Team Of The Group Stages

With the group stages done & dusted on Tuesday and the knockout stages to begin from today, with the Czech Republic v Portugal match at the National Stadium in Warsaw, we have decided to create the team of the group stages. A team consisting of the best performers in every position from the three group game. Here is the team below using the 4-2-3-1 formation.. 

IKER CASILLAS (GK) – SPAIN

Casillas has been by far the most consistently performing goalkeeper in the this year’s European Championship. The Real Madrid shot stopper has been an inspirational skipper and has led his country from the front making several very important saves in the three games he has featured in. The most important of all his saves has to be the terrific save from a Ivan Rakitic close range header in the second half against Croatia which kept Spain in that game and most importantly in the tournament.

THEODOR GEBRE SELASSIE (RB) – CZECH REPUBLIC

Selassie has been one of the gems of the the tournament. The right back from African origin was completely unknown outside Czech Republic before the European Championships, but with his energetic performances for his country in the three group games so far he will surely attract many and bigger European clubs in the summer. The Slovan Liberec full back has impressed everyone with his pace and work rate on the right side of the Czech defence and also created his side’s second goal in the important win over Greece.

PEPE (CB) – PORTUGAL

Pepe has been the rock in the center of the defence for both Portugal and Real Madrid this season. The former FC Porto man has been a determined customer at the back and at times has been seen shouting out instructions to his fellow defenders and kept them well organised. He is not only a very good defender but also an attacking threat from the set-pieces. He scored his side’s opener from a corner against Denmark in the second group game and was very close of doing the same against Germany in the first game.

MATS HUMMELS (CB) – GERMANY

If Pepe was the reason for Portugal’s success from the so called Group of Death, then the Dortmund defender has been Germany’s reason for success in the same group. Hummels has been an imperious presence in the heart of the German defence that have conceded just two goals in the three group games they have played. His aerial ability and no-nonsense defending has been the keys aspects to his defending. At the same time he is a threat from the set-pieces and is also good going forward with ball, as he showed against the Dutch.

JORDI ALBA (LB) – SPAIN

The Valencia full back, who is expected to sign for Barcelona in the summer, has been one of the players to watch during the European Championship and he has not let anyone down by his performances. The fast improving left back has been very impressive for La Furia Roja in Poland/Ukraine, as he has been a threat to deal with when going forward, and at the same time solid at the back. He has been the important part of the Spanish defence that has kept two cleans during the group stages and will be hoping to do the same against France in Donetsk.

STEVEN GERRARD (CM) – ENGLAND

In the absence of Wayne Rooney, all eyes were on Gerrard on how he would lead his team in the European Championship and he has done a brilliant job. Played in a bit defensive role by Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool skipper has shown his class in all the three group games he has played in, and has led his team from the front with some clam performances. He has been the inspiration figure on and off field, and at the same time has been his side’s and tournament’s top goal creator with three assists. His good form in the knockout stages will be the key for England success in the competition.

CLAUDIO MARSCHISIO (CM) – ITALY

Coming from winning the Serie A with Juventus, Marschiso has carried his club form for his country in the European Championship. The center midfielder has been Italy’s top performer in Poland/Ukraine. The Juventus man has put in energetic displays in all the three group games but the game against Spain stands out. He showed some great stamina to run the Spainish defence to the end and force a late save from Casillas. At the same time, he was solid in the midfield and often stole possession for his side.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (AML) – PORTUGAL

Ronaldo was not at his best against Germany in the opening group game and missed a couple of golden chances against Denmark in the second game but when it mattered the most, he scored twice against the Dutch in the final game and guided his country to the last eight. The Real Madrid star has been a constant threat to defences in this tournament with his pace, trickery and his ability to shoot from distance.  The Czech defence will have to be at their best to deal with threat possessed by Ronaldo, and if they succeed in keeping him quite then Petr Cech’s side are in with a huge chance.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (AMC) – SWEDEN

Even though Sweden are not through to quarter finals, Ibrahimovic makes the team as he has been the most valuable player of the tournament. Playing just behind the main striker, the AC Milan hitman has been very impressive for Sweden by scoring goals and creating chances for his teammates. He scored a goal against Ukraine but it was all overshadowed by Andriy Shevchenko’s brace and Ukraine’s victory, he was his team’s best player against England and scored most probably the goal of the tournament against France which won him the Man of the Match in the final group game. Sweden ended at the bottom of Group D, but Ibrahimovic has been one of star performers this summer.

ANDRES INIESTA (AMR) – SPAIN

Cesc Fabregas grabbed the headlines for scoring the equaliser against Italy, Fernando Torres did the same after scoring a brace against Ireland and Jesus Navas got took the back pages with the winner against Croatia, but the real hero in all three three matches was Andres Iniesta. The Barcelona playmaker has been Spain’s unsung hero in the tournament so far. The Spainiard has been superb throughout the tournament creating numerous chances for his teammates and has hardly misplaced a pass. He has adapted very well to the advanced role when Vicente Del Bosque has opted to play without a striker.

