Rickie Lambert believes Southampton can have no complaints after Saturday’s crushing 6-1 defeat away at Arsenal, The Southern Daily Echo reports.
Saints’ misery was compounded after Jos Hooiveld and Nathaniel Clyne both scored own-goals to add further gloss to the score line for the Gunners.
It sums up a brutal introduction to the Premier League for Nigel Adkins’ side, who remain the only side without a point this season and have conceded a whopping 14 goals in their first four matches.
He said: “I think they thoroughly deserved their victory, the margin as well,” he said. “We were unlucky with some goals, but they could have scored more as well. I think it was about right.”
The south coast side were constantly tormented by Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla, who are both proving to be very useful addition to Arsene Wenger’s team.
This led Lambert to admit that the visitors were simply not good enough to cope with the North Londoners.
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“We will have to look at it, but credit to Arsenal – I thought they were excellent. They had a couple of players we couldn’t handle”, he added.
Southampton will be aiming to get their first points of the season when they host Aston Villa at St Mary’s next Saturday.
Depression in football is regarded as something of a taboo subject. It is something that has cropped up more and more frequently over the years, and now could be argued a problem that is taken seriously.
Whilst there is so much talk of players ego’s, the vast amounts of money, and the celebrity culture that comes with being a professional footballer, the darker side that sadly does exist is so often overlooked.
A footballers vulnerability is never taken into account. The pressure’s of playing in front of thousands of people week after week, and the pressure to provide success in return for the huge amounts of money being battered about, alongside the physical and mental energy constantly needed can take its toll on a player. These pressures and strains can manifest themselves in different ways, and can often lead to depression.
It is almost a year since former Wales manager Gary Speed took his own life. Whether he was suffering from any sort of depression or mental health issue is unconfirmed, but the tragic nature of his death really made the football world sit up and take notice.
Colleagues queued up to tell us how Speed had a beautiful wife, two beautiful children, wealth and personal success. So how could he possibly be depressed?
This question proved the common misconception regarding depression – particularly amongst sports stars – which has been the root cause of the taboo nature of the subject.
Whether you are sitting on a pile of cash or not, depression can strike anyone at any time, as it is in fact a medical condition. It is not simply that Monday morning feeling, or the feeling you get when your team gets knocked out of the FA Cup. It is like breaking an arm, only the broken bits is in the chemical circuitry of the brain.
Between 20% and 25% of people will suffer from an episode of mental illness in any given year, whilst over a lifetime the risk rises to 40%. Britain has seen antidepressant prescriptions double in the last decade, whilst the world health organisation has warned that by 2030 depression will be the second only to HIV and Aids in the toll the illness exacts most on society. In other words, it is far more common than you would expect.
Going back as far as 1999, former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore made himself unavailable for selection, citing depression as the reason. Rather than receive any sort of support from his club, his former manager John Gregory came out and said to the press: “Collymore should ask himself how it feels to be an unemployed man with four children to feed before he goes declaring himself depressed.”
Gregory may have been ill advised, or simply unaware, but his comments were undoubtably ignorant and the lack of support Collymore received took its toll on the player as he decided to retire from football at the age of 30. He was ridiculed in the media, the same way boxer Frank Bruno had been after suffering a mental breakdown.
Collymore wrote in his autobiography “Tackling my Demons” of the reasons behind his decision to call time on what had been such a promising career.
“Footballers aren’t supposed to retire when they are 30. Not unless they’re injured. Well, I was injured. I was damaged anyway. It was just that it wasn’t the type of damage that made me limp,” he wrote.
“I didn’t have dodgy knees or creaking ankles or cruciates that had to be knitted back together. Physically I was fine.
“Mentally, I was exhausted with it all. I was fried.
“I was full of resentment and bitterness and disillusionment about football and what it had done to me.”
Collymore was not the only player suffering with depression around this time, but whilst he went public many chose to suffer in silence due to fear of being ridiculed by supporters and the press.
Notorious hard man Vinnie Jones has since admitted to suffering from depression during his career, but spoke during a BBC documentary of how back then there was no support network or advice available.
“It was not recognized. Looking back now, there would have been plenty of lads who felt like me and were suffering in silence. There was nobody to talk to. The managers aren’t trained in things like that”, he said.
“If you were bottom of the league and one of the lads turned round and said look lads I’ve got depression you’d slap him round the side of the head. It would be considered a weakness. It wasn’t talked about.”
Whilst times have changed, the tragic case of Gary Speed may have been the wake up call everybody needed with regards to treating such cases differently. Not just in English football either. German goalkeeper Robert Enke tragically committed suicide in 2009 having suffered for many years with clinical depression.
Enke’s biographer Ronald Reng wrote of the reaction his tragic death drew across the world, and how it sadly provided proof that depression can strike anyone at any time.
“Robert was Germany’s number one goalkeeper. The last bulwark, calm and cool in the tensest situations, able to control his stress and anxieties at the most extreme moments,” he said.
