New Palmeiras striker Maikon Leite is ready to take the Brazil Serie A by storm after serious injury blighted the start of his career.The 22-year-old was beginning to make an impression at Santos when he badly damaged his knee in a league match three years ago.
On his return to fitness, Leite spent part of 2010 on loan at Atletico Paranaense, before beginning to force his way back into contention at Santos.
He scored seven goals in fourteen matches last season, as the Sao Paulo-based outfit clinched the 2011 Paulista and Copa Libertadores titles.
Despite his encouraging contribution, Leite was allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with cross-city rivals Palmeiras in January, before joining on a five-year deal.
“In 2008 I just arrived at Santos, had played 11 games, I remember to this day,” he said.
“I was on the rise in football, people were getting to know Maikon Leite, then came the injury.”
“So people ended up getting to know me for the injury instead of titles and goals.”
But with two goals in his first three matches at Palmeiras, Leite is now starting to attract attention for the right reasons.
“Two titles for Santos this year and when I came to Palmeiras I scored a goal on my debut. I feel good,” he said.
Just one month after Leite’s arrival, his number seven shirt was already the best selling item in the club shop.
And if he can stay fit, the striker has every chance of fulfilling his potential under World Cup-winning coach Luis Felipe Scolari.
Palmeiras, fourth in the league table, are in action away to Coritiba on Thursday.
It’s one thing to watch your team play badly, but having to watch them in what can only be described as a major fashion faux pas is just unforgiveable. From clashing colours, to odd pictures and animal-esque designs (yes I’m being deadly serious), football isn’t quite the beautiful game when it comes to designing kits. It appears from my ‘research’ that the 1990’s and Mexico’s keeper Jorge Campos are the main culprits for offending our eyes week in week out, without even so much as an apology. Put some of these on a canvas and we would be comparing them to Picasso’s masterpieces, but on a football pitch on a Saturday afternoon at 3pm, and the game is lost before a ball is even kicked.
To sum up the horrors I have seen, even David Beckham would struggle for sex appeal in these…oh who are we kidding? The guy would easily pull off Tiger stripes.
Click on Stade de Francais to see the worst 20 kits of our time
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has labelled his side’s 4-3 defeat to Blackburn on Saturday as worse than their 8-2 humiliation to Manchester United, and has stated The Gunners must improve.
The Emirates outfit were defeated by struggling Blackburn, which cancelled out the positive performance against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek, and Wenger is lost for explanations after the loss.
“There are no excuses,” he told The Daily Mail.
“We dominated but in our weak moments we were not strong enough to resist. This is not more humiliating (than United). They are two different results. It is more frustrating because we had the potential to win,” he stated.
Arsenal have now conceded the most goals in the division, 14 from five games, and pressure is mounting on the French coach to turn the slump around.
The Gunners are already eleven points behind Premier League leaders United, and pundits are writing the London side’s chances of a top four finish off.
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Arsenal take on Shrewsbury in the League Cup on Tuesday night, before hosting Bolton at the Emirates next Saturday.
It must be difficult when your brother is a multi-millionaire footballer who all the fame and fortune in the world when you are a run-of-the-mill footballer just trying to get by in the lower leagues.
There are many brothers in football who have had equal amounts of success as each other and have made it to the top of their game but what about the players whose brother has dwarfed their own success. These footballers remain forever in the shadow of their famous brother and some struggle to make a career for themselves.
This is a list of players who had to take a back seat while their more famous brother developed into a household name. We’re sure that their parents love them just the same…
Click on Stephen Jagielka to unveil the top 10
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Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has remained in Argentina without permission from the club, despite the fact that the Etihad Stadium outfit requested the attacker return to England by Monday.
The South American forward decided to return to Argentina last week regardless of the fact that a request for leave was rejected twice, and has refused to return to the Premier League club.
A representative of Tevez’s camp has revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the player’s future, and a potential return to training.
“Over the weekend there have been a series of meetings and conference calls,” a spokesman for Tevez stated.
“Carlos is still in Argentina. However, both sides are in agreement that they want a resolution as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
“Discussions will probably be ongoing for the foreseeable future,” he concluded.
Tevez’s behaviour has been damned by PFA chief Gordon Taylor, as the latest scandal looks sure to ensure a transfer for the wantaway forward come January.
City have as yet refused to comment on the latest event in the Tevez saga.
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They were never going to beat the Flying Dutchman,
Newcastle’s Ryan Taylor scored a peach of a goal,
Had the precision of a quarter back in the Super Bowl,
Fergie celebrated 25 years at Manchester United,
Of cheating however they were indicted,
Persuading the referee into another decision,
Correct call made though, so no collision,
Bolton avenged their Wembley demon,
Perhaps this could herald the start of their season,
Tony Pulis’ Stoke had a tough day to endure,
Still no European hangover cure,
Enough with this procrastination,
It’s time to review without deliberation!
Performance of the Weekend
Liverpool may have not been at the best on Saturday but Swansea had to be to deny them at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers side looked well organised and resolute in their 0-0 draw in the North West. The stand out player yet again was Michel Vorm. His best save was an improbable one handed tip over the bar from Glen Johnson’s well hit volley.
The first Welsh side in the Premier League continue to prove they are a forced to be reckoned with. Judging by the way Manchester United have been playing of late, it’s not implausible that the Swans could take points off their illustrious visitors in two weeks time at the Liberty Stadium.
Player of the Weekend
Robin van Persie displayed yet more facets to his game in Arsenal’s 3-0 procession against West Brom. A goal poacher for the first, tapping in the rebound from Theo Walcott’s shot, he turned provider for the second and third goals, laying it on for Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta to lash past Ben Foster. Another world class performance from the Gunners captain and suddenly, Arsenal don’t look a bad shout for the top four.
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Honourable Mentions: Gareth Bale, Gabby Agbonlahor, Michel Vorm, Chris Eagles
Goal of the Weekend
Newcastle United defender Ryan Taylor is renowned for his precision when it comes to dead ball situations. He displayed against Everton how he can place it with equal accuracy when the ball is moving. His looping half volley left Tim Howard dazed as it soared over him, nicking the cross bar on its way into the far corner. Beautiful
[youtube vzsEZ08MQA4]
Miss of the Weekend
Poor old Fernando Torres must be wondering what he has to do to score. From nearly under the crossbar, the £50 million man managed to sky the ball into the fans. It’s actually reached the point where his profligacy in front of goal is quite incredible considering the player he was just two years ago. You wonder how much longer Chelsea will persist with their multimillion pound flop. Surely he’ll rediscover his confidence sooner or later or so André Villas Boas will be hoping.
Tottenham will be hoping to maintain the momentum that has propelled them into third with a fifth straight Premier League win when they face West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
They’ll face a tough game against Roy Hodgson’s Baggies who beat Bolton last week after losing their last two games against Arsenal and Liverpool. Albion’s form has rapidly fluctuated this season with supporters celebrating a clutch of wins which is then swiftly followed by a run of defeats. Hodgson’s men have put served up some insipid displays to the Hawthorns faithful this season and had scored only three goals before their win over the Trotters on Saturday. The return of Shane Long from injury was a major plus point with the Irish striker adding some extra pace and purpose in the final third. His winning goal capped a remarkable comeback for the Baggies record signing considering he chipped a bone in his knee at Aston Villa barely a month ago. His link up with another returnee and West Brom legend Zoltan Gera gave them something they’ve lacked all up front all season. Peter Odemwingie’s absence at times this season has hit Hodgson’s attacking options hard but the return of the stylish Bulgarian offered them some guile and industry up front. His intelligent ball through for Jerome Thomas’ opening goal was a mouthwatering and his sharp vision and passing range will compliment Long’s preference to run off the shoulder of defences. That win over Bolton was only their second win in six at home this season and they’ll need to be wary of a Spurs side who lost only once on their travels.
Harry Redknapps side saw off Albion’s Midland rivals Aston Villa with ease on Monday to leapfrog Newcastle into third with a game in hand on those in front of them. Since losing their opening two games at the hands of both Manchester clubs the North London side have excelled winning eight out of the nine subsequent fixtures putting themselves in contention for a title challenge. Redknapp’s summer signings have all settled in well with Brad Friedel providing a stable presence at the back whilst Scott Parker has added a smatter of grit in the heart of midfield. Up front Emmanuel Adebayor has performed superbly in the lone striker role and was the match winner on Monday scoring twice against Villa with his acrobatic first goal displaying his qualities in front of goal. The on loan Manchester City striker now has five goals for the club and was the recipient of two assists from Gareth Bale who once again dominated the left side of the field. The Welshman put in another breathless pounding Carlos Cuellar and Alan Hutton into submission. His direct running will be a key component of Tottenham’s attack along and will most certainly be a deciding factor as to whether Tottenham continue their excellent form in the Midlands.
West Brom – 10th
Last Five: Won 2-0 v Bolton (H), Lost 3-0 v Arsenal (A), Lost 2-0 v Liverpool (H), Won 2-1 v Aston Villa (A), Won 2-0 v Wolves (H)
Potential Starting X11: 1. B. Foster 12. S. Reid 3. J. Olsson 23. G. McCauley 20. N. Shorey 14. J. Thomas 21. Y. Mulumbu 7. J. Morrison 11. C. Brunt[C] 22. Z. Gera 9. S. Long*
Injury News: Peter Odemwingie remains sidelined with a troublesome knee injury but Austrian defender Paul Scharner could return after overcoming a similar affliction.
Key Player: Shane Long
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West Brom missed the striker during his short absence through injury losing the two games he missed after the injury he picked up against Aston Villa. His return coincided with Albion returning to winning ways on his return with the Irishman scoring the winner against Bolton. His energy and clever runs off the defence will give the Baggies an attacking option every time they’re in possession against Tottenham
Match Fact: The Baggies have only managed to beat Tottenham twice at the Hawthorns in five Premeir League meetings with Spur’s winning once and claiming a draw in the other two games.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is prepared to go toe-to-toe with the Premier League big spenders to bring in a ‘special’ signing in January according to BBC Sport.
The White Hart Lane club have enjoyed a terrific start to the season and sit in the top four of the Premier League with a game in hand over all of their rivals. But Redknapp has revealed that he wants to strengthen his squad in January and a big name signing is his priority as he wants his talented side to be taken seriously at the top of the table.
Carlos Tevez has been linked with a move to North London in the window, but Redknapp is not confident of bringing the Argentinean to Spurs next month but is hopeful that he and his chairman can bring someone in that will turn a few heads.
Talking about Carlos Tevez, Redknapp said: “He’s a special player who could make the difference, but I wouldn’t think that’s a possibility.”
“The chairman would back me all the way if we felt it was someone who could take us that extra little bit forward,” he added.
“If someone came along who we thought was special and could make a difference, we’d go for him.”
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“But finding them is very difficult, there aren’t many around like that.”
If it’s true that some things never change – a leopard doesn’t change its spots, Big Sam will always ferociously chew gum, Mark Hughes doesn’t lack ambition – then it is no surprise that Sir Alex Ferguson was playing mind games after all and bad things will always come in three.
When Paul Scholes was named among the substitutes for the Manchester derby in the third round of the F.A Cup, much was made of it in the wake of the final whistle: “It took all the attention off City’s home record and the bookmakers’ odds and switched all the attention to Paul Scholes and Manchester United ,” said former Red Devil Nicky Butt, before eluding to the talent Ferguson possesses in the mind game department, “It was a great little bit of psychology.” However, some sections of the footballing world were questioning why everything Sir Alex Ferguson says or does has to be interpreted as part of an elaborate game of wit and mental strength.
For a short while my head had been turned and I began to see Ferguson for what he was: just a manager. It was a silly mistake to doubt the psychological capabilities of Sir Alex though: “I don’t know how we managed it,” said Ferguson, commenting on how they kept Scholes’ return quiet, “we registered him on the Friday, and thought somehow it would get out. But we didn’t let any of the players know, simply because of the impact value.” There you have it: he was playing mind games. “We were going away from home in a very difficult FA Cup tie against City. We had 5,000 fans at that end of the ground and as soon as they knew his name was on the team sheet they were fantastic, there was a great response.”
Another thing that hasn’t changed this season is all things coming in triple headers and football has, yet again, caused controversy with great debate, threefold. To begin with, there was the first of three race rows; secondly, football lost three legends of the game; and lastly, since the New Year, three refereeing decisions have sparked considerable discussion unparalleled this season. Luis Suarez , John Terry and a Liverpool “fan” were the culprits in the race row and have all managed to be dealt with in three separate ways: the Uruguayan was punished with an 8-game ban by the F.A, John Terry ’s case was handed to the Crown Prosecution Service and the Liverpool fan responsible for the racist remarks to Oldham’s Tom Adeyemi was arrested. Three cases, similar in nature, dealt with in three different ways due to subjectivity.
Back in 2011, during the last week of November, football lost one of its greats: Gary Speed. His death came on the back of his appearance on the BBC’s Saturday football show, Football Focus and a successful year, which, posthumously, saw his side announced as the best climbers in the FIFA International rankings from 116th to 48th, collecting the most points of any international side in 2011 – 330. Socrates, the Brazilian playmaker who achieved huge playing success in the early 80s, as well as qualifying a doctor, died a week later and within a month of this early passing the former Everton and Liverpool defender, Gary Ablett died aged 46.
With unwanted negatives clouding what has been a brilliant season on-the-pitch in England, the New Year ensured the controversy would continue at the first possible opportunity: with City facing United in the F.A Cup third round, the 12 minute mark brought what may go on to be the most talked about sending off of the season and a constant benchmark comparison for every single sliding challenge to be made between now and May.
As Luis Nani burst down the left wing for Manchester United, Kompany came charging across from centre-back and with two feet lunged off the ground, scissor-legged the ball away from the Portuguese, as he hurdled the oncoming boots of the Belgian. Foy gave the Manchester City captain a straight red and immediate debate began over the referee’s interpretation of the rules and whether his decision was justifiable.
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As with any event concerning Manchester United and officials, the result and general consensus has been tarnished; however, according to Nigel Reo-Coker , opinion is divided because of the subjectivity in football: “I don’t really think there are clear enough guidelines to know how you can tackle in the modern game. Even the powers-that-be don’t really know the true rules about tackling themselves. If you speak to people, 50% will say [Kompany’s] is a sending off and 50% will say it’s not. I thought it might have been a sending-off but others disagree.” One man that felt it was not a sending off is Graham Poll, “The red card was harsh and unnecessary — refs are advised to avoid controversy and not to go looking for trouble. Chris Foy managed neither on Sunday.” It takes three yellow cards for Poll to send someone off anyway, so we can that with a pinch of salt.
However, if his justification is to be taken and strictly applied across the board, then surely Glen Johnson ’s two-footed challenge on Joleon Lescott was a sending off, yet a foul wasn’t even given: “Vincent Kompany should not have dived in, but he was in control of his body movement, unlike Frank Lampard for Chelsea against Wolves, which resulted in a yellow card but was a much more serious offence.”
When Glen Johnson made his two-footed challenge, which Dalglish claims wasn’t a challenge, he wasn’t in control: his eyes were closed and that isn’t being in control. “Glen’s tackle is not a problem for us because there was no one directly in front of him. He hasn’t come in from behind, so I don’t see the problem,” the Liverpool manager said. “There’s always an interpretation of what the tackle is but I would have thought that, if it’s a tackle, then there has got to be a challenge. If I’m sliding in to clear the ball and there’s no challenge, then it’s not a tackle, is it?”
Dalglish’s point lies in the difference between Kompany’s starting and finishing point and Johnson’s: Kompany comes out of a centre-back position, diagonally running towards Nani and lunges towards him. If Nani didn’t hurdle the oncoming challenge, Kompany’s finishing point would’ve been the ankles of Nani . On the other hand, Glen Johnson sprints forward out of right-back and, with a two-footed flight path, intercepts a Lescott-destined pass: his finishing point in no way affects Lescott who was standing to the right of Johnson’s path. However, according to Poll, a lack of control displayed by Johnson should mean that he is sent off.
Yet, the subjective nature continues to create debate and stir controversy, as will this post. Rio Ferdinand believes there is no argument: “I don’t understand why this debate is still going on,” said the United and England centre-back, “It’s stated clearly in the rule book, we get told before the season when all the referees go around the different clubs: a two-footed tackle is a red card. It’s as simple as that – It baffles me that there’s any argument or debate around the issue.” Yet that isn’t the case: whether it is a one-footed or two-footed challenge, for a red card, serious foul play must occur, meaning “with excessive force” and “endangering the opponent’s safety.” Yet, both of those conditions are subjective and that is where the debate and argument is allowed to flourish.
Either way, the referees will be scrutinised for their decisions whether they get them right or wrong. On Sky Sport’s Soccer Saturday, Matthew Le Tissier said of Chris Foy, “he’s not one of our best referees, he’s been involved with some high profile mistakes,” whilst Charlie Nicholas said that Lee Mason was, “lucky it was a centre half [that Johnson came in on], a winger would’ve had his leg snapped.” The argument will go on and unfortunately, without standardising the rules and objectifying the necessary conditions, players will continue to see red amidst the mist of subjectivity.
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Football fans’ willingness to show their dedication comes in all shapes and sizes. One such way is to splay their dedication over their body in the form of a tattoo. I can understand why somebody might choose to tattoo their footballing allegiance onto their body. Whilst women come and go, a football team is for life. It’s the manly man’s equivalent of getting “I love mom’ yet a tattoo is a big commitment, so it’s important to get it right. As you can imagine, this process isn’t always a success.
Below are the top 10 Newcastle United tattoos to be found on the net – the good, the bad and the plain ugly – click on image below to unveil gallery:
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Have you got a better Newcastle tattoo? Football FanCast would like to invite the readers to submit their own entry via our Facebook Page. The winning entries will go forward to our grand competition to find the best tattoo in the Premier League.
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