India suffered an injury blow ahead of the second Test in St Lucia when their fast bowler, Sreesanth, was ruled out with a sore heel. John Gloster, the team physio, revealed that Sreesanth, who bowled the final over of the tense draw at Antigua, would need three to five days of rest before he gets back to full fitness.”Sreesanth pulled up sore in the [left] heel at the end of the last Test match,” Gloster observed. “He has got an inflammed bursar at the back of the heel. We saw a specialist this morning, and he has just taken an injection in that heel. The specialist is confident it will settle down reasonably quickly but at this stage, we are going to give him three to five days’ rest. We will then work him back to full fitness after that. At this stage, he will be unavailable for Saturday.”Sreesanth had missed the first matches of the recently concluded one-day series owing to a heel injury, but Gloster confirmed that the situation was slightly different this time. “This one came on during the last match, so it’s a little bit unfortunate for him. But we are pretty confident the injection he took this morning will get on top of the injury, and we will see how he goes over the next three to five days.”Gloster also said that the injury hadn’t affected Sreesanth’s bowling in the previous game. He added that there weren’t any other injury concerns. “Apart from him, at this stage everybody else is pretty fit. I think we are pretty fortunate to have got this far with just a little niggle.”At this stage, with a generous smattering of green on the pitch, it would appear that Irfan Pathan would be the obvious choice to replace Sreesanth.
The Bangladesh opening batsman Hannan Sarkar has paid the price for a dismal run of form, as he has been dropped for the second Test against New Zealand, which starts at Chittagong on Tuesday.Sarkar, who in the Caribbean earlier this year earned the dubious distinction of falling to the first ball of consecutive Test matches, managed scores of just 0 and 1 at Dhaka this week, as Bangladesh slumped to defeat by an innings and 99 runs. His place has been taken by the uncapped middle-order batsman Aftab Ahmed, a former Under-19 player.”We have decided to call Aftab Ahmed into the middle order as we had a bitter experience in the first Test,” said Bangladesh’s chief selector, Faruk Ahmed. Aftab made his one-day debut in the recent Champions Trophy in England.And following the relative success of Bangladesh’s spinners – Mohammad Rafique and Manjural Islam Rana shared nine first-innings wickets between them – the selectors have recalled Enamul Haque junior for the second Test, at the expense of the seamer Alamgir Kabir. Khaled Mashud continues to captain the side, in the absence of Habibul Bashar.Bangladesh squad Khaled Mashud (capt, wk), Rajin Saleh, Javed Omar, Mohammad Ashraful, Nafis Iqbal, Manjural Islam Rana, Tareq Aziz, Mushfiqur Rahman, Aftab Ahmed, Alok Kapali, Tapash Baisya, Mohammad Rafique, Enamul Haque jr.
The record books were spared but Queensland’s bowlers were not as Victoria continued using their licence to bat with abandon on the second day of the Pura Cup cricket final at the MCG. With Victoria 6 for 592 at stumps in 186 overs and 723 minutes, the innings was a statistician’s delight but prolonged agony for Queensland, who faced another three days of formalities before Victoria were crowned champion.Needing only a draw to secure its first first-class title since 1990-91, Victoria appear certain to continue batting on the third day to become just the third side after Queensland (in 1994-95) and Western Australia (1986-87) to post 600 in a Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup final. Darren Berry, Victoria’s captain, said, “We’ll bat until Queensland get us out.”While the first day produced a stack of records to century-maker Matthew Elliott, the second day was more like a thousand cuts, with the Victorian middle order knuckling down after Queensland’s pacemen picked up three wickets before lunch. The star of the day was Jonathan Moss, who made an entertaining 98, and was denied a century when he failed to get to the pitch of the ball for possibly the first time all day, and chipped Nathan Hauritz to short mid-on.Moss and Cameron White (54) put on 135 to regain Victoria’s ascendancy and then Ian Harvey (34 not out) and Andrew McDonald (37 not out) rounded off another dominant batting performance.Berry smiled when asked if it would be hard keeping a lid on celebrations for the next three days. But he said that Victoria were still chasing an outright win, and could get some help from a pitch that has been dead for two days but starting to show signs of life.”Speaking to McDonald and Harvey, they said a few kept a little bit low today towards the end of play today, which is obviously very encouraging for us with almost 600 runs on the board,” Berry said. “There was a few cracks in it at the start of the first day so I’ll have a look at it again in the morning, but I would imagine it will be difficult to bat on day five.”Although disappointed at missing a century, Moss was pleased to have played his part in such a crucial match given that Victoria lost three wickets in the space of 33 runs early in the day. “The fact is if we win the Pura Cup I won’t let it bother me too much,” he said. “It would have been great to get the hundred but as cricket goes, sometimes you’ve got to cop the disappointment. It might hit me later on tonight … but it’s great we’re in such a good position and that I contributed to putting us into that good position.”Victoria resumed at 1 for 322 but the morning belonged to Queensland, as Joe Dawes, Andy Bichel and Ashley Noffke removed Brad Hodge (89), Elliott (155) and David Hussey (16) respectively.But as the sun emerged from the cloud, it rendered the pacemen to spectators and the batsmen went largely untroubled against Hauritz and the part-time spin of Stuart Law and Chris Simpson. Moss hit a six off Law into the MCG construction site and the resulting delay for getting a replacement ball only drew Queensland’s agony out further.
Somerset Under 13 have enjoyed mixed fortunes on their tour to South Africa, and found the first two matches tough going when they were comfortably beaten by Lions and K.E.P.S.However they quickly returned to winning ways and their following two matches both resulted in resounding victories.In the first match, against Penryn, Somerset fielded first and thanks to all of the bowers performing well their opponents were dismissed for 58.The pick of the bowlers was Jason Strong, who ended with 4 for 22 in his 8 overs. His bowling spell in tandem with Mick Le Mare did the real damage, with Le Mare conceding just 3 runs in 8 overs. They were well supported Will Robinson who ended with 3 for 19 and Callum Haggett 2 for 9.In reply two early losses did not prevent an easy victory thanks to Matthew Green who was the mainstay of the innings with 24 and Matthew Horsley who gave good support to see the side home by 6 wickets.In the day night match against their Worcestershire counterparts the midland county batted first and were all out for 192, thanks to some tight bowling by Alex Thomson, Johnathan Mould and Haggett who ended with two wickets a piece, and a good fielding display.In reply the Somerset pair of Jos Butler and Haggett quickly put their side in control and shared a partnership of 156 from 19 overs, before Butler was out for 92, just 8 runs short of what would have been a thoroughly deserved century.Haggett remained until the end to guide his side home to an 8 wicket victory with eleven overs to spare.The Under 13’s have two games remaining on the their South African tour before travelling back to England.
Scotland defeated Canada by 12 runs in a thrilling match while UAEraced to a five-wicket victory over slumping Singapore on the thirdday of the ICC Trophy here Saturday.Five more matches were decided at different cricket centres in Torontoand its adjoining areas. Ireland cruised to an eight-wicket win overHong Kong, Namibia trounced Germany by nine wickets, Argentinacompleted last-over win over East and Central Africa, Papua New Guineaheld on to beat USA in a tense game and France defeated Israel with anover to spare.At King City Stadium, the Canadians suffered their first defeat losingto Scotland who had scored 201 for eight. Brilliant catching and finebowling from James Brinkley (2-34), Craig Wright (2-22) and GreigWilliamson (3-22) saw the Scots home.Singapore again suffered from a lack of starch in its batting as itfell to a five-wicket defeat at the hands of the United Arab Emirates.Kiran Deshpande (35) and Zubin Schroff (34) shared a 53-runpartnership for the fifth wicket as Singapore reached 191 for 9 in thestipulated 50 overs.Muhammad Nadeem (63) and all-rounder Khuram Khan (57 not out) safelynegotiated the middle stages of the UAE’s innings and guided theirteam to victory.Malton’s first game of the tournament produced a convincing ninewicket win for Namibia over Germany.Argentina ensured that it will record its best-ever ICC Trophyperformance here in Canada when it made two wins from two matches withits four-wicket success over East and Central Africa at Ross Lordground. Inspired by a fine innings from Simon Hewitt (52), theFrenchmen posted a three-wicket win over Israel who suffered theirsecond defeat.Elsewhere, it was Papua New Guinea’s shock eight-run win over theUnited States that stole most of the attention.On Friday, tailender Kenneth Kamyuka created history when he scored ahurricane stroke-filled century powering Uganda to 64-run victory overMalaysia.Batting at No 10, Kamyuka scored exactly 100 runs off 54 balls liftinghis side from 99 for eight to 223 for eight in allotted 50 overs.During his 71-minute stay at the crease, he hit eight sixes and fourfours to the delight of enthusiastic cricket fans at Toronto’sEglington East sports ground.Carsten Pedersen also scored a century – third of the tournament – asDenmark crushed Hong Kong by 181 runs. In other matches, United ArabEmirates were flattened by the Netherlands while USA romped to a sixwicket win over Ireland.In Division Two’s Group B match, Malaysia’s twin-spin attack of RohanSuppiah (4 for 24) and S. Vickneswaran (3 for 41) had contained theUgandans to 99 before the arrival of Kamyuka at the crease. The latterchanged the whole complexion of the game.Batting in the style of Pakistani Shahid Afridi, Kamyuka despatchedthe ball to all corners of the ground reaching 100 off the last ballof the 50th over. He produced 124 in an astonishing partnership withNo. 9 batsman Benjamin Musoke whose contribution was 21.In reply, Malaysians slumped to 159, all out, in 30.2 overs withSuresh Navaratnam (46) being their top scorer.At King City Stadium, Denmark’s Pedersen showed his batting prowess ashe scored 103 off 135 balls taking his team’s score to 284 for sixagainst Hong Kong. During his 180-minute innings, he scored a toweringsix and four hits to the rope. Pedersen’s teammate Amjad Khanestablished his credentials as a dynamic all-rounder as he slammed 73studded with two sixes and five boundaries. Later Khan picked up threewickets for 11 as Hong Kong crashed to 103, all out, in 29.1 overs.
Sunday afternoon was just another reminder that this is going to be a long and brutal season for West Ham United.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been in pretty reasonable form over the last couple of months, losing just two of their previous seven games.
However, the defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend has left the East Londoners in the relegation zone, three points adrift of Leeds United in 17th.
It wasn’t a horror show against the Villans, but there were a few players who let the fans down, including someone who, at one point, looked like he could be West Ham’s best signing since Jarrod Bowen.
West Ham's better performers against Villa
Starting with the positive, then, who played well for West Ham on Sunday afternoon?
Chalkboard
Well, despite the result, it was another brilliant showing from Mateus Fernandes, who not only opened the scoring in the first minute but was a constant threat in the middle of the park.
For example, in his 90 minutes of action, the Portuguese dynamo took 68 touches, recovered the ball 11 times, made one interception and completed 48 passes, 25 of which were in Villa’s half.
Alongside him in the middle of the park, it was also another promising display from Freddie Potts.
The academy ace was secure in possession, constantly winning the ball back, and completed 96% of his 45 attempted passes.
Potts’ game vs Villa
Minutes
88′
Assists
1
Big Chances Created
1
Key Passes
1
Touches
59
Fouls Won
2
Interceptions
1
Clearances
1
Recoveries
1
Ground Duels (Won)
7 (5)
Aerial Duels (Won)
2 (2)
All Stats via Sofascore
Moreover, it was his scuffed attempt that led to Bowen’s goal.
The former Hull City star was another of the host’s better players on the day, as in addition to his goal, he completed two dribbles, played a key pass and generally looked a threat.
However, while these three starters put in a good shift against the Villans, there were more than a few who underwhelmed, including one player who looked like an incredible signing not that long ago.
The West Ham star who looked like the best signing since Bowen
While there were a few poor performances on Sunday, the most disappointing, and potentially most worrying, came from El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The reason is that, not that long ago, the former Slavia Prague star was looking like one of West Ham’s best signings in a very long time.
During the first couple of months of the season, his explosive and marauding runs up the pitch were one of the few genuinely exciting aspects about the Hammers.
Moreover, while it wouldn’t always come off, the Senegalese international would often fire off a wicked cross at the end of his journeys up the pitch.
It was this ability to get the ball into dangerous areas that saw him chalk up three assists in the first five league games of the season.
What was so impressive was that even if he didn’t get the assist, his crosses were still leading to goals, as was the case away to Everton in Nuno’s first game in charge.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
At that point, it looked like the Hammers had a star in the making on their hands, so much so that Sky Sports’ Joe Thomlinson claimed he was “one of the finds of the season.”
Unfortunately, since then, the attacking output has all but dried up, with no more assists or goals added to his tally. In fact, according to Understat, he’s actually overperforming his expected assists figure by 2.32.
This lack of attacking output wouldn’t be such a problem if he were a reliable defender, but he’s not, and over the last couple of months, he’s been caught out on more than one occasion.
For example, on commentary for 5 Live, Chris Sutton described the 20-year-old’s defending for Jacob Murphy’s goal for Newcastle United as “pretty shambolic.”
The former Slaiva star was poor on Sunday as well, winning just 50% of his tackles, losing the ball nine times, losing five of eight ground duels and committing two fouls.
Ultimately, there is still time for Diouf to come good; he has the talent, but as things stand, he is looking like a growing problem for West Ham.
Nuno's a big fan: West Ham hold very strong interest in "fantastic" forward
The Hammers’ plans for the January transfer window are now starting to take shape.
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has revealed his frustrations at limited playing time this season, and admits that he asked Harry Redknapp to go out on loan in January.
The forward has been behind Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart in the pecking order at White Hart Lane this term, with sparing opportunities to play damaging his chances of going to Euro 2012 with England.
Defoe has spoken of his love for the club, but confessed his frustrations at not being able to play.
“I didn’t want to leave in January,” he stated in an interview with Mirror Football.
“I don’t go thinking, ‘I want to go to this club or that club.’ But in January I just wasn’t playing enough and I did go to the manager and ask to go out on loan.
“He said to me, ‘I don’t want you to go out on loan. We are trying to do something special here. Don’t go.’ And so I stayed. And I worked hard to keep myself sharp.
“But still I haven’t had that run of games. It still feels like I will only get a game if someone is injured or suspended.
“Sometimes I even feel like I’m in the youth team, because I know that, whatever I do in midweek, I won’t get a game at the weekend.
“The manager picks the team and I would never be disrespectful to the manager. But when someone doesn’t talk to you and explain what’s going on its hard.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I love the club. Everybody knows that. When I’m out and people ask whether I am leaving I always say no. But how can I stay somewhere that I don’t get the chance to play?” Defoe confided.
England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has been rewarded for his efforts with a new two-year contract.The 49-year-old has led the England Under-21 national side to three successive European Championships, including a runner-up finish in 2009 and a semi-final appearance in 2007.
But their 2011 campaign ended in disappointment, with England unable to make it past the group stages in Denmark last month.
Regardless, Pearce has been slated for another two years in the job, where he works alongside England manager Fabio Capello to bring the nation’s best young talent to the fore.
He has already mentored the likes of Joe Hart, James Milner, Ashley Young, Adam Johnson and Theo Walcott during his time with the national set-up.
Football Association chairman David Bernstein backed Pearce to rebound from the lacklustre showing in Denmark when qualifying for the 2013 championships gets underway in September.
“Continuity is vital as we continue to build our club ethos, and Stuart is an important member of the England coaching structure,” Bernstein said.
“I know he was as disappointed as anyone at the Under-21s’ most recent tournament results at the European Championships in Denmark, but we mustn’t forget the team had an excellent qualifying campaign and continues to produce young players ready and prepared for senior team experience.”
Pearce added: “I am delighted to have signed my new contract and to be able to continue in a role I very much enjoy.”
“In my time with the England Under-21s we have experienced an excellent record and my aim now is to qualify for Israel in 2013 and hopefully go on to secure silverware with another exciting group of young players.”
It’s that time in the week when the weekend’s Premier League fixtures are on the horizon and fantasy football players are looking to make tweaks to their teams. Before you do, see what the experts have to say about this weekend’s Premiership matches, with one of the most eye-catching matches being Arsenal’s visit to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday. The footy journalists are undecided on the outcome of this game, but FootballFanCast.com writer Karl Sears has gone for a home win for the Toffees. You can see the rest of his Premier League predictions here, but if you trust the experts more see their Premiership predictions in full here.
Martin Lipton:
[youtube lNb_A3RV-Cc]
Andy Dunn:
[youtube ovW5DrVvrp4]
Do you agree with the Premier League predictions made this week?
Football Writers’ Association Predictions – Week 14
Overall standings
1. Steve Bates – 61 (4)
2. Martin Lipton – 61 (5)
3. Shaun Custis – 60 (6)
4. Andy Dunn – 60 (6)
5. Danny Fullbrook – 59 (5)
6. Des Kelly – 59 (1)
7. Glenn Moore – 55 (3)
8. Patrick Barclay -50 (3)
November standings:
1. Shaun Custis – 6
2. Andy Dunn – 6
3. Danny Fullbrook – 5
4. Martin Lipton – 5
5. Steve Bates – 4
6. Patrick Barclay – 3
7. Glenn Moore – 3
8. Des Kelly – 1
–
Patrick Barclay (The Times)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
H
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
H
Wigan
V
West Brom
D
Wolves
V
Bolton
D
Stoke
V
Liverpool
D
Everton
V
Arsenal
D
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
A
Stoke v Liverpool: Point for Pulis, with a little help from the ref?
Des Kelly (Daily Mail)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
D
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
D
Wigan
V
West Brom
D
Wolves
V
Bolton
A
Stoke
V
Liverpool
D
Everton
V
Arsenal
H
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
A
Newcastle v Fulham: Fulham are the away draw specialists of the Premier League. I’m banking on another.
Shaun Custis (The Sun)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
H
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
H
Wigan
V
West Brom
D
Wolves
V
Bolton
H
Stoke
V
Liverpool
D
Everton
V
Arsenal
A
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
D
Everton v Arsenal: You just don’t know what Arsenal will come up with at the moment but they have enough quality to win at Goodison.
Head to the next page for more football predictions…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Andy Dunn (News of the World)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
D
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
H
Wigan
V
West Brom
A
Wolves
V
Bolton
A
Stoke
V
Liverpool
A
Everton
V
Arsenal
H
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
A
Man City v Birmingham: If Carlos Tevez fires, it’s tough to see City not getting maximum points from this game – a home banker.
Martin Lipton (The Mirror)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
D
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
D
West Ham
V
Blackpool
H
Wigan
V
West Brom
H
Wolves
V
Bolton
H
Stoke
V
Liverpool
A
Everton
V
Arsenal
A
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
D
Tottenham v Blackburn: Spurs seem to be suffering from their Euro exertions and Rovers will be looking to turn this into a real physical battle. Sam Allardyce will think he can leave N17 with a crucial point.
Steve Bates (The People)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
D
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
H
Wigan
V
West Brom
D
Wolves
V
Bolton
A
Stoke
V
Liverpool
A
Everton
V
Arsenal
H
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
A
West Ham v Blackpool: The Hammers’ only chance of survival this season is winning their home games. And if you can’t beat a promoted team like Blackpool on your own patch you don’t deserve to stay up. West Ham to nick it by the odd goal.
Danny Fulbrook (Daily Star)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
A
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
D
Wigan
V
West Brom
A
Wolves
V
Bolton
D
Stoke
V
Liverpool
A
Everton
V
Arsenal
A
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
D
Chelsea v Sunderland: This should be a walk in the park for the champions
Glenn Moore (The Independent)
Home Team
Away Team
Man City
V
Birmingham
H
Newcastle
V
Fulham
H
Tottenham
V
Blackburn
H
West Ham
V
Blackpool
A
Wigan
V
West Brom
A
Wolves
V
Bolton
D
Stoke
V
Liverpool
D
Everton
V
Arsenal
D
Chelsea
V
Sunderland
H
Notts F
V
QPR
D
Wolves v Bolton: Two improving teams with big wins recently, and who just might cancel each other out.
Warmly embracing on the Carrow Road touchline it’s hard to believe Roberto Mancini and Carlos Tevez were once at loggerheads in a duel instigated by a bout of radical impertinence. The story behind the Argentinian’s seven-month exile from Manchester City is set in stone after he refused to leave the substitutes bench during a Champions League tie with Bayern Munich in September. The world of football denounced his selfish behaviour as he scuttled back to his native land with his tail flapping between his legs In the aftermath Mancini was commended for his resilient stance against Tevez’s insolence in a day and age where a managers authority is belittled by millionaire players possessing ego’s to match their substantial pay cheques.
Mancini publicly declared that the striker would never play for the club again as long as he was in the dugout saying“If I have my way he will be out. He’s finished with me. If we want to improve as a team Carlos can’t play with us. With me, he is finished.” But, as the wheels started to come off City’s title challenge and rivals United seized control at the Premier League summit the Italian did the unthinkable and offered Tevez an olive branch. It was a reconciliation that barely looked possible following the duo’s falling out yet Mancini seemed eager to bury the hatchet and bring Tevez back to the Etihad Stadium.
A sign of weakness or desperation perhaps? Both appear to have conflicted the City boss when he concluded that Tevez was the missing ingredient he required to ignite the clubs title tilt. It appears to have had the desired effect with the 28-year-old scoring four goals in his last two starts guiding the club to six precious points that closed the gap on their local advisories. A devastating hat trick at Norwich certainly put him back in the fans’ good books whilst the very public display of affection between him and Mancini set tongues wagging. Yet theres still the enduring theory that the man in the dugout is smiling through gritted teeth.
It’s no secret that the 47-yea-old’s job is far from secure at the Etihad. The billionaire Abu Dhabi group expect him to deliver a league championship after spending over £230 million on building a squad capable of doing so since succeeding Mark Hughes in December 2009. Soaring above the chasing pack for much of the season it seemed like this would be City’s year only for a late season collapse serving to temper their ambitions and put their title dreams on the back burner. A spark was required to trigger a revival and Mancini ultimately felt he had to swallow his pride and summon Tevez back from his self imposed extradition and offer him the chance at redemption.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
From an outsiders perspective it seems as if the pressure Mancini is under to seize the Premier League trophy away from United has forced him to go back on his word and bring Tevez in from the wilderness. In effect he’s thrown in the towel, fluttered the white flag and admitted defeat in order to end the dispute. He’ll paint the picture of being the bigger man but in reality the Italian will be seething that he’s been forced to abandon his principals rendering his influence over the dressing room invalid. If one can get away with it why can’t the rest? The Argentinian troublemaker will get the rewards he believes he warrants despite the fact his number of league starts will remain in single figures if he is present at kick off for the remaining fixtures. His boss on the other hand will be viewed as the man who wilted under the weight of expectation and turned to a renegade player who scoffs at the first hint of authority.
Yet theres still a nagging feeling that he backed himself into a corner and left himself with no alternative but to make the SOS call to Tevez and wipe quarrel under the rug. City’s recent drop in form owes a lot to the frontmen he has at his disposal. Mancini’s penchant to flout his wallet at monthly flavours lumbered him with two under performing strikers in the shape of Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko. Balotelli, whom he managed at Inter Milan, has made more front page headlines for his maverick antics and proved an unsettling influence whilst Dzeko has struggled to recapture the prolific form he displayed in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg. Sergio Aguero was left as the primary goalscorer although his boss wasn’t confident enough to pin his hopes on the former Atletico Madrid attacker.
It opened Mancini up to even more questions about the frailness of his transfer strategy and capabilities to get the best out of players with undoubted talent. Would Tevez had been welcomed back with open arms if the Italian had two strikers performing at full capacity and sharing the goal scoring buck with Aguero? Quite simply the answer is no. The saga has only served to place question marks over his authority in the dressing room along with his player recruitment policy and coaching skills. Fundamentally he’s proven that he’s willing to sink beneath the realms of desperation in order to fulfil the expectations of his employers. It’s a move that could ultimately leave his reputation in tatters and provide another boost to the ever perpetuating power of the player.
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.