Sunderland: Nutty Professor Helps Mackems Beat The Drop

2012/2013 Season Review:

                Martin O’Neill, after a strong start to his Sunderland career, saw his side tail off towards the latter end of last season. In order to rectify that, he spent big in the summer. A reported £15 million spent on proven goalscorer Steven Fletcher, and a further £12 million on disgruntled Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, for whom Sunderland were his boyhood club. These high-profile signings were intended to push Sunderland up the table, into the top half and potentially even challenging for a European berth. Sunderland started the season well, remaining unbeaten throughout August and September and progressing to the Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup. Steven Fletcher appeared to be an inspired signing, scoring all of Sunderland’s first 5 league goals.

                Their first defeat came at the hands of the champions Manchester City at the Etihad, ironically a game the Mackems drew the previous season, breaking the Citizens 100% home record. Not the ideal preparation for the Tyne-Wear derby, where Sunderland were largely outplayed, but managed to salvage a late draw through Demba Ba’s own goal, a moment Sunderland fans remember with glee. A disappointing exit of the Capital One Cup in a Tees-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light, followed by two defeats in the league, checked Sunderland’s early season good form. The Mackems inconsistent form continued, with a pattern of two defeats and one win recurring several times throughout the early stage of the season. This placed Sunderland in a relatively safe mid-table position, but still some way short of their pre-season expectations.

                Two successive victories either side of Christmas gave Sunderland a bit of momentum going into the New Year, with a particularly positive result and performance at home to Manchester City. January was another month of two tales. Whilst two successive league wins further strengthened Sunderland’s league position, their FA Cup run was cut short by a defeat at home to Championship side Bolton Wanderers, leaving the league as their only source of attention. After the Wigan result, a winless run of 9 Premier League games put the Mackems perilously close to the relegation zone, and ultimately cost manager Martin O’Neill his job, after just over a year in charge.

                Martin O’Neill was replaced by the energetic Italian Paolo di Canio. After a feisty but successful spell with Swindon, in which di Canio took the Robins up from League 2, before leaving in rather acrimonious circumstances. Di Canio was instantly embroiled in considerable controversy, as revelations about his political views landed him in hot water with the press. Reports emerged that di Canio actually tended his resignation to the board just three days after his appointment, in a response to the controversy, which the board rejected. This decision was instantly vindicated as, in di Canio’s first game as Sunderland manager, he made the short journey to Newcastle, where his side comprehensively beat the Geordies 3-0. A game that will live long in the memory of any Sunderland fans, and di Canio’s celebrations on the touchlines caught the attention of the rest of the footballing world.

                 Di Canio’s momentum then saw Sunderland beat Everton at home, to move clear of danger, but a disastrous 6-1 defeat away at Aston Villa dumped the North East side right back into trouble. Two draws in the final three games, coupled with the inability of those around them to capitalise on Sunderland’s slip-ups, ensured that Sunderland’s status as a Premier League club remained secure for another year. As a season, Sunderland fans will consider their achievements this campaign as disappointing, especially considering the money that has been spent. Paolo di Canio, a divisive figure both within and away from the club, has considerable talent as a manager, but needs to reign in the controversies before he can be wholly successful. If he can do that, and show the same passion on the touchlines that endeared him to the Sunderland fans, then there is no reason why he could not lead Sunderland to a top 10 finish next year.

 

Player of the Season: Simon Mignolet – A toss-up between him and Steven Fletcher, though Fletcher’s lack in form towards the back end of the season tips the balance in favour of the Belgian. Another consistent season, in which Mignolet has once again performed exceptionally on a number of occasions, ensured that Sunderland’s predicament did not get any worse.

 

Game of the Season: Newcastle United 0-3 Sunderland – A no-brainer for any Sunderland fan, as di Canio’s opening game saw an absolute demolition of their arch-rivals. Stephane Sessegnon set Sunderland on their way, causing wild celebrations on the sidelines. More celebrations (and a knee slide) followed, as Adam Johnson curled a shot from the edge of the area past Rob Elliot to put the Mackems in control. David Vaughan wrapped things up in the 90^th minute, with a sweet strike from the corner of the box, giving the keeper no chance, and causing di Canio to do a Mourinho-esque run down the touchline to celebrate with his players.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Their big names to perform to expectation would be a start, with both Sessegnon and Adam Johnson being singled out for particular criticism. In terms of signings, with aging defenders like John O’Shea and Wes Brown, younger blood would be handy. Another striker to chip in with a few goals would also be most important, as Connor Wickham has failed to produce the form he promised when he broke onto the scene last year. Players like Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa and Arouna Kone would both be potential targets.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur, RB), Gary Hooper (Celtic, ST), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, LB), Charlie Austin (Burnley, ST), Modibo Diakite (Lazio, CB)

Out:

Titus Bramble (Released, CB)

Stoke City: The End to the Long Ball Game?

2012/2013 Season Review:

                Stoke had a relatively calm summer as far as transfers are concerned, with Charlie Adam being the only high profile incoming. This had the additional benefit of leaving Stoke’s squad practically untouched, giving them the stability so obviously lacking from rival squads. A traditional strong home form, brought about in part by their raucous home support, and partially via their unique long ball game, normally aids Stoke’s push towards the top 10. This season, however, this was not to be.

                An four game unbeaten start to the season gave Stoke a promising start, including home draws against Arsenal and Manchester City. Whilst a disappointing exit by Swindon of the Capital One Cup punctured this good early season form, only two league defeats by the end of October gave Potters fans further reason for optimism. However, it is worth noting that games that they would ordinarily have won the previous years at home, they drew this campaign, a factor that certainly contributed to their late season perils.

                November was more typical in terms of the traditional Stoke results, namely good at home but appalling away from the Britannia. Home wins against QPR, Newcastle and Fulham were interspersed by poor away performances against Norwich and West Ham, a run that ended at the beginning of December with a 1-0 win away at West Brom. December in general was a highly successful month for the Potters, remaining unbeaten throughout the whole of the busiest month of the season. Taking simply this month into consideration, it seems ridiculous that Stoke would find themselves in a relegation battle come the end of the season. January saw an emphatic end to the good form, with three heavy defeats against Manchester City, Chelsea and Swansea, before exiting the FA Cup at home to Man City.

