Who needs Hollywood when you’ve got Hernandez

Goal II was on television the other day. You know the one, it’s the second film in the Hollywood football trilogy about a wide eyed Mexican everyman puppy thing who dreams of becoming an unrealistic footballer and bedding a Geordie nurse. I’m still undecided on Goal II. I’ve decided it’s bad of course, obviously, but I’m undecided whether it’s bad enough to be good, or just simply bad. It’s better than Goal I, by which I mean it’s worse, making it much better at being bad, and thus closer to being good, than it’s predecessor – which isn’t remotely bad enough to be good, merely just bad enough to be bad – but certainly not on a par of badness with Goal III, which isn’t even good enough to be considered bad in the first place it’s so terrible, and thus clearly unable to be bad enough to be good, if you catch my drift.

I think I’ve decided that I don’t think it is. Bad enough that is. I think it retains just enough goodness to be merely bad, though it does put in a sterling effort towards the end by way of a comically fascinating Champions League Final tussle with Arsenal and their imaginary wunderkind TJ Harper (the kind of ludicrous Americanised name dreamed up by someone called Brock in a lunch meeting in LA) and some fantastically Shaolin Soccer-esque swerving kung fu super shots. Not to mention the fact that both teams seem to be playing with at least four strikers, what with the film’s writers clearly unable to invent any imaginary characters that could possibly be, say, combative defensive midfielders and not clichéd party boy forwards who score a suspicious amount of Lineker-esque tap ins that can be conveniently filmed from behind the goal.

Where Goal II succeeds in it’s goodness (or badness) however, is in this very same overblown comic book drama. Goal I played it too safe in a presumed attempt to be realistic. It downplayed the footballing romance to the perfectly imaginable (well, for the time) task of getting a still Shearer-some Newcastle into Champions League qualification, and whilst that’s all very commendable in a “well that could’ve plausibly happened” type of a way, real football often works on a much higher platform of romance and wish fulfillment than it’s cinematic counterpart.

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Take the case of Javier Hernandez, Manchester United’s very own wide eyed Mexican everyman puppy thing, who has been busily going about the business of scoring dramatic late winners in important Premiership and Champions League ties for seven months now without anyone batting an eyelid or even having to suffer the obligatory turbulent beginnings/middle period where he falls over in the rain a lot and gets bullied by Gary Neville. In fact such a dream start has “The Little Pea” (a name that’s encouraged me to now codify my  trips to the bathroom as “going for a Chicharito”, much to everyone’s annoyance) made that if his first season in Manchester were to be adapted into a mega-bucks Hollywood franchise, no one would take it seriously.

Sports dramas often suffer from his paradox, in stark contrast to most other biopic genres, where the dramatisation of events only serves to make them less interesting than their real world counterparts. The best footballing narratives would stretch the credibility of a film and have you yearning for the days of Sean Bean taking a last minute penalty against a suspiciously fat Man United side despite it being his first professional start and him clearly pushing forty.

Hernandez’s meteoric rise has also evaded the usual media rights of passage hype by virtue of the fact he isn’t English. With less domestic starts and more goals than Andy ‘£35m’ Carroll and more World Cup strikes to his name than Wayne Rooney the boy is a genuinely brilliant find, and it’s not hard to imagine the red top clamor had he been snapped up as a product of the Maidstone youth set up a la Chris Smalling and not arrived by way of the Mexican scouting system. Even more significantly, Sir Alex Ferguson seems to have seen the potential of a first team partnership with Rooney, leapfrogging even the Solskjaer-like cult super sub expectations of United’s most optimistic fans.

At 22, his progress shows no signs of abating any time soon, baring a jinx-worthy Michael Owen like crock-attack, and if his pride filled badge-kissing enthusiasm is anything to go by (which if the history of badge kissing has taught us anything, it’s not) then he could very well end up as one of those players who’s name unexpectedly creeps up on the all time Premiership scorers list like a Hasselbaink or Heskey before his time in England is out. Forget the signing of the season, he could be the signing of the decade. Which considering it’s only one year old, is already looking a good bet for at least another 12 months.

Screw Hollywood, give me he real world any day.

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You can follow Oscar on Twitter here http://twitter.com/oscarpyejeary where you can find out why he’s taken to drinking solely drinks named after attractive but ultimately useless female tennis players.

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Heynckes the ideal candidate, says Bayern chief

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says incumbent manager Jupp Heynckes was always the club’s number one choice.Heynckes is currently the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, who sit second in the Bundesliga, but will leave his post at the BayArena to manage the Bavarian giants next season.

Hoeness admitted Heynckes needed some time to think about the decision but was pleased that the club’s preferred choice had signed on for his third stint with the Bavarian giants.

“He is the candidate we all wished for,” Hoeness said.

“The board had no problems to back this decision. We all agreed that if we could get Heynckes then we should get him, and only him. He knew he was our number one candidate and that we have not talked to anybody else.”

“He did ask for some days to think it through since he has grown close to Bayer Leverkusen over the last two years, he also was very successful with them. But in the end we all knew that we could make it happen to bring him back.”

Hoeness believes that with the appointment of Heynckes, Bayern have a ‘good chance’ of winning next season’s Bundesliga.

Bayern have struggled under Louis van Gaal this season and face a battle to qualify for the Champions League.

But the Bayern president says things will change with the new appointment.

“We are a club striving for success,” he said.

“We want to win titles again next year and I think we have a good chance to do that.”

Rooney to fight ban length

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will contest the two-match ban for using inappropriate language, the Football Association confirmed.Rooney plead guilty to the charge on Tuesday, but will contest the severity of his sentence.

If the penalty is downgraded to one game, Rooney will be free to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on April 17.

The Football Association handed down the charge for ‘the use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language’ on Monday, following the striker’s foul-mouthed rant after scoring his third goal against West Ham United at the weekend.

With the prospect of missing the City clash and the English Premier League game with Fulham, Rooney accepted the charge but not the resultant penalty.

“Rooney has submitted a claim that the automatic penalty of two games is clearly excessive. A commission will hear the submission on Wednesday,” a statement from the FA read.

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Rooney, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over West Ham United, issue an apology after the game.

Liverpool’s Top TEN Celebrity Supporters

Liverpool are arguably still the most famous team in England, despite what them down the road say (the last time I checked, Liverpool still had a few more European Cups anyway). However, this season, whilst United have already added a League Cup to their cabinet, Liverpool have been languishing in the Premier League, and got knocked out of the Champions League. However, do not fret Liverpool fans, as you do not walk alone. It appears that whilst you may not be top of the Premier League, you are well represented with REAL fans in celebrity circles. Here are Liverpool’s top ten celebrity fans…

Click on Billy Bob Thornton to see Liverpool’s TOP 10 Celebrity Fans

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Well there you have it. Liverpool have some rather blooming huge Hollywood stars supporting the Reds, as well as locals like Tarbuck, Charles and Peel. However, if you think you know of more celebrity supporters, feel obliged to add to the list at your own discretion.

Guardiola: Busquets is not a racist

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has backed midfielder Sergio Busquets, who has denied racially abusing Real Madrid full-back Marcelo.Busquets could miss the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 28 after UEFA started disciplinary proceedings against him.

A decision is expected on Sunday with the Spain international potentially facing a five-match ban if found guilty.

But Guardiola has thrown his support behind the 22-year-old after he denied the claims.

“I totally agree with Sergio Ramos in that only Busquets and Marcelo know what happened. I totally agree with him. Only they know,” he said.

“I wait on UEFA who have been presented with the allegations and on Sunday they will make their decision.”

“All I will say is that I have known Sergio for a long time and if he tells me something I believe him because I know him.”

The alleged incident occurred during Barcelona’s fiery 2-0 win over Real in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg on April 27.

Barcelona will be presented with the La Liga trophy on Sunday when they welcome Deportivo La Coruna.

Guardiola said his team was aiming for victory, even if the title was wrapped up.

“They should know that Barcelona will go out to win the game whoever is playing on the pitch. I have no doubt about that,” he said.

“We don’t want to be responsible for circumstances that arise in this competition for other teams. Don’t think that we won’t go out to win the game tomorrow. We will go and fight until the end.”

His team comes up against a side still in a relegation fight, only three points clear of the bottom three with two games remaining.

Guardiola urged Barcelona fans to come and celebrate with the players, who he said deserved the recognition they would get on Sunday.

“It’s true that when you spend so long working towards something, you forget about it when you achieve it. We will continue training, and we will continue to celebrate after tomorrow’s game,” he said.

“We are going to play a good game and hope that the fans come. You can’t celebrate alone, you need other people too.”

The Future For Manchester City’s Defence

In defence, we have probably seen the biggest success for Manchester City this season. 31 goals conceded in 34 league games – a record only bettered by Chelsea (28), tells its own story, though many will probably claim it’s only due to Mancini’s boring brand of football. That stat alone suggests that this is one area of the pitch City will not be making wholesale changes to over the summer. But inevitably there will be comings and goings over the summer, as City look to strengthen further with the hope of Champions League football next season. But first, let’s look at who is already here.

Joe Hart – closing in on the all-time clean sheet record for a single season for a City keeper. England’s Number 1, and you’d expect him to be between the sticks for City (and England) for many years to come. Hardly the finished product yet, a cynic could pick a few holes with his distribution and occasional decision-making (like all keepers really!), but he is mature beyond his years, professional, well-spoken, and the future is whatever he wants to make of it. City’s best bargain buy in decades (well under a million pounds).

Shay Given – out for months with a shoulder injury, he is close to full fitness again, but was always going to be Number 2 to Joe Hart, and a summer departure seems inevitable, which you would not begrudge – a keeper of his standard should not be 2nd choice anywhere. I feel sympathy for Shay – he came in to win trophies, to compete at the highest level, and did nothing wrong, starting, if memory serves me right, with a stunning home debut against Middlesbrough. But Joe Hart was on loan at Birmingham, and City had to make a choice – ideally they would have stuck with Given for an extra season (my unfounded theory), but Joe Hart was fed up of being loaned out, and City had to make him City Number 1 or risk losing him for good. Bad luck Shay.

He has moaned little though, and done his job well in the short time he had the chance to. I hope he goes on to win a lot of trophies (just not at City’s expense), but time is running out for him.

Stuart Taylor – 3rd choice, will no doubt stay and remain 3rd choice, and that’s all I’ve got (and even less on Gunnar Nielsen!).

Vincent Kompany – one of the players of the season, and was tempted to say most improved, but he was hardly bad beforehand. This season he has come of age, showing his best form since his bargain £6m move from Hamburg. A consummate professional, and a great ambassador for the team on and off the pitch, he has shaken off some previous niggling injuries to become one of the first names on the team sheet. Only this week expressed his desire to stay at the club for life – future captain (hopefully).

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Aleksander Kolarov – a huge disappointment so far. Injured 30 minutes into his debut, he didn’t return for months. But since then, he has flattered to deceive. It has often been commented that Mancini’s ideal system is to have two overlapping full backs bombing forward, which makes the signing even more baffling, as one thing we can be sure of is that Kolarov does not possess a great deal of pace. However, fans moan about pace too much – it is not essential, but Kolarov’s distribution and his decision-making has been pretty poor so far. He has delivered 131 crosses this season without an assist. Got a foot like a traction engine, but is rarely seen.

Won’t be going anywhere, so next season will be crucial for him – all players need time to settle and adjust to new countries and new leagues – but will he be 1st choice left-back next season?

More to the point, will Manchester City ever have a left-back that the fans are happy with?!

Continued on Page TWO

Micah Richards – a huge improvement from the player for much of this season, until injury put paid to any further involvement. Once the academy’s great big hope (once Shaun Wright Phillips had left), with a rumoured £25m move to Manchester United, who went backwards for a year or two, he is once more beginning to show the ability that every City fan knows he has. If he concentrates on football and not bulking up, I would expect him to be first choice right-back next season, but rumours have surfaced of him leaving in summer and agent offering him to Spurs. Rumours of course should be ignored.

Dedryck Boyata – 20 year old Belgian and academy product who has flirted with the first team, with mixed results – being sent off against Arsenal this season after only 5 minutes has not helped his cause. Hard to know what the future holds. Seems competent player when I have seen him, but not sure he will make top grade. Has time on his side, but the next two years will be crucial, to state the obvious.

Pablo Zabaletta – Let’s get straight to the point. A LEGEND. The type of player that every fan loves. Never whinges, committed, hard-working, passionate and has put in some great performances this season. Never going to be the world’s greatest right-back, but is consistent, and a brilliant player to have in a squad. Hopefully rumours of a summer move to Spain are utter hogwash (as they usually are).

