Big Phil: Anelka Can Go If He Is Unhappy

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has declared that any unhappy member of his squad is free to leave the club in January. It is believed that his words are aimed in particular at Nicolas Anelka...

The French striker has benefitted since last January from Didier Drogba's absence from the Chelsea line-up through either international commitment or injury.

Anelka started this season as the club's main striker while the Ivorian recovered from the knee trouble that has plagued him on and off for 12 months.

However, now that Drogba is fighting fit, Anelka has seen his place in the side once again under threat and he was allegedly unhappy with his limited involvement against Stoke City at the weekend. 

Luiz Felipe Scolari wants to foster a collective team-spirit at Stamford Bridge, and wants any member of the squad with the wrong attitude to leave as soon as possible.

He told the press: "What I want from all my players is that they're happy they play for Chelsea, rather than only if they're playing in the team. I want Drogba clean and ready. Anelka has gone three months without an injury, so the choice is mine, whether it's a, b or c.

"This is Chelsea, we're a team, a group. If players are unhappy then in January they will be out. Any player. They need to understand they all win as a group. Any player who's here for themselves needs to go somewhere else."

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Kuyt Unworried About Barren Prem Run

Dirk Kuyt says as long as Liverpool are winning then his own goal-scoring record is erroneous.

Dutchman Dirk Kuyt has developed a habit of scoring goals in Europe, but struggles to find the net in the Premier League, while kitting out in the famous Liverpool red.

The forward added to his Champions League haul on Wednesday night with one of Liverpool's three goals against PSV Eindhoven.

Kuyt though insists that as long as Liverpool are winning his own ability to score goals is irrelevant, and told the club's official website:
  
"A lot of people talk about scoring goals in the Champions League or Premier League, but for me it's just about winning the games. We have made a really good start to the season here at Liverpool. We're joint top of the league and have six points in the Champions League. This is the most important thing. 
  
"We can talk every week about goals but the most important thing is winning games. I know I'll score goals in the Premier League but to me, whether or not I get an assist or a goal, it doesn't matter that much. I just want to win games." 
  
"It's always special to play and score against a side from your own country. I think PSV are the best side in Holland and have been for a few years," he added.
  
"I had a bit of luck after the corner but sometimes you need that to score a goal... I don't think we played our best game but we were in control for 90 minutes. PSV aren't the same side they were a few years ago but they are still a decent team."
  
"Tonight we passed the ball very well and deserved to win the game and it's quite different from last year. That is what we wanted, that is what we talked about," he continued.
  
Regarding team-mate Robbie Keane opening his Liverpool account, Kuyt said: "It was great to see Robbie get his first goal and see how happy he was. He deserved it. He has played really well in these last few games for Liverpool and I am sure he will score a lot more for us."

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Berba Wants More Goals

After breaking his Manchester United duck with a brace against Aalborg midweek, Dimitar Berbatov has set his sights on more goals for the Red Devils - starting this weekend.

The Bulgarian captain admitted to being eager to get off the mark for United, and expressed his relief at finally scoring after making the switch from Tottenham Hotspur last month. 

The £30.75million signing hit a double on Tuesday night to ease the pressure on him, and he is relishing the prospect of finding the net again this weekend against Blackburn Rovers. 

He told the club's official website: "It was very important for me [to score]. I’m glad to have done so. I scored the goals with the help of my team-mates and I think we played well tonight. Our next game is on Saturday and I hope to score again then."

Acknowledging that his personal goal-tally will take second place to team honours, Berbatov continued: "My job is to score, or to create goals for other players, but the most important thing is the win for the team. The pressure is always there and hopefully I will deal with it with help from my team-mates."

The 27 year-old scored his first goal for United after dismal defending from Aalborg; he capitalised on a fatal error and lashed home a volley almost apologetically. He had contrived to miss an earlier chance in the game, and was revealed to have made amends. 

He said: "I was disappointed to miss my first chance because sometimes you only get one chance in the game, but I kept trying and got the two goals. I was angry with myself for missing the first chance – I just didn’t hit it right. I was embarrassed: I feel that if I’m getting paid all this money I should be converting these chances!"

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Rafa To Kill Off Rotation Policy

Rafa Benitez has conceded that his rotation policy may have been detrimental to Liverpool's past title chances and admits that he will now keep a spine of a team together.

In seasons gone by Rafa Benitez has been criticised for his rotation policy as his constant tinkering has long been believed to be responsible for Liverpool's erratic form.

Decisions to drop key personnel such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres proved costly as the Reds dropped points in games they should have won.

Liverpool are enjoying an unbeaten start this season and Benitez has conceded that if he wants that to continue then he will need to ax his policy of rotation in favour of keeping a team spine together.
 
"We have the experience of last season... I won’t make many changes. If some players are on fire, maybe it is a good moment to keep them playing," he is quoted by KopTV as saying.

"Normally we try to check how the players are physically, mentally and also how the team is tactically – and then we decide whether we will change more or less players," he continued.

"But now we are in a good position so I do not think that I will change too many. When some players are playing well, but are tired, you say ‘okay maybe we will have to keep them in.’ But then you play them, they are tired and you have to change them in a game!"

"You never know. If you win, you can say ‘okay fantastic decision,’ but I don’t think I will change too many players."

"When we were analysing things this week we knew we had four days between the Everton match and this one and four days between this match and the Manchester City game. Three days is not enough, four days is better."

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Adebayor - Let's Talk About Cesc

Emmanuel Adebayor has stated that Cesc Fabregas pulled the strings in the Porto win, and also in his own burgeoning relationship with strike partner Robin Van Persie.

An Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie partnership had little opportunity to bear fruit last season due to repetitive injuries keeping the Dutchman at bay.

However, both strikers contributed a brace in their midweek Champions League clash against Porto and even assisted the other. The Togolese targetman, Ade, believes that Fabregas was instrumental in the midfield.

"Cesc played well, he kept the ball as normal. Fabregas always plays well - he is a very good footballer," he is quoted by Football 365 as saying.

"Don't get me wrong, he's a human being like everyone so sometimes everything get difficult. But he is always there to show character, he is 21 and has got a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and he is dealing with that quite well."

Adebayor also feels that Fabregas is the man behind the team gelling as a unit off the pitch, and is largely responsible for helping him develop an understanding with Van Persie.

"Sometimes we go out. We are not the best friends ever but sometimes it does happen that we go to a restaurant."

"Robin is in contact with Fabregas and sometimes he makes everybody sit together. We are quite close, quite good friends."

"We are players so of course we sit and talk. Sometimes you have to manage to find a solution and discuss what you have done good and bad," he added.

"Those are the things we start doing the day after a game when we see how we can start improving together... We are trying to develop a telepathic understanding. We are trying to help the team win something."

'I want to win something with this club, so does he. All that we are doing at the moment is trying to create a relationship. Against Porto we showed quite well that we can do something together. Everyone is pleased - that is the most important thing.

"Robin is just back and we have had five or six games together and hopefully we are getting to know each other better and learning how each other play better," he continued.

"As soon as Robin can be fit, if he is fit for all the season we have a chance to do something this season."

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English Debate: Are Gary Neville's Days In A United Shirt Numbered?

Veteran right back Gary Neville was a mainstay in Manchester United's and England's rearguard for a decade, but while he spent 18 months on the sidelines Wes Brown emerged as a solid option. Rafael too has shown in his few outings thus far that he has a promising future ahead of him, so where does this leave the United captain?

Is it going to become common for portuguese-speaking wonderkids to replace the aging English talent that broke through the Manchester United ranks in the early 1990s? 

Cristiano Ronaldo was the scion to David Beckham's number seven shirt in 2003, and now the right back berth could be on the verge of being surrendered to fledgling star-in-the-making Rafael da Silva. 

With another impressive outing in a Red Devils shirt the young Brazilian wing back increased his stock with surging runs; sweeping crosses; and shots on goal in United's 3-0 away win over Danish side Aalborg.

Academy director of Manchester United Les Kershaw first became aware of Rafael and his twin brother Fabio while the pair represented Fluminense at youth level in Hong Kong but only officially signed for the double winners this year, and already the former has been touted to displace Gary Neville and Wes Brown as the club's first choice right-back. 

While Neville and Brown are certainly still regarded as the preferable option in games requiring added experience, should Rafael continue to perform when called upon it is surely only a matter of time until Neville starts contributing as much as he did whilst injured for the whole of last season.

In Gary Neville's twilight years it is virtually impossible to replicate the energy that Rafael has in abundance. While Neville was long considered the chief organiser of Manchester United's backline prior to his niggling injuries, Rafael can deliver an alternate role: running the lines; driving on; and providing his team with extra width going forward. Rafael goes the extra step, and is not averse to shooting should he be given ample space.

Ankle and thigh injuries had kept Neville out of action for club and country for 18 months, grudgingly relinquishing his duties to Wes Brown, who helped the Old Trafford firm claim a Premier League crown topped with Champions League glory the following week.

Rafael, 18, is still susceptible to mistakes though. While his flair going forward poses problems for opposition rearguard's his own defending may need work as team-mates - such as John O'Shea - had to cover for the Brazilian. 

The importance of not neglecting his defensive duties can easily be instilled in the boy, but unfortunately the perfect coach to teach him those qualities is now Portugal's full-time manager. However, United have a worthy replacement in current assistant Mike Phelan, who featured as a right back during his own playing days for Manchester United prior to the arrival of Denis Irwin in 1990.

Neville, 34 in five months, will have had mixed emotions watching Rafael making his Champions League debut last night. On the one hand it looks as though Manchester United's looks secure in the long-term with all the fantastic talent on the horizion, but on the other it jeopardises his own short-term future.

When Rafael made his first team outing in a friendly match against Peterborough in August, Neville welcomed the competition, stating: "I saw Rafael in the friendly against Peterborough and I didn't particularly like what I saw," he joked in the Sunday Times. 

"On a serious note, he has absolutely fantastic potential. His level of fitness and skill: it's the way the game is going now. Us old, solid right-backs don't seem to be the way forward, it's going in the other direction," he concluded, perhaps alluding to the imminent transfer of Jose Bosingwa at the time to Chelsea - who has gone on to look like one of the buys of the season despite the weighty Harrod's tag. 

