On Wednesday night at Boston’s Fenway Park, 37,169 avid soccer spectators took in one of the most historic nights in the 100 year history of America’s most beloved ballpark. Yawkey Way was packed over two hours before Liverpool and AS Roma took to the pitch, while Liverpool supporters from around the globe walked through the Shankly Gates. To say the least, there were more than just a few Kopites calling.

Supporters of the Roma club were vastly outnumbered by Merseyside red, as the club owned by business tycoons John W. Henry and Tom Werner had fans in the centerfield bleachers, spilling into the AS Roma section to boot. Gerrard shirts flooded the stands with Suarez tattooed on the backs of some. And even Fernando Torres items were still in circulation.

The football gods were watching over Boston last night. Fenway’s air was classic and crisp. A cloudless sky accompanied the perfect mid-70s temperature. These conditions were a far cry from what Liverpool dealt with a week ago, when a heatwave hit the Metro West area upon the team’s Tuesday arrival.

Raheem Sterling got the start for the Reds and fellow youngster Ryan McLaughlin debuted for Brendan Rodgers at right back. Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey headed up the midfield, with Alberto Aquilani in the mix.

Liverpool’s newest manager looked to add experience to the squad. Jamie Carragher was handed the captain’s armband, as he anchored a rearguard where he was partnered, in the middle, with Slovakian Martin Skrtel. Hungary’s Peter Gulacsi started in between the pipes. He was replaced by Brad Jones at halftime.

The match commenced with each team having opportunities to score, though both sides failed to so in the opening half.

Rodgers’ side had strong build-up play. However, the Reds struggled to play through a compact Roma 4-3-3, thus they resorted to long balls down the right flank. Joe Cole and Nathan Eccleston were on the receiving ends of the direct playing style. Both did extraordinarily well to hold up the ball for the rest of the attack.

“Nathan is a very young player whose movement was good and at times he spun up the side well,” said Rodgers. “Young Ryan McLaughlin playing at right back, in his first game. It was fantastic for him, playing against Francesco Totti, a legend of Roma and Italian football.

“Joe is trying to work himself into the team. He showed some fantastic moments of quality. It was an all-around decent night for us.”

When Jonjo Shelvey received the ball in the attacking third he showed just how underrated he is by the footballing community. The former Charlton man used his attacking prowess to create shots on goal and plenty of chances for his teammates to slot home an opener.

The best connection of the half came when Aquilani played a sensual ball to Joe Cole. Chelsea’s former midfielder brought down the pass with a sensational touch. Roy Hodgson’s signing was in the mood as he chipped Bogdan Lobont from the arc. Unfortunately, his effort bounced off the top of the bar to keep the match level.

The Aquaman to Cole connection was from finished on the night, as the two linked up several times for the first 45 minutes of play.

Featuring on the right side of the Liverpool midfield, the man who took in the latest American Pie film in his Four Seasons suite last week showed he still has a large arsenal of skill. Joe Cole dragged the ball behind his left leg to keep Liverpool’s possession streak alive late in the first half, and he later used a deft turn to squeeze by the Roma defense. Cole was tackled on the play and begged referee Storin Spocia for an attempt from 12 yards. The consistent officiating crew were having none of it. Known for his famous goal against Sweden at Germany 2006, the winger had made his last contribution on the Fenway green.

Then came Michael Bradley. The former coach’s son struggled in the opening moments of the game, sending poor through-balls and chipping the ball out of touch. As the match proceeded, the American international picked up his game. He linked very well with right wingback Aleandro Rosi. The marauding runs from the Roma man led to both of the Wolves’ tallies.

Bradley split the Liverpool defense several times, before running onto a through-ball created by his right-sided partner. The American took his chance very well, passing the ball by Brad Jones’ right hand to see it fizz off the post and into the Liverpool goal.

The New Jersey-born footballer has got his career with the Italian side off to a phenomenal start, as he has both assisted and scored in his first two games with the team.

For their next trick, the Italian side played a passage of football that would have made Pep Guardiolla jealous, while giving Gary Neville a ‘goalgasm.’ Fancy interplay at the top of the 18, saw a wall pass go awry, though a Roma player latched on to the end of it, before hammering it into the center of the box, where Alessandro Florenzi rifled his shot into the back of an empty onion bag.

Down two approaching the 70th minute, Liverpool appeared deflated. The young side showed frustration, as Jon Flanagan went back to his aggressive tackling style and the rest of the team were in a state of shock.

Charlie Adam’s goal 10 minutes from time changed the mood.

The Scottish playmaker planted his shot by Lobant and into the corner of the far post. He fizzed his shot towards the Red Sox bullpens in center field, but the net saved the precious advertising wars.

Liverpool pressed Roma for the remaining ten minutes, but failed to convert in the final third. Dani Pacheco and Flanagan had the best opportunities to force penalty kicks.

Despite the disappointment spelled across the faces of Liverpool supporters, former Swansea gaffer Brendan Rodgers was all smiles post-game.

“I was really pleased tonight. I though there were a lot of real positives from the game. Our pressing from the front was very, very good. The goal we scored was excellent. Overall, there were a lot of positives to take from the game.”

The Northern Irishman was impressed with the play of substitute Lucas Leiva. Upon his entrance to the match, he made a harsh ball-winning tackle, giving supporters shades of last season‘s ingenious.

“I thought in the second half, Lucas was fantastic when it came to some his passing and quality. The structure of our game was good. Once we introduce our quality players back into the group, you’ll see that extra step up in the midfield and final third. Overall, no complaints.”

“Absolutely, I think the boys are working really, really well,” said Rodgers of his lads. “I’ve been very, very pleased, the players have been fantastic. A couple of the ideas that we’re trying to put on them, tonight, actually created a lot of chances. The most important thing is getting into good condition and we’re doing that at the moment.”

Of his side’s only goal, Kenny Dalglish‘s successor at the helm told the media, “It was a well worked goal. We showed good patience moving the ball from side of the pitch to the other. DanI Pacheco laid a great ball. A perfect pass that Charlie hit first time. A terrific goal.”

However, he was not pleased with the tallies his team conceded.

“On their two goals we need to be better, going forward, for sure. We defended poorly, for sure.”

For the club, Rodgers made a special point of thanking the city of Boston, which has been the Liverpool base for their 10 day North American tour. The team leaves the area on Thursday and will depart for Baltimore, where they will end their excursion to the States against Tottenham Hotspur.

“I would like to go on the record to give a big thank you to the people of Boston. It’s been absolutely magnificent. At the climax it was playing at an incredible stadium. I said to the players before the game, ‘When you‘re fifty, you’ll be able to tell your grandkids that you played, actually, football at Fenway Park.’ It’s something that’ll stay with them. A big thank you to everyone, the people of Boston and the people here at Fenway Park, because we‘ve been received fantastically well.”

Rodgers fielded a question about Joe Allen with the following response: “I will only talk about players that are Liverpool players.”

For Liverpool supporter Daniel Cueva, 17, the man of the match was Jonjo Shelvey. The No. 33 was instrumental in midfield, hitting the target several times, while using nifty skill moves to create space for himself and his teammates.

Cueva, a senior and varsity footballer for his high school team enjoyed the play of Suso, who was introduced on the right wing as Joe Cole‘s replacement at the intermission.

“I think he showed some promise. He is obviously a little young, so he needs some time to adjust to the top flight game.”

“Charlie Adam’s goal was a thing of beauty,” said Cueva, “Left-foot, beautiful hit. I’m looking forward to seeing more of that in the Premier League season.”

For the young man, at the same age of Raheem Sterling, it was a night to remember.

“It was the chance of a lifetime, I think I’m going to die happy now, because of that,” he said when asked about his time at Fenway and walking through the Shankly Gates on Yawkey Way.

“It was the best sports experience I’ve had in a very long time.”

Seeing Roma‘s Francesco Totti play  “was a privilege. He didn’t get too much action, but when he did get the ball, you saw the composure and experience that he has on it.”

With the optimism of a new campaign in sight, Cueva remains hopeful that “If [Liverpool] play up to their potential, they could probably finish top four with a Carling Cup or FA Cup.”

Liverpool Football Club start competing, for real, one week from today in their first European match in over a season.

Liverpool vs Roma, Today at 6:30 pm ET, ESPN2/ESPN Deportes/ESPN3.com

With just over a week until their first competitive match of the 2012-2013 campaign in the Europa League, the boys in red cloth from Merseyside will clash with AS Roma in Massachusetts‘ capital. Charlie Adam said that everything in camp was meant to build up to the fixture on August 2. The Reds started their North American tour in Cambridge, MA, at Harvard’s Ohiri Field, before flying to Toronto, where they would take on the city’s MLS outfit. Brendan Rodgers’ first match in charge at one of England’s most storied clubs ended in disappointment, for mainstream supporters, as the side failed to produce tiki-taka football in their 1-1 draw with Toronto.

Liverpool FC arrived back to their base practicing Monday in front of an avid crowd. Just a day before their match at Fenway Park, a squad with England internationals present, trained on the home field of their FSG partner, the Boston Red Sox.

Just two summers ago, Celtic and Sporting Lisbon played to a draw, broken only by post-match penalties. With the hoops of Scotland occupying the stadium’s third baseline and the Lisbon supporters directly across in the bleachers, the atmosphere was wonderful. Tonight’s match will certainly match that as Liverpool boast a strong Boston following, while Roma, also owned by Americans, will be down the road from Beantown’s version of Italy, the North End.

The English side announced a partnership with United States car giant Chevrolet at Boston’s hallowed ground yesterday. Owners John Henry and Tom Werner were on hand for the announcement alongside Mayor Thomas Menino, manager Brendan Rodgers, as well as Euro 2012 teammates Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard. This new business venture with the company, known best for its NASCAR vehicles, marks another LFC connection with the States after Fenway Sports Group ditched adidas for US lacrosse’s go-to manufacturers Warrior.

Serie A’s AS Roma have spent their days in Massachusetts at Harvard’s prestigious cross-town counterparts nearby the city’s Kendall Square at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dozens of the Wolves’ VIP members met their beloved team during one of the training sessions proceeding the team‘s trip from Illinois.

American Michael Bradley, who joined Roma during the summer, impressed in the Italian side’s 4-0 demolition of Poland’s Zaglebie Lubin. The match, which took place at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field, saw the 2010 World Cup star contribute to Roma goals just minutes away from his hometown. Son of Bob Bradley, who is currently in charge of Egypt’s national side, Michael Bradley must prove himself among the likes of Francesco Totti to gain a spot in the first team, as the US international is yet to make the cut for Luis Enrique’s replacement, Zdenek Zeman of the Czech Republic.

At the age of 24, the central midfielder has played in the top flights of England, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following a 35 match stint with Chievo, the ex-MetroStar is set to embark on a new phase in his career, which has appropriately began in his native land.

Watch for Liverpool Football Club to experiment. Rodgers pledged to playing one XI per half in Canada, as he looks to adjust the side to a 4-3-3, which Jay Spearing spoke to EPL Talk about last week.

Raheem Sterling was a bright spot for the side in transition. The 17 year old has speed, skill, and pace, which he showed in a cameo appearance for the club against Wigan Athletic a few months ago, in addition to his time on the pitch last Saturday.

The new manager’s first signing, Fabio Borini, has reached his new club at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. Rodgers’ former Swansea player has cut short his summer vacation to join his new employer in the USA. From being around the Liverpool camp last week, there is considerable buzz surrounding the Italian, though few of the team’s footballers have witnessed the striker in action.

Come 6:30 EST, under the lights at Fenway Park, Liverpool Football Club will play their 1984 European Cup rivals in what promises to be a special, electrifying and passionate environment, overlooked by the most breathtaking skyline on the eastern seaboard.

Before, during and after today’s match, post your rants, raves, questions and observations in the comments section below.

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing says that Liverpool footballers have to adapt to playing a 4-3-3 system for the upcoming season.

“Every manager is going to have their different ways of playing, and he has brought in the 4-3-3,” Spearing told EPL Talk, in an exclusive interview. “We’ve all got to adapt to it. He’ll know exactly who he wants to play and who to play in those positions.”

Jay Spearing, who was an integral part of the last two Liverpool seasons, mainly due to injury, was solid in midfield. The traditional center mid is looking to, “progress from last year,“ as he wants to, “be more of a regular in the starting eleven.”

It is silly season in the world of European football and transfer rumors are in circulation. American Clint Dempsey has been linked with Liverpool, alongside Team GB‘s Joe Allen.

“I think the likes of Clint Dempsey won’t affect me massively,” said Spearing, “He is more of an attacking forward than I am. Joe Allen, he is an all around great player and he has done really well for Swansea. If he comes in, he is one of the ones that I’ve got to compete against.”

It appears that Jay wants, and believes, Andy Carroll‘s locks of wonder will stay in Merseyside. He even tipped the England international to be a fixture in Rodgers’ side.

“With 4-3-3, there’s always that lone striker up front, so there’s an opportunity for him to fight for his place, to get in, and for people to work off of him. I think if Andy works hard then he should play. He showed exactly what he is capable of in Europe.”

Liverpool Football Club continued their possession-oriented practices at Harvard this week before getting ready to jet to Toronto for today’s friendly against Toronto FC (4pm ET, FOX Soccer). Ian Rush was in attendance for the team’s morning session, joining owner John W. Henry and a sizeable number of supporters at Ohiri Field. The team plan to return to their Harvard University training base by Monday, which is when the England stars are set to arrive.

Thursday night, Rodgers’ Red Army attended a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, where they will take on AS Roma on July 25. Jamie Carragher threw out the first pitch under the lights of America’s most beloved ballpark.

When not passing the ball no more than ten yards, the Reds have enjoyed their stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, in the heart of the Massachusetts capital. Joe Cole told LFC TV that he woke up to watch the latest American Pie film at 4 am Wednesday morning, while the youngsters played FIFA 12.

On Thursday, after nearly two hours of small-side matches, for the third consecutive day, the new manager went through a couple of corner kick routines with his players. Charlie Adam did not take any of the set pieces. Needless to say, LFC looked far more comfortable in the 80 degree weather. A violent storm system swept through Boston on Wednesday night, knocking down temperatures dramatically. Players have hinted that the heat would benefit them in the long run.

Scotland’s Danny Wilson has been enjoying his chance to impress the team’s Northern Irish manager.

“There’s a new manager and it’s a clean slate for everybody,” Wilson said, “We’re all trying to impress in training, and get a spot.

“Every manager’s different, there’s no right or wrong. The new manager has got his style. He likes it short, sharp, and tense. The boys are really enjoying it and it’s been a good preseason so far. We’re enjoying the sessions.”

The defender commented on the type of exercises the players have taken part in, which, he says, differ from a traditional warm-up campaign. However, Wilson and the team seem to welcome the new approach.

“There’s a lot of work with the ball. If you ask any footballer, he’d rather do work with the ball preseason, and that’s what we’re getting [for] at the moment. We’re working hard at the same time. It’s not like we’re having a jolly out with the ball.”

“It’s a massive challenge. You’ve got those two, Carragher and Coates as well,” said Wilson, when asked if he could compete with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, “It’s not going to be easy for me by any stretch of the imagination. I can only concentrate on myself and if I’m working hard then that’s all I can ask for.”

Since moving to Liverpool from Rangers FC, the footballer told the media, “I haven’t played as much football as I would’ve liked over the past few years.”

“It’s a bit of a mess, it’s still a mess,” was the youngsters comment on the situation at his old stomping ground. “There’s still things not sorted out, but I really don’t want to comment about it. Decisions have been made and people are just going to have to live with them and move on.”

In the next few weeks, “I’m just trying to get my fitness up,” said Danny, “I’m trying to get myself into the manager’s thoughts. I believe in my ability, but you’ve got to get fit, you’ve got to get yourself out there, and hopefully the manager picks you.”

“He is great. You pick things up from playing with good players and he is one of the top defenders of the last decade or so,” boasted Wilson of mentor Jamie Carragher, “It’s just little things you pick up from him. Not one thing massively, but you just watch the way he approaches everything, and he is just spot on in everything he does.”

Starlet Raheem Sterling, who earned his first Liverpool debut minutes in a cameo against Wigan Athletic, just months ago, said, “It’s great to actually come away and be part of the squad.

“It was really good for someone like me, a winger. The tempo of the football was much sharper than the reserve team. It was a really good learning experience for me. It was a dream come true really. To just make my debut was really exciting.”

The seventeen year old winger spoke highly of Rodgers‘ personality, approach, and playing style.

“He is brilliant, to be fair. He is brilliant with all the young lads, making us all feel welcome. It’s really nice to know. And the football he is playing is attractive as well, and that’s the sort of football Liverpool Football Club should be playing.”

Sterling looks to improve his game by taking the strengths of the world‘s greatest, including, “the obvious, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi recently. To model yourself after [these] players, you can’t really do that, so you have to take bits of their game and add it to yours.”

One of Rodgers’ phenoms is looking to benefit from the help of Stewart Downing, as he looks to improve his skill on the ball this summer.

“He’s helped me a lot with crossing and stuff like that. A player like that with loads of experience, it’s obviously good to try and gain some of his abilities that he’s got.”

Jamie Carragher was noticeably tired after playing in the hazy, hot, and humid Harvard atmosphere.

“I’ll be sitting down,” said the center back after asking for water before his interview.

In agreement with teammate Danny Wilson, Carra commented on Rodgers‘ approach to the preseason.

“The slight difference is that during the preseason you have your football work and then you’re running. It’s all incorporated in one, so it feels like you’re doing football all the time, with sometimes disguised running, but it’s better to do it like that.”

“Whenever a new manager comes in, it’s a bit fresh and a bit new. There’s a little bit more enthusiasm. Everyone is trying to impress a little more,” Jamie told the press, injecting professional words into the ‘New Manager Perfume’ joke, though he admits it is always hard to see a gaffer exit the Anfield outfit.

“I’ve only known him two or three weeks and he has been fantastic with me, but also with the young players. You’re always a little disappointed when a new manager comes in, because you know it hasn’t gone too well [before], or feel you feel for him, like Kenny, or Roy and Rafa before.”

“It’s been a great learning curve for me and this type of training is slightly different,” said the former England man, speaking at a mile per minute, “It’s something to learn from. He talks with the players about different positions. So, if I play in a team where he has picked me, I can understand what he wants of other players, if I’m trying to organize a team.”

“I’ve still got a lot to learn at 34,” joked the experienced defender.

In addition, Carragher paid plaudits to tiki-taka football.

“It’s silly to say that you want to play like Spain or Barcelona, because we haven’t got their players. There are times in football where a team like Spain or Barcelona come along and it does change football a little bit. Every 15 to 20 years a team comes along and people think, ‘We’re going to try and incorporate that.’ They’ve set something up that people will be talking about in 30 years time. We’ll play a similar system. In a way, we haven’t got Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. Also, we play in a different league.”

“Some people are big on systems some people are big on players. I’m a bit in between. I think systems do play a part, or why don’t we all just play in the same system? That’s why I think it does play a small role, but at the end of the day it’s about the players. We’ve always had that in our history and DNA, as a team that plays good football,” commented the Red, on tactics.

Carra was asked what the team‘s realistic goals were for the season.

“We should be looking to challenge for the top four. When you look at the competition for the top four, someone’s got to go out. Chelsea are having a little bit of a blast in their spending. We want to get in. You’ve got to be in there. We want to do as well as we did in the cups. The cups we’re fantastic last season! It was days to remember, beating Everton at Wembley, going to Wembley three times, and winning a trophy for the first time in six years!”

Steven Gerrard said that he would rather have medals than a Champions League berth, but his friend and partner seems to disagree.

“I’d rather have a Champions League place this year, because we have enough medals,” said Carragher, laughing as he left the press zone.

Right back Jon Flanagan was strong in his first Liverpool start against Manchester City a little more than a year ago, though the headlines were snatched by Andy Carroll’s brace. Flano saw lots of playing time toward the end of that season along with fellow youngster Jack Robinson.

However, his maiden campaign with his boyhood club did not go as smooth. Jon had good moments, but they were overshadowed by the disastrous ones.

“You’ve just got to move on from them,“ said Flanagan of his errors. He specifically referenced his poor performance at Ewood Park, where his careless back pass saw Doni sent off.

With some international experience, Flanagan‘s competition includes compatriots like Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson.

The prodigy takes after, “one of the best right backs in the country, Glen Johnson. Training with him everyday has been a big help for me. It’s always good competition between us all.”

Liverpool footballers have been training hard all week at Harvard University, in the middle of a summer heatwave. Here are a selection of photographs from Liverpool’s Harvard University training sessions courtesy of photographer Mark Fairchild.

(Above, Jamie Carragher sits down for an interview with journalists, including EPL Talk blogger Alex Fairchild).

Joe Cole (above) prepares for an interview with Liverpool TV.

With the sun shining in his eyes, Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing (above) speaks with the media at Harvard.

Liverpool’s talented footballer Dani Pacheco (above) hopes for more playing time this season.

Liverpool’s Danny Wilson (above) speaks with EPL Talk blogger Alex Fairchild.

Close-up of Liverpool footballer Danny Wilson (above).

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher (above) takes a break from training to answer questions from the media.

Liverpool winger Joe Cole (above) prepares for a TV interview.

One of the world’s most historic football clubs has been training at the United States’ eldest university. On Harvard’s Ohiri Field, Brendan Rodgers has put a young squad through a grueling 48 hours in Boston. Using an American football-esque two-a-days routine, the Reds have practiced in temperatures at upwards of 97 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity making the guests feel near 105 degree heat.

With England internationals Steven Gerrard, Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing rumored to arrive at camp come next Monday, the squad’s first preseason fixture against Toronto is likely to feature promising talents Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling. Both footballers have stood out amongst their peers in the various small-sided matches that have occurred in training.

The 34 man squad has made the best of the weather, roaring at every flashy skill or goal, despite being utterly exhausted at the end of each session. In fact, countless players have taken the Andre Villas-Boas crouch position before inching to the trainers for water and instructions.

Wednesday morning’s practice saw the team go through their warm-ups within inches of supporters, divided only by a chain-link fence from men who have featured in not only the Premier League, but also World Cup matches. Rodgers then split his team in two for coinciding scrimmages, before one of the groups went at it in a penalty kick shootout.

Joe Cole and Dani Pacheco have returned from their respective loan spells at Lille and Rayo Vallecano.

The Spanish prodigy welcomes the style of play the Northern Irish gaffer brings to Merseyside saying, “I love his style. I’m from Spain. We all work the same way he works and hopefully we are trying to do our best to try to impress him. We love the way he works.”

“It’s quite hard to be honest,” chuckled Pacheco, when speaking of the warm reception the team has received from the city, “But now we’re getting adjusted and tomorrow and a few days after, we’ll be getting better and better.”

After being on loan to Norwich, Atletico Madrid, and Rayo, the striker said, “I’m back from Spain and I’m glad to be back with Liverpool. There’s not many clubs better than Liverpool, so hopefully I can make it and stay here.”

A proud member of Spain’s dominant U-21s, Pacheco says he has been able to shift into higher gears since last year‘s trip to Asia.

“Especially, I think the speed. I was fighting for relegated positions [with Rayo]. Very different than obviously it is here at Liverpool, but I think the speed I got last season will make me stronger for this season.”

Former Blackpool man Charlie Adam has done well in Boston, and looks set to return to first team football.

“You just want to show that you’re fit and available for selection,” said the 26 year old. “When you come on tour it’s about fitness and getting on the with the lads and getting good spirit and we’ve got that.”

The Scotland international is putting particular focus on his physique after missing the final three months of the last campaign.

When asked if he would be more comfortable with Rodgers’ 4-3-3 than Kenny’s 4-4-2 formation, Adams replied, “Whatever the situation is, whatever the manager is going to play, it’s his decision, but for us it’s important that we get the right structure, the right team, and the right group of players ready for the start of the season.”

“We’re going to work hard from now until the second of August. Whoever we draw against [in the Europa League] is going to be a tough match. Everything has been about gearing up to that game and getting ready for the start of the Premier League.”

Rumors that Adam may not be right for the tiki-taka system, due to his love for direct play, is strongly denied by the player who wears number 26.

“We played well last year. Unfortunately, the results weren’t what we wanted and that’s the way it is and that’s what happens in football.”

In addition, the center midfielder is looking forward to the opposition his side will take on in the States.

“Roma is obviously a top club in Italy with top international players, so it’s going to be a tough match. Tottenham, we obviously know all about, because we play against them in the Premier League.”

“The manager has already brought one player in, in [Fabio] Borini, which is one we look forward to seeing, and hopefully he can come in and adapt to the way we want to play,” said Adam.

Speaking of physical fitness, the man whose corner kicks are worth 10 million pounds, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, said, “I think the Championship is different from the Premier League. You play a lot more games, but the Premier League is the pinnacle of English football. It doesn’t matter if you’re fit in the Championship or fit in the Premier League, because it’s so intense.”

Entering his second season at Anfield, Adam praised the English top flight.

“It’s the best league in the world and it’s got the best players in the world,” boasted Adam, “It’s a tough league and I’m happy where I am at the moment.

“The quality you play against every week is at the top level and it’s tough, but that’s where you want to play as a footballer, because it’s the top league in the world.”

Photo credit: Mark Fairchild.

Despite no David Beckham nor Gareth Bale, the first British soccer team to enter the Olympics in decades has plenty of stars and young talent to shine on the world’s stage.

Here’s a guide to the Team GB soccer team:

Goalkeepers

Jack Butland is the youngest player in the squad at the age of 19. Plying his trade at Championship side Birmingham City, he will have to compete with Middlesbrough’s Jason Steele for the starting job in between the posts.

