Bleacher Report - Articles by Ryan Mays

Tomas Rosicky Taking Potshots at Gael Clichy and Gallas? Fact or Faction?

Ryan Mays — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:11:49 -0400

To be perfectly honestly, I refuse to believe a word of this nonsense. Rosicky casting blame on our French legion? Innocent until proven guilty, in my book.

Not to mention the fact that the UK media are notorious for pushing the limits of journalistic professionalism, although "professionalism" is a bit of a stretch in and of itself. Assuming his comments concerning last season's game against Birmingham were taken out of context, then we can move on and forget the whole issue.

But, hypothetically, if Rosicky was genuinely criticizing his teammates for last season's disappointment (as the game against Birmingham truly changed the face of the entire campaign), then is it a sign that our injury prone winger is want away?

Mere speculation, of course, but Rosicky's behavior could be a sign that he's ready for a change of scenery. His most recent comments lead the Gooner faithful to believe that he's content with Ashburton Grove.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website, Rosicky commented on the incident: "I would never blame individuals for the team not lifting a trophy. We are in it together. We win as a team and we lose as a team.

"As individuals, we all make mistakes and the message I was relaying to a Czech newspaper was that we are more experienced now and have learnt from last season.

"We came so close last year to winning something and we will be giving it our all to win a trophy this year."

Strong, reassuring words, but words nonetheless. His actions later on in the season will determine his personal future, but with the current crop of young gunners leading the line, albeit admirably, his experience will be sorely needed.

Kaka to Chelsea? And Other Thoughts on the New Look Blues

Ryan Mays — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:26:18 -0400

The moment that Ryan Giggs and the Red Devils lifted the Champions League trophy in Moscow, Roman Abromavich was on the phone with agents from around the world, who represented top quality players such as Deco, Bosingwa, Robinho, and Kaka.

After the lengthy mourning of Mourinho, and the unheralded achievements of Avram Grant, Chelsea came incredibly close to winning the sought after double of the Premier League and Champions League.

They even managed to stick it to the Devils at the back end of the season, and gave an amazing performance at the reunion in Moscow, but the stars were apparently not in alignment for the Blues, as they tearfully conceded the title and the Champions League to Fergie's men.

Grant was subsequently relieved of his job, and the house cleaning began. Ben Haim, Sidwell, and other dead wood were let go, as Chelsea embarked on a wild spending spree, gaining Deco for 16 million and a 30 million pound right back, Bosingwa.

Scolari was acquired to get the multimillion dollar ship turning in the right direction, and judging by the 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth, it's safe to assume he has some breathing space.

Upon the trill of the ref's whistle, Chelsea were established as the league favorites by virtually all the bookies in England, and while Scolari downplayed the performance and maintained they'll continue to improve, life seems to be pretty sweet at the Bridge. The newly minted savior has a stellar CV, and Abromavich appears to trust him implicitly, for the moment at least.

If you were to assume Abromavich is ready to put his checkbook away, you'd be absolutely mistaken. Chelsea have been hot on the trail of Robinho virtually the entire transfer window, yet no matter how many zeroes the Russian adds to the bottom line, Madrid show reluctance at releasing their fleet footed winger.

While Chelsea will undoubtedly continue badgering Real for the Brazilian, their moves in the direction of another Brazilian have generated some speculation. Kaka is now the main man in the blue crosshairs, but like all good soap operas, there's a catch.

According to the Daily Star, AC Milan are more than happy to part ways with their marquee playmaker, and all they desire in return is a piddling payment in the form of 102 million pounds, which of course would decimate the transfer fee of Cristiano to Madrid (if, indeed, the deal ever goes to paper). Kaka has not been particularly vocal on his desire to stay or vice versa, but money talks, and with finality.

At the start of the season, Scolari was lightly criticised for attempting to include Ballack, Lampard, and Deco in the same lineup. The general opinion was that Ballack and Lampard's varying styles clashed, not to mention adding Deco to the mix, and it would result in chaos.

Scolari brushed off the criticism, and successfully fused the trio into a seamless unit that bombarded Pompey with attacking runs, aerial attacks, and brilliant through balls.

If Scolari can weave Ballack, Lampard, and Deco into his starting eleven, why not Kaka as well?

EPL Preview: This Weekend's Matches

Ryan Mays — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:14:02 -0500

Birmingham vs Arsenal: The Grudge Match

As the leadoff game of the weekend, Birmingham play host to an Arsenal side unbeaten in the last ten Premier League games, with the Gunners looking to extend their lead at the top of the table by eight points—providing Manchester United slips up against Newcastle.

Arsenal have had a rough go of things lately, getting knocked out of the FA Cup 4-0 by United, and struggling to a 0-0 draw against Milan in the CL.

On top of all this, Arsenal only managed to draw 1-1 with Birmingham at the Emirates, so the Arse will assuredly be looking to make amends.

The postives for Birmingham include a rest over the week as Arsenal played several times, and the Blues will be facing a depleted Arsenal side because of injuries. Still, Arsenal should take this one comfortably.

Birmingham 0-2 Arsenal

Wigan Athletic vs Derby County: Attack of the Cellar Dwellers

Now this is just me, and of course no offense towards these teams, but I'd rather watch paint dry instead of viewing these Premier League bore squadrons. It's a miracle they can get anyone in the stadium.

Darby County is the official whipping boy of the Premier League, and Wigan is equally pathetic. Both teams have brought in new managers, players, and more money, but nothing seems to be working.

As they're both in severe danger of being relegated, they might just fight hard and play some scrappy football in an effort to get a point, as neither of them can win this one, since their glaring lack of quality will cancel each other out.

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Derby County

Fulham vs West Ham United: Terrible vs Not That Terrible

For Fulham to haul themselves out of the bottom three, they must beat West Ham and hope that Arsenal beat Birmingham (the latter far more likely).

The Cottagers have struggled mightily this season, having won a paltry three games. Their inane habit of draws is something that neighbors Derby could only wish for, but incessant draws wont keep you in the Premiership.

West Ham, on the other hand, having survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, have moved on comfortably into mid-table obscurity.

Fulham 1-2 West Ham

Liverpool vs Middlesbrough: Another Grudge Match

Liverpool is a strange team this season, to put it mildly. What does one make of a team that is knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnesley, goes from gunning for the Premiership trophy to scrambling for fourth place—and promptly proceeds to triumph over an Inter Milan team that is leading and winning every single competition and cup they're in.

Benitez' future with the Reds has been strengthened somewhat with the Inter win, but Southgate's men will be looking to crash the party. Boro recently signed the attacking prowess that is Daniel Alves, and considering that they held Liverpool to a draw last time around,

Boro just might be able to repeat the trick. But Liverpool are undoubtedly the favorites and will be riding the CL wave all the way to Anfield.

Liverpool 3-0 Middlesbrough