England expect as Punter under pressure

5th January 2007

Matthew Hayden. Not out. 23. England suffer a 5-0 series whitewash and tamely lose the Ashes.

24th August 2009

Michael Hussey. Caught Cook, bowled Swann. England seal a 2-1 series win and regain the Ashes.


England go into the 2010/11 Ashes with the humiliation of 2006/07 and the confidence of 2009 undoubtedly at the forefront of their minds. The former a reminder of how formidable a home Australian Ashes team can be, the latter a clear indication of how much the gap between the two old foes has shrunk. Apart from in the world of Glenn McGrath and his obligatory prediction.


I don't intend to bore you with the usual talk of how awful the Aussies have become - no more Langer, Hayden, Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath. The only way was down, of course. Instead let me draw you to a rather more interesting comparison of England's fateful trip four years ago, involving perhaps the least celebrated of the aforementioned five - the wicketkeeper.


In that series, Adam Gilchrist averaged 46 with the bat, with a top score of 102 not out. His counterparts, Geraint Jones and Chris Read averaged 11 and 12 respectively, with top scores of 33 and 26 not out. OK, there are numerous other similar comparisons which could have been made. So what about with the gloves? Gilchrist snaffled 24 catches and added two stumpings in one more innings that Jones and Read combined, who between them took 21 catches and contributed one stumping. Now, England are settled with Matt Prior as their Test choice, whilst Brad Haddin was always going to struggle to fill the void left by Gilly. A snapshot illustration of the gap disappearing.


In the run-up to Thursday's series opener at the Gabba, Australia have flattered to deceive in their pre-empting of what to expect, whilst England have been quietly confident, almost too quietly confident. Whilst Andrew Strauss and his men have been openly speaking against any sort of complacency, under-pressure Australia captain Ricky Ponting's men have been (inexplicably) targeting England's most out-of-form batsman.


Maybe they realise that Kevin Pietersen is a potential series winner if he clicks into gear. Maybe they don't realise they're providing more than enough necessary ammunition for Kevin Pietersen (and his ego) to click into gear.


With perhaps the most difficult (read only) Ashes series in Australia to call in a generation, nothing is certain. But one thing we can expect is fast pitches. With the Aussie selectors in a spin over Nathan Hauritz' lack of form and the subsequent inclusion of the unknown, yet wonderfully named, Xavier Doherty, preparing a spin-friendly pitch for the brilliant Graeme Swann would be cricketing suicide.


Which means if England's quicks, particularly James Anderson, can get the Kookaburra ball to swing, then they may fully justify the pre-series hype. Steve Finn has the height and Stuart Broad the acumen to trouble a shaky Australian batting line-up. Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson, on paper, should be a competitive match-up. But the Ashes aren't won on paper.


Doubts remain over Alistair Cook and Paul Collingwood's form, but both bring much more to the team than their recent records suggest. Ian Bell has justified the faith shown in him lower down the order, while Eoin Morgan can consider himself unlucky to be seemingly preparing for seven one-dayers come January. That's an argument for another day, though.


Jonathan Trott will scratch and probe and frustrate. And he has already shown against the Australians the necessary concentration and resolve to put some runs on the board. In my opinion, the understated South African could be England's key to success down under. If this is the case, why shouldn't England dream they could win the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years.


Exactly why the all-knowing bookmakers have the home team as favourites, of course.

Update: What to expect and your help/feedback/criticism needed.

Since I last had a proper attempt at blogging, lots of things have changed. Not least my own personal circumstances. A couple of house moves, a naked encounter with a burglar (don't ask!), and an unrelated graduate job, I'm finally working towards the dream - being a Sports Journalist.


As a result, you'll hopefully be glad to hear that this sports blog will be updated as regularly as possible. For my own personal development, I'd appreciate any feedback at any point, good or bad. Be it on the blog itself, on Facebook (or Twitter - if I can learn how to use it), or simply over a few pints, I'd love to hear what you think. If you think certain aspects of the blog are horrible, tell me - I need to know. Without valuable criticism, I'll never learn. On the flip side, if you think something's excellent, tell me - I need to keep doing it!


Even better, if you haven't already done so, why not add yourself as a follower. I'm aiming to hit the 20 mark by the end of the year.


Although there's been a lot of football material recently, this is not a football blog. I'll be showcasing a little bit of everything really. Cricket, snooker, darts, athletics, rugby union, tennis, and I'll probably throw a bit of random sporting action in here, particularly with London 2012 coming up. Again, suggestions are welcome if there's any particular sport or sporting event you'd like to see featured here.


