Drogba and Silva qualities needed at Chelsea
As Chelsea formed a guard of honour for champions, Liverpool, many reflected on the great names running out from the dressing room. Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been the backbone, says Coach Arne Slot, and most supporters agree. The fact is that it tells the story of why Chelsea […]
Cole Palmer celebrates a goal with teammates as Chelsea pound Everton 6-0
As Chelsea formed a guard of honour for champions, Liverpool, many reflected on the great names running out from the dressing room. Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been the backbone, says Coach Arne Slot, and most supporters agree.
The fact is that it tells the story of why Chelsea are fighting for a Champions League place but have not yet secured one. I think they will do it but there is certainly the possibility that they won’t. New owners, Clearlake Capital, have thrown money into their “buy young on long contracts” project, but with the departure of leader Thiago Silva last season, there is no definite leader in charge on the field or in the dressing room.
Reece James, for all his ability, has not moulded his captaincy into the Silva role. Enzo Maresca admits the team needs a player capable of giving experience, wisdom and ability displayed with strength of character.
Chelsea have shown that, and they even admit their tactical plan is in need of an overhaul as their interest in Van Dijk showed before he re-signed for Liverpool. Maresca said in agreeing with the above, “We are the youngest team in the Premier League and the second in European football. We played Brighton in February and we had three players on the bench who were born in 2006!”
This summer, Maresca and Chelsea will be looking for that experience to strengthen Stamford Bridge.
Trent not 100% happy to leave
In the last few weeks, we have speculated about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Anfield to the Bernabeu Stadium of Real Madrid. Trent’s leaving is now a reality. He has signed a contract to play for the Spanish giants next season. He knows that if Carlo Ancelotti stays with Real, he is in very safe hands, but the decision to leave Liverpool has left him with a heavy heart and a certain amount of regret.
Trent has played for Liverpool for most of his life and is not 100 per cent happy with his move. He was even speaking to friends and representatives as late as last week before signing his deal. Many fans say he has sacrificed not only the world’s best club and Premier champions but can no longer be regarded with those immortal words “One of our own.”
After two decades at Anfield, the 26-year-old came through the academy, played 352 games, won 9 titles, including two Premier League medals and the 2019 Champions League. He is without doubt one of Liverpool’s finest ever players, but other all-time greats, such as Stevie Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, Emlyn Hughes, Graeme Souness never left the north east in search of fame and riches elsewhere,and that is why they are called, “One of our Own.”
Casemiro heading for super salary status
Manchester United fans pray for Europa Cup glory in Bilbao on May 21. However, Brazilian Casemiro has more reason to want a win than most because if the Reds are successful, his wages will rise by £100k a week, meaning he will take home £500k, which mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages during his short second time at the club. However, the thought of Casemiro on such a huge wage has increased the chances of the club selling him this summer as owner, Sir James Ratcliffe tries to lower financial outgoings.
Only four players safe at United
Manchester United have explained that because of their planned summer rebuild and the finances required to accomplish the task, only four players remain untouchable; and if a good offer comes in, most of the team are for sale. Only Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Amad and new signing, Patrick Dorgu are safe. But if the price is right, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Alejandro Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Christian Eriksen could all be leaving.
Postecoglou gives Richarlison a chance
Ange Postecoglou has paid tribute to Richarlison and says he deserves a chance to become a hero in the final push of the season. The ex-Everton star has suffered difficult times since joining Spurs, with injuries and mental health issues. He played until the 68th minute against West Ham, replacing injured Dominic Solanke and showed some nice touches without being heavily involved, but his energy and commitment were evident.
Postecoglou said, “He is really desperate, hungry to contribute at this stage. He is a great asset for us. He is such a handful in the box.”
Solanke’s injury is not thought to be serious, but Lucas Bergvall is out for the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage and James Maddison has undergone a scan on his knee.
Postecoglou admitted there was an air of negativity around the club, which he is fighting to change.
Douglas Luiz eyes Premier return
Nottingham Forest have asked Juventus to keep them informed of Douglas Luiz’s difficult situation following an injury hit debut in Serie A. When Forest and Chelsea made loan enquiries in January, they were told by the Italian giants that they would only consider a permanent deal, but neither club would commit.
Luiz’s £42.5 million value has now dropped considerably, and he has made it clear that he would like a move back to the Premier League.
Vardy still the star
Jamie Vardy was never going to go quietly. Leicester’s opener against Southampton was the 38-year-old’s 199th goal in the proud blue and white colours of the Foxes.
Right at the end of the game, Jamie almost scored his 200th goal, but goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale beat away his shot. Speaking to the striker after the game, he said, “Playing for Leicester since 2012 has been an honour and a privilege. I have enjoyed every minute of it; and frankly, I do not know what comes next, but I have four games to get that 200th goal.”
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Arsenal will be looking to put their midweek Champions League loss to PSG behind them, and providing Mikel Arteta can lift his team, this could be a tight match.
Arsenal will almost certainly qualify for Europe again, but having lost out to PL title winners, Liverpool, they could still be caught by Man City, Chelsea and Forest and even Aston Villa if results turn against them.
Mikel Arteta made two line-up changes for their Premier League home defeat to AFC Bournemouth. They lost and Arteta said his team had “created a lot of rage, anger and frustration” in giving away a one-goal lead to the Cherries. He has emphasised to them in training this week that a strong start is essential, so they are not playing off the back foot.
Playing away to Liverpool is no easy task despite a slight downturn in performances since winning the title. Even the ever-reliable Virgil van Dijk was caught out last weekend against Chelsea and was responsible for an own goal; and he will have his hands full with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal fans have suffered two near misses in winning the league title, but winning away to the newly crowned champions would be a fitting tonic and put them further ahead in a safe position for the number two spot.