Tag Futebol

Euro 2012 is well and truly  into the business end of the tournament, as the group games are now completed and the quarter finals are now upon us. The knockout stages are now up and running and there some intriguing matches that lay ahead of us in the coming days. France v Spain is obviously the pick of the round, but every game has its own individual twist.

Football FanCast will continue to cover the tournament via a combination of regular blogs, interviews and news, as well as regular match commentary via our Facebook and Twitter pages – we will also be recording a video diary on location in Poland and the Ukraine, getting the views direct from the travelling fans and Tom Skinner will be doing his regular ‘Football Coffee Break’ reflecting on the Euros over here in the UK.

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Sunday 24th June

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The Football FanCast Euros Video Diary – Part Three

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Match Preview

England v Italy – Match Preview

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Last Night’s Action

France 0-2 Spain – Match Review

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Recent News

Low hails England’s improvement

Gerrard captaincy proving a masterstroke

Balotelli determined to get one over on City teammates

James Milner talks up England

Ronaldo ready for semi-finals fight

Joe Hart willing to take a penalty

Gary Neville struggling to contain emotions

Wayne Rooney confident ahead of Italy clash

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Featured Blogs

The current England players that will ‘matter’ for Roy as he plots Brazil 2014

What have we learned from England’s performances so far

England vs Italy – The Key Battles That Matter For Hodgson

Caption Competition: The player England need to watch out for

‘Golden Generation’ Phased Out For The Good of England

Why England must bring Carroll back into the England mix

Why England have to go back to basics to attain Euro 2012 success

How Far Can The Three Lions’ Pride Really Take Them?

Is impact sub the ideal way to get the best from Walcott?

Ian Wright Speaks To Football FanCast

A revolutionary football tactic, but will it ever catch on?

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Featured Video – Five-a-side – Wayne Rooney

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What are the players and the press saying?

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Friday 22nd June

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The Football FanCast Euros Video Diary – Part Three

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Match Preview

Germany v Greece – Match Preview

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Last Night’s Action

Czech Republic 0-1 Portugal – Match Review

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Recent News

James Milner talks up England

Ronaldo ready for semi-finals fight

Joe Hart willing to take a penalty

Gary Neville struggling to contain emotions

Wayne Rooney confident ahead of Italy clash

Blatter admits goal-line technology is a necessity

Sir Trevor Brooking talks up England’s chances

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Featured Blogs

Caption Competition: The player England need to watch out for

‘Golden Generation’ Phased Out For The Good of England

Why England must bring Carroll back into the England mix

Why England have to go back to basics to attain Euro 2012 success

How Far Can The Three Lions’ Pride Really Take Them?

Is impact sub the ideal way to get the best from Walcott?

Ian Wright Speaks To Football FanCast

A revolutionary football tactic, but will it ever catch on?

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Featured Video – Five-a-side – Dietmar Hamann

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Thursday 21st June

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The Football FanCast EuroCast 2012 – Part Two

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Match Preview

Czech Republic v Portugal – Match Preview

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Recent News

Blatter admits goal-line technology is a necessity

Sir Trevor Brooking talks up England’s chances

Shearer backs Rooney to beat his record

Steven Gerrard looking ahead to a Tough Proposition

Mario Balotelli A Mystery Says Prandelli

UEFA decision making angers Ferdinand and Kompany

Resilience Is Not Enough and England Must Attack

England’s Italy Chances Boosted With Chiellini Ruled Out

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Featured Blogs

Why England must bring Carroll back into the England mix

Why England have to go back to basics to attain Euro 2012 success

How Far Can The Three Lions’ Pride Really Take Them?

Is impact sub the ideal way to get the best from Walcott?

Ian Wright Speaks To Football FanCast

A revolutionary football tactic, but will it ever catch on?

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Featured Video – Wayne Rooney Interview

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What the players and press are saying?

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Wednesday 20th June

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The Football FanCast Euro 2012 Video Diary – Part Two

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Last night’s action

Sweden 2-0 France – Match Review

England 1-0 Ukraine – Match Review

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Recent News

Laurent Blanc frustrated by defeat

Hodgson admits England were lucky

Croatia handed £65k fine for racist chants

Hodgson welcomes Wayne Rooney’s return

England Preparation Sufficient Enough To Yield Success

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Featured Blogs

Why England have to go back to basics to attain Euro 2012 success

How Far Can The Three Lions’ Pride Really Take Them?

