Martin O’Neill applauded the fighting spirit of Steven Fletcher, who overcame a late fitness test, for his part in Sunderland’s 3-0 Premier League win against Reading.
The Scottish international was doubtful for the game after suffering an ankle injury last week, but made a speedy recovery in time for kick-off.
He managed to get on the score-sheet as the Black Cats rose out of the relegation zone, and O’Neill was delighted with his striker’s attitude:
“Fletcher had done absolutely no work whatsoever. When you were talking to me yesterday, I genuinely wasn’t sure that he could play in the game.” He told SkySports.
“He came out this morning just to do a bit of a loosener and thought he wanted to give it a go.
“I personally thought if he could see it to half-time and just slightly into the second half, he would do great for us.”He has been terrific for us, really terrific. You just feel that he is likely to get you a goal in there.
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“Danny Rose did very, very well, but when it came in, he turned it into a goal for us and it was great.”
James McClean gave Sunderland the lead after just three minutes, before Fletcher flicked home with half-an-hour gone to double the lead. Stephane Sessegnon completed the scoring late on with a calm finish.
According to Turkish journalist Safak Malatya on his Twitter account, Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Besiktas centre-back Domagoj Vida, rated at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, this summer, and Wolves fans have been quick to react to the rumour and the Croatia international’s latest 2018 World Cup display.
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The west Midlands outfit’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who should be targeting a move for another 28-year-old World Cup defender as an upgrade on Matt Doherty, may well be looking to strengthen his central defensive options ahead of the club’s Premier League return, and while he has signed Willy Boly on a permanent basis he may not be finished there.
Vida, who shone in his nation’s brilliant 3-0 win against Argentina on Thursday night which ensured they qualified for the knockout stages with a group game to spare, has only been with the Turkish giants since January but could already be on the move.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257236″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five things we learned from England 21 Tunisia”]
Wolves supporters have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the rumour and Vida’s performance, and while one said “class defender had Messi in his pocket”, another said he “would complement Coady and Boly”.
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Eight points clear of the drop zone, and having enjoyed a two week-long layoff during which time they took in a warm weather training trip to Dubai, Everton head into Saturday’s game at Watford knowing they have some breathing room if anything were to go wrong.
And it’s a good thing that they do, as the Toffees are currently braving an eight-man injury list that includes the club’s veteran full backs Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines and a potentially season-ending blow to centre-back Eliaquim Mangala.
Here is a full report on these three players, according to Premier Injuries:
Eliaquim Mangala
When was he injured?: Only two games into his loan spell from Manchester City, Mangala sustained a knee injury during the club’s training trip to Dubai.
Potential injury return date: None given at the moment but likely next season.
Will he be missed?: Not that there’s ever a good time to be injured, but if the City loanee could have picked a time to go down, it would have been now. With Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman all coming back from injuries in the next week or so, Allardyce should be able to cope with his loss.
What the manager said: “The injuries this week were a blow, with Mangala in particular – that looks like it could be long-term, which is a great shame for him and for us because I think he was a very good addition to the squad.”
Seamus Coleman
When was he injured?: Coleman sustained a thigh injury in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on February 10th, but it is said to not be related to the double leg break which had kept him out for most of 2017.
Potential injury return date: None given but Allardyce says that he will be fit ‘very quickly’.
Will he be missed?: Should he not be available for this weekend’s game against Watford, Allardyce may be forced to resort to the three-man defence which was run so ragged by Arsenal in the February 3rd defeat. If he can get both Coleman and Baines back, however, the Toffees will hopefully see a performance more reminiscent of their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in their last league game.
What the manager said: “Seamus has a (thigh) muscle injury and will have a scan tomorrow,” Allardyce said. “It is not related to the broken leg he suffered.”
Leighton Baines
When was he injured?: Baines has been out since the November 26th trip to Southampton where he sustained a calf injury, but took part in full training sessions during the training camp in Dubai.
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Potential injury return date: 8/03/18
Will he be missed?: Despite his age, Baines is still one of Everton’s best players and his experience at full-back is a godsend for the youngsters in the starting lineup like Mason Holgate.
What the manager said: “He is running and we would expect by Watford he will be clear of the injuries.”
Jose Mourinho says Frank Lampard could succeed him as Chelsea manager in the future, reports the Daily Mirror.
Lampard is set to come up against the club he left in the summer for the first time, when Chelsea travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City tomorrow.
Mourinho admits he was surprised Lampard opted to join the Premier League champions on loan, but says that shouldn’t stop him succeeding him as boss in the future.
“I still believe that what this club proposed to him, which is to be back when he wants and to do what he wants – these were the words from Mr Abramovich – I think it’s not in any danger,” Mourinho said.
“It’s just a period of his career. We thought he was going to play for New York. He decided to play for City. It was just an option, and he had that right to do that. His place in Chelsea’s history is untouchable. I think, in the future, nothing has been lost. He can be back one day, I think so. If he wants to be a manager, he could succeed me.”
Mourinho has been busy creating a new look attacking Chelsea side since Lampard’s departure, and the Portuguese coach says he believes owner Roman Abramovich is delight with their start to the season.
“When I watch television and I see him hugging his young kids after a Chelsea goal, it’s easy to understand it’s a moment of happiness,” said the Portuguese coach. “He’s enjoying it, obviously.
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“My feeling is every Chelsea fan – and he’s not just a fan, but the owner – is happy. The team are playing well . The team are getting good results. The draw against Schalke is not a good result, but is not a dramatic result. The way the team plays, everything we are showing on the pitch not just our philosophy but the way the team faces the competition – everything is positive.”
West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes his side can maintain their excellent form in the Premier League.
The Baggies are riding high in fifth place, following a 2-1 win away at Wigan.
As well as this, the Midlanders have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Everton to amass 20 points.
Despite many predicting that his side won’t be able to maintain their challenge, Clarke believes the depth of his squad will give them a good chance:
“We’ve got a lot of options in our squad which gives me some fantastic problems.” He is quoted by the Daily Mail.
“We play with intensity going forward and I was a little concerned the ones who played on Monday night might be carrying fatigue.
“I’ve got a quality squad and I have to use them. They know they’re all valuable in terms of the club going forward.”
Clarke has enjoyed a good start to life in the hot-seat following his switch from the assistant manager position at Liverpool.
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He appears to be getting the best out of players such as winger James Morrison, who netted the opening goal of the win on Saturday.
Clarke’s next challenge comes in the shape of Chelsea, who will be visiting the Hawthorns next weekend.
According to reports from Manchester Evening News, contrary to popular belief, Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld isn’t a top target on Manchester United’s shortlist. The Red Devils are allegedly unconvinced over whether the Belgium international has the right profile, and his potential price-tag probably has something to do with it as well.
But the chances of staying at Tottenham still seem uncertain. Not only has Mauricio Pochettino’s first team moved on in Alderweireld’s absence over the last few months, with Davinson Sanchez stepping up to fill the void, but his contract situation is yet to be resolved and a release clause is still set to come into effect next summer.
Which begs an interesting question – if not Manchester United, who should Alderweireld look to join this summer? Football FanCast lay out four suggested solutions…
Solution A – Chelsea
Tottenham fans certainly won’t look kindly on Alderweireld joining one of their London rivals but Chelsea were linked with the powerful defender back in April and he’d certainly suit their current game-plan of 3-4-3, having often excelled in the same setup during his time at Tottenham. In fact, having played at full-back for portions of his earlier career and being so adept on the ball, Alderweireld would be something close to a perfect fit for Chelsea’s back three.
The question though, is whether the Blues will actually use that system next season – it’s still unclear whether Antonio Conte will be in charge or someone else will bring in their own ideas – and overall, the west London club feels like its on the decline with Roman Abramovich not even able to get a working visa for the UK currently. It could prove to be an incredibly dangerous club to walk into, and at the age of 29 Alderweireld can’t afford to make a mistake with his next move.
