MIcah Richards Aston Villa
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #MicahRichards disagrees with the penalty given to Leicester Against Wolves #WWFC #LCFC

November 8, 2020
Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards has criticised referee Anthony Taylor's decision to award Leicester City a controversial penalty during the early stages of Sunday's Premier League match against Wolves. Jamie Vardy stepped up to score the only goal of the game past Rui Patricio to hand victory to the Foxes. The spot-kick was awarded after Max Kilman handled Dennis Praet's cross, but it was debatable whether or not the Wolves ' defender had enough time to move his hand out of the way of the ball. Richards told Sky Sports he thought the penalty was 'soft' and that he believes the referee made a poor decision by awarding it. "It was soft. I don’t know where he is expected to put his hands there, his hands are in a natural position for where the ball is going to go," he said. "I felt really sorry for the defender there because I don’t know what he is expected to do. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles "For me, that was the wrong call but Vardy tucks it away nicely.” Patricio kept out a second penalty from the Leicester forward before half-time to give Wolves hope, but the visitors failed to find the back of the net during the remainder of the match. Nuno Espirito Santo 's side did look more threatening after the interval, with Kasper Schmeichel called into action to spectacularly deny Ruben Neves an equaliser as the clock ticked down. Despite their efforts, fellow pundit Roy Keane said that Wolves failed to do enough to earn a positive result, and deserved to lose. "You’d certainly expect a reaction from Wolves in the second half," he said. Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store "Having said that, I think it was an excellent save and I think he is an excellent goalkeeper but I would expect him to save this. It was well struck but I would expect a good goalkeeper, honestly, to make that save. "They (Wolves) huffed and puffed a bit but they didn’t show enough quality, certainly didn’t show enough ambition in the first half and deserve everything they get."
Mesut Ozil Arsenal
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – Arsenal legend urges #MikelArteta to resolve #MesutOzil issue #AFC

November 7, 2020
Thierry Henry has hailed the job that Mikel Arteta is doing at Arsenal so far, but warned the Gunners boss to resolve the issue surrounding Mesut Ozil. The German midfielder has been omitted from Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads, and has not played for the club since March. Arteta has played down the situation, claiming the midfielder was left out for footballing reasons, but Gunners legend Henry believes the Arsenal first team manager must sort out the situation for the club to move forward. "First and foremost, you can see an identity, a togetherness," Henry told CBS Sports podcast Que Golazo. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel "When you’re going to be the boss after the big man, so obviously Unai Emery was but now it’s Arteta, it’s not easy to go after Arsene Wenger, it’s not easy at all. "But what I see with Mikel is that the passion is back, the happiness is back, obviously he gave them a good solidity. Now he needs to deal with what he needs to deal with: the Ozil case and other cases. That doesn’t happen overnight. "When you inherit a team from someone, you need to make sure you can clear some stuff, because it just doesn’t happen overnight. And then people are like 'Oh, oh, oh, he didn’t give all those contracts to some of those players'. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles "So he needs to make sure he needs to bring the players that he needs to adapt to his system. And that takes time. ‘And on top of everything, in this league it takes even more time because the competition is crazy. "I don’t know when was the last time where, after six games, every team already lost a game. Every team already lost a game – I don’t remember that. It means what it means, it’s not easy for even the teams that are well prepared, well organised. "Like I always say, the game is long. To build a team it doesn’t happen just like that overnight. Sign up to our Arsenal newsletter for Gunners updates By signing up for our Arsenal newsletter, you will receive a once-daily email, focused around goings-on at Emirates Stadium. You won't miss a thing when it comes to the Gunners - you'll get all you need to know directly into your inbox. We'll also send out special newsletters with any big breaking news too. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article - or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact - labelled 'Get the biggest daily stories by email' and click 'Subscribe'. And that's it, you're all set. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. For more details, click here. "I always use Klopp as an example. I remember when he first arrived, he couldn’t hold a lead. They would be 3-0 up, 3-3. They score, they concede four. "Took him two-and-a-half to three years to have a completed team. Now everybody respects what he does - and rightly so by the way because he’s a hell of a manager - but then from them understanding what he wanted he went and bought pieces that were missing: Van Dijk, Alisson, Fabinho, and some others now. "But at the beginning it took him two-and-a-half years or so for them to understand his philosophy, because it doesn’t happen overnight."
Peter Crouch Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #PeterCrouch backs Wolves to get a top four finish this season #WWFC

November 2, 2020
Former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has backed Wolves’ bid for a top four finish. The ex-England international turned pundit was commenting after Nuno Espirito Santo ’s men defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 – their third win in the four games since the West Ham upset. That has left them fifth in the embryonic table, one point off second-placed Spurs and only three off the top. Crouch was asked about the prospects for the season in his Daily Mail column – and he did not hold back, saying he loves ‘everything about’ Wolves. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel “They are such class acts," Crouch said. "If you have been a regular reader of my column you will know that I have had my eye on them since they played Stoke in a pre-season friendly in 2018. “I love everything about them, from their manager to the players they have assembled. I’m a big fan of Raul Jimenez but I love watching Daniel Podence, who is making massive strides. “The way I see the league is as follows: it is still a top two — Liverpool and Manchester City are ahead of the rest — but the cluster in behind is getting bigger and stronger and Wolves are definitely established in the group that includes Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Leicester. Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store “Everton lost on Sunday but they are ambitious too and the more depth we have in terms of competition the better it is for the Premier League. "Anyone who underestimates Wolves would be stupid. They have the ability and talent to stay the distance.” Wolves are next in action against Leicester City on Sunday, the Foxes are due to play Leeds United this evening.
Jamie Redknapp
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #JamieRedknapp supports #OleGunnarSolskjar’s decision to drop #PaulPogba in the last few games #MUFC

October 31, 2020
Jamie Redknapp has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to bench Paul Pogba for Manchester United. The Red Devils face Arsenal this weekend and there is plenty of speculation over Pogba's future. The influential midfielder has started just four matches for United this season, failing to find the sort of form that he and Bruno Fernandes produced together last season. It has led to criticism from some Old Trafford legends over the Frenchman, and, speaking to Sky Sports' Pitch to Post podcast, Redknapp says he can see why. He said: "I've always stuck up for Paul Pogba, I must admit. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel "I like the way he plays, he has all the attributes to be the player that we all admire and have spoken so much about, but it seems to be a bit of a problem getting the best out of him for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "He's not producing the form he should do. "It's a position I played in and I always look at players and wonder if I'd have liked to have played against them. "First of all, I look at Paul Pogba and think I wouldn't want to play against him - he's tall, he's skilful, he's athletic and he can tackle when he wants to. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles "But he doesn't do enough in the game. Is he affecting the game enough for Manchester United? "All the great midfield players, I'm sure it must frustrate the likes of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes because they know what he's capable of but he's not producing it. "That's why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally come to the conclusion that he can't afford to have him in the team. "It's not about whether him and Fernandes can't play together, they can do, but Paul Pogba's got to do more. "He's got to warrant a place alongside him. When they first played together, we all through it was the dream ticket and the midfield was as good as anyone's, but as of late it hasn't been." Sign up to our Arsenal newsletter for Gunners updates By signing up for our Arsenal newsletter, you will receive a once-daily email, focused around goings-on at Emirates Stadium. You won't miss a thing when it comes to the Gunners - you'll get all you need to know directly into your inbox. We'll also send out special newsletters with any big breaking news too. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article - or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact - labelled 'Get the biggest daily stories by email' and click 'Subscribe'. And that's it, you're all set. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. For more details, click here. Redknapp's words echo Keane's previous criticism of Pogba that he does not impact games enough for the undoubted talent he has. "Obviously Pogba has had his critics because he is so talented," the former United skipper told the Sunday Independent in June. "If you are not performing week in, week out people are going to get on your back. I always say there is a compliment in that. "People know he’s an outstanding talent but for some reason, it hasn’t gelled." He added: "The key for Pogba, if he wants to become a really important player for Man United, is consistency. It’s no good turning up every two or three weeks and producing your piece of magic. "I think he is more than capable of doing it, he has done it before. But do it week in and week out and get Man United competing for titles. I have a lot of time for him. I think he’s a talented boy."
gabriel magalhaes arsenal
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – Former Gunner #AlanSmith praises #GabrielMagalhaes impact on Arsenal defense #AFC

October 25, 2020
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes has been an "unsung hero" for the Gunners so far this season. The Brazilian centre-back joined the Gunners from Ligue 1 club Lille back in August for a fee understood to be around £25million, as head coach Mikel Arteta looked to strengthen his central-defensive options. So far this term, Gabriel, who scored on his debut for the club in the opening day 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage last month, has racked up six appearances in all competitions. Though he has only, so far, helped the club record two clean sheets this season, signs of promise have been clear to see, with his speed and athleticism appearing as though they could be useful tools in years to come. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel And whilst it is often attackers, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who lap up the plaudits, it is Gabriel who has been earning rave reviews from former Gunners ace Smith for his performances so far this term. "I want to mention Gabriel, something of an unsung hero since arriving this summer," Smith said in his Evening Standard column, as cited by the Metro. "He is one of those central defenders you do not always notice, thanks to his positioning and anticipation. "Because of that, he will often get his body in the way or head on the ball — something proper defenders always enjoy. "A great athlete, he covers the ground beautifully, which should come in handy with Vardy around. And at 22, the Brazilian will only get better. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles "The early signs suggest he will be around for a while." For a time, Gabriel was Arsenal's most expensive addition of the window. But following the club's decision to make a last-gasp swoop for long-term target Thomas Partey on deadline day, the Ghana international became the club's stand-out signing of the summer, signing him for £45million. Though Partey has only made two appearances for the Gunners so far, Smith has been impressed by what he has seen from the midfield ace, going as far as saying that he reminds him of former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. Smith continued: "There was nothing sloppy about Thomas Partey, though [against Rapid Wien]. "He hardly put a foot wrong in a performance that showcased an impressive passing range that should encourage anyone in front to keep making runs. How to get our daily Arsenal newsletter Why should you sign up? In each football.london Arsenal bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. We'll also send special newsletters when big stories break or there's a special event happening. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article - or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact - labelled 'Get the biggest daily stories by email' and click 'Subscribe'. And that's it, you're all set. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. For more details, click here. "Holding midfielder? No, Partey is much more than that. "He proved that emphatically with some incisive play that suggested a useful understanding could quickly develop with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. "Without wishing to get carried away, the way he bossed the game, Partey brought back memories of Patrick Vieira. "For the first time since the majestic Frenchman’s time, the Gunners may now boast a dominant force in the middle of the park who can change a game as well as mix it physically."
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #JamieCarragher provides insight to #PepGuardiola strategy to beat Arsenal #MCFC #ArsenalFC

October 21, 2020
Jamie Carragher has explained how Manchester City got the better of Arsenal on Saturday evening. Pep Guardiola got one over on his former apprentice Mikel Arteta as City defeated the Gunners 1-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling's first-half effort. But the win took something special from Guardiola, who is, of course, renowned for his tactical genius. According to former Liverpool defender turned Sky Sports pundit Carragher, City decided to play a number of different formations against Arsenal, ensuring the Gunners were in a constant battle to keep them contained. "I thought it was fascinating watching," said Carragher on Monday Night Football. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel "I don't think it was a great game in terms of chances and goals like we have seen in other games, but only Pep Guardiola knows how his team was set up and what he was trying to do. "But what I would say is that he was up against Mikel Arteta, who knows him inside out, Arteta obviously won the FA Cup semi-final, and we obviously know Pep doesn't do the conventional. "I was fascinated and didn't really know what was going on in terms of positions. "I looked at the game again this morning and tried to work it out, and City actually played different formation based on whether had the ball, if they were without the ball or based on where they were on the pitch." Sign up to our Arsenal newsletter for Gunners updates By signing up for our Arsenal newsletter, you will receive a once-daily email, focused around goings-on at Emirates Stadium. You won't miss a thing when it comes to the Gunners - you'll get all you need to know directly into your inbox. We'll also send out special newsletters with any big breaking news too. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article - or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact - labelled 'Get the biggest daily stories by email' and click 'Subscribe'. And that's it, you're all set. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. For more details, click here. Revealing what he found following some in-depth illustrations on the studio touch screen, Carragher added: "It's a 3-3-4, going from a 4-4-2 to 3-3-4 and that was the difference. "They were not going to let them get out, and that's why he went with a front four - you never see that with Pep - this team always play out from the back, and we're going to push in, maybe leave ourselves exposed and I'm going to back my defenders." The defeat leaves Arsenal in fifth with nine points from five games, while Man City are up into 11th and within two points of the Gunners with a game in-hand.
Conor Coady
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #ConorCoady replies brilliantly to a cheeky question by #JamieCarragher #LFC #WolvesFC

October 20, 2020
Conor Coady brilliantly brushed off a joke from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher about replacing the injured Virgil van Dijk after Wolverhampton Wanderers’ win over Leeds United. Raul Jimenez bagged the winner at Elland Road to clinch Wolves’ third win from their opening five Premier League matches. Wolves captain Coady stepped up for media duties after the game and Carragher decided to go on the wind up. “Obviously you won’t be aware as you’re playing tonight but Jurgen Klopp has had his Champions League press conference and he’s mentioned you and two other players who could be a replacement for Virgil van Dijk," said Carragher. "Would that come into your thinking?” Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Carragher was of course joking but Coady wasn’t to know and laughed it off live on Sky Sports. “I can’t believe you’ve just put this on me here,” he said. “Not at all, I love playing for this football club. We’ve just beat Leeds in an amazing game - so no!” Carragher added: “You must be honoured though with Klopp saying that?” But Coady, who is an avid Liverpool supporter having climbed through the ranks at Melwood, wasn’t falling for it. “You know what I’m like mate, I wouldn’t think of anything like that!”