Simon Sparrowhawk
Embarrassed by Liverpool one week. Embarrassed by themselves the next. It has been a terrible fortnight for Manchester United. In fact, it has been so bad that Sir Alex Ferguson might, for possibly the first time, be welcoming an international break.
At 13:05pm on March 14th, it all looked rosy in the Old Trafford garden. World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo had just scored from the penalty spot against title rivals Liverpool to give Fergie’s men a 1-0 lead on home turf. They looked solid and appeared to be closing out the title race. However, it has gone quite spectacularly pear-shaped since.
Perhaps they believed the hype. The Quintuple has been the talk of the country in recent months, but it looks impossible now. Liverpool roared back that afternoon to send the Red Devils crashing to an demoralising 4-1 defeat. So much for the unbreachable defence! Nemanja Vidic floundered against the raw pace of Fernando Torres, before receiving his marching orders for a professional foul on Steven Gerrard in the second half.
A blip. A bad day at the office. A freak. That was the general consensus in the aftermath. The men from the red half of Manchester were still well clear in the title race and an away trip to Fulham looked like the perfect chance to get back on track. Remember, they waltzed past the same opponents 4-0 just two weeks before in the FA Cup Quarter Final, at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers must have expected a backlash, I bet they couldn’t believe their luck! United were not ‘at it’ again and Roy Hodgson's side took advantage. More defensive calamities and poor discipline meant catastrophe once again. Paul Scholes picked up a red card for handling on the goal-line after just 18 minutes. Danny Murphy (who else?) tucked home the penalty and the belief simply drained out of the two-time reigning Champions.
They tried to hit back after the break – no doubt after a Fergie hairdryer – but Mark Schwarzer was in no mood to let Rooney and Ronaldo spoil the Cottagers party. Frustration grew. Tensions surfaced. Ronaldo stomped. Rooney lost his rag, and followed Scholes down the tunnel.
It all fell apart. Zoltan Gera added a second in injury time. Fulham took the three points and Liverpool clawed back to within touching distance of the title.
The title race is alive and kicking again. Last month Ferguson warned his side how a mini-collapse from Barcelona let Real Madrid back into the equation could mirror itself in England. He was right. But I doubt he really believed it would happen - not to him.
United’s players will be delighted to escape the Carrington Training Complex where the boss will be on the war path. Fergie will hope they return with this shock to their confidence out of their system.
Aston Villa are up next. They are in even worse form than the Champions, so United will hope to turn it around.
As yet, we don’t know how United will react, but what we can be sure of is that when the Villains travel to Old Trafford a week on Sunday, the home fans will be expecting a dramatic improvement. However, no Rooney, no Vidic, no Scholes, and possibly no Berbatov, could spell further trouble for the Champions. Liverpool lie in wait!
Showing posts with label Simon Sparrowhawk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simon Sparrowhawk. Show all posts
Monday, 23 March 2009
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Welcome Home Tiger!
Simon Sparrowhawk
Tiger Woods is back and not a moment too soon for the world of golf.
Never has the return of one golfer been so eagerly anticipated. Little did we know when Tiger Woods won the 2008 US Open that we would not see the World Number One for eight months. And how we have missed him!
Viewing figures are reportedly down 50 per cent in Tiger’s absence and, in all honesty, the game has lost a lot of its appeal. Did anyone capitalise? Nobody has surpassed him for the number one spot, but Padraig Harrington has cashed in. The Irishman collected back to back major championships in the back half of 2008. But can he take that form into 2009?
Missed chance
However, the Irishman is the only leading player to further his reputation in Woods’ absence. Phil Mickleson, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh have all been off the boil, although Sergio Garcia has also benefited. The Spaniard though has often faltered when faced with the might of Woods’ armoury so it will be interesting to see if the fear factor has left the talented Iberian.
The sad truth is that, without Tiger, golf has regressed. Crowds and audiences are down – particularly on the PGA Tour. Sponsors are being driven away by the lack of interest. The future of a number of tournaments is at risk as a result of the recession’s damaging effect on the car industry, which is associated with numerous events. Buick have two of their own – oh and they sponsor Tiger too!
Tiger’s comeback has been treated like the return of the Messiah. The expectations are that Woods will return and, all of a sudden, the problems in the world of golf will be fixed. And in all likelihood, they will.
The problem for golf is, that Tiger Woods is golf. Without him they have no selling point. Why do you think the MLS are so keen to hold onto David Beckham? He is their selling point. Tiger is golf’s selling point.
Chasing history
So, how good will he be? Can he possibly return to immediate success at the WGC Accenture World Match-Play event? With his penchant for drama, he probably will!
However, immediate success is probably not Woods’ major concern. Although he will want to win this week, he has bigger fish to fry. Tiger is chasing history. He is chasing the Golden Bear. He is still four major championships behind Jack Nicklaus and the Tiger will not rest until he has surpassed the Bear.
