The Daily Discussion - Carlo Ancelotti: Closing Time in Copenhagen?

By Simon Warner

Saturday 6^th November

Having sailed through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League and sitting comfortably on top of the Premier League, Chelsea are preparing to regain their 5 point lead with a trip to Anfield where they will face a Liverpool side currently languishing in the relegation zone.

After securing a domestic league and cup double in his first season, Champions League glory, painfully elusive thus far, looked a realistic target for Carlo Ancelotti this season. If I had also given you the foresight of an easy Champion League draw and a further £75m cash injection in January that would deliver Torres and Luiz, bookies will have been seriously slashing odds on Chelsea achieving this feat.

Saturday 19^th February

A run of just 5 wins in 16 Premier league games and a draining FA cup exit at the Bridge means that Ancelotti takes his battered squad to Copenhagen tonight in a bid to save their season, and possibly his seemingly precarious position at the club.

Chelsea have not finished outside of the top three since 2003, yet they now find themselves 5^th in the league and embroiled in a battle for a Champions League qualifying place. Carlo Ancelotti admitted only yesterday that just two of his “superstars” are showing any semblance of form so FC Copenhagen will fancy their chances in the Parken Stadium tonight, a match that only a few months ago many Chelsea fans will have merely considered a “bye” to the last eight.

So would a Champions League trophy preserve Ancelotti’s role at the club? Should he even be given the opportunity to be the first Chelsea manager to win the prestigious trophy? Is there any value in sacking him now? Is there any value in keeping him now? Roman may have previously turned to his golden Guus at this stage but Hiddink’s contract with the Turkish Football Federation as national manager removes this option. More importantly, are there any suitable replacements?

One thing is for certain, lose tonight in the Danish capital and Carlo will become even more jittery when “Roman” lights up as an incoming call on his blackberry.

The Daily Discussion - The Best Individual Performance Ever?

By Simon Warner

 

The sad news of Ronaldo’s retirement this week has seen football fans and journalists alike lamenting the loss of one of the talents of his generation. It certainly made me reflect on his remarkable career and one of my favourite footballing memories: Manchester United vs. Real Madrid at Old Trafford in April 2003 and one of the most spectacular hat-tricks ever witnessed on the grand stage. It was certainly one of the best individual performances in my lifetime.

Ronaldo’s triple destroyed United’s faint hopes of a Champions League final appearance on home soil that year. The 6-5 aggregate score etched into history books may portray this as an epic battle between two footballing juggernauts, but in truth the tie was always out of United’s reach.

Raúl, the architect of the 3-1 first leg victory at the Bernabéu, missed out on the reverse leg through injury but Real Madrid were more than covered. Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Makelele (and McManaman) all lined up in black that night but it was Ronaldo who had everyone purring. Breathtaking interplay allowed the Brazilian to despatch the first two goals with ruthless precision before completing his hat-trick with a sublime 25 yard strike beyond Fabien Barthez, effectively putting the game beyond United.

Despite the Brazilian's dazzling display I want to mention one of the best individual performances I have ever witnessed first hand: the night Fernando Morientes single handedly destroyed a Chelsea team seemingly destined for their first Champions League final.

Monaco were 2-0 down and heading out on away goals when Morientes decided to light up Stamford Bridge in spectacular fashion. The Spaniard had already begun to sparkle in the opening 45 minutes, but it was in the second half that Messrs Melchiot, Terry, Gallas and Bridge were literally puppets on the Spaniard’s string. After Hugo Ibarra pulled one back for the principality, the dominance and incision of Morientes indicated that a goal was inevitable and the Real Madrid loanee duly delivered mid-way through the 2^nd half. Following a smart 1-2 with Bernadi he simply waltzed though the defence before coolly slotting home with supreme confidence. He was never going to miss.

Morientes wheels away with delight at the Bridge. He was never going to miss.

Maybe there was an element of surprise combined with the importance of the occasion that elevated this display above so many football showcases but the Spanish number 9 was simply unplayable that night. 

Other contenders? Well there is a handful that will invoke special memories. The Stock’s excellent coverage on Rivaldo’s overhead kick that was part of a superb hat-trick at Camp Nou deserves a mention. The fact that I remember the precise pub seat from which I watched this incredible feat suggests it was indeed special.

But my thoughts always return to that night in Manchester and that masterful display by Ronaldo. Maybe it is because his display on the field was matched with an equally memorable reaction when Vicente Del Bosque decided to replaced the Brazilian with 20 minutes remaining. The standing ovation from everyone within Old Trafford was a truly wonderful footballing moment and indicative of the momentous performance just witnessed.

It was the best individual performance I have ever seen from a player that will be sorely missed. Ronaldo, I salute you sir – thanks for the memory.

The Daily Discussion - Underachiever Athletic?

By Attila

Rooney has disappointed this season

C- Must Do Better!

Ah the perennial red scrawl at the top of my Maths homework. This glowering judgement may also be cast upon some of the luminaries of the Premier League.

This is an undoubtedly controversial topic by its very nature, picking out eleven players who I believe have underachieved this season. Now before high-horses are mounted let me make it clear that I do not believe that any of the players below are awful, to be classed as an underachiever you need to have the capacity to achieve. All of these players have either failed to live up to their own high standards, their International call-ups or their high transfer fees. I have tried as far as possible to disregard players who have missed much of the season, whether through injury or non-selection:

Goal-keeper -  Petr Cech:

Cech was once a Schmeichel-esque colossus in goal, however since he was seriously injured in a match at Reading in 2006, he has lost some of his air of invulnerability. Despite this, Cech was solid last season and claimed the coveted Golden Gloves award for his performances. This season however has been a different matter. Although he has only conceded 22 goals in 26 games, he has looked vulnerable at times. Normally a reliable, solid keeper he made a glaring mistake recently which allowed Raul Meireles to fire Liverpool to a 1-0 victory, and despite his claim that this “is the first mistake I have made this season” he has at times looked shaky and error prone.

Right Back – Glen Johnson

Johnson has never really lived up to his £18m price tag or his regular berth as England’s first choice right back. This season he has been poor, both for club and country. However Kenny Dalglish’s inspiration to move him into the left back position appears to be bearing fruit, as Johnson is finally beginning to find some form.

Left Back – Patrice Evra

This is a somewhat controversial choice. I include Evra as he has failed to live up to his usual high standards. From regularly challenging Ashley Cole to be included in everyone’s pub talk team of the year, he has fallen behind his rival as well as new challengers Jose Enrique of Newcastle and Tottenham’s  Assou-Ekotto.

Centre-back – Richard Dunne

A victim of an early falling out with new manager Gerard Houllier, Dunne has been far from the defensive titan he was last season. However he appears to have regained favour somewhat and is now beginning to play both regularly and well for Aston Villa.

Centre-back – Phil Jagielka

Jagielka increased expectations with dominant displays for The Toffees last season

Jagielka is one of two Everton players included in Underachiever Athletic. This reflects clearly that Everton as a side are underachieving. Like Dunne Jagielka was a solid and capable defender last season, but this season appears to be low in form and confidence. This has led to Jagielka being kept out of a porous Everton defence by Heitinga.

Midfielder – Michael Essien

Essien usually embodies the very best qualities of a centre midfielder. In my opinion, on his day he is possibly one of the best in the world.  This season however, like many of the Chelsea squad, he has not been anywhere near his usual standard. If Chelsea are to claim Champions League qualification they need the midfield general back to his best.

Midfielder – Steven Gerrard

As with Evra, Gerrard has failed to live up to his own high standards. In 19 appearances so far this season he has scored 4 goals and has 4 assists. Many of the appearances (particularly under former manager Roy Hodgson) were, by his own standards, extremely lacklustre. However under new manager Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool and Gerrard are returning to form.

Midfielder – Mikel Arteta

During his stay at Everton, Arteta has usually been the creative force of their side. The Spanish playmaker has been both a set-piece master and a pass maestro; however you would not believe it had you seen him this season. He has by his own standards, been extremely average. He looks jaded, sluggish and uninterested at times. Everton’s fortunes to a large degree rely upon Arteta’s quick brain. No doubt the Toffee’s will be hoping to see more of the 2009/10 Arteta and a little less of the 2010/11 vintage.

Forward – Fernando Torres

A record-breaking move to Chelsea has heaped further pressure on Torres to perform

Torres appeared lethargic and rusty in the red of Liverpool this season and despite his hefty £50m price tag, he has not yet fired at Chelsea. He is a phenomenally gifted striker however, and it is only a matter of time before he settles at Chelsea and forms a potentially terrifying partnership with Didier Drogba

Forward – Didier Drogba

No doubt by now Chelsea fans reading this post are feeling a little victimised. However as I stated at the beginning, the players I have selected are there as they have fallen from such lofty pedestals. Drogba is a case in point, one of the best strikers to grace the Premier League, Drogba has suffered from Malaria this season which appears to have massively affected his performances. At times he appears to be a shadow of his usual imperious self.

Forward – Wayne Rooney

“Did you see that goal? What a goal! Best goal of all time! He’s back now isn’t he? Oh I’d say he’s definitely back!”  If you happen to be even slightly acquainted with a Manchester United fan, you may have heard some murmurings about some kind of goal Rooney scored against Manchester City at the weekend. Perhaps part of the hysteria about what, in truth, was a good goal, could be the feeling of absolute relief to see the old Wayne Rooney appear, if only for a second. Wayne Rooney has been a brilliant player, however the World Cup was, erm, disappointing, and this season hasn’t been any kinder. A paltry 5 goals in 17 appearances is not good enough for a player of his calibre. United fans will be hoping that his spectacular bicycle kick may be the catalyst that exorcises the daemons and returns Rooney to his usual place in the footballing pantheon.

The Daily Discussion - Want To Beat Barca? Just Keep The Ball....

By The Stock

Busquets up against Fabregas in last year's Champion's League tie

With his team already 4-0 down, Cristiano Ronaldo cushioned the ball with his instep in the centre circle: the loud whistles from the Culés ringing in his ears; the Camp Nou floodlights illuminating El Clásico with 90,000 Socis all baying for his blood. They wouldn’t get a taste. Alerted to his threat and presence the Blaugrana hunting pack of Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández quickly scrambled as they had so many times that evening. Their mission: retrieve the ball. At all costs.

Countless column inches have been filled heaping praise on what is a genuinely special Barcelona team. I could continue in a similar vein by regurgitating the vision and footballing philosophy of Pep Guardiola or the ‘piggy in the middle’ sessions at the La Masia academy that Xavi believes makes him the player he is today. But I won’t because we’ve heard and seen it all before.

So has Arsene Wenger and his latest batch of bright young things who welcome Barça to the Emirates tonight in a mouth-watering Champions League tie. The Frenchman knows that his team is technically inferior to its lauded opposition and he will be the first to admit that if the Blaugrana get into their infamous tika-taka stride then his players will be in for a tough night.

But what sets this Barcelona team apart from its predecessors and pretenders, and what will similarly concern Wenger, is what they do without the football. They press and bustle teams high up the pitch, tackling ferociously and harrying opposition into misplacing passes and surrendering possession from which defence is turned immediately into attack.

“Without the ball you can’t win” once remarked Johann Cruff. And he is dead right. By stifling Barça of possession you immediately negate their ability to harm you offensively. Correspondingly, if the Gunners retain their share of the ball then a team of their technical ability will fancy themselves to expose some of those defensive frailties that historically the Catalans have always failed to iron out.

Therefore, Arsenal must keep hold of the ball tonight and not squander possession unnecessarily. This will be no mean feat with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets et al snapping at their heels. However, if any team has players capable of playing keep-ball then it is the Gunners. If they don’t the pack will smell blood and for those unsure as to how that ends, just ask Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Daily Discussion - Forza Milan?

By Simon Warner

Can we expect to see this pose in the fashion capital later?

When Silvio Berlusconi controversially courted a young, inexperienced Italian at his Milanese home last summer, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The name of his recent conquest may still not reassure everyone that this is a football discussion as the candidate arrived at San Siro without the stamp of big club on his portfolio and, even more surprisingly, no ties with the Milan family. 

