems that the time is right now to forget the past and look forward to the future, Liverpool now have an exciting team with talented players who will play in a different style which could be every bit as effective as Alonso once was. Somebody needs to step up to the plate in the middle of the park, and make the role their own, so that the loss of Alonso becomes a distant memory.
There is huge pressure on anybody going to step into central midfield, because of the quality that has gone before, but these players need to be their own men and they need to make the role their own, so Liverpool can finally move on from the loss of Alonso for good.
For more thoughts, comment and debate follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter