The secrets behind Tim Sherwood's success

Managerial change in mid-season is always a gamble. The hard work in pre-season could be all undone with new philosophy being introduced. A string of poor run usually is a strong shout to send the manager jobless. Andre Villas-Boas might be an exception, compared to his fellows Paolo Di Canio, Ian Holloway, Martin Jol and Malky Mackay who were all sent packing. Despite qualifying in Europa League and just shy of fourth place in Premier League, humiliating defeats to West Ham, Manchester City and Liverpool catalysed his departure.

Old boy Tim Sherwood is Daniel Levy's next chosen one. His unproven managerial ability makes him unlikely the long-term solution, but Tottenham shows renewed confidence and energy under Sherwood. Five wins out of six league games seems to justify the 18 months contract offered by Levy. Curiously, what is the secret behind Sherwood's magic?

Tactical freshness

AVB's impressive first season was more of Gareth Bale's individual brilliance rather than tactical excellence. Since Harry Redknapp's tenure, the 4-2-3-1 formation is not unfamiliar in White Hart Lane, but looked far from lively without a creative attacking midfielder in 2012-13, since the departure of Rafael Van der Vaart and Luka Modric. The influx of attacking talents in the summer could not compensate for the loss of Gareth Bale and AVB's philosophy has completely fallen apart.

There is no stubbornness in Sherwood's tactics. Instead of fitting the players into his system, he finds a system to fit his best eleven. He daringly fielded an attacking 4-4-2  at Southampton that got him a 3-2 victory. Sherwood further fine tuned the formation to accommodate his attacking trio Christian Eriksen, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado and see them concede only three more goals in the next five matches. Playing Swansea away from home, he reverted back to one striker set-up to counteract Swansea's possession football and notched up another win. Sherwood's attempt to bring the best out of his squad is refreshing and promising. Positive results just naturally flow through.

Revival of Adebayor

The true contributor to the timely revival of Adebayor could well be AVB. As Sherwood has admitted, he has not done much other than granting the striker more playing time. Everyone agrees that Emmanuel Adebayor is a top-class striker. At the same time, he failed to impress the Portuguese since his permanent switch to Tottenham. The endless negotiation on the wage demand before his arrival also raised doubts over his motivation in football. His fallout with AVB seems to be inevitable.

With fire in his belly and lots to prove to his former manager, the lazy and uninterested-looking Adebayor last season is once again chasing after defenders and proactive in the final third. His physicality and Premier League experience has also helped settle the struggling Soldado who lately shows a glimpse of quality.

His ability is well-reflected with six goals in his last eight games, but who knows for how long will his fire stay glowing? Even though the Togo international will be thankful to Sherwood for rescuing him from misery, his character off-the-field could just be too unpredictable to handle.

Injuries bring stability

A phrase that does not apply to every team, fortunately for Tottenham they have the depth to mitigate the risk of injuries. Certainly over-crowded in central midfield, the injuries to Brazil duo Sandro and Paulinho ease the headache for Sherwood to pick his midfield partners. Limiting squad rotation enhances the understanding between players, while with some luck, the squad harmony is also maintained, as more players are focused on returning from injury rather than complaining the lack of playing time.

Credit should not be taken away from Sherwood for his determination to drop Etienne Capoue and Lewis Holtby, not to be blown away by their international experience but striving to field the best performing players, notably Nabil Bentaleb. Although still relatively raw, the young Frenchman's composure and intelligence are appreciated under Sherwood.

With Andros Townsend, Jan Vertonghen, Younes Kaboul, Sandro and Paulinho all lining up for return,  how Sherwood works out the correct mix-and-match will be the key to Tottenham's success in the 2nd half of season.

Honeymoon period would not last forever. The next game could be incredibly vital to Tottenham. A solid result at home against red-hot Manchester City will extend their recent run and represent a serious confidence boost. Critics who are uncertain of Sherwood's ability to lead Tottenham to top four, despite having beaten the struggling Manchester United, will surely be convinced. A defeat, even not a heavy one, could see them take a step backward again and Sherwood will need to dig even deeper to restore the order. 

Manchester United entered a new low following the defeat at Sunderland

On paper, it should not be a game they struggled against the bottom team of the league, but this is what makes football interesting. Unlike video games, it is not only about ratings of the team. It is about how much you want the match. Manchester United seems yet to recover from New Year's eve hangover and is still searching for their first victory in 2014. Three defeats in a row has put the Red Devil in a new low point under the Chosen One, David Moyes.

While both managers have sent on their best lineup available, Gus Poyet obviously took the pride to momentarily forget about their blue in Premier League. The presence of John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Phil Bardsley might have further spiced up the momentum, as they have something to prove to their former employer. The latter two combined to force an own goal by Ryan Giggs to give David Moyes a miserable end to the first half.

