Premier League weekend roundup: Five things we learnt

Premier League weekend roundup: Five things we learnt - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Yet another excruciating weekend of Premier League action came to and as we saw 21 goals being scored. The League now enters the business end of 2014; the festive December period kicking in which will see a host of games coming thick and thin. While both the Manchester sides won, league leaders Chelsea dropped points away to Sunderland. Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham all secured important narrow wins while QPR won the ‘six pointer’ against Leicester City.

We take a look back to the action and come up with five things that we learnt as November came to an end

The tide is turning in Manchester United’s favour: There was no doubt that it was the Red Devils’ best game in the Louis Van Gaal era. The 3-0 thrashing of Hull City was almost the perfect spectacle in front a packed Old Trafford barring the hamstring pull suffered by Angel Di Maria. United were dominant and looked calm and composed with their effective passing. Ander Herrera hardly put a put wrong while Michael Carrick looked at his effective best. Wayne Rooney got on the score sheet while Robin Van Persie also found the net with a great effort. And you know Manchester United are playing well when Chris Smalling also scores.

Manchester City thump Southampton: Ronald Koeman has insisted that his side can finish in the top four but as Sunday showed in the 3-0 loss to Manchester City, the Saints need to hold their own in the upcoming games. The south coast club will face Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton in December, a tough round of fixtures which could effectively shape up their season. City however looked in great form with Sergio Aguero being unstoppable. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are 6 points off Chelsea at the top but the gap could shorten by the time we enter 2015. You never count them off, the Citizens.

Chelsea look tired and will with the fixture congestion: As I had pointed out in this piece of mine, Jose Mourinho tries to win every competition that he enters. Chelsea are in the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup and are expected to reach the semi finals where they face a two legged tie at the end of January. The Blues are also expected to make at least the quarter finals of the Champions League and the luck of the draw could see them reach the last four of Europe’s elite club competition. The fixture congestion is bound to take a tool on the side and it will be important for Mourinho to rotate his team to keep the players fresh. Chelsea played the same starting eleven 3 times in 7 days and looked out of ideas against Sunderland. They lacked, pace and width in the scoreless draw but Gus Poyet’s side missed glorious chances to grab a famous win.

Arsenal, Liverpool return to winning ways: Both Arsenal and Liverpool secured narrow but crucial victories. Danny Welbeck scored the all important header for the Gunners but Arsene Wenger’s side were lucky to see Saido Berahino fine header strike the bar at the Hawthorns. Glen Johnson was the unlikely of goal-getter for the Reds at Anfield but Brendan Rodgers’s side looked out of ideas against Stoke City at Anfield. That doesn’t matter though as Liverpool needed a win somehow and they managed to hold on. The question is can they resurrect their season?

Tottenham win a classic, QPR still have life: Roberto Soldado finally scored, yes he did as Spurs beat Everton in a fantastic high tempo encounter at White Hart Lane. Kevin Mirallas arguably has his name on the list for the goal of the season contenders as the Belgian put Everton on the lead. Christian Eriksen restored parity minutes later but Soldado grabbed a superb goal as Tottenham finally recorded a home win.

Elsewhere, Queens Park Rangers beat Leicester City 3-2 at Loftus Road in a bottom of the table clash as Harry Redknapp’s side finally showed some grit and determination to hold on for 3 points. Newcastle’s winning run came to an end as West Ham beat the Tynseide outfit by a solitary goal. Burnley held Villa 1-1 as Swansea failed to beat Crystal Palace at home drawing the game with a similar scoreline.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester United 3-0 Hull City: Three things we learnt from Old Trafford

Manchester United 3-0 Hull City: Three things we learnt from Old Trafford - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Total domination might be the best word to describe Manchester United’s near flawless 3-0 over Hull City on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were superior in every department of the pitch and it was no doubt their best performance in the Louis Van Gaal era.

Chris Smalling scrambled the home side to an early lead before Wayne Rooney doubled the advantage before half time. Robin Van Persie then capped off a fitting performance with wonder striker to secure a stroll in the park and his team’s third consecutive victory on the road.

Robin Van Persie celebrates his wonderful goal as Manchester United beat Hull City 3-0

Here are the three things we learnt from Old Trafford:

The United strike-force can only get better Credict must go to Louis Van Gaal for keeping his faith on Robin Van Persie despite describing the striker’s performance against Arsenal as ‘very bad’ one. There is no doubt that much is expected of the 31 year old Dutchman who has struggles this season.

