The Transfer Lens: Live Deadline Day

Today I am blogging live from the centre of London, endeavouring to bring you the very latest news, gossip and information in the final chaotic hours of the January transfer window.

There will be casualties, such is the predicted pandemonium, but I am wholly confident of staying on top of the writhing transfer beast, and surviving the day!

Be sure to send me all your tip-offs, and the most interesting will be posted and vigorously discussed!

Stay peeled.

Click here to get in on the action! 

The ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend: Eto’o and Cazorla Star

Photo: The Daily Mail

Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 in the weekend’s big game, with the Blues earning a priceless three points against their title rivals thanks to a Samuel Eto’o hat-trick.

Arsenal stay top however after breaking down a stubborn Fulham side, with Santi Cazorla bagging both goals in the Gunners’ 2-0 win.

Manchester City remain hot on their heels, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side breaking the 100 goal barrier with an almost customary four goal haul at the Etihad, this time in the 4-2 win against Cardiff.

Liverpool were held 2-2 by Aston Villa at Anfield , with Tottenham moving level on points with them after a 3-1 win at Swansea.

Click here for the Football-Talk Team of the Weekend for Gameweek 22 - on Football-Talk.co.uk

Man Utd warned off £15m Lallana; Man City’s Dzeko off to Spain?

The Daily Mail

Man Utd have been warned off Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana, with Saints’ manager Mauricio Pochettino insisting that the club are under no pressure to sell any of their star players.

Click here for the story, plus the latest on the future of Edin Dzeko - on Soccerlens.com

Transfer Roundup: Serie A side to rival Chelsea for Hulk; Casillas to Man City?

According to Italian sources, Inter Milan are ready to rival Chelsea for the signature of Zenit striker Hulk.

Click here for the full story, plus the latest on the Casillas/ Man City rumours - on Soccerlens.com

Sergio Aguero ‘extremely eager’ to join Barcelona, reports Spanish press

lionspitch.com

Man City striker Sergio Aguero has reportedly told the club that he is ready to join Barcelona; with Spanish reports indicating that the Catalan outfit already have an agreement with the player.

Click here to read about yet another story linking the Argentine with a move to Spain - on Soccerlens.com

Man City’s Yaya Toure named ‘BBC African Footballer of the Year’

http://www.transfernews24.com

Click here to read about the Man City and Ivory Coast star's latest accolade - on Soccerlens.com

Sergio Aguero in shock €57m Real Madrid link, with Casillas a possible makeweight

http://pxwallpaper.com

According to ‘The Sun’, Man City’s Sergio Aguero is now the top ‘Galactico’ transfer target for Real Madrid; with the Spanish giants willing to pay colossal €57m for his signature.

Click here for this major story - on Soccerlens.com

Team of the Weekend + Best Goal: Chelsea & City Boys Dominate

mcfc.co.uk

We are up and running back in the Premier League; and this was a weekend of goals. From the late and dramatic, to the high numbering and clinical; the goals just flew in, as if the players were making up for lost (international break) time!

Arsenal managed to extend their lead at the top of the EPL to four points with a home win over Southampton, after Liverpool could only manage a hard fought 3-3 draw at Everton. 

Chelsea comfortably saw off West Ham, while the result of the weekend came at the Etihad, with City hitting Tottenham for 6!

Meanwhile, Man Utd surrendered three points on the road, as Cardiff grabbed a late, late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw.

Click here for the Football-Talk Team of the Weekend for Gameweek 12 - on Football-Talk.co.uk

Photo: Yaya Toure Rubbishes City Exit Rumours

metro.co.uk

Man City midfielder, Yaya Toure, has played down rumours that he is ‘not interested’ in playing for the club.

Click here to read the full story, on soccerlens.com 

Team of the Weekend: Man Utd Back in the Title Race; Liverpool Smash Fulham

The Daily Telegraph

With all of their closest rivals dropping points, the weekend belonged to both Liverpool and, more interestingly, Manchester United; the current champions, and arguably sleeping giants so far this season.

