Yes, it’s the Christmas season and joviality should be flooding the air, but thanks to recent results, Arsenal fans may have little reason to be ‘jolly’. Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over the Gunners at Old Trafford was further evidence that all is not right with this Arsenal squad. There may be no quick fix for all these problems, but I believe that with a few, tweaks and changes, this squad could genuinely challenge for honours. As it’s the season of giving, I scrawled a quick letter to Santa to see if he can redress some of our problems. My Christmas wish-list has five items:

1.  Some big-game nous: It’s a well established fact in recent times that Arsenal simply cannot handle the bigger teams. Last season The Gunners dropped all 12 potential points in games against Chelsea and Manchester United. This season Arsenal have already lost to United and Chelsea. If Arsenal want to win the League, they’ll have to start chipping points away from their fellow title contenders. More important than the points, is the message that beating big teams sends out to the rest of the League. The message has to be: “We are good enough to take United apart and we’re going to fight tooth and nail for this title”. At the moment, the message eminating from the Emirates is that Arsenal are brittle enough to break when pushed too hard. So, please Santa – grant the Gunners a backbone.

2. A cure for Fabregas’ hamstring problems: Arsenal’s talisman hasn’t been able to play for large portions of this season. Had he been fit and ready to go against United, I have no doubt that it would have changed the landscape of the game. Unfortunately, his mysterious hamstring injury meant that he could only afford 30 minutes of game time during which he didn’t really appear at the races. Get well soon Cesc – Arsenal need you.

3. A fresh start between the posts: I’m still not convinced that Fabianski has what it takes to be Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper. For every good game he’s had this season, there’s been another game where he’s committed a howler. He doesn’t inspire confidence in front of an already shaky back-four. Wenger must work to address this. 20 year-old Wojciech Szczesny is the perfect man to fill his gloves. He was thrown in at the deep end against Manchester United, but performed admirably (especially the Schmeichel-esque save against Anderson). We know from his performances in the Carling Cup that this wasn’t just a one-off. It’s time for him to get a run of games in the first-team.

4. A pair of unbreakable legs for Robin van Persie: Chamakh has had a good start to his Arsenal career, but it’s Robin Van Persie who can provide Arsenal with that ‘something special’ upfront. Whilst Chamakh excels in out-and-out goal-scoring, Van Persie can change a game with a moment of magic. Very little needs to be said about his talent and technical ability – what Arsenal really need now is for him to get a long run of games in the squad.

5. A trophy: This one goes without saying. Winning breeds winning. A trophy could reinvigorate this club. It’s been a long wait for Arsenal fans and it’s time to pick up some silverware. Arsenal are still in the running for the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and are favourites for the Carling Cup. There can be no more excuses.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

What’s the gift that keeps giving? Receive informed opinions and join in the debate by following me on Twitter: @ThePerfectPass

Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Sunderland v Bolton and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has been fined 10,000 pounds and warned over his future conduct for his Twitter outburst earlier this month.Babel, 24, was hit with the fine by the Football Association after he posted comments and images on his Twitter page concerning referee Howard Webb.

The comments came in the wake of Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round exit to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with a digitally altered photo showing Webb wearing a Manchester United kit.

Webb awarded a controversial penalty in the match in favour of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and also sent off Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Babel accepted a charge of improper conduct and was hit with the fine at a Regulatory Commission hearing on Monday.

“Social network sites, like Twitter, must be regarded as being in the public domain and all participants need to be aware, in the same way as if making a public statement in other forms of media, that any comments would be transmitted to a wider audience,” the Regulatory Commission Chairman Roger Burden said.

“It is their responsibility to ensure only appropriate comments are used.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has also been charged with improper conduct.

The Brazilian defender was charged after his outburst at referee Mike Dean in Sunday’s goalless draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Da Silva was sent off for a second yellow card and vented his disgust at Dean after his decision.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has today been charged by the FA with improper conduct,” an FA statement read.

“The charge relates to the player’s conduct towards match official Mike Dean following his dismissal in Manchester United’s fixture at Tottenham.”

Da Silva has until 6pm GMT on Tuesday to respond to the charge.

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was delighted after signing a new deal that will keep him at the Nou Camp until 2015.

Busquets, 22, has become a regular member of Pep Guardiola’s squad, making 73 La Liga appearances since he broke into the first team in 2008-09.

