By Shaun Orange

Chelsea dropped two points over the weekend that could prove crucial in their bid to win the Premiership title for a third time in five seasons. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Blues were held to a 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday and it left the Londoners three points behind leaders Liverpool, going into the New Year.

The Stamford Bridge side played well enough to win the game, even if they did come from behind to take the lead with two Frank Lampard goals. But a last gasp strike by the home side levels the contest and cosigned Chelsea to a third draw in their last four league matches.

Chelsea have been bereft with injuries and suspensions to key players this term and there is no denying that these have taken a toll on a side that does have good depth in reserve, but is showing signs of cracking up.

Scolari, the Brazilian coach who led his country to a World Cup triumph in 2002 and only took over as Chelsea boss in the summer; appears to be having difficulties in coming to terms with the hectic pace of the English game.

He has lost his cool a couple of times and on occasion thought it wise to forego interviews, so as to not get himself entangled in a situation with the authorities. And if the truth be told, the pressures that come with being Chelsea manager are beginning to show.

No one can detract from the fact that being the Stamford Bridge boss comes with a little more responsibility than just doing well in the Premier League. Of course, the league championship title is the most coveted trophy in world club soccer, yet despite this, it is also by no means decided.

Contrary to some suggestions that Scolari should change his tactics to suit their own bid to triumph, and in second spot on the ladder, Chelsea have looked a shade frail on more than just a few occasions. And the Fulham encounter clearly illustrated this.

Not withstanding this, Scolari has come out top publicly defended his team; pointing out that there is still a long way to go before this campaign is done. Scolari said hat they were still right in the mix for the top prize in the British football.

The burly manager emphasized that the: championship is not finished and that it would go down to the last two or three games.
And then to reassure Chelsea’s fans, sponsors and the hierarchy, he declared that they “were in a good position” and that all it would take to lift the league title would be to win their games.

Scolari was also dealt setback of sorts when Stamford Bridge chief executive officer Peter Kenyon said they would not be bringing in new players in the January transfer window.

That he chose to say: “If my boss says we don’t have any transfers, I say yes because I have good players, a good squad. It is no problem for me.”

Well it could turn out to be a rather bothersome issue if Chelsea do lose their way a few more times than the other three leading clubs in England.

And the last thing that Scolari and his side would be hoping for is Liverpool moving even further ahead in the standings.

By Shaun Orange

Liverpool’s triumph over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday was good entertainment, and something that even their challengers could appreciate. It was a classy performance took the Merseyside team three points clear at the top of the table going into 2009.

But just as the Reds’ fans prepared to celebrate their impressive run in the campaign thus far and look forward to what could be a memorable New Year, they were dealt a jolting blow from the blue, with news that their skipper Steven Gerrard was arrested by police.

Reports from Liverpool had it that Gerrard was among five people arrested on suspicion of assault and locked up in police custody overnight. If indeed, it is Gerrard, and he is party to the allegations, then this could be a real sad case for the Premier League leaders; and more so for their captain.

Gerrard, with 70 England caps to his credit and widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, played a crucial role in Liverpool’s 5-1 thumping of Newcastle, just as he has done since the start of the season.

After Sunday’s game on Tyneside, in which he scored twice, the Reds’ skipper declared that this Liverpool squad was the “best” he has played in yet. Thus, for him now to be involved in an issue such as the allegations of assault could well damage the Reds’ promising season. The still half of the season still to go and it would be premature to begin talking about Liverpool winning the title for a first time since 1990. But this has also been their best campaign to date and they are many who believe that at last Rafael Benitez does indeed have a side good enough to go all the way.

By an incident like the one which has now surfaced could derail their chances. Gerrard is perhaps the single most influential player at Anfield and anything like what has been alleged could have huge consequences on the squad as a whole.

That Liverpool chose not to make comment on the matter encourages one to believe that Gerrard was more than likely involved in the incident. And this comes from the thinking that if the club had concrete evidence that he was not involved, then they would have said so.

There is no doubt that more than half of Liverpool will be hoping that the England intentional was not party to the fracas that led to a man being taken to hospital for facial injuries, which were said to be “not serious’ or “life threatening”.

But if he is at the centre of the incident, Gerrard would have to face up to some serious issues, with his captaincy the least important.

Sadly, though this is not the first time that a Premier League star has been involved in or figured in allegations like these. Over the years there have been many such incidents and one can only assume that this lot will not be the last.

By Shaun Orange

The temperament of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has again been brought into question. And again, the striker has rubbished suggestions that it lets him, and his team, down.

The latest episode in a now growing list of misdemeanours by the 23-year-old was his tussle with Stoke’s Abdoulaye Faye, in the Boxing Day game at the Britannia Stadium. In that fixture Rooney clearly stuck an arm out at the Potters’ defender.

And then to make matters worse, in a subsequent interview with the Sunday Mirror, Rooney said he did not give “a moment's thought” to those who raised the issue of his temperament getting in his way of developing into a really great player “because they're just not important” to him.

Obviously stung by the criticism Rooney added that he “would not like to let his family or his friends down and as long as they're proud of him that's all that matters”. He went on to declare that “people who know him will tell you that he is a quiet and shy person at heart”.

Well that is hardly the case from what we have seen of the Manchester United and England forward. And it appears that recently his fiery temper is indeed getting the better of him.

Just before the English champions set off for Japan, where they won the Club World Cup competition, Rooney was sadly involved in an ugly situation, whereby he stamped on Kasper Risgard of Denmark’s Aalborg in a Champions League match. He also stuck studs into another player in that game and swung an arm in another incident.

