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I may be jumping the gun here by looking so far into the future as next season; but really, are there any Arsenal fans who fancy reminiscing about this past season? No? Good.

Laurent Koscielny’s winner at the Hawthorns on the weekend may be of even greater significance than it seemed at first. Sure the club are now certain of Champions League football, but that competition and the financial income of it gives the club a great hand with which to build a title-challenging squad for next year.

There’s got to be some degree of confidence that Robin van Persie will finally sign a contract extension, despite the way many will interpret his recent comments. Coupled with that, the club have an incredible position with which to take their transfer activity to the next level with the draw of European football.

It’s not that crazy to assume the club can take that huge jump away from the horror show of this season and morph into a competitor for Manchester City and Manchester United. The past few seasons have offered up varying levels of title challenges from the Gunners, even though they failed miserably at the final hurdle.

The change in back room staff should also be an indication that the club are looking to take a positive approach into next season and beyond. The club undoubtedly needed freshening up and the additions of Steve Bould certainly add to that.

But let’s not assume that third place in the league glosses over the huge shortcomings of this Arsenal squad, because it doesn’t. There’s a great deal that needs to be done to ensure the club have a squad fit for a title challenge, rather than just a first XI. The captain needs assurances that he won’t be doing it all himself, and will surely want to shake that “one man team” moniker.

It seems that Wojciech Szczesny has reminded Arsenal fans of the misery goalkeepers have put them through over the years by putting forward his own collection of unmemorable moments. The young ‘keeper is talented and has what it takes to be the club’s No.1 for many years, but the inexperience, overconfidence and arrogance gets the better of him at vital times. A much more confident back up to the youngster would add another level of maturity and ability to the goalkeeping position at the club. Honestly, there is barely a  move that could offer a lower level of competition that has been at the club over the past number of seasons.

The club also need to distance themselves from the idea that they will never spend big. There’s not always a need for marquee signings or the introduction of superstars, but sometimes it is necessary to mark the transition into a new phase for the club. Dennis Bergkamp had that impact in the mid nineties when clubs were not as keen on foreign players, and a similar signing can really give the club a positive lift.

It’s incredibly hard to form a title-winning squad without a big name to lead the club on the pitch. And yes, van Persie does offer that, but again he needs and wants support. The short-term future of Jack Wilshere remains unclear—another issue which the club should maybe shed some light on—and there’s no telling how well he’ll adapt upon his return. A little more confidence from the fans in the playing squad certainly won’t go amiss, but the club need to give supporters a reason to raise their voices.

One of the most worrying aspects of Arsenal’s game is their defence. It’s a problem that’s been obvious since the move into the Emirates Stadium. But with the right coaching there’s a lot of potential for a stubborn defence. Not necessarily water-tight, but definitely better than 49 goals conceded in the league.

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Arsenal’s performances on the pitch have always been bordering on the unpredictable, but the club’s summer activity has traditionally been even more difficult to map. Again, the Champions League is so important for the club going forward, but it is down to Arsene Wenger to ensure a repeat of last season isn’t on the cards.

If the club play the transfer market smartly and improve the coaching staff, there’s every reason they can better their position of third in the league next season.

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FIFA president Sepp Blatter said any player or official who is found guilty of match-fixing will be banned for life.Blatter was speaking on a visit to Zimbabwe, a country that has been blighted by controversy over the past few years.

In 2009, a number of national team players, including captain Method Mwanjali, told an inquiry by the Zimbabwe FA that they were paid to lose matches during a tour of Asia.

As a result ZIFA chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya was suspended from duty.

The FIFA president had stern words for those involved in match-fixing scandals, but stressed that FIFA would only intervene when all legal processes were completed.

“We must let the jurisdictional organisation of the different states, and when these people are condemned and found guilty, then we will suspend them for life, and they will never come back to football, being officials or being players. Banned for life,” Blatter said.

Blatter also promised to help improve the state of football in Zimbabwe.

“We can help a lot, we can help in own problems you have, even in the problem you evoked concerning the recapitalisation of your federation, all this we can do,” Blatter said.

“We can send you the best coaches, referees, we can give you money, but homework must be done by yourselves, what we cannot do is the homework, so it has to be said that help yourself and God will help you.”

Another day, another lack-lustre Spurs performance. Dropping points has become somewhat of a habit at Tottenham – two points from a possible 12, so something clearly isn’t working. Over recent games a point of view has emerged among Spurs fans that Bale is being misused and that he could make more of an impact at left-back.

