West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame admits it’s a dream to play for Liverpool one day and that he was close to signing for the Anfield club before arriving at West Ham.
The Senegalese international has recently spoken of his desire to play for a bigger club than the Hammers and has no spoken of two opportunities he had to do just that, including a move to London rivals Arsenal that was close to happening last summer.
And the 26-year-old admits a move to Liverpool was a dream and that it was only the departure of Kenny Dalglish that scuppered the deal.
He told the Daily Star: “In my head I was already in Liverpool.
“It was next, I told everyone that I was there. It was as if one of my greatest wishes – to wear the Liverpool shirt – had been accomplished.
“One day my agent and I went to the training centre to see Kenny Dalglish, who was the coach. I found myself amongst photos of Gerrard and company, all these great players. I was proud of myself.
“Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped.
“I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day.”
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But Diame went on to explain that he was close to signing for Arsenal just 12 months ago, but stayed at West Ham where he believes not enough was done to improve in the Hammers’ 10th place finish.
“There were proposals last summer .I was thinking of going to Arsenal but it didn’t happen so I stayed at West Ham, because I felt good here,” he added.
“Plus, after this season we had had I thought the club would buy some better players. But it was a very bad start and we made the mistake of not recruiting.
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“We went through the season with almost the same players, which is never good because the players think they already know who will be wearing the shirt.
“Also, people didn’t necessarily give 100 per cent on the field, that’s what got us in trouble.”
Diame has made 74 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers since joining on a free from Wigan two summers ago, scoring seven goals.
Amid an enormous exodus of first team talent at Southampton, a few weeks ago it was believed the sought-after Morgan Schneiderlin would be the latest Saints star to instigate his own exit from the south coast.The defensive midfielder, who has made more tackles, 259, and more interceptions, 207, than any Premier League player since the Saints’ top flight ascension in summer 2012, was linked heavily with moves to Arsenal and Tottenham – the former in desperate need of a holding midfielder and the latter now lead by former St. Mary’s boss Mauricio Pochettino.But despite handing in an official transfer request, Southampton have declared that whether he likes it or lumps it, the France international will not be allowed to leave this summer.Thus, it’s time for both North London clubs to seek alternatives as the summer transfer window enters it’s final stages. And being the lovely bunch we are at Football Fancast, we’ve listed SIX that the Gunners and the Lilywhites should be strongly considering.
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CHEICK TIOTE
Football – Sheffield Wednesday v Newcastle United – Pre Season Friendly – Hillsborough – 14/15 , 30/7/14Cheick Tiote – Newcastle United Mandatory Credit: Action Images / John CliftonEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
News emerged yesterday evening that Arsenal are preparing an £8million bid for Cheick Tiote and the Newcastle dynamo would certainly do a decent job for Tottenham too.
The 28 year-old has been a central factor in the Tyneside outfit’s successes since joining the Magpies from FC Twente in summer 2010, and now offers 107 games-worth of Premier League experience.
No doubt, the Ivory Coast international is a real warrior – last season he recorded one of the best tackling returns in the Premier League, as detailed below:
He’s consistent in possession too, as viewable below, although Tiote’s passing range is admittedly rather limited:
Another negative would be the Magpies midfielder’s discipline problems. He picked up 25 yellow cards in his first 50 league games for the Toon, and was booked once in every three appearances last season, also averaging two fouls per match.
But for a mere £8million, Tiote would be a decent stop-gap solution at cheap cost until a higher-quality defensive midfielder comes Arsenal and Tottenham’s way.
Gunners fans will remember the mohawked midfielder most for this sensational strike against the Emirates outfit in 2011:
STEVEN N’ZONZI
Another Premier League alternative both North London sides should be considering is Steven N’Zonzi, who conveniently enough has handed in a transfer request for the second summer in a row at Stoke City. Clearly his ambitions are a little higher than the Potteries.
The 25 year-old has proved himself to be an effective force in the English top flight, having won the Player of the Season award at Blackburn, the Young Player of the Year award with the Potters and amassed 157 league appearances.
The Frenchman pops up with the occasional belter…
And his quality on the ball, for a holding midfielder who measures in at 6 foot 4, often goes unaccredited, this clip being a perfect example:
N’Zonzi was vital for the Britannia outfit last season, making more passes than any player in the Stoke City squad as they began to expand from their attritional roots. And despite assumptions otherwise, he was not only consistent but largely progressive on the ball, as detailed below:
Having seemingly found a new sense of maturity following a spat of disciplinary problems in his earlier career, the former France U21 appears ready for the next level.
And likely available for under £10million, he could prove to be a real coup for either Spurs or Arsenal.
NIGEL DE JONG
Former Manchester City shin-breaker Nigel de Jong has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer, most notably Manchester United:
The interest follows a strong season with AC Milan, despite them finishing in 9th place last year, and an impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, as detailed below:
Affectionately known as ‘The Lawnmower’, there’s no doubting the 29 year-old’s credentials as a top-class ball-winner. Here’s a look at the Milan star in action:
De Jong offers vital Premier League experience too, having spent three-and-a-half years at the Etihad, picking up the English title in 2012.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United’s interest is genuine, but with just a year left on the Oranje enforcer’s contract, the San Siro side have little choice but to let him go this summer if a decent bid comes along.
WILLIAM CARVALHO
By far the most expensive suggestion on this list, Portugal prodigy William Carvalho is available to any club that’s prepared to pay his £37million release clause.
That’s a lot of money for a 22 year-old, but Carvalho is commonly regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
An eighteen-month stay with Cercle Brugge soon lead to a surprise inclusion in the Sporting Lisbon first team at the start of the 2013/14 campaign. Carvalho’s progress and development has been earning rave reviews ever since and his sensational rise over the last year was capped off with a decent showcasing of his abilities at Brazil 2014, as detailed below:
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder measures in at 6 foot 2, weighs 14 stone and is famed for his immense physicality. He also knows where the goal is, having netted four times in 30 league appearances for the Portuguese capital outfit. Here’s a look at Carvalho in action:
As previously stated, the Portugal international appears determined to join a more competitive club this summer and even without Champions League football, the quality of the Premier League could be enough for Tottenham to attract his signature.
Arsenal’s interest in Carvalho is already well known:
But recent speculation suggests long-term admirers Manchester United are about to muscle in:
LUIZ GUSTAVO
Luis Gustavo was strongly linked with an Emirates switch last summer before joining Wolfsburg, and the Brazil international has once again emerged as a priority target for Arsenal:
The 27 year-old, formerly of Bayern Munich, was one of the most prolific tacklers in the Bundesliga last season, as detailed below:
And despite the 2014 side being dubbed the worst Selacao assembly of all time, Gustavo was one of their better contributors at the World Cup, putting in a number of impressive performances:
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The 6 foot 2 midfielder is slender in build and doesn’t offer the natural power of some of the other candidates on this list. But he’s quick, has a great engine and is renowned for his composure on the ball.
That would fit Arsenal’s style of play perfectly, whilst his internationally-proven quality would certainly improve Tottenham’s starting XI too.
Despite Arsene Wenger’s alleged revived interest however, the Wolfsburg star has declared that he won’t be moving to the Premier League this summer:
IDRISSA GUEYE
A more risky option that’s reportedly already caught Arsenal’s attention but is certainly worth Tottenham’s consideration too comes in the form of Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye.
Don’t be fooled by the 24 year-old’s 5 foot 9 fame – he made the most tackles per match of any Ligue 1 midfielder last season, as detailed below:
He furthermore dominated the French top flight’s passing charts:
Equally contributed going forward:
And also fell over, very hilariously:
Valued as lowly as £6million by TalkSport, the Senegal international could prove to be a real find for either North London club.
Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini was labelled a flop after a disastrous first season at Old Trafford, but is now ready to prove his worth in this campaign, Daily Mail reports.
The towering Belgian became a scapegoat in the Red Devils’ fall from grace last year alongside manager David Moyes, who both arrived from Everton at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season.
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The pressure was so intense Fellaini needed to call his family for emotional support when he wasn’t able to perform to his usual high standards.
However the 26-year-old has started in United’s last three games under new manager Louis van Gaal and has looked much like the impressive midfielder during his Everton days.
Prompted whether he felt like a ‘scapegoat’ last season, he replied: “Yes, a little bit.
“That is a difficult question. It is difficult to answer that. I agree last season was tough.
“There was a new manager and it was difficult for all the players.
“My family helped me through it. But I didn’t lose faith in myself. In football you have to be strong in the head. The mentality is important and I do have this quality so I can keep going.”
Fellaini also took part in Belgium’s run to the World Cup quarterfinals, and he felt that helped restore his confidence ahead of the current campaign.
“I was also in the national team for Belgium at the World Cup and I played well and the team also played well,’ he said. “For my confidence that was important.
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“I came back after the summer confident. The manager said to me I would have to fight if I wanted to play. I did fight and trained hard and that was it. When I got my chance I tried to show myself and tried to do my best.
“Last season was a difficult season for me. The World Cup helped me a lot. The manager of the national team and the players helped me and it was a great experience for everybody.”
There were numerous doubters amongst the footballing world about Southampton this season.
After losing a host of big name stars that were influential in their fantastic eighth placed Premier League finish last season, the Saints were one of the favourites to be relegated when the 2014/2015 campaign began. Replacing players like Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers, Dejan Lovren and manager Mauricio Pochettino, Southampton looked like they had a mountain to climb.
This has not proved to be the case thus far. New gaffer Ronald Koema, has arrived and rejuvenated a beleaguered Southampton side, who only five years ago were lying in 22nd place in League One. The former Feyenoord coach has also made some very shrewd signings in order to replace the key players that got them back into England’s top flight.
The stand out players has been Italian target man Graziano Pelle and winger Dusan Tadic, both of whom were signed from Koeman’s native Netherlands. Other new recruits such as goalkeeper Fraser Forster, left back Ryan Bertrand and striker Shane Long resulted in the South Coast club spending an astonishing £57.9m after generating players’ sales just short of the £100m mark.
One rising star that cost a hefty £10m is winger Sadio Mane. Questions were immediately asked about the wisdom of the St. Mary’s outfit spending that amount of money on a 21-year-old coming from Red Bull Salzburg and the less competitive Austrian league.
However, Mane is already starting to justify his £10m price tag, making a significant contribution in the 2-1 Capital One Cup win away at Arsenal, as well as notching two domestic goals already, in the 8-0 thrashing of Sunderland and the narrow 1-0 against Stoke City.
So who is Sadio Mane?
The Senegalese midfielder started his footballing life with French side FC Metz, and in the 2011/2012 season scored two goals in 22 appearances. This prompted a move to Austria, moving to Red Bull Salzburg for £4m, the third biggest transfer fee FC Metz had received.
His time in Austria just showed why Koeman was eager to snap him up immediately. In 63 games, Mane scored an eye-catching 31 goals. While playing in the Austrian league, Mane was also testing himself across Europe in the Europa League. This showed that the tricky winger loves to take on defenders, completing 38 successful dribbles in the competition, more than any other player in the Europa League last season.
The Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup winner also had the privilege of representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London. Making four appearances for Senegal, Mane helped his team qualify out of the group, finishing above Uruguay, before being knocked out in the quarter finals by eventual winners Mexico.
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His impressive goal record and young age is the main reason why Southampton signed him when they had the chance. On this basis, considering the impressive start the Saints have made, Mane could become a top class winger in the Premier League.
It looks set to be another action-packed Premier League weekend, including such blockbuster fixtures as Liverpool vs Stoke, West Ham vs Newcastle and Everton vs Tottenham.But the pick of the bunch? Undoubtedly Manchester City’s visit to Southampton during Sunday’s lunch-time kick-off.The remodeled Saints have bounced back tremendously from their infamous summer exodus of key players, skyrocketing their way to second in the Premier League table, albeit six points behind Chelsea.Meanwhile, the third-place Citizens have some catching up to do if they plan on successfully defending the English title this season. They not only need to leapfrog Southampton but also close the eight-point gap between themselves and the west Londoners.Matches of such quality, importance and velocity however often come down to which side dominates the individual battles.With that in mind, here’s FIVE that will decide the result on Sunday afternoon.
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MORGAN SCHENIDERLIN VS YAYA TOURE
Since Southampton’s top flight ascension in summer 2012, Morgan Scheniderlin has continually proved himself to be one of the Premier League’s top midfield enforcers. Once again, he’s in the Premier League’s top ten for successful tackles this term:
And the 25 year-old’s added goals to his game this season, netting three times since the summer – including this absolute stunner against Newcastle:
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That being said, Yaya Toure represents as tough a challenge a midfielder can face in the Premier League, boasting an eclectic mix of pace, power, creativity and goals.
The 31 year-old’s been somewhat below his usual standards this season but let’s not forget what he’s capable of. Toure was the Premier League’s third-top scorer with 20 goals last season:
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And the Ivory Coast international will be keen to impact at St. Marys, having watched from the sidelines as Manchester City beat a ten-man Bayern Munich in midweek through suspension.
Schneiderlin is also the Saints’ water-carrier in midfield:
So he’ll need to find an ideal equilibrium between ball retention, supporting attacks and nullifying the world-class threat Toure represents.
Quickly attracting interest from many of Europe’s top clubs due to his sensational form however, Schneiderlin will relish facing the City talisman on Sunday. The last time these two met in the Premier League, this happened:
GRAZIANO PELLE VS VINCENT KOMPANY
An absolute gem for any Fantasy Football enthusiasts out there, Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best value-for-money acquisitions since joining the South Coast outfit from Feyenoord in the summer.
In fact, his form – as detailed below – has been so impressive that the 29 year-old received his first call-up to the Italy squad back in October, now boasting one goal and two caps:
He’s not the most influential in open play but comes with classy feet and is absolutely clinical in front of goal. Here’s some of Pelle’s highlights this season:
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He’ll be up against a rather daunting challenge in Vincent Kompany however, unquestionably one of the best centre-backs in the European game.
City’s defensive record isn’t too bad this season – conceding 13 in 12 – and they’ve kept three clean sheets in the Belgium international’s presence, including against Manchester United.
Kompany likes to physically dominate from the first minute to last and will have to assert that early-on against Pelle, especially in the air. The Italian’s 3.9 successful aerial duels per match is only bettered by two Premiership strikers; Peter Crouch and Burnley’s Lukas Jutkiewicz.
DUSAN TADIC VS PABLO ZABALETA
Another sensational find from the Southampton scouting team, former FC Twente star Dusan Tadic has established himself as amongst the Premier League’s most potent creators since joining the St. Mary’s ranks this summer.
Indeed, he’s bagged six assists in 12 appearances for the Saints, featuring in nearly every minute of their league campaign, and although the 26 year-old hasn’t scored or assisted since mid-October, he’s stiill at pole position in the chances created charts, beating the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Angel Di Maria:
Tadic can feature on either flank so it remains to be seen how Roland Koeman will see fit to utilise him against the Citizens.
But his most influential role this season has been on the left-wing, as detailed below, and working on that assumption, he’ll directly face Argentine World Cup finalist Pablo Zabaleta on Sunday.
The 29 year-old is a ferocious competitor and battle-hardened warrior, famed for his soundness defensively. This season however his influence is more predominant going forward:
So Tadic will have to ensure he’s not leaving Ryan Bertrand exposed by letting the City defender run off the back of him.
FRASER FORSTER VS SERGIO AGUERO
Southampton boast the best defensive record in the Premier League. They’ve conceded just six times in twelve fixtures and kept an incredible seven clean sheets.
Resultantly however, Fraser Forster has faced the fewest shots of any Premier League goalkeeper, perhaps explaining this absolute clanger against Aston Villa on Monday evening:
The England international will have to shake off that ring-rust in time for the Citizens’ visit; only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more league goals than City front-man Sergio Aguero this season:
Southampton’s defensive organisation is impeccable but it’s inevitable that the Argentina international will get chances on Sunday.
Also averaging 5.3 shots per match – the second most of any player in Europe’s five leading top flights – with an accuracy ratio of 66%, Forster will have to be in top form to prevent the 26 year-old from getting on the score sheet. Here’s a clip of Aguero, currently the Premier League’s top scorer, in action this season:
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//www.youtube.com/embed/un599g5MvEQ?rel=0
NATHANIEL CLYNE VS JAMES MILNER
It’s been a sensational season for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne. He’s emerged as England’s first-choice No.2 during the recent international break, netted this absolute stunner against Aston Villa on Monday night to bag his second goal of the season:
//www.youtube.com/embed/SmQkm7K9qRE?rel=0
… and currently boasts the best tackling return in the Premier League:
Indeed, the 23 year-old appears to be improving by the game and will relish the challenge of facing Manchester City on Sunday.
With David Silva out injured for the St. Marys’ visit, Clyne will likely be up against new-found England team-mate James Milner.
The stocky midfielder has become better famed his spoof Twitter alter ego over the last few years:
But Milner is amid an impressive revival of form this season, as detailed below:
And Clyne must make sure his ability to contribute going forward isn’t nullified by the 29 year-old’s world-class industry and defensive contribution.
Known as the ‘friendly derby’, the all-Merseyside clash is one of the most eagerly anticipated games in English football.
Everton and Liverpool have very much been on the up over the course of the past few years, and the games nowadays seem to have genuine meaning in the battle for spots at the upper end of the table – albeit this season is a little more complicated.
Last time out at Anfield Phil Jagielka’s stunning last minute drive saw the game end 1-1, and the visitors this time around will be desperate to avenge the shared points and maintain their impressive 2015 form. But, who would make the ultimate combined XI?
