Olivier Giroud found the back of the net twice at St James’s Park, and his status as a ‘world class’ forward was brought to light. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is backing his forward, saying there is even more to come from Giroud, but he is already world class. Is he right?
Olivier Giroud’s season did not get off to a great start: despite scoring in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Everton, Giroud picked up an ankle injury back in August that was to keep him from playing football for five months. But Giroud’s impressive recovery – which was called one of football’s ‘best kept secrets’ – saw a return almost two months earlier than predicted.
During the time Giroud spent sidelined, Arsene Wenger’s side managed to win just three games out of nine. Looking at their current form, they are doing far better with Giroud. Arsenal are on course to retain the FA Cup, as well as making the top four in the Premier League – although some think they have the potential to win the title.
Olivier Giroud has 17 goals to his name for the season, 13 of them in the Premier League: the majority of which have been scored with his left foot. Ten of these goals have been netted in his last six games. No doubt had Giroud not picked up that unfortunate injury, he would have added plenty more to that tally. It is evident that he is crucial for Arsenal, and one is left to wonder would they have already pipped City to the second place spot had he been fit.
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Using the comparison “Olivier Giroud has scored more goals in 2015 than Cristiano Ronaldo” is honestly stupi, though. Ronaldo being out of form does not make Giroud a Ballon d’Or candidate.
Giroud may not have made many headlines throughout this season, despite his good form, which could be down to Harry Kane filling column inches with his form for north London rivals Tottenham. Spurs’ main man has had an amazing season thus far, and is on course to lift the Golden Boot come May. It has been difficult for others to get a look in with the media because of this and, of course, the fact he is English.
It is clear to see that Olivier Giroud is very much keeping Arsenal’s chances to snag second place alive. If Arsene Wenger is right, and there is more to come from Giroud, then he can certainly be considered world class. I believe this accolade should be used few and far between, or else it loses all meaning entirely.
Lionel Messi is the epitome of world class, and Giroud could never match Messi. Although, Giroud absolutely deserves praise, especially in recent weeks. If he can continue this form into next season, and keep fit, he’ll be one to watch.
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Arsenal’s crucial 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend came courtesy of a double from summer signing Santi Cazorla, which will have gone a long way to helping the club keep their hopes of clinching a top four place alive after a terrible week which saw them all but crash out of two cup competitions, but should he be contributing in such a fashion on a much more consistent basis?
Back-to-back defeats saw the Gunners crash out of the FA Cup to Blackburn at home despite dominating the game and lose in midweek to Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League which puts their chances of qualification for the next round in some serious doubt, so in terms of maintaining their fragile confidence during a pivotal time as they chase a top four place, even though the win was in a nervy manner, the result was more important than the performance against Paul Lambert’s relegation strugglers.
The two goals took Cazorla’s tally to a healthy 11 for the season from 27 games in the league, but as perhaps the team’s most standout performer in terms of natural talent, aside from Jack Wilshere, you are often left with the sense that he should still be doing a lot more than his six assists testify. He could best be described as more of a decorator than a dictater of play, and is he simply a consequence of his environment that requires more help for him to truly flourish?
In his 27 league outings to date this campaign, the diminutive Spaniard has created 65 chances, completed 87% of his passes and hit the target with 53% of his shots. In what can only be described as an altogether deeper-lying role than he performed while he was in Spain, firstly with Villarreal and then Malaga, not to mention the Spanish national side, Cazorla has nominally played out wide as part of a four-man midfield or as one member of a three-pronged attack from either the left or right flank, but Wenger has him sitting deeper and trying to get on the ball more and effect play.
Nevertheless, against top quality opposition this season, Cazorla has flitted in and out of games far too much for what that role demands and he can often be found playing well within himself, failing to get the tempo going to the sort required to see Arsenal at their best. This is not some youngster we are talking about either, but a 28-year-old, experienced professional with over 40 caps at international level.
It may be a somewhat casual comparison to make, simply because they are all from the same country and are seen as creative fore-bearers for their respective sides, with a heavy emphasis on them to instigate moves, but when you highlight the impact that both Juan Mata and David Silva have had in the past, Cazorla comes up short, even if in terms of natural ability he is comparable and is he simply the latest in a long line of mentally fragile big money buys from Wenger?
In his second season in England, Mata, four years Cazorla’s junior and in equally as inconsistent a side in Chelsea, has managed to create 64 chances in 25 league appearances, assisting nine goals in the league, 22 across all competitions and taking his goal return to 17 for the campaign, 10 of which have come in the league.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Silva was absolutely integral in helping Manchester City to the league title last season and despite battling with injuries this season, and never quite getting up to full speed, symptomatic of the rest of Roberto Mancini’s side in that respect, he has still managed to create 73 chances for his team-mates in 24 games, with seven assists.
When Silva plays well, so do City and the same can be said of Mata at Chelsea but there must be a worry that Cazorla’s influence is somewhat more fleeting, even if it can still occasionally hit the same heady heights. It’s been suggested that both Silva and Mata are capable of making the step up in the future to one of the big two in Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid, whereas when Cazorla was available in the summer, neither really pursued his signature, despite his outstanding season at Malaga, which speaks volumes of the standing he is held in and he noticeably dropped off in form and struggled after the international break earlier on in the season.
Alongside his double against Villa, his winner against Sunderland showed that Cazorla is starting to understand the responsibility he must take on within the side. They are under increasing pressure to secure that top four place for a 17th successive season or run the risk undoing all of their progress off the pitch by being unable to compete for the best players in the summer when Financial Fair Play is introduced from their platform of the Europa League. It is absolutely pivotal for their long-term plan that they make fourth this term.
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From a purely statistical standpoint, Cazorla has had an exceptional first season in the Premier League, but as one of the senior heads of the side, he needs to maintain his undoubted influence across the ninety minutes, particularly in games of importance, because when he does get himself more involved, he is a match-winner and he can’t let himself, like so many of his team-mates, wilt under the pressure. It may be demanding to ask more of a clearly excellent player, but he has an extra gear, the sort that neither summer signings Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski possess, and the technical ability to win games on his own, which he is finally starting to show, albeit intermittently.
As he adapts more to the demands of the top flight, the fans in turn need to demand more of a player capable of becoming their talisman. Wenger may be best served pushing him further forward so that he can do more damage in the final third as the season goes down to the wire, but the extent to which he maintains his form will determine, perhaps more than any other individual player in the Arsenal squad, whether they are ultimately successful in their quest for a top four spot this season.
There is no doubting that Spanish forward Joselu works his socks off, but he has struggled for goals since arriving at Newcastle United last summer.
The 28-year-old moved to Newcastle from Stoke City after spending the 2016-17 campaign on loan with Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruna, where he managed just six goals.
Joselu netted just four times in 27 appearances for Stoke during the 2015-16 season, and therefore it should not come as much of a surprise that he has struggled to find the back of the net on a consistent basis this term.
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The forward, who is valued at £3.6m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has actually only managed four goals in 27 appearances for Newcastle, but he has had a number of opportunities.
Joselu turned 28 on Tuesday, and Newcastle’s official Twitter account was on hand with a birthday message for the Spaniard.
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However, the Newcastle fans, who appear to have lost faith in Joselu, took the chance to poke fun at the former Real Madrid striker, claiming that he probably missed his own birthday.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Arsenal have been given a huge boost in their chase to sign Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk after he revealed that being linked with the Gunners is a great feeling, Metro reports.
The 23-year-old defender is also being tracked by Everton and Sunderland is currently rated at about £10million by his club Celtic with the player said to be keen on a switch to the Premier League.
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“I have recently been thinking a bit about it [his career]. I am now 23 and have played at Willem II, FC Groningen and Celtic and am now linked to clubs like Arsenal. Isn’t that great?
“There are a lot of clubs interested, but Celtic is holding onto a big transfer fee. The club is clear: they don’t want to let me go in the winter, because we’re playing for four trophies.
“I understand the point of view from the club and I see it as a compliment that they don’t want to let me go.
“But we have to be realistic. If there’s a nice club from England, we have to talk. I want to develop myself as a player, that’s for sure.”
Arsene Wenger’s side have been rattled by a number of defensive injuries with Mathieu Debuchy being the latest victim to join the list as he is now deemed out for three months due to a shoulder injury.
The addition of another centre-back will be a lift for the Gunners as they currently only have two experienced centre-backs, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
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Earlier in the season, Wenger was forced to use a number of his wingers in the middle of his defence when Koscielny was unavailable, prompting his search for a key defender to be a top priority this month.
Joe Cole has revealed it was difficult turning down his old manager Harry Redknapp at QPR before opting to sign for West Ham.
Cole, 31, completed his move from Liverpool to Upton Park on Friday morning, signing an 18-month contract with Sam Allardyce’s side.
The former England international midfielder broke onto the Premier League scene at West Ham under Redknapp, who handed him his debut in the top flight, aged just 17, after spending four years at the club’s youth academy.
And Cole had the chance to reunite with Redknapp at a struggling QPR side during this January transfer window, but while he admits he owes a lot to Redknapp, he says he could not resist the opportunity to return to his boyhood club.
“That was the hardest thing for me,” Cole explained to London 24, “because Harry gave me my first chance and I will be forever indebted to him, but there was too much here at West Ham for me to say no.
“The only hard thing was turning down Harry because I love him and I would not be the player I was if it wasn’t for him.”
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce feels the former Chelsea man can now push on at Upton Park and force his way back into the England set-up.
But Cole, who has 56 caps for his country, is concentrating on regaining form for West Ham first.
“I need to get playing first, and probably will need three or four matches to get back to top level,” he said.
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“I will always harbour those ambitions because I love playing for my country, but it will be down to performance.”
Leeds United announced via their official club Twitter account on Monday that midfielder Ronaldo Vieira had been called up by the England Under-20 side for their friendly match against Portugal on Tuesday, and Whites fans were quick to react to the news.
Despite being a key player under the leadership of former boss Garry Monk last season – he made 38 appearances in all competitions – the 19-year-old has found starts harder to come by under Thomas Christiansen and now Paul Heckingbottom in the league this term.
The Guinea-born midfielder has been an unused substitute in the Yorkshire outfit’s previous three Championship fixtures with the likes of Adam Forshaw, Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane – who has been heavily criticised by the Elland Road faithful for his displays – preferred ahead of him.
Leeds supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the call-up, and while one said: “How? He can’t get in our squad ahead of O’Kane”, another said “but we continue to play O’Kane”.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
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Liverpool’s 2014 has been one of contrast and change. The year started so well as Brendan Rodgers’ Reds went on a stunning winning run to almost clinch a first ever Premier League title, playing some of the best football in the English top flight along the way.
Then came the summer… Luis Suarez’s bite on Giorgio Chiellini was swiftly followed by his move to Barcelona, and Liverpool have not been the same side since. The Merseysiders are currently 19 points down on the tally they had this time last year, and the top four quest looks like it may be a tricky one for Rodgers this time around.
We’ve stuck with the Anfielders through the thick and thin, and here are the ten best articles from the 2014 journey…
Could this be the transfer coup of the season for Liverpool?
It may look like a bullet dodged now, but Liverpool really, really, REALLY wanted this Egyptian – who was tipped for the top…
Amid the chaos of any transfer window you’re always likely to get your high profile moves, but at the same time it is often those that slip the radar that prove to be the most successful.
Mohamed Salah is hardly a household name in England, but those that saw him play against Tottenham and Chelsea in the last couple of years will realise what a talent the Egyptian looks set to be. At 21 he has all the pace you would expect from an incisive wide man, but what separates him from many of the other quality wingers is his technical ability and all round attacking craft.
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Three transfer ‘ins and outs’ at Liverpool this January
With January now on the agenda, let’s look back at the issues facing Liverpool last time around…
The January window is well under way, and despite the regular criticism the winter market often gets in England, there’s no doubting it’s utility to Premier League clubs.
The mid-season window gives managers the chance to add reinforcements for the season’s final run-in, and attempt to get some of the deadwood off the wage bill.
