..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger targets two January signings

Arsene Wenger wants two January signings to strengthen Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title.

The Gunners opened up a two point lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday, Laurent Koscielny scoring the only goal of the game.

Now Wenger wants to add to his squad as he looks to secure the club’s first championship since 2004.“I don’t give much away [about transfers] because I don’t know [what’s going on],” the 66-year-old said.

“I want to talk about them and hopefully we are capable of doing something in the next 10 days.“It’s more about quality than quantity because our players will not stay out injured forever.

“Francis Coquelin is starting to run, Santi Cazorla will be back in mid-February, and Mikel Arteta is back now so, hopefully, if we can add one and, if needed, two maximum.”Arsenal’s next league match is at Anfield against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in two weeks time.

Before then, though, they turn their attention to the FA Cup, with Sunderland due at the Emirates next weekend.

 

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Marquinhos may consider PSG exit

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos says he may be forced to consider his future at the Parc des Princes if he fails to cement a first-team place.

The Brazil international joined the Ligue 1 champions in July 2013 from Roma, but has failed to become a regular starter, with compatriots David Luiz and Thiago Silva PSG's favoured centre-back pairing.

Marquinhos has made just 12 league appearances this term, starting only seven, and Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring his situation.The 21-year-old insists he wants to stay and fight for a place in the PSG team, but may consider his position at the end of the season.

"Like everyone else, I always want to be a part of the starting line-up," he told JDD."But we all must respect the choices of the coach and management.

"I will continue to work to get my place. But it's true there will come a moment where I am older. You cannot just get used to sitting on the bench."There are six months left for PSG to win titles. After that, we'll see what happens."

 

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Any team in the world would take Rooney - Souness

Wayne Rooney's best years as a football player are still to come and he would be pursued by the world's top teams if he gets back to his best form, Graeme Souness believes.

The Manchester United striker has been criticised heavily over the past few seasons, with many calling for him to be dropped from the team after scoring just three goals in 16 Premier League games this term.

However, Souness feels there is more to come from the England attacker, insisting he can play even better than before as long as he gets fit and motivated.

"I think it has to be a psychological thing," he said on Sky Sports. "I would assume he's looking after himself, he has been a fabulous player, an absolute star.

"I look at his shape and I think he's a boy who has to play regularly to keep himself at the highest level. I know injuries this year have not helped him, but if I was talking to him, I'd be saying 'your best years are ahead of you'."I wouldn't entertain any chat about 'your best days are behind you'. I look at him and I go back to Wayne Rooney as a young player, I'd have loved to have played with him.

"I think the best years are ahead of him, it's just finding the position and getting him back fully motivated as the angry Wayne Rooney. I would take the occasional red card and say "get back to the angry Rooney, miss a few games through suspension but give me what you're giving me now - the 35 or 36 games', because when he's like that, any team in the world would take him."

Jamie Carragher, though, feels that the 30-year-old, having been playing in the English top flight since he was 16, is playing like a player much older than he really is.

"The reason he's getting criticism now is that he's at that stage of his career now - he's only 30 but we've said before he was playing at 16 so real terms he's like a 33 or 34-year-old player.

"But it comes back on all of this season and towards the end of last season, and for Rooney to answer his critics and show he's still the man to play centre-forward for Manchester United, he maybe needs a run of 10 games in which he scores seven or eight goals. And it's not just goals, it's his general play which I think was back against Chelsea. He didn't score in that game, but I think his general play was back."He must have played nearly 600 games as a centre forward and I think that constant pressure, and mental pressure, to play from that age at 16, I think we are looking at a player who is getting to that stage of his career.

"He may prove me wrong but I don't think Wayne Rooney will be playing at the top level at 34 or 35. It's 30 on his birth certificate but in terms of games played he's a 35 year old player."

 

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Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea: Willian stunner helps secure Hiddink's first win

Guus Hiddink stormed to the first win of his second spell at Chelsea as the reigning Premier League champions displayed some of their old prowess in a 3-0 triumph at Crystal Palace.

Unbeaten in four matches since Jose Mourinho's departure, Chelsea are now six points clear of the relegation zone after Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored in a dominant London derby victory.

Responding impressively to the early loss of Eden Hazard through injury, Costa laid on Oscar for a 29th-minute opener.

Willian, arguably the lone shining light of Chelsea's dismal campaign, offered another scintillating display of his quality by thumping in his eighth goal in all competitions from long range.

