Sports

THE FOUNDER February 2022 SPORTS 21

The Flying Eagles and the Soaring Seagulls

OLI GENT |

SPORTS EDITOR

It may be one of the strangest derbies this country has seen in its footballing history, but there is always a keen sense of intrigue every time Crystal Palace play Brighton and Hove Albion. This season was no different, but there were perhaps more neutral eyes glancing over than there has been in a long while. In their two encounters this term, both have ended in highly competitive draws flled with fowing football, with quality players on either side, showcasing the astounding calibre of footballer that even those in the lower echelons of the Premier League are starting to attract. This piece is not a match report nor a tactical analysis of both teams’ formational styles, but a homage to their development as football clubs, solidifying themselves as top fight mainstays with potential aplenty within their prospective projects. In his debut term as a Premier League manager, former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has put the disappointment of a previous past at Nice behind him, arriving at Selhurst Park with a huge reputation, but a point to prove. Veteran Roy Hodgson was fnally eased out of the hotseat after four loyal years of service, and Steve Parish decided to abandon his traditional appointment approach of the old-school, been-there-done-it gaffer, instead putting his faith in Vieira: a legend on the feld, but unproven as a head coach. To abandon such tradition was a risky endeavour from Parish: he had tried it in 2017 with Frank de Boer, a student of the game at Ajax and Barcelona, but the Dutchman was not suitably backed to put his ideas into practice on the pitch, attempting to teach a Sam Allardyce squad, with route one engrained in their minds, the gorgeous ways of tiki taka and total football. Parish realised his mistake, but not until after a four-year Hodgson stopgap that soured towards the end. The Eagles chairman looked to the future once more, hiring Vieira. The South Londoners would back the Frenchman in his frst transfer window, giving him the tools he craved as he sought to implement a more positive style of play that would excite die hard Eagles supporters, who had been starved of entertainment after the recent regimes of Messrs Hodgson, Pardew and Allardyce, with a calamitous four-game, 77day, no-goals-scored de Boer interlude a feeting memory. Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen were brought in to solidify the heart of an ageing defence, whilst Odsonne Edouard was caught from Celtic for £15 million: an impressive acquisition considering the calibre of club after his signature. Guehi offers the recovery pace when sweeping up behind the backline, whilst Andersen, having impressed at city rivals Fulham the previous campaign, has led by example, organising a youthful defence in addition to putting his body on the line for the cause. Edouard has added goals, pace, power, and positioning: everything one could want in a striker. The epitome of a ‘complete forward’, the Frenchman announced his arrival with a fanfare brace off the bench on his winning debut against Tottenham Hotspur, and he has contributed to nine goals in his 19 league games. Standing at 6’1” and merely 24 years old, Palace and Parish pulled off a masterstroke in bringing him to Selhurst Park. Michael Olise could well be the unsung buy. The teenager joined from Reading with many aware of his potential and his capabilities, but sure that he would be too raw for the physicality and professionalism of the Premier League. He has silenced his critics, with many calling for him to be loaned back to the Championship, and the young French starlet has shone off the right fank, showing his trickery in the dribble and directness and decisiveness when it comes to his fnal ball. Will Hughes also arrived from returners Watford in a cut-price deal, adding creativity to a midfeld that had a lack thereof.

But the standout signing was that of Conor Gallagher. Whilst only loaned from Chelsea’s extensive catalogue of young talent, the box-to-box midfelder has been a revelation in the red and blue of Palace, with ten goal contributions to his name in 19 Premier League appearances, including a brace in a mesmerising man-of-thematch display as Palace stole a win over Manchester City at the Etihad. Often lining up in a 4-3-3 shape, Vieira is fexible in his approach play and mentality, adapting his strategy in line with the opponent. He sets pressing traps with numerical overloads in wide areas in the defensive transition, looking for the quick turnover and countering opportunity provided by the pace of the front three running in behind. When matched with a supposed ‘inferior’ opponent, he will deploy more of a patient possession game, although still allowing for positional and creative freedom from his talented attacking players when they get into dangerous areas. Talismanic winger Wilfried Zaha has had his duties stripped back and his shoulders unburdened after the arrivals of Olise and Edouard, and the return to full ftness of Ebere Eze has meant that the Eagles have a plethora of young and hungry talent at their disposal in the fnal third, proving that competition for places is not a potent problem. In midfeld, a more workhorse trio is often selected. Club captain Luka Milivojevic is the sitter as the six, with Gallagher the more advanced of the two eights to his right, and either Jeff Schlupp, James McArthur or Hughes to the left, adding thrust and energy in addition to greater defensive solidity when Gallagher ventures forward. Tyrick Mitchell has risen seamlessly out of Patrick van Aanholt’s shadow to make the left-back berth his own, and Nathan Ferguson must rid himself of his persistent injury problems if he is to prove his worth as Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s long-term replacement. The full-back areas are the position of weakness for Vieira: that’s not to say that Mitchell, Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne don’t do competent jobs, but the Eagles will see these as places of priority in the coming transfer window. Brighton, meanwhile, continue to astound and amaze under Graham Potter, who, at times, gets them playing like prime 2009 Barcelona. The issue for the Seagulls? Goals. Or a serious lack thereof. The joke last season has continued into this: Brighton will dominate opponents on the stats board but will struggle to eke out results as they lack that cutting-edge ruthlessness in front of goal. Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck have striven to put an end to their misfortunes, and whilst ten goals between them in 23 games might not seem the worst tally, for the chances that Potter’s side create, they could well be even higher in the league table had they hit the net more. The game against Palace at the AMEX in January told a similar story: the Seagulls with 63% ball possession, nine corners to Palace’s zero, 19 shots to three, and

