Chelsea may have dropped their first points of the Premier League season at the weekend, but the result will have taken little away from a supremely impressive start to their defence of the Premier League.

One man who has been crucial to Carlo Ancelotti’s sides start has been Florent Malouda whose individual performances have very much mirrored Chelsea’s improvement under the Italian.

After arriving from Lyon in the summer of 2007 big things were expected from the winger. But unfortunately for Malouda he was expected to be the man to replace Arjen Robben, a task which was never going to be easy.

It didn’t help one bit that Jose Mourinho, the manager who brought him to the club, left soon after Malouda’s arrival. The Frenchman struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, and looked set to be another expensive flop at Stamford Bridge.

But over time Malouda would gradually settle in and ever since the arrival of Ancelotti, he looks a snip at £13 million. He scored 12 times last season as Chelsea regained the title, and has started this season in an even more prolific manor, scoring 6 times already.

Malouda himself feels that the arrival of Ancelotti has helped his game: “Every single player at the club is having a lot of fun playing under him. I think our manager is one of the most proven managers there is.”

Personally I feel that Malouda’s emergence in to one of the world’s best wingers sums up the success Ancelotti has had at Chelsea. He has got players playing with confidence and freedom, none more so then Malouda, and the results have been nothing short of sensational.

Malouda has come a long way from the winger we first saw arrive in England, and his progression reflects a real reward for him sticking with English football after tough start. He is currently the Premier League’s joint top scorer, and if he can continue his excellent form, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him picking up a golden boot come May. Even if he doesn’t he has certainly replaced Robben now and easily surpassed him.

The World Cup in 2010 will go down in history for a few things. Vuvuzela’s, The first World Cup in Africa, England’s abysmal showing, Germany’s bright future, Netherlands awful tactics and the Spanish proving they are the best side in the world. Yet one other event for me outshone them all. The French camps implosion in to cliques, strike action and mole’s leaking information to the press.

Yesterday, every single member of the World Cup squad was put on suspension for the next match, a friendly against Norway on August 18th though most of them will return for the European Championship qualifiers that begin in September. It is a bold statement by the new manager, Laurent Blanc, but something had to be done, though the previous manager, Raymond Domenech is hardly an innocent in all this.

Domenech was universally disliked by the French media and public and I was surprised after the Euro 2008 debacle that he didn’t lose his job then. IN an interview after the tournament many people tuned in to see him resign, instead he proposed to his girlfriend. A man who picked the squad based on astrology was always going to be on shaky ground. The team struggled through qualification and of course there was the now infamous handball incident that tarnished the team, the manager and of course Thierry Henry. It was a millstone that ultimately broke the squad’s strength, they simply couldn’t deal with the bad press that came of it.

Even during the World Cup group stage draw, in the run through before the draw started properly, Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron, on drawing France’s name from the pot, announced “IRELAND” to rapturous applause from the crowd. From that moment on, the scene was set, everyone wanted the French to fail. It was a wall of negativity the team could never clamber over and the World Cup was 12 days of hell for everyone involved.

The 7 Premiership players who were part of that squad are all now unavailable though Samir Nasri will be glad he missed out and should return to the squad from here on in. The question is how can those players recover from the emotional and damaging campaign positively. Often, poor performances in a summer tournament can often lead to players wanting to hit the ground running when a new domestic season starts.

Yet the whole strike debacle, the Anelka argument, the trainer storming off the ground and throwing his accreditation in to the bushes only served to make everyone who wished the French ill highly delighted. Throw in the ongoing prostitute story and all of a sudden you have a lot of Irish fans invoking Karma! Coupled with the dreadful performances in all 3 matches and the players involved could suffer something of a post World Cup hangover.

William Gallas has still to find a club after his contract expired with Arsenal, Anelka’s reputation has never been very positive throughout his career. Patrice Evra, outed as ringleader has seen his normally cool exterior sullied and the Arsenal trio of Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby must have wondered what on earth they’d let themselves in for. At least they don’t still play in the French League, so they can be spared the reception that will meet some of their international colleagues.

