GARTH CROOKS’ TEAM OF THE WEEK

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Feb 10, 2014

After yet another weekend of sensational Premier League football, BBC pundit Garth Crooks has put together his ‘Team of the Week’, and you can read the full line-up below.

GOALKEEPER – Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace have introduced Scott Dann, Joe Ledley and Tom Ince into the mix at Selhurst Park but none of them, as impressive as they were on their debuts, will make the slightest difference in the club’s fight against relegation without a good goalkeeper behind them. Speroni was excellent against a West Brom side who were themselves in desperate need of points. The Baggies made numerous attempts to get back into the game in the second half but came up against a wonderful display of goalkeeping.

DEFENDER – Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

He’s not the most prolific of finishers on set pieces but, within 10 minutes against a shell-shocked Arsenal, he managed to double his tally for the season. If the Slovakian can learn to defend without manhandling attackers in his own box, Liverpool can go all the way. As it stands I just can’t help feeling that, as good as he was against the Gunners, he’s capable of costing his team dearly in defence when it matters. Liverpool need to sort that part of his game out quickly.

DEFENDER – Ashley Williams (Swansea City)

The timing of Michael Laudrup’s departure was odd and the appointment of Garry Monk to replace him was even more strange. However, what was very predictable was the reaction by the Swans as they put in a mighty performance to avenge their defeat by Cardiff earlier in the season. Ashley Williams played a pivotal role in making sure their arch rivals were paid back with interest. Even if it was with Laudrup’s team.

DEFENDER – Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

Superb in midweek against Manchester City, Ivanovic was responsible for so much of Chelsea’s excellent work in defence and attack against Newcastle. He’s a constant menace on set pieces and is regularly the first defender involved in Chelsea’s counter attacks, something which has become a potent weapon of late for Jose Mourinho.

DEFENDER – Martin Olsson (Norwich City)

A tackle by Martin Olsson on Jesus Navas was a bone shaker and should have been a match winner. The mere fact that Norwich didn’t go on to win this game is more to do with their poor finishing than any lack of spirit or commitment to the cause. Olsson epitomised their determination with a superb display by putting his body on the line on more than one occasion. Norwich have to start performing like this against the smaller teams at Carrow Road, though, and not just the big teams like Man City.

MIDFIELDER – Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

I doubt very much whether Philippe Coutinho has ever heard of arguably Liverpool’s greatest goalkeeper Ray Clemence, who sat in the stand and watched mesmerised as the Brazilian carved Arsenal to pieces. What was so very weird in Liverpool’s performance (and BBC commentator Guy Mowbray touched on it) was how the display evoked the aura of the past. It was like going back to the old days when Liverpool were trouncing teams with the most magical football imaginable. Glorious stuff.

MIDFIELDER – Kevin Nolan (West Ham)

After all the hoo-ha about Andy Carroll’s dismissal against Swansea last week and West Ham’s failed appeal, their players did the club proud by producing an excellent victory at Villa Park. Captain Kevin Nolan was a leader of men against Villa, along with James Collins and James Tomkins, who were immense again this week. Sadly, though, not everyone I mention can get into my team of the week.

MIDFIELDER – Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

For a fleeting moment John Hartson tried to convince me on Final Score that Eden Hazard was currently the best player in the world. I reminded him that the quote from manager Jose Mourinho was that he considered Hazard to be best young player in the world. Hartson, unconvinced, had to be reminded that neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi have retired. However, should Hazard repeat the sort of form he’s in at the moment at the World Cup then I would have to re-evaluate my position.

FORWARD – Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

This kid is maturing into a first-class player under the Anfield spotlight. His pace and strength is having a real effect on defences both home and away and with Sturridge and Suarez on the end of his supply, fourth spot looks almost guaranteed. If you’re a Manchester United supporter it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes.

FORWARD – Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham)

Tim Sherwood has got Tottenham looking like a team that could threaten a top-four spot again. Not since the days of Harry Redknapp have Spurs looked so interesting. Admittedly one of the main reasons for this change in fortune is the form of Emmanuel Adebayor. Sherwood, like Redknapp, can get Adebayor to perform, while others seem to write him off. The ex-Arsenal striker is looking a real threat in front of goal again.

FORWARD – Thomas Ince (Crystal Palace)

The mere fact that Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have missed out on my team of the week speaks volumes for the performance of Ince on his debut for Crystal Palace. I’m not sure who deserves more praise, his dad Paul for the way he has guided his son’s career or Tony Pulis for having the bottle to give him his Premier League chance. If Ince is a success at Palace and the Eagles stay up they have got to give Pulis the manager of the year award.

What are your thoughts on this team? Comment your opinions below!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sterling’s England call-up

By

Ben Kelly

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Feb 10, 2014

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Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is set to be rewarded for his current fine form with an International call-up from Roy Hodgson. Hodgson has already decided that he would like the 19 year old in his squad for England’s March friendly against Denmark, and with Theo Walcott set to miss the World Cup, Sterling is showing why he deserves to be on the plance to Brazil in the summer. Team-mate Jordan Henderson is also in line for the squad against Denmark, which is at Wembley on March 5th. Henderson is also showing a dramatic improvement in form this season at Anfield, and is set to be rewarded with a new contract.

Sterling scored 2 goals in Liverpool’s impressive 5-1 home win against Arsenal on Saturday, and already has 1 senior cap for England, which came against Sweeden in 2012, when he was just 17. With Theo Walcott ruled out and Tottenham’s Andros Townsend also struggling for form after injury, Sterling’s chances of making that plane look good. Henderson’s name on the list is less surprising as he has been involved more with Hodgson’s side recently, but his recent form has put him in the frame for a trip to Brazil.

By Ben Kelly

Reina thinking of not returning to Liverpool

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 10, 2014

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Pepe Reina has given the clearest indication yet that he will not be returning to Anfield at the end of his season-long loan with Serie A side Napoli.

The 31-year-old appears to enjoy playing under former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and suggested that he would like to stay at the club after claiming: ‘My future is here, in Italy’.
Although rumours persist that Barcelona are interested in bringing Reina back to the Nou Camp, the Spain international claims to be uncertain about his future.

Speaking to Marca, he said: ‘I don’t know where I’ll be next year, but my plan is to enjoy this season and do a good job. Then I’ll have to go to Liverpool and make a decision.

‘They have to explain to me what their intentions are, but I’m not currently up to speed on all of the possible offers which might come in, because that’s a job for my agent.’

‘My future is here, in Italy, and we’ll see what happens in June,’ he added.

Reina has come under criticism recently with Napoli suffering serious problems in defence ahead of their meeting with Roma for a place in the Coppa Italia final, although they must make up a 3-2 deficit.

‘We have to win at home and keep a clean sheet if possible. That is the minimum a team needs to do if it wants to be in with a chance of a trophy.

‘We have to come back from 3-2 down, but with the way things were going (Napoli was losing 2-0 at half-time), we would all have taken that in an instant’ said the keeper.

Written by Steve Milne

Arsenal Held Secret Talks With FC Porto Defender Eliaquim Mangala

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 10, 2014

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Arsene Wenger is believed to be in secret talks with the agent of FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala ahead of a huge move when the summer transfer window reopens.

Wenger is keen to add some more strength to his defence after the press have linked him with numerous forwards as well as speculating over the future of club skipper Thomas Vermaelen.

And Wenger is said to be ready to stump up the cash on a £32m deal to bring the young Frenchman on board after Saturday’s shock 5-1 defeat to top four rivals Liverpool.

The Gunners back line has been strong for the majority of the campaign, but their capitulation against Brendan Rodger’s men has forced him to reconsider his transfer options, but he is still hot on the trail of a new striker to settle fans fears.

Mangala has seen himself linked to some of Europe’s top clubs for the best part of a year now, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus all said to be circling his signature at the end of the season. However, Chelsea have since taken a step back following their acquisition of St Etienne’s Kurt Zouma last week.

The 22-year-old still has just under two-and-a-half years left to run on his deal at the Estadio Dragao and as he is currently rated at around £22m, the Gunners would need to up that considerably in order to bring him to the club.

Managala has currently made 26 appearances for the Portuguese giants so far this term, and though he had been linked with a move over the new year he had resisted the overtures that came his way in order to help the club try and repeat the success of last season. However, he is keen to test himself at a higher level and a move to England is said to be appealing to him.

He is also looking to sort out a move before the World Cup in June. He has so far made just one appearance for France, but is expected to be included in the final 23 selected to travel to Brazil.

Wenger is hoping to keep a lid on the talks until he is able to agree a deal in principle, though that may take a few weeks with the imminent return of the Champions League this month.

Written by Steve Milne

Pochettino Bemoans Lack of Fight From The Saints

By

Footballisgood

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Feb 9, 2014

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Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino bemoaned his side’s lack of aggression after they were held to a draw by Stoke.

Tough conditions made for a grizzly encounter at St Mary’s, where the visitors twice came from behind to eke out a 2-2 draw.

Saints took an early lead through a wonderful Rickie Lambert free-kick, only to be pegged back by Peter Odemwingie’s first goal for Stoke, who had gone 369 minutes without netting away from home before that.

Steven Davis’ fortuitous effort saw Saints retake the lead soon after, but they again relinquished control when former Southampton frontman Peter Crouch bundled home.

Saints continually pressed for a winner in the second half but could not find a way through, much to the annoyance of manager Pochettino.

“It is not frustrating, but disappointing,” the Saints boss said. “Over the 90 minutes we deserved to win but in football you can’t really deserve to win you have to show it and do it.

“The only ‘but’ is that after that (Lambert goal) we were not aggressive enough to go on and get a second and that would have put the game to bed.

“Then when we went to 2-1 we weren’t able to hold on to the lead and again we should have been more aggressive.

“We practically nullified Stoke in the second half and were creating all the chances but in the end it was not to be.”

Written by George Coomber

Match Reaction: Tottenham vs Everton

By

Ben Kelly

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Feb 9, 2014

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Tottenham today stepped up their persuit of a Champions League place after beating rivals Everton 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Many would agree that for most of the game Everton were the better side, especially in the first half, with Leon Osman forcing Hugo Lloris to produce a great save after just seven minutes, and Kevin Mirallas missing a great oppertunity to score late on in the half. However, Spurs came out with a better attitude in the 2nd half and it was Emmanuel Adebayor who gave them the points, running on to a quickly taken free kick ahead of Everton’s sleeping back line and slotting home with 25 minutes still to play.

The game seemed far from over after the goal however as Everton refused to lie down, but Tottenham stood firm and came out on top. The win puts them a point above Everton and into 5th, but still three points behind Liverpool in fourth.

Tim Sherwood spoke to Sky Sports after the game,

“Yes, first half we struggled, but second half we adjusted, I don’t think they had a shot in the second half, so we did well. In the first half they created their fair share of chances, and Hugo (Lloris) had to be at his best, but in the second half we applied the pressure and came out with the points.”

Everton manager Roberto Martinez felt the result was harsh on his Everton side,

“It’s difficult to believe we got nothing at all out of the game, that’s the best way to put it. The first half we were comfortable and created many chances, but we couldn’t score. If we had scored the first goal you feel it would’ve been a much easier game but we couldn’t do it and paid the price. For the goal, one of the easiest things in the game is to keep your concentration but in that situation it’s really disappointing to see the ball in the back of the net because it’s a harsh way to lose a football game, and even though it’s a good spot from Kyle (Walker) our defenders should really have been on the ball and ready to defend a quick free kick, so no excuses.”

Everton’s pressing after the goal lasted right up to the final whistle, when Seamus Coleman went down in the box under a clumbsy challenge. However Mark Clattenburg waved the appeal away and Spurs secured the 3 points and 5th in league for now, and keep hot of the heals of Liverpool in the race for Champions League football next season.

By Ben Kelly

Fulham score late to deny Manchester United

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 9, 2014

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Manchester United have been dealt yet another huge blow in the Premier League today after they conceded a 90th minute equaliser to Fulham at Old Trafford.

Despite enjoying most of the possession throughout the first-half, David Moyes’ men went into the interval 1-0 down after Steve Sidwell scored against the run of play to silence the home crowd.

The second half was similar to the first, United dominating the possession, but not being able to find the back of the net, this was at least until the 78th minute when Robin Van Persie was left unmarked at the far post to turn home a wild Juan Mata strike.

Then just two minutes later, it appeared that the hosts were going to get a much-needed victory when Michael Carrick’s deflected shot looped into the top-corner past Fulham’s goalkeeper.

However, it was Fulham who had the last laugh when Darren Bent headed home after David De Gea failed to deal with a stinging Kieran Richardson shot.

After the game, several figures faced the media, and this is what both camps had to say on the encounter.

Fulham captain Steve Sidwell:

“It’s a massive point, I’m speechless really. We put a lot of effort in and rode our luck but came away with a point.

“It was hard. It’s never easy coming here so hopefully we can kick on now for the rest of the season.

“We had chances to put it to bed in the first half and I thought we deserved a point.”

Goalscorer Darren Bent:

“The team worked so hard in the first half and when you go 2-1 down at these kind of places you think the worst but we hoped for one more chance and I managed top put it away.

“I hope this can be a turning point. When you come here you always have it hard but we didn’t let out heads drop.”

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen: “We set out as everyone can see, we made it very difficult for them. They have some problems of their own in that respect. They kept creating chances and crosses but we defended fantastically well. You think at the end all the hard work will slip away. But at the end, for Darren Bent to score that equaliser it felt like a winner.

“The most important thing is we got a point. A lot of people were classifying us as dead and buried. We have far too much quality and team spirit to be down there where we are.”

Manchester United manager David Moyes: “It’s been a bit like that this season. Today was as bad as it gets. We dominated the game. Being one down was bad enough. The amount of attempts, chances and play we had was unbelievable. How we didn’t win I have no idea.

“It’s goals that count. You can have as much possession as you like. We should have scored more. You’ve got to try and keep making it work. The payers tried that today and eventually the goals did come and I was more disappointed we didn’t make it 3-1.

“It was a bit of carelessness at the back and we could have cleared the ball but didn’t and it cost us.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Brendan Rodgers admits Liverpool can’t win the title this year

By

FootballSam

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Feb 9, 2014

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Having thrashed title contenders Arsenal 5-1 at the weekend, Brendan Rodgers has insisted his side can not win the Premier League this year.

With Jose Mourinho’s side and third-placed Manchester City still to come to Anfield, there is plenty of opportunity to do further damage to the teams above them but Rodgers played down Liverpool’s chances.

‘You only need to look at our squad really, that can be an indication,’ said the Reds boss.

‘The objective has always been to finish as high as we can but you also have to look at the other teams around you. You only have to look at what Arsenal had on the bench today.

‘I want to be in a position where we can really challenge for the title here and the players have been incredible – we just hope to continue with that development and see where it takes us.’

There is no doubt we have been outstanding for a big part of the season.

‘We have had one or two off days but in the main our consistency and quality of our game has been incredible.

‘We will keep focused and keep our concentration.’

Brendan Rodgers went on to praise his sides display against Arsenal – one of their best displays in recent years,

‘We were brilliant today, it was a wonderful performance in such a prestigious game between the two teams,’ Rodgers said.

‘The performance level was absolutely out of this world and I am very pleased as it is another marker for us that we are getting better and improving all the time.

So with Chelsea and Manchester City still to face Liverpool, it is very much on the cards for Liverpool to cause a huge upset in this seasons Premier League race. What an exciting end to the season it will surely be.

– Sam Rowbotham

Jose Mourinho plays down Chelsea’s title chances

By

FootballSam

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Feb 9, 2014

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After watching his side beat Newcastle 3-0, and seeing the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal lose points to Liverpool and Norwhich, Chelsea now sit at the top of the table. On the contrary, Jose Mourinho moved quickly to quash suggestions that they are now favourites to wint he title.

“I want to stop with that story of the horses, but I don’t change my idea,” he said.

“Manchester City is a Jaguar. You cannot put an L-plate behind a Jaguar. We are what we are and we know where we want to go and this season, we have only one objective, which is to finish top four.

“I say as I feel it. I don’t feel the change. We are playing well and have been for a long time. People individually are in a good moment and we are getting results. We are top of the league and that’s something we can’t hide.”

Mourinho also went on to praise Eden Hazard, who has been a main player for Chelsea in this seasons run for the title.

He said: “Eden Hazard is this player, a player for some reason he didn’t get one single player of the month in this Premier League.

“And this performance today was just different than other performances because today he scored three goals. But he had other performances exactly the same as he did today, so it is quite surprising for me that such a young player with what he is showing this season is never player of the month.

“So I don’t know if it is something with him, or with us or this country is full of tremendous players.”

So yet again some strange comments from Jose. If all this is one huge mind-game, it certainly is working.

– Sam Rowbotham

Tottenham can finish above Arsenal, says former-boss

By

Alex Batt

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Feb 9, 2014

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Former-Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp believes Spurs could still finish above Arsenal this season, despite being four places behind them and 11-points off the pace.

Now manager of Championship side Queens Park Rangers, Redknapp attempted to topple Arsene Wenger’s side on numerous ocassions during his time at White Hart Lane, but each season he failed to do so.

Tottenham, who could cut the gap between the two rivals to eight points with a win over Everton, are currently fighting for a Champions League spot, whilst Arsenal are challenging for the title, but according to Redknapp, he still believes Spurs could finish above the closest rivals.

‘I wouldn’t write Tottenham off from finishing above Arsenal,’ the QPR boss told talkSPORT.

‘It’s still a possibility. They’ve got to go some, but it could still happen. Arsenal have still got to go to White Hart Lane.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

David Moyes is Desperate and ‘would take any win’

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 9, 2014

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The champions sit seventh in the table, 10 points shy of Liverpool who occupy the final Champions League spot, and host Fulham on Sunday looking to slice the gap.

Speaking ahead of the game, Moyes said: “We would take any win. Our form at Old Trafford hasn’t given us that [right].”

Moyes also accepts United have to hope teams above them drop points if the club are to climb the table and secure Champions League qualification.

He said: “All we can do is try to win the next match. To get to the position we want to be in, teams above us will have to slip up. We accept that, but we have to be ready to take the chance if offered.

“We have always felt ourselves capable of moving up the table.”

The 50-year-old feels that despite showing poor form in the Premier League, United’s performances are improving. But the Scot did admit that there was still work to be done if United want to improve their position.

He said: “I never thought we looked like losing against Cardiff but actually, truthfully, I thought we were better at Stoke. We can improve a lot on both performances.”

Moyes also added that he would be evaluating suitable replacements for Nemanja Vidic as club captain during the run in of the season.

He said: “Between now and the end of the season I will be making my mind up about a new captain.

“The person who takes over as captain of this club has to understand the responsibility it carries, what’s required of you. But I think we’ve got a lot of leaders in the squad. They will all get their chance to stake their claim.”

Written by Steve Milne

European giants eye Lloris

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 9, 2014

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Hugo Lloris could leave White Hart Lane in the summer if Tottenham Hotspur don’t qualify for the Champions League at the conclusion of the current coming season.

FC Barcelona have recently expressed an interest in the French captain, and may bring him to the Nou Camp in the summer, as Victor Valdes will doon be departing the club on a free transfer.

Lloris, joined Tottenham for £12 million in the summer of 2012 from French side Lyon, and would not want a third successive year without Champions League football at White Hart Lane.

He is currently tied down to a long term deal at the lane, with his current contract expiring in 2016, and Daniel Levy may want to cash in, whilst the iron is hot.

French Champions Paris Saint Germain are also after the keeper, with Laurent Blanc ready to find a replacement for current keeper Salvatorue Sirigu, who looks set to leave the club, the Serie A sides Fiorentina and Juventus after the Italian keeper.

The Parisians have also put £16 million aside to fund the deal, which could tempt chairman Levy to sell.

Lloris has been in fine form in this current campaign, in an under performing squad, and has become a real stalwart at White Hart Lane since joining the club.

Lloris hinted at a move away last month.

“The objective is to reach the Champions League. After that, it’s to close the gap on the biggest teams in the league.

“Without Champions League football? I’ve not thought about it. I must weigh things up at the end of the season.”

A move to a big European club may be tough to turn down for Lloris, if a formal bid is made.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Arsenal target Draxler is not ready to leave Germany

By

SteveMilne

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Feb 9, 2014

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Arsenal had dispatched representatives to tie up a deal for Draxler, but the two clubs could not agree on a valuation for the playmaker.

Schalke chairman Clemmens Tonnies has admitted the club will not be able to hang onto their star man forever, but Netzer feels it would be best for him to stay in Gelsenkirchen for now.

“It is not yet decided where the path really leads for Draxler,” the 69-year-old wrote in his column for Bild.

“He identifies himself with Schalke, which is currently his sporting home. He is an exceptional talent with great prospects for a bright future.

“But his development is far from complete. For such a young man step into a top European team is difficult. Right off the bat to be a regular is a great challenge.

“Therefore, one must very carefully weigh up the decision because the development options are better for young players, if you are constantly used, instead of only hoping for occasional substitute appearances.

“With Draxler I fell the time is not yet come for a change. I would recommend that he mature at Schalke for a while and continue to perform in the national team.

“Schalke is his home and he is enjoying an atmosphere in which he can develop faster.”

Draxler has featured regularly for Schalke this campaign, playing 14 times and scoring once in the Bundesliga, and Netzer feels that, along with Max Meyer, the Gelsenkirchen outfit can establish themselves amongst Germany’s elite.

“The aim must be for Schalke to build a team that is competitive and establish themselves in the Champions League ranks,” he continued.

“To achieve this, they need to stabilise the structure. Schalke should therefore keep these two players as long as possible in any case.”

Schalke, who currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga with 34 points from 19 games, face Hannover on Sunday.

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Toure may face FA Charge.

By

Ben Reardon

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Feb 9, 2014

0

Manchester City’s powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure may face possible FA action after clashing with Norwich City centre forward Ricky Van Wolfswinkel in the 0-0 draw at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Toure kicked out at the Dutch striker, and it appeared that Van Wolfswinkel reacted in an angry manner yo the overall challenge.

Van Wolfswinkel alerted tha attention of referee Jonathan Moss to the incident, and Toure must wait to discover if he faces retrospective action from the Football Association for the challenge itself.

Following the draw, title chasers City have failed to score in two successive Premier League fixtures, following a fine display of goalkeeping from John Ruddy kept the City forwards out.

Pellegrini stated within regards to the incident….

I didn’t see it and I’m not concerned about that.”

Sergio Aguero was missing at Norwich, while Alvaro Negredo has been playing despite a shoulder problem.

Pellegrini said: “The most important thing at this moment is that we are with players who are not 100% fit, that’s a problem.

“We have seen that with the strikers – Sergio Aguero, we saw the other day that Alvaro Negredo is not 100%, and Edin Dzeko the same thing.

“Today we tried but it’s not easy to score goals. Everyone talks about the amount of goals we score, but it is very difficult to score goals.

“Maybe it was the same mistake that we had when we played against Chelsea, we had a lot of shots but not a lot on target.”

The Blues will want to get back on track on Tuesday when they face relegation candidates Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

If Toure is found guilty, he will be a massive loss to the spine of the City midfield.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Mourinho: Hazard deserves more

By

Ben Kelly

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Feb 9, 2014

0

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes that young talent Eden Hazard deserves more individual credit for some of the performances he has put in this season. The Belgian put in another great shift yesterday at Stamford Bridge, scoring a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 3-0 win, but Mourinho has admitted his surprise that Hazard’s performances haven’t earnt him an recoginition.

“Eden Hazard is this player, a player who for some reason hasn’t got one single player of the month award in this Premier League. His performance today was different to other performances because he scored 3 goals, but he’s had performances exactly the same as the one today, so it is surprising for me that such a young player and what he is showing this season hasn’t won him a player of the month.”

Hazard has 12 goals for The Blues this season already in the Premier League, already 3 more than the whole of last season. He has also managed to assist his team mates on 6 occasions.

“Of course it means that this country is full of amazing players because when we arrive in February and Eden Hazard does not have one player of the month award it is good because it shows we have many outstanding players playing in our country.”

Despite what looked like a convincing victory from the scoreline, Mourinho was unhappy with his team’s first half performance at Stamford Bridge yesterday, with Moussa Sissoko missing a great chance for Newcastle to draw level when Chelsea were 1-0 up.

“I did not like the first half,” Mourinho added, “I don’t think we deserved to be winning 2-0, we were winning because Eden had some individual actions and the combination with Samuel Eto’o but I did not like the way my team played in the first half. Newcastle played well, Alan (Pardew) had some problems building his team but he built it very organised and they caused us some problems in the first half.”

By Ben Kelly

SillySeason.com

GARTH CROOKS’ TEAM OF THE WEEK

Sterling’s England call-up

Reina thinking of not returning to Liverpool

Arsenal Held Secret Talks With FC Porto Defender Eliaquim Mangala

Pochettino Bemoans Lack of Fight From The Saints

Match Reaction: Tottenham vs Everton

Fulham score late to deny Manchester United

Brendan Rodgers admits Liverpool can’t win the title this year

Jose Mourinho plays down Chelsea’s title chances

Tottenham can finish above Arsenal, says former-boss

David Moyes is Desperate and ‘would take any win’

European giants eye Lloris

Arsenal target Draxler is not ready to leave Germany

Toure may face FA Charge.

Mourinho: Hazard deserves more

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