However, the former Arsenal man first teed of Wayne Rooney for the captain’s delightful strike and then came up later with a lip-smacking goal of his own. It was also the first appearance for Radamel Falcao in nearly six weeks and with games coming thick and fast in December heading up to the new year, Van Gaal would be happy with his strikeforce.

Louis Van Gaal’s effective mid games: Over the years the Dutch legend has earned his fame as a master tactician. He is good at mind games too. United lined up in a 3-5-2 formation to counter Hull’s similar formation but in reality the Red Devils played with a more conventional 4-4-2.

Steve Bruce’s side were thus dominated right from the start and his spare man philosophy was thus thrown out of window as despite trying to adjust the away side never quite recovered. What was great to see how Marouane Fellaini looks a completely different player now, putting in a great central midfield performance. It was also the fluidity of players like Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney on how they switched positions seamlessly and looked so comfortable with their intricate passing.

Micheal Carrick deserves a mention: Well it’s easy to judge that United are playing when Micheal Carrick is pinging 40 yard cross field passes.

The Englishman accumulated 117 passes with a success rate of 92.3% having 125 touches of the ball throughout the 90 minutes. The 33 year old never quite deserves the applauds but his panache in orchestrating the midfield today was simply sensational. Man of the match for me.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Arsenal, Liverpool target set for Premier League move in January?

Arsenal, Liverpool target set for Premier League move in January? - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

There is no doubt that André-Pierre Gignac is set to leave Marseill at the end of the season. The Frenchman has been in stunning form this season scoring 11 goals from 14 appearances. We had earlier reported that Gignac’s contract with the French club ends next summer and with no signs of a possible extension, the striker is already looking for his next club and he will be not short of potential suitors.

Arsenal and Liverpool are among those who are interested while Italian side Inter Milan are also keeping tabs on the situation. However reports from Tyneside based media outlet Newcastle Chronicle have claimed that the Magpies are leading the chase for the 28 year old. Newcastle though will face stiff competition from Russian side Dynamo Moscow who are believed to be preparing a bid for the star striker.

However any potential suitor will have to offer Gignac a wage packet of around €3m per year plus added bonuses. Gignac’s agent Christopher Hutteau had also hinted that his client could join any big Premier League club. “He is a striker with a relatively atypical profile, responsive to the physical challenge, the archetypal player who can succeed in a big club. He can play in England, Arsenal or Liverpool, no problem. For me, it is (his real value) between 12 and 15 million euros.”

Newacastle will no doubt make a move for Gignac given their strong French connections and with Pappis Cisse set to leave for the African Nations Cup, the Tyneside outfit are in look of a striker who can propel them for a European place finish. For Liverpool and Arsenal, both the English giants can make a late move to hijack the deal. An interesting January transfer window awaits.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Liverpool target set for transfer; January move likely?

Liverpool target set for transfer; January move likely? - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers would be worried over goalkeeper Simon Mignolet’s repeated mistakes and by the looks of it, the January transfer window can’t come fast for the Reds.

The Anfield side were earlier linked with Victor Valdes but Rodgers rejected the chance to sign former Barcelona goalkeeper. Valdes has since been practicing with Manchester United and it is believed that the Spaniard will sign a permanent contract with the Red Devils.

We had also reported earlier that Liverpool were linked with Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto. The 25 year old’s contract is set to expire with the Floence based side in the summer and there have been no reports over a possible contract extension.

Today’s reports from Football Italia who have cited TMW claim that the Brazilian could now make a move to Roma. Moreover Rome based outlet Il Messaggero have linked the player to the capital club. Also club Chief Walter Sabatini has identified Neto as the long-term for the Giallorossi.

In fact Neto in an interview with TMW also said, “Roma are a very important team in Italy. They’re doing great things, they’re a great team. Who wouldn’t want to go to Roma?”

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Frustrated forward packs suitcase, all set for Arsenal transfer in January

Frustrated forward packs suitcase, all set for Arsenal transfer in January - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Lukas Podolski headed for January exit from Arsenal

Well, it apparently looks like as if Lukas Podolski’s career at Arsenal is over. The German’s future came under intense speculation throughout the summer and over the past few months. The 29 year old has been frustrated over the lack of game-time at Arsenal and had said that he is unhappy at the club. The World Cup winner has also been vocal that his current situation needs to change and that he is ready for a move which will allow him to get regular first team football.

