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Manchester United flop Djemba-Djemba joins St Mirren
By Peter Hanson
Feb 5, 2014 7:00:00 PM
The Cameroonian, who has enjoyed a nomadic career since leaving Old Trafford, had been a free agent since Serbian giants Partizan cancelled his contract in December
St Mirren have completed the signing of former Manchester United flop Eric Djemba-Djemba, subject to international clearance.
The 32-year-old completed a medical on Wednesday and has penned a deal that will see him stay with the Scottish Premiership outfit until the end of the season.
Djemba-Djemba had most recently been with Serbian side Partizan, but he was deemed surplus to requirements and had his contract cancelled in December.
St Mirren have acted swiftly to tie up a deal for the Cameroon international and he adds to the permanent signing of Gregg Wylde, and loan deals for Aberdeen's Josh Magennis and Newcastle United's Adam Campbell, who all joined in the January transfer window.
Having started his career with Nantes in France, Djemba-Djemba earned a move to Premier League champions Manchester United in 2003 but, after an unsuccessful stint at Old Trafford, he moved to fellow English top-flight side Aston Villa.
Djemba-Djemba has also had spells at the likes of Burnley, Odense and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
He has been capped on 24 occasions by Cameroon, and collected a winner's medal at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations as well as playing at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan in the same year.
St Mirren currently occupy ninth position in the Scottish Premiership.
The Frenchman believes Chelsea's surprise victory at the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening once again highlights how little separates this season's contenders
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Manchester City's "jaded" performance against Chelsea highlights the unpredictability of the title race.
Chelsea ended City's 20-match unbeaten run in all competitions with a 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Monday, with Branislav Ivanovic's first-half strike separating the sides.
That result leaves Arsenal top of the Premier League with 55 points from 24 matches, two more than City and Chelsea, who sit second and third respectively.
And Wenger does not foresee a runaway winner in the league, unlike in previous seasons.
Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "Chelsea looked always dangerous and Man City looked, for me, a bit jaded.
"They were not as fluent or as strong physically as they were at Tottenham [a 5-1 win] but it could have gone to 1-1, it could have gone 2-0 for Chelsea.
"It [the title race] is never as simple as everyone predicts. I said a long time ago that nobody will be absolutely above [the others]. It will be down to consistency."
Arsenal's own credentials are sure to be tested in the coming month with Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester United and a resurgent Sunderland to come.
And Wenger is well aware his side will need to battle to retain their place at the top and claim a first league title since 2004.
He added: "At the moment this is the period, January, February, March, where every game is a battle for everybody because everybody fights for something.
The manager believes his squad are not ready to win the Premier League due to the strength in depth of rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, but is confident his team can play a part
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes it is too soon for his team to be considered Premier League title contenders.
The Anfield outfit led the table heading into the Christmas period but have since faltered, with eight points now separating Rodgers' fourth-placed side from table-toppers Arsenal.
Just three wins in their last seven league games have dented the club's hopes of bridging that gap and Rodgers believes his squad's strength in depth is inferior to that of Liverpool's title rivals.
"I think for us, as a team, it's too early for that," he told Sky Sports.
"I was at the Manchester City-Chelsea game the other night and I look at the squads they have - which they have built up over the last few years - and it's very difficult for us, even though we have competed right the way through the season.
"So, I wouldn't say for us this year, no. We wouldn't be challengers for [the title]."
Liverpool do still have home games to come against all the sides above them - starting with Arsenal this weekend, before Manchester City and Chelsea both visit Anfield in April.
And Rodgers is confident his side will play a decisive role in where the Premier League trophy ends up.
"Will we play a part in it? Yes, we will, because we are professional and we want to fight to finish as high as we possibly can," he added.
"We look it and there are six points between us and (third-placed) Chelsea, so there is still a lot to play for and we will be fighting right until the very end.
"But, if I'm asked to give an honest answer, I'd probably say that this year is too soon for us."
