Window-Shopping: Potential Premier League signings who could set the Premier League alight if given a change of scenery this January

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez are two examples of players who excelled after arriving in the Premier League in January

As the Gregorian calendar begins anew so too does the mass hysteria which greets each and every Premier League club as fans and management alike ponder who can improve the playing rosters of their beloved clubs. The January transfer window is a time for clubs to evaluate their starts to the season, determine who is pulling their weight and who isn’t, who has earned their money and who will be deemed surplus to requirements, but most of all, it is a time where fans and pundits argue endlessly as to who should be signed to fix that problem area. Newspapers spurt out a seemingly uninterrupted stream of mostly nonsensical rumours which help to further fuel speculation as to who will arrive at and depart from Europe’s top clubs. As players do eventually join, the question must be asked, who will succeed and who will fail?

The following players have all been linked in some capacity to one of the Premier League’s 20 teams and all have the ability to become an immediate success at whichever club they arrive.

Juan Mata

Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two consecutive seasons has cut a forlorn figure on the many benches of grounds around the Premier League. Mata has gone from one of the league’s most electric playmakers to one of its most expensive seat-fillers in the space of less than a season. Simply put, Jose Mourinho clearly failed to view a single Chelsea game in the previous two seasons to returning to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid. For if he had, Mata would be occupying a spot atop the assist chart alongside Mesut Ozil rather than a seat on the sidelines. There is no doubt that clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool would be monitoring Mata’s situation at Chelsea, licking their lips at the thought of the Spaniard joining their ranks in January. Rest assured, if a move for Mata materialises for any of these clubs he will return to his devastating best and Mourinho will be left ruing the day he let the diminutive world cup winning winger leave the books of Chelsea.

Chelsea fans are well aware of what Mata can offer when given a bit of playing time.

Tom Ince

Ex-Liverpool academy player Ince was heavily linked with a return to Anfield in August but no move materialised. As a result, he continued to ply his trade with Blackpool in the Championship, displaying the type of skill, pace and determination which could make him a fruitful move for a Premier League club in January. As of late, he has been linked with moves to Swansea, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, the majority of which is pure speculation on the part of tabloids aiming to coax unsuspecting readers into believing drivel in order to boost sales. However, if a move for Ince foes eventually come to fruition he could be money well spent as his playing style is sure to contribute goals and/or assists for whomever acquires his services.

Wilfried Zaha

When Zaha arrived at Manchester United at the beginning of this season he was fresh off leading Crystal Palace to promotion from the Championship and was considered by many as one of the brightest talents in England. However, his opportunities with the Red Devils have been almost non-existent and like Mata he has spent much of this season on bench, if even picked for that honour by David Moyes. Zaha is the kind of player fans love and opposition teams hate, a tricky winger with bags of pace who is not afraid to take a player on. If sent out on loan by United he could make all the difference for a side looking to avoid relegation. The perfect signing for a side like Fulham or Crystal Palace who lack a cutting edge. If he does leave United, the Premier League will soon take note of his immense talent.

That is the Rosey Wrap on the English stars who would benefit from a January move,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Same, same but different: Why Liverpool taking three points against Stoke signifies a big change at the Reds.

Let me set the scene, Liverpool dominate possession, have over 20 attempts on goal against a lesser opposition and still somehow manage to not take 3 premiership points, sound familiar? It was almost the case once more at Anfield as the Reds almost managed to stifle what should have been a routine victory against Stoke City. It has been the thing that has separated Manchester United from any other side in the premier league in recent seasons, they simply know how to win. Even when perhaps they shouldn't take the points or they find themselves almost going down to lesser oppositions they always seem to miraculously take full points back to Old Trafford.

Jokes like this have become the pet peeve of every Liverpool fan.

