Darron Gibson has played 20 games in the league for Everton, out of these 20 games, theyve lost just 1. In that game Gibson was substituted after 20 minutes. Is it a coincidence that Everton play better with the Irishman in centre midfield? For me, its far from a coincidence. Gibson brings
Ben Gamel Jersey calm to the toffees midfield, a knack of being in the right place at the right time, hes rarely, if ever out position. His ball retention is something the Everton midfield needs, he just keeps the game ticking.Gibson signed for 500k from Man Utd in January 2012. Like many Evertonians I wasnt best pleased with the replacement for Mikel Arteta. Since the Spaniard had left on deadline day in August 2011 we didnt have time to sign someone then, so I was looking forward to seeing who we would replace our Best Little Spaniard with. When it turned out
Tom Murphy Jersey to be Gibson, I was far from impre sed. I remember, I tweeted something along the lines of Darron Gibson, is this what weve stooped to, a Manchester United flopHe made his debut away at Aston Villa, within 10 minutes he showed us what he could do, a lovely chipped through ball for Tim Cahill, which the Au sie struck straight at the goalkeeper. However, the pa s was something that everyone was surprised by, it was the spark in the midfield wed been lacking. Besides the pa s, he didnt do anything spectacular. He just sat and protected the back four, ending the game with a tidy pa s completion rate of 83% completing 45/54 pa ses.Gibsons first and only goal for The Toffeemen came at home against Man City, arriving late into the box before unleashing a vicious strike into the back of net with the help of a slight deflection. He controlled the game that night. He strode about and pa sed with a slight arrogance. A belief that he
Ryon Healy Jersey was the best midfielder on park despite only having a pa s completion rate of 59%, he just looked a sured. His impact on the rest of the side was undeniable.The Ireland international, made many more confident and a sured performances for the Blues last season, particularly away at Swansea. Not forgetting a fantastic performance at Sunderland in the FA cup quarter final replay, setting up a tie with Liverpool in the semi-final.Gibson
Jean Segura Jersey was finally accepted as an Evertonian by me after the victory over Manchester United first game of this season. After another solid performance by the Irishman, and a great victory from the Toffees. He then went on to sing Grand Old Team. Proving to me, hes one of us. That proved to me, he understands what being an Everton player is all about, what it represents. Just from singing one song at full time, you got the feeling that he just gets it.He has spent quite a lot of this season injured, his absence has been notable. Not because Everton have been losing games, just the goals theyve been conceding.
Reggie McClain Jersey The team has lacked a proper central midfielder, with Phil Neville attempting to do the Gibson job. All credit to Phil Neville, hes done a good job. Hes just not as good as Darron Gibson though.Darron Gibson has been nothing but a succe s so far and I hope it continues, he turned my head and Im sure he turned many others. 500k has been a steal, his performances have been nothing short of exceptional and long may it continue.
Even though its early days Paulo Sousa has emerged as
Joc Pederson Jersey the leading front runner for the Leicester City job, currently managing Swansea City the 39 year old enjoyed a succe sful first season at the Liberty Stadium. His side were on course for a play-off place however they unluckily dropped out on the last day of the season
Andre Ethier Jersey .If Sousa is appointed the manager
Yasmani Grandal Jersey of Leicester City,he will be the first foreign manager to take charge of the East Midlands club. Sousa was touted at 3/1 with Sky Bet earlier in the day; however his odds have been slashed to 5/4 while Tony Mowbray is
Justin Turner Jersey second favourite for the Foxes job. Lastly the unpopular pairing of Iain Dowie and Gareth Southgate are priced at 10/1, Dowie
Mike Piazza Jersey is unwanted by many Leicester fans and it is highly likely thatif he is appointed, gate numbers could well drop at the Walkers Stadium next season.
