Sepp Blatter has caused a storm with comments made about the way players should deal with racial abuse. Rio Ferdinand and Gordon Taylor have led the way in condemning the FIFA president with the latter calling on him to resign from his post.
Elsewhere in the news Fernando Torres concedes he is indebted to the Chelsea fans; Suarez is charged with racism rap; while Paladini leaves his post at QPR.
NEWS
Sepp Blatter defends handshake comments
Torres in debt to Chelsea fans
Villa star Bannan charged with drink driving
Johnson signs new Manchester City deal
Suarez charged with racism rap
Spurs to de-list from stock market
Paladini leaves QPR
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TRANSFER NEWS
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Liverpool plot January move for Lyon defender – Mirror
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Chelsea to re-open negotiations with Porto’s Pereira after failed summer bid – Daily Mail
Krasic’s ‘Premier League desire alerts Chelsea and Manchester United’ – Metro
Russians plan £15million Berbatov swoop – Mirror
Sao Paulo warn United and Liverpool told Lucas offer must be ‘irresistible’ – Daily Mail
With England performing so dismally at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, many people have said that it’s time to get rid of the old and put in the new. Now could well be the time to give the youngsters a chance, but which English starlets have a chance to force out the out guard by the time the 2014 World Cup in Brazil comes around. Here’s a look at ten who are in with more than a chance:
Jack Rodwell – The Everton midfielder has represented England in all age groups and it shouldn’t be too long before he gets a full cap. The 19-year-old has already shown that he has composure ahead of his years and is close to making 50 league appearances for Everton already. At 6ft 2in, Rodwell has plenty of height, something that is always handy at set-pieces, and is an athlete you can get around the pitch and perform the box-to-box role. While it has often been said that Steven Gerrard wasn’t always used to his full potential for the Three Lions, surely a player from the blue half of Merseyside will be at the heart of England’s team for many years to come.
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Jack Wilshere – Another Jack, Wilshere is destined for big things and the Arsenal youngster has be touted as being the most talented English footballer since Paul Gascoigne. The diminutive attacking midfielder has the creativity that any team would crave and can unlock a defence with ease. Currently being eased into first team action at The Emirates by Wenger, it will be interesting to see whether the 18-year-old will be loaned out again this season or whether he’ll compete for a place at under the Frenchman. Either way, by the time the 2014 World Cup comes around, it will be a major surprise if Wilshere isn’t a certain England starter.
Adam Johnson – Perhaps no longer a starlet as such, Johnson will feel aggrieved that he didn’t make the 2010 squad, and will thus need no extra motivation to make sure that his form warrants an automatic place when 2014 comes round. The 23-year-old doesn’t need a second invitation to take full backs on, and he’s already shown in his short time at Manchester City that he has the confidence to ply his trade against the best in the country. I’m sure it will be no different when it comes to playing the best in the world, and with bags of skill and trickery in his locker, Johnson will be a regular fixture on one of England’s wings.
Chris Smalling – Sir Alex Ferguson’s purchase of the young defender came somewhat out of the blue last season. Smalling has achieved an incredible rise up the football ladder, having gone from non-league footballer to Premier League player in less than two years. Fergie has obviously seen something in the 20-year-old that he like and persuaded him to go for the player, but whether he will get many first time outings this season it remains to be seen. If Smalling were to go on to play for England at the World Cup it would be one of the most unconventional journeys in recent years, but at 6ft 4in he could become the tower at the heart of England’s defence.
Joe Hart – Having got the experience of going to a World Cup under his belt, there’s no reason why Hart shouldn’t go from strength to strength. After a stellar season at Birmingham City, the ‘keeper heads back to Manchester City where he’ll have the unenviable task of getting the gloves off Shay Given. The 23-year-old looks to have all the abilities required at the top level and now just needs to prove it on the European and in turn the international stage. As long as he passes those tests as and when he comes to them, there’s no reason why Joe Hart shouldn’t be the England number one for many years to come.
Kieran Gibbs – Another Arsenal youngster, Gunners fans will be hoping that Gibbs can follow in the footsteps of Ashley Cole (on the pitch at least) and become a world class left back. Already having played for the Arsenal senior team, Gibbs would have featured more were it not for injury, something that hopefully won’t plague him too much in the future. The 20-year-old has plenty of pace and isn’t afraid to get forward, something that has helped him to net three times for the England U21 team to date. Cole himself will be 33 in 2014, and by then Gibbs may just have nipped in ahead of the ex-Arsenal player.
