FINISHED APPLIED PROJECT3

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVIEW
www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015
MAN CITY V BARCA
LEAGUE CUP FINAL EDITION| CHELSEA V SPURS
7+
FOREIGN
FLOPS
MEET
LEAGUE 1
STRIKER
MICHAEL SMITH
Follow Us On Twitter
@AfterTheWhistle
March 2015 AfterTheWhistle £3.99

2 3www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015 www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015
What’s
Inside
At AfterTheWhistle, our team of dedicated writers are
going to bring you the very best from the world of
football. Each issue will be packed full of the latest
from the world of football. We see it as our duty, as
lovers of the beautiful game, to give you insightful
one to one interviews with the game’s biggest stars, in
depth match analysis and build up of the big games,
sandwiched in between a slice of humour.
Pg 4 CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL PREVIEW
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Pg 10 NEWCASTLE UNITED
Another Eventful Season For The Magpies
Welcome To AfterTheWhistle
Lewis Dewson,
Editor
Follow Us On Twitter
@LewisDewson
@AfterTheWhistle
Meet The Editor
POTENTIAL
ADVERT
Pg 14 CITY V BARCA
Full Review of their Hotly anticipated Champions League Clash
Pg 16 SWINDON TOWN STRIKER MICHAEL SMITH TALKS TO THE AfterTheWhistle TEAM
“It’s ridiculous how you can get booked for celebrating a goal with your own fans”
Pg 13 SEE WHAT’S COMING UP IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE
From Gareth Bale,To the Premier League’s Top Dodgiest Barnets
Pg 20 TOP 7 PREMIER LEAGUE FOREIGN FLOPS
We delve deep into the Premier League archives- From Falcao to Luque
Pg 24 MUPPET OF THE MONTH
With... Steven Gerrard

L
ast time these two sides met was an end-
to-end thriller, back in January at the
home of Spurs, White Hart Lane. In form
striker Harry Kane proved to be a real hand-
ful for the uncharacteristically nervy Blue’s
defense, something that club captain John
Terry and Gary Cahill will look to keep at bay
in this encounter.
This could mean that the Chelsea gaffer
Jose Mourinho will opt for a more defensive
looking lineup this time around. Or possibly
could look at bulking up the midfield with
an extra man, to try and control the game
from the outset.They need to try and stop
Tottenham’s creative influences such as
Christian Ericksen and Eric Lamela getting
onto the ball if they want to add another
trophy to the cabinet.
Chelsea fans will no doubt be expecting
their sides to come out the victors this time
around, after their London rivals got the
better of
them in
the 2008
League
Cup final.
CAPITAL ONE
CUP FINAL
Below: Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen
If the Blues can get Belgian
winger Eden Hazard on the
ball, he will be able to ex-
ploit the flanks against an
out of form Kyle Walker.
The quick feet, direct
running and sheer
agility of the
Chelsea
number
10 could
prove
to be too
much
for a
Tottenham
defence in
which, Spurs
boss
Mau-
ricio Po-
chettino is still trying
to identify his strongest back
four.
Tottenham have to also try
and keep the ball out of the
magical feet of Spaniard
Cesc Fabregas.The summer
acquisition from Barce-
lona has really hit the
ground running
this season in
the Barclays
Premier
League, currently
leading the division
in terms of assists and
chances created.
Fabregas, along with fel-
low summer buy Diego
Costa have linked up
superbly this season,
and will undoubtedly
prove to be a handful
for the Spurs midfield
to contain.
The fitness of Diego
Costa could be an
issue for Chelsea, with the
Spaniard still not fully fit ac-
cording to the club’s backroom
staff. However, he has also
made a huge impact for the
blues this season, and if what
he has done so far is far from
the peak of his fitness, a fully
fit Costa will surely be a force
to be reckoned with.
He along with Hazard and
Fabregas will be sure to be
involved in Chelsea’s key
attacking moves as the tie
progresses.
CHELSEA
LAST 5:
Chelsea 1- 1 Burnley
PsG 1- 1Chelsea
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Villa 1 -2 Chelsea
Chelsea 1-1 Man City
Wembley Stadium. Sunday 1st March 2015. 16:00
Above: ‘The Special One’- Jose Mourninho

