Premier League season reaching the business end

Photograph from Flickr

As the calendar flicks over towards March, everyone involved in football starts to get that tingling feeling as the Premier League season starts to unfold. As managers start to feel the pressure, every game starts to take on greater significance.

Over the last twenty years the Premier League has seen many thrilling finishes, from West Brom's great escape when the last day saw four teams fight it out for one survival spot, to last year's stunning title victory for Manchester City over city rivals United on goal difference.

Manchester United Defeated By Spurs At Old Trafford For The First Time In 23 Years

By Joseph Chapman: https://twitter.com/jcwba16

A resilient Tottenham saw off a battling Manchester United to record their first ever Premier League victory at Old Trafford this evening.

After going in at the break leading 0-2, Spurs gave their fans a scare when they conceded within moments of the restart- only to regain their two goal advantage moments later. This lead was cut in half again almost immediately, and Spurs were required to defend to the hilt for the entire remainder.

Anders Lindegaard was recalled to the starting line up in goal, alongside the likes of Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa. Wayne Rooney made the bench. Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia were all ruled out.

Emmanuel Adebayor remained a notable absentee for the away side, as were Jake Livermore and Scott Parker. Benoit Assou-Ekotto was still injured, so Jan Vertonghen covered at left back.

The Londoners got off to the best possible start when the Belgian summer signing received the ball from Gareth Bale before travelling a long distance without a challenge. The defender's shot on goal deflected past Lindegaard and gave Andre Villas-Boas the start he would have wanted.

The next incident in the match came at the other end. Robin Van Persie's touch was a little heavy, yet William Gallas came in with a crunching tackle that made contact with man and ball- the former feeling the effects of his ex-team-mate's challenge.

In the early stages the home side failed to gather the momentum which makes them so dangerous at the Theatre of Dreams. Credit must be attributed to Tottenham, defensively extremely solid while the pace of Bale, Defoe and Lennon offering plenty for the United defence to think about on the counter attack. 

Yet as the half wore on, the Red Devils carried the familiar threat that fans, neutral or partial, have become accustomed to while under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Scholes and Carrick were unable to find a way through, on the flanks Nani and Giggs were largely ineffective, while Van Persie, as the lone striker, was isolated for periods. 

United's inability to break down the back-line of Spurs offered the forward players an opportunity to go further ahead. A chance they gratefully took, Sandro dispossessing in the middle of the pitch and sending Bale on his way. The Welsh winger was able to comfortably run fifty yards or more, past the hapless Rio Ferdinand, before slotting into the corner with his weaker foot.

One or two home fans vented their frustrations at their team's uncharacteristic dominance upon the blowing of the half time whistle.

Whatever Fergie said at half time clearly had an effect on the game. As did his decision to throw Wayne Rooney on, replacing Ryan Giggs to offer a more attacking threat.

Cue the craziest five minutes you are likely to see in the Premier League this year. The versatile Rooney was found on the right, and the number ten put in an inviting cross for Portuguese winger Nani to divert the ball beyond Friedel. 

This did not deter Tottenham, Defoe causing a big problem for Ferdinand on the left before releasing Bale. The midfielder unleashed a fierce shot which was too hot for Lindegaard to hold and Clint Dempsey scored his first for Spurs from close range to make it three.

However Spurs momentarily switched off at the back, Van Persie allowed to slip in Kagawa and he nudged it past Friedel into the corner. Game on. Again.

United's expected dominance followed thereafter. Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez were introduced, as the hosts pressed for an equaliser. 

The closest they really came was from a dead ball. Lennon upended Kagawa 25 yards out, and although Van Persie initially stood over it, Rooney was the man to curl a spectacular effort onto the post. 

Time and again, Scholes and Carrick were able to find ways of cutting the Spurs defence open, but the attacking line were either thwarted by American Friedel, or not clinical enough; Van Persie taking the ball in his stride before shooting low past the far post.

AVB tactically played it correctly, and he was able to introduce Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson to see out Spurs' first victory on the Red's stomping ground for 23 years.

http://www.ftbpro.com/ http://www.ftbpro.com/joseph.chapman

Berbatov Linked With Fulham After Dembele Joins Spurs

A busy day in the  the capital city saw Mousa Dembele complete his move from Fulham to Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee while Theo Walcott looks set to stay at The Emirates, but will not sign a new contract. Walcott refused to sign a five-year contract at £75,000 a week and it looks as though Arsene Wenger will take the chance that he might have to let him go for free. Dembele will strengthen Spurs's midfield after an impressive two seasons with Fulham. He did not score as many goals as he would have liked, however he did create plenty of chances and is a very talented player, showed by his tally of 40 caps and five goals for Belgium.

