Football Tweets of the week 07/09

Here are our 10 funniest football tweets of this week! (In no order too!)

1.) This may be the funniest picture of all time. - @timabel6

 2.) Mourinho's motivational speech to his players ahead of El Clásico. - @footymemes

 

3.) Juve signing Bendtner is like telling someone all summer you're going to buy a BMW or a Porsche but then wind up buying a Hyundai Genesis. - @FRANCESCalci0

4.) My definition of 'top top quality' = Falcao Arsene's definition of 'top top quality' = Chamakh. - @RedArmy49

5.) The Queens Park Rangers team bus has arrived at the Etihad Stadium... - @Football__Tweet

 6.) The awkward moment when Arsene Wenger's finger looks like his penis. - @Arsenal_RT's 

7.) Fernando Torres has promised Chelsea fans "magic" this season. I thought he did his disappearing trick last season? -@StupidFootball

8.) Genius of a sign in Sunderland- @kentonmags

9.) He scores when he wants, he scores when he wants, Olivier Giroud, he scores when he wants. [*Note: currently, he does not want] - @simonafc

10.) When Busquets plays FIFA and his player get's tackled, he drops the controller and starts rolling around the floor asking for a free-kick.. - @LeoMessiParody

Be sure to follow all these guys on Twitter, you can follow us at @ReviewFootball

The Winners and Losers of the January Transfer Window 2012

The dust has settled, and on his debut article for The Football Front, Tom Moseley depicts the January transfer window.

Even after a rather quiet transfer window, with only £58.3M spent compared to last year’s £225m, some teams have still come out better than others. Only one team in the Premier League didn’t sign anyone in this window, that was Stoke.

Winners

QPR

Everyone knew QPR were going to be active in January . QPR started off by looking at players like Alex from Chelsea and I’m sure I also heard rumours (only rumours) about Tevez joining them, especially after playing under Hughes and sharing the same advisor. However, they did eventually target and sign far more ‘modest’ players. They tightened their defence up with the signing of Nedum Onuoha from Manchester City for £2.5m and they also loaned AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo until the end of the season. These are both good signings as Onuoha is a good versatile defender with a bit of pace. While Taye Taiwo will also add a bit of experience to the back after having 52 European appearances with Marseille and AC Milan. QPR not only improved their defence during this window they also bolstered their front line with the signings of Bobby Zamora, Djibril Cisse and Federico Macheda. Zamora joined for a fee of £4m and he now reunites with Mark Hughes, who arguably got the best out of Zamora in his season at Fulham. However, apart from his Brighton days, he’s never been a prolific striker. This is also Cisses problem, yes he has pace and power, but in the premier league he only has a 3% chance conversion. However maybe together they’ll work well. As Zamora’s strength along with Cisse’s pace could cause a few concerns to opposition defenders. QPR also added to their numbers with the loan signings of Federico Macheda and Samba Diakite. With a new manager and all these new players QPR should really be on the up, but you never know with football.

Everton

Everton have always been known to be ‘tight.’ But this transfer window, they may not have entirely splashed the cash, but they make some effective signings. They signed the talented Landon Donovan (on loan)who will chip in with a few goals and assists. They also signed Darron Gibson from Manchester United for a mere £1m.Now, I’m not Gibson’s biggest fan but for that kind of fee and maybe at a team like Everton, it’s not a bad buy and with more first-team football, he could turn into a good and effective player. Their last signing was Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic for a fee of £5.5m. Indeed, the ex –rangers man had a good goal scoring record for Rangers with 36 goals in 55 games; however (with no disrespect to the SPL) it will be a lot harder for him in the premiership. He said he moved to the premier league as it’s ‘the best league in the world’ – so let’s see how he fares in it. Overall Everton have made solid buys in my opinion, with these new buys Everton could sneak up to the table a bit and secure a finish of 8^th or 9^th.

Biggest Losers

Arsenal

In the summer Arsenal lost three key players and gained around £60m. They arguably panic bought in the last few days of the window bringing in Mikel Arteta, Per Merterstacker and Park Chu-Young. These are good players and Arsenal did need a centre-back, but it did leave about £40m in the bank as well. Indeed, they also signed Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho, but these were before the outgoings of Fabregas and Nasri. I thought because Arsenal were linked with a lot of people, but didn’t sign certain players/positions they wanted, I would see some activity from them this window. However I was wrong. They signed legend Thierry Henry on a 2-month loan from New York and young midfielder Thomas Eisfeld from Dortmund. These aren’t the kind of players they need. They need players with world class ability and potential.

Wigan

Wigan sit at the foot of the table and were linked with quite a few people during the window, however they only bought winger Jean Beausejour from Birmingham for £4m. Don’t get me wrong he’s a decent player, but they don’t really need a winger as they’re a decent side going forward, but they have the worst defensive record in the league, so that’s where they needed improvement. They also kept hold of star-striker Hugo Rodallega, which could end up being a bad thing as his contract is up in the summer, so with that in mind and the fact they’re 5 points adrift, the future doesn’t look bright for Wigan Athletic.

Conclusion

Most teams didn’t have that good of a time in this window. But these Wigan and Arsenal stood out to me in particular as I think they need strengthening more than anybody else.

Without a doubt, it was a disappointing transfer window and we were all hoping for a headline move to make it a bit better, but sadly that never happened.

Oh well, let’s just hope for an exciting end to the season!

This article was written by Tom Moseley, you can find his work on his blog: http://itisonlyagame.blogspot.com/ You can also follow him on Twitter: @ItsOnlyAGame

Five Observations from Week 10 in the Premier League

1. Manchester City prove they get can away wins against tough mid-table teams- This was a real test for Manchester City. It was a test which City just about passed. QPR threw a load of punches at Man City. The first critical punch came when QPR took the lead. It was the first time in the league an opposition has taken the lead against Manchester City. Indeed, Manchester City stood up and got the equaliser through Edin Dzeko, who has now scored 10 Premier League goals, 7 of those coming away from home. City then grabbed the initiative again by taking the lead, but against determined opposition, who have a very solid attacking unit and with their passionate fans behind them, QPR reacted and managed to bring the game level to 2-2. But again, this didn’t effect severely effect Man City. Within a few minutes City took the lead again – which ended up being the crucial winning goal. This result proves City have strong belief and togetherness to come out of tough tests with all the three points. A number of teams would have fallen apart and lost their way after being pegged back away from home. It also proves, even if City don’t play at their very best, the team have enough quality and cohesion to get the win away from home.
2. Liverpool are not good enough for a top four finish – Liverpool let themselves down again. For the third home game in a row, they have drawn. For the second time in a row, they have drawn at home games against two newly promoted sides. Utterly woeful. Liverpool’s attack has improved from last season, but The Reds have lacked a clinical cutting edge this season. Indeed, Liverpool have created the chances but the finishing simply hasn’t been there. That was the case against Swansea. It’s clear if a team have aspirations to be in the top four they must win their encounters at home against the teams below them in the league. With every game, Liverpool’s finishing has been a growing concern. It’s vital Dalglish and his players rectify this because as it stands, Liverpool feel and look extremely brittle at Anfield.
3. Chelsea finally get their first clean sheet since August but one must not get carried away with this stat – Chelsea grabbed their first win in three with an away win at Blackburn. Perhaps this result was expected. After all, prior to this game, Blackburn had gone 5 games without a win. But Chelsea, got the three points thanks to yet another Frank Lampard goal, and they said his best days were over? Look at him now! But more crucially, Chelsea got themselves a clean sheet. Their first clean sheet since the opening day draw at Stoke. But Chelsea know they can’t get carried away. They were playing one of the Premier League’s out of form sides, they were playing a team who had only managed a woeful 1 win in 5 games at home this season. Furthermore, Blackburn haven’t kept a clean sheet this season, so it was inevitable Chelsea would come out on top. But this is a morale boosting win, as bigger challenges lay ahead for Chelsea.
4. Wolves get three points in their biggest game of the season..so far, while Wigan lose yet again- Wolves finally end their run of 8 games without a win. It was a win which was utterly deserved. Wolves didn’t play Wigan off the park, but they did play a far better game than Wigan. Wolves defended better, used the ball more wisely and attacked in a more clinical fashion. This was a vital game for both Wigan and Wolves. Prior to this game, both teams had lost more than 6 games in a row. Both teams saw this as a 6 pointer fixture for themselves. But Wolves showed their strength and determination to end this run. While Wigan, yet again, showed no substance. The team were not clinical and arguably their goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi kept Wigan within reach of Wolves. But Wigan looked out of sorts. The team seem struggle to score and struggled to defend. It will certainly be a long season for Wigan. While for Wolves, what a difference a win makes. Wolves go into the international break in 13^th position, a point behind Stoke and QPR.
5. Bolton finally win at home – Prior to this game, Bolton were the only team in the Premier League who have failed to pick up a single point at home. But that changed this weekend. Bolton hammered Stoke. Perhaps it was a reverse of the hammering Stoke gave to Bolton in the FA Cup Semi-Final last season. Bolton fully deserved the points against Stoke. Bolton seemed more fresher and more hungry for the win. The Wanderers imposed themselves on Stoke and put Pulis’ men under a great deal of pressure throughout the game. Kevin Davies, a man whose form has been under scruinity this season played a crucial part in Bolton’s win. He was an imposing figure, who caused Stoke a handful of problems with his physicality and great holding up of the ball. However, for Stoke, the team looked tired and its evident the effects of playing in the Europa League are having an effect on the team’s domestic performances. Pulis must find a formula to get his side to perform in the games after tough Europa League encounters.