MARIO GOMEZ (ST) – GERMANY

Gomez has scored 41 goals this season for Bayern Munich and he has continued his club form for his country in the European Championships. The German striker has been deadly in front of goal and leads the race for the Golden Boot award with three goals in three matches so far. The former Stuttgart striker scored a powerful header that turned out to be the winner against Portugal in the first game and then scored a brilliant brace against the Netherlands in the second game that guaranteed his side a place in the quarter finals.

SUBSTITUTES

Manuel Neuer (Germany), Stipe Pletikosa (Croatia), Alvaro Arbeloa (Spain), Olof Mellberg (Sweden), Joleon Lescott (England), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Vaclav Pilar (Czech Republic), David Silva (Spain), Mario Mandzukic (Croatia), Alan Dzagoev (Russia), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Karim Benzema (France).

Predicting Italy v Croatia And Spain v Republic Of Ireland

Yesterday, we witnessed some amazing football action in the Group B. In the first Silvestre Varela scored a late winner to give the Portuguese an important win over the Danes in Lviv and later Mario Gomez scored twice in the first half to send the Dutch on the brink of an early group exit.

Today’s action sees the inform Croatia – who thrashed Ireland in their opening game – take on Italy in Poznan, followed by the defending champions – who drew against Italy in the first game of the group – take on the Republic of Ireland in Gdansk.

Date – 14th June, 19:00 GMT

Stadium – Municipal Stadium, Poznan

Prediction – Both the teams come into this game in high spirits. Italy having earned a huge point against the World champions Spain in Gdansk, while the Croatians having beaten the trickiest team in the group, Republic of Ireland, 3-1 in Poznan. The winner of this game is most likely to qualify for the quarter finals and the Italians are the favourites to do so, as they face the weakest team next. Expect this to be an entertaining game as both side will be playing some attacking football and will be going for all three points. A win for Croatia will mean they are almost through, while a win for Italy will mean they just need to beat Ireland and they are through. Italians will dominate the game and create the best chances, but the Croatians will take the lead from a break of play or a set-piece and it will Nikica Jelavic who will give them the lead in the first half. Italy will bring on Mario Balotelli in the second half and continue to dominate position. The Manchester City striker will setup Antonio Cassano to score the equaliser. The Croatians, who needed a playoff win to qualify for the Euros, will hold on to the lead and grab a vital point from the game. Italians will feel hard done by the result after they dominated most of the game and will feel like two points lost rather than a point gained.

Predicted Final Score – Italy 1-1 Croatia (Cassano ; Jelavic)

Date – 14th June, 21:45 GMT

Stadium – PGE Arena, Gdansk

Prediction – This is an important game for both the teams. Both teams come into this game at the back of a disappointing result in their previous game. Spain were held on to a draw by Italy, while Ireland were outplayed and thrashed 3-1 by the Croatians. This will be a very tough game for the Irish as they play against the best team in the world. As expected Spain will do what they do best – dominate the game and keep the possession. The Irish will find it tough to play their natural game and will have to defend for most of the game and hit the defending champions on the break if they have to get anything from the game. But it won’t be that way as Andres Iniesta, who was impressive against the Italians, will score the opener and then David Silva will make it two just before half time. Robbie Keane will bring Ireland close to a goal but will be Iker Casillas. Cesc Fabregas, who scored the equaliser in the Gdansk, will score the third goal and wrap up the game for the Spaniards. This win will see Spain go on top of Group C with Italy and Croatia sharing a point earlier, and this defeat would mean the end of Ireland’s hopes of making it through the group and qualifying for the knockout stages.

Predicted Final Score – Spain 3-0 Republic of Ireland (Iniesta, David Silva, Fabregas)

Analyzing Eden Hazard’s Possible Move To Chelsea

Finally and hopefully the Eden Hazard transfer saga is over as he is set to join ‘Champion’s League Winners’ or ‘European Champions’ Chelsea, after he announced his decision on his twitter page yesterday.

Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich in the finals of the Champions League this month and have qualified for the next season’s Champions League as the holders of the tournament after having finished sixth in the Premier League. There is no official announcement by either Lille or Chelsea about the transfer but its has been hugely speculated for the past two-three days that the clubs had agreed a fee in the region of £33m and the player had made up his mind about signing for the Blues over Manchester City and Manchester United.

Here we analyze Eden Hazard’s move to Chelsea and what does it mean for the club.

Is the transfer a Done Deal?

