FULL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW!

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

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The draw for the Champions League group stages were held today in Monaco.

Below you can see the full groups and find out who your team has to get past in order to reach the knockout stages.

GROUP A: MANCHESTER UNITED, Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Sociedad

GROUP B: Real Madrid, Juventus, Galatasaray, Copenhagen

GROUP C: Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, Olympiacos, Anderlecht

GROUP D: Bayern Munich, CSKA Moskva, Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen

GROUP E: CHELSEA, Schalke 04, FC Basel, Steau Bucuresti

GROUP F: ARSENAL, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli

GROUP G: FC Porto, Atletico Madrid, Zenit, Austria Wien

GROUP H: FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Ajax, Celtic

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

CONFIRMED: Chelsea sign Samuel Eto’o

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Premier League side Chelsea have announced the signing of Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 32-year-old striker has signed a one-year-deal at the English club after being sold by the Russian giants because of financial reasons.

In his past, Eto’o has played for some of the greatest teams in the world, including FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, where he worked with Jose Mourinho and he has admitted that the Portuguese manager is one of the reasons behind his move to Stamford Bridge.

Talking to the club’s website after completing the move, Eto’o said: ‘I am very happy to be here but also anxious because I want to get playing as soon as possible.

‘It wasn’t a hard decision. I saw the qualities Chelsea have, and I was very happy with Jose Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, I was very happy to take it.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

The north london derby, but how crucial is it

By

jimjam101

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Aug 29, 2013

0

This weekend is one of those weekend’s that makes football loved by millions. Arsenal vs Tottenham and Liverpool vs Man Utd. However while United and Liverpool fans may argue, the North London derby is the one that actually has more of a meaning for two different reasons. Both teams have acted completely opposite to each other this transfer window with Tottenham spending close to 80million while Arsenal have spent nothing.

The last two seasons the North London derby at the Emirates has been full of drama, madness and sheer excitement. Both times Arsenal have won 5-2 but this season could well be different and game up for Arsenal. Tottenham have spent massively on players such as Soldado, Lamela, Paulinho while Arsenal have spend exactly 0 on Sanogo and now the return of Flamini which, despite the groans from Arsenal fans, is a very logical signing. He really could play a big part in this weekends game.

This season could be the make or break for either team this season. If Arsenal are to lose it could spell the end of Wenger’s reign at the Emirates with fans calling for his head already after that poor performance against Villa. However if Tottenham are to lose all that hard work done over the summer could be all for nothing. With all the players needing to Gel and only 1-0 penalty wins this season it could work in Arsenal’s favour. So with Sunday fast approaching, both sets of fans will be becoming nervous.

I have unfinished business here, says Flamini

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

New Arsenal signing Mathieu Flamini has revealed that he has unfinished business at the club after he completed his move back to the North London club.

The France international spent four years with The Gunners from 2004 to 2008, but eventually left the club in order to join Italian side AC Milan, where he stayed until this summer when his contract expired.

The 29-year-old had been training with Arsenal for the summer to keep up his fitness levels, but after Arsene Wenger saw Flamini, he believed that he could still play at the top level.

Speaking to the club’s official website after his move, Flamini admitted that coming back to Arsenal is to finish business.

“It feels good to be back home,” Flamini told Arsenal Player. “I have some unfinished business with Arsenal so it’s a great feeling to be back. Once you’re a Gunner, you’re always a Gunner.

“Unfinished business because we had the opportunity a few times when I was there to win trophies and we didn’t. I’m thinking about the Champions League final, the 2007/08 season when we were in the running for the first place and we didn’t close it.

“I feel good, I have been training for three weeks with the fitness coach, Tony Colbert. So I feel ready to start competing for Arsenal, especially on Sunday – it’s going to be a big game.

“It’s a derby, everyone knows how important it is. We have to win it and we have to be ready for it.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Arsenal winger full of praise for Aaron Ramsey

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes midfielder Aaron Ramsey has taken his game to a whole new level already this season after the Welshman has been in superb form for the London side.

The young midfield-man scored a brace on Tuesday night during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory against Turkish outfit Fenerbache and he was also in great form in the first-leg and the Premier League game against Fulham.

Ramsey himself put his improvement down to his confidence levels rising, and his team-mate believes that he has just found a whole new level.

“You can see a lot of improvements in players this year, especially in Aaron,” he said.

“He’s worked very hard in pre-season. He ended last season very well, but this season he’s taken off and hit a new level.

“It’s great to see and he deserves it because he’s had a lot of injury problems. I’m very happy for him.”

The 22-year-old was highly rated when he burst onto the scene with Cardiff City, but after suffering a horrid leg break against Stoke City for The Gunners, many people were doubting his future, but it seems that the Welsh international has put aside any injury doubts as he looks set to have a great season.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Gervinho slams Arsenal manager for losing faith

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

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Former Arsenal winger Gervinho has slammed manager Arsene Wenger for losing faith in his last season.

Since signing for the London club back in 2011 from French side Lille, the Ivorian endured a mixed time at the Emirates Stadium and despite starting the 2012/2013 season positively, he couldn’t continue his early-season form and was left as a fringe player for the rest of the campaign.

The winger, who cost the club £11million, could not break down the competition with Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski which eventually lead to him leaving the club in order to join Italian side Roma.

After the transfer, Wenger put it down to the player losing confidence in his own ability, but Gervinho believes the manager lost faith in him.

‘Wenger’s one of the great coaches. He’s someone I have great respect for and I’m also very happy to have been able to play for his club,’ said Gervinho.

‘I think forwards need to feed on the confidence of their managers, I would have preferred to have that chance.

‘I really enjoyed playing for that club. It’s true that I did not think I would leave after two seasons, but I’m pretty happy.

‘I don’t really agree with the thought that everything was negative for me at Arsenal. I reckon I could have done better if the circumstances were different, I need a lot of playing time and that’s why I decided to leave the club.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Spurs get permission to speak with Eriksen

By

Footballisgood

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Aug 29, 2013

0

AVB is interested in the bringing Eriksen to White Hart Lane and has been a long term admirer of the Denmark international.

Ajax are beginning to feel resigned to losing him after the midfielder only has a year left on his contract. Ajax though will demand a fee in the region of 12million whereas Spurs are thought to have only offered 8milliom for the 21-year-old.

Ajax director of football Marc Overmars spoke about how Levy was there and how an offer has not yet been agreed between the two clubs. “Yes, Levy was here and Eriksen has been given permission to speak to Tottenham.”

“There is no agreement yet until it’s signed,” Overmars added.

“Obviously, if it happens, we won’t be happy at all to lose him but he only has a year left on his contract.”

Ajax signed Eriksen from Danish club Odense Boldklub in 2008 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe.

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, who used to play with the Dane at Ajax, thinks Spurs will be signing a top talent if the deal goes through.

“He is a good guy,” said Vertonghen, who moved from Ajax to Tottenham last summer. “I played with him for four years and he is a good player.”

Written by George Coomber

Lukas Podolski ruled out for up to 10 weeks!

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that striker Lukas Podolski could miss up to 10 weeks of action after suffering a hamstring injury on Tuesday night.

The German international made a lenghty run down the line just after half-time at the Emirates Stadium and after crossing the ball, he fell to the ground holding his hamstring.

After the game, Wenger admitted that the injury is bad and will keep the German out for around three weeks, but in his latest press conference, Wenger has now admitted that the 28-year-old could miss up to 10-weeks of action.

Wenger said: ‘It is bad news about Lukas Podolski as he will be out for eight to 10 weeks. His hamstring is much more damaged than we thought at the start. It is very disappointing and we have paid a very heavy price for that win [over Fenerbahce]. We have to be patient now’.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Arsene Wenger confirms midfield duo are fit

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that midfield duo Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are fit to play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the first North London derby of the season.

The crucial midfield pairing both picked up knocks during the side’s 2-0 win against Fenerbache on Tuesday night and there was initial fears that both of them could miss Sunday’s crucial game, but Wenger has revealed that both of them will be involved at the weekend as they were only bruises and knocks sustained.

Talking to the press ahead of the derby, the Arsenal boss revealed his latest team-news which involved positive news for both Ramsey and Wilshere.

When asked about the duo, Wenger responded with: ‘The news is quite positive. They just had bumps and bruises. They will be involved’.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Gallas Close To Palace Move

By

James13

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Crystal Palace are hopeful of completing a deal for central defender William Gallas. The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender is a free agent after leaving Spurs at the end of last season after a three year tenure at the North London club.

Gallas made 17 appearances and scored his first goal in over 2 years last year for Spurs and isholding talks with the newly pormoted club. Crystal Palace are looking to bring in Premier League experience to increase their chance of survival in their first season in the Premier League. Palace have alreadys signed Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal and have brought in Jason Puncheon on loan to bring in much needed Premier League experience.

Alongside Gallas, Selhurst Park looks to welcome Jimmy Kebe from Reading who did not feature in the 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Peterborough United on Tuesday.

James Moss – JMoss_13

Steven Gerrard: ‘Liverpool can be title contenders’

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Liverpool captain and midfielder Steven Gerrard believes this season could be their best chance of challenging for the title.

With two wins from two, coming against Stoke City and Aston Villa, The Reds will now play host to Manchester United at Anfield and if they manage to pick up all three points on Sunday, they will go five points clear of United already, who have won one and drawn one.

Despite finishing last season in 7th place, Gerrard believes the current squad at Anfield is good enough to close to gap on the likes of United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

“That’s something we have been trying to do for a long time, not just with changes in the summer,” Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.

“For a long time, the gap between ourselves and United, Chelsea and now Manchester City has been too big.

“Each year we have been trying to close that gap, so really this season isn’t any different in that respect.

“But it does feel slightly different this year. The team spirit is really good and there is a belief within the squad.

“The changes the manager has made during the summer are really positive and hopefully there are still one or two more players to come in.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Sunderland In Battle With Rennes For M’Bengue

By

James13

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Both Sunderland and Rennes are looking to sign Toulouse defender Cheikh M’Bengue from Toulouse, Rennes are looking to sign a new left-back whilst Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio wants to reinforce that position is his squad.

M’Bengue only has one year left on his contract and has refused to sign an extention with the French outfit, this has forced Toulouse to listen to offers for the 25 year old Senegal international.

Sunderland however have a tough job in bringing M’Bengue to the Premier League as he has spent 17 years with Toulouse and is settled in France. Rennes are believed to have the upper hand currently but don’t rule Paolo Di Canio out of gaining the defenders signature.

Cheikh M’Bengue has made 137 appearances for Toulouse scoring 2 goals.

James Moss – JMoss_13

Hernandez Next AVB Target

By

James13

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Tottenham look set to make a shock move for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez but United have slapped a £15 million price tag on the Mexican international.

The Mexican has struggled to get a regular place in the United side and looks to be third choice striker under new boss David Moyes. Tottenham are in the hunt for a finisher with Jermain Defoe seemingly looking to be close to an exit from the North-London club. Defoe is being chased by several clubs both in the Premier League and the Championship.

United are not looking to sell Hernandez but if a large bid where to come in his spell at Old Trafford could come to an end. Spurs looks set to try and aquire the striker for around £7-8 million but United want double that.

If United were to sell Hernandez, Moyes would have to be alert to assess whether he would need to buy an extra striker himself for depth.

Hernandez signed for Manchester United from Guadalajara in 2010 for £6 million making 77 apearances and scoring 33 times.

James Moss – JMoss_13

Wayne Rooney thanks United supporters

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has taken to social networking site Facebook, to thank the supports of the club for the reception they gave him at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The English champions came up against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, who have been after Rooney all summer, and the striker was met with a warm reception as he started his first game of the new season.

The 27-year-old admitted to wanting to leave Old Trafford earlier in the year and was also keen on the switch to Stamford Bridge, but after the game, it was revealed that the Englishman has no plans on leaving United now and he rejected the chance to hand in a formal transfer request.

After the game, Rooney put on his official Facebook page: ‘Here’s some pictures from Monday night’s game. It was an unbelievable reaction from the fans, so thank you.

‘I really appreciate your support. It means a lot.’

Ironically, during the game, Chelsea fans were chanting ‘Wayne Rooney, we’ll see you next week’, but now it seems that the next time they will see him, will be when United play Chelsea again later on in the season.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

CONFIRMED: Mathieu Flamini re-joins Arsenal

By

Alex Batt

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Aug 29, 2013

0

Arsenal Football Club have re-signed midfielder Mathieu Flamini after the Frenchman was released by Italian side AC Milan.

The 29-year-old, who left Arsenal in order to join Milan a few years ago, has been training with the English club over the summer to regain fitness, but manager Arsene Wenger was so impressed with Flamini’s work ethic and performances, that he has actually re-signed the midfielder.

It is believed that the Frenchman has been offered a three-year deal worth around £40k-a-week and he has become the second free agent signed by Wenger this summer.

Earlier on, the Arsenal boss secured the signing of Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre and despite promising money would be spent, so far, Wenger has spent nothing.

It is not unusual for a player to return to his old club, especially at the Emirates Stadium, as Flamini is now the fourth player to come back to The Gunners after leaving.

Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and Thierry Henry all made second stints at the club.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

SillySeason.com

FULL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW!

CONFIRMED: Chelsea sign Samuel Eto’o

The north london derby, but how crucial is it

I have unfinished business here, says Flamini

Arsenal winger full of praise for Aaron Ramsey

Gervinho slams Arsenal manager for losing faith

Spurs get permission to speak with Eriksen

Lukas Podolski ruled out for up to 10 weeks!

Arsene Wenger confirms midfield duo are fit

Gallas Close To Palace Move

Steven Gerrard: ‘Liverpool can be title contenders’

Sunderland In Battle With Rennes For M’Bengue

Hernandez Next AVB Target

Wayne Rooney thanks United supporters

CONFIRMED: Mathieu Flamini re-joins Arsenal

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