Still going Strong

Any fear that Haverhill Rovers' recent remarkable run of results might stall was swiftly quashed on Saturday, despite a first half performance resembling a team that had struggled to score for four games, much less won the last four. Before the game, manager Peter Betts had demanded a win from his team as the only acceptable result, and fortunately their superiority shone through after a dire first half. A local derby was always going to be feisty, and sure enough the handbags were out in the opening exchanges with Marc Abbott in particular fortunate not to get a card for a vengeful tackle. Despite the lack of creativity and midfield war that seemed to drag the game into the mire, Rovers still held a resolute defence that kept the visitors subdued to a few far fetched chances - even more impressive as the central defensive partnership of Marcus Hunt and Stuart Wardley was disrupted, with Sam Holmes coming in as centre back with Hunt pushed forward in place of the suspended Stuart Kingham.

The Ridgeons Premier League tie looked to be heading for a bore draw, even though Rovers made the better chances in the first half with Dalton O'Brien unfortunate with the few chances he spurned. The visitors certainly did not look capable of taking the points - much to my bemusement, one of their centre halves shouted up the pitch that the game was 'there for the taking' to his team mates as the half time whistle approached. It transpired that the game was there for the taking, but unfortunately for the optimistic defender it was for the hosts.

Betts did what he has done several times this season, clearly getting the right message across at the interval for his side to pull their thumbs out and ease to victory. Rovers came out quickly and were focused on the game - gone were the petty squabbles and lack of invention in the final third, replaced with better chances being made, tackles being won and domination being shown. It was not long before Greg Strong, a left back offering Rovers attacking width in addition to defensive certainty, put them ahead with a powerful (Strong, even) finish after seeing his first shot rebound back out to him.

After that the game seemed a formality - Rovers continued to dominate with little threat from Newmarket, although they did seem to struggle in search of a second - which, as past results have proven, is always dangerous. Fortunately Betts made another good call and introduced Callum Harrison, the stand out performer in the demolition of CRC, and he was on hand to bundle in the decisive goal. O'Brien popped up within the minute to combine with Neil Cogger and but the game beyond doubt. None of the goal were particularly aesthetic - in fact, all were rather scrappy - but it does not matter how they go in, as long as they do, and Rovers are having no problems finding the net right now.

One of the main reasons for their good run is their new found attacking potency -Marc Abbott has been in fine form, Craig Cutts is proving a reliable foil and Liam Paton has now further bolstered the ranks. The main plus though is Dalton O'Brien - the young striker, who trialled for Cambridge City, has hit seven league goals in 13 games, and is on course to become a 20 goals a season striker. Betts certainly shared my optimism when I spoke to him about Saturday's win, saying that's why the club signed him. Last season I watched Rovers often fall short due to poor finishing and lack of goals - 1-0 wins became 1-1 draws, potential wins were 0-0 draws or 1-0 defeats. Now it seems they have a well balanced side to banish those demons, and results are certainly a testament to that.

The defensive line has been equally impressive - though mostly unaltered (save for Strong), they are still proving a tough nut to crack with the lowest number of goals conceded to games ratio of any team in the division. Holmes had a man of the match winning game on Saturday, and he is often a peripheral player - Hunt admitted it can be frustrating to see such players unable to break into the first XI, but that in itself is a testament to the strength of the squad that Betts has assembled. They have hit the right mix at the moment and at the right time - even Betts is himself admitting now that he can aim higher than survival, saying that a top six finish is the target and anywhere outside of the top ten would be a disappointment.

Christmas and the New Year will be the trying time when the strength in depth of this squad will be truly tested - there now seems to be cover in most areas, but the increasing fixture congestion will test that. Saturday's proposed trip to Wroxham is off due to the hosts instead playing Cromer Town in their Norfolk Senior Cup Round Four tie - why Norfolk games take precedence over league fixtures is confusing, as Suffolk cup games are held midweek to avoid these issues. It leaves Rovers facing the second placed team in back to back games at the end of March/start of April - in the short term, it leaves them facing another week without a game. At a time when the weather is unpredictable and wreaking havoc on the fixture list anyway, it is frustrating to see a game unneccessarily cancelled. Betts is weary of the team maintaining their momentum in the absence of games, but Saturday showed that Rovers can still turn on the style after being out of action for a fortnight. Hopefully it will be a similar story against Hadleigh on December 27.

Joy of the Rovers

Just when back-to-back defeats were starting to make Rovers' 11 game unbeaten run look like it would be the piniccle of their season, they surpassed that achievement in the space of a fortnight with four successive wins. Last Saturday they played some fantastic football to beat Mildenhall Town - certainly the best I've seen the play for some time - and the 2-1 scoreline in no way reflected their supremacy. And their good run had already started when they crushed CRC 4-0 11 days before.

This was complemented by further impressive victories, as they first triumphed 1-0 at Wivenhoe Town before winning by the same scoreline at Ely City. The four match winning streak has propelled them up to the dizzying heights of third place - just four off meeting manager Peter Betts' self confessed initial aim of the 40 point safety mark. With each win and each impressive performance Rovers move further and further away from looking like a team trying to stay up and more and more like a looking to go up. Though that may still be a little ambitious, the aims already seem to be transforming from top ten to perhaps top six - and captain Marcus Hunt stated that if the former is not achieved, given their current position it would be a 'disappointment'.

What has been good about these victories was the way the team set about achieving them - ironically, the game in which they dominated most they scraped a 2-1 win, yet the game where they barely saw the ball for 45 minutes they eased to a 4-0 win. Mildenhall arrived at New Croft on a good run of their own, having dispatched league leaders Dereham Town and leapfrogging mid table Newmarket Town with a home win in their previous two fixtures. They certainly promised to provide a challenge, yet Rovers started dominating from very early on.

Hunt had soon hit the bar before Stuart Wardley cooly controlled and slotted home, and in the second half the flow of chances continued. The only worry - as Betts said to me - is that more chances were not converted sooner, as they could and should have been three or four goals ahead with plenty of time to spare. Dalton O'Brien looks and increasing threat up front, albeit without a goal in this game, and the players are increasingly confident that with him leading the line then victory is always within their sights. Neil Cogger and Greg Strong are starting to provide a good attacking threat down the left, and are complemented by Marc Abbott's fine form from the centre of the field.

Stuart Kingham continues to excel at being a nuisance to any opponents infront of the back four, while Wardley and Hunt have both been miserly all season. Unfortunately, instead of capitalising on the steady stream of chances, they looked like the Rovers of last season as chances went missing. Cogger was guilty of a couple of glaring misses when he was moved to the centre, and the problem of leading 1-0 surfaced when Mildenhall snatched an undeserved equaliser. Fortunately Hunt stepped up to head home Jack Higgs' long free kick and spare the blushes on a foggy day at New Croft (I was somewhat surprised that the game even went ahead).