After Leonardo’s brief spell in charge, Massimilano Allegri arrived at Milan with only two Serie A campaigns at Cagliari, having previously plied his trade at Sassuolo in the Italian lower tiers. Consistent mid-table finishes in the top flight on a limited budget earned Allegri the prestigious ‘manager of the year’ award but it was also the Sardinians enterprising play that saw Berlusconi calling south in the summer.

Having navigated a tricky Champion League group stage (that comprised of Real Madrid, Ajax and Auxerre), Milan are now also top of Serie A and averaging 2 goals a game so you would allow Berlusconi a smug grin inbetween entertaining clientele at his domestic Italian home. Spurs provide their next obstacle this evening in Milan and what can Harry’s men expect?

The Livornian’s recent formations certainly justify his reputation as the conductor of free flowing football. Where most versions of 4-3-3 often become 4-5-1 when defending, Allegri’s attacking trio of Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho certainly won’t be offering much protection to the midfield. Having scored his first goal since his arrival, in the 4-0 demolition of Parma last weekend, Antonio Cassano may have got the nod ahead of the inconsistent and often criticsied Pato but his earlier appearance in the tournament with Sampdoria makes him ineligible.

A main concern for the Rossoneri faithful has been the method of supply to the strikers where the industrious midfield has often been negated with arrowing long balls from deep. Injuries to their captain Ambrosini, KP Boateng and, more recently, Pirlo will do little to discourage this approach and Allegri must now decide whether to gamble on the creativity of Germany U19 international Alexander Merkel. With recent acquisitions Urby Emanuelson and Mark Van Bommel also ineligible, it is widely expected that Allegri will keep faith in the old heads and play Gattuso (34), Seedorf (34) and Flamini (29) in the engine room. Harry Redknapp is a big admirer of ex-gunner Mathieu Flamini and he will relish the opportunity to face his old North London rivals but he has had a poor season and his ball retention ability is being exposed in this league.

Another worry for Allegri is the lack of width and goals his midfield provides (2 goals all season) so there is a heavy reliance on the forwards to deliver in Milan tonight. Fortunately for the home side they are likely to do just that. They have scored 31 goals in 60 appearances between them and I expect them to add to that tally tonight against a porous Spurs defence. Will they be able to close the door at the other end though?

Zambrotta’s recent knee surgery has given Massimo Oddo the chance to reignite his Milan career at the age of 34 where he is expected to line up alongside Alessandro Nesta, also 34, Luca Antonini and the supremely gifted Brazilian centre back Thiago Silva. Gareth Bale is a huge loss but Aaron Lennon will target Oddo’s ageing legs which may see him switch wings at some point to ensure Spurs expose this weakness. Milan are still a formidable defensive unit, however, especially with the experienced midfield offering such solid protection ahead of them and the reliable Christian Abbiati behind them.

Expect goals though. And expect Milan to score most of them. I predict 3-1 which would set up a mouth watering reverse leg in North London next month.

The Daily Discussion - The Ultimate Overhead Kick?

By The Stock

Rivaldo in full flight

Approximately 2 minutes and 35 multi-angled replays after Wayne Rooney decided the Manchester derby with the most exquisite of overhead kicks; I started to compile a mental list of where it ranked alongside other bona-fide classics of the genre. And surely I wasn’t alone.

Would it trump Trevor Sinclair’s gravity defying bicycle kick for QPR against Barnsley in the FA Cup? Or Mauro Bressan’s awe inspiring scissors kick from all of 25 yards for Fiorentina against Barcelona in the Champions League in 1999? Maybe. However in my opinion it doesn’t come close to the overhead kick of our times: Rivaldo’s 89^th minute coupe de grace against Valencia on the final day of the 2000-01 La Liga season.

Great goals have both context and meaning.

In the summer of 2000 a billionaire construction magnate by the name of Florentino Peréz ran for the presidency of Real Madrid on the ticket of delivering Luís Figo from arch rivals Barcelona as his marquee signing. He was duly elected and shocked Barcelona and the footballing world by paying the requisite amount to release Figo, Barça’s most iconic player, from his contract with the Blaugrana.

Under the new presidency of Joan Gaspart, a wounded and shell-shocked Barcelona spent the £37.2m Figo money recruiting Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit from Arsenal and Gerard Lopéz from Valencia. The Catalans embarked on a topsy turvy La Liga campaign under new coach Lorenç Serra Ferrer. Results ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. Barça faltered and Serra Ferrer was given his marching orders.

The final day of the season was a winner takes all scenario. Barça hosted Valencia at Camp Nou under new coach Charley Rexach with anything but a victory handing Champions League qualification, and its corresponding riches, to Los Che.

After Rivaldo’s 21^st and 22^nd goals of the season were cancelled out by a fine Rubén Baraja double, the clock ticked towards the 89th minute when Frank De Boer advanced beyond the half way line with the ball. His ‘hit and hope’ clip towards the Valencia box came within the range of the Brazilian, who controlled the ball on his chest before his collapsing scissors kick swept beyond a diving Santiago Canizares into the left hand corner of the net.

Camp Nou erupted. The Directors box celebrated. Barcelona were victorious. Champions League qualification was secured. Figo’s treachery was a distant memory.

Not only was it a spectacular example of the most technically demanding footballing skill, but Rivaldo did it when it mattered: an occasion of drama and high tension that will go down in history for the way it was decided.

For me it simply was the best. The ultimate overhead kick.

The Daily Discussion - Carlos Tevez: Across the Manchester Divide

By Si Warner

I must confess that I did not quite appreciate the talent of the little Argentinian until he took the most expensive taxi ride across the city of Manchester, swiftly changing his red hairband for a blue version en route. And I believe this is where the problem lay: Carlos was rarely given a decent run in the side and was clearly stifled at Old Trafford having to play third fiddle to Roon & Ron. So, what should have been the deadliest strike force in world football never quite materialised. Or ever felt like it would.

　

Tevez scored 34 goals in just 76 starts while plying his trade at the Theatre of Dreams but had to settle with 26 substitute appearances. In fact, he started more European games on the bench than he did on the pitch. Maybe he was just too similar to Rooney with their movement and bullish style of play. By effectively replacing Tevez with Berbatov, United have installed a completely contrasting skill-set to Rooney that is now really beginning to blossom.

　

Although you never feel quite convinced Carlos will ever refer to Eastlands as "mi casa", he certainly is their talisman, their top marksman, their inspirational leader. El Capitan. Through desperation to impress at a congested Old Trafford, he often appeared slightly "headless" and it is only now at the City of Manchester that we are able to enjoy the real Carlos Tevez. Incredible ball retention, intelligent movement, sublime control, composed finishing, powerful running, relentless defending. In fact, only his inability to head a ball strips him of being the complete striker.

　

As much as they will never publicly confess this, I wonder how many Red Devils would actually rather Dimitar Berbatov was lining up alongside Carlos Tevez in a red shirt today?

Tevez & Berbatov both in the Red of United

AC Milan 1989-90: The Greatest Club Side of All Time?

 By Attila

The Iconic 1989 AC Milan Lineup

We non-glory hunting fans occasionally have to take a mistress: a side that can lure you in with all its glamour, glory and skill. Instead of watching the likes of Shefki Kuqi flail around in the penalty area like an upright walrus, you can marvel at some of the world’s greatest players all lining up on the same side. Yes you feel guilty about the dowdy old wife who is struggling away to Fulham, but the glamour of the exotic entices you away for a forbidden tryst.

My mistress, crafted by a managerial genius, was surely the most awesome football team ever.

In the late 1980’s interest in continental football was keener than today. This was largely as a result of the Heysel Stadium disaster leading English clubs to be banned from competitive European tournaments. The continental teams were, to a young chap, infinitely more glamorous and glitzy than their roast beef English cousins.

My attention was piqued by AC Milan in the mid 1980’s. Silvio Berlusconi (a chap who might know a thing or two about mistresses), had just taken over the ailing club and began to pump money into it. He appointed young up-and-coming Arrigo Sacchi as manager and the glory days began.

The side that won the European Cup in 1989 is for me the best side I have ever seen play football. Every single position was filled by a player that was arguably one of the best in the world, and in some cases - undeniably the best in the world. Never before, or since, in my eyes had such a collection of masters been put together:

GK – Galli

RB – Tassotti

LB – Maldini

CB – Costacurta

CB – Baresi

RM – Colombo

LM – Donadoni

CM – Rijkaard

CM – Ancelotti

CF – Gullit

CF – Van Basten

Just look at those names, players like Maldini and Costacurta should be familiar even to younger readers as seasoned veterans who were still competing at the highest level until recently. Some of the others may be more recognisable as managers or pundits. Simply put though each one of those players was outstanding.

Amidst such exceptional talent, one player deserves special mention. In Marco Van Basten the Rossoneri had a player widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers ever to grace the game. In his 280 appearances for Ajax and Milan he scored an amazing 218 goals. It says a lot that I hold him in greater esteem as a footballer than I do Alan Shearer, which is close to blasphemy for a Newcastle United fan.

Unfortunately due to a prohibitive word count I have to curtail it there, which is grossly unfair to General Franco Baresi and his loyal Legion of Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Donadoni amongst others. But I do recommend you take a moment to look these players up, for the game will never see finer exponents.

The pinnacle of the season for these titans was the European Cup, they dispatched the more illustrious Real Madrid (a team including Hugo Sanchez and Emilio Butragueño) by 5-0 (6-1 agg) in the semi-finals, in a performance that sent shockwaves throughout football:

Then they hammered Steaua Bucharest in the final 4-0. Bucharest were by no means a poor team, and had world class players such as Hagi in their ranks:

Put simply, they were for me possibly the greatest club side ever seen. Yes there could be arguments for the great Real Madrid sides of the 1950’s but I never saw them play. I did see Milan, and I’ll probably never set eyes on another side to match them, unless of course Kuqi is suddenly possessed by the spirit of Van Basten

In La Liga Loop - Messi and Ronaldo: Return to the Pichichi Race

By The Stock

It was seconds out round two last night as Argentina and Portugal took to the field in Geneva to facilitate the ongoing battle between the world’s two dominant footballing icons: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Earlier this season, a Messi inspired Barcelona bloodied the nose of Ronaldo and Mad
 rid by inflicting a humiliating 5-0 defeat on Los Blancos, putting daylight firmly between the two teams in pursuit of the La Liga title. After weekend fixtures that saw Messi dispatch Atletico Madrid with a masterful hat-trick and Ronaldo grab a brace against Real Sociedad, the pair stand neck-a-neck on 24 league goals apiece.

The Daily Discussion - England Friendlies: Waste of Time?

By Si Warner

Well, no actually. Not entirely true. Every now and then we get thrown a corker. In fact, one of my earliest footballing memories was catching re-runs of Brazil versus England, in which John Barnes first catapulted himself to international fame with a slalom run through Rio de Janeiro that contained more twists and turns than an episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

The Daily Discussion – Cesc to Chelsea: The Rumour Mill Gone Mad?

By The Stock

Most discerning fans of the beautiful game willingly own up to having a daily routine designed for maximising input on all things football. From The Guardian’s mischievously tongue in cheek Rumour Mill to BBC Sport’s Gossip Column via Red Top speculations, the daily transfer conjecture is a popular first stop for those seeking their morning fix.

The Daily Discussion - The Most Abhorrent Player In The Premier League

By Si Warner

Ever since his turbulent arrival at Anfield in the summer of 2002, El-Hadji Ousseynou Diouf’s persistant on-field antics have established him as, arguably, the most unpopular Premier League player of all time. His sudden departure to Glasgow last week has re-ignited the debate surrounding the most vilified players currently gracing our stadiums each week.

The Daily Discussion - Who Do West Brom Turn To?

By Alex Henshaw


West Bromwich Albion have today announced that manager Roberto Di Matteo has been relieved of his duties and placed on ‘gardening leave’ with immediate effect.

The Baggies, who lost 3-0 to a Carols Tevez inspired Manchester City yesterday, have cited a run of 13 defeats in their last 18 games as reason behind the decision. Chairman Jeremy Peace has offered the following rationale:

"This has been a tough decision. But we, as a board, believe it is the right one to give the club the best possible chance of remaining in the Premier League."

"Roberto embraced the structure in which we wanted him to work and he has been a good colleague. However, we are in a results-driven industry and felt we had no choice but to act now."

Di Matteo leaves West Brom lingering precariously above the relegation zone in 16^th position with 26 points from 25 games. However, their recent form comes in stark contrast to the newly promoted side that took the early part of the Premier League season by storm.

After being crushed 6-0 on the opening day of the season by a rampant Chelsea, The Baggies confounded their doubters by beating the likes of Birmingham and Manchester City before recording a breathtaking victory over Arsenal at The Emirates. Di Matteo also received plaudits for instilling the team’s fearless and attacking brand of football.

The timing of the decision will be questioned by the West Brom faithful. Despite languishing in 16^th, Albion welcome fellow relegation rivals West Ham and Wolves to The Hawthorns in consecutive weeks. Di Matteo would have considered both excellent opportunities to advance up the league.

Peace and his board clearly have a different view, and who they turn to next will have a basic remit: preserve the club‘s Premier League status.

The shorltilst will undoubtedly have two exceptional candidates somewhere near the top. Sam Allardyce, recently sacked by the new owners of Blackburn Rovers, would be keen to return to the right job. Martin O’Neill also made clear his willingness to return to top flight management with his ill feted flirtation with West Ham over the vacant managerial position at the Boleyn Ground that nearly but never was.

The question is whether either, or any other potential candidate, can rejuvenate a team low on confidence and tumbling down the table with worrying inevitability?
　

The Formation Forum - Chelsea Plus Torres: Diamonds Are...For...Now?

By Si Warner

When Nicolas Anelka signed for Chelsea, the phrase ‘square peg in round hole‘ sprung to mind. "How will he play with Drogba?" gasped the faithful.

Chelsea had stubbornly won 2 titles with a rigid 4-3-3 formation under Mourinho. Avram Grant inherited a team that, in his Santa guise, Roman Abramovich had delivered Anelka as a late Christmas present. Le Sulk often played second fiddle to Le Drog during Grant’s brief reign.

Enter Guus Hiddink under whom Anelka was introduced on the wing where he remained until Carlo Ancelotti arrived. He immediately acknowledged that these "front 2" needed to play as a "front 2".

The diamond formation was perceived to be the solution and it seemed just perfect: Lampard would devour the free role behind the "front 2". Ballack, Essien and Mikel would excel in the midfield triangle (remember Malouda was not very good then). Bosingwa and Cole would revel in the freedom to roam forward and provide width.

It never quite worked to plan though.

Lampard, in particular, was stifled without making his runs from deep and not able to dictate play. A mere 20 games in, Carlo reverted back to 4-3-3.

Anelka moved wide again with formidable yet contrasting returns: the domestic double compensating for a harsh Champions League exit. The formation has existed ever since with Carlo pretty much refusing to alter his plans even when chasing a game.

Now comes the big conundrum: Where does El Nino fit in?

Ideally all three form the deadliest strike-force the Premier league has ever witnessed. However, neither Didier or Fernando have ever drifted from a central striking role (as far as I am aware). Does the tobacco stained Italian tactician revert to a "front 2" and drop Anelka - The same Anelka that was so exquisite at Sunderland this week? How on earth does Malouda fit in to all of this?

Ordinarily, I feel I am pretty nifty at predicting line-ups but, hand on heart, I can honestly say I am simply stumped on this one. Torres will likely be on the bench this weekend and he will accept that. But not for long.

 So how do Chelsea accommodate their new £50m man?

The Daily Discussion - Who would be in your Premier League team of the season so far?

By Alex Henshaw

Now that we are firmly into the second half of the Premier League season, those of us at Mas Que Un Blog have been discussing our team of the season so far, with varying results.

The fixtures thus far have thrown up some consistent performers and brilliant matchwinners. So who would you have in your team and why?