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