How Tottenham have turned their season around since August's Manchester City humiliation

When Manchester City arrived at White Hart Lane on August 25, Tottenham were simply not ready.

Spurs' start to the Premier League season - a home game against Everton - had been delayed by the London riots, and so Harry Redknapp's side faced the big-spending club on the back of a convincing 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, in which Jermain Defoe led the line alone, Luka Modric was inconspicuous by his absence and the defensive onus in midfield fell to the inexperienced Jake Livermore.

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini's side had signalled their early intent with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Swansea City, in which debutant Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score twice, before putting another three past Bolton Wanderers.

City were not expected to brush Spurs aside given the tight nature of the previous meetings between the two, but Mancini's men were rampant in north London, as Edin Dzeko scored four and Aguero grabbed another, with David Silva and Samir Nasri the masterminds behind a thoroughly convincing 5-1 victory.

Modric had attempted to pull out of the game, Peter Crouch, isolated up front, could not impose himself on the visitors - nor could Gareth Bale or Aaron Lennon. Spurs looked streets behind the league's pacesetters.

However, Redknapp maintained he could turn the fortunes of his side around if he were able to bring in the key transfer targets he had identified.

And, once Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor were signed, sealed and delivered to White Hart Lane, Spurs barely looked back.

The impact of both players was instantly felt, as Parker marshalled the midfield at Molineux against Wolves, and played in Adebayor to open the scoring in a 2-0 victory, with Jermain Defoe grabbing the second.

The signing of Parker was allegedly met with some hesitance by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, given the player's fairly advanced age and fee on the back of a heroic season with relegated West Ham which saw him emerge as the English football zeitgeist, but the 31-year-old has since shown his value to the team time and time again, proving particularly influential in home wins against QPR and Bolton.

It is the England international's industrious, tireless efforts that have freed those around him to play to their fullest, particularly the likes of Bale and Modric.

Parker's introduction to the Spurs side also coincided with the return to fitness of Ledley King, who has been in and out of the team, but has proved to be an integral player during Tottenham's run of good form.

And, while King has failed to feature consistently since his first appearance of the season against Wolves, Spurs have benefitted from the improvement of Younes Kaboul, who looks a different player to the one who first arrived at White Hart Lane in 2007, while Kyle Walker has firmly established himself as the regular first choice right-back over Vedran Corluka, and is surely an England hopeful.

How close Parker actually came to having a different central midfield partner at White Hart Lane is anybody's guess, as the Spurs hierarchy must surely have been tempted to part ways with Modric following a big-money offer from Chelsea.

But Levy and Co. have reaped the rewards of holding onto their man since the possibility of leaving the club dissipated.

In fact, it took Modric little time to put his desire to leave the club behind him, as he fired in after just seven minutes in a sumptuous display in the 4-0 victory over Liverpool, and has since proved himself to be everything the previous seasons had suggested he was - unflappable on the ball, with remarkable vision and a deftness of touch replicated only by the world's finest midfielders.

Equally impressive has been the evolution of Bale from direct left-sided winger to adaptable modern forward.

The Welsh international had hinted at having more to his game than an almost-unstoppable dribble and a decent shot, but this season, Bale has been afforded the opportunity to express himself in a free-flowing, interchangeable Spurs front line, often occupying the space behind or alongside Adebayor, and on the right hand side.

Against Norwich City at Carrow Road, Bale was excellent in something of a free role, and his second of two goals, bursting straight through the gut of the home side's defence before delicately chipping over John Ruddy, summed up the season he is having.

The part Adebayor has played in the resurgence of course, cannot be ignored. The Togolese striker is far more adept at holding up the ball and involving his team-mates in play than Defoe, who has actually scored more goals in all competitions this season than the former Arsenal man. It is his link-up play with Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Lennon that arguably makes him first choice over his competition.

That City could afford to loan Adebayor out to Spurs, whose title credentials they must surely have doubted at the time, while still subsidising his wages, is testament to the strength in their frontline, and the task Spurs are faced with in attempting to keep the likes of Aguero and Dzeko quiet on their own patch.

Indeed, Tottenham face a huge task in upending the league leaders, who boast a 100 per cent record at the Etihad Stadium.

But Redknapp's charges will feel better prepared for the challenge than they did back in August.

Match Report - Spurs (Away)

Well that's one of our bogey teams laid to rest, maybe now we can even manage a win at Goodison Park some time.  It wasn't just the win yesterday, but the manner of the victory that was remarkable.  I think many blues would have taken a point away from North London, but not even the most positive City fan would have predicted the mauling that Tottenham suffered yesterday, but when it happened we all loved every single minute of it.


6 points from our opening 3 games would have been acceptable, and 7 would have been a really good return, but to start the first international break with the full 9 is great and when you add in the performances that we have turned in it really becomes too good to be true.  I should probably remember who it was, but someone on the TV said after the Bolton game that City were playing the best football in the Premier League and I don't think anything this round of games has changed that, that includes our chavvy neighbours in Salford.

After the Bolton game I sort of felt that we probably wouldn't perform that well again for a while, but as it happens the win at the Reebok wasn't a patch on what we did yesterday.  The starting 11 demonstrated more than ever a shift in the managers thinking with just 2 defensively minded midfielders shielding the back 4, allowing a forward 4 of Dzeko, Silva, Aguero and Nasri to torment Tottenham.  Any doubts about how quickly the newly signed Frenchman would take to settle were soon banished when within the opening 10 minutes the former Arsenal man looked more than comfortable alongside his new team mates.  He was superb, not only did he lay on 3 goals for his team mates he also did the dirty work and tracked runners to help out the defence as well.  One particular highlight for me when I was watching the game back was his expression (which can be seen above) just after Dzeko had crashed home his 4th, a look of disbelief about the quality of his new colleagues, fantastic to see.

