Charlton head in to Saturday’s game against 6th placed Notts County, following a frustrating result on Tuesday where they suffered their first home defeat of the season.
Only their first defeat of 2012, in a game that Charlton dominated for long periods ,but they were undone by a moment of class by Anthony Wordsworth and then a very fortunate break for their secondas a Ben Hamer kick was charged down by the persistent Steven Gillespie which looped in to the back of the net. But what would have seemed to be a bad night was lifted slightly with the news that Walsall had managed to beat Sheffield United 3-2 leaving the Addicks still 13 points clear at the top of League One.
We head in to the game with Notts County knowing they have beaten their opponents once this season following a 2-1 victory at Meadow Lane on match day two. But Chris Powell will know that they will have a much tougher challenge this time. County are a revitalised side under Keith Curle who in his opening 4 games has led County to three wins and one draw, conceding just the one goal.
This has taken them from a mid-table obscurity to currently occupying the last playoff spot. With talisman Lee Hughes suspended for Saturdays game, Notts County must now look elsewhere for inspiration, probably with Jeff Hughes, who is currently their top scorer with 15 goals, even if a number of those have come from the penalty spot. It may also be a return to his former club for Sam Sodje if he is the County backline. Sodje played for Charlton during 2007-08 season on-loan and then permanently during the 09-10 season being a key member of the play-off semi-finalists during our first season in league 1.
We will be relying on Captain Johnnie Jackson to carry on leading the way for the team. He is currently going through his best spell in his whole career, a career which started at Spurs and en-route to making it to the valley did include a short spell at meadow lane, with Notts County during the 09-10 season. Jackson is currently on 13 goals for the season and is fast become a set piece specialist for the Addicks scoring free kicks and penalties this season, plus being a key corner taker at times. It would be fair to say it would be a massive blow if the former Colchester man was lured away during the summer.
Powell’s Charlton now must make sure they get the 3 points this Saturday, to make sure Tuesday was merely a minor blip and not an end of season slump. Would it be fair to say maybe 5 more wins and the championship is ours? Certainly a major collapse would be the only thing to stop us getting our hands on that sought-after trophy. But they will not be taking anything lightly and until that (P) or (C) is next to their name, and must take ever match very serious to make sure they have no Cardiff City type collapse.
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With Charlton leading the table since late September they look like worthy winners. It would be a travesty if they didn’t make it now so come on lads five more wins and the title will be ours.
FIFA are investigating bribery accusations involving presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam and vice-president Jack Warner.Caribbean Football Union officials Debbie Minguell and Jason Sylvester are also implicated in the allegations, which have been made by executive committee member and CONCACAF secretary general Chuck Blazer.
The accusations come just days before the FIFA presidential election on June 1, in which Asian Football Confederation president bin Hammam takes on incumbent Sepp Blatter.
Blazer alleges violations of the FIFA code of ethics during a meeting set up by Bin Hammam and Warner on May 10 and 11.
All four of the accused must attend a hearing in Zurich on Sunday.
“On May 24, 2011, FIFA executive committee member and CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer reported to FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke possible violations of the FIFA code of Ethics allegedly committed by officials,” a FIFA statement read.
“In particular, the report referred to a special meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), apparently organised jointly by FIFA vice-president Jack A Warner and FIFA executive committee member Mohammed Bin Hammam, which took place on May 10 and 11, 2011.”
“This meeting was linked to the upcoming FIFA presidential election.”
“In view of the facts alleged in this report, which include bribery allegations, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, in compliance with art. 16 of the FIFA code of ethics, yesterday requested the FIFA ethics committee to open ethics proceedings.”
On-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Hleb has dismissed suggestions that he is unsettled at Birmingham City.
Hleb, who spent three years in the Premier League with Arsenal, joined the Blues on a season-long loan in August.
During the recent international break the Belarus midfielder was quoted discussing his disillusionment with life at St Andrew's and the style of football Alex McLeish's side play.
However, Hleb insists he is happy at Birmingham and has no problems at his new club.
"I am very happy, really happy," he said."We have a very good coach. The team, the players – fantastic.
"Everything's good and I feel at home. I love it at Birmingham and I enjoy everything.
"Of course, we need to give a bit more in the games because we want to win, invest more, keep the ball more, score more, but we need to work hard on that.
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QPR defender Clint Hill has stated that Mark Hughes’ bust-up with Martin Jol after the team’s match with Fulham shows that the Welsh manager has a fighting spirit.
The Loftus Road club lost 1-0 to Hughes’ former employers on Saturday, and the Rangers boss brushed off Jol’s advances as he felt that the Dutchman was being patronising.
However, Hill feels this is a clear sign that Hughes has the required spirit to keep the London club in the Premier League.
“He has certainly got spirit,” the player told Mirror Football.
