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Manchester United are willing to spend big

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After what was deemed a terrible transfer window for Manchester United in the summer, Moyes seems to be willing to spend big in order to capture key and big name signings in the summer. After only signing Fellaini who so far hasn’t impressed United fans will be eager to see new faces at the club.

 

Manchester United’s midfield is an area that has come in for some heavy criticism and this is an area many United fans and football fans in general believe need improving if they are to retain their title, or even challenge for a top four place.

 

Moyes said: “We have got the money and the club will spend.

There is no question about that.”

He continued: “We were close to a couple of really major signings but, in the end, we didn’t quite get there.

Players have chosen other clubs or made their decisions [to stay] elsewhere.”

 

 

Moyes is confident of making signings in January and making up for the disaster that occurred in the summer.


Written by Kyle Farrington

Frimpong threatens to injure his own teammates

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Emmanuel Frimpong who is an International player for Ghana will be up against some of his own club teammates when the World Cup starts in the summer of 2014. He could come against teammates such as Mezut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski as Germany and Ghana have been drawn in the same group. Other teams in this group are Portugal and USA, this group is widely regarded as the group of death.

 

Frimpong tweeted thtat before the competition starts he would injure the three players mentioned in training, meaning they would not feature against Ghana.

 

Frimpong, 21, tweeted after the draw: “Don’t worry Ghana, I’ve got your back, Ozil, Podolski and Per won’t be going to the World Cup due to my studs in training.”

 

 

Frimpong was quick to delete the tweet, but some Arsenal fans saw the tweet before it was deleted and did not react to the tweet to well. Frimpong will have to wait and see if Arsenal take any action over the tweet.


Written by Kyle Farrington

Arsenal are still confident

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Premier League leaders Arsenal have suffered a couple of set backs recently, with two losses in a row to Napoli and Manchester City. However Arsene Wenger remains defiant that his team’s confidence is high and they will be ready for visitors Chelsea on Monday.

 

Although still top of the table, Arsenals lead has been cut to two points and with Liverpool playing Saturday lunch time, Arsenal could slip to second and even to third if Chelsea beat them on Monday. After losing to Napoli, Arsenal finished second in the group leading to a showdown with Bayern Munich in the knockout stages.

 

Wenger said: “They (recent results) have been disappointing for us but I don’t think they have affected the morale.

“We have made good results until now because we have a good solidarity level and a good togetherness in the squad, and I don’t see any sign of that dropping.

“I think even more that the players are focused to respond on Monday night.

“It can happen in a season when sometimes you have a bit of a weaker period. How you respond to this kind of problem is what matters.”

 

Although Koscielny is out injured, there is good news for Arsenal with Podolski set to return. With many football fans and pundits still doubting Arsenals title credentials, this Christmas period will be key for Arsenal to prove the critics wrong.


Written by Kyle Farrington

Nani ruled out with a hamstring injury

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Nani who last featured for Manchester United in their loss against Newcastle will miss their Christmas period due to a hamstring injury. Nani has been linked with a move away from United for a while now, with Juventus one club being linked with the Portugal international.

 

With Robin Van Persie out injured over Christmas and Wayne Rooney struggling, United will not want anymore injuries.

 

Moyes said: “Nani has a hamstring injury which is a little bit worse than we thought. He is probably going to be missing for a few weeks.”

 

 

Nani is by no means a regular in the Manchester United team, but with a busy Christmas period for all Premier League teams, this would have been a chance for Nani to show why he deserves a place in the team on a regular basis.


Written by Kyle Farrington 

Ashley Cole benched for Monday clash

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Cole, who lost his place to Cesar Azpilicueta following injury, was pictured on Wednesday night in the same nightclub, Arsenal were having their Christmas party. 

Mourinho was recently asked if Cole will start against his former side, and he replied “(he will be) on the bench or at home”, which calls into question Cole’s already uncertain future. 

“I play (Branislav) Ivanovic right back and Azpilicueta left back and John Terry. I have to make a decision between (Gary) Cahill and David (Luiz).”

Mourinho refused to criticize his players following Cole’s escapade with team-mates Andre Schurrle and Ryan Bertrand on Wednesday night. “I have my opinion but I keep it for myself,” he said.

“It was a free day for them. I’m not a father, I am a manager.

 “I can control what they do when they are with me but I cannot control what they do when they are not with me.

 “Not even to Ashley Cole I gave my opinion to because I don’t have to.”

 However the Chelsea boss has insisted that his decision not to start Cole was purely for footballing reasons. “From the beginning, Ashley is not playing.