It has been the scourge of every Liverpool supporter’s existence in recent years; their side dominates but simply cannot finish off the opposition. Yes, the Anfield side nearly did this against the Potters yesterday, with a Daniel Agger handball in the 89^th minute all but gifting Jonathan Walters an equalizer from the spot. However, Liverpool’s Belgian summer signing stood tall between the sticks and kept out what was, let’s face it, a rather lacklustre effort from the spot from Walters. The most important thing to take away from this is the fact that Liverpool secured full points. In years gone by, they would perhaps have lowered their heads, expected to hear the opposing fans celebrate and chalk it up as a point, but not this time, as the passionate Reds players rushed to celebrate with the jubilant Mignolet.

The question must now be asked, have Liverpool finally learnt how to win? The answer is complicated, whilst I don’t claim that one gritty win represents an omnipotent change in the mindset of the players, this will surely give them confidence in future fixtures and could perhaps be a turning point for Brendan Rodgers and his side. This season every point is crucial as the Reds look to regain a champions league spot or better after last season’s sub-par performance yielded them 7^th place and a second consecutive finish behind fierce cross town rivals Everton. Top 4 is the target and if they are to achieve this they must establish a winning formula in which they secure every possible point and do not drop points in games which they should be winning.

Liverpool players embrace Mignolet after his penalty save

A good start is essential in a campaign like this one, the top places will be as competitive as ever before and it is important that Liverpool capitalise on the lack of form shown by fellow top 4 aspirants Arsenal, who went down 3-1 to Aston Villa yesterday.

Overall, the season is played over 38 rounds, and one win cannot possibly act as some sort of divine sign that Liverpool are destined to achieve their goals and continue winning, however this win is a step in the right direction and the players will be eager to chalk up a couple of wins in the early rounds. Psychology is a big thing in sport, if teams do not think they can win, then they will not win, simple as that. Sure, Liverpool’s performance was not as good as it could have been yesterday, but they showed a winning mentality which is a big change from what they have displayed in the past.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the importance of Liverpool’s win at Stoke,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

The Graduating Class of 2013: What have each of the 2013 Barclays Premier League retirees contributed to their respective clubs this season?

The Rosey Wrap examines the careers and the current seasons contribution of this years retirees to their respective clubs,

1. Jamie Carragher
   
   
   Liverpool’s second top appearance maker of all time was farewelled by an adoring Anfield crowd yesterday as he played in his 508^th premier league match for the Reds against QPR.  Debuting in the 1996/97 season, Carragher spent the entirety of his career with his boyhood club, in a career which spanned over 16 years. This season, Carragher featured 24 times for the Reds and was back to characteristically solid form after playing an understudy role to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel last season. The 35 year old delivered even more than what manager Brendan Rodgers had expected from him this season, and he leaves the game with an astounding résumé, and as a player who is and always will be beloved by Liverpool fans for his passion, grit and integrity.  The number 23 will join the Sky Sports commentary team next season; let’s hope his commentary is more coherent than Brendan Rodgers’ press conferences…
   
   
2. Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson
   
   
   Paul Scholes called time on his career for a second time yesterday as the man who prompted him to come out of retirement managed his 1500^th and final match. Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement took many by surprise, after securing United’s 20^th premier league title. This season, Fergie has been as influential as ever, signing Robin Van Persie from Arsenal for a hefty sum, a move which some would pontificate won the title for the Red Devils. The ‘Ginger Ninja’ hangs up his boots once and for all at the age of 38. Having made his premier league debut in the 1994/95 season, Scholes was an ever present in the United midfield, making at least 20 appearances each premier league season until the 2010/11 season.  This season, Scholes made 16 premier league appearances proving that even in his advanced age he could still control a midfield, retiring with his 11^th premier league winner’s medal in hand as well as the record as the player with the second most premier league yellow cards to his name with 99 in 499 appearances. He and his manager will certainly be missed by the Old Trafford faithful as Manchester United enter into a new era, other clubs will be hoping it will not be anywhere near as successful as the previous one.
   