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Six marquee signings in Liverpool’s summer plans
A ‘marquee’ man has always been Rodgers’ wish, and here are six that may have been better than Balotelli
To sum up Liverpool’s transfer activities from last summer in a nutshell; there was a lot of tents, some very snazzy and well-priced tents, but no genuine marquee.
Their efforts in the January window shared a similar fate, with Mohamed Salah rejecting a move to Anfield in favour of a Chelsea switch and the Reds’ late attempts to sign for Dnipro’s Yevhen Konoplyanka ending in failure.
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Barca’s loss Liverpool’s gain… six players that could be heading to Anfield
Ironically it was Barca who raided Liverpool in the end, but it looked, initially, as if the Reds would profit from their proposed ban…
The coming transfer window was billed as a huge one for Spanish powerhouses Barcelona. With Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol both planning to leave the club, and concerns over ageing midfield duo Xavi and Andreas Iniesta, the Catalans were expected to significantly strengthen in several key areas at the end of the season.
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Six to follow Moreno to Liverpool
Alberto Moreno was one of the Reds’ high profile summer signings, and it was predicted that a few more big names could follow
According to the ever-reliable Daily Mail, following his impressive display in the Europa League final,Liverpool are set to launch a swoop for Sevilla starlet Alberto Moreno.
With Jose Enrique a rather ordinary defender and Aly Cissokho’s loan spell unlikely to become a permanent deal at Anfield, the highly-rated Spaniard would certainly address the Reds’ need for a new left-back ahead of next season.
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Six deals Liverpool could make before the World Cup
The World Cup presented an odd transfer embargo for clubs, but Liverpool were linked with a host of stars before a ball was kicked in Brazil.
Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers will want to be quick in putting the title disappointment of this past season behind them and move on to preparing for the next campaign.
While the team were praised throughout the season for their brand of football, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure next year is equally as successful, if not more.
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Five signings to convince Luis Suarez to stay at Liverpool
We all now how this one ended… but Liverpool did try to keep their man
Liverpool currently sit on top of the Premier League table with 80 points and are in the running to end their 24-year league trophy drought. And a big part to their success this season has undoubtedly been down to the talents of Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan has just received the PFA Player of the Year award after scoring 30 goals in just 31 appearances this season.
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Five reasons to be excited about Balotelli…
Erm… it looked positive initially!
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Oh Mario Balotelli… how we’ve missed you so.
When Balotelli left Manchester City back in the January of 2013, the Premier League lost one of the world’s most enigmatic characters in football.
But after just a year in a half back in Serie A with AC Milan, the Italian superstar is returning to the English top flight this time playing in the red of Liverpool.
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Bring him back! Liverpool ace makes case for re-call
Aspas was a disaster last season, but he’s impressing over in Spain this time around…
Liverpool’s attacking prowess this season is a far cry from their ruthlessness in front of goal last season.
That is partly down to Daniel Sturridge being sidelined with a calf injury and mostly because Luis Suarez was allowed to leave after enjoying the best season of his career.
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A step in the wrong direction for Liverpool?
Where did it all go wrong?
There are the transfers that shock because you didn’t think they were possible – Torres to Chelsea for £50m. And there are those that shock by virtue of their sheer size – Bale to Real Madrid for £86m. But every now and again a transfer shocks because it’s just plain bizarre.
He went from hero to jobless in a matter of weeks at Newcastle, but since then a lot has changed for Chris Hughton and he inevitably found himself back in the Premier League spotlight. In the wake of his former side’s current plight did the Magpies miss a trick by letting Hughton go?
The path he has taken since initially suggests they may have done. He did a tremendous job with Birmingham City to get a disjointed squad into the Championship playoffs. He also provided a respectable Europa League campaign, including a 2-1 victory in Brugge as a cherry on top of the cake for the Blues fans. He has shown that he has the capability of ensuring unity in his squads that can enable them to go on runs just as Norwich have. There were doubters of the Canaries as they struggled for early season form now they are on their best run in their Premier League history. The manager takes huge credit for that and rightly so.
I raise a smile at Hughton establishing himself as a Premier League manager. Newcastle fans nostalgically call upon the 5-1 Halloween demolition of Sunderland at St. James’s Park. No supporter on Tyneside will forget the day when Kevin Nolan caused havoc chicken clucking around as he put a hatrick past his team’s bitter rivals. There was the feeling that this alone would be spare Hughton a lot of time, and that a popular manager can finally settle. The lacklustre performance at the Hawthorns in his last game in charge was not an indicator of a departure. Nobody expected him to go when he did. Hindsight is a wonderful thing though.
Now you look back you can see why his partnership with Newcastle United came to an end. Hughton was destined to leave for the reason that he may have been a great coach but his existence was not very much beyond that. I am not ignorant to assume that all he did was coach, but he was an isolated figure even if the fans never wanted to admit it. Newcastle supporters are correct to say he was unfortunate to be sacked, but the board knew exactly what he brought to the table. He was a motivator and encouraged a fantastic team spirit. This wasn’t enough; they did not have the confidence that he was the face they could put their trust in. The turbulent spell like they are facing now needs a strong personality to take the criticism in his stride and ability to see the vision of the board before the supporters. The quiet unassuming figure of Hughton was not what the Newcastle decision makers wanted to work with.
Ashley was all too aware having a manager in charge that was seen as a fans messiah was dangerous. He knew from when Kevin Keegan was installed due to fan power that this can only end one way, in tears. The Owner could not take the risk that Hughton could use the fans as a weapon against him. There was no communication between Chris Hughton and the board they were separate entities and for this reason they had to split.
Mike Ashley was rarely given credit for his meticulous business planning before the days of Pardew. This is because any manager’s positive image was done individually and did not include the main man in charge upstairs, which would have made the fans appreciate the board. Alan Pardew instantly spoke about working with the board as a unit. The 41 year old has marketed Newcastle as a brand run by the club’s hierarchy, rather than promoting his personal image of Mr Pardew being Mr Newcastle United. This was a perfect scenario for Ashley because he knew any popularity Pardew would gain he would benefit from too.
This is demonstrated when Alan Pardew explained about the club’s transfer failings he mentions the five man hierarchy getting it wrong with himself and chief scout Graham Carr included. The affiliation of blame to two popular characters in his honest appraisal draws in an acceptance from the fans. It deflects blame away from Ashley rather than venom and spite in his direction, which is essential. The owner knows that Pardew will work his visions around what is dictated to him and this is pivotal for any working relationship. Mike Ashley is the ultimate boss, because it is his money that goes in and Pardew understands this loud and clear. This is why he was so handsomely rewarded with an 8 year deal. The Sports Direct owner is sure to make some ruthless business calls on player sales and purchases in the future but the fact that this won’t be a surprise to Pardew is a massive boost.
Newcastle experienced a stormy spell when Carroll left for £35 million. A fan backlash then has prepared the former Southampton boss for this current wave of frustration. He answers to the board before the fans though and the unity this provides will ensure Newcastle remains a strong unit for the foreseeable future. If Pardew plays by Ashley’s rules he will be rewarded, and given opportunity to sign players to improve the team under a suitable structure.
Pardew and the club’s hierarchy have been on the same page since day one; he was wanted and had utmost respect from the owner. He is a channel of communication between the fans and the owner that had never existed under Hughton. How Hughton was viewed upstairs was always shrouded in controversy. He ended up in charge purely as an agreement of convenience in the Championship and because he got the Magpies promoted he had to stay, in the same way Abramovich was obligated to keep Di Matteo.
Alan Pardew is a completely different kettle of fish to what Hughton was. He buys into the Ashley plan and he doesn’t appear to be left in the dark on subjects and can usually shed light on issues between board and fans. I am convinced that results would not have been all too dissimilar under Hughton or ‘Pardiola’, but the current boss was brought in to guide the ship at times just like now. It is why the fans remain patient that he will turn it round once again and few fans have called for his head.
