India just on top as day one comes to a close

Day one of the second Test in Mumbai came to a close with the score at 266/6. India just about edged the day for India mainly thanks to the brilliance of Cheteshwar Pujara.

Pujara has been the star of the show, he has been in batting all day facing a total of 717 balls in the series without been dismissed. Scoring 2 centuries in 2 tests is a very impressive achievement. He has dealt with everything that England has thrown at him superbly and annoyingly from and England point of view is a joy to watch.

Panesar, back for his first Test since Galle in March after big talk about everyone wanting him back after the shocking defeat in Ahmedabad, made short work of both Virender Sehwag and then Sachin Tendulkar.

Sehwag could mark his 100th Test with only 30 runs, and the great Tendulkar – coming towards the end of his career, perhaps playing on his home ground at the highest level for the last time – managed only eight.

Pujara and Ashwin took India from 169-6 to 266 at the close. England might have taken that but after the hosts struggled on 119-5, it's turned out to be India's opening day.

As Ex-England spinner Vic Marks says; "There have been positives for England, most notably Monty Panesar coming back into the team and bowling well. They had a golden opportunity at 119-5 and then just looked ragged and tired. You don't often see that from and England side in the final session; they almost ran out of steam."

There is also a struggle for photos of this test as several photo agencies, including Getty Images, have been barred from the ground following a dispute with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, while other agencies have withdrawn their photographers in protest. Leading to many sports websites having to think of other ways of using imagery.  Here are a few examples;

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - The Goal!

 

  

On the 14th of November England played Sweden in a casual International friendly, however, the friendly was thrust into the limelight all over the world, with a goal from a player regarded by many as one of the best players to never grace the English Premier League. There is no denying that he is one of the best players in the world and the goal scored on that night proves this, it will be remembered for a very, very long time as one of the best goals ever scored. The goal is shown just below;

Ok, the goalkeeping from Joe Hart is not the best in the world, why he didn't just head the ball out of play I'll never know but that takes nothing away from the strike. 30 yards out, the ball is dropping from a great height, without taking a touch, Ibrahimovic goes for a bicycle kick. That thought wouldn't even have come into the mind of most players but he has such confidence in his ability, from the moment the ball left his right foot it arrowed into the back of the net with alluring accuracy.

Is it the best goal ever scored?

Former England manager and BBC Radio 5 live pundit Graham Taylor insisted the Swede's superb volley was one that will live long in the memory, saying; "That is one of the best goals I have ever seen. What a fantastic goal, it has made this game one we will never forget." Fellow footballers in the world certainly thought it was very impressive; England's own Steven Gerrard saying it was "probably the best goal" he had seen live.

For me personally, it was an outstanding finish, the technique to be able to bicycle kick a dropping ball 30 yards out and even get it anywhere near the goal is impressive but for it to fly straight into the bottom right of the net was truly spectacular. The one thing I think takes away from the strike is the poor positioning from the goalkeeper, he wasn't in his goal at the time which has to take something away. I think that alone means it can't be considered the best goal ever. It still doesn't take away that it certainly one of the best strikes I've ever seen live.

For me the best goal ever scored is Zinedine Zidane's standing volley on his weaker foot against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.The technique to hit that ball on your weaker foot and hit it with such velocity that even with a keeper who is well positioned has no chance at all to react, for me this makes it the best goal ever witnessed on a football pitch.

Lee Stacey
Twitter - @lstacey1992

England Squad

Was Roy Correct?

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

Well this is is the one person I think everyone would agree with and he will be on a high after his Premier League success. A reliable and dependable keeper is a must for any team aiming for European success. 

Definitely

 Rob Green

Suffered massive heartache in World Cup 2010 but has had a very solid season and been a big driving force behind West Ham's promotion this season. I'm sure many fans will hope he won't be needed I think he would do his job well if called upon. There's not many English keepers willing to play, so is a good experienced option. 

Decent Back-up

Jack Butland

Why not give the lad a chance, this can't really do any harm.... can it? 

Probably will just be there to give him the experience future tournaments. Shouldn't really be needed this tournament barring major injuries troubles for Rob Green or Joe Hart but should be a good experience for him.

Why not?

Defenders

Leighton Baines

The 2nd best left back England have got, always gives 100%, so he's good to have in the squad, not going to displace Ashley Cole but is a great back-up if Ashley gets injured.

Good Back-up

Ashley Cole

In my opinion he is the best left back in the world, he can defend and attack fantastically. He has brilliant fitness and can support and get back to defend all day long. One of few truly world class players in the squad. 

Definitely 

Phil Jagielka

I rate Phil quite highly, strong in the air and good with the ball at his feet. Came up off the stand-by list and is firmly now back-up in case of any injuries to Lescott or Terry. I personally rate him a lot more than Phil Jones. 

Definitely

Glen Johnson

Despite him getting 36 caps for his country I genuinely don't rate him. He is decent as an attacking full back but when it comes to defending he is a liability at times and with Roy wanting a to build a solid team defensively I think Micah Richards would've been a better option as he he is someone who can attack defend in equal measure.

Could let us down defensively

Phil Jones

Tough one with this lad, I don't actually think he has had a very good season with Man Utd and I firmly believe Micah Richards is a far superior players than him. He has potential but I feel he has a long way to go yet. 

Unsure if he's good enough yet

Martin Kelly

Strange one with him been called up, as in the circumstances I think it should have been Rio Ferdinand. Not even a regular for Liverpool this season but again another player that has potential, but is he good enough to play Europe's elite just yet, OK back-up but lets hope he's not needed too much. 

Unsure if he's good enough yet

Joleon Lescott

Think he will be in the starting 11 come the opening game, I think he's a solid defender, maybe lacks a bit of pace but is the sort of player that will give everything to the cause. His partnership with John Terry could be crucial in England's success. 

Definitely

John Terry

England's best defender when he is on form, great in the air and is a natural born organiser which is vital with a few inexperienced players involved in the squad. 

Definitely

Midfielders

Stewart Downing

I am a bit disappointed with Stewart Downing's place in the squad, he has been disappointing for Liverpool this season and I think he is very lucky to get the call-up. I think Adam Johnson and also Aaron Lennon are better players....

Needs to perform

Steven Gerrard

He is one of few world class players in the England squad but needs to improve on his form for Liverpool this season. His experience though will be vital and he could be the difference in the big games at this summers tournament. 

Definitely

Jordan Henderson

Not sure he deserves a place in the squad, I expected better from him this season at Liverpool. I genuinely can't remember him doing anything good all season. Will only be used as back-up but I feel there are better players out there. 

Unsure if he's good enough

James Milner

Good, solid player who can play in many positions, could come in very handy in the tournament. 

Good utility player

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 

It will be interesting to see how he does this tournament, will be playing the back-up role but the fact that he can play centrally and on the wing will help his hunt for some game time. I think he has the ability but is it too early for him... only time will tell. 

Will be interesting to see 

Scott Parker

Great news that he will be fit for the tournament, he does a great job for England in the centre of that midfield and is very disciplined in what he does. Could be vital in England keeping clean sheets!

Definitely

Theo Walcott

Think he just about deserves to be in the squad, he has the pace that can scare teams, which could be vital as the team as a whole is quite slow without Walcott in the team. Just need to hope he can add some end product to his game. 

Definitely

Ashley Young

Has come to the forefront recently for England, he plays that 2nd striker role really well and has added goals to his game just lately, which is what England will need in the opening 2 games with Rooney's absence. 

Definitely

Strikers

Andy Carroll

Not everyone's cup of tea but i think his form towards the end of the season was good enough for him to get a place in the squad. His big build and physicality will always give opposition defenders something to think about, he won't give them a rest.

Definitely

Jermain Defoe

I think he is worth a place in the squad, mainly down to the fact he is a goalscorer! He is the sort of player where if he gets a chance he will take it which is what International football is all about, taking your chances. 

Definitely

Wayne Rooney

He misses the first 2 games but i think the quality he possesses means he deserves his place in the squad. If we get through the groups a fresh Wayne Rooney would be a cracking addition to the squad. He is due a good tournament...

Definitely

Danny Welbeck

I was unsure about Danny until last Saturday, his finish against Belgium I feel has proved to me he has the ability to take the chances he gets presented with. If we can get him firing he will be  a massive players for us, I think its between him and Carroll as to who gets the starting spot come England opening game!

Deserves a chance

Follow me on Twitter @lstacey1992

Terry Connor - Was he the right choice?

When Mick McCarthy was sacked back in February, I thought to sack Mick was a tough decision to make, I felt that they must have someone lined-up who is a strong and experienced replacement....

So when the news broke on the 24th February 2012 that Terry Connor had got the job I thought, very strange choice, he's a top bloke but seriously giving a man that has never managed a team before the job, when the club is in deep relegation trouble surely wasn't the right step to take. I genuinely hoped he could turn it around because Wolves always seem a decent team and there fans are a decent bunch but I very seriously doubted Terry Connor had the credentials to turn the clubs fortunes. 

He was quite clearly delighted to get the job and who wouldn't be, saying in an interview he was "privileged" and "it is a great honour". It was a chance to put his name on the map as a manager, a chance to show his qualities and put his desire into the football club.

