After waking up to the news of the crippling weather conditions and all but two Premier league games being called off over Saturday and Sunday, nobody could have been too pumped up for Sunderland versus Bolton. To be fair, the game was decent, but Craig Gordon’s save from Zat Knight was truly unbelievable. It was an instinctive save, requiring razor sharp reflexes which defied the normal laws of physics. It was a save that young goalkeepers dream of making. Craig Gordon’s save will be remembered for years to come, but what about some other great saves? It is impossible to say one save is better than another – games are different, circumstances differ in games. We have found five truly great saves, made by goalkeepers playing in the Premier League. Watch, admire and if you so wish, practice in the snow.
Click on gloves below to see 5 great saves
[divider]
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Like what you read? Follow me on twitter for some more outstanding saves.
Kenny Dalglish’s Anfield homecoming was heralded as the ‘Return of the King’.
18 months later and Liverpool’s diminished ambitions have led to the demise their former hero.
The Scot may have won a trophy this year but after a serious dip in league form and a string of questionable transfers it was inevitable the Anfield hierarchy would eventually lose patience with his ever darkening fairytale return.
Given their current decline, should Liverpool prepare for an era playing second fiddle to the Premier League’s powerhouses?
For a club with so many past glories it seems unthinkable that Liverpool wouldn’t be able to compete with the best teams in the league.
“5 European Cups and 18 Leagues, that’s what we call history” they sing with pride. Truth is that’s all it is now, history.
Belief from the fans is still there but how far can the next manager take them considering the ever increasing gap between the Reds and top sides?
Liverpool ended the season in 8th place with their worst points tally for over 50 years. To their dismay they even finished behind their old enemy Everton and lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup final. In the end their League Cup triumph was the only highpoint of a season that raised serious question marks over their ability to compete at the highest level.
Strangely had they won the FA Cup it may have been regarded as a decent season, Dalglish may even still be in charge but it would’ve only papered over the cracks.
There were a number of factors that plagued them during the season. Their big name signings didn’t work out, the manager seemed out of his depth tactically and the fans expected more than the team could deliver.
With that in mind it’s easy to see why Liverpool underachieved so badly but of course hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Some of their transfers seemed astute at the time. Effectively swapping an out of form Fernando Torres for Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez appeared to be an excellent deal.
In contrast they also spent roughly £70 million on a home grown combination of Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson. No one can ever predict how successful a transfer will be but are the North East’s finest really worth that kind of money?
Unsuccessful deals like these coupled with so many disappointing results have ultimately led to Dalglish being sacked.
Still there is some hope. Should Liverpool’s new manager blend their talent into a more cohesive unit then their results may well improve, especially if he is given the same financial backing that Dalglish received. With the players at his disposal there would be no reason why they couldn’t challenge the top 4 teams.
Newcastle proved this season what can be achieved with a small budget and a few choice signings. They may have overachieved but if they can gain success when they’re not considered as one of the league’s elite clubs then why can’t Liverpool?
Consistency is key because the Premier League is so competitive that anyone can win on their day. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham suffered major blips during an unpredictable season while Newcastle simply beat the teams that were put in front of them. They weren’t as strong as the rest but they pushed them all the way deserved their 5th place finish.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There’s definitely potential for Liverpool even if their misfiring home form has seen them become more comfortable playing away from Anfield. Their struggling players may have found it easier because the home crowd expectation became too much for them but confidence can quickly change. A new manager with fresh ideas could reinvigorate the whole club.
Ultimately this summer could have a major say in Liverpool‘s future.
If it’s time for a change then the new manager should be backed heavily. Dalglish may not have used his money wisely but another failure to qualify for the Champions League would be so detrimental to the club’s finances that they may never recover.
Liverpool are on the cusp of ‘football limbo’. Not as quite good the top teams but clearly bigger than the mid table group.
Miss out on Europe’s top prize again and they could be walking alone for very long time.
Following a slow start to his Tottenham career, Brazilian midfielder Sandro has finally begun to adjust to English football and finished the end of his first season in fine form. The 22-year old is the first product of Tottenham’s affiliation with Brazilian side Internacional but was slow to adjust to England both on and off the field and was not included in Spurs’ initial Champions League squad.
Since, however, Sandro has put in some fantastic performances in Tottenham’s superb run to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League. Having dominated the midfield over both legs against AC Milan and overshadowed Champions League great Clarence Seedorf, the Brazilian has finally begun to receive the praise he deserves with his season surely being capped with his fantastic strike in the unfortunate defeat against Chelsea.
Whilst originally used to the flamboyant Brazilian style of football, manager Harry Redknapp obviously saw something in his 6 foot 2 frame that he felt could be useful in England. So, now we see a player who is not only capable of dealing with the fast-paced and physical nature of the English game but who also retains a wonderful touch and great technique.