The Spaniard’s new deal guarantees his future at one of Europe’s most prestigious football clubs and he said he was thrilled to be staying at Barcelona.

“It is a dream to continue my career here,” Busquets said.

“It is very difficult to stay here for a long time, but this is another step. I am very happy. I am very young, so there is still a lot of time. I hope that Xavi and Puyol can continue as well.”

“I am still young and there is a lot to achieve still. I hope that the remaining years on my contract are as good as those that have gone before, full of good news and happiness.”

“I never thought that I would have such a successful time here. All the individual success and titles, which are important. I think I have made the most of things, and I hope that things continue the same or even better.”

After signing on Thursday, Busquets was already turning his attention to Barcelona’s next match, a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Almeria on

And despite Barca winning the first leg 5-0, Busquets said the job was not done yet.

“The tie isn’t over yet,” he said.

“We did very well at the start of the game, but at 3-0 a goal from them would have made things a bit more difficult.”

“Everything is difficult nowadays, so we deserve credit. We can’t think that every game will be 5-0.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

After arch-rivals Real Madrid won their first-leg clash against Sevilla 1-0, a Copa del Rey final between Spain’s two biggest clubs has become a possibility, but Busquets says it is premature to discuss any potential match-up.

“They are great rivals, but first of all we have to get through to the final. Then we will find out our opponent,” he said.

“There is still a game to go and it would be a lack of respect to Sevilla and Almeria to think otherwise. We have to wait.”

“Obviously, we have to focus on the present in order to keep our chances alive in all three competitions at the end of the season. The only one that is looking closer to finishing is the Cup. In the league, we have to take things day by day.”

Ten-man Nottingham Forest denied Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers victory in their 1-1 draw at Loftus Road on Sunday.

It was Forest’s 10th straight game unbeaten in the league, and they did it the hard way having gone behind after just 16 minutes when QPR’s Tommy Smith netted, before Radoslaw Majewski was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg seven minutes later.

But the visitors did not dwell on their disastrous start, and three minutes after they were reduced to ten men, William Davies’ side equalised when David McGoldrick inadvertently flicked Lewis McGugan’s strike into goal.

McGugan’s free-kick deflected off McGoldrick’s thigh and rolled into the bottom right corner for a fortunate equaliser.

It was all the visitors required to snare a share of the spoils, as their defence worked to earn a hard-fought point which takes them into fourth place on the table with two games in hand on the leaders.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

QPR extended their advantage at the top to six points on second-placed Cardiff City, but the Welsh side have a game in hand on Neil Warnock’s men.

Under-pressure Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti saw cause for encouragement during his side’s 2-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen.English Premier League champions Chelsea have struggled for consistency this season – they are 12 points off the pace in their title defence and surrendered the FA Cup with a penalty shootout defeat at home to Everton on Saturday.Chelsea face Wigan on Saturday ahead of a challenging match against league-leaders Manchester United on Tuesday, but Ancelotti believes some confidence has been restored with a comfortable 2-0 win over Danish champions Copenhagen in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday. “It was good result, a good performance,” Ancelotti said.”We were focused for this game, prepared well and the mindset was good. My players worked hard and played good football.” “The result is good but it’s just the first half and we have to pay attention to the second leg. We are focused because we want to be the best.” “We have to be able to move on quickly after the bad results and we were able to because we played some really good football: we have to continue to stay focused.”Expensive striker Fernando Torres showed glimpses of promise but is yet to break his Chelsea duck, leaving Frenchman Nicolas Anelka to pick up the slack with both goals at the Parken Stadion. “Anelka did a fantastic job and scored two goals,” Ancelotti said.”Torres did very well because the key to the game was the work of the strikers. He was always dangerous and unlucky he didn’t score but he played a fantastic game.””If we are able to maintain the same level we have a chance to win against Manchester United.”Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken admitted that the odds were now stacked against his team progressing to the quarter-finals. “It will be extremely difficult to go on in the competition now, particularly with Zdenek Pospech suspended,” Solbakken said.”Too many of my most prominent players failed to hit their peak: they did OK, but were not at their very best. Furthermore, we made too many mistakes and hit too many inaccurate passes.””We lost to a better team. Based on the possession and opportunities, the result was well deserved. Maybe we were a bit too optimistic about our chances before the game. We had some problems with Chelsea’s pace at certain points, but that was to be expected.”

