Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan revealed that the entire squad were left “distraught” after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid.
The Red Devils were leading on aggregate at Old Trafford, until Nani was dismissed for catching Alvaro Arbeloa on the chest with his studs, in what looked to be an accidental offense.
The game swung after the Portuguese international’s red card, with Real snatching the win thanks to goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Phelan said after the match that United’s players were deeply upset by the result and the way in which it occurred:
“It’s a distraught dressing room and a distraught manager,” He is quoted by Sky Sports.
“We thought we had the tactics right for the game for such a big occasion. We felt comfortable at times and 0-0 was where we wanted to be.
“We came out, scored a goal and that put us in a commanding position.”
He went on to state that the decision to send Nani off changed the game, and made the task almost impossible for United:
“Then the game totally changed.
“The decision was amazing, but we had to carry on. Playing Real Madrid with 11 men is very difficult and, in a game of this magnitude with all the world watching, we feel very, very disappointed that we ended the game with 10 men.”
Sir Alex Ferguson was clearly angered by the officials after the final whistle, as were a number of his players.
Phelan revealed that the Scot was not in a position to talk following the game due to the magnitude of the game and the ill-feeling produced:
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“I don’t think the manager is any fit state to talk to the referee about the decision.
“We all saw and witnessed a decision that seemed very harsh, possibly incredible, at that moment in the game.”
West Brom captain Chris Brunt believes that the club can no longer qualify for the Europa League, and he is happy about it.
The Baggies are currently eighth in the Premier League after a solid season, but are six points adrift of Arsenal, who occupy fifth spot.
Brunt believes that it is unlikely that the Midlanders will be able to bridge the gap, and that missing out on continental football will prove to be a blessing in disguise:
“People have been talking about Europe but it’s probably a step too far now. For a club of our size it would probably be a bit of a stretch on resources.” He is quoted by The Mirror.
“If it happened it would be great, but it would be tough – we’ve seen how it affected Newcastle this season.
“It’s difficult because there are a lot of games to be played and we don’t have the biggest squad.”
However, the Northern Irish international feels that West Brom have the potential to make it into the Europa League in the future:
“It would be a difficult task, but there’s no reason why we couldn’t get there in future if we keep doing what we’re doing.”
Brunt has not had the best of seasons on a personal note, notching just two gaols in 26 appearances.
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At one stage he was taunted by some sections of the Baggies’ support, who were frustrated by his level of displays.
But, his form has improved of late and has maintained his status as one of the club’s star names.
Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale has been labelled the player of the year in the opinion of former Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane.
The 23-year-old has been in scintillating form this campaign, helping his team to third in the Premier League and into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The Wales international’s performances have been monitored by clubs all around Europe with Barcelona and Real Madrid both reported to be preparing bids for the former Southampton man in the summer.
Zidane, who could join the coaching staff at the Santiago Bernabeu next term, went to watch Spurs take on Lyon in the Europa League and insists that he was encouraged by what he saw.
“This year the player who’s impressed me most is not actually playing in the Champions League. He’s playing in the other cup [Europa League], and that’s Bale,” Zidane said.
“He’s unique. He makes things look easy, his pace is frightening, his acceleration is unbelievable because of his ability to go through the gears in very little space. Plus, he’s very good technically which is also important. We mustn’t forget that he plays football very well.”
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Reading hope to have midfielder Hope Akpan fit after the missed the last four games with an ankle injury. Jimmy Kebe (groin) is still sidelined with Adam Federici (ankle) are out as the Royals play their final Premier League match at the Madjeski Stadium.
Pablo Zabaleta is suspended for Manchester City following his red card in Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to Wigan. Scott Sinclair is also absent after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his shoulder last week.
Nigel Adkins…“”We know what division we’re going to be in next season. In the short space of time we’ve been pleased with the progression that has been made by everyone. The last performance and result that we had was very pleasing. To score four goals away against anybody is great and the way we played was really pleasing.”
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak…“Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans. He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the Club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship.”
Match Statistic: Reading have triumphed and kept clean sheets in both of their previous Premier League home games against Manchester City.
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Prediction: Reading 0-3 Manchester City
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Fulham are plotting a loan move for Liverpool starlet Andre Wisdom, according to reports from The Mirror.
