Martin Jol and Chris Hughton were together at Tottenham Hotspur, but that won’t prevent the new Norwich manager going all out for his first win as Canaries boss.
Despite understanding the relationship between the pair, Hughton is happy with his squad and is confident of stealing the limelight from his former boss.
“There are almost two sides to it, because I am a really good friend of his, but also a rival manager,” Hughton told Sky Sports News .
“When it came out we were playing Fulham on the first day, of course it is something you have a laugh and a quick joke about.
“But just because he is a good friend of mine does not make any difference – we will want to win and do well in the game against them as much as we will in any other game.
“I had three enjoyable years with Martin at Tottenham, working closely with him.
“He was very successful, having two fifth-place finishes.
“I have also learned a lot from him, so he has played a very good part in where I am in this moment.
“You pick up about what it is to be a good manager. Martin is on the training pitch every day, tactically he is very good.
“He is great with the players, has high demands off them and wants to play the game in an attractive manner.
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“Martin is a winner and has been successful wherever he has been.”
Arsene Wenger’s impending departure from Arsenal allows for ample opportunity to reminisce over his past glories on his extended lap of honour before he leaves the Emirates Stadium next month.There are too many memories from the Frenchman’s Gunners reign to count but one that the club’s fans will never forget is clinching the league title – for a second time – at the home of their bitter rivals Tottenham back in 2004.As the 14-year anniversary of that historic triumph ticked around just a day before Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Europa League, their fans took the opportunity to take a trip down Memory Lane.Some were happy, potentially because the protracted process of unseating Wenger is finally complete, to look back and laud the Frenchman’s achievements, while others found it depressing to see just how different the level of performance was back then, compared with the current team.We’ve taken a closer look at the reaction to one of Wenger’s greatest Arsenal triumphs….
A run of six straight wins in the Premier League not only has Manchester United within touching distance of securing Champions League qualification but has also seen them leapfrog rivals Manchester City in the table leaving them just one point off second place.
Not many would have predicted that outcome when they slumped to a disappointing defeat to Swansea back in February; with a difficult run of fixtures leaving their top-four hopes in the balance.
But things have finally clicked for the Red Devils over the past month, and impressive wins over Tottenham, Liverpool and City have really emphasised the clubs great upturn in form and it finally looks like manager Louis van Gaal has found his perfect system and his strongest team.
And surprisingly one player who has been key to their success over recent weeks and found himself an unlikely hero at Old Trafford is Ashley Young.
Like many around him; Young endured a frustrating season under David Moyes and was one of the players who came under fire following the clubs worst Premier League campaign. His future was in some doubt and it was questioned whether he was good enough to still warrant a place in the United squad.
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However with the faith entrusted in him by Van Gaal, Young has hit back at his critics with some brilliant performances to ensure he is now a regular in the starting 11 and there is even talk about a new contract. A wonderful turnaround considering his situation last season.
You’d have found it hard to believe the 29-year-old would be keeping record signing Angel di Maria on the sidelines, but another great display against City on Sunday vindicated Van Gaal’s decision.
The winger put in a man-of-the-match performance scoring a vital equaliser to get his side back in the game, before two pin point crosses saw him pick up two assists as Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling both got on the scoresheet.
On this form it’s not only impossible for the manager to leave him out but also looks like it’s time for Roy Hodgson to reignite the midfielder’s international career. The England boss was at Old Trafford to witness Young’s performance last weekend and must have been impressed with what he saw.
The former Villa man is uncapped since September 2013, but showing the kind of form that saw him seal a move to United means he has to be in Hodgson’s plans heading into the summer and a friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
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A top four finish would be most welcome for the Red half of Manchester and would constitute a good season following last year’s pain. But the fact they can go into the last six games aiming for second place is a remarkable turnaround that the players and manager deserve credit for, and will no doubt give them confidence of even greater things next season.
And Ashley Young is one who deserves plenty of plaudits for helping the club into this position thanks to some inspired performances with the winger clearly enjoying his football again. Nobody could have foreseen just how important he would become for United this season, but he is now a key part of the team. When you’re keeping a world class player like Di Maria out of the side; you know you must be doing something right.
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has confessed that he could leave the club this summer in search of Champions League football.