Solution B – PSG
With Thiago Silva by no means the world class specimen he was a few years ago at the age of 33, PSG’s defence is certainly in need of another leading centre-half at the peak of his powers. Alderweireld can more than fill that remit, especially in Ligue 1 which isn’t hugely competitive outside of the top few clubs, with Marquinhos and youngster Presnel Kimpembe representing his only real competition for a starting berth aside from the ageing Brazilian.
But the big problem with PSG is how their season only truly rests on a few games, the rest being a mere formality. For the French giants it’s all about winning the Champions League and having yet to surpass the quater-finals, it’s created huge pressure at Parc de Princes that seems to suffocate the players in those campaign-defining contests. It’s a question of whether Alderweireld really thinks he can take the team to the next level, and how he wants to play his football – facing competitive teams week in, week out, or being asked to only really turn up for the make-or-break occasions.
The other issue is whether PSG can actually afford a deal for Alderweireld as the net of Financial Fair Play begins to close in on the big spenders.
Solution C – Barcelona
A few years ago, signing for Barcelona would have been every player’s dream. For some it still is, but there’s little doubt the Catalan club have gone in reverse over the last few years, falling some way off the pace in the Champions League and struggling to really refresh a team that has lost some key players – the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves – to age.
Perhaps Alderwerield could be a key player in arresting that decline, but it’s not quite clear where he fits into this team either. Gerard Pique is still one of the best centre-halves around and a crucial component of Barcelona’s ability to build from the back, while Samuel Umtiti is so widely coveted that Barcelona almost can’t afford not to play him because they’ll be awash with transfer bids from all over Europe.
Barcelona no doubt need another option, having depended on Thomas Vermaelen for parts of last season, but is Alderweireld really going to move clubs to become part of the squad rather than the starting XI?
Solution D – Stay at Tottenham
Not all bridges have been burned quite yet. Clearly there’s a disagreement over Alderweireld’s contract, which has resulted in some kind of fall-out with Mauricio Pochettino who left the Belgian on the sidelines for the vast majority of the second half of last season, even in Tottenham’s most important games. But Spurs still recognise the fact the former Atletico man is one of the best defenders around, and Pochettino will surely welcome him back into the fold if Alderweireld states his commitment to the club.
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That no doubt comes in the form of a new contract, eradicating the aforementioned release clause. But Alderweireld – who Transfermarkt value at £36million – may find it surprisingly tough to get back into Pochettino’s starting XI after such a strong debut campaign from Sanchez alongside Jan Vertonghen. The Lilywhites have moved on without him, so perhaps it’s best for Alderweireld to move on this summer too.
So, which solution should Alderweireld choose? Let us know by voting below…
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The first silverware of the season is on offer on Sunday as Arsenal and Manchester City square off in the Carabao Cup final.
While most of Pep Guardiola’s team seems set in stone, the sheer depth of attacking options has left the Spaniard with a selection headache ahead of Sunday’s clash. Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are all likely to start, so that just leaves one attacking spot left to fill.
Leroy Sané, who started last time out against Wigan, would have been the clear first choice earlier in the season, but an injury to the German speedster against Cardiff opened the door for Bernardo Silva to make his mark on the first team.
Silva has scored or assisted in six of his last ten games in all competitions, and is tailor-made for a Pep Guardiola team. The Portuguese midfielder, valued at £36million by Transfermarkt, had a slow start to his City career but has made up for lost time with some superb performances.
The nine-cap winger endured a similar start to life under Pep Guardiola, who clearly has no problem taking his time to bed players in. Like Silva, the 22 year-old Sané has since proved his worth with his electrifying pace and clinical finishing.
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So, Manchester City fans, who should Pep Guardiola opt for on Sunday? Let us know by voting below…
Arsenal are said to be one of two teams in the Premier League chasing Federico Fazio. The Sevilla centre-back has been a regular for his club in recent seasons, helping them to the Europa League title last season.
