The Battle for Ballon D’or- Why Ronaldo deserves to win

The Battle for the ultimate prize heats up. With Messi and Ronaldo the leading candidates as usual, 18 Yard Box discusses as to why, despite Messi's stupendous performances last season, its time for Cristiano Ronaldo to have his moment.

It’s the time of the year again when the footballing community discuss the ultimate prize in world football. Every player dreams of winning the trophy but only a handful get their hands on the Ballon D’or trophy or the world’s best footballer award. Like in the past few years, the contenders’ list boils down to the two biggest names in the world viz Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

After a superb El Classico match which saw the 2 maestros score 2 goals each and end the night as equals, it now time to decide the first among equals. Lionel Messi has made it a hat trick of Ballon d’or trophies and left the Portuguese winger empty-handed in the past but Ronaldo has since championed Real Madrid to the La Liga trophy and consequently posed a serious challenge to the Argentine superstar. If there was ever a time Ronaldo deserved to win the top  honor it is now.

C.Ronaldo vs. L.Messi

18 Yard Box carefully scrutinizes the reasons for crowning the Madrid Winger as the best in the 

world.

Midfielder v/s Striker

World's best midfielder vs World's best Forward

In the previous season Ronaldo scored 46 goals as opposed to Messi who managed to outdo him with 50 goals. In the heat of the competition it is often forgotten that the role of a midfielder is to create chances and score if possible. It’s important to understand that Ronaldo’s main job as a winger is to provide Higuain and Benzema with opportunities to score rather than score himself. The very fact that he managed as much as 46 goals which is 24 more than the next highest scorer in the Madrid team is praiseworthy.

International Success

National Team: Limited Success

Their achievements in a Madrid and Barca jersey are there for the world to see but it’s their performance for their respective countries which are quite interesting. This year saw Ronaldo compete in the European championships for Portugal. Under his captaincy Portugal managed to qualify from the ‘group of death’ which featured Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands and reach the semi-finals. Ronaldo himself managed to equal the number of goals scored by eventual Golden Boot winner Fernando Torres. Messi on the other hand has failed to impress for Argentina in any major tournament and the only other notable performance has been his hat-trick against Brazil in a 3-2 win for Argentina.

Conqueror of top 2 leagues in Europe

Another Trophy in the Cabinet

Ronaldo unlike Messi has played for numerous clubs over the years and prospered at Manchester United where he won the Ballon d’or in 2008. He also played in the Portugal League with Sporting Lisbon from where he was scouted by Sir Alex. While comparing the two earlier, the obvious barrier was that Ronaldo played in the Premier League and Messi in La Liga. Following his mega transfer to Real Madrid, Ronaldo has proven once again that he can play in any League in the world and has scored against every team in the La Liga. Messi on the other hand is a one-club wonder. Let alone move from Spain he is hesitant to move from Barcelona. It would be interesting to watch the little master play in England where the game is far more quick and physical than in Spain. Messi against Stoke City has often been the talking point of pro-Ronaldo pundits.

Supporting Players

Every defense's worst nightmare

Many critics have pointed out that Messi struggles to play well without his supporting pillars Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. But one can also argue that Ronaldo is and was supported by world class players like Benzema, Ozil, Di Maria at Madrid and Rooney and Tevez at Manchester United. But Messi’s inability to play alongside a host of talented players like Tevez, Aguero, and Higuain with the national side clearly helps one appreciate Ronaldo’s ability to adapt to changes in playing styles and partners. It must also be pointed out that Xavi and Iniesta used to be Ballon d'or contenders as well. Having a midfield of that quality surely helps you to shine.

We Are The Champions!!

Champion of Spain

One important factor which has tilted the balance in Messi’s favor over the years has been Barcelona’s ability to win silverware in the form of La Liga and Champions’ League trophies. But his time around, as Jose Mourinho pointed out, Barcelona are no longer Champions of Spain or Europe and don’t deserve the spotlight. Taking his statements with a pinch of salt, Cristiano Ronaldo has won a trophy which Messi has not. Not winning a trophy has cost Ronaldo the award in previous years but losing the award even after winning a trophy will surely dishearten the Portuguese magician.