A draw in his first game against Newcastle showed he had potential and that the players were behind him, however this initial optimism slowly trickled out, as he lost the next 7 games in a row and left fans of the club questioning if he was seriously the best option the club had when looking for a new manager. I have got to say though the Wolves players and the fans have been brilliant to Terry, they have always fully supported him as he has a great affection with the Wolves fans and is just a genuinely nice guy and above all a football person who will always give 100% to the cause. 

However, the thing that I thinks left most people perplexed is the fact that, managers with genuine experience in the game, such as; Walter Smith, Alan Curbishley and Steve Bruce (who said he wanted the job)  were tossed to the side, I'm not saying they could have saved Wolves from relegation that is impossible to tell but the experience they had would surely have stood them in better stead than the inexperienced Terry Connor. 

I think Michael Gray from Radio 5 Live puts it well here;  "It was farcical what went on. Mick got the sack and they said they were going to bring in the right person."They have obviously ended up getting Terry in charge for the last 13 games, which was the wrong decision."They should've got a new face in the dressing room. It was just unfortunate and the performances just haven't been there."

Wolves have now been relegated to the Championship, where I wish them well and hope to see them back in the top flight as soon as possible!

You can follow me on twitter ; @lstacey1992

Title race is not over yet - Sir Alex Ferguson

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Sir Alex Ferguson has today said the title race is still up for grabs despite Roberto Mancini saying it was over a few days ago. 

This is a really interesting battle between the two top managers in the English Premier League, there is currently a 5 point gap between them at the top of the division with the two teams still needing to play each other in the Manchester derby, therefore meaning a City win in the derby match would mean the gap would down to only 2 points.

Roberto Mancini is clearly trying to use mind games to affect the Manchester United players and to get his players to be a bit more relaxed, because surely when back in the dressing room you certainly can't imagine him saying its over, in there he will be telling the players to believe and try win every game left in the season to give them a strong chance. 

The main reason he said this I believe is to try and make the Manchester United players feel more relaxed thinking they don't need to do as much but with Sir Alex's comments today; "There are five games still to go. The twists and turns of the Premier League, it's fascinating." He is clearly trying to get his players back focused and not listen to what anyone else is saying.

In my opinion, the season is still very much up for grabs but Manchester City can not afford another slip up, surely I feel they must win every single one of their remaining games. Looking at the run-ins of the teams;

Remaining Premier League games;

Man Utd                                                       Man City

                        Aston Villa (h)                                                 Norwich (a)

                        Everton (h)                                                     Wolves (a)

                        Man City (a)                                                   Man Utd (h)

                        Swansea (h)                                                    Newcastle (a)

                        Sunderland (a)                                                 QPR (h)

They both have pretty tough run-ins, looking at Man Utd's games I can see them beating Aston Villa comfortably, Everton will be tough and that could possibly be the game they could slip-up in as they are on a good run and have some real ability in their team, the derby is massive and isn't possible to predict but for some reason I can see Man City nicking it. Swansea, I can see United winning that relatively easily as Swansea have lost their form recently and struggle to score goals. The final game of the season at the Stadium of Light has the potential to be a tough game, with Martin O'Neil at the helm anything thing is possible and Man Utd will have to be at their best to beat them. 

Looking at Man City's run-in next up is Norwich, who have impressed me a lot this season but I feel City on on a good day will have far too much quality for the Norwich defence to cope with. Wolves, I can say a pretty much guaranteed 3 points in that game. The derby game is next which I can see them nicking, they will be really up for it and they cant afford to lose it otherwise it is over. Newcastle is a very tricky game, this has massive potential to be the game that they slip-up in with Newcastle on fire at the moment. QPR in the final game of the season, on paper should be an easy win but as it is the last game of the season QPR may need the 3 points to survive it has the potential to be a cracking game. 

My overall verdict is, I can see Man Utd just nicking it down to having the experience of title run-ins and having a more settled team with no disruptions from players like Balotelli. I'd love my prediction to be wrong however! Would love to see City come back and grab the title, it would be an outstanding end to the season!  

Can Newcastle make the top 4?

Newcastle's story this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season saw a 12th place finish, 7 points away from the relegation places. The season was also marred by the hate towards Chairman Mike Ashley who the Newcastle fans hated with a vengeance, protests took place nearly every week to try get him to step down from his position.

However, luckily for Newcastle Mike Ashley didn't budge and continued his job bringing in Alan Pardew for the remaining 5 months of the 2010/11 season, Alan then steadied the roller-coaster season and drove his Newcastle team to Premier League security.

