Source: Daily_Mail
Andy Gray: Everton can pip them all to the last Champions League spot
Andy Gray has tipped his old club Everton to challenge for a Champions League place.[LNB]Just watch us go: Steven Pienaar is congratulated by Leighton Baines after scoring Everton's first goal against Manchester City[LNB]The Toffees are currently tenth in the Premier League, 12 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.[LNB]But Betfair ambassador Gray, who won the League title, FA Cup and Cup Winners Cup during his two years at Goodison Park, believes David Moyes' side are ready to mount a sprint finish.[LNB]He said: 'People may look at the table and see Everton so far behind and think I'm mad - but Everton can still make the top four.[LNB]'They have been crippled by injuries but David Moyes is now getting those players back and should not be discounted.'[LNB]Gray, who has been a commentator with Sky Sports since they started covering the Premier League 18 years ago, admits the title itself is a three-horse race - 'refreshing after recent years of just having two in the hunt' - with nobody capable of catching Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.[LNB]Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool head the chase for fourth spot with Gray also putting his trust in Everton.[LNB]However, he does not feel Villa - another of his old clubs- will make it this season.[LNB]'It's still too soon for them no matter what the fans think. They are improving season by season but this one will not end in a top four finish.'[LNB]ANDY GRAY'S BEST-EVER PREMIER LEAGUE ...GOALKEEPER[LNB]Peter Schmeichel - what a keeper. Brave and talented and a key player in United's successes.[LNB]DEFENDER[LNB]Rio Ferdinand - just holds the edge over the likes of JohnTerry for me - and narrowly ahead of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.[LNB]MIDFIELDER[LNB]Roy Keane - Fearsome andinspirational. Took Manchester United up a level and has proved difficult to replace. [LNB]STRIKER[LNB]Alan Shearer - Like me, neverafraid to put his head where the feet were - and scored so many goals.[LNB]TALENT[LNB]Cristiano Ronaldo - Something always happened whenRonaldo got the ball and is the sort of player I love watching.[LNB]BEST OVERALL[LNB]Ryan Giggs - His level ofprofessionalism on and off the pitch ensure wewon't see his like again. [LNB] The 54-year-old, who has been part of Sky's football coverage since it started in 1992, also believes the current campaign is the best ever.[LNB]In respect of excitement, this has to be the best Premier League season,' added Gray.[LNB]'So many teams have something to play for at the top while mid-table Stoke are just six points above the relegation zone.[LNB]'This all means there will be very few dead games in the second half of the season. sadly, I can't see my old club Wolves staying up. [LNB]Betfair haven't wasted any time in the transfer window, announcing football pundit Andy Gray as their new signing. He'll be giving his opinions at www.betfairfootball.com - the home of football rivalry, with weekly tips and monthly podcasts, so visit the website and join in the debate.[LNB] 'But although it may be very exciting to watch, this is not the best standard of football I have seen in the Premier League.[LNB]'The top three's standards seem to be falling while others are catching them up.[LNB]'But what really annoys me is those people who say teams like Stoke who play direct football have less right to be in the top flight than a great footballing side like Arsenal.[LNB]'They play a fantastic brand of football and can rip the opposition apart.[LNB]ANDY GRAY'S BEST-EVER PREMIER LEAGUE GOALSTeddy Sheringham, Nottingham Forest v Liverpool 1992This was the very first live Premier League goal shown on Sky and will always be my personal favourite for that reason.[LNB]David Beckham, Manchester United v Wimbledon 1995Itseems there have been a lot of goals like this since Becks first did it- but this was the first time I had seen a goal of this quality in thePremier League.[LNB]VIDEO: Becks and his first 60-yard special... [LNB][LNB]Dennis Bergkamp, Arsenal v Leicester 1997One of his three goalsat Filbert Street that day. Took a high ball, swivelled, turned the defender andfired in a superb goal. Breathtaking stuff.[LNB]VIDEO: Dennis menaces the Foxes...[LNB] [LNB]'But the reason the Premier League is so good is that there are teams like Stoke who are not so attractive on the eye.[LNB]'If they stay up this season they will have earned that and deserve a place in top flight.'[LNB]Gray also feels that it's time Arsene Wenger's Gunners delivered some trophies.[LNB] Premier League heroes: Cesc Fabregas ofArsenal (left) and Stoke's Rory Delap have differing styles but bothteams impress Andy Gray[LNB]'Arsenal don't seem to be able to combine strength with ability. Teams like Chelsea expose their Achilles Heel, bullying them, overpowering them.[LNB] 'Those that say Chelsea are not attractive to watch can point to two recent League titles. Their fans would take Jose Mourinho back tomorrow if he brought them titles.[LNB]'Arsenal's fans have been very patient with Wenger. But just how long they will continue to accept no trophies remains to be seen.[LNB]'All I know it they need a natural goalscoring forward - Robin van Persie is a big loss - and if I had been at my peak and playing for Arsenal, I would have scored 40 goals a season. At least.'[LNB] Chelsea's cool Carlo Ancelotti is unflappable! Andy Gray delivers his verdict on the Premier League season so far...Spurs legend Hoddle lauds 'terrific' Redknapp target Van NistelrooyFabregas has hunger back as Arsenal skipper looks to put hell behind himWayne Rooney is wooed by Barcelona as Spaniards try to unsettle UnitedSol Campbell sues Portsmouth over money owed to the Arsenal defenderGary Neville faces FA probe after Manchester United veteran's one-fingered gesture at City's Carlos TevezWest Ham set to lose out to Galatasaray in bid to land Manchester City flop JoBeckford to Everton is nowhere near a done deal, says Leeds boss GraysonEVERTON FC
