Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League was embroidered with so many sub-texts, such as Jupp Heynckes’ Bayern farewell before handing over to Pep Guardiola, and the grudge match as Dortmund attempted to avenge their German Cup defeat from earlier this season. Perhaps most intriguingly of all, is the rumour that Bayern are planning an audacious swoop for Dortmund striker Robert Lewandoski.
Hatem Ben Arfa is one of many Newcastle United players who endured a season wrecked by issues with fitness and form. The mercurial Frenchman wowed Toon fans after an injury-affected start, but was unable to keep his momentum going into the 2012/13 season. As Newcastle try to redeem themselves from a shocker of a season, they will look to Ben Arfa for much of their creative spark – assuming of course they can hold on to him. Let’s have a look at why he is held in such high regard.
Before the heady days of Cristiano Ronaldo, or even David Beckham was something more artistic, and undoubtedly more than a bit insane. That something was Eric Cantona.The number 7 shirt has always been an iconic one for Man United, and his footballing abilities lit up the league, when he wasn’t embroiled in controversy. In many ways he is a pre-cursor to the likes of Luis Suarez.
Stoke’s former boss Tony Pulis will look back on this year with few fond memories. Expected to push on and finally challenge the top teams, his side instead regressed, flirting with relegation more suggestively than in previous seasons. He joins the long line of managers who built dynasties, before outstaying their welcome. Do Stoke risk joining the long line of clubs who assume the grass is greener, before being greeted by cold hard reality?
Brendan Rodgers’ much-heralded arrival at Anfield last summer was marketed as the return of Bill Shankly’s ghost by the more optimistic sections of the Liverpool support. Others saw him as the latest in a long line of managers good at working on a budget but unable to handle the pressures of a big club and the big chequebook that goes with it. Who was right?
One debate that has reached almost clichéd proportions in recent months is the characterisation of Tottenham as a one-man team – that one man, of course, being Gareth Bale. Spurs tasted the ultimate disappointment on the last day of the season, being beaten to fourth place by Arsenal, but it was only Bale’s last minute winner against Sunderland that left Arsenal needing those three points at Newcastle. So how much lower than fifth would they have finished without Gareth Bale’s 26 goals?
Jose Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid may be drawing to a close, and it seems to be coming to a suitably messy conclusion should that be the case. Atletico Madrid conquered their city rivals 2-1 in the Copa del Ray final. For it to be done in their own back yard will be nothing short of unforgivable for those attending the Bernabeu, and the Special One’s stock will have fallen ever further. His sending-off paints the picture of a man on the brink.
Bradford City’s long winter of discontent since relegation from the Premier League is finally at an end. Promotion from League One is not exactly the most box office of achievements, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. When you couple that with their remarkable run to the League Cup final, you would have to say that Bradford have had one of their most successful seasons. To put their recent achievements into context, let’s take a look at their steepest of declines.