The Uruguayan international has been in fine form for the Reds this season, netting an impressive 29 goals in all competitions.
Naturally, this tally has alerted a number of Europe’s top clubs, including Juventus, who could be willing to make big money moves for his signature this summer.
With Liverpool unlikely to be able Suarez regular Champions League football in the immediate future, the 26-year-old has confessed that he may look to move on to further his career:
“A player’s ambition is always there, the ambition of wanting to play in elite teams is always there.” He is quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“If another team comes around with more prospects of competing in international club competition games, which is willing to have me, they are welcome.
“We would talk to the club, we would see if I want to go, if I don’t want to go.”
Suarez only committed to a long-term contract at Anfield last summer, ending speculation if a move away from Merseyside.
Despite suggesting he could move on at the end of the current campaign, the South American did state that he is happy at Liverpool and that he feels the club are heading in the right direction:
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“I am very happy at Liverpool but you never know in football,
“I’m in a world-class team, an elite team like Liverpool. We have to realise we have a new manager who is imposing a philosophy and a way of playing that the players are adapting to as best we can. We hope that it will bear fruit next year.”
Liverpool will be playing in their biggest game of the season this evening as they take on Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash at the Etihad Stadium.
At the moment, the Merseyside outfit hold a commanding 3-0 advantage following a blistering first half at Anfield last week.
Mohamed Salah notched up his 38th goal of the campaign, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane also found the back of the net, all within 31 minutes.
City failed to claw themselves back into the game, and due to the lack of away goal, the tie is firmly in Liverpool’s hands.
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However, Pep Guardiola’s side are not soon-to-be Premier League champions for nothing, and they are more than capable of causing an upset at the Etihad this evening.
Many supporters are keen for ex-Liverpool star Raheem Sterling to be the hero, while the Reds’ following are urging their team not to sit back.
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Manager Jurgen Klopp suggested to reporters in his pre-match press conference that his players will not be instructed to defend for 90 minutes, and will instead adopt the attacking flair that they have become synonymous with.
Louis Van Gaal’s additions to his Manchester United squad last summer included one of the world’s biggest stars, an incredibly talented teenager, and a Dutch midfielder who shone at the World Cup.
But, would the team that Louis Van Gaal is fielding week in, week out make the cut under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson?
Sir Alex has worked with some of the world’s best footballers – but he has also worked with some average ones, too. If Fergie could get his hands on Manchester United’s current squad, I’m sure some would not make the cut for him; but he would also be impressed with quite a few.
There is no question about whether David De Gea would get make it in Alex Ferguson’s squad – he’s the man who brought him to Manchester of course. Following in Edwin Van Der Sar’s footsteps was no easy task, but after some early struggles, he is now regarded as United’s most valuable player – his improvement over the last two years has been outstanding.
Defensively, Alex Ferguson had some class players in his squad, such as Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, all of which have since moved on. The current defence at Manchester United would not be able to compete with these players – Chris Smalling and Phil Jones for example, part of Fergie’s squad, just would not be strong enough. Paddy McNair would’ve had a chance (as a substitute, most likely) under Sir Alex, who was always aware of the importance of youth players in his side.
United’s current midfield is pretty formidable, but not exempt from making mistakes. Marouane Fellaini would have a hard time making it in a side under Sir Alex. Although he has improved massively over the last nine months, Juan Mata would be the choice under Fergie; mainly for the creativity aspect, and the goal scoring ability. Something that is interesting to consider, is how Angel Di Maria and Sir Alex would have fared working together – very well, I’m guessing. Daley Blind could make it into a starting line-up with Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager because his work rate is key to the squad.
One player who would not have been dropped back to midfield under Fergie is Wayne Rooney. Rooney is an all round player, but he is a striker. Sir Alex recognised this as his best position, and that was where he was played.
And of course, Robin Van Persie is sure to make it into both starting elevens. Van Persie had an outstanding first season for Manchester United under Sir Alex, and had said he was gutted when his boss announced his retirement.
If Sir Alex was still at Manchester United, would Danny Welbeck still be at the club? I think so, Ferguson rated him and put faith in him. Welbeck’s almost full season under Moyes, though, was the writing on the wall for his career in Manchester.
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One thing the current Manchester United squad could use, that Sir Alex was fond of, is the hairdryer treatment at half-time!
