Southampton have had a miserable season and are in danger of dropping into the Championship.
As it stands, Mark Hughes and his men are in the bottom three alongside Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
The club are four points adrift of safety with as many games left to play, and they are due to face Bournemouth, Everton, Swansea City and Manchester City.
The club have not tasted league victory since February when they earned a 3-2 triumph over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
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Most supporters are resigned to the likelihood of life in the Championship next season, and their dismal status has led to some fans looking back on past teams.
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Over the years, the coastal club have sold a number of first-team stars, including Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin, Nathaniel Clyne, Luke Shaw, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk.
On Reddit, Southampton fans discussed past teams, wishing that they had some of those figures to save them from relegation.
Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..
So far so good for Louis Van Gaal. He’s achieved what he set out to achieve without really setting the world alight. He’s convinced without ever really being convincing.
But that’s a good thing, and there’s more to come.
Building a football team is a progressive thing. Jose Mourinho came back to Chelsea and worked on the overhaul in the first season and saw the benefits in the second. His first season back was itself a case of convincing without ever really being convincing. Chelsea came third, were kind of in a title race and made it to a Champions League semi-final. It sounds like an impressive season, but there were too many slip ups against the lesser sides – it was close but no cigar. Still, it was progress.
This season Chelsea are back to where Jose Mourinho feels they belong. They’re champions and they’re not going to stop there, they’ll strengthen their side.
And that’s the model Van Gaal will surely follow. One season to steady a rocking ship, add some more quality where he needs it – a striker and a defender should surely be on the list – and then challenge for a title next season. Sounds simple doesn’t it?
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We can be fairly sure that United are going to spend big when the transfer window opens. It’s United’s way of acting like a big club. They’ve worked so hard to build up one of the most lucrative business models in the world – or you can call that billions’ worth of debt if you’re of the jealous type – and now that they are in trouble they can use that money to bail themselves out. So Van Gaal has a considerable war chest to dig into this summer.
Despite the well-publicised defensive failings last season, Louis Van Gaal is probably more worried about his attack than his defence. United’s defensive woes were partly caused by a myriad of factors. Youthful inexperience, individual errors, injuries and maladaptation to Van Gaal’s formation and tactics are all blame-able to various degrees.
Their attacking failures are a little more difficult to pin down. United suffered three consecutive defeats against Chelsea, Everton and West Brom as their season came to a grinding halt. But worse than the defeats was the fact that United didn’t score in any of those games. They had 60%+ of the possession and created a multitude of chances but never rippled the net fabric. For a team that has spent so much on attacking options, that’s simply unacceptable.
The stats don’t lie either. United’s goal difference of +25 is worse than all three teams above them, they scored 62 goals – almost 10 fewer than Chelsea (73) and Arsenal (71), and 21 fewer than Manchester City (83). Defensively, though, it’s a better story. United conceded just five goals more than Chelsea and a goal fewer than City.
In an attacking sense, it’s clear to see that United are struggling. For all of the wonderful possession stats, United’s domination of games has been sterile. They’ve offered a lot of passing around the final third but little penetration, even resorting in the end to lumping it to Fellaini with varying degrees of success.
An interesting stat is that United are 6th in the chances created table. Last season they managed to create 391 chances (interestingly, QPR managed 385), but that’s a whole 141 behind leaders Manchester City. Arsenal and Chelsea managed a similar amount to each other, and are still miles ahead of United.
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And that’s where United need to strengthen. It’s important to score the goals. If the defence looks weak it’s probably because United camp in the opposition half for so much of the game. The whole team is just shifted up the pitch a few yards, so one bad pass allows a counter, and Premier League teams are all adept on the counter. But when you have 60%+ of the ball possession, the opposition doesn’t get many chances to counter.
The progress United need to make is up front, they need to create chances and they need to convert the ones they do make. That’s why Van Gaal seems to be blindly focussed on attackers at the moment. Surely that’s where they’ll strengthen this summer.
Football Chiefs being jailed for ten-and-a-half years, referees accepting bribes, four national team players caught match fixing, teams going on strike and fans not wanting to watch any more. Can football in China really make a comeback?
Football in China hit rock bottom in 2012, in total over 50 officials and governing body members were sent to jail, 33 were banned for life. Incredibly, one of these was former Chief of Chinese football Xie Yalong and Vice-President Nan Yong, both were given ten-and-a-half year sentences and both were handed a fine of 200,000 Yuan (£20000). After being tortured and having his family threatened Xie confessed to accepting bribes of up to ¾ Million. These included Nike officials to secure a sponsorship deal with the Chinese Super League and Zhu Guanghu, in order to keep his place as National Team Coach. On the other hand Nan was guilty of accepting up to £140,000 in bribes. This is all kick started after a campaign to clean up Chinese football started in 2009. Unfortunately for the Super League this wasn’t the worst of it; four national team players were found guilty in accepting 8Million Yuan (£800,000) in bribes in order to fix domestic league matches. All were fined 500,000 Yuan and given up to 6 Year sentences.
