Thai Politics in Premier League
Barclays Premier League has unknowingly become the playing field of Thailand politics. A definite sign that the election battles are heating up is the plan by the Democrat Party for Everton to coach young Thai players. The announcement follows hotly on the heels of Sven Erikkson’s recent signings of three Thai players. Suree, a 25-year-old attacking fullback, who earns just $300 a week in the domestic league, will become the first Thai to sign for a top-flight European club. Along with fellow countrymen Kiatprawut Saiwaeo and Teerasil Dangda, they made up a strong Thai presence and certainly made the recent debate about foreign players irrelevant. Is it a soccer decision? We have to ask Sven. In an interview, Sven Eriksson had a diplomatic answer to whether the club would have chosen to sign on Thai players had the club’s chairman not been a Thai. He said: “Before he became chairman,…
FA Cup Upsets For Premier League Clubs
The giant-killers are back in action and this is what makes the FA Cup extravaganza so enticing for soccer fans the world over – record books are shredded and the underdogs triumph over the Goliath. Without exception, the FA Cup Third Round saw several casualties. Evert on FC was the latest club to suffer an ignominious elimination after losing 1-0 to third division Old ham Athletic. Three other Premier League teams, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, were also displaced by lower league opposition. Havant & Waterlooville, a minor league club, advanced into the fourth round after snatching a late 1-1 draw at third division leaders Swansea. No doubt the press will have a field day if this minnow clears all obstacles and progress to the FA Cup Finals. Fortunately, the Big Four are as yet unscathed – an outcome which can determine the glamor and viewership of the…
Is Sven-Goran Eriksson Good Enough For Another Season?
While Manchester United celebrated their progress in the Champions League finals and have one hand on the Premier League title, their derby rival Manchester City are following in Liverpool’s footsteps by snatching headlines on internal conflicts. Rumors of the imminent departure of manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, gain traction by the day.Ever since owner Thaksin Shinawatra indicated publicly his unhappiness with City’s poor form and wanted change, Sven’s future has become the subject of intense debate. Is Sven a victim of his own early success? After all, City got off to a flying start, and they even manage to ride roughshod over Manchester United twice this season with dominant performances. Such overwhelming form deserted City since the turn of the year and they have slipped down the rankings due to a series of sputtering displays. Their recent 1-0 loss to Liverpool ensure they are still stuck in ninth spot with one game…
Arsene Wenger Lost Tactically To Avram Grant?
A few days of exuberance later, I still believe Avram Grant is a man blessed with extraordinary luck. Even with his famous 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last week, his tactics and decision making still doesn’t inspire confidence… that is until the day he adds to the trophy cabinet. So near and yet so far doesn’t make the cut.In the wake of this defeat, Arsenal are dumped into third spot and are left reflecting on their sputtering title challenge – the loss in momentum since that fateful 4-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup is staggering. Meanwhile, Chelsea kept pace with league leader Manchester United on 68 points. Chelsea’s amazing run of 78 unbeaten home matches was nearly destroyed by Bacary Sagna’s first goal for Arsenal. It was the Gunners who appeared more lively in the first half, their usual pretty passing football giving them a…
Tame England Have Plenty To Learn In French Friendly
If you read all the pre-match reports, the central theme is invariably David Beckham rather than tactical affairs. England’s obsession with Beckham is likely to continue until the day he retires. Just as well that Fabio Capello handed him his 100th cap and a generous ovation for Beckham’s 60 minutes of service brought the curtain down on weeks of pointless speculation. David Beckham, if a little rusty, was eager to impress but it was not a memorable centenary. Yes, his right foot is still able to deliver 50-yard Hollywood passes across the field and he had a great opportunity to add to his tally of 18 international goals. However, over zealousness got the better of him when he was booked for shirt-pulling on Malouda, an unnecessary foul which exposed his lack of pace and defending ineptness. I doubt if we will be seeing the last of Beckham. He expressed his…