Manchester City have been eliminated from the Europa League in dramatic fashion, after they beat Sporting Lisbon 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night but lost the tie on away goals.
In a sluggish first-half display by the hosts, Matias Fernandez put the visitors into the lead and doubled City’s task at hand, before Ricky van Wolfswinkel made it 2-0 on the night to the Portuguese team at the interval.
City fought back valiantly in the second period and ended up winning the match, as a Sergio Aguero brace and a Mario Balotelli strike put them within touching distance of the tournament’s quarter-finals; however a winning goal could not be found.
Roberto Mancini admitted after the game that he was frustrated with Balotelli for conceding a free-kick that led to Sporting’s opener, but shouldered the blame personally for the defeat.
“I was disappointed with him because he conceded the free-kick,” the Italian told ESPN.
“It is not his fault that we lost this game. I am the manager and it is my fault, not Mario’s fault. The players did everything on the pitch.
“The first half was very strange. We left a lot of space for them to counter attack. We didn’t play as a team in the first half.
“We didn’t do a good job in the first half, we conceded two goals. The second half changed everything, we scored three goals and had chances to score a fourth goal.
“I am disappointed because there were mistakes. I feel sorry for our supporters because they deserved to go to the next stage,” he confessed.
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City will need to bounce back quickly, as they take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday night.
Whilst Alan Pardew has received great praise for his signings since he’s been at Newcastle, Yohan Cabaye has been somewhat overlooked, mainly down to the fantastic performances of his fellow arrivals. Despite being on the pitch for just under an hour against Stoke on Saturday, Cabaye helped to win the game for the Toon.
He headed home a rebound for his first after Papiss Demba Cissé’s effort hit the bar. The Frenchman then slid the Senegalese striker through on goal and as expected, Cissé scored before Cabaye then sealed the game. With the ball rattling around on the edge of the box, the midfielder calmly curled the ball low past Asmir Begovic to secure a victory putting Newcastle into the top four. So a top performance from the former Lille star who’s used to competing at the top of the table having won Le Championnat last season.
Goal of the Weekend
Junior Hoilett definitely has an eye for the spectacular as he’s shown with some of the goals he’s scored this season. His latest strike was another long range effort but arguably his most spectacular of the campaign. Cutting inside on the left hand side, Hoilett unleashed a superb curling effort from 30 yards which flew into the top right corner of John Ruddy’s goal.
What’s more, it effectively sealed the victory for Blackburn who turned in a very assured performance on Saturday afternoon. Junior Hoilett will probably not be at Ewood Park next season due to his contract expiring this summer but if he continues to turn in good performances, Hoilett can help to ensure Blackburn’s survival too.
Game of the Weekend
Goals don’t necessarily mean quality in a game but Sunday’s encounter between Manchester United and Everton certainly provided plenty entertainment. There was some fantastic finishing but this was combined with limp defending at times. Not many could have foreseen United letting a two-goal lead slip either even with Everton expected to test the Red Devils.
David Moyes side should take credit for their fantastic attitude and performance at Old Trafford. Nikica Jelavic in particular looks another fantastic signing by Moyes. He joins the likes of Papiss Demba Cissé, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Gylfi Sigurdsson as another great January import. As for Manchester United, they now face a very tricky derby game at neighbours Manchester City who will be buoyant ahead of next Monday’s game.
Quote of the Weekend
There’s usually only one winner when playing mind games with Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Roberto Mancini seems up for the fight judging by one comment he made after his side’s win against Wolves.
“After the derby, they [Manchester United] have two easy games.”
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The point Mancini was trying to make is that City have to face Newcastle after playing Manchester United; undoubtedly a very hard game. However, perhaps Mancini is forgetting his side’s results against Swansea and Sunderland, the two easy games supposedly. City lost to Swansea just over a month ago whilst Sunderland will be the only team this season that Manchester City have failed to beat after the Black Cats took four points off Mancini’s men.
Was the Italian being completely serious? No, he was being quite clever, as this could pep up Swansea and Sunderland for those games. Mancini’s mind games are much more subtle than those of say, Rafa “That’s a fact” Benitez and Kevin “I would love it if we beat them” Keegan. Whether he will emerge victorious might become clearer next weekend – either way next Monday’s game at the Etihad is an exciting prospect.
For more musings and frippery on the Premier League, follow @archiert1 on Twitter
A famed advocate of youth, Arsene Wenger has again thrust many merely 20-somethings and younger into his first team reckoning this term, amidst an expectant campaign whereby the club has battled on four trophy fronts. The inevitable moral of the story that Arsenal remain trophy less despite giving the next batch a money-can’t-buy blooding of experience, has frustratingly left fans disappointed, yet hopeful with the tired old adversary of ‘give us time and we’ll be a force’ again reaching prevalence.
In Jack Wilshere’s absence, we have only been able to cast an eye over young outfield first team regulars Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey who have been permanent fixtures in the side when fit this term. Both are undoubtedly capable of accomplished displays but perhaps their age has diminished their levels of performance in terms of consistency. Gibbs; regarded by many as the natural heir to Ashley Cole is a raiding full back, comfortable in possession and adept at tackling when needs be. However, the full back hasn’t managed to force his way back into the England reckoning as he did this time last year, partly because of injury but it could be argued the defender has had a far less eye-catching campaign than Spurs full back Kyle Walker for example.
Ramsey is undoubtedly an astute passer who always wants the ball and possesses good leadership traits, as demonstrated by his rise to becoming Wales captain. Nevertheless, you just gain the essence that the candle is burning out on his 2011/12 campaign. Having struggled to build upon his early season form, Ramsey just might be the latest Gunners youngster to suffer so-called ‘burnout’ with the renaissance of Tomas Rosicky costing the Welshman his seemingly nailed on first team berth in recent times.
Whilst these youngsters who have been groomed for a couple of seasons now have improved again, perhaps the rise and development of the man behind them has been above all, the most impressive. Wojciech Szczesny is now forging a reputation as one of the best stoppers in the league and is only sampling his first full Premier League season in between the sticks. Having reached prevalence in the second half of the 2010/11 season, Szczesny truly gives Arsenal fans substantial reason to believe he’s the next best thing since David Seaman with his confidence, shot stopping abilities and sound reflexes; something Arsene Wenger has found all in too short supply in back up brigade Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone after numerous chances spurned in the first team.
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In an attacking sense, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain too has only built on his reputation as an even younger talent this time last year. Impressing as a fearless, direct and tricky customer on either flank, the 18-year-old is showing all the signs that he can have a long and prosperous career at the Emirates as well as at full international level for England. Quickly becoming a fan favourite, Chamberlain has even put pressure on Theo Walcott who’s being in and out form is the bane of Arsenal fans’ frustrations, with the sublime to the ridiculous displays setting the ever-inconsistent tone.
So in Gibbs, Ramsey, Szczesny and Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Gunners possess improving personnel but unfortunately their rise is being overshadowed by a continued struggle for silverware in expectant surroundings. Elsewhere, the 2011/12 campaign has seen young fringe talents Carl Jenkinson, Francis Coquelin, Ignasi Miquel and Nico Yennaris also make their mark in the first team.
Jenkinson is unluckily in debt for that poor, infamous performance at right back in the 8-2 humbling at Old Trafford, but it must be remembered that the 20-year-old was playing as low down the football ladder at Welling United as recently as in 2010. Adept at heading using his 6ft 1in frame and capable of raiding up the flanks, there is more than time on his side for Jenkinson despite some shaky first glimpses at the top flight level. He could have never imagined he’d be playing at Manchester United or rubbing shoulders with stars of Europe in the Champions League so soon.
Miquel is similar to Jenkinson in that he is tall and has also struggled when thrust into action because of injury. One of the more technically ungifted pros and gangly in possession, Miquel’s least flattering hour was at Swansea whereby Nathan Dyer gave him an afternoon to forget at full back, but the reserve team captain’s natural position is understandably at centre back. Coquelin and Yennaris have also won plaudits for their bravery and not being phased by their involvement in big games this term but they seem next in line to truly get a consistent taste of life in the Arsenal first team.
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Perhaps Wenger’s best chance to turn some of his younger talents into real stars lies in the form of two players currently in the treatment room. Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong have already made their mark in the first team, but their injury setbacks have got onlookers questioning their long-term staying power. Everyone knows about Wilshere’s talents and he has outshone everyone in reaching Premier League stardom so quickly; arguably the most coveted since Wayne Rooney. Frimpong is very un-Arsenal like in the sense he is a tough tackler, but if Wenger manages to groom his temperament, the Gunners have a natural, committed and competitive successor in the Alex Song role. He just might need to get them both off Twitter too with the pair more active than most in society’s latest social obsession.
Arsenal’s youngsters have potential but which ones can Arsene Wenger truly turn into all-time greats? Can he turn them all into stars? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric has dropped a hint that he will consider his future after participating in Euro 2012, which may well mean a move away from White Hart Lane.
The Croatia international is highly-rated and reportedly on the summer wishlists of Chelsea and both Manchester clubs.
The north London side want to hold onto their best players, and resisted interest and huge transfer bids from the Blues last summer; however another transfer window of speculation could be ahead.
Modric’s latest comments will have done nothing to convince Spurs fans that he intends to stay, as he mentions considering his future this summer.
“I will decide about my future after the Euros,” Mirror Football quote the eastern European as saying.
“I will make the decision where to continue my career. I’m ready for the big tests.”
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has already stated that neither Modric, Gareth Bale or any of the clubs other superstars would leave this summer, but the club may have difficulty holding onto the Croat should the player want to leave.
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Do you remember that iconic Mr Bean episode where he profusely contemplates how to pack his pocket-sized suitcase before realising he possesses a full scale version? You must recall the moment he cuts up his trousers to make them fit only to discover he owns an identical pair of shorts? If you don’t then you haven’t really lived. But thats how I envisage Arsene Wenger’s preparations transpired as he prepares to jet off on his holidays. Destination? I’d say somewhere in Eastern Europe. Poland or Ukraine perhaps? After all it would be foolish of Mr Wenger not to take in the European Championships. It’s a prime opportunity to sound out potential summer transfer targets and keep tabs on the 10 Arsenal players present at the tournament. Because, in fact, it’s all gone a bit quiet at the Emirates Stadium since the acquisition of Lukas Podolski was announced and Robin Van Persie’s contract talks were put on ice until after the finals. Whilst this is all merely hypothetical and Wenger is probably trenched deep in the bronzing process on a idyllic Caribbean beach the thought that he is getting his teeth into some real scouting would certainly put the minds of Gunners supporters at rest. They wouldn’t want a repeat of the events of the previous summer now would they?
This week on FFC is extending Van Persie’s stay in North London more important than new signings and which Argentinian midfielder will Arsenal battle Real Madrid for?
[divider]
Best of FFC
The kind of reformation Arsenal have needed?
A true Measurement of Success within the Premier League?
Just as important as big signings for Arsenal
Will Financial Fair Play open up the door to a breakaway?
Barcelona sniffing around Arsenal ace
Time for Wenger to display ruthlessness and show them the door
Could Arsenal do with a similar ambassador at the club?
