Bleacher Report - Articles by Jermaine Koko

Ashley Cole/William Gallas: Who Got the Better End of the Deal?

Jermaine Koko — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:18:01 -0500

William Gallas:

His attitude, leadership, and performances have been questionable, and to some people he is like a poison in the Arsenal squad.

I suppose he is not the best captain the club has ever had, but it is perhaps a more difficult team to captain than some others.

Vieira was captain of a team that didn't need captaining with players like Campbell, Ljungberg, and Gilberto having experience of the job themselves while other senior players like Pires and Henry were hardly the types that needed keeping in line.

Vieira still managed a widely publicised physical confrontation with Lauren though!

This young team needs more considered thought to get the best out of them. In some ways Gallas takes the job of captain too seriously and his comments will not help him. However, stripping him of the captaincy now, as much of the press are urging, will not serve the cause of harmony within the team well.

Gallas has, more often than not, done his job reasonably well. It is when the going gets tough that he fails to set the example that is expected of him.

I will not delve into the over-publicised incident at St. Andrews last season. He shouldn't have done what he did. What the incident did however, was give everybody a glimpse of what sort of captain and leader he was.

His latest outbursts, as pointed out by our good friend Alex Dimond, will not go down favorably. As a captain, a lot of issues will depend on how he handles it and going public is a definite no-no.

He has clearly shown that he does not want the responsibility that goes with being a club captain.

His football ability has never been in doubt as his career across London with Chelsea proves. He has never quite been able to recapture the form he enjoyed at Stamford Bridge, though.

In his defence, he has managed to produce some critically important goals for his team like the winner against Chelsea and the late equaliser against United.

Ashley Cole:

On the other hand, Ashley Cole is playing his best football for Chelsea this season. He is by no means a saint and his attitude is arguably worse than Gallas', but his performances are slowly but surely winning his critics back again.

His Chelsea career got off a rather weak start with a series of bad, nervy performances. He looked weak, unsure, and lacked confidence. The fact that he was frequently substituted or left on the bench in favour of his England teammate Wayne Bridge proved that.

He did briefly get back his form of old, but his much publicised off-field personal problems seemed to have to got to him and Chelsea did not hesitate to drop him again.

His attitude as a pro footballer is one of the worst I have seen in football. The way he turned his back on Mike Riley in that 4-4 draw at Spurs was disturbing, especially as it was just days after the "Respect Referees Campaign" was launched.

This season however, he was come on leaps and bounds. His improvement and new dedication is there for all to see.

A change of manager seems to have done wonders for his confidence and playing style. Playing under Mourinho and Grant, he was restricted to just defending when he has so much more to his game than that.

Big Phil likes to give his wing back a free licence to roam forward and join every attack, and Cole is relishing his new lease of life.

Now, back to the question. Between Chelsea and Arsenal who got the better end of the deal?

Chelsea, without a shadow of a doubt!

Letting Gallas go and paying an extra £5m for Ashley Cole, who was widely regarded as the best left-back in the world at the time, was a stroke of genius.

Aston Villa Roundtable: Should Gareth Barry Have Gone When He had the Chance?

Jermaine Koko — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:01:29 -0500

As the first ever Aston Villa roundtable gets under way, I caught up with William Cooper, Yoosof Farah, and Chris Rowlands to discuss an important issue.

After Liverpool relentlessly pursued Gareth Barry during the off-season, the question remains; Should Barry have gone when he had the chance? Especially considering his performances have dropped alarmingly since the move fell through.

Jermaine Koko:

Gareth Barry has been a loyal servant, turning in performance after performance and gradually getting better as the years have passed.

It was just two years ago, when Barry was getting frustrated at the lack of ambition at Villa Park. Then it all started happening. Doug Ellis made way for Randy Lerner and Martin O’Neill was brought in and hailed as the club's saviour.

Aston Villa are one of the teams—along with Everton, Man City, and Tottenham—with genuine ambitions of knocking Liverpool or Arsenal out of that top four and establishing themselves in the Champions League.

Along with Everton, Villa did a good job of pushing Liverpool for a while with the smallest squad in Premier League.

It only took a quick chat with O’Neill for Barry to realise he should stay and take Villa forward.

I’m not saying Villa are better than Liverpool—that would be disrespectful to England’s most successful club—but the things I have outlined are the things that Gareth Barry needed to consider before he made his mind up.

