Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that his side were second best for long spells of their Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Friday night.
First-half goals from Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson gave the Reds a two-goal lead at the break and although Diego Costa pulled one back, the Blues suffered their first defeat of the new campaign.
Courtois was open and honest in his assessment of the game and stated that the home side were simply not good enough in the first half to live with Jurgen Klopp’s talented side.
The Belgian goalkeeper also admitted that the nature of the goals that his team conceded were not good and something to work on in the near future.
“We didn’t start well. First half we didn’t have the duels, we didn’t have the second ball, everything was for them,” Courtois told the club’s official website.
“They pressured us and we couldn’t cope with it. It was very hard and we gave two goals away.
“The second half was a bit better, we scored and had some pressure but I don’t think we had a big chance.
“The first goal was a set-piece that they took quick, everybody ran to the first ball and they ran to the second ball, put a good cross in and it was a good goal.
“Everyone was a bit shocked, we didn’t start well and then they scored the second when we didn’t defend well. We tried to come out but when we tried to get better they scored the second.
“It is from a throw-in, maybe we didn’t follow the man, the ball goes to Henderson with no pressure on him and he makes a world-class goal.
“Then it’s difficult to create chances. It’s hard, last year we came back against Tottenham. We scored quite early but after that we didn’t have a great chance to score so that’s a pity.”
Chelsea have a trip to Premier League champions Leicester City next in the League Cup in midweek but the Blues are already seemingly set to trail Manchester City by five points at the top of the table presuming Pep Guardiola’s men beat Bournemouth today.
The money floating around in the Premier League nowadays is simply phenomenal.
In fact, the English top flight splashed out more than £1billion on signings during the summer transfer window, whilst 13 clubs smashed their record transfer fees.
That’s an incredible jump from the £600million-odd spent in summer 2013, highlighting how the transfer racket works against a rate of inflation not quite like any other industry in the world.
With that in mind, it’s surely important to know how much your first-team squad is worth in relative terms. And helping in that regard is transfer-mad website TransferMarkt.com.
They equate transfer fees, wages and length of contract to determine the current market values of individual players, which fluctuate on a regular basis.
Football FanCast have been taking a look at Everton’s squad and the market worth of their ten most valuable players certainly makes some interesting reading! There’s a few surprises in here to say the least…
10. Enner Valencia – £8.5m
Everton signed Enner Valencia on loan during the summer and Transfermarkt reckon the Toffees would have to stump up around £8.5million to sign him permanently from West Ham. However, the Ecuador striker has endured a slow start to his Everton career, yet to find the net in three appearances.
9. Oumar Niasse – £10.2m
Despite signing him at a cost of £15.2million in January, Oumar Niasse’s market worth is now just £10.2million. That might have something to do with Ronald Koeman making it abundantly clear in August that the Senegal forward wouldn’t be a part of his first-team plans this season.
8. Ramiro Funes Mori – £10.2m
Transfermarkt think Everton were bang on the money when they paid just shy of £11million for Ramiro Funes Mori. They rate him at £10.2million – likely due to the fact his contract doesn’t expire until 2020.
7. Kevin Mirallas – £11.05m
Kevin Mirallas has proved a shrewd investment since arriving from Olympiacos in summer 2012 at a cost of £6.5million, going on to bag 27 goals in 118 Premier League appearances. According to Transfermarkt, his current market worth exceeds that sum by almost double.
6. Leighton Baines – £11.05m
Leighton Baines may be just a matter of months away from his 32nd birthday but the veteran left-back, who originally cost the Toffees just £6.38million, is still their sixth-most valuable player at £11.05milion.
5. Yannick Bolasie – £11.9m
Did Everton pay over the odds for £24.75million man Yannick Bolasie? Transfermarkt seem to think so, issuing the Congo international a market value of just £11.9million. We’re not so sure Everton fans would agree with that; the winger’s been fantastic since moving to Goodison Park.
4. Seamus Coleman – £14.45m
One of the best attacking right-backs in the business, Transfermarkt believe potential suitors should be playing at least £14.45million for Seamus Coleman. Not bad considering the Toffees paid Sligo Rovers just £60k for him back in 2009.
3. James McCarthy – £14.45m
Everton are reportedly ready to sell James McCarthy in January and that might be because he’d put around £14.45million into Ronald Koeman’s proverbial pocket. Three years ago, the Merseysiders paid Wigan Athletic £13million for the FA Cup winner.
2. Ross Barkley – £18.7m
Bearing the home-grown premium in mind, it’s not surprising to see Ross Barkley coming second in this list. Transfermarkt put his market value at £18.7million – but we reckon Everton could claim twice that sum for the England international.
1. Romelu Lukaku – £34m
Romelu Lukaku may be the second-top scorer in the Premier League, with five goals in six appearances this season, but Transfermarkt reckon his worth has only increased by £4million since Everton paid Chelsea £30million for his services in summer 2014. That’s probably due to the fact Lukaku’s contract hasn’t been renewed, with his current terms due to expire in three years.
That Liverpool can challenge for the title has become a popular belief in Merseyside, as the Reds firmly think they are capable of winning a first Premier League title. But any chance of league glory, which would be the club’s first since 1990, is not likely until Jurgen Klopp can shore up Liverpool’s back line.
With the current league table so narrow at the summit, Liverpool are potential candidates mostly because of their attacking prowess. However, questions marks surround their ability to keep the opposition out at the other end. Until this is prevented no title aspirations will become reality.
As impressive as Liverpool have been going forward this season, they have registered just one clean sheet in the Premier League.
When Liverpool are on form they are an aggressive unit difficult to curtail: both in attack and in the midfield. But individual errors and the lack of a resounding leader in defence give Jurgen Klopp’s side an obvious weak spot that is ripe for exploitation for any club in the league.
Over the years, the Liverpool teams who have been victorious domestically or in Europe, had an influential and charismatic leader stood at the heart of the defence. Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, Alan Hansen, and Phil Thompson have all been the heartbeat of Liverpool’s success down the years. Do Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip meet the calibre of a player mentioned above?
Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner may be having a successful run of form, but not many find it difficult to create space behind Liverpool due to the gaping hole present either side of the centre backs. Their team-mates have falsely overrated both Milner and Clyne’s performances.
When the Merseysiders discuss the potential return of the glory years, one question needs to be asked – how many teams have won a Premier League title with a weak defence? The answer is none and Klopp cannot be that naive when he aspires to be the first manager since Kenny Dalglish to guide Liverpool to a league title.
The argument presented is not a tiresome one as the facts remain clear and obvious to any onlooker. Klopp’s reputation of passion and intensity can only guide you so far. For the German to be a success at Anfield, his priority should be to strengthen his defence. Along with this, his tactical awareness needs to be re-thought as he’s likely to continue down the same road Brendan Rodgers previously did in 2014 when his defensive woes cost the Reds a Premier League title.
January needs to be a very good month for the Sunderland fans in the Football Transfer Tavern…
The Black Cats currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League – and many of the punters in the Football Transfer Tavern have tipped them for relegation this season.
The only saving grace for David Moyes and his side is the January transfer window – and it would appear that the Scottish boss is looking to do all he can to prevent what is, at this point, seemingly inevitable.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Sunderland are looking to move for Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa – in a move that would undoubtedly improve the Sunderland attack.
Ulloa has been prolific for Leicester City – and a position alongside Defoe could work wonders for him.
With that said, this could be the new-look Sunderland 2017 frontline including Leonardo Ulloa….
CAM – Adnan Januzaj
Adnan Januzaj has been in and out of the Sunderland first team this season, but the time has come for him to be given a regular run under David Moyes.
His talent cannot be doubted – and he has proven at points this season that he has all the potential in the world, but it is time for him to start showing it.
A role behind 2 strikers would be perfect for him – it would allow him to drive at defences, whilst he would also be able to utilise his excellent passing and dribbling to launch the ball forward for the likes of Ulloa.
He needs to start delivering week-after-week, and a run of games is the only way to make that happen.
ST – Jermain Defoe
What can be said about Jermain Defoe that hasn’t already been said?
If anyone is going to be able to prevent Sunderland from going down – it is Defoe.
The English veteran has been the one shining light for David Moyes this season, and despite now being in his 30’s – he is as prolific as ever.
He needs to be in top form to have any chance of keeping Sunderland up – and a switch to a 2-man attack could allow that to happen.
ST – Leonardo Ulloa
Leonardo Ulloa is the only new signing in this attacking trio – and what a signing he would be.
The signing of Islam Slimani has seen his opportunities reduce at Leicester City this season – and a move to Sunderland in the twilight of his career could be the perfect move for him.
A partnership with Jermain Defoe could prove to be fruitful for Sunderland, as he formed quite the partnership with Vardy last season.
He can also bring the experience of his success last season to this faltering Sunderland side – and that could really help.
Moussa Dembele is attracting interest from a number of clubs around Europe and Celtic could be facing a significant battle to onto their star striker.
With 17 goals this season, the forward couldn’t be in better form for his side, and with Celtic supporters already having taken the young Frenchman to their heart, many would be gutted to see him move on, especially if it came as early as January.
While likely to be rewarded significantly with a large transfer fee, you can’t guarantee goals when you buy replacements and you’d imagine Brendan Rodgers would be keen to hold onto him for another season at least.
What’s best for the player? Should he move on now or should he continue his Celtic career for the time being?
Both bring positives and negatives, but for us, another season in the green and white hoops could be the most beneficial for all parties.
Here are FIVE reasons why…
First-team football
Football Soccer – Borussia Monchengladbach v Celtic – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group C – Stadion im Borussia-Park, Monchengladbach, Germany – 1/11/16Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Moussa Dembele speak at full timeReuters / Wolfgang RattayLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
What Celtic can offer Dembele above most other clubs with the potential to pay a fee up to £20m is first-team football.
Say Liverpool come in for him, is Jurgen Klopp going to give him a regular game immediately? We find the prospect of that unlikely and that could be a regressive step for Dembele who already has close to 100 career appearances under his belt for Fulham and Celtic.
Another season with the Hoops gives him another 40/50 games at least, which we’re sure will benefit the 20-year-old.
Chance for trophies
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Many excellent players go through an entire career without winning anything and if Dembele moves this January then he’s only scratched the surface of what he can achieve at Celtic.
With the Bhoys in the kind of form that can produce a treble of domestic trophies, Dembele can be part of a Celtic side that makes history and becomes legendary with supporters.
He already has part one of that treble in the League Cup and it’d be a shame to not see him pick up winner’s medals elsewhere.
Staying a season beyond could add to his haul significantly. Even if he does move on and doesn’t win another thing, he would always have the memories of Hampden and trophy days at Celtic Park, which should never be taken for granted.
Champions League football
So far, Dembele hasn’t been linked with any clubs that play Champions League football with any kind of regularity.
While playing in the Bundesliga or Premier League may be an attraction in itself, the Champions League is still the pinnacle of club football in Europe and giving it up would require a long, hard think.
Celtic are well placed to qualify again next season, being seeded in every qualifying round. If Dembele stays, those chances only improve.
Another season in the Champions League could raise his reputation even higher given it was his goals against Manchester City that really announced his arrival on the football scene.
Incredible support
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There aren’t many arenas in Europe that compare to Celtic Park when a big match comes calling.
On big European nights and Glasgow derbies, the noise and passion that pours down from the Celtic Park stands has to be seen and heard to be believed.
Even week-to-week for Celtic’s bread and butter games, crowds of 45,000+ are piling through the turnstiles to see Rodgers’ team in action.
A move to the Premier League outside of the big four or five clubs would not offer the same big crowds for Dembele to play in front of, so why not savour it for another season and leave with the backing of them all?
Brendan Rodgers
Football Soccer – Borussia Monchengladbach v Celtic – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group C – Stadion im Borussia-Park, Monchengladbach, Germany – 1/11/16Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gestures at full timeReuters / Wolfgang RattayLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Brendan Rodgers’ ability to coach young players and develop them into excellent footballers is one of his biggest strengths. Dembele has one of the best in the business guiding his development right now and if he truly has ambitions to become one of Europe’s best strikers then he should think hard about giving that up so early in his career.
Another season or even two working with Rodgers could improve his game significantly, as he’s a manager who will always have the striker’s best interests at heart.
Why take the risk of moving elsewhere when things are going so well with the Hoops?
Football does not deal well with change. An opposition to the norm is rejected initially, even if everything suggests that change is the way to go. Perhaps this is because people in general don’t appreciate change a lot of the time, but it is glaringly obvious that the football community do not take well to being told that the current situation is not perfect. The endless debates show us that.
The hottest discussed topic at the moment is technology. After years of excuses and stuck-in-the-mud thinking, there has eventually been the introduction of goal line technology at the elite level of the game. And, lo and behold, it’s clearly been an improvement on the previous setup with the technology working efficiently and accurately.
Technology needn’t be considered some dark art. It simply is a means to decrease the regularity of poor decisions. And that is surely an aim we can all get behind. Chat about refereeing decisions will still be present (don’t worry those of you who love some controversy) but the referees will be able to make the decisions with full understanding of what happened.
Football Soccer – Real Madrid v Kashima Antlers – FIFA Club World Cup Final – International Stadium Yokohama – Japan , 18/12/16 Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the Golden Ball trophy, Real Madrid’s Luka Modric with the Silver Ball trophy and Kashima Antlers’ Gaku Shibasaki with Bronze Ball trophy Reuters / Kim Kyung-Hoon Livepic
The argument against introducing further technology to football (video replays specifically) largely centre on the idea that it will slow the game down. It may, of course, cause the occasional delay, but that is a small price to pay for making sure that referees have all the information available to them. For those who are regular watchers of other sports, the ‘delays’ generated by the use of technology are often the most dramatic moments in a match. Now, we don’t want referees – particularly those notorious for loving attention – announcing their decisions like a reality TV presenter, but the tension of awaiting a big decision would add to the spectacle, if anything.
Football is behind the times, simply put. MLB, NFL, rugby, tennis and cricket have all embraced technology. Of course there have been teething difficulties at times and adaptations to the number of reviews or procedures, but it has been an overwhelming success in general. For those who fear the loss of controversy, do not fear. Major League Baseball still has its fair share of debate over decisions, as does rugby and NFL. Football refereeing is not an absolute science, there will always be differing opinions, but the world governing bodies of the sport must keep up with the times and enable referees to have all the possible tools.
Money is no issue at the top level of football. Hundreds of millions are given to clubs for shirt sponsorship, television deals are growing by the contract, but there is a failure to accept change for the improvement of the sport. Financially – at the very highest level – it is a no-brainer, it would be easy to install and take effect almost immediately. Technology in sport is one of those things that people will bemoan as a concept, but very few will reject it once implemented. In the other major sports using technology on a regular basis, there are tweaks required – whether it be umpire’s call or the number of referrals a team can use – but it is embraced.
Football’s popularity is not under pressure, which is one thing FIFA have managed to retain. Just because fan bases are vaster and revenues enormous, that does not mean that the sport should not look at other sports for ways to improve. It is a big step initially, but it is a leap towards a significant improvement in the sport as a whole. Change will be rejected by swathes of the footballing community, of course, and that provides its own challenges. Change, in this instance at least, is a positive, though.
The idea of implementing technology causes tension, yet the issues will all be forgotten when it is improving the decision making for people’s favourite teams.
Arsenal picked up another three points in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, however, they only did so by the skin of their teeth.
Gunners fans faced a nail-biting finish to the game with the Gunners, at times, looking like they would be dropping more points in the Premier League.
It took a penalty deep, deep into stoppage time at the end of the game to bail them out and it was that man Alexis Sanchez who took responsibility for converting it to score his 17th goal of the season in Arsenal colours.
A good result then, but a far from convincing performance and some changes could do with being made ahead of an important FA Cup clash with Southampton this weekend.
Here are THREE changes we think Wenger should make ahead of that one…
Giroud out, Sanchez up top
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Make no mistake, Olivier Giroud is a fantastic talent and his goals have, at times, kept Arsenal going over the last four or five weeks. For us, though, there’s no substitute for playing Alexis Sanchez through the middle, his best position and one he can influence the game from most.
Giroud looked listless on Sunday and couldn’t really get himself into the game at all.
Sanchez has 14 goals through the middle this season and although he’s contributed three from six on the left flank, Arsenal have other creative options there.
Wenger needs Sanchez in and around the box, waiting to pounce on opportunities.
Play Iwobi in a different position
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Alex Iwobi has been getting most of his game time in an Arsenal shirt on the right or left wing but his most impressive performance by far this season came when he was played through the middle in attacking midfield.
That was against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day and after a frustrating outing on Sunday, he should get a chance to take his place behind the striker again and effect the game from a central position.
If that can be accommodated with a rejig of the Arsenal front four then Wenger should try it. Even putting Iwobi back on the left-hand side would be more welcome than having him on the right again.
The young Nigerian has three assists and a goal from that flank.
He has undoubted talent but to unlock his potential Wenger must play him in his best position.
Bring back Bellerin
Britain Football Soccer – Arsenal v Crystal Palace – Premier League – Emirates Stadium – 1/1/17 Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin in action with Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward Reuters / Stefan Wermuth Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for furthe
Hector Bellerin did not start on Sunday after struggling with fitness but did appear late on from the bench. Bellerin is an important figure on the right-hand side for the Gunners and his struggles with injuries this season have undoubtedly impacted on the team’s general performance.
If he’s fit enough for the bench, he’s likely fit enough to play from the start, so Wenger should show no hesitance in sticking him in the XI against Southampton.
The Saints are likely to provide a tougher test than Burnley and Wenger will need his absolute strongest XI to take the field. Don’t forget, Southampton have already dumped the Gunners out of the EFL Cup this season.
Arsenal fans may be feeling a bit better about their side’s performances over the past two seasons, with the Gunners finishing runners-up last term and enjoying a charge this season, but it’s clear there really hasn’t really been much improvement.Arsene Wenger’s side have shown more familiar colours in the past month, losing to Everton and Manchester City, whilst they’ve also struggled to overcome the likes of Bournemouth and Preston North End.[ad_pod id=’now-tv’ align=’centre’]Overall though, Arsenal’s struggles have historically came against the bigger sides in the Premier League and the situation has been exactly the same this season, with Arsenal possessing the worst record out of the top-seven.
Liverpool boast the best record from seven games and Arsenal sit bottom of the pile, although they have played one less match than all their rivals. Arsenal next come toe-to-toe with a top rival early next month against Chelsea and, given their record, you wouldn’t bet on them to emerge victorious.
Well, well, well… The FA Cup never fails to surprise does it? We’re only two fixtures into the weekend and lower league opposition have surprised top-flight sides in both matches.
Last night Leicester were held at Derby and now Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat at home to Championship strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool were always going to face a fight hosting Wolves, it was one of the fixtures we noted could be an upset this weekend given the Reds’ struggles of late.
What we didn’t expect was just how comprehensive a victory it would be for Paul Lambert’s side. They blitzed the home side in the first half, fully deserving their two goal lead. In the second half they put in a terrific defensive shift and tactically stifled Liverpool.
Richard Stearman and Andreas Weimann, making his first start for the club, were the heroes on the day for Wolves and ensured their fans would travel home very happy indeed.
Despite a late fightback from Liverpool, and an Origi goal, Lambert’s side held firm.
Jurgen Klopp is now facing questions given they’ve been knocked out of both domestic trophy competitions in three days. They only have the league left and even that’s looking increasingly beyond them.
It is of course a fixture that provoked a lot of reaction of social media and fans took to Twitter to share their opinion of the match.
Arsenal’s victory over Hull was a necessary one. Fortuitous, yet deserved and timely, Arsene Wenger needed a victory. Alexis Sanchez, being the calibre of player he is, had an indifferent game by his standards but found a way to net twice. The Gunners’ season will perhaps be defined by this week. Beating Hull stopped an ugly, growing rot after defeats to Watford and Chelsea, now they face Bayern – yes, again – in the Champions League and Sutton United on Monday evening in the FA Cup.
The Cup is a competition that has provided redemption for Wenger in the recent past. The domestic silverware ended their trophy drought and made the Wenger-hating patches of the Arsenal fanbase retreat into their shells for a little while. They are back now, though, and they are back with vengeance, fired up by another ‘choke’ in the league and the reported uncertainty over the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
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Wenger may be retiring this season for all anyone knows – especially if Ian Wright’s comments are anything to go by. If he’s retiring he will desperately want to leave with a trophy in his hands. If he is to stay on, he needs a trophy to becalm an increasingly discontent fan base. The league is realistically out of reach for the Gunners, so they are left with two pots to clamour for.
The FA Cup is a different monster this year. With so many high profile managers in desperate need of a trophy, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs have all shown a significant desire to commit their best players to the cause. That could all change now they are about to return to the midweek glamour of European action, but Arsenal are likely to have to beat at least two of their top six rivals to win the trophy.
Arsenal, like many of their rivals, have the squad to challenge on multiple fronts if Wenger manages his squad well. Their youngsters were excellent in the previous rounds of the cup and they have squad players who will still be fresh after a light workload during the majority of the season. The Cup will not be neglected, but Arsenal’s difficulties in the biggest games make it hard to see a successful path again. They could always receive a fortunate draw, of course.
The Champions League presents an opportunity for the Gunners. If they get past Bayern, their confidence will be so significantly boosted they could go on a run towards the latter stages. Beating Bayern is not something the Gunners have done on a regular basis, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side are not playing at their best this season and there are vulnerabilities.
A European trophy is the one thing that is missing from Arsene Wenger’s astonishing CV. As they have been for most recent seasons, Arsenal are rank outsiders to lift Europe’s greatest prize. With other silverware so unlikely, though, their Champions League campaign could define what might be Wenger’s final season at the club. That is how big this match with Bayern is.