Spurs possess a wonderful array of midfielders but in Sandro might well have found a player who combines the best of all of them. The Brazilian has the presence of Tom Huddlestone, the energy of Jermaine Jenas and the tackling of Wilson Palacios combined with the touch of Luka Modric and could well prove the complete midfielder at Spurs.
For this reason, it was only natural that the player was going to be linked with the likes of AC Milan and Real Madrid. However, it is important to remember Sandro has only played 24 times for Spurs and it is still very early in his Premier League career. But, he is without doubt finishing his season on a high and it is important that he carries on this form next season.
Both fans and pundits alike have warmed to Sandro and it is a shame we probably won’t get to see him in the Champions League next season. But, given even more time to settle in England, he could well be a force to be reckoned with should Tottenham return to the Champions League the following season and Tottenham could well have found a future star in the young Brazilian.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing has called on the club's owners to make money available in January so that manager Gerard Houllier can sign a new striker.
The England international is concerned by the growing injury worries at Villa Park now that senior forwards John Carew and Emile Heskey are out of action.
With Gabriel Agbonlahor just back from injury himself and youngster Nathan Delfouneso their only other option, Downing believes action must be taken if Villa are to succeed in the Premier League this term.
"We've got one (experienced) striker at the moment in Gabby and he has just come back from injury," he said.
"It would be unfair to put a lot of pressure on young Nathan to manage right through the season. If you look at things, as they are at the moment, I would say we probably do need a striker.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"But we probably need four or five players, not just a striker."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
With a place in the play-offs already guaranteed, Southend went into this fixture against Oxford with an outside chance of making an automatic promotion place and were hoping to follow up on their impressive 3-0 victory over Barnet last time out.
With the Shrimpers unbeaten since Good Friday’s defeat to Bradford City, they took on a resilient Oxford team whose form had slipped of late with only one win in their last six outings.
The game started brightly for the U’s and the first chance of the game fell to former Shrimper Dean Morgan. The move came from Jon-Paul Pitman who made an attacking run down the right flank before knocking the ball into the path of the unmarked Morgan who saw his low effort saved by the feet of on-loan keeper Cameron Belford.
This chance seemed to spark Southend into life as they began to play the attacking football that showed Oxford why they had been in the top seven for the vast majority of the season.
The Oxford defence stood firm until the 19th minute with a strike that the defence could do nothing about. With Michael Duberry committing a foul 25 yards out from goal, up stepped Ryan Hall who was going to try his luck. His free kick flew past the wall and then straight past Ripley in the Oxford goal before hitting the back of the net sending the near-sell out travelling supporters into raptures.
With Southend shaking the Oxford defence they went on the search for more goals and doubled their advantage through the controversial but Blues fans favourite Bilel Mohsni. After scoring a hat-trick against Barnet, Mohsni secured his 4th goal in half as games with a glancing header evading the diving efforts of Connor Ripley. Gilbert and Ferdinand exchanged clever play from the throw-in before the eventual cross from Gilbert found the head of Bilel Mohsni and the Southend faithful went into party mode with Southend seeming to but all secure the three points at the Kassam Stadium.
The Shrimpers could have had three before the half was over with Neil Harris’ delightful chip over the on-rushing Ripley cleared away inches before going over the line by U’s defender Duberry.
Oxford nearly pulled a goal back just before the arrival of half-time when Whing fired another low effort towards Cameron Belford who got down and met it to palm it away with the referee to moments later blow his whistle for the interval.
With half time team talks over, Chris Wilder’s certainly worked as Oxford came straight out of the blocks to give Southend an early scare. Morgan this time expertly working his way past several defenders before his tame shot fell graciously into the arms of Cameron Belford.
On the hour mark the travelling Southend fans had heard the news of Hereford’s goal at Crawley which most certainly brought the Shrimpers back into contention of an automatic place on the final day in a week’s time. However news soon travelled that Torquay had taken the lead over play-off hopefuls Crewe Alexandra which would make things a lot harder on the final day for Southend.
Back to the action on the pitch and it was Oxford who had the slight momentum but lacked the attacking ability to find their way into the back of the net. A free kick which went inches over the bar and also a strike from Morgan tested the Southend defence but never worked Belford.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
With results elsewhere improving at the Broadfield stadium for Southend, chants for Crewe to score soon followed as they desperately hoped for the news to filter through. Action in the second half for Southend was very minimal in front of the Oxford goal but nearly put Oxford beyond sight with 10 minutes to go with Bilel Mohsni missing the target by a matter of inches with a downwards header.
With the referee blowing his whistle for the final time the game finished 2-0 to the Shrimpers who completed their treble over Oxford this season. The travelling faithful remained behind to applaud their team when the news they had so desperately waited for finally arrived. Crewe Alexandra had stolen a point in the dying minutes at Plainmoor which sent the colourful Southend fans ecstatic after celebrating what could be their last away game of the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory. Now all we have to do is win on Saturday and hope both Crawley and Torquay slip up to be promoted.
The UEFA Cup has generally lacked excitement and controversy, or at least it did until the 25th October 2007, the date when Tottenham Hotspur turned the sacking of Martin Jol into a Hollyoaks episode during the game against Getafe. The Dutchman found out before the game, the whole world and his dog knew by half time and come full time a red faced Daniel Levy had some explaining to do.
The Lilywhites faithful have maintained their ‘love’ for their former manager since his sacking and I think even Arsenal fans would find it hard to argue that Jol was a decent guy who was unfairly treated and embarrassed by the Tottenham hierarchy. Which is why it was a pleasure to hear this week that Jol will be returning to Premier League management with Tottenham’s London rivals Fulham. Does the former Ajax man return to the Queen’s homeland with a desire or even a need to prove himself?
The former West Brom player led Tottenham to consecutive fifth place finishes before being sacked after one win in the opening ten games of the next Premier League season. His replacement, Juande Ramos, did lead the Lilywhites to a League Cup success, but the former Sevilla manager’s start to the next season sealed his fate and left many Spurs’ fans wondering why Jol went in the first place (perhaps it was Jol openly stating he would be open to the Newcastle job in 2006).
Since his bitter departure from White Hart Lane, the Dutchman has had a fairly indifferent few seasons, but managed to achieve moderate success, first leading Hamburg to the semi-finals in both the German Cup and the UEFA Cup, then winning the Dutch Cup with Ajax and coming runners up in the league to Steve McClaren’s FC Twente, earning an incredible goal difference of +86 in the process.
Jol obviously feels extremely bitter in the manner of his departure, but by joining Fulham, a club very much on the up, the former Ajax man could have the last laugh. Fulham are a ‘sound’ club with solid foundations and a supportive chairman. With Europa League football guaranteed next season, Jol may have the platform to establish himself as a top quality manager and subsequently prove a few people wrong in N17.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal for Real Madrid against Racing last week summed up the ludicrous nature of the off-side law in its present form for me.”
“When he can stand unmarked, 35 yards beyond defenders who have pushed out, and then run legitimately onto the ball to score a goal from a position that gives him a clear, unfair advantage over the defence, then something’s clearly wrong.”
I have to say that I agree with Andy Gray’s comments made last week. It would be fair to say that the situation has become so confused that you would struggle to find a player, manager, coach or referee that would be able to give you a definite definition of what qualifies for on or offside.
With so much controversy surrounding goals being scored at the moment is it now time for UEFA or FIFA to intervene and clear up what Andy Gray calls “muddied waters.” As long as there is doubt, you can’t blame the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo who try to exploit the uncertainty.
In March of this year FIFA president Sepp Blatter held talks with Leandre Negre president of World Hockey and discussed replicating hockey’s move to abolish the off-side rule altogether. The move proved more exciting and attractive for the spectators of the game. Getting rid of the off-side rule would eliminate the idea of the beautiful game and promote route one football!
I whole heartedly disagree with abolishing the off-side rule completely. Still, the rule in its current form is causing too much controversy and needs to be sured up. I never want the game to be so black and white that there is little room for debate and manoeuvre, but I am calling for changes.
As the rule stands “A manager is now well within his right to tell his striker ‘don’t worry too much about getting back on-side because if we break we’ll try to play the ball down the flank and you can sneak in the way Ronaldo did and get your goal.”
How’s this for an option? A line between the half-way line and the 18 yard box. It would mean players could not be off side between these two lines. Would this not spread the game out whilst preventing teams from playing long balls up to their front men? Sometimes when goal kicks are being taken it is clear to see that all the out field players are congested around the half way line. Would this put a stop to so many controversial goals? It’s only a thought!
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
So what changes can be made? Do we introduce video technology? Do we introduce even more officials? Tell me!
If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter
Fancy playing your mates every week in a Premium Fantasy Football game?
As results go, yesterday’s victory at promotion-chasing Sheffield United can only be hailed as one of Oldham’s greatest in recent seasons.
An injury-ravaged side, made even worse when it was confirmed that Robbie Simpson, scorer of an exquisite goal at Anfield in January and who has been a reassuring presence amongst a group of players whose average is 21, had broken his toe and would miss the trip to Bramall Lane.
While he may deny so, Oldham manager Paul Dickov would board the coach for the trip over the Pennines with an uneasy feeling. Pondering how best to avoid a repeat showing and result such as the one in Oldham’s previous away match – a 5-0 loss to MK Dons – all Dickov could do is produce words of encouragement.
At half-time, the brittle away side were 2-0 down. Against a side who boasted a phenomenal home record – the best in League One – the omens bore stark similarities to the ones present at the MK Arena.
A midweek draw at home to Colchester felt like two points dropped, although it added some momentum after victory against Tranmere three days earlier. Four points from those two home encounters meant Oldham had done the important thing and secured points before this tough trip to Sheffield. However, the next 45 minutes could potentially define Oldham’s season. After weathering some early second-half pressure, in which United hit the post, Dickov’s young flipped the entire match on its head, and set about securing their best league result this season.
A quick-fire double, sandwiched in-between United’s Matthew Lowton being sent off, had Latics level, and unimaginably in control of a match that looked doomed at the interval. The match then turned into an attacking melee; both sides, to each of their credit, looked only for a winner. Danny Wilson, United’s manager, even threw on strikers Will Hoskins and James Beattie with five minutes to play.
But right at the death, Latics snatched a memorable winner, as United completely lost all discipline. Rueben Reid, making his first appearance since September, had only the keeper to beat when he was pulled back by Harry Maguire. Maguire was given a straight red and Oldham was awarded a penalty in what had turned into total chaos for United. Shefki Kuqi sent Simonsen the wrong way and gave the Latics a last-gasp victory.
Such character when all seemed lost is something Dickov has to take a lot of credit for. While the Scot has his faults and has made errors, his belief in his young stars has produced a confidence that they can compete, no matter the opposition. Having been totally outplayed against MK Dons, his players have once again responded in the most positive way. Seven points from three matches has moved Oldham away from the grasp of the bottom four teams, and now with two more home matches in the next seven days they can propel themselves into the top half of League One, but results will be secured only if the application is correct.
Should they perform like they did in the second-half on Saturday it is difficult to see how Scunthorpe or Yeovil, who are both undergoing resurgence in form and results, will cope.
The rest of March, with its incredibly stamina-testing schedule, consists of some difficult fixtures, but none more so than Sheffield United. Oldham has done the hardest job, but their next task is to follow up this terrific result with victory on Tuesday.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
My bet is that by the end of the month, the league, excluding the top five, will look very different to what it does now. If Dickov’s side can take the pace and gain momentum as the month wears on there is still the chance of a late assault on the Play-offs. It’s as likely as Charlton surrendering the title, but as long as the maths is possible there is always a flicker of hope.
Uruguay and Botafogo striker Sebastian Abreu has his sights set on representing his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.The 34-year-old striker scored the penalty that put Uruguay into the semi-finals in South Africa in 2010, and he’s looking forward to appearing on the world stage again one last time.
Abreu, who is Uruguay’s second-highest scorer ever with 30 goals, is aiming to finish his career in the South American showcase before moving into management.
“My dream is to be able to play the World Cup here in Brazil and then get prepared mentally to retire and begin my career as a coach,” Abreu said.
But there is still a lot of football to be played before the finals kick-off in 2014, and the Uruguayan insists he has plenty of goals left in him for his club Botafogo in the Brazilian Serie A, where they finished sixth last term.
“My idea is for our team to be competitive, to fight, to get a spot in the Copa Libertadores and stay at the top of the table,” he said. “And if by the second half of the season you are near the top it is easier to go for the title.”
“In the world Brazilian football is the fourth power. After Italy, Spain and England comes Brazil.”
“That shows the country is among the best and anybody who has the possibility of playing here has to be proud to compete, play and be at the same level as the other players.”
Everton captain Phil Neville has urged midfield ace Steven Pienaar to sign a new contract to extend his stay at Goodison Park.
The 28-year-old's current deal runs out next summer, with a host of clubs keeping tabs on the South African playmaker.
Neville told the Daily Echo:"To be fair to Steven he's got that hanging over him, but he keeps playing well for us.
"It would be a massive blow to lose him. He's such an influential character.
"But it happened to Joleon Lescott a few years ago and we didn't want him to move. It's happened to other big players – we as players can't do anything about it.
"You can say to Steven every minute of every day that we don't want him to leave, but at the end of the day it's his decision.
"He's from South Africa, he's played in Ajax, then Dortmund now he's been to Everton and had the happiest days of his career I think. The club wants him to stay, but there's not much else we can say.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"He's probably weighing up his options now and you just hope for our sake that he signs.
"I wouldn't want another player delving into it, if I was in this situation. It's between the manager, Steven and the chairman. It's just up to Steven to make the right decision now."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email