Andre Villas-Boas Expects City To Challenge For Premier League Title

Image Credit Flickr User Gilyo

Andre Villa-Boas has said that he expects Manchester City to challenge for the Premier League title when the new season starts. City have been splashing the cash this summer and yesterday signed Argentine striker Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid in a deal reported to be around the £35 million mark.

The Chelsea boss insists that City will be looking to start the season strong as they aim to win the league, "I think it's pretty clear that they are building a squad to fight for the title," the 33-year-old said.

"It's for Mancini to say what his objectives are but my personal perspective is that they are making good signings and that they can threaten for the league."

The former Porto coach feels it be close race between a number of five clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

"I think Man United as the title holders will be a reference for everybody but you can see the amount of activity Manchester City have had in the market. It's pretty clear they have a title objective as well," he said.

"Liverpool did more or less the same, Tottenham want to get back into the top four so they'll be challenging and Arsenal are always a threat - we haven't seen the last of them in the transfer market - so everybody is strengthening and as long as everybody feels happy with what they have, everybody competes in a different way."

Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, but Villas-Boas suggests he will add to squad is the right player becomes available.

"It all boils down to the evaluation period, there's still plenty of time for those decisions," added Villas-Boas.

"The players that we have shown interest in are young and looking to the future of the club, you might see similar moves in the future from us. It is one of the oldest squads in the Premier League, we respect them and we are happy enough with the quality that we have to challenge for the title but we are also looking into the future.

"We are so comfortable at the moment with what we are getting because of the young players we have. Things for the future are brighter for us in that respect."

Fergie Expects City To Be Title Challengers

Alex Ferguson has claimed that he expects Manchester City to mount a realistic title challenge this coming season, both United and City are expected to hit the ground running when the campaign gets underway in August following closely by Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Scot expects City to be a thorn in United’s flesh this season and Fergie acknowledges that United will have to play at their best if they are to reach their 20th Premier League title, City have emerged as realistic challengers for major honours since Sheikh Mansour's takeover of the club and heavily investing in the team.

He said: "There was a period not so long ago when City were actually in the second division and they were never a thorn in our flesh.

The Manchester United manager also went on to add; "Whereas every year in the past we've had to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

"But winning a trophy does you a power of good. I don't think there's any doubt about that. It takes the pressure off the manager and gives confidence to the players.

"We've experienced it ourselves over the years and we expect City to be challengers next season.

"But nothing changes. One of the teams will always be a thorn in our flesh, whether we like it or not - possibly all four of them."

Ferguson also believes that Liverpool, who have endured a difficult time of late, will be back to their best under Kenny Dalglish this season.

He added: "Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it.

"Long term you know they are going to there."

Ferguson has also reiterated his desire to maintain his position in the United hot seat and has played down speculation that he could retire soon, when speaking about if he looking for retire soon he added;  "Absolutely not,"

"Not at all. I'm not even thinking about it. You just have to keep going.

"The challenge, whether it's with young players or old players, is that you have to do something. There's always that expectation at this club."

Paul Scholes: Nasri Can Replace Me At United

Paul Scholes says that he hopes Arsenal’s Samir Nasri will join Manchester United this summer, Scholes always views the midfielder as the ideal player to replace him at United.

The Frenchman’s future has come under the spotlight recently and media speculation has suggested that he wants to leave the Gunners to win trophies.

Arsenal have gone six season without winning any silverware and Scholes insists that while Arsenal do play attractive football, this doesn’t win trophies.

After Gael Clichy transfer to Manchester City yesterday, Scholes feels that Nasri could well be the next one out the door at Arsenal.

Scholes says he would love to see Nasri playing for United next season, Reports have suggested that the France international is keen to move to Old Trafford  amid claims the Premier League champions will offer £20million for his services.

When asked if Nasri was coming to United, Scholes  said: "I hope so."

Scholes, who retired from football at the end of last season says Sir Alex Ferguson  would "not allow" United to go six years without a trophy.

"They just flatter to deceive," he said.

"They may play the prettiest football, but it doesn't always produce the results they need. It doesn't irritate me that people say they're the best footballing team because while they are doing that, we (United) are winning games.

"They do play the best football to watch at times, but what is the point of that if you are not winning anything? Not only that, they are potentially going to lose their best players in (Cesc) Fabregas, (Samir) Nasri and (Gael) Clichy.

"I don't think our manager would allow this club to go six years without a trophy."

Barca: Arsenal Fabregas Demands To High

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has claimed the club will not pay over the odds for Cesc Fabregas; the Nou Camp giants had hoped to bring the Spaniard back to Barcelona but will not pay an extortionate fee for the midfielder.

Fabregas has again been linked with a return to his boyhood club this summer after Arsenal refused to sell the midfielder to Barca 12 months ago, Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed over the weekend that the Catalan giants had been in contact regarding Cesc.

"He (Cesc) is doing everything he can to come (here)," Rosell told Catalan station TV3 on Monday night.
"Guardiola knows the values of players and Cesc's is less than €40million. Barcelona will offer less and if they (Arsenal) don't accept, then he won't come. Pep knows the club is not well-off in terms of money."

Elsewhere Barca were expected to be closing in of the signing of highly rated forward Alexis Sanchez, but Rosell said; "There is nothing closed with Alexis.”

It was also revealed that Eric Abidal has rejected a new deal at Barcelona and is expected to leave the Champions League winners, Rosell also claimed that his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez were "on standby" after their failure to act against doping allegations aimed at Barca last season by radio station Cadena COPE.

"I haven't spoken to Florentino Perez since the last game (against Madrid)," he said.

"My relationship with him is on standby because there are wounds that are still not closed and that need to scar."

Barcelona Enquire About Fabregas

Barcelona have made contract with Arsenal regarding Cesc Fabregas, the Catalans have always expressed their desire to bring the Spaniard back home But no bid made yet from Spanish giants for Arsenal midfielder.

Fabregas has been linked with a move back to the Nou Camp for the last two seasons and after the Gunners failure to win any silverware, could the midfielder be tempted to go back to the club he joined as a youngster.

The Spanish giants remain keen to sign Fabregas and are ready to make a new move this summer, although Hill-Wood insists they have yet to make a bid for the 24-year-old.

"Yes, they have spoken to us about Cesc," said Peter Hill-Wood.

Arsenal’s chairman also added; "They have been in touch. But so far they have not made a bid and we do not want to let him go.

"But he comes from Barcelona so it is understandable if he wanted to go back. However, they have not made an offer so far."

Arsenal are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer and Hill-Wood insists Arsene Wenger will have funds to spend.

"There is money for the manager," added Hill-Wood.

Will the Gunners ace head back home?

Samir Nasri Plays Down Transfer Speculation

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has played reports linking him to a move away from the Emirates, newspaper had speculated that Nasri is unhappy at Arsenal having gone through another trophy-less season.

The France international future with the Arsenal was thrown into doubt when the midfielder refused to rule out the possibility of joining Manchester United when interviewed.

But the former Marseille man has moved quickly to squash such rumours, speaking on his twitter account Nasri said; "I just want tell you don't listen (to) the newspaper and the rumours I will let you know if something happen."

Johan Cruyff Urges Barcelona To Sign Fabregas

Dutch and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has insisted that Barcelona should pull out all the stops to sign Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, for sometime the Catalans have been unsuccessful in persuading the Spaniard to return the club.

The Catalans are eager to add to their ranks this summer and have been linked with players such as Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi and Udinese attacker Alexis Sanchez.

Cruyff believes signing the Gunners star, 24, would mean midfield stars Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi can be kept fresher during the season.

Johan Cruyff said; "If Cesc signs there will be four players for three places, which means all of them can share out a lot of games.

"There comes a stage in the season when everything is at stake but the team is out of gas.
"As good as the Barca players are - and they are good - there comes a time where they've played too many games.

"You need players not only to strengthen competition but also to move things around without upsetting the team's rhythm."

Viral video by ebuzzing

Sami Nasri May Quit Arsenal

Sami Nasri could be on his way out from the Gunners after declaring that he’s not sure about signing at new contract with Arsenal, Nasri has infuriated Arsenal by refusing to dismiss a move to Manchester United.

Sami Nasri has infuriated Arsenal by refusing to dismiss a move to Manchester United, The midfielder said; "I don't know if I will sign a new contract. Anyway, the discussions are ongoing.

