Rodgers An Exciting Prospect But A Risk No Doubt
Brendan Rodgers is set to become the new Liverpool manager. He will become the fourth boss in two years on Merseryside when he puts pen to paper on a three-year deal.
The 39-year-old Northern Irishman is a raw but exciting prospect. He took relegation favourites Swansea to an impressive 11th place finish. What made the feat even more remarkable was the club had one of smallest budgets in the league and lowest average attendances.
Rodgers implemented a possession type passing game that materialized into an unexpected but beautiful style of football. Like Newcastle’s incredible season the Welsh club was a real surprise packet. All the credit has to go their now, former manager whose side even had the tag of ‘Swanselona’ in direct reference to Barcelona’s supreme passing game.
With the 3rd highest possession rate in the league at 57.98% it typified Rodgers words, “if you are better than your opponent with the ball you have a 79% chance of winning the game.”
It is obvious to all that this meticulous man hails from the new school. Pre-season he explained the idea of passing teams to a standstill and in the process eventually wearing them down.
When Swansea overcame the eventual league leaders Man City, it became evident that maybe this man with his small resources is capable of bigger things.
Liverpool came in for him and the massive challenge with a giant club was too much to resist. The task at Anfield will be very difficult, especially after seeing the new owners cutthroat methods oust favourite son Kenny Dalglish.
Rodgers will be expected to galvanise the club and instil the fans faith in the future of the club after a terrible campaign in the league.
Finishing 17 points off the coveted Champions League spots, the Reds need to improve drastically next season.
Their new boss is an optimistic and thoroughly measured tactician but do not be fooled this is a big risk.
The manager has never been in control of a side remotely close to the power and prestige of Liverpool. His managerial career spans five years and has only experienced one campaign in the top tier of English football.
Before you can critique or make any bold predictions about Rodger’s reign with Liverpool, the only thing you can do is gauge his transfer activity during the summer.
Patience is the key and by the time pre-season comes round we will learn more.
Rodgers has a huge test turning Liverpool’s league woes around, it’s early days but at a club of this magnitude he will quickly realise the heavy weight on his shoulders.
Potential Superstar Hazard A Massive Steal For Blues
Eden Hazard’s long protracted move to English football looks set to be concluded within the week.
The 21-year-old has attracted the interest of several clubs. However the Lille player has put a stop to all the chit-chat and innuendo and confirmed on twitter he would be joining the “Champions League winner.”
For some time the rumour mill pointed towards a potential switch to Arsenal for the highly-rated youngster. Many of Europe’s top clubs courted Hazard including the two Manchester outfits.
A long-awaited switch to the world’s premier football competition is an exciting prospect.
He is super quick, technically superb and has invaluable experience with Lille, with five seasons in France. More importantly playing in the Champions League will have instilled confidence in Hazard that he can perform at the highest level.
The particular style and way in which he plays suggests an air of confidence not seen in many youngsters. He is still very raw but could be categorized in the same vein as the prodigious talents of Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale and Mario Balotelli early in their careers.
Hazard began playing senior football for Lille at the age of 16. Since then his progression has been steady.
Handed a first cap for Belgium at 18, he has gone on to make 27 appearances for his country.
With two Young Player of the Year’s in 2009 and 2010 he then won the Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012. This recent season a standout campaign for the attacking midfielder with an astonishing 20 goals and 15 assists in all 38 league games.
Having played in no fewer than 152 games in his past three seasons his endurance and fitness is a not so publicized strength. It is something, which will hold him in good stead for the rigours of Premier League football.
The wait is over for fans of the England’s top division.
For Chelsea, they will be ecstatic to have Hazard in their ranks. Whoever is at the helm for the Blues next season must nurture and harness the immense ability of this young talent. If he becomes that world-class player that we all expect then the Stamford Bridge club will have something very special.
Sigurdsson Capture A Real Coup For Swans
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Swansea have agreed a fee of about £7.2m with Hoffenheim.
The Icelandic international was impressive during his loan spell at the Liberty Stadium.
He made 17 appearances for the club and scored seven goals plus four assists.
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers managed the midfielder at Reading and must have kept a close eye on his former man. Bringing him into the club is a shrewd piece of business for the league’s newcomers.
Player of the month for March and the first player from his nation to win the award, the 22-year-old made a real impact.