The proverb has it that every cloud has a silver lining, but if you’re a Tottenham Hotspur fan, bar a spot in the next quarter finals of the Europa League you can’t imagine there was an awful lot of positives to take out of last night’s 4-1 mauling at the hands of Inter Milan.
Indeed, the train wreck that was Spurs’ hammering at the hands of Andrea Stramaccioni’s side was a chastising experience for all involved, with not a single Spurs player – or their manager, for that matter – coming out blemish-free from the San Siro.
Yet within the grander context of Spurs’ season, last night’s defeat marked only the third time this season that Andre Villas-Boas’ side have lost more than once on the spin, following their 3-2 loss at the hands of Liverpool last Sunday. And as we head in towards the final push of the 2012-13 campaign, that might be more of a blessing, rather than a curse.
Because in recent weeks, for a team that have traditionally been plagued inconsistency, Spurs have begun to develop an incredibly uncharacteristic steel to their performances.
It’s not very often supporters have been able to lay claim to an unbeaten run that’s stretched into double figures within the league, but when Tottenham fans claim to have not been able to remember a time when the side last showed such remarkable resilience, they weren’t joking by any means – defeat at Anfield on Sunday saw the end of a 12 game unbeaten streak; a club record within the Premier League era.
Now while it might seem naïve to suggest that supporters were getting carried away with recent events on the white side of North London, for all the new found confidence and resilience that might have been forged out of this recent run, a lot can be said for looking to keep one’s feet on the ground.
It may sound strange, but for as vitally important as that 12 game unbeaten run has been to the club, it’s the recent couple of losses that could prove to be just as important in propelling them towards achieving success both at home and abroad.
Following the 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the recent North London derby, it’s difficult to remember a time when confidence had risen quite so high within the Spurs camp. A fitting reminder would perhaps lie within the 10 point gap they amassed – only to blow it come the end of the season – over the Gunners last term. But if patience is short within the beautiful game then memories are even shorter and the side’s recent success under Villas-Boas has done an awful lot exorcise the demons that resided after last season’s self-destruction.
Although even if last season’s scorching experiences have felt somewhat distant to supporters, then the last seven days should serve as a genteel reminder that the job is far from finished this season.
Contrary to popular belief, Tottenham aren’t Champions League qualifiers-elect within the Premier League and to a slightly lesser extent, their name most definitely isn’t on the Europa League trophy, either.
The sight of Arsene Wenger’s men trudging off at White Hart Lane looking like beaten men catalyzed a cascade of headlines crowning Spurs as the new top dogs in the north of the capital and further still, perhaps even the kings of London all together come the end of the season.
Seven days later however, and should both Chelsea and Arsenal win their games in hand, then they can end up placing one point ahead and four points behind Spurs respectively. With only nine games to play in the Premier League, there’s still the capacity for plenty more fluctuation and everyone from those on the pitch to those sitting in the stands would do well to remember that.
And within the nature of both the defeats to Liverpool and Internazionale, Spurs were handed a fitting reminder that there is simply no room for complacency or sloppy error – both within the playing staff and the management.
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The feeling after the defeat at Liverpool was that the pain of the defeat was eased as a result of their downfall being mainly induced by a couple of one-off individual errors, as opposed to being systematically outplayed. But regardless of a seven-point gap or not, there is never any breathing space in this league and the 3-2 loss served as a chastising reminder of that. Before kick-off, they were shoo-ins for the top four. 90 minutes later and they’re back to where they started before they kicked off against Arsenal.
Within the Inter defeat, too, for as much maturity and adaptability that Andre Villas-Boas has shown this season, to turn up the San Siro and set the side up the way he did – regardless of the aggregate score – was incredibly naïve. The four goals that i Neazurri put past Brad Friedelwere a brutal reminder of how quickly fortunes can fade and with Spurs having conceded seven goals in two games, the onus will now be on the Portuguese to shore up a rearguard that’s not without its faults.
But far from feeling overly dejected after the last two games, the fact remains that despite the nature of the defeats, Tottenham still remain well on course to achieve both a top four finish and a run to the final stages of the Europa League.
The last week might not be one fondly remembered for its results, but should it give Spurs the shot in the arm they require to try and get back on the horse and rack up another unbeaten one, it could prove to be one of the most poignant of the entire campaign.
