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      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard paid price for Werner and Havertz struggles… but bosses aren’t the ones picking transfers

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      WHEN you spend millions on players and they don’t hit the ground running, there’s only one person who carries the can.
      Frank Lampard is the latest example after being sacked by Chelsea this week, when Roman Abramovich pressed the panic button yet again.

      Frank Lampard was sacked in part due to the failings of his summer buys – but they weren’t his fault, says Harry RedknappCredit: Alamy Live News

      Managers are barely responsible for transfers any more, according RedknappCredit: Rex Features

      But anyone thinking the manager is the one responsible for the big-money signings these days has the wrong idea of modern football. That’s not how it works any more.
      Years ago of course they would be the one scouting players, watching them play, basically doing the deals. Not now, though.
      These days it is pretty much all down to the head of recruitment, which means you are relying on someone else’s judgment.
      Chelsea spent fortunes on new players and as manager you’re under pressure — not only to play them — but for them also to be an instant success.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      When they don’t, like the two Germans Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, then the buck stops with the boss.
      But I’m sure Frank isn’t the one behind all the signings Chelsea have made.
      I’d say the only one he was mad keen on getting was Ben Chilwell. That’s how crazy the game has become.

      I listened to Jurgen Klopp the other day — together with Pep Guardiola one of the two most powerful managers in the world — being asked about Liverpool signing a new centre-back.
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      Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, not pictured, played a role in Lampard’s sackingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Klopp said he didn’t know, it wasn’t his department. This is one of the top, top managers anywhere in the game and he didn’t know?
      It shows what football has now become. The most important man in the building is whoever is in charge of recruitment.
      And if his judgment isn’t good, you’re in trouble.
      As a manager it is impossible to go and see players like we would in the past.
      You’re playing Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday and then Saturday again. There’s very little chance.
      And although you need time to build, you very rarely get it. Not at Chelsea, and that’s very sad — not because it’s Frank, I’d say the same whoever was in charge and wherever it was.
      But as wrong as I think the decision was, I’d be surprised if he didn’t have an inkling of what was going to happen.
      Certainly more idea than I did when I got the sack at Tottenham in 2012. That one came right out of the blue.
      We finished fourth, and although we missed out on the Champions League because Chelsea won it, it never entered my mind that I could be out.
      I had a year left on my contract and there were talks planned about an extension, so when they said they’d decided to go in another direction it was a massive surprise.

      Timo Werner’s horror start to life at Chelsea certainly didn’t help LampardCredit: Rex Features

      Thomas Tuchel has taken over from Frank Lampard as Chelsea bossCredit: Reuters
      The first signs something might not be right came as I was leaving the ground after the last game of the season — and Jan Vertonghen was walking in.
      I’d been to watch Vertonghen a couple of times and was quite keen on him, so thought it was a bit odd that they would sneak him in without telling me. That was why!
      I didn’t get any excuse other than Spurs wanted to make a change but it would all have been agreed with the next fella beforehand — just as it always is.
      When Mauricio Pochettino left, Jose Mourinho was in the next day, and he didn’t suddenly agree and sign a multi-million pound contract in ten minutes.
      So the deal with Thomas Tuchel will have been done and dusted long before last week’s game against Luton. That’s just how it works.
      What I do know is that he’s got a hell of a job on his hands.
      They tell me he’s a great coach but if you manage Paris Saint- Germain then you win the league, it’s as simple as that.
      As disappointing as it is for Frank, I’m sure there will be a good job out there for him in time — Brendan Rodgers is the obvious example for him.
      Brendan was sacked by Liverpool but went away and rebuilt his reputation with Celtic, he is now doing a fantastic job at Leicester.
      If Frank looks at how Rodgers came back after getting the bullet at Liverpool, he’ll know there’s no reason why he can’t do the same.
      As for Tuchel? Well he gives the impression of being on the edge at the best of times — and if any job is going to shove you over the edge, then it’s Chelsea.
      LEICESTER A FOURCE

      Leicester are a force to be reckoned with under Rodgers, says RedknappCredit: AP:Associated Press
      LIKE most people, I can’t see beyond Manchester City or Liverpool when it comes to the likely champions.
      And although Liverpool bounced right back to form at Spurs on Thursday, you have to say City are the ones playing the most impressive football.
      But I’m also sticking to my opinion that this will be one of the most open title races in years, in some ways like a throwback to the 1970s.
      And in terms of excitement, Leicester are up there with anyone else in the Premier League right now — they have been all season.
      I love the way that Rodgers has got them playing and although they miss something when Jamie Vardy is out like now, they look good all over the pitch.
      There is cover just about everywhere and they are in it for the duration.
      They might not win the title again — but anyone who’s backed them to finish top four should expect to collect.
      THUMPING JACK FLASH

      Harry Redknapp was delighted for Jack Wilshere after he scored for Bournemouth earlier in the weekCredit: PA:Press Association
      ONE of the most pleasing things last week was seeing Jack Wilshere score for Bournemouth — I was absolutely delighted for him.
      Jack is a real talent but has been unlucky with injuries or he’d have been one of the great modern-day English midfielders.
      There’s no doubt that if he stays fit, he will be a great signing for Bournemouth.
      With him on the pitch, they’ll have a heck of a chance of going straight back up.
      It still surprises me that no one else was prepared to take a chance and sign him.
      I pictured him doing a real job for an Italian club, for example.
      I know if I was still managing, I’d have snapped him up.
      Anyone who could get him on a pay-as-you-play deal was always getting a bargain.
      Bournemouth got a glimpse of what a player they have on their hands.
      If he steers clear of injuries, Jack will be priceless in getting them promoted.

      Thomas Tuchel reveals Frank Lampard sent him a good luck message as he discusses potential fan backlash More

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      Nicolas Pepe ‘not cut out for English football’, says Arsenal legend Robert Pires after £72million star struggles

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      NICOLAS PEPE is not cut out for life in the “tough” Premier League, says former Arsenal star Robert Pires.
      The Ivory Coast international has only shown glimpses of his talent since a club record £72million switch from Lille 18 months ago.

      Nicolas Pepe’s style is unsuited to Premier League intensity, says Robert PiresCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Frenchman Pires said: “His game doesn’t suit the intensity and demands of the Premier League.
      “Pepe wasn’t used to it and it has been complicated for him to change his mentality, to adapt to a new way of training and to settle in a tough league.
      “I think he is simply not cut out for English football.”
      In contrast. Pires insists Mesut Ozil deserves to be hailed as an Arsenal legend despite his declining fortunes before he joined Fenerbahce this week.

      Maverick Ozil’s Gunners’ career came to an abrupt halt when Mikel Arteta axed him from his Premier League and Europa League squads last October.
      Pepe, 25, appears out of his depth and struggled to get to grips with life in North London.

      And his 7½-year stay at the club ended this month when the playmaker signed to Tukey after terminating his Emirates contract.
      Ozil, 32, set the Prem alight at the start of his Arsenal career but was often criticised for not pulling his weight as his stellar displays became few and far between in recent years.

      Asked whether Ozil will be assured a place in Arsenal’s Hall of Fame or be deemed a regret, Pires said: “In my opinion Ozil is an Arsenal legend.
      “We must not forget everything he did for this club and the quality he brought to the team.
      “For me there is no culprit in this story. I know Arteta and I know Ozil. The manager made a decision and Ozil had to accept it, which he did.
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      Mesut Ozil has joined Fenerbahce after a tough final year at the Emirates but his previous brilliance makes him an Arsenal legend, claims Robert PiresCredit: Alamy Live News

      “He never complained but instead continued to train like a professional.
      “He has now found a solution to leave by signing with Fenerbahce and I think everyone’s happy — especially Mesut because he was the one most affected by it.
      “Being frozen out of the squad is very tough. That said, for me Ozil has already gone down as an Arsenal legend.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Nicolas Pepe shows off some impressive skills in Arsenal training More

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      Man Utd’s Lee Grant reveals what life is like as a No 3 keeper and still gets frustrated when he’s not in the team

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      IT takes a special character to be a goalkeeper — and  something even more to be happy to accept life as a No 3.
      Training hard day in, day out. Travelling home and away across Europe for not much more than a seat in the stands watching others play in games.

      Man Utd’s third-choice keeper Lee Grant says he misses the reward of playing at the weekend after training hard in the weekCredit: Reuters

      Lee Grant, left, goes through training routines with No1 David De Gea and teen Czech keeper Radek Vitek but knows retirement might be loomingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That has been Lee Grant’s life for the last three years since joining Manchester United from Derby, limited to just two games in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
      But for the 38-year-old, there is method in what some would say is madness.
      He said: “It doesn’t matter how long into your career you are, you still find that  frustration on a Saturday when you’re not playing.
      “I know I’m at Manchester United, you’ve got some of the best goalkeepers in the world in front of you but you still have that personal pride and professionalism. You want to play. In one respect being a No 3 here is ideal.

      “Then in another respect, if you speak to my wife, she’ll say, ‘I need to get him playing because he comes home and from one minute to the next, I don’t know what I’m dealing with’.
      “I’m walking in like a zombie moaning that I’m still good enough to play and I’m training my b***s off, working at a hard level.
      “I then want that reward at the end, which is the weekend’s game. And that’s the bit you miss.
      “Sometimes she’ll say, ‘Just go and play then if it’s doing your head in that much’. And then I’ll go, ‘Well, what’s the big picture again?’.”

      The big picture in Grant’s mind is retirement looming on the horizon, a step into coaching and management — and a choice to be made in coming months about his future as his contract runs down.
      He finds himself split on the nagging thought he knows he can still cut it as a goalkeeper in the professional game but that he is in a role he loves that offers opportunities vital to his career post-retirement.  
      He said: “I’m looking at what next year looks like for me. An ideal scenario would be that United are loving what they are getting from me and let’s look at another year. But I’ve got a look at it from my own perspective.
      “Do I want to spend whatever time is left of my career, doing what I’m doing?
      “Or do I want to go and have one last hurrah somewhere, a little swan song?”
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opened up the doors to the coaching rooms to Grant and the former Stoke and Burnley keeper has been like a sponge learning from the manager and his coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna.
      But it is likely to only be when Solskjaer and United know what their plans are for their keepers when Grant will know what path his career takes in the next year.
      In the meantime his education goes on, not least taking notes on how Solskjaer has handled the first-team opportunities handed to David De Gea and Dean Henderson to keep them both happy.
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      Lee Grant is learning from boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, including handling having two main keepers in David De Gea and Dean HendersonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He added: “We’re seeing it now at our football club with Dean and David, and I think the manager’s handled that situation wonderfully well because, actually, at the start of the season there were big question marks on how that was going to work and the dynamics within the group.
      “He’s managed to keep two very good goalkeepers happy.
      “There are lots of ifs, buts and maybes to happen between now and the end of the season with other goalkeepers and their situations.
      “Currently you’ve got David, Deano and myself as the three senior keepers.
      “And then we’ve got a young lad, Nathan Bishop, who is a  wonderful young  talent.
      “There’s lots of water to go under the bridge with Sergio Romero and his situation, the young keepers and whether they will be going out on loan for experience — which would then maybe mean that there  are still opportunities here for me, so I don’t know.
      “Part of the reason I came here was that I get a chance and the opportunity to be around top  players, World Cup winners,  Champions League winners,  Premier League winners, and be in that elite environment.
      “I want to coach and I want to manage, you see.
      “So being at Manchester United gives me a wonderful platform to go on and do that stuff.

