Why is David Cameron refusing to take part in the general election debates?

There is continued debate over why David Cameron is refusing to take part in televised debates unless the Greens are included. This has led critics of the prime minister to say he is ‘running scared’ of the election debates, which broadcasters have suggested will take place in three sessions. One would put Cameron head-to-head against Ed Miliband, another would add Nick Clegg and the third would include Nigel Farage in proceedings.

What has confused many is David Cameron’s unusual support for the Green Party to be included in the televised debates as he has said, and reiterated, that you cannot have two minor parties involved – by this he means the Liberal Democrats and UKIP – without the Greens.

To support his argument the prime minister points out that the Greens polled higher than the Lib Dems and that both UKIP and the Greens did better in the European elections than his coalition partners. In the Commons he asserted that ‘you can either have a debate with all the national elected parties or the two people who might be prime minister’. A sound argument you might say, except that Ofcom has decided that the Green Party is worthy of ‘majority part status’ and therefore should not take part in the election debates.

But surely Mr. Cameron is not a secret supporter of the Greens, so why does he refuse to take part? Many have speculated that the prime minister is running scared. Speaking to the Today Programme, Nigel Farage stated that the Conservative Party leader was scared to debate Europe and Immigration with him. Ed Miliband, on Andrew Marr’s BBC 1 show, also called his opponent scared and labelled him ‘frit’ in today’s debates in Parliament.

According to the Guardian, Cameron’s strategists – including the head of the party’s election campaign, Lynton Crosby – are known to be advising him against debating with Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage. They believe that Mr. Miliband, whose public standing is lower than Mr. Cameron’s, can only gain from appearing in the election debates against the prime minister, and that being on stage alongside the Conservative leader would only give Farage greater gravitas. So it does look as if there is some political ploy behind the noble cause to include the Greens.

Intriguingly, there is also support for Mr. Cameron’s avoidance to take part in the election debate from those who feel that the debates offer nothing but a chance for minor parties to gain political victories. In the Times, Daniel Finkelstein writes that he believes the debates in 2010 were a mistake. It allowed Nick Clegg to present himself as the ‘outsider’ against the two ‘Westminster insiders’ of Brown and Cameron. The very structure of the debates in 2010, says Finkelstein, gave Clegg a huge advantage that couldn’t be overcome. This he warns will continue, but this time the victor will be Nigel Farage. Without the Greens, Farage will take up the role of ‘viewer’s champion’ because he has no governmental role to defend and can pretty much say anything to criticise the other leaders.

The same view is shared by Finkelstein’s fellow Times columnist Tim Montgomerie:

Best argument against debates: The last ones gave Clegg Churchillian ratings. Britain was fooled by him. TV performances tell us v little.

— Tim Montgomerie ن (@montie) January 14, 2015

But it is also notable to mention that some believe David Cameron’s refusal to debate with his opponents could have wider implications for the prime minister’s image.

In the Telegraph, James Kirkup writes that he feels the Conservative leader is now dangerously exposed to the perception that when he says he wants to take part in debates, he does not mean it and that he is afraid of the voters but not willing to admit it.

Speaking to the Observer, Norman Tebbit, the former Conservative Party chairman, conceded that Cameron has found himself in a difficult position, but said that he would take a lot of flak if he resisted.  “It would certainly provide the opportunity for the other parties to say, ‘What is wrong with him? Why doesn’t he want to do it?’ And for the more sophisticated audience, they will whisper quietly that the reason is that he bungled it in 2010.”

Cameron then finds himself in an awkward position where his advisers believe that television debates would only harm his attempts to come out on top at the next general election. It is clear that all other party leaders are trying to force him to concede and take part in the televised debates. They smell blood; they say he is scared, so it is now up to Mr. Cameron to take the next step. Polls suggest that most people want the election debates to happen, and by refusing to appear his political reputation could come into question. I do, conversely, agree with his conviction that the Greens should be included, however dubious it may appear.

Of course this discussion would all be over if the broadcasters suddenly incorporated the Green Party into the live debates – which they should’ve done in the first place in my own personal view. The difficulty, however, is well summed up by the Political Editor of the New Statesman, George Eaton:

Broadcasters should have included Greens from the start. But damaging for independence if they now do so merely to appease Cameron. #PMQs

— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) January 14, 2015

With a stalemate apparently formed, it seems this debate about debates may go on for some time…

What to think of the FIFA FIFPro World XI

On Monday, FIFA held its annual awards ceremony in Zurich to celebrate the best of football. Amongst the many awards given out was a place in the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014. This is a chance to take a brief look at the reasons why the players nominated made it into FIFA’s world eleven.

