star Jack Wilshere, is expected to return to action at home to Reading at the end of the month.
The England midfielder has been out injured since Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur and it was initially claimed that manager Arsene Wenger had ruled out the possibility of using him again this season.
However, now Arsenal have responded quickly to deny that there was any setback in the talismanic midfielder’s recovery.
“Nothing has changed in Jack’s recovery. There’s no setback or any further damage to his ankle,” said a club spokesperson.
“There’s no concern about any long term problems. Jack was told to rest and is still on course to resume training and be available for selection against Reading.”
Wilshere’s injury problems started when a routine operation on his right ankle caused him to miss 17 months of football due to a number of setbacks.
With Arsenal still in the mix for a Champions League place, the news of Wilshere’s return from injury will give the team a boost as they look to catch Tottenham, who are four points ahead, having played a game more.
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And after another trophy less season, Champions League qualification is a must for the Gunners.
Raheem Sterling’s impact on Saturday’s Manchester derby will be unfortunately remembered for the three glorious chances he missed in the first half. Had the former Liverpool forward netted just one of them, the game would have been over, Manchester City would have won the Premier League title and Manchester United wouldn’t have staged a stunning three-goal comeback after the interval – most probably, anyway.
And yet, in many ways, that analysis epitomises the negative narrative which always seems to accompany the England international. It’s true that Sterling could have put the game to rest, and his failure to do only emphasised his biggest and most discussed weakness, an often painstaking lack of composure in front of goal.
But it’s also true that City wouldn’t have gone two goals ahead of the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium without Sterling’s influence; after an opening 15 minutes which left incredibly little to choose between the two sides and suggested a surprisingly uneventful Manchester derby, it was Pep Guardiola’s decision to swap the wide-man with Bernardo Silva – making him the new focal point of the attack as a false nine – that really pushed the home side into a higher gear and set Saturday’s game alight.
Shortly after, City’s pressure told as Vincent Kompany headed home from a corner. And shortly after that, Sterling played a direct hand in the scoreline linking up to great effect with Ilkay Gundogan, whose swivel and shot put the Citizens two goals up. Sterling continued to create chances as the central attacker – in fact, he made the most of any City player on Saturday – while completing three dribbles and 86% of his passes.
Overall, aside from those misses, it was a strong performance from a young wide attacker utilised in a less familiar position, one which would have been instrumental to the victory had City not suffered such a lapsed 15 minutes that saw the visitors net thrice.
But perhaps because he’s already been on the Premier League scene for such a long time, perhaps because of all the negativity associated with his move from Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium in 2015, perhaps because he’s English and therefore comes with that extra dose of expectation, we still seem to only judge a 23-year-old with 21 goals and eight assists this season on his mistakes.
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Admittedly, Sterling’s were costly on Saturday in terms of the result. But there are far more senior players in that team who made bigger mistakes against United, particularly the two centre-halves, and who failed to have anywhere near the same level of positive influence as the 37-cap attacker. It’s just become too superficial to make Sterling the villain of the piece every time he misses a convertable chance.
What an action packed 90 minutes we’ve all just seen at Anfield! But did we really expect anything less from these two Premier League giants?
The talking point will, of course, be Steven Gerrard’s moment of madness that cost his team any chance of salvaging the game just seconds after coming on. However, we’ve also got to talk about whether Manchester United’s Phil Jones should’ve been sent off? Adam Lallana, is he good enough for Liverpool? Is Raheem Sterling’s contract saga starting to affect his performances on the pitch? Why doesn’t Juan Mata start every game for United?
So much to discuss and so many things that haven’t even been mentioned! Click on through to find out what three things we’ve learnt from Manchester United’s important victory over Liverpool in the race for the top four.
Daniel Sturridge is Liverpool’s only hope
The England international was starved of service all day and you almost expected that we wouldn’t see the striker again after Steven Gerrard’s sending off gave Man United the man advantage. However, the former Chelsea striker somehow gave the Reds a lifeline when it seemed so unlikely with a well taken goal from a tight angle.
What might’ve been for Brendan Rodgers’ side had he been available all season.
Steven Gerrard is harming Liverpool
It all feels a bit embarrassing and awkward for Stevie G when Sky Sports do their usual cliche and over the top montages of the former England skipper in action.
Liverpool fans will tell you that the midfielder is still so important to them. And, sure, he does deserve credit for adapting his role but he is hardly pulling up trees there; he needed to let this season peter out and go off into the LA sunset remembered as a Premier League icon. However, following the slip and the pathetic red card today, you have to wonder whether if he stays around for much longer whether he will undo his legacy.
Juan Mata needs to play more
The undisputed Man of the Match was in fine form today, with the former Chelsea midfielder’s second goal epitomising what a wonderfully skilful player he is.
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The former Valencia man hasn’t always been Louis van Gaal’s player of choice but surely he will have staked a claim for a permanent starting XI berth after today’s heroics?
Norwich defender Michael Turner admits the players decided to block out the home fans’ frustration at half-time in the Swansea game.
The Carrow Road faithful vented their anger at boss Chris Hughton after the Canaries nearly went two goals down before the interval, but Turner says the players did not pay any attention to the “sort it out” chants.
“We could sense the fans’ frustration but we were saying to each other, ‘Don’t listen to the crowd, stick to the game plan and we will be fine’,” Turner said.
Winger Elliott Bennett, who crossed for Robert Snodgrass’ goal and then set up Turner for the second, paid tribute to the side’s unshakeable belief – even when things appear to be going wrong.
“We always believe in every game and we will try to pick up points wherever we go and whoever we face.”
The former Brighton star admitted he did not know if a point at home would be good enough to keep the Canaries up at the end of the Premier League season.
“I don’t have a clue how many points we will need,” he added. “This league is so weird.
“Wigan have games in hand on us and everyone knows what they are like. They are notorious for getting out of trouble.
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“We have the points on the board so if we take care of our own business we won’t be relying on anyone else.”
The next seven games for Southampton will be crucial in their Premier League survival fight.
At the moment, Mark Hughes and his men reside just two points from safety, and they have a very tough run ahead of them.
The coastal outfit will have to face Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the closing stages of the campaign, while also trying to navigate their way into the FA Cup final.
First up for the under-pressure club is Arsenal at the Emirates, and it could not have come at a worse time considering that Arsene Wenger’s men will be on a high after overcoming CSKA Moscow 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
With Chelsea due to follow the Gunners in Southampton’s fixture list, dropping six points could put Hughes’s side in further trouble.
Arsenal will be favourites heading into this weekend’s match, but the North London outfit have had struggles of their own this season, so perhaps a Saints scalp would not be the biggest shock.
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Southampton fans have been discussing the fixture on Reddit.
Comment from discussion You know what really sucks?.Comment from discussion You know what really sucks?.Comment from discussion You know what really sucks?.Comment from discussion You know what really sucks?.Comment from discussion You know what really sucks?.Comment from discussion You know what really sucks?.
After making it to Wembley at the tail-end of last season as well deserved FA cup runners-up, Steve Bruce’s plucky Tigers were expected to bring their impressive form into 2014/15, and likely record a top 10 finish as a result of their efforts.
Rarely does life in English football ever go that to plan, however, and now that Hull City currently sit in the unpopular realm the lower end of the Premier Legaue, the KC stadium faithful could do with some cause for optimism.
The January transfer window, with all the false hope and inflated expectation that comes with it, acts as a great opportunity for Hull, who despite getting the chequebook out fairly frequently in the summer, need a few fresh faces to keep the energy up at the KC.
In light of this, here are five potential transfer targets could help save Hull City’s turbulent season…
Steven Fletcher
Whilst injuries have so far played a big role in Steven Fletcher’s career, both initially with Wolves and later with Sunderland, the Scottish striker could still prove a vital asset in any Premier League relegation battle this season.
The current Sunderland no. 9 has all the hallmarks of a traditional British player – he is good in the air, can hold his own up-top, and has a distinctly keen eye for goal. Although the ex-Wolves ace has seemingly been around for a good while, at only 27-years-old, and certainly still has a good few seasons left in him.
Despite string links with the Black Cats favourite, Gus Poyet would be mad to let one of his most effective players move on to a potential rival in this season’s relegation dog-fight.
