Newcastle fans are mercilessly mocking Sunderland after yet another late goal put the Black Cats on the brink of relegation to League One.
While most of the footballing world was enjoying an incredible night of Champions League football, Newcastle fans were reveling in the misery of their arch-rivals, as Norwich equalised late against Sunderland.
Chris Coleman’s side looked to be heading towards a huge win that would have left them just four points adrift of safety, but Ivo Pinto’s late goal levelled the scores, leaving the Black Cats’ survival hopes dangling by the thinnest of threads.
[ad_pod ]
Sunderland took the lead through George Honeyman, and will be ruing the missed opportunity after Aiden McGeady missed a first half penalty.
Newcastle fans were of course tortured plenty by their Wearside foes last season, but bounced straight back up from the Championship at their first attempt.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Sunderland haven’t had quite the same luck, and now look almost certain to record back to back relegations.
It’s fair to say Newcastle fans are enjoying their rival’s downfall, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Every season Arsenal bring in a top player, start strongly and then post-Christmas are back to their usual fourth place fight.
And though they have mastered this process, for a growing number of supporters it isn’t enough, despite the increase in competition for these places.
Personally I like and respect Arsene Wenger. He is the last of the Premier League’s long-term one-club managers. Even though Wenger has managed other teams, namely seven years at AS Monaco, after 18 seasons as the Gunners’ main man, Arsene will forever be associated with the club. I’m sure he would like to stay until he is ready to retire, but some fans seem hell-bent on preventing that.
At 65, Wenger should stay for a few more seasons and then either retire or perhaps try something a little different in the shape of international management with the France national team.
Some Arsenal fans have forgotten that coming top four is an honour that not all clubs have achieved, let alone the amazing feat of doing it every season. He should be respected for this achievement, not resented. It is Arsene who led his 2003/04 squad through their ‘Invincibles’ season and has helped them win three Premier League titles and five FA Cups, making Arsenal one of England’s most successful.
Arsene has seen huge changes in English football from the spiralling wage bills to financial fair play and through-out he has kept Arsenal relevant and competitive. Even with a culture of managers getting the chop after just one bad season, some even less, Wenger has stayed true to his tactics and belief in his ability to take the team forward.
Now I understand that some fans like Wenger but I just feel that he doesn’t have the ambition or vision to take the club any further than he has. After all ,Arsenal have finished third or fourth nine times in the last ten years and haven’t looked like winning the League since they did back in 2004.
But to bring in a new flashy continental manager may be exciting but there is every possibility that their fortunes could take a downward spiral in a similar way to Manchester United’s. Sir Alex Ferguson led United to top spot in his last season and yet, only 12 months later, the Red Devils were wallowing in seventh with no Champion’s League football on the horizon.
Arsenal will have to weigh up the pros and cons of that risk. At least now they are offering top European football played by some exceptional domestic and international talent. The Emirates was and continues to be a highly sought after place to ply your trade.
This season has seen Arsenal win the Community Shield and reach the semi-final of the FA Cup, they sit in third and are still in with a chance of progressing through to the Champion’s League quarter-finals. But I guess you can’t please everyone as, come the end of the season, when Arsenal finish in third or fourth like they always do, some Gunners will still be calling for Wenger to get the chop.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If they do get their wish then let’s hope for their sake that they don’t live to regret moving on Arsenal’s most decorated manager.
On paper this looks set to be an archetypal mid-table slog between two of the Premier League less than glamorous sides. In fact the form of Stoke and West Ham mirrors each other with both recording just one Premier League win in their last six games. Although the Potters sit three points and four places above their opponents the disparity between the two sides is slim. Tony Pulis’ side have failed to build on their early season promise and European qualification looks to be slipping away. Scoring goals has been the key issue for Stoke with just 26 coming in their 27 games but should revel in the comfort of their home surroundings against the Hammers having taken 24 points from a possible 39 at the Britannia Stadium.
Similarly the Hammers have struggled to find the net this season, notching one less than Stoke, and its likely Sam Allardyce will set his side up to avoid defeat having lost nine times in 13 games on the road this term. Historically though they’ve enjoyed their trips to the Potteries and have avoided defeat in six of their last seven visits. Allardyce, however, won’t read too much into that as he desperately strives to secure West Ham’s safety after defeat at home to Tottenham on Monday left them just six points above the relegation zone. That being said they looked good for much of the game against Spurs but know they face a very different proposition when they lock aerial horns with Stoke.
Team News
Matthew Etherington and Michael Owen will have their fitness assessed before the game, while Robert Huth starts a three-match suspension. Despite breaking his nose at Fulham last week Steven Nzonzi could feature wearing a protective mask.
Captain Kevin Nolan is out with a broken toe, Mark Noble (arm) is a doubt but Guy Demel is available.
What the managers said…
“You take Manchester City, Swansea and the first half at Fulham last week out of it. And our performances away have been better this season. Even against the top teams, we’ve got draws at Liverpool and Tottenham, we went to Manchester United and gave them a game, went to Chelsea and were unlucky and went to Arsenal and got beat by a deflected goal. What we are doing is putting an infrastructure in place that a lot of Premier League clubs would like – and we are doing that and staying in the league at the same time. And all because we want a future with a good side in the Premier League.” Tony Pulis believes the critics are being unnecessarily harsh on his Stoke team (The Sentinel)
“Of course we are. We’ve always looked up the table this season and we’ve always tried to get into the top ten and with a good result on Saturday we can push ourselves a little bit closer to that. I think the away form hasn’t been as good as we’d have liked. I think our home form has been really, really good, even though we’ve lost a couple. We have to address that, we’ve got to be a little tighter and a bit more physical away from home and make sure we try and keep a clean sheet. And if we can do that, that gives us a good chance to get back to winning ways on our travels.” West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald admits the club are concerned at their close proximity to the relegation zone (whufc.com)
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Pre-Match Statistic: Despite the Britannia Stadium being renowned a fortress for most teams Stoke have struggled against West Ham winning just once on their last seven meetings in the Potteries.
Newcastle fans are not impressed by Aleksandar Mitrović, after the Serbian striker said he was desperate to leave Newcastle.
The loan of Aleksandar Mitrović to Fulham seemed a strange decision at the time, with the Magpies struggling for goals and a lack of replacements available in the transfer market.
Islam Slimani was brought in on loan from Leicester, but the Algerian only made his debut last weekend due to an ongoing thigh problem.
Mitrović has been absolutely flying in the Championship for Fulham, grabbing eight goals in nine starts, and the 23 year-old says he needed to leave Newcastle.
“From the first minute here (at Fulham), I adapted really fast and my team-mates have helped me a lot. I feel good to play every game on the pitch so I hope that we’ll be able to fight for automatic promotion for the rest of the season,” Mitrović said.
“I needed to leave Newcastle because I needed game time and needed games in my legs and I was desperate to play football, to be on the pitch, to score goals.”
Scoring goals certainly hasn’t been a problem for the Serbian since the move, and fans haven’t been able to decide if he deserves another chance on Tyneside next season.
These latest comments won’t exactly help his cause though, and fans have often felt that he does not work hard enough to function in Rafael Benitez’s system.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Manchester City’s title chances will be significantly boosted if Wilfried Bony completes his big money move from Swansea to the Etihad Stadium this month, according to former England boss Glenn Hoddle.
The Sky Blues are currently two points adrift of table toppers Chelsea in the running for the big prize, with the eventual destination of the trophy expected to be Eastlands or west London.
Bony, who is currently away with Cote d’Ivoire at the AFCON, is expected to complete his switch to City before the month is out, where he will compete with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic for a starting berth, and is seen as a key coup with Manuel Pellegrini having been without an orthodox centre-forward in recent times due to a series of injuries.
WANT MORE? >> Chelsea transfer news | Man City transfer news
And Hoddle feels that 2014’s top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals will have a big say in where the title goes this term:
“For sure the deal gives City a much better chance of catching Chelsea,” he told Zapsports.com. “But I have to say with Bony’s signing it makes it far too close to call. Either side could win the title this season.
“I have a feeling it will be nip and tuck all the way to the very end. City clawed their way back to level at the top with Chelsea but then dropped a couple of points, but its going to be a little like that from now on in.”
However, Hoddle thinks that Pellegrini may have his work cut out fitting Bony and Aguero into his plans:
“Bony is used to playing up front on his own in the Swansea set up, but at City Manuel Pellegrini plays with two up top.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“So how well City do in the second half of the season – once Bony arrives – will depend on how he can fit in with Aguero.
“But for me it is a positive move by City in their quest to hold on to the Premier League title and now it’s up to the coach to see how he can make them work together and forge an understanding together.”
When a football club appoints a new manager it often brings about a time of upheaval. New backroom staff and players come in, new tactics and formations are utilised and, as is so often the case, the new man at the helm wins his first game in charge. Thankfully, John Sheridan and his Plymouth Argyle side did just that on Saturday.
In the days leading up to his first Argyle match, a home game against Morecambe, Sheridan had spoken about how he planned to take the game to the Shrimps and attack from the off. Simply the mention of attacking football had Argyle fans excited for the game, but with limited attacking options in the side it was hard to see the low-scoring Pilgrims finishing off many more chances than they did under Carl Fletcher.
Yet, just 16 minutes into the game, and Sheridan’s reign at Argyle, the home side were two goals to the good after a blistering start to the game. As the rain came down on a damp Home park the nervousness and stress that surrounded the last few months lifted from the crowd and was replaced with a sense of disbelief. Was this really happening?!
It was indeed happening and during the next 10 minutes Argyle proceeded to pass the ball around confidently and not let Morecambe back in. New loan signing Ronan Murray looked like creating something every time he got on the ball and Guy Branston, playing for Argyle again 13 years since his last spell with the club, looked like the perfect replacement for Darren Purse, who has gone to Port Vale.
Morecambe had the better of the later stages of the first half and the second period as Argyle dropped deeper and deeper, but when the Greens had possession of the ball they looked dangerous on the counter attack and the pace of Murray and Paris Cowan-Hall caused the Morecambe defence serious problems. And elusive clean sheet was not kept in tact when Ryan Williams somehow managed to beat Rene Gilmartin from 30 yards but Argyle held out for a vital victory.
Sheridan, who had impressed the Green Army in his interviews leading up to the game, then gave a refreshingly honest post-match interview. He didn’t just focus on the positives that led to the three points but also things he felt the team could have done better with and will look to improve on in the next few weeks. It would have been easy for him to be jubilant in the wake of a victory in his first match in charge but instead he switched the focus to the match at Southend, saying how he has a good record at Roots Hall and Argyle will be going there looking to win.
It may seem very generic stuff for a manager to say, but for Argyle fans it is just so refreshing. Carl Fletcher never enjoyed talking to the media which resulted in the Green Army hearing very little than the same talk week in, week out from Fletcher. Now we have somebody in charge that says it like it is and won’t hide away his real opinions on aspects of the game.
We are only one game into John Sheridan’s reign as Plymouth Argyle manager, but the early signs look promising. A good performance led to three points in a vital home game against Morecambe, the new gaffer has already made what looks to be two very good signings and he speaks to the media with a sense of confidence. There is still a long way to go until the end of the season but there is a positive air returning to Argyle again.
One cup final down, 18 to go.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
West Ham United striker Jordan Hugill has told whufc.com that the friendly match against Dagenham & Redbridge on Wednesday night is the ideal opportunity for him to prove to manager David Moyes that he is ready to help the club in their battle for survival in the Premier League.
The Irons brought the centre-forward to the London Stadium in a £10m deal from Championship club Preston North End on January 31 after Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew departed, but he has played just 12 minutes of top flight football since then in the five matches he has been available for, with his own fans since describing his signing as pointless.
The likes of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have been preferred up top, but with those two both on international duty Hugill is likely to get the nod against Dagenham, and it is a chance to impress that the 25-year-old is relishing.
[ad_pod ]
The Hammers’ number 17 told whufc.com: “For me, this game is perfect because it gives me a platform to show the coaching staff what I can do and that, if I’m called upon, I’m going to be ready for it.
“Hopefully I’ll do well and if I do the right things on the pitch, it’ll put myself at the forefront of the manager’s mind and show I am ready for it.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Three straight defeats by three-goal margins have left Moyes’ men just one place and two points above the relegation zone ahead of the potentially season-defining clash against the side below them – Southampton – at the London Stadium on March 31.
In a fantastic 17 year career as a professional footballer, defender Danny Higginbotham recently called it quits and decided to hang up his boots for good. Instead of the usual route of going into coaching, the former Derby County man when into Media as a football pundit for BT Sport.
The 35-year-old says that he felt out of love with the game, which is one of the reasons why he didn’t want to be involved in a coaching role at a club. Higginbotham also said that he is enjoying the quick transition from putting his boots on every weekend, to putting his suit and tie on to give his thoughts and opinions as a pundit.
Higginbotham exclusively told FootballFanCast: “It was a transitional period for me. I went to part-time football because I’d had enough of playing full time. The media thing started, getting little bits here and there, and I was really enjoying it. It was probably the best thing for me when I finished playing football, because I had enough of playing it. I got to a point where the media side of things was where I was enjoying it more. Don’t get me wrong, when football was at its peak, nothing could compare, but where it had got to, the media was far more enjoyable for me than actually playing.”
“Coaching and doing my coaching badges didn’t really appeal to me”, added Higginbotham. “Unless you’re at a top club, I think it’s very difficult not have your hands tied behind your back. One of the things with me was coaching and management was constant. I wanted to step back a little bit and spend more time with the family aswell.”
The Manchester born defender also served Premier League side Stoke City with distinction, playing a total of 109 appearances for the Potteries over a two year spell, scoring 11 goals in the process. Higginbotham openly said he has no idea why Ryan Shawcross is not in the England set up, saying he is one of the best five centre half’s in the Premier League.
“I think if you look over the last year or two, it will be difficult to name four or five more consistent centre back’s than him. A lot has been said, including myself saying that he seems to be the team that you play for. If you look at some of the players ability and form players have been showing and still not getting in the squad, and it applies for Ryan.”
Grappling and holding to an opponent in the penalty area has been widespread in the Premier League thus far, with Shawcross being a prime suspect. Higginbotham added that this may be one of the reasons why Hodgson is continually ignoring Shawcross.
“When it was brought up, particularly in the Swansea game where he gave away a penalty, Mark Hughes did something very clever and took Shawcross off the marking responsibility. This enabled Shawcross to attack the ball, which suited him better. Whenever he is in the penalty area, all eyes are on him about what he’s going to do. If that’s the reason why he’s not getting picked for England then that’s wrong. It can be something that can be easily sorted out which Hughes has done a Stoke.”
As well as playing for the Britannia Stadium outfit, Higginbotham once plied his trade at current high flyers Southampton and strugglers Sunderland. The recently retired player is one of many to be surprised at how well the Saints are doing, while he also thinks the Black Cats have a long season ahead.
“Southampton have surprised me. I don’t mind holding my hands up to that. After what happened during the summer, I thought it was a disaster waiting to happen, and I been proved completely wrong, which I’m more than happy about. I think what happens sometimes is when your star players move on; it enables other players within the squad to step up to the plate, and show what they’re capable of, and that’s what’s happened. I think Ronald Koeman’s come in, untested in the Premier League, and he’s been fantastic. He’s scouting network and player recruitment has been outstanding.”
“Sunderland on the other hand just can’t seem to get results together. There conceding too many goals and not scoring enough. It’s going to be difficult for them because one thing they don’t want to find themselves in is the positon they were in last season because they won’t be able to do that again.”
Higginbotham also had the honour of representing Gibraltar at the age of 34 years old, playing three times for the country before calling it a day. With lesser nations in the qualifying group stages being beaten on a regular basis, Higginbotham described talk of a different tournament being played, which gives nations lower down the rankings more of a chance of winning as ‘arrogant.’
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“The teams that get through to the major tournaments like the European Championships and the World Cup are there because they deserve it. When people say things about a separate FA Cup style tournament for the lesser nations is like saying why should a team from non-league play a Premier League team? I just think it’s an arrogant thing when people say things like that. Why shouldn’t the smaller nations have the opportunity to play against the lesser nations and have a great experience? It’s something that they can tell their kids and grandchildren about. Look at Gibraltar, went to Germany, got beat 4-0, and gave a very good account of themselves.”
With a long and flourishing footballing career under his belt, its safe to say that many people will be looking forward to seeing more of Danny Higginbotham’s honest views and opinions in the media spotlight.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes that Theo Walcott’s extended run at centre-forward will persuade him to renew his contract with the club, according to reports from The Mirror.
The England international is yet to pen a new deal with the Gunners, which has alerted the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Walcott has openly stated that he sees his future as a centre-forward, a position that he has failed to hold down in North London.
However, Wenger has utilised the 23-year-old in his preferred role in recent weeks, with positive results.
He netted a hat-trick against Newcastle over the weekend and has looked sharp in his other outings as the focal point of the attack.
The club believe that his extended run in the position may persuade him to pen a new £75,000-per-week deal, despite rumours that he is holding out for a greater wage.
Walcott, who is set to lead the line against Southampton this week, believes that a conclusion will be reached soon:
“I will just continue to play my football, talks are ongoing. I’ve answered this question on numerous times and I’m sure something will be arranged soon.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I’ve always said I’m a striker and the manager is giving me the opportunity to play up front. I’m not saying I’ll play up front all the time, but it’s just nice to have a different option.
“We are scoring goals from every position and I believe I am a striker.”
Leeds fans have found yet another reason to bash the club after a special offer revealed free tickets for the home match with Bolton Wanderers.
Fans at Elland Road haven’t had much to cheer about since Christmas, as the side has gone from battling for playoff places to battling just to stay away from the relegation scrap.
Their home form has been particularly atrocious recently, wining just one of their last six clashes at Elland Road. Paul Heckingbottom’s appointment has had the complete opposite effect it was intended to.
[ad_pod ]
Now, in an effort to lift fans spirits, the club have offered all season ticket holders the chance to “bring a friend” to this month’s Friday night clash with Bolton for free.
Needless to say, the fans have seen pretty quickly through this harmless piece of marketing, wondering why the club would even bother now the season is over.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Plenty of fans seem to think taking a friend to see the current Leeds side would be a curse not a blessing, while others are just using it as another chance to attack the club and its ownership.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…