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Post by Webster on Feb 10, 2023 18:05:33 GMT
note: Continuing from the previous thread here....(The Guardian) Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is relishing his first crack at the A23 derby. The Seagulls take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in one of five Saturday 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League. De Zerbi said: “I live for this game. It’s an honour to play this game. We must play a bold game, aggressive game, but I don’t want to lose our quality, our style of play. The first part of the season has been fantastic in terms of results, in terms of quality of play, and we have to continue in this way. But tomorrow is a different game. “The emotions are the most important part of football and we have to feel the emotion in the football. But we have to be clear to the other things, to be focused on the game, on our quality, on our style of play, but we have to feel it’s a different game. We want to beat them for sure. We want to make our fans happy. It will be a very important game for us. I love this kind of game, we are ready to play.” World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is back for Brighton following the Argentina midfielder’s one-match ban for picking up five yellow cards. “It will be great to have Alexis back, he will play tomorrow,” said De Zerbi. “He’s a very important player for us, it’s excellent to have him available.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 10, 2023 18:06:51 GMT
(The Guardian) So, West Ham boss David Moyes *thrusts mic in face*… would YOU like to have done a Chelsea and spent £320m on eight new transfers in the transfer window, ballooning your squad to 33 players? “I’m not sure I would. I think sometimes you want to build a team and take it forward. It’s not an easy job. The hardest part as a manager is who to leave out,” said Moyes ahead of West Ham’s London derby clash with Chelsea at the London Stadium this weekend. “It can take time, I can tell you that with us bringing new players in. I think when you spend £600million, it should give you half a chance. But money isn’t the only thing to do with football, you’ve got to get the team right, you’ve got to get other parts of it going well. “Hopefully we can give Chelsea a good game, obviously they are a really good team, they’ve got some really talented players they’ve bought in, but they will need time to gel just like the ones we brought in in the summer have taken a bit of time to gel as well.” West Ham are only a point above the drop zone after a difficult campaign but Moyes is looking up not down. “I believe we can have a good season. We have still got a lot to play for. I think we’re showing a little bit better signs in some areas but we’re going to be challenged by good teams like Chelsea, we’re going to be challenged in the European competition, which we’re going into again in March, and we’re in the next round of the FA Cup. We want to try and keep ourselves involved in as many tournaments as we can. But our focus is solely on the Chelsea game and trying to do the best we can against Chelsea.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 12, 2023 6:58:09 GMT
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Post by Webster on Feb 15, 2023 19:08:11 GMT
(BBC Sport) Manchester United scored twice in the final 10 minutes at Elland Road to leave managerless Leeds deep in relegation trouble. Five days on from Marcus Rashford netting the Red Devils' first goal as they came back from 2-0 down at home to draw against the same opponents, the England striker broke the deadlock when he met Luke Shaw's curling cross to head in his 21st goal of the season. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho then outpaced the home defence before beating Illan Meslier at his near post to the obvious joy of manager Erik ten Hag on the touchline. The result was harsh on Leeds, who created a number of decent opportunities but could not beat visiting goalkeeper David de Gea. However, in the end it was the visitors who displayed an extra touch of class to take them seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham in the battle for a Champions League spot. Leeds are in a far more precarious position at the other end of the table and will drop into the relegation zone if Everton win Monday's Merseyside derby at Anfield. The Whites need to arrest a damaging nine-game winless run that has brought just four points from a possible 27, with the need to replace Jesse Marsch, who was sacked last week, now more urgent than ever. (BBC Sport) Three first-half goals helped Manchester City see off Aston Villa in their first game since being accused of more than 100 rule breaches by the Premier League. Those allegations have made it a testing week off the pitch for the defending champions but they responded in impressive style with some vibrant early attacking play, and were able to survive a slightly nervy finish. It was not quite a vintage display by Pep Guardiola's side, who will go top of the table if they beat leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, but they were much more like their old selves. The noisy atmosphere certainly helped. Guardiola had issued a defiant response to the charges before the game, and City's fans reacted in similar fashion at a vibrant Etihad Stadium, singing songs about their situation and in support of their manager, and also the club's owner Sheikh Mansour. City's players appeared galvanised too, and made the perfect start when Rodri headed home Riyad Mahrez's corner, but they had to wait until just before the break to add to their lead. Calum Chambers' attempt to cut out a Kevin de Bruyne through-ball saw him head the ball beyond his on-rushing keeper Emi Martinez and, although Erling Haaland could not convert from a tight angle, he had the composure to look up and find Ilkay Gundogan for a tap-in. Mahrez made it 3-0 from the penalty spot soon afterwards, after Jacob Ramsey had clipped Jack Grealish inside the box. That should have been the end of Villa's hopes, but they were gifted a way back into the game just after the hour mark. Bernardo Silva's error allowed Ollie Watkins space to run through and he beat Ederson with a cool finish. City still had the cushion of a two-goal lead but continued to be sloppy when they played out from the back and were grateful to see a long-range effort from Philippe Coutinho deflected just over, while Jhon Duran hit the bar with a fierce volley in the dying seconds.
