Transfer Rater: Luiz headed for Real Madrid?
Stevie Nicol provides his thoughts on transfer rumours about David Luiz, Emre Can and a few top players at Arsenal.Source: http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/15/video/3289502/transfer-rater-luiz-headed-for-real-madrid
Nicol: Mourinho hamstrings United in big games
Stevie Nicol feels Jose Mourinho sends his Man United squad out with the wrong attitude against the Premier League's best.Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/23/video/3289479/nicol-mourinho-hamstrings-united-in-big-games
Victor Lindelof starting to look like a Manchester United player
Ashley Young produced an inspired performance against his former club, netting two goals in Man United's 4-2 win over Watford.
Victor Lindelof almost became a Manchester United player in January.
After losing Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling to injury, Jose Mourinho briefly thought about fast-tracking a deal for the Swedish defender. In the end, though, it was put on ice. Mourinho eventually decided Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo were playing well enough to fill the gaps until Bailly and Smalling returned.
United went back to Benfica in the summer and signed Lindelof for £31 million, which made the 23-year-old the most expensive...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/3289340/victor-lindelof-starting-to-look-like-a-manchester-united-player
Alan Pardew at West Brom shows manager merry-go-round still turns
West Brom caretaker manager Gary Megson is proud of how his side's organisation forced Tottenham to change their shape.
With Alan Pardew back in management at West Bromwich Albion, the Premier League's old boys' network has found another placement for one of its members.
Back after almost a year out of the game following his sacking by Crystal Palace on Dec. 23 last year, his appointment is a case of English football continuing to be a case of who you know.
Nick Hammond, West Brom's technical director, was given his start in coaching by former-teammate-turned-manager Pardew at Reading in 1998. When Tony Pulls was...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3289301/alan-pardew-at-west-brom-shows-manager-merry-go-round-still-turns
Injuries are just part of reason why Tottenham are scuffling
Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham's slow start in defeat at Leicester has become a recurring theme for his side.
Dele Alli says Spurs' loss at Leicester is difficult to take, and they need to focus on results rather than the title race.
Tottenham's winless run in the Premier League now stands at three matches after Leicester's star duo led the Foxes to three points at home.
Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at Leicester was their fourth failure to win in the last five Premier League games and they could finish Wednesday closer to the bottom of the table than the top.
Forget the title; Spurs are now among the teams fighting to finish in the top four. Just a few weeks ago they were being lauded after a 3-1 win over European champions Real Madrid.
So what has gone wrong? ESPN FC assesses their slump:
No Toby, no party
The news that Toby Alderweireld would be sidelined until the...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/tottenham-hotspur/367/blog/post/3289246/injuries-just-part-of-reason-why-tottenham-hotspur-are-scuffling
Arsenal changes set up club for Arsene Wenger's eventual departure
Arsene Wenger has insisted that Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will not leave Arsenal in January ahead of their match with Huddersfield.
It's time to give Ivan Gazidis some credit.
The Arsenal CEO has backed up his talk about bringing change to the club with this month's hires of Raul Sanllehi and Sven Mislintat, two heavy hitters who have proven to be among the best in Europe at what they do.
Whether the backroom shuffle signals the beginning of the end of Arsene Wenger's long reign as manager is still unclear. But one thing is certain: Arsenal are in a better position to deal with life after the Frenchman.
Last year's drawn-out...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/arsenal/359/blog/post/3289219/arsenal-changes-position-club-for-arsene-wengers-eventual-departure
Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny planning Lorient return - president Loic Frey
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny wants to finish his career at his former club Lorient, the French club's president has told Canal +.
Koscielny, 32, is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2020, but Loic Frey said the France international had told him he wanted to return to his homeland before retiring.
The France international has been with the Gunners since leaving Lorient in 2010, and Frey said: "He told me last week in London that he wanted to finish his career at Lorient.
"I hope...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/story/3289222/arsenals-laurent-koscielny-planning-lorient-return-president-loic-frey
Brighton accuse Palace fans of trouble, leaving stewards injured
Chris Hughton suggests Brighton looked better for the three points against Crystal Palace, but says a draw was fair.
Disorder caused by fans around Brighton's match against Crystal Palace on Tuesday has been described as a "return to the dark days of football'' by Sussex Police.
Chief Inspector Simon Nelson, who led the policing operation for the fixture, described how "groups of masked people'' sought confrontation and supporters tried to gain entry to the Amex Stadium with "pyrotechnics, knives and knuckledusters.''
Nelson also revealed that at one stage a large number of people, seemingly without tickets, over-ran...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/brighton-and-hove-albion/story/3288967/brighton-accuse-palace-supporters-of-causing-trouble-leaving-stewards-injured
Romelu Lukaku struggling to compete with Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Ferdinand
Jose Mourinho takes a lighthearted approach to his defence of Romelu Lukaku after his miss for Man United at Watford.
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku is struggling to deal with the added pressure of competing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Lukaku began his United career with 11 goals in his first 10 games following a £75 million move from Everton in the summer, but the 24-year-old has scored just once in his last 11 appearances and missed a golden chance during the second half of the 4-2 win over Watford on Tuesday night.
Ibrahimovic returned from a seven-month layoff earlier this...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/3289214/romelu-lukaku-struggling-to-compete-with-zlatan-ibrahimovic-ferdinand
Everton confirm deal to appoint Sam Allardyce is close
The FC crew react to reports Sam Allardyce is set to take over an Everton side bracing for a potential relegation fight.
Everton's David Unsworth feels as a fan and manager of the club that their current form hurts him and that he is determined to help them improve.
Everton have announced that Sam Allardyce will be at their training ground on Wednesday afternoon to finalise terms on becoming the club's new manager.
It was also confirmed that David Unsworth would remain in charge for the Premier League match against West Ham at Goodison Park.
Sources told ESPN FC on Tuesday that Everton are hopeful of concluding a deal before they play West Ham United at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Sky and talkSPORT presenter Jim White later posted on Twitter quotes from...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/everton/story/3288968/everton-confirm-deal-to-appoint-sam-allardyce-is-close
Erik Lamela: Spurs injury absence worst time but fans helped me through
Erik Lamela has said his 13-month injury absence for Tottenham Hotspur was "probably the worst time of my life."
Lamela made a long-awaited return to the Spurs first team at Leicester on Tuesday as a 77th-minute substitute, supplying a neat assist for Harry Kane's goal as the Londoners lost 2-1.
"I feel good to be back on the pitch but disappointed for the result," Lamela said. "Of course, I can get much better. I am still not 100 percent, but I am good enough to play and I'm happy to be back."
Hip...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/tottenham-hotspur/story/3289149/erik-lamela-spurs-injury-absence-worst-time-but-fans-helped-me-through
Danny Ward still young, must wait for Liverpool chance - U23s boss
BIRKENHEAD, England -- Liverpool under-23s manager Neil Critchley has told ESPN FC that Danny Ward must remain patient as the goalkeeper searches for first-team opportunities at Anfield.
Ward, 24, spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League, but he has only made one appearance for Liverpool since returning from his successful stay at the Terriers.
The Wales international played for Critchley's U23s on Tuesday night, saving a penalty in Liverpool's...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/liverpool/story/3289159/danny-ward-still-young-must-be-patient-for-liverpool-chance-u23s-boss
Manchester United great Ryan Giggs relishing Vietnam academy role
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs says he is "excited" to start his new role with a football academy in Vietnam.
Giggs has signed up for a two-year stint as a technical director at PVF football academy.
The 43-year-old visited for the first time earlier this month and will return to help train players and coaches.
He said: "It's just a consultancy role so it requires me to go two or three times a year for a week or so. I'm not going out there full-time. It's exciting.
"I think lots of places in...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/3289148/manchester-united-great-ryan-giggs-relishing-vietnam-academy-role
Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool have become stronger after season's adversities
Jurgen Klopp has backed Liverpool to show their top-four credentials, saying they have become "stronger" after facing difficulties this season.
Liverpool have picked up 10 points from 12 since a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, dropping points only against champions Chelsea.
They are sixth in the Premier League ahead of a midweek trip to Stoke City, trailing leaders Manchester City by 14 points.
Klopp has already said how difficult it will be for anyone to catch Pep Guardiola's side,...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/liverpool/story/3289054/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-have-become-stronger-after-seasons-adversities
Alan Pardew confirmed as new West Bromwich Albion boss
Jonny Evans' own goal in the second half secured Newcastle's draw as the points were split at the Hawthorns.
After drawing with Newcastle at the Hawthorns, Gary Megson says West Brom sometimes lack the wherewithal to hold a lead.
West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the appointment of Alan Pardew as their new manager.
Pardew, 56, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will be joined by his former Newcastle United assistant John Carver.
Pardew told the club's official website: "I'm thrilled with the opportunity Albion have provided and looking forward to getting to work with what I consider to be a talented group of players.
"The immediate challenge will be to get the results we need to pull ourselves up the table,...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/west-bromwich-albion/story/3288966/alan-pardew-confirmed-as-new-west-bromwich-albion-boss
Arsenal's Santi Cazorla has ninth operation, delaying return
Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has said he has had to undergo yet another operation on his foot, delaying his return to the pitch even further.
Cazorla has been sidelined for more than a year after needing eight operations to repair a tendon in his foot but had targeted a return in January.
However, he announced on Twitter on Wednesday that he recently had surgery yet again -- but insisted he still hopes to get back on the pitch one day.
"Due to some discomfort that I had in my tendon in the last...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/arsenal/story/3289018/arsenal-midfielder-santi-cazorla-has-surgery-again
Knee injury forces David Luiz out of Swansea contest
Chelsea Swansea City
7:45 PM UTC
Game Details
Home: 2/11 
Draw: 7/1 
Away: 18/1 
Odds from bet365
bet365
PickCenter
GameCast
Lineups and Stats
Defender David Luiz is out of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Swansea on Wednesday with a knee injury.Luiz lost his place to Andreas Christensen and was an unused substitute in last Saturday's draw at Liverpool, with the full extent of his injury yet to be known.Right wing-back Victor Moses could start as Antonio Conte contemplates rotating his options, while striker Michy Batshuayi (ankle), forward Charly Musonda (knee) and the left-sided Kenedy (undisclosed) are out.Swansea are without Tammy...<br>Source: http://www.espnfc.com/preview?gameId=480768<br><hr><h1>Leighton Baines and Michael Keane doubtful for Everton</h1>Everton
West Ham United
8:00 PM UTC
Game Details
Home: 27/20&nbsp;
Draw: 23/10&nbsp;
Away: 12/5&nbsp;
Odds from bet365
bet365
PickCenter
GameCast
Lineups and Stats
Everton duo Leighton Baines and Michael Keane are likely to sit out Wednesday's Premier League home clash with West Ham after both came off with injuries at Southampton on Sunday.Fellow defender Mason Holgate (groin), who has missed the last three matches, will be assessed ahead of the contest at Goodison Park.Oumar Niasse is unavailable as he completes his two-match suspension, but Tom Davies can be called upon again having served his one-game ban.David Moyes is set to take an unchanged West Ham...<br>Source: http://www.espnfc.com/preview?gameId=480769<br><hr><h1>Arsene Wenger: CEO Ivan Gazidis has 'nothing to do with buying players'</h1>
Arsene Wenger has insisted that Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will not leave Arsenal in January ahead of their match with Huddersfield.
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal's new chief scout Sven Mislintat will report to him rather than Ivan Gazidis, saying the club CEO has "nothing to do with buying players."
Arsenal made another change in their backroom reshuffle on Tuesday by hiring Barcelona's outgoing director of football Raul Sanllehi to oversee transfer negotiations.
That is in addition to bringing in Mislintat from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month to head up scouting operations, with Gazidis landing two well-respected names...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/arsenal/story/3289006/arsene-wenger-ceo-ivan-gazidis-has-nothing-to-do-with-buying-players
Arsenal sweating on Mesut Ozil fitness
Arsenal Huddersfield Town
7:45 PM UTC
Game Details
Home: 1/5&nbsp;
Draw: 13/2&nbsp;
Away: 16/1&nbsp;
Odds from bet365
bet365
PickCenter
GameCast
Lineups and Stats
Arsenal will be hopeful Mesut Ozil overcomes illness to be involved in Wednesday's Premier League visit of Huddersfield.The Germany international missed the 1-0 win at Burnley on Sunday but was expected to train on Tuesday in an attempt to be available.Alex Iwobi (leg) is definitely missing, as is long-term injury absentee Santi Cazorla (ankle) but they are Arsene Wenger's only two sidelined players.Huddersfield will be without suspended winger Rajiv Van la Parra.Van la Parra starts a three-match...<br>Source: http://www.espnfc.com/preview?gameId=480773<br><hr>Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/23/index