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Glen Johnson says “Liverpool are neutrals choice”.

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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

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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

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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

Inter director dismisses Sagna talks

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Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio has dismissed reports linking the club with a move for Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna, as well as a move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

The French right-back is all-but certain to leave Arsenal this Summer as his contract expires once the season ends, and he has already rejected two offers from the club as he is holding out for a three-year deal worth around ÂŁ100k-a-week.

Arsene Wenger and co. are only willing to offer the 31-year-old a two-year deal worth ÂŁ75k-a-week, but that is not deemed acceptable by one of their longest serving players.

Inter are desperate to sign players this Summer as their president wants to bring the glory days back to the San Siro, and after already capturing Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, it was thought that Sagna may follow, but those reports have been dismissed by Ausilio.

“There’s no connection with my trips and the same is for [Edin] Dzeko.

“There is the opportunity to travel when we don’t have matches during the week. It’s an opportunity to develop contacts by being around other people in the industry.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Nicklas Bendtner’s Arsenal career thrown into further doubt

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Nicklas Bendtner was pictured watching FC Copenhagen on Sunday, throwing further doubt over his future.

Arsenal outcast Bendtner, fined two weeks’ wages after going home for a boozy night out without club permission, watched FC Copenhagen this afternoon after flying home to his native Denmark.

Bendtner is a free agent this summer and sat next to long term pal Frank Arnesen who is sporting director at Hamburg. They also pictured with the director of FC Copenhagen, Anders Hørsholt.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has frozen out Bendtner since his last trip home and the Danish striker flew into Copenhagen at 6pm on Saturday.

FC Copenhagen are entertaining Randers this afternoon while the strongest interest in Bendtner is from Germany.

Written by Steve Milne

Manchester United to be offered Madrid player for ÂŁ10million

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Manchester United will be offered Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao this Summer for as little as ÂŁ10million.

The Portuguese defender hasn’t featured regularly for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season due to Brazilian ace Marcelo being his number-one option, and after being interested in him in the Summer, it is believed Madrid will now offer Coentrao to United.

However, David Moyes is still highly interested in signing Southampton starlet Luke Shaw and will be pushing for a transfer for the 18-year-old, who could cost up to ÂŁ30million, with trio Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all wanting the 18-year-old as well.

Coentrao, 26, would certainly be the cheaper option, as Madrid are prepared to sell him for as little as ÂŁ10million, but it appears that Moyes is desperate to land the young Englishman as he looks to replace outgoing Patrice Evra.

Chelsea were also reportedly interested in Coentrao in the Summer, but the improvement from Cesar Azpilicueta may change Jose Mourinho’s mind.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

I rejected Arsenal in January, reveals Kalou

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Lille forward Salomon Kalou has revealed that Premier League side Arsenal were keen on signing him in January, but he turned down the opportunity to join Arsene Wenger’s side.

The former-Chelsea winger has been attracting interest from Wenger over the past two seasons, but both years, no formal bids have been made by Arsenal, and Kalou has remained in France.

However, the Ivorian has revealed in an interview in France that this January, a departure from Lille was on the cards, and it would have been a move to the Emirates Stadium, but instead, he decided to remain in Ligue 1.

Kalou told L’Equipe: “A possible departure? Yes, to Arsenal.

“It could have been done as a last-minute loan.

“But I wanted to finish third, prepare for the World Cup and go to the Stade de France to compete in the final of the Coupe de France.”

After losing out on Kalou, Wenger then turned to Swedish veteran Kim Kallstrom, who has yet to feature for the club due to a back injury which he had before he signed for the club.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

GARTH CROOKS’ TEAM OF THE WEEK

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As it is a Monday morning, it can only mean one thing, BBC pundit Garth Crooks has put together his ‘Team of the Week’, and here it is for you.

GOALKEEPER – John Ruddy (Norwich)

A first clean sheet in four Premier League games and the Canaries are singing again. John Ruddy’s save from Sunderland’s Wes Brown during Saturday’s 2-0 win removed any chance of the Wearsiders getting anything from the game and pushes them nearer the trap door. The manner in which Norwich performed for manager Chris Hughton and Alex Tettey’s sensational goal gave me the distinct impression that if they are in danger of going down they won’t go quietly.

DEFENDER – Liam Rosenior (Hull)

Anyone who takes 157 attempts to score a goal deserves a mention when they finally achieve it. I didn’t think it was a penalty on Shane Long in the first place but when Nikica Jelavic had his spot kick saved the speed and intelligence from Liam Rosenior to bury the rebound was superb. He made my team after Hull’s impressive victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup. His goal and performance against a struggling West Brom on Saturday was equally impressive.

DEFENDER – Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

I don’t think Gary Cahill will get an easier 90 minutes all season than the one he had against Arsenal in the 6-0 win on Saturday. There was a point in the second half where he could have conducted a conversation with the Chelsea fans and it wouldn’t have made a blind bit of difference to the outcome of the match, such was Arsenal’s dismal display. What is becoming very evident, however, is that Cahill no longer looks like the junior partner next to John Terry. He is a fully-fledged England international now and appears to be displaying all the confidence that goes with it.

DEFENDER – Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

Even manager Brendan Rodgers had to concede that Liverpool’s defending could have been better this season but when you have a centre-back who is as competitive in the opposition box as he is in his own you can forgive the occasional lapse in defence. Two more goals by Martin Skrtel in the win over Cardiff is further evidence that Liverpool’s strategy for Premier League success is to outscore the opposition – and they are.

DEFENDER – Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Everyone knows how much I enjoy seeing attacking full-backs, especially those who can deliver good service into the box for their strikers. I remember in the 1970s Liverpool full-back Alec Lindsay providing excellent service for Kevin Keegan during their heyday. Glen Johnson is producing a similar service for Luis Suarez. The big question is: can the Reds emulate the legends of yesteryear and bring the title back to Anfield?

MIDFIELDER – Yaya Toure (Man City)

I said in December that Yaya Toure was having the kind of season that made him a prime candidate for footballer of the year. With 10 games left to play I have not changed my position – particularly if Manchester City were to lift the title. However, in light of Toure’s hat-trick against Fulham I was fascinated by Leonardo’s comments on Match of the Day when he said that he thought that Toure was now one of the best midfield players in the world. I suppose 20 goals from midfield in all competitions this season would support that position.

MIDFIELDER – Andre Schurrle (Chelsea)

He made the first and scored the second in what can only be described as a first half horror show for Arsenal. Andre Schurrle didn’t just run the Gunners ragged but nailed their feet to the floor. Everything that could have gone wrong in Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game did and it was not helped by Schurrle’s willingness to run at the Arsenal defence at any given opportunity. He deserved his goal for his sheer endeavour and it was brilliantly taken.

MIDFIELDER – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

Whatever you may think of Spurs manager Tim Sherwood’s method of persuasion, he certainly gets a reaction from his players. He’s got Emmanuel Adebayor playing again and if Tottenham’s comeback performance against Southampton is anything to go by he’s now got Christian Eriksen playing out of his skin and scoring goals. Whatever next, a Roberto Soldado hat-trick?

MIDFIELDER – Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

What a goal and what improvisation. The England striker then went on to start the move for his second goal against West Ham before putting the finishing touches to it. And while the discussion will rage on about whether his first goal was better than David Beckham’s against Wimbledon, I thought Rooney’s speed of thought to capitalise on the situation was sensational. Whichever goal you prefer, rest assured they were two wonderful goals from two fabulous footballers.

MIDFIELDER – Marko Arnautovic (Stoke)

I couldn’t have picked my team without reflecting the excellent display by Stoke City at Villa Park. Their quality of football was a delight to watch with notable performances from Peter Crouch and Peter Odemwingie. But my man of the match was Marko Arnautovic. This lad has a lot to offer and he tortured Villa. It’s great to see the Potters playing attractive football again.

FORWARD – Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

Six Premier League wins in a row tells you that Liverpool have their eyes firmly set on the prize. The fact I am even contemplating the notion of a Premier League title for the Reds is because of one man – Luis Suarez. This is no reflection on the likes of Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge or Jordan Henderson, all of whom have had excellent seasons, but with Suarez in the team and in this form anything is possible.

What are your thoughts on this team? Do you agree?

Comment your starting XI below!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Samuel Eto’o sidelined for two weeks

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Jose Mourinho is optimistic that Samuel Eto’o will only miss a fortnight after picking up a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

Eto’o scored his 11th goal of the season before being brought off with the fear of having a severe injury. He is likely to miss Chelsea’s trip to struggling Crystal Palace next weekend but Mourinho hopes he won’t be out much longer.

“Hopefully it is no so big,” said Mourinho, “hopefully is isn’t a one month injury, just 10 to 15 days.”

Mourinho was happy with Fernando Torres’ performance after he came on to replace Eto’o on Saturday, and David Luiz’s performance in centre midfield, a position which Mourinho insisted at the beginning of the season was a place Luiz wouldn’t be playing in,

“Fernando, without scoring, had a very good performance with great movement for the team. I like David in midfield. I like him a lot.”

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

Romelu Lukaku to move abroad!