   
3. Stiliyan Petrov
   
   
   The inspirational Aston Villa captain was diagnosed with acute Leukemia in March 2012, prompting for a long absence from the game. Throughout his absence, Villa fans took part in a minute silence in the 19^th minute of every match, 19 being the number worn by their beloved captain. The man they call ‘Stan’ will bow out with 185 premier league appearances for Villa under his belt as well as 9 goals and will be missed sorely at Villa Park. At 33 years of age, Petrov retires without playing a match in the 2012/13 campaign, but this does not reflect his influence at Villa this season. A constant presence, adored by all, masks of his face placed on away team seats as yesterday’s match a testament to just how much he will be missed and how he will be remembered at Villa park.
4. Paulo Fereira
   
   
   A forgotten man at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho’s €20 million signing at the beginning of the 2004/05 season will leave the club with 141 premier league appearances under his belt. The Portuguese right back will retire having made just 2 appearances this season for the Blues, an adequate reflection of just how unimportant he had become at Stanford Bridge, the time is right for him to go. Chelsea fans will no doubt be saying ‘Bon Voyage!’ to yet another expensive player to not live up to their price tag, but the question remains… will Roman Abramovich ever realize that money does not grow on trees?
   
   
5. Phil Neville
   
   
   36 year old Everton captain Phil Neville will retire with 505 premier league appearances and 9 goals from right back, after a career which spanned roughly 18 years in which he featured for his youth club Manchester United as well as the toffees. This season, Neville made 18 appearances for Everton and showed the leadership and experience which is essential to any premier league football club in nurturing youth and winning matches. Neville can retire with the knowledge that his club finished above rivals Liverpool for two consecutive seasons and will be hoping that they can extend this feat another year even after losing manager David Moyes to Neville’s former club.
   
   
6. Michael Owen
   
   
   A man of many clubs, Michael Owen retires after spending a brief stint as Stoke City’s number 10, scoring 1 goal in 8 appearances. Having played for Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United as well as the Potters, Owen’s celebrated career comes to an end after 326 matches, with 150 goals. He will be remembered as one of the most naturally prolific strikers the league has seen. This season however, he featured very minimally and failed to find his feet at Stoke after spending much of the season hampered by injury.
   
   
   
   
   That’s Rosey’s Wrap on the premier league’s retiring footballers of 2012/13,
   
   
   We wish them the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives and careers,
   
   
   Thanks for reading,
   
   
   Jake Rosengarten

Impacts of the resignation of Sir Alex Ferguson, and the appointment of David Moyes on English football

This week will go down as one of the most eventful in the history of Manchester United as well as the recent history of world football. With the retirement of the man who many believe is the greatest football manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, and the appointment of his successor David Moyes, I think it is time to look at the ramifications that these events will have on the future of world football.

Sir Alex has had great control of the English top flight for much of the last 26 years, since his appointment as manager of Manchester United after leading Aberdeen to a champions league final victory over Real Madrid. Since taking over at United, he has turned them from a middle of the table side into one of the most dominant sides in club football, since being under his control, they have won an unprecedented 13 premier league titles, 5 FA cups, 4 league cups, 10 community shields as well as 2 champions league titles. These stats are simply astonishing, and he as a manger, has won more titles than any other club in England has in their entire history, aside from Liverpool.

His retirement is seen as wonderful news for the supporters of every club except for Manchester United, whose fans were in mourning, with many disappointed with the appointment of David Moyes as his replacement. This shows just how devastatingly good he was, the fans of every other club in England are breathing a sigh of relief as they no longer have to watch United take title after title after title, or at least they hope so.  New United manager David Moyes will be hoping the good times continue and the titles keep on flowing at Untied, after being appointed from Everton with no trophies under his belt. His appointment was swift after United fans were shocked at Sir Alex’s departure, whilst still at the summit of English football, after securing United’s 20^th league title this season.

David Moyes was one of many names tossed around in the press directly after Ferguson’s announcement, others included Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp and even ex-United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However Moyes emerged as the victor and was greeted by some and immediately untrusted by other United fans, just hours after his appointment #moyesout was trending on twitter. However, something that United fans can agree on is that Ferguson was one of the all-time greats of the club, and this was showcased nicely at Old Trafford on Sunday as they fare welled the man known as ‘Fergie’ after their 2-1 victory over Swansea. The ceremony brought many to tears, as an era ended in English football, the dominance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Sir Alex was not loved by all, and he had a fair share of controversies during his time in charge at United. He was responsible for the exit of David Beckham amongst other players after falling out with the bad tempered Scotsman. As well as being fined on numerous occasions by the FA for comments made about match officials. Love him or loathe him, the man could make a football team win, and that he did on 895 occasions during his 26 year reign at Manchester United.

