FOX Soccer's lead analyst reflects on the Premier League weekend.
The word ‘legend’ is overused a lot these days, but this week I’d like to talk about a man who has taken the game to a whole new dimension and really deserves the title. I’m talking of course about Sir Alex Ferguson, who celebrated 25 years in the manager’s seat for United this week, and that’s an incredible achievement.
I think he is the game. I think you have to see him like Ali is in boxing and Michael Jordan is in basketball. What he’s done with English football is give it the credibility and respect it so badly needed. Remember, we were in the dark ages when he took over, and yes, he’s won, but he’s winning with style and with dignity and passion for the game. When he took over, he gave Manchester United fierce determination, and what is remarkable is how he’s been able to change a generation of players from all different cultures and languages and get them to play with that same philosophy and flair.
I have a couple personal connections to Sir Alex as well that I’d like to share. I was actually linked to join the club for a time, and I can tell you that when you meet him, you instantly respect him. He’s a man, he holds himself to the highest standards, and he carries himself well. That’s why I think Sir Alex appreciated the fact that I always stuck by Bobby Robson, my manager at Newcastle, as well as understanding that by doing so I was being respectful to my manager and to the game.
But even before that, when I was at Wimbledon, Sir Alex told me that he knew when United beat us on a muddy Tuesday night, in a physical game against guys like Vinny Jones and the Crazy Gang, that they would win the title. United went on and did just that.
All right, before we get to your questions, I’d like to talk a little as well about Newcastle. Of course it’s my old club, but it really is a fairytale. Alan Pardew wasn’t the fans’ first choice and probably wasn’t my first choice either, but he and John Carver have done a tremendous job, and they’ve done it on a budget. People say this and that about Mike Ashley, but the fact is the owner has told the staff, here’s the budget and that’s it, so they’ve had to buy wisely and they cannot go out and spend at will.
Now, the team does need strengthening, and some would say they haven’t played anyone yet. But the fact is, you play who you play in the schedule, and they’ve gone from strength to strength. They got rid of a problem in Joey Barton, and they’ve really been impressive as a team since. They do have some huge games coming up: City, United then Chelsea. If they can take three points from these three games, Pardew will be delighted, and so will I.
Thanks for your questions this week, the first one was about Wigan and why they’ve kept on manager Roberto Martinez:
I think the answer is that for Dave Whelan, love is blind, so much so that it could prove to be his club’s downfall. He’s stood by Martinez and his philosophy and that’s great and all, but the fact is Wigan are bottom of the league, not defending, not scoring and on top of that have spent money to bring in Martinez’ players. This is his team and it’s not working. I do dread that if Wigan go down they will never come back up, and the question for Whelan is: Do you think of the club or the personal relationship?
From my point of view, Martinez’ record speaks for itself. They are shipping goals and don’t ever look like winning. Had it not been for Al Habsi today (against Wolves), they would have let in six or seven.
Stoke lost today (to Bolton) and some of you asked if I thought the Potters were fading a bit.
Well, I think they do have the Europa League hangover, but let’s talk about today’s game and that awful decision from Howard Webb that led to Bolton’s first goal. How on earth can he say that’s a passback when it comes off the man’s shin? That changed the game. Bolton were struggling and needed confidence, and that gave it to them. I’ve been on teams like that, and the attitude is that for the first 10 minutes, you’re just trying to survive, so a goal like that is a huge lift.
Now, Stoke are finding it difficult to play week in and week out in the Prem, in Europe and the Cups. It’s telling on the players. They don’t have the squad for that. But overall, I think they are where they want to be in the league right now.
Arsenal won this week, and many of you asked if I thought the Gunners are back?
Well, I think they’re at a level where they can compete. Can they challenge for the title, though? No, not yet. I think they can play a game with confidence but long term, pressing City, United and Chelsea, I doubt that. There are still some question marks.
And finally, QPR’s performances have many of you asking what they can accomplish.
I think their last two games haven’t been a surprise, honestly, because at home they always put on a performance. Loftus Road isn’t Old Trafford, but it is small and tidy with a great fan base, and Neil Warnock has used that to his advantage well. I think they have enough to stay up, and I’m pleased to see their chairman is realistic. I do think when you bring a lot of strong personalities in — D.J. Campbell, Joey Barton, Anton Ferdinand, Jay Bothroyd — it’s going to take time to gel, but I’m not surprised that Warnock has done that. He’s a quality manager.
Remember, you can always ask me your questions for this column: Simply tweet them to @FOXSoccer, and I’ll get to as many as I can each week. And don’t forget to follow my account as well, @warrenbarton2.
