You have to give a nod to Manchester City for playing a part in their collapse at White Hart Lane. It was much of what we’ve come to expect from Roberto Mancini’s men all season, and the Italian once again didn’t shy away from telling his players exactly what he thought of them. But if only for a moment and with nothing decided at this stage, Tottenham looked like a club destined for the top four – and that is what Arsenal should take from this race for a Champions League spot.

A great deal of credit will once again go to Andre Villas-Boas and his tactical switch. But I don’t really want to talk about tactics and what it did for the finer details of the game, rather what it did for the mood around White Hart Lane.

It’s the safest route for Tottenham fans, I’m sure, to just accept defeat and another disappointing end to the season. Andre Villas-Boas, however, was having none of it. It’s a sense of understanding for what is at stake; no, not a place in next season’s Champions League group stage, but instead the pride of a winning a football match.

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Tottenham had the players but not always the belief. Manchester City could have put the game to bed in the first half and that would have been it. Instead, the result amounted to Spurs delivering a heavy and impressive defeat to one of their rivals at the top of the Premier League table. For all that can be said about Arsenal and their experience as a top four team and the titles of the past, when was the last time Arsene Wenger’s men really put Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea to the sword? More importantly, when did Wenger mastermind a complete turnaround in a match of that significance?

It’s a divide that doesn’t need compliments, traditions or playing style to bridge the gap. They might have similarities and storylines that take from one another, but Tottenham and Arsenal want to remain very much individual.

That’s why it might not sit well for it to be suggested that Arsenal can learn something from Tottenham’s win. Arsenal have put together an excellent record of results over the past two months, with the only blemish coming at White Hart Lane in that 2-1 defeat. Sure, they may kick themselves for failing to take all three points from Everton come the end of the season, but otherwise why would Arsenal need to look across the way for a source of inspiration?

Again, it’s that attitude Villas-Boas had to want to change the game. Ironically, it almost bordered on stubbornness. The game looked up and Tottenham’s hopes for a top four place this season seemed to be coming to an end. The bravery and desire from Villas-Boas should be remembered for a long time, especially if that win against Manchester City acts as the defining point for Tottenham’s season.

It’s different at Arsenal. They will win, play good football and send everyone home happy if the sun is shining, the wind just happens to be in their sails and the opposition play their own part in their downfall. That’s not always the case, of course, but the biggest point here is when did you ever get the sense that Arsenal and Wenger were taking it upon themselves to alter the outcome of an important game? Wenger has that attitude of “leave it be, it’ll sort itself out” that just cannot work at this level of the game. It’s an attitude that Villas-Boas was miles away from on Sunday afternoon.

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Some Arsenal fans will cite the changes made during the game against Norwich at the Emirates, a group of substitutions that forced the turnaround and win. But it wasn’t the same. It wasn’t as grand as Tottenham’s win. A point to be made: Arsenal have not beaten any of the other three teams currently making up the top four this season. In my lifetime, Arsenal have not scored more than two goals at Old Trafford in the league. Spurs, this season, can tick off both of those.

Arsenal may end up finishing in a Champions League place this season, with or without Tottenham rounding out the four. But that doesn’t take anything away from the achievement of Spurs and the mentality that can and should be adopted at the Emirates. Rather than letting the result fizz out into nothing, giving into submission and just playing out the remainder of the 90 minutes as an act of formality; do something different, brave and inventive that will warrant equal praise.

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On the 16th January I wrote an article about the departure of Stale Solbakken and in the appointment of the then Doncaster manager, Dean Saunders. 120 days later Saunders departs and the managerial merry-go-round continues to spin.

The 2012/2013 season culminated in Wolves succumbing to a 2-0 loss against a vibrant, mobile and exciting Brighton side who cemented their place in the play-offs. The 2000 or so away fans in the beautifully constructed AMEX stadium sang nobly and stayed behind to applaud the battered and bruised men in gold and, in addition, congratulate a magnificent achievement by Poyet’s men. The scenes at the end were a much more fitting tribute to the fans that have undergone what can only be described as mental torture for the past 2 years, compared to the ugly and unnecessary scenes of the last home game.

At 2.30pm relegation was confirmed, officially, Wolverhampton Wanderers had yet another “R” next to their name. In consecutive seasons the club has dropped like a stone to the third tier of English football. At full time Stephen Hunt and a tearful George Elokobi (I didn’t know he could cry!) went over to applaud the fans that responded with typical good grace, these two were not the reason Wolves were relegated.