      “The managers here — Jose Mourinho was brilliant, Ole’s been first class as well, in terms of the access they give me, just to be in, in and around the coaching side of things as well.
      “The two first-team coaches, Kieran and Michael, are always quality with me. “I’m always in the office with them  chucking ideas around.
      “And they’re great, they allow me to come and sit in on the analysis for games.
      “And since Project Restart you had a reduction in amount of traveling staff to games and it gave us a dilemma as a club because the manager likes me to be around and travel everywhere we go.
      “So he rejigged it and they had me down as a member of staff instead of a player so I could travel — literally to the degree where I had coaches gear on, had my initials on the kit, which was quite funny for rest of the lads.
      “It was brilliant — I’m sitting at the front of the bus or plane with the coaches, my hotel room was in a different room to the players, I had to sit with the staff on match days.
      “On the coach I’m downstairs sat next to the gaffer and for probably four or five minutes it felt odd but then strangely I quite enjoyed the transition.
      “The gaffer was brilliant,  he wasn’t like, ‘Oh, s Granty is sat down here, we can’t have a  conversation about x, y, or z’. In fact, it was the opposite, they  actually welcomed me in.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      “That side of it for me, and part of the reason why I love being here, is because I get that opportunity.
      “I am glad I still have the  hunger. But I absolutely see the benefits for me being here.
      “And I think that one of the big things is I always I feel valued here.” 

      Solskjaer slams ‘disgusting’ racist abuse of Man Utd duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial on social media More

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      Bruno Fernandes arrived at Man Utd exactly a year ago… and singlehandedly got the Red Devils back on march to glory

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      ONE YEAR ago today, Manchester United began their march back to the top.
      That was the day Bruno Fernandes arrived from Sporting Lisbon in a £55million deal.

      Bruno Fernandes is the main reason Man Utd are smiling again and challenging for the Premier League title under Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      No Premier League player has scored more than Bruno Fernandes’ 28 goals in all competitions since he joined Man UtdCredit: EPA

      The 2-0 home league defeat to Burnley just over a week earlier was possibly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s lowest moment.
      There were crowds back then and Old Trafford was in open revolt.
      The result left them fifth, 24 points behind leaders Liverpool and with little hope of things improving. But things were about to change.
      Fernandes arrived and the season finished with three semi-finals and a third-placed Premier League finish.

      The momentum, after a rocky start, was picked up again this season. United were back.
      Since arriving, no Premier League player has scored more than the Portuguese star’s 28 goals in all competitions.
      Harry Kane is second with 26 and only Kevin De Bruyne has more assists with 21 to his 17.
      Fernandes has played 34 Premier League games for United and they have won 21 of them. Of their previous 34 they won just 12.

      So it is little wonder that, looking back over a year with Fernandes, boss Solskjaer was gushing with praise.

      He said: “Brilliant. From day one he’s come in and wanted to affect the environment, the playing environment, the staff. He’s been a great addition.
      “He’s such a humble human being, working hard, and I think everyone has seen what he’s done on the pitch.
      “I’m very pleased with his first year and long may it continue.”
      It is not just with the ball that Fernandes has changed things.
      Before his arrival United could drift towards defeat without anyone shouting, lifting, criticising or cajoling. Fernandes changed all that.
      Remember his on-field blistering of Victor Lindelof after United conceded the second goal in their 2-1 Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla.
      He is non-stop, every game, demanding – and team-mates respond.
      Solskjaer said: “He’s got his opinion, he’s a winner and is not going to let a game pass away and talk about it after, he wants to affect it there and then.
      “He’s so passionate about winning and he knows his football.”
      Even when he is rested and sat in the stands he will be talking to his fellow substitutes about the match.
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      And when he gets home he is a student of the game too.
      Solskjaer said: “He watches every game on TV, especially the big games. If you ask him ‘did you watch that last night?’ he’s always seen the game.
      “He’s going to make the most of his career, that’s for sure.”
      Behind the scenes at United he has helped lift the gloom too.
      Described as a joy to work with and be around, there is nothing flash about the 26-year-old married father-of-two.
      While most players steam up the farmer’s lane to the Carrington training ground in top of the range gas guzzlers, Fernandes used to arrive in a Mini straight off the set of the Italian Job.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Most star footballers will be seen in the latest expensive fashion, but he is happy to pick up stuff from Zara. He has certainly been made to measure for United at just the right time.
      And Solskjaer believes United were right for him too.
      He said: “Bruno came in at a time when we needed that type of player. He came into a team that makes his attributes and skills come to fruition.
      “He’s come to a team that suits him and he suits the team. It goes hand in hand.
      “If the players don’t run, Bruno can’t play his passes. If Bruno doesn’t play his passes then they can’t run.
      “He’s part of a chain here and I’m sure that Bruno will say he also appreciates his team-mates and that they help him through the games.”

