Manchester United have found it very hard to adjust to life post Alex Ferguson and a lot of issues have been identified; mainly the lack of re-enforcement of a weak and depleted squad left behind by the Scotsman when he retired.
David Moyes was like a fish out of water when he was appointed and struggled greatly to attract any big names to the club in his first summer of spending. He inherited a squad that was down to its bare bones and was severely weakened in defence. It was a big ask for him to come in and continue to bring glory to Old Trafford with such a poor squad of players and a lack of understanding of how things should be done at one of the biggest clubs in the world. There-in lies one of the biggest problems he had. He was trying to run things the way someone else had set them up to be run, rather than bring his own authority and style to the fold.
Louis Van Gaal has been drafted in and has already shown that he is willing to tear up the Fergie textbook and rubber stamp his own philosophy and way of doing things from the word go. Even when he was in charge of Holland at the World up he was dictating from Brazil back to Carrington what he wanted in terms of his training plan and his transfer targets list. His presence could be felt at the club without him having to actually be there. That is the first major differencE between the Dutchman and Moyes, and it is a big step in the right direction for United under their new manager.
Recruitment of players has also seen a significant improvement on last season’s dismal efforts which saw the very unusual transfer of Marouane Fellaini from Everton as a last ditch attempt from Moyes to show his new employers that he wouldn’t start the season empty handed. Fast forward a year and we have seen a host of ‘Galacticos’ grace us with their presence in the shape of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo (not forgetting the promising prospects of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera of course.)
Such a vast improvement in player recruitment and a change in tactics that the new manager has brought with him will be a breath of fresh air at Old Trafford, despite suffering a winless first three games of the new season and a humiliating cup defeat to lower League opposition.
Man United look like a decent team(at least on paper) and a team that certainly has the potential to win football matches, cups and Premier League titles again.
It won’t be an over night transformation from zero to hero for the Manchester outfit, and the task ahead is certainly not an easy one by any stretch of the imagination, but In Van Gaal United have a very experienced manager who knows how to motivate his players, how to utilise his players in the way they should be used, how to win matches and how to achieve success.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He just needs to be given the time to make everything come together properly in his own way. We see all to often these days in modern football that club owners want an instant return of success and lose patience way too easily. But if the United hierarchy can give their Dutch manger the time he needs, he will work his magic and we will soon see them winning titles again.
We’re in for another fantastic feast of Premier League football at the weekend; Southampton visit Tottenham in a bid to haunt former boss Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday, whilst Leicester host Burnley to decide things at the less flattering end of the league table.
That’s followed by a heavyweight Sunday afternoon. It’s maxim – Chelsea vs Arsenal, but the lunchtime kick-off witnesses Manchester United taking on Everton at Old Trafford.
The Toffees did the double over the Red Devils last season – in fact, their victory at Old Trafford in April proved to be David Moyes’ last game in charge of the former Premier League champions – so United fans will be demanding an improved performance.
But with the quality and depth of the English top flight so immense, the majority of fixtures now come down individual battles.
With that in mind, here’s FIVE key individual contests that could decide the heavyweight tie on Sunday afternoon.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON LOUIS VAN GAAL TO REVEAL ALL
[/ffc-gallery]
PHIL JONES VS ROMELU LUKAKU
Football – Everton v Southampton – Barclays Premier League – Goodison Park – 29/12/13Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring the second goal for EvertonMandatory Credit: Action Images / Craig BroughLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative
Manchester United find themselves amid a harrowing injury crisis, but Phil Jones is tipped to return from the sidelines to face Everton, having suffered a thigh strain during England’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland earlier this month.
It’s fantastic news for Louis van Gaal – the Red Devils desperately need a centre-back with the experience and physicality to marshal record Toffees signing Romelu Lukaku on Sunday afternoon.
Likely to return to a central role after struggling out wide against Liverpool last weekend, the 21 year-old will be keen to get back to goal scoring ways – two goals in six Premier League outings is a rather sedated return compared to Lukaku’s high standards over the past two seasons.
He’ll fancy his chances against the Red Devils too; nine of the last ten Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford have witnessed 2.5 goals or more, and the Belgium international netted a hat-trick against United on the last day of the 2012/13 campaign:
//www.youtube.com/embed/1rKOdVAKTv8?rel=0
Jones is set to be partnered with Marcos Rojo, in the absence of Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans (injury) and Tyler Blackett (suspension).
The summer signing was at the heart of United’s 5-3 defeat to Leicester City and is still coming to terms with the pace, power and intensity of the Premier League. As well as stopping a battering ram in Lukaku, the England international needs to keep his Argentine colleague organised.
ANGEL DI MARIA VS JAMES MCCARTHY
How to solve a problem like Angel Di Maria?
The former Real Madrid star has been nothing short of sensational since swapping the Bernabeu for Old Trafford in August, running the show from midfield and demonstrating his world-class end product in emphatic style:
This eloquent chip against Leicester City particularly stood out:
Indeed, the Argentina international is yet to go a game for United without contributing to a goal, so if the Toffees are to get anything from their visit to Old Trafford, they’ll have to stop Di Maria or at least slow him down.
That duty could well be passed to James McCarthy – the Ireland international missed Everton’s Europa League tie with Krasnodar yesterday evening with a strained quad, but will be hoping to return against the Red Devils.
In positional terms, he lines up directly against Di Maria – the South American habitually deployed at left-centre-mid and McCarthy and right-centre-mid – and as Everton’s engine room, possesses the athleticism and energy to go toe-to-toe with the United star for much of the match.
Should the Toffees dynamo be ruled out through injury, summer signing Muhamed Besic or former Red Devils youngster Darron Gibson are likely to take his place.
JUAN MATA VS GARETH BARRY
With Wayne Rooney suspended for this excessive professional foul against West Ham:
…misfit Juan Mata looks set to take over at the tip of Manchester United’s midfield diamond.
The Spain international has struggled to find his place at Old Trafford since leaving Chelsea in January 2014, but let’s not forget what he’s capable of; Mata claimed back-to-back Player of the Year awards for his former employers and despite limited game-time, has already hit the onion-bag twice this season.
Operating as Everton’s deepest lying midfielder, Gareth Barry will have to keep a leash on the 26 year-old playmaker. The former England man struggled against Liverpool last weekend – in fact, he was fortunate not to be sent for an early shower in the opening twenty minutes – so a significantly higher level of performance is required.
Mata’s absolutely lethal from dead ball situations too – take this curler from last season for example:
<br
Fouls will have to be kept down to a minimum, but Everton currently boast one of the cleanest records in the Premier League:
RADAMEL FALCAO VS PHIL JAGIELKA AND JOHN STONES
Despite providing two assists, marquee signing Radamel Falcao is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.
He’ll fancy his chances of breaking his duck on Sunday however – Everton currently have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 14 times in six fixtures and recording a solitary clean sheet against West Brom.
Indeed, Chelsea slammed them for six and Crystal Palace bagged three goals with just three shots on target against the Toffees, but the Merseyside derby produced an improved performance as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw.
Much of that was centred around John Stones coming back in at centre-half to partner Phil Jagielka, with Sylvain Distin sidelined through injury. The 36 year-old veteran could return to fitness at the weekend but his form has been poor this season and it’s likely Roberto Martinez will stick with the England duo instead.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
In Falcao they’ll be up against one of the most lethal strikers in Europe – the former Atletico Madrid star’s career record stands at an incredible 200 goals in 308 appearances. Here’s ten of the Colombian’s most memorable goals:
//www.youtube.com/embed/YDfjYoW4Bvk?rel=0
LEIGHTON BAINES VS RAFAEL
They say full-backs are now the most important players on the pitch in tactical terms, and Everton’s visit to Manchester United could will epitomise that modern trend.
<br
With Manchester United unlikely to deploy out-and-out wingers, roaming left-back Leighton Baines looks set to directly come up against Red Devils No.2 Rafael for much of the match.
The quality of the England international’s left boot needs no introduction to United – they’ve tried and failed to bring Baines to Old Trafford on uncountable occasions throughout the years.
The 29 year-old is enjoying a rich vein of form this season too, as shown below:
Rafael’s in decent nick as well – but he’ll find himself outnumbered at times on Sunday and will have to remain disciplined, whilst balancing his entrenched desire to get forward with defensive obligations.
Unfortunately, disciplined isn’t a word in the feisty Brazilian’s vocabulary – he’s yet to make the referee’s notebook this season but has already picked up two red cards in 102 Premier League appearances.
Likewise to Juan Mata, Leighton Baines’ quality from dead ball situations verges upon world-class, so United’s current average of 12.2 fouls per match will have to come down somewhat. Here’s the Three Lions defender netting a unique free-kick brace against West Ham last season:
Although Liverpool are at fifth, tied on points with fourth placed West Ham, the Reds have been nowhere near last season’s scintillating displays and were extremely lucky to get all three points against Queens Park Rangers last weekend due to a last minute Steven Caulker own goal. Brendan Rodgers’ side were also at the end of a 3-0 humbling by Real Madrid in their midweek Champions League fixture, but the manager will be confident they can get all three points against the Tigers on Saturday. Under-performing star Mario Balotelli is set to continue leading the line as first-choice striker Daniel Sturridge remains injured with a calf problem.
Hull City (3-5-1-1): Jakupovic, Chester, Davies, Bruce, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Diame, Robertson, Ben Arfa, Hernandez
Steve Bruce’s men traveled to the Emirates to face Arsenal last weekend and will be glad to come away with a point, although they could have grabbed all three if it wasn’t for a late Danny Welbeck equalizer. Hull City will need to be at the top of their game as well for their trip to Anfield, with the manager expected to deploy his usual trusted 3-5-2 system. However, due to Nikica Jelavic’s injury, Bruce will deploy Hatem Ben Arfa right behind summer signing Abel Hernandez, with the Uruguayan adapting well to the Premier League already having scored three goals in five appearances. The Tigers may need third choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic between the posts, with Allan McGregor and Steve Harper both struggling with injuries.
What the fans are saying…
Remember this?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
//www.youtube.com/embed/rRbVHopyOog
If this weekend’s clash is anything like the one back in 2008/2009 then we’re in for an absolute treat!
Arsenal have had a rather disappointing start to the season, and it is showing with fans even turning against the once-revered Arsene Wenger.
But although the manager does need to own most of the responsibility, the players haven’t covered themselves in much glory apart from Alexis Sanchez, who has basically carried the team on his back scoring 14 goals in 23 appearances.
There are definitely a few players Wenger is looking to sign, but could any of these five from the Italian Serie A be the boost needed for the Gunners to mount some sort of challenge?
Here are FIVE SERIE A players Arsenal should sign this January.
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate has had a roller coaster of a career in football, as the now right-back started out as a right winger, but his limitations forced AC Milan to loan him out to various clubs throughout his career. Eventually though, he was turned into a marauding right-back by then Brazilian coach Leonardo.
Now the Italian international is a solid right-sided defender that combines speed and defensive discipline, and would be an adequate competition for first choice Mathieu Debuchy.
With Milan still struggling financially, the 27-year-old could be lured to the Emirates with a £14million bid and a more lucrative contract.
Mattia Destro
//www.youtube.com/embed/hLXU48LsqgM
Arsenal are always in the transfer market for a world-class striker, however each time it seems Arsene Wenger prefers the more technical attacking midfielder as his marquee signing. In the past three summer windows, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, and Santi Cazorla were purchased during times the Gunners were linked with the likes of Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.
Mattia Destro has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and Arsenal will do well to bring the towering Roma striker. Destro has found it difficult to break into the first team past Francesco Totti, and will be yearning for regular football.
With Roma also knocked out of the Champions League, the lure to play in Europe’s biggest competition could be the key to bringing the 23-year-old to the Emirates.
Paulo Dybala
//www.youtube.com/embed/QP8YWoLoGTI
Already compared to the likes of Sergio Aguero and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala is making waves in the Italian Serie A with seven goals in 15 games so far this season.
Arsenal have the correct environment in developing young talent, and Arsene Wenger will be interested in the little Argentine if was to become available.
Dybala is good in the dribble and composed on the ball, but what makes him special is the lethal finishing showcased this season at Palermo.
At only 21 years of age, Dybala can only improve but if he can maintain his form then he could be a lethal player flanking the likes of Olivier Giroud as a winger.
Adil Rami
After the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a centre-back the entire season so far.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Gunners could consider a move for AC Milan defender Adil Rami, who despite some impressive performances has found it difficult to nail a regular starting position, albeit many times due to niggling injuries.
Rami has been linked with Arsenal in the past and is the perfect player to fit in the role, as the Spaniard is composed on the ball yet still has the physicality to play in the English top flight.
Martin Caceres
Martin Caceres is now at his fourth year with Serie A champions Juventus, but although his appearance tally has improved each year, the Uruguayan has only played six games this season. It seems the appointment of Masimilliano Allegri has pushed him down the pecking order, and the Uruguayan international could look for an exit route.
Arsenal could come in with a bid, as Caceres is adept at playing at centre-back or as a right-back, perfect for such an injury prone side.
The 27-year-old is strong in the air but also extremely composed on the ball, which is a necessity in Arsenal’s passing system.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur must put the disappointing result at Selhurst Park behind them as they look to continue quest to secure Champions League football come the end of the season.
Going to Crystal Palace is always a tough task, but with the recent arrival of their new boss Alan Pardew, it was an even harder test for Spurs to overcome. For 69 minutes, Tottenham looked as though they had weathered the Selhurst Park storm, and were likely to head back to London with all three points, only for Dwight Gayle to coolly dispatch a controversial penalty and Jason Puncheon strike late to dash the Lilywhites’ hopes.
But it’s very important for Pochettino’s side that they quickly put the defeat to the back of their minds and get their season back on track as soon as possible – starting with Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Tottenham have played the most games of any Premier League team so far and Mauricio Pochettino will have to utilise his whole squad in the coming months.
The Spurs head coach told the Independent: “We need to analyse all the players who played on Saturday (in the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace) and then we see who has a chance.”
The former Saints boss added; “Since the beginning of the season we have played 34 games, and we are the team who has played more than anyone. We need to manage. All players are important. We will see who can play.”
It’s been a rollercoaster season for Spurs so far. Things did not bode well for the North London club after being jeered off at White Hart Lane in a 2-1 defeat to Stoke City in Novemeber, but Tottenham have really got their act together. The Lilywhites have only lost twice in the league since then – Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Palace, and a 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in early-December.
Exciting times lay ahead for the Spurs fans. As well as going well in the league, Tottenham have progressed into the knockout stages of the Europa League and are in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup. There they face two-legs against League One side Sheffield United, and after coming from two goals down, they eventually beat Burnley 4-2 in an FA Cup third round replay to set up a fourth round tie with Leicester City.
Mauricio Pochettino’s footballing philosophy that worked so well at Southampton last season, is starting to take affect at Tottenham Hotspur this term. Not only are Spurs getting the right results, they are starting to play some very attractive football too. Their shining light this season, is unquestionably the emergence of young Harry Kane.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The 21-year-old has been in devastating form for the Lilywhites this season, scoring a phenomenal 17 goals in all competitions so far – including an impressive seven in his last eight appearances. Tottenham are currently three points off of Manchester United who occupy the last Champions League qualifying place.
Although Saturday’s result was no doubt a setback, Spurs are more than capable of putting things right straight away. Pochettino’s side have a run of very winnable games approaching, and if things go to plan, they should be contesting a League Cup final on March 1st.
Chelsea failed to take full advantage of Manchester City’s surprise defeat to Burnley at the weekend, with Jose Mourinho’s side held 1-1 at home by Southampton.
The Saints have proven this season that they are a hard-working and technically able side, with Ronald Koeman’s team unlucky not to leave Stamford Bridge with all three points.
Although it was an impressive collective performance from the South coast outfit, one man stood out however.
Morgan Schneiderlin’s considerable qualities are not a secret, but the French midfielder reminded the footballing world of why he is so highly rated by Southampton with a fantastic personal performance in West London.
The 25-year-old put in a talismanic showing and was a leader for the visiting side.
The France international was up against arguably the best defensive midfielder in the division, Nemanja Matic, but outplayed the Serbian enforcer.
Schneiderlin won ten tackles in the clash, while also intercepting Blues possession on nine occasions.
His hard work, positional discipline and sheer guts were key to the Saints winning the midfield battle and inhibiting Chelsea’s attacking stars as a result.
[ad_pod id=’ffc-video-small’ align=’left’]
Meanwhile, in possession Schneiderlin looked assured, with the bulk of Southampton’s passing style going through the critical midfielder.
Schneiderlin’s future has been a real point of debate over the last 12 months, with the Frenchman widely expected to join team-mates in a St Mary’s exodus last summer.
However, despite allowing the likes of Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana to` leave the club, Southampton refused to budge on their midfield general and insisted he was not for sale.
This stubborn approach has failed to end the speculation, with North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham both heavily linked with a move for Schneiderlin at the end of the current campaign.
Although Koeman’s men will surely try to rebuff any potential approaches, the French star seems like the perfect addition for the Gunners.
Although the rise of Francis Coquelin has been notable this season, Schneiderlin offers something more going forward and would be the ideal box-to-box partner for the current incumbent in Arsenal’s midfield.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The 25-year-old has the energy and desire to help Arsene Wenger’s men finally cast aside accusations of being too lightweight and a pushover in the boiler room, with a combination between Schneiderlin and Coquelin is an enticing proposition.
The Southampton man’s presence would allow the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla much more freedom to get forward and provide Arsenal’s defence a fantastic two-man screen.
His range of passing and urgency when in possession would also be an additional string to Arsenal’s bow and make the Gunners a much more dangerous proposition.
It is with good reason that Arsenal are continuing to be linked with the Southampton star; his arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer could well be the spark to see Wenger’s side put forward a title challenge next season.
Amid several murmurings that the Red Devils striker faces being left out of Manchester United’s future plans under Louis van Gaal next season, 31-year-old Robin van Persie isn’t exactly as widely revered around Old Trafford as he was just a few seasons back.
Before the talismanic No. 20 was ruled out for a lengthy spell on the side-lines with an ankle injury this term, Van Persie could simply do no wrong in the Premier League. He proved to be one of the major contributors behind United’s last league trophy success and seemingly won the world over as perhaps the best centre-forward European football had to offer.
In the wake of his latest injury, however, Manchester United have somewhat pushed on without their classy Dutchman on board – and have maybe even looked an all-round stronger unit as a result of his absence.
So, even if the former Gunners hero eventually returns to full fitness with a point to prove for Louis van Gaal next season, does Robin van Persie still have a meaningful future at Manchester United?
At the not so prime age of 31-years-old, perhaps it would be wise to say no, van Persie’s days in the ever-desired Red Devils shirt seem to be fast approaching their end. Obviously such a statement can be said a great deal easier when the player himself is currently injured and not out on the pitch doing his thing, but ultimately Premier League football doesn’t stop for anybody in today’s era – even those who used to boss proceedings in their pomp.
Back when he first emerged under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, and even in his debut season for Manchester United, the Feyenoord graduate was pretty much untouchable. He had the intelligence and vision necessary to make it at the top, a confidence in front of goal that just isn’t found easily in the modern game – and with a vast array of elegance and technical skill frequently on offer from the Dutch international – Robin van Persie went down as an entertainer as well as a successful goal-scorer.
[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]
His left foot was, and still likely is to a large degree, capable of wondrous feats. In true Marco van Basten style, the former Gunners man would take on shots from ridiculous angles, yet often came out on top as a result of his wild ambition. Van Persie just scores great goals for fun, so even if Manchester United decide to cash in on their star man in the summer, that notion won’t just up and disappear any time soon.
However, whether or not the technically gifted striker could still do the business at Old Trafford next season still remains questionable at best.
The Dutchman just seems to have lost his mojo somewhat under Louis van Gaal in 2014/15. Yes, injuries definitely haven’t helped, yes the manager’s team selections have been a bit all over the place and not left much room for momentum to grow, but in the end Robin van Persie still hasn’t been at his very best for a while now, even alongside some of the most high profile talent money can buy.
Perhaps he was somewhat sold short by Sir Alex Ferguson back when he first arrived at the club. The Scotsman’s retirement and the subsequent appointment of David Moyes were probably not in Van Persie’s thoughts when he initially joined up with the Red Devils, So while his most recent form has certainly been somewhat disappointing of late, it could be fair to suggest that the striker never expected to find himself in the scenario he is now.
Quite clearly he should have just stayed at the Emirates all along then. Despite the fact that he has now successfully won the illustrious Premier League title that so eluded him and his Gunners teammates at Arsenal, if van Persie had ultimately stayed loyal to Wenger, he would still have a place to call home now – in this somewhat stagnant and directionless period of his career.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As the deadly No. 20 might just be available for the upcoming Manchester derby however, maybe the perfect opportunity to re-ignite his hero status in the Premier League is waiting just around the corner for the ever talked about Robin van Persie.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has rejected the label that his team are boring following their 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, according to reports from the Mirror.
Gunners fans at the Emirates were singing ‘Boring, boring Chelsea’ as the Blues held out for a stalemate, but Mourinho has hit back by insisting that 10 years without a title for Arsenal is what’s boring.
WANT MORE? >> Chelsea transfer news | Latest transfer news
He said: “You know, boring I think is ten years without a title. That’s very boring.
“You support the club and you’re waiting, waiting, waiting for so many years without a Premier League title, so that’s very boring. But maybe they aren’t singing to us.
“Maybe, when you want to win a game and you’re at home and you take No9 off, maybe the home fans want to see Welbeck and Giroud up front. We had a very good experience.
“The boring team is the second team with more goals in the Premier League, the best team with the best goal difference. Only Manchester City have scored more goals than us.”
The Portuguese manager also pointed to his lack of strikers as a reason for his tactical setup, which saw the Blues start the game with four defenders and six midfielders.
“So I think we scored a lot of goals and, in a period where we don’t have Diego Costa or Loic Remy and we have only one striker, we need to work in a way where he can help us with all the matches we are having.
“We changed a bit our dynamic and we are not scoring so many goals as before. But, even so, we are the second team with more goals.”
Mourinho also believed that his side should have been awarded a penalty when Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina took out Oscar in the area, with the Brazilian required to go to a hospital with a concussion.
The result pushed Chelsea even closer to the league title as they lead second place Manchester City by ten points, and will only need six more out of their remaining five fixtures to mathematically become champions.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Fabio Borini is ready to leave Liverpool this summer and will have plenty of clubs to choose from, according to his agent Marco De Marchi.
The one-cap Italy international only made 12 Premier League appearances for the Reds last term after opting out of moves to both QPR and Sunderland last year in a bid to fight for his future at Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to overlook him on multiple occasions – often deploying Raheem Sterling as a striker or using a ‘false nine’ system – has meant that the writing has been on the wall for the 24-year-old forward for some time, and now his agent, De Marchi, has confirmed that the ex-Chelsea and Swansea player is ready to move on:
WANT MORE? >> Liverpool transfer news | Latest transfer news
“Fabio wants a new experience,” he is quoted by talkSPORT. “We expected more consideration from Liverpool.
“There are teams from all over Europe interested in him.
“Top clubs in Europe are keen on him, from the Premier League to the Bundesliga and there also clubs in Italy, but many clubs in Italy have had coaching changes and that has slowed things down.
“He has no preference, he just wants a team that gives him a clear chance to prove himself.
“Right now he feels like a lion in a cage.”
Liverpool reportedly agreed a £14m deal with Sunderland for the striker last year following his fine loan spell at the Stadium of Light, but the payer himself turned down the move.
De Marchi has hinted that, although the price-tag remains in place, his client may move for a lower fee:
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“His current value is that given by Sunderland last year,” he said. “However, that figure could be affected by the season he’s had at Liverpool and the fact that in a year his contract runs out.
“For the time being, everything is on standby as the player is currently on his honeymoon but will return shortly.”
The career of Andy Carroll is in the sort of gentle downwards spiral that looks comfortingly similar to so many we have seen before.
Kieron Dyer, Micah Richards and Joe Cole have all seen injuries ruin their careers but Carroll has yet to even get close to the heights that those three achieved, albeit briefly. Injuries have been Carroll’s downfall until now, but they can easily be used as an excuse for a player who has been a case of transfer misjudgement twice. Both Dalglish and Allardyce were lured into the idea of an ‘old fashioned English centre forward,’ but there is a reason that this type of player is seen as old fashioned and fortunately the English game has moved on for the better.
Carroll may see his future at West Ham, but Bilic, if he is to be as good as expected, must look to move on the ex-Newcastle man. The current West Ham squad has had a revamp worthy of a Sarah Beeny programme in the last couple of summers and Andy Carroll no longer fits the profile of a squad that should be looking at challenging for European football.
Yes, of course, squads need different options, but Carroll is an expensive plan C and his own development will be dramatically stunted if he is to spend another season or two on the fringes.
Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet are the faces of a new West Ham side, who have a new image of pace, guile and flair that isn’t exactly associated with Andy Carroll’s clumsy ‘target man’ play. The system to be favoured at West Ham is nothing set in stone as of yet, but we can be sure that the style of play will not be an Allardyce-esque long ball towards a big centre forward and will instead focus on playing through the quality of their midfield. Bilic might want to keep Carroll as a second option, but the Geordie needs to do the best for his own career and at 26 it is time for Carroll to play a full season.
Carroll is a throwback for many and West Ham are not looking to build around their big money signing anymore. Persisting injuries meant he has never really made a name for himself at West Ham and it is hard to imagine many other players with such unjustified reputations like Carroll. The difference from Carroll to other back-to-goal stars is his simple technique. Capable of winning the ball aerially, he has no subtlety to his heading direction and does not seem to have the ability to control and bring others into play. Peter Crouch, for example, is an infinitely better footballer than the ex-Liverpool star and has rightly enjoyed a better career in the top flight to date.
The obscene amounts of money thrown at Carroll by both Liverpool and West Ham will make any future move difficult. West Ham are unlikely to get anywhere near the amount they paid out and other clubs are not going to stump up a considerable amount of money for someone who seems to always be blaming his fitness for indifferent form. Injuries are a curse, but Carroll, unlike many, has never looked a player capable of living up to his hype regardless of fitness.
Pressure is piled onto English players and they deserve a bit of sympathy for such scrutiny. Carroll, however, has actually faced a ludicrous amount of praise for his performances. Both Rickie Lambert and Charlie Austin have risen through the leagues to demonstrate their own games that are so largely more mature, complex and talent-filled than Carroll’s.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Carroll needs a fresh start (again) for his own sake and West Ham need to move ‘Big Andy’ on to create space for a player far more adept at playing for a side aiming at the top half.
Is Andy Carroll the worst signing (for both West Ham and Liverpool) of the Premier League era? And, has any club ever pulled off a better sale than Newcastle?