Although the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) investigated the matter, they let Rooney off the hook. At the time of the Aalborg game, Risgard rightly noted that had it happened anywhere but Old Trafford, the player would have been sent off.

And one can only conclude that UEFA’s unwillingness to sanction Rooney is because of Manchester United’s commercial clout in the game. By their own admission, they are the “biggest club” in the world, and no doubt UEFA do not have guts to take them on even if their players – like Rooney, step over the line.

Old Trafford manager Alex Ferguson has defended his striker, just as he has done the rest of squad when taken to task, and in no small way, this too has helped develop a thinking by the players that they are “untouchable”.

It is a sad situation really, and one can hope that it does not get totally out of hand, because in the end Manchester United will alienate themselves from what the game stands for globally, and that embraces the very people – the fans – who adore them.

One suspects that if Ferguson leads the way in trying to change this mindset, things could be very different. But knowing the Scotsman and his desire “to win at all costs” even if it means dragging the good name of the sport through the mud; with Rooney in tow, he will not budge an inch.

For Rooney himself, it would be a great shame if he cannot control his temperament – despite his claims that he “always feels in control”. And while it appears to him that he is in fact in control – the truth of the matter is that he is NOT. He is doing nothing more that just bluffing himself.

By Shaun Orange

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would have us believe that they still in the Premier League title race, notwithstanding his side being held to a third successive draw. This time it was 2-2 at Aston Villa, and that after the London team let slip a two-nil advantage.

As things stand, the Gunners – in fifth place, trail Villa by three points, with both having played 19 games.

Yet despite this, Wenger declared after the Villa Park tussle that they were still in the championship race and that they were good enough to claw their way back from 10 points behind pace-setters Liverpool.

To make matters worse for the Frenchman, he boldly, and unwisely, predicted that Marti O’Neill’s Villa squad was equipped with the resources to make a sustained challenge for the Premiership crown, won by Manchester United the last two seasons, and twice by Chelsea in the two campaigns before that.

To his credit, Wenger did point out that “for a place in the top-four, Villa are a threat”. They are indeed a threat and to the extent that unless Arsenal find something from somewhere, they stand to end the season where they are now – in fifth spot.

Arsenal have many admirers who enjoy watching them play their fluid and entertaining brand of soccer (and I am one of those). But the Gunners have turned off maybe as many this season, because not only have they been their most inconsistent in a decade, but also because of the Emirates manager.

Too often Wenger appears to have no direction in terms of getting his team to perform on an equal basis as Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United; or even Aston Villa for that matter. And instead of turning his attention to righting this concern, Wenger’s has chosen to berate others, just like he did with O’Neill’s side prior to their visit to Villa Park.

Of course, we have to accept that the fact that the Frenchman is under intense pressure because of their results and all the injuries they have had to deal with this season. But surely that does not give him licence to go on and attempt to ridicule others, while trying to deflect the spotlight from hammering home on their own shortcomings.

For a long time Wenger was directly involved a series of mind games with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. That was when these were the two teams that enjoyed total domination of the Premiership. But those days are gone. Now Chelsea and Liverpool, and also Aston Villa, are right in the mix and dish out just as much as they receive.

And with this in mind, Wenger should be a lot more respectful to his peers outside of Manchester United. He needs to swallow his pride and give the top-four; Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa, their dues. This would be the proper thing to do. And even more importantly, the Frenchman would certainly find that more (ordinary) people; those who love the game for what it is, would in turn give him the respect he would deserve.

If he continues to disregard others as he has done this season, then I am sure things will not change for him, or his team. And they could well finish in fifth place; outside of the places that guarantee a European Champions League berth next season; and that would be a big shame.

By Shaun Orange

There is an air of expectancy that has engulfed Old Trafford, so much so that it leaves one with the impression that they believe they will go top of the Premier League standings by the time the holiday fixtures are done.

Manager Alex Ferguson was buoyant on their return from the Club World Cup this week, which they won with considerable ease. It left the Red Devils boss to observe that there was “no question that winning in Japan has given the club and the players a great boost”.

Pointing out that “it was a great achievement”, Ferguson also noted that “the most important thing is that the team played well, which was surprising really because a lot of the players found that their sleep patterns weren't quite so good over there”.

The confidence gained from the Far East excursion will no doubt lift the spirits of the squad. But more importantly, in their absence from Premiership action last week the results went Manchester United’s way.

And if they can garner maximum points from their (two) outstanding matches, they would climb to within one point of leaders Liverpool; and that is assuming the Reds themselves take full points. They would also draw level on points with second-placed Chelsea – again, figuring on the Blues winning their games.

Given the form of both Liverpool and Chelsea, who have now both drawn their last two league outings, Manchester United’s quest to regain top spot on the ladder could be made that more simpler.

All the same it will not be easy, but the Red Devils have got to be considered the favourites right now, and that is despite all the resistance that one would expect from Anfield and Stamford Bridge.

In his analysis on his return from Japan, Ferguson said that they “would obviously rather be top on Christmas Day” but added that they “always wanted to be close to the leaders going into the New Year” and they have managed that.

He also noted that “teams chasing the title always drop points in March and April, even when you don't expect them to do so, and that will happen again this year”.

Manchester United themselves uncharacteristically dropped points to lesser sides earlier in the season, hence them playing catch-up. And with Ferguson's record of getting things right when it matters to win the league championship race, one can only conclude that if they can get their noses in front by the time the busy holiday fixture schedule is complete. It would take something special to stop them.

I for one would not bet on them going in front and staying in front.

