I don’t regret Lukaku decision, says Mourinho

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Oct 4, 2013

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he doesn’t regret sending Romelu Lukaku out on-loan to Everton, despite the Belgium scoring three goals in just two games, which is a better ratio than any of the striker’s Mourinho has at the club.

Many people were surprised when they heard that Lukaku was going to be sent out on loan for a second consecutive season, especially after the campaign he had at West Bromwich Albion last year.

However, Mourinho’s decision to loan him out was benefited by Everton, who then snapped him up and has seen him score three times in just two games, including a match-winning brace against Newcastle United.

When questioned about whether or not he regrets loaning out Lukaku, Mourinho replied with:

“No. It is one thing to play for Everton and another thing to play for Chelsea.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Manuel Pellegrini gives backing to Joe Hart

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has given his full support to goalkeeper Joe Hart and is hoping that the Englishman will be back to his best form sooner rather than later.

The 26-year-old was heavily criticised after City’s 3-1 home loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night as many people thought he could have done better with all three of the goals.

Following the game, England boss Roy Hodgson gave his support to Hart and now Pellegrini has also backed the shot-stopper.

“He feels he didn’t do very well but he continues with the trust of all the team,” said Pellegrini.

“Joe knows he must improve. Soon I hope he recovers what he had.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Arsene Wenger to talk to Jack Wilshere

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he will sit-down and talk with midfielder Jack Wilshere after he was pictured smoking outside of a club.

The English midfielder claims that he only put the cigarette in his mouth for a bet, but the Arsenal boss is not happy with the picture being made public knowledge.

The Frenchman believes it is not the right message to send to the fans and nor is it a healthy way to live and that is why he wants to talk to him about it.

“I don’t know really what happened [with Jack], I will need to have a chat with him about that,” said Wenger. “I disagree completely with that behaviour.

“There are two things: first of all when you are a football player you are an example, and as well you don’t do what damages your health.

“The fact [is] you can damage your health at home, you can smoke at home and you can drink at home, and nobody sees it, but when you go out socially you as well damage your reputation as an example.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Bacary blow for Arsenal

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Arsenal have been dealt an injury blow after right-back Bacary Sagna picked up a hamstring injury, during the side’s 2-0 victory over Napoli on Tuesday, which will see him miss three weeks of action.

The Gunners man stayed on during the Champions League game, but was asked to go for a scan on Thursday, which then revealed damage to his hamstring.

Whilst giving his press conference ahead of the club’s game with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, Arsene Wenger confirmed the damage to his right-back.

Wenger said: ‘It’s always a blow as he (Sagna) is a good player. Carl Jenkinson will do well there.’

It is likely that Sagna will miss three games for Arsenal; West Brom, Norwich City and then Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

No excuses for poor start, says Giggs

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Manchester United player/coach Ryan Giggs has revealed that there are no excuses for the club’s poor start to the season.

The Red Devils have only picked up seven points from their opening six games, which is a whopping eight points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Moyes’ men have lost to Liverpool, Manchester City and now West Bromwich Albion in the league already and despite the change in management, Giggs has said that the club have no excuses for their poor start.

‘I can’t put my finger on what’s happened,’ said Giggs. ‘We have just not played as well as we can both individually and as a team.

‘We know the quality in the dressing-room. We’re the champions so we showed that quality last year and we have to show it again.

‘We are not playing well as a team. We haven’t got injury problems as we have had in the past — there is no excuse.

‘You would rather be showing this form at the start of the season than at the end. You have just got to hang in there to the turn of the year and then hopefully hit a bit of form like we historically do.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

FIVE Premier League clubs want to loan Wilfried Zaha

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Manchester United boss David Moyes is deciding whether or not to send £15million-signing Wilfried Zaha out on-loan for the second half of the season so that he can gain some first-team experience in the Premier League.

Despite spending a hefty amount on the 20-year-old, United do not see the Englishman as a regular starter and they are keen for him to develop his skills by playing regularly in the top division.

Crystal Palace, who are his former-team are very interested in bringing him back for a couple of months, but so are Newcastle United, Stoke City, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion, with all of them expected to make a move for the winger in January.

When The Red Devils signed Zaha last season, they allowed him to stay on at Palace for the rest of the season so that he could help his side gain promotion, which they eventually did via the playoffs, and it now appears that he could make a return to Selhurst Park in order to help them fight for Premier League survival.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

We start games faster now, admits Wenger

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes confidence is the reason behind the squad starting games so well this season.

The Gunners have managed to score four goals in the opening 15-minutes of games in the Premier League and also managed to bag two inside 15-minutes on Tuesday night during their 2-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League.

Many people suggest that scoring early is crucial for team’s and it makes the players settle into the match a lot quicker, but Wenger believes the players start games so fast because they are feeling so confident.

“We started at such a good pace because we had a remembrance of the Emirates Cup where they [Napoli] started very strong,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We knew on our side that it was vital for us to come out of the blocks in a very sharp way and it was successful. Of course you cannot plan that you score early goals but it worked well.”

This is quite the difference from last season, when Wenger’s men were considered a second-half team and the Frenchman has said that’s how football can change.

“It’s completely different,” he said. “That shows you how unpredictable the situations are but maybe it’s linked with the confidence.

“When the team has confidence they go into the game with a positive feeling and a positive attitude.The more you build that confidence up with the results, the more you go into the next game thinking let’s just do it to win the game.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Andre Villas-Boas hails Jermain Defoe…

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has hailed goalscoring hero Jermain Defoe after he scored yet again last night during the club’s 2-0 victory over Anzhi Makhachkala, but the Spurs boss has still hinted that Roberto Soldado will start in the Premier League against West Ham United.

Despite only scoring penalties, Villas-Boas has been choosing Soldado ahead of Defoe every game in the Premier League and it appears that the Englishman cannot do anything to change the Portuguese’s mind.

His goal in Russia was Defoe’s seventh in four starts for the White Hart Lane club, but after the game AVB revealed that he may start Soldado up front at the weekend.

“We have to judge recovery and the fact that JD was involved today and Soldado wasn’t. Everything will come into consideration.

“We have been extremely happy with the performances of both. It is a question of deciding what is best for the team.

“It was another great goal, a great finish. It’s really good to see him out there again doing extremely well whenever he’s given the opportunity.

“He is a great professional, has a great attitude and now he’s only one off Martin Chivers so it’s a real great achievement for him.

“I think he has the ambition this season to go even further up the ladder in this record tally behind Martin Chivers and as an all-time goalscorer so I think that plays highly in his motivation, definitely.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Mesut Ozil has settled in England quickly, says Mertesacker

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes new-signing Mesut Ozil has settled in England quickly and the club are benefiting from that greatly.

The £43million-man has been superb for The Gunners and bagged his first goal for the club on Tuesday night during their 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League, as well as grabbing an assist for the second.

The German international completed his move to England on deadline day and despite only being in the country for just over a month, his German team-mate, Mertesacker, believes he has already settled into English life.

“Mesut can play football, that is what his aim is to be here to do, so it is just the little details,” Mertesacker said.

“It is things like how to get on (in London), how to come to the training ground, to get to whatever he wants to go. It is just a quick call or a text, you can help him out.

“I need to (help Ozil settle), because it is very important to get him into the squad quickly, so that he can adapt and play with freedom.

“That is what he is – his vision is enormous and with him we are more dangerous and can compete at the higher levels.

“We try to make it comfortable for him to adapt as quickly as possible and it fits.

“Against Napoli, you felt that he could play 90 minutes on a high level, he can make the difference at any time in the game.

“We are delighted to have him here and to help him to get into the team. He has shown that he respects our game and that he does fit in.

“We can expect a lot (more) from him in the coming weeks, you could see that we needed his contribution and he is the right addition.”

Ozil became the third German player to sign for Arsenal within two years after following Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski and the centre-back is happy to have a couple of Germans with him in the squad.

“At first I was on my own here, with no Germans in the senior Arsenal squad, so it took me maybe one season to settle in completely,” he said.

“I am delighted with my current form and my performances, but in football life changes so quickly, you have to be aware of every situation.

“We have a good and strong squad, if everybody is fit, the boss has a good selection.

“I think we now have a squad to compete at the high level and that is what we need to do in the coming weeks.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Barkley can handle the pressure, says Martinez

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Ross Barkley will not buckle under the pressure despite only being 19-years-old.

The Englishman has burst onto the scene this season after only missing three minutes in the Premier League, where he has scored two goals already and provided a lot of positivity for The Toffees.

His recent performances in the league have also been spotted by England boss Roy Hodgson, who has called the 19-year-old up to his latest squad for the two upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

Despite being thrown into the spotlight this season, Barkley’s boss, Roberto Martinez, believes he is ready for the big-stage.

“Ross is upset even when he can’t win in training, never mind when he can’t be involved in games,” said the Spaniard.

“He is a young man who has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and is desperate to enjoy every single second.

“When you are young you don’t feel tired. He has a terrific energy and it is just the start of what is going to be a very special season for him.”

Not only is Martinez hopeful for Barkley’s future, he is looking forward to seeing Romelu Lukaku develop over the season, especially with Barkley playing behind him.

“You see good players always understand each other. I thought Ross and Romelu clicked in the second half of the West Ham game and have developed in training a bit of a natural understanding of each other’s game,” he said.

“You are talking about 20-year-old players who excite you for the future.

“Their potential is terrific and we have to keep working and developing them because they are an important part of our team now.

“You can always work on certain aspects of the player but normally it is a natural relationship that is allowed to develop.

“Good players always get to know each other well in the way they enjoy their football. It is something which they can grow and improve in the future.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

The team have grit and determination, says Flamini

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Alex Batt

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Oct 4, 2013

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Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has revealed that the players are the club have added grit and determination to their games and that is why they are winning so many games.

The Gunners have won their last 10-games in all competitions and are currently sitting top of the Premier League and also top of their Champions League group which includes last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund.

Despite Mesut Ozil being the mega-signing this summer, Flamini has impressed many of the Arsenal faithful and a lot of them have been surprised about how good the Frenchman has been.

The 29-year-old has added a lot of fight to the side’s midfield and he believes the whole team are now determined to win games the ugly way.

“I think everyone knew Arsenal have a lot of qualities,” said Flamini. “But this year we are showing we have the fighting spirit, everyone is helping each other and it makes the difference because of course in a season you have some good periods and some difficult periods.

“What is important is to win game after game, work hard and stay focused and to keep going with our great spirit and then we’ll see.

“Maybe for us there will be a good surprise this season.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Police give warning over Y-word being used

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Alex Batt

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Oct 3, 2013

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Metropolitan Police have released a statement ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s game with West Ham United at the weekend revealing that any use of the Y-word could end in arrest.

There has been a lot of debate on whether or not people should be able to use the Y-word in the football ground, despite the fans calling themselves that.

It is still unclear whether or not the term is found acceptable amongst fans, but the police have made it clear that they will not accept any use of the word.

A Police statement read: “Some words – like the ‘Y’ word – which historically have been perceived by some as acceptable, cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, and people who use this language could be committing a criminal offence.”

Chief Superintendent Mick Johnson, the match commander on Sunday, told Sky News: “It does actually cause offence to some members of the Jewish community.

“We are going to go up to people first, engage firstly and try to explain to them what it means. Hopefully people will take that warning and desist from using the Y word.

“Anyone who continues to use it or fails to take on our advice may be subject to arrest.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Triple injury-boost for Brendan Rodgers

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Alex Batt

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Oct 3, 2013

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful that three of his first-team players will be fit in time for their clash with Newcastle United after the next international break.

Glen Johnson, Aly Cissokho and Joe Allen are all out injured at the moment, but The Reds boss is hopeful that they will be back for the trip to St James Park on the 19th of this month.

Johnson has not played since picking up an ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Manchester United last month, while Cissokho and Allen have been out of action with ankle and hamstring injuries which they both picked up back in August.

“Glen’s out on the field and hopefully after the international break he’ll be ready to come back into the squad,” said Rodgers.

“We’re okay. Aly Cissokho has trained over the course of the last week or so, so I think after the international break he’ll be fine and fit. Joe Allen likewise – he should be ready for the Newcastle game.

“Coutinho will not be long after. Obviously Sebastian Coates will be that bit longer and has a bit more to do yet, but apart from that we’re getting back to our numbers now.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

WATCH: Thomas Vermaelen HD

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Alex Batt

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Oct 3, 2013

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Captaincy isn’t just for on the pitch, reveals Arsenal leader

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Alex Batt

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Oct 3, 2013

0

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has revealed that being captain isn’t just for match-day and doesn’t just last for the 90-minutes.

The Belgium international is the club-captain at the Emirates, despite not being a regular starter after falling behind Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, but despite his status, Arsene Wenger has still kept him on as the leader.

Many fans have been questioning why Vermaelen is still the captain of the club, but he has revealed on the club’s official website that you are not just a captain on the pitch for 90-minutes.

“I’m really proud to be captain and still so happy to be playing for this club,” he said.

“A great captain is somebody who wants to be a leader, not just on the pitch but on the training field as well. A great captain wants to set a good example to all their team-mates and help them in difficult times. That could be in a game or when they have difficult times individually.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

SillySeason.com

I don’t regret Lukaku decision, says Mourinho

Manuel Pellegrini gives backing to Joe Hart

Arsene Wenger to talk to Jack Wilshere

Bacary blow for Arsenal

No excuses for poor start, says Giggs

FIVE Premier League clubs want to loan Wilfried Zaha

We start games faster now, admits Wenger

Andre Villas-Boas hails Jermain Defoe…

Mesut Ozil has settled in England quickly, says Mertesacker

Barkley can handle the pressure, says Martinez

The team have grit and determination, says Flamini

Police give warning over Y-word being used

Triple injury-boost for Brendan Rodgers

WATCH: Thomas Vermaelen HD

Captaincy isn’t just for on the pitch, reveals Arsenal leader

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