Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan wants to make amends for his biggest disappointment of his career by reaching the Capital One Cup final.
The American played in every minute of the club’s run to the 2010 final before being replaced by Brad Friedel to play Manchester United in the final.
Guzan is now the club’s number one ahead of Shay Given and is hoping to help Villa get one step closer to the final with victory against Swindon Town this evening.
“Being left out for the final was one of biggest disappointments of my career,” he told the Independent.
“It was quite frustrating and a difficult pill to swallow.
“But that’s behind me and I think that has made me a stronger goalkeeper and a stronger person.
“If we can get back there to Wembley again, that would be great.”
For the Swindon clash Villa will be forced into one change following the suspension of Joe Bennett, who got sent off in the 1-1 draw with Norwich.
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Tottenham Hotspur have been relatively quiet on the transfer front, despite being heavily linked to numerous players.
One of their former team members, however, has found himself a new club.
On Tuesday, Ryan Fredericks finalised a move to West Ham United on a four-year deal, which will come into effect on July 1.
The 25-year-old joined the Premier League outfit from Fulham, where he spent three years of his career and ended it by helping the Cottagers win the Championship playoff final.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]
Now, Fredericks, who made 48 appearances in all competitions last season, will be going up against his former club in the top flight.
In fact, the defender will compete against two of his ex-clubs, including Tottenham, where he developed as a youngster.
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Fredericks graduated from Spurs’ academy in 2010, but failed to make the grade at first-team level and eventually left to join Bristol City for a short spell in 2015.
Despite the fact that Fredericks has not been associated with Tottenham for some time, fans are disappointed that he has joined London rivals West Ham.
It’s not the right game to judge him on, in fairness.
A new signing thrust into an underperforming team at the Emirates against a rampant Arsenal is always going to be a tough one. But when you’re coming from the league leaders who are breaking all sorts of records, it’s even tougher to settle into a side who are probably – just about – out of a relegation battle.
Everton are in tough times, and Eliaquim Mangala will need to play better if they’re to get out of it, though.
Against Arsenal, his stats show it. Not one tackle did he make all game – though he did contribute with three clearances and one interception – and made one error which led to a goal.
More worryingly, however, Mangala attempted two dribbles and was dispossessed both times.
Everton under Sam Allardyce might just be the club where the Frenchman thrives. His rough and ready style of reductive defending will surely suit the former England manager. But on the evidence of his first game, he certainly has some fitting in to do.
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Tim Sherwood is a man on the warpath, and who can blame him. The Tottenham boss was scathing in his assessment of the capitulation last weekend, and in the build up to tonight’s match he doesn’t seem to have softened his tact.
Spurs’ Premier League top four ambitions are effectively over, and for Sherwood time appears to be running out on his fledgling managerial career. Whether or not Sherwood is simply keeping the seat warm for a more illustrious name at Spurs we don’t know, but clearly the Englishman wants to go down fighting.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Europa League tie with Benfica he continued with the hard line approach:
“A lot of players here are playing for their future and I think they realise that now. I’m going to have a good look at the whole squad and see who I need to keep and who I need to bring in. They have that chance between now and the end of the season to prove they want to play for a giant club like Tottenham.”
“There will be changes, without a doubt. I want players here who want to play for the club and they have between now and the end of the season to show that they are playing for their club and not for themselves. I don’t think at any football club a player should think they are doing them a favour by playing for them.”
Sherwood may have taken the brunt of blame for recent performances, but if anything this mediocrity has been a trend throughout the season. The club spent big money on assembling a quality first team squad, and unfortunately too many have failed to repay the faith. Sherwood’s criticism of his squad may not do him any favours, but he is probably right here. A number of players came to North London carrying huge reputations, reputations that they just haven’t lived up to. There is a definite feeling amongst a worrying number that they are too good to be dropped, and that they simply don’t have anything to prove.
Fans can sympathise with players going through a bad run of form, but those that play poorly and simply don’t try are opening themselves up to criticism. I think this is what Sherwood is alluding to; against Chelsea too many just threw in the towel at 2-0; it was a performance worryingly devoid of fight. You may wonder can any defeat be glorious, what is the point of trying after a certain point? Players owe it to the club and its fans to fight on, you only have to look at Manchester City last night to see a side that fought on to the bitter end in a game they had only a slim chance of ever winning.
Sherwood went even further to suggest a summer cull was a definite possibility:
“At any club you see players who think they have outgrown the club and that can never be the case. Players owe the supporters to perform 100 per cent for the shirt. It’s not just this club, it’s every club, it annoys me when I see those players.”
“I’m planning for next season. There’s no point me planning if someone else is coming in. I’ve not asked for any assurances. I’ve an 18-month contract and I expect to be here a lot longer than that.”