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Post by Webster on Feb 15, 2023 19:09:21 GMT
(BBC Sport) Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said "it felt like us, it looked like us," after the Reds recorded their first Premier League win in 2023 with a comfortable Merseyside derby victory over Everton at Anfield. Sean Dyche's reign as Everton manager got off to the perfect start with a win over league leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park, but the task he has taken on after succeeding sacked Frank Lampard was laid out before him in graphic detail as they remain rooted in the bottom three. Everton had actually kept Liverpool at arm's length before they were caught by a devastating counter-attack after 36 minutes, defender James Tarkowski's header hitting the post at one end before Darwin Nunez raced clear, squaring for Mohamed Salah to take advantage of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's poor positioning with a simple finish. Liverpool snuffed out any hopes of an Everton recovery four minutes after the break. And it was a special moment for £45m January signing Cody Gakpo, as he tapped in Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross at the far post for his first goal since arriving at Anfield from PSV Eindhoven. "The result is a massive relief," Klopp said to BBC's Match of the Day. "The better you play the more likely you will score. The whole performance was extremely important for us because we needed to make a statement."
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Post by Webster on Feb 16, 2023 22:01:20 GMT
(BBC Sport) Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League for the first time since November as they leapfrogged leaders Arsenal with a vital victory at Emirates Stadium. The reigning champions turned on the power in the second half in the biggest game of the domestic season as Arsenal paid a heavy price for individual errors. Takehiro Tomiyasu's poor backpass allowed Kevin de Bruyne to loft a finish over Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after 24 minutes but Arsenal deservedly drew level three minutes before half-time, Bukayo Saka scoring from the spot after City goalkeeper Ederson fouled Eddie Nketiah. City, lacking spark in the opening phase, improved after the break and had a penalty of their own ruled out for offside against Erling Haaland before they showed a ruthless streak to punish Arsenal. Gabriel lost possession to allow Bernardo Silva and Haaland to set up Jack Grealish for a deflected finish after 72 minutes before they ended Arsenal's hopes with 10 minutes left. Inevitably, Haaland was the scorer from De Bruyne's pass to put City top on goal difference having played one game more than Arsenal.
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:27:46 GMT
(The Guardian) Arsenal 'highly motivated' for title challenge, says ArtetaThe Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, is naturally staying upbeat despite giving up top spot in the Premier League this week after the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City. “I know the right things we have to do to continue to be there [at the top],” Arteta said. “We have seen where the level is and what we have to do to be at that level, we are in that journey. There are a lot of positive things to take from the season … I have seen it with my eyes … We know that the level of efficiency has to be good with every single ball to beat them [Manchester City] at the end. I repeat myself but the team are highly motivated to do that. If you want to win the league you are going to have to dig deep … you have to win in many different contexts.” Asked what his minimum expectation for the season is – EG Champions League qualification – Arteta refuses to look too far ahead: “The minimum is today that they need to train exceptionally well - that is the minimum.” Regarding Arsenal’s recent slump, the Spaniard says: “We have to look at ourselves. We have to be more efficient - with amount of play and situations we generated we haven’t had enough points. That is down to us, we have to improve on that because we want to win more games. So we are highly motivated for tomorrow’s game because we want to perform well and win the game.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:28:49 GMT
(The Guardian) As for a fitness update from the Gunners, Arteta said that Thomas Partey continues to suffer from a back muscle problem and will be assessed before tomorrow’s match at Aston Villa. So there is a chance he will be involved. Gabriel Jesus is still out, although getting closer to fitness, but in better news, Emile Smith Rowe will be training today. “If he’s fine [after training], he will be in the squad,” Arteta says of Smith Rowe.
On Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, Arteta’s compatriot, the former Arsenal manager: “He will always put a very difficult test. He is a very good manager,” Arteta says. “I have huge respect for him, and for what he has done at every club he has been and the success he has had. Big respect for him.” Of the loss against City, Arteta believes Arsenal were the architects of their own downfall: “You have to give credit to a team when they beat you, but when you analyse the game again, I think we lost it.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:34:22 GMT
(The Guardian) The England defender Tyrone Mings has signed a new contract at Aston Villa, it has emerged:
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:40:02 GMT
(The Guardian) Guardiola focused on City's Forest trip Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola is asked: How does he see the title race now. following the midweek win against Arsenal? “Arsenal still have one game in hand, so … nothing changed much … it’s forgotten [the match against Arsenal], and we are just thinking about Nottingham Forest. How important is momentum in the Premier League title race? “Momentum is when you win 10 games in a row. It didn’t happen this season. We lost three games ago in London, against Tottenham. Momentum is tomorrow at 3pm, be ready mentally … [against] a team that lost just one game in the last six … [Nottingham Forest] … with a manager I respect a lot, what he has done for English football … they have a young team. What they have done last season, he took over when they were in a really difficult position, and they got promoted.” Is Guardiola pleased with Jack Grealish’s form? “He is playing really good. His ambition, his aggressivity, attacking the back line, and the quality … his commitment to be: “OK, I am going to take a risk” … but he has to continue.” Guardiola is now asked about Kevin De Bruyne’s form: “Really good … like Jack [Grealish], like everyone, I am so pleased for everyone, but I want more. I still have the feeling Kevin can do more. Jack can do more. They can do it better. That would be the best word. They can do it. Of course he [De Bruyne] made a fantastic goal [against Arsenal] … but for the rest of the season, we will have tough, aggressive opponents … we need the players to have the feeling we can do better. Will John Stones play tomorrow? “No. But he is getting better.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:40:58 GMT
(The Guardian) Guardiola continued: “[To have a strong leadership group] is the most important thing. I’ve been with huge characters at Barcelona, at Bayern Munich, and here. And in the tough moments, under pressure, they make a step forward, they go there without fear. Playing good, or playing bad, at the end of the day is not the most important thing. During the season you cannot be, especially a long time winning titles, you cannot maintain the quality I would say … it’s impossible to maintain three times a week during 11 months, in six/seven years. Honestly, it’s impossible. “When you win a lot of titles, at the beginning of the season, it’s like: OK, we have time. But there are teams behind … they believe we don’t have time. To do it in August, September, you realise: “Oh, we are 20 points behind.” Unfortunately it didn’t happen here [while he’s been at City]. When we didn’t win, always we were close, except the year Liverpool won the league … Always we were quite close … Still 15 games left, a lot of games. We want to arrive in the last eight, 10 games close, or top. “We are in a position that I would have dreamed in the beginning of the season … I could not expect to be a lot of points in front after winning back to back. It’s almost impossible.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:41:42 GMT
(The Guardian) A few nuggets from Southampton, where their latest caretaker-manager, Rubén Sellés, has been talking with some confidence about the job on his hands and what he can bring to it. “I feel comfoertable,” said the Spaniard. “l’m an honest person, I have been through all levels in football – not her but in the rest of the world, and I have a lot of personal experience. We are working really hard with the team, doing our best. The club will make a decision but I will be more than happy to take the job … We trust that we will be ready for almost any scenario. “I think the group of players is amazing. the way they work is good, we need to give them the best chance to win the game tomorrow and find an identity.” Sellés added that Che Adams was their only major injury doubt for tomorrow’s game against Chelsea. On the subject of Southampton, this was an interesting piece yesterday – if a slightly depressing one – about the fear that Saints’ failed Nathan Jones experiment may further deter Premier League clubs from taking a punt on successful EFL managers. Though I’d argue that Jones, and his curious career trajectory (two wildly successful spells at Luton, failure at Stoke and Southampton) are not typical. And of course Premier League clubs have sometimes had their fingers burned on employing big-name managers with little experience and no grounding at lower levels.
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:42:48 GMT
(The Guardian) We’ve not talked Everton yet have we? Well Sean Dyche has been discussing the need for his side to find the right balance after contrasting dispays against Arsenal (bold and dynamic) and Liverpool (limp and outplayed). Here’s some PA Media quotes before their game against Leeds. “Over the two games – of course the derby is a different importance,” Dyche said. “I’m well aware of that – taking three points, I think most people would go, ‘OK, that’s a reasonable start’. “Two performances, similar in one way, against two good sides. Not that much in it, not as much as people were suggesting. We didn’t create as much against Liverpool – it’s hard creating really good opportunities away from home. I thought we did create enough against Arsenal. So finding that balance of making the team tight but also having enough freedom to go and operate and play forwards and affect the opposition. “That’s what we’ve been talking about with the players moving into the next game – not just being solid and working hard, which is of course a real prerequisite of mine, but working smart and opening the game up. We’re learning about the players, we’re pushing them hard, we’re pushing their boundaries. Something I’ve been obsessed with for many years is raising the minimum. How can we stop off-days? That’s got to go into performances, and I’m aware we have to do it rapid style.”
Some words from Julen Lopetegui, who’s been talking up Bournemouth, his in-form Wolves side’s opponents this weekend: “For me they’re a very good team and I have seen their last matches – in the last match against Newcastle they had good chances to win, they are aware of their strengths, are a very tactically ordered team, compact and narrow, they have high-quality players with the ball. It will be a hard match. Buttered up by questions about the team’s turnaround, thje Wolves manager says: “I never had any particular expectations [about turning it around quickly]. We believe in the players but they have to show their qualities, and be ready for each match.” Told that no team bottom of the Premier League at Christmas has ever finished in the top half, Lopetegui replies: “I’m not interested in history, in statistics this is not football, football is about the present.”
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:45:25 GMT
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Post by Webster on Feb 17, 2023 18:47:10 GMT
(The Guardian) (We join the Villa press conference halfway through an answer, but I think Unai Emery is asked about Tyrone Mings first, who’s just signed a new long-term deal at 29): “30 is young, the players now are extending their career … at Villarreal I had players at 39, 40 … I think Mings is in his best moment in his career. A bit mature. Experienced, but young enough to extend his career physically. “Of course, we are trying to improve as a team, qualitatively … to help him be confident, to play better … I think he can progress with us … I think the supporters love him. He [Mings] is in the squad. He trained today and yesterday, but we are going to decide tomorrow morning. “Tomorrow [against Arsenal] our challenge is clear. Our objective doesn’t change. When I arrived here we were at “the bottom” … we progressed … two weeks ago, before the match against Leicester we were excited at the possibility of being in the top 10, to get close to the European places … but the target is the same … our first target this year is to escape off the bottom, try to add points, and be in the top 10. Of course if we can catch some teams, we are going to do it … tomorrow we are going to face Arsenal, a very good team, in a very good moment … thinking about the season. Not the last matches, but I think it’s not changing their confidence, how they are progressing, how they are playing, how they can have possibilities to win the title this year. “For me Arsenal was a very good experience. I was there one year and a half more or less … you have to be, in bad moments, to learn, to be stronger, and I think I became a better coach after my experiences in Arsenal. I am so grateful to the owners, to the players, to the club, the fans … but now I am at Aston Villa. “Now I am here, I want to live a new moment for me, for us, to share my experiences, to share the competitive idea I have in my mind … I am trying to do it but I know at the beginning we need time, we need confidence, we need one process to do it.”
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