That’s rosey’s wrap of Sir Alex’s retirement,

Farewell Sir Alex,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

5 Predictions for the Upcoming July/August Transfer Window

Below are my five predictions for the upcoming transfer window, feel free to comment below on anything you agree or disagree with… Enjoy!

1. Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United transfer saga

In every transfer window there is one rumour which keeps coming back, in this window I predict Ronaldo to United to be in the papers almost constantly. As the window progresses, the move will look more and more likely, however it will not manifest, no doubt due to the unwillingness to haggle of modern day Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Frankly, I can’t see Ronaldo leaving Madrid for a long time, he seems to be perfectly happy and scoring at will, what more could a player ask for.

2. Spurs to sign a world class striker

Andre Villas Boas will surely be looking to open up his wallet this window in order to take some scoring pressure off his team’s seemingly only goal threat, PFA player and young player of the year, Gareth Bale. The Welshman has been in scintillating form this season and has won all sorts of plaudits, but it has come time that someone else with the ability to put the ball into the net signed for Tottenham Hotspur. Hopefully it will help Spurs fans to put behind them the disturbing displays they have witnessed from Emmanuel Adebayor this season.

Who will be signed is anyone’s guess, it could be any one of a number of strikers, one thing is for certain though, they will already be on the verge of signing for Liverpool. But on a more serious note, options range from Brazilian Leandro Damiao to relegated QPR’s Loic Remy to Borussia Dortmund’s Polish hit man Robert Lewandowski. I am unsure who AVB will sign, but my gut tells me it could be Lewandowski.

3. Arsene Wenger to say he will spend big.... then sign Thierry Henry again

All in good fun! But seriously, I can see Wenger promising to spend big again this window, as he does every window, and only delivering an average player. I feel sorry for Arsenal fans around this time of the year, as their hopes sky rocket with their claims “in Arsene we trust,” only for their dreams to be dashed by the very man in which they held their faith.

The gunners have done well this season to hold onto a top four position thus far, and if they wish to perform well in Europe next year as well as even have a run at the title, they will need reinforcements. Wenger will surely know this, but whether or not he will make the right choices in the market remains to be seen.

4. Jose Mourinho to return to Chelsea 

It’s been all over the internet for the past week or so, but I am just going to come out and say it, I believe that José Mourinho will be the manager of Chelsea next campaign. Rafael Benitez has given it his best, but the fans are simply not all behind him and this is a big problem at a club whose fans have such high expectations as those of Chelsea. Sure, Benitez’s side hasn’t been in all that bad form but he certainly does not have them at the levels which Mourinho could. Knowing Roman Abramovich, the axe well be wielded as the Russian oil tycoon moves to reunite with his former Portuguese colleague.

If the rumours are to be believed, then Mourinho will be bringing with him Atletico Madrid’s Columbian powerhouse Falcao. This could spell trouble for the rest of world football, as a Mourinho led side which features Falcao as well as Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and others could well stake their claim to the premier league title and even the champions league title in the coming season. 

5. Luis Suarez to stay at Liverpool

After his controversial bite on Branislav Ivanovic and subsequent 10 match ban from the FA, there was talk that Luis Suarez could well have played his last match for Liverpool Football Club. However, I do not believe that this will be the case; I believe that the Uruguayan will come back stronger than ever in the 7^th match of next season. I cannot give a rationale for this prediction, it is just a gut feeling, based on Suarez’ previous behaviour. Whilst some feel he is of questionable character, he has always showed nothing but loyalty to Liverpool for everything they have given to him and I believe he will remain at Anfield for long enough to see them return to the champions league.

That’s Rosey’s predictions for the upcoming transfer window,

Thanks for Reading!

By Jake Rosengarten