Nairaland Forum

Keith Downing believes new England coach Roy Hodgson has improved the quality and performance level of every West Brom player during his 15 months in charge at the Hawthorns.

Hodgson will bring down the curtain on his spell with the Baggies at Sunday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Champions League-chasing Arsenal.

Albion number two Downing feels Hodgson is the ideal appointment for England on the evidence of his work in establishing West Brom in the top flight.

Downing said: "Roy has brought structure, discipline, organisation, just a purpose to every day that he trains.

"You hear people talking about 'is it laborious, is it too drilled?'

"But I'm sure any player at this football club will say the moment Roy walked in he has improved their performance individually and collectively as a unit.

"Every time we go out on the field there is a purpose to our play. There are no grey areas. People know exactly how they should play. He makes you a better player.

"If you are a proper footballer and listen on a daily basis, you can't help but improve and that will apply with England as well.''

Downing added: "In my opinion, Roy is the best man for England. I haven't worked with Harry Redknapp but I know what Roy will bring them.

"I'm sure England will go into each game with a structure and a game plan.

"Obviously football is down to players but he will give them the best chance to win those games.''

Downing is hopeful Albion can give Hodgson a winning send-off but knows the Gunners will be highly motivated given what is at stake for Arsene Wenger's side.

He said: "It's Arsenal, they have some quality all through the team and we respect that, but equally we are in a good run ourselves.

"We are four games undefeated and have done well at home.

"We've only lost one in the last five at home. We are confident and want to make it a good send off for Roy and the supporters.''

Albion striker Peter Odemwingie is fit after recovering from a hamstring injury but winger Jerome Thomas (virus) is likely to be unavailable.

Wenger feels third place in the Barclays Premier League would be just reward for his squad's strength.

Given the disastrous start to the domestic campaign which saw four defeats from seven matches - including a humiliating 8-2 thrashing at Manchester United - to even be in this position is an achievement in itself.

Despite both Tottenham and Arsenal being able to point to opportunities missed to have already sewn up third place ahead of what is set to be a nail-biting final day, Wenger feels the way his squad responded through such times is testament to their character.

"It will be a great achievement if we manage to do it. I believe it would be reward for a group which has exceptional strength,'' Wenger told Arsenal Player.

"They have come through some difficult times, always recovered and always battled. Therefore I will be extremely delighted when we do it.''

The French boss added: "There is even more uncertainty because fourth place is not this time necessarily in the Champions League.

"Let's make sure we finish third and win our game - that is the only answer we can give.

"To do that of course you need a full, committed performance from everybody.

"On that front I am quite sure we will get that from our players and then we will have a very good chance to do it.''

Match

Arsenal to drop points n spurs to win

@ funkymallam
What is in it for you if Arsenal drop points?

What's your own about Arsenal? Go to church!

Arsenal to win this tie, gunners are gonna come with a bang next season. i think the board have been sleeping for a long time, they woke up and found out that they are no longer the dominating force in the EPL. This game is very important for arsenal, a loss is gonna be catastrophic for them. i hope and pray arsenal win. Gunners for life!!!

West Brom are missing three of their best attacking players: Peter Odemwingie, Jerome Thomas and captain Chris Brunt.

I obviously see this game as one for which we would make amends. I always had doubts of our ability to beat Norwich even though at home but today am optimistic we shall win in style. All the way to UCL next season Gunners!!

D’banj’s prediction list:

Chelsea 3-1 Blackburn

Everton 2-2 Newcastle

Sunderland 0-4 Man United (banker)

Man City 1-2 QPR (Insurance)

Norwich 2-0 Aston Villa

Stoke 1-1 Bolton

Swansea 1-2 Liverpool

Tottenham 1-1 Fulham

West Brom 1-3 Arsenal

Wigan 2-0 Wolves.

let's wait and see

COYG!!!

this dubai one people wan kill me

how come others dey show well and arsenal own dey scramble

show me my match jor, wetin i wan do with man citeh and united match

my heart and my liver all dey for my mouth

mukiii where you dey oh, arsenal want start now

come on boys, let's grab the ticket today

ismaeel86: come on boys, let's grab the ticket today

gbam and out. plus one time ===== third place. lol

mukii we don score oh,

mukina2: this dubai one people wan kill me

how come others dey show well and arsenal own dey scramble

show me my match jor, wetin i wan do with man citeh and united match

my heart and my liver all dey for my mouth

Sowiiii

ADA---ADA:
mukiii where you dey oh, arsenal want start now

0-1 to Le'Bottom, courtesy of Benayoun! Spuds also leading by a goal

Link pleaseeeeee

dotcom_na_me_na_me: Link pleaseeeeee

Na BBC live commentary I dey follow! Na Shitty and manure games full televison

I need a link Oooo

Any free stream to watch the Matches in Uk, Advise

naijababe:

0-1 to Le'Bottom, courtesy of Benayoun! Spuds also leading by a goal

mukii all we need is three point , spour win or not they can go to hell for all i care, my prayer is that the good Lord help us to win today. that is what matters to me right now,

1-1

chai 1---1 sha . this my team self, una no go kill person, , God abeg ooooh, give us this three point abeg

2-1 to WBA

Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers they blood dey hot this time around ,

Grant Holt has opened the scoring at Carrow Road as Norwich take the lead at home to Aston Villa.

The pendulum swings back in Spurs' favour as Shane Long equalises for West Brom! He was two yards offside but the goal stands and Arsenal now lie in fourth.

Wolves have taken a somewhat surprising lead at Wigan, with Matt Jarvis firing in a brilliant effort as Terry Connor looks to end the season with his first win in charge.

Szczesny tries to claim a corner but spills carelessly, fortunately for Arsenal, Koscielny is there to sweep up the danger as West Brom press for an equaliser.

Man City are doing most of the pressing in the early exchanges as Carlos Tevez spurns a shot wide at the Etihad.

Ricardo Fuller has started brightly for Stoke as Bolton find themselves on the back foot early on in their must-win game at the Britannia Stadium.

Well that didn't last long. Arsenal take the lead at the Hawthorns as Yossi Benayoun converts into an empty net after a mistake from Marton Fulop. Arsenal back into third again.

Early goal for Tottenham at White Hart Lane as Emmanuel Adebayor strikes after just two minutes. 1-0 to Spurs who currently leapfrog Arsenal into third place.

naijababe: 2-1 to WBA

really