No. No transfer is a done deal until its confirmed and announced by both the clubs involved. Eden Hazard has just made his choice that he wants to join Chelsea but the club have refused to confirm the transfer in a statement to the Associated Press stating: “As with all transfers when we have something to announce, we will announce in the usual way.”

That means there is still time for other clubs like City and United to come in and hijack the deal. The transfer won’t be a done deal until the two clubs agrees a fee and the player passes a medical. And there have been no official reports from either Lille or Chelsea that things have been agreed.

What the does Eden Hazard signing means for Chelsea?

Eden Hazard is one of the most sought after players in world football and Chelsea beating the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature means a lot for the club.  When Didier Drogba announced he would be leaving the club in the summer after his contract expired, the Chelsea fans were worried and looked at Juan Mata and Fernando Torres as their primary force of attack. But now with Eden Hazard signing surely the future is bright at Stamford Bridge.

With the arrival of Eden Hazard – who has 20 league goals and 15 assists for Lille this season – Chelsea now boast an incredibly impressive midfield with the likes of Juan Mata, Frank Lampard and Ramires already in it. All of them are great passers of the ball and can score some important goals as well. Chelsea looked more a defensive minded team last season especially in the Champions League, but now with the arrivals of Kevin De Bruyne, Marko Marin and Eden Hazard they certainly have more versatility in the final third.

The midfield of the Stamford Bridge club now is a powerhouse which consist the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, Ramires, Florent Malouda, Oriol Romeu,  Marko Marin, Kevin De Bruyne, Josh McEachran, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard. There not many teams in the world who can boast that much of talent and depth in the middle of the field.

Where will Eden Hazard play for Chelsea?

Hazard started the last season on the wings for Lille, but as the season progressed he was moved in the center by coach Rudi Garcia and was given the role of the main playmaker of the team. That drastically increased his performances for the Ligue 1 side and saw him end the season with 20 goals – including a hat-trick in his last game for the club – and 15 assists.

According to the recent reports in the Daily Mail, Hazard said he wanted to play the same role that he played for Lille, the number10 role for his new club, that is the role just behind the striker, the role of main playmaker. He would be playing the exactly same role at Stamford Bridge. The Blues played with a 4-2-3-1 formation under Roberto Di Matteo and if the Italian becomes the next permanent coach of the club then that formation would fit Hazard perfectly, as he would be the main man just behind Fernando Torres.

With his brilliant passing skills and creativity Hazard would perfectly fit in the role which he has asked for and at the same time could help Torres prove his worth to the club. Torres by no means had a bad season as compared to his first six months at the club but now with the arrival of Hazard expect Torres to get some more chances to score some more goals this season. I always said Chelsea needed a playmaker to get the best out of  Torres and now finally they have got Eden Hazard.

At the same time the arrival of the Belgium international will also help to fill the void left by the departing Salomon Kalou. As stated before Hazard started his career on the wings and so when needed Hazard could also play on either wings. His ability to play with either foot, dribbling and pace would cause major trouble to fullbacks.

Why did Hazard choose Chelsea over United or City?

According to the reports in the Daily Mail, Hazard stated he would choose the club that would guarantee him more playing time and would also give him the number10 role. Chelsea were the best option among the three that would satisfy his demands. They desperately needed a playmaker as they can’t depend on Frank Lampard anymore to perform all season as he isnt getting any younger so Hazard was always going to be the main man around whom the team would be build, if he joined the Blues.

United play an orthodox 4-4-2 formation which meant Hazard would have to play on the wings where he would have faced some stiff competition from Antonio Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young for a starting place or he would have settle in the center of midfield besides Michael Carrick. Both the roles didn’t guarantee him much playing time as he wanted and neither gave him the number10 role which asked for. At City, Hazard would have faced some tough competition from David Silva and Samir Nasri for the role he wanted and at the same time he won’t have got the same amount of playing time he would get at Chelsea.

Many people would say Chelsea offered him more wages than the other two clubs but I feel there is no harm for the player to go for more money if he has chance to do that. We have seen in the past that money does buy success and Chelsea have proved that on many occasions, so going to Chelsea was not just about the money.

Will Hazard be a hit in the Premier League?

No one can say whether he would be a hit in the Premier League or will turn out to be Chelsea’s next big money signing that flopped. Hazard is a great talent and has the potential to be one of the best players in the Premier League but he needs to work hard. He won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year twice in the row with Lille but that doesn’t mean he would be a hit in the Premier League. He isn’t going to be as dominant at Chelsea as he was with Lille because Premier League is completely a different ball game compared to Ligue 1. The standard of the Premier League game is on a very higher level compared to any other league and we have seen many talented players come to the Premier League and failed. I just hope he lives upto his hype and reaches his potential as well as establishes himself as a Chelsea fan favourite.

