Arsene Wenger hailed his side’s spirit after they came from behind to beat Anderlecht 2-1 on Wednesday night. Andy Najar’s opener for the Belgian side saw Arsenal heading for a Champions League defeat but late goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski saw Arsene Wenger’s side return home to England with all three points. “We kept going and scored two good goals,” Wenger said. “We had the spirit. It was vital for us to have the chance to qualify. “We are in a strong position now because Galatasaray and Anderlecht have only one point. It’s down to us to win…
Author: Staff Writer
Anderlecht midfielder Steven Defour believes that Arsenal are not as ‘dangerous’ as the likes of Borussia Dortmund. Late goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski saw the Premier League side upset Defour’s Anderlecht in Belgium, after Andy Najar gave the home side the lead. Defour, however, has told reporters, that he feels unimpressed with Arsenal and that they rely on Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck too much. “Arsenal were hoping for a moment of brilliance from Alexis Sanchez or Danny Welbeck and didn’t have many runners from midfield. Dortmund’s midfielders seemed to be coming from everywhere three weeks ago,” Defour…
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended Raheem Sterling after reports claimed the England international was partying in a night club upon returning from the international break. England winger Sterling has been under a wave of debate recently after he claimed to be too ‘tired’ ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia on October 12, but was spotted partying in a nightclub in the early hours of the next morning. However, Reds boss Rodgers says that the winger was well within his rights as it was six days before Liverpool’s next game. “For Raheem it’s important he focuses…
Former Liverpool heroes Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp have launched a stinging attack on Mario Balotelli after he was subbed at half-time during the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. The Italian striker has been under heavy criticism of late after failing to find his form at Anfield since joining from AC Milan this summer. Hauled off at half-time during Wednesday’s defeat to Real Madrid, Balotelli has further hurt Liverpool fans and club members after he swapped shirts with Portuguese defender Pepe when leaving the pitch at half-time. Carragher was speaking in Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game and…
A former footballer who impersonated Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta has been sentenced to four years. Medi Abalimba, himself a former player for Derby County, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Oldham Athletic and Southend United, was found guilty of multiple fraud offences totalling £53,000. Abalimba masqueraded as Kakuta, a France U21 international on loan from Chelsea with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano. Abalimba used his assumed identity, credit cards and more to gain VIP treatment at nightclubs, eat at expensive restaurants, stay in hotels, order clothes, travel everywhere in limousines and attract women. Sergeant Adam Cronshaw told reporters: “Having spoken with many of the victims…
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is in line to become the next Chelsea captain, according to Jose Mourinho. The Spanish midfielder joined Chelsea this summer from Barcelona and was greeted with a mixture of anger and unhappiness from his former club Arsenal, whose fans felt betrayed by their former midfielder. Fabregas has enjoyed a superb start to life at Stamford Bridge, racking up an impressive nine assists in his first 11 competitive games for the club. And, Jose Mourinho has taunted the Gunners by claiming that the midfielder could in line to replace John Terry as captain. “He [Fabregas] is…
CSKA Moscow will not be punished for having 500 people in attendance at Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester City, despite having to play the game behind-closed-doors. The Russian side were handed a three-game stadium ban after travelling fans threw flares and started fights at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico in September. However, around 500 people were in attendance for the Group E fixture against City, causing Vincent Kompany to complain after the 2-2 draw. UEFA have since issued a statement about the incident and have said that those invited to the fixture were allowed, but it has agreed to pursue stricter…
Rafael is confident Manchester United can beat Chelsea as the two sides meet at Old Trafford on Sunday. Jose Mourinho’s side have made a superb start to the 2014/15 season, winning seven and drawing one of their opening eight games in the Premier League. United, however, have struggled under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, having secured just 12 points from a possible 24. But, despite the contrast in the two teams’ form, Brazilian full-back Rafael believes that his Man United side are fully capable of upsetting the Blues. “Everyone is beatable,” he told the club’s official website. “We have to…
Mauricio Pochettino insists Jan Vertonghen is happy at Tottenham Hotspur, despite being linked away from the club. The Belgian defender revealed in September that he had no interest in renewing his contract at White Hart Lane, which has four years remaining. Links to a number of European clubs have been maintained with La Liga giants Barcelona heavily linked to the central defender. However, Spurs boss Pochettino believes that he is keen to stay in North London. “No it doesn’t affect the situation,” Pochettino said. “It’s a very long contract and he is happy inside and we have a very good…
Real Madrid proved too good for Liverpool on Wednesday night as they beat the Premier League side 3-0 at Anfield. Carlo Ancelotti’s La Liga side have been in superb form of late and they brushed aside Liverpool with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo and two from Karim Benzema. Former Man United forward Ronaldo scored his 70th Champions League goal and is now just one away from equaling the record set by former Madrid player Raul in the competition. England’s other representation on Wednesday saw Arsenal travel to Belgium where they faced Anderlecht and Arsene Wenger’s side scored two goals in…