Theo Walcott dismisses title talk

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Dec 30, 2013

The Reds followed their Boxing Day loss to Manchester City with another setback at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when they were beaten by Chelsea.

These two results have seen Liverpool slip from top of the table to fifth in just three days but manager Rodgers continues to back his team’s title chances.

He said: “I think it’s open. Christmas Day eating our turkey we were top of the league.

“A few days and games later we’re fifth. I think that’s the way it will go between now and the end of the season.

“I think it’s brilliant and it makes it really exciting.

“We’ve shown in the first 19 games this season that if we get players back, get some help in January with a few more players, we can be in the shake up here.

“Liverpool was never in the conversation for the last few years. At least now we’re being recognised in terms of what we’re trying to do and our work.

“Hopefully we can add to it and get some depth to the group, because that is something that really helps you in the second part of the season.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Juventus refuse to talk about Manchester United midfielder

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Dec 30, 2013

Juventus manager Antonio Conte has refused to discuss transfer rumours linking the club with a move for Manchester United winger Nani.

The Serie A champions were interested in the Portuguese international last Summer, but the deal fell through due to the player’s wage demands.

However, due to the United star not being able to break his way into the first-team at Old Trafford, he may be tempted to complete a move away from the club this season.

When asked about a potential swoop for Nani, Conte deflected the question and admitted that he doesn’t like dealing with transfers.

“Nani? I’m the coach. For these things there are (director Beppe) Marotta and (sporting director Fabio) Paratici,” he said.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Ashley Young says Manchester United are showing the spirit of champions

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Dec 30, 2013

United’s hopes of retaining their crown appeared slim after successive home defeats against Everton and Newcastle, but David Moyes’ men have produced a string of wins in recent weeks.

A hard-earned 1-0 victory over Norwich on Saturday has moved United within striking distance of the top four and Young feels the players are showing the qualities needed for a title charge.

“It is more the character and the team spirit we have got, to bounce back from defeats and disappointing performances,” he said.

“We show that resilience, that strength in depth in the squad, that team spirit – we have got all that off the field, so when you take that onto the field, you win games and we have shown that in the past few performances.

“I keep talking about the momentum we are building. As long as we keep playing the way we have, we will keep building that up.

“If you were to ask anybody around the club, no-one would have ever said we were out of the title race.

“We have to just keep winning games. Our momentum is building now and we have to keep playing as we have done to take those chances which will see us back up the table.”

Manager David Moyes echoed Young’s words and has urged United to maintain their form in the weeks ahead.

“We have to keep moving on and believing that we are going to catch the teams above us, we have to believe that we are going to go out and win the games,” he said.

“We look more likely to score goals and it looks as if we are creating more. The players are getting the bit between their teeth again and I think they are generally doing much better.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Wenger plays down Arsenal’s Premier League title chances

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Dec 30, 2013

The Gunners reclaimed first place after a 1-0 victory at Newcastle which was secured by Olivier Giroud’s lone strike.

However, while Wenger is intent on remaining there, he admits it is too early to start thinking about the big prize.

“We believe in ourselves and we are determined to give our best, absolutely, and to turn back on the season at the end and think we have given our best,” said Wenger.

“I hope it will be enough, of course, but it’s a long way to go. It’s too early to say that.”

Arsenal had to scrap their way back above Manchester City in the table by winning a hard-fought encounter at St James’ Park.

Giroud proved to be the match-winner with a glancing 65th-minute header from Theo Walcott’s free-kick after he briefly lost marker Mike Williamson.

Wenger was delighted with the resilience shown by his side, a trait he believes they have strengthened during the last calendar year.

He added: “We have come out of very difficult games – we have played Everton, we have played Manchester City, Chelsea, at West Ham and Newcastle.

“We have dropped some points, but I felt it was more down to the heavy schedule and the short recovery time we have had than to the difficulty of the games.

“But we have to show it on the pitch, and that’s what we try to do.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Welbeck set 20-goal target by Manchester United boss David Moyes

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Dec 30, 2013

The England forward came off the bench at Norwich to net his fourth goal in five appearances as United recorded a fourth successive Premier League win to move within striking distance of the top four once again.

Wayne Rooney missed the Canaries trip as he rested a groin problem, but should return for the New Year’s Day clash against Tottenham, while Robin van Persie is also set to step up his recovery from a thigh injury which has sidelined the Dutchman since mid-December.

Moyes sees no reason why Welbeck – who now has seven goals for United to add to his three for England – cannot push on to make his mark on the run-in.