Betts said to me after that he was not worried when Mildenhall scored, as he was confident that Rovers would score again. His faith was proved right, and well founded based on the display. He maintains that his team must keep the right attitude and not become complacent, avoiding frustrating results like the defeats at home by basement club Debenham LC and table toppers Dereham. They certainly seem to have the right attitude, and will be rightly confident of continuing their run at third from bottom Felixstowe and Walton United on Saturday.

One of the key factors to the team's success has been the increasing quality in the squad, a testament to Betts' magaerial skill in building such a talented team on a shoestring. He told that 'whereas last season we had 13 quality players, this season we have 18'. Hunt also said this has kept everyone on their toes as nobody can take their place in the first XI for granted. Quality players like Higgs, Joe Boreham, Louis Harper and Sam Holmes are struggling to force their way into the starting XI, while Craig Cutts has been more reliable than I expected as foil for O'Brien and several players from the second XI are developing well.

Nevertheless, this squad size will be tested after Christmas. The games will come thick and fast, and hopefully the players will have remained fast without their waists getting too thick during the festive period. The fact that others are waiting in the wings to step into the first XI should keep everyone fit and hungry for success, and this can only be good for the team's fortunes.

Despite the last three results not being the walloping victories we'd all like to see, it is at least good to see Rovers in the habit of 'grinding out a result'. Last year too many points were dropped as wins became draws and draws became defeats, in part due to poor finishing and in part due to a lack of squad cover. This year has been different though, and the recent results show the side is capable of going to difficult places and nicking a win. Hunt admitted that last year the 1-0 wins at Wivenhoe and Ely 'would have been 0-0 draws or 1-0 losses' (they actually won 2-0 at Wivenhoe but lost 3-2 at Ely).

So things are certainly looking positive for the rest of the season - a remarkable turnaround over the last two years, and Hunt admits now that 'as a team', this squad is better than the one that came so close to reaching the FA Cup First Round Proper three years ago. If the players can remain fit and in form, and if they can keep the correct attitude as Betts desires to overturn teams below them in the table, then top ten may even start to look like under-expectation, let alone avoiding relegation.

To see my interview with Marcus Hunt see this week's Haverhill Echo, out tomorrow (Thursday, November 25).

Back to good habbits

Just when Haverhill Rovers' season looked like it may be about to stall, the team ended their run of back to back defeats in the most emphatic way possible. Experience triumphed over youth as they cruised past CRC 4-0, and memories of their two previous defeats were soon banished. The win also helped to show the depth in Peter Betts' squad, as a number of fringe players stepped up to the mark to seize their opportunity on a cold night at New Croft.

It would be unfair to say Rovers' season has stalled before this - they may have endured successive home defeats, but their 11 game unbeaten run prior to that and the narrow manner of those defeats already ensured that they had surpassed expectations. Debenham LC was a low mark and a deserved defeat, and even though they slumped in that game they still rallied to pull a goal back and it took a late winner to deprive them a point.

Dereham Town was always going to be a tough game, hosting the league leaders who themselves were on a run of five away wins. The visitors may have coasted ahead but Rovers again showed fighting spirit to pull back two goals, only again to be denied late on. The defeat was probably not the most bitter blow, more the manner in which the points were snatched in stoppage time.

So going into the CRC game Rovers were facing the very real prospect of a hat-trick of successive home defeats - this was the side that had won 4-2 at Hamlet Croft and 4-0 at home last season, the only side that Betts admitted had 'truly outclassed' them. And yet Rovers showed the resolve not to be affected by their recent results, putting in a convincing display to cruise to a comfortable victory, though perhaps not as convincing as the emphatic scoreline would suggest.

Now Rovers success on Tuesday should not be diminished, but it should also not be taken out of context. CRC, as all academy sides do, go through the regular process of losing their best players. This side was no means the tour de force that was narrowly stopped by Needham Market last season - they lay fifth in the table, having already lost three games and drawn six. But, as they showed on Tuesday, they are still a very good footballing side.

After Rovers took an early lead, they struggled to even get the ball past the half way line before the interval. CRC played a very smooth passing game, though as expected, some of the players were still struggling to understand each other. They passed well but failed to make any clear cut chances - for all their fancy footwork, Matt Morrison was not forced to make a proper save until the closing stages, though they did fire narrowly wide and over on several occasions.

Fortunately, Rovers settled everyone's nerves by coming out a different side after the interval. They were soon pressing the CRC box as the visitors looked weary and unable to cope with Rovers' advances, and Callum Harrison's volley into the top corner was very well taken. The youngster wasted no time in then sending Dalton O'Brien clean through, and the striker continued his fine finishing to effectively wrap the game up before the hour mark. Louis Harper showed that Betts still has quality on the bench when his cross led to Martin Trunca fumbling the ball into his own goal as O'Brien applied pressure.

If the first half showed a side struggling to get into the game after taking the lead, the second showed a composed side working well as a team and also performing brilliantly individually, for the most part. Betts especially praised Joe Boreham for his tireless work in the midfield, who has done well this season despite finding himself confined to the bench as of late. Harrison was my man of the match, and after stepping into the role vacated by Dan Emmanuel, may not have been as tricky but was certainly as effective. He showed a cool finish and great vision throughout the second half, and was perhaps unfortunate that O'Brien did not capitalise on more off his passes.

O'Brien himself is shaping into a fine striker with a very good return - his goals to game ratio makes him the club's highest scorer with five strikes in nine games, so if he maintains that level then he should reach 20 for the season. Cogger's return adds even more to the side, and he was quick to show his class and composure with an early goal, and his presence will be a real asset this season. Some of last year's good players are finding themselves cast to the bench with the advent of new arrivals, with Tuesday's substitutes showing strength there. All were good, but Harper's cross-cum-shot showed what a quick impact he can make, as well as highlighting the awareness of O'Brien.

Wardley and Marcus Hunt continue to look a formidable partnership at the back, commanding the outfield well and always eager to get stuck in to break down the opposition while happy to set up play going forward as well. Marc Abbott looks a little off the pace, but that is only compared to the high standards which he set himself at the beginning of the season. Betts hopes to sign a new attacking midfielder soon and he, allied with other players developing in the middle of the park, should help to remove the pressure for goals traditionally attributed to Abbott and O'Brien.

Rovers next play at Wivenhoe Town tomorrow, a venue they traditionally struggle at but must be optimistic going into this time. The side are mid table but have drawn their last three games. Rovers are now fifth, with just an extra 13 points needed to ensure Betts' initially under-ambitious aim of survival, and a real chance of achieving his true aim of a top ten finish. Betts said their aim now is to achieve consistently, and that they will be a top eight club if they can do that. Tomorrow's trip to Wivenhoe will provide another indication of just how consistent they can be.

(My interview with Betts is in yesterday's Haverhill Echo. A shortened version is online here).

A boring lack of ambition

As the minutes wore on and a goalless draw looked increasingly likely, my decision to shun The Apprentice to watch Manchester City choke their way to a stalemate against Manchester United fast became a mistake. From the offset this game promised to be anything but last season's 4-3 spectacle as United lacked the players in an injury ravaged squad and City simply lacked the ambition.

