Another weekend of top-class sport has come and gone and it is time to take stock and reflect on what we have learnt from the various contests that have taken place.
1. Roy Hodgson is still a decent manager
The 63-year-old has managed all over the world including spells at Inter Milan, FC Copenhagen and with the Switzerland national side (West Brom 5/2 to be relegated).
But, after taking Fulham to the final of the Europa League last season, he opted to make an ill-fated move to Liverpool following Rafael Benitez’s departure.
Despite having an excellent CV and plenty of experience, his time at Anfield seemed doomed from the start with the fans never really warming to him and with the legendary Kenny Dalglish seemingly waiting in the wings.
After his departure from Liverpool, West Brom wasted little time in bringing him in to replace Roberto Di Matteo and he has already tightened up the side, who are now unbeaten in six Premier League games.
The stage was set with the visit of Liverpool to the Hawthorns on Saturday and the Baggies’ 2-1 victory will have given Hodgson plenty to smile about on Saturday evening.
2. Manchester United will win the title
United’s season was encapsulated in the second 45 minutes of the match against West Ham United on Saturday.
Down 2-0 at half time and seemingly out of sorts, they roared back to win 4-2, with Wayne Rooney scoring a hat-trick to ensure that they are in pole position to claim the title this term (United 1/5 to win Premier League).
The Red Devils have never really been at their best this season but have found ways to win and remained unbeaten in the top-flight until losing 2-1 to Wolves back in early February.
It seemed incredible that it had taken so long for them to lose in the Premier League, as they were outplayed on several occasions only to secure a winner or equaliser at the death to maintain their title challenge.
They have now lost three times this season but, with teams below then faltering, another second-half comeback has given them breathing space from which they will surely go on to win the title.
3. Spurs are struggling without Gareth Bale
Bale has rightly been lauded for his exploits this season and his two performances against Inter Milan in the group stage of the Champions League will live long in the memory.
But injury has robbed Harry Redknapp of his star winger for the past few games and the north Londoners look a shadow of the side who seemed on course for another tilt at the Champions League next term.
Since beating Sunderland on February 12 they have taken just three points from four top-flight games and have scored only four goals, drawing a black in their last two Premier League outings.
Bale’s return to fitness cannot come soon enough and he may get a run-out against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, but the Wales international star is needed in the Premier League too to ensure that Spurs will be playing at least Europa League football next season.
4. Phil Mickelson is far from a spent force
The Californian won the Masters last year and looked set to challenge Tiger Woods for the coveted number one world ranking but, despite Woods’ on and off-course woes, he could not shift him from the top spot and failed to win another tournament all year.
The left-hander was diagnosed with an arthritic condition mid-way through the year and confessed that he had been playing through pain at certain tournaments.
But he looked right back to his best with victory in the Houston Open on Sunday with a final-round 65 giving him a three-shot victory in Texas.
The 40-year-old has won three Green Jackets to date but a dip in form and the fact that he is not getting any younger made many question whether or not he would ever win another major.
Sunday’s result proves that he is still more than capable and made the rest of the golf world take note with the Masters set to begin on Thursday (Mickelson 13/2 to win Masters).
5. One-day cricket is alive and kicking
India’s superb victory over Sri Lanka in the World Cup final ended a tournament that has provided thrills and spills and reinvigorated the 50-over game.
The emergence of Twenty20 cricket threatened to kill off the one-day game and it is true that the middle overs of an ODI can be a bit predictable, with batsmen prepared to knock the ball around and wait for the final few overs to attack.
But both India and Sri Lanka proved that it can be an exciting format of the game, with the outcome of the match in doubt until the last few overs.
The 2007 World Cup was a bit of a damp squib and did little to enhance the 50-over game’s reputation with empty stands commonplace, but the Asian crowds got behind the 2011 tournament and it was a real festival of cricket, with the best two teams contesting the final.
T20 cricket may be exciting but just ask the billion or so Indian fans whether there is still a place for 50-over cricket.
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