Braces against Fulham and Wigan were highlights of a wonderful beginning to his Swansea career. A stunning 25-yard free kick against the Latics a highlight of his campain.
While all the talk has been focussed on strikers Nikita Jelavic and Pappis Cisse as the standout January introductions, this man was not far behind them.
He is a presence in the centre of the park at 6ft 1 and his long-range shooting ability is a massive asset.
The Swans debut season in the Barclays Premier League was a magnificent success. Finishing 11th the Welsh club boosted their small budget with £45.9m worth of earnings.
As a result the club will be able to strengthen the squad and the capture of Sigurdsson is a vital step to establishing themselves as a potential mainstay in the top-flight.
Against All Odds Robbie And Co Would Not Be Beaten
Chelsea found a way. Against all the odds, they battled tirelessly and came up trumps. Their victory in Europe is one of the greatest backs to the wall performances of the modern era.
A recap of their run in the competition is necessary to demonstrate the fairytale story of Chelsea’s maiden Champions League triumph.
This remarkable run began with a quarter final first leg away to Napoli.
The scoreline read 3-1 to the Italians and with less than five minutes to go, Ashley Cole cleared a goal-bound shot off the line. It seemed all academic, Chelsea were in the midst of a torrid run in all competitions. At the time Andre Villas-Boas managed the club under extreme scrutiny.
During that next week, in the lead up to the second leg at Stamford Bridge a managerial change sparked a turnaround. A transformation that now reverberates across the globe as Chelsea fan’s revel in their first European Cup victory.
Roberto Di Matteo was drafted into the role as a caretaker till the end of the season. The expectations were not large, more than anything he was brought in to stabilise the situation. What has transpired in the past two months is beyond Roman Abromovich and the club’s wildest dreams.
Turning a 3-1 deficit on it’s head was not an impossible task for the Blues. Form suggested otherwise but some stalwarts and modern day Chelsea heroes came to the fore.
Didier Drogba plundered the first goal to hand the home side impetus at halftime. Captain John Terry then added a second moments after the interval and the tie to put his side into the ascendancy.
Napoli responded but Chelsea’s determination and sheer will was evident; they would not be denied. Frank Lampard converted a penalty to send the game to extra-time. Branislav Ivanovic struck a 105th minute winner and Di Matteo’s fruitful reign was in motion.
League results were not improving dramatically but FA cup progression became a formality. The club caretaker’s first call of duty was to guide them to a 2-0 victory with a tricky replay at Birmingham.
From there the confidence grew and the club rallied back from a potentially dire campaign.
Success against Leicester 5-2 at the Bridge confirmed a semi-final Wembley appearance with Tottenham. Firstly there was the little matter of facing a showdown with Barcelona in the last four the Champions League.
Lionel Messi and co were heavily backed favourites and with good reason. Pundits and commentators echoed the punters sentiments.
A dominant first-half display, with posters and goalmouth action aplenty for the Spaniards bore no fruits. The home side’s brilliant counter attack at the end of the first period swung the tie completely.
Chelsea’s Ivorian striker had done it again. He rounded off a sweeping move where Lampard released a surging Ramires who played in a perfect square ball allowing Drogba to provide the expert finish.
A second half produced much the same for the Catalonians, possession and no end product.
The second leg was set up for an enthralling encounter. Media outlets continued to deny the Londoners chances of an upset. A slender 1-0 lead was deemed to be not enough to thwart the might of Barcelona.
Roll on to an incident in the second leg and all hope appeared lost for Chelsea. After going 1-0 down, skipper Terry endured a moment to forget. His knee into the back of Alexis Sanchez saw red and with ten men, the question was how far for the reigning champions?
Andres Iniesta plundered a secong goal in the 43rd minute and everything was running according to the script.
No one told Brazilian midfielder Ramires about scripts. When he executed a sublime volley on the stroke of halftime, his side were daring to dream again.
Resilience, strength, concentration and discipline was the core of Chelsea’s second half display along with Messi’s failure to convert a penalty. At the end of the match, the possession stakes read 28% to the away team and 3 shots on target. However there was nothing but praise for Di Matteo and his men.
Fernando Torres capped a historic night in the Camp Nou to level the scores at 2-2.
