Anno Fergie.

Anno Domini, the latin phrase that refers to the  "Year of the Lord" is used as reference point in the Gregorian Calendar to illustrate a time period using the birth of Christ as a focal point. Anno Fergie might as well be used to refer to "the period of Sir Alex Ferguson", a colossal figure who "reigned" as the undisputed Knight of the English premier league for 27 years. As Manager of the Manchester United a.k.a The Red Devils, he saw to the dethronement of eternal rivals,  The Reds, Liverpool FC , from their perch on top of English football and a haul of 38 trophies.

It was not always an all conquering performance. He had to endure four barren years before an F.A cup victory in 1990 saved him from the sack. Those were the days, when Managers were given time to build teams. Also, he had battles with Arsenal's Wenger and was almost put in his place by the enigmatic "Special One". 

Unfortunately, these are the shoes, the new Manager David Moyes hopes to fill when Sir Alex, as he is fondly called, decided to retire at the end of 2012/2013 season. Questions were asked if the former Manager of Everton, a club with modest ambitions, could handle the high pressure and lofty expectations that comes with being the Manager of the third richest club in the world?

Hitherto, Moyes has never won a single trophy. The excuse handed out, is that it was an achievement, just to take a club with such a small budget to be within the reach of winning.

Fast Forward to the start of the 2013/2014 season. After five matches played, Manchester United led by Moyes had lost to Liverpool, its fiercest rivals, drawn with Chelsea in a drab 0-0 match and got humiliated 4-1 by their city neighbors, ManCity.

It seems, it is all unravelling for Moyes.  Well, to be fair no. You see, his predecessor also suffered humiliating losses to Mancity,  most notable, the "Why always me?" Balotelli's inspired 6-1 drubbing at Old Trafford, of all places. And Manchester United were usually slow starters, who end up finishing strong towards the end of season. As some of his critics point out, Man United was one of the richest clubs in the world throughout his reign, yet could only manage to win two European titles.

Another point that might be contributing to the hysteria is that,  unlike in previous seasons, were there was just one main rival to the crown, this season, one can sense a genuine challenge from six clubs, making the stakes much higher. Fans believe that any slip could be fatal to title chances. Hence, more pressure on Moyes.

As it is during the year of our Lord, so it is in the time of Fergie. The shroud of Sir Alex is hovering around Old Trafford, providing extra scrutiny for Moyes. Most pertinent question asked at every turn is, "What will Ferguson do"?

The answer to that is, "That is irrelevant". In my earlier post, I opined that this was inevitable. Controversially, if I might add, that the statue of Ferguson on the ManU bench "guaranteed" 15 points on the league table. Moyes is yet to gain such clout but while he is at it, he might consider bringing creative midfielders and replacing the aging legs of Rio Ferdinand.

How Moyes handles the pressure, will determine the duration of his tenure as Manchester United Manager. He has accomplished much with a smaller team like Everton, taking them to Champions League and an F.A cup final. Now he is in a different challenge. He is expected to win and not just participate.

ManU faithfuls could help cushion the effect of the poor start to the season, if only they will heed to the advice of Sir Alex, who so eloquently put it, "Your job is now to stand behind our new Manager".

A Collector's Item.

A maiden Premier League goal from John Obi Mikel goal helped seal a 2-0 victory for Chelsea over hardworking Fulham.

Oscar broke the deadlock just after half-time with a three-yard tap-in after a goalmouth scramble, while Mikel's landmark goal came with a fine volley six minutes from time.
This victory will hel lessen the pressure on Morinho after seeing his team go three matches without a win.

Bale's First Day at Real Madrid.

Gareth Bale turned up for his first day at the office and was warmly welcomed by the man he has replaced as the world’s most expensive footballer.

Perhaps conscious of Bale being seen as a pretender to Cristiano Ronaldo’s crown in the Spanish capital, Real Madrid made sure there was an early display of a united front as Bale was greeted by the man he referred to as ‘the boss’ in his presentation last week.  

The two galacticos shook hands in a heavily staged ‘chance meeting’ in the club car park.

It is the picture Real president Florentino Perez has been desperate to see ever since Barcelona unveiled £48million Brazil star  Neymar as Lionel Messi’s sidekick.

Bale arrived in Madrid yesterday morning and was driven to the same city-centre hotel where his coach Carlo Ancelotti is staying.  

He will live there until he sets up home with his family in the same La Finca private estate that is home to Ronaldo.

Ancelotti emerged from Bale’s new temporary home just before the Welshman was driven up by club delegate Javi Coll. 

The former Real Madrid basketball player has been employed for so long by the club to help English-speaking players settle in that he remembers David Beckham finding his feet in the city in 2003.
Bale was then driven to Real’s Valdebebas training complex, where Ronaldo was waiting to  welcome him. 

Source: MailOnLine.com

Rafa Nadal Wins the 2013 U.S Open

Rafa Nadal lifts the trophy.

Looking fit as can be and maybe even better than ever, the No. 2-ranked Nadal pulled away from No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Monday in a taut, tense US Open final for his 13th Grand Slam title.

"Very, very emotional, no?" Nadal said during the on-court trophy presentation. "Probably only my team knows how much (this) means for me."

They started in sunlight and finished at night, a 3-hour, 21-minute miniseries of cliffhangers and plot twists and a pair of protagonists who inspired standing ovations in the middle of games.

"Probably nobody brings my game to the limit like Novak," said Nadal, who collected $3.6 million in prize money, including a $1 million bonus for results during the North American hard-court circuit.

There was no quit in either of them, during points that lasted 15, 25, even more than 50 strokes. Those rallies went so long, rarely over when they appeared to be, and spectators often shouted out during the course of play, prompting Nadal to complain to the chair umpire.

This was their 37th match against each other, the most between any two men in the Open era, and Nadal has won 22. It also was their third head-to-head US Open final in the last four years. Nadal beat Djokovic for the 2010 title, and Djokovic won their rematch in 2011.

They know each other's games so well, and play such similar hustle-to-every-ball styles, but in the end, it was Nadal who was superior.

"He was too good. He definitely deserved to win this match today and this trophy," Djokovic said. "Obviously disappointing to lose a match like this."

Rafael Nadal capped a sensational 2013 with his second US Open title.
Nadal improved to 22-0 on hard courts and 60-3 overall in 2013 with nine titles, including at the French Open, which made him the first man with at least one Grand Slam trophy in nine consecutive seasons. The 27-year-old Spaniard's total of 13 major championships ranks third in the history of men's tennis, behind only Roger Federer's 17 and Pete Sampras' 14.

"Thirteen Grand Slams for a guy who is 27 years old is incredible," said Djokovic, who owns six himself. "Whatever he achieved so far in his career, everybody should respect, no question about it."

Source:http://espn.go.com/tennis/usopen13/story/_/id/9656100/2013-us-open-rafael-nadal-bests-novak-djokovic-title-caps-stellar-13

Serena Wins 2013 US Open.

Watch out when you make Serena mad. Wiliams seemed to decide to get down to business. She was visibly fired up. She won the next three games including a break in Azarenka’s serve, taking the first set 7-5. Williams attacked with sheer power rather than finesse, her best approach with the windy conditions still bothering her.
The winner of the first set has gone on to win the last 18 championships. It would be no different this year, but it was a long hard fight.
Williams broke Azarenka’s serve in the first game of the second set. Azarenka is no quitter, but the shift in momentum was obvious. Getting whipped with service aces between 114 and 119 miles per hour will shut anyone down. The second break for Williams came when Azarenka double faulted on her serve.


Victoria Azarenka serves against Serena Williams during the women’s singles final of the 2013 U.S. Open tennis tournament Sunday. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
It seemed over at this point. But Azarenka fought her way back, with help from a few unforced errors by Williams and her own excellent play, especially when coming to the net. From a 4-1 deficit, Azarenka brought the set back to 6-6, then won a close tiebreak to take the second set. Once again the wind got into Williams’ head, and her frustration was distracting her.
It came down to the third set, and again came down to unforced errors. Azarenka let Williams get a service break in the fourth game due to unforced errors. Williams  regained her edge, and delivered her hardest service ace of the match in the fifth game of the third set, 126 miles per hour. Azarenka did it again in the sixth game, double faultng to put Williams up 5-1 and serving for the match.
Williams won the game, set, match and America’s championship, 7-5, 6-7 (6), 6-1 in two hours and 46 minutes. It was the longest women’s championship match since the tournament has been keeping track, 1980.
After congratulating Azarenka, Williams shouted in triumph to the crowd. It is Williams’ fifth U.S. Open singles title, third Grand Slam title this year, and her 17th Grand Slam title overall in singles. She is the oldest U.S. Open women’s champion just shy of her 32nd birthday. She won $2.6 million in prize money, plus another $1 million for placing first in the Emirates Bonus Challenge.
After warm applause from the crowd, Azarenka told Mary Carillo of CBS, “It is a tough loss. But to be in the final against a tough player who deserves the win is incredible. We fought hard.”

