Top 10 Goals from Centre-Backs

After a long hiatus (thanks to uni work and work placements), I’d thought it was best to actually keep this website running a bit. So what better early Christmas present could I give than ten of the best goals from central defenders.

Of course, we’d rather see a centre-back make a last-ditch sliding tackle that keeps the team in the game or fly in with a diving header deep into stoppage time. But it’s even better when your favourite lumbering oaf at the back unleashes a rasping 30 yard screamer, confusing the entire ground.

There are a few rules though. No free-kicks so that rules out every goal by Chelsea’s Alex. Also, Dion Dublin can’t qualify since he’s clearly a striker and was only playing centre-back because he’s huge. No headers – most centre-backs can do that. I’ve also tried to mix the type of goals a bit to add a bit of variety as well.

I apologise in advance if they are slightly Premiership-centric as well, but I’ve included AEK Athens in this so…

Tony Adams vs Everton 03/05/1998

The goal that got me thinking about this Top 10. It gets even better when you consider it was fellow centre-back Steve Bould whose lovely chipped through-ball that sent Adams in with acres of space. Sure, you could criticise the entire Everton team for being as static as a caravan park, but Martin Tyler’s commentary sums up that entire season for Arsenal. Wonderful stuff.

Gerard Pique vs Inter Milan 28/04/10

This game will no doubt be remembered for the Inter Milan masterclass at the back to keep Barcelona at bay and secure their place into the final. But it’s easy to forget how good this goal was. Slight suspicions of offside but I don’t care, Gerard Pique’s deceptive turn and finish is magnificent and left Ivan Cordoba on the deck, after he left Pique in the first place. Shame it didn’t count for anything other than me loving Pique more.

Philippe Albert vs Manchester United 20/10/96

Slight ambivalence to this goal. It was scored against Manchester United but it’s from a Belgian. But what a fantastic goal, leaving Peter Schmeichel knowingly lobbed and the final goal of a crushing 5-0 defeat for Manchester United. The Great Dane just watches it glide over his head compiling more misery on the side.

Edmilson vs Costa Rica 13/06/02

The award for most outrageous piece of innovation has to go to Edmilson at the World Cup against South Korea. An overhead kick that most strikers would want on their greatest hits Youtube video, Edmilson performs some sort of zero-gravity flip and scores a fantastic goal. His only strike for Brazil but an absolute pearler.

Ugo Ehiogu vs Celtic 11/03/07

If there’s one man I’d not expect to score an overhead kick, its probably Ugo Ehiogu. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him score at both ends at a charity match but this goal was quite superb in the Old Firm derby. Such power, such grace, so very not Ugo Ehiogu.

Daniel Agger vs West Ham 26/08/06

Little was known about Liverpool’s newest centre-back in 2006 but he announced himself very early on to the Anfield crowd. The curve on the 30-yarder is glorious as Agger unleashes a thunderous strike, leaving Roy Carroll stranded. Hardly his fault this time though. Just remember, allowing Agger space is very Dane-gerous (please shoot me in the head)

Roland Juhasz vs AEK Athens 21/10/10

Another contender for the innovator award, after Hungarian Roland Juhasz met the end of Mbark Boussoufa’s cross with a sensational back-heel volley. Pick that one out. Have a feeling he could be on the move soon, so keep an eye out.

Williams Gallas vs Spurs 11/03/06

A vital goal from London cab driver William Gallas, this time from his Chelsea stint. He scored this in the last minute against his current club Spurs after a fiercely contested game. It proved pivotal in the run-in for Chelsea’s second title win.

Jason Cundy vs Ipswich 30/08/1992

I’m no fan of Mr Cundy. Let’s forget about his media work and celebrate this unintentional hoof from near the half-way line against The Tractor Boys. Certainly Cundy’s best moment in football, but there’s not much else to compete with.

Gary Cahill vs Birmingham 16/04/06

And finally we visit the West Midlands derby and Gary Cahill’s creative volley against Birmingham City. Maik Taylor didn’t have a chance. Not bad for your first goal.

 

So there we have it. If you want to add some to the list, comment below. Although I was going to add Distin’s goal against Charlton where he ran about 80-odd yards, but the footage is missing. That means it never happened.

