Dimitar Berbatov, Forlan, Crouch, Shearer and 10 of the worst football goal droughts

The footballers who just couldn't hit the target, including players from Man United, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal

View the full story here: Talksport

A news article on 2011-09-27 14:52:44 from: Talksport

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Before kick off, there was panic. The team selection was baffling; for such an intense rivalry, this wasn't the way to go. Fans wanted to see a side strong enough to avenge Leeds United on their 1-0 FA Cup victory the last time these two sides met – rather than a makeshift one. As it happened, it barely mattered that United had players out of position or lined up in a lopsided formation.

Ever since the Premiership was formed back in the early 1990's, there really has been only team around. Yes, I admit they've had their ups and downs with the hot-headed Ferguson dismissing anybody who crosses his path like a Scottish Henry VIII (Beckham as Anne Boleyn?) but for a ship to cruise through unsteady waters there must be a strong captain in control.

The first half was all England needed for the three points. Lothar Mattheus and Bulgaria go down to goals from Cahill and two from Rooney as Berbatov sits in the stands watching. Video: footytube
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit TSI for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The first half was all England needed for the three points. Lothar Mattheus and Bulgaria go down to goals from Cahill and two from Rooney as Berbatov sits in the stands watching. Video: footytube
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit TSI for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Internationals. Qualifiers. Friendlies. Fun.

Three out of four ain't bad?

Hey, at least none of Liverpool's players came out of the first round of distractions with any knocks they didn't go in with...

Bulgaria v. England

England kicked another puppy around to the cheers of the press and have now clinched a top two finish in their group—first gets you into the Euros automatically, while runners-up get to head to a playoff.

Dimitar Berbatov was left out of Manchester United's starting line-up again, much to the surprise of many fans who had been expecting the Bulgarian to make a return after barely getting on the pitch this season.

Sit Alex Ferguson still insists that the striker has a future at the club, although this is becoming more and more difficult to believe.

A bit of this will not hurt Arsenal

Five matches into the season and a perfect record. An outpouring of 21 goals with just four conceded. And the latest, a win over arch rivals Chelsea by a 3-1 margin. Utd are already separating themselves by their intimidating performances.

His side's effervescent start is still not enough to make Sir Alex happy.

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has admitted he was concerned his contract with the Premier League champions was not going to be renewed after the club lifted the title last season.

The former England regular only played a bit-part in United's 19th league title success, with strikers Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez enjoying much of the game time towards the business end of the season, which saw the Red Devils also reach the final of the Champions League.

The selection of a child in Tottenham's lineup added fuel to the suggestion that Redknapp wasn't too bothered about the Carling CupFredi Kanoute, Michael Brown, Jermaine Jenas, Pascal Chimbonda, David Bentley, Jamie O'Hara and now Roman Pavlyuchenko and Massimo Luongo. It's just as, if not a little bit more, depressing a list as Pearce, Waddle, Southgate, Batty, Vassell, etc.

Carroll, Berbatov, Tevez, Bentley and more expensive bench warmers in the modern game

Six of the best expensive bench warmers in the modern game

View the full story here: Talksport

A news article on 2011-09-22 12:06:34 from: Talksport

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

What's in a name?

Ducky, Nickspinkboots, Maddy (although BFZ has no clue as to where this man has disappeared) - names that I first saw when I entered BFZ long ago. Strange pen names, I thought to myself. A few weeks later I wrote my first article and have written a few more after that.

After a stellar performance with Manchester United last season, life has become very hard for Dimitar Berbatov after his fall out with club coach Sir Alex Ferguson. However, with injuries to key players Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, Sir Alex will have no option but to start the 30 year old.

• Kop That: Liverpool linked with German wonderkid http://t.co/SkMLpkuj 22:47:32, 2011-09-27
• Kop That: Why Scottish caps 'didn't count' at Bayern Munich in the '90s http://t.co/RDoXIQGi 22:30:11, 2011-09-27
• Kop That: Would visiting the Munich air crash site could stop vile chants for good?

Carlos Tevez and the top 10 stroppy strikers including Henry, Berbatov and Keegan!

When strikers sulk

View the full story here: Talksport

A news article on 2011-09-28 15:47:53 from: Talksport

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

• Kop That: Tweet my Goal! The funniest comments from Wednesday's Champions League action http://t.co/Gr4bXeBt 22:48:57, 2011-09-28
• Kop That: Derby can't come soon enough for Everton star http://t.co/GopvARki 22:48:55, 2011-09-28
• Kop That: Mertesacker emptiness: Per fails to impress as Gunners struggle against Greeks http://t.

Mark Ogden writes a great article in The Telegraph comparing how City's reaction to Tevez with United's reaction to Rooney.

The Guardian reckons Phil Jones still has a lot to learn.

United Rant looks at Ferguson's comments about TV schedules and money.

Left Back In The Changing Room talks about Dimitar Berbatov's current situation with the club.