Five Observations from Week 5 in the Premier League

1.) Fernando Torres takes one step forward then two steps back – For the first time in his Chelsea career, and for the first time in 2011, Fernando Torres has scored in two games in a row. It’s fair to say the old Fernando, the world class version is coming back to the surface. However, he seems to eclipse his positives actions with Chelsea with a negative action. His sending off this weekend symbolises this. Torres had no real need to lunge in with two feet up in the air. It was a woeful striker’s tackle. But just when you think Torres is finding his form, sharpness and goals, he commits an act which could possibly affect his consistency. Ironically, consistency is something he has craved for since moving to Chelsea.

2.) Man United gain a credible draw at Stoke – Yes, Man United’s 100% winning record is over. But it’s by no means a disaster. Already this season, Stoke have held Chelsea and have beaten Liverpool at home. Many of United’s league contenders will come to Stoke and will struggle to get all three points. Man United can also learn a lot from this result too. Although United’s defending has been relatively strong this season, at times they have shown their frailties. Peter Crouch’s goal for Stoke highlighted United’s poor defending from the set piece. Perhaps young Phil Jones should have been more tighter and more aware of the positioning of Stoke’s target man Peter Crouch. While just after Stoke’s goal, Rio Ferdinand’s miss kicked his clearance which nearly and should have given Crouch a chance to score his second goal of the game. But Sir Alex, the fans and the players will be even more aware that the champions need to put more focus in their defending, as the defensive lapse could have cost them the game. Indeed, David De Gea stood up to Stoke’s aggressive and direct nature. The new Man United goalkeeper made some crucial saves which helped preserved United from losing. With every game, the young Spaniard looks more confident, more settled and more of a natural successor to Van der Sar.

3.) Man City’ strength in depth is the difference – City had a very tough encounter versus Everton. The Merseysiders were committed, focused and organised in restricting Man City the opportunity to create and finish chances. For most of the game, Everton frustrated Man City. They simply couldn’t find a break through. Everton did a very good job in nullifying in- form players such as Edin Dzeko. However, for all the talent City started in the match, this could be matched by Man City’s quality on the bench. Step up James Milner and Mario Balotelli. Both substitutes scored both of the goals in the game. Everton could not cope with City’s quality on the bench, as a result, the likes of Silva and Aguero’s both stepped up after the introduction of Balotelli and Milner. It’s fair to say, against tough oppositions, Manchester City’s strength in depth could be the potential decider in the title race. After all, they possess many attacking threats, while as the game progresses and the opposition tire, the quality of attacking depth, especially on the bench could prove to be the difference. Just as it proved to be against Everton this weekend.

4.) Liverpool becoming ever more dependent on Luis Suarez – Liverpool were not great against Wolves this weekend. At times they were on top, and created many chances. But there were also periods when Wolves asked all the questions of Liverpool and The Reds didn’t defend that impressively. Offensively, the difference for Liverpool again was Luis Suarez. His movement, energy and creativity often left the Wolves defence feeling dizzy. But at times during the game, it was as if Suarez was the only Liverpool player looking to move in and out of pockets of space. Without his movement, it would seem as if Liverpool’s performance was lacklustre and short of creative ideas. It’s evident the other attacking Liverpool players need to show more intelligent movement in order to create space. But when Luis Suarez is in form, its not surprising a team becomes dependent on him. He is arguably a complete striker, who can create and finish himself, so is it surprising he becomes the focal point of team?

5.) The Newcastle United revolution gets bigger and bigger – Newcastle were widely tipped as the team who would be in and around the foot of the table at the start of the season. Due to the club selling key players such as Enrique, Nolan and Barton. But Alan Pardew and his new look Newcastle side have started the season off very impressively. After 6 games, they find themselves unbeaten, and are in fourth place with 12 points. The new signings seem to have given the club some balance and variation of quality. Attackers Demba Ba and Leon Best have so far consistently provided goals. One could argue that Ba has been rather inconsistent for Newcastle so far and has drifted in and out of games. It’s a fair point, he hasn’t been great. But against Blackburn he was a consistent threat, his pace, strength and instinctive finishing was the difference. His hat-trick will not only give The Toon Army some optimism, it will give them some pride. Furthermore, the return of Hatem Ben Arfa gives Newcastle even more quality and technical strength. Newcastle have rather quietly constructed a very good outfit which is proving to be a decent side.

