Top 10 EPL Transfer Best Buys in 2011

As we close out the year in style with great fixtures and amazing upset results in 2011, we take a look back at the year to see which clubs made the right choices during the transfer season. Here's our top 10 transfers of the 2011 calendar year.


#1 - Demba Ba (Newcastle/Senegal)
Thanks to a smart release clause in his contract with West Ham, Demba Ba became a free agent after West Ham got relegated from the Premier League. Interestingly, Ba failed a physical at Stoke City before joining Newcastle United for a minimal fee on June 17, 2011. 

Since then, Ba has scored 14 league goals for the club in 19 games. Most notably, he scored a hat trick against Stoke City (where he failed a physical) and another hat trick against Blackburn Rovers. He was named in ESPN.com's Premier League Best XI for the first half of the season.


He is Footy Bozz's number one best buy in 2011.


#2 - Sergio Kun Aguero (Manchester City/Argentina)
When you consider how old Kun Aguero is (23 yrs), it's amazing how much he has achieved in his career. Bought for approximately $55 Million on July 28, 2011, Aguero has been an instant hit with fans and team mates for his work rate and attitude. 

Kun rubbished football pundit's assessment that he needed time to adjust to the league when he took only nine minutes to open his Premier League account against Swansea. Since then, he hasn't looked back, notching a total of 13 goals in 18 league games for Manchester City.

This Argentine who holds his country's record as the youngest player to play in the top division at 15 years and 35 days (previous record was held by his father-in-law, Diego Maradona), is just getting started in the EPL. He's our number 2 best buy in 2011.

#3 - Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Blackburn Rovers/Nigeria)

If Footy Bozz had to predict this list before the season started, Yakubu Aiyegbeni would not have made our top 20 picks. But here he is at number 3. Why?

Since signing a 3-year deal with Blackburn Rovers on August 31, 2011, the 'Yak' has scored 13 of Blackburn Rovers 28 goals this season (a whooping 46% of the Club's goals). 

He has been an instant hit with the Rovers fans and may be solely responsible for Steve Kean still keeping his job despite fans calling for his head. As he demonstrated on the last day of the year by scoring twice against Manchester United, Rovers fan will tell you to 'feed the Yak and he will score'.

#4 - Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham/Togo)

African Football of the Year in 2008, Adebayor should not be a surprise inclusion in any top 10 selection. However, what makes Adebayor's case special is the fact that he has been treated like a washed up striker not fit to lace his boots for parent club Manchester City.

After a successful loan spell last year with Spanish giants Real Madrid, Man City Manager Roberto Mancini ruled out a return for Adebayor and opted to stick with rebellious Carlos Tevez as his fourth striker. Tottenham quickly snapped up Adebayor on loan and have reaped the fruit of his labor since then. He's currently in the top 10 league scorers with 9 goals this season.

#5 - Luis Suraez (Liverpool/Uruguay)

If Luis Suarez had converted half of the chances he created this season, he would probably be sitting on top of our list as #1.

The current MVP of Copa America has lit up Anfield and the Kop since his arrival in January. While the goals have not quite been plentiful (5 goals in 17 matches), he has been the catalyst in Liverpool's pass and move attack. His combination with fellow fireball Craig Bellamy, is proving to be one to benefit Liverpool in the long run.

In the short term, Suarez is causing Liverpool some headache with his ongoing disciplinary issues with the English FA. Hopefully, focusing his time and effort on the pitch will erase all the controversy surrounding is status in the Premier League. He's one h*ll of a footballer!

#6 - Juan Mata (Chelsea/Spain)

On August 24, 2011, Chelsea signed Juan Mata to a five-year deal after buying his services from Spanish club Valencia for $35 Million. 17 games and 4 goals later, Mata is slowly becoming the playmaker Chelsea had hoped for.

