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If you are of the Arsenal persuasion, you don’t need me to remind you just how much of a roller coaster ride the current campaign has been. From the knife-edge qualification for the Champions League against Udinese to the recent surprise slump at QPR, to the 5-2 demolition of The Spuds to the almost amazing comeback against Milan, you haven’t quite known whether to laugh or cry at the exploits of Arsene Wenger’s side this term. Always famed for their aesthetic qualities and quality on the eye, the Gunners haven’t always been interesting for the right reasons over the nine months of the season thus far. Amidst some calamitous defending and some scintillating attacking play, at times Arsenal’s season has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Currently in third position and well placed to secure Champions League football next term, the Gunners have recovered well from their perilous beginning, but the next few weeks will really test the Gunners staying power as large point gaps have been proved to evaporate in the blink of an eye. The fact Arsenal have remained competitive in their league positioning is a mark of Arsene Wenger’s work that he sold his two most influential players from last season and still remains in and around a similar berth. Burning frustratingly in the mind of all Gunners fans however, is the painstakingly long wait for a trophy and seeing all chances diminish yet again this term has only steeped up the pressure on Arsene Wenger, with widespread dissent and anger spilling over from the terraces. With patience at an all-time low and the race to beat The Spuds to the metaphoric title of ‘best London club’ papering over the Gunners true heartache surrounding their lack of silverware, Arsenal fans know that a top four finish is the very minimum requirement to avoid a very fractious end of season.

So let us cast the microscope over the past nine months and pick out 10 positives and 10 negatives for Gunners fans to take from the 2011/12 campaign. We’ll start with the good news!

Click on Robin van Persie to unveil the 10 positives and negatives

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Have you any more positives or negatives to add to Arsenal’s end of term report? I’d like to know Gunners fans @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

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It appears one of Tottenham’s biggest transfer battles this summer will be to keep Luka Modric out of the clutches of their Premier League rivals. The player confirmed his desire to move to West London this summer, much to the frustration of supporters.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes 10 things we learned from this season; a new culture is required at WHL and should Harry flirt with Becks again this summer

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

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‘Suits you sir!’ – The Premier League club’s Kit collection for 2011/12 season

VIDEO: The GREATEST Premier League goal ever…you decide!

Should Tottenham flirt with Becks again this summer?

A new club culture has to be moulded if Tottenham are to succeed

10 BIG Things That We Learned From Tottenham’s Season

Tottenham finally unearth the complete midfielder they craved

Spurs linked with striking duo

FIVE potential signings for Harry to ponder

Tottenham set to renew interest in Atletico ace

*Best of WEB*

Mod-Rich still at The Lane by Greg Meyer. – Spurs Musings From JimmyG2

Gio dos Santos and Adel Taarabt walk into a pub… – Dear Mr Levy

Levy Steps In & Signs A Winner – Harry Hotspur

Spurs still focusing in the wrong direction? – THFC 1882

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The NextGen Series – groups and fixtures – Windy Blog

Don’t blame me, blame him – Dear Mr Levy[divider]Click below to see the latest addition to the WAG Arena

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There have been a few surprises in Fabio Capello’s latest England squad. Most notably with the selection of uncapped players such as Andy Carroll, Jay Bothroyd, Chris Smalling and Jordan Henderson. In light of Chris Smalling’s inclusion in the latest squad we take a look at his credentials and try to analyse whether he deserves his place or not.

Firstly, some would argue that the likes of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson thoroughly deserve their place in the latest squad as their club form has proved impressive. Carroll is Newcastle’s top scorer and Henderson has established himself as an important figure in a Sunderland side that finds itself competing for a place in Europe.

However, slight debate surrounds Capello’s selection of Chris Smalling. His form at Manchester United hasn’t exactly set the Premier League alight, and along with his youth and inexperience is he really ready to take to the world stage?

Furthermore controversy surrounds Smallings inclusion as Kevin Davies has been omitted, which seems a bit harsh on the Bolton skipper, who made his debut against Montenegro last month and excelled in front of Capello against Tottenham last week.