Despite seeing the level of his performances drop alarmingly thus far this season, staying at Villa was the best decision he could have made. Although O'Neill took the captaincy away from him, he still remains the star of the very young side. A young side that have been taking huge strides in the right direction.

He could have gone to Liverpool and risked sitting on the bench—and maybe slip out of the top four that he was moving into.

His England credentials are under no threat plying his trade for Birmingham’s elite, as he is always on show doing what he does best. He won his place in the national team's starting line-up through his performances for Villa, so why should he be forced to move on?

William Cooper:

Liverpool's chase for Villa's former captain certainly unsettled the 27-year-old Barry. O'Neill decided he was to be replaced as club captain, instead giving the arm band to Martin Laursen.

Barry's form has not been as eye-catching so far this season, but his goal tally already looks good; five goals so far this season in all competitions. Last season Barry bagged nine goals, the highest tally of his career.

Barry was, and it appears still is, torn between a huge move to Liverpool and sticking with Villa. As January approaches, the same will he, won't he saga is sure to return. O'Neill appears to be of the position that, no man is bigger than the club, the change of captain was a statement from O'Neill—Villa will continue to progress with or without Barry.

All doesn't seem well for Barry behind the scenes, and if Barry believed Martin O'Neill would handle Villa's star man with kid gloves to prevent a fall-out, he was mistaken. O'Neill has asked Barry to change positions a few times this season, perhaps as a test of Barry's commitment to the club.

O'Neill's ego has been hurt by Liverpool's summer shenanigans. Clearly Liverpool are a bigger club than Villa, but O'Neill hates to hear it; and in some way has tried to force Barry to commit or leave. So far this season I don't see Barry as fully committed to Villa, and would be very surprised if Barry starts next season in claret and blue.

In Aston Villa's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, Barry was asked, or told, to move from his customary midfield role to play at left-back. The England man has played left-back before for Villa, but isn't happy in that role. Barry said:

“I'm not a player who enjoys players running at me too much when I play in defence, I try to enjoy going forward and I hope the manager appreciates that.”

Barry added: “He (O'Neill) had a brief chat with me before the game and said it wasn't a long-term thing, but I know he changes his mind, so I'm going to have to take that with a pinch of salt.”

O'Neill's rebuke came with typical Clough-esque clarity: "I pick the side. Players are paid to play in whatever position I put them in. The explanation I give them should be good enough.”

Thankfully, Barry stayed at Villa, but it seems both player and manager are unsure whether that was the right decision.

Yoosof Farah:

Indeed Gareth Barry’s performances haven’t been up to the standard we’d all expect this season. Last season he was great; a fantastic player for both Aston Villa and England. This season, it is all rather different.

He is indeed suffering from a lack of form, and quite frankly, has not been delivering the goods. And with it rumoured that Gareth Barry is able to buy out his contract for just £2m next season, in my opinion Villa should’ve sold him in the summer.

As a whole host of names become linked with Barry—such as Arsenal, Tottenham and once again Liverpool—I think it is only a matter of time before the captain decides to leave Villa Park. In my view a move to Liverpool would suit him.

It would certainly be a good move for them; because Liverpool need a left-footed holding midfielder to partner Javier Mascherano, so they are able to play the formation they are so good at, 4-2-3-1, which happens to be Rafael Benitez’s preferred formation.

For Villa, selling Barry in the summer could’ve been the best option, as I’m sure any club would rather have their player left for £17m and not £2m.

Chris Rowlands:

Gareth Barry is in a similar position now as Steven Gerrard was a few seasons back when he nearly signed for Chelsea. Gerrard stayed, and Liverpool have kept up with the their big teams.

Aston Villa should be proud they managed to keep one of England's best players at their club and given a few months Barry will be a crowd favourite again. He definitely has the class—and class is permanent, form is temporary.

Had he joined Liverpool, he would have become discontent with trying to oust Xabi Alonso, Mascherano, and Gerrard from the squad; at Villa he is guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

The Top 8 Bleacher Report World Football Writers...

Jermaine Koko — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:39:59 -0500

I have been a member of the Bleacher report site for about 2 months now without writing a single article. Got my first article out of the way recently and I'm grateful for the people that took time to read it and comment on it.

