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Four things we learnt

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While many of us are suffering from post-Olympic Games depression, there is light at the end of the tunnel with plenty more sporting action to come. You might have missed what has been happening outside the London 2012 bubble so it’s time to catch up and prepare for what is to come. We take a look at what we can take from this weekend’s non-Olympic sport.

1. Chelsea someway off title challenge

Chelsea have regained their tag as the Premier League’s big spenders this summer following the arrivals of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar. As such the Blues have been branded as potential dark horse for a title challenge, with Roberto Di Matteo tipped to repeat his trick of leading the team to glory after success in the Champions League and FA Cup.

However, based on Sunday’s Community Shield, Di Matteo has a big job on if he is to secure Chelsea a third Premier League crown. Manchester City looked a class above the Blues and a lack of strength in depth across the backline is an issue Di Matteo needs to address quickly if they are to avoid another sixth-placed finish. For now it looks as though it will be a transitional season for the 9/2 shots for the title and City, at 5/4, look to be the team to beat this season.

2. No time for KP antics for England

Is any one man bigger than the team? If you are asking Kevin Pietersen he would probably say yes. The talented batsman seems to have well and truly got on the ECB’s bad side for his antics during the last Test against South Africa and has been made to pay. His exclusion from the squad for the last Test is a real statement from the selectors that they aren’t prepared to put up with a player who isn’t a team player.

With the series and their status as number one Test team on the line in the last match at Lord’s, the decision to drop Pietersen is a big one. South Africa look to have the bit between their teeth and England could find themselves up against it, especially if Jonny Bairstow’s poor form in the Test arena continues. England are 9/10 to win the last Test, with the Proteas 3/4.

3. McIlroy finding form at right time

It might seem strange to say Rory McIlroy is hitting form at the right time given there are no more majors left to play for. However, if you are hoping Europe do the business at the Ryder Cup again then Sunday’s fantastic US PGA Championship success was a welcome boost. The Europeans are 5/4 to win the Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club and will need McIlroy to be on top of his game if they are to repeat the success of Celtic Manor.

The Northern Irishman suffered an alarming slump in form earlier this year but showed how good he could be by lifting the US PGA Championship, his second Major title. With the Americans having enjoyed a good comeback year on the major front, McIlroy will be key to Jose Maria Olazabal’s team.

4. Djokovic rediscovers winning formula

After a difficult couple of months for Novak Djokovic he got a much needed win under his belt at the Toronto Masters. The world number two might not have an Olympic medal to show for his efforts at London 2012 but if he can retain his US Open title at the end of the month the tennis fraternity won’t care.

The Serb destroyed the field in Canada and at 15/8 looks a good bet to win the Western & Southern Open this week, even with Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro in the field.

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Five weekend lessons learnt

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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 things we learnt

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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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Bank Holiday Lessons Learnt

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It has been an extended weekend of sport with many highs and lows and we will take a look at the stand-out performances and see what can be learnt from the Bank Holiday weekend.

1. It is going to be a Manchester one-two this season

Manchester United always looked like being the team to beat this season and their early-season form has done little to suggest otherwise (United 11/10 – Premier League Outright).

But Sunday’s 8-2 demolition of Arsenal fired a shot across the bows of the rest of the Premier League as they looked in scintillating form when dismantling Arsene Wenger’s under-strength side.

Wayne Rooney had the weight of the world on his shoulders in the first half of last season and did not contribute much, but he has started like a house on fire and, with the summer signings already playing their part, the Red Devils are the side to beat.

Their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City have also made a perfect start to the campaign and their 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham at White Hart Lane was, possibly, even more impressive given the location of the encounter.

It was always going to take a few years for a team of expensive signings to gel and, with Edin Dzeko finally showing his true colours with four goals, they look the likeliest challengers to Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.

Chelsea will be there or thereabouts but, even at this fledgling part of the season, it is shaping up to be a two-horse race for top-flight honours.

2. Arsenal are in deep trouble

The general consensus is that Arsenal Wenger has ‘bought himself some time’ with the success he has had at Arsenal over the past 15 years.

But it also has to be remembered that the Gunners have not won a trophy for six years, something Ferguson said he would “never let happen” at Old Trafford (Arsenal 7/4 – Top-Four Finish).

A reluctance to spend is now coming back to haunt the Frenchman and he appears to be scrabbling around for players with just a few days to go before the transfer window shuts.

That is not usually how the north Londoners do their business and there is definitely a sense of panic at the Emirates.

He is an intelligent man with an excellent football brain and it will take all his skills as a manager to turn the season around, otherwise the Arsenal board might have to act to prevent the current campaign snowballing into a disastrous season.

3. Twenty20 cricket is here to stay

It may have its critics and the summer’s Test series with India showed that the five-day game still has a massive place in the sport, but the excitement of the Friends Life t20 finals day proved that the shortest version of the game will not go away.

Persistent showers threatened to ruin the Edgbaston showpiece but, with Duckworth-Lewis calculations changing targets all the time, both semi-finals finished in a tie and required the ’super over’ to sort out the finalists.

Leicestershire went on to win and it was a fitting way for Paul Nixon to bow out of the game after 22 years as a professional.

4. Heather Watson is the real deal

Britain has been crying out for a female tennis player to match the exploits of Andy Murray in the men’s game and, in Heather Watson, we may finally have one.

It is true that she lost to Maria Sharapova in the first round of the US Open, but the way the Guernsey-born star challenged the world number four and played her off court for the first set proved that she has the mettle to compete with the top players (Sharapova 5/1 – Tournament Outright).

The encouraging thing from a British point of view was her post-match interview, in which she said that she always felt she could win the match, and the manner in which she fought back in the second set after it looked as if the Russian would run away with it showed her class.

Laura Robson is still in the tournament and, if they both progress as they should, there is no reason why there will not be a couple of Brits in the world’s top 20 in the next few years.

5. Much work to do for London

With the London Olympics less than 12 months away the British athletes will be plotting their training regimes and competitions to make sure they peak for the greatest show on earth.

Two gold medal hopes, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, failed to win gold at the World Athletics Championships, and they will have to bounce back and make sure they perform to their ability in London.

There have already been noises made that British athletes might not do as well as had been hoped on their own patch next summer, despite the advantage that performing at home brings.

There is no doubt that the Games will be spectacular but, if the GB team fail to deliver, then it could become a bit of a damp squib – an expensive one at that.

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Five things we learnt at the weekend

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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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What we learnt this weekend

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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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5 things learnt from internationals

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This week gave us a chance to check out the home nations and the Republic of Ireland in the first internationals of 2011. Hopes were high for most, but for some there was more to be happy about than others. For Wales and Northern Ireland a sense of dread will have been the endearing emotion. With the Euro 2012 qualifiers set to get back underway next month, we examine who can look forward to them and who should watch from behind their sofas……

1 – England have hope after ‘golden generation’

Before England’s win over Denmark, all the focus was on whether Jack Wilshere would do well in his new role as a holding midfielder. Well, as they say, the proof was in the pudding as the 19-year-old showed he is a class above Gareth Barry. The Manchester City man struggled in the World Cup and based on Wilshere’s performance this week, his days as a starter could be numbered. The World Cup and subsequent Euro 2012 qualifiers have shown green shoots of hope, particularly with the likes of James Milner, Joe Hart, Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Michael Dawson showing their international capabilities.

After being let down by Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and co, England fans might be feeling a little bit optimistic about what the future will hold. England’s win over a decent Denmark team showed the Three Lions have strength in depth, with a raft of changes seemingly not affecting their rhythm. It is probably too early to start talking about England as Euro 2012 contenders, but at 9/1 to win the tournament I’m sure a few punters will be persuaded to take the plunge.

2 – Republic of Ireland should reach Euro 2012

While it is dangerous to read too much into friendly matches, Ireland’s comfortable win over Wales can’t really be ignored. While the first half was nothing to write home about, the second saw them score three good goals and they never really had to break a sweat. The Republic currently sit second in their qualification group behind Russia, who beat them in October.

Ireland are 5/4 to make it through to Euro 2012 and as long as they avoid France in the play-offs, they should be fine. People will say they haven’t made it out of the group yet but with Armenia and Slovakia – who lost to Luxembourg on Wednesday – their closet contenders, it could be a triumphant return to a major tournament after a ten years absence.

3 – Levein starting to get the best from Scots

Wednesday’s victory over Northern Ireland in the Nations Cup might have been expected, but perhaps the manner in which they so convincingly beat Nigel Worthington’s men might have come as a shock. Scotland’s third goal involved a build-up that Spain would have been proud of as they passed Northern Ireland off the park.

Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 are all but gone, after one win from their first four qualifiers,, but the future is beginning to look bright. Scotland are 8/1 to qualify for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup and they seem unlikely to break that duck just yet, especially with Spain in their group. However, the battling display against the world champions and two wins since then have given cause for optimism for 2014 World Cup qualification.

4 – Without their star men Wales are poor

Optimism surrounding Wales was high after Gary Speed took the reins as national team coach. However, reality made a speedy return to Welsh supporters after their disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Republic of Ireland. Speed had plenty of big name withdrawals to cope with and without them, Wales justify their position as 116th in the Fifa rankings. Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Craig Bellamy are effectively Welsh football right now and until Speed can unearth some fresh talent, they looked doomed to struggle for the next few years.

Wales play England next in their Euro 2012 campaign, which is already over after three defeats in their first three matches.  In Cardiff, and with Welsh fans baying for blood, they might give England a bloody nose but that could be as good as it gets.

5 – Northern Ireland going backwards

Remember the days when Northern Ireland were on the verge of qualifying for a major tournament and David Healy was the most prolific striker in Europe? Well they appear long gone and if you are a supporter of Worthington’s men, you might be concerned. Wednesday was a glimpse into what the future might hold for the North and it wasn’t pretty. Admittedly they had 11 players missing but when you make a big fuss over George McCartney retiring from international football, you know you are in trouble.

Like Wales their hopes of making it through to Euro 2012 are pretty much over, a draw against the Faroe Islands in a game which did nothing to convince Northern Ireland’s fans things will get better. For Worthington and co expect a long, hard 2011.

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5 things learnt this weekend

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It was an action-packed weekend of football, Six Nations rugby, one-day cricket and golf, with quite a few surprises along the way. Betting punters were given some big clues as to potential future bets and here’s what we found out over the last 72 hours…

1 – City can still win the Premier League title

Manchester City were the only team in the top four to gain a victory this weekend and Roberto Mancini’s side have renewed title hope…mainly due to their rivals form. United were beaten at Wolves and their away form will still be a big concern to Sir Alex Ferguson, while Arsenal and Chelsea look all over the place at the back.

Hat-trick hero Carlos Tevez is currently the best striker in the league and can lead City (12/1 Premier League Outright) to top spot, but he has prove his worth in next weekend’s Manchester derby.

2 – The letter ‘W’ is cursed!

All of the bottom four teams in the Premier League begin with the letter ‘W’ and three of West Ham (8/13 to be relegated), Wigan (4/7), Wolves (8/11) and West Brom (6/4) look set to go down. Wigan and Wolves gave themselves hope with massive home wins, but the inconsistent Hammers lost again at home and the managerless Baggies need some inspiration from somewhere after 13 defeats in 18 games.

If you are not convinced about this season’s curse check out the League One table, where Walsall also sit in the drop zone! Wycombe fans may disagree, as they are currently second in League Two.

3 – Six Nations is a two-horse race

England (11/10 Outright Winners) and France (13/8) showed they are the two teams to beat in the Six Nations this year, while Italy may not be propping up the rest come mid-March. Martin Johnson’s men should have beaten a confidence-shot Wales by more, while France didn’t need to be at their best to rack up four tries against Scotland.

Ireland’s last-gasp win in Rome highlighted how Declan Kidney’s side have gone backwards, with their title hopes looking slim despite a first-game victory. A much improved Scotland could have a say on where the title goes, which must be either Twickenham or the Stade de France.

4 – England can’t win the World Cup

After a brilliant Ashes success Down Under, confidence in England’s one-day squad looks shot after a 6-1 series defeat to Australia. Injuries have also plagued Andrew Strauss’ squad and with two weeks until the tournament starts, the selectors have no idea who will be in the squad as they await medical reports.

Arguably their two most important 50-over stars, Graeme Swann and Eoin Morgan, are among those rated doubtful and without them, the best England (6/1 Outright Winner) can hope for is qualification from Group B.

5 – Veteran star can win the Masters

This weekend’s golf has shown that the veterans can still pose a threat in the Majors, after a timely return to form for two stars. Thomas Bjorn was in inspired form to take the Qatar Masters title by four shots, with the Dane proving the doubters, who thought his Tour career was finished at 39 years of age, wrong.

Meanwhile, Vijay Singh (80/1 to win 2011 Masters) has enjoyed a renaissance on the US Tour with the 47-year-old carding four sub-70 rounds at the Phoenix Open. The Fijian is a former winner at Augusta and a three-time Major Champion.

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10 things learnt this weekend

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Bet on the Premier LeagueThe wintry weather might have played havoc with the sporting fixtures but there was still plenty of entertainment. Here are 10 things we learnt from this weekend’s football.

1. That money talks on all levels in football as all the Premier League fixtures beat the big freeze apart from the so-called minnows of the top-flight, Blackpool. Bloomfield Road does not have under-soil heating and Manchester United were not given the chance to return to the top of the table – a stark reminder of the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in the game.

2. Chelsea have been playing down a crisis at the club but there is now nowhere to hide as lowly Everton took further points from the hitherto impregnable Stamford Bridge (Chelsea 7/4 to win Premier League).

3. West Brom are determined to shake off their ‘yo-yo’ club tag after a third win in four Premier League games saw the Baggies move up to eighth in the standings.

4. Arsenal may finally have the ammunition to challenge right to the end of the season this year after running out of steam in previous campaigns. They seem to be the team who could take advantage of Chelsea’s malaise and the fact that Manchester United have not really played that well all season.

5. Samir Nasri might be the reason why they do have genuine title ambitions after his superb double saw the Gunners back on top of the pile and in an excellent position going into the hectic festive period.

6. Blackburn are not as bad as a 7-1 score line at Old Trafford the previous weekend would suggest as their 3-0 success over Wolverhampton Wanderers made it four wins from six league games for Sam Allardyce’s men.

7. Time away from the game can be as important as training as Allardyce gave his squad extra rest days in midweek following the United mauling and it paid off with the comprehensive victory at Molineux (Wolves 4/7 to be relegated).

8. Tottenham are going to have to learn how to turn draws into wins away from White Hart Lane. They are currently in great form and Harry Redknapp said he expected to take all three points from the clash with Birmingham City but they have now drawn two and lost three away from north London – is that good enough for the top four?

9. Carlos Tevez needs to learn a bit of humility after his hissy fit following boss Roberto Mancini’s decision to substitute him in the 90th minute against Bolton. He had already scored the goal that won the game and a bit of respect for his boss would not have done any harm at all – and set a better example for the kids (Tevez 11/4 to be top Premier League scorer).

10. Life at Upton Park is like a creaky roller-coaster ride at an old seaside pleasure park. It is constantly up and down and you never know if the wheels might fall off completely after West Ham’s midweek thrashing of Man United was followed up by yet another Premier League reverse, this time at Sunderland.

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