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Steven Gerrard is more than a player for Liverpool. He is Mr. Liverpool. He can pick the team up from the brink of defeat and propel them to victory. Just ask AC Milan… and Olympiakos… and West Ham. But with concern and worry abound at his absence at the weekend, despite the Anfield outfit playing at home against basement dwellers West Ham, has his injury in fact been a blessing in disguise for Liverpool, and particularly their much maligned midfielders?

I’ll set the record straight, I am not in any way suggesting that Liverpool can do without Gerrard. If they lost him to long term injury, or heaven forbid, a transfer, it would devastate the side in more ways than one. However, with the way Liverpool ably swept aside West Ham at the weekend, with their midfield personnel including Maxi Rodriguez, Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles (all players who have been strongly criticised), Has the absence of a man so heavily relied upon by Liverpool FC, in fact been beneficial to these characters? In my opinion, in the short term, yes, for both club and the aforementioned players.

West Ham were awful, there is no hiding from that fact, but you can only beat what is put out in front of you and Liverpool applied themselves to the task with vigour, especially in the first half, and brushed the east Londoners aside. The lack of Gerrard’s presence affected the other midfielders in one of two ways; first it put more responsibility on to their shoulders, there was no hiding behind captain marvel, and second, it allowed them to play their own game with some freedom. Understandably the Liverpool midfield is based around Gerrard. So in his absence they could play with a freedom rarely afforded to them, and Poulsen, Maxi and Meireles grabbed the opportunity with both hands, with all of them performing ably.

So while Gerrard’s long-term absence would be deeply felt in a team not exactly brimming with confidence, his short-term absence may well be beneficial for those around him.

If you liked this and would like to read more, then why not check out my blogs, or follow me on Twitter.

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Whether they like it or not footballers are role models and it is not always the foremost factor in the minds of the pros that they are being watched my millions upon millions and that the camera doesn’t lie. You can’t fool us! Of course, it is a tired old adversary to run to the moral high ground and say certain acts or behaviour are bad for children watching but it remains true all the same. Indeed, we all get caught up in the heat of the moment in any walk of life, and for footballers amidst a perilous relegation scrap or tenacious title tilt, it is very easy to lose your cool and make a rash tackle or more commonly surround the referee and call him most of the names under the sun.

Wayne Rooney, Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll have all been caught cursing to the officials this term, and although this could be considered as passion and a dedication to the cause to win at all costs, the incidents are always unsavoury and definitively contravene the principles as governed in the FA’s ‘Respect’ campaign. It is so easy for the players to immediately possess that red mist which sees them charge countless yards up the pitch to confront a referee. I suppose football is so competitive, that a vital one minute breather to calm down and take stock just isn’t relevant in the game.

It must be accepted that acts of dissent are much more rife on the continent, with El Clasico in Spain this year spilling over as a fractious affair containing diving, players branding yellow cards and even goalkeepers, in Barcelona’s Victor Valdes, charging up the pitch to query a decision. This doesn’t mean we should be complacent to the situation at home however, and whilst referees have been clamping down on the ‘two-footed lunge’ over recent seasons, bravery in issuing cards for dissent isn’t always as consistent as it could be.

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Far too often, players walk free after committing bookable acts. Why can’t a foul-mouthed tirade get the same treatment as a mistimed tackle? Referees still judge fouls and contact far more rigorously than they do off the ball communication, and it is often another concept of player power that referees are seemingly frightened to send off big personalities like Wayne Rooney and John Terry, when they might do for a lesser player committing a similar offence.

It is hard to place dissent towards referees in a hierarchy of unsavoury football behaviour, with Luis Suarez’s imaginary card waving and players diving again setting the ever-disappointing tone this term. We don’t like to see any really, and whilst as fans ourselves we may get caught up in the moment and back our pros when committing such unsavoury instances, in the cold light of day and after reflection, we must accept that this behaviour is unacceptable and only exacerbates the problem of disrespect down the leagues and into the semi-professional and amateur realms.

If we look into why these acts remain unpunished in particularly, we can only speculate that fear plays a vital factor. Fear not only in irking the opinions of the managers on the sidelines given the importance and monetary repercussions of modern day football, but fear in the sense that the game may become tarnished by widespread cards being issued and the referees needing to punish almost everything in a game, inevitably ending up in too many sending’s off and damaged spectacles.

Therefore, it is down to the players and the players alone to clean up their act and help this refereeing predicament. It is so easy for us as fans to sit back, watch extra slowed down replays, ignore the human element to refereeing and simply slate the officials upon their errors, but the gap between understanding how difficult it can be to officiate a game needs to be bridged and the FA needs a more robust answer. Of course, finding a more accomplished ideal to the ‘Respect’ campaign is the million dollar question.

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How can dissent be stamped out? Docking of wages perhaps? If you have any ideas I’d like to know @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

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Sepp Blatter faced the grilling of all grillings yesterday afternoon as he faced the world’s media for the first time since the decision to suspend two FIFA officials. The President had the gall to suggest that there was no crisis at all within the association’s ranks and it is simply a communication issue within.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that includes Scholes announcing his retirement from football; Wilshere believes it will be a disaster if Arsenal fail to land silverware next season, while Tottenham look to Brad Friedel.

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Blatter on a day of drama at Fifa: ‘Crisis? What is a crisis?’ – Guardian

Ferguson wants to close ‘training gap’ – Daily Telegraph

Villa dismiss Houllier report – Sky Sports

Scholes retires from football – Sun

Chelsea want to keep Drogba but Anelka can go – Mirror

Fifa member ‘wanted FA Cup to be named after him’ – Independent

Swans can make the Premier League sing, insists boss Rodgers after play-off glory – Daily Mail

Jack – Disaster if we fail – Sky Sports

Chief executive Gill expects ‘busier summer’ – Guardian

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Unhappy Zhirkov wants Russia return after another season on the bench – Daily Mail

Warnock to go the extra Kyle – Sun

Friedel to replace Gomes in Spurs side –Mirror

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It’s almost 50 years since I played in one of the world’s most passionate derby matches – AC Milan v Inter Milan.

I’ll never forget the ear-splitting noise or the hostility of the crowd … nor the fact I scored in a 3-1 victory.

But I can’t tell you which team was at home because despite the genuine hatred that existed between the two clubs, they have shared the San Siro Stadium since 1947.

Yet both clubs are fiercely proud of their own identities and the rivalry between them could not be more intense.

Certainly far more intense than that between two of my former clubs, West Ham and Tottenham.

Which brings us to the Olympic Stadium and the fact that Spurs have, like West Ham, declared an interest in playing there after the 2012 Games.

The idea has been met with hostility, not just by West Ham fans, but also co-owner David Sullivan, who claimed there will would be ‘riots’ if Spurs moved to East London.

Tottenham are planning a new stadium near White Hart Lane and claim the Olympic site is only a fall-back option.

But why on Earth don’t they BOTH move there – ground-sharing works in Milan, and with Roma and Lazio in Rome.

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In this era of austerity, surely there will be an outcry if the whole vast and magnificent Olympic Park becomes a virtual ghost town, with just the occasional athletics or swimming event.

The Millennium Dome was an embarrassing white elephant, until it was transformed into the O2 Arena, now a hugely successful concert venue.

And I can’t see any reason why Tottenham and West Ham shouldn’t share the Olympic Stadium, to provide a lasting legacy.

The financial benefits would be great for both clubs. The only obstacle is the sentimental and tribal nature of football supporters, letting their hearts rule their heads.

But I’m convinced that, after a while, a ground-share between West Ham and Spurs would not be an issue to all but the most die-hard fans.

People were up in arms when they knocked down Wembley’s Twin Towers but does anybody actually miss them now?

It’s argued Spurs couldn’t possibly play in Stratford because it’s West Ham territory.

Yet how many West Ham season ticket holders live in their home borough of Newham, or Spurs fans live in Haringey?

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The vast majority travel from the home counties and would surely appreciate the ample parking at the Olympic Stadium and enjoy the modern eateries.

Not that this stuff is new – they were talking about Tottenham and the Gunners sharing a new ground in Enfield when I was a Spurs player.

And, of course, proposals for Liverpool and Everton to share a stadium in Stanley Park have always been fiercely opposed by most fans of both clubs.

