Liverpool have recorded a 1-0 win over Hearts in the Europa League play-offs in Scotland.
The Anfield club struggled to break down the stubborn SPL club, but an Andy Webster own goal on 78 minutes separated the sides and gives Brendan Rodgers’ men the advantage to bring back to Merseyside.
Reds defender Jamie Carragher feels that his side are starting to take to their new manager’s tactics and mentality, and that they will be up to speed soon.
“It doesn’t have to be a slow process,” he told ITV Sport.
“Pre-season’s gone really well, obviously we’ve got a bit of a bump at West Brom.
“It was nice to come here, it was a difficult game, we’ve got the result now and now we look forward to Man City. It’s a massive game, and as I said, a new manager coming in, finding his feet if you like and we’re all getting used to each other.
“But it doesn’t have to be slow, we want it to be as quick as possible,” he concluded.
By Gareth McKnight
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As reported by The Daily Mail, Brendan Rodgers is concerned that Odsonne Edouard will miss the Scottish Cup final against Motherwell after the striker suffered a potential hamstring injury away to Hearts on Sunday.
What’s the story?
Celtic won the the match at Tynecastle 3-1 but with nothing to play for in league action after securing the title last week, it’s all about building to the crucial clash with the Steelmen at Hampden later this month.
In that sense Sunday was disappointment for Celtic with Edouard limping off shortly after half-time.
Rodgers fears it could be a hamstring problem, which he says would rule him out of Scottish football’s showpiece match.
As quoted by The Daily Mail, the Celtic boss said:
It looked like a hamstring so we’ll need to assess it. It would be a real shame if he was ruled out. He’s been brilliant for us as he’s developed and improved.
If it’s a hamstring it would end his season. Odsonne’s injury meant we had to take Moussa Dembele off as a precaution.
How big a miss will he be?
It feels like Edouard is just hitting his stride at Celtic after his phenomenal performance against Rangers last week and with discussions continuing on a permanent switch from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, he could become the new main man at the Hoops.
The young Frenchman possesses pace and strength, two attributes that would serve Celtic well in what will be a physical battle against Motherwell in the upcoming final.
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Even if not utrilised from the start, he would also give them an alternative option from the bench should they need to switch game plan mid-match, something that worked to great effect in a recent derby at Ibrox.
His absence is undoubtedly a blow and Rodgers is now likely to wrap Dembele in cotton wool ahead of the fixture.
Arsenal’s point at Old Trafford last weekend against Manchester United, all but assured Arsene Wenger’s men of third place and ensures they will miss those tricky qualifiers and will begin next year’s European campaign in the group stages.
For all of The Gunners’ improvement this term they have still come up short where it really matters; over ten points behind leaders Chelsea and seemingly destined to finish behind runners up Manchester City.
It has been well documented that Arsenal’s wait for a league title is now over a decade, since ‘The Invincibles’ in 2003-04, Wenger has been unable to build a side capable of finishing top of the pile.
With the season almost reaching its conclusion, where can Arsenal look to improve in the summer to give them a real chance of challenging Chelsea next term?
In between the sticks seems a place that Wenger is almost certain to improve, Wojciech Sczcesny, through a combination of off-the-field misdemeanours and lack of form, lost his starting place and the recent incumbent of that spot David Ospina has hardly exuded confidence from his goal line.
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It has been an area that The Gunners have struggled in for what seems like an eternity, in comparison to all of their competitors they are streets behind. Petr Cech has been linked with a move to The Emirates and acquiring the Chelsea stopper would give finally give The Gunners a dominating presence to marshal presence and one of the top keeps in European football will no doubt improve their credentials.
In defence, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker seemed to have finally forged a solid defensive pairing, but even the staunchest Per fan would struggle to argue he is good enough for where Arsenal must aspire to be.
Debuchy and Gibbs are dependable full backs and Chambers has provided a glimpse into the future with some promising performances this term. With another year’s experience behind him, the former Southampton man will look at next year being his real breakthrough one.
In midfield The Gunners are over populated with different versions of the same player, Wenger must look to add bite to his, at times, passive midfield, Flamini has been criminally off the pace for much of his second spell and his position should be one that his high on the list for potential replacements.
In attacking areas, Arsenal must improve. Olivier Giroud has been a revelation this season but there are still question marks over his ability to be their main man. Welbeck’s first season has been a relatively underwhelming one and further bolstering their striking options will ensure they are serious challengers come next August.
In short, Arsenal just need players, although of course there are particular areas that need strengthening more than others; it is more important they are simply improving as a side. They cannot stand still, Chelsea will look to improve on the side that strolled to the title and both Manchester clubs are surely readying a summer spending spree.