Five Statistics from this Weekend

1. Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored against 26 of the 30 different teams he has faced in the Premier League.
2. 48% of Arsenal’s goals have come from Robin Van Persie this season.
3. Liverpool have drawn the most games at home this season (4 draws)
4. Brad Friedel made his 276 consecutive start in the PL versus Fulham. Last time he missed a match was May 2004.
5. QPR have only won 1 home game in 6 attempts this season.

Five Observations from Week 8 in the Premier League

1. Manchester City send a powerful message that will resound across Europe – Prior to the Manchester Derby, Man United were viewed as invincible at home. And so they should have been. United had won their previous 24/25 Premier League home matches, a feat which in itself was a key factor as to why United won the league last season. Ahead of the match Mancini said he would be content if he left Old Trafford with a draw. But boy, didn’t he leave with so much more. Manchester City compounded Man United to their worst defeat since 1955. Mancini’s city were sensational. David Silva toyed with Man United’s defence throughout the game. Silva’s movement, passing and creativity was incontainable for Manchester United. City severely frightened Man United. Actually no, Manchester City humiliated Man United. But the result is a massive indicator of how Man City need to be taken seriously. Firstly, the fact Manchester City hammered Man United at Old Trafford demonstrates the sheer monstrosity of this expensively assembled City side. It proves not only does Manchester City have title credentials, they have the belief, quality and hunger to run away the Premier League. Secondly, in England, the press seem adamant to brand Roberto Mancini’s style as ‘calculated, disciplined and defensive.’ But these statements were confounded by this weekend’s result. Manchester City headed to the Champion’s invincible ground. A ground in which United had not lost a league game in over two years. But Manchester City came, saw and conquered. Not only this, City proved Mancini is willing to make his side play adventurous football in order to get crucial wins at away grounds, something he was criticised for continuously since becoming Man City manager. Finally, Man United now know the ‘noisy neighbours’ are no longer noisy. Manchester City are now roaring with hunger, belief and pride.
2. Liverpool must to learn to take their chances or fourth place will be beyond them – Liverpool have now drawn 3/5 of their home Premier League matches this season. Draws against Sunderland, Man United and Norwich have been agonising for Liverpool fans. All three games could have easily been won. Had Liverpool been more clinical. The simple matter is, Liverpool have been creating the chances. But the team, especially the strikers have failed to finish the chances. This wastefulness has cost them in the short term, as its meant Liverpool have dropped points against teams which they should have easily got three points off. As a result Liverpool find themselves 4 points away from 4^th placed Newcastle. But in the long term, Liverpool’s wastefulness upfront could have detrimental effects on their long term goals. The fact Newcastle and Tottenham have been solid and productive at home it could mean that Liverpool could fall away rather dramatically from 4^th place because of their rather avoidable dropped points.
3. Swansea impresses, but show they lack Premier League experience – Swansea played Wolves off the park for 83 minutes. Swansea kept the ball better, they created the better chances and looked far more accomplished against a rather defensively clumsy Wolves side. Swansea quite rightfully went into half time 2 goals ahead. It was utterly deserved. They dominated proceedings. But as the second half progressed, Wolves pressed higher up and looked desperate to somehow claw their way back into the game. Throughout the game, Swansea dealt with Wolves set pieces in a rather unconvincing manner. The team struggled to get the ball away and lost