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While the split with Hughton was unfortunate and messy for the fans, essentially the board certainly understood why they sacked him, and what they wanted from a manager. The timing was difficult but when was a good time to ever sack a fans favourite. There may be a clamour from fans to recall Hughton’s great exploits and yearn for the days he was here. Those who do that though will miss the point of the way the Newcastle hierarchy has to run if the club is to have a long term future.
Leeds fans have been reacting to the news that Liam Cooper and Andy Lonergan will miss Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
Centre back Liam Cooper and goalkeeper Andy Lonergan are both set to be out for extended periods, says Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Cooper was enduring a poor spell of form and taking plenty of stick from fans, and sustained his injury in the loss against Wolves. The captain was clattered by his own player, suffering a severe dead leg. Fans don’t seem all that sympathetic about the injury.
Lonergan had missed several games with a neck injury, and is now set for a longer spell on the sidelines after aggravating the injury. The 34 year-old probably doesn’t hold much hope of getting back in the team now, after the sudden emergence of Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Leeds host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, still seeking their second win in the calendar year. The injury to Lonergan won’t impact the lineup, but Cooper’s injury means Everton loanee Matthew Pennington will likely keep his place.
Fans have been reacting to the injury news on Twitter, and we don’t think Liam Cooper will want to check his social media this morning…
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The Manchester Derby is another hugely anticipated match in the English Premier League as two teams from Manchester go head to head for bragging rights.
With City currently ahead of United in recent seasons, Louis van Gaal will need to unleash his squad’s full potential in order to overcome their neighbours at the Etihad.
So, with that in mind, here are FIVE things the Red Devils need to do if they are going to have a chance of picking up three points against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
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Force Manchester City to defend
In recent matches between the two teams, Manchester City’s attacking presence has always gotten the better of Manchester United due to their quick and intricate passing. Even with key playmaker David Silva injured, they will still keep the same playing style.
If Louis van Gaal wants to avoid unnecessary pressure, he will need to encourage his side to be continuously attack their opponents rather than sit back and hope to break on the counter attacks. With such a lethal strike force, the Red Devils will need to make the best out of their chances.
Keep Sergio Aguero in line
Manchester United will already know that if they give Sergio Aguero any sort of room anywhere in or around the penalty area, they will surely be punished given the Argentine’s lethal form. With an out-of-form Yaya Toure and an injured David Silva, all the Manchester City players will be pushing the ball to Aguero.
This means United will have to be in constant communication over his movements as Daley Blind will need to be on the top of defensive game when tracking back to aid the squad’s defence. If the players can frustrate him enough and keep his impact at a minimum, they will surely avoid a losing unnecessary goals.
Unleash the Manchester United Galacticos
Although Manchester United are struggling defensively, they have one of the most feared front lines in the Premier League. If Louis van Gaal can unleash the likes of Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, and Robin van Persie against Manchester City, they could actually come away with three points.
Given the fact that City were unable to fend off Newcastle United at home, they could have defensive troubles of their own as Van Gaal will have to urge his players to attack Joe Hart’s goal. The four superstars in the squad are proven world class players and will need to be at the top of their game to ensure that Manuel Pellegrini will register his third consecutive defeat.
Manchester United need to keep their defensive composure
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Even though David De Gea is currently in amazing form, he cannot keep out every opportunity that comes his way. This means the back four, along with the midfield players will need to work together in order to ensure their goalkeeper is not over-exposed in any way.
It is known that Manchester United have been struggling defensively throughout the season, so if they can reproduce a similar performance to the one that kept Chelsea at bay, it could just be enough to ensure a tight scoreline. With Manchester City enjoying their attacks from the sides, players like Rafael and Luke Shaw will especially have to be at the top of their game.
Manchester United need Wayne Rooney to continue his derby form
If Wayne Rooney is full fit for the clash, Manchester City wills surely have something to fear because the Manchester United captain has already recorded 11 goals in this derby fixture. It is still unknown whether he will play a part given his latest injury, but knowing Rooney, he will do all he can to take part.
With the England man in the squad, United will have another devastating outlet in the attack as he joins Angel Di Maria as the link between the midfield and the attack. In addition to this, his never give up mentality will be a huge asset as he leads his teammates to track back and make sure everyone gives it their all.