Is impact sub the ideal way to get the best from Walcott?

Ian Wright Speaks To Football FanCast

A revolutionary football tactic, but will it ever catch on?

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Featured Video – 66 seconds with Henry Winter

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What are the Press and Players saying?

 

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Monday 18th June

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The Football FanCast Euro 2012 Video Diary – Part Two

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Last night’s action

Denmark 1-2 Germany – Match Preview

Portugal 2-1 Holland – Match Review

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Recent News

Van der Vaart berates Dutch performance

Low confident after Germany win

Theo Walcott a doubt for Ukraine game

Wayne Rooney may be vice-captain

Hodgson welcomes Wayne Rooney’s return

Raul Albiol dismisses talk of Croatia pact

England Preparation Sufficient Enough To Yield Success

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Featured Blogs

Ian Wright Speaks To Football FanCast

A revolutionary football tactic, but will it ever catch on?

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Today’s previews

Spain v Croatia – Match Preview

Italy v Republic of Ireland – Match Preview

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Featured Video – Henderson v Chamberlain

 

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Sunday 17th June

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Football FanCast EuroCast – Part Two

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Last night’s action

Russia 0-1 Greece – Match Review

Poland 0-1 Czech Republic – Match Review

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Recent News

Hodgson welcomes Wayne Rooney’s return

Raul Albiol dismisses talk of Croatia pact

A learning curve for Roy Hodgson

Group B Victors Will Provide The Biggest Threat To Spain

England Preparation Sufficient Enough To Yield Success

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Featured Blogs

Ian Wright Speaks To Football FanCast

A revolutionary football tactic, but will it ever catch on?

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Today’s previews

Germany v Denmark – Match Preview

Portugal v Holland – Match Preview

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Featured Video – Henderson v Chamberlain

 

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What are the Press saying today?

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Saturday 16th June

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Football FanCast EuroCast – Part Two

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Last night’s action

England 3-2 Sweden – Match Review

Ukraine 0-2 France – Match Review

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Recent News

A learning curve for Roy Hodgson

Theo Walcott says it is all about the squad

UEFA investigate Croatia fans over racist abuse

Group B Victors Will Provide The Biggest Threat To Spain

England Preparation Sufficient Enough To Yield Success

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Featured Blogs

Euro Extension to the Detriment of Football

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

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Today’s previews

Poland v Czech Republic – Match Preview

Russia v Greece – Match Preview

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Featured Video – England’s Greatest Moments

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Friday 15th June

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Football FanCast Video Diary in Donetsk

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Last night’s action

Italy 1-1 Croatia – Match Review

Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland – Match Review

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Recent News

Andy Carroll in line for England start

Welbeck ready for Sweden clash

Managing England is some responsibility but fantastic experience

Roy’s experience will stand him in good stead

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Featured Blogs

Who is Winning football’s Punditry War?

The ‘Domestic Dilemma’ At Euro 2012

Euro 2012 – Made In South London

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

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Today’s previews

England v Sweden – Match Preview

Ukraine v France – Match Preview

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Featured Video –England’s pre-match press conference with Sweden

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Courtesy of FATV

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What are the players saying?

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What are the press saying?

 

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Thursday 14th June

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Football FanCast Video Diary in Donetsk

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Last night’s action

Denmark 2-3 Portugal – Match Review

Holland 1-2 Germany – Match Review

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Recent News

Netherlands face prospect of elimination

Welbeck ready for Sweden clash

Managing England is some responsibility but fantastic experience

Roy’s experience will stand him in good stead

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Featured Blogs

Facing up to another midfield renaissance?

Why can’t Europe’s leading lights shine at major tournaments?

Euro 2012 – doing away with necessary nostalgia

Euro 2012 Can Bring New Confidence To Millwall ‘Keeper

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Today’s previews

Italy v Croatia – Match Preview

Spain v Rep. of Ireland – Match Preview

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Featured Video – Redknapp and Dixon preview England v Sweden

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To read Harry and Lee’s views and insight during the tournament follow @betfairsports on Twitter.”

