Arsene Wenger to be offered two-year deal…

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Mar 25, 2014

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to be offered a new two-year deal at the club, but it is believed that plans about his replacement are already in place.

The board were originally planning on offering the Frenchman a three-year deal, which would see him remain at the Emirates Stadium until 2017, but it now appears that it will only be a two-year deal, which could mean that the 64-year-old is preparing for his exit.

It is understood that the deal has already been agreed between the two parties in principle, but nothing formal will be announced until the end of the season, and it’s believed that Wenger is already talking to the board about potential signing, player contracts and also improvements to the training facilities.

Arsenal are desperate to avoice a Manchester United-like collapse after they failed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson correctly, with David Moyes struggling in his first campaign, and that is why they are keen on spending a couple of years finding the right man for the job.

It is thought that Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Roberto Martinez are all high on their list.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Premier League: Thomas Vermaelen believes Arsenal are still in title hunt

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roblox0033

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Mar 24, 2014

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The Gunners have been written off by many after suffering a humbling 6-0 defeat to table-topping Chelsea on Saturday.

That result has left Arsene Wenger’s side seven points off the pace in fourth.

They have, however, got a game in hand on Chelsea and eight more fixtures in which to try and claw their way back into contention.

Vermaelen insists there will be no throwing in of the towel at Emirates Stadium, with it important for Arsenal to ensure that they are in a position to pounce if those above them start to wobble.

Vermaelen said “It’s a pity that we haven’t played well in the away games against the top teams, but there’s nothing wrong with our mental strength.

“There are still eight games to go and in the Premier League anything is possible.

“All of the teams are strong and every team can beat another. We still have to believe in it.”

By Joshua Pritchard – @Josh_pritchard1 – https://twitter.com/Josh_pritchard1

Arteta wants ” big reaction ” from Arsenal against Swansea

By

stebriscoe93

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Mar 24, 2014

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The Arsenal midfielder apologised profusely after after his side crumbled to a 6-0 hammering at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, after Kieran Gibbs was sent of by mistake by referee Andre Marriner.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to handle the ball in the area from a Eden Hazard shot, which was seen by Marriner, but he sent of Kieran Gibbs instead, in a case of mistaken identity.

Arsenal have a chance to atone for their woeful display when they take on Swansea at Emirates on Tuesday and Arteta insists they will put it right.

” I am expecting a big reaction against Swwansea because Saturday was not good enough for this football club, ” he said.

” I promise everyone that we have the hunger to put it right. We have an opportunity again at home and we just need to bounce back. “

” The good thing is we have a lot of things to play for and we have always reacted to disappointments and difficult moments, but this a really hard one to take, it was a massive game for us and for me it was unacceptable. “

” We just disrupted the great season we was having. I don’t know what to say apart from sorry to everyone at the club and the fans, and as a team we promise we will try hard to put it right. ”

Left back Gibbs woukd be eligible to play against the Swans should Arsenal appeal against the red card in time and it is understood that the club is already taking this course of action.

The suspension would instead be transferred to Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arsenal are also understood to want that red card downgraded to a yellow, claiming Oxlade-Chamberlain did not prevent a clear goalscoring opportunity because the ball was heading wide of the target.

Written by Steven Briscoe

Dante signs new Bayern Munich deal

By

Ben Kelly

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Mar 24, 2014

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Manchester United target Dante has today signed a new deal with current club Bayern Munich, more than likely putting an end to United’s interest. David Moyes’ side were linked with the Brazilian international in January but has now put pen to paper on a new contract keeping him in Munich until 2017, indecating that the transfer speculation may have been created to secure his future at The Allianz.

But Moyes will still be in the market for at least one new centre-back now it has been confirmed that Nemanja Vidic will be joining Inter Milan at the end of the season. However, if links are accurate, Moyes will have to look for fresh targets after today’s news from Munich.

Dante said, “It was the best decision of my life coming to Bayern. Everything here is good, the club, the title wins, the mood. Bavaria is the right club for me.”

“Therefore, I remain very happy to stay until 2017. I am sure we can have a lot of fun and success with our team in the coming years.”

United have been drawn against Bayern Munich in the quarter finals of the Champions League, with the first leg of the tie to be played at Old Trafford next week.

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs cleared by FA

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roblox0033

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Mar 24, 2014

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A FA panel decided that referee Andre Marriner not only dismissed the wrong player, but that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal-line handball did not deserve a red card.

