The successful teams I have watched through the years in English football, Early 70s Leeds team, Liverpool through the 70s and 80s, Everton in the 80s, Nottingham Forest of the late 70s early 80s, Ipswich Town’s cup winning team, etc, have all had several things in common – making unknown players famous.
Once a club forget what put them in their dominant position, the unknown names that run through the core of their teams, and starts paying big money for “talent” then their days as the top club are numbered.
Liverpool’s best days consisted of teams made up of players from lower leagues and even gaelic football, the big money signings came much later, which slowed the fall from the top.
Nottingham Forest went from the old second division to European champions in a few short years with names such as Gary Birtles, John Robertson, Viv Anderson, Archie Gemmill, John McGovern, etc, all grafters from outside the top circle of footballing stars.
Manchester United tried for decades to buy the title, a succession of managers and big money stars passed through the club, Ferguson was himself close to being sacked, when injuries forced him to put out a young relatively unknown team of players, Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Neville brothers, etc, and he struck gold.

Any line up of players brought in from outside the top tier, taught to play in a certain way, at the core of the team, can dominate English football. It is what makes our league unique.
This is why English teams are so successful in Europe, the pace and passion is rarely matched abroad. (Hence why, when we have international matches, where the play is slower, more methodical, we struggle – where as if we played as a league team, Capello has already stated this, we become close to invincible!)
Wayne Rooney is no different from Kevin Keegan, star of the Liverpool show, or Graeme Souness the midfield power house wanted by clubs around Europe, or even Ronaldo and his bizarre exit from Old Trafford.

Man Utd should simply sell him off for big money to any club stupid enough to pay big money for him.
Arsene Wenger knows all too well how much damage to a club can be done by holding on to players when they don’t want to be there.
Although I admire Rooney for sticking to his guns, I can’t help thinking we have seen all this before.

The difference this time, is that Ferguson is trying to justify his position by playing to the media. No manager should do this, the old Fergie would have kicked Rooney into the reserves for a couple of weeks or left him on the subs bench for weeks in full view of every fan.
Personally, if a player states they want to leave my club, then I don’t want to see them in the first team again.
Liverpool are seeing now, how damaging the promise of first team football to get players to join or stay can be to a club.

Before you start messaging me saying Chelsea are buying the titles they have won, just take a look at how long they have been playing together!
Big names they maybe, but the core of the team have been together through four different managers over 5,6 even sometimes 7 seasons.
Occasional additions are added with the odd injured player leaving. The example of Joe Cole is a stark one.
Seemingly a great pick up from Chelsea, as he is not offered a new contract, but watch him play, he’s lost a yard of pace, he’s trying to play a central role without the engine, he’s now too slow to do damage on the wing, he’s no longer a special talent.
Chelsea were right to let him go, Liverpool were wrong to pick him up, especially if, as it appears, he’s been offered a guarantee of first team football.

To be a top club you require hungry players, who are always looking over their shoulders, knowing that one or two bad games could see them out of the first team for at least three or four games.
No individual is ever bigger than a successful club.
Until Liverpool get back in this habit they will remain a mid table side with the occasional decent season, Man Utd are about to realise the exact same thing happening to them.

I say this as a Liverpool fan, Ronaldo has been a burden for Man Utd, yes he has scored over 100 goals for the club, but to suggest to every fan (and its the fan’s club) that his heart was with Man Utd, only to tell his agent (after Kaka’s move to Real Madrid) that he wanted to leave Man Utd.

Many Pool fans slate Gary Neville, but I don’t. He has shown great loyalty to the club, he has won many trophies with them and maybe will do again, either as a player or as part of the coaching staff.
Ronaldo has made a big mistake moving away from one of the most successful clubs in Europe, at 24 he maybe a millionaire, but will he win things with Real?

Real Madrid are a legendary club, of that there is no doubt, but last season they were beaten by Barcelona to the Spanish league and came nowhere in the Champions league.
Manchester United do not need this type of player, as with Pool teams of the past, no player is bigger than the club!