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Wednesday 13th June

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Football FanCast Video Diary in Donetsk

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A need for continuity is the main reason behind the FA offering Stuart Pearce a new two-year deal to stay on as coach of the England Under-21’s. Many thought the former Manchester City boss’ four year tenure was at an end after the disastrous European Championship that saw them fail to pick up a win and qualify from their group.

There is no doubt that Pearce has done a decent enough job in charge of the Under-21’s. After all he did steer them to the semi-finals in 2007 and final in 2009. But the capitulation in Denmark brought serious questions to the table about his management style and tactical nous. Comparing the squad taken to the last three tournaments it has to be said that the players at his disposal this year made for the strongest under-21 squad we’ve had in years.

Back in 2007 and 2009 there were a few standout players like James Milner, Joe Hart, Ashley Young and Leighton Baines all whom have gone on to be regularly selected for the senior squad. But a vast majority of the other players haven’t had a sniff at becoming a senior international yet Pearce guided them to within a whisker of European glory – twice! Yet this year with a squad bursting at the seams with talent Pearce couldn’t even muster one single victory.

He was hindered by the withdrawals of Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshire, two players who could have made a big difference, but lets not forget he had the likes of Jordan Henderson, Phil Jones, Connor Whickham, Jack Rodwell, Daniel Sturridge, Kyle Walker, James Tomkins, Marc Albrighton, Scott Sinclair, Michael Mancienne and Danny Wellbeck. All of these players have played regular first team football over the last few seasons with a few commanding some wallet aching transfer fees in the process. So why couldn’t Pearce mould them into a well oiled winning machine?

He did come under fire for his baffling team selection and overly cautious tactics and substitutions. It was almost as if Pearce was scared of the opposition. The most confusing of the lot was playing Michael Mancienne in midfield when he’s excelled at centre half for Wolves in the past few seasons.He employed a 4-2-3-1 formation against Spain which saw England lack any sort of cohesion and attacking threat and it was only Wellbeck’s 88th minute leveller that spared Pearce’s blushes. The three lions never had a sniff during the game as the Spaniards dominated from the first whistle.

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The results against Ukraine and Czech Republic further cemented the fact that Pearce isn’t worthy of another two years in charge. The FA has signalled that continuity is the reason as to why he’s been given an extension on his deal. There is also the small matter of the 78 caps he won for the senior side. So the failure in Denmark hasn’t taken into account then? But lets ask the question, whom could the FA coax into taking the job if Pearce were to vacate his position? I doubt they’d want a foreigner, and there isn’t exactly a stream of English coaches better than Pearce who would be suitable for the role.

It’s clear that Pearce has clung onto his job due to his past glories as a player and the fact he did well in the previous two championships. But the FA can’t afford to be sentimental when it comes to their young lions. Only a small number of players over the last five years have made the transition from Under-21 football to the senior side. Admittedly that is down to their domestic form but there are players who have been amazing at club level yet absolutely stunk when playing for the Under-21’s.

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If the FA wants more players to progress to the senior side then Pearce isn’t the man to help them come to grips with international football. A further two years of him could prove detrimental to any youngster hoping to fulfil their international ambitions. New coach would add a fresh imputes and throw some new ideas into the mix. They need someone with more managerial experience and more importantly tactical knowledge. That’s what lets Pearce down. It was his downfall at Manchester City and it will be with England.

So out of nowhere Carlos Tevez has handed in a transfer request as City go close to the summit of the Premiership- only at City eh?

It’s not as if he hasn’t got form. He seems to fall out with management a lot – rarely has a player been so entwined with the machinations of the boardroom than Carlos Tevez. The result is the life of a nomad, wandering from one club to another.

At Boca, Tevez left having claimed that the press intrusion in Argentina was too much for him and his family and the club weren’t doing enough to support him. Of course he claimed he loved the club and supporters, and always would. Three seasons there could well be the longest he stays anywhere.

At Corinthians he went on strike, after arguments with teammates, the head coach and the club president. Of course he claimed he loved the club and supporters, and always would. Still, they got a whole year and a half out of him.

At West Ham, the troubles his transfer caused are well-documented. He also stormed off and threatened to go on strike after being substituted, and disappeared to Argentina at one point. Of course he claimed he loved the club and supporters, and always would. Still, they got a whole year out of him.

At Manchester United, Tevez complained of being fatigued and overplayed in his first season. In his second, he complains of being underplayed. Of course he claimed he loved the club and supporters, and always would. Still, they got a two whole years out of him.

