Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud insists he was pleased with his performance despite failing to score for the Gunners at his former club Montpellier on Tuesday night, according to Sky Sports.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from the French champions for £12 million in the summer, but has yet to score his first goal in five attempts so far this season.
Giroud says he was just glad to return to Montpellier, “I tried not to really think about the context of the match. I was just so happy to come back here, even if I didn’t score.” The Frenchmen added, “I had a decisive assist in our first goal and I was quite satisfied with my own performance.”
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Giroud also said he was delighted with the start his new Arsenal side have made to the campaign, “We won and now we are in a good position. We remain undefeated and that is perfect for us.”
West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long believes Steve Clarke has added a passing style to the resilience already at the club.
The Baggies became very difficult to beat under Roy Hodgson and questions were raised about how they would fare following Clarke’s arrival during the summer, but so far this season they have been in impressive form. Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Midlands rivals Aston Villa kept West Brom flying high in sixth place, and Long believes Clarke deserves a great deal of credit. The Republic of Ireland international told Sky Sports:
“He has brought his own stamp on our football. Straight from the start it was all about passing football, and how he wants us to play. When he has an idea, he is able to put it across really well to the players. He has installed a bit of confidence in the lads to receive the ball in any situation and we are dealing with it pretty well. It is nice what you do in training every day comes onto the pitch on a Saturday and that has been the case so far this season. It’s enjoyable times at West Brom – good football to watch, good to play in and we are getting results at the end of it as well.”
Long believes there were further signs of progress at the weekend as Darren Bent’s equaliser denied West Brom all three points in a closely-fought derby. He added:
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“”It shows how far we have come as a team, to come to Villa Park in a big derby and leave disappointed with one point. It’s good for us a team to expect more from ourselves. If we put in performances like that for the rest of the season, we will go very far.”
It’s no secret that contracts in the world of football aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. The modern game is built on fairytale riches, the quest for silverware and turning the concept of loyalty into a fallacy. As an increasing number of financial restrictions begin to take effect, keeping hold of your prize assets is an essential priority, which is why so many clubs are willing to hand out new deals like they’re going out of fashion.
At Arsenal, the harsh reality of failing to secure long-term agreements is painfully evident. During the past two seasons both Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie have used their looming expiry dates to engineer a move away from the club. Many will argue that Arsene Wenger deserves praise for extracting substantial funds from the Manchester duo but money in the bank does not win you football matches.
Even players still basking in the infancy of a newly signed contract can still instigate problems if they kick up enough fuss. Wayne Rooney successfully earned himself a significant pay rise after questioning the ambitions of the club while the likes of Luka Modric have thrown impressive tantrums as they become aware of interest elsewhere.
Only last year Marouane Fellaini signed a five year-deal at Everton but can anyone see him remaining at the club beyond next summer? If the Toffees repel the inevitable offers that come his way, which they have every right to do so, they risk angering their new talisman and jeopardising their impressive squad harmony.
Alan Pardew echoed the sentiments of an entire nation when he spoke of his “astonishment” at being handed his distinctive eight-year contract on Tyneside. The influential figures at Newcastle will declare this a statement of intent as they build for the future, but I believe the priority is to stop envious eyes from flirting with ‘Pardiola’ should he continue to work wonders with the Toon Army. It would appear the financial rewards on offer in football break through the barriers of realism and far exceed any other industry in the world.
Of course agents have been pivotal in creating a climate of hysteria and agitation when it comes to contract negotiations. However, this is by no means a criticism, after all who can begrudge them when they are simply trying to acquire the best financial package for their client. The temperamental nature of football’s elite is at such a surreal level that agents are constantly sourcing interest from potential suitors and planting stories in the media, just in case a player suddenly decides he wants to leave.
There is a real worry that these increasing financial demands are heaping unnecessary pressure on the bank accounts of football clubs. The mind boggles when you consider the number of outgoing payments involved in drafting up a new contract. Players and indeed managers will warrant signing-on fees, image right payments, win bonuses plus a ‘loyalty fee’, which concerns the money a player is entitled to if they don’t hand in a transfer request throughout the duration of their contract.