Rudy Gestede
As Blackburn’s top goal-scorer in the Championship this season, Rudy Gestede marks a potentially exciting transfer for Steve Bruce, albeit a January gamble as well.
The French-born striker is currently joint fourth for goals in his league, with an impressive 12 finishes netted already for Rovers. His tall stature makes him somewhat suited to the Premier League, but as he has failed to make an impression in the past with Cardiff City, Gestede has hardly had his game tested at top-flight level.
Steve Bruce is said to be looking at the 26-year-old with Yaya Sanogo on loan at Crystal Palace and Jermain Defoe now with Sunderland.
Callum McManaman
Despite being a past star of Wigan’s famous FA Cup run, Callum McManaman isn’t exactly in the highest demand with this season’s January transfer window now upon the Premier League.
McManaman, who still comes with a lot of potential at only 23-years-old, is a raw talent who has shown that he has the grit and determination required to become a top level player. He has however, since not matched the expectations many external influences had set upon him. The English winger could still perhaps do a decent job a getting Hull City to bounce forward on the break, and start profiting from their hard work.
Putting aside his potential ‘one season wonder’ status, Callum McManaman becomes the second major Championship player to be linked to the Tigers this January.
Ruben Ferreira
For all the home-grown talent and global stars to be linked with a move to the Premier League, Ruben Ferreira wouldn’t be the first name on the lips of Hull City supporters wanting to bring new faces to the KC this season.
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The 24-year-old Portuguese defender plays at full back for CS Maritimo, who currently sit 10th in the Primeira Liga. Whilst many within the English footballing community can’t claim to know bundles of information about Hull’s latest transfer candidate, Ferreira, who has different qualities and international experience at U21 level, could add some much needed competition among Bruce’s somewhat stagnant back-four.
Hull City have been linked to the Portuguese defender in recent weeks, but it is expected that any potential deal that ushers Ferreira into the KC Stadium would either be on loan terms, or as a potential last minute panic buy in the wake of no other options for Steve Bruce.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Whilst Hatem Ben Arfa wouldn’t exactly be a new face with the Tigers this January, the reported breakdown of his seemingly completed deal to OGC Nice could result in the former Newcastle favourite finally pulling up his socks for Steve Bruce.
The 27-year-old attacker, who has since seen his stock fall considerably at both Hull and Newcastle, as well as on the international scene with France, has failed to match the standards that he himself just a few years ago. Hatem Ben Arfa can beat players for fun, score quite unbelievable goals, and be simply unplayable on his day.
His recent form has shown next to none of those aforementioned qualities however. As FIFA have seemingly blocked Ben Arfa’s move back to Ligue 1, on the grounds that no player can play for more than two clubs in one season, perhaps now will be his time to finally arrive at Hull City.
Watching highlights of Premier League matches on TV is a convenient and useful time-saving tool, because it allows us to gain a snapshot of the ebb and flow of a game and a brief opportunity to witness the main incidents, goals and talking points.
Nevertheless, this short, staccato-like viewing schedule has given birth and rise to the type of player that only really looks good during these sorts of small spells, a Match of the Day player if you will, who when seen live and in the flesh, is not only wasteful and inconsistent, but bordering on the woeful at times. With that in mind, here are our top 10 players that only look good when perused through the narrow spectrum of your own living room and the odd five-minute showing.
Click on Brian Ruiz to unveil the top 10
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Joe Hart’s position as England’s first-choice goalkeeper has rarely been up for debate until now.
Failing to impress Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has ultimately led to suggestions that he could be dropped for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
After spending last season on loan at Torino, Hart moved to West Ham United on another temporary deal, but he has struggled to come out on top while jostling for a place with Adrian.
On Friday night, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played in an international friendly against the Netherlands, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Three Lions.
Most-capped England international of all time Peter Shilton believes that Pickford is likely to take the number one role in Russia, despite having made just two appearances for his country.
The 68-year-old has praised the stopper’s confidence, but has picked some holes in his performance against the Netherlands.
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In a piece for the Daily Mail, Shilton wrote:
“Jordan Pickford has given Gareth Southgate plenty to think about for the opening World Cup match against Tunisia. This was only his second international but he oozes confidence, which immediately transmits to the defenders in front of him.