many key tackles and headers during set pieces. It came as no surprise that Wolves goal came from a set piece – be it a scrappy one. But the Wolves goal seemed to give the Wanderers all the confidence and momentum. Two minutes later, Jamie O’Hara made it 2-2. But this result was completely undeserved for Wolves. Who were second best for most of the game. The draw showed Swansea still lack a certain degree of Premier League experience. At the back, Swansea were not very organised in defending set pieces. While after the first Wolves goal, Swansea lost their focus and allowed Wolves to grow in confidence. This weekend’s result will provide harsh evidence to the Swansea players that keeping their concentration and not getting complacent for 90+ minutes is an imperative. As a team can be woeful as Wolves were and can still manage to come away with a draw by simply hanging in there and throwing knock out punches when the opportunity arises for them.
4. Bolton become softer and softer at home – Last season, Bolton were pretty hard to beat at home. The Wanderers only lost four home games last season. While this season, a different picture is painted. In five Premier League home games, Bolton have lost every single one, thus failing to even pick up a point at home. That is disastrous form. This form is unacceptable in any league in the world. The team have scored 4 at home this season, while conceding a monumental 17 goals at home. But this weekend’s game against Sunderland was supposed to be the game which Bolton bag their first home win of the season. Sunderland was there for the taking. Like themselves, Sunderland’s form has been relatively inconsistent. Prior to this weekend, Sunderland had only won once in 8 games – a hardly impressive feat. But Bolton have looked far too soft this season. In defence Bolton look unoriginally weak, while upfront, Bolton look toothless. Perhaps the difference between the Bolton and Sunderland was that Sunderland were more clinical. Bolton have a lot of improving to do. The team seem to have no real strengths at the moment.
5. Chelsea’s indiscipline could cost them their title challenge – So far this season, Chelsea have looked rather impressive. Their style of play, along with their attacking nature has made Andre Villas –Boas team very entertaining to watch. However, this weekend, they were the victims of their own downfall. Prior to the match, QPR provided Chelsea with a key chance to go ahead of Man United in the league. Furthermore, QPR’s home form this season has been far from impressive. The Rangers had not won a single home game and had only scored two goals at home prior to the game. But Chelsea’s two red cards which both were frustratingly avoidable and changed the game. Chelsea unsurprisingly with 9 men looked rather shaky at the back, but Chelsea reacted fantastically. Chelsea dominating proceedings with just 9 men. The Blues attacked, attacked and attacked. Perhaps Chelsea were unlucky not to get at least a draw. Chelsea created a handful of chances. However, Chelsea’s finishing was a tad lacklustre. Had they been more clinical, Chelsea could have possibly got all three points let alone a single point. But in 9 Premier League games, Chelsea have gained three red cards. 2/3 of the red cards were strikers (Torres and Drogba) both challenges were reckless and unneeded. AVB must further discipline his players, or Chelsea could be victims of their own downfall.

Five Statistics from this weekend

1.) Man United have allowed the opposition more shots per game than any other Premier League side

2.) 80% of the goals Liverpool have conceded have come in the second half

3.) Robin Van Persie has scored 25 Premier League goals in 2011 – no other player has scored more than that in the Premier League in 2011.

4.) Edin Dzeko has scored 8 Premier League goals this season – 7 of those goals have been scored away from home.

5.) Manchester City have scored the first goal in every Premier League game they have played in this season – Only team in league to have this record in tact.