But now we’re not even talking about building something new. The Olympic Stadium will be standing there, in all its glory, fit for use for perhaps another century.

As a former Spurs and West Ham player, I wouldn’t feel the least bit sentimental if White Hart Lane and Upton Park were demolished. Both clubs need to move with the times.

By the way, the San Siro’s real name is the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, named after a bloke who played for both Inter and AC.

So if Spurs and West Ham wanted to get into bed together and rename the Olympic Stadium with the same principle …

This week’s Premier League fixtures are staggered due to the FA Cup 6th Round taking place on Saturday and Sunday. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – then again, when has five consecutive days of top flight football ever been? With just ten games to go now, a good pick in Fantasy Football could make the difference come the end of the season.

Captaincy Debate

Let’s commence with a man who plays on Saturday – Clint Dempsey. The American has been having a great season with Fulham. What’s more the attacking midfielder has been scintillating at Craven Cottage of late. In Fulham’s five home league games in 2012, he has six goals and an assist. Swansea, the visitors at the weekend, have been good recently. They’re not particularly strong on the road which means Dempsey has to be a serious consideration.

Then again, despite Spurs poor performances since letting a two goal lead slip at Arsenal, Emmanuel Adebayor remains a good option. He has been one of the most prolific players in the division this season with 11 goals and 12 assists. Granted, the Togolese usually needs to be given more than one chance to convert but Adebayor is a very useful player to have in the final third. Stoke City are the team coming to White Hart Lane next Wednesday and haven’t won in London since May 2010. Adebayor will be important if Spurs are to extend Stoke’s capital problems.

A player who has been in better form though is Wayne Rooney. In his last four Premier League games for Manchester United, the England forward has amassed seven goals. It means Rooney has 20 for the season and if he can continue this sort of form, United will be very difficult to overcome in the title race. This weekend, he travels to Wolves, who have been very uninspiring recently. The only doubt is whether Ferguson will feel the need to rest Rooney after the trip to Bilbao but this is unlikely. Therefore, Rooney is a very tempting choice.

Captain: Wayne Rooney – The contrasting form of Rooney and Wolves makes the United forward an ideal choice for skipper.

Vice Captain: Clint Dempsey – His form at Craven Cottage means Dempsey is worth having in reserve.

Long Term Look

The influence Steven Gerrard can have on Liverpool when he plays is remarkable. With the season drawing to a close, perhaps the Reds captain could have a similar influence on your team. He may have been out for the majority of the season with injury. However, Gerrard has been involved in all but two of Liverpool’s last 11 games.

His hat-trick against Everton was sublime and Gerrard’s price is certainly not as expensive as it has been in recent seasons. With four of Liverpool’s next five games against teams in the bottom half, the England international could prove to be a fruitful purchase for your Fantasy side.

For more on the Premier League, why not follow @arhindtutt

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If you have a spare 5mins then watch the latest episode of ‘The Football Coffee Break’

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Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere have not been named in the England squad for June’s Under-21 European Championships in Denmark.Wilshere and England have seemingly bowed to considerable pressure from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has fought hard to prevent the 19-year-old from taking part.

Wenger believes the tournament could jeopardise Wilshere’s long-term fitness following his first full season as an Arsenal regular and the midfielder has now made himself unavailable.

Liverpool centre-forward Carroll has been ruled out through injury.

“Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere will not be part of the Under-21 squad which travels to Denmark. Andy has been ruled out through injury,” Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce said.

“I spoke to Jack last week and he explained that while he told me in March that he wanted to be part of the squad, he now feels he is not in the best condition to take part in the finals.”

“That is based on the number of games he has played for Arsenal this season, sports science data which Jack was presented with last week and concerns he has for his fitness looking ahead to next season.”

“Jack has always expressed his enjoyment at being involved with the Under-21 squad, and while I am disappointed not to have him with us for the finals I’ve accepted the situation.”

“I am very conscious of the importance of looking after all our players, and that is why I have frequent conversations with club managers throughout the season.”

Among the players to be included in the 23-man squad were Manchester City defender Micah Richards, Arsenal fullback Kieran Gibbs, Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck and Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, who have all been capped at full international level.

England will submit a final squad to UEFA on June 1, before their first match against Spain 11 days later.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Frankie Fielding (Derby County), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough), Alex McCarthy (Reading).

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Sinclair (Swansea City).

Forwards: Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town).

Ever dreamed of emulating your football heroes and scoring at Wembley in front of over 70,000 fans? This dream will become a reality for three lucky fans as they step up to the penalty spot during half-time at the England v France international on Wednesday, 17th November 2010.

Warning, this ultimate Wembley experience, courtesy of the Wembley Stadium Tour is not for the faint hearted. Introduced to the crowd over the Wembley PA, each winner will take a nerve wracking walk to the penalty spot as they bid to join icons of the game by seeing the ball hit the back of the net and share the adulation of the England fans.

Open to the public for the first time ever, the promotion will see three contestants chosen at random to take part and show they’ve got what it takes. Fans first step on the journey to taking a penalty involves a simple registration to the Wembley newsletter by 3pm on 11th November www.wembleystadium.com/events/enewsletter

Each winner will receive a complimentary behind the scenes tour of Wembley as well as being able to invite a guest to enjoy the game and penalty shoot-out. The winner of the penalty shoot-out will also receive a new England kit and an anthem jacket courtesy of official supporters Umbro plus a product experience courtesy of Mars which includes two complimentary tickets for the next home England game, a signed England shirt and a couple of mars bars too.

Adam Burrage, Wembley Stadium Tour Manager, said: “Everyone has their greatest Wembley moment and the stadium tour gives you the chance to relive yours. This season we are excited to introduce the opportunity for fans to create their very own greatest Wembley moment by scoring at one of the World’s most famous stadiums.”

The Wembley Stadium tour invites visitors to re-live the greatest football triumphs at the home of football. Feel the tension and expectation as you talk tactics in the England changing room and experience the electricity in the air as you line up in the players tunnel, waiting for that moment when you push through the doors and step out onto the legendary stage.

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During the 90 minute tour, visitors are also able to climb the 107 steps to the Royal Box and have their picture taken with the replica FA Cup Trophy. They can also catch a rare glimpse of iconic artefacts associated with Wembley Stadium’s unique heritage, including the 1966 World Cup crossbar, 1948 Olympic torch and Bobby Moore statue erected in his honour.

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Aston Villa have confirmed that Darren Bent will be out for up to three months after rupturing ligaments in his ankle in the 0-0 draw with Wigan on Saturday.

The attacker had already pulled out of the England squad to face Netherlands on Wednesday, and the Midlands club have revealed the extent of his injury on their official website.

“Darren Bent has undergone scans and he has seen a top ankle specialist this afternoon in London,” a statement reads.

“He faces up to 12 weeks on the sidelines having ruptured ankle ligaments in his left foot in the game against Wigan and he is unlikely to play again this season.

“Dr Ian McGuinness and the Villa medical staff have been liaising with the England medical team about the extent of his injury.”

The news is a severe blow for The Three Lions, with Bent’s inclusion in the squad for Euro 2012 now in jeopardy.

The forward has revealed his anguish on Twitter, but vowed to try and return as quickly as possible.

“I’m gutted to be out for so long at such a crucial part of the season, hopefully my recovery will be as quick as possible. And thank you to everyone for your messages of support,” he wrote on the social networking site.

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Meanwhile, Sky Sports have also confirmed that Tottenham full back Kyle Walker has also pulled out of Wednesday’s fixture, after picking up a knock in the north London derby on Sunday.

By Gareth McKnight

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In true Premier League style, the winners were only decided on the penultimate fixture and we enter the final group of fixtures with only one team relegated. It is safe to say this has been an amazing Premier League this season, with all of the ‘big teams’ dropping points week in week out, other teams finding themselves close to relegation and then a week later on the verge of a top eight finish and, naturally, the odd controversial decision. This year’s campaign has given us many reasons to laugh, smile and sometimes cry, but this has only made our love for the beautiful game grow stronger. Here are my positives from yet another Premiership campaign.

