Arsene Wenger has no problem with FA

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Nov 21, 2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he has no problems with how England used midfielder Jack Wilshere during the two friendlies.

It was suggested that Wenger and Roy Hodgson agreed that the 21-year-old would only feature in one of the friendlies England played at Wembley, but in fact, he took part in both of them, starting against Chile and coming on against Germany.

Wilshere took part in 97-minutes overall and it has been reported that Wenger wasn’t happy with that amount of game-time, but he has told the club’s official website that he has no issues with the FA.

“First of all Jack is not injured, that was not the right information,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“Secondly, I have no problem with the FA, they respected completely what they told me and it was [for Wilshere] to play in one game and be on the bench in the other.

“They did that very well. So there is no misunderstanding there. Exactly [they did what we agreed].”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Mark Noble ready for Chelsea test

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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According to West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble, they are playing Chelsea at the perfect time after they have spent two weeks training, whilst some of The Blues players have been taking part in friendlies all over the world.

It has been two weeks since the Premier League was in action and throughout that period, not many Hammers players have been called up for international duty, whereas the majority of Chelsea players have.

In fact, West Ham only had four players take part in international friendlies and Noble believes that could give them an edge come Saturday.

Noble said: ‘It was a massive win for us last year and we were in a sort of similar situation after a couple of bad results. That drove us on.

‘It might be a good time to play them, they’ve had a lot of players abroad.

‘But they’ve got such a good squad, Jose can pick from an abundance of players and talent.

‘We’re looking forward to it, it’s at home under the floodlights, hopefully we can put on a good performance. We’ve trained hard.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

I still trust Hart, says Pellegrini

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he still trusts goalkeeper Joe Hart despite dropping him in recent weeks.

Due to several costly errors, the City boss decided to drop his number-one shot-stopper for Costal Pantilimon for the last few games before the international break.

However, playing in goal for England against Germany, Hart looked back to his best after making a string of fine saves, but despite the good performance, Pellegrini still believes the goalkeeper needs a rest before he can be considered back to his best.

“I think at this moment that maybe Joe needs a rest but we still have a lot of trust in Joe and he’s still a very important player in our squad,” Pellegrini told Sky News Arabia.

“It’s very important for me as a manager – you don’t have 11 players – you have 22.

“I analyse what they do every week – I talk with them.

“I am absolutely convinced he will come back to his performances of the last two years.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Southampton boss wants to continue run

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is eager for his side to continue their unbeaten run with an impressive win over Arsenal on Saturday.

The Saints will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday on the back of an eight game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, a run of games that has seen them climb to third in the table, only behind Liverpool and Arsenal.

Pochettino knows how tough a task his side face at the weekend, but he knows his side are capable of playing good enough football to get a result from North London.

He said: “We have to continue playing how we have been and applying the same level of effort.

“The Premier League is very competitive. Any team can beat any other team, and we have the belief that we can beat any side.

“I’d say the team we play on Saturday (Arsenal) is that one that’s playing the best football in the league.

“Arsenal can win the league, but I think there are other teams that will be in the running. It’ll be hard-fought.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sam Allardyce hoping to surprise Chelsea

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is confident that his side can surprise Chelsea when they visit Upton Park this weekend.

In last season’s fixture it was The Hammers than prevailed at Upton Park as they eased past Rafael Benitez’s side 3-1, and Allardyce is hopeful that they can provide yet another shock for Jose Mourinho and co.

The Blues fell to a shock 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United before the international break and according to Allardyce, West Ham are ready to do the same.

“Newcastle frustrated Chelsea and started the process of winning that game by keeping a clean sheet and scoring a free-kick then sucked them in and hit them on the break for the second,” Allardyce said.

“With that result for Chelsea, there’s a chance to see where their weaknesses lie. But anything less than top form for all of our players would make life difficult for us. We will have to produce the end product because chance creation will be harder.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Chelsea defender not worrying over future

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Chelsea defender David Luiz has insisted that he is not worried about his future at Stamford Bridge despite being recently dropped by manager Jose Mourinho.

Ever since arriving from Benfica, the Brazilian centre-back has been a permanent fixture in The Blues back-line and sometimes in midfield, but since Mourinho’s return, Luiz’s first-team opportunities have been limited.

With the Portuguese-manager still trying to find his best starting XI, Luiz tends to be dropped frequently for the pairing of Gary Cahil and John Terry, but he has insisted that it doesn’t worry him.