Talking of Dzeko, he was once again superb, he led the line fantastically well and was a constant threat and worry for the Tottenham back line.  The opener came when a perfect Nasri cross was met by the Bosnian's outstretched foot, on paper it may sound simplistic but the interplay and wonderful one-two between Aguero and Nasri that lead to the goal was superb.  The second was a game changer, shortly after Crouch headed a wonderful volleyed Bale cross inches wide, a goal that would have turned the game on its head, City countered and another inch perfect Nasri cross was met by Dzeko who managed to arch his back and strain his head to head the ball back across goal and into the net, it was a remarkable finish and from a technical point of view could have been the pick of the bunch.  

The half time break came and went and any fears of City once again throwing away a 2 goal lead again were ended when Dzeko completed his hat trick tapping home a low Toure cross, again some of the build up was superb and it essentially won the game for the blues.  Aguero added a 4th after he was released by Nasri, he showed fantastic strength to beat Dawson before hammering the ball past Friedel from an acute angle, it was a great goal.  Predictably however we did manage to find a way to blot our copy book, the introduction of Jermain Defoe lifted Spurs and he saw a rising shot smartly turned over by Hart, from the resulting corner however, some incredibly sloppy marking by Yaya Toure resulted in Younes Kaboul slamming a header into the City net.  Spurs didn't really rally however, they withdrew an off form Modric and after making 3 changes van der Vaart limped off with a strained ham string resulting in the London club having to play with 10 men.  

Perhaps we then left them off the hook slightly, later in the day United proved they don't provide any mercy, they continue to pummel their opposition, the last 25mins was played out with City firmly in control, content to play keep ball without really testing the Tottenham defence.  It wasn't until deep into injury time that the score board was troubled again, Dzeko and the again superb Barry played a neat one-two outside the Spurs area resulting in the Bosnian driving home his 4th of the day with a sublime left footed finessed finish.  The whistle blew immediately after the restart to put Spurs out of their misery, but if the truth be told Tottenham weren't even that bad, City were just an absolute sensation.

Enough waffle, what of the slightly unimportant numbers:

Joe Hart: 7 - Was excellent when called upon, made some sharp saves in the second half from Defoe and kept some Spurs efforts out early on.  Nothing he could do about the goal, a pretty decent perform let down by his defence on one occasion.

Pablo Zabaleta: 6 - A surprise inclusion at the expensive of Richards, got booked early on and was at times given a fright by the pace of Bale but got to grips with him as the game went on.  Took a couple of typical bangs to the head towards the end as seems normal.

Joleon Lescott: 7 - Could possibly be at fault for letting Crouch fire a header just wide in the first half but generally played well and looked strong.  The partnership between him and Kompany continues to impress Kompany is the brains, Lescott

Vincent Kompany: 7 - Another great captains display, he made some superb tackles again taking the ball cleanly and snuffing out various attacks.  He also used the ball well I thought, he rarely gives it away and even surged forward from time to time to support the midfield.

Gael Clichy: 7 - He attacking well and provided width, he was a constant threat to Corluka and some of his link up play with Nasri was superb. Didn't really allow Lennon into the game after a shaky start, he matched his pace and snuffed out his threat.

Gareth Barry: 8 - Barry has been massively improved this season and this was another great display, anchored the midfield supremely, used the ball well and mopped up nicely.  He attacked at the right times and filled in gaps as well, all action, superb, undroppable at this point for me.

Yaya Toure: 6 - Toure looked assured and confident again, but blotted his copy book by going to sleep on a Tottenham corner and allowing Kaboul a totally free header resulting in a goal.  At 4-0, it didn't matter, but it's a lapse that could have cost us under other circumstances.

David Silva: 8 - Superb AGAIN, was a constant threat and his movement along with Aguero and Nasri was fantastic.  The Frenchman might take more plaudits but the Spaniard's impact cannot be underestimated.

Sergio Aguero: 8 - Lovely link up play with Nasri to create the first, and scored a beauty as well.  The 3 attacking talents behind Dzeko were impossible to deal with, their movement was so fluid and considering Kun still isn't 100% fit it was extremely impressive.

Samir Nasri: 9 - It may not have been as sensational as Aguero's debut, but it was close, any question about how he fits in were soon banished.  He got 3 assists and was at the heart of every good move, when you add in his defensive work too he looks a great signing.

Edin Dzeko: 10 - I said to myself it would take something extraordinary for me to ever award a 10, well this was it.  The Bosnian hit 4 goals and has now scored 7 in 4 games, his goals were great, but his all round play for the team was superb.

Substitutes:

Micah Ricahrds: 6 - Attacked well and worked very hard, took a couple of knocks but really not enough time to impress.

Stefan Savic: 6 - Brought on to add an extra body in the defence, looked tidy and neat, but no time really.

Only really one choice for Man of the Match, that is Edin Dzeko, he endlessly tortured the Spurs defence and proved what a handful he can be.  He is slimmer, quicker and understands his role much more than he did last season.  His 4 goals aside, he proved an excellent outlet and brought his team mates into play with consummate ease, if you don't believe in him yet, there is nothing that will ever convince you.

When Will Ade Stop Believing His Own Hype?

