Champions League: Who needs to do what?

Mathematics can muddle even the sharpest footballing brains - just ask Manuel Pellegrini.

Twelve months ago, the Manchester City manager was criticised for apparently not realising one more goal in their 3-2 win at Bayern Munich would have put them top of Group D  and pointed towards an easier Champions League last-16 tie.

But the Chilean need have no permutation problems this season - thanks to BBC Sport's handy Champions League guide.

Here's what City, Liverpool and the rest need to do in the final round of group games, while Chelsea, Arsenal and nine other teams are already through to the knockout stages.

Group A

Atletico Madrid are already through and will top Group A so long as they do not lose by more than one goal to Juventus on the final day.

Juventus need a point to qualify, and can top the group if they beat Atletico by two goals or more. However, if they lose that could let in Olympiakos.

The Greek side would go through if they beat Malmo and Atletico Madrid see off Juventus, courtesy of their head-to-head record with the Italian side.

Malmo will qualify for the Europa League at the expense of Olympiakos if they beat the Greek side.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Atletico Madrid	5	4	0	1	+11	12
Juventus	5	3	0	2	+3	9
Olympiakos	5	2	0	3	-5	6
Malmo	5	1	0	4	-9	3

Group B

Real Madrid have won the group leaving Liverpool and Basel to battle for second place.

A point will be enough for Basel to qualify for the knockout stage, while Liverpool must win to progress.

Ludogorets can qualify for the Europa League if they beat Real Madrid. A draw would be enough if Basel beat Liverpool.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Real Madrid	5	5	0	0	+10	15
Basel	5	2	0	3	-1	6
Liverpool	5	1	1	3	-4	4
Ludogorets	5	1	1	3	-5	4

Group C

Bayer Leverkusen are through because second-placed Monaco and third-placed Zenit St Petersburg play each other. A win against Benfica will guarantee top spot.

Monaco will progress with a draw or victory against Zenit. Either result would also see them take first place if Leverkusen lose to Benfica, with the German side having lost to Monaco home and away.

The Ligue 1 side will also finish first if they win and Leverkusen fail to win their final game.

Zenit need to beat Monaco to qualify, and will top the group if Leverkusen lose to Benfica as well.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Bayer Leverkusen	5	3	0	2	+3	9
Monaco	5	2	2	1	+1	8
Zenit St Petersburg	5	2	1	2	0	7
Benfica	5	1	1	4	-4	4

Group D

Both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have qualified for the knockout stage, while Anderlecht will finish third and secure their place in the Europa League.

That means the only thing to be decided is who will finish as group winners.

Dortmund are in the stronger position because their superior goal difference over Arsenal means a point against Anderlecht should be enough.

Arsenal, however, need to beat Galatasaray and hope Dortmund lose to Anderlecht to take first place.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Borussia Dortmund	5	4	0	1	+10	12
Arsenal	5	3	1	1	+4	10
Anderlecht	5	1	2	2	-2	5
Galatasaray	5	0	1	4	-12	1

Group E

Manchester City will progress to the last 16 if they beat Roma in Italy and CSKA Moscow fail to defeat group winners Bayern Munich in Germany.

Premier League champions City can still progress if they secure a score draw and CSKA Moscow lose to Bayern.

However, if both games end in a draw, then Roma progress.

CSKA Moscow must beat Bayern, and hope Roma do not beat City, to qualify. If CSKA and City both win then the Russians will qualify because of their superior head-to-head record.

Any of the bottom three sides could finish in the Europa League.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Bayern Munich	5	4	0	1	+9	12
Roma	5	1	2	2	-4	5
CSKA Moscow	5	1	2	2	-4	5
Manchester City	5	1	2	2	-1	5

Group F

Barcelona and Paris St-Germain are already assured of their place in the knockout phase.

The pair meet at Barcelona's Nou Camp in their final match to decide who will finish as group winners.

A win or draw will see the French champions finish top, but a home win will see five-time European champions Barca overtake them.

Dutch champions Ajax know they will finish third with a win or draw against Apoel Nicosia at the Amsterdam Arena and qualify for the Europa League. But the Cypriot side will overtake them with a win.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Paris SG	5	4	1	0	+5	13
Barcelona	5	4	0	1	+8	12
Ajax	5	0	2	3	-6	2
Apoel	5	0	1	4	-7	1

Group G

Premier League leaders Chelsea booked their place in the last 16 with a comfortable 5-0 win at German side Schalke in their penultimate group game.

That means third-placed Schalke must beat Maribor, and hope Sporting Lisbon lose at Chelsea, to progress.

If Schalke win and Sporting draw, then the Portuguese side will qualify courtesy of their superior head-to-head record.

Maribor cannot finish in the top two, but would finish third and clinch a Europa League place by beating Schalke.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Chelsea	5	3	2	0	+12	11
Sporting	5	2	1	2	+2	7
Schalke	5	1	2	2	-6	5
Maribor	5	0	3	2	-8	3

Group H

Qualification for the knockout phase has already been settled, with Porto finishing as group winners and Shakhtar Donetsk claiming second place.

So the attention turns to the battle for third place. Athletic Bilbao will move into the Europa League if they win or draw their home match against BATE Borisov, who have to win to leapfrog their opponents.

As it stands
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Porto	5	4	1	0	+12	13
Shakhtar	5	2	2	1	+11	8
Athletic Bilbao	5	1	1	3	-3	4
BATE Borisov	5	1	0	4	-20	3

Source : bbc[dot]com

Steven Naismith: The people's footballer or disowned Ranger?

It is almost lunchtime on Thursday at Everton's Finch Farm training complex and the car park is packed: one side the forecourt of every footballer's four-wheeled fantasies, the other like a used-car dealership in Widnes.

The first team are in the last few minutes of what looks like a competitive session but the man we have come to talk to is already finished.

Having played two games for Scotland over the international break, and with West Ham visiting Goodison Park on Saturday, Steven Naismith was on light duties, which meant pulling on a festive jumper for Everton's Christmas card, and interviews with us and The Big Issue. 

Such is life for a man who at times seems to be on a solo mission to prove that footballers can still see what real life is like through their blacked-out windows.

Whether it is his work for Dyslexia Scotland,  his scheme to help ex-servicemen into jobs, the support he gives to the homeless,  or the free tickets he hands out via Jobcentres, Naismith is the working-class lad, with old-fashioned values, who has not had his head turned. Or so the cliche goes.

Is Naismith the exception to the rule - of oblivious stars "living in a bubble" - that BBC pundit Robbie Savage wrote about in his players' perspective on our Price of Football survey?

"Not really, to be honest," said the 28-year-old.

"A lot of footballers do [charity work] but it doesn't get recognised. The majority want to give something back, and they do."

Steven Naismith: A career in focus
Makes professional debut for Kilmarnock in 2004, wins young player of the year awards from Scottish Football Writers in 2006 and Scottish PFA in 2007
Joins Rangers in August 2007 for £1.9m, scoring 33 goals in 140 appearances for the Glasgow giants, wins six trophies
Moves to Everton on a free transfer in July 2012, comes off bench 20 times in difficult first season
Breaks into Roberto Martinez's first team in early 2014 and becomes key player; now has 18 goals in 85 appearances
Has 34 caps for Scotland, usually as attacking midfielder, with four international goals, all in qualifying matches

Deflecting attention is typical of Naismith; it is how he plays his football. Quietly, efficiently, he often goes unnoticed, right up until the moment he plays the killer pass or scores the crucial goal. 

Despite his modesty, the stereotype of football's self-centred millionaires persists, so much so that when Birmingham City's Guy Moussi recently decided to donate two months' wages to charity it was headline news.

Why does Naismith do it?

"I've grown up in a job that feels more like a hobby, and I'm fortunate enough to make a living out of it," he said.

"Within that you get so many opportunities that could be a small thing for me but would make a big difference to people who've not had it, in my eyes, as easy.

"I'm doing something I love and it just comes to me, whereas it's been harder for them, so it's a no-brainer, and I enjoy it.

"The difference it makes gives me the biggest satisfaction. When you hear people come and say how much it means to them, that's the biggest happiness for me."

Listening to Naismith talk brought another old cliche to mind, that we are all products of our upbringing. He grew up in Stewarton, a small East Ayrshire town, five miles north of Kilmarnock, 20 miles south-west of Glasgow.

"Even when I go back now people treat me like they know me because it's a small community," he explained.

His dad is a social worker and his mum works at a supermarket. He attended local state schools and worked hard to overcome dyslexia.

It took Naismith a while to find his feet at Everton, and a bad knee injury in his last year at Rangers did not help, but he is a firm favourite now

Rangers spotted his talents first, but it was at Kilmarnock that he became the clever, industrious presence on the wing or through the middle - his preferred position - that he is today.

"There's a lot of money in football nowadays and people can get carried away, but I live a very normal life," he continued.

"My wife is a dentist, so she's had a fantastic education and worked really hard. These are the people that make me want to be part of a team that works hard."

It is also probably why most fans like him - that and his knack for finding space  and the efficiency of his finishing. He can play, and he looks like he knows how lucky he is to do it so well.

Rangers supporters know this better than most: Naismith was, and still is, one of them.

Having been named the Scottish Football Writers' Young Player of the Year for his breakthrough season at Kilmarnock in 2006, his fellow professionals voted him their best youngster in 2007.

Rangers had seen enough and got their man for £1.9m, with just a minute of the transfer window to spare.

For five years, Ibrox loved him as he helped Rangers win three consecutive league titles, a Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups. The last of those championships came in 2011, a year that saw him win both the club's players' player of the year and supporters' player of the year awards.

Naismith's reputation as a big-game player was forged in Old Firm clashes - this goal sealed a memorable 4-2 win for Rangers over Celtic in 2011

And then he broke their hearts.

He left when the club needed its best players most, but worst of all he left for nothing, cynically engineering a free transfer to Everton. Or so the terrace legend goes.

There is not enough magic ink in my laptop to tell the full story of Rangers' lurch towards liquidation in the first half of 2012, but suffice it to say that little was as it seemed at the time and it is not over yet.

But Naismith did not have the luxury of hindsight; he was trapped in the middle of a soap opera that was played out on the front, back and business pages, starring a global cast of would-be saviours and opportunist scavengers.

So when it became clear that Rangers could not be saved via a deal with creditors, Naismith and his team-mates were faced with a stark choice: take advantage of their legal right to refuse to let their contracts be transferred to a new company and leave, or face further uncertainty and the third division.

Rangers' new owners did not like it, and tried to stop it, but there was nothing they could do. Kyle Lafferty , Allan McGregor, Steven Whittaker and others joined Naismith in getting free transfers, while Southampton paid a relatively modest fee  to expedite Steven Davis's departure.

"It was a horrible situation to be in," Naismith said, speaking less freely than before.

"And I can definitely say that everybody in that changing room had no interest in leaving.

"Everything was fine; we were successful. But when you're doing all you can to help and it becomes impossible, you need to make a decision.

"You have to think about your career. I was 25 and I could remember the day when I was 18 and it seemed to have gone by in a flash. Could I play international football if I wasn't playing at the highest level?

"It was very disappointing the way I left but hopefully over time people can look back and see that I was part of a team that brought a lot of good days to the club."

Naismith's clever finish against Poland helped Scotland to a great point in Warsaw, but many Rangers fans could not bring themselves to celebrate

That day seems a long way off if the reaction on social media to the poacher's goal he scored for Scotland in their Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland a month earlier was any guide. One Rangers' fans group tweeted: "Am I allowed to celebrate that goal?"

"That's disappointing and sad because it's a club I grew up supporting and I probably had some of my best memories in football there," he replied.

"Throughout the whole thing the biggest thing for us players was that [no non-playing staff were] made redundant, and we did that part of it, but then when it got even further down the line…", he did not need to finish the point, the clincher was coming.

"Now there's criminal activity being suggested, so over time I'm sure the truth will come out."

Timing is everything. To some Rangers fans it might always look as if their heroes, and the club's most valuable assets, simply abandoned a damaged-but-fixable ship  to its fate.

I suspect others, however, will eventually realise that the players, led by McGregor, now Hull City's goalkeeper, tried desperately to come up with wage-cut packages to keep the club afloat. The administrators, and their preferred bidders, were not interested in those proposals, and came back with ultimatums the players had an hour to accept or reject.

"Looking back I would definitely have done some things differently," Naismith said.

"None of us wanted to leave that way, but I think all of us can say we did all we could.

"But fans always have their opinions, and that's their right. They pay good money to come and watch. They are the backbone of a club, especially one like Rangers.

"I think over the last two to three years they've been treated appallingly, and for everybody's sake I hope it gets better and they can get back into the division they deserve to be in and challenging for trophies."

Fans' rights, good money, a sense of what really sustains clubs and trophies - this seemed like a good place to finish.

While we packed up our camera and lights, the chap from The Big Issue came in to set up for his interview. I asked him if he had met Naismith before.

"Oh aye, he's done a few things with us. He's a top lad."

Top player, too.

Source : bbc[dot]com

Jermaine Jenas Q&A: Retirement, Forest & Dyer v Bowyer

Jermaine Jenas has joined BBC Sport as a pundit and to celebrate, he's been answering your questions on the Match of the Day Facebook page. 

Here are some of the best questions and answers…

Considering you are only 31, are you still looking to continue your playing career if the right opportunity presents itself? Barry Shiels

JJ: I'm not retiring!

Would it be fair to say given your obvious talent you have under-achieved? Paul Davis

JJ: Yes and no. Don't get me wrong... I'm more than happy with what I've achieved as a player, but I understand that at the start of my career it was a bit of a whirlwind and people were asking "what is this kid going to go on and achieve?"

But losing Bobby Robson, for me, was bigger than people think it was. At that point in my career he really understood me as a player - when I needed a rest, when I needed to go back home or when to play me, when not to play me and how to play me. He had the exact formula for what I needed to go on and develop as a player and it was kind of going back to square one in my mind. It shook me a little bit and I took the chance to go to Spurs.

One thing I would say is the injuries have played their part nd I definitely played injured for a few years purely and simply because I wanted to play the game. I loved football and it probably took 10 or 20% out of my play, but I was out there and I was doing my best for the team.

I'd still rather be out there than complaining about a little niggle, which probably wasn't good for me in the long-term... as it proved.