Alan Pardew this season has done something which Newcastle fans or even the owner Mike Ashley could ever have imagined in their wildest dreams. Newcastle are challenging for the top 4 in the league and the final Champions League place. They are currently in 5th place level on points with Tottenham in 4th and they are in outstanding form going into the last 5 games of the season. Based on the last 8 matches they are 3rd in the form table with only Manchester United and Arsenal on a better run of points.

This incredible run of results from what I can see is down to the 'much hated' Mike Ashley's spending structure and the 'not so popular when appointed' Alan Pardew who has done an outstanding job of blanking out the Newcastle fans hate when he took over and has built a really impressive team that have genuine quality.

When the likes of Jose Enrique, Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton were sold Newcastle fans were left seriously concerned and doubted the club could bring in better quality players to replace them. However, they needn't have worried, Alan Pardew and his scouting team had already line-up ready made replacements, Demba Ba was brought in to replace Carroll and was straight away perfect for the club and couldn't stop scoring, next was Yohan Cabaye in to replace Joey Barton/Kevin Nolan and he has been outstanding picking up a number of assists and looking a miles better player than Barton or Nolan. Finally to top it all off they signed an unknown player to most fans called Papiss Demba Cisse, who had been scoring goals for fun at SC Freiburg. This would prove to be the master-stroke from Alan Pardew and possibly the signing of the season, his return of 10 goals in his first 9 games, many people already liking him to legendary Newcastle striker Alan Shearer. 

From watching Newcastle's last 4 games I can genuinely see them making it into that top 4 of the Premier League, they have genuine quality throughout the team, from the Goalkeeper Tim Krul, who has really come of age this season, Danny Simpson who has looked solid all season, James Perch who has recently been a rock at the back, Coloccini who is now back to full fitness, then into midfiield, Cabaye is truly an inspired signing he has the ability to control the midfield, then onto Hatem Ben Arfa who is looking better every time I see him, his goal at the weekend was truly outstanding. Up Front the duo of Demba Ba and Cisse in my opinion is the best strike force in the premier league at this moment in time.

I find myself really wanting Newcastle to break that top 4 now, its great to see a bunch of players really putting in the graft for a manager like Alan Pardew who seems a genuinely decent guy, he has got them working as a team and every time I watch them play I can tell that every player on that pitch wants it and its brilliant to see.

C'MON NEWCASTLE!!! 

Football, is it as enjoyable as it used to be?

Is Football as enjoyable as it used to be, I found myself pondering over this point before I went sleep last night and I came to the conclusion that it just isn't.

Is it the foreign influx of players, is it the money or is it just the fact that Football is forgetting about the most important people that keep the their clubs running... Its fans! We turn up every week, cheering on the team but we rarely get any recognition. 

I now by far prefer to watch Non-League you can stroll down have a great bit of banter with opposition fans who are not segregated! Most weeks I find myself chatting to opposition fans about why they prefer Non-League and it always comes down to the fact is is more friendly and the Managers/Players have more respect for the fans. They are often found in the bar after matches where you can chat to them for as long as you want, they sometimes even buy you a drink! Imagine that in the higher divisions where you are lucky to catch the players jumping off the coach or just before they reach there Lamborghini and speed off into the distance. 

I believe we should be allowed allowed to give our opinions on things, another good thing they should introduce are things like 'Fan Forums', my local club Harrogate Town has them regularly where the Chairman, the Manager and some of players come down to help reassure fans and answer any questions they may have. This is brilliant as it gives the fans a link into the club and a chance to get their point of views across in a more civilised manner than shouting from the terraces. 

I am a massive fan of new sites such as Twitter which can give people the chance to interact with the worlds best players. It also makes the players seem more human be it Rio Ferdinand doing the school run with his kids or Joey Barton watching your favourite TV show. It just gives you that link to the players and helps you understand their lifestyles a bit more. 

When at a match nowadays you look/listen to the crowds and you think 'Where is the love' in the past we used to support our team through thick and thin but now its always abuse. Fans are always on the look out for the next person they can shout abuse at, be it the referee for making a mistake, a striker missing a chance or a manager making a substitution they feel is wrong. What happened to supporting the team and getting behind the lads whatever is happening.

Where did all this aggression come from, what happened to the old calming slice of orange at half -time, nowadays we are booing the ref off the pitch or chanting for the manager to be sacked.

The players and manager don't want to lose, they are doing everything they can to win and the abuse fans give out doesn't help their cause one bit. 

Cant we just get back to the good old days of chanting support for 90 minutes instead instead of looking for the next person to shout abuse at! 

Come on people get it sorted!

Nice little Non-League Promo!!!

Lee Stacey

@lstacey1992