Everton manager David Moyes believes that midfielder Leon Osman will be out for around six weeks after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
The 29-year-old has not featured since the Merseyside derby win over Liverpool in mid-October, with the Toffees having hoped to have Osman back in action in a month.
Moyes commented:“He had an operation on Monday morning to take away a piece of floating bone from his ankle.
“We expected him to be out for four to six weeks, but we think he probably be out for another six weeks now. He seems fine. Hopefully this will help his ankle.”
Meanwhile, Moyes has confirmed that Jack Rodwell will not start against Blackpool this weekend, despite making a quicker-than-expected recovery from an ankle problem.
Moyes added on the club’s official website:“I think he’s close, but I don’t think he’s quite ready yet.
“We included him on the bench last week in case we needed his height against Stoke City, but he’s not fully confident on his ankle yet.
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“He played 50 minutes in the reserves and will probably be included again, but I don’t think he’s ready to start and I think he would probably agree with that.”
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Michael Carrick is the quintessential ball playing midfielder, a player who on his day provides creativity, defensive nous and finesse in equal measure. But why does he get such bad press and further, why is he currently enemy no. 1 with Manchester United fans given the fantastic service he has given the club since his arrival in 2006? It is his name you hear on most supporters’ lips in the last 12 months more than any other when things aren’t going to plan for the team. But away from the emotional and tribal element of the beautiful game for a moment, let us examine whether, after a slightly troubled season (playing with an Achilles injury for large parts and struggling to find consistency) last time around, whether the player can replicate his 2006-09 form once again and become a vital cog in what will ultimately be Ferguson’s last masterplan.
To date …
Carrick’s nimble passing has been pivotal to United’s free flowing attacking football, allowing a smooth transition from back to front with quick initiation passes, equally adept over short or long distances. Indeed, it could be argued that his contribution to the central midfield composition and the team as a whole was crucial to ending the “transition” spell, in which Arsenal and Chelsea took the Premiership title; A period in at United where the midfield – since the departure of the much unloved Seba Veron – would often comprise of the likes of Smith, Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, O’ Shea, an under-developed Fletcher, and even Rio Ferdinand! Playing the majority of the time alongside Paul Scholes, the duo would often operate on a different planet than the rest of the field; Carrick’s role was integral to the smooth, intricate midfield evolution at United and was hugely influential in the securing of the three consecutive Premiership titles. In short, Michael’s game allowed those with attacking flair to function at their optimum, and the team to exploit the subsequent dynamic fluency.
Unique role?
Less static and with a greater passing range than say a Makelele or a Mascherano Carrick quietly imposes himself in the centre of the field with poise and grace, using both feet and supreme positional awareness – yet seemingly does not receive such comparable lavish praise as the aforementioned. Perhaps it is this very uncertainty about his role that the negativity stems; As an excellent passer much in the same mold as Andrea Pirlo for AC Milan, there is perhaps a misconception that his qualities are suited further up the pitch, an attacking ‘8’ for example. However, despite occasional forays further up the field, Ferguson very much sees his role as a midfield ‘6’ who is able to function alongside or compliment a regular ‘8’ – A player who can intercept and press the space superbly, either just in behind the all-action Darren Fletcher, or the more measured influence of Paul Scholes. The team “orchestrator” then, and just maybe, somebody who combines the qualities of both Pirlo and Mascherano in a role of his own, breaking up play and distributing efficiently.
Xavi, one such specialised centre midfielder and conductor of proceedings (and who clearly won the psychological battle prior to the CL Final 2009 by saying so) agrees when he stated: “Carrick gives United balance and can play defensively too. He passes well, has a good shot and is a complete player.”
It is hard to select a player with such a unique combination of midfield attributes; Of course you would have to throw the names of Alonso, Schweinsteiger and Busquets into the hat; the likes of Toure (Barcelona version), Mascherano, Perez and Melo also have elements of Carrick’s game – but are any of them a true replica?
Continued on Page TWO
4-4-2 v 4-5-1
Ferguson’s midfield options are more plush than the media would have us believe, with a variety of combinations available to him; Fletcher is fast becoming the complete box-to-box midfielder in my opinion and is arguably the first name on the teamsheet. Scholes is reliving the 90’s; Anderson’s talent is bursting to get out and Gibson is on the fringes – and that’s not to mention the fantastic prospects of Eikrem and Morrison! – but when fit and on form Carrick is vital to the team’s shape and his contrasting roles in a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 formation makes for interesting reading.
Versus Bursaspor Carrick completed a very impressive 91/99 passes (despite poor opposition) and played slightly more advanced than in his role versus Spurs a couple of days earlier. It was he who assisted neatly for the opening goal scored by Fletcher (http://yfrog.com/0nbr3kj), and in the same combination (Carrick-Fletcher-Scholes) Carrick was arguably the best player on the pitch in the Manchester Derby – nullifying the threat of Silva and Tevez superbly with timely interceptions and pressing the space. In such a 4-5-1 (in a “destroyer-passer-creator system”), Carrick is thus generally used at the base of the triumvirate in order to capitalise on his superior defensive capabilities. Zonal Marking depicts this system, and the Ferguson team between 2006-09, as the third greatest team of the decade, which hugely compliments the work of Carrick, at least in part.
Carrick can also be utilised at the head of the triangle however depending on the occasion; Arsenal away at the Emirates last season for example, and versus Internazionale in the San Siro the season before are good examples of his effectiveness in this sense, but there is a sense that there is a reduction in the overall productivity of the midfield when this occurs.
It must be acknowledged however that Ferguson has a distinct preference for 4-4-2 this season, especially on the domestic front where Berbatov is used to great effect in a creative role behind Rooney (or the effervescent Hernandez at present). Crucial to the system then is the positional maturity of the defensive central midfielder and this is where Carrick’s ability to intercept the ball (not tackle) by reading the game superbly and releasing the ball where appropriate, is key. See his interceptions chalkboard versus Tottenham here as an example (correlated interestingly to an area of the pitch where a certain “Bale” was plying his trade):
A pertinent and practical example of this tactical instruction is well explained here in another fantastic piece by Zonal Marking on the role of the modern central midfielder:
“Therefore, intercepting is the new tackling. It’s not as spectacular, not as obvious, it won’t get the supporters on their feet (nowhere traditionally cheers a crunching tackle as much as English football terraces), but it’s just as useful. You’re immediately in possession, whereas after a tackle, the ball can run away to an opponent. And there’s more chance of launching a quick counter-attack, and transforming defence into attack swiftly.”
The ability to “dominate”
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Another criticism is that he does not dominate games (and score) as much as he “should”. Again, we have to ask if there is any legitimacy to the claim? Carrick is not only tasked with keeping the defensive shape for large periods of the game (see Carlos Queiroz influence) but more, the greater efficiency is certainly in playing the ball out wide with pace or looking for the quick pass into the forward’s feet/path rather than the adoption of the Darron Gibson model of shooting on sight! (Wayne Rooney has currently had over 350 shots since his last long-range success in the league versus Newcastle in 2007!). How does one define “dominate” then? Pressing the space ahead of the opposing forward players requires concentration as well as an understanding of the game pattern; therefore protecting the back four is a form of domination itself.
“But as a‘6’ but he doesn’t tackle, have the energy or win-at-all costs attitude of Roy Keane” comes the response. Not only can there never be the comparison to the United legend and great central midfield enforcer of his day, but the evolution of the destroyer-creator model has meant that this argument no longer holds water. Further, an important point to make at this juncture is that Michael’s quiet demeanour does not necessarily reflect negatively on his playing qualities, nor his strength of character and will to win.
In Summary
Whilst Carrick has not played his best football in the last 12 months or so, jeopardising his United career, his recent absence has coincided with some dreadful United defensive displays and collective concentration lapses; A return to form would be a huge bonus to Ferguson who is struggling to find the full-time solution to the midfield dilemma (Ozil was earmarked but as we know, his preference was elsewhere) and at an opportune time too, as we enter the busy Winter schedule seeking to remain unbeaten on all fronts. Carrick offers a special blend of defending and attacking capabilities and is able to function with equal effectiveness in a number of formations. Backed by the fans and free from injury, Carrick should easily be able to step up to the plate and deliver on the big stage once again – and at the prime age of just 29 years, he could yet lift another premiership title (or three) in the coming years.