What was the mood like at training following the infamous "Dyer vs Bowyer" incident? Awkward, or was it a frustration that they needed to get out of their system? Jack Fairclough

JJ: That was one of the weirdest incidents I came across at Newcastle because really there was no issue between Kieron and Lee at all. It was just a shock!

I remember seeing it happen on the pitch and the one thing which stood out in my mind is once we got in the changing room after the game, there was a bit of a moment. A lot of the players were angry because we went down to nine men for a large part of the game and we lost the game to Villa subsequently. A lot of the guys were like "if you want to fight, let's have it now, get at it now", but I think what they were both saying was it was just a really crazy moment in their careers and they were both really ashamed of it, but couldn't believe it.

After fighting during the match with Aston Villa, Lee Bowyer was banned for four matches and Kieron Dyer was banned for three

I've been in dressing rooms where people don't like each other and it could kick off at any time, but that definitely wasn't the case. We'd see each other outside of football... the atmosphere when we came back in on Monday morning was almost jovial. They obviously had a bit of a photo op and a smile and put it to bed and that was it. There was no animosity in training. Put to bed. Game over!

Would you, given the chance, play for Nottingham Forest again and do you think they will win promotion this year? Steve Musson

JJ: Yes I would, definitely, given the chance. People sometimes ask me what my biggest regret is in football and it's not being able to have that 'Steven Gerrard' moment where he's playing for the team that he loves in terms of where he's from. He went to school in that area, all his friends and family are in that area... and although I got to do that for Forest, I didn't get to do it at the top level.

I do believe the Championship is as weird as it's ever been this year. I looked the other day after Forest's very poor run of games and they were still only six or seven points from top - they hadn't won in eight or nine games... it was ludicrous! But looking at the squad they're capable of going up. I think they were favourites at the start so we'll see....

What is your most treasured moment in your football career? Michael Saltmarsh

JJ: I won the League Cup with Spurs and that was big as a team accolade - I remember speaking to Robbie Keane after we won at Man City and we were just desperate to win something. I think Man Utd were cleaning up at the time, winning everything and Chelsea would nick one here and there - not many people were getting the chance to win trophies and we were just so desperate to win one. We progressed, progressed, progressed and when we won it, people almost belittled that trophy at times. But as a team moment that was huge and when you speak to Spurs fans they look back and could identify with that team, whereas now they're struggling to do that.

Jenas won the League Cup with Tottenham in 2008

As a personal moment it would be winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2003. For most players in the Premier League to sit down and say "I think Jermaine was the best player at that time, in that league" and to go among the names on that trophy and for it to sit in my house - that was big for me. It was a moment not a lot of people get to achieve in their career.

Would you ever have signed for Arsenal as an ex-Tottenham player? Dwayne Clarke

JJ: After playing for Tottenham? Naaaah. I've got a mother-in-law who's a big Spurs fan and I don't think I'd be allowed back in the house to be honest with you! There'd be no Sunday dinners for a long time, I tell you that!

I know guys that have done it in the past, but I spent seven or eight years at Tottenham and sometimes you really have to just respect certain things that have happened in your career and doing something like that just erases it.

Was it frustrating not getting on the pitch at the World Cup in Germany in 2006, or were you just pleased to be a part of it? Stuart Steelyard

JJ: I was frustrated. I didn't go there to just sit on the bench. Me and Sven had a bit of a love/hate relationship to be honest. He's the one who gave me my debut and brought me through, but then there were games when I didn't feature or he brought me on at right-wing and I didn't feel like I got a fair crack at it to an extent. It was mad because in the first game I think we were 1-0 up and he called me to say "right, you're going on" and I got changed... and the final whistle went!

I was devastated. I wanted to play for England at a World Cup and to grace the pitch for even two minutes at such a big tournament would have been huge. That's not to say I'd rather have stayed at home at all. The experience was special but unfortunately the usual happened and we went out on penalties.

Jermaine Jenas consoles Owen Hargreaves after England are knocked out of the World Cup on penalties by Portugal in 2006

Do you think Southampton will be a surprise top-four finisher come the end of the season, or would it be better to judge them after Christmas? Kyle Arron Vincent Jones

JJ: That Christmas period is just so important. You're playing a load of games in a short period and it takes a toll on the squad physically and mentally and you can really maintain your position or sink like a ship by January.

But having seen Southampton quite a few times I'm optimistic. I've seen them play better than they have in recent weeks, but hopefully for Saints that's not cracks appearing.

We've seen it before with Everton when they kept going and kept going and everyone said "are they going to keep this up?" and then they did it. I don't think Southampton will finish in the top four, but I think they'll finish in a very respectable position - top eight and above.

Who will win the Champions League this season? Michael W Ward

Jose Mourinho has won the Champions League as manager of Porto and Inter. Could this be the year for Chelsea?

JJ: This is a tough one. Real Madrid, attacking-wise, are just scary but for some reason I don't see them being able to retain it. I think Chelsea have as good a chance as anyone because that team with Mourinho know how to play badly and win. They've got that mentality where they can go into games at, say, the Bernabeu and be able to say 'we might not win today, but we're not going to lose', and I don't think there are many teams that can do that.

I was impressed with Bayern Munich at Man City the other day, but if I had to say one, I'd probably say Chelsea. Big call.

Source : bbc[dot]com

Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai: New centre of the sporting world?

By Ben Smith BBC Sport

Where once, sport looked west for investment and inspiration, now it looks east.

The oil-rich billionaires of the Gulf have planted a flag at the heart of the sporting landscape in recent years. They have invested their inconceivable wealth across an array of sports into all corners of the world and now they are using their influence to bring sport to the region, as a global statement of their ambition.

Dubai has one billionaire per 200,000 people

Three Gulf states are at the heart of this extraordinary revolution: Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In Dubai alone, you will find one billionaire in every 200,000 people.

In Abu Dhabi, a rival state in the United Arab Emirates, the figures are just as extraordinary. It is in the process of building the jaw-dropping Louvre Abu Dhabi,  having paid the world-famous Paris museum more than £400m just to use the name. While in Qatar, more than 14% of households have at least £1m of private wealth in the bank.

And it is that wealth, that influence, which has lured sport to the Gulf.

Take last week, for instance. On Monday, the row over Qatar's right to stage the 2022 World Cup rumbled on. On Tuesday, Doha in Qatar won the right to host the 2019 World Athletics Championships. From Thursday to Sunday, Rory McIlroy duelled with Henrik Stenson at the European Tour's season-ending showpiece in Dubai.

Emirates Airways spent £172m on sponsors

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and the rest of the Formula 1 circus were in Abu Dhabi from Thursday before contesting the final Grand Prix of the season on Sunday at the ostentatious Yas Marina Circuit, built at a cost of about £900m ($1.5bn).

The region is fast becoming a sporting hub like no other. Qatar, for example, will host world championships in boxing, swimming, squash, handball and para-athletics in the next 12 months as well as staging almost 40 other sporting events.

The question is why? Dr Christopher Davidson, reader in Middle East studies at Durham University, says the approach is all about increasing global exposure.

"One of the key reasons behind the approach is the desire to accumulate 'soft power' in states which are either major trade partners or, more importantly, potential military protectors, notably the UK, France and the United States," he told the BBC.

"If sport is a way to allow these Gulf states to grab favourable headlines and become better known, then it can help them to appear more open, more friendly."

If we look at each of the three states individually, the picture is easier to understand.