Five Statistics from this weekend

1.) Fernando Torres has scored against 24/28 of teams he has faced in the Premier League.

2.) Four different players have scored a hat-trick for Newcastle United since the start of 2010/11 season

3.) Peter Crouch has scored for 6 different Premier League clubs in his career.

4.) Tottenham are the only team this season to pass more than 600 times in more than one game.

5.) Aston Villa are the third team in Premier League history to draw 5/6 of their opening games.

Five Observations from Week 3 in the Premier League

1. Manchester United has most definitely improved on last season. – To some, Man United’s away game against Bolton was supposed to be a litmus test to inspect the quality of Man United’s credentials this season. Of course, last season the champions struggled away from home, especially in the early part of the season. But fast forward 12 months, the team have been dominant and far more productive on the road. Against Bolton, Man United looked dynamic, powerful and incredibly lethal.
2. Sergio Aguero has settled perfectly into Premier League – The majestical Argentine’s finishing was at its clinical finest against Wigan. His hat trick demonstrated his incredible composure in and around the box. All in all, his technical expertise, along with his creative footballing brain has given Manchester City another dimension this season. Aguero has only played four Premier League games in his career and he has returned with scored 6 Premier League goals. Absolutely Sensational. It’s fair to say, the prominence of Sergio Aguero has marginalised the significance of want away striker Carlos Tevez.
3. Arsenal remember how to win in the Premier League – Arsenal’s first league win wasn’t pretty or that impressive. They relied on a horrendous mistake from Swansea keeper Michel Vorm to pick up all three points. Indeed, Arsenal were on top for most periods of the game. But the Gunners didn’t create that much nor did they play with the level of fluidity which is normally accustom to Arsenal. However, the team will be more than content to get their first their points of the season. As they say, ‘a win is a win.’
4. Stoke – a team looking like European Contenders – Stoke armed with their new additions, Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios came away with a win against Liverpool. Although at times Stoke rode their luck, and were second best, especially in the second half. They still managed to scrape a win, thanks to Stoke’s fantastic defending. The Potters defence was extremely organised and committed to the Stoke cause. Asmir Begovic deserves his plaudits too. There were countless amounts of times when he single handidly kept Liverpool out too. Stoke’s awkward nature is a fundamental reason why the side will make further success at home and in Europe.
5. Fulham will be banging their heads against the wall after this weekend – Prior to Fulham’s match against out of form Blackburn, The Cottagers, who haven’t won a league game this season must have thought this was the game to reignite their season. However, Fulham failed to capitalise on their dominance and decent chances. Fulham’s new signing Bryan Ruiz had an uninspiring debut, and it’s clear he will need time to settle. But more importantly, Fulham’s winless run continues. Bearing in mind the chances Fulham had. They will be rueing at the fact they didn’t get all three points against the Premier League’s basement club.

Find out who won The Football Front’s prediction challenge here.

Defoe or not to Defoe?

There is no denying the fact Jermain Defoe had a poor season last year. Four Premier League goals for a striker who has 46 England caps is not an impressive statistic.

Tottenham’s media friendly manager, Harry Redkanpp has clearly stated his intentions in bringing another striker to the club. Perhaps this is a logical move by Redknapp. After all, Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe have all failed to muster a decent goal flow for Tottenham last season.

Between all four Tottenham strikers, they only mustered 19 goals between them. Pavlyuchenko scored 9 of those goals, while Crouch, like Defoe only scored four. With this woeful goal scoring record, all four strikers have been regularly linked with moves away from White Hart Lane this summer.

