The New Chelsea Striker Conundrum

Do Chelsea need a new striker?

I'm sure most football fans are slightly envious of Chelsea FC at the moment, they're European Champions and they've been splashing the cash on some of the world's finest young prospects. They should be heading into the 2012/2013 season with no problems, hoping of challenging for the Premier League Title and retaining 'Ol' Big Ears', but I and a few Chelsea fans by the looks of it can see one slight problem. The striking options.

Do Chelsea need a new striker?

Yes. That would be my answer in short. In the last year Chelsea have lost Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba. During Chelsea's last title winning campaign the pair scored just under 50 goals between them. Now I have no doubt that Marin, Hazard and Oscar will contribute goals, as well as the ever reliable Frank Lampard, but to win the league and compete on all fronts you need a striker (or 2) who will get you 20+ goals.

Fernando Torres: 

Though I'm not a Chelsea fan, I found myself infuriated with the ignorant comments that he's lost it. Fernando Torres is a great striker and a few years ago was arguably one of the best in the world. However I will stop the love affair with him right there. It is a huge ask for Torres; a man who's scored 7 league goals in 46 games to step up and score 20+ goals firing Chelsea into the latter stages of the cups and in the league. While it's not to say he can't or won't do it it would just require an awful lot; he would need to find his scoring boots (his real ones) you have to go back 3 seasons to see Torres hit double figures in the league. It would also require Torres to be fit and injury free all season, ask Liverpool fans, that's not a regular occurrence.

 

So why not just spend big on a new striker? 

Seems simple enough doesn't it? Chelsea are the Champions of Europe, London is an attraction for players and as they have already shown Chelsea have the cash to splash. So why not just spend big and bring in a fashionable goalscorer; a Cavani or Higuain? Well because Torres may just leave. Those thinking no they were just throw away comments need I remind you of Torres' loyalty ?

What do they need?

This is where the complications arise. What they need is a striker who is A) Happy to be second fiddle initially and start mainly from the bench. B) Capable is called upon of scoring plenty of goal to help the club achieve their aims.

 

Do they already have that?

Again in a word I'd say no. Sturridge seems to fit the requirement of being good enough to score goals if needed however, as we saw in the latter stages of last season RDM isn't Sturridge's biggest fan and when Sturridge did play it was often from the right (although Sturridge himself seems to prefer playing as a number 9). As me mentioned earlier though he's not RDM's favourite and right now when you try to predict Chelsea's strongest XI next season you probably don't think of including Sturridge. I would say Chelsea's exit door is more likely than their starting line up for Danny.

The next natural number 9 on Chelsea's books is Romelu Lukaku. The heir apparent to Drogba's throne at Stamford Bridge, is he ready to step up? Not yet in my opinion he played 12 times for the first team last season. Now any Chelsea fans sharpening your swords ask yourself this; If Torres was to suffer an injury early on in the season would you be comfortable know Lukaku was going to start up top?

Next comes Bamford and Piazon who have both impressed at Youth Team and Reserve level. I think in particular Piazon will become a strong player, however If you think either of these are ready yet to start 20-50 games and score regularly then I think those blue tinted specs need to come off.

Who?

This is the bit we really can't answer. Chelsea have been strongly linked to Victor Moses but he's a winger not an out and out "9" striker, nor is Andre Schurrle (though he does wear 9 and has played up front). The most logical player we could come up with was Demba Ba back when he had a release clause of £7 Million that date however has passed. Your guess is as good as ours, maybe Di Matteo will pounce right at the end.


We'd love to hear your feedback so comment or tweet us @4th_Official.

How to be an ITK; A Brief guide to fooling your followers.

How to be an ITK:

A Brief guide to fooling your followers. 

*ITK - Means In the Know, somebody who has "inside information" about Football Clubs.

1. Tell People you’re ITK. 

This is quite important. How else are people going to know you're ITK? You could just post consistently reliable information that you're confident is correct and let people build up a trustworthy opinion of you from that, but that takes time and effort, and of course you actually need to know your onions. It is much quicker and easier just to state that you're ITK. 

2. Tell people they can unfollow you (Twitter) or choose not to believe you. 

You're doing everyone a favour remember that. If somebody doubts your reliable information just tell them not to believe it if they choose to. This way you can get rid of pesky tweeters who want the truth. It’s also makes you look like you're not seeking attention. You are but that’s beside the point. 