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If Arsenal remain motionless they will once again be left behind, they are close to a side that can truly compete and they must not waste this opportunity to return to the top of English football.
With Arsenal in a fight for Champions League football, the Gunners know that victory against Wigan and Newcastle would guarantee a place in Europe’s elite competition for a 16th successive season. But with neighbours Tottenham just one point behind, Arsene Wenger knows that one slip-up could cost his side dearly and back in January, it wasn’t looking so positive for Arsene Wenger.
Just a few weeks into the new year, Arsenal were in 6th place and six points behind 4th. And back then there was another issue for Arsenal fans to worry about too – Theo Walcott. With the Englishman’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, there were questions over whether Walcott would decide to stay at the club. Rumours spread that Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City were all monitoring Walcott’s situation with the club, until on the January 18th, when the speedster agreed to a new three-year deal worth a £100,000-a-week.
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In the next two weeks we will know if Walcott has made a good decision to stay with the club, as we will know for certain who will be playing in the Champions League next season. But where could Theo be if he hadn’t of signed a new contract at the Emirates?
If he had accepted a move to Chelsea, the winger could all but be guaranteed Champions League football next season. He would be fighting for his place more than he is now at Arsenal, but Walcott could be able to say that next season he would be playing for the European champions, with Chelsea and Benfica ready to face each other in the Europa League final on Wednesday. Although he would be cup-tied for the final, it would highlight his new club’s ability to win trophies, something he’s never experienced at Arsenal.
Or what if Walcott had joined Manchester City instead? He would be sure of his team playing in the group stage of the Champions League next season, as well as having the intentions of winning the Premier League. But who could guarantee Walcott’s involvement in the side? After watching fellow Brit Scott Sinclair join the club, Theo has seen how players can be completely left out of Mancini’s first team plans. So he may have been at a club battling for the league, but he may not have done much to help.
The third club linked with Walcott was Liverpool, the team he followed as a child, and fell in love with. But it was clear to see that although the Reds have the ambition to climb back into the top four in Brendan Rodgers’ long-term plans, Liverpool currently don’t share the same realistic targets as any of Walcott’s fellow admirers. And although they would hope that Walcott would be tempted to join the team he supported as a small boy, Liverpool knew that realistically that wouldn’t happen.
But in the end, Walcott ignored in the interest shown in him by both Chelsea and Manchester City, and decided to stay with Arsenal. If the Gunners did miss out on the Champions League, Walcott may well be questioning his decision to stay with his beloved Arsenal. Even if the club do finish in the top four, next season will really determine if Theo really has made the right decision. The 24-year-old is still yet to win a trophy in his career. And as we all know, at the end of a footballer’s career, it’s all about showing the grandchildren your winners’ medals.
Arsenal will need to spend big, bringing in some top quality players if they are to have a chance of winning a trophy next season. Despite Arsenal’s slump away from their title wining best, Arsene Wenger suggested that it would just be for a few years, and that this summer he will finally have money to spend in the transfer window.
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But if Wenger doesn’t get his signings right this summer, he could be extending the club’s run to 9 years without a trophy, and could make Walcott, and a few other players, consider their future with the club.
Walcott has shown a lot of passion and faith in Arsenal to stay, but if Wenger and the board don’t repay that faith, then their speedy forward may have made a huge mistake in staying with the club.
According to reports in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United attacking midfielder Pablo Hernandez is set to sign a new two-year deal with the club, and Whites fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.
The 33-year-old’s contract at Elland Road is due to expire at the end of the season and there would have been concerns that he could go this summer, but the Yorkshire Evening Post now says he is set extend his stay with the Whites for a further two years.
The news will certainly be good for manager Paul Heckingbottom and the Elland Road faithful, who have seen the Spaniard score seven goals and provide a further nine assists in what has been another disappointing campaign, and one made worse by Andrea Radrizzani’s comments about the Myanmar pre-season trip in recent days.
Leeds supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the Hernandez story, and while one said “finally some good news”, another said they were “so glad he’s staying”.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
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In light of Jurgen Klopp’s upcoming departure from the Signal Iduna Park at the tail end of the season, Borussia Dortmund are now a team who seemingly find themselves in a state of limbo.
The 2014/15 campaign has certainly been one to forget for the plucky German outfit, and with a whole host of top European clubs likely to be sniffing around BVB’s most high profile talent this summer, the former Bundesliga champions really could be entering a somewhat transitional phase in the not too distant future.
The likes of Mats Hummels, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitarayn could all soon be following Klopp out of Dortmund if the circumstances prove suitable in the next few months – regardless of how notoriously supportive their current set of fans prove to be.
However, with Ilkay Gundogan reportedly going down as Louis van Gaal’s prime summer target in the run up to the new campaign, will we soon be seeing the German international turning out at Old Trafford next season, and would the midfield dynamo really suit playing for Manchester United in the ever testing reams of Premier League football?
Well, by most accounts of those who have consistently watched the Bundesliga star on a regular basis, Ilkay Gundogan would certainly be able to do the business for van Gaal should the Dutchman follow through on his reported interest in the star this summer.
In deriving from a Turkish-German background much like Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, the Dortmund no. 8 is also blessed with some classy composure on the ball and an ability to pick out a fine pass whenever called upon. The centre-midfielder can also provide the tackles for his team and begin to break up play, but he is invariably much more effective in the final third with the ball at his feet.
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Gundogan goes down as an extremely intelligent player, someone gifted with the technical grace to be able to glide across the pitch at ease – and at the early age of only 24-years-old – the BVB favourite still has many years left in him to perfect his game even further.
There have nonetheless been a few question marks raised over his ability to stay fit for an entire season however, as injuries have certainly hampered the Dortmund star so far in his career. The classy midfield maestro failed to play any role in his nation’s World Cup triumph in Brazil last summer after all, so careful thought must be applied in any potential deal likely to take place next season.
Yet if such a hurdle can be effectively dealt with by the player in question, there is absolutely no reason to suggest that Ilkay Gundogan won’t go on to potentially become one of the stand out players of his generation.
A move to Manchester United next season would therefore seem like a positive step for the German international should his time at Dortmund come to a natural end. Alongside the likes of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera in the heart of the Red Devils midfield, Gundogan would seemingly fit in perfectly with the style of football trying to be achieved by Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, as his side look to push on for that ever illusive Premier League title.
The former FC Nürnberg man would add that extra bit of flair and efficiency into a squad already possessing some of the most high profile talents the current game has to offer.
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With 33-year-old Michael Carrick looking likely to call time on his Manchester United career sooner or later, Borussia Dortmund’s current no. 8 could turn out to be the perfect replacement to not only emulate what the former West Ham and Tottenham star has achieved so far at Old Trafford, but also someone worthy of improving on where Carrick has left off at United.
The good news seemingly continues for Red Devils fans wanting the land the German star this summer though – as with just over one year reaming on his current contract at the Signal Iduna Park this season – Jurgen Klopp’s former favourite could perhaps be sourced on the cheap for Manchester United by the end of the season.
As the signing of high profile Borussia Dortmund stars hasn’t always worked out for Louis van Gaal’s side in the past however – just ask former United man Shinji Kagawa – perhaps a degree of caution must be applied with any similar deal likely to take place this summer. Just watch this space…
It goes without saying that fans are the heart of any football club. Paul Lambert’s declaration that the support of Aston Villa’s loyal disciples matched the passion of Champions League semi-finalists Borussia Dortmund is high praise indeed. Now if Lambert could get his side playing like Dortmund the threat of relegation would soon cease. With their Premier League status under serious threat the Midlands side have improved markedly to win three of their last six games to give themselves a fighting chance of survival. Results fell kindly for them at the weekend and victory over Sunderland would lift them five points above 18th placed Wigan and potentially above beleaguered Newcastle if they netted five or more. The race is most definitely on.
The Black Cats, meanwhile, are searching for a third consecutive win under new head coach Paolo Di Canio that would ensure they’ll be playing top-flight football next season. The Italian has triggered a stunning revival in his first month on Wearside taking six points from a possible nine, as well as guiding the Black Cats to a stunning Tyne-Wear derby victory a fortnight ago. With that much sought-after 40-point mark in their sights Di Canio and his player can’t afford to let up if they’re to reach it before time runs out.
Team News
Paul Lambert goes into the game with no fresh injury concerns with Gabriel Agbonlahor fully fit after he completed 90 minutes against Manchester United last week following a groin injury.
Sunderland have Craig Gardner back to face his former club after the midfielder completed a two-match ban. Phil Bardsley (ankle) is a doubt, while Connor Wickham misses out with a calf problem.
What the managers said…
“I’m not sure because you don’t know how other results go. But you won’t be far away from it. ‘It’s in our own hands, that’s the good thing. It would be different if we had to rely on other people but we don’t. You look after your own, and if we do that then we’ll see what happens. I don’t think you can (get too caught up in the permutations), then you start to deflect from what you want to do yourself.” Paul Lambert isn’t sure 40-points will be enugh for Aston Villa to survive (Daily Mail)
“It was a strange moment, a strange situation in time those three days [after becoming Sunderland manager. But he rang me and backed me all the way. He said, ‘Proceed because you have complete support from the board’. From there, I felt even more energy, I was even more focused and even more determined to get the best out of the team, and I believed that no matter what the split with fans, I would look to make them happy as quickly as I could.” Paolo Di Canio admits he feared the immediate sack after his political beliefs overshadowed his appointment at Sunderland (BBC Sport)
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Pre-match Statistic: Expect a feisty match at Villa Park! There have been five red cards in the last eight Premier League square ups between Villa and Sunderland.
