Why Emile Heskey’s Premier League days should be all but over

Let’s start with an astonishing fact. Emile Heskey has made the sixth most appearances in Premier League history. Yes it’s true. Heskey has made 487 Premier League appearances.

That’s more than Paul Scholes, Jamie Carragher, Andy Cole and Steven Gerrard. It’s crazy. Heskey has made more appearances than many Premier League greats. Yet, most Premier League supporters would say, ‘thanks, but no thanks,’ to the idea of Emile Heskey joining their team.

Perhaps, most supporters find this statistic alarming because Heskey doesn’t score many goals, nor does he contribute that substantially in comparison to other strikers.

But it’s fair to say, Heskey does contribute, in a rather unfashionable yet crucial way. Emile Heskey’s main attributes such as his: strength, work ethic, and unselfishness. These are all attributes which have appealed to various managers.

Furthermore, Heskey’s ability to develop an understanding with his fellow strikers, have also been a contributing reason to why he is often favoured by many managers.

Take his strike-partnership with Michael Owen. Arguably, Heskey’s presence helped bring out the best in Michael Owen during his Liverpool and England days.

But the cruel fact is Emile Heskey is a striker. His job is to score goals. Heskey’s goal scoring rate is incredibly disturbing. Perhaps, fans have a right to question his goal scoring prowess. After all, it’s terrible.

His England goal scoring record epitomises this. In 62 appearances for England, he has only scored 8 goals. That’s a goal every 8 games.

Even in club football, Heskey’s goal scoring has been woeful.

Emile Heskey joined Aston Villa in 2009. Since his move he has only scored 8 Premier League goals. In fact, this season, he has only scored 3 Premier League goals. Liam Ridgewell, the Birmingham City centre back has scored more Premier League goals (4) than Heskey. But in Heskey’s defence, he has had had an injury ridden season. But even so. His goal scoring record is not inspiring. It’s unsettling for Aston Villa fans.

But what’s more odd about Heskey’s goal scoring form, is that it’s been poor for a number of years. Since the 2006-07 season, Emile Heskey has never scored more than 10 goals in all competitions. That’s 6 years without reaching 10 goals in a season. Yet, Heskey was taken to the 2010 World Cup and played in a number of crucial games. It almost defies logic. He is a striker, who can not score. But he is still representing England in Football’s biggest competition.

Emile Heskey’s poor goal scoring record begs one question. Is he still a competent Premier League striker? Or has he served his purpose in the Premier League?

To be fair, one must note, Emile Heskey is 33. Perhaps, it’s unsurprising his goal scoring rate has declined. He may not have the legs for the Premier League anymore.

But in the past, Heskey proved he could score consistently. In the early stages of his Premier League career he showed his goal scoring prowess. In total, he scored 40 Premier League goals for his first club Leicester City.

Emile Heskey’s move to Liverpool was the peak of his career. Heskey scored 60 goals in total for Liverpool. The 2001/02 season was his most productive season. Heskey scored 22 goals in all competitions for Liverpool that season. Plus, he also won three trophies too.

Although it’s widely agreed that Heskey’s best ever season was the 2001/02 season. Some argue, it was also the start of his downfall.

In the 2002 World Cup, Heskey was instructed to play on the left wing. His performances on the left wing seemed to highlight his incapacities and lead to various criticisms coming his way. Possibly, Heskey lost his confidence and self- belief during that tournament.

Heskey receives a lot of criticisms for his recent goal scoring record. Perhaps it’s deserved. But many forget to mention Heskey has scored more Premier League goals than; Steven Gerrard, Jermaine Defoe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Didier Drogba.

In fact, Heskey has scored the 16^th most goals in Premier League history. In total he has scored 109 Premier League goals. It’s a pretty impressive record. But it’s also quite ironic that he now gets so much criticism for not scoring.

But there is no hiding from the fact Emile Heskey has been out of form for the last 7 years. That is in defendable.

It’s clear, a striker, especially in the Premier League has got to score consistently. But Heskey has been incapable of doing that for years.

Some may argue, Heskey’s role in the team is to support the other forwards and add a physical presence. Perhaps this is true. But Heskey has only assisted once in the Premier League for Aston Villa this season.

It seems Emile Heskey is a star of yesterday. His best days are long gone. Strikers are paid to score. Heskey has failed to do that for several years, yet he still gets substantial game time.

Of course, one could counter and say, Heskey helps link up the play and his unselfish approach is priceless. Perhaps this is true. But there are still many centre forwards in England and elsewhere who can do this. But more crucially, they can chip in with their fair share of goals.

Emile Heskey may have the 6^th most appearances in Premier League history. He may also have scored the 16^th most amount of goals in Premier League history.

But, its clear Emile Heskey, 33, has served his purpose in the Premier League.

Things you may like to read

Just how good is Gary Cahill? - http://tiny.cc/jpccx

Why the League Cup still holds importance in the English game - http://tiny.cc/hm55f

How Rafa Benitez is intelligently using the media to increase his chances of getting a job - http://tiny.cc/m9p4i

An odd Champions League statistic

The Champions League final looms ahead. Man United will face the enormous challenge of Barcelona in the final. It will be a fantastic spectacle.

But, a random stat has occurred to me.

Since Chelsea have competed in the European Cup (they made their debut appearance in the 2003/04 season.) Every team that has knocked Chelsea out has gone on to be a finalist in that year, or even gone on to win the trophy in the season of knocking them out.

Here's the evidence.

Year	Team	Victors become Finalist or Winners?
2004	Monaco (beat Chelsea in Semi’s)	Finalist
2005	Liverpool (beat Chelsea in Semi’s)	Winners
2006	Barcelona (beat Chelsea in last 16)	Winners
2007	Liverpool (beat Chelsea in Semi’s)	Finalist
2008	Man United (beat Chelsea in Final)	Winners
2009	Barcelona (Beat Chelsea in semi’s	Winners
2010	Inter (beat Chelsea last 16)	Winners
2011	Man United (beat Chelsea in ¼’s)	??

Its insane. Every team that has knocked them out has always gone onto the final. It’s been the case since 2004.

But, here’s another interesting point. The Semi Final’s is the stage where Chelsea most commonly get knocked out. 50% of their defeats have come in the semi final. They get so close, yet they are so far away.

Things you may like to read

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to any chance of success this season - http://tiny.cc/ozm9k

Jose Mourinho. The ultimate manager or the ultimate journey man? - http://tiny.cc/ii8te

Its official. Football has gone mad. Football club sign an 18 month old toddler! - http://tiny.cc/uwrqd

Premier League + FA Cup Final predictions 14/06

It’s the penultimate fixture week in the Premier League this season. There are still many questions still unanswered in the league, such as the final Europa League position and the relegation spots. It should be an entertaining weekend!

Also, it’s FA Cup final weekend. Stoke City will face the riches of Manchester City. It should be an exciting game. Two sides with contrasting styles going head to head. It should be fun.

This week, our guest predictor is Mark Chalcraft.

Premier League Predictions

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Mark Chalcraft prediction		Actual Score
Blackburn v Man United	0-2		0-2		1-1
Blackpool v Bolton	2-1		2-2		4-3
Sunderland v Wolves	0-0		1-1		1-3
West Brom v Everton	3-1		0-1		1-0
Chelsea v Newcastle	4-0		3-0		2-2
Arsenal v Aston Villa	3-0		2-1		1-2
Birmingham v Fulham	1-1		1-1		0-2
Liverpool v Tottenham	2-1		3-1		0-2
Wigan v West Ham	2-1		3-3		3-2
Total Correct Scores	Correct Results - 3	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 0	Perfect Results - 0

FA Cup Final Predictions

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Mark Chalcraft prediction		Actual Score
Man City v Stoke	2-0		0-1		1-0
Total Correct Scores	Correct Results - 1	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 0	Perfect Results - 0

The Results

Ibby Akkas - 4 Points

Mark Chalcraft - 0 points

The point System

Correct Result = 1 point

Perfect Result = 3 points

You can follow Mark on Twitter: @2ndYellow

Take a look at Mark’s brilliant website too! - 2ndYellow

Things you may like to read

How Rafa Benitez is intelligently using the media to increase his chances of getting a job - http://tiny.cc/ql67i

Why this season will distinct if Avram Grant is a good manager or a bad manager -http://tiny.cc/bggzc

Premier League Predictions 07/05

A massive Premier League weekend comes upon us. The title could be decicded this week. Those at the bottom could be closer to their dreams of staying in the Premier League. While the teams at the bottom could be closer to the nightmare of relegation.

This weekend, our predictor is football blogger, Natasha Henry.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Natasha Henry prediction		Actual Score
Aston Villa v Wigan	2-0		2-1		1-1
Bolton v Sunderland	3-1		2-0		1-2
Everton v Man City	2-1		1-1		2-1
Newcastle v Birmingham	0-0		3-1		2-1
West Ham v Blackburn	3-2		3-2		1-1
Tottenham v Blackpool	1-2		3-1		1-1
Wolves v West Brom	2-1		1-2		3-1
Stoke v Arsenal	1-1		0-3		3-1
Man United v Chelsea	2-0		0-1		2-1
Fulham v Liverpool	1-0		2-2		2-5
Total correct scores	Correct Results - 2	Perfect Results - 1	Correct Results - 1	Perfect Results - 0

The Results

Ibby Akkas - 5 points

Natasha Henry - 1 point

The Point System

Correct Result = 1 point

Perfect Result = 3 points

Check out Natasha’s blog here: http://sonatashasays.blogspot.com/

You can follow her on Twitter too: @NatashaSHenry

Things you may like to read

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to any chance of success this season - http://tiny.cc/ozm9k

How Rafa Benitez is intelligently using the media to increase his chances of getting a job - http://tiny.cc/ql67i

Why the Royal Family has many similarities to footballers - http://tiny.cc/1lj6t

How Rafa Benitez is intelligently using the media to increase his chances of getting a job

‘Congratulations to Chelsea, I think the best team won and the best manager.’

These were the last words said by Rafa Benitez in his final press conference for Liverpool. Some may read Rafa Benitez’s final words as a final subtle attack on Sir Alex Ferguson.

But one thing is clear. Rafa Benitez is a very intelligent man. His intelligence comes across in his perceptions and comments. Benitez has the ability to in- directly attack or scrutinise his opponents. Take his final words as Liverpool boss. It’s a prime example of Benitez subtly using the media to attack his opposition.

A problem with Rafa Benitez, is that he is not well received by other football fans, especially in England. He is often labelled as a ‘fat Spanish waiter,’ or something of this nature. This was not really an issue when he was the Liverpool boss, as the Liverpool fans absolutely adored Rafa Benitez.

But times have changed, of course the Liverpool fans still love Benitez. But Rafa Benitez now finds himself out of a job.

Rafa Benitez has emphasised his desire to manage again in the Premier League. Benitez states, 'the priority is the Premier League, because the style is better for me.'

However, Benitez is knowledgeable enough to know that people’s perceptions of him need to change. Benitez knows that if he is to be given an opportunity to manage again in the Premier League, he needs the supporter’s faith and respect. One would argue, this is what kept him at Liverpool for so long. The Liverpool fans strong faith and trust in Benitez made him almost untouchable during certain periods.

Its apparent Rafa Benitez has looked to overcome this problem. He has tried to beat this problem by appearing on TV far more often than ever before.

Benitez has appeared on many football related shows. Sometimes he giving an interview – on his thoughts of his Liverpool and Inter Milan experience. While at other times he is given the role as a pundit analysing games. In the past 6 months Benitez has appeared in the BBC's Football Focus and Sky Sports news coverage for the Champions League and La Liga.

The Spanish tactician knows that if he can get his personality, knowledge and charisma effectively portrayed on Television. It will make him far more favoured to football fans and potential bosses. The increasing positive publicity will make Benitez far more appealing and respected.

Rafa Benitez has always been given a negative perception by national journalists and football writers. This was often the case throughout his time in England. Many complained about Benitez’ transfer policy, his strategies and one mustn’t forget, his zonal marking system.

The harsh criticisms often led to Benitez being represented as calamitous manger to the British public. Even though the facts prove different. In Benitez’s last press conference for Liverpool, it’s clear that he feels certain journalists and writers have over inflated and misrepresented his ideas.

However, Rafa Benitez with his charisma and knowledge often caught the press out. The video below demonstrates how Benitez embarrassed some sections of the press.




Benitez has approached the problem in the correct way. He knows that if he can appeal to football fans in England through television it will give a better representation of him. Furthemore, occasionally coming onto a media form such as the Television, it makes football fans and potential bosses aware that Benitez is available.

In the past, Benitez was often represented through newspapers and pundits. This mostly portrayed him in a negative light. However, Benitez being on football programs giving his thoughts directly, without journalists intervening. It gives the Spaniard a better representation and a more personal depiction.

However, as much as it’s debatable. Rafa Benitez is a great football strategist. He clearly is a man who reads the game well and has an in-depth knowledge.

Most Premier League clubs would be lucky to have Benitez as their manager. Perhaps, this view isn’t shared by many football fans.

But Benitez is passionate enough about the game to know that the perceptions associated with him need to change.

Once these perceptions have changed.

People will view him as an incredibly intelligent football manager.

Things you may like to read

Why Liverpool must use the abilities of Dani Pacheco - http://tiny.cc/w9esl

Why the Royal Family and football has many similarities - http://tiny.cc/q57fm

Why Fernando Torres is replaceable at Liverpool - http://tiny.cc/zy2v9

Champions League semi - final second leg predictions

This week marks the last of this year’s Champions League semi final ties. Perhaps, there isn’t much excitement for Real Madrid or Schalke. But there are always predictions challenges to make things interesting!