Possession and shots are rendered useless in this game if you cannot put the ball in the back of the net. For what it is worth, this Chelsea side were only behind for a matter of two minutes on aggregate for the entire tie. Football really can be a funny game.
Chelsea then focused their attention on a semi-final of the FA cup with London rival Tottenham. A comprehensive 5-1 drubbing, confirmed their fourth final appearance in the past six seasons.
Suddenly, the Italian’s brief reign was becoming a realistic double cup success.
League matters resumed and after succumbing to two goals of the highest calibre from Pappis Cisse, the Blues squandered their hopes of qualification to the Champions League through domestic competition.
FA cup success against Liverpool followed with Drogba the hero yet again. The tide had turned, Chelsea were on the brink of something special. One down, one to go.
Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Raul Meireles and Ramires were all suspended for the Champions League final. All four represented key losses for the club and hampered the manager’s flexibility and options off the bench.
Again Chelsea was up against it.
Roll on to the 83rd minute of the final and after countless attempts, Thomas Mueller finally broke the deadlock. The Blues fairytale had surely come to an end.
34 years of age, already an iconic figure at the club and Drogba could not resist. Anticipating Mata’s short corner, the powerful striker headed the ball with tremendous velocity past the despairing Manuel Neuer had no hope of keeping out.
Chelsea had found a way. Lampard’s post-match comment were quintessential of what had transpired during their European campaign, “this team never knows when they are beaten,” he said.
Drogba nearly played the part of villain when he felled Arjen Robben in the first period of extra time. Peter Cech saved the resulting spot-kick and dreaming was believing.
Penalties after 120 minutes endured, the man with the final say was unsurprisingly Drogba. Stepping up take Chelsea’s fifth penalty and hand them their first ever European crown, he swept the ball in with consummate ease.
This victory erased the ‘ghost’ goal of Luis Garcia in 2005, Terry’s slip in 2008 and Iniesta’s late winner in 2009.
All of those cruel memories have now been alleviated. Chelsea have reached the pinnacle of European club football.
Drogba can only be described as a human marvel and besides his antics, the centre-forward became a certified legend of the game with his heroics in Munich.
No one could foresee the drastic change in fortunes in West London. It is a cup double that the club will saviour and a team that will be etched into folklore.
Di Matteo is rightly under consideration for the full-time role. No matter what the board’s decision is, after these spectacular two and a half months the man they like to call ‘Robbie’ has become a significant imprint in the history books and the fans will never forget the magic of 2012.
Kenny’s Plan Halted Before It Could Begin
Kenny Dalglish’s sacking is a real travesty for football. Liverpool’s favourite son endured one of the Reds worst seasons in the league. It was their lowest points tally for almost 60 years. With only six wins on home turf you would be inclined to believe this sacking was warranted.
However if you ignore the glaring statistics and delve deeper, you can realise why many saw his dismissal as real shock.
The 61-year-old was criticized severely for his summer transfer spending.
Towards the end of the campaign, media outlets continually attributed Liverpool’s lacklustre on the £111.7 million spent on players since Kenny’s arrival.
This figure is exaggerated and distorted without including the players sold.
That total is £78.85 million. If you take that into account and conduct some simple subtraction you are left with a total net spend of £32.85 million
You can fault Dalglish on some of the players who have come in this season whilst others have been sensational signings. The incredibly gifted Luis Suarez (£22.8m) the bargain of Jose Enrique (£6m) and the old stalwart Craig Bellamy on a free have been great buy-ins and players who have improved the squad.
There have been four players in particular who have been heavily scrutinized for contributing to the Scot’s downfall. Below is a compiled review of those players in question.
Stewart Downing – the England winger failed to replicate the form at Aston Villa that made him one of the league’s best wide men. No goals in the league and only one assist. This signing hurt Dalglish extremely.
Jordan Henderson – the young midfielder has not made a stirring start to his Anfield career. Being played predominately in the wider areas, Henderson has struggled to impose himself. Some of his games in the centre of the park displayed why he is a highly-rated talent. He is one player who cannot be used as a scapegoat for Liverpool’s poor league standing.
Andy Carroll – the much-maligned Geordie was riding a wave patriotism from the English media when he bursts onto the scene at Newcastle. For £35 million it was effectively a steep panic buy with Newcastle’s knowledge that the Reds would recoup £50 million for the Torres transfer. He has all the ability to become a real player for the Merseyside club. The last couple of months and his FA cup displays in particular are evidence enough to suggest he can become the player Liverpool are hoping for.