It will be interesting to see how Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti and Alex Ferguson pick these players up and get them fired and ready for the new season.

Please leave me your comments and you can follow me at www.twitter.com/paulbestall

• Iron Man 2 and Mother’s Day
• Champions FC

Football played second fiddle this weekend to Mother’s Day and Robert Downey Jr. & Co. running around saving the world from a Russian villain. Quite the opposite event played out across England as another Russian, this time Roman Abramovich and not Mickey Rourke, emerged from the rubble and ashes of 38 Premier League matches as victor. Unless you spent the weekend underneath a large rock, you’ll have heard Chelsea football club emphatically trounced Wigan 8-0 to win the league for the first time in three years. So, I’d like to devote the final Premier League Footballer of the Week to the players of CFC as they truly look the part of Champions and continued to impress throughout the course of the season.

Chelsea were a team on a mission this season as Carlo Ancelotti’s men scored 103 goals to claim the club’s fourth title and still have a chance to complete a league and cup double this week, a feat so grand it even eluded the Special One. Manchester United played it close and kept it tight as they saw off Stoke City 4-0 to finish runners up by just a point. Steven Gerrard shoved a fan and this author grows oh so tired of watching scenes of unruly fans coming close to “kicking off” – events that have marred the last few weeks of football across the country.

Nominees -

Frank Lampard, Champions FC- What a resurgence Frank’s had in the last few months, and most importantly, at the right time of the season. The England midfield man will now look to keep top form for country but will enjoy this title as his contributions with goals, passing, leadership and overall presence will see him end his season as one of the top midfielders in the world. A natural, smart leader, Lampard showed poise in not allowing Didier Drogba to take Chelsea’s penalty in the 31st knowing the title for Chelsea was more important to the team than to risk personal gain for Drogba. Not that it mattered in the end.

Didier Drogba, Champions FC- The Golden Boot winner scored a huge hat-trick to help Chelsea cruise to an 8-0 demolition of Wigan and claim the title with no drama needed. Obviously unhappy after being denied the opportunity to score Chelsea’s second, Drogba rebounded from his mental funk to score three goals and claim the crown for most goals scored this season. Drogba remains one of the most feared and deadly strikers in the world  – even after that Vanity Fair cover.

Florent Malouda, Champions FC- Maybe the player mentioned on this post most consistently throughout the season, Malouda has had a breakout campaign with Chelsea and solidifies his name for most improved player and player of the year this season in my book. The attacking left-sided midfielder has fit in at Chelsea greatly and has thrived under Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical acumen. He’s got pace, links up well with forwards and can score goals. Chelsea will look to build on the success of this season next year as they defend their title and chase European glory – Florent Malouda will be key in their success.

Branislav Ivanovic, Champions FC- He set up Anelka’s second in the 56th when the affair was settled, but Ivanovic has been key to Chelsea’s championship winning season as a rock at the back. The strong right-back can be counted on for his consistency in defence and has the ability to push forward and support attacks. He’s a good crosser of the ball as we witnessed on Sunday when he found Anelka. He’ll partner Nemanja Vidic for Serbia at the World Cup and looks set to remain a vital ingredient to Chelsea’s back line for years to come.

Author’s Note: Thanks to all the EPL Talk readers who have read this column, voted in the polls or left comments. As we end this Premier League season and head into the World Cup, know that your participation and feedback has been appreciated and look for the column to return again next season.

Odd that Gameweek 33 has fallen on Easter weekend (if you don’t get the direct correlation, ask someone who celebrates Easter) even more odd that a pesky little Argentinian (who may, or may not be mentioned later) is leading his current club emphatically as his former club and cross town rivals reaaaaaally could have used his services as they languish in second place. Such it is that players and football move on yet remain inexplicably linked.