Surely there was no better time for the middle Eastlands money men to pull one over their rivals? Ryan Giggs missed his first derby for the first time in 19 years, Wayne Rooney was still rehabilitating in the USA and they were playing a team that, despite being unbeaten, had stuttered their way through the current campaign and rarely found their best form. City, in contrast, had the talismanic Carlos Tevez returning to the fore and a wealth of attacking riches and a bench worth more than many Premier League teams.

But it was there that they were reined in by caution and lack of intent. Roberto Mancini's men had the appearance of a side setting out not to lose rather than a side setting out to win. While caution may prove well at smaller clubs in getting a point, it should not be acceptable at a higher level and certainly not when so many millions have been spent on the squad. Liverpool taught us in their painfully narrow second placed finish that sometimes caution must be thrown to the wind to emerge triumphant - they doubled United and Chelsea that season and lost just twice, but 11 draws cost them the league. Compare that to United, who did not adopt just a defensive tactic when it mattered and, though they may have lost more, ultimately turned enough draws into wins to claim the title.

Which is why City's ultra-defensive approach to games is all the more baffling. Why start with three holding midfielders? Even teams at the latter stages of the World Cup were only employing two, and most of them did not have such attacking among their substitutes. Both teams played this game in a rather cagey, European style that was almost reminiscent of the 'can't lose the opening game' of the World Cup groups.

Any substitutes that were made were all like for like. When the game cried out for a little spark of creativity, Adam Johnson waited until there were just 17 minutes to play and replaced the lethargic James Milner. Aleksander Kolarov replaced James Boetang and, instead of throwing another striker into the mix with enough chance to make a difference, Emmannuel Adebayor replaced Carlos Tevez instead of accompanying him, and after the Togo striker took longer to get ready than a teenage girl he had just seconds to play. Why a £25 million striker is being used as a time wasting substitute must be infuriating to the fans.

City's defensive approach has alienated many of their attacking players already - Johnson has found himself isolated to the bench while Adebayor seems similarly frustrated. Roque Santa Cruz, who cost the club £18m, is already aiming for a January exit. Record signing Robinho soon wilted, and the club no doubt lost a chunk for their £32m outlay when he left for AC Milan. Craig Bellamy was another promising player to be shown the exit as first team opportunities become increasingly limited.

Now, I believe players should not moan about a lack of first team opportunities, but should rather muscle their way into the team. The best way to get in the starting XI is to impress in training rather than complaining to the tabloids. But City do not exactly experiment with their formation into a shape that would allow more opportunites for attacking players, and with Tevez instrumental to their results it seems, he is unlikely to be dropped. So how are their umpteen other strikers supposed to stay motivated?

It would be fair to say they should not complain given each week they receive what most people would hope for in a year, but it is understandable that someone will get frustrated at not being given the opportunity to do their job. Another point is that surely they had an idea of whether they would be a bit-part squad member or a starting XI player before they signed? If not then many must have been naíve.

Regardless of the reasons for attackers' frusrations, City's lack of ambition meant they failed to seize the opportunity to do one over their rivals. True, United were hardly any better themselves, but that misses the point - with increasing ambitions and the game at Eastlands, the onus was on the hosts to send a message, not just that they can compete with United but to close the gap at the top of the table. The chance has passed, and Mancini must surely unshackle his team in games to come if they are to realise their lofty ambitions sooner rather than later.

(Pictures: The BBC and AP)

Bunch of tough tests still ahead

It seemed to be with relative ease that Haverhill picked up their first points of the season in the East Women's League Division Two NE. Though it was still early in the season, the number of games remaining got less each weak, and with it no doubt morale and belief. Captain Tina Bunch had spoken about how they were in an easier division than last year - when they narrowly avoided relegation with a last gasp winner at Lincoln Roses - but results seemed to tell a different story.

Having struggled to find the net all season, with just three goals in the entire campaign, Bunch was unsurprisingly happy to see her side cruise to victory with a 5-3 home win over Loddon. She had remarked that they had played all of the top sides in the division to date in a difficult opening fixture, and they had played well in some and were unlucky that results went against them - but points are awarded for winning games, not playing well or showing spirit.

Saturday's win will reinforce the belief that they can compete at this level, and will give them confidence leading into a series of crucial games. On Saturday they face University of East Anglia Women (UEA), who are now a place below them at the foot on the table as they still have zero points, and following on from that they travel to Christchurch, who are a place and a point above them. Bunch was right that they have had a tough opening and perhaps not likely to get any points, but if that is the case then these are the games they must take points from.

They are obviously already off to a winning start, but that momentum must be maintained. Bunch has said the division is likely to be split in half in terms of quality, and the test is for Haverhill to stay at the top of the bottom pack. No doubt they will all be keen to avoid a repeat of last year's struggles and ensure hockey at this level for at least another campaign, but consistently struggling at the bottom of any league is never a pleasant experience.

UEA will be a 'different challenge' according to Bunch, and no doubt that despite their unenviable position as the basement club they should not be underestimated. University teams will always fluctuate with players coming and going depending on availability, and it remains to be seen if they will field a strong or weak squad - as it is in Haverhill though it is liekly to be the latter. Bunch said: “We’ll have more players available and are definitely buoyant going into the game – the coach wanted seven points from our next three games and we’ve already got three."

Haverhill will face the opposite problem against Chirstchurch, who are likely to have a strong squad available. It should also be noted that these games will be just as crucial for both of Haverhill's opponants as they look for a way to pull clear of the bottom too. The skipper added: "The pressure is on for these games and it will be good to get a run of wins together and we’re looking forward to the game now. The tension has eased a little and the win restored confidence that we were right to be optimistic."

Back to back wins could propel Haverhill to mid table, but the opposite would leave them rock bottom with a number of tough games to come. That is why they must win their next two fixtures, and hopefully carry that form on to take some points from games they may not be expecting to. Then perhaps their optimism will be truly proven.

Will Dan return to Rovers?

Emmanuel means 'God is with is' - it seems ironic considering Haverhill Rovers' latest revelation is no longer with them. The tricky winger has been in great form since arriving from AFC Sudbury - his tricks and skills down the channels saw him ease past fullbacks and centre halves, and it was a rather damning indictment of the team that within his first two games he was already joint top scorer.

It had looked like a great signing by manager Peter Betts - he was struggling to make the grade for the Ryman Division One North side and came to Rovers quietly confident of making the starting XI regularly. Haverhill already had a solid defensive foundation, but lacked that little bit of midfield creativity needed to break down opponents and seal the extra points. Emmanuel, coupled with the fresh form of Marc Abbott and clinical Dalton O'Brien, seemed to provide that.

How he was missed at New Croft on Saturday. Marc Abbott was serving the last of his three game ban, and Rovers really were lacking in midfield creativity. Debenham LC, who were bottom of the Ridgeons Premier League and no doubt low on confidence, came to face a Rovers side who were unbeaten in 11 games and had already eased past them 3-0 in the FA Vase earlier in the campaign. But this was a different game entirely.