SPURS
L
ikewise for Spurs, one of their
main threats as they look
to engrave their name once
again on the Capital One Cup, will
undoubtedly come from a creative
midfielder, in the form of the Dane
Christian Eriksen. Eriksen has been
one of Tottenham’s leading creative
influences during the 2014/15
campaign, lending his hand to a
number of the key goals and as-
sists during the season.The 23 year
old likes to drift within the lines
of attack and defence, linking up
play and picking out key passes. He
proved to be the hero in the semi’s
against Sheffield United, with a
last grasp winner to send Spurs to
Wembley.
There is cause for concern re-
garding the best starting 11 of a
Tottenham side which current boss
Mauricio Pochettino has yet to
mould into his perfect Spurs side.
The 42-year-old Argentine is work-
ing with a side, which he inherited
from former boss Tim Sherwood,
and since his summer move from
Southampton, has constantly
tinkered to find his best XI. Jug-
gling the Premier League with the
Europa League and League cup, has
forced Spurs into fielding a number
of different sides throughout the
season so far.
Finally, England hotshot, Harry
Kane has took the Premier League
by storm this season, and has fully
cemented his place in Pochettino’s
side.The 21 year old can lead the
line well with a balanced mixture
of strength, composure and in
telligence, which saw him bag an
impressive brace against the Blue’s
when the sides last met in January.
He will prove to be a handful for
both Terry and Cahill no doubt, and
if allowed time on the ball, will
look to utilise his dynamic shoot-
ing range, drilling shots at the
Chelsea goalkeeper.
LAST 5:
Fiorentina 2-0 Spurs
Spurs 2-2 West Ham
Spurs 1-1 Fiorentina
Liverpool 3-2 Spurs
Spurs 2-1 Arsenal
Above: Spurs Boss, Mauricio Pochettino
We think, it will be a
physical, strenuous
game from the get go.The
game will be won or lost in
the final third, depending on
which key player’s show up
on the day.The pressure and
excitement of the occasion
could prove to be too much
for Tottenham’s younger
players such as Dier, Mason
and Bentaleb.This could be
exploited by the experience
and class of Fabregas and
Hazard, and could prove
costly for Spurs if Pochettino
chooses to put his faith in
his talented youth players,
like he has for much of the
season.
Below: Harry Kane, Branislav Ivanovic Right: Predicted Starting XI
AfterTheWhistle... Predicts
Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

10 11www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015 [Dateline: Sunday February
24th]
TOON
IN TROUBLE
Unlike EastEnders, which cur-
rently has the nation hooked
on its latest tumultuous storyline, the
on-going soap opera at St James’ Park
has once again left fans with a sour
taste in their mouth, in light of New-
castle United’s recent 5-0 thrashing at
the hands of Manchester City.
Club legend and football pundit, Alan
Shearer described the recent drubbing
at the Etihad as “Pathetic”, and an “Em-
barrassing Display” on BBC’s Match of
The Day programme, a bold statement
which the black and white faithful
won’t be protesting.
Another Newcastle United legend in
the form of Two-time manager, and
former player Kevin Keegan, also
commented after the Manchester City
game in an interview, saying “It hurts
me to say it but Newcastle are a club
going nowhere.’ The 64 year old then
added “‘John Carver is valuable to
have around the place but he won’t be
manager next season.”
The club’s management later issued a
formal apology to the fans after Unit-
ed’s dismal display at the weekend, in
the form of John Carver’s post match
press conference,
“ We were unable to deal with the ear-
ly pressure at all. Coming to a stadium
like this, to face a team like this, it was
always going to a difficult task for us”.
“I thought they were better than us in
every single department, we knew it
was going to be a difficult game, but
for a group of fans the size we brought
here today, it simply wasn’t good
enough”.
The Mighty Mags are currently tee-
tering around the mid point of the
Barclays Premier League table.
This season has had an all too common
feel to it, with a series of desperate
performances, and fans being once
again, kept in the dark by their own-
er, Mike Ashley. United currently sit
in 11th position, with European hopes
out of the question, and relegation
from the top flight, still a possibility.
Current boss John Carver, who is the
former long-term assistant to the late
Toon legend, Sir Bobby Robson, was
far from the fans choice. After a series
of under par results and a myriad of
abuse from the ‘Sack Pardew’ brigade,
former gaffer, Alan Pardew was finally
excused from his post at St James’.
However there was some feeling
amongst pockets of fans that Geor-
die born Carver’s enthusiasm and
deep-rooted affiliation with the club
would resonate with the players, and
give United a new lease of life.The
job has been given to Carver until the
end of the season, with him hoping to
secure the job on a full time basis.