Charlie Adam – the Scot was gradually coming on at Anfield in the early stages of the season. His fine display against Man City in a 1-1 draw gave supporters reason to believe he could produce on the big stage. With the injury of defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, the manager was forced to play Adam in a deeper role and as a result his creative qualities suffered significantly. It reflects the player’s limitations and he has work ahead to produce consistent displays that warrant a position at the club.
Liverpool could only muster six wins at home and the nine draws at Anfield crippled them.
Away they won eight games but lost 10.
Those results alone do not paint an attractive picture. However if you take a glance at their goals conceded at home with 16, the 3rd least in the league and 24 away which sees them equal fourth; there were some real positives as a defensive unit.
With the help and astute appointment of Steve Clark, the Reds defence was once again a formidable prospect.
The pair stabilised the defence once again and got the best out of an erratic Martin Skrtel who won the club’s Player of the Season award. Along with fellow centre-back Daniel Agger, the duo kept things under control at the back.
Add to that the full-backs in Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique and Liverpool have found themselves a proven back four. For a large part of the season they were the tightest defence along with eventual league champions Man City.
There were some key factors that conspired against the manager.
Suarez subsequent eight-match ban for racial abuse and Dalglish’s unwavering support damaged the club’s reputation. After the Uruguayan refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand at Old Trafford, the club’s owners ordered the manager to apologise and the media made a mockery of the Scot. For FSG and club owner John Henry this incident tarnished the reputation of the club and Dalglish’s blind faith would not have been well received by the American.
For much of the campaign dominant displays did not reap the full rewards. They allowed the opposition the fewest shots on target than any other opponent. This fact alone points towards progress but unfortunately the men at the other were not on the same wavelength.
There was another well-documented statistic. Liverpool hit the woodwork no fewer than 33 times, more than anyone else in the league. The players and the boss continually harped on about these ‘unlucky’ moments. However that reads as 33 missed shots and this should never be used as a reason for the poor results.
Losing Lucas to a season-ending injury early in the piece was a crushing blow to the side’s strength in depth. He was in career best form before his unfortunate mishap and no one could fill the void. As a result, Adam was forced into a more defensive role and without the engine of his Brazilian teammate he struggled to adapt. The raw Jay Spearing can be commended for his energy but he is still very much a work in progress and could not handled the role with any aplomb.
Plain and simple, Dalgish’s worries were upfront. The Reds managed a total of 47 goals and as a result did not even rank them inside the top 10. This is the glaring problem for the Liverpool side and with one get’s the feeling if Suarez can iron out his inefficiency in front of goal and they can secure a clinical forward, their fortunes could change drastically.
No one at the club was shying away from the fact that their abysmal results in the league were not up to scratch but Kenny’s plan for the future had light. A League Cup triumph was the first trophy for six seasons at Anfield. Breaking that drought was undeniably a step in the right direction but it could not save the King.
The instability over the last few years is real cause for concern. It is a part of the fabric at Liverpool to give the man at the helm time, to be patient and back their vision. The Kop’s favourite son did not have this luxury and what a crying shame it is. FSG have shown just how ruthless they can be really.
Whatever your opinion, stability is a proven and key ingredient for success. It has become an increasingly worrying trend that managers aren’t given enough time, success does not come over night.
Kenny Dalglish will miss the club he adores and the people who think in the same vein about him. He is a man of great character and has been dealt a cruel blow.
It is a sad end for Liverpool’s famous number 7 but he can be assured that this shock sacking will not have tarnished his iconic status.
Sky Blues Skipper In Illustrious Kompany
Vincent Kompany is the 2011/12 Player of the Season. The Man City skipper led his side to a dramatic title winning campaign and this personal accolade is the icing on the cake.
The Belgian made a total of 28 appearances in the league, scoring two goals.
Bought for an undisclosed fee from Hamburg, believed to be in the region of £6 million, Kompany endeared himself to the fans immediately.
He is a firm fan favourite and is arguably the team’s most important player.
Through his consistent displays, Roberto Mancini handed City’s number 4 the captaincy. He was publicly given a full vote of confidence from his manager, who praised the attitude and determined nature of Kompany.
In 2010/11 the 26-year-old claimed the club’s Player of the Season award and was selected in the PFA Team of the Year.
This was due recognition for one of Europe’s finest and most feared defenders.
City’s owners threw down the gauntlet to the team, that this season they were expecting a title-challenge, if not the crown itself.
Kompany adhered to those calls and produced another stellar campaign.
His solitary headed goal against neighbours United, was enough to send the Sky Blues to the summit with two matches remaining. It was the most important goal of his club career. A moment that was integral to the City juggernaut’s title cause.
At 6ft 4 in the old scale, Kompany is a tower of strength. The mobility of such a tall central defender gives him the versatility to be able to thwart any type of opposition strikers.
Living in the shadow of their neighbours for decades, this superb defender has spoken of his desire to begin a Blue dynasty of their very own in Manchester.
After guiding the Sky Blues to their first top-flight crown since 1968, Kompany and his fellow players will be desperate to replicate that feat again next year.
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McLeish Sacking Rightly Warranted
In all fairness to Alex McLeish he was up against from the day he graced Villa Park as the new manager.
Once news began circulating that the former Birmingham boss was being seriously considered for the role across town, the Villa fans began several protests.
Television pictures beamed images of hundreds of supporters outside the club’s ground, chanting anti-McLeish songs.
The Scot was clearly an unpopular character amongst the Villa faithful and appeared a risky proposition for chairman Randy Lerner.
Eventually those rumours became a reality and McLeish was instated as the new man at the helm.
Fast-forward 11 months and that vendetta against the 53-year-old former Scotland manager has been vindicated.
His sacking comes as no surprise after the West Midlands club finished 16th and found themselves in the relegation frame.
A draw at home to Tottenham in their second last game of the year was just enough to see the Villains avoid a nervy final day outing.
This campaign is the worst Villa have experienced during the 20 year Premier League era.
The statistics do not lie.
All league related:
They won four of 19 home games and seven overall.
Villa drew 17 games; the most in the competition.
Lost 22 points from winning positions.
Scored 37 goals; only Stoke scored less with 36.
Lost to Bolton 2-0 in the third round of the Carling Cup.
Lost to Arsenal 3-2 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Those statistics are quite compelling and represent a very dismal domestic campaign for the Villains.
McLeish needed to accumulate more points in the first half of the season, when the squad was at full strength.
Draws were the Achilles Heel of the Scot’s tenure. The statistics mirrored the type of defensive approach that he would not shy away from. This stubbornness ultimately curtailed the attacking prowess of certain players, Gabriel Agbonglahor a prime example.
Arguably the club’s most gifted player, the attacker was deployed in isolated roles by McLeish. He struggled to adapt to the new playing style and was a victim of the manager’s coaching methods.
Injuries marred Villa’s last three months of the season and their lack in depth was exposed significantly. The shortage in players at his disposal certainly did not help his cause.
Under constant pressure from the terraces, the board continued to reiterate their faith in McLeish throughout the season. That backing could not be sustained with the nature of Villa’s fade out which plundered them into relegation territory.
A clean slate for the fans and a determined off-season from the players is the perfect tonic for this proud club.
Alex McLeish’s tenure will be merely a footnote in the club’s history books, as Aston Villa look to repair the damage left from the Scot’s miserable reign.
City’s Drought Broken In Most Surreal Circumstances
Surrealism is one way to describe what transpired at the Etihad Stadium. Others would rather steer away from disbelief and focus on miraculous definitions. Which ever way you label or describe the events of Manchester City’s triumph in the dying embers, one thing is reaffirmed; the severely uncanny nature of football.
Final-day drama last season was fuelled by the incredible relegation battle between five teams that seesawed dramatically over the course of two hours.
This year’s instalment will never be forgotten for heroics at the head of the table.
It was fascinating situation with Man United in pole position after Wayne Rooney’s 20th minute goal at the Stadium of Light.
The tension was mounting inside the Etihad Stadium as QPR’s rearguard constantly denied the Sky Blues any space or clear-cut opportunities.
Then six minutes before half time an unlikely source in Pablo Zabaleta stepped up to rattle in maiden goal for the season.