Costa then got in on the act on his return from suspension, while Palace clearly lacked their usual verve as influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye served a ban of his own.

Alan Pardew's men remain seventh in the table – eight points better off than Chelsea – having lost for the first time since November.

Lee Chung-yong made his first Premier League start of the season in Cabaye's absence, the South Korea international joined in Alan Pardew's XI by recalled duo Damien Delaney and Fraizer Campbell.

Cesc Fabregas and Costa, recently pinned as the villains of Mourinho's demise in some quarters, returned for Chelsea.

Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, making his 200th appearance for the club, sent an early drive narrowly wide as the hosts settled quickly amid driving rain at Selhurst Park.

There was an early blow for Hiddink's men as Hazard's injury problems resurfaced – the Belgium playmaker hobbling out of the action after 16 minutes having appeared to hurt his groin taking a shot.

Hazard's replacement Pedro had an attempt blocked by sliding Palace defenders as he sought to make an instant impact.

Campbell was unable to convert Jason Puncheon's dangerous 27th-minute cross and it was a miss Palace were left to regret two minutes later.

A sprawling Delaney was unable to cut out Fabregas' throughball and Costa squared unselfishly to Oscar for a simple finish.

Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey stood firm to prevent Cesar Azpilicueta from causing further damage before the break after Fabregas picked out the full-back with a raking pass.

Following an uneventful start to the second half, Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma should have done better when he planted a back-post header from Willian's free-kick over.

Palace were struggling, but Campbell played Zaha through in the 59th minute and the striker's frustration was clear when his team-mate shot tamely at Thibaut Courtois instead of opting for a return pass.

Again, the hosts rued their wastefulness as Willian spectacularly extended Chelsea's lead on the hour mark.

Collecting a loose ball following sharp interplay between Fabregas and Oscar, the Brazilian advanced before unleashing an unstoppable right-footed strike into the top corner.

Willian turned provider midway through the half, but Hennessey will not reflect kindly on the moment when he pushed the winger's low cross into Costa's path for a far-post finish.

A dispirited Palace could offer no response having endured a ruthless Chelsea scarcely seen this season.

 

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Voller: Chicharito is not for sale!

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has insisted that Javier Hernandez will not be allowed to leave the club.

The Mexico international joined the Bundesliga side in the summer form Manchester United and has been a revelation this season, scoring 19 goals in 25 games in all competitions.

As a result of his fine form, Arsenal have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but Voller maintains the club will not be persuaded to sell.

"We are a football club and it is important that we are successful," he told Sky Sport News.

"Chicharito has played a big part in our success so far, through his style of play, through his goals."That's why we brought him here. In the first half of the season, everything has worked out fine.

"It's easy to reject offers when you are in a position in which you don't need to sell. We are in such a position. We will keep the players we want to help us achieve our goals."

 

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Defiant Smalling talks up Man Utd's title chances

Chris Smalling believes Manchester United's poor run in December spurred them to their 2-1 win over Swansea City, and think they still have a shot at the title.

Louis van Gaal's side ended a run of eight games without a victory in all competitions thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney either side of Gylfi Sigurdsson's header at Old Trafford on Saturday.United's poor run over the past six weeks has seen them slip out of the top four and even with that drought-breaking win they are nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

Nevertheless, Smalling believes the unpredictable nature of the campaign to date means his team are still in with a shot at lifting the title, and sees their situation in attack improving.

"December was a poor month and it's a great feeling to get that win," he told MUTV. "I think, especially in the last couple of games, we've fought hard and we need to kick on like we did.

"We've dropped far too many points for our liking. Luckily, this league is so up in the air it's everything to play for. If we can get on a consistent run now then we can start looking up that table.

"It was a good start to the year and we can't afford any more slip-ups now, so we need to make sure we keep playing like this."In Monday's draw [against Chelsea], that was a game where we had to dig in and we didn't quite get what we wanted.

"In the second half [versus Swansea], we played far better, dominated more of the game and really kicked on and showed that grit and desire that we've got to show in games.

"They were two well-worked goals and to see your two strikers get on the scoresheet is good. Hopefully with the number of chances we've created today, and in our previous games as well, it's only time before the goals will start coming and, fingers crossed, they'll come now.

Martial set up Rooney's fine winner after opening the scoring with an emphatic header, and Smalling has hailed the attacking qualities of the young France international.

"He's come in and obviously had a lot of pressure but you can see right from the off he's not afraid to be direct, get at people, use his pace and his tricks," he added. "He's a terrific player and I'm glad we've got him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas ran the show for superior Chelsea, admits Pardew

Alan Pardew indicated Cesc Fabregas was the difference as Crystal Palace's six-match unbeaten run ended with a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Palace were without Yohan Cabaye through suspension and Fabregas made the most of the Frenchman's absence by controlling the centre of the field at Selhurst Park.

The Spain international - heavily criticised by Chelsea supporters for his lacklustre form in the slump that saw Jose Mourinho axed - dictated play as Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa were on target to record the first win of Guus Hiddink's second spell in charge."When you've got a very, very good team and their confidence isn't what it was, you've got more of a chance," Pardew told Sky Sports after the match.

"But when they take the lead, their confidence gets up, their tails get up, Fabregas ran the show [in the] second half, we couldn't get near him."

Palace was also without forwards Yannick Bolasie, Dwight Gayle and Connor Wickham through injury and Pardew suggested that the number of key personnel missing for the hosts took a toll.

"We have belief about us but there's no doubt we're lacking a little bit of quality at the top of the pitch at the moment," the manager continued. "That was evident. We got in some good situations but couldn't capitalise."It's our third game without a goal, so we're hoping a few of our top players come back in that area.

"[The first goal] was vital for us as much as them. We had so many key players missing we perhaps needed a little break or a chance to go in. The game could've been very different at 1-0, when Wilf [Wilfried Zaha] has the chance."But hats off to Chelsea, they were very, very good. A lot of their star players turned up and delivered."

 

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Thiago: Guardiola is the greatest coach in history

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara feels Pep Guardiola is the best coach in history, voicing his disappointment at the Spaniard's decision to exit the club at the end of the season.

Guardiola confirmed last month that he is to leave Bayern when his contract expires in June, with former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti to replace him.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been mooted as potential destinations for Guardiola - who brought Thiago to the Allianz Arena from former club Barcelona in 2013.

Having played under Guardiola at Bayern and Camp Nou, the Spain international has lauded the 44-year-old's coaching abilities."All of you know how Pep Guardiola is as a manager... he is the best coach in history," said the midfielder.

"I have shared great moments with him and bad moments but you know how somebody is in bad moments and he always was there.

"I came to Bayern with him and I am so grateful as he brought me the opportunity to play at a great club like Bayern."It is sad that he has to leave... he is a manager who needs time to know the team and we are now in a good dynamic.

"The things are working as he wants, or we want, so it is a shame that he has to leave but we have to respect his decision."

 

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Everton 1-1 Tottenham: Alli cancels out Lennon opener

An excellent goal from Dele Alli earned Tottenham a 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday, after Aaron Lennon had opened the scoring against his former club.

Mauricio Pochettino's side were the dominant force in the first half but were shocked when Lennon drilled home the opening goal with Everton's first effort of the game.

Spurs, who had twice hit the woodwork in the opening period, drew deservedly level through a fine Dele Alli finish - his fourth league goal of this season.

Roberto Martinez changed his side's shape with an hour gone in order to combat Tottenham's territorial dominance, though neither team looked ready to settle for a point as the contest became finely balanced.

Hugo Lloris made a brilliant save to deny Muhamed Besic as Everton finished strongly, but Spurs held out for the draw which moves them three points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United in the table.

Tottenham began on the front foot and Harry Kane had Tim Howard completely beaten but his drive from 20 yards out ran across the goalline and out of play after smacking the inside of the far post.

The visitors were in complete control but it was Everton who snatched the lead on 21 minutes with their first shot of the game. Romelu Lukaku nodded down Tom Cleverley's long pass and Lennon, arriving from the right, looped a fine half-volley past Lloris and into the far corner.

Ben Davies thumped an effort off the crossbar from 20 yards but Spurs did manage a breakthrough just before half-time as Alli expertly controlled Toby Alderweireld's long ball before rifling a first-time volley past the helpless Howard.

Tottenham fully deserved their equaliser after dominating most of the first half and they continued to enjoy the majority of possession early in the second, though a half-chance for Kane following Alli's clever chest down was all they could muster in attack.

