Calmore off the mark but far from convincingly – SEPL Division One Review

Calmore Sports are off the mark in the Southern Electric ECB Premier League, but they had to overcome a top-order batting collapse before clinching a last-ball victory over Bournemouth at Loperwood Park.Chasing Bournemouth’s 201-4, Calmore appeared set for an easy win after a century opening partnership between Tom Pegler and Paul Draper.But, having reached 143-1, they collapsed – and ended up scrambling in by three wickets off the very last ball.Earlier, Bournemouth teenager Chris Park carried his bat for an undefeated 90 and Geoff Warrington smashed 57 runs off 33 balls.Park, 17, batted sedately, but lacked any significant support until Warrington’s arrived at the crease to tuck greedily into the left-arm spin of Paul Draper, whose ten overs cost 84 runs.Draper (50) soon got his revenge, sharing a century opening partnership with Tom Pegler (65), who had Jez Goode (22) in support as Calmore reached 143-1.But Pegler’s dismissal prompted chaotic scenes in the Calmore camp – five wickets falling for only five runs, three of them in quick succession to Australian medium-pacer Peter Waite (3-20) – as the reply lurched to 148-6.James Hibberd (20) departed at 182-7, leaving teenager Paul Cass (26 not out) to guide Calmore to victory – Wilson’s penultimate over, which cost 12 runs, effectively ending Bournemouth’s prospects.Russell Rowe cracked his second consecutive century as South Wilts piled up a massive 298-4 before beating strugglers Hungerford by 135 runs.Rowe (103) and Rob Wade (74) shared a 178-run start for South Wilts, who profited further when Tim Lamb (50) and Tom Caines (40) came together.Hampshire’s Jason Laney (45) top scored as Hungerford sank to 163 all out.South Australian batsman Andy Loader was to the fore again as Bashley (Rydal) comfortably defeated Burridge by 112 runs at Bashley Common Road.The Adelaide right-hander hit 83 and shared a significant second-wicket partnership with Hampshire’s Andy Sexton (61) as Bashley took charge.Richard Knowles thumped 57 as Bashley moved to an unassailable 240-6 (Paul Jenkins 3-32).Dave Jackson (41) and Neil Cunningham (25) responded but got little support as, initially, Neil Taylor (3-14) and latterly John Whiting (3-16) created inroads as Burridge slipped to 128 all out.Title holders Havant stretched their lead at the top with a comfortable seven-wicket success at Andover, who plunged to a second consecutive defeat.The Miller brothers, Roger (33) and Mark (26) propelled Andover to 52-1 off ten overs, but the later batting gave away against Shawn Gillies (4-34) and Mark Copping (3-27).Andover’s 134 all out was never likely to test Havant, whose victory was based around second-wicket pair Andy Perry (64) and Richard Hindley (38).Second-placed BAT Sports slumped to a five-wicket defeat against Liphook & Ripsley after New Zealander Ben Jansen and Duncan Berry turned things around.BAT posted a handy 230-7 through Damien Shirazi (86) and Dave Banks (48) and looked set for victory as Liphook slipped to 135-5.But Kiwi Jansen hit 83 not out and skipper Berry an unbeaten 53 to guide Liphook home.

Morelos injury news: Rangers vs Celtic

Andrew Dickson has been left reacting to what he has now heard from Glasgow on injured Rangers star Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: On crutches

As per Sky Sports, Morelos is now a doubt for the Old Firm clash against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday lunchtime, after he was spotted on crutches at Glasgow Airport.

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The plane he was boarding was set for London, where he will receive a scan on a thigh injury that he picked up while on international duty with Colombia.

The Latest: Dickson reacts

Taking to Twitter, Scottish football journalist Dickson has reacted after hearing the news, saying the club now face a ‘sweat’ ahead of the derby:

“Looks like Morelos is off for a scan in London. Sweaty three days ahead.”

The Verdict: Worrying

The fact that Morelos has gone off for a scan so soon before the derby is certainly worrying for the Ibrox faithful.

Of course, the striker remains their biggest threat in front of goal, finding the back of the net 19 times in total so far this season, more than any of his teammates.

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Nonetheless, this is a game that the Teddy Bears really need to win in order to close the gap to their rivals at the top, and anything other than three points would spark serious doubt into their title hopes.

In other news, find out what ‘phenomenal’ Gers reveal has left Alex McLeish wowed here!

