Three Premier League managers have been sacked this season, and in the first two cases, the football community has come out in support of the "wronged coach".
Chris Hughton was the first, ditched by Newcastle United for no apparent reason and replaced by Alan Pardew, a man whose last job saw him dismissed by a League One side.
Hughton was unfairly treated, said many of his fellow managers, especially after guiding Newcastle to 5-1 and 6-0 wins this season, plus a victory at Arsenal.
"It makes no sense," Sol Campbell, the Newcastle defender, said.
"Here is a guy who has done an unbelievable job. He got the club back into the Premier League and any manager would have been rewarded for that with a new contract, but Chris wasn't."
Then Blackburn Rovers gave Sam Allardyce the push and put Steve Kean in his place. They swapped a man with more than two decades of managerial experience for a man who had never managed a team before.
All because the club's chicken-farming owners wanted beautiful football and a top-four finish from a team that has managed that feat just once since the Premier League began in 1992.
Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, probably summed up the situation best, saying: "I find it utterly ridiculous."
The unanimous verdict from the football community: two bad decisions.
However, when Roy Hodgson joined the unemployment line last week, opinions were slightly different. More like "nice bloke, but deserved to go".
"A very good man with great dignity and integrity has lost his job," said Kenny Dalglish, who replaced Hodgson.
Both Hughton and Allardyce had statistics to prove they were hard done by - Newcastle were in 11th place after being promoted while Allardyce won more points in his time at Rovers than any club outside last season's top eight.
Hodgson, meanwhile, had the worst Premier League win ratio of any Liverpool manager and his side had lost seven of their 10 away games this season. So, while Liverpool supporters took some criticism, from the likes of Phil Thompson, a former player, for singing "You'll be sacked in the morning" at Hodgson, they were right in wanting a change of direction.
Liverpool had lost nine of their 20 games before last night's trip to Blackpool. That is more than Wigan Athletic, who are in the Premier League's bottom three. If they carry on at the same rate they will suffer 17 defeats in total this season.
The club's worst ever Premier League tally was 16 losses in 1993/94, when they finished eighth. On three occasions they have lost 10 games and finished in the Champions League places.
While fans hope Dalglish will turn things around, it would be naive to think Liverpool will not lose at least a couple more matches this season. And therefore, if it wasn't accepted already, Liverpool's hopes of Champions League football are over.
Meanwhile, you have to hope that Hodgson's contribution to football is remembered for achievements such as Fulham's run to the Europa League final last season, rather than a torrid six months while in charge at Liverpool.
And a final thought: Dalglish's win ratio during his first spell as Liverpool manager, from 1985 to 1991? 61 per cent.
[ twoods@thenational.ae ]
The numbers
Liverpool managers Premier League win ratio
Manager Year %
R Hodgson (2010-11) 35%
R Benitez (2004-10) 55%
G Houllier (1998-2004) 49%
R Evans (1994-98) 47%
G Souness (1991-94) 41%
Hodgson stats
Win ratio at Fulham 39%
Win ratio at Blackburn 35%
Games in charge of Liverpool 31
Goals per game at Liverpool 1.32
Money spent at Liverpool £25m
Facts
Howard's way for United
Anyone surprised by the source of Manchester United's 1-0 FA Cup win at home to Liverpool, shouldn't have been. Ryan Giggs's penalty winner was the fourth spot-kick Howard Webb, the referee, has given to United in the last six matches he has officiated at Old Trafford. And there have been five penalties in the last four games between United Liverpool at Old Trafford.
A game of two halves
Much has been made of Manchester United throwing away leads this season. "If we had won just half of the away games we have drawn we would have been out of reach by now," Nemanja Vidic, their centre-back, said. Had all games ended at half time, United would be eight points clear. However, that shows a cautious approach by teams. Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea would have fewer points, having gone into the break level several times. Blackburn Rovers are a surprise top-five half-time team. They are ninth in the actual table.
Half-time table
Team P W D L GD P
Man Utd 20 13 7 0 17 46
Arsenal 21 10 8 3 11 38
Man City 22 9 10 3 11 37
Blackburn 22 9 10 3 4 37
Chelsea 21 9 6 6 7 33
Actual table
Team P W D L GD P
Man Utd 20 12 8 0 24 44
Man City 22 12 6 4 17 42
Arsenal 21 12 4 5 20 40
Tottenham 21 10 6 5 6 36
Chelsea 21 10 5 6 17 35
Newcastle's triple threat
Newcastle United are the league's second highest scorers at home, with only Manchester United (29) bettering their 25 goals. It is down to scorelines such as 6-0 v Aston Villa, 5-1 v Sunderland and the latest, 5-0 v West Ham United, which saw Leon Best become the third Newcastle player this season to score a hat-trick.