Top Four Party Crashed yet again- Last season it was Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham who broke the top four ‘cartel’ at the expense of Liverpool and this season it is Manchester City’s turn to steal the limelight. Roberto Mancini said his main aim was a top four finish and his City side duly obliged in giving their manager just that. However, it wasn’t plan sailing; at one point it looked like neither Tottenham or Manchester City wanted to qualify for the Champions League, with both teams slipping up, Spurs especially struggling against the ‘lesser’ teams, so much so that it looked like Liverpool could be in with a shout for fourth spot, an achievement that seemed impossible after their start to the season. The constant ‘swings and roundabouts’ for the prestigious final Champions League berth has been a credit to the league and the improvement of the chasing pack.

Classic Games- Us football fans have been treated to some fantastic footballing spectacles this season. Who can forget Newcastle’s heroic comeback against Arsenal to earn a point after being 4-0 down at half time? Or Manchester United’s 7-1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers, in which Berbatov claimed five and even the recent game between Blackpool and Bolton, yet more fantastic entertainment.

Emergence of genuine English talent- Every season there is always a fresh batch of talent that is dubbed as the next set of stars to lead England to international glory.  Year after year us loyal fans are let down with the likes of Francis Jeffers, Seth Johnson and Michael Ricketts, but this year the Three Lions appear to be on to some real gems with Andy Carroll, Jack Rodwell and Jack Wilshere; no doubt all three will go on to be stars for club and country.

Blackpool- Regardless of what league the Tangerines will be plying their trade in next season, this one belongs to them. Ian Holloway has well and truly found a place in the hearts of all football fans this term with his honest, down-to-earth and, at times, downright hilarious attitude. Blackpool’s ‘attack at all costs because that’s the only way we know how to play’ style of football may very well be the cause of their downfall come next Saturday, but what entertainment they have served up doing it; Holloway’s team has scored 53 goals so far this season, more than most of the sides in the bottom half.

Roll on next season.

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Let me know what you have enjoyed this season on www.biasedarsenalfan.com

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Everyone has had an opinion on Nigel De Jong’s tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa (and I guess I am now doing the same). Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross has now decided to offer up his qualified opinion, as he defended both Nigel De Jong and Karl Henry. The two midfielders have been the subject of sharp criticism for their overzealous challenges, but have divided the opinions of those involved in the game, and its fans.

Firstly, I would like to highlight that I believe there is a difference in De Jong and Henry’s challenges. While De Jong’s caused more damage (genuinely all the best to Ben Arfa who has looked an exciting player for the last few years, and it’s good to see him in the PL), I am of the opinion that Karl Henry’s was far more reckless and dangerous. Yes, De Jong’s tackle was rough, but I don’t think there was any intent to go out and hurt is opponent. I don’t think Henry was intending any harm either, but was far wilder in his attempts.

Back to Shawcross. In an interview, the Potters’ centre back said:

“It’s part and parcel of football – they are tough-tackling central midfielders whose games are based on making tackles, winning the ball and then giving it to the ball-players. Sometimes injuries are caused.

“You have just got to accept in these times, with the ball moving so fast and the player moving so fast, sometimes you are going to mis-time tackles and that is when injuries can happen.”

Everything that Shawcross said is correct. Tackles will be mis-timed, of course they will, and injuries will indeed occur. It is the same as any sport. A good, strong tackle can give a team a psychological edge, not to mention gee up their fans. When you consider some of the Premier League’s greatest ever players; Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, part of what made/makes them so good and effective is their commitment to win the ball. These are players that led their team to victory through their style, and it is a similar role that the Wolves captain performs. Nigel De Jong has simply been one of City’s best players so far this season.

While I agree with Shawcross’ comments, it may have done him some good if he had stayed out of the debate. His challenge on Aaron Ramsey was a very wreckless one, and one that we should be moving on from. By commenting on the most recent challenges, he has reminded everyone of his own (intended or not) mistake.

The Premier League is a harder, faster league than its rivals. In reality, its only competitor is La Liga, but I personally would rather watch a PL league match than any other league game in the world. Football on the continent can be infuriating at times, with the embarrassing feigning of injuries without a moments shame, and the over protective referees. Players’ careers should always be the priority, and we must always protect their short (if not lucrative) carreers.

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Shawcross should have kept his head down, regardless of his opinion. The truth is that we could have guessed what his opinion was. His statements may be bold, and like I said above, correct, but perhaps tainted with some naivety.

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