At City, it’s been the same old story. He is tired, homesick, hates football, hates footballers, wants to retire, falls out with executives and his manager. Of course he claims he loves the club and supporters, and always will. Still, City got a whole year and four months out of him, though he wanted to leave after the first year.

Now it would seem hypocritical to lay into Tevez when all City fans have been idolising him for the past 15 months. But then all football fans are hypocrites when it suits, and whilst Tevez has been the most important and possibly best player we have had in decades (step aside Kit Symons), I have never been particularly impressed with him as a person.

Not that this matters – I don’t require all footballers to be eloquent, witty, charming, selfless souls – as long as they do the business on the pitch, that’s all that matters. But over the past year I’ve had a softer spot for players who quite simply do their job and are rarely heard of off the pitch – Silva, Milner and hopefully our next captain, Kompany.

This whole episode stinks. Someone is lying, as City’s account of affairs differs entirely from that of Tevez.

Tevez’s reasons are to me drivel. He is paid obscene amounts of money to play football and work with fellow players, coaches and his manager. Who on earth thinks it is acceptable to leave because of his relationship with “executives”?! He should barely have a relationship with them anyway considering after four years in the country he couldn’t be bothered to learn more than a few words of English, and, as he is keen to tell us, money isn’t the issue, so shouldn’t require many meetings with Cook et al anyway, except for frequent holiday requests.

Inevitably Cook will get more stick from certain quarters for all this, despite there being no evidence of him doing anything wrong. Tevez has three and a half years left on his contract, and City don’t negotiate mid-season anyway.

Continued on Page TWO

Tevez’s right-hand man in all of this is well known – Kia Joorabchian, and my thoughts on him are quite clear, and not complimentary, but I imagine he has very good lawyers, and I’m fed up of having to spell check his name. Whatever, he’ll soon be making another few million out of a Tevez transfer (though he is not officially an agent, but merely an “advisor”).

City are thankfully in a unique position- money does not matter, at least for a year or two. We could take a stand and simply refuse to let him leave, but it seems pointless to have his divisive presence hanging over the club

A line was put out that he misses his family in Argentina which is understandable- if that was the sole reason, then you could kind of understand. It isn’t the only reason though, as will be proven when he doesn’t go back to Argentina. You lose sympathy too when you realise that the relationship with the mother of his children ended and his family returned to Argentina after certain stories emerged in Sunday newspapers. Try google for further details.

Perhaps Tevez thinks his family will move to Spain, as it more closely resembles Argentinean life.

If a player is unhappy, then he is unhappy – I do not expect them to be treated like slaves, and I accept players move clubs and contracts are pretty worthless, there merely to receive compensation when the move occurs – but the timing of this stinks, and leaves a nasty taste on the mouth. And if Tevez thought his statement would garner him support (though I doubt he cares) amongst City fans, he was wrong – almost to a man he is being portrayed as the guilty party in all this.

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Because let’s be honest here, City have bent over backwards to accommodate this unbelievably needy man – regular visits back to Argentina, positive articles, the highest pay packet at the club, reassuring chats, endless meetings. As a Times journalist said yesterday, why don’t we just let him and Kia design the kit and decide transfer policy and be done with it.

But what grates with me, is that it is disrespectful to do this now when City have been so willing to look after him. To do it when the team are gelling and making a title surge shows a total lack of respect for the club that employs him, its fans, and puts pressure on the team by losing a star player outside of a transfer window.

His transfer statement hinted at promises not being kept, but what promises could these possibly be? He knew when joining we were a work in progress – we were never going to start sweeping up silverware within a year or two. There are reports that he was angry at Hughes being sacked, the man with 4 premiership wins in his last 30 games, but the fact is that hiring and firing is none of his business, or at least not just cause to want out. And what’s more, that was a year ago. But City can’t really complain I guess- it was this constant feeling of injustice that allowed us to sign him in the first place.

The recent video on the official site of how happy he was is bizarre. Everything he said in that now appears to be a lie – yet he happily invited City into his own home (it was his suggestion) to shoot it. But then the club knew his problems when he made the video. It was shot on November 19th, but didn’t appear for 2 weeks as it needed editing, translating, and there were other videos to publish first. In the end it went up the day after it seems he handed in an official transfer request. Well done City – it shows him up for what he is. Even more bizarrely, he apparently renewed the rental on his home for two years with an option on a third just a few weeks ago.