CITY’S AGUERO
BATTLES WITH NEWCASTLE’S
FABRICIO COLOCCINI
“It hurts me to say but Newcastle United are a
club going nowhere” - Keegan.
This however, at present is not
the case. Frustrating substitu-
tions, a lack of tactical proficiency
and failure to adopt his own style
of play to the current crop of
overpaid journeymen, has resulted
in the Magpies season seemingly
fizzling out, with relegation not
completely out of the question.
Furthermore, failure to recruit a
single player, in the recent January
transfer window, despite the need
for depth within the current squad,
and the news that young defender
Paul Dummet will more than likely
miss the bulk of United’s remain-
ing Premier League fixtures, could
have further angered and confused
fans. Dummet joins the ever grow-
ing list of casualties on the New-
castle United treatment table, after
recent news that summer signing
Siem De Jong, is set to face further
setback after a collapsed lung.
The decision to not sign a defend-
er, for a club with a severe lack
of depth within the rear-guard at
present, was strangely defended
by Carver in a recent interview.
Carver insisted there was no need
to recruit back-ups in the window,
and went onto comment about the
current injury crisis at the club,
saying, “Two weeks ago, we were
one player away from having a
fully-fit squad. I was so excited
about that. Who is to say that’s not
the end of it?
...It’s always a concern when you
lose player, especially of the qual-
ity we have lost.You can get away
with losing one or two young lads.
“You’d normally get one or two of
those in a season - we got three in
a week. It’s a bit unfortunate. It’s
no good sulking or making excus-
es, that’s life and we have to deal
with it.”
This comes after United were left
with only four fit senior defenders
in their squad.Yet another deci-
sion, which will no doubt leave,
fans scratching their heads.
Another area, which has to be
assessed, is the apparent lack of
leaders within the club. Long gone
are the days of Shearer, Speed and
Beardsley and even more recently,
Nolan, Barton and Carroll. For a
club with no direction, diligence
or passion, surely a leader of men
is a must in order to command the
dressing room, and to reward the
52,000 loyal Geordie faithful for
their on going and unrelenting
support.
Whilst current owner Mike Ashley
is away holidaying in the Baha-
mas, or trying to transform Ibrox
into the spearhead Scottish branch
for Sports Direct, the North East’s
most famous club will carry on
with it’s soap opera. Starved of
leaders and devoid of form and
commitment.
Next
Month
GARETH BALE
TALKS
MADRID
RONALDO, AND
LIFE IN LA LIGA
April Issue
+
MUCH MORE
Top Right: Current Boss, John Carver Bottom Right: Magpies Owner, Mike Ashley