If you enjoyed this article, why not follow Nik on twitter at: twitter.com/Sleepy_Nik
Arsenal got the job done tonight against Partizan to book their place in the Champions League knockout stages. It may not have been ideal for us to end up in second place; nonetheless, qualification was the main goal tonight which was accomplished. Here are just 5 things I learnt whilst watching the game last night:
1. 11th year in a row through to last 16 phase
It may not have been the way we had wanted to qualify into the knockout stages of the Champions League, but at least we’re there. This is in fact the 11th consecutive year that Wenger has masterminded Arsenal’s entry into the last 16 of the competition, a feat which means that they are the most consistent out of the English teams.
2. Nasri continues to shine
Two wonderful goals against Fulham last Saturday at the Emirates, and another tonight, what has Samir Nasri been eating lately. The Frenchman looked sharp all night and continued his fine form with a superb team goal in which he finished. No wonder Arsene Wenger wants to offer him a new contract in the imminent future. Long may his form continue.
3. Theo Walcott – The difference maker
Despite the 3-1 win, nothing really got going until Theo Walcott entered the fray. Walcott used his pace and agility to effect tonight and grabbed the vital second goal to ease Arsenal fans nerves. This is not to say his has turned the corner in any way shape or form, because in fairness he still has a bit of improving to do. However, if the 21-year-old can impose his presence like he did tonight on a regular basis, then there is no reason why he can’t become the player we want him to be. Nonetheless, Walcott was the difference maker tonight, end of.
4. Another goal conceded by the Gunners
We got 3 goals, but yet again we managed to leak one as well. To be fair our defence and keeper had a relatively easy night, it’s just a shame to see us concede once again, especially at home. Our weakness shone through tonight, as it has done so many times already this season, luckily for us we were playing a poor opposition in Partizan Belgrade. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen next Monday against United…ok lads?
5. We could play Barcelona
Unfortunately we ended up second in our group, due to Shakhtar Donetsk’s win over Braga, which evidently means we will have to face tougher opposition than expected. Arsenal can only draw 4 possible teams next round due to all other English sides topping their groups. The Gunners could face either, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Champions League favourites Barcelona. Yeah ok it’s not an ideal predicament to be in, but it is what it is. Personally I’m not really fussed who we draw in the last 16, as we will have to beat the best to be the best, and if it so happens we draw Barcelona next round then I’m sure Arsenal will give it their best shot.
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A festival of football this weekend sees no fewer than three local derbies and an epic battle at the top of table at White Hart Lane. Sir Alex Ferguson believes his United side face a tough ‘Challenge’ in North London against a Tottenham side that the Scot believes is the best he has known in all his time in England.
In the papers this morning there has been a mixed bag of stories that includes Kenny Dalglish looking forward to Mersey derby; Carlo Ancelotti sets Chelsea 80pts total, while West Ham are reportedly lining up Martin O’Neill.
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‘Emotional’ Dalglish happy to be home – Guardian
That’s one hell of a Lotti, Carlo – Sun
Inside Qatar’s World Cup 2022 bid – Daily Telegraph
Gunners looking for quick fix defender – Mirror
Tottenham fans to protest against Stratford move – Guardian
Hammers line-up O’Neill – Sky Sports
Mancini: Given can go if cover is found – Guardian
Liverpool have their problems but Everton are also feeling blue – Daily Mail
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Second City derby stars told to cool it – Mirror
Spurs to hold Pienaar talks – Sky Sports
Manchester United tracking £20m Fabio Coentrao – Daily Mail
Media reports emanating from England suggest Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho could make a surprise return to the Premier League.
Mourinho, 48, has endured a torrid time with the Spanish giants and has regularly had issues with officials and club management at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After watching his side defeat Sevilla 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, Mourinho, who has been visibly unhappy in recent weeks, failed to turn up to the post-match press conference leading to rumours about his departure.