The Premier League Fashion Fix – Kits for 10/11 (Manchester City to Wolves)

Manchester City

Rather begrudgingly, I have to admit City have got their shirt spot on once again this year. They have changed their kit maker to Umbro, which seems to be a good move. Once again the phrase simplicity crops up Sky blue, white arm trim. Done. Very similar to England’s away kit with the fabric and look used.Also like the nice touch inside of the collar, of the classic City scarf. I think that was Mancini’s idea, he just loves striped scarves that fella.

Good work Umbro though, I’m liking your shirt philosophy. Man City are again sponsored by Etihad Airways will reveal their away kit on Friday (but it’s likely going to be red and black)

Verdict – 8/10

Manchester United

I’ve got mixed opinions on these two offerings by Manchester United. The home shirt is a big improvement on last year in my opinion, with Nike dismissing the black chevron for the traditional all red. Not that keen on the white sleeve stripes as it reminds me of the Umbro kit from 99/00. But other than that, it’s an above average effort boosted by the return of a collar. Eric would be proud

The away kit on the otherhand is hideous. I’ve always preferred a black away kit for United. White ones rarely work and the shoulder/sleeve design here is just weird, with the red stripes just tacked on there. Actually maybe United should be sponsored by Red Stripe. No that’s a bad idea.  Manchester United are now sponsored by Aon

Verdict – 6/10 (away kit drags it down)

Newcastle United

After last year’s shirt show-stealing performance for all the wrong reasons. Newcastle opt for a more conservative option this time round in their return to the top flight. The Championship winners of course have their black and white striped shirts, but it’s a pretty rubbish shirt. Puma have gone for some weird fabric that doesn’t look high quality, plus they’ve kept with the unorthodox collar (I like it but many don’t). The back is all white, which goes against the Geordie grain.

Also don’t really like the black shoulder design. There’s too much black there and it’s very reminiscent of the kit they wore to relegation. The away shirt is a peculiar shade of blue and to be honest I prefer the 3rd kit to it.

Newcastle are once again sponsored by Northern Rock.

Verdict – 4/10

Stoke City

Oh dear. Stoke’s new agreement with Adidas couldn’t have produced a more unsatisfying shirt. It looks like a patchwork quilt. Too many ideas are meshed together to create a monstrosity. Harsh?

The red and white stripes are accompanied by dashes in between. Why, I do not know. The neck/collar area looks strange and again Adidas have had to put a space for a Premier League badge. Speaking of badges, the Adidas one on the left is weirdly places. Yes, it is safe to say I hate this kit. The away kit arrives on the 2nd August, I’m hoping for something better.

Stoke continue their sponsorship with Britannia for this season.

Verdict – 2/10

Sunderland

Umbro make it a three peat of superb kits. As you can tell by the promo shot of Darren Bent with a ancient football, Umbro have gone for the classic look. The new sponsor, bingo website Tombola is put onto the shirt, without it looking out place. Interwoven if you will. The red and white stripes are complemented by a good red collar look.

The away kit as you can see is all white with a subtle hint of burgundy. I really like this kit as well. Fantastic effort.

Note- Tombola will not appear on junior shirts to comply with UK law

Verdict – 9/10

Tottenham Hotspur

Puma have gone a bit crazy with the Spurs shirt. Once again, don’t understand the decsion to move the Puma badge up to the shoulder on the home kit. The diagonal navy blue strip across the top of the shirt would be fine apart from the white stripes added along it. It just looks a bit off to me. The change strip is now sky blue. It’s been a while since it has and I think it’s a move for the better.

Overall not terrible but not great either. Spurs have a new sponsor in Autonomy

Verdict – 5/10

West Bromwich Albion

Well we finally have one Umbro kit I don’t like. The Baggies have bounced back to the Premier League for the umpteenth time and brought a polostyle home shirt with them. I don’t like polo shirt in general so I may be biased here, but the contrast between that and the sponsor Homeserve offsets the vintage look Umbro went for. Shame really.

The away kit however is a lot better. Subtle black stripes are simple and effective. Only downside for me as a traditionalist is West Brom not having green and yellow in their away kit.

Verdict – 6/10

West Ham United

It was unavoidable. This promotional picture had to be used. Mark Noble and Thomas Hitzlsperger eating a full English down a East Lahndan caff. Not fulfilling any Cockney stereotypes there then are we, West Ham PR department. The kit itself is unique in a way. The claret and blue hoops around the middle of the shirt seem to be in honour of Sampdoria possibly. Then again maybe not. Overall, not a bad away kit although slightly tarnished by Macron’s logo on the sleeve.

And of course away days are very much like this. Hash browns and bacon at a service station in your change strip.

West Ham have yet to reveal their home kit but they’ll still be sponsored by Sbobet

Verdict – 6/10 so far

Wigan Athletic –

Wigan have finally unveiled their kit, in a friendly with Oldham last night. The cost-cutting decision to make their kit ‘in-house’ with company Mifit seems to have paid off. I really like this kit. The off-centre vertical stripe is different and I think it sets them apart. The sponsor slightly ruins a very good shirt as it looks out of place

The wait was worth it I guess. Wigan are sponsored by 188Bet again for 10/11.

Verdict – 7/10

Wolves

They are Premier League but not in the shirt stakes. Burrda have poorly imitated Umbro in the traditionalist approach but this could well be Mick McCarthy’s desire to hark back to the Molineux of old.  Muddy pitches and parasite football as Mick moaned all summer long.

Anyway, the shirt is not too bad until you realise that the retro idea is ruined by the Sportingbet sponsor. Alternatively buy the kids shirt since it won’t have. Although this might arouse suspicion.

The away kit is the reverse sans the silly collar.

Verdict – 5/10

There we have it. The Champions League places belong to Blackburn, Man City and Sunderland (Umbro). The fashion police have relegated Bolton, Stoke and Everton. Enough with this fashion facade. Back to normal running soon

The Premier League Fashion Fix – Kits for 10/11 (Arsenal to Liverpool)

With the World Cup well and truly buried (as well as Emile Heskey’s international career), it’s time to look forward to the new season. And obviously the first way to gauge how your team’s going to do is via the kit they’ve chosen to wear for 9 months. So allow me to become the footballing equivalent of Karl Lagerfeld and guide you through what your team is sporting for the coming season.

Arsenal

The home kit is very simple but works so well. Not convinced on the goalkeeper’s shirt, with the crazy lightning-like stripes on the sleeves. The away kit has returned to yellow, which is the colour Arsenal away kits should be. The ‘redcurrant’ pays homage to the Woolwich Arsenal days, like the home kit from 05/06 from the last Highbury season. Solid effort but I sort of get a Gryffindor vibe off the away kit. May as well tie in a film deal. Arsenal are of course still sponsored by Fly Emirates.

Verdict – 7/10

Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s claret and blue remains but there’s some changes from last year. Firstly, new sponsor in FxPro(Fulham share the same sponsor). Also  for some bizarre reason, Villa/Nike have chosen to have a chequered design down the side.  Don’t particularly understand why unless they fancy adding several Croatians to the side to make it valid. No blue outline around the collar this time.

The away kit is a bog standard black affair, again with the claret and blue chequered down the side. I assume it’s black to appease John Carew and Emile Heskey, not the slimmest of lads. Not a terrible kit by any means, I remember Villa’s away kit from 93 to 95

Verdict 6/10

Birmingham City

Their West Midlands rivals told the fans to vote for their favourite home kit at the end of the season. They went for the white chevron option, which I think is a good choice. F&C Investments continue their sponsorship of the Blues but the kit is now made by Chinese sportwear company Xtep, a decision mostly likely made by Hong Kong millionaire owner Carson Yeung. The away kit is plain and simple, which is what an away kit should be. Nothing fancy

Verdict – 7/10

Blackburn Rovers

Umbro once again continue their ‘Tailored by Umbro’ campaign and have produced a traditional set of kits for Blackburn. The vintage look works very well indeed, simplicity at its best. The away kit is all red for this season, with a black trim. Both are better than last year’s efforts, and if you’re a Blackburn fan crying out for new colours, I don’t understand you. Blackburn are still sponsored by Crown Paints

Verdict – 8/10

Blackpool

The Premier League turns tangerine and Blackpool have earned themselves some Wonga for the season. Ignoring the very bad pun, they are indeed sponsored by finance company Wonga.com. Pretty standard kit from Cabrini. All orange with a white collar. Simple and unfortunately the only season we’ll see this kit (yes I’ve joined the relegation parade before a ball is kicked)

Verdict – 6/10 (gains an extra point for the sponsor)

Bolton Wanderers

Finally, we have an abombination of a kit. I haven’t even edited this picture from the website. The kit looks like it’s in a heavenly place but it belongs in ‘Football Shirt Hell’. Or a bargain bin.