QPR’s stern resistance had been broken and with Bolton clawing back from a goal down, they now found themselves in front. At the interval the Londoners were headed for the drop and City were on track to break the 44-year drought.
All seem to go according to the script for Roberto Mancini and his men until a brain fade minutes after the break.
Joleon Lescott failed to deal with a long ball and clumsily headed the ball off the top of his head and into the path of the on-rushing Djbril Cisse.
QPR’s frontman, who said this match was his time to shine accepted the gift and smashed in a highly unlikely equalizer, sending the travelling supporters into raptures.
City were unsettled but had time on their side to resurrect the situation. They had an extra man advantage not too long after when Joey Barton unceremoniously elbowed Carlos Tevez. After being shown a red, he began a barrage of physical abuse towards other City players, which included kneeing Sergio Aguero and attempting a head butt on Vincent Kompany.
Mark Hughes had been dealt a massive blow from his captain’s overt stupidity.
As a result, the former City boss switched to an ultra defensive mindset hauling off goalscoring hero Cisse and bringing on Armand Traore.
The home side had ample time, 30 minutes plus stoppage time to carve a way through QPR’s defence.
On 66 minutes Jamie Mackie cast the relegation battle and championship race into unknown territory.
Hughes had inadvertently played a managerial masterstroke when Traore broke clear down the left wing and swung in a delightful ball that Mackie header past a despairing Joe Hart.
10 man QPR were in front.
Suddenly United were in the box seat as they continued to hold onto their one goal advantage and QPR were well and truly safe.
As the minutes passed, the underdogs stood firm and anxiety inside the ground rose to all new levels as the Sky Blues struggled to breach the opposition defence.
Mario Balotelli was introduced for Tevez and Edin Dzeko came on for Gareth Barry to bolster the attack. They battled tirelessly but to no avail.
Television pictures of success starved City fans tearing up told the story. What was supposed to be their day was slipping away.
When the match ticked on into the 90th minute, Alex Ferguson and his team looked certain to secure a 20th league title.
Then on corner number 19, Edin Dzeko escaped his marker to head from five yards out and the comeback was alive.
Three minutes remained to get one goal that would propel the club out of the shadow of their neighbours.
In a moment where time almost froze, Argentine Sergio Aguero danced by two defenders and sent City fans into pandemonium and himself into folklore.
They were now quintessentially the ‘noisy neighbours’ and those roars of jubilation were aired in the North of England to the despondent United team and their fans.
QPR were saved by the efforts of Stoke City who earned a draw and this left the Etihad in a collective state of joy.
At the final whistle, thousands of City fans stormed the pitch to spark almighty celebrations. Mancini had delivered and a potential empire could have just begun.
It would be difficult to see oneself ever witnessing scenes of such dramatic proportions. But in football and more specifically this league, you just never know.
Champions League Places Going Down To The Wire
The final day separates three teams by two points with two Champions League places on offer.
It is all on the line in the race for the world’s most coveted and lucrative football competition.
This is the situation:
3rd: Arsenal – 67 points (GD: 24)
4th: Tottenham – 66 points (GD: 23)
5th: Newcastle – 65 points (GD: 7)
Fixtures
West Brom vs Arsenal
Tottenham vs Fulham
Everton vs Newcastle
Possible scenarios:
ARSENAL
Arsenal win will secure 3rd place.
Arsenal draw they will secure 3rd place IF Tottenham lose regardless of whether Newcastle win through a superior goal difference.
Arsenal lose by a 1 clear goal and Tottenham draw and Newcaslte draw/lose they would be equal on GD with Tottenham but Arsenal will secure 3rd through superior goals for.
Arsenal draw and Tottenham win and Newcastle win they will be 4th.
Arsenal lose and Tottenham lose and Newcaslte win they will secure 4th.
Arsenal lose by 1 clear goal and Tottenham draw and Newcastle draw/lose they will secure will secure 3rd.
Arsenal lose by a 1 clear goal and Tottenham draw and Newcastle win they will secure 4th.
Arsenal lose by 2 clear goals and Tottenham draw and Newcastle draw/lose they will secure 4th.
Arsenal lose by 2 clear goals and Tottenham draw and Newcastle win they will secure 5th.
Arsenal lose and Tottenham win and Newcastle win they will secure 5th.
TOTTENHAM
Tottenham win will secure at least 4th. IF Arsenal draw or lose they will secure 3rd.