The name of Jermain Defoe has continuously hit the gossip columns. But the idea of Tottenham selling Jermain Defoe is absurd.

Defoe’s technical abilities along with his style of play make him an incredibly threatening and a unique centre forward.

For starters, Defoe is an explosive player. He is an incredibly strong and fast footballer. His explosive technical capabilities make him test the strongest and most agile centre backs. His decisive dribbling skills make him so unpredictable, thus meaning he is a threat who cannot be allowed space, or he will brutally exploit the opposition.

The opposition, more particularly defenders fear Jermain Defoe. His lethal finishing has been a contributing reason as to why he has earned himself 46 England caps. Over the years, Defoe has proved to be a goal scoring threat from inside and outside the box. In fact, last season, all of his four Premier League goals were scored from outside the box.

Surely this proves Defoe is more than a goal poacher, it emphasises Defoe is a menace in a variety of offensive positions. In the modern game, this is a highly valuable ability. It’s the type of ability which makes Jermain Defoe a game changing player.

History will tell you, teams are willing to push their necks out to sign players who can change games, with a moment of brilliance. Defoe is one of those players. How many times has Defoe changed games and left football fans in awe? Spurs have a player, whom many teams would be happy to facilitate.

Although many teams would love have Defoe in their sides, a reason as to why the Tottenham star had a very poor season was because of his lengthy injury.

Jermain Defoe’s two and half month period on the sidelines, had a real effect on the productivity of the player. Upon his return, Defoe failed to nail a starting position. Perhaps this was due to the great form and understanding between Crouch and Rafa Van der Vaart. But being in and out of the side, effected severely effected Defoe’s match sharpness and form.

The statistics will tell you, Jermain Defoe’s best goal scoring runs occur when the player is a consistent starter for his team. In the 2009/10 – the season when Tottenhm finished fourth. Defoe started 34 games, and scored 18 goals. It was this form which made Defoe a certainty for the South Africa World Cup. It’s abundantly clear, when Defoe is on form, he is one of the best English strikers around.

There aren’t many English strikers like Defoe who have scored 101 Premier League goals or more throughout their career. This is a fantastic record, it symbolises the threat Defoe has consistently carried year in year out. But not only this, the England striker is 28. Defoe still has a lot to offer and his potent threat will not naturally decline, anytime soon.

Indeed, a symbol of Jermain Defoe’s potent threat is the fact he was an England starter prior to his injury. Of course, England possess many talented strikers, but Defoe’s consistent inclusion demonstrates his ability is trusted on the international stage. There are not many England strikers today who can boast this.

Although Jermain Defoe has proved his credentials on the international stage, some argue, he no longer fits into Tottenham’s style. They argue, because of the addition of Van der Vaart, the Dutchmen’s style is better suited for a striker who can win the ball in the air and can hold the ball up. This is something which admittedly Defoe cannot do. Furthermore, with Lennon and Bale on the wings, they are two wingers who predominately cross from the byline, so their service will be nullified as Defoe isn’t the most aerially dominant player.

These comments are all fair and have logic behind them. They also go long way in explaining why Harry Redknapp is in the market for a complete striker. But as Redknapp and most people know, finding a complete striker is hard to come buy and when they are found they cost a lot of money too.

But with Jermain Defoe, Tottenham already have a lethal finisher. Of course, he isn’t a complete striker, but some of skills make him more threatening to certain oppositions. Many top clubs in Europe would happily take Defoe, as there aren’t many clubs who boast the possession of an explosive, clinical and credented goal soccer.

Indeed, if Tottenham do sell Defoe, it would be Spurs’ loss rather than Jermain Defoe’s.

Jermain Defoe has proved time and time again that he can be trusted to consistently hit the back of the net.

Defoe isn’t the problem at Spurs, he is part of the solution.


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Why this season will distinct if Avram Grant is a good manager or a bad manager

Avram Grant, good manager or a bad manager? It seems people are still unsure of what they make of Grant. His days at Chelsea were deemed to some (and most importantly Roman Abramovich) as a failure. Even though he took Chelsea to their first European Cup final in 2008. But of course, they lost on penalties. But they were virtually one kick away from glory. Maybe if John Terry scored that penalty Grant would be seen as a fantastic manager? Who knows. Grant should also be praised for keeping the squad together after they were left shocked and disillusioned by the departure of Jose Mourinho. He also lead the team to a League Cup final in his short tenure at Chelsea. But again they were defeated on penalties. Some call his reign at Chelsea as unlucky, while others call it a simple failure.

Avram Grant’s reign at Portsmouth last season, dramatically contrasted to the situation when he was at Chelsea in 2008. As Portsmouth was a debt ridden club, who were on the brink of extinction, let alone the fear of relegation. Some will argue, Portsmouth’s off the field matters meant the club were certain to be relegated. Due to their 10 point deduction because the club went into administration. So Grant was a manager in a losing battle, one which he had little control over. Yet some disagree, if Portsmouth hadn’t had 10 points deducted they would have still finished bottom. This is very true. But it has to be considered that this Portsmouth team at times weren’t even paid by the club. This must of had a serious effect on the player’s performances and desire. Seeing as footballers nowadays are in the luxury culture of lucrative contracts and consistent pay. Let’s also put this into perspective, if you weren’t getting paid for your job, your commitment and drive towards the job would decline considerably. It’s the same for footballers too.

Furthermore, in the summer of 2009 and the January 2010 transfer windows, Portsmouth sold their prized assets. The likes of Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson and Niko Kranjcar were all sold. The number of dramatic changes to the first team would have affected the confidence and ambition of the squad. As Portsmouth were now a selling club.

Yet, Avram Grant did achieve a fantastic feat whilst at Portsmouth. Amongst all the adversity off the field. Avram Grant managed to take his team all the way to the FA Cup final. They beat Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham side in the semi-final. A day most Portsmouth fans will never forget.

The final was a closely matched affair against Chelsea. Kevin Prince- Boateng missed a penalty which would have given Portsmouth the lead. And a minute later, Dider Drogba scored from a free kick to give Chelsea the lead. Again, the fate of penalties for Grant was the difference.

So Avram Grant left Portsmouth as a heroic figure, making the club dream of cup glory even if the long term future looked bleak. But, most were still unsure of whether Grant was a great manager or a fortunate manager.

Most saw the appointment of Grant to West Ham as a good move for both sides. Yet, things have been tough for Grant and the Hammers. West Ham started the season off poorly. In fact it was West Ham’s worst ever start in the Premier League. Hardly inspiring stuff. And Grant’s future has been continually called into question. But the team’s form gradually improved. They picked up useful wins such as; three points away at Fulham and a vital win at home against fellow relegation candidates Wolves.

But again, like at Portsmouth off the field matters have continuously a casted shadow over Grant. By January the 15^th it seemed as if Martin O’Neil was set to take the reigns at West Ham. The story was rumoured to be true, expect O’Neil rejected the offer. The behaviour by the West Ham owners was disgraceful. Simple as. They showed no respect towards their manager.

Even after the mess regarding Martin O’Neil. No one can deny the board haven’t backed Grant in the transfer window. In January, Grant signed, 5 players. Most of them are very decent acquisitions too. The signings of Wayne Bridge (on loan), Robbie Keane (Loan), Demba Ba and Gary O’Neil are all good deals.

Furthermore, some will argue, Grant inherited a poor squad when he joined the club. I agree, some of the players at West Ham are very poor. And aren’t Premier League standard. But there are some quality players the too. The likes of Scott Parker, Charlton Cole, Mathew Upson, Robert Green and Victor Obinna are all good players. The January signings will only add more quality to the side. Especially the signing of Robbie Keane. An experienced, yet potent Premier League striker.