Arsenal face £8m transfer battle with Madrid
Arsenal chief eyeing quality signings
[divider]
Best of WEB
[divider]
One of Us Speaks: False Sense Of Entitlement – A Cultured Left Foot
Is this Belgian star the missing piece to Wenger’s puzzle? – Gunnersphere
Ivan Gazidis believes in the fairies – Online Gooner
From Dagenham & Redbridge to Poland & Ukraine – Gunnersphere
Just ten more minutes! – Arseblog
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Another out the door at Arsenal, still no one in though. Are we keeping our powder dry for a reason? – Le Grove
Van Persie deal done? Signings on the way – could Stan Kroenke influence one of them? – Highbury House
HOLTBY & RONDON BOTH LINKED WITH EMIRATES TRANSFER – Transfer Tavern
[divider]
Quote of the Week
[divider]
“Robin sat down with us at the end of the season and we had a good discussion. What we agreed at that meeting was that we would keep all the discussions we had over the summer to ourselves and make announcements when it is the right time.
“We have to respect the fact we have agreed to keep that among ourselves. Robin is clearly focused on the Euros at the moment and we wish him well, and at the right time we will make the right announcements.” Ivan Gazidis reveals he’s held contract talks with Robin Van Persie and they will resume after Euro 2012
[divider]Arsenal to reward Arteta with new contract
The fallout from the John Terry case took a new twist when Rio Ferdinand laughed at a derogatory tweet about Ashley Cole that was sent following the Chelsea star’s acquittal from his racism charge on Friday afternoon. The term ‘choc ice’ was used to describe Ashley Cole and while Ferdinand got a sizeable reaction to his response “I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!” the lawyers of Cole claimed that although client was made aware of the tweets, he wouldn’t be making any official complaint given that he and Rio are such good friends.
Elsewhere in the news Fabio Capello set to take the Russian job; pressure mounts on the FA to charge John Terry, while Andre Villas-Boas remains impressed by Daniel Levy’s vision.
Headlines
Didier Drogba didn’t move for the money and insists that he wants to ‘help football develop in China’ after joining Shanghai Shenhua – [Guardian]
The pressure is mounting on the FA to charge John Terry, following the Chelsea star’s acquittal on Friday afternoon – [Guardian]
Andre Villas-Boas is confident his project at the club can succeed after being given assurances by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy – [Sky Sports]
Fabio Capello is delighted that John Terry was cleared and feels vindicated over his decision to stand by him when England manager – [Daily Telegraph]
Demba Ba has rubbished reports that he is set to leave St James’ Park this summer – [Sky Sports]
PFA call for players to be sent off for X-rated rants at each other – [Independent]
Both Manchester clubs United and City are set to battle it out for Robin van Persie – [Daily Mail]
Real Madrid players are assuming Tottenham’s Luka Modric will be joining them next season – [Daily Mail]
Vurnon Anita is putting pressure on Ajax to win his dream move to Newcastle, according to his agent Harry Lulofs – [Mirror]
Lukas Podolski has urged Robin van Persie to stay on at Arsenal this season – [Sun]
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Chelsea looks set to beat Tottenham to the signature of Internacional star Oscar – [Express]
Please note – to view full the articles click on the sources
Cast your minds back to 19 October 2010, a time that marked perhaps the most turbulent week off-the-pitch for Manchester United in recent years. A delusional Wayne Rooney voices his intentions to leave arguably the greatest club side in the world because he wasn’t given any assurances about the future of the squad. The world gasps, Barcelona and Real Madrid immediately announce their interest whilst Sir Alex Ferguson is declared clinically ‘dumbfounded’.
However just days later normality is resumed when Rooney signs a bumper new deal, which will see him remain at Old Trafford for a further five years as the club’s highest earner. Ferguson breathes a sigh of relief as ‘Wazza’ attributes his bizarre behaviour to his meddling agent and other ‘outside influences’, proving that he can pass blame almost as well as he can pass the ball. The fallout is significant, Rooney is quickly welcomed back into the arms of his supporters with his reputation relatively intact whilst the rest of country accepts that ‘power plays’ are now a prominent feature in modern football.
Since then we’ve seen Cesc Fabregas’ tear-soaked plea to Arsene Wenger rewarded with a move home to Barcelona and Carlos Tevez worm his way back into the title-winning Manchester City squad after effectively going on strike. Are football clubs merely puppets for their prized superstars or do the employers still hold all the cards in such situations?
Fans of long, drawn out transfer sagas have been rewarded with not one but two shining examples in North London this summer. Robin Van Persie is eyeing up one last ‘big’ move after questioning Arsenal’s ambition whilst Luka Modric is very keen on becoming the latest Galactico, but I think he’d settle for Champions League football. Despite the players differing contract situations, both parent clubs have stonewalled any potential move unless a certain valuation is met. A refreshing stance in the eyes of many, especially as many buying clubs seem to believe that a player’s desire to leave somehow reduces their market value.
In my opinion the transfer value of a footballer is dictated solely by how important or valuable they’re to their current club, which is why we see players leave for peanuts when they’re no longer wanted and extortionate sums if they are. Of course there are other contributing factors but this is the reason Andy Carroll was ‘worth’ £35m and you can acquire Dimitar Berbatov for a paltry £5m.
In the case at Arsenal, Wenger is understandably reluctant to let his star striker join a league rival, all the while signing players that make Van Persie’s ‘ambition’ comments look rather futile. Unfortunately Arsenal are still a far cry from title contenders, which is therefore unlikely to deter the Dutchman in his quest to leave. Wenger has undoubtedly learnt a great deal since watching a smug Samir Nasri lift the Premier League title with Manchester City.
Over at White Hart Lane, new manager Andre Villas-Boas appears to have found his perfect partner in the form of chairman Daniel Levy. Villas-Boas suffered a torrid time at Chelsea as key players within the squad staged a mutiny but because of Levy’s strict leadership, he is unlikely to endure a similar fate this season. Both men boast a stubborn approach when it comes to rogue individuals, which should provide the foundations for a successful period in the wake of ‘pally’ manager Harry Redknapp.
Speaking of Redknapp, the currently unemployed wheeler-dealer was one of many individuals to voice their concern about player power in the aftermath of the Rooney saga in 2010.
“I worry about it with kids now. We’ve ended up in a situation where you give young kids long contracts now, for fear of losing them. They come in here at 17; suddenly they get a four- or five-year contract.
“They’ve got their feet under the table; they can go and do what they want; they’re getting plenty of money. When you’re dealing with top players, it’s a difficult one. When you’re dealing with kids, I personally would take a chance on losing them.”
“If they don’t want to stay at your club, well okay, fine.” (Telegraph)
Sir Alex Ferguson would appear to share a similar view, having refused to bow down the demands of young starlets Ravel Morrison and more recently Paul Pogba. Both players embody an ugly trend within the next generation of stars who lack both the respect and brain cells to realise how privileged they are to exist at club with United’s reputation and history.
Of course it would be naive of me to consider the impact of ‘player power’ without acknowledging the flip side of the coin. Football is a brutal business, for every dream made, hundreds are shattered as clubs continually look to trim their wage bill and offload any perceived deadwood. Should we pity the unfortunate players who suffer such harsh realities anymore than we hate those players who happen to be in demand? There are no heroes or villains in this football fairytale, only human beings driven by personal gain.
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The speculation will continue to circulate above the futures of both Modric and Van Persie, much to the delight of tabloid newspapers who appear to be the only winners in such situations. However should either player remain at their respective club once the transfer window slams shut then you can rest assured they will be back in the team come October. The reason they are perceived to have such ‘power’ stems simply for their incredible skills as a footballer, teams cannot and will not let such talent waste away in the reserves. In the same vein, few footballers will be able to cope with the humiliation of sinking below Marouane Chamakh in the pecking order.
If a week is a long time in football then a month is an eternity, which perhaps suggests player power is only worth considering in the short term. At the right time, in the right environment a player can easily bring a club to its knees but with enough determination and resilience, the club should always come out on top.
It is safe to say that money still talks in football, but perhaps one day fewer people will listen as careers go south and reputations tarnished beyond repair as a result of a transfer tantrum.
Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where I’m hoping Wilf Zaha doesn’t end up throwing the toys out of his diamond encrusted pram
Arsenal are poised to make a move for Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel, according to Mirror Football.
The north London outfit have already signed Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud this summer as they look to get back into contention for the Premier League title, with a deal for Santi Cazorla also thought to be close.
The Netherlands international is in the last year of his contract at Ajax, and has impressed at both domestic level and for the Oranje.
Newcastle and Chelsea have both been accredited with an interest in Van de Wiel also, but Arsenal are considering making a £7 million bid for the defender.
Arsene Wenger hopes that the club’s efforts to sign new players in the transfer window will show wantaway striker Robin van Persie the side’s ambition, and hopefully help to change the forward’s decision to leave the Emirates Stadium.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers want an end to the on-going furore regarding the transfer, of star striker, Steven Fletcher.
The Scotsman has been subject to a couple of bids from the Wearsiders, but Sunderland are yet to reach the Black Country club’s £15 million valuation of the frontman.
Speaking moments after a £12 million bid was turned down for Fletcher, Wolves Chief Executive, Jez Moxey called for an end to the saga. “We want to keep our best players.
“If valuations are not met they will remain at Wolves. All parties need to draw a line under this matter, which has now dragged on for more than a month.” (Independent)
Last week Fletcher made his intentions clear, taking to Twitter to confirm he had handed in a transfer request. Yet Wanderers feel no pressure to sell due to the club’s financial stability. They still have the highly coveted Matt Jarvis, on their books, despite demotion from the Premier League.
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Desperation to add a goal-scorer on Wearside has been well-documented. No player reached double figures in the league for the North East Club last term. While Martin O’Neill’s men’s fire-power could be hampered further by an injury which has kept, Sunderland’s main creative force, Stephane Sessegnon side-lined throughout pre-season.
According to The Telegraph, it was evident during Stoke City’s 2-2 draw at Wigan Athletic on Saturday that the introduction of Charlie Adam affected the way the Potters went about their game.
The Scottish international Adam replaced Andy Wilkinson in the 36th minute with Stoke 1-0 down in the match. The 26-year-old would have been keen to make a good impression after a disappointing season at Liverpool where he failed to make a real impact at Anfield at was surplus to requirements by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Adam had said on Friday that he would adapt his technical style of play in order to suit Stoke’s direct style, “the club has been successful in the way that it has played in the last five years and the manager wanted to bring me in to add to the quality that he has. I’m not going to change the way Stoke play. I’m just another part of the jigsaw.”
This piece of the jigsaw appeared evident during the draw at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Adam was at the very core of all the set-pieces and of moments of innovation from Stoke City. Pulis feels that Adam will provide the creative spark that perhaps has been lacking from their play in recent seasons. The Stoke manager will also be hoping that Adam will bring the best out of 6 foot 7 striker Peter Crouch, who, with his aerial ability is the model target man in the Premier League.
Stoke have mustered just one league win in their previous 14 outings. The central midfield area is a position where Pulis has definitely looked to strengthen his squad. As well as signing Adam from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, the Potters also brought in Steven N’Zonzi from Blackburn Rovers and Maurice Edu from Rangers.
In addition, Pulis also signed American defender Geoff Cameron from Houston Dynamo, who is reportedly a long-throw specialist. In an attempt to overturn Stoke’s recent dismal run, the Stoke manager may arguably be looking for upgrades on players such as Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap.
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Adam began his career at Rangers where he never managed to break into the first-team. Subsequently, he had loan spells at Ross County and St. Mirren before coming to England to join Blackpool on loan. It was at the Seasiders where Adam enjoyed the happiest spell of his career, scoring arguably the greatest goal in a play-off final against Cardiff City in May 2010.
Adam almost made the perfect start for his new side, when in the dying embers of the game, a deflected free-kick forced Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi into making what many pundits are already arguing as a contender for save of the season. The Latics manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for Al-Habsi’s crucial save, “We see him making those saves as something normal. And that’s the best compliment I can give him.”