Tag Futebol

The best thing about supporting Spurs, is that secretly, you don’t expect much. It’s an advantage us supporters have over our North London Rivals. I wouldn’t say we are easily pleased, (as you would quickly learn if you spent a Saturday afternoon at The Lane) but the simple things such as a Bale Hat-Trick against Milan when we were 4-0 down with ten men, or a 3-3 draw against Arsenal at home, are considered ‘Good’ if not ‘Brilliant’ performances. Unfortunately, it’s that expectancy and pressure, that every true Spurs fan yearns for, and most of us, due to those teasing flashes of brilliance and achievement this year felt that we were finally about to join the big boys.

It seems though, although it’s not over yet, that the dream of returning to the Champions League next year has almost definitely slipped away. Spurs didn’t get to ‘Pass Go’ and collect £200, they landed on the Park Lane and Mayfair of European football before they’d had a chance to purchase ‘Old Kent Road’ and it seems that in that short cirquit of the board they have been to jail many times, always expecting Gareth to ‘Bale’ them out.

However, this isn’t how world class clubs continue to succeed at a high level. There has to be a depth throughout the squad and money has to be spent in order to retain that status. Van der Vaart was possibly the buy of the season, but fans aren’t interested in bargains and finance. We just want results. We don’t care if we made millions on Berbatov if there’s no -one to fill the void left behind on the pitch.

For years now, Spurs have claimed that they couldn’t lure the big players to the club without involvement in the Champions League. It seems that after a season spent in the top five of the Premiership, beating both AC and Inter Milan in the biggest Football tournament in the world, Spurs are facing a very familiar end to the season.

[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]

Now you’re, you could be forgiven for thinking that this sounds like a rant, because it is. The inconsistency in Spurs performance is probably the cause of many a balding head from N17 to Switzerland (that’s a Phil Collins joke). You see, all of this is in vain if we don’t get that fourth spot! We will possibly lose a couple of our good players (Modric, Defoe, Bale, Kranjcar are all possibilities??) and still be left with Crouch trying to slam dunk the ball into the back of the net come August!! Harry will be off to take England to the quarter finals of the next international tournament, while Gomes will be working closely with Ray Clemence in trying to find new ways in which he can continue to keep Goal without using his hands. And the fans, the fans, will be left thinking about what could have been, and whether it is another twenty years before we enter in to the same league as other clubs that are fortunate enough to have huge financial injections, and benefit from them.

Yes the win at the Emirates was a fine moment and Bale making his mark on the world stage with that hat-trick was something to treasure and remember. But if he’s playing down the left for Man Utd next season, while Spurs lie in 8th position in the table, as Mr. Levy rubs his hands together pondering what Yacht to buy off the coast of Monaco, the fans will be left with that sinking feeling of emptiness, that although it was good, it was all over too quickly.

If you support Spurs, I’m sure you empathise, if you don’t, I can only assume that based on the season we have just had in relation to the twenty that have come before, your feelings towards us Spurs fans quote a classic song from two of our most famous supporters Chas ‘n’ Dave, ” Ain’t No Pleasing You”!!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For more info on King Jacks, check in here: www.kingjacks.com and see his latest video featuring Danny Dyer here…

[youtube sHv66I_WECg]

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that Lee Cattermole will remain in possession of the captain's armband despite his disciplinary problems this season.

Cattermole will return from his latest suspension against Liverpool on Saturday.

The 22-year-old combative midfielder has picked up two red cards in just four appearances this season.

But despite a turbulent start to his captaincy, Bruce has no plans to replace Cattermole as his on-pitch leader.

"I made a decision at the start of the season – and a conscious one – that he is the captain and I am going to stand by him," said Bruce.

"I was convinced it was the right thing to do when I gave him it, and after what has happened to him, I am still convinced that in the long term, Sunderland will benefit from Lee Cattermole being the captain of the club."

However, Bruce has told the former Wigan Athletic youngster that he must learn from his troubled start to the new campaign.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He added:"There is this reputation that he has, unfortunately, and he has got to rid himself of it.

"The only way he can do that is by playing games regularly, staying on the pitch, keeping his nose clean and getting on with the game, which is the most important thing."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Roberto Mancini believes that Liverpool made mistakes in their handling of the Luis Suarez affair. The Italian believes that apologies needed to be issued in the wake of the incident to ensure and they should have just accepted the charge and moved on.

Elsewhere in the news Thierry Henry keeps expectations in check; Tottenham confirm their interest in Remy, while Aston Villa expected to seal deal for Keane.