Personally, I'm hugely excited by the Ashes, which is just over a week away. I'll be trying to provide regular updates, and maybe even analyse a few days play. Football will always remain a passion of mine and that will probably show quite a bit. Christmas darts at the PDC World Championship, the conclusion to the Race to Dubai, and tennis' season finale at the O2 arena are all on the horizon.


So in between practising my shorthand, doing my first journalism exam and paying the rent, there's plenty to be excited about as 2010 rolls to a fascinating close.

United on the Wayne?

'Once a blue, always a blue'.

A cheap shot for Kopites and a source of bitterness for the Goodison faithful. Yet, when Wayne Rooney made the short move up the M62, he became an instant legend. All of a sudden, the blue became a red. And was worshipped.

Don't get me wrong, this would have happened at whatever club Rooney joined, and probably will in whatever foreign clime he ends up in. Which of course leaves the mouthwatering prospect of him teaming up with his old team-mate Carlos Tevez at the Costa del Eastlands. That's probably the only thing that would further anger the fans that made him one of their [Scouse] own.

Rooney is a player of undoubted quality. 30-odd goals last season were a major step forward for him and for Manchester United. At times unplayable, he tortured defences nation and Europe-wide. The 'white Pele' was seemingly the man who would lead United back to title and European Cup success over the coming years. Then came that ankle injury against Bayern Munich, and whatever else besides. And then came that World Cup, and whatever else besides. So what went wrong? Where did communications break down? Step forward Sir Alex.

Sir Alex Ferguson is a master in his era - a genuine legend of the game. Part of me thinks that today's comments were simply another reason to be in awe of this man's many masterclasses. Rooney was well and truly pushed into the Old Trafford limelight without being in sight - go on Wayne, what say you?

Sir Alex has left Rooney with the most difficult of tasks in explaining the situation, and there is simply no easy way to explain why you are leaving the fans who love you and you claim to love. He has also claimed to have left the door open for Rooney, that the ball is in his court. Let's be clear here, Sir Alex rubber-stamped Rooney's exit today.

"The one thing I said to him was 'respect this club, I don't want any nonsense from you'," said Sir Alex. And therein is the one thing that seems to have been forgotten in this furore.

Wayne Rooney needs Manchester United more than Manchester United need Wayne Rooney.

Unless, of course, United are now a selling club. Unless the money paid for his transfer goes towards servicing debt rather than straight into the kitty. United might not need him, but they do need a world-class replacement.

Where else in the world would Rooney have received the guidance and support that he has done at Old Trafford? What other manager in the world would have shown the patience to allow the raw talent mature into a world-beater, even amongst the shows of petulance? Where else on this planet would Rooney have been learning from esteemed team-mates such as Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes? And where else would a manager have shielded him from the outside world in times of trouble as many times as Sir Alex?

Yes, he was superb last season. But let's not forget that until last season, he hadn't come close to scoring 20 league goals in a season. Manchester United have won three league titles and a European Cup with Wayne Rooney scoring no more than 23 goals in all competitions in a season. That can be replaced.

It would be unfair to blame all this on the allegations about his private life. We will all have our opinions, and mine is that Rooney has been so poor this season [and at the World Cup] that it must have had some effect - not only on his performances, but also on his reasons for wanting to leave United.

He may indeed still love the club, but the petulance still exists, as shown when Rooney completely undermined his manager last week. And the subsequent comments by Sir Alex may have just undermined Wayne Rooney's legendary status at Manchester United.

'Once a liar, always a liar?'

New Era Same Vibe - NESV begin life at Liverpool with derby defeat.

"I might be in a sample of one, but I honestly believe the team played well today."

You said it Roy.

Is there any better reason to return to the wonderful world of blogging than the need to annihilate the team you hold beloved?

Let me get one thing straight. This [return] was a long time coming. It is not simply wanting to vent frustration and anger. I'm sure you can make your own mind up though.

Where to start then?

I'll begin by apologising for the fact that Maxi Rodriguez is missing from below. As yet, there are no signs of Maxi apologising for being missing at Goodison Park today, as Everton deservedly thumped their local rivals into 19th place in the Barclay's Premier League.

It's hard to lay all the blame on the doorstep of Mr Hodgson. He may well be ruing his decision to give up a position of worship in SW6, as suggested by Sir Alan Lord Sugar - or whatever he wants to be addressed as. The fact is that the squad he has inherited - and indeed his own additions - is simply not good enough.

