The Manchester United striking duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie combined to secure a 2-1 win against FC Cluj, despite a struggling defensive display by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Van Persie bagged both goals to take his tally to 7 goals in 8 games for United. The Dutchman hailed his second finish and the delightful pass he received from Wayne Rooney to score it, admitting that “not many players can make pass like that” according to the Daily Mirror.
Having illustrated his goalscoring pedigree during his short stay, the new star striker was quick to say that he wanted to play provider too.
“I have seven goals now but I need more assists,” he added.
The win has made it 2 wins from 2 games for Manchester United in stark contrast to their last start to their Champions League campaign.
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Van Persie will be hoping to continue his good form in United’s next game against Newcastle this Sunday.
West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison is delighted to have committed himself to the club.
The 26-year-old signed a new four-year contract last week that will see him remain at The Hawthorns until June 2016. Morrison, who joined the Baggies in August 2007, is now hopeful that his team-mates Jonas Olsson and Chris Brunt will sign new contracts as well. He told the Birmingham Mail:
“This is my sixth season here now. I’m committed to the club, I feel settled here. There was no reason for wanting to leave. I’m 26, the longest-serving player and I quite like that. Hopefully other players like Chris Brunt and Jonas will follow. It feels like home. That’s down to playing every week, the team playing well, being settled. The fans have been great with me, the new manager [Steve Clarke] coming in has been a big factor in me signing.”
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West Brom are currently sixth in the Premier League table with seven points from four matches, three points behind leaders Chelsea.
Two games played and two games drawn is probably the best start for a new manager.
Nobody gets unreasonably high expectations and nobody gets on your back either. So after a last minute equaliser at Bristol City, Michael Appleton can get back on the training pitch again knowing that things are going just fine.
After a frantic start as Blackpool manager, coming in so soon after Holloway’s departure and just days before his first game, Appleton seems to have settled well and we saw his first tweaks to the side on Saturday.
Two changes were forced due to injuries to Taylor-Fletcher and Matty Phillips, but another change was not forced and was perhaps the most telling. Neal Eardley made way for Ian Evatt, with Baptiste moving to right back. For many, Eardley is a scapegoat at Blackpool so his absence wasn’t too surprising. But bringing Evatt back and moving Baptiste out wide was a shock. Baptiste has been considered Blackpool’s best centre half for the last few years, even picking up the North West Championship Player of The Year last week, but Appleton either likes what he has seen of Evatt, or has marked the right back slot as a problem area and trusts Baptiste to fill in there.
Either way, it seemed to work as Blackpool limited the home side’s chances to almost none and would have kept a clean sheet but for a much disputed penalty award. For what it’s worth, I thought that although it was a soft penalty to give, it is one you see given as the player goes down easily under an unneccesary challenge from the keeper.
Thankfully, things were evened up in the 90th minute as the referee then awarded Blackpool a soft penalty of their own as a Bristol City defender was adjudged to have handled a cross, and Tom Ince converted to bring a point back to the seaside.
With both penalties cancelling each other out, we could call this a 0-0 rather than a score draw. And I think that is exactly what Appleton was looking for. A clean sheet. A base to build on and give the defence some confidence. That was the first and most important thing that the new manager had to do.
In truth, although he has taken charge of a great bunch of talented players, aside from that Appleton has been left with a bit of a mess really. Ian Holloway obviously wasn’t committed to the job this year and has left behind a strange work ethic and a lot of players who are unhappy to be left in the shadows.
Ian Evatt has had a few things to say this week which shed some light on just what was going on at Blackpool recently. He has stated how the club had ‘become stale’ under Holloway and highlighted how little defensive work was done in training. In fact, how little actual training was done. He said “We hadn’t really done much training in the last couple of months. We had numerous days off, anything from two to five or six at a time. We are an honest bunch of lads who just want to work hard. At times we weren’t doing that. That’s probably why we had the bad spell.”
That’s a pretty revealing interview and goes some way to explaining why things went from fantastic to average so quickly under Holloway. As fans, we knew about the repeated days off, and during a bad spell it became a source of frustration, but nobody knew that the situation was as bad as it was. Six days off at a time is utterly ridiculous for a set of professional players. Initially, I thought Holloway was being a nice, understanding manager by allowing players to recharge, but as it went on and the holiday days multiplied, it became obvious that the manager was actually giving himself time off to visit his family or, as it appeared, other clubs.
But with a new manager comes a fresh start and the players seem to be enjoying having a new man around. A new training regime that consists of, well, training to start with, but also defending. This new way of work includes higher-intensity training to work on fitness and also keeping an eye on what the players eat afterwards. Although these things sound pretty standard, they were obviously lacking and hopefully the new manager can help bring a bit of discipline back to the camp and start an upturn in fortunes.
After just one full week in training his side managed to go a full game without conceding from open play, so it obviously had an effect. And he has a rare second full week in a row to work with the players some more and find the right balance between a solid defence and the attacking flair that this side is known for.
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It’s not yet known what Appleton’s remit is yet. Would we be happy with a steady top half finish, or does he pick up where we started the campaign harbouring dreams of automatic promotion?
We will find out soon enough but the first win or loss will be crucial as it will shape the views of the fans. For example, a win on Saturday will mean we are unbeaten under Appleton, yet a loss would mean we are without a win. Two very different sounding options resting on the first non-draw of Appleton’s reign.
But that is all for the future. For now, Michael Appleton has started to turn things around at Blackpool and has made a good start on his first objective of fixing a leaky defence and bringing back some hard work to the training pitch.
With less than 48 hours before the close of the January transfer window, there is still plenty of work at Liverpool left to do with both comings and goings within the squad, with a couple of moves still up in the air and a bit of deadwood to shift on.
The 40-year-old spoke of his desire to add a few fresh faces before the end of deadline day, telling reporters last week: “We hope to do some business between now and the end of the month. We know we still need one or two additions more and the club are doing everything they can to assist me in that.” With that in mind, what are the five things above all else that manager Brendan Rodgers needs to do before deadline day?
Decide what to do with Tom Ince – The club have taken a tough stance in transfer negotiations with Blackpool over the future of the England U-21 international winger, with Rodgers et al refusing to kowtow to Karl Oyston’s demands, the rather shady Seasiders chairman. Liverpool, somewhat understandably, believe that with the player out of contract in the summer and due to the fact that they retain a 35% sell-on clause from Ince’s move between the two clubs 18 months ago, an offer of between £4-6m is about right, but Blackpool look to be holding out for £8m with their own 30% sell-on clause attached.
To be honest, given he can leave for nothing at the end of the season, the Championship club are really in no sort of position to be making demands like that and after they reportedly turned down a £7m offer from Reading, who then subsequently withdrew from the race for his signature, Liverpool look like the only interested party again and they need to weigh up whether forking out £8m for him now or waiting until the summer is the best approach; you suspect it’s the latter.
Scout about for a second-choice goalkeeper – The standard of reserve goalkeepers in the Premier League has dropped all across the board these past five years horrendously, with the systemic dearth of talent effecting the entire global game, Brad Jones’ performance during the FA Cup defeat away at Oldham just cast further doubt on whether he’s quite good enough for the club. With Pepe Reina’s future somewhat up in the air amid likely interest from Barcelona, in search of a shot-stopper of their own after Victor Valdes’ decision to move to a new club at the end of the season when his contract expires, the 30-year-old Australian has already featured 12 times this season in the league and in Europe to due the Spaniard’s patchy injury record this term.
To say he’s failed to impress would be an understatement and the search for someone actually capable of stepping in to Reina’s shoes needs to become a priority. This also means addressing the future of Brazilian goalkeeper Doni, who appears to be at the club in spirit but increasingly homesick for a return home.
Click here to see the final three things that Liverpool need to do before transfer deadline day
Utilise the loan market – Manchester United have proven in recent times that the rewards for sending out promising players on loan are huge if the right playing environment conducive to their talent is found, with both Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley prime examples and Liverpool need to do more in this area. With West Ham so short at the back, particularly at left-back, would it have been the worst idea in the world to offer them Jack Robinson for the rest of the campaign and allow the raw 19-year-old some top flight experience? With Michael Ngoo and Danny Wilson already being packed off to Hearts in Scotland, players like Connor Coady, Jon Flanagan and Samed Yesil would seriously benefit from a short-term loan spell in the Championship or even lower.
What to do with Coates – Speaking of loan spells away, the club need to bring in a new centre-back to truly put pressure on the comfortable but ropey pairing of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, who have both been far from their best this season. The 22-year-old Uruguayan looks to be seriously struggling to adapt to English football and could do with a spell away from Anfield playing more regularly. This explains the club offering Vegard Forren a trial before he completed his move to Southampton and at the moment, Coates looks too slow to be trusted and rather worryingly for a 6ft 5′ centre-back, he looks vulnerable in the air with no great leap on him whatsoever. If Rodgers can secure the permanent signing of a new defender, as has been mooted, then a temporary home needs to be found for Coates.