The rumours gathered more momentum when British tabloid The Sun reported quotes from the manager about his desire to return to England.
“I’ve decided to return to England. I have nothing prepared about my future – I just want to be happy in my work,” Mourinho said.
“I have no preferences about Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea. I just want to rediscover the joy.”
“I’m not saying the Premier League is the most spectacular in the world but it is the best organised… the fair play and the enormous respect for your opponent.”
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Mourinho’s fallout with Real director Jorge Valdano over the lack of forward options available to the Portuguese boss has inflamed the situation, although the loan signing of Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City looked like it may have satisfied Mourinho.
But the former Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan manager’s quotes appear to suggest Mourinho is not happy with the situation at Real, and could be on his way out come the end of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti says his side need Fernando Torres’ attacking nous, despite seeing them score four goals against Sunderland on Tuesday.
In a pulsating encounter at the Stadium of Light, Chelsea had to come from behind to secure a 4-2 result as goals from Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou, John Terry and Nicolas Anelka gave them their third consecutive league win.
Although they are 10 points behind leaders Manchester United, Ancelotti insists Chelsea will fight to the death to retain their Premier League title, and believes the addition of Torres and Brazilian centre back David Luiz will help their cause.
“I think we need Torres even after scoring four goals. He and Luiz are fantastic players and we need players with fantastic abilities. The club has done fantastic to buy both as it was a difficult transfer market,” the Italian told The Mirror.
“We know we have more power and ability in the squad. We try to do our best in this season.”
“Torres can play in every team because he has a fantastic ability. With his quality he will have no problem to settle in our team.”
“He will have no problems playing with Drogba or another striker. Maybe we have to play with two strikers together. It is not a problem. It doesn’t change a lot. With a diamond in midfield our shape doesn’t change too much.”
“Tomorrow and the next day we will test Torres. I think he has not problems with fitness because he played the last game with Liverpool.”
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce lamented some poor defending during his side’s loss; a result which keeps them in sixth position.
“For the neutral it was wonderful, I’d have thought,” Bruce told Sky Sports. “The disappointing thing for us is the goals we’ve conceded.”
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“The reason why we’re in the position we’re in is because we haven’t given much away defensively.”
“We’ve gifted them goals and for me that shouldn’t have happened. It’s difficult enough to play against Chelsea at the best of times but it’s even harder when we concede goals like that.”
“It was a poor penalty, a poor second goal and a poor third goal. They had their chances and you can’t do that against quality opposition.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has not drawn a line through a potential move to rival club Manchester United next season.
The Spain international has kept four straight clean sheets in the English Premier League to help the Reds catapult up the table to sixth place, as part of the side’s rejuvenation under Kenny Dalglish.
The 28-year-old Reina – who defended the move of compatriot Fernando Torres to Chelsea on the final day of the January transfer window – acknowledged the forthcoming retirement of United shot-stopper Edwin Van der Sar at season’s end and did not guarantee his future at Anfield next season and beyond.
“Yes, well Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course they (United) are looking,” Reina told Spanish radio station Ondo Sera.
“I can’t do anything. I can’t say anything logically as I have a contract with Liverpool.”
“Of course one likes to fight for titles and be in a team that does that. We always fought to be in the Champions League and try to win the title. But unfortunately it hasn’t been the case in the last couple of years.”
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Reina hinted that his future playing on Merseyside is reliant upon Liverpool finishing in the top four. The Reds sit six points shy of that spot, though their return to form has revived hopes they can sneak into a Champions League spot.
“I won’t lie, I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles,” he said.
After a delightful Arsenal comeback last week, I will admit that I was proud to support them against Barcelona (I say that as a Tottenham fan).
As people continually talk up the quality of Spanish football, and (Sepp Blatter included) talk down the English game, I am getting annoyed with Barcelona. Furthermore, having discovered about the inequality of distribution of TV money in Spain I no longer reserve the same respect for them as I once did (https://www.footballfancast.com/2011/02/football-blogs/a-model-that-the-premier-leagues-big-boys-will-be-forced-to-follow).
This year I want all English clubs to prove to the rest of Europe just how good we still are. Can you imagine an all-English final at Wembley?
But, when I read last week that “Arsenal proceeded to take Spurs’ feat and raise it”, (this view seemed to be echoed around all forms of social media), I couldn’t help but laugh. Am I alone in disagreeing?
Arsenal’s victory last week simply does not compare to Tottenham’s victory at the San Siro. I am tempted to say that whose performance was better is not important, since the fact that English sides are doing well is what matters. But I feel this attitude from some Arsenal fans is just wrong, and needs to be addressed.
Before I get carried away, I must admit, AC Milan are not the side they once were (last year they lost at home to Zurich and Manchester United), especially when compared to the best side in the world, Barcelona.
They may not be as good as Barcelona, but Milan are still a top side. After a few years in which they went off the rails, they are back on top of their game this year. As it stands, they have a healthy lead at the top of the Serie A. Confidence is high again. In Robihno, Ibrahimovic and Pato they have a formidable strike force. People may bemoan the standard of Italian domestic football, but the current Champions League holders, Inter, are in 4th position. It can’t be that bad.
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For someone to suggest that Arsenal’s performance was better than Tottenham’s is just not true. I admit it was a great result at the Emirates, but surely Arsenal fans are getting carried away?
Arsenal played a good game of football. I think people get overly romantic with the philosophy of the two sides but I have to admit it was a great game and very entertaining. Regardless, the fact still remains that for 75 minutes they were not the better side.
First of all, Messi uncharacteristically missed shots on target. He put a cute chip wide, then aimed his shot at the near post, and missed, while he had men queuing up in front of an open goal to his right. Arsenal could have been 3-0 down, dead and buried.
Secondly, Van Persie’s goal was entirely down to poor positioning by Victor Valdes. To be beaten at the near post from that angle is unforgivable for a keeper of his standard, even if it was a great strike. This gave Arsenal the confidence to go and get a second goal, which to be fair was a great team effort.
Tottenham on the other hand, dominated AC Milan from the off, until a nervous last ten minutes. They pressed hard, and didn’t let Milan play. Spurs could have been awarded a (contentious) penalty in the first minute, and scored twice more in the next 15.
Barcelona came out of last week’s tie in a strong position. Before last week’s game, Pep Guardiola’s target was to get an away goal. They got their away goal, and still have to play Arsenal at the Nou Camp where they will be confident of a result. Barcelona remained true to their passing game until the end and kept their composure. The same cannot be said of AC Milan, who completely lost the plot.
This was a testament to the Spurs performance. Regardless of if Flamini won the ball or not, he went in two footed and with both feet off the ground. To get up, after injuring Corluka and attempt to cheer the crowd on, shows just how rattled Milan must have been. Like I said, they are a confident side at the moment and expected to win. Milan’s attitude was epitomised by Guttuso’s constant niggling over the the whole game, at one stage he almost begged Crouch to fight him; he clearly boiled over at the final whistle when he head-butted Joe Jordan.
But Spurs resisted to be drawn into it, they played their football and came out on top in an heroic away leg. Barcelona might be a bit deflated, but Milan were blown away.
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So, I think it is clear whose result was better. Tottenham went to Milan, with a hugely intimidating crowd, and won while keeping their head, and earned a clean sheet to boot.
Arsenal achieved a remarkable 20-minute-salvo. But they were at home, and for 75 minutes, although they had competed, were not been the better side.