                Further polarisation in terms of home vs away form continued, with Stoke picking up no away points for the whole of the first three months of 2013, a run that put even more importance on the games at the Britannia. Unfortunately, ordinarily winnable games began to be drawn, or even lost, at home, pushing Stoke slowly down the table. Home draws against Wigan and West Brom were followed in April by defeats against Manchester United and, more critically, Aston Villa, in what had been described pre-match as a relegation ‘six-pointer’. These results were indicative of relegation form, and Stoke badly needed to snap out of this run in order to extend their 5 year stay in the top flight. Their traditionally infallible long ball game, relying heavily on set pieces, was failing to create the chances the Potters fans were so used to, and soon their was considerable discontent in the stands. Pundits best summed up the situation by stating that no-one cares if you are playing unattractive football and winning, but it becomes a big problem when the results stop coming.

                Fearful of alienating their usual vociferous support, Stoke’s form took a timely peak. Successive wins away at QPR and at home to Norwich gave the Potters a little more breathing space away from the dreaded bottom three, but they remained within touching distance. This ensured that the side needed to remain at the top of their game for the remainder of the season. Two points from their last three games, coupled with their rivals inability to capitalise on their slip-ups, allowed Stoke to limp over the line, amassing 42 points and finishing in 13^th place.

                Overall, Stoke fans and management will consider this season a disappointment, after 5 years of comfortable mid-table success. The board’s disappointment with this year’s results was clearly illustrated with the sacking of manager Tony Pulis at the end of the season. However, I genuinely fear for their survival next year, as Pulis instilled a unique philosophy upon his players, and one that very few coaches appear to be implementing. Having seen how long it often takes to ‘re-train’ the players in a new style of football, the next manager at the Britannia will have a tough job, and I fear may be leading the Potters down next year.

 

Player of the Season: Asmir Begovic – Another consistent season from the Bosnian keeper, without whom Stoke would have been on the receiving end of many more hammerings. He has been a valuable asset to the Potters, and with Tony Pulis having left and the club being in a state of instability, I fear that Stoke may struggle to maintain his services for the coming season.

 

Game of the Season: Stoke 3-3 Southampton – A rollercoaster game at the Britannia, where a stunning last minute equaliser by Cameron Jerome rescued a point for 10 man Stoke. A poor first half performance from the Potters saw them slip 3-1 behind, before staging a rousing comeback in the second half. Despite Steven N’Zonzi being dismissed for a full-blooded lunge, Stoke managed to claw their way back into the game, with goals from Matthew Upson and Jerome’s speculative 30 yard effort saving Stoke’s home record.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Having dispensed of Tony Pulis, Stoke’s summer transfer dealings very much depend on the type of manager that comes in. If they manage to find a similarly oriented manager in terms of tactics, a new striker is a must, with Jonathan Walters being the club’s top goalscorer on 11 goals. However, if the style of play changes, any transfer targets could be vastly different.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Anthony Pilkington (Norwich City, CM), Luis Pedro Cavanda (Lazio, RB), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace, CM), Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace, LW), George Waring (Free Agent, CB), Guilherme Siquera (Granada, LB)

Out:

Kenwyne Jones (Cardiff City, ST), Peter Crouch (West Ham United), Thomas Sorensen (???, GK), Tony Pulis (Sacked, Manager)

Southampton: Return to the Promised Land

2012/2013 Season Review:

                After a few years in the wilderness, with 2 relegations, financial problems, and a 15 point deduction, Southampton returned to the Premier League with back to back promotions. Manager Nigel Adkins was hailed as a genius by the Saints fans, and he brought in several players designed to help Southampton survive in the Premier League. A £13million club record fee for Gaston Ramirez, as well as moves for Artur Boruc, Steven Davis and Jay Rodriguez. The season started with good performances, but poor results, as Southampton lost their opening four league matches. Though they were unfortunate to lose against the two Manchester clubs, a 6-1 demolition at the Emirates gave the Saints a wake-up call.

                An emphatic 4-1 victory over fellow strugglers Aston Villa gave Nigel Adkins his first Premier League victory, and moved the Saints off the foot of the table. A further run of 4 defeats from 5 put the Saints back to the bottom of the league, and a 3-0 away defeat away at Leeds sent Southampton out of the Capital One Cup. If Southampton wanted to survive in the league, they desperately needed an upturn in form. November provided a kick start to the Saints season, getting back to back victories away at QPR, and then at home to Newcastle. This mid-table form continued into December, with a victory over Reading and draws against Fulham and Stoke cancelling out defeats to Sunderland and Liverpool. By the end of the year, Southampton were sitting in a lower mid-table position, needing to be ready for a relegation struggle.

                January saw the emergence of a home form that justified referring to St. Mary’s as a ‘fortress’. Losing only twice at home for the remainder of the season, the Saints began the New Year with an encouraging draw against Arsenal. A 5-1 demolition at the hands of Chelsea in the FA Cup was the only disappointing result of a promising month for Southampton. Successive positive away performances against Aston Villa and Chelsea gave Saints fans further reason for optimism as the season ticked into February. However, despite moving three points away from the drop zone, Nigel Adkins was sacked and replaced by a relatively unknown young manager by the name of Mauricio Pochettino. Early reports of the language barrier were quickly swept under the carpet, with the Argentine requiring a translator for his press interviews. However, this turned out to be an inspired decision, with the new boss overseeing three famous home wins against top 6 sides. All three of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea tasted defeat at St. Mary’s, and these wins, coupled with an upturn in away form, saw the Saints climb away from the drop by the end of April.

                This allowed Southampton to enjoy their final few weeks’ experience of their return to the Premier League, having wildly exceeded their expectations. Few fans would have expected to be safe from relegation a month before the end of the season. Whilst many were significantly underwhelmed by the decision to sack Nigel Adkins, Pochettino has picked up where the old manager left off, ensuring that the Saints maintained their Premier League status for next season. After the trials and tribulations of the previous few seasons, with liquidation being a real and considerable threat at times, it will have been nice for the fans to have top flight football once more. As for next year, the dreaded ‘Second Season Syndrome’ will have to be avoided, but provided they reinforce effectively, and key players continue to perform at a high level, I can see no reason why they would be relegated next year.

 

Player of the Season: Rickie Lambert – The Saints’ journeyman striker continued his fine form in the lower leagues in the top flight, ending the season as the joint top English goalscorer, an impressive feat for a newly promoted side. A traditional centre forward, the Liverpudlian-born number 9 has proven himself at all levels of English football, with both Bristol Rovers and Southampton, which makes his success in the top flight all the more sweeter.