However, It would seem that Chris Smalling’s introduction to the England set up is a shrewd move by Capello according to Gary Pallister, former Manchester United and England centre back. “I remember when I was in the England squad under Terry Venables and he called up Rio and Joe Cole from West Ham at the time to just get a feel of the set-up, he added. They trained with us as teenagers and they had a look around and got the feel of what it is like being in the set-up. It was great for them to be blooded like that because when they were eventually called up to play for England the nerves wouldn’t have been as bad.”

So what do you think? Is Chris Smalling’s elevation to the England full squad by Capello a clever move by the Italian, or will it prove detrimental to the defenders long term progression? What are your overall thoughts?

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that star playmaker David Silva is suffering from fatigue, which in turn has led to a drop in performances.

The Spain international is widely recognised as one of the most creative players in the Premier League, and was one of the Etihad Stadium club’s star men in the first half of the season.

However, a dip in form has seen Silva’s impact neutralised in recent times, with Mancini blaming the high number of fixtures for the attacking midfielder’s current predicament.

“I don’t know how many games David has played for us in the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Carling Cup, FA Cup plus internationals,” the Italian coach told Mirror Football.

“But it’s normal that a player can arrive at a moment when he can’t play 100 per cent.

“David always plays here [indicates high level with hand] and now maybe he is here [drops hand lower to chest].

“This is normal, but I hope he can recover,” he concluded.

City are currently five points behind Manchester United in the title race, and take on Arsenal this weekend.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Following the previous article that previewed Group B, this one takes a closer look at the third and final group at the 2011 Copa América, Group C.

Group C will see fourteen-time Copa América Champions Uruguay face off against Mexico, Chile and Peru.  This group promises to very closely-contested given the quality of the teams in Group C.

The teams

Uruguay

World Ranking:  7

Star player:  Edison Cavani

Following Uruguay’s resurgence as a superpower in world football at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa, they will want to build on their fourth place finish there and find themselves competing with South America’s other big guns for the 2011 Copa América.  In Edinson Cavani they have a striker who has had an outstanding season for Napoli and he is likely to be paired with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament Diego Forlan.  Uruguay boasts an impressive squad and they seem to have gotten the balance between experienced players and younger players coming through just about right.  As in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Uruguay will probably fight it out with Chile and Mexico for top spot in Group C.

Mexico

World Ranking:  23

Star player:  Javier Hernandez

As the second invitee team, Mexico is a top quality addition to the 2011 Copa América.  They advanced to the second round at the 2010 World Cup where they were eliminated by a combination of poor refereeing and an inspired Argentina.  Mexico boasts an impressive squad and a good record in previous Copa América tournaments where they have advanced to the quarterfinals at least on each of their previous seven appearances (five semi-finals).  Then Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez showed glimpses of his talent at the 2010 World Cup and has proven to have been a shrewd buy by Sir Alex Ferguson.  As mentioned, Mexico will probably find themselves locked in battle with Uruguay and Chile for the top spot in Group C.

Chile

World Ranking:  14

Star player:  Arturo Vidal

Chile qualified for the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and were eliminated by Brazil.  They boast a very talented group of young players and play exciting attacking football.  In Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel and Mauricio Isla they have top quality players, some of which have been linked with possible moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent months.  Chile definitely brings some exciting players and football to the Copa América 2011 and they may be the surprise package of the tournament.

Peru

World Ranking:  54

Star player:  Juan Manuel Vargas

Despite Peru’s dramatic climb up the world rankings over the past two years, they find themselves in an extremely tough group with quality opposition.  As a result they may find the going too tough against these teams and, although they will be competitive and give their best, they will probably end last in Group C and be eliminated from the tournament.

The fixtures

Uruguay vs. Peru – 4 July 2011, Estadio del Bicentenario, San Juan

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Chile vs. Mexico – 4 July 2011, Estadio del Bicentenario, San Juan

Peru vs. Mexico – 8 July 2011, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Uruguay vs. Chile – 8 July 2011, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Chile vs. Peru – 12 July 2011, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Uruguay vs. Mexico – 12 July 2011, Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata

Group C of the 2011 Copa América will probably be the closest contested group of the tournament and it is difficult to separate Uruguay, Chile and Mexico.  Depending on results and standings in the other groups, all three of these teams may find themselves qualifying for the quarterfinal stage.

