4+5=9

From one bad boy to another. 

The news that Liverpool had signed Balotelli would have come as a surprise not only for the Liverpool fans themselves, but for the whole of the premier league. 

With the expected and obvious departure of Suarez, Liverpool had plenty of transfer funds available for a replacement. And they haven't been shy in the market so far with the signings of Lambert, Lallana, Lovren, Manquillo, Can, Markovic and Origi they cannot say they haven't been active. But there was always this need, this desire to sign a world class striker. There was rumours of Falcao or Cavani filling the big name slot missing in the changing room but that's all it was, rumours. 

But on Thursdays 21st August news broke that Liverpool had lodged a £16m bid for Balotelli. Really? Him? He is a top player, prolific, direct and can deliver but unfortunately comes with 'baggage'. Was this the 'name' they have been looking for?

The Premier League was introduced to Balotelli when he signed for Manchester City in 2010 and to say the least, was a colourful career. He arrived from Inter Milan (after being seen wearing an AC Milan shirt) for a fee of £24m. He was involved in numerous altercations both on and off the pitch, training grounds bust ups and the emergency services. As a neutral he was fun to watch but a nightmare at the same time. 

Now with his arrival confirmed he will continue to wear the number 45 shirt which he has always worn, and his talent will shine through. But there is that doubt that he is a ticking bomb and it won't be long before he will be in the headlines again, for the wrong reasons. 

£16m for this talent may be a bit of good business but with it comes a level of uncertainty. 

Paper over the cracks?

With a performance reflecting the moral of last season, United's game against Swansea will want to be forgotten quickly. In his words he has become 'the devil' and the squads confidence 'smashed'. It will though will be a small boost with the signing of Rojo mid weed and the strong rumours that Di Maria will be a United player this coming week. 

LVG has stuck with his 3-5-2 formation, and with a few changes has brought in Van Persie, Cleverly and Valencia. He will be looking for an improvement from the opening game from those who have kept their places. Ashley Young in particular. 

If Van Gaal's words were correct, United were lacking confidence. Their performance was, for such a dominant team of the last two decades, was embarrassing to watch. Whenever they were pressed or made to hurry, ball control was lacking. Mis-controlling, bad passing, it was missing. Something is wrong, deep within the core of United. The best way I can describe their performances is that you have select United in a football computer game and given the controller to your pet dog. 

Even though the lead was taken through Mata, Sunderland continued to be the dominant side and deservedly equalised. Yes they started to control possession but that was it. No one to grab the game and in a split second switch it up or inject pace to catch Sunderland off guard. Rooney and RVP were able to receive the ball but the midfield were very static. No over lapping, or options in movement. It inevitably resulted in the ball being passed back. And with that lack of creativity from the midfield the more worry creeps into the mindset of those players. 

I would comment on the second half but it was just as poor. As a United fan it's a hard watch. It's the second game of the season and there are players with an attitude of an over paid, over rated teenager. Young, none existent again, Cleverly's form rapidly decreasing. Sunderland weren't exactly top drawer. They stuck to their guns, defended in numbers and got the result they would be happy with. 

For LVG he must be wondering what happened to the squad that played so well in America? For they were a polar opposite of his team on UK soil. There was glimpses of a team that had quality in all departments and from senior players to youth. But now, he is watching players with no idea how to break their opponents down. He needs Mr Woodward to pull a rabbit or two out of a hat in their final week of the transfer window but even he may have to resort to his plan B of transfer targets. 

Maybe a win against MK Dons on Tuesday in the league cup may be what they need in order to get that confidence, to build from a win. The new signings may be that missing link or may just paper over the cracks. 

Time to change, and fast. 

 

Manchester United Transfer Targets

It has been an ongoing debate about the squad strength at Old Trafford and after the result on Saturday it confirmed the obvious with the fans. 

It's evident what LVG is looking to do. A fast, direct and strong approach to each game. Unfortunately for him, what he already knew was all to clear to see. He hasn't got the players. Now he did say that it takes him 3 months to get going, and I bet that he is glad he did say that as now he must be thinking he really needs that time. 

With the transfer deadline quickly approaching here is a list of the rumours that are doing the rounds and who United could do with/need if they are ever going to pose a threat. 

1) Angel Di Maria - there have been very strong rumours that a whopping £100m deal is being put together for the Argentine winger (£50m transfer and £50m wages) in order to tempt him over from the Galaticos. A quick, tricky player who is direct. With the under performing Ashley Young, Nani and Valencia. Di Maria would fit the attack play on the width. However, with the 3-5-2 formation he would have to up his defensive duties in order to support the back 3. 

2) Marcus Rojo - another Argentinian. This defender has caused a few arguments at his current club if reports are to believed in order to push a way through to join the Reds. As a defender he is desperately needed, and being young and have represented his country he has a wise head on his shoulders. If he was to join United he would have to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, quickly. This is a strong rumour of £16m plus a Nani season long loan has been agreed. 

3) Daley Blind - with LVG aware of Blind's talents with an excellent performance for Holland in the World Cup, this player would be the ideal for his formation. Already aware of what is required for the wing-back role he is powerful, talented and physically fit to get forward and back. With Luke Shaw busting a gut to get fit this transfer may not transpire but recently reports have suggested talks have progressed well. Time will tell. 

4) Arturo Vidal - the tough tackling defensive midfielder is a must and is urgently needed at the club. Manchester United are desperate to have a player who will protect the defence, but also have the ability to get forward and be creative in attack. With a deal on, then off, then on and then back off again no one is sure where this is deal is at. Juventus not willing to let him go on the cheap (£47m) and United unsure of his fitness (knee), until 31st August the public will have no idea if this will ever happen. 

5) Matts Hummels - another strong, defensive and experienced player who is hot on United's radar. He has just been named club captain at Dortmund so a deal may not happen. Though it's never too late until the fat lady sings. His strong performances for his country in the World Cup he is another player who would fit into the defensive straight away and could even be the captain for his new club. A £29m bid is beating prepared and United will not calm their interested. 

6) Medhi Benatia - the in form defender has rocketed in popularity with a number of top European clubs showing an interest in the Moroccan defender. He helped Roma to their defensive record last season and if he continues with his form he will no doubt be one for the future. He has been seen as Vidic's replacement, and with this hole to fill, Benatia would restore a weak defence. But there United are also looking to raid Roma with a double swoop...

7) Kevin Strootman - LVG is looking at a double deal to bring Benatia and Strootman to Old Trafford. This midfielder is a dynamic player who is cod ident on the ball. Can pass well and very quick to turn defence into attack with one ball. There is nothing wrong with quick passing that United are trying to adapt to, but they haven't got all the players to cut through strong defences. So with Strootmans ability mix it up he would be a welcomed addition. 

Possible line up;

De Gea

Jones

Rojo

Benetia

Blind

Di Maria

Vidal

Strootman 

Herrera

Mata

Rooney

These players would instantly strengthen any team. And LVG should pull no punches in getting Woodward to get that cheque book out. 

Liverpool V Southampton

The opening game at Anfield as Liverpool host Southampton. Or as some are saying Southampton vs Southampton as Liverpool have acquired some of the Saints' best players last season in Lallana, Lovren and Lambert. 

It was a summer that the Southampton fans want to get over as quickly as possible as when their previous manager Pochettino left, it seemed to have rocked their ship as it opened the doors to a player exodus with a number a first team players leaving shortly afterwards. So this season they are wanting results to come in quickly to give their fans reassurance that all is still well at the club. 

Liverpool on the other hand are hoping to build from their successful, yet trophy-less season with their place back in the champions league secure and new additions to their squad. Is this year 'their year'? A saying that is starting to sound like a never ending echo. They have though lost their player of the season  in Suarez, who had finally got his wish in a move to Barcelona. With this they are wanting to prove that they are not a one man team. 

