or 
The Not So Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | 
With this weekend and mid-week being occupied by international games, let’s reflect on the start to the season so far and specifically the players and teams that have made bad starts to the season.
Everton
A player who states his desire to leave and is then played by his manager is always going to effect the other players, and Everton’s start to the season has being shocking. David Moyes’ determination to start World War III with Mark Hughes also didn’t help Everton’s cause early in the season. But expect Everton to quickly move up the table as they are quality team and will once again be in Europa League contention.
Richard Dunne
After receiving numerous player of the year awards at Manchester City over his 9 years at the club, Dunne could reasonably expect some loyalty to be shown to him. But the manner in which he was discarded by City was disgraceful. It is an insult to Dunne to show him the door because City needed the money.
Liverpool
So far this season Rafa Benitez has returned to his status-quo of a defense orientated team, even after a more attacking approach was very successful last season. Xabi Alonso is badly missed and Lucas is probably one of the worst players ever to play for a top four side. There is no quality strike partner for Torres and the financial situation always seems to create rumours involving Benitez’s future. It already looks like Liverpool will struggle to keep up with the rest of the top four this season.
Michael Carrick
As a Manchester United fan, I wonder how Ferguson perseveres with Carrick. He has been woeful so far this season. He’s a poor tackler and is not a good worker. He’s a limited player and if Hargreaves becomes fit again, Carrick should be disposed of and a better replacement found. Simply put, he is not worthy of wearing the Man Utd jersey.
Bolton
After the security of a mid table finish last season, the start to this season has brought a lot of worries to Bolton fans. There has been a lack of investment in the squad and while they are difficult to beat at home they could be in for a relegation struggle. Megson has done a very good job there despite the disapproval of the majority of Bolton supporters.
Portsmouth
Pompey’s high profile takeover came too late in the transfer window and the team is desperately short on quality. Over the past year or so Diarra, Muntari, Defoe, Crouch, and Distin have all left. Unless the bulk of a new team is bought in January, these are going to be one of the favorites for relegation.
International “Action”
We did not learn a huge amount from this weekend’s internationals. We already knew England would qualify for the finals, Northern Ireland continued to impress and are well in with a chance of qualification. Scotland also will fancy their chances of a play off spot as they play the already qualified Netherlands in their next game.
My native Republic of Ireland also could topple Italy from the top of their group. They had an away victory over Cyprus and even though manger Giovanni Trapattoni prefers a very defensive approach, the defense’s organization is excellent. Steven Ireland’s exile is a huge problem in the squad as the midfield of Keith Andrews and Glen Whelan is pretty much all effort and no creativity. However, if Ireland do reach the finals, they should frustrate better opposition and make a big impact.
Which teams have made your cut as not-so-good, bad, and ugly? Have your say below!
Latest Headlines
- Arshavin’s whacky tales of driving
- Should Gerrard be punished?
- Samuel clamors for Becks cheerleading role
- Arsenal striker: “We’ll keep doing this”
- Ancelotti wants to win his “favorite competition”
- Cash kings approach their throne
- Ribery sends the wrong message
- O’Neill is looking for Agbonla-more
- Torres: I think we’ll finish fourth
- Redknapp praises Chelsea star
Featured Articles
Cash kings approach their throne
Zain Alvi talks all about return on equity. more...
Goal line technology sidelined
While Alex McLeish adamantly argued for the use more...NewsNow
Links
For the most up-to-date information on the Cheltenham Gold Cup, check out a trusted online source.Live scores provided by Livescore.
For the best in Premiership football betting, go to a great site with the best odds and bets.
Free Tipster Competition! £3k to be won each month. Free Entry. Get Started Today!
Check out the internet's leading free bet offers guide at Free Bet.