Ferguson deliberately chose to mention that in the run-in to the end of the campaign, a side with serious ambitions of landing the coveted crown has got to have depth in their squad. That he said they had this depth will not be lost on their rivals.

Chelsea, one has to add, also have depth in their side, but Liverpool look a lot thinner on back-up resources. Arsenal, for all their ambitions, just do not look good enough or strong enough to come back from eight points off the pace to win the league – not with Manchester United looking menacingly hungry for more success, or Chelsea expected to add to their squad in the January transfers window.

And for that reason, I reckon Manchester United will retain their league title again this season.

By Shaun Orange

Chelsea, with all the riches provided by their billionaire Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, are among the top five teams in European football. Yet despite this, they do not command a huge following as some of their lesser rivals, and so when they drew at Everton on Monday night there was a muted sigh about their missed chance of taking over at the top of the Premier League standings.

Indeed, the one point the Londoners left Goodison Park with was only good enough to have them retain second spot behind leaders Liverpool and close the gap to a single point.

Luiz Felipe Scolari and his management team were riled with the sending off of skipper John Terry that they shunned post-match interviews, and the official word from their camp was that they “stayed away” for fear by saying something that might land them in soup; such was the intensity with which they return home.

All the same, Chelsea blew a real decent opportunity of moving back ahead of Liverpool on the log, who in turn will be more than pleased with the efforts of their Merseyside rivals. The Reds themselves drew with Arsenal in a Sunday game; and like Chelsea it was their second draw on the trot.

Arsenal, for their part, remain fifth in the championship race, no fewer than eight points adrift of Liverpool, and three behind Aston Villa in third place.

Manchester United, who now have two games in hand over the title rivals, were busy winning the Club World Cup competition in Japan. And with their three main rivals all involved in draws, the Red Devils will viewed the weekend’s Premiership action as one that favours them. Maximum points from the two outstanding matches would lift Manchester United to level on points with Chelsea – and shy of top-spot Liverpool.

But if Wenger is to be believed then the Old Trafford side are also due to drop points in the coming weeks. The Frenchman singled out Liverpool for having drawn four games at home, which “means they dropped eight points, and why shouldn't they drop eight more in the second half of the season?"

Manchester United have been rock solid at home, winning except one drawn match. However, of their nine away matches, they drew four and lost two.

There is no denying that Wenger’s calculations could well be spot-on, but one also does get the feeling that his comments have been prompted more by their own inconsistent form. The Gunners have been beaten five times thus far, although it should also be mentioned that among their triumphs have been the scalps of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Wenger added in remarks that “the title is won in May and we are in December”. This is absolutely true, and all the teams involved in the chase for the Premiership crown will know this. But they will also be cognizant of the fact that if one breaks away from the pack over the busy holiday period when they all play three games in nine days, it could prove immensely difficult to reel them in – not impossible, but decidedly tough.

So while Chelsea might be hurting for not going top, and others smiling, things could be a whole lot different in a fortnight’s time.

By Shaun Orange

Manchester United own the Club World Cup in Yokohama, Japan as expected. And after their victory over Ecuadorian champions LDU Quito in the final, the Red Devils skipper Rio Ferdinand declared that they could now say that "we are the best team in the world.”

Indeed, if you win this tournament you are the champion club because the competition comprises representatives of the different continents.

But for all their efforts in triumphing in this year’s club championship, Manchester United’s victory is a hollow one, but not by their design. They beat the Ecuador team fair and square, but that was hardly a test, never mind the singing that follows, proclaiming who are the world champions.

Conspicuous by their absence, there was no representation from either Argentina or Brazil, the two powerhouses of world football, or even Uruguay; who all come from South America.

Wayne Rooney, who got the only goal the final, said he was “proud” that they were “world champions” and that their achievement was “great”. It may well seem to those who wear blinkers that this is the case. But in reality Manchester United’s supposed glory has been laced with mediocrity.

Further still, they may yet pay a heavy price for the win in Yokohama. Serbian defender and central defence kingpin Nemanja Vidic was shown a straight red card in the Club World Cup final and could face sanctioning from the game's supreme governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

Vidic was adjudged to have elbowed Claudio Bieler and was duly given his marching orders. Under FIFA’s rules, a ban means he would miss his club's next match in a tournament that falls under the jurisdiction of the continental body under which he plays.

In this case it is the European Champions League and their quarter-final tie against Inter Milan on February 24, 2009 in Italy.

 A FIFA spokesman said that Vidic would get “at least a one-match suspension.” But that could also mean he might face a harsher penalty and be ruled for up to three games, in which he would sit out both legs of the Inter tie.

Vidic forms a crucial partnership with Ferdinand in Manchester United’s backline. And indeed, they are a formidable combination and one of the reasons why the Red Devils are both English club champions and the holders of the Champions League trophy.

If, for one minute, Manchester United thought things could not get any gloomier at a time when they should really have been celebrating their ascendancy to the summit of club football, then they were wrong.

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho, formerly with Chelsea, poked fun at Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese coach said that his Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a better player than the Old Trafford star.

In fact, Mourinho went as far as to say that Ronaldo “is definitely not the best” player in the world. In doing so he will have known that he struck a raw nerve at Old Trafford, particularly after Ronaldo was only recently crowned European Footballer of the Year.

All these things combined, certainly do leave a bad taste in the mouths of those who support Manchester United, even if they just did win the world club title.

By Shaun Orange

The story of the weekend thus far has been Sam Allardyce’s return to football management and Blackburn Rovers’ outstanding victory over Stoke City.