There are obvious concerns about Fazio, notably his defensive awareness to counter a severe lack of pace. His stature is very similar to that of Per Mertesacker, but the German has looked far more comfortable than the Argentine.
Fazio has improved over the past 12 months, however. Initially he would have been a considerable risk, but he has shown more composure in his game than what was regularly seen from him in the past.
If Arsenal do wrap up a deal for the 27-year-old, where he’d possibly replace Thomas Vermaelen in the squad, the club will need to continue to invest.
These are six players who could follow Fazio to Arsenal.
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Click on Antoine Griezmann to reveal all
Football – Ecuador v France – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group E – Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 25/6/14France’s Antoine Griezmann (L) in action against Ecuador’s Frickson ErazoMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
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Alexis Sanchez
Football – Spain v Chile – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group B – Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 18/6/14Chile’s Alexis Sanchez warms up before the matchMandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Recent rumours of Alexis Sanchez heading to Liverpool should send Arsenal scrambling. In a summer where there is little clarity about who Arsenal’s star striker purchase will be, they can’t afford to pass on the availability of the Chile international.
Alexis is everything Arsenal need as a centre-forward. He allows for a completely different approach to what Olivier Giroud offers, able to inject pace, trickery a consistent source of goals. Considering Arsenal targeted Luis Suarez last summer, Alexis would make a lot of sense as the club’s prime target this year.
Alexis has had one of the best season’s of his career, and by staring at the World Cup for Chile, this is the best time to sign a player who was recently struggling for form and confidence.
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Mathieu Debuchy
Football – Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur – Barclays Premier League – St James’ Park – 13/14 – 12/2/14Mathieu Debuchy – Newcastle United Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed SykesEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further det
Mathieu Debuchy is said to miss the Champions League, in what is a not-too-subtle indicator that he’s thinking about life away from Newcastle. The French international signed for the club for a bargain fee of £5.5 million in January 2013 and has adapted well to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old was a part of Lille’s title winning side, and, being a French international, does have the quality to replace Bacary Sagna as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back.
It isn’t too clear where Arsene Wenger will be moving in order to address the right-back position in his squad; Carl Jenkinson is too far off from being given the starting role. But Debuchy could be a low-cost, high-quality addition for the club, certainly if other targets prove to be unattainable.
Serge Aurier
Football – Greece v Ivory Coast – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group C – Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil – 24/6/14Greece’s Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (R) in action with Ivory Coast’s Serge AurierMandatory Credit: Action Images / Jed LeicesterLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Serge Aurier has reportedly agreed a contract with Arsenal, and with the Ivory Coast now out of the World Cup, expect more to emerge on this story in the coming days.
The 21-year-old full-back has done a lot to impressive over the past season, and this World Cup will do a lot for his reputation outside of France. Aurier is quick, strong and comfortable at both ends of the pitch. He’d be considered a step up from Bacary Sagna in the attacking third, with Aurier appearing to have a superior delivery to the former Arsenal full-back.
There seem to be very little complaints among Arsenal supporters about giving the starting role to a 21-year-old, knowing full well that Aurier is a starter for both Toulouse and the Ivory Coast. This is a player with a high ceiling who could be set to thrive at the Emirates. If the reports are accurate that he could be had for less than £10 million, Arsenal should be looking to tie up this deal as quickly as possible.
Loic Remy
Football – Newcastle United v Swansea City – Barclays Premier League – St James’ Park – 13/14 – 19/4/14Loic Remy – Newcastle United Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee SmithEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Talk of Loic Remy to Arsenal has gone extremely quiet in recent weeks. Interpret that however you like. Arsenal were said to be strong favourites to sign the French international prior to the start of the World Cup, but there have been few signs following that to indicate where Remy’s future lies.
Arsenal fans appear torn on the subject. While most are in agreement that a player of his experience and quality in front of goal is needed, he shouldn’t be an alternate option to a genuinely world-class centre-forward. There are doubts about whether Remy is good enough to lead Arsenal to the Premier League title.