3. Namedrop.

This is another important one, of course it’s difficult because names are often hard to come by, and it may come back to bite you in the bum if that person finds out you've been using their name. 

4. Break deals as being "complete" when they are in the latter stages.

This isn't so important but it makes your job a whole lot easier. If a transfer looks likely and various other sources have reported it as being in the closing stages say it’s a done deal. The transfer will more than likely go through and then you can be smug and say you confirmed it.... ago. Remember there is no set limit on the amount of times you can "break" news. If you break it too early say a month or a week then blame the club, you knew about it ages ago they just wanted to keep it a secret for longer. 

5. Try and make sure the stories aren't totally made up.

This again isn't a cast iron rule but it’s a good one to follow. If newspapers continually run the same story you can piggy-back on this and use it as your story. Robin Van Persie and Luka Modric are expected to leave their clubs this summer so these are easy targets, combine 4 and 5 and you should get a fair few shit munchers on board and increase your number of followers. 

6. If you are making it up; be logical put 2 and 2 together. 

To really be ITK you have to be one of the first to break a story. If you just repeat stories from other sources (Like Our Twitter page) then nobody will believe you are ITK. The best way to be the first on the scene is to make a story up ( I know this goes against points 4 and 5) however be careful when making your story up, if it’s too farfetched you could be left with egg on your face, try and follow this little formula:

Club -> Position they're weak in -> Player who plays there -> "realistic" fee.

= Manchester United are interested in a £14 Million deal for #NUFC's Yohan Cabaye

You could very well get lucky and a paper or website could run a similar story and you could be smug. 

7. Use transfer buzzwords and phrases.

They're a nightmare for fans during silly season but they can be your best friend. Terms like "Interested in" "Preparing a bid for" or "Set for talks “are extremely useful. This can be very important if you're following point 6. Even if your story is bullshit (Which we know it may just be) if you use one of these terms you can't be held accountable, I mean you didn't say it was a done deal you just said there was interest, what do they know there could well have been. 

8. Backtrack and Delete, or Attack and Block.

It is important to remember that not everybody loves ITKs and there will be some people out there to get you! You can delete tweets but some people may still see them. You have two options when you've been found out either unleash a foul mouthed flurry of abuse and then block the victim so they can't get you again ( I know you're a "professional person" and surely your clients would be embarrassed to see you fighting random people online but nobody seems to mention that so it’s ok). The other option is to backtrack and then delete you can say "my source was wrong" or "everybody makes mistakes" this is particularly useful if you've applied point 2. 

That’s our guide then, I hope you don't use it because we've got enough fucking ITKs. If you enjoyed the post, comment or RT. 

Thanks.

Team Previews; Star Man and Ones to Watch:

If you like us have been reading blogs and previews for the past month then we apologise as this will probably be nothing new, you have probably formulated your own opinions on who each countries star man is and any fans of the Football Manager series probably have an idea who the ones to watch will be. I'm sure there are plenty of players you'll be thinking 'why haven't they mentioned him?' about and there will also be plenty of 'Well Duh' responses with some of the selections.

We're going to do the One to Watch section a little bit differently, rather than just telling you who the country's best youngster is we'll discuss players who we think will be interesting to watch for one reason of the other. A better sub-heading may be 'Something to look out for' but that doesn't sound as cool. 

This is what we think:

Group A:

Poland:

Star Man: Lewandowski, It has not even started yet and you're probably sick of every Journo, Freelancer and bloggers (including us) waxing lyrical about him. He's probably the worst kept secret of these Euros and everyone seems to be 'tipping' him as top scorer. I've made him the star man and not the one to watch because looking at the squad I think he's the shining light (along with Szczesny) of the team, he is you're typical striker he scored 30 goals this season with BVB helping them lift the Bundesliga Title and the German Cup where he scored a hat-trick in the final. He's got all the attributes you would associate with a top striker.

One to watch: Jakub Blaszczykowski; It an odd twist we've gone with the captain as the one to watch. One thing you'll never find a cure for in football is sheer pace and that's what 'Kuba' offers. 3 of Poland's Key men will be from BVB and Kuba's club relationship with Piszczek will help the Polish in their attacks, don't be surprised to see Kuba destroying a few full backs with his speed.