One issue is will the players develop an understanding between themselves. This is the risk Grant has taken by signing so many players in January. It’s up to him to try and help his players develop an understanding of his methods of play. Arguably the lack of understanding has recently cost them in their last few matches. The defeat against Birmingham at Upton Park springs to mind. And the 3 all draw against West Brom. The West Ham’s defence was utterly woeful. But it’s up to Grant to bring the players closer as a unit and as a family in order to develop an understanding on the pitch.

When Grant was poorly handled by Karen Brady and the two West Ham owners over the O’Neil saga, I leapt to the defence of Grant (here’s the piece.) But Grant has been backed by the owners in January. Of course they haven’t thrown millions at him. But they have allowed him to capture good footballers.

Most managers after their dismissal or when their really under scrutiny argue, they ‘weren’t given enough of a financial backing by the owners.’ The owners have sufficiently backed Grant. It’s now up to Avram Grant to prove he is a decent manager and save West Ham from relegation. Yes his treatment at the club hasn’t been great. But he has been given the resources to do a good job.

By the end of the season, we will see the real credentials of the Israeli.

Why Kevin Davies should be in contention for the England Squad

Darren Bent, Steven Gerrard, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch. These are just some of the names of players who have played alongside Wayne Rooney under Fabio Capello. Its clear Capello prefers to have another striker playing along side Rooney. Your probably thinking, why have I added Steven Gerrard in the opening sentence, as he isn’t a striker. However, Capello tried to play Gerrard in his Liverpool role. The role he used to occupy behind the former Liverpool star Fernando Torres. However, Fabio Capello predominantly prefers to play with two strikers upfront. And to extend this, Capello prefers England to play with one natural finisher, Wayne Rooney. And the second striker being a target man. Yet there is one man who is suitable for the seccond striker role. But he has never been given a proper chance.

The second striker role has recently been changed by Fabio Capello. In England’s last game against Denmark, Rooney lined up along side Bent. Both strikers are natural finishers. Who have both proven at the Premier League level they can be trusted to score consistently. Okay, Rooney hasn’t had the best few months in the Premier League. But look at his record last year when he scored 26 Premier League goals. And even the year before that. It’s very impressive. Of course he can be trusted to finish.

Its apparent Capello would prefer to play a target man alongside Rooney. Hence why the likes of Darren Bent were left out of South Africa for Emile Heskey. Despite the fact Bent scored 24 Premier League goals that season. Heskey on the other hand, mustered 5 goals in all competitions for Aston Villa. The decision to take Heskey over Bent quite rightly made the England fans gaze around in confusion.

Fabio Capello’s England vision was probably in taters, after Heskey decided to call it a day on his England career after the embarrassing World Cup campaign. Since then Capello still hasn’t fancied Peter Crouch playing as the target man alongside Rooney. The Italian should give this strike force a try. Simply because Crouch has a brilliant England goal scoring record. 22 goals in 44 caps is very impressive. The record shows Crouch has the pedigree to score on the international stage. But Capello would rather the target man having the physical strength to hold up the ball. Something which Crouch doesn’t offer effectively.

Kevin Davies, 33, became the oldest England debutant in October 2010. Yet Kevin Davies should have been capped far more earlier. He is the one of the best target men in the Premier League. It seems Davies abilities continually goes unnoticed by the England. Davies can offer everything Heskey offered and more. Logically, this should be Capello’s dream.

The Bolton skipper is fantastic in the air. He can contest with most defenders and win the ball. However, the most practical aspect of Davies ability in the air, is that he can flick it on very effectively. This has served Bolton very well in the past and still does. This attribute would be a valuable asset for England. The likes of Rooney would be find pockets of space, of which Davies could flick into. One of Heskey’s duties in the England team was to win headers and to flick onto the central midfielders or the wingers. But by the time Heskey had jumped, the ball was already flying past his head. It’s something which most defiantly frustrated the England fans and arguably the players too. But with Kevin Davies he has proved at a consistent level for Bolton that with his flick on’s he can link the midfield and attack. Of course, some will turn around and say, ‘doing this on the international stage is different, there is more expectation.’ I couldn’t agree more. But Kevin Davies is an experienced professional, who is proven to be a success at his trade. One mustn’t forget Kevin Davies is the captain of Bolton. This means he can handle the pressure and expectations. He wouldn’t be captain if couldn’t set the standard or if he couldn’t cope with the expectations.