Sir Alex Ferguson shared Neville's sentiments: "Rafael was a sensation [against Peterborough]. It was a real eye opener... he hadn't played for a year but he played a full 90 minutes. On the evidence of tonight I think we have got a good player here."

After his outing against Juventus, Ferguson told MUTV: "Rafael started quietly but then he exploded into the game."

Rafael's starting debut, against Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup was equally impressive: 76,000 roaring fans in the Theatre of Dreams can seem like an intimidating arena, but Rafael took it in his stride, as Ryan Giggs testified: "As a Manchester United player you know you’ve got the ability, it’s whether you’ve got the temperament, and I thought the young lads, especially Rafael, who came in showed that temperament."

His latest performance in a United shirt has born similar ramifications. Rafael's opposite number, Patrice Evra, told the club's official website: "He looks to be a very good player and he is ready to play for Manchester United... He is the future of the club."

In perhaps what is the greatest exhibition of evidence for Rafael's growing stature in the United camp, Sir Alex reflected thus on his European debut: "Some people might have been a bit surprised I picked him over Wes Brown but I feel the boy has something special."

United are currently spoilt for right backs, and Rafael's emergence spells the end for Salford born Danny Simpson. The only question that remains is, how long will Ferguson patiently wait for Neville when there are two other competant full backs waiting in the wings in Brown and da Silva? 

People may point to the Neville holding the captaincy, but United are also spoilt for leaders: Rio Ferdinand; Ryan Giggs; and to a lesser extent Edwin van der Sar; Owen Hargreaves; and Nemanja Vidic, are all worthy of deputising.

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English Debate: What's The Secret Behind Hull City's Success?

Hull City have surprised many people with their eyebrow-raising early form in England's top tier. What is the secret behind their early form, and how long can they keep it up for?

According to Fifa, Hull City's rise from the bottom division to England's top tier is the third fastest ever recorded. Their five year charge rising through 84 positions in the football league - from fifth bottom in League Two to sixth from top in the Premier League is bettered only by Swansea City (1977-81), and Wimbledon (1982-86). 

Many doubted their credentials in the Championship, let alone the Premier League, and prior to the birth of this season the Tigers were tipped for a fate similar to Derby County - who finished last season rock bottom with a pitiful point tally one shy of a dozen, four worse than Sunderland who - two years before Derby's relegation - were the worst team to ever enter England's highest division. 

We are only six games into the season and Hull City have already equalled the amount of points it took Derby 38 games to accumulate. A total of forty has long been considered a sufficient haul to guarantee survival; last year for instance Fulham maintained their Premier League status with 36, so if one takes these yardsticks as a measure of the targets Hull need to match then they are already just under a third of their way there, with not even a sixth of the season completed.

How are they achieving this? Especially with a backbone of mainstay players who were competing in the lower leagues for the majority of their careers not so long ago? 

Hull City have an abnormally large squad, and Phil Brown has already used 23 players in only 540 minutes of football. Daniel Cousin for instance, who ensured Hull left the Emirates with all three points on Saturday, was only making his second appearance of the season. A policy of rotation is oft bemoaned for a club harbouring ambitions of winning titles, but are freshness and eagerness commodities that are more valuable for a squad trying to steer clear of the drop zone? 

Phil Brown is a bold and brave head coach. Not many would change a winning tactic, but Brown's approach to the Arsenal encounter was tactically impeccable. Instead of fielding his 4-4-2 that secured a win over Newcastle United at St James' Park, and a draw against Everton at home in the KC, Brown opted instead to deploy Brazilian Geovanni in the hole behind his two strikers, in a 4-3-3. 

Hull's midfield trio snuffed out, suffocated, stifled, and frustrated a lionshare of Arsenal's attacks, and it produced what must surely be one of the greatest results in their history under the guidance of Ian Ashbee - who has captained, and never looked out of his depth, in each of the leagues he and Hull have featured in. 

Theo Walcott was largely ineffective as he was not allowed to run the lines like he has in the past, instead being forced to cut inside, where a waiting pack of defenders - led by Michael Turner - would block his path.

Brown admitted that he was told fielding Geovanni could be a suicidal tactic, but it proved to be match-winning one, and not for the first time as he secured the three points - from outside the box - against Fulham, too.

The only blemish on Hull's results so far has been a 5-0 mauling from Wigan Athletic, where a usually solid defence was ripped apart time after time from the imperious Antonio Valenica, who was afforded the freedom of the pitch.

Have Hull learnt from their Wigan mistakes, or will further teams embrass the Tigers and prove that the Arsenal game was a freak result? 

This weekend Hull visit a side that are propping up the rest of the table with minimal potency in their attack and look as susceptible to conceding weak goals as they have done all year, is this result an away banker, or can Spurs use the tie to turn their own season around? Hull's other October fixtures include a visit of West Ham, followed by a trip to fellow former Championship contenders West Bromwich Albion, and then completed with a home Chelsea tie at the end of the month.

With a trip to Old Trafford, the Chelsea clash, together with games against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, and Liverpool still to come later in the year, a rotten run of results could easily mute the Tigers roar. In that event, could Hull pick themselves up in a similar fashion to the response after their Latic loss, or will they end up defenestating their chances of league survival after the best start out of all three of the newly-promoted teams.