Forlan: Suarez is a future Ballon d'Or winner
The Cerezo Osaka forward believes that his Uruguay team-mate can break Messi and Ronaldo's monopoly on the Fifa award
Vidic to leave Manchester United
The centre-back has confirmed this will be his last season at Old Trafford but says he is not considering any other club in England, with Inter and Monaco interested
Stranzl: Newcastle loan key to Luuk de Jong confidence The Borussia Monchengladbach defender says he does not blame the striker taking the opportunity to move to the Premier League and hopes he regains some lost form
Pochettino backs Lallana for World Cup spot The 25-year-old has impressed for the Saints in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals, and his manager believes he can be an asset for Roy Hodgson
Arsenal need consistency to win the Premier League, says Fabregas The former Gunners captain says it would be "amazing" if Arsene Wenger's men beat Manchester City and Chelsea to the title
Van Aanholt wants clarification on Chelsea future The Dutch youngster has played for five different clubs since joining the Blues in 2007 and admits the club's wealth mean the chance for players to break through is small
Manchester City's Fernandinho hopes to be fit to face Barcelona The Brazilian has revealed he expects to be back playing "in 15 days or less", meaning he still has a chance of featuringg when Manuel Pellegrini's men host the Blaugrana
Martinez hails McCarthy impact at Everton The Spaniard believes his £13 million (€15.5m) summer signing does not always get the credit his ability deserves because of the understated nature of his influence
Dawson welcomes return of 'world-class' Vertonghen The Spurs skipper believes Tim Sherwood needs all his defensive options available with the Europa League set to resume and the top four race hotting up
Laudrup taking legal advice over Swansea dismissal The Dane has revealed he is "deeply disappointed" with the club's decision to fire him and says he wants to know the full reasoning behind the sacking
New York City FC will have pick of Manchester City youngsters Jason Kreis, appointed as the new MLS side's coach in January, is able to loan four players per season from their parent club and is already sizing up potential candidates
Mourinho: Mazzarri & Seedorf need time The Chelsea boss has backed the pair to succeed at their respective clubs if they get the time to turn things around
Fletcher reveals illness agony The midfielder missed two years of action due to ulcerative colitis but reveals that he initially hid his problem for a number of months
Arsenal will not try to sign Suarez again - Wenger The Gunners made a number of attempts to bring the Uruguay international to the Emirates Stadium last summer, but they will not resurrect their interest at the end of the season
Beating Liverpool at Anfield would make a big statement, says Gibbs Arsenal got the better of the Merseyside club at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season but the left-back is keen to start a difficult run of fixtures with a defining victory
Inter keen on free transfer move for Vidic The Manchester United skipper will be out of contract in the summer and the Serie A club are keen to discuss a deal with the Serbian, while Monaco are also interested
Suarez: Liverpool must prove title credentials against Arsenal The Reds have lost all three of their games against the Gunners, Manchester City and Chelsea this season and the striker underlined the importance of taking points off their rivals
Kagawa 'irritated' at Manchester United The former Dortmund midfielder expresses his frustration at failing to make a significant impact at Old Trafford but is determined to overcome his "mental block"
Fans and club staff will gather around the Munich memorial clock at Old Trafford to pay tribute to the 23 people who lost their lives on this day 56 years ago.
Manchester United will pay tribute on Thursday to the 23 people who died in the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958.
Eight United players and three members of the club's staff were among the dead when the plane carrying Matt Busby's side back from a European Cup match in Belgrade failed to take off.
The plane had stopped off in Munich to refuel, and after two attempts to launch were aborted, the plane crashed on its third bid for flight.
Twenty-one people on-board were killed instantly, aeroplane captain Kenneth Rayment died three weeks later and Duncan Edwards, one of English football's brightest stars, died in hospital 15 days after the crash.
Goalkeeper Harry Gregg survived the crash and escaped the wreckage, but returned to the scene to drag survivors to safety.
Two players, Johnny Berry and Jackie Blanchflower, never played football again following the crash.
Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Geoff Bent, Liam Whelan and Duncan Edwards all died, along with club secretary Walter Crickmer and coaches Bert Whalley and Tom Curry.
Eight journalists were among the dead. Alf Clarke, Tom Jackson, Don Davies, George Fellows, Archie Ledbrook, Eric Thompson, Henry Rose, and Frank Swift, a former Manchester City player. Aeroplane captain Ken Rayment, Busby's friend Willie Satinoff, travel agent Bela Miklos and crew member Tom Cable also died.
Manchester United went on to reach the 1958 FA Cup final, but lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers.
Busby remained in hospital for more than two months before returning to Manchester United. He resumed managerial duties in the 1958-59 season, and would go on to rebuild the squad and lead the club to the European Cup in 1968.
Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes both survived the tragedy and played at Wembley as United beat Benfica 4-1 after extra-time, with Charlton captaining the side and scoring twice.
Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote (R) is challenged by Manchester City's Edin Dzeko during their English Premier League soccer match at St James' Park in Newcastle, northern England, January 12, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote could miss up to three matches after injuring his hamstring in training, the club said on Thursday.
The Ivorian midfielder has been ruled out of the Premier League fixtures away to title-chasers Chelsea on Saturday and Wednesday's home game against Tottenham Hotspur, the club said on their website (www.nufc.co.uk).
He is also a doubt for the home match against Aston Villa on February 23.
Tiote's injury is another blow for manager Alan Pardew, whose depleted side are already without leading scorer Loic Remy, who is serving the second of a three-match ban, and injured captain Fabricio Coloccini for Chelsea's visit.
Newcastle are eighth in the league, but have only won once in their last six games.
Foster is the best English keeper, says Mel West Brom head coach Pepe Mel believes Ben Foster should be England's number one goalkeeper at this year's World Cup.
Martinez impact convinced Baines Everton defender Leighton Baines admits the fresh start and the challenges posed by manager Roberto Martinez persuaded him to commit his long-term future to the club.
Pulis: Ince up for the battle Tony Pulis believes Thomas Ince has proven his character purely by deciding to join Crystal Palace's Barclays Premier League survival bid.
Pochettino says he's happy at Southampton Mauricio Pochettino insists he is happy at Southampton amid links to Real Madrid, although stopped short of committing his long-term future to the club.
Lambert concern in Hammers' bid Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert fears "a monster" could be created if West Ham succeed in overturning striker Andy Carroll's red card.
Vidic set for summer United exit Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Gold: We have to fight for Carroll West Ham's co-owner David Gold has claimed the club has been forced to take legal action over Andy Carroll's red card because they have no alternative.
Newcastle's Tiote suffers injury blow Newcastle have announced midfielder Cheick Tiote will be out for up to three matches with a hamstring injury.
Winger Hoolahan 'commited to Canaries' Norwich manager Chris Hughton has insisted Wes Hoolahan is committed to the Canaries' cause after the wantaway winger was denied a January move.
Hughes moving on from Jones row Stoke manager Mark Hughes claims his squad has been strengthened since Kenwyne Jones left and wants to draw a line under the striker's controversial departure.
United's Fletcher remembers tough times Darren Fletcher is using the memory of 2006 to make his Manchester United team-mates aware of how quickly fortunes can turn.
Townsend eager to make Spurs return England winger Andros Townsend cannot wait to get back into action for Tottenham ahead of Sunday's BPL game against Everton.
Wenger: No one is invincible now Manchester City's surprise defeat at home to Chelsea on Monday proved that no team in the Premier League is "invincible", according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis secured two of his long-term targets in the January transfer window but knows his side remain in a Barclays Premier League relegation battle.
Friday 7th February 2014
Joe Ledley and Scott Dann were both wanted by Pulis during his spell at Stoke and he finally landed the duo on transfer deadline day - with Wayne Hennessey's arrival and a loan deal for Thomas Ince wrapping up a busy day for the Eagles.
All of the new arrivals are available for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Brom with Pulis yet to decide who could come into his side.
"They have all trained well and there is better competition now with Tom, Joe, Scott and they have all trained well and integrated," Pulis said.
"It's a very close group of players and it hasn't been difficult to get their feet under the table.
"We're very pleased that Tom has picked us and we're hoping to give him the opportunity to show what a good player he is.
"Scott Dann and Joe were players I tried to sign at Stoke and I have always admired them. Joe can play anywhere and has got good qualities and I like him as a player and person."
Ince moved on loan from Blackpool for his first taste of top-flight football, with the winger's contract at Bloomfield Road expiring in the summer.
With a chance of securing Ince on a permanent deal, Pulis knows the player will have to enjoy his time in south London if he is to tempt the 22-year-old to stay.
"It depends whether he wants to stay here," Pulis said. "It is a great chance for him to get Premier League experience and to test himself. We're looking forward to it."
But even with the new additions strengthening his squad, Pulis believes Palace are still high on people's lists of clubs doomed for the drop.
He said: "I think our situation hasn't changed and we are still very much one of the favourites to get relegated.
"Everyone recognises it and that is why we need the support of everyone around.
"Every game is enormous. We have 14 cup games left and we have to treat every one of them like a final.
"I think it is going to go to the wire - there are so many teams involved and there will be a lot of twists and turns."
Pulis has been further boosted by striker Glenn Murray's return to his 25-man squad following a long-term knee injury that ended his stellar 2012/13 campaign in the play-off semi-finals.
Rodgers rallies Liverpool fans ahead of Arsenal clash The Northern Irishman recalls the atmosphere at Anfield in crucial wins over Manchester United and Everton and wants the fans to be just as vocal for the visit of the Gunners
Manchester United pulled out of Otamendi deal The Premier League champions made a late bid for the Argentine centre-half but later withdrew their interest, allowing los Che to pounce
Leboeuf: Mourinho was right to sell Mata The Frenchman fully supports the Portuguese's decision, saying the Spaniard was too weak for the Premier League and not as capable as Willian
Sherwood: Premier League should get tough on diving The Tottenham manager sympathises with West Ham after Andy Carroll's ban was upheld and believes more should be done to punish players who feign injury
Gervinho: Wenger didn't believe in me The Ivorian, who has experienced a career renaissance at Roma, has hit out at the Arsenal boss for not having faith in him like Rudi Garcia
Moyes: Vidic will stay as Man Utd captain The Scot believes the centre-back's professionalism means he will continue to contribute to the English champions until he leaves at the end of the season
Mertesacker: We wanted Suarez to join Arsenal The German defender believes the Liverpool striker would have "fitted in" at the Emirates Stadum but claims Mesut Ozil was the right addition for Arsene Wenger's side
'Chelsea a very rich horse' - Pellegrini The Manchester City manager has laughed Jose Mourinho's belief that his side are underdogs, while revealed a trio of players have resumed some level of training
Mourinho: Thierry Henry might tempt Cole away The Chelsea boss insists the 33-year-old left-back still has a future at Stamford Bridge, despite his contract expiring at the end of the season
Confidence key to revival, says Sterling The Liverpool winger, who has returned to both form and the first team, says he was too in awe of the Reds' senior stars previously
De Boer: I want to coach Liverpool or Tottenham The coach, who is looking to claim another Eredivisie title with Ajax this season, says he would welcome a future move to the Premier League
Wilshere optimistic about ending Arsenal trophy drought The midfielder has played down the Gunners' failure to sign more than one player in the January transfer window and believes they are right in the mix for silverware
Eden Hazard aims to challenge Messi and Ronaldo The Chelsea winger wants to reach the point where he can score in every game, but believes that he is already on his way, putting himself "up there with some of the best"
Manchester City handed Aguero injury boost ahead of Barcelona clash The Argentina striker returned to training on Wednesday, just a week after being withdrawn at Tottenham with a hamstring injury, while Samir Nasri and Fernandinho are also trained
Pellegrini & Adam Johnson claim January Manager and Player of the Month awards
By Jamie Dunn
Feb 7, 2014 10:34:00 AM
The Manchester City boss becomes the first to win back-to-back gongs since Carlo Ancelotti in 2011, while the Sunderland winger impressed with five goals in three games
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for the second time in as many months.
