All posts by h79snht.top

I imagine that Arsene Wenger has different priorities than most other people this Christmas. He won’t be hoping that he finds a PlayStation, or an iPod, or some other gizmo at the bottom of his stocking. He eats, sleeps and breathes football. What Wenger wants for Christmas, no doubt, is for his side to fight their way to their first piece of silverware in five years.

This Arsenal side has its problems. Recent defeats have exposed a fragility that must be dealt with if this Arsenal side are to be title-challengers this season. Certain areas of the squad are stronger than others, whilst other areas need slightly increased competition. I understand that Wenger is not one to go out and splash the cash and that the January transfer window is likely to be pretty quiet for the Gunners. Nonetheless we can dream. Here are three players that I believe would bolster and boost this Arsenal side.

The first port of call must be the defensive midfield position. Alex Song is a good player, but he’s been disappointing on a number of occasions this season (not least his poor showing against Manchester United on Monday evening). A defensive midfielder should not be a box-to-box player. He has to be the anchor in front of the back four and Song simply doesn’t provide Arsenal with this basic protection. With this in mind, I’d love to see Arsenal swing for West Ham’s Scott Parker. He’s feisty, his competitive and he’s English. Not only is a he as hard worker and a tough-tackler, but he’s organised and could excel in the centre of the park for Arsenal. He could provide Arsenal with the backbone they appear to have been missing this season.

The next port of call is to assess the situation with the strikers at the club. Maroaune Chamakh has started well and I’m sure will continue to excel. Robin Van Persie is a slightly more worrying case. Talent to burn, but constantly either injured or lacking fitness – is it time the Gunners gave up on the Dutchman? Nicklas Bendtner doesn’t appear to have the quality necessary to make it at the club. With this in mind, Arsenal need a strike partner for Chamakh who can perform week in and week out. Given that it’s Christmas and it’s the season of wish fulfilment, I’d like to see Arsenal go after Karim Benzema who isn’t getting a look in at Real Madrid. Yes, he’d be pricey, but Arsene might be able to appeal to the Gunner’s French connection by means of enticement. He’s a proven goal-scorer and might fancy himself in the Premier League.

Finally, a look needs to be had at the goalkeepers within the club. Almunia isn’t up to scratch and Fabianski is dodgy. I wouldn’t be too sad to see the back of either of them at the Emirates. Wojciech Szczesney looks like a genuine prospect, but at just 20 years of age, he might not be fully ready for the rough and tumble of the Premier League just yet. With that in mind, I’d like to see the Gunners get back on the trail of out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given. We all know that Given is a quality goalkeeper who has already proven himself in the Premier League. City don’t need him and Arsenal desperately need an experienced keeper. It should be a no-brainer.

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Those would be my picks. Who would you like to see join Arsenal this January? Feel free to leave a comment or follow me on Twitter: @ThePerfectPass

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Robbie Keane’s return to the Premier League was short and sweet. His short-term loan spell with Aston Villa can be considered a success, as the Ireland record goal scorer netted for Villa against Newcastle and twice at Wolves and generally had a positive influence on Alex McLeish’s side. I think all parties involved want Keane to return to the west Midlands sooner rather than later, while the rest of the Premier League supporters will be hoping his WAG Claudine doesn’t stay away too long.

Claudine Keane managed to do some work herself while her hubby was back in the UK, as she launched a special Valentine’s Day lingerie range for Ultimo earlier this month. The former Miss Ireland may be less inclined to return to the UK, as the 28-year-old is looking to forge a career in the USA as a TV presenter after having made it big as a model. So if Claudine gets her way then the pair may stay in LA and Keane will continue to play for the Galaxy, but Robbie, Aston Villa supporters and Premier League fans in general will be hoping Mr and Mrs Keane return to these shores.

Click on Claudine below to launch her WAG Gallery

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Owen Hargreaves is unlikely to play again until mid-December.

