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Size doesn't matter, says Bruce


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Updated Mar 15, 2011 1:53 PM ET
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has no concerns about his side's lack of height in attack following the exits of Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent.
The Black Cats have sold strikers Jones and Bent in the last seven months, with the Trinidad and Tobago international in particular a formidable aerial presence.

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With Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell having missed significant periods of the season through injury - Welbeck returned from a knee injury as a substitute in the 0-0 draw at Arsenal last time out and Campbell is not far behind - Bruce has largely employed summer signing Asamoah Gyan as a lone frontman.
The pacy Ghana international has demonstrated an eye for goal and has found the back of the net on 10 occasions to date, but is not a traditional English-style centre-forward.
In addition, the men who have provided the support in recent weeks - Steed Malbranque, Kieran Richardson, Stephane Sessegnon and **** Zenden - are significantly smaller, and that has meant Bruce adopting a different approach to the one he used when Bent played off the shoulder of Jones.
However, the manager is comfortable with that situation in the final third and instead more concerned with a lack of height at defensive set-pieces which has at times proved costly in the absence of the likes of Michael Turner and Nedum Onuoha through injury.
Bruce said: "You could say that about us when we have got Sessegnon, Malbranque, Richardson and **** Zenden in the team.
"They are not the biggest - but I am not particularly bothered about the height up front.
"Asamoah Gyan has relished playing on his own. In the games we have played, we have looked a threat and I think he likes to play on his own because he has always been used to doing that.
"I have got no problems with the height up front - but what we could do with is height all round.
"But you can still be the biggest team and if you don't defend set-pieces properly, then you are going to come unstuck.
"We are not the biggest at the moment, but with the players we have missing, there's not much you can do about it."
 
Potters chief: Prem still priority


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Updated Mar 15, 2011 1:57 PM ET
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has stressed Premier League survival remains the priority this season despite reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.
Tony Pulis' side beat West Ham 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday to set up a semi-final clash with Bolton at Wembley next month.


Before that, Stoke will hope to break a four-game winless run in the league, with their first opportunity coming at home to Newcastle this weekend.
The Potters go into the game three points above the relegation zone, and Coates told stokecityfc.com: "To get to Wembley is great for us and it's great for the whole area because we haven't been too often in the past.
"Are we dreaming of more cup glory? No, we're not dreamers, we're pragmatists, and I know that Tony Pulis will have nothing on his mind now other than getting three points when we face a big game against Newcastle on Saturday.
"If we can win that game, then it will have been a fantastic week for us because we still need at least six points to make our league position look more comfortable.
"The priority remains to stay in the Premier League and to finish as high in the table as possible."
Coates admitted he was hoping for Bolton when the draw was made - leaving a Manchester derby in the other tie - but he knows Owen Coyle's in-form side will provide a stern challenge.
He added: "When I went into the boardroom after the game, I was asked who I wanted in the draw, and my answer was Bolton. But I imagine that if you'd asked them the same question at Bolton, they would have said Stoke City.
"It's only natural that we would prefer to miss the two Manchester clubs, but Bolton have been made the favourites, and the bookmakers know what they are talking about.
"They have been in the Premier League much longer than us and they're higher in the table at the moment, so it's perhaps not surprising."
 
Van der Sar sticking to decision


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 10:56 AM ET
Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar has no intention of playing on beyond the end of the season and is "looking forward" to retirement.
Van der Sar was genuinely moved at hearing the Stretford End bellow "One more year" in recognition of his man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 win over Arsenal, but he has no intention of giving in to their demands.


The 40-year-old has already announced this will be his last season and no matter what United's appreciative fans say, he will not be changing his mind.
"I don't hate the thought of retirement," he said. "I am looking forward to it. I am at my peak and it will be nice to finish at my peak.
"Maybe it is a weight off my shoulders. It is nice to get recognition from the fans and I will miss football and the buzz. It has been 20 years.
"But I have other good things, including a lovely wife and great kids."
Van der Sar has never given the impression of being overly emotional about football.
Even after a string of fine saves had denied Arsenal in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final, helping to earn United a mouth-watering clash with Manchester City at Wembley next month, he was his usual phlegmatic self.
However, he does accept that after successive defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool, there has been a period of soul searching inside United's dressing room.
"We lost two games last week so it was important for us to get back to winning ways," he said.
"Everybody doubts themselves. Every writer doubts themselves, every artist doubts himself and every football player does.
"But that is what certain players thrive on. It is important for the experienced players to stand up and be counted and to show the young players what has to be done."


Van der Sar's manager thrives on proving people wrong.
When the teams were announced an hour before kick-off, even the most loyal United fan must have been concerned at a line-up which included seven defenders.
But the decision to push Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael into more advanced positions and asking Wayne Rooney to drop into midfield was inspired, even if Van der Sar and Patrice Evra were among those caught completely by surprise.
"It was a team we had never even trained with, let alone played," Van der Sar said. "I was chatting to Patrice in the car going to Old Trafford the day before the game about what the team was going to be.
"We came up with Fabio on the left. We never guessed Rafael would be on the right wing.
"They bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team. We have seen them at the back, but they don't stay there for long because they are always going forward."
That willingness to take the opposition on was too much for an already shellshocked Arsenal side to withstand.
Fabio put the hosts ahead before the break, with Rooney nodding home a second immediately after half-time to set up a second semi-final confrontation with their neighbours in as many seasons after coming out on top in last term's Carling Cup.
Two wins now stand between so many of United's players and their first FA Cup triumph, Van der Sar among them. Not that he is getting too worried about that.
"An FA Cup winners' medal would mean a lot despite what I have already won in my career," he said. "It is there and on my list but I wouldn't look back in regret if don't win it.
"In any case, it doesn't do a lot for me to lose a semi-final there. Football is about winning trophies. Although we're at Wembley, we are still one match away from the final."
Quite aside from defeating their closest rivals, United were also buoyed by the return of Antonio Valencia from a six-month injury lay-off, putting him in line to face Marseille in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 tie.
"It is good to have him back," Van der Sar added. "We have already seen the things that he did for us last year.
"He has been training at Carrington for a little while of course, but Nani's injury at Liverpool last week speeded up the whole thing by maybe a week.
"Hopefully he can play some more on Tuesday or against Bolton next Saturday, then he will be okay for the last two months of the season."
 
United boosted as Nani trains


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 9:14 AM ET
Portugal winger Nani handed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson a boost on Monday morning by returning to training.
Nani was not expected to be back until after the international break.


He suffered a gashed leg following a challenge by Jamie Carragher in the defeat by Liverpool last week.
Michael Carrick and Michael Owen were also in attendance, following calf and knee injuries, with United looking to build on a 0-0 first-leg draw against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
There was also a surprise appearance by Owen Hargreaves, whose career has been blighted by injury.
He trained away from the main group, as did Park Ji-sung, who has had a hamstring injury.
However, there was no sign of Rio Ferdinand, who has a calf problem, or Darren Fletcher, who has been suffering from a virus.
Anderson, Jonny Evans, Anders Lindegaard and Nemanja Vidic were also absentees from the training ground.
 
Wenger: Gunners deserve credit


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 11:28 AM ET
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal deserve a lot of credit for their season so far, and says his side have not shown any signs of mental weakness.
Just a few weeks ago, The Gunners were still on course for a possible quadruple.


However a string of defeats has left them with only the Premier League to fight for after defeat in the Carling Cup final to Birmingham, losing to Barcelona in the Champions League and being beaten by Manchester United in the FA Cup at the weekend.
But Wenger insists that Arsenal can still be proud of their efforts as people questioned their ability to maintain their place in the top-four at the beginning of the season, let alone mount a serious title challenge.
"Nobody in England believed we could even fight for the top four," he admitted.
"The fact we are in the position we are in, I think, deserves a lot of credit.
"We still have it (mental strength). I don't question that."
Wenger, who has not seen his side lift a trophy for six years, admits he does look at himself.
"I question myself always, but don't worry about that if that is your worry," he continued.
"If I listened to everybody, then it is a miracle that we are playing for the title with 10 games to go.