Poland short prediction: Can't see them going too far I think they'll get out of the group then be knocked out.

Czech Republic:

Star Man: Rosicky, Apologies to Cech but we're going to mainly focus on the outfield players in this blog. Rosicky is the captain and will be the one faced with the task of creating the chances for Baros and possibly Necid to finish. This season he again proved at Arsenal that he's still a capable high level midfield player.

One to watch: Kadlec; the left back has a brilliant scoring record for his country, he's going to need to be solid in both attack and defence though. Look for him trying to create chances for Baros and Necid and possibly popping up with a goal.

Czech short prediction: Won't progress, I think while they're still a good side the days of being on of Europe's dark horses is over for the time being.

Greece:

Star Man: Karagounis; Its not secret the Greeks benefited from set plays when they were crowned European Champions in 2004 and I think the same will happen again. Karagounis is one of the better set piece takers in the competition, the Greeks will be looking to him and the full back to be whipping the balls across goal.

One to watch: Fetfatzidis; we could have gone with Ninis here but we're choosing Fetfatzidis as he is probably a lot lesser known, You won't see him starting but he'll probably come on in games to inject a bit of pace and dynamism into what looks a static team. You'll no doubt hear the phrase 'Greek Messi' Fetfatzidis is a good dribbler and he'll be a threat when he comes on.

Greece short prediction: Won't progress, Group A is probably the hardest to call because all the side will be happy with the draw, I can't see the Greeks picking up enough points, then again nor could many in 2004.

Russia:

Star Man: Kerzhakov, while Arshavin will again probably take a lot of attention we think it'll be Alex Kerzhakov that will be the star, like Lewandowski his odds are dropping by the day to be top scorer and looking at him play you'll see why. I foresee a few goals in this group so Russia's main striker as I think he'll be will have to be the star man.

One to watch: Dzagoev, He'll probably occupy the central role in the 3 behind the Striker, he is a very gifted young player with an eye for a killer pass and a goal threat, don't be surprised to see him emerge as one of the big names in Europe after this.

Russia short prediction: Really they should be topping this group and picking up close to maximum points, I don't think it'll be plain sailing but I think they'll top the group.

Group B:

Germany:

Star Man: Ozil, There was an awful lot of names we could have put here but I feel after winning the league with Real and keeping Kaka out of the team Ozil will be Germany's star man. He'll have players like Kroos and Schurrle ready to fill in if he doesn't take his chance. I think Ozil will be spectacular in Poland-Ukraine.

One to watch: Klose, I am sure that if you've bothered reading this far you'll be thinking 'Schurrle, Gotze, Reus? How on earth is Klose one to watch?' Well, It seems as though Mario Gomez is going to be the spearhead of the German attack but as we saw a few weeks ago its not a rare thing to see Gomez freeze when it comes to a big chance. Of Course Gomez's goalscoring record is fantastic the last few seasons however I wouldn't be too surprised to see Miroslav find his way into the first 11 and then find the net from then on.

Germany short prediction: Up their. I'd be more surprised not to see Germany in at least the semis.

Denmark:

 Star Man: Agger, On his day one of the world's best centre backs. This is quite a big claim but if you've seen him play when fully fit he is fantastic, however his injuries problems are well documented, He's made of flumps which is unfortunate. Denmark have the unenviable task of in little over 2 weeks facing Gomez,Ronaldo and RVP. If the Danes are to do anything expect Dagger to be solid.

One to watch: Eriksen, Again one of Europe's worst kept secrets, for those who haven't seen him play, but have him on Football Manager so therefore claim to know about him, watch him. The Ajax man is a top quality playmaker that I think a few other squads wouldn't have minded being able to call up. He'll have a big job in this tournament supplying to Bendtnar who seems to be a different man when playing for Denmark.

Denmark short prediction: Its a brave man that bets on Denmark getting out of this group, I think its over before it starts. Group A they probably would have got out of but not here.

Portugal:

Star Man: That one that plays for Madrid, his name eludes me. Do we really need to go into it?

One to watch: Moutinho, This is another time when we could have used the goalkeeper. Mountinho was a whom half a decade ago was being touted as a future world beater. If you watch him you can see why, If Portugal are to do well in this competition expect to see Mountinho pulling all the strings. Big game player for Porto he'll have to be tireless in midfield as well as creative, something is is capable of.