Joleon Lescott. Another masterstroke by Mark Hughes. Ignore the fee – he has done quite well this season. Since Kolo Toure lost his battle of the bulge, Lescott has stepped in and done fine. But you just can’t ignore that fee. Vastly overpriced, and I always feel a mistake is round the corner (see how he handled the ball before West Ham scored at the weekend). Not sure of his future, but his wages, like others, will probably see him staying at City for the foreseeable future. Whether he remains a regular first-teamer is more doubtful.

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Jerome Boateng – another disappointing foreign import for this season, and another one beset by injury problems. Getting injured as only a Manchester City player could (by a food trolley on a plane), him not gaining fitness until the season was months old has appeared to stunt his progress. Signed for £10m from Hamburg, he seemed a classy player playing out of position at left-back as Germany stormed to the latter-stages of the World Cup finals. However, that form has not been transferred to City, with just 16 underwhelming league appearances this season. Out again with a knee injury for the season, the hope is he can start next season fresh and raring to go. Many City fans are not sure what his best/preferred position is – he could play right-back, but has probably been bought as a centre-half. Rumours of a move to Bayern Munich have been quashed by Mancini, who says he is part of his long-term plans. Let’s hope for a better 2nd season.

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Kolo Toure – the invisible man. Many weeks after the news emerged that Kolo’s Slim-Fast diet had gone horribly wrong, and not a peep has been heard from anyone about a possible drugs ban. The City hierarchy will probably know already how long he will probably be out, and whether they will need to invest in a replacement. As he is probably already serving his ban as we speak, then he should be back for next season – and that is good news as he was beginning to regain some of the form that he showed at Arsenal, pre-malaria. Most probable partner for Vincent Kompany once more next season.

Nedum Onuoha – currently on loan at Sunderland, I could cut and paste the Boyata description (except the being Belgian bit) and then fast forward a couple of years. Sometimes I think he’ll make it, sometimes I don’t. Was an athlete as a youngster who almost didn’t take up football, and is a very level-headed, educated and well-spoken young man. Now seems likely he will stay at Sunderland, and be a first-teamer there, which is probably about right.

Wayne Bridge – another forgotten man at Manchester City. Such a disappointing time at City, a player I was overjoyed to see join, convinced that he was the missing link. Lime most left-backs before him though, he has flattered to deceive, with many an underwhelming performance. On loan at West Ham, where he has settled down after a disastrous debut, but unlikely he will remain there past the summer if they go down or not, as his wages mean selling him yet again becomes a problem, as with a number of other players. Therefore his future is uncertain, but I imagine City will sell him if they can.

As for the academy products, the likes of Shaleum Logan, Scott Kay, Greg Cunningham, Ryan McGivern and Reece Wabara are unlikely to be prominent in first teams next season, except perhaps in the Cup and sometimes filling up the odd bench spot, with loan moves aplenty the more common path. Three other youngsters are on loan at the moment – it’s too early to say if any will break through to the first team, and watching the odd reserve game has not answered many questions in that respect.

So what will City do in the summer with the defence? As I said at the beginning, probably very little. Settled in the keeper position and right-back and in one of the central defence berths, the only major purchase may be if Mancini decides to partner Kompany with someone new, or if he gives up on Kolarov already. Other than that, they may continue purchasing youngsters to develop for the future, and a back-up keeper should Given leave. The signings that Mancini has made have almost always been young, and he will hope past signings will develop further rather than making wholesale changes. The real summer action should come further up the pitch.

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Listen to the latest episode of our award nominee podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and King Jacks! Don’t forget to help Razor and O’Reilly become award winners in the 2011 EPL Awards

Fergie’s 4 transfer near misses, United’s ideal signing, Da Silva twins victim to bad press – Best of MUFC

Manchester United finally crossed the line and landed a record 19th title. Sir Alex has finally knocked their great rivals off their perch and delivered his pledge he made some 25 years ago.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes the Da Silva twins the victim of poor journalism; United fans divided over new signings, while Fergie looks to have found the heir to Giggs’ throne.

We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.

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Manchester United’s 19 titles in ‘Pictures’

A United or divided front on for Fergie’s new signings?

Would United fans have put up with Fergie in this situation?

Is the global search for talent really paying dividends at Old Trafford?

United’s Da Silva twins – the victims of lazy journalism

Would he really be such a bad signing for Sir Alex Ferguson?

Has Fergie finally found the heir to Giggs’ throne?

Nani v Valencia

United’s young duo gives Sir Alex plenty to chew over this summer

Sir Alex Ferguson’s striking dilemma this summer

The 4 transfer ‘near misses’ that impacted Fergie’s fortunes greatly

*Best of Web*

Ferguson looks to United evolution – United Rant

No longer a novelty, this Da Silva twins have grown into their roles – The Busby Way

United Fans Prepare For An Exciting Summer – Red Flag Flying High

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Sir Alex Style: Stability Breeds Sustained Success – The United Religion

A Tale of 2 Clubs, 2 Trophies and 1 Banner – Stretford End

Click on image below to view Tom’s NEW lady

International friendly wrap: Argentina lose again, Australia beat Kiwis

Argentina have their lost their second successive friendly after Poland defeated them 2-1 in Warsaw on Sunday.Just four days after a 4-1 loss at the hands of Nigeria, the South Americans were second-best again as Poland won their fourth friendly in seven matches as they continue to prepare for Euro 2012, which they will host along with Ukraine.

Adrian Mierzejewski scored a 26th minute opener for the hosts but Marco Ruben equalised just two minutes into the second half.

Spurred on by their home crowd, Poland fought hard for a winner – a goal that came with 23 minutes remaining when Trabzonspor forward Pawel Brozek hit the back of the net.

Australia’s next generation of player showcased its credentials with an uninspiring but assured 3-0 win over New Zealand in Adelaide.

Stars Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell were all absent Mark Schwarzer were all missing for the Socceroos, but the hosts were still able to notch up a victory thanks to a double from Josh Kennedy and a late penalty from James Troisi.

Kennedy grabbed the opener in the 10th minute, seizing on an error from New Zealand goalkeeper Glenn Moss to score from close range, and doubled his tally just shy of the hour mark when he rose highest to head home a Dario Vidosic corner.

Ben Sigmund brought down Robbie Kruse deep in injury time and Troisi was gifted the chance to open his international account, making no mistake with the spot kick.

Elsewhere, goals from Lucas Barrios and Edgar Benitez gave Paraguay a 2-0 win over Bolivia in Santa Cruz.

Uzbekistan’s horror run since the Asian Cup continued as they went down 1-0 against China.

A goal from Gao Lin in the 65th minute condemned Uzbekistan to their fifth straight loss since being bundled out of Asia’s premier competition in January.

Top TEN ‘Solo’ goals of all time…well in my view!

Diego Maradona’s solo goal against England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico was named by fans as the ‘Goal of the Century’ on FIFA.com. But will the diminutive Argentine top the list in Football FanCast’s top ten solo goals of all time? Find out the answer below …

10. Cesc Fabregas v Tottenham Hotspur, 2009

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas scored the second of two goals in 11 seconds for the Gunners against old enemies Tottenham Hotspur at The Emirates last October.

Dutch ace Robin van Persie broke up a sloppy pass from the Spurs midfield seconds after the restart and diverted the ball into the path of Fabregas. The Spanish international then accelerated at speed through the centre of the pitch before smashing the ball past the hapless Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and into the corner.

[youtube kZrcs-APRvg]

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9. Matias Fernandez v Club Deportivo O’Higgins, 2006

Chilean international Matias Fernandez scored 57 goals in 112 games for his first club Colo-Colo and this was by far one of his most spectacular.

Just weeks after his full debut as a professional, Fernandez received the ball in his own-half and began ducking and diving his way through challenges before delivering a finish of great finesse to round off a truly wonderful goal. Simply sensational.

[youtube a6dAOUFwRvo]

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8. George Weah v Verona, 1996

AC Milan legend George Weah, formerly of Chelsea and Manchester City, led a one man counter-attack from inside his own penalty area after a Genoa attack was broken up by the Rossoneri.

The Liberian and former World Player of the Year outpaced all his colleagues to run the length of the pitch and attack The Old Fools with raw pace, power and skill. See it for yourself below.

[youtube bt49QZwpru4]

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7. Steve McManaman v Celtic, 1997

Liverpool’s flying winger Steve McManaman levelled the scores in the UEFA Cup First Round at Parkhead with a wonderful injury-time, individual goal against the Bhoys in 1997.

After receiving the ball 20 yards inside his own half, the mop-haired midfielder glided past half the Celtic side before delivering a stunning finish to one of the great solo goals of all-time.

[youtube hQEAUYu8tnw]

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6. Michael Owen v Argentina, 1998

Michael Owen’s goal against Argentina in 1998 makes it onto this list given the importance of the game and the timing of his impact.

Owen announced himself on the world’s greatest stage, showing the coolness and clinical finishing of an experienced pro to fire past stopper Carlos Roa and send the England fans packed into the Saint-Étienne stadium wild.

[youtube 6cHM31XoXMg]

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5. Thierry Henry v Tottenham Hotspur, 2002

French maverick Thierry Henry scored many wonderful goals during his eight year spell at Arsenal and this is up there with the best of them.

Henry stormed from one end of the Highbury pitch to the other before weaving and bobbing his way across the penalty area until he got a sight of goal. Henry must have known how good the strike was after abandoning his usual calm exterior to slide onto the turf in ecstasy, before being mobbed by his team-mates.

[youtube QUXKtf1rdaY]

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4. Zlatan Ibrahimović v NAC Breda, 2004

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović built a reputation as one of the hottest young talents in Europe during his three year spell at Ajax from 2001.

It is easy to see why Ibrahimović became a global superstar given his early displays at the Amsterdam Arena, where in his last season at the club he scored this breathtaking solo goal. Enjoy.

[youtube Vz5VL3mcso4]

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3. Lionel Messi v Getafe, 2007

Diego Maradona himself would have been proud of this goal from the protégé aiming to replace him as Argentina’s greatest player of all time.

Lionel Messi, nicknamed ‘The Flea’, beat practically the whole Getafe side with a mesmerising display of skill and speed, leaving the opposition standing like statues.

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[youtube x0cVCq8rsiY]

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2. Ryan Giggs v Arsenal, 1999

With Manchester United chasing an unprecedented Treble, winger Ryan Giggs produced a moment of brilliance against Arsenal to win the tense tie. With Roy Keane sent off it looked as though United’s hopes would be dashed as The Gunners piled on the pressure with the scores level.

Welsh wing wizard Giggs had other ideas though after picking up a loose pass from French midfielder Patrick Vieira inside his own half before waltzing through the entire Arsenal defence and rifling an unstoppable shot past David Seaman.

[youtube hrOyedpeZnk]

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1. Diego Maradona v England, 1986

For me, Diego Maradona’s ‘Goal of the Century’ remains the greatest solo goal that has ever been scored. Was it ever really in doubt? While some of the goals above were scored in the UEFA Cup or against lower league sides, Maradona scored his magnificent goal in a crucial World Cup game against England.

This individual effort remains a symbol of the Argentine’s flair, creativity and genius and sums up Maradona’s two decades in football. Just incase you have been living on the moon for the last 25 years and have yet to see the video, I have posted it below:

[youtube jk-kXwjASEE]

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Written By Mark Molloy

Levy’s Transfer Dilemma

If Redknapp can maintain another respectable season at Tottenham it is widely reported that the Spurs coach will depart at the end of the 2011-12 season to take on the role of England manager.  This leaves Daniel Levy with a tough decision regarding this seasons transfer policy.

With one eye on the England job the signing of veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel perhaps highlights Redknapp’s short-term policy to protect his remaining tenure at the club.  Levy will also be mindful of Harry’s recent transfer record at the club.  Many of Spurs most consistent players in recent seasons have been those made before Redknapp’s arrival such as Dawson, Bale, Assou Ekotto, Modric and Huddlestone.  While credit must go to the Spurs coach for bringing out the best in these players, there have been others such as Bentley, Gio Dos Santos and Jamie O’Hara to name but a few that could all argue they have not been given a fair crack of the whip by Redknapp.  Perhaps more alarmingly, many of the players now seemingly surplus to requirements at Spurs (Palacios, Kranjcar, Defoe and Crouch) are amongst the few players Redknapp is actually responsible for signing.

Spurs chairman Levy insists that the books must be balanced with fringe players being shipped out before new signings can be brought in but the clubs apparent indecisiveness in the transfer market perhaps reflects Levy’s current dilemma.

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