The Premier League has seen some world class talent over the years, be it from within this country itself or players from across the globe coming to England to make a name for themselves. Some have lit up the division with sensational performances while others disappeared without registering any sort of impression on the English fans. Although England is a notoriously difficult league to settle in to with its fast-paced action and demanding physical opponents, some players have made a better fist of it than others.
However, the real Premier League superstars are the ones who’ve performed at the highest level week in, week out for many a year. The likes of Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes who churn out world class moments every time they step foot on the pitch are the real favourites of the terraces, but then there are those players who struggle to find the consistency to really make an impact at Premier League level. It can be so frustrating watching certain players take to the field as you never know what to expect and so we bring you the top 10 most inconsistent players in the Premier League.
Newcastle United’s Gabriel Obertan is hoping to get a chance to impress against his former club in the Europa League.
United host Bordeaux at the Sports Direct Arena with the French winger hoping to impress at the club where he was first handed a first team opportunity in football.
The 23 year old told the Shields Gazette, “It’s always a weird feeling to play against one of your old teams.
“As for Bordeaux, it has been a long time since I was there. I don’t really know what to expect, but it’ll be great to see the coaches and staff again.
“You have a chance to show the manager what you can do, and it’s not just the young players. It’s also a chance to give game time to all the members of the squad who haven’t been involved in league games.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I want to play as much as I can, be efficient in my play, score goals and give assists.”
Liverpool’s Stewart Downing is hopeful that his stunning goal against Anzhi has bolstered his chances of playing in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
The Reds winger has struggled to impress this season, however his 53 minute effort capped off a fine performance on the night.
“I don’t think I’ve scored many goals better than that! Downing told Liverpool.com
“It was a good goal and I was very happy with it. It was a good three points too because they made it hard for us and it was looking as though it would probably be a long-range strike that would win the game.
“We’d tried everything and they were tough to break down. It was frustrating at times, but it was a good win and a good night for us in the end.”
Downing is aware that the best way to stake a claim for more action is by delivering where it matters, on the pitch.
“I’m happy. Obviously I don’t know what the team will be for Sunday, but hopefully I’ve given him (Rodgers) a little bit of food for thought.”
Not only did Downing impress with his fine goal he also showed versatility in where he can play. Having started the game off in his more familiar position on the right wing, the second half he was moved to left back after Glen Johnson was substituted at half time.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The victory for Liverpool took them top of Group A with three games gone.
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his side have further concerns in regards to their injury-prone defence in the build-up to Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa this Saturday.
Out of favour winger Nani was also reported injured by Ferguson and will be unavailable for at least the next ten days.
Chris Smalling has been declared fit to play after being sidelined since the end of last season with a broken metatarsal, however there are now fears over Jonny Evans, who picked up a knock on Champions League duty against Braga in midweek.
United continue to be without key centre back Nemanja Vidic, who his unlikely to return until Christmas following a further set-back to his recovery from a knee injury, and Phil Jones is still on the mend following an operation in September.
The United boss told reporters today: “We’re hoping Jonny Evans is ok tomorrow. There is a doubt, not a serious one, but hopefully he’s fit.
“Chris Smalling is back – No issues with him at all, he did very well. He’s come through [from injury] very well.
“So we’re just monitoring the situation with Jonny, but if he doesn’t make it Chris [Smalling] will have to play.”
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have their own injury crisis as Darren Bent is sidelined with an ankle injury for an unconfirmed period of time, and Richard Dunne has picked up a strain since returning to training after a five month absence with a groin injury.
The most alarming concerns for Paul Lambert will be at left back with Eric Lichaj suspended and Joe Bennett also sidelined. The Scottish coach revealed in a press conference he will turn to 22-year-old Edna Stevens to fill in.
“Joe Bennett is a doubt but we will have to see. Enda Stevens came in and did really fine against Sunderland” said Lambert.
The substitute appearance against Sunderland was Stevens’ first in the Premier League since moving from Shamrock Rovers in January 2012.
“So credit to Enda for coming in and doing as well as he has done,” he added.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Aston Villa will face Manchester United in Saturday’s late kick-off at Villa Park.
Reading striker Adam Le Fondre expressed his relief following the club’s Premier League win against Everton.
The Royals came back from a 1-0 deficit to claim a 2-1 victory, with Le Fondre netting both goals.
Although it is early in the season, the three points moved the newly promoted side out of the relegation zone.
Le Fondre admitted after the game that the win will serve as a confidence boost:
“It’s a massive relief for all of us.” He is quoted by SkySports.
“We’ve got the three points and it’s a monkey off our backs as they say. It’s a magnificent result for us.
“We’ve been working hard all season to get that win and we’ve been in some great positions so far this season and not finished teams off.”
Le Fondre admitted that his side were second best in the opening 45 minutes, but deserved the win thanks to their second-half showing:
“At half-time, we had a word with ourselves and said ‘we need to play the Reading way’. That is what got us promoted to the Premier League after all.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“The gaffer was brilliant. He just tells you what you need to do. We just wanted to get a bit higher up the pitch, press a little higher from midfield and defence and shut down better and be more compact in the spaces in between.
“Coming out for that second half, I’m sure everyone could see a massive difference. We absolutely battered Everton for a time and we fully deserved our win.”
star Mikel Arteta assures fans that their frustration is mirrored by the anger felt in the dressing room at the Emirates in light of the team’s recent poor form.
The Gunners are yet to pick up a win in four games after their 2-0 win at home to Montpellier in the Champions League, whilst their last Premier League game brought about a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Michael Laudrup’s Swansea.
Facing one of the toughest periods of Arsene Wenger’s reign as manager, Arteta declares that a change “has to come from us,” to move forward in the league. The comment reflects Wenger’s statement earlier in the week when he said that change needs to come from “within the squad” rather than a view to the January window.
Arteta continued to say that “People are hurting, people are upset with themselves, the players are angry. I think that’s a good thing. It’s not like players couldn’t care less, they know what they need to do.”
“At Arsenal you have a group of players who want to give 100 per cent and that makes things so much easier. I always see that in the dressing room. Always,” adding emphasis.
“You feel that disappointment from the fans because they expect better. We need to turn it round as quickly as we can because we’ve got a good period around Christmas where we can create a different atmosphere, everyone’s happy on holiday and there’s a lot of games,” said Arteta.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
One of those games sees Arsenal up against high-flying West Bromwich Albion at home, and the Argentine wants a “big reaction” against the Baggies, as do the fans.
QPR are still searching for their first Premier League victory of the season after coming from behind to earn a point against Aston Villa at Loftus Road.
Rangers had shown signs of improvement in Harry Redknapp’s first game in charge against Sunderland on Tuesday evening, leaving Wearside with a point following a goalless draw, and his home debut brought about a similar outcome.
Villa are also steadily progressing under Paul Lambert’s guide and extended their unbeaten run to three games in West London to move two points above the bottom three.
They did it without Darren Bent once again with the striker promoted to the substitutes bench after being left out of the squad completely for the trip to his former club.
A boisterous reception greeted Redknapp’s arrival in the dugout and it was expected such positivity would be mirrored on the pitch, but the home side were left dumbstruck when Brett Holman fired the ball past Rob Green from 25 yards to give Villa the lead after only eight minutes.
That seemed to snap the hosts into their rhythm and an equaliser was procured in the 18th minute. Jamie Mackie, who scored at Old Trafford last week, did brilliantly to evade his marker and meet Samba Diakite’s cross to power a header past Brad Guzaan.
They came close to a second when Shaun Wright-Phillips, brought in from the wilderness by Redknapp, forced Guzan into a save after racing clear of the away defence before clattering the post as the ball spun clear.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Rangers lost Stephane Mbia just before the break after he was knocked out in a clash with Gabriel Agbonlahor. Both teams strived to find that moment of magic that would bright a winning goal.
And Villa were indebted to Guzan for stopping Ryan Nelson, Diakite and Park Ji Sung from finding the net as Rangers remained rooted to the foot of the table.
Southampton are ready to make a £13m double move to sign Jack Butland and Davide Astori, according to reports from The Mirror.
The Saints have enjoyed a relatively solid start to the Premier League season, but find themselves in the relegation zone heading into the New Year.
This has led to speculation that manager Nigel Adkins will look to strengthen his squad, with their leaky defence – which has conceded 37 goals – being top of his list of priorities.
Birmingham’s Butland is seen as the ideal candidate between the posts, with current number Kelvin Davis failing to produce the required level of displays.
The England international is said to be available for around £5m, with his club keen to sell due to financial difficulties.
They may face competition from Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton, who are all thought to be keen on the 19-year-old.
As well as a new goalkeeper, Adkins is also keen to bring in another centre-back, and will turn his attention to Cagliari’s Astori.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The 25-year-old Italian has been in impressive form for the Serie A side this term, attracting the attention of clubs such as Napoli and Juventus.
It is thought that a bid of £8m will be enough to persuade Cagliari to part company with one of their star men.
Alan Pardew thanked the Newcastle board for their investment in new players following his side’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
The Magpies have brought in five new faces this month, after a disappointing start to the season left them perilously close to the relegation zone.
Mathieu Debuchy, Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran all started against the Villains, whilst Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa came on as a substitute.
They all contributed to an important victory, and Pardew paid special thanks to the club’s hierarchy after the game:
“There has been a lot of work and effort to get that win, not just from the staff and the players, but the directors and (Newcastle managing director) Derek Llambias.” He told Sky Sports.
“Sissoko was magnificent in the first half. He is going to be a powerful player in the Premier League.
“Sissoko made a difference today with his power and control, and he helped Papiss, who has been a bit isolated, especially since Demba (Ba) left.
“I have always had my eye on him. That’s a nice little aperitif that he showed tonight.”
Papiss Cisse gave the visitors the lead after 19 minutes, before midfielder Yohan Cabaye doubled their advantage with a fine half-volley.
Villa pulled one back in the second-half through Christian Benteke, but Newcastle held firm to secure a vital win.
Pardew was happy with his side’s display throughout the game:
“In the first half we were magnificent,” Pardew added. “We would have given anyone a game with that performance. We played as well as we have played all year.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“In the second half, we had to show another side to our game – to battle, to fight – and everybody played their part.
Despite the result, Pardew feels that his side are some way from being out of relegation danger:
“It was our day today. It is by far not over for us. We have got 14 cup finals to come, but it’s a start.”
Arsenal’s north London derby defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday has been hailed as a true turning point in the balance of power in the area and between both clubs for the first time during Arsene Wenger’s tenure as manager, but is it all as easy to rectify as simply spending more money in the summer or do the problems go deeper than that?
The term ‘sterile domination’ is one that’s been coined to describe the Arsenal we see before us this season and their record against the top four, which reads played seven, won one, drawn one and lost five, on top of defeats in Europe to the likes of Bayern Munich and Schalke just highlights that they are struggling against better quality opposition this term. Losing Robin van Persie to Manchester United in the summer and bringing in Olivier Giroud as his replacement sums up the transfer policy and the sharp fall in quality better than any words can. Giroud is a perfectly serviceable option to have in your squad, but he shouldn’t be the only option to call upon and the club looks desperately short of options in key areas.
Former Gunners defender Sol Campbell urged Wenger to re-think his transfer policy of recent years, pointing to Sir Alex Ferguson as the model to follow for the future, telling The Mirror: “You have to give him (Wenger) immense credit for what he has done and it has been overlooked that while they have not done well in the cups, they have been consistent in the league.
“But maybe there has to be a change regarding transfers. It should be done on a more case-by-case fashion. I think the fans deserve that. Sir Alex Ferguson clearly looked at what United could win if they had Van Persie and decided that if they succeed, that would justify the fee.”
Before we get ourselves into a tiresome net spend argument, which is obviously inflated due to the sales of van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in recent campaigns, that doesn’t detract from the fact that Arsenal have spent significant funds, but their replacements have all been purchased from the bargain bin in an attempt to reign in costs. Liverpool have been guilty of the same needlessly cheap exercise for years and all it does is plug your squad full of decent players that are incapable of performing to the standard required of a side chasing top four football.
[opinion-widget op]
The respective run-ins that both Tottenham and Arsenal have mean that the seven-point gap can yet be made up, while they still sit just five points behind Chelsea in fourth with ten games left to play, but the run they went on this time last season was only made possible by the presence of van Persie, and they look short of not only leaders but players to look toward for inspiration when everything isn’t going according to plan.
Wenger essentially answered his own poser during the post-match interviews yesterday, telling the BBC: “In the first half there was nothing [in it] and then we were 2-0 down. I don’t know how it happened. We produced a great energy level from the first to the last minute, but we were not decisive enough in our box or their box.” That crucial lack of quality at either end of the pitch is ensuring this is perhaps the most difficult season they have had in qualifying for next year’s Champions League and the odds are stacked against them, even if it is still not an impossible feat.
When things are going badly, former players are always quick to label what the manager at the helm should be doing, despite not having any real experience in the game other than their success on the pitch. Everyone is a critic, but when it comes to Wenger and his reluctance to spend big money when needed, it’s an opinion that’s almost universally held and should they fail to make the top four this season, all of their hard cost-cutting work in preparing the club for Financial Fair Play will have been in vain; they simply won’t be in a position to capitalise on the levelling of the playing field that they hope will happen from Europe’s second tier competition and therefore will struggle to attract the players required to close the gap.
Given his recent failings in the transfer market, there’s no reason to suggest that throwing money at Wenger would guarantee success at all, while the reports of him being handed a budget upwards of £70m in the summer always appear to coincide rather neatly with the club putting up ticket prices – the cynic in me would suggest that they are more than linked.
What is clear, though, is that something has to change, whether that be the club’s bean-counting approach, the man in charge or an overhaul of the playing staff. The club is clearly on the way down at the moment, incapable of stopping the rot, while on the other side of the street, Tottenham under Andre Villas-Boas are a club on the up.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Wenger’s greatest downfall, even larger than his stubbornness to accept that he’s wrong and that he may need to adapt at times, is his trust in his players and across the squad, there are plenty that deserve a swift exit and it’s actually quicker to count on one hand the ones that need to be kept than not.
Just so long as Wenger continues to define finishing in the top four as akin to success and a ‘trophy’, then they will continue to accept second best and even by those standards the club is underperforming this season. Changing the culture of the club and approach behind the scenes is just as important as spending money, even if Campbell has a point that quality rather than quantity on a case-by-case basis should be keenly looked at in the summer. This isn’t quite a time of crisis yet, more a day of licking wounds, but Arsenal need to get their house in order or they run the risk of falling short precisely at a time when their financial future dictates they must succeed.