Trevor Steven: It’s time for Manchester United to cut loose and show they deserve to lead the Premier League January 14, 2021 When Liverpool and Manchester United meet it is always a massive fixture for both clubs and their fans. But this Sunday at Anfield the match will have wider significance, due to United and Liverpool being first and second in the Premier League. It’s strange. A few weeks ago, the only discussion around United concerned Ole [...]
Trevor Steven’s heroes and villains of football in 2020 December 24, 2020 From Jack Grealish to Liverpool becoming champions of England again at last, the resurgence of Everton and Leeds to empty stadiums and bad rule changes; football in 2020 may have felt different but it was still eventful. Here, City A.M. football columnist Trevor Steven picks his heroes and villains of this unique year. Greal deal [...]
Trevor Steven: I feel lucky to have shared a pitch with the greatest footballer of all, Diego Maradona November 26, 2020 My initial reaction when I heard about the death of Diego Maradona was real sadness. I think there was a bit of sadness about his existence too. For all of his footballing genius, he often seemed a troubled soul away from the field. Of course it’s all subjective, but I consider Maradona probably the greatest [...]
Trevor Steven: It may have ended in tears but 1990 World Cup was the best time of my career March 17, 2020 Picking a highlight from my playing days is so difficult but – despite it ending in disappointment – for the intensity of the emotions it generated, I would choose the 1990 World Cup. At that time Serie A was the best league and Italy was set up to host a great event. Hooliganism was an [...]
Liverpool’s season is at a pivotal point but return of Jordan Henderson can tip balance in their favour against Atletico Madrid March 10, 2020 I never thought I’d be writing this but Jordan Henderson has been a huge loss to Liverpool during his recent spell on the sidelines and it’s a major boost that he’s fit to face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night. Henderson hasn’t just been missed for his play. He is the glue in this team, the [...]
It’s time for exceptional talent Phil Foden to have key role for Manchester City and England March 3, 2020 At Wembley on Sunday, Phil Foden gave us all a reminder of his talent and maturity with a man-of-the-match performance as Manchester City beat Aston Villa in the final of the Carabao Cup. The way he addresses the ball; his balance and awareness; his understanding of the way City want to play; that extra finesse [...]
Champions League ban threat can play into Manchester City’s hands against Real Madrid February 25, 2020 Manchester City’s possible two-year ban from the Champions League, starting next season, has added a couple of extra dimensions to their last-16 clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday night. Firstly, there is the question of whether City draw extra motivation from knowing this may be their last shot at the trophy until 2022, or whether [...]
Jose Mourinho gives Tottenham the edge over Chelsea and Manchester United in race for Champions League places February 18, 2020 Manchester United’s win at Chelsea on Monday has only cranked up the pressure in one of the most keenly contested races for Champions League qualification in recent years. Just seven points separate Chelsea, in fourth, and Burnley, in 11th, because – Liverpool aside – there is very little consistency and everyone is beating everyone else. [...]
Dominic Calvert-Lewin my favourite in shoot-out with Danny Ings to gatecrash England’s Euro 2020 squad February 11, 2020 This summer’s European Championship may still seem like a speck on the horizon but, for players hoping to gatecrash England’s squad for the tournament, the clock is ticking. Places are up for grabs among the strikers, where the uncapped Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have played their way into competition with Tammy Abraham and Callum [...]
Sheffield United: Europa League qualification is ridiculous yet looks achievable for Chris Wilder’s never-say-die Blades February 4, 2020 Discussing a recent game, Chris Wilder made the point that football is not all about tactics – and I agree. More than anything it’s about players’ commitment to their job; the raw materials that go into being a professional. After that, extreme talents can make the difference for top sides but, as an example of [...]