Jose Reina, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres aside, the current Liverpool crop are average, at best. Throw in the fact that these three have been well below par for much of the season, and the outcome is that Liverpool are languishing exactly where they deserve to be. Even before things kicked off at Goodison Park today, there was a case to be made that Everton were a team in a position defied by their form. No such case can be made for their city counterparts.

Football purists will appreciate Jamie Carragher's footballing career. Carragher will certainly appreciate his new contract. At the heart of the defence, his presence keeps him afloat - just about. Presence and passion does not make a good full-back. It helps, but without pace and an ability to cross the ball, the next two years won't nearly be as frustrating for Carragher as it will be for Liverpool fans.

Martin Skrtel's early promise as a Liverpool player seems to have disappeared. Alternatively, any striker worth his salt will know that there is nothing more uncomfortable at Anfield than Skrtel facing the ball at the feet of a player with pace and power (a la Yakubu). Well, with the exception of those 'Yanks Out' banners being smuggled out. Although it's not his fault he has to partner the hapless Sotirios Kyrgiakos. Paul Konchesky does not lack effort - he lacks quality.

I've never exactly championed Lucas Leiva - the 'Welsh Brazilian'. I've always believed he needed to be given time. Rafael Benitez must have seen something in him? And Hodgson must see something in him? How can two reputable managers have so much faith in him? Today's performance ensures I won't be championing Leiva any time soon. Your time is up, son.

Raul Meireles and Joe Cole are certainly class players. It seems, however, that after the adrenaline of Cole's move north wore off with an ill-judged challenge on Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny, he has lost the ability to unlock a defence. Or find the target. Or beat the first man. Meireles has also failed to deliver. Hitting it from 30 yards is no good unless you can beat the sprawling, heart-and-head-on-the-line blue shirt throwing himself at you. Liverpool, take note.

A performance bereft of passion, lacking belief and missing quality. Playing Gerrard just behind Torres was effective when Torres had an inkling of form. It was also effective when Xabi Alonso was pulling the strings that Leiva and Meireles are fumbling. I would love to say that Everton were fantastic. They weren't. But they showed passion, belief, and enough quality. And David Moyes' men were more than good value for their victory.

If he lasts that long, Hodgson has a lot of work to do in January and beyond. Over to you, Mr Henry.

Arsenal come from behind to set up Chelsea clash.

Arsenal 2-1 Hull City

Arsenal booked a semi-final place against Chelsea thanks to a controversial William Gallas winner with a 2-1 win over a battling Hull City side in tonight's FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal went behind to Nick Barmby's deflected strike after 12 minutes. Hull almost doubled their lead when Geovanni tested Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal with a sublime free kick, before Barmby had a goal ruled out for offside.

The home side dominated the rest of the opening period and, with Andrey Arshavin increasingly influential, kept Hull pinned back for much of the second half. Robin Van Persie turned in from Arshavin for the equaliser in the 74th minute after good work by substitute Nicklas Bendtner.

Gallas then nodded into an empty net 10 minutes later, although the Frenchman appeared to be at least a yard offside after Boaz Myhill had flapped at a cross. Arsenal, however, closed out the game to book their first FA Cup semi-final spot since 2005.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger again kept faith with some of the youngsters that have illuminated Carling Cups in recent years; Kieran Gibbs and Carlos Vela in for Gael Clichy and Bendtner in six changes from the team that dismantled Blackburn on Saturday.

Wenger's counterpart Phil Brown also made six changes from the team that picked up a point against Newcastle at the KC Stadium, with striker Manucho entrusted with a lone role in front of a five-man midfield.

As early as the third minute, the Angolan striker turned Johan Djourou with consumate ease, only to look for help which was not coming, allowing Arsenal to regroup and regain possession. A few minutes later, Anthony Gardner brought down Carlos Vela on the right hand side. From the resultant free kick, Van Persie whipped in a delicious free kick, which was well defended by Hull.

A rather uninspiring opening period was quickly turned on its head when Hull City took a shock lead. Andy Dawson, already exerting dominance on the left side, looped a ball into the Arsenal area which was allowed to bounce. Nick Barmby managed to twist and strike a fierce volley off the right boot of the hapless Djourou, and over the despairing dive of Fabianski.

