Premiership News

'It's not nearly good enough', vents Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool's faltering campaign by declaring even winning the Champions League will not make up for the dismal performance in the Premier League.
The Liverpool skipper accepts that only fourth place now is acceptable as they battle to secure entry into Europe's elite competition next term.
But he said: 'You don't get any prizes in football for finishing in second place, never mind fourth.
'I don't think that the fans would accept fourth as an accomplishment and for me it's not nearly good enough.
'We need to improve dramatically and even if we do finish fourth, it doesn't mean we have had a good season.'
Gerrard accepts Liverpool are now involved in a winner-takes-all battle for fourth spot with neighbours Everton and Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Manchester City.
Having regained fourth place on Saturday by beating Middlesbrough, they saw Everton grab it back on Monday with an impressive demolition of Sven-Goran Eriksson's City.
And the battle will rage on this weekend with Liverpool at Bolton on Sunday while Everton are at home to Pompey later in the day.
Gerrard, in an LFC magazine interview, showed his own frustrations and anger at the club's current fortunes.
He said: 'In the position we find ourselves now, fourth is the least that is acceptable. But we have bigger ambitions than that.
'The only way we can fulfil those ambitions is in the Champions League. And I am not going to pretend that even winning that trophy - and we are a long way away from it at the moment - will make up for the disappointment of the league campaign.
'I'm pretty gutted every time I look at the table and see the gap between us and Arsenal at the top, and even the gap between us and second and third.
'We believed we had the players to challenge for the title, and we wanted that one more than any other trophy available to us. I still believe we have the squad to be a hell of a lot more competitive than we are right now.'
And Gerrard, significantly, claims the time has come for the club to stop looking at their long-term potential. The Reds skipper, who has again been linked recently with a summer move to Real Madrid, said: 'I'm getting tired of saying the same thing over and over again.
'We can't keep talking about next season all the time. There are only so many times you can say it and believe it. Sooner or later we have to make one season the season we make it happen and do the talking on the pitch.
'We need to make people believe it. I'm 27 now, I don't want to be talking about 'next season' for Liverpool when I'm 32.
'We've got the stadium, the fans, the manager and the players to compete for the Premier League. But we have no chance of doing that if we are always well out of it by the first week in January.
'And at the moment we have our work cut out fighting it out with Villa, Everton and Manchester City for fourth.'
And he added: 'Only we can make this season a success now. We'd like to finish fourth and win the European Cup again.
'But the demands of being a Liverpool player, the expectations that come with the privilege of pulling on that jersey mean we've got to improve.
'You make your own luck, shape your own destiny. And now we soon have massive games at Manchester United and Arsenal, knowing we can't win the league.
'We are not bothered about whether we have an impact on the title race we're not in. But winning at both those places would send out a message for next season. That would lay down a marker that no-one would ignore.'
Gerrard also expresses a disappointment that a season of crisis off the pitch has given 'those in the media who don't like Liverpool' the chance to criticise.
'We have made it easy for them,' he said.
'It's not been a good situation (the takeover speculation) for anybody. It's sad so much of the club's business has been conducted in public. The club I have grown up supporting always did its business behind closed doors, and that is what we have to get back to.
'It's been a damaging situation for every single person involved with the club, fans, players, bosses, owners, from top to bottom.'
But Gerrard's theme, which should not be ignored by those 'bosses and owners', is the lack of a real title challenge.
He added: 'If you asked most of our fans, they would rather see the title than the European Cup at Anfield. We've not won it in a long, long time.
'Looking at the league table hurts. This time last year we were third and Arsenal were fourth, and that is the way the season ended. It hurts to see where Arsenal are now.'

Everton apply to enter Intertoto Cup

The Toffees are currently fourth in the Premier League, which would be good enough to earn them qualification for the preliminary rounds of next season's Champions League.
Three further teams qualify for the UEFA Cup, with the next highest-ranked side eligible to enter the pre-season Intertoto Cup, which offers an alternative route into the UEFA Cup.
Aston Villa, Blackburn and Manchester City have also applied for entry to the competition.
Everton are still in this season's UEFA Cup, and will face Italian side Fiorentina in the last 16.
Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told: 'Clearly European qualification through our league position or via the UEFA Cup is our main priority.
'However because of the deadline for Intertoto Cup applications, it would be remiss of us not to put our name forward.'