Darren Fletcher has been outstanding for them this season, between himself and Carrick, in front of the back four, rotating as one goes pressuring the ball and the other sits in, to stop runners.
Without Fletcher last night, Man Utd had no midfield and being up against three of the best midfielders in the world, you’d have thought the Utd midfield didn’t show up at all!

The game itself was a good one, some excellent Barca passing in midfield, after an early burst from Utd. For once it was a clean game, most players tried to stay on their feet and play the ball.

Another down side for Utd, was their lack of pace around the pitch. They looked unusually lacklustre in pressing the ball. No doubt the resting of players (missing the game against Hull) as is so often the case, cost them on the night, as they were not fresh.
I have never understood why teams drop complete sides, to rest them for big games.
Players need to be match fit to avoid injuries, playing regularly.
When Liverpool came back from 3-0 down against AC Milan, they had been fighting against a backlog of games and chasing trophies, so most of the team played every week, even in midweek games.
They were able to pick up the pace and that changed the game.

When Pool lost to AC Milan in the final two years later, they were rested before the game and looked lethargic during the match, unable to call on match fitness energy that they had previously.
The British way of playing week in week out has paid dividends in the past, as regards European trophies, so why tinker with a winning formula?

The title:
I fully expect Man Utd to equal Liverpool’s record of 18 championship wins tomorrow, against Arsenal.
The only minor spanner in the works could be Arshavin, who has been electric for the gunners, when he’s been fit.
Utd just need one point to clinch the title, which is surprising, as they have been pushed all the way by both Chelsea and Liverpool, but who also both slipped up, when they really should have won games, taking the pressure off Utd.

Over the whole season, Liverpool’s mid season series of drawn games looks to have cost them the prize that I and every Pool fan, dreams of, the league title.
Unusual this time as Utd have lost more games, Liverpool have just lost twice, in games they really should have got something from. Will this highlight to Benitez, that he cannot buy the title, but needs to bring reliable players, the likes of Jay Spearing, etc, through the youth set up, into the first team. Players of this ilk are vital on wet rainy wednesday night games in Bolton, etc.

Utd have struggled against some teams this season, but have used their “home grown” players to great effect. I remember them struggling 0-0 against Bolton, then scoring late on to clinch a vital 3 points, one of three games they did this as the games in cup competitions mounted up and they picked up a couple of injuries.

It’s about time we saw more teams of Hull and Stoke’s type, that comes up from the championship and have a right good go at the big clubs.
I’m tired of the stale mid to bottom half of the table clubs who just plod on and don’t put up a good fight against the top five clubs.
It would also be a refreshing change, if clubs managed by ex fergie players, actually took points from Utd.
The amazing figure of Wigan (managed by Steve Bruce) versus Man Utd games was plastered everywhere last weekend.
In 13 attempts, Wigan have drawn 2 and lost 11 against Utd.
To be fair they did give Utd a good go in midweek, once again it wasn’t enough.

I’d expect Man Utd to be too strong for Arsenal tomorrow, Utd to win 3-1.

The relegation battle:
I don’t want Hull City to go down (that will be a kiss of death then) this season they have been a breathe of fresh air!
They have had a go at all the teams in the top flight this year, with the exception of one or two games, every club has had to battle it out with them.
At the time they went to Old Trafford, they were higher in the league than Man Utd and at one point, were the top team in the land!
However, I think their time may run out this weekend.

Away to Bolton is never an easy game, but with Bolton now safe for another season, will they relax or try to push on?

Newcastle have now got above Hull, with a much better goal difference. Last week’s win over Middlesbrough was huge for them.
Had they lost they would have been in deep trouble, as it stands they have survival in their own hands again.
At home to Fulham (who are chasing a european place) they should win and be safe (due to Hull’s poor goal difference) as Fulham on the road are less than average. At home, Fulham would have been odds on to win it.
Middlesbrough have gone in my view. They surely cannot pull it around can they?
With Alves out this weekend and Wheater their defender missing also, a hungry Aston Villa are visiting, who themselves have Everton breathing down their necks for 5th place and a european place.

West Brom could be the surprise package. Although bottom for a long while now, their home form in their last two games has been electric!
3-0 and 3-1 wins are just what the doctor ordered. They can now only catch two teams who are not in the relegation places, which brings me on to the one team that no pundit seems to be talking about… Sunderland!

They got rid of Roy Keane (now at Ipswich) and placed Ricky in charge. Their results turned with away draws and home wins for a while, but recently they just cannot score.

Bizarre it may sound, but all three North East clubs could go down this season. With the bottom clubs all being close to each other, it certainly hasn’t been dull this season.
With games being played on Saturday, Sunday and Monday due to television commitments, those playing later could be much more comfortable before they even kick off.

Whatever happens, there will be heartache and wild celebrations this weekend in the premiership…

Ronaldo’s dramatic efforts to win a free kick, which led to Utd’s second goal against Arsenal last night, was a farce!
I wonder what he would do, if he was at home and he stubs his toe on the coffee table? Would it involve 10 minutes of rolling around on the sofa?
Would his partner rush in with a wet sponge?
Would he then hobble to kitchen, grimacing as he goes and trying to flex his foot to ease the pain?
Do us all a favour and give it a rest!

Problem 2:
Darren Fletcher, (I speak as a Liverpool fan) is a victim of a complete joke.
He has played his part in Man Utd’s season, they have battled through to the European cup final, only for him to be suspended, for winning the ball with a well timed tackle!
Under UEFA rules, Man Utd can only appeal if the referee admits he has made a mistake. The referee will not admit his mistake, despite clear video evidence that his decision was completely wrong!

At the speed of the game and where the ref is on the pitch, mistakes can be made, sending him off was bad enough, giving Arsenal a penalty was even worse, but suspending him from the biggest single game of his career (One of the biggest games in any player’s career) and refusing to reverse the decision, makes a mockery of UEFA.

The lad made a perfectly timed tackle, come on UEFA, step in and put this right, then change the rules, before it happens to any other player!

Do you think Darren Fletcher should miss out on the final?

Many players are derided when they play for clubs but credit Giggs, he joins a list of players who have great consideration for the clubs they serve.

Gary Neville (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Martin Keown (Arsenal), Tony Adams (Arsenal), etc, who have been loyal to their club.
Giggs is now 35 years old and hopefully will move into coaching, he is now and always has been, a credit to the game!

For Utd, a Ronaldo thunderbolt in the 6th minute saw them win, an impressive feat, against a Porto side that are very strong at home. Despite a very nervy last 10 minutes, Utd held on to keep a clean sheet, something they have struggled to do of late and close out the match.
Their opponents in the semis will be the impressive Arsenal!
They beat Villarreal 3-0 at the Emirates stadium, all the more impressive as they had lost most of their defenders for the game, they are quietly creeping up, on a long unbeaten run in both league and cups.
My tip for the FA Cup this year are beginning to assert themselves on opponents, and with Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd all still to play them in the league, they can cause a few worries.

Chelsea will play Barcelona in the other semi final, after an epic 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Stamford bridge.
Puzzling for me, as the pool took off Torres and Mascharano, just as they were getting back into the game, two of the players most likely to turn the game!
As good a fight as pool put up, the damage was clearly done in the first leg, Chelsea winning 3-1 at Anfield.
The one disappointment for me was the amount of times Drogba fell to the ground as if he’d been shot, only to jog away fine once the free kick had been given.
There is no place for this in English football, something needs to be done about it, once or twice, 50-50 challenges fair enough, but look at the free kicks he won last night, clearly he is playing on it.

The man of the match for me, was once again, Frank Lampard, his ability to pop up in the box late in the attack and his natural ability to hit the target is not being used to its maximum on the international scene. Like his dad, he is a quality player.

Barcelona make up the last four, after an easy win against Bayern Munich, a big win in the first leg made last nights game a formality.
As so often happens, the one odd team in the last four, normally goes on to win it.
Three English teams in the last four again, it wouldn’t surprise me if the only non English team wins it!

It’s always good to see youngsters coming through, regardless of team, a brilliant goal, lets hope (for Liverpool’s sake) we don’t see anymore of them this season!

On the otherside of the draw, Man Utd will play FC Porto, the winners of this tie will play the winner of Arsenal v Villarreal at the semi final stage.

