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

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.

Charlton Relegated

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?

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

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.

Premiership - Goals of the Week

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

Premiership Predictor

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

Kit Bag - New Shirts Unveiled / Leaked

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)

Premiership Predictor - The Result

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.

Curbs closes in on Hammer's Helm

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!