Was it the game of the week? Probably not, but in all the pre-match hype, analysis and predictions, at the end of the day, Berbatov wasn’t good enough to lead United’s front line against Chelsea. If you play 1 up front against Chelsea, you must put a Rooney or Tevez type player in that spot, and not a player such as Berbatov. The 4-3-3, or 4-3-2-1 (call it what you will) that Ferguson employed on Saturday was never going to work with Berbatov leading it. He’s got skill and worth, but not in that role. United sorely missed Wayne Rooney who could only look on from an executive box and wonder.

The same formation was also used by Carlo Ancelotti but with better results because of the consistent play and ability of Florent Malouda to get past United defenders and provide better service than Ji-Sung Park could for United.

As good as Giggs has been for United in his limited role in the last year, on Saturday, he was largely absent. United looked slow and lacked creativity against a Chelsea team who didn’t play midweek and looked the better for it. Chelsea seemed more the potential Champions when compared with United on the day. In all of their first half dominance, Chelsea’s second and winning goal was clearly offside and never should have counted. Such is football.

I still believe with 5 matches left that the title hasn’t comprehensively been won or lost by any of the three teams in contention.

We have a new fourth place representative in Manchester City. City and Tottenham are on equal number of games played, yet 1 less than Liverpool who could only manage a draw away to Birmingham City.

Honorable Mentions -

Steed Malbranque, Sunderland- Darren Bent got the goals, but Malbranque was the engine that turned the Sunderland gears on Saturday as the Black Cats came out on top of Tottenham, 3-1. Malbranque has caught my eye for the last couple of weeks as Sunderland seem to have re-found some form that’s seen them steer clear of the relegation battle and claim 8 points from their last 5 league matches.

The Belgian-born French midfielder is at his best moving forward in midfield either in the center or on the left. He’s got the ability to run at pace with the ball and can spread and dictate play with good effect. The 30 year old Malbranque’s experience and work for Sunderland is invaluable as Steve Bruce elects to often surround Malbranque with a young midfield including Lee Cattermole and Jordan Henderson.

Florent Malouda, Chelsea- Malouda really could be mentioned in some form on this post every week. United simply didn’t have an answer for him on Saturday and his first half run where he shrugged off multiple United defenders was a game-changing moment that led to Chelsea’s opening goal when he crossed for Joe Cole.

Malouda was the best player on the pitch for either side on Saturday. His consistent play over the season has seen Chelsea re-claim top spot and has made the title now Chelsea’s to lose.

Glen Johnson, Liverpool – Liverpool fans will probably be a bit disappointed with their 1-1 draw on Sunday away to Birmingham City. Although they’re still in the race for L4, and the draw really didn’t help their cause, supporters should take pride in their team’s second half display. Liverpool were in fact quite good, especially in the final 15-20 minutes of the match.

Led by Steven Gerrard and the ability of Glen Johnson to get forward and support the attack, Liverpool created 4 to 5 quality chances that should have seen a second and winning goal for Liverpool. One may question the decision of Rafa Benitez to pull Fernando Torres off in the 65th for David Ngog as a deciding factor in the draw. Regardless, Johnson’s return to form is great news for Liverpool and England. He’s able to torment defenders on the right side with his quick footwork and ability to create space and cross the ball.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City- I’m cheating a little with this one and combining the two games Tevez played this week that saw him contribute 4 goals, 1 assist, and most importantly, saw his team claim 6 valuable points. With Tevez, we all know he brings more to a football club than just goals. His work rate, movement and passion make him invaluable to City, and I believe he’ll be the deciding factor that will see Manchester City finish fourth this season (Yes I said it, City will finish 4th).

Last Monday proved that Tevez, lauded with all his work and running, is still a deadly striker. His 12 minute hat trick finished off Wigan and won a match where City didn’t impress over the full 90. Tevez was the game changer for City and one of the only bright spots that saved City from what looked to be an embarrassing 0-0 home draw with Wigan. On Saturday, City had won the match with in a few minutes as Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor linked well together and with the City midfielders to score 4 first half goals en route to a 6-1 destruction of Burnely.

