WorldTeam FC

Hernandez set for United return

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:03:00 -0700

Javier Hernandez is happy to let Sir Alex Ferguson decide when to unleash him on the Premier League again.

The Manchester United striker had only just linked up with his team-mates on their tour of the United States last month when he suffered a concussion during an innocuous incident during training in New Jersey.

Having experienced similar problems in his youth, Hernandez was acutely aware of the need to take no chances and Ferguson immediately ruled him out until the end of August.

However, Ferguson has now raised the possibility of a reserve team outing against Swansea at Altrincham on Thursday and the 23-year-old believes he would be ready if the call came.

"My head is good," said Hernandez. "I feel better now.

"I have been training with the team for three or four days but I don't know when I will be back in the squad I always say they are the decisions for the manager. Only he can answer that.

"I just need to be fit and working."

Hernandez was speaking at the relaunch of United's Megastore at Old Trafford.

Amongst the new features available to fans is a Nike boot room, which will give fans the chance to embroider their boots with personal messages and designs.

They will be just as keen for Hernandez to pull his boots back on after a stellar debut season when he scored 20 goals to propel United towards a record 19th title and the Champions League final, where they were eventually beaten by Barcelona.

He enhanced that reputation by claiming the Golden Boot at this summer's Gold Cup, only for the rapid development to be halted by the injury that came as a surprise, even for Hernandez given he walked out of the Red Bull Arena the day before United's hammering of the MLS All-Stars not feeling too bad.

"It was a header but the ball moved a little bit and I didn't head it well," recalled Hernandez, who will be again reduced to the role of spectator for United's opening home league game against Tottenham this evening.

"I went back to the hotel and had dinner but I started feeling bad. I went to my room to rest but I had to call the doctor and they took me to hospital.

"I just need to look forward, get my confidence and start heading the ball again."

Espnstar.com

Dalglish to handle Suarez with care

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:01:00 -0700

Manager Kenny Dalglish accepts he is going to have to manage Luis Suarez carefully to make sure Liverpool see the best of the Uruguayan this season.

The Reds recorded a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Saturday - their first away Barclays Premier League win over the Gunners in a decade - following the introduction of Suarez and Raul Meireles.

It was the duo who combined to force the breakthrough after Arsenal had been reduced to 10 men in the wake of Emmanuel Frimpong's red card when Ignasi Miquel's clearance bounced off Aaron Ramsey and into the net. Suarez then tapped in a second goal in the final minute.

Suarez, 24, impressed in Uruguay's Copa America win this summer, and Dalglish feels if he can keep all of his frontmen fresh, then that can only benefit the long-term good of the squad.

"Last week (against Sunderland) maybe I was being a wee bit romantic with Luis," the Scot said.

"It was unfair on him, he was coming back and was on such a high and looked sharp in training. I thought I would give him a game.

"Maybe last week it was the wrong decision from me.

"He still scored the goal, still played well, but he just never had the energy he normally has. Maybe we just brought him back a wee bit too soon."

Dalglish added: "We have got to manage Luis' circumstances the same as we have everybody else's. There were another four or five lads there who we had for the first time.

"Raul Meireles has had a difficult pre-season with injuries so we have got to look after him as well as Luis."

Liverpool have spent millions strengthening the squad, which Dalglish believes can help them go better than last season when they failed to qualify for Europe despite rallying once the Anfield legend was back at the helm.

The Scot hinted there could yet be more comings and goings ahead of the transfer deadline, but is also content with the current group.

"It is inevitable that movement goes on in football," said the Liverpool manager.

"If someone taps on your door for whatever reason... but if everybody stays here I don't have any problems."

espnstar.com

Mancini warns Wenger over Nasri

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Roberto Mancini remains hopeful of tying up a deal for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri in the next two days.

However, he admits it would be a "big problem" if the Frenchman played for the Gunners in their Champions League clash with Udinese on Wednesday.

Manchester City have been chasing Nasri for much of the summer but the proposed deal is still up in the air and the midfielder made his first appearance of the season in Arsenal's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.

Were Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to select Nasri for their Champions League qualifier in Udine, he would then be unavailable for City throughout the group stages.

After the 3-2 win over Bolton that put City top of the fledgling Premier League table, Mancini expressed his frustration that the deal has not yet been finalised.

The Italian said: "For 40 days I've hoped in two days, three days (it would be done), I don't know why we haven't closed it.

"It's a big problem (if he plays for Arsenal against Udinese) but I'm sure we can close in 24 hours, maybe 48. For Nasri it will be important he can play in all the Champions League matches."

Wenger had previously claimed that Nasri is happy at Arsenal and that any deal for his possible departure is a long way from completion.

"He is happy here. There is no departure of Nasri at the moment," Wenger told French media outlet TF1.

"Maybe one day, but it's far, far, far from being done."

On Sunday, City showed why they are expected to be title challengers with an impressive display against Bolton, albeit without ever putting the game to bed.

Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko were the least City deserved, but Ivan Klasnic and Kevin Davies kept Wanderers in contention until the end.

Carlos Tevez was a second-half substitute for City, making his first appearance of the campaign after a close season in which he made clear his desire to leave the club to be nearer to his family in South America.

A proposed switch to Corinthians fell through and Mancini does not expect Tevez to leave before the end of August.

He said: "Carlos is here, I don't think the situation will change. Carlos is an important player, a top player for us and at the moment we haven't received any offers for him."

Of his team's display, Mancini added: "I think we put in a good performance. We played very well. Bolton are a strong team and I think we deserved to win this game."

espnstar.com

Chelsea agree Juan Mata deal

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:59:00 -0700

Valencia have announced they had reached "an agreement in principle" with Chelsea for the sale of Juan Mata to the west London club.

The Spanish club did not disclose the fee for the 23-year-old and also added the transfer was subject to the player passing the relevant medical tests.

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has identified a lack of creativity in midfield as one area which requires improvement before the transfer window closes and will no doubt hope the Spain international can provide some nous to an ageing squad.

A statement on the Valencia website read: "Valencia Football Club has reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea FC for the transfer of the player Juan Manuel Mata. The agreement is subject to the relevant medical tests."

Chelsea are not the only English club reported to have shown an interest in Mata with north London rivals Arsenal and Spurs linked with a player who has flourished at the Mestalla after failing to make the breakthrough at Real Madrid.

Mata joined Valencia from Madrid in 2007 and has emerged as one of their most important players, his form earning him a regular place in the Spain squad.

He was a part of the party which won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and was also a key man this summer as Spain won the Under-21 European Championship in Denmark.

espnstar.com

[Rumour Rater] Arsenal Transfer News, 22/08: Kaka and Yann M’Vila

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:56:00 -0700

August 22

It is not easy to understand what is going on at Arsenal but with only one goal scored so far, two conceded and only one win registered in three games, it seems that new players are a must.

According to Metro, manager Arsene Wenger is ready to make a move for Real Madrid’s Kaka. With the Arsenal midfield lacking in creativity after the departure of Cesc Fabregas and with the Brazilian not in Jose Mourinho’s plans, a loan move for the former AC Milan star sounds like a clever move by the Gunners although it seems that Chelsea are also interested in the 29-year old.

In other news, Mirror Football believes that France international Yann M’Vila is one of Arsenal’s targets ahead of the last few days of the summer transfer window. The 21-year old is apparently available for £10m and when we asked our readers for a first opinion on the youngster last month, their response was quite positive with more than 650 votes for the player.

And before moving on to today’s poll, a look at Thursday’s results in which we collected more than 2,000 votes and with Peter Odemwingie getting more than 750 positive votes and Moussa Sow getting more, almost 900.

As always, please let us know your preference on today’s linked players and don’t be shy to join the discussion in our newly-launched Arsenal forum.

Player Profile

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite – Kaka

Date of birth: 22/04/1982

Place of birth: Brasília

Age: 29

Height: 1,86

Nationality: Brazil, Italy

Position: Midfield

Foot: Both

Market Value: £22.5m

Yann M’Vila

Date of birth: 29/06/1990

Place of birth: Amiens

Age: 21

Height: 1,83

Nationality: France, Congo

Position: Defensive Midfield

Foot: Right

Market Value: £14.5m

Thegunninghawk.com

Mancini: Aguero can handle the pressure

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:46:00 -0700

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is confident Sergio Aguero can handle the hype from his big-money move and sensational two-goal debut earlier this week.

Aguero, signed for a club-record £38million from Atletico Madrid last month, made his City bow when he was introduced as a substitute with around half an hour to go in Monday's Barclays Premier League opener against Swansea at the Etihad Stadium.

He marked the occasion by scoring twice and providing an assist for David Silva in a crushing 4-0 victory, and the Argentina international looks set to be handed his first start on Sunday as the Blues travel to Bolton.

The excitement surrounding the striker continues to grow, but his manager Mancini believes Aguero will have no trouble taking it in his stride.

"Aguero is only 23 years old, but for six years he has played in a top, senior team in Argentina and Spain," Mancini said.

"I think it will be no problem and I am happy that on his debut in the Premier League, he has scored two goals. For a striker, it is very important."

Aguero's compatriot Carlos Tevez could be set to make his first appearance of the season for City in the game at the Reebok Stadium.

After a fraught summer, during which the forward handed in an official transfer request and was unsuccessfully pursued by his former club Corinthians, Tevez returned to training with the Blues last week.

Inter Milan have been linked with the 27-year-old, but it appears no further bids have been forthcoming.

He did not feature in the squad for the Swansea match, but Mancini has already made it clear he would be happy for Tevez to stay and will consider him for Sunday.

"He has worked very well in these two weeks," Mancini said.

"When Carlos plays, he always plays very well and gives 100%.

"I think maybe he is not 100% fit, but his mind is okay."

Meanwhile, Mancini is hopeful a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri can be tied up "very quickly".

With discussions between the two clubs believed to have been going on for some time, it had been expected Nasri might be confirmed as a City player this week.

No such announcement has been made as yet and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has indicated Nasri could feature in the London side's match against Liverpool on Saturday.

But speaking about the situation on Friday morning, Mancini said: "I hope we can close it very quickly now."

Asked why there may have been a delay in proceedings, Mancini said: "I don't know - this is not my job.

"I don't know why, but it is probably because Nasri is a good player, or because there is some problem."

espnstar.com

Arsenal, Liverpool to battle for first win

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:45:00 -0700

Arsenal and Liverpool will both be out to claim their first win of the new Barclays Premier League season when they lock horns at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

And ahead of the hugely-anticipated match, Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique spoke of his belief that all was not well with the Gunners.

Arsenal talisman and captain Cesc Fabregas completed his transfer to Barcelona earlier this week and Samir Nasri is expected to follow him out of the Emirates with a move to Manchester City seemingly on the cards.

Enrique, who was himself the subject of a transfer this summer when he moved to Anfield from Newcastle, will get the chance to see what effect the turmoil has had on the Gunners first hand when his new side travel to north London on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League.

ESPNSTAR's LIVE coverage of the Premier League continues with a full fixture list to be played over Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Find out which matches will be covered LIVE here!

Also, we bring you all the latest team news of the clubs in action this weekend here!

"I think it's really difficult for them because I think maybe Nasri will go (as well)," he told www.liverpoolfc.tv. "He is a good player for them too.

"Fabregas has gone already and when you lose your best players it's bad for the team. More in terms of mentality, because they have other really good players."

Enrique can sympathise with the Arsenal players having been at Newcastle when first Andy Carroll, now his Liverpool team-mate, and then Kevin Nolan departed for pastures new.

"Arsenal is an amazing team and I think they'll buy players soon before the end of the market," he said. "But it is hard.

"At Newcastle we had the same with Andy Carroll and after that Kevin Nolan. For the players it's really hard when you lose your best players."

Enrique's old club also face a stiff early-season test as they travel to Sunderland for a Tyne-Wear derby.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has scored six goals against Sunderland, including two in a 5-1 win at St James' Park last season, and he will get the opportunity to add to that tally.

Manager Alan Pardew told the club's website, www.nufc.co.uk: "Shola has been here a long time, he's lived in the area, and the passion from the fans which can get into the players cannot be underestimated.

"Everywhere you go you get reminded, and Shola has had that for a number of years.

"So he knows this is a massive game for the club and he probably gets himself up as high as he would for a cup final.

"That bodes well, and he will start on Saturday, I make no bones about that. He will be in the starting line-up."

Chelsea will have new signing Romelu Lukaku available to face West Brom after the 18-year-old striker completed his move from Anderlecht today.

Midfielder Jon Obi Mikel has also declared himself available despite his father's kidnapping in Nigeria, but goalkeeper Petr Cech has been ruled out for three to four weeks after picking up a knee injury in training.

Also on Saturday, Aston Villa host Blackburn, Swansea entertain Wigan and QPR, who were today taken over by business tycoon Tony Fernandes, go to Everton.

Sunday's fixtures see Stoke travelling to Norwich and Wolves hosting Fulham, while Sergio Aguero, who scored twice off the bench on his Manchester City debut on Monday, will hope for a bigger role as his new side go to Bolton.

The weekend's final eye-catching clash is on Monday, when Tottenham make the trip to Old Trafford to face champions Manchester United.Saturday

Espnstar.com

Smalling backs De Gea to come good

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:43:00 -0700

Under-pressure Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been backed to prove himself to the whole world following a rocky start to his Old Trafford career.

The £18million capture from Atletico Madrid this summer has stepped into the firing line after errors made in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and last Sunday's Barclays Premier League opening victory at West Brom.

The criticism appears to have been harsh on the 20-year-old, with some fans on forums suggesting he should now be dropped ahead of Monday's visit of Tottenham.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has twice had to defend the young Spaniard, has no intention of doing so as he has every faith in De Gea.

Defender Chris Smalling, who will operate at right-back against Tottenham, has also launched a passionate defence of the goalkeeper.

"Some of the media criticism this week has been a bit judgmental given he has only played a couple of games for us," said Smalling.

"The manager has obviously put a lot of faith in him by making him first choice, and I think he is going to be a great goalkeeper for us. A real bonus.

"He has been training really well. We have played a few small-sided games this week and you could see his agility, his kicking ability.

"He is showing his quality, and it is only a matter of time until the whole world sees it too."

Smalling concedes it was always going to take time for De Gea to settle, in particular in coming to a foreign country and learning a new language.

"It's all a learning curve and I think a lot of the foreign lads take time to get used to it," added Smalling.

"He's learning English, that's coming along, but a lot of the lads speak Spanish anyway.

"He is slowly getting into the groove, and I'm sure there are good things to come from him."

espnstar.com

Agent: Liverpool will let Poulsen go

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:42:00 -0700

Christian Poulsen's agent has revealed Liverpool are willing to let the midfielder leave the club.

The Denmark international has found himself out of favour at Liverpool after failing to make an impact since arriving from Juventus last summer.

The summer signings of midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have pushed Poulsen further down the pecking order at Anfield and the club are now prepared to offload the 31-year-old.

Poulsen's agent, Jorn Bonnesen, has confirmed the player has been told he will not be playing regularly for Liverpool this season and that he is looking for a new club for the midfielder.

"I've talked with Liverpool now. They have said that they are not confident that they can meet Christian's desire for playing time, and they understand that we are trying to find a new club for Christian," Bonnesen told bold.dk.

"We look about us and explore the options.

"There are clubs interested, but I can not tell more about the possibilities."

espnstar.com

Villas-Boas hails Mikel resilience

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:27:00 -0700

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has hailed the mental toughness shown by midfielder John Obi Mikel in the wake of his father's kidnapping.

For the second week running, Mikel has volunteered to continue playing, despite the trauma of knowing Michael Obi is being held captive in his family's native Nigeria.

Mikel's representatives confirmed on Thursday a "sizeable" ransom had been demanded for the release of the midfielder's father, who was abducted last week.

Villas-Boas broke the news of the kidnapping to Mikel on Saturday, 24 hours before Chelsea's opening Barclays Premier League game of the season at Stoke.

The 24-year-old insisted he wanted to play and almost capped a fine display with his first goal in English football.

Villas-Boas acknowledged the response of Mikel, who has also put his hand up for Saturday's clash with West Brom, had demonstrated "amazing mental toughness".

He added: "I just have to go with the word my player gives to me and for the game against Stoke, Mikel felt well to play.

"People go through big disappointments and personal things in their lives and they can still be able to play because they feel well on the pitch, to avoid the things that are running in their personal lives and they can focus on on different things.

"Mikel made himself available for training and selection so I will just judge it like that.

"Players react in different ways.

"Some players want straight away to go back to their families, others prefer to be like this and live on day by day, not because they think they are distanced from where it is happening, but it's their choice."

Villas-Boas admitted it had been "difficult" breaking the news to Mikel but would not be drawn on further discussions between the pair.

"I wouldn't like to go into it - it's a pretty sensitive situation and pretty traumatic," he said.

"Hopefully, he can get this thing solved as soon as possible that's what we hope for."

Mikel's desire to play has avoided a possible midfield headache for Villas-Boas, who has acknowledged Chelsea are light in that area.

The club have already seen two bids rejected for Tottenham's Luka Modric, while reports in Spain claim Valencia have accepted an offer in the region of £27million for Juan Mata.

Villas-Boas already faces several selection dilemmas ahead of his first home game in charge.

The Portuguese must choose between Hilario and Ross Turnbull in goal, with Petr Cech out injured, and also decide whether to stick with Fernando Torres in attack.

The Spaniard looked a £50million man reborn at Stoke, despite failing to score.

Villas-Boas has been at Stamford Bridge for less than two months but he is already beginning to tire of questions about the striker.

"He has continually shown his qualities in the Premier League," he said.

"I think I have responded enough to questions about him sufficiently, in my opinion. Let's move on.

"In terms of collective, team performance and team results, I am happy. We can discuss individuals but let's try to expand it a bit more."

Last week's 0-0 draw at the Britannia Stadium meant Chelsea go into Saturday 's game already trailing Manchester United and Manchester City in the table after their title rivals both won last weekend.

"We have two games at home that we must do everything in our power to get three points out of," said Villas-Boas, whose side also host promoted Norwich a week tomorrow [Saturday].

"Because it's seven points and can get us into a good position.

"It's two games at home and you have to win them."

He added: "My perspective on winning the league doesn't change because it's our commitment to win the league.

"I think in the beginning, for all the top teams, you can have average performances."

Villas-Boas' first big test as Chelsea boss is also on the horizon - next month's trip to Old Trafford.

Asked what he made of their game against Saturday's opponents last Sunday, he replied: "They suffered a few injuries unfortunately for them but they are a strong team, one of the favourites for the title, why not? Champions League finalists.

"All of the good signs for Manchester United are there - just the result, whatever the performance, although it's not up to me to judge the performance.

"I have my own opinions, which I wouldn't like to share but it's three points at the start of the Premier League."

Espnstar.com

Ferdinand to return against Spurs

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:31:00 -0700

Despite suffering a hamstring injury during Manchester United's 2-1 win over West Brom, Rio Ferdinand is set to return against Tottenham on Monday.

According to reports in the Sun, the 32-year-old has made an astonishing recovery, to the delight of managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello.

Initially Ferdinand was expected to be out for ten weeks as a result of the injury, but his rapid recovery means that he can continue holding the fort for United, as well as play for England's crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers in Bulgaria, and against Wales in September.

However, it is not all good news for Ferguson, as the Scot will have to decide who will partner Ferdinand in the heart of the United defence.

This is because club captain Nemanja Vidic's medical report on his groin injury picked up during the start of the season has indicated that the Serbian defender will not be able to play for six whole weeks, which is a month longer than initially indicated.

However, it's not all doom and gloom at Old Trafford, as the Manchester club are still basking in adoration of their latest recruit, Ashley Young, who excited both fans and Ferguson by his impressive debut against West Brom, scoring the winner to seal the deal for the reigning Premier League champions.

The England star is well-known for his versatility, being able to play both on the wing as well as centrally, but Ferguson revealed to United's official website that he plans to plan Young on the left-wing in the long run.

"Ashley can play in different positions but I'm not saying it's going to happen at the moment," said the Scot. "He's filling the left-hand side very well but there's options to play him right or off the front.

"The option to play him centrally is not looking great for him, though, with Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov plus even Ryan Giggs can play there. So we're looking more at the wide positions for him.

"But it can help a player in terms of the consistency of playing. John O'Shea, for instance, wasn't in a starting position all the time but, because of his versatility, he made nearly 400 appearances for us in his career here."

espnstar.com

Abramovich frees up £60m war chest

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:30:00 -0700

Chelsea are set to make waves in the summer transfer window with a £29million bid for Valencia winger Juan Mata as well as upping their offer for Tottenham's Luka Modric.

According to the Daily Mail, Blues coach Andre Villas-Boas has told Roman Abramovich he needs to inject more flair into his side and the billionaire Chelsea owner has responded by making £60million available for new players.

Chelsea reportedly had a £22million bid for Mata rejected by Valencia this week and the newspaper claims the Barclays Premier League club will now return with an offer of £27million, plus £2million in top-up payments.

Mata's stock has been on the rise and Chelsea's Premier League rival Arsenal were also understood to be monitoring the winger who starred for Spain at this summer's European Under 21 Championship.

Additionally, sources close to the Daily Mail indicate that Villas-Boas will attempt to wrap up the signing of Tottenham star Modric before the transfer window shuts in less than two weeks time.

Spurs had previously rejected a £27million offer from the Blues for their Croatia international midfielder but coach Harry Redknapp recently admitted that a fresh injection of funds could help him improve his squad.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy remains the main obstacle - his stance on Modric not being available at any price has not softened.

Chelsea have stood watch this summer as title rivals Manchester City and Manchester United spent more than £50million on new players while the Blues only major transaction in the transfer window so far was completed on Thursday with the £20million signing of Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea have high hopes for Lukaku, who has already been backed by Villas-Boas to become as big a Stamford Bridge legend as Didier Drogba.

espnstar.com

Why David Dein is the best signing Arsenal could make this summer

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:43:00 -0700

When Ivan Gazidis promised fans a busy summer transfer window I was stoked (is ’stoked’ just an Australian term or do you lot in England use it too? Just in case you don’t it means very excited). He mentioned elements of our squad departing the club, and I assumed he meant players like Almunia, Squillaci, Denilson et al.

Almunia missed all of the pre-season searching for a new club. Surely that’s a good thing? Well, with around a fortnight until the window slams shut he remains a Gunner. How hard can it be to dispatch him? Apparently very hard, since there have been barely any whispers of a deal let alone any interested clubs.

Denilson is a similar case. Rumours of a swap and cash deal for Shakhtar’s Willian were followed by amusing tales of Shakhtar only wanting the cash. Funny, unless you’re an Arsenal fan. The best we could manage is to farm him out to Sao Paulo, his boyhood club. The Tricolor Morumbi must regret that after his two red cards so far. As for Squillaci, well, I doubt we could sell him even if Wenger wanted to. He’ll be a drain on the Arsenal payroll for a year or two yet sadly.

Alarmingly, it does appear that Gazidis was actually referring to players such as Nicklas Bendtner, Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue. Gael’s gone to City to ‘win’ things and earn a hefty wage for the privilege of doing so, whilst Eboue was offloaded to Galatasaray without much fanfare at all.

In the case of Nicklas Bendtner (The Mysterious Case of Nicklas Bendtner by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has a pleasant ring to it) the Dane has been reduced to being linked with Stoke, Newcastle or Sunderland in his search for regular game time since being pushed down the pecking order by the woeful (and lazyish) Marouane Chamakh. As things stand no deal has been made and some clubs such as Sporting Club of Portugal have even strenuously denied any links to him. Ouch.

Now compare the players mentioned in the last few paragraphs. If you could pick either trio, which would you have? Yes, me too.

Even more alarmingly, Gazidis may have been subtly referring to players most gunners considered crucial to the club six months ago. Cesc left for Barca at the start of the week, but we all knew that would happen one day, and we did make a lot of money from it (even though Wenger says an open market would have generated more – thanks for that Cesc).

The departure of Cesc would be softened by the ability of Nasri, if only Nasri actually played for us and wasn’t public enemy number one in Islington. It’s hard to decipher which statements (inflammatory or conciliatory) are his since so many keep getting reported, but the one obvious problem for all Arsenal fans is Samir’s refusal to sign a new contract.

Whilst his sale would be devastating for Arsenal who will need a playmaker in the post-Cesc era, to let him leave for free in one year when he has so many cashed-up suitors right now is equally problematic. If I ran the show (oh, how we all want to live that dream for a day) I would let him leave now for a hefty sum and reinvest it. Instead I predict that Wenger will let him leave for a hefty sum but not reinvest it. Well, at least not on experienced and proven players anyway.

The start of the summer transfer window was also exciting for the prospect of new, quality players. Gervinho was the name on everybody’s lips and it was practically a done deal from day one. However, since then we have replaced the aforementioned players (well, the ones we have successfully offloaded at least) with some more Wenger-style children. Carl Jenkinson is a 19 year-old full-back, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a 17 year-old winger/forward, and Joel Campbell is a 19 year-old forward. Players for the future certainly, but not the kinds of signings that stir up fans and strike fear into opponents. Especially given the departures.

At the start of the transfer window Gunners worldwide licked their lips over the prospect of Christopher Samba or Gary Cahill partnering Thomas Vermaelen in the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Neither has even had a concrete offer made for them. To a lesser extent many fans would probably even settle for Scott Dann, Phil Jagielka or Per Mertesacker. Anybody must be better than Squillaci.

With Cesc gone and Nasri seemingly set to follow, a creative presence must be purchased for the central midfield berth. So far Wenger has baulked at Juan Mata’s price tag and played down links with Jadson, despite the player tweeting about the prospect of good news and his manager acknowledging Arsenal’s interest. Mmmmm, frustrating.

With Clichy now located at Northern moneybags Manchester City, Gibbs and Traore will share the responsibility at left-back. However, Gibbs is injury prone and Wenger has never given Traore an extended run in the senior squad let alone the starting eleven. When Jose Enrique was angling for a move away from Newcastle it was Liverpool who made the move to snap him up, not Arsenal. Let’s hope that doesn’t come back to haunt us.

Furthermore, if Bendtner leaves, our goal dependency will ride almost entirely on Walcott, Gervinho and Van Persie since it is almost guaranteed Chamakh won’t score. Even if Bendtner stays many fans want Wenger to buy a proven goal-scorer. How come some Russian club I’ve never heard of can afford Samuel Eto’o but a Premier League club that regularly reports record profits can’t?

Ivan Gazidis was brought to the club to help build our brand and image. I have no doubt he is doing a pretty good job, and will probably continue to do so. But the best signing Arsenal could make in my (ultimately superfluous) opinion would be none other than David Dein. Let that sink in for a while. I don’t have a major in business or economics, or pretend to know the ins and outs of how Arsenal FC functions, but I do think that Arsenal’s real problems only started after David Dein was ousted.

Even iconic figures like Thierry Henry bemoaned his departure, and surely that should have signaled concern? In some quarters Arsene Wenger is criticised for wielding too much power, and some doubt that Gazidis is the man to rein him in. They don’t doubt that Dein was capable though, and somebody really needs to prompt Wenger into making the odd high profile (by that I mean quality and proven winner) signing.

Why shouldn’t Dein and Gazidis be able to work alongside one another? Dein could balance Wenger in the power stakes, especially when it comes to transfers and budgets, whilst Gazidis could continue his good work on enhancing Arsenal’s image and marketability.

For me it ultimately comes down to this situation: At the start of the transfer window the club confirmed that Wenger would have a substantial budget to buy players. Selling the likes of Clichy, Eboue, Cesc and (probably) Nasri can only have inflated that budget to ‘dizzying’ heights (Wenger’s words, not mine). There should be no excuse for missing out on a Samba or Cahill, Mata or Jadson, due to a little haggling over price.

Somebody (David Dein) needs to remind Wenger that despite his mostly impressive transfer history, there is an old adage – ‘if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys’. At the moment our squad is becoming littered with talented, young chimps. Whilst they will develop under Wenger’s tutelage, right now we need to dangle a few bananas and attract some alpha-male gorillas.

thegunninghawk.com

Enrique dreams of Champions League

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:04:00 -0700

New signing Jose Enrique dreams of making his debut in the Champions League with Liverpool but admits the battle for the top four will be closer than ever this season.

The 25-year-old made his debut for the Reds in last weekend's opening match of the Barclays Premier League against Sunderland, just over 24 hours after completing his £6million transfer from Newcastle.

He enjoyed a solid debut at left-back in which the team dominated the Black Cats in the first half but faded after the break and had to settle for a draw.

Enrique said part of the reason of moving to a big club like Liverpool was the lure of the Champions League, in which he is yet to play.

"Everyone wants to be there. I've never played in the Champions League and it's a dream for me," he said.

"You have to be realistic, it's really difficult this year because the Premier League is the best league in the world and six or seven or eight teams here are really good.

"It's very difficult to be there but if we play like we played in the first half against Sunderland I think we can be there."

Enrique is seen as the solution to what seems to have been an almost perennial problem at left-back for Liverpool.

But despite being thrust into the side after just one training session - as a result of a late injury to Fabio Aurelio - he is taking nothing for granted, although he is expected to start at Arsenal on Saturday.

"We have an amazing squad. There are two or three left-backs here, maybe more," he added.

"Fabio Aurelio is a really good player. He's been unlucky with injuries but he's really good. I saw him playing for Valencia.

"It's good for the players to have competition because you know your work is never done.

"I still need more time. I hope in the game [against Arsenal] I can play like I did for Newcastle but I think I need more matches to know the players and of course they need to know me more too."

Manager Kenny Dalglish was more than happy with the way the likeable Spaniard fitted in almost seamlessly against Sunderland.

And the Scot said it had been the same off the pitch.

Dalglish put that down to the fact the player already had plenty of experience of English football, having joined Newcastle from Villarreal in 2008.

"Jose has settled in very well. He is a good player, has experience in the Premier League and has settled into the way of life in England and that is helpful to us as well," said the Reds boss.

"It is always helpful when you know the environment you are in and for us that was an important factor when we were looking for a full-back.

"We wanted someone who had a knowledge of the game in the Premier League and certainly he had that last season and also the season when they got relegated."

And Dalglish joked: "He's been here three years; his English is better than mine and his football is better than mine - we are quite happy with the signing of Jose."

When it was pointed out it was a bold statement to say the Spaniard played better football than the Liverpool icon Dalglish quipped: "You've not seen me play recently."

The Scot said Enrique's arrival did not signal the end of reserve team defender Jack Robinson's first-team chances but pointed out it would have been unfair on the 17-year-old to expect him to withstand a gruelling league campaign while he is still developing.

"It is a position we had to strengthen," he explained.

"Young Jack Robinson has fantastic potential but we have to be responsible to Jack because he is 17 and to throw him in and expect him to play a full season would have been wrong.

"But he will be there or thereabouts."

espnstar.com

CECH OUT BUT MIKEL CAN PLAY

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:02:00 -0700

Andre Villas-Boas has spoken for the first time this week about this Saturday's home game...

Squad news

He has yet to decide who will replace injured Petr Cech in goal for the visit of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Cech is out for three to four weeks having injured his knee during training on Wednesday morning.

'He fell awkwardly with weight on top of him, and he stretched a little bit a medial knee ligament,' reported Villas-Boas.

'We expected much worse when we saw the incident. The good news is that it is just for three to four weeks.

'We have two goalkeepers, Hilario and Ross Turnbull, and tomorrow we will make a decision which one will start and which one will be on the bench,' he continued.

'Tomorrow we prepare more strategically for the game and then I will let the players know first.'

Apart from long-term casualty Michael Essien, David Luiz is the other player out injured due to the thigh problem he has carried since returning from the Copa America.

'David Luiz can't make a return yet but it is nothing too dramatic,' said Villas-Boas.

'Next week he will be joining us because he already had a light session today and he will come back next week to full training, so it will be a step-by-step recovery for him.'

John Mikel Obi has again declared himself available for selection despite his father's abduction in Nigeria. New signing Romelu Lukaku is also available while Oriol Romeu returned from the Under 20 World Cup yesterday and trained for the first time at Cobham today (Thursday).

Facing West Brom

Villas-Boas wasn't present for Chelsea's 6-0 demolition of The Baggies at the Bridge in the opening game of last season, but one of his coaching team was.Roberto Di Matteo was at the time the manager of this weekend's opponents.

'I think Robbie is too depressed about the result last season to talk about it,' smiled Villas-Boas. 'We just had some banter about it but he is now on this side and he just wants to win, like we all do.

'Of course it will be emotional for him seeing people he is close to. For sure he will salute those people.

'Last year was an excellent result and we have two games at home now and we must do everything in our power to get three points from each of them,' the manager insisted.

'A total of seven points can get us into a good position but West Brom as we saw last week presents a very difficult challenge because they held Man United, the Champions League finalists, up to the 80th minute.

'They had a couple of good chances and they favour good football, they play short and quick in between them which is something important for the spectacle, so it is a difficult game for us.'

Villas-Boas revealed himself as a fan of how Roy Hodgson asks his teams to play.

'They showed last week against Man United that Roy's values of football are being taken into account. That is why he took Fulham to the Europa League Final.'

In other news

Villas-Boas has confirmed that the signing of one more midfielder is possible in the wake of Essien's cruciate injury, although he hopes the Ghanaian will be back sooner than the original six-month prediction as early treatment is going well.

He also predicts that contract negotiations with Didier Drogba, who has a year left on his current deal, will be completed satisfactory, and stated that reportsNicolas Anelka wants a transfer are untrue.

'Drogba is one of the most important and representative players of the club and his willingness to continue is 100 per cent,' he explained. 'It will be because of that that we will reach an agreement.'

The manager returned to the subject of last Sunday's game at Stoke and his post-match comments about the amount of pushing and grabbing that went on in the two penalty areas during the game.

'The reporting of my words was extremely unfair to what I said,' he pointed out.

'I had a stance of saying the pushing and the shoving was in both boxes and that the referee needed help, and I was not complaining.

'Fortunately enough the Stoke manager is a sensible person and admitted what I said is completely different to how it was written.

'It is a physical game and it will happen in any box in the Premier League so we just have to deal with it.'

Chelseafc.com

[Rumour Rater] Arsenal Transfer News, 18/08: Peter Odemwingie and Moussa Sow

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:59:00 -0700

August 18

After witnessing more and more problems in the final third against Udinese, two strikers are today linked with a possible move to Arsenal.

According to Metro, West Bromwich Albion’s Peter Odemwingie is ready to leave the Baggies if a “top club” makes an approach. The Nigeria International was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates last month and with Marouane Chamakh clearly not the answer for when Robin van Persie is not available, a striker is a must if we are to be competitive this season.

In other news, Eurosport reports that Lille striker Moussa Sow wants wants to leave the Ligue 1 champions for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. The French-born Senegalese striker said, “I want to play at Arsenal, I think my game is best-suited to the Premier League. It is my dream and I want to be playing Champions League football.”

And before moving on to today’s poll, a look at yesterday’s results in which we collected more than 2,000 votes and with Liverpool’s Joe Cole getting a high number of negative votes from our readers and with Eljero Elia enjoying more than 800 positive replies.

As always, please let us know your preference on today’s linked players and don’t be shy to join the discussion in our newly-launched Arsenal forum.

Player Profile

Peter Odemwingie

Date of birth: 15/07/1981

Place of birth: Tashkent

Age: 30

Height: 1,82

Nationality: Nigeria, Russia

Position: Striker

Foot: Both

Market Value: £7m

Moussa Sow

Date of birth: 19/01/1986

Place of birth: Mantes-la-Jolie

Age: 25

Height: 1,80

Nationality: Senegal, France

Position: Striker

Foot: Right

Market Value: £9.7m

Thegunninghawk.com

LUKAKU: THE FIRST INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:58:00 -0700

Romelu Lukaku has completed his transfer from Anderlecht and will be available for selection for Saturday's game.

The new striker will wear the number 18 shirt and having signed a five-year contract, he has given an exclusive first interview to the official Chelsea website.

The 18-year-old striker has already scored twice in 10 appearances for the senior Belgium team, and was on international duty this week he played 60 minutes in their goalless away draw with Slovenia.

Since making his club debut when just 16, Lukaku, the son of a former Zaire international, Roger, has averaged nearly a goal every two games and scored 16 times in 37 league games last season.

A Chelsea supporter, he also visited Stamford Bridge on a school trip two years ago, and explains just how excited he is to pull on the blue shirt.

How does it feel to be sat here as a Chelsea player?

Amazing. It's a dream come true. I dreamed to play here since I was 10 years old, thinking about shaking hands with all those players like John Terry and Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, it's amazing to arrive here in a big club with big ambition. It was just what I was searching for.

What made you interested in Chelsea to begin with?

I watched the Premier League since I was nine. Every weekend I watched the games, I used to watch Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scoring goals and remember one against Manchester United, the volley at Old Trafford, and I decided I wanted to support this team.

You've been compared to Didier Drogba a lot, what do you make of that?

It's nice, I like it a lot. We have similar playing styles, but I am also very fast. I want to learn off him how it is to play here at the Bridge and how to prepare for games. I can also learn off the other strikers and experienced players in the squad. I think if you are clever on and off the pitch you will get accepted and that's what I want.

What are your other strengths, and weaknesses?

I am quite a clinical finisher, with my right or my left foot, but I try to improve myself every day and like to do individual training after sessions to improve myself continuously. It's very important for a young guy to improve in training and to show the coach that if he needs him he is ready. I can improve everything, technique, speed, faster, my finishing can be better. I just want to help the team to win games and first of all for me as a young players I need to learn from the other guys.

You already have good experience for an 18-year-old...

Yes, it was a good experience to play in Belgium but I wanted to take a big step to join a big club and I said from day one that I wanted to go to Chelsea. To be here now is so good, there are guys with a lot of experience at international level and they won everything, but I didn't, I don't have the same feeling as them. I just want to win something so I am very hungry to start with these guys.

We didn't win anything last season, so this year there is pressure on the club to lift a trophy...

I understand there is a lot of pressure on the team but with the players that we have, so much experience and so much talent, and with a great boss also, you can see that we can be confident we can make a successful season.

You've been to Stamford Bridge before...

We were with school and we had three days off in London to visit a lot of museums. I didn't know we were visiting the Bridge so I was quite shocked. I was 16, and already playing with Anderlecht. It was just after the season finished and I bought a shirt with my name on. I wanted to feel like a normal kid and to show the kids in my class they could accept me, that I was just a normal human being. That's why I finished school also and I am very happy about that.

And you had more exams recently?

Yes, I had my Baccalaureate. I did public relations and it was very difficult. I had 12 exams and it was also the play-offs in the Belgian league at the same time, with my exams in the middle but I made it and I am very happy about it.

You're one of a number of exciting young Belgian talents. We signed another in Thibaut Courtois recently, how much do you know about him?

I know Thibaut, he is a very good friend of mine and we played against each other since we were 13 years old when he was at Genk and I was in Anderlecht. I remember one game we played we won 4-0 and I scored four times. Sometimes we still laugh about that, but I am happy we are in the same team because he is a very good goalkeeper who is very calm and I hope he will get a good season on loan in Atletico.

What will be your targets for yourself in the coming season?

First of all I just want to learn and train as much as possible to improve myself and show the coach that when he needs me I am ready. Then I hope to make minutes for the team and be helpful for the team, because the team is the most important thing. If you think positively about the team it will be positive for you

Chelseafc.com

Aguero: I can help City win title

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:46:00 -0700

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has now set his sights on the Premier League title after his stunning debut against Swansea City at the weekend.

The £38million signing from Atletico Madrid got off to a dream start to his City career by scoring twice in his side's 4-0 thumping of the Premier League new boys at Eastlands.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the Argentinean has revealed his objective, which is to help the club win their first ever Premier League title.

"This is a chance for me to change the league," he was quoted as saying in The Daily Mirror.

"This is a team with a lot of quality. I know it's a competitive league but we're here to win it in the end.

"I have just played for a few minutes, but it was great to get my first goal and the one at the end.

"Now I want to keep it going.

"This is a team that is growing and developing and I want to help them do that.

The 23-year-old has also promised City fans that he will give his best to the club on the pitch.

"My style has always been to fight to the death for every ball, and give 100 per cent for every game, to be concentrated to the maximum for everything I do - movement, running off the ball, winning the ball back and scoring goals.

"I'm not a player who can do everything, but I have plenty to offer."

espnstar.com

Smalling: Watch out for United youth

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:45:00 -0700

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling believes that his squad of young stars could dominate the Premier League for many seasons.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is enjoying the fruits of his hard work over the years, with young talent like Smalling, Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, and Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael da Silva all maturing and ready to take their place at Old Trafford, and Smalling believes this has vindicated the Scot's belief in youth.

Speaking to MUTV, he said: "The manager has shown all pre-season he's willing to give the young players a go and he's thrown them in to big games. So it's great to see them step up.

"It's a big marker to all the other players and the rest of the squad that, if you play well, it doesn't matter how old you are."

"Everyone's really gelling and, with Jonny [Evans] and people coming in like Fabio, it's great to see.

"If you do well, the manager will keep you in the team. It's a big marker to all the other players and the rest of the squad that, if you play well, it doesn't matter how old you are.

"If you've got that ability, the manager is going to put you in."

espnstar.com

Wenger could face further woe

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:41:00 -0700

Arsene Wenger could find himself in further disciplinary trouble after communicating with the Arsenal bench during their 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win over Udinese.

The Frenchman received a one-match touchline ban for abusing Swiss referee Massimo Busacca in the last-16 defeat to Barcelona last season.

Wenger's post-match criticism saw him banished to the stands for this evening's match, although he could find himself in further trouble for communicating with the bench.

Arsenal checked with UEFA that Wenger could send messages to the coaching staff via a third party.

As a result, first-team coach Boro Primorac passed instructions from Wenger to assistant manager Pat Rice on the touchline throughout the first period.

However, UEFA warned Wenger at the break he was contravening the rules and as a result he withdrew from communication.

After the match, the Gunners boss felt that as he had not been involved in the match in the usual way he would not attend the post-match press conference.

Wenger will have been frustrated by the way his team were unable to go on to dominate the tie after taking an early lead through Theo Walcott.

Arsenal laboured to a 1-0 win over the Italian side, which left more questions than answers over life after Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger had called for a response from his young squad following the sale of their captain back to Barcelona and it seemed he would get just that when Walcott swept the home side in front after only four minutes.

However, from then on, Arsenal never really got into any sort of rhythm as Udinese grew into the game.

Goalscorer Walcott is happy with the narrow lead heading into next week's second leg and is keen to move on from the sale of Fabregas.

"We've just got to carry on," he said. "It's time to move on. He was a great player for the club but he's gone.

"We still have some very talented players in the squad here and we believe we can achieve something this year.

"We're in a great position but it's far from over. We didn't finish it off.

"But we dug in and gave absolutely everything. That's two clean sheets in a row now, and we're capable of winning over there."

Walcott has been dogged by his controversial comments about Fabio Capello this week and, while he refused to comment on the matter, he gave the onlooking Italian a reminder of his talent.

"It was nice to get the goal. I want to get more goals this season," he said. "It was a great ball from Aaron (Ramsey).

"Hopefully the boss will play me up front now, I don't know. I could have had a couple more but the keeper made some spectacular saves.

"We're going to find it difficult over there but we're very happy with the result.

"That's the most important thing."

While Arsenal will happy with the clean sheet, the victory came at a cost as Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou picked up injuries.

Gibbs picked up a minor hamstring injury and was forced off at half-time, but replacement Djourou was forced off after just 10 minutes with a similar complaint.

Both players are now doubts for this weekend's match against Liverpool.

espnstar.com

Walcott delighted with winning goal

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:40:00 -0700

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has expressed his delight in scoring the winning goal in his side's 1-0 Champions League first-leg play-off win over Udinese.

The 22-year-old, who has attracted controversy after his comments about England manager Fabio Capello in his autobiography, gave the onlooking Italian a reminder of his talent when he skilfully stole in behind the Udinese defence to tap home Aaron Ramsey's cross in the fourth minute.

Speaking after the match, Walcott insists he is slowing inching back into full fitness and hopes to score more goals for the Gunners.

"I'm still coming back from my ankle injury. The goalkeeper's made an absolutely fantastic save. It's early days, it's my first 90 minutes, and I'm very happy with the result. That's the important thing.

"I was to get more goals. It's a great ball Aaron's played for me. Hopefully the boss will play me up front."

It was a battle for Arsenal in midfield, but Ramsey feels they can get a positive result in the return leg in Udine.

"We tended to drop off a bit and there were gaps appearing but we dug in and gave absolutely everything tonight," he said. "We believe we're capable of going over there to win.

"The most important thing is a clean sheet. Our defence was solid, like at the weekend. I believe we can get the result."

The Gunners will travel to Italy for the second leg next week.

espnstar.com

Gervinho three-match ban upheld

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:33:00 -0700

Arsenal striker Gervinho will serve his three-match ban for violent conduct after the Football Association dismissed his appeal.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast forward was sent off in the second half of the goalless draw at St James' Park for striking Magpies midfielder Joey Barton following what the home side claimed was a dive in the penalty area.

The Gunners lodged a claim on Monday that the standard three-game ban was "clearly excessive", but an FA regulatory commission heard the case on Tuesday and ruled that the punishment should stand.

"Arsenal's Gervinho has had his three-match suspension for violent conduct confirmed today," read an FA statement.

"The player was sent off during Arsenal's fixture against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday.

"Arsenal subsequently lodged a claim that the standard punishment of three matches was clearly excessive.

"A commission heard the claim today and dismissed it, meaning the player must serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect."

The FA charged both clubs with failing to control their players following the ill-tempered opening fixture on Tyneside.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song faces a separate charge of violent conduct after his stamp on Barton which was missed by referee Peter Walton.

Gervinho will miss the games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea - and Song could also be hit by the same retrospective punishment.

Barton, meanwhile, received a yellow card for his part in the melee, and as such has already been sanctioned.

The controversial midfielder admitted on Twitter that he "went down easily" following Gervinho's slap.

espnstar.com

Liverpool's Enrique eyes top-four spot

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:32:00 -0700

New Liverpool defender Jose Enrique is targeting a top four finish this season and hopes his move to Anfield will bring him international recognition.

The Spaniard made his debut against Sunderland on Saturday just over 24 hours after completing a £6million move from Newcastle.

Enrique made a quietly confident start to his Reds career but knows he and his new team-mates will have to perform much better if they are to break back into the top four having missed out for the last two seasons.

"We want to get back into the top four this season and if we could win the Premier League that would be fantastic, but we have to be realistic," he said.

"A lot of teams have spent a lot of money and for me this league is the most competitive one in the world.

"Seven teams could finish in the top four but we want to be there and we will do everything we can to make that possible.

"In the first half (against Sunderland) we played some unbelievable stuff and we need to do that for 90 minutes. If we can do that then we can beat anyone."

The 25-year-old Enrique is seen as the solution in what has been a long-term problem position for Liverpool and is certain to come under more scrutiny than he did at St James' Park.

However, he hopes that will work to his advantage as he still harbours ambitions to break into the national side.

"It would be fantastic to get into the Spain squad because for every player it's a dream to play for your country," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"But my first priority is Liverpool and helping us get back into the top four this year."

One of the key factors in Liverpool regaining their Champions League status will be the form of £35million club-record signing Andy Carroll.

He arrived at Anfield in January with a thigh problem and was never fully fit for the remainder of the season but Enrique, who saw Carroll at his best when the pair played together at Newcastle, has backed the England striker to come good.

"I watched him play last season and I knew he wasn't fit here," he added.

"I don't care if the player is Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, if a player is not fit, he is not fit.

"For us in Newcastle he was brilliant and I am sure he will be brilliant for Liverpool.

"He is a very good player. When a club like Liverpool pays £35million for Andy I know it is not lucky.

"It is because they think he is a good player. I am sure he is going to do a lot of things very good for us.

"He is playing very well in his position and he is going to be an important player this season."

Another player who came under the spotlight at the weekend was youngster Jon Flanagan.

With Glen Johnson injured he was selected at right-back ahead of Martin Kelly but had a second half to forget as he lost Sebastian Larsson for the Black Cats' equaliser and appeared to suffer a lack of confidence as a result.

The 18-year-old, who only made his first-team debut in March against Manchester City, admits he still has plenty to learn.

"I just want to continue improving," he told LFC Magazine.

"There are areas where I need to get better such as going forward and crossing. I need to work on everything.

"With lads like Glen and Martin there is plenty of competition in the squad. That's always good to have.

"It means if you do get in the team you have to take the chance. Martin is only a few years older than me. He came in last season and did brilliantly. He showed exactly how to grab an opportunity."

Espnstar.com

Arsenal confirm Eboue departure

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:30:00 -0700

Arsenal have agreed terms for Emmanuel Eboue's transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray.

Ivory Coast international Eboue had been expected to leave the Gunners this summer after he struggled for first team action last season while he was not handed a squad number ahead of the new campaign.

"Arsenal have agreed terms with Turkish side Galatasaray for the transfer of Emmanuel Eboue," a statement on the Premier League club's website read.

"Everyone at Arsenal thanks Manu for his contribution towards the club and wishes him the best of luck for the future."

Eboue has signed a four-year contract with Gala on a deal the Turkish club has claimed is initially worth €3.5million.

The 28-year-old's departure ends a six-year stay in north London after he joined from Belgian side Beveren in 2005.

Eboue found himself down the pecking order at Arsenal last season when he managed just 13 league appearances and his exit loomed likely as he remained out of favour in pre-season.

His departure comes a day after Cesc Fabregas completed his protracted move to Barcelona while Samir Nasri is also expected to leave before the transfer window ends.

Eboue made 216 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal and scored 13 goals.

espnstar.com

Liverpool rejoice at Gerrard recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Duong) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:49:00 -0700

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was pleased as Steven Gerrard returned to light training this week.

According to reports in the Guardian, the Liverpool midfielder is on schedule to recover from the infection that prevented him from playing in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend.

He was scheduled to return to action in August after groin surgery in March earlier this year, but had to postpone his return after the infection.

However, Dalglish announced that the player was on his way back to fitness, saying:"Stevie will be stepping up his recovery this week".

The England star is expected to return to the pitch mid-September, and will still not be able to make England's European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales in September, much to Three Lions manager Fabio Capello's disappointment.

There was other good news at Anfield as Martin Skrtel is also scheduled to return to training after recovering from a calf injury sustained in pre-season, though that was tempered by yet another injury to Fabio Aurelio, who damaged his achilles tendon in training on last Friday.

Looking back at the draw against Sunderland, new signing Jose Enrique gave striker Andy Carroll a pat on the back for his performances, and believes that the Englishman will soar at Merseyside sooner than later.

"Andy was brilliant for us at Newcastle and I am sure he will be the same for Liverpool," the Spaniard said. "He is a very, very good player. When a club like Liverpool pays £35m for Andy, I know it is not by chance. It is because they think he is a good player.

"I watched him play last season and I knew he wasn't fit here. I don't care if the player is Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, if a player is not fit, then he cannot play properly. He is playing very well in his position and he is going to be an important player this season."