European Team Of The Season 2011/12

What an exciting season of football it has been across Europe this year. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus all won their first ever league titles in years, while Montpellier won the Ligue 1 for the first time in their history and Dortmund made it two in two years in the Bundesliga. Chelsea shocked the footballing world by winning the Champions League against all odds and Atletico Madrid defeated their Spanish rivals Athletic Bilbao to win the Europa League in Bucharest.  

As we draw to an end to league football across Europe for the season and as we move closer to the European Championships in Poland & Ukraine in the summer,  we look at the eleven best players and one manager who form our European Team of the Season 2011/12.

Gianluigi Buffon (GK) – Juventus

He has been a loyal servant to the Bianconeri having stayed at the club through the Calciopoli Scandal and the relegation to Serie B in 2006/07. At 34-years of age, many thought he was past his peak but he has proved everyone wrong. Except for that one blunder against Lecce, the 2006 World Cup winner was back to his best and with 21 clean sheets and just 16 goals conceded, he has to be the best keeper around Europe this season ahead of the likes of Iker Casillas, Joe Hart or Manuel Neuer.

Lukasz Piszczek (RB) – Dortmund

The Poland international has been sensational for Dortmund this season as they went on to do the domestic double by winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. The 26-year-old has had an outstanding season for the Bundesliga champions this year and he comes in this team ahead of the German captain Philipp Lahm and Barcelona’s Dani Alves. Piszczek has been very good both offensively and defensively for his side and he is the leading goal scorer as a right back this season with 4 goals.

Mats Hummels (CB) – Dortmund

He is the second Dortmund and Bundesliga player in this team and truly deserves his place. Hummels has been a rock in the defence for the Bundesliga champions this season and his partnership with Nevan Subotic in center of that Dortmund defence, has conceded just 25 goals this season. He is in the team ahead of the likes of Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol and Thiago Silva and is there for a good reason as he has been able to stop Bundesliga’s top strikers like Mario Gomez, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Lukas Podolski, Raul, Claudio Pizarro and Marco Reus from scoring any goals against BVB this season.

Vincent Kompany (CB) (C) – Manchester City

What a season this man has had. He led City to their first ever league title in 44 years and also scored the most important goal against Manchester United in the Manchester derby at the Etihad stadium which decided the title. Like Hummels, Kompany has been a rock in that City defence and the Premier League champions have missed him badly whenever he was injured or suspended. The Belgium international who has scored three goals and created one this season is also Premier League’s Player of the Year. He has been a true leader on and off the pitch and has also been an inspiration for his City team-mates and that’s why he is also the captain of this team.

Jordi Alba (LB) – Valencia

This year has been a dream year for Jordi Alba. The left back who came through the ranks at La Masia has been in form for Valencia this season, making the step up to the national team to become Spain’s first choice left back. With 2 goals and 5 assists, Jordi Alba has been a key member of the Valencia team that finished third for the third time in a row. With his performances attracting interests from the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona, dont expect him to be around at the Mestalla next season.  The young Spaniard is in the team ahead of Philipp Lahm, Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra.

Andrea Pirlo (CM) – Juventus

For me Pirlo has to be Serie A’s Player of the Season. Many thought the Italian international was past his prime and finished when he left Milan for free last summer and joined Juventus. But like Buffon, he has answered his critics by the performances on the field. The veteran was a  standout in his debut match against Parma as he put in an outstanding performance in 4-1 win and as the season progressed he got better and better. With 13 assists and 3 goals to his name in 37 league appearances this season he has proved everyone that he is far from finished and is surely a player to watch at the Euros this summer.

Yaya Toure (CM) – Manchester City

David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero got all the praise for guiding Manchester City to their first ever league title in 44 years but Yaya Toure has played a key part as well. He play like what Patrick Vieira use to play during his times at Arsenal and is the driving force in the heart of the City midfield. The Blues missed the Ivorian badly when he was on international duty during African Cup of Nations but ever since his return he has been inspirational in their bid for the title. He also scored the two important goals for City at Newcastle in penultimate game of the season that got them one step closer to the title.

Mesut Ozil (CAM) – Real Madrid

For an attacking midfielder with an advanced role Mesut Ozil doesn’t score enough goals but has been a vital part of Real Madrid team this season as they went to win their 32nd La Liga title. The German international has just 7 goals in 52 appearances this season but has created 23 goals which is only second best to Lionel Messi (28). His movement off the ball is one of the best in the world at the moment and has been consistently the best attacking midfielder for the last two years for both club and country. He is in the team ahead of David Silva because he guided Los Blancos to the semi finals of the Champions League and also created the goal for Cristiano Ronaldo against Barcelona which handed the league title to Jose Mourinho’s men.

