3 games from glory

By

-

Apr 21, 2014

It’s been 24 years.

Liverpool last won the title way back in 1990, and are now just 7 points, and 3 games away from making history. The Reds have one massive challenge next week against Chelsea at home, a game, which if they win, would mean they have one hand on the trophy. Should they beat Chelsea, they would be 8 points ahead of Jose Mourinho’s team, firmly eliminating them from the title race for good.

It’s been an unbelivable campaign for Liverpool, and one that manager Brendan Rodgers only wants to get better. Steven Gerrard has run the show for most of the season in the heart of the midfield, and the England captain has scored 12 of the 96 goals the side have put away this season, their highest league goal tally ever.

Rodgers knows that there is now a huge amount of pressure mounting on his team, but seems like the calmest man at Anfield. He has now urged his team to go on and smash the 100 goal barrier for the season after watching his side secure Champions League football for next season with a 3-2 over Norwich at Carrow Road, their 11th win on the run.

“It was an incredible victory and big congratulations to the players. That means we can’t finish lower than third, which guarantees Champions League football. I don’t think anybody would have expected that and it shows the effort we’ve put in and the quality we’ve shown. We still have other goals. We’ve scored 96 now. When I came in 20 months ago we’d scored 47.”

“It shows the attacking set-up and mentality and how much we’ve improved. We want to be one of the few teams to score 100 Premier League goals. We’re looking forward to next week. There should be a great atmosphere inside Anfield.”

Chelsea are the only team to have reached a century of goals in a Premier League season, scoring 103 in 2009-10.

Rodgers was also fast to praise Young Player of the Year nominated Raheem Sterling, who scored 2 in the win at Norwich, including a stunner just 4 minutes in, and produced a fantastic performance, causing Rodgers to describe him as ‘one of the best young players in Europe’. He also set up Luis Suarez with a wonderful pass for Liverpool’s second.

“If he doesn’t win Young Player of the Year, I’ll be shocked,” said Rodgers. “He’s always had the talent but I’ve been really pleased with his maturity. He’s put an awful lot of time into his work.”

“We’ve tried to play him in different positions to improve his intelligence. He’s got that belief he can be a really good player and he’s really humble.”

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10;

GARTH CROOKS’ TEAM OF THE WEEK

By

Alex Batt

-

Apr 21, 2014

0

After a weekend of shock for Chelsea, joy for Liverpool and pain once again for Manchester United, BBC pundit Garth Crooks put together his ‘Team of the Week’, and you can see the full line-up below.

GOALKEEPER – Vito Mannone (Sunderland)

“What was most telling about Vito Mannone’s performance at Stamford Bridge was that the better he played, the more Chelsea fell apart.”

DEFENDER – Seamus Coleman (Everton)

“Seamus Coleman has scored seven goals for Everton this season and the way he attacked Manchester United down their left-hand side at Goodison showed why that was hardly surprising. His pass to set up Kevin Mirallas to score Everton’s second was just superb.”

DEFENDER – Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)

“The German has made 48 starts for his club this season and has been immense. For me, he is their player of the season.”

DEFENDER – Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

“Against a Norwich side who threw everything at the Merseysiders , it was often left to Martin Skrtel to make the important tackle or the vital header.”

DEFENDER – John O’Shea (Sunderland)

“O’Shea has retained his sense of composure in recent games and in particular when panic might have set in during the latter stages of the game at Chelsea.”

MIDFIELDER – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

“Amid all the excitement and growing expectation surrounding Liverpool’s title challenge, much of the credit must go to the ice-cool presence of Steven Gerrard.”

MIDFIELDER – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

“That was before Christian Eriksen got hold of the game by the scruff of the neck and produced two of the best free-kicks you will ever see.”

MIDFIELDER – Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

“Against Hull, he looked so incredibly comfortable. He may well be the difference between success and failure in Arsenal’s pursuit of the double goal of winning the FA Cup and nailing a Champions League spot.”

FORWARD – Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

“His pace gives the Reds an extra dimension and his ability to link well with Suarez, in the absence of Sturridge, has destroyed Manchester City and Norwich in consecutive weeks.”

FORWARD – Wilfried Bony (Swansea)

“His two goals against a stuttering Newcastle not only provided the Swans with all the points, but also Premier League safety.”

FORWARD – Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)

“The way he’s been playing recently for Arsenal suggests his best days at the Emirates might still be to come.”

Has Crook missed anyone of note out?

Comment your thoughts below!!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

FC Barcelona confident ban will be overturned as they eye David Luiz

By

Alex Batt

-

Apr 21, 2014

0

FC Barcelona are confident that their transfer ban will be overturned as they prepare to bid for Chelsea centre-back David Luiz.

The Spanish giants were handed a one-year embargo due to breaching rules on the transfer of under-18 players, but the club’s Vice President is working hard on appealing the ban and getting it overturned.

The feeling around the Nou Camp is that they can successful overturn the ban, and if they manage to do so, they would look to spend around £25million on the Brazilian defender as the club prepare wholesale changes from top to bottom in the Summer.

It is believed that the move for Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is virtually certain, whilst it’s reported that manager Gerardo Martino may leave the club as well.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

This is the WORST Man United side of a generation

By

SteveMilne

-

Apr 21, 2014

0

Jamie Carragher accused David Moyes of presiding over the worst Manchester United side for a generation after another abject defeat.

Losing at Moyes’ old club Everton means United cannot claim fourth spot and will miss out on the Champions League for the first time in 19 years. Moyes was savaged by former Liverpool defender Carragher, now an analyst for Sky.

“That’s the worst I’ve seen from them over 90 minutes,” said Carragher.

“When I played it was total dominance from Manchester United. I’m looking at this team and wondering why they didn’t play like that when I was playing.

“Shinji Kagawa on the left wing must wonder what this English football is all about. Nobody seems to know what’s going on on the pitch or in the dug-out.

“You can’t see what the plan is, what they’re trying to do.”

Moyes pleaded with United fans to keep faith with him, saying: “Everybody knows we’re on track to make changes. We’re rebuilding.”

Written by Steve Milne

Moyes: Danny’s important

By

olliebrowner

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Manchester United boss, David Moyes, has refused to comment on Striker Danny Welbeck’s future after his sides 2-0 loss to Everton.

Recent reports have suggested that Welbeck has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of opportunities in his favourable forward position. Welbeck did feature briefly for United against Everton, and questions were asked to David Moyes about his future after growing reports that the striker has handed in a transfer request.

David Moyes did not deny any of today’s rumours about Welbeck as he said: “I can only tell you Danny’s really important to me and really important to Manchester United.”

Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration at David Moyes and the way he has performed this season as Manager of Manchester United. There seems to be a growing trend that Moyes’ time is running out after it was confirmed today that Manchester United would not be in the Champions League next season, and it also seems that he has drifted apart from striker Danny Welbeck.

By Ollie Brown

Chelsea and Man United given new Martinez hope

By

CharlGLFC

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Man United and Chelsea have been given new hope over signing Jackson Martinez despite reports he was close to joining Roma. The reports claimed a deal had been agreed in principle to send him to Roma and only a transfer fee was still to be agreed.

But Porto are believed to be holding out for £40m, which would trigger a release clause in the player’s contract and they aren’t willing to negotiate on that until the end of the season. The Colombian’s agent, William Lara, said: “The price remains the same? It’s hard to say now. It depends on supply and demand and at this time Porto are focused on other things. Roma is a big club, no doubt.

“Porto at this time has not yet initiated any contact about this matter. It has other matters to think about. The situation is critical, not the best. Porto are focused on this season finale, this situation will be evaluated later.”

by Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Hull City vs Arsenal-Match Reaction

By

olliebrowner

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Arsenals champions league destiny remains in their hands, after a clinical performace against a defiant Hull City side. In a match that meant more than a Fa Cup final rehearsal, it would be Arsenal who would walk away with three vital points after winning 3-0 at the KC stadium.

The first half was almost controlled by Hull City’s midfield, with Arsenal having to see out a couple of early chances from Hull’s striking pair Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long. But it was Arsenal who would break the deadlock after Man of the Match Aaron Ramsey started a counter-attack in Arsenals own half, linking up with teammates Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, with the ball eventually arriving back at Ramseys feet and the midfielder striking the ball low past Steven Harper in the Hull City goal.

Hull City came close to equalising when Jake Livermore striked the ball from 20 yards, but for the ball to only hit the post, before another goal from another quality Arsenal move which would double the Gunners lead just before half time. With the Hull City players complaining about a lack of whistle from the referee, Jonathan Moss, Arsenal would attack with striker Olivier Giroud crossing the ball towards Ramsey who chested the ball down for Lukas Podolski to smash the ball into the net with a brilliant volley. It would be Arsenal who would go into half time 2-0 up.

Arsenal would then crush any hopes of a Hull City come-back after scoring nine minutes after the restart. It was Podolski who again scored, after tapping in a rebound from Ramseys blocked shot after a cross from Santi Cazorla on the left hand side. Giroud came close to adding a fourth, but was only able to hit the crossbar after the frenchman intercepted a back pass from Hull City defender Liam Rosenoir.

After a valiant effort from Hull City in the first half, it was Arsenal who walked away impressively after their victory.

Aaron Ramsey showed the class that had impressed many before his injury after being awarded Man of the Match, he said:

“It feels good to be back and hopefully I can put in more good performances before the end of the season. The pitch was a bit bobbly today and they are a well-organised side who get the ball wide, put crosses in and are dangerous. But we scored some good counter-attacking goals.

“We have beaten Hull twice this season, but it is a Cup final and you cannot take anything for granted, but we will go into that game confident in our ability. “We will go into that game with confidence and if we do well at the end of this season it could be our most successful for many years.”

Manager Arsene Wenger said that his side showed defiance after his teams vital win, but admits that the Fa Cup final will be a tougher test he said:

“Aaron Ramsey is getting back to full fitness and sharpness, but everyone played well today. It was a good team performance as it will be when you win 3-0 away from home in a game you have to win.

“We have had to cope to five six players all out at the same time and we have done as well as we can. You live in the real world.”The Cup final is a completely different game, we are focused on the Premier League and finishing as high as we can.”

Arsenal are now one point above Everton in fourth place, with Hull City six points off relegation.

By Ollie Brown

Olivier Giroud wants contract extension

By

CharlGLFC

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Olivier Giroud has pledged his long-term future to Arsenal and he wants boss Arsene Wenger to do the same. The French striker has managed to bag 20 goals in 46 appearances this term and says he is happy with the club, despite the Gunners falling out of the title race.

Giroud’s current contract ends in 2016 but he wants to extend it beyond that date. Wenger’s contract on the other hand, expires at the end of this season and the striker wants his boss to put pen to paper on a deal that has been on the table for him since the end of last season.

Giroud said: “Of course I will be at Arsenal next season. I am happy in London. I have a contract until 2016. Why not extend? I’ll still be a Gunner next year – at least I’d like to be.”

When asked about Wenger he said: “I want Wenger to stay at Arsenal next season. Of course we want him to extend his contract. We need him and his experience – he has to stay. I think we can compete for the title next season and this time all the way to the end.”

In February, Arsenal looked like they could be on course for Premier League title glory as they topped the Prem table. But a run of only three league wins since early February has seen them drop to fourth place and battle it out with Everton for a Champions League place.

by Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Olivier Giroud wants contract extension

By

CharlGLFC

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Olivier Giroud has pledged his long-term future to Arsenal and he wants boss Arsene Wenger to do the same. The French striker has managed to bag 20 goals in 46 appearances this term and says he is happy with the club, despite the Gunners falling out of the title race.

Giroud’s current contract ends in 2016 but he wants to extend it beyond that date. Wenger’s contract on the other hand, expires at the end of this season and the striker wants his boss to put pen to paper on a deal that has been on the table for him since the end of last season.

Giroud said: “Of course I will be at Arsenal next season. I am happy in London. I have a contract until 2016. Why not extend? I’ll still be a Gunner next year – at least I’d like to be.”

When asked about Wenger he said: “I want Wenger to stay at Arsenal next season. Of course we want him to extend his contract. We need him and his experience – he has to stay. I think we can compete for the title next season and this time all the way to the end.”

In February, Arsenal looked like they could be on course for Premier League title glory as they topped the Prem table. But a run of only three league wins since early February has seen them drop to fourth place and battle it out with Everton for a Champions League place.

by Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Welbeck considering future

By

olliebrowner

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Manchester United forward, Danny Welbeck, is considering his future at United after admitting his frustration at the club.

Welbeck currently has two years left on his contract, with Manchester United willing to extend his stay. But the striker is pondering whether to decline the offer and move on in the summer, after seemingly being frustrated at being played in various positions.

The forward prefers a central striking role, but has featured in United’s starting eleven mostly on the left hand side of midfield. Welbeck has 10 goals in 32 appearances for Manchester United this season and is likely to be part of Roy Hodgson’s world cup squad. With Wayne Rooney, Van Persie and Javier Hernandez all fighting for a starting place upfront, Welbeck’s chances this season have been limited, and it seems David Moyes cannot give the striker any assurances next season either.

London rivals, Arsenal and Tottenham, are reported to be monitoring Welbecks situtation and may be willing to sign the striker in the summer.

By Ollie Brown

Jack Wilshere will be fit for the World Cup

By

Ben Kelly

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has assured England manager Roy Hodgson that midfielder Jack Wilshere will be fit and ready for the World Cup, which starts on June 12th.

Wilshere has been on the sidelines for Arsenal since he suffered a hairline fracture during England’s home friendly against Denmark on March 5th, sparking fears he may not recover in time.

Hodgson will be providing his 30-man teamsheet for the tournament on 13th May and Wenger said, “I have told him that Wilshere will be available, he will just be polished. He is starting to jog this week, he will be out for 2 or 3 weeks longer I think.”

That recovery estimation could potentially put Wilshere in contention for Arsenal’s FA Cup final against Hull on 17th May.

“Jack has been in and out this year, but I think they have sorted out the problem now,” Wenger said. “I hope from now on he will always be available.”

“England have a very difficult group. They have Italy and Uruguay in the group and they have to get out of it. Jack can be the positive surprise.”

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Manchester United planning £26million bid for Pedro

By

Ben Kelly

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Barcelona winger Pedro has alerted Manchester United by hinting he might be open to a move away from the Nou Camp during the summer.

Pedro is apparently furious with Barcelona manager Gerado Martino after he was left out of the Starting XI for the Copa del Ray final vs arch-rivals Real Madrid earlier in the week and is prepared to leave in the summer after the World Cup in Brazil.

Agent Francois Gallardo said, “Pedro has been very angry this season. The player is in a difficult position and could be sold.”

Pedro has seemed to fall quite far down the pecking order at Barcelona this season, behind Brazil’s Neymar and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez. United boss David Moyes could be looking to offload some of his wide players including Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia this summer, and could make a £26million bid for Pedro once those players have been shipped out.

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Liverpool Boss happy to sign new contract but only if he has more control

By

SteveMilne

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Rodgers wants a long-term contract that will enable him to build a dynasty at Liverpool.

As revealed by Sunday Mirror Sport last week, the Kop boss will demand more control over transfer policy when he opens talks about extending a deal that expires at the end of next season. And he has also hinted that he will want a significant pay hike to recognise how he has taken the team to within touching distance of the Premier League title.

The good news for Liverpool’s fans, however, is that Rodgers is looking for a five-year deal so that he can build a lasting legacy.

Rodgers said: “I came to Liverpool because I hoped it would be a destination rather than just a stopping-off point.

“I felt the club had everything you would want as a football manager.

“It’s one of the leading clubs in the world and I want to be allowed to build and develop the club without interference.

“I have a great relationship with the owners and, hopefully, we can continue to develop the team. We’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m looking five years ahead.

“I’m looking at the expansion of the stadium – just imagine Anfield with another 20,000 supporters in it. I’m 41, I’ve got many years ahead of me – but there aren’t too many bigger than Liverpool.”

Written by Steve Milne

United to make pricey £50m bid

By

Phil Wellbrook

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

Manchester United are preparing to out-do Chelsea and Manchester City with a whopping £50m bid for PSG forward Edinson Cavani.

The club, who have struggled foir domestic form are supposedly targeting ‘platinum players’ this summer to bolster their squad, and manager David Moyes hopes to have the signings dealt with before his future is ratified.

United’s chief executive Ed Woodward has been allowed to splash the cash in order to out-do their transfer rivals.

Cavani is on the shortlist for a number of top European sides but United are set to make his transfer their top priority and are even willing to spend a heavy amount to assert their power. This is a result of the Manchester United’s owners, the Glazers, who are willing to inject £220m of ‘fresh transfer funds’.

However for any deal to be reached, the wage deal also needs to be eased as aquiring Cavani would cost £50m in transfer fees, along with around £300,000 a week, a similar wage to that of Wayne Rooney.

If United sign Cavani, then they will be ready to offload Robin van Persie, who hasn’t lived up to his fantastic scoring record of last season.

United will use their funding from the Glazers to also buy defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Toni Kroos, two players heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

By Phil Wellbrook

Arsene Wenger’s future has been confirmed!

By

Alex Batt

-

Apr 20, 2014

0

According to reports, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told the club’s board that he will stay on at the Emirates Stadium no matter what happens this season.

The Frenchman’s future has been in doubt throughout the season due to his contract expiring this Summer, but it appears that he is ready to remain at Arsenal and continue his 17-year reign.

Wenger has a massive chance to end his trophy drought this season as his side prepare to take on Hull City in the FA Cup in May, and the club are in a good position to finish in the top-four yet again, despite their terrible March which saw them go from title-contenders to a top-four battle.

It is believed Wenger has told the board that he’s ready to stay on at the club, and has told them that he won’t go back on his word.

Wenger has split the Arsenal fans this season with some saying ‘Wenger In’, and some saying ‘Wenger Out’, but it appears that the Frenchman is ready to committ his future at the club and remain at the club.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

SillySeason.com

3 games from glory

GARTH CROOKS’ TEAM OF THE WEEK

FC Barcelona confident ban will be overturned as they eye David Luiz

This is the WORST Man United side of a generation

Moyes: Danny’s important

Chelsea and Man United given new Martinez hope

Hull City vs Arsenal-Match Reaction

Olivier Giroud wants contract extension

Olivier Giroud wants contract extension

Welbeck considering future

Jack Wilshere will be fit for the World Cup

Manchester United planning £26million bid for Pedro

Liverpool Boss happy to sign new contract but only if he has more control

United to make pricey £50m bid

Arsene Wenger’s future has been confirmed!

EVEN MORE NEWS

Juventus predicted line up vs Atalanta: Starting 11 for Juventus!

Juventus vs Atalanta Prediction, Betting Tips, Odds & Preview

Chelsea sell Cobham training ground to get around financial problems

POPULAR CATEGORY