They Think It's All Over

What now for England?

2007-11-30T15:41:00.000Z

Still hurting from their failure to qualify for Euro 2008, many England fans will be looking to one man to resurrect their hope and dreams. Step forward Fabio Capello. Will he be the saviour of English football?

Pic of the Day - Guard of Honour as top two play out stalemate

2007-05-09T22:21:00.000Z

Manchester United are given the guard of honour as they are welcomed to Stamford Bridge by Chelsea as Champions. The game was an extremely dull affair, with the two sides casually playing out a boring 0-0 draw. Neither Ferguson nor Mourinho decided to field full strength squads, with the likes of Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes, Ferdinand, Drobga, and Cech all rested. There were very few chances in what was really a pointless game. Expect a much different game come Cup Final day on May 19th.

Wonder goal, and some 40 yard strikes for good measure

2007-05-08T19:26:00.000Z

Simply outstanding. Mesmerising. Out of this world. Shot slash cross. Fluke. Just some of the many descriptions echoing round the online football community about this goal. You can see it below for yourself, but I think you'd agree it is something quite special. Scoring in last night’s game between Orebro and IFK Gothenburg in Sweden, Andres Vasquez thought he'd audaciously try a Maradona/Rabona from 20 yards (as you do).

And whether through luck or pure genius, the boy actually pulled it off, scoring a 20 yard wonder goal that will surely never be equalled. And just for good measure, he thought he would then go on a TV show and prove it was no fluke. Incredible! Surely lightning can't strike twice.

The goal comes after a string of recent amazing strikes that were bought to our attention again from those boys at 101 goals.

This wonder strike from Christian Vieri, where he lobs the keeper after volleying from 40 yards out was again pretty insane.

And keeping on the 40 yard theme, there was Martin Palermo's Beckham-esque strike for Boca Juniors in February. Both cheeky and spectacular!

We say let the goals keep flooding in. Why not tell us which strike you think is best? TTIAO loves the Rabona. Expect Cristiano to be trying to pull this one out sometime in the near future.

(Via, Who Ate All The Pies)

Premiership Predictor - The Result

2007-05-08T13:06:00.000Z

An amazing round this week sees TTIAO smash the opposition and take a deserved victory. If only we had been doing this all season, then we could have done really well in the Premiership's official 'I know the score' game. Argh never mind. We'll just have to bask in the glory of this one-off victory instead! Easy! Easy!

Saturday
Man City v Man Utd
Lawro: 0-2
Pies: 1-3
TTIAO: 0-1
Actual: 0-1

Everton v Portsmouth
Lawro: 1-0
Pies: 0-0
TTIAO: 2-1
Actual: 3-0

Fulham v Liverpool
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 0-0
TTIAO: 0-1
Actual: 1-0

Newcastle v Blackburn
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-2
Actual: 0-2

Reading v Watford
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 2-1
TTIAO: 2-1
Actual: 0-2

West Ham v Bolton
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 2-1
TTIAO: 2-1
Actual: 3-1

Wigan v Middlesbrough
Lawro: 2-1
Pies: 2-2
TTIAO: 0-1
Actual: 0-1

Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd
Lawro: 2-1
Pies: 3-0
TTIAO: 3-1
Actual: 3-0

Sunday
Arsenal v Chelsea
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-1
Actual: 1-1

Monday
Charlton v Tottenham
Lawro: 1-2
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 0-2
Actual: 0-2

Result: Lets get this straight. There are 10 games here, and TTIAO predicted the correct result for 8 of them, 4 of which were bang-on, correct scores! Not too bad, and obviosuly makes us this weeks champs. Lawro was second with 5 correct results and 1 correct score, leaving Pies in last place with 4 correct results and 2 perfect scores. Whether they both came joint second is questionable, but who cares? Champioly, Champioly ooh way, ooh way, ooh way!

Charlton Relegated

2007-05-08T09:20:00.000Z

Charlton have joined Watford in relegation to the Championship, after Tottenham beat the Addicks 2-0 at the Valley.

Two cracking goals from Berbatov and Defoe (see below) have put Spurs within touching distance of a guaranteed Uefa Cup place next season, whilst Charlton's defeat also ensured Fulham will be playing in the top flight next year.

In the end, Pardew did well to get Charlton into the position they were in, but the damage was already done back at the beginning of the season. Ian Dowie was given hardly any time to even get going, and Les Reed was never a fit replacement.

Pardew has said he expected 90% of his team to stay for the challenge of returning to the Premiership next season, although it seems very unlikely they will be able to keep their prize asset - Darren Bent. His 12 Premiership goals have made him one of the Top Ten Strikers this season, so is likely to have caught the eye of a few clubs. And after a handful of England caps, the 23-year-old will also want to keep firmly within view of McClaren.

Anyway, TTIAO predicts a quick return to the big-time for Charlton, with or without Bent.

Highlights of the match between Charlton and Spurs can be seen below:

Charlton vs Tottenham
Uploaded by BozWolf

Premier League sue YouTube - goodbye goal vids?

2007-05-07T22:27:00.002Z

The Premier League has initiated legal proceedings against Youtube for copyright infringement, referring to the numerous video clips of football highlights that are now readily available on the site.

The announcement spells bad news for football fans across the world. This season has been the first in which football highlights have been available to everyone. If you miss MOTD, you can watch it on the net.If you don't have Sky Sports, you can watch the game or highlights on the net (Preferabley here at TTIAO). Fans globally have been free to publish videos and watch videos of anything they desire, meaning football has become a whole lot more accessible.

Take the 'Messi goal' (you can still watch it as it's from La Liga). This Maradona-esque special would have been missed by so many if it hadn't been for sites like YouTube. The videos act as a promoton tool for football all over, not just the Premiership, allowing fans that otherwise were oblivious, the chance to see the best players, the best teams and the best goals.

This total freedom is what the internet is about right? And it seems the FA Premier League have gone right for the heart by taking on YouTube on this one. YouTube has begun taking down and blocking almost all Premiership video highlights, in preperation for what will be a landmark legal battle. The league will almost certianly wish to seek damages for all the 'revenue' lost from this season.

But haven't we seen this all before with music downloads? Napster anyone? And for every net giant that gets pulled in and restricted, there is another newcomer or equivelent that is ready to step straight in it's place - i.e. Limewire. Could 'Daily Motion' fill this void. We use their videos alot here at TTIAO, and as of yet, there have been no banned or restricted videos of Premiership football on there. Sssshhhh! Just incase anyone is listening!

At the moment, it seems that as quick as the vidoes are being taken down, there is someone, somewhere waiting in the wings to post it straight back up. But what for the future? TTIAO will continue to post videos and links to videos until told otherwise, as is the stance with almost every other football blog.

As EPL Talk point out, why doesn't the Premier League embrace Youtube, and create channels, as the NHL, NBA and Chelsea all have done. Mainstream media even take value from these online videos, with the Guardian's Sports Blog even having a Thursday round-up of YouTube clips. So it's not just a few bloggers making use of the videos here. Have the FA Premier League may have bitten off more than they can chew with this one?

Officials from the NHL even admitted that YouTube was 'a great way to showcase the talents of our athletes.' Popular football blog '101 goals' offer their solution:

'The solution is simple, and has been promulgated numerous times on this website. The Premier League should showcase every goal on their own website for free. If they need any more money (perhaps selling the overseas rights for £625 million did not bring in enough money…) they can include advertising on the site in a similar way to their Fantasy Premier League game which advertises Budweiser.'

The Premier League has arguably become the greatest league in the world, and with that tag more and more people will want to watch the football being played here, no matter where, no matter how. The league should think of a way, like the one above, of offering their own official highlights service online, or face battles such as this for many years to come. As Patrick Kidd wrote when talking of banned cricket World Cup videos on Youtube; "The revolution will not be televised, but it may be won in cyberspace." TTIAO will be one site that tries to ensure that rings true!

Man Utd clinch Premiership Title

2007-05-07T12:26:00.000Z

Man Utd secured their first league title in four years after Chelsea could only draw with Arsenal 1-1. Ferguson's men beat local arch rivals Man City 1-0 on Saturday, and the Emirates result means United are 7 points clear of Chelsea with only 2 games to play.

Full respect to Chelsea for pushing United almost all the way, where lesser sides would have surely given up a long time ago (Liverpool cough cough... Arsenal... cough cough). After failing to beat 10-man Chelsea, Arsenal fans sought joy in the fact their side stopped Chelsea from winning the title. Anyone would be happy with their side for that!

In the end, the game of catch-up was too much, and the Chelsea quadruple locomotive seemed to run out of steam just as it was pulling into the station. United's performances this season have been nothing short of first class, scoring a massive 20 more goals than the Blues.

Youngsters Ronaldo and Rooney have come of age and been sublime, whilst the 'old guard' of Giggs and Scholes seem revitalised. Add to that the superb defensive partnership of Ferdinand and newcomer Vidic, along with the Schmeichel-like Van der Sar, and there is no surprise in the outcome of the title race.

We now look forward to the game on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge between the two sides, where Chelsea are expected to offer a 'guard of honour' to the newly crowned champions. Sir Alex's side gave the Blues the same privilege at Old Trafford after they had won the league. The game may not be the title-decider that it was built up to be, but it will serve as a great opportunity for both sides to gain a psychological edge, before their F.A. Cup final on 19th May.

Pic of the Day - Chelsea blues as they concede title

2007-05-07T10:45:00.000Z

Mourinho consuls Chelsea captain John Terry, and team-mate Frank Lampard, as their side draw 1-1 with Arsenal at the Emirates yesterday. Their failure to win means Manchester United are now un-catchable in the race for the title, and are crowned Premiership Champions for a record 9th time. The results ends a miserable week for Chelsea, where they have gone from fighting for the quadruple, to only having the FA Cup final against Man Utd left to play for.

Premiership - Goals of the Week

2007-05-07T09:25:00.000Z

All from the games between West Ham v Bolton, and Villa v Sheff Utd, but boy did they have some great goals.

(Please note: Some videos may get removed as the bully boys from the Premier League pursue their quest to remove all videos from the web... Booooooo!)

1.) West Ham 3-0 Bolton, Mark Noble
A lot of the work done by Tevez, but great run in to the box and a super volley.

3-0 Noble vs Bolton
Uploaded by wwwARSENALCLIPStk

2.) Aston Villa 3-0 Sheffield Utd, Gabriel Agbonlahor
Held of the defender with ease, and rifled the ball past the keeper.

1-0 Agbonlahor
Uploaded by samgoff

3.) Aston Villa 3-0 Sheffield Utd, Patrick Berger
Great movement, quick interchanger passing and a great finish - a slick move.

Aston Villa 3-0 Shef U. | P. Berger
Uploaded by super-goal

4.) West Ham 3-0 Bolton, Carlos Tevez
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Beckham-like.

1-0 Tevez vs Bolton
Uploaded by wwwARSENALCLIPStk

Championship Final Day

2007-05-06T18:21:00.000Z

Sunderland clinched the Championship title after, Birmingham went down 1-0 to Preston on what was a frantic last day of the Championship.

After thrashing Luton 5-0, Keane's side knew that anything but a win for the Blues would mean they were crowned Champions.

The victory for Preston was not enough to put them in the playoff places, and will surely signal the end of England international David Nugent's career at Deepdale.

Victories for Derby, Wolves, West Brom and Southampton saw them reach the playoffs, with Derby due to play Souhthampton in one of the semi-finals, and West Brom v Wolves in the other.

With Sunderland and Birmingham already promoted, the playoffs offer all four teams the last chance to grab that lucrative Premiership spot. Derby will be favourites, after finishing third and narrowly missing out on automatic qualification. However, Southampton have arguably played the most attractive football in the Championship all season, and as always with the playoffs, it is simply a lottery.

Premiership Predictor

2007-05-05T10:49:00.000Z

After an impressive start to the predicting last weekend, TTIAO feels confident that it can go one step further this week and beat Pies and Lawro outright.

We seemed to get the result right, but not always the exact scoreline, and we aim to put that right. If you're up for it give it a go and leave it in the comment box. Or alternatively - 'Come and av a go if ya think ya ard enuff!' No really, we actually do want you to.

Saturday
Man City v Man Utd
Lawro: 0-2
Pies: 1-3
TTIAO: 0-1

Everton v Portsmouth
Lawro: 1-0
Pies: 0-0
TTIAO: 2-1

Fulham v Liverpool
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 0-0
TTIAO: 0-1

Newcastle v Blackburn
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-2

Reading v Watford
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 2-1
TTIAO: 2-1

West Ham v Bolton
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 2-1
TTIAO: 2-1

Wigan v Middlesbrough
Lawro: 2-1
Pies: 2-2
TTIAO: 0-1

Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd
Lawro: 2-1
Pies: 3-0
TTIAO: 3-1

Sunday
Arsenal v Chelsea
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-1

Monday
Charlton v Tottenham
Lawro: 1-2
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 0-2

Aston Villa launch new club crest

2007-05-04T20:04:00.000Z

Aston Villa have unveiled their brand new club badge. The new design has been undoubtedly introduced to mark the start of a new era under the ownership of American businessman Randy Lerner.

The new crest is quite a drastic change. Gone are the traditional claret and blue stripes, and in their place is a more simple, retro logo.

Other features include a re-introduction of the FC letter, in response to fan's request, and the white star that represents Villa's 1982 European Cup victory, the club's finest achievement in it's 133 year history.

TTIAO thinks the badge is a step in the right direction. The simpler update is similar to that of recent badge updates by Spurs and Arsenal, and clearly signifies the 'new start' under Lerner and O'Neil. Whether the hardcore Villains will approve is another thing. If unsure, reserve judgement and keep an eye on 'Kit Bag' to see the badge on next season's shirt.

Relegated after going into administration - The demise of Leeds Utd

2007-05-04T18:04:00.000Z

Leeds United have been put out their sorry misery and been relegated to League One after being deducted 10 points for going into administration. The 10-point deduction - in accordance with Football League rules - means Leeds will finish the season at the bottom of the Championship.

However on the flip-side, they will not lose any points for the start of their first season in League One in August. Administrator KPMG has already agreed to sell the club to a newly-formed company led by chairman ex- Chelsea fat-cat Ken Bates, scuppering any hopes of a fan's buyout. Cheer up Leeds Fans, there is always 'My Football Club!'.

The demise of Leeds Utd, from defeat in a Champions League Semi-Final against Valencia in 2001, to being relegated to League 1 in 2007 has been fast and brutal. In a chase for success, Leeds under Peter Risdale ran up massive debts in an effort to compete for honours at the top of the Premiership and in Europe. With a team starring the likes of Paul Robinson, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka... the list goes on, Leeds continually overspent on mediocre players and their ridiculous wage demands.

Leeds still have a huge fan-base, with Elland Road capable of holding 40,000 fans. Whether that number will ever arrive through the turnstiles again is a different story. The diagram to the left shows what has been the ultimate fall from grace. The failure to qualify for the Champions League in seasons 2000-2001, and 2001-2002 after the £100 million gamble on players proved to be the straw that broke the camels back.

A host of failed management attempts culminated last year, when Leeds fell at the final hurdle in their quest for the return to the big-time, when under Kevin Blackwell they reached the play-off final. Sadly for Leeds fans, Boothroyd's Watford clinched the result that day. After now finishing bottom of the Championship this season, they now face the prospect of losing the majority of their remaining 'quality players', such as Northern Ireland international, and Euro 2008 leading scorer David Healy.

One glimmer of hope for Leeds Utd is that Manchester City were relegated to the same division in 1999-then called Division Two - and bounced back a year later with a play-off final victory that eventually led to a return to the Premiership.

So, all is not lost for Leeds and their fans. But when you look at what they have lost over the years, it is not only unbelievable but also quite disturbing. Could Newcastle eventually face the same fate? Only time will tell.

Kit Bag - New Shirts Unveiled / Leaked

2007-05-04T15:01:00.000Z

After reading EPL Talk, we noticed that quite a few Premiership teams have been officially (and in some case unofficially) unveiling their new home and away kits for next season. The strange phenomenon of releasing new shirts just as the season is about to end is relatively new, and one that TTIAO sees as quite bizarre.

We can only think that it must be some money-making initiative where they feel fans are more likely to part with their cash at the end of the season. Either that or they're all just really thoughtful, and would like to give their fans the opportunity of getting another short-sleeved shirt to wear over the hot summer months.

Anyway, here are some of the leaked/released pictures that are available so far:

Everton 07/08 Home Shirt

The Toffee's shirt is again designed by Umbro, and like other Umbro kits (England, Rangers, Sweden) is simple but effective. The small yellow details are a nice touch and the Umbro design down the sides is a different feature that breaks it up a little.

The shirt is available to buy now.

Liverpool 07/08 Away/3rd Shirt

This shirt has not been confirmed as official, and with other designs knocking around (see below) we can't confirm what it exactly is. However, it looks like a strong contender for next season's away shirt, possibly serving as a third kit.

The white and red away strip is common with other previous strips that clubs who play in red at home have had (Man Utd, Milan). Its a really nice looking kit, and continues the high standards Adidas have been setting since World Cup 2006.

As unconfirmed, there is no release date as of yet.

Liverpool 07/08 Champions League Home, Away, and Goalkeeper Shirt

Again unconfirmed, these are possibly the shirts that the potential holders of the Champions League will be wearing when defending their title next season.

Sporting a 'Liverpool 2008 Capital of Culture' logo as their sponsor, it seems the club see this shirt as the perfect way to advertise to Europe and the rest of the world that Liverpool holds the status next year.

The shirt itself is very similar to Spain's which is quite ironic given the number of Spaniards in Benitez' side.

Bolton Wanderers 07/08 Home Shirt

Bolton will be wearing a very similar Reebok shirt to the one they have worn this season. However, the subtle changes are an improvement, with underarm details that seem to be prominent with modern day kits.

The shirt is scheduled for release May 7th,

Arsenal 07/08 Away Shirt

With lots of net rumours over a Gunners white away shirt for next season, and numerous faked images, could this be the 'real deal'? Quite possibly. And if it is, we think Arsenal fans have struck gold with this one.

The red, white and gold of Arsenal has never looked so stylish, and there is no way they could get abuse from Spurs fans (see their rather plain new shirt below) considerin what their side will be wearing.

One of the nicest new kits to emerge thus far, there is currently no official release date. Lets hope its official!

Tottenham 07/08 Home or Anniversary Shirt

Tottenham are due to unveil all next season's shirt designs on May 12th, however this image has been leaked. The shirt will either be next season's home shirt, or a celebratory edition to commemorate the club's 125th Anniversary.

The shirt is quite plain to be their actual kit, and is more likely to be a retro design.

Expect an announcement on release dates on May 12th.

Newcastle 07/08 Home Shirt

The Toon faithful always seem to be waving their shirts frantically above their heads, even if their side is losing 2-0 to United on a cold mid-November evening. However, if they do decide to actually wear their purchase, they should be quietly pleased. The traditional black and white stripes are retained, and the collar has re-amerged (Similar to the current Adidas Liverpool home shirt).

The shirt is released today, so get down to your local stores.

Example of New Premiership 07/08 Lettering

As modelled on this new 'Martins' Newcastle home shirt, this will be the new Premiership lettering on the back of every Premiership clubs shirt next season. The names are now slightly curved with slightly more space between each letter. The number also sports the new Premiership Lion logo.

Overall a nice improvement, but it may not look good with all shirts, names and numbers.

Expect to see more 07/08 Shirts to emerge from the 'Kit Bag' soon.

(Via EPLTalk)

Baros banned for 'smelling opponent'

2007-05-04T13:33:00.000Z

What a stinker! We've seen some bizarre things from players this season (r emember the Cleberson kiss), but this takes the biscuit. Former Liverpool Striker Milan Baros has been banned for three games after pinching his nose and pretending to smell a disgusting smell coming from an opponent.

The Czech, who joined Lyon from Aston Villa in January made the amusing gesture whilst playing against Rennes in a French league game last month. Although cleared against the charge of racism towards Cameroon midfielder Stephane M'Bia, he was still banned for what can only be being offensive to the opponent. We're not sure. Is this being treated in the same way as swearing at an opponent? What if he genuinely smelt? Surely its not a crime to turn your nose up at a bad smell.

Watch Baros in all his smelly glory:

United's Treble dreams shattered as Milan set up grudge match in Athens

2007-05-03T12:29:00.000Z

Shell-shocked. Thats the feeling of Manchester United players, fans and probably most football supporters across the world. After conceding 2 away goals in their 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, their progression to the final in Athens was never a certainty. Yet we bet nobody thought United were going to crash out like this.

AC Milan downed Ferguson's side 3-0 in a rain-soaked San Siro, with goals from Kaka, Seedorf and Gilardinho. Kaka again proved to everyone that it is he, not Ronaldo, who should be currently classed as the best player in the world. Milan put in arguably one of the best performances by a European side this season, yet United in fairness simply didn't turn up.

Too many big name players, Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, failed to make a real impact when it really mattered, leaving the experience of players like Seedorf, Nesta and 'midfield general' Gattuso to shine through. Gambling on the fitness of Vidic was a move that simply didn't pay off, and lacking match fitness, it was he who was at fault for Milan's second goal.

United now will be hoping the possible return of Saha and Ferdinand at the weekend can spur them on to a victory against local arch rivals Man City, which would take them to the brink of their 9th Premiership title.

Milan on the other hand seem to have hit peak form at just the right time, and will now face Liverpool in what will be a re-run of 2005's Champions League Final. After crushing United, Carlo Ancelotti's side will be looking to exact revenge on Liverpool, who came back from 3-0 down to beat Milan on penalties on that amazing night in Istanbul. It may just be that thirst for vengeance that will see Milan lift the trophy for an incredible 7th time, come May 23rd.

Watch Match Highlights:

Champions League Review: Liverpool 1 - 0 Chelsea (Liverpool win 4-1 on pens)

2007-05-02T12:47:00.000Z

Liverpool booked their place in their second Champions League final in three years, after taking the tie into extra-time, and winning 4-1 on penalties, Dirk Kuyt with the winning kick.

The game itself was a rather boring affair, with neither side seemingly willing to throw caution to the wind and go for it. Agger's first-half strike from a cleverly worked free-kick set up a tense, but ultimately weary 90 mins, as both teams failed to make any clear cut chances, leaving it 1-1 before extra-time.