There’s still a lot of football left to be played.
The Premier League title may be done and dusted, but for Liverpool it feels all about the Champions League now – a competition with which they have a mythical relationship. And yet, they certainly cannot forget about the league.
It would be a mistake to think that the top four race is over. Manchester United, perhaps are all but guaranteed a top four spot, but the other three teams in the race for the final two places can’t relax. If Tottenham beat Chelsea on Sunday, that race will likely be over. If the result goes the other way, the battle will continue.
That’s why Liverpool can’t just focus on dumping Manchester City out of the Champions League over the next two weeks: they have to think about their participation in that competition next season, too.
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Next weekend sees the Reds travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Merseyside derby in between the two legs of their European quarter final, and this week they travel to Selhurst Park, the scene of arguably Liverpool’s most famous – and most overstated – capitulation.
“Crystanbul” was a collapse by a Liverpool side aiming to win the title, but it’s not where they lost the title. The title was lost days earlier when the Reds lost to Chelsea – throwing away a three goal lead against Palace didn’t cost them the title because a win wasn’t enough: they needed a margin of victory in the double figures to claw back Manchester City’s goal difference lead.
What it did do, however, was give Palace their own myth. It gave them the belief that they could beat Liverpool – something they’ve kept with them: they’re now something of a bogey team.
The Reds have lost four of their last seven Premier League games against the Palace, and this season’s 1-0 victory at Anfield came at the expense of an Eagles side managed by Frank de Boer and in the middle of the worst to a season in Premier League history. Since then, though, we’ve seen how much of a struggle Palace away has been for the top six teams – Arsenal and Manchester United scraped 3-2 wins, whilst Manchester City could only manage a draw thanks to a last-minute penalty save.
The week after an international break is often a strange one. Players come back from the break in a different mindset, they’ve played with different players, and it takes a while to get their head back into the club game again. With one eye understandably fixed on Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter final first leg, Liverpool could be there for the taking by a Palace side who have only one thing to worry about, and that’s getting points to stay in the division.
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There’s still a lot of football to be played in this Premier League season. The battle for the top four isn’t over, and the fight against relegation will likely rumble on into the final weeks. This weekend, both battles at opposite ends of the table will collide. But just after an international break, with one eye on a massive Champions League tie, and travelling to a team which believes it’s Jurgen Klopp’s bogey team, will Liverpool slip up?
With Raheem Sterling seemingly holding out for the sort of pocket money we could have only dreamed of as a youngster, Liverpool appear to have diverted their attention towards Arsenal’s Theo Walcott.
The Gunners ace is very much seen as a ‘plan B’ man at Anfield, with keeping their 20-year-old starlet the aim, but with his future at the Emirates Stadium unclear, he’s an intriguing option.
Walcott has long campaigned for a central role under Arsene Wenger and despite his obvious skills and pace, the England international has struggled to hold down a regular spot while never been truly becoming an essential player in north London… and the got us thinking, which other ‘unappreciated players’ could Brendan Rodgers save?
He gave Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho fresh chances and that worked, so here are FIVE potential ‘garbage to gold’ additions…
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James Milner
As the weeks go by, James Milner looks more and more likely to leave Manchester City on a free transfer this summer.
The England international’s current contract expires in just a few months’ time, and with his playing time having been minimal in terms of minutes and varied in terms of position, the 29-year-old is thought to have his eye on one last big move to play regularly in his favoured role – central midfield.
Liverpool are firmly in the hunt for the one-time Leeds prodigy, and it’s easy to see why. Although unfashionable, Milner offers a great level of work ethic, desire, commitment and know-how, while being a superbly adept technical footballer.
Although he’s now after a settled role, he can also fill in on either flank, play anywhere in midfield, function as a ‘false nine’ or even play as a right-sided wing-back or full-back.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Although Simon Mignolet has revived to the point that he’s now one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League on current form, it’s not yet clear as to whether or not Liverpool will seek to replace him this summer. At the height of the Belgian’s slump – December to January – the Reds were linked with a host of names, with Ter Stegen firmly in the mix.
The German signed for Barcelona last summer from Monchengladbach with a reputation as one of the best emerging glovesmen in Europe, but he’s yet to make a single appearance in La Liga, with his only game time having come in Champions League and domestic cup action. The 22-year-old is certainly worth more game time than he’s currently getting and could well be a long-term upgrade on Mignolet, despite his recent improvements.
Stevan Jovetic
The 25-year-old was an exciting addition for City almost two years ago, but his game time has been… erm… minimal. Able to play in almost any attacking role, Jovetic should have established himself in the sky blue shirt, but injuries have played their part in his struggles, as has Manuel Pellegrini’s reluctance to truly put faith in him.
Brendan Rodgers has shown a talent for turning trash into treasure in recent seasons – Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge were unwanted at Chelsea and Inter Milan – and with Jovetic still only 25, there’s time for a top coach to extract his full potential. There have been links…
Micah Richards
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Somewhat the forgotten man of English football, Richards has recently put himself back on the radar by claiming that he’s interested in heading back to the Premier League. A return to City when his current loan deal at Fiorentina ends is unlikely due to his contract’s looming expiration date, so a free transfer appears likely… and Liverpool are believed to be keen.
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With another centre-back a potential addition due to Emre Can’s unorthodox role in a back three, Richards could be an addition that makes sense. With experience as a right-sided full-back, the 26-year-old possesses the attacking intent to feature in Brendan Rodgers’ system, and could thrive now he’s over his injury woes.
Yohan Cabaye
Although Steven Gerrard is by no means a pivotal figure at Anfield now – in terms of first-team importance – replacing his departing captain when he joins LA Galaxy this summer is an issue for Brendan Rodgers.
Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen look to be a good combo, but an experienced Premier League campaigned like Yohan Cabaye may be a wise addition. The Frenchman left Newcastle just over a year ago, and despite his emergence as one of the top playmakers on the block, his game time has been rationed at PSG. Liverpool have been linked with the pass-master, who could offer some stability and an alternative option.
Bradford City defeated League One team Notts County in the first round, their victory coming in extra time through a James Hanson goal.
Bradford’s second round tie was against Championship side Watford, who went ahead after a 71st minute goal from Ikechi Anya. Bradford scored, first through Kyel Reid’s 84th minute equaliser, and then found a winner through Garry Thompson in injury-time.
Fellow League Two side Burton Albion played Bradford in the third round. Bradford were behind by two goals for the majority of the match, but Bermudian international Nahki Wells scored twice in the last ten minutes, taking the game into extra time. Stephen Darby scored the winning goal in the 115th minute. The victory put Bradford into the last 16 of the competition for the first time in 24 years.
Bradford were drawn against Wigan Athletic of the Premier League in the fourth round. The match was goalless after 90 minutes and also after extra time, resulting in a penalty shoot-out. Bradford won the shoot-out 4–2 with successful penalties from Nathan Doyle, Gary Jones, Stephen Darby and Alan Connell. It was the first time Bradford had knocked a Premiership club out of the competition since they defeated Nottingham Forest in September 1995.
Bradford’s quarter-final victory over Arsenal of the Premier League at Valley Parade was also decided on penalties, after the match finished 1–1 during regulation time. Garry Thompson put the Bantams in the lead in the 16th minute, but the Gunners found an equaliser through Thomas Vermaelen in the 88th minute. Nathan Doyle, Gary Jones and Alan Connell all successfully converted their penalties for Bradford, who won 3–2 on penalties and recorded a historic victory over Premier League high-flyers Arsenal.
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In the semi-final first leg against Premier League Aston Villa, Nahki Wells gave Bradford the lead after 20 minutes and Rory McArdle scored in the 77th minute. Andreas Weimann scored for Aston Villa in the 82nd minute, but Carl McHugh restored Bradford’s two-goal lead in the 87th after heading home Gary Jones’ corner. Aston Villa won the second leg 2–1, but Bradford won 4–3 on aggregate. Christian Benteke put Aston Villa ahead in the 24th minute, before Bradford’s James Hanson levelled in the 55th minute. Andreas Weimann scored an 89th minute goal for Aston Villa to win the game for the Villans but it was not enough to overturn their aggregate deficit. With three Premier League scalps now claimed, Bradford City look forward to an epic clash with Swansea City at Wembley on the 24th February.