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany):

By far and away the best goalkeeper in the world. The Bayern Munich keeper helped his club side to another Bundesliga title last season with 19 clean sheets, 6 more than any other, and this form has continued into this season with 13 clean sheets in 17 domestic outings. Internationally, he also helped Germany to their fourth World Cup.

Phillipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany):

Germany’s captain has had a year where he has been moved out of his favoured full back position to being used as a midfield playmaker by both Pep Guardiola and Joachim Low. Guardiola has also hailed him as the “cleverest player he has ever worked with”, considering the Bayern Coach has worked with the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Messi, that is some compliment. Lahm captained Germany to their fourth world cup and is therefore deserving of a place this year.

David Luiz (Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil):

The most controversial addition to the FIFPro World XI, Luiz was widely ridiculed for his hapless performance in the World Cup semi-final against Germany, which Brazil lost 7-1.
His displays for Paris Saint-Germain since moving to France from Stamford Bridge for 50 million – a world-record fee for a defender – have not been much better, with PSG conceding 17 goals this campaign leading to them currently lie 4th in Ligue 1.

Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil):

Thiago Silva is recognised as one of the best centre backs in the world right now, something dramatically realised when he was absent through suspension during Brazil’s defeat to Germany at the World Cup. However, his performances for Paris Saint-Germain this term next to his compatriot have not been to the standard he is known for. With a better partner, Silva would no doubt stand out further as a world-class centre back.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain):

A strange choice for the full back position since he has been consistently turning out as a centre half for years, though Ramos could have easily taken David Luiz’s place. The Spaniard performed a crucial role in Real Madrid’s charge for La Decima last season with, arguably, the most important goal to pull Real Madrid level against their rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. Ramos was also named the player of the tournament at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain):

This is Andres Iniesta’s sixth appearance in FIFA’s World XI in as many years. The Spaniard did not have what could be considered a particularly successful year, in terms of silverware, but his quality as one of the best passers of the game cannot be denied. Iniesta has been one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers and was widely hailed as one of the world’s best players.

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid and Germany):

Toni Kroos represents a third German player, and a fourth who played for Bayern Munich last year. The year 2014 was a remarkable year for the 25-year-old midfielder as he lifted the German domestic double with Bayern Munich, clinched the World Cup in Brazil before he moved to Real Marid in summer to pen a six-year deal. Quite surprisingly Kroos was also named as Germany’s Player of the Year 2014 beating Ballon D’or shortlisted Manuel Neuer and veteran Miroslav Klose.

Angel di Maria (Manchester United and Argentina):

The only Premier League player to make the World XI, however Di Maria is in the team because of his scintillating form for Real Madrid last season. In the 2013/14 season the Argentine scored 12 goals, but became more revered for his 23 assists for Los Blancos. His move to Manchester United for £59.7 million – a British transfer record – was a surprise to many. His form this season for his new club has been less impressive, but there has been glimpses of his class in games against Leicester City, Everton and Queen’s Park Rangers.

Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich and Holland):

Robben is the only player from the Dutch team that reached the World Cup Semi-finals, notably routing Spain 5-1 in the group stages. The Dutch winger is one of Bayern Munich’s stand-out performers that known for his directness of attack, pace and quality of control in oppositions penalty areas. Last season he 30 goals for club and country and has begun this Bundesliga season with 10 goals in 13 games.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina):

He and Ronaldo are far and away the best two players in the world. Last season, Messi experienced an injury plagued seaso but still managed to be one of the best players in the world. For Barcelona all competitions he scored 41 goals, scoring 4 hat-ricks, in 46 appearances, leaving the former world player of the year with a 0.89 goals-to-game ratio (that’s a goal every 95 minutes). For his country, Messi scored important goals at the World Cup, including a vital last minute goal against Iran. Sadly, he was unable to gain the elusive trophy as Argentina lost to Germany in the final. Still, undoubtedly Messi will continue to be in the FIFPro World XI for many years to come.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal):

What more can be said about this year’s FIFA Ballon D’or Winner that hasn’t already been said? The Portugal captain beat Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer to the award, and it’s no wonder when you look at his impressive record last year. For Real Madrid, in all competitions last season, he scored 51 goals in 47 appearances resulting in a goals-to-game ratio of 1.08, he scores a goal every 82 minutes. In the whole of 2014 he has scored 52 goals in 43 games, an even better record. Internationally, he can be famously remembered for dragging Portugal to the World Cup, when he scored a hat-trick against Sweden. He outscored anyone in the world last year and is rightly the best player in the world for the second year running. When they created this team, Ronaldo would have been the first name on the team sheet.