Defenders

At the back, Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand made the cut. Left out of the Euro 2012 squad, as all other England players for Team GB were, the youngster combated surging runs from Arjen Robben for 73 minutes in the Champions League Final. He proved an essential part of the “Park the Bus” strategy on the night, because Roberto Di Matteo deployed Bertrand in the left wing slot of the Blues’ 4-2-3-1, instructing the novice to stay level. The Chelsea man held Robben, alongside Ashley Cole, showing that he has what it takes to supply a sturdy performance in a hostile, high-pressure environment.

Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur can play as a wing back. Favoring the left side of the pitch, Rose is another attacking wide player produced, most recently, at White Hart Lane. With Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto occupying slots at full back, Rose made few cameo appearances throughout the season due to his stellar opposition. In Spurs’ FA Cup tie against Stevenage, Harry Redknapp gave Danny the start, but the physical play of the League One side, who forced a draw in that first leg, drove the North London side to play long balls down Route 1 at Broadhall Way. With the ball squared, Rose had little influence on the match. Nevertheless, the left back will be an exciting player to watch in this tournament, if he gets the nod.

As both defenders above favor the same flank, manager Stuart Pearce will be forced to make some tricky tactical decisions in defense, but even more so in midfield.

Manchester City’s Micah Richards will hold down the fort on the right, with positions in the middle of defense up for grabs between the versatile Neil Taylor, Steven Caulker and Craig Dawson.

Midfield

Long time Red Devil Ryan Giggs will participate in the final of a major international competition for the first time in his illustrious career. At 38 years of age, the Welshman will captain the Olympic side.

Giggsy is likely to be guilty of drifting inside to assist Manchester United teammate Tom Cleverley and/or Arsenal foe Aaron Ramsey in midfield.

Cleverley was limited by injury in the last campaign, though he has been tipped to start in England’s 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil. Impressive showings by the United #23 during last year’s North American tour saw him gain the opportunity to replace Paul Scholes. Competing with Anderson for the creative role at Old Trafford, the United legend returned from Manchester, leaving himself and Michael Carrick to hold Fergie’s middle four intact.

Pearce can also dispose passing prodigy Joe Allen. The Welshman completes a strong center, though he may not play to the extent that one would expect, with Giggs and the other highly rated middle men named above set to be fixtures in the GB XI.

Wingers and Forwards

In attack, Scott Sinclair, Craig Bellamy and Daniel Sturridge are fierce striking options.

Sinclair electrified at Wembley in the 2011 Championship Play-off Final, which saw his Swans head to the EPL. The 23 year old struggled in the top flight, but as the season progressed, himself and Nathan Dyer headed a lethal wide attack for City.

Despite his deteriorating legs, Bellamy still has power and pace. He put his talents on display in the League Cup second leg against Manchester City, which saw him take responsibility for Liverpool’s first Wembley trek of the 21st century. It was also his swung-in dead ball that hit Andy Carroll’s head to see the Reds past Everton and through to the FA Cup Final. Brendan Rodgers must hope Bellamy returns to Anfield injury free, as the new manager must look to get the most out of the “Nutter with the Putter’s” final days.

Sturridge had many chances at Chelsea during the season’s inception, as Andre Villas-Boas looked to weed out the old to bring in the new. The striker trounced the club scene a few years ago, scoring moments in to a clash against Seattle Sounders. In 41 appearances, Daniel supplied 13 goals in all competitions last term.

In a group with Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, Team GB should slide into the quarterfinals behind favorites Uruguay. From there, it is a mystery, as the Olympic sides competing are vastly unknown. Honduras, Belarus, and Gabon have entered young teams, who could produce a shock run of form. Meanwhile, traditional powers Spain and Brazil will be head-to-head with Team GB, in their aim to stop the hosts from repeating their 1908 triumph on home turf.

With no Rooney, no Barry, no Cahill, and no Lampard, expectations have never been lower for the Three Lions. EASY was The S*n’s headline after the English were dropped in Group C with the States, Algeria, and Slovenia. Simon Kuper’s Soccernomics opens with a chapter on “Why England Lose,” in which himself and co-author Stefan Szymanski examine the ritual that England goes through before each major tournament. The first phase is pre-tournament and states that the English are certain they will take the crown. However, this year there could not be more uncertainty. When Saturday Comes’ sarcastic headline for its July edition is “England Confident” and below depicts Theo Walcott telling Phil Jones, “We’ll do better than Euro 2008.” Meanwhile, The Guardian’s Fiver could not be more pessimistic. England’s every move has been critiqued. Hodgson’s lads are expected to arrive home with no less than copies of I Am Zlatan, their managers hands glued to his face due to static electricity, and phone numbers of protestors representing Femen.

But do these low standards mean success for England?

It is quite possible that this team could shock the world. Starting with the group, England can gather 6 points. Sweden are dependent on everyone’s favorite pony-tailed playmaker, and Young’s goal against Norway saw England defeat Scandinavian opposition. The co-hosts pose little threat to England, as they failed to win their two warm up games, against European opposition, Turkey and Austria, who both failed to qualify for the tournament. Sweden also beat Andriy Shevchenko’s compatriots last August 1-0. There is that one problem though – France. The English have not defeated the French in over a decade, though long streaks have perished this season, as Chelsea finally got by Barcelona, Manchester City won their first league title in 44 years (strangely enough on their 44th shot of the QPR match), while the Dutch, who had won 10 on the trot in qualifying, fell to the Danes. Even Liverpool won a cup this year, and the only thing that could have topped that was if Arsenal triumphed.

England are the most underrated team in the tournament. This is Steven Gerrard’s last chance to win a trophy for his country, and he proved to be England’s best player in their warm-up fixtures, making tireless runs about the pitch, in addition to chasing down every ball that came through his zone. The fading “Golden Generation” includes Ashley Cole and John Terry, two men seemingly as desperate as Gerrard. Hodgson has introduced youth to the squad, and no it’s not Theo Walcott this time, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who could provide the spark England need. At a time when Arsenal’s season was in peril, the youngster stepped in to encourage the Gunners against Manchester United. Though defeated on the night, the Ox’s play spurred new life into the North London club, which allowed them to outlast rivals Tottenham for a Champions League post. Danny Welbeck can play and so can Ashley Young. Stewart Downing has been tossed to the turf since his move to Anfield, as he rarely displayed the fear and skill he could instill in a defender duing his days at Middlesborough or Aston Villa, though the winger has gained confidence as of late. Just keep him away from penalties and he could prove extremely effective. Analysts also overlook the goalkeeper. City’s Joe Hart has been the most impressive net-miner over the past two years, which all stemmed from his ingenious performance on the opening day of the 2010-11 season, to save his side a scoreless draw against Tottenham.

Roy Hodgson’s selection is appropriate. Known most for his obsession with the letter ‘w,’ he has become an underdog figure himself, just as England are the underlions. His tactics worked miracles at Fulham and with the Baggies, who finished 10th last term. Hodgson’s ability to control big-egos has been called into question after his failure at Liverpool, though Roy does not have to deal with haughty players, as the team’s self-esteem has been diminished to that of the unemployed, online pioneer Rafa Benitez. In their two friendlies against Norway and Belgium, England’s organization was perfect, showing Roy’s success in infiltrating the squad with his doctrine in less than one month’s time. Many see the Three Lions’ most likely quarterfinal opponents as the defending winners, Spain. The World Cup holders already lost to England in the past 12 months, and it could happen again, as this side holds a better defensive shape than that of Capello’s. Defense proved the best offense against Barcelona in Chelsea’s performances against the Catalan, which have quite a few players in the Spanish XI. The ability of the back four to move as a cohesive unit is essential to England’s play this go around, though this rigid shape has more impressively been put into the works of the midfield, with Gerrard and Parker looking tough to best. The Spanish can be stifled by this cattenacio-like style along the route, and whenever the English meet Germany, the same applies, as the stubbornness displayed by Chelsea saw Munich run out of ideas in the Champions League Final. Another unthinkable event which took a decade, give or take, to achieve.

With so much against them, this may just be England’s time to shine.

Imagine it’s May 5, 2012 and Tranmere Rovers — after making an illustrious run — are about to face Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. While Rovers enter the Wembley pitch in their traditional blue and white kit, their counterparts enter the field sporting the famous red and white threads of North London. You have a team of world-class footballers against a lower league side.

Tranmere get lucky early when the Gunners hit the post and create quite a few half-chances, though Tranmere’s good fortune runs out when Robin van Persie scores. The match is hard fought, with Arsenal enjoying heavy possession, while Rovers defend, occasionally breaking out into forceful thrusts forward, dreaming of scoring the equalizer. However, Arsene Wenger’s troops hold on to clinch their first trophy in six years.

The Tranmere side was resilient and their run in the “Magic Cup” had come to a disappointing end – from their point of view. Regretfully, the Merseyside squad drag themselves up the Wembley steps to receive their runners-up medals. In deep thought on the pitch, while Arsenal collect their prizes, Tranmere captain John Welsh is approached by Robin van Persie. With RVP’s teammates impatiently waiting to get their hands on the oldest prize in the sport, the Arsenal captain has convinced Welsh to come up with him. While the TV cameras are focusing on Theo Walcott and Gervinho embracing, van Persie walks into the frame with Welsh. Once handed the trophy, van Persie makes the Tranmere captain grab the other end of the draped silverware, and the two skippers lift the cup as one.

It sounds to good to be true, but it’s exactly what happened Saturday in France when US Quevilly, of the nation’s third-tier, were ousted by powerhouse Lyon in the 2012 Coupe de France Final. During the proceedings of the trophy presentation, Lyon’s Brazilian back named Chris brought Quevilly’s center-back Gregory Beaugrad to the winner’s podium. Chris’ decision to co-lift the cup with the Frenchman must be a contender for the classiest moment in the history of sport.

But would van Persie or the captain of another “Sky Six” team do the same, as in the fictional tale above? Was Chris’ decision even appropriate? After all, his opponent had just lost the match of his life. Had you been Quevilly’s captain, would you have accepted the offer? Chime in readers!

Oh Swansea, my Swansea. Well, they’re not my team, though they have been adopted as the favored squad of most Premier League neutrals. Silky smooth, yet flamboyantly frustrating, the Swans pass the ball around the park, only for it to be intercepted when Nathan Dyer entangles himself with six yards of the goal.

Nobody can deny that Brendan Rodgers’ side can play. Mini-Barcelona, as they are now known, have done well in replacing last year’s beloved Blackpool, then dubbed mini-Arsenal. In a rare Friday fixture, the promoted team — looking to become the first since West Ham in 2006 to finish in the top half of the table — welcomed the black and white stripes of Tyneside.

Listed as a 4-3-3, Pardew had his side press into a 4-2-4, early on, by pushing Cabaye up front alongside Cisse, Ben Arfa, and Ba. The Magpies front four shuttled in and out, pressuring both Steven Caulker and Ashley Williams who spent the majority of the game knocking the ball back and forth. Newcastle’s tactic worked with just five minutes gone, when a swift move between Gutierrez and Cabaye occurred. The latter slotted a delicious through ball to the in-form Papiss Demba Cisse, who can, “score when he wants.” The man from Senegal has taken compatriot Demba Ba’s spot as the team’s lead striker, since his transfer to the club in January. Then, Newcastle went silent — at least for the next 64 minutes.

The game’s flow saw the aforementioned Ba drop into the left of midfield, while Ben Arfa did likewise on the far right, thus Newcastle bunkered down into a 4-4-2. Swansea showed their virtuous patience as they systemically pushed into the half of their opposition. This was in large part due to Luke Moore’s hold-up play, as himself, Joe Allen, and Wayne Routledge took turns getting open for their two centre-backs. Angel Rangel took his usual spot on the right flank’s touchline. However, while he got paint on his boots, Dyer was dropping back to receive the ball. Nathan was bright in the final third, as his stunning foot skills allowed him to get into the box several times, though he lacked a final touch. His teammates followed his lead throughout the match, as that important final ball alluded them.

On the edge of the 18 yard box, Swansea wanted to play quick one-touch passes, to complement their intricate style of play, but knocking the ball about in small areas was nearly impossible for them. Much credit to the Newcastle back four of Santon, Williamson, Perch, and Simpson, who kept on the backs of Swansea’s attackers, denying them the space to induce that little bit of magic necessary to draw level, before the two outfits broke for halftime.

Ryan Taylor checked in for Tiote (hamstring) to keep a ball-winning midfielder on the pitch for the Magpies. Newcastle’s shifty formation seemed out of place as Gutierrez, Cabaye, and Ba were all in strange positions to compare with past outings. Jonas was the highly-intelligent wing-back, Ba the classic striker, and Cabaye in the middle partnering with Tiote, granted his recent return to the first team. Today, it was Cabaye at forward, Ba on the left, and Gutierrez in the middle. Nevertheless, Pardew’s strategy worked. His men put in an industrious shift chasing the ball for 77% of the match. Gutierrez and Taylor must have killed a couple bottles of 5 Hour Energy, as they admirably stayed alert all afternoon. Here, the similarities with the Catalan come into play. Forget the possession stat, Swansea, out passed their counterparts 4 to 1. The first Welsh side to enter the Barclays Premier League completed 835 balls to one another, to the famous black and white’s pathetic 181. There is a reason why Swansea are still “mini,” and that one reason is due to their troubles in the finishing department. That is what separates them from Barcelona, who live and breathe on playing in tight spaces before using a fatal run which leads to a goal.

Co-commentator Efan Ekoku harped on Swansea for their unused possession and rightly so. While Swansea is in fantastic form, at the moment, the only that stat matters is the one in the upper-left of your television screen. Possession soccer is beautiful to watch. However, it can be counterproductive, which it proved to be for the Swans, as they lost the ball 21 minutes from time. Thus, Cabaye picked out Cisse once again for a goal, to let Song and Van Persie know, anything Arsenal can do, Newcastle can do better. The Senegalese’s finish was sublime – a lovely chip, over Michel Vorm, and into the upper 90, despite the striker‘s off-balance positioning, which saw him fall over after flicking the ball over the line. Not to take away from the phenomenal composure of Cisse, but the brace for the new signing came at the hands of Ashley Williams. The defender was caught back-pedaling with his frame squared, allowing Cisse to gain the extra inches he needed to execute from 12 yards.

Dyer looked to be Swansea’s only attacking threat. He was replaced moments before his side went 2-0 down by Scott Sinclair, part of a double-swap, which saw Danny Graham check-in to the match as well. Sinclair picked up where Dyer left off. He put shots on target and dazzled defenders attempting to get Swansea level. A goal never came though, as Swansea were left to bask in their possession-based game.

Shockingly, the score-line was just. Newcastle was the better side, even though they were out-passed severely. Football is about making the most of your opportunities. The world’s best get one chance in front of goal, before sticking the ball into the back of the net (see RVP’s two against Liverpool or Stoke‘s economic approach). Graham has done well this season, but one must wonder what Swansea could do with a clinical striker. Would they challenge for a Champions League spot? It is entirely possible, as Rodgers has built his side from the back, a tell-tale sign of a coach with a long-term plan for success. From that, Rodgers, it must be said, can be ruled out of contention for the job at Stamford Bridge, as the EPL’s hedonist-in-chief would not approve of such an obscure doctrine.

Should Aston Villa collapse, which they deserve according to those tuning-in for entertainment value, Darren Bent might be a viable option for Rodgers. Bobby Zamora could draw his ‘Get out of London Pass’ when the inevitable occurs to Queens Park Rangers. With Zamora or Bent up top, could Swansea remarkably enter become a top-side in Britain?

We will find out soon enough, but you’ll have to subscribe to FOX Soccer Plus to find out because “You’re missing the whole Swansea season” without it. Therefore, seeing Rodger’s rise to the top could take a bite out of each soccer fan’s wallet, which would almost be as frustrating as seeing the Lilywhites control a match, only to lack the proper dose of venom in front of goal.

I recently chatted with Soccernomics co-author Simon Kuper to discuss several topics regarding world soccer. Kuper, whose latest book Soccer Men is now available in stores, talked about what impact (if any) soccer has on politics, as well as how he began his career in journalism.

Alex Fairchild (AF): Could you describe your childhood? How did you end up in Britain after being born in Africa?

Simon Kuper (SK): I was born in Uganda, but I left as a baby. We went to Britain shortly before I turned one. My father is an academic anthropologist and he got a job there. Then we moved around to Jamaica, Sweden, a bit in Britain and when I was seven, we went to live in Holland for much of the rest of my school days.

AF: How has that influenced your writing?

SK: Well, I’m a cosmopolitan, you know. I’m not from anywhere and so I always look at countries from the outside and try to see what’s different about them — try to be nonjudgmental about it. I supposed it’s helped me, with football being such an international game, to understand different countries a bit better.

AF: What led you into journalism? Did your article for World Soccer at the age of 16 start the whole thing?

SK: Yeah. I mean probably like you I’d written in the school magazine and that kind of thing, and when I was 16, speaking Dutch, I was able to write about Dutch players, and on spec I sent this piece to World Soccer and they took it and then they took another couple so that’s how it got going.

AF: In 2010, you wrote an article for ForeignPolicy.com entitled “Soccer Means Nothing.” Doesn’t this contradict your past writings?

SK: The headline’s not mine is what I’m saying. The headline was Foreign Policy’s. I don’t think I would’ve put that on. But, the point I was trying to make is that soccer is a great way to understand the world, so looking at Dutch soccer, American soccer and Spanish soccer allows you to see things in those countries that you might not otherwise see. So, it’s a great lens onto the world. What I was trying to say in that article, and I don’t think the headline quite captures it, is that soccer very rarely changes things. It’s usually not the case that a society changes because of soccer, there’s not a cause or effect usually from soccer. There is sometimes, but it’s very rare.

AF: What was the atmosphere in Berlin like after the Wall fell?

SK: I only went there 10 months afterwards, but everything was in flux. It sort of felt like the whole history of Berlin was present all at once and there were buildings in the East that were war ruins. There were still bullet holes in door ways, and that sort of thing from the fighting in Berlin. And suddenly you saw bit by bit the united Berlin reappear again for the first time in 30 years. There was a bus that would run from the east to the west and it began to run again. They recreated the bus and it went from East to West. When I arrived it was very difficult to get across the city. By the time I left, a year later, you could easily travel from West to East by then. Berlin was recreated.

It had gone in many ways because much of the city was destroyed, so much of these historical eras fighting at the same time and it was the most political time I’ve ever lived through. Everywhere you went, people would talk about politics. Politics was daily life and history was daily life in a way I’ve never seen before.

AF: Describe the emotions of Hertha BSC supporter Helmut Klopfleisch, after the Wall came down.

SK: I think he thought that he had been expelled from East Germany and had been treated very badly there and had suffered terribly. He was a hero of the Cold War really, because he hated communism and he stood for his values, his principles. He was the kind of person Ronald Reagan should’ve embraced and he thought ‘Well now that I’ve been proved right and the system is rotten, all the villains will be punished’ and it didn’t happen. He watched and saw how the communists got off scot-free and kept their villas, etcetera, and he was never rewarded.

I think he was living in a refugee camp when the war ended, because he had just moved across to the West. So it was thrilling, but also very frustrating and I don’t think he has quite got over that. I saw him a year or two ago in Berlin and I think it’s still difficult for him that he was vindicated, but never rewarded for that.

AF: Did the GDR’s defeat of the West in 1974 mean anything politically or was it just a blip of the radar?

SK: As I said earlier I don’t think football changes anything almost ever, so that game didn’t change anything, but it was a great sort of drama of the East vs. West rivalry, it was like an allegory.

AF: When the USSR disbanded did the players free up or were they still highly regimented in their style of play?

SK: I think it took a long time for footballers to change. Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach, was telling me that he went to Russia and the players were still terrified of making mistakes because there was this sort of top-down hierarchy. If you gave a bad pass, ‘the coach would scream at me,’ so they would give simple passes to avoid error. So that was a kind of timidity around the game and he wanted them to take courage and initiative around the pitch, etcetera and he said only 15 or 20 years later was that starting to break down. It’s not so much to do with having a communist government, but just sort of being raised in communist thinking.

AF: What was your reaction when you found out that Dynamo Kiev was exporting nuclear weapons?

SK: I just thought, “Wow!” I mean I was very young and I thought there was yet to be a book written about soccer and politics. It was much more surprising and exciting than I’d ever expected. I had very little experience going around, interviewing people and doing real journalism, so [for that to be my] first major journalistic experience was astonishing.

AF: Had Hussein not given power over the IOC to his son Uday, would he still be in power? Biya has ruled Cameroon for years and few know about him due to the positive PR the team gets. Could the same have happened in Iraq?

SK: No. Under Saddam they did quite well, qualifying for the World Cup in ‘86. I just don’t think soccer has that kind of power. I think dictators try to use it, but I think the impact is only marginal because the population is quite able to separate the success of the soccer team and their leader. So Spain won the World Cup, but the Socialist government was voted out of office quite soon afterwards. People aren’t that dumb, ‘We won the World Cup, so I’m happy with my dictator…’ Leaders like to think and reason that way, but populations tend to be much more nuanced.

If the US wins every gold medal at the London Olympics, that’s still not going to make the difference for Obama in the election, as it will be decided on other things.

AF: Why do people inside the United States identify with their country during major football tournaments? This seems to only happen in soccer, not baseball or basketball.

SK: In the US, there’s this long history of migrating Americans and part of your history and your pride is that you’re both, so that you’re both American and Italian. To some degree it’s a fantasy. People don’t know their home country anymore. If you’re an Italian-American, living New Jersey, you have very same ideas about what Italy is actually like often, so that fantasy, you think of all the good things — the love, the spaghetti, the good soccer, so you use that to build a positive identity for yourself.

AF: City pride goes right along with cheering on a local team like the Red Sox. Why has soccer expanded beyond cities like Liverpool and London to different countries, while a sport like baseball has not?

SK: In the early ‘90s with more TV channels, soccer spread to TV because it’s such a brilliant game to watch on television and so from the early 90s, loads of countries — the US, Japan, India, China and Australia — people started to see soccer. And once it is seen than more on just the internet and fans now are both local and global. So fans now might be interested in the New England Revolution, but also may be interested in Manchester United and Barcelona. Soccer fans can exist at both levels and enjoy both.

AF: From your newest publication, Soccer Men, it seems that you interviewed lots of footballers. Are players from yesteryear more well-rounded than today’s athletes?

SK: Some I interviewed, some I didn’t. I wrote some of the profiles, some interviews, some not. I think the difference is that now you typically enter top level soccer at age 12, you’re selected for your quality and you do a little bit of school work on the side, but you don’t really mix much with people outside of soccer from the age of 12. That’s how someone like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo was raised. In Beckenbauer’s day, it was much less of an industry. Beckenbauer did some training as an insurance agent, while he started out his career as a semi-professional.

AF: Why is the market for black managers so scarce? Is this going to pick up anytime soon? Racism or lack of personnel?

SK: I wrote an article a couple weeks ago about this and it sums of my views. Just like the NFL. We saw exactly the same thing in American sports with Jackie Robinson in his days. It’s the usual stereotypes I would say.

Twenty-two athletes, two goals, and one ball. In England, commentators refer to it as, “A Funny Old Game,” though for many that statement is far from sound. The game is football, futebol, or in America, soccer. While Americans fervently follow gridiron, basketball, and baseball, none of these games have changed international history or altered how society functions like soccer has. Therefore, its influence on modern history must not be undermined.

Benito Mussolini, the Fascist leader of Italy from 1925-1943, used the second World Cup as a platform to secure power. His fellow totalitarian General Francisco Franco, of Spain, saw soccer as a way to bolster control of his Fascist state. More recently, Saddam Hussein and the beautiful game proved to be detrimental to the nation’s prosperity. Since the surge of football’s popularity in the early to mid 1900s, extending through the present day, the beautiful game was integral to the success of dictatorships, including those of Benito Mussolini, General Francisco Franco and Saddam Hussein, as they utilized the sport, as a political catalyst to control society, gain prestige, and portray a positive image to the world.

In 1863, a group of Englishmen prescribed the first official rules for the game of football, thus establishing the Football Association. Originally a rugby-like sport in which players dribbled the ball down the field without thought, the game developed into a sophisticated yet simple fixture. Over the next 70 years, the British spread soccer to the ends of the earth, though the best football was played in Argentina and Uruguay. The two nations fought for international supremacy throughout the 1920s and settled the score at the first World Cup in 1930. Uruguay played hosts and defeated the Argentines in the final to claim victory, but neither nation competed four years on. The Great Depression of the early 1930s crippled the economies of each nation, making it financially impossible for players to travel to the host nation.

Cue Benito Mussolini: The man who believed that Italy needed one man, more intelligent than commoners, to turn the country into a world superpower. Mussolini took control on October 8, 1922. The new dictator used his Blackshirts to impose authority, as the brutal police force could keep people in check. However, Mussolini knew that the Italians could not be silenced forever, thus he found an activity that they all enjoyed. To exploit the minds of his people, he used soccer as propaganda. Known as calcio, “The Leader” lifted moral and brought a “feel good factor” to those under his reign, including himself.

Mussolini used the terraces and his nation’s youth to install his power. Il Duce saw the stadium as a cathedral. It was the one place where people united to drive on one cause. Therefore, Mussolini began to build an arena in 1926, as the Littoriale was erected in Bologna. The city’s team incurred success, leading to the construction of the Giovanni Berta in Florence. In addition, Mussolini strived to bring back the glory days of the ancient republic‘s muscular athletes. Thus he created the Fascist Youth, a program strongly based around the principles of discipline and organization. Uber Gradella played for Lazio, a football club in Rome, from 1939-1948, as a goalkeeper. In the BBC documentary Football and Fascism, the Italian said that he was, “indoctrinated and brainwashed,” along with other Youth members, for whom only soccer remained.