Bale stars as Tottenham’s run goes on

Tottenham’s good run of form continued on Sunday, as they beat London rivals QPR 3-1 at White Hart Lane.

Welsh winger Gareth Bale scored a goal in each half either side of a Rafael van der Vaart strike to make it six wins in seven games for Harry Redknapp’s men.

Jay Bothroyd netted after the interval for the visitors to make it more tricky for the hosts, but Redknapp was delighted with the performance and the result.

It was a fantastic performance,” the 63-year-old said to Sky Sports after the game.

“In the first half we played some great football and moved the ball quickly. The movement and passing was incredible.

“They changed how they played, got it forward and played with more intensity in the second half but Gareth finished them off with a great goal.

“Suddenly they got a lifeline at 2-1 and it changes games so that third goal was important. I said at half-time we shouldn’t relax in the second half but, to be fair to them, they came out and raised their game.

“Overall we were outstanding today,” he stated.

Despite the goalscoring heroics of Bale, the coach picked out midfield general Scott Parker for particular praise after the win.

“Scott is a fantastic player. He was top of my list and he’s just what we need.

“He tackles, doesn’t give the ball away and he’s a great boy and fantastic person. He’s what you build great football clubs around,” Redknapp concluded.

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The victory lifts Spurs up to fifth place, equal on 19 points with Newcastle and Chelsea. The North London side face another city rival in the form of Fulham next Sunday.

By Gareth McKnight

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Inter ‘go beyond all limits’: Leonardo

Inter Milan boss Leonardo credited his side’s psychological strength following their come-from-behind 5-2 defeat of Genoa on Sunday.Inter were trailing 1-0 after Rodrigo Palacio opened Genoa’s account in the 40th minute at the San Siro, but the hosts slammed in three goals – two of them to Samuel Eto’o – in the first 17 minutes of the second half to wrest the advantage away.Goran Pandev added another in the 71st minute to make it 4-1, and on-loan Cesena defender Yuto Nagatomo notched his first Inter strike six minutes from time to complete the rout.Leonardo said he could not take credit for Inter’s stunning turnaround, praising instead the physical and mental strength of his players.”We were slow in the first half and these things can happen, but there were no magic words at half-time to get them going again,” the Brazilian manager said.”The fact we score so many second half goals is a great sign for our physical as well as psychological condition.””We work as a team unit and have the same ambitions, to fight together for something important.””This squad is ready and goes beyond all limits. We are coming up to the decisive moment of the season and we’re right in the battle.””Last night’s AC Milan win shows they are a solid outfit and deserve to be top of the table. It’s an open season and the derby will be spectacular, but there are plenty of other games to go as well.”Since taking over from Rafa Benitez, Leonardo has led Inter to 33 points in his first 13 Serie A games, breaking Fabio Capello’s record from his time at Juventus in 2004/05.But the Inter boss refused to be drawn on any similarities between himself and the England manager, who he played under as an attacking midfielder with AC Milan.”Never compare me to Capello,” Leonardo said. “That is not right, as he is my master. Capello brought me to Italy and is an important reference point, as he helped me a great deal.””It’s a nice record to have, but let’s not go overboard. Capello is on another level.”

Clearly one rule for Manchester City and one for everyone else

Oh joy of joys; it’s another blog about Manchester City killing football. And as a City fan, I of course present the backlash to the backlash.

There’s no doubt that things are changing in English football. The old guard is retreating (very slowly). Liverpool is in turmoil, United being bled dry, even Chelsea are looking at austere times, and a tightening of their Russian owner’s belt.

There’s no greater clue to the changing times than how lame Fergie’s “mind-games” have become. Once upon a time, Alex could will whole opposition teams and referees to fall before him with just a few achingly-sharp words. The story goes that after one such rebuttal to an opposition manager in a post-match “presser”, the manager in question’s hair fell out overnight, and he ended up living in a cave in Somerset surviving only on carrots and cup-a-soups. Now though, he’s no more than a mouthpiece for the Glazers. There’s no value in the market, you see?

One of the first criticisms I heard of Manchester City is that they are no longer likeable – “City used to be everyone’s second team”. Another way of phrasing this is City are no longer utter pants. Because that’s what likeable teams are – failures. Successful teams are hated, unsuccessful teams pitied. Sod being liked by other supporters – football is not a popularity contest, it is a series of competitions.

“The soul of the club has gone,” the writer and journalist Simon Hattenstone wailed, as he announced his detachment from the club he supposedly loved (he’ll soon came crawling back). Of course, he had no idea what this soul was, but hey, it sounded good. I can only imagine this soul was constant failure, a misshaped ground, poor players, boardroom turmoil, debt and mismanagement. I prefer being soulless to be honest. We were a Manchester-based club with an outdoor ticket office, because, what’s the worst that could happen?

Essentially, we were liked because we were a bit of a shambles – a comedy club (the Theatre of Base Comedy as Stuart Hall called Maine Road, until Kevin Keegan told him to shut up), unthreatening to anyone, fuelled by hope and nothing more. It’s when we started becoming a threat that people stopped liking us. “Nobody knows your name” sang United fans. They certainly do now.

Or perhaps it was when we started flashing the cash around. Now, you could argue it’s possible to be successful and well-liked. I’m sure it is, but you won’t find many examples. Barcelona springs to mind, but as we’ve seen in recent months, it’s partially built on a myth. They’re skint, with debts of 400m Euros (they can’t even afford to put a roof over the stands), they openly chase other teams’ players, their players dive and feign injuries for club and country (yes you, Iniesta), they’re much like the rest of us. The fact is, it isn’t a possibility for City. They could spend 20 years slowly, slowly building up a team, making value-for-money purchases and not stepping on any toes –who knows, by 2025, we might have crept into the Big 4. Or we can say sod it, we’re building a whole new legacy here, and we’ll go for it now. We’ll transform the club and the community beyond it, invest in the local economy, and lays the foundations for generations. Because we can.

In the end, what other fans think is irrelevant. History doesn’t record outlays, balance sheets and profit margins, just trophies, just success, however it is earned.

Another accusation is that City have now been accused of buying a history. Well there’s no need to, as we already have one. As Martin Samuel said, even MK Dons have a history. It seems there was no football before 1992 – it was all a dream. Nope, it all started with the launch of the premiership, and any achievements prior to that count for nothing. City won the NW Masters for the 3rd time recently, and still people claim we have no history.

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The media agree as a whole that spending what you earn is doing things the right way. Success guarantees cash, the riches of the Champions League, and thus more success. This devalues leagues where the same teams win season after season, especially in smaller leagues where a team with champions league revenue can then go on to dominate their league for a decade. But this is the right way. Or becoming a PLC just as the Sky cash starts rolling in. Perhaps City should double their ticket prices to match Arsenal’s, thus gaining more revenue, and thus be spending what we earn, and thus be doing things the right way (and we have started that process already). Everything was so much better before City ruined football, in the gold old days when loads of teams competed for the league, well except when United won 11 out of 17 league titles.

The right way is setting up a cartel, let’s call them the G14, then threatening a breakaway league unless UEFA keep the money flowing so that the status quo is maintained. This isn’t really a criticism – all clubs will try and protect their interests.

Oh and debt – that’s fine, especially with Platini. God forbid you are debt free and spending money you already own. That’s why clubs like Aston Villa and Everton are put forward as the sensible, prudent face of football, run sensibly and within their means, with little if any comment of the fact that collectively they are reportedly over £100m in debt. What has killed football throughout the leagues more than anything over the past 10 years has been clubs spending beyond their means. How ironic then that one of the few teams not to be doing this are accused of destroying the beautiful game.

No, what City are doing is buying better players to try and gain success. You might disagree with this, which is fair enough. But it is no different from doing what already successful teams have done and will continue to do. So do already successful teams have a greater right to splash the cash, due to having earned more money on the back of their success?

Well whatever your opinion, many other sports in the world would not allow this financial domination by a successful team. In fact, I cannot think of many other situation in world sport that rewards success more than being an English top four side.

In the US, you’ll probably be aware they have a draft system, first seen in 1935 to prevent sporting domination by one team. This system can also be found in sports in Canada, Japan, Australia, Russia and the Philippines.

It can be very complicated, and the rules are slightly different across the main sports, but fundamentally, it’s a case of the teams that finished ‘last’ in the season get the first pick of the new talent that becomes available the next year. Getting the first pick in the NFL or NBA draft can instantly change a team’s fortunes almost overnight.

In baseball it is harder to use the draft to turn around fortunes, but teams do try to use the draft to stockpile talent, with the idea that “2 or 3 years down the line” a team can contend -this worked for Oakland over many cycles throughout the years.

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It’s not quite that straight forward, as ownership of young players tends to last 5 years, after which they could become free agents and get signed by one of the big boys.

You can also factor in salary caps which exist in the NBA, NFL, NHL and decent collective bargaining agreements for merchandise and TV deals which prevent teams in large markets having a HUGE advantage in terms of getting money through local fan bases. I’m sure some Premiership teams (including City) would love their own TV deals like Barcelona and Madrid to stretch the gap between rich and poor.

So do City fans care about how we go about our business now? Well I can’t speak for all of them of course, but almost everyone I know seems pretty comfortable with it all. Served our dues and all that. Thirty years, and not a sniff of a trophy (the scars of that 1986 Full Members Cup defeat still run deep).

Ideally I’d like to see City successful and loved, but then I’d like world peace, the end of all disease, beer running out my taps at home and an endless supply of ice cream, but it’s not going to happen.

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The whole scenario is ridiculous, no doubt, and some City fans have become greedy about big signings. I saw a link to an article online the other day that said “City to bid £70m for Torres”, and I couldn’t even be bothered opening it. In the old days I used to scan 289 pages of Ceefax or ring up premium hotline numbers to catch an update on the possible loan signing of Egil Ostenstad. Sorry about that phone bill mum, I’d heard we were after Rob Hulse.

Then of course there is the media coverage. The Sun talks of how Toure will pocket £56m in wages from City. Obviously all these mercenaries coming to City don’t have to pay this thing called TAX, which the British government have set at a very fair rate of 50%. Obviously The Sun are aware of this thing called TAX, so are claiming that Toure’s wages before tax are £112m, or the equivalent of around £430,000 per week. He must have one hell of an agent.

Duncan White in the Telegraph said that City’s splurge is money bleeding out of the English game – this is a continuation of the ridiculous ill-thought comments that began two years previously with Mark Lawrenson saying that the money could be used to build hospitals and schools. Of course it suited White’s agenda to ignore our pursuit of Milner, and our previous acquisitions of Johnson, Barry, and Lescott. And Bellamy, and Adebayor. And Given and Toure. But more pertinently, it is not English money anyway, so how could he have a problem? We weren’t spending anything when we were previously skint, so either way the English game is not going to be reliant on City is it? And if it is, that’s a sad day. And if we buy £6 billion pounds of players from abroad, we would presumably have to sell some players – probably some to other English teams. It’s not rocket science is it?

As one agent commented, other clubs are waiting for each City transfer to occur. They create a ripple effect, and their money feeds right through the football system.

And not just from transfer activities. Ask the school in New York transformed by the rooftop pitch, or Hyde United, whose future has been secured by City (though some Hyde fans are still not happy, probably due to the kit colour changing from red!). Ask the taxman how many hundreds of millions will be pumped into the British economy, ask the local community in Beswick about the £1 billion project for the area around the ground. Whatever the right and wrongs, the season ahead should be an absolute cracker. I can’t wait.

Written By Howard Hockin

Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer

Neil Warnock ecstatic with victory

QPR boss Neil Warnock has expressed his delight at his side’s 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday, and feels the referee was not at fault for any of the major decisions in the game.

A Heidar Helguson penalty in the first half gave The Hoops victory over their London rivals, and Warnock is happy to have recorded the three points.

“It was fantastic for the fans,” he told Sky Sports.

“You don’t get results like we did today very often, not when playing a team with so much quality.

“But our boys did fantastically, we had a plan and it worked a treat. To get three points against Chelsea is like a dream,” he stated.

Referee Chris Foy sent off both Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba in the Rangers’ victory, which Andre Villas Boas was displeased with.

However, Warnock has backed the official and feels he had a good game.

“I don’t think the referee’s done much wrong today. He made fewer mistakes than both teams and I was glad to have someone experienced like him in charge.

“We’ve worked hard for 18 months to get a result like this and it’s fantastic. Now we have to take that on board and get more results like that at home,” he concluded.

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QPR have another London derby up next, as they take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane next Sunday.

By Gareth McKnight

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Great Games: The Stanley Matthews final

Trying to recall the 1953 FA Cup final sounds like an impossible task, until you hear it described by it’s more famous nickname. The Stanley Matthews final was of the greatest cup ties ever seen at Wembley as his performance inspired Blackpool to beat Bolton after being 3-1 down.

The performance of the Blackpool hero was that good that it eclipsed that of striker Stan Mortensen, who during the game, became the only player to score an FA cup hat-trick at the old Wembley.

The Tangerines went in at half-time 2-1 down, with Nat Lofthouse getting on the score sheet again for Bolton; he’d scored in every single round. In the second half, after going further behind, Matthews turned on the style and produced cross after cross for the Blackpool strikers to feast on.

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The winner, scored with seconds remaining again via a Matthews cross, sparked scenes of hysteria amongst the Blackpool fans. The performance of Matthews was said to be that good that the brilliant Nat Lofthouse even stood to applaud despite the crushing defeat.

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Matthews had missed out on the trophy in the previous two finals. Not only did he finally get his hands on the famous trophy in the year of ‘53, but he wrote himself a little bit of FA cup history which will be remembered forever.

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Holy Crap – its live fantasy football! Become part of the West Brom v Newcastle match on Sunday and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!

How Fabio Capello got it so wrong

Whilst the nation continues to analyse England’s 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany with a fine-toothed comb, the powers that be have announced that Fabio Capello’s position as manager will be reviewed over the next two weeks. With Capello’s predecessors Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren also unable to get the best out of the nation’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’, the finger of blame must indeed be pointed at the players too. However, in failing to qualify for the quarter-finals, Capello has failed to vindicate the FA’s decision to pay him £6m a year. Was Capello the main reason why England performed so dismally at the World Cup?

Despite Capello’s illustrious background and the good work he carried out during qualification, I cannot help but feel that he was tactically inept at the World Cup. Like his predecessors, Capello suffered the affliction of believing that using all your star players, irrelevant of where they are positioned, would constitute a good team. Frank Lampard, an attacking midfielder, who benefits at club level so much from having hard-working defensively minded midfielders behind him at Chelsea, looked unsuited to his deep berth with the national side. Yet again, Steven Gerrard was a victim of his versatility, being consigned to a role on the left-hand side of midfield.

Unfortunately, England perennially look like a side who struggle in possession. For reasons unknown to myself, many of England’s illustrious names do not look comfortable when with the ball. As such, the side should’ve been set up to press and to harry the opposition. In opting to line up in an increasingly outdated 4-4-2 set-up, Capello let his midfield get outnumbered, and the unfortunate absence of Owen Hargreaves meant that he had no natural ball-winner to pressurise the opposition into relinquishing possession. Gareth Barry lacked the drive, determination and pace to effectively fulfil this role, and the manner in which Mesut Ozil found space and time with the greatest of ease highlighted how badly Capello got it wrong.

The likes of Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Germany have all had relatively successful World Cup campaigns thus far, and not a single one of them uses 4-4-2. Whilst it is arguable that their success is attributable to the more talented crops of players that they have at their disposal, their respective managers’ decisions to correctly use their finest talents highlight one of Fabio Capello’s flaws. Kaka is used in his favoured role for Brazil, and Lionel Messi is given free reign for Argentina. Following the final whistle on Sunday, Harry Redknapp stated “We need to produce a player like Ozil.”

But we do – and we use him on the left in a 4-4-2. Instead of using Steven Gerrard in the position where he is most effective (in the middle, behind Wayne Rooney), he was deployed out wide. The criminal misuse of Steven Gerrard bears an uncannily similar resemblance to the woeful treatment afforded to Paul Scholes earlier on in the noughties.

Whilst the players were to blame for their showings, the manager is entirely responsible for team selection and tactical preferences. It is clear that Capello got both of these hideously wrong on Sunday, and he must take responsibility for his mistakes.

Should Capello stay, or should he go?

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The best Premier League battle in years

Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong believes that this Premier League season is the most competitive for a long time. With the season now well underway the Cameroonian believes as many as seven clubs could battle it out for the top four spots and an all-important place in next year’s Champions League.

The 25-year-old told talkSPORT: “The league is getting crazier and crazier. We can’t even pick who is going to be in the top four or who is going to get relegated.

“It is really interesting and there will be a lot of teams involved in the title race.

“It is going to be a tough season, you have to win regularly and keep the levels really high no matter who we are playing against.”

Take a look at the runners and riders chasing the holy grail of Champions League football and make your own mind up over who will achieve their goal.

