Top Four Predictions

The days of the Big Four are over as I see it, the rise of four new teams have threatened and unbalanced the Top Four. So in this article I will go over the eight teams that I think have a shot at the Top Four.

Arsenal (Predict a Top Four finish)

Arsenal are a team that should be improving every year, they have probably the best, or at least one of the best youth academies in England. This gives them disposal to a formidable amount of young, talented players who are budding and improving every year. They do, also, have the unfortunate tendency to sell their stars as soon as they hit their prime. But if they can hold on to the players (they proved they could by keeping Fabergas at The Emrites) that really do become world beaters (not every promising youngster turns out), then I could see them really challenging for the title in about two years time. But not this year, at least not in my opinion. They are definitely Top Four material, but not winners just yet.

Aston Villa (Do not predict a Top Four finish)

I hate to say this but Aston Villa has taken major steps backwards. It is sad to watch being that they were meant to get even better over the summer. But a lot of things went wrong; their owner is mainly to blame for their current poor form. He sold their key players in Barry and Milner and also managed to piss off their coach, making him walk out on the club, after he had taken them so far and was actually starting to challenge the Top Four. No, I don’t believe Aston Villa will finish in the Top Four this year or any time soon in fact.

Chelsea (Predict a Top Four finish)

Chelsea, now they have had a promising start to the season. I mean they did lose to Man City and that was their first real test having only played lesser teams. But hey, let’s face it, Chelsea have a great squad who are playing extremely well together, and recently they have usually been beaten by City anyways. Now whether their slightly aged squad will be able to hold out the whole season and not lose their deadly momentum is to be seen. But one thing is for sure - if they continue to play the way they have been (excluding the Man City game) I think they will snatch the Premier League title.

Everton (Do not predict a Top Four finish)

Bottom of the table, three points in six games...quite frankly Everton, so far, have been terrible. They were the team that was meant to excel this year. Their squad is the perfect mix of young skill and experience. But here they are at the bottom of the table facing a nightmare. They definitely don’t look like a Top Four team right now and even if they do improve I think they are already too far behind to cut into the Top Four with the competition especially close this year.

Liverpool (Do not predict a Top Four finish)

Liverpool’s change of manager has barely seen them improve. They are in fact doing even worse than last year, sitting only two places above the relegation zone. Probably over the course of the season they will improve but I feel they will probably finish about the same place they did last year. I also feel that Manchester City will replace them in the Big Four, that is, unless they are bought out by some rich Sheik or Russian which will give them spending power, something they desperately need, seeing as they were stupid enough to let their key stars go and then replacing them with mediocre players. And one thing the Top Four teams will be discovering more and more is that mediocrity will not land them in a Top Four place anymore.

Manchester City (Predict a Top Four finish)

Despite some intense criticism about their spending habits from the managers (and just the football world in general) City have started the season promisingly, with an extremely strong squad which also has depth. In all honesty I think that half of the criticism from the managers and players come from the fact that they are jealous and slightly frightened. You see, before, if a Top Four team had a bad year they would finish fourth and still get Champions League football; but now if a Top Four team has a bad year they are pushed out because the competition has gotten stronger, as demonstrated by Liverpool last year. None to say, City have so far played with a flowing and exciting style and I believe they will do well this year and maybe even become title contenders in years to come.

Manchester United (Predict a Top Four finish)

United has so far played quite a fluid style going forward which has been entertaining and exciting to watch. I have been largely impressed by the sudden change of form in Dimitar Berbatov. I guess he can be thankful to old Fergie for showing an immense amount of faith in him. It is all good and well that the likes of Berbatov, Nani, Giggs (as always), and even Scholes are playing well, but United are not exactly resting easy. Rooney seems to be suffering from a World Cup hangover which robbed him of his form -- not to mention the recent scandals he’s been involved in. There is also their shaky defence, a far cry from their water tight back four of two years ago. And last, but certainly not least, their massive debt. But if their defence can hold it together and if Rooney can find his scoring touch, United will be in with a shot for the title.

Tottenham (Do not predict a Top Four finish)

I have never been a big fan of Harry Redknapp. He seems to have a three step pattern to his managing. Firstly, he takes his new club and makes some good signings, achieving a measure of success and putting and most importantly, putting a sense of coming greatness in the air. The next year his team under-performs and pressure is put on him. He then spends an obscene amount of money on players he doesn’t really need, bankrupting the club. He himself simply walks out the door to his next club. Tottenham seems to me, to be in the second phase of Harry’s reign. He did do quite well with them last year, but so far this year his team have disappointed and there is talk of growing pressure on him.

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher

Chelsea Unstoppable?

Chelsea have been in magnificent form recently, winning their opening five games and scoring a grand total of twenty one goals, only conceding one(here are the highlights of some of their games

http://www.timesoccer.com/video/04/25-west-ham-vs-chelsea-live-match-highlights.html

http://www.timesoccer.com/video/009/19-chelsea-vs-blackpool-live-highlights.html).

Are they destined to cruise to the Premiership crown or have they just had a lucky and easy start? Well, here’s my opinion. Chelsea will be--and won’t be very hard to stop. No, I’m not stupid, and it is not a typo. My outlook on Chelsea over what I have gathered by following them is that they are a team of momentum. Once they get on a winning track, they are almost unstoppable which is what is worrying almost every non Chelsea fan. Buuut, the downside for them is it working the same way when they start to lose. So if a team is able to beat them by a good score and break their drive, (or maybe have them beaten twice in a row), then they will start to lose and draw consecutive matches until they rediscover their deadly form. Who knows maybe their upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool will shape the rest of the season. Let’s see what happens...

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher

Brilliant Berbatov

Liverpool vs. Manchester United -- one of the biggest rivalry clashes in present day football. Kicking off at 1:30, I watched the game in an Irish pub...in the company of a Chelsea fan. Now, forgiving his team of choice, I actually quite enjoyed the game. United played very well and they did deserve all three points, despite Steven Gerrard claiming the opposite, but did find it a bit disturbing to see them throw away a two goal lead for the third time in the season. We can thank our lucky stars that Berbatov is in the form of his life because Rooney certainly isn’t, and though there have been encouraging displays from Nani, Giggs(as always), Scholes, and Macheda( for the time he was on) United’s own players have started to express their annoyance at their inability to hold on to a commanding lead.

(Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313550/Dimitar-Berbatov-tells-United-Lets-start-playing-90-minutes-cut-complications.html#ixzz1042b0EA3

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1313587/Patrice-Evra-Sort-Manchester-United-win-title.html )

In short United simply don’t have enough quality defenders. Jonny Evans and John O’Shea were clumsy at best and while Vidic is good, he lacks the organizational skills of Rio Ferdinand, leading to teams scoring a lot easier against a more disorganised United defence.
But a high five and thumbs up to Dimitar Berbatov whose outstanding display probably saved the United players from getting the paint peeled of the dressing room walls by a Ferguson hairdryer. Here are Berbatov’s thoughts on his spectacular performance which I found admirably modest considering he had just completed a feat that no United player has been able to accomplish since 1936.

'It was probably my best day in a United shirt,' said Berbatov.
'Obviously I am happy. I am going home with a smile on my face.
'But I am nothing special. I am going home to play with my kids.'

Watch the game's highlights here:
http://www.timesoccer.com/video/03/14-manchester-united-vs-liverpool-live-highlights.html

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher

Ronaldo (The Fat One)

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima was borne on the twenty second of September, 1976, in Bento Ribeiro, Brazil. A son of Rio de Janeiro's back streets he is nicknamed "The Phenomenon," for his uncanny skill to sneak behind defenders and create space. He signed for his first professional club (Cruzeiro) at fourteen and worked his way through the youth academy to make his first team debut at seventeen. After playing at Cruzeiro for a year, he is spotted by the famous Dutch scout, Piet de Visser, who recommends him to Dutch club PSV who in turn purchase his services for six million dollars. PSV is a spring board for Ronaldo’s career scoring an incredible fifty four goals in only fifty seven appearances and winning the Dutch Cup and Dutch Golden Boot.

After two years Sir Bobby Charlton (the current manager of Barcelona) is attracted to Ronaldo’s good looks...no, I mean skill... and he moves to Barcelona bagging an enormous 47 goals in 49 games and a couple of personal accolades. But Bobby boy gets bored of him and sells him to Inter for a then world record fee. Ronaldo duly lives up to his price tag and adjusts to the Italian game smoothly, almost single handedly winning the UEFA Cup and Serie A. But it is on November 21, 1999, during a Serie A match against Lecce that Ronaldo feels his knee buckle. X-rays after the match confirm that the striker has ruptured a tendon in his knee and will require surgery. He recovers slowly and makes his comeback on April 12, 2000. He plays only seven minutes though, before tragically injuring his knee for a second time. After two operations and years of rehabilitation, Ronaldo is fit for the 2002 FIFA World Cup which he helps Brazil win, collecting the most famous prize in history. After five years at Inter Ronaldo signs for Real Madrid, his jersey sales breaking all records on the first day.

After returning from the World Cup, Ronaldo goes right back to his scoring ways, seeming to have put his injury woes behind him. Real Madrid start the next season brightly with Ronaldo leading the way memorably scoring a hatrick against Manchester Untied in the Champions League quarter-final, guiding Madrid to the Copa del Rey final and also firing the Catalans to the summit of the La Liga. Real was on course for the treble until Ronaldo had another severe injury ruling him out for the rest of the season, and it is then that he and Real Madrid suffer. Madrid suffer a form breakdown in the La Liga seeing them finish 2nd despite being a good distance ahead. They are knocked out of the Champions League semi-final, and are beaten in the Copa del Rey final, leaving them trophy-less, from a season that promised so much. Ronaldo also suffers--losing his personal battle to stay away from the night clubs, and quickly packing on the pounds.

Ronaldo joins Milan in 2007 after being deemed below par for Real Madrid (He had to pay half of his fee of seven point five million…not a good sign). None to say, he played there for one year before rupturing his knee ligament again while jumping for a cross. He was stretchered off in tears and it was later confirmed that he would be injured for the rest of the year (Milan were criticized for playing Ronaldo while he was unfit and overweight). After he recovers Ronaldo transfers to the Brazilian team Corinthians only to be swallowed in more controversy, getting mixed up in a prostitution scandal, only to later discover that they were, in fact…men (imagine his face - Ronaldo: “hey there pretty lady, what’s your name?” Cross Dresser in DEEP VOICE: “Pablo” :)). Ronaldo continues to play for Corinthians.

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is born into a family of five, which was dominated by football. His actual name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. Roberto, his older brother was already a rising star at their local club, Gremio, only to have his career ended by a severe knee injury. His mother, Dona Miguelina de Assis, was a former salesperson who was studying to become a nurse. His father, Joao Moreira, was a shipyard worker and footballer for a local club. He suffered a fatal heart attack in the family swimming pool when Ronaldinho was only eight. People began to notice Ronaldinho’s natural skill at an early age. He was given the name Ronaldinho because he was always the youngest on whichever team he played on (being so skillful that he played on teams with players much older than he was) He also developed a keen interest in futsal and beach football. He was first noticed by the media at age thirteen in a 23-0 thrashing of a local team in which he scored…yeah, every single freaking goal

Ronaldinho makes his debut for Gremio, aged eighteen. Three years later Arsenal attempts to sign him, but the move falls through after he is unable to obtain a work permit (Arsenal must still be cursing Britain’s damn red tape). He moves to Paris St.Germain in 2001 and becomes a fan favorite with his flare and thrilling style of football, but his employers look to unload him after only two years because of constant partying, bad behavior, drinking, late nights, laziness, and unpunctuality. He ends up transferring to Barcelona in 2003 after a tense fight over his signature between Barcelona and Manchester United. Playing for Barcelona, Ronaldinho collects countless accolades and titles, excelling to his best.