“I was lucky to play against him a few times so I know that. He cares, like everyone else, and doesn’t want this club to go down. He will be frustrated.
“We feel the whole world is against us. We are having no luck at the moment, but we will come back on Monday and dust ourselves down,” he stated.
Hill also acknowledged that defeats have put QPR right in the relegation mix, and that it will be a battle to stay in the English top flight.
“The last three games have been massive – and we haven’t got any points.
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“There’s always belief. The mini-league is getting smaller during every game. There’s five teams involved and if we can finished first or second in that league it will be a massive achievement,” he concluded.
“Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Wembley, que sera sera!”
The twist to the lyrics of the iconic song originally performed by Doris Day rang out through Old Trafford, as a much changed Manchester United side cast aside all lingering doubts, to comfortably book their place in the 2011 Champion’s League final, to take their place alongside Barcelona, in challenging for Europe’s top honours.
Led by John O’Shea, deputising as captain for the evening, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team saw out the task at hand, to run away comfortable winners with a 4-1 victory, giving them a 6-1 lead over the two legs. Such ease of victory is a rare accomplishment in such late stages of the competition. And with that, here are five things that may be taken from the game.
1) The gamble on the squad paid off
With a 2 goal lead against a team that were considered vastly inferior, it would have been so surprise to find a few players that had featured being rested, particularly when one considers the flat and somewhat fatigued display shown against Arsenal the previous Sunday.
However, the fact that 9 changes had been made would undoubtedly have been considered a risk. Although Schalke were poor the previous week, the idea of such a major change to the starting line up will have been thought of as a gamble in a competition where “there are no easy games”. Fortunately, despite a fairly brighter start from the German side, the tie was soon put beyond doubt as Gibson thread a well placed pass through to Valencia to charge into the box and coolly finish past Neuer after 26 minutes.
The game was made to look even more comfortable when 5 minutes later, Gibson fired a well-struck shot that should have been comfortably collected by Neuer but instead found itself deflecting off his hands and in to the net and despite a Jurado claiming a goal back only minutes later, the semi-final already looked beyond United’s German counterparts. Despite the risk taken with the squad, one has to applaud the efficiency and professionalism displayed by Ferguson’s men in getting the job done, and in failing to allow Schalke a lifeline in finding their way back into contention.
Although it was a poor side that United faced, the possibility of complacency was always there unless business had been dealt with appropriately. On a note about Neuer, Schalke’s goalkeeper that has made headlines of late, although he had a poor performance, his standing as one of the world’s top ‘keepers should not be called into question. Perhaps his error for Gibson’s goal threw him off for the rest of the game, regularly showing his signs of frustration and perhaps annoyance at the lack of a challenge posed against United. Whatever the reason, it was not the performance that many will have expected for someone of such high standard, and will certainly have not looked positive in the closing stages of his career at Schalke.
2) Resting players at this stage is a luxury
The opportunity to give players a night off at the business end of the season is a rarity, especially when said side are challenging for both European and domestic honours, and the fact that United were able to make so many changes without suffering the ramifications will have been pleasing for the coaching staff, particularly when players will be needed to be at their peak for what could be seen as a title-decider the following Sunday against Chelsea. The possibility of a fresh starting line up will certainly maximise their chances of success and getting the result necessary in solidifying their advantage at the top of the table.
The likes of Hernandez and Rooney, as well as Ferdinand and Vidic will have benefited from some respite, and will have been comforted by the fact that their understudies were able to fill in with competence and do what was required of them without setback. At the same time it will have provided a chance for an “audition” of sorts for potential squad members for the title run in and indeed the final itself, with many taking the opportunity to try and make an impression at a time when squad selection will have to be considered extremely carefully.
The likes of Anderson, Berbatov, Valencia, Nani and others all aimed at putting in a performance that would leave the management with something to think about. In truth, it could be said that nobody played badly, but then against opposition that were far below par, some may say it was to be expected. The coming games will tell as to who is likely to get the chance to represent United in the line up at Wembley.
3) Berbatov is not to be forgotten
Wednesday night provided Dimitar Berbatov with the perfect opportunity to give Ferguson reason not to forget him at Old Trafford, despite his clear preference for the Rooney/Hernandez partnership that has proved so successful of late. This has been quite the development when one considers Berbatov’s standing as the League’s top scorer, but the emergence of Javier Hernandez has been hard to ignore. However, for the return leg against Schalke, an energetic performance was seen from the big Bulgarian forward. Although he did not find himself on the scoresheet one cannot deny his contribution.
He was to be found everywhere, looking to get involved with play, often finding himself on the left in the first half for example, even getting back to defend set pieces appropriately. A way to describe it may be to consider it a performance on behalf of his team, working well with those around him in trying to create chances, culminating in him setting up Anderson’s second goal, a selfless act when he could have easily taken it on himself. A well-deserved round of applause was given upon his exit for Michael Owen late on, who incidentally provided evidence for his efficacy has a substitute, looking sharp and generally providing a threat. The fact that Ferguson has four strong strikers at his disposal will certainly be a comforting thought at such a late stage of the season.
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4) Anderson doubled his career tally at United…. in one game
2 goals, 127 appearances. Now, 4 goals and 128 appearances. If there was one player that could sum up United’s performance on Wednesday evening, then one could look to Anderson as an example to demonstrate the energy and positive play that gave United such an attacking threat. The young Brazilian midfielder looked lively, always willing to take the ball forward and impose himself on the Schalke back line, as well as looking to carve open the defence and create chances to score.
One argument has always been that he has not scored enough in his time at Old Trafford, so one can imagine the surprise when he popped up with two goals in one evening! The first was a strong finish after persevering in winning the ball from the defender to slot past. The second came when Berbatov found himself open on goal, only to slip a pass to an open Anderson to tap in and to add insult to injury. Of course, United always looked to add more to their tally, especially with the risk of a miraculous comeback almost non-existant. Constant calls of “shoot!” from the United faithful backing up the attacking mood United found themselves in, turning into a night to enjoy instead of tension that some may have expected.
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As well as this, one must take into account the good performance of the makeshift defensive unit that had been put together, doing their job adequately in not allowing mistakes to happen and provide Schalke with chances to claw their way back into the tie.
5) United are going to Wembley
Regardless of what some may say about the quality of United’s German opponents, one must remember that this is the same team that decimated Inter Milan in the previous round. The fact that United swept them aside is not to be scoffed at, and to reach the Champions League final is an achievement that is not to be dismissed. The chance for honours is one that is tantalisingly close and Barcelona will provide the ultimate in opposition in the way of European glory.
Although the Catalan side have had their glistening image dented somewhat by the antics in “El Clasico” of late, the quality of their side is unquestionable, and it will take tactical superiority as well as perfect team selection to give Sir Alex Ferguson the chance of bringing another European Cup back to Old Trafford, as he so craves. Barcelona will more than likely be favourites for the trip to Wembley, but one must say United have proved they have the quality to make it to the final, therefore also possess the quality to give them a chance at defeating the Spanish League leaders. The United faithful have every reason to be in high spirits for the coming weeks.
Read more of Zayd’s articles at Red Flag Flying High
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Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has dismissed suggestions of a dressing room bust-up at Chelsea.
The Seasiders were 4-0 down midway through last Sunday's Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge following a first-half horror show.
They stemmed the tide in the second half but post-match reports suggested that several players had been involved in arguments at half-time.
Explaining the situation, Holloway admitted that he and several players were involved in heated discussions in the Stamford Bridge dressing room.
However, he has denied reports of a bust-up, saying:"Their egos were smarting. They didn't want to produce a first half like that but unfortunately they could do nothing to stop what Chelsea did to us.
"They had listened to me and it didn't go well so they thought they could say some things themselves. I soon put that right.
"I've got a proud group of lads who were smarting a bit. I had to shut them up and crack the whip a bit.
"For the second half I managed to calm them down, talk about what I felt, change the tactics and it worked, to some extent.
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Bolton manager Owen Coyle has admitted that he is interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, and wants to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old has impressed this season with The Eagles, and has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Trotters also have their eye on Zaha, as Coyle looks to strengthen.
“I think there’s players out there, and Zaha is certainly one of them, that I think would enhance our club for years to come on a permanent basis, and there are one or two on a loan capacity I’d love to bring in before the deadline on Tuesday,” Coyle told Sky Sports.
“If it transpires then great, but it won’t stop me targeting good, young players to bring to this football club that I think I can develop and make better, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Meanwhile, one man on his way out of the Reebok Stadium could be Kevin Davies, with Sunderland keen to sign the veteran attacker.
Bantams boss Martin O’Neill has confirmed his interest in Davies, who is out of contract in the summer.
“I did make an enquiry and Owen would obviously want to try to keep him. I may well follow that up tomorrow morning,” he admitted.
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Fulham’s Andy Johnson dented Wolves’ survival hopes with a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw that saw visiting manager Mark Hughes sent off.The striker – and substitute – had barely been on the Molineux pitch for 60 seconds when he cancelled out Steven Fletcher’s first-half header to leave Wolves languishing in the bottom three.
Fulham started with plenty of purpose. Carlos Salcido unleashed a powerful 25-yard shot that seemed destined for Wayne Hennessey’s top corner until the Wolves keeper leapt to spectacularly palm the ball away.
Aaron Hughes failed to connect with a close-range header from the resulting corner and after Clint Dempsey had fired wide from the edge of the area, the American then blazed over when clean through on goal as the Cottagers dominated the opening 20 minutes.
And with Richard Stearman lucky to escape with just a caution instead of a straight red card for a studs-up lunge on Steve Sidwell, the hosts were struggling to stay in the game.
Yet with their first attack of any note, Wolves went ahead courtesy of a superbly executed header from Fletcher, who out jumped Hughes to meet Karl Henry’s perfectly-weighted right wing cross.
A Danny Murphy body check on Henry raised tempers with words exchanged between both sides as they headed to the rooms at the break.
Both goalkeepers were called into action from the restart with Hennessey diving on a loose ball and Mark Schwarzer tipping Adlene Guedioura’s 20-yard drive around the post at the other end.
Fulham’s frustration boiled over with manager Hughes sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle in reaction to Brede Hangeland’s yellow card.
Hennessey again coped well with a long-range effort from Sidwell before Fletcher latched on to a poor Schwarzer clearance to draw a vital save from the Australian.
And moments later, the inspired 80th-minute introduction of Johnson salvaged Fulham a draw as the striker volleyed home from the edge of the area.
Arsenal's joy at a 4-1 Carling Cup derby victory at Tottenham Hotspur was tempered by left-back Kieran Gibbs suffering a foot injury during extra-time at White Hart Lane.
The 20-year-old England international suffered a metatarsal problem last season and manager Arsene Wenger fears that the fresh setback could be a similar injury.
He said:"We have to check, that is the only disappointment of the night, because Gibbs had a very good game.
"We hope we do not get bad news tomorrow morning.
"It is a metatarsal again, it is the one next to the one he had broken, the second one, so we hope we have good news, because that would be a massive blow to us."
Meanwhile, Wenger defended his approach to the competition, having often fielded a second-string side.
He added:"We have got a few reproaches that we did not take the competition seriously, it was a derby and to go out straight away for us would be difficult.
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You have to feel for Andre Villas-Boas. He inherited a somewhat broken strike force when he took over at Chelsea. Drogba, whilst still able to perform at a high level, is undoubtedly past his best, Torres has failed to settle ever since his high profile move last January and Anelka is out of favour; so much so that he has been allowed to leave in the upcoming transfer window. Apart from that the Portuguese manager has Kalou and Sturridge at his disposal.
Recently Villas-Boas has been using Drogba, to decent effect, in his team. However there is a problem with this. Drogba will be leaving for the African Cup of Nations. You get the feeling that in order to get the best out of one of his strikers Villas-Boas had to put his faith in one of them, he had to inspire belief in to either Drogba or Torres. He chose Drogba, which is fine, but it won’t have done Torres’ confidence any favours.
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Because both Kalou and Drogba are playing for the Ivory Coast you would presume that they would be in the competition for a reasonable amount of time. If you combine this with the sale of Anelka then Chelsea could be without Drogba, Anelka and Kalou come January, and a few weeks in to February as well. During this time they also have to play rivals Manchester United, and, if Torres hasn’t found his form by then, Sturridge will have to lead the line. There is no doubt that Sturridge is improving with every month that goes by; but after all the money they have spent over the last five years how are they in a position where Daniel Sturridge, a striker who last year was playing for Bolton, will be their main striker?
Nobody is saying that Sturridge will not be up to the task, but at a crucial time in the season was it not a little short-sighted of the Chelsea manager to get rid of Anelka in a time of need? Torres will always be a talented player, but he is heinously inconsistent at the moment and whilst Anelka has not been scoring goals of late his build up play is always exceptional and the fact that Villas-Boas has had him training with the reserves seems a little insulting to a striker that a) has given a lot to Chelsea, possibly more than he has given to any club and b) could be a useful part of the squad whilst the African players are away.
Anelka may not have acted as the front man for Chelsea in Didier’s absence, but his presence, and the experience that goes with it, could have been invaluable next to Sturridge who, although talented and athletic, still has a lot to learn.
Who knows, maybe Abramovich has told Villas-Boas that he is willing to back him in the January transfer window. But even if that is the case who are Chelsea going to buy? How much money will Abramovich really be willing to spend in January after being burnt with Torres a year ago. And, if Villas-Boas hasn’t already lined up a potential target then, no matter what he thought of Anelka as a player, it was rash to agree to his sale before he had a replacement lined up. Chelsea have options up front, don’t get me wrong, Mata is excellent and Malouda has not totally lost his worth. But do they have enough options to cope with the loss of Drogba and Kalou? I’m not so sure. The competition for places in the top six is incredibly tight and this is exactly the sort of problem that could cost Chelsea their objectives, and that is before you even consider the possibility of an injury to Sturridge or Torres. I can understand that Anelka’s contract is up at the end of the season and it may have made financial sense to sell him in January, but is anyone really going to tell me that a team that could pay £50m for one player, couldn’t afford to let Anelka run down his contract in order to provide cover for the potential six weeks that Drogba could be away for? It seems unlikely.
Follow me on Twitter @H_Mackay
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