Chelsea were intent on hoofing long balls up to Drogba, which proved fruitless all night. Mourinho's side made nothing of the majority of their possession, and it was Liverpool, through the counter attacks, who had the majority of real chances, with Kuyt hitting the bar with a header, and controversially having a goal ruled out in extra-time after a marginal offside decision.

These games where the results often ends with a draw or a win by the odd goal seem synonymous of matches between these two sides, like a game of chess that just goes on far too long. Penalties was the only way of deciding such a fixture over the two legs, and it was the two Chelsea substitutes, Robben and Geremi, presumabely brought on for their penalty taking ability, that fluffed them.

That's not to take anything away from Reina, who again proved that he may be the number one spot-kick stopper in the world, and his Liverpool teammates, who all cooley slotted away their respective penalties. The team that as Mourinho puts it ' is only playing for the Champions League' is still playing, leaving Mourinho's Chelsea side licking their wounds, after seemingly blowing the title race and their European aspiration all in one week.

Lets hope tonight's game in Milan, is a much more exciting game.

Watch Match Highlights:

PSV clinch Eredivisie title on goal difference

2007-05-01T09:40:00.000Z

They don't come much closer than this. Sunday saw the final day in the Dutch Eredivisie league, and resulted in one of the most astonishing and tight finishes to a championship TTIAO has ever seen.

AZ Alkmaar, Ajax and PSV entered Sunday level on 72 points each at the top of the table. AZ had a superior goal difference and needed just three points against the 'average' Excelsior to walk away as champions. However, AZ bottled under the pressure, losing 3-2 and getting a man sent off in the process.

With AZ's shock defeat, the door for was left open for defending champions PSV and Ajax to pip AZ at the finishing post. Ajax won 2-0 at Willem II to put the pressure on PSV. That left PSV needing to beat Vitesse Arnhem by four clear goals to win the title. Which they duly did, notching a 5-1 win! Both PSV and Ajax finished the season on 75 points but PSV won the title with a superior goal difference: +50 to Ajax's +49.

Koeman really is proving to be a top quality manager, and his PSV sides recent success in securing the title will do no harm in boosting his management credentials, and attracting interest from some of Europe's major clubs.

Premiership Predictor - The Result

2007-04-30T13:58:00.000Z

Here are the results for the weekend's round of Premiership Predictor. Not bad for a first shot if we do say so ourselves.

Saturday
Chesea v Bolton
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-0
TTIAO: 1-1
Actual: 2-2

Everton v Man Utd
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 0-1
TTIAO: 1-2
Actual: 2-4

Blackburn v Charlton
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-0
TTIAO: 1-1
Actual: 4-1

Man City v Aston Villa
Lawro: 1-2
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-2
Actual: 0-2

Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Lawro: 0-2
Pies: 1-2
TTIAO: 1-3
Actual: 2-3

Portsmouth v Liverpool
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 0-0
TTIAO: 1-2
Actual: 2-1

Sheff Utd v Watford
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 2-1
Actual: 1-0

Wigan v West Ham
Lawro: 2-1
Pies: 1-2
TTIAO: 2-2
Actual: 0-3

Sunday
Arsenal v Fulham
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 2-1
TTIAO: 3-1
Actual: 3-1

Monday
Reading v Newcastle
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-2
Actual: 1-0

Result: Well not many actual correct scores out there, but as results go, TTIAO and Lawro came joint first with 6 correct results, with Pies bringing up the rear with 5. Lets hope we can go one better next week and wipe the smile from beneath that scouse moustache of his.

Sunderland & Birmingham Promoted

2007-04-30T08:51:00.000Z

Derby's 2-0 loss to Palace left both Steve Bruce and Roy Keane jumping for joy, as their Birmingham and Sunderland sides were promoted back to the Premiership, just a season after getting relegated.

The Rams started the day four points adrift of Sunderland and five behind leaders Birmingham and were unable to close the gap, with one match to play. Derby will now have to fight it out in the play-offs for a place in the Premiership, after what has been a dismal run-in for them.

Sunderland's Carlos Edwards had put them to the brink of promotion on Friday, after his late stunner secured a 3-2 victory against Burnley. And Birminham managed to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 on Saturday, which really put the heat on Derby.

Now Birmingham go to Preston and Sunderland visit Luton on the final day of the season as both teams battle for the Championship title. However neither side will be too worried if they lose the title, as the lucrative opportunity of playing in the best league in the world is what all the staff, players and fans have been aiming for.

Both clubs had shaky starts to the season, with Sunderland losing the first five games on the bounce under Niall Quinn, before Roy Keane took over. He since has taken Sunderland from the foot of the table, to promotion, in what has been his first season in management. Such a feat is truly incredible, and TTIAO takes are hat off to you Roy. The thought of Keane going up against Mourinho, or his old master Sir Alex is simply mouthwatering.

There were calls for Birmingham's Bruce to be sacked in mid-October, after his side were left 11 points adrift of leaders Cardiff. However, the board have been rewarded for their faith, and we will arguably now see the Championship's best side back where they belong. Villa fans will no doubt welcome the local-derby fixture!

Now we look forward to the final promotion spot being decided in the play-offs at Wembley. Our tip is for Derby to make up for their automatic promotion cock-up.

Mourinho spoof sketch all too true

2007-04-27T15:25:00.000Z

No matter how controversial Mourinho may be, he will always have a place in TTIAO's hearts. What would the Premiership really be like without him.

However, he has been even more controversial than usual just of late. Firstly he accused referees of imposing new rules on his team that don't allow penalties against them, but don't allow penalties to go against title rivals United. Furthermore, he is caught in a bitter web of mind games with Liverpool boss, Rafa Benitez, whilst at the same time accusing fellow portuguese and United winger Cristiano Ronaldo of being a liar. Hasn't he been busy!