Other than the fact that we were better than them last year, one of the main reasons Spurs failed to qualify for the Champions League was lack a of goals, and as hard as Redknapp has tried to fix that problem, he has so far failed.


He has started the season (albeit only one league game and one Europa League game) with Jermain Defoe as his first choice striker with Dutch maestro Van der Vaart playing just off him.  The English striker only managed to net 4 league goals last season which was hardly an inspiring return, Peter Crouch wasn't much better and although Roman Pavlyuchenko scored a few goals he still doesn't seem to be thought of particularly highly around White Hart Lane.


We have all heard at great length about how they are looking to our very own Adebayor to solve his goal crisis.  As City fans we know that on paper it would be a great signing for them, but in reality it would probably be a spectacular failure.  Adebayor will score goals for them, but only when he is in the mood, he is almost guaranteed to score in the North London derby, but at the same time it is a close certainty that he will do something which will result in a 3 game ban.

In pure footballing terms he is a great striker when on form, and can be absolutely unplayable but those occasions are far too inconsistent for my liking and Tottenham will find the same problem.  I see a level of similarity between Spurs and City fans in some ways, both sets of supporters like players who give everything and put it all on the line, even if they aren't as technically gifted as others, that definitely doesn't describe the Togolese striker.


The 27 year old fancies himself as being so much better than he actually is, he has made it publicly clear that he is holding out for a move to Real Madrid where he spent the second half of last season on loan, I think Ade is the only person in Europe though that believes he is good enough for a club of that size.  His total haul for the Spanish giants was 8 goals in 22 games, 5 of which came in the league.  When you consider that he was probably working as hard as he ever works in that period it is not a particularly impressive tally.

The size of the players ego however doesn't end there, according to todays Mirror he has started telling his prospective new club that they must sign new players in order for him to sign, Wayne Rooney this guy isn't.  The newspaper reckon that he has insisted they sign Lassana Diarra and assure him of other quality signings before he agrees to a potential move, I find this attitude bizarre since if he doesn't deem the Spurs squad good enough his only other option is our reserve squad, it seems pretty farcical to me, he must really believe that a massive club will come in for him, something which patently isn't going to happen.


Even if this deal is going to happen, it still seems crazy to me for us to strengthen one of our rivals, even though he won't score hat fulls of goals for them, he will still be of assistance.  I suppose on the other hand it could get his wages off our books which will clearly help, the City fans I have spoken to seem pretty split on it really.  Clearly he isn't a 'Mancini player', but thanks to our previous manager we are stuck with him on sky high wages and maybe just getting rid of him to wherever is preferable even if it does help Tottenham...

Rumour Mill: Ade For Lennon...No Chance...

Alarm bells started ringing up and down Fleet Street on Sunday when Roberto Mancini revealed that he was in the market for a winger.  The Italian is often pretty open about players that he is looking at and his confirmation that he is looking to recruit both a central midfielder and a winger has caused quiet a stir in the press.


The bastion of all things accurate and reasonable, the Mirror, today claim that a swap deal is in the offing involving everyone's (least?) favourite wheeler dealer Harry Redknapp.  The two names being rammed together in this most recent case of media desperation are Emmanuel Adebayor and Aaron Lennon.

Clearly we are looking to move on the striker and have struggled to do so previously.  In footballing terms I still feel that Adebayor could have something to offer, but his attitude in training and supposed undermining of the manager makes that a near impossibility.  The biggest problem with the striker is his sky high wages, there is clearly not a shortage of clubs who would happily take him, but he seems incredibly unwilling to take a wage cut, a problem that we are facing with many of the players on the outskirts of the squad.


The newspaper report that talks have already gone on, something that I find highly unlikely, and they claim that both parties are trying to 'numbercrunch' the figures involved to find a solution that both parties would be happy with.  Lennon would clearly be a decent option, but I would hardly be blown away by his arrival.  He wouldn't be close to the first team and if his signing was at the expense of Shaun  Wright-Phillips, that would be a shame.  He might be lightning fast, but I have never been entirely sure that he is good enough for a team aiming for the title.  A good squad player, but not a starter.

I suppose the other way to look at it, is that if there are no other offers on the table it would get Ade's wages off our books and clearly Lennon would be on less money and therefore it would make sense.  The big stumbling block in my eyes is that I highly doubt the player is willing to take a pay cut to play for Tottenham, he has been unwilling too before and I see no reason why he would take a cut now.  It remains an inescapable fact that the White Hart Lane club won't be able to pay him what he is currently getting.


I see no truth in this to be honest, I am sure we will sign a wideman, but the man to fill that role looks increasingly likely to be Italian winger Alessio Cerci.  Obviously I hope that we can move on Adebayor, if only to get his wages off the books, rumours abound that Real Madrid may be ready to make a move for the striker, although quite why they want him remains a mystery to me.


Ultimately I just don't see this one as anything more than tabloid nonsense, I wouldn't be overly disappointed if it were to happen but I highly doubt there is anything in this one.

Heurelho Gomes – A Part of the North London Goalkeeper Crises

“He’s a great shot-stopper but...”

For Heurelho Gomes, and Tottenham fans, this is an all too familiar phrase used by pundits and even opposition football fans when describing the 30 year old Brazilian. He joins the ever growing list of Premiership goalkeepers, who have made mistakes on the grandest stage, and it seems that the problem for Gomes is, he makes them far too often and the patience of loyal Sours fans has finally run out.

For some goalkeepers, it is a rarity that they make a mistake. Take Pepe Reina for example, the Liverpool keeper scored a calamitous own goal against Arsenal on the first day of the season, and has since gone on to have a faultless season. Manchester United’s instrumental goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar made a mistake against West Brom earlier in the season, this my friends, is a collector’s item.