Tevez, having won the Champions League with United in 2008, will be integral in City’s end of season run that will see them finish in fourth. Even as a United supporter, for some odd reason I’m looking forward to seeing what City can do in the Champions League should my prediction hold true. With players such as Craig Bellamy, Adam Johnson, Adebayor and Tevez himself in attack, Manchester City will strike fear in opposition defenses regardless of who they play.

Author’s Note: After you listen to Richard Farley & Co’s EPL Talk Weekend Review Podcast, the BBC 5 Live Football Daily podcast from April, 4th comes highly recommended. This podcast usually consists of 10-15 minute news recaps from each day. However, Sunday’s show is a 50+ minute special featuring Stuart Hall who presents some incredible interviews from giants of English football such as Bill Shankly, George Best, Alex Ferguson, Harry Gregg and Dixie Dean to name a few.

For American fans of English football, do yourself a favor and listen to this show. Think of it as a sort of “history lesson out of respect” from a time when the game you love was much, much different than it is now.

Affairs remained all hot and heavy at the top of the Barclays Premier League table this weekend as the three title chasers won either emphatically or dramatically. Arsenal refuse to loose, while Chelsea and Manchester United refuse to stop scoring goals as both sides saw three goal margin victories. Strange though that Gameweek 30 saw only 5 clubs complete their 30th match of the season as the crowded, complicated life of a Premier League club satisfies it’s own assiduous existence.

Tottenham Hotspur, the attractive North London club that they are, furthered their inquiry of L4 with an impressive home win v Blackburn while other L4 stalkers Aston Villa and Manchester City stuttered with draws. Naught is settled in the race for L4 with too many games in hand resulting in a clear favorite yet to be determined.

It was a great footballing weekend that saw a lot of goals. Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres and Roman Pavlyuchenko all four bagged a brace for their respective clubs while it was Rooney for the Champions Manchester United who stayed in the lead for his first ever golden boot. It was a somber weekend on Humberside for Hull City boss Phil Brown who will now have more time to tend to his gardening while Liverpool FC finally started to look their old self again.

Monday night marked the first time Portsmouth’s on field play matched that of their off field problems. Pompey have been brave and exciting in recent weeks as they’ve battled relegation, administration and existence, but their visit to (an at times quiet) Anfield saw them dreadfully uninterested in putting up a fight to Liverpool’s continued attacks.

Honorable Mentions -

Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur – Let’s be fair and say Blackburn’s Michel Salgado was woeful in his attempt to defend the Tottenham winger all day long. Bale’s pace allowed him to continually blow past Salgado and provide meaningful crosses into the box. Bale, for the most part has played left back this season for Spurs, but such is his attacking prowess (combined with Tottenham injuries) that Harry Redknapp pushed him one peg up in Tottenham’s attacking pecking order to left sided midfield with positive results. Bale’s 85th minute cross was clipped home by Roman Pavlyuchenko and Bale probably should have won his side a penalty in the second half. Fine work from the young Welshman who has had an up and down time so far at Spurs.

Fernando Torres, Liverpool – I tend to get a little upset when quality players make statements like Torres has made in recent weeks concerning his future at Liverpool. He’s got great potential, has battled injury, but hasn’t put forth the kind of effort in recent weeks one would expect from a player with such class. Monday night was a little more like the Torres we all know as he scored two, set up one and even hit the post in the first half which helped Liverpool to a much needed three points. Whether you support Liverpool or not, fans of the Premier League will not want Torres to leave Liverpool in the summer. He’s one of the best strikers in the world (see under his second goal Monday night v Portsmouth) so let’s hope he continues to prove his skill in England.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Florent Malouda, Chelsea – The French winger was in devastating form for Chelsea on Saturday scoring one and setting up two while causing problems for the West Ham defense with his attacking play and crossing all afternoon. Malouda is an exciting player and crucial performer in Chelsea’s attack and is at home on the left flank but can also play as a second striker just behind Drogba or Anelka.

His 15th minute cross into the box was placed precisely on the head of Alex for Chelsea’s first goal. He was at it again 10 minutes into the second half when a perfect cross found the head of Drogba who put Chelsea in front for good. In the 76th, Malouda found himself in possession and shifted the ball onto his more powerful left just outside the box to power home a low, direct shot for his well deserved goal completing an impressive afternoon.