Boro chief fumes at incompetent FA

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has accused the FA of "incompetence" after attacking the handling of Jeremie Aliadiere's red card appeal.Also branding the FA as "amateurs and silly little men

Gibson has described the FA's reaction - upgrading the Frenchman's initial three-match ban for violent conduct to a four-game suspension due to the 'frivolous' nature of Boro's appeal - as "insulting" and "confrontational".
Aliadiere was shown a red card for raising his hand and appearing to make contact with Javier Mascherano's face in Liverpool's 3-2 win over Boro.
But, with the Argentina midfielder seemingly offering provocation, the Teessiders decided to put the decision to an FA appeals panel.
Their findings have left Gibson shocked.
He told Sky Sports News: "We're simply shocked by what has gone on and it tells you everything you need to know about the FA.
"There was a disciplinary panel set up with four individuals on it. None of the four played Premier League football or football at any serious level.
"The system is inherently biased because they are there to protect the FA and the referee. They sided with the referee and we would have taken that on the chin.
"They then said our appeal was frivolous which is very subjective, quite insulting towards the professionalism of our club and the people in it, quite aggressive and confrontational."
Gibson went on to outline his belief that the issue of penalising 'frivolous' appeals had been questioned in the past and also accused the governing body of acting incorrectly in previous dealings with the club - notably when they hired then Boro boss Steve McClaren as the new manager of the national side.
"By itself this is not the greatest problem affecting football but we dig a little deeper and we find an incident some 12 to 16 months ago involving Charlton Athletic which was a similar case (to the Aliadiere appeal).
"What resulted was the FA would review this word 'frivolous'. That review has not taken place, it was brought to the attention of the FA recently and they still haven't looked at it.
"All bodies need a legislature. When the legislature doesn't work properly is is incapable of looking after the people it is there to serve.
"We have had this in the past with how the FA originally approached Steve McClaren, how the FA recently made an illegal approach to one of our coaching staff.
"It's nothing new this incompetence."

Arsenal striker Eduardo released from hospital

Arsenal's injured striker Eduardo da Silva was released from hospital on Wednesday, the Premier League leaders said.

The Brazilian-born Croatia international suffered a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his ankle joint after a tackle by Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor during Saturday's 2-2 league draw at St Andrews.
On Monday, Arsenal said the 25-year-old was expected to make a full recovery from the horrific injury, although he will be out for an expected nine months.
'Eduardo would like to once again thank everyone for the overwhelming messages of support he has received,' a statement on the club's website said.
The injury means Eduardo will miss Euro 2008 in Switzerland and Austria which starts in June.

Other Big 4 News

Arsenal teammates demand better from skipper Gallas

Arsenal teammates have demanded better on-field leadership from captain William Gallas. The Mirror says Gunners' players told the Frenchman his crazy antics after Saturday's game at Birmingham were "not the behaviour of a captain". The Gunners skipper lost the plot after his side suffered a major setback to their Premier League title hopes. Gallas broke down in tears, sulked on the pitch and even went up the other end as Birmingham's James McFadden netted a last minute penalty.

And it's revealed that Gallas carried on his behaviour in the dressing room and had to be calmed down by several senior players, some of whom questioned his leadership at St Andrews.
Gallas did not stop ranting, raving and shouting as he showed signs of cracking up. Gilberto, Mathieu Flamini and Emmanuel Adebayor were among the players to step in and calm down the French defender

Atletico Madrid want Liverpool boss Benitez, keeper Reina

Atletico Madrid are planning a double-raid on Liverpool for manager Rafa Benitez and goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The Daily Star says Atletico chiefs met at the Vicente Calderon on Monday to discuss making a concrete approach for Benitez, who has had a turbulent relationship with Liverpool's current owners and may be looking for a way out.

