DIEGO TRULY WANTS TO PLAY..

The most lethal player in Spain right now isn't Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale or even Lionel Messi. It's Atletico's Diego Costa, the man who scored the only goal in his side's first La Liga win against Real Madrid since 1999. It took him just 11 minutes to score his eighth goal in seven matches this season — one more than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has taken 60 shots so far this season and the same number as Lionel Messi, who has taken 34 shots. Diego Costa, meanwhile, has only taken 21 shots.

The Brazilian born 24-year-old who recently became a Spanish citizen and might be on the verge of joining Spain's national team has never scored more than 10 goals in a domestic league season (though he did have 20 in all competitions in 2012/13). As of last year, his primary role in the Madrid derby was to serve as a target for Sergio Ramos' spit. But he has now helped Atletico win two in a row at the Santiago Bernabeu by scoring in last season's Copa del Rey final and again in Saturday's 1-0 win, ending a 23-match winless streak against Real Madrid in the league.

The honeymoon period for Carlo Ancelotti has run its course at Real Madrid and the Italian faces his first rumblings of discontent after the home defeat to Atletico Madrid in the city derby.

Real lie third in La Liga after seven games with 16 points, five adrift of champions Barcelona and Atletico who have both swept to perfect starts in a league that allows very little margin for error.

Real and Barca won the last two league titles, in 2012 and 2013 respectively, by amassing 100 points each, dropping only 14 points over their 38 games, and on current form Ancelotti's team appear to be losing their way rather than improving. In Atletico, and with this start to the campaign they (Real Madrid and Barcelona) might have lots running in their mind as Diego Simone's side keep churning the positives despite the Argentine coach claims of having them tagged non-title contenders.

Niceties aside, Atletico Madrid are keeping pace with Barcelona as they now have seven wins in as many matches and Diego Costa has eight of their 19 goals scored. Maybe Real Madrid should have spent €100 million on him over the summer if only so they wouldn't have to play against him anymore.

ARE THE GUNNERS OUT TO CONQUER OR PLAY INORDINATE?

The torpor of the closed season is over now and respective leagues have seen some big money spenders play well and pundits are beginning to call it "money well spent" for them. For Arsenal, they have always proven to be not good spenders in past seasons in the transfer market since the Ivan Gazidis reign.Inspite of that they have started well in what looks like the unexpected for a team which failed in an opening day fixture-a first since 1994. A defeat that stirred anger and made hopes of landing a silverware glimmer and belief so dim.
After the disappointing game,one of the most dreaded fandom but ever supportive groups in football -The Black Scarf Movement, displayed their grief citing that their inactivity in the closed season could cost them a title. It then wrote to the board for which their allegiance lie and then came their record signing who has been imperious afterwards. Perhaps a chance to glory after eight unsuccessful years is imminent. Who knows?
While growing up watching the great Arsenal side of the past, teams facing them had thankless task and all seems to have changed.
At the mention of names like Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Robert Pires who were a delight amongst the lots, you will have shivers run down your spine in fear of the then "Invincibles". Even with these names all gone,memories still run sharp in many and when Arsenal's struggle of having not won a trophy in a long while is put up, then the feeling if they can ever get to the height of the invincibles is questioned.

After the exodus of the last few years – Cesc Fabregas, Van Persie, Samir Nasri – Arsenal fans await that turning point where strength is being gained instead of lost. They are now top of the Premier League and won their first Champions League fixture in Marseille. Has the tide finally turned?
From the start I had my reservations. They seemed not to be spending but then came up with one big investment right at the end of the transfer window.
When I look at a squad I see a decent collection of players but not a top-four operation. Clearly Arsenal have a fabulous manager, a wonderful stadium and a great fan base. You would tend to give Arsène Wenger the benefit of the doubt but the depth of quality is not yet there in this squad. If Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud went back to being the players they were last year Arsenal would start to look fairly average by their standards. Ramsey looks a totally different player this term and will need to sustain that improvement.
Theo Walcott is now missing for a few games, and without that depth of quality I wonder how many players they have who are capable of winning trophies. On the other hand, they have points on the board, started well in the cup competitions and are playing with more fluency and confidence. All that looks rosy, but I would not get carried away by these early signs of promise because they still need to strengthen in one or two positions.Ozil now looks the messiah to have brought respite amongst their fans but not to say they are comfortable in my opinion as i still feel they need a competitor for Oliver Giroud irrespective of form. I mean you can't talk about the trophy-laden era of Arsenal without the luxury of one or more players in their ranks doing great things at every position of play. In truth, i have unsoured respect for Wenger that stems from the revolutionary effect he has had on the English game. Up until 2004 or so he really made Manchester United stretch. Arsenal were the best team in the country. The Invincibles were sensational as the team to beat and theirs to lose in all fronts of competition they partook in.
After the series of impressive run for the gunners and the gutsy game between them and Swansea that brought to fore a primary catalyst of change in German youngster Serge Gnabry- who had swashbuckling runs reminiscent of the legendary Thierry Henry for yet another victory against a team looking for a perfect time to bounce back, after a league cup exit as defending champions. From that moment i looked to have a rethink whether they truly are presumptive champions of this term.
Now, Arsenal look confident to roll back the years like they did with the "Invincibles"but not without new acquisitions to help out as it has shown with them that they tire out easily when the going gets tough. The depth of squad is a concern, but Wenger's philosophy of a tight, together unit is working wonders. The dressing room spirit is reaping rich rewards. With the big, much-fancied contenders struggling for consistency, something Arsenal possesses right now along with wonderful knack then it may be.
Chelsea also yet to find answers to the questions being asked by their oppositions since Mourinho second coming is another to ponder even though the journey is far but all these anomalies may want to agree with me Arsenal might just have a go at the title.
Afterall after flirting with the title race three times in the past five seasons and going eight years without a trophy, Wenger can probably begin to dream.

IS ANN READY ?

After several months of speculations of being linked to the Super Falcons job, Bayo Salau recently met with  Ex-falcons legendary goalkeeper Ann Chiejine on her position and her new role in this chat,that she could not wait to have finished in minutes but finally took time to let the cat out of the bag. Excerpts

I thought that by now you will be in the position held currently by Falcons Coach Edwin Okon, what are you doing here? 

ANS -Well, i don't blow my trumpet on my own (laugh).. i mean i won the Lagos State festival last year so i don't need to tell people who i am. Ehmm...right now i am the Chief coach of the City of David  (C O D) ladies and coach of the U-17 youth tournament that is about to be played. The Lagos State Female team too preparing for the National Sport Festival next year which i am also in charge by virtue of being defending

champion so i have a whole lot i am doing.

Many have considered you ripe enough for the "hot seat" even though others feel it is too early for you to hold at least now? With all you have mentioned what exactly are your plans? 

ANS - When you see a coach,(take breath).. firstly i am a qualified coach and i have my Uefa "B" licence certificate. Working with ladies as a mother, i know what it takes to work with them.They are like eggs you carry them too much with care, when they are pressed too much, then it gets broken so is when you carry them anyhow they fall, furthermore you must know how to coach them, how to take good care of them which i have been doing. They are young lads and ready to learn so whatever you want them to do it is now you show it too them, whatever position you want them to play it is now you tell them so is the magic that comes with playing football too.

How did you come about these girls you work with presently? 

ANS-These are girls selected from schools, academies,and local teams,putting them together and making sure that the positives is earned out of them. In truth, i think coaching ladies have been interesting and at the same time hectic working with them.

Are you not under any pressure associated with the position you are in?

ANS- For me, I am not under pressure cos' it's what i like doing. I want to do it well to the best of my knowledge. I also thank God for the understanding that my family has got even in the face of travails.My husband also has been tremendous. My children knows mum wants to play football, mum is a coach now and wants to train players. I want to train players to be like me,that is for me called having fun and i am liking it.