“We have said to him we are trying to keep his finishing up. I think he can keep his efforts up, his levels up even better,” said Moyes.

“I think Danny has responded, he is saying ‘hey this is quite good I am beginning to score some goals and getting recognised for that as well’.

“He got one goal last year and now he is on seven for this season. It could be better, but you have got to say it is going in the right direction.

“With the second half of the season to go, he should be certainly looking to score 20 goals. We need him to do that because when you don’t have Wayne and you don’t have Robin, then you need people to step up to the mark.

“In quite a few of the games recently he has done that for us.”

Javier Hernandez was started at the head of the United attack on Saturday, and Moyes feels his side need to have plenty of options.

“I don’t think at Manchester United you have only two players to do the jobs. You have got to have more, like in these games you would never be able to cope when you pick up injuries,” the Scot added.

“I see it more as a squad rather than any one. Chicharito is part of that, who is a great goalscorer too.”

Despite United’s upturn in fortunes which has seen them into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League, Moyes is determined to keep everyone grounded.

“That is my style,” Moyes insisted. “We are just trying to move along and we have nothing to shout about here at the moment.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Wenger hails Arsenal warriors as Gunners show resilience to overcome Newcastle

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Dec 30, 2013

Arsenal returned to the top after emerging from a war of attrition at Newcastle United.

And Wenger believes a successful festive period, which concludes with Cardiff City’s visit to the Emirates on New Year’s Day, has underlined his team’s championship credentials.

The manager said: ‘We’ve come out of a very difficult run of games. We played Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea, West Ham and now Newcastle and we dropped some points, but I felt it was more down to the heavy schedule and short recovery time rather than the difficulty of the games. They have to show it on the pitch.

‘We believe in ourselves and are determined to give our best absolutely and to turn back at the end of this season and think we have given our best. There’s still a long way to go and it’s early.

‘This was a very intense game against a good Newcastle team who made it a very big physical challenge. We were in control until we scored, then we missed the second chance which would have sealed the game.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Newcastle forward Obertan storms out of St James’ Park

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Dec 30, 2013

Gabriel Obertan’s days at Newcastle United may be numbered if the winger’s behaviour on Sunday is anything to go by.

The former Manchester United winger reportedly ‘flounced off in a huff’ after being told he is not going to be involved in the clash between Newcastle and Arsenal.

Spectators near the players’ car park saw the Frenchman leave St James’ Park about an hour before the 1.30pm kick-off and apparently he did not look in the mood to return.

The 24-year-old has been on the Newcastle bench for most of this season and has yet to make a Premier League start.

Obertan’s career hasn’t exactly gone to plan in England since signing for United from Lorient for £3m in 2009.

The Frenchman struggled to adapt to the Premier League and only managed a handful of appearances under Sir Alex Feguson.

Since signing for the Magpies in 2011, Obertan has made just 22 league starts in a black and white shirt.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Allardyce wants Roma defender.

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Ben Reardon

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Dec 30, 2013

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is chasing Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso, and with reports that Burdisso’s agents are in London holding talks with the Hammers over a potential move in the January transfer window.

West Ham are currently slumped in 19th place in the Premier League, and travel to Fulham on new years day for a relegation six pointer, with Allardyce keen to strengthen his side.

The Hammers are currently in a crisis of confidence, and are severly lacking defenders, with James Tomkins and Winston Reid injured for an unknown period of time, which could mean that Allardyce would have to dip into the market to find a replacement.

The experienced full back, who has also played for Serie A side Inter Milan and the Argentine national team, may be tempted with a move to England.

However, the deal could hinge upon Roma signing Everton full back Jonny Heitinga, with Roberto Martinez stating that he will allow Heitinga to leave the Merseyside club.

Heitinga has already hinted that he would like a fresh start in his career over recent weeks.

It has also come about that would Weat Ham want to take a chance on the full back, who has played just 4 Serie A games this season, for title chasers Roma.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

WATCH: Norwich City 0-1 Manchester United 28 December 2013

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Dec 30, 2013

WATCH: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool – Eden Hazard & David Luiz Post Match Interview – Jose Mourinho Interrupts

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Dec 30, 2013

WATCH: Chelsea vs Liverpool 2-1 All Goals & Match Highlights 29/12/2013

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Dec 30, 2013

WATCH: Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal 29 December 2013

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Dec 30, 2013

WATCH: Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal 29 December 2013

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Dec 30, 2013

Everton won’t sell Leighton Baines to Manchester United in January

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Dec 30, 2013