For the first twenty minutes of the game, Sunderland dominated the possession. A disciplined Lee Cattermole inspirationally led a midfield of high work rate. Although not much was created to support lone striker Steven Fletcher, the home fans were definitely lifted by the spirit. Sunderland players appear to be more encouraged by these dead-or-alive cup ties, but lose the focus in Premier League the marathon race. At their current position, they could not afford for this to happen and have to treat every single league game as if a cup final to replicate their spiritual performance tonight and that against Chelsea last round.

Does he know why it's not working?

On contrast, United was edgy, sloppy and unmotivated. Injury is not a valid excuse to clubs like Manchester United. It was unfortunate to miss both Rooney and Van Persie, as well as Nani, Fellaini and Rio Ferdinand, but they have the quality and depth in the squad to cover. More worrying was the display on the field, notably Patrice Evra. Looking rather uninterested to play, he was always second best to the ball, not to mention his lack of contribution in attack.

The other source of disappointment was Tom Cleverley. With United desperate for central midfielder, this should be the season Cleverley strives to prove his worth to the team. His development, though, has significantly slowed down in the last two years, going from a potential Paul Scholes' replacement to merely a role player. The clumsy challenge on Adam Johnson that gifted the penalty concluded his horrendous night.

United will count themselves lucky to at least retain the service of a regular right back coming weekend. Rafael could have easily been sent off with bookings on either side of Fabio Borini's penalty, two days after 

his twin brother Fabio foolishly was sent off.

Welbeck (right) was isolated up front 

Even with five midfielders, the support to the red hot Danny Welbeck was scarce. Playing with two wide players, there was not enough body in the box to threaten Vito Mannone. At 40 years old, you really could not rely on Giggs to be running up and down all the time. When Adnan Januzaj, undoubtedly the best United player of the night, shifted to the centre, the away side began to look more dangerous. However, the absence of a speedy striker to keep Wes Brown and John O'Shea on the back feet limited the damage to Sunderland. While the intention of keeping Javier Hernandez on the bench was understandable, it would make sense to release him after interval, or at least more than the three regular minutes he got to play.

When you lose the battle of midfield, the confidence of opponents grow and more pressure is put on the defence. Ultimately it buckles. Everything is just not right for David Moyes at the moment and again they have very little time to recover, having to face Swansea at home six days after Wilfried Bony denied their progression in FA Cup in the same stadium. Rooney's return could be crucial, but first of all Moyes has to find a way to reignite the fighting spirit of the Red Devil. 

Tom Huddlestone is back in business

What a joke Tom (left)

A swollen belly with a MacDonald bag in one hand. It was a good joke but so true that everyone thought the photo was real. Overweight and lazy shouldn't be the description of Tom Huddlestone on football field. The eight years spell at White Hart Lane could not justify the reason he was once rated as the future of England midfield, not until his move to Hull City last summer, having established as a cornerstone of Steve Bruce's team and finally live up to his potential. Huddlestone is once again a delight to watch.

As an anchorman, Huddlestone is a complete package. Being an expertise in spreading the ball around and controlling match tempo, his ability to do this with either feet makes him more special. And not to forget his trademark thundering long shot. The power he can generate yet makes it look so casual is incredible. The fact that he doesn't score often does not cause his skills to be forgotten, but make each of his goals more phenomenal (See videos). In modern games which possession is the key, Huddlestone should be a midfield that every manager dreams to own.

However, the sole element that is missing in his resume has been costly to his career. Perhaps he would have to blame for where he was born. When Andrea Pirlo and Xavi are classified as the world's greatest playmakers, Huddlestone has struggled in English football which is all about pace. Many are disillusioned by his 6 feet 2 inches tall and strong body. Similar to Pirlo and Xavi, the 27 years old midfielder is at his best playing alongside a more natural defensive midfielder.

This was not the case in Tottenham. Either in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, he was paired with an all-rounded midfield (Jermaine Jenas) or creative playmaker (Luka Modric), that Huddlestone's main responsibility was to protect the back. Asking Tom to chase after the ball for 90 minutes is absolutely a waste of his talent. Employing him at centreback occasionally does not help either. His lack of speed is just not ideal to play in both positions in Premier League.

Although never quite at his best, Huddlestone still established himself as one of the fan favourites in North London. However, to saviour his career, leaving Tottenham was a no-brainer, especially when they have more than just a handful of central midfielders.

Under Steve Bruce, he is treated as the heart of midfield that balls are accustomed to go through Huddlestone first to initiate the attack. More importantly, he is surrounded by blue-collar midfielders whose focus are on regaining possession. In Bruce's 5-midfield setup, Huddlestone finds his comfort zone to show his vision and passing range, also demonstrate his sense of positioning to recover possession rapidly.

While matches against Liverpool and Fulham raise the eyebrow of many, long-term admirers would not be surprised by his low-profiled, laidback but stylish game. This reminds people of his once-teammate Michael Carrick. The natural question that comes next is how likely Huddlestone will be under Roy Hodgson's radar to join the squad to Rio.

Unfortunately, Hodgson does not appear to be keen with this type of players. One can tell that he doesn't mind to forfeit the right of possession to his opponents. No wonder, Carrick and Huddlestone both fail to be in the mix regularly. As Hodgson also claimed his scouting for World Cup squad is more or less completed that there should be no more surprising choice, it is unlikely in the near future Huddlestone can add to the four caps he has earned, let alone playing the tournament in Brazil.  

Goodbye hair

Steve Bruce was hoping the less hairy Tom could get some weight off his boy. He should know well Huddlestone's game is all about intelligence rather than mobility. It is not only his appearance is different now. We are witnessing a reborn Tom Huddlestone in Hull City's jersey, confidently ruling the midfield of KC Stadium.

What to expect in January 2014 transfer market

Managers of English Premier League live a pretty busy life. After a congested festive period, teams are returning to action on the first day of New Year. Transfer market is also re-opened. In contrast to the summer transfer window, they do not have a month to focus on scouting their targets; there is no pre-season for the new signings to adapt to the new environment; there is additional pressure on the signings to be influential saviours rather than luxurious benchwarmers.

Previous successful January transfers --- Vidic (left) and Dempsey

Good scouting could earn you the Nemanja Vidic in 2006 or Clint Dempsey in 2007, but prices are often inflated in January, that the return does not always correlate positively with the investment. Afonso Alves disappointed Middlesbrough who had even relegated in 2008. Andy Carroll's vintage form at Newcastle disappeared at Liverpool. And there of course, the infamous £50 million Fernando Torres.

It is no secret defending champion Manchester United are desperate for additional signings. A new central midfielder is almost essential. Ander Herrera will again be the prime target. Koke and Marco Reus are also reportedly under David Moyes' radar. Ross Barkley is also Moyes' favourite, but they will have to break their bank account to lurk him away from Everton. A more reliable left back as Patrice Evra's understudy will be useful as well. Fabio Coentrao will hit the headline again.

Will Koke (right) join De Gea at Old Trafford?

Chelsea likely will be United's main rival in the transfer market, as it is evident they are seriously weakened playing without either Frank Lampard or Ramires. Eliaquim Mangala or Inter Milan Andrea Ranocchia may land at Stamford Bridge soon. Wesley Sneijder could be on the brink to rejoin Jose Mourinho, who would also welcome more resources at the back to cover for John Terry. Long-term target

Mourinho might also face fierce competition in bidding for defenders elsewhere in Manchester, as City also realises their over-reliance on Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Vincent Kompany. Budgets will not be City's concern, but they definitely do not want another Martin Demichelis. Rumours also suggest Manuel Pellegrini is monitoring Iker Casillas to bring consistency to goalkeeper position, despite Joe Hart's impressive performance lately.

League leader Arsenal unarguably has the best midfields in Premier League and have little concerns in that department. Instead, they are out again to search for strikers. As Michael Cox suggested (http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsandanalysis/id/2408?cc=5739), Olivier Giroud needs a break having sustained a high level of performance for half a season. The problem is who can they turn to? Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain are impossible to switch. Edin Dzeko is a good option but Manchester City will not allow him to go to title rival. If Diego Costa is slightly too hefty, will Dimitar Berbatov be an attractive bet with potentially wealthy return?

Berbatov's former club Tottenham has survived a turbulent 2013 and found themselves not too far off the pace from Champions League football. Tim Sherwood will eager to anchor the squad, but having already spent over £100 million in Summer, will Daniel Levy be generous in six months time? Reality is they are short in defenders due to injuries. Barcelona Martin Montoya's versatility could be the solution.

Liverpool is also keen to sign Montoya. Brendan Rodgers' trust in youngsters could be an appealing point to the young full back. At the same time, Liverpool's depth in defenders is pretty decent, so as the balance of the squad, despite they are yet to get the best out of newcomers Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto. A reliable third-choice striker will help relieve the burdens on Suarez and Sturridge.

Pochettino (right) will have a lot to consider in January

Everton is the biggest surprise pack this season, who is also unexpectedly the team who least requires changes . They did not falter when Leighton Baines and Arouna Kone injured, nor with their awareness of over-wearing Ross Barkley. Roberto Martinez has constructed a team with incredible squad depth. With both eyes on European football, there is very little reason to risk disrupting the harmony of the squad.

Also playing some impressive football, Southampton has slowed down lately as they struggled to find their form with their bench players. Mauricio Pochettino is now facing the dilemma in either pushing for European qualification or keep a steady pace in club development by seeking improvement from last year's 14th position. However, Adam Lallana, Ricky Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin might share a stronger ambition that the Saints might fail to retain them in long run. Selling key players at the right moment is also a challenge to mid-table clubs.

Is he still willing to listen to offers?

Newcastle will be keen to retain Yohan Cabaye though. They have recovered from the poor August form and the Cabaye's transfer chaos to sit at 8th place. Speed and creativity in attack can further improve their squad. Jeremy Menez can be a good fit to Magpies. He is quick and desperate for first-team football. More importantly, he speaks French.

There are teams who are eager to hold on to their key players. There are teams who will strive to search for bargain talents. There is no short of excitement for football fans in January. Let's wait and see which team will have the last laugh.