The Chilean guided his side to four consecutive victories in January, including a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham at White Hart Lane and wins against Cardiff City, Newcastle and Swansea City.
Pellegrini is the first manager to win the award in back-to-back months since Carlo Ancelotti achieved the feat as Chelsea boss in 2011.
Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson claimed the Player of the Month award for January after a sensational run of form.
The Black Cats started off the month with defeat to Aston Villa but the winger scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage in the following game.
Johnson struck again in a 2-2 draw with Southampton before scoring the only goal of the game in a victory over Stoke as Gus Poyet's side continue to climb up the Premier League table and away from the relegation zone.
The Manchester City manager has laughed Jose Mourinho's belief that his side are underdogs, while revealed a trio of players have resumed some level of training
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed Jose Mourinho's claim that Chelsea are a “little horse” in the race for the Premier League title.
Despite the west Londoners claiming a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Monday, Mourinho insisted afterwards that his side were not favourites for the title against much bigger opponents.
But Pellegrini has used Chelsea's massive spending under Roman Abramovich - which continued in a busy January window - to rubbish his counterpart's suggestion that the Blues are outmuscled.
"Maybe it is a small horse if the manager thinks like that. It can be a little horse, but very rich," the Chilean told reporters ahead of City's clash with Norwich.
"This is the team that has spent most money in the last 10 years, is the team that spent most money this year and the team that spent the most money in the transfer window. So, little - but rich.
"He has shown in the last two games against us he has a strong team with some great players.
"I think he is favourite. He thinks if he wins he will have the merits but if he loses he does not have responsibility.
"It is the way he acts. Everyone acts the way he thinks is better for the team.
"I think it will be very close with Chelsea and Arsenal. Arsenal are the favourites because they have two points’ lead in the table.
"Of the 24 games we have played, Arsenal have been top of the table for 16 or 17. They have an important advantage. I am sure the three will fight to the end for the title."
Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and Fernandinho have all resumed some level of traning, though it will be touch and go whether they are all fit for the crucial Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona.
“Samir Nasri is working well. I think that next week he will working with the squad as normal,” added Pellegrini.
“He will not be fit for Wednesday, but maybe for Saturday. For Javi Garcia we hope the same.
"Fernandinho is working with the physiotherapist. He will be at least 15 days more. It's difficult (for him to play against Barcelona). We will see in the next week but it is difficult.
“Aguero, the same thing. He's working with the physiotherapist. He's started running but he will not be available for Barcelona.”
Newcastle United's manager Alan Pardew looks on ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Sunderland at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. Scott Heppell / AP Photo
By FRANK GRIFFITHS
Associated Press
LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has faith his side will cope with a string of difficult fixtures to extend its slim lead at the top of the English Premier League, starting with a trip to fourth-place Liverpool on Saturday.
Chelsea takes on Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, looking to build on its victory over Manchester City that left both of them two points behind the Gunners.
City, meanwhile, hopes to bounce back with a win at Norwich. Tottenham hosts Everton on Sunday, with both teams battling with Liverpool for the fourth Champions League place.
Here are five things to know about the English league this weekend.
---
NO REGRETS OVER SUAREZ: Wenger has no regrets over Arsenal's failure to sign Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, the league's top scorer with 23 goals. Wenger just hopes his defenders can shut him down at Anfield. "If you want to win the game, what is for sure is that he is one of the players that you have to keep quiet," Wenger said.
Arsenal made two offers for Suarez, the second in excess of 40 million pounds ($62 million), which were rejected by Liverpool. "It is just a situation that did not come off and that is it," Wenger said. Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere may return from a recurring ankle injury, while Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said injured defenders Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson won't feature because they will return to full training next week.
CITY REBOUND: Manchester City's experiment with Martin Demichelis looks unlikely to be repeated at Norwich. The Argentine center back was used in a defensive midfield role with Fernandinho injured, and the 33-year-old Demichelis was perhaps responsible for letting Eden Hazard get clear to set up Chelsea's lone goal in a 1-0 win. Jack Rodwell and James Milner are expected to be back on Saturday, when City will need to reassert its title credentials despite also missing Samir Nasri, Javi Garcia and Sergio Aguero. "The team is motivated to get back to the level it was at," winger Jesus Navas said. "We're on the right path."