four attempts on target to one. The match ended 1-1, and the Seagulls could only snatch a share of the spoils late on, thanks to a Joachim Andersen own goal in the 87th minute. Their summer transfer business was familiar viewing: sizeable sums spent on names no-one had heard of, turning into masterful pieces of business, but mostly in the wrong positions. Marc Cucurella was the top target according to Potter, and his debut campaign in English football has seen the left-back touted as one of, if not the signing of the season, as his all-round game, his overlapping guile, quality of delivery and pass as well as defensive solidity, has seen him cement himself in Potter’s plans for the foreseeable future. Enock Mwepu also arrived to supplement midfeld options: a similar mould to that of Yves Bissouma, the Zambian is an all-action battler who can run, tackle and carry the ball forward powerfully, penetrating defensive lines with a dribble or a pass. But there was still no striker. It remains curious that Brighton were not in for Edouard, supposedly happy to see him join their ferce rivals, who had become disappointed with the meagre numbers put up by JeanPhilippe Mateta and Chrisitian Benteke. The Frenchman’s numbers were unrivalled in the Scottish Premiership, and he seemed the ideal ft for a Brighton side that were crying out for a complete penalty box predator for a fair price. More generally, we see Potter adopt a fuid back three system, that’s focussed on controlling the tempo of games and suffocating opponents in the midfeld areas. Often a 3-4-1-2, the shape can indeed transition seamlessly into a 3-5-2, 5-3-2 or 3-4-2-1, allowing little magician Leandro Trossard the licence to pick up pockets of space and carve out goalscoring opportunities for his strikers not to put away. A key cog of the defensive trio has been lost: Dan Burn was wheeled away by Newcastle’s newfound riches, and we could well see Potter revert to a back four, as seen in recent weeks in more of a diamond. Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster are tough Championship central defenders turned graceful, Premier League gazelles, their comfort on the ball and surprising turn of pace pertinent examples of this. Tariq Lamptey speaks for himself as the complete right-back: no fear in the challenge, flthy on the ball and with lightning speed, Chelsea will be wondering how they let Brighton rob them of such a starlet. In the engine room, we can see Potter doing his best work. Players like Steven Alzate and Jakub Moder, ‘auxiliary players’ as many would label them, are staple squad options, versatile enough to play in a variety of positions and roles whilst maintaining a high level of performance. Alexis Mac Allister has demonstrated his qualities as the number 10, taking the reins of the ageing Adam Lallana. With delicious delivery and delicacy in his possessional play, he has proved the legitimacy of his Argentinian passport. Tony Bloom’s Potter experiment (or spell, if you’d rather a JK Rowling reference) has worked a charm for him and his football club. He has seen his investment and trust repaid by a man who claimed he ‘wasn’t sexy enough’ for one of the country’s top managerial jobs, and with the former Ostersunds manager at the helm, the Seagulls can only expect bigger and better things in the coming seasons. They just need that godforsaken striker. It is no use pitting these two headto-head on paper. Both projects are piped with potential, and the foundations have solidifed and set to really begin building squads that should seek to challenge in the upper reaches of the table. For the moment, we should just sit back and enjoy the development of these two magnifcent clubs, not forgetting the managerial masterstrokes played by both owners.

Source: AFP

Could George Russell be the New Nico Rosberg and Destabilise Mercedes?

