Statistics show Chelsea are League’s worst offenders for diving

Jose Mourinho launched an extraordinary attack on the diving ‘campaign’ being waged against his side after Cesc Fabregas’ booking yesterday – despite the fact his side have now picked up at least twice as many bookings for simulation as anyone else.

The Spaniard went to ground in the area following a challenge from Saints youngster Matt Targett, but was given a yellow card for diving by referee Anthony Taylor instead of a penalty.

The decision prompted Mourinho to embark on a post-match rant after his side were held 1-1 by Southampton, with the Portuguese claiming that his players were being unfairly branded as cheats.

‘The reality is that there are penalties and there are penalties – this was one was big, like Big Ben,’ he said.

‘Referees are not here to guess, they are there to see. He assumed dishonesty with Cesc and he is wrong.

‘Match after match coaches are saying Chelsea players are diving. Out of nothing Sam Allardyce starts talking about my players.

‘I will go to the referee, wish him a good year and tell him he will be ashamed. There is a campaign against Chelsea.’

However, while Mourinho may contest many of the decisions that have gone against his team, statistics show that Chelsea are the worst offenders in the Premier League when it comes to diving.

The Blues have picked up four bookings for simulation this season, which is at least double the amount that Sunderland and Manchester City – the next biggest offenders – have received.

The Stamford Bridge club are also accountable for more than a quarter of the 14 cautions that have been handed out for simulation this season, with Diego Costa, Willian, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill and now Fabregas all being accused of going to ground too easily.

Despite dropping points at Southampton, Chelsea remained three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Manchester City let a two-goal lead slip at home to Burnley.

Source: Metro UK

Paris Saint-Germain: Arsenal target Edinson Cavani will leave

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani after the striker was left out of the club’s training camp in Marrakech.

Although the Ligue 1 champions have ruled out selling the Uruguayan on a number of occasions, he has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks, and this latest development will only give Arsenal officials hope that a deal can be reached.

The French side posted an official statement on their website from the training camp, saying that while the club’s Brazilian contingent had joined up with other members of the squad in Morocco ahead of their Qatar winter tour, Cavani would resume training back in Paris.

‘Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian players David Luiz, Marquinhos, Maxwell, Thiago Silva and Lucas arrived, as expected, on Sunday evening in Marrakech and were present at training this morning,’ the statement reads.

‘Javier Pastore rejoins his teammates this afternoon, while Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi resume training back in Paris.’

Lavezzi has also been rumoured to be on his way out of Paris, and Cavani’s absence suggests that he could soon follow suit.

Source: Metro UK

RED DEVILS: LVG targets Everton defender Seamus Coleman

Manchester United are considering a £25 million bid for Seamus Coleman, the Everton right-back, who is also being tracked by Chelsea, according to reports in the Daily Star.

It is understood that United were interested in the Republic of Ireland international during the summer with the club ready to offload Marouane Fellaini to his former club as part of the deal.

With Everton now interested in taking Adnan Januzaj on loan until the end of the season, the belgian could be used as a bargaining tool in the transfer window to push the Coleman deal through.

Source: The Telegraph UK

Jose Mourinho: Football waging Campaign against Chelsea

Mourinho saw his team drop more points in the race for the Premier League title after being held to a draw by a Southampton at St Marys.

And he was left raging when Cesc Fabregas appeared to be brought down in the area by Matt Targett - only to be booked for diving.

Mourinho said: "In other countries where I have worked, this would be front-page news because it is a scandal. 

"It is a scandal because it is not a small penalty. The commentators, the other managers, they are all putting pressure on referees. 

"Match after match coaches are saying Chelsea players are diving, they react in a way they don't with other teams. I will go to the referee and wish him a good year and tell him he will be ashamed. 

"Of course it has influenced the referee. That's a campaign. A clear campaign. 

"They put pressure on the referee and he makes a mistake. We lose two points, Fabregas earns a yellow card."

Chelsea had Diego Costa and Willian booked for diving against Hull and Gary Cahill escape after an apparent dive in the same game. Branislav Ivanovic was also booked for diving against West Ham on Boxing Day and Mourinho said: "West Ham manager Sam Allardyce starts speaking about Chelsea players diving, then another coach and another.

"Today the referee made a mistake and it is clearly the result of something that looks like a campaign. And it is a double punishment. Unbelievable.

"We have four bad yellow cards for diving this season. And for me the most important thing recently is that both Filipe Luis and Hazard could have had broken legs in games from challenges.

"The ref made a mistake. He should look at it and say, 'I am sorry, I cannot give you the two points but I can clean off Fabregas's yellow card'."

Source: Express UK

ARSENAL: Lukas Podolski takes up his familiar seat on the bench....

Inter Milan are chasing Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski after the Italian club’s technical director Piero Ausilio met with Gunners officials on Saturday.

Inter are willing to offer £6m for Podolski who is also on £100,000-a-week which has been a stumbling block to his departure in the past.

Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid have also made enquiries about Podolski who has reiterated his desire to play more regularly after becoming a bit-part player at Arsenal.

But they face a dilemma as Olivier Giroud is now banned for three games and Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo could both go out on loan.

Crystal Palace were keen on Sanogo before Neil Warnock’s departure while West Brom, Stoke and Swansea have all made enquiries on Campbell.

The Gunners are also battling with Real Madrid for Tenerife’s teenage keeper Carlos Abad Hernandez, 19, who has a £2.5m buy-out clause.

Hernandez has been compared to a young Iker Casillas in Spain.

Source: Mirror UK

Chelsea ‘close on shock for Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets transfer deal’

Chelsea are closing in on Barcelona contract rebel Sergio Busquets after moving ahead of Manchester United in the race.

Busquets has alerted potential suitors recently by stalling on penning a new contract with Barca, amid suggestions he has lost faith in Luis Enrique’s vision for the club.

And while United are keen, Chelsea have now pulled into pole position to do business and could tempt Busquets to the Premier League.

The Blues are eyeing another defensive midfielder if John Obi Mikel completes a likely switch away in January, and this Spain star could add quality competition for places.

Source: Metro UK 

John Terry Better than Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta

John Terry has always been one of the Premier League’s best goalscoring defenders, but his ability to find the back of the net is absolutely crazy.

Indeed, in a week when Terry has scored against both Stoke and West Ham, he’s now got more career goals than Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta. Seriously.

Iniesta, who is considered one of the world’s best players, is famed for his ability to get forward, but when it comes to scoring goals, Terry beats him easily.

John Terry career goals: 58

Andres Iniesta career goals: 52

And Terry’s not even the highest scoring Premier League defender of all time.

Source; Metro UK

Boxing Day is West Ham’s perfect chance to beat Jose Mourinho’s

Ok so the Boxing Day challenge of the trip to Stamford Bridge is a considerable step up from any challenge posed by West Brom, Swansea, Sunderland or Leicester in West Ham’s previous games this month, but there could not be a better time for Sam Allardyce’s men to go toe to toe with Jose Mourinho’s side.

Saturday’s 2-0 win over Leicester means the Irons go into Christmas in the top four of the Premier League, a prospect which at the start of the season even the most biased of fans would have dismissed as nonsensical. But it is thoroughly deserved.

From front to back, the team are exuding confidence and ability at the moment, with Stewart Downing’s second goal against Leicester summing up the mood around the club perfectly, as he took one touch to control Diafra Sakho’s knock down before curling home a sweet shot from distance – then wheeled away with a massive smile on his face. ‘Tis the season to be jolly.

Continue reading via Metro uk sport

Jose Mourinho is terrified of Stoke City

 
Stoke head into Monday night’s televised clash with Chelsea knowing that a win could, theoretically, lift them into the top half of the league for Christmas – whilst putting a huge dent into the Blues’ own title ambitions.

Chelsea’s last two away fixtures – both in the north east – saw Jose Mourinho’s men pick up just one point, courtesy of a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. Those two results have piled pressure on a Chelsea team that looked to be running away with the league just five weeks ago.

As a result, Mourinho has begun his mind-games on the Potters, as he looks to sway things in his favour prior to the head-to-head at the Britannia Stadium.

Already, Jose has questioned the referee’s ability – asking whether Neil Swarbrick knows what is ‘allowed and what is not’, when quizzed on Thibaut Courtois’ readiness to face the Potters. Jose was also keen to discuss the likely match-up between Diego Costa and Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross, and whether the referee would know where ‘aggression ends and rules of the game start’.

Whilst raising the issues of Stoke tactics, Mourinho has also been quoted praising the club’s fans and atmosphere of the Britannia Stadium – something that most managers are reluctant to do.
But let’s not be ignorant. Mourinho is scared, and has every reason to be.

When going head-to-head with Alex Ferguson in his previous stint as Chelsea boss, Mourinho would frequently play mind games to disrupt the opposition and their tactics. He was a genius at it, proven by his track record of Fergie’s men.

He’s also a master tactician and – most importantly – a student of the game, even now. He focuses on tactics, isolates and bombards weaknesses – and knows how to turn hostility into benevolence.
It is precisely the latter that he is attempting to achieve this weekend. His flattery is deceptive, and Potters fans would be foolish to think otherwise.

Mourinho is fully aware why Manchester United, Spurs and – especially so – Arsenal hate visiting the Britannia Stadium.

The 11-players that Mark Hughes fields on Monday night will be difficult to beat – but next to impossible with 20-odd thousand chanting, screaming fans supporting them to the hilt.

Ignore the praise and pleasantries emanating from Stamford Bridge, it’s time to remind Jose of who we are.
Welcome to Fortress Britannia. Welcome to the Bear Pit.

Source: Metro Sport UK

Liverpool ‘to make £50m offer to sign Madrid star Karim Benzema

 
Liverpool are reportedly set to make a £50million bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as they look to solve their striker problems.

The Reds need to add more fire power to their ranks in the new year, with Brendan Rodgers’ side struggling for goals this term.

And reports suggest Liverpool have decided to turn to Madrid ace Benzema to solve the goalscoring issues, with a £50million bid set to go in. Per Jamie Sanderson for Metro.co.uk

Madrid do not want to sell the Frenchman in January but it is hoped the giant offer could tempt them into doing business.

Liverpool have also been linked with the likes of Swansea striker Wilfried Bony and Porto ace Jackson Martinez.

Raheem Sterling to LEAVE Liverpool for Manchester United

 
The Apprentice man tweeted: " Man U or Chelsea might take Sterling away from Liverpool next season."

The 20-year-old who had a difficult game against Manchester United, has been attempting to come to a deal with Liverpool for some time.

Source: Express Sport UK

RED DEVILS: United ‘to sign Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels

Manchester United have reportedly won the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels next summer in a £47million transfer deal.

Hummels has been heavily linked with United recently with Louis van Gaal desperate to add a quality centre back to his side.

And while Dortmund have insisted that they want to keep hold of the German, the Daily Star says the Red Devils are set to sign him at the end of the season.


Source: Metro Sports UK

Three central defenders on Arsenal’s January transfer

Arsenal are in need of some defensive reinforcements and. with the January transfer window just a couple of weeks away, players are starting to be linked with a move to the Emirates.
Here are three stars who could be perfect for the Gunners.

Fabian Schar (FC Basel)

Schar is my personal pick. A young, quick and aggressive defender is exactly the type of player we need to add to our squad.

He turns 23 next week, he’s still very young for a defender but has already established himself as one of the best prospects in Europe. He has experience in Europe having played in both the Europa and Champions League and, of course the World Cup.

His contract expires in the summer, which gives the Gunners some bargaining power when discussing a possible January deal.

Benedikt Howedes (FC Schalke 04)

Arsenal have sent scouts to watch £15million-rated Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes in action, according to the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract and is valued at £15million. Considering he is entering the prime of his career and has 31 caps for Germany, this valuation is understandable. What makes him even more appealing to Arsene Wenger is his versatility as he is able to play across the back four.

Winston Reid (West Ham United)

The Gunners are reportedly ready to sign Reid in January. The New Zealand international could be open to a move in the winter as his West Ham contract expires at the end of the season.

At 6ft 3in and with over 100 Premier League games under his belt, Reid would add height and experience to the Arsenal defence. He might not be world class, but he certainly has the right attributes to be an alternative central defensive option for Arsenal.

All three players would provide quality competition for Arsenal’s current defensive duo, but my pick would be Schar. The Swiss defender has world class potential and can realise it at the Emirates.

Source: Metro  Sports UK

Arsenal hopes to sign Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk

Arsenal are set to open talks with Celtic over signing Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to sign another centre-back in the January transfer window and has identified the 23-year-old as someone who can make the step up to the Premier League.

According to the Daily Star, Celtic boss Ronny Deila is reluctant to lose the defender but the Glasgow club’s financial position means they would not be able to turn down a large offer from the North Londoners.

Source: Metro Sports UK

Injury Update: Daniel Sturridge will spend Xmas in Boston

Daniel Sturridge's injury riddled season shows no sign of relenting, with a thigh injury ensuring he remains on the sidelines for Liverpool. 

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Sturridge to Spend Christmas Rehabbing in U.S.

According to Sam Wallace of the Independent, Sturridge will spend Christmas overseas:

Continue for updates....

Ajax boss Frank de Boer to listen to offers from Liverpool

Ajax boss Frank de Boer would be keen to listen to offers from Liverpool should they dispense with Brendan Rodgers, according to his brother Ronald.

The Dutchman was reported to have been approached by the Reds when they were last looking for a manager back in 2012, but when he refused, Rodgers stepped in.

Now the Northern Irishman is coming under increasing pressure after guiding the club to their lowest points tally since 1964, and De Boer’s name has once again been linked with the Anfield post.

The former defender has led Ajax to four straight Eredivisie titles, and his twin brother Ronald insist he would now be in the position to consider a move to the Reds.

‘If Liverpool come now he would certainly think about it,’ De Boer’s brother Ronald said to Fox Sports.

‘He would certainly not close the door immediately, like he did two years

Source: Metro Sports UK

CL: Arsenal face Monaco while Manchester City take on Barcelona in last 16

Kind draw: Arsenal have avoided the big boys in the last 16

English sides face reunions with teams who they faced in last season's Champions League, following this morning's draw.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger takes the Gunners up against his former club Monaco.

The Frenchman had been eager to take on his old club and he will now return to the Principality for the first time in Europe's Premier club competition since leaving the club 20 years ago.

Wenger spent seven years as Monaco manager between 1987-1994, winning both Ligue 1 (1987-88) and the Coupe de France (1990-91) during his time at the Stade Louis II.

Premier League leaders Chelsea will meet French champions Paris Saint-Germain in a repeat of last year's quarter-final.

The Blues claimed victory over two legs back in April, only thanks to a late Demba Ba goal, and now face the toughest of the second-placed sides.

Source: Mirror Sport UK

Robin van Persie ‘Lucky Boy’ claims United's boss Louis van Gaal

Red-hot Robin van Persie has been labelled a ‘Lucky Boy’ after he narrowly avoided the axe, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

Manchester United chief Louis van Gaal revealed he would have dropped him last month had Colombian attacker Radamel Falcao been fit.

But with Falcao struggling for fitness a few weeks ago, Van Gaal was forced to stick with his Dutch forward – and that decision has paid off.

RVP struggled in the November games against Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Arsenal, and his manager thought long and hard about benching him for the Reds' match against Hull.

But he decided to give the striker another chance – and Van Persie came up trumps with a goal in the 3-0 victory over Steve Bruce’s side.

And his brilliantly executed double handed United a fortunate 2-1 win at Southampton last Monday.
That sees Van Persie bang in form as the Reds go hunting for a sixth straight Premier League on Sunday, when they host bitter rivals Liverpool.

“Robin wasn’t playing very well so then you have to compare him with other players, and he was a lucky boy,” said Van Gaal.

“At that time, Falcao was injured and I had to compare him with Wayne Rooney and James Wilson.


Source: Mirror Sports UK




 

Stats proves Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, the ‘Special One’

As if further proof were needed that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho truly is the Special One, this fantastic stat sums it all up.

Mourinho racked up 400 Premier League points today after the Blues beat Hull City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with their march to the title continuing.

And while reaching that milestone of points is impressive, he’s done it in the fewest number of games ever – 174 – which beats the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

Not bad at all.

Source: Metro Sports UK

Pochettino 'dreams of replicating Arsene Wenger's longevity'

High praise: Pochettino would love to stay in north London as long as Wenger

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is eager to test himself against the 'great' Arsene Wenger in Saturday's north London derby.

The clash at the Emirates marks the Argentine's first derby while 64-year-old Wenger is now in his 18th season in the Premier League.

The Arsenal boss is comfortably the longest-serving boss in the top flight and Pochettino admits he dreams of replicating Wenger's success, across the other side of north London.

He said: "I have full respect for him, he is a great manager. An 18-year stay in charge is not easy. It's a big gap with me in Tottenham.

"Tottenham for me is a big job, it's a dream to stay here like (him) or to have the time Arsene had in Arsenal. For this, I need to show my skill, I need to work hard, I need to get the results.

"In football you never know, you need to work with passion that we have. We are positive in our job, in our skill, with the players. We try to arrive as far as possible."

The clash will also see Calum Chambers make his derby bow - a player who was given his first-team debut by Pochettino at Southampton.

And the Spurs boss insists he never had any doubt the 19-year-old would have a long career at the top.

Pochettino added: "Calum deserves his moment now because one year ago at the start of pre-season at Southampton he was playing in the development squad and step by step by he deserved to play and win his place in the first team.

"It is not only because he has talent he also has a great personality and character."

Source: Mirror UK

Wenger slams Lampard's City loan and doubts the legality of move

Arsene Wenger has questioned the legitimacy of Frank Lampard's loan to Manchester City.

Midfielder Lampard signed for Major League Soccer side New York City following his release by Chelsea, only to make a surprise return to the Barclays Premier League with the champions.

The 36-year-old has been in sterling form, scoring three in his last two games at the Etihad Stadium for the Sky Blues, including one against his former employers Chelsea.

Lampard will return to the MLS for the start of their season in March, but with the City looking to extend the loan of the veteran until closer to that date, the Arsenal manager has criticised the legitimacy of the move.

Wenger, who brought former Gunners captain Thierry Henry back from New York Red Bulls during the MLS close season in January 2012, believes any extension of Lampard's current arrangement might not sit well, even if it would be within Premier League guidelines.

"You always have two judgements, one is moral and one is legal and it just depends what you consider," said Wenger.

Fox in the box: Lampard (right) celebrates scoring in Man City's 7-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday

"I think 'is it legal?' You have to respect it after that and the player has to deal with his decisions.

"I respect the fact he wants to play at the top level and he maybe didn't have that opportunity any more at Chelsea.

"I don't really know (what) is behind all that.

"Was it always his plan to go to New York and go to Man City? I am not sure.

"I genuinely think he wanted to go abroad and to New York, and (then) suddenly was offered this solution to come back to the Premier League and he took it.

"He could explain that much better than I do, I don't know what is behind that."

Source: Mirror UK

Mourinho was calling Manuel Pellegrini “Pellegrino” after Sunday’s game

Jose Mourinho was calling Manuel Pellegrini “Pellegrino” after Sunday’s game and I suppose he will do whatever he thinks is best for him.

If people think he is being disrespectful, he won’t be too bothered. I would not think Pellegrini is too bothered – he is long enough out of the cradle not to take much notice.

Managers sometimes target a rival as a way of getting at the team so they can get into the players’ minds. They have a go at a rival to see how he reacts and what effect that then has on the team.

Maybe that’s what Jose is trying to do with Pellegrini, but he is the only person who could tell you.

I never tried mind games because I didn’t have to, and it didn’t make any difference to me if someone tried it. In 1995 when Blackburn were going for the title, Fergie said something like we would have to do a Devon Loch not to win it. That didn’t bother me and I just said: “Is that a lake in Scotland?”

For me, if someone is trying to be disrespectful and undermine you, that’s good. They are worried about you, so just let them keep talking.

Source: Mirror UK

Ronaldo not the answer for Man United

First things first: United must sort out their backline before splashing the cash on Ronaldo

I don't know how much it would cost Manchester United to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo and various figures are being quoted.

But right now I think United have enough on their plate without having to entertain rumours about Ronaldo coming back.

Getting beaten 5-3 at Leicester after leading 3-1 was a big thing for them and they will be looking at getting answers to why that happened rather than worrying about Ronaldo.

They’ve got Tyler Blackett suspended and Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have injury problems. That’s at least three they could be missing against West Ham and it’s a surprise to me why they didn’t sign a centre-back after losing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the summer.

They were two massive players, yet they have not brought in another centre-back.

Left a gap: Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have not been adequately replaced

They must have been happy with what they had and looked at the squad and thought they had the personnel there to play a three, but it was still a surprise to me that they did not bring in anyone else in addition to Marcos Rojo.

It just seems to be Sod’s law that you pick up injuries and suspensions to leave you short at the back.

Source: Mirror UK 

Ryan Giggs to be the next Manchester United manager

Louis van Gaal has told guests at a Manchester United charity dinner that Ryan Giggs can succeed him as boss at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was present at the event alongside the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Denis Law and Giggs himself and ended the evening by delivering a speech.

A source told the Daily Mail that ‘It was an extremely confident speech and the fans present were lifted by his words. He spoke positively about Giggs, who he described as having all the capabilities to be the club’s next manager and said he is “learning all the time”.’

Giggs filled in as caretaker manager for the last four games of last season, gaining seven points from a possible 12 before Van Gaal arrived in the summer.

The 40-year-old only retired as a player at the end of last season after a record 963 appearances and 34 trophies with United.

Source: Metro UK, images Via  DailyMail UK

Manchester United: Wolfsburg Rodriguez heading to Old Trafford this winter...

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to try and sign Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez in January.

The Red Devils were linked with a move for the Switzerland international during the summer, but the Old Trafford outfit recruited Luke Shaw from Southampton in a £31million deal instead.

Despite the move for Rodriguez falling through, German publication Kicker has claimed that United will revive their interest in the player during the winter transfer window – with Louis van Gaal desperate to bolster his defensive options following a poor start to the season for his new club.

The 22-year-old has two years left to run on his current contract with Wolfsburg, but it is believed that despite the player being happy at the Bundesliga club, Rodriguez could be tempted to join United in the coming months.

Rodriguez impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup in Brazil earlier this summer – with statistics showing that the left-back put in one of the best defensive performances of any player during his nation’s second-round loss to Argentina.

Source: Metro UK

Arsenal stars earning over £300,000 per-week who MUST be sold...

Arsenal’s squad has been trimmed down this summer, but not all the unnecessary fat has been removed.

Some players are still pocketing big salaries and not performing. There a four players I am going to suggest should be sold. All four are in, or approaching, their 30’s and their performances have been particularly poor in recent months.

1) Lukas Podolski

Podolski has hardly had any minutes on the field this season, but when he has you couldn’t tell that he was actually playing. At 29, and being one of the club’s highest earners, Arsenal can no longer afford to pay for Podolski the passenger.

Reported wage: £95,000 per-week

When should he be sold? January

How should he be replaced? Marco Reus would be the perfect replacement.

2) Tomas Rosicky

The Czech international is still a quality player, but as he showed on Tuesday night, he needs to be playing regularly in order to produce his best. He won’t get that regular game time at the Emirates anymore, so it’s best he leaves.

Reported wage: £85,000 per week

When should he be sold? End of the season

How should he be replaced? Rosicky can be replaced internally, as there are several youngsters in his position ready to play more regularly.

3) Mikel Arteta

Arteta is the Arsenal captain and I think he should see out his contract but not be given an extension. His days as a top class player are over, and let’s face it, he was never a defensive midfielder.

Reported wage: £80,000 per week

When should he be sold? End of the season

How should he be replaced? A replacement needs to be bought. Preferably a world class midfielder who can come in and become a first team regular immediately, someone like William Carvalho or Lars Bender.

4) Mathieu Flamini

Flamini is a useful player, but not good enough to be a regular or even second choice for Arsenal. The Gunners need better and Flamini is showing no signs of improvement so it’s best he moves on as soon as possible.

Reported wage: £65,000 per week

When should he be sold? January

How should he be replaced? Arsenal need a couple of defensive midfielders, so perhaps a promising young defensive midfielder like Adrien Rabiot could replace Flamini.

Of course these sales would leave Arsenal extremely short in the defensive midfield area. This could be partly solved by Abou Diaby staying fit, but the Gunners certainly need to add one or two more quality additions to this area of the squad.

I would suggest signing a long-term target like Lars Bender or William Carvalho.

Source: Metro UK

Manchester United fans charter £3000 plane to ‘bring Ronaldo home’

Manchester United fans’ obsession with plane-carried messages has just been cranked up a notch with their latest effort attempting to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back ‘home’ to Old Trafford.

The Real Madrid forward, who left United back in 2009 after six successful years with the club, is rumored to be contemplating a return to Manchester in the summer, and Red Devils fans are ramping up their efforts to seduce the Portuguese back with their latest airborne banner.

A United fans group have splashed out nearly £3,000 for a plane to fly over Real Madrid’s game with Villarreal on Saturday while carrying the message ‘Come home Ronaldo’.

What is it with Man Utd & banners? This 'Come Home Ronaldo' effort will fly over Villarreal v R.Madrid on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/94D8wt99nJ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 24, 2014

The group’s founder, Oli Grandidge, said: ‘We have active supporters on every continent of the world and we are all united by our love for Cristiano both as a football player and as a person.

‘We won’t stop until we bring Ronaldo home.

‘Members from all over the world have donated their own money and resources to fund a mid game message, flown by plane, in a bid to demonstrate to Cristiano Ronaldo how much the United faithful still love and support him.’

United fans have previously flown a banner over Old Trafford in a bid to force David Moyes out of the club.

Source: Metro UK

Fellaini: Louis van Gaal never tried to force me out

Marouane Fellaini has hit back at reports that Louis van Gaal tried to force him out of Manchester United, insisting he was simply told to fight for his place.

The Belgian midfielder was said to be one of a host of names that the new manager wanted out of Old Trafford, but Fellaini – who is battling back from an early season injury – claims that was never the case.

‘I talked to Van Gaal and he has never said that I had to leave,’ he told Sport Wereld.

‘He said I had a lot of competition, but that I will get the chance to prove myself.

‘I have known difficult moments like last season, but you become a stronger player afterwards. I have confidence in myself and in my game again.

‘I played a good World Cup and also during the preparation, I was good. It is unfortunate that this injury has thrown spanner in the works, but at the end of the month I will be back.’

Source: Metro UK

Tottenham Fans Mock United: As only Fools and Horses parody T-Shirts

On sale at Tottenham tonight outside WHL. #mufc #thfc pic.twitter.com/aPXS8WAad6
— Duncan Wright (@dwright75) September 24, 2014

Tottenham’s merchandise vendors have stuck the boot further into Manchester United’s suffering stars by mocking them up as Only Fools and Horses characters on T-Shirts for sale outside White Hart Lane.

Seemingly not content with simply laughing at United’s current plight, some entrepreneurial Spurs fans have tried to cash in by grafting the faces of Louis van Gaal, Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria onto the iconic images of Del Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert from the hit BBC comedy.

Accompanying the ‘Only Fools and Man United’ image is the caption; ‘This time next year, we’ll be champions’ – a reference to the Trotters’ misguided belief that one day they’ll be millionaires.

However, Spurs fans will be hoping the joke doesn’t end up being on them, because as we all know *spoiler alert*, the Trotters do actually go on to make their millions.

Source: Metro UK

Liverpool has no settled formation to accommodate £46m new boys

Last season much praise was offered Brendan Rodgers’ way for his tactical prowess and adaptability, with his Liverpool side using more than half a dozen different formations through the course of the campaign.

The Northern Irishman was often criticised for being too set on his preferred 4-3-3 formation in his opening season, but made huge steps away from this in his second year at Anfield.

This was due mostly as he sought to accommodate Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez together up front, once the latter returned from suspension. Rodgers implemented a back three system in a 3-4-1-2 formation, allowing Suarez and Sturridge to be a more traditional front two and neither being shifted out wide.

It was something Rodgers did with great effect in the latter stages of the season, this time with a 4-1-2-1-2 shape, aka the midfield diamond. It got the best from his two star forwards and also nearly brought the title to Merseyside.

Alas, with Suarez gone, Rodgers sought a new partner for Sturridge this summer, somebody comfortable playing alongside or instead of Sturridge when the Englishman is rested/injured.

That man eventually turned out to be Mario Balotelli, having almost signed Loic Remy – a player more capable of playing wide and offering pace through the middle.

Thus far, Balotelli has looked better alongside Sturridge.

But most of the other new signings from this summer look less comfortable in diamond shaped midfield and are more used to playing within a 4-3-3 shape. Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana in particular.

Indeed, should Rodgers opt for the diamond, and given the form of Raheem Sterling, it’s hard to see where Markovic or Lallana – £46 million of new signings – fit into the side.

Liverpool’s stuttering start to the season has seen them play 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-1-2-1-2, and for part of the defeat at West Ham, 3-5-2. Such frequent changes cannot have helped the new signings fit in at the club.

Speaking after the defeat at West Ham, Rodgers said: ‘The 4-4-2 diamond worked really well but it worked well with certain players and not at the weekend. Until I get all the players back that I know are multifunctional players, I’ll look at the strength of the players we do have fit.’

That hints at the manager using one formation for the forthcoming fixtures. Much of that will depend on when Sturridge is back fit and available.

Source: Metro UK