Done it once. Can he do it again?

With all due respect to Lionel Messi and his achievements all these years, which has been stupendous to say the least, Ballon D'or should be given to the player for his present achievements rather than his past. 18 Yard Box is of the opinion that Ronaldo’s time to reclaim his lost crown has finally come. His arrogance and boastful style of play may not be appeasing to all but none the less he can do what very few players can dream to achieve in their career. So as FIFA will declare the winner at their ceremony at Zurich one can only hope that Ronaldo finally wins the award he thoroughly deserves this time around.

Written By,
Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is an Editor and Writer for 18 Yard Box

The Merseyside Derby Preview: Everton v/s Liverpool

The stakes do not get any higher as 18 Yard Box analyses and gives its verdict as to what can happen in this version of the Merseyside Derby.



Overshadowed by the Chelsea-United fixture, the Merseyside Derby comes at a very crucial stage for both the teams. Usually a very volatile clash, both teams will go gung ho in this meeting and try to grab all three points.

18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai and Aman Arora highlight the importance of this clash and also give a final verdict.



Liverpool 

Liverpool have finally got their season kickstarted. 7 points in the last three games have given Liverpool the much needed confidence to go into this game on a high. To add to this the win against big spenders Anzhi in the midweek in the Europa League have got Liverpool in seventh heaven. Brendan Rodgers will have to prepare well for this game as this might prove to be the make or break one for Liverpool.

Strengths

The ailing Liverpool defence has finally got a grip on itself. Conceding none in the last three games in all competitions, Liverpool are finally starting to put their miserable defensive performances behind them. To add to this, Luis Suarez has returned to do what he does well- score goals. With Borini out with a broken foot, the goal scoring onus will lie in Suarez's hands yet again. The other positive plus point is the coming of age of a certain Raheem Sterling. The 17 year old has been handed a tough job by Brendan Rodgers at such a tender age. However, he has lived upto his billing and has already got his Liverpool career off the mark with a goal against Reading last week. The attack looks formidable for Liverpool and if they remain consistent then they might just get the better out of Jagielka and Distin.

The goal scoring burden lies on Suarez' shoulders 

The other plus point is that Liverpool have managed to keep, who arguably is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Daniel Agger by making him sign a long term deal. They have even managed to extend the much promising Suso's stay. This will give a huge psychological boost to the Merseysiders.

Liverpool have done extremely well by tying this man to a long term deal

Weakness

Liverpool's inconsistency is their biggest drawback. Having score 5 against Norwich at Carrow Road last month, they let Udinese plunder them at home. The recent results are quite heartening but it will be safe to say that the fans have not seen the Liverpool of old times. Brendan Rodgers has now got enough time to test his team and if Liverpool remain inconsistent still, the fans will not be kind to him.

Borini's injury has cast open the blunder done on the final day in the transfer market, when Carrol was off loaded and no replacement brought in

The other cause for concern is the injury to Fabio Borini. Although the Spaniard Suso has stepped up, the goal scoring burden will lie in Suarez's hands. It becomes really difficult to see where the goals will come from should he fail to score.

Everton FC

Having started the season with a bang by beating Manchester United, Everton have continued their good run of form. Usually ones to blossom late on in the season, their fantastic start to the season has taken most fans by surprise. With an attacking flair about them, they are sitting 5^th in the Table with 15 points from 8 games, and no one is complaining.

Strengths

Their midfield is one to watch out for. With Fellaini, they have a powerhouse in the team who seamlessly sets about attack and defence.  The presence of Pienaar gives them an extra dimension while going forward.

The recent acquisition of Belgian Mirallas from Olympiakos and Steven Naismith from Glasgow Rangers has given the team a potent, well-tested strike force.

The duo of Fellaini and Mirallas from an important part of the team

Naismith gels particularly well with former Rangers’ teammate Jelavic and could test the back four of Liverpool well.