Right from the off Rovers seemed to lack innovation and urgency. It was a rather dull first half, and though it was fairly equal you could not begrudge Debenham their lead at the break. Rovers came out strong immediately after the break in search of an equaliser, but after the initial pressure had been soaked up it looked unlikely. Time and again they were hit on the counter as Debenham found themselves unlucky not to be further ahead. Rovers were slow to get back when they were hit on the counter - at one stage O'Brien was showing the most urgency as Debenham kept failing to finish their chances.

The break through finally came when captain Marcus Hunt managed to tap in Louis Harper's free kick, but Rovers failed to defend that for a point. Even O'Brien looked indecisive as he fumbled his way around the six yard line instead of turning to shoot, and when Matt Clarke was felled players were too busy screaming for a penalty instead of rushing back to defend the killer blow as James Heathcote scored to snatch the points late on.

The combined absence of Marc Abbott and Emmanuel was noticable, and even more frustrating in the knowledge that the latter was scoring to win a man of the match performance in Sudbury as they thrashed Hendon 5-1 to advance in the FA Trophy. Betts spoke of how he did not want to hold the player back and that Rovers are keen to provide opportunities, especially for young players, to further their careers at the highest level.

But is this really right? Or is Emmanuel disrespecting the club? He did drop down a division but to a mid table side, and now he has his confidence back and has found a good run of form, has returned back to where he came from now he feels he can make the starting XI. Betts inserted him into Rovers' side and he has become an important part of their recent good form, but by going back to Sudbury so quickly it does seem rather disrespectful. The viewpoint certainly leaves Betts in the dilemma of wanting to see one of his players success (and therefore remain and Sudbury) and wanting him to struggle (and therefore possibly return to Rovers).

The official line is that he has gone to Sudbury for a one month loan, but it is unknown if he will return. And if his current form continues and he is consistently getting picked for Sudbury, why would he? He seems to have used Rovers as a short step to success at a higher level, with success at New Croft a springboard to get back into the Sudbury side.

Betts has said the 'door will remain open' for him - but will he walk through it? Emmanuel was a great player and really made an attacking difference for Rovers - his game seemed above that of his opponents and an extra goal threat at a side that struggles for creativity in the absence of a few is always an asset. Hopefully it is just a one month loan and he will return to New Croft, but Rovers certainly need to acquire more attacking talent.

Betts has spoken about trying to sign a new attacking midfield player - an asset much needed to deputise in Marc Abbott's evidence on Saturday's evidence. Paul Abbott will return before Saturday, as will Greg Strong, and attacking options from full back will be appreciated. I blogged about how Rovers seem to struggle when they are the favourites instead of the underdogs - a view reinforced on Saturday - though hopefully they will thrive in the underdog role again in their next two fixtures.

Games against league leaders Dereham Town and CRC do not offer the ideal opportunity to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to the basement club, but Rovers should still be quietly confident going into these games. They will be tested, and they will have to be more creative up front and remain compact at the back, but they have triumphed against top sides before - they were unfortunate to come unstuck at Leiston in the FA Vase and last season should have snatched a win against table toppers Needham Market. These two fixtures may present just the opportunity for Betts to inspire the team to achieve their potential again.

Changing the elite

Just when the weekend results were starting to look predictably familiar, Arsenal went to Eastlands and taught Britain's newest group of millionaires how to play football. I watched the game and was as surprised as I was impressed by the way Arsenal ruthlessly dispatched Manchester City - last season's memories of Emmanuel Adebayor showing his love for his former team by stamping on Robin van Persie's face and running the length of the pitch to share his jubilation with visiting fans seemed distant.

I'd already written them off before the game - Arsenal always seem to get roughed up when they play physical teams, though it least at seems Bolton taught Jack Wilshere a thing or two about tackling. City have become the new rough boys, with midfielder Nigel de Jong preferring to somewhat modify Liverpool's anthem to his own 'You'll Never Walk Again'. With three defensive midfield powerhouses City always look hard to get at, but credit to Arsenal they bossed them from the start. The early dismissal of bad-Boy-ata obviously helped, but some games can be made more difficult and less open against ten.

City, worryingly for them, seem to struggle when they fall behind, and they must look to address this. Arsenal have been a 'promising' team for too many seasons, for too long merely threatening to show their potential - perhaps they have finally peaked and reached it? The days of their teenagers getting bullied in the North seem to have passed, and the team has matured both physically and mentally. Samir Nasri finally looks a quality player, and every season Cesc Fabregas stays is a benefit. Even Niklas Bendtner, who at one point looked like he'd sturggle to kick the ball into the right stand, seems to able to score freely. And surely every neutral enjoys watching City lose?

The only other shock result - which sadly should have been predictable a year ago - was Liverpool lumbering past Blackburn. Jamie Carragher continued to show his fine finishing skills, unfortunately in front of the wrong goal like usual. Sotirios Kyrgiakos is fast becoming the surprise hero of the doom and gloom, the cheap centre half scoring his second of the season and playing well at the back - who would have thought a £1m fourth choice player would be outscoring our £26m World Cup winning striker?

But Torres soon brought his goal tally level with the Greek's, and after Blackburn pulled one back the absent superstar popped up to fire home the winner, also making me pay for finally losing patience with him in my fantasy football team. And yet he celebrated like a naughty child being sent to his room without dinner. With all the elation and optimism of the new takeover by New England Sports Ventures and the action in the courts in London and Dallas, it was rather humbling for the players to remind us that Liverpool are still rubbish. Sigh.

No such trouble for Manchester United - despite the week of tabloid focus on Wayne Rooney showing the indecision of a woman choosing what to wear for a night out, they still managed to put two past Stoke. Javier Hernandez scored one of those ridiculous goals that you laugh at/fume at when it goes in on FIFA - depending if you score it or concede it - before Tuncay looked to be sending them home frustrated. I was disappointed to see 'Chicharito' (isn't that a pokémon?) pop up again minutes later to bundle home the winner and take three points from the Britania Stadium. But why does he have a nickname on his shirt? It does seem bizzare, but somewhat the norm for Latino players (Kaka, Robinho, Ronaldinho - none have their actual names). Will we see 'Evra' changed to 'French Mutineer', 'Scholes' changed to 'Ginger Ninja' and 'Rooney' changed to 'Shrek'?

No doubt everyone watched the whole Rooney saga unfold with some bemusement - how you can say all your fellow employees are crap and then run back into their arms is beyond me. Alex Ferguson had already appeared the tearful father on television and Rooney's mafioso advisors issued a statement saying they 'lacked ambition' and there weren't assurances about 'future investment in the squad'. Maybe having won almost every trophy on offer before your 25th birthday isn't enough?

