WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT
HOT JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL
HE is 51 and has barely set foot on a golf course for the last two years after suffering rheumatoid arthritis. But when the double Masters champion was asked to play a pitch towards the centre spot from the corner flag at Manchester City, he knocked it to five feet. He was wearing shoes and a heavy coat and it was pouring down. When you’ve got it, you’ve got it.
JOHNNY SEXTON
THE physical toll of international rugby was written all over the Irish fly-half’s face as he guided Ireland to victory in Dublin. Lesser men would have wilted but the 31-year-old maintained his high standards to end the Six Nations without missing a tackle. His place-kick percentage was 100 per cent throughout the tournament, too.
STOKE CITY
STOKE’S nine-year residency in the Premier League is a story of sustainability rather than glamour but their trick is they give supporters a reason to keep coming back. Manager Mark Hughes (above) continues to improve the team while season-ticket prices will stay frozen for the 10th season running. It’s a reasonable formula.
NOT AARON RAMSEY
THE Arsenal midfielder was in the Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament last summer but his form since has been typical of what happens to some when they put on an Arsenal shirt. Ramsey has not scored in the league all season and his lazy marking as West Brom headed home two set-piece goals indicated a mind not fully engaged. Ramsey is 26. These should be his peak years.
ELLIS SHORT
THE Sunderland owner’s wife nodding off during the draw with Burnley seemed appropriate given the way Short has allowed his club to stagnate. The American has been in charge since September 2008 and since then Sunderland have finished 16th, 13th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 14th, 16th and 17th. At least relegation to the Championship this season will give Mrs Short something to remember.
MARIA SHARAPOVA
BRITAIN’S Heather Watson was right to ask why Sharapova has been invited back to main tour events so soon after her drugs ban. But in doing so, she answered her own question. Sharapova’s speedy return is merely reflective of the state of women’s tennis. ‘She will bring in the crowds,’ conceded Watson.