Sanchez Brace Sinks Poor England

Alexis Sanchez makes it two

Outclassed. Outgunned. Outplayed. That would be my three word summary of what I witnessed on friday night. 

A brace for Barcelona front man Alexis Sanchez either side of half-time was enough for Chile to seal a comprehensive and deserved 2-0 victory at Wembley.

England were poor from the off and despite three debutants in the sides it was the more established players who let the team down. England may have been missing some key personal however I honestly do not think they would have made that much difference.

The game highlighted many issues within the England team and the trouble they will have at next summer's World Cup.

The Chilean's started very brightly and in all honestly could have been three up by half-time and England could not have complained. Man of the match Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a diving header past the helpless debutant Fraser Forster. Then in the 90th minute a woeful defensive error from Cahill sent Sanchez clean through before cooly chipping Forster. I thought Forster maybe went down too soon and made Sanchez mind up for him however I do not blame him,  Sanchez was through one on one and Forster was left totally exposed.

Forster had a very good game making some very good saves as well as being virtually blameless for both goals. For me he is a real contender for that number 1 spot. Joe Hart will be back for the Germany game but the pressure on him will be huge.

Defensively England were very poor all night, with Cahill and Jones looking totally out of their depth. The lack of pace between the pair was exposed badly as they both resembled big, slow, traction engines compared to the dainty, skilful, quick and balance of the Chilean forwards. This must give Roy Hodgson a major concern over this area of the team. Also I am a big fan of Leighton Baines but he had a torrid night. You could argue that he had no cover however it was not his best game to put it nicely. For sure Ashley Cole will now start on Tuesday against the Germans.

Attacking wise England were not much better as we struggled to create anything of real note. The Chileans did show their 'professional' nature throughout the game as when any English player did break through or look like starting something they were immediately fouled as happened to Jack Wilshire on a few occasions. Although in the main, England hardly troubled the weak Chilean back line.

The first issue that struck me was the speed of the Chileans. Now I am not just talking about speed in a physical sense, of which they had plenty, but also mentally. The speed of the Chile side combined with their delightful ball skills was something England just could not cope with. Even more worrying is that granted this is a good Chilean side by they are not of the level of Brazil or Argentina.

I still look on in disbelief when I see the likes of James Milner starting and finishing with a central midfield of Tom Cleverley and Jordan Henderson. None of these players are good enough for International Football and should not be on the plane to Brazil. End of. They bring nothing, they do not even impress for their respected clubs in the Premier League. I was disappointed Lambert did not get any game time as I feel he should be given a chance. I hope to see him in the Germany game even if just for last 20/30 minutes.

I do not like to over analyse friendlies as they should be used to try new players and formations as is done by other major international sides but this was a particularly painful watch. I do not think Hodgson should be criticised for trying new players. I think he will have learnt an awful lot about some of those players from last night.

Of the debutants Forster looked good while Lallana and Rodriguez struggled. Neither really managed to impact on the game in the way they would have hoped but I feel Lallana will start against Germany.

England really were taught a lesson by a fine Chilean side. What is also concerning is this was in England, at Wembley in November. What chance have we got in South America?

England were booed off at the end and I expect changes for Germany game. I expect Hart, Walker, Gerrard, Cole, Sturridge and Townsend to start while changes at centre back with certainly Jagielka and possibly Smalling.  

London Provides The Perfect Home For The World Tour Finals

'The Super Bowl of Tennis'

It was recently announced that the World Tour Finals will continue to be held in London for the next two years. 

This is fantastic news and seems an obvious decision. This event has had huge success since it arrived in London in 2009. This past week has seen the 17,500 capacity at the O2 packed out for all of the singles matches and the figures show that over 250,000 people attended the event last week.

There is no doubt that the decision to place this tournament in London has been a good one and one which must have brought plenty of revenue to the ATP. This is further highlighted by the fact that Chris Kermode, the managing director of the tournament, will taking over as Head of the ATP. Described by Kermode as the 'Super Bowl of Tennis' the Tour Finals has been seen by over 1.2 million people since 2009. How this man was overlooked for top jobs within the LTA is astonishing but that is another issue.  

Furthermore the tournament provides the public with the best chance to see the top players play one another. For example I saw Rafael Nadal play David Ferrer and Roger Federer play Novak Djokovic as well as two high quality doubles matches including the Bryan brothers for just over £60. This is incredible value. That singles line up was the same as the French Open semi-finals in 2012 of which tickets would be near impossible to get or be unaffordable to the majority of the public.