In reaction to this non-stop whining, TTIAO has found this little beauty. It's a sketch from 'Ruddy Hell It's Harry and Paul', a new show from none other than classic comedy duo Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse.Readers meet Jose Arragantio...

Watch JOSE ARRAGANTIO:

Premiership Predictor

2007-04-27T13:26:00.000Z

We at TTIAO are a keen admirer of Who Ate All The Pies. It's a mighty fine example of how football blogs should be done. Anyway, reading through you will no doubt find the feature 'Pies vs Lawro'. They go head to head with BBC's Mark Lawrenson to see who can most accurately predict the weekend's scores.

Well, this duel is about to become all out war, as TTIAO joins the battlefield to see who really is the daddy of all predictors. Who will in? Nobody can be sure. But TTIAO is making a special effort to cause a big impression! With no prizes at stake, its all about pride. Other football blogs are welcome to join in if they dare, and any reading prediction wizards out there should leave their predictions in the comment box. Let the battle commence.

Saturday
Chesea v Bolton
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-0
TTIAO: 1-1

Everton v Man Utd
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 0-1
TTIAO: 1-2

Blackburn v Charlton
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-0
TTIAO: 1-1

Man City v Aston Villa
Lawro: 1-2
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-2

Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Lawro: 0-2
Pies: 1-2
TTIAO: 1-3

Portsmouth v Liverpool
Lawro: 1-1
Pies: 0-0
TTIAO: 1-2

Sheff Utd v Watford
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 2-1

Wigan v West Ham
Lawro: 2-1
Pies: 1-2
TTIAO: 2-2

Sunday
Arsenal v Fulham
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 2-1
TTIAO: 3-1

Monday
Reading v Newcastle
Lawro: 2-0
Pies: 1-1
TTIAO: 1-2

Check back for results on Monday...

Pompey unveil new stadium plans

2007-04-25T17:46:00.000Z

Now that is a stadium. Just imagine. You're a Pompey supporter (Too much to take! Okay your team is there playing away). It's a few hours before kick-off, on a hot spring day. You're sitting with a beer by the waterfront, in the shadow in one of the most amazing stadiums ever to grace this country.

This dream is soon to become reality.

Portsmouth have today unveilled plans for a new £600 million waterfront stadium on reclaimed land in the city's dockyard and at Fratton Park. The stadium is set to be a 36,000 all-seater, just another sign of the success and investment the club has receieved since surviving the drop just one year ago.

With Gaydamak and Redknapp on board, Portsmouth really seem a class act. If the team keep performing to the same standard as they have done this season, European football in this stadium in years to come will be an almost certainty. Of course there is no place like Fratton Park, and when its gone it will be sorely missed by all Pompey fans (and the odd other fan). However, Portsmouth are going places, and this super stadium seems only fitting.

Click here for some more awesome pics

Torres to Kop it after showing his true colours

2007-04-24T22:16:00.000Z

Spanish whiz-kid Fernando Torres may have at last given us all a clue to where he may be playing come the start of next season. The Athletico Madrid captain, reportedly a target for a host of European clubs, including Man Utd and Chelsea, revealed the famous Liverpool slogan "You'll Never Walk Alone" written behind his captains armband in his side's 2-0 defeat at Real Sociedad at the weekend.

Quite how a captain can have an iconic motto for another team sewn behind the garment that signifies his leadership, allegiance and love for his club is beyond us. However, as Torres has stayed at Athletico since his boyhood days, withstanding offers thus far from much bigger clubs, we feel that in this case he may be excused, just this once!

If it is in fact meant to serve as a hint to where he would like his future to lie, then I'm sure it will be of great news to Rafa Benitez, who is likely to be already eagerly planning on how to spend all the extra money available to him after the American takeover. Expect an explanation from somewhere over the coming days.

Cleberson cautioned after giving ref kiss of approval

2007-04-24T13:33:00.000Z

After first hearing about this amazing incident on the BBC Paper Gossip page, we at TTIAO felt intrigued to find out more. And above is the fruits of our labour. Oh yes, please do not adjust your screens. In the above clip you can see Brazilian Cabofriense defender Cleberson, kissing the referee after conceding a foul on the edge of his own box.

A short, sharp peck was a bit too much for referee Ubiraci Damasio, who at first seemed to revel in the close attention he was recieving from the player. After being shown the yellow card (under what ruling we're not too sure), Cleberson looked dismayed, and after the game claimed: "I did not know it was against the rules."

We dread to think what happens when a team-mate actually scores, let alone what goes on in the showers after the game. Maybe this is why Brazil win so many World Cups - perhaps treating referees with affection is the way to go for the England players come 2010. If so, there may just be a role for Beckham after all.

[Video: Charlatecnica]

Mourinho escapes in laundry bin to beat ban

2007-04-24T09:22:00.000Z

The self-proclaimed 'special one' is rarely one to hide away from a situation. However it emerged today that Mourinho managed to beat a Uefa touchline ban by doing just that, in the club's laundry basket. So that's where that sheepskin coat came from!

The Chelsea boss was barred from contact with his players during both legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich in 2005. This was the punishment set by Uefa after his controversial remarks following the previous rounds game against Barcelona.

Mourinho however allegedly arrived early at Stamford Bridge, and managed to watch the game on TV from inside the dressing room. After delivering the pre-match and half-time talks, it is claimed he escaped the stadium in the club's laundry basket 10 mins before the final whistle, back to the Chelsea Village Leisure Club, where it is said he was situated all evening.

Such a long time has passed that Uefa are very unlikely to even look into the incident, yet if true, it may well have proved instrumental in Chelsea's 4-2 win that night, and could also be an indicator of just how far both Mourinho and Chelsea are prepared to go to secure success. Would it be unwise or unfair to think that with all their money, power and success, Chelsea see themselves as a cut above the rules, even those directed by Uefa.