Davies fantastic heading ability would also be an advantage for set pieces. The Bolton skipper has shown his capability to scoring with his head. This doesn’t just boil down to set pieces, Davies in open play can be a goal scoring threat with his aerial poweress too. This is something a majority of the recent England strikers have lacked.

Since Owen Coyle has taken the helm at Bolton, Kevin Davies has expanded his game even more. It’s clear that Kevin Davies is far more competent and comfortable with the ball at his feet too. Davies has been effectively threading through balls into his strikers and midfielders with great effect. I have even seen him executing some brilliant audacious chips when the opposition defence is pressuring. England need someone like this. They need someone who has the creative nous and the ability to implement it. Most of the England’s strikers have been missing this part to their game. Of course, Wayne Rooney can do this, but Rooney is far more dangerous when he is playing as the most progressive striker. Rooney would benefit greatly if Kevin Davies could hold the ball up and then thread a ball into him. It relives the pressure on Rooney. As it means Rooney doesn’t need to come deep to get the ball.

Davies’ creativity wouldn’t just be a benefit for Rooney. The other England strikers would benefit too. The likes of Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe are goal poachers who are receptive to recognising openings and half chances. Look at Johan Elmander, who is now amongst the goals for Bolton. Kevin Davies’ service has been a contributing factor to Elmander’s good form.

What makes Kevin Davies so suitable for being a target man is because he is physically very strong. This assists him because it makes him harder to defend against. It helps him hold up the ball, as the defenders simply cannot barge him out of the way, he will fight for the ball. This makes Davies so difficult to play against because he is strong enough to keep the ball, thus allowing the midfielders to progress forward. Arguably, this should appeal to Fabio Capello. As Peter Crouch whose England record speaks for it’s self doesn’t really get a look in because he lacks the strength to hold the ball up.

The finishing abilities of Davies are decent. He isn’t the most clinical striker in the world or the most natural finisher. But he makes up for that with his tenacity and commitment. One thing Kevin Davies can never be questioned on is his work ethic. He is a hard working player who wants to make things happen for his team.

Maybe for Kevin Davies is unfortunate. In the sense that he was a late bloomer in the world of football. He began to show his quality from the age of 28 and by the time he was 30 he was seen as a fantastic Premier League player. But at the age of 33, it’s sad to say, his chances of getting into the England team are extremely limited because of his age. One must consider, Emile Heskey is only three months older than Davies. Yet Heskey was given so much prominence in Fabio Capello’s plans. I’m confident if you asked who’s a better target man, Heskey or Davies, a majority would say Davies. Is Davies unlucky because Heskey is deemed to have more experience as he has played for Liverpool and won trophies. Whereas Davies hasn’t played at the top four level of the Premier League. I don’t think it’s a valid excuse, but how many times have good players at the ‘smaller clubs’ been over looked by players who maybe aren’t as good but are at the bigger clubs? It’s just insane how people like Kevin Davies are continually overlooked.

One may argue Davies was given his chance in October 2010. But it seems Capello picked him because there was a striker crisis not because he seriously trusted his abilities. Furthermore, had Capello trusted Davies he could of started him or kept him in the squad for the next international games to give him a proper chance. Most will agree that a mere 20 minutes isn't enough for a player to prove his worth on the international stage.

Age really shouldn’t be an issue. As he clearly has the attributes to be a successful target man for England. If he was let’s say 22, I’m sure he would be in contention for the England team. But I don’t want to get all philosophical. It’s a shame, it really is England’s loss.

Ask any Premier League fan on their thoughts on Kevin Davies, a majority will show their appreciation for his abilities.

It’s just so ironic how he never gets a look into the national team.