Fulham are rumoured to be in negotiations with Manchester United over a deal to bring striker Dimitar Berbatov to Craven Cottage. This would be a great signing for Martin Jol in a move that could open the door for Clint Dempsey to join Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. Also in West London Queen's Park Rangers brought in Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan in a shock move that was a real statement of intent by manager Mark Hughes. This could prove to be a great signing after Robert Green has faltered in the Rs' opening two league matches. Hughes was understandably delighted with the signing: "When you get an opportunity to possibly bring a player of Julio Cesar's quality, with his playing record and his mentality then I think you have to pursue it."

Walcott has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester City over the last couple of days but Wenger appears reluctant to let him go. Walcott has had a decent couple of years with 24 goals and 22 assists in 84 games in all competitions. However he has the tendency to drift in and out of games and only created one clear-cut chance every 91 minutes last year. After already losing talismanic striker Robin Van Persie and midfielder Alexandre Song, Arsenal are desperate to hold onto the winger. They do have other options on the flanks in the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho and Lukas Podolski, but Walcott's pace is important to their style of play. Manchester City are reported to still be interested but it appears unlikely that the England man will be leaving the Emirates in this transfer window.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas will be very happy to add Dembele to his ranks at White Hart Lane after the recent £30 million departure of Luka Modric to Real Madrid. He will be looking towards the Belgian and fellow summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson to produce the midfield magic needed to propel Tottenham into the top four. A Fulham statement said: "Following two full seasons at Craven Cottage, the club would like to thank Mousa for his contribution and wish him well throughout the rest of his career." Dembele tweeted that he was 'happy to confirm [he] signed a new contract with Tottenham FC.'

Premier League Day 1 - Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

The Premier League is back and this is the day that football fans all over the country have been waiting for. With seven games on show today there will be plenty of excitement and goals to talk about. Arsenal host Sunderland and new boys Reading and West Ham are both in action on their top-flight return. Managers Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool), Chris Hughton (Norwich City), Michael Laudrup (Swansea City), Steve Clarke (West Brom) and Paul Lambert (Aston Villa) take control of their respective sides for the first time. However the pick of the day has to be the late kick-off at St James' Park between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, last season's fifth and fourth place finishers.

Newcastle surprised many last season as they went the first ten matches unbeaten before losing 3-1 at eventual champions Manchester City. Spurs on the other hand stormed out of the blocks and at one point looked to be mounting a serious title challenge before faltering during the back end of the season to finish fourth, missing out on a Champions League spot as a result of Chelsea's win in that competition. Both clubs will have ambitions of reaching Europe's elite tournament this year but Newcastle will once again be outsiders. It is not expected that Spurs will reach the top four but they are definitely in with a shout after finishing there twice in the last three seasons.

The Magpies have not made any marquee signings this summer but have secured the arrivals of mid-fielders Romain Amalfitano and Gaël Bigirimana while Sylvain Marveux will return from a long injury absence. Spurs have brought in Icelandic centre midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson who impressed while on loan at Swansea City during the second half of last season. Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen has joined from Ajax but new boss Andre Villas-Boas will be desperate to sign a striker before the transfer window closes. For this match he only has one senior striker to pick, Jermain Defoe, but he has hinted that he is looking to include young forward Harry Kane this season.

Last campaign this fixture finished as a 2-2 draw after a brilliant late equaliser by Geordie favourite Shola Ameobi. Once again this term he will not be the focal point of their attack and this mantle will fall on Senegalese pair Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba who both hit double figures in the league last season. French winger Hatem Ben Arfa will be the man tasked with providing the deliveries for the top two and he flourished towards the back end of last year. 

This match should be closely-fought in front of a home crowd that will be as over-expectant as ever this season. Newcastle have a good side, as do Spurs, but as the London club have yet to sign a striker and with  Luka Modric destined to leave, Pardew's men may just pip them this time out. 

Prediction: 2-1 Newcastle United

Premier League Season 2012/13: Who Will Challenge For Top Positions?

A new season is upon us. On Saturday battle will resume between some of the best teams in world football in the sport's most exciting league. There is one debate that is raging up and down the country between all football fans; who will/can win this year's title? There is a number of teams who will feel that they can make a serious impact on the top third of the table but who can realistically set their hopes on winning the Premier League or claiming a Champions League place?

Manchester City

Last season's champions Manchester City will go into Saturday's opening fixture at home to newly-promoted Southampton as slight favourites to retain their crown. Last year they took control of the title race before Christmas with a 6-1 thrashing of neighbours Manchester United but then let it slip over February and March as the Red Devils opened up an eight point gap. This led to many questions being raised about the mental state and winning ability of Mancini and his expensively assembled squad. These doubts were quashed in some style as they came roaring back to win the Premiership on goal difference with two stoppage-time goals against QPR.

The resolve and fight that the Citizens showed last year proved many of their doubters wrong and they have the organisation and fire-power to win a second successive title. However they have not made any big-name additions to their staff-list this summer with only youngster Jack Rodwell arriving from Everton for £12 million. He is likely to be a largely peripheral figure this campaign as Mancini looks to the same big players to perform again. 

This should not be a problem though as their defence looks as mean as ever with Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott all fit and ready to go. Their one weakness at the back is a lack of a top-class back-up centre-back with the ageing Kolo Toure and the much-maligned Stefan Savic the only players ready to fill in. The midfield will definitely not struggle with plenty of strength in depth and world-class talent thanks to David Silva, Yaya Toure, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry and Samir Nasri amongst others. The forward line will be as deadly as ever and will be hopeful of beating last season's massive tally of 93 goals scored. The strike-force of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli will be feared by all of their opponents.

Player To Watch: Samir Nasri

After his big money move from top-four rivals Arsenal last year Samir Nasri found himself often having to be content with a place on the bench. This time around he may find himself in the starting eleven more often, as he did towards the back end of last season, and could flourish as he did at the Emirates in 2010/11.

Prediction: Champions by 4/5 points

Manchester United

In May Manchester United came agonisingly close to crowning Sir Alex Ferguson's 25th year in charge in style. This season the Old Trafford side will be out with a vengeance to settle a score with city rivals City and prove that they are England's number one club. Ferguson has not been overly busy in the transfer window but did seal the crucial £24 million signature of Dutch star striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal. After netting an impressive 89 goals last term they could do even better this time around if the 2011/12 two highest scorers Van Persie and Wayne Rooney can strike up a good combination. 

The back five look solid if not spectacular but may struggle if they suffer a couple of injuries. David de Gea proved a lot of critics wrong in the second half of last season and should exceed expectations this term. Rio Ferdinand is older than he once was and has lost his pace but retains good positional play and reading of the game. Nemanja Vidic is crucial for United as last year he was injury-prone and struggled to get enough game time. If Sir Alex can keep him fit and on form then the Red Devils will have a much better chance of regaining the Premiership trophy. Evra is not the player he once was but remains an excellent left-back while Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans could do well if given enough game time. 

The midfield is their weak point. Scholes and Giggs are still both class footballers but are not what they were ten years ago. Anderson has failed to impress consistently while Tom Cleverley was out injured for much of last season but could do well. On the wings Ashley Young is always a threat, as is nani, but he is often guilty of drifting in and out of matches. Darren Fletcher played in a recent pre-season friendly with Aberdeen and will be a vital cog in the centre if he can keep fit. 

Player To Watch: Michael Carrick

Unheralded centre midfielder Carrick will have a massive role to play in the oncoming campaign and his performances will have an impact on where United finish in the table. He played very well last season, especially in the first half when he had little support as Paul Scholes was retired. He looked good on his England return against Italy and should do excellently, maybe even grabbing a couple more goals than usual.

Prediction: Second

Arsenal

Wenger's men did well last season to come back from a dodgy start to take third place and with it the final Champions League spot from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The loss of top scorer Robin Van Persie will be felt around The Emirates but they have already brought in top quality replacements in Santi Carzola, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. They may take time to get used to the pace and ferocity of English football but all have good track records and can all score goals. 

The midfield is decent but it would be a big blow if they were to lose Alexandre Song to Barcelona. Diaby is OK but nothing special, but Jack Wilshere's return is imminent and it will be interesting to see how he fares after more than a year out. Theo Walcott looked good in patches last year on the right wing and should be able to build on that in the coming months. Youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a great prospect and coupled with Walcott on the other side, Arsenal may score quite a few goals from crosses this year. 

The defence is their weakness as always, in particular from set-pieces. Goalkeeper Wojech Szczesny has matured into a top-class goalkeeper and Thomas Vermaelen is an excellent centre-back who has the added ability of scoring goals. Laurent Koscielny improved last season but isn't world class while Per Mertesacker has a severe lack of pace. The full-backs often look weak and although Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna are useful, they are equally not great. 

Player To Watch: Aaron Ramsey

Wales captain Ramsey played well sporadically last campaign but could do brilliantly this year, especially if Song is sold. That would give him plenty of first-team opportunities and he played well for Team GB in the centre of the park in the Olympics. 

Prediction: Fourth/Fifth

Chelsea

After a very poor start under Portuguese boss Andre Villas-Boas the Blues picked themselves up under interim coach and former player Roberto di Matteo. It was not enough to finish in the top four but they did win a magnificent FA Cup and Champions League double. They have lost ageing, but talismanic striker Didier Drogba to Shanghai Shenhua after eight years of service but that may just work for the better as January 2010 £50 million signing Fernando Torres will finally have the centre stage. 

Chelsea have the squad to push for the title but may come undone when push comes to shove as the majority of their players with plenty of Premier League experience are in the twilight of their careers. The likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech still have a lot to give but there is excitement surrounding Stamford Bridge thanks to a host of fresh faces that were added this summer. Marko Marin, Oscar and Eden Hazard were all big money acquisitions and will add strength to a Chelsea strike-force that struggled last year.

The midfield and defence look as solid as ever with the likes of Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Terry, Cole and Cech ready and raring to go. Their are still doubts hovering over the head of defender David Luiz as his inept knack of conceding stupid fouls and penalties often get him and his side into trouble. Despite this he could find himself in centre defensive midfield; a position where he may do well.

Player To Watch: Ryan Bertrand

23-year-old Bertrand has been touted as one for the future for a long time now but now his time has come to break into the first team. He played well for Team GB and has also collected his first England cap. Can play in defence and midfield and with a good left foot could provide good balance for the team. 

Prediction: Third

Liverpool

The Reds have been a 'side in transition' for way too long now and they must step up over the next two seasons. Some sections of the Anfield faithful may feel that a title challenge is possible but that is nowhere near a realistic ambition. A top four spot would be a dream first season for Northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers and they should be there or thereabouts. The summer signings of Fabio Borini, Joe Allen and Oussama Assaidi could be good pieces of business as all are young and have done well in their professional careers so far. Suarez, Gerrard, Reina and Agger (if they can keep him) will be as important as ever if Liverpool are to be successful.

The defence is quite good but Reina made some uncharacteristic errors last season that he will be looking to eradicate. The midfield is decent as well and Lucas' return will be a huge boost, as will the signing of promising centre midfielder Allen. Joe Cole will hoping to prove his critics wrong as he comes back from a season-long loan at Lille but may still be off Premier League pace. Suarez is the star player but can not afford to be as wasteful in front of goal as he was last term and the same applies for the heavily criticised Andy Carroll.

Player To Watch: Raheem Sterling

17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling has been tipped by many to be a future Anfield star and he might be ready to fill this role already. He scored a great goal in the Red's last pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen and made his league debut as a substitute last season against Wigan. He also scored five goals against Southend United in an FA Youth Cup game.

Prediction: Fourth/Fifth

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs had a great start to last season's league campaign but fell away after Christmas as they finished fourth. On the face of it that was an excellent season but at one point it seemed as though third was sewn up and that the title was a real possibility. However as Chelsea won the Champions League they failed to qualify for the Champions League and Harry Redknapp lost his job as manager. Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has since taken over as boss and brought in Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen while Luka Modric looks set to leave for £30 million to Real Madrid. 

The North London club have been very good for the last few years and will be hoping for a top-four spot for the third time in the last four seasons. There is not much goal scoring prowess however with Jermain Defoe likely to be their main striker unless they make another signing. Gareth Bale has set the Premier League on fire since he broke into the starting eleven and will be vital to his team as will Rafael van der Vaart. Their defence could be a bit shaky though after the retirement of Ledley King coupled with the injuries sustained by Michael Dawson and William Gallas. 

The midfield is strong but they may struggle from a lack of clinical finishing up front. The season holds many questions but a top four challenge should be just around the corner. 

Player To Watch: Jake Livermore

Livermore featured 38 times last season and scored once. This time the Spurs man will be hoping for more appearances and could find himself in the fore-front of Tottenham's campaign. 

Prediction: Sixth