Arsenal Injury Crisis

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Sep 29, 2014

Arsenal will be without three first team members for their Champions League game against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger is facing a selection headache after three players were injured against Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey came off after picking up knocks while Jack Wilshere required lengthy treatment on an ankle injury.

Ramsey could be out for up to six weeks after it was revealed that the Welshman had suffered a grade two hamstring injury, while Arteta is expected to be sidleined for at least three.

Arsenal were however handed a boost ahead of this weekend’s vital Premier League game against Chelsea with the news that Wilshere could be available for selection, with initial fears about the severity of his injury being unfounded.

Arsenal are looking to kickstart their season and move past a recent run of form that has seen them claim just three victories in the last ten games in all competitions.

By Andrew Bell

Manchester City to recall Joe Hart for Champions League clash

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

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Manchester City are set to recall regular first choice goalkeeper Joe Hart to the first team fold for Tuesday’s Champions League home game against AS Roma, The Guardian have reported.

Hart, aged 27 was previously dropped by Manuel Pellegrini in favour of fellow goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who replaced Hart for the League Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday, and Premier League win away at Hull City.

Tuesday’s fixture brings an all together different feel around the Etihad Stadium, as Italian Serie A side Roma visit, for what City boss Manuel Pellegrini has described as a “crucial game.”

The Premier League holders go into the game looking to avenge their previous European tie, as the Citizens succumbed to a last minute Jerome Boateng goal to lose 1-0 away at Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

England’s number one goalkeeper has bounced back from being dropped by the same manager before, with Hart encountering a somewhat similar blip under Pellegrini little under a year ago or so, however Hart then proved his worth towards the back end of the season, helping the Sky Blues to a second League title in three years.

Hart had previously said that he is willing to remain at City to fight for his place in the starting 11 squad, and was quoted as saying in his pre-match conference: “Of course I want to play every game, that is my nature, my professionalism,” said Hart.

“I am not the manager, just a player. I live by the decisions of our manager.”

Questions have been raised regarding Hart’s future, with several other key players at City all earning new long term contracts, but the keeper remains happy at the club, and wants to win more trophies.

“Right now I am happy with what is going on at this club,” said Hart. “We are fighting on all fronts.

“While I am welcome here, I am more than happy to stay and see where that takes me.”

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Hazard: Costa needs to be careful

By

CharlGLFC

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Sep 29, 2014

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Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has warned his team-mate, Diego Costa, to keep his cool against Arsenal at the weekend and to ignore any defenders that are trying to get him booked. The Blues forward has received three yellow cards in just six games so far, two of which were down to incidents with opposition players.

Managers are quickly learning that Costa has a short temper and can be easily angered and they will make efforts to try and rile up the Spaniard and get him booked. However, the striker’s goals have helped Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table and Eden Hazard knows just how important his goals are. He has urged the striker not to lash out, in fear of him getting a red card and, therefore, missing games.

He said: “We all know how he will react, he needs to be careful that he doesn’t get too many yellow cards. This is part of the game [opponents targeting him], everyone knows that. He needs to focus. He is a very good striker, one of the top three in the world right now.

“When he is confident, he scores and right now he is confident and in form.”

Costa will likely face Arsenal next weekend, but it is unlikely he will be risked by Jose Mourinho against Sporting Lisbon in mid-week.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter – @CharlieGLFC

Chelsea eye Talisca as Drogba replacement

By

CharlGLFC

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Sep 29, 2014

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Chelsea will try to sign Benfica’s Anderson Talisca at the end of the season, as a replacement for the ageing Didier Drogba. The Brazilian is mainly used as an attacking midfielder, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho believes he could be transfromed into an out-and-out forward, due to the youngster’s composure and technique.

Mourinho has spoken about the 20-year old on several previous occasions and The Special One thinks that a move to England could happen, but only if he gains a work permit. He has said: “Some say he’s unknown. He’s so unknown the only thing stopping him from playing in England is a work permit.”

Talisca does have international experience, having played for the Under 20 Brazil side, but his performances have caught the eye of first-team coach Dunga, who could bring him up to the senior squad soon.