      The higher up in the league, the more pressure there will be on us and on him. The limelight is on him but I’m sure he will handle that pressure fine.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      Fernandes has to cope with the fact fans now look to him to dig them out of a hole, like he did against Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend.
      Solskjaer added: “The higher up in the league, the more pressure there will be on us and on him.
      “The limelight is on him but I’m sure he will handle that pressure fine.”
      After the 2-1 midweek defeat by Sheffield United, the next big test comes against Arsenal at the Emirates today.
      It is a big game made for a big game player — and United definitely have one in Fernandes.
      MANCHESTER UNITED (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Bailly, Maguire, Fred, McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes, Rashford, Cavani.

      Solskjaer slams ‘disgusting’ racist abuse of Man Utd duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial on social media More

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      Mikel Arteta vows to bring passion back to Arsenal vs Man Utd after infamous no-holds barred clashes of years gone by

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      MIKEL ARTETA wants to bring the passion back into football’s feistiest fixture but admits the modern game simply won’t tolerate history repeating itself.
      Arsenal versus Manchester United was once renowned as the most fiercely contested match in the English calendar.

      Mikel Arteta wants to bring the passion back to Arsenal’s clashes with Man UtdCredit: Reuters

      Mikel Arteta spent five years as an Arsenal player and never featured on the winning side against Man UtdCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      From an infamous 21-man Old Trafford brawl to Keane vs Vieira in the old Highbury tunnel, this was a guaranteed clash of the titans with no holds barred.
      But things have calmed down considerably since Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger retired from the managerial ring.
      And now the two teams which once dominated the Premier League are fighting just to remain relevant in the modern era.
      Arteta spent five years as an Arsenal player and never featured on the winning side against United.

      But all the old animosities had gone by then and today’s encounter at an empty Emirates is sure to be played out in relative peace.
      Arteta admits: “It’s not only the Arsenal and Manchester United fixtures which have calmed down.
      “If you look at the way all the derbies used to get played, it’s not the same right now.
      “The game is evolving and we are educating the players in a different way.

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      Martin Keown confronts Ruud van Nistelrooy after his famous missed penalty in 2003’s ‘Battle of Old Trafford’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “For sure they are not allowed to get away with some of the things they used to do 20 years ago and with VAR that’s even less.
      “The game is much more controlled and policed these days so you know you can’t get away with certain things.”
      Yet the former midfielder who also competed in the Glasgow and Merseyside derbies believes there is still room in the modern game for a tribal mentality to exist.
      He says: “You need to have a passion to defend your position and show you much you want to succeed.
      “That’s part of a winning mentality, for sure. 
      “In the past this match was about desire because both teams were convinced they were better than the other side and much stronger than all the other teams in the League.

