It’s almost as if some people are desperate for Joe Hart to fail. He’s England’s number one and given the level of competition around currently he’s there to stay.

Joe Hart was criticised for his display against Scotland at Wembley

Look at the evidence of the last squad – the two other keepers haven’t played to the same high standard as Hart. Ben Foster was given a great chance to be number one at a huge club – Manchester United – but he failed. John Ruddy was on his way to Chelsea – as number two to Cech.

They’re decent enough, but Hart was asked to replace Shay Given and keep goal for a Man City side desperate to win trophies. And he kept his place and took home the medals. Of course he makes mistakes, but if you’re looking for a keeper who doesn’t you’ll be struggling.
Joe Hart made a mistake for Scotland’s first goal on Wednesday, but for every mistake there are endless great saves he can come back with. He’s England’s number one, and I’m happy about it.

Arsenal are happy not competing

The summer of discontent at Arsenal has hit the fans hard and I feel for them. Even the staunchest member of the AKBs (Arsene Knows Best) must wonder what has been happening. It is clear players had to leave – they did. It is also clear some seriously good players were needed – they have not arrived. This summer is proof that Arsenal are happy not to compete.

As I’ve been saying for some time – Wenger used to be brilliant but he isn’t anymore. He now doesn’t learn from mistakes.

Will Arsene put the Gunners in the frame for silverware?
A couple of years ago Arsenal left their business late – until after the season started – and were humiliated 8-2 at Manchester United. Wenger then tucked his tail between his legs, and red-faced, went out and signed a few players.
Why is he running the risk of putting the fans who pay his astonishing wages through this again? Meantime, Spurs have made some good signings.

Players with Rose-tinted spectacles

Danny Rose had a pop at Harry Redknapp for not playing him, Tom Huddlestone had a go at AVB for not playing him. Grow up lads. The manager makes the decisions – you’ve got to prove him wrong. With both players promise has been shown, but nowhere near enough quality has been delivered.

Exciting times for Everton?

I’m fascinated about the season ahead for Everton. I think they may struggle,. Although I can’t see them going down.
Roberto Martinez has had a lot of people bigging him up as a tactical innovator, good talker and capable manager who deserves a chance at a bigger club. Well he’s got that chance now.
Everton are regularly at the right end of the table, and they’re desperate for a trophy. Let’s see if Martinez is the real deal.

Tomlin should concentrate on playing football

I wrote a piece about how good Lee Tomlin has been for Posh for MailOnline and a few days later he decided to – or was persuaded to – hand in a transfer request.

Tomlin has immense talent, but he doesn't always do himself favours. Posh stood by him two years ago when he got drunk, called a policeman a tramp and told the copper to ‘get a proper job.'
Against Leeds a few seasons ago, Posh were competing and playing well, but with a Posh player wanting to come back on after treatment, Tomlin forced a break in play by lunging at Leeds’ Andy Keogh. He was sent off and we lost in the last minute.

Last season a careless elbow saw him sent off at Bristol City. He can be brilliant or he can be a liability.

Lee Tomlin voices his frustrations in a Peterborough shirt
I’m told that Tomlin is shocked no club has come in for him while he has watched several colleagues make big money moves. Maybe Tomlin’s actions are the reason bigger clubs have decided against taking him. A transfer request won’t help.

Posh have a history of getting a decent price for players or letting them see out their contract. Financially the policy works for the club, and on the pitch the chairman’s policies have seen us rise above our historic natural level of hovering between League One and League Two.

If the right bid comes in that is suitable for the chairman to accept then Tomlin will go, whether there is a transfer request or not. Until then he should concentrate on playing football and growing up.
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