Juan Mata's true potential may yet be ahead of us as he continues to adjust to a talented midfield that already has Club legend Frank Lampard, Brazilian International Ramirez, Portuguese International Raul Meireles among others. Mata is our number 6 best buy of the season

#7 - Gervinho (Arsenal/Ivory Coast)

In July 2011, Arsenal paid $16.5 Million to French Club Lille, for the services of their striker Gervinho. While his transfer was clouded in the Cesc Fabregas transfer dust and a red card in his first game, Gervinho has since settled at the Emirates.

Much like he's done for International compatriot, Didier Drogba, Gervinho has provided the necessary assistance to Robin Van Persie, who is having a phenomenal year as Arsenal's skipper. With more effort in the second half of the season, Gervinho will  be finding the net more often than he has in 2011.

#8 - Scott Parker (Tottenham/England)

When Scott Parker chose to go to Tottenham rather than return to former club Chelsea, I questioned his desire to appear at the highest European Summit (Champions League). In hindsight, Parker was absolutely spot on in going to play for Harry Redknapp's resurgent Spurs

He has firmly secured a starting role in the heart of Spurs midfield with Luka Modric and Sandro. Interestingly, Chelsea was more interested in signing Modric, but ended up losing both ways. Their loss is Redknapp's gain. His team has a commanding hold on the the # 3 spot on the league table, ahead of Chelsea. Scott Parker is a good reason why Harry can smile.

#9 - Darren Bent (Aston Villa/England)

Bent is not the most skillful #9 in the world, but he always gets the job done. From Charlton , to Tottenham, Sunderland and Aston Villa, Bent has always emerged each season with enough goals to justify his fee. 

While he hasn't featured in all Villa's matches this season, he's found a way to still score 6 goals and lead all scorers for his club. He makes our list of best buys in 2011.

#10 - Jose Enrique (Liverpool)

Footy Bozz is still not sure why this former Newcastle man is yet to get a call up to the Spanish National team. Whatever he needs to do, he has already done at Liverpool. Along with his fellow Spaniard Pepe Reina, Enrique has been the most reliable Liverpool player and has played in all 19 of the Club's league games in the first half of the season.

He was named in ESPN.com's Premier League Best XI for the first half of the season. He's our 10th and final pick for the best buy of the 2011 calendar year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Thierry Henry acquisition makes perfect sense

In the last few days, I've carefully read all the commentaries regarding Thierry Henry's loan move back to Arsenal. 

As expected, most of the pro-Man United and 'non-affiliated blogs were not complimentary of the move. However, I was surprised by a few ex-Arsenal players claiming they were not 'convinced' about it either.


I completely disagree. I think it was a brilliant move. Why the difference between my view and the 'experts'?


For starters, while pundits are focusing on protecting Henry's legacy, Wenger and Henry are focused on boosting the moral of fans and younger players in the squad. Thierry Henry has nothing to lose. He already has his statue erected at Emirates. What are they going to do? Pull down the statue if he doesn't score? Henry's mission is less about himself and more about ensuring that the legacy he and many others left behind remains intact. Arsenal must continue to be a force in Europe and the English Premier League, and Henry can help with that mission.


Secondly Henry provides cover to those players departing for the African Nations Cup. Gervinho, who has been Robin Van Persie's sidekick in the Arsenal attack, will be lacing his boots for his country Cote-De-Voire at the Nations Cup. He plays on the left side, which works perfectly fine for Henry.


Thirdly, he provides the much needed leadership to Arsenal's very young squad. What better motivation for younger players than training and playing alongside your childhood idol? More importantly, he's part of the last great squad that won titles for the club. If the current Arsenal players have any hopes of winning games and titles, who better to help them understand what it takes?


Additionally, Arsenal are not buying anyone when the January transfer season opens, so fans might as well get used to having Henry around.


Finally, he's still got it. He may have lost some pace, but he's still one of the most intelligent players that ever played the game. Playing in the MLS is not exactly as shabby as anyone thinks. If it was, then why was David Beckham able to still play for England and go on loan to AC Milan? Why is he still being courted by the biggest clubs in the world? I don't hear any English critics questioning Beckham's ability to keep playing. Why Henry's?


Enough! The guy can play, period. 


Thierry, lace up your boots and show them what you've got!!!

Footy Bozz: Match Day 19: Aston Villa burns down Chelsea bridge

Footy Bozz: Match Day 19: Aston Villa burns down Chelsea bridge: Steven Ireland was sensational in Aston Villa's away victory at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club. Ireland, who made the...

Aston Villa burns down Chelsea bridge

Steven Ireland was sensational in Aston Villa's away victory at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club.

Ireland, who made the wrong headlines this week for a twitter picture post of him smoking an Arabian pipe with a glass of booze in hand, made amends by making the key plays that won the game.


Trailing 1-0, after Didier Drogba's spot kick goal, Ireland initiated the move that drew Villa level. Ireland received a long ball from Richard Dunne, cut into the Chelsea box and fed Charles N'Zogbia to the left. N'Zogbia drove deep into the left side of the box before laying off for Ireland, who continued his run. Ireland's initial effort was stopped at the goal line by a John Terry hand ball, but he followed through and slotted home from close range.


The first half closed at 1-1.


In the second half, Chelsea tried to turn the game by introducing Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres. Torres looked the lively of the two subs, striking the crossbar with a cracking shot minutes after coming on for Daniel Sturridge. The other sub, Jose Bosingwa also had a cracking strike diverted off for a corner kick by American Brad Guzan


Gabby Agbonlahor missed a glorious chance to put Villa ahead in the 53rd minute. With only Petr Cech to beat, Agbonlahor released a weak shot that Cech easily saved. However, the introduction of Villa substitute Darren Bent provided more bite to Villa's counter attack, proving to be the catalyst that delivered the goods.


First, captain Petrov scored in the 83rd minute after finding himself  one-B-one with Cech. Then Steven Ireland stole the ball to set up Darren Bent for the Coup-de-Grace in the 86th minute to send Stamford Bridge fans straight to the exit doors of the Stadium.


Two English Premier League giants defeated on the same day at home! New Year's eve is proving to be spookier than Halloween!


EPL forever!!!

Footy Bozz: Match Day 19: Happy 70th 'Bad' Day for Sir Alex Ferguson

Footy Bozz: Match Day 19: Happy 70th 'Bad' Day for Sir Alex Ferguson: The bookmakers were shamed this afternoon as Blackburn Rovers did the nearly impossible - beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. Sadly, ...

Happy 70th 'Bad' Day for Sir Alex Ferguson

The bookmakers were shamed this afternoon as Blackburn Rovers did the nearly impossible - beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.


Sadly, this one can't be brushed aside as just another defeat on a bad day for Manchester United. This one will be remembered for the following reasons -

1. It happened on Sir Alex Ferguson's 70th Birthday!
2. Blackburn Rovers were bottom of the league with a Manager hanging on a thread of hope to keep his job
3. A win or tie could have put Manchester United on top of the league to start 2012

What went wrong? Let's try to break it down.

First, Sir Alex's selection was questionable. Playing Chicharito, Berbatov and Welbeck was rather odd. Park is a wide attacking player, not a central midfielder. Rafael is not a midfielder either. Last time I checked, he was a defender. Valencia ended up playing right back again!

Second, there was really no need to drop Lindegaard to the bench in favor of David De Gea in goal. De Gea proved to be quite an awful pick ahead of Lindegaard, who by the way, is yet to concede a goal in the Premier League!

Lastly, you can't underestimate the moral-boosting effect of having Wayne Rooney in the starting lineup or bench. Who the heck is Will Keane? Roy's nephew? This was no time to give a kid a sentimental debut. Perhaps SAF was looking for the Macheda effect? Wrong move.

Credit should go to Steve Kean and his men, Yakubu in particular. Staring at possibly no points before Christmas, they have managed to conjure 4 points from two of England's biggest clubs in Liverpool and Manchester United. This is why we love the Premier League. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!!!

Kean deserves to keep his job from this point on. Rovers fans should give him a chance.

Footy Bozz: Match Day 19: Match Day 19: Liverpool Veterans Down Newcastle

Footy Bozz: Match Day 19: Match Day 19: Liverpool Veterans Down Newcastle: Following Boxing Day's disappointing 1-1 draw with Blackburn, Liverpool fans must have had the 'oh no, not again' feeling when Newcastle we...

Match Day 19: Liverpool Veterans Down Newcastle

Following Boxing Day's disappointing 1-1 draw with Blackburn, Liverpool fans must have had the 'oh no, not again' feeling when Newcastle went up 1-0 after 26 minutes of play at Anfield. The goal, which came completely out of nothing, was as awkward as it gets. A Ryan Taylor right foot in-swinger found a Yohann Cabaye glancing header towards goal, which deflected off Daniel Agger's shoulder, wrong stepping goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the process.


The shock of the goal was still fresh in every Liverpool fan's mind when veteran Craig Bellamy, cancelled it out with a well taken right footed strike to the bottom corner of Tim Krul's goal post in the 30th minute

Breathing a sigh of relief, I sat up straight in anticipation of a Liverpool onslaught to finally begin. Nothing followed. The half ended with Liverpool looking more likely, but less threatening than expected.


The second half looked pretty bleak with Liverpool lacking any bite upfront. Newcastle looked much worse. While the Magpies strung passes very well, the failed to create any visible chances, and seemed content to disrupt Liverpool's flow in the middle.


By the 60th minute, Kenny Dalglish had seen enough. The Liverpool Manager decided it was time to bring in the one factor that could change the game - Captain Fantastic. Off came Charlie Adam and on came Steven Gerrard, who was only making his third appearance this season due to a lengthy injury layoff. 


In the absence of Luis Suarez, the sight of the Liverpool team captain ignited the fans, energized his team mates and terrorized Newcastle. For the last 30 minutes of the game, Liverpool looked every inch capable of taking all three points.


In just four minutes after his entry, Gerrard found Andy Carroll with a glorious pass inside the Newcastle 18 yard box, only for the former Newcastle number 9 to let everyone down with a poor first touch. Carroll must have been taken by surprised as he clearly looked unprepared to capitalize on the 'platter' opportunity.


Marauding central defender Daniel Agger, decided to take matters into his hands. His 68th minute surge forward resulted in a free kick outside the Newcastle box, as Cheik Tiote brought him down. Craig Bellamy converted the free kick for his second goal of the night. 


From then on, it was all Liverpool flying on the wings of captain Steven Gerrard.


In fairness, Newcastle could have easily reset the game when Demba Ba saw his delicate chip over the onrushing Pepe Reina cleared off the line by Martin Skrtel in the 69th minute.

With the lead still intact, Gerrard again found Carroll with a pinpointed cross, and this time the tall striker didn't disappoint. He met Gerrard's cross with a firm header that beat Tim Krul, only to watch the ball cannon off the bar in the 72nd minute.


Finally, in the 78th minute, talismanic Gerrard put the game to bed, finishing close from a good Henderson through ball.

All together a veterans effort for Liverpool as thirty-something Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt came off the bench to compliment another aging star - thirty-three year old Craig Bellamy.


Alan Hansen, the former Liverpool man may have made the mistake in thinking that clubs could not win with kids (Alex Ferguson's 'kids' proved him wrong).


But there is no question in anyone's mind that veterans can win. A bunch of old men proved it tonight for Liverpool.

English Players Don’t Dive? Think again.

English Players Don’t Dive, Leon Osman’s Blatant Cheating Ignored By Media (courtesy of Who Ate All the Pie)

By Alan Duffy

On Boxing Day, Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland were a goal ahead and looking to pick up all three points against Everton when, early in the second-half, the Toffees’ diminutive schemer Leon Osman ran into the Black Cats box with the intention of shooting on goal. The midfielder then completely missed his kick, with his foot hitting the turf instead of the ball. As he lost his balance and fell, Osman then raised his arms in protest at an apparent trip by a Sunderland player before punching the ground in anger at the phantom foul. This blatant act of cheating won Everton a penalty which Leighton Baines duly converted, to give his side a share of the points.

However, on Match of the Day that evening, none of the pundits dared to question Osman’s motives, instead pointing the finger at referee Howard Webb for awarding the penalty. This pre-meditated glossing-over of an obvious and outrageous act of cheating was repeated in most of the media after the game and one again highlighted the English media’s refusal to treat English and foreign players equally. Imagine if it had been Balotelli, Nani, Arteta or Adebayor who had won their side a spot-kick in a similar fashion to Osman? The pundits and journos would have had no hesitiation in branding the player a cheat or at least properly highlighting the player’s dishonest actions. Indeed, players such as Morten Gamst Pedersen have been mocked on MOTD for blatant diving, yet Osman is an Englishman and, as we know, Enlgishmen don’t cheat. Except Rooney, Gerrard and myriad others, of course.

There has been much talk about racism in football in recent weeks, but the fact that a casual, subtle xenophobia still pervades the media who cover the game, is also an issue which needs to be addressed.

To watch highlights of the match, click on 'video' to take you to the Who Ate All the Pie's website.The incident starts at 1 min 19 secs on the video…

Match Day 18 (Boxing Day) Scores and Analysis

Chelsea vs. Fulham - Stamford Bridge, London

Three things Andre Villa Boas got wrong in this game -

1. Didier Drogba should have started against Fulham instead of Torres. The mere presence of Drogba terrorizes Fulham's Centre Back, Phillipe Senderos. In fact, thanks to Drogba 'owning' him, his career ended at Arsenal.
2. Frank Lampard should not have started or played. Juan Mata should  be Chelsea's number #1 attacking midfielder. A diamond formation midfield with Mata up top, Ramirez, Merieles and Romeu at the bottom should be AVB's lineup.
3. Sturridge should not have been substituted. Bringing in Drogba and moving Torres to the right side didn't make sense. Torres is useless wide, while Sturridge has scored all his goals playing wide.

Three things Fulham did right -

1. Pack the midfield with Dempsey, Dembele, Bryan Ruiz, Murphy and youngster, Frei
2. Frei was sensational operating on the left wing
3. Dembele  made the game look easy with his skillful control and navigation in the middle. Dempsey stayed hungry and it paid off with a goal.

West Brom vs. Man City - The Hawthorns, West Bromwich

West Brom worked very hard to secure a point at home against the league leaders. They not only defended solidly, they counter attacked and looked likely to take all three points during some parts of the game.


Man City's formation and selection looked odd with James Milner  playing defensive midfield while  Yaya Toure joined the attack. Nasri, Milner and both Full Backs performances were underwhelming. 


Sunderland vs. Everton - Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Stephane Sessognon is slowly showing just how good he is for Sunderland. I will be surprised if he remains at the club next season.




Manchester United vs. Wigan Athletic - Old Trafford, Manchester

Another five-star outing for the defending champions. Dimitar Berbatov makes an appearance and grabs a hat trick. Antonio Valencia gets a rare start at the Right Back position and scores a beauty. Nothing seems to be going wrong for the champions.


For Wigan, same as usual. They find themselves in a very familiar territory at the bottom part of the league. 


Liverpool vs. Blackburn - Anfield, Liverpool

A very disappointing result for the Reds and their fans. Failing to take maximum points from Blackburn at home is a massive miss. What is most troubling is the fact that this is the sixth draw at Anfield this season. On a positive note, Steven Gerrard returned from injury and saw action late in the second half. Nice timing, considering Suarez will be going on a 'forced vacation' soon due to the FA ban.


Steve Kean may just make it to the New Year as Blackburn's boss.


Bolton Wanderers vs. Newcastle United - Reebok Stadium, Bolton

Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa each get a goal to make life miserable again for Owen Coyle. A victory for the Bolton Manager would have guaranteed the safety of his job. He's definitely back in the top 5 managers to be sacked soon.


Stoke City 0 vs. Aston Villa 0 - Britannia Stadium, Stoke-On-Trent

At press time, this game was just getting underway. Final score Stoke City 0 Aston Villa 0

Suarez/Terry Race Saga: Let's Get Back to Playing Ball!!!

Much has been made about racial abuse in the Premiership lately, with Luis Suarez and John Terry playing prominent roles in the issue. However, with the Boxing Day fixtures around the corner, it's time to play ball again.


But before we move on to why we all love this game so much, Footy Bozz will attempt to set the record straight with our thoughts on the Race Sage -


What they did wrong?

1. Luis Suarez - Any insinuations towards an opponent's skin color in a game situation cannot be complimentary, therefore it's wrong. He needs to apologize to Patrice Evra
2. John Terry - Same goes for Terry. I know he's is still being persecuted and he is innocent until proven guilty. But Footy Bozz is going by what was seen on tape. He certainly wasn't complimentary towards Anton Ferdinand in his comments caught on tape.
3. The FA - The eight match ban is pretty harsh, not giving Suarez the benefit of the doubt on grounds of cultural ignorance in appropriate language to use. Unlike the western part of the word, 'Negro' is still a word commonly used in latin america in reference to people of African decent. However, when used to taunt an opponent, it can't be complimentary. Footy Bozz strongly believes the FA harsh ban was imposed to gain political credit for fighting racism, in addition to punishing Suarez. 
4. Liverpool Fooball Club - They have the right to support their player and keep the team and fans motivated. It probably wasn't right to further p**s off the FA, considering Suarez still has another charge hanging on him

Now, LET'S PLAY!!!

Live! Blackburn 0 vs. Bolton 1: Davies scores for Bolton in the 5th minute

...clocks ticking for Steve Kean

Wolves 0 vs. Norwich 1 - Live!

18th minutes gone, the visitors lead by a lone goal scored by Surman, the former Wolves player. Looking like McCarthy may be biting his nails on this one and possibly catching a taxi if this result stays

Manager Sack Index: Bolton vs. Balckburn basement brawl

Match Day 17 do-or-die encounter between Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers will surely result in the sacking of one of their managers.

Currently ranked #1 and #2 on the sack index, Owen Coyle and Steve Kean will go into Tuesday's game knowing that the victor will live to fight another day while the vanquished packs his bags

Joining them both is our good friend Mick McCarthy, Roberto Martinez and returnee Alex McLeish

#1. Steve Kean

Kean knocks off Owen Coyle from the number #1 spot because his team is more likely to lose on Tuesday at Ewood Park. Despite having home advantage, listening to the supporters call for Kean's sack has to be taking a toll on the players. There's only so much they can do.

#2. Owen Coyle

Owen Coyle has to be looking at Kean and Blackburn as the much needed life line to end Bolton's horror start to the season. Playing away from the Reebok Stadium may actually take some pressure away, especially against a side that lacks home motivation.

#3. Mick McCarthy

Nothing changes for Mick McCarthy as his team hosts Norwich City. On paper this looks like a likely game to win, but not so fast. Wolves have lost almost half of the games they've played at home including Saturday's loss to West Brom after taking the lead in the 16th minute. 

Besides, Norwich City are proving a hard team to beat. Since getting trashed 5-1 by Manchester City, they have produced impressive results against Newcastle (4-2) and away at Everton (1-1). Anything less than a draw and McCarthy will surely be catching a bus out of town.

#4. Roberto Martinez

A well deserved draw against Chelsea has bought Roberto Martinez some more time.

Another good result against Liverpool on Wednesday will certainly see him exit the sack index. But a slip up means he gets to go to Old Trafford five days later empty handed. Then on the last day of the year, he gets to visit Stoke City. Brutal.

#5. Alex McLeish

The ginger-head Manager's team display against Liverpool in front of the home crowd was atrocious. 

Next up is Arsenal at home and Stoke City away. He should have moved up to #3 or #4 on the sack index by the time the Stoke game's over.