Serena Williams shows her fifth U.S. Open women’s singles trophy to the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Photo: Associated Press, David Goldman.
Williams told Carillo after the match “I definately felt the love, so thank you all so much. It’s an honor to play in New York.” Turning to Azarenka, Wiliams said “Vica is such a great opponent, such a great fighter … It was never over until match point.”

Source: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/sports-around/2013/sep/8/us-open-tennis-2013-serena-williams-wins-photos-su/

5 Reasons Why Liverpool Still Need Luis Suarez.

Is there a more divisive character in world soccer? Apparently not. Suarez, L'enfant terrible and football genius tells a Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde story. From the bitings, hand balls and diving accusations to sublime skills, goals. This has become the spilt personality of soccer's prodigal son.

Any other player who has gathered such negativity around him, would have been let go by the club.

Even the drama of wanting to leave for Arsenal during the transfer, only reinforced the club's desire to retain his services. Such is the importance and regard, Liverpool have for Saurez. And I will explore why.

1. Free Kicks

Other than Gerard, Suarez is the main danger from set pieces for the Reds. Notching up wonderful freekick goals last season. The ones he scored against  Zenith st. Petersburg comes in mind.

2. 110% Commitment

Call him what you like. Nobody can doubt the energy, desire and all round commitment that Suarez brings to the Liverpool cause. His energy galvanizes his team mates in more action. 

3. Backup for Sturridge

Right now, the new boy Daniel Sturridge is the Kop's favorite. Notching the vital goals so far. But any team is stronger with Suarez sitting on the bench, providing an option for the manager, in case Sturridge's form drops or he gets injured.

4. Not just Goals, but High Conversion rate.

Suarez converted 16/30 “big chances” for Liverpool last season in Premier League play. That’s a conversion rate of 53%. (7amkickoff) The highest in the league last season. If you prefer goals, then 19 goals, one every 117 mins.

5. Merchandizing

Clubs still need fans to buy merchandise and fill the stadium seat. Suarez is a crowd puller and mostly for the right reasons.

The 2013/2014 Premier League RunUp.

With the transfers window finally closed, I now write my yearly review and analysis of some select teams in the English premier League. This years championship promises to be very interesting and balanced. For the first time in a long while, we actually have six teams that have realistic chances of winning the league. 

The reigning champions, Manchester United, will be without their iconic manager , Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time in 25 years. His successor, David Moyes, formerly the Manager of Everton would like to assure any doubters at Old Trafford that he is the right man for the job. 

Whereas in King's Road, Chelsea's iconic Manager has returned "home" and will be looking forward to rekindling the successive championship success of 2005-2007 seasons. This Chelsea team, though it has remnants of those glory days, is quite different. It will be interesting to see how the rechristened "Happy One" will mould this younger, somewhat less talented side to the championship winning side of his first incarnation. 

The Spurs and the Man. City have spend close to $200 million between them to fortify the squads. Liverpool has also brought in some good players and most crucially, stopped their talisman, Luis Suarez from joining Arsenal. Wenger, in a statement of intent, uncharacteristically broke the club's transfer record to bring in Mesut Ozil from Real madrid

Without much further ado, read the predictions below.

Arsenal

Trophy-less for eight seasons now. Frustrated Arsenal faithfuls will be longing for the glory days to return again. Wenger responding to the yearnings for a marquee signing and bought Ozil from Real Madrid for a club record fee of $66 million. Only time will tell whether it is the right signing Arsenal needs, considering Giroud is currently the only striker Arsenal have,since Podoski's injury.  Arsenal made fourth place last season but only just. This season they have started well, especially with a win over potential rivals and neighbors, Tottenham. A second place finish might be the best this maturing Arsenal side can do for now.

Warning: Injuries might derail their season.