 

Game of the Season: Southampton 3-1 Manchester City – Mauricio Pochettino’s first victory as Saints’ boss was a morale boosting scalp over the current Premier League champions. Having comprehensively outplayed City in the first half, going in at the interval 2-1 ahead, Southampton maintained momentum in the second period, ensuring a thoroughly deserved 3-1 success. This marked the start of a rich vein of home form, which practically guaranteed the South Coast side a place in next year’s competition.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Southampton’s new manager has created a very effective playing style towards the end of the season, meaning that very few reinforcements are going to be required. Jay Rodriguez’s late season form will prevent the Saints from rushing out to buy a new striker to support Lambert, but perhaps another central defender and a bit more width in the midfield would be useful. Dependent on the funds Pochettino gets to spend in the summer, players like Robert Huth and Charles N’Zogbia would be good acquisitions.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Victor Wanyama (Celtic, CM), Victor Ruiz (Valencia, RB), Frickson Erazo (Barcelona SC, LW)

Out:

Morgan Schneiderlin (Arsenal, CM), Billy Sharp (Leeds United, ST)

Reading: A Baptism of Fire

Season Review 2012/2013:

                Reading’s promotion as Champions of the Championship seemingly gave them the best chance of the three sides to stay up in the Premier League. In Brian McDermott, they had a stable manager with a good record in the Championship, and seemed capable of taking the next step. He strengthened the side in the summer, bringing in Pavel Pogrebnyak after his impressive loan spell at Fulham the previous year. Reading began their return to the Premier League with a promising 1-1 draw at home to Stoke, where a late Adam Le Fondre penalty showed that Reading had the belief and fight to take games to the last minute.

                Three successive defeats dented Reading’s confidence somewhat, but Reading’s Capital One Cup form rekindled hope that this one could be a successful campaign for the Royals, progressing into the Fourth Round with victories over Peterborough and QPR. Three draws in four league games preceeded that cup tie, and what a game it was! 4-0 up at home to Arsenal after 31 minutes, it all looked done and dusted for Reading. Theo Walcott then pulled one back on the stroke of half time, a moment that Reading boss Brian McDermott later stated was the turning point. With their tails up, Arsenal fought back, eventually scoring a late, albeit controversial goal to level the scores at 4-4 and taking the game into extra time. Two goals in injury time in extra time gave Arsenal a memorable 5-7 victory, and left Reading in the depths of despair.

                Despite that disappointment, Reading regained their composure quickly, going the next three games unbeaten, including an impressive 2-1 win over high-flying Everton. However, this success was short-lived. A disastrous 7 game losing streak severely damaged Reading’s survival hopes. Having been at the last game, in which they travelled to Manchester City, I can honestly say that Reading were unfortunate to leave with nothing, as their defending deserved more. However, a 91^st minute Gareth Barry goal broke Reading hearts, and left McDermott seething.

                The turn of the New Year saw an upturn in form, and in particular, the emergence of Adam Le Fondre. Mostly used as a second half substitute, the former Rotherham man began to score critical goals. In particular, he single-handedly turned the game at St. James’s Park in Reading’s favour, scoring twice in 6 second half minutes. The next league game produced an even more impressive result, with the Royals gaining a home draw with Chelsea, with Le Fondre once again central. Unfortunately for Reading, the form was not maintained, once again going on a long losing streak throughout February and April consisting of 8 games, including an FA Cup exit at Old Trafford. This latest losing streak was too much for the board, removing McDermott from his duties and replacing him with ex-Saints boss Martin Adkins.

                Adkins first game in charge could hardly have been tougher, with a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal. A 4-1 defeat represented a 2 goal improvement on the demolition of his Southampton side at the start of the season. A defeat against his old employers in the following game left Reading cut a long way adrift at the bottom of the table, extinguishing any hope of survival. A battling 0-0 draw against Liverpool, in which goalkeeper Alex McCarthy drew a lot of praise for his performance, gave Adkins his first point as Reading boss, and a 4-2 win over Fulham in early May gave him his first, and only, Premier League win. Reading’s fate was decided after the atrocious 0-0 draw at home to QPR, in which neither side really looked like they wanted to win in, and as a result both were relegated.

                Overall, a disappointing return to the Premier League for the Royals, especially having been promoted as champions last season. Occasional high points were all too often blighted with long periods of defeats, but they return to the Championship with players, and a manager, proven at this level. As a result, they will remain confident of a swift return.

 

Player of the Season: Adam Le Fondre – Alfie to his team-mates, Le Fondre became one of the most important parts of Reading’s survival bid, scoring several key goals. Whilst the term ‘super-sub’ tends to be a label no player wants to be given, Le Fondre’s goals off the bench against Newcastle, West Brom and Chelsea give some credence to the claims. He will certainly be looking for more game time next season!

 

Game of the Season: Reading 3-2 West Brom – A quite incredible turnaround for the Royals, who trailed 2-0 with just 8 minutes to play. Jimmy Kebe’s stooped header rekindled hope of claiming a much-needed point for Reading, and they seemingly got their wish as Kebe was clumsily fouled by Jonas Olsson in the box to hand Le Fondre the chance to level from the spot. He willingly accepted the gift, and at that point it looked as though the drama was over. Far from it. A late free kick caused havoc in the West Brom box, leaving Pavel Pogrebnyak free to hook the ball past Foster to claim a priceless win.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Fortunately for Reading, they already have a squad that is largely proven at Championship level. Therefore, keeping hold of their key men will be the first priority. As far as signings go, another goalscorer to support Le Fondre may be needed, along with someone else to sure up their leaky defence. Players like Crystal Palace’s Glenn Murray and Wolves’s Roger Johnson may be possible targets.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

None

Out:

Alex Pearce (Liverpool, CB), Noel Hunt (???, RM), Pavel Pogrebnyak (???, ST)

Queens Park Rangers: No Second Reprieve

2012/2013 Season Review:

                Having narrowly escaped relegation in that chaotic final day game at the Etihad last May, in which commentator Martin Tyler proclaimed that ‘everyone’s a winner!’, QPR started this season with the mantra of ‘never again’. Mark Hughes utilised Tony Fernandes’s spending power to the full in the summer transfer window, acquiring the likes of Robert Green, Julio Cesar, Stephane M’Bia, Ji Sung Park and Bobby Zamora in an attempt to propel the club up the table. Instead, the Hoops started the season in the worst possible manner, being demolished 0-5 at home against Swansea. A more promising draw away at Norwich followed, but the initial results did little to diminish the anxieties of the club.