Currently on his half-term school holidays, Raheem Sterling looks set to write his name in Liverpool’s history books by featuring in the Reds’ Europa League tie against Sparta Prague tomorrow. 16-year-old Sterling would break the record set by teammate Jack Robinson and become Liverpool’s youngest ever first team player if he’s given a run out by Kenny Dalglish.

A lot of plaudits have gone the way of 16 year old Raheem Sterling this week after his five goals against Southend, and although the comparisons to John Barnes are way too premature, there are certain things about the Liverpool winger’s style of play that have really caught the eye and excited some people who don’t normally get sucked in by the tag of “A Star in the Making.” His performance in the 9-0 win in the FA Youth Cup has got many people chatting about what the future may hold for the player.

Liverpool did exceptionally well to fight off the interest of Manchester United, Man City, Fulham and Arsenal when they signed the player in February last year. In a sizeable £300,000 four year deal, the Reds hoped they had got one of the most exciting prospects in the country, and his display last night would have gone a long way in justifying the investment in him. The deal would have put a lot of pressure on the 15 year old but he is a man who seems to take most things in his stride. According to QPR head of development Steve Gallen, Sterling lives and breathes football:

“He’s not interested in all the stuff around him – whether it’s in the street, the car park or wherever; he just wants to play football all the time”

The former QPR player was born in Jamaica but has played in many of England’s youth teams. He joined Rangers at 10 years old, and at 15 some coaches said that Sterling was at the same level as Wayne Rooney was in his development at the same age, but more widely held comparisons have been made with Theo Walcott. A fast, pacey attacking midfield player who can “pass, shoot, head, score goals, tackle, defend” according to Steve Gallen, Sterling no doubt has tremendous prospects and it certainly shows that the policy of bringing in expensive young talent from other clubs is on the way to working.

[ad_pod id=’fox-mpu’ align=’right’]

It is definitely not the time to get ahead of ourselves though. The fifth round of the FA Youth Cup is the furthest that Southend have ever got in their history and the class of the Reds players shone through last night. The attributes that Sterling possesses though are what impresses many. He has incredible pace, great dribbling ability, he has an eye for a goal and has the ability to use his left as well as his right foot to keep opposition full backs guessing as to whether he will cut inside to shoot or go out wide to put a cross into the box. Such natural ability cannot be coached, and harnessed in the right way, Sterling really has a great chance of making it at the top level. Certainly with the experience of Rodolfo Borrell, the winger has more than a fighting chance.

His second and fourth goals demonstrate his devastating speed and directness. He ghosts past two Southend defenders after cutting in from the left to finish with aplomb for his second while his fourth is similar, taking advantage of a tired defence to go past the opposition as if it they weren’t even there to slot home the team’s seventh of the game.

He is still probably a couple of years away from the first team. At 16, his body is yet to develop fully and his slight build is the only slight concern about him. His speed, step-overs, dribbling ability and shooting accuracy all point to an exciting future though and we will no doubt be hearing a lot more in the years to come. It could even be sooner than some imagine too as he has been given the ’31’ jersey indicating he his in the thoughts of manager Dalglish. Kenny, Damien Comolli, Steve Clarke and Sammy Lee were all at the match on Monday. Perhaps a spot on the bench for the Europa League match tomorrow? You never know, but this 16 year old is really one to watch.

Get great odds on Raheem Sterling to score against Sparta Prague and double your deposit with bet365!

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[bet_365 type=’odds’ size=’300′ af_code=’365_050711′]

[divider]

Read more of David’s articles at the excellent ‘Live4Liverpool’