“Overall I was impressed by Pickford’s confidence — so important in a goalkeeper — and especially with his command around his area. He seems comfortable with the ball at his feet, which has become so important in the modern game, and his distribution was excellent. There were mistakes and a couple of moments of uncertainty, especially when the Dutch came on to us more strongly in the second half.
“There was a moment of weakness in the first half at a corner, when he came for a cross that he wasn’t going to get. His starting position was wrong — too far from his line — and mistakes like that can be costly. You need to be aware of exactly where you are to make those judgment calls.”
Unsurprisingly, Everton fans are keen for Pickford to get the nod.
In arguably the pick of the Premier League’s mid-week action, Tottenham’s visit to Liverpool sees the division’s two most in-form sides face off at 8pm this evening.
The Lilywhites boast 13 points from their last six league encounters, but the Reds have gone one better with 14 and are currently the only English side to go without defeat in the top flight since the turn of 2015.
Home advantage plays to the Anfield outfit’s favour too, but Spurs are currently four points and two places higher in the Premier League table.
So who goes into tonight’s fixture as the favourites, if there’s one at all? Perhaps these FIVE key individual battles can shed some light on the issue.
HARRY KANE VS LIVERPOOL
To label Tottenham a one-man team would be paying a huge disservice to the rest of their squad, not to mention the excellent team ethic Mauricio Pochettino has installed since taking the White Hart Lane hot seat in the summer.
Yet, there’s no question who the talk of north London is at the moment – Harry ‘Hurrikane’, ‘Kane of the Lane’ ‘he’s one of our own’ Kane, who boasts more goals for the season than any other Premier League player with a monolithic 22, including eight goals (and two assists) in his last nine top flight outings.
Indeed, it seems the 21 year-old just can’t stop scoring at the moment; if a Jan Vertonghen 50 yard piledriver hit him square in the face and knocked him unconscious this evening, the ball would still likely trickle into Simon Mignolet’s net.
Boasting an impressive all-round game and the miraculous ability to convert an incredible variety of chances, as his expertly angled header against Arsenal last weekend paid specific homage to, the duty of nullifying Kane’s goal threat can’t fall to one player or even a single department – the whole of Liverpool’s starting Xi must be wary of the England U21’s abilities in the final third and react accordingly.
In addition to his superfluous form and endless supply of goals, the 6 foot 2 forward has averaged one tackle per match in the Premier League this season, so Liverpool’s defence – who like to play out of the back as much as possible – should expect Kane pressure them in possession for the whole ninety minutes – something the eternally-unconvincing-on-the-ball Mamadou Sakho should particularly bear in mind.
DANIEL STURRIDGE VS JAN VERTONGHEN
Liverpool are slowly nursing Daniel Sturridge back to full health after a lengthy injury layoff, spanning from the Reds’ 3-0 win over Spurs in August to mid-January, but with Raheem Sterling set to miss tonight’s game due to a foot injury, it’s likely Brendan Rodgers will thrust the England striker back into the starting Xi, ahead of misfiring threesome Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini.
After electing Eric Dier over Federico Fazio against Arsenal at the weekend, despite the latter’s impressive form since moving to White Hart Lane in the summer, it remains to be seen who Mauricio Pochettino will opt for as Jan Vertonghen’s centre-back partner to face the Reds this evening.
In terms of eradicating the prolific goalscoring threat Sturridge offers however, now boasting 33 goals in just 47 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, the Belgium international must take specific responsibility.
Unlike Fazio and Dier, Vertonghen possesses the pace to cope with the Reds forward and will resultantly need to protect his partner from potential one-on-one situations. Sturridge also likes to drift from the right to shoot with his powerful and accurate left foot, which falls into Vertonghen’s remit once again.
That being said, Sturridge is near unstoppable when in top form – so the Lilywhites will be hoping that he’s still not fully recovered from his continuous injury problems.
ALBERTO MORENO VS KYLE WALKER
Alberto Moreno wreaked absolute havoc at White Hart Lane earlier in the season, driving from left-back to score the incredible solo goal above, and will be hoping for a repeat performance this evening.