As a stunned Emirates remained in silence, Arsenal looked for an immediate reply; a Gibbs cross and a Van Persie corner both brilliantly defended by the visitors. In the 23rd minute, Gallas brought down Peter Halmosi in Geovanni range. The Brazilian struck a fierce free kick from 25 yards, only to see it expertly tipped over by Fabianski.

The shortly worked corner was then fired into the area where Barmby tapped home; the effort correctly ruled out for offside. Soon after, Arshavin was beginning to pull the strings for Arsenal, but committed work from both Manucho and Dawson exemplified the battling attitude of Phil Brown's side.

On the half hour, a deft Arshavin flick was picked up by Van Persie, who screwed his shot wide. A minute later, the Russian danced his way inside Hull's area, where his shot was deflected wide. Although Arsenal were in the ascendancy, Hull showed their desire to extend their lead when Kamil Zayatte headed over from four yards from Halmosi's left-footed inswinging free; a big let-off for the otherwise faultless Gibbs who had rashly bundled over Craig Fagan.

As Arsenal's dominance grew, aside from a few moments of individual brilliance from Arshavin, they failed to seriously test Myhill in the Hull goal. On 52 minutes, Abou Diaby was guilty of wasting perhaps Arsenal's best chance when failing to convert Arshavin's cross. Moments later, Alexandre Song found a yard of space inside the box, twisting and sending his shot narrowly wide.

With the tempo increased, but clear chances still at a premium, Wenger sent on Samir Nasri and Bendtner for Song and the ineffective Carlos Vela. In the 69th minute, Barmby conceded a free kick 30 yards out, which Myhill did well to push wide from Van Persie's effort, low to his right. Moments later, Van Persie headed Nasri's cross onto the crossbar, as Hull continued to frustrate.

However, their luck ran out after 74 minutes when Theo Walcott's cross found Bendtner, whose initial effort was blocked by Bryan Hughes. First to react, the Dane waltzed past Gardner and sent the ball across the face of the goal. Unmarked, Arshavin had the presence of mind to square inside and find Van Persie to smash the ball into the roof of the net, nothing more than Arsenal had deserved.

Three minutes later, Manucho managed to flick on a long ball into the path of Geovanni, who managed to smash a volley from an awkward angle onto the side of the post. It was the last attack of any note from the Tigers, as Arsenal continued to press.

Six minutes from time, Nasri sent in a free kick which Myhill came for and missed, Emmanuel Eboue getting there before the goalkeeper. Gallas, clearly offside, was left with the simple task of heading into an empty goal. Arsenal pressed to make sure of the win; Bendtner forcing a brilliant save from Myhill, whilst Eboue wasted an opportunity following good work from Nasri and Bacary Sagna.

With 5 minutes of injury time to be played, Hull managed a few brief forays into the opposition half, but Arsenal comfortably held on to set up a semi-final clash with Chelsea at Wembley next month. Although Phil Brown's side will feel aggrieved at the manner in which Arsenal made it 2-1, the result was a fair reflection on a dominant Gunners display.

Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna; Gallas; Djourou; Gibbs; Walcott (Eboue 82); Song (Bendtner 64); Diaby; Arshavin; Vela (Nasri 64); Van Persie.

Booked: Gallas, Nasri.

Hull City: Myhill; Ricketts; Gardner; Zayatte; Dawson; Ashbee (Hughes 46); Barmby (France 76); Geovanni; Fagan; Halmosi (Mendy 67); Manucho.

Booked: Myhill, Dawson, France, Halmosi, Manucho.

Attendance: 55, 641

Referee: Mike Riley

My Man of the Match: Andrey Arshavin

Make 2009 a green year.

Ireland fans may be beginning to wonder if 2009 is going to be a monumental year. On the eve of Saint Patrick's Day, things are looking incredibly rosy for the Emerald Isle. David Gillick's fall in his 400m heats at the European Athletics Championships was a big blow for Ireland's attempts at a golden haul. A blow cushioned, however, by Derval O'Rourke's 60m Hurdles bronze medal and Mary Cullen's gutsy front-running, the latter also taking bronze in the 3000m. Furthermore, the relatively unknown name of Ciara Mageean is being tipped as the next Sonia O'Sullivan; the 17 year old producing numerous notable runs over the country and on track.

In the world of golf, the future is even brighter. Rory McIlroy is rightly receiving high praise across the globe, thanks to a number of stirring performances from the Holywood teenager. Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, for example, think that McIlroy has what it takes to be the next world number one after Woods; no higher praise than from the man himself. Throw into the equation Padraig Harrington's form and the Northern Irish trio of Michael Hoey, Gareth Maybin and Graeme McDowell, and Ireland can be a force for years to come.