Manchester City

The top team in the country at present and looking completely unbeatable. After trouncing rivals United in the Manchester derby they confirmed their rightful place in the top four and having grabbed their first Champions League win against Villarreal last week they are going from strength to strength in the fight for trophies here and on the continent. With the ocean of talent at their disposal and the world-class talents on show in the form of Aguero, Silva and Balotelli, they are virtually guaranteed to finish it the top four and more than likely as Champions.

Manchester United

Fergie’s team are wounded at the minute but it should turn out to be nothing more than a blip in the machine that is Manchester United. The Red Devils have made the most consecutive appearances in the competition than any other side, currently on a run of 16 seasons. Although he’s been quiet in the last few games, Wayne Rooney will surely play a big part in the team’s success and the young blood of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley will want to show they can be the next home grown legends at Old Trafford. It would be a brave man to bet against them making a return next year. Expect them to chase City all the way.

Chelsea

Under young buck Andre Villas-Boas, the Blues have made an understated start, flying under the radar into third place and only a point behind Fergie’s men. With eight years fighting at the top under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, the experience is there to continue that battle despite the fresh face of the manager. Having reached the final in 2008 only to lose on penalties, they will want to keep trying until the fully repress the demons of that day. The disciplinary record may affect them, having had five players sent off already this season but the players at the club are likely to be able to guide the club into the top four even if a few more see red.

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Tottenham Hotspur

With three places pretty much certainly taken, fourth place is the one everybody else is fighting for. The Spurs side have got a taste of the Champions League now and are determined to get back. The Europa League is not a consolation for Harry Redknapp and the teams he selects for those games reflect how little he cares for it. Having started the season against both Manchester clubs they were unfairly near the bottom, but five wins in the last six games have put them right in contention. Last season the squad was strong but tired towards the end and Harry will be hoping that the acquisition of Adebayor and energetic Scott Parker will be enough to steer them back to the Promised Land.

Liverpool

Everybody’s dark horse for the League this season have disappointed so far, failing to turn their dominance into points on occasions, particularly in front of the home crowd against Norwich. Having said that, the side was very strong in the second half of last season and are in a much better position than twelve months ago so if the form they should early in 2011 comes back at the turn of the year, they will be staking their claim come May. Luis Suarez and returning captain Steven Gerrard will be pivotal in deciding whether the fly or fall.

Arsenal

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Following their horrendous start to the season everybody was wondering whether the Gunners would even reach the top half, nevermind Europe. But three consecutive wins in the league over Bolton, Sunderland and Stoke have put them in seventh, only six points behind Chelsea. And with Robin van Persie banging in goals from all angles, you wouldn’t 8-2 be an Arsenal fan right now.

Newcastle United

Dreams do come true, right? After the regular summer controversy at St James’ Park where three of the clubs best players followed Andy Carroll out of the exit door, one to the Championship and two following some uncomplimentary tweeting, it didn’t look too promising for the Toon Army. But nine games in they are the only team other than the mercurial Manchester City that are unbeaten and have looked strong and composed under Alan Pardew. Chiek Tiote is in good form and Collocini has been a rock at the back, while Demba Ba is showing the form that made West Ham take a punt on him. It could happen. That’s why we love football.

Who do you think will fill the top four? Comment below or follow me on Twitter @jrobbins1991.

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Levy’s transfer mistake, Spurs and Barca battle for Bosman DEAL, Assou-Ekotto has started to answer his critics – Best of THFC

Tottenham by nature never make life easy for themselves and this week certainly proved no different as the North Londoners missed a golden opportunity to move into third place in the Premier League. If Harry Redknapp is going to secure Champions League football next season then it is clear that they will have to do it the hard way, although Spurs fans will concur that they don’t know it any other way.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Tottenham blogs that include a cheaper option to the club’s stadium development; Assou Ekotto proves critics wrong, while it is time Aaron Lennon got similar plaudits to Theo.

We also look at the best Tottenham articles around the web this week.

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How ‘Championship Manager’s’ finest fell by the wayside*

The WORST Tottenham Kits of our time?

Only serves to highlight Levy’s transfer failing

Tottenham set to battle for Fenerbahce star

The cheaper option to Tottenham’s stadium development?

Tottenham prodigy highlights the pitfalls of a big move

‘Six of the best’ – Tottenham starlets set to make the grade at WHL

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has certainly proved me wrong

Harry Redknapp’s most pressing problem

Top TEN Football Rulings That Need To Change

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Anyone for a goal? – Dear Mr Levy

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