A Football Report

Something-Wonderful asked: Interesting last day of the transfer window, what did you make of it? I’m really surprised that the ‘biggest’ signings today were Robbie Keane and Adam Johnson… compared to the Spurs/Man City splash-outs last January. I’m surprisingly content as an Ipswich Town fan, David Healy could be a great replacement for Tamas Priskin :)

Short answer: This was one of the lamest transfer windows in modern football. That being said, I’m forever happy that Ancelotti kept his word to not make any transfers so we didn’t have to see run him around the pitch naked. Also, Ipswich should be happy to have the top-scorer of Euro 2008 Qualifying (yes, it was Northern Ireland striker David Healy who was the ‘most dangerous’ player in group qualifying) on its team. My friend and I always joke about the “Great David Healy”, but in all honesty I think he’ll tear up in Championship.

Long answer: Okay, in all seriousness, the news about all the fragility of finances at European football clubs (especially in England) has been the major theme throughout this transfer window. Which is unfortunate. Sure, Arsenal and Manchester United have money to blow, but many managers of the lesser sides were left with nearly nothing to do. While I could make a stupidly long analysis of Robbie Keane’s transfer to Celtic (even though Rangers are still going to win the SPL), I am going to give homage to the five managers that did the best over the January transfer window, with regards to what they had to work with of course. Here’s to a bit of creativity.

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Average Bloke asked, “Out of interest, looking at the top four and only those challenging for the title, who would you recommend each club to sign, but limited to one player for each of the clubs?”

Answer: The top four has really become an elite three this season (sorry Liverpool, don’t kill the messenger). The race for fourth is completely up in the air, although Liverpool and Manchester City appear most likely to claim the spot, but Aston Villa and Tottenham are also in good position to fight for fourth. But enough about the struggle for a spot in the Champions League, I do feel that title-challengers Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all have a few issues they would be smart to address over this transfer window.

“At the moment, we are not on the verge of signing anybody,” said Arsene Wenger, who is set to be without injured Holland international Robin van Persie until April.

“It is very difficult in January to find players who are available for the Champions League, who are just good enough to play for Arsenal and at the right price. You never know, but at the moment it [to sign a striker] is unlikely.”

Now I, for one, agree with Arsene’s reluctance to sign a striker at this moment. The system the Arsenal gaffer implements is an incredibly meticulous attacking philosophy. Any striker would need a bit of time to get used to Arsenal’s style of play, so I think bringing in a striker at this point would not do too much good for a side that already has great chemistry.

While Sol Campbell could conceivably help Arsenal if he needs to, the Gunners’ depth in the back is quite weak. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are undoubtedly world-class, but Kieran Gibbs is now out for the season and Arsenal are without a good backup on the wings. Someone like Marseille defender Taye Taiwo would be a very good signing to strengthen the squad in the back.

On to Manchester United.

United have had defensive problems throughout the campaign so far. Like Arsenal, United could make very good use of another wingback. While Patrice Evra is class, neither Rafael or Gary Neville are fit to be defenders for a top four side. Fergie has been rumoured to be interested in Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, who I think would do well with the physicality of the English game. With loads of energy and an attacking prowess, Chiellini would be the signing that United should make.

On to Chelsea.

This might seem like a cop-out, but Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that Chelsea will not add anyone of the transfer window, and I think that he is quite right in saying that. But now that Michael Essien has been ruled out for over a month, the Blues may feel they need to fill that gap with the likes of Mohamed Sissoko. But I don’t think that is really necessary considering that the likes of Jon Obi Mikel are already at Chelsea’s disposal.

So those are my picks for Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. What do you think the elite three need to address?

Deckmix asked: What’s the best footy commercial?

I have narrowed down to three football commercials that I consider to be the best. One is the funniest, one is the most well-done, and one is the most epic.

1. Funniest (courtesy of Lucozade). Carlsberg’s “Ireland Win The World Cup” ad is an honourable runner-up.

2. Most well-done (Nike’s ‘Take it to the Next Level’). Runner up is the FA’s ‘Whatever your level’, a hilarious parody of the Nike commercial.

3. Most Epic (ESPN’s Preview to the 2006 World Cup, with Bono). This one stands alone for me.

What are your favourite commercials? Answer below!

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Brutalbrodeo asked, “While Drogba, Essien, and Kalou are away, do you think this is the best chance anyone has of catching Chelsea?” Really good question, brutalbrodeo.

Short answer: It is the best chance for Arsenal and Manchester United to capitalize, but as we saw today with Chelsea on 7th heaven, it is still not much of a chance. Chelsea are not like most sides, the club’s depth is unmatched by any other squad in the Premier League.

Long answer: Didier Drogba is the best striker in the world, and Michael Essien is certainly one of the best defensive midfielders, so you would logically think that losing two world class players (as well as Jon Obi Mikel and supersub Saloman Kalou) would hurt a team, but that simply is not the case for Chelsea. Check out earlier analysis on Chelsea called “Form is temporary, Class is permanent”. While you couldn’t imagine the likes of Fabregas, Rooney, Gerrard, or Torres not starting for their respective clubs when fit, Chelsea has the ability to willingly replace every one of their stars with yet another star fighting for minutes. If Frank Lampard loses focus, in you go Joe Cole. If John Terry is asking for a red card, get in there Alex. If Drogba is getting frustrated, terrorize the defence Kalou. Barcelona has achieved the golden standard for a squad without weakness, but Chelsea is not far behind.

Chelsea have scored 12 goals in its past two games, without its top scorer. Chelsea faces Birmingham at the Bridge and Burnley at Turf Moor. I can’t see Chelsea dropping points in these two games (possibly losing two points against Birmingham). Chelsea’s next true test will be hosting Arsenal on February 7th, but by then all of the Blues’ African stars will be back training with the squad.

Chelsea has not won the Premier League yet, and I’m not going to say they will. But with every asset at his disposal, there is no reason why Don Carlo shouldn’t be bringing the silverware back to the Bridge. But that’s just our say, what do you think?

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Question: “Manchester United’s lineup really looks crappy. I mean the first eleven themselves. Looks like kids from no where. Look at real. Look at barca. chelsea. No where close. How the hell are they still in second place?”

Short answer: Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney have been class. This is also possibly the best title race ever.

Long answer: I’m assuming you’re referring to United’s Starting XI against Ally McLeish’s Invincible Blues. Rafael, Jonny Evans, Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Wes Brown? The Red Devils certainly getting any help from injuries this campaign. With the dynamic duo of Rio and Nemanja on the disabled list, there is a major weak spot for opposing teams to attack at. That being said, Birmingham are an excellent side, and really United were fortunate to grab a point. But that is what makes them Manchester United; they snatch points where others fail too (sorry Arsenal!).

I personally don’t think United will win the title because of their lack of depth. I mean, Fergie had Ben Amos and Mame Biram Diouf on his bench. They’re probably good lads, but young, inexperienced kids don’t win you titles. Unless your name is Federico Macheda, that is.

Anyway, Manchester United are in second place having played an extra game, currently sitting two points clear of Arsenal and six points clear of Manchester City. Arsene Wenger is not willing to see his side fizzle out, and is intent on strengthening his schoolboy-aged squad. If all goes well for Arsenal, then they could certainly surpass United, and even win the league. Easier said than done, of course.

Ask us a question! Come on, what’s on your mind?