"It's been very difficult for the players, but they have never shown any sign of weakness mentally. Even on Saturday, they have put absolutely every effort in and I can only be proud of how much they did fight.
"The only thing I can say is that I'm ready to give absolutely everything to win the title.
"Let's hope, and I'm confident we will, but we need now to work to recover.
"I believe we can do it. It's a good test now for us to show we can regroup, show mental strength, togetherness and respond quickly.
"We will have this kind of questioning for the next two, three weeks and we have to show we have an answer to that.
"We are used to being questioned and we have to show we are strong enough to deal with that."
Arsenal face United again on May 1 in what is already being billed as a title decider, but Wenger insists they have to make sure they are in a position for that game to be that important.
"The United game is only important if we win our games before that," he said.
"I am convinced, if that game is decisive, we will have a good chance to do it.
"Before that, it is very important that we respond quickly."



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  • Report Abuse goonerkraft
    • 3/15/2011 9:18:14 AM
    Honestly, I have no idea what to expect with this squad. They often play brilliantly and I think twice about even commenting on them. Then the very next week, the same guys look pathetically bored and tired. I see more heart and passion from the kids at the rec level than these so called professionals. So, it's not entirely out of question that we'll drop so many points in the next 10 games to be out of top 4. It saddens me to even think that. But when Diaby and Denils field the pitch together, we're done. Add Squilly in the back, and that's a giant gap right down the middle to Aluminum. With AA and Rosiscky on the sides, and the gap widens even more. Bendy and Chamakh on top are just ineffective. And I even like Cham!

    As SAF said it not too long ago, what chance have you got?
  • Report Abuse epl2nba
    • 3/15/2011 2:43:20 AM
    # Spudkilla
    Report Abuse
    Spudkilla
    * 3/14/2011 10:15:16 PM
    Fox won't let me post the full link.just google it.

    A trick I learned here was shrinking link at tinyurl.com
  • Report Abuse epl2nba
    • 3/15/2011 2:41:48 AM
    True that WestsideG. AW seems to push all the right buttons and say all the right things but there seems to be something lost in translation onto the pitch. Besides that, they need experienced leadership at front and back to take them to the next level of TAKE NO PRISONERS.
  • Report Abuse WestsideGunner
    • 3/15/2011 1:21:18 AM
    Here is perhaps the most troubling evidence of our lack of mental toughness. If we find the stones to hang on to 4-0 over Newcastle, 2-0 over Spurs, 2-1 over Wigan, 2-1 over Sunderland, that's NINE POINTS dropped for no other reason than our inability to finish our opponent off. NINE POINTS. We'd be six clear of Manchester United right now with a game in hand. A MENTALLY TOUGH FOOTBALL TEAM would be six points clear of Manchester United right now with a game in hand.
  • Report Abuse WestsideGunner
    • 3/15/2011 1:16:43 AM
    I said it once before and I'll say it again. NO MORE MORAL VICTORIES NO SILVERWARE NO PEACE! OUT W/THE TRASH! That is my rallying cry. Every game we by ched about the officiating, we had a clear cut chance to win of our own accord. MC29 bounced the free-est of free headers off the cross bar vs. Sunerland. B52 displayed the first touch of Frankenstein in full gallop from the town mob on Wilshere's through ball vs. Barcelona. That donkey could've put us through. And that's the saddest part. To see guys Wenger has staked his reputation on play so small in so many big moments.
  • Report Abuse irishchickie
    • 3/15/2011 12:30:06 AM
    so? he wants his team to get "credit" for doing what a team is supposed to do? umm.. the "credit" they are getting, Wenger, is a paycheck...
  • Report Abuse TripleOpticVision
    • 3/14/2011 11:26:19 PM
    i don't know. i've been a wenger apologist for so long, but i'm starting to see the point everyone else is making about him. this is just more of the same from him. "we can do it, we're tougher than people think, we like being underestimated, we have the talent to win now" yada yada yada. i don't want to be pessimistic or cynical, believe me. and i don't think i am. i've been very patient with wenger, more patient than 95% of gooners, but this season shows that the old way is coming to an end. wenger needs to change his philosophy (in more than one area), or we'll never progress past this. perennial almost-but-not-quite-there's
  • Report Abuse TripleOpticVision
    • 3/14/2011 11:15:57 PM
    you gotta put the last part in separately, spudkilla.