It was a monumental step for United on Sunday, as they defeated current leaders Arsenal, 1-0 at Old Trafford. It was a hard fought, chess-like encounter, with chances few and far between; and it was Robin Van Persie’s first half header that ensured all three points went to the Red Devils.

Liverpool saw off a flailing Fulham, 4-0, with Luis Suarez amongst the goals once more, as the Anfield outfit closed the gap on Arsenal to just two points.

Newcastle keeper, Tim Krul was a man-possessed at White Hart Lane, keeping Spurs at bay almost singlehandedly, earning his side an unlikely 1-0 win.

Manchester City’s troubles on the road continued, with a 1-0 defeat to lowly Sunderland the latest in a string of damaging away losses for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Jose Mourinho came mighty close to losing his astounding Premier League undefeated home record against West Brom on Saturday. Were it not for a contentious penalty given in stoppage time, converted by Eden Hazard, the Portuguese would have had to have bid farewell to an unbeaten run stretching back to the very start of his first spell in charge.

Click here for the ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend for Gameweek 11

Team of the Weekend: Arsenal, Man Utd & City Stars Dominate

yahoo.com

 We are now over a quarter of the way through the current Premier League season; doesn’t time fly! Having reached the ten game mark, it is Arsenal who continue to lead the way. The Gunners opened up a five point lead at the summit following their impressive 2-0 win against Liverpool on Saturday.

Brendan Rogers’ side remain second, despite the defeat, equal on points with Chelsea, themselves beaten convincingly by a revitalised Newcastle at St James Park. Tottenham joined them on the 20 point mark on Sunday, after their dour stalemate at Goodison Park against Everton.

The Manchester boys were the talk of the town this weekend after scoring 10 between them, lighting up the league in separately devastating attacking displays. City racked up seven without reply against a desperately poor Norwich; while Utd continued their Premier League ascent with a 3-1 away win at Fulham, dominated by their attacking duo of Van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

Click here for the ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 10

Team of the Weekend: Suarez & Torres Feature In Attack-Minded XI

The Daily Mirror

It was a weekend to savour for the majority of the top clubs in the country, with goals aplenty for some of the Premier League’s most feared marksmen. Clean sheets were scarce commodities, as strikers up and down the country ran riot; just another day for one of the greatest football leagues in the world.

The story of the weekend came from Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea beat the formidable Man City 2-1, thanks to a fortuitous late goal from recent goal-machine, Fernando Torres. A mix-up at the back from the City defenders allowed the Spaniard to nip in and steal all three of the points for the Blues, sending reverberations around the Premier League. A potentially critical result in the grand scheme of things; one that may come back to play a big part come the business end of the season.

The red half of Manchester had a little more luck, but just barely, having fought back to win 3-2, after being behind twice at Old Trafford against a stubborn Stoke side. Arsenal maintained their lead at the top of the EPL with a hard fought 2-0 win over manager-less Crystal Palace; with the Gunners playing with ten men for the best part of half an hour at Selhurst Park.

Luis Suarez continued his rich vein of form, smashing three past a bewildered West Brom, on the way to a thumping 4-1 win; and Spurs snatched a 1-0 win over Premier League new boys, Hull thanks to a late penalty from big money man, Roberto Soldado.
 

Click here for the ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 9

The ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 8

 

 

It was ‘as you were’ for the EPL this weekend after another lengthy international break, and us fans were treated to a goal frenzy of sorts from the Premier League’s top teams.

 

Goals come in all shapes and sizes, and this was clearly highlighted on the weekend, with a plethora of varying methods being put on display. From the controversial to the exquisite, taking points were aplenty after a welcomingly exciting round of domestic ties.

Chelsea and Arsenal racked up four goals apiece in their respective Saturday encounters, and Man City powered through to defeat West Ham. Man Utd’s turmoil under new boss, David Moyes continued however, with a home draw against Southampton; while Liverpool will be disappointed not have secured all three points against a weakened Newcastle. Elsewhere, Tottenham eased to victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, pushing them up to fifth.

 

Click here for the ‘Football-talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 8

 

Pic: www.caughtoffside.com

 

5 Players The Premier League’s Elite Could Snatch From A Waning Juventus

Following the admission of Juventus President, Andrea Agnelli that Italian football is in a state of decline; one can only wonder what the top clubs in England are thinking with the January transfer window soon approaching.

“Italy is no longer a final destination but a transit destination,” said Agnelli at the Leaders of Football' conference in London on Thursday,

“Look at what happened to AC Milan. They had to give away Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to pay the cheques. 

At the end of the day, you can be attractive. But you also need to have the economic strength.”

As sad as this may be for the neutral lovers of the game, the concerns of the ‘Old Lady’ may throw up some inviting opportunities for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham in the upcoming transfer market.

 

Click here for a list of five potential investments for some of the biggest names in the EPL, on football-talk.co.uk

 

Photo: juventiknows.com

The ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 7

It was not to be an easy weekend of football for the Premier League elite, as almost every high profile match was hotly contested, and ultimately threw up a few surprise casualties. It is arguably the most competitive league season in recent memory, and with every passing week comes unforeseen changes in ‘the script’; unexpected twists and turns that either delight or destroy the faithful fans.

Tottenham were on the end of a stinging defeat at home to West Ham, while Arsenal had to settle for a point at West Brom. Man Utd had to rely on teenage sensation, Adnan Januzaj, in order to record a win at Sunderland, while Chelsea and City were given a run for their money against Norwich and Everton respectively. Liverpool looked on course to maul Crystal Palace at Anfield after a wonderful opening half, but they themselves were given a scare by Ian Holloway’s team.

Click here for my 'Football-Talk' Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 7

 

Photo: The Daily Mail

The ‘Football-Talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 6

 

All things change, and following a weekend of surprise results among the teams at the top of the table, that change may be closer than once thought!

Both Manchester clubs came unstuck against lower sides in the division, once more proving the depth of quality that currently resides throughout the Premier League.

United arguably had the biggest upset, with their 1-2 defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford a real eye-opener, and an equally real kick in the teeth for beleaguered boss, David Moyes. The Scot has barely readjusted the seat in the dugout since the departure of the stalwart Sir Alex Ferguson, and the walls have already started to come crashing down around him.

After last week’s abysmal loss to City, this latest defeat will have only increased the enormous pressure on the former Everton man.

Manchester United’s haul of seven points from their opening six matches represents their worst start to a season since 1989-90!

City themselves suffered the ignominy of a shock defeat away to Villa that same Saturday, as a likely win was snatched away from them after some typically poor away day defending from the Citizens.

Spurs and Chelsea shared the spoils at White Hart Lane, after a hotly contested 1-1 draw. Arsenal and Liverpool lead the way at the top, with both sides collecting valuable 3 points away from home.

Click here for the ‘Football-talk’ Team of the Weekend: Gameweek 6

 

Photo: theliverpoolword.com

The ‘Football-Talk Big Six’ Team of the Weekend: Game-Week 5

After experiencing the trauma of missing a week’s worth of Premier League action last week, having been stranded in Thailand, I am glad to be back in the thick of the games again; and boy, have we had some crackers!

The big story comes from the Etihad, where Man City opened up their bitter rivals Manchester United like a bag of crisps. Such was the cohesion between almost every position on the pitch, that Utd were powerless for long periods of the game. The Champions were totally undone by two devastating goals in five minutes just after the restart on Sunday, with ‘the noisy neighbours’ running out 4-1 winners.

Elsewhere, Chelsea stuttered to a 2-0 victory over London rivals Fulham on Saturday afternoon. The Blues flattered to decisive for most of the match, failing to convincingly show off their true talent, and were somewhat fortunate to come away from the game unscathed. Jon Obi Mikel netted the deciding second, his first goal in 185 Premier League games for the club.

Liverpool’s superb start to the season was brought to an abrupt end by Southampton at Anfield, with defender Dejan Lovren scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win on Saturday.

Tottenham meanwhile needed every second of their match against Cardiff on Sunday, with Paulinho scoring a last grasp winner deep into stoppage time, earning them a 1-0 win.

The Premier League top spot belongs to Arsenal for the time being, as Mesut Ozil continued to prove that he is indeed the king of assists, after setting up all three of the Gunners’ goals in their 3-1 home win over Mark Hughes’ Stoke side.

Click here for my ‘Football-Talk Big Six’ Team of the Weekend: Game-Week 5 - on football-talk.co.uk

Pic: The Daily Mail

The ‘Football-Talk Big Six’ Team of the Weekend: Game-Week 3

Liverpool top the table! The Reds’ best start to the season since the 1995/96 season saw them defeat Manchester United on Sunday, 1-0, thanks to yet another Daniel Sturridge goal. The England man has scored the winning goal for Liverpool in each of the opening three games, and the Anfield outfit are yet to concede in what is now the only remaining 100% record in the English top flight.

Elsewhere, Man City were back to winning ways against newly promoted Hull City, but were made to fight for the points after Steve Bruce’s side put up a valiant display of unforeseen attacking venture, and came close to inflicting a shock defeat on Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

Chelsea were out of action this weekend after taking part in the European Super Cup in Prague on Friday. Their defeat to Bayern Munich on penalties came after a highly entertaining game, where the Blues came from within seconds of triumphing over the reigning European Champions, only for midfielder Javi Martinez to snatch a wicked equaliser. It was the goal that sent the game to penalties, which was ultimately a step too far for Mourinho’s men.

Arsenal vs. Tottenham was the second of the big-name matchups this weekend, with the Gunners continuing their fine record against their fierce rivals with a hard fought 1-0 win on Sunday. Olivier Giroud, like Liverpool’s Sturridge, continued his rich vein of form, with his third goal in three games for the club.

Click here for the ‘Football-Talk Big Six’ Team of the Weekend: Game-Week 3

 

Pic: thefa.com

The ‘Football-Talk Big Six’ Team of the Weekend: Game-Week Two

Game-week two of the new Premier League season brought with it the first meeting between two of the big boys: Manchester United and Chelsea. While the match was about as explosive as a fireworks night in a monsoon, it held within it so many intricate sub-plots that there was plenty for fans and pundits alike to fill their boots with.

Indeed, it was a low scoring affair overall this weekend, with only Arsenal victorious by more than a one goal margin. The Gunners continued their brisk march towards a recovery from that most shocking of starts last week against Villa, and their 3-1 win away over Fulham was a perfect remedy alongside a resounding 5-0 aggregate win in the Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahçe.

Man City’s 3-2 defeat to Cardiff was undoubtedly the game of the weekend; with Manuel Pellegrini’s new side suffering from a disturbing lack of centre-back cover for the injured Vincent Kompany, and an enormously spirited display from the newly promoted Welsh team.

Click here for the ‘The Football-Talk Big Six’ Team of the Weekend for Game-Week Two, on football-talk.co.uk

Pic: thinkfootball.co.uk

‘The Big Six’: Team of the Weekend, Game-week One

 

Finally, we are up and running. After months of pre-season anticipation, agonizing transfer sagas, and the slow hum of the managers’ mind games gradually starting to grind into gear; the Barclays Premier League is officially back in business!

The first round of games this weekend brought with it much of the trademark drama the EPL is so known for, including one shocking result, a dramatic late winner, a handful of debuts to remember, and some dodgy refereeing decisions. We also witnessed the first voyage of revolutionary technology, the GDS (goal decision system) at the Emirates Stadium and at Stamford Bridge, with positive results!

Here is ‘The Big Six’, Team of the Weekend for Game-Week One, on football-talk.co.uk

Pic: unitedrant.co.uk