News

Spurs’ squad will ensure they can be contenders

Dalglish happy to be Liverpool boss

Aston Villa expected to seal loan deal

Tevez wants AC Milan move

Everton wary of Bale threat

Thierry Henry keeps expectations in check

Mancini feels Liverpool made mistakes

Redknapp confirms interest in striker

Coquelin extends contract as Wenger joins £4m battle for Saints starlet

[divider]

Transfer Talk

[divider]

Ba release clause has United manager Fergie weighing up move for Toon star – Daily Mail

Arsenal fail with bid for defender – Mirror

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Toon: £15million to capture Krul – Sun

Bassong ready to leave Tottenham – Mirror

Yours for £20m! Liverpool seek to offload Carroll… and Newcastle line up shock return – Daily Mail

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Reports in The Sun today suggest that Chelsea are closing in on signing a player that has been labelled the new Didier Drogba. Barcelona have pulled out of the chase for Romelu Lukaku and the 17 year old Anderlecht forward looks set to join Chelsea for a fee in the region of £18m. However, Lukaku is also being tracked by Arsenal and other European clubs.

Chelsea is the starlet’s most likely destination now that Barcelona have pulled out and will now turn their intentions to ex-Manchester United and current Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi instead.

Chelsea are in the market for the youngster because they are keen to strengthen their attacking options with Nicolas Anelka and the current Didier Drogba both the run side of 30, and Daniel Sturridge looking to move to Bolton on a permanent deal – after spending time on loan their this season.

Lukaku seems to be the man Chelsea want and his pedigree is established with 35 goals in 87 games for Anderlecht – that is nearly a goal every 2.5 games. The Belgium international is flattered to be compared with Didier Drogba – but keen to be his own man. Lukaku said “I’m flattered to be compared to a great striker like Didier but insist on being my own player.” On the link to a move to the Premier League he commented “My style is best suited to the English Premier League, so a move to England is more likely than a switch to Spain or anywhere else in Europe.”

Like this rumour? Follow me on Twitter

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

New signing Rafael van der Vaart sees no reason why Tottenham can't finish above north London rivals Arsenal this season.

The Netherlands international arrived at White Hart Lane in an £8million deadline day deal from Real Madrid.

He looks set to make his Premier League debut against West Brom on Saturday and has immediately thrown the gauntlet down to the Gunners.

The first north London derby of the season will take place at White Hart Lane on September 21 in the third round of the Carling Cup.

"Arsenal have a great team also, a lot of great young players," said van der Vaart.

"But I think our squad is not worse than Arsenal's, so I think we have a good chance to win against them.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"And not only win the game against them but also, over the whole season, we can aspire to beat them."

Spurs finished five points adrift of Arsenal last season as they secured fourth place in the final Premier League table and qualified for the Champions League for the first time.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

One thing that I cannot stand in football – even more than the FA, even more than the prices of food at games and even more than Sergio Busquets (well perhaps not) – is the claim that certain players fail to perform in the ‘big games.’

Never more so than after El Clasico, I got slowly more and more annoyed with this criticism of Ronaldo, and even after the boy managed to score a hat trick away to Sevilla at the weekend to send Real top going into the winter break, people still managed to say yes, but the Barcelona game was last week Cristiano. Cue me turning a shade of purple Fergie would be proud of.

Ok, so Ronaldo may not have had the best game against Barca, but say he did and scored five goals, all by himself and made a goal line clearance at the other end after a very un Ronaldo like piece of defending, single handedly winning Real the game. Brilliant. But then failed to perform against Sevilla the week after and Mourinho’s men lost the game – they would still have lost three points and been in the same situation they are in now.

Ronaldo has scored 43 goals this calendar year, setting a new record in La Liga, and is leading the race for the Picihci with 20 goals. Well these goals came in games such as ones against Valencia and Sevilla – both away – so are these not ‘big games’?

The points that Barcelona have dropped this season come away to Getafe amongst other sides – so despite their players turning up in the Classico, they failed to do so for the majority of the away games where Barca picked up 9 points out of 18 before the game at their apparent home away from home, the Santiago Bernabeu.

No game is insignificant in a title race – there are 38 games which are all worth three points, not that you would believe that given the media reaction to certain performances and games. There is little point in turning up to one ‘big’ game and failing in the other 37. Likewise you might be brilliant in the World Cup final, but there is a little matter of getting there first.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Don’t get me wrong, turning up in the big games is vital, but like when people accuse strikers of scoring against easy sides – Defoe comes to mind here – someone has to score those goals, and yes you can score against the top few sides and possibly win a game, but if you fail to beat the rest of the league, you won’t find yourself top of the pile at the end of the season.

There is a saying that there is no such thing as an easy game, and with football becoming more unpredictable than ever before. For a top team the target is to win the league, not just to beat their rivals, and to do that players need to be on the top of their game for 38 matches.

At the end of the season no one will focus on the fact that Ronaldo had an off game against Barcelona if he is the top goal scorer and Madrid win the league. No one will care that Defoe may have scored against everyone but the top two sides if Spurs finish third.

One ‘big’ game does not make a great player or win a title – yet in the same way that fans and the media sensationalise one poor result – would have you believe this is the case. Unfortunately it will take until the end of the season to prove them wrong – but when that happens you can be sure I will be writing about it!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

 FREE football app that pays you CASH

[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has elected to praise his side’s win over Real Madrid rather than respond to Jose Mourinho’s criticism.Lionel Messi scored a superb brace to help Barca to a 2-0 victory at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.

Guardiola said he was content with the Catalans’ improvement on their underwhelming display in the 1-0 loss to their arch rivals in the Copa del Rey last Wednesday.

“We did not allow Madrid chances throughout the first half and that’s very hard to do,” Guardiola said.

“I’m very proud. (David) Villa was sharp and (Seydou) Keita’s work was also very important. But Madrid will be more dangerous on Tuesday (in the second leg).”

“We corrected some things we did bad in the (Copa del Rey) final.”

The reigning Spanish champions capitalised on their one-man advantage after Real Madrid defender-turned-midfielder Pepe’s second-half sending off, with Barcelona’s substitute goalkeeper Sergio Pinto having already been red carded for his part in a fracas between the two sides at half-time.

Mourinho was also sent to the stands for his vehement protests at the dismissal of Pepe.

But having bitten back at comments by Mourinho in the lead-up to the clash – calling his Portuguese opponent the ‘f—— chief’ – Guardiola would not be drawn into addressing the Real boss’ post-match comments that Barca received favourable decisions from referees.

”We played a very good game. The team was very aggressive. We won a lot of duels (and) Keita helped us a lot. We’re now 90 minutes away from Champions League final and we’re trying to get there,” Guardiola said.

“We are lucky to have Messi. At the age of 23, he’s the third top scorer in our club’s history and that’s impressive.”

The former Barcelona captain warned his side the tie was not over, with 90 minutes still to play at Camp Nou next Tuesday.

“We have to recover for (Saturday’s) league match and the second leg next Tuesday, but we are not at Wembley yet,” he said.

Manchester United have included Owen Hargreaves in their 25-man squad eligible to play in the Premier League this season.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to take a gamble on naming the England midfielder in the squad, which had to be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old midfielder has made just one substitute appearance during the past two seasons following a lengthy battle with tendinitis and then surgery on both knees.

Hargreaves has spent the last six weeks in the United States where he is continuing his rehabilitation, but the former Bayern Munich midfielder has been included in the Old Trafford club's 25-man squad.

Speaking earlier in the month, Ferguson admitted he was still unsure whether to include the injury-plagued midfielder.

He said:"There is no limit on the number of players under the age of 21, so I have plenty of room for manoeuvre, with only one issue really.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"That is whether I can afford to allot one of the 25 places to Owen Hargreaves as he continues to battle for full fitness.

"Once the squad is named, you cannot change until the next transfer window. It's crunch time this week."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

This season marks the 20th since the Premier League’s inception. In that time some of the finest players to ever play the game have graced English football’s top flight. Year in year out drama has unfolded before our eyes, with goals evoking ecstasy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Today we take a look at the top ten most significant Premier League goals since 1992, those goals that matter that little bit more than most. From title winning goals to those that save a team from relegation, even goals with huge financial implications, the Premier League has seen its fair share of important goals.

10 – Frank Lampard – Bolton Vs Chelsea, 2005

Frank Lampard’s second goal against Bolton in 2005 saw him run the length of the pitch before rounding Jussi Jaskelainen. It marked an end to Chelsea’s 50 year wait for the league title in Jose Mourinho’s first season as manager.

[youtube Fy1NAzeiWiI]

9 – Carlos Tevez – Manchester United 0-1 West Ham, 2007

Going in to the last day of the 2006/07 season West Ham travelled to Manchester United knowing they would need at least a point to secure safety. Carlos Tevez would become the hero, with an impeccable finish for the Hammers. Carlos Tevez’s move to West Ham was under investigation and the club would later be fined but the mercurial Argentinean will never be forgotten for his goal at Old Trafford.

[youtube qNrs_q32Zuw]

Continued on Page TWO

8 – John O’Shea – Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United, 2007

At number 8 we have an unlikely hero. Manchester United’s John O’Shea scored a winner at Anfield deep into added time, smashing the ball into the roof of the net after Pepe Reina had spilt the ball. The result sent United 9 points clear and despite a late push from Chelsea, United held on to regain the Premiership crown.

[youtube qHxJThRSkHQ]

7 – Stan Collymore – Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle, 1996

Collymore’s late winner in 1996 is a goal that has proved significant for two reasons. The first of which is it contributed to Newcastle letting a 12 point lead slip at the top of the table as Manchester United went into overdrive at the end of the season. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the goal epitomised the Premier League. It came at the end of a match recently voted the greatest Premier League match of the last 20 years and Martin Tyler’s commentary for SkySports has been immortalised. ‘Collymore closing in. Liverpool lead in stoppage time!’ In terms of advertisement of brand, Collymore’s goal is at the very top.

[youtube o4ezBOXQYkI]

[divider]

Continued on Page THREE

6 – Sylvain Wiltord – Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal, 2002

Having finished as runners up in the previous three seasons, Arsenal were determined to win the title back from Manchester United in their own back yard. Sylvan Wiltord would be the man to write himself into the history books, as Arsenal claimed the title with a 1-0 victory.

[youtube rTccVRMMlUo]

5 – Peter Crouch – Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham, 2010

In what was billed as the battle for 4th place Peter Crouch scored the winner that gave Tottenham Hotspur Champions League football. The club impressed in the competition and can look back on the goal as a stepping stone to the quality of player they now have at the club.

[youtube eiBBxfq7Q-8]

[divider]

Continued on Page FOUR

4 – Geoff Horsfield – West Brom 2-0 Portsmouth, 2005

In what was dubbed ‘The Great Escape’, West Brom became the first club in the Premier League to be bottom at Christmas and escape relegation. In fact, West Brom were even bottom going into the last day. Geoff Horsfield scored the first in a 2-0 win against Portsmouth, with results elsewhere going their way sparking delirium amongst the Baggies supporters.

[youtube GD8V8enE8gA]

3 – Jesper Gronkjaer – Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool, 2003

Another game with huge importance, on the last day of the 2002-2003 season the winning side would secure qualification for the Champions League. Jesper Gronkjaer scored the winner in the first half and as they say, the rest is history. Roman Abramovich invested in the club less than two months later marking a period of unprecedented success for the West London club.

[youtube ZRFgyWziMJw]

[divider]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Continued on Page FIVE

2 – Steve Bruce – Manchester United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday, 1993

In the very first Premier League season an unlikely source in Steve Bruce scored twice deep into stoppage time against Sheffield Wednesday. The two goals sent United a point clear at the top, a month later they would be crowned Premier League champions, beginning a period of dominance in English football for Manchester United.

[youtube brxOzO5mpcM]

1 – Brian Deane – Sheffield United 2-1 Manchester United, 1992

For one reason alone, Brian Deane’s goal will always be a significant one in the Premier League’s history, being the first to be scored in the competition. It marked the beginning of a new era for English football and the game has never looked back, indeed, who could of predicted the Premier League would be such a resounding success when Deane scored that very first goal.

[youtube UNx_HmifAm4]

Is there a goal deserving of inclusion that is missing? Comment or message me on Twitter @CamHumphries

[divider]

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Fulham boss Mark Hughes admits the possibility of relegation still hangs in the air despite his team moving into 10th after beating Blackpool.The Cottagers were clinical in the 3-0 win that saw Bobby Zamora strike a brace and Dickson Etuhu tap in a third.

But Hughes said despite moving into the top half of the English Premier League, relegation was not yet out of the question with Fulham only six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United.

“It’s not done and dusted until you get the points that you know mathematically that you can’t go down. There’s always a little bit of worry,” he said.

“In terms of what we’re producing and how we played in the last two to three months, I don’t have any concerns.”

“Quality of our performances will allow us to pick up more points between now and the end of the season and that should certainly allow us to be safe.”

“But until we actually get them on the board, you can never say never.”

Hughes was delighted with the impact Zamora made in his return to the starting line-up.

“It was important he got over the last hurdle that he had after his injury in terms of getting a few games and I couldn’t have hoped for a better impact from him,” he said.

“Straight from the off he showed quality that we missed and lacked for many games this season. It’s the perfect day for him.”

The former Manchester City boss said he wanted his team to establish themselves in the top half, meaning they had achieved the goals set for this campaign.

Meanwhile, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway said he wanted his team to play with the belief they had to get promoted to the top flight.

The Seasiders dominated possession for periods at Craven Cottage but could not find an outlet in the attacking third.

“We look like we’re carrying the world on our shoulders and we’ve got to get rid of that,” Holloway said.

“Our body language was horrible. We got promoted on the strength that we didn’t care about someone scoring, we were going to go and score ourselves.’

Holloway said he has told his team to go and watch the way they got promoted last season, hoping for a turnaround in attitude.

“I’ve asked them to do that because you need to remain totally positive,” he said.

“We can probably have five defeats and two victories and we would still stay up, I believe.”

“Thirty-nine points might keep us up and if we achieve that, it will be a fantastic achievement, better than last year.”

Blackpool have collected just five points from their last 11 outings but have their next four league games at home.