All posts by h79snht.top

Arsène Wenger thinks that if Arsenal win in Europe tonight, they will be “90 per cent” sure of qualification.

The Gunners’ boss was talking ahead of the Champions League game about the need to wrap the matter of qualifying up quickly and his worries about the gap in the Premier League between his team and league leaders Chelsea.

Regarding Champions League qualification, he said: “The target is for us to do that as quickly as possible. First to do it. If we win, we are 90 per cent there.”

He, however, feels that the margin in which the Gunners can make a mistake in the Premier League is “very limited”, due to mixed results so far, admitting that the gap of 10 points between Arsenal and Chelsea is a lot.

Wenger also spoke of how the team needs to be more efficient defensively.

The Arsenal boss is also preparing for the club’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday. The club’s seven years without a trophy and other issues like the sale of players including Robin van Persie are likely to come up as hot topics. Though he says he will be defending the club, he says that he understands the fans’ frustrations.

“Who doesn’t share the frustration, of course? I understand every frustration. I am not a racist against frustration. But I think overall the club is in a very strong position.

“They have a good team, they have fantastic players, they have a strong financial situation. People feel as well that the players have a good attitude. It’s down to us now to make the maximum of this during the season.

“There is no reason really to be doom and gloom. Who doesn’t share the frustration? But the most difficult thing at the top level is to be consistent and one day you will see that. We have lost many players. I think to combine (it all); we have a good team, a strong financial situation and to be consistent is not easy.”

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Arsenal go into tonight’s Champions League game against Schalke as leaders of Group B, with six points in the competition so far.

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One of the more bizarre stories in the world of football yesterday was Grant Holt’s attack on England selection policy. Not because of the lunacy of the idea that there could be faults with the process that leads to the picking of the England National team, but the timing of the burly forwards comments was just plain strange. The 31 year old is frustrated at not getting a chance to represent his country but this season has netted only once, a consolation goal in last weekend’s thrashing against Liverpool.

Last year the Norwich skipper was the second highest British goal-scorer in the Premier League and yet never got the nod at a time where there is a dearth of proven goal-scorers plying their trade under St George’s banner.

If ever there was a time when Fabio Capello, Stuart Pearce and now Roy Hodgson’s decision to overlook Holt looked justified it is now. The centre forward is struggling to replicate his form from last year backing up theories last year was a flash in the pan streak where the Football League journeyman was in the form of his life rather than the norm. When you look at the list of players picked ahead of Holt it is also easy to understand the England brasses decision. Danny Welbeck played regularly for the Premier League runners up and justified his selection with some decent group stage performances, Andy Carroll also netted at the Euro’s earning his spot after changing the dynamic of a major cup final, with his unstoppable performance in the FA Cup final. Jermain Defoe is arguably the most natural goal-scorer of his generation and has been hitting the back for the net for the past decade in the Premier League, Wayne Rooney quite simply is the most talented English footballer of at least the past decade and may well be the best England striker of the last 30 years. The Three Lions back up strikers Daniel Sturridge and Peter Crouch also had genuine cases for inclusion ahead of Holt. So while the ex Rochdale man’s exclusion is understandably frustrating its not as if the players wearing the England jersey were unworthy of the position.

Holt didn’t just mention himself in the article but several other options shining in England’s top division, Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham at Swansea who both at one point in the last twelve months have had backing to get a chance in the set-up. Another interesting prospect in an England shirt is Rickie Lambert, since his arrival in the Premier League Holt’s former strike partner has under-lined just how good a finisher he is. He also proved there’s more to his game than goals dominating Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja at St Mary’s last month. Looking at the three players individually I’ve seen nothing from Danny Graham to suggest he’s as good let alone better than Hogdson’s preferred attackers. The 27 year old has great movement and an immense work rate but Welbeck and Carroll better him physically, while I believe Darren Bent and Defoe are more natural goal-scorers. Nathan Dyer is a curious one the rapid winger thrived for Swansea but perhaps lacks the defensive qualities Hodgson looks for in a winger. When assessing him against Aaron Lennon I see little difference in the two’s respective abilities but can understand the ex West Brom boss is favouring a winger who has produced before for England and played Champions League football, over someone contending with Wayne Routledge for a starting berth at club level. From the outside looking in Lambert has perhaps got closest to making an England squad.

Last month when assessing the early form of capped England striker’s it would have been easy to make a case for Lambert replacing an injured Carroll for fixtures against Ukraine and Moldova. However I can equally see the logic in Hodgson opting not to invite an un-capped 30 year old as back up if the Southampton man is not in his long-term plans.

