Tag Futebol

Arsenal’s superb victory over Liverpool on Saturday lifted them up to second place in the Premier League table, and having opened up a nine-point gap over their last opponents in the race for the top four, they look like certainties to qualify for the Champions League once again.

Nothing new there, then.

Over the last decade this has been the norm for the Gunners and while fans have enjoyed the consistency of top four finishes, there has been little else to celebrate as their side have rarely threatened a realistic challenge for Premier League or Champions League glory, lifting just a solitary trophy thanks to their FA Cup victory last year.

But recent weeks suggest things could be about to get a lot more serious at the Emirates and judging by their emphatic display against Liverpool, it looks like Arsenal are finally emerging as genuine title contenders.

There have been plenty of calls for Arsenal to get rid of Arsene Wenger over the last few seasons, and after an awful display at home to Monaco in the Champions League, the pressure piled back onto the Frenchman as fans vented their frustration.

But aside from that disappointing European night, Arsenal have been on a tremendous run of form that has created a real positive atmosphere around the club. Since defeat at White Hart Lane back in February, they have won six consecutive games in the league, as well as reaching another FA Cup semi-final thanks to an impressive victory at Old Trafford. Nine wins from their last 10 Premier League games mean they are the form side in the division, culminating in a manager of the month award for Wenger. And there is now even talk that they could possibly catch Chelsea at the top of the table.

[ffc-gal cat=”arsenal” no=”5″]

While this looks extremely unlikely, that fact it is even being mentioned goes to show just much Arsenal have improved recently and they can take plenty of positives going into next season where they can then really challenge for the title.

While Arsenal’s ability to beat the lesser sides in the division has never really been questioned, it was their inability to pick up points against the bigger clubs that often proved to be their downfall. But having left both Manchester sides with victories since the turn of the year, and then hammering Liverpool at the weekend, they seem to have turned a corner.

With the emergence of Francis Coquelin epitomising their new found resolve, they look a far more solid outfit defensively that has improved the balance of the side. Coquelin’s inclusion in the side has allowed their attacking quality to thrive in recent months, and there’s no doubt they have one of the best array of options available going forward in the division.

Alexis Sanchez has been superb since his arrival, and with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott all guaranteeing goals, Wenger is hardly short of options going forward. The ability of all these players to rotate and play anywhere across the midfield or attack gives the manager real options when selecting his team and allows his side to continue playing the attractive style of passing football that they have become famous for.

Add to this their in form striker Olivier Giroud and they really have all the ingredients to challenge for the league next season. The Frenchman joined Wenger in picking up the player of the month award for March thanks to his five goals last month. Since his nightmare against Monaco, Giroud has shown his class and importance to the team with seven goals in as many games, and he also netted for his country during the international break.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If Arsenal can continue their impressive run of form until the end of the season, they could ultimately end up with a second-placed finish as well as another FA Cup trophy, which would have to go down as a successful campaign. With one or two new recruits in the summer, Wenger will be quietly confident that his team could then go one better next season and end their wait for another Premier League crown.

Providing they can stay clear of injuries, which have proved a real burden over recent seasons, Arsenal may well be about to step it up another level.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

What a perfect week it has been, a trip to Wembley to look forward to and a pretty easy derby away win? That’s what we do.

Let’s be honest I didn’t think we’d have much chance at Blackburn in the replay, yes we played well and deserved to win, but I thought “That’s it, we’re out”. Didn’t exactly happen like that…

Danny Shittu, you are slowly becoming a legend. His goal just before half time secured a semi final against Wigan and a third trip to Wembley in four years, a goal and an absolute rock at the back, nothing was getting past him.

‘Wall was the superior team over two games but I really expected more from Blackburn. They were poor, really poor. The tactics from Michael Appleton were inept, hitting the long ball, Danny Shittu vs. Jordan Rhodes in the air, only one winner. This turned out to be Appleton’s second to last game, as he was sacked yesterday.

Now the Lions fans are looking forward to their Wembley day out, we all said at the start of the season we would take a decent league position and a cup run. Looks like we’ll get it.

And when it looked like it couldn’t get any better for ‘Wall it did, with a 2-0 derby day win away at Charlton. Well that’s what usually happens when Charlton play ‘Wall… A ‘Wall win.

Most fans were expecting maybe a somewhat poor performance as the players may have one eye on Wembley, and not wanting to get injured or suspended.

This wasn’t the best game on a very bad pitch, like something you’d find up Hackney Marshes, whoever scored the first goal, was most likely to win it.

And that turned out to be Millwall with Jermaine Easter with his first touch in a Millwall shirt. I couldn’t see the reason behind signing Easter from Crystal Palace on loan, but goals like that will change my mind.