Cristiano Ronaldo (RW) – Real Madrid

The Portuguese failed to win the Golden Boot or the Pichichi Trophy this season as he ended just four goals behind Lionel Messi but it was Ronaldo who had the last laugh as Real Madrid went on to win their first ever league title since 2008. With 46 goals in the La Liga and 60 in all competitions, the former Manchester United player has played a pivotal role in helping Mourinho’s men win their 32nd La Liga title and also reaching the semi finals of the Champions League this season. The 27-year-old’s winner against Barcelona at Camp Nou guaranteed that the league title will be heading back to Madrid.

Lionel Messi (LW) – Barcelona

It hasn’t been a good season for Barcelona as they finished second behind Real Madrid in the league and were knocked out by eventual winners Chelsea in the semi finals of the Champions League but on a personal note it has been Messi’s best season as he continued to break more records. He went on to become the club’s all-time highest goalscorer this season with 252 goals in all competitions and also set a new record of goals in a European season with 72. He also created a new record of most number of goals scored in the league with an incredible number of 50 goals.

Robin van Persie (ST) – Arsenal

The Dutcman has single-handedly carried Arsenal on his shoulders and guided them to a third place finish in the Premier League after having one of their worst starts to the season. He scored 30 league goals this season and those goals consisted of both stunning striker and poacher like finishes which proves what a complete striker he is. The PFA Player of the Year and the Premier League Golden Boot winner has been a true leader for the young Arsenal side on the pitch and has brought them back from the dead too many times this season. He is the key to any future success that is in store for Arsenal and the Gunners must do everything possible to keep him at the club.

Antonio Conte (Manager) – Juventus

It was a tough choice to choose between Conte and Jose Mourinho as both led their clubs to league success after many years but in the end it was Italian for me. The former Juventus fan favourite was appointed as the new coach at the start of the season and did a tremendous job in his first season by lead the Bianconeri to their first ever  Scudetto title since 2006. In the process Juventus stayed unbeaten in the Serie A through out the season, winning 23 and drawing 15 games. Conte also guided the Zebras to their first ever Coppa Italia final since 2004 only to be beaten by Napoli 2-0. The Italian who joined in May last summer has now signed a new contract which will see him stay at the Juventus Stadium for the next three years.

Substitutes

Petr Cech (Chelsea), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

Premier League 2011/12 Season Review – Part 2

Wow!! What a season it has been. It surely goes down as one of the best seasons ever of the Premier League since its formation 20 years back. We witnessed some epic battles for almost every position in the league. Was it the fight to be crowned the Champions of the country or was it the fight to stay up in the Premier League we were entertained till the very last minute.

Will the Blue half of Manchester celebrate their first ever league win since 1968, we have decided to review the complete season in two parts. Here is Part Two.

Player of The Season – Robin van Persie

The Arsenal skipper has been in the form of his life this season. The PFA Player of The Year and Football Writers’ Player of the Year has almost single-handedly carried his team’s goal threat this season with a remarkable number of 37 goals in 47 appearances – only Theo Walcott is the other Arsenal player who has managed to score more than 10 goals this season. With Champions League football guaranteed for the next season and some good players joining the Gunners in the summer, the Dutch striker might just sign a new contract at the Emirates.

Manager of The Season – Roberto Mancini

Many would have gone for Alan Pardew or Roberto Martinez for their brilliant work with Newcastle and Wigan respectively this season. But for me it has to be Roberto Mancini. He has done a tremendous job at the Etihad this season. Yes, yes, he had loads of money to spend and had the best squad in the Premier League at his disposal but that didn’t make his job any easier. The Italian had to make the big-name players play together as team and also at the same time had to deal with a lot of the big-egos in Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez. He kept the squad motivated when United were eight points clear at the top in early April and looked like running away with the title.

Match of The Season – Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal

This has been the toughest choice of all. We have witnessed so many entertaining and memorable matches this season but in the end the 10-goal thriller at Old Trafford topped them all. United inflicted total humiliation on Arsenal, who recorded their worst ever defeat since 1896. Gunners came into this match with several players in defence and midfield either injured or suspended, while Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri had left the club for Barca and City respectively. Wayne Rooney was United’s inspiration with a hatrick, but Ashley Young also bagged a brace of two stunning goals. Danny Welbeck, Park Ji Sung and Nani also got their names on the score-sheet. Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie got very little consolation for the Gunners, while David De Gea saved a first half penalty and Carl Jenkinson was sent-off in the second half.

Goal of The Season – Papiss Cisse (2nd Goal) v Chelsea

The Senegalese striker had already given Newcastle the lead at Stamford Bridge with a left-foot volley in the 19th minute and when the game went into the 10 minutes of injury time, he topped that with a stunning shot from the outside of his right foot. Shola Ameobi touched down a throw into his path. The striker controlled it with his chest before striking a swerving angled shot that curved cruelly from left to right and ended up into the top corner, leaving Petr Cech helpless.