If Chelsea are to win the title this season, Malouda’s efforts in attack, his precise crosses into the box for Drogba, Anelka and others, and his goal scoring abilities will be paramount in Chelsea’s success. Have your say in the poll or comments section below.

So Chelsea have one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after the marvellous 3-1 win at Anfield last week and Saturdays 4-3 win against Bolton was probably the kick up the backside the Blues needed. It’s easy to fall for the fallacy that Liverpool can’t overturn the deficit that they’ve given themselves from the first leg.

For me, there are 3 teams in Europe that you should never bet against overturning improbable results, Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona. Liverpool, especially in Europe have a history of doing the impossible, not just in 2005, but throughout their European campaigns going back to the 1960′s. Manchester United can always dig their way out of most holes and Barca have always had a player or two that can turn any game on it’s head but for Liverpool to pull this back would be a footballing miracle.

Hiddink’s been saying the right things since Saturday’s scare against Bolton, he knows that the worst thing for his players to think tonight is that they’re already in the semi-finals. That would play straight into Liverpool’s hands, though the fact Gerrard isn’t fit enough to even make the bench shows the size of the task ahead of them, yet with a player of Torres’ abilities and explosive finishing, an early goal could cause shock waves through Stamford Bridge.

Look at both of Torres’ goals on Saturday against Blackburn, the first an inspired half volley, the second was a towering header that saw him out jump the man mountain of Christoph Samba. Both finishes oozed class and panache and those goals will have shown Hiddink and his players that they cannot take the result for granted tonight.Torres can destroy Chelsea’s dreams if he gets any space at all.

Yet, let’s not do Chelsea down, they were magnificent at Anfield, Essien and Lampard inspired in midfield and Drogba was back to his bustling busy self. Hell, Hiddink’s even got Malouda playing somewhere near the form he showed for Lyon for so long. Lucky Guus, as his odd nickname in Holland shows, has been around far too long for him to take anything for granted. He’s shown throughout his career an ability to create sides that were much better than the sum of their parts, from PSV in the 80′s to Holland at France 98, South Korea in the 2002 World Cup and finally got Australia back to a World Cup after nearly 40 years.

He thrives on upsetting apple carts and throwing curve balls to the opposition and he has an eye on the prize of the glamour tie against Barcelona, who face a similar battle against complacency in Munich tonight. He knows that to get there, they have to navigate this tie tonight and he will have instilled in his team the need to keep fighting as if the game was 0-0. Nothing derails tactics more than a team thinking about the game after the one they are playing and that is the only thing that can stop the Blues taking their place in the semi-finals.

Liverpool have to come and go for it, they have nothing to lose and need to either win by 3 goals or score at least 4 with a 2 goal margin of victory. The task facing Liverpool is enormous but Hiddink will take nothing for granted. Let’s just hope it’s a cracking match and may the best team take the spoils.

The two big stories this weekend not related to Manchester United’s getting the first leg of the quadruple would have to be events that transpired at the Riverside and at the Emirates Stadium.

We’ll start with Liverpool because after such a great result midweek against Real Madrid, their loss at the Riverside defied belief. And the papers were quick to fill column inches with their own post match thoughts. Sam Wallace compares the Liverpool situation to that of Nigel Clough’s power struggle at Derby County. Personally I don’t see that much of a comparison as Rafa and Hicks for the moment appear to have formed a loose partnership. Piers Morgan heads down the character assassination route calling Rafa the most arrogant manager in the history of the Premier League. That’s just harsh. Patrick Barclay sneaks the line in his column about Rick Parry that Rafa is the one who has to answer for the results, not Parry himself. Don’t expect that anytime soon. This Independent column pretty much states what Rafa is confirming Sunday, the title race is all over.

It’s almost become a recording at the Emirates, a Premier League nil draw. The results are something that just baffle any mind and after the result against Roma midweek, you would think confidence would have reigned supreme against Fulham. However after Saturday’s result, all Wenger could come up with is “Maybe is is partly psychological. We are getting in good positions but not taking the chances.”

Maybe? Is that the best you could come up with? At this point it is completely psychological. When week in and week out your side can’t finish in front of goal, it becomes a mental thing. Wenger can praise your keeper all you want, and keep the faith in Arsenal’s stars, but you simply have to motivate your players to get goals. That is simply something Wenger hasn’t been able to do. Maybe Theo Walcott’s return to training can be the boost that Arsenal sorely need.

Other Stories
The other big result this weekend was Aston Villa blowing a two goal lead to Stoke City at home. That didn’t stop Tony Pulis hoping pre-match that Villa finished in the top four. Post match it was Martin O’Neill not happy at the arrogant and over confident nature Villa had after going two goals up.

In other Villa news, Martin O’Neill has responded to disgruntled Villa fans who decided to fly out to Moscow just to see the Aston Villa ‘c’ side lose to CSKA Moscow. His offer, dinner with himself and the players. I guess that works, but I was thinking more a reimbursement check for expenses after having to endure that game.

The cracks are starting to show at the KC Stadium. After Geovanni’s ridiculous antics after being subbed, Phil Brown gave him the verbal hair dryer treatment. I expect that one to get much more heated before it cools off.

Speaking of hair dryer treatments, Rio Ferdinand is still sacred of Sir Alex’s.

Tony Mowbray continues to say he will not stand down from his footballing philosophy. That’s even after another defeat.

Bolton fans probably aren’t happy after Gary Megson has agreed to a new rolling contract at the Reebok Stadium.

Florent Malouda says the lack of first team action could cause him to consider his Chelsea future. I say take a hike. You were a good player for France, but the English game is not your brand of football.

And finally, if the News of the World is to be believed (and I normally don’t unless they have the video to prove it), Manchester United is going to throw 200,000 a week at Cristiano Ronaldo to stay.

Just one more thing before I go. Has anyone noticed how many clubs are now within three points of the drop?

Chelsea announced a £65.7m loss for last year, a staggering sum, particularly as it marks an improvement over the loose-pursed past.  Though the tangible sum is less, the impact will be felt more, after Roman Abramovich as billionaire Roman Abramovich potentially lost the bulk of his fortune. 

Abramovich’s woes have already affected Chelsea.  The Russian owner gutted the scouting department, and considered forcing players to pay for their own lunches.  His own contribution, the £23.1 million paid to Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant not to manage the club, undoubtedly escaped censure.

The summer will see changes, especially if Chelsea do not qualify for the Champions League.  The primary target will be the substantial wage bill, £148.5m – Manchester United’s is just over £100m.  The payroll accounts for over 70% of Chelsea’s turnover.

Chariman Peter Kenyon admitted there would be sales in the summer.  

“Any squad structuring in the summer will be funded prominently by sales,” Kenyon told the Telegraph.  “We have set ourselves ambitious targets, to require zero cash funding from the owner at the beginning of the financial year 2009-10. 

The question then is not whether Chelsea sell, but who they will sell.  The first group, whatever the transfer fees, will be the malcontents.

Didier Drogba comes immediately to mind.  Making nearly £100,000 per week, he has scored three goals in 18 appearances this season.  He’s not the 2006-07 dynamo, nor is he even the occasionally effective player from last year.  His performance alone warrants an exit.  Add his abrasive personality and he’s a net negative waiting to be excised.

Florent Malouda is another candidate for dismissal.  He’s been the mystery man, so awesome before he came and so terrible since he arrived.  Only the illustrious Shevchenko saves Malouda from being the biggest transfer disaster of the past few seasons.  He can’t make the squad regularly and does not deserve to do so.  Chelsea should sell him before everyone sees him as irredeemable.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech could be on his way out as well.  He’s been off the pace this season.  He really has not been right since his horrifying head injury.  Cech was one of the players who reportedly submarined Scolari.  He has played poorly.  He is expensive.  You can get a goalkeeper for cheaper.

If Chelsea are looking for straight ego excision, they may try to offload Anelka, Deco and Michael Ballack as well.

Chelsea may want rid of these players, but they won’t get very much money for them.  If they are looking for instant book-balancing, or a substantial restructuring kitty, a marketable asset, one they’d like to keep, may be required.

Barring sentiment, John Terry should be the prominent candidate here.  He’s not leaving England, so his market value is limited, but Manchester City seem to want him and £40m figures are floating through the rumor mill.  Purely as a player, he’s replaceable.  If Chelsea can get even £20m for him while removing his salary from the books, they should do so.  Peter Kenyon says Chelsea won’t sell Terry.  Who knows if Peter Kenyon will be there?

Michael Essien may fit here as well.  Chelsea won’t want to sell Essien.  Assuming he recovers from his injury, he’s their best midfielder.  He’s versatile.  He can hold with the backline or move forward and make plays.  He would feature in any team in the world’s starting XI.  At just 26 years old, every big side in Europe could use him.  If Chelsea want substantial restructuring money, that may be their only option.

Chelsea have a hodgepodge squad, constructed with conflicting visions.  What they really need is a long-term manager who can work with a reasonable budget to refashion a coherent squad, possibly David Moyes.  Does a liquidity-crazed Roman Abramovich have the patience?

So Andrei Arshavin is starting to make loud noises about his future, and it doesn’t look like playing in Russia is a part of it.  He’s telling Zenit St. Petersburg that if he has to, he’ll buy out his contract (this is the only link that is currently available, the Telegraph also reported the same this morning, before updating their story) in order to move. We’re also seeing rumblings that he’s already in London seeing the Arsenal sights, while the negotiations begin over the transfer fee. While 20 million seems a bit much for someone who is more or less demanding to be sold, I don’t blame Zenit for this ploy to start, knowing they will settle for less to just be rid of a headache.

I don’t know what to make of this whole situation. On the one hand, Arsene Wenger needs someone in the absence of Cesc Fabregas while on the other, what does Wenger do once Fabregas is back. Knowing this, Zenit should hold Arsenal over the coals to get what they feel is right for a player under contract to them. The other thing that I wonder about is does Arshavin become surplus requirements to the Arsenal squad once Fabregas does come back? If that happens, how long before Arsenal are dealing with the same antics that got him in the first place.

The other story that has caught my interest is are we starting to see the sell off at West Ham United?  We all know about the alleged financial difficulties West Ham’s owner are having, and we also know about the comments from Zola about selling the surplus. My question to that is, are Calum Davenport and Matthew Etherington really surplus requirements to West Ham United’s squad? The proposed seven million those two will bring doesn’t seem like the right valuation. Then add Scott Parker to that mix that looks to be a 12 million pound transfer to Manchester City makes me wonder if West Ham United are trying to gut their squad. But at the same time, there is talk about bringing in Savio Nsereko. Being an under 19 makes me think he’s probably another year from really cracking the starting 11 on a consistent basis.

I understand Zola wants to keep his core of Craig Bellamy, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker together, and really only one of those three look to be on the chopping block.  I also understand that West Ham do have surplus that they do need to get rid of. I just wonder if the balance they are looking for is the balance that is going to be needed going into the future.

Other Stories
Jermain Defoe is back at Tottenham and as goes with the tried and tested ‘It’s great to be back‘ line. So if Harry Redknapp goes to another club, how long will it be before Defoe follows along?

Micah Richards is hitting back at those who claim he is fat and unfit. I think the only thing unfit is his mind with regards to field positioning.

Look who’s trying to be officer of the peace with Carlos Tevez and Manchester United…the third party interest.

It’s been nice knowing you Dean Windass, who looks to finally be leaving Hull City. I do feel for him, as the man who scored the goal that got Hull City into the Premier League is making a hasty exit back to the lower leagues.

Luis Felipe Scolari has lost his mind if he thinks that Florent Malouda holds the key in their Sunday clash against Manchester United.