During the 2 months, I have observed quite a lot of things and I subconciously became fans of certain writers. I have now decided to put out who the best writers are (my opinion) and who I feel I have learnt from the most. There are 8 writers in total:

1. Ricky O'Neal

Although he is very inconsistent (which he will probably be the first to admit to), when he does get time to write, he produces some amazingly unique articles. If you find the time to dip into his archive, you'll certainly know what I'm talking about. To say that he is the best writer on Bleacher Report, is an understatement.

2. Andrew McNair

An inspiration to us all. I have observed most writers refer to Andrew as the 'best writer' in this community, and that isn't without reason. He has been our community leader for a long time and although he's gone cold lately (he is not the only one) he does produce some wonderful articles. His creativity exquisite. His opinion is highly rated amongst fellow writers.

3. Salomon Gonzales

Unfortunately, he recently decided to leave us but that doesn't mean he wasn't a quality writer. Salomon managed to make enough quality contributions to the Chelsea community that saw him become Co-leader of that community. He also managed to produce many great articles about the sport we all love so dearly, in general.

4. Joe Guarr

Although I'm not a big fan of the MLS, Joe's writing is hard to resist reading. Being the MLS community leader alongside Thomas (who has sadly departed aswell) his contributions are vitally important. His work is even more amazing when you consider the fact that he is writing to an largely EPL loving audience.

5. Willie Gannon

His style of writing, like Ricky is very Unique. His choice of topics are very interesting to say the least.

6. Shyam Parthasarathi

Although he mainly only writes about Arsenal, he is an amazing writer. What I like most about him, is the fact that he isn't afraid to critcise his own beloved club.

7. Salaar Shamsi

The most consistent writer on Bleacher Report by a clear mile. Although he has written below par articles in the past, the quality of his articles is not in doubt. He, unlike most writers, have the ability to write positively about rival clubs.

8. Ilya Mclellan

He, like Willie Gannon, is very unique in his choice of topics. Each and every one of his articles have been interesting and of very high quality.

Notable mentions: S B, Barney Corkhill, Simon Williams, Maire Ofeire, Daniel Penza and Guido Merry.

Slavia Prague 0-1 Aston Villa: Villa Take Three Points in Cagey Affair

Jermaine Koko — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:20:43 -0500

Aston Villa got their second win in two games in the Uefa Cup as they defended stoically to secure a 1-0 victory over Slavia Prague.

Martin O'Neill made six changes to the side that lost to Newcastle on Monday. Among the substitutes were star man Gareth Barry and fellow regular starters Nigel Reo-Coker and Martin Laursen.

The three attacking players John Carew, Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Ashley Young were allowed to take their good league form into the game.

The game started in a bright fashion with both teams trying for it from the word go. It was Slavia, however, who managed to get going first and the Villa players were made to chase the ball as Slavia passed it around quick and smoothly.

The first chance fell to the Brummies however, as Sidwell battled with Brabec in the Slavia area and the ball dropped to Carew, loitering behind him, but the big Norwegian scuffed his shot wide.

Slavia immediately responded and created a chance of their own. A vicious shot from the edge of the area by Tavares brought a fine stop out of Guzan, diving to his right to parry the ball away to safety with Smicer lurking ominously.

This prompted the game to open up and Villa simply went up the other end and had a shot at goal.

The first clear-cut chance arrived in the 19th minute though. Sidwell launched a long free-kick deep into the Slavia box, which Craig Gardner met crisply with a low volley, but it was straight at the 'keeper, Vaniak who saved.

Then in the 26th minute the defining moment arrived. Sidwell, again involved, saw his ambitious shot from the edge of the area deflect off John Carew and past the helpless Vaniak after a crisp one-two with Ashley Young.

Carew was credited with the goal.

Slavia were rattled and Villa gained momentum.

Moments later, Ashley Young crashed the far post of Vaniak's goal with a beautifully curling free-kick from the left of the Slavia area—superb effort from Young, who looked to be enjoying the day.

Villa saw another chance go begging when Carew missed a sitter. Sidwell played him in, but the striker's toe-poke was tame and Vaniak saves.

A lapse in concentration saw Slavia forge another chance. A point-blank save was needed from Brad Guzan as Thomas Necid strode into the Villa box and shot low to the 'keeper's left—a superb stop from the American 'keeper.

The second half, Slavia upped the tempo but to no avail. The young Villa stars showed real composure and discipline to see the game home. A fine away win for the Premier League side and they now top the group with six points from the first two games.