Only two occasions in recent times have concerned me about a big club bias surrounding the national team. Jake Livermore’s promotion to the national team ahead of more proven Premier League performers seems a bit hasty. A fringe player for Spurs last year Livermore rarely made an impact in one of the league’s most effective midfield’s.  Despite only a handful of Premier League starts the 22 year old has an England cap and one of the Premier League’s stars last year, Leon Britton, doesn’t. Britton also had reason to feel aggrieved when Jordan Henderson was called up ahead of him for the Euro 2012 squad as late injury replacement. Britton consistently out-performed the over-priced playmaker in the Premier League. The harsh reality of the pick was likely age-related, Britton is 30, while Henderson at just 22 could yet improve and gain from his experiences in Poland and Ukraine.

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While I think you clearly have a better chance of impressing England officials at the country’s biggest clubs, as Raheem Streling’s instant England inclusion proved. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing as an England fan I want the player’s of Champions League calibre representing my country and if that means a majority of England’s representatives come from the top clubs, so be it. But then I would say the same of England management and Roy sadly fell short when given a giant opportunity at Liverpool. So with the sorry state of the current national team, more players from outside the top six deserve a chance but every move England have made in selection under Hogdson has had a great deal of justification behind it.

James Perch has praised boss Alan Pardew and believes people may have been surprised by the strength of the Newcastle squad.

James Perch feels that he owes Pardew a lot. He said to The Journal: “The gaffer has put a lot of faith in me and I owe him a lot. When he first came, I was out of the picture in the first team. But he stuck with me and I stuck at it. I owe him so much. I am just so glad to have so many games under my belt.”

The defender also feels the squad are able to cope with their packed schedule, including playing in the Europa League. Manager Alan Pardew has needed to bring in younger players, such as Shane Ferguson and Sammy Ameobi because of the number of fixtures.

He said: “There is strength in depth here. With playing in Europe, the manager has to make a few chances and, although we believed it on the training ground, perhaps we have surprised a few people by how much strength we have got in and around the first team. We have players who can play against any team. Shane and Sammy have both come in and played perfectly. As a squad we have done well, and there are a few young ones who are pushing their claim. Fergie has done really well and Sammy has been brilliant lately. It is a credit to those lads, because playing in the reserves is very different to the first team and they have settled very quickly.”

Perch signed for Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in 2010.

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After a rather uplifting and frankly surprising comeback from two goals down against the might of Coventry City, things weren’t looking too bad for the Shakers, with two draws against stiff opposition and a narrow defeat to one of the league’s favourites.

However, since then it appears that Peter Shirtliff’s tactical prowess has come to the fore resulting in a flurry of dismal performances and turgid tactical decisions. The lull began at home to Nott’s County when attempting to hold the ball and play fell on deaf feet, as a limp and flaccid forward pairing of ‘the Shop’ Lenny John Lewis and on loan scurrier Mark Cullen failed to offer any cutting edge in front of goal. It was all too easy for County, after the repellent Lee Hughes claimed a dubious goal very early in the game, it was plain sailing from there on in, and after 85 minutes of uninspiring football they added the sucker punch in the dying minutes. 

Following cries for managerial resolution, Shirtliff resumed his post and took the Shakers into his alleged fifth and final game at home to Lancashire rivals Preston. If a template was drawn before the game of ‘how not to win’ then it was most certainly implemented. Exiling the talent of Peter Sweeney on the left wing, and showing not a modicum of interest or respect to natural width led the Shakers to a tediously similar performance to that against Nott’s County – with the exact same result. Accompanying the air of embarrassment that Preston fans outnumbered Shakers fans at Gigg, was the desperate roars of ‘we need a manager’;  and I couldn’t of uttered it better myself.

With the bookmakers equally as confused as the fans, the Bury hot seat is still up for grabs. With Phil Brown reportedly heading off to Coventry, the overwhelming lack of creditable candidates is becoming more and more apparent.  An unfounded rumour whispering itself across message-boards seems to imply that Andy Morrell is being lined up for the job which would more than satisfy the majority of Shakers’ fans. Whilst Brian Fenton and the board refuse to comment or shed any light, the fans are left bemoaning inexplicable decisions, for example the loaning out of marksman Andy Bishop to conference side Wrexham. Fair enough – he ain’t scoring – at which point Shirtliffe should have put his arm around Bish’ and reignite him, maybe a run in the reserves even. Instead we are left with the hardworking, lovable but frankly abysmal John-Lewis to lead our line. It just strikes me the lack of vision – surely the arrival of MBE David Healy would have refuelled Bish’? That would have been a strike force to boast about at this level for sure – Bishop and Healy.

With rumours as hot as Chris Brass’ nose after his bewildering and famous own goal, could it be that the Bury board are holding out for the imminent dismissal of ex-Bury boss Alan Knill? With Scunthorpe the only side below the Shakers in League one, it would appear his tenure is coming to an end, and with previous success at Gigg Lane it would not surprise me if he were to make an ignominious return. This though would split Shakers fans, some would be outraged, some nervously welcoming.  If it weren’t for his sickening badge kissing and constant job sniffing I would be open to the possibility, however if I were Brian Fenton I would consider this bridge officially burnt. However, what is clear is the need for a new manager, and quickly.

You can follow me on Twitter for even more chat about the Shakers.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out a January move for Thierry Henry.

The club’s record goal scorer was expected to return to the Premier League from the New York Red Bulls on a temporary basis, with the MLS season finished until Spring.

Wenger initially appeared to be keen on drafting in the 35-year-old, with Gervinho set to join the Ivorian squad for the Africa Cup of nations, but reports have emerged in recent weeks that his interest has cooled.

After watching his side draw 1-1 with Southampton, the Frenchman admitted that Henry will not be returning to the club:

“I think he goes away somewhere,” the Gunners boss is quoted by the Daily Mail.

“He is not ready, he has just come back from holiday anyway. At the moment we are not on that case.”

When pressed on whether a deal will be concluded for the veteran striker Wenger responded: “No (it is not happening).”

It is thought that the Emirates Stadium-based club may still be in the market for attacking reinforcements, due to lingering doubts surrounding Theo Walcott’s situation at the club.

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The England international could leave the club for free at the end of the season, with his current contract set to expire during the summer.

An offer to renew his deal is thought to be available, but the ex-Southampton man is looking for an increased wage and greater opportunities to play as a centre-forward, rather than in a wide position.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta says he has been really impressed by the form of full-backs Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson this season, according to Goal.

Gibbs and Jenkinson have been instrumental in the Gunner’s fine start to the campaign. Arsenal have only conceded two goals in their first five games in all competitions. The north London club’s defensive competency has been paramount to their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

Arteta, who himself has played a key holding role for Arsenal so far this season, was full of praise for the young duo, “I think they’ve been very consistent. I think Gibbs has been playing really well. I think he’s finding himself more comfortable going forward.”

The 22-year-old Gibbs is part of a long-line of highly talented left-backs that have played under manager Arsene Wenger. In recent years, Gibbs had been an understudy to Gael Clichy who left the club in 2011 to join champions Manchester City. However, despite Clichy’s departure, last season Gibbs only managed to play for the Gunners 20 times due to persistent injuries.

Despite this, Arteta believes that Gibbs has the raw talent to be successful in the red of Arsenal, “He’s rapid and can make a big difference. It’s tough for a wide man to defend [against] a full-back like him.”

Arteta, who joined the Gunners from Everton last season, also believes that Carl Jenkinson has deputised well in place of Bacary Sagna who is currently suffering from a reoccurrence of a leg injury, “Carl is finding himself more comfortable. He’s had four or five games under his belt, he’s done a whole pre-season with us and you can see he’s confident.”

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Jenkinson has also added more to his game as an attacking threat, as Arteta eluded to, “Against Montpellier he put a brilliant cross in for Gervinho to score the goal. That’s what we need because we’re missing players. When you’re replacing someone like Bac [Sagna] it’s not easy because you’re under a lot of pressure. I think they’ve been really good.”

Like Arteta, Jenkinson joined Arsene Wenger’s side at the beginning of last season from Charlton Athletic. The 20-year-old failed to make an impact last season but is displaying a growing maturity and with the current form he is in, it is perhaps difficult to envisage Sagna retaining his place at right-back.

manager Martin O’Neill is hoping that his side can react possitivley in the Premier League this weekend after crashing out of the Capital One Cup in mid-week.

The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 by local rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light to add more frustration to the start to their league campaign, which sees them 14th after drawing six of their opening eight fixtures.

And O’Neill believes his side are capable of better performances and puts current form down to a failure to create enough goal scoring chances.

He told Sky Sports: “I think that this season we haven’t created enough clear cut chances in many games. I think that’s the biggest thing.

“If you take a ratio of chances there is a bigger likely hood that if you, let’s say, create eight chances in a game there is a decent chance you are going to take one or two of those.

“If that is the case then we need to create more chances and I believe we have the ability to do so.”

O’Neill went on to confirm that he has every faith in his players and he believes he has the right resources to improve the side’s league position.

“I am far from having lost faith in any one. Quite the opposite. I believe we have the capabilities to do this.”

Sunderland host Aston Villa, who are without a league win in five and just two points off the bottom three, on Saturday afternoon.

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Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand could be willing to extend his career at Old Trafford, but will make a decision over Christmas, according to Sky Sports.

The 34-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and it has been mooted in some quarters that the former England International may take his opportunity to retire.

However, Ferdinand has refused to dampen speculation that his future could also lie away from the Red Devils, with Premier League rivals West Ham United believed to be willing to take their ex-defender back.

His manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to see the player pen a new deal as he reckons the player he signed for £29.1 million from Leeds, still has plenty to offer United.

Ferdinand has insisted that he will not be rushed into any decision he makes, even if he is considering extending his stay with Manchester United, but the defender admits that he was pleased to hear his manager praise the contribution he makes to the side.

“It is always good to hear the manager say things like that,” Ferdinand told Inside United.

“But you have to take every week and month as it comes. The best thing I can do is to look at it at Christmas, and then again in the summer, to see how I’m feeling.

“But hearing the manager say things like that definitely puts a spring back in your step.”

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Ferdinand, who was again overlooked by Roy Hodgson for England’s friendly against Sweden on Wednesday night, will be hoping to feature in Manchester United’s trip to Carrow Road on the weekend.

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Football fans can be fickle. I include myself in that statement. Far too often, I have been left frustrated with players, shouting at the TV in anger as to why they didn’t pass the ball or take that golden opportunity. Most players who display inconsistencies or lack of talent are eventually found out by fans and labelled as useless. However, these 15 players have escaped the torment and, for some reason, are considered as brilliant footballers by many, despite their regular mistakes, unwarranted mammoth price tags or lack of consistency.

While some of these listed players have moments of brilliance, some are just downright poor players, who have managed to worm their way into teams that are able to carry them and make them look 10 times better than they actually are. From the Premier League Champions to the Kings of Europe, most Premier League squads have a couple of overrated stars hidden on their rosters. Take a look for yourself…

Click on David Luiz to start the countdown of overrated Premier League players

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There were some neat parallels to Borussia Dortmund’s opening game with Werder Bremen. In what is the Bundesliga’s 50th season, the two teams also met on the opening day in the competition’s first season. BVB were Champions of Germany then but lost 3-2 on that day. Forty nine years later, history didn’t repeat itself in North Rhine-Westphalia, as Jürgen Klopp’s side edged past Werder.

Dortmund didn’t have the swagger which they ended last season with. Still, they were able to spark into life when it mattered most as they punished Thomas Schaaf’s team for missing some great opportunities. Marco Reus returned to Borussia with greater status than when he left in 2006. Much greater in fact – now he’s the German Player of the Year.

Reus showed why Dortmund paid €17 million for him as he took advantage of some poor defending after 11 minutes. Jakub Blaszczykowski poked the ball towards Reus which should have been cut off by Aleksandar Ignjovski. Instead, Ignjovski got his legs in a tangle, as he would do for most of the night, allowing the ball to roll through to Reus who finished nonchalantly.

Werder responded despite characteristic pressing from Die Schwarzgelben. Soon after, Aaron Hunt slipped Eljero Elia through on goal down the left hand side but he could only fire at Weidenfeller. Minutes later, they were to come closer. BVB failed to clear a corner as the ball looped up towards Marko Arnautovic. His well executed volley could only find the base of the post.

Thomas Schaaf’s side couldn’t break the Dortmund defence in the rest of the half, even if debutant Eljero Elia was continually getting the better of Oliver Kirch down the left hand side. Kirch wasn’t the only full back having problems as Ignjovski toiled at left back for Werder. Most who faced Blaszczykowski last season did too but the Serbian cut an isolated figure on Friday night.

His exit from the pitch mid way through the second half helped his side, though it wasn’t before Dortmund threatened to double their lead. Sebastian Mielitz tipped over Neven Subotic’s header five minutes after the break with the Champions seemingly finding their rhythm.

Yet, they dropped off and the 65th minute substitution of striker Nils Petersen for the struggling Ignjovski gave Bremen some much needed momentum. With Dortmund offering little, Werder took advantage of some poor defending.

With just over 15 minutes to go, Borussia thought the ball had drifted out. Goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller appealed in vain before the ball was squared to Marko Arnautovic wide on the right hand side. He chipped in to the centre where Euro 2012 star Theodor Gebre Selassie flicked a header into the far corner – not a bad finish for a right back.

Then came the response of Champions five minutes later. The skilful Mario Gӧtze was subbed on quickly by Jürgen Klopp and minutes later, he was celebrating the winning goal. As Werder couldn’t retain the ball, Gӧtze played a one-two with Robert Lewandowski before the 20-year-old found himself through on goal. He rolled the ball past Mielitz to the delight of a relieved Signal Iduna Park.

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Nils Petersen (or as he’s a loanee from Bayern Munich, perhaps it should be Agent Petersen) missed Werder’s only other chance to equalise on 85 minutes. He failed to guide in the lively Arnautovic’s cross as it bounced off his body and wide.

It was a tame end for a Werder Bremen side that looked promising in patches. Borussia Dortmund weren’t at their swashbuckling best by any means but they had a clinical touch in front of goal proving why they’re Champions. Improvement is needed if they’re to retain their crown for a third season running but they’re unbeaten in 29 league games – an achievement not to be sniffed at.

For more on the Bundesliga throughout the season, follow @archiert1