Of course, Chelsea and their manager will deny the incident ever took place, as they focus on tomorrow's crunch Champions League semi-final with arch rival Liverpool. It is however another intriguing landmark, in the ever blossoming and controversial career of Jose Mourinho.

The Re-launch

2007-04-19T16:17:00.000Z

After a marathon lay-off, They Think It's All Over is back - and it's better than ever. The blog has had somewhat of a refit and will now aim to serve as one of the best football blogs on the net.

The re-launch has luckily coincided with the crunch time of the season, a time I along with Sir Alex like to call 'squeaky bum time'. Everything is to play for, and we'll be with you in the run-in every step of the way.

Bums at the ready! - It's good to be back.

Beckham to join LA Galaxy

2007-01-11T15:52:00.000Z

Did you see this one coming? Maybe, but it has now been confirmed that David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season to join Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy.

The 31-year-old former England captain is set to rake in 'mega-becks', after signing a five year deal, worth a potential $250 million (approx £128 million).

Beckham who left Manchester United in July 2003 for £25m has had three and a half seasons at the Bernabeu in which the ‘Galacticos’ have failed to win any silverware. His form at Madrid has mostly been second to none, and he arguably held is own for the first few seasons amongst some of the world's greats. However, Becks has fallen out of favour with new boss Fabio Capello, a man who is expected to be relieved of his post at the end of the season if it concludes with yet another empty trophy cabinet.

Although highly tipped to join the MLS side, Beckham was widely regarded to still have the ability to play at the top level in Europe, with many major sides, including Inter Milan and a host of Premiership teams reportedly expressing interest in the midfield player.Surely one of the Milan sides would have topped off a glistening career, in which Becks could have arguably claimed to have played for the best sides in England, Spain and Italy, something no Englishman has achieved.

LA Galaxy admitted their interest in signing Beckham in November, on the back of Beckham being dropped from the England team by Steve McClaren and struggling to pin down a place in the Real Madrid starting line-up.

Most will see this move as a step down in his football career, and argue that Beckham his seeking his final major ‘payday’. Or it could be that Victoria Beckham has finally got the transfer she has wanted for all these years! Either way, it seems that this is the wrong footballing decision, and surely spells the end of his international career.

Beckham announced his departure saying: "After considering several options to stay in Madrid or join other major British and European teams, I have decided to join LA Galaxy."

"I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own.

The announcement ends weeks of speculation, and with his future finally settled, Beckham will want to concentrate the rest of this season on getting the silverware with the Spanish Giants which he has desperately sought after since signing.

Curbs closes in on Hammer's Helm

2006-12-12T21:52:00.000Z

Talk about striking whilst the "iron's" hot! Merely days after the sacking of Alan Pardew at Upton Park, comes the announcement that West Ham have opened talks with former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley.

After allegedley turning down the job, back in 2001, it seems Curbishley will get a second bite of the East London cherry, as new West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson moved quickly into what has been reported as 'positive negotiations'.

It is rumoured that Curbs could even be unveiled as the new Iron's boss in as soon as 48 hours time! This surely would be too soon a time scale to replace a man that most Hammer's fans idolised and worshiped as they sung proudly "Alan Pardew's claret and blue Army!"

And right the fans were to sing too, celebrating the valiant conquests of last year in reaching a top 10 premiership finish and being part of one of the most memorable F.A. Cup finals of all time, despite losing on penalties. However this year has seen Pardew's men floundering at the bottom of the Premiership table, with just 4 wins from 17 games.

The look on Magnusson's face, hiding within his jacket as Bolton's Nicolas Anelka hammered in their fourth goal on Saturday was a picture that told a thousand stories. He clearly had seen enough, almost to the point where he looked as if he wanted to be sick. After backing Pardew from day one, Magnusson thought with his wallet and not his heart, seeing a change as the best thing for his 'investment'. Will this be an ever increasing trend with the rise of the foreign investor? Only time will tell.

Some will argue that the arrival of Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano amid the storm over the Joorabchian takevover was the beginning of the end for Pardew. However, such arguments merely paper over the cracks of a team that is simply under performing.

After all, Tevez has only made 7 Premiership starts and Mascherano only 3. Along with Shevchenko, they add to the ever growing list of big name foreign imports that are struggling to find their feet in the Premiership. True, their arrival may have lowered team morale and self belief amongst players, yet less strikingly it is both injuries and loss of form that has been the real downfall at Upton Park.

Early injuries to the likes of Gabbidon, Ferdinand, , Bowyer and most importantly, Dean Ashton have all disrupted the free flowing football that we saw from the Hammers last season. Combine this with a simultaneous loss of form by certain players, notably the likes of Nigel Reo-Coker and Paul Konchesky and you begin to get down to the root of the problem Curbishley may have to face.

More to the point, is Curbishley really the right man for the job? Forums and messageboards across the web have been flooded with Hammers fans expressing their delight at their proposed replacement, yet even Curbs himself warned that fans should not take his appointmet for granted; "I'm flattered by the response from fans who believe I should be the next boss but two and two do not always make four."

Such wise words will serve warning for any fans who think that good times are simply right around the corner. For sure, Curbs may just be the perfect man to get West Ham and their Argentine superstars back firing on all cylinders. But first, they must negotiate the tough task of a home tie against Premiership leaders Manchester United on Sunday. What a baptism of fire that may turn out to be!

All hail Great Britons – Champions League Review

2006-12-12T11:55:00.000Z

As the dust settled on the Champions League qualifying stage last week, it seemed British football had the world at it’s feet. For the first time in history, all British teams have managed to qualify for the knockout last 16 stage – an achievement that of course is fantastic for British football.