Weakness

Everton’s defence could be an area where they can improve. With Neville, Distin, Jagielka and Baines, they have got a stable back four which provides a strong spine to the team. Although  recent acquisition Hitzlsperger could be provide the missing steel, this is one area where someone like Suarez and Sterling could cause harm to them.

Fans need to see more responsibility being taken the experienced Pienaar

As far as the midfield is concerned, much is handled by Fellaini considering the ability he has. Darren Gibson needs to step  up to more consistent performances. Although Pienaar and Osman are strong characters and experienced ones, a moment or two of inspiration from the two more often will do no harm to their chances against their bitter rivals.

Importance of a win- A top 4 place

Both the teams will come out with an ambition of the prized Champions League spot. While Everton look to be ahead in the race, we must not forget that the season has just started. With 30 games still left to play in the League Program, the tide can turn anytime. However, both teams need to be on their toes if they have to come out on tops.

For the first time in many years Everton finished above Liverpool last season. Liverpool's pride has been hurt and like wounded lions they will want to correct the wrongs of the previous year. On the flip side Everton would love to show that they are not a one season miracle and with the quality they possess, they can surely pip their cross town rivals this time around also.

Winner of this tie can well be hot on the heels of the new top four of Chelsea, United, Arsenal and City. Loser will have to do with losing ground.

The Final Verdict

As mentioned the stakes are quite high and we can expect some open ended football. None of the defenses are in top form and we can expect goals to be the order of the day. Everton hold a slight advantage as they will be at home. More so ever, Everton have a more firepower going upfront and could well upstage Liverpool in a 3-2 victory. We can surely expect a high voltage, action packed and a tie just like that of a wrestling bout.

Written By,
Aman Arora and Rishabh Ghai

Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com India and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box. 

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box .

Follow Aman Arora on Twitter

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter

PS: You can read about the Chelsea v/s United game by clicking here.

Chelsea V/S Manchester United- Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the first of the double headers to be held at Stamford Bridge.

Having gained a possible 22 points of the 24 possible, Chelsea have got off to the best possible start since Jose Mourinho’s title winning season in 2006. With half their games played against teams from the bottom half of the table, Chelsea’s real test in the League begins with the visit of the Red Devils this Sunday. A mouth watering clash that it promises it to be, it will probably be in most scenarios a scintillating clash between two giants of English Football.

United on the other hand, at third place in the table have had a stuttering start to the League season. Starting with a dismal performance against Everton, United gained momentum before losing out to a defiant Tottenham side at Old Trafford. With a win against early pace setters Chelsea very crucial for the confidence of the team, one can expect United to go all out for a victory against The Blues.

18 Yard Box looks at both the strengths and weaknesses of both teams before the clash.

Chelsea

Strengths

A clinical attack as strong as Chelsea’s are sure to test the United back four. The fearsome foursome of Mata, Hazard, Oscar and Torres are irresistible while going forward. Torres might just be the match winner here with his form on the rise. As it is, United's defense hasn’t been rock solid and are susceptible to conceding this season. The midfield duo Ramires and Mikel have done well in absence of Lampard and will be expected to continue in this game as well.

Hazard's presence will strike fear down United's defense

Weakness

With Terry banned from domestic football, they have lost their leader on the pitch who used to hold the team together. A pairing of Cahill and Luiz will be most probably used which although capable, can be disastrous if it’s not their day (Remember Falcao shredding them to pieces in the Super Cup Final).

 Terry's absence could prove cruical

An important mention here will be the absence of Lampard. Although not an automatic starter for Chelsea now, Lampard remains a favorable option for the coach when experience comes into play. And United at home is just that.

Manchester United

Strengths

With Van Persie, Hernandez (Chicharito) and Welbeck and Rooney all set to start for United, this game is going to be a real test for the centre back pairing of Luiz and Cahill. It might also give a hint of whether Ashley Cole is still able enough to continue at the top just as rumours of his exit pile up.

With Young absent from before, Kagawa's injury will coax Rooney to come deep and make play. This could very well be a blessing in disguise as Persie and Chicharito can be the perfect poachers with Rooney's fluent passing and sleek, penetrating runs.