The fight had left Wolves, not against Brighton, but months previously, the spirit and the morale had completely disintegrated from every facet of the team. In truth most fans felt relegation beckoned after Beckford’s double for Huddersfield. But the pain and heartache is causes when it is confirmed cannot be computed until it actually happens. It has been a very surreal last few days for fans of a once great club, they have been reflecting on an ultimately disastrous season, which started with so much promise with the appointment of Stale Solbakken. His “revolution” was left in tatters and he resigned/was sacked after a string of very disappointing results. The club appointed the Uncle Bryn-esque, Dean Saunders in very quick fashion, he was seen as the man to guide Wolves to this infamous light at the end of a very long, dark, uncertain tunnel.

Two positive points at home to a manager less Blackburn Rovers and away to Sheffield Wednesday was followed up by a string of seven games with out a win, picking up just 3 points out of a possible 21. Relegation form some thought, Saunders was given the benefit of the doubt though, new manager and all that. These doubts seems to be dispelled when Wanderers’ number 9 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored a rather lovely bicycle kick which contributed to a 2-0 win and 3 points at The New Den. Were things starting to click into place for Dean? Could it really happen?

The highlight of Saunders’ tenure was yet to come, a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground put a small buffer on expectations. It did, however, seem to be a catalyst for the teams next three results, 9 points out of a possible 9 in the next three games, including a first half rout of Birmingham City at St. Andrews. This was play off form some thought, it seemed that Morgan had unearthed a talented man who knew his stuff.

12 out of 12 was not achieved, Wolves’ slump continued as Dougie Freedmen’s men scored 2 in 10 minutes to halt the rise up the table. Things were looking grim, teams around Wolves, Peterborough, Barnsley and Huddersfield were all winning at the same time. Those three results merely kept Wolves in the fight for survival, without those wins we would have been dead and buried by April. By this time Saunders’ ability as a manager was brought into question, people felt he was out of his depth at this level whilst others recognised that he had not been in the job for very long and that it would take time. No manager is ever a quick fix.

Relegation was all but confirmed on the 20th April when Wolves conceded a gut wrenching last minute goal against Charlton at The Valley. Anger was now the main emotion amongst the south bank and co. Saunders’ tactics were now being brought into play. Putting Stephen Hunt, a winger, clearly, in the number 10 position behind an inform Kevin Doyle and starting games, both home and away, with three full backs was seen as a negative approach for a club that had to get out of this relegation mess. In addition, Saunders started playing 5 at the back when it got really desperate, it was clear he was setting up not to lose games, when in reality, we absolutely had to win games in order to stay up. Wolves have never been a team to draw games, 9 draws all season emphasises this.

On the other hand, he did have his positives, the introduction of Jake Cassidy, Danny Batth and brief appearance from Liam McAlinden was seen as a positive step. Furthermore the signing of Jack Robinson had shored up Wolves’ constant issues at left back lets hope we can get him on loan again next year, Saunders also recognised the need for a change in defence and brought in Gorkss on loan, who initially, looked quite lively, next to Roger Johnson. He also got the best from Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, something that previous managers have failed to do, especially with the former. They both found their shooting boots and if it were not for Blake’s leg break against Birmingham, he would have been the man to take that half chance in the box. Maybe Wolves’ fortunes would have been different, we have seen what it is like when a team has proper, ruthless number 9 to put the ball in the back of the net.

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The final nail was well and truly hammered in on Saturday. Despite an open post match interview the writing seemed to be on the wall. Despite what people say and will no doubt say about Dean Saunders as a manager, it has to be said that he was always a very honest man, he never hid anything from anyone. Some people called it delusional, fine, I happen to think it was quite noble. Without sounding horrendously arrogant, Saunders could not turn down the Wolves job when offered it. As poor as we have been all season, Wolves are still a big club with a long history. Saunders will no doubt have thought that he could push the club forward, he took a big risk leaving a Doncaster side that he was in the process of assembling.

We should thank Dean Saunders for trying his hardest, regardless of his ability. Saunders was a pragmatist who did his best with what he had at his disposable. He did not have time to implement his own ideas and was forced to coach the team in the simplest and most dogmatic way possible. Sadly, his best, was not good enough, I’m sure he feels responsible for the clubs further decline and will have no doubt wanted a full pre season to assemble his own team and rewrite the mess of the last 9 months. Maybe he would, we shall never know, he began “rebuilding the club 10 minutes ago on Saturday” but his rebuilding was halted because the powers that be felt that his work at Wolves was done.

So the merry-go-round continues as Wolves drop to the third tier, only time will tell whom the club appoint next. All we do know is, he has got one hell of a job on his hands.

There may be an easy route to landing Kyriakos Papadopoulos this summer from Schalke. The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season out of action following knee surgery, allowing Joel Matip to take over in the centre of defence. The club have also gone on to add Felipe Santana this summer from rivals Borussia Dortmund. For all his talent, the road back to regular first-team football at Veltins Arena may not be too straightforward.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with moves for the Greek defender, with the former said to have cooled their interest. Yet it’s easy to see why both Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger have identified Papadopoulos as the ideal addition to their respective backlines.

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Rodgers’ stylistic approach ahead of next season looks to be taking shape, with Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto already in the bag. Papadopoulos is a quick, defensively excellent centre-back, able to help Liverpool play a high defensive line. Although not quite at the level of some of the best centre-backs in the world, the Greek international isn’t too far off, with greater attention needed to playing the ball out from the back and distributing to the forwards.

His strength, presence and leadership completely belies his age. It’s very much a case of if they’re good enough they’ll play, regardless of age and inexperience. That is absolutely true for Papadopoulos who has all the makings of a future captain both at club and international level. Certainly the perfect replacement for Jamie Carragher at Anfield.

At Arsenal, the first-team opportunities are likely to be more limited. Wenger has already identified his first-choice centre-back pairing and will be keen to offer continuity to the team in the way of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. But that shouldn’t take away from the club’s need for quality in depth. Johan Djourou looks to be on his way out with Hamburg and Hannover likely to offer him a place for next season at least, and with plenty of hopes as to how far Arsenal can go in the coming season, three senior centre-backs is cutting it too fine.

The youngster would also represent a far better investment for Arsenal than the signing of Ashley Williams, even if he is to replace Thomas Vermaelen, whose future remains unclear. Papadopoulos has experience of Champions League football, is sure to become the cornerstone of any team’s defence for the foreseeable future and, on the financial front, isn’t too great a gulf over what Williams is likely to cost. Schalke remain adamant that the youngster isn’t for sale, but notably the signing of Santana and the debt within the club could see a transfer if the price is right.

While it’s difficult to draw any considerable negatives to the signing of one of Europe’s most talented defenders, the matter really comes down to who would benefit the player most. Of course, should he move this summer, Papadopoulos would miss out on Champions League football either with Schalke or Arsenal if he opts for Anfield. Yet there would be far more importance placed on him should he link up with Rodgers – something that is likely to shape the player’s final decision.

Far from saying he has an attitude problem, the youngster still needs to learn to control his emotions in games. The guidance of Arsene Wenger has been of benefit to many in the past in this regard, and there’s little doubting the Frenchman’s impact on Papadopoulos should he arrive at Arsenal.

For both clubs, but notably for Arsenal, it will act as another important step in the right direction. Papadopoulos has received plenty of attention and admiration since arriving on the big stage with Schalke. He displayed why clubs like Manchester United have been on the hunt for his signature with a number of fine displays at the European Championships last summer. But above all and already a name with an impressive reputation in European football, there is little in the way of a gamble with the potential signing of the defender. Should he return to form immediately following his injury, he’d be a fantastic signing for either club.

Which club would be the best choice for Papadopoulos this summer?

Join the debate below

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To show that Football FanCast is bang up for the forthcoming Premier League season, we’re celebrating in style by giving away some top prizes to our followers on Twitter.First up for grabs are a couple of tickets for West Brom’s season opener against Southampton at the Hawthorns on Saturday. Steve Clarke’s side have coped with the loss of Romelu Lukaku by signing Nicolas Anelka and Matej Vydra to lead the line, while Saints’ own Rickie Lambert is set for involvement in England’s friendly with Scotland tonight.We’re going to follow that up by offering the chance to see Manuel Pellegrini’s first game at the helm of Manchester City, when the 2012/13 Premier League champions host Newcastle on Monday night – with multi-million pound signings Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic also set to make their home debuts for the blue half of Manchester.That’s not it though, as the lucky winners will also receive copies of FIFA 14 on a console of their choice.Winners are to be announced Thursday morning. To put yourself in the hat, be sure to follow us on Twitter and retweet the below…

These prizes have been provided by EA Sports the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Barclays Premier League. EA SPORTS is the proud sponsor of the Barclays Premier League Player Performance Index. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is the Barclays Premier League’s official statistical index of all 20 Barclays Premier League teams.