Signing of The Season – Papiss Cisse

The Senegalese international striker has been in red hot form since his January move to the Sports Direct Arena and he just edges out his compatriot and Newcastle teammate Demba Ba because of the incredible impact he has had. Many players take time to settle down with their new clubs but Cisse has settled in quickly at his new club and has managed to score a record breaking 13 goals 14 league appearances this season. He is probably one of the reasons why Newcastle have had such a successful season.

Flop of The Season – Stewart Downing

Liverpool paid a huge amount of £20m to get the England winger from Aston Villa in the summer. Everyone including Kenny Dalglish thought Downing could be the perfect player to get best out of Andy Carroll but it didn’t work out. Downing, an England hopeful and will probably always remain one, has made 36 appearances for the Reds in the league this season and has – wait for it – zero goals and zero assists to his name. Liverpool fans can argue that he was the Man of the Match in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City but you can’t argue to the fact that he has been a complete waste of money and the flop of this season.

Team of the Season

Seven Matches That Won The Title For City

It’s been one rollercoaster season of the Premier League and the fight for title has been the most entertaining in years. Congratulations to Manchester City for winning their first League title in 44 years. Here we look at the seven matches that won the title for City.

1. City 1-0 United, April 30
The game turned out to be the title decider. The win in this Manchester derby gave City control of their own destiny. Skipper Vincent Kompany headed in just before half time and that goal turned out to be the winner. The victory took City at the top of table on goal difference with just two matches left to play.

2. Newcastle 0-2 City, May 6
After the win against United in derby a week before, everyone thought the title race was over. But it wasnt, their lead was a slender one and they faced a tricky away trip to Newcastle. Mancini’s men were made to work hard during the game but in the end two goals by the inspirational Yaya Toure in the last 15 minutes guided them home.

3. City 3-2 QPR, May 13
City just need a win in their final league game at home against a QPR side, who were fighting to stay in the Premier League. It looked like a straight forward task but it wasn’t. Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring in the first half and gave City the lead, but second-half goals from Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie, either side of a stupid Joey Barton red card, seemed to have gifted United the title. However, in unbelievable scenes, substitute Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero scored in injury time to win the title.

4. City 2-1 Chelsea, March 21
After a disappointing loss at Swansea which costed them the top spot in the league, City were in danger of losing more ground to United when they faced a rejuvenated Chelsea side at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues from London took the lead in the 2nd half thanks to a Gary Cahill goal. Sergio Aguero scored the equaliser for the Citizens and then Samir Nasri scored a late winner which completed a late comeback for the hosts. The win showed character and also marked the return of a rejuvenated and hungry Carlos Tevez

5. United 1-6 City, October 23
This win didn’t decide the destination of the title but in terms of message it was rightly sent. City went to Old Trafford and completely destroyed their rivals and recorded their biggest derby win for 57 years. Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko both bagged a brace each with David Silva and Sergio Aguero also on the scoresheet. The win gave City an early advantage as it took them 5 points clear at the top.

6. City 3-2 Spurs, January 22
After being knocked out of the FA Cup by United, City needed to keep safe distance from their city rivals at the top of the table in the league. The game against Tottenham was always going to be a huge one and it didn’t fail to deliver. After a not-so-entertaining first half, Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott gave City a two-goal lead before the hour mark but five minutes later Spurs were back in it thanks to goals from Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale. Defoe had a chance to win the game in dying minutes but he failed and then Mario Balotelli’s injury time penalty kept City three points ahead of United, effectively ending Tottenham’s title challenge.

7. City 3-3 Sunderland, March 31
In the period where City’s title challenge faltered this point against Sunderland at home was a very important one. Sebastian Larsson gave the visitors the lead before Mario Balotelli equalised from the spot. Bendtner and Larsson scored again in the second half and made it 3-1 for the Black Cats. With just five minutes remaining and the hosts staring at their first ever home defeat of the season but the Citizens scored twice in the space of 69 seconds through Mario Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov to salvage an unlikely point.

5 Things We Learned From The Manchester Derby

In one of the most important games ever in the history of the Premier League, Manchester United traveled to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City with the Premier League title up for grabs. 

With the Blue half of Manchester coming out on top with a 1-0 win – courtesy of a first half headed goal by skipper Vincent Kompany – here was a shift in power in the race for the title. Aside from the obvious result, Into The Top Corner has a look at the 5 things we learned from the Manchester Derby.

1. United Went For A Draw

Manchester United started the game with a defensive formation and looked as if they were happy taking just a point back home. United started with five in midfield with the likes of Park and Giggs in the team. With the formation, United didn’t seem to want the game at all and rarely went forward with any real intent to take on the City defence. Wayne Rooney, who led the line, was cut a forlorn figure up front and United rarely threatened the City goal with just three attempts. Sir Alex Ferguson will surely be ruining the dropped points against Everton at Old Trafford after this game.

2. City Deserved The Win

It goes without saying that City were far more better side on the occasion and completely deserved their win. After their early nerves had settled, City completely dominated the game and United were unable to make anything of the ball when they had the possession. The likes of Aguero, Nasri and Yaya Toure looked threatening against a United defence, who were happy to contain them. For all their possession they eventually made it count, when Kompany headed his side ahead just before half time with a strong header which ultimately provided his team with a crucial 3 points that could well decide the title race.

3. Komapny Led By Example

Whenever a big game like this comes, you look to your captain for inspiration, leadership and guidance. Patrice Evra was disappointing for United. His usual overlapping runs down the left-wing were restricted by some excellent work by Samir Nasri and Pablo Zabaleta. Evra showed his impatience by overstretching for tackles and committing some needless fouls in his own half.

Vincent Kompany, on the other hand, will be a player who will take all the headlines. The Belgium international rose above Chris Smalling just before half time to score the winner from a David Silva corner that made his team the favourites to win the title this season.

4. City’s Midfield the Difference

City started with their inform midfield of David Silva, Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry and Samir Nasri, while United went with a five-man midfield containing the likes of Nani, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Park Ji-Sung.

It took some time for City to settle in the game but once they did their midfield started dominating the game. Samir Nasri especially was very impressive on the night by combining perfectly at times with his other midfielders and the forwards. The former Arsenal man played most of the game out on the right but no way did he drift out of the game. Despite blowing a sure-short opportunity to seal the game off during the closing stages, Nasri could be pleased with his performance.

On the other hand, United’s midfield was very poor. They gave away possession quite cheaply. Park Ji-Sung and Nani were both ineffectively and were easily defended against by the City defence. It was a huge gamble to pick Park ahead of Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young and it backfired. Park was the by far the worst player on the pitch. He struggled to get a foothold in the match, seemingly pass the ball on as quickly as possible as soon as it got to him and almost looking lost, despite his efforts. But at the same time, to make the Korean a scapegoat for the defeat would be completely unjust, given that the whole team performance was well below United’s standards.

5. Title Race Is Still Not Over

Both the teams are leveled on points and City lead on goal difference but both teams have two matches remaining and six points to plat for, so to say that title has been decided would be a bit premature.

Look at the remaining fixture, City have toughest as they face Champions league chasing and inform Newcastle United away at the Sports Direct Arena, and a Queens Park Rangers side at home, who are fighting to stay in the Premier League, so no result is assured. On the other hand, United play Swansea City at Old Trafford next followed by Sunderland away on the final day of the season. Two teams who have nothing to play for anymore this season as they both are well placed in the mid table.

The win for City over their city rivals United certainly makes them the favourites and puts them in the driving seat. But only two wins in their remaining two games will guarantee them a first League title in years.

PFA Player of the Year Nominees

It’s awards night today!! The PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year will be announced tonight and so Into The Top Corner has a look at the nominees for both awards. 

Robin van Persie

The Dutchman has been in scintillating form for the Gunners this year, carrying on his fine goalscoring record from the second half of last season into the new campaign to become Arsenal’s main, and at times only, attacking threat. A return of 27 goals in 34 Premier League appearances has long seen Van Persie cast as the frontrunner for the Player of the Year title, with the ex-Feyenoord man helping his side overcome a woeful start to the season and likely maintain their place amongst the top four.

Wayne Rooney

The striker began the season at a blistering pace with a hat-trick in the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal at the start of the season, and aside from a lull throughout in October and November, the former Everton man has once again been at the forefront of Manchester United’s bid to retain their Premier League title. The 26-year-old’s double in the 3-3 comeback draw against Chelsea in February was a key moment in the Red Devils’ season, with Rooney continuing his form going into the home straight.

Sergio Aguero

Following his £38 million switch from Atletico Madrid last summer, the Argentine did not take long to adapt to his new surroundings, scoring twice on his Premier League debut against Swansea City before grabbing his first hat-trick in English football just two games later against Wigan. Much like team-mate David Silva, the 23-year-old may not have been as prolific throughout the winter months, but has returned to form of late, scoring seven goals in his last five games.

Joe Hart

A stalwart in a City side filled with expensive stars, Hart has continued to go from strength to strength under the pressure of this season’s title campaign, even if is his side look set to fall short. Already accepted as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League in many quarters due to a series of commanding performances which has seen him keep 14 clean sheets this season, the 24-year-old has the chance to prove any few remaining doubters wrong at Euro 2012 this summer with England.

Scott Parker

Last season’s Football Writers’ Player of the Year has successfully replicated his performances for West Ham 12 months ago across London to Tottenham in this campaign, with the 31-year-old forming a solid partnership with Luka Modric in central midfield. Whilst Harry Redknapp’s side’s season looks on the verge of derailing, Parker has finally been rewarded with a permanent starting berth in the England set-up – and the captaincy in the recent friendly with the Netherlands – due to a string of impressive performances at White Hart Lane.