www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 201514 15
www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015
MANCHESTER CITY 1
V
FC BARCELONA 2
Sergio Aguero managed to pull
back a vital goal, keeping Man-
chester City’s hopes of qualifying
alive, as they came out as 2-1 losers
to Barcelona in front of 45,000 at
the Etihad.
Two intricately worked first half
goals from former Liverpool front
man Luis Suarez, sent the Catal-
onian visitors into the half time
break in comfort, after their early
dominance in Tuesday’s last 16
Champions league first leg.
City came out fighting in the
second half, with in form Sergio
Aguero pulling one back, before
Lionel Messi
squandered the chance to put his
team further ahead, missing a late
spot kick.
It looked increasingly like the team
from the blue half of Manchester
were going to go all square in the
later stages of the match, before an
unnecessary foul on Barca full back,
Dani Alves forced the referee to
present City’s Gael Clichy with his
second yellow card of the night,
leaving the hosts with 10 men.
The visitors were able to see out
the tie with a 2-1 victory, and 2
valuable away goals in their pock-
et, ensuring a comfortable flight
home for the Spanish giants.
However City are far from out of the
tie, and will have the returning Ivo-
ry Coast captain; Yaya Toure back at
the heart of their midfield for the
away leg, after completing the last
game of his 3 match ban.
Despite City going with a surprising-
ly attacking line-up, with manager;
Manuel Pellegrini opting for 2 strikers
in his favoured 4-4-2 formation, it
was unsurprisingly Barcelona who
dominated the majority of the early
proceedings.
It wasn’t long before the former
Liverpool man Suarez put the visitors
ahead, firing a neat shot past City
keeper Joe Hart, following a lucky
rebound off skipper Vincent Kompany
dropped kindly into his path, in the
16th minute.
The deadly Uruguayan added his
second of the night not long after,
and heaped more misery on City who
seemed to lack shape, composure and
fight. Suarez stabbed home a low,
driven cross from full back Jordi Alba
as he linked up superbly with Barca
talisman; Messi who skipped past 3 on
looking City defenders with ease.
Barca threatened again not long after,
after an uncharacteristic mistake from
James Milner, saw the ball graze Hart’s
crossbar from a Dani Alves strike.
The half time whistle couldn’t have
came sooner for City, who were left
flustered and unorganised going into
the break.
City needed to start the second half
with all guns blazing, and did. With
strike pair Sergio Aguero and Edin Dze-
ko, Immediately registering a few close
chances, early into the second half. An
increased intensity and pressure final-
ly led to reward for City, who rounded
up a lengthy spell of dominance with
Aguero firing home brilliantly in the
69th minute. A clever flick from Span-
iard; David Silva, saw Aguero power
through three challenges on the edge
of the Barcelona box, before hammer-
ing the ball into the top right, leaving
Ter Stegen grounded on his line.
However, City’s comeback hopes
suffered a major setback just minutes
after they seemingly hit
top gear, with full back Gael Clichy not
heeding referee Felix Brych’s
first half warning and being sent
for an early bath.This left the
hosts with a man down,
as they looked to
see out the last 20 minutes
of the fiercely fought first leg.
With stoppage time looming, City
nearly saw their hopes of going to the
Camp Nou with a fighting chance
diminish, as right back Pablo Zabaleta
brought down Messi in the home side’s
area, resulting in a penalty kick.
A moment of brilliance from the
impressive Hart, saw Messi’s spot kick
palmed away, before the little Argen-
tinian squandered the rebound with a
misplaced header, in front of the City
fans.
The result was far from terrible for City,
who hung on to see out the rest of the
tie at 2-1. However with Barca’s front
3 of Messi, Suarez and Neymar final-
ly starting to tick into gear, and the
Spanish Giants looking increasingly
like their brilliant best, the blues have
it all to do going into the second leg on
March 18th, at the Camp Nou.
CITY’S HART SAVES MESSI PEN
AGUERO BATTLES JORDI ALBA PELLEGRINI
Above: Barcelona’s Suarez, celebrates scoring his first against Joe Hart
1st leg