Spurs are currently a club without a stand-out player; if you asked fans to name their best player you would get a host of different answers. In the past you had the likes of Modric and Bale who during their peak were almost safe from criticism, at Spurs current every player should be under the most intense of spotlights.
The player that epitomises the rot at Spurs is Jan Vertonghen, someone that is clearly so gifted but too often unwilling to give his all for the club. Even the best defenders make mistakes, but the biggest worry is when you have a player that doesn’t look like he cares and consistently trudges off that pitch looking as fresh as he was when he got on it.
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The Belgian isn’t the only one, and if Spurs want to move forward they either need to find a way to motivate these players or else get rid of them.
Levy may be averse to selling players he only bought in the last few years, but it isn’t as if he will be selling at a loss. If anything the likes of Vertonghen will have gained some value, money that could be better reinvested in players that are willing to fight for the shirt they play in.
Whether Sherwood is around to make these changes we don’t know; but clearly the problems at Spurs run a little deeper than some are willing to admit.
We’re only two months into the new season and already there is plenty of speculation leading up to the January transfer window. Every club has had a taste of whats to come this season and will be fully aware of players that are surplus to requirements, and may try to engineer a transfer to offload these individuals – or a player may feel they need to consider a move to get more time on the pitch.
I have compiled a list of 15 players I feel could prove a real bargain in the January transfer window, whether that be because they are nearing the end of their current contract or simply wish to move on to get more first-team action. Some of the individuals on this list are truly talented players, and it would be a great shame if they decided to remain on the sidelines rather than make a transfer and get themselves back on the pitch.
Click on Ashley Cole to get the ball rolling
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Have I missed any potential bargain buys? Let me know on Twitter @dudeyoungy
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hit back at recent criticism of club captain Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder has taken the brunt of the blame for the Reds’ recent poor Premier League performances, with some suggesting that the 32-year-old is past his best.
Rodgers has leapt to the defence of his skipper, who has scored two goals so far this term:
“He’s carried this club for nearly 13 years, and it’s about time there was more than Steven picking up the baton of responsibility for Liverpool, ” he is quoted by SkySports.
“I don’t want to focus too much on him, other than that he’s been brilliant since I arrived here. His inspiration and leadership within the team has been phenomenal.
“He might not have got the goals he would have wanted this season, but you can see how effective he’s been and the quality of his game.
“Against Spurs, his range of passing, his commitment and his drive into the box was superb.”
He also confirmed that Lucas Leiva may return to the squad for this weekend’s clash with Southampton:
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“Lucas Leiva will return to the squad, which is great news because he’s been working very, very hard and played the reserve game last week.
“He’s been training for a few weeks and looked very good, so we’ll look forward to bringing him back in.”
Tottenham Hotspur will require some fresh faces in order to take that next step forward.
The club have not picked up silverware in a decade, and they squandered their best chance last season by losing to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
The North London outfit will aim to show off their new stadium for the 2018-19 campaign, and they will hope to have some new players to parade as well.
Mauricio Pochettino is yet to bring in any fresh talent this summer, but the club have been linked to a handful of wingers.
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The right-hand side needs some work, with Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura not being able to hold down a regular starting spot.
In order to provide that balance, Pochettino could do with a right-sided winger to score goals and create plenty for his teammates.
The future of Jose Callejon is believed to be up for debate, with Marca recently reporting that Atletico Madrid and AC Milan have shown interest in the Spaniard.
It is understandable to see why given that the 31-year-old scored 11 goals and created 12 assists in all competitions last season.
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Tottenham have not been mentioned as potential suitors, and even though Callejon does not quite fit the model in terms of age, could he be useful for the Premier League club?
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to sign West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon before the January transfer window slams shut before Wednesday, with Baggies boss Alan Pardew saying he isn’t for sale.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Sun reported on January 24 that the Toffees were considering making a move for the 28-year-old before the end of the month, after he impressed in his side’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park last weekend despite being involved in the unfortunate incident that saw James McCarthy suffer a double leg break.
The Sun reported that West Brom could cash in on the Venezuela international if they received an offer in excess of £15m, but Pardew says he won’t be leaving this month.
What did Pardew say?
According to the Daily Mail, he said: “Salomon has been absolutely brilliant since I’ve been here. He has been playing terrific football without getting reward in terms of goals.
“That’s the next part of the ingredient for him, in my tenure here. Salomon is not part of any deal.”
How has Rondon done this season?
The 28-year-old has never been a prolific goalscorer during his time with West Brom – which hasn’t been easy for him considering they don’t often create lots of chances – and it has been the same story for a struggling Baggies side this term.
The Venezuelan has scored three goals and provided one assist in 22 Premier League appearances so far this season, but it his work rate and his ability to throw his body around that make him a huge asset for his team.
According to WhoScored.com, Rondon has made 11 key passes in the top flight this season, while he has successfully completed 28 of the 46 dribbles he has attempted, as well as winning 91 of the 216 aerial duels he has faced.
Is a deal completely dead?
Probably, yes.
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Considering Everton have already signed Cenk Tosun in a £27m deal this month, it certainly would have been strange if they brought Rondon to Goodison Park too.
It could be a deal that Allardyce revisits in the summer, but it seems unlikely that West Brom will be willing to let him go for any price before the close of play on Wednesday.
The good thing about these high-intensity back-to-back games for Arsenal is that there are chances for immediate redemption. It’s even better, in a way, if there’s a rematch of a recent fixture, as is the case in the FA Cup.
Arsenal have it all to prove, all to play for and everything to lose. Liverpool, conversely, can afford to lose this weekend’s FA Cup match at the Emirates if Brendan Rodgers decides that resting players for a tilt at the title, or just to stay in the top four, merits more attention.
Arsene Wenger doesn’t have that luxury now that his side have been unable to score from open play in their last two Premier League matches, of which it’s hard to pinpoint what was harder to take for supporters: the 5-1 drumming at the hands of Liverpool, or the inability to beat or even score against the weakest Manchester United side anyone has seen in decades. There is no chance to focus efforts elsewhere.
This is very much about gathering momentum. Yes, in some way it is an opportunity for revenge against Liverpool, but that isn’t the main theme going into this Sunday; the club and its supporters are likely looking at the bigger picture here.
Lose to Liverpool and it could indirectly spell the end of more than just one trophy pursuit. The club as a whole are down on luck and sapped of confidence. Wenger needs to ensure that is put right this weekend more than anything else.
From a tactical point of view, and even one concerning the confidence of the players, there isn’t really a chance for another showing like the one offered up against Manchester United on Wednesday, when both sides were clearly conservative in their approach. With Arsenal’s squad as stretched as it is, Wenger will want to avoid a replay and start on the right foot from the get go. It’s what he promised, after all.
On the whole, it is a frustrating position for Arsenal to be in. They must be cursing their luck at having drawn three of the Premier League top five in three out of four cup games this season. There isn’t really much of a consolation that all have been home ties, as a loss against Spurs would have been particularly demoralising, and now the clash with Liverpool once again leaves little to no chance of making wholesale changes.
It’s all about painting the bigger picture in a better light. It’s about letting the supporters know that the team can get through this torrid run of games having at least won a game; with Bayern next up next week, Liverpool represent the best chance of a win.
But it’s also to put wind back in the sails ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures. Let’s revisit that oft-trumpeted saying that there are no easy games in the league. Two of the next three are Sunderland and Stoke, both of whom have put three past Chelsea this season. Sunderland knocked out United in the League Cup after a convincing first leg at the Stadium of Light, and Gus Poyet’s team have become a constant thorn in Manchester City’s side for the past few years. Arsenal’s players can’t be in a position where they’re feeling sorry from themselves, because those waiting in the wings following the games against Liverpool and Bayern will be looking to take full advantage.
Arsenal over the years have shown themselves to be a team who buckle under the pressure. In fact, you can manipulate that theory to the game on Wednesday against United. The pressure was on for Wenger’s side to bounce back but also to take full advantage of Chelsea’s draw the evening prior. They couldn’t take all three points, and circumstances aside, it’s something we’ve seen many times in the past.
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The pressure will once again be on this Sunday, with the first wave coming from the Arsenal support. But far more than acting on revenge, Wenger’s side will be working to put their season back on track.
Shinji Kagawa has distanced himself from speculation about a future move as he instead concentrates on being a success at Manchester United.
The Japan international looks set to establish himself as a Old Trafford favourite after building up a burgeoning reputation while playing in Germany with Borussia Dormund.
Despite already playing for one of biggest teams in world football in Manchester United, there has already been speculation that he end up at Barcelona one day. However Kagawa has been quick to dismiss these reports.
“I have never thought about Barcelona or Madrid,” Kagawa is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“Paris are a great team that will continue to grow this season. It is also a very nice city, but I am focused 100 per cent on life in Manchester.
“You never know what the future will hold.”
In the meantime Kagawa is still getting used to playing for such an illustrious club that has dominated the Premier League era in England.
The 23-year-old playmaker, who scored a memorable winner for Japan in their 1-0 friendly victory over France on Friday, added: “I am now a Manchester United player and the fans and my teammates expect more from me.
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“Since arriving in Manchester I have had to watch my behaviour on and off the pitch. In Japan and Dortmund I didn’t have so much pressure.
“Three years ago I couldn’t have imagined evolving so quickly and being at a great club like Manchester United. It is proof that you never know what can happen.”