“It will be like it has always been, I am never worried,” Luiz told UOL. “I train hard and seriously every day, he has his options.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal goalkeeper predicts silverware

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is adamant that the club can end their trophy drought this season if they can continue to play the way they have been so far.

The Gunners’ last piece of silverware was back in 2005 when they beat Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup, and since then, they have come close on numerous occasions, but they have fallen short every time.

Champions League, Carling Cup and Premier League titles have been in their grasps since 2005, but they never managed to clinch the trophy.

However, Szczesny believes this year it will be different and he is confident that the squad they have is good enough to end the long-wait for a trophy.

“I don’t want to say nobody can challenge us for a trophy,” said Szczesny, “but if we’re at our best, we’ll win a trophy and that’s all that matters.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve proved everyone wrong and passed all the tests. I’ll say that when we get our hands on a trophy in May.

“I think what’s important is what we believe in and we believe that we are good enough with the players we have got and the work we are doing to win the Premier League.

“We have shown that to people over the last six months or so. We know that if we just carry on doing the same thing, we will show people that this team and these players are good enough to win a trophy without any extra additions or extra work that people are talking about. We certainly believe we can do it.

“We need to make sure we continue doing what we have been doing recently and keep getting the results.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Lionel Messi happy for Cristiano Ronalo

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi has revealed that he is happy for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, after the Portuguese international guided his country to next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

They had to go through a tricky play-off with Sweden, but Portugal eventually booked their spot in next Summer’s main event and it was all down to Ronaldo, who bagged four goals over the two-legged tie.

His performances during the play-off and also his performances this season in La Liga has made him favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which will see him finally win it off Barca star Messi, who is sidelined for two months with an injury.

But despite their rivalry to be the world’s best, Messi has congratulated Ronaldo and has admitted that he is happy for the winger.

“I was very happy for him when he scored those goals,” Messi said.

“It’s just great when the best teams compete in Brazil, and Cristiano has had a great scoring rate for many years.

“I don’t know if this is Cristiano’s best moment, but he is always there, scoring goals in all the games and playing his part for his club and his country. He has been like that for many years.

“Whether he is at his best, or a bit below that, there is almost no difference.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Roy Hodgson doesn’t want John Terry back

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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England manager Roy Hodgson believes the country do not need John Terry’s help at next Summer’s World Cup.

Reports broke out after the back-to-back defeats that Hodgson may try and re-call the Chelsea defender to add some experience to the back-four.

However, a source close to the centre-back revealed that the 32-year-old has no intentions of returning to international duty because he wants to focus on his club football.

With the World Cup in Brazil just months away, Hodgson now has to decide who will make his 30-man squad, which he will then have to cut down to 23, but he insists that Terry will not be one of his players.

‘John retired a long time ago, right at the start of our qualifying campaign,’ said England boss Hodgson.

‘We’ve played nine games without him and we’ve qualified without losing a game.

‘Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have done a good job at centre back and Chris Smalling showed against Germany that he is a very good centre back in the making.

‘Phil Jones didn’t get so much of a chance to show what he can do, but he is there as well.

‘So I think it is time for us to keep moving forward and not every time we lose a game start to turn back to someone who has been a fantastic player in the past.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

West Brom star set for £10,000 pay-rise!

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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West Bromwich Albion youngster Saido Berahino is set to turn down approaches from Chelsea and Arsenal by signing a new contract at The Hawthorns.

The young Englishman has burst onto the scene this year with a couple of stand-out performances for The Baggies as well as for England’s U21s as well.

Berahino is currently one of the lowest paid Premier League players, earning £850-a-week, but this new contract could see him earn a whopping £10k pay-rise, which will see him earn roughly £10k-a-week.

The two parties have been in talks for weeks now but West Brom’s first offer was rejected by Berahino as he refused the £7k-a-week deal.

The 20-year-old has an outside chance of making his way into Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad after the manager labelled him as ‘one to watch’, but the news about his contract will be music to the ears of club manager Steve Clarke, who feared he would lose the young star.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Jose Enrique faces knee surgery

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Liverpool defender Jose Enrique could miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury which could need surgery.

The news comes as a massive blow to The Reds, who are currently preparing to take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday in the Merseyside Derby.

According to reports, Enrique has suffered from the injury for a long-time now but has put off having surgery due to his importance in the first-team, but now with Aly Cissokho in on-loan, it appears that the club are ready to make the Spaniard get treatment.

The news was confirmed today by manager Brendan Rodgers and he expects the left-back to miss the majority of the season now.

‘Jose Enrique has been struggling for a little while with an injury,’ the manager told Talksport. ‘He will probably need an operation. It’s a blow for us because he’s a very talented player.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Brendan Rodgers reveals truth about envelopes from Being Liverpool

By

Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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When Liverpool Football Club agreed to do an inside documentary for the whole world to see, I’m sure they were confident that it would attract a lot of talk and a lot of publicity.

However, there was one in particular scene that got everybody thinking and questioning and that was when manager Brendan Rodgers raised three envelopes in front of the whole squad and he told the players that inside the envelopes were three names of people he think would let him down.

For months after and still to this day people are speculating who’s name could have been in those envelopes, but the mystery has been revealed by the boss himself.

Being Liverpool was the documentary and Rodges’ speech scene was one of the main talking points as he told all his squad to not let him down, but he has now admitted the truth about who he believed would let him down.

He admitted with a laugh to ESPN that: ‘There were no names.’

So it was all a mind-game from Rodgers to ensure he got the best from all of his players.

Clever.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Milan giants after former-Arsenal midfielder

By

Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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FC Barcelona midfielder Alex Song is attracting interest from Italian duo AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The former-Arsenal midfielder has struggled with football in Spain with the Catalan club after completing his £15million switch from the Emirates to the Nou Camp last season.

The Cameroon-international has failed to cement a first-team place in the squad due to the competition from some of the best midfield talents in the world, and due to the lack of game-time, Song is seriously considering his future.

At one point it was suggested that he could make a dramatic return to Arsenal with Arsene Wenger looking for a holding-midfielder, however, with them re-signing Mathieu Flamini in the Summer, that now looks unlikely.

However, there are two European giants monitoring Song’s situation and they are heavy-rivals in Italy.

Both AC and Inter Milan are interested in the 26-year-old and may make enquiries come January once the transfer window opens up.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Suarez has made me better, reveals Rodgers

By

Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes working and dealing with controversial striker Luis Suarez has helped him become a better boss.

The Uruguayan isn’t shy of making his opinions heard and he frequently vents his frustration on the pitch for the whole world to see, but Rodgers has tried to take a positive out of the forward’s actions.

Wherever Suarez goes, controversy isn’t far behind and after two incidents in England, which resulted in hefty bans from the FA, his reputation has been further damaged, however his manager believes it’s helped him develop into a better coach.

“Some of the things (Suarez) has done, he knows was wrong,” Rodgers said speaking to ESPNFC.com.

“Some of them have been really testing situations as a manager…there’s been some challenging moments. Seventeen months on as I sit here, I’m a much better manager for that experience.

“Over time Luis is maturing. He’s a more responsible player since he’s come back onto the field. That won’t stop his desire or his will to win. It’s something that if we have more throughout the squad, we’ll continue to do very well.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal to play Napoli behind closed doors?

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Alex Batt

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Nov 21, 2013

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Arsenal and Napoli are set to find out later today and tomorrow whether or not their group game match will be played behind closed doors or not after UEFA are set to take action on the Italian side after crowd trouble during their clash with Marseille.

The final game is set to take place on December 11 and it could be a crucial game with both teams fighting for qualification to the knockout stages, with German giants Borussia Dortmund also still in the picture.

The two clubs are currently both on nine points with The Gunners set to take on Marseille next week as Napoli take on Dortmund, but their final game may be a eery occasion with the possibility of no fans being able to watch.

The reason behind the potential ban is due to fights that broke out during Napoli’s victory over the French side in the last game and it got so bad that riot police had to step up and pull the fans apart.

Despite the investigation, Arsenal are still planning travel for fans as they expect that fans will be allowed in.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

SillySeason.com

Arsene Wenger has no problem with FA

Mark Noble ready for Chelsea test

I still trust Hart, says Pellegrini

Southampton boss wants to continue run

Sam Allardyce hoping to surprise Chelsea

Chelsea defender not worrying over future

Arsenal goalkeeper predicts silverware

Lionel Messi happy for Cristiano Ronalo

Roy Hodgson doesn’t want John Terry back

West Brom star set for £10,000 pay-rise!

Jose Enrique faces knee surgery

Brendan Rodgers reveals truth about envelopes from Being Liverpool

Milan giants after former-Arsenal midfielder

Suarez has made me better, reveals Rodgers

Arsenal to play Napoli behind closed doors?

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