    this is just typical blah blah blah from wenger. how you can paint a pretty portrait of a wholly disappointing season is beyond me. and let's be real, this team is NOT and NEVER HAS BEEN "mentally tough." if we were, we wouldn't suffer snowball losing streaks. we're not going to win the title, pretty plain and simple. and if we did, it would be right for everyone to question just how much we deserve it. because we don't deserve it. i realize "the table doesn't lie," but we all know the truth. this team just doesn't have what it takes, and it won't until wenger decides to invest in PROVEN talent. but that's okay, i believe he will.
  • Report Abuse Spudkilla
    • 3/14/2011 10:15:16 PM
    Fox won't let me post the full link.just google it.
  • Report Abuse Spudkilla
    • 3/14/2011 10:14:34 PM
    www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/foot...
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Kenny content with squad strength


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 12:25 PM ET
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes he has a squad strong enough to cope with the recent run of injuries which have struck key players.
Captain Steven Gerrard was the latest to be affected after he was ruled out for a month having undergone surgery on a troublesome groin problem on Thursday.

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He joins defenders Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio, both out for four weeks with hamstring tears, on the sidelines where centre-back Daniel Agger and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey are both recovering from knee injuries, although the latter is not expected back until late April after surgery.
On a positive front, record signing Andy Carroll has made his successful return from a thigh problem to make two substitute appearances in the last eight days.
The depth of the squad has been tested with Liverpool's involvement in the Europa League and although the stand-ins have not always impressed - Thursday's 1-0 first-leg defeat in Braga a case in point - Dalglish recognises the importance of being able to call on those fringe players.
"Everyone in the squad is capable of playing in the first team," he said.
"Those that haven't played as much are very important to us and their attitude in the games they have played in the past has been superb.
"We wouldn't expect any less, although we don't take it for granted.
"When you look to a club and try to get success, the strength of what lies behind [the first team] and their application when they do get an opportunity is the important thing."
With no FA Cup involvement Dalglish has a clear week to prepare for the return leg against Braga on Thursday.
Anfield has been their stronghold in Europe this season - compared to away games where they have scored just once in five - as the Reds have won three and drawn one.
However, the performance in Braga, until the substitute appearance of Carroll, highlighted Liverpool's lack of a cutting edge up front.

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Dalglish has been hampered somewhat by the fact he can play January signing Luis Suarez in the league, where he has been a revelation, but not in Europe as the Uruguay international in ineligible because of former club Ajax's involvement in the same competition.
The Scot remains pragmatic over that situation, adding: "We would much rather have Luis playing in the Europa League but then we would much rather have him for a long-term contract than just for three months.
"We are happy he is at the club and we just need to wait."
Although injuries are a problem for Liverpool they have at least come at the right time in terms of Premier League matches which are affected.
FA Cup and international action means Dalglish's side have only two games in March, one of which they have already won against leaders Manchester United with the next coming on Sunday at Sunderland.
"We have got one or two problems but with only two league games in March, certainly from a league point of view, it gives us a lot of those niggles a chance to clear up," said the 60-year-old.
"We just have to go with what we have got, we cannot do anything about that.
"The players we put in there are well capable of doing themselves justice and doing the club proud and the players have to accept injuries are part and parcel of the game and put up with it."
Liverpool's chances of qualifying for Europe were made more difficult by yesterday's FA Cup semi-final draw, which pitted Manchester United and Manchester City together.
With both clubs expected to finish in the top four that now means the European place attributed to that competition will go to either Stoke or Bolton, who contest the other semi.
It leaves the Reds needing to overhaul fifth-placed Tottenham, six points ahead with a match in hand, or win the Europa League to qualify as defending champions.



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  • Report Abuse JC_YNWA
    • 3/15/2011 6:06:16 AM
    "rumor says a two year deal is in the works."

    I can't honestly see Dalglish saying no. You can clearly see that he loves the game and he loves the club. Nothing would please me more then to see a title ready team led by King Kenny next year.
  • Report Abuse ynwa_in_la
    • 3/14/2011 7:59:07 PM
    "We just have to go with what we have got, we cannot do anything about that"

    .... because good or bad were in the same boat. He can't say who stays and who goes and won't until the season is over and he's got the full time gig. And rumor says a two year deal is in the works. Go you Reds ---- The Daglish Effect
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Skrtel relieved to avoid Carroll


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 12:28 PM ET
Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel thinks rival Premier League defenders will now share the fear that he experienced when facing Andy Carrol.
Newcastle received £35million on January's transfer deadline day as their former number nine moved to Anfield and became the most expensive British footballer in history.

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Liverpool signed Carroll, 22, as a replacement for Fernando Torres, who joined Chelsea, and a partner for fellow January arrival Luis Suarez.
Carroll's record-breaking fee was somewhat of a shock, but Skrtel was not surprised after enduring a torrid evening against his new team-mate in December when the England international scored in Newcastle's convincing 3-1 win.
Slovakia defender Skrtel told Liverpool's official website: "I remember this game and it was very difficult for us defenders because he is a great player.
"He's strong and a big lad and it's very difficult to play against him.
"Now I am happy he is in our team. It's good to have a player like him in our team.
"He's definitely one of the toughest strikers I've played against in the Premier League. He's strong, he is good with his head and he can keep the ball.
"I don't know how defenders will feel but they could be scared because Carroll and Suarez is a very strong forward line."
 
Messi leads Barcelona injury list after Sevilla


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 6:15 PM ET
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)

Lionel Messi is among five injured Barcelona players that could miss next Saturday's match against Getafe.

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The Argentina forward knocked knees with goalkeeper Javi Varas just before halftime of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sevilla but finished the match.
Barcelona says Messi's availability for the Getafe game is uncertain due to heavy bruising on his right knee.
Forward Pedro Rodriguez is a ''serious doubt'' to play due to a groin injury, while Brazilian fullback Adriano has a leg injury.
Brazil defender Daniel Alves' right ankle injury will also be monitored before a decision is made over his availability.
The Spanish leaders, ahead of Real Madrid by five points, are already without defender Carles Puyol.
 
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Alves demands progress over deal


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Updated Mar 14, 2011 11:13 AM ET
Dani Alves has questioned Barcelona's urgency in offering him a new deal and insists he wants an agreement reached "within a few days".
The Brazil full-back has been linked once again with a summer transfer to big-spending Manchester City in recent weeks but says he wishes to remain at the Nou Camp.

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Nevertheless the former Sevilla player appears less than satisfied by Barca's efforts to keep him.
"I don't feel the club have been doing their utmost to renew my contract, but that's just a feeling I have," he is quoted as telling Sport.
"I want an agreement to be reached within a few days.
"I don't like it that there have been so many rumours about me wanting to leave the club. I'm as committed to the club as anyone in the squad. I won't be a hypocrite though. If the club want to replace me it could cost them dear.
"What I want is for the club to value me depending on my importance and influence within the squad. If they do that, I'll be over the moon and if not, thanks for these years at the club.
"I will break my back for this team, even if I don't renew my current deal. It's a dream to form part of this dressing room and whatever is said or written, my name is already written in the history of this club."
 
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