This is veeeeeery interesting:
This paper evaluates the extent to which the performance of English Premier League football club
managers can be attributed to skill or luck when measured separately from the characteristics of
the team. We first use a specification that models managerial skill as a fixed effect and we
examine the relationship between the number of points earned in league matches and the club's wage
bill, transfer spending, and the extent to which they were hit by absent players through injuries,
suspensions or unavailability.
By Chris Wright
'Twas the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals over the weekend, with Ivory Coast whupping
co-hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0 on Saturday courtesy of a brace from young Didier of Drogbashire and
a colossal 32.808399-yard free-kick from Yaya Toure...
Would you just look at the swing on that?
By FRANCO PANIZO
Luis Suarez's spell on the sidelines has come to a close.
Having served his eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra and a one-game suspension
for a gesture to Fulham fans, Suarez is set to return for Liverpool on Monday in its game against
Tottenham.
By Alan Duffy
Everton 2-0 Chelsea Premier League 11th February 2012
That much-publicised midweek training ground visit from Roman Abramovich would have done
little for Andre Villas-Boas' confidence ahead of Saturday's game against Everton.
The UEFA Champions League is back in action, as defending champion Barcelona looks to take its
first step toward a quarterfinal berth against an upstart but capable Bayer Leverkusen side in the
opening match of the knockout stage. Barcelona is a bit shorthanded for the match, as an injured
Xavi has been left out of the lineup, and Gerard Pique is out as well.
The biggest match of the week without a doubt has to be the Milan-Arsenal fixture tonight. With
both clubs looking to bag all points on offer and secure an advantage heading into the last leg,
tension is starting to creep up on the players and coaches as well.
According to Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, their biggest threat to a quarter final berth is
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com
By THOMAS FLOYD
As the disappointing results piled up and tensions at Stamford Bridge grew this season, it
became only a matter of time before manager Andre Villas-Boas lost players' faith.
Sure enough, Villas-Boas has acknowledged that some of his players have turned against him.
Last month the US Soccer Federation made drastic changes to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament.
But did the federation fall short of really legitimizing the tournament.
The tournament was changed from 40 to 64 teams. It includes all MLS squads. It also expands the
number of lower league teams too.
By Alan Duffy
Norwich City 1-2 Leicester City FA Cup 18th February 2012
Norwich City have enjoyed a superb return to the Premier League this season, however their hopes
of securing a last eight berth in the FA Cup were scuppered by an impressive Leicester side whose
attack-minded play put the home side under pressure from the off.
Jermaine Jones made his return to Schalke's starting lineup in their draw at Plzen while Steve
Cherundolo and Hannover took a slight edge over Brugge in their quest for a final 16 berth.
Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com
By THOMAS FLOYD
Despite some concern earlier this week, it turns out Liverpool will have the full services of
forward Craig Bellamy at its disposal Sunday in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City.
Bellamy, who leads Liverpool this season with six Premier League goals, missed last weekend's
F.
By Alan Duffy
Andrei Arshavin came to Arsenal in 2009 on the back of a superb Euro 2008 for the diminutive
Russian. The playmaker started well with the Gunners, hitting his peak in April of his first year
with the north Londoners, courtesy of that famous four-goal haul at Anfield in the league.
Brilliant, splendid, absolutely spiffing. I've spent very few days of late glad to be a
football-follower, but these ninety minutes just pounded home the fact that being a mindless
acolyte at the temple of The Beautiful Game pays dividends; sweet, sugary dividends that act as
momentary Novocain to all the tooth-drilling that's gone on prior.
