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

Mourinho believe that the Premier League title will be theirs

Still special: Mourinho has made Chelsea believe the title is theirs

Jose Mourinho has made his Chelsea side think their name is on the title, the Blues revealed today.

Mourinho's men are unbeaten after six games in all competition and four clear of their major rivals despite Frank Lampard's late equaliser for Manchester City on Sunday.

Chelsea, who won the League Cup twice in Mourinho's first spell, kick off their bid to land the season's first trophy against Bolton tomorrow.

But the real targets for the Stamford Bridge side are far greater than the Capital One Cup.

And assistant boss Steve Holland admitted Mourinho has made his men confident of a glory-strewn season.

"Last year we hoped we'd win the title," said Holland. "This year we believe.

"Jose has always pushed to the maximum, every day of his life and I can't remember going into any game where he hasn't believed we were capable of getting a result.

"But this year there is a greater belief than last year. We feel the squad we've got, the depth and balance in the squad, means we're better in all areas.

"Over the last few seasons, City have been the team to beat, so powerful. In the year before Jose came back, we played them five times, including two games in the USA, and didn't win any of them.

"Since then, we've beaten them twice and were within five minutes of doing so again.

"Physically, mentally and tactically the team has progressed. We feel we're ready."

Celebrate with us: Chelsea players after Andre Schurrle's opener

HOLT: Mourinho can smile after Etihad draw

Mourinho is set to rotate his squad, with potential first starts of the season for Petr Cech, French defender Kurt Zouma, John Obi Mikel, Mohamed Salah and Loic Remy.

But Holland dismissed the gripes from City boss Manuel Pellegrini over his side's Etihad attitude, pointing to his own killer stats.

"In the Premier League we've scored 16 goals in five matches," he added. "Without being petty, Manchester City have scored eight in five.

"Jose has always been very clever tactically against the bigger clubs. Last year proved that. I'm sure he'll continue down that line.

"I don't think there's any need to respond beyond that. We'll just continue with our work and try to win as many football matches as possible."

Source: Mirror UK

Milner hints at leaving if City don't play him enough

James Milner has reiterated he will only commit his future to Manchester City if he is getting enough game time.

Champions City are keen to agree a new contract with Milner after tying down most of their big names over the summer and have begun talks with the England midfielder.

Milner is in no rush to sign, as we reported back in pre-season, even though he has entered the final 12 months of the five-year deal he agreed when he joined from Aston Villa in 2010.

He wants to retain the option of leaving on a Bosman next summer if he is not starting more big games for the champions.

“I have a year left and have spoken to the club,” he said. “I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City, but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football. Hopefully I can play enough games and will be here for the long term.

“You want to win trophies and I’ve been fortunate enough to do that. I want to do that and ideally play in enough games.

“It’s an amazing club to be at - I’ve won trophies, the club has great fans and I’m playing with some of the best players in the world. If you get that game time as well, it’s perfect.

“When you’re getting the game time, it’s amazing, but when you are not playing, it is frustrating because you want to contribute. We’ve had talks, but I want to see how it goes. Hopefully I will play enough games and can be at City for the long term.”

Milner seized his chance against Chelsea on Sunday, setting up City's late equaliser in the 1-1 draw and being voted the champions' man of the match.

He could feature again on Wednesday night as City begin their defence of the Capital One Cup at home to Championship high flyers Sheffield Wednesday.

Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini has told his players not to underestimate their opponents after losing to second-tier Wigan in the FA Cup last season.

“For any Premier League team, all other teams live in the moment,” said the City manager. “If you do not play with 100 per cent intensity, you’re not going to win.”

Source: Mirror UK

Van Gaal's Man Utd Side Is Still Better Than Moyes

With an hour played against Leicester City, Manchester United had turned the corner so emphatically that some were already plotting the path straight to the Premier League title.

Having disposed of QPR with a comprehensive 4-0 win the week before, Louis van Gaal’s side had taken a commanding 3-1 lead at the King Power Stadium following Ander Herrera’s clever backheel finish.

What happened next seemed beyond all realms of possibility. Leicester scored four times in just 21 minutes to complete a quite astonishing comeback. Having turned the corner Man Utd proceeded to trip themselves up.

Some chose to draw a comparison with Van Gaal’s predecessor, David Moyes, who must have watched Manchester United’s capitulation at Leicester in smug satisfaction.

At the same stage last season, after five Premier League games, Moyes’ side had taken seven points following games against Swansea, Chelsea, Liverpool and Crystal Palace. Van Gaal’s start of five points from fixtures against Swansea, Sunderland, QPR and Leicester pales in comparison.

But regardless of such a comparison, Van Gaal’s Man Utd side is still better than Moyes’ ever was, even if the 5-3 defeat to Leicester makes it somewhat difficult to see so.

At no point during Moyes’ ill-fated tenure at Old Trafford did he communicate a vision or identity to either the players or the club’s fans. There may have been more organization to his side, but it was stagnant and unimaginative. There was no sign of where United were heading under Moyes. 

At least in the two games since the transfer window closed—against QPR and Leicester—United have shown some sort of personality under Van Gaal. The fast and furious attack that made so many of Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides so potent has been restored. There was more for United fans to be positive about in the 150 minutes played against QPR and Leicester than at any stage last season.

Source: Bleacher Report

UK Back Pages: Real Madrid Target Raheem Sterling

After a wild night of League Cup action, transfer rumours and Manchester United still dominate Wednesday's back pages. 

While Liverpool advanced in an epic 15-round shootout over Middlesbrough, one of their brightest young stars is apparently being targeted by Spanish giants Real Madrid. 

The Mirror report a rumour that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes to make Raheem Sterling his next signing with a sensational swoop for the winger. 

MIRROR SPORT: They're MAD for Sterling #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/a4SbkFOXFw
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 23, 2014

The Sun report an "exclusive" that Louis van Gaal wants to move midfielder Michael Carrick to defence in a desperate measure to solve United's woes in the back. 

SUN SPORT EXCLUSIVE: Carrick SOS #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/D54AwpU5mw
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 23, 2014

The Mail run the same Carrick story along with Arsenal's crash out of the League Cup at the hands of Southampton. 

MAIL SPORT: Gonners #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/BAPOYGQif9
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 23, 2014

Source: Bleacher Report

WATCH: Fernando Torres score a stunning header in AC Milan debut

Fernando Torres has seemingly found his form in Italy after the striker scored an impressive header on his first start for new side AC Milan on Tuesday.

Torres completed a two-year loan move to the Serie A outfit from Chelsea in late August – taking a significant pay cut in the process – after failing to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.

Despite not being able to justify why The Blues broke the British transfer record fee to sign him from Liverpool for £50million in 2011, Torres has now demonstrated that he has still got the skills after netting a superb goal in Milan’s 2-2 draw against Empoli.

Watch the Spaniard’s classy 43rd-minute goal below.

Source: Metro UK

Find out who has blown the easiest start on paper, and who is defying the odds...

Manchester United are officially the most under performing team in the Premier League, with a ‘bookies table’ showing the Red Devils should be top given their ‘easy’ start to the season.

Louis van Gaal’s side have registered just one win and two draws from their opening five games against Swansea, Burnley, Sunderland, QPR and Leicester – the most favourable start out of all 20 Premier League sides, according to bookmakers.

Simon Gleave, head of analysis at Infostrada Sports, has calculated what the table should look like based on the odds for each fixture, and it makes damning reading for United fans, who currently see their side lingering in 12th.

The 12-place difference between forecasts and reality is the biggest margin in the league, with Newcastle the second biggest let-downs sitting bottom of the table when odds show they should be tenth.

Chelsea have fully capitalised on their kind start – topping the table when they should be second – while Arsenal, Southampton, Swansea, West Ham and Aston Villa are also deemed to be overachieving.

However, the biggest surprise story is Leicester City, who were tipped to be rock bottom of the pile after opening fixtures against Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, Stoke and Manchester United, only to find themselves flying high in seventh after collecting an impressive eight points.

Twitter Reacts: Pablo Zabaleta's Red Card vs. Chelsea

Updates from Monday, Sept. 22

Pablo Zabaleta apologised for his red card following Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, but then declared his belief that Diego Costa should also have been dismissed.

Zabaleta tweeted:

I would like to apologise to everyone for my red card today.
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) September 21, 2014

However after seeing this image I can't believe that Diego Costa remained on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/WwjyG9CXzx
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) September 21, 2014

Original Text

Manchester City and Chelsea were locked in a battle at the Etihad during Sunday's Premier League action, and the hosts' bid to end the Blues' undefeated start became a little harder when defender Pablo Zabaleta saw a red card for a second bookable offence midway through the second half.

The Argentine full-back received his marching orders for a poor challenge on Chelsea's Diego Costa, a lapse of judgment as he should have known he was already carrying a yellow for a foul on Eden Hazard.

Football Cliches was not impressed by the standard of the match, and it felt Zabaleta's dismissal was right in line:

Jesus. Even the red cards are boring.
— Football Clichés (@FootballCliches) September 21, 2014

Chelsea's Twitter feed also wasn't particularly enthusiastic:

Zabaleta is sent off for a second booking. #CFCLive
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) September 21, 2014

As shared by WhoScored.com, the Argentina international hadn't been sent off in over three years:

Pablo Zabaleta: Has received his first red card in the Premier League since being sent off against Arsenal (January 2011) #mcfc
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 21, 2014

Bleacher Report's Christopher Atkins agreed with the decision:

Was always going to be a red card in this the way Mike Dean has carried on. However, Zab's second yellow was probably fair enough.
— Christopher Atkins (@ChrisAtkins_) September 21, 2014

Manchester Evening News' Stuart Brennan thought the decision was a little harsh:

Strictly speaking, it had to be another yellow for Zabaleta, but Dean has thrown too many cards around and is in danger of spoiling the game
— Stuart Brennan (@StuBrennanMEN) September 21, 2014

ESPN FC's Michael Cox saw captain Vincent Kompany try to change Mike Dean's mind, and he could only guess what the Belgian was saying:

Kompany probably sticking up for Zabaleta by saying "Come on, I do that all the time and never get punished"
— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) September 21, 2014

As is so often the case in football, Chelsea immediately took advantage, as substitute Andre Schurrle opened the score just minutes later. Per OutsideoftheBoot.com, Zabaleta's presence could have made the difference:

Zabaleta would have been in that area to prevent Schurrle from scoring.
— OutsideoftheBoot.com (@OOTB_football) September 21, 2014

The Sports Bible's Liam predicted such an exact scenario:

Pablo Zabaleta is sent off, turning point in this tight game? Going to be a great last 25 minutes that's for sure.
— Liam (@OffsideLiam) September 21, 2014

Manchester City were winless in three consecutive matches coming into this match, including a midweek 1-0 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich. Losing against Chelsea would put them in an early hole in the Premier League race, a far cry from last year's dominant campaign.    

Bacary Sagna is a natural replacement for Zabaleta at right-back, however, so a suspension for the Argentine shouldn't give the Citizens too many problems.

Source: Bleacher Report

 

5 Things Adnan Januzaj Must Do to Improve in 2014/15

Arriving on the scene at the beginning of the 2013/14 season, Adnan Januzaj made an immediate impact, scoring important goals and showcasing his supreme technical skills for Manchester United. 

More than a year later, Januzaj is still regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects the Premier League has to offer. But at the age of 19, there is still a lot of room to improve. 

Above everything, it must not be forgotten that Januzaj is extremely young, and that his time hasn't come yet. In the future, however, the Belgian-born attacker has every chance of becoming one of the world's greats.

Here, we take a look at five things Januzaj can do to improve in the 2014/15 season.

Play Regularly

One thing Januzaj will need to become a better player is playing time. 

This is, of course, a double edged sword. On the one hand, it's difficult for manager Louis van Gaal to put his faith in a 19 year old. On the other hand, he will want his pupil to improve. 

The case of Januzaj is extra complicated because he's simply too good to be loaned out to a smaller club. 

In that regard, it's a shame Manchester United are not doing too well at the moment. It's always easier to give young players game time when matches are being won.

Once results start improving at United, expect Van Gaal to slowly but surely give Januzaj a bit more playing time than he is getting at the moment. 

Settle on a Position (for Now)

Januzaj is a relatively versatile player, and in most cases that's a good thing. But for young players, who need regular playing time to become better, it can also be a burden.

The Belgian can play as a winger or as a more central, attacking midfielder. At the moment, Manchester United seem to be playing without true wingmen, so a central position would make sense. 

The position of No. 10, however, seems to Juan Mata's and Wayne Rooney's territory. 

Should Van Gaal perhaps try to use Januzaj behind the No. 10, in a position similar to Angel Di Maria's?

Hit the Gym

Januzaj is a technical, dexterous and nimble player. But like many young players with similar skills, he's also a bit of a light-weight. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was much scrawnier during his early years at Manchester United, developed into the world-class player he is today partly because he made sure his physique matched the requirements of modern-day football. 

The same thing could be said about Gareth Bale, who apparently took Ronaldo's example at Real Madrid. 

To reach the levels of Ronaldo and Bale, then, Januzaj must make sure to develop his muscles as well as his footballing skills.

Listen to the Boss 

Although Manchester United are struggling and he's not getting much playing time at the moment, Januzaj can count himself very lucky Louis van Gaal is his manager. 

At his previous clubs, like Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Dutch boss has always given youngsters opportunities to develop and flourish. 

At Ajax, Van Gaal even won the Champions League with a team consisting largely of recent youth academy graduates.

With Van Gaal as his boss, Januzaj will get his chances.

Remain Disciplined

When brought on as a sub, Januzaj will understandably want to make an impact, and ideally, he would like to score goals—winning goals if possible.

How else can he impress the boss and earn himself a place in the starting XI?

But the Belgian must make sure his ambition doesn't get the best of him. Above all, he must not run around like a headless chicken, desperately searching for ways to change the game. 

Composure is needed to become a mature player, especially in a team managed by Van Gaal, who likes his players to be tactically disciplined.

To improve this season, Januzaj must remain humble and perform his tasks when he gets the chance. Only in the future must he concern himself with dominating the scoresheet.

Source: Bleacher Report

Manchester United: Biggest spenders in Europe and they didn’t buy a defender...?

Louis van Gaal's substitution of Angel Di Maria during Manchester United's 5-3 defeat to Leicester reportedly created a backlash of fury in the Red Devils dressing room.

Neil Ashton and Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reported a "fiery" exchange between Van Gaal and his players, who launched an "inquest" into why the Argentinian was pulled from the game after just 76 minutes. One unnamed United player was also said to have sworn at the manager, as noted by the aforementioned publication's (NSFW) tweet:

RECAP: Man United players demand to know 'why the f***' Van Gaal took off Di Maria http://t.co/4IWgRGx2uk pic.twitter.com/7XmR5brQKF
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) September 23, 2014

Television presenter Eamonn Holmes suggested Van Gaal also had plenty to say after the match:

Walked past The United dressing room post match ....let's just say I wouldn't have liked to have been on the receiving end of LVG ! V Loud.
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) September 21, 2014

Di Maria scored a stunning chip and provided an assist before being removed from the game. At that stage the score was poised at 3-3 with United reeling after a Leicester fightback, and they went on to lose 5-3 without their talisman, leaving the visitors on just five points from as many games this season.

Although other elite sides including Liverpool and Manchester City have struggled for points, both have faced opposition who can expect to at least challenge for a top-four place at the end of the campaign.

United have stuttered through an easy run on paper and have a difficult couple of months approaching. Everton, City, Chelsea and Arsenal will all take on LvG's men before the end of November, meaning United's hopes of making the Champions League could be over by Christmas.

Di Maria has played just three games for his new team, but he is already a key player. The former Real Madrid star's pace, dribbling skill and expert delivery has significantly aided United's attacking play and upped the team's tempo when moving forward. He is starting deep and thrusting possession up the pitch, linking well with Wayne Rooney when doing so.

Van Gaal's lack of defensive options continue to undermine the squad's attacking prowess, as the manager's inability to land a world-class centre-back has left the team exposed.

Marcos Rojo's performance against the Foxes was worrying due to his unwillingness to take defensive responsibility. He allowed Leicester to target youngster Tyler Blackett, who was forced into making a couple of last-ditched tackles before eventually seeing red for mistiming one in the box.

Jonny Evans left the match on crutches, per United's website, adding to Phil Jones' recent injury lay-off and Blackett's suspension. Chris Smalling returned from injury as Evans' replacement against Nigel Pearson's men and will most likely be asked to forge an emergency central partnership with Rojo, allowing Luke Shaw to enter the side at left-back.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, reported via Alex Harris of the Daily Star, criticised Van Gaal for his decision not to invest at the back:

The bigger picture at United is that they’re the biggest spenders in Europe and they didn’t buy a defender. They weren’t shocked that (Rio) Ferdinand was going but they let him go, (Nemanja) Vidic announced (he was leaving) in January.They’re the biggest spenders – how have they not addressed that?

[...] To spend that much money and not bring in a top class defender - that’s mismanagement.

Ashton and Jones' report indicates the United squad feel mismanagement is also happening on match day, with Di Maria the unfortunate victim of Van Gaal's willingness to switch things up. It will be extremely interesting to see if the record signing is sacrificed early during Saturday's fixture with West Ham, or whether he completes his first 90 minutes at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal has already proven he is willing to make major changes if needed—highlighted by his alteration from 3-5-2 to a transitional 4-1-2-1-2 formation—but he needs to quickly find and stick with a winning formula. The experienced boss has undermined his attacking signings by failing to address obvious needs at the back and will struggle until he can bring in new targets when the January transfer window arrives.

If United's shortcomings continue to show themselves until then, any expletives launched his way are likely to come from a frustrated crowd, let alone the dressing room.

Source: Bleacher Report