Dubai has the longest association with sport thanks to its supreme ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The 65-year-old is best known as owner of Godolphin, the thoroughbred horse racing group, which he founded in 1994.

Frankie Dettori rode Electrocutionist to victory in the Dubai World Cup in 2006

In 1996, the Dubai World Cup was inaugurated as the world's richest horserace and takes place at the world's most opulent course, the Meydan, built at a cost of £800m ($1.25bn).

Sheikh Mohammed's private wealth is estimated at £9bn, but his reach extends far beyond that. He founded Emirates Airways, which last year spent 1 billion dirhams (£172.4m) on sponsoring sport. 

They have shirt deals with Italy's AC Milan, French club Paris St-Germain and Arsenal, whose north London stadium will be named after the airline until at least 2028. But they also have deals with the US Open tennis, the International Cricket Council, the Ryder Cup and the USA Rugby Union team.

Kevin Hasler, general manager of PR firm BPG, Cohn & Wolfe, said: "When you watch a Premier League game and the commentator says 'here at the Etihad' or 'their third successive win at the Emirates', naming stadiums and shirt sponsorship has become enormously effective.

"Brands are being seen around the world in newspapers and on TV, day in, day out. The core of these strategies is about investing to put these states on the map, getting them talked about and discussed."

Elsewhere, Dubai has hosted an ATP Tennis event at the Aviation Club with Roger Federer, who has a home in the region, winning four times in five years from 2003 and a sixth time this year.

Roger Federer and Andre Agassi played tennis on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai in 2005

There was, of course, that ill-fated attempt to buy Liverpool in 2007 and 2008.

Abu Dhabi has, however, gone one step further. If Dubai has Emirates Airways, Abu Dhabi has Etihad - a name synonymous with the Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City.

Who are the families behind the wealth?

Abu Dhabi is ruled by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His half brother, Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (better known as Sheikh Mansour) is the man who bought Manchester City in 2008.

The family have ruled the emirate since the 18th century and pride themselves on 'respect for heritage, culture, tradition.'

The ruling family are complex with Sheikh Mansour one of 19 sons born to Abu Dhabi's long-term ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His mother, one of six wives, had six sons, making her part of this vast family the most influential.

In terms of wealth? It is almost limitless. It is estimated that the family have as much as $1tn in overseas assets alone. Their investment in City represents loose change, in relative terms, even if they have pumped in excess of £1bn into the club since 2008.

Their football interests extend elsewhere, however. A company owned by Sheikh Mansour has recently agreed to fund the redevelopment of Real Madrid's iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium  to the tune of £312m.

The work will include the creation of a hotel and shopping centre. But perhaps it is their move to expand into the United States that is more interesting.

In 2013, Major League Soccer and the iconic New York Yankees announced a pioneering deal to create an MLS franchise in New York in time for the start of the 2015-16 season - New York City FC was born. 

It is a development that could give Abu Dhabi a footing and profile in the United States that was previously unimaginable. A few months later, it was announced Sheikh Mansour and Manchester City added Australian side Melbourne Heart.

"You could look at things like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Abu Dhabi golf championships and the investment in Manchester City as some of their most prominent global marketing assets," said Ben Faber, senior director at Fast Track Middle East, the company tasked with delivering City's fan loyalty programmes.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his second world title after victory at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi

"The Manchester City investment has given the emirate global awareness through the fan base and they have been able to tap into associated Abu Dhabi businesses such as Etihad to leverage off the back of that ownership as sponsors of the club."

And what of Qatar? Financial experts describe it as the world's most ambitious deal hunter. A brief scan across the London skyline would suggest they have a point.

The Shard, Europe's tallest building,  is Qatari owned, as are swathes of the Canary Wharf financial district.

During the financial crisis, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) emerged as a white-knight investor to become Barclays' biggest shareholder. A little further east, many of the buildings in the Olympic Village are now owned by QIA.

The world's most expensive block of flats, Number One Hyde Park,  is Qatar owned as is Harrods, the famous department store. It owns a fifth of the London stock exchange, 20% of Camden market. The reach is extraordinary.

Qatar is ruled by a 34-year-old Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the world's youngest reigning monarch. Born in Doha, the capital of Qatar, he was educated at Harrow School in London, before graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He is now head of the QIA, which is estimated to have assets of £300bn.

Sheikh Mansour (Abu Dhabi), Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (Qatar) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Dubai) head up the most powerful families in the three Gulf states

Questions remain about the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup and world governing body Fifa has yet to fully address the plight of the 1.4m migrant workers in the country, many of whom are there against their will.

Far more to Qatar than the 2022 World Cup

The project began just after the turn of the century, when some of Europe's elder footballing statesmen were lured to Qatar for one last pay day. Pep Guardiola was among them, playing for Al Ahli between 2003 and 2005.

The Bayern Munich manager subsequently became an ambassador for Qatar's successful World Cup bid. But there was more to come. Some 10 days after Fifa announced the country would host the World Cup in 2022, came the news that Qatar would appear on the Barcelona shirt, in a deal that would become the biggest in football sponsorship history.

The deal was struck with the Qatar Foundation, the country's charitable arm. Two years later, Qatar Airways' paid £76m (€96m) to extend the country's sponsorship to all areas of the club.

Then in 2011, QIA bought Paris St-Germain. It was a bold move to harness the potential of the biggest one-club city in Europe. To aid their cause PSG signed a controversial €200m-a-year sponsorship deal with the Qatar Tourism Authority. Paris is not the only city in Europe touched by the wealth of Qatar. A year earlier, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani, of the country's Royal Family, bought the Spanish club Malaga.

Controversy or opportunity for Qatar?

Qatar's wealth is built on having the world's third-largest natural gas reserves. But they will not last forever. "By bringing sport to the Gulf, these states are not only helping to boost tourism, boosting GDP as a result, but they are also reducing their reliance on the oil, gas or industry that may not last forever," said Dr Davidson.

And yet while the region brings opportunity and wealth it also brings with it controversy. The climate does not suit all sport at all times. The row about when to stage the 2022 World Cup is well publicised. Qatar is also moving the 2019 World Athletics Championships to the autumn because of the unbearable summer heat.

And that is to say nothing of conditions for migrant workers, who often have to surrender the passports and whose right to come and go is governed by their employer.

In September two British researchers documenting the problems faced by migrant workers were held for 10 days without charge. In Dubai, the former Leeds United managing director David Haigh has been in prison for six months without charge.

And yet these issues are being overlooked. Money talks. As does the opportunity to take sport to new parts of the world.

What about the future?

Will these states continue to bankroll sport, continue to build their sport portfolios?

No one can be certain of the answer. Doha has twice bid for the Olympic Games but they are unlikely to be put off bidding again. Who would bet against them?

There are, however, those who believe that the region's investment focus is shifting towards cultural and artistic assets. In 2017, construction is due to be complete on a new Guggenheim Museum,  based on the original in New York.

But having secured such a stronghold in sport, their existing investments will remain a key part of each respective state's marketing strategies. The wealth is limitless, the ambition to bring the best athletes in the world to the region remains.

It is a land grab unmatched anywhere in the world. In sporting terms, east has met west.

Source : bbc[dot]com

The Origin of the Baby New Year

Every year it's the same thing. Some diapered little baby is paraded around wearing a sash with the new year written on it. Who hasn't been to a New Year's Party that ended that way, huh? Okay, me neither. But the Baby New Year is still an iconic image that even popped up in a really bad sequel to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Baby. Usually in concert with the Baby New Year there is also a wizened old man with a ZZ Top beard. But this article isn't about that. It's about that naked baby.

 

 

The use of an infant as a symbol of the start of the new cycle that begins with the passage of the year dates back to ancient Greece. The festival of Dionysus, who was the god of wine, song and merriment let us not forget, was a big thing for the Greeks. No doubt the festival of Dionysus often ended long after the womenfolk had been sent to bed and each male reveler had left his male Greek friends behind to unsteadily walk home to the little woman.

Before these parties got down to the good stuff, however, it was the custom of the time to parade a newborn baby around in a basket. The baby was a symbol and a herald for fertility of the crops. (Probably just the crops since Greek style doesn't produce much in the way of offspring.

None so's you want to keep, anyway.) Across that big lake, the Egyptians were also fond of holding a ceremony of rebirth that involved the use of a young baby. In fact, there was a specific ceremonial ritual involving a young man and an older bearded man carrying a baby inside a basket that was discovered on the lid of a sarcophagus that is now on display in a museum.

The symbol of a Baby New Year was ubiquitous throughout the pagan religions so it should come as no surprise that the Catholic Church disallowed it for centuries. Finally, thanks to a fact that Bush seems incapable of grasping---that it is next to impossible to kill an idea that people cleave to with all their might---the Catholic Church gave in and allowed infants to be used in New Year celebrations. Okay, they made one adjustment. The Baby New Year was transformed from a pagan symbol into a symbol of the Baby Christ.

The contemporary image of the Baby New Year comes to us, like the Christmas tree, courtesy of those fun-loving, always-with-the-joke Germans. It was the Germans, you see, who first slapped a diaper on the Baby New Year. The newly diapered Baby New Year first cropped up in German woodcarving illustrations in the 1300s. When the German immigrants poured into Pennsylvania they brought with them the Christmas tree, Groundhog Day and our current image of the Baby New Year.

 

Scotland v England: How the players rated at Celtic Park

By Phil McNulty & Alasdair Lamont BBC Sport at Celtic Park

England won on their first visit to Scotland in 15 years thanks to two goals from captain Wayne Rooney and one from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rooney each headed in to give England a 2-0 lead just after half-time.

Andrew Robertson pulled Scotland back into the encounter at Celtic Park with a left-foot finish, before Rooney sealed the 3-1 win after a neat lay-off from Adam Lallana.

How did the players on both sides fare?

Scotland

David Marshall (Goalkeeper) 6

Couldn't be faulted for the goal as he was left totally unprotected by his defence. Dealt with everything else comfortably.

Steven Whitaker (Right-back) 5

Looked ponderous at times in defence and couldn't get forward to any great effect. A couple of long-range efforts at goal blocked in the first half and couldn't have been delighted to see Raheem Sterling come on for the final 25 minutes.

Russell Martin (Centre-back) 6

Managed the first effort on target for the Scots, but part of a shaky-looking backline when it came to defending high balls. Like his defensive colleagues found the on-song Rooney and company too much to handle.

Grant Hanley (Centre-back) 5

Caught underneath Jack Wilshere's admittedly superb cross for the opening goal. Stuck to his task manfully but the superiority of England's attack took its toll.

Andrew Robertson (Left-back) 6

A rollercoaster night for the young full-back. Let Oxlade-Chamberlain run off him for England's first goal, while the ball bounced off him for the second. But, scored a superb consolation and never hid.

Shaun Maloney (Midfielder) 6

Largely ineffectual but never stopped trying to create or working back against England's marauding full-backs.

Charlie Mulgrew (Midfielder) 6

Another who was as industrious as against the Republic of Ireland, but without being able to influence the game to the same degree. Showed his versatility by moving to centre-back during the second half, where he looked assured.

Scott Brown (Midfielder) 6

As tenacious as ever in the 45 minutes he played and rarely wasteful with a pass. Was understandably taken off at the break, having covered almost every blade of grass in the win over the Republic of Ireland.

Ikechi Anya (Midfielder) 5

Faded out of the game after a promising open 20 minutes. Unable to get the better of the equally pacy Nathaniel Clyne and replaced after an hour.

Chris Martin (Forward) 4

Also hooked at half-time, having made no impact on his first start for the national team. Despite being in sparkling form for Derby in the Championship, the step-up in class was too great on the night, though service to him was scant.

Steven Naismith (Forward) 6

Linked play well in an even first half but struggled, like his team-mates, to create any real danger for England.

Substitutes

Craig Gordon (for David Marshall, 45 minutes) 6

Made his first international appearance for four years in the second half and, like Marshall, was left exposed for the goals he conceded. The very fact he has returned to this level of football after two years out through injury is testament to his character.

Darren Fletcher (for Scott Brown, 45 minutes) 5

Lacks Brown's drive and never looked like providing the creative force necessary to unlock England's defence. Combative against a tough opposition midfield.

James Morrison (for Chris Martin, 45 minutes) 5

Some nice touches but with Scotland chasing the game, found it difficult to penetrate a solid midfield and backline.

Barry Bannan (for Ikechi Anya, 61 minutes) - no rating

Steven May (for Grant Hanley, 66 minutes) - no rating

Johnny Russell (for Shaun Maloney, 81 minutes) - no rating

England have now won six successive games

England

Fraser Forster (Goalkeeper) 6

Had little to do, but made one routine save from Russell Martin on a night which will have done his confidence good.

Nathaniel Clyne (Right-back) 7

Another impressive showing from the Southampton defender. Dependable in defence and willing to assist in attack. Now deserves a run in the side.

Gary Cahill (Centre-back) 6

Only got 45 minutes and had little to do in that time.

Chris Smalling (Centre-back) 6

Steady but was well-protected as England kept Scotland at arm's length throughout.

Luke Shaw (Left-back) 7

Showed pace and ambition going forward. Promise for the future, although he is still very much the understudy to Leighton Baines.

James Milner (Midfielder) 6

Quiet game but got through his usual mountain of work.

Jack Wilshere (Midfielder) 9 - man of the match

England's best player, created Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal with a brilliant pass and was prominent throughout in midfield.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Midfielder) 7

Scored a goal that will give him a real lift and a threat on the break as Scotland chased the game in the second half.

Stewart Downing (Midfielder) 5

Strangely only got 45 minutes in his first taste of international football since May 2012 and did not distinguish himself, although did not spend any time in the number 10 position where he has flourished at West Ham.

Danny Welbeck (Forward) 7

Put himself about, worked tirelessly and was willing to mix it with Scotland's defenders when the going turned tough. A player Roy Hodgson counts on.

Wayne Rooney (Forward) 8

Outstanding again. Led from the front with class and maturity and scored two goals into the bargain.

Substitutes

Phil Jagielka (for Cahill, 45 minutes) 6

Relatively untroubled outing for Everton's captain.

Adam Lallana (for Downing, 45 minutes) 6

Neat and tidy and played his part in Rooney's second goal.

Kieran Gibbs (for Shaw, 65 minutes) - no rating

Raheem Sterling (for Welbeck, 65 minutes) - no rating

Rickie Lambert (for Oxlade-Chamberlain, 79 minutes) - no rating

Ross Barkley (for Wilshere, 86 minutes) - no rating

Source : bbc[dot]com

Paul Lake learns of war-hero great uncle by watching MOTD2

Match of the Day 2 is probably the last place you'd expect to learn about your family tree.

But for former Manchester City captain Paul Lake, the 9 November edition turned into an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

Lake, 46, discovered he had a footballing great uncle who died in World War One by watching the highlights show on Remembrance Sunday.

George Andrew Lake was among a roll call of players who died in action during the Great War broadcast at the end of the programme.

Paul Lake was watching with his wife Jo, who asked him if he had any footballing ancestry.

Lake thought not but Jo decided to do some online research, which eventually led to confirmation that he is related to George Lake, who played once for Chelsea in 1913-14.

"This has come as a huge surprise to me and my siblings," said Lake, who now works for the Premier League as club support manager.

The midfielder, whose career was cut short by a horrific cruciate ligament injury suffered in 1990, explained in a blog post  that, after discovering that George Lake played for Chelsea, his wife contacted the club's historian Rick Glanvill.

Lake (left) and Ian Bishop were part of the Manchester City side that beat Manchester United 5-1 in 1989

Glanvill told her that George Lake joined Chelsea from Manchester City  after living in the Manchester districts of Ardwick and Clayton. He gave Paul access to a private family tree, which confirmed that George Lake was the older brother of Paul's paternal grandfather, Harold.

George Lake, born in 1889, was conscripted to the forces in 1915, taking up duties as an army cyclist, but was killed in November 1918 after a battle at the Sambre-Oise Canal in France - which also claimed the life of poet Wilfred Owen - days before the Armistice.

Lake said: "We're not sure why George's story wasn't passed down through the generations - my dad died in 1997 but never mentioned his uncle - but we have since learned that his grave is in Frasnoy, Normandy, and we understand that his name is on a war memorial in Clayton, not far from the Etihad Stadium."

Fittingly, Lake visited Ypres in Belgium at the weekend for the Premier League's 'Truce' football tournament, which commemorated the war by inviting youth teams from across Europe to play against each other and to learn about the conflict.

"For me, hearing about the experiences that our 'Tommies' - including great uncle George - endured in the Great War has been hugely emotional," added Lake.

"I'm looking forward to learning more about my brave ancestor."

Source : bbc[dot]com

State of the Game: Scottish game suffers as young talent goes early

By Richard Wilson BBC Scotland

The issue in Scotland is not developing talented players but holding on to them.

The best individuals will ultimately be encouraged to leave for better leagues and better teams, because they will improve as a result. It is timing that is the problem, though.

Examples abound. David Goodwillie was a vibrant figure for Dundee United, hustling and bustling his way to prominence. He moved to Blackburn Rovers, failed to make an impact, spent loan periods at three different clubs and has now returned north to Aberdeen - where his talent has been reignited.

When Hibernian came within a stunningly unexpected Alim Ozturk strike of defeating Hearts at Easter Road last month, the two outstanding midfield players on display were Dylan McGeouch and Scott Allan.

The latter had also been a starlet at Tannadice, where his virtuosity on the ball and driving runs marked him out as an exciting prospect. He moved to West Bromwich Albion just after he turned 20 and four loan spells followed before he returned to Scotland as a free agent in the summer, eventually signing for Hibs.

Both Goodwillie and Allan moved after breaking into the first team, in the same way that Danny Wilson did at Rangers. A series of impressive displays alongside David Weir led to Wilson moving to Liverpool at 18, where he too failed to establish himself.

Again, a run of loan spells ended with Wilson joining Hearts, where he is now club captain.

Scott Allan was unable to establish himself at West Brom after leaving Dundee United and is now at Hibs

Others leave even before the Scottish game is fully aware of the extent of their potential.

Fraser Fyvie had graduated to the Aberdeen first team at 16, suffered a serious injury but then become a regular in the side when he opted to leave for England. He joined Wigan Athletic when he was 19 and has had loan spells at Yeovil Town and Shrewsbury Town.

When Jack Grimmer left Aberdeen at 17 to join Fulham's development squad, Duncan Fraser, the Pittodrie chief executive, was moved to remark that the loss of the talented midfielder was symptomatic of a significant wider problem.

"There is a bigger issue here for Scottish football in that we are beginning to see young Scottish talent moving south before they have fully developed with the teams they signed for as youngsters," he said.

The very best talents will always be spirited away and, in a sense, that is reflective of their ability and, by extension, of the youth development work that shaped them.

But their best chance of establishing themselves at bigger clubs in more accomplished leagues will depend on many attributes, not least their physical development and maturity.

Richard Wilson on Scotland's talent drain
"The money on offer in England will always be greater and compensation fees for the development hours a club has put in are comparatively low, but there might be ways to encourage or reward Scottish clubs for buying home-grown talent."

Several players have shown the worth, after all, of learning the game in Scotland before moving south. The number of Scots playing in the Championship in England has remained stable in the past 12 months, but many of them are thriving.

Craig Bryson left Kilmarnock when he was 25 and has become an integral figure in the Derby County side challenging for promotion. Others have followed a more established path, with Steven Naismith moving from Kilmarnock to Rangers before joining Everton when he was 26.

In both cases, Scottish football benefited as much as the players from their prolonged stay.

The number of Scots in the Premier League in England, as a proportion of the total, is growing, which is a further indication that clubs are making progress in identifying and shaping young talent.

Even so, there are problems to solve.

Ryan Gauld felt the need to move abroad to develop his game, even if there was also a reasonable argument to be made that he could not turn down the opportunity to move to Sporting Lisbon in the summer.

But at Dundee United he had been holding down his place in the first team, and in decades gone by, a player like Gauld may well have stayed in Scotland for a spell.

It used to be traditional that players who performed well at some of the smaller clubs in Scotland would be signed by the likes of Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Dundee, Hearts or Hibs. Fans of other clubs would often bridle at their best players being tempted away to richer rivals, but the talent and the money was at least kept within the Scottish game.

When Johnny Russell left Dundee United, it was for Derby County rather than another Scottish side

Some Celtic fans still gripe that Steven Fletcher (Hibs to Burnley), James McCarthy (Hamilton to Wigan) and Johnny Russell (Dundee United to Derby) - all of whom were targets or were being closely monitored by the club - moved to England. Yet Scott Brown, Gary Caldwell and Charlie Mulgrew all succeeded at Celtic Park after joining from other Scottish teams.

In an ideal world, the Scottish top flight could hold on to all the best talents, but the nature of the game has changed too drastically for that.

So how can enough talent be retained?

There are options. More clubs could make youth development their central, over-riding policy, so that players are convinced their games will improve by staying into their early 20s instead of fleeing in their late teens.

The money on offer in England will always be greater and compensation fees for the development hours a club has put in are comparatively low, but there might be ways to encourage or reward Scottish clubs for buying home-grown talent. Scottish football needs to be creative to take advantage of the opportunities that circumstances have brought.

Where once clubs hankered to be bold and brash in the transfer market, they have now realised the economic benefits - and the way it re-energises the bond between fans and their teams - of developing young players.

But more thought has to be given to keeping that talent in Scotland for a few extra years before they head south or abroad to develop their games further.

Source : bbc[dot]com

Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi - Ballon d'Or battle falls flat

By Chris Bevan BBC Sport at Old Trafford

It was billed as their final battle for votes for this year's Ballon d'Or, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's much-anticipated meeting in Manchester ended up being memorable for the wrong reasons.

Not only did the duo fail to truly duel during Portugal's 1-0 win over Argentina, they both only played 45 minutes before leaving the fans in a half-empty stadium to wonder why they had paid such high ticket prices to watch what was left of a disjointed game.

"It was bitterly disappointing that they both went off so early because seeing them was the sole reason I came to the game in the first place," said Caspar Carter, who had travelled from Leeds.

"We missed kick-off because we queued outside for an hour and paid £66 for our tickets, which is a lot to pay for 45 minutes of not very much," added his friend, James Morpeth.

Given the 41,000 crowd in a 75,000-capacity stadium meant the game's organisers failed to break even, they might regret the decision to bring Argentina, Portugal, and the two best players on the planet to Manchester in the first place.

Ronaldo and Messi's first match-up on English soil since 2008 had appeared a dream for all concerned, especially when you consider the setting had special meaning for Ronaldo thanks to the six years he spent as a Manchester United player between 2003 and 2009.

The buzz of excitement that has surrounded him at Old Trafford since his United debut as an 18-year-old in 2003 was still in evidence on Tuesday evening and not just from the souvenir sellers outside the ground, who used the opportunity to sell some old T-shirts from his days as a Red Devil.

From the moment Ronaldo trotted out for the warm-up, it was clear most of the crowd was with him, and not Messi, but he was unable to respond with the sort of performance that was his trademark in a United shirt.

Many Manchester United fans came to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play for Portugal

It was his great rival, greeted by more jeers than cheers whenever he touched the ball because of the greater number of Portugal fans inside the stadium, who shone brighter in the brief time he was given.

The Barcelona forward was a bundle of attacking energy and involved in all of his side's best moments before the break, setting up Angel Di Maria to fire wide, then being unlucky not to score when he hit the post after a neat one-two.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, was booed too - but only in jest when he passed up the chance to take a free-kick.

He managed a few nice feints and twists and turns, but they mostly took place in his own half. His one real chance to score, after three drag-backs in the Argentina area, saw him blast over when he should have passed to a better-placed team-mate.

It was a far from dazzling display, so the fans in the Stretford End who applauded him off at the break were probably expecting to get the chance to applaud him back on again at the start of the second half.

Instead, he failed to materialise, and the crowd's worst fears were realised when Messi also did not reappear.

Messi went closest to scoring in the first half when he hit the post for Argentina

They were two of many substitutions on the night, but they were the ones who killed the atmosphere stone dead.

This friendly was always unlikely to answer the question of which of the two is currently the best player in the world but, for some, their exit did succeed in ending the debate over whether the evening had offered any value for money.

"Considering I had paid £50 to see them both, I thought it was shocking when they didn't come out for the second half," said Akram Aanif, from Birmingham.

"They had obviously arranged beforehand how long they would both play for and, if I had known, I would rather have stayed at home and watched the Scotland-England friendly on TV," added Suffyan Amjad from Burnley.

The game continued and most of the crowd remained, but there was little else for them to get excited about - the chance to boo former Manchester United and City striker Carlos Tevez, or cheer a pitch invader aside.

A crowd that had been easily distracted by, among others, the presence of Radamel Falcao, Anderson, Marouane Fellaini and Manuel Pellegrini in the directors' box, almost lost interest entirely.

Before Portugal's late winner gave some of them something to celebrate, their biggest show of enthusiasm had been a Mexican Wave that completed four circuits of the stadium. It was that kind of night.

Raphael Guerreiro's goal did have some small bearing on Ronaldo's rivalry with Messi - bringing him a little closer in their head-to-head results record - even though the pair of them were showered and changed by the time his header went in.

But the end result was meaningless, something you could never describe the outcome of their next meeting as being.

That will not be on a pitch - the next El Clasico is not until March - but at a gala presentation in Zurich in January when the Ballon d'Or is handed out.

There will be a winner there too, but the difference is that people will remember who it is.

Source : bbc[dot]com

Garth Crooks's team of the week: Sanchez, Austin, Aguero

By Garth Crooks Football Analyst

Is anybody going to stop Chelsea? Jose Mourinho's men won again this weekend, this time against last season's runners-up Liverpool.

Manchester City dropped more points at QPR as they were held to a draw, but Southampton kept up their early-season pursuit of the leaders with a hard-fought win against Leicester. They remain four points behind Chelsea.

Burnley registered their first victory of the season, against Hull, while Newcastle's good form continued with a win against West Brom.

The two north London clubs had weekends to forget - Tottenham losing at home to Stoke and Arsenal beaten by Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

GOALKEEPER - Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

Guzan ended a run of six Premier League appearances without a clean sheet at West Ham

Originally I had Joe Hart in my starting line-up for keeping Manchester City in the game at QPR, but on reflection I've gone for Brad Guzan for an excellent performance against West Ham.

There were times in this fixture when it looked like Aston Villa were under siege and but for the American keeper, the score might have been anything. Excellent clean sheet.

DEFENDER - Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle)

Janmaat became the first Newcastle player to assist more than one goal in a PL game since Davide Santon in February 2013 (both players with two)

The Netherlands international produced an excellent performance against West Brom, setting up both goals for the Magpies.

I get the feeling that if Newcastle's form continues they won't be talking about survival any more, but Europe. What a difference a few results make.

DEFENDER - Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)

Since Vlaar joined Villa they have had a 30% win percentage when he has played, compared to 14% in the 21 games he has missed.

Whenever Ron Vlaar is in the middle of their defence there is always a feeling that Aston Villa have a chance and so it proved against a West Ham side who threw everything apart from the kitchen sink at Paul Lambert's team.

If you can survive the bombardment of Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll then you deserve a point. An excellent battling performance by the skipper and his men.

DEFENDER - Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle)

Coloccini had gone 109 Premier League games without a goal before scoring against West Brom

The change in fortunes for Newcastle United, and in particular manager Alan Pardew, during the last four games have been quite extraordinary. I noticed the Magpies' performances take a turn for the better the moment Fabricio Coloccini returned to the side.

His form and organisational skills at the back over the last four games have been immense.

DEFENDER - Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)

Bertrand has already won eight games with Southampton this season, equalling his best in any single season in the PL (8 in 2012-13 with Chelsea)

Ryan Bertrand was supplying some wonderful crosses for his Southampton team-mates all afternoon. The on-loan Chelsea full-back seems to have finally found a football club where the manager rates him and he can get regular first-team football.

It's clear to me that Bertrand is not going to dislodge Filipe Luis, or more importantly Cesar Azpilicueta (who played well against Liverpool), at Chelsea so the quicker he signs permanently for Ronald Koeman at Southampton the better.

MIDFIELDER - Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea)

Sigurdsson has been involved in nine goals (two goals, seven assists) in 11 Premier League appearances for Swansea this season

How Gylfi Sigurdsson's former club Tottenham Hotspur could do with him now. His performance against an Arsenal side who seemed in total control of the match at times was impressive. Without doubt the highlight of the match was Sigurdsson's free-kick. Top class.

MIDFIELDER - Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

Without Sanchez's league goals this season, Arsenal would be 15th

I can't understand what is happening to Arsenal. For large portions of the game the Gunners were in complete control largely due to the outstanding performance of Alexis Sanchez. His desire to score goals and to win football matches is clearly evident.

Three goals conceded in midweek against Anderlecht and another two against Swansea is a worrying feature. I think the least Arsene Wenger can do is give this lad the defence he deserves.

MIDFIELDER - Jefferson Montero (Swansea)

Montero has assisted a goal in each of his last two Premier League appearances at Liberty Stadium

It's been a long time since I've seen a natural winger take a makeshift fullback apart in the Premier League quite like Jefferson Montero did against Calum Chambers in Swansea's 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

At what point in the game was the Arsenal manager going to protect his player from such an onslaught? The Ecuadorian was relentless in his ability to expose the defender while Arsene Wenger sat and watched. It was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened and the winger made Arsenal pay the price.

FORWARD - Charlie Austin (QPR)

Austin has four goals in his last three Premier League appearances after scoring only twice in his opening seven appearances in the competition

This lad seems to get better every time I see him. He beat Joe Hart three times and was only credited with one goal. How's your luck? Unfortunately for Charlie, referee Mike Dean called the two disallowed goals absolutely right. Although I must say I'm not mad about Charlie's chicken dance celebrations.

FORWARD - Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Aguero's total of 12 goals is the second best total 11 weeks into a PL season (behind Les Ferdinand's 13 goals at this stage in 1995-96)

Harry Redknapp said in his post-match interview the lad is a genius and he's right. QPR can't give the likes of Sergio Aguero that kind of room and not expect him to punish you.

QPR did query the Argentine's first goal which, although it was magnificently taken, the ball did strike his hand. However the Hoops can have no complaints about Aguero's second goal and the equaliser. QPR were undressed.

FORWARD - Shane Long (Southampton)

Long's brace from the bench ended a run of 11 Premier League appearances without a goal

The substitute should have had a hat-trick. Shane Long has always scored goals and I'm not in the least bit surprised he's doing it at Southampton.

I'm not entirely sure why West Brom sold him or, come to think of it, Hull either. A must-have player for any squad.

Source : bbc[dot]com

No room for Scotland error in cut-throat Euro 2016 group

By Richard Wilson BBC Scotland

Scotland v Republic of Ireland
Venue: Celtic Park Date: 14 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland & online. Live text on BBC Sport website.

The focus ahead of Scotland's meeting with the Republic of Ireland has been on nostalgia.

It seems like an old reunion when so many connected with both squads have worked together, or spent parts of their careers at Celtic. The context provides an easy narrative, but it is also a diversion: Scotland have not faced a more critical fixture under Gordon Strachan.

The Group D table has already become cluttered. Only four points separates five sides, with Gibraltar cast adrift.

The expectation was that Germany would climb free of the scramble between Scotland, the Republic, Poland and Georgia, but the World Cup winners have stumbled into a careless streak.

That will not unduly trouble Strachan, since he will assume that the Germans will eventually recover their poise, leaving the others to fight it out.

Even so, the opening games in Euro 2016 qualifying have exposed how fragile the sense of progress under Strachan can be.

There is no doubt that the team has improved, and with that a mood of optimism has grown, but in such a tight contest there is little room for error.

Scotland will feel that the performance for spells against Germany, at a time when Joachim's Loew's team was not a clinically accomplished as they were in Brazil last summer, might have merited more than a gritty 2-1 defeat.

Scotland lost to Germany while Poland and the Republic have taken points from the World Cup winners

That was emphasised when the Germans subsequently lost to Poland. Then on the same night that Scotland earned a 2-2 draw in Warsaw - and again may have felt that the performance ought to have brought more - the Republic were earning a 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen.

Assumptions about the group have been undone.

Scotland will always have considered it essential to defeat the Republic at home, along with Poland and Georgia, so the scope of the task on Friday night at Celtic Park hasn't changed. Defeat, though, would leave Martin O'Neill's side six points clear of Scotland, albeit with six games remaining.

How it might affect the mood around the national team would be even more considerable.

Strachan has overseen a rise in the standard of the team's play, but also the belief amongst the players and the supporters that qualification is achievable. A victory over the Republic would underline that the faith is not misplaced. More importantly, it would continue the momentum that Strachan has built.

Scotland's remaining Euro 2016 qualifiers
14 November, 2014	R of Ireland (h)
29 March, 2015	Gibraltar (h)
13 June, 2015	R of Ireland (a)
4 September, 2015	Georgia (a)
7 September, 2015	Germany (h)
8 October, 2015	Poland (h)
11 October, 2015	Gibraltar (a)

The impression of improvement is not wistful, though. Strachan has built on the foundations of the squad, working intensely on the training ground on shape and tactics, but also inside the minds of his players.

Individuals have thrived, among them players fresh to the squad like Andrew Robertson, the Hull City full-back, and Ikechi Anya, the Watford midfielder.

Scotland now have a recognisable pattern of play and a better balance between resistance at the back and creativity in attack.

There is still room for hard-headed decisions - Robertson was replaced in the starting line-up for the game against Poland by Steven Whittaker, a more experienced defender - but the evidence remains that Strachan has been delivering more coherent and more effective performances from his squad.

The team is capable of moments of attacking intent, with individuals like Steven Naismith, Anya, Shaun Maloney and James Morrison granted the freedom to play imaginatively in the final third, as long as that is accompanied by work-rate and intensity when the opposition are in possession.

The squad is imbalanced, since strong options in midfield are not replicated in central defence, yet Strachan has made partnerships work between Grant Hanley and Russell Martin, or with Gordon Greer stepping in as a replacement.

There is a shrewdness to the Scotland manager, but also a pragmatism. Public opinion once clamoured for Jordan Rhodes to be a regular in the starting line-up, but he has quietly and firmly been moved to the periphery. There has been little outcry, because the team has performed impressively in his absence.

Ikechi Anya has proved a great find for Scotland

A victory over the Republic at Celtic Park is crucial, but it is also valid to believe that it is well within the team's capabilities.

Assistant manager Mark McGhee remarked that the two squads are very similar, since many players are drawn from the same leagues. There are plenty of dependable figures in O'Neill's squad, as well as top-level experience in the likes of John O'Shea, Darron Gibson and Robbie Keane.

Yet Scotland have players operating at the top of the game in England, too, among them Naismith, Steven Fletcher, Morrison, Graham Dorrans and, slowly regaining his match sharpness, Darren Fletcher. Scotland have no cause to be anxious ahead of the game, although it is not uncommon for the national team to struggle in games that they are required, and expected, to win.

Strachan has little time for mental weaknesses. Robertson has thrived because of his attitude, his willingness to learn and to be self-assured, as much as his burgeoning ability.

The Scotland manager has predicted that the game will be full of heart, spirit, athleticism and aggression, but it is nerve and guile that will prove decisive.

Scotland have proved themselves to be resilient - in their last 12 games they have only lost three times, to Belgium, England and Germany - and as the stature and confidence of the players has grown, so too has the onus on them to produce effective displays in key games.

This is the most important fixture of Strachan's time as Scotland manager, since it will influence and shape the rest of the campaign. For all the progress seen so far, the mood of confidence and conviction will soar or collapse on the basis of 90 minutes.

Source : bbc[dot]com