And then came a absolute belter from Shane Lowry from 30 yards out. A screamer of a free kick from you’re left back, very unusual, well unless your Gareth Bale. Well let me say, Gareth would be very proud to have scored this.

This weekend highlights how crazy the Championship is. Any of 12 teams could steal be relegated into League One, and it seems one or two big teams will be heading through the trap door, but the big day out against Wigan will be a nice distraction.

Hopefully this cup run will have a positive effect on the team, KJ has already said anyone not pulling their weight in the team will be dropped, so it seems a few places at Wembley will be up for grabs, hopefully this will see the team rise up the table.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Que Sara Sara, whatever will be will be, were going to Wembley, Que Sara Sara.

COYL

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

Ever Banega was instrumental as Sevilla knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League in the round of 16 but was not able to have the same impact in the next round.

Bayern Munich proved capable of squeezing the life out of the Spanish side, winning out 2-1 on aggregate after a 0-0 home draw in the tie’s second leg on Wednesday.

The Argentine, valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, is a classy deep playmaker who can shuttle the ball very effectively from side to side and has shown again this season that he can hold his own in the most refined company in the Champions League.

With Liverpool still looking for a holding midfielder and doubts swirling about the future of Emre Can, maybe it is time for Jurgen Klopp to look in a slightly different direction and go for a calmer influence at the base of midfield to compliment his high-tempo other midfield options.

With 4 key passes and 5 dribbles from the game against Bayern, as he looked to help his side get back into the tie, he has shown that he is capable of having an impact against top class midfielders.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He was not constantly on the ball or always accurate, but that risk and willingness to make something happen is something that is bound to appeal to Klopp.

It would be a diversion from his usual transfer strategy, but Banega could just add another dimension to the Liverpool midfield.

Following almost a year out of football due to a serious knee injury sustained back in January 2014, Theo Walcott has struggled over the last few months to get a run of games. Now with only 15 months left on his Arsenal contract, the winger and his club have been unable to come to an agreement.

Walcott currently earns around £90k-a-week, but is said to want a big rise to well over £100k, though Arsenal are understandably unwilling to meet this. That’s no surprise really, considering that the young man has spent a lot of time suffering with injuries and can’t even secure a place in the starting XI.

The problem is that since the arrival of both Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck there is enough talent and cover in his position. A number of other players are also able to fill the wide position on the right, notably Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil all of whom have featured in this role.

Walcott is a talented player and has been important for the Gunners in the past but times have changed and the 26-year-old should be more focussed on winning back his place rather than negotiating for more cash.

Question is: would he really be willing to leave Arsenal over money?

According to the Daily Mirror Liverpool are ready to make an offer for him. The Merseyside club might have an important departure of their own this summer, with Raheem Sterling’s contract discussions also breaking down, and Walcott is seen as a worthwhile replacement. Manager Brendan Rodgers is said to be a huge admirer of Walcott and an enquiry was even made by Liverpool to bring the England international to Anfield before he signed his current Arsenal deal.

Sterling is expected to stay at Anfield, though, and the two players will get the chance to link up shortly while on international duty. Both Sterling and Walcott have been included in Roy Hodgson’s England squad to face Lithuania, a 2016 European qualifier, and an international friendly against Italy.

While it is true that Sanchez is hogging Walcott’s positio – the Chilean’s 13 league goals are only helping to further secure his place – it is also true that Walcott is loved by Arsenal supporters and they would be sad to see him go, especially to a top four rival like Liverpool. But Walcott needs to know that next season he’ll get to start a decent amount of games and actually have a good run, otherwise what’s the point in staying.

If Wenger can reassure Walcott that he has an important part to play in Arsenal’s future then he should focus on finishing this campaign strongly and look to fight for his position next season. Either commit to Arsenal and just take whatever offer the club puts on the table or leave for a team that will give him a fresh start and the pay packet he thinks he deserves.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

But at no cost should Wenger let him go on a free this time next year.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

It seems like the criteria for being a Manchester United goalkeeper is not just how good you are in between the sticks, but also how good you are at pulling gorgeous women! We have previously featured David de Gea and his WAG Edurne García Almagro and now Anders Lindegaard’s other half Missé Beqiri takes centre stage.

Missé Beqiri is a Swedish model who doesn’t seem to be a big fan of clothing. The 24-year-old is actually Albanian-born but has resided in Malmo, so it’s easy for her to get the train to Lindegaard’s homeland, Denmark. Misse not only models, she even has her own blog and is quite a wordsmith.

Rumours of the pair hooking up emerged on Facebook, as Misse replied to Anders’ brag that he had the best girlfriend in the world by saying: “as good as it gets”. The pair also follow each other on Twitter, where Bequiri’s bio states: “it’s simple”. As is viewing the Missé Beqiri WAG Gallery.