Look no further for a team with highly publicized goalkeeping problems than North London rivals; Arsenal. They’ve had so many issues with that goalkeeper position this season; they’ve used five different ‘keepers. Lukasz Fabianski was the number one, but injury saw his season end prematurely and young Polish stopper Wojciech Szczęsny, then was seen as the great new hope, took the vacancy. However injury slowed his season, as well as the huge mistake in the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham help put a black mark on his claim for the number one shirt. Manuel Almunia hasn’t looked the same player as he was two seasons ago, and is on par with Gomes in terms of mistakes in important matches. Last but not least is Jens Lehmann, who put down his slippers and cigar, came out of retirement and answered Wenger’s call, and added his experienced presence to the Arsenal dressing room and even managed to play a game.

It’s no coincidence that Arsenal have missed out on “four” trophies this season, Tottenham got spanked and dumped out of the Champions League, missing out on fourth place as well, that the goalkeepers of each respective club taking the flack for most of the disappointment.

And it’s no coincidence that both Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger will both be vying for a new goalkeeper this summer, no matter how many sympathetic words they have directed to their prospective number ones.


Is Gomes as bad as people have been making out? I mean Brazil has a history of eccentric goalkeepers, prone to big mistakes, yet sensation shot stoppers. Flapping at crosses, yet displaying excellent reflexes and agility. Hélton of FC Porto is a good example, as well as AC Milan legend Dida. Both brilliant shot stoppers, but prone to mistakes at the highest level.

The pressure definitely seems to affects Gomes, when he’s under the cosh; it seems he folds all too easily and ends up spilling a ball into the net.

Against Blackpool he goes from zero to hero, then back to hero in the matter of minutes, saving a penalty and then conceding one moments later from the resorting corner. Against Real Madrid he is at fault for letting a tame Ronaldo shot past him, in both legs of the Champions League quarter final. He rolled the ball out against Manchester United, hoping to take a free kick; Nani took the ball amidst all the confusion and put the ball in the net. He made two big mistakes against Chelsea this season, one against Drogba, and most memorably against a soft Frank Lampard shot which he fumbled past him into the net. He’s let a 25 yard shot from Ashley Young squirm under him, given away a ridiculous penalty against Udinese, and even fumble a Fulham cross into his own net. The list goes on and on.



Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp recently stated that Gomes will be his number one until the end of the season; however a “back” injury was the supposed reason for his exclusion from the Champions League decider against Manchester City, in which Italian Carlo Cudicini impressed, his performance was seen as breath of fresh air, and made you wonder why on earth this man warms the bench!?

Cudicini was thrown into the starting XI, to make his first Premiership start in four and a half months. He was as impressive as we all remember; turning back the clock and giving the kind of performance he gave on numerous occasions during his time at Chelsea. Despite the 1-0 defeat where he was beaten by a Peter Crouch own goal, Cudicini was lauded.

The only set back for Cudicini becoming in his quest to be the undisputed number one, is that he is turning 38 in September, and it seems he has one more season left in him at the most as the Spurs reserve ‘keeper. It also appears that Redknapp see’s him as the back-up goalkeeper anyhow, and while he is never one to shy away from the transfer market, will look to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer.

Names such as Ben Foster, Shay Given and Marten Stekelenburg have all been linked; because Gomes’ mistakes have been deemed far too costly, and even the fans have had enough.

One thing’s for sure; it will not only be Sir Alex Ferguson shopping around Europe and looking for a new, first class goalkeeper this season.

Who do you think Spurs should sign this summer? Do you think they should stick with Gomes? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think

Remember to follow me on twitter @RealTalkFB

Real Talk Football

Champions League Quarter-Finals 1st Leg: What We've Learnt

After all four first legs in the Champions League quarter-finals were completed yesterday; Real Talk Football looks at what we have learnt from four ties, who were the stand out performers, who underachieved and what we can expect from an exciting round of matches.

Real Madrid v. Tottenham – 4-0

Tottenham fans got their wish of facing one of the tougher sides left in the competition, and ended facing up to the harsh consequences. A mystery illness to Aaron Lennon before the game as well as an early red card from Peter Crouch already meant the North London faced an uphill battle.

Emmanuel Adebayor put in a class performance, reminiscing of his best years at Arsenal, and he scored two goals on the night taking his tally to 11 goals in 10 appearances against Tottenham.


Angel Di Maria scored a wonder goal, while Cristiano Ronaldo added the fourth; finally getting on the score sheet after having 14 attempts on goal during the game.

There aren’t too many positives for Tottenham to take to the second leg, Real Madrid are yet to concede at home in the Champions League, and only have only conceded 3 goals altogether. All Spurs can do is go all out attack, and hope for the best.


Inter Milan v. Schalke 04 – 2-5

Inter Milan cannot defend. This is their biggest hindrance in this shaky defence (no pun intended) of their Champions League title. If you look at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United’s defensive records so far in this campaign, you understand why they are all clear favourites ahead of the Nerazzurri.

Inter are missing their experienced and solid central defensive partnership of Lucio and Walter Samuel, upon which they built their Champions League win last season. During that victorious campaign, they only conceded 9 goals in 13 matches, where as this season they have already shipped 19 goals in just 9 games. They also have the worst defensive record of the last eight teams in the Champions League, conceding an average of 2 goals per game.