On the face of it, this idea seems absurd. How could one of the world’s most exciting players be more of a threat if he is further away from the opposition goal? Yes, his performances against Inter Milan were outstanding but any Tottenham fan will know that, minus his two goals at Stoke, Gareth Bale has been fairly ineffectual in Premier League games.

Tuesday night’s game against Sunderland served only to reinforce this theory – Premier League teams have realised that Gareth Bale struggles to make an impact if he is marked tightly and not allowed room to build up speed. Much like Everton’s Phil Neville and Bolton’s Gretar Steinsson, Sunderland’s Nedum Onouha was able to mark the young Welshman out of the game for long periods, with Michael Turner helping out whenever required. As long as Bale keeps the left midfield role he will continue to be tightly marked or double teamed, meaning that one of Tottenham’s best assets is going to waste. At the business end of last season Bale was still relatively unknown and was left alone to terrorise defences, but a lot has happened since April and now Bale is fixed firmly on the radar of every team in England.

It is arguable that Bale’s attacking threat would increase if he were to move back into defence. You can’t double team a defender and it would be more difficult for opposition to pick up and track Bale’s runs if he were coming from left-back. His biggest assets are his pace and his engine, and if overlapping from a less advanced role he could pick up the ball already running at a speed that few could match– and with his energy you’d fancy he could do this for 90 minutes. Benoit Assou-Ekotto is arguably the better defender, but left-back is Bale’s natural position and his tackling and positional awareness have improved since he last had a run in the side as part of a back four.

Moving Bale back could benefit Spurs beyond simply adding more of an attacking threat on the left side; it could also make the team more balanced, especially when Jermain Defoe comes back into the side. Defoe would struggle to play as the lone front-man in Harry Redknapp’s current 4-5-1 system so he would need either Peter Crouch or Roman Pavlyuchenko to partner him, which then begs the question where Rafael Van der Vaart would fit into the team. By moving Bale to left-back, Luka Modric could move to left-midfield where he played well for much of last season, and Van der Vaart and Tom Huddlestone could occupy the middle.

Tottenham were, despite lots of possession, disappointing against Sunderland. Anticipation around White Hart Lane rose every time Bale got the ball, but this quickly turned to disappointment. Once Bale’s dynamic runs had been cut out, Tottenham offered little else. Sunderland gave Spurs a lot of time to keep possession in the middle, so it is a concern that Huddlestone and Modric were unable to unlock their defence. Moving Bale could add a freshness to the team that gives opposing teams more to think about because, let’s face it, Blackburn won’t be shaking in their boots.

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Everton have warmed up for their FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool in convincing fashion, beating Sunderland 4-0 at Goodison Park on Monday.

Second half goals from Magaye Gueye, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe sealed a comfortable victory for the Merseysiders; Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill admitted that his side were well beaten.

“We were well beaten in the second half. We didn’t have enough energy and Everton deserved to beat us,” the Northern Irishman confessed to Sky Sports.

“I thought the first goal was the most important one. My first thoughts were there was a foul on Jack Colback for it. If that had been the deciding goal I might have been more concerned about it but we were well beaten.

“It’s been a tremendous effort by the team this last three or four months but we just ran out of steam today.

“We’ll just have to try and get ourselves together and recuperate as we still have a lot to play for between now and the end of the season.

“I think every single time we’ve had a setback we’ve responded and that’s shown the character of the team,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The biggest (un)surprise in football happened on the 15th May when West Ham United announced they had parted company with Avram Grant after only eleven months in charge. Naturally the media circus started instantly with regards to who was going to take up the Upton Park hot seat and it is rumoured that former Blackburn and Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has emerged as favourite. Is ‘Big Sam’ really the man to bring back Premier League football to Upton Park?

Allardyce has a reputation for managing sides that play ‘ugly’ football, his Bolton side continually rubbed Arsene Wenger up the wrong way, with their robust and strong nature, and the same can be said for his Blackburn Rovers side. There was a big thing throughout last season amongst the board, players and fans for West Ham to play the ‘sexy’ football, and well we all know how that worked out for them. Big Sam would most definitely not alter his style of management, and the Hammers would become a more robust outfit. However surely with the financial gain and the pride playing in the Premier League brings, everyone related to West Ham wouldn’t mind what way they got back to the top tier of English football.

Allardyce has a rather substantial CV, not in regards to trophies and individual awards but success in comparison with the clubs he has managed. Bolton became an established Premier League side under Allardyce and occasionally flirted with the European places, and Blackburn finished in the top ten in 2009/10 season and Steve Kean who took over Big Sam had Blackburn locked in a relegation battle all season. West Ham are now looking to become an established Premier League side again, like during the Harry Redknapp days and Allardyce’s record speaks for itself in achieving such feats, and is definitely the right man for the Hammers on that side of things.

West Ham need someone to steady the ship, someone who can persuade the likes of Robert Green and Matthew Upson that it is in their best interests to ply their trade in the Championship. I’m not even sure Sir Alex Ferguson could convince them of that, but the point is that West Ham need a determined, strong and powerful leader, everything Avram Grant wasn’t. The former Bolton manager wouldn’t have allowed a 2-0 lead against relegation rivals on the penultimate league fixture end in a 3-2 defeat.

For now and the considerable future appointing Sam Allardyce will be the first thing Karren Brady and co. would have done right.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney is unlikely to play again until early December.

The 25-year-old, who recently signed a new five-year deal, is struggling with an ankle injury that is proving to be more serious than was initially thought when he sustained it during training on 19 October.

"I think Wayne will be out for another five weeks," Ferguson told the Sunday Express. "He will have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right."

It had been thought that Rooney would be able to play in the Manchester derby on 10 November, but veteran boss Ferguson said of that prospect: "No chance. Any player who has been out for a few weeks – you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down."

Rooney looks set to miss the Champions League matches in November against Bursaspor and Rangers as well as the Premier League encounters with Wolves, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

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He could return to action in the game at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road ground on December 4.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

There were very few positives to take from Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Wigan from a Liverpool perspective. Being outplayed at home, by a side heavily embroiled in the relegation dogfight, is far from ideal, but the ten minute glimpse of Raheem Sterling will at least provide some hope for fans of the club.

The youngster, signed from QPR in 2010, has been earning rave reviews for his displays with Liverpool’s Youth and Reserve sides, turning in a string of fine performances from the left-hand side of midfield. Although still 17-years-of-age, Sterling is thought to be one of England’s brightest emerging talents, and an exciting part of a promising generation developing from the academy at the Reds. Kenny Dalglish is believed to be watching his fledgling stars closely, and with very little to play for in League terms, maybe it’s time to give these young men a taste of Premiership football.

Although the Liverpool hierarchy may well insist that Champions League qualification is still possible, mathematically at least, the recent poor run of results has made a fourth place finish all but impossible. This coupled with guaranteed Europa League football, courtesy of the Carling Cup win, and a relatively laid back run-in provides an almost ideal spring board for some of the Reds youth players to step-up to the first team.

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One of the most staggering observations from Saturday’s humiliation was the fact that many men wearing the Liverpool shirt looked disinterested in the cause. This was not the case for Sterling, who chased every ball upon his appearance from the bench, showing some neat footwork and a direct attacking threat. With continuing poor performances from the likes of Stewart Downing, Dalglish could do worse than to introduce some fresh faces, who are keen to impress and establish a role in the senior set-up. Although presenting too many inexperienced men at once could be detrimental, a process of allowing some of the better performers from the NextGen Cup campaign may well introduce some hunger and desire to the ranks, whilst being able to save some big names a rest for the FA Cup semi-final, which has now taken on even greater significance for the Anfield club.

Sterling is not alone in the emerging generation, with many other youngsters showing genuine potential. The likes of Spaniard Suso, and Merseyside born front-man Adam Morgan have been regularly turning in the sort of displays that deserve a level of recognition from the management. As well as the attack minded players, names such as Reserve captain and centre-half Andre Wisdom have been circulating the corridors of Melwood, as a potential long-term replacement for Jamie Carragher and a short term cover option in light of Daniel Agger’s injury problems and an over reliance on Martin Skrtel. Steven Gerrard will need to be managed for the run-in to avoid further injury worries and insure he is available for Cup duties but, in Conor Coady the Reds have a home-grown back-up option who may well be the future of the Anfield midfield.

Blooding too many youngsters at once is a risky strategy, but with careful management, and some wise decision making from Dalglish, the emerging generation from academy may introduce a new verve to the side. Instead of spending once more, Liverpool may well find their next star is very close to home.

Have your say by commenting or follow @Alex Hams on Twitter

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Udinese booked a spot in Champions League qualifying next season, with a 0-0 home draw against Serie A champions AC Milan on Sunday.Francesco Guidolin’s side entered the match knowing all they needed was a point to join the elite Champions League company.

And to the joy of the Stadio Communale Friuli crowd, Udinese managed a draw that will see them in the group stages of European football’s most prestigious club competition if they can negotiate their way through a playoff next season.

They could have ended the season on a high when Antonio Di Natale was presented with a chance to score his 29th league goal of the campaign for Udinese.

But he missed his spot-kick with 16 minutes remaining, leaving the door slightly ajar for Milan, but in the end both sides were happy to share the spoils, giving Udinese fourth spot and ensuring Lazio missed a Champions League spot for next term.

Both Udinese and Lazio finished level on points and on head-to-head, meaning goal difference gave the former fourth place.

Lazio could feel aggrieved though, after they won 4-2 away at Lecce in an exciting encounter at the Stadio Comunale Via del Mare, thanks to a Mauro Zarate double.

Tommaso Rocchi scored the opener after seven minutes for Lazio, and although Manuel Coppola replied 26 minutes later, Zarate was on hand to make the most of Rocchi’s assist shortly after.

Ignacio Platti responded for Lecce who were having a real go at their opponents and levelled proceedings at half-time, but when they lost goalkeeper Massimiliano Benassi to a straight red card seven minutes into the second half, their hopes of gaining an unlikely result faded.

Zarate tucked away the resultant penalty and an own goal from Lecce striker Giuseppe Vives sealed the result with just under half an hour to play.

In other matches, a Giampaolo Pazzini double helped Inter Milan end their season on a high with a 3-1 home win over Catania while Napoli, who finished third, claimed a 2-2 draw at Juventus, with Alessandro Matri netting a late equaliser for the hosts.

Roma came from a goal down to defeat relegated Sampdoria 3-1 thanks to strikes from Francesco Totti, Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello and Chievo won by the same scoreline as they beat Palermo away from home.

Brescia avoided a final-day defeat but will be in Serie B next season after a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina at home and the spoils also had to be shared between Cagliari and Parma, who drew 1-1.

A first-half double to Antonio Floro Flores saw Genoa topple a fast-finishing Cesena 3-2 and a Francesco Grandolfo hat-trick gave Bari, who will finish bottom, just their fifth win of the season as they trounced Bologna 4-0.

In light of PSV Eindhoven’s 10-0 victory over Feyenoord. We have a look back at the 10 biggest drubbings of all time in the Premier League. Since the start of the Premier League in 1992 there have been some results that have not only proved shocking, but unforgettable. Starting off the list and rather suitably is Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.

Man United 9-0 Ipswich Town

In 1995 Alex Ferguson’s side hosted a struggling Ipswich team who were fighting a relegation battle. Most people expected Manchester United to pick up the three points but know one expected the biggest ever Premier League Victory. With 5 goals from Andy Cole, 2 from Mark Hughes and the rout finished off by Paul Ince and Roy Keane. Manchester United still hold the record for the biggest Premier League win with their 9-0 win over Ipswich Town in March 1995.

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Tottenham 9-1 Wigan

More recently in November 2009 Tottenham Hotspur put nine past Wigan. The game finished 9-1. The goals for rampant Spurs came from Jermaine Defoe with 5, Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch, a deflected free kick from David Bentley and Nico Kranjcar. This humiliating result sits second on our list of biggest Premier League drubbings.

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Newcastle 8-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Next up we have Newcastle United with their 8-0 thumping of Sheffield Wednesday. In September 1999 Sheffield Wednesday travelled to St James’ Park in search of a much needed 3 points. Their efforts were all in vein though as Alan Shearer proved goal machine as he netted five. Aaron Hughes, Kieron Dyer and Gary Speed got in on the act too, as Newcastle disposed of woeful Wednesday.

Continued on Page TWO

Arsenal 7-0 Everton

In 2005 Arsenal thrashed Everton 7-0. This result came as a shock as Everton were by no means struggling in the league and found themselves competing for the final Champions League spot. Robert Pires scored twice, Robin van Persie, Patrick Vieira, Mathieu Flamini and Edu all scored to stun Everton.

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Nottingham Forest 1-8 Manchester United

In February 1999 an in form Manchester United travelled to Nottingham Forest in search of a further 3 points on their way to the Premier League title. This result currently stands as the biggest away victory the Premier League has seen. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proved super sub as he came on to score four times in under 10 minutes. The Scoring was concluded by doubles from both Andy Cole and strike partner Dwight Yorke. The game finished 8-1 in United’s favour.

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Arsenal 7-0 Middlesbrough

Arsenal feature once again in the list as they smashed Middlesbrough 7-0 in January 2006. Middlesbrough’s fortunes were not helped by the fact they played much of the game with 10 men. Thierry Henry inspired the victory with a hat trick, and Senderos, Pires, Gilberto Silva and Hleb each scored once to finish off the rout.

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Newcastle 7-1 Tottenham

In December 1996 Newcastle smashed Tottenham Hotspur 7-1. This proved quite a shock as prior to the match Newcastle had suffered their worst run of results under Kevin Keegan, the man who had so drastically changed their fortunes since taking over.  Shearer got the goals going after a fairly subdued opening to the game. The scoring was then completed by Ferdinand and Lee with 2, another for Shearer and Philippe Albert got in on the act too.

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Continued on Page THREE

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Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley

Manchester United’s 7-0 drubbing of Barnsley in 1997 also features on the list. Once again Andy Cole popped up to score a first half hat trick to send Manchester United onto another one of their high scoring performances since the introduction of the Premier League. Ryan Giggs added another 2; Paul Scholes and Karel Poborsky were also on target.

Blackburn 7-0 Nottingham Forest

Once again Nottingham Forest were on the end of another Premier League thrashing. In November 1995 Blackburn ran riot and put 7 past Forest. Shearer got 3 and was joined on the score sheet by Lars Bohinen who netted twice and further goals from Mike Newell and Graeme Le Saux.

Newcastle 5-0 Manchester United

Our penultimate result of the day is Newcastle’s sublime performance against Manchester United in 1996. Prior to the game United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel had not conceded a Premier League goal in over 9 hours of football. It was only a matter of time before United’s defence would succumb to a goal, but know one thought the floodgates would open in such fashion. Special mention must go to Newcastle defender Phillipe Albert who scores a wonder goal by chipping Schmeichel from 25 yards.

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It’s a well-known proverb that all good things must come to an end, and nowhere in the Premier League is this more evident than at Chelsea. The likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher have all seen their roles adapted from key first-team players, to squad men, with playing time limited, as younger stars look to break into the set-up. But Chelsea’s veterans remain unable to let go of their status in the side, holding back the development of the club.

The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and John Terry are all now the wrong side of 30; yet remain major components in the squad. Their relationships with the club hierarchy, and major influence in the dressing room make them powerful figures around the side, a trait which Andre Villas Boas seems to be struggling with. It could be time for these men to take a back seat, allowing younger players a chance in the first 11 under the stewardship of an unopposed manager.

Take Didier Drogba for example, who is maybe the most outspoken member of this quartet. His presence in the team has limited an already low on confidence Fernando Torres’ playing time, frustrating the Spaniard and further denting his belief. It was clear when he arrived from Liverpool that he was the type of player who likes to work the front-line alone, yet due to Drogba’s status around the club it was impossible to drop him. So in a bid to keep both men happy, they were played together, where their similar styles, as lone forwards, clashed. Who would have been the better long-term bet? The ageing Ivorian? Or the striker in what should be his prime? Drogba’s role within the squad has also limited Daniel Sturridge’s playing time in his favored central role, and as a future hope for club and country, he needs all of the experience he can get. Yes Drogba is still a talented player, with an obvious role to play, but that should now be one from the bench, allowing players for the future to step up.

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The same can be said for Frank Lampard. Although the Englishman has never been overly out-spoken, his omission from the starting 11 often leads to a media flurry, just look at the Napoli game this week, where AVB was much criticized for omitting the likes of Lampard. Again the 33-year-old is still a quality player, but with Chelsea needing to build for the future, the removal of the men so successful under the Jose Mourinho regime is necessary.

Terry and Malouda, both 31, have a few more years, but a slow phasing out, rather than immediate axing could prevent future issues. This would give the likes of Gary Cahill and David Luiz time to build a solid defensive partnership, while allowing youngsters such as Lucas Piazon the chance to secure first-team experience in place of Malouda.

There’s no doubt that Chelsea’s old guard still have a role to play, with their experience and know-how key in guiding young players. But, a less central role will ultimately benefit Chelsea in the long run, if they are to come out of this ’transition phase’ remaining a Premier League force.

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