The big news is your being linked to the Super falcons job. What do you have to say about this?

ANS- I am not the NFF or NFA as the case may be.They know what is best and who they want in the Job. For me, i am not afraid. I am ready to work if i am called upon and with any of the female national teams. But now i am not in a position to know who fits the job because i can't dictate to the football house.

Have you been impressed with the Super falcons lately?

ANS -Yeah! i watched them play against the U-17 boys of the Lagos State team,prior to their departing the country for Japan.It is a good one as they tried. Well there's cohesion and you still have a whole lot of time to harness the potential that lies within. The most important thing is to play together as a team and understand that my team-mate is going this way and there i should go. That way you are playing like a team should .But overall the coaches needs to do more in my opinion.

You seem to be sure of what the girls can do under the present handler especially as you feel they cohersed well but why didn't they defeat Japan?

ANS-(Exhale) I didn't see the Japan friendly so wouldn't know what transpired in it. But i must say here that a team with a 2-0 defeat to the World champions is a good team and it is a respectable score-line too for the Nigerian ladies.Perhaps subsequent meetings will be more favourable for them.

What is your story like in Playing football?

ANS- It is a long story that started way back from Secondary school,infact not in my secondary school level cos i remember playing with boys back then, and using oranges well before  football were fond memories of my early years. Before you know it i grew interest so much that i went in search of a club; i think CN Okoli was it when female football was introduced. Initially, i struggled for first team action with my club. 5-10 minutes of action is all i get to be part of matches cos i started at right full back and i was not enjoying it, but after several fringe playing role i decided to take into goalkeeping when advised by one of the coaches. Since then i never looked back.


Whilst playing football, who was your role model?

ANS- (Laugh) In goalkeeping of course i was looking up to Jorge Campos of Mexico, Casey Keller of the USA,and Gianluigi Buffon, Italy who presently has been my favourite because i like his footworks. Infact when i see them i want to do every little thing they have done .Looking at them meant so much to me during my playing days as i was into every thing they pushed for.

What do you do during your free period?

ANS- I just want to be with my family. Most of the time i am not always with them so if i have my time free, i want to dance with them,play as well with them because my time is precious as them. If i am not around, then i will know that, but once the opportunity to be with them presents itself then i will spend every time with them.

You still look so sweet even as a mother,any secret to that?

ANS- Hmmm..well when it comes to food i always watch what i eat nevertheless i think i love Eba with vegetables soup but little. At every little time i eat,i eat very little and in two, three hours i take another. I also like taking a  lot of fruits too.

Finally, your message for whoever that wants to take into football? perhaps goalkeeping

ANS- Determination, discipline,hardwork, and dedication. Then their desire will see them through

Thank you so much for you time?

ANS - It's my pleasure Bayo

NAPOLI ARE TRUE CONTENDERS

After a perfect start in all competitions, Rafa Benitez's side look good early on to mount a title challenge, argues Bayo Salau

In the 201-2012 season,Napoli ended in fifth place in the Serie A,but managed to defeat unbeaten champions Juventus in the Stadio Olimpico to win the Coppa Italia for the fourth time in the club's history, 25 years after their last cup win. A successful season in the Champions League, its first participation in the European Cup meant they are back to be counted amongst the elites of Italian football scenery.
This achievement could not have been mentioned without the talismanic forward Edison Cavani spearheading an attacking trio of Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi who departed a year earlier to the "money bags" PSG. But after losing another heavy weight during the closed transfer window,it was to wait and see the magic of being counted this term.

Some understandably had doubts when Edinson Cavani was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro warned “replacing him will not be easy. I personally believed they should not have let him go. This is because they will lose much of their strength.” A month into the new season however, and Napoli arguably look stronger without him.

Three wins from three in Serie A and victory in their Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund and it has been a perfect start to life post-Cavani. Speaking after his side’s win against the Germans, new boss Rafael Benitez was understandably delighted while trying to temper rising expectations.

