Five weekend lessons learnt

Posted on March 19, 2012 by SoccerCapper

It was another splendid weekend of sporting action as Wales won the Grand Slam, Manchester United moved four points clear in the Premier League and Jenson Button won the Australian Grand Prix (totesport betting). So what did we learn over the last 48 hours?

United are timing their late run – again

Forget the Europa League debacle over the last couple of weeks, the Red Devils have their eye on the Premier League and Sir Alex Ferguson will move hell and high water to keep it away from Manchester City’s clutches.

United hammered 10-man Wolves 5-0 at Molineux on Sunday and in the process did their goal difference the power of good, with the pressure now on City when they entertain Chelsea on Wednesday at Eastlands (Manchester City 10/11, draw 13/5, Chelsea 3/1 – 90 Minutes).

The Blues of west London cannot win the Premier League this season but they can have a huge say in its destination and are still involved in the Champions League and FA Cup.

Gatland has earned the chance to lead Lions

Two Six Nations Grand Slams on his CV and Wales coach Warren Gatland is the obvious choice to lead the British & Irish Lions in Australia in 2013 (Wales 7/4f – 2013 Six Nations Outright).

The Kiwi also took the Dragons to the semi-finals of the World Cup last autumn and who know what would have happened if Sam Warburton had stayed on the field against France?

The Lions have not won a tour since 1997 but if anyone has the mojo to blend a winning side, surely it is the former London Wasps main man?

Vettel won’t have it all his own way

Second place on the podium is not disastrous for Sebastian Vettel following the first grand prix of the season, but it will feel like it to Red Bull’s back-to-back world champion.

A poor showing in qualifying left the German sixth on the grid – a place behind team-mate Mark Webber – and the Vettel could do nothing to stop Jenson Button taking maximum points, although he did prevent a McLaren one-two.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says there are improvement in the pipeline and for Vettel they can’t come soon enough as he looks to stay on course for a three-peat by successfully defending his crown (Vettel 7/4f – World Drivers’ Championship Outright).

Federer is as strong as ever

All-conquering Roger Federer may have seen Novak Djokovic become the number one ranked player in the world last year, but the Swiss maestro still have plenty left in his legs.

Now 30 years of age, the Basel-born ace continues to win tournaments and at the weekend he drew level with Rafael Nadal on 19 Masters titles after taking the spoils at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Nadal saw off the Spaniard in the semi-finals as the next Grand Slam event, the French Open draws ever closer (Nadal evens favourite – 2012 French Open Outright).

Shankly was wrong about one thing

Legendary Liverpool boss Bill Shankly once stated “some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that?”.

However, the man who guided the Reds to three league titles after inheriting a shambolic operation both on and off the pitch in 1959 was certainly wrong over the importance of the game.

The events of the weekend surrounding the collapse of Bolton star Fabrice Muamba and the genuine concern for the midfielder’s health show that, at times, football is not always the centre of the universe.

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Five potential Cup shocks

Posted on January 26, 2012 by SoccerCapper

FA Cup fourth round weekend is coming up so we assess where the shocks could be with plenty of big Premier League reputations once again on the line.

QPR v Chelsea

The first of five all-Premier League ties in the fourth round gets the action underway on Saturday and, after all the off-field shenanigans in the build up to the game, expect a fiery encounter at Loftus Road.

The Rs managed a 1-0 win in the infamous league game between the two and Mark Hughes’ men can match that feat and cause a minor shock (QPR 9/2, Chelsea 4/6, draw 13/5).

Much of the focus will be on John Terry and Anton Ferdinand but afterwards all the talk could be about another disappointing day for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas and an early FA Cup exit for his side.

Derby v Stoke

The Potters survived a banana skin in the third round when they overcame Gillingham but they are sure to be tested once again when they head to Derby on Saturday (Derby 5/2, Stoke 11/10, draw 9/4).

The Rams made a fine start to the season in the Championship but have been inconsistent of late as their play-off bid has faltered. But in Nigel Clough they have one of the most respected young managers in the game and he will have his side well prepared to take on last season’s beaten finalists.

Derby have been difficult to beat since the turn of the year and have kept four consecutive clean sheets so a narrow 1-0 home win, on offer at 17/2, looks tasty in this one.

Sheffield United v Birmingham

The Blades host the Blues at Bramall Lane with the League One club good value at 13/8 to cause an upset and dump out the Championship side.

United are well in touch in the League One promotion race and have lost just twice at home all season ahead of this fourth-round tie.

Boss Danny Wilson is scenting a shock and this week described Saturday’s game as a “fantastic clash” between two in-form sides.

Blues (13/8) will fancy their chances too, and have risen up the Championship table in recent weeks and could yet mount an automatic promotion bid in the second half of the season.

But a passionate home crowd can inspire Wilson’s men in this one and a narrow home win is well worth backing.

Brighton v Newcastle

The evening game on the south coast has been picked for live TV because of the very real prospect that another Premier League side could going tumbling out (Brighton 11/4, Newcastle Evens, draw 12/5).

The Magpies have exceeded expectations so far this season and remain in the hunt for a top-six finish in the Premier League but will face a stiff examination against Gus Poyet’s side.

The Seagulls have been good at their new Amex Arena home this season, losing just three times in the league, and expect another packed stadium to make things difficult for Toon, who are likely to make changes for the tie.

Without top-scorer Demba Ba, Pardew’s men may struggle to penetrate the Brighton defence so the Championship side could easily spring a shock.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

Another of the all-top flight games rounds off the action on Sunday with Villa, buoyed by a 3-2 win at Wolves last weekend, eyeing the Gunners’ scalp and brave punters can be rewarded by backing Alex McLeish’s side at 5/1.

Arsenal (4/7) have hit another sticky patch in recent weeks, losing against Fulham, Swansea and Manchester United to scupper their top-four hopes.

Arsene Wenger usually rotates his squad for the FA Cup and while that could mean a first start since his return for Thierry Henry, several inexperienced youngsters may also get the chance to impress.

That could play into Villa’s hands, however, and they can take advantage of the current gloom at the Emirates and come away with a hard-fought away win.

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Five potential big-money moves

Posted on January 8, 2012 by SoccerCapper

With the January transfer window now firmly open, bosses up and down the country are checking available funds and players, as they look for a key buy to help them in the second half of the season. Here we look at five potential big deals.

Last January was an unusually active transfer window in the Premier League with plenty of business conducted by some of the top clubs. Liverpool landed Luis Suarez, but then lost Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million which prompted the sensational last-day purchase of Andy Carroll from Newcastle for £35m. But will there be similar drama this month?

1. Darren Bent – Aston Villa to Liverpool?

Liverpool (9/4 – Top 4 finish) are again in the hunt for a goalscorer with Suarez serving his eight-match ban and the aforementioned Carroll not looking like a man capable of replacing the Uruguayan and his goals. They have been linked with a big-money swoop for Bent, who himself only left Sunderland for Villa 12 months ago.

The Reds have certainly enquired about the England man but Villa steadfastly say he will not be sold. However, a bid over £15million could tempt the Midlanders and this one could have legs.

2. Cheik Tiote – Newcastle to Man City?

Despite signing a new long-term contract in February, the Ivory Coast star has attracted attention from all the top clubs following some outstanding displays for the Magpies (66/1 – Top 4 finish) this term.

The midfielder is now heading to the African Cup of Nations but speculation is growing that he will not be a Toon player when he returns.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and now City (4/9 Premier League outright) have all been linked with him and the latest reports suggest Roberto Mancini wants Tiote and is prepared to pay up to £25million for his services.

3. Jack Rodwell – Everton to Chelsea or Manchester United?

The Everton youngster has long been on the radar of United with boss Sir Alex Ferguson a confirmed admirer of the midfielder, who earned his first England cap at the end of last year.

David Moyes has constantly denied reports he is prepared to sell the starlet, but privately knows he could get something in the region of £15-20million for him – money he desperately needs to strengthen his threadbare squad.

The Toffees boss has admitted he may need to sell before he can buy and the thinking is Rodwell could be sacrificed for the greater good at Goodison Park and, with Chelsea (1/2 – Top 4 finish) also interested, a deal could well be on the cards this month.