Kagawa's injury makes United  miss a piece in the puzzle

.

Weaknesses

United arrive into the fixture with defensive problems. With Vidic out with a long term injury and Smalling and Jones, although on the brink if returning, are not fit enough to play their parts, United only have the pairing of Ferdinand and Evans to depend upon.  Any more knocks and United will have to go back to the unreliable Carrick in centre half.

The absence of Kagawa can come back to hunt United as although Rooney is more than capable to play in that position, a specialist would have been better to challenge the likes of Oscar and Ramires in the midfield. 

Vidic out due to injury!...again

Analysis and Key Players

The midfield is where the game will be won. With a possible start for Scholes, Carrick as defensive midfielders and Rooney, Nani and Welbeck in the attacking positions, as compared to Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Mikel and Ramires, United are in for a real test. The danger of being run out in the centre of the park is real and that's where United have to focus.

Juan Mata will have to keep his form if Chelsea is to get the three points. With delightful passing and creative build up play, Mata has to be the one pulling the strings in this one.

With Evra all set to start at Left Back, one wouldn’t be surprised if Di Matteo starts with Hazard down the right hand side of Chelsea. Evra having well past his prime will suffer the wrath of the young Belgian with fleet footed movements on the ball.

As for Manchester United, Rooney will be an important force to reckon with. He links up the midfield well with Persie and might just be the key to unlock Chelsea’s defense. 

Rooney V/S Luiz will be one to watch out for

A certain Rio Ferdinand needs to step up and hold the defense water tight. On their day the dangerous Hazard, Oscar and Torres are capable of scoring the hell out of the other team and thus, Ferdinand needs to keep up his levels and show his experience on the pitch.

To watch out for player battles on the pitch click here.

Importance of a win

A top of the table clash is always a very important one. Chelsea have already taken a 4-point lead over their rivals and a victory here would open that gap to seven. A lead of that sort so early in the League for Chelsea could will do no harm as United do turn on the heat post December.

On the other hand Manchester United need a victory more than Chelsea. Coming off from a stuttering game against Braga in the Champions League in the midfield, United need to better their performance if they need to get anything at The Bridge. Winning this means cutting the lead to only one point. This will take the much needed pressure off them. Another important factor that has to be put into perspective for United is momentum. With them having to face Chelsea again in the midweek followed by a visit from the Gunners, this could be United's moment of truth.

The Final Verdict

With such depth of talent across both the sides, it is going to be an exciting match with as exciting a score line. A 3-2 victory for Chelsea will be my best bet with the trio of Mata, Hazard and Torres causing havoc in the final third of the pitch. Although, Lampard and Terry’s absence will harm the Blues, United currently do not possess the determination to beat a resilient Chelsea in their backyard.

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box. 

Chelsea v/s Manchester United: Player Battles at The bridge

18 Yard Box looks at how the players will be pitched against each other when it comes to one of the most volatile clashes of the season.

Chelsea takes on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in what promises to be a title deciding encounter. Second placed United would plan a surprise away win at League leaders and cut the lead at the top to just one point. Chelsea on the other hand would like to continue their winning ways and extend the lead at the top to seven points in a clash which is described as a 6-pointer. Matches are often defined by players and rivalries and this particular clash is nothing short of it.

18 Yard Box looks at the three key clashes which can make or break any team’s chances of victory.

Patrice Evra V/S Ashley Cole

Fans will witness the epic battle between two of the most experienced left backs in the Premier League. Given United’s current trend of playing only one winger, Patrice Evra will be expected to ply his trade on the left flank and provide Van Persie and co. with much needed service. The greatest danger for United in pushing Evra forward is being caught out of position which will be openly exploited by Juan Mata. Ashley Cole’s speed and guile has often been a source of inspiration for Chelsea in the past and the Blues will expect their veteran full back to take advantage of United’s inexperienced Rafael.  He will also have to contend with the quick and physical game of Antonio Valencia while defending. Both players are potential game changers in the context of this match. It will be interesting to see who will have greater impact on this game. We can expect Cole to perform better than Evra as the United player is short of form and confidence.