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Fergie Happy With Ronaldo Progress

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his satisfaction with Cristiano Ronaldo's form since his return from injury, insisting the Manchester United superstar will only improve over the coming weeks...

Ronaldo sat out the first six weeks of the season after undergoing surgery during the summer to cure a long-standing ankle problem.

The Portuguese winger wasn't expected to be available until later this month, but he recovered ahead of schedule and made his comeback against Villarreal on September 17.

Understandably, the 23-year-old is yet to recapture the scintillating form that saw him score 42 goals as United claimed both the Premier League and Champions League crowns last term.

But Ronaldo has looked threatening nonetheless; indeed, it was his perfectly weighted cross that allowed Dimitar Berbatov to fire home his second strike as the Red Devils ran out 3-0 winners against Aalborg on Tuesday night.

And Ferguson told The Sun: “Ronaldo is progressing all the time and I saw improvement in his sharpness against Aalborg. He always looked a threat.

“Even when he came on for the last 20 minutes against Villarreal he was a threat.

“He could have had a couple of goals against Aalborg but he did set up Berbatov.”

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Crouch Stunned By Spurs' Sol Attack

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch has voiced his disgust at the abuse Sol Campbell received during last weekend's clash against Tottenham Hotspur...

Police have launched an enquiry into the rowdy behaviour of Spurs supporters during their club's 2-0 loss at Fratton Park.

"A complaint has been received and it will be investigated fully," a police spokesperson told The Sun.

Most alarming of all the accusations levelled at the Lilywhites fans is that they racially vilified Portsmouth skipper Campbell, who earned the nickname 'Judas' when he left White Hart Lane for Arsenal in 2001.

While the 34-year-old has grown accustomed to the insults hurled at him by the still-bitter Tottenham faithful, the degree of abuse he was subjected to last weekend shocked the Pompey players, staff and supporters.

Crouch, also a former Spur, has copped plenty of stick throughout his career due to his awkward, gangly appearance - but even he was appalled by the chants aimed at Campbell.

"I am not often surprised but I was by the events of the weekend," the former Liverpool player said in The Sun.

"There is not a player in the Premier League or playing today who has not suffered abuse from other fans at one time or another.

"We all expect some banter but on Sunday a line was crossed. That is why people are still talking about it."

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Gerrard dedicates goal to fans

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has dedicated his 100th goal for the club to the fans.

 

The England international fired home a ferocious free-kick to help Liverpool to a 3-1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

Having achieved the milestone, Gerrard paid tribute to the support he has received during his time at the club.

 
"It was great to get my 100th goal in front of the Kop to say thank-you for all the support the fans have given me over the years," he said.


some silverware 


"But the most important thing tonight was to get another win to put ourselves in the driving seat in the group. 

"We are a very confident group this season and there is a good bond between the players on and off the pitch. 

"But we have not won anything yet and it's important we do win some silverware this season."

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Chelsea wait on Drogba news

Chelsea could be down to the bare bones for Sunday's Aston Villa match after Didier Drogba joined a long injury list.

 

Drogba suffered suspected knee ligament damage in Chelsea's 0-0 Champions League draw with CFR Cluj on Wednesday night, leaving the field on a stretcher and the stadium on crutches with his right leg in a brace.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari was already without Deco, Joe Cole, Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho.

 
Ashley Cole sat out the match with a sore back while John Terry (back) and Alex (buttock) both finished it in pain.


Scolari should get a clearer picture of where he stands over the next 24 hours but the potential loss of eight key players could be a major problem.


immediately crumpled 


An extended lay-off for Drogba, who was making only his third start after undergoing a knee operation in the summer, would leave Nicolas Anelka as Chelsea's only fit out-and-out striker.

With Carvalho sidelined for the next fortnight, Scolari will be anxious both Terry, who was holding his back in the closing stages, and Alex recover for the weekend or Chelsea will be out of senior centre-backs.

Scolari is at least optimistic that Ashley Cole will return to face Villa, though the long-term prognosis for Drogba did not look promising.

The Ivorian appeared to jar his right knee as he stretched to reach a cross from Florent Malouda and immediately crumpled to the floor.

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Scholes out for 10 weeks

Manchester United's Paul Scholes will be out of action for 10 weeks after suffering medial ligament damage.


Scholes was injured just 16 minutes into the Red Devils' 3-0 Champions League win over Aalborg on Tuesday night and it immediately became obvious that he could not continue. 

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson suggested after the match that Scholes would be missing for about eight weeks but after being assessed by club medical staff on Wednesday, the damage is even worse. Ryan Giggs came on as his replacement for Scholes, and laid on the first goal for Wayne Rooney.

 
plus points 


Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website: "There were a lot of plus points but we lost Paul Scholes. 

"We had one or two other injuries. Young Rafael got injured and Rooney has an ankle problem. He felt a weakness in it when he went to receive a ball and we took him off straightaway. 

"So there was maybe a cost to pay for the victory. Nonetheless we have four points now and it's where we want to be." Dimitar Berbatov scored the other goals for United, his first for the club. 

