Chelsea visit Arsenal on Sunday, having collected just one point this season from their five previous fixtures against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. According to Infostrada, if Chelsea fail to win, they will have recorded the lowest total in Premier League history in matches between these four clubs.
Premier League matches between Big Four – 2008/2009 season
Rank Club P W D L Pts F A
1 Liverpool 6 4 2 0 14 14 7
2 Arsenal 4 2 2 0 8 9 7
3 Manchester United 5 1 1 3 4 7 9
4 Chelsea 5 0 1 4 1 2 9
Least points in PL matches between Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United
# Club P W D L Season
1 Chelsea 5 0 1 4 2008/2009
3 Manchester United 6 1 0 5 2001/2002
3 Liverpool 6 1 0 5 2004/2005
4 Arsenal 6 1 1 4 1994/1995
4 Arsenal 6 1 1 4 1996/1997
4 Chelsea 6 1 1 4 1997/1998
4 Liverpool 6 0 4 2 1998/1999
4 Arsenal 6 1 1 4 2005/2006
4 Liverpool 6 1 1 4 2005/2006
4 Liverpool 6 0 4 2 2007/2008
4 Manchester United 5 1 1 3 2008/2009
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Alex Ferguson shouted five
Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 to reach the 2009 Champions League final. Alex Ferguson will lead a team out for the fifth time in a European final, a feat achieved by only eight head coaches before him.
Giovanni Trapattoni is the record holder with seven European finals as head coach of Juventus, Internazionale and AC Milan.
Trapattoni is also the only head coach to win five European finals, a record which Ferguson can equal on 27 May having been on the winning side of his four previous European finals as head coach.
Most European finals as head coach
# Name Nation European finals as head coach
7 Giovanni Trapattoni ITA Champions Cup 1983, 1985; Cup Winners’ Cup 1974, 1984; UEFA Cup 1977, 1992, 1993
5 Miguel Muñoz ESP Champions Cup 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966; Cup Winners’ Cup 1971
5 Ernst Happel AUT Champions Cup 1970, 1978, 1983; UEFA Cup 1976, 1982
5 Udo Lattek GER Champions Cup 1974, 1977, 1987; Cup Winners’ Cup 1982; UEFA Cup 1979
5 Raymond Goethals BEL Champions Cup/Champions League 1991, 1993; Cup Winners’ Cup 1977, 1978, 1982
5 Johan Cruijff NED Champions Cup/Champions League 1992, 1994; Cup Winners’ Cup 1987, 1989, 1991
5 Sven-Göran Eriksson SWE Champions Cup 1990; Cup Winners’ Cup 1999; UEFA Cup 1982, 1983, 1998
5 Marcello Lippi ITA Champions League 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003; UEFA Cup 1995
5 Alex Ferguson SCO Champions League 1999, 2008, 2009; Cup Winners’ Cup 1983, 1991
4 José Villalonga ESP Champions Cup 1956, 1957; Cup Winners’ Cup 1962, 1963
4 Helenio Herrera ITA Champions Cup 1964, 1965, 1967; Fairs Cup 1960
4 Don Revie ENG Cup Winners’ Cup 1973; Fairs Cup/UEFA Cup 1967, 1968, 1971
4 Nereo Rocco ITA Champions Cup 1963, 1969; Cup Winners’ Cup 1968, 1973
4 Bob Paisley ENG Champions Cup 1977, 1978, 1981; UEFA Cup 1976
4 Vujadin Boskov YUG Champions Cup 1981, 1992; Cup Winners’ Cup 1989, 1990
4 Ottmar Hitzfeld GER Champions League 1997, 1999, 2001; UEFA Cup 1993
Giovanni Trapattoni is the record holder with seven European finals as head coach of Juventus, Internazionale and AC Milan.
Trapattoni is also the only head coach to win five European finals, a record which Ferguson can equal on 27 May having been on the winning side of his four previous European finals as head coach.
Most European finals as head coach
# Name Nation European finals as head coach
7 Giovanni Trapattoni ITA Champions Cup 1983, 1985; Cup Winners’ Cup 1974, 1984; UEFA Cup 1977, 1992, 1993
5 Miguel Muñoz ESP Champions Cup 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966; Cup Winners’ Cup 1971
5 Ernst Happel AUT Champions Cup 1970, 1978, 1983; UEFA Cup 1976, 1982
5 Udo Lattek GER Champions Cup 1974, 1977, 1987; Cup Winners’ Cup 1982; UEFA Cup 1979
5 Raymond Goethals BEL Champions Cup/Champions League 1991, 1993; Cup Winners’ Cup 1977, 1978, 1982
5 Johan Cruijff NED Champions Cup/Champions League 1992, 1994; Cup Winners’ Cup 1987, 1989, 1991
5 Sven-Göran Eriksson SWE Champions Cup 1990; Cup Winners’ Cup 1999; UEFA Cup 1982, 1983, 1998
5 Marcello Lippi ITA Champions League 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003; UEFA Cup 1995
5 Alex Ferguson SCO Champions League 1999, 2008, 2009; Cup Winners’ Cup 1983, 1991
4 José Villalonga ESP Champions Cup 1956, 1957; Cup Winners’ Cup 1962, 1963
4 Helenio Herrera ITA Champions Cup 1964, 1965, 1967; Fairs Cup 1960
4 Don Revie ENG Cup Winners’ Cup 1973; Fairs Cup/UEFA Cup 1967, 1968, 1971
4 Nereo Rocco ITA Champions Cup 1963, 1969; Cup Winners’ Cup 1968, 1973
4 Bob Paisley ENG Champions Cup 1977, 1978, 1981; UEFA Cup 1976
4 Vujadin Boskov YUG Champions Cup 1981, 1992; Cup Winners’ Cup 1989, 1990
4 Ottmar Hitzfeld GER Champions League 1997, 1999, 2001; UEFA Cup 1993
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Federico Macheda profile: teenager able to score
On Sunday, 17-year-old Federico Macheda became the youngest goalscorer in this season's Premier League when he scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Aston Villa (3-2).
The previous youngest goalscorer this season was Macheda's teammate Danny Welbeck at 17 years and 355 days.
On 10 April 2005, Everton’s James Vaughan became the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League era at 16 years and 270 days.
Youngest goalscorers Premier League 2008/2009
Age Player Nation Date Match
17-226 Federico Macheda ITA 05 Apr 2009 Manchester United - Aston Villa 3-2
17-355 Danny Welbeck ENG 15 Nov 2008 Manchester United - Stoke City 5-0
18-122 Rafael BRA 08 Nov 2008 Arsenal - Manchester United 2-1
18-330 Dan Gosling ENG 28 Dec 2008 Everton - Sunderland 3-0
18-358 Daniel Sturridge ENG 24 Aug 2008 Manchester City - West Ham United 3-0
19-129 Junior Stanislas ENG 04 Apr 2009 West Ham United - Sunderland 2-0
19-216 Theo Walcott ENG 18 Oct 2008 Arsenal - Everton 3-1
19-268 Ched Evans WAL 21 Sep 2008 Manchester City - Portsmouth 6-0
19-336 David N'Gog FRA 03 Mar 2009 Liverpool - Sunderland 2-0
20-004 Andy Carroll ENG 10 Jan 2009 Newcastle United - West Ham United 2-2
The previous youngest goalscorer this season was Macheda's teammate Danny Welbeck at 17 years and 355 days.
On 10 April 2005, Everton’s James Vaughan became the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League era at 16 years and 270 days.
Youngest goalscorers Premier League 2008/2009
Age Player Nation Date Match
17-226 Federico Macheda ITA 05 Apr 2009 Manchester United - Aston Villa 3-2
17-355 Danny Welbeck ENG 15 Nov 2008 Manchester United - Stoke City 5-0
18-122 Rafael BRA 08 Nov 2008 Arsenal - Manchester United 2-1
18-330 Dan Gosling ENG 28 Dec 2008 Everton - Sunderland 3-0
18-358 Daniel Sturridge ENG 24 Aug 2008 Manchester City - West Ham United 3-0
19-129 Junior Stanislas ENG 04 Apr 2009 West Ham United - Sunderland 2-0
19-216 Theo Walcott ENG 18 Oct 2008 Arsenal - Everton 3-1
19-268 Ched Evans WAL 21 Sep 2008 Manchester City - Portsmouth 6-0
19-336 David N'Gog FRA 03 Mar 2009 Liverpool - Sunderland 2-0
20-004 Andy Carroll ENG 10 Jan 2009 Newcastle United - West Ham United 2-2
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Arsenal: the FA King
On Tuesday, Arsenal reached the semifinals of the FA Cup for a record ninth time since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992/1993. Nasri and company go for the 10th FA Cup in the history.
Chelsea and Ronaldo's United are in the semifinals for the eighth time and other semifinalist Everton are in their second appearance in the last four since 1992/1993.
Clubs with most FA Cup semifinal appearances – since 1992/1993
# Club Years
9 Arsenal 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
8 Manchester United 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
8 Chelsea 1994, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001
4 Newcastle United 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005
3 Sheffield United 1993, 1998, 2003
3 Liverpool 1996, 2001, 2006
3 Middlesbrough 1997, 2002, 2006
2 Aston Villa 1996, 2000
2 Watford 2003, 2007
2 Blackburn Rovers 2005, 2007
2 Everton 1995, 2009
Chelsea and Ronaldo's United are in the semifinals for the eighth time and other semifinalist Everton are in their second appearance in the last four since 1992/1993.
Clubs with most FA Cup semifinal appearances – since 1992/1993
# Club Years
9 Arsenal 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
8 Manchester United 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
8 Chelsea 1994, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001
4 Newcastle United 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005
3 Sheffield United 1993, 1998, 2003
3 Liverpool 1996, 2001, 2006
3 Middlesbrough 1997, 2002, 2006
2 Aston Villa 1996, 2000
2 Watford 2003, 2007
2 Blackburn Rovers 2005, 2007
2 Everton 1995, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wayne censured!: “I hate Liverpool”
Manchester United were forced last night to remove comments on their website in which Wayne Rooney, the United and former Everton forward, claimed that he “hates” Liverpool.
Rooney, who grew up supporting Everton, claimed that he would love nothing more than to prolong Liverpool’s 19-year wait for the league championship. “We’re in pole position in the title race and we know if we can beat Liverpool then that’ll more or less end their chances of winning the league,” Rooney said. “I’m very excited about the game because I grew up as an Everton fan hating Liverpool — and that hasn’t changed.”
Rooney, who grew up supporting Everton, claimed that he would love nothing more than to prolong Liverpool’s 19-year wait for the league championship. “We’re in pole position in the title race and we know if we can beat Liverpool then that’ll more or less end their chances of winning the league,” Rooney said. “I’m very excited about the game because I grew up as an Everton fan hating Liverpool — and that hasn’t changed.”
On Saturday, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to take on Premiership table leaders Manchester United, having beaten the Red Devils earlier this season 2-1 at Anfield Road. Liverpool can join Arsenal as the only team that has completed three double victories over Man Utd in the Premiership era.
Winning home and away against Manchester United within Premier League season (since 1992/1993)
Season Club Home Away
2007/2008 Manchester City 1-0 1-2
2006/2007 West Ham United 1-0 0-1
2006/2007 Arsenal 2-1 0-1
2005/2006 Blackburn Rovers 4-3 1-2
2004/2005 Chelsea 1-0 1-3
2001/2002 Arsenal 3-1 0-1
2001/2002 Liverpool 3-1 0-1
2000/2001 Liverpool 2-0 0-1
1997/1998 Arsenal 3-2 0-1
1993/1994 Chelsea 1-0 0-1
2006/2007 West Ham United 1-0 0-1
2006/2007 Arsenal 2-1 0-1
2005/2006 Blackburn Rovers 4-3 1-2
2004/2005 Chelsea 1-0 1-3
2001/2002 Arsenal 3-1 0-1
2001/2002 Liverpool 3-1 0-1
2000/2001 Liverpool 2-0 0-1
1997/1998 Arsenal 3-2 0-1
1993/1994 Chelsea 1-0 0-1
More Info: Times Online
Friday, February 27, 2009
Carling Cup Final preview: Manchester United – Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both play in their seventh League Cup final when they meet in the 2009 Carling Cup Final on Sunday, 1 March. Tottenham Hotspur are going for their fifth League Cup win in seven final appearances and Manchester United for their third.
After their win in 2008, Spurs could become the third team to win the League Cup in back-to-back years.
According to Infostrada Sports, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are the only teams to have previously won two League Cup finals in a row.
Most Carling Cup Final appearances
# Club Years
10 Liverpool 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2005
7 Aston Villa 1961, 1963, 1971, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996
7 Manchester United 1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2003, 2006, 2009
7 Tottenham Hotspur 1971, 1973, 1982, 1999, 2002, 2008, 2009
6 Nottingham Forest 1978, 1979, 1980, 1989, 1990, 1992
6 Arsenal 1968, 1969, 1987, 1988, 1993, 2007
5 Leicester City 1964, 1965, 1997, 1999, 2000
5 Chelsea 1965, 1972, 1998, 2005, 2007
4 Norwich City 1962, 1973, 1975, 1985
3 West Bromwich Albion 1966, 1967, 1970
3 Manchester City 1970, 1974, 1976
3 Middlesbrough 1997, 1998, 2004
Most Carling Cup Final wins # Club Years
7 Liverpool 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003
5 Aston Villa 1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996
4 Nottingham Forest 1978, 1979, 1989, 1990
4 Chelsea 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1971, 1973, 1999, 2008
3 Leicester City 1964, 1997, 2000
2 Manchester City 1970, 1976
2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1974, 1980
2 Norwich City 1962, 1985
2 Arsenal 1987, 1993
2 Manchester United 1992, 2006
Feel free to add live stream links...
After their win in 2008, Spurs could become the third team to win the League Cup in back-to-back years.
According to Infostrada Sports, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are the only teams to have previously won two League Cup finals in a row.
Most Carling Cup Final appearances
# Club Years
10 Liverpool 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2005
7 Aston Villa 1961, 1963, 1971, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996
7 Manchester United 1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2003, 2006, 2009
7 Tottenham Hotspur 1971, 1973, 1982, 1999, 2002, 2008, 2009
6 Nottingham Forest 1978, 1979, 1980, 1989, 1990, 1992
6 Arsenal 1968, 1969, 1987, 1988, 1993, 2007
5 Leicester City 1964, 1965, 1997, 1999, 2000
5 Chelsea 1965, 1972, 1998, 2005, 2007
4 Norwich City 1962, 1973, 1975, 1985
3 West Bromwich Albion 1966, 1967, 1970
3 Manchester City 1970, 1974, 1976
3 Middlesbrough 1997, 1998, 2004
Most Carling Cup Final wins # Club Years
7 Liverpool 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003
5 Aston Villa 1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996
4 Nottingham Forest 1978, 1979, 1989, 1990
4 Chelsea 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1971, 1973, 1999, 2008
3 Leicester City 1964, 1997, 2000
2 Manchester City 1970, 1976
2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1974, 1980
2 Norwich City 1962, 1985
2 Arsenal 1987, 1993
2 Manchester United 1992, 2006
Feel free to add live stream links...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Is any team able to defeat Manchester United?
Manchester United drew 0-0 at Internazionale on Tuesday, to increase their unbeaten Champions League run to 20 matches and break the record they shared with Ajax and Bayern München.
The last team to beat Manchester United in the Champions League was AC Milan in the 2006/2007 semifinal second leg.
Longest undefeated streaks in Champions League
# Club Start date Won Drawn Match that ended streak
20 Manchester United 19 Sep 2007 11 9 Still running
19 Ajax 14 Sep 1994 14 5 Ajax – Panathinaikos (03 Apr 1996) 0-1
19 Bayern München 14 Mar 2001 13 6 Real Madrid - Bayern München (10 Apr 2002) 2-0
16 Manchester United 23 Oct 2001 10 6 Maccabi Haifa - Manchester United (29 Oct 2002) 3-0
16 Manchester United 04 Mar 1998 7 9 Olympique Marseille - Manchester United (19 Oct 1999) 1-0
15 FC Barcelona 14 Sep 2005 10 5 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (18 Oct 2006) 1-0
14 FC Barcelona 01 May 2002 11 3 FC Barcelona - Juventus (22 Apr 2003) 1-2
14 FC Barcelona 25 Nov 1998 10 4 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (05 Apr 2000) 3-1
14 Olympique Lyon 08 Dec 2004 10 4 AC Milan - Olympique Lyon (04 Apr 2006) 3-1
14 Liverpool 08 Dec 2004 8 6 Benfica - Liverpool (21 Feb 2006) 1-0
The last team to beat Manchester United in the Champions League was AC Milan in the 2006/2007 semifinal second leg.
Longest undefeated streaks in Champions League
# Club Start date Won Drawn Match that ended streak
20 Manchester United 19 Sep 2007 11 9 Still running
19 Ajax 14 Sep 1994 14 5 Ajax – Panathinaikos (03 Apr 1996) 0-1
19 Bayern München 14 Mar 2001 13 6 Real Madrid - Bayern München (10 Apr 2002) 2-0
16 Manchester United 23 Oct 2001 10 6 Maccabi Haifa - Manchester United (29 Oct 2002) 3-0
16 Manchester United 04 Mar 1998 7 9 Olympique Marseille - Manchester United (19 Oct 1999) 1-0
15 FC Barcelona 14 Sep 2005 10 5 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (18 Oct 2006) 1-0
14 FC Barcelona 01 May 2002 11 3 FC Barcelona - Juventus (22 Apr 2003) 1-2
14 FC Barcelona 25 Nov 1998 10 4 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (05 Apr 2000) 3-1
14 Olympique Lyon 08 Dec 2004 10 4 AC Milan - Olympique Lyon (04 Apr 2006) 3-1
14 Liverpool 08 Dec 2004 8 6 Benfica - Liverpool (21 Feb 2006) 1-0
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Inter Milan - Manchester United: Berbatov´s Euro Dream
Dimitar Berbatov is confident of fulfilling his dream of winning the Champions League, despite United being up against one of the best teams in the competition.
The Reds face Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in their last 16 tie, the first leg of which takes place at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Like United, Inter are currently riding high in their domestic league and remain on course for a fourth successive Serie A title.
Berbatov is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the Italian champions as he aims to move a step closer to realising his European dream.
"I came here to win the Champions League," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
"Manchester United are capable of doing that again. We have the team and the players.
"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday. But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."
Source: Man Utd Press
The Reds face Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in their last 16 tie, the first leg of which takes place at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Like United, Inter are currently riding high in their domestic league and remain on course for a fourth successive Serie A title.
Berbatov is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the Italian champions as he aims to move a step closer to realising his European dream.
"I came here to win the Champions League," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
"Manchester United are capable of doing that again. We have the team and the players.
"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday. But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."
Source: Man Utd Press
Friday, February 20, 2009
Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund go for Manchester United
Today, Schalke 04 host Borussia Dortmund in the 74th league edition of the highly anticipated Revierderby. This marks the showcase of arguably the most football crazy region in all of Europe, since both clubs rank among the top six in Europe when it comes to average attendance per league home match.
Borussia Dortmund draw 72,400 spectators to each home match and on a European level rank second only to England’s Manchester United, according to Infostrada Sports.
Schalke 04, averaging well over 61,000 spectators each home match, are ranked sixth in Europe.
Highest average attendance per 2008/2009 domestic league home match – European clubs
Avg Team Stadium Competition Spectators Matches
75,280 Manchester United Old Trafford Premier League (ENG) 828,076 11
72,400 Borussia Dortmund Signal Iduna Park Bundesliga (GER) 796,404 11
71,958 Real Madrid Bernabéu Liga BBVA (ESP) 863,500 12
69,000 Bayern München Allianz-Arena Bundesliga (GER) 621,000 9
66,384 FC Barcelona Camp Nou Liga BBVA (ESP) 796,604 12
61,496 Schalke 04 Veltins-Arena Bundesliga (GER) 553,465 9
60,010 Arsenal Emirates Stadium Premier League (ENG) 720,115 12
58,150 AC Milan San Siro Serie A TIM (ITA) 697,794 12
57,319 Celtic Celtic Park Premier League (SCO) 745,151 13
54,858 Hamburger SV HSH Nordbank Arena Bundesliga (GER) 548,584 10
Borussia Dortmund draw 72,400 spectators to each home match and on a European level rank second only to England’s Manchester United, according to Infostrada Sports.
Schalke 04, averaging well over 61,000 spectators each home match, are ranked sixth in Europe.
Highest average attendance per 2008/2009 domestic league home match – European clubs
Avg Team Stadium Competition Spectators Matches
75,280 Manchester United Old Trafford Premier League (ENG) 828,076 11
72,400 Borussia Dortmund Signal Iduna Park Bundesliga (GER) 796,404 11
71,958 Real Madrid Bernabéu Liga BBVA (ESP) 863,500 12
69,000 Bayern München Allianz-Arena Bundesliga (GER) 621,000 9
66,384 FC Barcelona Camp Nou Liga BBVA (ESP) 796,604 12
61,496 Schalke 04 Veltins-Arena Bundesliga (GER) 553,465 9
60,010 Arsenal Emirates Stadium Premier League (ENG) 720,115 12
58,150 AC Milan San Siro Serie A TIM (ITA) 697,794 12
57,319 Celtic Celtic Park Premier League (SCO) 745,151 13
54,858 Hamburger SV HSH Nordbank Arena Bundesliga (GER) 548,584 10
Friday, February 13, 2009
Ryan Giggs: The Immortal
On Sunday, 8 February, Ryan Giggs scored the winning goal in Manchester United’s 1-0 win at West Ham United. It was Giggs’ first goal in the 2008/2009 Premier League season.
Giggs has now scored at least one goal in 17 different Premier League seasons.
This makes Giggs the only player to have scored in every Premier League season since its inception in the 1992/1993 season, according to Infostrada.
The only player who comes close to Giggs is Gary Speed, who scored in 16 Premier League seasons. However, he currently plays for First Division side Sheffield United and will not add to his total this season.
Paul Scholes (Manchester United) and Nicky Butt (Newcastle United) are still to score in this Premier League season.
Most Premier League seasons with at least one goal scored - Players
# Name Nation Club (# PL seasons for club while scoring)
17 Ryan Giggs WAL Manchester United (17)
16 Gary Speed WAL Leeds United (4), Everton (2), Newcastle United (7), Bolton Wanderers (4)
14 Dwight Yorke TRI Aston Villa (6), Manchester United (4), Blackburn Rovers (2), Birmingham City (1), Sunderland (1)
14 Alan Shearer ENG Blackburn Rovers (4), Newcastle United (10)
14 Andy Cole ENG Newcastle United (2), Manchester United (8), Blackburn Rovers (3), Fulham (1), Manchester City (1), Portsmouth (1)
14 Paul Scholes ENG Manchester United (14)
14 Robbie Fowler ENG Liverpool (11), Leeds United (2), Manchester City (4)
14 Teddy Sheringham ENG Nottingham Forest (1), Tottenham Hotspur (7), Manchester United (4), Portsmouth (1), West Ham United (2)
13 Nicky Butt ENG Manchester United (9), Newcastle United (3), Birmingham City (1)
13 Kevin Campbell ENG Arsenal (3), Nottingham Forest (2), Everton (6), West Bromwich Albion (2)
13 Les Ferdinand ENG QPR (3), Newcastle United (2), Tottenham Hotspur (6), West Ham United (1), Leicester City (1), Bolton Wanderers (1)
13 Emile Heskey ENG Leicester City (4), Liverpool (5), Birmingham City (2), Wigan Athletic (3), Aston Villa (1)
Giggs has now scored at least one goal in 17 different Premier League seasons.
This makes Giggs the only player to have scored in every Premier League season since its inception in the 1992/1993 season, according to Infostrada.
The only player who comes close to Giggs is Gary Speed, who scored in 16 Premier League seasons. However, he currently plays for First Division side Sheffield United and will not add to his total this season.
Paul Scholes (Manchester United) and Nicky Butt (Newcastle United) are still to score in this Premier League season.
Most Premier League seasons with at least one goal scored - Players
# Name Nation Club (# PL seasons for club while scoring)
17 Ryan Giggs WAL Manchester United (17)
16 Gary Speed WAL Leeds United (4), Everton (2), Newcastle United (7), Bolton Wanderers (4)
14 Dwight Yorke TRI Aston Villa (6), Manchester United (4), Blackburn Rovers (2), Birmingham City (1), Sunderland (1)
14 Alan Shearer ENG Blackburn Rovers (4), Newcastle United (10)
14 Andy Cole ENG Newcastle United (2), Manchester United (8), Blackburn Rovers (3), Fulham (1), Manchester City (1), Portsmouth (1)
14 Paul Scholes ENG Manchester United (14)
14 Robbie Fowler ENG Liverpool (11), Leeds United (2), Manchester City (4)
14 Teddy Sheringham ENG Nottingham Forest (1), Tottenham Hotspur (7), Manchester United (4), Portsmouth (1), West Ham United (2)
13 Nicky Butt ENG Manchester United (9), Newcastle United (3), Birmingham City (1)
13 Kevin Campbell ENG Arsenal (3), Nottingham Forest (2), Everton (6), West Bromwich Albion (2)
13 Les Ferdinand ENG QPR (3), Newcastle United (2), Tottenham Hotspur (6), West Ham United (1), Leicester City (1), Bolton Wanderers (1)
13 Emile Heskey ENG Leicester City (4), Liverpool (5), Birmingham City (2), Wigan Athletic (3), Aston Villa (1)
Note: The total number of Premier League seasons with at least one goal scored can differ when divided among the separate clubs as a player can score for more than one club in each PL season due to in-season transfers.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Chelsea seems to be the champion… of the year
Chelsea lead the FA Premiership table for the 2008 calendar year, having accumulated 86 points in 38 league matches since January 1st. according to Infostrada, the Blues have finished ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Premier League ranking 2008 calendar year
Rank Club Played Won Drawn Lost Points Goals Diff.
1 Chelsea 38 25 11 2 86 74 - 20 54
2 Liverpool 39 24 12 3 84 69 - 29 40
3 Manchester United 36 24 8 4 80 72 - 21 51
4 Arsenal 38 20 11 7 71 67 - 38 29
5 Aston Villa 38 18 11 9 65 69 - 47 22
6 Everton 38 18 10 10 64 47 - 36 11
7 Wigan Athletic 37 14 10 13 52 38 - 36 2
8 Portsmouth 38 14 7 17 49 40 - 53 -13
9 Fulham 37 12 11 14 47 35 - 39 -4
10 Blackburn Rovers 38 11 13 14 46 45 - 56 -11
11 West Ham United 39 12 9 18 45 41 - 61 -20
12 Sunderland 38 13 5 20 44 37 - 49 -12
13 Bolton Wanderers 38 12 7 19 43 36 - 50 -14
14 Tottenham Hotspur 38 10 12 16 42 45 - 50 -5
15 Middlesbrough 38 10 12 16 42 42 - 49 -7
16 Manchester City 38 11 8 19 41 56 - 61 -5
17 Newcastle United 38 9 12 17 39 44 - 66 -22
18 Hull City 20 7 6 7 27 28 – 37 -9
19 Stoke City 20 5 5 10 20 18 - 33 -15
20 West Bromwich Albion 20 5 3 12 18 16 - 35 -19
21 Birmingham City 18 3 7 8 16 24 - 31 -7
22 Reading 18 4 2 12 14 12 - 24 -12
23 Derby County 18 0 4 14 4 10 - 44 -34
Premier League ranking 2008 calendar year
Rank Club Played Won Drawn Lost Points Goals Diff.
1 Chelsea 38 25 11 2 86 74 - 20 54
2 Liverpool 39 24 12 3 84 69 - 29 40
3 Manchester United 36 24 8 4 80 72 - 21 51
4 Arsenal 38 20 11 7 71 67 - 38 29
5 Aston Villa 38 18 11 9 65 69 - 47 22
6 Everton 38 18 10 10 64 47 - 36 11
7 Wigan Athletic 37 14 10 13 52 38 - 36 2
8 Portsmouth 38 14 7 17 49 40 - 53 -13
9 Fulham 37 12 11 14 47 35 - 39 -4
10 Blackburn Rovers 38 11 13 14 46 45 - 56 -11
11 West Ham United 39 12 9 18 45 41 - 61 -20
12 Sunderland 38 13 5 20 44 37 - 49 -12
13 Bolton Wanderers 38 12 7 19 43 36 - 50 -14
14 Tottenham Hotspur 38 10 12 16 42 45 - 50 -5
15 Middlesbrough 38 10 12 16 42 42 - 49 -7
16 Manchester City 38 11 8 19 41 56 - 61 -5
17 Newcastle United 38 9 12 17 39 44 - 66 -22
18 Hull City 20 7 6 7 27 28 – 37 -9
19 Stoke City 20 5 5 10 20 18 - 33 -15
20 West Bromwich Albion 20 5 3 12 18 16 - 35 -19
21 Birmingham City 18 3 7 8 16 24 - 31 -7
22 Reading 18 4 2 12 14 12 - 24 -12
23 Derby County 18 0 4 14 4 10 - 44 -34
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Liverpool at Christmas
Liverpool are the 2008/2009 FA Premiership table leaders at Christmas time, making them the frontrunners on December 25th for the 16th time in league history, equalling Manchester United’s English top flight record.
The Reds are the leaders at Christmas for the first time since 1996/1997, according to Infostrada. From the previous 15 times they led the way on 25 December, they have gone on to win the league title on 10 occasions. The last time they accomplished that feat was in 1987/1988.
Most often leading English top flight at Christmas
# Club
16 Liverpool
16 Manchester United
12 Arsenal
9 Everton
5 Aston Villa
4 Blackburn Rovers
4 Burnley
4 Newcastle United
4 West Bromwich Albion
4 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Seasons in which Liverpool led English top flight table at Christmas
Season P W D L Pts GF GA Final rank
2008/2009 18 11 6 1 39 27 12 TBD
1996/1997 19 11 5 3 38 36 18 4th
1990/1991 17 14 2 1 44 37 14 2nd
1987/1988 19 14 5 0 47 44 11 1st
1983/1984 18 11 4 3 37 31 13 1st
1982/1983 19 12 4 3 40 45 17 1st
1980/1981 23 11 10 2 32 46 27 5th
1979/1980 20 12 6 2 30 45 14 1st
1978/1979 20 14 3 3 31 44 9 1st
1972/1973 23 14 6 3 34 45 26 1st
1968/1969 25 17 4 4 38 44 14 2nd
1965/1966 22 14 4 4 32 48 20 1st
1949/1950 22 11 9 2 31 40 23 8th
1922/1923 21 15 1 5 31 46 21 1st
1921/1922 20 9 9 2 27 29 18 1st
1905/1906 19 12 2 5 26 44 29 1st
The Reds are the leaders at Christmas for the first time since 1996/1997, according to Infostrada. From the previous 15 times they led the way on 25 December, they have gone on to win the league title on 10 occasions. The last time they accomplished that feat was in 1987/1988.
Most often leading English top flight at Christmas
# Club
16 Liverpool
16 Manchester United
12 Arsenal
9 Everton
5 Aston Villa
4 Blackburn Rovers
4 Burnley
4 Newcastle United
4 West Bromwich Albion
4 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Seasons in which Liverpool led English top flight table at Christmas
Season P W D L Pts GF GA Final rank
2008/2009 18 11 6 1 39 27 12 TBD
1996/1997 19 11 5 3 38 36 18 4th
1990/1991 17 14 2 1 44 37 14 2nd
1987/1988 19 14 5 0 47 44 11 1st
1983/1984 18 11 4 3 37 31 13 1st
1982/1983 19 12 4 3 40 45 17 1st
1980/1981 23 11 10 2 32 46 27 5th
1979/1980 20 12 6 2 30 45 14 1st
1978/1979 20 14 3 3 31 44 9 1st
1972/1973 23 14 6 3 34 45 26 1st
1968/1969 25 17 4 4 38 44 14 2nd
1965/1966 22 14 4 4 32 48 20 1st
1949/1950 22 11 9 2 31 40 23 8th
1922/1923 21 15 1 5 31 46 21 1st
1921/1922 20 9 9 2 27 29 18 1st
1905/1906 19 12 2 5 26 44 29 1st
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Manchester United unbeaten streak reached 19 matches: They go for a new record
On Wednesday, Manchester United drew AaB 2-2 at home, bringing their Champions League unbeaten streak to 19 matches.
United join Ajax and Bayern München for most successive matches in the CL without a defeat.
AC Milan are the last team that beat Manchester (02 May 2007).
Milan won in the semifinal of the 2006/2007 CL replay at home against Manchester (3-0).
According to Infostrada, the Red Devils also recorded two streaks of 16 matches without a defeat earlier.
Longest undefeated streaks in Champions League
# Club Start date W D Match that ended streak
19 Manchester United 19 Sep 2007 11 8 Still running
19 Ajax 14 Sep 1994 14 5 Ajax - Panathinaikos (03 Apr 1996) 0-1
19 Bayern München 14 Mar 2001 13 6 Real Madrid - Bayern München (10 Apr 2002) 2-0
16 Manchester United 04 Mar 1998 7 9 Olympique Marseille - Manchester United (19 Oct 1999) 1-0
16 Manchester United 23 Oct 2001 10 6 Maccabi Haifa - Manchester United (29 Oct 2002) 3-0
15 FC Barcelona 14 Sep 2005 10 5 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (18 Oct 2006) 1-0
14 FC Barcelona 25 Nov 1998 10 4 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (05 Apr 2000) 3-1
14 FC Barcelona 01 May 2002 11 3 FC Barcelona - Juventus (22 Apr 2003) 1-2
14 Liverpool 08 Dec 2004 8 6 Benfica - Liverpool (21 Feb 2006) 1-0
14 Olympique Lyon 08 Dec 2004 10 4 AC Milan - Olympique Lyon (04 Apr 2006) 3-1
Friday, December 5, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo named European Footballer of the Year by France Football, as Eusebio and Figo
Cristiano Ronaldo was named European Footballer of the Year for 2008 by France Football magazine on Tuesday. He is the third Portuguese player to win this award and the first English-based player since Michael Owen in 2001.
According to Infostrada, Cristiano Ronaldo is the fourth Manchester United player to be named European Footballer of the Year and the first United player to win for 40 years.
Portuguese players winning the European Player of the Year award
Year Name Club
According to Infostrada, Cristiano Ronaldo is the fourth Manchester United player to be named European Footballer of the Year and the first United player to win for 40 years.
Portuguese players winning the European Player of the Year award
Year Name Club
2008 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
2000 Luis Figo Real Madrid
1965 Eusébio Benfica
English-based players winning the European Player of the Year award
Year Name Nation Club
2000 Luis Figo Real Madrid
1965 Eusébio Benfica
English-based players winning the European Player of the Year award
Year Name Nation Club
2008 Cristiano Ronaldo POR Manchester United
2001 Michael Owen ENG Liverpool
1968 George Best NIR Manchester United
1966 Bobby Charlton ENG Manchester United
1964 Denis Law SCO Manchester United
1956 Stanley Matthews ENG Blackpool
Friday, October 24, 2008
Rafael Benitez searching for his first win against Big Four clubs
Liverpool has not won in all 12 Premier League visits to the other Big Four sides since Rafael Benitez became manager.
According to Infostrada, since June 2004, they have picked up only two points from a possible 36 on the road against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and have scored only four Premier League away goals in this time.
Liverpool’s Premier League away record at the other Big Four clubs under Rafael Benitez
Club P W D L GF GA Pts
Chelsea 4 0 1 3 0 4 1
Arsenal 4 0 1 3 3 9 1
Manchester United 4 0 0 4 1 8 0
Total 12 0 2 10 4 21 2
According to Infostrada, since June 2004, they have picked up only two points from a possible 36 on the road against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and have scored only four Premier League away goals in this time.
Liverpool’s Premier League away record at the other Big Four clubs under Rafael Benitez
Club P W D L GF GA Pts
Chelsea 4 0 1 3 0 4 1
Arsenal 4 0 1 3 3 9 1
Manchester United 4 0 0 4 1 8 0
Total 12 0 2 10 4 21 2
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Manchester United – Celtic FC preview: Celts look forward to facing European champions
Tradition dictates that tomorrow night’s UEFA Champions League meeting of the reigning Scottish and English champions should make for an entertaining and eventful evening.
But despite the proud custom of attacking football embraced by both Celtic and Manchester United, Gordon Strachan is well aware of the pitfalls that this Group E encounter at Old Trafford will hold.
Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference in Manchester, the Celtic manager was fulsome in his praise of the UEFA Champions League holders, explaining that they were an improved outfit from the one that his team met two years ago in the same competition.
Those encounters turned out to be classics, with United winning 3-2 at home and Shunsuke Nakamura scoring the only goal of the game in an unforgettable tie at Celtic Park.
“The traditions of the clubs say that we have to try and entertain and attack,” Gordon Strachan said. “We will do our best, but a lot of teams come here and say that and the traffic always seems to go the one way.
“You come with great intentions when you come here and I’ve seen people say that teams sit in when they come here. No they don’t, they just can’t get out, there’s a big difference.
“We are going to play the best team in Europe, they are the champions of England, the champions of Europe and that tells you that they are the best team in Europe, with some of the best players in the world.
“The players know what’s coming and we are looking forward to the challenge. A lot of them were here two years ago, so they know what to expect. They enjoyed the experience two years ago and you can only enjoy the experience if you perform well and are happy with your contribution.”
The United squad list reads like a current ‘who’s who’ of world football, with the prodigiously gifted Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
Celtic FC Press
But despite the proud custom of attacking football embraced by both Celtic and Manchester United, Gordon Strachan is well aware of the pitfalls that this Group E encounter at Old Trafford will hold.
Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference in Manchester, the Celtic manager was fulsome in his praise of the UEFA Champions League holders, explaining that they were an improved outfit from the one that his team met two years ago in the same competition.
Those encounters turned out to be classics, with United winning 3-2 at home and Shunsuke Nakamura scoring the only goal of the game in an unforgettable tie at Celtic Park.
“The traditions of the clubs say that we have to try and entertain and attack,” Gordon Strachan said. “We will do our best, but a lot of teams come here and say that and the traffic always seems to go the one way.
“You come with great intentions when you come here and I’ve seen people say that teams sit in when they come here. No they don’t, they just can’t get out, there’s a big difference.
“We are going to play the best team in Europe, they are the champions of England, the champions of Europe and that tells you that they are the best team in Europe, with some of the best players in the world.
“The players know what’s coming and we are looking forward to the challenge. A lot of them were here two years ago, so they know what to expect. They enjoyed the experience two years ago and you can only enjoy the experience if you perform well and are happy with your contribution.”
The United squad list reads like a current ‘who’s who’ of world football, with the prodigiously gifted Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
Celtic FC Press
Monday, September 29, 2008
Aalborg - Manchester United: historical visit
Aalborg are the first Danish side to enjoy a second bite of the Champions League cherry, having previously made it through to the European top table in 1995/96. It proved to be a baptism of fire, as they lost their first five matches against Dynamo Kiev, Porto and Nantes before earning their first ever CL point with a 2-2 draw against the Portuguese champions. The Danes have had recent European experience, though. They won one only game in last year’s UEFA Cup group stage, but gave Spurs a huge fright at ‘The Lane’ by taking a two-goal advantage before losing 3-2.
Andreas Johansson has the dubious honour of being the last player to be sent off at Highbury… and that was without touching the ball after coming on as a substitute for Wigan! An attacking midfielder, Johansson wasn’t a hit with everyone at the JJB Stadium and scored just four goals in 29 games, but he’s proved a handful for Danish defences since arriving last summer. Most dangerous when given time to create, Johansson is also a handy ball-winner in the centre of the park. He enjoyed his best spell as a player in his native Sweden with Djurgardens, where he won two titles and a Swedish Cup.
A familar face... Bruce Rioch. The former Arsenal and Bolton manager (to name just a couple) took over the reins at AaB in July after Erik Hamren switched Scandinavian allegiances to join Norway’s Rosenborg BK. But what’s Bruce doing in Denmark? Well, it’s not his first stint in the country – he was in charge at Odense for 20 months until his wife’s illness forced him to resign in March 2007. While there he enjoyed a win over Hibernian in the third round of the Intertoto Cup in 2006.
American defender Danny Califf led Aalborg to their first Danish title in nine years. But he subsequently signed for FC Midtjylland, leaving the captain’s armband behind for Thomas Augustinussen. A striker in his formative years, Augustinussen has real aerial presence (he stands 6’ 4” tall) and scored five goals in his 20 games for Denmark’s Under-21 team. He has since dropped back into central.
Andreas Johansson has the dubious honour of being the last player to be sent off at Highbury… and that was without touching the ball after coming on as a substitute for Wigan! An attacking midfielder, Johansson wasn’t a hit with everyone at the JJB Stadium and scored just four goals in 29 games, but he’s proved a handful for Danish defences since arriving last summer. Most dangerous when given time to create, Johansson is also a handy ball-winner in the centre of the park. He enjoyed his best spell as a player in his native Sweden with Djurgardens, where he won two titles and a Swedish Cup.
A familar face... Bruce Rioch. The former Arsenal and Bolton manager (to name just a couple) took over the reins at AaB in July after Erik Hamren switched Scandinavian allegiances to join Norway’s Rosenborg BK. But what’s Bruce doing in Denmark? Well, it’s not his first stint in the country – he was in charge at Odense for 20 months until his wife’s illness forced him to resign in March 2007. While there he enjoyed a win over Hibernian in the third round of the Intertoto Cup in 2006.
American defender Danny Califf led Aalborg to their first Danish title in nine years. But he subsequently signed for FC Midtjylland, leaving the captain’s armband behind for Thomas Augustinussen. A striker in his formative years, Augustinussen has real aerial presence (he stands 6’ 4” tall) and scored five goals in his 20 games for Denmark’s Under-21 team. He has since dropped back into central.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Manchester United – Villarreal: Cristiano Ronaldo is back
The 23-year-old winger is well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and will make an appearance of some sort – most likely as a substitute – when the Reds take on the Spaniards in Wednesday’s Champions League Group E opener at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Cristiano Ronaldo has no cause to win United’s fans over after a summer which saw the player heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. The Reds boss instead has praised the player's maturity as he prepares to return from an ankle injury against Villarreal on Wednesday.
Real Madrid’s public pursuit of Ronaldo throughout the summer brought matters to a head when Sir Alex met with the Portuguese international during pre-season. The United boss insists that is where the matter ended, and now predicts a welcome return from the Old Trafford faithful.
“I don’t think [he has to win the fans over],” Sir Alex said on Tuesday. “I think our fans understand the situation. He’s a young man who was tempted by the lure of money, but since we gave him our decision he has accepted it.
“He said that he’d like to go to Real Madrid. When I had the meeting with him, that was it finished. He understood my position and the club’s position. He has accepted it and got on with it like a professional. There has not been a problem since.”
Ronaldo has thrown himself at his recovery from the surgery he underwent in July with the same dedication he has to developing his raw skill into world football's most sought-after talent during five years with the Reds.
“His training and rehabilitation has been fantastic,” said Sir Alex. “Every day, right through till five o’clock, he has shown a real determination to get back playing for us.
“He is such a massive player for us,” said Carlos Tevez. “He is a great person to have on your side. It’s almost like having an extra player when he is playing for you because he is such a danger to our opponents. It will be a big boost to have him back.”
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Cristiano Ronaldo has no cause to win United’s fans over after a summer which saw the player heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. The Reds boss instead has praised the player's maturity as he prepares to return from an ankle injury against Villarreal on Wednesday.
Real Madrid’s public pursuit of Ronaldo throughout the summer brought matters to a head when Sir Alex met with the Portuguese international during pre-season. The United boss insists that is where the matter ended, and now predicts a welcome return from the Old Trafford faithful.
“I don’t think [he has to win the fans over],” Sir Alex said on Tuesday. “I think our fans understand the situation. He’s a young man who was tempted by the lure of money, but since we gave him our decision he has accepted it.
“He said that he’d like to go to Real Madrid. When I had the meeting with him, that was it finished. He understood my position and the club’s position. He has accepted it and got on with it like a professional. There has not been a problem since.”
Ronaldo has thrown himself at his recovery from the surgery he underwent in July with the same dedication he has to developing his raw skill into world football's most sought-after talent during five years with the Reds.
“His training and rehabilitation has been fantastic,” said Sir Alex. “Every day, right through till five o’clock, he has shown a real determination to get back playing for us.
“He is such a massive player for us,” said Carlos Tevez. “He is a great person to have on your side. It’s almost like having an extra player when he is playing for you because he is such a danger to our opponents. It will be a big boost to have him back.”
Friday, September 12, 2008
Liverpool - Manchester United at Anfield: will Red Devils streak continue?
Manchester United travel to Liverpool on Saturday, 13 September, knowing they have a better record at Anfield than any other Premier League team in recent seasons.
Manchester United is unbeaten in their last six Premier League visits to Anfield, winning five times.
Since the start of the 2002/2003 season they have the best record at Liverpool of all Premier League teams and are the only team to remain unbeaten, according to Infostrada.
In total, Liverpool has played 115 home Premier League matches since the start of the 2002/2003 season, losing only 13 (five of which to Manchester United).
Top five Premier League records at Anfield since 2002/2003 season
Club P W D L Pts GF GA
1 Manchester United 6 5 1 0 16 7 2
2 Chelsea 6 3 1 2 10 8 6
3 Birmingham City 5 1 3 1 6 5 6
4 Charlton Athletic 5 1 2 2 5 4 6
5 Arsenal 6 1 2 3 5 7 11
Manchester United is unbeaten in their last six Premier League visits to Anfield, winning five times.
Since the start of the 2002/2003 season they have the best record at Liverpool of all Premier League teams and are the only team to remain unbeaten, according to Infostrada.
In total, Liverpool has played 115 home Premier League matches since the start of the 2002/2003 season, losing only 13 (five of which to Manchester United).
Top five Premier League records at Anfield since 2002/2003 season
Club P W D L Pts GF GA
1 Manchester United 6 5 1 0 16 7 2
2 Chelsea 6 3 1 2 10 8 6
3 Birmingham City 5 1 3 1 6 5 6
4 Charlton Athletic 5 1 2 2 5 4 6
5 Arsenal 6 1 2 3 5 7 11
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
La Masía: Barcelona academy is outstanding in Europe
FC Barcelona’s current first team squad has 10 players who learnt their football in the club’s academy: Xavi, Bojan, Puyol, Iniesta, Messi, Valdés, Jorquera, Piqué, Pedro and Victor Sánchez. That’s a pretty impressive figure in its own right and compares extremely favorably with recent winners of Europe’s top leagues.
Bayern Munich with Kraft, Lahm, Lell, Ottl, Schweinsteiger, Kross and Rensing; Real Madrid with Casillas, Guti, Raul, Codina, Torres, Javi García and De la Red; and Olympique de Lyon with Hartock, Clerc, Kolodzieczak, Benzema, Mounier, Govou and Tafer, all have 7 academy players in their first team squads. Inter Milan only has three: Andrea Mei, Davide Santone and Francesco Bolzoni.
Manchester United are different as there are no limits on the number of players in first team squads in the EPL which means that reserves are constantly turning out for the first team. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has seven players playing on a regular basis who have come up through the ranks: Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea.
Bayern Munich with Kraft, Lahm, Lell, Ottl, Schweinsteiger, Kross and Rensing; Real Madrid with Casillas, Guti, Raul, Codina, Torres, Javi García and De la Red; and Olympique de Lyon with Hartock, Clerc, Kolodzieczak, Benzema, Mounier, Govou and Tafer, all have 7 academy players in their first team squads. Inter Milan only has three: Andrea Mei, Davide Santone and Francesco Bolzoni.
Manchester United are different as there are no limits on the number of players in first team squads in the EPL which means that reserves are constantly turning out for the first team. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has seven players playing on a regular basis who have come up through the ranks: Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea.
Thus Barça has a significant numerical superiority plus its 10 ex-academy players could virtually form a complete and very competitive line-up.
That’s because over recent years the Barça academy has produced top quality players in practically all positions, including great strikers such as Messi and Bojan, midfielders like Xavi, Iniesta and Victor Sánchez, and solid defenders such as Puyol and Piqué, ending with the security of Valdés and Jorquera between the sticks. How good they are is shown by the fact that 7 out of the 10 have been called up for the full Spain team (Xavi, Puyol, Iniesta and Bojan), Argentina, in the case of Leo Messi, and the under-21s, in the cases of Piqué and Pedro.
More info: www.fcbarcelona.com
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