Is our current electoral system broken?

The last general election in 2010 created the first coalition government since the Second World War and this wasn’t due to a grievous threat from overseas, instead some academics have determined that it is down to British electoral system becoming broken.

The current system, ‘first past the post’, has been credited with producing strong governments because of its supposed ability to guarantee an outright winner with a majority in Parliament. However, the previous election demonstrated that this may no longer be the case.

John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, has since argued that the electoral system is broken. He believes that the system is no longer effective at denying third parties votes and is now significantly less effective than it once was at denying them seats. This is obvious when looking at the increase in seats the Liberal Democrats have gained over the past 20 years. In 2010, the Liberal Democrats received 23 percent of votes cast amounting to 57 seats, which was a vast improvement on 1992 where the party only secured 20 seats from 18 percent of the vote.

Curtice also notes even further problems. He believes that the process fails to treat the two largest parties in an even handed manner, with the Labour party having a major advantage of only needing a three point lead to guarantee a majority and the Conservatives needing something closer to an eleven point lead over their opponents.

Both these two problems suggest that the ‘first past the post’ electoral system has now failed to deliver what has always been considered its greatest characteristic, an overall majority. For the future election in 2015, the fear of another coalition is ever growing due to the increasing support for UKIP and the Scottish National Party as well as the failure of Labour or the Conservatives to make any headway with voters – A recent ICM Wisdom Poll showed both parties were level when voters predicted that both Labour and the Tories will win 31 per cent of the vote.

As an alternative many have pointed to an electoral system based on proportional representation. This term characterises electoral systems where divisions in the electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body. For example, if 40% of the electorate support a particular political party then roughly 40% of seats will be won by that party.

However, the main criticism of proportional representation is that it regularly produces coalition governments. The main examples for this are in Europe where countries such as Germany and Belgium are in constant coalition. However, in Scotland the devolved parliament in 2011 created an outright winner despite using a form of proportional representation, the Alternative Member System. The primary reason in Scotland for having such a system was to guarantee coalitions, but the SNP secured an overall majority winning 69 of the 128 seats at in the Scottish Parliament. Thus, it is clear that proportional representation could in fact deliver stronger governments in a much more proportional electoral system.

In 2011, the United Kingdom had a referendum to change to a form of proportional representation, the Alternative Vote. Under this system voters place candidates in order of preference and in the event no candidate secures over half of the first preference vote, the votes cast for those candidates with fewest votes are eliminated and redistributed until one candidate has 50 percent of the vote. However, the referendum was defeated by nearly 68% of voters and the UK has continued using first past the post. This implies that the electorate may not think that the current electoral system is broken.

Others have argued that this may be down to a fear within the voting public to move away from the status quo. The Electoral System Referendum appears to be just one example where voters in the United Kingdom have rejected a departure from the existing state of affairs.

The first major referendum held throughout the country was the United Kingdom European Communities Membership Referendum in 1975. This was an ‘in/out’ vote to determine whether the country should remain part of the European Economic Community. The electorate expressed significant support to remain a member of the EEC with 67 percent in favour. Another example, though much closer, was the Scottish Independent referendum last year. Voters were asked if Scotland should be an independent country, to which 55 percent answered ‘no’.

However, referendums that asked whether there should be devolution of powers from Westminster to create a national parliament or assembly in Scotland and Wales in 1997 were supportive of going against the status quo. Scotland voted 74.7% in favour of the creation of a devolved parliament whereas Wales just voted in favour of a national assembly with 50.3% of the vote.

It seems clear, from these examples, that though there are calls for big changes within British society for an alternative electoral system or whether the nation should remain intact, the electorate of the United Kingdom has voted in favour of the status quo. However, there are cases where referendums have voted against the norm in the form of devolution of powers to Scotland and Wales. Consequently, it can be concluded that UK referendums do tend to stick with the status quo, but they do not do so invariably.