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Move for another central midfielder – You may be forgiven for thinking that with Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva, Jonjo Shelvey, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson that the club is already reasonably well stocked in the middle of the park, but the squad are still a body light than at the start of the transfer window, with Nuri Sahin having his loan spell cut short early, and with the Europa League still to contend with, they could perhaps do with another fresh face capable of playing through the middle. Philippe Coutinho could be that man, but he’s most likely to be tried out wide first as he accommodates to English football, so while it’s not a more pressing need than say a new centre-back, it should still feature on the agenda if the club have the resources available at their disposal.
Wigan striker Arouna Kone has set his sights on a summer move to Everton, according to reports from Sky Sports.
The Ivorian has been linked with the Toffees, as well as both Liverpool and Swansea, over the course of the last few weeks, following the Latics’ relegation to the Championship.
And even though he only arrived at the DW Stadium a year ago, Kone is already keen to move on to avoid a season in the second tier.
Everton are said to be his first choice, with former chief Roberto Martinez now in charge at Goodison Park.
The Spaniard brought the 29-year-old to England and made him a key part of Wigan’s FA Cup winning squad.
As a result of their good relationship the front-man is keen for a reunion.
Everton have already made an enquiry, but it is thought that his employers are holding out for £6million, a sum which would activate a release clause in his contract.
Kone netted an impressive 11 Premier League goals in his debut campaign, but could not do enough to drag Wigan clear of the drop zone.
The striker has a wealth of experience, having played for clubs in Belgium, Holland, Spain and Germany.
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Is Arouna Kone to Everton a good deal for everybody involved?
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has joined Juventus on a season long loan after being told he was surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium.
The Danish international spent last season on loan at Sunderland where he couldn’t convince the North East side to make the move permanent. Bendtner’s Arsenal career has never really taken off, with boastful comments in the press and underwhelming performances on the pitch causing him to be out of favour with Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners have signed two strikers already this summer and the move abroad may be the injection that the tall forwards career needs.
Juventus missed out on Dimitar Berbatov earlier today and so immediately turned their attention to Bendtner who will see out the season in Turin.
Juventus sporting director, Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia: “He has talent and ability. Potentially a great player, one that has almost never been able to prove it.”
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Roberto Martinez says that the Europa League is an exciting challenge for his Everton side and one that will help his players to progress.
After narrowly missing out on a spot in the Champions League, the Toffees are gearing up for the continent’s second biggest club competition, with German side Wolfsburg set to take to the turf at Goodison Park tomorrow night.
While a number of managers – including Jose Mourinho in the run up to his side’s recent game – have slated the Europa League for it’s demanding Thursday night fixtures and long trips, Martinez is at the other end of the spectrum in regards to the tournament.
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The Spaniard says that it’s honour to be involved in games against big sides and that the extra fixtures and new challenges will help his squad to build on the development they made last season:
“We are very excited, we have been working hard for 12 months to achieve this opportunity.” He is quoted by The Mirror.
“The Europa League is a great competition. It’s where we need to be, testing ourselves. The only way to fulfil our potential is by playing games, like the one we are going to have tomorrow.
“The draw has been really kind in bringing two phenomenal football teams of the quality of Lille and Wolfsburg to Goodison.
“It’s a phenomenal challenge for us.
“But that’s what we want at Everton. That’s the expectation we want to bring to ourselves. We embrace playing in Europe and it’s what we need to fulfil our potential as a squad.
“I know the potential here is huge and in order to fulfil that, we have to play games like this one we are going to be facing tomorrow.”
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Everton are in Group H alongside Wolfsburg, Lille and Russian side FC Krasnodar.
Boss Mauricio Pochettino claims there is no ill-feeling between himself and the former Southampton manager Nigel Adkins.
The Argentine replaced Adkins in controversial circumstances back in January just after his predecessor had overseen a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and with Saints enjoying a decent run of form.
But since the ex-Espanyol boss took over he has led the club to notable victories over the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Adkins returns to St Mary’s on Saturday, however, with his new club Reading after he took over from Brian McDermott at the Madejski Stadium when the 51-year-old was sacked last month.
“I have no problem with Nigel Adkins,” Pochettino told the Sun.
“I have full respect for him and for what he achieved at Southampton.”
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Adkins’ and his assistant manager Andy Crosby’s main issue is thought to be with Saints executive chairman Nicola Cortese, with the terms of their release still thought to be unsettled.
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes that his side’s 1-1 draw away to Real Madrid in the Champions League has given them the edge in the tie.
The Red Devils took the lead in at the Bernabeu through Danny Welbeck, but were pegged back by former hero Cristiano Ronaldo.
After netting what could be a vital away goal, van Persie feels that United have moved ahead in the race for a spot in the quarter-finals, but he also insisted that there is plenty of work left to do:
“Slightly.” He responded when asked by Sky Sports if the result has put them on top in the tie:
“But at this level I don’t think these kinds of teams really care whether they are home or away.
“We don’t really care and they don’t really care. It’s just half-time now and we’ll be ready for the second half.
“There were chances for both sides and it was a great game to watch,”
The Dutchman had a few opportunities to hand the Premier League leaders a shock win in Spain, but was unable to convert.
He admitted that he was frustrated at being incapable of giving his side a shock aggregate lead, but that the result is still a positive one:
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“We had a couple of good chances but if you had said before the game we would draw 1-1 then most of us would have taken it.”
Welbeck headed a Wayne Rooney corner past Diego Lopez to give United the lead on 20 minutes, but Ronaldo netted shortly after to level the scores.
But in Sean O’Driscoll’s first week of league games in charge of Nottingham Forest, he’s managed to retain the belief and posotivity of the fans. Emotions of football fans fluctuate at the best of times, but the thousands following Forest at the moment remain quietly optimistic.
It’s tradition for Forest to get off to a slow start. This is a new era, though. New owners, new manager, new team.
As they headed into the opening game against Bristol City at the City Ground, there was a different feel to the game, as if times were about to change, and so they did. Forest ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Adlene Guedioura on his 2nd debut for the club.
Tapping the shirt as he runs away in elation, Guedioura showed more passion in his celebration than many that represented the club last year did when they played.
Forest had got their first goal on an opening day for so many years, and coupled with that, their first win. A great start to the Al-Hasawi reign, leaving the supporters going home satisfied, and many staying behind to queue at the ticket office, buying for future games. The taste of a convincing victory, the positive atmosphere, and people were left wanting more.
What was the message from O’Driscoll and Fawaz Al-Hasawi?
“Forest will do better in future games”, says Fawaz Al-Hasawi.
“It’s a beginning”, remarks Sean O’Driscoll.
Nobody is getting carried away, and that will be the story for every game. Everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, with the intention of striving for improvement in the next match. Anything beyond the next game is quickly dismissed in a calm but stern manner.
In the second game of the season, 2,200 Forest fans followed their team to Huddersfield, ready for a testing game from the team that had just gained promotion from League One and were bound to have momentum on their side.
Huddersfield Town were outplayed, and were taught a footballing lesson by a Forest side yet to gel. The much talked about Jordan Rhodes barely got a kick, as the away team left them chasing shadows for long periods. Simon Cox finished brilliantly to put Forest into the lead, and the game was there to be killed off.
It wasn’t, and Dan Harding’s silly mistake in the final minute meant Huddersfield had a penalty, which was put away by Rhodes.
Negativity from Forest fans perhaps, for chucking away 2 points?
Far from it. Despite the obvious initial disappointment, the Reds contingent were in a positive frame of mind. They had witnessed a Forest side who had yet to gel, dominate a Huddersfield team full of very capable Championship players. The new front line of Blackstock and Cox were showing promise, as was Simon Gillett, the free transfer who was receiving plenty of plaudits.
It was always going to be a tougher test against recently relegated Bolton. Their style of play and quality of players meant the Forest players had to be on their game.
They did not disappoint.
It finished 2-2, and it was a fair result at the Reebok. Not many teams will go to Bolton and pick up any points, but Forest did, and were well worthy. They went there and in the first half especially, proved to Bolton and the division they are to be taken seriously.
How did the respective managers of both teams react?
“Give credit to Bolton”, O’Driscoll kindly commented.
“That’s a game we should have won”, Owen Coyle sharply said.
Two totally different reactions. The unassuming Sean O’Driscoll showing respect to the opposition, whilst Owen Coyle’s reaction is one of a man under intense pressure, wanting to convince himself more than anyone his side did enough.
O’Driscoll is under no pressure, which will work in his sides favour this season. The only factor that has worked against O’Driscoll and Forest so far is that two of the games have been chosen for television coverage.
‘SOD’ is known for playing things down, but televised games get neutrals talking. Televised games get the media talking.
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Whilst outside appreciation is nice, it’s not needed.
Nottingham Forest fans are all smiling. That in itself is a very good achievement.
Nobody is sniping unnecessarily. Nobody is expecting. Everyone is just sitting back and watching, as it all takes shape.
Sky Sports, BBC, and any other media outlet: There’s one message… Everything is going just fine, and there’s nothing to see here. Turn around and televise the headline makers.
Who cares if The Football League Show only show 30 seconds of highlights, and it largely gets portrayed as the opposition dominating, when every Forest fan knows different.
The longer Forest go unnoticed this season, the better chance there is of success at the end of it.