                More encouraging performances from QPR followed, in a 3-1 defeat away at Manchester City, before a 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea and a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Tottenham. Whilst the Rangers were failing to pick up points, their performances suggested that the wins would come. The following three performances, however, threw doubt on those assumptions. Home defeats against Reading, in the Capital One Cup, and West Ham, were backed up by an away defeat to West Brom. This dismal form continued, as QPR remained rooted to the foot of the table. After a run of 12 games with only 4 points as a return, Mark Hughes was relieved of his duties in late November, with Harry Redknapp being announced as his replacement.

                Redknapp oversaw the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford, and his tenure began with a four game unbeaten run, culminating in QPR’s first win of the season, in a 2-1 victory at home to Fulham. The run of results allowed QPR fans to dream of a ‘Harry Houdini’ style Great Escape, which looked a long way away under Mark Hughes stewardship. Unfortunately, 3 more defeats took those dreams out of focus, and led for Harry to call for January reinforcements. In a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster set of results, the next scoreline took some believing. A Shaun Wright-Phillips goal against his former employers gave QPR a famous win at Stamford Bridge against an out of sorts Chelsea. This result, coupled with the influx of big name, expensive players, such as Chris Samba and Loic Remy, led the Hoops to go on a 7 game unbeaten spell, picking up more vital points in their bid to survive.

                A premature end to their FA Cup campaign, being eliminated in the Fourth Round by MK Dons, allowed QPR to focus all of their attention on retaining their Premier League status. Although by February it looked a long shot, fans believed that this Harry Redknapp assembled side could maintain enough momentum to push their side over the line. Two wins in early March, against Southampton and Sunderland, took the Hoops to within touching distance of the group above, and for the first time, pundits were beginning to ask themselves if the seemingly impossible could actually happen. Unfortunately, two successive narrow 3-2 defeats against Aston Villa and Fulham destroyed QPR’s momentum, cutting them away from the rest once more. Their fate was confirmed in the dire away game against Reading, with a boring 0-0 draw condemning them to the Championship next season. Three further defeats left QPR propping up the table, amassing only 25 points.

                Overall, not the season that Tony Fernandes or the board had envisioned this season, especially with the money pumped into the club. Reports of unrest of the difference in salaries, particularly surrounding Chris Samba, were common at the end of the season, and QPR will have to get their house in check if they are to compete for promotion next season. I suspect we will see a significant exodus, as QPR do have quality players. They were just assembled to quickly to generate short-term success.

 

Player of the Season: Julio Cesar – A strange choice, especially considering that QPR were relegated, but the Brazilian number one was a shining light in a very dark side. A number of outstanding performances give Cesar my vote, particularly his showing at home to Manchester City in late January. I would be amazed if the Hoops hang onto him, as he is undoubtedly a great talent.

 

Game of the Season: QPR 3-1 Sunderland – The game that got every QPR fan believing that the Great Escape was on. Despite dominating the early stages, the Hoops fell behind through Steven Fletcher tap-in. Cue a rousing response from QPR, levelling within ten minutes as Loic Remy steered a shot past Mignolet. A nervy start to the second half was shattered by a stunner from Tottenham loanee Andros Townsend, before another long range effort from Jenas wrapped up the points for Redknapp’s men.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): In short, to lower the wage budget, without losing many of their star talents. Large salaries, such as Chris Samba and Loic Remy may well be sacrificed, but the Hoops may want to try to hang onto stars like Adel Taarabt and Junior Hoilett. I expect to see little in the way of incomings at Loftus Road, but perhaps, if anything, a striker to replace Remy may be needed. Blackburn Rovers’s Jordan Rhodes is a proven goalscorer at that level, and would be a useful purchase.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Dwight Gayle (Peterborough, CM)

Out:

Loic Remy (Liverpool, Arsenal, ST), Julio Cesar (Arsenal, GK), Djibril Cisse (???, ST), Junior Hoilett (Swansea City, LW)

Norwich City: Threats of ‘Second Season Syndrome’

2012/2013 Season Review:

                After a highly successful return the Premier League under the stewardship of Paul Lambert, Norwich had to look elsewhere after the Scot left, in rather acrimonious circumstances, to join Aston Villa in the summer. They settled on previous Newcastle and Birmingham boss Chris Hughton, who acted quickly in the transfer market, bringing in Javier Garrido from Lazio, along with Leeds’s Scottish international Robert Snodgrass. However, their season could not have got off to a worse start, being decimated 5-0 on the opening day by Fulham. A series of draws and defeats followed, leaving Norwich with only 3 points and no win in the Premier League by the end of September, though they had progressed to the Capital One Cup Fourth Round.

                Another 4-1 hammering by Chelsea followed, at which point Chris Hughton was made favourite by some bookies to be the first manager sacked in the Premier League, with the Canaries languishing towards the bottom of the table. Next came a result that turned the form book on its head. Arsenal, who had started the season in very impressive form came to Carrow Road, and left with nothing, as the impressive Canaries more than matched their illustrious opponents, claiming a vital 1-0 win, to hand Hughton his first win as Norwich boss. Norwich then embarked on a highly impressive run of 11 league games unbeaten, stretching from mid-October to mid-December, including a couple of memorable scalps. The defeat of Manchester United at home was particularly memorable, as Anthony Pilkington’s looping header secured a vital win for Norwich, sending Carrow Road into raptures.

                A disappointing exit of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Aston Villa signalled the end of Norwich’s fine run of form, and given the bad blood between the Villa boss and his old employers, they could have picked a better side to lose to. This also spelled the end to Norwich’s best chance of silverware, as a Semi Final appearance against Bradford appeared within their grasp. Four league defeats in quick succession followed, including a topsy-turvy 3-4 defeat at home to 10 man Manchester City. After their fine run of form, Norwich failed to win in the league in the whole of January, and were catastrophically knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Blue Square Bet Premier side Luton, a full 4 divisions below them. 9 games without a win pushed Norwich back towards the relegation battle by the end of February.