The Reds are said to be willing to allow the England U-21 international – who broke into their first-team last season – leave Anfield on a temporary basis to gain experience.
This has alerted Cottagers chief Martin Jol, who is an admirer of the 20-year-old.
Wisdom is able to play either centre-back or on the right side of the defensive line, and has been lauded for his physicality and reading of the game.
And Fulham are keen to secure defensive cover, as Jol looks to turn around the west Londoners woeful form from the latter half of last Premier League season.
A loan deal for Wisdom would not be allowed to turn into a permanent transfer, with Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers said to value the defender highly.
With both Tiago Ilori and Kyriakos Papadopoulos on his radar however, the Northern Irishman is aware that Wisdom’s chances of regular football in the short-term look slim, so he is keen to farm him out to gain regular top flight experience.
A lack of backline options saw the Leeds–born man forced into the starting XI on numerous occasions at the start of last season, where he impressed.
Would a loan move for Andre Wisdom suit the player, Fulham and Liverpool?
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Arsene Wenger dealt with a lot of criticism by frustrated Arsenal supporters during this summer because of the lack of signings. But it seems like the Mesut Ozil transfer has restored a good relationship between him and the fans.
Football Fan Cast went to the Emirates yesterday and got to hear the supporters thoughts about the 63-year-old manager. The Gooners still seem to have faith in him; however they do realise that he could have done more when the transfer window was wide open.
“He’s pushed me to the edge to be honest,” said Alex who had just bought an Ozil shirt and started taking photos of it. “But I think it’s not solely his fault because the club have a lot to answer for as well.
“But he’s definitely done what the club needs with a marquee signing and got a lot of people off his back and everyone is really happy. He’s got my belief at the moment.”
It seems like the late transfer of Germany international Mesut Ozil restored serenity at the Emirates as the fans calmed down and the media are no longer giving Wenger a hard time.
Just like all other fans, Andrew believes that the Frenchman has always been a formidable manager; however this summer he did manage to push a few buttons.
“I’ve always thought he is a fantastic manager,” said the Arsenal fan. “I know he is a little bit of trouble because he hasn’t signed anybody else in the whole transfer window, for any money anyway. But I think he is an experienced manager and we’ll definitely qualify at the Champions League again and finish at the Top 4.”
Miles and Michael were both very thrilled with the signing of the former Real Madrid footballer but when they were asked about the Gunners’ manager they both sighed.
“Wenger will be Wenger,” said Miles. “He is trying to get the cheap buys. Fellaini and Sanogo are not really what I was looking for.”
His friend Michael seems less critical and more faithful to Wenger: “We could have got a couple of more players but I think the Ozil transfer has done more than enough. It has balanced it out.”
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The 63-year-old has been the coach of Arsenal since 1996, he has won the Premier League three times, and the FA Cup as well as the Community Shield four times. He led the Gunners into an unbeaten Premier League season in 2004 as well as the final of the 2006 Champions League.
It looks like the ‘Wenger Out’ supporters are falling short to the ‘In Wenger We Trust’ slogan as the North London club has probably made the biggest signing of the summer and have also improved on the pitch, especially after a win against rivals Tottenham. It also seems that Arsenal are indeed more than capable to rise above the challenge of their Champions League opponents.
“He’s a great manager. He can be a bit frustrating at times but he always knows what’s best” said Ben who was already walking outside the Emirates with an Ozil shirt.
manager Brendan Rodgers says that his current squad is not big enough to cope with their current injury woes.
The Reds slipped to a shock 3-1 loss to newly promoted Hull over the weekend, a clash they entered without Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho in their starting XI.
The duo have been two of the Anfield side’s top performers over the course of the season so far, and appeared to be sorely missed at the KC Stadium.
Coutinho made a brief cameo appearance from the bench and is expected to be fit for the midweek clash with Norwich, but Sturridge is set to miss the festive period with an ankle injury.
Following the loss, Rodgers bemoaned his side’s fitness concerns, stating that he feels his squad is currently not big enough to cope with multiple injuries to key personnel:
“There’s no doubt the quality in our squad, with all due respect, isn’t big enough to cope with two big players like that missing,” he is quoted by The Guardian.
“We still have some very good players. Daniel could be out for up to eight weeks. Philippe [Coutinho] hasn’t trained all week, he has a high ankle strain and had some injections to get on the bench. He did very well to get on the field.
“You take those two out and they are two very good players who have been very efficient for us. This period now will test us. For the players who come in, it will be a great opportunity to stake their place in the team and hopefully we can get back to winning games.”
Rodgers is expected to delve into the transfer market in January with a striker and a wide midfielder thought to be priorities.
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Is Liverpool’s squad not big enough? Or is Brendan Rodgers just making excuses after a below par display?
The cynics have been waiting for the day when the Arsenal title challenge grinds to a halt, November was meant to be the month where the wheels finally came off but Wenger’s men continue to flourish.
They have taken the Premier League by storm so far, and there was a point this weekend where the gap at the top was as wide as 7 points. Those that had Arsenal down simply as early season pace setters and nothing more have had to seriously re-evaluate their position, the Gunners are no doubt major title contenders.
Having a world-class midfield is almost taken as a given with Arsenal, the Gunners continually dominated the middle of the park throughout their darkest days under Wenger. The difference now is that they have a rock-solid defence to back up this attacking menace. The back four of Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny and Gibbs has been an almost constant feature this season, 5 clean sheets last month is a testament to this newfound solidity, add to this the bonus of an ever more competent Szczesny and you can start to understand the reasons for the new solidity.
This isn’t a trait picked up over-night, Arsenal’s impressive run to pip Spurs to fourth place was characterised by defensive rigidity above all else. This is all the more important given that Arsenal appear to have that same attacking incision as before, a particularly powerful combination.
But how long can it all last?
Arsenal’s lack of depth has been a hot topic, a failure to bring in the necessary resources last summer has left Wenger with a strong first XI but with very little else. The teams around Arsenal all have the necessary depth to carry a title challenge throughout the season, a Chelsea second choice XI may well contain the likes of Ashley Cole, Willian and Juan Mata to name but a few. Contrast this to an Arsenal bench that has seen the likes of Gnabry, Zelalem and Sanogo upon it in recent weeks and you can start to understand the problem here. Arsenal’s title challenge is precarious, and without management and possibly investment it could well become unachievable.
Arsenal’s depth in midfield isn’t a major concern, with Podolski and Oxlade-Chamberlain still to return there is increasing support going into the winter months. The problem though is in the defence, the bedrock of a title tilt. Wenger has persisted with the same back-line for 14 of the clubs 20 league and Champions League fixtures this term and as a result those waiting to enter the fray are lacking that match sharpness to compete.
When injury and fatigue catches up with Arsenal will the likes of Vermaelen and Monreal be able to answer the call?
It is a concern for the club, the festive period means midweek fixtures and a definite need for rotation, the worry being that Arsenal may lose the cohesion that has made them so successful to date. This test starts against Hull with Jenkinson moving in to deputise for a suspended Sagna, and the possibility for more rotation given trickier fixtures ahead. Wenger won’t want to upset the balance too much, but he will also know that keeping his defensive unit together is also unrealistic.
Arsenal do have some cover at the back, club captain Thomas Vermaelen has been forced to miss out for much of the season, something Wenger clearly feels quite bad about:
“It is a difficult decision,” he said of Vermaelen, “because of his attitude, influence at the club, and because he is a top-class player. He certainly suffers but he handles it with great dignity and great professionalism.”
Everton at the Emirates this coming weekend and then crucial trips to Naples and Manchester; Wenger is going to be forced to shuffle his defensive pack. The gulf between the starting line-up and bench is growing and in my opinion could well prove detrimental to the clubs chances in the next few weeks.
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With other clubs rotating with ease, will Arsenal’s inadequate squad finally catch up with them this December?
A title challenge that has been built on firm defensive foundations, for me the next few weeks could well be Arsenal’s undoing as Wenger is forced into rethinking his defensive outfit.
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Manchester United offered Juan Mata a passage out of Chelsea, one of a few the Spaniard would have had to take if he was to get his season back on track and salvage a place in Spain’s World Cup squad.