With his soccer theatres and influence in place, Il Duce was honored with the privilege of hosting the second FIFA World Cup. Italy 1934 was a concrete opportunity for his rule to gain popularity on a massive scale. A former newspaper editor, Il Duce was able to harness the power of media with exceptional grace. His press secretary equivalent, Lando Ferretti, created the Order of Journalists to control the information distributed to the Italian people. In fact, the writers themselves were better known than Mussolini’s prized eleven. The papers gave the people much pride, as only positive news was comprehended by them, thus they felt they were part of an immaculate and superior society. Mussolini furthered this overweening attitude, saying, “With the Deuce one is never lost; neither will we lose today,” before England drew 1-1 with Italy in 1933. Tying media and sport into politics, the perfect storm for Mussolini to get the willful backing of the Italian state was conjured.

The people’s game, a simple recreational activity was brought to its fascist zenith at Italy 1934. The host’s XI were among the best in the world. They breezed through the group stage, demolishing the U.S. 7-1 in the process. However, the Italian side was less convincing, as the competition progressed. Mussolini was there to cover for his lacking team to ensure they would win the “Copa Il Deuce.” The dictator handpicked each referee for Italy’s matches, which became evident in their quarterfinal match with Spain. Reports state the match’s officials were fired upon arrival for their poor performance. In the semi-final, Italy slated to take on the Wunderteam. Led by Hugo Michel, the Austrian side is considered one of the best ever to play the game. Mussolini had no fear of defeat after having the young Swedish referee, Ivan Eklund, over for dinner on the eve of the match. The two are said to have spoken about “tactics.” Josef Bican of Austria told the BBC, “Michel knew the games were rigged,” as did the rest of the team. Eklund clearly favored Italy. Bican noted that he played a ball down the right flank, which the official headed out of Italian territory. With the official on their side, the Italian’s win at all-costs strategy proved effective. Video from the match shows Austrians blatantly fouled, while play was allowed to continue. Similar to the football teams immaculate behavior, the Italians began to believe that the regime could do no wrong.

In the final, a young Czechoslovakian team having paraded to the competition’s climax, were primed to take “Copa Il Deuce” out of Italy. To ensure victory, Ivan Eklund was invited by Il Deuce for another “tactical talk,” in addition to a VIP box meeting hours before kick-off. Italy won the match easily; thus Mussolini had pulled off the perfect propaganda stunt. As a result, the world saw Italy as a unified nation full of joy after their emphatic victory. People celebrated the triumph in the streets, though unknowingly supporting the dictator and his fascist regime. These citizens were stuck in a bubble, in which they worshipped a media mogul. What made the scheme so brilliant was its “truth.” There was no air of uncertainty around football, as the masses saw who beat whom. The dictator’s regimented and technically brilliant side progressed to win the 1936 Olympic competition followed by the 1938 World Cup. To say Mussolini’s World Cup was a turning point in the regime’s success would be a great understatement, as the victory brought pride to Italians, thus the team’s success through the leader brought them unbridled love for their country, allowing Mussolini to rule until 1943.

Il Duce did not limit his fascist ideals to Italy, as he supported General Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War, which spanned from 1936-1939. The general defeated a weak Communist Party, and in essence was Spain’s leader before his official victory. Football’s governing body recognized the RFEF (Spanish FA) of Franco in 1937, two years before the world credited him with leading the massive Iberian nation. (FIFA recognizes Palestine as a country. Is this a sign of things to come?)

Franco’s nationalized sport according with the actions of other dictators. Santiago Bernabeu, a member of Real Madrid C.F. from his teenage days until his death, supported Franco‘s fascism. The rebel returned from France to aid Franco in battle. Being the disciplined individual he was, the rebel said, “The spectacle of a few sweaty youth must disappear and give way to a youth that is healthy in body and spirit.”  The Spanish dictator followed this path by creating the DND (Delegacion Nacional de Deportes de Falange Espanola Tradicionalista y de la JONS), a state run organization centralizing sport, which recommended that before each match, revolutionary chants of the war, such as, “Arriba Espana!” and “Viva Franco!” be echoed throughout the terraces.  To further his ego and supremacy Franco renamed “Copa del Rey” (Spain’s domestic football tournament) to “Copa del Generalisimo,” coinciding with Mussolini’s self-centeredness, which saw him put his nickname on the World Cup trophy. To further his domination of Spanish football, the famous red shirts were scrapped, in favor of a fascist blue strip, thus showing off Spain to the world as a united right-wing nation.

Upon Franco’s eccentric victory in Madrid, he made the city his own. When he arrived, one his first actions was to replace the entire board of Real Madrid with fascist allies. Despite a stadium in shambles, Franco saw the club through toward European supremacy. The Catalan were hardly on board with Franco’s policy. Barcelona’s regional contingents were last to be conquered in the civil war. Their liberal attitude took to the pitch, as a free-flowing F.C. Barcelona XI were one of the most feared sides in all of Spain. Much to their distaste, Franco made the club’s stadium, Les Corts, “Fascist,” to deplete all Catalan pride. When the 1943 “Copa” reached the semi-final stage, Barcelona was drawn against Real Madrid, presenting the perfect chance for Franco to put the Catalan to bed. In the first leg Barcelona drubbed Real 3-0 in the east. The regime’s control of the media showed in the morning papers, as Madrid journalist Eduardo Teus wrote that the Barcelona, “crowd had shown dishonor and disrespect to the nation,” at Les Corts.

The return leg, at the Chamartin, may be the most violent and politically charged sporting event to ever occur. The streets were extraordinarily hostile, as Franco’s officials handed out free whistles, encouraging people to rally against their rivals. Angel Mur, Barcelona’s team masseur recounted the events saying, “We had to change our hotel and even then we didn’t leave it all evening because we were convinced we would be lynched.” The word “lynched” emerges as most powerful word in Mur’s quote, and the Goldblatt‘s entire work. The mobs outside the team hotel displayed the forced hatred of those in Madrid for the Catalan.

Franco’s XI would have to make up the three goal deficit to go through to the final. The general sent Jose Escriva de Romani, the Director of State Security, to the Catalan locker room give FCB “instructions,” surely threatening punishment if they beat Real. Mur portrayed the volatile stadium, saying, “During the game our goalkeeper was so petrified of being hit by missiles that he spent most of the game as far forward from the goal as possible, allowing Madrid players to strike at the net from all directions.” Real Madrid made up the three goal deficit without a problem, running the Catalan out of Madrid with a 11-1 win. Madrid went on to win the Copa, helping the fascist regime maintain power.

After several years behind the scenes, Santiago Bernabeu came to forefront of Spanish politics and sport, assisting in the general’s tinted agenda. The ex-footballer venerated Franco, building a new stadium, in which, “The Valley of the Fallen” was built for recognize deceased members of the nationalist movement. Bernabeu would not stop there, as his reign saw Madrid lift six European Cups, 16 league titles and three Club World Cups. The hallowed ground now bares his name.  Bernabeu played a key role in putting the Madrid outfit in position to be named FIFA‘s, “Club of the Century.” The dictation of society by Franco and Bernabeu saw people respect the regime, keeping it in power through 1975.

Saddam Hussein took charge of Iraq in 1980, using football to earn the respect of those he ruled. His ego boosted Iraqi football, as the little known “Saddam Olympics,” celebrated Hussein’s birthday. The football team was the only piece of unification among those in the divided country. Sponsored by the Iraqi-Russian Friendship Society, the nation was able to compete at a higher level, leading to their nine cup victories in the 1980s. The squad died off as Hussein upped his rule, when he left the team to his psychotic son.

Uday Hussein described as a “pervert,” lacked the qualifications to lead one of the world’s greatest sides. It is truly a shame that the father-son partnership did not realize the potential their side had, as the nation could have attained greater fame and positive recognition, had the team run itself . Uday, with his paralyzed lower body proved to be as tough as his father. The brutality, brought upon those he felt were sub-par can only be described as inhumane. Players who survived the high pressure life of the national team described Uday’s faults in great, yet disturbing detail. One punishment involved beating the sole of a footballer’s foot, until it was no more, before dragging the victim to a drainage pipe, where he was dropped, so that his wounds would be purged with toxic liquids. Other practices included sending players to prison. According to James Montague’s When Friday Comes: Football in the War Zone, the son kept a torture device used to “rip open a man’s anus,” in the IOC Headquarters. While Uday’s men were sensational, it is tremendously disheartening that the dictatorship held them from achieving more.

Hussein’s biggest error may have been his decision to put Uday in charge of his country’s first team. For small countries such as Iraq, a strong footballing side enforces a positive image about the globe. Cameroon, known for being the “Indomitable Lions,” has been thwarted by the dictatorship of Paul Biya for decades. Biya allowed his team to play, so that the international community was so mesmerized by the nation’s talent, thus slipping under the world’s radar. Had Saddam let his team prosper, the “Sons of Iraq” could have led to a gilded unity under Hussein. The case study of Biya’s Cameroon shows the extent of the error Hussein made. Few are aware of Biya’s lengthy rule, though many know of Saddam’s.

Football, the last symbol of Iraqi unity, helped society get through a horrific string of decades, with more ominously looming. Huthyfa Zahra, a modern football artist said, “During the wars, in the nineties, there were bombs above us, and we were playing the streets. Because we didn’t have anything to do.” This powerful statement portrays the atmosphere of isolation felt in Iraq and football‘s power as an outlet of expression. Zahra sees the 2003 toppling of Hussein as a catharsis for the game in the “Cradle of Man” as he said, “We are much better now, because the players play without fear now. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can’t play.” Football was oppressed by the regime, as the people were, but now both have been left to prosper. From 1980-2001, Iraq’s winning percentage was fifth best amongst all FIFA competitors, at a staggering .692 rate, outdoing superpowers England and Spain. In 2007 the “Lions” won the Asian Cup and finished 4th at the 2008 Athens Olympics. Recently progressing in World Cup Qualification for 2014, under Brazil legend Zico, it is likely that the “Land Between Two Rivers,” could lift the Juelz Rimet trophy by 2030.

The Italian regime, Franco’s fascist state, and Saddam’s dictatorship exemplify the essential effect of football on society and politics alike. Just months ago, a riot at a match in Egypt resulted in the death of more than 90 spectators. The “ultras,” (hooligans to Americans) attacked a group of fans as a result of political disagreement, amongst the newly liberated nation. Sport is often dismissed by those in the academic realm. Intellectuals fail to see the importance of athletics in relation to political and social events. The styles of play reflect the atmosphere of leadership and the culture of the period, thus the discipline of Mussolini’s side, nationalization of Franco‘s Madrid, and free-flowing play of the post-Hussein era. Commentary phrases “Simply sensational,” and “Absolutely brilliant,” not only describe ingenious goals, but also define football’s ultimate effect on human history.

Could it be at all possible that Manchester City could be at the center of more criticism? The answer to that is yes, of course, as the “Noisy Neighbors” have a Argentinean striker that seems to have trouble coming to terms with the fact that as a footballer, he must play football. Meanwhile, City play Liverpool today in the Reds’ most important match of the season. Today’s “Daily Ticker” will cover that match, heroics in the African Cup of Nations, as well as the rest of the day’s news, followed by another rant, which may appeal to the Citizens.

Tevez Taxed:

As alluded to above, Manchester City have punished Carlos Tevez for not showing up for training in November. The owners decided that a withdrawal of 9.3 million pounds from the Argentines bank account would be appropriate punishment for the man who refuses to play. Tevez’s decision not to play in the Bayern Munich match was the last straw for him. City have stated that they are open to selling the player at the right price, because as we all know they are in deep need of financial support.

Rodallega Ready to Roll?:

Wigan Athletic’s Hugo Radallega may be headed off for bigger and better things in the near future. The striker is all but sure that he will depart from Roberto Martinez’s direction in May when is contract runs out. In a interview with Caracol Radio, Rodallega said, “These are my last three months with Wigan.”

Nigerian Talent Headed for Loftus Road:

Taye Taiwo, AC Milan’s 26 year old right back, has joined Queens Park Rangers, becoming Mark Hughes’ first signing in his time in charge of the promoted club. This should prove to be a fantastic piece of business by the new kid on the block, as the Nigerian international has represented his nation 48 times and the Rossoneri on a few occasion in the Champions League this campaign.

Speaking of Taxes…:

Harry Redknapp is defending himself in court, on accusations that he evaded taxes in his time as Portsmouth manager. Amid the economic downturn, Pompey faced a financial crisis that has up through today. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has condemned the club’s inability to pay up to the government. A “winding up order’ was placed upon the lads at Fratton Park, as the club is frantically searching for new investors.

African Cup of Nations:

Bakaye Traore’s deflected shot was enough to earn Mali victory over Guinea. However, the Guineans bombarded with attack after attack, but just like Liverpool has done all season, they failed to convert, leaving the spoils to Traore’s Mali.

2010 World Cup Quarterfinalists Ghana squeaked by a feisty Botswana yesterday with a 1-0 victory of their own. The Black Stars’ John Mensah was the hero of the day, as the defender’s 25^th minute goal won the match for his nation, but he nearly became the villain, sending his country down to ten men after being sent off with 67 minutes gone.

Today, the Cup of Nations will return to Group A action when Libya face Zambia and co-hosts Equatorial Guinea match up with Demba Ba’s hungry Senegal.

Carling Cup:

Cardiff City 1(1)-0(1) Crystal Palace (Cardiff wins 3-1 on penalties)

The Welsh side is no stranger to Wembley, having been there in recent years to face Blackpool and Swansea. Overwhelming Crystal Palace with a whopping 27 shots and 61% of possession, Cardiff failed to put the visitors away and it took two phenomenal saves from keeper Tom Heaton to see the Blackbirds through to the Carling Cup Final.

Liverpool (1) vs. (0) Manchester City:

Banned Balotelli, Suarez, and Kompany will have to watch from afar as their sides battle for the right to take on Cardiff City. Despite Liverpool’s only goal in the last match coming from the spot, the Reds had ample opportunities to put City away at the Etihad. However, they let those chances slide on by and relied on their defense to ward off City. To their credit, Dalglish’s men picked up the all important away goal to get a leg up on the Citizens come leg two from Anfield

El Classico: Take Umpteen

Over the past year it seems there have been more Real Madrid vs. Barcelona battles than there have GOP debates. Another chapter will be written in the rivalry’s history books and hopefully negative football will not be a part of the battle. While the last El Classico featured Barca’s ability to pick out passes to wide open wing-backs and Pepe’s ability to stir up controversy in cup ties between the two, one would hope this go around will feature a match of football, and an intense tactical battle, as opposed to one in which twenty-two men roll around a field of grass pretending they need to be taken by helicopter to the local hospital.

(Recommendation: Watch Liverpool vs. Manchester City live and save this Spanish match-up for desert.)

The Daily Rant:

Could it be the Daily Rave though? While City have their shortcomings character-wise one must acknowledge their play on the pitch. Not only are the Citizens top of the table, but they have done it in style. Their ability to adapt to different styles of play and their work ethic are without question a perennial attribute of most members of the squad. The midfield has been run by Gareth Barry and James Milner all year and without Yaya Toure, only the Special One would be able to tell us where they would sit in the table. While the above three have played a tremendous role in the team’s success, everything has gone through David Silva. While it may seem obvious, the role of the Spaniard has changed as of late. Last year and early on in the season, Silva was fixed to the left or right side for the entire match. On Sunday, Silva had his coming out party, as he was given Steven Gerrard-like license by Roberto Mancini to roam the pitch. Against Spurs, I would argue that the Citizens played in a 4-3-1-2, with Silva acting as a withdrawn forward. This brilliant tactical development for City will boost creativity and give the side more flexibility, as if it does not have enough already. Should the young Andre Villas-Boas take note? How could he not? City have achieved exactly what he is trying to do with Juan Mata. The winger is a talent that could come more central to influence the game on a larger scale, as Silva has become a classic #10 at City.

In a side that is constantly changing one must also applaud the side for their reaction to in-game tactical audible. In their first Champions League fixture, City faced a counter-attacking Napoli side, which took shape in a 3-4-2-1. When Cavanni scored for Napoli 21 minutes from time, Mancini instantly switched his side into an optimistic 4-2-4. Within five minutes of conceding, the men in sky blue struck. By getting men forward, the lads were able to create a free-kick for Kolarov to hit. In perfect range for the back, he slotted it home with ease to earn City the draw.

Finally, the squad’s side to possess has been amazing. As Steve Nicol put it, they are the kind of team that will put you to sleep and score. The team strung 26 passes together to score one goal against United, in their humiliation of the Red Devils this fall.

After a day to let the occurrences #EpicSunday settle in, it is time for the renewal of the EPL Talk “Daily Ticker.” This makes the site your one-stop-shop for all things Premier League. The day’s news is all here, along with recaps of undermined matches and other happenings around the world of football. A new feature will include my Daily Rant, which should stir up passionate debate amongst you, the readers.

Stamp the Stamping Out of Football:

Mario Balotelli proved that he has no character this past weekend, as he attempted to harm Spurs midfielder Scott Parker with his boot. The controversial Italian’s effort on goal led to him being caught off balance in his side’s win at the Etihad, thus the striker landed awkwardly, however, without a shadow of a doubt, an attempt was made by Super Mario to kick Parker in the head. Shockingly, the FA is attempting to take action against the iPad addicted forward.

Richard Jolly Addresses Balotelli in his latest column.

Not be out done by his teammate, Joelon Lescott could be looking at a four match ban as well. The Englishman threw his elbow into counterpart, Younes Kaboul’s face in City’s victory. What appeared to be accidental, was shown by video replay to be a clear attempt to injure the Kaboul. Needless to say, Balotelli and Lescott were lucky to be on the pitch after 90 minuets.

Not EPL related, but an important issue nevertheless. It will be interesting to see how Pepe’s case influences the English FA. The Spanish FA dropped charges against the ball-winning midfielder on Monday. Real Madrid’s Portuguese midfielder stomped on Lionel Messi’s hand in their 1-2 loss in the first leg of their Copa del Rey showdown. Video evidence will put the RFEF in hot water, as Jose’s man looks down to step over the little Argentine, and purposely steps on the Barcelona star, causing Messi to roll over in pain.

Premier League News:

Frank Lampard will not play against QPR when the two London outfits meet in the FA Cup, due to a calf injury. Lamps has been spotted with bandages around his left leg, as a small tear to the muscle in question has been confirmed by the team’s medics. The Chelsea man suffered the injury in the Blues’ match against Norwich at the weekend.

Robin van Persie claims that himself and manager Arsene Wenger have a sturdy relationship after the #10 displayed his outrage and disbelief that Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain would be replaced by Andrei Arshavin. Just when the 18 year old could have helped Arsenal to victory, Wenger took the player off due to a high amount of lactic-acid in the player’s system. Arshavin was clearly a poor replacement for the Ox, as his dreadful defending led to Danny Welbeck’s 81st minute winner for Manchester United.

The man who revived Tottenham Hotspur from the bottom of the Barclays Premier League to Champions League football is being tried for not paying up his fair share to the government. His time at Portsmouth has come into question, as ex-Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric, allegedly dropped a cool $295,000 in a Monaco bank account. According to reports, the two were stuck behind bullet-proof glass today, so at least Redknapp is invincible, unlike his team’s form under pressure.

Transfer News:

Carols Tevez is still wanted by A.C. Milan.

Queens Park Rangers have failed to reach an agreement with Sau Paulo prodigy Henrique. The Brazil U-20 was not granted a work permit, due to the fact that he has not yet been capped by his country

African Cup of Nations: 

Stateside, we have no legal access to the competition, which has sent shockwaves across the football world. To the day, host countries Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have pulled off stunning wins, while Zambia defeated a highly confident Senegal side, which includes Newcastle’s Demba Ba. The Ivory Coast got by Sudan with a 1-0 victory, as the “Golden Generation” had a rough start on their journey towards silverware. Yesterday, Tunisia defeated Morocco 2-1 in a western African derby. Today’s action features the Black Stars of Ghana facing Botswana and Mali taking on Guinea, before the 2nd round of the group stage commences.

The Daily Rant:

Surprise, surprise, my first victim is Mario Balotelli, and I’m sure if he were reading this piece, he would ask, “Why Always Me.” Well, Mr. Anti-Bully, you are the most hypocritical, insane player in all of English football. Antics are one thing, but negativity is another. A recent comment on the site criticized EPL Talk for not writing positive articles on Manchester City. However, are writers supposed to encourage stamping on the head of the industrious Scott Parker, or should we applaud him for arrogantly standing at the spot with his arms spread, after he scored a goal, he should never have been on the pitch to finish. The explosive striker (pun-intended) is only hurting Manchester City. He has taken away from the clubs integrity. Now below, I am sure all the City backers will respond by saying, who cares what he has done off the field, but rather that he has scored at important times against United and Spurs. However, Mario Balotelli is a professional footballer. Note that the word professional is in the job description. Is attempting to harm others adequate behavior? I think not. If I were to do what Balotelli has done at my school, I would never walk into that building again. City has talent. They do not need Balotelli. He is a virus. So City supporters, are you ready to bite the bullet and focus on long term success and a happy squad, or do you maintain the speeder is your savior?

“Made it in America,” a song released this past summer by Jay-Z and Kanye West, sums up where soccer stands in the United States. Soccer in this country has gone from a laughing stock to a sport of which the masses seem to be jealous. Even the jocks on ESPN must bite their tongues when showing a soccer highlight, either because the network has told them to, due their expansive coverage of the sport, or because they may have joined us in taking pleasure in viewing the beautiful game.

I believe it is extremely important to note that I am only in high school, so I did not live through the days of NASL, or the fear that indoor soccer would forever ruin the sport in this nation. However, I did grow up with kids screaming “GOOOLLLL!!” as if they were calling a Tigres game for Telemundo, every time they laid eyes on a soccer ball. Now, I can watch Liverpool take on Manchester City in the Carling Cup with several of my fellow students after school, those same kids who years ago mocked the sport with which they have fell in love. A few of these kids do not play soccer at all, but since ESPN picked up Premier League games, and Fox Soccer Channel went more mainstream, they have become involved in the sport simply because it is something to watch at 10:00 am on a Saturday. Nothing beats live TV for teenagers other than taped episodes of the Jersey Shore (not for me). Thus they have been exposed to the game we all love.

Soccer is not only what the young want, but also what the general population demands. It is now 2012. A mere four or five years ago, it was nearly impossible to access a EPL match in this country, at least for a 12 year old boy with parents that were never willing to shell out $15 per month to Setanta or Comcast. Since Verizon FIOS allowed viewers access to the channel based on a regular cable package, coverage has been taken to a new level. It spawned easy accessibility to the world’s best league and eventually forced ESPN to get in on the act — not only catering to US viewers, but also those in the UK. Sure the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” broadcasted World Cup matches in the past, but it was a luxury for the network, not a must. Now that the competition is highly demanded in the States, we have been treated with gorgeous HD coverage of South Africa 2010 as well as legendary commentators and analysts (Martin Tyler, Ian Darke, and Efan Ekoku to name a few), and endless access to game replays or highlights.

The history of soccer in America dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s, but the 2010 FIFA World Cup gave the sport clearance for lift-off. Of course Landon Donovan’s dramatic winner against Algeria created a bandwagon following, but one must keep in mind that ‘Cup Fever’ transferred through the remaining rounds and then some. Ian Darke’s “Incredible!” call of the American’s brilliant last-gasp goal allowed him to make his voice known to an American audience. Thus, Darke took over play-by-play broadcasts for ESPN in the US. This nation now has one of the world’s top commentators working exclusively for soccer fans Stateside. Darke and partner-in-crime Steve McManaman have created a rapport with people in the States, generating more support for soccer. The ESPN duo have not lowered their commentating standards one bit (despite being forced by ESPN to tell us the scores of other matches) and have installed a voice that resonates with Americans.

Not only has soccer made it on TV, but it has also made it in society, becoming a part of American culture. In Boston, it is very common to see a Rooney shirt, Messi kit, Donovan jersey, and even Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League Winners’ T-shirts. On the world’s most popular application retailer, the Apple App Store, FIFA 12 is currently inside the top 30 paid apps on the store. At the 29 spot, FIFA currently leads all games involving major American sports leagues with the exception of NBA Jam, another EA product. The app is 51 places ahead of Madden 12, and the game has left previously popular titles, such as NCAA Football and Tiger Woods 12, for dead. Going to a match is also extremely popular. All foreign clubs have produced major turnouts in American stadiums and those athletes whom Americans pay large fees to see every week have turned to soccer as well. Kobe Bryant has visited various European outfits and Lebron James has purchased stock in Liverpool.

Icing will be put on the cake this weekend and so will the cherry on top as a Premier League match will be broadcast live on a free-to-air American television network for the first time. The UEFA Champions League Final has been covered by “Daddy FOX” the past two years, but never has a live Premier League match been shown to all Americans with television sets. The demand is here and everything has fallen into place.

A major network wants to cover live Premier League matches, Jurgen Klinsmann — a world class player and manager — is controlling our national squad (a much better option than a former lacrosse player), British publications When Saturday Comes as well as Jonathan Wilson’s Blizzard are accessible to all with the touch of a phone’s screen. Finally, soccer has been acknowledged as a legitimate sport, erasing all previous views of, as The Fiver would put it, “soccerball,” as this mysterious game where 22 “foot-fairies” knock a ball around on a piece of grass, have been laid to rest.

From sweet Joe Gaetjens and Frank Borghi to sweet Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, soccer has “Made it in America.”

The Football Association recently banned prized Liverpool striker Luis Suarez for eight matches on the grounds that he made derogatory comments toward Patrice Evra during the club’s fixture against Manchester United. While the Anfield outfit may appeal the ban, the Uruguayan’s lengthy suspension is all but a done deal especially after the FA released the evidence on which they based their decision. In addition, the Reds will have to cope with the loss of Lucas Leiva, who has been brilliant for the club in cohesion with Charlie Adam.

Liverpool Football Club is in a rebuilding stage. Manager Kenny Dalglish has a boatload of talent training at Melwood, which ranges from the experience of Steven Gerrard to the youth of Jonjo Shelvey, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll. Many predict that the Suarez’s ban will hex the club’s season as the Copa America hero has been the squad’s key source of goals and creativity.

However, the loss of two of the first team’s strongest players may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the red half of Merseyside because Dalglish is now free to tamper with Andy Carroll and his overstocked midfield.

Several questions have been asked of Andy Carroll, the target man signed by King Kenny nearly a year ago. Plagued by injury at first, the former Newcastle man put his left foot and ponytail-distinguished head on display with a brace against Manchester City, giving supporters reason to believe, singing “There’s only one Andy Carroll.” The £35 million pound signing has stuttered since with numerous appearances on the bench and many performances that have frustrated fans and the Englishman himself. Despite the criticisms Carroll has faced, few have been able to see how the youngster has helped the Reds succeed. Friday night’s 3-1 triumph over Newcastle United, in which the No. 9 featured as the loan attacker, showcased the physical threat incurred by those who must match up with him. In the Newcastle match, many balls were swung into the area for Carroll who was tightly marked by either Williamson or Coloccini, while against Blackburn the striker was matched up with Christopher Samba. The Liverpool man failed to finish against his former club, but he drew the two centre-backs away from the Reds’ midfielders. When Steven Gerrard marauded into the box to score, Captain Courageous got through easily as the backs were distracted by the threat of a cross to the towering forward. The focus defenders put on Carroll will spur Liverpool to goals, as he will either be free for a header or blanketed, opening up space for others to attain glory at Anfield.

With the absence of Suarez in the midst, it will be an important eight matches in which Kenny and his men must figure out how to use Carroll’s height and aerial ability to create scoring opportunities.

Kenny Dalglish will also have the luxury of throwing five in the midfield over the coming weeks. Jordan Henderson will be able to prove himself as either a winger or central midfielder and Stewart Downing can be tested on the left flank as well as the right (I would love to see him combine with Jose Enrique). Meanwhile, Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey would benefit from some quality time on the park with the assistance of seasoned captain Steven Gerrard.

The above midfielders need to find their identity and role in the club’s future. For example, will Jonjo Shelvey become a box-to-box midfielder or will he primarily assist in the Reds’ attack, as he did throughout the preseason? In the last few matches, Jay Spearing has played as a deep-lying midfielder. Yet last year, the prospect played in a traditional central midfield position.

Another important decision that must be made by the club is whether or not to treat this campaign as a chase for fourth, or one in which the lads will aim for the Champions League spot but use experimentation to produce a better side for the future.

The “instant gratification” temperament that has taken football by storm is one that is thoughtless and wasteful. Many Chelsea supporters are calling for Andre-Villas Boas’ head, but the tactician has had a mere half-season with the Blues in the world’s most difficult league. How can one expect a man to turn eighteen men into the invincibles within five months? It is simply not possible. Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have been at their respective clubs for years and one must not overlook the success each has had. History shows that the longer a manager stays at a club, the better the side becomes, as that coach may bring in players to fit his preferred system, or they are able adapt to the system that best suits their current team (the past few Chelsea managers have all ended up at the 4-3-3).

The same goes for players, as they need time to gel and learn one another’s style of play. Dennis Bergkamp and Johan Cruyff have spoken of the importance of team chemistry, which of course comes with sticking together for a long period of time. Thus, Liverpool must commit to the future. Instead of looking for a title this season, which is obviously out of reach, the club must look two, three, or perhaps even four years down the road to gain silverware.

This squad is packed with talent and, next to Manchester City, is the best team on paper in the English Premier League.

During the transfer window and into February, Carroll must play and his abilities must be utilized. In addition, youth should not be ignored for success now, as it will only come back to bite the club in the future. If Shelvey, Spearing, and Henderson sit, the club will be right back where it was last year. To site Ferguson again, he has stated time and time again that he will not leave United without a strong youth base. It is not right to frustrate a young players by squandering their opportunities, for talent must be observed and put to use in the right way. The loss of Suarez and Lucas opens up spaces in the squad for experimentation, in which the right fit for the club’s youth may be found. Success never comes overnight and Rome was not built in one day, thus all Liverpool supporters must have patience, for greatness will return to Anfield with time.

The Beautiful Game is loved by all of us and we all enjoy spreading football across the globe. However, there are some in need right now that would truly appreciate soccer equipment in their area of the world.

In addition to writing for EPL Talk, I am a student-athlete at Boston College High School in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Annually, the soccer program collects soccer gear to send abroad to children in need. This year, all donations will be going to a new school outside of Porte-au-Prince, the capital of the Republic of Haiti, by the name of Nativity Haiti. The brand new school is for children who have been through a lot over the past two years and it means the world to them when a truck pulls up with a boxes with cleats and uniforms. In fact, the clothing is the most important to them, because many will wear the donated shirts, socks, and shorts as their daily clothing.

Please send any slightly or gently used cleats, shin guards, uniforms and balls that you may have to Boston College High School and if you are in the Boston area it would be wonderful if you could drop your donation at the school‘s main office.

If you have any questions about the drive, feel free to e-mail me at as.fairchild13(at)students.bchigh(dot)edu. The BC High soccer program and I would like to thank you, the readers of EPL Talk, in advance for your compassion and generosity.

Boston College High School
150 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-436-3900

Perhaps Clint Dempsey, the man known as “Deuce,” is the greatest American soccer player of all time.

The Texan had an enormous impact on me as a child growing up in the Boston area. Dempsey’s scrappy goals and occasional appearances on the national team won over my heart. My parents took me to Gillette Stadium many times to see the New England Revolution in their “glory days,“ but when I was there I did not care if Taylor Twellman scored again, if Steve Ralston influenced the match, or if Jay Heaps was playing solid defensively. All I cared about was Deuce. His runs were fantastic as I can remember, along with his skill, but most impressive was his ability to be in the right place at the right time, and willingness to put his body on the line for a goal.

During the same period of time, I saw my first European match. It was the Liverpool vs. AC Milan, the 2005 Champions League Final. I was ten at the time and all I had known was MLS. This match opened my eyes to the world of football. And as any young boy would, I pledged my faith, and naturally my life, to Liverpool Football Club. I have faked sick to be home for Champions League matches and I do put my phone on airplane mode if I have to watch a match on tape delay. As we all know, following a football club is an obsession, but when one gets tied to a local player and international team, things can get complex quickly.

The 2006 World Cup was my first “real” World Cup and when Clint Dempsey was selected to the USA team by Bruce Arena, I lost it. Fortunately, my birthday was just a month before the World Cup finals commenced and of course the #8 was on the back of the new navy blue USMNT jersey.

I’ll never forget being in school, while the U.S. played the Czech Republic. It was torturous to sit in class, but I managed to convince my teacher I had a bad stomach ache, at least 9 times that day, to run to the library every 10 or so minutes to check the score. It was a fun, yet painful experience, and even more so after I learned Dempsey did not start. The U.S. lost the match, of course, leading to their disappointing display in Germany. When the Stars and Stripes played the eventual winners Italy, Dempsey played very well and his match was highlighted by a quadruple scissors, which I practiced for at least a  month after the event. Though, the match against Ghana took the cake.

DaMarcus Beasley had frustrated me for years, and in that third group match, he sent another aimless ball into space. At the time, Dempsey was out of the frame and I remember screaming an obscenity at the TV screen, forgetting I was in the presence of my friend‘s parents. Then out of nowhere, Dempsey streaked in like a lighting bolt, and hammered the half-volley past the Ghanaian keeper. Absolutely stunning. That is the joy only football can bring, as a local hero can go abroad and dance in front of cameras broadcasting a match around the globe after scoring a sensational goal. Deuce could not have struck it any sweeter.

In January 2007, after the New England Revolution had lost yet another MLS Cup, with Dempsey coming on as a substitute due to injuries, Fulham snatched the Furman star from Steve Nicol’s team. Thus, my soccer idol had made it to the top league in the world. The only problem being that I supported Liverpool. If the Reds win, I am ecstatic, but if they draw or lose I get stick for a week from the City, United, and Chelsea bandwagon jumpers (it’s been a long few years).

On May 5, 2007, two days after my birthday, Liverpool played Fulham. I never thought Clint would get playing time in the match as he was barely getting any beforehand and Fulham were in the midst of a relegation fight. Of course, I entered a state of shock watching the match when Dempsey scored to give Fulham the 1-0 win. Sure it saved Fulham and I was excited that of all people Clint struck for the Cottagers, but this was my first experience in football where my emotions collided.

Fast forward to December 5, 2011. In between the above dates, Dempsey had led the United States to the Confederations Cup Final and scored notable goals for club and country, the best being his chip against Juventus to put the Cottagers through on that magical European night at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, Liverpool had a strong season upon Torres’ arrival, but sold Xabi Alonso but have struggled since.

I knew the fixture was coming and it was that time of year when Dempsey had to take on the Reds. I posted on Facebook Sunday nightthat Liverpool would win the match 2-1, with a Dempsey goal coming from inside the six (as most of his goals do). Just three days ago, I was in the school library surrounded by Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Barcelona supporters. The voice of Ian Darke takes one away from troubles, such as homework, until a challenging moment occurs. I heard Darke’s words before I could process the goal. I’ll never forget that moment when Dempsey scored to beat LFC again at Craven Cottage. It was a classic, scrappy Dempsey goal, scored inside the six. When the final whistle blew, I slammed my computer lid and was on the T faster than ever before. I just wanted to get home and forget it all. I felt like my own child had betrayed me. Liverpool had lost, Dempsey had scored.

There are a lot of strange people on the T and I became one of them when I wiped tears from my eyes after that crushing blow. It was amazing to me how one man could come so far from a MLS team in southern Massachusetts, to breaking the hearts of millions wearing red, myself included.

I am proud of Clint for scoring the goal. Yet I can never forgive him for defeating Liverpool. He has saved my country and local club countless times, but when he beats the club I will support until I die, it is was as if a dagger was shoved into my heart.

Steve Nicol, Liverpool legend and manager of MLS’s New England Revolution, was the most versatile footballer of the 1980s. In his time at Liverpool, the Scotland international played 343 times and scored 36 of his career 38 goals at the Anfield outfit. Nicol spent 14 years in Merseyside, winning five First Division titles, 3 FA Cups, and the 1984 European Cup. The defender represented his country 27 times, most notably at the 1986 World Cup. MLS Talk had the opportunity to ask Nicol about the development of MLS, his view on end line officials, and his emotions after the 1989 FA Cup Final.

Alexander Fairchild (AF): As a coach of the New England Revolution since 1999, what developments have you noticed in Major League Soccer over the past decade?

Steve Nicol (SN): The biggest development is the interest in MLS around the world. When I started here 11 years ago, basically outside the United States, no one knew anything about MLS. Now everywhere in the world, everyone knows about MLS, and obviously our big-name players. And now teams are sending scouts here to look at younger American players.

AF: What is your favorite memory as a Liverpool player?

SN: Too many to pick just one, but when you’re on a team that’s winning and playing good football, it’s hard to explain how enjoyable it is, not only on the field, but off the field, as well.

AF: Do you believe that MLS can one day reach the quality of the top flight leagues in Europe?

SN: I think it’s too early to say that’s what would happen. Certainly with the interest from the rest of the world and interest from players around the world, it’s possible one day given a change in the wage structure. But that’s many years away. But yes, it could happen.

AF: What are your opinions on the following topics: Goal-Line Technology

SN: We absolutely should have it.

AF: End-Line Officials

SN: I believe it would be a waste of money and time.

AF: After playing for Kenny Dalglish in your time at Liverpool, what is your fondest memory of King Kenny?

SN: Too many to mention, but when you walk through the door of a new club – or you walk through the door of the European champions – and a player of his caliber is the first person to meet you and look after you, that says a lot about the person.

AF: How did you feel after defeating Everton 3-2 in the 1989 FA Cup Final? Describe the emotions of yourself and the team?

SN: It was more one of relief, because we felt that if we didn’t win it, we’d be letting people down.

AF: As a child, who inspired you to become a professional footballer?

SN: I wouldn’t say any particular person inspired me. I just loved the game. From as long as I can remember, I always just loved the game.

AF: Which competition is the most challenging to play in? The First Division, European Cup, FA Cup, or FIFA World Cup.

SN: The World Cup.

AF: How does winning a cup as a manager compare to winning one as a player?

SN: To be honest, one’s as satisfying as the other. You just won a cup. Player, coach, whatever it is – it’s just as satisfying.

With the Premier League season well underway, the time has come for critics to speak out and managers to face challenges. In today’s “Daily Ticker” Arsene Wenger takes a bit of stick from George Graham, Harry Redknapp tries to keep Modric at Spurs for the umpteenth time, and Brian Marwood explains why Garry Cook’s departure “rocked” Manchester City.

Premier League News:

The legendary George Graham, whom built one of the greatest Arsenal back fours in the club’s history thinks Arsene Wenger, “left it a bit late to bring in all these players.” The former boss of the North London club told BBC Radio Five Live, “Defensively, they’ve not had enough time to work with the back four. It’s been generally known they had to shore up the defense. The old problems defensively cropped up in the lost.”

Graham claims this is, “the toughest period,” of Wenger’s career at Arsenal. “Some of the players he’s brought in, the fans don’t even know who they are,” said Graham. “In the past, he’s brought in players, good players, and he’s turned into world-class players. Now the jury’s out.”

Ivan Gazidis, the chief executive of Arsenal, has said the Wenger’s job is safe, despite the club being off to its worst start 58 years.

Robin van Persie told the press, “Every time we start positively we just keep making the same mistakes and that is surprising. There is lots of time, but at some point you need to pick yourself up and prove what you are capable of. We are not doing that at the moment and are not consistent enough. It just frustrates me, and it is happening too often.”

Van Persie highlighted the importance of stringing together wins in the upcoming fixtures.

Jack Wilshere could return soon. The starlet is feeling good, after posting on his Twitter account, “Good day at football today! In the gym again! Ankle feeling a lot better hope to be back playing soon.”

The club believe them midfielder will be back in November.

According to Harry Redknapp, “Luka is fine now,” after a transfer window, in which the playmaker did not know whether he was coming or going. “He’s just getting on with it,” said the Spurs boss, “I think that the chairman will sit down with him and discuss his contract. The chairman has said he would give it six or seven weeks, sit down and have a chat with him.”

Redknapp respects that a player worth £40 million should not be paid the same amount as one worth less. “We have to convince him that his future is here and make it right for the boy, that’s only fair as well, and I’m sure the chairman will be fair and make sure he does that,” said the Tottenham manager.

Brian Marwood, the football administrator at Manchester City, said Garry Cook’s resignation “was a massive shame.”

“The club was rocked by what happened,” said Marwood.

The City administrator continued, “He will always be welcome at this club. It will take as long as it needs to get the right person. That search will be worldwide and we will have somebody that will take forward the great work that has been carried out.”

In other City news, Patrick Vieira said, “I think it [United v City] is now one of the biggest derbies around the world,” comparing the match to the Milanese derby and El Classico.

Manchester United supporters will be relieved to hear that Javier Hernandez has only suffered a bruised shin, after Ashley Cole’s nasty challenge on the striker at the weekend.

Karl Henry and Joey Barton’s war of words is keeping the QPR midfielder in the spotlight. “Kelvin Henry is always trying to stick his foot in and hurt people,” said Barton, “He let himself down by not showing up on Saturday. I really don’t like him. I’m going to go on the record and say that. Judging from his tackles on me, he doesn’t like me either.”

Henry’s boss, Mick McCarthy, is backing up his player, calling him, “one of the best pros I’ve ever worked with.”

Manchester United have been perfect so far this term, but Patrice Evra is demanding more out of his side. “Maybe for the first time, we didn’t control all the game. I hope that in the next league game, against Stoke, we create more and not try to rush things,” said Evra.

The defender said, “Maybe God was with us,” when referring to Fernando Torres’ dramatic miss at the weekend.

According to Steve Kean, Blackburn are nearing a deal with Junior Hoilett. The concussed defender will extend his contract with the club in the coming days.

Misc:

After reports surfaced (once again) that Neymar will sign for Real Madrid, the Brazilian has denied these reports joking, “I have been sold around 30 times already.”

On a serious note, Neymar said, “There is no truth to those rumors. I am a Santos player and I will stay here for the club’s centenary. The final word was always been for me and my father.”

Europa League Roundup:

Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Stoke City:

Stoke went to Ukraine looking to earn a point against a Kiev side that included former Chelsea forward Andriy Shevchenko. Tony Pulis made eight changes from Saturday’s team that played Liverpool. Cameron Jerome and Wilson Palacios were in the starting XI. After soaking up 55 minutes of pressure from their opponents, Kenwyne Jones played a ball to Ryan Shotton on the right flank. Shotton’s cross hit Cameron Jones and the striker made no mistake.

The Ukrainian side ripped 27 shots at Thomas Sorenson and forced the Stoke keeper to make 10 saves on the night.

However, the Potters hard work ran out on them when Ognjen Vukojevic equalized at the death, for Dynamo. Andriy Yarmolenko found Vukojevic in the area to steal the point for Kiev.

Stoke City boss, Tony Pulis, will return to England happy with his side’s performance. He said, “I am absolutely delighted with the players,” though Pulis admitted to being “pig sick” after the match, because his lads allowed that late goal.

Pulis added, “Every time someone scores late against you it takes the opportunity of getting three points away and it is disappointing.”

PAOK Salonika 0-0 Tottenham:

Harry Redknapp took the foot off the gas for this one. A new look Tottenham side without Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, and Brad Friedel played to even 0-0 draw with PAOK. Redknapp certainly has his mind set on Sunday’s match with Liverpool, as he made 10 changes from the side that faced Wolves at the weekend. Spurs youngster Harry Kane was booked with 28 minutes gone for simulation when Pablo Contreras took the 18 year old down in the penalty area. Just 5 minutes later, PAOK earned a penalty kick, when Carlo Cudicini took out Stefanos Athanasiadis. Lino beat the Spurs backup keeper down the center, but the official called the goal back, because one PAOK player crossed into the area illegally. Lino missed on his second attempt, much to the dismay of the rowdy PAOK supporters.

The Spurs side, with an average age of 23, held their own in a hostile environment and their boss was delighted with their performance. “I was pleased with the performance, particularly in the first half. We kept the ball well,” said Redknapp, “That was an intimidating atmosphere out there tonight. The young players have never seen that before and it must have been a difficult experience for them, but I thought they coped very well.”

For Redknapp, Tom Carroll was the lad he was most impressed with. He said of the youngster, “I thought young Tom Carroll did well in midfield. He’s a slight little boy but he’s a lovely footballer – he works hard and has a great attitude.”

Fulham 1-1 FC Twente:

The Cottagers defended their home turf once again to maintain their unbeaten record at home in European play. However, Fulham would have won the match had Mark Schwarzer not scored on his own side. Luuk de Jong headed the ball towards goal. The  ball hit the post, then the Fulham keeper‘s head, and finally the back of the net.

Adam Johnson struck for Fulham 19 minutes in, following early pressure from Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele.

Martin Jol’s team had plenty of chances to score and the Lilywhites’ boss was unhappy with the opportunities his side failed to convert. “In the first half we should have been two or three up,” said Jol, “Of course they’re a good team but when you put them under that sort of pressure you should be winning.”

Fulham’s Adam Johnson said, “We started well and played well enough to come away with the points so I think we’re disappointed, but it’s a long slog and to get a point early on is pleasing.”

Bryan Ruiz was not eligible to face his former club.

Premier League News:

Manchester United have been allowed floatation on their shares in the Singapore Stock Market. The Glazers will open talks with investors soon, but are asking a tall fee for a 25% stake in the champions of England, valuing it at 600 million pounds. This deal would allow the Glazers to maintain full control of the club. However, the Qatari Royal Family are looking to jump back into the race to purchase the Red Devils.

Chelsea will take on Manchester United at the weekend, and Spanish international Juan Mata clearly respects what the Old Trafford outfit bring to the table. The winger said of Ryan Giggs, “He showed what he’s worth with his goal the other day. He’s actually one of the best wingers that there has been and are around right now.”

The Chelsea man also backed compatriot Fernando Torres. “He is a great player,” said Mata, “Everyone goes through phases but I think this will be his season, it will be a season for him to score lots of goals and give his all.”

Former Blues defender Frank Leboeuf believes the John Terry-David Luiz partnership in the center of Chelsea’s defense will work out. “I think ‘the hairy one’ David Luiz will play alongside John more often than not because he has the strength and the pace and can be a great partner for him,” said the ex-Chelsea star.

Newcastle’s Davide Santon will be out of action for a month. The former Inter youngster, has yet to play for the club since joining the Magpies at the end of the summer transfer window. Santon will have to have surgery. “It’s a worry. It looks like it could be a cartilage and it’s not something you want when he’s just come into the building. He’s going to have to get it cleaned out- it’s keyhole surgery,” said the club’s manager Alan Pardew.

Kenny Dalglish is in “no rush” to get Steven Gerrard back on the pitch. The 31 year old has not played since March, due to a groin problem. Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio are recovering well from their injuries, according to King Kenny. “Steven is progressing very well, Martin Kelly is back training and Fabio is close to coming back to joining us also,” said Dalgish, “We will just see what is right for Steven. There is no rush from us or from him because it has to be common sense. Everyone who is asked to play will be fit enough to play.”

If the above sounds like the Anfield legend no longer believes in Gerrard, think again, as the Reds boss said, “A fit Steven Gerrard strengthens this football club, no question.”

Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor has lashed out at the Houllier-McAllister reign of last season. “At one stage I did think about it [leaving]. It hurt more as a Villa fan and local boy,” said the player who has worked his way up to the first team at Villa Park.

“It killed me a lot. The manager had his formations and he was not going to change that. I don’t think a lot of the players were happy with the way he set up things,” the 24 year old said.

Though under the rule of Alex McLeish, “It feels happier and more organized. Everyone is enjoying the training more and there is a better atmosphere around the place,” according to Agbonlahor.

Misc:

Fabio Capello said, “Inter do not need me,” after being linked with a move back to Serie A, due to the crisis the club is in at this time.

Capello believes Gian Piero Gasperini needs time with the club to make things work. Gasperini took over the club in June and under is reign, Inter are off to their worst start in 90 years.

The England boss believes that Inter are still title contenders in his homeland, and he was also impressed by Napoli’s performance against Manchester City, whom the Italian regards as one of the “strongest sides in Europe at the moment.”

Mohamed Bin Hammam is set to appeal the decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee, whom today upheld the lifetime band placed upon the former AFC president. Bin Hammam will be taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Qatari was found guilty by FIFA’s Ethics Committee of bribery in June.

Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli says he has “fun challenging money wasters.” The president believes his club “deserve high praise,” after earning a draw against City, and he also believes his side could have had all three points to themselves, had a few mishaps been avoided.

Cesc Fabregas hit out at his former club yesterday, by saying he left because he does not believe the club can win ’big trophies’ in the near future. However, the Barcelona midfielder denies the quote that came from a interview with Sport magazine. The former Arsenal man wrote on his Twitter account, “Id never speak 1 bad word abt AFC, here there’s more prove that so many people put in newspaper wtv they want and its not professional.”

Benfica 1-1 Manchester United:

The Portuguese side took advantage of a lackluster Manchester United in the first half. Oscar Cardozo scored with 24 minutes gone for Benfica. As time progressed, the English champions slightly improved. Ryan Giggs equalized three minutes from the intermission.

In the second half, Manchester United turned it around. The midfield play from Carrick and Fletcher was much stronger and Patrice Evra’s runs from left back proved more effective. However, it was Anders Lindegaard who saved United the point. Lindegaard made two sensational saves to keep Benfica from going 2-1 up.

Antonio Valenica got valuable playing time in the match, but was replaced by Nani 21 minutes from time. The former Sporting Lisbon man was treated poorly by the hostile Benfica crowd. Upon taking a corner, Benfica supporters pelted the winger with objects. Javier Hernandez also came on in the double swap, replacing Fletcher, to give Rooney more support up front. Phil Jones made his Champions League debut replacing Fabio at right back.

Giggs played as a second-striker with, but mainly behind Rooney. The former Everton man set up a fantastic scoring opportunity for Giggs with a brilliant dummy that left the United legend one on one with the goalkeeper, but his shot was blocked by the keeper’s trailing leg.

The hot button question post-game was whether or not Lindegaard would replace Spanish keeper Daniel De Gea. This subject was quickly slammed by both Lindegaard and his boss. Sir Alex confirmed that De Gea will play Sunday. The United gaffer said, “I don’t know why you ask these questions, you’re just looking for stupid little answers. Anyway…it proves we have two terrific goalkeepers.”

Ferguson enjoyed his side’s play in the first 30 minutes of the second half and feels United should have finished the Portuguese side off then.

When Lindegaard was approached on the subject of taking De Gea’s spot he responded, “What answer to expect to that question? I’ve said a thousand times before I’m not here to pick my nose.”

Manchester City 1-1 Napoli:

Both sides started their first Champions League campaigns yesterday. The Citizens started out in a 4-2-3-1, which quickly switched into a 4-4-2, as Dzeko and Aguero pressed the three Napoli defenders. Manchester City were playing wonderful football in the opening 20 minutes, but they failed to connect on that final ball. Their best chance came when a corner was headed to the far post, but the Citizens failed to convert. Aguero & Co. found plenty of space behind Napoli’s defense and it was truly shocking that City could not score from open play, as they have done so well in their Premier League matches this season.

Manchester City would pay for their missed opportunities with 69 minutes gone. Napoli played a classic Italian match yesterday, defending well and scoring on the counter. In the first half, Napoli failed to get enough men forward to produce anything of note, but Edinson Cavani, the hardest working player on the pitch for the Italian side, headed a counter that opened up City’s defense completely. The striker easily slotted the ball between the legs of Joe Hart to put his side up 1-0.

City supporters were in absolute shock, but Napoli’s strategy had finally worked out for them. At this point in the match, Mancini got extremely anxious, as one would expect a man under so much pressure to be, forcing his side into a 4-2-4. There was obviously something to this, as Pablo Zabaleta, earned a free kick for City in a dangerous area. From here it was all about a brilliant strike from Aleksandar Kolarov. The left back, who bled throughout the contest, struck the ball with topspin and pace, getting the ball over the wall and past Morgan De Sanctis.

Carlos Tevez replaced Edin Dzeko nine minutes from time. The Argentine was certainly uninspired, especially in his lazy warm-up. One of the match commentators added that the striker was setting himself up for failure. For the most part, he did, losing possession of the ball three of the four times he touched it, before finally unleashing a shot after making a run with the ball from midfield.

After Kolarov’s goal, Gael Clichy and Adam Johnson were introduced by Mancini.

The match was end-to-end for the most part and Vincent Kompany did not take a liking to this saying the match was “more open” than he had hoped. The Belgian said, “We’ll just learn from this game and we have a good enough team to see this through.”

Roberto Mancini is beaming with confidence after the draw. The Italian credited Napoli’s dangerous counter attacks and said that his men took a few too many touches on the ball in the opening half, due to nerves. Mancini said, “We win in Munich the next game.” Group A is this year’s “Group of Death.”

Premier League News:

Kenny Dalglish had a “extremely informative and amicable” discussion with Mike Riley, the general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. The Liverpool legend criticized the officials of his side’s first four games, feeling that key moments in the matches were not called in the Reds’ favor. Dalglish looks forward to having a more open dialogue between managers and referees, outside of berating them during matches and at press conferences.

Yossi Benayoun acknowledged that he knew that on September 1 he would be in different kit. The midfielder admitted, “There was a few talks with Liverpool,” but added, “As soon as I heard about Arsenal my mind was made up.”

Harry Redknapp has not been approached by the FA. Some reports claim that Fabio Capello is on his way out after England’s sorry performance against Wales, and add that the Tottenham boss will be the new man in charge. “Until I get offered the job I wouldn’t have a decision to make, but at the moment I haven’t spoken to anybody about being England manager,” said the Spurs boss, “I want to see England do well, I want Capello to get them to the Euros and I want them to win it. And if they win it under Capello, I definitely won’t get it.”

Venky’s are at it again. The Blackburn owners released a statement begging the fans to support them. “We understand that there is a sense of disappointment and anger amongst our fans at the recent performance of our team Blackburn Rovers,” the owners wrote, “We fully understand your feelings and share your disappointment. At times like this, when the team is going through a bad patch, they need all support and encouragement they can get from the fans to boost their morale.”

Misc:

The UEFA Champions League may become the European League Championships in the near future due to discrepancies between the European Club Association, European Professional Football Leagues, and European football’s governing body. The ECA, made up of 201 outfits, is the same organization looking to readjust the international schedule. Both the clubs and leagues want to be on UEFA’s executive board which makes the most important decisions concerning football on the continent. ESPNsoccernet is reporting, “The real battleground is sure to be over the call for the leagues and the clubs to have a workable percentage of executive board members on both UEFA and FIFA.

Because UEFA owns the rights to all Champions League branding, if the ECA and EPFL split from UEFA on this issue, the tournament would have re-branded as the European League Championships. Some sources are reporting that the ECA and EPFL want 50% of the places on each executive board.

The UEFA Champions League group stage kicked off yesterday, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter stole the headlines. Today’s “Daily Ticker” will look back at Arsenal and Chelsea’s matches, look ahead to the games the Manchester clubs play today, and see why and when Blatter may step down.

EPL Teams in Europe:

Chelsea 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen 04

Andre Villas-Boas was brought to Chelsea to win the Champions League. The 33 year old tactician’s squad got off to a rough start, but ended up with three points. Villas-Boas changed the game when replacing Daniel Sturridge and Raul Meireles with Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka. Just moments after the substitution, David Luiz made a adventurous run forward after sending the ball to Ashley Cole. The Englishman slotted the ball to the struggling Torres who found the Brazilian who struck the bottom corner of the old onion bag from 15 yards.

Fernando Torres has scored just once in his career at Chelsea and the 50 million pound man should have put three away in the first half of the game. Receiving a ball from Mata, Torres’ cheeky back-heel headed toward goal, but Raul Meireles appeared to drag the ball back with his studs, giving the linesman no option, but to raise his flag. Torres redeemed himself in the second half, assisting Luiz in his goal and squaring a ball for Juan Mata to put away in the 90^th minute. The striker was praised by his boss late last week for creating chances, but the Chelsea gaffer is unsure if the Spaniard will start in Sunday’s clash with Manchester United. “We have another couple of days to train, and he will compete with the other four for that position,” said Villas-Boas, “We have to take the best decision possible.”

Though Torres failed to score yesterday, there was some good news for the forward. The probe against him was dropped by the club after the former Liverpool star sat down with the Chelsea boss. “We had a chat and the situation is solved, the investigation is over. Hopefully these things won’t arise in the group again. If they do, it will be the manager who has to resolve it. ”

The former Porto gaffer added that Torres, “put in a good collective performance.”

Looking ahead to the showdown on Sunday, Villas-Boas told the press they are facing, “United perhaps in their most tremendous moment of motivation and flair and style.”

Chelsea’s new man in charge thinks his team can pull three points out of the match at Old Trafford if they are motivated properly and confident in their abilities.

Arsenal 1-1 Borussia Dortmund

Robin van Persie scored for Arsenal, but it was not enough to secure three points for the Gunners. Ivan Perisic struck two minutes from time on a gorgeous volley to hold Arsenal in Germany. The German side dominated this one, enjoying 57% of the possession. In addition, Borussia Dortmund put 23 shots on goal and 6 on target, while Arsenal only managed to send 9 balls towards the net.

Arsene Wenger was in the stands for the entirety of the match, as he is serving his UEFA suspension. The Frenchman dropped Andrei Arshavin from the squad in favor of new signing Yossi Benayoun.

Wojciech Szczesny had five stops on the night to keep the Gunners ahead for most of the second half, but the Bundesliga sides’ pressure eventually broke down Arsenal, to savor the point at home.

Manchester United and Manchester City News:

When Sir Alex Ferguson mentions your name in the same sentence in which he has referred to Pele, you have made it to the top. “Look at Pele, he was a very aggressive attacker as well who could look after himself, so can Rooney,” said the United boss, “There are similarities that way in strength, speed and determination.”

The long time Red Devils’ manager said he has not yet picked his team, though Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will be the most likely central defenders, as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are back in Manchester. Sir Alex will have to exhaust his entire squad in the coming weeks, with matches against Chelsea, Leeds, and Stoke forthcoming in addition to today’s game. The boss is cautiously optimistic ahead of their Champions League opener, telling the press, “It won’t be easy for us, it will be a difficult game. But it will be difficult for Benfica too.”

Michael Carrick also praised the former Everton lad, saying, “This is probably Wayne’s best season so far and I am expecting big things from him.”

To transition to City news, Ryan Giggs of the Red Devils went on the offensive yesterday, against the Citizens, telling the club’s television network, “I think the test is really the first season in the Champions League. Playing in a Champions League game, which takes so much out of you physically and emotionally, on a Wednesday, and then a tough league game on a Saturday, maybe away-that is the test. It is tough and you’ve got to have the squad to handle it.”

The midfielder added, “We’ll just see if City can do what Arsenal, Chelsea and ourselves have done over the years.”

Summer signing Gael Clichy believes confidence and experience will help his side in their match against Napoli. “The confidence is there, and we go into this competition with no fear,” said the City defender, “It’s not only me who has played in it before – Yaya has won it.

Clichy also previewed the challenges the club will face in their first UCL journey. “We want to get forward and play offensive football, but it is different. Napoli will get fouls given which maybe in the Premier League they would let go. It goes on, and we have to be aware of that,” he said.

The former Arsenal player also cited Napoli’s 3-5-2 as a possible concern, because few teams in the Premiership are capable and willing to play in this formation.

Today, Sergio Aguero will proudly showoff his new boots. The young striker recently signed a deal with Puma. We will see if the new PUMA v1.11 speed boot boosts the Argentine’s play against the Italian side.

Carling Cup:

Crystal Palace 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Ben Watson scored a consolation goal for the Latics in the dying minutes of their shocking League Cup defeat to Championship side Crystal Palace. Wigan had most of the possession, but Crystal Palace hit the target eight times. Goals by Darren Ambrose and Jonathan Williams dispatched Roberto Martinez’s men from the competition.

Premier League News:

Being a Liverpool right back makes you one of the most injury prone human beings on the planet. Glen Johnson is out of action for a month, and possibly more, after straining his hamstring again. The Englishman originally injured himself against Valencia, during the pre-season, and “done my hamstring again,” at the weekend, as a substitute against Stoke City. Martin Kelly is also out with the same injury.

Tomas Kuszczak has dropped into third place on the depth chart at Manchester United, in the goalkeeper position. The 29 year old is “angry and disappointed” that the club did not sell him during the last transfer window. Kuszczak said, “I had a few good offers. The problem was the club, who wanted to sell me for 4 million pounds.”

Looks like we are going to have another Premier League protest. Steve Kean is on the chopping block at Blackburn and 1,000 supporters will march, before Rovers’ play Arsenal this weekend, with the goal of getting the owners to axe Kean. “It’s going to be a peaceful march, but we want to make our point and there will be banners made,” said Glenn Mullan, the organizer of the protest, “It’s about time the owners listened to the fans.”

Misc:

Four time winner of the FIFA presidential election, Sepp Blatter has allegedly struck a deal with UEFA head Michel Platini. The deal would get Blatter out of office two years early. ESPNsoccernet is reporting that, “There is now widespread conjecture within the European game that Blatter won’t be able to survive for the full four year term, which is already designated his last term before handing over to Platini.”

The supposed agreement between two of football’s most influential men would see Blatter leave FIFA in two years’ time. Blatter’s presidency has been littered with sexism, corruption, and controversy and it seems the long time leader of football’s governing body can no longer take the heat.

More of which, came from former FIFA vice president Chung Mung-Joon, whom wrote, “I think he is not an international gentleman and he is a little brat.”

The ex-VP also called out Blatter for attempting to shut down FIFA’s Executive Committee, which is in place to make sure the president does not abuse his powers. “Blatter is now attempting to take away the power of the executive committee and neutralize any effort to check his power. It’s a similar scheme that so many dictators have used in world history.”

However, Blatter is reported to have said that the exit rumors are nonsense.

The House of Commons will hold a debate on October 17 concerning the full release of government documents pertaining to the tragic Hillsborough disaster. A e-petition signed by nearly 140,000 people has caught the eye of the British government, and it seems those hurt most by that tragic event are close to finding out the truth behind what really happened on that terrible day. Justice for the 96!

Alexandre Pato rushed through Barcelona’s defense like a bull to score the fifth fastest goal in Champions League history, after 25 seconds of football. The goal was shocking to say the least, but the Catalans came back. Messi made a eloquent run through the Milan back four and somehow slid a ball across for Pedro to send home. David Villa added another goal on a mouthwatering free kick to put his side up 2-1. However, in classic Italian style, after absorbing attack after attack, AC Milan scored on a corner kick at the death, to walk away from Camp Nou with a point. During the match, Iniesta suffered a hamstring tear, which will the keep World Champion out of action for a month.

Ricardo Carvalho will not suit up for his nation for another year, after being slapped by the Portuguese FA with a 12 month ban. The defender retired from international football last month and walking out on his country is his crime. The FPF lightened the Real Madrid player’s suspension, considering his record, however, the player will not receive any benefits if the country qualifies for Euro 2012.

Premier League News:

Scottish striker Garry O’Connor was our mystery man. The 28 year old was arrested for possessing cocaine four months ago and he tested positive for the substance back in 2009. The player was injured and his two month suspension was not made public, as those around the player felt it would be best for the him to recover from his problem without all the publicity. Dan Rowling, general manager at Barnsley who took the player on loan at the time, was understandably angry at Birmingham City, whom failed to alert the club of the striker’s troubles. Elvis Hammond and Shaun Newton were among those named in Dispatches, which ran the investigative story yesterday. Ex-Chelsea man Leon Knight told the program that “loads of footballers are taking” cocaine, because they have the money and want the girls.

This morning, the FA is defending their anti-doping policy. The FA states that all substances listed by the World Anti Doping Agency are banned and that players can face a ban anywhere from 6 to 24 months. According to the FA, all bans are posted on the UK Anti-Doping Agency’s website.

Harry Redknapp is sitting somewhere in North London banging his head against a wall for not getting the Gary Cahill deal done. The Spurs boss lost his captain, defender Michael Dawson, for two months due to a achilles problem that the back picked up in his side’s first win of the season. The center back will have to be replaced by either Vedran Corluka or Sebastian Bassong, because both William Gallas and Ledley King are not match fit, though King insists he is ready to play.

The Tottenham tactician has another problem on his hands. Rafael van der Vaart found the club’s decision to leave him out of the Europa League squad this week, “Annoying,” as he posted on his website. He claims he was not part of the decision and wrote, “Spurs could at least have consulted me.” However, the player maintains he will face Liverpool at the weekend. Van der Vaart suffered a hamstring strain in his team’s loss to Manchester City ahead of the international break.

Sir Alex Ferguson has certainly set his priorities, as far as getting Rio Ferdinand fit again. The United star played for the second time this season in their 5-0 thrashing of Bolton, after he picked up a hamstring injury in the opener against the Baggies. The Englishman has been left behind in Manchester and is reportedly being rested for the Red Devils’ upcoming clash with Chelsea.

Yes, things can get worse for Fernando Torres. The Spaniard has struggled to jump start his Chelsea career and calling the squad “old” and “very slow” certainly will not help the former Liverpool striker. Chelsea are probing the interview in which Torres made the above comments. The 50 million pound man, who did a interview for La Liga’s website, has defended himself, saying that his comments were improperly translated into English, though the interview was printed on the player’s website. Andre Villas-Boas is taking the incident seriously. He told the press, “We are going in-depth to regain the tape of that interview. We’ll see if things play exactly as they are in that interview.” The former Porto manager went on to undermine the benchwarmer’s comments saying, “Anyhow, it’s one player’s perspective. I don’t think it’s a perspective that the manager shares. I don’t have to share my players’ ideas sometimes.”

West Bromwich Albion’s Gabriel Tamas has been charged with violent conduct after elbowing Norwich City striker James Vaughan. The forward’s injuries were so severe he had to head to the hospital to see a plastic surgeon. Tamas has until 6 p.m. GMT today to respond to the charge issued by English football’s governing body.

“Our intention was not to sell him,” said Damien Comolli of Raul Meireles. The former Spurs director of football went on to say that the club was, “put in a corner,” when the Portuguese midfielder handed in his transfer request. Comolli also spoke about loaning out Alberto Aquilani to A.C. Milan and Joe Cole to Lille. “I told Alberto during the summer, unfortunately in that position [center midfield] is someone called Steven Gerrard and it would have been difficult for Alberto to play.” In addition, a LFC pounce for Eden Hazard is out of the question according to Comolli. Some believed the Reds’ deal with Lille for Joe Cole would turn into the Belgium starlet making the move to Anfield.

David Silva has been close to flawless in his Premier League career and his manager says the Spaniard, “is one of the best players in the world. I think he‘s the same as Xavi and Iniesta.” Mancini also questioned why the attacking midfielder did not head for Real Madrid or FC Barcelona and said the club is “lucky” to have the player. The Italian has the deepest bench in football and has plenty of options come Wednesday’s match against Napoli.

Arsene Wenger says all in Europe will be chasing Real Madrid and Barcelona. “Outside the country, Barca and Real Madrid have much more financial power than they had 14 years ago because they have individualized their TV rights,” said the Gunners’ boss ahead of his side’s match against Borussia Dortmund today, “So they, at the moment, can take who they want.” Wenger also believes that the continent is headed for a financial crisis in the near future and hopes, “That will put everything into perspective again. Football is not untouchable.”

Aaron Ramsey will not play for Arsenal in their match against Borussia Dortmund. The captain of the Welsh national team picked up the injury in training yesterday.

The Somalian-born, Islam Feruz, is headed from Celtic to Chelsea. After coming up through the Scottish outfit’s youth program, Feruz opted out of a professional contract for a move to England.

Kevin Davies’ wife is defending her man after his violent challenge on Tom Cleverley put the Manchester United youngster out for four weeks. Emma Davies wrote on her Twitter account, “For all the ill-informed haters… Kevin spoke to Tom Cleverly (sic) on the phone earlier. He would never intentionally hurt anyone.” A fraudulent Facebook account which claimed to belong to Cleverley, stated that the midfielder was angry and that Davies had not apologized for the harm he had caused. United has confirmed the Facebook page is not Cleverley’s.

Queen Park Rangers 0-0 Newcastle United: Match Report

Joey Barton captained a new look QPR side in his Loftus Road debut. Neil Warnock’s side enjoyed 58% of possession and had sixteen attempts on goal, but only four hit the target. Two of the shots were blocked on the line by Newcastle defenders Steven Taylor and Danny Simpson. Alejandro Faurlin had the biggest influence on the match and his partner in crime Mr. Barton performed just as well. Faurlin completed 84% of his passes and created three goal scoring opportunities for QPR.

The Magpies’ 4-4-2 was no match for QPR’s 4-3-3, however, Newcastle definitely went for the three points in this one, playing Shola Ameobi and Leon Best up front, while Jonas Guiterrez and Gabriel Obertan headed up play on the wings. However, Guiterrez and Obertan failed to create opportunities for their side and only whipped seven balls into the box. Joey Barton alone put the same amount of balls into the penalty area and made contact with his target three times, while the Newcastle pair only managed one successful cross.

Sean Wright-Phillips was fantastic in the match, creating four chances on four of his six crosses. In addition, the English attacker attempted to score five times for his new club.

Neil Warnock praised Barton for his performance, as the new QPR captain is eyeing a spot in the England team.

Misc:

Asamoah Gyan was loaned to Al-Ain before Sunderland’s match against Chelsea. The club cites that interest from other clubs rattled that striker causing him to develop a negative attitude. The “economic benefits” of the deal and the upcoming African Nations Cup were also reasons for Gyan’s moves. Sunderland hope to clear the air with electrifying forward.

Premier League News:

Arsene Wenger’s side picked up their first win of the season, even though they probably should not have as Graham missed his chances and Vorm gave Arshavin a gift goal, but they did get the three points, and all of sudden the Frenchman’s, “confidence is back now.” The Gunners’ boss added, “In our job, momentum is vital. We just want to play to win.” And play they will come Tuesday, when Arsenal travel to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League group stage. “When we traveled to Udinese everyone expected us to win the game and we did,” said Wenger, “We want the same again.”

King Kenny believes, “There was not much more we could have done other than have that little bit of luck in front of goal.” Liverpool were defeated by a Jon Walters penalty kick, which spurred Stoke City into the top four. The Reds’ boss also commented on the officiating of the match saying, “If we continually get battered with things that are outside our control then we are not going to have much chance. Our first four league games have all had a contentious decision in them and every one of them has gone against us.”

Neil Warnock says the troubled Joey Barton was the man he wanted this summer. However, he did admits that, “If he didn’t have this baggage he wouldn’t have been signing for QPR.” Despite the new owner’s courtship of Scott Parker, the QPR manager says, “My No. 1 signing was always Joey Barton.” Warnock went on to call Barton a “classic leader” and he also believes that Barton’s new teammates will help, “keep him out of trouble.” QPR play Newcastle today and Barton will face his former club in his debut for his new one. Hopefully, Barton won’t end up like Fernando Torres has, so far, at Chelsea.

Harry Redknapp confirmed that Heurelho Gomes will most likely depart from the North London outfit come January. “He’s not happy,” said the Tottenham boss. The signing of Brad Friedel has certainly paid off for Harry and Carlo Cudicini seems the man to backup the 40 year old American. Giovanni dos Santos and Luka Modric are two players that have been seeking White Heart Lane exits. Redknapp reported that Udinese offered the club 13 million pounds for dos Santos, but the Spurs boss refused to let the player go. He also revealed that the player wanted to head for Spanish club, Seville, but their offer of 3 million euros was far too low. In other transfer news, the club is, “looking to make him [Luka Modric] a good offer.” Redknapp told the press that Daniel Levy, the club chairman, and the Croatian midfielder will hold talks about a new contract for the Spurs star.

Patrice Evra says the Red Devils, “are making it look easy,” in their opening fixtures. He also warned his teammates that they, “have to calm down,” as it has only been four games in the thirty-eight game season. “Football is like a pyramid,” Evra told The Independent, “It is easy to reach the top but to stay there is difficult.” He also praised the play of Wayne Rooney, who has been rich in form since the team’s tour of America, saying, “You can see the hunger,” in the striker.

Bryan Ruiz is pleased to be at Craven Cottage. “Newcastle were interested,” said the Fulham winger, “but I had a good feeling at Fulham and wanted to stay here.” The former FC Twente man also complemented Steve McClaren, saying he, “was very influential on me.” Ruiz started against Blackburn only to be taken off at halftime. It looks like it may take some time for the winger to adjust to the league, as he took too much time on the ball in yesterday’s match.

The Barclays Premier League is crazy. One moment you are hated and the next you could be loved. Emmanuel Adebayor became the latest William Gallas, as he scored in Tottenham’s first win of this year’s campaign. Caught up in the excitement, the Togolese striker has declared his career at City is over, despite him having another three years left on his contract with the Citizens. “Now, I want to help Tottenham. I have nothing to prove to Manchester City,” said Adebayor after the match against Wolves.

Injury News:

Kevin Davies was keen to get after the Manchester United youngsters going into the weekend’s match. It’s safe to say Davies did, as a nasty tackle on Tom Cleverley will put the United lad out of action for four weeks. Sir Alex feared his starlet suffered a broken foot, but it turns out to just be ligament damage. United will be shorthanded going into their Champions League match with Benfica. Jonny Evans is doubtful and Patrice Evra is recovering from a knock he took to his knee in Saturday’s match.

Paul Lambert says his striker James Vaughan has, “got a really nasty gash in his upper lip.” The Norwich City substitute was taken to the hospital to see a plastic surgeon after taking one of Gabriel Tamas’ elbows to the face. The incident could have warranted a penalty and a red card, but the referee missed the challenge.

Junior Hoilett assisted Ruben Rochina in his stunning goal against Fulham, but the Blackburn man would be on a stretcher 59 minutes of football later. Hoilett challenged Mark Schwarzer, Fulham’s goalkeeper, just outside the penalty area. Their head’s collided and Junior certainly got the worst of it. According to Steve Kean, who was furious after the heart-stopping collision, told the press, “Junior has got a nasty gash on the side of his head, he’s got three or four stitches and he’s got a big swollen eye.” The Blackburn man was knocked out and may have a concussion, the severity of which will determine if Hoilett will be in the Rovers squad come next weekend.

Tottenham’s Rafael van der Vaart will be back in action next weekend, when his Spurs take on Liverpool. The Dutchman was scheduled to be out for a month and a half, but he reports that he can, “do proper turns again and regular sprints.” Van der Vaart added, “Next weekend seem like no problem to me!”

Wojciech Szczesny revealed he has taken a bit of stick from his Polish teammates after United put eight past the Arsenal keeper. A few of those players that mocked the keeper are part of the Borussia Dortmund side that the Gunners will take on in the Champions League this week.

Michel Vorm said that the Emirates was “scary.” The Swansea keeper complemented the youth and talent in Wenger’s side, but says their lack of confidence is holding them back from success.

Vorm also praised the confidence that Manchester City has, and nobody has more confidence in his play than Sergio Aguero. The striker is looking to revive the club similar to the way Diego Maradona led Napoli to the scudetto upon his arrival at the Italian club.

QPR vs. Newcastle United:

Joey Barton makes his QPR debut at Loftus Road. Newcastle, with a win, can earn a spot in the top four.

Misc:

Somebody in the EPL is in deep trouble and it’s not Garry Cook anymore. The Channel 4 show Dispatches says they will reveal a footballer whom tested positive for cocaine. Dispatches may also uncover the names of other players that have tested positive for cocaine and cannabis, despite those names kept a secret by the FA. This story will make a huge splash and it will surely embarrass the player who just made a multi-million pound move to a club that has no knowledge of the player’s secret.

Russia is now number one when it comes to football on the beach. Led by Dmitry Shishin, who scored three goals in their 12-8 win, the Russians dispatched former cup winners Brazil to win the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, in Italy.

Premier League News:

Neil Warnock said he would love to have David Beckham on his team, but Harry Redknapp won’t go down without a fight for Beckham, whose contract runs out with the MLS outfit at the end of November. Beckham trained with Spurs last year, during the MLS off-season. The Spurs manager praised Beckham’s leadership saying, “He’s the best example there is for any young player, how he looks after himself, how he trains and how he’s stayed an ordinary guy despite his extraordinary success.” Redknapp added that the Englishman is “worth his weight in gold.”

Kevin Davies is looking for blood come Bolton’s date with Manchester United at the Reebok. “United at home is one we all look forward to and we fancy our chances against anyone here,” said Davies. The striker also warned David De Gea to expect “a few crosses going in.” Bolton are eager to test the United youngster who has had some trouble in his first three games in the league, but the Spaniard did stop a penalty in the game against Arsenal. Davies is also looking to give Phil Jones a hard time. “He’s a big strong boy, so this is another one I’m looking forward to. I relish these kind of challenges, he’s coming on as a player and still young, so I’ll be trying to give him a going over.”

Per Mertesacker has not played a match yet for Arsenal. The former Werder Bremen defender will be playing in a Gunners shirt this weekend, and he is already looking to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Tony Adams. Mertesacker told the club’s website, “We didn’t get many pictures of him on the television, but Adams was a legend here. He is a special one for me.” Arsenal play Swansea this weekend and each side will be looking to pick up their first win of the new campaign.

Bill Kenwright may be close to getting new investors in Everton. According to ESPNSoccernet, Kenwright held three meetings over the last week, during which he spoke to potential investors. Despite his efforts, the Blue Union supporters group will march outside Goodison Park before the team’s game against Aston Villa, to show their frustration with the way the club has been run. “It is laughable that some fans are demanding that someone comes in to sell the club when Bill is trying so hard to bring in fresh investment,” said a close friend of the Everton chairman, “Let me tell you there is no better salesman, no-one better equipped to sing the praises of Everton and to sell the club.”

Sandro will be in North London until 2016. Signed from Inter Milan for 8 million pounds, the Brazilian who is currently out due to the procedure done on his knee in July, started 17 times last season, and who could forget his memorable long-range effort against Chelsea. The midfielder should be back next month.

The Mario Balotelli Show just does not end. Manchester City’s striker will be a witness in a the trial of a member of the Naples Mafia. The case goes to trial next week and Balotelli will take the stand next Thursday. Mario Iorio, a money launderer, gave the forward a tour of Naples’ crime district, and the prosecution is calling Balotelli’s relationship with the caterer into question. The Italian claims, “There is nothing to worry about. I am calm. I had no idea who the people were showing me around Scampia.” He is sorry about the impact it will have on his family and his reputation. Super Mario, “just wanted to see what the area was like as [he] had seen it in the film Gomorrah,” a film about organized crime in the area. The news that the former Inter man was headed to trial comes days after he supposedly brought an iPad to the bench of Italy’s match on Tuesday.

Irish defender John O’Shea did not head to Sunderland to be on, “Easy Street.” The former Manchester United player has suffered a few setbacks since joining the Black Cats. He suffered a hamstring injury which set his debut for the club back until they played Swansea and now, after suffering a injury while on international duty, he will miss this weekend’s game against Chelsea.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas wants to bring Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres back to form for the Stamford Bridge club and their respective national teams. “This is one of the top layers in England,” said Villas-Boas of Lampard, “He wants to keep performing club-wise to be performing for the national team.” The ex-Porto manager wants to get “the best” out of Torres. “We try to free them to exploit their talent and we hope to do it with all of them,” said the new Chelsea gaffer.

However, as of this morning Villas-Boas said Torres’ lack of form, “can never compromise the objectives of the team.” He also said that he has “no problem dropping players.” The manager did back his struggling striker by saying, “You didn’t lose your talent because you went 21 games scoring just one goal. It’s not just about scoring goals, it’s about creating opportunities and I think he’s been doing that.”

Misc:

Real Madrid could be in trouble with football’s governing body. Though the club is willing to pay the buyout fee for Neymar, at 45 million pounds, Real may be in trouble for contacting the player before Santos officially accepted the club‘s offer. It has been rumored that the Brazilian would prefer a move to Madrid, but a friend of the striker says, “Neymar is still making up his mind, there is no decision yet.”

Notts County drew 1-1 with Juventus. The Italian giants invited the club, that inspired them to where black and white stripes, to cut the tape with them at Juventus Arena, the club’s new 41,000 seat stadium. Luca Toni struck first, but three minutes from time, Lee Hughes got the equalizer for the League One side.

FC Sion have appealed their ban from Europa League football according to UEFA.

Article of the Day:

John Brewin takes a look back at how the 9/11 attacks changed European football.

Today’s “Daily Ticker” also features surprising comments from Fabio Capello and a video of the official who snuck in a snapshot of himself and an Argentine superstar. In addition, Roberto Mancini explains his signing of Owen Hargreaves and Neil Warnock hints there is truth behind David Beckham’s supposed move to Queens Park Rangers.

Premier League News:

Roberto Mancini says Manchester City took a gamble on the former United player Owen Hargreaves. The City boss wanted to sign Daniel de Rossi or Fernando Gago to boost their midfield. However, Mancini told the media, “We couldn’t spend any more money also or the question of financial fair play.” “We needed a central midfield player but unfortunately… a lot of [players] have gone out on loan, so fees haven’t come in for them,” said David Platt, the Italian boss’ assistant, “You have to get creative.”

“If we keep playing the way we are at Liverpool,” said winger Stewart Downing, “we’ve got a hell of a chance of being in the top bracket.” The England international claims there is a ‘feelgood factor’ at Anfield and midfielder is trying to keep that going help out the national side as well. Downing added, “Getting a run of games helps your confidence and getting used to the players around me.”

Neil Warnock spoke to the Daily Telegraph an said, “About three weeks ago I would not have dreamed to sign Joey Barton so I will never write anything off.” The QPR manager says the Beckham rumors, “came out of the blue,” but, “I think anything is possible.”

Jonny Evans of Manchester United believes this could be it for him at Old Trafford. After last year’s disappointing form on loan, Evans is glad to be back at United. The Northern Ireland defender said of his boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, “If you are not in his plans he will move you on.”

Owen Coyle is in no rush to sign Gary Cahill to a new contract. He said, “It is not a conversation for right now…my focus is making sure Gary concentrates on the football side of things.”

Sir Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports, “I think you could say that five or six teams will be involved… It’s always hard to win the league.” The long time Manchester United boss cites the big three in London and the North to be the key reason why it is so difficult to win the Premiership, especially this season. Ferguson has a young squad this year, but defended the team saying, “You have to try and build teams that will last for a few years…This is another example of trusting the young players and giving them opportunities.” Sir Alex also said that, “Sneijder is not the ideal replacement for [Paul] Scholes… Only Xavi and Iniesta are comparable to Scholes.”

In other Manchester United news, Michael Owen claims, “If we played Barcelona again in the final… We wouldn’t be frightened of playing them…that’s for sure.”

Aaron Ramsey has tipped Arsenal to, “put things right,” after being thumped by Manchester United 8-2. The Welsh midfielder believes the signing of Everton’s Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker will help the team recover. The Gunners take on Swansea City at the weekend.

Raul Meireles says he, “didn’t want to leave Liverpool.” The former Porto midfielder says the fact that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas wanted him, led to the midfielder putting in his transfer request, to head for Stamford Bridge. “It was strange, because I knew of the interest of Chelsea, and the interest of the coach,” said the Chelsea man, “The people think that I wanted to leave [but] it is only because Chelsea wanted me. For Andre to want me, that is why I wanted to go.” The midfielder also says the relationships he has with Jose Bosingwa, David Luiz, and Ramires have helped him ease into the Stamford Bridge locker room.

Steve Bruce told Sunderland’s TV network that Niklas Bendtner has, “got something to prove and a real hunger to show people just how good he is.” The Sunderland boss has watched over the striker since his days at Birmingham.

Samir Nasri may have broken a bone in one of his hands while on international duty with France. The injury occurred against Romania on Tuesday. Nasri will be evaluated by the City medical staff upon his return to the club.

International Break Aftermath:

Luis Suarez went the distance in Uruguay’s 3-2 win in Ukraine. The striker wants no rest. He told the Daily Mirror, “I want to play in all the games I can for Liverpool. I don’t want any rest at all.” The South American admitted he was frustrated when Dalglish did not start him against Arsenal.

Vicente del Bosque confirmed that Fernando Torres’ place in the Spanish squad is in jeopardy. “Torres is an important player, but those who stand out with their clubs will get the call to the national team, not the other way round,” said the World Champion manager.

England News:

Fabio Capello knew that his team would perform poorly against Wales. After seeing the team’s warm-up he could tell the players were not ready for the qualifier. Capello told the press, “We train very well. Everything is perfect. Then when we are here [Wembley], it is different. We need to find a solution.” The Italian pointed to his head in an interview and said, “The problem was here.”

Misc:

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce says football’s governing body and the European Club Association will hold talks later in the month to reduce the amount of international matches. However, don’t get your hopes up too high, as the clubs and FIFA are very far apart on this issue. The clubs want no friendlies or smaller qualifying groups. Boyce said, “There have been a lot of meaningless friendlies recently…when players don’t really want to play and clubs don’t want to release their players.” The British VP insists the two sides must reach a compromise.

Article of the Day:

Chris Burton questions if the ‘Wembley factor’ is really an issue for the national side.

Video of the Day:

This referee sneaks a picture of himself and Leo Messi.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9m6SEtRDIw

Question of the Day:

Will Arsenal turn it around this weekend against Swansea City?

Have your say below and comment on the days news!

Yesterday’s Euro 2012 qualifying matches saw plenty of Premier League players in action, mainly in a less than impressive England squad that defeated Wales. Today’s “Daily Ticker” will cover the England vs. Wales match, wrap-up the international break, and much more.

England 1-0 Wales: Match Report

The Three Lions now top their group. Six points ahead of Montenegro, England have nearly qualified. However, they will have to be better than they were against Wales on Tuesday. Capello’s squad came out and played well to start. Lampard brought a little more experience to the squad in a jam-packed England midfield. Switching between a 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 4-5-1, Capello’s tactical decisions were questionable, especially when Stewart Downing and Ashley Young played on their weaker sides. Though the Italian showed why he is the boss and not I, as Downing’s brilliant step-over toward the touchline ended with a gorgeous right-footed pass to United’s new signing, Young, for the match winner.

England brought out the intensity Capello was looking for, but the squad faded, despite the substitution of lively winger Adam Johnson eleven minutes from time.

Downing contributed early, whipping in a few balls for Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole to put a head onto, but it was his persistence down the right flank that earned him the assist.

Frank Lampard got back in the starting XI, replacing Scott Parker. The Chelsea midfielder had a chance to put England 2-0 up, but “Lamps” got the ball caught under his leg, causing a awkward shot that missed the target.

James Milner also started. The City man was given license to roam the pitch, as Capello used him as a playmaker, especially to link up with Young on the left.

Tottenham’s Gareth Bale primarily played down the right for Wales. England had no answer for the Welshman, who torched Ashley Cole (who played very high up throughout the game), especially in the second half. Bale’s speed and technical ability helped the winger whip a few balls into the box and earn free kicks for his side in dangerous areas. His skill did hurt him a bit though, as Bale got greedy, taking too many touches on the ball after dribbling around a few England defenders, which led to a shot that was well high and wide of the target. The Spurs midfielder’s best chance came on a free kick, which did not dip in time to beat Hart.

Gary Speed’s 68^th minute addition of Robert Earnshaw gave the Welsh some extra pace up front to accompany Bale. However, Earnshaw, I’m sure, would love to forget last night. He missed a perfect opportunity to equalize for Wales, as the ball was laid down for him perfectly when he came streaking into the six-yard box after a free kick. Needless to say, Earnshaw sent the ball to the moon, and England escaped with a 1-0 win.

While Speed praised his players for taking the game to the Three Lions, his counterpart was less than pleased with his team’s performance saying, “We did not play the last 15 minutes well. We suffered a lot. We didn’t play good passes and never pressed the ball…The players suffered this evening. They did not play fast.” Though, Capello did say he was “happy for the result. It was the most important thing.”

England need to salvage just one point against Montenegro to qualify for the finals.

Death of Welsh Supporter:

Trouble brewed outside Wembley before the match and it led to the death of a 44 year old supporter of Wales and Cardiff City. The man was assaulted in a scuffle, but it is unclear what fueled the brawl. There is a strong possibility that the fight was not caused by English and Welsh hooligans going at it as the only men arrested in the case are from Wales. More details will come over the next few days and Scotland Yard have not ruled anything out. EPL Talk’s thoughts and prayers go out to the Welsh supporter and his family.

Euro 2012: Premier League Players

Juan Mata featured in Spain’s 6-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein. The new Chelsea man beat his marker on the right and slotted a cross to David Villa, who finished with ease. Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas replaced Xavi at the break. Spain are undefeated in qualification and have qualified for the finals.

Scotland defeated Lithuania 1-0. However, it should have been two for the Scots had not Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher missed his penalty kick.

Former Premier League player Eidur Gudjohnsen played in Iceland’s 1-0 win over Cyprus.

Sunderland’s Niklas Bendtner was fantastic in Denmark’s 2-0 win against Norway. The striker’s brace came with 24^th and 44^th minute goals. Stoke City’s Thomas Sorensen shutout the Norwegians and was accompanied at the back by Liverpool’s Daniel Agger.

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou helped the Swiss to a 3-1 win versus Bulgaria. A hat-trick by Xherdan Shagiri defeated the Stiliyan and Martin Petrov midfield. Stiliyan told the press that the prospect of him retiring from the squad is, “…a lot of nonsense.” There have been rumors that the midfielder would stop playing after breaking the record for appearing the most for his country. Yordan Lechov, the man who propelled Bulgaria to the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup with that famous header to send the Germans home, believes that both Petrovs should “…retire with dignity.”

Luka Modric is back. The Spurs man struck for his country in the 47^th minute of his nation’s 3-1 win. Niko Kranjcar was also in the Croatia midfield, while Yossi Benayoun got another start for his country in the defeat.

Blackburn Rover’s Martin Olsson scored in Sweden’s 5-0 win over San Marino.

John Heitinga, Dirk Kuyt, and Robin van Persie started in Holland’s 2-0 win against Finland. Swansea’s Michel Vorm is aiming to take Maarten Stekelenburg’s spot in the starting XI. Vorm was in the squad for the match.

Patrice Evra and Bacary Sagna played in France’s 0-0 draw with Romania. Florent Malouda stayed on the bench, while City’s Samir Nasri was added on in the 75^th minute.

Edin Dzeko played the full 90 in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s 1-0 win against Belarus.

Italy defeated Slovenia 1-0. Mario Balotelli appeared for the victors off the bench. The Italian is playing down reports that he brought a iPad to the bench to entertain himself at last Friday’s match against the Faroe Islands, though he did admit to having it at warm-ups.

Aleksandar Kolarov and Branislay Ivanovic led Serbia to a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands. Newcastle’s Joan Edmundsson started for the Faroe Islands in their defeat on Tuesday.

Northern Ireland could not take the pressure from Estonia, who topped a side that included Fulham defenders Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird, 4-0.

Martin Skrtel’s Slovakia suffered a embarrassing 4-0 loss to Armenia.

Aston Villa’s Shay Given and Richard Dunne braved pressure from Andrei Arshavin’s Russia to earn the Ireland a 0-0 draw. Given made three key stops, while Dunne had a goal-line block. The Villa defender was injured and the bloody number on the back of his shirt had to be replaced by the staff, who used a marker to pencil in the number. Stephen Ward, Glenn Whalen, Kevin Doyle, and Damien Duff also played for Ireland.

Premier League News:

Sir Alex Ferguson is defending Jose Mourinho, saying that he doesn’t “find anything wrong with his enthusiasm,” when commenting on the Real Madrid manager’s on-field antics and off-field remarks. The United boss told a Italian news source that when he was younger he, “was always gesticulating and directing.”

“It’s complete and utter rubbish and absolute nonsense,” said Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, when asked if Arsene Wenger was about to leave the Gunners for PSG. Hill-Wood believes his manager is happy and has tipped the new signings to boost the club’s performances this season.

Misc:

For us Americans it has been a rough week. Jurgen Klinsmann has got off to a rough start, as the Stars and Stripes fell 1-0 to Belgium yesterday.

Is David Beckham coming back to England? The former United midfielder may be headed to Queens Park Rangers after his LA Galaxy contract expires, says club owner Tony Fernandes. QPR have made “initial contact,” with the MLS club according to the Daily Mail.

Article of the Day:

Goal.com’s Shane Evans takes a look at how Manchester City is its own worst enemy.

Video of the Day:

Ashley Young scored the winner for England. Here are his thoughts on the match and the future of the team.

Question of the Day:

How disappointed were you by England’s performance against Wales?

Liverpool’s Damien Comolli is looking to establish a permanent relationship between the Reds and Uruguayan side Nacional. The English club have signed two of the club’s former players in the last year. Comolli praised the Nacional academy, saying, “During the Copa America they had 14 players out of the 23 who had at some point played at Nacional or were developed by Nacional. That is a fantastic record for their academy.”

Garry Cook is not off the hook for the vicious e-mail he allegedly sent to Dr Anthonia Onuoha, the mother and agent of City‘s Nedum Onuoha. The club released a statement saying, “Following allegations made to the football club by Dr Anthonia Onuoha, subsequently reported in today’s media, the Club can confirm that a board led review has been launched into the matter.” Cook is the chief executive of Manchester City.

Arsenal are in even more trouble now. UEFA confirmed that Arsene Wenger will have to sit in the stands for the Gunners’ first two group stage matches against Borussia Dortmund and Olympiacos. The club was fined 10,000 euros for “improper conduct” by the club’s hierarchy. Wenger was originally banned after Arsenal’s exit from the Champions League last year against Barcelona. However, he broke the ban by communicating with the sideline in Arsenal’s first leg against Udinese. As if things could not get worse for Wenger, he has lost Belgium’s Thomas Vermaelen for two months. The defender is undergoing Achilles surgery.

Owen Coyle values England’s Gary Cahill at 10 million pounds. The Bolton manager told the press that nobody came close to the double digit figure in the last transfer window.

Steven Gerrard is happy to have Craig Bellamy back at Anfield, saying he was sad to see the striker go after his first stint with the Reds. The Liverpool midfielder said, “I’m delighted that Craig is back – I didn’t want him to leave in the first place.” The Englishman complemented Bellamy’s work ethic and has tipped his “fiery character” to help the Reds succeed.

Mike Ashley had a night out on the town worth 2,000 pounds. Due to the credibility of the site, EPLTalk will not report any other details concerning Ashley’s night out.

England News:

Fabio Capello:

The Italian has confronted Andy Carroll about his drinking problem. He told the press they had a “private discussion.” The Liverpool striker has done well in training since the Bulgaria match, in which he was not selected. Capello said, “I think, if you want to be a good player and a good sportsman, he needs to drink less than the normal.” The England boss wants to be very cautious with Carroll, whom Capello says will be a “important” part of the Three Lions in the future.

Capello also assured the press that Frank Lampard has a future with the team. He said Frank is a important member of the squad and a leader, though the boss will not say if Lampard will start against Wales.

The England manager will not accept responsibility for the injury of Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere. There have been discrepancies between the Arsenal and FA medical staffs concerning the treatment of the player, whom originally suffered the ankle injury against Switzerland. Capello said, “During a game, it can happen, it’s normal. People get shoulder, knee, head injuries. When he started the game he was fit. If he hadn’t been, he wouldn’t have played… Afterwards he went on holiday. It‘s not my job to say what happened but I hope he will be fit in a really short time.”

Racism:

The match in Sofia was ruined by racial slurs sung to Ashley Young and Theo Walcott. The team wore “Kick Racism Out of Football” sweatbands to practice yesterday. Capello said racism is a, “…really terrible thing. I’m against it absolutely.”

England U-21s 4-1 Israel U-21s:

Stuart Pierce’s side was totally different from that played in his lad’s 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan. Many got their first England starts and it showed, as they went down 1-0 early. However, the addition of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved to be the difference in the match. The youngster setup two goals and earned a spot kick for his country. All of the Three Lions’ goals came after the break. Martyn Waghorn headed home the equalizer with 58 minutes gone and Marvin Sordell scored from distance to give England the lead. Eight minutes from time, Nathan Delfouneso scored on the penalty drawn by Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Henri Lansbury struck in added time.

Misc:

Mohamed Bin Hammam complained to football’s governing body, in a letter to the ethics panel, that he would not have been prosecuted had he been European. Hammam also claims that Jerome Valcke and Sepp Blatter should be investigated for their roles in corrupt actions. The Qatar native still denies that he took part in a bribery scandal.

Cristiano Ronaldo may sign a 10 year contract with Real Madrid. However, the former Manchester United star has not put a return to England out of his plans.

Neymar claims that Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona are still after him.

Former Sunderland player Steed Malbranque, who left for St Etienne, has terminated his contract with the French club. This comes just a day after his representatives told the press the 31 year old was retiring to take care of his son, whom suffers from cancer. However, Steed has no ill family members at all.

Article of the Day/Video of the Day:

This week’s “Off the Ball” by Dominic Raynor includes news surrounding Park Chu-Young and shows Mezut Ozil disappear.

Question of the Day:

Is the Lampard-Gerrard era over?

I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day Weekend even though we have no Premier League football. In America, we had the start of the college football season, but it just does not compare to the excitement of the EPL. With the England vs. Wales match upon us and the league back in just 5 days (we can make it!), today’s Daily Ticker takes a spin around the Euro 2012 qualifiers to look at the performances of players from the league, as well as the day’s news.

Euro 2012:

Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher struck for Scotland in the 83rd minute of their controversial 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic. The Czechs equalized on a 90th minute penalty by Michal Kadlec, though video replays suggest the official got it terribly wrong.

Aaron Hughes scored for Northern Ireland in their 4-0 demolition of the Faroe Islands. The Craven Cottage man scored the winner in the 5th minute. However, Northern Ireland were defeated by a Serbian team with Aleksandar Kolarov and Branislav Ivanovic, 1-0, at the weekend.

Nani and Raul Meireles starred in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Cyprus. Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.

Norwich City’s Steve Morison and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey struck for the Welsh in a crucial 2-1 win over Montenegro. EPL stars Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy also featured for Wales.

Bolton’s Ivan Klasnic and Spurs’ Vedran Corluka featured for Croatia in their 3-1 victory over Malta. Luka Modric was placed on the bench for this one and never graced the pitch.

Yossi Benayoun started in Israel’s defeat to Greece.

Robin van Persie struck four times in the Netherlands’ 11-0 demolition of San Marino. Everton’s John Heitinga and Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt netted for Holland as well.

Patrice Evra, Florent Malouda, Samir Nasri and Younes Kaboul suited up for France in their 2-1 win against Albania.

Edin Dzeko featured for Bosnia-Herzegovnia, as they beat Belarus 2-0.

Alberto Aquilani and Mario Balotelli appeared as substitutes in Italy’s 1-0 win over the Faroe Islands.

Shay Given, John O’Shea, Richard Dunne, Stephen Ward, Glenn Whelan, Damien Duff, and Kevin Doyle featured for Ireland in their 0-0 draw with Martin Skrtel’s Slovakia.

Premier League attackers Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko played in Russia’s 1-0 win against Macedonia.

Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet let one past him in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan.

Of course, Wayne Rooney scored twice for England after Gary Cahill’s goal, in the Three Lions’ 3-0 defeat of Bulgaria.

Injuries:

Scotland: Charlie Adam was pulled off the pitch with 10 minutes to play against the Czechs. The new Liverpool midfielder will not play against Lithuania. Blackburn’s Grant Hanley has been called up to the first team. Alan Hutton and Darren Fletcher are both questionable for the Lithuania match.

Ireland: Sunderland’s John O’Shea has not traveled to Moscow for Ireland’s game against Russia. The defender is suffering from calf and hip strains. Shay Given is questionable for the match due to a back strain.

England: Sky Sports is reporting that Leighton Baines will not be in the squad for the match against Wales. The Everton defender reportedly picked up a hamstring injury in training. The FA says that Baines won’t be replaced. Darren Bent has not recovered from his groin injury and will not be available for the game against Wales. Manchester City’s Micah Richards has a hamstring injury and will not play either. Jack Wilshere will be out for two more months. The Arsenal youngster is fighting off a ankle injury. He did further damage to the ankle at the Emirates Cup against New York Red Bulls.

News:

Garry Cook is in hot water. Manchester City’s chief executive has been accused of sending a vicious e-mail to Nedum Onuoha’s mother/agent. Dr Anthonia Onuoha’s told Brian Marwood that she has been, “ravaged with cancer.” In a e-mail sent to Onuoha from Cook, meant for Marwood, Cook wrote, “Ravaged with it!!…… I don’t know how you sleep at night. You used to be such a nice man…” Nedum’s mother sarcastically thanked Cook for the e-mail, though the City administrator denies sending it, saying his account was hacked, last October, while he was vacationing in South Africa.

Despite claims by Manchester United’s first team coach, Rene Meulensteen, that Chelsea’s team, “is too old,” his boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, believes the Blues can still contend for the title, making comparisons between his squad and the Stamford Bridge one. Sir Alex said of Chelsea, “They’ll still be a big threat and we expect them to challenge.”

Liverpool’s Andy Carroll has got off to a rocky start at Anfield this season, struggling to find a place in the starting XI. It seems he is having the same problem with the England team. Fabio Capello told the press that, “Andy didn’t play the last game with Liverpool and probably he is not at the top. Also, he is big. He needs to play games, games, games.” The England manager went on to say that once Carroll is fit he will become a “important” piece of the Three Lions’ squad.

Tottenham’s Gareth Bale said, “We’re always going to be massive underdogs whoever we’re playing at the moment. But it’s something that we are relishing.” Bale also told the press he feels the team has made improvements since their last go around against England and that the squad shows great promise for the future.

Raul Meireles claims his move to Chelsea was not about the money and said, “I will explain it [why he made the move] later.”

Gary Cahill told the press, “My head is fine and I’m doing what I love doing, playing football,” after a wild week for the Bolton man, who nearly moved to a London club and then scored for his country against Bulgaria.

Theo Walcott said, “Frank’s got plenty to offer still,” despite rumors that Lampard’s future in the England team is over. England boss, Fabio Capello, says the Chelsea midfielder will have to fight for his place in the squad. Walcott also praised Arsene Wenger’s new signings.

Article of the Day:

Alex Dimond takes at look at the turnaround at Anfield.

Video of the Day:

John Carew was born on this day in 1979. The Norwegian has provided a great amount of entertainment to those at Villa Park over the years.

Question of the Day:

What have you done to get your football fix without the EPL?

Yesterday was the quietest news day the Premier League has had since late May. With all the signings completed, all that was left to do for players was to tell their club websites how excited they were to be playing for their new team. However, there is always news concerning the EPL and of course the England team have two important Euro 2012 qualifiers coming, one being today! In today’s “Ticker,” we’ll take a look at what John Terry had to say about Manchester United players, why Liverpool need Mr. Bellamy, according to Jamie Carragher, the latest Joey Barton has to say about Newcastle, and much more. This edition also includes a preview and teams news concerning the England vs. Bulgaria match.

John Terry Wants United Youngsters in England Squad:

The captain of the Three Lions has asked his gaffer, Fabio Capello, to utilize Chris Smalling, Tom Cleverley, and Phil Jones, by giving the Red Devil lads places in the starting XI. Terry claims that three are, “very assured,” of their abilities and told the press the trio have high levels of confidence, especially after their 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal.

Jamie Carragher on LFC‘s New Signings:

The Liverpool defender praised Dalglish’s signing of the City man on Thursday. He told the club’s website, “It’s a great signing… For the last few years at Man City he has been excellent, not just as a striker but as a wide player.” Carragher went on to say that Downing, is the only winger on the side, and despite preferring to be a forward, he believes Bellamy can fill the void on the right.

On Sebastian Coates, the center-back admitted to seeing much of the Uruguayan, but that he is happy to have the 20 year old at the club. The veteran is excited about the prospect of learning a different style of defending from the South American. Some have suggested that Cortes could take Carragher’s place in the squad upon arrival. The Englishman humbly said, “You can’t think of yourself, you have to think of the team.”

Joey Barton’s Twitter:

The man likes to Tweet. It is his therapy and a great place for him to let out all of his feelings. The QPR midfielder wrote on his account, “Nice to see MA and DL come through with their promise to reinvest AC money, 59m (pound) net profit from transfers in last 5 seasons… ambition???” (MA=Mike Ashley, DL=Derek Lambias, AC=Andy Carroll) As we all know, Barton left Newcastle due to his clashes with the club’s hierarchy. Barton also claims that Tiote, Jonas, and Coloccini may be sold in January.

Alan Pardew Charged:

The Newcastle manager has been charged with improper conduct by the FA, following comments he made about Howard Webb previous to the match against Sunderland. He said, “…the ref needs to make sure he referees from a completely neutral point of view,” as the manager was concerned that Joey Barton’s presence on the pitch may generate bias from the referee of the 2010 World Cup Final.

Carlos Tevez Staying at City Long Term?

The Argentine’s representative says that his client may be staying in Manchester after all. Tevez’s wife seems to be Carlos’ main concern. However, she has finally moved to the city with him, in part to her close relationship with the wife of new City signing Sergio Aguero. However, first team time will be tough to come by, as Aguero and Dzeko have combined for nine goals in their first three games this season.

Bulgaria vs England:

Darren Bent is doubtful for the match today. The striker is suffering from a groin injury and has not trained in three days. This is a huge blow for Capello, as the forward scored three goals in three games for the Three Lions. This opens the door for Jermaine Defoe or Andy Carroll to get stuck in for England.

Fabio Capello:

The England manager is happy that today’s match will not be at Wembley. He told the press that at Wembley, “…the players find it difficult to play against teams but away we can play with more space… Sometimes we play better away from home.” The Italian inferred that the players, especially the youngsters, can be intimated by the environment of Wembley, which places loads of pressure on the footballers.

Capello is excited about the prospect of Owen Hargreaves’ career being revived. The Canadian-born’s career peaked with his fantastic performances for England at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Whether or not the ex-United player can live up to that standard again remains to be seen, as the 30 year old defender has been injury prone as of late. Hargreaves has said that he is not in any rush to make his Manchester City debut.

He also believes this is the perfect chance for Wayne Rooney to end his goal scoring drought for the national side. Capello said, “Goals are a fantastic medicine for a forward.” Rooney has only scored one goal in the last two years for England.

The Italian is not giving any information about who will be in the side today. Capello told the press it’s interesting because he has young players with confidence along with many seasoned footballers.

My Proposed England XI vs. Bulgaria: 4-4-1-1

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

Defense: (From left to right) Ashley Cole, John Terry, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling

Midfield: (Left to right) Stewart Downing, Gareth Barry, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young

Strikers: Wayne Rooney playing below Andy Carroll

Bench: Stockdale, Richards, Lescott, Cleverley, Johnson, Lampard, Defoe

Prediction: Bulgaria 0-3 England

I expect Rooney to propel the Three Lions to victory with a goal and two assists.

Misc:

In other England news, the England u-21s beat up on Azerbaijan 6-0 yesterday. Craig Dawson scored two goals in his U-21, debut off of corners from Henri Lansbury. The Arsenal man loaned to Upton Park had a brace of his own. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson scored and Martyn Waghorn hit a laser from 30 yards in the win.

Dutch winger Eljero Elia says he snubbed Arsenal on Wednesday to head for Juventus.

Bayern Munich’s Ghanaian legend, Samuel Kuffour, will have his testimonial December 23 in Kumsai, where the defender grew up. Andy Cole, Dwight York, Samuel Eto’o, and Alex Song are amongst the stars that will be seen in the match. The game’s proceeds will go to a local orphanage.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust has asked the Glazers to pay off the club’s debt. MUST cite the large amount of money the club has made in the Singapore Stock Market. The number is thought to be close to 600 million pounds (30% of the market). They would like the club to pull out of the market, pay off the debt, and reinvest the reported 110 million pounds made last year at the club.

Steve McClaren may leave Nottingham Forest soon. The former England manager is considering his future with the club, because he does not believe he has enough strength in the squad to bring the team up to the top flight. Forest have started poorly, winning just one match in their opening five. The club chairman Nigel Doughty blamed the lack of spending on the new Financial Fair Play rules of the Championship.

Article of the Day:

Goal.com reviews the summer transfer window and rates the top 20 signings during the period.

Video of the Day:

The England U-21s look fantastic and Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey was on form in training, ahead of yesterday’s match, scoring a fantastic goal.

Feel free to criticize my England XI while commenting on the day’s news, and debating whom you would put on the pitch for the Three Lions’ today.

Arsenal: The Gunners were on the “selling side” of the transfer market, as they let go of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. However, Wenger turned it around on the final day by sealing the signings of Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos. Mertesacker brings size to the Arsenal back four and experience. The lengthy defender should help the Gunners defend on set pieces, which was a issue for last year’s squad. The German has appeared for the national team 75 times. Arsenal signed Santos from Fenerbahce yesterday. He has been capped 22 times for Brazil. These two defenders bring experience to a young Arsenal defense. A last minute deal for Everton’s Mikel Arteta went through late on Wednesday night. Literally at the last minute, it took a half hour for the deal to be confirmed by the FA. The Spaniard told the press that a move to the North London club was, “a big opportunity,” and the 29 year old said, “I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League.” The Gunners also picked up Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on a season long loan. Benayoun can provide extra spark and creativity to a side lacking in that category, as the Israeli proved he could when coming off the bench late in matches at Liverpool.

Aston Villa: The Birmingham club made moves for Spurs players Alan Hutton and Jermaine Jenas. The ex-Spurs duo were both ecstatic to join Villa. Hutton said, “As soon as I knew Villa was interested, it was the only place I wanted to go,” while Jenas added that he is, “…delighted. Villa are a big club and I’m up for the cause.” Aston Villa guaranteed the signing of Shamrock Rovers youngster Enda Stevens. The Ireland U21 will join the club in January.

Blackburn: As expected, Birmingham City defender Scott Dann signed for Blackburn today. The 24 year old Englishman, will dawn the number 16 at Ewood Park. Rovers also acquired Yakubu from Everton on a permanent deal (though the player is not yet listed as a first team member on the club‘s website).

Bolton: It was a good day for the Wanderers. In addition to holding on to Harry Redknapp’s key target, Gary Cahill, the club secured Gael Kakuta on a 6-month deal. The French winger should bring extra skill to Bolton. Coyle also got his hands on David Ngog. For a major part of Liverpool’s team last season, Ngog was a key part of the squad, because there was no one else to put up front until Suarez and Carroll came aboard. The Frenchman led the team in goals for a long period of time. Ngog will be at the Reebok for three years.

Chelsea: Raul Meireles penned a four year deal with the Blues, just after filing a transfer request at Anfield. Watching the coverage of the drama on TV, it left me in shock that Dalgish was willing to sell one of his best players from last season. However, the Portuguese midfielder is very happy with the move that finally went through. Throughout the day, Chelsea loaned out players left and right, sending Kakuta to Bolton, Patrick van Aanholt to Wigan, and Ulises Davila to Vitesse.

Everton: The Toffies lost two key members of their club yesterday in Jermaine Beckford and Mikel Arteta. The club also sent teenage defender Shane Duffy to Scunthorpe United on loan, which is supposed to last a month. However, there were good points in the day for Everton, as the club signed 24 year old winger Royston Drenthe, from Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. Drenthe, who can be used as a defender, spent last year on loan at Hercules. The Dutchman was in fantastic form last year and should have a bright year on loan at Goodison Park. In addition to Drenthe, David Moyes’ signed Denis Stracqualursi on a season-long loan. Denis should be a strong replacement for Yakubu. The Argentine, known as El Traca, is a powerful striker who was signed from Tigre.

Fulham: The Cottagers reportedly saved Clint Dempsey from being poached by Arsene Wenger on deadline day. FFC confirmed the signing of Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente. The fee is undisclosed, but is expected to be around 10 million pounds. The winger signed a four year deal. Orlando Sa was brought to Craven Cottage on a three year deal. Sa played for Porto and was on loan at Nacional last year and he has been capped by his nation’s national team. The 23 year old said, “This is an enormous opportunity for me.” Fulham’s third signing of the day was defender Zdenek Grygera. He signed a one year deal on a free transfer. The 31 year old can play at any defensive position, as he did at Juventus for four years.

Liverpool: It was a thrilling summer at Anfield and King Kenny has added the final piece to the puzzle. Ex-City and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy will wear the number 39 for the Reds, as he put pen to paper on a two year deal with his former club. Bellamy told the club website that Kenny Dalglish was a major reason behind his move to Anfield. The striker said, “I’ve grown up with Kenny Dalglish, now to be signed by him is a massive honor.” Damien Comolli said the signing was, “a no brainer,” saying that the Bellamy, “…has pace, he’s a good finisher, he works hard and the timing of his runs is second to none.” The Reds signed another striker, who will be developed in the academy, American Villyan Bijev, a member of the USA U-18 side. The California Odyssey talent will pick up his work permit and head to Germany to play on loan for Fortuna Dusseldorf. LFC’s Joe Cole will spend a year on loan at Lille. The French champions lured the Englishman to the club with the opportunity for the 29 year old to play Champions League football, once again.

Manchester City: The club has wished the best for QPR and Liverpool signings Shaun Wright-Phillips and Craig Bellamy. However, Mancini would never let a dramatic deadline day pass with out getting a deal done. City picked up Owen Hargreaves on a shock free transfer deal. The Canadian defender has taken his talents across the city of Manchester for the season.

Manchester United: If you went on United’s website today, you wouldn’t have a clue of the drama going on elsewhere. The Red Devils didn’t make a move yesterday and off to a fantastic start Sir Alex seems to have a perfect side. However, Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder revealed he was “close” to a deal with United, despite saying that he would definitely not be headed to Old Trafford.

Newcastle United: The Magpies signed Davide Santon from Inter Milan. Newcastle also picked up goalkeeper Rob Elliot from Charlton Athletic on a five year deal.

Norwich City: The newly promoted Canaries loaned out Tom Adeyemi to Oldham Athletic and Cody McDonald to Coventry City.

Queens Park Rangers: Tony Fernandes has taken this club in the right direction. Lacking Premier League talent at the start of the campaign, Neil Warnock’s side should surely stay up. QPR signed twelve players this summer. The fourth defender to sign was Anton Ferdinand, who penned a last minute deal, running into Loftus Road to sign the papers with just ten minutes to go before the deadline. Shaun Wright-Phillips also joined Rangers. The England midfielder will strengthen the midfield recently filled with Joey Barton. Warnock also signed Southampton’s John Puncheon. The recent signings of Armand Traore and Luke Young should lockdown QPR’s defense. In other QPR news, the club signed 17 year old goalkeeper Tommaso Trani, to a two year deal.

Stoke City: Tony Pulis made three huge signings for the Potters. William Palacios, from Spurs, finally joined the club after many rumors of his departure from White Heart Lane, to make room for Scott Parker. The Potters picked up two strikers as well, the first being Cameron Jerome from Birmingham City. Peter Crouch, another last minute signing, was Stoke’s marquee summer signing and should pair up nicely with Kenwyne Jones.

Sunderland: Fans of the Black Cats were delighted to hear that Niklas Bendtner joined the club on a season long loan from Arsenal.

Swansea City: The Welsh club picked up Lens’ Darnel Situ and Leeds United’s Frederico Bessone. Both defenders, Situ was worth 250,000 pounds, while Bessone, a left back, has rejoined the Swans, signing a two year deal. Swansea secured Fulham full back Rafik Halliche on a loan that lasts until the start of the new year.

Tottenham: Harry Redknapp left Spurs fans disappointed on deadline day, but he did a fantastic job on Wednesday. Spurs secured Luka Modric, at least until January, and signed Scott Parker. Redknapp’s squad now includes a 40 million pound Chelsea target, last year’s PFA Player of the Year, Gareth Bale, and PWA Player of the Year, Scott Parker. Spurs’ next test comes against Wolverhampton. We will see then if Parker can gel with Bale and Modric to help Tottenham avoid losing their first three games of the campaign. David Bentley has been sent to West Ham on a season long loan.

West Bromwich Albion: Roy Hodgson did not bring anybody in, but he did sell Pablo Ibanez to Birmingham City (a replacement for Scott Dann).

Wigan Athletic: Roberto Martinez signed Celtic’s Scottish striker Shaun Maloney. In addition, Wigan picked up defender Patrick van Aanholt on loan for the season.

Wolverhampton: Mick McCarthy simply loaned midfielder David Davis to Scottish side Inverness until January.

Misc:

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce told the press that the transfer window is, “hugely disruptive and a massive disruption.” A master of the nine year old system, Allardyce admits that he dealt well with the madness of the deadline (he signed David Bentley and Henri Lansbury yesterday), but feels sympathy for those managers who will have to wait until January to bolster their squads.

Mauro Zarate will join Diego Forlan up front at Inter Milan.

Article of the Day:

Phillip-Wroe questions the ability of ex-professional footballers who have become pundits.

Video of the Day:

Welcome a special welcome back to Anfield for “The Nutter with the Putter.”

Question of the Day:

Which signing from yesterday will help their new club the most?

Transfer News:

• The captain of South Korea is headed to Arsenal. Park Chu-Young told The Australian, “It is a dream to be here and I am really proud to be an Arsenal player. Now I just want to show how good I am and prove myself.” The 26 year old forward will be able to support Robin van Persie in the Gunner’s attack. Arsene Wenger has signed Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen to bolster his weak defense. Goal.com reported yesterday that Arsenal are in the hunt to sign American Clint Dempsey for 10 million pounds. Reports also state that the Gunners are lining up bids for Florent Malouda, Yossi Benayoun, and Alex. Wenger’s target Eden Hazard, of Lille, has told the club he is staying in France.
• Liverpool FC, arguably improved their side the most on Tuesday, with the signing of Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates. The young lad impressed many at this summer’s Copa America, leading some in the English press to believe that the boy was nearing his mid-20s, when in fact, Coates is only 20. For just 7 million pounds, Damien Comolli has signed Jamie Carragher’s replacement, and Coates may challenge Carragher for his spot in the squad upon his arrival at Anfield. Joe Cole has been linked with a move to Lille. Liverpool have confirmed that Christian Poulsen will be moving to Evian.
• Fulham shocked the league yesterday, by closing in on a deal with FC Twente winger, Bryan Ruiz. For a reported 10.6 million pounds, the Costa Rican will join the Cottagers after he completes a medical at Craven Cottage today.
• After Monday’s rumors that Inter Milan starlet Davide Santon would be headed to Newcastle United, the Magpies got their man. Santon has signed a five year deal with the club. In addition, Newcastle lead the race to sign Frederico Macheda, from Manchester United, on loan.
• Tottenham Hotspur has heated up their attempt to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill. Sky Sports reported that the clubs were “locked in” to talks over Cahill yesterday. As of this morning, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is standing by his claims that Luka Modric will still be at White Heart Lane tomorrow. Redknapp is also going after West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker, whom handed in his transfer request to the Hammers on Tuesday. He said that he had, “a fantastic four years at the club,” and the midfielder thanked the club and its fans for their support, thus hinting that the Englishman will be at a different club come Thursday. Spurs lead the race for Parker and according to the Hammer, they are, “very, very close,” to a deal. Sorry QPR­_Fan, but it appears Parker will not be making the move to Loftus Road. However, Warnock’s squad may pick up Shaun Wright-Phillips, Liam Ridgewell, and possibly Craig Bellamy.
• A Premier League technicality has stopped Stoke City’s loan deal for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku from being completed. Rule M.7.1 says, “a Temporary Transfer to a club may not take place in the Transfer Window in which the Transferor Club acquired the Player’s registration.” However, Stoke supporters can get excited about the possibility of Arsenal striker, Nicklas Bendtner gracing the Britannia, as Sky Sports is reporting the two clubs are in talks. In other Chelsea news, the Blues are working with FC Porto and the agent of Alvaro Periera, to bring the Uruguayan defender to Stamford Bridge by the end of the day. The only problem with the deal is that Chelsea are refusing to pay the 26 million pound buyout clause for the player.
• Wigan Athletic signed Albert Crusat from Almeria.
• Manchester City may sign Owen Hargreaves on a free transfer today, after the ex-United man completed a medical yesterday.
• Sunderland are attempting to sign Peter Crouch from Spurs to pair up front with Asamoah Gyan. Steve Bruce’s bid is rumored to be 10 million pounds.
• Look for Blackburn Rovers to complete the signing of Birmingham City defender Scott Dann today.

Misc.:

The electrifying Eljero Elia, the target of many Premier League clubs, has signed with Juventus for the fee of 8 million pounds. Elia signed a four year deal with the Italian club.

Article of the Day:

I overlooked this piece from Monday, but the Fifth Official’s article of the week is always a good read.

Video of the Day:

A look behind the making of FIFA 12 and EA Sports HQ in Canada.

Be sure to follow the EPL Talk Twitter page and the site for the latest news on Transfer Deadline Day.

Photo by Peat illustration

The clock is winding down and it is time for teams to start wheeling and dealing in the transfer market. Today’s “Daily Ticker” includes all the latest transfer happenings, a continued fallout for Arsenal after their embarrassing loss at Old Trafford, your last chance to pose questions for Liverpool chairman Tom Werner, and much more.

Transfer News:

• Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Telegraph, have less than a 50% chance of signing Scott Parker from West Ham, even though the England midfielder has expressed that he wants to head back to the Premiership. The issue seems to be money and the constant changing of terms in the deal. West Ham want 8 million pounds for Parker, but Redknapp has submitted a bid of 6 million pounds, and reportedly tossed a player into the mix, whom is thought to be Jake Livermore. Chelsea, Aston Villa, and QPR are also in the running to sign the last year’s PWA Footballer of the Year. Another issue with the deal is that Sam Allardyce wants enough time and money to sign a replacement for Parker if a deal is done. In other Tottenham news, Ledley King told Sky Sports that he feels that a decision needs to be made over Luka Modric as soon as possible. King sites the distraction as the cause of the poor play of the team. He relates this incident to the Dimitar Berbatov transfer saga of 2008, which caused Spurs to get off to a poor start. The defender says he wants decisions to be made, so that the club and its players can go about their business. If things could not get any wilder in North London, Tottenham are looking to sign Owen Hargreaves on a free transfer, and Palacios is closing in on a move to Stoke City.
• Chelsea FC are making news in the transfer market, as they launched a bid for Liverpool’s Raul Meireles. Early yesterday, Yossi Benayoun was reported to be in talks to leave the Stamford Bridge side, and according to reports, he was part of the 7 million pound, plus player deal, which would send him back to Anfield. However, Liverpool have rejected the bid, in order to keep their best player from the second half of last season at the club. Benayoun is being courted by Spurs, Arsenal, and French club Lille. Chelsea are determined to sign Alvaro Pereira and Modric. They remain optimistic that the deals will get done due to the desire of the players to move to the Blues. Chelsea swiped Chivas youngster Ulises Davila yesterday.

• Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, has declared that he will not be making the move to Old Trafford in the coming days. The Dutchman revealed that he has not had any formal talks with either Manchester City or United.
• Mark van Bommel will not be headed to Manchester City after the club attempted to sign the player from A.C. Milan. Mino Raiola, van Bommel’s agent, says that City tried to lure his player to Manchester to replace Yaya Toure, when he is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2012.
• Days after debuting for his favorite team, Romelu Lukaku looks to be headed out of Stamford Bridge on a short-term loan deal with Stoke City. The Potters are looking for help in their Europa League campaign and could use some extra talent for the group stages. The Potters are also looking to sign Cameron Jerome from Birmingham City as well.
• Arsenal are trying to restart their season with some new signings. Wenger is close to a deal for Brazilian defender Andre Santos. In addition, the Gunners have been tied with Chelsea’s Alex, Florent Malouda, and as mentioned above, Yossi Benayoun.
• The George John transfer to Blackburn fell apart yesterday. John has said, “The timing wasn’t right.” The defender has returned to FC Dallas, but will maintain contact with Rovers, despite rumors that he is looking to sign a long term deal with FC Dallas.
• Samir Nasri claims that PSG attempted to sign him, but could not because of a lack of funds.
• Davide Santon’s agent says the Inter Milan defender is focused on heading to Newcastle United.
• Armand Traore has signed with QPR and Neil Warnock says he expects things to be, “…very, very busy,” at the newly promoted side, as the transfer market comes to a close. Last week, the club’s new owner said he expects QPR to sign four to five players by the end of the summer window.
• Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is headed to Real Betis on a season long loan.
• Mexican forward Giovanni Dos Santos may be on his way to Wigan Athletic.

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal… The Fallout (cont.):

Yesterday, Arsene Wenger apologized for the club’s loss, calling it, “humiliating and difficult.” The Gunner’s manager said he has no excuses for the defeat. The manager has been backed by the club’s owner and the board of directors to turn things around at the club, starting with a few signings. Wenger stated that he will not quit the club amid fears over his health, which have been linked to high stress levels.

Supporters who traveled from London to Manchester on Sunday will be offered tickets to a future Arsenal away match. The fans were praised by the club for their continued support of the team and manager throughout the game.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman called out the attitude at the club and stated on his Twitter account that Arsenal are supposed to be winning trophies. Paul Merson also criticized Wenger for not having a, “Plan B.” The Sky Sports pundit said that it is unfair for players to be thrown out onto the pitch after being told to just go out and play.

England Team News:

Robert Green has dropped out of the England squad, due to injury, for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers. Capello has selected Championship goalkeeper, Frankie Fielding, to replace the limp Green.

Misc.:

Sepp Blatter had harsh words for the English FA yesterday, saying that they are attempting to, “destroy,” FIFA, in order to get back at the organization after Sir Stanley Rous lost the presidency 37 years ago. The head of FIFA claims that they have failed to accept that they are no longer in charge of the game.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is headed to Inter Milan.

Ex-Brazilan manager Dunga is now in charge of Qatari club, Al Rayyan.

Article of the Day:

Phil McNulty on Arsene Wenger’s greatest humiliation.

Video of the Day:

Hope we don’t miss out on this man making plays in the Premier League this season.

Tom Werner Interview:

Last call for any questions you have for Liverpool chairman Tom Werner. This is a great opportunity to ask him anything you’d like.

Question of the Day:

Are Modric and Parker going anywhere or staying put?

Have your say below, post your questions for Werner, and comment on the day’s news.

It was a simply sensational weekend in the Barclays Premier League as Manchester United stunned the Gunners, Liverpool gelled against Bolton, and Manchester City outclassed Tottenham Hotspur. In today’s daily ticker, read all about the injury updates, managerial comments, transfer rumors, and a fantastic opportunity for you, the reader.

Injury Updates:

• Rafael van der Vaart will be out for a few weeks after tearing his left hamstring in Sunday’s match against Manchester City. The 28 year old midfielder had to exit the tie late, leaving Spurs with just ten men. Clearly frustrated with his play and the squad’s result, the Dutchman slammed a ball down the tunnel while exiting the pitch. Van der Vaart has pulled out of his international duties for the Netherlands, who will miss him in their Euro 2012 qualifiers versus Finland and San Marino.
• Didier Drogba’s collision with Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy, in the 65th minute of Chelsea’s match with the Canaries, will go down as one of the scariest moments for Premier League viewers ever. The striker is said to be recovering and undergoing tests after being rushed to the hospital proceeding the incident. Blues’ boss Andre Villas-Boas told the press that Drogba was unconsciousness for a few moments on the pitch and the severity of the concussion he suffered is now being decided upon. Some have tipped the Stamford Bridge man to return to action when Chelsea play Manchester United on the 18th of September, at Old Trafford.
• Danny Welbeck was a key part of United’s sensational start against Arsenal on Sunday, but the England u-21 player pulled up with a hamstring injury. Sir Alex has set a four to five week timetable for the return of the up and coming striker, and has acknowledged that he wanted to get Welbeck off the pitch as soon as possible, when he noticed the forward struggling. Welbeck joins a long list of stars injured at United, as Rio Ferdinand is due out for a month (hamstring), Nemanja Vidic has a calf injury, and Rafael da Silva is dealing with a injured shoulder. However, United are clearly as strong as they have ever been after pasting the Gunners at the weekend.
• Swansea City defender Alan Tate has suffered a broken left leg (tibia) after a golf cart incident. According to Swansea, the cart, “…lost control.” The Swan’s captain is in his 10th year at the club and has played 300+ matches for the Welsh side.
• Martin Kelly was removed from Liverpool’s match with Bolton on Saturday, but the Englishman is fit and the substitution was for precautionary measures.

Transfer News:

• Scott Parker appears to be headed to Tottenham, while Wilson Palacios will be sacrificed to Stoke City. QPR and Stoke have made bids for the midfielder, but West Ham United have brushed them off. Look for more drama over Parker to come in the next few days.
• Luka Modric told Harry Redknapp not to play him in Spurs’ match against Manchester City. Redknapp said the Croatian approached him before kick-off saying, “I don‘t feel my head is right today.” Harry told the midfielder that he needed him to play due to injuries and that he [Modric] is his, “main man.” Tottenham believe they will keep the playmaker away from Chelsea, despite lucrative offers from the Blues. In other Spurs transfer news, Craig Bellamy and Lassana Diarra are both candidates to be signed by the North London club in the coming days.
• Arsenal are attempting to sign Park Chu-Yong and Gary Cahill.

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal… The Fallout:

• Arsene Wenger has declared that he will not quit his job at the Emirates despite being at the helm during Arsenal’s worst defeat in over a hundred years. The manager’s tactics were very questionable, as the Gunners played a high offside trap throughout the match. The trap was easily exploited by United, leading to many chances and some of the Red Devil’s goals. Despite the club’s poor form, Wenger said it is too early to judge his side, whom have lost both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the last few weeks.
• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson feels that Wenger should not be criticized (though Gunners supporters will be calling for the “Nutty Professor’s” head in the next week), due to a weakened Arsenal side. Fergie was shocked at his team’s margin of victory and applauded his squad for keeping up a high level of intensity during the game.

England Squad for Euro 2012 Qualifiers:

The 25-man England side was announced last night and the team is listed below.

• GK: Robert Green, Joe Hart, David Stockdale
• FB: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, John Terry
• MF: Gareth Barry, Tom Cleverley, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young
• ST: Darren Bent, Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney

Notes:

Manchester City has 6 in the squad, while United has 5 (I think the FA is treating City a little worse Sir Alex).

Surprise of the Weekend:

Manchester United putting up eight on Arsenal.

Disappointment of the Weekend:

Aston Villa and Wolves canceling each other out with a 0-0 draw.

What to look forward to in the next round:

Can Swansea translate their ability to possess in the back, to the attacking third through Sinclair to get their first EPL goal against a struggling Arsenal side?

Article of the Day:

Alexander Netherton penned a emotional piece on supporting Manchester United.

Video of the Day:

Sorry Arsenal supporters, but this was a historical match with many fantastic goals, and a confidence building save for De Gea.

Tom Werner Interview:

EPL Talk has landed an interview with Liverpool chairman Tom Werner. Feel free to drop any questions you have for the LFC owner in the comments section below.

Question of the Day:

Should Arsene Wenger leave Arsenal and are Arsenal in a crisis?

Have your say below, post your questions for Werner, and comment on the day’s news.

Photo by Christian Doellner

This has been, and continues to be the summer transfer market of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The sides who finished 6th and 5th respectively last season don’t go a day without making, or attempting to make a move. Coinciding with yesterday’s Europa League matches, and the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, the transfer market has stolen the show once again.

Transfer News:

• It’s over. Well supposedly. According to Harry Redknapp, Luka Modric, will be staying at Spurs. Despite Modric’s strike, the Tottenham boss has confirmed that the Croatian playmaker will be in the Spurs side come their battle at the weekend with Manchester City. Sky Sports is reporting that Modric spoke with Daniel Levy on Wednesday, concerning his future at the club. In order to strengthen his midfield, Redknapp is attempting to sign Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra, a former player of Harry’s at Portsmouth. However, the Frenchman denies any talks with Spurs and said, “There is no agreement with Tottenham and I don’t think there will be.” Redknapp insists that a deal for the midfielder has not yet collapsed. Of course, reports yesterday have confirmed that ex-Arsenal and City striker Emmanuel Adebayor will be on loan at White Heart Lane for the year, through a deal, in which he will most likely become a permanent member of the Tottenham squad. In addition, attacking midfielder Yago Falque has joined Spurs on a season long loan.
• Alberto Aquilani might as well buy a place in Italy and stay at the homes of his Liverpool teammates in the summer. The Aquaman is headed back for a year on loan in Serie A, where he will play for AC Milan. With vast competition for a spot in the Liverpool midfield, it was clear to Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish that the 27 year old would not be useful this campaign, as Comolli wished the midfielder the best of luck at the San Siro.
• Joey Barton is nearing a deal with Queens Park Rangers and needs “some time and thinking space,” according to his Twitter account. Newcastle have allowed the player to leave the club on a free transfer and now Barton’s agent is battling it out with QPR over the midfielder’s weekly wage and bonuses (for both signing and keeping the club out of next year’s Championship). The Telegraph has reported that the deal is simply boiling down to the greed of Barton’s agent, Willie McKay, who is looking to squeeze as much money out of the deal as possible. QPR’s new owner, Tony Fernandes, has said he would like to sign four or five players by the end of the summer transfer window. The signatures of Barton and Scott Parker seem to be at the club’s highest priority at the moment.
• Chelsea have launched a bid for Porto’s Uruguayan wing-back Alvaro Pereira.

Champions League Draw:

Welcome to the Champions League Manchester City. Roberto Mancini’s side has without doubt been placed in this year’s, “group of death.” Bayern Munich, Villarreal, and Napoli will prove to be a challenge for City in Group A, though no side in this group won their domestic league last term.

Manchester United top Group C and arguably have the easiest road to the knockout stages. Though, United’s Chief Executive David Gill has said there is no easy path to the Round of 16, Benfica, FC Basel, and Otelul Galati should be no trouble for last year’s UCL runners-up.

Just as soon as Juan Mata headed out of Valenica, he will be headed back. Chelsea were placed in Group E with Mata’s former club, Bayer Leverkusen, and Genk.

Arsene Wenger’s side has no easy path through to the next round, as the struggling Gunners side will have to face Marseille, Olympiacos, and Borussia Dortmund in Group F.

Europa League:

• Tottenham’s 0-0 draw with Hearts, secured their spot in the group stage of the competition, with a 5-0 win on aggregate. A young Spurs squad had chances to win the match, highlighted by Harry Kane’s penalty, which was stopped by Jamie MacDonald with 30 minutes gone. To be fair, Hearts made seven replacements from their last game to save up for their derby at the weekend. However, the sacrifice may have cost Scotland their prestige in UEFA, as Rangers and Celtic, have also crashed out of European competition in the early rounds.
• Stoke City thumped FC Thun 4-1, advancing 5-1 on aggregate, with a brace by Jones and goals by Upson and Whelan.
• Fulham secured their spot in the group stage despite a 1-0 loss to Dnipro, due to their 3-0 triumph in the first leg.
• The fourth English side in the competition, Birmingham City, also went through after defeating CD Nacional 3-0. Goals by Redmond, Murphy, and Wood were the deciders in the tie, which ended 0-0 in the first leg.

Carling Cup:

• Newcastle United won a thriller against Scunthorpe. Chris Dagnell struck for the League One side 14 minutes in, but a late free kick by Ryan Taylor pushed the game into extra time, in which Sammy Ameobi got the winner for the Magpies.

Misc.:

• Lionel Messi was named UEFA Best Player in Europe. He topped Barcelona teammate Xavi, and Real Madrid rival Ronaldo for the prize.
• Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson says the FA treats his club like “sh*t.” When Ferguson was asked about several of his United players that will be picked for England’s upcoming games, he said it was outstanding news but added that The FA treats his club like sh*t (due to recent touchline bans and Wayne Rooney’s suspension last season). Ferguson said, “Maybe [The FA] will get some joy from it and realise how important we are to England instead of treating us like sh*t. I am pleased for the players. They are outstanding.”

Notable Articles:

• Seth Vertelney looks at whether or not Blackburn’s signing of FC Dallas’ George John is good or bad for MLS.

Video of the Day:

Two trademark Kenwyne Jones headers and a scorcher from Glenn Whelan (though the shot was deflected) from Stoke’s win yesterday.

Question of the Day:

How far will the four English sides in the Champions League and the four in the Europa League go this season?

Have your say below and comment on the day’s news!

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane

Nearly a year gone from the site, EPL Talk’s ‘Premier League News, Daily Ticker’ feature is back. As many days per week as possible, I will bring you the day’s primary news, making this blog a one-stop destination for all things Premier League. The Daily Ticker will include top stories, links to the day’s top articles from other football sites, videos, a question of the day, and more.

Transfer News:

• Juan Mata has landed at Stamford Bridge. The former Valencia midfielder is Andre Villas-Boas’ fourth signing of the summer and the winger is sure to bring extra skill and flair to Chelsea sides for years to come. The price for the Spaniard is thought to be £26 million according to The Guardian.
• Ex-Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has said that he moved to Manchester City due to the lack of passion of Arsenal’s supporters, especially since the club’s move from Highbury to the Emirates. The Frenchman told the press that he made the move to City because, “…they want to win everything. They have a big, big, big project.” Nasri says he was strongly influenced by a conversation with Patrick Vieira. The newest Mancini signing said that the atmosphere at City reminds him of the environment at his former club, Marseille.
• Harry Redknapp is making more noise in the transfer market by saying he would like Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole on his side. In addition, the Spurs boss said, “I honestly don’t know,” when questioned if a deal had been done to sign City striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Redknapp still remains confident that he will keep his playmaker Luka Modric at White Heart Lane (surprise, surprise) and has told Chelsea to stop courting the Croatian.
• Troubled Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has a medical scheduled at Queen Park Rangers, which would bolster a squad that is lacking in talent worthy of the English top flight.
• Boardroom wars between Tottenham, QPR, and West Ham are keeping England international Scott Parker out of the Premier League. The Hammers are asking £8 million for the PWA Footballer of the Year, but it seems Warnock only wants to spend £4 million on the midfielder.
• For the American readers out there, FC Dallas defender George John is set to join Blackburn.
• Brett Emerton will return home to Sydney FC from Rovers.

UEFA Champions League:

• Arsenal adv. (3) 2-1 (1) Udinese. The Gunners bounced back from their loss to Liverpool at the weekend by earning a spot in the group stage of the Champions League. Arsenal overcame a 39th minute goal from Antonio Di Natale with two second half goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott.

Carling Cup:

• Liverpool crushed Exeter City 3-1, with the home side squeezing in a late penalty as a consolation for their effort. Luis Suarez opened the scoring for the Reds moments after Raul Meireles was replaced by Andy Carroll due to a collarbone injury. The Portuguese midfielder will be out of action for a fortnight. Maxi Rodriguez struck one home for LFC and Andy Carroll’s half-volley in the 58th minute secured a place in the third round for the Reds.

• Everton echoed their rival’s 3-1 score line at Goodison Park by defeating Sheffield United. Richard Cresswell’s strike from 12 yards gave the Blades the lead, but three minutes later, Cresswell deflected a Jack Rodwell free-kick into his own net. Anichebe and Arteta fired shots into the back of the old onion bag before the conclusion of the first half to give Everton the win. Three quick goals from Blackburn Rovers helped them advance, with a 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, and Bolton overcame a 1-0 deficit to Macclesfield Town to stay in the competition, winning 2-1.

Misc:

• Spurs and Leyton Orient have received permission from the courts to challenge the decision to give the Olympic Stadium to West Ham after the 2012 London Olympics.

Today’s Matches:

• Stoke City (1) vs. FC Thun (0) (Europa)
• Fulham (3) vs. Dnipro (0) (Europa)
• Tottenham (5) vs. Hearts (0) (Europa)
• Newcastle United vs. Scunthorpe United (Carling Cup 2nd Round)

Notable Articles:

• Fantastic read by Ernst Bouwes, reviewing Holland’s rise to the top of the FIFA World Rankings

Video of the Day:

Here is a taste of what Chelsea supporters will be seeing this season from Mata.

Question of the Day:

With Manchester City and Liverpool having tremendous depth in the midfield, is it beneficial or detrimental for a team to have many top players competing for spots in the starting XI?

Have your say below and comment on the day’s news!

On August 16, 2011 the way we can view the Barclays Premier League changed forever. From background interviews with Opta, the football stats company, we have seen the developments made in statistics technology. With the help of FourFourTwo and Opta, all iPhone users can now access in-depth stats and information live from their smartphones. FourFourTwo Stats Zone powered by Opta comes loaded with the 2010/11 EPL season and for just $3.99 users can purchase full access to statistics from each match of this year’s campaign.

The application is extraordinarily impressive. It not only tracks shots, but also passes, completed or unsuccessful, on each part of the pitch by each player. Blocks, fouls, crosses, throw-ins, and goalkeeper distribution are also disclosed and any of the above statistic categories can be tracked player by player. The app includes a timeline feature, so that users can track what happened in a match after a substitution, goal, or tactical change. For example, in Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Swansea City last week, the influence Sergio Aguero had on the match is undermined if you look at the match as a whole, but if you look at the influence of players from his introduction until the end of the match, Aguero clearly had more control over the match than anybody else on the pitch, as he also boosted the performance of Dzeko.

The part of the app which tracks the passing of teams, makes it much easier to see a team‘s strategy. Swansea City have absolutely dominated their first two matches in the league (despite not scoring). If you thought that Barcelona’s performance in last year’s matches against Real Madrid were impressive possession wise, think again. Against City, Swansea held the ball for 58% of the match, and when playing Wigan this past weekend, they held the ball for 71% of the game, completing 471 passes. Viewing Swansea’s passing dashboard, it is clear that Rodger’s side has taken the idea that if the opposing team doesn’t have the ball they can’t score to a new level.

Matches from this season can also be compared with any other match that has taken place either this season or last season. Here, we can look at how Liverpool have improved and caught up with Arsenal. In last year’s match at Anfield, the Gunners were rampant, completing 460 passes, while dominating possession. Liverpool, a year ago, were nearing collapse at the time, and despite pulling out the 1-1 draw, the Reds completed a mere 224 passes in the match. To see the how the Reds have caught up to Arsenal, you can use the app to compare the 2-0 LFC victory at the weekend to the match last year at this time. In the Saturday morning fixture, the Reds held their own against Arsenal‘s passing abilities, mainly in part to their new midfielders Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, and Charlie Adam.

The above are just a few features of the app, and I highly recommend dishing out the $3.99. This is a phenomenal application for all EPL followers, who love having a hands-on way to analyze each and every match live. FourFourTwo Stats Zone is a must have app for all readers of this website who dedicate their weekends to viewing the world’s best league.

Photo by Aaron Friedman

It’s been a long summer in the transfer window, primarily involving transfer sagas between Charlie Adam and Carlos Tevez. On the rare occasion when I’m not catching a Premier League game on the weekend, or if I get to see a Champions League game when I get out of school early, it is always entertaining to see a few players who would fit perfectly in the melting pot that is the Premier League. However, there are others that I would love to see move on. For some, it would be better for their career, while others are just a nuisance.

Below are listed the five players that I would like to see compete in the Premier League, who have never graced the competition before, and five that I would like to see take their business elsewhere. While players are the primary focus here, managers and owners are not off the hook.

Here’s the list:

In:

Keisuke Honda: The CSKA Moscow midfielder can do it all. With his coming out party at the 2010 World Cup, he displayed his ability to act as a deep-lying central midfielder, advanced playmaker and set piece maestro. Over the last decade, players from the Far East such as Park Ji-Sung and Lee Chung-Yong have brought a different flavor to the league. Honda has proved himself as a successful player outside of the World Cup by leading Japan to its 4^th AFC Asian Cup win back in January. The most valuable player of that tournament, Honda has led CSKA Moscow to the top of the Russian Premier League, 7 points clear of Zenit. It has been fascinating to watch the development of Asian football in recent years and Honda would solidify spots for Asian footballers in the EPL for years to come.

Neymar: The Santos striker from Sao Paulo lit it up against the USA nearly a year ago for Brazil in their 2-0 win at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Neymar is everything you can ask for in a striker, as he has speed, skill, the ability to finish, and that slight bit of arrogance necessary to scare defenders. At just 19 years of age, he has already scored 5 goals for his country and there will be plenty more to come over the years. One of the most skilled players of our time, Neymar would bring extra flare and skill to the Premier League.

Eden Hazard: With Gervinho off to Arsenal, one member of LOSC Lille Metropole’s attack has gone on to bigger and better things, and it seems the Belgian winger will follow suit. Rumored to be a target of Liverpool, in the January transfer window, Hazard has been tipped by many to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard was Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2010-11, helping Lille to league and domestic cup victories. Today, many consider Gareth Bale to be the best winger in the EPL, but Hazard could compete for that title. His style is much different from the Welshman’s, as he uses his intricate foot skills to keep the ball close to his feet in order to beat defenders with his fancy tricks. A brilliant young talent at the age of 20, Hazard is capable of bringing excitement to BPL viewers.

Lionel Messi: An obvious choice, whom we are all certain will never play a match at any Premier League club, the little man from Argentina would be fascinating to see week in and week out in England. Quite possibly the best player the world has ever seen, the advanced forward in the Catalan’s 4-1-2-1-2 is as good as it gets for football. His mazy dribbles and demolitions of the world’s best teams, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, have made Messi the face of the game. According to analysts such as Andy Gray, La Liga defenses have been regarded as flat and soft, making it easy for Messi to cut through them. If Messi were to come to England it would be interesting to see how he responds to the more physical defenses of Premier League teams, such as Blackburn and Stoke City.

Freddy Adu: Yes, the young American has earned a spot on the list. While many thought the legend of Freddy Adu had died off after his move to Benfica, the winger came back with a bang at this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. Left out of the first four games of the tournament, Adu impressed in his cameo against Panama. Replacing Agudelo, the winger was influential in various attacking moves by the Stars and Stripes, including Clint Dempsey’s game-winning goal to fire the U.S. through to the final. I think it’s fair to say that millions of jaws dropped when Bradley started the 22 year old in the final against Mexico. However, Bradley’s move was genius as Adu played a key part in both U.S. goals, despite the team’s eventual demise to Mexico, 4-2. While Adu may need a few years to further develop, he could prove to be successful at a lower end Premier League club, such as Wigan or Fulham, as he may reach a level close to that of Charles N’Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega.

Honorable Mention:

Scott Parker: FWA Footballer of the Year 2010-11

Diego Milito: Aging, but had a brace in last year’s UCL Final

Alexandre Pato: Fantastic, young, Brazilian striker

Out:

Carlos Tevez: The powerful Manchester City striker appears to have overstayed his welcome in the league. Playing for rival clubs, United and City, Tevez may be the most hated player in the EPL. In addition, it seems nothing can make the Argentine happy, not even Champions League football. Interestingly enough, Tevez appeared 63 times before departing for City, and now wants out after 63 games for the sky blue. While the striker has scored twice as many goals at City and won the FA Cup, ending the 33 year trophy drought, it gets tiring to hear the striker’s complaints year in and year out. It would be much better for City to give a younger striker, such as Sergio Aguero, a chance at glory.

Mario Balotelli: From one Manchester City forward to another, Balotelli is City’s problem child. Super Mario has brought shame to City after being there for just one year. The ex-Inter striker’s arrogance and lack of common sense are a distraction for the club and demonstrate the lack of care the player has for the squad‘s success. Between racking up parking tickets, saving children from bullies, struggling to put on warm-up vests, and flubbed back-heels, it seems that we have heard more about his off the field antics than his performances on the pitch. There are hundreds of strikers around the world who deserve a place in the Premier League over Balotelli, and his departure from City may save the youth squad from being pelted with darts again.

Steven Gerrard: I love Captain Courageous as much as anyone. I have been a diehard Liverpool supporter since the age of 10, when I watched the Istanbul miracle in 2005. I have three Gerrard shirts and it would pain me to see the playmaker leave, but it needs to be done for the good of Liverpool. Rafa Benitez built a squad during his tenure at LFC, which peaked in the EPL with a second place finish. Since selling Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, everything has gone downhill for the Reds. When King Kenny’s reign began it signaled a fresh start for a club headed for disaster. Liverpool’s house cleaning, beginning with the departure of Fernando Torres, must be done and completed so that the club can begin a new era of success. In addition, it would be interesting to see where Gerrard would go. England is one of the few national teams with players who all play in the nation’s domestic league. While Beckham left for Real Madrid and A.C. Milan in the later half of his career, it would be fascinating to see Gerrard, a more powerful player than Becks, attempt to fit into a foreign league. Steven Gerrard will never be forgotten, and I’m sure he’ll play a major role at the club for the rest of his life.

Mick McCarthy: The Wolves manager is different to say the least. The slicked back hair looks like a fan is constantly blowing in his face, leaving the rest of us to say, “flipping heck.” His boring press conferences, which put us to sleep during the Premier League Review Show, compare to those of NFL head coach Bill Belichick. While his tactics are on par with those of other lower-end Premier League sides, there are better choices out there for Wolves, such as Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is too good of a manager to be at Leicester City.

Venky’s Limited: The new owners of one of the league’s most historic teams, Blackburn, have made the Rovers the laughing stock of the EPL. Over that past few months, many of us have asked what Venky’s could do to further tarnish the Blackburn name. From the humiliating chicken advertisement, to attempting to sign Ronaldinho, the Indian owners have proved they are in no shape to handle a Premier League team. While the chicken commercial may be affective (if Demba Ba told me to eat a piece of Venky’s chicken, I would definitely eat it), the attempted signing of Ronaldinho, was not even feasible. How the Brazilian would adapt to Blackburn’s smashmouth style of football I don’t know. Before the new bosses further embarrass the club, by possibly renaming Ewood Park to Venky’s Stadium, I would suggest the owners leave Lancashire before the Rover’s faithful revolt.

Dishonorable Mentions:

Bebe: A poor Sir Alex signing?

Christian Poulsen: Too old

With the new club season upon us, these names got me thinking and hopefully they’ll get you thinking too. Who would you like to see in the Premier League and to whom would you love to show the door?

Premier League viewers around the world bid farewell to Blackpool Football Club on May 22. The Tangerines set out to Old Trafford on “Mission Impossible,” as Ian Holloway’s men needed a win to escape the drop. Like only Blackpool could, Charlie Adam’s luscious free kick into the bottom right corner and Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s goal, the Seasiders silenced the Theatre of Dreams. However, Blackpool’s defense could not withstand Manchester United, and results elsewhere relegated the Tangerines.

The first time I saw Blackpool was the Championship Playoff Final when Adam, Taylor-Fletcher, and Ormerod spearheaded a lethal attacking style of football. Despite being weak at the back, as Cardiff City scored twice, as a neutral, Blackpool seemed to be a fearless side that would set the Premier League ablaze.

Just two months after their relegation, I already miss Blackpool and have listed below my top reasons why the EPL needs a team like Blackpool every season.

A Fearless Side at the Bottom:

After a week in the Premier League the Seasiders were near the top of the table, but their goal difference took a bit of hit the next, as Arsenal thrashed Holloway’s side 6-0 at the Emirates. While most middle and bottom of the table squads would have bulked up the midfield to halt the slick passing of the Gunners, Blackpool refused to change their formation and tactics. Charlie Adam linked up with Harewood and Fletcher in early moments, but Arsenal was just too good. Despite the loss, credit is due to Blackpool who came out and played to win. The Tangerines’ consistency paid off against top sides, as they did the double over Liverpool and beat Tottenham. The Premier League needs a team that gives the neutral somebody to watch for fun besides those in the Big Four.

Wouldn’t you rather see a team like Blackpool challenge Chelsea than see Stoke City sit back and defend?

An Entertaining Manager:

It is not very often we hear of a manager comparing a scrappy win to a night out on the town, but when we do, we don’t complain. The famous rants of Ian Holloway against FIFA, the Premier League, and clubs bidding for Charlie Adam were one of a kind and memorable. His confidence to show up at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates and play a 4-3-3 as a weaker team, is a rarity in a league based around staying up by playing it safe. While I’m not asking for another Jose Mourinho, who blames his problems on UNICEF and FIFA, it would be nice to get  a little excitement from those dreary press conferences. Blackpool was and still is a side with character and it is that character and extra excitement that is needed in the lower half of the Premier League. Mick McCarthy is a manager that is about as dry as they come.

New Stars:

A relegated side rarely produces or carries a figure that generates interest from the top clubs, as Liverpool and Manchester United were not battling it out over players from the likes of Derby County or Reading. The Seasiders gave us some stars to watch, most notably Charlie Adam. The midfielder’s perfect passes to the flanks and pinpoint set pieces were mouthwatering for the neutral. Hopefully, we will see him do the same at Anfield for years to come. Another star to watch was D.J. Campbell, whose speedy runs brought Blackpool 13 goals in 31 appearances. Gary Taylor-Fletcher was a great story during the early part of the season, as he became the first player to score in each of the top six divisions of English football. If a team at the bottom could produce stars each season, the league would become much more competitive during the season, and more suspenseful during the transfer windows.

Finally, it is Blackpool’s story that makes them loveable. A recent report reveals that over 9,000 of Blackpool’s children are in poverty. The city was something the team played for all season and we saw how strong the relationship between the team and the supporters was in the many thrilling games at Bloomfield Road. I’m not sure if we will ever see another team like Blackpool, but we can hope that Norwich, Swansea, or QPR will pick up where Blackpool left off (without being relegated).