                March was another poor month for the struggling Canaries, once again going without a victory and collecting just two points. Even more worryingly for the Norwich fans, they were beginning to lose games against those sides around them, such as away at Wigan and Stoke. By mid-May, Norwich were perilously hovering just above the drop zone, looking likely to be in the relegation shake-up in the final few games. Victory over Norwich eased those concerns momentarily, but subsequent defeats against Stoke and Aston Villa put them right back into trouble. Luckily for Norwich, those around them failed to take adequate advantage of their slip ups, allowing Norwich to secure their place in next years Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 victory over West Brom. This relief allowed Norwich to produce one of their best performances of the season, taking advantage of an out of sorts Manchester City at the Etihad on the final day of the season, winning 3-2.

                Overall, Norwich will be fairly happy with their result this season. Having avoided the dreaded ‘Second Season Syndrome’, Norwich will play Premier League football, and that must have been their primary aim of this season. They may have liked to repeat the achievements of last season, and they will have been disappointed with their cup exits, but they are well placed to compete next season, perhaps aiming for a top ten berth.

 

Player of the Season: Robert Snodgrass – The former Leeds man has been an inspired signing from Chris Hughton. Often the driving force behind much of the Canaries attacks, he chipped in with vital goals towards the latter end of the season, and dominating the midfield in the crucial 4-0 victory over West Brom. Able to play out wide or in the centre, the Scot has proven himself to be an integral cog in the Norwich midfield mechanism.

 

Game of the Season: Norwich City 1-0 Manchester United – A famous night at Carrow Road, which saw the impressive scalp of Manchester United in mid-November, causing the final United defeat of 2012. An incredibly impressive performance, as you would expect from an in-form side, at times outplaying the champions elect. Anthony Pilkington’s 81^st minute goal was just reward for their efforts, sending Carrow Road wild.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Norwich’s main problem this season has been goals, with last year’s talisman Grant Holt failing to chip in with as many as the previous campaign. The fact that he remains the club’s top scorer with just 8 tells its own story. Sporting Lisbon’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel has already been lined up for the Canaries, whom I think is a great capture for the club. Other than that, a true winger could prove useful, rather than asking Snodgrass to fulfil a ‘jack of all trades’ role. Players like Hull’s Sone Aluko or Crystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie would fill that role.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, ST, £7million), Gary Hooper (Celtic, ST)

Out:

Anthony Pilkington (Stoke City, LM), Chris Martin (Derby County, CM), Simeon Jackson (Released, ST)

Newcastle United: Europe a Voyage Too Far?

2012/2013 Season Review:

                After a highly successful previous season, in which Newcastle narrowly missed out on Champions League football on the final day, settling instead for the Europa League, the Magpies made only a couple of pre-season signings, with French right-back Mathieu Debuchy and Ajax’s Vurnon Anita joining the ranks. More of the same success were expected by the Geordie fans, with the clinical Senegalese strike force of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse looking particularly dangerous. The season began encouragingly, with a 2-1 home victory over a Champions League rival from last year, Tottenham. Whilst a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge followed, Newcastle managed to make it into the Group Stages of the Europa League, a competition that would eventually take its toll on the calendar and fatigue.

                4 draws out of 6 games in September followed, leaving the Magpies a long way off the pace of the league leaders, and dumping them out of the Capital One Cup at Old Trafford. After Europa League victories against Bordeaux and Club Bruges, Newcastle were becoming favourites to progress from their group. However, as has so often been the case, the European success was beginning to take its toll on their league form. A disappointing 0-3 home defeat to Manchester United began to illustrate the cracks in the team, before a heartbreaking late Demba Ba own goal denied Newcastle a morale-boosing victory in the Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light. After a late October victory at home to West Brom, Newcastle’s over exertion really began to show, going the entire month of November without a win, picking up only one point in the league. Relegation form for any side, and a sign of what was to come.

                Newcastle’s ‘hit and miss’ form was most evident during December. Starting with a strong 3-0 victory, and progression in the Europa League looked like Newcastle had turned a corner. However, subsequent poor performances in their next two outings, before a narrow win over QPR, left Newcastle with two difficult trips in December. Firstly, at Old Trafford, Newcastle performed admirably, leading firstly 2-1, and then 3-2, before being pegged back by the champions elect to lose the game 4-3. A game at the Emirates followed, and after a rather drab first 50 minutes, Newcastle’s fatigue finally got the better of them, eventually being thumped 7-3. These results put Newcastle firmly into the relegation battle, leading Alan Pardew to ask for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

                The month started in a very negative manner, with a disappointing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton, and then the loss of talismanic striker Demba Ba to Chelsea. Newcastle reacted sharply, making 3 French signings: Mapu Yanga-M’Biwa to sure up the defence, Moussa Sissoko, to give more drive in the midfield, and Yoann Gouffran to replace the outgoing Ba. It was the midfielder Sissoko who made the immediate impact, inspiring Newcastle firstly to an away win against Aston Villa, before spearheading Newcastle’s last minute victory over Chelsea. The game against Chelsea also saw the return of Ba, who lasted only 30 minutes until being forced off with a broken nose from a very nasty looking challenge from Newcastle’s Fabrizio Coloccini. These two successive victories led pundits to assume that Newcastle had begun to stabilise and had too much quality to stay up.

                The Magpies showed no such inconsistency in their Europa League form, dispatching firstly Metalist Kharkiv, before seeing off oil-rich Anzhi Makhachkala to reach the Quarter Finals. Unfortunately, their performances on the continent continued to be their only shining light of an otherwise poor season, as they continued to leak points, especially to those sides around them. By the end of March, Newcastle remained in the middle of a relegation dogfight, and desperately needed to pick up points to drag themselves away.

                The Europa League fairytale came to a premature end at the hands of Portuguese champions Benfica in mid-April, after which Newcastle capitulated, being thoroughly outplayed in the return Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’s Park. The game will best be remembered for the ugly scenes outside the grounds, where violence broke out between opposing fans, and eventually a police horse ended up bearing the brunt of a Newcastle fan’s rage. It will also be remembered for Paolo di Canio’s celebratory antics on the touchline in his first Sunderland game as manager. A 0-6 aberration against Liverpool swiftly followed, leaving Newcastle in deep trouble by the last three games. Fortunately for Newcastle, the sides around them failed to adequately take advantage of their errors, allowing the Magpies to avoid the drop with a 2-1 victory over QPR on the penultimate weekend.