Another boost for this event has been that the players have come out and spoken very well of the tournament, the arena and the fans. Personally having attended the event this year for the first time I was amazed at just how good it was. The organisation was spot on and the whole production created a very special atmosphere. There was a sense of entertainment about it that is not seen at other tournaments or at the Grand Slams. This is not to say that it is better, but different and that is great for the tour.

However Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal while both being very complimentary of the arena and event have both voiced the opinion that the venue should be changed but for different reasons. For Djokovic he makes the point that Tennis is a global game and as such should move around while Nadal would like to see the surface changed, ideally to clay (no shock there).

Djokovic's point is a perfectly valid one and this event has moved around the world before. However the success that London is having will mean it will be a big decision to take it away. Currently 9 of the top 10 hail from Europe and so taking it outside of Europe would not really make much sense. Also the London time zone is friendly to broadcasters around the world. London will have the tournament to at least 2015 however I can seen this being extended for sure.

On Nadal comments of changing the surface, the tournament has only ever been outside on 3 occasions and none of them were on clay. The reason it is indoor is the time of year. To play a tournament in November it makes sense to have it indoors. Nadal argues the players play on all surfaces to qualify so it should be changed however I do not agree with this. It comes at the end of the indoor season and so it would not make much sense to change surface for one tournament. Also given Nadal's failure to win the event it is no surprise he would wish it could place on clay where he is so strong.

So Djokovic's point is stronger and will ultimately prevail as the tournament will eventually leave London I just hope that it is not in the near future. 

Dominant Djokovic Retains Title

Djokovic retains World Tour Finals title

Novak Djokovic has won the ATP World Tour Finals for the second year in a row after defeating Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-3 6-4 at the O2 Arena in London.

In a very dominant display Djokovic claimed his second straight win over Nadal, after victory by the same scoreline in the Beijing final, and means that Djokovic ends the year on a 22 match winning run.

It is the World Number 2 third success at the tournament for the having also won in 2008 and 2012.

The result leaves Nadal still waiting for his first World Tour Final having now been beaten in two finals however despite this disappointment it has possibly been his greatest year finishing with 2 Grand Slams and the World Number 1 ranking.

Nadal never really looked comfortable on the night whereas Djokovic, whom the indoor environment favours, looked right at home. The Serb started brilliantly gaining a 3-0 lead however a missed break point opportunity appeared to have changed the momentum as Nadal came storming back to 3-3. But Djokovic dug in from the Nadal onslaught and held for 4-3 before powering on to capitalise on 2 double faults by Nadal to gain the break and serve out the set.

The length and pace of Djokovic's play was just too good for Nadal during the first set and this continued into the second. Nadal's forehand was becoming ever looser as the unforced error count rose and Djokovic soon had a break and a 2-1 lead.

Nadal fought on and saved two break points to stop going further behind but in the end Djokovic was too strong and when another Nadal's forehand went wide the Serb had the victory.

Nadal was certainly not at his best with 4 double faults, 23 unforced errors and only 9 winners illustrating the trouble he was having.

This is a rivalry that now holds a 22-17 head-to-head advantage to Nadal however it is nicely poised for 2014. The battle between the two is sure to continue with the next possible meet being at the Australian Open in January, where Djokovic is the returning champion. Nadal was absent in 2013 but the two did meet in an incredible final back in 2012, one which Djokovic won in 5 sets in over 6 hours of playing time.

So plenty to look forward to as the battle between these two continues into 2014 and thats not to mention the return of Andy Murray to the fold as well as improving players such as Juan Martin Del Potro and not forgetting the great Roger Federer, can he mount a serious challenge in 2014?

I personally can not wait to watch it all unfold.

Tony McCoy Rides 4,000th Winner

McCoy clinches historic win

Tony McCoy has become the first man to ever ride 4,000 winners after his victory with the second of his two rides at Towcester.

The eighteen times champion jockey reached the milestone by leading 6/4 favourite Mountain Tunes to victory in the 15:10 GMT  in a stunning finish.

With two to jump Mountain Tunes was five lengths off the lead and it seemed McCoy may have to wait for that historic winner. However McCoy rallied his horse and despite being third as he came over the last powered on slowly gained on the leader Kris Spin before getting in front just before the line.

The drive and determination shown by McCoy is why he is the greatest. He is such a strong finisher and that is why I have heard people say on numerous occasions, 'If McCoy couldn't win on it than no one could have'.

After the race McCoy said,

"It was just amazing, it couldn't have worked out any better, racing people are fantastic.

To do it for Jonjo and the McManus's is brilliant as they've been so good to me, it was always, hopefully, going to be in JP's colours.