Not only were players and governing members mixed up in all the corruption, it appeared officials had played a part too. Ex-Referee Lun Ju, who had previously refereed at the World Cup in 2002 and the Olympics in 2000, was put behind bars for five-and-a-half years. It was reported he accepted 790,000 Yuan to fix seven Super League matches. Ju’s imprisonment caused quite a storm showing a sharp decline in his fortunes since his impressive career achievements. One of the clubs he had said to have officiated and altered the outcome of were Shanghai Shenhua.
Shanghai Shenhua have been one of the biggest teams in terms of wealth and performance in the Super League. However the team was cast a bad image when it was found guilty of involvement in bribery. Chinese Media reported Shenhua offered bribes to officials to secure a 4-1 victory against Shanxi Guoli. In addition to being fined, the club were given a six-point penalty and were stripped of their 2003 title in what was formally known as the Chinese Jia-A League. In total 12 clubs were given financial or point-based penalties. Shenhua must have thought they turned a corner when they signed Nicolas Anelka and then Didier Drogba. Two big name players which arose plenty of excitement as these were some of the first globally named players to participate in the Super League. With Drogba on the back of winning a Champions League winners medal, Shenhua had hoped this would bring good publicity to not only the club but the Super League itself. Both were paid handsomely, Anelka’s salary was $12million annually and Drogba was on £200,000 a week. However both left only after one season, those saying money is everything were proved wrong. Anelka left to train with PSG with no real statement as to why he left. Drogba departed on more controversial grounds as he joined Galatasaray immediately after returning from the African Cup of Nations. Shenhua claim that Drogba is still their player and are ‘deeply shocked’ after taking on the Ivorian for a two-and-a-half year deal. It is very clear that something is very wrong to send both Drogba (11 games, 8 goals) and Anelka (22 games, 3 goals) running in the opposite direction only after one season.
It is clear to see with the evidence shown that football in China is in a terrible state, it got to the point at when fans were being interviewed they said the didn’t want to watch the game anymore. It was all fake. Something big needs to happen to grab Chinese football by the scruff of the neck and bring it back into the light. That ray of light has somehow appeared to be David Beckham, international superstar. With having previous experience in being an ambassador for the Olympic and World Cup 2018 bid, and not to mention his world loved reputation, this could be China’s man. David Beckham has taken up the role as ambassador for Chinese football, and with the new league only having just started, it seems like this is a new era for the Super League. Although many Chinese journalists feel there is no way back, even just the sheer presence of Beckham should create an impact big enough to start the change of Chinese footballs reputations. Beckham will take on a tour round China in a bid to promote a better side of football, one which should invoke passion. Make the youth of China fall back in love with the sport which has been ridden by treachery.
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It will take time before we see an impact, if any from ‘Little Becks‘ as he is known in China. But it will take years before football can be returned to a normal state of affairs and all is forgotten. Football in China is in too deep, it needs serious help, Beckham is a start, however China needs something more. If they can lure big name players and create a league that has all of a sudden become very attractable, only then will the past be forgotten.
Many fans and pundits alike have waxed lyrical about Liverpool’s attacking flare this season.
It is hard not to be mesmerised by the fluidity and skill of Jurgen Klopp’s trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
The group have scored 81 goals between them in all competitions, with Salah leading the charge on 40.
The attacking side of Liverpool’s game has rarely been a problem; it is the defence that has raised alarm bells at times this season.
Since Virgil van Dijk arrived from Southampton in January, the back line has improved, but question marks remain over the goalkeeping situation.
At the moment, Loris Karius is number one, and has been since the turn of the year when Klopp opted to drop Simon Mignolet down the pecking order.
The German has put in some solid displays in between the sticks, and has won over plenty of supporters as a result, but rumours are still rumbling about the club potentially recruiting a new keeper in the summer.
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A recent report by Mundo Deportivo claimed that the Merseyside outfit are keeping tabs on Barcelona’s second-string shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen, while Roma’s Alisson has regularly been mentioned in the transfer gossip columns.
With that in mind, do you think that Klopp should stick with what he has or bring in a new face for next season? Let us know by voting below…
When Manchester United striker Robin van Persie left the field against Swansea after picking up an ankle injury, things looked ominous for the Red Devils.