Neither player will serve any ban following the incident.

Marriner will referee Southampton’s game with Newcastle at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal claimed that not only was Gibbs sent off by mistake after Oxlade-Chamberlain deliberately blocked the ball with his hand, but that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s offence had not prevented either a goal or a goal-scoring opportunity because Eden Hazard’s shot was going wide from goal.

On the matter of mistaken identity, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, which is responsible for training officials, said after the game that such cases were “very rare”.

“While this was a difficult decision, Andre is disappointed that he failed to identify the correct player,” they stated.

“He expressed his disappointment when he was made aware of the issue.”

By Joshua Pritchard – @Josh_pritchard1 – https://twitter.com/Josh_pritchard1

Premier League: Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick ready for derby showdown

By

roblox0033

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Mar 24, 2014

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Manchester United have endured a miserable campaign and one of the lowest points came earlier this month when they were beaten 3-0 by rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Manchester United has bounced back from their home defeat by Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool with wins against Olympiakos and West Ham United. Michael Carrick believes they can now put a dent in Manchester City’s title bid on Tuesday.

“We were very disappointed and frustrated. You don’t watch the telly or leave the house for a couple of days if you can help it.

Carrick is wary of the threat posed by Manchester City but is confident Manchester United can gain revenge for a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season.

He then added: “I’ve been part of this club for a long time now and you know what means a lot. This is certainly one of them.

“We’ll go into the City game looking forward to it. It’s obviously a tough game but it’s a tough game for both teams.”

By Joshua Pritchard

Vertonghen claims Suarez is the only reason Spurs trail title chasers Liverpool

By

stebriscoe93

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Mar 24, 2014

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Having played a game less, the Reds boast a 9 point lead over Spurs and there is an ever-growing belief on the red side of Merseyside that Liverpool could land their first league title since 1990.

It is quite a change in fortunes from a few months ago, when it really looked like a straight tussle between the two sides for fourth.

Liverpool will be going for a seventh straight win in the Barclays Premier League if they win on Sunday and Spurs centre-back Vertonghen knows what has been the difference between the two sides.

The Uruguay international moved to Anfield in 2011 and after deciding to stay at the club after speculation all summer, has netted 28 goals this term helping to make Liverpool one of the most dangerous sides on the continent.

” They are one of the best teams in the league and they show it every week ” Vertonghen said ” It is going to be very hard, especially at Anfield, and I hope we can play as we did last season because we did very well, not the result but the performance.

Vertonghen netted a brace in a late 3-2 defeat at Anfield last term – a fate Southampton suffered against Spurs yesterday.

After falling behind to goals from Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana, Christian Eriksen strikes either side of half-time drew Spurs level before Gylfi Sigurdsson’s late strike earned Spurs all 3 points.

“It is always good to come from two goals down, but then again it was not our great performance, although it was a good effort ” Vertonghen said.

” The manager told us at half-time that we had to improve, put more pressure on them because we let them just play their game, just passing the ball. ”

” They were passing into midfield and the runners gave us a lot of problems at the back, so we tried to put more pressure on the midfield “

” We have always had good players, and Gylfi did very well when he came on. I think we showed great mentality as a team. ”

That win alongside Arsena’s mauling at Stamford Bridge, has seen the gay closed to six points and Vertonghen is not ruling out a late charge.

” We will try to get as many points as possible, and in the end we will see what we get, ” Vertonghen added.

” We will not give up until it is mathematically over, we will try to get far as possible. With the mentality in the team there is nothing wrong, ”

Best is yet to come

By

Ben Kelly

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Mar 24, 2014

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Brendan Rodgers has insisted that the best is still to come from his title challenging Liverpool side. With 5 home games left this season, including massive games against Chelsea and Manchester City, many Liverpool fans are beginning to believe that this year could end the 20 year title wait. But that Anfield boss yesterday insisted that his young side is far from the finished article, and regardless on where they finish in the table this year, they will only get better.

“The verve and excitement in the fans is there for all to see, and I’m glad our level of performance can deliver that,” said Rodgers, “but it is about continuing our work and improving because we’re only going to get better. We are a long way from where I want us to be.”

“There is no doubt we are on the right road, but we are not the finished article.”