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After another week in the weird and whacky world of English football, Man United uncover another badge kissing gem, the mystros behind Liverpool’s backroom change overs just try and fit in and Joe Hart reflects on the beginnings of a beautiful new friendship.

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After successfully securing the services of Javier Hernandez, the Little Pea has spoken of his concerns

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Meanwhile in the Directors Box at Anfield

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Meanwhile back in Manchester some confusion has taken place in Joe Hart’s box

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Over at the San Siro, Gareth Bale and Jermaine Jenas wonder what has hit them

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Finally we move to St Andrews where Ian Holloway is having one of those days

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Things don’t get better for Olly in the second half

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THE END

Everton manager David Moyes has stated that his team are focusing on taking on Sunderland in their FA Cup quarter-finals replay, and not the potential Merseyside derby that a victory would set up.

The winners of Tuesday’s clash at the Stadium of Light will face Kenny Dalglish’s men in the last four, but the Scottish coach is concentrating on his side’s trip to Wearside.

“It’s an irrelevance until the game’s over. I’ve hardly thought beyond going up to Sunderland and making sure we try and get a good result,” he told The Telegraph.

“That job’s big enough without thinking of anything else. I wouldn’t dream of getting ahead of myself, not with playing such a good side in a replay. I don’t think the fans are thinking past it either.

“I can’t think any further than going up to Sunderland and giving them all the respect. There’s no point thinking about anything else until this game is won or lost.

“It is a game that we are desperately keen to get through and get to a semi-final, but there are big games in the league as well. This game definitely taken precedence.

“It definitely keeps the buoyancy going and if we can stay in it the end will take care of itself. This game is of major importance because it’s the next one and we can progress to the semi-final,” he admitted.

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By Gareth McKnight

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There are few moments that carry as much pressure as having every eye on the stadium on you as you step forward to take a penalty. The goal is just 12 yards away from the penalty spot, but because you’re expected to score, the pressure on the striker’s shoulders is immense. Some players have managed to deal with it expertly, with former Newcastle striker and all-time Premiership top scorer Alan Shearer one of many penalty specialists alongside Matt Le Tissier who had an incredible record from the spot for Southampton.

While the pressure is incredibly high, some players still have the confidence to show off their skills and take a somewhat cheeky penalty. Here are some of the current Manchester United squad showboating from the penalty spot:

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However, a real game situation is completely different and those players that have taken a ‘cheeky’ penalty have to be applauded. We have picked out 10 of the best for your viewing enjoyment.

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Head to PAGE TWO for the TOP 10 Audacious Penalties…

10: There’s no better way to start this list than with a chipped penalty. Here’s France legend Zinedine Zidane’s effort in the 2006 World Cup final made even better by the underside of the bar action:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=BzNVT-N3dRs%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

9: Not a particularly cheeky penalty, but audacious nonetheless. Goalkeeper Kevin Pressman steps forward to take a penalty in a shoot-out and this is the incredible result:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YHk3Pk-FxgU%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE THREE for more Audacious Penalties…

8: The chip has become the penalty of choice for many people, including former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke. Here’s Antonin Panenka leading the way in the 1976 Euro Championships for the Czech Republic:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=RSjpO308j88%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

7: German defender Andreas Brehme was known for taking penalties with his left foot, but in the 1990 World Cup final of all places he switched to his right foot:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Eh0heOmKJnM%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE FOUR for more Audacious Penalties…

6: Penalty shootouts are incredibly tense situations. Uruguay’s Sebastian Abreu clearly thinks otherwise as this effort from the 2010 World Cup shows. Arguably the best chip of the lot:

[youtube PLrE5VBMHDQ]

5: Classy effort from former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell. Shame it was in training and not at Elland Road or Anfield:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XL-0i7GI9m0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE FIVE for more Audacious Penalties…

4: Spanish U19 international Ezequiel Calvente made the headlines earlier this year for this audacious switch-hit penalty. They were 2-0 up at the time:

[youtube J5SXBFhkpk4]

3: However, Calvente wasn’t the first to try this. Gerardo Reinsos did the same thing in an Argentina friendly in 1991 and has to be ahead of Calvente for sheer originality:

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=lQO2ioQA9ZU%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE SIX to see which Audacious Penalties top the list…

2: This isn’t in a real game situation but it still had to be included. If Totti did this in an actual Serie A match it would definitely be top of the pile:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=mLrxVPlZLMg%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

1: The originality of this penalty has helped it top the list. What Johann Cruyff and Jesper Olsen did for Ajax isn’t easy, just ask former Arsenal pair Thierry Henry and Robert Pires!