AC Milan will look to tighten their grip on the scudetto on Saturday when they travel to Turin to take on an unpredictable Juventus side.The Serie A leaders are five points clear of Inter Milan and coming off a 3-0 thumping of third-placed Napoli on Monday, but manager Massimiliano Allegri will be wary of a Juventus team blowing hot and cold.After beginning the year with a 4-1 loss at home to Parma and a 3-0 thrashing at Napoli, they followed a goalless draw with Sampdoria with further defeats to Udinese and Palermo.A 3-1 win over Cagliari and a 1-0 triumph over reigning champions Inter prompted some to declare Juve were back in form, but since then they have slumped to back-to-back defeats against Lecce and Bologna – meaning they are now in seventh place on the table and 17 points adrift of Milan. To compound manager Luigi Delneri’s problems, midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee complaint and Alberto Aquilani is under a cloud with a thigh strain.Sixth-placed Roma will look to bridge the gap on the leaders when they kick off the weekend’s fixtures on Friday with a trip to relegation-battlers LecceInter, meanwhile, will be looking for Delneri’s side to do them a favour with 11 games to go and take some points off the rampaging Milan, while hoping for full points themselves when they host Genoa on Sunday.Also on Sunday, Napoli will look to bounce back from their mauling at the hands of Milan when they face second from bottom Brescia at home.Fourth placed Lazio welcome a Palermo side to the Stadio Olimpico no doubt still smarting from their 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Udinese last Sunday and keen to impress new coach Serse Cosmi, who replaced Delio Rossi in the wake of the debacle.Udinese are in fifth place and piling the pressure on Lazio as the race for a Champions League berth intensifies. They play host to bottom side Bari, hoping for more good form from veteran forward Antonio di Natale, whose hat-trick against Palermo gave him 21 for the season.Bologna welcome Cagliari in a mid-table clash, Parma visit Chievo Verona, Sampdoria host Cesena and Fiorentina will welcome Catania in Sunday’s other games.
Sunday football gossip can usually be treated with the same respect as that teabag you’ve left on the side for two days. You don’t really want to look at it, you know that it’s no good for you but you can’t quite bring yourself to ignore it completely (or as I am consistently reminded, just bin it).
So usually when I read the various football gossip columns with my black Sunday morning coffee, I take them with a pinch of salt. Such headlines over the years have included Messi to Chelsea and Kaka to Man Utd, so it is easy to ignore anyway.
However, last Sunday there was one that I felt deserved a little more than just a passing glance and deletion. I’m talking about the persistent linking of us and Fernando Gago. At 24 years old and in the same international side as Messi, Tevez and Aguero, Gago certainly fits the quality bracket that John W Henry appears keen to bring to the fray. Lucas has been a solid custodian this year and I for one love the guy, but in my opinion he has played the best when Kenny Dalglish has operated with him in his old Gremio role. More attacking, more freedom and further forward, something that he has requested for the last 3 years.
That leaves a huge gap and Gago would fill it perfectly. Referred to as the ‘new Redondo’, he can break up play, put his body on the line when needed and plays with a maturity that shouldn’t be present for another 4 years or so. Having played with Messi at schoolboy level, maybe “El Pintita” (I’ll explain in a minute), could persuade Messi that he’s achieved all he can at Barcelona and should now look to Stanley Park for his next challenge. Oh ok, I can dream can’t I? So “El Pintita” maybe takes away from the midfield enforcer reputation that he has built for himself, as the closest translation offers is the Beckham coined phrase of “Metrosexual.” (Apparently an old club manager caught him playing with his long locks in the mirror minutes before kick off, I think something similar happened with Jamie Carragher as well though so don’t judge). Just tell Steven Seagal that you can’t be a hardman with long hair, I dare you.
Unfortunately for Gago, it is the pairing of one ex Liverpool legend (Xabi Alonso anyone?) with the ever impressive Sammy Khedira that means Gago can’t get a regular game and hence would be open to a summer move to the mighty Anfield and an ever improving squad. Also, impressively for a footballer, Gago is a keen art and literature enthusiast, and having spent many a cold Sunday afternoon walking around the world renowned Walker Gallery, Gago will have plenty to stimulate his creative flair within Liverpool’s impressive collections of world art. We won’t be the only team on the chase for the technically gifted young midfielder, meaning that we must qualify for some sort of European competition to be in the mix of possible clubs for the new Fernando. Sorry only Fernando.
So Gago is in the bank then, just need a left back and a few wingers and we’ll be back at the top!
Article written by James Dempster of Live4Liverpool
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