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Zaki prepared to leave options open

Wigan Athletic striker Amr Zaki will wait until the summer before deciding whether to remain at the JJB Stadium.

Zaki has so far been one of the stars of the new Barclays Premier League campaign after joining Wigan on a season-long loan from El Zamalek.

The Egypt international striker made it six goals in eight matches with a well-taken penalty in Sunday's 2-1 home win over Manchester City.

 
Manager Steve Bruce recently revealed there is an agreement in place with El Zamalek for the Latics to sign Zaki permanently.


However, Zaki is aware his goal exploits have pushed him into the spotlight and that he could become hot property next summer.

my wish 


"To attract the attention of clubs so quickly is a good sign for me that I am doing well," said Zaki.

"I must thank God for this success. Credit also goes to (Wigan chairman Dave) Whelan and Bruce for their determination to sign me.

"Despite this, all I want now is to concentrate on my game and improve.

"In the summer I will decide what to do - whether I will go back to Egypt, continue at Wigan or move to another club.

"But my wish is to stay here in the Premier League."

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Hughes Blasts Foreign Fakers

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has accused foreign Premier League players of being serial simulators following his side's weekend loss to Wigan Athletic...

Wigan claimed the points at the JJB Stadium thanks to Amr Zaki's first-half penalty, which set the scores at 2-1 after City's Vincent Kompany had cancelled out Luis Antonio Valencia's 16th-minute opener.

It was a controversial call from referee Steve Bennett, as Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios certainly made the most of what little contact he received from Javier Garrido's challenge.

Hughes made no attempt to hide his frustration with the decision, insisting Bennet made a number of crucial errors that influenced the result.

"We felt it was an extremely harsh penalty. The lad is clearly looking to gain an advantage and dived theatrically," he said in The Sun. 

"We wondered if it was because of where the referee was standing but it wasn’t."

Diving has become a thorny issue in English football over the last few years, with many pointing to the influx of imported talent as the source of problem.

Opinions remains divided, however, as some pundits believe British players are every bit as guilty of faking for a free-kick as the likes of Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Hughes insisted homegrown stars are nowhere near as wily as foreign players when it comes to hoodwinking referees.

"I didn’t use to fall down as easily as some foreign players," added the former Manchester United forward. 

"They are a bit more adept at winning free-kicks than British ones. The ability to draw fouls is seen as a skill. 

"Yet maybe this is what we have to expect from this point onwards."

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Ramos Not Worried About Losing Job

Under-fire Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has played down speculation that he is one or two more losses away from losing his job.

Hailed as the Spurs' saviour when arriving from Sevilla during last season, the Spaniard has overseen Tottenham's worst ever Premiership start, with the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth keeping them rooted to the bottom of the table.

At Fratton Park, the traveling fans showed their discontent with the infamous 'you don't know what you're doing chant', but Ramos is confident that he can turn things around and that he will be given the time to do so.

When pressed on whether he can still count on the full backing of the board he said: "Absolutely. We speak regularly and everyone is aware of our delicate position.

"Whether I survive is something for the chairman and the board to decide but I'm not hurt (by the fans' abuse). What hurts is not winning matches."

"We are in a complicated situation and nobody seems to help us when we need it," he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Portsmouth scored from a penalty today but in the same kind of incident we were denied a penalty - the same as against Wigan last week. In critical moments we are not getting these decisions.

"We have been playing with two strikers in most games but we used just one against Newcastle and it worked better. Bent had played every minute of the six previous games and needed a break.

"It is true that when you come here and feel up for winning that it is very disappointing when you lose, but the players know we have another game in another competition on Thursday and we must recover from this very quickly."

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Redknapp: We Rejected Bid For Diarra

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that the club rejected a £15 million offer for Lassana Diarra on the final day of the transfer window.

With the finances at Fratton Park subject to increasing concern on the South Coast, owner Alexandre Gaydamak is looking to offload the club as he struggles to cope with the spiralling wage bill.  

Such worries have added credence to speculation that Redknapp would be forced to cash in on the club’s saleable assets, with Diarra reportedly set to join the likes of John Utaka and Niko Kranjcar out of the exit door.  

However, the experienced manager has attempted to play down the speculation, believing that the fact that all players have a price on their head is nothing unique to Pompey.  

"At the moment I don't want to sell anybody. I turned down a £15million bid for Diarra on transfer deadline day. I'm not saying who from - he might want to go there," Redknapp said. 

"But he is worth more than that. You show me a club that's not up for sale if somebody offers fantastic money. 

"I don't know if the owner here wants to sell but I bet every club has a price on it. 

"I know we have fantastic assets here - and they are on the pitch. I've spoken to the owner and he's told me we don't have to sell. 

"We had to sell Sulley Muntari and Pedro Mendes in the summer to get Peter Crouch and and a few others. It happens in football but I wouldn't have a clue what players earn or what they cost. 

"I had to sell Benjani last season which I didn't want to do but I needed to do that to get Defoe who is younger. Nearly every team is in debt and has to sell to buy. Nobody is making millions." 

Diarra played in Porsmouth’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, though an otherwise solid display was tainted with his dismissal late on for two bookable offences.

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English Debate: Can Arsenal Lift Major Silverware This Campaign?

Arsenal sit atop of the Premier League after five games, but can they maintain that position come the end of the season? Is their game more suitable to the Champions League? Or are the domestic cups a more realistic target for Arsene's Gunners?

Arsenal kept the loftiest of positions in the Premier League for a longer period than any other club last term but came unstuck six weeks into 2008. 

The knock-on effect of an Eduardo da Silva leg break sent shockwaves reverberating round the red shirts on the pitch of St Andrews and Birmingham City pegged the Gunners back courtesy of a poor refereeing call. Mike Riley (incorrectly) deemed Gael Clichy to have fouled Stuart Parnaby in the box and James McFadden duly converted from the penalty spot and the points were shared. 

In the subsequent three games Arsenal could only muster one from each. They lost their flow in their league and the highlight of that campaign was to be a convincing 2-0 win the San Siro in the round of 16, knocking AC Milan - the Champions League holders - out of Europe.

April proved to be a month that would bring an influx of melancholic suffering as Liverpool, with the aid of referees Peter Vink and Peter Fröjdfeldt, sealed their exit from Europe's premier cup competition, and a draw at home with the same side left the club from N5 five points behind then league leaders Manchester United.

If Arsenal had maintained the form shown in the first half of the season they would have gone on to lift the Premier League trophy. They collected 44 points out of a possible 57 in the opening 19 games: drawing five times and losing only the once. Should they have replicated that in the second half of the season they would have ended the year on 88 points. Manchester United won the title with 87.

A shambolic display at Craven Cottage aside, Arsenal have recreated their dangerous early season form of last year but can they go the distance this time round? Is their squad deep enough to sustain a successful assault on Europe or will they again falter at one of the final hurdles? 

Transfer Activity

Since last term fundamental footballers to previous successes have either been allowed the transfers they craved, or left for zero boodle. 

Gilberto was one of the few remaining 'invincibles' but he departed to Greek giants Panathinaikos; Mathieu Flamini - their energetic midfield engine for much of last season - left on a free to AC Milan; and Aliaksandr Hleb, a pundits favourite due to his flawless feet and good pass and move play, departed for pastures Barça.

Who then can replace these cogs in Arsenal's armoury? Samir Nasri is the obvious candidate for the Hleb role (prior to his deployment behind the striker) and has already shown his attacking qualities. Best of all he appears to enjoy having a pop on goal and would refuse to pass when faced with an open goal - something his predecessor seemed to revel in.

Obscure and uncelebrated recruitments are often synonymous with transfers to Arsenal. The likes of Amaury Bischoff and Francis Coquelin would presumably have opposition fans smirking at the thought of Arsene Wenger replacing experienced heads with either raw French players from Ligue 2, or crocked Portugal U21 internationals who can only muster a handful of games in a number of years. 

Aaron Ramsey too is relatively green. At only 17-years of age goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson views the Welshman as the ideal partner for Cesc Fàbregas for the future. So is Fàbregas' current midfield partner a case of not Mr. Right, but Mr. Right for now?

Denilson was anonymous against Fulham but has looked assured in recent games, particularly against Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers. His forward play is good, he can pick a pass, and his positioning sense is sound. But is he capable enough to defend when he needs to and can he last the pace for a gruelling 38-league game season?

Defensive Frailties

Arsenal are in a defensive crisis, apparently. I say apparently because some commentators choice of word is often questionable. Crisis... you could aim that word at Tottenham Hotspur, who can shell out countless notes for European Championship performers like Luka Modrić and Roman Pavlyuchenko but they can't buy a win.

A defensive crisis is a team that ships so many goals that you could be forgiven for thinking that you have been witness to a rugby match, not football. Portsmouth perhaps?

Arsenal have only conceded twice in five Premier League games, thrice in all competitions (to date), but this won't stop the hyperbole.

What should be a cause of concern though is the manner in which Wenger's side have conceded. Both league goals were a result of sloppy defending from set-pieces. 

A Brede Hangeland poke at Fulham should have been prevented by William Gallas but it slipped the Gunners captain's mind to track his man. More recently Arsenal allowed an unmarked Kevin Davies to head home in their trip to the trotters' playground. 

If Wenger does not remedy this on the training ground, and continues to allow teams like Bolton and Fulham to score goals that could have easily been prevented, then the red and whites might become royally exposed when faced with grander opposition.

Potency Of Attack

Cesc Fàbregas is instrumental to Arsenal's play, but should Tomáš Rosický return from injury - whose dates are continuously pushed back - then the Gunners will welcome another goal-scoring midfielder who can also create, and let us not forget Samir Nasri - who in his few displays so far seems capable of the same.

Emmanuel Adebayor - love him or loathe him - but 30 goals in his first full season tells you all you need to know. So does the fact that he was caught offside more than any other player. 

The Togolese striker is not Thierry Henry. He can't drift offside to fool the defence then run back onside before the ball is played and beat the trap. Neither can he play on the left and cut inside with as much success as the legendary Frenchman enjoyed. What he can provide - something Henry never could for Arsenal - is a distinct aerial threat, but he also needs to work on his consistency. 

He has scored three goals this season, but they have all arrived in one game. Likewise last season he would have a hot streak, then go without scoring for hundreds and hundreds of minutes, then repeat the cycle again. One advantage of having Sheyi in your side though is that he has a convenient dexterity of scoring in the big games. Old Trafford springs to mind.

Robin van Persie boasts a superb technique and is capable of scoring spectacular goals. His volley against Charlton Athletic at the Valley was hailed by Wenger as being ''technically perfect". Should the Dutchman stay injury free then there is every chance that his partnership with Adebayor could record as many as 45-50 goals.

Eduardo da Silva's return for Arsenal could act as a new signing at a crucial stage of the season and if he returns to the natural-finishing, goal-poaching, fox in the boxing, Eduardo that we were getting used to prior to his leg break in February then Arsenal's attack would undoubtedly be plentiful.

Theo Walcott too will offer a lot to his team-mates. The lack of signings Arsene made during the window may be made up by the maturing of his younger players. The likes of Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott, and even Abou Diaby, Denilson, Alexandre Song, will be expected to up their game.

The questions that remain are: will Arsenal's constant niggling injuries come back to haunt them? In the event that a stubborn opposition defence sitfles Arsenal's attack will the Gunners own backline ride out a bombardment of their own? And, most importantly, can they go the distance with their current squad both at home and abroad and finally claim the title that has eluded them throughout their history?

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Gallas Content With Fourth Spot?

Arsenal captain William Gallas hopes his team-mates did not take visiting Hull City lightly prior to their weekend loss, and states that Arsenal will have to try their hardest to stay in fourth spot.

Hull City travelled to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in the knowledge that they were firm underdogs considering Arsenal's impeccable home record and recent form.

However, it was the Tigers who claimed all three points and the Gunners suffered their second loss of the season against opposition that they should not even be drawing with, let alone losing to.

Captain William Gallas says he hopes his side did not go into the game expectant of the win, and insists that fourth place my be the club's only hope, but they will have to try their hardest to stay there. 

He told Arsenal TV Online: "If we think like this [expecting the win] we will not go anywhere... The players were ready to play a strong game, we were not lucky and we have to work more and try to stay in the fourth position."

"It's very difficult to accept. We said all the time we wanted to win every game and we lost 2-1 to Hull City."

"They showed the character, they showed they can play football. They were very strong and we were not strong enough, so we have to forget that game and think about the next game on Tuesday [against FC Porto]."

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Wenger Foresees English Domination In Europe

Arsene Wenger believes that this season's Champions League final could contain two club's from the Premier League for the second successive season.

For the first time in it's history the Champions League final was contested by two English club's last season in Moscow with penalty kicks the only way to split Manchester United from Chelsea, who missed the opportunity to become the first London club to lift the European cup.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that Premier League club's will once again dominate the competition this season and sees no reason why Rome cannot be an all-English affair.

Wenger is quoted by the Guardian Series as saying: "The four Premier League clubs will have a big say in who wins the Champions League. No question."

"Every club in Europe now knows that if they are drawn against an English team then it will be very hard," he concluded.

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Benitez Admits Babel Frustration

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits that he is growing frustrated with the erratic form of Ryan Babel.

On his day Ryan Babel can be a match-winner. His super sub role in the Champions League quarter final against Liverpool sealed the Reds' passage to the next round as he won a penalty and scored a goal.

However, Rafa Benitez believes Babel to be a starter and not simply a substitute but his consistency would have to be improved if he wants to secure a regular starting role.

Benitez is quoted by the Malaysian Insider as saying: "Our view of Ryan is a player who starts games and has an impact from the beginning, not just as a sub."

"But first of all he has to improve tactically and we are working with him on that. He is the kind of player who can change games and he has done that when coming from the bench," Benitez added.

Now we want him to start games and change them."

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Bosingwa Responsible For Chelsea Dynamism, Says Wilkins

New Chelsea assistant head coach Ray Wilkins believes that the arrival of Portuguese right back Jose Bosingwa has given the Blues an extra edge this season.

Jose Bosingwa is in imperious form this season and has provided Chelsea with an extra attacking option due to his pace, width, and pass and movement from the full back berth. 

These attributes are even seen as responsible for the Blues' win over Stoke, as it was Bosingwa who scored one and created the other. 

New Chelsea assistant Ray Wilkins has hailed the impressive right-back's contribution, and is quoted by the Sun as saying: "Jose’s work ethic is superb — the way he’s prepared to get forward and get himself back. He’s settled in remarkably."

Citing the former mainstays of the Brazilian defence: Roberto Carlos and Cafu, Wilkins says Portugual are developing their own legendary defenders that could challenge the Brazilian pair's status as the text-book modern full-backs.

"Look at Brazilian football over the years and the great full-backs they’ve had. It’s the same with Portugal to some extent as well... The two full-backs are paramount to the way they play."

"And that’s the way Phil wants his full-backs to play. They get themselves into very advanced areas and can also defend. So from that aspect I’ve not been surprised by him. But he’s come into a different kind of football from what he’s used to."

"Modern-day full-backs get a lot of time on the ball so they’re vitally important to the way any team plays," he added.