Rodgers though, is happy to bring the fans the excitement of a title charge, especially after 8 straight league wins, keeping Liverpool the only unbeaten team in the league in 2014,

“What we are is an exciting team who can flood forward in numbers and give the opponants plenty to think about. We are a tough team to play against and on a par with the top teams, we are up there. If you look at us and what we are trying to build, we are trying to create an environment where players can fulfill their potential- and people enjoy watching us do that.”

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

UEFA punish Bayern

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stebriscoe93

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Mar 24, 2014

0

UEFA have ordered FC Bayern Munich to partially close the Allianz Arena for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United FC

The part-closure is a punishment for the fans displaying a homophobic banner during the last 16 tie vs Arsenal FC

The closure will not, it is understood affect the travelling supporters – the section of the stadium where the homophobic banner was displayed will be closed.

FC Bayern Munich have also been fined 10,000 euros for the “ discriminatory behaviour “ over the banner which also targeted Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil.

UEFA has released the following statement “ as a result of FC Bayern Munich supporters… displaying of an illicit banner, the UEFA control and disciplinary body has decided to order the partial closure of the stadium in particular, the closure of sector 124 for FC Bayern Munich’s next UEFA competition home match, namely their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester United FC on April 9^th 2014. “

UEFA has also warned that a repeat offence will carry a 50,000 euros fine and a future match will be played behind closed doors.

Written by Steven Briscoe

Wenger cancels Monday press conference.

By

Ben Reardon

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Mar 24, 2014

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cancelled his pre match press conference to the media after Saturday’s 6-0 hammering at Chelsea.

The Gunners boss remains “puzzled” at the manner of the defeat.

The Fixture at Stamford Bridge was Wenger’s 1,000 in charge of the Gunners, and Arsenal were simply gunned down by a superb Chelsea.

The defeat leaves Arsenal fourth in the League table, with eight games to play.

Wenger took an unusual action of not speaking to the press ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Swansea City.

The Arsenal boss stated after the defeat to Chelsea, on Saturday.

“We felt we prepared properly, but we did not turn up, so it is puzzling,” Wenger said. “After 20 minutes, it was game over and it became a long, dramatic and dreadful afternoon.

“That is the most disappointing, when you prepare with the intensity that we do, you then turn up for your game of the season and are never even in it.

“This is puzzling because we were shocked and knocked down basically without feeling you have had a chance.

“The team is healthy and willing, but still the way it happened against Chelsea, we have to think deeply about because it is not the first time and (we have) to respond in a proper way on Tuesday.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Chelsea given Champions League boost

By

Alex Batt

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Mar 24, 2014

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Chelsea have been given a huge boost ahead of their Champions League Quarter-Final match with French giants Paris Saint-Germain after star-defender Thiago Silva suffered a serious cheek injury at the weekend, which could see him miss BOTH legs.

The Brazilian centre-back suffered a fractured cheek-bone during his side’s match with Lorient in Ligue 1, and he is now a huge doubt for the last-eight Champions League showdown with Jose Mourinho’s men.

Fortunately for PSG, the injury doesn’t require surgery, but Silva’s fitness levels may be a worry ahead of the tie, but it is believed that he is willing to wear a face mask in order to play against the Premier League side.

In a statement, the French club insisted: ”His condition did not require surgery. The amount of time he will be out of training will depend on the evolution of pain in the coming days but his participation in the quarter finals of the Champions League should not be under threat.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

David Silva says Manchester United are not getting the best out of Juan Mata

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 24, 2014

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The Manchester City midfielder will face his Spain team-mate in Tuesday’s Manchester derby in their first meeting since Mata became United’s £37.1 million club record signing in January.

He is a big admirer of Mata, who was also a colleague in his time at Valencia, but the World Cup winner has had a patchy time at Old Trafford and Silva feels United are wasting a valuable resource.

“They have not managed to bring out the best out in him but he is a very talented player and he will show it,” Silva told The Independent.

Mata is yet to score for United and has only made two of his eight appearances in a central role, the one he said publicly that he prefers.

Silva, who rejected talk of a summer move to Barcelona, said: “He wasn’t getting the minutes at Chelsea so it was a good move for him to go to United.”

How good may depend on how he is used by David Moyes in the team. Fellow United midfielder Darren Fletcher is in little doubt which position would be best for Mata.

“Some of Juan’s touches were fantastic,” Fletcher told MUTV after the West Ham win. “He pulled one out of the sky in the first half that was sublime.

“[Behind the forward] is Juan’s natural position, he likes playing in there. And with the likes of Wayne running in behind defenders, he’ll [Mata] always look to find him.

“We had great movement going forward and pace in the wide areas. People have been wanting to see that and it was there today.”

Written by Steve Milne

Glen Johnson says “Liverpool are neutrals choice”.

By

Ben Reardon

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Mar 24, 2014

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Liverpool fullback Glen Johnson has stated that his side are the “neutral’s choice to win the Premier League”.

The Reds are in contention for their first ever Premier League crown following a superb 6-3 win at Cardiff City on Saturday.

Liverpool are now just four points behind Chelsea going into their home game against Sunderland in the mid-week.

The defender stated…

“Just to spice things up the neutrals would want to see us win it,” Johnson said. “Nobody wants the same teams to be winning it over and over again. I guess the neutrals will be packing a punch for us. We must be good to watch.

“People watch football to enjoy themselves, see goals and see exciting football, and I think we do provide that. I think people will be rooting for us because it will be something different.

“I’m not that surprised by how we’re playing. Even last season we were battering teams but not getting the goals. At the moment we are playing well and getting the goals. It’s a case of staying calm and keeping it going.”

Johnson went onto say that he was impressed with his sides character during the win in South Wales.

“Over the years this type of game has been the most difficult we have had, after a big win,” added Johnson.

“Everyone at the club was so high last week after beating Man United and it could have been difficult to raise ourselves to the same heights, playing a game that we were expected to win.

“It showed our character. Those three points were just as important as the ones at United.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

‘We don’t fancy early kick-offs’, admits Mertesacker

By

Alex Batt

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Mar 24, 2014

0

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has admitted that the players do not like 12:45 kick-offs after they fell to yet another humiliating lunch-time defeat.

So far this season, The Gunners have been thrashed 6-3 by Manchester City, 5-1 by Liverpool and 6-0 by Chelsea, with all three games being the early games on a Saturday, and after the thrashing at Stamford Bridge, Mertesacker revealed that the players ‘do not fancy early games’.

It isn’t clear whether the German’s comments were tongue-and-cheek, but he stated that the club may apply to the FA about not taking part in early games after their massive defeats against title-rivals.

Mertesacker believes the players do not like playing away from home in the early games because it means setting off from London earlier, and he has admitted that the players never fancy playing early on.

The German said: “I don’t know why, but it looks like we don’t fancy early kick offs away.

“It looks like we are going to have to apply to the FA to not play at 12.45 away. That would help us a lot.

“We wanted to start very strong and show people we are good enough, but they scored the two very early goals.

“We lost some balls when we tried to keep it desperately. They then caught us on the counter-attack. We tried to avoid that. But we missed it completely.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Marouane Fellaini could be banned for Manchester City game

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 24, 2014

0

Marouane Fellaini could be retrospectively banned for three games if the FA decides to follow up Sam Allardyce’s comments that he made after the game against West Ham.

Allardyce is angry that Fellaini wasn’t sent-off for what he deemed to be a deliberate stamp on James Tomkins.

“I thought Maraoune Fellaini was lucky not to get sent-off for his foul on James Tomkins,” Allardyce told The Express.

“Probably the ref wasn’t in the right place and that’s why if he has any doubt he can’t give it. You’ve got to be absolutely certain if you’re the referee that you’ve seen what has happened.”

As the referee didn’t see the incident, Fellaini could be banned if the FA wanted to punish him but given that nobody had even mentioned the “stamp” until Allardyce brought it up, it’s fair to say nobody else thought it was a violent move from the Belgian.

it is unlikely that the FA will do anything retrospectively for Fellaini. If they did, it would leave United with a seriously weakened midfield for the next three games given Fellaini’s decent run of form.

Written by Steve Milne

SillySeason.com

Arsene Wenger to be offered two-year deal…

Premier League: Thomas Vermaelen believes Arsenal are still in title hunt

Arteta wants ” big reaction ” from Arsenal against Swansea

Dante signs new Bayern Munich deal

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs cleared by FA

Premier League: Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick ready for derby showdown

Vertonghen claims Suarez is the only reason Spurs trail title chasers Liverpool

Best is yet to come

UEFA punish Bayern

Wenger cancels Monday press conference.

Chelsea given Champions League boost

David Silva says Manchester United are not getting the best out of Juan Mata

Glen Johnson says “Liverpool are neutrals choice”.

‘We don’t fancy early kick-offs’, admits Mertesacker

Marouane Fellaini could be banned for Manchester City game

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