That, it appears, was not smart. And so we begin\u2026<\/p>\n
Earps over Hampton<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t think that England would defend their European Championship title, but the shame of that is slightly mitigated by their route through the tournament: losing to France, winning two penalty shootouts and scoring in the 96th and 119th minutes to beat Italy. Fine margins.<\/p>\n
But what I certainly didn\u2019t foresee was Hannah Hampton becoming the best goalkeeper in the world<\/a> this year, or certainly the one that made the biggest difference. I figured that dropping Mary \u201cbig game\u201d Earps was a risk not worth taking with so much other uncertainty around form and selection (particularly given the absence of Millie Bright).<\/p>\n Sunderland straight back down<\/p>\n The Premier League had worn me down. The last six promoted clubs had gone straight back down and I didn\u2019t dare to predict that anyone could bridge that gap. Wolves being one of the worst Premier League teams in history has helped, but Sunderland deserve all the credit<\/a> for both their recruitment and the ability of Regis Le Bris to knit it all together.<\/p>\n Sunderland probably aren\u2019t quite safe yet but I\u2019m prepared to be wrong twice in saying that the rest of this season will be enjoyable simply because supporters can enjoy the ride. That was unthinkable six months ago.<\/p>\n Postecoglou\u2019s second chance <\/p>\n I was in Seville to watch Ange Postecoglou\u2019s first European game in charge of Forest. Despite one draw from games against Arsenal, Swansea and Burnley before it, the quality of Forest\u2019s play with and without the ball during the first half persuaded me that he could build something. <\/p>\n Ah well. Postecoglou was sacked<\/a> after only eight \u2013 winless \u2013 games in charge, Forest immediately went for the risk-averse option of Sean Dyche and have won seven games in 12 since. Ange will struggle to get another job in England.<\/p>\n Why appoint Frank Lampard? <\/p>\n On 2 January, 2025, Coventry City were 14th in the Championship. Frank Lampard had been in charge for nine league games, winning three, drawing three and losing three. Supporters were angry at owner Doug King for a decision that they perceived was based upon fame rather than ability. Why replace Mark Robins with this?<\/p>\n Points at league table: Yeah, fair enough. Coventry have been the most dominant<\/a> team in their league in English professional football this season. They are free-scoring, occasionally open defensively but it hardly matters when you\u2019re picking up 2.24 points per game and 12 points clear of third place. Along the way, Lampard has rebuilt his own reputation.<\/p>\n We\u2019d have a Man City verdict by now <\/p>\n \u201cMan City\u2019s 115 charges<\/a>: Premier League\u2019s 12-week hearing concludes with decision expected in spring,\u201d read one headline in December 2024. Most media outlets and journalists were on the same page. After months of rumour and counter-rumour, we didn\u2019t know how the case would shake out. <\/p>\n But we did think an initial verdict, along with punishment pending appeal for proven charges, would land in the first half of 2025. And still we wait. And still there would likely be appeals if it goes against Manchester City. And still we grow older and more weary.<\/p>\n Frank to impress at Tottenham<\/p>\n I didn\u2019t think that Thomas Frank would supercharge Tottenham because the squad seemed imbalanced and I put more credence on the 17th-place finish than the Europa League win (I picked Spurs to finish ninth). But I absolutely didn\u2019t think that Frank would look out of his depth<\/a> to the point that the pressure would envelope him three months into the season.<\/p>\n There\u2019s an obvious point to make: losing matches at Brentford was less of a national news story than it is at Spurs. But it\u2019s the inflexibility tactically and the incapability to create dynamic patterns of attacking play that has underwhelmed me most.<\/p>\n \t\tYour next read<\/p>\n![\"SUNDERLAND,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_278004692.jpg\")
I thought Sunderland would be like every other promoted team (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Coventry](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_277862331.jpg\")
Lampard has silenced every one of his critics (Photo: PA)<\/p>\n
![\"Article](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_278763830.jpg\")
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