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Anelka agrees not to repeat the celebration that has caused controversy

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Anelka, 34, made the sign – described as an inverted Nazi salute – after scoring his first of two goals in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at West Ham.

France’s sports minister accused him of a “disgusting anti-Semitic” gesture.

A statement from West Brom said: “The club has asked Nicolas not to perform the gesture again. Nicolas immediately agreed to adhere to this request.”

The French government is trying to ban comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala’s shows over his use of the gesture and Anelka confirmed on Twitter he did it in support of the performer.

But West Brom instructed Anelka not to use the gesture again after acknowledging “the goal celebration has caused offence in some quarters”.

The club will continue to consider the Frenchman for matches while the matter is being investigated internally and by the Football Association.

“Nicolas was asked to explain his goal celebration by caretaker head coach Keith Downing within minutes of the game finishing at West Ham,” the statement read.

“Nicolas said that he performed the gesture to dedicate his goal to a friend and vehemently denied having any intention to cause offence.

“Upon reporting for training this morning, Nicolas was asked by sporting & technical director Richard Garlick to give a full explanation about his goal celebration, during which he again strongly denied intending to cause offence.”

West Brom have told the FA they will help with their enquiry as well as holding their own investigation, a process which they say “will remain confidential between the club and Nicolas”.

Caretaker boss Downing confirmed that “football reasons” alone would determine whether Anelka plays against Newcastle on New Year’s Day, although he will assess the player’s mindset before selecting him.

“I will have to have a chat with Nicolas and make sure his mind is clear,” Downing said. “He’s obviously on the back of two goals and I am sure he will want to play.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Ray Wilkins is Fulham’s new assistant head coach

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Wilkins, 57, is the second appointment to the club’s backroom staff over the festive period after Alan Curbishley was named technical director.

Meulensteen believes Wilkins can help the Cottagers in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

“I know that Ray’s experience and his knowledge of the game will be a vital component,” Meulensteen said.

“Retaining our status of being a Premier League club next season is vitally important to our long-term plans.

“I am delighted that the chairman and the chief executive have, again, backed my desire for further experience and support within the backroom staff.”

Wilkins was previously in charge of Fulham more than 15 years ago, guiding them to the Second Division play-offs in the 1997-98 season, but he was sacked before they began following a poor run of results.

After leaving Craven Cottage, Wilkins took up coaching roles at Chelsea, Watford and Millwall.

His last coaching job ended in November 2010 when he left his position as Chelsea assistant manager.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Ibrahimovic: Signing Messi Would Take Us To Next Level

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Signing Lionel Messi would take French champions Paris Saint-Germain to the next level, according to their current star forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Press rumours in France suggest the big-spending Qatari-backed Parisians are in the market for a record bid for the Argentine wizard.

And Ibrahimovic, who failed to strike up a particularly successful partnership with Messi during his one season at Barcelona, believes signing the four-time Ballon d’Or winner would not just allow PSG to dream of bigger and better, but would make them a whole new force to be reckoned with in European competition.

“If he’s up for sale then the whole world will be after him, not just PSG,” said Ibrahimovic from the French champions’ winter training camp in Doha.

“I don’t know the situation but I think he’s very happy at Barcelona.

“The press creates this but only he knows the truth.

“PSG’s project is to dream bigger but if you buy Messi, you don’t dream bigger, you are bigger.”

Signings such as that of Ibrahimovic, Brazilians Thiago Silva and Lucas and Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani have got many people believing PSG can genuinely challenge for Champions League honours this season.

Last year they reached the quarter-finals where they lost on away goals to Barca, while their best result in the competition remains their semi-final run in 1995.

And although PSG are champions of France and leading the way in Ligue 1 this season too, Ibrahimovic is determined to go further.

“I’m never satisfied, I want to win. We’ve progressed well and quickly. The team has come on very quickly in the right direction,” he said. “We play very good football, we have the ball, we create chances.

“There’s a high level of collective quality, our mentality is progressing. Everything’s going in the right direction and I’m delighted.”

PSG will play Real Madrid in a friendly in Doha on Thursday and Ibrahimovic is taking that match very seriously.

“Unfortunately it’s a friendly match but we’ll treat it like a competitive match. It would be good for confidence to win.”

Written by George Coomber

Gradel could see Ligue 1 exit

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Max Alain Gradel joined the French side in 2011 from Leeds United, and had started as a regular starter for Christophe Glatier’s side.

In his first two seasons with ‘Les Verts’, the Ivorian scored nine goals and provided five assists but has lately been used sparingly and hasn’t seen much first team football. He has started just two matches and has made a number of substitutions in the league despite scoring two goals from them.

He has also suffered a range of injuries in recent seasons and this has largely dictated the amaount of playing time for the 26 year old. It also doesn’t help that Galtier has much attacking talent to choose from.

But Gardel will be keen to join his fellow Ivorians in Brazil at next year’s World Cup, so he will be looking to get some recognition. With former club Leeds said to be interested in the winger, the prospect of a return to Elland Road for Gradel is likely.

Leeds manager Brian McDermott told the Yorkshire Evening Post ““Max Gradel would be on a list of players we like, no doubt about that. But he plays for St Etienne and he’s been unfortunate with a couple of operations,”

“I’ve got a target of two or three players. But if you’re trying to sign two or three players, you can’t just have two or three players on a list. You have to have different options.

“There are players out there who we think can improve us. If one of them is Max Gradel and we can do a deal then great. If not, we look elsewhere.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Can Everton qualify for the Champions League ?

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Everton are currently experiencing somewhat of a superb revival under recently appointed manager Roberto Martinez, who has changed the clubs fortunes over recent weeks. 

The Spaniard has since continued, and built upon the impressive structure built by former manager David Moyes, who of course replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in the summer, with Martinez swapping the DW Stadium….for Goodison Park. 

Martinez, who enjoyed a four year spell in charge of Wigan Athletic, after joining the Latics from Swansea in the summer of 2009, and guiding the Latics to several seasons of continued  Barclays Premier League campaign. 

Martinez also won plenty of plaudits during his time at Wigan, with an attacking brand of free flowing football, and the bubbly character Martinez lead Wigan to an historic FA Cup Final victory at Wembley Stadium, as Ben Watson’s last minute header saw the Latics beat Manchester City 1-0 in the end of season showpiece. 

But just three days later Wigan Athletic were relegated to the Championship, after an eight year stay. 

Despite Martinez suffering relegation, Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright saw Martinez as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Moyes, and Kenwright will feel his decision to employ Martinez has been justified. 

Martinez’s appointment was seen as an odd one by many supporters, but the Spanish manager has brought his attacking brand from Wigan Athletic, to Merseyside, were his Everton side have enjoyed have enjoyed a superb start to the season. 

Martinez was backed well by Kenwright in the summer, and couldn’t hang on to midfielder Maroune Fellani, who submitted a transfer request, and subsequently joined his former manager David Moyes at Manchester United. 

In Fellaini’s place, Ross Barkley has stepped up, and has been a sensation after a superb start to his personal campaign, with the Liverpool born central midfielder has been a key part for his sides impressive start. 

Along with Barkley, Everton have been backed in midfield by new recruits James McCarthy and Gareth Barry, who have also enjoyed superb starts. 

Romelu Lukaku was also drafted in from Chelsea, and the loanee has been in a real rich run of form, with his goals putting the side right in the mix for a European place.

And after impressive results on the pitch, including wins against Chelsea, Newcastle United, and a superb away win at Manchester United have proved Everton’s recent crudentials.  

Barkley himself has played himself called up to the England national team squad, having impressed Hodgson, and many England supporters. 

Put the form of the spine of the squad, and add a defensive trio of home grown talent of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, and the brilliant Seamus Coleman, and the Blues have a perfect melting pot of players, which could see them qualify for Europe’s top tier competition for the first time since 2005.

Liverpool and Manchester United would appear more likely contenders for a Champions League place. 

The Toffees have lost just two League games in the current campaign, and following Sunday’s win at home to Southampton puts Martinez’ side in a Champions League spot at the turn on the year. 

Roberto Martinez has set his high-flying Everton team a 71-point target to gatecrash the Champions League elite. 

Martinez recently stated….. 

“You need to be in a position where you can get around 70 points and, if we get 71, we will be in the Champions League,” 
he explained.

“To make the Champions League, I can guarantee you now, what you need to do is get an average of 1.94 points from the last 11 games. It doesn’t matter if we are 10th or 15th now – that’s the way it happens.

“That is what we are working towards – getting into that position to be able to reach 71 points. Winning at Old Trafford or not is not going to affect being in that position.” 

Everton have most certainly been a real surprise package this year, and under Martinez, the sky is the limit, having been a joy to watch this season. 

Martinez also has a superb working relationship with Kenwright, with nearly all of his signings coming on ever free’s or loan’s, as Everton are still financially sound. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1


Anelka aware of his actions

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Nicolas Anelka denies that his gesture had any anti-Semitic connotations however he has caused anger in his home country France. West Brom understand that it has caused some offence but Anelka has been asked to not do it again and he has agreed not to. The ‘Quenelle’ salute was made famous by French Comedian Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala who of which was prosecuted for doing so.

The European Jewish Congress hasrequested taht action should be taken against Nicolas Anelka. Anelka stated on Twitter that it was simply a dedication to his close friend Dieudonne. Minutes after the final whistle the frenchman was asked to explain his actionsand he merely said it was a tribute. He was asked to explain himself once again before training. The FA are still investigating and West Brom have been made aware of this.

The Striker is available to play league matches until an appropriate action is to be decided by the FA.

By Billy Foster

Barcelona wonderkid on the move?

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According to Marca (one of the biggest sources in Spain), Liverpool are close to completing a move for Barcelona wonderkid Christian Tello for the rest of the season.

Christian Tello has failed to hold down a starting place at the Nou Camp due to the impeccable form of summer signing Neymar world’s best player Lionel Messi, Pedro and Alexis Sanchez.

Barcelona are keen on keeping Tello and think he could have a bright future so they don’t want him to go permanently. Liverpool have a long standing interest in him and will be willing to offer 1st team football to lure him to Anfield.  Liverpool have a good relationship with Barcelona with sales of Mascherano, Pacheco, and Sergi Canos all switching from one to the other in recent years. Rumour is Tello would relish a move to LFC.

Mark Lawrenson predictions for New Year

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Wins for City, Arsenal, United and Liverpool predicted

It seems like there is a Premier League match on nearly every day at the moment! (Not that I am complaining), so with New Year’s football just two days away, BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has made his predictions, and here they are!

SWANSEA CITY 0-2 MANCHESTER CITY

“I think they will get their first win there on New Year’s Day. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have got the bit between their teeth at the moment and they are just starting to kick on.”

ARSENAL 3-0 CARDIFF CITY

“Arsenal will be too strong against a team trying to stay focused through the carnage being heaped on them from above.”

CRYSTAL PALACE 1-1 NORWICH CITY
“A win would be a big lift to both of them at the start of 2014 and a draw is not too much use to either of them, but in situations like this, that is often the result you end up with.”
FULHAM 2-1 WEST HAM UNITED
“There will not be much in it on Wednesday, but home advantage might just see Fulham get a much-needed win.”
LIVERPOOL 3-0 HULL CITY
“I see Liverpool getting their own back here, however. They are back at Anfield, where they have blown away the majority of teams they have faced this season, and I see them getting back to winning ways.”
SOUTHAMPTON 1-1 CHELSEA
“Mourinho will probably juggle his squad and will be chasing another win but I would still back Southampton to pick up a point.”
STOKE CITY 1-1 EVERTON
“The Potters are still not in any relegation trouble, though and they should remain comfortable in mid-table. After two defeats I think they have a point to prove against Everton and I think they will get something from this game.”
SUNDERLAND 2-1 ASTON VILLA
“I would have to back Sunderland here, to add to Villa’s problems. I still don’t think Paul Lambert’s side are in real danger of going down, though.”
WEST BROM 2-0 NEWCASTLE
“The Baggies still have not won since they sacked Clarke on 14 December and that winless run goes back nine league games to the start of November, but I have a feeling their long wait for a victory will finally end here.”
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
“United have got all the teams above them looking over their shoulders and I think their winning run will continue here.”
So what are your thoughts on his predictions?
Comment below!
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sunderland sign Alonso.