“What power must this illness have if it can draw a man like Robert Enke to the mistaken conclusion that death is the only solution?
“Beyond the headlines, deep down, there was real pain of profound paralysis. Robert’s death reminded most of us how little we understand about the illness that is depression.”
In the days after Gary Speed’s death, national newspapers reported that the PFA had produced a handbook to be distributed to all footballers on how to deal with stress and anxiety – both signs of depression – in order to prevent another tragic suicide.
The article also gave the accounts of several other footballers that had suffered in silence with the illness, such as Andy Cole, Clarke Carlisle and Neil Lennon, and their stories were included in the handbook.
The tragic deaths of Enke and Speed seemed to have forced action from sport’s governing bodies. It seems that more is being done in order to help players suffering from the condition, and with more information available following the publication of Robert Enke’s biography and the broadcasting of a BBC documentary on the subject, it appears the illness is being given serious coverage.
As more big names have come forward opening up about their struggles with depression, the media have taken a far less aggressive stance than they did with Stan Collymore’s in 1999.
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Despite the tragic circumstances, it appears the deaths of Enke and Speed have proved a turning point in the way cases of depression in sport is handled.
More help is available nowadays to players suffering, with the option of seeing a sports psychologist privately if they are uncomfortable with revealing their condition to their teammates, managers the public and the press.
It is just such a terrible shame it took such a tragedy to make people sit up and finally take notice.
Follow me on Twitter @LukeGreenwood89 and let me know your thoughts.
Andy Carroll has claimed that he was not given a “fair chance” at Liverpool before leaving the club to join West Ham on loan.
The £35m striker joined the Londoners on a season-long deal during the summer transfer window after failing to force his way into Reds boss Brendan Rodgers’ first-team plans.
Before he completed his move to Upton Park, Rodgers hinted that the burly centre-forward may not fit into his style of play.
However, Carroll disagrees and believes that he wasn’t given the opportunity to prove the Northern Irishman wrong:
“I haven’t really had a fair chance at Liverpool.” He is quoted as saying by ESPN.
“I was really told that I should move on to keep playing regular football. Obviously, I didn’t really get a chance there.
“A new manager came in and I wasn’t part of his plans. For me to play football, that was my chance to do that. That is why I am here at Upton Park.
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“I think I could fit into every system. I believe in what I can do. Obviously (Rodgers) has his beliefs and he didn’t think that.
“But for me, obviously, it was better to move on instead of waiting for my chance, which he told me might not come.”
AC Milan are preparing a January bid for Manchester United winger Nani, according to Metro.
The Portugal international’s future at Old Trafford has been in question for some time now, with the attacker having 18 months left on his current contract and showing no hint of extending his deal with the Premier League side.
Zenit St Petersburg were said to have had a bid accepted in the summer, however a deal to move to Russia fell through due to Nani extortionate wage demands.
With United eager to avoid losing Nani on the cheap as his contract runs down, a January sale will be considered by Sir Alex Ferguson.
With Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and others taking precedence in the Red Devils first team, United seem to be well covered out wide, and may well consider parting with Nani.
The Premier League side are keen to recoup around £20 million for the tricky star, however it is believed that Milan will not meet this price tag.
The Serie A side are going through a rebuilding phase after seeing a number of senior first-team players either sold or released in the summer, and a number of new faces brought to the San Siro.
However, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have started this term poorly, and are already out of touch with league leaders and champions Juventus.
Milan will test United’s resolve in January however, and are thought to be willing to offer £12 million for the star.
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If a deal cannot be concluded in the new year, Milan may well wait it out and bid again come the summer.
Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is confident that he can handle the expectations of the nation when he next pulls on an England shirt.
The midfielder has been out of action for the last 14 months, spending a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
However, Wilshere made his competitive return against QPR on Saturday his first start for the senior side since May 2011
The England international lasted 60 minutes for his comeback match and is aware that there will already be talk of an international call up.
England take on Sweden in an international friendly on November 14th. He knows the pressures that come with playing for the Three Lions, but he was in buoyant mood when talking about when he next gets the chance to represent his country.
The Gunners ace went on to tell the Independent: “Football is like that, especially with England. You become a better player when you are injured; you become a world beater when you are injured.
“When you come back, there is an expectation, but I can deal with it.”
The player has not lost sight of how difficult it was to be away from the centre stage and playing in Premier League games at the Emirates. He went onto mention how he was just delighted to back and playing in an Arsenal shirt.
“Just for now, I am happy to be back. I am happy to be out there and healthy again. I was just running round smiling – that feeling was amazing,” he added.
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Wilshere is expected to be rested for Arsenal’s midweek Capital One Cup fixture against Reading as Arsene Wenger looks to ease him back into first team action.
Manchester United target Kevin Strootman could be on his way out of PSV after the Dutch club have made a move to replace the midfielder, according to talkSPORT.
Rumours surfaced earlier this year that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in 22 year old Strootman after impressive displays for both club and country. However, these reports were quashed by PSV, stating that the player is neither ready or available for a move to Old Trafford.