He continues to be able to balance his partying with his profession. But it is the 07/08 season that starts his downward spiral, constant niggles hinder the beginning of his season (a sign of being unfit). On April 3rd he suffers a muscle tear that ends his season, while injured Ronaldinho continues to drink and party until he has become overweight and in poor shape. Seeing his career starting to disintegrate, Barcelona decided to sell him while he is still worth a pretty penny. Manchester City and Milan scrap it out and in the end he moves to the San Siro (Milan) for 14.5 million. Ronaldinho plays three seasons for Milan and though he is still a formidable opponent, to this day, he continues to struggle with his fitness and weight, finding himself on the bench simply for loss of form and vigor. Ronaldinho currently plays for Milan.

Read Above for Part Three...

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher

Diego Maradona (The Slumdog Millionaire/Footballer Part One)
Maradona is born in Lanús, but raised in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires. He is raised in an extremly poor family of eight that has moved from Corrientes. At age 10, Maradona is spotted by a talent scout while playing for his neighborhood club. When he is fifteen Maradona makes his professional debut with Argentinos Juniors. He plays there for five years, and English club Sheffield United put in a bid of £180,000 for his services but he rejects it (because cocaine is more exspensive in the U.K).

He transfers to Boca Juniors for a year before moving to Barcelona but has a rough ride there, catching hepatitus, and suffering a broken leg. However with determination he gets back on the pitch despite some saying he would never play again. See, this is where the determination of a street kid is invaluble. He is used to fighting for what he wants and he knows without football he would be back on the street…definitely an incentive.

He moves to Napoli after an argument with the club and excels there, winning trophies and the love of fans . But this is where the money and fame gets to his head. He continues to use cocaine and starts overdosing, causing him to miss games and training sessions, also leading to continuous fines from the government and his club. He also faces scandal over a illegitamite son, and gets involved with the Camorra (Italian Mafia). This is where he is starting to slip mentally. He has achieved the love and adoration of his club and fans, toping that off with winning the World Cup and achieving legendary status with two renowned goals against England (Hand Of God) and (Goal Of The Century). What more can he want? He is starting to run out of things to do with his money and since he has natural talent and hasn’t ever had to discipline himself, it wasn’t that hard for him to start to go off track.

Maradona left Napoli in disgrace after having failed a cocaine test and being banned for fifteen months. From there his career slowly dwindles and declines till he retires at thirty seven only to continue his cocaine use, and, also happening to become overweight...like a lot. Now the(kind of)happy ending to this story is that he gets an operation to help him lose weight and he is able to stop his cocaine use and become the Argentina manager for eighteen months, which is more than anyone ever expected from him. This quote sums him up pretty wll in my opinion.

He is someone many people want to emulate, a controversial figure, loved, hated, who stirs great upheaval, especially in Argentina... Stressing his personal life is a mistake. Maradona has no peers inside the pitch, but he has turned his life into a show, and is now living a personal ordeal that should not be imitated.

-Jorge Valdano former teammate-

Read Above for Part Two...

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher

The Slumdog Millionaire/Footballer

In this post I am going to share with you my opinion on the unhappy ending to football’s most romantic story. The young mistreated slumdog with incredible skill who rises to the top with success, becoming ‘the best footballer ever’. Now while this is the perfect material for a sports movie or article, and though it actually does happen a lot, the thing I found worthy of writing about is the end of the story. What ensues after the credits of the movie have rolled out? What really happens after they have achieved fame? How do they handle the new pressure? To tell you the truth they don’t. At least not most of the time. They are often from a poor bunch, fighting to stay alive and not knowing when their next meal will come around. And then suddenly, Bang! They are the centre of attention and they have millions thrown at them. They play football for a couple of years, thrilling the globe with their exceptional skill and expertise and send fortunes back to their now rich families, but what then? What next? They have so much money that they don’t know what to do with it and it is then, that they discover the world of woman, alcohol, and drugs (ya stop playing dumb you Argentineans we still remember Maradona)(sniff sniff). Not like these things are career threatening or even “BAD”... in moderation. A word that some people don’t know. In these next posts I will go over the exciting but ultimately sad stories of three notorious footballers that rose to fame but fell to controversy and shame, pulled down by their weight of their vices.

Read Above...

Copyright@2010 by Salem Brooks
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher