Southampton came close to pulling off an unlikely result away to Arsenal on Sunday, before eventually losing 3-2 in the English Premier League clash.
The weekend’s results leave them three points behind 17th placed Crystal Palace with a game in hand, with victories needed in their final six games if they’re to avoid the drop to the English Championship.
There were some positives to take from the 90 minutes against the Gunners, chiefly the goalscoring return of striker Charlie Austin, who came off the bench to score for the first time since returning from long-term injury.
Fans have been desperate for his return and now he’s back, they believe he could be the man that saves them from relegation this season.
With seven goals in just six starts this season, will he be the reliable goalscorer that can help them pick up vital points?
Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his impact…
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.
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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.
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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.
After nearly a year and a half of being absent, on December 22nd I made my way through the Hillsborough turnstile with my dad and grandad in front, my South African girlfriend behind and my ticket in hand as I sought a reminder of what Sheffield Wednesday was about.
Since leaving England I’ve been restricted to listening to Wednesday via WednesdayPlayer and watching the highlights days after games have come to an end. Don’t get me wrong, English football is huge in South Africa… except if you’re outside of the Premier League.
I’ve attended game after game in Cape Town where crowds hit a high of five or six thousand, where there are instruments instead of voices and where there’s no real passion to speak of.
I attended the Soweto Derby, when Orlando Pirates took on Kaizer Chiefs in one of world football’s genuinely huge games. 90,000 people crammed into Soccer City to watch the two South African giants and yes, I felt it, I felt the passion and the tension. However, it wasn’t home…
Football does that to you. It ignites a feeling within you that, even though it can be repressed for long periods, never seems to disappear. A feeling that will remain with you until you bugger off out of this world.
At Hillsborough that day there were three generations of Crann, three generations of Wednesday supporters that, unfortunately, have all known the good times. Granted, the good times in my life are slightly shitter than those that my grandad remembers, though they’re certainly better than things are now.
Over 20,000 others turned up with us to watch the Owls take on Charlton, and as I heard that beat, the opening bars of Hi Ho Silver Lining, a broad grin no doubt stretched across my slightly-more-tanned-than–the-rest face.
As the game went on my smile didn’t disappear. A fine performance from the boys, some great banter with the Charlton fans and a 2-0 victory was more than enough for me, also, my Liverpool supporting South African girlfriend also seemed to be moved by it. That says a lot about Wednesdayites if you ask me.
The game before Charlton we’d beaten Barnsley 1-0, giving Dave Jones a bit of respite. Since then we’ve lost only one league game in six and Jones’ job looks to be deservedly safe… for now.
We’re 20th and four points off the relegation zone, however we’re not clear of trouble by any stretch of the imagination. A couple of bad results and we’re back in the mire, and I’m not too sure that Milan will be as forgiving second time around.
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Nonetheless, having seen the boys live again I feel like my spirit has been rejuvenated, and I feel close to club once more. We’ve got a long season ahead of us.
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, for me, being back at Hillsborough meant more than any game I had listened to, or watched, since being gone.
Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has vowed to back manager Jose Mourinho to the tune of £200m in the summer, as per the Sun.
However, surely United know by now that just throwing money at their ills in the transfer market is not a foolproof solution.
What’s the story?
Mourinho signed a new Old Trafford deal in January, extended his projected stay at the club until 2020 and Woodward wants to show that he believes the former Real Madrid manager is the right man for the job.
The report claims that Woodward’s faith will manifest itself as a £200m war chest in the summer transfer window and that he will work closely with his manager to secure yet more expensive transfer targets.
It is also claimed that some of that cost will be offset by player sales with Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all at risk.
The fact that the aforementioned are all defenders may give some indication where Mourinho plans to spend the windfall.
Money won’t solve all Mourinho’s problems
Of course, on the whole, having better players means that a team will play better but the turnover in the playing staff at Old Trafford has been dramatic in recent years and it has only really led to disjointed football from a squad built by three different managers.
Mourinho needs his own men in and some of the players that are leftover from the days of Sir Alex Ferguson are patently not good enough.
But the former Inter boss is paid big money to coach an improvement out of his players, not to ostracise them and then buy new ones all the time.
Of the signings Mourinho has made at United; Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have left the club already, Eric Bailly has had injury problems, Victor Lindelof has failed to settle and Paul Pogba’s problems have been well-publicised.
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Nemanja Matic has been the holding player United have lacked for years but still shows signs of fatigue, while Romelu Lukaku has scored goals but has often failed to convince in the big games.