Podolski has started only once this season and has fallen way down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger. With Theo walcott and Olivier Giroud returning from their long term injuries, Podolski is now sure that he won’t in fact come under consideration for a starting eleven spot. We had also reported a couple of weeks ago that the left footed forward would consider his options in January.

According to yesterday night’s reports from the trusted and reliable TMW, Podolski now seems frustrated and is ready to pack his suitcase and head for the exit at the Emirates. The Italian outlet has cited FC Inter News and reports from Germany that Podolski is desperate for a move in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Where next for Podolski: There were reports in the summer that Italian sides Juventus and Napoli are interested in the player but any sort of deal failed to materialize. Inter would now be interested to acquire the player’s services but it looks like as if they want him on loan before taking a decision on him at the end of the season.

Return back home: The report has also mentioned that a return to his homeland is also likely. However former club FC Cologne is not interested and Bayern Munich is out of question. Wolfsburg are interested in the player while Turkish side Galatasaray are also keeping tabs on Podolski’s current situation.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Brendan Rodgers hits back at Jamie Carragher over ‘weak Liverpool’ comment

Brendan Rodgers hits back at Jamie Carragher over ‘weak Liverpool’ comment - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Rodgers must guide Liverpool to victory vs Ludogorets

All is not well at Liverpool and it’s certainly showing. After club legend Jamie Carragher criticized the team for their lack of character following the 3-1 loss against Crystal Palace, manager Brendan Rodgers claimed has hit back to the former defender.

Rodgers who now oversees his side take on Ludogorets in a crucial Champions League tie at Bulgaria said that the Reds will show their character like they did last season.Carragher who now works as television pundit for Sky Sports had said that this beloved club has no leadership on the field and that they were being bullied by the opposition on the pitch.

In response Rodgers claimed: “We hear criticism of the team but this team has character, it showed it last season. It has shown it’s got resilience. Okay, we concede more than we would like at times but you can’t question the character”.

“That can’t be criticised. We have players who’ve shown they have spirit but when you don’t get victories it affects confidence and you don’t perform quite as good. My job is to keep instilling that confidence.”

Is Carragher right to criticize Liverpool: Well, you can’t prove him wrong can you? Liverpool have failed to build from their last season exploits and currently lie 12th in the table with just 14 points from 12 games. However, its’ not the fact that the Reds are being beaten. What matter is the manner in which they are losing. The Anfield side have rarely dominated sides and look extremely fragile at the back. Moreover Steven Gerrard is also accountable for his sloppiness in front of the back four. Injuries have also played a part for Liverpool’s poor start this season, but there is absolutely no excuses for the absence of mental strength to win games.

What next for Rodgers: He is certainly felling the heat and as Soccerlens’ deputy Editor Saikat mentioned, the manager needs to lead Liverpool to a victory tonight in Bulgaria. The Reds need to get a favourable result to keep themselves in the hunt for a knockout berth in Europe’s elite club competition. Anything less than a draw or a victory would mean the clash against Basel is inconsequential.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea not interested in Marco Reus

Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea not interested in Marco Reus - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea not interested in Marco Reus

Jose Mourinho has been known to be doing things the weird ways throughout his managerial career. After reports emerged earlier last week that he is interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus, the Portuguese has ruled out a move for the German star.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Schalke, Mourinho said as quoted by Daily Mail:

“We don’t want Marco Reus. The market is closed and the player belongs to Borussia. We have top players in this position. No secrets, I have a fantastic relationship with the Dortmund coach and sporting director.”

Reus has been a transfer target for a majority of Premier League giants including both the Manchester sides and Liverpool. Reus has also been linked with reigning European Champions Real Madrid and it is believed that the 25 year old will have a £20m transfer release clause kick in his contract in the coming summer.

It will thus lead to a mad scramble among clubs who are desperate to acquire his services. Dortmund would be desperate to keep hold of their prized asset but they have been helpless over the past couple of years; selling Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski to Bayern Munich.

So is it right for Chelsea for rule themselves out for one of Europe’s hottest young prospects?

There is no doubt that Reus would easily walk into the Chelsea starting eleven thanks to his immaculate ability of running with the ball, making spaces for others and also hitting the back of the net frequently at will. But it his frequent injuries that is a huge concern. Reus missed the World Cup thanks to a devastating ankle injury and has also been ruled out till the new year after tearing his ligaments in his right ankle on Saturday during Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against Paderborn.

Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “How much bad luck can you have?” Dortmund have also been in poor form this season in the Bundesliga and are shockingly third from bottom with just three wins from 12 league games.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Are Napoli genuine Serie A contenders?

Are Napoli genuine Serie A contenders? - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Napoli are a club that will always be overshadowed by their past, no matter what. Argentine legend Diego Maradona brought International fame to Naples in the late eighties but the Pertenopei have failed to scale similar heights since then. After they finished second in the 2012-13 season, former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was given the task to bring back the title home after a period of over two decades.

apoli managed the same points last season (78) yet finished third in the standings as Juevntus and Roma finished above. To make matters worse Benitez’s side were on the wrong end of the Champions League playoff draw and they lost to Athletic Bilbao to squander a position in Europe’s elite. They started the Serie A in disastrous fashion too but recent results have seen them go up to third in the table; yet they are 9 points off the top spot. A top three finish has always been the prime target; the bare minimum if you call it that way, but can they realistically challenge for the Scudetto?

Recent victories over Roma and Fiorentina have given great encouragement but it’s not about the top teams that matter. Even while in charge at Liverpool, Benitez masterminded wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United on a regular basis. It were the so called ‘mid table teams’ which always bothered the Reds. The same trend also looks to carry on at the San Paolo.

On Sunday Napoli led 2-0 against an injury hit out of Cagliari, yet finished the game on a 3-3 scoreline. This season they have failed to beat Atalanta, Udinese and have dropped points against Palermo and Inter Milan from winning positions. Last term too, they failed to beat Sassuolo and teams who occupy the bottom half of the table. While Napoli need no motivation to beat teams like Juventus, Roma (twice last season), Fiorentina or Milan this is where they lose out on challenging for the title. However when it comes to Roma or Juventus, they steamroll past the opposition.

Napoli have been unlucky too; they crashed out of the group stages due to goal difference in the Champions League despite beating Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. They finished with 12 points from 6 games and deserved to qualify for the knockout stages. Another key aspect has been Marek Hamsik’s inexplicable loss of form. The Slovakian hasn’t shown a strong sense of leadership and looks out of sorts ever game. However Benitez can ill afford to drop him, which would anger the home faithful. There have been suggestions that Hamsik thrives playing in space in a 3-5-2 setup but in reality he has struggled to make any impact despite playing in teh entral attacking role behind Gonzalo Higuain in the 4-2-3-1 setup.

Defensively Napoli have been boosted by Kalidou Koluibaly‘s superb form but the usual suspects remain. Christian Maggio and Faouzi Ghoulam switch off and get caught giving the ball away while Raul Albiol has been guilty of getting caught quite often.

Gonzalo Higuain’s return to form has been a huge boost but Lorenzo Insigne who was slowly finding his feet is ruled out of the season, which is a huge blow. Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens need to take extra responsibility in the coming fixtures and certainly Hamsik needs to lead from the front if Napoli are to challenge for the title. Else the dream would remain elusive this time out as well. Or is already out of reach?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Arsenal player subject to €8m player transfer in January

Arsenal player subject to €8m player transfer in January - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

After failing in the summer, Athletic Bilbao will once again try to sign Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal in the upcoming January transfer window. The Basque side had been very keen to sign the left back but Arsene Wenger reportedly blocked his move back to Spain. However, reports from media outlet Fichajes, Bilbao will once again move for the player in a month’s time.

It is believed that Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has asked the club’s leaders to sign Monreal in January despite the player having a contract with Arsenal till June 2017. In fact the Spanish side who made their maiden Champions League debut this season are willing to offer €8m to the Gunners for Monreal’s services. The player though is less keen for a move away from the Emirates and wants to see himself run his contract down at North London.

Though Monreal is not a regular starter for Arsenal, the left back has done so by playing beside Per Mertesacker in the heart of the defense ever since Laurent Koscielny’s injury. Bilbao thus believe that Monreal will again fall out of favour after Koscielny returns and would be willing to return to his homeland finding game time very hard to come by. Thus the Basque club are ready to bide time before they are certain to make a move in January.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News