 “Unless… today is Friday, the game is Monday. Something can happen in between.

 “Normally, I’ll play Azpilicueta at left-back.”

 

 

 By Phil Wellbrook

Dempsey to return to Fulham

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Clint Dempsey has undergone a medical at his former club Fulham. There will be an option for Fulham to sign Clint Dempsey on a two month loan deal.

 

Clint Dempsey had a five year spell at Fulham before moving to Tottenham for a season. The USA international player moved back to America to play for Seattle Sounders. With the MLS season not due to start again until May, this loan move could benefit Clint Dempsey in terms of match fitness, but also Fulham who are currently in a fight for survival in the Premier League.

 

Manager Rene Meulensteen said: “He’s having a medical over the last couple of days and the next couple of days, so hopefully that will all work out.

“Clint has spent so many years playing in the Premier League.

“We know where his strengths lie whether it is coming in from the left or playing as a deeper striker or a number nine depending on who you are playing against. The most important thing is that he will be a good boost for us.”

 

In his first spell for the club, Dempsey scored 50 goals in 184 league matches and if he is to return, Fulham fans will be hoping for a positive impact. This not the first time players from the MLS have joined a Premier League on loan in the January transfer window. Other players such as Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry have also been loaned to Premier League teams to stay match fit and Clint Dempsey looks set to follow in their footsteps. 


Written by Kyle Farrington

Wenger insists Arsenal v Chelsea is not a “personal battle”

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Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has returned to English football, with a very impressive record against The Gunners – he hasn’t lost in 9 meetings. 

Wenger will be keen to end this trend as Arsenal play Chelsea on Monday night at the Emirates, but insists the only major rivalry ivolved is between the players, not the managers.

“It’s not a personal battle [with Jose Mourinho],” said Wenger.

“Honestly, we had some big games in the past, but what is important for me is that I am completely focused on Arsenal Football Club and on my team and doing well in the team.

“Whether we play Monday night against Chelsea or anybody else, for me it’s exactly the same, because what is at stake for us is to get back to winning habits, whether it’s Chelsea or anyone else.”

Wenger then went on to explain the Portugese’s success in the encounters: “They [Chelsea] were fantastic teams and he is a good manager,” said the Arsenal boss. “That together makes it difficult.

“I think we were close many times. Let’s not forget that when we won the championship in 2004, Chelsea finished second and we had an unbeaten record. At the time, Ranieri was the manager and they finished second.

“Mourinho came in and they bought Drogba, Carvalho and they were even stronger. He is as well a very good manager. They had a fantastic period.

“Our relationship is respectful,” added Wenger. “We spent time [together] at Geneva at the managers’ meeting.

“Once you are in competition it is different. Once you are out of competition, everybody is different. Here is competition time so everybody fights for his team and his club.”

 

By Phil Wellbrook

We have to accept Jack’s ban, says Wenger

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said the club will have to accept the two-game ban that has been given to midfielder Jack Wilshere.

The Englishman was charged by the FA earlier in the week for making a rude gesture to a bunch of Manchester City fans during their 6-3 defeat and will now miss Arsenal’s next two games.

Wilshere will miss the home game against Chelsea on Monday and will then miss the Boxing Day visit to Upton Park as they take on West Ham United.

Speaking ahead of the Chelsea clash, Wenger said that the club have to accept it and move on.

“We thought the ban was one game and that’s why we appealed,” he said.

“It is two, we have to accept it and to swallow it. He was wrong in his reaction, we just thought it was a one-game ban and that’s why we appealed but we are now in a situation where we have to accept it and wait until he comes back, and focus on our next games without him.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Welbeck works hard

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Danny Welbeck is known for working hard on the pitch, but has had to defend his work in training after comments Moyes had made. Welbeck suggests he is always willing to work hard in training and would not shy away from putting in the hours on the training field.

 

Welbecks comments have come after Moyes revealed he had to give Welbeck some encouragement to put in the extra hours in training to help improve his game. Welbeck was unaware of the comments Moyes had made, but Welbeck denied he was hiding away from extra work.

 

He said in The Sun: “I have been doing that ever since I have been at United.

“I have been injured this season so maybe the manager has not seen me on the training pitch as much. I haven’t seen what he has said.

“At Manchester United, I want to be working hard and I have been doing that ever since I was a young kid.

“I just want to keep on getting better and improving.

“Those extra hours on the training pitch, whether it be with the boys or individually, I am just looking to improve. I want some more goals and I have got a figure in my mind.”

 

One area Welbeck is often criticised for is his lack of goals and Manchester United fans will want to see an improvement in this area of his game.