      Things have calmed down since Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger retired Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “They had the depth of squad and quality that meant that the other teams couldn’t get anywhere near them.
      “They knew they were the only two candidates to win the League and that is where the rivalry came from,
      “But that’s not happening now because there are six or seven teams who are capable of winning the title and that’s the difference to ten years ago.”
      It was back in October 1990 that this fixture first exploded when Arsenal were docked two points and United one following the mass-brawl which involved every single player but David Seaman.
      But it was when Wenger arrived to challenge Ferguson’s Premier League dominance that things really got heated.
      Martin Keown, Lauren, Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour were all banned while Christiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Cole were fined following an explosive Old Trafford clash in September 2003.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      The bitter rivals shared an explosive Old Trafford clash in September 2003Credit: Simon Wilkinson

      Patrick Viera and Roy Keane famously clashed… over and over
      A year later it all kicked off again when United ended Arsenal’s 48-match unbeaten League run in controversial fashion.
      Ferguson was hit by a flying pizza thrown by Cesc Fabregas and Ruud van Nistelrooy was handed a retrospective three-game ban.
      So tempers were already boiling over for the return match at Highbury in February 2005, when rival captains Keane and Vieira infamously clashed in the tunnel before the game had even kicked-off.
      But with Arteta and nice-guy Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now in the dug-outs, today’s meeting will be far more respectful.
      Arsenal will once again be without captain and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has missed training this week to be with his ill mother.
      But Arteta will otherwise name a full strength team after being condemned for rotating his squad during last week’s FA Cup defeat at Southampton.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty beat Man Utd earlier in the seasonCredit: AFP or Licensors
      He said: “The criticism came because we lost the game and then people wanted to find a reason for that.
      “We made so many changes when we played at Anfield in the Carabao Cup but we beat Liverpool.
      “We went to Leicester in the next round and made a lot of changes and we beat them as well.
      “And we played in the Europa League and won all six games with a completely different team and suddenly everyone was saying those players needed a chance in the Premier League.
      “So I know I am not going to please everybody. Only if you win. If you don’t, these things are going to come back at you.
      “I don’t know what I would have done last week at Southampton if everyone was fit.
      “But I do know we didn’t make seven changes. Five players could not play that game to start with.”

      Martin Odegaard enjoys first training session with Arsenal More

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      Robert Pires says Arsenal can get top-four THIS SEASON as legend insists future is bright for Gunners under Mikel Arteta

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      ROBERT PIRES has a smile as wide as the Seine again when he is talking about Arsenal.
      That is because the Gunners’ Invincible is convinced Mikel Arteta and his young superstars are about to bring the good times back to the Emirates.

      Manager Mikel Arteta gives new loanee Martin Odegaard instructions ahead of Arsenal’s home game with Man Utd on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Bukayo Saka should be part of a successful future for the Gunners, according to Robert PiresCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Pires is so optimistic about the future, he believes boss Arteta could lead them to a Champions League spot THIS season.
      The Frenchman unleashed that famous smile, so recognisable to Gunners fans, when asked why he has such great belief in Arteta and starlets Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, who face Manchester United on Saturday.
      He said: “Mikel is young and needs time to implement his ideas but I believe that once he has built his team, Arsenal will be competitive and ready to go toe-to-toe with the great English clubs.
      “It’s hard but I would not even rule out that they finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League this year because things change quickly in the league.

      “If I see Liverpool having tough periods, I’m telling myself there is an opportunity for Arsenal to grab.
      “They only need to get back to winning ways and then maintain the consistency. Then anything can happen.
      “It’s imperative the supporters stay patient because Arsenal are in transition but the club’s future under Arteta looks bright.”

      Pires, part of the team that went unbeaten in 2004 and won the Premier League twice, believes Arteta’s top-level playing experience and his understanding of the club’s philosophy stands him in good stead.

      The 47-year-old former midfielder, who is still a club ambassador, added: “I believe that Arteta is the right manager to rebuild the team.
      “I’m optimistic for the club’s future because I see many quality players, not least the young players that have come through lately.
      “Besides, Arteta played at a high level with Arsenal and was also Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man City. The fact he played for the club means he knows the way Arsenal are supposed to play.”
      Arteta’s Arsenal won the FA Cup last season but have struggled this campaign, sitting ninth in the Prem and out of both domestic cup competitions.
      Pires heaped praise on Arteta’s ability to get the best out of academy graduates such as Smith Rowe and Saka.
      And he is convinced the pair will be the driving force behind Arsenal’s resurgence.

      French winger Robert Pires was one of the Arsenal invincibles of 2003-04Credit: PA:Empics Sport

      They showed promise last season but Saka and Smith Rowe have come of age this term and Pires has urged the Gunners’ hierarchy to tie them down to long-term contracts to ward off inevitable interest.
      Pires said: “I want to see Arsenal win the league because that was always the club’s priority.
      “Now, it’s little by little. The club needs to have a proper structure in place, a blend of young and experienced players.
      “Players with experience are important to keep the balance in the team and help the young ones fulfil their potential.
      “I like the youthful exuberance and freshness of the academy players coming through. The number of homegrown players ruffling feathers in the first team is really positive.
      “Smith Rowe and Saka can make a big impact and the club must, at all costs, offer them long-term contracts.
      “Emile and Bukayo came through the youth academy, have shown they have the quality to hold their own and they love Arsenal.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette are the bosses in the team and they know how to go about things with young players.
      Robert Pires

      “Their love for the shirt is important and the board must do whatever it takes to keep hold of them.
      “They are Arsenal’s future but there are going to be difficulties. That’s why adding experienced players is of paramount importance.”
      Asked if new big contracts could lead to a loss of hunger, Pires replied: “Definitely, it’s dangerous for young players but if a big-money offer is on the table it means the club has faith in them.”
      He added: “Once they sign the deals, it’s down to the experienced players to guide these players.
      “The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette are the bosses in the team and I’m sure they know how to go about things with young players.”
      Pires, who made 284 Arsenal appearances and scored 85 goals under former boss Arsene Wenger, sees similarities between the Frenchman and Arteta, not least in the way they play on the front foot.
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      He added: “The one thing that unites Arteta and Wenger is they both set up to attack, to dominate.
      “We expect this club to play beautiful football and entertain the fans. I don’t think Arteta will copy Wenger or Guardiola as he has his own ideas but the principles remain similar.
      “Arteta has a precise style in mind that he wants to set in stone — playing beautifully and more importantly, winning.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Dean Smith defends Jack Grealish over Ian Woan row and praises Aston Villa star’s ‘strength of character’

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      DEAN SMITH sees Jack Grealish’s captaincy style as being straight out of the John Terry book.
      The Aston Villa boss says Grealish is not afraid to fight his corner — as he showed at Burnley on Wednesday night.

      Jack Grealish stood toe-to-toe with Burnley assistant Ian Woan on Wednesday nightCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      The Villa captain was confronted by the Burnley assistant bossCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      And he knows that is one of the things that made Villa coach Terry a success with the armband at Chelsea.
      Grealish was involved in a row with Clarets assistant Ian Woan at the end of Villa’s 3-2 defeat at Turf Moor.
      Smith tried to calm down his star but insists he admires that sort of commitment to the captain’s role.
      The Villa boss said: “Jack took umbrage to comments made by their first-team staff from the bench — and told them.

      “I don’t see that as over-commitment, I see that as him backing himself. I’m quite pleased he’s got the strength of character to do that. It’s great.
      “When you look at the top captains who have been out there, we’ve got one of the most successful captains in the Premier League working on our coaching staff.
      “He would have done exactly the same. Jack looks at all the captains but who better to take inspiration from than JT because of his success?”
      As well as being a key Villa player, Grealish — who put Villa 2-1 in front midway through the second half at Burnley —   has thrown himself into the role of being skipper.

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      The England midfielder, 25, looked crestfallen when he was subbed near the end of his side’s 2-0 win over Newcastle last Saturday.
      Smith said:  “I don’t think you can be too over-committed to a captain’s role.
      “I saw a disappointed lad come off the pitch against Newcastle — he wants to play in every minute of every game.
      “In this game we have at the moment, there’s probably not enough players who want to play every minute. He’s one of the exceptions and it’s great to see.”
      Smith takes his side to Southampton tonight, with new signing Morgan Sanson in the squad.
      The French midfielder, 26, joined Villa in a £15.75million deal from Marseille.

      Morgan Sanson arrived at Villa from Marseille this weekCredit: PA:Press Association
      Smith added: ‘I’ve only worked with him for 45 minutes on Thursday.
      “He’s settled in really well. I hope his adaptation will be quick and he’ll  certainly travel down to Southampton with the squad.
      “He’s got a big-game mentality and has played at the top of the French league for the last five years — and in the Champions League. He is a great technician with great tactical awareness.
      “He can play in a number of positions, can set up goals and can score goals. He has a bit of everything in his game, so we’re really pleased with the acquisition.”
      Smith says Villa cannot afford to let games slip as they did at Burnley.
      He said: “I want to entertain and win  but prefer to win more than anything.
      “We’ve played a team twice and had 45 shots against them and only picked up one point. I was very disappointed about that.”

      Several success stories have come from January transfers

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      Pep Guardiola rejects chance to bring Edin Dzeko back in shock transfer as Man City boss insists he has enough strikers

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      MANCHESTER CITY have turned down the chance to re-sign 2012 title hero Edin Dzeko to boost their depleted striking options.
      That’s because boss Pep Guardiola is convinced he has the firepower to win them more silverware – despite the lack of goals from his two main forwards so far.

      Manchester City have snubbed the chance to bring Edin Dzeko back to the clubCredit: Rex Features

      Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus have managed just two between them with half of City’s Premier League campaign now gone.
      Bosnian forward Dzeko, 34, is looking to leave Roma this month and his former club were alerted to his availability.
      He left the Etihad five-and-a-half years ago but City fans retain fond memories of his big contribution to two Premier League titles.
      But Guardiola said: “He’s a Roma player and I will never discuss this kind of situation.

      “My feeling is that we will finish the season with everyone that we started the season with, except maybe one player that everyone knows may be moving (Eric Garcia).
      “I don’t think anything else will happen. We will see in the final few days.”
      City’s goals have started to flow recently – with 17 different players finding the net across the four competitions this season.
      But the new leaders have had little from their strikers this term.

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      Aguero is coming to the end of a three week period of isolation and his last league goal was now over a year ago – against today’s opponents Sheffield United.
      Meanwhile Jesus – who has also had a spell out due to Covid – has not found the net since November in the top flight.
      Pep said: *“*Our goal difference is the best in the league right now. If our game is good, we will score goals. if our game is not good, we will not score goals.
      “I never put pressure on Sergio and Gabriel to solve all the problems we have up front.
      “The reason why we score goals and win games is because our games itself is better, nothing more secret.”
      With his forwards struggling for form and fitness, Guardiola has gone into several matches with one of his midfielders playing as a ‘false nine’.
      He does, however, admit that he likes to have the option of a central striker – although that looks unlikely to be Dzeko.

      Pep Guardiola admits he would like to have a more central strikerCredit: PA:Press Association
      The City boss added: “There are games I need a striker and other games I prefer to play without a proper one.
      “But whether you play with a striker or not you have to have six or seven players arrive to the box. It is another way to read the game.
      “Sometimes I need one, sometimes two, sometimes I need a striker to drop to play with the midfield players – it depend on the opponents and the skills of my players.
      “It is what i feel. Some games i need it, some games I don’t.”
      Guardiola will hope the goals continue to come against the Blades, who are fresh from their shock win across town at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
      City have beaten Chris Wilder’s team three times since they were promoted but each time they have found it difficult to break them down.
      Pep said: “It is always uncomfortable to us, that system, the 5-3-2, it is is difficult to attack. That is why I’m a little bit concerned today about this game.”
      Meanwhile Guardiola has no plans to move for his former defender David Alaba – who is poised to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer.
      They are among several clubs reported to be interested in the Austrian international but City sources say they will not be pursuing him.

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