New signing Willian does little to justify the scramble for his signature

No doubt before last night’s Champions League game both Liverpool and Tottenham supporters would have been rueing their clubs attempt to sign the Brazilian, but, following last night’s performance, many may question what all the fuss was about.

The former Shakhter Donetsk midfield famously flirted with both clubs, even going through a medical with Tottenham, before being enticed to join Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

However, when he finally made his debut for Chelsea last night, it was an oddly subdued display, which contrasted sharply to the instant impacts of Christian Eriksen for Tottenham or Mesut Ozil for Arsenal.

It still seems odd that Chelsea felt the need to sign Willian, as many have questioned from the start how exactly he would fit into a Chelsea side already crammed with attacking creative players.

Juan Mata, the West London club’s player of the season for the past two years, is even struggling to find a role in the first team, with places held, for now, by the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar playing between midfield and attack.

Mata’s performed a substitute role, coming on as a replacement for Willian in the 67^th minute, following a truly mediocre performance from the Brazilian. His previous showing at Stamford Bridge was captivating, as he scored twice for Shakhtar in a 3-2 defeat last November, a performance which ensured his place as one of Europe’s most exciting young players.

Willian all night struggled to get into the game.

He started on the right of a five-man midfield and won a corner with an early cross, but early on swapped place with Hazard to the left flank in an attempt to find some success.

Little came as he found he had hardly a touch on the ball as Oscar commanded the creative role, leading to his opening goal on the stroke of half-time.

Willian began the second half back on the right hand side, and got in another dangerous cross that had to be dealt with by Basle’s keeper Yann Sommer. Yet Oscar continued the better player as he hitting the bar with a long range shot and saw another deflected just wide.

Willian was subbed a few minutes later, walking off to loud cheers, which were most likely the Chelsea fans showing their support for Juan Mata, who returned to Chelsea’s line up following weeks of speculation over his future.

The changes did not work for Mourinho, whose side were eventually defeated 2-1 when Basle scored twice in a ten minute spell.

Last season, Willian’s performance impressed many Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge; it is unlikely that last night it had the same effect.

So how did the new boys fare? Ozil, Eriksen, Eto’o, Jovetic and Fellaini assessed.

A look at how many of the late transfer window signings fared in their first appearances for their new clubs.

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal):

Ozil was famously signed on deadline day for £42.5 million and his debut was certainly the most impressive out of those that made their debuts for their new clubs this weekend.

Ozil played 80 minutes and played superbly, as many had anticipated. The creative midfielder ensured that Arsenal didn’t miss the injured Santi Cazorla when, with 11 minutes played, he expertly controlled a long ball from Kieren Gibbs, with his first touch, to then lay a ball through to Olivier Giroud with the second, securing him an assist to add to his already substantial collection. Ozil was substituted with 10 minutes left and was greeted by a standing ovation from the travelling Arsenal supporters. I think it’s clear that we will be seeing far more from him in the season ahead.

Rating: 9/10

Christian Eriksen (Tottenham):

Perhaps Eriksen would not have been considered as a star signing for Tottenham as his transfer fee of £12 million is somewhat smaller than Spurs other signings, but Eriksen showed that he has the potential to be a hugely significant signing. Playing as a creative midfielder he showed awareness and a calm head in front of goal to pass to Gylfi Sigurdsson for Tottenham’s first goal. With some quick feet he was able to also pass three Norwich players in their box to shoot, but the effort was well saved by Norwich keeper John Ruddy.

It is likely that with the return of Aaron Lennon and Erik Lamela to full fitness that Eriksen has really pushed for his name to be considered in the creative midfield role.

Rating: 8/10

Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea):

It was a surprise that Chelsea loaned out Romelu Lukaku to West Bromwich Albion on deadline day, but the man who filled his role is well known for having a knack for scoring a goal or two. Samuel Eto’o showed his class with his positioning, in the early stages against Everton he was able to pull away from the central pairing of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distan to glance a header just wide in the first half and continued to find himself in goal scoring opportunities, one he will want to forget is the opportunity he had with an open goal where he shot was unfortunately blocked by Gareth Barry.

In all fairness it may take Eto’o time to get used to the speed of the Premier League considering he has been in Russia for a few seasons. Once match fit we may see a wholly different individual in front of goal.

Rating: 5/10

Stevan Jovetic (Manchester City):

Jovetic has been coveted as one of Europe’s greatest young talents. By City signing him for what is thought to be around £22 million there is a significant amount of pressure on the player.

Although Jovetic wasn’t signed at the end of the transfer window, due to injury, it was his first appearance for City at the Britannia Stadium. In all honesty, I doubt he will look back on it with any fond memories.

He tried to get on the ball a great deal but he lacked that cutting edge and real ability on the ball to carve open the stubborn Stoke defence and was eventually replaced by Sergio Aguero, who had a greater impact. The Britannia is a hard place to make a debut and so perhaps Jovetic needs a few more games to settle until we see his true potential, this was not the most promising of beginnings.

Rating: 4/10

Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United):

Unlike many of the other players reviewed, Fellaini was introduced as a second-half substitute in a game which Manchester United were in complete control following the sending off of Kagisho Dikgacoi on the stroke of half time.

He did, however, fit straight in and the central midfielder didn’t put a foot wrong and even came close to scoring when he hit a half volley from outside the box, but was denied by a sprawling Julian Speroni .

The man Fellaini replaced, Anderson, performance was mediocre, at best, and United supporters will be hoping that the Belgian will start in the derby next week.

Rating: 6/10

The ERC faces a tough challenge to convince the English and French clubs to remain in their European competitions

Premiership Rugby and their French counterparts, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) on Tuesday night announced a shocking move to move away from both European club competitions that left the survival of next season contests in doubt.

In a combined move, the Anglo-French leagues announced that from the 2014-15 season their clubs will not be participating in the Heineken Cup or the Amlin Challenge Cup, but would instead take part in a new competition, having served a notice that they would leave the current ERC tournaments in June last year.

Importantly, the English and French club have left the door open for other teams to join the new competition and virtually closed the door on any return to the European Rugby Cup, which has triggered an angry reaction from the Italian and Celtic clubs who met in Dublin yesterday.

The principal demands of the English and French clubs have been to make significant changes to the Heineken Cup, including an equal three-way split in revenue between the three leagues and changes to the qualification process resulting in a reduction in the number of teams from 24 to 20; six from the Premiership, six from the Top 14 and Six from the RaboDirect Pro 12, who currently have 10 guaranteed entrants per season, plus the winners of the two European tournaments.

The Heineken Cup began in 1995, but now its position is seriously under threat

Why are the Premiership and French Top 14 so enthusiastic to make these changes? They believe that their counterparts from the other four nations have an unfair advantage in Europe. The teams of the Pro12 have no threat of relegation, allowing teams to rest players for league matches and, as a result, keep them fresh for European fixtures. In addition, the two Scottish sides, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the two Italian sides, Treviso and Zebre, are guaranteed a Heineken Cup place.

Another reason is thought to be the figures of money that clubs will earn from creating a new tournament. It is believed that the new investment from BT Sport, who are understood to be televising the new competition. The combining television deals for both English and French clubs alone could see the worth of the competition rise from £10 million to £30 million per season.

Are we then seeing a complete overhaul of European club rugby? In truth, it’s hard to tell. Negotiations are yet to be concluded. Despite the surprising move and the anger generated, there are signs of a late willingness to negotiate in order to preserve both of the European cups.  The ERC still believe the tournament can be saved. On their website, they stated yesterday that “despite recent reports, all parties involved in the formulation of a new ERC Accord, including the LNR and Premiership Rugby, have reaffirmed their commitment to the process”.

It seems that for now that negotiations will continue, but the move by the Premiership and LNR will certainly lead to a change in European club rugby, whether it be an overhaul of the current Heineken Cup or the creation of an all new competition.

Job done in Ukraine for Roy Hodgson, but England’s campaign is far from over

England’s performance highlighted many technical shortcomings, but, by securing a point, they now sit at the top of Group H with their attempts to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil firmly in their hands. 

Manager Roy Hodgson will be delighted with the result, knowing now that with victory in their final two Wembley qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland in October will guarantee that England automatic qualification.

What may worry England supporters are the failings in midfield which was tremendously poor, lacking both pace and composure. Frustratingly England, comprised of both the experienced Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, alongside the talented Jack Wilshere, managed to continuously give the ball away to their opponents. The three were shadows compared to the players who represent their clubs in the Premier League.

As England continued to struggle with the pressure heaped upon them by a tenacious Ukraine midfield, Michael Carrick surprisingly remained sat on the bench. England’s one real accomplished holding midfielder looking on as the team anxiously held on.

Wilshere, unusually asked to play as England’s No 10, was especially disappointing. The Arsenal man was targeted all night by reckless tackles, predominantly from Oleg Gusev and occasionally Taras Stepanenko, which seemed to nullify Wilshere’s attacking threat and also reveal that perhaps he is still not fully match fit.

Cahill was a stalwart in England’s otherwise shaky defence.

However, England can draw positives from Kiev. Their draw was secured due to a solid defensive performance exemplified by Chelsea defender Gary Cahill. England in the early stages of both halves were under prolonged pressure and it was Cahill who blocked shots, headed balls clear and was disciplined enough to position himself well throughout the game, particularly when he intervened exceptionally to cut out a ball destined for Roman Zozulya after some creative build up play from Yevhen Konoplianka.

Hodgson will ignore the criticism that followed on social media led by individuals such as former England international Gary Lineker. He will see his England team on top of Group H. It was job done in Kiev and they will now focus on their future games against Montenegro and Poland in which their attacking edge should be, for all Rickie Lamberts efforts, far sharper than it was on Tuesday night. Wayne Rooney should be available following the severe cut on his forehead. Daniel Sturridge should be fit after his thigh problem and Danny Welbeck free from suspension. Hodgson will feel his side really need these additions to look more composed in possession and, certainly, to be more adventurous.

A small worry will be that England have drawn with both sides they now face during this campaign and that they cannot afford to drop any more points. Ukraine, considered their main rivals for qualification, have an easier run in with Poland at home and then San Marino, notorious ‘whipping boys’ of Group H, away. It is vital to England hopes that their performances will have to drastically improve in order to secure automatic qualification for the tournament next year.

The signing of Mesut Ozil is a giant leap for Arsenal, but should some supporters be questioning the lack of additions in other areas?

Mesut Ozil signs for Arsenal on deadline day for £42.5m

With only half an hour of the transfer window left, Arsene Wenger gave Arsenal supporters something to finally boast about with the signing of German attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid at a cost of 50m (£42.5m). Wenger had expressed throughout the summer that Arsenal had increased financial firepower which would allow him to compete in the market and at 10.30pm on Monday, the manager and all Arsenal supporters could celebrate a quite remarkable coup.

Ozil became the second most expensive signing in British football history, behind Fernando Torres, who famously joined Chelsea from Liverpool in 2011 for £50m. The deal also nearly trebled the club’s previous highest amount paid for a player, £15m for Andrey Arshavin in 2009; a clear statement of intent from the previously prudent manager.

Arsene Wenger was clearly pleased with his new signing when he said. “He is a great player, with proven quality at both club and international level. We have watched and admired him for some time as he has all the attributes I look for in an Arsenal player.”

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis also described Ozil as “a world-class player who is one of Europe’s brightest young talents.”

Ozil’s impact is expected to be great. His assist record reads 20 (09-10), 31 (10-11), 26 (11-12) and 35 last season. For anyone mathematically challenged that’s 112 assists in four seasons. In comparison to Arsenal’s current squad, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla contributed the most assists for the team with 16 and 14 respectively. With Ozil contributing nearly 20 more assists in all competitions last season, the club will indeed be hoping Ozil continues this form into his Arsenal career where his impact should contribute substantially to Arsenal’s goal tally.

However, in many ways the acquisition of Ozil has acted to rescue Arsenal’s testing transfer window. Failures in attempts to sign Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema, Angel DiMaria or even the defensive midfielder Luis Gustavo, had led to growing tension at the Emirates, with Arsenal supporters left frustrated with the lack of additions to the squad. Going into transfer deadline day, Arsenal had previously made only two signings – striker Yaya Sanogo, 20, and midfielder Mathieu Flamini, 29, arriving on free transfers.

There may still remain frustration at the clubs failure to improve other areas of their squad, namely a defensive midfielder, a centre back and, arguably most importantly, a striker. Something that then may worry Arsenal supporters is the risk not adding a new attacking option in the form of a new centre forward. A bid to take Chelsea’s Demba Ba on loan broke down close to the deadline and would have provided a significant addition of a player who could have added competition and cover to the role employed by Oliver Giroud.

The lack of any signing in this area indeed shows that Arsenal have taken quite a risk by not having a proven striker in place should Giroud be injured. It seems likely that Arsenal may have to rely on the young striker Yaya Sonogo or the out of favour Nicklas Bendtner, who Arsene Wenger previously said, before the closing of the transfer window that “If he comes back well and gets fit, I will use him.”

The same is perhaps true in the centre of defence with Arsenal low on numbers due to the continued injury of Thomas Vermaelen, who is injured with a back problem.

Thomas Vermaelen remains injured for Arsenal

This leaves just Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as the only fit centre backs in the squad. Though they were impressive against Tottenham in Arsenal’s North London derby win at the weekend, an injury to one or the other may present critical problems to Arsenal’s centre defence. Wenger may be confident in Bacary Sagna and Matheiu Flamini’s ability to provide cover for these positions but it seems that it may have been more advantageous to sign a proven centre back in order to further improve the squad. Again, in this case, it appears that Arsene Wenger has taken another risk.

No matter how much money Arsene Wenger might get in the summer it could all be too little too late for Arsenal

Arsene Wenger, in a recent press conference, came out to quash criticism that he does not take some competitions as seriously as others by playing weaker teams than perhaps he might in the Premier League. Arsenal has not won a trophy for 8 years, according to the Daily Mail, that’s 2,830 days with no silverware. Since they won the FA cup in 2005, 25 players have departed and gone on to win 75 medals between them.  It makes grim reading for any Arsenal supporter.

The glaring reality now facing Arsenal and its board is that they may now not qualify for the Champions League this season, something that is crucial to Arsenal if they wish to finally succeed. You see, without Champion league football, there is no doubt that attracting world class players becomes near impossible. Others teams have counteracted this by being able to offer huge sums of money in order to attract the big names. Arsenal, however, seem unwilling to do this.

Will Wilshere and Walcott want to stay at a mediocre Arsenal?

What will happen to their stars? Will such prospects as Wilshere and Walcott remain at the club if they do lose Champions League football? Even though they may have recently signed contracts, it could become increasingly difficult for such players to be playing for a club that is descending the table during their best years, whilst the trophy cabinets of rival players grow increasingly full.

Arsenal’s board only have to look at Liverpool as an indication of what can happen to a club once they lose their place amongst the elite of the ‘top four’. Once out the Champions league Liverpool lost the financial reward and also the draw that could have attracted the top players to Anfield. Liverpool were the Champions League winners only eight years ago, they have not stepped foot in the competition since 2009. Arsenal fans should perhaps be glad that they have not fallen so hard but still if Liverpool can fall, so can they.

Imagine if Arsenal finish fifth or even sixth, there will be no Champions League football. At that point a long wait for a trophy at the Emirates will be the least of supporter’s worries when they see rivals like Tottenham in the Champions League instead of their beloved club.

If Champions League football is lost then the Arsenal board would most likely have to alter their cherished wage structure in order to attract the type of players who could pull Arsenal out of the mire the way Robin van Persie could.  But this seems unlikely. Whilst Chelsea and Manchester City rose around them Arsenal showed no willingness to toy with their wage structure and, even facing the loss of Champions League football, it seems as if there is little impetus within Arsenal to alter that stance.

Another problem facing the Arsenal board is the position of their manager. Wenger’s current contract expires in 2014. This leaves Arsenal facing a potentially critical decision over their most successful manager at some point next year. Wenger and the club would most likely agree that in recent seasons the team has been in an escalating downward spiral and that this needs to change if their relationship is to continue.

Arsene Wenger’s contract ends in 2014. Will he stay?

The short term solution would be to defeat Bayern Munich on Tuesday, with reports mentioning that Wenger could be planning as many as six changes from the team that lost to Blackburn on Saturday. Bayern, however, present a far greater challenge to the struggling North London club than they have faced this season. Bayern have not conceded a goal in over 10 hours of football, they are yet to concede in 2013 and, domestically, they have only let in 7 goals all season. The signs look slightly ominous for Arsenal.

In the long term, Wenger is supposedly being backed in the summer with considerable funds which, the board believe, could bring in about three of four players that might help to fill the void left by van Persie. However, if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League and the board continuing to be unwilling to alter their wage structure, no matter how much money Arsene Wenger is handed in the summer, the best players will simply have no interest in a move to the Emirates Stadium. If actions had been taken sooner, by investing in new, quality players and maintaining that the contracts of important players were negotiated far earlier then conceivably Arsenal would not be in the position they now find themselves.

The sad reality is that we could all be witnessing the downfall of yet another great premier league club.

England victory in Dublin shows they are now a top team with strong character

Sometimes rugby becomes a game less about the skill of a pass or interchanges that lead to clean breaks through a defensive line. Rugby sometimes becomes a sport where making the hard yards through the wind, rain and mud becomes a necessity. These were the conditions that both teams faced at the Aviva stadium on Sunday.

Like the match on Saturday between France and Wales, the match at the Aviva should not be considered truly exciting, certainly not something for the neutrals than what we saw the previous weekend. However, instead of a contest that was played out by two teams struggling for form, the weather in Dublin had a great effect on this clash. It was also the lowest scoring game in Six Nations history and the first game between Ireland and England to not see a try in 29 years. Though, this will matter little to the victors.

England had achieved something they had not been able to for a decade, defeat Ireland in Dublin. Their young squad, in passing arguably their toughest test to date, demonstrated that perhaps in the future they have the ability to challenge for further accolades at the highest level.

As the hymn of Swing Low reverberated around a largely empty Aviva stadium following the final whistle, the England players could be seen to form a huddle, signifying how together and close-knit the team has become. The character of the team was very clear to see when England suffered a dismal spell as they were reduced to 14 men in the second half following the sin-binning of James Haskell in the 57^th minute. Ronan O’Gara was then able to pull Ireland level to take the score to 6-6. However, England showed pure character, they never panicked or showed signs of doubting each other, instead England were able to score the important 6 points that led them to victory. This part of the match was crucial.

What had been expected before this game was that Ireland would aim to take control, forcing their opposition back with territorial kicking and targeting England at the breakdown in order to force a couple of penalties. However, England had other ideas. Their young team performed like true professionals and squeezed Ireland, forcing the penalties that would eventually lead to victory.

Ireland controlled 58% of the possession and 57% of the territory. They made three line breaks which the visitors failed to achieve. Ireland won four line-outs on the oppositions throw and missed only 3 tackles to England’s 11. Those numbers would usually speak of superiority but this was difficult to see in the wet conditions. England played the conditions and Ireland, especially in the first half, openly showed their frustration and suffered numerous handling errors.

Furthermore, England may have appeared to have ill-discipline in the game conceding 14 penalties to Ireland’s 11, however, only 3 were within kicking distance of their posts. The men in green gave away 6 within range, 4 of which Owen Farrell coolly kicked. The example here shows that England are exhibiting greater maturity, importantly demonstrating far better discipline in their half, something that England sides in the past have struggled with.

What epitomised England’s attitude was the performance of Chris Robshaw. Their captain is unlike most flankers. He is not a natural No 7 who scavenges for the ball, but his influence is colossal. He takes opposition on in every way possible and his tackling against Ireland was aggressive and effective, shown by the fact he made 4 more tackles than anyone else on the pitch.

Chris Robshaw leads by example diving at Eoin Reddan

But, what is unique about Robshaw is his ability to bring out the best out of his team. Against Ireland he stood as a receiver, playing as a link up man bringing more attackers into the game and helped to keep the Irish defence on their toes. Robshaw, for the most part, has become an England captain similar to the likes of Dallaglio and Johnson in the way that he leads by example.

England did not have things all their own way, though, far from it. But, that is perhaps the most impressive thing about their display. England’s heads did not drop following Ireland’s increasing pressure following the half-time break. England managed to withstand the pressure. They had a replacement bench stocked with a plethora of talent. It was soon used as Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes led a charge when they came on in the 48^th minute.

It is important to mention that Ireland had suffered greatly due to injuries in the first half. First, losing energetic winger Simon Zebo, who broke his foot and, more influentially, losing Jonny Sexton who tore his hamstring, sadly preventing the ‘battle’ with Farrell for the Lions number 10 jersey that had been so hyped by media and pundits alike.

These losses for Ireland shouldn’t take away from England’s performance. England’s credentials before the game may have been in doubt, but, following this professional performance, one that leaves England as the only team that can now go on to win the Grand Slam, England can now be considered a team that are one of the most formidable not only in Europe but, perhaps, in the World.  The tests will keep coming for England. France will surely draft in the changes following another defeat at the hands of Wales. Wales will, no doubt, relish the thought of a final game against their bitter rivals in Cardiff. So perhaps the talk of a Grand Slam should be subdued for now.