All of these elements are on top of their basic page and doesn’t take into account the compensation packages, which will increase as the length of contract skyrockets that have to be paid out if it all goes the shape of the pear. There is an incredible level of risk for what is a very unrealistic likelihood of reward. What happens if Newcastle go 5, 10 or even 15 games without a win? Mike Ashley has essentially backed himself into a very tight corner that only an extortionate amount of money can free him from.
If clubs manage to tie down their best players then they can at least drive their asking price upwards should relations suffer a monumental breakdown. That is perhaps the only advantage, as more and more players appear confident enough to throw their weight around. The growing consensus is that football is entering into an age of sensible financial practise but the recent philosophy towards contract negotiations would suggest clubs are being more reckless then ever before.
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Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where Udinese’s performance at Anfield last night reignited my affection for Antonio Di Natale.
It is reported that Newcastle United FC are set to make a fresh approach for French international full back Mathieu Debuchy.
Arsenal are also believed to be targeting the £6million full back, who has been seeking a move to the Premier League since the start of last summer’s transfer window.
The Lille right back has drawn admiring glances in particular for his impressive performances for France in Euro 2012, despite the side exiting the tournament in lacklustre fashion.
Many Newcastle fans though won’t be overly confident of their club pulling off the deal this time around, despite retaining interest, due to a struggle to agree a fee for the star, in one of the summer’s longest transfer sagas.
It is believed the Toon are still looking at reinforcing the right back area with Danny Simpson’s future no nearer to being settled.
Despite this, there is no certainty of the club’s investment in the January transfer window, as Derek Llambias has stated that a board are taking a prudent approach to wages and transfers.
However, the Newcastle squad is threadbare and fresh injuries could yet change the mind of the club’s hierarchy.
Whilst Arsenal look on, it is thought that their interest remains lukewarm at best, with Sagna set to return to the side, alongside the emergence of Carl Jenkinson.
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Even though a glimmer of hope of the club spending on new recruits is positive, the focus is on retaining their current stars at Newcastle.
The Magpies managed to turn away all overtures towards their big assets in the summer, but with January being a time where clubs can charge bloated fees; they may yet part with one of their stars. The £35 million deal for Andy Carroll being proof of the value of the window for selling clubs.
Manchester United winger Nani’s future at the club appears to be in serious doubt following a row with Sir Alex Ferguson, according to reports from ESPN.
The Portuguese international has fallen down the pecking order at the Premier League side since the back end of last season, with Ferguson becoming more and more frustrated by his drop in performance.
This irritation reached breaking point last week, as United dropped out of the Capital One Cup with defeat to Chelsea.
The Scottish manager singled out Nani’s wasteful use of the ball as a major factor in the Blues’ equalising goal, launching an attack on his player after the final whistle.
The 25-year-old was believed to be incensed by the comments, feeling that he had been victimised. According to reports, United’s assistant manager Mike Phelan had to step in to calm the wide man after he had exchanged angry words with members of the coaching staff.
Fergie is believed to be a huge fan of Nani’s technical ability, but is unconvinced as to whether he has the hunger and focus to fulfil his potential.
The Red Devils lined up Brazilian youngster Lucas Moura as a replacement during the summer, however big spending Paris Saint-Germain gazumped them to secure his signature.
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United are likely to search for a potential suitor for Nani ahead of January, with Zenit Saint Petersburg believed to be keen.
Brad Guzan believes Aston Villa can achieve great things under new manager Paul Lambert, despite a faltering start to their Premier League campaign.
The Villians currently sit just one place and three points above the relegation zone having won just two of their opening eleven league games this season.
But the American goalkeeper believes he has seen enough to know Lambert has the ability to create “something special” at Villa Park.
He told Aston Villa’s official website: “I thought the performance against Manchester United was a good indicator of where we are heading. I think it is a sign of good things to come.
“We want to create something special and the manager wants to do that too. I feel the pieces of the jigsaw are starting to be put in place. It will take time but we are on the right road.
“We will continue to grow and build under the gaffer. We are improving all the time. We are starting to create an identity for ourselves as a team under the manager. It is exciting times ahead.”
But Guzan has made it clear that success under Lambert won’t happen instantly and that the whole team are looking forward to a future under the Scot.
“We know it is not going to happen overnight but, at the same time, we are really excited about what is going on,” he continued.
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“It is about where the manager wants to take the club and how we get there. It looks really good.”
West Bromwich Albion are keen to bounce back against Stoke in the English Premier League on Saturday after their midweek loss.
The 3-1 defeat on Wednesday at the hands of Swansea ended a four-match winning streak for West Brom but they remain in fourth spot on the Premier League table ahead of the visit of Stoke.
West Brom captain Chris Brunt claimed the loss was the worst performance by the team this season as they have stunned the English Premier League under new manager Steve Clarke.
“It’s the worst we’ve played all season by a long stretch,” Brunt told West Brom’s website after the game, “In the second half we dug in and we were a bit better but we didn’t have enough tonight and it’s disappointing because we let ourselves and the supporters down. They’ve come a long way on a Wednesday night and they deserve better from us.”
“We’ll pick ourselves up and we’ve got a home game on Saturday which we need to turn into a positive result after tonight’s performance. We let ourselves down and we definitely let the travelling support down.”
Swansea blitzed West Brom in the first half with Michu’s ninth-minute opener followed two minutes later by a goal from Wayne Routledge.
It was 3-0 in the 39th minute as Routledge struck for the second time and while Romelu Lukaku dragged a goal back in first-half injury time, West Brom could not maintain their fine form.
But having won all but one game at home this season, Clarke’s men will have plenty of confidence they can get back on the winners’ list against Stoke. The Potters have claimed three victories during a four-game unbeaten streak to move up to ninth in the Premier League table.
Having gone behind to a goal from Newcastle United’s Papiss Cisse on Wednesday, Stoke recovered late in the match thanks to goals from Jonathan Walters and Cameron Jerome to win 2-1. That result backed up their 1-0 home win over Fulham last weekend.
Peter Crouch lost three teeth after a collision with Fabricio Coloccini in Wednesday’s win and faces dental surgery, meaning he will miss the trip to the Hawthorns.
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Stoke manager Tony Pulis could have Andrew Wilkinson and Michael Owen available for selection, however.
For West Brom, Ben Foster and Steven Reid remain unavailable due to injury.
It’s a footballing cliché that’s whipped out with all the gusto of a fourth round of Turkey sandwiches, but the saying goes ‘you can only beat who’s put in front of you’. And despite the woeful performance of Aston Villa yesterday, nobody should take anything away from Tottenham Hotspur’s superb 4-0 Boxing Day victory at Villa Park.
Andre Villas-Boas’ side will do well to encounter a more feeble attacking threat for the rest of the season, but while Paul Lambert’s men did little to combat the effervescent passing and devastating forward surges that Gareth Bale and co exhibited, the fixture most importantly represented another win and another clean sheet.
But it also denoted the continuation of what is quickly becoming a domineering theme of Spurs’ season so far.
Because while the home support have seen little of yesterday’s attacking swagger and positive forward momentum at White Hart Lane, those who have followed the Lilywhites away from home, were treated to a gallivanting display to match the likes already seen at Fulham, Manchester United and Reading this season.
While Spurs haven’t picked up more points on their travels than within N17, their peak performances when playing away from North London seem to have far exceeded anything resembling their top gear at White Hart Lane. With the side currently sitting fourth in the Premier League as we head into the final moments of 2012, it’s not something that should necessarily blunt optimism.
But with yesterday marking the 19th league game of the season, it is a feature that’s now lingered up to the half way mark in this term’s campaign.
Again, while it’s somewhat difficult to use yesterday as a real barometer of Spurs’ season so far, the attitude of the side away from home seems to be in distinct conflict to what fans have been witnessing at home. Be it the 4-2-3-1 set-up that Villas-Boas has used for the majority of the term or the 4-4-2 like formation that’s been whipped out in recent weeks, the outcome has remained the same.
At home, the side look neat and tidy, yet seemingly tied down into a remit of restrain and caution. Away from White Hart Lane, Spurs still look neat and tidy, but with a license to attack, push on, take risks and try and burst on through at defences, rather than playing pretty patterns in front of them.
Many of the deeper-rooted problems at Spurs are still present wherever they play and the need for a creative yet most importantly effective, No10 like player are in effect home or away. The side struggle to break down teams happy to set out two banks of four and for all their marvelous statistics yesterday, it took a smattering of positivity from Aston Villa before the ball started rolling. Indeed, marvelous statistics such as leading the corner count 15-1 at half time mean nothing without a goal.
Although despite this, parallels are still there to be made between Tottenham’s victory over Villa away from home and the corresponding victory at White Hart Lane back in October. Both ties saw Spurs come out with three points, but at home, we saw a far tamer, subdued and cautious side, compared to the expansive team who produced four goals away from home. Some will point to a change in formation, but the recent 0-0 snoozefest against Stoke suggest that the recent switch to 4-4-2 isn’t quite the overnight fix many might like to point out.
But in terms of the general attitude of the team, maybe this is something that Andre Villas-Boas could tweak when Spurs play host to Reading next month. Tottenham haven’t had an easy ride in the full-back departments so far this term, but one of the features of some of their impressive away-day performances, has been AVB’s willingness to let them really drive on and attack their opposite number.
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While at home the defence continues to sit relatively high up the pitch, neither Kyle Walker or his makeshift left-sided compatriot Jan Vertonghen, have really felt as if they’ve foraged with the same positivity that we saw at Villa Park yesterday, or even in away fixtures against the likes of Southampton and Fulham (in which Kyle Naughton came into the fray).
Furthermore, the general tempo of play away from home, seems to far exceed the usual pace that’s been served up to home fans. The Villas-Boas method of going hell for leather before shutting up shop when playing away has had its critics, but more often than not the side have always enjoyed a period of notably increased attacking output. At White Hart Lane, while supporters haven’t quite been starved of forward thinking play, the tempo of play never seems to shift out of a very neat and tidy, but somewhat tepid second gear.
Again, this isn’t to directly critique the manager nor is it serving to ignore some of the issues the side face that can’t necessarily be solved until the transfer window opens. Although with half the season now already behind us and a sense of momentum quietly building in the background, now wouldn’t be a terrible time for Andre Villas-Boas to take the shackles off this Tottenham side.
With a brace of forthcoming home games against Brian McDermott’s struggling Reading side and the visit of Coventry City in the FA Cup, Spurs have a real opportunity to come bursting out of the blocks in the New Year and look to ease their stuttering performances at White Hart Lane. It’s going to take more than a bit of added managerial positivity. But should AVB do his part, then maybe a supportive, yet sometimes frustrated home crowd, can help do the rest.
Young Malaga ace Isco is now also a target for Chelsea who are set to join Premier League rivals Manchester City in a chase to trigger the Spaniards buy out clause, the Mirror reports.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is believed to be growing frustrated at the La Liga side who currently sit fourth in the table, and Premier League clubs have been alerted by a £17million buy out clause in his contract.
Malaga are reluctant to let go of a player who is expected by many to eventually become a regular in the Spanish national side, and it is reported that they are looking to tie Isco down to a new contract with a revised release clause in the region of £30million.
It was believed that City were the front runners for the players signature, however Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic has expressed his interest in bringing him to Stamford Bridge as he continues to push Chelsea in the direction of adopting a philosophy of playing attractive football with flair.
Isco came to the fore last season following his move from Valencia as he helped his Malaga side finish in a Champions Leage place, scoring five goals in 32 league appearances along the way.
He was nearly sold to Tottenham in the summer to ease the clubs financial situation, however they have now balanced the books and are keen to hold onto their player who has helped them into the knockout stages of this years Champions League.
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Manchester City will remain hopeful that they can beat new competition for the players services, and bring him to the Etihad.
Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is the target of a number of European clubs, and could leave White Hart Lane this month, according to reports from Sky Sports.
The Brazilian has been limited to a handful of Capital One Cup matches this term, after falling down the pecking order under manager Andre Villas-Boas
This has led to reports that he could be sold, with Italian giants AC Milan believed to be interested.
As well as the San Siro club, there are multiple interested parties from Holland, where the stopper played before moving to London.
Gomes has reportedly declared his willingness to leave this month as he looks to get his career back on track.
It is thought that Spurs would be willing to allow the 31-year-old to move on, with Hugo Lloris and Brad Friedel firmly established as first and second choices.
AC Milan are thought to see the shot-stopper as an ideal recruit as they look to rebuild after selling a number of top players in recent times.
They are reportedly keen on Newcastle’s Tim Krul, but Gomes would certainly be a more cost-effective option.
The former PSV Eindhoven man arrived in North London during 2008, establishing himself as a favourite of the club’s supporters.
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However, a series of shaky displays saw him lose his place in the starting XI in recent times.