This week our guest predictor is the football writer, Musa Okwonga. Our other predictor is The Football Front’s Champions League predictor, Dominic Vieira.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Dominic Vieira prediction		Musa Okwonga prediction		Actual score
Barcelona v R. Madrid	4-2		2-1		1-0		1-1
Man United v Schalke	3-1		3-0		2-0		4-1
Total Scores	Correct Results - 1	Perfect Result - 0	Correct Results - 1	Perfect Result - 0	Correct Results - 1	Perfect Result - 0

The Results

Musa Okwonga - 1 point

Dominic Vieira - 1 point

Ibby Akkas - 1 point

Follow both Musa and Dominic on Twitter;

Musa Okwonga - @Okwonga

Dominic Vieira - @DominicVieira

Check out Musa’s blog ; - blogs.independent.co.uk/author/musaokwonga/

Dominic Vieira is a senior writer for A Football Report, their website is worth a look too; - www.afootballreport.com/

Things you may like to read

Why the Royal Family has many similarities to footballers - http://tiny.cc/1lj6t

Jose Mourinho. The ultimate manager or the ultimate journey man? - http://tiny.cc/ii8te

It’s official. Football has gone mad. Football club sign an 18 month old toddler! - http://tiny.cc/uwrqd

David Luiz provides the most Hilarious post match interview in a long time!

David Luiz has proven so far to be a great signing for Chelsea. His great defending along with this attacking instincts have made him a hit in England so far.

But his behaviour in this interview is hilarious! He simply cant stop moving his head with agreement!



David Luiz has funny hair. But he also seems to be a very very funny guy!

Why the Royal Family has many similarities to Footballers

All this attention on the Royal Family and their wedding has got me thinking.

It has made me recognise the subtle link between the Royal Family and football.

The royal family is like an expensive footballer, who plays for a debt ridden club. Perhaps, this debt ridden club symbolises the UK government.

To most football fans, there is nothing more frustrating than a footballer, who is on high wages and he doesn't contribute. And to top it all off, he is injury prone.

The royal family are a bit like this. Think about it. The government provide the royals with huge amounts of cash every year (£40 million, if you're curious) and is their contribution to British society enough? Or are they like a high earning footballer who doesn’t do much on the pitch?

The debt ridden British Economy has left the government in a pickle about what to do with the royals. It’s like a board of directors at a football club. The board have two options. They could sell their multi million pound injury prone asset. In the government’s case, the multi million pound strain is the royals. Or the football club could sell off some of the other players – who perhaps contribute far more than the expensive flop. From the perspective of the government, this could represent the public sector worker such as a police officer.

It’s inevitable who the football club and the government choose to keep. Both institutions keep their costly assets and sell off their more productive assets in order to balance the books.

The Royal Wedding almost illuminates the reality of the swinging cuts taking place in Britain today.

Heritage and history is a critical aspect to any country. We simply cannot just remove our monarch. But does the royal family come to a painful cost for the tax payer? Where is the line, between something being beyond our economic means?

The Royals are a crucial to Britain's tradition, history and culture. But like football, it has to be modernised and conform to society's expectations and demands.

Now, it may come across that I hate the royals or something. I don’t. I appreciate their presence. To an extent.

But most importantly, I wish the royal couple a successful marriage and hope the wedding was a massive success for them.

Things you may like to read

Has the FA Cup lost its significance in the modern game? - http://tiny.cc/53qa9

David Luiz - the great player and the great comic - http://tiny.cc/ysfba

Its official. Football has gone mad. Football club sign an 18 month old toddler! - http://tiny.cc/uwrqd

Premier League predictions 30/04

As the season draws to its close it seems that every game is crucial game. And this weekend is no different. There are some massive games at both ends of the table. This week our predictors are some good friends of mine. The first predictor is Matty Springett and the other predictor is Jordan Finlay.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Matty Springett prediction		Jordan Finlay prediction		Actual Score
Blackburn v Bolton	0-0		0-2		1-3		1-0
Blackpool v Stoke	3-2		1-3		2-2		0-0
Sunderland v Fulham	1-1		1-1		0-1		0-3
West Brom v Aston Villa	1-0		2-3		3-3		2-1
Wigan v Everton	0-2		0-0		0-2		1-1
Chelsea v Tottenham	1-1		2-1		3-2		2-1
Birmingham v Wolves	0-1		2-1		2-1		1-1
Liverpool v Newcastle	2-0		3-1		3-0		3-0
Arsenal v Man United	2-0		0-0		1-3		1-0
Man City v West Ham	4-0		4-2		2-0		2-1
Total Correct Scores	Correct Results - 4	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 4	Perfect Results - 1	Correct Results - 5	Perfect Results - 1

The Results

Jordan Finlay - 8 Points

Matty Springett - 7 Points

Ibby Akkas - 4 Points

The Point System

Correct Result = 1 point

Perfect Result = 3 points

Things you may like to read

Are players given the captaincy for the wrong reasons? - http://tiny.cc/aefds

Why Michael Owen's tweets are doing no favours for himself - http://tiny.cc/xlwnb

Why this season will distinct if Avram Grant is a good manager or a bad manager -http://tiny.cc/bggzc