David Luiz V/S Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has found his scoring form with 2 brilliant goals against Stoke city. Rooney plays in a more central role behind the 2 strikers following the arrival of Dutchman Robin van Persie but the said formation is flexible with the 2 main forwards drifting towards the wings. He has played a major role in all of United’s games so far this season and has been a driving force for his team while going forward. He will be up against Chelsea’s Brazilian defender David Luiz who has been fairly consistent at the back in the absence of John Terry. United are more than aware of Luiz’s goal scoring ability as was seen in the same fixture 2 seasons ago. This duel between two feisty players will be a treat to watch and Rooney can edge it if he plays the ball quick enough.

Gary Cahill V/S Robin Van Persie

After scoring a memorable hat-trick for Arsenal last season at this very ground, Robin van Persie returns with the same form and perhaps a more efficient team to haunt the Chelsea defense. Having scored 6 goals in 6 games for his new team, Robin van Persie will look to add more goals to his tally against a slightly less experienced defensive partnership of Luiz and Cahill. Gary Cahill has answered his critics and ably replaced John Terry in the squad. His performances at back have won him praise from many pundit and past players. He also displayed his ability going forward with solid volley against Tottenham last week. This one will be a one to watch out for. The Dutch striker can have his say against a slightly inexperienced Cahill

Written By,

Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is an Editor and a Writer for 18 Yard Box.

Weekly Feature- 18YB's Rising Star of the Week: Marco Reus

18 Yard Box kicks off this new series by analyzing the young German prodigy -Marco Reus.

18 Yard Box brings to you a whole new series by the name "18YB's Rising Star of the Week". In this weekly edition we analyze that young talent who is making in roads in the world of football. 

This week's focus is on Marco Reus, the young German striker who has taken Bundesliga by storm in the previous two seasons. 18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai has a look at the journey of this young footballer and also analyze his qualities.

Marco Reus- der Talisman (Talisman)

Struggling Days

The 23-year old Marco Rues was born in the city of Dortmund in West Germany. Striker by birth, he joined Bundesliga champions club Borussia Dortmund for a whooping 17.1 million Euros this summer after a glittering spell at Borussia Monchengladbach . Touted as one to look out for in the future, Rues was not always a sensation. A struggling start to his career was overshadowed with instant success. Even though he was rejected by his hometown club on the grounds of physical insufficiency, Reus' dreams of becoming a top footballer were never shattered. He left to join a lowly Rot Weiss Ahlen where he kicked the ball on 43 occasions and finding the net only five times in the process. It was time he looked to take on bigger challenges.

Reus during his time at Rot Weiss Ahlen 

The Monchengladbach time

Rues would be entirely indebted to Borussia Monchengladbach for whom he signed in the 2009-10 season. Under Michael Frontzeck he went to become an integral part in the Monchengladbach line-up. He announced his arrival in style as he scored his first Bundesliga goal against FSV Mainz after running solo for a staggering 50 metres before coolly slotting the ball past the keeper. He left the defenders in wake and from then followed a success story. Having played 97 matches for the Die Fohlen, Reus scored an impressive 36 goals. It was at this place that he realised his versatility as an attacker and went on to become the talisman for this club as just a tender age of 22.

All started here

A Second Homecoming

Dortmund soon realised their mistake in letting this star go and went back to call him home. Although there was great interest from Bayern Munich in the summer, the 13 times capped German international gave in to the transfer fee of 17.1 million Euros to return back from where he started his rise to fame. Ever since arriving at Dortmund, he has hit the ground running by scoring four goals in just eight appearances for Die Borussians and surely looks to have transcended the path he followed for his former clubs.

Marco Reus- 2012-13 season stats

Games Started	10
Used as a substitute	1
Goals	5
Assists	4
Fouls drawn	16
Shots	24
Shots on target	12

Stylish football

When asked about his style of play, Marco Rues surely plays a modern stylish brand of football. Right from dribbling to shooting Rues has all the qualities required for an attacker. An astute dribbler and a gifted attacker, he can torment any defender with his pacey runs. 

Not only this but he has a wonderful vision which helps him find his team mates with precision. His uncanny knack of catching the goalkeeper off line has seen him score a huge amount of long rangers. Unselfish yet going solo, Rues has got the capability of fooling any defender with his clever change in directions during a run. Such is his stability. He is an excellent finisher and his goals are worth taking a look at. 

Another great thing about this guy is his versatility. Naturally a striker, he can be used on both the wings and also as one behind the striker. Being two footed, he can take any of these positions with utmost ease and justify the role. Under Jurgen Klopp he can only better himself in his attacking game but he has to also work on his defensive part of the game. If that is taken care he surely is a complete footballer.

Comment: From threading a superb pass to scoring a blockbuster, Marco Rues surely has in him to become one of the stars of German football. A great footballer in the reckoning, Marco Reus can easily be called as the 'der Talisman' which means a Talisman.

Written By,
Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International (all English editions) and an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box 

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter

Weekly Feature: Premier League's underperforming XI

The most dreaded list is out. 18 Yard Box has a look at this week's worst XI of the Premier League.

Worst XI of the Premier League this week

No one facies this list but still some names are taken into it due to their poor performances. 18YB's Arjun Mishra has his take as to who goes in this list

Bradley Guzan (GK) – Aston Villa

Bradley Guzan had to face a tough task against a Fulham offence which consisted of Berbatov, Petric and Rodallega. Manager Paul lambert was already frustrated with the poor run of first choice goalkeeper Shay Given. Therefore, Guzan was given the nod ahead of him for this game, which turned to be even a worse performance by him. The score line 1-0 hardly tells the whole story. The defenders gave their all, but lost because a blunder made by Guzan.

Angel Rangel (RB) – Swansea City

When we see that Swansea City won 2-1 against Wigan Athletic, we wonder how did Angel Rangel, of the winning team ended up on this list. But the final score line never tells the full story of a match. The performance put up by him was rather very poor according to his standards. He was getting dispossessed far too many times by opposition players and was not tracking back to defend the goal. The goal scored by Wigan was from a set piece and he had a major part to play in it.

Maynor Figueroa (CB) – Wigan Athletic

Figueroa, yet again, failed to live up to the expectations as High-Fliers Wigan slumped to an away defeat at the hands of Swansea City. We had seen him showing poor form since the game against Manchester United when Nick Powell scored by just brushing past him. His poor run of form continued in this match too when Pablo Hernandez scored a goal from a shot which could have easily been blocked by him.

Ryan Nelsen (CB) – Queens Park Rangers

Ryan Nelsen, who had impressed for QPR till now in the season, had a shockingly poor game against 

Everton. Another Player who was being dispossessed way too easily and once known for his super headers was wasting all the corners for QPR. He is one shocker on this list this time.

Mark Wilson (LB) – Stoke City

Mark Wilson had a major part to play when Stoke City were unable to protect their lead against Manchester United and Stoke wasn’t even able to make a proper counter attack because his crossing and finishing were poor. Manager Tony Pulis expressed his anger at Mark’s performance in the post match interview.

Claudio Yacob (DM) – West Bromwich Albion

Argentinean Claudio Yacob had an unimpressive match for West Bromwich Albion against Manchester City. He was fouling for almost the whole match. He did not even give the full effort in his tackles and was even booked. When Edin Dzeko made the run for the second goal, he should have been able to stop him with a single tackle. Instead, he went into a sliding tackle way early to let Edin Escape.

Jonas Gutierrez (DM) – Newcastle United

Jonas Gutierrez has failed to deliver up to expectations he had raised so high in the previous seasons. He is not able to support Yohan Cabaye like he did last season. Whenever he gets the ball, he shoots it way over the crossbar. Not even looking at the fellow players around him who he will be able to pass to. His game against Sunderland showed the same. He missed many golden opportunities and slowed the counter attacks.

Adam Johnson (RW) – Sunderland

Adam Johnson was a record signing made by manager Martin O’Neill from Manchester City. Adam Johnson has always been prone to injuries, which have finally slowed his game down. He does not cut in inside the box quickly and give an eventual pass to the striker Steven Fletcher, who is in top form right now. He has become a slow player and an easy player to take the ball from. Something that the former England Manager, Fabio Capello had predicted two years ago. His game against Newcastle showed no signs of improvement as he yet again failed the counter attacks and played selfishly.

Steven Pienaar (CM) – Everton

Not many expected Steven Pienaar, who had made 8 assists and scored twice in the first 7 matches, would end up on this list. But that’s what happens when you play good football, you raise many expectations and you raise the standard too. Steven Pienaar had one of those forgettable matches of the season. His tackles were untimed, his passes were off-target and his game was lackluster. All seemed to be lost when he was given a red card at the 60^th minute for a brutal tackle on Jose Bosingwa.

Yao Gervinho (LM) – Arsenal

Eyebrows were raised when Gervinho was played behind Podolski and Giroud. And the result was before us in no time. He was not able to finish the chances created by Cazorla and he was not able to perform well like he did in the last matches for Arsenal. Now stats show that he was dispossessed more than 20 times. That is far beyond the limit for an attacking midfielder. Playing behind the strikers, he did not get the space he liked and hence, was subjected to a flop show where Arsenal slumped a 1-0 defeat against Norwich City.

Mario Balotelli (FW) – Manchester City

Mario, who scored for Italy in the International Break, was not able to carry his good form to the club level. He showed that his antics and tantrums had returned. He played slow and when he was dispossessed, he went into slow and late tackles to win the ball back thus, earning a yellow card. He did not pass when he had to. He only shot when he got the ball against West Bromwich Albion. Either from long range or short range.

Written By,

Arjun Mishra

Arjun is a writer for 18 Yard Box

Follow Arjun on Twitter 

Tottenham Hotspurs V/S Chelsea: Preview

After the international break its time to turn our attentions back towards the League program. Tottenham hosts their London rivals Chelsea which sees AVB going head against his former team. 18 Yard Box analyses the tie

White Hart Lane will be bear witness to a spectacular match between current leaders Chelsea and fifth place Tottenham Hotspur. But what will make this game particularly interesting is the return of ex-Chelsea boss Andreas Villas-Boas who was sacked just after 9 months of taking up the job at Stamford Bridge. Having already claimed an emphatic away win at Old Trafford, AVB, as he is famously called, would want to register another famous win against his former team and propel Tottenham into the Champions’ League spots. While Roberto Di Matteo would expect nothing short of a win from his team, which has been in top form, in what promises to be a sizzling London Derby. It would also pit Di Matteo against Villas-Boas under whom he served as an assistant manager at Chelsea. This match promises to be much more than a game of football.

18 Yard Box has a look at the game which could turn our to be Andre Villas Boas' moment of truth.

Comrades turned adversaries

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have aggressively tried to bolster their chances of getting into Europe by acquiring several quality players and even a new manager after the departure of Harry Redknapp.

Tottenham did not get off to the best of starts this season under new coach Andreas Villas-Boas with a loss at Newcastle and struggled to get full points against weaker opposition. However, an away victory against Manchester United seems to have rejuvenated this team and given them the belief that they can beat any team in the league. If there was ever a time that Spurs would want to face Chelsea it is now.

Strengths

Solid attacking unit

Currently, Tottenham seem to be self-sufficient in every department other than defense where they are missing some important players due to injury. However, the likes of Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have been ably replaced by young Stephen Caulker and Ajax youth academy product Jan Vertonghen. The best part of Tottenham has been the fitness and ability of their midfield players who have remained fit and chipped in with vital goals more than making up for the absence of a strike partnership. Summer transfers like Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey have already made their mark in the game and justified their transfer fees. The return of Aaron Lennon has given another dimension to the spurs game. Bale and Lennon on either wings make spurs a dangerous side. Though the strike department seems empty Jermaine Defoe has been among the goals lately which will do his confidence a world of good. The other advantage is that their boss AVB would very well know Di Matteo's tactics and will play to his strengths. Home support could be crucial and Chelsea will have a tough time containing the likes of Gareth Bale and Gylfi Sigurdsson. 

Weaknesses

Big gloves to fill??

The departure of Luka Modric has hurt Tottenham in the holding player role. With the recent injury to Scott Parker the pressure of playing holding midfield has fallen flatly on Sandro who has been inconsistent. The second half display against Manchester United was poor and clearly displayed flaws in Tottenham’s game. Tottenham were comfortable in possession while attacking but were pathetic off the ball while defending. Another cause for concern is the goalkeeping department. The recent introduction of Hugo Lloris in the squad in place of veteran Brad Friedel after his big money move from Lyon threatens to destabilize an already fragile defense. Chelsea’s young and jubilant youngsters could have a field day if the Spurs defenders don’t step up to the occasion.

Chelsea

After the sacking of Villa-Boas, interim manager Roberto Di Matteo had turned the team’s fortunes around and managed to win the F.A cup and the Champions’ League last season. He seems to have returned this season with the same form and a battalion of young, talented and trophy-hungry players. Chelsea has been in top form and already managed to create a four point lead at the top of the table. Chelsea would want to register their first win at white hart lane since 2005 and have a fair chance of doing so.

Strengths

The Holy Trinity

Chelsea are already the team to beat this season with impressive displays against Norwich City and Arsenal. Just like Tottenham, Chelsea have also strengthened its midfield with mega signings Eden Hazard from Lille and Oscar from Internacional. The two have already managed to stamp their authority on the English game with impressive displays. Juan Mata and Frank Lampard have continued from where they left last season with notable contributions. The Chelsea defense has also looked rock solid with David Luiz and Gary Cahill forging a wonderful partnership at the heart of defense alongside their leader John Terry. Right back Branislav Ivanovic has been an attacking threat scoring 3 goals in 7 games and left back Ashley Cole is always a force to reckon with.

Weaknesses

Leader? Captain? or Sadly a racist?

The recent racism scandal has resulted in John Terry becoming a major question mark for Chelsea. This will limit the manager’s options and force the temperamental David Luiz to start the game. Another cause of concern is the fact that Ashley Cole might be forced to leave at the end of this season. With speculations growing that Chelsea will be trying to offload their aged legs, this does not prove to be a great example for the young players who know that later on they will not be supported by their club when in need. Chelsea will dearly miss Didier Drogba who could have relieved the pressure of scoring goals from Fernando Torres. Over-dependence on Hazard will hurt the team if the Belgian master fails to fire for the Blues. The biggest threat for Chelsea will be down the wings where Bale and Lennon will look to catch the attacking full backs out of position and create chances for Defoe.

Importance of a win- Manager v/s Manager!

A chance to prove who is a better manager, AVB and his former prodigy RDM will be locking horns for the first time ever. Whilst for one its a question of maintaining the dream of matching the Arsenal's invincibles, the other side will look to build on the confidence obtained from the previous game. AVB would love to have his former club for dinner on Saturday night where RDM would once again try to push the off-field problems aside and will try to concentIrate on the game. Moreover, this game will surely prove who is the tactical guru amongst the two. One who relies on attacking brilliance would try to prove the other who has taken a defensive apporach against pacey teams like Tottenham. It surely will be a mouth watering prospect to watch both of them in the dugout, but his time against each other.

RDM v/s AVB

The Final Verdict

Chelsea seem to be the better team which is demonstrated by their recent results. But Tottenham at home will altogether a different ball game. Though AVB has said this match is not about vengeance, a victory against his former side would be special. A win for Chelsea will help them in their pursuit of another League title. This will be a first London derby for several players on both teams which add several new elements to an age old rivalry. One can only hope that the result is determined by a moment of sheer brilliance and not by poor mistakes. 18 Yard Box feels a 2-1 home win for Tottenham Hotspur will be a fitting end for this wonderful game which will see new rivalries set in a scintillating 90 minutes and once again open up the title race for one and all.

Written By,
Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is an Editor and Writer for 18 Yard Box.