Sunday was a day of celebration for Manchester City as they clinched the Premier League title without stepping foot on the pitch.
Pep Guardiola’s side edged closer to glory the previous day thanks to a 3-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Ironically, it was their neighbours Manchester United who ensured that the English crown was sent to the Etihad Stadium as Jose Mourinho’s men suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to bottom-of-the-table West Bromwich Albion.
The result meant that City’s 16-point lead at the top of the table is unattainable, and they can relax – to an extent – with five games left to play.
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The title win banishes the disappointment of the previous week in which they were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Liverpool and were beaten by United on home soil.
City have now won a third Premier League title in seven seasons, and understandably all those connected with the club have joined in with the celebrations, including their former right-back Pablo Zabaleta.
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The Argentine ended his eight-and-a-half-year spell at City last year to join West Ham United, but he took time on Sunday to congratulate his former club.
As expected, City fans were quick to praise the 33-year-old.
With the summer transfer window quickly approaching, one of the most in-demand players in Europe will be Lyon and France striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The sprightly forward has been on the collective radar for a number of seasons but has catapulted himself to the next level in 2014-15 with superb feats of goalscoring in Ligue 1.
As such, a host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for him at the end of the current campaign, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
But, with these three heavyweights of English football potentially set to move for Lacazette, who needs him more?
Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that his side have not been as clinical in the final third this season, with Luis Suarez’s departure and injury to Daniel Sturridge blunting the Reds as an attacking force.
The Merseysiders look almost certain to sign a centre forward this summer as a result, with Lacazette an excellent option for them.
Rodgers prefers young, technically able and mobile players, with the France international firmly fitting the bill.
His pace offers a threat in-behind opposition defences, while his partnerships with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling would be an ominous proposition.
Man United
United have announced the first of what is expected to be a glut of summer signings, with Memphis Depay set for a switch to Old Trafford.
Despite the Dutch starlet’s arrival, the Red Devils are expected to still be in the market for a new centre forward to bolster Louis van Gaal’s options.
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With Radamel Falcao failing this season and Robin van Persie getting older, an injection of youth will surely reinvigorate the side.
A partnership with Wayne Rooney would be an enticing prospect, but is remains to be seen whether Lacazette is a big enough name for United.
Tottenham
The North Londoners have been overly dependent on homegrown hero Harry Kane for goals this season, with back-up options to the England international non-existent.
As such, Spurs are likely to bolster their ranks with a centre forward also, but it is hard to know whether this will be to accompany Kane or act as an alternative to him.
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Lacazette’s signing would be a real statement of intent by the White Hart Lane side but tactically Mauricio Pochettino would need to think it through.
Playing the strike pairing together would require a change in formation from the club’s usual 4-2-3-1 system, or dropping Kane into the number ten role – which could limit his ability to hit the back of the net and put more emphasis on him to create.
Verdict
Lacazette looks set to be a real star for years to come and is clearly ready for a move to the Premier League.
Although all three clubs would benefit from his acquisition this summer, Liverpool are crying out for a centre forward of his ilk and would be best advised to do whatever it takes to bring him to Anfield.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel claims his summer move to Norwich is ‘a dream’ and he is looking to make ‘great things happen’ at the club.
The 24-year-old Dutch hitman will complete his switch to Carrow Road on July 1 after the Canaries agreed an undisclosed fee with Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon and tied him down to a four-year deal at the end of last week.
Van Wolfswinkel has an impressive career goals tally of 82 in 188 appearances for Vitesse Arnhem, FC Utrecht and Sporting, and he is aiming to bring that to England and help Norwich progress up the Premier League in what will be their third season in the top flight next term.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s really an exciting time. I’m happy to be joining Norwich City and I’m looking forward to playing for the club. It has always been a dream of mine to play in England and in the Premier League and I’m even more excited that I can hopefully fulfil that dream at such a great club like Norwich City.
“This is the sort of club I need at this moment in my career. This is a club with great ambitions to become the team that they have been in the past in the top flight. Joining Norwich City is the perfect next step in my career.
“It’s a realistic club with great people both at the club and in the city. Next year will hopefully be a year to improve. We want to do even better than the team has done this year. We need to work extra hard to make that happen, and if we do that, then a team and a club like Norwich can make great things happen.”
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