James Lowson @jlowsonuclan-ac-uk ?

This list is dedicated to the players that have had the biggest impact in England’s top division since it was re-franchised in over 20 years ago. Most of the players on this list were able to transfer success in England over to European and international level, truly highlighting their class and legend status. A special mention to Sol Campbell, [...]

It doesn’t take a lot to constitute a crisis in modern football. Sunderland entered September, possibly even October on track to achieve the season’s goals and now a couple of demoralising home defeats leave a miserable cloud hanging over Wearside. Manchester City are also edging towards the dreaded ‘c’ word, such is the madness of football. The league [...]

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt over the past 18 months it’s that Twitter is the perfect tool for footballers to shoot themselves in the foot with, from Ashley Cole calling the “FA a bunch of tw*ts” to James McClean launching a rant against the Republic of Ireland boss for not selecting him. But while I [...]

Following Adam Johnson’s miserable start at Sunderland we look at ten players who have fallen well short of expectations. Johnson arrived on Wearside as the marquee signing, that had fans believing in the possibility of a top eight finish. Along with the failings of other important, creative players in the North East, the England international now seems somewhat [...]

The idea that fans know better than a manager in football really annoys me. Of course those who watch football are entitled to their opinion about the game and certain players. But I doubt Joe Bloggs down the pub really figured out the future of football was 4-2-3-1 until being told it was a hundred times [...]

Amidst all the criticism and condemnation of Arsenal’s sub-par performance against Manchester United one player appears to have got off lightly. Lukas Podolski was miserable and anonymous; he failed in both his defensive and attacking duties on Saturday. A few goals early in his Arsenal career along with his regular role in the German national team has meant [...]

Watching Sunderland slump to defeat at home against a side they were expected to beat was nothing new to Sunderland fans, in fact the game resembled that of many Black Cats’ performances over the past few years. The main thing which struck me as the North East side stuttered to a 0-1 defeat against Aston Villa was [...]

Much has been made of Arsene Wenger’s tactical short-comings against Manchester United. Aaron Ramsey starting on the right wing, ahead of an under-utilised Theo Walcott, persistence with Olivier Giroud and the catastrophic decision to not drop Andre Santos against the league’s best collection of wingers. While these are all valid points, there’s a much greater problem [...]

Defending appears to be a lost art in 2012. In English football this week an incredible set of Capital One Cup games have furthered highlighted teams dependence on attack over defence. Lots of England’s top teams appear to be using attack as the best form of defence. As Chelsea look to bring an expansive attacking, Barcelona-esque [...]

Following an embarrassing home defeat to Swansea City in the Capital One Cup it appears Brendan Rodgers has had enough. The Ulsterman is demanding money for reinforcements and honestly it’s hard to blame him. The 39-year-old inherited an over-priced squad lacking attacking talent and experience in defence. But will spending significant money really solve all Liverpool’s problems? [...]

One of Arsene Wenger’s most grating qualities is his inability to not pass judgement on everything. The Frenchman has recently chipped in criticising Chelsea’s allegations against Mark Clattenburg accusing the Blues of “going public with little proof”. While I agree with the sentiment that Chelsea should not have gone public unless they were absolutely certain Clattenburg had [...]

One of the main cliché’s launched at players and team’s is a concept of ‘second season syndrome’ – something I struggle to accept that a simplistic solution could be used to explain a teams or player’s failings. Two players at Wearside struggling in their second full season in England’s top division are James McClean and Stephane [...]

Two Chelsea players could be on their way out due to contract disputes and they couldn’t contrast more in importance for the Blues. Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole could be on their way, with the loss of the latter unthinkable considering his continued contribution to the first team. Cole may be 31 but to risk losing him [...]

Athletes representing nations not from their countries birth remains a major talking point in sport, but is it really that much of a big deal? When Germany benefit so greatly from players not born in their nation, I think England are too stubborn and old fashioned in their views on international football. Most sports see the greatest [...]

Draw number six and Sunderland are still looking for something to get excited about. A point away from home at Stoke City would normally be considered a great result but in a season where Sunderland have won just a solitary Premier League game it has failed to raise spirits on Wearside. While it has been an underwhelming start [...]

Already nearly a quarter of the way through the Premier League season, it’s time to assess what we’ve learnt about Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland. The Wearsiders have tasted defeat and victory just once and a poor quality of pitch means they’re a game short on 18 of their rivals. I’d give Sunderland a D in terms of progress this year, but [...]

For now there is no one better suited for the Sunderland captaincy than Lee Cattermole. Often mocked outside of Wearside for his poor disciplinary record, what’s often lost on fans outside the Stadium of Light is Cattermole’s talent. The 24-year-old is constantly improving and acts as a driving force and leader at Sunderland. One of the main [...]