The Spanish club have decided to hand Benitez a £40m transfer kitty should he be prepared to leave Anfield and an Atletico source: "We know it might be difficult to get him here but we will fight for the chance." Atletico also want Liverpool No1 Reina, who has expressed an ambition to play for the club where his Dad kept goal.

Liverpool boss Benitez admits rotations wind-back

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed plans to wind-back his rotation policy for the season run-in.
Benitez told the club's website: "I think so. It will depend on the players in the end, but we can keep some players playing more games now."

Liverpool owner Hicks remains in DIC talks

Despite denials, Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks will continue talks with Dubai International Capital, it has been revealed.
The Times says the Arab investment group is expected to become a co-owner of the Merseyside club next month by purchasing the 50 per cent stake held by George Gillett Jr in the first phase of a takeover process that will test the strength of Hicks's latest denials.
Despite yesterday's statement released by the American, numerous sources insist that his partnership with Gillett is finished and that DIC will start the first phase of its takeover within weeks.

Hicks's latest statement did not deny that discussions are taking place. DIC's interest never went away after it was gazumped by Hicks and Gillett a little more than 12 months ago and, although DIC turned down the Americans' invitation to buy a 15 per cent stake in the club after a meeting in October, discussions have taken place behind the scenes since the start of this year.
Hicks wants to remain senior partner in any coalition with DIC, which is proving a stumbling block in negotiations.

Ferguson wants Saha to convince Benzema about Man Utd

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is leaning on Louis Saha to convince France teammate Karim Benzema to quit Olympique Lyon for Old Trafford. The Mirror says Fergie has spoken to United hitman Saha about sounding out Benzema - his France team-mate - over a possible move in the summer. Money is in place for Fergie to bring a big-name striker to Old Trafford. Saha is likely to make way for the new arrival, a huge irony if it turns out to be Benzema.

Arsenal And Man U Champions League Aftermath

Arsenal's Toure out for month

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he expects to lose Kolo Toure for four weeks after seeing him breakdown during last night's 0-0 draw with AC Milan.He said: "A calf injury that rules him out for, from what I've seen after the game, for three or four weeks at least. It was a bad movement, a consequence of the African Nations Cup, too much heat in the calf!"

Arsenal boss Wenger refuses to blame Adebayor

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refused to blame Emmanuel Adebayor after his last-gasp miss in last night's 0-0 draw with AC Milan. Wenger said: "We didn't take advantage of the chances we created because we were a bit nervous in the final third. We were a bit too forceful and they defended with a lot of experience."Adebayor's wasn't the only chance. We had plenty. Eboue also had good chances, but we were a bit nervous and when we had shots we didn't test the keeper enough.

Most of our shots were straight in the middle of the goal because we wanted to hit it too hard.
"You could see last Saturday against Manchester United that our mind was already on this game."We just wanted to force the decision too much. We weren't relaxed enough in the final third when we had the chances."Wenger added: "We can play at a high tempo for 90 minutes. They will have to come out."

Man Utd furious over Ronaldo laser light

Manchester United were unhappy with a laser light targeting Cristiano Ronaldo throughout last night's 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyon. The Daily Mail says before the kick-off, United staff noticed what seemed to be a laser light being shone into the eyes of Ronaldo from the crowd during the warm-up.

United reported the matter to UEFA but the problem appeared to continue throughout the first half. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We reported it to UEFA. We noticed it before the game."They tried to deal with it but I don't know how much longer it went on."

Rooney: Tevez strike crucial for Man Utd

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admitted relief after Carlos Tevez's grabbed a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyon. Tevez struck in the 87th minute in France as United claimed a 1-1 draw from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.Rooney told Sky Sports: "It is always crucial to get an away goal and 1-1 is a lot better than 1-0. It was a crucial goal to take back to Old Trafford."I felt we controlled the game for most of it. They had a few chances and stuck the ball in.

"Lyon are a good team and we know we have to concentrate 100 per cent."United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side were caught out by Karim Benzema's opening goal but was pleased with their display.Ferguson told Sky Sports: "I think we showed our determination to try to get back."We lost a goal out of nothing. We were in complete control and it knocked us back a bit."They defended very well and made it difficult for us but I think we deserved it without question."There was an urgency to get back in the game and I think we are best in that situation."

Arsenal News

Arsenal offering Cesc stunning £33M deal

Arsenal are ready to hand star midfielder Cesc Fabregas a deal worth a whopping £33 million. The Sun says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants the Spaniard, 20, to commit until 2016 by signing a two-year extension to his current contract.Fab, whose pay will go from £50,000 to £80,000 a week, said: "I have a contract until 2014 but I have been speaking to Arsenal and they want to renegotiate it."The new deal will put Fab in line with the likes of star defender William Gallas, who took the captain's armband at the start of the season

Arsenal boss Wenger denies Cesc contract talks

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied the Gunners have opened negotiations over a new contract with star midfielder Cesc Fabregas.Fabregas, whose current deal with the Gunners expires in 2014, revealed that the club has sought talks over fresh terms.But Wenger insists the Spain playmaker was simply voicing his commitment to the club in response to speculation over renewed interest from hometown club Barcelona.

"At the moment there are no talks. What he wanted to say is that he is committed to the future here," said the Frenchman. "He was interviewed by Spanish radio and that's all he wanted to say."

Usmanov ups stake in Arsenal

Billionaire Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal - five months after last buying shares in the club, reports the Daily Mail. On the eve of the Gunners' FA Cup tie with Manchester United, Red and White Holdings, the Russian businessman's investment vehicle, announced it now holds more than 24 per cent in Arsenal Holdings PLC.
Usmanov's group has held 23 per cent since last September, which made it the second biggest individual shareholder behind Danny Fiszman, who has 24.11 per cent.
Under London Stock Exchange rules, Red and White would be required to launch a takeover for the club once it has 30 per cent of the shares.

The company, jointly owned by Usmanov and Iran-born Farhad Moshiri, has been gradually increasing its stake in the club but received a frosty reception from Arsenal's board, who have said they do not need a billionaire backer. Liverpool join Arsenal interest in Thuram
Liverpool have joined Arsenal in their interest in Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram.Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with offering the French veteran a player-coaching role next season, however DiarioSport says the defender is also interesting Liverpool's Rafa Benitez.

Arsenal boss Wenger: I can go for another 20 years

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he could go on for another 20 years! "One morning, maybe, I will get up and think 'I don't want to do this today' but it hasn't happened yet.
"My life has been football, football, football. I couldn't change. I've had opportunities in the past to consider other things, to go into television, for example, but each time I realised that I couldn't live without football."My spirit and enthusiasm is exactly as it was 20 years ago. It might be the same 20 years from now. What I do accept is that you need fitness and energy to do the job I do. That's not guaranteed for anyone.

"I also realise you need a kind of animal force. To motivate people you need the hunter's animal instinct. You must want to win. When you're a young manager your animal instinct is strong but your knowledge is small."With age the balance changes - the animal instinct shrinks and the wisdom becomes dominant."Then you get to the stage when you have only wisdom. That's when you have to say goodbye. Then, of course, you might lose wisdom also. When that happens you have a problem!"

Arsenal's Adebayor: I'd force Henry, Eto'o to bench

Arsenal ace Emmanuel Adebayor has declared himself better than former teammate Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, the Barcelona strikers. "With me on the field," Adebayor told Tuttosport, "Henry and Eto'o would have to be on the bench."

Arsenal step closer to landing AC Milan's Gourcuff

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Yoan Gourcuff's deteriorating situation at AC Milan.Tuttosport says Gourcuff has informed Milan directors his intentions to leave at the end of the season after he was not included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for last week's victory over Siena.A return to France has been mooted, however Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with a £12 million bid for the midfielder.

Vela: My dream is to play for Arsenal

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela admits he wants a move to London at the end of the season.The Mexico international is currently on-loan at Osasuna and told Marca: "After two years I would like to go to the club which trusted in me. "Arsenal is a great team and it would be a dream to play for them"

Post Match Analysis - Boro 2 - 1 Arsenal - Why Arsenal Lost ?

Okay the reasons that Arsenal Lost is very simple

1. They were playing long balls towards Adebayor most of the time(and he couldn't get the ball as the long balls are not even accurate) and not their usual short passing football thus their possession during the game is a mere 46% while they usually get a high possession percentage of 60%

2.Boro Unlike Most Weaker EPL side Instead of Sitting back and let Arsenal play their style of football, they push the defensive line up and press Arsenal defence and midfield area and force them to make silly errors which Newcastle did earlier in the week against Arsenal.

3.Arsenal Reject Striker Jeremie Aliadiere had a point to Prove To Arsenal And Wenger that he is good enough to play for Arsenal And it is a big mistake that Arsenal and Wenger Sold him to Boro and That Tuncay Sanli is an extremely hardworking striker and the combination of the 2 strikers work great as they press the Arsenal Defence and make them do silly errors

4.No Chemistry / Link-up Play between Eduardo and Adebayor they make silly passes upfront and lose the ball just outside the penalty area due to their lack of teamwork and communication

The Best Player For Arsenal during the Match would be Sagna he look the most comfortable on the ball and make the least errors among all Arsenal Players.

5 Main Reasons Why Arsenal Draw Newcastle ?

1. Adebayor Selfishness - he could have easily slip the a through ball to his strike partner Eduardo and he will be through on goal 1 on 1 with the keeper and kill the game 2 - 0 in early first half around 18 minutes.

2.Eduardo Poor Defending ability - He Pass the ball to the oppoenent instead of clearing the ball out for a throw in.

3.Rosicky Mix Up With Adebayor - Personally i felt that Adebayor is right he was not offside even if Rosicky pass the ball to him.What Rosicky did he stop and waited for Adebayor to be onside when he could have pass the ball straight to Adebayor or even rush towards goal himself.

4.Gilberto Lack Of Match Practise - he is total nonsense that day he keep losing the ball and reluctant to pass the ball early has make himself look like an amatuer footballer.

5.Newcastle Domination In Midfield In the 2nd half - Newcastle keep pressing the midfield area and often left 3 players @ the back and that pay off as Arsenal could not punish them with the golden opportunity created.

Newcastle Vs Arsenal - Preview

Newcastle will be without defenders Abdoulaye Faye (calf) and Stephen Carr (hamstring) for the game against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Centre-back Steven Taylor (back) could return, but defender Claudio Cacapa and striker Michael Owen are both out

Flamini set to miss out Newcastle game
Premier League leaders Arsenal have seen midfielder Mathieu Flamini added to their absentee list with a reoccurrence of his thigh problem ahead of Wednesday night's game at Newcastle

Winger Alexander Hleb (Achilles), Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (back) are also out, so Brazilians Gilberto and Denilson are set to come into contention.
Striker Robin van Persie continues to work on his match fitness following a knee problem

Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Beye, Enrique, Rozehnal, Taylor, Edgar, Butt, Milner, Geremi, Emre, N'Zogbia, Barton, Smith, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Diarra, Gilberto, Rosicky, Walcott, Adebayor, Lehmann, Senderos, Bendtner, Denilson, Hoyte, Eduardo, Song.

Sam Allardyce could soon be on his way out if he lose today match against Arsenal as they lost 4 matches and draw once in their last 5 game.

Even though Newcastle keepers Shay Given and Steve Harper have released a statement refuting claims that senior players have voiced their concerns to under-fire boss Sam Allardyce.But this show further signs that Sam Allardyce will be sack soon if he don't turn things around.

Fortunately For Big Sam that the upcoming 4 matches after Arsenal Match is against Birmingham(Home), Fulham(Away), Derby(Home), Wigan(Away).

Thus I reckson Big Sam won't get the sack And I reckon Arsenal will win this match and bag vital 3 points despite the growing injury list.

Prediction : 1 - 2 Arsenal Away Win