CYANN FIELDING | LIFESTYLE EDITOR

As far as feuds go in Formula One, the Nico Rosberg/Lewis Hamilton dispute is by far one of the most well-known, destructive, and entertaining within the sport. Teammates Hamilton and Rosberg competed together from 2013 to 2016. However, whilst starting initially as friends the two teammates quickly started to cause issues for Mercedes as a team. There were several crashes between the two, often disputed as to whether they were caused by heated moments or dangerous driving. A particular example was the crash at the 2016 Grand Prix in Spain. The rivalry became so volatile that at the peak of the pair’s feud, they were both threatened with possible suspension. During the period, Hamilton secured the championship title twice, Rosberg only once. Arguably, both teammates during their time together at Mercedes were at the top of their game, and many have speculated whether it is a good decision to have seemingly two number one drivers, rather than a distinctive talent difference between the frst and second – which is the format many other teams opt to take, often investing more in their number one driver. The question then looming for this season is: will George Russell bring about a similar rivalry with Hamilton, to that seen of Rosberg and Hamilton between 2013 and 2016? Nico Rosberg himself seems to think so. In an interview, the German expressed how he believes Mercedes are taking a huge risk in selecting Russell for the second seat. That doesn’t mean to say that Rosberg thinks that Russel isn’t talented, rather that he is and therefore may not be willing to play second fddle to Hamilton. First Sportz comments how Nico asserted: ‘It was a diffcult decision for Toto, because the risk is quite high. If George is really on the same page as Lewis, it could become really intense in the team. There are of a lot of unknowns there, is George always going to back out, or is he going to get his elbows out? That’s just going to be so great to watch.’ It certainly will be.

With the 2022 season fast approaching, F1 fans are excited to see a new driver at Mercedes, and whether Rosberg will be right in saying a rivalry will develop. With a brilliant deputy appearance in the Sakhir 2020 Grand Prix stepping in for Hamilton, the sport has already witnessed the potential of Russell from one race. The excitement and surprise established from Sakhir is still being talked about to date and is speculated to have played a huge part in Mercedes taking him on. Mercedes always had Russell as a prospective driver for their future, and now it is reality for the young Briton. Rosberg is not the only one to think that Russell may potentially get his elbows out. Former driver Mark Webber also believes that the Brit is ready to fght, noting how he has almost ffty races under his belt, making him more than ready for top grid position battles.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The dynamic between the new Mercedes recruit and multiple time world champion will undoubtedly be a focus of the season and establish a fascinating dynamic for viewers and Mercedes alike. Toto Wolf can only hope the relationship will be as harmonious as the one Hamilton experienced with Valtteri Bottas since 2017, as opposed to the rather tumultuous relationship he had with Rosberg. The answer, then, to the question of whether Russell is to do battle, can merely be speculated for a little longer. With the 2022 Championship starting on 18th March, the answer to this much-asked question will quickly be unveiled.

Scotland Make Dream Six Nations Start with Narrow Win Over England

PETER GEDDES | CONTENT WRITER

Scotland 20-17 England Try: SCO: White (penalty) Pens: Russell (2) Con: Russell // ENG: Try: Smith Pens: Smith (4) Murrayfeld, Edinburgh (67,144)

In my preview of the Guinness Six Nations*, I discussed Scotland’s building of a team that can compete in every game: a team with experience, continuity of selection and some genuine world class talent. I believed then that they could win this tournament, but I did not expect it. Hope is a dangerous emotion, especially in sport. Indeed, by the time you are reading this, the hope may already be dashed, but at the time of writing, it's at a record high. Scotland have beaten England two years in a row for the frst time since 1984, as the Scots went on to win the Grand Slam. Equally, only last year Scotland beat England in the frst week and lost to Wales in the second, so I'll try and not get too hasty.

There was much talk in the build up about how this was a disrupted England team: one with a long list of injuries, debutant aplenty; a work in progress. Much of that chatter was vindicated and added caveats that will keep Scotland honest in their pursuit of glory especially given the manner of their victory. However, what was also made clear by the weekend's events was that England have a deep pool of talent and a forward contingent with real potency. Scotland were put under all sorts of pressure throughout most of the frst half, and well into the second. Ill-discipline undid much of the good defensive work being done as well as that of the exemplary kicking game orchestrated by Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell. England, however, could not capitalise on the go-forward produced by their pack, with inaccuracy and lack of inventiveness from their backs costing them. Despite gaining an early three-point lead, Scotland hit back with their frst real attack of the game, scoring a sublime try through Darcy Graham and temporary scrum half Ben White. The half ended 10-6, with the home side sitting on 35% possession. All too often have Scotland sides been on the other end of stats like that. In rugby, as in many similar sports, it’s the team that uses possession more effciently that wins the day, and so it was this time. The energy and agility of Graham alongside the pace and power of Duhan Van der Merwe contrasted starkly with the generic and lacklustre showing from all but one of the English backs, Marcus Smith, and an exception he is, as his Six Nations debut lacked only a win. Composed with the ball in his hands and organising his team well, he persisted to effectively probe the Scottish backline. He tried low kicks in behind a few too many times but that refected the quality of the Scottish defence more than anything else. His try was very well taken, switching to the blindside late and displaying what he brings to this England team: a running threat and pace that his competition lacks. He set up his team for victory but was taken off with twenty minutes to go – at which point Eddie Jones’ side collapsed. Not long after Smith’s departure, England's defence set too narrow from a scrum, Russell cross-kicked for Van der Merwe to make easy metres, exposing a disorganised and again too-narrow defence. Kicking to the opposite wing where the English hooker, Luke Cowan-Dickie, was against Graham in the aerial challenge, the forward deliberately knocked the ball on, denying

Source: Craig Watson

the probable try. Scotland were awarded all seven points and the number two was sent to the bin. From there, England failed to retain control of the game, making one mistake after another. With the score at 20-17, they won a kickable penalty but instead went for the corner.

The control and stability of Scotland in the dying embers contrasted bleakly with the lack of leadership and composure of the English, especially disappointing considering the late introductions of experienced heads like George Ford and Joe Marler. The upshot is that Scotland go to Cardiff knowing that they have not played their best but have still won, and as such, there is both a great positive and a subtle warning. They need to be better, but they know that they can trust in each other and the system. England on the other hand, get some respite with a trip to Rome. They are by no means out of this tournament, but one gets the impression that those words spoken before the frst weekend will continue to have resonance. This is a team in transition, missing some key pieces. What is clearer now, more than ever, is that Marcus Smith is the future for English rugby and trusting him might well keep them in contention.

*You can read Peter’s detailed preview and analysis of the Guinness Six Nations for free on The Founder’s website.

BEN ROWE | WELFARE AND DIVERSITY SECRETARY, MEN’S FOOTBALL

LGBT+ history month is for everyone. It is a fantastic cause to support, and one we are keen to champion at Men’s

Football. We are proud of the high degree of diversity and inclusivity within the club, and as such will be addressing several factors throughout the month of

February and beyond: - Further our commitment to inclusion within football - Building links with other clubs, societies, and wider

LGBT+ charities and support mechanisms - Ensuring the continued zero-tolerance policy towards negative/homophobic behaviours - Raising awareness - Showcasing progress - Raising money for fantastic charities - Ultimately taking responsibility for making a difference While great progress has been made in recent years, there is still work to be done. There are no openly gay footballers in the Premier League, and studies have found that the environment created by fans infuences the decision of players to come out. Seven out of ten football fans who have attended a football match in the last fve years have heard homophobic language. Football needs to progress in its attitudes towards homosexuality, and that is exactly what Men’s Football are trying to advocate for this month through awareness campaigns and charity efforts. Throughout the month, our captains have been wearing rainbow armbands, while we have supplied club members with rainbow laces. Not only do these demonstrate our support, but profts raised from the purchase of these have all gone to charity. Furthermore, our volunteering secretary, Ben Haselden, has organised an LGBT+ Quiz Night, with all proceeds going towards Stonewall to support the excellent work that they do. Finally, throughout LGBT+ History Month, we have been celebrating and documenting some of the most infuential LGBT+ fgures in the world of sport on our Instagram, of which two are listed below. Everyone deserves the right to be themselves.

Tom Daley

With four Olympic medals and 12 golds in the world championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships, Tom Daley is one of Britain’s best and most decorated divers. Daley has been open and confdent about his sexuality, happy to speak out on many issues regarding his personal experiences and the wider issues surrounding attitudes towards the LGBT community. Like many other athletes (there were a record of nearly 200 openly gay athletes at the Tokyo olympics last year), Daley has had a huge impact simply by coming out and being his true self for all the world to see. ‘I feel incredibly proud to say that I am a gay man and also an Olympic champion. I hope that any young LGBT person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone. You can achieve anything.’ ‘While it is incredible to see so many athletes being visibly LGBTQ+, there’s still more to do to ensure that sport is truly inclusive to everyone.’

Josh Cavallo:

Currently playing for Adelaide United, the full-back is now in his third season of Australian top-fight football aged just 22. Josh is known and celebrated globally as the frst openly gay top-fight male footballer, having come out in October last year. ‘Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to ft the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before. I’ve lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about.’ ‘I know there are other players living in silence. I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football and deserves the right to be their authentic self.’ Thanks to Josh’s strength and bravery, the footballing world is a better place. He is an inspiration to millions.

LGBT+ History Month at Men’s Football

Source: VOI