United slumped to a 2-1 defeat in Wales that day, as the Swans recorded a memorable double over Louis van Gaal’s side leaving their hopes of securing Champions League qualification in some doubt.
Still struggling for form and with one of their most influential players out of action, not many could have foreseen the run that United would put together from that moment on, but the turnaround has been incredible.
Six straight league wins has not only put the reds within touching distance of a return to the Champions League but has also seen them leapfrog rivals Manchester City and move to within a point of second place.
And while at first Van Persie’s injury was seen as a blow to United, unfortunately for the striker his spell on the sidelines has actually proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Van Gaal’s side have picked some fantastic results in recent weeks with impressive victories over the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and most recently Manchester City. Even more impressive has been their performances in these games with the manner of victory a huge positive given their struggles earlier on in the season.
12 goals in the process have put to bed their problems in front of goal, with United finding a way to cope without the underperforming duo Radamel Falcao and Van Persie.
Prior to his injury Van Persie was considered the main man upfront for the Red Devils, although is form and fitness had been brought into question following some below par displays.
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There were calls for him to be dropped from the side, but luckily for Van Gaal the injury to the Dutchman forced his hand and there was no need to upset one of his star players.
The problem Van Persie now faces however as he nears a return to action, is that their might no longer be a place for him in the side given how well they have coped without him.
Wayne Rooney has taken centre stage in attack leading the line brilliantly and forming a tremendous partnership with the likes of Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young. These four have been pivotal to the club’s success over recent weeks and on current form they can’t be dropped.
Not long ago it would have been unthinkable to say this, but United have actually improved since Van Persie has been out of the side, and as a consequence the future of the United forward is now in some doubt.
The Dutchman continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, and while this would have unimaginable a few months ago, it’s now a possibility that won’t trouble many United fans who have seen just how well the side can cope in his absence.
It’s clear he is still a world class forward and on his day can prove a match winner. His lack of form and fitness can probably be attributed to a long summer which saw him feature heavily in Holland’s World Cup campaign.
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Given a full pre-season to rest and recuperate it would be no surprise to see him return to his best, an outcome that would surely benefit the team given the extra European games they will need to accommodate in their season.
But while he still has a big part to play at Old Trafford, the last few weeks mean he is not considered as important as he once was and the side have shown they can cope more than adequately without him.
Does a fully fit Van Persie make it into United’s starting 11? On current form you’d have to say it’s unlikely.
Manchester United winger Ashley Young is hopeful that he has finally put his injury woes behind him.
The Red Devils star has been restricted to just 17 Premier League appearances this term, with a succession of injuries hampering his chances of regular playing time.
But, the 27-year-old has finally recovered from his latest set-back and been granted permission to join up with England’s squad for their up-coming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.
Young admitted tat it has been a difficult spell in his career and is hopeful that he can now get back to playing regularly for United:
“It’s been very frustrating as a player when you’re injured and seeing the other players training every day,” he is quoted by The Mirror.
“For me, the injuries have been very disappointing and I just wanted to get myself back fit.
“Fingers crossed, from now until the end of the season, I can stay injury-free and get a run in the team.”
Young enjoyed a successful debut season at Old Trafford last term, producing a number of fine displays.
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His impressive form allowed him to be a part of Roy Hodgson’s squad for EURO 2012, however the ex-Aston Villa man failed to replicate his club form in Poland and Ukraine.
Southampton’s last two results have made relegation from the Premier League all the more likely.
Mark Hughes’s side were beaten 3-2 by both Arsenal and Chelsea, which has left them five points from safety with as many games left to play.
The style of football under Hughes has been more positive than that implemented by Mauricio Pellegrino prior to the Argentine’s sacking.
However, time is running out for the Saints to pick up the points they need to retain their top-flight status.
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At the weekend, the game against Chelsea was frustrating for the coastal club at St Mary’s as they threw away a two-goal lead.
Not only that, but Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso seemingly got away with a stamp on Shane Long’s calf in the first half while the Blues were trailing.
Retrospective action has now been taken, with the FA charging the Spaniard with violent conduct.
If found guilty, the Chelsea man could be suspended for this Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
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Even though that would be a positive outcome for the Saints, the majority of fans feel that the charge is meaningless.
Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.
This week will be crucial for Southampton as they take on Leicester City on Thursday night and then Chelsea at Wembley three days later.
Not again? Afraid so Liverpool fans, Daniel Sturridge is once again set for a spell on the sidelines after being sent home from England’s training camp.
Roy Hodgson cannot be blamed this time, though, with the striker picking up a torn muscle in his hip during the loss at home to Manchester United on Sunday – which may cost the club top four football, and has left them facing three games without Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel.