Newcastle hat-tricks
Andy Carroll (v A Villa 22/8/10)
Kevin Nolan (v Sunderland 31/10/10)
Leon Best (v West Ham 5/1/11)
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
MATCH INFO
First Test at Barbados
West Indies won by 381 runs
Second Test at Antigua
West Indies won by 10 wickets
Third Test at St Lucia
February 9-13
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
Brief scores:
Manchester City 3
Bernardo Silva 16', Sterling 57', Gundogan 79'
Bournemouth 1
Wilson 44'
Man of the match: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Central Bank's push for a robust financial infrastructure
- CBDC real-value pilot held with three partner institutions
- Preparing buy now, pay later regulations
- Preparing for the 2023 launch of the domestic card initiative
- Phase one of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FiT) completed
Tips for avoiding trouble online
- Do not post incorrect information and beware of fake news
- Do not publish or repost racist or hate speech, yours or anyone else’s
- Do not incite violence and be careful how to phrase what you want to say
- Do not defame anyone. Have a difference of opinion with someone? Don’t attack them on social media
- Do not forget your children and monitor their online activities
Kill
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Starring: Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Raghav Juyal
Rating: 4.5/5
More from Aya Iskandarani
57 Seconds
Director: Rusty Cundieff
Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Morgan Freeman, Greg Germann, Lovie Simone
Rating: 2/5
DUBAI CARNIVAL RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner Dubai Future, Harry Bentley (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner Dubai Love, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Equilateral, James Doyle, Charles Hills.
8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m
Winner Laser Show, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Glorious Journey, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
Confirmed bouts (more to be added)
Cory Sandhagen v Umar Nurmagomedov
Nick Diaz v Vicente Luque
Michael Chiesa v Tony Ferguson
Deiveson Figueiredo v Marlon Vera
Mackenzie Dern v Loopy Godinez
Tickets for the August 3 Fight Night, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, went on sale earlier this month, through www.etihadarena.ae and www.ticketmaster.ae.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
UAE v Zimbabwe A, 50 over series
Fixtures
Thursday, Nov 9 - 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Saturday, Nov 11 – 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Monday, Nov 13 – 2pm, Dubai International Stadium
Thursday, Nov 16 – 2pm, ICC Academy, Dubai
Saturday, Nov 18 – 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Company profile
Company name: Tuhoon
Year started: June 2021
Co-founders: Fares Ghandour, Dr Naif Almutawa, Aymane Sennoussi
Based: Riyadh
Sector: health care
Size: 15 employees, $250,000 in revenue
Investment stage: seed
Investors: Wamda Capital, Nuwa Capital, angel investors
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Pakistanis at the ILT20
The new UAE league has been boosted this season by the arrival of five Pakistanis, who were not released to play last year.
Shaheen Afridi (Desert Vipers)
Set for at least four matches, having arrived from New Zealand where he captained Pakistan in a series loss.
Shadab Khan (Desert Vipers)
The leg-spin bowling allrounder missed the tour of New Zealand after injuring an ankle when stepping on a ball.
Azam Khan (Desert Vipers)
Powerhouse wicketkeeper played three games for Pakistan on tour in New Zealand. He was the first Pakistani recruited to the ILT20.
Mohammed Amir (Desert Vipers)
Has made himself unavailable for national duty, meaning he will be available for the entire ILT20 campaign.
Imad Wasim (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
The left-handed allrounder, 35, retired from international cricket in November and was subsequently recruited by the Knight Riders.
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
More from Aya Iskandarani
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: OneOrder
Started: March 2022
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo
Number of staff: 82
Investment stage: Series A
Stan Lee
Director: David Gelb
Rating: 3/5
WISH
Directors: Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Stars: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk
Rating: 3.5/5
Scores
Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)
Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Almouneer
Started: 2017
Founders: Dr Noha Khater and Rania Kadry
Based: Egypt
Number of staff: 120
Investment: Bootstrapped, with support from Insead and Egyptian government, seed round of
$3.6 million led by Global Ventures
Company Profile
Name: Direct Debit System
Started: Sept 2017
Based: UAE with a subsidiary in the UK
Industry: FinTech
Funding: Undisclosed
Investors: Elaine Jones
Number of employees: 8
What is cystic fibrosis?
- Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs.
- It causes the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways and lead to severe respiratory and digestive problems.
- Patients with the condition are prone to lung infections and often suffer from chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Life expectancy for sufferers of cystic fibrosis is now around 50 years.
Three tips from La Perle's performers
1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.
2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.
3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.
