Birmingham City's American Owners Falling into Common New-Owner Pitfalls

Wayne Rooney's short-lived tenure as Birmingham City manager has left the club grappling with poor results and discontent. The decision to replace successful interim manager John Eustace with Rooney, a move orchestrated by the American ownership group Shelby Companies Limited, has proven counterproductive. Despite initially making a positive impact, Shelby's choice to appoint Rooney reveals a lack of understanding of the nuances of English football, particularly the demanding Championship.

Shelby Companies Limited, led by hedge fund manager Tom Wagner and including prominent figure Tom Brady, completed the takeover of Birmingham City last July. While their initial actions, such as effective recruitment, garnered positive attention, the abrupt switch from Eustace to Rooney underscored their unfamiliarity with the intricacies of Championship football. The Championship demands a unique managerial personality, and Rooney's confrontational style and public criticism of players reportedly did not resonate well within the team.

The decision to appoint Rooney, relying on his legendary status, failed to win over the fans, who were skeptical from the beginning. The assumption that Rooney's fame would automatically earn support demonstrated a misunderstanding of English soccer fandom. The fans' lack of trust in Rooney's managerial abilities was exacerbated by his success with rival clubs.

American ownership in English soccer is not inherently flawed, as demonstrated by successful examples like Liverpool under Fenway Sports Group. However, Shelby Companies Limited's handling of Birmingham City perpetuates negative stereotypes associated with American owners in English football. Their pursuit of a high-profile manager and subsequent quick reversal aligns with common pitfalls seen in new owners navigating the intricacies of the sport.

To regain the faith of the Birmingham City supporters, Shelby must acknowledge their misstep in appointing Rooney and consider reinstating Eustace. Admitting the error could help rebuild trust and set the club back on a positive trajectory. While fresh ownership often grapples with "new owner syndrome," Shelby's missteps, including the gimmicky Peaky Blinders reference in their name, have amplified their learning curve within the English football pyramid. With the potential for success, Birmingham City needs thoughtful leadership and investment to fulfill their aspirations in English football.

Stalemate at West Ham as Alphonse Areola Shines; Depth Issues Surface for Both Teams

In a match marked by fatigue and injuries, West Ham and Brighton played out a goalless draw, leaving both teams facing challenges as the season progresses. The absence of key players, including Lucas Paquetá and Mohammed Kudus, highlighted West Ham's squad limitations. While they maintained their sixth position after a resolute defensive display, David Moyes acknowledged the need for reinforcements, expressing a desire for potential signings in January.

Despite concluding 2023 with impressive victories against Arsenal and Manchester United, West Ham struggled in the attack without Paquetá and Kudus. The defensive resilience on display couldn't mask the fact that Brighton coped better with their injury concerns and created more opportunities, with Alphonse Areola thwarting Roberto De Zerbi's forwards.

Moyes lamented the timing of the fixture, depriving him of African players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. While praising his team's determination, Moyes hinted at the necessity of better deputy options, especially for Kudus. The struggles of Pablo Fornals and Saïd Benrahma, filling in for the absent duo, underscored the squad's limitations.

Brighton, claiming their first clean sheet of the season, showcased an impressive performance according to manager De Zerbi. Despite being without key players, they created numerous chances, posing questions about the depth required for a sustained challenge for European football.

Both West Ham and Brighton, participating in the Europa League, face weariness issues that could impact their campaigns. The match highlighted the inevitable challenges faced by clubs of their size against more financially endowed opponents. As the race for European places intensifies, questions linger about the squad depth and stamina of West Ham and Brighton.

Eagles' Downfall: A Playcalling Quagmire and Defensive Woes

With 2 minutes and 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the once 11-4 Philadelphia Eagles found themselves tied at 31 with the struggling 3-12 Arizona Cardinals. A series of questionable play calls left the Eagles settling for a field goal, allowing the Cardinals to march down the field and secure a 35-31 victory. This defeat marked the Eagles' fourth loss in five games after a promising 10-1 start.

The Eagles' head coach, Nick Sirianni, defended the play calls, but many criticized the conservative approach against a seemingly overmatched Cardinals team. The Cardinals' head coach, Jonathan Gannon, formerly the Eagles' defensive coordinator during their last Super Bowl run, devised a winning game plan that exposed the Eagles' defensive vulnerabilities.

Philadelphia's defense, once a formidable unit, failed to stop the Cardinals, who didn't punt once and scored four consecutive touchdowns. The run defense struggled against James Conner, who ran for 128 yards, and the pass rush was nearly nonexistent. The Eagles' decision to attempt an onside kick with 5:19 remaining further highlighted their defensive concerns.

The Eagles, once in control of the NFC East, now face the prospect of playing their postseason games on the road. Despite defensive playcalling changes earlier in the season, the Eagles' defense has regressed, and their once-promising season is now in jeopardy.