I've had the same agent, Dave Roberts, from day one and his Dad sadly passed away yesterday so I'd like to dedicate this to him". (Click on the video for full interview) 

What was even better was his family were there, his daughters, his wife and father all celebrated the win. It was a great moment for racing. The commentator said as McCoy crossed the line: 

"What a hero, what a sportsman, what a jockey"

It may have been pre-reheared but without doubt this is a sentiment echoed by thousands of people nationwide.

The ride showed the reason why he is the greatest jump jockey of all time. His victory in the Gold Cup on Synchronised was one of the greatest rides I have ever seen. He was working on it for virtually the entire race. To get that home was remarkable.

I just hope he keeps riding for a while longer as I doubt there will ever be another as great in my lifetime if ever again. 

Click on the video below to relive the moment.  

England Calls For Rodriguez And Lallana

Rodriguez has had a strong start to the season.

Southampton duo Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana have both been brought into the England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Chile and Germany.

Both players have had strong starts to the season and join fellow Southampton player Rickie Lambert by earning a call up.

Rodriguez endured a difficult time at the start of last season after his £6million move from Burnley and was even labelled the worst summer signing by some journalists. However he has worked very hard and is now a main stay of the Southampton team. 

Whether they are good enough for International football remains to be seen but this is the perfect opportunity try them out. 

Roy Hodgson confirmed that Joe Hart would start in one of the friendlies despite losing his place at Manchester City recently.  Hodgson confirmed Hart is his number one. Personally I would like to see Fraser Forster in both games. I feel he deserves a chance and should be given game time. It would do Hart good to know his place is under threat for both club and country. 

Looking at the squad a couple of names stand out - but for the wrong reasons. Jordan Henderson and Tom Cleverley for me really do not deserve a place. Neither have had particularly strong starts to the season and feel others could have been given a chance. I honestly feel that if they didn't not play for Liverpool and Manchester United respectively they would not be in the squad. 

Despite this I like the fact that Hodgson is willing to try new players, unlike his predecessor, and gives people a chance who deserve it as this gives hope to others within the Premier League. I hope to see Lallana, Rodriguez, Barkley, Lambert and Forster all getting game time.   

Goalkeepers

Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, John Ruddy.

Defenders

Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders

Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere.

Forwards

Jermain Defoe, Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Daniel Welbeck.

Djokovic Battles Past Federer

Djokovic serves to Federer

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer for the second time in a matter of days to start to defence of his ATP Tour Finals title in style.

Djokovic claimed a 6-4 6-7 6-2 victory over the World Number 6 in front of a capacity crowd at the O2 Arena in London. This result keeps Djokovic's slim hopes of returning to World Number 1 alive for a little bit longer. 

This match was the headline act of an already action packed day and the men who have a total of 23 Grand Slams between them did not disappoint.  However Federer could not match the consistency of Djokovic from the back of the court and on serve at the crucial moments in the game. 

Despite both mens success it was obvious from the start that the majority of the crowd were supporting Federer, who despite a disappointing season always has massive support around the world. 

After a tight start which had seen the score at 4-4, Federer managed to manoeuvre a break point chance however his forehand shot just dropped out much to the disappointment of his supporters within crowd of whom the majority thought it was in. 

This miss was compounded as Djokovic then broke Federer after some wayward forehands to hand the World Number 2 the opening set in 37 minutes. 

At the beginning of the second set Federer came out firing but despite breaking Djokovic on two occasions he could not take advantage. At 5-4 Federer was serving for the set however another loose forehand saw him miss the opportunity to seal the set. 

On to a tie-break, and Federer steamed into a 4-2 lead with a stunning forehand that just brushed the line. Federer went on a win the next 3 points and send this match into a deciding 3rd set.

Having only played two days before in his victory at the Paris Masters it appeared that maybe Djokovic was struggling. He was visible angry with himself at the end of the second set. Maybe a chance for Federer to push on and use the forward momentum he appeared to have but such thoughts soon disappeared as Djokovic broke to love in the first game of the third set, which set the scene for what followed.

Djokovic suddenly upped a gear and powered his way to a 5-1 lead breaking Federer twice. Now serving superbly and finding the lines with ease he closed out the set to love to extend his winning run to 18 matches since his defeat in the US Open final back in September. 

The defending Champion looks on course to retain his title and after witnessing his performance today it is hard to back against him. I had never really appreciated just how good he is until I saw him live in this match. Personally I just think he will be too strong for anyone in the competition. 

For Federer it highlighted the problems he has been having all season however he has certainly improved of late. He did not play that badly it was just at the key moments he faltered. I expect him to beat Richard Gasquet however Juan Martin Del Potro with be a very tough match.