                Overall, although Newcastle reached the Quarter Finals of a continental competition, a 16^th place finish in the Premier League is simply not good enough for a club of their stature. Pundits have blamed the complacency of a manager recently having been handed an 8 year contract, but I believe their exertions in the Europa League left the Magpies, a side who have only recently reclaimed their position in the Premier League, irretrievable short on players and energy. Without the distraction next season, I firmly believe we will see a better performance.

 

Player of the Season: Yohan Cabaye – Before the departure of Demba Ba, the Senegalese striker would have been my pick. Despite missing sections of the season through injury, Newcastle’s Euro 2012 representative in the French squad deserves a mention. When without his presence in the centre of midfield, Newcastle’s performance suffered. He was also at the heart of much of their positive aspects throughout the season and will be a major contributor to any future success.

 

Game of the Season: Newcastle 3-2 Chelsea – The game in which Newcastle’s new French signings, and in particular, Moussa Sissoko, endeared themselves to the Geordie fans. Having fallen behind after an hour, it looked as if Newcastle would throw away another three points in their bid for survival. Two goals from Moussa Sissoko, including an injury time winner, sent St. James’s into delirium, and decided what had been, at times, a rather bad-tempered contest.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): The simple answer: to bed their new French contingent into the squad better.  Rumours of squad unrest and problems with the language barrier were commonly reported from the Newcastle camp towards the back-end of the season. Another striker may well be the only position I would recommend, with Loic Remy being a good choice.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic, CM)

Out:

Papiss Cisse (Borussia Dortmund, ST)

Manchester United: The Twentieth Time’s The Charm

2012/2013 Season Review:

                United started this season by making two high profile signings: Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, and Robin van Persie from Arsenal. Both would play a key role in the months to come. Having lost the title the previous year in the most traumatic way possible, especially having it snatched from their grasp by their closest geographical rivals, United began with rhetoric of strength and stability, and a determination never to let it happen again. Unfortunately, they started their attempt to reclaim the title in the worst possible way. A 1-0 defeat away at Everton put them immediately on the back foot against their rivals. Subsequent 3-2 victories against Fulham and Southampton did little to raise expectations, as in both United could consider themselves fortunate to come away with all three points. Four successive victories followed, putting United back on track for European and domestic success.

                September ended in the worst possible way, with United relinquishing their usually impenetrable home record to a Gareth Bale inspired Tottenham. Further evidence that United were not yet at top gear, which gave hope to their title rivals. After the disappointment of this result, United rebounded in the best possible way, winning their next five games, including an away win at Stamford Bridge. It also ensured that there would be no repeat of the early elimination from the Champions League, as United cruised through their first three group games, caliming their place at the top of Group H. October, like September, ended on a sour note for the Red Devils. An incredible topsy-turvy game at Stamford Bridge in the Capital One Cup ended with a 5-4 scoreline, forcing United into an early exit.

                Despite this setback, United once again rebounded. Robin van Persie had started his United career in fantastic goalscoring form, with a goal on his home debut and a hat-trick against Southampton, almost single-handedly handing United the points. He showed no mercy with the visit of his former employers, Arsenal. A goal inside of 3 minutes set United on their way to a 2-1 success over the Gunners, and set van Persie well on the way to winning the Golden Boot for the second year in succession. United would only suffer one further setback during November, a shock 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road to Chris Hughton’s in form Norwich side. Whilst United quickly recovered, it brought the chasing pack very much into view once again.

                After the Norwich defeat, United went on a quite amazing unbeaten run, stretching 18 games. It was this run, coupled with the failing of Manchester City to be consistent, that ensured the title would be moving across the city once more. Notable games within this run include a defensive nightmare from both sides in an incredible first half at Reading, where the sides went into the break at 3-4 in United’s favour. A last minute, euphoric derby day victory at their great rivals City, simultaneously breaking the near 2 year unbeaten record of the reigning champions, which sparked ugly scenes in which Rio Ferdinand was hit with a missile from the crowd. The away game at Swansea was equally eventful, as after Robin van Persie was struck by a ball on the head from close range after play had been stopped, Sir Alex Ferguson proclaimed that ‘the ball could have killed him’. Widely satirised, the quote remains one of my favourites from the season.

                After easing through a relatively straight forward Champions League group, United had a less than favourable Last 16 draw, with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid being drawn as their opponents. A hard fought 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu gave United fans hope of progression, with David de Gea and Danny Welbeck particularly impressing in Spain. The hotly anticipated return leg was stoked up further by Mourinho’s claims pre-match that ‘the world will be watching’. The game itself turned out to be a mostly scrappy affair, which turned on one decision. United, having taken the lead through a Sergio Ramos own goal, looked to be cruising to victory until an inexplicable decision from the referee saw the Red Devils reduced to ten men. A challenge between United’s Nani and Madrid’s Arbeloa saw the United man catch his opponent slightly late. A definite yellow card. Both Nani and his manager looked utterly bewildered when they noticed the card matched the colour of the winger’s shirt, and he had to make the long walk off. After that, Madrid sauntered to a 2-1 victory, with the added irony of Cristiano Ronaldo returning to score the winner. After the game, neither Sir Alex, nor any member of his side, fulfilled their press obligations out of protest, an action that subsequently saw him fined.

                After the heartbreak of the Champions League exit, United then suffered a second blow, being knocked out of the FA Cup by the holders Chelsea. After snatching a replay from a 2-0 deficit at Old Trafford, Chelsea won the replay courtesy of an acrobatic Demba Ba strike, ensuring that it was the Blues who went to Wembley. Fortunately for United, the league was still relatively safe, and even though they lost the subsequent derby at Old Trafford, the Red Devils strolled to the league title, wrapping it up courtesy of a Robin van Persie hat-trick against Aston Villa, that also guaranteed the striker the Golden Boot.

                The final few weeks of the campaign were concentrated over the news that Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager for the past 26 years, would be retiring at the end of the season. For more detail on my thoughts about that event, please check my earlier blog post. Certainly, he has left the game on a high, and one that I believe his successor, David Moyes, will find it incredibly difficult to replicate in the short term. Overall, whilst United were disappointed in Europe, they reclaimed what they believed was rightfully theirs.

 

Player of the Season: Robin van Persie – The former Arsenal man has made the switch between London and the North West look seamless, picking up where he left off at the Gunners, and putting to shame players that claim ‘it takes time to bed in’. Winner of the Golden Boot and the Premier League, it is not difficult to see why he wanted to join the Red Devils in the summer.