In a finaly note on Inter, Dejan Stankovic's unbelievable volley opened the scoring, and is too good to leave out of this review.


Schalke were seen as dark horses to make it into the latter stages of the competition, and thanks to the pacey powerful performance from Jefferson Farfan, the clinical finishing from Striker Edu, along with the fantastic attacking prowess shown by legendary striker Raul all led to thrashing Inter.

The final high point for Schalke, apart from the five away goals, was the performance of 19 year old centre back Joel Matip; who has played in all but one of Schalke’s Champions League game. His composed and confident performance, at such a young age against the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito, was a joy to behold for the Schalke fans.

Inter need a big turnaround if they are to progress.


Chelsea v. Manchester United – 0-1

Manchester United has been labelled lucky this season, but I believe it’s time for this label to be relinquished. They have this never give up attitude and winning mentality, and now look favourites to progress after beating Premiership rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. As well as giving themselves that desired away goal advantage.

Despite the critics, Michael Carrick had his best appearance in a Manchester United shirt last night, making seven interceptions against Chelsea, at least three more the any other in the game.

Also Ecuadorian international Antonio Valencia had to fill in at right back during the second half and was excellent throughout the match. He created more goal scoring chances than any other player during the match.

Finally Manchester United’s evergreen goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was also in great form, making two brilliant saves in the game. It’s noted that he has the best saves-to-shots percentage in the Champions League this season with 93%, followed by Petr Cech, 90%.


Chelsea are not completely out of the tie, but it seems older players like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, who were instrumental in Chelsea performances last year, seem to no longer be the match winners they once were, with Chelsea distinctly lacking in the final third of the pitch.

The £50 million striker Fernando Torres, who’s price tag will not be shaken off until he starts putting the ball in the net, played okay, but just like this Chelsea side were just not clinical enough. Torres linked up well once the full backs (Bosingwa and Cole) got forward and got the ball into the opposition box. His partnership with Didier Drogba however, is somewhat non-existent.

Heading up to Old Trafford, Chelsea will need to take the game to Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, while there are murmurs that the Champions League is Carlo Ancelotti’s last lifeline. This is the closest remaining tie left in the Champions League, and should be another tightly contested game.


FC Barcelona v. Shaktar Donetsk – 5-1

First things first, you cannot give Barcelona an early goal. This alleviates any kind of pre-game nerves the Barca side would have had, and settled them quickly. Lionel Messi was phenomenal, as was Andres Iniesta. Sergio Busquets was solid at the back, while Adriano and Dani Alves were brilliant in the full-back positions, just as they were against Arsenal.

Shaktar had their chances throughout the game, as striker Luiz Adriano even hit the post and missed a one on one with Victor Valdes. But it was Barcelona who was potent in front of goal, and in all honesty always looking capable of exposing the Shaktar back four.

Iniesta, Alves, Pique and Xavi all took their chances in great team moves. The goal of the night came from Seydou Kieta who ran onto Lionel Messi’s pass and smashed the ball into the top corner and past Andriy Payatov. Barcelona showing they don’t need David Villa or Lionel Messi on the score sheet in order to put five past a side.
Shaktar’s record coming into this game was 39 wins in their last 44 games, so that gives you an idea of the quality of side Barcelona were taking on.


Finally: just a word on Barcelona full back Dani Alves. The Brazilian international, who recently signed a contract extension with the Catalan giants, if for me one of the best footballers in the world, but is overlooked for this acknowledgement for the simple fact he play’s a right back.

Last night apart from a few early wobbles in the first half he was vital in all of Barcelona’s attacking moves, and he was the first outlet for every single one of these Barcelona attacks. Also his no nonsense hard working style is something which also is really impressive, a hard worker, a team player and a great individual.


That wraps up the Real Talk Football’s views on what we learnt from the first round of matches, remember you can follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/realtalkfb to get all the latest football news, and remember to cast your vote on who you think will win the Champions League by voting in the poll on the right hand side.

Real Talk Football

Europe: Part 1 - Champions League Preview

Last Friday both the quarter-final draws were made for Europe’s elite club competitions, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

Real Talk Football takes a look at the draws of both competitions, and previews the last eight teams left in each competition. Today we start with part 1 which features the Champions League draw.

Champions League

The four ties in the quarter final draw are as follows:

Real Madrid v. Tottenham Hotspur

Tale of the tape

Tottenham’s European adventure saw them top Group A ahead of defending champions Inter Milan, Dutch champions FC Twente and German side Werder Bremen.

Spurs defeated seven time winners and European heavyweights AC Milan 1-0 over two legs in order to book their place in their first ever Champions League quarter final. With their full throttle attacking football, nobody has begrudged the North London side their spot in the last eight.

Serial big spenders Real Madrid have reached the quarter finals of the Champions League for the first time in the last seven years. The Spanish giants are undefeated in their campaign so far, overcoming AC Milan, AFC Ajax and AJ Auxerre in the group stage.

With star man Cristiano Ronaldo and two times Champions League winner Jose Mourinho in charge, Madrid will feel they can go all the way this season.

Key Players

Karim Benzema – the French forward came under scrutiny in the first half of the season with his lacklustre performances in La Liga, however the 23 year olds form has vastly improved, and he’s been Real’s top goal scorer in the Champions League with 6 goals in 7 appearances.

While striker Gonzalo Higuain out for the season and Manu Adebayor breathing down his neck for a 1st team position, he needs to continue his rich vein of form.



Luka Modric – The Croatian playmaker has been instrumental in Tottenham’s campaign this season, and his link up play with wingers Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, have been the key weapons in Spurs Champions League challenge.


