Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney says he does not want to finish his career with just one Champions League winners medal to his name, reports Sky Sports.
United take on Greek champions Olympiakos tonight in the first leg of their last 16 clash, knowing a positive result in Piraeus will see them a step closer to another Quarter-Final.
The England striker has five Premier League title winners medals to his name, but has collected just one winners medal from the Champions League, despite appearing in three finals.
The only victory came six years ago in the famous penalty shootout victory over Chelsea, and Rooney admits the two final defeats to Barcelona that have followed since, still haunt him.
“One (Champions League) is never enough, especially at this club,” Rooney said.
“We need to keep trying to get into finals. The feeling you get when you win a trophy is incredible so you don’t want to stop at one. Obviously you want to win every year but that’s impossible.
“If we can go to final it’d be great for us. It would be an opportunity to win another trophy, so hopefully we can do that.
“I grew up all my life wanting to win trophies. That’s the main aim. That’s what you’ll be judged on when you finish your career.”
The 28-year-old admitted Manchester United have not performed well enough under David Moyes this season, and is hoping to end the season well in order to have a platform to build on for their next campaign.
“As a group of players we have to take responsibility for our league position,” he added.
“We know we’re better than that and we haven’t performed as well as we can do.
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“We know that and it hurts. Now it’s important we finish the season strongly and take some momentum into next year, but more importantly get into fourth spot and do well in the Champions League.”
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It goes without saying that there’s an enormous amount riding on Arsenal’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Wigan this weekend.
Like the now cliché saying that Arsenal’s next transfer window will be the biggest and most important in Arsene Wenger’s tenure at the club, this game has equal importance riding on it – importance that goes further than just breaking that trophy hoodoo.
Arsenal are down to the bare bones. The squad has been decimated by injury, and bar a not-quite-fully-fit Aaron Ramsey, it’s difficult to see where Arsenal’s match winner will come from. The very fact that Wigan’s recent run of form has crept into the discussion among Arsenal supporters is telling of just how much trepidation there is going into this game. A team who only last month drew against Bayern Munich in Germany and who led the Premier League for much of this season are sweating over the form of a Championship team. It’s bordering on the ludicrous. It’s just like Arsenal.
But that fear is justified. The immediate response is to assume another implosion, such as the one suffered against Birmingham in the 2011 League Cup final, is on the cards. Once again, Wenger’s team were dealing with a hugely inferior side, one that would actually go on to be relegated that season. And yet Arsenal came undone, in colossally humiliating fashion.
Whether it’s a team on the brink of relegation or a giant of European football, Arsenal simply can’t handle the pressure of games such as this. The loss at home to Bayern Munich said as much, with the confidence of the team hanging by a thread, only to lose all sense of purpose following Mesut Ozil’s penalty miss.
Arsene Wenger may speak of the spirit in the Arsenal dressing and dismiss recent losses as mistakes or accidents, but even with team captains backing up the manager in the suggestion that the team will bounce back (whether its sooner or later isn’t always clarified), the truth is that large sections of the support don’t hold faith in this group of players that they can get the job done.
It’s not an act of failing to support one’s team. Even those fortune enough to back clubs like Bayern Munich or Barcelona will feel some sense of anxiety at one point or another; it’s simply the nature of football. But the feeling among Arsenal supporters is that a devastating defeat is imminent. The team’s form suggests as much, going back further than this season. Arsenal discriminate against no one when it comes to blunders of huge proportion. Last season’s horror showings against Bradford and Blackburn in both cup competitions remain fresh in the memory.
If Arsenal slip up against Wigan, it could have ramifications on Wenger’s future with the club. Many supporters are of the opinion that it should decide Wenger’s fate. It’s why a win is so important for the club, for those at boardroom level who need a reprieve in the debate on Wenger’s new contract. A win – and the subsequent lifting of the FA Cup – will give the club some leverage in convincing supporters that Wenger’s immediate future lies in north London.
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With a squad low on morale and lacking key players all over the pitch, it will need a monumental play from Wenger to turn this game in Arsenal’s favour. The problem is his unwillingness to change. The problem is the lack of belief that this team can produce.
Although the Netherlands weren’t at their best, they managed to produce a very late comeback to book a place in the quarter finals of the World Cup. Mexico created a majority of chances, controlling the attack in the first half, but Louis van Gaal’s side took over as the game drew closer to the final whistle.
Giovani dos Santos scored a brilliant volley in the 48th to give the Mexicans the lead as Guillermo Ochoa was once again at his best, stopping waves and waves of opponent attacks.
Wesley Sneijder finally equalized at the 88th minute mark slotting home a powerful volley before Dutch star Arjen Robben was bought down in the box by Rafael Marquez, earning his side a penalty in injury time. Klass-Jan Huntelaar was given the chance to secure the victory for his side and he did just that.
Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (Pens 5-3)
Costa Rica’s amazing World Cup run continues as they defied the odds to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Former Fulham attacker Bryan Ruiz got the Central Americans into the lead early in the second half when his shot rolled into the bottom corner. And they looked in control until Oscar Duarte received his second yellow card leaving Costa Rica down to 10 men.
And they almost held off until Borussia Dortmund defender Socratis Papastathopoulos scored in 91st minute injury time.
Both teams had chances to win the game in extra time, but Costa Rica keeper Keylon Navas was equal to any of the Greek’s efforts bringing the game to the World Cup’s second penalty shootout.
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And it took until the fourth Greek penalty for a miss, again with Navas getting a strong hand Theofanis Gekas’ strike.
Michael Umaña scored Costa Rica’s fifth, advancing Costa Rica to the quarter-finals. Who would’ve thought!
Although Tottenham Hotspur are fielding a 4-2-3-1 formation, they hardly have any depth when it comes to their forward line. With Roberto Soldado, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Harry Kane the only three candidates Mauricio Pochettino can pick from, it might not be enough if they are to try and compete in the Europa League as well as in the domestic league and cups.
The transfer deadline day is drawing ever closer and with less than two weeks left until it closes; Spurs will need to begin advanced negotiations to add to this position.
Here are FIVE possible striking candidates Tottenham Hotspur can still sign before they run out of time.
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CLICK ON JAVIER HERNANDEZ TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Mattia Destro
Name: Mattia Destro
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Nationality: Italy
Club: Roma
Price: £18 million
Mattia Destro is currently the top candidate to step into White Hart Lane mainly because he is very similar to current strikers Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor. He is able to play as a lone striker and has the ability to hold up play and is also strong aerially thanks to his physical presence.
The young Italian still has so much to learn and should he be given the role of first choice striker, he will be well on his way to replicating his 19 goals in 41 appearances like he did for current side Roma. His addition can also mean Pochettino can switch to playing with two front men instead of the usual one.
Loic Remy
Name: Loic Remy
Age: 27
Position: Striker
Nationality: France
Club: Queens Park Rangers
Price: £10 million (release clause)
Loic Remy is a player who has revealed his intentions to play in Europe, so a switch to Tottenham Hotspur is surely not out of the question. Having seen his move to Liverpool fall apart at the final stage, he could still be open to a move.
With a £10 million release clause set by QPR, Mauricio Pochettino can lure him with the chance of playing in the Europa League. His scoring abilities shouldn’t even be questioned as he shown during his loan spell at Newcastle with 14 goals in 26 appearances.
Danny Welbeck
Name: Danny Welbeck
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Nationality: England
Club: Manchester United
Price: £12 – £16 million
With Danny Welbeck’s future at Manchester United becoming quite unclear ever since the arrival of Louis van Gaal, a number of clubs have been considering a move to make a key member of their squad. A big problem the England international faces is that he will always serve as back up to Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney.
Having played a left wing role the previous season, the new 3-5-2 system deployed by Van Gaal eliminates the attacking winger and replaces it with a wing back, a position Welbeck will find very hard to master. This leaves him with the choice of either waiting for his chance on the bench, or switching to a club that can offer him regular first team opportunities.
Samuel Eto’o
Name: Samuel Eto’o
Age: 33
Position: Striker
Nationality: Cameroon
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Club: None
Price: Free Agent
Currently a free agent, Samuel Eto’o is said to be considering a host of English clubs as his next team just so he can prove Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wrong for calling him old. He has even been linked with Liverpool with a number of sides still believing in his abilities to put the ball at the back of the net.
All Tottenham have to do is draw up a proposed offer and hope Eto’o agree upon the demands. However, it is known that he demands really high wages, a factor that has seen many potential moves break down.
Javier Hernandez
Name: Javier Hernandez
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Nationality: Mexico
Club: Manchester United
Price: £8 – £12 million
Javier Hernandez has been linked with an Old Trafford exit ever since David Moyes was in charge, but although offers have been made, advanced negotiations never seemed to take place. A host of European sides such as Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Inter are still believed to be interest in his services.
A proven goalscorer, Hernandez has seen very little playing time at Manchester United mainly netting goals as a late substitute. If Tottenham Hotspur can give him a regular role, there is a chance he can return to his goal-scoring best.
Hull City’s visit to Newcastle on Saturday could constitute an ad-hoc comedy roast for Alan Pardew, if his Magpies side slump to another defeat of paralleled magnitude and embarrassment to their 4-0 thrashing by Southampton last weekend.
Pardew is a manager with nine lives, or possibly more. He’s already survived a relegation-threatening 2012/13 campaign, a seven-match touchline ban for attempting to headbutt Hull City’s David Meyler and some of the most unfortunate records in Newcastle’s history, including three successive defeats to Sunderland for the first time since 1927, four consecutive home defeats for the first time since 1977 and six consecutive league defeats for the first time in the Premier League.
Owner Mike Ashley still appears to maintain his faith in the 53 year-old, but after his assistant challenged militant protesters to a physical confrontation prior to the Saints defeat, the Sports Direct mogul will know Pardew’s position is becoming increasingly untenable.
The ‘Pardew Out’ brigade boasts significant numbers and organisation. They now have their own website, SackPardew.com, and a poll by the Newcastle Chronicle at the end of last season revealed 86% of the Toon army want Pardew sacked.
Yet overall opinion on Newcastle’s recent demise remains surprisingly divided; a recent poll on Match of the Day revealed that whilst 35% blamed Pardew, 25% blamed the players and 39% blamed Mike Ashley. The emerging consensus being that transfer policy, dominated by Ashley and often seemingly having no inclusion of Pardew whatsoever, is the ultimate root of the Magpies woes.
Yet, what has taken place at Newcastle under the Ashley regime, in regards to transfers, is nothing miraculous or untoward compared to the rest of the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur are another club that tends to buy with later profits in mind, yet, with the exception of last season, they’ve consistently challenged for the Champions League over the last five years. In fact, you’ll find few top flight clubs that acquire players without the hope of increasing their resale value.
Likewise, in the vast majority of Premier League clubs nowadays, there is a compromise between the chairman, chief executives, Sporting Directors and the management when it comes to transfers. Pardew’s influence on Newcastle’s inward signings is clearly minimal and admittedly, Newcastle’s transfer policy is of a rather turbulent nature; they spent around £20million in January 2013 and then went without making a single permanent first team signing for the next 18 months.
But can this truly justify Newcastle’s horrendous form since the turn of 2014? A run of 17 defeats in their last 24 league fixtures?
This summer, the club spent nearly £40million, and the quality brought in is at the right level for Newcastle to consolidate their position of 10th from last season, or even exceed it. Remy Cabella for example has already become a target of criticism from the fanbase, but he’s been one of the top performers in Ligue 1 over the last two seasons outside of Monaco and PSG. It’s not long ago Manchester United and Arsenal were running the rule over him.
Likewise, Daryl Janmaat proved himself as a quality right back at the World Cup, Emmanuel Riviere and Facundo Ferreyra are both strikers with preceding highly-rated reputations and Jack Colback’s performances for Sunderland last season earned him an inaugural call-up to the latest England squad. This, although perhaps not an ideal or particularly ambitious cohort of signings, would be more than enough for the majority of Premier League managers to work with, even if the overall aim is to increase their eventual re-sale value.
The ultimate question is whether transfer policy has bore more intrinsic influence on Newcastle’s results than Alan Pardew. It’s often claimed that team performances mirror the characteristics of their manager. I abide by that theory; in my opinion, it’s no coincidence that Pardew committed one of the most unprofessional acts in Premier League history when he locked heads with David Meyler, and Newcastle’s displays over the last six months, in terms of sloppiness, negativity and a lack of commitment, have been anything but professional.
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The buck stops with the manager all-too frequently in the Premier League and often unjustifiably, but in the case of Alan Pardew, exonerating him from lion’s share of blame would constitute an even bigger and more audacious crime. Clearly, his philosophy isn’t strong or effective enough. Clearly, the players are no longer receptive to his motivation.
Under those circumstances, whether Newcastle’s transfer policy included a world-record bid for Lionel Messi or loaning out all their top talents to League One, the Magpies would find themselves in the exact same position as they do now.
After a rather lukewarm start to the 2014/15 Premier League campaign, Arsenal find themselves back in the chase for the title, having bagged three points against Burnley last weekend.
But in the English top flight, nothing is certain, and along with traditional top four battlers Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Spurs, the Gunners are up against dark horses West Ham and Southampton, currently in second and fifth place respectively.
Protecting Arsenal’s Champions League status for 17 straight seasons has been one of Arsene Wenger’s greatest achievements as Emirates boss, but with gaps in the Gunners roster clear for all to see, it could take a couple of January signings to get the north Londoners over the line this year.
Thus, here’s a list of FIVE January reinforcements that will ensure Arsenal qualify for Europe…
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BENEDIKT HOWEDES
Arsenal’s first-choice back four is as strong as any in the Premier League, but by the end of September, the Gunners had already maximised their defensive depth.
Indeed, 5 foot 10 full-back Nacho Monreal filled in as an emergency centre-half for the fifth time yesterday evening – undoubtedly an influence on the north Londoners squandering a three-goal lead to draw with Anderlecht in the Champions League.
Adding bodies at the back has to be Arsene Wenger’s first port of call in January. In a bid to kill several proverbial birds with one stone, he should be targeting highly versatile Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes, who was linked with an Emirates move during the summer:
The 26 year-old has always come highly-rated, but proved his ability to play at an even higher level during the summer as Germany’s World Cup-winning left-back – no easy feat at international level when you measure in at a whopping 6 foot 3. Here’s his highlights from Brazil 2014:
//www.youtube.com/embed/DE4LYksdMEA?rel=0
Indeed, Howedes can feature at No.2, No.3 or centrally, and that positional flexibility in addition to the defender’s leadership qualities makes him a huge asset for any squad. The Miners captain has been enjoying good form this season too:
The German international teased his suitors during the summer, suggesting he would be interested – at some point – in a move abroad:
He’s been valued at around £14million by Goal.com, but under contract at the Veltins Arena until 2017, that seems like a rather optimistic estimate. Manchester United are also interested:
FABIAN SCHAR
One predominant issue with Benedikt Howedes, however, is that Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker are already a strong partnership, one that Arsene Wenger clearly trusts. Another problem is the fact that the Gunners boss hates the January window and probably won’t spend to level fans expect in the new year.