 

Game of the Season: West Bromwich Albion 5-5 Manchester United – Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1500^th and last game as United manager is certainly my pick for game of the season. Whilst Ferguson would have wanted a simple 3-0 away win, he failed to get his wish, and football fans were treated to a feast of goals and a host of entertainment. Whilst I fully expected injury time to continue until United scored a sixth, a final, sympathetic, ‘Fergie time’, it was not to be, but it was a hell of a game!

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): With the introduction of David Moyes, it is very difficult to accurately predict what style of play he will attempt to implement. With Ferguson in an ‘overwatch’ position, I suspect not much will change. If this is the case, not many need bringing in. Perhaps another defender wouldn’t go amiss, with Leighton Baines a possible, but the champions seem to have a well-knit group already.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, ST), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus, CM), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid, ST), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino, CB), Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund, CDM), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, LW, £15million), David Moyes (Everton, Manager), Marouane Fellaini (Everton, CAM), Leighton Baines (Everton, LB), Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica, RM)

Out:

Sir Alex Ferguson (Retirement, Manager), Anderson (???, CM), Nani (???, LW), Wayne Rooney (PSG, ST)

Manchester City: Settling for Second Best

2012/2013 Season Review:

                After the euphoric, Sergio Aguero inspired, end to the previous season, Manchester City had a slow pre-season, with manager Roberto Mancini complaining frequently at the club’s lack of movement in the transfer targets. This allowed primary targets, such as Robin van Persie and Eden Hazard, to slip through their fingers, instead settling for the likes of Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell. Despite this disappointment, City had a positive start, beating Chelsea in the curtain raiser at Villa Park to achieve an early ‘trophy’. The start of the Premier League season was less encouraging, having to come from behind to beat Southampton at home on the opening day, before a less than impressive performance in a draw at Liverpool.

                September saw more tribulations for the Mancunians. The Champions League draw was most unkind to the reigning English champions, pairing them with the champions of Spain (Real Madrid), Germany (Borussia Dortmund) and Holland (Ajax), in a ‘group of death’. In their first game away to Real Madrid, City produced a splendid defensive effort, leading both 1-0 and then 2-1 with 5 minutes to go, only to capitulate and lose 3-2. A first defeat at the Etihad Stadium followed, putting City out of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Aston Villa. This, and the draw against Arsenal in the league, illustrated that City’s perceived invincibility at home had ended.

                City’s early league form promised much, winning games that the previous season they had drawn, such as away at West Brom. Despite this form, they were abject in Europe, with an abysmal defeat in Amsterdam following the fortunate 1-1 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund, where Joe Hart had one of the best goalkeeping performances in recent memory to keep his side in it. City’s second consecutive group stage exit of the Champions League was practically confirmed with the 2-2 home draw against Ajax. City finished the group stages without a win to their name, and with the lowest points total of any British club. Bearing in mind the funds pumped into the club in recent years, this represents a significant failure for the club and, in particular, the manager.

                After the failure in Europe, City’s league form wavered. Two poor results at home severely damaged morale and their position in the title race. An unconvincing 1-1 draw with Everton was closely followed by a dramatic 2-3 defeat by local and title rivals Manchester United, where midfielder Samir Nasri later received death threats after his decision to turn away from the ball, leading to United’s winner. The game was also marred by scenes where a City fan invaded the pitch, attempting to attack Rio Ferdinand, who had already been hit with a missile from the crowd, drawing blood from above his eye. Horrendous scenes at the end of what had been a highly entertaining game.

                City regrouped after the derby defeat, winning 8 of 9 games after that point, including away wins against Arsenal and Stoke in the FA Cup. Two draws dented their title aspirations further, firstly a drab 0-0 draw at QPR, before a Sergio Aguero goal from an impossible angle rescued a point for the Citizens at home to Liverpool. More decisive blows were dealt to City’s title defence with poor performances in away defeats against Southampton and Everton, leaving City to conclude that their most likely chance of silverware lay in the FA Cup. An emphatic 5-0 victory over Barnsley took City to Wembley for the 2^nd time in 3 years, to face Chelsea. A dominant first half performance saw City take a 2-0 lead early in the 2^nd half, when only Costel Pantilimon prevented Demba Ba from levelling the game. City hung on, aided by several controversial decisions by the referee to eliminate the holders and progress to the Final.

                A chance to re-establish some pride was taken at the beginning of April, when City went to United, already 15 points ahead in the title race, and won 2-1, courtesy of an individual Aguero goal. Nevertheless, a second half demolition inflicted by Tottenham, handed United the title in late April, leaving the rest of City’s season resting on the FA Cup Final against Wigan. With rumours rife about the future of Mancini, City were tactically outplayed by Roberto Martinez’s Wigan, who deservedly claimed their first trophy in their 81 year history courtesy of an injury time Ben Watson goal. City’s owners decided that enough was enough, removing Mancini from his post and placing Brian Kidd in temporary charge. A controversial decision, as Mancini had led City to their first trophy in decades, before their first title in 44 years the previous May. A poor final day saw City slump to a 3-2 home defeat against Norwich, ironically the exact opposite scoreline of the dramatic final day of the previous year.

                Overall, an extremely frustrating season for all City fans. Starting the season with the expectation of either defending their title, or challenging very closely, and competing well in Europe, City achieved none of these objectives, being second best in both the league and cup. It cost Roberto Mancini his job, and one wonders how his successor will cope with the increasing expectations of both the board and the fans next year.

 

Player of the Season: Pablo Zabaleta – In a season of lows, Zabaleta has been the one shining light in the City team. The picture of consistency, the Argentinean ensured that City finished the season with the greatest amount of clean sheets of any side in the League, and with the best defensive record.