[youtube MQ-l2QaUExs&feature=fvw]

So what do you think? Have we missed any cheeky penalties off of our list and would you have the courage to pull off one of these audacious pens?

Harry Redknapp lavished praise on Gareth Bale after he came close to salvaging Tottenham's Champions League tie with Internazionale.

The Wales winger scored a second-half hat-trick in Wednesday's 4-3 defeat at the San Siro.

Spurs were 4-0 down after 35 minutes and reduced to ten men following an early red card for goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Redknapp's side were staring a European humbling in the face before Bale's intervention and afterwards he was hailed by his manager.

"He's an amazing young player. He plays left-back, he plays wide left, he scores goals, he can run all day," he said.

"Even first half, he gave the right-back (Maicon) a torrid time, I felt.

"The right-back's one of the best right-backs in the world."

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Asked whether Bale's hat-trick heroics could lead to fresh transfer interest, Redknapp replied:"There's no way that the club would or should contemplate ever selling him at the moment, certainly not in the near future.

"We should be looking to improve the team, not sell when we get an offer for one of our very, very best players."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

It was in 2006 when player power was introduced to Chelsea; Jose Mourinho announced his list of ‘untouchables’, what Mourinho had said that no matter what happened to them, they would always be in his first team. For all the success the ‘Special One’ brought to Chelsea, this comment sparked a chain reaction that would do more damage to the club that anyone could have imagined.

When Mourinho was sacked, Avram Grant took over and employed Henk Ten Cate as his assistant manager, the man dubbed ‘The Volcano’. The day before Chelsea played Tottenham in the Carling Cup Final, captain John Terry and Cate had a training ground bust up with the two men having to be separated by players. Speaking about the incident, Cate said:

“John wanted to have even more intensity in training but I didn’t agree as we were just one day before the match. That was all. John and I get on well. John won’t disagree.”

The first sentence is most important here, the captain was trying to dictate what happened in training, and surely this is the job of the manager and his coaching team? Needless to say, Cate and Grant didn’t survive and was replaced by a world cup winning coach in Scolari, he lasted just eight months at Chelsea before he was sacked, and he was less than complimentary about the Chelsea squad:

“The real owners of football at the moment are the players. The coach, in most European clubs, has no strength to contradict them.

“The people sacked are always the coaches. The main players already know this.

“That was my problem at Chelsea. Drogba, Ballack and Cech did not accept my training methods or my demands.”

It probably didn’t take long to work out that those three players were on the ‘untouchable’ list. The manager has to be the key-figure at the football club and the person who calls the shots, not a bunch of over paid prima donnas who don’t like the way a certain manager trains.

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There’s been much more controversy too, John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy twice, Ashley Cole shot a work experience student and Didier Drogba disgraced the club with his actions after the final whistle in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the 2010 Champions League semi-final, yet all of them have escaped punishment by the club and remain as untouchable today, as they was back in 2006.

At Manchester United, when Sir Alex Ferguson feels a player is becoming to big for his boots, he sells them no matter how important they are too the team. Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam and David Beckham are just three players that Sir Alex has moved on for the benefit of his team, while Chelsea still have many of their ‘untouchables’ still at the club.

More recently, Villas-Boas’ former employer has claimed Chelsea players who have reportedly been texting Mourinho, “He needs time to mould his own team and he can’t do that as long as there are players, as I’ve heard, who exchange text messages with Mourinho, have undermined the 34-year-old And Roman Abramovich knows this.”

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The so called ‘untouchables’ have been ever present while four different managers have come and gone at Stamford Bridge, as age is catching up with those six players that remain however, they are no longer are ‘untouchable’ as Lampard’s situation has shown. Villas-Boas’ should have total authority at the club and Roman should seek his advice, more than those who have their own agenda’s to promote.

Have your say by posting a comment or following me on Twitter @DeanMears

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