Can the Spurs challenge the Big Four??

The English Premiership has just turned a week old with nearly all the teams having played three fixtures. If you have a look at the table what do you see? Surprise Surprise, Tottenham Hotspurs are leading the table (albeit on goal difference). So, here's the question that we are asking today, "Can the Spurs be a threat to the Big Four this season?"

They won their opening match of the season by beating a full strength Liverpool, then notched up a huge win at Hull before taking the three points at West Ham also. The magnitude of this achievement is seen properly when you see that it took them 11 matches (in 08-09), 13 matches (in 07-08) and 9 matches (in 06-07) to reach this tally of points. These three wins so early and emphatically have seen them make their best ever start in 49 years.

The star performer so far has undoubtedly been Jermain Defoe, whose goal scoring prowess was never under doubt. He has scored 4 goals which includes a hattrick against Hull wherein he simply tortured Turner and co. Sebastian Bassong, who did impress in his time at Newcastle, started his London adventure with the winner against Liverpool and looks to be a permanent fixture in the Spurs' backline this season. Palacios and Modric have immense quality and have combined well so far.

Harry Redknapp's pedigree as a manager is surely impressive. He took over a flagging and relegation threatened Portsmouth and not only kept them in the top flight but also took them to FA Cup glory against the mighty ManUtd.

But are we getting ahead of ourselves? Hull were bound to be tortured and the West Ham was not all too convincing. With Birmingham being the next fixture, one can expect them to keep up their hundred per cent record but the real test comes after that as they face Man Utd and then Chelsea. Their defence is still suspect with King not young any more and Gomes continuing with his circus antics. Most of all, it is their inherent ability to surprisingly self-destruct time and again which is the biggest cause of worry for them.

I, personally would love it if we finally have a serious challenge from the "others" in the league, especially if it dislodges Arsenal or Liverpool. What do you think?

Defensive Reinforcements

It has long been alleged that defenders are the least appreciated of the 11 players of a football team. This outlook has changed to an extent thanks to the increasingly important roles played by defenders of the top European teams like Man Utd, Chelsea and nearly all Italian teams. Arsenal and Madrid (both Real and Athletico)'s weak campaign was attributed to their weak defences. So this week around let us take a closer look at three defensive transfers.

1. Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid

The versatile Spanish defender, who is primarily a right back but can effectively play anywhere across the back, has recently completed a 4m euro transfer to his youth club Real Madrid. He is part of Perez's objective of including more Spanish players in the squad and can fit right into the left back spot. Though not a world class player and not good enough to challenge Sergio Ramos for the first choice right back slot, he is surely capable of staking a claim for the LB spot where his competition is with the rash and inconsistent Heinze and the (supposedly) talented Marcelo.

A squad player at best, I don't see much difference between him and another Madrid youth product Miguel Torres. But he comes cheap and gives the manager more options, so I would rate this transfer a modest 6/10. Nothing great about it but nothing bad either.

2. Kolo Toure to Manchester City

The pick of the three transfers is that of the last remaining of the Arsenal ""Invincibles"" to cash land aka Manchester City. Kolo's transfer had to happen as he had reportedly handed over a transfer request early this year after a bust-up with the temperamental Gallas. The fee of 16m pounds, which I may add is peanuts for City, will be a welcome addition into the Gunner's dried up coffers. The move gives the Sky Blues'lineup much needed balance but has weakened an already ailing Arsenal defense.
Mark Hughes said that there will be a top class addition to the club's backline and he has duly delivered. Toure has proved his worth at the highest levels in the Premier League and would prove an impressive transfer. I rate this 7.5/10 as 16m for a defender is still high. But well, this is City we are talking about.

3. Martin Caceres to Juventus

This is my favorite transfer as I made the exact same one while playing Football Manager 09 as manager of Juventus (and he went on to form a rock solid partnership with Chiellini). Well, my fantasies aside, Secco and co continue their marked improvement in the transfer market with this transfer which is a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent later on. This guy impressed a lot of people with his performances for Recreativo and that lead to his transfer to Barcelona. But there he has fallen down the pecking order with Guardiola preferring Pique whenever he changes the central defense partnership. A versatile player, he is young, has height and pace, and I feel will surely make his mark at Juventus.
As I said earlier, I have a soft spot for this transfer and will rate it at 8/10.

There's something fishy at Milan

AC Milan are one of the world’s most prestigious and successful teams of all time. They have won the Serie A 17 times, been runners-up 14 times, won the Supercoppa Italiana a record 5 times, 7 Champions League titles and another record 3 intercontinental titles. In contrast to this they finished 3rd and 5th in the last two Serie A seasons and were not at all challenging in any competition either. Add to that the sale of one the world’s best midfielder doesn’t paint a rosy picture for the Rossoneri in the coming season.

But things looked to change for the better when Galliani announced, rather ambitiously, Milan’s policy to reduce the average age of their squad. The cash impetus from the sale of Kaka opened the doors for some serious rebuilding under a new manager.

First it was Aly Cissokho, then Edin Dzeko and now Luis Fabiano. These were players AC Milan needed in their squad and the fans must have been overjoyed with their club being linked with them. But it was not to happen, and that too in the most puzzling of circumstances.

It was first announced that Milan and completed all formalities of the Cissokho deal and the move was only pending a medical. This medical we are talking about was also taken by a 28 year old fat and out of shape Ronaldinho and a certain aging Favalli. And this was the very medical Cissokho failed to clear because of a problem with his teeth. Hmmm interesting. Right after that, it was announced that Milan wished to sign the player on either a lower transfer fee or on a loan with a view to sign later. This gives added credit to the news that it was actually money which caused the deal to fail.

The case of Dzeko is a well documented one. The player is in phenomenal form and AC Milan were spot on in targeting him as a partner for Pato in their squad. But Wolfsburg were not at all in any requirement of money and stubbornly refused to even consider any offers from Milan. Again, here is the fishy part, Dzeko has reiterated time and again, that he does not want to play for Wolfsburg the coming season and it’s Milan where “his heart lies”. History is evidence to innumerable instances when if a player wishes to leave, the transfer does happen against the actual wishes of his parent club albeit at a higher transfer fee. Thus, the implication that Milan might have been miserly here too.

It was announced yesterday that Milan have broken off all negotiations with Sevilla for Fabiano. They were not ready to budge from their valuation of 14m euros and Sevilla are not ready to accept that bid. 14m euros for a profilic goal scorer?? Are you joking!! And this is Sevilla, known to take the best out of a deal (I am referring to Del Nido ofcourse).

Whatever the true reasons may be, I sincerely hope that Milan overcome them and manage to assemble a reasonably fit and fighting team. Kaka’s and Gourcuff’s departure will sure count as negatives but they have world class talent in the form of Pato and a certain Tabare Viudez. Till then, I think the Rossoneri fans can only pray for some sensible dealings by their beloved club in the transfer market.

Who replaces Adebayor??

I never really liked Adebayor. I think he was overrated, way too languid and plain stupid ( he compared himself to Henry remember??? ). Not only that, I feel quite a few Arsenal fans would also be happy to see his back. He was reportedly signed for 25m pounds, which is quite a lot of money even in this year's market, so Arsenal fans are right to expect an able replacement.

Let's see the players being linked to the Emirates

1. Marouane Chamakh

The most rumored transfer is that of this 25 year old French (yes) striker from Bordeaux. He is tall (6'2") , strong and seems like an exact replacement for the Togonator (that is such a lame nickname) only that Chamakh is said to have a higher work rate. He scored 14 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for the French outfit which is nowhere near impressive, combine it with the fact that he was (is?) a target for Sunderland and Blakburn, he doesn't seem good enough to be a leading hitman for a team with Premier League ambitions (i hope Arsenal still have those or Man City will have to be included in the Top four).

2.Andre Pierre Gignac

Though there have not been any rumors linking him to Arsenal, this guy is a perfect fit for Arsene Wenger's transfer policy. Young (23), French and unproven on the big stage (:P). But this lad has all the makings of a top player.

Last season he finished the League top scorer, won player of the month for September and March, nominated for player of the year and selected for league team of the year. The stumbling block would be the high price quoted by Toulouse for him.

3. Klaas Jan Huntelaar

Part of the Madrid exodus and linked with numerous clubs, I have always held him in high regard. His goal scoring exploits for Ajax are well known and he has been a consistnt player for the national side as well. He scored 8 goals in 20 apps for Madrid but that is a commendable performance considering he was usualy brought on as a sub. The Hunter is normally criticised for his lack of pace but even a certain van Nistelrooy was not pacey and we all know how successful he was in the Premeirship. I believe this is THE best option that Wenger has.

4. Obafemi Martins

Now that Newcastle is relegated and the fact that Wenger once (maybe long back) praised the Nigerian, the tabloids believe he is the one to replace Ade. Well, for one he too is African and so is strong and pacy. He was down with an injury for most part of the season, and when fit was third choice to Owen and Viduka, but still managed 8 goals in 20 apps. Not very likely, but well stranger things have happened.

5. No new signing

Now we all know Wenger's obsession to create an Arsenal's class of sometime (on the lines of ManUtd's class of 95) and as such he has Bendtner and Vela in his squad. This seems to be the most likely course of action and these two will be used to fill Ade's gap. Bendtner is rubbish, worse than Adebayor, but Vela has shown glimpses of quality though he still has to improve.

What do you think............

Man City's attacking force

Man City recently completed the signing of Carlos Tevez for a reported 25 million pounds to further their spending spree this summer. With that signing, they now have officially 9 (yes NINE) strikers on their rooster and have been heavily linked with signing Adebayor.

So I thought let's take a look at the attacking line up for ManC as of today

1. Craig Bellamy :

Joined his long time admirer, Mark Hughes in January 2009 and caused an immediate impact. He scored 5 goals in the 7 appearances that he made during the second half of the season. His inclusion added strength and muscle to the forward line. Though new signing Santa Cruz would also provide that it seems that he will stay on as a backup.

2. Benjani:

Came in 2008 but has made only 21 appearances to date. He was off for a long time due to a thigh injury but even in those handful appearances he scored only 4 goals. Add to that the fact that he was brought in by ex manager Sven Goran Eriksson I feel he should be sold off. But so far there have been no rumors linking him to a move away from Eastlands.

3. Carlos Tevez:

Some brand him a traitor, some sympathize with him. A great talent undoubtedly, he was phenomenal for rivals Man Utd in his first season there but his goal scoring exploits waned considerably in the 2008-09 season. A costly buy and should surely be first choice. (Guess that is why he went there in the first place).

4. Ched Evans:

Academy youngster who would probably be sent out on loan but again, its already mid July and he is still with them.

5. Felipe Caceido

A (supposedly) hugely talented youngster who has already made 27 appearances since joining in 2008. Still his goal scoring ratio is dismal but seems he will stay as a squad player.

6. Jo

Has gone out on loan to Everton but was a costly signing.

7. Robinho

Top notch player and that was evident with his performance last season. He did struggle a bit on the away games but there is no doubting that he is a sure starter.

8. Roque Santa Cruz

Another manager favourite Santa Cruz is a lot like Bellamy and had a good season under Hughes at Blackburn. Should be first choice for a side like City but as you can see that spot is becoming kind of crowded.

9. Valeri Bojinov

Injury plagued and was brought by the ex manager, two reasons for him to be no longer a part of Hughes squad but the lack of rumors seems to indicate that he will stay on with City. Supposedly a huge talent, let us hope we can see some of that this coming season.

So if you see carefully, one can remove Evans, Jo and Caceido on the count that they would be bit part players (not even that in Jo's case) so City are left with SIX (seven if Adebayor signs) strikers and the most attacking formation I know of can accommodate 3 strikers. I think that this squad is the perfect recipe for disaster. Lets hear your views........

Melo, Zhirkov and yet another "next Thierry Henry"

After a slight lull in the transfer activity of the major clubs we get back here with THREE new signings which I feel are review worthy.

1.Felipe Melo to Juventus

Let us start with my second love, Juventus. Secco had proved himself worthy of the scorn of all Juve supporters with his dealings in the past (Poulsen, Nocerino...the list is long), but since Amauri last season he has steadily improved his record. It had become a well known fact in world football that Juventus required a reinvention in their midfield and some new defenders. Some in come Diego and Felipe Melo.

From yet another Brazilian football player, Melo has come a long way to establish himself as a tough tackling, no nonsense defensive midfielder and a pretty good one at that. His Confed Cup dislpays, though few, were above par. Two seasons back, I saw a few highlights of his games in an Almeria jersey and I did predict this guy has potential. Fiorentina was a good platform to show the same and a move to Juventus seems beneficial to both the player and the team.

I rate this transfer as 7.5/10 especially sweet for a ManUtd fan because if he had instead moved to Arsenal, I believe he would have been the missing piece there. But well, thanks to Wenger's stingyness everyone is happy .

2. Yuri Zhirkov to Chelsea

Chelsea have been quite silent so far in the transfer market (you can hardly consider Turnbull and Sturridge to be "big" signings), so this is their first "REAL" transfer of the season. Left sided midfielder/defender/attacker Yuri Zhirkov. How good is he? Not bad but not great, but that is my opinion from his limited displays for Russia in the Euros. Hiddink says he is great, so let us take his word on it.

But the more important issue is whether Chelsea really needed him? With Malouda coming back to form and Ashley Cole being quite a fixture in the starting XI for Chelsea, it seems highly likely that he will end up a bench warmer.

I rate this at 6.5/10 because the player could be good, even great, but what use is it if he doesn't play. Chelsea's top transfer priority should be a striker and I hope Ancelotti is more creative than Pato.

3. Gabriel "new Henry" Obertan to ManUtd

An out of the blue signing for the Red Devils and their third of the season, Gabriel Obertan would be familiar with all Football Manager managers. He is a wonderkid in the game. I watched a recent match footage of UEFA Euro u21 touranment match between England u21 and France u21 where France scored two goals of which Obertan scored one and created the other.

The lad is quick (really quick), can play on either wing, up front or in the hole, wears no 7 for the u21 side ( :D ) and has quick legs (does stepovers, flicks, tricks...you know the works). Frankly, I am excited by this signing but the downside here is the "unproven" tag. He comes from Bordeaux but spent the second half of last season on loan at Lorient making only 15 appearances (not all starting).

This would be a 6/10 signing, low simply because not much is known about him, but high because he comes cheap (tabloids claim around 3-5m pounds) and I personally think ManUtd's scouts have spotted a jewel.

Truly Silly Season

Bah, Really?, Puzzled, Shocked, Angry, Deflated and then finally reconciling myself with the fact. This was the sequence of my reaction to the news of Michael Owen to Manchester United. Let us look at this transfer from an unbiased view (if possible). First the cons (if feel easier to list them):

• He was good.
• He gets injured often and stays out for long periods of time.
• He was a scouser. (this con is purely from a manutd fan's point of view)
• He was a target for Hull City.

And what are the pros:

• He will be content staying third choice and won't cry like Tevez.
• He knows his way around the Premier League defences.
• He might score against Liverpool at Anfield. (again purely from a manutd fan's pov :D)
• He's free.

This transfer is a master stroke if you are a fantasy manager playing football manager 09 beacause if he stays fit (and thats a big if) he will surely get you goals, but in the real world even if he stays fit( still a big if) there is no assurance that he will get goals. I think SAF was so angry with Madrid that he decided that he will not let them grab all the headlines for silly season 09 and it must be said that owen's move causes more ripples than Madrid's 200m pound (and increasing) spending so far.

The transfer has potential to succeed, Owen scored 10 goals in 31 appearances last season compared to Tevez's 15 goals in 51 appearances and Owen was being supplied by Newcastle's midfield which makes his goal tally carry more weight. The speed with which the deal happened shows that Utd actually wanted Benzema and Owen was the backup plan. And United have had old players in that "other" striker role (Larsson, Solksjaer, Sheringham).

I rate this signing as 4.5/10 and there is a probability that I may be proved wrong (how I hope I am ) but there is an even greater probability that Owen's injury record becomes the major news and not his goal scoring ability.