 

Game of the Season: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City – In terms of overall performance, this is the only game in which I saw City perform to their potential. Whilst, as a City fan, I am pre-designed to select derby victories, but I can genuinely say that in no game this season was I ever blown away in the same way as the previous campaign.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Not signing good enough players at the beginning of the season is ultimately where the blame lies for this campaign. Matija Nastasic is the only one that has managed to hold down a permanent position this year. Defensively, City look relatively strong, but failing to replace Nigel de Jong has had an impact. Tactically, there have also been issues, with a noticeable lack of a Plan B. A bit of width would be useful to provide this. Similarly, a lack of goals has characterised the campaign, and I expect a big name striker in this summer. In terms of names, Daniele de Rossi, Edinson Cavani, Jesus Navas and Radamel Falcao could be possible targets.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Edinson Cavani (Napoli, ST), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk, CAM), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad, CM), Ben Davies (Swansea City, LB), Neymar (Santos, ST), Manuel Pellegrini (Malaga, Manager), Jesus Navas (Sevilla, RW), Pepe (Real Madrid, CB)

Out:

Joleon Lescott (Everton, CB), Scott Sinclair (Swansea City, LW), Roberto Mancini (???, Manager), Costel Pantilimon (Fiorentina, GK), Carlos Tevez (Juventus, PSG, AS Monaco, ST)

Liverpool: The Never Ending ‘Re-Adjustment Period’

2012/2013 Season Review:

                The season began with another managerial change, with former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers taking the helm. With him, he brought young Welsh talent Joe Allen, along with the signing of Fabio Borini from Roma. The first controversial issue of his tenure was his decision to allow Andy Carroll go out on loan to West Ham, despite the fact that Liverpool were running perilously low on strikers. This forced Luis Suarez into a sole striker role, pushing him further into the spotlight. A role he took on, in both positive and negative ways.

                For Liverpool, the season began in the worst possible way, with a heavy defeat away at West Brom. A more heartening result against Manchester City followed, where the Reds dominated but an error from Martin Skrtel handed City a 2-2 draw. These performances seemed few and far between, with a narrow aggregate victory over Hearts in the Europa League before defeats in the Premier League to both Arsenal and fierce rivals Man Utd. Whilst their performance against United merited more, Brendan Rodgers passing philosophy began to be called into question, with pundits claiming that it was taking a long time for the Liverpool players to adjust to the new system. Rodgers got his first league win as Liverpool boss in an emphatic 5-2 win at Carrow Road, where Luis Suarez claimed his second hat-trick in as many years.

                October was a month of frustration for the Liverpool fans. A tough Europa League group saw one win and one loss, more struggles in the league, with only 1 win in 3, and a disappointing home exit of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Swansea. November continued in a similar vein, with further toil in the Europa League, dropping a further 5 points. Liverpool’s league form began to steadily improve, mostly thanks to the performances of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan was having his most successful season so far, adding finishing to his trickery, speed and vision, and therefore chipping in with vital goals. Nevertheless, controversy was never far from him. Brendan Rodgers found himself having to regularly defend Luis Suarez against accusations of diving, and was eventually undermined by Suarez himself, after he admitted in an interview to diving in a game against Stoke.

                As Brendan Rodgers philosophy began to take effect, Liverpool’s form began to improve. December saw 5 wins out of 7 in all competitions for Liverpool, before Rodgers dipped into the January transfer fund to buy more attacking players. Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge and Inter Milan’s Phillippe Coutinho were brought in, and seemed to make an instant impact. Another defeat against Manchester United, and a poor exit of the FA Cup to League 1 side Oldham marred what otherwise would have been considered a successful month. A further disappointing exit to Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League Last 32 put paid to Liverpool’s chances of silverware, leaving them to focus solely on securing European football for the following year.

                Liverpool’s claim for a Europa League place, and even the final Champions League place was strengthened with a narrow 3-2 victory over Spurs at Anfield in mid-March, however their chances were dealt a fatal blow in the following game. A disappointing 3-1 defeat at St. Mary’s put Champions League football out of reach, giving them only pride to play for, attempting to usurp Everton as the top Liverpudlian side. Liverpool responded well to that setback, going the rest of the season unbeaten (8 games). Unfortunately for Liverpool, they drew 4 of these, including the Merseyside derby, thus failing to gain significantly on Everton, and finishing in 6^th place.

                During this run, possibly the most controversial issue of the season occurred. During the 2-2 draw against Chelsea, Liverpool talisman Luis Suarez was involved in an altercation with Branislav Ivanovic, where he appeared to bite the Chelsea defender. Suarez’s actions were subsequently condemned by pundits, officials and the club itself, and he offered a hasty apology to the FA and Ivanovic. Nevertheless, this did not prevent the FA handing out an 8 match ban for the Uruguayan, which ruled him out of the rest of the season. A ban that the player and the club found incredibly harsh, and a decision they considered contesting, which would arguably have undermined their condemnation of Suarez’s actions.

                Overall, Brendan Rodgers first season as Liverpool manager should be considered successful. He certainly has done no worse than Kenny Dalglish, and he has instilled a new style of football which shows much promise. Unfortunately, this season will be remembered more for the misdemeanours of Luis Suarez than the positive play.

 

Player of the Season: Luis Suarez – Despite his problems, the Uruguayan has been a delight to watch at times this season. Love him or loathe him, he does have prodigious talent, and coming runner up in the Golden Boot, in a 6^th placed team, and without playing the final five games of the season, is impressive.

 

Game of the Season: Norwich City 2-5 Liverpool – Instead of pointing to Liverpool’s 6-0 demolition of Newcastle, where the home side simply failed to turn up, I feel that the emphatic win over Norwich shows the positives of Liverpool’s game. 4-0 up inside of 57 minutes, with a Suarez hat-trick, Liverpool were rampant, and despite a rousing comeback from the home side, Liverpool eased to a 5-2 victory to give Brendan Rodgers his first Liverpool league win.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): After the Suarez controversies, there has been much speculation over whether he will leave in the summer. Keeping him  must be Liverpool’s primary concern. After that, another central defender to replace the retiring Jamie Carragher would be useful, with Kolo Toure looking like a likely replacement. With the signings made in January, along with the refound form of Henderson and Downing, Liverpool look like this genuinely will be the final ‘re-adjustment’ period.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Alex Pearce (Reading, CB), Martin Montoya (Barcelona, RB), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino, CB), Loic Remy (QPR, ST), Victor Wanyama (Celtic, CDM), David Villa (Barcelona, ST), Douglas (FC Twente, CB), Ashley Williams (Swansea City, CB), Cristian Tello (Barcelona, LW), Tiago Ilori (Sporting Lisbon, LB), Christian Eriksen (Ajax, CM)

Out:

Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid, ST), Andy Carroll (West Ham United, AS Monaco, ST), Pepe Reina (Barcelona, GK)