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho DOES want to sell Romelu Lukaku – but not to a Premier League club. Mourinho wants to cash in on the Belgian who is currently on loan at Everton. The previous season he enjoyed a similar arrangement with West Brom. Now, Mourinho wants to get rid of the striker permanently, to free up funds so he can sign two world-class strikers this summer.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa and PSG’s Edinson Cavani are thought to be the two main striking targets. To sign these two, it could mean the sacrifice of Lukaku, with Roma and Borussia Dortmund already interested.

It also means Everton could miss out on making the Belgian striker’s loan move permanent.

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

 

Rodgers happy for fans to dream.

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that he is happy to let Liverpool supporters dream of a first Premier League title. 

The Reds are second in the Premier League following an emphatic 6-3 at Cardiff on Saturday. 

“We are focusing on the immediate future,” he said.

“The fans can believe and dream, and when you come to see your team play away from home and they score six goals, you’ve got every right to do that. They have been a big part of our success this year.

“I’ve got to say that I am really looking forward to the Sunderland game. It feels like we haven’t played at home for ages.

“Wednesday will be a great night for us. We’ve now got five games left at Anfield, with three away from home. Anfield is a special place to play football, so for us, it’s about the immediate future. 

Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick, Martin Skrtel scored twice, and Daniel Sturridge got one in the rout in South Wales. 

A beaming Rodgers went onto say.

“We don’t work to just outscore teams; we work on our balance,” he added. “We are certainly not a team that is not worried about defending, that’s not the case at all.

“We were off the back of two clean sheets – which I take as much pride in – against two difficult teams, Southampton and Manchester United.

“We conceded too much space, but the key thing is how we respond and how we have grown over the last 18 months. There has been that resilience and confidence to know that we can get back in the game.

“We will analyse the other elements of the game that we can be better at. That will always be the case – you’ll always look to improve.

“Look at our imagination and creativity. You sensed the crowd felt that every time we were in their half, we could score. That is a wonderful recognition of the type of team that we are.” 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Napoli keen on Vermaelen deal

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Napoli have sounded out Arsenal over a possible move for Thomas Vermaelen. The defender’s contract expires at the end of next season and despite his lack of playing time this term, Arsene Wenger still wants to keep him at the club.

Rafa Benitez, Napoli’s manager, has seen his side’s push for the Serie A title derailed by some defensive deficiences and he has named Vermaelen as the person to reinforce their backline. Wenger, as previously mentioned, is still a keen admirer of the Belgian however and wants to retain his services.

As for the player, it is believed he is unsettled. Only time will tell if this move comes to fruition.

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Carl Jenkinson to be sent on loan next season

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Carl Jenkinson will be sent out on loan to a Premier League club next season – with Newcastle and West Ham leading the chase to land the Arsenal defender.

Manager Arsene Wenger wants the right-back, who has one full England cap, to gain a full year of top-flight experience next term.

Newcastle, who expect to lose Mathieu Debuchy to Paris St-Germain at the end of the season, have declared an interest as has West Ham boss Sam Allardyce.

First-choice Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna is out of contract this summer and wants a big rise on his ÂŁ60,000-a-week deal. But even if he does not agree new terms, Wenger will send the 22-year-old Jenkinson out on loan.

Written by Steve Milne

Arsenal and Chelsea target going nowhere, according to Chairman

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With the arrival of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer this summer, there have been many rumours linking Bayern’s Croatian striker with a move away from the German club.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the big striker, who has 23 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season. But the Bayern Chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, is confident that Mandzukic whill stay beyond the summer. 

“I am aware that several clubs are interested in him but I think he will stay past the end of this season.”

He added: “I am noticing something by the players. They know what it means to play for Bayern and they appreciate it. They live in a beautiful city, a beautiful stadium, the best manager and the club is well known internationally.”

 

Written by Eoghan Smith

Bayern Munich dismiss links with Arsenal target

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Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled out making a Summer bid for Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, which leaves Premier League side Arsenal in the drivers seat for his signature.

The Gunners were strongly linked with signing the German in January, but the two parties couldn’t agree a fee for the playmaker as Schalke were holding for roughly ÂŁ37million, while Arsene Wenger only wanted to spend a maximum of ÂŁ30million.

Reports have suggested that Arsenal will go back in for Draxler in the Summer as Wenger believes he can turn the attacking-midfielder into a striker much like he did with Robin Van Persie and Thierry Henry, but there were initial fears that Munich would out-bid them.

However, Rummenigge has dismissed reports linking his club with a move for Draxler.

“We are not buying any player from Dortmund or Schalke just to hurt these clubs.

“We are just buying players who can give FC Bayern more quality straight away. I can rule out that we will sign Julian Draxler in the summer.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles