Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has likened Robin van Persie’s effect on the Manchester United team to that of Lionel Messi for Barcelona, the Guardian reports.
The praise from O’Neill followed his side’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday in which van Persie was influential throughout for the Red Devils, scoring once as well as providing an assist for Wayne Rooney’s goal.
Speaking of the Dutchman’s impact on the United team, the Sunderland boss made reference to the importance of Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi for the Spanish side.
“Would, for instance, Barcelona have the same effect if Lionel Messi didn’t play? The number of goals he has scored is incredible [90 in 2012]. They are a very talented team, but without him, you don’t know because Messi is their talisman.”
Van Persie took his tally to 15 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season for his new club, following his switch from the Emirates to Old Trafford in August.
“Honestly, he [Van Persie] can get goals out of very little. It looks like nothing is happening, you have players there in the area, but all of a sudden, he has opened up a gap,” O’Neill said.
“Just look at the third goal. We would say we didn’t defend brilliantly, but he would say it was great play, fantastic play, and you always felt that United would give themselves a big edge by getting van Persie.
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United currently sit six points clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, and are now guaranteed to be able to enjoy being leaders of the pack at Christmas.
Manchester City have humbled many teams in the Premier League this season, but Chelsea seemed to bring that process upon themselves on Sunday as Antonio Conte set up his side for a decisively passive performance at the Etihad Stadium, resulting in a 1-0 defeat.
As much as Chelsea’s players were following the instructions of their manager, it was still a disappointing performance from the Blues; Eden Hazard became completely disinterested after the first half an hour, Willian and Pedro failed to make the most of the few opportunities in which they received the ball, the midfield struggled to have any real impact on the game and the backline was largely found wanting as Bernardo Silva drifted in at the far post for the only goal of the afternoon.
But there’s one player who can return to west London with his head held high, and Chelsea fans won’t be too surprised that it’s Cesar Azpilicueta – the Blues’ Mr. Reliable and undoubtedly the most consistent, versatile and dependable defender in the Premier League at this moment in time.
The Spaniard’s most telling contribution came in the form of a goal line clearance to prevent what would have been a sensational goal from Leroy Sane, and that epitomised what was a decent performance from Azpilicueta under difficult circumstances – especially in comparison to many of his exceptionally quiet team-mates.
Indeed, the 28-year-old also won the most tackles of any Chelsea player, made the second-most clearances and blocked the most shots – an impressive three – while completing 92% of his passes, ranking first throughout the Blues’ XI for touches and not committing a single foul.
Despite the scoreline and the lack of intent Chelsea showed in a disappointingly negative performance, Azpilicueta still found a way to have a positive influence on the match.
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Former Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder David Bentley has admitted he retired from football as he ‘never felt like a footballer’, reports the Daily Mirror.
The former England international retired this summer at the age of just 29.
Bentley said: “To be honest, I was even having a few doubts about football when I was at Blackburn.
“It was weird. Kim was like: ‘You’ve got to buck your ideas up’. A lot of people were saying that and I remember walking my dog, thinking: ‘This ain’t for me’.
“I remember being a bit disappointed in myself. I was thinking: ‘You should love it, what’s the matter with you? You’re only saying this because you’re a little bit unhappy at the minute’.
“But in the end I just got tired of all the bull**** that goes with it, people wanting you to sell yourself as something you’re not.
“I loved matchdays, the atmosphere and the buzz, but, looking back, the biggest disappointment was coming out of youth team football.
“Back then I was with my mates, playing Sunday League, you’re winning together with all your mums and dads, that’s when football is brilliant.
“For me the professional dressing-room wasn’t that exciting, life wasn’t that great. Whether my career reached the heights it could or should have done – certain people are built for the life of a footballer but I don’t think I was.
“I had the tools but I don’t think I had that. But that’s what makes me who I am and I never wanted to change it.
“Everyone grows up dreaming of being a Premier League footballer, playing for England – and I did it.
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“But it wasn’t like whoopee-do and then, bang, finished. The contract ran down, it stopped and I stopped playing. I didn’t give up while I had a contract, I just decided that my future was outside of football.”
Norwich stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to eight games with victory over Sunderland to heap more pressure on Martin O’Neill.
The Canaries have improved after a slow start under Chris Hughton and haven’t tasted defeat since a 4-1 reverse against Chelsea at the start of October.
In stark contrast to their hosts the Wearsiders just can’t seem to buy a win at the moment and a sixth defeat in their last nine leaves them just a place and point outside the bottom three.
Despite the loss O’Neill, who celebrates his first anniversary as boss on Monday, can take heart from a spirited second half display from his side, although his record of two wins in 22 league games is similar to the one that got predecessor Steve Bruce the sack 12-months ago.
And Norwich were quick to capitalise on the visitors’ defensive uncertainty and took just eight minutes to break the deadlock, former Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong stealing in at the back post to bundle Robert Snodgrass’ free kick into the net.
Sunderland barely looked like threatening goalkeeper Mark Bunn, standing in for the injured John Ruddy, and were dealt another blow as the hosts doubled their lead in the 37th minute with a superb team goal.
A move involving 29 passes ended with Anthony Pilkington latching on to a defence splitting pass from Bradley Johnson, shrugging off the attention of Carlos Cuellar and cooly slotting the ball past Simon Mignolet.
That seemed to jolt O’Neill’s men from their perpetual slumber and Craig Gardner gave them hope of a second half comeback, lashing the ball beyond Bunn from 20-yards after being teed up by Adam Johnson just before the break.
Despite improving after the restart they just couldn’t fashion an equaliser and centre back Matt Kilgallon squandered their best opportunity when he fired over an empty net from 10 yards after Gardner’s free kick struck the post.
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The Arsenal fans in and around the Transfer Tavern are hopeful that Unai Emery will recruit the necessary players for the Gunners to attempt to once again reach the top four in the Premier League.
The new boss has made a positive start to life in London, by bringing in the experienced Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno to the club, building on two weak points in the Gunners’ side.
Although not a weakness, Nacho Monreal isn’t getting any younger, prompting the need to bring in a player more capable of being a long-servant for Arsenal. Our punters believe that Valencia’s Jose Gaya is a player that would be a great addition at the Emirates and one that could walk straight into their starting 11.
Gaya, who’s valued at £31.5 million on Transfermarkt, has been a regular at Valencia and impressed massively during his time with the Spaniards so far. Having made 38 total appearances last year, attacking wise, Gaya helped Valencia to 5 assists as well as defending valiantly in a unit.
Arsenal are heading into a new chapter in their history and the acquisition of Jose Gaya would be a good way to look forward rather than backwards, like they have been doing over the last few years. At 23, Gaya has years ahead of him to assert himself as number one left-back, proving why so much interest has been around him for years.
The Emirates needs a lift this summer and immediately by adding Jose Gaya to their two new signings as well, things will be looking a lot brighter for the London club.
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Newcastle United have revealed that influential midfielder Jonjo Shelvey picked up a knee problem during Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
The Magpies led 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium before the Cherries secured a point courtesy of a late equaliser from Dan Gosling.
Shelvey, who is believed to collect £80,000 a week in wages at St James’ Park, played the full 90 minutes of the Premier League clash, but Newcastle have confirmed that the Englishman ‘suffered a knee injury’ during the fixture.
It is currently unclear how long the former Liverpool midfielder will be out of action, with scans on 26-year-old’s knee due to take place later this week.
The news is a bitter blow to a Newcastle side that sit down in 15th position in the Premier League table despite losing just one of their last eight top-flight fixtures.
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A statement on Newcastle’s official website read:
“Jonjo Shelvey suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s draw at AFC Bournemouth. The midfielder will be further assessed and scanned this week.”
Shelvey was widely praised for his performance in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Manchester United earlier this month, and the midfielder has scored once in 24 appearances for last season’s Championship winners during the 2017-18 season.
No, you aren’t caught in some kind of footballing time-warp. Believe it or not, for the second season in a row, Manchester United, under new management, will kick off their season against Swansea City.
During the Premier League opener last term, the Red Devils, lead by David Moyes, came away with a 4-1 win. Considering how torrid his tenure turned out to be however, I’m sure Louis van Gaal will be pushing for an even more impressive debut.
But there are still plenty of questions to be answered before the weekend, most significantly, who will be an official Manchester United player by the time Swansea turn up in Manchester?
The Old Trafford outfit have a number of priority targets that could arrive at Carrington by the end of the week, so with that in mind, here’s a look at their ‘Dream Starting XI’ to take on the Welsh outfit during Saturday’s early kick-off.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON LOUIS VAN GAAL TO REVEAL ALL
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GOALKEEPER – DAVID DE GEA
Quickly emerging as a world-class shot-stopper and one of a rare few Manchester United players who can hold his head high after last season, it would be a monumental shock if David De Gea wasn’t continued in his No.1 berth against Swansea at the weekend.
Had the Spaniard not been in impeccable form throughout last term, the Red Devils’ torrid campaign could have been considerably more embarrassing – with this double-save against Olympiacos in the Champions League being a perfect example:
Boasting cat-like reflexes, calmness on the ball and improving the aerial weaknesses of his game all the time, there seems little reason for Louis van Gaal to oust the 23 year-old now.
RIGHT CENTRE-BACK – PHIL JONES
Phil Jones’ progress at Manchester United hit a few bumps in the road last season.
He’s heralded as a future centre-back of world-class status, but often a victim of his own versatility, was used in far too many different positions by David Moyes:
But the introduction of a three-man defence at Old Trafford could bring out the best in the England international. He’s well acquainted with the right-back and centre-back roles, and has enough quality on the ball to venture into midfield.
Louis van Gaal is famed for his ability to help youngsters realise their full potential too, and the combination of both factors could see Jones emerge as a stalwart for club and country.
A few more of these wouldn’t go amiss either:
CENTRE-BACK – MATS HUMMELS
If Manchester United are to make 3-5-2 their permanent formation, securing the signature of a top-quality centre-half is a must this summer.
It’s no secret that Louis van Gaal’s desired purchase is Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels, having been continually linked with the World Cup winner throughout the summer. Recent speculation suggests the Red Devils are preparing a final offer:
Measuring in at 6 foot 4 and averaging five successful aerial duels per match last season, the Germany centre-back is a formidable force in the air.
But the 36-cap international is better known for his ability to play out of the back and link-up with midfield, often leading to comparisons with Mannschaft legend Franz Beckenbauer, best represented by these attacking and passing statistics:
Here’s a vid showing Hummels’ impressive all-round game:
//www.youtube.com/embed/BitBv8B48UQ
Adding him to the Old Trafford ranks before next weekend will be a tough task however with Jurgen Klopp exceptionally reluctant to sell. So reluctant in fact, he’s issued Hummels the captain’s armband at Westfalen:
LEFT CENTRE-BACK – DALEY BLIND
Manchester United have received a significant boost in their alleged pursuit of Ajax star Daley Blind, following the Netherlands international’s admission yesterday that he would consider an Old Trafford switch:
Following a Player of the Year award-winning campaign with the Eredivisie Champions, the 24 year-old finished Brazil 2014 with the second-most assists of any player, as detailed below:
That includes this sensational delivery to Robin van Persie against Spain:
At the World Cup, Blind featured in the left-wing back role. But he’s an exceptionally versatile player with sound technique and tactical understanding (like most Dutch footballers) and could be an inspired choice for the left side of a back three, whilst offering vital cover to other departments.
The revelation that the Oranje utility man would listen to offers from the Red Devils whilst Ajax appear to be preparing for his departure suggests a move could be completed by the end of the week.
But known interest from Barcelona could be an issue:
RIGHT WING BACK – JUAN CUADRADO
Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado is primarily considered a winger. But the Colombian international is versatile and industrious off the ball, and was thus utilised at No.2, amongst other positions, by the Serie A side last season:
He’s also been mooted as a potential successor to Dani Alves in that role, but it appears Manchester United are leading the race for his signature following news that he’s agreed personal terms:
The 26 year-old absolutely destroyed the Italian top flight last year and had a significant impact at Brazil 2014, as detailed below:
In fact, nobody at the tournament bettered his four assists, including this set-up to James Rodriguez:
Combining pace, athleticism, trickery and netting prowess, this goal typifies the South American:
//www.youtube.com/embed/DUlRxcSaxZo
Whether United can wrap up a deal for the £36million-rated attacker before they face Swansea City at the weekend however, remains to be seen.
LEFT WING-BACK LUKE SHAW
Now the most expensive full-back in the history of football and the only left-back on the Old Trafford roster, despite apparent concerns over his fitness it would be incredibly surprising if Louis van Gaal didn’t issue Luke Shaw his Manchester United debut at the weekend.
Of course, the ex-Saints starlet comes with a preceding reputation, having made the No.3 slot his own at St.Mary’s over the last few seasons and shown enough promise to usurp Ashley Cole from a place in the England set-up he’s held for over a decade, all at just 18 years of age.
Famed for his vibrancy going forward and athleticism, Shaw is perfect for the wing-back role and should add a whole new dimension to United’s attack. Here’s some of his best moments for Southampton:
//www.youtube.com/embed/RjsU4D_dn68?rel=0
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – ANDER HERRERA
Another summer signing likely to be given his competitive debut for the Red Devils at the weekend is midfielder Ander Herrera.
The 24 year-old was in strong form for Athletic Bilbao last season, as seen below, paving the way for his £29million move to Old Trafford:
The Spaniard is seen as the perfect acquisition to add some mobility and technical quality to United’s engine room. Here’s some of Herrera’s best moments for the La Liga side:
//www.youtube.com/embed/T_OhObYeGEs?rel=0
And Herrera’s United career has thus far gone swimmingly. He helped the Red Devils claim the International Champions Cup in Miami, producing this defence-splitting assist to Ashley Young:
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – ARTURO VIDAL
News came towards the end of last week that Manchester United had agreed personal terms with priority target Arturo Vidal:
The Chile international’s box-to-box style, boasting robust athleticism, tackling ability and netting prowess, is seen as perfect for Louis van Gaal’s attacking mentality.
He’s also well acquainted with the 3-5-2 system, having played under it in all of the Old Lady’s 38 Serie A games last season and at the World Cup, albeit in a more advanced role, with Chile.
Furthermore, the 27 year-old was in unbelievable form last season as the Juve and Vidal claimed their third consecutive Italian title. Here’s a look at his vitals from the campaign:
It appears the deal is close to completion and could be wrapped up by the weekend:
But the £45million-rated midfielder’s knee injury could provide a late stumbling block.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD – JUAN MATA
One major advantage of the 3-5-2 system is that it allows Juan Mata to revert back to his most influential and prolific role as a No.10.
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No doubt, the 26 year-old is a quality player, and after finding his feet at Old Trafford was one of United’s more productive performers, as viewable below:
This set piece effort against Southampton particularly stood out:
Now brought back into the central position and likely to stay there as long as van Gaal utilises a 3-5-2, its time for the Spain international to come good on his £37million price-tag.
STRIKER – WAYNE ROONEY
Likewise to Juan Mata, having two up front lets Wayne Rooney – who has often complained about his role at Manchester United – return to his favoured and more natural position of out-and-out striker.
The England international was disappointing at the World Cup (as were the rest of the Three Lions) but verged upon talismanic for the Red Devils last season, as detailed below:
Here’s a look at the 28 year-old’s highlights from the 2014/15 campaign:
//www.youtube.com/embed/W9ocKfzgTIQ?rel=0
Rooney also won the Player of the Tournament award at the International Champions Cup and appears to be getting on very well with Louis van Gaal:
So expect big things from the former Everton youngster next season!
STRIKER – DANNY WELBECK
In an ideal situation, the second striker slot would undoubtedly go to Robin van Persie – one of the Premier League’s most potent front-men who enjoys a father-I-never-had relationship with Louis van Gaal.
But the Netherlands skipper missed Manchester United’s tour of America after picking up an injury at the World Cup, and thus has been officially ruled out of the Red Devils’ opener against Swansea.
It’s likely the role will instead go to Danny Welbeck, not least because Javier Hernandez is expected to be ousted from Old Trafford by the end of the summer:
And secondly due to the fact van Gaal likes his sides to press from the front, and in that regard the ever-energetic 23 year-old fits the bill perfectly.
His sharpness in front of goal dramatically improved last season too, netting ten times in 36 appearances across all competitions. Here’s the England international’s best moments from last term:
Manchester City visit Chelsea on Sunday, as two giants in flux clash in English Premier League action.
Both clubs have had weeks they would rather forget, City bundled out of the Champions League before the knockout stages and Chelsea close to elimination after disappointing midweek results.
The fall-out was particularly savage in west London, with Roberto Di Matteo – just six months removed from guiding the club to their greatest ever triumph in lifting the Champions League – sacked in favour of former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez after their 3-0 loss to Juventus.
Chelsea still have a chance to reach the knockout stages, if they beat Nordsjaelland at home on matchday six and Juventus lose to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Nevertheless, the latest European defeat saw Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich dismiss Di Matteo, with a laboured 3-2 home win over Shakhtar their only victory from the past five matches in all competitions.
In the league, Chelsea’s form has been particularly average, with 1-1 draws against Swansea and Liverpool followed by a 2-1 defeat at West Brom, leaving the early-season pace-setters in third spot, four points behind leaders City.
Further north in Manchester, Roberto Mancini’s City side have at least been keeping up appearances domestically while their European dream slipped away.
City sit top of the Premier League standings, one point clear of arch-rivals Manchester United, after 12 games played. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, ending their hopes of making the last 16 of the Champions League.
They could still qualify for the Europa League by finishing third in the group, but one wonders what incentive Mancini has for wanting his squad tied up mid-week during what is sure to be a tight tussle at the top of the league table.
Both managers have fitness concerns ahead of the crunch match, with City captain Vincent Kompany reportedly leaving the stadium on crutches after the draw against Real Madrid.
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He joins Gael Clichy (ankle), Micah Richards (knee) and Mario Balotelli (back) on the injury list at Eastlands.
For Chelsea, captain John Terry is still bothered by a knee injury, Frank Lampard is slowly returning to fitness after a calf problem while Daniel Sturridge also missed the Juventus match because of a hamstring injury.
Arsenal are in competition with Juventus, managed by one-time reported target Max Allegri for the signature of breakout World Cup star Aleksandr Golovin, according to Italian outlet Tutto Sport.
What’s the story, then?
The report claims that Juventus are wary of potential advances for the Russian midfielder from the Emirates Stadium and have tried to jump ahead in the queue.
They go on to say that the Italian champions are in constant contact with CSKA Moscow over Golovin but that an 18m euro bid has been rejected as they hold out for 25m.
It also says that Golovin’s future will only be decided after the World Cup, which should give Arsenal ample time to hit back with a bid of their own.
Emery could land a major blow on Allegri
It does seem as if Allegri and Juventus are ahead in the race for Golovin but as there will still be fractions of the Arsenal fanbase who long for the Italian to be at the Emirates, this chase could present a chance to land a major blow.
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If Emery, without the lure of Champions League football can convince one of the stars of the World Cup (so far) to join his Arsenal revolution over the club that Allegri chose to remain at, it would go a long way to enthusing Gunners fans about their prospects under the Spaniard.
According to the Mirror, Everton have fallen behind Liverpool and Manchester United in the battle for Stefan de Vrij.
The Dutchman is apparently keen on a move to Old Trafford, after Lazio sporting director Igli Tare confirmed the defender would leave at the end of his contract this summer.
He said: “Lazio have withdrawn the proposal we made for a new contract to De Vrij. We are withdrawing, for reasons that we will explain later on.
“He has been an exemplary professional and we thank him for that, as well as what he’ll do until the end of the season. He gave a lot to the club, just as we gave a great deal to him, but our paths will divide in June.”
De Vrij has some injury concerns, but there can be no doubts about the 26-year-old’s quality when he’s fit. He’s been an integral part of Lazio’s impressive transformation under manager Simone Inzaghi, scoring four times, racking up an impressive 92% passing accuracy and adding 55 interceptions and 114 clearances to go with it.
Everton were linked with the defender in January, but eventually signed Eliaquim Mangala instead, who has endured a pretty disastrous start at the club and is now injured. Mangala is one of three Everton signings this year to have come from a top six club.
If Everton are to kick on to the next level as a club, whether that be under Sam Allardyce or not, they must compete for players like De Vrij – who is valued at £31.5m by transfermarkt.com.
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He will be out of contract in the summer, so it will essentially be a bidding war over wages. If the Toffees want to compete with the best, they need to stop taking on their rejects and start competing with them in the market, and beating their northern neighbours to the Dutch defender would be a big statement of intent.
Everton fans, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.