The preposterous play-off

This Top Four trophy business sure is getting to be a pain.

It would seem ‘the neutrals’ are slathering for us to win 2-1 at Newcastle, and Chelsea to draw 0-0 at The Bridge against Everton on Sunday’s league finishers. Why? Oh, because it would leave both London sides level on points, goal difference, and goals for/against.

Fortunately, I don’t forecast a goalless anything in west London… but it doesn’t stop the mathematicians having their fun. See, the ‘it would be better to lose than draw’ hypothesis of yesterday’s 1-1 at half-time was swiftly dealt with thanks to Santi Cazorla’s visionary passing. I see the same quelling happening on Sunday.

So this is really just an incidental comment on how tiresome this battle for fourth – or third – or pride – or whatever it has become – has been! Usurping Tottenham should not be this hard. Qualifying for Europe (the real European competition) should not be this hard – albeit irrelevant as we cannot compete in it much farther than the last 16 anyway.

IF it were to come down to this highly improbable even points score, then it would just be dragging the difficulty of this season out even longer . It is bad enough that we are still battling for this position anyway. Embarrassing, even. And are we meant to celebrate, finishing third? I don’t know. It would be nice to qualify automatically and relieve ourselves of extra fixtures, for sure. But it all sits rather strangely with me. I’d be pleased, but more than ready to close chapter and move on to spending well and ambitiously over the summer.

I’m not sure when this fixture would even be played, with friendlies and internationals coming hot on the heels of the final Premier League games. It will be nice to close the door on this season, knowing we are in the Champions League – automatically or not – and hope, pray, scream, for funds to be released for Wenger to spend on players capable of helping us win the league – or something silver – straight away.

The PL rules, incidentally, are:

“If at the end of the season … the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board.”

Chelsea vs Spurs (vs Real Madrid)

Tomorrow evening (Wednesday May 8), my two loves will, indirectly, collide.

As Spurs head to Stamford Bridge, not only will the result reveal the probable Top Four – and Arsenal’s place in it – but it may well imply the destiny of both Jose Mourinho and Gareth Bale, too. And, therefore, some transfer speculation for Real Madrid.

Supposing Arsenal can win their remaining games, (easier said than done when the last two games are against 17th and 18th placed opposition!), the Gunners will still be relying on dropped points at The Bridge – preferably the buttery-fingers will be Spurs’. A draw is fine, but a Chelsea win is more comfortable. Not just because Spurs are the ‘rivals’ – but because Chelsea are the team with the better advantage and form, so it is better for us that they have the points than Tottenham (who are two points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand).

Bale: Champions League or out?

Now, how Real Madrid suddenly get caught up in this top four decider will depend on how likely The Blues are to finishing in a Champions League position. (Admittedly, very likely now). As Mourinho will be more favoured to move back ‘home’. In tandem, Bale’s Tottenham future would look far less certain, if he were not guaranteed Champions League football at The Lane, when the Player of the Year x3 could easily be competing in it elsewhere.

And that place could be Real Madrid, if their fans and board have anything to do with it. The Welshman is Los Blancos top target for the summer transfer window – more so if he doesn’t qualify for Champions League football, as his market price will be that bit less competitive, and Daniel Levy will have to work that bit harder to keep him, arguably, competing below his level.

Real Madrid: (Un)Lucky Number Seven

Now that the season is effectively over for Real Madrid fans – yes, there is the Copa Del Rey against their city rivals Atletico, but it hardly compares to the League trophy or that longed-for Decima! – the fans are already lining up a series of players to walk the metaphorical plank out of The Bernabeu. Especially after being stirred by Florentino Perez’s hints that a huge €100 million transfer treasure chest is being readied this summer. The fans have plenty of ideas who should be sacrificed first!

According to Marca’s survey, 150,000 readers want the squad to be upgraded but stop short of wanting a total overhaul. The fans have limited an unlucky number seven players to get the chop – none of whom come as a surprise.

Top of the list are Carvalho, Adán and Essien, with 92.4%, 83.4%, 74.1% respectively, finding them surplus to requirements at Madrid and eating into the already-hefty wage bill. Kaka is also no shocker on the list, he has hardly been favoured at Madrid and even when he has played, Los Blancos haven’t seen the best of him to redeem that huge transfer fee in 2009.

Fans are divided about keeping Coentrao and Albiol – not a great sign, as The Bernabeu certainly isn’t a place for half-measures and indifferent players.

Higuain: surplus to requirements?

Finally, to round off the seven suspects, is Gonzalo Higuaín – 64.1% of Marca’s respondents would be fine to see him go. His future certainly wasn’t aided by his performance against Bayern in the Champions League Semi, second leg – where he disappointed the crowd to the point of hearing whistling when he was subbed off. Not to mention Benzema’s comparable game-changing addition to the side, too-little-too-late. Higuain was given a muted reception when he came on against Valladolid this weekend; he was applauded into his warm-up and onto the pitch – but pleasantries soon returned to impatient whistling, as he offered a tame shot to complete a well-worked counter attack. Patience is waning with the Argentinian, particularly when strikers like Falcao and Cavani are being mooted as possible new additions.

He is rumoured, after seven years at Los Blancos, to be a target for Juventus – although would surely find himself in a similar position as an unconfirmed starter, seeing as Fernando Llorente will be playing there next season and will be a direct competition for his place up front.

I hope we do not see the back of him at The Bernabeu, as I have quite a soft spot for Pipita – and he was linking fantastically with Messi for Argentina.

Lucky Number CR7 – 200 Not Out

A small word that I am still very against Ronaldo moving anywhere – let alone back to Manchester United! How much better do they even need to be?

Ahead of keeping Mourinho, and any other player at Madrid, keeping Ronaldo has to be the prime target for the summer transfer window – no matter who they buy with that €100 million fund. His 53 goals in 52 games is outstanding – and the reason RMA have been so competitive this far into season, despite all the in-fighting that has distracted the side for the most part. His brace against Valladolid saw him reach the 200 goal milestone for Real Madrid, almost prematurely for any other player, considering he has achieved it in only 196 games.

200 Not Out – beyond mere mortals

Let’s Stay Together… (for another 10 days)

So everybody knows the Real Madrid garden is not rosy – but Perez is eager for the squad to stick together for the sake of the Cup final on May 17 – and then they can start thinking about the ins and outs for the summer.

A (second) truce has been called for in order to re-focus on winning a trophy this season. And moreover, to ensure the board are still discerning when it comes to the extent of the clear-out this summer. Mourinho is visibly frustrated with being boss at the club, having pointed an accusing finger at almost every squad member – from captains Casillas and Ramos, to even Cristiano Ronaldo. It feels time for Jose to find pastures new – or more accurately, pastures old if he is to return to Chelsea – and most of the team are counting down the days.

His only apparent allies are Essien, Diego López and Modric – the former expected to leave this summer, and the other two are not senior, influential, members of the squad. They’re hardly a help for empowering Mourinho within the squad.

If the team are to beat Atletico – which, on form, still seems a reliable cert, considering Real beat Atletico quite comfortably with a weakened squad only a couple of weeks ago – the team will have to do it off their own backs. Be it a desire to win a trophy this year, or to put in a good display for the ‘shop window’ sake.

Disharmony in the squad

Boo Hoo Mou

He is a funny one, Mourinho. He loved courting the controversy after the Bayern defeat, hinting this way and that, that he might be leaving Madrid and returning to Chelsea, probably.

He said in the presser that he didn’t feel loved in Spain, by the press. Not like how he was loved in Britain and Italy – although one assumes he has rather fractured memories, as he caused controversy in both of these countries back pages too. He wanted the Spanish press to show him more respect for his former glories, and has felt too much pressure, too quickly, for success in the capital – and has not handled their, inevitable, criticisms well. Similarly, he did not react well to being whistled by the highly-expectant Bernabeu crowd on more than one occasion. God forbid he is not idolised like he was by Chelsea fans.

And by the club. Despite being given more free reign at Real Madrid than most previous managers, Mourinho still desired more power – I don’t think he could get over The Special One not being bigger than Real Madrid. This was not helped of course by being undermined and unsupported by some of the players throughout the course of the season. His fall-outs with Casillas and Ramos have been the most notable, as the captains have told him his faults to his face. Now, even Pepe has waded in – voicing a defence for Casillas not being shown deserved respect, and surely signing himself out of the door at Madrid? He wasn’t in that top seven candidates to leave – but he’s hardly the defender one relies on in a crisis. Varane has stepped in to deliver performances at the back that belie his years. Madrid can afford to do much better than Pepe – who Mourinho originally fought to keep in the first place!

Mourinho has made sure to undermine and inherently fracture the morale of the squad – for what purpose, who really knows if he had limited plans to extend his stay as manager. All said, Real almost exceeded their potential by reaching the semi-final stage in Europe, a secure second-place in the league and, hopefully, a Kings Cup trophy – as a team united more by their off-field disharmonies than by on-field success, it’s quite a wonder they haven’t imploded.

It will make for an interesting end to the season, summer, and potentially 2013/14 season.

Frustrating draw keeps Top Four battle tense

Frustration. That is the overriding feeling I shall take away from last night’s game.

It felt back to same-old-Arsenal that we’ve seen and sighed at time and again, in terms of strikes on goal (lack thereof), quality strikers (lack thereof) and ability to counter aggressive opposition (again, lack thereof).

It wasn’t all bad, don’t get me wrong. I think I’m just ruing previous results and performances this season, which has left two-dropped-points against Everton feeling like such a drag.

We pulled it out of the bag at the weekend to snatch three-points in an ultimately flattering score line, but last night’s match couldn’t provide the same favour to our top four chase.

Granted, with Everton hanging on the coattails of fourth-place, we were prepared for a tougher game. And Moyes’s side made it clear early on that ugly football was a fine means by them of trying to win three points. Hence why so much of the game was spent battling it out in the middle of the park. Everton’s dogged defending and our ineptitude upfront last night ensured a 0-0 was all but inevitable.

Still, the pressure we forced in the last 20 minutes or so was enough to inspire us rose-tinted Gooners into thinking we could pull off another last-gasp feat. Like on Saturday, the arrival of Oxlade-Chamberlain was a key factor to boosting our attacking threat – his presence coincided with our boosted morale, and he set up two great chances that on any other day – or with perhaps any other (top quality) striker – would have found the back of the net.

Alas, this was not Giroud’s day, and he found himself bearing the same wrath Gervinho endured at the weekend. (NB. Feel free to read ‘as the weekend’ as a synonym for ‘all season’). To be fair, the Everton defence seemed persistently a split-second ahead of us; timing blocks and tackles perfectly to cancel out the few chances we created.

That said, I couldn’t help but bring Giroud’s 17 debut-season-goals to mind, as I winced at his failings last night. Somewhere, there is quality there – but I resent relying on him as our main striker. Coupled with Wenger’s adverseness to starting supposed ‘central striker’, Podolski, we are crying out – still, again – for another forward to be bought this summer. A high-lined striker, better than all of our current players in that position – which shouldn’t be hard, albeit the money we’re likely to spend will make it so.

When Meatloaf said ‘two out of three ain’t bad’, he certainly didn’t have our forwards in mind. Our links to Cavani et al are merely tabloid fodder – I don’t expect us to blow anyone out of the water with a big transfer coup, that’s for sure.

It’s a shame this draw has deflated me so much. I think it just re-exposed all the areas in which we are lacking, desperately clawing for points to finish third, when we are a sobering 20 points behind United.

Alongside Little Ox, Aaron Ramsey stood out again last night, as on Saturday. He’s improved from the galling misplaced passes and slow-thinking he was guilty of earlier in the season. Jack, perhaps not fully fit? Certainly under the kosh from the Everton midfield and not as hot on forcing a creative surge forward as we like to expect from him. Same for Santi last night – he seemed to make small miracles happen in tight spaces, but couldn’t break through enough to question Everton’s harrying defenders.

And perhaps I was seeing things, but I’m quite convinced Arteta resisted a couple of decent potential chances on goal? Devil’s advocate, maybe. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, with hope he decides to attack instead of force a moot pass, at the next similar opportunity.

It’s all very well ruing these missed chances, but when we look back at the end of the season – hopefully from the giddy heights of third-place – I don’t think Everton is going to be the game we look to with most regret.

We are in that unsatisfying and helpless position of relying on the failings of others (Spurs, Chelsea) in order to succeed. Our North London rivals are playing City this weekend, and still have Chelsea to come, away, on May 8 (a midweek game sandwiched between Southampton and Stoke). Chelsea, similarly, have United still to come on the May Bank Holiday weekend, and close the season vs Everton. Not to mention their European distraction. (Hopefully far enough to harm their PL form, but not far enough to win.)

This all said, moaning aside, we are actually on a pretty good run of form – six games unbeaten is a feat for us. Until now, Spurs away aside, we’ve won all seven other PL games since February. That’s the form we are after this end of the season. It’s vital we keep the winning mentality to take three points from Fulham. We are the form team of the third-place battle and cannot afford to lose face. Nor can we afford the arduous mental shake-up of letting Man United win the Premier League title at the Emirates.

With Robin there.

Didn’t really want to end on that note. Let’s return to celebrating the return to form of Little Ox. He’s done well coming off the bench last couple of games. Been a real threat and revived the excitement his presence brought last season.

Also, someone tell Theo to buck up a little.

And so to Fulham… I’m convinced we can add three more points to the tally. Then all we need to worry about is United.

PS. What’s everyone’s views on Number One ‘keeper? Because I’ve – yes, really – thought Fabianski has done well since he’s been drawn in. And the little Chesney had to do yesterday didn’t satisfy me he wasn’t going to make more errors as the end-of-season pressure ramps up…

Torres gives Chelsea fans a Semi

Chelsea 5 – 2 Leicester – FA Cup quarter final:

“I was there when…” Fernando Torres finally ended his dismal goal drought. In the FA Cup of all competitions – a place where, before Sunday 18 March, Torres had only managed to net once!

After a long wait – 24-games, or 252 games, to be precise – Chelsea fans were presented the ultimate in Blue moon’s; not one, but two goals from the stuttering Spaniard – which, along with the earlier Salomon Kalou and Gary Cahill goals, and 90^th minute Raul Meireles finish, sealed Chelsea’s place in the FA Cup semi finals, as well as capped an outstanding week in their tumultuous season.

Torres did the improbable and netted what was his sixth goal of his Chelsea career on the 67^th minute of the FA Cup quarter final tie (that’s a moment

Chelsea fans will want to cherish). It wasn’t a classy finish – more of a scrambled conclusion to Merieles’ cross- but it was a finish. And, just to assure the fans weren’t dreaming, Torres netted a second – Chelsea’s fourth – 18 minutes later, during a 23-minute spell of goals for both sides.

He was responsible for the assists for Kalou and Meireles, which opened and closed the game – thus making this Leicester fixture somewhat of a Torres sandwich: where assists are the bread and his goals were the filling.

Cahill's tribute for Muamba

Chelsea’s interim manager, Roberto di Matteo is reaping credit for the rediscovered form – especially as the performance was so much more

authoritative and confident as it has been in recent Andre Villas-Boas-controlled months. This is what makes this result so much more important: it is not the, somewhat expected, victory over lower league opposition; it is the call to arms of improved attitude that has been displayed in the so far, so brief di Matteo era.

Gary Cahill brought the game back to reality after his early header, as he revealed a “Praying 4 Muamba” t-shirt to honour his former team-mate, who is still critically ill in London’s Chest Hospital.

Chelsea 3 – 3 Manchester United

Chelsea 3 – 3 Manchester United: for WinkBall.

Manchester United gave a warning performance to the rest of the Premier League – especially Manchester City – on Sunday 5th February, as the Champions came back from 3-0 down to earn a point on a snowy away day at Stamford Bridge.

The momentum they created in this fine display of escapology was enough to make them even feel unlucky to have returned to Manchester with only a point in tow.

The away side had more of the first half dominance and felt aggrieved to see penalty shouts waved away by referee Howard Webb, particularly Gary Cahill’s challenge on Danny Welbeck, which caused Sir Alex to gesticulate furiously on the touchline. The recently signed defender slid in, missed the ball but took out Welbeck. Arguably it was just outside the area, but it could easily have been a red card as without Cahill’s lunge, Welbeck would have been through on goal.

Burning from the injustice, United continued to look dangerous with the ball, especially in counter-attack, while Chelsea seemed pensive in attack. Branislav Ivanovic was forced to prevent Welbeck, again, from receiving Wayne Rooney’s low cross.

On the back foot, it certainly against the run of play that Chelsea took the lead, just nine minutes before the break – though it was of course an unwitting own-goal (is there any other?) from Johnny Evans.

While the Blue’s seemed incredibly lucky to lead at the end of the first half – luck being a quality that’s so frequently said to govern this beautiful game – the lovely Lady had nothing to do with their deserved lead just one minute into the second half.

While Torres is now infamously bereft of goal-scoring acumen – a terrible quality for a striker, especially one formerly acknowledged as one of the best forwards in the game – it hasn’t hindered his assist-accuracy. The blonde Spaniard curved in a pinpoint cross from the right wing into the box, for an embarrassingly unmarked Juan Mata to volley stunningly past a helpless De Gea. It truly was a beautiful piece of play: the perfect cross from Torres and the exquisite, assured volley from fellow Spaniard, Mata.

Chelsea had come out for the second half with far more purpose than they displayed in the first 45, so when United presented them with another sample of poor in-the-box marking only five minutes later, they easily took advantage to make the score a surprising 3-0. It goes to show how important it is to take chances, as the first half was bossed by Manchester United, yet 51 minutes in, they saw themselves a distant 3 goals down.

Not that this was the end of the drama – six more minutes and Patrice Evra won a penalty on the left of the box after Sturridge’s clumsy challenge. Rooney converted the penalty, slammed unstoppably into the top left. Running to the centre with the ball, this was the start of United’s revival.

Ten minutes later, they earned a second penalty – earned being the operative word, as Welbeck appears to kick Ivanovic’s foot, instead of the other way around, before going to ground. Rooney converted from the spot again, this time firing right. Surely though their second penalty is no more fortunate that the own goal Evans offered Chelsea in the first half.

Since Scholes’s arrival onto the pitch, United suddenly had all the dominance and continued pressure and chances. United forced a chance five minutes from time, as Rooney met with a Valencia cross in the box, only for Petr Cech to parry it away to the left. Unfortunately Cech’s luck had ran out, as Giggs met with the ball and crossed it straight back into the box towards Javier Hernandez who was unmarked and headed straight into the net to make the score an unprecedented 3-3.

Hear what both sets of fans had to say ahead of and following the game: about Andre Villas-Boas’s job at Chelsea, John Terry losing the England captaincy, and all the on-field action from the dramatic 3-3 draw.

QPR 0 – 1 Chelsea

A speedy match report I’ve rustled-up without having seen most of the game. Sorry. ‘Tis work for WinkBall.

If I were to have more time (or care) I would interlace more vociferous character assaults on John Terry in this version. As it stands, I’m merely going to copy and paste the text I sent in to work. Sozza!

Here ’tis.

... Speak no evil.

QPR 0 – 1 Chelsea:

Much of the pre-match attention was focussed on Anton Ferdinand and John Terry – the latter alleged to have directed racist language towards QPR defender, Ferdinand, during their League meeting at Loftus Road in October 2011. This weekend, ahead of Terry’s court appearance on February 1^st, the buzz surrounded a different kind of gesture: the pre-match handshake.

Wayne Bridge infamously refused to shake his former friend and team-mate’s hand in a game on February 27^th 2010, after a domestic point of difference – that being Terry’s infidelity with Bridge‘s then-girlfriend. This snub humiliated Terry and sent a message across football about the importance of kinship in a team, and raised questions about the most important qualities of a captain.

This, presumably, is why both QPR and Chelsea elected to do-away with the customary handshake altogether for this FA Cup fourth round tie at Loftus Road. It was a wise move to make it just about the football. Unfortunately, the action on the pitch did not equate to the drama of the build-up – unless you count the legitimacy of the Chelsea penalty award, and indeed, the subsequent only goal of the game.

While camera replays may find Terry guilty in court, they are no use to QPR in their appeal for a weakly awarded foul. The slowed-down re-runs make Daniel Sturridge’s descent appear to be somewhat misleading.

Referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot for Clint Hill’s deemed barge on Sturridge, and Juan Mata converted neatly from 12 yards. However, Hill’s inflamed verbal reaction, in addition to the video replays, suggest that the penalty was a somewhat lucky one. Cries of “cheat” from the home crowd supported this – but then, they would.

Both sides had a mediocre first half, lacking any cup-tie excitement; Mata made the only clear chance, snatching at a Luke Young error to force a low save from ‘keeper, Paddy Kenny. QPR had little to speak of in terms of first-half chances, only noting Joey Barton’s half-volley lashed harmlessly wide of Petr Cech’s post.

The visitors came out with more spark for the second half, with Sturridge only narrowly missing with a drive after being played in by goal-barren Fernando Torres.

Hughes’ tactics seemed all too industrial, lacking much flourish or penetration in attack. Indeed, the long-ball tactics weren’t met well by the disgruntled Hoops crowd, and made their loss little surprise – even with Federico Macheda coming on at half-time. What do QPR fans make of Hughes’ tactics so far?

The winning penalty came an hour into the game, awarded moments after a more obvious penalty claim, again on Sturridge, was waved away by Mike Dean.

As time ticked down, QPR fought for an equaliser; Hill’s shot blocked by Ramires, resulting in the Chelsea midfielder being carried off on a stretcher with suspected knee ligament damage. The home side struggled, as throughout the game, to penetrate the Chelsea defence with any real meaning – they were only buoyed by the announcement of seven minutes injury time and made a last-gasp attempt to equalise in the final seconds with chances from Young and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Unfortunately for the home side, it was not enough. While the penalty claim may be weak – its strength was on a par with QPR’s potency in attack.

What would QPR fans like to see in their team tactics for the rest of the season – how can they improve their attacking play without compromising their defence? And as for Chelsea, when will Torres score? Do Blues fans want to usurp him with Didier Drogba as soon as the Ivorian front-man is back from the African Cup of Nations?

WinkBall spoke to fans before and after this fourth round FA Cup tie at Loftus Road on Saturday 28^th January 2011 – hear their excitement for the FA Cup before the match, and their reactions to their respective teams after the final whistle.

Champions League round-up and preview – WinkBall

Defoe goal sends Spurs through on top

TUESDAY ROUND-UP:

A look at last night’s European action.

Manchester United and Tottenham have both qualified from their respective groups as leaders – theoretically allowing them to avoid more difficult opponents until later rounds.

Current holders, Inter Milan, missed their chance to steal the top spot off Spurs in Group A – Rafa Benitez’s side slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Werder Bremen, while Tottenham gave the Champions League yet more goals and entertainment in their 3-3 draw with FC Twente.

Manchester United had to finally surrender their commendable defensive record in last night’s action at Old Trafford. The United fans were hoping to see their side earn the credit of being the first club to ever go through a Champions League group stage without conceding a single goal – but Pablo Hernandez put pay to that in their final group game, with his opener on the half-hour.

Anderson made up for his earlier misses to volley in United’s equaliser; after Park’s shot was parried out by Vicente Guaita.

Rangers and Buraspor entered their fixture resigned to finishing either 3rd or 4th in their Group C; a 1-1 result ensured it was the Scottish side who ended in 3rd.

Top of Group B was reserved for Schalke, following their victory against Benfica. The Portugese side now slide down to compete in the Europa League – meaning it is Lyon who occupy that second progessive position in Group B, after drawing 2-2 with Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Barcelona ran out unsurprising victors of Group D, beating Rubin Kazan 2-0 to ensure their place. The remarkable result of Group D came from Danish outfit, FC Copenhagen, whose 3-1 defeat of Panathinaikos awarded them the commendable record of being the first side from Denkark to ever reach the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

WEDNESDAY’S PREVIEW:

A look ahead to tonight’s European action.

Drogba was adored in his time at L'OM

European nights are often loaded with emotion – and for our English sides, tonight holds no exception. First of all there is Didier Drogba’s much-anticipated return to Olympique de Marseille. In an interview with France Football, he described his return:

“I’m coming home. This is a meeting I’ve been waiting for ever since I left.

“How can I explain this passion which borders on insanity?”

“I felt as if someone had stabbed me in the heart. I didn’t want to leave. Full stop.”

But his success at Chelsea and in England was enough to subside the pain. He will return to the Stade Velodrome tonight with that same love for L’OM still burning in his heart – but not sympathetic; he will be looking to show them the Drogba they are missing. It will not be a performce to mock his ascendency, moreover a performance to display the wonderful striker that Marseille helped to mould.

Although the Ivorian was only at Marseille for one season, in comparison to his six years at the Bridge, it is the contextual rise to success that he gained at L’OM that makes him hold the club so dear. It is the mini-drama surrounding his return that makes most of the talking points for tonight’s match, with the Group F qualification being already decided between these two. (Chelsea winners and Marseille runners-up). One would expect less competetive sides to be fielded either way.

Arsenal need to get back on winning European form

Speaking of games loaded with emotion, Arsenal have found themselves the only English side yet to qualify – even behind their North London rivals, Tottenham. A loss tonight could indeed provoke emotion – albeit loaded with frustration and disappointment.

The Gunners were deemed to have landed themselves in a relatively so-called ‘easy’ group – needing to earn points against Shaktar Donetsk, FC Braga and FK Partizan. Having lost to Braga last week, and Shakhtar in the away fixture before, Arsenal found themselves frustratingly passing up the opportunity to qualify for the final 16 ahead of the final match-day. As well as leaking goals at the back, making matters worse, the Gunners have been firing blanks in front of goal on their travels, having slotted away just one in these last two away fixtures – remarkably mirroring their rampant home form in Europe.

With a trip to Old Trafford around the corner on Monday evening, this pressure is not a welcome addition to Arsenal’s attempted title-chase. While the Londoners are top of the League, United do still have a game in hand. Sir Alex’s side also have the benefit of having missed their game at the weekend, after Blackpool’s pitch was deemed unplayable in the snow.

Arsenal are currently second in the table, even on 9 points with Braga. If they fail to perform against rock-bottom Partizan – who are yet to do anything but lose – well, first of all it will be an unmitigated disaster and embarassment for Arsene Wenger’s side, but it will also leave them in the precarious position of having to rely on Braga to lose this evening too.

The Gunners need to regain their swaggering home Champions League form, for tonight’s fixture and hopefully beyond. Having slotted away six against Braga and reeling away 5-1 victors against Shakhtar – a similar result, if not scoreline, would be the perfect way to buoy Arsenal’s confidence.

They will welcome back Koscielny, having recovered from his concussion courtesy of Squillaci during the Fulham game – and a steadily-improving Robin van Persie may also be a starting figure for tonight. Influential Fabregas and Vermaelen look to be out considerably longer.

Real Madrid have already qualified top; can they stay unbeaten?

Group G is already wrapped-up, with unbeaten Real Madrid comfortably topping the group, and AC Milan following in reserve. Madrid look to be on a strong run of form, securing their top-place progression with a resounding 4-0 victory over Ajax. Plus they have ‘special’ European expert, Jose Mourinho, leading the healm – reducing their odds to win the competition as soon as he was appointed as manager.

Auxerre, however, do have something to play for – they are battling against Ajax to earn themselves a run in the Europa League – so tonight’s game with Madrid is a must-not-lose.

Madrid are of course feeling the self-inflicted repercussions of their sending-off debacle in the last round – as Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso saw red for laughable time-wasting tactics. Mourinho, for his part in this attempted tactical loophole, will also be banished from the sidelines. Adding to these suspentions is the influential injury list, and Casillas being rested – expect Madrid to field some of their younger and subsitute players, giving guys like Pedro Leon a chance to prove themselves as a worthy transfer.

Ajax will be trying to retain their place in European competition – albeit the Europa League – without a manager tonight against AC Milan. With the Italians already qualified, they will be similar to Madrid in their liklihood to select a less recognised team.

Soccer Saturday (and Sunday) review – WinkBall

As ever, WinkBall had a strong presence at this weekend’s football fixtures. Here’s a little round-up of what when down in some of our featured games:

Terry's Chelsea fail to hold onto a win against Everton

Chelsea 1-1 Everton:

A late decider by Beckford made sure Chelsea’s run of games without victory extended to four, in uncharacteristically dowdy form.While Everton’s similarly poor form was not fully rectified this weekend, taking just a single point away again left them still languishing lower than expected in 15th.

Saha and Anelka both went close for their respective teams in the opening stages – Anelka, unbelievably, yet to score in the league at Stamford Bridge. John Terry, back in the starting line-up, came forward during one phase of attack and saw his first shot blocked, but managed to direct the rebound towards goal, only to see it bounce off the crossbar in the closest attempt of the game so far.

In an attempt to reverse their fortunes of the West Brom result from last week, Everton’s team had four changes. Though it wasn’t enough to cut out Chelsea, as an unmarked Kalou missed a great opportunity, seeing his header from a corner going wide of the post. It was an error, and indeed a necessary gift, from Phil Neville that handed Chelsea the lead. His lazy and ill-thought back-pass was too short to reach Tim Howard in goal; the keeper, having come out to try and retrieve the pass, conspired to block an onrushing Anelka – both conceding a penalty and earning himself a, perhaps fortunately insevere, yellow card. Didier Drogba stepped up to fire confidently into the top corner and give his team the lead.

Everton fought back in the second half, with attempts from Jack Rodwell, and Leighton Baines running tirelessly up the wing to pick crosses into the Chelsea box – this pair conspired to work Everton’s best chance of the game, as Rodwell headed Baines’ perfectly weighted cross into the post. It was a move that proved more successful five minutes from the end as Baines’ run and culminating cross was headed back into the path of Jermaine Beckford by Tim Cahill. The former Leeds striker made some ammends to his horror show of finishes last week, as he nodded past Cech to claim a vital point for The Toffee’s.

While Baine’s industry down the left was more promising for Everton, Chelsea still appear to be stuck in their uncharacteristically poor form – not even managing a goal from open play today, the Blues have let Arsenal steal their place at the top. But how long for?

Samir Nasri's sublime brace sends Arsenal top

Arsenal 2-1 Fulham:

A phenomenal double from Samir Nasri ensured Arsenal regained their place at the top of the Premier League this weekend, after Chelsea failed to take away three points and Manchester United were denied a chance to retain their place at the top, with their game against Blackpool being postponed for the adverse weather.

Nasri, arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League, made sure his side rose to the top in style: with balletic feet, awareness and the most impossible of finishes. The hosts, looking to improve their leaky home-form, took the lead within 15-minutes. They got off to a flying start, confidently stroking the ball in the Fulham half and dominating possession.

Arshavin helped instigate the first goal, pouncing on an Aaron Hughes error to dribble the ball into the area. Under pressure, the Russian poked a smart ball through to an onrushing Nasri, somehow left unmarked in the area. Nasri was the epitomy of composure, as he artistically outmanouvred and schooled the three defenders and a futile Mark Schwarzer, before firing resolutely into the top of the net. It was a top-class finish that drew parallels with with Robert Pires’ goal against Tottenham in the famous 5-4 victory, and reflected the confident form the French international was in this season.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, they architected their own downfall once again. Having passed up the opportunity to build a further advantage – characteristically over-elaborating – they conceded a goal that calls for the cliche: ‘from the sublime, to the ridiculous’. In an incident embodying Arsenal’s lack of defensive communication, both Squillaci and Koscielny rose to clear the same ball. The Frenchman accidentally headbutted Koscielny in the nose, leaving him in a daze and lacking the ability to prevent a Fulham attack. Arsene Wenger was furious on the sidelines, expecting the match to be halted for a head injury, but the Frenchman had to watch in frustration as referee, Chris Foy, allowed play on. Clint Dempsey didn’t need asking twice, pinching the ball away from the confused defensive pairing and releasing a perfect through-ball for Diomansy Kamara, who was unmarked in the area, to cooly curl past an onrushing Fabianski.

Arsenal had more chances after the break, with Arshavin a stand-out creator, alongside Samir Nasri – although they never looked 100-per-cent reliable in defence and are still carrying self-doubting scars from their home derby defeat. But it was a moment of individual splendour that swung that match in Arsenal’s deserved favour; a truly sublime finish that deserves its excessive superlatives. Arshavin combined with Van Persie in the build-up, with the recently-returned Dutchman tapping a pass into the run of Nasri, entering the edge of the area. It was a mesmeric move as Nasri darted in, sidestepping the Fulham defence – a wonderful touch took the ball around a grounded Schwarzer, and just as he had appeared to have gone too far, composedly turned and fired in from an acute angle at the near post.

Nasri has these tight angles nailed, with his Spurs goal scored with similar aplomb. The French midfielder is now leading Arsenal’s scoring, with 11 – Arsenal are reaping the rewards from his surprise omission from the World Cup squad. Arsenal’s style did not wholly follow Nasri’s example, however, as plucky Fulham could have earned themselves a point towards the end. Arsenal were not aerially strong enough, allowing Etuhu to get a shot away, while Fabianski had stretch to full length to stop a strike from Zoltan Gera.

Sunderland victory cuts short Hammers celebrations

Sunderland 1-0 West Ham:

A nervy game at the Stadium of Light saw Sunderland celebrate a closely-run victory, plunging West Ham back to the bottom of the table.

The Hammers, fresh from their Carling Cup victory over Man United, and second League win of the season last week, simply did not do enough to warrant three-points this weekend. Record signing, Asamoah Gyan, stood out in Sunday’s clash – after setting up Jordan Henderson for the goal, and forcing Green to parry away a later fierce shot of his own. Gyan was part of an offensive Sunderland side, fielding Bent and Welbeck as part of a three-pronged attack – as Steve Bruce opted to follow the tactics of attack being the best form of defence, due to his extensive injury list at the back.

Despite the proliferation of strikers on the pitch, it was midfielder Henderson, who scored the opening and winning goal, just after the half-hour. Gyan floated in a perfect cross, on the half-volley, for Henderson to convert – his first goal in nearly a year. Gyan later attempted to prove his worth with an audacious attempt that took the whole stadium by surprise – his long distance cross-cum-shot from the left wing beat Rob Green, but the goalkeeper’s blushes were saved by the crossbar.

The forward-facing tactics only just paid off for the Black Cats’ boss as Carlton Cole, in-form Victor Obinna and talismanic Scott Parker each came close to drawing an equaliser for the Hammers. Cole fired wide of the far post just after the restart – perhaps unsurprising considering his inglorious statistic that he has scored only one solitary League goal all season. And Obinna almost converted a cross across the goal, but his shot thudded out off the post.

The Hammers out-of-sorts style seemed characterised by one incident with Scott Parker – their best player of the season, attempting to recover from a chest infection in the icy Mackem ground, sliced an attempted clearance high into the sky and towards his own goal, prompting Green to tip over the crossbar.

Gyan had another chance saved before the end, leaving their one-goal-lead enough to send them to 7th in the League, and West Ham returning to the bottom – leaving Avram Grant’s position at the club once again uncertain. Is Grant going to be next out of the managerial exit door, following Chris Houghton’s surprise sacking from Newcastle?

Tevez celebrates City's early winner

Man City 1-0 Bolton:

City and Bolton entered the fixture, both unbeaten in the Premier League last month – but it was Manchester City that rolled away with all three points after Tevez’ swift opener.

The firey Argentine took his tally to ten, after converting Yaya Toure’s excellent through-ball. Teven ran at the Bolton defence and fired resolutely into the far corner.

The home side were well in control and continued to press for the second. A well-worked team goal was culminated with a simple finish from David Silva, as he slotted easily into an open net – only for the goal to be ruled controversially offside. While it did not ultimately affect the result, replays showed that it was in fact Gareth Barry who was offside, not Silva. Captain, Tevez,continued to threaten throughout the first half, breaking through to attack a loose Bolton defense.

Kevin Davies tried to reprieve his side by hitting a Ricketts cross full on-the-volley – unfortunately for Owen Coyle’s side, he saw his shot fly just inches over the crossbar. Zabaleta was also teed up by a wonderful team move at the start of the second half, but Joe Hart got down and saved with a strong hand.

City stilled pressed their dominance at the start of the second half, albeit without being able to convert another tangible chance. David Silva pressed for the Sky Blues once again as he got a shot away on the turn, but still City were denied, as his fierce shot was saved only by the crossbar.

The home side nearly paid the price for their lack of conversion, as a goal-line clearance from Vincent Kompany saved their blushes – and their three-points. It was a mistake from Joe Hart; the young English ‘keeper jumped to claim Taylor’s free-kick but flapped at the ball, allowing it straight through his grasp. Kompany was luckily behind, and had to clear before they saw the ball roll helplessly into the open net.

It so needn’t have been, but home supporters inside the EastLands stadium had to endure a nervy finish. They ended the game with ten-men, after Kolarov was sent off for his late lunge on Ricketts, and the home side will be disappointed to have ended the game so shakily.

Weekend football preview – WinkBall

As ever, WinkBall are going to be at grounds up and down the country to guage your opinions about this weekend’s fixtures. They will be braving the treacherous conditions alongside you, so why not warm yourselves up with a heated debate about our ‘topic of the week’ . Or just get that warm, fuzzy, feeling inside from talking to us about your beloved club?

So long as the team’s allow the games to go ahead, we will be there to talk to!

Here are some match previews for just some of the games we will be covering this wintery weekend – but what do you think will happen in the football league this season, supposing your game goes ahead!?

The Emirates hosts Arsenal vs Fulham

Arsenal vs Fulham:

The Gunners play host to Fulham at the Emirates this weekend, looking to finally shake off their home demons – having lost to Newcastle, Tottenham and West Bromich Albion already this season. Arsenal will be hoping their opponents are as charitable with their performance, as they are being with their wages this weekend – donating a day’s wages to their charity of the season, Centrepoint.

Despite the absense of captain and midfield talisman, Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal are not short of creative flair in the middle of the park – as Nasri continues with his rich vain of form, surely Arsenal’s player of the season so far? There is of course also the boost of Robin Van Persie’s return to the starting line up in the midweek against Wigan. While the Dutchman is not yet fully fit, he still impressed in the Carling Cup victory and reminded spectators why his presence could be so crucial to The Gunners’ success.

Fulham will travel across London without an away win all season, and hoping to better a paltry point return in November; just 3 points from a possible 15. The side are crying out for a replacement for injured Bobby Zamora, upfront, as it is in front of goal where performances are appearing the most disappointing. Clint Dempsey is likely to be the biggest threat to The Gunners, as he is, in context, the Cottagers stand-out performer.

The City of Manchester stadium hosts Bolton

Manchester City vs Bolton:

Victory in this fixture could pull Bolton ever-closer to the European places; they are just three points behind City. This tail-chasing has potential to cause trouble for Mancini’s side, who have notably struggled against teams that go against them offensively. And Bolton look likely to do so, following their suprising and encouraging play this season. Owen Coyle’s side have earned three wins in five, still unbeated, matches. Their creative and more flowing style of play may, personally, work against Coyle if he becomes a victim of his side’s own success. Petrov’s goal is still a stand-out one from last week, so he will hope to have earned a start for this crucial tie. The same cannot necessarily be said for City’s Balotelli, who, despite a public call of praise from the manager, still flatters to deceive after having just two goals and red card to show for himself.

Stamford Bridge hosts Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea vs Everton:

The title-race is still open after poor form has been shared between the usual candidates: Chelsea, Arsenal and Man United. The Blues, knocked off the top last week by Arsenal and then Man United in the later kick-off, must win against Everton if they are to start to retain their ascendency. They stand equal with Arsenal, and two points behind United after taking just one point away from their match against Newcastle last week; playing in a manner far from the dominance that we are used to. They have, in fact, won only two in six games – a big dip for this stalwart side. They will welcome back influential skipper, John Terry, to the squad this weekend – replacing Alex; having a knee operation. Essien is also due to return, having missed the last four games – a double-boost that will not appease their opponents.

Everton enter this fixture on their own run of disappointing form, having lost a resounding 4-1 to West Brom last weekend. Things are not looking good for Moyes’ side, who are staring up at former glories from 16th in the table – just two points above the bottom three. Crucial captain, Arteta, will be missing for this difficult game, having been sent off last week. Frustration has lead to discipline problems for the Toffees, as his replacement is likely to be Fellaini, who has just completed his own disciplinary ban.

The DW hosts Wigan vs Stoke

Wigan vs Stoke:

Wigan’s form is as faltering as the weather at the moment. They start the game in the relegation zone following another disappointing loss against West Ham last week. The Lactics need a source of encouragement after even record signing, Boselli, is failing to justify his price-tag – still no goals, and a missed penalty since his arrival. They are another side needing to bolster their home fortress; scoring less and conceding more goals on home turf than any other Premier League side. Frustration is causing discipline to slip for Wigan too. They can welcome back their captain, Alcaraz, from his suspention – but Rodellega is still unavailable because of his ban.

Stoke scraped themselves through with a point against Man City, after Etherington’s injury time equaliser. Their goalkeeping situation seems precarious; Begovic has displaced Sorenson in the starting line-up, despite earlier in the season having requested a tranfer, and still not elluding any more about where his future lies.

Vicarage Road hosts Watford vs Leicester

Watford vs Leicester:

Just a point apart at the start of play, Leicester will travel to Watford – weather permitting – on the back of two losses and one victory in their last three away fixtures – all, incicidentally, 2-0 results. Recent managerial signing, Sven Goran Eriksson, has had a 50% success rate from his first ten games, having brought in some clever loan signings with Premier League experience. Their travelling form is not so encouraging; they have also conceded nearly twice as many goals as the eight that they have scored. Watford’s form is just as shady, managing two of each result in their last six games. They have broken-even with their goal difference, having scored and conceded nine over these six games. This looks likely to be a closely contested match.

We’ll also be covering Coventry vs Middlesbrough, Rochdale vs Charlton, and Bury vs Chesterfield – so if you are stalwartedly supporting any of these teams this weekend, make sure you look out for us there in the Yellow and the Blue!

And if you can’t make it to these, or any, games this weekend – you can still join in with the debate! Just send us a Wink from the comforts of your own house to www.winkball.com