The game wasn't what we all had expected. We were all presuming that this would be a walk in the park for Liverpool but their performance was a little limp. It had started with promise in the opening 30 minutes which was rewarded with an opening goal. From their though it became stale. Plus it wasn't helped by a quick evolving Southampton side who were growing in confidence with every minute played. It was clear to see that if Liverpool could not find another goal then the second half could possibly end up with another surprising result. 

There was an uncertainty about how Liverpool approached the second half and as they entered the final third there was a lack of ideas. Surely they were not reliant on one man? That's not what they want us, or their fans to believe. But their lack of 'a target man', that someone pull something out the bag was missing. Southampton though were contributing to this frustration. They pressed, turned more attack minded and became the more dominant team of the two. A confident build up led to their equaliser and very nearly the lead shortly afterwards. 

Liverpool finished the game as winners, less than convincing it had to be said. But it is these result that all teams want, need. Play bad, still win. Southampton will feel hard done by. They put in a confident shift, but that glorious chance for Davies would have given this game a completely different outcome. Time will tell, for both teams. Southampton looking to cement their premier league status, Liverpool back in Champions League, can they still be a title contender?

Opening Day - Premier League

Day 1 of the Premier League and we have been given in insight to what this season may bring. 

Today's fixtures;

Manchester United 1 -2 Swansea 

Leicester 2 - 2 Everton

West Ham 0 - 1 Tottenham 

QPR 0 - 1 Hull

Stoke 0 - 1 Aston Villa

West Brom 2 - 2 Sunderland

Arsenal 2 - 1 Crystal Palace

The surprise of the day was the result at Old Trafford as Swansea spoilt the welcoming party for Van Gaal. The problems are still evident but you can see what Van Gaal is wanting to do. But that shouldn't take away how well Swansea played. 

Tomorrow on Super Sunday Liverpool take on Southampton and Newcastle against Manchester City. Will there be another upset or just the usual routine? 

My World Cup Review

Germany 0 : 0 Argentina

Germany 1 : 0 Argentina (aet)

The World Cup final is here. We will have a winner. Either Germany or Argentina will come away from Brazil the champions of world football for the next 4 years. 

Can Germany bring their devastating form into this match after the very public humiliation of the hosts, Brazil. Or will it be a moment of magic from the most gifted footballer of modern football, Messi?

Many expected the game to be a tight affair with both teams taking their time to settle, but it was quite the opposite. Germany kicked off and immediately went on the attack. They had brought the confidence into this game.  Their passing tidy, slick, effortless. Argentina on the ball, direct, with pace looking to surprise the German defence. So far the game is showing signs of an epic. The first chance of an opening goal fell to Higuain. A careless header back from Kross was intercepted by the Argentinian but he rushed his shot and it went wide. Germany let off the hook and Kross can breath again. Higuain did put the ball in the net but he was correctly flagged offside. Argentina became more of a threat as the half continued and Lavezzi was causing a few problems of his own. Germany were a little rattled. They weathered the storm and found their rhythm again. Messi is winning the running race against the German defence as he got through again. No end product yet but you feel it's coming. A glorious chance for the Germans as a free header from Howedes struck the post. He should have done better. 

For a 0-0 in a World Cup final this first half was a thoroughly enjoyable 45 minutes. More of the same please, but let's have a few more goals. 

The second half exploded into action with Argentina already into an early assault on the German goal and this time it was Messi breaking through. Surely he is to score? No! It went narrowly wide. Germans again with a sigh of relief. There was another nasty collision as Neuer came running out to punch the ball but clattered into Higuain, but the ref gave a foul against the striker. It was reminiscent of the horrific incident between Schumacher and Battiston in 1982. 

The game became more unsettled as there were little niggley challenges creeping into the game. More yellow cards were being brandished. A different tale to the first half. Messi again trying to weave his way through but even he was finding it difficult. As the half drew to a close the Germans were taking their turn in dominating the game. They were pressing high and looking dangerous. 

The game finished and we now have extra time again in the final. Will we get a winner or will it be decided by penalties?

Wow, what a start to the extra time. Both teams taking turns to attack. Schürrle with a good shot saved. Palacio clear through and a lob going wide. No one is backing down or sitting back. 

15 minutes to go, anyone willing to take the game by the scruff of the neck? 

We really do have blood sweat and tears. Schweinsteiger was caught in the face from a flailing arm from Aguero. Naughty. Tempers increasing. The German bench not happy. 

WE HAVE IT!! A goal!! Germany scored. The young Gotze with a cool finish. Schürrle with a run down the left, clipped in and the German controlled on the chest and dispatched the ball into the goal. 8 minutes remain. Argentina HAVE to go for it, but this will leave them light at the back. Are those 2 chances from Higuain or Messi haunt them? 

That's its, it's over GERMANY - WINNERS OF THE 2014 WORLD CUP!! 

The game was a right affair, and it was a great game to watch for the neutrals. Germany over the years have been building up for this. Their philosophy of young players being bedded into a team and given the opportunity to grow. Now they are world champions after 24 years. 

Argentina still wait for their next World Cup win, heartbreaking to watch but it wasn't their year. 

Congratulation Germany

My World Cup review

Holland 0 : 0 Argentina 

Holland play Argentina in the last semi final and to play for a place in the World Cup final. Where the winner will play Germany. 

Both teams will have seen what Germany did to Brazil so they will know that they must play well to reach the final, but that they then have to face a destructive German squad. 

The game started in a cagey fashion as both team tried to cement authority on the game, yet not give anything away with what's at stake. Both were not over committing, just happy to sit back and see how everything unfolds. A dangerous free kick for Argentina was well saved by the recalled Dutch 'keeper Cillessen. Argentina were starting to become the dominant side by 25 minutes as they had registered a few shots and corners starting to add up. Holland struggling to get a foot hold as it stands. After 30 minutes the game remained goalless (whereas the Germans were already 5-0 up from the previous game) and Holland were finding it difficult to break down Argentinas defence. They were shutting out both Robben and Van Persie and doing it well. The rhythm of the game died down and the feeling was a little subdued. It wasn't as intense as the first semi final and both teams need to step it up. 

The orange men were more attack minded at the start of the second half as they pressed higher and started to gain more possession. They still were unable to launch any direct threat at the argentine goal but the warning signs are starting to light up. A great last challenge header from Janmaat stopped a certain goal as he  jumped in front of Higuain and cleared the danger. Hollands possession continues to increase as the half progressed but yet again there was no end product. Now Argentina were starting to struggle and even Messi was not having the impact we all thought he would as he blazed a free kick well and truly over. Around 80% of the stadium thought we got the first goal as a pass was skimmed into the box on the wet ground found Higuian sliding in and his shot hit the side netting. So close! This did give the game a lift, but not by much. No one threatened again up until the final 5 minutes. Holland this time had a glorious chance as Robben found his way through on goal but another last ditch tackle from Mascherano prevented the striker getting a clean shot on target. Full time was called, now we head into extra time. 

It was Holland that continued with the dominance as the extra time started. Fatigue has set in and the players are now struggling to inject any speed into the game. But there is something in the back of your mind which thought that both Messi and Robben could still produce a moment of magic out of nothing. 

Into the last 15 minutes of this game and it started with a thud as Zabaletta was (accidentally) knockout out momentarily from a 50/50 challenge from Kuyt as the Dutchmans shoulder made contact with Zabalettas head. The possession traded between both teams. This is surely heading to penalties. A chance?!? Wasted. Palacio couldn't convert which looked to be a glorious chance. A last ditch effect from Holland ends with nothing. 

The defence wins in this game as it finished 0-0. It's going to be decided by penalties.

Holland - XOXO

Argentina - OOOO

Argentina win the penalty shootout. 

Germany face Argentina in the final. And if it is to be judged on the semi final performances Germany will easily win. However, luckily for Argentina they have 4 days to recover and revise.