Probable Line-ups





Chelsea v. Manchester United

Tale of the tape

The two English powerhouses have been ever-present competitors in the last six seasons in this competition, and contested the 2008 Champions League final.

Chelsea, who has struggled to regain the domestic titles this year, sees the Champions League as their main target this season. They topped Group F with 15 points, winning five matches while their solitary defeat came away to Olympique de Marseille. Chelsea beat Danish side FC Copenhagen comfortably 2-0 over two legs in the second round.

Manchester United haven’t been at their best this season, but have still managed to grind out results and maintain their stay at the top of the Premier League, reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and of course, reach the latter stages of the Champions League. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side qualified top of their group, fending off competition from Bursaspor, Valencia and Glasgow Rangers.

In the second round, there 2-1 victory over Marseille was synonymous with many of their victories this season, a game where they had a lot of first team players missing, and still managed to grind out the result.

Key Players

Nemanja Vidic – The Serbian defender has been head and shoulders above the rest of the other centre backs in Europe, and has been the cornerstone of Manchester United’s solid defensive record, which has seen them only concede two goals in Europe this season.



Nicholas Anelka – the Frenchman has seven goals in his seven Champions League appearances this season, and has outshone fellow strikers Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in Chelsea’s campaign.


Probable Line-ups





FC Barcelona v. Shaktar Donetsk

Tale of the tape

Shaktar Donetsk are favoured as the “Dark Horses” in this year’s competition, thanks to their immaculate home form (they are unbeaten at the Donbass Arena in almost two years, over 60 matches), as well as their array of talented imports such as attacking midfielders Douglas Costa and Willian, Striker Eduardo and Luiz Adriano, as well as established and experienced players including; Tomas Hubschmann, Razvan Rat, Darijo Srna and Dmytro Chygrynskiy.

They surpassed Roma comfortably 6-2 in the second round stage, beating the Italians both home and away. They recovered from a 5-1 thumping away to Arsenal to go on and win Group H ahead of the English side.

For Barcelona, progression into the latter stages is minimal of expectations for the Catalan club, and they progressed through as winners of Group D. On paper they were expected to dominate the group stage however it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Spanish giants as FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos all gave a great account of themselves.

In the second round, Barca overcame a first leg defeat by Arsenal to beat the Gunners 4-3 over two legs, in a fiery and intriguing contest.

Key Players

Xavi Hernandez – The Spaniard World Cup winner impressed with his sensational passing ability in the seven matches he’s played in. He is the heartbeat of the Barcelona side, while his experience and ball retention skills are valuable assets to the side.



Dmytro Chygrynskiy – the 24 year old is quite familiar with the Barcelona team having spent the 2009/10 season at the Camp Nou. He is a tall, no nonsense defender who was influential in both legs of the second round victory over Roma. His quality will be essential in dealing with Messi and co.



Probable Line-ups





FC Internazionale v. FC Schalke 04

Tale of the tape

Schalke have somewhat surpassed expectations by reaching the quarter finals, but with the experienced Raul and goal poacher Klass-Jan Huntelaar, plus an array of talented players, has helped the German side top a tough group that contained the likes of Lyon, SL Benfica and Hapoel Tel-Aviv. In the second round, they beat Spanish side Valencia in two competitive encounters, winning 4-2 on aggregate.

Defending champions Inter Milan reached the quarter finals by the skin of their teeth, after two fantastic matches against last year’s beaten finalist Bayern Munich. Only a late goal from Macedonian international Goran Pandev saw Leonardo’s team progress on away goals. During the group stage, they finished runners-up in Group A, behind Tottenham.

Key Players

Samuel Eto’o – The Cameroonian international has been in sensational form this season, returning to his favoured central striker role, after playing out of position for much of last year’s victorious Champions League challenge. This season, he is the joint top scorer in the competition with eight goals from eight games, with four assists.



Raúl – the legendary Real Madrid striker is the record highest goal scorer in Champions League history with 71 goals, if anyone can be the difference maker, he can. Despite being at the ripe old age of 33 he hasn’t missed a step on the European stage, and has chipped in with 3 goals in this campaign so far.



Probable Line-ups




All ties will be played on the 5/6th April, and the return legs played on 12/13th April

Who do you think will win the Champions League? Cast your vote on the right hand side and let us. Part 2 will be coming on Wednesday.

Real Talk Football

Champions League Preview: Last 16

Tottenham

Position: Group Winners

They fended off competition from reigning champions Inter Milan to top the group, while escaping tricky away trips to Werder Bremen and FC Twente with draws, and winning all three home games saw them finish as group winners.



Key Player: Luka Modric

The 25 year old Croatian has come into his own in 2010 with some fantastic performances; helping Spurs reach the Champions League and 4th place in the Premiership last season, while this year he has helped Spurs surprisingly top their group in their first ever Champions League campaign. He is now regarded as one of Tottenham’s most important players and one of the best midfielders in Europe. He will need to keep fit if Spurs are to progress further in the competition.

Possible Opponents: AC Milan, Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille

Starting XI:



Inter Milan

Position: Group Runners Up

A team faulting domestically, and a side struggling to defend their Champions League crown, getting through the group stage is the best thing Inter Milan could have achieved. Rafa Benitez has had a baptism of fire in Serie A, but he is lucky Massimo Moratti has shown understanding and support for the Spaniard as injuries to key players (who were vital in the Champions League success last year) has taken its toll on the Inter side.