David Silva

The Spaniard began the season with a bang as Manchester City romped to 34 points from their opening 12 games, with Silva’s superb dribbling and passing ability receiving rave reviews from pundits and fans alike. A return of six goals and 13 assists has seen the 26-year-old cast as a stand-out performer in a team brimming with talent, despite his dip in form just after the turn of the year which coincided with his side’s downturn in the Premier League.

7 Things We Learned From The Two Games Yesterday

City’s title hopes evaporates as they lose to Arsenal and United go 8 points clear at the top with a win over QPR. Arsenal take a step towards finishing third in the league, while Balotelli’s City career looks to be as good as finished. Here are the 7 things we learned from the two games in the Premier League on Sunday.

1. If That Was Done By A Foreign Player He Would Have Been Booked

If that dive was done by Sergio Busquets or Luis Suarez or Mario Balotelli then they would have surely been booked. Though as awful as Ashley Young’s dive was, it obviously bamboozled Lee Mason enough to give an immediate penalty and also show a straight red card for QPR skipper Shaun Derry. There is a school of thought in England that diving is a “foreign” thing, a disease in the beautiful game brought to the Premier League by the expensive imports. England players seem to be learning well these days.

2. Michael Carrick & Paul Scholes – The Most Inform Midfield Partnership in Premier League

Is there any other center midfielder partnership better and currently inform in the Premier League other than Michael and Paul Scholes? Perhaps not. The duo completely dominated the game from the first minute to end against QPR. The two were the catalysts for the three points United gained. Yeah QPR are a struggling side and United are at the top of the table but they both have performed superbly for more than a couple of months now. Carrick and Scholes out-passed and out-though their opponents to launch a succession of attacks at Paddy Kenny’s goal. Anderson and Tom Cleverly or even Paul Pogba may be the future of Manchester United’s midfield, but Scholes and Carrick are surely the present and one of the main reason of their success this season.

3. Two Must-Win Games For QPR Up Next

Following the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, Mark Hughes and QPR know they have a massive week ahead of them with two must-win games coming up. QPR face the likes of Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City in their last four matches of the season & points look extremely difficult to come by against these sides. So their next two games – Swansea @ home and West Brom @ Away – are the two most important games of their whole season. Two wins would take them to 34 points, not a guarantee of safety, but will take them a step closer to it. If they fail to do so, then they are surely heading back to nPower Championship after just one season in the Premier League.

4. Silva Was Missed, But Losing Yaya Toure Was A Huge Blow

The visitors undoubtedly missed the creativity of David Silva with the Spaniard absent with a knee injury. Yet, on the afternoon, the sight of Yaya Toure hobbling off after jarring a leg following a challenge from Alex Song was the key. The midfielder is influential at both ends in the City team, a huge presence in defence and surging forward in attack, and it was no surprise when Pizarro was slow to close down Mikel Arteta as the Spaniard scored the winner. Toure might not have been so easily bypassed.

5. Balotelli’s City Career Looks To Be Over

With the Italian picking up his 3rd red card of the season, he is expected to miss the next three games and his ban may even be extended to five matches if he is found guilty for the studs-up challenge on Alex Song in first half. If that happens then, he would surely miss the rest of the season which also includes the huge Manchester derby at the Etihad. In the post-match interviews Mancini said he was completely disappointed with Balotelli’s lack of discipline and would probably look to sell him in the summer. Completely agree with Mancini over here. Balotelli is a hugely talented player but he is a total disgrace to the club and is wasting his talent doing the wrong things. City must sell him in the summer but the question remains will there be any takes for a player like him.

6. Arsenal Sense Third Place Is There For The Taking

This was a hugely significant victory for Arsenal in their pursuit of third place and Champions League football. Tottenham Hotspur had actually edged back ahead of them in the table some 24 hours earlier, and Chelsea and Newcastle United were breathing down their necks. So to emerge victorious from what appeared their most demanding fixture of the run-in – Chelsea are still to visit – felt psychologically significant. They were the hungrier and, ultimately, more impressive side against City. They can approach their remaining fixtures with relish.

7. Its United’s Title & City Are Finished

With just six games to play in the season, Manchester United lead Manchester City by eight points. The title race is mathematically on but virtually its all over and Mancini also knows it. If City do win the title, it will have meant an epic collapse from Manchester United, one that will feel inconsequential in comparison. More than likely United will clinch the title at City’s ground three weeks from now. Called as the title decider for the most of the season, the Manchester derby on the 30th April will instead serve as a coronation for England’s champions. It will be a cruel twist for City, but they would have only themselves to blame for a run of five points from their last five games.