What do you think? Will Tiger win this week? Will he be the same? Will be continue to make history? Or, could this all be a step too far?
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Premier League Review
Simon Sparrowhawk
A tale of bad tackles, great goals, poor refereeing and endless controversy - just another week in the Barclays Premier League!
Manchester United end the weekend with a seven point advantage at the top of the table after Liverpool slipped up at home to Manchester City. The Red Devils looked vulnerable at times and their stunning run of 14 consecutive clean sheets came to an end as Roque Santa Cruz cancelled out Wayne Rooney's early goal. Nerves and frustration were getting the better of United until World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo sent Old Trafford into raptures with a trademark free-kick that bemused and confused Paul Robinson. Referee Howard Webb had a poor afternoon as he disallowed a perfectly good Jonny Evans header before controversially denying Rovers a penalty.
The result from Old Trafford put the pressure back on Liverpool and, not for the first time this season, Rafa Benitez and his side blinked as Manchester City left Anfield with a point. Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy returned to haunt his former club with the opening goal before Dirk Kuyt restored order with a late equaliser. However, the Reds could not force a winner and there was more bad news to come as rumours emerged that Benitez had turned down yet another contract.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Everton failed to break down ten man Newcastle United at St. James' Park after Kevin Nolan had been dismissed for a truly awful tackle on Victor Anichebe. Perhaps more concerning for Toffees fans was the departure of Mikel Arteta who is awaiting the results of a scan on a potentially serious knee injury. While in the lunchtime kick-off, Fulham dispatched West Brom with consumate ease as the Baggies once again proved impotent on the road. They even allowed Bobby Zamora to score the opening goal in 2-0 Cottagers cruise, the former West Ham striker hadn't found the net since September.
Guus Hiddink got off to the perfect start as Caretaker boss of Chelsea (how long that will last is debatable) with a priceless 1-0 victory over Champions League qualification rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park. Nicolas Anelka grabbed the only goal, although the men from Stamford Bridge rode their luck as Martin O'Neill's side forced them onto the backfoot.
Chelsea fellow Londoners West Ham United somehow failed to take at least a point from a trip to Bolton where they dominated throughout the game but two early lapses cost them dear as the Trotters held out for a 2-1 win to collect three vital points.
It was draws a plenty on Saturday in the Premier League though as Arsenal, with new signing Andrei Arshavin on show, failed to break down Sunderland at the Emirates while Middlesbrough's appalling run of form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Wigan. The Teesiders are now 14 games without a win and Gareth Southgate's men are in a real battle for survival.
The game at the Brittania Stadium was forgettable for 75 minutes as Portsmouth and Stoke battered the ball into submission, until Niko Kranjcar fired the South Coast side ahead. Tony Pulis' side are made of stern stuff though and James Beattie capitalised on a shocking penalty award to equalise before firing the hosts ahead with ten minutes to go. However, with the clock ticking down Ryan Shawcross diverted the ball into his own net and the sides had to share the spoils.
So, is the title race over? Are West Brom on their way out? Can Boro' turn around their fortunes? What do you think?
A tale of bad tackles, great goals, poor refereeing and endless controversy - just another week in the Barclays Premier League!
Manchester United end the weekend with a seven point advantage at the top of the table after Liverpool slipped up at home to Manchester City. The Red Devils looked vulnerable at times and their stunning run of 14 consecutive clean sheets came to an end as Roque Santa Cruz cancelled out Wayne Rooney's early goal. Nerves and frustration were getting the better of United until World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo sent Old Trafford into raptures with a trademark free-kick that bemused and confused Paul Robinson. Referee Howard Webb had a poor afternoon as he disallowed a perfectly good Jonny Evans header before controversially denying Rovers a penalty.
The result from Old Trafford put the pressure back on Liverpool and, not for the first time this season, Rafa Benitez and his side blinked as Manchester City left Anfield with a point. Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy returned to haunt his former club with the opening goal before Dirk Kuyt restored order with a late equaliser. However, the Reds could not force a winner and there was more bad news to come as rumours emerged that Benitez had turned down yet another contract.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Everton failed to break down ten man Newcastle United at St. James' Park after Kevin Nolan had been dismissed for a truly awful tackle on Victor Anichebe. Perhaps more concerning for Toffees fans was the departure of Mikel Arteta who is awaiting the results of a scan on a potentially serious knee injury. While in the lunchtime kick-off, Fulham dispatched West Brom with consumate ease as the Baggies once again proved impotent on the road. They even allowed Bobby Zamora to score the opening goal in 2-0 Cottagers cruise, the former West Ham striker hadn't found the net since September.
Guus Hiddink got off to the perfect start as Caretaker boss of Chelsea (how long that will last is debatable) with a priceless 1-0 victory over Champions League qualification rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park. Nicolas Anelka grabbed the only goal, although the men from Stamford Bridge rode their luck as Martin O'Neill's side forced them onto the backfoot.
Chelsea fellow Londoners West Ham United somehow failed to take at least a point from a trip to Bolton where they dominated throughout the game but two early lapses cost them dear as the Trotters held out for a 2-1 win to collect three vital points.
It was draws a plenty on Saturday in the Premier League though as Arsenal, with new signing Andrei Arshavin on show, failed to break down Sunderland at the Emirates while Middlesbrough's appalling run of form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Wigan. The Teesiders are now 14 games without a win and Gareth Southgate's men are in a real battle for survival.
The game at the Brittania Stadium was forgettable for 75 minutes as Portsmouth and Stoke battered the ball into submission, until Niko Kranjcar fired the South Coast side ahead. Tony Pulis' side are made of stern stuff though and James Beattie capitalised on a shocking penalty award to equalise before firing the hosts ahead with ten minutes to go. However, with the clock ticking down Ryan Shawcross diverted the ball into his own net and the sides had to share the spoils.
So, is the title race over? Are West Brom on their way out? Can Boro' turn around their fortunes? What do you think?
Thursday, 19 February 2009
How to define a 'big' club?
Simon Sparrowhawk - GS:UK Editor
As Arsenal relentlessly tore apart Cardiff City with a trademark display of incisive attacking football on Monday night a debate began to rage. Who are the 'biggest' clubs in this country?
It might sound simple, but as was very quickly proved, our innate ability to think for ourselves makes it virtually impossible to come to a definitive outcome.
However, at GS:UK we think we might have cracked it . . . possibly anyway!
After a lengthy, and feisty, discussion (argument is probably more accurate) we have decided on FOUR criteria that help define the size of a football club.
So, without further ado, here they are:
1) Tradition and history
2) Worldwide appeal and fan-base
3) Financial success
4) Recent silverware
So, let's look at these criteria in a little more detail...
Tradition and history - This surrounds the level of success the club enjoyed before the advent of the Premier League in 1992. However, this also takes into account the emotional pull of an individual club to people in England, and around the world.
Worldwide appeal and fan-base - Previously this would have been limited to just the UK but as a result of football's global appeal it became necessary to look at the clubs impact on the rest of the world too. The questions to answer here are; how popular is the club around the world? And, how 'big' is the brand?
Financial success - Exactly what it says on the tin, how rich is the club? However, some areas are afforded more importance. For instance, a club's turnover is considered more vital than the amount of money the owner of the club has in reserve. This is due to the false impression of financial success that can be created by mega-rich owners.
Recent silverware - Last, but by no means least, credence is given to the success of each club since the beginning of the Premier League. However, silverware attained since the turn of the century is considered more valuable than that achieved before the new millenium.
GS:UK's Top Ten
1) Manchester United
2) Liverpool
3) Chelsea
4) Arsenal
5) Tottenham Hotspur
6) Aston Villa
7) Everton
8) West Ham United
9) Newcastle United
10) Manchester City
What do you think? Have we got it right? Have we got it horribly wrong? Leave a comment to tell us your top ten!
As Arsenal relentlessly tore apart Cardiff City with a trademark display of incisive attacking football on Monday night a debate began to rage. Who are the 'biggest' clubs in this country?
It might sound simple, but as was very quickly proved, our innate ability to think for ourselves makes it virtually impossible to come to a definitive outcome.
However, at GS:UK we think we might have cracked it . . . possibly anyway!
After a lengthy, and feisty, discussion (argument is probably more accurate) we have decided on FOUR criteria that help define the size of a football club.
So, without further ado, here they are:
1) Tradition and history
2) Worldwide appeal and fan-base
3) Financial success
4) Recent silverware
So, let's look at these criteria in a little more detail...
Tradition and history - This surrounds the level of success the club enjoyed before the advent of the Premier League in 1992. However, this also takes into account the emotional pull of an individual club to people in England, and around the world.
Worldwide appeal and fan-base - Previously this would have been limited to just the UK but as a result of football's global appeal it became necessary to look at the clubs impact on the rest of the world too. The questions to answer here are; how popular is the club around the world? And, how 'big' is the brand?
Financial success - Exactly what it says on the tin, how rich is the club? However, some areas are afforded more importance. For instance, a club's turnover is considered more vital than the amount of money the owner of the club has in reserve. This is due to the false impression of financial success that can be created by mega-rich owners.
Recent silverware - Last, but by no means least, credence is given to the success of each club since the beginning of the Premier League. However, silverware attained since the turn of the century is considered more valuable than that achieved before the new millenium.
GS:UK's Top Ten
1) Manchester United
2) Liverpool
3) Chelsea
4) Arsenal
5) Tottenham Hotspur
6) Aston Villa
7) Everton
8) West Ham United
9) Newcastle United
10) Manchester City
What do you think? Have we got it right? Have we got it horribly wrong? Leave a comment to tell us your top ten!
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