Cavani may have gone, but the goals have continued to flow. In their four games played so far Napoli have netted 11 times already. Marek Hamsik alone has scored four of those. New arrivals Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Maria Callejon – both hitting the ground running following their arrival from Real Madrid – have accounted for five. Local favourite Lorenzo Insigne has been repaying the faith Benitez has shown in him with some promising displays and, of course, with his superb winner against Dortmund.

In the past, Benitez’s sides have always been known for being rather defensive-minded, but this does not appear to be the case with Napoli. While the former Liverpool boss has introduced his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, he has not abandoned the entertaining football that characterised the Walter Mazzarri years and it is paying off. Napoli lead Serie A in goals scored, have the highest average possession and have recorded the most shots per game. It is all very ‘un-Benitez’ like, but there is a good reason for this.

If Napoli have a weakness, it is in defence. In recognising this, Benitez seems to have decided to play to the team’s strengths and it’s working rather well. There is more to come, as he has warned “I am sure in one or two months we will be even better.” No doubt. This is, after all, a side that experienced a number of changes in personnel over the summer, so the players and Coach are still getting to know each other. This makes their victory over Dortmund – a side that has been together for years – all the more remarkable.

Yet at the same time it should not be all that surprising that Benitez has got his team performing at such a high level so early on his tenure. Indeed, many of his greatest successes have come early on during his reign. In his first season with Valencia back in 2001-02, he won La Liga. When he moved to Liverpool in 2004, he won the Champions League 10 months later. Even at Inter, where he was regarded as a failure and lasted only six months, he still managed to collect two titles – the Italian Super Cup and the World Club Cup. It was the same story last season at Chelsea. He was only there for eight months, but he left with a Europa League crown to his name.

Benitez has won titles at every one of his last four clubs, though many of them have come in his first season in charge. His past successes are the reason why Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis hailed his arrival as “the best signing of the summer.” The hope is that he can continue delivering titles and the early signs are certainly encouraging.

HAS EVERTON CHANGED IN STYLE OF FOOTBALL?

With the premier league increasingly having new teams to challenge for honours this term after changes in the transfer window that has seen coaches, players jump ship and result to come their way,Bayo Salau looks at how the style of football has changed at Goodison Park with change of manager.

Under David Moyes, Everton's style of play was simple but effective. Prioritising good organisation,hard work and aggression over trends and tactical modifications, his Toffees and their uncomplicated brand of fast-paced football consistently delivered results.

The appointment of Roberto Martinez signaled a change in direction, innovative and full of modern ideas, the 40-year-old Spaniard was charged with the task of adding scientific-based  style to their existing substance.
With a defeat yet to be recorded agaisnt teams thus far in the Barclays Premier League,it is apparent the transition is taking shape. .

One big thing noticed in their football is a passing for passing possession football. One that has overtaken their direct approach to games in past years but also seen them looking for a first win this campaign. I am sure more must have been told to the players concerning ball retention in the cause of the closed season.
The passing accuracy for the 2012/13 season of 79.4% has increased this term to 85.9% .A feat that has since seen them moved from 11th rank playing side to 3rd. With the ball at their feet more often, the strain on Everton's defence should be eased and, although it is early days, two clean sheets from three matches is testament to that.

Tactically,Martinez is adept at creating 3 v 2 and 2 v 1 overloads all over the pitch, with the aim of switching to space out wide,where he like his players to wreck havoc.A move that encourages Stephen Pienaar and Kelvin Mirallas to play narrow and come in to the flanks to cause damage to opposing teams,while at the same time urging both full backs to pile forward . This move in addition will cause rival wingers who must attack track back tirelessly to cover the danger.

Leighton Baines is the key man for Martinez,and the numbers prove it. Fed almost constantly by his team- mates, the left back has created more goal scoring opportunities than anyone else with his forays forward this term. His crosses alone is 24 with ten good chances created alongside thus far.

Any visit to Merseyside at this term will be seen as a fixture that won't be easy for visiting team to navigate.The reason is not far fetched as the absence of a natural holding midfielder was always a problem for Martinez men to deal with in their three games played until Gareth Barry's arrival on loan.  That they would be hoping changes after his acquisition from Manchester City.

Finally,with Everton seemingly looking a threat by evolving into a  fluid possession side, they should dominate most matches but to succeed they must not sacrifice the combative side of their game that worked so well under their former manager Moyes. Balancing style with their customary aggressionis the key for them this season

A TIME OUT WITH JOHN OGU

He was invited to the National Team (Super Eagles) after their triumph as African Champions in the 29th Edition of the Nations cup in South Africa. Bayo Salau caught-up with Academica de Coimbra midfielder, John Ogu where he spoke on his way to stardom and his plan with the Eagles and club career...... 

Can we meet you please? 

I am John Ogu. Academica de Coimbra player in Portugal and i'm 25. And from a family of five, the first and i have got three sisters and a brother.

Apart from playing for the Eagles which for me has been a want long over-due. How did you achieved that feat of dorning the Eagles jersey, I mean your story from "grass to grace"

I started my football from the streets of Lagos with Starlets FC of Ijesha but it was Flying sport Academy that took me out of the shores of the Country to Slovenia where i played for four seasons before moving to Almeria in Spain. I am now playing for Academica de Coimbra,but had played earlier for Leria before i moved back to Academica de Coimbra .

We hardly follow the Primera division back here in the country but you had some struggles last term,but the Confederation's cup was a springboard to prove your worth to many and national selectors.How do you hope to better those achievements this term and how it's been so far?

Yeah! I  had 20 games last season with Academica. I played in the UEFA Cup and Portuguese Cup and other games. Like you said ,we had tough times and the season has started with us winning two games and having a drawn game once, so i don't want to go through rough times any longer this term. "We had a good pre-season where we won 8 in 9 games but it's a different thing now.We're working hard and hopefully we get a better result henceforth".

Now let me take you off what you did last season.You just talked about expectations and what you hope for this term. But in reality are you satisfied playing in Portugal?

Well, it isn't a bad league. I am happy to play in Portugal; i mean playing against top sides like Benfica, Braga, Porto.These are big sides in Europe. As a player you always aim to play in top clubs in Europe so at the moment i'm with Academica de Coimbra and i don't know what the future holds but i have got goals,as i want to play in top clubs, but at least for my career it's a stepping stone and i'm hoping to do well in other Countries to continue my career if the opportunity arises.

Talking about offers which club would you want to play asides Portugal? 

Aside Portugal, you know the English league,(cut in)the most watched league,not really the most watched but one of the best because a lot of top players are there and you know there is the Spanish league,the German league as well  that has got fantastic individuals too. If hopefully by God's grace i find myself in one of this countries i will be grateful, so i think it takes hard-work and that i am taking step-by step.

For you, there is no under-age appearance and you took the opportunity with the Eagles by the scruff of the neck when the opportunity came calling and since became a regular. What are your plans to earn a continuum with the team?

I mean i love my country and i am so happy to wear the shirt and to be with guys .We have a great coach who wants the best from us and he is been showing it, working with him is a plus. As a player i have learnt so much from him and it's a great feeling and want to give my best in every opportunity that comes especially to score goals.
Do you have a girlfriend or a wife?

Well i don't have any wife (laugh) but if i have a girlfriend, i will keep it cos' i don't want to talk about it as i want to keep it close to my chest.

But you should tie the nuptial knot soon i guess?

Sure! when the time comes and  i mean i will do it.

Who can you attribute your success to ?

My family i would say .They were there from day one, till this day. Yeah! just my family, everyone of them have all contributed to this achievement of mine so far. So happy to have them all around me,

Finally what do you have to the new kids that one to take to football?

My advice to them is that they should pray and work hard cos i am a living witness to that. If they want to go to school they should please do so but also pursue their dream and if they don't then the dream should still be pushed till they get it. They shouldn't give up cos i am sure if i can achieve it they can also do same.

Thanks so much for speaking to us?

Yeah! thanks too