Big Sam could not have asked for a better introduction to his tenure at Ewood Park and the win was a deserved one for a team that played unlike they did when Paul Ince was the boss. Blackburn sacked Ince last week to put Allardyce in charge. And their first result under the new manager was empathic.

However, without trying to pour cold water on the celebrations at Ewood Park, it should be noted that when a man takes at a struggling club (like Rovers), for some reason the players just appear to gel. And this is exactly what happened at Blackburn on Saturday.

Rovers never looked like losing the game and one got the impression as halftime approached that the scoreline might have been six or seven (goals) for the home team. In the end they settled for the three goals struck in the first period and it remained a convincing win.

It also marked a first victory in 11 games for Rovers and no doubt would have come like a Christmas present for the Blackburn fans.

Yet even in the euphoria that engulfed Ewood Park, Allardyce was left with the reality that he could yet lose one of Blackburn’s key players – Roque Santa Cruz. The Paraguayan said a day before the Stoke game that he wanted out from the club. He cited playing “for a better club” and challenging for the title as he reason for wanting to quit Ewood Park.

There has been much speculation that he could end up playing for former boss Mark Hughes again, at Manchester City. And if he does go, as is expected, Blackburn could fetch anything in the region of £18 million. That would go down nicely for Allardyce as he starts his own reshaping of the team in the January transfer window.

In the wake of their success over Stoke, Big Sam declined to comment on the Santa Cruz issue, but he will have to come to terms with it at some stage, possibly in the coming week.

□ Just like Blackburn’s form under their new manager, so too has been the case at Sunderland. The Black Cats thumped sixth-placed Hull City 4-1 to take their goal tally to eight in their last two league games; the other being the 4-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion last week.

Caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia is unlikely to be given the job on a permanent basis; not with the ambitions that the club have. Still he has started in fine fashion.

Similarly to Blackburn, and other clubs in their position, one has to ask: how long will it last? The answer is usually – not long. And that is why I think Blackburn (19^th in the 20-team standings) and Sunderland (12^th but only three points above the relegation zone) should not get carried away with a couple of a good results.

The idea is to consolidate and, make a more lasting and telling impact, all with a view to surviving the drop into the Champions Division. That would be better reason to cheer.

By Shaun Orange

Claudio Ranieri was unceremoniously driven out of Stamford Bridge to make for Jose Mourinho in the middle of 2004. The decision to oust the Italian was part of Roman Abramovic’s grand plan to get Chelsea to rule all of England and conquer Europe.

The first part of the plot was executed according to the directives from the top, as Mourinho duly won the Premiership title twice in succession.

However, his failure to do the same in the European Champions League cost him his job. And now, after a sabbatical, he is in charge of Inter Milan, champions of Italy, although he has yet to win the Serie A, having only just taken over the reigns there.

But after Friday’s draw, which pitted the Portuguese coach with cup holders Manchester United, it is quite likely that he may yet have to wait another season to lay his hands on another European Cup, given his triumph with Porto in May 2005.

Ranieri for his part could fulfill his dream of a first Champions League title. His Juventus team was drawn to play Chelsea in the round of 16, and he will believe that if they get past the Blues, then they will indeed stand a chance of lifting the continent’s biggest club prize.

And that is why when he took a swipe at his former club after the draw, it came as no surprise. If anything, it merely served to raise the ante in the clash.

He chose his words carefully, to make maximum impact, and they did.

He said: “Chelsea is a team that is constructed to win the Champions League and for Abramovich not to win it, it would be a disaster. For our part, we will try to stop Chelsea from reaching the top of the world, which is where Abramovich has programmed them to arrive.”

There was definitely venom in Ranieri comments, from which we can conclude that he has not yet gotten over the rough ride he received from Chelsea and that when these two teams clash next February, he will probably go an extra mile to try and get the right result.

And who can blame him?

That is how this game is played out these, notwithstanding all the money that is involved. Chelsea are regarded by many as a failure, despite them winning two league titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup since Abramovich bought the London club.

And the reason is simple; they have not won the European Cup, and only when they do will they be considered among Europe’s elite.

To suggest that Ranieri will not draw immense satisfaction from his Juventus squad eliminating Chelsea would be silly. A victory for the Turin side could well turn out to be the highlight of Ranieri’s season, never mind the catalyst of greater things to come.

All this and the hype that is expected to intensify as the showdown draws nearer is what makes the tie a mouthwatering prospect – not to be missed!

By Shaun Orange

Whichever way you look at the European Champions League draw, it is as fascinating as perhaps it could have got. The general feeling is that this has been a testy draw for England’s four representatives – trophy holders Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. But I think this only adds juice to the round of the last 16.

Manchester United’s clash with Inter Milan would have been in another time, one that the English side would have started as overwhelming favourites. But this cannot be said of the tie today.

Chelsea’s squaring off with Juventus also holds much intrigue, while Arsenal’s fixture with Roma should have some fireworks of its own. Liverpool's encounter with Real Madrid is perhaps the biggest of the lot, and should prove mighty demanding for both clubs.

Barcelona, favourites to win the European Cup this season, have what appears to be a less strenuous task in the pairing with French champions Lyon.

Manchester United will fancy their chances against Inter, now coached by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, and they have every reason to feel so. However, Inter could be a major stumbling block for Alex Ferguson’s side if they can get a good result at the San Siro and then do well enough not to get bullied at Old Trafford.

The Italians will have more to prove than the English champions, and one gets the feeling that in about two month’s time when these giants of the European game lock horns, first in Milan and then in Manchester, there will be a lot of steam building in the showdown.

The Blues tie with Juventus also has its appeal, but in this one I think the Stamford Bridge outfit will prevail; and only because Chelsea have done progressively well in the competition. They reached their high-point in the Champions League by reaching the final for the first time.

Arsenal, it could be said, have the least troublesome tie; or at least that is how it looks on paper. Roma have been out of sorts this season, languishing in way down the order in Serie A. But as there is still a long way to go before they face-off, the form of either club could change quite dramatically and the Italians could well end up starting as the fancied side.

The Liverpool-Real Madrid tie is likely to be a fiery contest, regardless of the form of either team when they meet. These are two of Europe’s most successful clubs, and between them they have won the European Cup 15 times.

That Liverpool play the second leg at home should make them more confident, is something that Anfield manager Rafael Benitez had sought to achieve by winning their group. The draw will also give him the opportunity to renew acquaintances with many of his compatriots at the Bernabeu Stadium in the Spain’s capital.

And maybe it should be noted that whoever wins this tie could well go on and win the tournament itself. But that is not to write off the chances of any of the others. And indeed, I reckon Barcelona have as good a chance have triumphing just as they did in 2006 when they beat Arsenal in the final.

Still, this draw might be seen as tough, but if all four English sides make the quarterfinals as they did last season, we could yet have the winners come from the Premiership again.

By Shaun Orange

Manchester City have backed their manager Mark Hughes. But just as the speculation surrounding his future is not a good thing for the team, so too is the club’s public show of support a worrying matter.

And as odd as it might sound, the hierarchy’s backing of Hughes does bring with it a shade of uncertainty. Much of this derives from the fact that all too often in the past, managers who are under seize from media and fans alike, eventually get the boot.

Hughes, who arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer, having moved from Blackburn Rovers to takeover from Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson, himself shown the door by the Blues, but before the Abu Dhabi United Group bought the club.

And such is the wealth these folks have that they managed, some how, to sign Brazilian forward Robinho for a British record fee of 32-odd million pounds.

To suggest that they are ambitious would be to state the obvious. So, while we fully understand their drive to make an impact on the English game, and thereafter in Europe, they surely will not want to wait for too long a period to realize some return on their investment.

The club’s new owners have openly declared that they intend to bring “world-class stars” to Eastlands. They have even name-dropped a few, who include AC Milan’s Brazilian playmaker Kaka, Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres and his Valencia compatriot David Villa, as well as Juventus goalkeeper Gianluca Buffon, regarded by many as the best in his position.

That talk has been sneered upon in some quarters, particularly the red half of Manchester. But if the Middle East backers are true to their word, then things could be altered quite dramatically in the northwest of England, and indeed across the whole spectrum of the Premiership.

And that is where Hughes comes into the picture. City’s executive chairman Garry Cook said this week that they were “fully behind” the Welshman, and that they were “pleased to have him at this football club”.

Cook’s approval rating of Hughes bordered on being absolutely fantastic. But as we know sometimes this sort of thing can be a smokescreen to harsh realities to follow.

And a growing number of pundits suggesting that Hughes is not really up to managing a club with such big ambitions, City’s top brass may well end up being influenced to get rid of him, if they in fact have not yet already made up their minds.

Many believe that if City are to mirror the success of Chelsea, who were taken over by Russian billionaire in 2003, then they will need to bring in a coach who matches the stature of Jose Mourinho.

Hughes is no Mourinho and probably never ever will be. And this is what leads me to think that the former Manchester United stat will not last at Eastlands beyond the middle of next year. Should he go before then that too would not entirely surprise me. Not with City languishing in 17^th place – one above the relegation zone and with the same number of points as Sunderland in 18^th spot.

By Shaun Orange

There is no limit to the shameless backing Alex Ferguson gives his Manchester United players, no matter how blatantly brutal and unsportsmanlike they might be.

The latest in Ferguson’s going off the wrong end came in their visit to Japan where they are taking part in the Club World Cup. The Scotsman vilified some quarters of the Press, whom he claimed would be happy to see Wayne Rooney banished from the game.

This follows a probe by UEFA into a possible charge of violent conduct against the Old Trafford striker who clearly stamped on Aalborg’s Kasper Risgard in their European Champions League clash in Manchester last week.

Not only that, Rooney went studs-up into Michael Jakobsen and threw an arm at another player. And while the European governing body have said that they are looking into the matter, no charges have yet been brought against the England international.

However, many think that it is just a matter of time before they do, with some speculating that UEFA will publicize their move to sanction the lad after Manchester United are done with Club World Cup.

But not withstanding all of this, Ferguson has sought to deflect the attention from Rooney’s appalling behaviour by saying that “the media play a part in it” and that they “do Manchester United no favours”.

But if the truth were told, Rooney could have maybe three issues to answer for. He stamped Kasper Risgard on the chest, bored his studs into the back of Michael Jakobsen’s leg and also threw an arm at another Aalborg player. This all was most unbecoming of Rooney, but it does again clearly illustrate that the lad does not have the temperament to match his quite outstanding football talents.

However, Ferguson’s attack on the media could well be construed to be just as uncouth as the latest on-field raging by his prized striker. To suggest that the media might be responsible for Rooney’s short temper is just not on.

And instead of ranting and raving about the expected disciplinary action against his forward, Ferguson might have done much better by pulling Rooney aside and giving him a good tongue-lashing and telling him in no certain terms that he should curb his temper, and start doing it from now.

Instead, what does the Old Trafford manager do? He goes after the media who have rightly and justly pointed out that the 23-year-old lost his cool again, and also suggested that it is by time that Rooney brings his temper into check.