If Talisca did make the move to Stamford Bridge, it could be in the place of Didier Drogba, who will be 37 come next summer. He’s found himself behind Remy and Costa in the pecking order for Chelsea and it could mean that at the end of the season he hangs up his boots. Mourinho himself is known not to be afraid of getting rid of popular players, with the Portuguese coach letting the likes of Lampard, Cole and Mata leave the club over the past few seasons.

If the Ivorian striker does decide to retire, then Talisca could very well end up his replacement and Chelsea fans would certainly hope that he could emulate Drogba’s goal-scoring ability for the club if he was to join them.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter – @CharlieGLFC

Chamberlain: ‘Arsenal will attack’

By

olliebrowner

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has promised to attack Chelsea’s defence on Sunday.

Despite injuries to many attackers, Chamberlain has vowed to attempt to beat the league leaders during Arsene Wenger’s 1000th game in charge at Arsenal.

“We do understand what happened there last season,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “Maybe we have got a point to prove there, we know this year we have got to step up in the big games and get some results in them this year.

“We’re really looking forward to that game. We definitely give Chelsea the respect they deserve but, at the same time, I have belief in my team-mates and we do in ourselves to be able to go to a place like Chelsea and set the tempo and hopefully take control of the game. There will be times in the game I’m sure when they have a spell, because they are a top team.

“It’s two good sides. They are going to have their time, we are going to have ours, we just have to make sure that when we do have our chances we make them count.”

By Ollie Brown

Evra attempted to keep Pogba at United

By

olliebrowner

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Sep 29, 2014

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Former Manchester United left-back has revealed that he attempted to convince Paul Pogba to remain at Red Devil.

The young star left Old Trafford in July 2012 to sign for Juventus on a free transfer, something which the club may be regretting now.

Since his move to Italy, Pogba has developed into a word superstar and has attracted interest from many clubs around the world.

United have previously been linked with a shock bid for their former man, and now Juventus’ new left-back Patrice Evra has insisted that Sir Alex Ferguson told him to speak to Pogba before his move.

He said: “‘La Pioche’ is like a son to me.

“Sir Alex Ferguson sent me to his house to convince him to stay [at Manchester United] – he wept, he did not sleep, because he know that he could become better than Vieira, but he had decided.

“Ferguson knew that Pogba would become very strong, but also that he could not force the issue.”

By Ollie Brown

Jutkiewicz keen to get off the mark for Burnley

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

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Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has admitted that he is desperate to get his first league goals for the Premier League new-boys.

The 25 year old has impressed during his spell at Turf Moor so far, however he has failed to find the net despite some positive performances on a regular basis.

Burnley slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table on Sunday following a 4-0 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, with the Clarets yet to pick up a win following their return to the top tier of English football.

And only the superb reflexes of Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster denied him an opening Premier League goal, as the Southampton born forward glanced the ball, only to be thwarted by Foster.

However, despite his competative Premier League goal drought since signing from Middlesbrough in a £1.5 million fee, Jutkiewicz stated that he needs to deliver himself on a regular basis.

“It’s been great to play all the games so far and get a taster of the Premier League, the striker was quoted in the Daily Star.

“But you need to score goals to be a fully established Premier League striker, so it would be good to get off the mark at some point soon.”

Jutkiewicz, who is currently playing as a lone striker at the East Lancashire due to the absence of Danny Ings, also stated that despite the humbling at West Brom, he believes that Burnley can pick some points up on a more frequent basis in the coming weeks.

“In terms of the games and the results, we can’t be too disappointed – although maybe we could have a couple more points on the board,” Jutkiewicz added.

“It’s little details at this level, just in the final third, tiny bits of quality, doing things a little bit quicker which will make the difference.

“It’d be great to get some wins on the board, get the fans excited and go into the next break in a more comfortable position.

“We’ll look at each game and think we can get something from it. Hopefully we can get a couple of wins.”

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Arsenal to sign Madrid maestro….for FREE?

By

Michael Horne

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Sep 29, 2014

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Sami Khedira is out of contract at the end of the season, and much rumour is afoot after reports suggest he has refused to sign a new contract at Real Madrid.

And according to some reports in Spain, Arsenal are in line to secure the 27-year-old German international as a free agent.

The defensive midfielder is free to talk to other clubs in January, and the men from the Emirates are set to negotiate with Real at that point in time.

Khedira was linked with a switch to Arsenal during the summer, before remaining in Spain for the time being.

Unfortunately, the World Cup winner seems out of favour in Madrid, and has not featured regularly for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season, and has made just two substitute appearances.

Khedira started his playing career at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, before moving to Real in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, signing a contract until 2015.

The German injured his knee in a friendly against Italy in November 2013, and it was estimated he would be out of action for around six months. This put his participation at the recent World Cup in Brazil into question. However, he recovered in time, and was named in Germany’s squad for the tournament. He was selected to start in the team’s opening match, a stunning 4–0 mauling of Portugal. He also scored Germany’s fifth goal in the 7–1 semi-final crushing of Brazil.

Unfortunately for Khedira, he was injured during the pre-match warm up for the World Cup Final against Argentina and didn’t participate in the game.

A German World Cup winner for FREE? Arsenal will be licking their lips at the prospect.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Tweets by MichaelHorne777

Carvalho to pen new Sporting Lisbon deal

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Sporting Lisbon defender William Carvalho is continuing to be linked with a possible Premier League move, despite the fact he is on the verge of penning a new deal.

The highly rated 22 year old, who has been linked with a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United for sometime now, however he is set to pen a new contract at the Portuguese side, despite the interest.

Despite the fact he has a £37 million clause in his current deal, that has not put off Premier League suitors, according to the Daily Express.

Carvalhoadmitted that his head has not been turned over potential interest from England:

Nobody ever heard me say I wanted to leave the Sporting or was dissatisfied. I’ve always been satisfied at Sporting.

“As things have not gone well me start this championship, people think it is because I’m upset, but they could not be more wrong.

“I want to always be right, but that’s football, sometimes things do not go on the pitch as we wish.

“I feel I can give more and can do better than last season. I know I have not been at the highest level, but eventually things will go well and I hope it will be in the next game.”

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Mourinho believes Brazilian stars are coming good

By

Michael Horne

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Sep 29, 2014

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Brazilians Oscar and Willian have taken some time to put the nightmare of last summer behind them. The demoralising World Cup that ended in the shambles of a 7-1 semi-final thrashing by Germany, will still haunt the Chelsea stars for some time to come.

However, Jose Mourinho now believes they are both well on the way to recovery, following what must have been nothing short of a humiliation in front of their home fans. The mental scars would have been profound.

The Portuguese mastermind was in typical philosophical mood:

‘Everyone that came back from the Brazil national team came without having a proper holiday and a proper pre-season,’ he said.

‘They have not had enough time to start the season in a strong way. All of them have been coming back step by step. Now they are getting into the intensity of the Premier League.

‘It was not about that match. Some of them now even make fun about it between them. The World Cup is history.

‘It is more physical. Players need holidays. The next pre-season will be even worse, because there will be international matches. For a World Cup some teams don’t qualify; for the international fixtures,every player goes.’

Unfortunately for Mourinho, and many other Premier League managers, there will be a Copa America held in Chile next Summer. All the top South Americans will be on their way to that one.

‘I don’t even speak about that. I’m trying to forget it,” Mourinho added. “If not I will sell all the South American players.’

Willan, who provided the telling pass for Oscar’s seventh minute opener against Aston Villa at the weekend, having also scored against Bolton in midweek, said:

‘I am feeling good now. I have had time. The manager told me that he has a lot of players, so I did not play against Manchester City or Schalke.

‘But then I started against Bolton and today, and I played well because I am not tired.

‘I have forgotten the World Cup. I’m okay now. I played well in the first couple of games back, I didn’t score, but now I have and I am more confident.

‘I have scored two goals, but I want to score 15 this season. That would be good.’

The Samba beat can be heard all over West London once again. Chelsea fans may even fancy a little dance.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Tweets by MichaelHorne777

Mourinho unconcerned by Hazard’s dip in form

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is unconcerned by the current form of winger Eden Hazard, according to Sky Sports.

Hazard, aged 23 slumped to a rather below par performance in Chelsea’s routine 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend, however Mourinho has stated that the performance was just a one off.

The Belgium international is also set to pen a new long term deal at the Stamford Bridge, with Hazard set to become Chelsea’s best paid current player in the process.

Mourinho agreed when asked if he felt that Hazard’s performance in Saturday’s win was below par:

“Yes. (I) agree.

“I don’t know what he needs. I know he needs to play more than he did (against Villa).

The individual performance from Chelsea’s player of the season last term, has been tipped to come back stronger by his club manager (Mourinho), who said he was unconcerned by Hazard’s little blip.

“He started the season well. Eden played good matches with us.

“I think it’s more an isolated not good performance than a period.

“No dramas and (I am) not too much worried about it, but (Saturday) was not his day, was not his performance.”

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Andre-Pierre Gignac interests Premier League pair

By

mattderrig

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac could be set to be the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool in January, with both sides keen on adding firepower to their forward line.

The Frenchman has certainly caught the eye this season, notching 8 goals in 8 games for the Ligue 1 club, and this form has alerted both Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger.

The former Tolouse man is now 28 years old, and looks to be coming in to the peak of his career, and his agent believes he would do well at a big European club.

“Given the fact that he is not very old, he has a real market value.

“This is a striker with a relatively atypical profile, responsive to the physical challenge, the archetypal player who can succeed at a big club.

“He can play in England, Arsenal or Liverpool, no problem. For me, it is between €12 million (£9.5m) and €15 million (£11m).”

By Matthew Derrig

Manchester United keen on £52 million Juventus duo

By

mattderrig

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Manchester United are targetting a double swoop on Juventus this January, with both Arturo Vidal and defender Angelo Ogbonno interesting Louis Van Gaal.

Midfielder Vidal was continuosly linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, however a deal didn’t materialise in time forcing United to sign Daley Blind instead.

Although they could be set to re-ignite their interest in the Chilean by bidding £52 million for him and his team-mate Ogbonno during the winter transfer window.

Italian international defender Ogbonno has also been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, with both sides desperate to add to their threadbare defence.

The Serie A giants will be keen to fend off interest for the key duo until at least next summer, as they look to make a serious impact on the Champions League and Serie again this season.

By Matthew Derrig

Arsene Wenger orders corner practise

By

Alex Batt

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ordered his team to do more training on corners after seeing his side waste a whopping 15 during their 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners won 15 corners against Spurs on Saturday, but none of them created any real chances, with left Wenger reeling after seeing his side drop more points in the season.

An Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goal rescued a point for Arsenal against their local-rivals, but after the game, Wenger was clear where he felt his side needed to work on, and that was their corner routines.

“It’s a concern,” he said. “With 15 corners we have to do more. That’s an area we can make a big improvement and that has to happen quite quickly.

“If you go anywhere in the world and have 15 corners against you, the ball goes into the net. It’ so difficult to defend if you deliver the ball properly. On Monday we will be practicing corners.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool and United to move for £34m-star

By

Alex Batt

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Fierce-rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are set to battle it out for £34m-rated Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio.

The Argentinian international has been in fine form for Benfica during the past two seasons, and his consistent displays have attracted several teams from across Europe, including; AC Milan, Hamburg, Monaco and Valladolid.

All interested teams are considering making a January move for Salvio, but Liverpool and United are expected to be in pole position to land the 24-year-old due to them being in England and in the Premier League.

However, according to reports in Portugal, officials from AC Milan have already been to watch some Benfica matches and have been scouting Salvio with a plan on making a New Year move.

Due to the high amount of interest in their star, Benfica have slapped a £34million price-tag on the Argentine’s head, but it’s believed that Liverpool and United are both prepared to spend that much on the winger.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

SillySeason.com

Arsenal Injury Crisis

Manchester City to recall Joe Hart for Champions League clash

Hazard: Costa needs to be careful

Chelsea eye Talisca as Drogba replacement

Chamberlain: ‘Arsenal will attack’

Evra attempted to keep Pogba at United

Jutkiewicz keen to get off the mark for Burnley

Arsenal to sign Madrid maestro….for FREE?

Carvalho to pen new Sporting Lisbon deal

Mourinho believes Brazilian stars are coming good

Mourinho unconcerned by Hazard’s dip in form

Andre-Pierre Gignac interests Premier League pair

Manchester United keen on £52 million Juventus duo

Arsene Wenger orders corner practise

Liverpool and United to move for £34m-star

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