The EA SPORTS Team of the Week will be available at www.PremierLeague.com/EASPORTSPlayerPerformanceIndex after each round of the Barclays Premier League. The team will be based on ratings from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

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The clamour earlier in the season from the Real Madrid support to see Alvaro Morata start ahead of Karim Benzema should be an indication of the striker’s talent.

As of now, the Spain U21 international is the only other option Carlo Ancelotti has at centre-forward, unless, in a desperate situation, he deploys Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Jese Rodriguez in that position. So it seems a little out there that Real Madrid would even entertain a loan for Morata in January.

Arsenal, however, do need reinforcements. Much in the same way as Madrid, the Gunners only have senior centre-forward in Olivier Giroud, if you discount Lukas Podolski. The trust placed in the Frenchman this season has seen him flourish, but no amount of confidence can fully recuperate a tired body when the fixtures come thick and fast.

Morata is seen by some as the perfect answer to this short-term problem. Arsenal need another senior striker but they’re unlikely to get exactly what they want in January. Not only that, but following a World Cup and the numerous reshuffling of squads over the summer, there is likely to be a good handful of high-class centre-forwards available. Think Mario Mandzukic as one of those likely to be on the market.

The thing about Morata and the talk about a January loan is that some of the excitement, which is justified, doesn’t quite acknowledge that it’s for the short term. Or at least that’s the way it appears.

Morata is an exceptionally talented footballer who is destined for big things in his career. There is a hunger to see him at Real Madrid. Once again, Real Madrid. He’s only 21 and won’t have a sniff at a place in Vicente Del Bosque’s side for the World Cup in the summer, and yet people can see the quality in him. On almost every occasion this season where he’s made a cameo appearance, he’s made an impact. At last summer’s U21 European Championship, he finished as tournament top scorer. He only started one game.

But Arsenal won’t see the end result. They’ll play a small hand in his development and then that’s it. I simply won’t entertain the idea of Arsenal having an option to buy him if a loan deal takes place; Florentino Perez will be persuaded and even urged to retain the youngster, such is the desire from the support to see more homegrown players in the team.

And then you have to ask how much of an impact Morata will have. For all his talent, let’s not forget that he’s still a young player in his first season as a regular in the Real Madrid squad. Moving to the Premier League, where even the best have trouble adapting, and then being asked to help play a key role in a title race is too much for a player of such limited experience.

He’s been very good when turning out for Madrid this season, but let’s not forget that this is a team who have Cristiano Ronaldo and a myriad of other stars. At the moment, they’re trouncing opponents. Benzema is back in form, Bale has found his rhythm and the return of Xabi Alonso has helped the team to move through the gears with much greater fluidity.

And that’s not to take anything away from how good Arsenal are at present, but at Madrid, there is no pressure on Morata. As mentioned, worst case scenario, Ronaldo plays at centre-forward. One of the best players in the world playing in a position that he’s quite accustomed. Arsenal simply don’t have that luxury.

If it was a case that Arsenal were permanently signing Morata, I could be a little more supportive of the idea. After all, Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott, while offering different qualities to Giroud, are also options. Bringing in Morata with the view to him having a long-term impact at the club is no problem. But that’s not happening.

When Manchester United needed a boost in their title bid in 2007, they brought in Henrik Larsson on a short-term deal. It suited everyone. Larsson was a high-quality veteran of the game who could be trusted to put the ball in the net. He’s done the lot. No pressure.

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If Arsenal can’t get their first-choice targets in January, then a deal similar to that of United’s signing of Larsson should be pursued.

Despite all of Morata’s talent, it just doesn’t make a great deal of sense for either Arsenal or Real Madrid.

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United at the Emirates tonight, Betfair has poked fun at Arsene Wenger’s double slip up at the weekend with some carefully positioned ‘Caution’ signs.

The signs, positioned at Arsenal and Highbury & Islington tube stations as well as outside the Emirates Stadium read: “Don’t slip up again, Arsene!” on the traditional wet floor style signage.

After setting fans expectations high all year, Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool was seen by many as the inevitable slip up that has marred many of Arsenal’s recent title challenges, and when Wenger took a slip of his own on his way home from the match it was too much to take for most Arsenal fans.

Betfair Spokesman Barry Orr commented today: “Football fans have been saying all season that it’s only a matter of time before Arsenal slip up in the title race. Their thrashing at the hands of Liverpool started things off badly at the weekend, and then Arsene went and took a tumble at Liverpool Lime Street station on his way home.”

“We thought it would be right and proper to do all we can to help Mr Wenger avoid another slip up ahead of his must win clash with United. Whether his team can avoid a second slip up in the title race remains to be seen but at 5-4 favourites we think it will be tight’’

‘’Arsenal’s next 3 game, United in the League, Liverpool in the FA Cup and then Bayern in the Champions League, will define their season and we are offering 20-1 that they win all three’’

Arsenal v Man Utd, Match Odds:5-4 Arsenal, 23-10 Man Utd, 11-5 Draw

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Arsenal to win their next three games: To beat Man Utd, Liverpool, Bayern Munich – YES 20-1

When the current Premier League campaign draws to a close, Daniel Levy will find himself at a crossroads. Back in December, replacing a laughed-out-of-England Andre Villas-Boas, the Tottenham chief passed the managerial reins to  then-youth coach Tim Sherwood, subsequently handing the ex-Lilywhites midfielder an 18 month contract.

That length of contract appears to be out of politeness more than anything else. Even at the time, I’m sure Sherwood knew the ultimate aim of his tenure was to steady the ship ahead of a more coveted managerial arrival at the end of the season.

The leading candidate, then and now, remains current Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal, a manager who has claimed Eredivisie, Bundesliga, La Liga and Champions League titles before, and has made no secret of his desire to work in England after the World Cup in Brazil.

But Sherwood’s performance in the Lilywhites dugout has surprised many for a head coach previously unblooded at any level of the game. So with Van Gaal an option but the former England international continuing to impress, it’s now a question of whether Levy should stick or twist. In other words, has the current Spurs boss done enough to deserve another season in the job?

Tottenham’s planned revival under Tim Sherwood back into the Premier League’s top four hasn’t quite taken place, but in comparison to the AVB days, the former midfielder’s appointment has instigated a drastic turnaround in form.

Under the Portuguese’s leadership, the North London side were averaging less than a goal per game, and suffered humiliating defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool – two clubs the Lilywhites were expected to be competing with for league standing back in the summer.

In sharp contrast, Tottenham have dropped just eight points out of a possible 33 since the 45 year-old took the Lane hot seat, and most importantly, they’ve netted 21 times in eleven Premier League fixtures.

More than the results, it’s Sherwood’s insistence on entertaining the Tottenham faithful that’s been most pleasing and refreshing, in comparison to their testimonial-paced, chess-like manner of performance under his predecessor, which was some how, paradoxically blamed on the Spurs supporters.

A worryingly alienating and departmental 4-3-3 system has been replaced with a more Premier League-traditional 4-4-2, and although many felt that demonstrated Sherwood’s tactical naivety, it has produced far more dynamically charismatic side to Tottenham. In short, Sherwood has provided Spurs with the personality and identity they disturbingly lacked at the start of the season.

Furthermore, there have been plenty of side-stories that have given us an insight into what kind of manager Sherwood is. With one of his first actions as Tottenham boss being to promote budding youngster Nabil Bentaleb to the first team – ignoring the pressures of £9million summer signing Etienne Capoue’s calls for regular football– the Tottenham boss clearly has an eye for good player.

The 19 year-old has since made seven Premier League starts, playing important roles in wins over Crystal Palace, Swansea, Everton and Newcastle. He’s by no means the finished article, but has all the makings of a talented defensive midfielder.

Similarly, Sherwood saw fit to reach out to Emmanuel Adebayor, who had been demoted to the development squad and completely alienated by the previous regime – presumably due to the Togo international refusing to leave White Hart Lane back in the summer.

But seeing past the merky shroud Villas-Boas had surrounded him with, and the regular haranguing of Adebayor in the British press, the Spurs manager had enough self-belief to make up his own mind on the striker – whom, for all his negative stigmatism, dons a Premier League record of 91 goals in 208 appearances, and is probably the most talented front-man on the White Hart Lane roster.

Mercurial or not, the former Arsenal and City star has repaid Sherwood’s faith. His eight goals and two assists in 12 league appearances under the new boss has left Adebayor as the club’s top scorer, in the absence of form from Roberto Soldado and Jermain Defoe, and Sherwood deserves full credit for the Togo striker’s miraculous revival.

But lingering concerns remain over Sherwood’s credentials and his ability to get Tottenham back into the top four – he may have steadied a sinking ship at White Hart Lane, but Champions League qualification was the ultimate motivation for Daniel Levy to spend £110million on new recruits in the summer, and it will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the agenda next season.

Admittedly, the Spurs gaffer’s tactical gullibility has to come into question. Tottenham’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal was a steep learning curve for Sherwood; sticking to his tried-and-tested 4-4-2 formation, the Lilywhites were swiftly picked apart by a technically-gifted Gunners midfield and a free-roaming, penetrating attack. From the announcement of the team sheets in the early afternoon, it was clear that philosophical flaws would go on to dictate the derby’s outcome.

Sherwood has shown tactical variation since, most recently deploying a 4-3-3, but naivety struck again last week when Tottenham came away from a heated tie in Ukraine with a 1-0 deficit to Dnipro. One has to consider whether a more experienced manager, particularly on the European scene, like Van Gaal, could have masterminded a better result.

Similarly, although through no particular fault of his own, Levy will be concerned that his manager is still yet to get the best out of Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela – the two most expensive signings in the club’s history. Once again, Sherwood had no part in signing these players and should certainly not be held to rights over their poor form.

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But under his first team leadership, the goals for the Spaniard have become even more of a rarity, and club record-signing Lamela appears to have slumped even further down the White Hart Lane pecking order. Could a manager of greater experience with top players have provided a solution to their stale form by now? That’s not an accusation, just something the Spurs chairman will have to bear in mind – after all, that’s £56million’s worth of investment on the line, and if Tottenham are to qualify for the Champions League next season both will need to contribute significantly.

That being said, the Tottenham hot seat has taken a literal meaning under the chairmanship of Daniel Levy – so roasting that no manager has been able to remain seated for too long – and regardless of Champions League qualification next season, one feels Spurs are in need of a period of stability that also brings the club back to its English roots, following a summer in which £110million was spent on nine players that hadn’t set foot in the Premier League before.

But you get the feeling Levy won’t see it that way. Tottenham’s Champions League push has been shelved this season, and with so much money on the line it’s unlikely he’ll be willing to wait another year. Furthermore, Levy’s next appointment has to be the correct one – since he took charge at White Hart Lane, despite the club gravitating towards the more glamorous end of the Premier League table,  his managerial hirings have been surprisingly hot and cold.

With that in mind, a b-line for the tried, tested and decorated Van Gaal seems inevitable in the summer – Tottenham’s impatience with Europe will undoubtedly get the better of them once again. But should Levy be unable to tempt the Dutchman, Tim Sherwood is certainly an impressive contingency plan.

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Everton star Bryan Oviedo is on course for a World Cup showdown with England, just seven weeks after being ruled out for the long term with a broken leg, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Everton left back shattered his leg in an FA Cup clash with Stevenage in January, and was told he would not play until next season at the earliest.

But the Costa Rican international has made a recovery that manager Roberto Martinez has described as ‘phenomenal’ and is on course to face England in the Group D clash in Brazil.

“It is a personal phenomenon because Bryan is well ahead of his planned recovery time,” said Martinez.

“We sent him to Costa Rica with the national team and they will assess him. But the specialist saw him this week before he went away, and feels he can make the World Cup, which is incredible.

“He’ll be in Costa Rica for two weeks, the specialist is going over from London and we’re working together to see if we can get him fully fit. It’s an incredible opportunity for him.”

Oviedo earned cult hero status amongst Toffees fans after striking the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier in the season, and Martinez reckons he deserves more praise for the bravery he has shown in his recovery.

“Bryan is an incredible boy and a really quick healer, whose mentality and approach are unbelievable,” he said.

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“He has that huge goal of the World Cup and is a great example for anyone. I know for sure he will be fine for pre-season, but if we can get him okay for the summer, it will be incredible.

“I would encourage that, he deserves it. And I think we can get a better player at Everton if we can get him to the World Cup. Physically he’s a machine and I would never have a concern about that.”

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Philippe Coutinho will be offered a new contract this summer in a bid to fend off mounting interest.

The Brazilian playmaker has been a big hit since his January 2013 switch to Anfield from Inter Milan, slotting straight into the Reds’ first-team and helping to boost the shock title charge last term.

Although his goals record has been relatively poor – he netted five times in 2013/14 – interest in his signature has been mooted, with Real Madrid a side to have been aligned with the 22-year-old.

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Liverpool have endured two difficult summers surrounding La Liga heavyweights chasing Luis Suarez, which eventually resulted in the Uruguayan signing for Barcelona.

Rodgers is keen to ensure that he is able to build his team around the South American starlet in years to come, and has revealed that the Merseysiders are looking to tie him down to a new contract:

“A new contract for Philippe is something we will look to do over the summer,” he is quoted by Goal.

“It’s all in hand. He’s certainly on that list. He’s a valuable player and a great asset to the club. He’s come in here and shown his quality, and really developed as a young player.

“Now he’s moving into the best years of his life as a footballer. He’s 22 and hopefully, by the time the next World Cup comes around, he will be an important part of the Brazil team. I’m sure his best years will be at Liverpool.

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“He came back to pre-season with a great level of fitness – right on the limit of his weight. He’s in great condition, clearly worked hard in the off-season and, since he’s come back, we’ve seen in the games how strong and aggressive he is.”

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Liverpool wasted no time in getting off and running with their transfer business this summer, and for the second consecutive summer not allowing Luis Suarez to become too big a distraction.

The biggest issue for the club has been to strengthen ahead of their return to the Champions League this season. Last term, the club were fortune to have very little distractions away from the Premier League, having been knocked out of the League Cup early and not having to worry about the FA Cup until January.

The club have parted with close to £100 million so far, and the spending isn’t over. But has it been the perfect summer transfer window for Brendan Rodgers?

Here’s a look at four reasons why Liverpool’s spending spree has been underwhelming.

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Big money spent, but no star arrivals

The most exciting arrival at Anfield this summer has been that of Lazar Markovic from Benfica – and that’s before Mario Balotelli arrives from AC Milan.

The club have thus far hit the £20 million mark three times, but have yet to bring in an established world-class player. Markovic may develop into one in time, but the youngster has very little experience at the top of European football, having served only one season in Portugal. The Premier League is obviously a major step up.

In comparison to Tottenham last summer, Liverpool have thus far fair to get pulses racing. This time last year, Spurs had brought in Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen, who held very high reputations from their time with Roma and Ajax. In addition, an experienced striker was signed in Roberto Soldado. Of course, that was all before it went pear shaped.

But the point is Liverpool’s signings haven’t been as impressive as they could have been, despite the large outlay.

Are Liverpool better?

Having spent around £100 million this summer, can it be said that Liverpool are better than they were last season?

Luis Suarez proved to be the difference for the club last season, but following his sale to Barcelona, have the club spent on players that will take them to the next level, or even ensure they stay where they are?

The squad is deeper, but that has been a means to counter the increased work load of European football. The most important signing may be Dejan Lovren at centre-back, but that’s on the basis that he continues his form of last season.

For now, there are no certainties that Liverpool will be in the top four come May.

Victims of Premier League premium

There were a couple of teams chasing Adam Lallana, but in the end Liverpool won the race for the former Southampton captain’s signature, a signing that sees them pay £25 million to the south coast club.

It’s generally been agreed upon that Liverpool have overspent on Lallana, who only has two years of experience in the Premier League at 26, and has seen very little game time with England and nothing thus far in the Champions League.

It’s another example of the premium placed on English Premier League players. Could Liverpool have gotten a better player abroad for the same money? Without a doubt.

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The club fell victim once again to inflated fees with the signing of Dejan Lovren, whose value more than doubled following his £8.5 million move to Southampton from Lyon last year.

Liverpool have spent big, but it can’t be said that they’ve spent well within English football.

Still no holding midfielder

Emre Can has been touted as a long-term solution to the holding midfield role, but the former Bayern Munich player has little experience in that role up until now, having played further forward in midfield and at left-back for Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool desperately need a defensive midfielder to help improve on their defensive record of last season, and despite buying in bulk, they’re yet to properly address that area of the pitch.

If Liverpool go into the season with only Lucas and Steven Gerrard as holding midfield options, the team will once again have to rely on the forwards to fire them into the top four, which is easier said than done following Suarez’s departure.