But his versatility and ability to play on the wings makes him an attractive option. In addition, the transfer fee in the region of £10 million would be considered a bargain for a full international of Remy’s age. This one remains a possibility.
Antoine Griezmann
Football – Ecuador v France – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group E – Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 25/6/14France’s Antoine Griezmann (L) in action against Ecuador’s Frickson ErazoMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Antoine Griezmann was regularly linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. It appeared that the club were looking to tie up a deal for either Griezmann or his Real Sociedad teammate Carlos Vela.
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Going into this World Cup, Griezmann was being tipped to have a breakout tournament in the absence of Franck Ribery. After two hugely impressive seasons in La Liga, this was set to be the summer in which the Frenchman really established himself as one of Europe’s top young forwards.
There’s no doubt Griezmann would be an asset in the Arsenal team. Not only does he have the speed Arsenal are desperately in need of, he is also, surprisingly, an aerial threat in front of goal.
This would be an exciting buy for Arsenal if it goes through this summer.
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Hector Moreno
Football – Brazil v Mexico – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group A – Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil – 17/6/14Brazil’s Neymar in action with Mexico’s Hector Moreno Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jed LeicesterLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Hector Moreno is a centre-back that has really flown under the radar in recent seasons, despite being in excellent form for Espanyol over that period. The Mexican has carried over his good domestic form to the World Cup in Brazil, where he was one of the best players on the pitch in his side’s 0-0 draw with the host nation.
Moreno is a powerful centre-back who is ideally suited to the Premier League. Others in England have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, but Arsenal should really be looking at a player of his quality. Thomas Vermaelen may be moved on this summer, and Moreno would represent a step up in quality, with Arsenal undoubtedly needing depth at the heart of their defence.
It has emerged that Manchester United have shown an interest in signing Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, according to the Daily Mail.
The 21 year old put himself firmly in the shop window for Europe’s elite clubs following a commanding performance against Barcelona, as Celtic secured a shock 2-1 win.
United have apparently had an interest in the ace since July, but this most recent performance has convinced the Old Trafford hierarchy that Wanyama has what it takes to make it to the very top.
Celtic Manager Neil Lennon came out last week and told any potential suitors that his transfer value would be £25 million.
Despite this being a slightly unrealistic figure it is reckoned that Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to test the waters with a bid for around half that amount in the region of £12 million.
Wanyama’s contract is set to expire in 2014 with the Scottish club believed to be keen to extend his current deal, but the player is thought to have already rejected improved terms.
The Kenyan who made his international debut at just 15 years of age is seen as a traditional box to box midfielder with a high intensity and work rate, something Ferguson has been craving to find.
Now that Carrick and Paul Scholes are no longer in their years of peak performance, Sir Alex has been eyeing up central midfield reinforcements.
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Tom Cleverley certaintly has showed encouraging signs of development, whilst Anderson and Fletcher remain viable options, but it reckoned Wanyama would add real steel to the midfield that Manchester United have been searching for.
Newcastle have once again been linked with a move for Andros Townsend, but fans are adamant they don’t want the winger back on Tyneside.
Newcastle fans weren’t impressed by the recent links to Townsend, and they’re sticking to their principles after reports suggested he could be “offered” to the Magpies.
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle had already enquired about the winger this summer, and now Crystal Palace are open to selling the 26 year-old.
The Eagles originally quoted a £20m price tag for the winger, but as their move for Michail Antonio heats up they are looking to offload Townsend.
The report claims Townsend has maintained a positive relationship with Rafael Benitez, and he certainly produced some moments of magic during his first stint at St. James’.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257236″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five things we learned from England 21 Tunisia”]
After just six months in the northeast though, the Englishman jumped ship to Crystal Palace to keep his hopes of an international berth alive.
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Townsend has scored just five times in 72 league appearances for the Eagles, but Benitez is on the hunt for a new winger, so if the Magpies are priced out of a move for Kenedy it would make sense to make a bid for Townsend.
Fans clearly haven’t forgiven him for leaving before their season in the Championship though, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…