In: Mesut Ozil, Real Madrid £42.5m, Mathieu Flamini Milan, free, Yaya Sanogo Auxerre, free, Emiliano Viviano Palermo, loan

Out: Gervinho Roma, £8m, Vito Mannone Sunderland, £1.5m, Marouane Chamakh Crystal Palace, free, André Santos Flamengo, undisc, Andrey Arshavin Zenit St Petersburg, free, Denilson São Paulo, free

Final Position - 2nd

Chelsea

Don't underestimate the winning value of the Mourinho effect.  The Happy One brings box office to the league and will inherit Fergie's crown as its top dog.

It remains to be seen which tactics, Mourinho will employ in his quest to guide his side to championship victory. Will we see the counter-attacking system, he deployed in his stint with the Galaticos? Or do we see a return to workman like system used in his first stint as Chelsea boss. A giveaway will be the players, he has purchased to fit into the system he hopes to use. As usual, Mourinho favors physically strong players with a high work rate over guile and flair.  Although, this Chelsea team lacks the quality of the 2005-7 side, the Special One's experience will prove too much for the opposing pretenders to the throne.

Warning: Expect a Wimbledon-seque ride.

In: Willian Anzhi £32m, André Schürrle Bayer Leverkusen, £18m, Marco van Ginkel Vitesse Arnhem, £9m, Christian Atsu Porto, £3.5m, Cristian Cuevas O’Higgins, £3m, Mark Schwarzer Fulham, free, Samuel Eto’o Anzhi, free

Out: Victor Moses Liverpool, loan, Jeffrey Bruma PSV Eindhoven, £2.5m, Ross Turnbull Doncaster, free, Florent Malouda Trabzonspor, free

Position: 1st 

Liverpool

The most decorated team in English football will be looking to getting back on their perch. It will be ironic, if they succeed in doing that in the first year of absence of the man responsible for eroding their status as the kings of English football. Brenden Rogers has done the best business in the transfer window. Retaining the petulant Suarez, and bringing in quality signing such as Simon Mignolet, who might well be the key to Liverpool regaining their Champions League position. Sturridge and Countinho seem to have struck a cord. Hopefully, their symphony maybe what the Reds needs to propel them to the top of the league. The last time Liverpool started well, they almost won it. Could history repeat itself? Probably, and I won't put it pass them. Without the distractions of Champions League football, the Scousers could focus all their efforts in reclaiming their position as the best team in the land.

Warning: Control Suarez.


In Mamadou Sakho PSG, £12m, Iago Aspas Celta Vigo, £9m, Simon Mignolet Sunderland, £9m, Luis Alberto Seville, £6.8m, Tiago Ilori Sporting Lisbon, £6.8m, Kolo Touré Manchester City, free, Victor Moses Chelsea, loan

Out Andy Carroll West Ham, £15m, Stewart Downing West Ham, £5m, Jonjo Shelvey Swansea, £5m, Jay Spearing Bolton, £2m, Dani Pacheco AD Alcorcon, undisc

Position: 3rd

Manchester United

There is a saying that Sir Ferguson sitting on the ManUtd bench, brings the team, an extra 12 points plus fergie time. Already, the change of guard has cost ManU points from  unfavorable crucial refereeing decisions: A penalty versus Chelsea, 5 yellow cards against Liverpool. During the match against Liverpool, some might have been asking, "What would the great man do to turn the game around"? When their biggest rivals were a goal ahead for much of the game. Such is the burden, Moyes faces as he steps into, probably the biggest shoes in world football.

Warning: A blip of poor form will draw doubts,unfair Fergie comparision on Moyes.

In Marouane Fellaini Everton, £27.5m, Guillermo Varela Penarol, £2.4m

Out Bebé Pacos de Ferreira, loan, Sean McGinty Sheffield United, free, Frederic Veseli Ipswich, free, John Cofie Barnsley, free, Reece Brown Watford, free, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Scott Wootton Leeds United, undisclosed

Position: 4th

ManCity

Once again, the blue side of Manchester has spent heavily to fortified their side for this season's champaign after the poor defense of their championship last season. Even the Coach Manchin was not spared as Mancity management try to right the wrongs of wretched champaign. The new additions that Pellegrini brought will need time to settle into fast pace of the premier league. Known for a 4-4-2 formation, Pellegrini will look to forge a winning side from a chaotic dressing room.City might have all the money in the abundance but they lack team spirit. Sadly, that is what wins titles.

Warning: Pellegrini needs to check the egos.