"For the moment, I don't think about this. We will speak about it after the match with Poland.

"Do I want to go to Man United? First, we should see if it's real and if it is concrete."

Nasri has a £23 million price tag and is in the final year of his contract at the Emirates, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted; “What is certain is we won’t be selling Nasri to Manchester United.”

Jack Wilshere Warns Arsenal

England and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere insists it will be a disaster if Arsenal fail to win any trophies next season, the 19-year-old admits the Gunners need to show more grit and determination to challenge for silverware.

The north Londoners have now gone six years without adding a trophy to cabinet at the Emirates after losing the League Cup final to Birmingham, Jack Wilshere insists it will be ‘100 per cent disaster’ should Arsenal fail again next season.

Should Arsenal have another dull season, this could easily spark an exodus of players including manager Arsene Wenger.

"It will be a 100 per cent disaster if we don't win a trophy next season," said Wilshere.

"We know that. The fans feel it. We feel it. We just need to win a trophy.

"Arsenal are a big club and we need to be winning trophies. We need to win them to keep our big players.

"We must be more aware and have a bit more aggression. We've got some players that can do that but we have to go as a team."

The Arsenal man suggests Arsenal need to follow example of Manchester United with questioning decisions made by referees.

"It's no use just Robin van Persie going because it looks like it's just him having a go at the ref. If we all get round him...

"You just see the other teams do it and you think 'we need to do it as well'. Man United are the best at it. They get round the referee.

"We have to be more of a team and be more aggressive and show more authority."

AC Milan Rule Out Fabregas Move

AC Milan has insisted that they are unlikely to make a offer for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas this summer as the Italian claim feel the Spaniard will be to expensive, after the departure of Andrea Pirlo to Juventus and doubt surrounding Gennaro Gattuso’s future it is thought that the Rossoneri will be searching for midfield replacments this summer.

"From here until 31st August, Milan will buy a player that will be a left midfielder," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"(Napoli  winger Marek) Hamsik and Fabregas can play in that role.

"We have never asked for Hamsik although we don't rule him out and as for Fabregas, he is too expensive."

Martin O'Neil is the New West Ham Manager

It is official.  Avram Grant is no longer the Manager of West Ham.  He is to be replaced by Martin O'Neill today.   

Martin O'Neill will replace Avram Grant after West Ham's match versus Arsenal, BBC Sports has just announced.

Martin O'Neill, who already has the OBE, was born 1 March 1952 in Kilrea, Northern Ireland.  He is a Northern Irish association football manager and former player. Until resigning the post on 9 August 2010, he was manager of Aston Villa.

Is Martin O'Neil the right man to save West Ham's season and keep them in the Premier League?  Tell us what you think!

Paul Jewell Named Ipswich Manager

Paul Jewell has today been confirmed as the new Ipswich Town manager after Roy Keane was sacked on Friday, Jewell has been out for management for two years and has today signed a two-a-half-year deal at Portman Road.

"It's great, I've been out of the game for two years but you're never out of football," said the 46-year-old, who replaces Roy Keane at Portman Road.

"I have had a few opportunities to come back in but this just ticked all the right boxes."

After a run of seven losses in nine games, the board at Ipswich felt a change was needed and they relieved Keane of his responabilites,

"It's great, I've been out of the game for two years but you're never out of football," said the 46-year-old, who replaces Roy Keane at Portman Road.

"I have had a few opportunities to come back in but this just ticked all the right boxes."

Jewell's first game in charge will be against Arsenal in the first leg of Town's League Cup semi-final at Portman Road on Wednesday.

Ipswich owner Marcus Evans told the club's website: "I wanted to appoint a manager with several years of experience behind them who also had a history of promotion and then staying up.

"I have been lucky enough to find a manager in Paul who has done that twice and pertinently with two clubs that have never been in the Premier League.

"It was also important to bring someone to the club who could play the way Ipswich expect the game to be played and who will embrace the club's role in the community."

Thierry Henry Training With Arsenal

Former striker Thierry Henry has begun training the Gunners during the MLS off-season, in which saw David Beckham do the same with Spurs. Henry, who plays for the New York Red Bulls in MLS, is a fans favourite with Gunners fans after scoring 226 goals in a highly successful spell with the club between 1999 and 2007.

A statement on Arsenal's official website read: "Thierry Henry is back at Arsenal.

"The Gunners legend returned to London Colney on Monday to train with Arsene Wenger's squad. The short-term arrangement will help Henry maintain his fitness ahead of the new MLS campaign, which begins in March.

"Henry joined the New York Red Bulls last year and helped them reach the play-offs, where they lost on aggregate to San Jose Earthquakes in November."

Cesc Fabregas Clarifies His Future

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas has again reiterated that he wants to remain at the Emirates at least until he has helped the club win silverware. The Spaniard was at the centre of speculation after last year’s World Cup when reports suggested that he could head home to play for a Spanish side.

"Why would I want to leave? It is fantastic here," Fabregas said. "It would be a dream to lift trophies for Arsenal. It has always been my wish.

"Afterwards you can always be attracted by something else, like a new objective, or new challenges because, for me, life is all about challenges.

"But my real challenge as captain of Arsenal is to bring this football club success. This is the biggest dream I can have. I want to end these five years without a trophy and, hopefully, I can do it this season."

Fabregas was accused of not pulling his weight earlier in the season after the Gunners refused to let him go to Barca last summer.

But the 23-year-old skipper said; "It hurt me a lot to be injured and then hear some things, that my head was not here and my heart was somewhere else.

"I often played when I wasn't 100 per cent and it is painful to hear that kind of thing when you have worked so hard for this club and when you give everything for them."

Rio Ferdinand: Rooney Ready To Roar

Wayne Rooney Close To Form

Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Wayne Rooney is close to hitting his prolific goal scoring form, Rooney has struggled this season with his form and off the field issues, which has been well documented.

Rooney scored 34 times for United last season, but has managed two goals from the penalty spot during the current campaign, but Ferdinand suggests that Wayne Rooney’s sharpness is starting to return at training and is only a matter of time before he delivers on the pitch.

"Everyone knows what happened over the last couple of weeks beforehand but Wayne's come back and he's looking sharp," said Ferdinand.

"He didn't score in our last game but he looked sharp and set up a good number of chances for other people.

"It's only a matter of time before he scores and then goes on one of those runs where he scores loads of goals.

"Just having him back around the place in a good mood is fantastic. He's a great lad to have around and long may it continue.

"Arsenal are a good team but I'm concentrating more on what we've got in our dressing room. I'm confident in our team and the individuals as a collective that we can go out there and beat any team and I'll be looking to do that on Monday."

Title Chase

"Arsenal and Chelsea are very big games for us. We're playing two of the teams at the top of the league back-to-back. They'll be hard games but games we all enjoy playing in.

"They'll be big spectacles with everybody watching and we'll be going out there to win. Fingers crossed we can do that and if we can it will put us in a great position for the rest of the season."

Fabregas to Return at Old Trafford

Cesc aiming for United game

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas hopes to return to action in time for the game against Manchester United game on December 13th.  The midfielder has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Braga in the Uefa Champions League game two weeks ago.

The inspirational captain is close to regaining full fitness and sees the Manchester United fixture as his return, Arsenal has failed to win at Old Trafford since 2006 and Fabregas will want to help change thatblot on their copybook.

Speaking in the Sunday People newspaper, he said; "I'm happy to say everything is going according to plan with my rehabilitation.

"We've tried some new treatments and hopefully they can make a difference.

"My hamstrings are feeling good, and my body feels good and rested.

"The Manchester United  game is the target, so hopefully we can make it happen."

Robert Pires joins Aston Villa

Robert Pires joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa have today announced that Robert Pires will be joining the club this week, the former Arsenal man is a free agent and will join up with fellow Frenchman and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier. The club have been in talks this week and it's has now been confirmed that the former French star will be joining.

The 37-year-old won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year prize during his six-year stint with the Gunners. Villa's assistant boss Gary McAllister is looking forward to  the Frenchman joining up at Villa and he told the club's website,  "Robert has been training at Arsenal.

"I know the boss and Arsene Wenger are very friendly and I believe he's going to join us in the next two or three days.

"It's perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition.

"He's a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved."

Andy Carroll set for England call-up

Newcastle striker Andy Carroll is set to receive a call-up to the England squad to face France, Carroll who was left out of U21 squad for the game against Germany on Tuesday has been on form this season, scoring a hat-trick on the opening day and then going on to score eleven times including the winner against Arsenal last week in front of the England manager.

Arsene Wenger has praised the improvement of the Newcastle striker, he said, “Personally, I have been highly impressed by him. He has presence, charisma, confidence,” said the Arsenal manager.

“He is intelligent on the ball. I had doubts about him when I saw him one year ago but in the last year he has improved tremendously.

"He has to show it over a longer distance but I'm convinced Capello will have a look at him. I believe he will be good enough to play for England.”

And what does the Frenchman put this improvement down to?

“Attitude, and by that I mean motivation, and intelligence are the two main things I see personally. When you are not highly motivated and not very intelligent your potential to improve is very limited.”

While former manager Glenn Roeder has said that Fabio needs to think twice before selecting Carroll, the former Magpies manager suggests that Carroll is not playing to his full potential due to his off the field problems with charges of assault brought against the striker from an ex-girlfriend and that he doesn't set a good example to this kids. Roeder insists that the striker needs to change his lifestyle in order to get to the top of his game.

He added on BBC Radio 5 live, I'd select him but I'm not saying he should play. I'm not certain he's sending out great signals to young players,"

"If he is picked the signals for me would be 'I can do what I want it doesn't matter, as long as I play well I've got a chance to play for England'. The standards should be much higher than that.

"He's a great lad around the training ground, coaches love working with him, but by living the way he is he's not fulfilling the potential that he could possibly fulfil by having just a bit of a quieter life."

Newcastle team-mate Joey Barton has suggested that is more than worthy of a place in the England squad, and has has urged Capello to judge Carroll on his form,

He added, "Hopefully they will stop worrying about Goody Two Shoes image which the sponsors want for England.

"They need to start picking players to win matches. The frustrating thing for me is that England pick the good guys for the World Cup because they won't cause any problems, but every other national team picks the players who are simply the best in their position.

"I'm not telling Fabio Capello how to do his job, but for me it is a no-brainer to have Andy Carroll in his squad because he has everything to be the archetypal English centre-forward."

Theo Walcott remains upbeat

Theo Walcott on the Premiership title race

Theo Walcott has insisted the title race is still wide open and any one of the top five could be challenge for the championship come the end of the season, Walcott's club side Arsenal suffered a shock defeat to the hands of Newcastle at the weekend and the winger insists the Gunners could very well be challenging for top spot this season.

Walcott remains confident Arsenal will bounce back from their defeat to Newcastle and start pushing the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, speaking on Sky Sports News, the winger said, "Chelsea are very strong, they have excellent, strong and fantastic players, it was great for Liverpool to win and upset them slightly, that is why the Premier League is fantastic,"

"I think there are four or five teams come the end of the season that are going for the Championship, it is great for the neutral it is going to be a great last few weeks to the season, everyone is beating each other.

"I think Chelsea lost six games last year and won the league, so there could be more defeats and we don't mind that as long as we concentrate on ourselves and catch up."

Speaking on Andy Carroll chances with England where the striker hit the winner against Arsenal at the weekend, he said, "He is one of the in-form strikers in the Premier League he is a handful to play against," he said.

"I have had a chance to play with him in the Under-21s when he scored a hat-trick, he is so strong, I am sure if he gets the chance to play for England he will grab it with both hands, he has done tremendously well.

"We [Arsenal] found it very difficult to play against him, and if he gets his chance I look forward to playing with him. He is scoring goals and as a striker that is all you can do."

Fabianski Flops - Newcastle beat Arsenal

A goalkeeping error by Lukasz Fabianski gifted Andy Carrol a first half goal which was enough to see Newcastle pick up all three points against Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoon, the goal came right on half time to inspire the Magpies to claim victory by keeping the Gunners at bay for the second half.

Fabianski made an ill-fated decision to come for a Joey Barton free-kick but then Carroll was there to capitalise scoring the only goal of the game. Arsenal never really threatened the Newcastle goalkeeper, apart from a fizzing shot from Sami Nasri but Tim Krul produced an excellent stop to keep the Frenchman's shot out five minutes before half-time.