Now however, they have done the hard part, getting out of the group as defending champions with a bit part squad and a new manager. Now it’s down for the club to strengthen in January if necessary but most importantly get the likes of Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder and Walter Samuel back, then Inter have the proven quality that they could go all the way, yet it depends on if the manager can get the team there.



Key Player: Esteban Cambiasso

The 30 year old Argentine had been the remaining bit of cello tape holding together the troubled Inter Milan ship. He, of course, is a defensive midfielder, but he filled in at centre back a few weeks ago as Inter had ran out of defenders due to injuries and suspension.

Why is Cambiasso a key player? He holds the midfield together while Sneijder is allowed the freedom to pull the strings in midfield and dictate the play. A vital component to the Inter team.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valenica, Lyon

Starting XI:



Schalke 04

Position: Group Winners

The Bundesliga runners-up faired very well in the Champions League, topping the group from last season’s semi-finalists Lyon. The most impressive stat regarding their performances in this year’s Champions League campaign; they only conceded 3 goals. An excellent defensive record, thanks to German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and powerful centre back Christoph Metzelder.



Key Player: Klass Jan Huntelaar

The Dutchman has becoming somewhat of a journeyman, wondering around Europe for the last few years, taking a chance in the big time, playing for eight different clubs in the last eight years. After unsuccessful at AC Milan and Real Madrid, he has now found his feet at Schalke and has created a dream partnership with Champions League legend Raul. He has hit 7 goals in 13 appearance this season for Schalke, and is one of the clubs best players.

Possible Opponents: Inter Milan, Valencia, Arsenal, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan

Starting XI:



Lyon

Position: Group Runners Up

One of the most dominant clubs in the French Ligue 1 in the last 10 years, made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season, losing to the eventual runners-up Bayern Munich. They have struggled domestically this season, but similarly to Inter Milan; the most important thing is that Les Gones have made it through the group. The clubs domestic form is its priority, but a strong Champions League run would be just what the club needs. A semi-final finish last season, who’s to say they can’t go further this time around.



Key Player: Lisandro Lopez

The focal point of the Lyon side, the former Porto attacker is a veteran of the Champions League now entering his 6th season in the competition. With Lyon faltering in the league, he has still managed 9 goals in 14 appearances, and with the 27 year old has the Champions League pedigree, given the right service, he could score against the toughest defences in the competition.
Possible Opponents: Tottenham, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shaktar Donetsk

Starting XI:



Manchester United

Position: Group Winners

Manchester United continued their tradition of winning Champions League groups, but this one was more intriguing as they won all there away matches, most impressively a hard fought away win over Valencia.



Key Player: Nemanja Vidic

Untill last week, the key player for me was striker Dimitar Berbatov. However since he is now back to warming the bench at Old Trafford, the Club’s full time captain Nemanja Vidic is the key man. Manchester United never overpowered any team in their group, only scoring 7 goals in the whole group stage, but they were however resolute in defence, seeing them only concede 1 goal. This solid foundation is that which could lead their charge in this campaign.

Possible Opponents: Lyon, AC Milan, Marseille, Roma, Copenhagen, Inter Milan

Starting XI:



Valencia

Position: Group Runners Up

Valencia finished 2nd in the group ahead of Rangers, and Bursaspor, with a total of 11 points. The Spanish side have played some excellent football in this season’s competition, and caught the eyes of their European counterparts with a 6-1 drubbing of Turkish side Bursaspor.



Key Player: Roberto Soldado

The former Real Madrid striker made his name at Getafe before joining Valencia to replace the outgoing David Villa. The 25 year old has started his career at the Mestalla well, scoring 5 times in 13 appearances. The Spaniard is looking to get himself into the International set up, and a decent Champions League campaign will aide that objective.

Possible Opponents: Tottenham, Lyon, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shaktar Donetsk, Schalke

Starting XI:



Barcelona

Position: Group Winners

We all know the calibre of the European giants, and the quality of players at Pep Guaridola’s disposal. The Catalan club didn’t have a perfect campaign, drawing with Rubin Kazan and Copenhagen away from home (showing some form of a weakness), but Barcelona are clearly the favourites and the team to beat.



Key Player: Lionel Messi

He has been feature on this blog many many times, and everyone knows the quality of the 23 year old. He has 17 goals in 13 La Liga appearances, 6 goals in 6 Champions League games this season. Altogether 25 goals in 28 games, a fantastic season already, combined with Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa, Barcelona for me; are clear favourites.

Possible Opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Roma, Marseille, Arsenal, AC Milan

Starting XI:



FC Copenhagen

Position: Group Runners Up

The first Danish side to make to the Champions League knock-out phase, Copenhagen finished ahead of the ever improving Rubin Kazan and the disappointing Panathinaikos. Their home form was where they were most impressive, contributing them to 7 points out of a possible 9.



Key Player: Jesper Gronkjaer

The former Chelsea winger has been vital to Copenhagen’s Champions League campaign this year, and is an undoubted quality individual, who is a the side main attacking threat. Despite the Danish team being the relative “minnows” of the Champions League; with their strong home form, anything is possible.

Possible Opponents: Man Utd, Tottenham, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shaktar Donetsk

Starting XI:



Bayern Munich

Position: Group Winners

Last year semi-finalists are struggling domestically (as so many others are in this year’s competition) but you feel Bayern Munch could go the distance again, as long as Franck Ribery and talisman Arjen Robben stay fit. The Bavarians only lost one game in the group stages, and that was group rivals AS Roma.



Key Player: Mario Gomez

The German international has finally settled in with the German giants, and has scored 6 goals in the group stages, making him the second highest goal scorer in the tournament so far. He joined Bayern from rivals Stuttgart 18 months ago, with a price tag of around €35million, and has taken the mantle of star player at the club with Robben being injured and Ribery looking disinterested. Bayern were runners-up last year, and they have enough attacking options to take them all the way again.

Possible Opponents: Arsenal, Lyon, AC Milan, Marseille, Copenhagen, Valencia, Inter Milan

Staring XI:



AS Roma

Position: Group Runners Up

Last year’s Serie A runners-up, made hard work of qualifying from the group, but managed to collecting 10 points. The real issue they have to address for the Italian side; is its lack of solidarity in defence; conceding 11 goals and only scoring 10 goals. Roma at home, are a very strong team at home, but they seem to struggle when they get into the latter stages of the Champions League.

Key Player: Marco Borriello



The Italian hitman was ushered out the door at the San Siro, and has taken like a duck to water with the Roma side. He has 4 goals to his name in the group stages, and is the key focal point of the Roma attack.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd, Schalke, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Staring XI:



Chelsea

Position: Group Winners

Chelsea were one of the favourites to lift the Champions League crown, but with many experienced players leaving the club, domestic struggles and injuries to key players, the west London side have lost that favourites tag. However 5 wins from 6 matches means Chelsea are by no means incapable of performing, and will look forward to the knockout draw, believing they can beat anyone.



Key Player: Michael Essien

The Ghanaian midfielder has only just returned to the Chelsea first team, and I believe the club will no longer give away silly goals. Essien is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the World, paired with Frank Lampard in the Chelsea engine room, the Blues are more than capable of being the first London team to win the Champions League.

Possible Opponents: Lyon, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Copenhagen, Valencia, Roma,

Starting XI:



Marseille

Position: Group Runners Up

Marseille biggest scalp in the group stages was beating English double winners Chelsea 1-0 at the Stade Velodrome. With this self belief, and momentum they feel they could cause an upset in the knockout stages. Manager Didier Deschamps took Monaco to the final in 2004, so why can’t he do the same with Marseille? Only time will tell, but they could be outsiders.



Key Player: Steve Mandanda

One of the most well known goalkeepers in Europe, the 25 year old has played at Marseille for 3 years and is seen as the safe pair of hands. His side only conceded 3 goals in the 6 matches, the best of the group.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Tottenham, Man Utd, Schalke, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich

Starting XI:



Real Madrid

Position: Group Winners

The nine time winners of the biggest club trophy in the world; haven’t collected the biggest accolade since 2002. At the moment, after a huge spending spree this summer, they undoubtedly have one of the best managers in the World in Jose Mourinho, as well as one of the greatest players, that being Cristiano Ronaldo. Real possibly have the two best footballing assets needed in order to win the Champions League title.



Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese international has already won the Champions League title with Manchester United, where he was also a runner-up. He is in blistering form this season, scoring 24 goals in 32 appearances. A definite match winner, Ronaldo will be vital to Madrid’s campaign.

Possible Opponents: Arsenal, Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Copenhagen, Inter Milan

Starting XI:



AC Milan

Position: Group Runners Up

AC Milan finished second in what was seen as one of the trickiest groups, finishing just 1 point clear of Ajax. Two inspired signings in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, going forward Milan to look a team who can unlock any defence. In the midfielder your concern is the age of the players, such as Seedorf, Ronaldinho, Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo who are all over 30. The experience is there, but is the tempo and is the legs still there? Defensively again is an area where AC Milan may struggle, as they conceded 7 goals after only scoring 7, in the whole of the group stages.



Key Player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The magician returned to Italy after a spell deemed “unsuccessful” at Barcelona (he scored 16 goals in 29 games, and the winner in El Clasico). He has been sensational for AC Milan this season, scorng 13 goals in 20 appearances, with 9 assists.

Possible Opponents: Skahtar Donetsk, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valenica, Schalke, Tottenham, Man Utd, Barcelona

Starting XI:



Shaktar Donetsk

Position: Group Winners

The Ukrainian moneybags somewhat surprised everyone by winning this group. How with 5 wins from 6 matches, the Miners showed that they are no slouches, especially with Arsenal shocking performances in the three away games they played, this was probably one of the most open groups in the Champions League. Shaktar conceded the least amount of goals in the group, and that is the reason why they ended up as winners.



Key Player: Eduardo

The former Arsenal striker scored 3 goals in 4 appearances, dismissing any beliefs that he wouldn’t be able to perform at the highest level ever again. He seems settled in Ukraine, putting his injury stained Arsenal spell behind him.

Possible Opponents: Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Schalke, Valencia, Copenhagen

Starting XI:



Arsenal

Position: Group Runners Up

Arsene Wenger’s side beat Braga 6-0 and Shaktar Donetsk 5-1 in the group stages, but still managed to struggle and falter away from home, to mess up the much needed opportunity to take the top spot in the group. Now, the only English representative not to win their group, Arsenal have a very difficult second round match whoever they draw.



Key Player: Samir Nasri

The 2010 French Footballer of the Year has been excellent for Arsenal this season, and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership. The 23 year old has scored 12 goals in 21 matches this season, and has scored some absolutely brilliant goals along the way.

Possible Opponents: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Schalke, Bayern Munich

Staring XI:

The draw for the knockout stage is later on today, and of course you will get all the latest breaking news, as well as coverage of the draw itself on Twitter @RealTalkFB and on Real Talk Football Blog.

Leave below, who your predictions are for the draw itself.

Real Talk Football