In Fernandinho Shakhtar Donetsk, £30m, Stevan Jovetic Fiorentina, £22m, Jésus Navas Seville, £17m, Alvaro Negredo Seville, £16.4m, Martín Demichelis Atlético Madrid, £3.5m

Out Carlos Tévez Juventus, £10m, Denis Suárez Barcelona, £1.3m, Maicon Roma, undiscl, Wayne Bridge Reading, free, Roque Santa Cruz Málaga, free, Kolo Touré Liverpool, free, Gareth Barry Everton, loan

Position: 5th 

Tottenham

Over $100m spent on players this season by Spurs. Villa-Boas has assembled an army capable of going toe-toe with any team. Questions will be asked of the impact of Bale's loss. Hopefully, someone from the new recruits will fill Bale's void. This Spurs side is quality. Unfortunately, one will have to wait till the second half of the season to see it.

Warning: Gel quickly or Fade out.

In Erik Lamela Roma, £30m, Roberto Soldado Valencia, £26m, Paulinho Corinthians, £17m, Christian Eriksen Ajax, £11.5m, Étienne Capoue T oulouse, £9m, Vlad Chiriches Steaua Bucharest, £8.5m, Nacer Chadli FC Twente, £7m

Out Gareth Bale Real Madrid, £86m, Steven Caulker Cardiff, £8m, Clint Dempsey Seattle Sounders, £6m, Tom Huddlestone Hull, £5m, Scott Parker Fulham, £2m. Benoît Assou-Ekotto QPR, loan, Tom Carroll QPR, loan

Position:6th
The Eventual League Table
1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Liverpool
4. Manchester United.
5. ManCity
6.Tottenham.

Bale is the Real Deal.

Gareth Bale has been presented to Real Madrid supporters following his world record £85.3m (100m euros) transfer from Tottenham.

The Wales forward received a rapturous reception after stepping out on stage in a dark suit in front of more than 20,000 fans at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Speaking in Spanish, the 24-year-old told fans: "It is a dream to be here in Madrid. Thank you for this welcome."

Bale was then paraded on the pitch wearing the number 11 shirt.

Bale's arrival in Madrid was so popular that fans had to have tickets to get into the Bernabeu

Bale, who scored 21 league goals for Tottenham last season, agreed a £300,000 per week, six-year deal with Real on Sunday evening and passed a medical on Monday morning.

Confirmation of the transfer, which eclipsed the £80m Real paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, followed a summer-long saga involving extensive negotiations between the player, Spurs and Real.

Real fans queued up outside the Bernabeu on Monday before flooding into the stadium to greet their new idol.

They wore replica shirts emblazoned with the player's name, waved scarves and chanted Bale's name during a 10-minute welcome speech from club president Florentino Perez.

"Bale is an exceptional player," said Perez. "The negotiations have been intense, complicated and prolonged, but finally we have achieved our aim and we are delighted to welcome him as part of our team."

Bale juggled a ball on the pitch before kicking several into the crowd

Addressing Bale directly, he added: "We are the most demanding club in the world but we will always be by your side.

"Many of the best players in the world have graced this pitch and you are now following in their footsteps.

"This is your stadium, this is your shirt, these are your supporters. From today on, this is your home and that of your entire family. Welcome to your team, welcome to Real Madrid."

After a short address in Spanish and English, Bale was joined on stage by his family, including baby daughter Alba Violet, for photographs, before heading off to change into his new kit.

Source: bbc.com

Kramnik wins 2013 Tromsø Chess World Cup

On Monday Vladimir Kramnik won the World Cup in Tromsø, Norway. The 14th World Champion easily held a draw with the black pieces — in fact when Dmitry Andreikin realized he was getting into trouble, he offered a draw on move 34.

Photos by Paul Truong

After 23 days of chess, and a tournament that started with 128 players from all over the world, the FIDE World Cup finally came to an end on Monday. Dmitry Andreikin needed to beat Vladimir Kramnik to force a tiebreak, but didn't manage to do so. In a much better position, Kramnik accepted his opponent's draw offer with a smile and became the winner of the 2013 World Cup. A deserved winner!

Andreikin's strategy for that last classical game made sense, and was somewhat similar to Garry Kasparov's opening choice in 1987 in Seville, when he needed to beat Anatoly Karpov to tie the match and keep his title. A quiet English opening (Kasparov also played 1.c4!), some manoeuvring, and trying to get something going.

Andreiking managed to get a lively position, and when he pushed his g-pawn he was quite optimistic, but Kramnik always felt comfortable and the computer agrees.

Source: chessvibes.com