The issues Emery must solve as Arsenal prepare for 2019-20 season

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Arsenal do not yet know if they will be playing in the Champions League next season.

The Gunners have endured a strange season under Unai Emery, turning in a number of genuinely terrible performances on the road, while remaining excellent at home.

They are also in the Europa League semi-finals, where a clash with Valencia lies in wait.

Regardless of whatever happens between now and May, the Gunners have a number of problems that need addressing.

Football FanCast takes a look at some of the issues that need to be solved by the former PSG boss ahead of next season.

Is Ozil staying?

Soccer Football – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – March 2, 2019 Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil with manager Unai Emery as he prepares to come on REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your accou

Is Mesut Ozil staying at Arsenal?

Previously a genuinely world-class talent when he arrived at Arsenal for £42.5 million, the Germany international has struggled under Emery, who has regularly dropped the star throughout 2018-19.

He has played 90 minutes just nine times in the Premier League this term.

Still, he earns £350,000-per-week and Emery must decide if the 30-year-old has any kind of future at the club.

As it is, it may well be difficult for the club to ship Ozil out. His wages are such that only a handful of clubs could potentially afford him and he is not at the level of the likes of PSG, Barcelona or Manchester City.

If he is to stick around, though, Emery will have to build around him next season and tailor some of his summer business towards Ozil being the club’s playmaker.

His future, then, could shape the entirety of the club’s summer.

What’s Plan A?

Arsenal don’t seem to have a playing style.

Under Arsene Wenger, they did have a soft underbelly, but they tried to play the same way in every game, moving the ball quickly and trying to exploit the centre of the pitch.

Under Emery, though, there is something of a mishmash of ideas. He regularly deploys defensive-minded players in midfield, seemingly to allow the attackers to thrive, but then plays his forwards out of position.

It remains to be seen if Emery actually knows whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is best deployed as a striker or a winger.

If he can settle on a playing style, however, and start training the Gunners to that end, then the club could reap the rewards of consistency.

As it is, they are an unpredictable opponent largely because they don’t seem to know their own tactics, and that is often brought into a sharper focus when they fall behind, and the wheels fall off.

Emery needs to fix that this summer.

What’s your best XI?

Soccer Football – Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg – Chelsea vs Arsenal – Stamford Bridge, London, Britain – January 10, 2018 Arsenal’s Konstantinos Mavropanos warms up before the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your

This is similar to the last point but has a key difference; regardless of playing style, Emery does not seem to know his best XI.

We know that Bernd Leno is the No.1 choice in goal. That’s fine.

In defence, however, Emery continually chops and changes, picking between veteran Laurent Koscielny, gaffe-prone Shkodran Mustafi, former Borussia Dortmund star Sokratis and youngster Konstantinos Mavropanos.

He signed midfielder Denis Suarez in the January transfer window on loan from Barcelona but routinely overlooks him, while picking between Aaron Ramsey, who is leaving in the summer, anyway, Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Mohamed Elneny in midfield.

Aubameyang appears to be his first-choice striker but even that is up for debate with Alexandre Lacazette in the squad.

If Arsenal are to get their summer business right, Emery needs to decide his strongest starting XI and build on it.

That will, in turn, lead to the identification of the deadwood. As it is, it appears that everyone is getting a chance and it could lead to the Gunners keeping players who are not of the required calibre ahead of next season.

In short, Emery must be ruthless.

Tottenham fans want to sign Ruben Neves after he helps down Arsenal

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Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves shone and scored a brilliant free-kick in his side’s 3-1 win against Arsenal at Molineux on Wednesday night, and his display didn’t go unnoticed by Tottenham Hotspur fans who are keen for their club to sign him.

The 22-year-old was one of Wolves’ biggest stars in the Championship last term and he has brought that form into the Premier League during the current campaign, scoring four goals and providing a further two assists in 32 top-flight outings.

His stunning set-piece against the Gunners was particularly impressive and proves the quality he has in his locker when it comes to taking free-kicks, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Spurs supporters who were clearly watching on as their arch-rivals suffered a defeat in the exciting race for a top-four finish.

Should Neves end up arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium he would likely be competing with the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Harry Winks and Christian Eriksen – if he stays – for a spot in the starting XI.

Speaking about the Portuguese’s latest performance, one Spurs fan said it’s “my dream” to see him play for his team, while another said “get him in a Spurs shirt”.

Relive all the drama of Man City v Spurs through the eyes Spurs’ fans in the video below…

Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy may well choose to make waves in the summer transfer window following two without any additions, but it remains to be seen whether they would be interested in Neves.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

One worrying trend shows Celtic should steer clear of Villas-Boas

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Andre Villas-Boas is the latest name to make the rounds as Celtic continue their hunt for a permanent manager, but is he the right man for the job?

What’s the word?

Celtic have been rather tenuously linked with a move for Villas-Boas, and fans on Twitter were freaking out about the possibility of landing the 41 year-old on Tuesday.

SkyBet have slashed odds on the former Chelsea and Spurs boss moving to Paradise all the way down to 3/1, and some of the manager’s scouting notes on Celtic from 2003 have caused quite the stir as well.

Even The Daily Record are now talking about the rumours, but should the Bhoys actually swoop for Villas-Boas?

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

A monumental risk

On the surface, Villas-Boas looks like a prime candidate to take over from Neil Lennon.

The Portuguese boss is perhaps one of the game’s most underrated tacticians, played some lovely football during his time at Tottenham and Porto, and has multiple league titles and a Europa League winners medal to his name. He is also only 41 so would have plenty of time to learn and grow with Celtic.

However, the Hoops are in need of a bit of a mini-rebuild in the near future, with several defenders now past their peak and a squad in desperate need of trimming and reshaping.

This takes time – only now is Jurgen Klopp seeing the effects of his work at Liverpool after nearly four years at the helm for example – and Villas-Boas simply does not spend long amounts of time at one club.

Despite managing six clubs in his career, he has never spent more than two years at any of them, and spent a year or less at four of those clubs, only eclipsing 12 months with Spurs and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Villas-Boas is charismatic and exciting, but he is not a long-term option for Celtic, and hiring him could lead to far more disarray when he inevitably leaves within two years. Quite simply, swooping for a manager who so consistently struggles to leave a lasting impact would be a monumental risk from the Hoops.

قائمة يوفنتوس لمباراة فيرينكفاروس.. عودة كيليني

أعلن المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي يوفنتوس، أندريا بيرلو، عن قائمة اللاعبين الذين سيخوضون مباراة الغد أمام فيرينكفاروس في الجولة الثالثة من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحل يوفنتوس ضيفًا على منافسه المجري في تمام الساعة “العاشرة” مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” بقيادة الحكم الصهيوني، أوريل جرينفيلد.

وشهدت القائمة عودة القائد، جورجيو كيليني، بعد تواجده في تدريبات الفريق الإيطالي الصباحية، وتتوقع شبكة “سكاي سبورتس” تواجده في التشكيل الأساسي للمباراة.

وضمت القائمة الأسماء التالية وفقًا للحساب الرسمي على “تويتر”:

حراسة المرمى: تشيزني، بينسوليو، بوفون.

الدفاع: كيليني، دانيلو، كوادرادو، بونوتشي، فرابوتا، ريكو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سكاي تكشف موعد عودة دي ليخت وساندرو لـ يوفنتوس

الوسط: آرثر، رامسي، ماكيني، كييزا، رابيو، بنتانكور، برناردسكي، بورتانوفا، كولوسيفسكي.

الهجوم: رونالدو، موراتا، ديبالا.

Mason Greenwood has a hugely exciting future for Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s honeymoon period is over and Man United need to knuckle down and get the results from now until the end of the season. Clearly, things need to improve if they’re going to kick this new project off in the best possible way, with Champions League qualification the obvious goal. 

In recent weeks his side have found some games problematic, mainly because of important injuries his team have incurred. Still, the team needs some fresh impetus, whether it be new signings or trusting youth players.

Though with serious changes likely to be made by the manager over the summer, perhaps the judgement should take place after he implements his own style with his pick of players.

Something fans of all clubs love to see is the implementation of youngsters in and around their squad.

Man United have successfully paved the way for a number of players in the first-team so that same opportunity should be given to Mason Greenwood in the summer ahead of next season. It’s a tradition that hasn’t died and, considering their new manager’s love for all things United, it’s not likely to.

Mason Greenwood has once again been superb for Man United’s youth side, as he’s gone on to supply 22 goals and six assists in 24 appearances. Amazing stuff and stats that will surely excite the Old Trafford faithful.

Whilst he has been around the first-team at times, Greenwood is yet to be given a real chance by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, something that has to change this summer, if his fleeting performances in the first-team this term are anything to go by.

Having seen Marcus Rashford surge into the first-team picture unexpectedly, the same thing entirely could happen to Mason Greenwood, based on his phenomenal stats at youth level. With pace, power and finishing all top qualities of his, there is no reason to suggest why at the very least, he shouldn’t be given a chance to impress during pre-season.

After all with the significant spending United are probably planning, surely the idea of saving money wherever possible will be a good idea so they can concentrate on other positions, right?

Do you agree that Mason Greenwood is deserving of a shot in the first team? Let us know!

Pundit View: Scott Brown hits back at media witch hunt

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Scott Brown has finally had his say on the media backlash directed at him after March’s Old Firm, and Celtic fans will surely love his verdict.

Never before has a player been the victim of three separate red card incidents in one match, two of which were correctly penalised by the referee on the day while Ryan Kent was banned after the fact, only for the media to paint said victim as the bad guy.

That’s exactly what happened with Brown after Celtic’s 2-1 win against Rangers, so much so the Bhoys skipper was even cited by the SFA for “not acting in the best interests of the game”, whatever that means.

And now, the 33 year-old has hit back at the bizarre reaction to his involvement in the incidents involving Alfredo Morelos, Kent and Andy Halliday.

Watch the best fails from the world of indoor football in the video below…

What has he said?

Asked about winding up his rivals, he told The Daily Record: “I’m doing something right! If people hate me it puts a smile on my face. It must mean I’m either playing well or I’m noising somebody up in the wrong way.

“I don’t care. I think for me I celebrated with my team-mates and a fight kicked off and I walked away from it.

“Somebody elbowed me in the face and I walked away from it. Somebody punched me in the face and I walked away from it. If I was a hooligan I’d have started a brawl in the middle of the pitch.

“But I just walked away from it all, I didn’t want to get myself booked or suspended. I think I acted quite well on the day.”

Never change!

Brown’s first four words that “I’m doing something right” should be music to the ears of Celtic fans, because it means he has no intention of changing his ways.

There is nothing wrong with a bit of extra bite, especially in derbies, and Brown’s ability to get under the skin of opposition fans and players is all part of what makes him such an effective player and leader.

If the Hoops ace was to sacrifice that in the hopes of placating some moaning media members, then he wouldn’t hold anywhere near the level of adoration he currently gets from the Parkhead faithful.

In short, he is never going to change, and that’s the best news Celtic could possibly get.

Not worth it: Paul Pogba simply isn’t worth all the hassle and should be sold

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In a midfield three of himself, Scott McTominay and Fred, somehow Paul Pogba came out as the worst performing player of he trio as Manchester United lost 1-0 to Barcelona at Old Trafford.

There has been plenty of speculation over where the Frenchman’s future lies throughout almost the entirety of the current campaign.

It was particularly rife during the bitter end of Jose Mourinho’s time in charge of the Red Devils, and after a period of calm when things were going well under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the rumours have reared their ugly head yet again as United have lost four of their last five.

Check out World of Lewis’ Man Utd v Barcelona matchday vlog in the video below…

Clearly, there’s a pattern emerging. When things are going well and Pogba is happy, the talk of an Old Trafford exit dies down. But, when things go even slightly off track, a whole barrage of media speculation arises.

Plain and simply, the former Juventus man isn’t worth the hassle.

United may be able to deal with the constant chatter in the media about Pogba if he was worth keeping around, but more often than not this season, the World Cup winner has gone missing when the tide has been against his team.

With Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing the 26-year-old, with a bid of £125m touted in the media, surely it would make Solskjaer’s life at Old Trafford much easier if he had such a huge figure of distraction cast aside.