Five Observations from Week 7 in the Premier League

1. An under strength Manchester United side is still a very good Man United side – Almost everyone was left in shock when it was revealed Sir Alex Ferguson had left out Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Nani on the bench for the Liverpool game. Arguably they are Man United’s best players. However, even without their three key players, United played reasonably well. The Champions kept Liverpool at bay for most of the game and challenged a full strength Liverpool throughout 90 minutes. But it cannot be denied, Liverpool were marginally better. They created more chances, saw far more of the ball and looked more likely to make something happen. But Man United even with a team lacking in key assets were incredibly tough and potent. Indeed, United’s point gained at Liverpool just proves what a powerful side they are. The fact an under strength Man United side, who didn’t play that well could keep a strong Liverpool side at bay is a very impressive feat.
2. Mario Balotelli is becoming Mr Consistent – For the third Premier League week in a row, Mario Balotelli comes with good news, rather than traditionally bringing bad news for Man City. Balotelli has consecutively found the net for the past three Premier League games. The controversial striker has now scored three goals in his last three games. Furthermore, because of the Carlos Tevez saga which virtually leaves the Agrentine unplayable. City and their fans know that Balotelli can be depended on to get goals in the Premier League. Not only this, the fact Balotelli, Dzeko and Aguero have all rather easily found their goal scoring boots this season, it shows Man City have three extremely potent centre forwards who could change the game instantly for them. This of course is vital for a league challenger, as every game must be won.
3. QPR still can’t get a result at home – QPR have yet again failed to win at home this season. This season they have had 4 Premier League games at home, and have managed to draw three and lose one. Perhaps the fact they are unbeaten in their last three home games should be an impressive feat. But upon closer inspection is not an impressive feat at all. Firstly, QPR have only scored two goals at home this season. Which is the worst goals tally for a home side this season. Secondly, QPR hosted Blackburn this weekend. One must remember, this Blackburn side are rock bottom of the Premier League and haven’t won a single away game yet. This weekend was supposed to be a golden opportunity for QPR to get their first three points at home and score a few goals in the process. QPR should be very worried about their home form. Winning at home is a basic imperative in the Premier league, and the team could find themselves progressively declining towards the foot of the table if their home form doesn’t pick up anytime soon.
4. Wolves and Wigan’s form depicts the same picture from last season – Both Wigan and Wolves lost crucial games this weekend. Wolves would have seen their away game at West Brom as a very winnable fixture, while Wigan would have thought the three points were there for the taking at home against an out of form Bolton. But both sides lost. Wigan and Wolves have now lost their last five games in a row. Which of course, reeks of relegation form. This weekend, Wigan were poor at home to Bolton. They gave Bolton the impetuous to get the three points, which they well and truly did. While Wolves who created many good chances against West Brom but Wolves just couldn’t finish them off. That was the difference between Wolves and West Brom was that the Albion’s could finish their chances, while Wolves were left bemoaning the ifs and buts after the game. Last season, Wigan and Wolves found themselves in the bottom three for most of the season. But on the last day of the season, both teams just about survived. This season, both teams may not be so lucky. Wigan and Wolves recent form has been utterly woeful. It’s crucial they end their winless run as soon as they can. Or they may find themselves going through the trap door on the last day of this season.
5. Arsenal become ever more dependent on captain fantastic Robin Van Persie – Van Persie was the difference between Arsenal and Sunderland this weekend. The Dutchman was in majestical form. His intelligence, clinical finishing and wonderful technique gave Arsenal an edge over their opponents this weekend. When Sunderland equalised, Arsenal became nervous. The team’s passing had no real substance or direction and the Gunners were not really threatening as much as they possibly could have. As the last 10 minutes loomed, Arsenal were growing in agitation and so were their fans. When Robin Van Persie stepped up for the free kick in the 82^nd minute, it would take a man who could handle the pressure and the expectation to lift Arsenal out of another miserable Premier League disappointment. And Van Persie didn’t fail. Mr . Arsenal scored a sensational free kick which was enough to consign an out of form Sunderland to defeat. But there are two causes for concern for Arsenal which can be learnt from this weekend. Firstly, the team struggled to beat a poor Sunderland side who haven’t won their last three games. The worry about this is that, better sides in better form will face Arsenal and if Arsenal struggle against the in-form sides, the Gunners will lose. Secondly, Arsenal are becoming ever more dependent on Van Persie. The fact Van Persie has scored 41% of all of Arsenal’s Premier League goals this season proves his contribution to Arsenal has been substantial. However, if Van Persie gets injured, do Arsenal have the players who can pick the team up and score goals consistently? I fear they do not, Arsenal hinge on Van Persie, its vital for the Gunners progression that he stays fit and injury free.

Five Statistics from this weekend

1.) 90% of Arsenal’s points this season have come at home.

2.) 5/7 of Jermain Defoe’s last Premier League goals have from outside the box.

3.) Liverpool’s last three direct free kick goals in Premier League have come against Man United.

4.) 11/15 of Chris Samba’s Premier League goals have been from headers.

5.) Wolves have failed to score in the first half in their last six Premier League games.