Danny Rose – If his stunning volley against Arsenal at White Hart Lane in the Premier League last season is anything to go by, then Rose will be making plenty of headlines for himself in the future. The 20-year-old may not be the most hyped youngster in the country right now but there may just be a chance that he can use this to his advantage. Further first team opportunities at Tottenham will be hard to come by, but the midfielder has already signalled his intent to impress Harry Redknapp in pre-season. With Spurs battling on many fronts this season, Rose should get another chance to shine and show that he’s the latest Leeds starlet to make it at the top.
Andy Carroll – A bit of an outside bet this, there have been mumblings that the Newcastle striker might not be too far from the England set-up. The 21-year-old certainly has the physical presence needed to be a successful target man but it remains to be seen whether Carroll can score goals at the highest level, having only hit the back of the net in the Championship for the Toon thus far. Another thing that Carroll will have to ensure is that he doesn’t regularly get into trouble off the pitch, as this will only hamper his career. He will be much better served using that aggression on the pitch and turning himself into a combative striker.
Micah Richards – The career of Micah Richards has stalled in recent years but I can’t see any reason why future international honours won’t come his way. The 22-year-old won his first England cap four years ago and still has time on his side. Richards is a real athlete who plenty of speed and strength and has much to offer England, but whether right back is his best position it remains to be seen. You feel that the next few years could go either way for Richards, but I wouldn’t discounting seeing him in an England shirt once more and when 2014 comes around he’ll have the experience needed to perform at the highest level.
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Connor Wickham – There’s always a wildcard youngster who makes it to the World Cup and Wickham might just be that man in 2014. At just 17 years of age, it’s far too early to tell which way Wickham’s career will go but there’s a chance that he could just be a star of the future. The Ipswich Town striker has already shown that he’s prolific in front of goal, having netted 9 times in 13 games for England U19 and many people will be following his progress in the Championship this season. Roy Keane is very keen to hang onto the youngster amidst interest from Spurs and Harry Redknapp, and the prospect of a £10m transfer shows just how highly Wickham’s thought of.
These are just ten England starlets who will be hoping to feature for England in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. As is the case with youngsters, some will go onto to big things and some will fall by the wayside, and it will be interesting to see how the players I’ve identified will fare. Who of the above do you think will dismantle the old guard ahead of 2014, and out of those not listed here, who do you reckon we should be keeping an eye on?
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
Footballer’s – will they ever learn? Even the young, with apparently ‘their feet on the ground’ are prone to some bad decision making. I’m talking about off-field antics here of course – on pitch mistakes can be forgiven, for the most part. The latest blunder comes from a surprising source however – Theo Walcott. His decision to release an autobiography right at the start of a new season, in which he criticises current England manager Fabio Capello, just before squads are announced for the latest Euro 2012 qualifying matches, is a baffling one indeed. More of an annoyance however, is the fact that somebody is releasing an autobiography at the age of just 22.
Walcott isn’t the first young footballer to release an autobiography of course, and he sadly won’t be the last. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard are all guilty of it in this country – some, even guilty of releasing multiple books! There are two connotations to take from this: age, and overall, the point of it.
At Theo’s age, 22, how much can he have to write about? One would think it is vastly premature to be releasing an autobiography. Disagree? Let’s take a look at the actual definition of the word:
Autobiography – (n.) A biography written by the subject of it; memoirs of one’s life written by one’s self.
So, by definition, this is supposed to be the memoirs of Theo’s life. Does he not plan on sticking around with us much longer? Joking aside, as a professional footballer Walcott has been in his job for roughly six years. Granted, he’s had a rapid rise to stardom, with more media attention than most, especially during his surprise inclusion in England’s 2006 World Cup squad, prior to him having kicked a ball at Premier League level as a 17-year old, but retirement for his profession usually occurs around the mid-30’s. At the age of 22, he should have some years left in him – including what should be his peak ages in football.
Still not even an automatic first choice for his club team Arsenal, never mind an established international, Walcott has chosen to criticise the current England manager in his new book, which has been serialised in a daily tabloid provoking headlines. This is another trend when releasing an autobiography, especially when it comes to sport stars – the newspaper serialisation. Keen to generate any headlines possible, the press will feed on any incident – no matter how small, and sensationalise it. With only a relatively short career behind him up to now, Walcott needed something a little controversial included in his memoirs, in order to gain publicity and sell his book; thus probably guaranteeing a hefty sum from the paper than wishes to serialise the book. The controversy has come in the form of ‘attacking’ Fabio Capello who has been revealed as ‘cold and clinical’ (I big shock to fans, I know). Theo also painted Capello as a monster on the training ground, informing us that the Italian screamed: ‘Theo! I will kill you if you come inside like that again!’ when Walcott made a run from his position. Theo moaned he never knew what was required of him by Capello (maybe to stay wide, Theo?). Other revelations in the book include instances involving Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey, clashing with the England manager. Amazingly, having a look around forums regarding the subject, people have been keen to jump all over Capello, saying the ‘revelations’ prove their point that the Italian shouldn’t be in charge of England. How about the players been held accountable, rather than the big bad ‘foreigner’?
Which brings me to the second point; the point of it all. Why release a book at all, especially at such a young age? Money. What else? It’s all about cashing in on your brand name. A lot of today’s players seem more concerned with building a reputation off the pitch instead of earning one on it. As stated, a little bit of controversy almost guarantees a newspaper serialisation which brings in extra income, and promotes the book even more who may just be tempted to line the player’s pockets even more by purchasing it. This is not just relevant to young players. Lots of ‘star’ footballer’s choose to cash in on their name whilst still playing – businesswise it makes sense. But how about concentrating on your career instead of how to make your next £ million? Footballer’s of any age, pre-retirement, shouldn’t release these kinds of books full stop.
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Walcott should concentrate on his career, and on becoming a regular for club and country before risking the wrath of people in the game, who could help him in the future. His book is called ‘Theo: Growing Up Fast’ – maybe he needs to!
If you want to read more from myself including news, thoughts and views you can follow me on Twitter @fantasista1077 thanks!
It is 9 wins out of 10 for Tottenham Hotspur as the North Londoners close in at the top of the Premier League table. It could well be time for Harry Redknapp’s side to start believing in themselves that they can challenge for more than a top four finish.
At FFC this week there has been various Tottenham blogs that include the Postiga mystery; what next for Modric, while Levy’s masterstroke bodes well for Spurs.
There is also a selection of the best blogs from around the web:
Levy’s masterstroke bodes well for Tottenham
Harry provides Tottenham with the missing ingredients?
Simply a marriage of convenience at Tottenham?
The Helder Postiga Mystery
The limit of Tottenham’s potential?
What next for Luka Modric?
Tottenham deliver as Levy finds the financial balance
Tottenham on £9m alert as owners look for January sale
Roma look to tempt Tottenham with swap
Harry provides Tottenham with the missing ingredients?
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Best of WEB
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Best. Spurs side. Ever. (well, since the 1980s) – Dear Mr Levy
Dear Roman … Condolences . Cheerfully Luka. – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2
Aunty’s Got Her Bloomers In A Twist – Harry Hotspur
End Of An Era – Tottenham On My Mind
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Click on Ms Blasi below to see her in all her glory
Stoke 1-2 Man. Utd – With the world, his wife and all their immediate family pre-occupied with the subject of Wayne Rooney last week, the man who overtook Carlos Tevez to become the world’s highest paid boglin on Friday evening spent his 25th birthday sunning himself in opulent Dubai whilst his lesser work colleagues slugged it out in Stoke, a city with the only football team in the country to employ football as a back up tactic. But the gods of football it seems do at least have a sense of humor, if not over troubled with the values of loyalty and perspective, as Rooney’s unknown, unfeted understudy won United the game with the very strikers instinct El Wazza’s been missing this season. Javier ‘Chicharito (Little Pea)’ Hernandez may look like a 12-year-old girl with a crew cut but already looks the part of heir apparent to Ole Solskjaer. His first goal was a gem of genuine originality as he arched like a flying sea lion to reach an awkward pull back, and scored – very deliberately – with the back of his head. To compound the irony, he celebrated by kissing his badge, which now almost certainly means he’ll angle for a move away the second United fail to win the league four times in a row. Gary Neville somehow avoided being sent off for a clear second yellow but was so rubbish anyway it most likely did Stoke a favor. Tuncay leveled with the goal of the game but that only served to wake United up from their second half malaise and Chicharito grabbed his second from close range before celebrating with a fan who looked bigger than all of United’s players put together. But then Wayne Rooney’s head was in Dubai.
