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

UK Back Pages: Manchester City Home In on Barkley, Magath Clarifies Cheese Story

Manchester City are plotting a raid for Everton star Ross Barkley, and Felix Magath has been involved in a bizarre row with some of his former players involving cheese. 

Yes, cheese. 

Magath, formerly of Fulham, was accused by Brede Hangeland of telling players to treat injuries by running cheese on injured areas. 

In The Mirror, Magath fired back and explained the story. They also run a story claiming that Louis van Gaal isn't incredibly fond of Luke Shaw. 

Tuesday's Daily Mirror back page - "Lay off Stevie" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/Ta83DgjJt5
— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) September 22, 2014

The Star report the rumour of Manchester City's interest in snatching Barkley away from Everton. 

Tuesday's Daily Star back page - "City bank on Barkley" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/tkIFbfbgdw
— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) September 22, 2014

Source: Bleacher Report 

Premier League Week 5: Danny Welbeck and Eliaquim Mangala Make a Point

Welcome to the fifth instalment of our Premier League Team of the Week for the 2014-15 season.

Here we analyse every game and pick out a star XI from the weekend's fixtures, choosing the best players to form a viable formation (in this case, a 4-3-3).

Leicester City's remarkable comeback to secure a 5-3 victory over Manchester United is recognised, along with a couple of summer signings who made an impact for their new sides this weekend.

Danny Welbeck opened his Arsenal account against Aston Villa on Saturday, scoring the second of three goals in four minutes as the Gunners romped to a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Welbeck's goal was a straightforward but important one, as he peeled off his man to power home Mesut Ozil's astute low cross. It came moments after Welbeck had been the provider for the German, showcasing how he can link this team together, as well as score goals for it.

Holding the ball up well and exchanging passes with his team-mates, this was an encouraging display from the £16 million striker following his goalless games against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.

Bagging his first Arsenal goal was an important moment for the young Englishman, and it will be interesting to see how he goes on to play in the coming weeks.

Eliaquim Mangala was brilliant on his Premier League debut, ably assisting Vincent Kompany in keeping Diego Costa quiet for almost the entire match.

It was a bold decision from Manuel Pellegrini to throw his summer signing into a game of that magnitude, but Mangala showed it was barely a gamble at all with his calm, assured display. City fans will be excited about Mangala getting even better as he gets a few more games under his belt.

Eliaquim Mangala's Man City debut: 100% aerial duels won 91% pass accuracy 4 tackles won 4 clearances 1 key pass

Source: Bleacher Report

Philippe Coutinho source of Liverpool problems...?

Liverpool's start to the 2014-15 campaign hasn't exactly gone to plan so far, with the Reds suffering early season defeats to Manchester City, Aston Villa and West Ham, while even in victory performances haven't been particularly convincing.

It's a far cry from the swashbuckling, free-scoring displays of the second half of last season, where Philippe Coutinho was a key performer for the Reds from either an attacking midfield position or a deeper, more creative role at the heart of midfield. In the weekend defeat to West Ham, he was not even on the bench.

Not aware of Coutinho having a knock. Looks like he's simply been rested which isn't a great surprise considering his recent struggles.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) September 20, 2014

Coutinho’s not even on the bench. Have to say, given his lack of form and the fact we have a squad now - I’ve no qualms with that. #LFC
— Ray Wilson (@theraywilson) September 20, 2014

Philippe Coutinho rested today with Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana on the bench. Right decision?
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) September 20, 2014

So far this season, Coutinho—like the team as a whole—hasn't managed to hit those heights again and the Reds must look to him to come out of his dip in form to lift the side and ensure results pick up quickly.

Coutinho's importance to the finest parts of Liverpool's season cannot be overstated. He was irrepressible in some of their best performances, including the 5-1 destruction of Arsenal and the home 4-0 derby victory against Everton.

A constant source of chances for himself and others, Coutinho was never shy about getting shots away—even though he was far from the most accurate with his attempts. Some 94 shots in total was an average of 2.8 per game, a total which only a dozen close-to-elite forwards in the top flight managed to better, plus midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who only spent half of last season in England.

Similarly, he racked up close to an average of two key passes per game, inside the top dozen of the league with his 64 chances laid on for others. In total it yielded seven assists alongside his five goals, but his build-up play involvement cannot always be seen in these end-product statistics.

 A slide-rule pass down the channels for another player to provide the cross for a clear chance on goal, for example, was a common theme in Coutinho's play when operating from a deeper No. 8 role in Liverpool's three-man midfield. 

Start of 2014-15

So far, the Brazilian hasn't managed to find his feet in the new season.

In part it could be down to a lowered amount of movement in front of him—no Luis Suarez, an injured Daniel Sturridge—meaning less outlets of the unpredictable nature which he was so frequently able to find last year, but it's also visible in his own game.

Running into players, poor timing or execution of passes and the same wayward shooting has meant Coutinho's final-third contribution has been well below par so far this term.

Again, it's a common theme which is visible in the other attackers compared to February-May last season, but Coutinho as the middle link player was a valuable spoke of the wheel who could turn quick transitions into dangerous attacks.

What's Needed?

Per his comments on ITV.com, manager Brendan Rodgers has no worries about his playmaker.

He's a brilliant young player, a fantastic young player, I had planned to leave him out of the game against Aston Villa because he'd had a lot of travelling in the international week, and if we didn't have so many injuries he would have been given a rest on the side and then played in the Champions League game. We couldn't afford to do that. We had to play him, but it was great for him and his experience getting back into the Brazilian squad.

I've got no qualms about him; he's a big, big talent. He has lit up the Premier League since he came to the club. He's going to have some games where he won't be at his best, but he always gives his best and that's all I ever ask of the players. The kid is a great boy who wants to do well. He's very conscious that I have absolutely no doubts about him.

Coutinho is at his best when running into space to attack, from deeper areas of the pitch to either draw defenders out—thus creating space for others to exploit—or else, if they refuse to do that, making use of the time on the ball to pick a telling through-ball.

So far, Liverpool haven't really controlled games enough or, critically, shown anywhere near enough movement in attack other than the Tottenham match to make use of Coutinho's best traits. It's a two-way street though; when he's on form and on the ball, he increases the tempo of Liverpool's play and encourages forwards to make off-the-ball runs into space, in the knowledge that he can find them in or around the penalty area.

In theory, the Middlesbrough match in the League Cup should be a game to see Coutinho afforded more space against lower-league opposition, but Boro have been impressive of late and, as always in potentially giant-killing fixtures, will no doubt work twice as hard to close Liverpool down and repress the offensive threat.

The Reds' No. 10 will have to work extremely hard to create his own space—and will need the front players to offer themselves better to help him rediscover his touch and execution in the final third. With the Merseyside derby on the horizon, Liverpool need all their key players firing quickly to get their league campaign back on track before a couple of defeats become far more costly.

Coutinho back in form can be key to the creation of up to two or three more clear chances a game for the team and, while the defence remains something of a mess, getting that danger factor back in the attack is critical to hopes of success for the current season.

Source: Bleacher Report

Liverpool poised to make City's Joe Hart move...

Liverpool have emerged as potential suitors for goalkeeper Joe Hart with the England international reportedly fearing for his Manchester City future after revealing that the club have not spoken to him about a new deal.

As an important player with under two years left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium outfit, Hart would have expected to have entered into contract negotiations by now, and is worried about the reasons behind the lack of activity, according to the Daily Mail.

The 27-year-old has conceded that he has heard nothing about a new contract, and is unaware of what the club’s intentions are.

‘Anything about a new contract is news to me,’ Hart said.

‘I’ve heard nothing. I’ve got a year, nearly two years, left on my deal. That is all I am aware of.’

There wouldn’t be a shortage of suitors should Hart become sufficiently unsettled at City, and interest from Liverpool would certainly make sense after some unconvincing performances from Simon Mignolet have already seen the Reds pursue a back-up goalkeeper in the form of Victor Valdes.

Source: Metro UK

Phil Neville: ‘I wouldn’t swap Chris Smalling for Thomas Vermaelen

Phil Neville has issued Manchester United’s under-fire defence with a vote of confidence, and insists he wouldn’t swap Chris Smalling for former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen.

The Red Devils were criticised over the summer for neglecting their seemingly brittle defence, and fans’ concerns have proved just as Louis van Gaal’s side have shipped goals since the start of the season.

However, former United defender and coach Neville, insists there were no legitimate candidates to come in to strengthen Van Gaal’s backline, and scoffed at the mooted idea of a swap between under-fire centre-back Smalling and former Gunners skipper Vermaelen, who was eventually sold to Barcelona.

‘I wouldn’t swap Chris Smalling for Thomas Vermaelen,’ Neville defiantly told BBC radio.

‘You’re talking about Arsenal’s third choice centre-back who couldn’t get in a side which were leaking goals in the big games, and you’ve got England’s best young centre-back – along with Phil Jones – and you don’t get rid of your English spine.

‘I am certain he’ll come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well.’

Source: Metro UK

Why Southampton will never beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium

Southampton play Arsenal in the Capital One Cup on the back of a fine win at Swansea that has pushed the Saints into second in the league – so we can now feel confident of a win at the Emirates.

Usually an away trip to Arsenal is a game that I would put down as one where anything better than defeat would be a bonus. But there are a few good reasons to suggest that we should be a little more expectant this time around.

For one thing, we are flying under Ronald Koeman’s stewardship. The Dutchman has come in and continued to play the excellent style of football that we are used to. But so far this season we are a more ruthless side and the results are reflecting that. The emphatic 4-0 win over Newcastle and the manner of our late victory at Swansea would point to a side that has a winning mentality, and to a side that doesn’t let the opposition off the hook.

This certainly wasn’t the case under Mauricio Pochettino, where we often failed to turn our dominance of matches into points. It seems as if Tottenham fans are already experiencing this trait, as indicated by their slow start.

Another contrast to the Argentinian’s reign is the way in which we have treated this cup competition. Last season we didn’t take the cups too seriously, despite the safety of our league position and the chance of a trophy to go in the cabinet.

This is something that has definitely changed under Koeman. Even in our second-round tie at Millwall, only three changes were made from the side that played against West Brom the weekend before. This was a real statement of intent, and was reflected in a comfortable 2-0 win.

In contrast, it seems likely that Arsene Wenger will give a number of his fringe players a run-out against Saints. After winning the FA Cup last year, I don’t think that this competition will be that important to the Gunners as their trophy drought has ended.

It’s not like Wenger took the Capital One Cup that seriously anyway, even in the years when Arsenal were desperate for any silverware. So I’m hopeful that our strongest side will be good enough to take the game to Arsenal’s second-string.

That will still be a very difficult ask, with the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Lukas Podolski being top-class players and ex-Saint Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain an incredible talent.

But with the Arsenal players not having had a great deal of game time so far, I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to take advantage of this and progress to the fourth round.

It’s not going to be easy, but with Saints having had a brilliant start and Arsenal’s stars likely to be missing, I really do feel that this is as good an opportunity as we’ll ever get to win at the Emirates. If we can, then a run to Wembley could be in the offing…

Source: Metro UK

Alex Ferguson: Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey is 'the one that got away' for United

Lost love: Aaron Ramsey joined Arsenal for £5million in 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Aaron Ramsey and dubbed the Wales and Arsenal ace as the “one that got away”.

The former Manchester United boss spent last week at the FIFA World Cup 2014 debrief among the world’s best coaches.

Ferguson had time to speak with Wales boss Chris Coleman and assistant Osian Roberts and enquired about the development of Ramsey, who he almost signed from Cardiff in 2008.

Roberts said: “He had a strong interest in how Aaron is doing because he was very close to signing him.

"He probably looks at it now as one that he lost out on and got away from him.

"It was really nice that he spoke about Aaron.”

Coleman and Roberts, who turn their attention to Wales’ crunch Euro 2016 qualifying double-header against Bosnia and Cyprus next month, also tapped into Ferguson’s wealth of managerial knowledge and expertise.

Source: Mirror UK

Arsene Wenger: Danny Welbeck Arsenal's new Thierry Henry...

Va va voom: Welbeck can be the new Henry for Arsenal, reckons Wenger

Arsene Wenger aims to transform Danny Welbeck into a deadly marksman like Thierry Henry after training his new striker to “kill” opponents.

The Arsenal boss has told Welbeck to look to Henry for inspiration, after the club legend joined as a winger in 1999 then scored a record 228 goals from up front.

Welbeck opened his account for Arsenal at Aston Villa on his third start after a £16million deadline day switch from Manchester United.

He was sold by United boss Louis van Gaal, who bemoaned he does not score enough.

But Wenger insists Welbeck is a good finisher and reckons he just needs a goal-scoring instinct after being played out wide.

Wenger is now training Welbeck to “kill” opponents and conquer his nerves in front of goal.

“Thierry is a good act to follow,” said Wenger.

Legend: Thierry Henry scored a record 228 goals for Arsenal

“I think Danny has an interesting potential and let’s see how he develops.

“He has a good mentality, good physical potential, technical potential, he contributes to our team play because he doesn’t lose the ball up front and those are important qualities.

“He rushed a bit his finishing until now because he didn’t score.

“It is more a nervous problem maybe because in training he scores goals like a real striker.

“He is a good finisher.

"I think as well he has played at Manchester United in the position wide the last two or three years, never through the middle.

“Then you lose a little bit that instinct to score.

“And you lose that pressure which is animalistic – you need to always be in the middle and wait for your chance to kill the opponent.

“On the flank you have less of that responsibility. He did a different job up and down.

“When you play on the flank you have to cross the ball for someone to score.

“When you play in the middle someone has to cross the ball for you to score. It is a different job.

“But when you play in different positions you learn always.”

Arsenal blitzed Villa with all three goals in 192 seconds in a devastating first-half spell which stunned the hosts who had started the better.

Welbeck was pivotal as he fed Mesut Ozil for the opener before the German – who excelled in his preferred central midfield role – returned the favour for the striker to pounce from close range.

Then Villa defender Aly Cissokho turned a Kieran Gibbs shot into his own net as the Midlanders’ unbeaten league start was ended.

Now Wenger is hoping Welbeck can continue his promising form in front of goal.

Asked if he wanted Welbeck to be more selfish, Wenger added: “Selfish is a word I don’t like, it is just to get that instinct.

“The fact he can provide and can score like against Villa for me is very important.”

Welbeck had come in for criticism after failing to score against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in his first two Arsenal games.

He said: “I’m glad to get the goal, but if you look at all strikers they miss chances. That’s not just me who is going to miss a chance.

“The most important thing is to get over it and move on to the next opportunity.

“When I signed I was away on international duty.

“I’ve not really had much time to get together with the boys and have many training sessions because there’s obviously been recovery days and all sorts of different things.

“Once I carry on training much more and get into the matches I will develop a much better understanding with the players.”

Source: Mirror UK