On Wednesday night, Arsenal and Manchester United joined Celtic, Liverpool and Chelsea in the last 16 to complete a clean sweep for the British sides. Furthermore the three Premiership representatives all finished top of their respective groups, ensuring, in theory at least, a more favourable draw in the knockout stages.

The Champions League is regarded as the pinnacle of continental club football, and is a competition that in recent years has eluded Britain, with only Manchester United and Liverpool being crowned champions in the last 20 years.

I along with many other fans feel that with British teams making up more than a quarter of the teams left in the competition, the time has come for Britain to succeed once more.

Chelsea, although playing catch up domestically, have looked dominant in Europe topping Group A. Two baron years of the European success which Abramovich so passionately craves has laid claim to the fact that this competition is Mourinho’s main focus.

This determination can be seen through Chelsea taking four points of the possible six from the two games against reigning champions Barcelona. With the multi-million pound squad at Jose’s disposal, including the summer additions of Ballack and the under-performing Shevchenko, 2007 could Stamford Bridge welcoming home Europe’ most illustrious prize.

Manchester United have flown out the block, topping the Premier League, and winning the first three of their Group F games comfortably. United managed to put to bed last year’s Lisbon demons with a comfortable 3-1 win in their final game, and finally booked their place in the last 16 as group winners.

Many see Ferguson’s men as one of the favourites for this year’s competition, and with whiz kids Ronaldo and Rooney setting the football world alight, this could be the year that United’s young, maturing team comes of age, and go some way to living up to the success of 1999.

SPL leaders Celtic made history in making the last 16, with second place in Group F. Strachan’s men will be amongst the least favourites to progress further in the competition, yet it will be interesting to see some of Europe’s elite try and battle it out at the fortress that has become Park Head.

Arsenal and Liverpool have both floundered in the Premier League, displaying lacklustre form both home and away. However in Europe, both clubs have managed to top their respective groups, possibly a result of their poor domestic form.

Last year’s finalists Arsenal have a much depleted team from that which took them to the final in Paris last season. Their final ‘game’ against Porto was possibly the dullest moment of the season so far. Many questioned a possible carve-up between the two teams, and despite strong denials from Wenger, the 0-0 suspiciously saw both teams qualify from Group G. However, in Captain Thierry Henry, they have a player that should inspire the young talents of Fabregas and Van Persie to unleash the ‘total football’ of last season’s campaign and with the luck of the draw, Arsenal may find themselves there or there abouts come May.

Liverpool seek to emulate 2005’s heroics, and again succeed in the competition against the odds. The five time champions will still be one of the most feared teams in the competition, and the Merseyside outfit outlined their intent through qualifying as Group C winners with one game to spare. Captain marvel Steven Gerrard will need to discover more of the hunger and fight shown on nights such as the one in Istanbul, if Liverpool are to progress further in the competition. One thing for certain is that if Liverpool are firing on all cylinders, nobody will relish the opportunity to face Benitez’s side.

The draw for the first knockout round is due to be made on Friday 15th December at 12.00pm. Once the draw has been made, I am sure we will have a much clearer idea on the chances of Britain’s Elite, and whether we will really see a British team lifting the trophy in Athens next summer.

Ronaldo 'Dive' - Did he or didn't he?

2006-12-05T15:00:00.000Z

Before saturday, it could be argued that Ronaldo was starting to cement his position as 'Player of the Year', with a series of outstanding displays. How he managed this, amid the onslaught from the away fan boo boys remians a mystery to most. However, his role in Man Utd's opening goal at the weekend has left some feeling a little sour.

How fitting that the great number 7 shirt of Manchester United, once worn by the masterful yet controversial Eric Cantona, can now be seen on the back of another fiery foreign wizard. And like his french counterpart, the portuguese winker has an art for putting on a show, whether it be for the right or wrong reasons.

For every piece of genious Cristiano Ronaldo dazzles fans with, whether it be dummies, stepovers,flicks or tricks, he seems to consistently produce controversial moments such as this.

Click on the image to watch and decide for yourself. Personally, I think he went for the foul, but when Schwarzer pulled out of the challenge, Ronaldo's speed and momentum left him flat on his face. There was no appeal for a penalty from Ronaldo, yet it seems this incident may put a blip, on his otherwise perfect start to the season.

Blatter wants summer league games

2006-12-05T13:36:00.000Z

Good old Sepp Blatter. Month after month you can rely on this man to scrape around that balding head of his to find a new way upon which he can leave his mark on the game. Just weeks after announcing the admittedly much needed introduction of goal-line technology at next year’s World Club Championships, he is quoted in a German magazine expressing his desire for summer leagues. Now call me old fashioned, but this I believe is quite ridiculous.

Blatter has proposed changing the fixture schedule of European leagues so that domestic seasons run through the summer months, claiming: "This would leave enough time for players to recover and there could be blocks of three weeks of national teams' qualifying games in winter." Meaning that instead of the season running September to May, the campaign would run from late February to November.

Summer is a time for breaks, barbeques, beaches and bikinis. BLATTER and his meddling preferences should stay well away! Besides, summer is just too hot for football. If you disagree, look no further than England’s lacklustre performances at this summer’s World Cup.

Whilst on the subject of World Cup, there is also the slight problem of when this, the biggest and most prestigious of all football competitions would be held, never mind the rescheduling of all cup competitions. The F.A. and English fans would surely not allow its hallowed F.A. Cup to be chopped and changed just as the Fifa fat cats see fit. Would they?

C’mon Sepp. I think even you have got to admit that this is just one stupid and random idea too far. I can’t help wondering if these schemes are thought up through boredom, or if he genuinely feels he is improving the sport. Whatever the reason, the joke that is Fifa president Sepp Blatter has to be stopped, for the good of the game.