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Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Fiorentina’s Spanish fullback Marcos Alonso on loan until the end of the current Premier League campaign. 

Alonso himself already as experience playing in the Premier League, representing Bolton Wanderers during their Premier League period, before staying with the club following their relegation to the Championship. 

With Bolton failing to gain promotion to the top flight, the Madrid born full back moved to Italian Serie A side Fiorentina in the summer of 2013, after his contract at Bolton Wanderers came to an end.  

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet was pleased with the capture and stated…..

“I can confirm Marcos will be with us for the rest of the season on loan,which is something very important for us.

“I was always looking for a player at left-back or on the left side so I’m delighted he’s here.

“It’s competition for Andrea Dossena who is the only recognised left-back we have here – they are different sort of players so it helps us with our options.”

Poyet has an idea of how many players he would like to bring in in January but says it is always difficult to say how the month will pan out.

“The problem with putting a number on players is that I would like maybe three or four but it’s always so unpredictable.  

“Initially though, three or four is the idea.” 

The former Real Madrid player is known for his attacking prowess, something he showed on a regular basis with Dougie Freedman’s side. 

But Alonso couldn’t force his way into a strong Fiorentina squad on a regular basis, and having recently returned from an injury, the Spaniard feels a move to the Premier League will improve his long term Fiorentina career. 

By Ben Reardon 

‘@BenReardon1

Steven Gerrard and wife Alex face court battle over Liverpool ‘street brawl’

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The 33-year-old sportsman and his wife Alex have been named in legal papers lodged at London’s High Court along with their friend Lee McPartland.

A man named Paul Alan Lloyd is thought to be seeking damages from them in connection with the incident which happened near Gerrard’s family home.

However, there are two very different sides to the story and police took a statement from Gerrard at the time and are thought to have spoken to him since.

The possibility of a court case has come at the worst possible time for the father-of-three as he is trying to focus on the run-up to the World Cup finals.

“This is the last thing Steven would have wanted in one of the biggest years of his career,” a source told the Daily Mirror. “His number one focus is leading England to glory at the World Cup in Brazil.”

The game’s biggest tournament kicks off in June 2014 and this possible court case will be an unwelcome distraction for England boss Roy Hodgson, his players and backroom staff.

Mr Lloyd is said to have hired top legal firm Mishcon de Reya to serve papers on Gerrard, his 31-year-old wife and McPartland, 43.

The street clash, which left the Liverpool captain badly shaken, was reported by the Sunday Mirror earlier this month.

The incident occurred just after millionaire Gerrard had got out of his Range Rover outside a convenience store in the upmarket village near Liverpool where he lives with Alex and their daughters.

“Steven and Alex are both huge icons in Liverpool – but there have always been people jealous of their success,” a source said.

“The pair of them have had no option but to call in lawyers over this matter. It’s a case of conflicting ­explanations as to what happened that night. Mr Lloyd believes he has a good case. Steven and the other two might see things one way. But it is certainly not how Mr Lloyd is explaining away events.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Olivier Giroud sends Arsene Wenger a message

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Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes the club are not in need of another striker, despite them being continously linked with new additions in that department.

The Frenchman has been the lone-striker for most of the season due to injuries to Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski, but both of those players have returned to first-team action in recent weeks with a positive effect.

Arsene Wenger was desperately in search for a striker in the Summer, with Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney all mentioned, but he failed on all three fronts and that left The Gunners with just Giroud leading the line.

However, the former-Montpellier man has done that job very well over the last few months and he believes the club do not need to buy another striker in January in order to win the Premier League title.

He told French TV station Canal+: “If the coach wants me to rest, he can do it without buying a new striker.

“Lukas Podolski is having a good come-back. Theo Walcott can play as a striker. We have the quality and the quantity.

“I would rather not see a new striker come in.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Jose Mourinho has found our identity, says Terry

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Chelsea defender John Terry believes Jose Mourinho has helped the club find their identity once again, after a couple of dodgy seasons under different managers.

The Blues have gone through three managers recently and haven’t looked anywhere near the force they used to be, despite them winning the Champions League and the Europa League in recent seasons.

Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benitez have all been in charge at Stamford Bridge in recent years, but it is now back to the Mourinho era and the club captain believes it’s the former-Real Madrid boss has given the club an identity once again.

“The last couple of years we’ve lost our identity a little bit,” Terry told Chelsea TV.

“There’s some good teams in the league and when you go 3-2 up (for example) it’s important you get men behind the ball and dig in deep and not give them opportunities to really feed on. I think we’re doing that really well at the moment.

“At times when we’re looking really solid, getting the wide men in and then when we do break it’s important for them to then go again and show their fresh legs going forward.”

“It’s important you keep it tight at the back and you look for those type of players to create something or do something out of nothing,” Terry added.

“He’s been doing that all season (and) scoring. The last four or five games he’s been really tracking back and really dug in.

“He’s really dug in and added that to his game and made him the complete player.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Our defence improved last season

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The Gunners have the joint-best defensive record this term and secured their eighth clean sheet in the league in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

Walcott was pleased with the resilience the side showed at St James’ Park, and feels it stems from their increased confidence at the back.

“I think you could see from the [final] 10 games last year that it was coming and that we had it in ourselves,” Walcott told Arsenal Player. “Everyone has been absolutely solid throughout the whole year and it was nice to see Laurent [Koscielny] back today as well.

“It’s been two tough away matches in this period, I think a lot of people doubted that we were going to get results.

“It just shows that we’ve got great character in that dressing room and we’re getting stronger and stronger every week. Everyone trusts each other, which is so important. Going into the new year, we’re very excited.”

Victory over Alan Pardew’s side meant Arsenal will end 2013 on top of the Premier League and Walcott feels it will give the team belief they can stay there until May.

“Every game that goes by that we win is more belief that we’re going to win the league,” he said. “But we won’t get ahead our ourselves, we know how crucial every game is.

“We’ve got to make sure we look after ourselves and hopefully teams will start to slip up. Just as long as we keep on believing, which everyone is and we’ve been doing from the start of the season.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Win was another good sign

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Olivier Giroud’s second-half header gave the Gunners a narrow victory at St James’ Park and ensured they will begin 2014 from the summit of the Premier League.

And Flamini says it was key to end the year on a positive note ahead of a crucial second half to the season.

“It was very important for us, for the fans, for the Club, for everyone because when you are on top of the league you want to stay there,” he told Arsenal Player. “Today was a good sign for everyone to see how we can play these kind of games and work hard to go and win them.

“It was a tough game. Especially to come here, to play a good team like Newcastle with a great atmosphere.

“It was very difficult for us but what I enjoyed was the team spirit – everyone was working for each other and fighting for each other and that made the difference.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Harry after Harry.

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Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly after Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane on a loan deal until the end if the season, with a view to a permenant move if Queens Park Rangers are successful with their promotion bid. 

Redknapp is currently without leading scorer Charlie Austin due to injury and saw QPR draw a blank for the fourth time in five games in Sunday’s 0-0 stalemate with Watford. 

Redknapp’s Hoops have also slipped down to fourth in the Skybet Championship table, as a gap opens up between current leaders Leicester City, and the chasing pack, following the festive results. 

Rangers also failed to score in the Boxing Day away defeat away at Nottingham Forest, and Redknapp is keen to spice up his attacking options. 

“We had Charlie out and Bobby Zamora, while Andy Johnson can play half a game maximum,” said Redknapp following the draw. “They are not fully fit.

“The Doncaster game on New Year’s Day is important for us now and we are looking to bring in another striker in January if we can.

“In some ways we are lucky Charlie has been fit for as long as he has, otherwise we could have been without a striker for weeks.

“At least we are nearly at January now and may be able to get someone in.” 

And that someone seems to be Tottenham youngster Harry Kane, who has impressed out on loan, and in the Spurs reserve and U21 set up over recent months, and Redknapp believes that a move to QPR could help Kane stamp his mark on the Tottenham first team, such as in form Andros Townsend, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Loftus Road. 

Kane, who has been in a rich run of form for the England Under 21’s, spent time in the Championship last season with Leicester City, after an injury hit loan spell in Norfolk with Norwich City. 

However, Redknapp may need to act fast, with a number of Championship sides chasing Kane. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1