Bolton are again sponsored by 188BET (along with Wigan) and where do I start here? Firstly the red piping is just weird and all over the place. Next we have the sort of navy undone cravat shape around the collar. Don’t know why that’s there. Finally along the shoulders we have a massive Reebok logo. Just in case you didn’t know that Bolton are associated with Reebok.

Chavs will love it. I hate it, a horrible mish mash of ideas that could have been done so much better. An away kit has yet to be released, but I fear for the worst.

Verdict – 2/10

Chelsea

The champions kit has been out for a while now. In fact they wore it in the FA Cup Final. So this home kit has a perfect record. But it’s anything from perfect. The red collar is a bit strange, although I approve of the V-neck shape itself.  I also think the badge and sponsors are a bit too close together really. Otherwise the usual Adidas kit design is there.

The away kit I like. Orange and black are a good combo (yeah because I’m a football fashionista. However it looks like a Wolves away kit to me, not a Chelsea one. I suppose that happens when you chuck out loads of colours each year. Not a big fan of the orange stripe bit towards the bottom (technical terms there). Still it’s better than looking like a steward.

Overall average. Chelsea are sponsored by Samsung.

Overall 6/10

Everton

Oh Everton. Why do you let yourself be sponsored by LeCoq Sportif. I’ve seen them make one good kit in their history (a French national kit I cannot find). But wow. Home kit doesn’t really need discussion here. It’s fairly standard and simple and I’m glad they’ve got rid of the Dairylea triangle bib from last year’s kit.

But my god is the away kit bad. Last year’s wasn’t good either, although I liked the concept of black and neon pink. The execution was lacking though, and this year’s designer deserves some sort of metaphorical execution. Pink kits work if you go for a pastel pink (like Palermo) but bright neon is a no no. Don’t even like the dark blue splodge across it either.

And guess what we’ll see this shirt at least 5 times. Hoorah for chavtastic kits. Everton are sponsored by Chang Beer once again.

Verdict – 3/10 (home kit would get a 7 by itself)

Fulham

Roy Hodgson has gone and so has big sponsor Nike. Kappa now produce the kit and it’s not a bad effort. Again simplicity works well, although the kit is slightly ruined by the decision to put the sponsor way up the shirt. Otherwise a good effort. Away shirt yet to be revealed, although I’d expect a red/black shirt.

Verdict – 5/10

Liverpool

Arguably the biggest talking point is saved til last. Liverpool without Carlsberg as a sponsor. I never thought I’d see the day but as Carlsberg say ‘If Carlsberg made a football team’, it wouldn’t be the state Liverpool is currently in.

Standard Chartered take up the mantle as club sponsor. The home shirt is of course blood red, but with some strange decisions, mainly the gap in the Adidas stripes. I like the use of the triangle pattern, that works quite well. The away kit I dislike purely on the basis of the vastly spread apart pin-stripes. Why are they there?

The third kit, again part of the Adidas neon piping range, would be good without one major flaw. The neon club badge. Ghastly. But weirdly enough, this is one of Liverpool’s best shirt designs in recent years because they usually get it very wrong. Like grey, who wears grey.

Damn it. You were so close Liverpool until you gave Pepe Reina a shade of grey to wear.

Verdict – 5/10

So there are the first 10 clubs. Join me soon to look at the Manchester club kits and hopefully no Newcastle away kit in sight. All kits are available in club shops and all good sportswear stores and sites. My preference – Kitbag.

The 6pointer Alternative team of the year

The PFA Team of the Year was announced at the weekend. So I’ve decided to compile the players who I feel should be in the team of the year

But this team’s slightly different.

1. I can’t use anyone who has featured in the PFA Team of the Year
2. The team will recognise the most improved rather than best team overall.

So here we go

GOALKEEPER – Heurelho Gomes (Spurs)

He may look like recently deceased Ping Ping but Gomes has improved immensely this campaign. Signed from PSV in 2008, after giving an amazing performance against Spurs in the Uefa Cup, it took Gomes quite a while to adapt to Premier League. Nightmare performances against Aston Villa and Stoke made everyone think Juande ‘Wendy’ Ramos had made a costly mistake at £8 million. But this season, the Brazilian has been incredible. He’s the best shot stopper in the league in my opinion, and surely can only get better as he gets older. Here’s a retrospective look at Gomes

RIGHT BACK – Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Some people questioned Rafa’s logic in forking out £18 million for England’s right back. It was money they couldn’t really afford. But he’s been one of few Liverpool players to really shine in a poor season for the Merseyside club. He’s also capable of scoring as well, which helps a side that focuses entirely on two players. In fact, right backs seem to be the weakest position collectively among the league, tough to pick someone other than Ivanovic really, who rightly deserves his place in the PFA team.

CENTRE BACKS – James Collins (Aston Villa) and Michael Dawson (Spurs)

I was fairly surprised at Martin O’Neil was signing Collins from West Ham in the summer, thinking that he would merely be a stop gap for the retiring Martin Laursen, who was amazing for Villa. But I’ve been proved wrong. Collins along with other signing Richard Dunne, towards the beginning of the season formed a tight partnership that leaked few goals. Villa’s defence has been just as good as any of the top four’s all year really, which has seen them push onto challenging for a Champions League place. Here is a generic clip of James Collins stepping up to the plate.

Michael Dawson has been superb this season and has stepped out from Ledley King’s shadow. Spurs have only conceded 12 at White Hart Lane in 09/10 and Dawson’s improvement in all aspects has contributed immensely. Highlight performance include the recent Arsenal and Chelsea games, and I wouldn’t bet against Fabio taking Dawson on the plane to South Africa.

LEFT BACK – Leighton Baines (Everton)

David Moyes signed Baines back in 2007 for £6million, and a what a buy that turned out to be. He was one of Wigan best players and who can blaim Baines for joining his boyhood club.This season seems to be the turning point for Baines as he tries to claim an England place. His worth to the Toffees is unparalleled. His crossing and pace make him a big threat on the left side, and hes grabbed plenty of assists. Chances of making the World Cup have been improved by Wayne Bridge’s withdrawal as well, I say why not take him to Africa anyway?

RIGHT MIDFIELDER – Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

This was an incredibly tough call. Honourable mentions to Landon Donovan for being the catalyst in Everton’s comeback in the second half of the season, and also to Aaron Lennon who mesmerised down the right for Spurs. But both had limited time in the league. Ashley Young has been pretty impressive throughout the season, and last season in fact so he gets the nod. Don’t know what I mean, this clip may persuade you

A nifty winger on either side, Ashley Young should be on the plane to complement the wealth of options in England’s midfield.

CENTRE MID – Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

Once again, it’s incredibly tough to pick two centre midfield players. Honourable mentions to any of the Spurs midfield, particularly Luka Modric and Tom Huddlestone. But I’ve gone with Frank Lampard firstly, due to his phenomenal scoring record. He is the instigator in everything Chelsea do, and often is overshadowed by Steven Gerrard in the age old debate ‘Who is the best English CM?’ No doubt for me this season it’s Lampard.

20 goals in a season for the first time (how he didn’t make team of the year, I’ll never know), Lampard might just be like a fine wine, getting better with age.

Similarly, Paul Scholes has been superb for United and saved them from the jaws of defeat often. Ferguson has often played him in the holding midfielder role as well, which theoretically shouldn’t work. But does. Yes, he may not score as much anymore, but Scholes is still relevant in the United team, and can help the team strive on to great results. See Manchester Derby and his amazingly calm and composed post-match interview

LEFT  -Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

A lot of people didn’t rate the Frenchman before this season, and I was one of them. Adapting your game from Ligue Un can be easy for some and not for others. But finally Chelsea have a gifted winger who contributed so much to the side, and provides a perfect foil for Didier Drogba. Here’s his 09/10 goals for your delectation

STRIKERS – Darren Bent (Sunderland) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

The definition of one man teams here. Darren Bent has been literally on fire as Jamie Redknapp would say. His dad said his wife Sandra was a better finisher than him. Oh how wrong you were Harry. Darren Bent plays better when he is the focus of the team, and at Sunderland (like at Charlton), he’s an out and out goal machine, bagging over 20 goals. Here’s a season review

Rejected at the Theatre of Dreams, Tevez made the short trip across Manchester with much controversy. But he’s pay dividends at Eastlands, with a superb scoring record in the 2nd half of the season. His celebrations may be a bit dodgy but there’s no doubting his quality now