Zoltan Gera, the Magic Magyar, needs no introduction to West Brom, Fulham and Hungarian fans. A
Luol Deng Jersey player who is loved wherever he goes as a result of his mature and respectful attitude, determined nature to perform for his team and his never-fading loyalty and devotion for his club.4 years ago, Gera left The Baggies as a popular fan favourite to play at a higher level with Fulham, having just won promotion with the club. The following 3 seasons saw him and his team-mates reach a top-ten finish in the Premier League and the Europa League Final, certainly a succe sful move from the club he loves.At Fulham he developed an equally loving relationship with the fans, but as his age increased and fitne s declined, there was to be no renewal of his contract. The great Hungarian looked to be teetering out of Premier League football, an unfitting and unjust way to end a fantastic career. Then the opportunity arose, West Brom, managed by Roy Hodgson who coached Gera through his most prominent period at Fulham, offered him a way back into football. A combination of Hodgson and West Brom, the match was perfect, the timing was perfect, it appeared written in the stars; meant to be.It was
Shaquille O'Neal Jersey just then, when it was all going smoothly, that disaster struck. An ankle injury which brought a constant recurrence and ultimately, major surgery. His return was not to arrive for 3 months, a drawn out wait which denied him the dream comeback, however the drama was only starting.His chance finally came, but in only his second appearance, a turn with little immediate danger proved season-ending. The anterior ligament in his knee ruptured, the worst injury. His season was
Larry Nance Jersey over before it had begun, the fans were close to tears and the heads dropped. There was no guarantee he would ever sufficiently recover, his perfect moment was slipping away from him. It was to test his character, determination and physical capabilities to the absolute maximum, the challenge was to prove he could comeback still able to produce at the highest level, a tall order for a man near his mid-30s.Months of rehabilitation, a summer with no break but an intense exercise plan, the work never stopped for him. Gera reported for pre-season with one aim; to play again for his beloved Baggies. He
Los Angeles Lakers Jersey never gave up, everyday was 120% from the man, not accepting the po sibility that he may be finished. He was not to be denied his dream.Saturday August 18th, opening day of the season, West Brom hosting Liverpool and his name is on the team sheet from the start. All his hard work, all the disappointment, his love for the fans and the club drove him forward and presented him with a chance he would not have believed would come. A volley on the edge of the area which
Larry Nance Jr. Jersey he would just not waste; a clean strike of pure beauty rifles into the top corner to bring pandemonium to the stands. It was the fairy tale moment he deserved, every fan on their feet screaming with joy and singing his name. It was all for him and no-one had earned it more.It was only justice for the player, and teaches us an important le son. With determination and will power, no matter how bad things can get, dont give up and you can get your reward, your own edge-of-the-area volley.
Robbie Keane, 28, has today put pen to paper in a deal thought to be around 20 million, a deal that will take the
Mathieu Perreault Jersey Irishman to Anfield.Keane served Tottenham for six years, after they signed him from Leeds in 2002, and was handed the captaincy for the vast majority of last season, in the absence of injury-prone Ledley King. In 197 apperances for Spurs; Keane scored 80 goals, and became a fans favourite at the Lane.The striker was instrumental in Spurs season last year, becoming the clubs top scorer. He also had a reputation for making up one half of arguably the best strike partnership in the
Logan Stanley Jersey Premiership, when he partnered Dimitar Berbatov up front, who could himself be gone come September. He was not only adored by the Spurs faithful for his skills on the pitch, but also for his personality in the dre
Patrik Laine Jersey sing room. He was known to inspire players when wearing the captains armband. And was known for his cartwheel-roly-poly-finger guns celebration, and his Irish jig after the 5-1 defeat of Arsenal and the 2-1 win over Chelsea
Brandon Tanev Jersey last season. But 20 millian for a 28-year-old is a good peice of busine s for Tottenham, if you ask me. So with Keane gone, Darren Bent will probably be given a bit more of a chance, and Czech teenager Tomas Pekhart may be given a first team run-out. But with Berbatov seemingly on his way out; Juande Ramos needs to bring in
Dustin Byfuglien Jersey at leastone more striker of before the closure of the transfer window. youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=c3t43y6VrQk
Finishing your school homework on a dark Sunday night when the deadline is Monday Morning. Packing for a summer holiday the night before your flight. Waiting until Christmas eve to begin your Christmas shopping spree for you and
Zack Martin Youth Jersey your loved ones. Or waiting for the final day of the transfer deadline to ensure you have all the players you need until the window opens again, and then in that window leave it until the last day to stay competitive against other opponents in your respected division.Weve all been there, maybe le s of us with the latter, but for managers buying last minute deals, it seems to be the norm. The logic? Illogical. The explanation? Unexplainable, but despite the questioning and the frowned eyebrows its what most managers up and down the country seem to do.Thankfully for the Rovers clan, Les Parry ensured he did all of his wheelings and dealings earlier in the window, to avoid the stre s and anxiety which so many supporters were forced to endure on Whacky WednesdayAlthough the clever avoidance of staying clear of transfer deadline day, how are Parrys new boys gelling into the team. Are they transfer gems, or transfer goons? Heres a review of the gaffers most notable signings so far.Dave BuchananAn impre sive start to his Tranmere career with goals in his non-competitive and competitive debuts against Liverpool Reserves and a match winning screamer at Leyton Orient has seen him as a regular in the first team. The 4-5-1 formation that
DK Metcalf Men Jersey Parry has employed has seen Buchanan able to push up this season and his offensive full back runs could provide a useful weapon in the Rovers armoury, not to mention a welcoming
Khalil Mack Youth Jersey new attacking dimension for the Rovers front line to thrive on.Martin DevaneyAn ever present in the Tranmere side, and there are no signs that wont continue. Providing fresh width down the flanks has been key to the SWAs recent run of good form, providing the front line with numerous chances for them to seize upon. Claims hes enjoying his time here and the Prenton Park stands have taken a shine to him, so surely its a match made in heaven?Owain Fon WilliamsNice to see stability in the goalkeeping department, something Rovers have lacked since Danny Coynes departure three years ago. A decent start to his Rovers career and his reliability in-between the sticks always makes the back fours life a lot easier knowing they have a keeper they can trust. Williams has endured a fairly comfortable ride so far so the teams expected dip in form later on in the season will be the true test of his character
Alex Mack Women Jersey , and the time when a proper judgement can be made.Mustafa TiryakiEven before his agreed contract, the 24 year old knew he was always going to have to fight for a start. Was always playing second fiddle to Showunmi and McGurk, however has showed glimpses of promise when coming off the bench, and has started the past few games. Hard to tell at this early stage whether hell come good, but a goal against the Liverpool Reserves would have boosted his chances. Will get his chance when injuries suspensions and dips in form come into play later on in the season, so he will need to be patient.David RavenDespite the sending off in the controversial game against Notts County, Ravens second spell at Prenton Park has seen him endure a decent start. Will be looking to make the Right back spot his own after being in and out of the side. The new full back pair of Buchanan and Raven seems to be gelling well for the Rovers. Still too early
Ray Lewis Women Jersey to tell if hes goon or gem, but signs are there that hell be an accomplished signing.Enjoyed this article? Follow me on Twitter @JoeCooper2794 to read other articles and keep up to date with this blog
This UEFA Champions League quarter-final stage is the first campaign in which a British or English team has not featured in since 1996. Many journalists suggesting the Premier League has been nullified by leagues in Spain and Germany. Many more journalists suggesting the British teams are not as good as previous seasons. All absolute rubbish. This season has been one of the best exhibits of the Premier League since Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were in it. It all boils down to two simple facts: too many foreign imports and lack of competitivene s in teams.You may be reading and thinking, lack of competitivene s?! Are you kidding me? I was very quick tocriticiseManchester City in their torrid attempt to leave the group stage and rightfully so. They are English Champions and with that comes a certain responsibility. A certainfulfillment to fill on behalf of the British people. In past seasons when Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have won the Premier League the following season they saw knockout qualification as instinct. As something that was so easy they could do it in their sleep. Now, City fans will be quick to say oh
Jeff Keppinger Jersey we had a tough group. Once again, its a sorry excuse for a club that has spent over 1bn on some of the best talents in the past 5 years. When watching the European games, this season and last, City seemed like they were lost and had all of a sudden lost their bearings. To add to their miseries they didnt even qualify for the boring Europa League. The Etihad Stadium barely had an atmosphere, the players seemed bored and the manager didnt
Chris Beck Jersey seem that bothered. All of this from the English Champions in the mostcovetedprize in club football; disgraceful to say the least.Compare that to Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelseas Champions League past. On regular European nights the United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool faithful, would make their ground a lions den, irrespective of knockout stage or first group stage game Chelseas first participation in the competition came in 1999-2000 season and Stamford Bridge was rocking. Chelsea qualified from group-stage one of the group stages then only to qualify again from group-stage two both of which with relatively tough opposition. From AC Milan to Lazio, Chelsea made it through to the quarter finals in which they faced giants Barcelona. They didnt disappoint either, beating them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge only to beceremoniouslyobliterated at
Avisail Garcia Jersey the Nou Camp 5-1, to finish the tie 6-4 on aggregate to Barcelona. Arsenals continued appearance in the last 16 stage is something for English football to be proud of; 10 seasons they havent failed to reach the last 16 stage. However, there seems to be something wrong at the moment with English teams. Its hit a road-bump and the wheels have all of a sudden come off.It was the year 2008 and English football was dominating Europe. All four English representatives had made it to the quarter-finals and all seemed dandy for an all English semi-final and subsequent final, when Liverpool and Arsenal cro sed paths. There isnt much space for ifs and buts in football but that season was an exception. What if Chelsea didnt sack Mourinho? What if Liverpool and Arsenal hadnt met in the quarters? What if Ronaldo was injured? English football was at its pinnacle. Best managers in the world. Best players in the world. Most importantly, best teams in the world. From Sir Alex to Arsene, to from Torres to Ronaldo, the Premier League was simply the best.Not only did these teams have excellent foreign imports but they also had the very best English players. Wayne Rooney (United), Paul Scholes (United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool),
Bill Melton Jersey John Terry (Chelsea), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal). Just a select few. Managers were finding the right balance with foreign players and homegrown players. This is a serious contributing factor in recent failures of our English teams in Europes elite. We look at Barcelonas first XI and we see a sea ofSpanish contingent. Same can be said about Boru sia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and even Galatasaray. Galatasaray have only 9 foreign players from a 27-man squad! Their main man, Buruk Yilmaz is joint top-scorer with Cristiano Ronaldo in this current Champions League campaign. Its not an attack on the foreign players but its the way they conduct themselves.The FA Cup has to be rightfully injected into their veins by the homegrown players. Its not an act of ignorance by the foreign players but a victim of cultural difference.Road to Wembley: No English Romance.Chelseas spirit from last years campaign can be motivation for Premier League representation next season but so can their pathetic excuse to retain it. The Premier League is still the best league in the world and will continue to be for many years to come but if it does not sort its act out on the European stage it could well and truly be taken over by our German and Spanish friends for they have achieved step one: knock out the English. To think this years final is at Wembley Stadium and not even one British team will be there is a very very tough pill to swallow.British teams, that includes Scotland, have won a total of 13 European and Champions League titles and have been runners-up on 8 occasions. Weve had 5 different teams from England win it and only Celtic win it for Scotland. Not other country compares to that final statistic. Something sparks in English football, something magical that no other country has, a different level of brotherhood, a different
Jose Abreu Jersey level of fight. These need to be found, otherwise English football will be sorely left behind.
