This is probably the best Manchester United squad of all time. They have won the World Club championship and are still in four other competitions. They defend their European Champions League title against Inter-Milan in the knock-out stages next month; they are two points clear in the defence of the Premier League; United are in the Carling Cup final and in the fifth round of the FA Cup. We marvel at their attack and mid-field but it is the United defence that catches the eye at present. 11 PL matches without conceding a goal. Wow! That is a Premier League record and means it’s been 1032 minutes since United conceded a goal!
Meanwhile Liverpool draw again - their 9th PL draw of the season and five of those have been at Anfield. This time it’s away at Wigan. Manager Rafa Benitez is too cautious. He wants to get out and smell the Pukka Pies a bit more! The Robbie Keane saga is sad and drawn out. Time for the little Irishman to move or be moved on. He can play, that is for sure but there are clearly problems at Liverpool.
Chelsea are making hard work of it in 3rd spot but their 2 nil home win over struggling Middlesbrough puts them back on course. It’s only their 4th win from the last 10 matches. They are not as good as they were and just as Liverpool rely on Steven Gerrard so Chelsea need Frank Lampard. He has now scored 6 times in the last 8 goals and his set piece crosses like Gerrard are match winners as well.
Aston Villa and their talented team are a revelation this season. Their captain Gareth Barry has been a terrific player for some time but they have produced the counter attacking pace of Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor. Now he has added Emile Heskey.
This could be the best transfer deadline signing, at least at £3.5 million it should prove to be the best value for money. Villa have a smaller squad than the so-called big four but they have not had to make many changes to their starting line-up. However, since John Carew was injured Villa have not had a real target man. This increases their chances of finishing in the top four and securing a place in next season's European Champions League.
Villa are now five points ahead of Arsenal. The gap would be bigger if Arsenal had not scored no less than six times in stoppage time this season. Arsenal have had several key injuries this season but have been a pale version of what we expect from manager Arsene Wenger. However, do not discount them from fourth spot just yet. Villa have been the team of the season. Martin O'Neill is an outstanding manager. But Villa fans who talk about being Champions this season: Get real! They’re a long way behind Manchester United.
A word about Everton. They are doing so well without a recognised striker at present. Tim Cahill has been outstanding and leaps to headers like a salmon. West Ham unbeaten in six matches - our Premier League matches - are improving all the while under manager Gianfranco Zola. Attractive to watch but Zola will be relieved to get past the transfer deadline without losing any more players.
Carlton Cole has scored 5 goals in five games for the Hammers, the first West Ham player to do so since Tony Cottee 23 years ago.
At the bottom Portsmouth are sliding into real trouble as are Newcastle. Under Tony Adams as manager Portsmouth have played 20, won 4, drawn 7 lost 9. November 30th was their last Premier League win! Newcastle since Christmas have played 7, won 0, lost 5, drawn 2 and now have lost Michael Owen (6 weeks) and Joey Barton(10) through injuries. It’s looking bad.
In the Championship Reading beat leaders Wolves while Birmingham scraped home 1-nil. Wolves and Reading occupy the two automatic promotion places with Birmingham third. There is a long way to go but I fancy the current top two to make it.
Did they really say this?
"It's not easy, that's why it is difficult." ANDY GRAY
"It is a lot harder when you are 4-1 down then when you are 4-1 up." KEVIN KEEGAN
"Alonso missed a Champions League game when his wife was giving birth to his girlfriend." JASON CUNDY
"Harry Redknapp has had an up and down season on and off the pitch but he's had a fantastic season." ALAN HANSEN
"Well. Statistics are there to be broken." SKY SPORTS NEWS
"And of course, this afternoon it's the second half of the Arsenal/Liverpool trilogy" TALKSPORT
"He wants to go back to France and you can't get nearer to France than Plymouth." PAUL WALKER
Listen to my new song with the Piegirls and let me know what you think. My new show with Tom Ross is up and running. Let’s have your emails and texts. My next show will be with you on Friday, February 6. Fair play mate!
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