Ties will be played 7/8 April with return legs played on 14/15 April.

There are no easy ties at this stage of the competition, but with Barcelona and Bayern Munich having impressive wins in the last round, the English clubs will be relieved they are playing each other and not them!
If three English teams reach the semis, I’ll be putting a few earth pounds on the one non English team left, as is often the case, the one team not expected to win, often does.

Getty images

The game itself was not as fierce as we have come to expect, but we can’t complain, five goals is better than a one nil result.
Reading through the blogs and pundits this morning, you could be forgiven for thinking that the game was either all Man Utd or all Liverpool, truth be told it was neither!

Man Utd started brightly, Liverpool sitting back and easing their way into the game, culminating in Ronaldo giving United the lead from a penalty.
The lead lasted around five minutes, and highlighted what I personally have questioned for months, a simple problem regarding Torres.
In Spain, short burst of pace when an attack is on, is where Torres excels and the main reason he scored so many goals, it’s why Liverpool bought him.
His goal against Utd showed this up perfectly. Standing start less than 5 yards away from the last man in defence, he was able to show a turn of pace, steal the ball and cause utter panic in the defence.
He ran on and slotted past the keeper, 1-1.

Where Torres lets himself down, is when he starts to drop deeper, into no mans land, 10-15 yards from the last man, he is neither helping the midfield (no outlet) nor is he in a position to frighten defenders, by the time he has closed the gap on the defender, the ball is gone.
Sitting on the last man, any ball played down the sides or over the top of the defender, turns him to face his own goal, leaving Torress to execute a short burst of pace and panic the defender. If he gets the ball (as he does 3 out of 5 times) he is left with a one on one with the keeper. Why aren’t Liverpool’s trainers picking up on this?

Back to the match, with an Evra challenge after the ball had been nudged past him by Gerrard, resulted in a penalty, which Gerrard placed to the keeper’s left, 1-2 to Liverpool at half time.

Man Utd, as you’d expect came out for the second half playing keep ball as Liverpool sat deeper and deeper.
Contrary to what most pundits said, Rooney (for me) was Utd’s danger man, everytime he got the ball he ran at the Pool defence, Carragher was having difficulty picking him up as he ran from deep.
Reading about the game, the emphasis has been reported on Utd’s lack of attacking play in the second half, but easily they were creating too much for any team to hold on for the entire second 45 minutes.

With Torres standing off the last man too much and Gerrard following his lead and trying to play off him, the ball was returning too often and too fast by the wide open Man Utd midfield.

As if by magic, Liverpool started to play the ball out of defence and play further up the pitch but still relying on the one-two of Gerrard and Torres.
Having a bit of success in holding the ball upfield, seemed to spur Liverpool into a bit more attacking, committing more players forward as the half went on. Utd brought on Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov (who looked like he was still feeling the effects of an injury picked up warming up against Inter Milan in midweek) and started to spread the ball better, Giggs was popping up all over the place, but Liverpool got men behind the ball and lack of movement from many in the Utd side, they cancelled each other out.

By now Torress was playing about 10 yards further up the pitch, closer to the last man, a flick on from Torres to Gerrard halfway into utd’s half, left Gerrard one on one with Vidic (who to be fair was having a torrid time – mainly because Ferdinand kept leaving him so isolated!) Gerrard knocked it past Vidic and was away, Vidic had little choice and pulled him down. Had Ferdinand not stayed wide and watched and ran across to help his team mate out, it might have been just a yellow, but it was red.
With utd now down to 10 men, the game was still an each way bet, utd now had four upfront and three recognised centre forwards on the field.
From the free kick, Areleo, stunned the old trafford crowd with a regular free kick into the corner, which was all the more confusing as van der sar stood rooted watching it go in?

As a contest, the game was over, Liverpool had time for one more goal. A simple kick out by Reina missed the head of Babel and bounced right into the path of Dossena, who caught the goalkeeper in no mans land, lobbing him from outside the area.

Will all this change the title race? Maybe, but not in the way you would think this Liverpool fan would think!
Chelsea have been my tip for the title all season, this result will have done them a huge favour.