As indicated earlier on this blog, I think Rooney is a talented lad, but will go nowhere near becoming as esteemed as some of Manchester United’s real great players; unless of course, he pulls himself together and just plays the lovely football we know he can. But without ruining his and teammates’ march to success.

Needless to say, Manchester United, and indeed England, will be better off with a Rooney who just concentrates his energies on the game, rather than venting his frustrations on the opposition. And Ferguson could help him, if he chose to do the right thing.

By Shaun Orange

Chelsea look set to capitalise on the two points dropped by Liverpool and go clear at the top of the Premiership standings when they entertain West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The other three in England’s “Big Four” all drew on Saturday and this has left the Blues with a nice chance of bolstering their chances of a third league title in five years. A victory over former Chelsea star Gianluca Zola’s Hammers team would go some way to making that a reality, and certainly see Liverpool slip to second, and two points off the pace.

But Luiz Felipe Scolari’s preparations for West Ham’s visit have not gone as well as maybe he would have liked, although this is not to say they will not win.

Chelsea qualified for the European Champions League knockout stage in midweek, making sure of their progress to the last 16 only on the last day of the group stage. This left skipper John Terry to publicly call on his teammates to improve if they are to realise their ambition of winning the tournament in which they reached the final last season. Indeed, Terry said they have to improve “massively”.

Chelsea's form in the Premier League has only been a shade better than in Europe and The Blues captain acknowledged that “things have not clicked lately”, but did add that there was no need to panic.

But if the Blues want us to believe that things are not as bad at Stamford Bridge as some they are, they will need to start winning more convincingly and make a few more denials.

This week Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins was forced to counter claims of unrest within the camp by saying that there was “no” revolt. This came after reports emerged from Stamford Bridge that senior players Terry and Frank Lampard had words with Scolari about his training routines.

Hardly had Wilkins, who only recently took up his new appointment at the London club, said that he did know where “all this was coming from” than Alex, their Brazilian defender, put in for a transfer. This move has come as a rather big blow for Chelsea/ Alex has done well in the absence of Ricardo Carvalho who has been sidelined for almost two months with a knee injury.

And before Wilkins tries to hand out one of his “explanations” someone should tell him that we do know that if players are settled and all is well, they DO NOT put in for transfers.

This brings us to the Didier Drogba issue. The Ivory Coast international was quoted as saying that the only reason he moved to Chelsea was because of Jose Mourinho, now the Inter Milan boss. This was promptly followed up by reports that Italian champions would making a swoop for the striker in the January transfer window. More importantly for the club, though, it is quite obvious with the poor treatment he has received at Chelsea and his spate of injuries, Drogba is unsettled.

Scolari has tried to play down a possible departure of the player, one of the best in Europe, but it is always difficult to keep someone who doesn’t have his heart at the club. Nonetheless, even with all this swirling around Stamdford Bridge, they should see off West Ham, and move back to the top of the table.

By Shaun Orange

My immediate reaction to the report that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had conceded they will not win the championship title, despite their best start to a Premier League campaign yet, was one of astonishment.

And this was made all the more difficult to comprehend, given the Spaniard’s remarks just days earlier when he said that this Anfield team had what it takes to go on and clinch their first league crown since 1990.

So, when he came out on Friday to dismiss the report carried in a French paper as being nothing short of grossly “inaccurate”, I felt a little sanity had been restored to the talk surrounding Liverpool, and their chances of picking up a record 19^th league title.

That Benitez has conceded it will not be an easy thing to achieve, it shows that he at least fully understands what is involved in taking the title and what it might mean to the Kop.

Indeed, the Spaniard’s reaction to all the confusion that the French report created was simply put, and made a lot of sense. He noted that they “have a clear opportunity to win the title”. And he added that “how long we stay top it depends on what we do. If we win, then nobody will overtake us.

“We have enough confidence, and if we keep winning the confidence will increase. And we will play better.”

That statement makes more sense and will no doubt hearten Liverpool’s supporters.

However, even with his practical approach, Benitez could face some harsh realities this weekend. For one, they could be knocked off the Premier League summit if the draw or lose against Hull City, and Chelsea win.

Notwithstanding this and the fact that the Reds have garnered more points on the road than at Anfield this season, Liverpool will be expected to see off Hull, who are in their debut Premiership season.

And if the Tigers do go ahead early on, they will no doubt be cognisant of Liverpool’s comeback from the dead record this season. On eight occasions they have trailed this term before fighting their way back to victory.

Of course, the home team will be keen on shutting out the visitors and then getting a couple of goals themselves.

Dirk Kuyt is likely to return to the fold after being rested for the 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the European Champions League clash in midweek. Captain Steven Gerrard and his midfield partner Xabi Alonso are also expected to return to the midfield duties, while Pepe Reina, who has been in good nick this season, should be back between the sticks, trying to keep out Hull.

But Hull are no pushovers. They have surprised everybody in the league, and might have done the same to themselves with their remarkable performance so far.

For most of the Tigers lot, just coming to play at Anfield will be a great feeling; visiting one of the world’s most celebrated and best stadiums always is.

Benitez, of course, will not mind Hull City visiting; not if they get a win and keep up the pressure at the top, all the while helping to erase the muddle started by some French paper that got it all mixed up himself.

By Shaun Orange

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney faces the prospect of sanctioning from UEFA. This comes in the wake of real unsportsmanship-like behaviour by the England international in their European Champions League clash with Aalborg on Wednesday.

Rooney was guilty of two atrocious tackles that went unpunished on the night, but could yet come back to haunt him if the continental body see it fit to discipline the forward.

A UEFA official has confirmed that the European governing body is investigating Rooney’s antics and that they would make a statement on the matter at a later date. In the statement, UEFA said that they “are aware of the incident and the disciplinary panel will study the footage and newspaper reports before deciding whether to take action”.

But if the truth were told, Rooney could have maybe three issues to answer for. He stamped Kasper Risgard on the chest, bore his studs into the back of Michael Jakobsen’s leg and also threw an arm at another Aalborg player. This all was most unbecoming of Rooney, but it does again clearly illustrate that the lad does not have the temperament to match his quite outstanding football talents.

Risgard observed after the match that if these incidents happened at any other venues apart from Old Trafford, Rooney would have been red carded.

My take on it is that the Danish player is spot-on. Rooney only got away with his transgressions because he was playing at Old Trafford and because he is a Manchester United player.

Risgard did not hold back in his assessment of Rooney’s brutal attacks. He said that he had “some big marks and I do not think it looks good on television”. On television it certainly did not look good, but it also showed us very clearly the intent to cause injury on the part of the Manchester United striker.

UEFA have been known to take action against perpetrators of rough play using television replays. And my hope is that they will not allow the rough young lad to get off scot-free. Rooney, and all those like him, who go about trying to deliberately hurt the opposition, should be brought to book and sanctioned sternly.

It is also rather odd that Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson, who is often critical of referees, has chosen to remain mum on the matter. A vocal critic of match officials, the Scotsman’s silence on Rooney’s lunging into and onto the opposition is probably borne of the fact that it was his player who was the culprit, and also that they did not lose the game.

Still, UEFA should make a lesson of this most unwelcome behaviour and banish the Red Devils striker from the game, maybe for even longer than his teammate Patrice Evra’s four-match suspension, handed down by the English Football Association last week.

Manchester United’s French leftback was thrown out of the game and fined for his part in a bust-up with Chelsea ground staff after a league game in April.

This hooligan-like behaviour must be eradicated from the sport, and Rooney should take his medicine, just willing as he set out to hurt his opposition.

By Shaun Orange

At last Liverpool’s manager has spoken up and said that they have the capacity to go all the way and win the league. And he might yet be proven right.

Liverpool, the Premier League pacesetters, by one point, ground out a tough 3-1 victory at Blackburn, and then also saw second-placed Chelsea triumph, along with Manchester United and Arsenal, third and fourth respectively in the championship race.

Speaking after the win kept them at the top of the standings, Anfield boss Rafael Benitez said they could manager the pressure of being there, and he noted that “when you have a game like this, you know you might have problems". But he added that they were “more clinical than other days” and that this was “important with the Christmas programme coming up”.

For all his guardedness of the past, when he tried to play down their challenge, it was by time that Benitez stood up and said that they could handle their own against their three main rivals and that they could – if they indeed handle the pressure, win their first English league title since Kenny Dalglish accomplished it for the Reds in 1990.

And to give Benitez his due, their gutsy performance was acknowledged by home team manager Paul Ince, who said that the Rovers’ display was “an exceptional performance, and while we have not got the three points we have to take some positives from the game”.

Liverpool are in a real good position to carry through their sustained challenge into the New Year, and if they do, the Kop perhaps could not ask to be in a better place for an assault on the coveted crown that has eluded them for so long.

And if Benitez is now speaking with the sort of confidence that a manager who wants to win the league title should, then so too it should be noted that this Liverpool squad has more than enough depth to become England’s best again.

The Reds do not have the quality in numbers that defending champions Manchester United or Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea have, but if they can just hold their own on their road and garner more points than they have been doing at home, then surely they should be in with a shout, come May.

However, it appears that Benitez’s most celebrated streakier, and the best in the Premier League – Fernando Torres, will be missing from their line-up; stricken with injury.

No doubt this will be a heavy body blow, but if ever Liverpool want to show that they can actually win the title, then this is it – missing the services of Torres.

They have performed admirably when he has been absent previously; and most notably in their wins over Manchester United and Chelsea.

Robbie Keane, the £20 million buy from Tottenham in the summer, has failed dismally so far. And if he could just get going and start knocking the ball into the net, it too could go a long way helping the Reds realise their goal of winning the championship title.

Benitez has said they can, and I think the same. And a hatful of goals from Keane would not hurt.

By Shaun Orange

The Red Devils beat their local archrivals in the derby last week, and even before that they shrugged off the noises emanating from the City of Manchester Stadium about the prospects of the Citizens becoming a real threat to their dominance in the town.

No team has dominated the Premier League like Manchester United have, and given their standing in world football; it does not look like they will just fade away. On the contrary their Premiership and European Champions League successes of last season have served to bolster their ranking as the number one club in England, and the continent for that matter.

But support for Manchester City appears to be rapidly growing and much of this comes on the back of the Abu Dhabi Investment Group buying the club in the summer and then making an audacious swoop for Brazilian star Robinho, who had looked everything like joining Chelsea.

That coup to bring the 23-year-old to the Premier League for a British record fee £32-odd million on the last day of the transfer window has given rise to the notion that City’s new owners will remain true to their word and bring in even more world-class talent.

And the report on Sunday in the News of the World that said the Citizens are poised to sign David Villa from Valencia has really stoked the fire in the talk about the blue half of Manchester developing into a serious threat to United.

The paper suggested that manager Mark Hughes was keen on signing the Spaniard who was the top scorer at the 2008 European Championships and that the “deal has been rubber-stamped by City’s Arab owners”.

It also said that Villa’s agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, had twice met with City officials in Madrid and that he would fly into England on Tuesday for further discussions related to a possible £52 million deal.

Given the financial clout that City’s new owners come with to the Premiership there is no reason to doubt that they cannot, and will not, bring in a clutch of world-class stars and turn the English game on its head, just like Chelsea did when Roman Abramovich took ownership of the Blue in 2003.

Chelsea, as we know, went on to win the two successive league titles and a bit of other silverware. But the man responsible for that – Jose Mourinho, got the boot; apparently because he could not deliver the Champions League title and was at loggerheads with the Russian billionaire who owns the club.

Hughes, some say, is not up to leading a club that is virtually the richest in the world right now and has also been touted as eyeing Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in a £50 million raid. Speculation has rife that he would be replaced with a more high profile manager, although the new board of directors has rebuffed this.

However, with or without Hughes, if City do come through with a string of big-name arrivals in the January and next summer, then certainly Manchester United, while they might still be dominate, would face a tougher call from the neighbours.

For me, though, I would just love to see the likes of Villa, Buffon and Kaka in action in the Premiership, regardless of who they play for. That would make this league even more exciting.

By Shaun Orange

Manchester United were left reeling after finding out that their French defender Patrice Evra was suspended for four matches. The ban comes after the Red Devils fullback was involved in a fracas at Stamford Bridge in April.

On that day, he was said to have been involved in an altercation with Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell. Manchester United have reacted to the Football Association’s penalty by saying that they were studying the “full reasons for the decision” and that an appeal would be lodged if they thought it was the right thing to do.

It seems more than likely that the Old Trafford club will appeal the verdict, and even then it is not certain how far they do get in trying to have Evra’s ban reduced.

The Frenchman’s suspension comes at a time when he is about to sit out one game for the five yellow cards he has picked up so far this season; the latest being the one in the Manchester derby last week.

Effectively, this means that he would miss five games, and at a real crucial stage in the campaign. Thus, it could be understood why Alex Ferguson’s team “considers the sanctions against Evra excessive”.

Assuming the ban stays, he could return to action in Manchester United’s game against Chelsea in the middle of January.

This issue must be quite painful for Ferguson, who himself will be banished from the dugout for two games. The champions’ manager was suspended for two matches, following a bust up with a referee earlier this season.

It paints a poor picture of Manchester United’s discipline, including that of Ferguson’s and is something he will have to work on.

Time and again he has been labeled a sore loser, the latest being last week when former star striker Mark Hughes said so ahead of the Manchester derby.

Ferguson is by far the most successful manager in the Premier League, but his discipline has been highlighted numerous times, and saddens the purists.

We know that all the managers do not like losing, but the manner in which Ferguson often reacts is a bit too much. Dubbed a bully, his reactions also come across as that of a spoilt brat, and this from the idea that he thinks he is above the game, given Manchester United’s great success and wealth.

The game, and indeed, the club itself, would be much better off if he could just contain himself when the chips are down.

And players like Evra, who was also fined £15,000 and now must be kicking himself for the Stamford Bridge debacle, could in turn maybe learn how to behave themselves.

By Shaun Orange

Roy Keane’s resignation as manager of Sunderland has come as a surprise for a few big names in the game, but I think the writing was on the wall for some time.

The Irishman quit the Stadium of Light this week as Sunderland were preparing to take on his former club Manchester United. And among those who said they were “surprised” by the move were Rio Ferdinand, his teammate at Old Trafford, and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

England international Ferdinand said the Premier League was now “poorer” with Keane’s departure. And while he conceded there was little anyone could do to get him to stay on, the defender added that he was indeed “a little bit surprised” by the Keane’s decision to walk away at a time when they are really struggling.

Benitez, who said that the Irishman’s exit was “bad news” for club managers, also declared his surprise at the development at the Stadium of Light.

Benitez noted that “Keane is a strong character so it did surprise me what has happened. It is his decision, and we have to respect that”.

The Spaniard added that because “the table is so tight it is difficult to stay in a good position if you lose two or three games”.

Sunderland, before Keane left, had lost six of their last seen Premiership games and tumbled to 18^th in the 20-team standings.

However, one does get the feeling that if Keane had not resigned he might have been sacked. Sunderland are in terrible shape right now and they look like losing the game against Manchester United, which would see them sink further into trouble at the wrong end of the table.

And with this, Middlesbrough manager, Gareth Southgate has said that he was “not entirely surprised” to see Keane head for the door. Another of the young managers in the league, Southgate said that Keane was victim of the “heavy pressures facing young managers in the game”.

Right or wrong, Keane was perceived by some as being a little too cocky and that he talked too much - about everyone and everything, except himself.

The trouble he brewed at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, from where he was sent home before the tournament even got started, is not forgotten. And many who saw that as being unpatriotic will not twitch a muscle at him leaving Sunderland.

A good player with a hard tackling reputation, the ex-Manchester United skipper will probably not be missed by many, including maybe even some Sunderland supporters.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who himself unceremoniously kicked Keane out of Old Trafford, accepted that as a player the Irishman did a good job under him. He added that he was not sure Keane would return to manage another football club, but like Benitez, mentioned that the pressures managers are under these days can get to you.

Ricky Sbragia, who has taken charge of the Black Cats temporarily, will get to feel those pressures. And if he does hold his own and get Sunderland to pick up some good form he might well beat Sam Allardyce and a few others to get the post full-time.

That would be a surprise, similar to how Ferdinand sees Keane abrupt departure.