So what now? The request has been turned down, which is normal, but players always get their move. Look how he says in his statement that he will clear his head and decide what to do, as if it is entirely his decision.

Well thanks for what you gave us Tevez- total commitment on the pitch and many great goals and performances. But you could have been a legend at this club – it seems you never will be anywhere. If you had an ounce of respect for the supporters who have sung your name over the past year and who you praise so widely in your official statement, or your employer who tried so hard to make you feel at home and part of the family, you would have kept your mouth shut and knuckled down until the summer then left with our blessing. Good luck to his next employer- I hope they have £50m spare.

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Former England international Sol Campbell has warned Three Lions fans to stay away from Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine or risk coming home in a coffin.

The eastern European nations will host the European Championships in a couple of weeks, but with concerns over terrorism, football hooliganism and racism, Campbell has spoken of the threat to England’s followers supporting their team.

“Stay at home, watch it on TV,” he told BBC Panorama, published in The Daily Mail.

“Don’t even risk it … because you could end up coming back in a coffin. I think they were wrong to award Euro 2012 to Poland and Ukraine, because what they should say is that if you want this tournament you sort your problems out.

“Until we see that you have sorted it out, you are never going to get the tournament. You do not deserve these prestigious tournaments in your country,” he stated.

The families of coloured England players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Joleon Lescott have already stated that they will not attend the event due to the fear of being subject to racist abuse.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Liverpool are set to sign Charlie Adam with the club announcing they have agreed a fee with Blackpool for the Scotland international.Adam will now discuss personal terms with the Anfield club, who have already strengthened their midfield through the 20 million-pound acquisition of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland in the close-season.

A club statement read: “Liverpool Football Club today (Wednesday) announced they have reached agreement with Blackpool for the transfer of Charlie Adam.”

“The player will now travel to Merseyside for a medical and to discuss personal terms.”

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City have signed Montenegro international Stefan Savic on a four-year deal from Partizan Belgrade.

The 20-year-old, who can operate both as a full-back and at centre-half, joins for an undisclosed fee after being granted a work permit, despite only playing six full internationals for his country.

In La Liga, Argentina winger Pablo Piatti has signed for Valencia from Almeria on a five-year deal, subject to a medical.

Piatti, 22, joins Valencia on an undisclosed fee after reportedly interesting the likes of Portuguese giants Benfica and Serie A outfit Udinese.

But Unai Emery will now enjoy the services of the talented youngster, who spent three years at Almeria and made over 100 appearances.

Before his spell with Almeria, he was at Argentine club Estudiantes for three seasons.

Estudiantes are reportedly set to receive 25 percent of the transfer fee paid by Valencia due to a sell-on clause.

In other transfer news, Spartak Moscow have confirmed the signing of midfielder Demy de Zeeuw from Ajax.

West Bromwich Albion defender Gabriel Tamas' representative has dismissed rumours linking his client with a January move to Chelsea.

The 27-year-old Romania international has been linked with the Blues in reports emanating from his homeland, but Tamas' British agent, Jon Kirtland, has denied such talk.

He told the Birmingham Mail:"I've spoken to Gabriel and what has been written about him is simply not true.

"People have noticed that Chelsea have injury problems, realised that Robbie Di Matteo is an ex-Chelsea player and decided to put two and two together only to get ten.

"Gabriel doesn't like speaking to the Romanian press because he's had problems before.

"They asked him for an interview and he replied that he would speak to them at the end of the season. The next thing he sees are these stories.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

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"I can promise 100 per cent that there is nothing in these stories. Chelsea and West Brom have not had any contact that we're aware of and we certainly haven't.

"He is happy at West Bromwich Albion, he loves playing for Robbie Di Matteo, with whom he has a great relationship and he wants to help the club establish themselves in the Premier League."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Ever experienced one of those rusty old performances which needs sparking into life? The crowd are getting on the starting eleven’s back, vociferously chanting for a change from their management team. Well thankfully in football, the substitutes’ bench symbolises a shot at redemption not only for a manager to change his system or dabble with personnel but for the players themselves in trying to force themselves into first team contention via a 30, 20 or 15 minute spell whereby they hope to prove the manager wrong and show him exactly what quality attributes they possess.

Unfortunately for some players, they reside on the bench far often than not, and almost are resigned to their ‘impact sub’ tag. For others, they may be young, or on the contrary an elderly squad statesman, employed in the squad simply for the effect or incentive they can give a team in a specific situation. Perhaps the most recognised ‘impact sub’ and celebrated ‘super sub’ in Premier League years was Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was often used from the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson. Employing strikers such as Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer found it hard to displace these talents from the starting line-up but managed to strike 91 goals in an 11 year spell all the same.

Let us fast forward to present day and countdown the 15 ‘impact sub’s’ of the 2011/12 Premier League campaign.

Click on Nani and Chicharito below to see the TOP 15 Dynamic Subs

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Lille’s Ivorian forward Gervinho is causing quite a stir among a variety of English clubs in the transfer market as they battle it out for his signature. The player has made his intentions clear to current club Lille that he wants a move away, with the Premiership the most likely destination. Now it looks like the only question mark remaining is which Premiership club will he decide to join over the coming weeks?

Newcastle initially appeared to emerge as genuine contenders for Gervinho’s services, but without the prospect European football they would seem to be the least attractive prospect for the forward. There is however a lifeline for the Toon in the form of Gervinho’s former team mate Yohan Cabaye. Cabaye who recently signed for Newcastle is said to have told Gervinho to follow his lead to Tyneside, although whether Cabaye’s powers of persuasion will convince Gervinho to join him remain to be seen. The other interested parties are believed to be Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City, with Arsenal and Man City looking like the main contenders. On Friday reports in the press suggested Arsenal had had a bid accepted for Gervinho and the player was in talks over a deal with the Gunners. He looked to be on his way to the Emirates until the news surfaced that Manchester City had also had a bid accepted and had offered a substantially higher wage to secure the player.

With nothing finalised and plenty of Premier League clubs clambering for his services what is it about Gervinho that is so appealing and will he be a hit in the Premier League? He was an integral factor in Lille’s double winning side last season in which he showed his ability in front of goal by weighing in with fifteen league goals. As well as his goal scoring tendencies he is also blessed with quick feet, trickery, pace and technical ability, attributes that will all serve him well in the fast pace of the Premier League. Although he is a forward Gervinho can also operate on either wing which adds versatility to his game. Gervinho’s style of play would be well suited to Arsenal and it’s no coincidence that he has been on the radar of Arsene Wenger for a number of years.

Gervinho’s slight build may mean the physical nature of the Premiership will take some getting used to but it’ s not something that will phase him and anything he lacks in strength will be compensated for by his quick feet and pace. Gervinho would be following a number of his compatriots in coming to England with the likes of Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Cheik Tiote all adapting well to the demands of the Premier League. If Gervinho takes to the Premiership in the same way as his fellow countrymen have then he will be a hit in England. Furthermore, for a price believed to be in the region of £10 million whichever club wins the race to sign him will be adding an exciting addition to their squad for a bargain price.

Gervinho has been quoted on SkySports.com as saying “My agents are moving things as I want, people know where my future lies, it is in England.” So now all we are waiting to see is which club Gervinho will be representing next season.

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Harry Redknapp has a habit of signing former players: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Younes Kaboul and Niko Kranjcar are all in their second spells under Tottenham’s charasmatic manager. So it shouldn’t be a suprise that for the last two years Spurs have been linked with former Portsmouth player Sulley Muntari; Inter Milan’s powerful midfield workhorse. On Tuesday Muntari had a chance to shine and show Spurs fans why Redknapp, according to the press, seems so keen to re-sign him.

When I was asked to write a piece on Sulley Muntari performance  I was a little worried. I’d watched the game and had barely heard his name – how do I know how well he’d played if he didn’t make any impact on the game? Then I realised I’d answered my own question.

Muntari’s only telling contribution to Tuesday’s match was falling for Modric’s dummy prior to the opening goal and leaving the field through injury after only 53 minutes. Muntari is a versatile player who can play central midfield or on the left and he is the type of player who, when on top of his game, will boss a midfield, keep possession and break up opposition attacks. But last night he was completely overrun by a dominant Spurs midfield who made the best team in Europe look decidely ordinary.