CHELSEA'S NEW MOTIVATOR: Jose Mourinho normally relishes taking full credit for his team's victories, but the Chelsea manager shared it with an unlikely figure after beating Manchester City: The team's masseuse. Mourinho said Billy McCulloch's pre-match pep talk helped the Blues in their 1-0 win over City on Monday. "He was screaming in his Scottish accent so much I didn't understand him. The players were clapping. It was Billy's team talk," Mourinho said. "Billy was fantastic. I didn't understand, but it looks like the players understood." Mourinho didn't reveal whether McCulloch, who is actually English, has earned a steady speaking role. Chelsea striker Fernando Torres returns from a knee injury against an opponent which has won only once in seven games.
LAUDRUP'S SWANSONG: Michael Laudrup is taking legal advice after he was fired as Swansea manager, saying he's asking the club for a clear explanation. The 49-year-old Dane delivered Swansea's first major trophy last year, winning the League Cup. But the team has been slumping in recent weeks and is two points above the relegation zone in 12th place. "I am deeply disappointed to have been dismissed as manager of Swansea City," Laudrup said in a statement. "In particular, the manner in which it happened and the actions the club has taken since notifying me in the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary." Laudrup also revealed he was banned from Swansea's training ground to bid farewell to the players.
PARDEW'S BLUES AT KINNEAR EXIT: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is sad about Joe Kinnear's resignation as the club's director of football. Some observers believed Kinnear's appointment in June to lead the Magpies' player recruitment had weakened Pardew's authority. Newcastle sold its best player, Yohan Cabaye, to Paris Saint-Germain and failed to replace him. But Pardew said, "I'm just sad to see anybody lose their job, as Joe has. He did a lot of good work here." Newcastle is in eighth place before the team's visit to Chelsea. Midfielder Cheick Tiote will miss up to three matches with a hamstring injury.
Is Arsenal's title challenge falling flat on its face? Things go from bad to worse for Wenger as he takes a hefty tumble after loss
By John Drayton
PUBLISHED: 20:20 GMT, 8 February 2014 | UPDATED: 11:02 GMT, 9 February 2014
Arsenal's title challenge may not have fell flat on its face just yet after Manchester City's slight slip-up at Norwich, but their manager did take a tumble on his way back from the 5-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger, so often the cool, calm and collected Frenchman, slipped on his way into Liverpool Lime Street Station after the loss.
Strolling through: Wenger arrives at Liverpool Lime Street Station after the defeat
Slipped up: Wenger looks in pain as he takes a tumble coming into the station
Helping hand: A police officer comes over to help Wenger back onto his feet
Back on track: Another police officer helps Wenger with his bag as he is brought back up
It was just one of those days for Wenger, who saw his side go 4-0 down within 20 minutes at Anfield.
They improved, however, and ended up drawing the second period 1-1, but with a tough run-in over the next month, plenty more slip-ups are inevitable.
Arsenal's next three games are Manchester United, Liverpool again in the FA Cup fifth round, and Bayern Munich, all at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger knows there needs to be a big improvement for Wednesday's match against United.
On top of their game: Liverpool celebrate their humiliation of title rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon
'What is important is that we respond to that result, especially respond with a different performance because our performance overall was poor,' Wenger said.
'On the concentration level, on pace, on defensive stability, it was very poor and we always looked vulnerable.
'If you concede two early goals from set-pieces then you are in a position where you always have to come out.
'I just think the whole team have failed to turn up with the right performance. We know that you need to be better focused at this kind of level.'
Hit the road, Jack: Arsenal midfielder Wilshere can't believe his side's capitulation against their rivals
'Overall our performance was just not good enough and I include myself in that performance.
'For me it is maybe better I don't talk too much, go home and respond better on Wednesday night.
'Congratulations to Liverpool. They were the best team today and we were very poor - only our fans were good for 90 minutes.'
Disappointing: Wenger watches on at Anfield
What's gone wrong? Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny blasted the performance
And it wasn't just the manager who slammed the hapless performance.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who also conceded six at Manchester City in Decemeber, said on his Facebook page that it was 'f...ing embarrassing'
Per Mertesacker also apologised to the fans, who were in high spirits throughout the game despite the result.
Tottenham Hotspur's Emmanuel Adebayor (C) celebrates his goal against Everton during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane in London February 9, 2014. REUTERS-Toby Melville
(Reuters) - An injury-time goal from Fulham's Darren Bent inflicted more pain on champions Manchester United as the bottom club rescued a 2-2 Premier League draw on Sunday, adding fuel to the fire for manager David Moyes's critics.
It was a further blow to United's hopes of securing Champions League football next season and left them nine points behind Liverpool in fourth spot and six adrift of Tottenham Hotspur who beat Everton 1-0 with a goal from Emmanuel Adebayor.
Late strikes from Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick helped United cancel out Steve Sidwell's opener and evoked some of the never-say-die attitude that characterised former manager Alex Ferguson's long spell at the club.
However, the uncertainty that has plagued the new regime came back to bite them as Fulham substitute Bent headed in at the far post to nick a point in the 94th minute.
"Today was as bad as it gets," a shell-shocked Moyes told Sky Sports television.
"We dominated the game. Being one down was bad enough. The amount of attempts, chances and play we had was unbelievable. How we didn't win I have no idea.
"It's goals that count. You can have as much possession as you like. We should have scored more. You've got to try and keep making it work," said Moyes who took over from Ferguson in the close season.
It was a superb return to United, who stayed seventh on 41 points, for former assistant coach Rene Meulensteen as his Fulham side showed buckets of resolve to defend stoutly in the face of constant pressure.
NO STRIKER
Fulham set out their stall to defend deep, with two banks of four lined up in front of the goal with no recognised striker.
Their lack of ambition was typical for a team shorn of confidence and hoping for a stroke of luck, much like a lower league side would approach a cup tie at Old Trafford.
Against a United side also lacking belief, Fulham stifled the home team's pedestrian approach play and caught them napping on the break.
Comically bad defending allowed Sidwell to stride unmarked into the area to latch on to a lofted pass from Lewis Holtby and sidefoot the ball home, stunning a boisterous Old Trafford into silence after 19 minutes.
United's vulnerability was laid bare eight minutes before the break when their former wide player Kieran Richardson was sent through on goal by Muamer Tankovic and he blasted his finish over the bar.
The home side hammered at the door after the restart but had to wait until the 78th minute to draw level as Van Persie was left unmarked at the far post to tap in a cross shot from Juan Mata.
RISING SHOT
With the home crowd in full voice, United went ahead two minutes later as Carrick's deflected effort from outside the area flew into the corner, but summing up their season there was a sting in the tale.
Fulham burst forward and Richardson hit a firm rising shot that keeper David De Gea could only push into the path of Bent who nodded the ball in from close range.
At White Hart Lane, a stunning finish from revitalised striker Adebayor helped fifth-placed Tottenham sink Everton to move two points above the Goodison Park team.
Tottenham were second best for most of the match as Everton confidently dominated possession but they were left to rue their lack of a cutting edge when Adebayor fired powerfully into the bottom corner midway through the second half.
It was the Togo striker's sixth goal in his last eight league matches.
Adebayor, who has been re-invigorated since Tim Sherwood took over as manager from Andre Villas-Boas in December, had looked isolated in attack as Tottenham laboured to create chances.
It was typical, therefore, that his goal should come from a moment of individual brilliance.
Adebayor controlled a long free kick forward from Kyle Walker on his chest, used his upper-body strength to hold off two defenders and drilled in a left-foot shot. It was Tottenham's first effort on target.
Everton continued to press but when referee Mark Clattenburg waved away a penalty appeal for an Etienne Capoue challenge on Seamus Coleman in stoppage time, they were condemned to their second defeat in their last three games.
"I am very happy for the team and winning the game was important for confidence," said Adebayor. "We kept calm, we knew we had the quality to make a breakthrough and we did it in the end.
"We want to be winning games 3-0 but we want the fans to be patient. It's not all going our way at the moment."
Arteta: Liverpool loss angriest I have seen Wenger
10 February 2014
Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has never seen an angrier Arsene Wenger than at half-time at Anfield on Saturday.
The Frenchman was furious after seeing his team concede four times in the opening 20 minutes at Liverpool, who held a 4-0 half-time lead and went on to win 5-1.
In an interview with French media, Wenger labelled Arsenal 'feeble in every important aspect of playing at the highest level'.
But Wenger refused to criticise individual players for a dreadful team performance as Arsenal finished the weekend second and a point behind English Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Arteta, who scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, described the opening 20 minutes as a 'car crash'.
And Wenger's response at half-time was the angriest the Spaniard had seen the 64-year-old since joining Arsenal in August 2011.
"We have had two big crises already," Arteta said, referring to Arsenal's 6-3 loss to Manchester City in December last year as the other.
"I think the Manchester United defeat was a different game to this, but City and this one are really hard to take.
"We have to react because there is nothing we can do about this now.
"We know we need to improve and face those games in a different manner because after 19 minutes we were 4-0 down and it was like a car crash.
"The manager was really upset at half-time, that's normal because it wasn't good enough for this football club. It was the angriest I have seen him."
The former manager claims the club were interviewing possible replacements several months before his dismissal last May - including Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
Roberto Mancini has accused the Manchester City hierarchy of acting like "Judas" in the closing stages of his reign at the Etihad Stadium.
Mancini led City to their first top-flight title for 44 years in 2011-12, but paid with his job after losing to Wigan in the FA Cup final exactly one year later, with Manchester United winning the league crown three weeks earlier.
Manuel Pellegrini replaced the Italian, but he believes that chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain held talks with prospective successors for several months before his departure - including Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
"I know a lot of people in football and I found out afterwards that they were talking to three or four managers in February, March and April," he told The Sun on Sunday.
"I know they were talking to Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti - and these were the same people I sat down with for dinner before the FA Cup final.
"It was like Judas. I trusted the chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak 100 per cent, but not those two other guys [Soriano and Begiristain] - probably he just followed them.
"Some people just don't have the courage to talk face to face - even Khaldoon did not tell me to my face what was happening.
"Instead they were working behind my back and sacked me two games before the end of the season."
Wenger: 'Feeble' Arsenal poor 'in every aspect' during Anfield annihilation
By Ed Huntley
Feb 10, 2014 10:44:00 AM
The Gunners boss conceded that his players performed at such a low level against the Reds that they made it "impossible" for themselves to get anything out of the game.
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were "feeble in every aspect" in Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool.
The Frenchman watched his side concede four goals in the first 20 minutes at Anfield and Raheem Sterling added a fifth after the break before Mikel Arteta converted a consolation penalty.
It was only the fourth time in Premier League history that the Gunners had let in five goals or more but the second occasion this season and Wenger conceded afterwards that his side had not been strong enough.
“We were feeble in every important aspect of playing at the highest level: concentration, strength in the challenge and naivety. So from that moment on it’s impossible to win a game when you’re at that level,” Wenger told reporters.
“We’ve been well beaten twice now, and twice with an early kick-off away from home [having lost 6-3 at Manchester City in December].
“But we have to ask questions about this. Because when you’re playing in a big game and the first two free kicks go in, it becomes very hard because you have to open the game up and you’ve got more chance of letting in eight or 10 than you have of getting back in the game.
“We were poor in every aspect. Maybe that has something to do with Liverpool. They played really well and I wouldn’t like to take anything away from their performance, but we did make it quite easy for them.”
The Gunners’ loss saw them drop to second place with Chelsea taking advantage by beating Newcastle United 3-0, but Wenger expects his side to bounce back in their midweek clash with Manchester United.
“A successful team responds to disappointment and we will see on Wednesday night,” he added.
“What shocked me [against Liverpool] was the quality of our performance. Of course that was not expected but we have to take it on the chin, analyse it in the right way and come back with what we are used to.
“If our confidence isn’t affected too much, I think it will come back and we’ll see a different Arsenal side.”
Manchester United can be easy to defend against, says Meulensteen
Feb 9, 2014 9:15:00 PM
The 49-year-old admits his side's draw at Old Trafford feels like a win after Darren Bent's stoppage time equaliser gave the Cottagers a vital Premier League point.
Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen has praised his side’s defending after their 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The visitors took the lead through Steve Sidwell but looked to be heading for defeat after goals by Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick gave David Moyes’ side the lead.
A stoppage time strike by Darren Bent rescued a point for the Premier League’s bottom side in a game in which Manchester United put in 81 crosses, but Meulensteen feels his men were not too troubled by the Red Devils.
“I don't think there was any lack of belief,” he told reporters. “Their gameplan was quite straightforward. It was get it wide, get it in. We defended it well.
“If you're well organised and the goalkeeper is in good positions, then it can be easy. You need creativity, variety to open them up.
“They haven't picked up the points in the games where they should have picked up the points.
“I think they produced everything he wanted to see the team produce. You look at the amount of crosses and shots. You know that was quite clear from the off. We tried to deal with it. I think in the first half we did fairly well. I can't recall a big, big chance for them in the first half. They put the crosses in.”
Meulensteen also feels that teams no longer have the fear factor when coming to Old Trafford, with the champions having lost four times in the league at home already this season.
“I do think a few teams have come here with a different sort of approach,” he added.
“Certain teams have come here, done well and got something. I do think there's a little bit of that.
“In the dressing room after for the players, it felt like a win. Hopefully this gives us a good base to kick on.”
Moyes pins hopes on Rooney & Mata ahead of staggering Manchester United overhaul
Feb 9, 2014 9:30:00 AM
Nemanja Vidic's Old Trafford exit, announced on Thursday, is only the start of a huge summer clear out to be conducted by the Premier League champions.
By Jonathan Birchall
This summer, David Moyes will conduct the most significant overhaul of a Manchester United squad in living memory. Up to 10 senior players, with over 30 Premier League medals between them, will be allowed to leave Old Trafford in a renovation project of staggering proportions.
Put simply, Moyes is ripping the champions up and starting again.
Nemanja Vidic, whose exit this summer was confirmed on Thursday, is set to be joined by Rio Ferdinand, Rafael, Nani, Anderson, Patrice Evra, Shinji Kagawa, Alexander Buttner on the list of players that the United manager will tell to look for other clubs over the coming months. His pursuit of Luke Shaw, revealed by Goal on Saturday, is merely the beginning of a six-month process by which he intends to transform his playing staff.
Having conducted a series of high-end meetings with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and other senior United stakeholders following the end of the January transfer window, Moyes has a blueprint and a budget with which he intends to rebuild a team which has at times this season showed signs of scandalous, irreversible decline.
The fact remains that the Glazer family have never given Moyes anything other than their full, unwavering support - albeit from a distance - since he started work as United manager on July 1. Any suggestion that the woeful form that has left the champions 19 points and six places worse off now than at this stage last season has led to the club's owners considering his position is, those close to them insist, untrue. Moyes has at least a season, a £150 million transfer war chest and another summer, to make it work.
There will be casualties and the profile of each matters little to Moyes. Vidic, Ferdinand and to a lesser extent Evra have been highlighted as players no longer able to perform at the very highest level and with little to no sell-on value, are better kept off the wage bill than on it. In addition, Buttner and Rafael, who Moyes has highlighted as a weak point in his team, will also be able to leave.
It is the uncertain future of United's defence that indicates just how significant a summer this will be for a club who under Sir Alex Ferguson lived in a state of perpetual, meticulously planned motion for 26 years. Where change was one gradual year-on-year, Moyes is preparing to bring in at least three starting defenders to be the base of a new team. David de Gea and Jonny Evans have impressed Moyes, while it is hoped Phil Jones and Chris Smalling will soon prove they are worth the £24m United paid for them.
Southampton youngster Shaw leads Moyes' shortlist, while pursuits of Nicolas Otamendi and Leighton Baines came to nothing in January. Ezequiel Garay, Davide Astori, Seamus Coleman and Eliaquim Mangala will also be monitored between now and the end of the season.
Elsewhere, the £37m arrival on Juan Mata has all but confirmed to Shinji Kagawa that he does not figure in Moyes' plans going forward. Anderson has been loaned to Fiorentina with a view to the midfielder joining the Serie A side on a permanent basis while Nani, who nearly joined both Inter and AC Milan towards the end of the transfer window, will not come close to seeing out the five-year contract he was encouraged to sign by his new manager in September.
And although it is being discussed in hushed tones around Carrington, the true, final link to the club it once was in Ferguson's early years, the Scot's first generation, could also find himself playing his final game for the club away to Southampton on May 11 or, to the eternal optimists, Lisbon's Stadium of Light just shy of a fortnight later. Ryan Giggs, 23 years after his United debut, is said to be considering a full-time coaching role with the club. A decision on his future has not yet been made, however.
If Giggs does indeed hang up his boots and Ferdinand, as is almost certain, leaves Old Trafford, Darren Fletcher will become the club's longest-serving player. Yet, it is Wayne Rooney is the odds-on favourite to become the club's new captain once Vidic has left the club.
The striker's attempts to leave the club for Chelsea in the summer and subsequent reticence in meeting United for talks over a new contract have stuck in the craw of many of those in and around Old Trafford.
However, after a long wait, the former Everton man now looks like he will take the mantle as the figurehead of Moyes' United. Terms of a new deal are currently being discussed between Rooney, his agent Paul Stretford and club officials. United are more than hopeful of tying down a player who wriggles in these situations far more than most.
Whereas on paper - quite literally - the future of Robin van Persie seems far simpler for United, with the Dutchman's contract not due to expire until 2016, in reality the champions could be facing up to a second consecutive summer of trying to extinguish talk linking one of their biggest players away from the club. And talk, with Van Persie, is the operative word.
The former Arsenal man, notoriously savvy and strong-willed in equal measure, will spend the early part of his summer in a Netherlands World Cup camp, away from his club's PR machine. His relationship with Moyes is, at present, strained, with concerns regarding his training schedule and injuries central to the Dutchman being unsettled under his manager.
This summer, like last, will be unprecedented for Manchester United. To decimate such a significant portion of a squad that are still, if in name only, champions is indicative of just how much needs to change at the club for them to challenge for the title in earnest.
But it is necessary change. It is time for Moyes to reverse the decline.
Mourinho predicts swift returns for Terry & Torres
By Harry West
Feb 9, 2014 12:22:00 PM
The centre-half was omitted from the squad for Saturday's win over Newcastle with a slight knock, while the Spaniard has been sidelined since January 19 with a knee problem
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says John Terry and Fernando Torres will both return to action in the near future.
Terry was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-0 win over Newcastle with a minor knock, while striker Torres has been absent since January 19 with a knee problem.
However, Mourinho was quick to calm any fears over the pair's long-term fitness, ensuring fans that both were likely to return within a week.
"It's not an injury, it's almost an injury," the Portuguese told reporters when questioned on Terry.
"We had a decision to make and the player didn't play. We were aware Newcastle had bigger problems than us so we decided not to risk him and protect him.
"Hopefully, he will be ready for Tuesday [against West Brom]."
Mourinho's men travel to The Hawthorns in midweek, before returning to the Etihad Stadium for a second time in under a fortnight to face Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
And the former Real Madrid boss believes Torres will, at worst, be in contention for their cup clash.
"On Tuesday or City, by next week he'll be back," Mourinho added. "We will try for Tuesday but if not it will be next Saturday."
Mourinho also sent his players a warning over the difficulty of their task at West Brom, citing the short turnaround between matches as a possible problem.
"It's a difficult stadium and they have a fantastic crowd," he said.
"They defend well and have physical players for attacking and defensive set pieces. Their midfield is well organised and they have talent in attack.
"We only have two days to rest but it's the same for both."