The Norwegian is stepping into arguably one of the biggest jobs in world football with next to no experience of managing at this level of the game, so the last thing he needs is an egotistical nightmare making every loss harder to deal with and casting his future into doubt everytime something doesn’t go his way.

A lot was made over who should have been moved on between Mourinho and Pogba when the former was still at the club. However, in truth, both of them should’ve been given their marching orders to signal a fresh start for United; instead, the Frenchman’s presence is representative of all that was wrong with Mourinho’s tenure, and has left a lingering toxin around the place.

A thing of beauty: Liverpool fans react to kit launch

Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react after their new kits for the 2019/20 season were revealed.

The home strip, created by New Balance, showcases a classic red design with white sleeve cuffs and thin, white pinstripes down the middle, somewhat replicating the home shirt from the 1982 season.

Also, the goalkeeper strip is now a smart black, whilst first-choice stopper Alisson Becker has changed from the No.13 shirt to the No.1 jersey, previously worn by Loris Karius.

This looks set to be New Balance’s last year in partnership with the Merseysiders, as their current deal expires at the end of next season – Nike are said to be in advanced talks with the club over a record-breaking £750m agreement.

If the sportswear giants did manage to strike a deal, it would be the most lucrative in Premier League history.

For now, however, let’s take a look at how the Liverpool fans reacted on Twitter to the latest strip…

Thinking about selling Alfredo Morelos is risky for Rangers

Steven Gerrard targets Mirko Maric as patience wears thin on unpredictable star Alfredo Morelos.

It could be curtains for hothead forward Alfredo Morelos as Express report that Rangers are in pursuit of £3million-rated Croatia international Mirko Maric.  

What is the easiest form of scouting? Look at a player who performed against your club and analyse, we believe. Which is exactly what the Gers and Steven Gerrard have apparently done for the 23-year-old NK Osijek striker who faced them back in their Europa League qualifier in July and August.

Maric is the top scorer in his homeland with an impressive 16 goals this term.

Rangers director of football Mark Allen is now reportedly weighing up the option to bring him on board to loosen the strain on top scorer Morelos, who has been struggling to tame his loose temperament throughout the campaign.

Veteran Jermaine Defoe is another option Gerrard can take advantage of to fill in during Morelos’ absences, but with the Bournemouth man’s future at the club so short-term, the former Liverpool skipper will likely be keen on finding a player who can dedicate their talents for the foreseeable future.

Admittedly it is a major risk – surprising in fact – on Rangers’ part to so readily dispose of a player who offers such a prolific goalscoring outlet. However, given just how poor the Colombian’s disciplinary record is, perhaps it is a necessary precaution Gerrard must take if he wants to help reach some level of consistency next season.

Either way, the Ibrox faithful must be hoping their gaffer knows clearly what he’s doing here.

It goes without saying that this situation must be handled with care to ensure it does not backfire. The last thing to club want is a disgruntled Morelos without a replacement.

Rangers fans, is it finally time to let go of Morelos? Join the discussion by commenting below…

تأكد جاهزية يوسف أوباما قبل قمة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي إفريقيا

تأكدت جاهزية يوسف أوباما، صانع ألعاب الزمالك، للمرحلة المقبلة مع الفريق، بعد غيابه عن الأبيض في مباراته الأخيرة أمام الرجاء المغربي، في إياب دور نصف نهائي دوي أبطال إفريقيا.

تأهل الزمالك إلى نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد فوزه على الرجاء المغربي، بنتيجة 4 / 1 في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والعودة بدور نصف النهائي الإفريقي.

أقرأ ايضًا.. باسم مرسي: نهائي إفريقيا سيفتقد “المتعة”.. ومن الصعب أن يفاوضني الأهلي

وأوضحت الفحوصات الطبية التي خضع لها أوباما أن اللاعب لن يحتاج أكثر من أسبوع للتعافي من الإصابة بالركبة، وبالتالي سيكون جاهزًا للمشاركة مع الزمالك في مباراة نادي مصر يوم 21 نوفمبر المقبل بكأس مصر وبناءً عليه تم التأكد من قدرته على اللحاق بمباراة الأهلي في نهائي أفريقيا.

ويلتقي الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا المقرر له يوم 27 من شهر نوفمبر الجاري، على ستاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية.

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