Next month's Snooker World Championships has another three Northern Irishmen (Mark Allen, Joe Swail and Gerard Greene) in the main draw. This year's tournament may come a little too soon for the trio, but of the three, Allen seems the most likley to regularly challenge for ranking titles. The current world number 16 might just surprise a few people next month. Swail, on the other hand, may dispute that following his recent run to the final in last month's Welsh Open.

The footballers face a vital period at the end of this month. A victory over Bulgaria would put the Irish in a strong position to finish in the top two. Anything other than defeat against the Italians a few days later in Bari is likely to send the travelling thousands into dreamland. So, you'd agree that 2009 could be a productive year for Ireland? And we haven't even mentioned the rugby yet.

On Saturday evening, Ireland maintained their hopes of a first Grand Slam since 19-God-knows-when with a hard fought victory over a powerful and disciplined Scotland at Murrayfield. The first half of this RBS Six Nations clash was by no means classic, but the Irish class shone through in the second half, lead by the impressive Peter Stringer and the once-again reliable boot of Ronan O'Gara.

One mustn't forget the contributions of Brian O'Driscoll again. The Irish captain wasn't as imperious as he has been in a few previous games, but again underlined his importance to the Grand Slam cause; in particular a bruising challenge on Scotland's Phil Godman. The fly-half was bundled into touch metres away from the try-line as the first half appeared as though it would end disastrously for the Irish. Had that score have materialised, Ireland may well have struggled to recover.

They got the result, and now go to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday evening to face Wales. Any defeat of less than 13 points will seal the Six Nations crown. Any win will seal the Grand Slam that has eluded the Irish for so long. Anything else doesn't bear thinking about. So as you stare into your Saint Patrick's Day pint, whether you're Irish or not, you have to wonder what the rest of the year and, indeed, the week will have in store.

Resurgent Liverpool finally asking questions?

I'd like to think that on Wednesday past, Mr. Benitez poured himself a glass of rioja, sat down to bask in the glory of a brilliant victory over Real Madrid, typed his name into Google to read about his magnificence, and stumbled upon this blog. I'd also like to think that he took the time to read the most recent post and decided that it was time to lay caution to the wind and give Liverpool fans what they want.

Of course he didn't.

That being said, something must have happened. A little spark, a lightbulb, something like that. Whatever it was, not even the most optimistic of Kopites could foresee such a rewarding trip up the M62 a few days later. However surprising the result was (United haven't conceded 4 goals at Old Trafford since Q.P.R. visited in 1992), the scoreline was hardly flattering for Liverpool.

Liverpool hassled Manchester United from the off, got into their faces, closed them down quickly, and got men behind the ball when required. Sounds just like Liverpool under Benitez, right? Liverpool fans must have been fearing the worst when Pepe Reina bundled Park Ji-Sung over to give the hosts the chance to lead. Ronaldo obliged.

What followed was even more impressive from Liverpool. Their passing was sharp and incisive, their commitment faultless. The difference on Saturday, however, was Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. Yes, without the pair, Liverpool may be average, but they have them and with them in the team it suddenly becomes a more impressive unit.

We can pick the bones out of United's (and particularly Nemanja Vidic's) performance, but they simply could not handle the pace and movement of Liverpool's front men. Torres created the equaliser for himself via his frightening turn of speed and endeavour. Of course Vidic should not have given him the chance, but let's not take anything away from the Spaniard's assured finish.

Over to you, Steven.

Gerrard created the goal to send the travelling fans into ruptures, drawing the foul from Patrice Evra. With the penalty dispatched just beyond the grasp of Edwin Van Der Sar, Liverpool were firmly in the ascendency. United huffed and puffed after half-time, but the resilience of Benitez's men was plain to see. Not many can argue with the foul which lead to the dismissal of Vidic - again due to the driving force of Liverpool's captain; Aurelio's free-kick was simply pouring salt on the wounded beast.

As Old Trafford emptied, Andrea Dossena lobbed Van Der Sar to put a gloss on an accomplished performance, which perhaps signalled that there may yet be life in this year's title race. Manchester United still have a four point advantage over their north-west rivals and Chelsea, with a game in hand. It will still take a monumental collapse for United to surrender their grasp on the Premier League trophy. That's what we were saying on Saturday morning, and if it is to happen, it had to start somewhere.