Written by Kyle Farrington

Suarez signs new deal.

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Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has today signed a new long term deal at Anfield, to keep him at Liverpool for the foreseeable future.

Rodgers announced the news in his pre match press conference ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League fixture at home to Cardiff City, and the news will come as an early Christmas present for many Liverpool supporters.

The Uruguay international joined the Merseyside club in January 2011, after signing from Dutch giants Ajax, and has been as stand out peformer during his recent spell on Merseyside.

Suarez has been in some superb form since he came back from his ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, scoting seventeen goals in eleven Premier League games, including a superb individual performance against Norwich City, where he scored all four in a 4-1 win at Anfield.

Suarez’s goals have hit Liverpool to the heavy hights of 2nd, and after scoring in Sunday’s 5-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur.

His original contract was set to expire in 2016.

“I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term. We have some great players and the team is improving all the time,” said the 26-year-old.

“I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible.”

Suarez’s relationship with leading figures at Anfield has improved significantly since he attempted to force a move to Arsenal in the summer.

The Gunners made two bids for the Uruguay international, including a club-record offer of £40m plus £1 in an attempt to trigger a release clause in his contract.

Both were rejected, with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers accusing Arsenal of “playing games”. 

The striker has had a controversial time in England, from being banned for eight games in October 2011, after racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in a Premier League game at Anfield, he was also banned for twelve games for biting Branislav Ivanovic in the April of this year.

Suarez was initially made to train alone during pre-season, but returned to the first-team fold on 16 August after talks with Rodgers.

“This is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club; the team, the owners and most importantly the supporters, 

Rodgers also went onto say……

“Luis is a world-class talent and securing his services is crucial for what we are trying to achieve here.

“What’s most important and most exciting is that, at just 26 years old, his best years are still ahead of him and we now know we’ll be seeing him reach that potential in a Liverpool shirt.” 

The striker had been linked to Real Madrid in January, but he will be staying on Merseyside for a long period of time.

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Jarvis believes West Ham can win at Old Trafford.

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West Ham United winger Matt Jarvis believes that West Ham United can go to Old Trafford and beat an out of form Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

The Hammers are currently hoverring above the relegation zone in 17th position, and head to Old Trafford in buoyent mood after a superb win away at Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup on Wednesday evening, which saw the Hammers advance through to the semi final’s of the competition.

Jarvis has said that he thinks the Hammers can go and cause a shock, and win at Old Trafford for the first time since the final day of the 2006/2007 campaign, where a Carlos Tevez goal secured West Ham’s safety in the Premier League on the final day.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger went on to say…..

Now I don’t see why we can’t get something at Manchester United. Teams have gone there this season and got results.

“At home, we’ll try and be as solid as we usually are and try and get some points there. They’re still a fantastic side. But we can go there full of confidence.”

Despite victory in the league cup, West Ham’s top flight form – which has seen them lose four of their last six matches – has put manager Sam Allardyce under intense scrutiny.

Tottenham, Fulham and Crystal Palace have all undergone managerial overhauls in the last month but Jarvis claims the West Ham squad are wholly backing Allardyce to remain at Upton Park.

“I don’t think us all backing Sam has ever been in doubt,” Jarvis added.

“We work extremely hard and show great team spirit. We back the manager it came out at Spurs.

“The problem is we’ve just been putting our chances away. We’ve kept eight clean sheets but we need to score.”  

The Hammers stopped a run of defeats after Saturday’s home draw against fellow strugglers Sunderland, and the Hammers have a tough couple of games, starting with Saturday’s trip to the current champions, and then a home game against table toppers Arsenal, at Upton Park, two games which could decide manager Sam Allardyce’s future.

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Rodgers is confident Suarez will stay

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Ian Ayre the managing director for Liverpool FC has opened talks with Luis Suarez’s agents over a new deal for the star striker. Rodgers is confident the striker will stay, even after the transfer saga in the summer. This seems to have been resolved now though, with Suarez in excellent form for Liverpool.

 

Rodgers has stuck by Suarez throughout his time at Liverpool and believes the striker will repay the faith shown in him by committing his future to the club.

 

Asked whether he thought Suarez would pen a new deal, Rodgers said: “I’ve got every confidence that that will be the case.

“He and I talk about the present. We speak about the improvements in his game and how he can become better in the future.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt. I think he himself feels he’s progressed here as a player.

“No matter how good you are and whether you’re 26 or 32, like Steven Gerrard was when I came in here, if you want to become a better player and feel you are improving and see the club progressing, then you are happy.

 

No one can doubt Suarez’s commitment on the pitch with the striker scoring seventeen goals in eleven games. Now the club and the fans will be hoping he commits his future to the club and squashes any rumours of him leaving.


Written by Kyle Farrington

Casillas has no plans to leave Real Madrid.

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has revealed that he has no real plans in place to leave the Bernabeu, after reports that the Spanish goalkeeper is unhappy and wants to leave the Spanish giants.

The 32-year-old shot stopper is yet to feature in La Liga this term, with his eight appearances all coming in the Copa Del Rey and UEFA Champions League as Diego Lopez takes charge of league duties.

A lack of regular first team starts for the veteran keeper has alerted several of Europe’s top clubs for a possible transfer, with interest in the Premier League coming from Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.

However, appearing on the Antena 3 network in Spain, the 152-cap international explained it would be a long time before he considers leaving Real Madrid.

“In the future I see myself out of Real Madrid, inside ten years,” he told the El Hormigueroshow.

“At 38 it will be much more difficult for me. Today, I’m one of Los Blancos. I’m delighted to be at Real Madrid. In five or six years, we’ll see.”

Rumours in recent weeks have linked Casillas with a switch to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City both said to be interested.

“Many people are speculating about my situation,” he added. “It’s not the same as it has been in recent years.

“Every day rumours appear and whilst these stories appear, I belong to Real Madrid, which is the club of my life.

“I want to stay here. Right now, my decision is to stay at Real Madrid. I want to get the tenth [European Cup], more trophies and more league titles.” 

The goalkeeper had a public spat with former manager Jose Mourinho, who dropped Casillas in dramatic fashion at the turn of 2013, and it looks like Casillas will have to fight it out with Diego Lopez for the number one shirt.

Casillas, who is in the unusual position of being Spain’s No. 1 goalkeeper yet not at club level, believes the competition provided by Lopez is keeping him on his feet.

“It’s the coaches who decide what’s best,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with that. I compete. I like the challenges.

“Whenever I was in the spotlight, I wanted to show why I was there. Competition is a good thing and I’m not worried. My intention is to train well and enjoy myself.”  

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

 

Oxlade Chamberlain happy with progress.

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Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade Chamberlain has made the most of his long term injury lay off, to the best of his advantages, as the winger looks to makr his mark on the Gunners first team in the new year.

The England international suffered an unfortunate long term knee injury in Arsenal’s opening day defeat at home to Aston Villa.

But the winger has stepped up his recovery during his rehabilitation and looks set to make a return to Arsene Wenger’s first team set up, as the Gunners push for the title.

Speaking to ARSENAL TV, he stated……

You do get to watch the game from a different aspect,”

“I watch every home game from higher up and you see a lot more of the pitch there. Sometimes the game looks so much easier when you’re sat up there because you can see all the spaces and when you’re on the pitch everything looks completely different.

“You do learn things when you watch it from a different angle, especially when you’re watching the boys play and how the team’s playing and how we’re moving and the people in your position.

“That can definitely help, for me I think I’ve taken this opportunity really to work on myself in a more physical way, in a more physical aspect, looking at areas of my body and strengthening different areas. Stuff like your hips that you wouldn’t really think about strengthening prior to getting an injury like this.

“I think people who have had long-term injuries will be able to tell you that you don’t understand how important little things like hip stability and your core is and your pelvis. All the little things like this can help to prevent injuries so I’ve been doing loads of that to give myself the best chance of coming back stronger and then preventing any niggles and injuries in the future.”  

Oxlade Chambelain will also set a target for a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad in Brazil next summer, as he wants to fit back into the Arsenal first team fold.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

 

Tottenham rejected by Dutch duo

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Tottenham’s search for a new manager seems to of stalled recently, due to being rejected by Dutch duo Guus Hiddink and Frank De Boer. Since AVB’s departure Tim Sherwood, who would like the job permanently, has taken charge on a temporary basis.

 

However it seems unlikely Sherwood will get the job permanently with Tottenham clearly searching for someone different. Although if the Dutchduo have refused to move to Spurs Sherwood might be Tottenham’s only remaining option.

 

It is believed Franco Baldini is the main reason Frank Do Boer is being chased for the Spurs job, as Baldini has placed Do Boer as his main target.

 

De Boer’s agent Guido Albers said: “Through a number of sources it has become clear to me Spurs are interested, but that club haven’t contacted Ajax so far.

“So we can’t say much about it now. Frank isn’t thinking about it. He is fully focused on Ajax.”

 With no manager, fans will be monitoring the situation very closely, Hoping for a quick resolution.


Written by Kyle Farrington