Arsene Wenger has admitted he is under pressure to end Arsenal's long wait for a trophy.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup last 16 trip to Newcastle United, Wenger has conceded that the near five-year wait for silverware is too long for a club of their stature.
Arsenal's last success was the 2005 FA Cup Final which they won on penalties against Manchester United.
Asked whether the lack of recent success was leading to pressure, Wenger replied:"Yes. There is as well a lot of demands from people who know you are at the top and they try always to find your weakness.
"You can see what we have done is quite remarkable but we want more. I can understand that people want more and we want to give them more.
"You can only show attitude, commitment and we have talent so let's go step by step and try and win the game and keep that urgency and that attitude until the end of the season.
"That's what we want to do and we want to achieve. We want to respond with the maximum commitment to the demands of people. We want to go as high as we can.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"People forget that we have been at the top every year but we want to add what people want from us and we want as well.
"It is very difficult to respond to that, the only thing I can promise is that we will try to give our best in every competition."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
There is one match in the Premier League this weekend that will be grabbing the most attention: The North London Derby on Saturday as Arsenal host Tottenham at The Emirates. However, there is also a full Premiership fixture programme for you to enjoy, which will see Chelsea trying to stop the rot at St Andrew’s against Birmingham and Robert Pires return to the Premier League as he makes his Aston Villa debut against Blackburn at Ewood Park. Fantasy Football players – will Pires be a player you’re looking to sign? Maybe you should wait until the Premier League’s weekend fixtures have been played out to make your decision. You can see this week’s Premiership predictions in full here.
Shaun Custis:
[youtube Ud2BKw3x_jA]
Martin Lipton:
[youtube luQ0L9uRJuU&feature=related]
Do you agree with the Premier League predictions made this week?
Football Writers’ Association Predictions – Week 15
Overall standings
1. Steve Bates – 61 (4)
2. Martin Lipton – 61 (5)
3. Shaun Custis – 60 (6)
4. Andy Dunn – 60 (6)
5. Danny Fullbrook – 59 (5)
6. Des Kelly – 59 (1)
7. Glenn Moore – 55 (3)
8. Patrick Barclay -50 (3)
–
November standings:
1. Shaun Custis – 6
2. Andy Dunn – 6
3. Danny Fullbrook – 5
4. Martin Lipton – 5
5. Steve Bates – 4
6. Patrick Barclay – 3
7. Glenn Moore – 3
8. Des Kelly – 1
–
Patrick Barclay (The Times)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
D
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
H
Blackpool
V
Wolves
H
Bolton
V
Newcastle
H
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
D
Liverpool
V
West Ham
H
Fulham
V
Man City
H
Sunderland
V
Everton
H
Hull
V
Ipswich
H
Birmingham vs Chelsea: London Blues to stop the rot – just.
Des Kelly (Daily Mail)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
D
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
D
Blackpool
V
Wolves
H
Bolton
V
Newcastle
H
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
D
Liverpool
V
West Ham
H
Fulham
V
Man City
D
Sunderland
V
Everton
A
Hull
V
Ipswich
A
Blackburn v Villa: This is possibly the most unpredictable game of the day. Blackburn have no discernible form at home, having won two, lost two and drawn two so far this season. Villa are weak away, which is strange for a counter attacking team. They will both be happy with a point.
Shaun Custis (The Sun)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
A
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
D
Blackpool
V
Wolves
A
Bolton
V
Newcastle
D
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
H
Liverpool
V
West Ham
H
Fulham
V
Man City
D
Sunderland
V
Everton
D
Hull
V
Ipswich
H
Blackpool v Wolves: Wolves have been playing a lot better than their League position suggests and its time they were rewarded with an away win by the seaside.
Head to the next page for more football predictions…
Andy Dunn (News of the World)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
H
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
H
Blackpool
V
Wolves
A
Bolton
V
Newcastle
H
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
A
Liverpool
V
West Ham
D
Fulham
V
Man City
D
Sunderland
V
Everton
D
Hull
V
Ipswich
A
Bolton v Newcastle: Owen Coyle’s team have been operating under the radar this season but have to be one of the most improved teams in the Barclays Premer League. Too strong at home for an inconsistent Newcastle
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Martin Lipton (The Mirror)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
D
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
D
Blackpool
V
Wolves
A
Bolton
V
Newcastle
H
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
H
Liverpool
V
West Ham
H
Fulham
V
Man City
D
Sunderland
V
Everton
H
Hull
V
Ipswich
A
Man United v Wigan: Even in the season of shocks there can’t be one at Old Trafford, surely? United to win it, by three.
Steve Bates (The People)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
A
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
H
Blackpool
V
Wolves
H
Bolton
V
Newcastle
D
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
H
Liverpool
V
West Ham
H
Fulham
V
Man City
D
Sunderland
V
Everton
D
Hull
V
Ipswich
A
West Brom v Stoke: Stoke have only won once away in the Barclay’s Premier League this season and I don’t see that record changing for the better at The Hawthorns against Roberto Di Matteo’s stars.
Danny Fulbrook (Daily Star)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
A
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
A
Blackpool
V
Wolves
D
Bolton
V
Newcastle
A
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
H
Liverpool
V
West Ham
D
Fulham
V
Man City
D
Sunderland
V
Everton
A
Hull
V
Ipswich
D
Liverpool v West Ham: this is such an important game for both sides on recent results but likely to be a draw
Glenn Moore (The Independent)
Home Team
Away Team
Birmingham
V
Chelsea
D
Blackburn
V
Aston Villa
D
Blackpool
V
Wolves
H
Bolton
V
Newcastle
H
Man United
V
Wigan
H
West Brom
V
Stoke
H
Liverpool
V
West Ham
D
Fulham
V
Man City
H
Sunderland
V
Everton
H
Hull
V
Ipswich
H
Fulham v Man City: Mark Hughes will relish the opportunity to put one over his old club but with both teams struggling to score a goalless draw is on the offing.
The papers are reporting that Sam Allardyce is ready to quit his role as Blackburn manager should the club fail to provide him with the resources to pursue his two dream transfers. Allardyce has been keen to underline the importance of adding to The Riversider’s frontline, which hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders this season. Too many of Blackburn’s goals have come from midfield, and Sam is seeking to add balance to his squad.
Sam’s solution: moves for out of favour Man City striker Roque Santa Cruz and Spur’s forward Robbie Keane. Both players are seeking new clubs and may just be persuaded by the promise of first team football at Ewood Park.
Roque Santa Cruz was a Blackburn player before his move to Manchester City. Given that he’s hardly had a sniff of Premier League action in recent times; it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he was interested in a move back to his old club.
Use your FREE £20 Bet – Blackburn are 11/4 to beat Bolton
Robbie Keane is an interesting case. He’s currently on loan at Celtic where he’s banging in the goals like there’s no tomorrow. Despite this, there’s genuinely no room for him in the Spur’s squad and he’s certainly seeking a move to another club. Just yesterday it was reported that Wolves were considering a move for the 30 year-old striker. However, if Blackburn can rustle up the funds, I’m sure Keane would be willing to make the move.
These transfers rest not upon the availability of the players themselves, but on Blackburn’s willingness to shell out the cash. Personally, I can see one of these transfers going through (probably Roque Santa Cruz) which should be enough to placate Allardyce for the time being. It’s highly unlikely that Sam will get both players, as he will face competition from a number of Premier League clubs.
What’s your take? Can Blackburn complete their double swoop?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[poll ]
[divider]
Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Newcastle v Liverpool on Saturday and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!
In light of Darren Bent’s transfer from Sunderland to Aston Villa for a fee of £18 million, possibly rising to a whopping £24 million, I thought it would be apt to have a look at the transfers that have shocked the football world over the years.
It is a rare occasion when a transfer makes you stand up and take notice these days given the amount of money that Premier League clubs spend every season, but it does happen every now and then and when it does it comes as even more of a shock.
There are occasions when players sign for one of their club’s fierce rivals, when great players go to so-called small clubs and when the game’s giants plump for a little-known player. All of these are featured in our list of the TOP TEN transfers that shocked football…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has revealed that Sunderland have made an approach for Jamaican forward Ricardo Fuller.
Fuller, 31, has been with Stoke since 2006, and has three goals to his name this term. He is expected to depart Britannia Stadium following the arrival of John Carew on loan from Stoke’s Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Sunderland are in the market for a striker after selling Darren Bent to Villa last week, despite manager Steve Bruce initial saying that he was in no hurry to find a replacement for the England international.
But Pulis confirmed a bid from Sunderland, while also indicating that other clubs are interested in acquiring Fuller.
“Sunderland have made an offer and both clubs are talking. But it is not just Sunderland – other clubs are interested,” Pulis said.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
While admitting to enquiring about Fuller’s availability during the current transfer window, Sunderland have denied making a formal offer for the striker.
Napoli reclaimed second place in Serie A on Sunday, as the honeymoon ended for new Inter Milan boss Leonardo.
Goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani lifted Napoli to a 2-0 away win over bottom side Bari, a result that pushed them back into a second spot they relinquished on Saturday to Roma, who enjoyed a 3-0 win against Cagliari.
But it was a crashing return to earth for Inter’s Leonardo’s as his side suffered a 3-1 loss at in-form Udinese to break a run of four straight Serie A wins under his stewardship.
Dejan Stankovic gave Inter the lead after a quarter of an hour, but Cristian Zapata equalised five minutes later before Antonio di Natale scored his 14th Serie A goal of the season to put the hosts ahead after 25 minutes.
Maurizio Domizzi’s goal made sure of the result in the 69th minute to help Udinese to their third win from their past four league matches.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Inter’s loss meant Lazio held on to fourth place despite their 3-1 defeat in a spiteful affair against Bologna.
Sergio Flocarri gave Lazio the lead after five minutes, but a Gaston Ramirez goal was followed by a brace from Marco di Vaio to give Bologna the win and lift them six places to ninth on the league table.
Referee Gianluca Rocchi issued seven cautions throughout the match and tensions boiled over with five minutes to play when Lazio defender Andre Dias and Bologna substitute Henry Gimenez were both given their marching orders for their part in an ugly melee.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Juventus and Sampdoria played out a goalless draw at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, while Alberto Gilardino salvaged a point at home for Fiorentina when he cancelled out David di Michele’s opener for Lecce to secure a 1-1 draw.
And Chievo Verona and Genoa played out 0-0 draw at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
Bolton loan signing Daniel Sturridge scored a last-minute winner to break Wolverhampton hearts at the Reebok Stadium.
The Chelsea man came off the bench to hit the only goal of the game as he latched onto Ronald Zubar’s horrible back-pass.
The goal would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Wolves whose goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made a number of excellent saves.
Mick McCarthy’s team are now bottom of the Premier League after their 15th defeat of the season.
Bolton welcomed back Chung Yong-Lee from the Asian Cup and he was quickly in the action setting up Matt Taylor but the midfielder shot weakly at Hennessey.
In the 28th minute Johan Elmander swung in a cross and picked out an unmarked Kevin Davies but Hennessey guessed the right way and made another superb block.
Bolton’s best effort came in first-half stoppage time when Sam Ricketts fired inches wide with Hennessey rooted to the spot.
Both teams looked poor in defence and lacklustre in their opponent’s penalty area, with visitors Wolves making almost no impact in the final third.
Twenty minutes into the second half, Lee made a searching cross from the right, but it was Wolves defender Christophe Berra who met it and almost scored an own goal only for Hennessey to make another great save.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The visitors awoke from their slumber in the final ten minutes as Kevin Doyle threatened Bolton’s defence on numerous occasions.
Having earlier delivered a teasing low cross that nobody was in place to meet, Doyle made a dash for goal with three minutes to play but his effort hit the woodwork.
But there was still time for Sturridge to steal the headlines with his winner at the death that halts Bolton’s slump in form.
