Newcastle - Fluke or Improvement?

After surprising absolutely everyone last season with a 5th placed finish, it begs the question - was it all just a fluke or have they really just got better?

When they kicked off their campaign against Arsenal last season with a 0-0 draw, no one expected that they would end up finishing 5th and narrowly miss out on Champions League football. With Alan Pardrew at the helm they have bought in plenty of new names, who at the time were relatively unknown but what an appoint Pardrew was, guiding Newcastle to their highest finish in a while.

Andy Carroll To West Ham - Yes or No?

With rumours flying around here there and everywhere about Liverpool Striker Andy Carroll's future and strong links with a move to Upton Park we looked at whether this would be a good deal for all parties involved.

Liverpool's £35m big man Andy Carroll has been all over the headlines recently linked with moves away from Anfield. It is said that Newcastle want him back either on a loan or for a cheap fee, also that Fulham are after him in a deal involving Clint Dempsey going the other way, however perhaps the most surprising rumour is the one linking him with a move to newly promoted West Ham United. Newspaper have claimed that he wants to stay at Liverpool at work his way back into the team however they're also saying that Brendan Rodgers wants none of it as Carroll wouldn't suit his style of player (understandable considering the flowing football that his Swansea team wowed everyone with last year). In this article we take particular interest in a possible move to West Ham.

Which League Is The Best League In The World?

For a few years now the Premier League has been widely known as the best league in the world but is it really?

You can buy all the big name players you want but when it comes to drama you simply cannot, it is priceless. Last season we all witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes to a season, EVER. You couldn't have made it up, if you were a Man City fan then what a great day for you, 2 goals in injury time to win the league against your biggest rivals, it doesn't get much better than that! Sometimes the Prem is criticised as being the reason for the England National Team's demise in recent times due to the fact that it has so many foreign players in it, however this is not uncommon in other leagues where their national team is successful. 

The Prem has an enormous amount of talent in it nowadays with many clubs spending big in the transfer market to attract the big names. Even in a 0-0 draw there is still excitement and often controversy, nearly every match is exciting and with such great talent on show it's difficult not for it to be. I think what helps the excitement is the tempo of the football, it is fast. If you watch other international teams play the pace is a lot slower and attacks tend to build up gradually. Tight pitches help this too but you won't see more counter attacks in any other league due to the fast tempo of the games. 

Who Does Your Team Need This Transfer Window?

As we pass through the period of transition from one season to another, players come and go but who does your club need? We go through every Prem team outlining their ideal targets for this Summer.

Arsenal:


Arsenal moved quickly to bring in players, perhaps as they thought Van Persie was going to leave and if Giroud and Podolski can fill his huge boots then Arsenal are set for a good season in my opinion. They have a good core of their team. Positions where they could improve are down the left side. André Santos isn't good enough in my opinion and neither is Kieron Gibbs yet so I feel they need to sign a left back. Possible suitors for the position include Federico Balzeretti and Leighton Baines. Balzeretti impressed me hugely in the Euro's and I think he would be a good signing. I also believe Arsenal should try and sign Baines, who is a brilliant full-back and could get even better playing for a good team. 

Aston Villa:

Aston Villa have a decent squad and it surprised me that they struggled last season. I feel that the area where they're lacking is in midfield. They have good forwards in Bent and Agbonglahor and good centre backs in Dunne and Collins. Although Petrov has been absent Ireland has never really settled. An ideal addition would be Aaron Ramsey, the Welshman has been slightly out of favour recently and I think Aston Villa could possibly grab him on loan. This would be good for him as he would develop and add to their midfield and he may choose to stay on. Another one they should try for is Yossi Benayoun, he is still a good player and would definitely be a hit at Villa Park.

Euro 2012 - Team Of The Tournament

With almost 2.5 goals per game, Euro 2012 was not to be missed. It was a mesmerising tournament with even the least likely matches serving up great games of football. At LatestFooty we have decided to name the 11 best players at the tournament in our opinion.

Goal keeper:

At the ripe old age of 31, 'Saint Iker' as he is known is Spain takes the goalie spot in our team. A man with experience in abundance after representing his country 137 times again showed his class this tournament. He was particularly impressive in the final, getting a touch to most crosses that were bound for an Italian player to nod home. With his cat-like reflexes the Spaniard is arguably the best keeper in the world and his performances at Euro 2012 emphasised this.

Right-Back:

At right-back we have quite a surprising pick. Czech Republic's Gebre Selassie, the first black player to represent Czech Republic had the spotlight on him at the tournament but he shone, easily one of their best players he defended diligently and got forward without the need of an invitation. An impressive tournament was capped off by being rewarded with a transfer to German club Werder Bremen.  

Life After Robin Van Persie

So today it was announced that Robin Van Persie wouldn't be extending his contract at Arsenal due to a desire to win trophies and having differing views about the club's future. Arsenal's best player by a mile last season - Can they live without him?


RVP has been an integral part of the Arsenal team over the recent seasons, it is only this season that he has really excelled but nonetheless he is still a big player for them. With 37 goals in all competitions last season he will be dearly missed. Here's a stat for you - without RVP's goals Arsenal would have finished 16th in the league! This emphasises just how important he is to the club.

Arsene worked quickly to bring in new talent, the question is - was that to replace RVP or to convince him to stay by bringing in quality players? Who knows. In Lukas Podolski Arsenal have a proven forward who has just enjoyed a rather prolific season with FC Koln. The German has represented his nation on no fewer than 101 times, experience at that level is very valuable and this is one of the reasons why Arsene has 'splashed' out on him. He was recently joined by Montpellier's Olivier Giroud. The 6ft 3 Frenchman is, in my opinion, a gamble. Although quite successful in the French Ligue 1 last season that was only really his breakthrough season and he has nothing like the experience on the big stage that Podolski and RVP possess as he has only appeared 9 times for his country. Known for his physical style of play and heading ability Arsene has taken a gamble with him, which is rather unlike him but maybe he realises after 8 seasons without a trophy that it's time for a change.

Premier League 2011/2012 Team of the Season

After one of the most eventful campaigns in Premier League history, we have picked our 'Team of the Season' of the best 11 players in the league.

Goalkeeper:

In goal we have chosen Swansea's Michel Vorm. The swans' stopper has been crucial in their successful campaign and one of their most consistent performers. Not very well known until know he has proven himself to be among the best in the league with his fine form this season. Not just good at stopping shots, the Dutchman also had excellent distribution often starting off the flowing moves that Swansea have become so well known for.

Right Back:

At right back we have chosen Branislav Ivanovic. The big Serbian was one of Chelsea's standout performers last season often being the one who dragged them through tough games. The no nonsense centre-back was frequently used at right back last season showing his versatility and ability to adapt. He popped up to score a few times last season too, and when it mattered, as he scored 5 goals, his second best tally while at the club. The 28 year old was difficult to get past and dominant in the air, a great season for him in my opinion. Chelsea should do all the can to keep him as he showed last season he was a vital member of their team on a number of occassions.

10 Of The Best Young Prospects Around

In an era where players seem to be emerging on the scene at a younger age every year, we take a look at 10 of the most exciting youngsters around at the moment who are under 24.

1. We kick off with none other than Neymar. The speedy forward plays in the Brazilian League with Santos and he terrifies other defenses with his electrifying pace and sublime skill. At the age of just 20 there is no doubt that big things are sure to happen for him in the future especially when he has the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid fighting for his signature. He has already broken into the Brazilian National team with 9 goals in 18 games for them, which is impressive considering his age. Pélé described him as an 'excellent player' and he is proving him right as he continues to hit the back of the net with 41 goals in 86 games for Santos. He even won the FIFA Puskás award for the best goal in 2011. As he continues to progress and teams prepare to try and lure him the only question is can he do it in a better league? Only time will tell!

2. Next is a player who has only recently secured a transfer to Chelsea from Lille, Eden Hazard. The 21 year old joined the London club for a fee rumoured to be around £32m and caught headlines by leaving the drama until late. He didn't reveal who he would be joining until May when he tweeted "I'm signing for the champion's league winner". He is an attacking midfielder also used on the wings, with immense speed and quick feet. He possesses great technical ability and is an exciting player to watch. We all look forward to seeing what he can do in the Premier League.

Could Andre Villas Boas Be The Man For Tottenham?

For a while now, Andre Villas Boas, former manager of both Chelsea and Porto has been linked with the Spurs job. The 34 year old divides opinion, is he the right man for the Spurs job who can take them forward?

His talent as a manager is undoubtedly prominent however success at Stamford Bridge was few and far between last season. He began his managerial career as José Mourinho's, more widely known as 'the special one', assistant. Wherever Mourinho went, Villas Boas followed whether it be Chelsea or Inter Milan. His own career only really started in 2009 when he became the manager of Portuguese side Academica. He got off to a flying start as when he joined the side were bottom of the league but with his guidance they reached a safe 11th place finish. They also reached the Portuguese League Cup semi-finals only going out to FC Porto. Villas Boas, or AVB as he has been christened in England had an immediate impact in Portugal, people weren't just impressed with the results he had obtained, he had added a new style to the club and this attractive football was ultimately what led to him being linked with the FC Porto job in Summer 2010.

West Ham - Olympic Stadium?

A popular topic of debate among West Ham fans is undoubtedly the Olympic Stadium - Yes or No?

David Gold recently announced that a decision on the move has been delayed until around September time. It had looked as though West Ham had secured a move there but since early this year there has been many obstructions to the proposal from the likes of Tottenham and Leyton Orient. It is beginning to turn into a saga the longer it drags on and the longer it does the less chance there is of West Ham being awarded it, in my opinion. 

Most West Ham fans you speak to will be against the move however David Gold and Karen Brady are constantly insisting this is not the case in polls conducted. The move has both its advantages and disadvantages as most things do. Firstly, it will be easier for most to get to with it being situated very close to Stratford station and with a large number of fans attending from areas near the same line. Obviously its capacity is a good thing, 60,000, most fans will know that these days getting tickets to a game is far from easy and even in the Championship there were a number of sell out games with the lowest attendance being just 25,680 at a midweek game against Middlesbrough where they bought hardly any. West Ham is an unbelievably well supported club and tickets for the play-off final were in huge demand and I feel that we could nearly have filled Wembley ourselves. If we do well in the Premiership then we could easy fill 45,000 each week and probably sell it out some weeks so the increased capacity from the Boleyn is a positive. As much as most people love Upton Park, the facilities at the shiny new Olympic Stadium will inevitably be better and the whole stadium will be more modern and this is another good thing. A final benefit of a move to the stadium will be that, in my opinion, it will attract players. Being able to play in the Olympic Stadium in England is no doubt an achievement and having it as the home ground will no doubt attract players to West Ham, this could help us reach a new era where we are a force in the Premier League whilst challenging for trophies too.

Latest Football News Officially Launched

It is here! After setting up the twitter page, I have now made a blog! On here I will be posting articles on anything football for you all to read. I'll be asking for suggestions on what to post articles on so if you have any ideas then send them to me on twitter (@Latest_Footy) or put them in the comments. If you have any views you wish to share then feel free to comment them aswell. I hope to have a few articles on here soon so spread the word and get everyone on here! Thanks!