Stevenage in an Fa Cup Replay, in the Fourth round. If I remem-
ber correctly, they drew against us at their place, but we beat
them 2-1 in the reverse leg at St James. Shearer grabbed himself
a couple that day, it was the first time I had the chance to watch
him play.
So would you say Alan Shearer was your boyhood
hero growing up?
Without a doubt. I think you will struggle to find a Newcastle
United supporter, in the Shearer era that would say differently.
The man had it all for me, strength, aggression, and obviously
an eye for goal. He was a complete striker. I remember going
to matches when I was younger, and seeing a sea of ‘Shearer 9’
replica kits, everywhere I looked. He wasn’t the biggest lad on
the pitch, or the fastest, but his movement and the way
eh rose for headers was outstanding. For me, he was
the best striker the Premier League has ever seen,
and I tried when I was a lad, to base a lot of my
game, around the way he played.
What was it that made you want to
be a striker?
As long as I can remember, I have always just
wanted to score goals, and I have been lucky
that, that skill has seemed to come fairly natu-
rally to me. I think I am quite a tenacious player.
I like to get stuck into the action; I think that is a
trait that many strikers these days lack. Some of the
ones coming across to England from various leagues in
Europe, seem to lack that aggression, and intensity that
old fashioned strikers such as Les Ferdinand, Eric Cantona,
and of course Alan Shearer used to have.
The fact that I am 6 foot 4 also helps as a striker; I think it
makes me more of a threat, especially in the air, and with
assists. I would say I am much more than a target man.
Is there anything that you would kick out of the
modern game?
I think that the modern game, especially with all the new rules
regulations, and foam lines, is getting a bit out of hand. People
seem to be getting handed bans left right and centre.This sort
of thing happened to me last season, when we played Coventry
City. It had been a hard fought game, right from kick off and we
were desperate for a goal. Fortunately, I ended up scoring a last
minute winner, and darted straight for the fans to celebrate.The
emotions and relief just took over, and then the ref marched
over with the yellow card. I think it is ridiculous that you can get
booked for celebrating a goal with your own fans.
You’re currently playing at Swindon Town. What
made you move there, and how are you enjoying
your football at the club?
Yes, I am really enjoying my football. Swindon offered me a good
chance to progress my footballing career, which is why I was
keen to secure move down there. I have scored something like
15 goals in 29 starts this season. I think that is quite a good
return, and hopefully there will be more to come.
You are sitting a comfortable 3rd in League 1, and
you look to have secured a playoff spot. How do you
feel about a trip to Wembley?
We have had a great season so far, we are hitting our targets,
and the boys are playing well. It is a dream to play at Wembley,
which sounds like a cliché for a footballer, but it truly is.You grow
up watching all the big names there, in cup finals, and interna-
tionals, it would be an honour to play there, and if we get there,
here’s hoping that we get the win.
‘AfterTheWhistle’
Talks To
MICHAEL
SMITH
‘AfterTheWhistle’ recently caught
up with striker, Michael Smith
of highflying league one outfit
Swindon Town, for a one to one
interview.
What are your first memories of
playing football?
Growing up, I lived in a small cul-de-sac
in Newcastle, in a town called Wallsend.
There was about eight or nine other
lads, around my age who also lived
there, who all happened to be football
mad. Everyone in the area was at the
time.We all used to rush home from
school, whack on a pair of trainers,
and play football in the street until it
was time for tea.This happened every
night when I was a kid. It’s strange to
me these days, how you don’t seem to
see many kids playing on the streets,
not just football, but anything.
Which club gave you your break?
My first professional club was Darlington
FC. It’s quite an ironic story actually, my
time at Darlington. I was released by
Darlington after I finished my apprentice-
ship with the club. It turned out however,
that they were short of players with two
games to go in the season. Strangely
enough, I ended up starting a game
against Maccelsfield and scored the first
goal.After the game, I headed off home,
and my phone starting ringing. It was the
gaffer. He offered me a one-year contract.
I would say that is probably the proudest
moment of my career.
As a youth you played for
Wallsend Boys Club. A club that
kick-started the careers of players
such as Alan Shearer and Michael
Carrick. How did you find your
time playing for the boys club?
I really enjoyed my time there.At the time
they were a cut above everyone else, their
ethos was all about the development of
their players. It was a great stepping-stone
for my career.The Boys Club seemed to
take everything more serious than the
other teams in the area, and I think that
reverberated within everyone at the club.
It’s one of those teams that will always
stick with you. I learned so much during
my time there, not only as a player, but
also as a person.
Why do you think the small club,
churns out so many successful
footballers?
Well firstly, they have standards, some
might call it class. I remember playing
in a tournament in Skegness, which we
won.All of the staff and players went to
the presentation evening dressed in black
pants, a white shirt ironed to a crisp, and
club tie. I remember looking around at
the other clubs in the room, and thinking
that they had made no effort.After the
trophy presentation, everyone came up
to us. Parents, the opposition players, the
other managers all came up to us and told
us how smart and professional we looked.
The Boys club helps turn young lads, into
men.
Do you remember the first foot-
ball match you attended?
I think it was Newcastle United vs.
Above: Swindon’s Smith converts against Preston North End
Left: Smith for Charlton Athletic Centre: Signing Wimbledon Contract Right: Smith for Swindon Town

