Premier League preview part 1: Arsenal, Aston Villa and Cardiff

Arsenal

Last season: Premier League: 4th F.A. Cup: 5th rnd League Cup: 4th rnd Champions League: Last 16.
IN: Yaya Sanogo (free, Auxerre).
OUT: Andrey Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg, free), Denilson, Sebastien Squillaci (released), Sanchez Watt (Colchester, free), Craig Eastmond (Colchester, free), Johan Djourou (Hamburg, loan), Vito Mannone (undisclosed, Sunderland), Francis Coquelin (loan, Freiburg), Andre Santos (free, Flamengo), Joel Campbell (loan, Olympiakos), Gervinho (£8m, Roma), Ignasi Miquel (loan, Leicester), Marouane Chamakh (free, Crystal Palace).

It's been a different summer for Arsenal in several ways. For a start, there has not been in a protracted and tiresome transfer summer involving one of their best players. Some might say this is because they've all left. For the first time also, Arsenal have publicly admitted they have cash to burn. For years now the newspapers have speculated at just how much Arsenal have in transfer funds, (usually around the time season tickets are up for renewal) but the club themselves have muttered something about the new stadium and Financial Fair Play. This year has been different, with £70m pledged to Arsene Wenger. But as of yet, they have done fu*k all the only signing the Gunners have made is the free transfer of Yaya Sanogo.



"Maybe Liverpool would accept £40 million and a £15 iTunes voucher"

 In this of all summers, that is a disgrace. With the three teams above them last season all changing their manager, this was a unique opportunity for Wenger and Arsenal to proved once again that they are among the elite in Europe and push the boat out for new players. 4th place is not good enough for Arsenal supporters anymore and the fact that new coaches Mourinho and Pellegrini have acted swiftly to fill gaps while Arsenal sat back and tentatively let Napoli buy Higuain is telling.

Of course, Arsenal are still, as pundits always put it, 'two or three' top players away from really challenging to get the title back. But most Gunners fans would gladly settle for finishing in the top four along with a trophy. Any trophy. Its been 8 long years and counting since silverware has been lifted by the Arsenal skipper.

But there are positives. Wenger seems to have finally realised Vermaelen is a terrible defender  settled on a partnership at the heart of the defence- the excellent Per Mertesacker and Koscielny. Helped by Sagna, Gibbs, Monreal and the improving goalkeeper Szczesny, Arsenal conceded only 37 goals last season, with only Manchester City boasting a better record. Arsenal also finished only 5 and 2 points adrift of City and Chelsea respectively, suggesting that a couple of quality buys will push Arsenal right up there. Arsenal did end last season unbeaten in their final 11 games.

But Arsenal seem to have a very thin squad, especially when you take into account their players extremely poor injury record. The loan deals of Djourou and Coquelin make little sense- surely Wenger must know by now whether they are good enough for not- and the sale of Gervinho may prove to be a bad move if injuries strike. If Arsenal don't improve their team before the window slams shut I see them slipping out of the top four. But then again there is still time to find a hidden gem- after all, Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta were deadline day signings back in 2011.

Key player: Olivier Giroud. The tall Frenchman took a lot of rather undeserved criticism last season, despite scoring a very respectable 11 league goals in his first campaign in England. But the reality is that if Arsenal are to get near the top three Giroud will probably have to score 20 goals this season. The good news is that he is perfectly capable of such a tally, scoring 21 goals for Montpellier in his final year in France.

Strengths: The defence is very good against most teams with a great mixture of pace, positioning and ariel ability from Mertesacker and Koscielny. They are the best team in the country at keeping the ball; Aaron Ramsey and Arteta sitting deep and acting as the pivots, with Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere adding to this superb dribbling skills and in Rosicky's case an eye for goal. Arsenal were the only team last year to have 4 men get double figures in the league, with Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud aiming for more of the same in 2013-2014.

Weaknesses: Lack of quality outside the starting XI is exasperated further by the constant fitness problems of many key players and a thin squad. The back 5 are prone to stupid errors and defending at set-pieces is still below par. Struggle to break through teams when they 'park the bus', with only Cazorla and Rosicky a threat from distance. Lack of a truly world class player like Van Persie to get them through games that they otherwise would not win.

Best XI: (4-2-3-1) Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla; Giroud.

Aston Villa

Last season: Premier League: 15th F.A. Cup: 4th rnd League Cup: semi final
IN: Aleksandar Tonev (£2.5m, Lech Poznan), Jores Okore (£4m, Nordsjaelland), Leandro Bacuna (undisclosed, FC Groningen), Nicklas Helenius (undisclosed, Aalborg), Antonio Luna (undisclosed, Sevilla), Jed Steer (tribunal, Norwich).
OUT: Jean Makoun (released), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest, free), Richard Dunne (free, QPR), Darren Bent (Fulham, loan), Nathan Delfouneso (Blackpool, loan).

Paul Lambert took a big risk leaving Norwich in 2012, giving up his guaranteed job for a potential poisoned chalice in a Villa side that had finished in 16th under Alex McLeish. It seemed as if he had made a terrible mistake with Villa hovering over the drop zone at Christmas time, being defeated 8-0 by Chelsea on one terrible day. Lambert's faith in young players was ridiculed as a defence without Dunne or injured Ron Vlaar began to leak goals.

But Lambert had faith and results began to turn around. The embarrassing two legged defeat to League Two outfit Bradford signalled the nadir; But then there were shoots of recovery as Villa's young squad began to demonstrate their talent. A fluid front three of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and the wonderful Christian Benteke scored goals for fun during the spring.

Towards the back end of last season Lambert’s side improved and Benteke was unplayable. This season, should they pick up where they left off, they can hope for more than a relegation scrap. Lambert has been shrewd in the market too- this is no longer the same Villa as a few years ago, when millions would be wasted by Martin O'Neill on average players like Curtis Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker. Randy Lerner understandably is unwilling to be so loose with the purse strings again so now the most extravagant buy is likely to be Jores Okore, a talented Danish international bought for £4 million. Much of the summer's potential drama was resolved quickly with an improved contract for Benteke. But the 19 goal Belgium striker is not the only success story from last year, with both Matt Lowton and Ashley Westwood improving hugely over the course of the season.

There is still a question over whether Lambert would have been better off with the senior players from the off. Lambert seemed to be reluctant to use Darren Bent, Charles N'Zogbia and Stephen Ireland and results suffered. How will the young players react now? Villa do look to have enough goals in them to be out of the relegation dogfight, but will not trouble the top 10. The Holte End will hope for another cup run.

Key Player: Benteke. Keeping hold of the £30 million rated striker was vital for Aston Villa's immediate future. He may think himself above Aston Villa but the team is built for him and he will be chasing that centre forward spot for Belgium's 2014 World Cup XI.

Strengths: The three attackers Agbonlahor, Weimann and Benteke are full of pace, power, guile and goals. Westwood and Delph are great users off the ball and Guzan is one of the best keepers in the division. Lowton and new boy Luna provide attacking threat from full back.

Weaknesses: The defence leaks goals, with Baker and Bennett just not good enough yet. Still not enough experience in the side. Don't have a good midfield enforcer, and are incredibly reliant on Benteke for goals and inspiration.

Best XI: (4-3-3) Guzan; Lowton, Okore, Vlaar, Luna; Westwood, Delph, Banann; Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann.

Cardiff

Last season: Championship: 1st F.A. Cup: 3rd rnd League Cup: 1st rnd
IN: Andreas Cornelius (£7.5m, FC Copenhagen), John Brayford (£2m, Derby), Simon Moore (undisclosed, Brentford), Steven Caulker (£8m, Tottenham), Gary Medel (£11.2m, Sevilla).
OUT: Stephen McPhail, Heidar Helguson, Nat Jarvis (all released), Elliot Parish (free, Bristol City).

Finally, they did it. After years of play-off failure Cardiff finally joined their deadly rivals Swansea in the Premier League, and they did it in style as champions. Malky Mackay must take a huge slice of the credit as under his management Cardiff have been in a League Cup final (only losing on penalties) and then promoted in successive seasons. His motivational skills and tactical nous will see him move on from Cardiff soon, but for now he will be looking to survive in the top flight at the first attempt, backed well by the clubs Malaysian owners.

The fans are not happy with the red kit but many have been forced to keep quiet as Cardiff, bankrolled by the money, played some scintillating stuff on their way to promotion. The summer has seen Vincent Tan back Mackay further with some lavish spending. In a bid to address a lack of goals- no player scored more than 8 league goals last term- the Scot spent £7.5 million on Danish striker Andreas Cornelius, a man with just one top flight season under his belt. Better use of cash was to follow though, with the superb buy of  England international Steven Caulker. How they convinced him to come to Wales is a mystery, but he is a top player and will no doubt stand out in a team that already boasts quality defenders.

Further cash was spent on Gary Medel, Seville's defensive midfielder. Cardiff's record signing will certainly give them a touch of class but the Chilean is prone to going batsh*t mental to a red card or three so questions marks must be raised about the wisdom of paying more than £11 million for him. But he is exactly the player that Cardiff need, as last season they were spoilt for choice in terms of more positive midfielders and widemen, with Craig Noone, Kim Bo-Kyung, Aron Gunnarsson, Peter Whittingham, Jordan Mutch and Cardiff's most high profile player, Craig Bellamy, all playing a significant role in promotion.

Key Player: Mark Hudson. A true leader at the heart of the defence, and is easily capable of making the step up to the top flight. Comfortable on the ball, extremely strong in the air, and an excellent communicator, he will relish taking on the likes of Van Persie and Aguero this season.

Strengths: Their defence. Cardiff kept 18 clean sheets in the Championship last season and have a host of players who look good too make the step up. Hudson, new signing Brayford, ex- Middlesbrough man Andrew Taylor and Matthew Connolly all look ready. The aforementioned host of attacking midfielders will make Cardiff a threat from range and will see them create chances.

Weaknesses: Converting Chances. Goals were shared around last season but no one got more than 8. Bellamy may still have his pace and trickery but he only netted four last season. Cornelius is talented but to get the best out of him Cardiff may have to play long ball which they are unaccustomed to. The hope is that Frazier Campbell will be the main goal scorer, after an impressive seven goals in just 12 games after arriving in January from Sunderland, but he has injury problems. Lacked a holding player too last season, but Medel may sort that out.

Best XI: (4-5-1) Marshall; Brayford, Hudson, Caulker, Taylor; Noone, Kim, Medel, Whittingham, Bellamy; Campbell.

Thanks for reading, Adam.

3rd test day two

SCOREBOARD: Australia 527-7 dec. (Clarke 189, Smith 89, Rogers 84, Haddin 65* Starc 66* Swann 5-159) England 52-2 (Cook 36*, Trott 2*, Siddle 2-7)

And so, on the second day of the third Test in Manchester, Australia once again proved that there could still be life in this Ashes series. The Aussies very much won the day, eventually declaring in the evening session at a mammoth 527-7. Even better for them, by the close England were already two wickets down after a brilliant spell from Peter Siddle right at the death.

The day, however, belonged to the skipper, the tenacious and wonderfully skilled Michael Clarke.
Last year he made one triple century and two doubles, but after an uncertain start to his tour it was a big relief for the Aussie supporters to finally see their best player give his side a platform on which to build. After the loss of Steve Smith, who only added 19 to his overnight score, Clarke stepped up a gear and gave Swann in particular a real hiding in the afternoon session.

Clarke's wagon wheel showing his 187 runs.

Swann, though did take advantage of a real turner of a pitch by getting Smith out in his first over of the day; albeit helped significantly by a stupid shot from the Aussie no.5, attempting to hit Swann down the ground when just 11 short of a maiden test hundred. Jonny Bairstow took a simple catch at mid-wicket to break the fourth wicket stand worth a staggering 214.

The recalled David Warner took the wicket to a chorus of boos and it wasn't really a surprise to see him depart soon after arriving for a scratchy 5. He clearly edged to Trott at slip, giving Swann his fourth wicket, but then asked for a review. It was clear he had hit it and the bad boy of the side (and, it appears, the new pantomime villain) had to walk. Before that, though, Clarke reached 150 with a boundary off Tim Bresnan through backward point, incredibly the 9th time in his Test career he has done so. The Aussie leader went to lunch at 168 not out, joined by Brad Haddin, with his side sitting pretty at 392-5.

Clarke was eventually undone chopping on a short ball to give Stuart Broad his 200th Test wicket, while Swann completed his 17th Test five-wicket haul when he bowled Siddle for 1. The captain ended on 187 runs, scored off 314 balls, with 23 4's. The rest of the session was bad for England bowlers as Haddin and Mitchell Starc completed rapid half-centuries, leaving the tourists 507-7 at tea. 20 quick runs were added before Clarke waved his side off, leaving Australia in a commanding position.  For that they owed almost everything to the captain who remains their one world-class player. Michael Clarke was within 13 runs of the fourth double of his Test career which, together with a triple, marks him out as one of the very best batsmen of his generation.

Swann apart, who the conditions suited, it was a day to forget for the England bowlers. Far from England being reliant on Anderson, it seemed at times Cook didn't really want to throw him the ball. Playing on his home ground he went for 116 runs off 33 overs. Indeed, all of the main bowlers went for a 'century' of runs, and in hindsight it might've been worth picking the extra spinner in Panesar- certainly this pitch is only going to take more spin from now on.

England then faced Australia for a nerve racking 30 overs. The openers seemed to have seen off the swing of Harris and Starc and looked set. But Nathan Lyon was introduced for his first bowl of the tour and things changed. At first he bowled in tandem with Shane Watson, who incredibly bowled 5 straight maidens. This gave Lyon opportunity to attack and the right armed offie twice was close to finding Joe Root's edge.

His flight, dip and turn left England's batsmen uncertain and he built pressure: 51 of his 60 deliveries were dot balls. Certainly he gave the selectors reason to regret leaving him out at Trent Bridge and Lord's. There, they had gambled on Ashton Agar, a 19-year-old still learning his craft. Agar failed to take a wicket at Lord's; Lyon almost certainly would've.

Eventually the pressure told as Clarke introduced Siddle for a fast 5 over spell at the death. His pace and bounce caused problems and Root nicked behind off a good length for 8 off 57 balls, an uncertain knock that he will not be pleased with. Nightwatchman Bresnan followed to the same combination, given out off the bottom edge after attempting a pull shot. Bresnan looked unhappy, especially when replays showed distance between bat and ball, but Cook, who hadn't made a mistake yet in his own, patient innings, decided to save the review for more important batsman.

Clarke said afterwards to the BBC: "We worked exceptionally hard in the lead-up to this Test match and it was nice to get a result. But the wicket is pretty flat, there's not much movement and we'll have to work even harder over the next three days to win this Test match. But our bowlers have got the discipline. I was also really pleased with the way Nathan Lyon bowled - he got a little bit of spin but, more importantly, there was also some bounce there, so I think he's going to play a big part."

The hosts still need 276 runs to avoid the follow on at the end of a thrilling day. With Cook and Trott at the crease England will hope to bat all day tomorrow, which would practically ensure the Ashes remaining here until the winter.  But this was Australia's day, and for once their batting has stood up and given their overworked bowling attack a foothold in the game. Scoreboard pressure is a cruel mistress and with Siddle and Lyon bowling well, the tourists will look forward to tomorrow immensely.

Thanks for reading, Adam.

3rd Test Day one at Old Trafford

SCOREBOARD: Australia 303-3 (Clarke 125* Rogers 84, Smith 70*, Swann 2-82)

Never write off the Aussies.

As comprehensively as they were outplayed at Lord's, you still felt there was no way this side would just lie down and take a hammering, and so it proved, with Captain Michael Clarke leading from the front, after a terrific, battling ton at Old Trafford. The newly rebuilt ground hosted it's first Test since 2010 and the Mancunian crowd could only watch on in admiration, as the best all round batsman in world cricket at the moment (in my opinion anyway) finally turned on the style.

Clarke scored what could only be described as a vital century as Australia breathed life into their Ashes campaign by dominating the opening day of the third Test against England. Australia won the toss and reached 303-3 by the close with Clarke unbeaten on 125 and Steve Smith still with him on 70. The pair put on an unbroken 174 for the fourth wicket after opener Chris Rogers set the tone for Australia's first successful batting display of the series with a positive 84. It was a much needed and much improved batting display from a team who know they must win the Test to remain in with a chance of taking the urn back Down Under.

"I know! I've just saved you lot AGAIN!"

It was time for the tourists to go for it or lose, so changes were needed. Phil Hughes may have been one of Australia's better players thus far, with his 81 at Trent Bridge showing what is required. But two failures at Lord's cost him his place, and David Warner, Joe Root's best mate, was picked in his place after a century for Australia A in their tour of Africa. Warner's recall was one of three changes for Australia, who brought in Nathan Lyon and Starc for Ashton Agar and James Pattinson.

They desperately needed a good start after six Test losses in a row and they got one with Chris Rogers determined not to blow his opportunity in the Test side. He went out fighting and chalked up a half century off just 49 balls, as Shane Watson once again looked good against the opening bowlers. Rogers dispelled his image as a tough, gritty opener, hitting numerous boundaries.

But as usual, Watson wasted a good start, Tim Bresnan dismissing him for just 19 and leaving the tourists at 76-1. Bresnan was getting some extra bounce and found Watson's edge leaving Captain Cook to take an easy catch at first slip. Only 6 runs were added before another wicket fell, this time it was Graeme Swann the triumphant bowler, as he dismissed Usman Khawaja for 1. Khawaja scored a fluent fifty in the second innings at Lord's but here looked uncertain as Swann, always successful against the left handers, got him with a ball that turned away, with Prior taking a smart catch. It was a decision upheld on review despite Hot Spot revealing no mark on his bat.

Michael Clarke was in a no. 4. Clarke had always been dead against moving up the order, and one stat demonstrated why- Clarke had never before scored a hundred at 4. While batting at five the New South Wales man averaged over 60, the position above his key stat tumbled to around 20. But such was the need for Clarke to show his class, he was convinced to do what was best for the team and bat where he should- as high up as possible. Clarke is probably the best player of spin in the world, so instantly Swann was removed from the attack and Anderson and Broad peppered Clarke with short deliveries.

Meanwhile, England seemingly couldn't stop the flow of Rogers, as he accelerated to 84, looking good for his first Test century. But then Swann was brought back, and he trapped Rogers in front with a wonderful ball that straightened sharply. Roger's front foot was too far forward and another left hander fell victim to Swann's off-spin. He decided not to review- good job too, as it was hitting middle stump- and a glorious knock came to an end. 84 runs, from 114 balls, with 14 4's- hardly the ponderous Rogers we saw in the first two Tests. At 129-3, England sensed another Australia collapse, especially as that ball now confirmed it- the pitch was made for top class spin.

Steve Smith came in at 5 which can't have pleased the traditionalists. Smith's technique- particulary on the off side- needs a whole lot of working on. But he has raw talent, raw ability, as well as terrific mental strength. It's this quality that saw him unbelievably make it to tea intact.

England thought they had snared Smith when Swann bowled a beauty to trap him in front, but the umpire was unmoved. After consultation with Hawk Eye, Swann's lbw appeal to Smith was rejected, the Aussie carried on.

England used up their second referral when a loud noise was made when Smith was driving outside off. Bowler James Anderson, wicketkeeper Matt Prior and the slips went up in unison to claim a catch off the edge of Smith's bat but umpire Marais Erasmus remained unmoved. Once again Hot Spot showed nothing and the umpire's decision stood. With no reviews left, the home side were therefore powerless to overturn Tony Hill's decision not to raise the finger when Stuart Broad trapped the same batsman in front of middle stump.

At the other end, drawing on all his expertise against spin bowling, Clarke got the better of off-spinner Swann in a fascinating duel on a wicket that turned from the start. His battle with Swann was enthralling - Clarke's superb footwork saw him come down the wicket on plenty of occasions, while he was rock solid - whether forward or well back - in defence. He eventually posted the first century by any Australian in six Tests. The visiting skipper's 24th Test century, off 169 balls, was reached in the evening session, and he was given a deserved standing ovation by the 25,000-strong crowd.  At 129-3, England sensed another Australia collapse, but Clarke's brilliance and Smith's good fortune ensured the day took a very different course..

"Australia have had an excellent day when they needed a good day and the captain, under significant personal pressure, played a gem of an innings," Mike Atherton told Sky Sports Ashes.
"Clarke has had a number of issues - the shocking performance of his team at Lord's, the fact he hadn't really stamped his authority on the series, and thirdly the issue of where he bats - but he confronted them superbly batting at four, where statistically he has not had much success.
"He is a fine player, one of the best in the game, but he needed to lead from the front and show that England's bowlers could be tamed - he had a beautiful little battle with Graeme Swann throughout the day - and [he did]." 

England's bowling stats. On a pitch unfriendly for seamers, Bresnan got surprisingly low economy figures. Anderson was ineffective for most of the day, while Broad's figures don't really do him justice.