Man. City 0-3 Arsenal – What on paper looks like a serious credibility dent in City’s quest to turn the big four into five is tempered slightly by the fact they played for 86 minutes of this encounter with ten men. Boyata received his marching orders in less than five minutes for denying a goal scoring opportunity, a decision which didn’t take into consideration that the recipient was Marouane Chamakh, or that the ball wasn’t four yards out and in the air. Samir Nasri gave the visitors the lead after one of those rare Arsenal moves that actually ends with a shot before their weekly compulsory penalty was saved admirably by Joe Hart. Adebayor was brought on to rally the home side and give the visiting Gooners something to shout at, but the away side made comfortable work of their personnel advantage and after Song had toe punted a resolution to another bout of obsessive compulsive passing disorder, Nicklas Bendtner rounded things off after breaking free of the City defence at the speed of a arthritic dinner lady.
Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn – With ownership issues now thoroughly behind them and with no one to aim overly sentimental minor celebrity endorsed viral video appeals at, Liverpool fans could concentrate on the proper business of supporting their team, and for once this season, their team actually looked worth supporting. So up for it they were in fact that Paul Robinson had his work cut out just trying to keep Blackburn in it in the first half. His valiant, balding resistance was undone only a couple of minutes into the second however as Sotirios Kyrgiakos – who looks like a circus giant who isn’t actually a giant – powered in a Steven Gerrard corner, helpfully assisted by Martin Olsson, who bafflingly decided to direct his headed clearance towards the middle of the goal, despite sanding on the post. Rovers found themselves level only a few minutes later however, as the most loveable man in football El Hadji Diouf, had his scuffed shot cleared off the line by Konchesky, right onto the iron buttocks of Jamie Carragher and back into the net. It was a goal of Laurel and Hardy-esque comic ineptitude, rescued from significance – though probably not an appearance on a football funnies Christmas video hosted by Danny Dyer in a shed – by Fernando Torres, who slotted in the winner from a Joe Cole cross only a few minutes later.
Continued on Page TWO
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves – The subplot to this game – as it’s become in every game these two have faced off – was the meeting of Petr Cech and the inspiration behind his iconic headwear, Stephen Hunt. His first action in this game – midway through the second half – was to almost score, rather ironically, by throwing himself head first at a ball that was quite easily volley high, placing his bonce in a fair degree of danger in the process. He may have dished it out, but no one can say he’s not willing to take it. As for the actual football, Chelsea managed to win comfortably without really playing that well and after Florent Malouda had broken the dreadlock, I mean dead lock, they never looked in doubt of doing it either. They had the chances to increase their lead, at one point scuppering their own breakaway by having too many people in it, but any early season hopes fans had of going through the entire campaign beating everyone 6-0 have unfortunately faded.
West Brom 2-1 Fulham – West Brom continued their relentless march to universal respect and admiration, furthering their chances of staying up comfortably whilst also actually playing football, despite being pitted here against a team sneakily employing state of the art camouflage tactics. Such is the odd hue of Fulham’s dark green away number, that at times it was actually quite hard to see them if you squinted, giving the impression that the Baggies were playing no one at all (which probably made the score line quite surprising for anyone slightly visually impaired.) This could also go some way to explaining why the home side weren’t awarded a stonewall penalty when Kelly was brought down in the second half, with the referee presumably assuming him to have tripped over the turf. But by then West Brom were already in charge, having recovered from the second, or first chronological bum goal of the weekend to take and hold a 2-1 lead. Roberto Di Matteo is quickly becoming one of my favorite League managers, despite his obviously having no eyes.
Sunderland 1-0 Villa – In one of those games with pots of chances but woeful finishing, it was left to Richard Dunne to save the day from goallessness, by leaping like a lorry driver to clear a near post cross into his own net. Even more unfortunately for Dunne, this was made all the more pointless by the fact there were no Sunderland players anywhere near him when he did this. He was actually clearing it away from his own team mate’s attempt to clear it away, probably with more success. Sensing the kind of day this was going to be Villa gave up trying to score the regular way and instead devoted the rest of the game to trying to win dubious penalties. Something they thankfully didn’t achieve.
West Ham 1-2 Newcastle – Andy Carroll returned to the pitch after a universally proclaimed “tough week” – though I’m pretty sure it was tougher for his girlfriend – and immediately got himself back amongst the goals. After Carlton Cole had given the ‘Ammers the lead, Carroll set up his land lord Kevin Nolan for the equalizer, possibly as part of some ingenious new rent system, before former fellow friend of the fuzz Joey Barton whipped in a gorgeous cross for Carroll to attack like a ..er..no I probably shouldn’t go there…
Tottenham 1-1 Everton – Fresh from his world alerting hat-trick in the San-Siro, the boy Bale was a little subdued as the Toffees held Spurs to draw at the Lane. Leighton Baines curled in a postage stamp free kick after Yakubu had been fouled by thin air, only for Rafael van der Vaart (who seems to score obligatorily in every match now) violently smashed home the equalizer from half a yard out for no practical reason whatsoever. In the second half Tottenham push forward for the winner, but could only consistently pick out Peter Crouch, unfortunately for them.
