A weapon of mass destruction.
Good morning!
A merry Christmas Eve to you all! We won’t be posting on Christmas Day, so do have a great day tomorrow, I hope you all get what you asked for! After a day off, we’ll back writing on Boxing Day as normal.
Robin van Persie gets hit by a ball
Sir Alex Ferguson has called for Swansea City captain, Ashley Williams, to be banned for “deliberately” kicking a football at Robin van Persie’s head after the Dutchman had been grounded by a challenge from Chico Flores. Williams, a defender, kicked the ball looking to clear his lines as van Persie looked to weave his way into the penalty area.
I can fully appreciate why van Persie reacted furiously to a ball in the back of his head from close range, as it really hurts and it did so much that the notoriously fiery Dutchman proceeded to fight the entire Swansea City XI. Personally I feel that Williams was just looking to clear his lines to make sure the danger was clear and that van Persie was an innocent casualty, but I understand why he reacted in the way he did. I really hope that Ferguson goes ahead with his calls for Williams to be banned, I mean, you can just see the written letter to The FA now;
“Dear Sir,
I am writing to you regarding an altercation between my player, Robin van Persie and Swansea City defender, Ashley Williams. As is abruptly clear, van Persie is struck in the head by a football whilst playing in a football match. I mean, you just don’t need it. There you are, going about your job and then all of a sudden; BAM! You’re hit by a ball.
Naturally, I will be calling for a five-match ban and Williams can consider himself lucky I haven’t pressed forward with Police charges on the grounds of attempted murder.
Yours sincerely,
Sir Alex Ferguson.”
Not in a million years is Ashley Williams going to get banned for kicking a football, it’s the most ridiculous/funny thing I’ve heard all weekend, Cheers, Ferguson.
Daniel Sturridge has Liverpool medical
With Liverpool and Chelsea having agreed a fee for the transfer of Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool, Sturridge travelled north for a medical on Saturday, ahead of his proposed move in January.
As I said the other day, I think this is a great move for all parties concerned. Chelsea Football Club will be delighted to receive £12 million for a player not considered in their plans, Daniel Sturridge gets a chance to rejuvenate his career at Liverpool and Liverpool themselves get another attacking option, as well as an England international to boot. Sturridge has had to endure a poor three and a half years at Stamford Bridge, in which he’s displayed clear potential, but he’s never fully justified his inclusion in the squad. Moving to Liverpool, under a manager such as Brendan Rodgers, represents an opportunity for Sturridge to reinvent himself and under the stewardship of Rodgers, he will be allowed time in which to develop in ways he couldn’t at Chelsea.
It’s a great move for Sturridge, but I’d love to see how many final third passes will occur between Luis Suarez and Sturridge throughout the second half of the season. My guess is 42, and I’m being generous at that.
Klaas jan Huntelaar
Klaas jan Huntelaar, the Dutch international and Schalke o4 striker has signed a new two year deal ahead of his contract expiring this summer. There had been strong rumours the 29 year old would seek a move to Arsenal in January, with Liverpool amongst the names of those interested in the forward.
Just the other evening, I was asked by a friend if I’d like to see Huntelaar at Arsenal, and upon my response I hesitated, before concluding that Huntelaar, a 29 year old, wouldn’t be considered by Arsene Wenger has a sensible option, nor do I personally think it would be a great deal. Signing Huntelaar obviously guarantees goals, but in terms of physique and style of play, there aren’t too many differences between himself and Olivier Giroud of Arsenal. What strikes me about Arsenal, is that they need variation and by that, I mean a striker who is going to move differently and threaten in different ways to Giroud. If you need a plan b, taking Giroud off for Huntelaar isn’t going to change much in my opinion.
Aged 29, I wouldn’t realistically envision Wenger to splash the cash and give a three year deal to a player of 29. For Schalke, it’s great news that the Dutchman has extended his stay, but I don’t think Huntelaar signing a new deal is necessarily a loss for Arsenal. In my opinion, it’s a bullet dodged.
Right that’s me done for today and indeed until Boxing Day. See you then, until such a time however, have a great Christmas!
About the author