Click on Misse Bequiri below to see her WAG Gallery

[divider]

There have only been a small handful of occasions in which Southampton have resembled anything close to a functional side this season, and you have to wonder how much that is due to the systems the Saints have been using.

Mauricio Pellegrino collected his fair share of critics by sticking with 4-2-3-1, which convinced Mark Hughes to attempt a bold 4-4-2 setup during his first Premier League game in charge of the south coast outfit – resulting in a 3-0 defeat to relegation rivals West Ham.

With that experiment backfiring completely, we laid out four potential solutions to Southampton’s formation dilemma earlier this week – sticking with 4-4-2, modifying it into a diamond midfield, returning to 4-2-3-1 or swapping to a 3-4-3 – and asked Saints fans to vote for their preferred setup.

3-4-3 and the diamond midfield proved the most popular options, but perhaps the most notable consequence of our poll was that just 9% of Southampton fans believe sticking with 4-4-2 will result in the club’s top flight survival.

How would you line up Hughes’ side against Arsenal this weekend? Let us know by commenting below…

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod ]

There has been a lot of speculation over the past week regarding the future of Manchester United’s goalkeeper, David de Gea. Many media outlets are reporting that Real Madrid are likely to pursue their interest in the Spanish goalkeeper, either during this transfer window or in the summer. And with the Independent suggesting de Gea will be available for £50 million; this begs the question, should United cash in on their number one with Victor Valdes waiting in the wings?

There is no doubting that de Gea has been United’s standout player this season, saving them from countless situations and winning points on his own. Without him it is very possible United wouldn’t be in the top four, suggesting what a great influence he has been this season.

The Spanish international joined the Red Devils from Athletico Madrid in 2011 for around £18 million at just 20-years of age. He endured a difficult first season at Old Trafford, with many experts stating that de Gea wasn’t ready to be the number one keeper at United. But in his second season he helped United secure their 20th and last top flight title to date, putting in a much improved season.

Over the past 18 months or so, de Gea has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, if not in World football. But now with over 150 United appearances under his belt, it might be time for him to leave for bigger and better things at Real Madrid. Madrid are in search for a long term successor to Iker Casillas and, at 24, de Gea seems like the perfect man to take over.

[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]

With the Red Devils obviously reluctant to sell now, the summer will more than likely be the best time to consider cashing in in order to get the most money for him. If the rumoured £50 million price tag is accurate then it would make de Gea comfortably the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of the game. De gea has 18 months left on his current Old Trafford contract and it is not guaranteed that he will sign a new deal.

So with that in mind, and Financial Fair Play forcing the need to function at a profit, selling de Gea might not be a bad option, especially for the astronomical fee reported. They shouldn’t stand in the Spaniard’s way should he want to leave and it isn’t the end of the world, not with another world-class goalkeeper ready to take over.

Victor Valdes has been one of the world’s most outstanding goalkeepers in the last decade or so. At 33, he still has plenty of years left in the game at the very highest level. He made over 500 appearances for Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and two Club World Cups. Valdes will go down as one of, if not the, best goalkeepers in Barcelona’s history. Whilst Barcelona had a world-class defence, Valdes often bailed his team out with quality and consistent performances that made him so highly regarded.

He was one of a host of world-class players for Barcelona and, despite injury ruling him out for the best part of a year, there is no doubt that he can still put in those types of performances for United in the Premier League. Valdes also has a lot more experience than de Gea, especially in big matches, which would benefit Van Gaal’s side should de Gea leave the club. There’s also no doubting that Valdes is at a very similar level to de Gea quality wise, with Valdes’ experience perhaps just edging it in terms of being the better goalkeeper. That might be an unpopular statement, but it’s accurate nonetheless.

If David de Gea was to leave for United, either now or in the summer, then Victor Valdes is exactly the type of goalkeeper Van Gaal would want to call upon as a replacement.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Baring in mind Valdes is already at the club, then it might not necessarily be a bad thing if de Gea left.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

Martin O’Neill is preparing to offer Connor Wickham to Swansea in order to push through the transfer of Danny Graham, the Telegraph understand.

The Sunderland boss is desperate to sign Graham before the transfer deadline shuts up shop on Thursday evening, with a £5million feel thought to have been agreed with the South Wales club.

It’s believed the Gateshead-born frontman wants to return to the North East after struggling for game time at the Liberty Stadium this season, due to the impressive form of Michu, with personal reasons also being cited.

Swans boss Michael Laudrup is prepared to offload the 27-year-old and O’Neill is now scrambling to push the deal over the line before the deadline with Premier League rivals Norwich and Stoke still interested.

Reports are now suggesting that England under-21 international Wickham will be used as a makeweight to speed up Graham’s protracted switch and O’Neill is hoping Swansea will agree to take him on loan until May.

The 19-year-old has struggled to make the desired impact since arriving at the Stadium of Light in an £8m move from Ipswich in June 2011.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He has struggled to dislodge Steven Fletcher as Sunderland’s central striker this term, making just two starts, and O’Neill is hoping the extra exposure to first team football will stand him in good stead.

Make sure you do your Tax Return before the 31st January, click here now

Everton have struggled in front of goal throughout this season so it is little surprise that they have been linked with Valencia striker Rodrigo in recent days, as per HITC.

The Spanish striker staked his claim for a starting place at this summer’s World Cup with a goal against world champions Germany on Friday night, as the Iberians continue their search for a potent and prolific frontman to really make the most of their mesmerising passing play.

The striker, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has 16 goals in all competitions this season and if he continues that form between now and the end of the season, he will have a great chance of being the first choice striker, given the relative struggles of Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa.

[ad_pod ]

His performance on Friday suggested that Sam Allardyce should intensify his interest in a man who doesn’t appear to need many touches of the ball to make an impact.

As it has to be in this Spanish side, his linkup play was reliable, with a pass success rate of 85 per cent. Everton play a contrasting style but Allardyce will want his frontmen to be adept at bringing others into play and in order to start for Spain, Rodrigo has to do that.

He even mucked in at the other end of the pitch, with one clearance. He had just 29 touches, but when his opportunity came – his only shot of the match – he made it count and it is that clinical finishing that Everton have so sorely lacked this season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He also had a brief loan spell with Bolton back in 2011, so Rodrigo is not an absolute stranger to English football. That’s another plus point and if he does start for Spain and perform well in the summer, his stock will be high.

Everton would do well to get in there early.

The summer transfer deadline day headlines were well and truly stolen by Manchester United, who well and truly splashed the cash. The Red Devils took their total spend to an eye watering £150m thanks to a late loan deal for Radamel Falcao, who arrived amid a flurry of excitement and talk of a Premier League title charge.

Yet the Colombian’s time at Old Trafford has been, so far, relatively underwhelming, with fitness issues and competition for places having been factors in his lack of impact. Not yet a United player permanently, there have been suggestions that Louis van Gaal is considering backing out of a full transfer all together now, and here are FIVE reasons that may make sense…

Lack of playing time so far

Despite arriving in a headline grabbing loan deal with a reputation as one of Europe’s very best forwards, Falcao’s outings have been sporadic so far. The Colombian has featured nine times in total, five have been as a substitute, netting just two goals in the process. A troublesome calf injury has limited his time on the field, which has prevented United from getting a sound return on their considerable investment so far.

That knee injury

//www.youtube.com/embed/xCmk96_Pfpg

Much of Falcao’s 2014 has been spent on the sidelines. The South American damaged his ACL way back in January while at Monaco, forcing him to sit out the back end of last season and the World Cup. United were stringent in their medical examination of the former Atletico Madrid and Porto ace, yet with such a problem, there’s always a chance of recurrence. Also, Falcao seems short of the yard of pace that made him such a hit, with his explosiveness having been his major strength in the past.

Age debate

While his birth certificate suggests that Falcao is 28, there are some suggestions that he may actually be 30. There is little proof to back up this claim, yet talk in his home continent circles around when he actually made his first-team debut, which, if everything lines up correctly, may have been in his early teens.

His birth certificate has been revealed, but there are numerous cases of incorrect documentation in some of the world’s poorer countries, so there’s potential for Falcao to be older than he says…

Massive fee

United have already paid a massive loan fee (rumoured to be around £6m) for Falcao and are handing him a wage in the region of £300,000-per-week, yet to keep him permanently another £43m will be needed. At the age of 28, the Monaco man has very little in the way of re-sale value and is now in the very middle of his ‘peak years’, making him a short-term fix. Wayne Rooney is of a similar age, while Robin van Persie is the wrong side of 30, so perhaps a younger option may be wiser.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Where does he fit?

Now that Louis van Gaal has switched back to a 3-5-2 set-up, Falcao has been able to slot into a two man attack. Yet, when LVG has his defensive options in place, he may look to utilise his favoured 4-3-3 set-up, which allows him just one centre-forward. Rooney, Van Persie, James Wilson and Falcao will be his options, while there are suggestions that another big name striker is on the club’s transfer radar. Keeping so many stars happy will be tough, and it’s unlikely that Van Gaal will drop his captain or compatriot, so Falcao could be the man with the axe hovering above.