Birmingham City upset the odds at Wembley yesterday to beat Arsenal 2-1 and win the 2011 Carling Cup. A header from Nikola Zigic put the Blues ahead before Robin van Persie’s strike ensured that the teams would go into the break on level terms, which would have been slightly disappointing for Birmingham given the way they played in the first half. Arsenal came into the match more in the second half as Birmingham’s players looked dead on their feet, but a mix up at the back gave Obafemi Martins an easy last-minute tap-in to win the cup for the Blues.
Like the tens of thousands of fans who travelled to Wembley from the second city, Birmingham manager Alex McLeish was obviously delighted with the result. He said “it’s an achievement when you consider who we were up against. We weren’t given a prayer by the pundits and the bookies but we believed today. It was a titanic performance by the players.” McLeish described the match yesterday as the highlight of his career, but with Birmingham now in Europe next season, will that achievement be bettered?
Birmingham City are 100/1 with bet365 to win the Europa League next season. bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth “Alex McLeish took great pleasure in telling us how we got it wrong by writing off his Birmingham side in the Carling Cup, so I hope we don’t upset him by quoting 100/1 about Blues landing the Europa League!” I’m sure Birmingham fans will just enjoy it while it lasts, but given the determination showed yesterday, European progress surely isn’t out of the question?
Birmingham’s next task is to secure their top flight status and there are much shorter odds on the Blues being relegated from the Premier League at 4/1. On a brighter note Birmingham are in the quarter finals of the FA Cup and are 16/1 to secure the cup double this season? So, does more success beckon for Birmingham City?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Double your deposit with bet365 now on any Birmingham City market!
Over the years there have been many great players who’ve graced the Premier League, making it the most enjoyable entertaining and exciting domestic competition in the world. Players such as Cantona, Shearer, Henry, Ronaldo, Fabregas and Franny Jeffers have given even the non-football lovers a reason to tune in to Match of the Day on a Saturday night as they show us how the beautiful game can be truly just that. There have also been another set of players though, throughout the years, men who may have footballing ability but also have the knack of causing most of us to scream in anger whenever they touch the ball. I’m talking about the sort of players who if your daughter brought them home, you’d wish she was a lesbian. Players we love to hate.
Now, not many of us actually know Premier League players on a personal level, but we can pretty much garner all we need to know about someone from their attitude on the pitch. Some players such as Paul Scholes for example, will never be truly hated, which is somewhat surprising considering he’s fouled every single Premier League player at least twice, because they just get on with the game in a quiet manner. However for every Paul Scholes, there’s a Robbie Savage, the sort of player that even some of his own fans struggle to find a fondness for. Here’s my own personal Premier League XI made up of players you’d rather glass, than have a pint with.
[divider]
Click on William Gallas below to see the Most Hated Premier League XI of all time
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
One of the most mouth watering fixtures of the weekend, with all eyes on the dugout as Roy Hodgson faces the club that sacked him earlier on in the season. With his successor, Kenny Dalglish transforming Liverpool’s season it will be an interesting fixture as Hodgson will no doubt be seeking some revenge despite comments dismissing it as another game.
Despite the focus on the managers, this game provides an interesting spectacle with Liverpool sporting the 3rd best form in the league that has seen Kenny take 20 points out of a possible 30 since taking over from Hodgson.
However, the Baggies also have had a change of fortunes since their new manager has been in place and are currently undefeated in the last five games. Whilst Liverpool will be pushing to finish the season as high as possible, West Brom are right in the relegation scrap which will make this a dogged affair.
Both teams can boast fairly strong squads for this fixture with only Carlos Vela being doubtful for the home side, whilst Steven Gerrard is likely to start on the bench following his return from a groin injury.
West Brom have a poor record against Liverpool in the Premier League having lost the last nine games against and have not scored a single goal against them in the top flight in recent years. With Liverpool boasting five clean sheets in their last 8 league games all the odds are stacked against Hodgson and his team in this fixture.
However with Liverpool’s new signings, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll both finding their form and fitness of late, it could be all too much for the West Brom defence.
Prediction: West Brom 1-3 Liverpool
Watch Jason Cundy & Scott Minto on Scoreboard and see their pre-match predictions
[ffcvideo file=’gw31_wba_v_liv’]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.