What would you be doing if it
weren’t for football?
I think if it weren’t for football, I would be
an engineer. It was always in the back of
my mind if something went wrong with
my footballing career. I would still like to
give it a go one day maybe, after I hang
up my boots for good.
Finally, could you name me your
Premier League all time starting
11?
I would have to start with Joe Hart
between the sticks. He gets a lot of unfair
criticism, if you actually pay attention, and
study his movement and reactions, I don’t
think you are going to see a better keeper
in the Premier League for a long time
to come. He’s up there with the likes of
Schmeichel for me.
I think I would go with a back three of
Terry, Ferdinand and Ashley Cole. In their
prime, I don’t think there was anyone who
even came close, certainly not in my
lifetime.
For midfield I would go with Cristiano
Ronaldo [of Course], Steven Gerrard, Paul
Scholes, and finally Giggs. I don’t think I
have to say anything more. I can’t think of
many better players to watch, growing up.
Finally, I am going to have to go with a
front three of Shearer, Henry and Dennis
Bergkamp.All three were absolutely
world-class strikers, and for me as a
forward myself, there aren’t many better
role models in world
football to watch. One of
my fondest memories
of the Premier League,
is the goal Bergkamp
scored against Newcastle,
for Arsenal.The way he
flicked the ball around
Nikos Dabizas, with his
back to goal, and then
slotted past Shay Given,
was unbelievable.
W
Above: Michael Smith
looking on as Swindon
Town face Sheffield United

TOP
PREMIER
LEAGUE
FOREIGN
FLOPS
7
W
NICKLAS
BENDTNER
FERNANDO
MORIENTES
Club: Liverpool
Cost: £6.3 mil
Apps: 61
Goals: 12
Club: Sunderland
Cost: £13 mil
Apps: 21(21)
Goals: 1
Club: Arsenal
Cost: Free
Apps: 108(66)
Goals: 24
JOZY
ALTIDORE
The Spanish born striker secured a move
to Mersyside in 2005, after impressing
in a Real Madrid. He played for a number
of top flight European clubs during his
career, including Real Madrid, Monaco,
Valencia and of course, Liverpool. He also
managed to rack up an impressive 47 caps
for his international side, however he
failed to impress for the red’s, scoring only
12 goals before moving back to Spain. He
did however, managed to win both the
UEFA Super Cup, and the FA Cup during his
time with the club.
Altidore made his professional football
debut aged only 16 with the New
York Red Bulls, before securing a big
money move to Spanish outfit, Villareal.
His first stint in the Premier League was
a loan move to Hull, in which he only
managed to score 1 goal in 28 games.
However, the American born forward was
given a second chance to impress in the
Premier League, with Paolo Di Canio’s
Sunderland. After once again failing to
impress, he made the moved back to the
MLS, for Toronto FC.
The big Danish striker came through the
Arsenal youth system, before signing his
first professional contract in 2006. He was
sent on loan to various English clubs at the
start of his career, including Birmingham
City and Sunderland. He joined Serie A side,
Juventus for the duration of the 2012-2013
season, but Bendtner failed to get his name
on the score sheet during his time there. He
was released by Arsenal in 2014, and joined
Wolfsburg on a free transfer.
1 2
3