The England international midfielder lasted less than ten minutes of Saturday's 2-1 victory against Wolves, his first start for more than two years, before limping out of the action with a hamstring problem.

Veteran United boss Ferguson told Key 103:"We were at the stage where we knew Owen's knee was okay.

"His training performances for eight or nine days previously had been terrific. He'd done really well, which is why we took the chance.

"But maybe the tension in the build-up for the lad was too much and he suffered because of it."

Ferguson has also revealed that Ryan Giggs will miss Wednesday's Manchester derby as he is also struggling to overcome a troublesome hamstring injury.

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The United manager added:"Ryan is out and Nani is doubtful. At this stage it doesn't look as if Nani will make it. It isn't a great position for us to be in. We're counting heads at the moment.

"But there's nothing more satisfying than winning a derby game. It doesn't matter what year it is or when it is."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Alan Pardew insists that new signing Shefki Kuqi is not a replacement for departed striker Andy Carroll.

The 34-year-old Finn, who signed on a free transfer on Thursday morning, goes straight into Newcastle’s threadbare squad for the game with Blackburn on Saturday.

Newcastle star Carroll left the club last week to join Liverpool for 35 million pounds but his late exit in the transfer window meant that the Magpies did not have enough time to react to his sale.

And this woe was compounded when striker Shola Ameobi broke his cheekbone at Fulham, leaving Pardew with just Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and youngster Nile Ranger in his frontline.

“Shefki brings us valuable cover – what he can bring is experience and presence,” Pardew said.

“With Shola injured we lack a bit of presence. Shefki is a guy who is a real gentleman and a character and anybody who has worked with him will know that. That was important.”

“We needed to bring in somebody that might be able to handle the group that we’ve got. We have a group that are honest and if you don’t do something right you will be told.’

“Not just by the coaching staff but the players as well.”

Pardew admits he has reviewed the enthralling 4-4 draw with Arsenal and still can’t believe that his side clawed a point out of the game.

‘I think even Arsenal’s coaching team were the same as us when they looked back on it – looking back in disbelief,” he said.

“It was an amazing day and we’ve come out the right end of it.”

“We ended the game on a positive but you’d hate to be on the other end of that.”

“We didn’t start well and we documented those reasons.’

“The comeback and the character that we showed was magnificent.”

Pardew has made the headlines this week for tearing into his team so loudly that it was even heard in the Arsenal dressing room.

“I said at half-time what any Newcastle fan would have said at that time,” he revealed.

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‘There was a couple of tactical things in there but not too many. It’s a day that will live long in the memory. Not just what happened in the dressing but what happened on the pitch because it doesn’t matter what’s said in the dressing room, it’s the reaction on the pitch.”

“You need to see people respond to criticism and adulation in the same way.”

“We did that and it was a joy to watch in the second half.”

Newcastle head to Blackburn and could even be unchanged from the side that drew with the Gunners.

Best has been passed fit to play but defender Steven Taylor must wait another fortnight to make his return from a hamstring injury.

Most teams looking to bounce back from a disappointing away defeat at the hands of Fulham will welcome a home tie against one of this season’s promoted sides. But as Liverpool prepare for their weekend game against QPR, they will be mindful of their disappointing results against the other two sides who have come up from the Championship and taken points away from Anfield. Kenny Dalglish’s side currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League – a surprise considering their good form against other top four rivals. But last week’s Carling Cup win in West London against Chelsea was not enough to inspire and see off a resilient Fulham. Despite losing Jay Spearing to a debatable red card, The Reds still looked to stream forward and were unlucky on a number of occasions.

Neil Warnock, on the other hand, has been talking up the prospect of playing one of the biggest sides in England. The QPR boss stated, “trips to Anfield are the reason we’re delighted to be in the Premier League”. QPR have already taken points off one of the big boys this season following their home win over London rivals Chelsea, and Liverpool will need to be cautious of a side who are determined to avoid the drop back into the Championship.

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Liverpool have certainly benefited from not playing in Europe this season. Kenny Dalglish has, for the most part, taken advantage of mid-week breaks while other teams compiling the current top five have had to concentrate on European opposition. This stands his side in good stead going into the weekend’s game as there has been very little hangover from failings to pick up all three points this season.

The main concern, however, will be the two home draws against Norwich and Swansea. QPR might fancy their chances heading into the game and with plenty of experienced Premier League players in their line-up, they have enough quality to provide a sterner test than both Swansea and Norwich.

Over the course of the season it could be games like this that will prove to be Liverpool’s greatest obstacles. There seems to be little issue in rallying the side for games against Manchester United and Chelsa, and had it not been for the 4-0 hammering at the hands of Tottenham, there would be very little concern for Liverpool’s ability to compete against the top sides in the league. But failing to take maximum points off the ‘smaller’ sides, especially at home, is something that has been a problem for a number of title and top four hopefuls in recent seasons.

Five points away from the top four and in seventh place, Liverpool will need to show the same determination that has gained them valuable points in big games this season and see off a potentially tricky opponent in Neil Warnock’s QPR.

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Cardiff have made it through to the Carling Cup final, beating Crystal Palace on penalties in dramatic fashion.

The Welsh side went into the semi final second leg one goal down, but an Anthony Gardner own goal levelled things up. Neither side could find the winning goal in normal or extra time, so the game was decided on penalties.

Bluebirds goalkeeper Tom Heaton was the hero, saving both Jermaine Easter and Sean Scannell’s spot kicks, before Jonathan Parr blazed wide to send the hosts through.

Cardiff boss Malky MacKay was ecstatic after the victory, and spoke of his pride at reaching the final.

“I’m delighted for everyone at the football club. It’s a fantastic achievement for everyone and I thought the players were terrific tonight,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think the first goal settled the whole stadium down and it certainly settled the players down.

“I thought we started at a fantastic tempo and with real belief. Getting the goal meant we could sit and probe.

“We knew the way Crystal Palace were going to play, they wanted to hit us on the counter-attack with pace. We had to make sure that we manipulated the ball.

“I think the fact that there were so many chances in and around their goal meant that the team kept believing,” he concluded.

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Cardiff will play either Manchester City or Liverpool in the final, with the second semi final being decided on Wednesday night.

By Gareth McKnight

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Manchester United are set to raise their offer for Borussia Dortmund winger Shinji Kagawa to £13 million, according to The Daily Mail.

The Japan international has been a star in Germany over the last number of seasons, but with the Asian attacking midfielder’s contract expiring in 12 months time a move abroad seems likely.

With Arsenal also lurking, Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to step up his attempt to land Kagawa, as he looks to add a bit of energy into the team’s midfield.

Meanwhile, United are reportedly confident of landing Lille star Eden Hazard despite the interest of Manchester City and Chelsea.

The Belgium international will choose on of England’s top club this summer, but reports indicate that the Old Trafford outfit are confident of winning the race for his signature.

Hazard has once more indicated that a move to the Premier League is likely, but his destination has yet to be decided.

“I do not know when I’ll make a decision about my future club,” he confessed.

“It will anyway be Manchester City, Manchester United or Chelsea.

“The decision will depend on the amount of play I would see and the position where I would play.

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“Not everyone can say that he can make a choice between the three top clubs,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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Considering Arsenal have been eliminated from three cup competitions over the last few weeks, there has been a magnifying glass held over the Emirates to find the ‘how, what and why’ this season could be the club’s 6th year without a trophy. Although manager, Arsene Wenger has urged fans to keep the faith in the team for a successful season with the Premier League title still to fight for, the defeats at the Nou Camp and at Old Trafford have certainly harmed confidence.

Whilst the popular focus tends to be on the squad’s ‘maturity’ in big games, there has been less attention on the coaching staff at the North London club. Arsenal fans have nothing but praise for assistant manager Pat Rice who’s been Wenger’s right hand man since he joined in 1996 having previously been the Youth Coach for 12 years.

Rice, also a former skipper of the Gunners side that won the double in the early seventies, is the one barking orders from the dugout and keeping up team morale whilst Wenger works on his analysis of the game. And although they have achieved success in the past, is the time coming that the duo has become too comfortable at the club?

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It’s not just Pat Rice who’s been with Wenger since the start. First-team coach, Boro Primorac joined in 1997 and still fulfils the same role and Reserve team coach, Neil Banfield has been in his current role since 2004 having previously been the Youth team manager. The only addition of late has seen former defender, Steve Bould take charge of the youth sides, but should there be more of a shake-up?

In comparison to Arsene’s main rival in his 15 years in the Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson has had various changes to his backroom staff and I believe it’s played a huge part in their consistency. Since Wenger and Rice began in ‘96, Fergie is now on his 6th assistant manager (Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Jimmy Ryan, Walter Smith, Carlos Queiroz and currently Mike Phelan).

Whilst it’s important for a club to keep familiarity with coaches in order to build solid foundations and create a strong identity, there is a danger of complacency. I believe Fergie’s changes of assistant manager have been very important to his success and things may have been different had he kept the same man for 15 years.

Steve McClaren was praised by players for his coaching ability, whilst Carlos Queiroz provided Ferguson with a more up-to-date view on European football and most noticeably there were changes in Manchester United’s formation and tactics.

So, would Arsene Wenger benefit from a few changes? There could be a danger of his current staff being ‘yes men’ to Wenger’s decisions and actions while someone new could challenge Wenger and give him a different insight.

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One criticism I heard of Wenger since the two recent defeats has been that Arsene chooses his team’s tactics at the start of the season, whilst everyone else chooses them every game. It may be harsh as Arsenal have been one of the best teams to watch over the last decade and a half but this third generation squad seem to lack the ability to win ugly.

Arsenal still have a chance of winning the Premier League title but he faces a tough task in getting his squad in the right mind set for the remaining games if they are to go on a winning streak. A positive from the United defeat, was the side were still creating chances, there wasn’t a lack of effort and if the team keeps persistence there could be a silver lining.

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Tottenham forward Rafael van der Vaart says he is keen to stay with the club next season.The former Ajax, Hamburg and Real Madrid star has already scored 13 goals for Spurs in the Premier League this campaign, but reports have linked the 28-year-old to clubs that will play in the Champions League next season.

Tottenham have not qualified for the Champions League, with van der Vaart’s club requiring a victory at home against Birmingham on Sunday to finish in fifth place and obtain a Europa League place.

But van der Vaart is not deterred by the lack of Champions League football at White Hart Lane next season.

“We always want to play in Europe. It is good to have the experience from the Europa League and it would be a nice title to win,” he told The Sun.

“I like to be playing every two or three days. Of course I want to be playing in the Champions League.”

“But I have only been here one year. I have enjoyed my year and we will see what next season will bring.”

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“It’s really important to be in Europe. You saw this season that being in the Champions League has helped us.”

“It is so important for players and that’s why we want to win our final game against Birmingham.”

Manchester City anchorman Vincent Kompany believes the club will be in the fight for the Premier League title this season if they can perform like they did at Fulham last week on a regular basis.

The Citizens battered Mark Hughes' outfit 4-1 at Craven Cottage to move within three points of Chelsea at the summit and the powerful defender is confident they can sustain their charge.

But with a tough trip to Stoke City ahead of them this weekend, he has called for a sense of realism.

"We have Stoke next and I wouldn't say they were any less difficult than Fulham because both are difficult teams to play against, particularly on their own ground," he said.

"It will be a tough, physical challenge but we will go into the game in great confidence and really go for the win.

"We'll be prepared because Stoke gave us a number of tough encounters last season and they were up the challenge each time.

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"They are also on a good run of form at present so it will be a real test, but if we play to our maximum in defence, midfield and attack we are a match for any team.

"In fact, if we show the kind of mentality we did at Craven Cottage on a weekly basis, we will have a very good season."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email