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Birmingham 2-0 Blackpool – Liam Ridgewell somehow avoided giving away a penalty for handball before nodding the brummies ahead shortly after ensuring Ian Holloway gets worked up by something other than Wayne Rooney this week. Gary Taylor Fletcher – who looks far more like an extra from a cheap Guy Ritchie gangster movie homage made for bravo TV than he does a footballer – had some good chances for Blackpool before human mountain Zigic doubled the home side’s lead after some generous defending from Charlie Adam. Adam then injured himself in a clash with Zigic, but insisted on taking the resulting free kick anyway before running off for treatment, despite said injury being to his striking foot. Unsurprisingly, it was rubbish. The freekick, not the treatment.
Wigan 1-1 Bolton – In the showpiece game of the weekend, Wigan and Bolton slugged it out old school as their fans and players kidded themselves anyone outside of Greater Manchester would still be watching Match of The Day when it came on. Hugo Rodallega gave Roberto Martinez’ side the lead and should’ve gotten a headed winner after Elmander had draw the Trotters level. Franco Di Santo sounds, and looks, exactly like someone who should’ve be a character on the long running but now sadly defunct Sky1 camp football miniseries Dreem Team. In fact he should be, because he seems to serve no other purpose what so ever as far as I can work out.
Other Things I Noticed: The rather amusing sight of Javier Hernandez’ first interview question on Match of The Day, delivered to him in the slow, patronizing, simplistic tone of an Englishman addressing an assumed inferiorly lingual foreigner, only for it to be answered with a perfectly fluent stream of confident and coherent language, much to his surprise. His second question was asked normally.
Spain international Cesc Fabregas' proposed transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona has edged closer to reality after the influential midfielder admitted his future was out of his hands.
Fabregas has been a long-time target of the Catalan giants and they finally appear to be closing in on a player who left their youth team ranks for the Gunners seven years ago.
Speaking from Spain's training camp, Fabregas told Sky Sports:"I will only say one thing, I have great respect for Arsene Wenger, for Arsenal football club and for the Arsenal fans.
"Sometimes not even in my house I feel more love than I felt at Arsenal.
"I had a long conversation with Arsene, it was probably the greatest conversation I've had with someone in my life and I respect him so much and I don't want to say too much about this.
"He told me to concentrate on my football, he told me to concentrate on the World Cup, he told me to leave it in his hands, he will deal with whatever happens in my future and that's what I'm doing, just concentrating on football.
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"It's not up to me anymore and it's just now about Arsenal and whatever it has to be and that's it.
"I don't want to say anything else, I just want to be focused for the World Cup because it is the most important thing – the rest is the future and I'm not interested in the future."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick sung the praises of his players after they qualified for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.After winning the first-leg of their quarter-final 5-2 at Inter Milan, Raul’s goal on the stroke of half-time settled any nerves and virtually assured the Bundesliga outfit of progression.
And although Thiago Motta scored an equaliser five minutes into the second half, Schalke defended well and even grabbed a winner through Benedikt Hoewedes as they wrapped up a 7-3 aggregate victory.
It is the first time Schalke has progressed to the last four of Europe’s most prestigious club competition, and Rangnick was bursting with pride after their win over the defending champions.
“We’ve produced two great performances,” Rangnick said.
“If you only allow the Champions League winners a couple of chances, you know you have played well.”
“Each player worked hard for each other and that was the key to our success.”
The result sets up a semi-final meeting with EPL giants Manchester United, and defender Christoph Metzelder believes the side has huge potential to cause an upset, as shown in the two legs against Inter.
“We have seen in the two games just how much team this potential has, we really wanted to win this game out right,” Metzelder said.
While the Germans were delirious with the victory, which also saw legendary striker Raul join the fans for post-match songs and celebration, Inter boss Leonardo was shattered.
The former Milan player was ‘bitter’ about the result and insisted he believed that his side could overturn the three-goal deficit ahead of the second leg.
“There is bitterness and it is hard to digest,” Leonardo told Rai Sport.
“But I think the team spent plenty of effort in these last months in the Champions League and in Serie A.”
“We got into difficulty in the vital moments. I had dreamed of a comeback and we could have scored early or been more concrete in our play.”