United were an option, a very good option alongside PSG, Atletico Madrid (perhaps more short term) and whoever else Jose Mourinho and Chelsea were happy to negotiate with. But Mata chose United for the club that it is, what its standing is in English football, and in spite of the difficulties faced under David Moyes.
It’s hard to believe that players look to managers as one of the deciding factors for not wanting to join a club. Of course, it works the other way around quite often. Cesc Fabregas, for obvious reasons, went back to Barcelona to link up with Pep Guardiola. Mario Goetze did the same with the current Bayern manager, and Mesut Ozil spoke of Arsene Wenger’s talents of persuasion following his move to Arsenal last summer.
More often than not, players prioritise wages, likelihood of trophies and comfort of family and personal life before tackling the issue of whether they’re going to get on with the manager and what his reputation says about him. That is unless Felix Magath is the manager in question.
PSG will continue to see a steady stream of high-profile talents arrive at the Parc des Princes this summer, as they did last year. Yet it would be hard to imagine Edinson Cavani paid too much attention to the fact that at the time of his signing, PSG were without a manager and director of football Leonardo was clearing his desk for a permanent departure. Nor did Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Thiago Silva kick up a fuss when Laurent Blanc was named manager, an individual who was nowhere near the club’s list of top candidates a month or two prior to his appointment.
United are in a difficult period in their history, but Moyes won’t deflect star players who find themselves making their way towards Old Trafford in the coming months. Football really doesn’t work like that.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have a history of changing managers frequently, so too do a number of Serie A clubs in recent years. Chelsea are famed for their low tolerance of underachievement. But players continue to sign on at these clubs. There’s the prestige and history of a club that players want to attach themselves to, or simply money talks.
The fact that United have already signed Mata, and for big money, should be a sign that world-class players remain very much available to the club. One man, in the space of 12 months, won’t change the perception of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
Arsenal’s 3-0 loss at Everton on the weekend offered a small positive: it marked the return of Aaron Ramsey, who had been out of action since Boxing Day.
The relief at seeing Ramsey back on the pitch would have been muted considering everything else that was happening. But what should be said is that upon his introduction – alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Arsenal’s attack finally rediscovered this season’s vital component.
Goodison Park wasn’t really a time to pick up on any positives that may have been present. Mainly because it’s difficult to imagine anyone wanting to thrust small bright spots forward as beacons of hope.
The worry is that too much will be laid upon the shoulders of Ramsey. Arsenal are rock bottom in terms of confidence, something that has become a common theme in recent seasons. Ramsey, though, injected some aggression, however small, and vitally some interest and passion into Arsenal’s performance.
The Welshman has been without doubt Arsenal’s star player this season, even ahead of blockbuster signing Mesut Ozil. Ramsey had been instrumental in taking Arsene Wenger’s side to the top of the league, while his goals and assists were balanced out by often outstanding defensive work in the midfield.
What has become clear in these past few weeks is that Arsenal lack leaders and voices. Away from that, there has been no one outstanding player who always looked capable of changing a game. Ramsey has been out for three months and will need to get back into the rhythm of playing each week. What he doesn’t need is the rest of the squad leaning on him as the saviour of the club’s season.
It’s easy to forget that this time last year Ramsey was in the first stages of becoming the player he is now. It was a back-to-basics approach that saw him back in the centre of midfield alongside Mikel Arteta and focusing on recycling possession and leaving the burden of creativity to others.
A similar approach will be needed now. After so long out, it would be negligent to throw him back into the thick of things. What is problematic, though, is that with possibly seven games left in all competitions, there may not be much time to allow him to find match fitness in his own time.
Ramsey gives Wenger another option. He’s proven himself to be capable of producing out of nothing this season. Importantly, he gives the other players something to look out for on the pitch. At Goodison Park, he was one of the few looking to run into space and create scoring opportunities.
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His inclusion in the squad for the FA Cup semi-final will undoubtedly give the supporters a lift. A responsibility will also fall to the rest of the squad to ensure Ramsey isn’t hampered during his comeback. He may prove vital and decisive in ending Arsenal’s wait for a trophy, as well as landing them fourth in the league table. But much more is needed from those around him. The regulars in the first-team must to raise their game now that there is a tangible boost to morale.