Tottenham draw and Arsenal lose by 2 clear goals and Newcastle draw/lose they will secure 3rd.
Tottenham draw and Arsenal lose by 1 clear goal and Newcastle draw/lose they will secure 4th.
Tottenham draw and Arsenal lose by 2 clear goals and Newcastle win they will secure 4th.
Tottenham draw and Arsenal lose and Newcastle draw/lose they will secure 4th.
Tottenham draw and Arsenal draw and Newcastle draw/win they will secure 4th.
Tottenham lose and Newcaslte draw/lose they will secure 4th.
Tottenham draw/lose and Arsenal win/draw and Newcastle win they will secure 5th.
Tottenham draw and Arsenal lose by 1 clear goal and Newcastle win they will secure 5th.
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle win and Arsenal lose and Tottenham draw/lose they will secure 3rd.
Newcastle win and Arsenal win/draw and Tottenham draw/lose they will secure 4th.
Newcastle draw will mean they can finish no higher than 5th due to Tottenham’s superior goal difference.
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There is a whole host of possibilities that will be answered when the season reaches a conclusion on Sunday.
Arsenal are in a favourable position although a trip to West Brom is not an easy task. The Gunners will be hoping their talisman Robin Van Persie can produce another scintillating performance to hand the club automatic qualification to the European stage.
The Baggies will be looking to secure a top 10 finish, which would be a great achievement for the club.
For the Spurs, their shaky end of season form makes their game against an impressive Fulham side a tricky prospect.
If Martin Jol’s team conjure a win they would record their highest points tally in the top-flight. This is by no means a walk in the park for Harry Redknapp’s men.
An away game at Goodison faces the league’s surprise packet. It would be an astonishing feat if Alan Pardew guided Newcastle to the Champions League.
Everton will be looking to finish above Liverpool for only the second time in 25 years. Bragging rights in the city over the summer will be in their minds.
Having to rely on other results has never been a welcome position. However all they can do is try and claim all three points and hope results go their way. What a story it would be if they managed to pull off the unthinkable.
When you thought all the potential outcomes had ended, there is one more.
IF Chelsea wins the Champions League against Bayern Munich they will be granted a place for next season’s competition at the expense of the 4th placed team.
Whoever that 4th placed side is, they will be throwing patriotism aside and hoping the Germans can do them an all mighty favour.
Kean Must Wake Up And Jump Ship
On a dreary and wet night, the darkness descended upon Ewood Park and an 11-year reign in the England’s first division.
Rather than wallow in the imminent relegation, it was a night to remember the future and direction of the club.
A chicken draped in Rovers colours was released onto the pitch during the first half. It sent a clear message to Indian poultry tycoon owners Venky’s that they are not welcome.
Steve Kean stood in a stoic manner and appeared unfazed by the incessant protests coming from the stands.
All season, his defiance and at times ignorance of the fans vituperation has been a hallmark of a torrid period for the club.
When Wigan’s Antolin Alcaraz struck a late winner that confirmed Blackburn’s demotion, a chorus of vehement taunts towards Kean began to surface with great severity.
If there were any loyal believers of the 44-year-old, they were all but gone now.
As Kean stood resolute and drenched, the final whistle signalled an on-field protest.
Security guards rushed the beleaguered manager down the tunnel as hundreds of supporters illustrated to the world their fury and calls for Kean’s head.
Moments later the Blackburn boss struck an unfazed and almost insolent figure, insisting he would not quit.
Kean’s obdurate words from day one have incensed supporters to the point of no return.
A collective sense of hatred has pervaded Ewood Park during the entire campaign. Kean and the Venky owner’s ignorance or complete lack of concern is disturbing for such a proud club.
As the reality of Championship football next season sinks in, reports internally are gradually coming to the fore.
Blackburn’s deputy chief executive Paul Hunt reportedly sent a letter to the owners in December asking for the sacking of Kean.
Detailed in the letter were unyielding calls to cease the Scot’s tenure with the club.
The mounting pressure on the owners and Kean has reached boiling point.
It is time for Venky to change the guard or begin to portray a degree of solicitude for the fans and the direction of the club.
For Kean, he must rid himself of this provocative attitude and part ways for the good of the irate and suffering Blackburn fans.
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