4. Andrey Arshavin – Arsenal to Zenit St Petersburg or Galatasaray?

The Russian star, who moved to north London from Zenit St Petersburg in a £17.5million deal three years ago, has fallen out of favour at the Emirates and looks a pale shadow of the player he was when Arsene Wenger brought him to the club (Arsenal 11/8 – Top 4 finish).

Arshavin has struggled with form and injuries over the past year and Wenger is reportedly happy to let him go for £12million in order to fund other buys from elsewhere.

The return of Thierry Henry could also be seen as sign Arshavin’s exit is imminent and there will be plenty of interest in the forward should it emerge he is surplus to requirements.

Plenty of sides back in his homeland are keen, with a return to Zenit the most likely, while Turkish giants Galatasaray have also targeted the talented, but inconsistent, 30-year-old.

5. Chris Samba – Blackburn to Spurs?

Samba first handed in a transfer request a year ago but never got his move away and has been forced to stay at Ewood Park, watching as Rovers struggle under embattled boss Steve Kean.

He has plenty of admirers in the Premier League, with Arsenal interested last year, but now Spurs (10/1 Premier League outright) have emerged as the frontrunners for the DR Congo international.

Harry Redknapp has confirmed he is looking at luring the centre-back to White Hart Lane and Samba is said to be desperate to secure a move, with QPR and Chelsea also monitoring the situation.

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Five football conclusions

Posted on November 7, 2011 by SoccerCapper

Another break for internationals means now is the perfect time to take stock and see what conclusions can be drawn from the 2011/12 football season so far.

Man City can win ugly

The Blues may have been pushed all the way for the win at Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, but win they did which is more than title rivals Chelsea can say this season.

Loftus Road’s tight stands might just shock a few closeted Premier League players this season, however City proved they can grind out three points on the road and that’s no mean feat given their League Of Nations-type squad.

Last term City, who are 10/11 title shots, scored 26 away goals all season and they’re just three short of that tally after six matches away from the Etihad Stadium – enough said.

Fabregas is proving doubters wrong

It’s early days but Cesc Fabregas will want his honeymoon period at the Nou Camp to go on forever after managing to get among the goals since his switch from Arsenal.

For a player not blessed with lightning pace, Fabregas found himself something of a “man for all seasons” at the Emirates rather than getting on the end of things in the box.

But times have changed for the 24-year-old who has already won 60 caps for Spain - no mean feat given his country’s embarrassment of riches.

Fabregas didn’t win enough with the Gunners but he will with the Catalans now he has gone home, with Barca 7/4 for more Champions League glory.

Capello has a duty of care

For a coach who is departing after Euro 2012 next summer it seems stranger that he is looking at youth against Spain this weekend and Sweden next week.

But the Italian has drafted in the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Jack Rodwell for the friendlies in order to “see something different”.

The last time England played Spain was in February 2009 in Seville and the Three Lions were outclassed by Iniesta, Villa and Xavi so Capello must be careful he bloods his youngsters without destroying their confidence.

England are 9/1 shots to end their long wait for silverware by claiming Spain’s European crown next summer.

The Bhoys are behind Lennon

To say Neil Lennon has endured somewhat of a roller-coaster time as Celtic boss would be a massive understatement.

Off-pitch incidents have left a sour taste in the mouth and have forced the Scottish government to look into implementing some anti-sectarian laws. On the pitch the Parkhead outfit have started the season miserably – crashing out of the Europa League meekly before being reinstated because FC Sion fielded ineligible players.

Celtic have also slipped behind Rangers in the SPL title race, however their come-from-behind, never-say-die win at Motherwell was encouraging and shows everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Lennon’s men are 9/4 for SPL glory this term.

Harry’s not always the boss

Being the football man he is from a certain era, Harry Redknapp was bullish about his return from heart surgery last week by claiming the international break had come at the right time so he could be in charge of Spurs against Aston Villa on November 21.

However, the amiable 64-year-old appears to have jumped the gun and it now seems he will not be back until December at the earliest.

Thankfully, the former West Ham and Portsmouth chief seems to have heeded the advice of the medical professionals and looks set to be getting under wife Sandra’s feet for a few more weeks.

But these things have to be handled properly and Redknapp is doing the right thing as Spurs tick over nicely without him.

Spurs are evens to finish in the top four this season.

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Five automatic places on offer

Posted on October 10, 2011 by SoccerCapper

Five automatic Euro 2012 finals berths, including four for group winners, and the race for places in the play-off draw will be settled on Tuesday when the nine groups conclude a final round of fixtures.

England made it through to Poland and Ukraine next summer with a 2-2 draw against Montenegro in Group G and will join reigning European and world champions Spain, as well as Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, in the automatic places.

The race is on for other nations to book their places at next summer’s showpiece tournament on what promises to be a night of nerves and drama.

Group A:

Belgium must match or better Turkey’s result against Azerbaijan when they take on group winners Germany to secure a play-off berth. If they end level, Turkey have the superior head-to-head.

Group B:

Russia only need a point at home to Andorra to make sure of top spot even if Republic of Ireland beat Armenia, who cannot qualify automatically. Even if Russia lose, they could still be best runners-up.

Group C:

Estonia moved into second place on Friday with a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland, who are now eliminated, but have now completed their fixtures so Serbia can still snatch the play-off position by winning in Slovenia.

Group D:

The Paris showdown between leaders France and Bosnia and Herzegovina will decide this group, so the nation which loses this encounter will be in the play-offs.

Group E

Victory for Sweden over the already-qualified Netherlands would mean automatic qualification as best runners-up.

Group F

A draw for Greece in Georgia would ensure the leaders first place regardless of Croatia’s result against Latvia – but the Croats still have the possibility of finishing as best runners-up on goal difference with victory, depending on results elsewhere.

Group G

England secured qualification with a 2-2 draw and Montenegro guaranteed a first-ever play-off because Switzerland lost to Wales.

Group H

Denmark must beat Portugal in Copenhagen to win the group having lost away in Porto and Norway face Cyprus with a hope of second place on goal difference should the Danes win.

Group I

The Czech Republic, with a better head-to-head record, could secure a play-off berth by picking up more points in Lithuania than Scotland manage away to already-qualified Spain.

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Five things we learnt

Posted on October 3, 2011 by SoccerCapper

The last two days have provided plenty of talking points, no matter what sport you follow. From the Merseyside derby, to the Rugby World Cup, to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe there has been plenty to take on board. We take a look at what you should have learnt (totesport betting).

1. Wales and Ireland are genuine contenders

While all the focus in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup was on the southern hemisphere teams and England these two nations arrived in New Zealand seemingly to make up the numbers. Neither had enjoyed the kind of build-up which would suggest they’d do well in New Zealand, Ireland losing all four of their warm-up matches.

However, the Welsh and the Irish have hit purple patches just at the right time and qualified from the group stages without too much bother. Ireland topped the group after a fantastic win over Australia, while Wales came through the group of death in second after narrowly losing to South Africa.

The two Six Nations team now go head-to-head in the quarter-finals with genuine aspirations of winning the tournament. Ireland are 8/11 for the win, with Wales 11/10 in arguably the pick of the quarter-finals. England or France better watch out, the winner of this one will be tough to beat.

2. England still searching for spark

England fans will have breathed a huge sigh of relief when Chris Ashton crashed over on Saturday to make sure they saw off the plucky Scots. Martin Johnson’s men are through to the quarter-finals but have shown nothing to suggest they will match their final appearance of four years ago.

Problems on and off the field continue to dog England and the only blessing as far as they are concerned is they have been paired with a French side with as many issues. France (11/8, England 4/7 – match betting) have been shambolic thus far and even playing like they are England should go through. However, bigger tests are on the horizon and based on their current form Johnson’s men are likely to come unstuck.

3. Northern Ireland’s golden golf era set to continue

Northern Irish golf has never known a period like it, two major champions to their name and now the winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Michael Hoey. The 32-year-old had only managed one top-10 finish this year before the weekend but kept his nerve as he overhauled compatriot Rory McIlroy on the back nine in the final round.