Trailing 3-0 in their Europa League last-16 tie against FC Twente, Zenit St Petersburg face a tough task if they are to repeat their success of 2008.The 2008 champions of the then UEFA Cup, Zenit were comprehensively outplayed in the first leg by their Dutch opponents, with a brace from Luuk de Jong and another strike from Denny Landzaat handing Twente a comfortable buffer to take to Russia on Thursday.Zenit, however, are unbeaten in 11 European home games since their 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in 2008, and have won all six of their home European fixtures this season, giving coach Luciano Spalletti reason for hope heading into the match.In worse news for Spalletti, his Belgian defender Nicholas Lombaerts is still recovering from a knee injury and is likely to miss the second leg.Elsewhere on Thursday, Liverpool welcome Portuguese side Braga to Anfield needing to overhaul a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City side will be looking to score early at home against Dynamo Kiev after goals from Andriy Shevchenko and in Andriy Yarmolenko lifted the Ukrainians to a 2-0 win in the first leg.Paris St Germain welcome Benfica to the Parc des Princes keen to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, while Spartak Moscow host Ajax holding a 1-0 advantage from their match in Amsterdam.CSKA Moscow travel to Portugal to meet Porto at the Estadio do Dragao trailing 1-0, while Bayer Leverkusen face a trip to Spain to play Villarreal having suffered a thrilling 3-2 defeat in the first leg at home.And Scottish champions Rangers welcome Dutch league-leaders PSV Eindhoven to Ibrox after the sides played out a goalless draw in the Netherlands.

Manchester City and Liverpool crashed out of the Europa League in a night of sheer frustration for the English pair. Roberto Mancini blasted Balotelli for his sending off which he believes cost them the tie, although City to be fair created enough chances to win two ties, while Liverpool just couldn’t make any sort of breakthrough against a stubborn Braga defence. Kenny is looking for a positive response to this disappointment, as he looks to secure European football for the Reds next season.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Wenger admitting to Olympic doubts; Drogba admits Torres arrival was unsettling, while Mark Hughes is flattered by Bayern Munich link.

*

Wenger admits Olympics doubts – Sky Sports

Drogba admits Torres’s arrival was unsettling – Guardian

Fergie accepts five-match ban despite blasting FA rap for ‘telling the truth’ – Daily Mail

Ferdinand fighting to save United career – Daily Telegraph

Blues can Bridge the gap – Ron – Sun

Spurs baffled as UEFA ban butt victim Jordan – Mirror

Hughes flattered by Bayern Munich link – Guardian

Arsenal tracking Charlton’s 19-year-old defender Jenkinson – Daily Mail

Mancini: Balotelli to blame for European exit – Daily Telegraph

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Dunne ’n Collins hit in pocket – Sun

Liverpool eye Spain defender Monreal to solve defensive problem – Daily Mail

[divider]

[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’left’]

Cavaliering Newcastle full back Jose Enrique’s time at St James Park could well be nearing an end. Enrique, 25 has been linked with a host of top clubs after an array of fine performances so far this season for the Magpies.

The former Villarreal man signed a 5 year deal with Newcastle in 2007 and it was rumoured he was waiting until Newcastle secured their top flight status before renewing it. However, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has revealed on Norwegian television that a deal has been struck for the Spaniard to move to Anfield in the summer. The deal is thought to be in the region of £15 million.

“From what I’ve heard, yes, the deal has been done” Thompson told the TV2 presenter.

Thompson is a close friend of Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, and in an assessment of Enrique he went on to say “He had a difficult first season coming into the Premiership a couple of years ago but he really understands the game now.”

“He’s one of those full-backs who is good going forward but he’s also a good defender and I think that is the main thing.” After showing their persistence in the capture of Andy Carroll, Enrique’s future looks ominous for Newcastle fans.

There has been no official word from Liverpool or Newcastle on the matter, but potentially losing one of their top performers will be a huge concern to Newcastle.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[bet_365 type='odds' size='300' af_code='365_050711']

Manchester United put one leg in the Champions League final with an impressive 2-0 victory in Germany last night. Ryan Giggs was the standout performer for the Red Devils which led to Fergie claiming he only wished that the Welshman could carry on for a few more years. In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Chelsea apparently wanting Guus Hiddink regardless; Reina pledges future to Liverpool, while Etherington faces FA Cup final heartbreak. * Ferguson hails ‘one of our best displays in Europe’ – Guardian Chelsea want Hiddink regardless – Daily Telegraph Houllier may not return to dugout – Guardian Neuer’s fine audition could turn Ferguson’s head – Independent Reina wants to stay and ‘fight for titles’ – Guardian Gunners: We’ll sell Cesc – Sun Spurs can derail Chelsea’s title bid and keep pressure on City, says Defoe – Daily Mail With Tevez back in the fold City adjust sights from fourth to third – Independent Etherington facing FA Cup final heartbreak – Mirror Real boss Mourinho plans £25m summer raid for United winger Nani – Daily Mail