The introduction of Besic and Gerard Deulofeu prompted a change in shape for Everton, which helped to wrest some control of the ball away from the visitors and created a more cagey affair as the game entered the closing quarter.

Alli stung the palms of Howard from 25 yards but Lloris was forced into a stunning save of his own as he tipped Besic's dipping effort over the crossbar, before Ramiro Funes Mori headed the resulting corner narrowly wide.

Everton looked the more likely to find a winner but Spurs held out for a deserved point to extend their good record against the Merseyside club.

 

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Chelsea used to be weak mentally - Hiddink

Guus Hiddink inferred that Chelsea's problems were all in the mind before he took over, but believes they are on the road to recovery following Sunday's impressive 3-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa were all on target as the champions won on the road in the Premier League for the first time since August, moving six points clear of the bottom three in the process.

Chelsea's attacking spark scarcely flickered during the closing weeks of Jose Mourinho's reign, but Hiddink was delighted to see creative talents such as Cesc Fabregas and his goalscorers back on the front foot at Selhurst Park.

The Dutchman believes the vibrancy of the display illustrated that the quality to do well has always been present once they overcame their mental block, and urged his men to keep up their newfound attacking intent."When they get the ball, they know how to play. We do not need to add a lot to the quality of the players," he explained at his post-match news conference.

"They are blessed by nature with big quality but they have to know that once things are not going as they wished that we have to look for the causes.

"If a team is not doing well during a very long period then it is rather human to look for security and that is why we emphasised the good hard work tactically in a defensive way."That means that I don't like to see a team drop back very far to seek false security but to look forward and try to get the ball as soon as possible."

A common criticism as Mourinho's stint came to an end was that Chelsea's creative players were not fighting for the cause, and Hiddink reiterated that this is not something he will tolerate.

"The players have also started to invest in what I call the dirty work, not just the beautiful game that they can play because this league is very demanding," the 69-year-old continued.

"If you think that you can do it just on your quality, given by talent and nature, then this league is killing you."Hiddink highlighted Oscar's efforts in these less-glamorous tasks, even if he appeared amused by the Brazil international's lack of prowess in the tackle.

"Oscar was doing what is not his big quality - he started tackling a bit," he continued. "Then they go over the top a bit in tackling. They don't know how to do it well!

"But the attitude is okay and then automatically they come and play with their quality. We have to be critical about the past half year because our defensive efficiency was very low.

"We talked about that, we did it in training. Those are not big conversations but if they have this quality and the team is well organised then they must produce.
"Then we enjoy how they can play."

 

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Valencia 2-2 Real Madrid: Benitez falls short against former club

Valencia denied former manager Rafael Benitez a much-needed win on his return to Mestalla as Paco Alcacer's late header earned his side a 2-2 draw with 10-man Real Madrid Benitez, making his return to a club he guided to two La Liga titles, will likely face further difficult questions over his future after another indifferent display that saw Alcacer grab the headlines moments after Gareth Bale looked to have headed in the winner.

Karim Benzema had opened the scoring with a well-worked early goal to silence the home crowd, but Gary Neville's men were rewarded for their endeavour when captain Dani Parejo levelled from the spot before half-time.

Like in their 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Wednesday, Benitez's men lacked fluency in the final third, with Neville's former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo failing to inspire his side to a victory that would have moved back to within two points of the summit.

Mateo Kovacic – in for James Rodriguez following the Colombian's reported speeding incident in midweek – was sent off 21 minutes from time for a poor challenge, although Bale looked to have given his manager breathing space when he nodded in Toni Kroos' delivery eight minutes from time.

However, when Alcacer headed home unmarked a minute later, Neville – still to mastermind a league win – was ensured a deserved point, while Benitez was left to rue another sloppy display.

Benitez received a warm welcome at his old club and saw Bale's deflected cross give Jaume Domenech a scare before the Welshman played a key role in Madrid's opener 16 minutes in. Bale's back-heel found Ronaldo, who nonchalantly laid the ball off for Benzema to sweep home as Madrid's much-vaunted BBC clicked into gear early on.

The opening half hour continued in frenetic fashion before Joao Cancelo spurned the first of two glorious Valencia chances when he got between Sergio Ramos and Pepe only to head Rodrigo de Paul's cross wide.

Andre Gomes then collected De Paul's intricate pass before blazing his effort wide and Aymen Abdennour hooked a shot past the post following a goalmouth scramble.

Valencia piled on pressure before the break and got their reward when Gomes surged into the area where he was felled by Pepe, with former Madrid man Parejo calmly placing the ball past Keylor Navas.

Madrid began the second half brightly, Marcelo denied with a superb last-ditch tackle from Lucas Orban, in what remained a fast-paced encounter.As Valencia stayed resolute at the back, Ronaldo saw penalty appeals waved away when he appeared to be felled by Domenech before Kovacic received his marching orders for a lunge on Cancelo.

Madrid threw men forward in search of a winner and looked to have claimed victory when Bale rose to expertly guide in Kroos' cross, only for Alcacer to have the final say.

The Spaniard's eighth league goal of the season earned Neville's men a point to leave Madrid winless in four against Valencia, who could have claimed their coach's first top-flight win when substitute Alvaro Negredo was thwarted by Navas in stoppage time.

 

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'You gave us the best years of our lives, thanks' - Valencia fans show Benitez some love

Rafael Benitez would have been delighted to receive a massive display of love and adoration from fans on Sunday night as his Real Madrid team stepped out onto the pitch for the first time this season. However, he will just be disappointed it did not come from his own side's supporters.

As the coach returned to the Mestalla as a visiting coach for the first time since he left Valencia as a two-time Spanish champion and Uefa Cup winner.

While the Spaniard continues to face pressure and jeers from Madrid fans, the Los Che supporters showed their appreciation for everything he did during his three year spell in charge of the club.

The locals chanted his name as the teams marched out onto the pitch and held up a banner in his honour, which read: "Rafa, You gave us the best years of our lives, thanks."

 

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Van Gaal: Man United used anger to beat Swansea

Manchester United’s anger at their dismal form was behind their improved performance against Swansea City on Saturday, according to Louis van Gaal.

The Red Devils ended a run of eight winless games with a 2-1 victory over Alan Curtis’s men, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney both getting on the scoresheet for United at Old Trafford.

When asked to explain his side’s display, Van Gaal revealed that his players simply needed to take out their frustrations on the pitch, and also admitted his shock at the run of form that saw many fans call for his sacking.

“It’s because they were very angry that we have lost so many games in a row,” he told reporters.

“They’re not used to that and I’m not used to that — losing four matches in a row. Never, and I’ve been in this profession for 25 years.

“So it’s unusual and they’re angry and want to change the situation. We shall do our utmost best, fight to the end — and they have done that.

“I think now the pressure is lowering, the performance shall be better every week. But that it is also dependable on whether or not we score goals, because we are always creating chances.”

Van Gaal also hailed captain Rooney, who netted the winner with an impudent flick after an intelligent Martial cut back, and hopes that he can now go on a run of scoring form after becoming the second-highest scorer in Premier League history.

“I liked him also against Chelsea. That’s why I said after this game that he has played two fantastic games in a row,” said Van Gaal.

“He does everything we expect from him as a captain, but also as a player and in what position he plays.

“I hope that it can give a boost to him, because the goal was fantastic. There was not so much space and still he ran to the first post and did it this way, so it was fantastic and I am very happy for him.

“I hope it shall give him the boost he needs to continue his good form.”

 

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This was our best 90 minutes yet - Neville

Valencia coach Gary Neville believes Sunday's 2-2 draw against Real Madrid was the best 90 minutes they have played since he took over.

Neville is still without a win in La Liga, but his players battled to level the scores twice against Madrid, who finished with 10 men.

Dani Parejo's spot-kick cancelled out Karim Benzema's opener and Paco Alcacer levelled again after Gareth Bale had put Madrid ahead for a second time following Mateo Kovacic's dismissal.

"From 20 to 70 I think we played with velocity," Neville said. "But when they were left with 10, we relaxed a bit because we were able to hold possession a lot easier.

"When Real Madrid started to press more the game changed, but if we didn't believe we wouldn't have got back from 2-1 down. It's never easy to play against 10.

"I felt good. Even when I was frustrated we went behind. I see that we have a great physical condition. We are more compact in defence and of course Madrid will create chances, but they will against anyone.

"We played well and it's the best 90 minutes we have managed so far."

Alvaro Negredo missed a late chance to steal the win for Valencia, but Neville sympathised with the former Manchester City striker.

"Alvaro is alright," he said. "I spoke with him in the locker room. The city would have been really happy if that goal goes in, but that's football.

"Alvaro is always getting better and he will score many goals this season. One game does not define a season."

The 40-year-old also responded to claims he was not interested in staying in coaching, confirming he has plans to continue for years to come.

"I was talking about in 15, 20 years when I said about [not staying in] management," he said.

"I don't want to be a coach for just six months. I absolutely hope I'm here beyond six months, but I need to prove myself."

 

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Benitez ta wade set wela

Real Madrid sack Benitez
​

 

[Michael]

Rafa sacked neda?

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rafa sacked neda?

Ow bro sack karalaLVG Real Madrid manager wela hitiyanam meh wenakta 10 times sack karala​

 

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Dele Alli has surpassed Barkley and should start for England - Carragher

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has surpassed Everton's Ross Barkley and should be in the England team, according to Jamie Carragher.

Alli scored the equalising goal as Tottenham picked up a 1-1 draw away to Everton on Sunday. The 19-year-old has been a key figure in Tottenham's line-up this season, establishing himself as a regular starter in Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Carragher heaped praise on Alli after the game and believes the youngster is now ahead of Barkley in the England pecking order.

"You think about his performance and his goal against France. Now I expect him to be in the England squad, I actually think now he’s in the team," Carragher said on Sky Sports ."I think Roy [Hodgson] and Gary [Neville], they play three in there. The one who has been playing regularly Ross Barkley, Dele Alli has surpassed Ross today.

"Now I’m a big fan of Barkley but they might be the two who are fighting for one position, that attacking midfield role, if they play three in there."The way he’s performed in the France game, the goal he got you would have to say it’s up to someone else now to take that position off him."

Alli, a £5 million signing from MK Dons at the start of last year, will be hoping his performances lead to a start in England's first group stage game against Russia at Euro 2016.

"I think there’s always a player who comes on sort of late in terms of the international squad. I think he’s certainly one of them," Carragher added."Every time you talk about Spurs you think he’s been one of the best players.

"Initially he has been a central midfielder, he’s come into the Premier League and played there a couple of weeks, then he’s come into the position behind the front two.

"That’s a totally different position really, you’re playing with your back to goal at times, other times you’re facing the play so that just shows his understanding at such a young age to play different roles."

 

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Manchester City are title favourites, says Flores

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is adamant Manchester City are favourites to take this season's Premier League title despite currently lying three points behind leaders Arsenal.

Flores' men were 1-0 up against City heading into the final stages on Saturday, before late goals from Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero saw Manuel Pellegrini's side take all three points.

The victory sees City stay third, a point behind Leicester and three behind Arsenal but Flores says he feels they have the quality to claim glory this season.Asked if City's win meant they are now title favourites, Flores said: "Yes. I thought so in the first [half of the season]. I keep thinking the same.

"[David] Silva and [Sergio] Aguero [are the best players I've managed]. I managed a lot of good players, but Silva and Aguero were slightly different. They were a little bit different."

Flores managed Aguero when he was at Atletico Madrid and said the Argentina international has developed into one of the best players in the world. "During the season Aguero was at a high level, then he was injured for a short period. It was enough to have some doubts, maybe.

"But in the future, Aguero [has been] a completely different player. He is one of the best players in the world."Watford are ninth in the Premier League, just four points outside a European place.

 

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Adkins: We will attack Manchester United

Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins will not hold anything back against Manchester United when the two meet in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Adkins' men have been inconsistent in League One this season, sitting in eighth position having won 10 and lost eight of their 24 games this season.

But that will not stop Adkins from attacking United at Old Trafford, despite being separated by 46 teams in the English football league standings."The FA Cup is important and we’ve got a great fixture coming up," Adkins told The Star.

"We’ve had to rearrange the Wigan game, which was postponed on Boxing Day, for the Tuesday afterwards and it’s a big ask for the supporters, especially just after Christmas and New Year, to travel away."We are well aware, acutely aware in fact, of that. So, from the players’ point of view and our point of view as staff, we’ve just got to work as hard as we possibly can for those travelling fans."

United won their first match in nine attempts when they beat Swansea City at Old Trafford, but endured a torrid December.However, Adkins said he is still expecting a tough game.

"Yes, it’s going to be tough. We know that. But we have the freedom to be able to try and give it a real go. So that’s what we’ll be trying to do," Adkins said.The trip to Old Trafford will be Sheffield United's first since the club was relegated from the Premier League in 2007.