MATEJA KEžMAN
Club: Newcastle
Cost: £9 mil
Apps: 21
Goals: 1
Club: Middlesbrough
Cost: £12.5 mil
Apps: 42
Goals: 10
ALFONSO ALVES ALBERT LUQUE
#7
RADAMEL FALCAO
Club: Manchester United
(Loan)
Cost: £ 24 mil (inc wages)
Apps: 19
Goals: 4
The 29-year-old Columbian striker is
arguably the greatest example of a
Premier League flop at present. After the
sacking of David Moyes, Manchester United
acted quickly, and looked to the experience
and credentials of Dutchman, Louis Van
Gaal, who signed Falcao on loan from AS
Monaco.The fee was £6 million, with the
option to make the move permanent for
£43.5 million, if he proved to be a success
at Old Trafford. He has since, failed to make
an impact for the club, despite earning a
hefty, £265,000 a week in wages. Falcao has
scored just Four times in 19 Premier League
appearances for Manchester United, and has
suffered reoccurring injuries to the knee
that stopped him from playing in the 2014
World Cup. He was recently forced to play
with the Under 21 development squad, in
order to get some playing time.
The Serbian striker made his name during his time
at PSV Eidndhoven, before going on to play top-
flight football in a number of countries, including
Holland, England, Spain, France, Russia, Hong Kong
and Belarus.
He won the accolade of ‘Dutch Footballer of the Year’
in 2003, and was rewarded by a move to Chelsea.
Kežman failed to impress during his time in South
London, and immediateley moved to Athletico Ma-
drid the following season.
Club: Chelsea
Cost: £5.3 mil
Apps: 25
Goals: 4
16
4
5

THIS
ISSUE’S
muppet
of
the
month
With... STEVEN GERRARD
Above: Gerrard Hands the Armband to Jordan Henderson
Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard saw red just
seconds after coming on, as his side found them-
selves on the wrong end of a 2-1 score line, at the
hands of Manchester United at Anfield.
Manager Brendan Rodgers was left with a sour taste
in his mouth, after introducing Gerrard at the half
time interval, taking the place of Adam Lallana, as
he looked to bolster the Liverpool midfield with
some big game experience.
However, Gerrard soon seen red, after a heavy chal-
lenge on United goal scorer Juan Mata, he followed
up with another on Ander Herrera, after which
he proceeded to stamp on the ankle of the young
midfielder.
Referee Martin Atkinson, didn’t waste much time
before brandishing the red card, and the Liverpool
captain was given his marching orders, just 38
seconds after being introduced.
Gerrard has always been a ‘heart on the sleeve’ type
of player, who’s game is fuelled by emotion, lead-
ing his side to dramatic glory in both, the Champi-
ons League, and FA Cup in his illustrious career.
However, this is a moment, which the red’s skipper
will want to forget.
In a post match interview, Gerrard spoke of his
disappointment, “I just need to accept it, the ref
made the right decision. I know that I have let my
teammates down, I have let the manager down, and
more importantly, I have let the supporters down.
They were fantastic today.”
The Liverpool captain, who is currently playing his
last season in the Premier League, before moving
stateside, to play for LA Galaxy, was quick to har-
bour the responsibility, “ I take full responsibil-
ity for my actions. I have been in the game long
enough now, to know that when you do something
like that, especially with the timing of the chal-
lenge, with 45 minutes to play, it was a stupid
decision.”
The loss ended a 13 game unbeaten streak for
Liverpool, who have seen their season turn around
dramatically, after Christmas.
Gerrard ended the interview by saying, “I take full
responsibility for todays result.”
FACT!
Gerrard has recieved 7 Red Cards in his career, with over half of them being handed out in
games against Manchester United, and Mersyside rivals Everton

26 www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015
When have you seen red? We Want To Know!
Tweet the AfterTheWhistle team, for your chance to appear in next month’s
issue.
Tweet Us At
@LewisDewson
@AfterTheWhistle

FINISHED APPLIED PROJECT3

Empfohlen

Empfohlen

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Ähnlich wie FINISHED APPLIED PROJECT3

Ähnlich wie FINISHED APPLIED PROJECT3 (20)

FINISHED APPLIED PROJECT3