Thus, a significantly cheaper defensive option that would furthermore slot into the natural hierarchy of the squad comes in the form of FC Basel prodigy Fabian Schar, also alleged to be on Arsenal’s radar in recent times:
Statistically speaking, the 22 year-old was the best defender in the Champions League last year:
And he’s followed that up with a Man of the Match performance against Liverpool this season in Group B:
The Swiss international comes with a glamorous, exciting, front-footed style, reminiscent of Jan Vertonghen or former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen:
//www.youtube.com/embed/ZpiVFCUXbz0?rel=0
Indeed, he’s bagged nine goals in 54 league appearances for Bebbi and three-in-eight for the Swiss national team. Then there’s the small matter of this wonder-goal during his FC Wil days:
//www.youtube.com/embed/dH1mLudmGgg?rel=0
With his contract at Basel entering its final months, the £10million-rated defender looks set to become one of the January window’s best value-for-money bargains.
But a host of top European sides have been linked with the 6 foot 1 centre-back over the last few years, ranging from Barcelona to Inter Milan.
FABIAN DELPH
From one bosman-bound Fabian to another, the North Londoners have also been linked with Aston Villa star Fabian Delph over the last few weeks:
The Gunners need more mettle in midfield and the 24-year-old could be the man to provide it. He’s a fantastically hard worker – just look at his heat-map against Manchester City from last September:
Much more than simply legs, however, Delph’s dynamic, energetic box-to-box style, perhaps epitomised best by this stunning goal against Chelsea:
//www.youtube.com/embed/IYDwIn6PT1M?rel=0
…has seen his stock soar over the last eighteen months. Indeed, Delph claimed the 2014 Supporters’ Player of the Year award at Villa Park and earned his first call-up to the England squad in August, since claiming three caps.
Most appealingly, the midfielder’s contract is up at the end of the season and despite a four-year offer reportedly on the table, he’s yet to sign a new deal.
That could force the Villains to sell for next to nothing in January, but a shoulder injury, which will see Delph sidelined until the new year, could put off Arsenal and his other suitors.
MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN
A more jugular option, considering Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal’s desperate need for a ‘physical presence like Vieira or Petit’ in midfield, comes in the form of Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Saints were strongly opposed to parting with the France international during the summer and will likely put up similar resistance in January – especially as they lay just four points off Premier League leaders Chelsea.
But industrious, athletic and consistent on the ball, Schneiderlin would be the ideal anchor for the Gunners’ offensive-orientated midfield.
Before the start of the current campaign, no player had made more tackles, 259, or more interceptions, 207, in the Premier League since Southampton’s top flight ascension in summer 2012, and the 24 year-old has continued in a similar vein this season:
In fact, Schneiderlin’s added to his game this term by proving his ability to contribute going forward, netting this stunner against Newcastle back in August:
//www.youtube.com/embed/anRtvwoN4iI?rel=0
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Southampton reportedly rate Schneiderlin at around £27million, but still in his early twenties, Arsenal can get good-value-for-money by tying the Frenchman down for his best years.
Here’s another look at the tough-tackling midfielder in action:
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PACO ALCACER
Arsenal improved their striking depth in the summer with a deadline day move for Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck, but in comparison to the forward casts at Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and even Liverpool, the England international, along with the injured Olivier Grioud, are rather underwhelming.
Representing the opportunity to add quality and youth to Arsenal’s strike force at incredibly cheap cost is Valencia starlet Paco Alcacer.
The 21-year-old has been nothing short of potent over the last 18 months, as detailed below:
And that impressive output in the final third has seen Alcacer rise to the forefront of Vincente del Bosque’s plans for the Spanish national team – he has claimed four caps since his debut in August, netting thrice in the process. Here’s a look at the 5 foot 11 forward in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/RCKK3deKD2w?rel=0
Fernando Torres-esque dare I say? The Spain international possesses no particular defining strength but an impressive all-round game.
Furthermore, his current contract includes a release clause of just £14.5million, leading one Spanish publication to dub him ‘the bargain of Europe’.
He’s surely a better back-up option than the much-maligned Yaya Sanogo, and has interestingly enough declared himself in ‘no hurry’ to pen new terms at the Mestalla. But Arsenal face strong competition for his signature from Premier League leaders Chelsea:
Previously boasting the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan were once the popular darlings of Italian football.
In today’s ever-changing, fickle world of modern day football however, the Rossoneri currently sit seventh in the Serie A, with the golden eras of the past serving as no more than fleeting memories. We have all seen the demise of Italian clubs before. The Parma side of the 1990’s certainly rings a few bells within this debate, as success with the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro and Hernan Crespo has done little to appease their modern day struggles.
I Crociati (the Crusaders) are currently languishing at the bottom of the league, but as Juventus have displayed through their most recent come-back from the 2006 Calciopoli betting scandal, a club the size of AC Milan have no excuses for the position they are in.
So just what is the story behind Milan’s current plight? For one thing, the Rossoneri have been determined in their efforts to blood rookie managers in recent seasons, and their subsequent lack of experience has definitely had an impact on the pitch.
Since the ill-fated reign of Massimiliano Allegri at AC Milan, both Clarence Seedorf, and more recently Filippo Inzaghi, have been intrusted with steering the helm at the San Siro. The former Rossoneri striker’s recent rotation policy has been the biggest aspect of Inzaghi’s managerial repertoire that has so far come up for the most criticism. Milan fans are concerned that the players can’t develop any real consistency because their positions are always up for grabs, and good performances don’t necessarily warrant a place in the starting XI next time out.
Clearly Filippo Inzaghi lacks the managerial know-how that guarantees success in the Serie A as Seedorf did before him. But as this is always the case when the new sweeps away the old in football, the players must also take responsibility for what has gone wrong for their team on the pitch.
The centre-back combination of Daniele Bonera, Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami has so far failed to establish any meaningful partnerships at the back this season, whilst signings such as Keisuke Honda, have failed to live up to their initial hype. Stephan El Shaarawy has also proved to be inconsistent, and as for one Fernando Torres, the £50million curse placed on him by the financially care-free Chelsea has certainly not been lifted during the Spanish striker’s time in Serie A.
There have been a few shining lights however, with summer signing Jeremy Menez and young full-back Mattia De Sciglio proving to be in good form. The return of Nigel de Jong and Riccardo Montolivo from their respective long-term injuries will also be a big boost for Inzaghi as he looks to turn around Milan’s season.
Whilst the situation may seem bleak for Rossoneri fans at the moment, AC Milan could certainly be in a worse position than the one they currently find themselves in. It must still come as some slight respite that they are faring a great deal better than arch rivals Inter, who only hold a mere 12th place in the table, and there is still a great deal of the 2014/15 season left to play.
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The table always looks harsher than it really is at this time of year, but with the likes of Lazio, Sampdoria and Genoa all sniffing around Serie A’s top spots, competition is still rife for Filippo Inzaghi and AC Milan. Whilst most would consider the Rossoneri to find themselves back in the running for a Champions League spot come the end of the season, this Milan side is undoubtedly nowhere near the Milan side of old.
Inzaghi therefore has a great deal of work on his hands if he is to improve his team’s current plight and restore the status that AC Milan were once renown for across Europe.
When the Hammers found themselves the architects of a shock 3-0 win at White Hart Lane back in October of last season, Ravel Morrison’s crowning effort was simply the icing on the cake of what was a great day out for everyone involved with the club.
The 21-year-old England U21 international started a mazy run from inside his own half, and while making the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Michael Dawson look nothing more than school-boy defenders, Morrison finished the move by dinking the ball calmly over an on-rushing Hugo Lloris and into the Tottenham net. It was simply a stunning goal that the Upton Park faithful will not be forgetting any time soon.
While such a display of obvious talent should’ve likely held the ex-Manchester United starlet in good stead, since, his career has been plagued by a series of reported attitude problems and issues off the pitch. So has Ravel Morrison’s time at West Ham finally come to an end, and will the potentially brilliant England star find one last chance to resurrect what’s left of his career this January?
Morrison arrived at Upton Park in 2012 amid claims that even Alex Ferguson couldn’t handle his behaviour and questionable work ethic. His conviction on two counts of witness intimidation certainly didn’t help the young man in his early career, but since Big Sam carried with him a reputation of dealing with big egos and unpopular characters, Morrison’s court action was deemed as nothing new for Allardyce.
When Ferguson decides to give up on any talent however, nine times out of 10 it’s the correct decision and the rest of the Premier League should take note.
Despite coming to terms with ‘that road’ early on in his footballing life, it seems that Ravel Morrison’s initial problems would only serve to continue and intensify for the former Old Trafford man. Subsequent Twitter heat, a release of him wearing an Arsenal shirt while playing for the Hammers, and a return to court, this time for an alleged two counts of assault, have seen the 21-year-old loaned out in each of his three full seasons with Big Sam’s side.
Temporary spells at Birmingham City, QPR and Cardiff City respectively, have each born out of them some renewed hope for the player, but more significantly, marked a further decline and a distinct lack of stability within Morrison’s apparent state of mind.
With all this talk of off-field problems however, it is easy to forget just how effective and special the youngster can be on the pitch. He has a composure on the ball that is just unheard of among his England contemporaries, as well as applaud-worthy skill, vision and a desire to score great goals. If things had gone smoothly for Morrison, the West Ham no.14 could be well on his way to a Paul Pogba-style renaissance.
Now that Cardiff City have called time early on his loan deal, the man believed to become England’s ‘next Gazza’ now has very few options left on the table to resurrect his career.
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While Fulham, Swansea and even CSKA Moscow have been touted as the surprise contenders to land Morrison’s signature in the past, former boss Harry Redknapp is currently believed to be keen on bringing the undeniable talent back to Loftus Road. The likes of Charlie Austin and Eduardo Vargas would certainly benefit from playing alongside the 21-year-old, and as the former United star would most definitely inject some sheer creativity into QPR’s side, Redknapp could be the beneficiary of a shrewd bit of business (as ever).
As his footballing life has so far been anything but smooth sailing, anything could happen to Morrison in his attempts to land the perfect career move. What does look more certain however, is that after several disputes and failed loan spells, this troubled but talented player’s time at West Ham looks to be well and truly over.
Jose Mourinho is up to his old tricks already by throwing a huge curveball in the pre-match build-up to today’s Capital One Cup final by naming five defenders in the starting XI.Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma and John Terry all start against Tottenham Hotspur, with the reliable duo of Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic filling in the full-back positions.Cahill had lost his starting berth of late, with Mourinho favouring the relative unknown Kurt Zouma with the 20-year-old impressing in his 12 appearances across the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League so far this campaign.[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]The former Porto and Real Madrid gaffer’s decision has led to a few questions:Will Cahill be told to shadow Tottenham’s man in form, Harry Kane?Will the former Bolton Wanderers defender be deployed in midfield to compensate for the loss of the suspended Nemanja Matic?Perhaps it is a real defensive 5-4-1 from Mourinho?Let’s see what Twitter thinks it is:
A few shaky performances have shown Arsenal fans that Per Mertesacker is not quite the all-conquering force he was last season. The towering German was truly excellent for the Gunners as they ended the 2013/14 campaign with the FA Cup and fourth place, with his commanding playing style and reading of the game vital to Arsene Wenger.
However, this term his turning circle has been larger than that of an 18-wheeler truck and his pace has… well… disappeared. His comments after the Gunners’ Champions League loss probably did little to endear him to Wenger earlier this week, and, maybe as a result, Gabriel Paulista is in the XI alongside Laurent Koscielny for the Newcastle clash.
Arsenal fans, on the whole, took the news well, with the Brazilian tipped to be a success over the 90 minutes…
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