Portugal short prediction: 3rd favourite and probably an accurate prediction, can see them troubling but not beating Holland or Germany.

Netherlands:

Star Man: Sneijder, RVP is also in this category but when it comes to International competitions Wesley always performs, He was a phenom in South Africa and is one of the best players in any of the 23 man squads. He'll guarantee you one screamer at least.

One to watch: RVP, like we said at the start we're not just going to list exciting youngsters. Narsingh and Willems may not even see the pitch. We've selected RVP for a number of reasons: He is coming of the best season of his life. His future is up in the air so he could be looking to impress suitors. Most importantly though, where will he play? Holland tend to have 1 main Striker a.k.a The number 9. Huntelaar seems to be the man for this, he can match RVP's scoring record at club level and better it at International level, where and how RVP plays will be extremely interesting.

Netherlands short prediction: Very interesting Euros for the Dutch, they have a possible weakness in defence but boast some of the best players in the world. I think it'll be Russia for them in the quarters which will be massive just like the last time.

Group C

Spain:

Star Man: Iniesta, theres certainly no shortage of players to accept this accolade but I think it will be Iniesta, Xavi this season cam off a lot for Barca and I think we may see that in the Spanish team, Iniesta will be an ever present and will hope to offer assits and goals, Nobody needs reminding of his last tournament goal.

One to watch: Fernando Torres, sorry again for those who haven't grasped the way we're doing one to watch. I think Torres' Euros will be extremly intresting even at his lowest lows he was in the thoughts of De Bosque. Its clear to see that Torres hasn't had a nice 18 months on the pitch (Champions League we know but we mean playing) yet he was still selected over the free scoring Roberto Soldado which a lot in Spain disagreed with. I'll go bold and say that it will be Torres starting most of the games and that he will do well.

Spain short prediction: Up there but maybe not winners.

Croatia:

Star Man: Modric, Luka has probably got another summer of transfer madness ahead of him but his focus now will be on Euro 2012. He is probably on of the best central midfielders in the competition. With Srna he will look to lead Croatia by example. If Croatia are to be the dark horses then look no further than Modric to be the man running the show.

One to watch: Jelavic, Jelavic has been in and around the Croatian squad for a while without really breaking into the first team, however now with Olic's injury and his Everton career to date he could well leapfrog Eduardo into the Croat first team alongside Mandzukic and do what he does best; score goals.

Croatia short Prediction: I think they may just pip Italy to the post, I wouldn't count them out just yet.

Italy:

Star Man: Chiellini, A rock in Juventus' rise back the top and one of , if not Central defenders in the world, With no clear partner or formation defensively Chiellini is going to have to be at his brilliant best to keep Italy together at the back.

One to watch: Yeahp him. Super Mario is going to be a headliner maker during the Euros one would suspect, I just hope its for the right reasons. If its not for the right reasons I hope its at least funny. Balotelli is probably be starting alongside the saint-like Di Natalie if both are fully fit. When he is on song Balotelli is an attacker capable of causing any defender in the world problems, when he's not on song he can't put a bib on. We really hope that he promises to leave the pitch due to racism aren't tested.

Italy short prediction: Close your eyes and point, the squad like in 2012 is possibly good enough to win but may very well fall at the first hurdle.

Ireland

 Star Man: Keane, cliched as it is he is Ireland's star man. He goes into this competition boasting one of the best international records of almost a goal every other game. He is no doubt going to give everything he's got in every game. You can almost foresee him sneaking a 94th minute winner against Italy now.

One to watch: McGeady, while a few like ourselves are extremely excited to see young McClean of Sunderland fearlessly go at full backs with his direct approach, a lot of focus will be on the other winger. Aiden McGeady who plays his football in Russia will be on of the most exciting wingers in the competition. It would not be a farfetchment to say he possibly boasts the best bag of tricks, expect to see some cheeky little moves and him earning Ireland a few free kicks. He Could prove an invaluable asset.

Ireland short prediction: Like Denmark, cursed are those in the groups of death. I hope that Ireland get at least a win and I'd love them to go on a memorable run but I can't see it.

Group D

France:

Star Man: Benzema, just pipped Ribery to the post on this one. Benzema will no doubt be the man to lead the French line in a tournament where there is a lot of domestic hope. The last 2 years Benzema has started to show what he promised early doors and Lyon and what made Real Madrid pay so much for him. He has never really done it for the national team though, but with the goals he has not only been scoring but creating in La Liga don't count him out as being one of the players of the tournament.

One to watch: Valbeuna, The little man (5ft6) may not be extremely well known across Europe and possibly won't be starting all of France's games, but when he comes on look out for him, he is a very gifted player who can open up a team with a fantastic shot or a crafty pass. The Newcastle lads Ben Arfa and Cabaye will also be interesting to see on this stage.

France short prediction: I think they'll top the group from there it remains to be seen, lets just say if France were the eventual winners I wouldn't be too surprised.

England:

Star Man: Gerrard, I am sure a few people skipped the rest and are just going to read this bit. The reason we have said Gerrard is because; We're not doing Keepers, Rooney is potentially only guaranteed one match, his position. With Parker as his partner Stevie is going to be able to be a bit more attacking and a bit more creative work which he is best at. Its hard to deny that Stevie's best years are behind him but as a footballer he is still one of the best around. If England are to do well in this tournament I also think that Ashley Cole will be key, he was Chelsea's MVP in the Champions League and is still probably the best in the world in his position.

One to watch: Milner, I'm sure a lot of people we're expecting Oxlade-Chamberlain, but I'm not sure how much of the pitch time he'll get. Hodgson seems to fancy Milner in his first XI in any capacity, with the seeming understandable reluctance to use Henderson we could see Milner playing central midfield at some point. He seems to have a starting place nailed down. Milner at his best is a fine fine footballer who is creative a goal threat and will not stop running until the final whistle, dismissed incorrectly by England fans as boring.

Short England prediction: Pessimistic optimists are what I would describe England fans in the lead up to this European Championship, I think England will get out of the group but will then struggle if they face Spain.  

 

Sweden:

Star Man: Zlatan. No real surprise here, I may be a little of with this fact but I think 11/12 was the first season for about 8 years that Zlatan didn't win the league he was playing in. And when you play 30+ times and score 20+ goals then you're certainly not curtailing on those league wins. Though he hasn't always been at his brilliant best for Sweden as he has in Serie A he is still a huge threat, he scored an International hat-trick a year ago today to help Sweden qualify. He is one of the best in the world.

One to watch: Elm, Not that shite one from Fulham; his brother. Rasmus currently of AZ is a box to box midfielder with a very dangerous right boot, He is energetic strong and will cause a lot of trouble with his deliveries passing and his long distance efforts. If there is a free kick in shooting distance it'll be an interesting tug of war between Elm, Larsson and Ibra

Short Sweden prediction: I think they'll go out in the group stages.

Ukraine:

Star Man: Tymoshchuk, one of only 2 players in the Ukraine side that play there football outside of the Ukraine, Tymoshchuk like Shevchenko has a lot of big game experience. I chose him as the star man because he will be the enforcer that teams have to go through to score and the man Ukraine will be looking to for support when in possession.

One to watch: Yarmolenko, very exciting winger who is going to be charged with not only creating but scoring goals, He could be one of the players that makes a big name for himself in Europe if the hosts do well.

Short Ukraine prediction: I think the joint hosts will face an early exit.


Thats that then our Euro 2012 Player Preview, let hope we witness a fantastic tournament.

Kenny Dalglish: Should he stay or should he go?

Most of the Football world has had its say and now so will we. We're going to discuss whether or not Kenny should stay on as Liverpool manager or whether he should step down. We're not discussing whether he will be fired. We'll look at it from Kenny's and from the fans perspective, we'll also look at the reasons Liverpool's league season as failed in a major way and then conclude.

Kenny was a fantastic manager but you couldn't expect a boxer to come out of retirement 17 years after their last major success and become world champion.