Arsenals succe s in finishing fourt is this week starting to come back full circle. Its a well known fact that failing to qualify for the Champions League is all but death to a club.
Matt Holliday Jersey This week alone Arsenal are in talks with top striker Higuain from Real Madrid. A signing that Arsenal fans will no doubt welcome after years of poor and average signings.Arsene Wenger should know by now that his club is going backwards over the last seven years now. A failed attempt at a youth policy and a string of poor signings have almost cost them there place in the top four in the last couple of years. With Chelsea in disarray over the past few years and nearest rivals Spurs throwing away a top four finish this year, Arsenal have been riding their luck. But it cant continue. With Chelsea now back on track with Mourinho on board and Spurs diving in the deep end of the transfer market, Arsenal need to get on with things to ensure
Johnny Damon Jersey at least another top four finish next season.All to often over the past couple of
Sonny Gray Jersey years Arsenal fans are looking at top players going out only to be replaced with average or last minute transfer buys to cover the gap left by those who exiting. Ever one can see that this type of policy wont work and could cost them in the long run.With the exception of the top two clubs in Spain, players have a wealth of clubs to chose from in England with money being of no object. So the race for top names in the game is becoming increasingly difficult with big clubs offering big money. The race to sign top players this week alone has intensified with incredible sums if money been mentioned its clear what the intentions of
Jorge Posada Jersey these clubs are. Succe s.So what is Arsenals intention. Where do that see themselves next season and what is their aim? Wenger needs to let his rivals know of his intentions and go out and get the players that the club needs and deserves. And so far this week its good news. With talks opened with the Madrid star and a surprise link with Suarez, proper names are been mentioned in the Arsenal forum.Arsenal have a long way to go to get back to there best but at least this week is a step in the right direction. They now need to continue signing the big names and show the rest of the clubs in the Premier League that they are not an average club
David Robertson Jersey any more. For Arsenal fans finishing fourth and just about isnt good enough anymore and turning up to a now overpriced Emirates to watch average players go through an average season will certainly see a lot more empty seats.
Fabio Capello has named his 24 man squad to face Brazil in six days time and here it
Blank Jersey is feel free to
Mike Moustakas Jersey comment belowGoalkeepersBen Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart.DefendersWayne Bridge, Wes Brown, Gary Cahill, Glen Johnson,
Jim Gantner Jersey Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.MidfieldersGareth Barry, David Beckham*, Michael Carrick, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young.ForwardsDarren Bent, Peter
Stephen Vogt Jersey Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney.*If LA Galaxy win on Sunday
Zach Davies Jersey evening then David Beckham will be unavailable for selection.
Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber made his
Freddie Freeman Jersey Sheffield United debut as Kevin Blackwells men kicked off their pre-season preperations with a 1-0 win over Maltese side Floriana.Haber completed a full 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet on his former home ground, the Hibernians Stadium, as he stakes his claim for the United goalkeepers jersey following Paddy Kennys positive drugs test.A smart reaction save from the
Will Smith Jersey Maltese international denied Daniel Milovanovic an equaliser, after Brian Howard had put United ahead from the penalty spot. The Blades two trialists, Glen Little and Julian
Adam Duval Jersey Gray, had differing fortunes the former frustrated by tight defending, and the latter creating a number of great chances to extend Uniteds lead.Ultimately, however, the talking point was Kyle Naughtons impending transfer to the Premier League and as Haber celebrated his first game in a United shirt, their mercurial young defender was introduced as a 79th minute substitute for what is probably
Blank Jersey his last.United: Haber, Brown, Morgan (Walker ht), Kilgallon (Bromby ht), Foster, Little (Cotterill ht), Montgomery (Quinn ht), Howard (Williamson ht; Naughton 79), Gray (
Tom Glavine Jersey Reid ht), Robertson, Sharp (Ward ht). Sub not used: Bennett.
