I’m delighted that a I have a group of players that believe in me and have trust in me to make the right decisions and then perform like that and then perform like that and get wins. I have to say that there has been one or two dubious characters who have been giving me a bit of stick. They have questioned my honesty and integrity when I think I stand up for all those things. I’ve never cheated in my life so that does bother me. I’m not looking for vindication by it, I’m looking for points."
The standard in England has fallen alarmingly judging by the games I’ve seen over Christmas. The teams at the top of the table have invariably won but they’ve been seriously below par. Manchester United were appalling yesterday against Hull City, for example.
Didnt think United were that bad yesterday. Poor in midfield alright where former Villa man George Boateng dominated but their defence was hugely improved from the shambles at Fulham.
Big 4 have slipped though. Watched Chelsea today. They were pretty rank but dug it out in the end. Liverpool have fallen alarmingly, even though Arsenal won 3-0 yesterday I’m still not convinced by them. The 50% tax rate is having a massive impact on foreign players coming to the EPL and clubs seem to be finally copping on that there is a recession. Some terrible teams wont get relegated this season.
But then look at Italian football or any of the other major leagues. Have Barca improved? Champions League results so far would indicate that they havent.
Having long lost the modicum of interest I had in English soccer largely owing to the complete predictability of it all, I took a look at the league table yesterday out of curiosity having been subjected to a barrage of publicity from Mr Murdoch over the Christams about it being the most open and unpredictable Premiership ever.
Was sorely disappointed to see that an unfancied team like Burnley or Wolves were not actually making a run for the title a la Derby, QPR or Notts Forest in the late 70’s, Ipswich in 1981, Watford in 1983, Southampton in 1984, West Ham in 1986 or Norwich in 1993. Chelsea, Man United & Arsenal are occupying the top 3 position, like they have pretty much for the past decade. What’s so unpredictable about that?
Park for giggsy.