We think this lot are the pick of the red and blue troops in a 4-3-3 set-up… Agree? Disagree?
Tim Howard
Simon Mignolet may have revived a little of late, but rather like microwaving a cold cup of tea, he can’t quite be saved! Howard has also been off the pace lately, but the currently injured American has proven himself in the Premier League through the years and well and truly shone at the World Cup over the summer.
Tall, imposing and commanding, Howard is a good foundation for a solid defence.
Seamus Coleman
This term may not be looking like the success last season was for Coleman, but the Irish ace is still an excellent right-back. Everton’s defensive struggles and the lack of pace his centre-backs possess may be hindering the 26-year-old, and we’re willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and a spot in this all-Mersey XI.
Martin Skrtel
The big Slovakian may love to get involved in a bit of penalty area wrestling, but he’s actually a very adept centre-back. Quicker than he’s given credit for, brave, fierce in the tackle and a threat from attacking set-pieces, Skrtel was a key member of the Liverpool side that so nearly claimed the league title last season, and has impressed this term since Rodgers’ decision to switch to a back three.
Mamadou Sakho
An all-Liverpool centre-back combo is completed by Sakho. The Frenchman’s last derby day is one he’ll want to forget – he allegedly stormed out of Anfield after being dropped from the squad – but this time around it could be a much more positive 90 minutes for the ex-PSG captain. Although he looks a little leggy and appears to be one second away from a catastrophic error, a pass completion record of 89% suggests that he’s actually an adept footballer!
Leighton Baines
The back four is rounded off with Baines who, although not performing to his very best this term, is one of the best left-back in English football. Excellent from crossing situations and deadly from set-pieces, the ex-Wigan man’s solid defensive attributes and will to win often get overlooked.
Steven Gerrard
How could any Merseyside XI be complete without Stevie Gerrard? This looks to be the last time ‘Captain Fantastic’ takes to the field against Everton, and although his powers are fading, there is still magic in those boots, and he’ll surely be eager to show it at Goodison Park. A true hero of the modern game and one of the best midfielders to have ever been produced in England.
Ross Barkley
From the past to the future, Barkley has already been compared to Gerrard, and the potential he has is truly frightening. Although a little naïve defensively, the marauding midfielder is a breath of fresh air going forward, where his exuberance comes to the fore through driving runs and wicked shots from distance. Injuries have hindered him of late, but this XI will always have space for Ross.
Philippe Coutinho
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At the apex of this midfield three Coutinho will be pulling the strings. A little frustrating at times, the Brazilian has a sprinkling of stardust in his boots and is capable of the spectacular – as he showed against Bolton earlier this week. Like many Samba stars, the No. 10 appears to have the ball glued to his feet when moving at full flight, and his silky skills have truly been on show since the turn of the year alongside Raheem Sterling.
Kevin Mirallas
Now to the exciting stuff… the front three. Both Mersey clubs have real talent in the final third, and Mirallas is one of the best in the North West region. The Belgian can blow hot and cold, but when he’s hot, he’s on fire! Able to drift past his marker and rifle the ball at goal with deadly accuracy and power, the ex-Olympiakos man will be a threat this weekend.
Raheem Sterling
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Fresh from his mid-winter holiday in Jamaica, Sterling has been excellent of late. There seems to be no position on the field the youngster cannot operate in, but for the purpose of this team he’s on the right flank where his pace and lightening feet are lethal. Although a little wasteful in front of goal, Sterling looks like he’s destined for the very top.
Daniel Sturridge
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Score. Dance. Repeat. Having Sturridge back has lifted the mood on the red half of Merseyside, while the blue sector must have been quietly hoping for a minor set-back to keep him out of the derby. Now a talisman for his side, Sturridge is prolific in front of goal and seems ready to step up following Luis Suarez’s exit, although he’s only had five chances to show that so far!
Arsenal went into last night’s game needing to score three goals, but they could only manage two. It was a gallant effort from the Gunners who fell just short, and perhaps even merited a third on the night, but they had just left themselves with too much to do.
Monaco did not register a shot on target all game, but still managed to get the result they needed, and now there will be two French teams in the last 8 of the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 as Monaco join PSG in the quarter finals. It’s over to Manchester City to try to ensure that there is some English team in there alongside them.
City, though, have even less chance than Arsenal did last night. And if you look at what they were up against, Arsenal had no chance at all.
Since 1988, AS Monaco have participated in the Champions League 6 times including this season, and this is the 5th time they have reached the quarter finals. Monaco are a team with pedigree, even if Arsenal thought they were getting an easy draw, and it certainly proved harder for the Gunners than many people expected. And an unexpected and heavy defeat in the first leg left them with it all to do.
In fact, in the history of the knockout stages of the Champions League, no team has lost their first leg 3-1 at home and managed overturn the deficit in the away leg to qualify. Last season Arsenal did the same as this season, albeit to much bigger opposition in Bayern Munich, when they lost 3-1 at home in the first leg. They managed to shock Bayern in Munich, winning 2-0 in the second leg, but it was too little too late.
This time around Arsenal were bested on the counter attack in the first leg, and put up a brave fight in the second. But it wasn’t just history that was against Arsenal, it was also the form of their French opposition.
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The Monegasques have the best defensive record in Ligue 1. They did have a rocky start to the season after losing Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez (any club would feel the loss of those two) and the appointment of a new manager who had to get used not only to his new, downgraded squad but also a new league. Monaco’s early season form was poor, but they managed to do well in the Champions League, proving that while manager Leonardo Jardim was still getting used to France he already had a good grasp of Europe.
Since the start of the season, Monaco have used that solid defence as a basis for climbing up the league table. They now sit in 4th place and 4 points off a Champions League spot, but they have a game in hand over those above them, and they may still be dreaming even bigger than 3rd place.
So it was always going to be tough for Arsenal even before the first leg, Monaco had only conceded 3 goals in a game once all season, and that was away to Bordeaux during their early season jitters. They certainly hadn’t conceded 3 goals at home – in fact, in the league, Monaco haven’t conceded a home goal since 22nd November.
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And last night they used that to their advantage again. Arsenal found it tough to break down Monaco’s defensive wall, though they did manage to create chances. Monaco were content to have very little of the ball and counter attack only now and again. The figures from the end of the game show exactly the level of Monaco’s attacking ambition: they had 3 shots to Arsenal’s 17, and failed to get even one of them on target.
Monaco certainly rode their luck this time, but after the first leg disaster, Arsenal had left themselves with both history and the impressive Monaco defence against them. As close as they came, they never really stood a chance.
Arsenal’s rally up the table in recent months has been despite having a number of key players unavailable due to longstanding injuries.
The actual strength in depth at Arsene Wenger’s disposal becomes apparent when you add returning stars such as Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Mathieu Debuchy to the contingent that has been excelling in recent months.
A number of English stars at the Emirates Stadium find themselves on the sidelines, with difficulty in finding regular first-team football.
Theo Walcott has found his chances to play limited since he returned from injury, while Jack Wilshere will also have a job on his hands to get a regular starting XI berth due to the presence of Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla.
However, another England international who is at risk of becoming a forgotten man is Calum Chambers.
The Southampton youth product left his boyhood club in the summer in a lucrative deal that brought him to north London, with every expectation that the defender would thrive under Arsene Wenger’s stewardship.
His early season form suggested that Chambers would play a considerable role in the Gunners’ first-team going forward, with the young star looking at home in the Arsenal team.
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Such is Chambers’ versatility, Wenger utilised the starlet at right-back, centre-half and in midfield when the need arose, with the former Saint showing the attributes to become a mainstay in the Arsenal team.
However, two things have happened since the turn of the year that threaten to turn Chambers into a squad player who will fill-in when others are unavailable, rather than be a contender for a starting berth.
Although able to play in a number of positions, right-back is Chambers’ natural role and it appears that he has two players in front of him in Wenger’s preferences.
The emergence of Hector Bellerin has been a real plus point for the Emirates Stadium side but will inhibit Chambers’ chances of playing – especially when Debuchy returns fully to the fold to add competition for places.
Chambers is also an option at centre-half, but the January signing of Gabriel Paulista adds another established player in this position. The Brazil international will contest a place in the starting XI with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, with Chambers’ chances of playing at the heart of the Gunners’ backline slim as a result.
The fact that Chambers has only started three games in the Premier League in 2015 shows that he will more than likely have to contend with prolonged periods on the bench going forward.
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With the youngster leaving Southampton after only one season of first-team action, there is a real case to suggest that Chambers would have been better served staying on the south coast.
An improved opportunity to play regularly at his former club would have aided his development more than sitting on the sidelines in London, with Chambers’ role at Arsenal ahead of next season suddenly becoming unclear.
When Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez announced his loan deal from Manchester United to Real Madrid it certainly raised eyebrows.
The problem for Chicharito at United was the lack of playing time in the Premier League and he was moving to a team where the competition was even fiercer. Any attempt to start ahead of Bale, Benzema or Cristiano would likely fall short – and it did. Chicharito has just one league start to his name this season and has not been quiet about his frustrations with his lack of minutes.
But with the international break in full swing, Chicharito is rebuilding his confidence. He may be at rock bottom at club level, but he found the back of the net for El Tri against Educador – the only goal in the game.
Could this be the difference for the Mexican? Could this restart his currently flailing career?
He may have thought it would be a dream come true, but if anything, his time at Real Madrid has bordered on disastrous. On paper the move did make some sense – Manchester United being in fewer competitions made for fewer rotations – but it has made very little difference for the Little Pea. He has spent the vast majority of this season on the bench.
Having made little impact this season, it does not seem likely that Real Madrid will sign Hernandez permanently. Even if they wanted to, it wouldn’t change anything, he still wouldn’t be making the first team regularly. Despite how things went last season for Chicharito, returning to Manchester United could be a better option.
Welbeck now plays for Arsenal, and United’s only choices up front are Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Radamel Falcao and James Wilson. At the moment, Wilson is not considered much more than a ‘super sub’ (Chicharito’s previous role), utilised for his pace in the latter stages of the game. Radamel Falcao’s loan deal probably won’t be made permanent due to his lack of playing time and the fact he has only scored a handful of goals for the Red Devils.
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He may not start every game under Louis Van Gaal, but he would certainly get more minutes at United than in Madrid. If Manchester United can reach top four, they’ll be back in Europe, and United will need to rotate their XI more often.
Or a return to the Premier League could be on the cards elsewhere. The Daily Star have suggested that West Ham, Everton and Southampton are looking to sign the Mexican before next season.
Goal.com linked Chicharito with a move to St. Marys last year before joining Real Madrid. With Lukaku’s future at the Toffees uncertain, Everton could be a good call for Chicharito as he is a natural goal scorer. Even West Ham would be a good fit for the Mexican. Andy Carroll has had injury trouble, and West Ham will be looking to bring their momentum of the first half of this season into next.
If England isn’t appealing, a stay in Spain could be an option. Some of Chicha’s Mexican team mates are in Spain, such as Memo Ochoa, Hector Moreno and Gio dos Santos. Chicharito could join Dos Santos at Villareal, where Jonathan dos Santos also plays. Ochoa will certainly understand Hernandez and his starting woes as he has struggled to play regular first team football this year after signing for Malaga.
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Hugo Sanchez has spoken out about Chicharito’s situation, saying he needs to be more aggressive in his approach to first team football. Ultimately, Sanchez is right. It has taken far too long for Chicharito to speak up about his unhappiness at spending almost a full season on the bench.
When it comes to his next club – or be it his return to his last club – he needs to fight for his place in the starting eleven. If he doesn’t, he will be remembered as a bench warmer. With a decent run in the international break, he has show why he could be a starter for any club, but it is too late to salvage his Real Madrid dreams.
Following an abysmal end to an underwhelming season, Liverpool Football Club are doing a bit of soul searching at the moment, with manager Brendan Rodgers firmly in the spotlight.
The 42-year-old has become the fall guy for everything that’s gone wrong at Anfield this season, ranging from wayward signings to poor results to Steven Gerrard’s bosman move to the MLS.
That’s nothing unusual in the Premier League – placing collective blame on the man in the dugout is common practice. It’s why they get paid by the bucket load and all their contracts include insidiously large compensation fees.
But it can’t all be Rodgers’ fault… can it? With Liverpudlian opinion seemingly swaying against the Ulsterman after the Reds’ 6-1 defeat to Stoke City last Sunday, we at Football Fancast hope to restore the balance with our FIVE reasons Rodgers shouldn’t take sole blame.
Do you think the Liverpool boss deserves another season in the Anfield hot seat?
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He’s lost his four best players
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Although many blame Brendan Rodgers for Liverpool’s underwhelming campaign, fate has certainly conspired against him.
This season, the Ulsterman has lost four key members of his starting Xi; Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Daniel Sturridge to injury, Steven Gerrard to age and Raheem Sterling to the insidious rumour-mongering of his renegade agent Aidy Ward.
Those four were the key component of the Reds’ unexpected title bid last season, directly responsible for 74 of the club’s 101 Premier League goals. Regardless of the Anfield outfit’s questionable summer recruitment, which we’ll come onto in a moment, the goalscoring void was always going to be near impossible to fill.
Furthermore, although Suarez’ move to the Nou Camp had clearly been discussed behind the scenes for some time, few could have anticipated Sturridge’s injury-stricken campaign, Gerrard’s sudden decline after the 2014 World Cup and the fallout of Sterling’s ongoing contract saga at the start of the season.
Considering Liverpool reached the semi-finals of both the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup, things could’ve been very different this year if all three had maintained their fitness and form from 2013/14.
The transfer committee
Premier League managers will be forever compelled to live and die by their signings. The only problem at Liverpool is that Brendan Rodgers doesn’t necessarily make them.
The Anfield outfit’s much debated transfer committee, which includes chief executive Ian Ayre, the head of analysis Michael Edwards and the head of recruitment Dave Fallows, remains ever-shrouded in ambiguity. Although Rodgers allegedly gets the final say on all signings, how strongly he’s advised to do so by the committee is unclear.
But either way, the model clearly isn’t working. Liverpool have spent £220million since Rodgers took the Reds hot-seat three years ago and have very little to show for it. The only signings that have truly exceeded expectations are Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge; the rest have been comparatively underwhelming to say the least.
Once again, many will attribute that to the Liverpool gaffer himself. But Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville views the lack of obvious accountability within the committee – particularly, who should be blamed for Liverpool’s shortcomings last summer – as a major concern.
Until a more direct and coherent recruitment strategy is in place that’s responsive to the needs of the first team, Liverpool’s signings will always struggle to be fit for purpose.
Marquee signings just aren’t interested in a move to Liverpool
It’s a problem that many will prescribe to Brendan Rodgers, once again, but it seems implausible so many major names have turned down moves to Liverpool – still one of the largest clubs in world football – purely because of the man in the dugout.
Since the Ulsterman’s appointment in 2012, countless marquee signings have been caught in the club’s transfer cross hairs, only to later join one of their divisional or continental rivals.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan rejected the Reds in favour of Borussia Dortmund in summer 2013, Diego Costa and Willian both snubbed the Anfield outfit before eventually ending up at Chelsea, Radamel Falcao proved to be out of the club’s reach last summer and Alexis Sanchez opted for London over Merseyside, joining Arsenal instead. Even Toby Alderweireld, by no means a star-studded name but certainly a talented defender, resisted the Reds to join Atletico Madrid.
Rodgers has declared the club needs to work ‘harder and smarter’ in the transfer market to land well-proven, high profile players. But after six transfer windows in which the same issue has continually re-emerged, clearly changes need to be made to the club’s wage structure to entice football’s best to Merseyside once again.
His Changes actually worked
Time to give some credit where it’s due. Although Brendan Rodgers perhaps took too long to stop the rot at the start of the season, as Liverpool endured six defeats in their first twelve Premier League fixtures, the tactical changes he made soon after drastically improved the Reds’ results.
A 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in November obliged Rodgers to sure up his starting Xi with the reintroductions of Kolo Toure and Lucas Leiva, heralding bitter-fought wins against Stoke City and Leicester City.
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That was followed by an abrupt change to an unusual 3-4-2-1 formation and the selection of Raheem Sterling as an out-and-out centre-forward. Although the Merseysiders looked chaotic and dishevelled as they lost 3-0 to Manchester United during their first outing in the new system, it instigated a run of 13 league fixtures undefeated – including ten wins.
Only recently, as Rodgers has been forced to rotate his squad due to injuries and form, have Premier League opposition been able to unravel Liverpool’s exotic formation.
It was a bold, risky and unexpected move – but also a huge testament to Rodgers’ ability to envisage and implement a working system.
THE INEVITABLE SLUMP AFTER LAST SEASON
The overriding and arguably most pivotal factor, Liverpool were always due an inevitable slump after the unassailable highs of last season.
Not only did the Reds’ 2013/14 campaign place unrealistic expectations on predominantly young shoulders at the start of this season, but the manner in which it ended has undoubtedly had a significant effect on the club’s psyche.
For the likes of Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel, the disappointment of last year – drawing to Crystal Palace and losing to Chelsea – will take a long time to get over, whilst the absence of Luis Suarez – not only as a world-class player but as the leader of the dressing room – cannot be overstated. Tottenham struggled to replace Gareth Bale in 2013 and it’s no surprise Liverpool have endured the same issues twelve months later.
Regardless of the mistakes Rodgers may have made this season, coming anywhere close to replicating the form of last year was always going to be an impossible task.