"If you’ve got people who can work and can also play football — as ours can — then you’ve got far more chance of creating more goalscoring opportunities. But it’s not just Jose. We have three or four full-backs who are prepared to do that all day long."

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Cuéllar Insists Villa Move Was Right Choice

Carlos Cuellar insists that his summer leap of faith, moving from Rangers to Aston Villa, was the right thing to do, despite limited playing time thus far...

27-year-old Carlos Cuellar was a revelation in Glasgow after making the switch from Osasuna to Rangers last summer.

In the space of one season, the stopper became an Ibrox Demigod, helping the Gers to a domestic cup double, eventually falling short of a quadruple which almost included the SPL title at the Uefa Cup crown.

However, the Spaniard didn't hesitate when Martin O'Neill's highly-rated Aston Villa came in for him in the summer.

Now, though, Cuellar is languishing on the Villans' bench despite forcing his way back to full fitness, whilst new-look Rangers are enjoying a very promising start to the season.

Still, patient Cuellar has no regrets and insists that he's relishing his new life in the Premiership and in Birmingham.

Praising his new home, he told the Times: “We Spaniards tend to think that England is a land of only rain and fog, and quite grey. But look at the canals; look at the women!”

Asked if his two late cameo appearances off the bench are enough to statisfy him, he replied: “This is the strongest league in the world, but also one where a player feels respected.

“Martin O’Neill keeps telling me what an honour it was to have me in the side,” Cuellar revealed.

“The football culture is great here. A good working environment helps keep your feet on the ground and allows you to focus on developing as a player. 

“It is the most complete league in the world in terms of the level of technical ability, physical strength and mental sharpness.”

One would assume, though, that £7.8m capture Cuellar will come to resent those canals and the strength of the Premier League should he go much longer without a league start.

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Ferguson Hails Neville Comeback

Sir Alex Ferguson had his doubts as to whether Gary Neville would be able to return to his former self after 18 months on the sidelines, but admits he has made a 'brilliant' comeback.

Club captain Gary Neville, 33, had to sit on the sidelines last season and watch as Manchester United completed a memorable double due to an ankle complaint and a problematic calf injury. 

Sir Alex Ferguson admits the 18 months that the right back spent out of action forced him to think about alternative options in the long term as it was likelier that Neville may never return to the player he once was.

The Manchester United boss though has hailed Neville's professionalism during his comeback, and believes the player - who has 85 England caps to his name - deserves credit.

"When you consider the way Gary has been plagued by injuries for 18 months, he has done brilliantly to come back so convincingly," Ferguson told the Sun.

"At one point I thought he would not make it back into the Premier League. But he has and all credit to him."

"He persevered and never lost faith, despite the succession of niggles and strains that followed his ankle injury," he added, citing the player's mental strength as the key reason for his comeback.. 

"He is a role model for any player feeling down on his luck," Sir Alex concluded.

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Jenas To Capello: I'm No Benchwarmer

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has expressed his frustration at being a "squad player" for England, revealing that he is desperate to earn a starting berth...

You can count on one hand the number of starts Jenas has tallied in his five-year-old international career.

With the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham well ahead of him in the pecking order, the 25-year-old has earned most of his 20 caps as a second-half substitute.

Tired of sitting on the pine, the former Newcastle player hopes to convince England boss Fabio Capello that he is worthy of a place in the first team.

“I love playing for England. But I don’t want to be a squad player who sits on the bench every time,” Jenas told News of the World.

“I get so frustrated — I am a human being who feels that it’s a good shout sometimes to be angry and never be happy unless I am in the team. If Fabio Capello wants to put me on the on the left wing, or centre midfield, I am more than happy.”

With Tottenham lying last in the Premier League after six winless games, one may be forgiven for writing off the Nottingham native's comments as very wishful thinking.

But Capello has repeatedly stated that the calibre of a player's club means little to him when it comes to selecting his squad, and Jenas hopes the Italian will stay true to his word - although he knows an upswing in Spurs' performances will only help.

“I reckon that if I keep working hard and Tottenham’s results improve I will get my chance,” he added. 

“Capello is definitely a manager who has shown that if you playing well for your club, you are in with a shout.” 

England will resume World Cup qualifying when they host Kazakhstan on October 11.

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Agger's Anfield Agony

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has reportedly delayed discussions over a new contract, casting further doubt over his future...

According to News of the World, Agger will not enter negotiations to extend his current deal until manager Rafael Benitez assures him that he has a first-team future at Anfield.

The Danish defender has found himself on the fringes this season after missing almost all of the 2007-08 campaign with a metatarsal problem that threatened to derail his hugely promising career.

The former Brondby star has had his starting spot usurped by Martin Skrtel, the Slovakian centre-back who arrived in January and has quickly earned fan-favourite status with his uncompromising performances beside Jamie Carragher.

Benitez is unwilling to break up a defensive pairing which has conceded just two goals in six Premier League games, meaning Agger has been reduced to a benchwarming role.

The Spanish tactician is desperate to keep hold of the 23-year-old, who is expected to feature heavily in the Champions League given Sami Hyypia was controversially left off Liverpool's roster for the competition.

But it is reported that Agger - who was rumoured to be battling a drinking problem while sidelined last season - is growing ever more restless and could seek a move as early as January.

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