The top three at the prestigious European Tour event was made up of players from Northern Ireland, former US Open champion Graeme McDowell finishing third behind McIlroy. With Darren Clarke claiming the Open and McIlory the US Open, Hoey’s victory rounds of a year to cherish for the Northern Irish.

4. City don’t need Carlos Tevez

If City fans were worried they’d struggle without Carlos Tevez then Saturday’s 4-0 demolition of Blackburn will have gone along way to calm their nerves. The opposition certainly wasn’t the best but there was enough to suggest that if the moody Argentinian left tomorrow no-one at Eastlands would miss him.

Since arriving at the club Tevez has been vital to City’s success but Roberto Mancini has brought well this summer and in Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko he certainly has plenty of strength in depth. City are 5/2 to win the Premier League this season and for once aren’t relying on one man to perform. Those days, along with Tevez’s, are over for City.

5. England moving on from ‘golden generation’

Having promised to give new blood a chance after their disastrous World Cup campaign Fabio Capello is finally starting to deliver. The Italian announced his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro on Sunday and notable by their absence were Rio Ferdinand and Steve Gerrard. Both have been struggling with injuries recently but did feature for Manchester United and Liverpool at the weekend. In the past these two would have been called straight back into the squad for such a vital game.

However, Capello decided that he didn’t need them and in the likes of Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Scott Parker and Gareth Barry he has more than able deputies. The days of the supposed ‘golden generation’ are over and Ferdinand, Gerrard and Frank Lampard will all have to fight for their places from now on. England are 8/11 to beat Montenegro on Friday night, with the draw 9/4 and a home win 10/3 as they look for the point they need to qualify.

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Five deadline-day movers to watch

Posted on September 3, 2011 by SoccerCapper

drenthe Premier League clubs across the country once again left it late to finalise deals on deadline day. A number of notable players moved clubs on that dramatic final day, but who will fare best? Here are five that could prove to be inspired.

Mikel Arteta Everton – Arsenal £10million

In perhaps the most dramatic move of the day, Mikel Arteta’s move to the Emirates was off at 7pm on Wednesday evening. However, lured by the opportunity to play Champions League football, the Spaniard resurrected the deal and it went through with minutes to spare.

He will add badly-needed creativity to a Gunners side still reeling from the double departure of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, as well as the 8-2 mauling by Manchester United.

Arsenal’s style should suit the 29-year-old, who appears determined to make the most of the move – so much so that he took a reported £20,000 a-week pay-cut to force the transfer through. It could well be an inspired signing by Arsene Wenger (Arsenal 28/1 Premier League outright).

Royston Drenthe Real Madrid to Everton – season-long loan

While much of the talk around Goodison Park was about outgoings, there were some new arrivals for the Toffees, the most notable being Dutch winger Royston Drenthe.

The former Feyenoord winger was player of the tournament at the 2007 European Under-21 Championships, with his displays earning him a big money move to Real Madrid.

However, his time at the Bernabéu soon turned sour and a loss of confidence and form saw him shipped off to Hercules on-loan for the 2010-11 season.

Now, Drenthe finds himself at yet another club trying to replicate his blistering form of a few years ago. David Moyes has a track record of getting the best out of under-performing players and if he can help Drenthe get back to his best, Everton could have quite a player on their hands (Everton 20/1 top four finish).

Bryan Ruiz Twente to Fulham – £10.6million

Despite costing in excess of £10million, Fulham’s latest striking capture appeared to slip under the radar on deadline day. He won’t stay quiet for long, though, as the Cottagers have acquired a powerful striker with a keen eye for goal.

He hit 24 goals for the Eredivisie outfit in the 2009/10 season, helping them to their first-ever Dutch title. A total of 36 goals in 61 games, as well as nine goals for his country Costa Rica, means we could be hearing a lot more of Bryan Ruiz this season.

Craig Bellamy Man City to Liverpool – free

In one of the more eye-opening moves on deadline day, Man City outcast Craig Bellamy rejoined Liverpool four years after departing Anfield for West Ham.

Kenny Dalglish has spent in excess of £100million since returning to the club last January with the likes of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson all joining the Scot’s Anfield revolution.

However, Bellamy – on a free transfer – could be his shrewdest move yet. The Welshman will add pace, experience and guile to the Liverpool attack. He also perhaps has a point to prove after being left out in the cold at Manchester City and unfinished business at Anfield (Liverpool 5/1 top two finish).

Bellamy has never been far away from the headlines during his eventful career and Liverpool will be hoping he will be making them for all the right reasons this season.

Peter Crouch Tottenham to Stoke – £10million

Stoke City have earned an unfair reputation for being overly-aggressive and direct since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2008. However, boss Tony Pulis deserves huge credit for establishing the Potters as a Premier League force without spending huge money.

After reaching the FA Cup final last season the supporters are eagerly hoping that the club can push on, and the signing of Peter Crouch could help them do that (Stoke 33/1 to win the FA Cup).

The 30-year-old is an established top-flight striker, having had spells with Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Southampton and Liverpool. He also has an impressive record at international level, netting 22 goals in 42 England games.

Expect him to profit from the excellent delivery from wingers Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant this season.

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Five strikers to watch

Posted on August 11, 2011 by SoccerCapper

With the Premier League season kicking off this weekend, there is sure to be a host of goals during the 2011/12 season, but who will be the player to find the back of the net the most?

Javier Hernandez – Manchester United

The diminutive Mexico international must be on every Premier League defender’s mind heading into the new season.

Hernandez was arguably the signing of the season in the last campaign and it didn’t take him long to find his feet in the Premier League.

Hernandez bagged 13 goals in 15 appearances for the Red Devils last season, and that might explain why he is valued at 17/2 to be the top goalscorer this season.

If Hernandez stays injury-free for the campaign then it will take a pretty impressive player to beat out-score him. Maybe team-mate Wayne Rooney could be the man at 8/1 and the current favourite?

Fernando Torres – Chelsea

The out-of-sorts £50million striker looks set to miss Chelsea’s opening game of the season due to an injury he picked up on international duty for Spain on Wednesday night.

With only one goal in 18 competitive matches for the Blues, you could think that at 9/1 the value on the Spaniard is pretty poor.

However, if Torres can get back to anywhere near the form he enjoyed at Liverpool before his incomprehensible dip in form at the 2010 World Cup, he may be unstoppable.

Could the arrival of new boss Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge reinvigorate El Nino?

Edin Dzeko – Manchester City

Manchester City certainly have forwards in abundance at Eastlands, and Roberto Mancini will be hoping that wantaway skipper Carlos Tevez remains to score the goals we all know he is capable of getting.

But with Tevez so unsettled and the 20-year-old Mario Balotelli still struggling to control his temperament, the £27million Bosnian Dzeko may have to step up to the plate.

Despite struggling since his move back in January, Dzeko has now had half a season to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

With the blue half of Manchester certain to mount a serious title bid this season, why not have a punt at 20/1?

Adel Taarabt – QPR

Not technically a striker, the mercurial Moroccan star caused such waves with his stunning performance in the Championship last season, scoring 19 goals for Rangers as they won promotion back to the Premier League.

Neil Warnock will certainly be relying on Taraabt to supply the goals at Loftus Road which will help consolidate their position in the top flight.

At 80/1, Taraabt looks like a great player to back to outscore any other player this season.

We know he has the raw talent but the big question will be whether or not he can do it in the Premier League?

Asamoah Gyan – Sunderland

With Darren Bent’s £26million departure to Aston Villa midway through last season, Sunderland fans could have been forgiven for being upset by losing their guaranteed scorer.

However, there is a new kid on the block and Ghana international Gyan was superb in his first season as a Premier League striker.

Despite fears that he would be slow to adapt, the player managed to net an impressive 10 goals in 20 league appearances.

With Danny Welbeck back at Manchester United, Gyan will lead the line this season for the Black Cats.

At 40/1 Gyan is possibly the best value for a player that knows exactly where the back of the net is.

The big question is: will his team-mates be able to give him the service to improve on his tally for his second season in the Premier League?

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Five things we learnt…

Posted on May 30, 2011 by SoccerCapper

It has been another superb weekend of sport around the globe with Barcelona’s Champions League victory the highlight. As the dust settles on the various results and performances what have we actually learnt from the two days of action?

1. Barcelona are in a league of their own

The Champions League final was billed as a clash between the most skilful side in the world and the hard work and graft of Manchester United, but on the night it was clear that skill was going to win out as it became men against boys.

United won the Premier League title by nine points and many in the sport believed that they would have enough tactical nous to contain the likes of Lionel Messi to avenge the defeat in Rome two years ago.

But the Argentinian star ran the show and the Red Devils were chasing shadows for much of the match, with the statistic of United having only one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes a true reflection of the dominance of the Spanish giants.

Sir Alex Ferguson summed it up when he labelled the defeat as a “hiding” and his description of the Catalans as the “best team he has faced” proves just how brilliant they were.

Pep Guardiola played down the pre-match hype that his current squad could be considered as “great”, but it is hard to argue against it now and the rest of Europe will be playing catch-up with the La Liga champions over the next few years if they manage to keep the current players together for any length of time.

2. Jonathan Trott is a “proper” Test batsman

He may not have been born in England but all English cricket fans will be thankful that Trott decided to throw his lot in with the Three Lions as his double century against Sri Lanka proved that his appetite for runs remains insatiable (England 10/1 to beat Sri Lanka 1st Test).

The South African-born star may not get everyone out of the bar to watch his innings but he does what he is paid to do – score runs.

There have been any number of England batsmen who have come into the side over the past 20 years and played lovely little cameo innings before giving it away but Trott just goes on and one in an uncomplicated fashion.

If it is a good ball he leaves it or blocks it, while bad balls invariably get put away for runs, and his Test record is nothing short of phenomenal.

It has to be remembered that he played his first Test under two years ago and the Warwickshire man has already scored 1,803 runs at an average of 66.77, with six centuries and five fifties.

England have ambitions to be the number one Test side in the world and with Trott in the ranks it may just be possible.

3. The right man is at the top of the golf world rankings

Luke Donald has become the new world number one after his victory in the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday and there is nobody who would argue that he does not deserve it.

The Englishman has been the most consistent golfer this year and it was fitting that he beat the man who he has replaced at the top of the standings in a play-off at Wentworth, with Lee Westwood dropping down to number two (Donald 14/1 to win US Open).

Both men are world-class players and it is great for European and English golf to have the top two in the world (Europe evens to win 2012 Ryder Cup).

Donald has already won in the states this term, with victory at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, and he almost made it two wins at the Heritage, only losing out in a play-off to Brandt Snedeker.

The Hemel Hempstead-born star is known as one of the nicest men on Tour and it is great to see him rewarded for all the hard work he has put into his game.

4. At least one Ferguson will be smiling on Monday

Dad Sir Alex may have been down in the mouth after United’s defeat to Barcelona but his son, Darren, has led Peterborough back to the Championship with victory over Huddersfield in the League One play-off final.

The 39-year-old began the season in charge of Preston North End but was sacked in late December last year.

He had previously enjoyed success at London Road, securing back-to-back promotions to guide Posh from League Two into the Championship, and it was not long before they came calling once again, with Ferguson installed as Gary Johnson’s successor on January 12.

The Glasgow-born tactician led them to fourth in the table but they were too good for the side that finished eight points above them, and now the hard work of trying to establish Peterborough in the Championship will begin.

It did not work out for him last time he led the club into the second tier of English football but Ferguson is a more experienced manger now and it would be no surprise to see a top-half finish next season.

5. Andy Murray must feel he is cursed

Murray has never really threatened to win a clay-court tournament until this season when two narrow defeats in the semi-finals in Monte Carlo and Rome proved that he has finally mastered the art of playing on the slowest surface.

He has yet to drop a set at Roland Garros this year and was cruising to victory over Michael Berrer when he managed to twist his ankle, and it showed his determination to succeed that he actually improved his performance to destroy the German and set up a fourth-round clash with Viktor Troicki (Murray 4/11 to beat Troicki).

It would have been hard enough for a fully-fit Murray to get past Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals and then have to beat probably Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer to win the title, but now it may well be mission impossible (Djokovic evens favourite to win French Open).

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Five things we learnt at the weekend