http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/ Laptop with Martin Lipton Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/We-all-love-FA-Cup-shocks-but-has-this-year-s-competition-been-ruined-by-the-early-exits-of-Manchester-United-Liverpool-Arsenal-et-al-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article345003.html The magic of the FA Cup. The dream of Wembley. The excitement of Cup Final day.Maybe. But maybe not.And as we look at an quarter-final weekend when there will be more attention on the three Premier League games, the problems caused to the competition when the big guns go out early are illustrated.Throughout the country, there was genuine enjoyment and amusement as Leeds turfed Manchester United out at Old Trafford and Reading won their third round replay at Anfield.Likewise, Stoke's triumphs ... The magic of the FA Cup. The dream of Wembley. The excitement of Cup Final day.Maybe. But maybe not.And as we look at an quarter-final weekend when there will be more attention on the three Premier League games, the problems caused to the competition when the big guns go out early are illustrated.Throughout the country, there was genuine enjoyment and amusement as Leeds turfed Manchester United out at Old Trafford and Reading won their third round replay at Anfield.Likewise, Stoke's triumphs ... Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:39:24 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/We-all-love-FA-Cup-shocks-but-has-this-year-s-competition-been-ruined-by-the-early-exits-of-Manchester-United-Liverpool-Arsenal-et-al-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article345003.html 2010-03-05T11:39:24Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Why-England-have-reasons-to-be-cheerful-and-reasons-to-be-fearful-as-they-bid-for-World-Cup-glory-this-summer-Martin-Lipton-s-big-lunchtime-read-article343577.html Jeers turned to cheers, faith was renewed, and a winning start to World Cup year meant the England fans left Wembley with dreams of glory.But between now and July 11, Fabio Capello has plenty of hurdles to overcome, a wealth of questions to answer, and a series of dilemmas to solve.That we should trust Don Fabio to solve them is self-evident. After all, think back to where were two and a half years ago under Steve McClaren and thank your lucky stars that we have the Italian at the helm.What i... Jeers turned to cheers, faith was renewed, and a winning start to World Cup year meant the England fans left Wembley with dreams of glory.But between now and July 11, Fabio Capello has plenty of hurdles to overcome, a wealth of questions to answer, and a series of dilemmas to solve.That we should trust Don Fabio to solve them is self-evident. After all, think back to where were two and a half years ago under Steve McClaren and thank your lucky stars that we have the Italian at the helm.What i... Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:42:57 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Why-England-have-reasons-to-be-cheerful-and-reasons-to-be-fearful-as-they-bid-for-World-Cup-glory-this-summer-Martin-Lipton-s-big-lunchtime-read-article343577.html 2010-03-04T11:42:57Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/To-boo-or-not-to-boo-John-Terry-has-been-punished-enough-without-the-bear-baiting-Wembley-crowd-jeering-his-every-touch-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article342463.html To boo, or not to boo. That, apparently, is the question.But with Fabio Capello echoing Wayne Rooney's call for the Wembley fans not to direct their frustrations at John Terry this evening, the spotlight will be shone once again on the man at the centre of the storm.Like it or not, and he surely will not, the game against Egypt is all about one man. Even if, this time, it is unlikely that anybody will refuse to shake his hand.Yet just as important is whether the fans who will come to see the ... To boo, or not to boo. That, apparently, is the question.But with Fabio Capello echoing Wayne Rooney's call for the Wembley fans not to direct their frustrations at John Terry this evening, the spotlight will be shone once again on the man at the centre of the storm.Like it or not, and he surely will not, the game against Egypt is all about one man. Even if, this time, it is unlikely that anybody will refuse to shake his hand.Yet just as important is whether the fans who will come to see the ... Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:48:43 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/To-boo-or-not-to-boo-John-Terry-has-been-punished-enough-without-the-bear-baiting-Wembley-crowd-jeering-his-every-touch-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article342463.html 2010-03-03T11:48:43Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Wayne-Rooney-might-be-unstoppable-but-Emile-Heskey-will-be-England-s-key-man-this-summer-Martin-Lipton-s-big-lunchtime-read-article341565.html He is, according to Germany boss Joachim Loew and even himself, "unstoppable".Big Interview - Wayne Rooney: 'I feel unstoppable' Wayne Rooney is enjoying the sort of season that even the great players rarely experience, a campaign in which everything he touches turns to gold.The player we all feared would be burned out by being asked to play as Manchester United's spearhead and pivot has instead been energised and improved by the burden of expectations.With 28 goals - the Community Shield inc... He is, according to Germany boss Joachim Loew and even himself, "unstoppable".Big Interview - Wayne Rooney: 'I feel unstoppable' Wayne Rooney is enjoying the sort of season that even the great players rarely experience, a campaign in which everything he touches turns to gold.The player we all feared would be burned out by being asked to play as Manchester United's spearhead and pivot has instead been energised and improved by the burden of expectations.With 28 goals - the Community Shield inc... Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:59:42 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Wayne-Rooney-might-be-unstoppable-but-Emile-Heskey-will-be-England-s-key-man-this-summer-Martin-Lipton-s-big-lunchtime-read-article341565.html 2010-03-02T11:59:42Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Ryan-Shawcross-s-tackle-on-Aaron-Ramsey-was-not-even-the-worst-of-the-weekend-but-now-Arsenal-have-a-cause-and-it-might-just-make-them-champions-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article340019.html They do not have a goal-scorer. They do not have a goalkeeper. They are short on cover at the back and were not even close to being a physical match for Chelsea or Manchester United.But as the stricken body of Aaron Ramsey was loaded onto the ambulance at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, Arsenal found something that cannot be manufactured or forced, than can only evolve out of events.At Stoke, Arsenal found "a cause", a reason to win, a galvanising influence. And one that might, just might,... They do not have a goal-scorer. They do not have a goalkeeper. They are short on cover at the back and were not even close to being a physical match for Chelsea or Manchester United.But as the stricken body of Aaron Ramsey was loaded onto the ambulance at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, Arsenal found something that cannot be manufactured or forced, than can only evolve out of events.At Stoke, Arsenal found "a cause", a reason to win, a galvanising influence. And one that might, just might,... Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:52:06 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Ryan-Shawcross-s-tackle-on-Aaron-Ramsey-was-not-even-the-worst-of-the-weekend-but-now-Arsenal-have-a-cause-and-it-might-just-make-them-champions-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article340019.html 2010-03-01T11:52:06Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Forget-John-Terry-vs-Wayne-Bridge-tomorrow-s-match-between-Chelsea-and-Manchester-City-is-all-about-Carlo-Ancelotti-vs-Roberto-Mancini-and-both-need-the-win-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article336377.html The Terry-Bridge sideshow has distracted attention all week.Indeed, even before kick-off at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, the scrutiny will be on whether the former best pals turned sworn enemies shake hands or even acknowledge each other.But while off-field events ensure the backdrop will be incendiary and the atmosphere potentially explosive, once the build-up gives way to the real thing, the pressure will actually be on Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini.For very different reasons, victory is... The Terry-Bridge sideshow has distracted attention all week.Indeed, even before kick-off at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, the scrutiny will be on whether the former best pals turned sworn enemies shake hands or even acknowledge each other.But while off-field events ensure the backdrop will be incendiary and the atmosphere potentially explosive, once the build-up gives way to the real thing, the pressure will actually be on Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini.For very different reasons, victory is... Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:57:13 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Forget-John-Terry-vs-Wayne-Bridge-tomorrow-s-match-between-Chelsea-and-Manchester-City-is-all-about-Carlo-Ancelotti-vs-Roberto-Mancini-and-both-need-the-win-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article336377.html 2010-02-26T11:57:13Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Martin-Lipton-Arsenal-and-Chelsea-defeated-in-Europe-but-omens-show-they-will-join-Manchester-United-in-next-round-of-the-Champions-League-article335517.html So, after a tempestuous, tumultuous couple of weeks, half-time for Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.Two losses and a solitary victory, both ties in the balance.But if the stats mean anything, we can prepare to see all three English survivors take their place in the last eight draw when it is held in Nyon on March 19.Certainly the trio still have work to do, especially Arsenal and Chelsea, who came back with deficits from their visits to Oporto and Milan.Yet the odds and past omens look ... So, after a tempestuous, tumultuous couple of weeks, half-time for Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.Two losses and a solitary victory, both ties in the balance.But if the stats mean anything, we can prepare to see all three English survivors take their place in the last eight draw when it is held in Nyon on March 19.Certainly the trio still have work to do, especially Arsenal and Chelsea, who came back with deficits from their visits to Oporto and Milan.Yet the odds and past omens look ... Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:38:18 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Martin-Lipton-Arsenal-and-Chelsea-defeated-in-Europe-but-omens-show-they-will-join-Manchester-United-in-next-round-of-the-Champions-League-article335517.html 2010-02-25T12:38:18Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Why-the-fitness-of-Rio-Ferdinand-is-a-much-bigger-World-Cup-problem-for-Fabio-Capello-than-the-state-of-England-s-South-African-training-facilities-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article334159.html Fabio Capello flew back from Johannesburg last night having been given assurances by FIFA that everything will be done to make sure England's World Cup training ground is fit for purpose.But while the Italian was still flying over the heart of Africa, the worrying news of Rio Ferdinand's latest injury set-back was filtering through - and sure to add further concerns to Capello's mind.That Capello will now have to pass the captain's armband down the line, presumably to Steven Gerrard, for next... Fabio Capello flew back from Johannesburg last night having been given assurances by FIFA that everything will be done to make sure England's World Cup training ground is fit for purpose.But while the Italian was still flying over the heart of Africa, the worrying news of Rio Ferdinand's latest injury set-back was filtering through - and sure to add further concerns to Capello's mind.That Capello will now have to pass the captain's armband down the line, presumably to Steven Gerrard, for next... Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:14:24 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Why-the-fitness-of-Rio-Ferdinand-is-a-much-bigger-World-Cup-problem-for-Fabio-Capello-than-the-state-of-England-s-South-African-training-facilities-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article334159.html 2010-02-24T12:14:24Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Why-Steven-Gerrard-is-right-the-penalty-shoot-out-is-England-s-biggest-barrier-to-World-Cup-glory-in-South-Africa-Martin-Lipton-s-Lunchtime-Read-article332841.html Fabio Capello probably always knew the biggest hurdle his players will have to clear this summer - but if he did not, Steven Gerrard has just confirmed it.Gerrard's surprisingly honest admission that he was unable to cope with the pressure of taking his shoot-out penalty against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup shone a light on the extra strain the prospect of sudden-death places on the minds of the England players.It was not as if Gerrard was a spot-kick virgin. After all, he scored for Liverp... Fabio Capello probably always knew the biggest hurdle his players will have to clear this summer - but if he did not, Steven Gerrard has just confirmed it.Gerrard's surprisingly honest admission that he was unable to cope with the pressure of taking his shoot-out penalty against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup shone a light on the extra strain the prospect of sudden-death places on the minds of the England players.It was not as if Gerrard was a spot-kick virgin. After all, he scored for Liverp... Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:23:47 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Why-Steven-Gerrard-is-right-the-penalty-shoot-out-is-England-s-biggest-barrier-to-World-Cup-glory-in-South-Africa-Martin-Lipton-s-Lunchtime-Read-article332841.html 2010-02-23T11:23:47Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Roberto-Mancini-needs-Carlos-Tevez-back-pronto-for-Manchester-City-to-have-any-chance-beating-Liverpool-Tottenham-and-Aston-Villa-to-last-Champions-League-spot-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article332353.html When Manchester City wanted to send out a statement of public intent before the season started, they wanted one man at the forefront of the campaign.The "Welcome to Manchester" slogan beneath the giant picture of Carlos Tevez was more than just a calculated insult aimed at raising Old Trafford hackles but also a message about City's new aims and ambitions.Yet given Tevez' less than prolific scoring form at Manchester United, nobody could have seriously predicted the Argentine would stand as t... When Manchester City wanted to send out a statement of public intent before the season started, they wanted one man at the forefront of the campaign.The "Welcome to Manchester" slogan beneath the giant picture of Carlos Tevez was more than just a calculated insult aimed at raising Old Trafford hackles but also a message about City's new aims and ambitions.Yet given Tevez' less than prolific scoring form at Manchester United, nobody could have seriously predicted the Argentine would stand as t... Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:41:14 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/laptop-martin-lipton/Roberto-Mancini-needs-Carlos-Tevez-back-pronto-for-Manchester-City-to-have-any-chance-beating-Liverpool-Tottenham-and-Aston-Villa-to-last-Champions-League-spot-Martin-Lipton-s-Big-Lunchtime-Read-article332353.html 2010-02-22T11:41:14Z true