Muntari has a good pedigree, he has over 200 appearances in Serie A and was integral part of the Portsmouth team who qualified for the UEFA Cup in 2007, but last night Tottenham’s central midfield duo of Tom Huddlestone and Luka Modric who ran the show. Both were fantastic on the ball, completed passes all over the pitch and put in a shift defensively whenever it was required of them. Modric especially has shown the Spurs faithful exactly why the 16 million spent on him after Euro 2008 was a shrewd piece of business – his assist for Van der Vaart’s opener was a sublime piece of skill. With the attention from last night surrounding Spurs’ impact players: Gareth Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon it was the efficient, but largely unglamorous, performances of the central two that kept Inter at bay.

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So will all the rumours go away now? I’m not questioning Muntari’s ability, but Spurs would end up spending a lot of money (presumably) on a player who doesn’t look any better than what is already at the club. Behind Modric and Huddlestone there is Sandro, Wilson Palacios, Jermaine Jenas and Niko Kranjcar; all talented players vying for places in the starting XI who Muntari would need to compete with. I’ve said previously that Spurs’ midfield is a match for any in the country and when we were after Joe Cole I was a little skeptical as to where he would fit in and who would fall down the pecking order as a result. The same can be said of Muntari – on present form who would lose their place in the Spurs team to accommodate the Ghanian midfielder?

Muntari has proven himself in England before and could well end up there again – you don’t secure a £16 million move to Inter Milan from Portsmouth if you’re a bad player, but judging from Tuesday night’s match his proposed move to White Hart Lane could now be a no-go.

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The recent upward turn in fortunes for the red half of North London has been met with a great deal of positivity from the Gunners faithful. However, it’s difficult to escape the feeling that Arsenal have actually underachieved this term, turning in some woeful performances and failing to mount a similar title surge to that of the first half of last season.

Arsenal are far from a poor side, and their place in the much coveted top-four of the Premier League illustrates that fact, but on occasions this term they have looked far from the fluid attacking force witnessed over the course of the past decade. Certain players have failed to pull their weight and Arsene Wenger edged closer than ever before to the exit door, creating a negative feeling throughout the club and it’s loyal following.

If the Gunners had been able to turn in the displays of the past month on a consistent basis, then fourth place would be a formality and a challenge for the title, alongside the Manchester sides, would be the focus of the final 10 matches, rather than nervously looking over their shoulder at the trio of Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool. Although that day at Old Trafford is all but a distant memory, it should, and cannot, be forgotten by Wenger, who saw his next generation pummeled by one of his fiercest rivals, a side who they will have to compete with if Arsenal are going to be successful in years to come. Okay it was just one day, but the way in which those young players were led out like lambs to the slaughter, with little regard for tactical competence, may serve to damage their confidence for years to come.

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There is also the shadow of the Robin van Persie saga hanging over the Emirates, with the Dutchman’s future far from certain. We don’t need to talk at length about his importance to the club, with his tally of 26 league goals, more than the entire Wigan team, being displaying his talents, and keeping the side within touching distance of Champions League football next term. If his future was guaranteed then his ‘golden touch’ would be far from an issue, yet as it stands a summer departure looks to be a genuine possibility.

Although measures are being taken to persuade the skipper to stay, in the shape of Lukas Podolski, Wenger’s dealings of last summer hardly display the kind of quality to inspire confidence. Per Mertesacker has looked shaky at best, while Park Chu-Young has more splinters in backside than first-team appearances, due to a sustained period on the bench. Mikel Arteta has been a relative success, but it’s hard to get past the feeling that he is just a poor man’s Cesc Fabregas, and the only thing more confusing than Gervinho’s inability to convert the simplest of chances is the Ivorian’s peculiar hair-line.

I don’t want to sound too negative in regards to the Arsenal cause, but the recent surge cannot be used to paper over the cracks at the club. Champions League football may be secured and van Persie may stay, and if so that will be great for the team and its supporters, yet if the opposite occurs then the future would suddenly look far more bleak. Arsenal’s prudent financial approach deserves credit, but a healthy bank balance will not keep the fans happy in the long term, giving RvP a rise however would, and with the money in place surely keeping him should be the priority.

Although after 38 games, Arsenal’s season could look to be a success if they make the top four, but the failings of the side this term and the over-reliance on their captain create a real cause for concern in North London.

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