Initially considered to be minor issue, scans have revealed that Sturridge’s problem could leave him out of action for a month, in which time he will miss vital Premier League and FA Cup games, to add to the five months he’s already sat out this season.
The skilful striker may have hit in excess of 30 goals in just over 50 outing for Liverpool, but is it time for the Merseyside club to think about cutting their losses this summer? Maybe, and here are FIVE reasons why…
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Cannot be relied upon to stay fit
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Since joining Liverpool in January 2013 – just over two years ago – Sturridge has suffered 14 injuries. FOURTEEN. He’s already missed five months of action this term, which put a serious strain on Brendan Rodgers’ squad, and was absent for large chunks of 2013/14 – although Luis Suarez’s eternal fitness covered that well.
It’s not as such Sturridge’s fault that he picks up these knocks and strains, but there comes a point when Liverpool must realise that he cannot be relied upon to get them through an entire campaign.
Should command a decent fee
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Despite his injury woes, Sturridge is English and still relatively young at 25. These factors mean that he could well attract a decent fee from an interested rival. Chelsea appears to be a no-go after his fruitless spell there, while Manchester City may be a tricky one given that he left them as a youngster.
A move abroad could be an option, with more and more English players testing their skills outside of the Premier League.
Sterling can play the role
Top scorer for Liverpool in the league with six goals – we’re not counting Steven Gerrard’s penalties and free-kicks – Sterling has proven himself capable in a variety of roles. Sturridge’s injury woes saw Rodgers thrust him into a slot as the central striker, and although he lacks the physicality to occupy centre-backs, his movement and pace have come to the fore.
Aside from his run in the ‘No. 10’ last season, Sterling’s best form has come as the focal point of the attack, making it a long-term role to consider, and one that may make him rethink his stance in regard to contract negotiations.
Doesn’t seem suited to the 3-4-2-1
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Sturridge’s return earlier this year saw him thrust into Rodgers’ new system. Recovery may be an issue preventing him from reaching the highs of last term, but the 25-year-old has appeared to be a little off the pace of late, with his movement not quite there. The goals have come, albeit not in a prolific nature, yet his performances haven’t quite been of the level Reds and had hoped for.
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Options out there
As ever, this summer is likely to be a busy one on terms of transfers across Europe. Should Liverpool go shopping for a forward, there will be lots of choice.
Mauro Icardi of Inter Milan looks a decent bet for an side in need of a pacey, tenacious striker, while Palermo’s Paulo Dybala is not dissimilar. Karim Benzema remains a target, and there has even been talk of a shock move for Manchester United’s struggling loanee Radamel Falcao.
Tottenham transfer target Leandro Damiao has insisted he is happy to remain at Internacional but admitted to being flattered by the interest Spurs have shown in him.
The Brazilian international has been linked with a move to the Premier League over the past couple of years, with Tottenham favourites to win his signature.
Spurs’ latest attempt to try and land Damiao came on the final day of the January transfer window, but a £18m bid did not meet Internacional’s valuation of the striker, who has said he is happy to stay in Brazil.
“I certainly thank Tottenham for their interest,” the 23-year-old told Correio do Povo. “They are a big club in Europe, but my focus is on Inter.
“(Internacional’s) president Giovanni Luigi knows I always wanted to stay at Internacional, regardless of any offers that could come.
“I hope to help Inter for a long time, I have a long contract and I am very happy and focused.”
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Tottenham are now struggling for options up front after Jermain Defoe went off injured against West Brom on Sunday.
Newcastle fans are lauding Rafael Benitez again, as one important statistic shows exactly why he set up so negatively against the big boys this season.
It’s been a common criticism of bottom half teams in recent years. All too often they play the “big six” and set up with eleven men behind the ball, just waiting for the final whistle to blow with the score at 0-0.
Rafa Benitez seemed to come under particularly intense criticism this season, especially in the Magpies’ narrow defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool.
Newcastle are having the last laugh now though, as they have the best goal difference in the bottom half of the table, which could have proved vital to survival had results not gone their way in recent weeks.
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The difference between many other managers and Benitez is they often don’t make any effort to win the match, whereas Benitez clearly has a deliberate plan to steal three points – make 75 minutes as boring as possible, then make a game of it in the last 15 minutes.
This approach was particularly evident in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City in December, when Newcastle could have easily grabbed a goal or two in the closing stages.
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Benitez was heavily criticised for setting up so negatively in that match, and now the Toon Army are enjoying saying “I told you so”, as Newcastle are the only team in the bottom half with a goal difference better than -10.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…