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So, why do Woodward and Mourinho think money is the answer? Look at their two biggest rivals – Manchester City and Liverpool and improvement has been coached out of players such as Raheem Sterling and Roberto Firmino.
United need to catch up and do that. Mourinho can’t just buy his way out of trouble every time.
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.
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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.
Raheem Sterling has reportedly agreed a new five-year contract with Liverpool, putting an end to speculation surrounding his future.
The 18-year-old has become a vital part of Brendan Rodgers’ Premier League squad this season, but there were lingering doubts surrounding his commitment to the club after negotiations regarding a new deal stalled.
It had been reported that the winger was holding out for a deal in the region of £50,000-per-week, although he distanced himself from such speculation on Twitter.
Sterling’s new contract, which is likely to be announced within the next 48hrs, will see him receive a significant hike on his estimated £2,000 weekly wage. Although an exact figure is unknown, it’s reported by BBC Sport that he will net £30,000-per-week.
The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal were all believed to be interested in the teenager, who had only 18 months remaining on his previous deal, but are likely to halt their respective pursuits.
Sterling is regarded as one of the finest talents in English football and has eased seamlessly into Liverpool’s first-team plans this season.
He made his official debut under Kenny Dalglish against Wigan last season, immediately attracting the attention of the club’s fans.
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This term he has forced himself into the first XI, working well alongside senior professionals such as Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.
The ex-QPR youth player’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with England manager Roy Hodgson handing him his senior debut against Sweden last month.
According to reports in The Mirror, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has urged Ajax winger Justin Kluivert to ignore interest from England and stay with the Eredivisie giants amid links with Manchester United.
The former Southampton and Everton boss, who worked with Jose Mourinho during the duo’s time at Barcelona, named the uncapped 18-year-old in his first squad since he was named as the new coach of the national team, for the friendly matches against England in Amsterdam on Friday night and then Portugal on Monday as they look to start building for their Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
The Mirror says that the teenager is attracting interest from the Red Devils – with fans already commenting on whether he would be a good addition or not – after scoring 10 goals and providing a further nine assists in 50 appearances for the Dutch club to date, with manager Jose Mourinho reserving time to speak to the youngster on the pitch following his side’s Europa League final win against Ajax last season.
However, Kluivert, the son of former Barcelona striker Patrick, is in discussions to extend his current deal which is due to expire in 2019, and Koeman has advised him against a move to Old Trafford to stay in his home country.
The 55-year-old said, via The Mirror: “He’s in talks with Ajax about his contract.
“I think the best is for him stay in Holland because he’s only 18.”
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Kluivert primarily plays on the left wing for Ajax, and he would certainly have plenty of competition in that positon if he did move to Old Trafford considering the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford can all also play there.
Which England players impressed you the most vs the Netherlands? Let us know below…
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
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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
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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.
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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.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has played down the importance of the January transfer window, insisting that he’s happy with his squad.
Spurs have been heavily linked with attacking talents such as Joao Moutinho, Loic Remy and Willian in recent months, with AVB thought to be keen to invest to boost the club’s Premier League chances.
However, the Portuguese coach insists that he is happy with the players at his disposal, and believes that there is no real need to bring in fresh faces in the New Year:
“I don’t think we need to do anything,” said Villas-Boas who was missing Clint Dempsey due to a groin injury.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.
“We have Clint out. He is a massive player for us. He has had a big impact. He scored 17 goals last season so we have to count on him.
“He plays striker, plays wings and plays through the middle so he gives us that option.
The Londoners were held at home to Stoke on Saturday, and despite the result, Villas-Boas was happy with his team’s performance:
“Stoke have one of the best defences in Europe and they are very well organised. They don’t make it easy for anyone,” he said.
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“We gave them a run for their money and our players tried very hard.
“Sometimes you try everything and the ball doesn’t go in the back of the net. We had a go and I’m very pleased with the players.”
Aston Villa’s hopes of automatic promotion from the English Championship took a critical blow on Saturday after a 1-0 defeat away to Bolton Wanderers.
Desperately needing a win to keep the pressure on Cardiff City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Steve Bruce’s side failed to produce for the second successive match and are now seven points behind second place having played a game more.
Supporters were left frustrated by the result and performance with many pointing to their midfield as the reason they fell to defeat.
The performance of Conor Hourihane left a lot to be desired and it’s left some wanting to see him benched for upcoming matches, believing he’s been poor over the last few weeks.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored nine goals this season but does he offer enough defensive skills in matches that turn into a midfield battle?
Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts after the defeat…