The Spain international’s role has changed somewhat since however, moved up the field slightly from an attacking-minded full-back to a borderline left winger, as a defining characteristic of Liverpool’s exotic 3-4-2-1 formation which has produced a considerable upturn in form.
That puts him directly up against Kyle Walker, who has settled back into Tottenham’s starting Xi fairly well since first returning from a long-term injury in mid-December, since averaging an impressive 2.8 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and one successful dribble per match.
The England international will be keen to contribute going forward but so will Moreno, so this key battle is delicately poised upon who balances out their offensive and defensive duties the best, and who takes advantage of the others’ failure to track back.
STEVEN GERRARD VS CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
Lucas Leiva’s recent injury is a huge blow to Liverpool’s ambitions this season. Not only has the Brazilian produced some stellar performances since his reintroduction into Liverpool’s starting Xi in December, averaging an incredible 4.1 tackles per match in the Premier League, but he’s also a fairly unique member of the Reds roster in terms of the kind of service he provides, offering an unrivalled sense of tenacity, energy and defensive awareness in the middle of the park.
It’s an almighty loss for this evening’s fixture particularly, with Liverpool coming up against one of the Premier League’s most in-form No.10s in Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen, who boasts nine goals and one assist in 24 league outings this term.
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Also creating 2.5 chances per match this season, the most of any Spurs player by quite some distance, the Danish prodigy is a focal point of his side’s attacking play and nullifying him is essential to stopping Tottenham getting up the field.
In Leiva’s absence, logic suggests the role of anchoring Liverpool’s midfield will go to their captain Steven Gerrard – although Joe Allen, a revised role for Emre Can or even the introduction of academy product Jordan Rossiter remain viable alternatives. He’s been used in more offensive capacities recently but the Anfield icon’s credentials as a defensive midfielder remain undoubted.
That being said, Eriksen’s elusive playmaking style and his agile mobility could leave Gerrard unstuck. Most imperative however is that the England centurion stays switched on for the whole 90 minutes when marking the 22 year-old; he’s scored an incredible late winners already this term, coming in the 88th minute or after, and appears to be developing a real knack for them.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO VS NABIL BENTALEB
In a similar style to Christian Eriksen, Philippe Coutinho is the creative presence keeping Liverpool’s midfield ticking over and connected to the front-line.
The Brazilian struggled earlier in the campaign but has bounced back in recent weeks – particularly since he’s begun to be utilised more centrally by Brendan Rodgers – bagging one goal, four assists and three Man of the Match awards in his last nine Premier League outings. In that time, Coutinho has rediscovered arguably his defining gift as a footballer; those killer passes to Liverpool’s pacey strikers.
The duty of stopping him will predominantly fall to Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb, a bit of an unsung hero when considering the nationwide praise Eriksen and Kane have received this term. He’s keeping the likes of Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Moussa Dembele out of the side on merit, with impressive averages of 2.2 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per match this term, in addition to a pass completion rate of 87%.
He and Ryan Mason have struck up quite the understanding together in central midfield, so Coutinho will have to run rings around both of them to create chances regularly this evening.
Manchester City and Chelsea target Radamel Falcao has refused to rule out a move to Italy, with Juventus and Milan both an attraction to him.
The Columbian international has become the most sought after striker in the world, following a prolific time at Atletico Madrid since his arrival from Porto in August 2011.
A number of Europe’s elite are monitoring him including Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea, but the striker hasn’t ruled out playing in Italy.
“I cannot rule out a future in Italy. Juve or Milan? I have a favourite club, but I prefer not to say,” he is quoted by the Independent as saying.
Wherever he ends up going, he won’t come cheap with Atletico only willing to sell him if a club can match his buyout clause of £48million.
However, his average of almost a goal a game in hugely successful spells at Porto and Atletico Madrid suggest that the 26-year-old would be worth the money.
Chelsea seemed favourites to sign him at one point but have since recruited Demba Ba, in a period of time in which Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has been reported as being interested in bringing the likes of Falcao or Napoli’s Edinson Cavani to the Etihad.
A move away from Spain seems likely for Falcao in the summer, with him often discussing in the press how he would relish playing in the Premier League, but also being reported as saying he wants to remain loyal to Atletico for at least the remainder of the current season.
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