But he sharply about turned, obviously because of assurances of investment rather than money, and set off to Dubai to patch things up with his forgiving wife and spend Average Joe's weekly earnings on lunch. People raging about the size of his salary - speculated to be between £160k and £250k a week - have every right to be angry with such ridiculous amounts being paid, but do rather miss the point that being a private company makes Man Utd unaccountable. Were it the BBC director general or a politician then they would have every right to complain, but in this situation the best way is to complain with the wallet by not buying merchandise or funding the television deals that allow this spending and allow Rooney to chortle as the computer screen while watching the numbers on his bank account increase like a clock in fast forward.

There were of course more games involving the top sides, but what can be said about Chelsea that isn't an old and riddled cliché? They edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers with even manager Carlo Ancolotti admitting they weren't at the best - the sign of true champions as all on Match of the Day will gladly remind us each time Chelsea don't win by more than two goals. They do look formidable and difficult to stop, and no doubt likely to retain the title.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking increasingly stronger and consistent week by week, earning a credible draw when they hosted Everton after Gareth almost Bale'd them out at the San Siro mid week. Rafael van der Vaart is fast becoming the signing of the summer, and I doubt Harry Redknapp would want to swap him for Joe Cole now. Despite Spurs' struggles they are finding their consistency, and have a squad that make not just Liverpool but also Manchester United somewhat envious.

Spurs gatecrashed the top four last year, but can they do it again? City have been keeping pace at the summit of the table and threaten to challenge for the title, not just the top four. Arsenal have matured into a side that may do more than just fade away at Christmas, while Chelsea continue to look invincible - though City have proven this isn't the case. Manchester United have been scraping by and don't seem the powerhouse of old, while Liverpool are struggling to even aim for the top half of the table. Three years ago the 'Big Four' was a fixed and rigid phenomenon - after last year's change and City's spending, it may never be the same again. We seem to be developing a much more fluid league, and though it may be a while before we have competition for the title, we certainly seem to have a league where more and more teams can harbour realistic ambitions of breaking into the Champions' League.

(Picture: The Daily Mail - Ian Hodgson)

If it ain't broke...

Haverhill Rovers have been enjoying a rich vein of form as of late, as evidenced by their 11 match unbeaten run and them holding the joint best defensive record in the league. They share that honour with Dereham, though the league leaders have played four more games. Still, Rovers are conceding an average of less than a goal a game, putting them on a par with third placed Kirkley and Pakefield and just ahead of second placed Wroxham and fourth placed CRC.

Their record speaks for itself - after a disappointing home defeat by Stanway Rovers in their second game, they have been unbeaten since - an impressive record that has seen them already do the double over Walsham-le-Willows and Wisbech Town, who sit just above them in the table, as well as holding out for a goalless stalemate against then league leaders Kirkley. On Saturday they face Debenham LC, with manager Peter Betts optimistic about his side's chances, and rightly so after they eased past them in the FA Vase.

Debenham travel to the New Croft rock bottom of the table, no doubt low on confidence, but still capable of frustrating Rovers. Betts said Haverhill 'have to treat them the same as the Leistons and the Kirkleys, and if we do then there's no reason why we can't win'. But is that the problem? Are Rovers treating these games with respect or complacency? Their draw at home to Felixstowe and Walton United certainly smacked of that - after dominating the first half and not converting chances, they eased off and conceded a deserved equaliser with seconds left on the clock. The 3-2 loss to Woodbridge, just days after winning there 5-0, also seemed to be a little complacent.

Rovers have improved dramatically since even as recently as pre-season. Gone it seems are the days of wasted chances resulting in dropped points, with inspired new signings Dan Emmanuel and Dalton O'Brien in particular having no problem finding the net. Marc Abbott has provided a creative force from midfield, though Betts has said he is looking to sign another attacking midfielder as the side struggle in his absence, and will be glad when his three game ban expires after the weekend. But Rovers are no longer going into most games as the underdogs - being seventh in the table they should not be either. Betts has said they thrive when playing bigger teams with no expectations, but now he must motivate them to thrive instead under expectation and pressure.

No doubt he can do that - and already has for the most part. Though Betts said that he is keen to avoid 'another Felixstowe' when they host Debenham, and is acutely aware that being the favourites or having the better team doesn't get three points - goals do. Stuart Wardley and Marcus Hunt should be able to keep Debenham at bay again, their job made easier with the man-of-the-match hogging Stuart Kingham breaking down the play before them. Saturday will be a good test to see how they go about breaking down teams, rather than worrying about teams trying to break down them.

Another positive was the spirit showed to falling behind, as in their last league game Rovers came back from two down in the closing stages at Great Yarmouth, and with Craig Cutts scoring regularly then the team really is doing well. There the formation was changed to a more agressive one with three strikers, but Betts said he has no intention of adopting this on a regular basis - and why should he with the team doing so well?

After Saturday Rovers will face a stern test to maintain their unbeaten run over the next two league fixtures - against league leaders Dereham on November 6 and against CRC three days later. Betts said he would be 'very happy if we get through both of these unbeaten' - perhaps a feat not as unlikely given their impressive record. Dereham have lost one and drawn three, CRC have lost three and drawn five - Rovers have lost one and drawn six, so their record is up there with the best of them. Both promise to make for exciting, albeit edgy encounters at New Croft and will hopefully provide two good results for Rovers.

Regardless of the outcome of both, there will still be 26 games to go afterwards. Betts has already said their aim is now to finish in the top ten - perhaps modest considering their achievements so far, but certainly deservedly more ambitious than their original plan to merely stay in the division. If the strongest XI can be put out week after week without any significant losses, then there is every hope for this to be realised.

It has been pleasantly surprising to see such a changed side clicking so early this season, and with such successful results. Rovers always looked strong in defence and midfield, but now they have been refined but quality attacking options to make them a potent threat up front to boot. Squad depth was shown by the ease their B-string swept past Whittlesey in the Cambridge Invitation Cup. They have a good understanding and a good way of playing, and as Betts said, 'we've not been broken yet' - and if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Toothless and useless

From high up in the North London sky, I watched with increasing disappointment as the clock ticked down and thoughts of if I should have kept my wallet a little heavier instead of travelling to Wembley stadium on a Tuesday evening increased. I've been to a few miserable England games, but this was one of the most regretful. At least when it was 0-0 at half time to Kazakhstan and I was trying to remember Borat's national anthem we came out in the second half and stuck five past them. This time we just hoofed it up to Peter Crouch and passed it to Adam Johnson in the hope he would do something special. Well the fight that broke out on the row in front of me almost made four hours of driving, a £30 ticket and £10 for a burger and chips worthwhile. As Wembley emptied prematurely in droves, I stuck it out to the final whistle with hope, after seeing last gasp goals from Portman Road to Bramall Lane, but none was forthcoming here.

Where to start after an eerily familiar display? Adam Johnson looked lively but is frustratingly inconsistent, not surprising considering his age. Hopefully he hasn't been labelled as our country's next saviour too soon. With leftie Adam Johnson on the right we were stuck with rightie Ashley Young on the left, who showed pace but a lack of confidence to cross - this tactical mistake slowed down play as the wingers either cut inside or delivered poor crosses. Save for his penalty box dramatics, it wasn't an awful display but hardly an inspiring one either.