However, reports in Holland are suggesting that the youngster could be on his way to the Premier League after Eindhoven publicised their interest in Elfsborg midfielder Oscar Hiljemark.
While it is thought that the Dutch giants will attempt to rebuff any incoming bids for Strootman this January, a £14 million offer may convince them to part with one of their star players.
Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to bolster his midfield this winter, after choosing to focus on improving other areas of the team over summer. It is thought that Robin Van Persie and Alexander Buttner joining the club, may entice compatriot Strootman to move to Old Trafford.
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AC Milan are also said to be interested in the Dutch star. However, PSV will not entertain any offers until their target, Hiljemark is part of the squad at the Philips Arena.
Nancy sports director Eric Martin has said that they have received no formal offers from Tottenham for their young left back Massadio Haidara.
Spurs have been linked with a January move for the highly rated 20-year-old while Fiorentina are also believed to be interested in signing him, however Martin insists there has been no serious offers from either of these clubs.
“Fiorentina and Tottenham chasing Haidara? There are many clubs interested in him, but for the moment we have not received concrete offers.” (Sky Sports)
Spurs manager Andre Villas Boas has been short of options at left back this season with Benoit Assou-Ekotto being out with a lengthy knee injury, which has meant he has been forced to deploy centre back Jan Vertonghen or right back Kyle Naughton in the position.
There were also reports that Haidara’s agent met with Fiorentina officials over a potential move but Martin played down these claims:
“I don’t know. I only know that the press have put out many declarations, but for now Massadio remains a Nancy player.”
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AVB will remain hopeful that he can secure the services of the player, previously also linked with Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.
Manchester United are monitoring Athletic Bilbao’s Oscar De Marcos after Sir Alex Ferguson sent a scout to watch him play against Barcelona at the weekend.
The dynamic midfielder impressed against United in the Europa League last season and Ferguson was interested in bringing him to Old Trafford last summer, only to be put off by Bilbao’s £25million valuation.
With the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs coming close to the end of their careers, the United boss is keen to add fresh blood to his squad to compensate for the eventual losses of two players that have been ever-present at the club.
Ferguson has now resumed his interest in signing De Marcos and sent brother Martin Ferguson, his top European scout, to watch the 23-year-old in action against Barcelona.
Last year’s Europa League runners up Bilbao, who comprehensively beat United on the way to the final, are struggling in La Liga this season and many of their star players are said to be looking for a move away.
This may mean the club are willing to lower their asking price for players such as De Marcos, however United can still expect to have to offer around £20million to sign him.
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If bought in the January transfer window, he would still be eligible to play in the Champions League which will provide added appeal for Ferguson as his side enter the knockout rounds of the tournament in February.
David Moyes is proud of his side’s achievements in 2012, despite finishing the year with Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea at Goodison Park.
Everton’s 2-1 loss to the Londoners was only their seventh reverse in the league this year and their first at home since March.
The Toffees are in the hunt for a Champions League spot this season, sitting three points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.
And Blues boss Moyes has acknowledged that the entire calendar year has been one of high achievement.
“Even though I’m gutted we haven’t won because I thought our performance was enough to do that, 2012 has been a good year for us,” the Everton manager told The Mirror
“There’s nothing we can look back on the second half of last season and the first half of this season and say we’ve done too much wrong.”
The Merseysiders took a 63 second lead against Chelsea through Steven Pienaar’s quickfire opener, but Frank Lampard’s double ensured the Blues would return to Stamford Bridge with all three points.
Everton were without Marouane Fellaini, Phil Neville, Darron Gibson, Tony Hibbert, Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas, but Moyes was still satisfied with his team’s performance:
“We were limited with what we had and how we were going to play.
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“But in the end it would be wrong to talk about that because the performance was so good.”
Everton have accrued an impressive 68 points in 2012. Only Manchester United and Manchester City have registered more Premier League points this year.
Liverpool have stepped up their January recruitment drive with an £8 million bid for Inter Milan youngster Coutinho the Daily Mail understand.
After bolstering their attack with the £12 million acquisition of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea a fortnight ago Brendan Rodgers has turned his attention to strengthening the Reds midfield.
Having grown tired in his attempts to broker a deal with Blackpool for Thomas Ince and Wesley Sneijder’s demands proving unreasonable, Rodgers has switched his attentions to 20-year-old Coutinho.
Chairman Tom Werner spent Friday discussing potential transfers and earmarked the one-cap Brazilian international as a player that fits the profile of owners Fenway Sports Group.
Liverpool’s initial offer is thought to have been rebuffed by the Serie A giants but they are expected to return with a fresh proposal in order to prise him away from the San Siro.
Despite joining Inter from Vasco Da Gama for €4m as a promising 16-year-old, though he was allowed to remain at the Estádio São Januário on loan until 2010, he has failed to hit the heights expected of him in Italy.
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With just 28 league appearances under his belt Coutinho is said to have become increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities and spent the latter half of last season on loan at Spanish club Espanyol.