Samir Nasri confident of catching Chelsea

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Mar 4, 2014

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri is confident that his side can catch up with league-leaders Chelsea and win this season’s Premier League title.

The Citizens are currently in fourth-place, behind Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, but if they win their two games in hand over their rivals, they will leap-frog from fourth to first due to their superior goal-difference over Jose Mourinho’s men.

Currently six points off Chelsea and just two points behind Arsenal and Liverpool, City are still in a good position to win their second Premier League title, and after securing the Capital One Cup trophy on Sunday, Nasri is confident that they can add the Premier League to their trophy cabinet for the season.

“I’m not scared about Chelsea or the league,” the Daily Mirror quotes the 26-year-old as saying. “There is plenty more to play and everyone is going to have difficult games.

“If we win our two games in hand, we are going to be top of the league. But it’s better not to talk and to act on the pitch.

“We’re there in the league and if we win our two games in hand, we will be top with Chelsea.

“It’s going to be tough until the end because Liverpool are still there too.”

Nasri scored City’s second at Wembley on Sunday during their 3-1 defeat and the Frenchman believes first-goalscorer Yaya Toure would be regarded the best midfielder in the world, if he wasn’t African.

Nasri added: “If he wasn’t African everyone will say he’s the best midfielder in the world.

“He can do everything, he can score goals, he can defend, he can attack.

“When he gets the ball he is so powerful. I might be a little bit biased because he’s my friend, but he’s in the top three of the best midfielders in the world.

“It counts against him being from Ivory Coast. If he was Argentinian or Brazilian everyone will talk about him, and they would pay £40-50million for him.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Shinji Kagawa desperate to impress Moyes

By

Alex Batt

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Mar 4, 2014

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Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa is hopeful that an impressive performance for Japan against New Zealand this week could force David Moyes into giving him a rare start in the United line-up.

Since joining United from Borussia Dortmund, Kagawa hasn’t had the impact he’d have liked, and after struggling to get game-time under Sir Alex Ferguson, it has continued under Moyes and the 24-year-old is growing more frustrated at Old Trafford due to the lack of game-time.

With the Brazil World Cup just months away, Kagawa is desperate to get game-time under his belt and he is hopeful that an impressive display for his country, could persuade Moyes to use him more regular as they push to achieve a top-four finish.

“Of course it is important for a player to continue getting games, but there is not much I can do about my situation,” Kagawa told the Japan Times.

“It is something that I won’t be able to gain unless I am delivering results.

“I can’t change the situation I’m in, so to I want to turn it into something positive and do well (on Wednesday).”

Kagawa has started seven out of the club’s 27 Premier League games, and is yet to score a single goal.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Petr Cech plays down title-chances

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Alex Batt

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Mar 4, 2014

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has become yet another Blues player to dismiss the side’s chances in this year’s Premier League title race, despite being four-point clear at the top.

After beating bottom-club Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage, Chelsea extended their lead to four points over rivals Arsenal, after they fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Stoke City.

However, despite being four points clear of both Arsenal and Liverpool, they could be caught by Manchester City once they play their two games in hand.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are six points behind Jose Mourinho’s side but have two games in hand, and due to their superior goal difference, two wins would take them from fourth to first, and that is why Cech is dismissing Chelsea as being favourites.

“We are top of the table because Manchester City are two games behind,” the 31-year-old told Pravo.

“If they win them, then they will be ahead of us due to the more number of goals scored.

“We are not the biggest favourites but we want to win the league and we will be fighting for it. There are still 10 games left.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool linked with audacious swoop for Chelsea defender Ashley Cole

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 4, 2014

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Cole, 33, has dropped behind Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge this season, with the Spaniard poignantly not even a natural left-back. Now the Daily Mail has claimed that Liverpool could try and prise the England International away from West London at the end of the season.

Liverpool’s attack has been the talk of the town this season, but their rearguard still seems shaky at times. Kolo Toure has come in for some stern criticism after some rather haphazard displays of late, while they have had to alternate full-backs this season, with right-back Glen Johnson playing on the left side of defence for the 3-0 victory at Southampton.

Chelsea stalwart Cole will be out of contract come the end of the season, and while Jose Mourinho predicts that the former Arsenal man ‘probably will’ be offered a new contract, Rodgers is primed to pounce if the Blues decide against offering Cole a new contract.

Liverpool are also being linked with a move for Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen, with the Belgian international rumoured to be considering his long term future.

Written by Steve Milne

Nicklas Bendtner confirms Arsenal departure

By

SteveMilne

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Mar 4, 2014

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The 26-year-old striker has made nine league appearances so far this campaign and only one since New Year’s Day.

However, Bendtner insists that he will carry on fighting for his place in the team and do everything he can to help the Gunners close the four-point gap to leaders Chelsea.

“It will be difficult,” said Bendtner. “There are a lot of good teams, but I am sure we will be fighting to the end to win.

“If you can find a footballer who says he is happy to sit and watch and not play, then I think he needs to find a different job.

“I want to play. I am fit and ready, am training well. That I am not selected is up to the manager (Arsene Wenger), it is not up to me.

“All I can do is train well, which is what I am doing. If he chooses different, then that is up to him.”

Despite willing to fight for the team for the rest of the season, the Danish international has confirmed that once his contract expires in the Summer, he will be leaving Arsenal Football Club.

‘I’m not going to stay at Arsenal – first team football is what I’m after,’ he told reporters.

‘The plan is for me to move on. I’m ready for a new challenge. When I find my right club, I am sure that everything will be all right in itself, if there are no more injuries.’

Written by Steve Milne

Tomas Rosicky deal close to being finalised

By

Alex Batt

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Mar 4, 2014

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Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has revealed that his new deal should be finalised by the end of this week.

The Czech international is out of contract this Summer, and after some impressive performances in recent seasons, Arsene Wenger was desperate to extend the midfielder’s stay at the club, and it finally looks like a one-year extension will be signed.

Due to being over 30, much like Chelsea, Arsenal will only offer Rosicky a 12-month extension, but the 33-year-old is willing to accept that and he expects a deal to be wrapped up by the end of the week.

“Arsene Wenger wants me to stay, he wants our co-operation to continue. I want to stay,” he told Czech News Agency CTK.

“Hopefully all is sorted out in the next few days. It would be great to play on at Arsenal for another few years.”

After discussing his personal future, Rosicky went on to talk about the future of the title race.

“It was a huge loss of points. On the other hand, there are still ten games left,” he insisted.

“In the season in which we won the title with Dortmund, we lost to Kaiserslautern a few rounds before the end and in the dressing room we were talking ‘Well, this is over now.’. Suddenly, we won all the remaining games and had the title in our hands.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool interested in long-term Manchester United target

By

Alex Batt

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Mar 4, 2014

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Premier League side Liverpool are showing interest in long-term Manchester United target Nicolas Gaitan.

Currently playing in Portugal with Benfica, the Argentine winger has attracted attention from the two English rivals, and it is believed that Brendan Rodgers is willing to pay up to £16million for the 26-year-old.

It’s been a rough few months for The Reds in the transfer markets as they have missed out on a few of their top-targets, in particular Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Willian and Mohamed Salah, two of which ended up joining Chelsea.

However, as Liverpool look set for a Champions League spot and a return to Europe’s top competition, Rodgers is desperate to strengthen his side and bolster up his squad in order to deal with the busy schedule they’ll face next season.

Some of Rodgers’ scouting team have been in Benfica over the last few months monitoring Gaitain, who has impressed since arriving from Boca Juniors back in 2010, and it is believed that they like what they see from the tricky winger.

Gaitan was in fact close to joining the Premier League with Manchester United back in the Summer of 2012, but a potential move collpased and he remained a Benfica player.

Reports are suggesting a £16million offer will be tabled from Liverpool in the Summer.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

England V Denmark

By

lewisliverpool1997

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Mar 3, 2014

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Five England players sat out England training as Roy Hodgson started preparing for Wednesday’s friendly with Denmark.

The likes of Kyle Walker, Andros Townsend, Adam Lallana, Steven Caulker and John Ruddy ended up having to undergo recovery work instead of taking part in the training session that was being held at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground.

Following being sidelined for Sunday’s 1-0 win over relegation battlers Cardiff City, Kyle Walker is now doubtful to play for the Three Lions as Spurs boss Tim Sherwood suggested that he would play no part for England.

“He was not fit to play here today, so will not be fit for England either,” Sherwood said after the match.

“I’m not sure but he will probably link up with England as they will be training at our complex in the early part of the week.”

Lallana played the entire 90 minutes as his Southampton side were defeated 3-0 by Liverpool on Saturday, but wasn’t deemed fit enough to train with England team mates.

Cardiff defender Steven Caulker, Tottenham’s Andros Townsend and Norwhich goalkeeper John Ruddy were given more time for a recovery after playing for their clubs on Sunday.

“Bayern Munich will not stop signing Dortmund stars”

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Phil Wellbrook

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Mar 3, 2014

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According to Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the current Bundesliga Champions will not stop signing players from Dortmund in order to maintain their world class squad and continue their strong relationship with the club.

The European Champions have received a lot of criticism for taking Dortmund superstars Mario Gotze and, at the end of the season, Robert Lewandowski. It seems to have paid off for them though as last season’s treble winners are 20 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and hold a comfortable position going into the second leg of their Champions League clash.

However Rummenigge insists the Bavarians will not change their transfer policy despite the feelings of Borussia Dortmund. The chairman told ZDF: “We would never make a senseless decision to no longer sign players from Dortmund,”

“We have a good relationship with Dortmund. I met with their CEO last summer and any bad feelings were cleared up then.”

Bayern tempted Mario Gotze into a move by triggering his £30.5m exit clause and the German has so far won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA World club cup, whereas Polish goalscorer Robert Lewandowski will move on a free at the end of the season.

By Phil Wellbrook

Vertonghen believes March will define Tottenham’s season

By

Eoghan18

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Mar 3, 2014

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Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen believes that March will decide how their season ends up.

Tottenham currently sit 5th in the Premier League table following a 1-0 victory over Cardiff on Sunday. The defender, who recently hinted at a possible exit from White Hart Lane this summer, has admitted that the London club will need to play much better than they did against Cardiff on Sunday if they are stand any chance of breaking in to the top 4.

“We needed those 3 points, but we will need to improve because we are playing better sides in March.”, said Vertonghen.

“It is not just Liverpool we are chasing, I think there are other teams who can drop down. We are just watching fourth place – it doesn’t matter who we catch.

“It was not our best game (against Cardiff) but we are back on track after losing to Cardiff.”

Tottenham’s next match is against league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 10 points currently seperate the two teams.

Vertonghen spoke of the theat that one individual, Eden Hazard, poses. But he was quick to acknowledge the other threats within a strong Chelsea team.

“He’s in good form and we will need to defend well against him.” said Vertonghen about the threat of Hazard.

“But it’s not only Hazard. Andre Schurrle scored three times against Fulham, they have midfielders who can score goals and they are strong from set plays.

“It will be an important game for both of us and we want a good result.”

Charlie Adam charged with violent conduct

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Mar 3, 2014

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Stoke have reportedly confirmed they will appeal against the decision, but the FA have charged Charlie Adam with violent conduct for an incident during Stoke’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.

The incident happened in the second half of the match and TV cameras caught the Scottish midfielder stamping on Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s leg after the ball had been played. The incident was not caught by any of the officials but after the match the FA reviewed the incident and have decided to charge Adam.

An FA statement said: “The incident, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, occurred during the fixture between the two sides at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday 1 March 2014.

“Adam has until 6pm on Tuesday 4 March 2014 to respond to the charge.

“Under a new pilot project in Premier League matches this season, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel of former elite referees will be asked by The FA to review it and advise what, if any action, they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time.

“For an FA charge to follow, all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence.

“In this instance, the panel were of the unanimous decision that it was an act of violent conduct.” Following this decision Stoke City have decided they will appeal “vigorously” against the decision.

By Phil Wellbrook

Pardew charged with improper conduct

By

Eoghan18

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Mar 3, 2014

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During Newcastle’s win on Saturday against Hull, Alan Pardew appeared to headbutt Hull City midfielder David Meyler following an altercation on the touchline.

Much has been made of the incident in recent days and it has given the manager alot of bad publicity and so, following that incident, the FA has decided to deal with the matter and have charged Alan Pardew with improper conduct .

The FA released a statement saying:

“It is alleged that in the 72nd minute of the fixture, Pardew was involved in an incident with a Hull City player (David Meyler) that amounted to improper conduct.

“Due to the serious violent and/or aggressive nature of the reported behaviour this case has been designated as non-standard.

“Pardew has until 6pm on Thursday 6 March 2014 to respond to the charge.”

By labelling the matter as “non-standard”, this means that the incident cannot be treated in the same way as other more common disciplinary matters

Pardew has already been fined £100,000 by Newcastle for his actions and he has been condemned by many people throughout the country for what he has done. But there was no complaint made by the Hull City player who was involved in the incident.

Chief Inspector Rich Kirven of Humberside police said, “We have been working with the FA and the football club to progress the matter appropriately.

“Having reviewed the circumstances of the incident,it has been agreed that the matter will be dealt with by the FA rather than considering any criminal proceedings.

“There has been no complaint recieved from the player involved or Hull City Association Football Club at this time.

“Whilst we appreciate that some people may have found the behavious displayed at the game on Saturday offensive, Humberside police will not be taking any further action.”

One pundit that has publicly condemned the actions of Alan Pardew is former Arsenal striker, Alan Smith. He has today said that Pardew has sent out “an awful message” to his players following the clash with Meyler.

He added, “If he’s behaving in that fashion, how can he turn around and tell his players to toe the line on the pitch? It’s sent out an awful message and strangely he wasn’t that sort of player. He never got involved in those things. So he’s saved it all up until he became a manager .

“In the future he’s got to keep himself out of these situations.”

Pardew charged by FA

By

Ben Kelly

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Mar 3, 2014

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The Football Association has charged Newcastle manager Alan Pardew for the incident with Hull player david Meyler at the weekend. Pardew appeared to headbutt Meyler during a moment of madness on the touchline in the 2nd half of Saturday’s 4-1 Newcastle win, and is now facing punishment for improper conduct.

In a statement released by the FA today, they said, “Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has today been charged in relation to an incident that took place in his side’s game against Hull City on March 1st. It is alleged that in the 71st minute of the game, pardew was involved in an incident with a Hull City player that amounted to improper conduct. Pardew has until Thursday 6th March to respond to the charge.”

Pardew was immediatly fined £100,000 by the club on Saturday night, but no criminal proceedings will take place, no complaint from Meyler having been recieved. Chief Inspector Rich Kirven of Humberside police said, “We have been working with the FA and the football clubs to progress the matter appropriately. Having reviewed the circumstances of the incident we have decided that the matter will be dealt by the FA rather than considering any criminal proceedings.”

“There has been no complaint by Hull City FC at this time.”

By Ben Kelly

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

Mata: Thrilling month ahead

By

CharlGLFC

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Mar 3, 2014

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Juan Mata has claimed that March will be a massive month for Manchester United. After playing just twice since February 12, United will face West Brom on Saturday in the first of some key fixtures for the club.

David Moyes’ side will then play Liverpool, Olympiakos and Manchester City at Old Trafford in the space of just 9 days. These games could end up determining whether United will be able to make anything of their disapointing season and Mata does not need reminding how big these games are.

Writing in his club blog he said: “A thrilling month is starting with five Premier games against important rivals such as Liverpool or Manchester City. We do know it is a crucial month to climb up positions on the league table and we are going to give our best to try and win every single match.”

Mata didn’t take part in Man United’s game against Olympiakos last week and he is adamant that his team-mates can turn the tie around and progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. He said:

“After last weekend’s win against Crystal Palace, we could not win in the Champions League, suffering a painful loss in Greece. Moreover, as I can’t play in the Champions League I had to watch the match at home and suffered as I couldn’t help.

“Nevertheless, although it’ll be difficult, I think we can come back at Old Trafford with an incredible atmosphere thanks to our fans.”

Nzonzi brands Arsenal as “soft”

By

CharlGLFC

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Mar 3, 2014

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Arsenal’s players have been branded as soft by Stoke’s Steven Nzonzi following the Potters’ 1-0 victory on Saturday. The Gunners title hopes suffered a blow, as Stoke claimed all three points, while Chelsea cruised to a 3-1 win over Fulham and Liverpool also won at Southampton.

After the match at the Britannia, Arsene Wenger was quick to point out the physicality of Stoke’s play, something Nzonzi believes can get under the Gunners skin. Nzonzi said:

“We know that Arsenal play good football but when you start kicking them a little bit, it gets harder for them. They don’t like it, we know that. We don’t care. We’ll keep on doing it, being strong and trying to be as good as we can on the ball.

“It’s not a surprise they have been moaning because they have plenty of technical players.”

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter!

@CharlieGLFC

SillySeason.com

Samir Nasri confident of catching Chelsea

Shinji Kagawa desperate to impress Moyes

Petr Cech plays down title-chances

Liverpool linked with audacious swoop for Chelsea defender Ashley Cole

Nicklas Bendtner confirms Arsenal departure

Tomas Rosicky deal close to being finalised

Liverpool interested in long-term Manchester United target

England V Denmark

“Bayern Munich will not stop signing Dortmund stars”

Vertonghen believes March will define Tottenham’s season

Charlie Adam charged with violent conduct

Pardew charged with improper conduct

Pardew charged by FA

Mata: Thrilling month ahead

Nzonzi brands Arsenal as “soft”

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