From Kenny's Viewpoint:

Reasons he should stay:

Kenny Dalglish is a Liverpool legend, and will always be. Kenny at the moment has been Liverpool boss for 15 months and in that time he has brought back a positive attacking style that seemed almost gone forever in the Hodgson days, and he has also brought Liverpool their first trophy since 2006. Kenny is in the semi-final of the FA and could complete this season with a domestic double. With Liverpool fans he doesn't have to prove anything, Liverpool are a club in a healthy financial situation so there is probably money available for him to spend. Kenny himself knows that the league form of Liverpool this season has been woeful and Kenny is a man fully self-confident so believes he can turn it around. For Kenny himself to ask for another 12 months where in which he can turn the fortunes of this Liverpool club around surely isn't too much to ask. Bettering almost every team that have come to Anfeild this season will surely give the Scot confidence. He'll look at the team and think with a bit of better luck, and a few better signings we can move onwards and upwards.

Reasons he should go: 

Kenny Dalglish is a Liverpool legend and always will be. That is amongst the older generation and any Liverpool fan regardless of age who know the first thing about the club. This reputation however is starting to reduce ever so slightly:

Kenny for fucks sake this is ridiculous.

Would have been a phrase no Liverpool fan would have ever uttered however it was a mutual thought when Jamie Mackie tickled home QPR's winner a few weeks back. Kenny at the moment is risking his monumental reputation at the club he loves.

Its also not just in the Liverpool fan base where is reputation is taking a hit, the dealing of the Suarez affair (no matter what your view is on  it) lead to Dalglish being label a bigot and a racist (the latter mainly by people who get their opinions made for them by tabloid rags). Dalglish's handling of the media has also lead to public condemnation as the upbeat witty Dalglish of old seem now to be replaced with a more dour pugnacious man.

If Dalglish where to step down I can't see many Liverpool fans being angry at him. His reputation in years to come would still be the man who made it 6-0 in the 77 super cup final, the man who won 3 league titles and then the manager who brought a trophy (or 2) during the post-Hicks transition. Rather than the reputation he may get if he stays and result don't turn around.


From the Club and the fan's viewpoint:

Reasons he should stay:

Similarly to his personal reasons, Dalglish has won a trophy and has brought a more attacking brand of football to the Kop. It would take a very anti-Dalglish Liverpool fan to deny that this season for Liverpool has had its highlights and the FA Cup could provide a few more. Kenny made mistakes in the summer but there is nothing concrete to say that he won't resolve these issue and bring in better players now that he has had 15 months in the job and 15 months in modern day football management. 2012 would argue with me but Liverpool have not been terrible this season they were the better team at home when they faced Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. So therefore Liverpool fans can hold out hope that next season their luck may change and they could take 3 points in the game where they have been deserving. The next issue comes in the form of Kenny's replacement who would come in? Jose Mourinho? Guardiola? (I'm not sure he'd be as good for a different)  No Chance! As Chelsea proved in the summer there is no factory producing world class managers that you can just pick up. The job won't look to attractive either if a manager who's won one (maybe 2) trophie is sacked. Overall Liverpool fans should see signs of progress in their cup runs and also in their attacking football, and many will feel this has earnt Kenny at least one more year.

Reasons he should go:

"For Liverpool football club the league is the bread and butter", John Aldridge

Kenny in the league has not done well enough. In the summer JW Henry said that "4th Place has to be the minimum expectation" Liverpool this season will not finish 4th. At the time of typing Liverpool sit 4 points behind Everton in 8th (albeit with a game in hand) and only 3 points ahead of 14th. If Liverpool kicked it up 100 gears and won every league game they have left they probably still would not finish in the top 6. Kenny Dalglish has to take the lion's share of the blame for this as Liverpool's first 11 normally feature at least 3 of his signings and always plays with his tactics. You can blame injuries and the woodwork but simply put Liverpool have not been good enough. on the form table Liverpool would be 19th. A stat Liverpool fans often like to use is the "If the league started on ...... Liverpool would be ....." well if the League started in January Liverpool would be facing relegation. For a Liverpool side not to be mathematically safe in April is horrific, and Liverpool's worst league run in 50 years would almost certianly see any other manager out of a job.

Why has Liverpool's League campaign failed?

Lady Luck:

She certianly hasn't shined on Liverpool this season, The above video was made in December when Liverpool had it the woodwork more since August than 90% of Premier League teams had the whole of the previous campaign. They've hit it a few times since. When the "Saves of the Season" compilation is made I would be flabbagasted not to see at least 4 saves made by opposition goalkeepers at Anfield to deny Liverpool a winner in the last ten minutes. Another "what if" for you; If every shot that hit the crossbar this season had actually scored Liverpool would still be in the chase for 4th place unfortuantly this is not how Football works. Liverpool have the same goals to aim at as every other team they're just not very good at doing it. Their finishing has been a horror show. Liverpool will also feel they've been unlucky with refs this season the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa for example saw Liverpool denied 3 penalties incorrectly. Liverpool however are not the only team who feel hard done by by Refs ask Wigan. Yes they've had more than their fair share of bad luck, but good teams make their own luck.

Injuries:

In November 2011 the majority of the world started to realise what educated fans realised a year before and that is that Lucas is a brilliant midfielder at his job. He is in the elite of breaking up play and keeping Liverpool on the ball and controlling the middle of the park. His injury was gigantic as his role has not been filled at all ( Sorry Jay Spearing I know you're trying your best). Another injury that has been Key has been Daniel Agger he and Martin Skrtel (sidenote: he has improved no end) have the most clean sheets of any centre back pairing in the Premiership, it is no coincedence that since his injury in the Carling Cup final that Liverpool have dropped way down the slope, as like Lucas he left a hole (Carragher is no longer good enough and Kenny doesn't seem to fancy playing Coates) Liverpool due to injuries and Suspensions have rarely been able to play Glen Johnson Lucas Gerrard Suarez and Agger in the same team I'm not sure of facts but I doubt its been more than say 10 games in all compettions. But alas Liverpool can't blame injuries they're not an alien concept  to other teams Manchester United lost their best player and captian to a knee injury they sit top, Arsenal have missed a key centre mid all year and went 2 months without a full back they sit 3rd.

Dalglish's Dealings:

I say dealings becuase I mean sales as well as purchases, and just to let everybody know "Net" means nothing to be here, If Barca were to sell Messi and Xavi to buy Bradley Johnson and Ricardo Fuller they may have made a huge "Net Profit" but they've still done very bad business(no offence Bardley and Ricardo). Dalglish's signings have been pretty poor on the whole and if he is to find himself out of work he can probably blame this, I'll save Liverpool fans the time of going into every indivdual deal as this is already extremely word heavy, but certian mistakes have been key he sold both Aquiliani and Meireles and due to Injuries Liverpool have had to start many games with a Spearing Henderson( /Adam/Shelvey who I do like) partnership which is frankly nowhere near good enough for LFC. Carroll hasn't got the goals and Downing hasn't got the assists, and even the "better signings" like Suarez and Enrique have come in for righful criticism at times.

Dalglish's tactics:

Liverpool tend to announce their starting 11 around 50 minutes before kick off, however under Dalglish this tends to tell us very little as to how Liverpool are going to set up in formation. To tell the truth after 85 minutes of the game its often just as difficult to what formation they're playing. I've watched 95% of Liverpool's games this season and on many occasions Jordan Henderson has seemingly played CM CDM CAM and RM all in the same game. Things like Downing on the right and Kuyt on the left have left me stratching my head, and at time it's been crystal clear on the pitch that players are unsure of their roles. Yes Dalglish has set up some games perfectly and at times has set us up to attack and dominate teams, but he's also stuck with certian things that have confused an awful lost of people. Suarez doesn't tend to work as a loan striker, Gerrard is best as a CF, Henderson and Dirk playign seemingly regardless of form etc etc.


Conclusion:
Now apologies for those who've taken the time to read this and have been shaking their heads throughout but this is just my opinion and my observations. Alot of you get ready to shake them again becuase I think Kenny should step down at the end of May (not be sacked Step down) despite the positives I've mentioned above the negatives seem to outweigh them. It is often a joke Liverpool have to put up with that they all feel "next year will be our year" but most of the time there is sound reasoning behind it, however I feel this is one of those years where if Kenny stays on even the most tinted spec wearing Liverpool fans will struggle to say the phrase.For Liverpool a new manager new tactics and new ideas could be so so refreshing, and for Kenny he can leave with his head held high as he came in when we needed him and took us to Wembley at least twice. He is and will always be the King but now is the time for Simba ( A returning Rafa, Klopp, I don't know) to take over and lead Liverpool back to where they belong.

Andrei Arshavin, What went Wrong?

He doesn't seem to know but we might have a better idea. 

He came and did this:

 

And then now a days we see this:

So where has it gone wrong for him?


We'll start form the beginning. Andrei Arshavin came to North London and the Premier League officially on the 3rd of January 2009 (The day after deadline day :s). He was always going to leave Zenit after Euro 2008 when he was a key to Russia's run to the semi final (he was in fact named in the team of the tournament). Where would he end up? seemed to be the question on most lips, Barcelona had already had a bid rejected and had Spurs in the summer, Which seemed to frustrate Arshavin who then decided that he was going to leave. He did leave Zenit and he joined Arsenal.

It seemed like Arshavin was well up to the task of regular Premier league football, He made his debut on the 21st of February, scored his first goal for Arsenal on the 14th of March on the 11th of April he added his second Arsenal goal, His excellent performances were recognised when he captained Arsenal on the 2nd May. He was both Arsenal and The Premier League's player of the month for April due in no small part to an incredible 4 goals at Anfield in a 4-4 draw. 

He finished the season with 6 goals and 9 Assists in 15 games. He finished 2nd in Arsenal's player of the season poll also after playing less than 25% of Arsenal's games. Arsenal finished the season in 4th place and a dissapointing 18 points behind 1st. The view on Arshavin however was that in the little russian Arsenal had one of the world's elite attacking players a player who had the magic in him to change and win any premiership in an instant. 


He started the 09/10 season in similar form scoring a truly world class goal at Old Trafford.

He often puts his finger to his lips as a trademark celebration, not sure who he is ever shushing. 


A similarly fantastic goal was scored when Arshavin again put Liverpool to the sword in December 2009. He was so important that season he was being played not matter what, he started a game and was man of the match when played up front against Stoke. Arsenal finished 3rd only 11 points behind 1st. Arshavin finished the season with 12 goals and 7 assists and a handful of man of the matches. His reputation of being a top class player was difficult to argue.


In the 2010/11 season Arshavin featured in all but one of Arsenal's league games and made 52 apperances overall. Arshavin hit the ground running scoring 6 goals in all competitions by September. By January he had scored 7 goals (he would only score 3 more all season). Did he get coal for Christmas 2010? What was his New Year's resolution? Now it would be unfair to say he was awful (as he is now) in the early part of 2011 he did suffer a dip in form however. A sign of a return to his best could have come from his goal against Barcelona, It didn't. Arsenal lost the league cup final to Birmingham and there season spirraled downwards as did Arshavin's form. He scored one more goal all season in a 2-2 draw with West Brom. Signs of discontent amoung the fans grew in the opening months and kept growing in 2011, Arshavin was never a player that could be describe as an Engine who worked tirelessly but the player was noticably lazy and with a dip in form confidence seemed to desert him. He often was found at the breakdown of Arsenal's attacks with wayward shooting and poor passing. 
The season ended with an a very impressive 17 assists, He scored 10 goals in the season which for an attacking midfielder or wide man is far from shoddy however his ratio had dropped from just >1 in 2 to just under >1 in 5. 


The summer of 2011 was rife with rumours of an Arshavin leaving the Gunners, German teams Oil-Rich Anzhi and other top russian clubs were linked. Alot of Arsenal fans were more concerned with how much they would recieve than loosing a player who in 2008 looked unplayable. 


Arshavin stayed but the way he has played this season I think he, Arsene and the fans are wondering why? Arsenal had a very poor start to the season. No less than in the 8-2 drubbing at the hands of rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. I was a neutral in this game Karl Jenkinson was torn apart but Arshavin was by far the worst performer. You can some up his performance in that game as Lazy, Wasteful and petulant, scratch that, that is how you would sum up his season. He has scored once when the ball was dropped at his feet infront of an open goal. 


What has gone wrong for Arshavin? He seems to have stopped trying. He showed for a decade that he has a brilliant football ability, but currently he is low in the pecking order and I think if a decent bid came in for him Arsenal should bite the hand off. One other reason suggested was that in 2010 due to Russia's failiure to qualify for the World Cup he went into dpression and considered quitting football, to be honest he kind of has. He is low in the pecking order doesn't look intrested fresh scenary could help this once great Russki get back to his best.

Hees been bad for Arsenal but has he been his "usual self" in the Russian National Team? Well, his last goal was in October 2010. They have Qualified for Euro 2012 however (the same tournament in which he was announced on the world stage)