In the middle, Steven Gerrard ghosted in and out of the game. He did provide the occasional Hollywood pass that our strikers failed to capitalise on, but nothing of game changing significance. Bit difficult to maraud through a midfield to goal when you have 10 other players blocking your path in a formation that may provide a tactical inspiration for Craig Levein's Scotland. Gareth Barry lacks the discipline to stay back as an anchor, resulting in Gerrard having to be restrained and nullified. Well it could have been worse - Frank Lampard could have been fit.

Left back Ashley Cole hardly bathed himself in glory either in what was a quiet night. On the other side of the pitch, Glen Johnson is becoming more and more of a liability with each game for club and country - if anyone can suggest an English right back whose last name isn't Neville then we may well have a new candidate. Rio Ferdinand looked solid enough at centre half, though it is questionable if he will remain fit to captain the team throughout the campaign. My initial reaction at hearing the name of England's second most expensive defender on the team sheet was to groan, but Joleon Lescott was not as bad as I had expected, and may even be on the way to becoming worth a fraction of his £24 million pricetag. Joe Hart was reliable at the back, though that's not saying much when he didn't have a save to make all evening.

The real problems were upfront. Despite Wayne Rooney's brief resurgence is Basle, he looks a shadow of the player who single handedly carried Manchester United to the brink of success last season after his notorious activities with certain women of the night. A bit of confidence and England would have had three points and more delusions of grandeur - instead we are left wondering why we can't beat a country with a population smaller than Leeds that has only been a footballing nation for four years. The most effort seemed to be in sprinting back to do the sort of atrocious fowl I would do when getting angry with the computer on FIFA 11, and he was fortunate not to receive a red card for that. Peter Crouch did not fare much better - he may be good to panic opposition as an impact substitute, but once they realise he is no better in the air than the average player then his usefulness soon diminishes. Crouch is better with the ball at his feet rather than his head, so it is curious why England persist in hoofing long balls up to him.

As for subsitiutes, there much hardly much shock and awe on the bench. Kevin Davies' wife cried when he received his call up, and she probably wasn't the only one. The rough'n'tumble centre forward soon lived up to his reputation of getting more bookings than goals in six of the last eight seasons, getting a yellow card and not scoring on his debut. I've nothing against the man, but how are we to build for the forward with 33 year olds getting call ups? As for Shaun Wright-Phillips - why? It's a travesty he gets near an England shirt, and would look more comfortable sat on the bench in the Championship. He continued to fall over and ping crosses to nowhere, whit supporters saying 'at least he works hard' - well give me an England shirt and £60k a week and I'll work my socks off, though I'd still be useless.

Perhaps it's time to admit England are a second rate team? Despite hope and expectation we're a long way short of the Spains and Brazils, and our lack of depth was exposed with injuries. A Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent probably would have scored at least one of those chances, John Terry would look more assured than Lescott, and a toddler would do a better job at right back at the moment. But there is no reason to despiar for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign - England will probably still qualify, even top of the group, and in liklihood will win in Montenegro - can they possibly be that negative in front of their own supporters? Wales are next, and are fast becoming the whipping boys of the group with even more insipid displays than England, and wins in Cardiff and Wembley should be easy enough. We just need a bit more imagination, clinical finishing and strength in posession right now so as not to come unstuck against every five man midfield we come across.

(Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail)

Down the pan

Where did it all go wrong? When the season kicked off there seemed to be a good dose of healthy optimism around Anfield. Rafa Benitez had gone after five years and an anticlimactic season ending in the indignity of having to be content with another season condemned to the Europa League. In came Roy Hodgson from Fulham, the man who could do no wrong after leading the Cottagers to the Europa Leaue final, narrowly losing to Atletico Madrid after vanquishing holder Shaktar Donetsk, Italian legends Juventus, German champions Wolfsburg and the city that would host the final, Hamburg. In light of this success, little was made of the fact that his Fulham side had dropped five places in the league from last year - incidentally, the same slip which cost Benitez his job, though from seventh to 12th is less noticable than second to seventh - and just one away win all season.

Nevertheless, the season got underway after two tedious slogs around Europe and the optimism was reinforced. Joe Cole, who had laughably compared to Lionel Messi, seen as the shining light of moving the club forward by attracting talented British players. He quickly put that to rest with his first red card while wearing his first red shirt, but there were still many positives to take from the game. Liverpool had showed the kind of determination and togetherness that had been an earmark of Fulham's Europa League campaign, only coming undone to a talented Arsenal side after a last gasp howler, despite competing for half the game with ten men.

But, unfortunately, the results didn't get any better than this. A humbling defeat at Manchester City, with a potentially naive 4-4-2 formation coming undone, was followed with a scrappy 1-0 win over yoyo club West Brom. Tehn came the goalless draw at St Andrews in which Liveprool were lucky to get a point - a result perhaps acceptable at Fulham, but not at Anfield. There were again signs for optimism despite defeat at Old Trafford, Steven Gerrard continuing to drag a lifeless side to dizzying heights with two quickfire goals almost grabbing an undeserved point.

Then things desceneded even further - first with the Carling Cup farce at home to Northampton. After seeing David Ngog head Liverpool level at the death, I thought he had spared the manager's blushes. After all, Liverpool had not lost a penalty shootout for umpteen years. Though it would be unfair if Northampton had not been victorious, their couragous display deserving to take the headlines when other high fliers such as Chelsea and Manchester City also exited the competition.

Clutching straws, Hodgson assured fans that things would be better if he could get successive wins in the next two Anfield games - both winnable fixtures against Sunderland and newboys Blackpool. First Steve Bruce was left fuming that the Black Cats had lost at Anfield - that itself a damning indictment of how far Liverpool had fall - after a comical and dishonest goal, finishing the game 2-2. Next up was the game that every side in the Premier League will expect to win, and what followed was an even more depressing result.

Blackpool had already suffered humbling experiences at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates, but that did not dampen their spirits as they won 2-1 at Anfield, with Liverpool fans no doubt thinking the club's positions in the table should be reversed. Ian Holloway has showed attacking ambition since promotion and a casual attitude, a refreshing change to the defensive mindset that many promoted teams display. Their victory was deserved - another damning indictment of Liverpool.

Seven games into the season with just six points to show for it - even Hodgson has admitted that it's relegation form. He asked to be judged after ten games - but with just three remaining to reach that landmark, can he really turn things around? Questions will rightfully be asked and fingers pointed, but it's difficult to establish who is to blame.

Hodgson did not inherit a strong squad - nor did he receive the funds to adaquately rebuild it. Javier Mascherano's departure was ill timed and unhelpful for the club. Joe Cole has promised more than he has shown, Christian Poulson has looked poor, and Raul Meireles is still settling into the league. Other biys looked more forward looking than for the present - Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson are promising prospects, but not particularly helpful in the current plight. And Middlesbrough fans were glad to see tha back of Brad Jones.

Is Hodgson the right man for the job? Marseille boss Didier Deschamps revelation that he was approached for the job certainly implies that other first choice candidates were either unavailable or unwilling. Hodgson does appear to be a stop gap - the mark of a regime who want a man who can manage on a shoe string without complaining or becoming involved in board room politics and who will likely be seen as expendable if and when ownership changes.

Unfortunately, he may also be seen as a small squad manager unable to juggle the large team need to succeed at the top end of the league - the release of Alberto Aquilani on loan to Juventus would suggest that. Another concern is his style of play being far from attractive or ambitious, and if he can handle the expectation of not managing a mid table club - the fact that he has managed Inter Milan would suggest otherwise, but he is certainly not flourishing under pressure.

There has been much amusement from rival fans at Liverpool's decline, and people insisting that the club should not have such high expectations. Some even say Champions' League football is an unrealistic target. But lets be realistic - save for last season, Liverpool have consistabtly finished in the top four. Xabi Alonso was missed after his departure when the club finished just short of Manchester United, but was never the force he was made out to be after he left.

The club has a rich history, and with that comes expectation. It is too early to write them off as the next Leeds - debt may be crippling, but many clubs are under this burden, notable United in England but also Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. There still are quality players at the club and it will still have the ability to attract a calibre unavailable to other clubs. Yes, Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester City have strenghened, but both looked shoirt of top form last season and have continued to slip up this term, lacking the consistantly to seriosuly challenge. Liverpool should be among them pushing at the top for the top four places at the very least.

Liverpool will not sack a manager after just seven games, and rightly so - not just because it is poo conduct, but because the club can scarcely afford to. Hodgson has made a poor start and, despite his mitigating circumstances, must accept a chunk of the blame. Despite having a thin squad, no money to buy new players and a world class striker desperately short of form in Fernando Torres, it is still a manager's job to inspire and motivate his players and draw up the tactics that lead to success. He is also the one accountable for other's failings. Football is fickle and results talk - if Hidgson can get three wins on the spin then things will look a lot brighter and he may be able to talk more confidently about being judged after ten games.

(Picture - The Daily Mail)

Early struggles as seasons start

As the rugby team continued to sturggle to adapt to life in Eastern Counties Division One, the hockey team also got their season started last Saturday. They also found themselves in a different division, but not through successes of the previous season - indeed they were fortunate to be in the same league after their shortcomings in the last campaign. A divisional reshuffle saw them moved to Division 2NE in a move that pleased optimistic captain Tina Bunch.

Speaking before Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Norwich City, Bunch was optimistic about her side's chances in the current camapign. She believed that this season would be one to build and forget about last season's failure when a string of successive defeats coupled with a late surge from relegation rivals Bourne II after Spalding folded saw Haverhill avoid defeat on the final day of the season with an away win - their first of the season - at Lincoln Roses, courtesy of a last gasp goal from Bunch. However, with a new season, new division and new teams to play, Bunch was confident that a mid table finish, rather than a relegation battle, was a realistic target for the ladies.

And yet, after their first game had finished on Saturday, they had started the season with a defeat - hopefully not starting as they mean to go on. But is it such a bad result? Bunch had said they had upped their game in pre season by playing in games against higher division sides, even though these were heavy defeats. Norwich City are newcomers to the division themselves after falling through the trapdoor the season before, and so will be among the promotion favourites - not the teams Haverhill must aim to take points from.

Home form will be crucial for the ladies this season, as will the beginning of the campaign with so many home fixtures - indeed Bunch said she aims to have 'lots of points on the board by Christmas', which will be a more realistic time to assess if they will be fighting at the foot or the middle of the table. They next host Yarmouth on Saturday with Bunch aiming to 'start afresh', and the ladies need to start picking up points if they are to have an enjoyable season.

One local team that is certainly struggling to adapt to life in a different division is the rugby club. Following their promotion to Eastern Counties Division One with a second placed finish last season, they have kicked off the new campaign with two comprehensive defeats. First they lost 74-0 on their opening day trip to Southwold - cue expectancy and optimism ahead of their first home game - before they then lost that as well, this time 60-3 to Cantabrigians.

In fairness to coach Andy Price, he has kept the club grounded with realistic ambitions and expectations. He has told me he aims to 'consolidate our position' in the division, not challenge for promotion - a feat looking increasingly improbable. The club have been hit with different problems that cannot be accounted for, such as player abcenses due to weddings, retirements from the game or unavailability which, at an amatuer sporting level, is understandable.

Another problem has been getting the team to train together in order to form a settled side that can confidently go into matches assured of each other talents and shortcomings. The club next travel to West Norfolk on Saturday and will need to start picking up points soon or risk becoming the whipping boys of the division. Price said the jump in quality between the divisions is significant, whcih is clear, but Harwich and Dovercourt - who narrolwy beat Haverhill to last season's title - have not had as many problems, with one win and a narrow defeat, and so Haverhill must improve fast.

Fortunately one sports club without too much room for improvement is Haverhill Rovers, who find themselves on a very good run of form. They advanced in the FA Vase after a comfortable victory over Debenham LC despite having Sam Holmes harshly sent off. Manager Peter Betts even said he was 'disappinted' with Debenham's performance as they failed to break down a resolute Rovers who were clinical from their set pieces - their three goals came from a Marc Abbott free kick, a Jack Higgs corner and a cooly taken Stuart Wardley penalty. Their next Vase game is against Leiston on October 2, who will no doubt provide a sterner test of their credentials, but as Betts said, when 'nothing is expected' of the team, they have 'nothing to lose'.

Before that they face a trip to Histon Reserves tonight, and after the first XI lost 2-0 at Rushden and Diamonds yesterday, Betts' men should be facing the weaker XI that he hopes for. Last season Rovers won 1-0 at the Glass World Stadium before a thumping 4-0 win at Hamlet Croft. Another trickey tie at the weekend sees them host league leaders Kirkley and Pakefield, though with Rovers in the form they are in now there is now reason why they should not be aiming for victory.

Another pleasing sign with Rovers is how well all of the new players are doing - Dalton O'Brien in particualr is continuing on from his fine start, albeit in not quite as spectacular a fashion. The striker looks able in the lone role and always forces the opposition goalkeeper to work. Jack Higgs is fast becoming a first XI regular and pacy winger, while Greg Strong compliments him well at left back and has made the divisional step up with ease. Joe Boreham looks good in his substitute appearances and perhaps deserving a first XI role. Even Craig Cutts is looking good as a back up striker and capable of filling the shoes of the departed Shaun Banham.

Betts himself is pleasantly surprised with how quickly and efficiently all the new faces are fitting into the team. He said: "It’s pleasing because I thought it would take time for them to gel at the start but looking back to be in the top ten in the first month having only lost one league game, I couldn’t have asked for more. I think the squad could do with a little more depth as we’re fine defensively and will score goals too."

He also singled out Marc Abbott for praise - the attacking midfielder did not seem effective in the latter stages of last season but has already started this season strongly, chipping in with valuable goals and assists from the middle of the park. He is due to become a father soon, and hopefully this will not lead to a dip in form. I said after Rovers dumped Northampton Spencer out of the Vase with a 4-0 win that this level of performance must become the norm rather than the exception if they are to realise their ambitious hopes for a club of this size - so far this has continued, and hopefully it will for the season. Now we just need the hockey and rugby teams to discover a bit of form of their own.

Does anyone care about Europe right now?

Sorry if this seems to be coming a bit late - espeically after a fresh weekend of Premier League action - but as there's little to say about the top flight, except optimistically repeating that we should wait another five games for Chelsea to slip up and Liverpool to climb the table, I thought it would be a good opportunity to look at if teams and supporters are actually bothers about their European travels at this stage of the season. Four of England's six representatives eased to victory in an undefeated opening round, but it was notable the lack of ambition or indeed urgency that was present.

Manchester United and Champions' League newboys Tottenham Hotspur were the first up for their group stage ties, and were also the two to fall shot. United's Carling Cup kids laboured on their way to a 0-0 home draw with Rangers, which says as much about how seriously the club treats the competition at this stage as it does about the state of Soctish football. Sir Alex Ferguson clearly assumed he could focus on the league and their upcoming game with Liverpool to field a weakened side in Europe, and after the recent failings of Celtic and Rangers in Europe this approach is understandable. But Rangers also showed a lack of ambition with their 9-1 formation never likely to have a go and try and score, more likely to have everyone standing on the goal line to keep the hosts out. It was disappointing to see such a performance, but United will still be confident of progressing.

Slightly more ambitious were Tottenham, who surrendered a 2-0 advantage to draw in Werder Bremen. Their fans are obviously optimistic about their European hopes, but at what stage will the club opt for pragmatism over ambition? It would be an achievement for the club to reach the kock out stages as they share a group with holders Inter Milan, and though much has been made of Harry Redknapp's improved squad, is it deep enough and experiences enough to cope with the Champions' League and Premier League? Is European success more important than qualifying for the same competition next year? Teams outside the traditional 'Big Four' have thrown away their UEFA Cup prospects to either surrvive in the league or aim to qualify for Europe again, so what will Spurs' attitude be should they find themselves in a simlair situation?

On team that no doubt harbour realistic hopes of winning the tournament in Chelsea, whose ruthlessness in the league continued as they dispatched MSK Zilina 4-1. Winning the competition takes luck and skill, and Chelsea have certainly been lacking in the former over the last few years. It is clear owner Roman Abramovich yearns this trophy above all others, and manager Carlo Ancolotti knows that it will be key for him to have the opportunity to build a dynasty at Stamford Bridge. They rarely had to break a sweat in the opening game to win - and they eased past West Ham in the preceeding league game at a training ground pace.

Can Chelsea win the Champions' League? I think so - I also think they will have more desire than many of the other teams. In 2005 they lost to champions Liverpool to an admittedly dubious goal - in 2006 they lost to champions Barcelona - in 2007 they lost to runners up Liverpool on penalties - in 2008 they lost the final on penalties - in 2009 they lost to champions Barcelona in a game where they should have been awarded at least one decisive penalty - and in 2010 they lost to an Inter Milan side inspired by previous manager Jose Mourinho who still knew the ins and outs of the side. See a pattern emerging? Chelsea usually lose in dubious or unfair circumstances to the side that wins the tournament, and it is still the big unticked box on their 'to do' list. For all the praise given to Barcelona, they have hardly excelled in the competition recently, scraping past Chelsea and beating United before being outclassed by Inter, who proved that a combative and disciplined style - similar to Chelsea's - is effective in nullifying their passing game. Real Madrid may have the superstars but have struggled to perform in the competition consistently for the last several seasons. Of all the contenders at the top, Chelsea must consider themselves among the forerunners.

Is is optimistic to think the same can be said for Arsenal, despite their clincal opening rout of Portugese side Braga. Arsenal have consistantly beaten teams that open up to play against them, and, though they are getting better at coping with it, still struggle in a combative game. Last season's rout at the Camp Nou showed that even playing their game against better teams won't work, despite a valiant fight back at the Emirtates. They will assume qualification, but may be found out against top quality sides in the latter stages.

Over in Europe's B tournament - which I now must unfortunately take an interest in and suffer the humiliation of watching football on Channel Five - both Liverpool and Manchester City eased through their first games. Liverpool, despite not being good enough to qualify for the Champions' League last year, looked much too good for the Europa League as they did last year. The weakened side never seemed too troubled by Steaua Bucharest as they eased to a 4-1 victory that even allowed Luca Levia to score. Without taking the game too seriously it was a comfortable result and a damning indictment of the standard of teams in this competition - remember last season, had it not been for Diego Forlan and the away goals rule, Liverpool would have reached (and probably won) the final against Fulham. Again this year they look a top side when in this B tournament and should go far without breaking too much of a sweat.

Manchester City looked hungry as they beat SV Salzburg 2-0. Roberto Mancini should have no problem motivating his side to excel and end their trophy wait - it seems any will do, not neccessarily the leage at this point. They will face sterner tests but, like Liverpool, will have the quality to go far in this competition without too many problems. This may be a competition where not just the team with the most quality, but also the team with the most desire, is the most successful.

Despite all these successes and struggles, it was noticable the lack of support at this stage of proceedings - indeed there were swathes of empty seats inside Old Trafford. So do fans really care at this point? It seems Chelsea, United and Arsenal can safely assume groups stage qualification, and that is when the real football starts. The seeding system ensures that the top teams do not have to meet any of their rivals until the latter stages, which takes the excitment away somewhat, save for a few unpredictable results. Sound sfamiliar? The World Cup employed the same format to ensure the top seeded nations would not meet until after the group stage.

So why does this seeding have to happen? All it does is ensure smaller teams cann't enjoy the benefits of progressing in the tournament while the more established and richer teams can safely plan their way into the last 16 at least. It effectively enforces a system of inequality that will continue to widen due to the financial benefits. Would a non seeded system be welcomed? Soom yearn for the days of the old knock out tournaments and only league champions entering, but sureluy that would be more unfair - as it stands, four English teams may be able to win the tournament, along with two Spanish and two Italian, so that pool of eight teams would shrink to three under a champions only policy.

Another issue, sadly as with all aspects of football, is how the financial rewards become paramount to the sporting achievements - Tottenham's qualification did not spark congratulations of their sporting accomplishment, but rather awe that they would be netting extra tens of millions. Is that all the Champions' League is? Is Europe's premier club competition just a money making machine? That would certainly explain United's complacent approach and a seeding system designed to benefit the bigger teams.

And if that is true, then what hope is there for the Europa League? As I said, City will be motivated for sporting success due to their financial situation anyway, but Liverpool never really looked concerned, and most fans, myself included, would prefer Champions' League qualification to Europa League success. It would be nice if pride and glory could again replace money as the primary motivator in sport, but those days may be long past.

(Picture: Reuters)