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My overall summary of Argyle at the moment? Simply not good enough with the ball in the final third, and Saturday’s defeat at home to Gillingham showed that loud and clear.

A week after the Pilgrims had squandered enough chances to hit Dagenham for six, and just four days after their inability to convert cost them three points at Macclesfield, Argyle did nothing to restore my faith in the side that seemed to score in every game just a few months ago. Had it not been for a truly stunning save by Gillingham’s keeper the result could have been totally different at Home Park in a game which saw the visitors reduced to 10 men fifteen minutes before half time.

The man sent off, Joe Martin, had given his side the lead less than 10 minutes before is dismissal with the best goal I have seen at Home Park this season. Argyle were defending solidly, as has been the case in recent games, but a poor clearance fell to Martin 35 yards out. He took a few touches into space and then lashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. With the sun in keeper Jake Cole’s eyes, it was very hard to say the stopper could have done much about it.

Then Gillingham’s keeper produced as fine a save that you will see anywhere in the football league.  With Argyle looking to level the game as soon as possible, Ashley Hemmings ran down the left wing, found space and delivered a cross that Nick Chadwick connected with well. With the ball heading towards the far corner, somehow Gillingham keeper Gazzaniga got a strong hand to it and leapt on the rebound. He knew he had just produced a quality stop as well, he could not hide the smile on his face as he turned towards the Devonport End, and looked at those in attendance holding heads in hands.

Gillingham goal hero Joe Martin then proceeded to get himself sent off for a second yellow card. When Bignot passed him and bore down on the area, Martin stuck out a toe and sent him tumbling. Bignot made the most of the challenge, but he had been prevented a goal scoring opportunity and so the Gillingham defender left the field on the half hour mark, with a goal and a red card to his name.

From that point on Argyle dominated proceedings, but not once did I feel as if they were going to equalise, let alone win the game against a side plagued by injuries and down to ten men. With pretty much all results elsewhere going against us at half time, we knew that the second half could be a huge point in Argyle’s season, but we came up short.

It is no longer our defence that worries the Green Army, it is our attacking players, who seem to have gone missing in recent games. We have now failed to score in three league games in a row at Home Park, and those games include Dagenham who had conceded five in their previous fixture and now Gillingham who shipped four in their last game.

So it’s back to the relegation zone for Plymouth Argyle. And although we are not dead and gone yet, we need a drastic change in fortune. We have 12 games left, 12 huge cup finals. Failure to get the points required from them will mean that instead of playing Accrington and Bradford next season, we will face Alfreton and Barrow. A sobering thought for Argyle fans everywhere.

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By Plymouth Argyle blogger Sam Barker

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Sunderland’s last home game of the Premier League campaign ended with a 3-1 loss to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton.For the second home game in a row Sunderland conceded three goals and at the final whistle, Wolves, the lowest scorers in the division, had succeeded in knocking six goals past the Black Cats in their two encounters this campaign.

Just as they did against Fulham in their last game at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland started the game brightly and played some delightful football in the first half.

But once again they went down to the sucker punch when Stephen Hunt’s 22nd-minute cross from the left was volleyed home by defender Jody Craddock at the far post.

Sunderland bounced back when Stephane Sessegnon acrobatically converted Bolo Zenden’s corner in the 33rd minute and the teams went in the break on level terms after an open 45 minutes in which Zenden hit the post for the Black Cats and Jamie O’Hara for Wolves.

Another 40,000-plus crowd at the Stadium of Light would have hoped their team’s better football would prevail.

But Sunderland were dreadful in the second half and slipped behind in the 53rd minute when Steven Fletcher found it all too easy to head home Matt Jarvis’s cross.

And the Wolves made certain of the three points when defender George Elokobi headed home O’Hara’s free kick in the 80th minute.

Victory took Wolves to the magic 40-point mark, just four points adrift of Steve Bruce’s sadly under-performing side.

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger look set to miss Sunday's Merseyside derby after picking up injuries while on international duty.

Kuyt landed awkwardly during Netherlands' 4-1 victory over Sweden in Amsterdam and appeared to pick up a serious ankle problem.

The forward has only just returned to club action following a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, defender Agger was substituted in the first half of Denmark's 2-0 victory over Cyprus after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury.

Both will be assessed at Liverpool's Melwood training base before manager Roy Hodgson names his squad for Sunday's derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

Speaking about Kuyt, Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk explained:"Dirk wanted to play on but our doctor prevented that and told me to substitute him.

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"He is now in a hospital but following the doctor's first opinion it could be very serious and keep him sidelined for a long time."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

This week saw the removing of the famous St James’ Park sign proudly marking the façade of the Milburn Stand, and Newcastle United’s 120 year association with the renowned old name.

Step forward, the Sports Direct Arena. Rolling off the tongue like a sharp razor blade, football’s conglomerate powers have reared their ugly head once more.

The name change has been at large since last year, but removal of the former insignia this week has truly choked staunch Magpies fans and football traditionalists alike.

Would it have been so bad to keep that little snippet of history for Toon Army fans?

St James’ is the latest football ground to reluctantly part with its distinct appellation in resigned succession of a sponsor clad label. Leicester City’s King Power Stadium will always be regarded as former sponsor; The Walkers Stadium and York City’s once KitKat crescent will always be truly viewed as Bootham Crescent.

But as the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new, Mike Ashley has swooped ruthlessly to stamp his mark all over the stadium in which he decided to rebrand.

If Ashley hopes to hear nattering Geordie accents around the city fondly chatting about a jaunt up to the ‘Sports Direct Arena’ then he is most definitely mistaken. It is a battle he is never going to win. Who is one Buckinghamshire millionaire to tell the Geordie nation otherwise? Long live St James’.

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Magpies fans have been around a much longer time than their owner, and to undermine their connection to the club in such a thoughtless way again demonstrates the widening gap between a club and the most important ingredient; its supporters.

Yes, as managing director Derek Llambias stated whilst

“Stadium rebranding offers a lucrative way for clubs to secure significant additional income”

Understandably, a staple part of Newcastle’s future, the club cannot overlook its past and where it all originated.

Modern conglomerate football takeovers are part of football, whether we like them or not, but erosion of club traditions should not be.

Some may say it’s just a name, but for Newcastle supporters St James’ Park means so much more than three syllables. Famous names of Milburn, MacDonald and Shearer have all trod the hallowed turf and giant soulless Sports Direct logos simply signify the contemporary regime; they have no more impact than to merely remind the football world of who’s in charge. It will forever be St James’ failing meaningless media mentioning’s to adhere to modern records.

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A man was charged this week following his graffiti instalment of the words ‘St James’ following the signs removal representing the palpable dissent on Tyneside; something which Newcastle have been famed for over the years from onlookers across the rest of the nation.

Whilst Alan Pardew’s side continue an impressive campaign, fans will remain to turn up in their droves to their true home; St James’ Park and blank exclamations of the Sports Direct Arena.

Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

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Adaptation is always cited when a player comes in from another country to ply his trade in the Premier League . The physical nature of English football, with its high tempo and crunching tackles, has been a major cause of some player’s failing to perform in one of the best leagues in the world. It is said, that to make it in England, you have to have certain characteristics to adapt to its style. Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said this about Luis Suarez this week:

“He’s a good person. He’s bubbly and just loves playing football. For the style he is, both as a player and a person, I don’t think he’d find it difficult to fit in anywhere. That’s great credit to him.”

It is a fact that is clearly evident from the Uruguayan’s performances so far that he has seemingly needed no time to adapt whatsoever. Even those with the most ideally designed characteristics for the rigours of English football, it is said that it takes most players at least 6 months to adapt to the tempo and speed of thought necessary to play at the top of your game week in, week out in the Premier League. For some, less ideally suited to the style, it takes even longer to adapt, and for others, the adaptation never takes place at all.

Many of those who failed to adapt came from the lesser leagues of Europe, especially Holland. For every Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sami Hyypia, there is a Mateja Kezman and Alfonso Alves, and for that reason, I certainly wasn’t the only one who was thinking that spending £22.5million on Luis Suarez could have been a risk. Spending more money than we did on Fernando Torres to land the player, could have obviously back fired, but as you can tell from King Kenny’s comments, he never expected the Uruguayan to fail. Both himself and Damien Comolli had done their homework, and knew what they were getting.

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Back in January I was fully expecting that I would have to write an article before the end of the season that would have to defend Suarez against accusations that he couldn’t cope with the rigours of the Premier League; that he needed time to adapt. It was clear from the first minute of his debut however, that he would take to the Premier League very quickly indeed.

Everyone was aware of Luis’s qualities when he starred for Uruguay at the World Cup. Great with the ball at his feet, he had a turn of pace and the ability to ghost past defences with his skill and trickery. He was a very awkward to mark as Uruguay more or less afforded him a free role to move from the left flank to right or through the centre. No doubt these qualities would come in use in the Premier League , but how would he cope with the change in tempo? In Holland, there is a greater time on the ball and a lot more time to think. In England however, Suarez has found that the greater pace of play has provided him with larger amounts of space to play in, which he can exploit:

“The pace of the Premier League is completely different to where I’ve played before. It’s unlike the Netherlands, it’s unlike Uruguay and it’s unlike playing in the World Cup. This is a big league and it’s got its own way of doing things.You have to be strong and be able to play very physically. You have to be able to adapt to the way the game is played. In other leagues defences play very tight but here you get space. I’m enjoying it.”

He is stated yesterday that he firmly believes that playing in England can help him become a better footballer and I have no doubt it will. Although he is still use to having more time on the ball, Suarez may sometimes give away possession too easily as he tries to make something happen, but he great thing about the Uruguayan is that he is always lively. He is always looking for space, looking to create opportunities and open defences. Unlike Raul Meireles or Alberto Aquilani, there is no need to state that he needs time to adapt. This is the most surprising thing about Suarez so far, and hopefully this rich vein of form he is in will continue long into his Anfield career.

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Read more of David’s articles at Live4Liverpool

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Listen to the latest episode of our award nominee podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and King Jacks! Don’t forget to help Razor and O’Reilly become award winners in the 2011 EPL Awards

Everton boss David Moyes is determined to prove the doubters wrong after his side came under fire for their poor start to the new season.

The Toffees have taken just two points from five Premier League outings, while in midweek they were knocked out of the Carling Cup by League One Brentford.

With a trip to Fulham next on the agenda, Moyes told reporters:"We started the season with the belief, coming off two defeats in 24 last year, that we would start the season well.

"It didn't happen and that affects your confidence. It's disappointing because I didn't expect this. We expected to start better after the good run we had last year.

"We want to do better and nobody cares more than the players, I can see that by their attitude and the way they are training.

"Football pressure is what I do, it is what the players do. It is why we are in the business and we will get on with it.

"I wouldn't say you want to prove people wrong, but I have been in this situation quite a few times now and it is always the same kind of people who come out and say things.

"We turn it around and they come back again when we don't start the season well.

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"But it's a difficult run. Five of the opening nine were away and two of the four at home included Manchester United and Liverpool.

"I knew this start was going to be quite a hard one if we didn't get off to a good start against Blackburn and Wolves."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Roberto Mancini was left fuming at referee Phil Dowd, for handing a cup final spot to Liverpool. The Italian was left frustrated at the awarding of the Reds’ controversial first half spot-kick, while having a blatant penalty of their own turned down. Mancini feels they suffered ‘an injustice’ on the night, but doesn’t believe it will have an adverse affect on their title challenge.

Elsewhere in the news UEFA look to get tough on those teams who flaunt the rules; Carlos Tevez considers appealing the fines he has accumulated at Manchester City, while Arsene Wenger calls on the loan system to be reformed.

UEFA intend to sanction football clubs who fail to comply with the NEW financial fair play rulings. Exclusion from the Champions League are just some of the measures under consideration as the footballing body look to get tough on those who flaunt the rules – Guardian

Carlos Tevez is considering appealing against the fines he has been given by Manchester City. The Argentine has racked up fines of £9.3m in the past few months and has until Monday to make his appeal to the Premier League – Guardian

West Ham United are considering their Stadium options after getting increasingly frustrated by the Olympic Stadium tender process. It is thought that the Hammers will still submit a bid for their stadium, but it will be under their terms – Guardian

Chelsea will wait until the summer if they want to try and sign the young Brazilian, Lucas Moura. Sources in Brazil claim that Chelsea has already made an offer, but have been frustrated by the price put on his head by Sao Paulo – Daily Telegraph

Craig Bellamy spoke of his delight in what will be a dream final for him. The Welshman scored and starred in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw that ensured progress to the Carling Cup final against his former club, Cardiff City – Daily Telegraph

Marc Albrighton has revealed his frustration at being branded a cheat by Wolves fans, following the sending off of Karl Henry at Molineux at the weekend – Independent

Tottenham are holding out for £8m for Giovani Dos Santos, following Villarreal opening offer of £6.5m.  The Spaniards are desperate to get hold of the Mexican, who according to Jose Manuel Llaneza is keen to join the yellow submarines – Daily Mail

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Newcastle United are chasing the loan signing of Juventus winger, Eljero Elia. The Dutchman has failed to settle in Italy following his move from Hamburg and is deemed to be surplus to requirements by Conte – Daily Mail

Arsene Wenger feels that there should be a ban on loan deals for players over the age of 21. The Frenchman believes it gives the parent club an advantage, as the players can ultimately look to defeat their rivals – Mirror

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Ligue 1 leaders Lille can put some breathing space between themselves and second-placed Marseille when they travel to Lorient on Sunday.With seven games remaining in the season, Lille have a one-point lead over Marseille – but Rudi Garcia’s side have stumbled in recent weeks, playing out a 1-1 draw with Bordeaux last Saturday and slipping to a 1-0 loss to relegation strugglers Monaco a week earlier.

With Marseille taking on Montpellier on Saturday in the final of the league cup, and his side riding high after a 2-0 Coupe de France semi-final win over Nice on Tuesday, Garcia’s men will be confident of increasing their lead as they bid to land a first league title since 1954.

The match with Lorient should see a shootout between Ligue 1’s two premier marksmen, with Lille’s Moussa Sow keen to add to his season tally of 21 goals and Lorient ace Kevin Gameiro on 17 goals for the campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain could leapfrog Lyon – who do not play this weekend – into third should they emerge successful from their trip to 11th-placed Brest, who are just four points clear of the relegation zone.

Fifth-placed Rennes will look to keep the pressure on PSG in the race for a Europa League place when they travel to Monaco, who need a win to move further away from the drop zone.

Arles, whose relegation was confirmed with a 1-0 loss to Valenciennes last Sunday, travel to 16th-placed Nancy and sixth-placed St Etienne travel to Bordeaux with the former still an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League.

Caen will be eager to move out of the bottom three when they welcome Toulouse and 13th-placed Valenciennes take on Sochaux at Stade Nungesser.

It promises to be a busy week at Anfield as Javier Mascherano finally forces a move away from Merseyside. Roy Hodgson finally has some transfer funds to play with and Liverpool fans can expect to see at least two or three new arrivals, before the window shuts.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…Liverpool’s treatment a disgrace; Reds realise their financial potential and a transfer faux pas by Roy Hodgson?

Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.

One signing that Hodgson can ill afford to overlook this summer

Liverpool’s treatment nothing short of a disgrace

Swipe at Rafa and Liverpool doesn’t paint the full picture

Liverpool’s No.10 can be no ordinary Joe

Should Premier League clubs gamble while they still can?

Liverpool finally realising their financial potential

A transfer faux pas by Roy Hodgson?

Liverpool starlet should hand in transfer request if he’s so unhappy

Would anyone be sad to see the back of Dirk Kuyt?

Liverpool’s 25 man squad – who makes Roy’s FINAL CUT?

A strategic loan so Liverpool can recoup their investment?

Liverpool chief right to show patience over offers

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Best of Web

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A Bad Deal: The flawed logic of the Hicks and Gillett takeover – Live4Liverpool

New Wealth Triumphs In Battle Of Rich & Famous – This is Anfield

Gunning For Glory – Kopblog

Does Keith Harris have a buyer for Liverpool FC? – Liverpool Echo

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DES KELLY: Why Mascherano is top of the strops – Daily Mail

Is this legendary Finn a great Reds manager in waiting? – Live4Liverpool

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Click on the image below to see the gallery of  Valon Behrami’s stunning girlfriend

Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has stated that he feels that it could be a successful season for his team, and that he is happy with how the Etihad Stadium outfit are playing this term.

Roberto Mancini’s men are top of the Premier League currently by two points, and the Citizens’ fans have been impressed with their side despite an exit from the Champions League.

When asked about his thoughts on City’s current situation, the Belgium international was positive in his outlook.

“This year in particular has certainly been proof of the fact we’re going about it the right way and that’s the main thing for us,” he told Sky Sports.

“I almost feel like I want to wait before I talk so much, but I really have a gut feeling that tells me that this is the season for us.

“It’s not based on the fact that I’m being pretentious because of the players we have in the team or the money that has been spent. It’s not about this.

“I feel we have a very good team spirit. This is something probably is the thing people don’t expect as much in our team.

“The fact I see it every single day motivates me even more because I believe we’ve got it more than what people see and what people think,” he concluded.

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City take on West Brom at The Hawthorns on Boxing Day, and will look to keep their lead at the top of the division.

By Gareth McKnight

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