Why the Gunners are Failing to Fire on All Cylinders

They're one of the tastiest sides in the UK, but Arsenal's relatively low standing in the league shows there's little use in stringing fancy passes together if you can't mix it up when the going gets rough.

Richard Dunne is the White Paul McGrath

Richard Dunne put in a towering performance during Ireland's victory over Cyprus, but greater challenges lie ahead, particularly the formidable Azzurri.

Revenge will be Served Cold

After being humiliated twice by Cyprus during Steve Staunton's reign of error, Ireland have a score to settle...

London Calling

Why Chelsea look a great bet to wrest control of the title from Man United.

What Ireland can learn from Spanish flair

European champions Spain's adventurous, attacking play shows it is possible to win major tournaments without going negative. But there's no reason why, with the right management, Ireland shouldn't be able to hold their own against the Continent's top sides.

The Boy From Brazil

Phil Scolari is exactly the sort of no-nonsense operator that Chelsea needs.

The European Summit

Although drawn in a tough group at Euro 2008, Italy are in with an excellent chance of winning their second major tournment in a row.

Out Of The Traps

After a couple of months in the job, Giovanni Trapattoni is fast realising the challenge ahead of him. The bottom line: we need a few of those who retired back for the World Cup.

The biggest football match of all time?

As the world holds its breath, Cazza evaluates the relative strengths of the key Manchester United and Chelsea performers.

All Set For The Big Finale

There's still lots to play for in the Premiership. But for some managers, it may just be the end of the line...

No tonic for the hoops?

Following a run of disappointing results, there's a very real danger that Gordon Strachan's Glasgow Celtic could finish the season without a trophy to their name.

Foreign Affairs

With Ronaldo and Torres the toast of the Premier League, what better time to run the rule over some of the overseas stars who could soon be lighting up English soccer?

Why Chelsea are singing the blues

If Avram Grant wants to stay at the Chelsea helm he needs to bring home some silverware this season. But are the Londoners really capable of winning the Premiership or Champions' League?

The sad ballad of Paul Gascoigne

Gazza's public disintegration was all too inevitable.

The Bellissimo Game

Giovanni Trapattoni's wealth of experience is exactly what Ireland need.

Kicking the habit

While professional soccer is far from squeaky clean when it comes to recreational drugs, the problem of substance abuse isn’t any more prevalent than in the rest of society. Performance-enhancing drugs, however, are a different matter.

Tumbling Allardyce

Newcastle’s failure to play a more attractive style of football under Sam Allardyce was a big factor in the manager’s departure.

Land of mope and glory

So Ireland’s Euro 2008 campaign has ended in failure. If it’s any consolation, England flopped badly as well. Blame poor organisation and silly tactics.

Why the present Manchester United side is Fergie’s best ever vintage

Alex Ferguson is forever claiming his latest Man U line-up is the best he’s ever assembled. But this time he might just be right.

Life After Stan

Now that Ireland boss Steve Staunton has finally been put out his misery, the FAI must start searching for a successor.

Grant Needs Aid

There isn’t the slightest possibility that Avram Grant will get the best out of the players at his disposal at Chelsea. In fact, he’ll be gone by Christmas.

Time's Running Out For Stan

Having made wrong decisions in Bratislava and Prague, Steve Staunton has three games to save his job.

It’s now or never

The trips to Bratislava and Prague will make or break Ireland’s Euro 2008 campaign.

The Table Does Lie

The early season form-book may have been turned on its head, but normal service will soon be resumed.

Sunderland will struggle

There may be trouble ahead for Roy Keane’s much-vaunted Sunderland revolution.

Memories are made of this

30th Anniversary Retrospective: An Irish team had never qualified for the finals of a major tournament in 1977. It took another 11 years for that dream to be realised – and there’s been a few memorable campaigns since. Tony Cascarino fills us in.

Boys of summer

The season may be over, but the next couple of months are going to be busy ones for managers as they try and do business during the transfer window. We get the lowdown from Tony Cascarino.

Jose in the highest

Despite Chelsea’s failure to retain the Premiership title this season, Jose Mourinho still deserves the full backing of the club’s board.

United we fall

Dennis Wise may be facing the sack, but Leeds’ problems are mainly down to Peter Ridsdale and David O’Leary. Plus: Sam Allardyce’s departure from Bolton and candid views on Gary Lineker and Eamon Dunphy.

The greening of Sunderland

Roy Keane’s successful tenure at the Stadium of Light has possibly positioned the club as the new Celtic.

A strife less ordinary

Falling our with your leading players is a sure-fire recipe for disaster for any manager. Just look at West Ham, a club now in terminal free-fall.

Worse than Liectenstein

When San Marino played in Ireland, they were the worst team he’d ever seen. So there's no point in trying to dress-up a 2-1 win over them as a decent result.

The beautiful game turns ugly

The death of an Italian policeman after the Catania v Palermo match was tragic but not surprising.

Bridge over troubled waters

Does Chelsea’s spanking at the hands of Liverpool point to a crisis at Stamford Bridge?

The end of the affair?

As Premiership survival becomes the ultimate goal for many teams, English soccer’s romantic attachment to the FA Cup may well be at an end words.

Cascarino column: And the winner is...

Annual article: The votes are in, the golden envelopes have been delivered, the nominees are sweating in their tuxedos. Yes, it’s time for HotPress’ annual Casa Awards

A message to you, Andy

Andy Reid needs to lose at least half-a-stone if he’s not to join the list of footballing also-rans.

Why Stan should play Anto Stokes

Tony Cascarino likes what he’s seen this season of the 18-year-old Dubliner.

Big Sam's folly

Sam Allardyce’s criticism of Wayne Rooney bit him on the nose last Saturday.

Honeymoon Over

The fact that we were lucky to keep it to five conceded in Cyprus says it all about Ireland’s woeful display

Doyle and McGeady must start

Ireland need pace and passion if they’re to kick-start their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

A mighty arsenal

The English Premiership is hotting up with Manchester United among the early pace-setters. But can the team maintain its momentum?

Stan can still deliver

We may have lost 1-0, but Ireland’s performance against Germany showed genuine promise.

Stan by your man

Eamon Dunphy’s call for Steve Staunton’s sacking is both ill-judged and ill-timed.

Latin himself go

Ronaldo is a marvellous talent but needs to show more application if Brazil are to hang on to the World Cup.

Footy in mouth

Scuppered by Wayne Rooney's post-injury fitness problems and dodgy management, England's World Cup prospects look dim.

Stan by your man

Defeat to Chile was a set-back but ultimately this was a meaningless friendly – there’s no need to panic quite yet

Feast Of Steven

The F.A. Cup Final proved that some footballers give value for their pay packets.

A bitter phil to swallow

The F.A. were mad to even consider Phil Scolari for the England job.

Swan flew over the cuckoo's nest

Telling Cardiff fans to “fuck off” may have been the height of stupidity, but Lee Trundle still deserves an Ireland call-up.

O'Leary could be next for sack

The Aston Villa manager is in danger of joining Mick McCarthy in the P45-waving manager's club.

Stan And Deliver!

Kevin Doyle, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane all impressed as Steve Staunton’s reign as Ireland manager got off to the perfect start. Tony Cascarino examines how Euro 2008 qualification could be a little trickier though…

When it comes to the crunch

Thanks to medical advances, horrendous injuries, such as the one suffered by Mancester United's Alan Smith, need no longer spell the end of a footballer's career.

A pain in the arsenal

Sol Campbell has been one of the Gunner's best performers, but that doesn't excuse his recent disappearing act. Meanwhile, things could finally be looking up for Ireland fans. The Republic have every chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Stan up and be counted

The new Ireland boss acquitted himself well at his first press conference. But performances on the pitch are what really matter.

Stan can be the man

Mild mannered or not, Steve Staunton won't take any nonsense if he's appointed Ireland manager.

Only time will tell

Terry Venables would make a fine Ireland manager says Tony Cascarino.

Only time will Tel

Terry Venables would make a fine Ireland manager says Tony Cascarino.

The best of times

George Best is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever spring from this island, but how does he rate against the international competition?

Why Kerr failed to deliver

Tensions between the media and the manager had an adverse effect on our approach to the Swiss game.

Why Kerr failed to deliver

Tensions between the media and the manager had an adverse effect on our approach to the Swiss game.

Last Chance Saloon

There's no room for any slip-ups in the two games which will determine Ireland's destiny next summer. words Tony Cascarino

Goals to Newcastle

The signing of Michael Owen represents a significant coup for The Toon, but the real problem at St. James' Park is Graeme Souness.

We can win!

If we marshall France's returning hero properly, we can help ourselves to all three points, says Tony Cascarino.

The rise and rise of the roman empire

Manchester United will push them hard, but the Premiership title will stay at Stamford Bridge.

Sun, Chelsea And Sand

Footballers' holidays are no longer the orgies of excess that they used to be. More's the pity says Tony Cascarino.

We'll Still Qualify!

Despite sub-standard displays against Israel and the Faroes, Tony Cascarino remains confident that the Republic of Ireland will qualify for Germany 2006. Even if Clinton Morrison can't get to grips with the offside rule!

Liverpool – Enjoy It While You Can

Despite their victory in the Champions League Final, Liverpool will struggle to topple Chelsea next season.

Stars And Gripes

Tony Cascarino: While Manchester United fans protest at Malcolm Glazer's take-over, one of their most celebrated old boys has performed a miracle at West Brom

Malcolm In The Middle

The fans may not like it, but Malcolm Glazer may be Manchester United’s best hope of catching Chelsea next season, says Tony Cascarino

Croke Park – It's About Time!

Now that the GAA are doing their bit, what about a united Ireland team? Words Tony Cascarino

Bowyer Keeps Swinging

To say that Lee Bowyer is a toerag is an understatement. Plus the day I met the Pope. By Tony Cascarino

Israel Are There For The Taking

With Brian Kerr able to call on an almost fully fit squad, Tony Cascarino is looking forward to three more World Cup qualifying points in Tel Aviv.

Bring Back Cantona!

Tony Cascarino thinks a few kung-fu kicks would sort out the yob element in football crowds.

Send The Thugs To Jail

With the ugly face of hooliganism back in English football, Tony Cascarino reckons it's time to jail the offenders. He also takes time out to give Richard Dunne some some free advice and expresses his misgivings about Sven's managerial skills.

Why Turn Off The Cole Tap?

Tony Cascarino: the tapping up of players is widespread in the English game and isn’t a reason for docking Chelsea points.

The Crying Game

Arsene Wenger’s whingeing over Alex Ferguson’s outspoken comments on Arsenal is merely the latest manifestation of a career-long behavioural pattern, which in France has earned him the nickname, The Cry Baby.

Sweet FA

Alex Ferguson and David O’Leary both have reason to rue their sides’ dismal cup performance

The Casas 2004

The gloves are off and the front-teeth out as Tony Cascarino doles out his annual football awards.

Chaos Thierry

Henry, Pires and Reyes are all letting Arsenal down in their quest for domestic and European glory.

Portuguese man of awe

Tony Cascarino: Jose Mourinho’s ability to out-psych Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger is one of the reasons why Chelsea will win the Premiership. Another is Thierry Henry’s lack of application in big games.

Are Man Utd In Terminal Decline?

With Ruud Van Nistelrooy possibly about to leave for Chelsea and Arsenal nine points ahead in the premiership, things are growing increasingly precarious for Alex Ferguson and Man Utd.

The European summit

With Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea all in Champions League action last week, Tony Cascarino takes a look at how English clubs might fare in Europe this season.

Germany calling

As Ireland and England start out on the potentially rocky road to Germany 2006 Tony Cascarino reads the signs from this week’s first round skirmishes.

Blue Is The Colour

This is the season where Chelsea’s Galactico's can finally go all the way.

A dip in the market

Who’s hot and who’s not in this year’s transfer merry-go-round: Tony Cascarino

Spolier alert

The Greeks were fit but their spoiler tactics sucked. Also, Ray Houghton and Wayne Rooney exercise poor judgement off the pitch words.

Sven the nearly man

Forget the disallowed goal, England have only their bad attitude – and their manager – to blame for crashing out of Euro 2004.

The late, late show

Tony Cascarino, in Portugal for Euro 2004, on England’s extraordinary self-destruction against France

Forza Italia

Despite Portugal’s status as hosts and France’s favourites tag, Italy have got what it takes to win Euro 2004.

More weapons in this Arsenal

Be afraid, Chelsea and Man U – record-making Arsenal could be even more formidable next season.

Ron Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

Roy: A future Greener

Brian Kerr has not only brought Roy Keane back on side – he may just have helped appoint a future manager of Ireland.

No trouble at Mill

They’ve tackled their hooligan problem and now they’re in an FA cup final – these are good times for my old club Millwall. Words Tony Cascarino

The fierce art of management

Tony Cascarino explains why Souness lost his cool and offers advice on signings to Fergie