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THE WEEK ON THE TEES 26-3-08
Luke Raine
There has been one major talking point during the last week of domestic football and it came to a head during “Grand Slam Sunday”.
Steve Bennett's decision to show Javier Mascherano a second yellow card for dissent has been praised by most people but I feel that the Argentinian can perhaps feel slightly hard done to.
Firstly, if "Grand Slam Sunday" had taken place a week earlier (which is unlikely because March 16th wasn’t a Bank Holiday), would Mascherano have been given a yellow card?
I have seen players show a lot more dissent than Mascherano did and not even get a talking to from the referee, let alone a card.
What cannot be excused is the reaction from the Liverpool midfielder when leaving the field of play. To say his reaction was childish wouldn’t even cover it.
There is no doubting that this is an area of the game which needs to be looked at and there is no doubting that Mascherano deserved a yellow card for his constant sniping at the referee.
What I have a problem with is the level of consistency from officials.
Next weekend, there will be plenty of instances like the Mascherano one and I am fairly certain that no one will be taking an early bath because of it.
The outcome of Sunday’s football was that the Premier League title race now appears to be a straight fight between Manchester United and Chelsea.
With Boro’s ability to raise their game against the big sides, I wouldn’t bet against our results against these two having a big impact on where the trophy ends up come May.
People at The Riverside on Saturday cannot have failed to notice the adverse weather conditions during the second half. At times, I was having trouble spotting the ball as a result of the falling snow.
The reason I say this is because every winter, the moneymen at The FA have a brilliant idea.
They bring out a yellow football to be played with during the winter months because it will make a great Christmas present for the youngsters watching the game.
Everyone is happy - The FA’s pockets are swelling whilst the children can show off their football off the TV to their mates.
So how come then, that when there is actually a snow shower during a Premier League game, a yellow ball isn’t used?
Not that it surprised me that one was not used - common sense is rarely a trait that is linked to the national governing body of our sport.
With seven games remaining this season, Saturday’s result stretched the gap between ourselves and the relegation zone to eight points.
Although the performance wasn’t the most fluent ever seen, there can be no doubting the battling qualities shown by the side. The performance of Lee Cattermole in particular highlighted what had been missing during the games against Reading and Cardiff.
David Wheater’s outstanding season was finally given coverage from the national press last week after his inclusion in Fabio Capello’s initial thirty man England squad.
Sadly, Wheater didn’t make the cut into the final twenty-three but questions must be asked about the need for a preliminary squad in the first place.
From where I am standing, I don’t see a problem with simply naming the final twenty-three man squad on the Saturday night.
All the preliminary squad does is raise the hopes of youngsters who haven’t had the chance to represent their country before. Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor are two more players who fit into this category.
It must also be said that Stewart Downing’s inclusion in the squad is a fair reward for his consistent performances this season. Seven goals from midfield shouldn’t be frowned upon and he fully deserves his inclusion in Capello’s squad.
The friendly with France this evening will give Downing a great chance to restore his reputation with England fans.
In my view Downing was unfairly given the role of scapegoat during Steve McClaren’s reign simply because of the Middlesbrough connection. Hopefully Downing will be given the chance to show the country what us Boro fans know he is capable of.
This weekend sees Boro's trip to Stamford Bridge and the team have the unenviable task of ending Chelsea’s unbeaten home record, which now stretches back four years.
After securing three points last week, the pressure will be off the team to an extent. This could improve our chances of returning home with a point.
The return to fitness of Robert Huth will be imperative if this is to happen as the Boro back four looks a completely different proposition with Huth in it.
It is just a shame that he is so injury prone. Another injury has seen him pull out of the Germany squad this week. If Huth can stay fit I have no doubt that he can go on to become a Boro great.
He also seems the sort of player who can improve even further if he can put together a run of games.
He will also be relishing returning to Stamford Bridge to prove a point to his previous employers.
Therefore I would be very surprised if injury was to keep him out of Sunday’s game and hopefully he can put in a performance that matches the one he put in at The Emirates.
Hopefully, the team can also pick up a similar result.
Luke Raine
RETURN TO THE WEEK ON THE TEES INDEX HERE
A GUARANTEED PROFIT OF AT LEAST £41.20 ON PORTSMOUTH v FULHAM
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You have temporarily laid out a total of £71.00 on the Portsmouth v Fulham match. I stress, temporarily... Now sit back, crack a beer open and enjoy the match.
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Please note that the bonuses are valid for new customers only so if you already have an account with one or more of the bookies we are using, you won't be able to do this. If that is the case, mail us or phone us on 01642 223229 and we'll create an alternative bet for you using different bookies.
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