“We could have done better in certain situations. I really believed in it for sure because we played well in the first half, but we did not have any chances to score the goals (we needed).”
Inter will now apply their focus to the Serie A campaign, with the club five points behind table-toppers and city rivals AC Milan, while Leonardo also said the Coppa Italia is another target for his side.
“We have to be good to focus now as we have the league and Coppa Italia to fight for,” he said. “There is still plenty of work to do.”
West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson believes it is vital that the club holds on to top scorer Peter Odemwingie this summer.The 29-year-old Nigeria forward has been linked to a host of clubs including Italian giants Juventus but Hodgson said he is a vital part of West Brom’s future.
Odemwingie will look to add to his 13 Premier League goals when West Brom host local rivals Aston Villa on Saturday.
“For me it is an absolute no-brainer that West Brom needs to keep hold of Peter,” Hodgson said on Friday.
“I did not know that Juventus were interested in Peter so that is news to me.”
“It would be nice if Juventus let West Brom know instead of all this press speculation.”
“For the last god knows how many years we have been up and down, up and down between the Premier League and the Championship.”
“If you are going to have a spell of being in the Premier League then you have got to improve your team.”
West Brom have only got four games left to haul themselves out of the relegation zone but they will have to do that without three key players.
“Jerome Thomas had a slight groin strain that made him a bit doubtful for the Tottenham game and got aggravated during the game to force him off,” he said.
“It was a calf muscle strain that forced Steven Reid off just before half-time and he will be missing on Saturday.”
“Chris Brunt has picked up an unfortunate hamstring strain in training that came about with him trying to keep a ball in play by flicking his leg behind him.”
“It caused a slight strain, which we’ve had scanned and it showed nothing in particular.”
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“Had the game been Sunday he’d have had a better chance and if the injury had happened on Tuesday he’d have a good chance – but it happened on Thursday.”
“We’ll have a look at it tomorrow but it is likely to keep him out.”
“None of them are long-term injuries and it gives another three players the chance to show what they can do.”
West Brom will definitely be without defender Pablo Ibanez (hamstring) and midfielder Graeme Dorrans (ankle).
Arsenal have confirmed that the fans who travelled to see their team get beaten 8-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday will be given free tickets to a future away Premier League match.
The Gunners were outplayed and embarrassed by the English champions in a one-sided affair, resulting in the worst result for the club since 1896.
The London club have praised the supporters who had to endure the defeat, and promised to compensate their financial expense.
“Sunday’s result was obviously disappointing for everyone connected with the club. Our travelling fans were magnificent throughout and we want to recognise their fantastic support. We will be writing to them shortly with the details,” a club statement reads.
Manager Arsene Wenger is under pressure after back-to-back league losses and the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, and has apologised to the fans after the result.
“The fans do not want to see their team like that. We can only apologise and come back in our strength and desire in the next game,” he stated.
“Big scores are humiliating and difficult to swallow but I don’t think they have a special meaning. They are always under special circumstances.”
The Emirates outfit were without a number of key players such as Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen, but captain Robin van Persie thinks this is no excuse.
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“It is an honest result if you look at the game. We were simply not good enough. We have to deal with that. I don’t think we can hide behind injuries or suspensions. It is no excuse. They had injuries too, this is football,” the Netherlands international admitted.
Arsenal’s next game is against Swansea at the Emirates on September 10th.
With Fernando Torres committing his future to Liverpool for the foreseeable future, a huge sigh of relief has engulfed Anfield this week. Suddenly the storm clouds seem to be lifting from Merseyside, especially as it’s likely the Reds will have new owners by the end of the month.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…Liverpool should cut their losses; vital the PL ensures the Reds aren’t sold a dud and Roy’s future vision gives Liverpool every chance.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.
Should Liverpool cut their losses and cash in?
Will he forever rue the day he turned down Liverpool?
Vital the PL don’t allow Liverpool to be sold another dud
Roy’s ‘future vision’ gives Liverpool every chance
Liverpool bidders make big promises
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Liverpool get their own dose of Barca’s unsavoury craft
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Best of Web
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No one bigger than the club? – This is Anfield
New owners at LIVERPOOL FC? Well just Huang on a minute… – Well Red
Fans key to Fernando Torres staying at Anfield – Liverpool Echo
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Who is Kenny Huang? Our Potential New Owner – Live4Liverpool
Roy won’t stray from Rafa’s foundations – This is Anfield
Why I’m hoping we don’t sign this trouble maker – Live4Liverpool
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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery