After the 2-1 scoreline between Arsenal and Barcelona at The Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League, the Gunners now head to the Nou Camp next month with a great deal of confidence. Arsene Wenger’s men will be travelling to the Catalan region of Spain feeling that they can progress to the next round and knock out the La Liga champions. Similarly Arsenal fans will be sharing that belief when they travel to Spain’s second city and to enjoy some Champions League action at the Nou Camp. If you didn’t visit the Nou Camp last year and haven’t travelled to Barcelona for European football before, here is a guide to the Spanish city so that you can know everything you need to on your European trip.
The first thing you’ll want to do is get your hands on those coveted tickets for the match at the Nou Camp. The second leg takes place in Barcelona on Tuesday 8th March and you can check ticket availability by clicking here. The stadium is located in the west of Barcelona, approximately 5 km from the city centre. You can take the metro to Maria Cristina or Les Corts Stations on Line 3, or to Collblanc or Badal Stations on Line 5. If you go down the route of car hire and head into Barcelona from the north then you’ll want to search for car hire options, alongside flights, by clicking here.
There are a number of flight options available to you, although as the Champions League fixture approaches the demand for air travel to Barcelona is sure to increase. Flights are available from a number of airports in the UK, including London Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Luton direct to Barcelona International Airport. You can decide to stay in Barcelona for the night and get a return flight back the next day so that you can explore the Spanish city as well as watch the football.
Buy Barcelona v Arsenal Champions League tickets here!
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If you plan to stay in Barcelona for the night then you’ll need to book hotel accommodation alongside flights. The Football FanCast Travel Page is ideal for this as you can bring up all the hotels within a five mile radius of the Nou Camp. The available hotels are also listed in order of price so that your Spanish football trip doesn’t have to cost you the earth. A handy map illustrates just where you’ll be staying, too, with the Madanis hotel and Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel both on the doorstep of the Nou Camp.
So you can book football tickets, flights, hotel and accommodation for the Barcelona v Arsenal Champions League fixture with a couple of clicks of your mouse. This will ensure your trip to Spain is as simple as possible, then you just have to hope that the Gunners do the business in the Nou Camp.
Former West Ham United striker Ilan has admitted he would consider a return to the Premier League after his brief spell in England last season.
The Brazilian, who joined the Hammers on loan from French side St Etienne in January, scored four goals in 11 appearances to help ease their relegation fears.
Despite his efforts, the Londoners opted not to renew their interest, but the 29-year-old is confident of landing a contract with Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers thought to be keeping an eye on him.
Speaking to reporters, he said:"I did well in the Premier League and I was hoping to continue where I left off next season, but West Ham had other ideas, that's football.
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"I have a good record here and in France so I'm confident that a club in the UK or Europe will call my agent (Rob Shield) and I can get something sorted before training starts again."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Leeds fans have got yet another reason to love Luke Ayling, as the fan favourite defender said he would urge Kyle Bartley to re-join the club.
It is no coincidence that Leeds got their first clean sheet since February on Sunday on the day Luke Ayling returned to the team.
The 26 year-old right back’s injury was the start of the Leeds collapse this season, and “defensively frail” would be putting it lightly since the turn of the year.
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Another major factor in Leeds looking so poor at the back is the absence of Kyle Bartley, who returned to Swansea last summer after a brilliant loan spell at Elland Road.
Fans have been blasting the likes of Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper all season, and the return of Ayling could now be boosted further if he gets his way, as the defender claims he will try to get Bartley to return to Elland Road this summer.
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“I speak to him every day. I am going away with him twice this summer (to Vegas and Marbella). I’ll be in his ear, don’t you worry about that, trying to get him back,” Ayling said after the 2-0 win over QPR.
Leeds fans are loving the idea of a back four including Ayling, Bartley and impressive youngster Tom Pearce, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Well, well, well… the Premier League’s 2015/16 fixture list is out, and, although provisional for now, fans up and down the country are gearing up for another campaign of thrills and excitement, or heartbreak and disappointment – depending on which side is the subject of your undying love!
Of course the majority of the attention will be focused upon which team will be lifting the big prize come May, and after a procession to the title from Chelsea just about a month ago, it would be nice to see a spicy conclusion to the looming season. It may be a bit early to start predicting things – the transfer window hasn’t even opened yet! – but with the games laid out and the usual candidates (Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and, possibly, Liverpool) likely to be involved in the dramatic climax, we at FFC Towers have been looking ahead to the must-not-miss games of the 2015/16 campaign, and here are TEN we think could have a big impact on the home of the trophy…
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August 15: Manchester City vs. Chelsea
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The fixture gods have been kind this time around, and we fans won’t have to wait long for the first true epic of the season. Gameweek two presents us all with the chance to see last year’s big two clash in the shape of Man City and Chelsea, in what could be, even in August, a potentially big influencer in the title race. The tie ended 1-1 last year, with none other than Frank Lampard netting a late equaliser in the sky blue shirt…
September 12: Man United vs. Liverpool
Just over a month on, we’re predicting a true epic from Manchester United and Liverpool. By this point the Reds’ flimsy title hopes may have died, but even if they have, Louis van Gaal’s men are likely to be in it for the long run, so points against their bitter rivals will be welcome. The pair always produce top-notch bouts, and with an aggregate scoreline of 5-2 in United’s favour from last season, they’ll be confident.
October 31: Chelsea vs. Liverpool
One for the mid 2000s enthusiasts here. Chelsea vs. Liverpool was an almost weekly thing during the back ends of seasons 10 years ago, with European and cup clashes between Jose Mourinho’s and Rafa Benitez’s sides commonplace. The Blues undoubtedly hold the upper hand, but Liverpool have proven themselves to be unpredictable against the Londoners in recent years.
December 28: Man United v. Chelsea
The last epic of 2015 sees Man United host Chelsea. Although it’s early, these two are widely being tipped as the title favourites, and this mid-winter battle may send shockwaves through the remaining months of the campaign.
January 12: Liverpool vs. Arsenal
A dramatic 2-2 last season at Anfield was one of the more entertaining games away from the top end of the division. The pair could be in top four contention by now, but with Arsenal having looked like a true force over the back end of the season just gone, they could, realistically, aim for the coveted Premier League trophy. Liverpool, though, are no pushovers at home, so this one has all the hallmarks of an entertaining and important 90 minutes.
January 16: Stoke vs. Arsenal
Not a top-end bout in a conventional sense, but this fixture could tell us all we need to know about Arsenal’s credentials. Traditionally the Gunners struggle at the Britannia Stadium, with the ‘rough ‘n’ ready’ Potters very much the kryptonite to Wenger’s Superman. Last season Arsenal were trounced by Stoke away – and Wenger was booed onto the train home by fans – could there be a repeat?
January 23: Arsenal vs. Chelsea
An all-London affair with an edge. Although we’d heavily back Chelsea at the Bridge, the Emirates Stadium is a very different prospect, with Wenger’s side a force at home. This game could set up a very interesting latter half of the campaign.
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February 6: Chelsea vs. Man United
Chelsea back in action again here, but this time they’re at home to Man United. Two tactical juggernauts will face off in the shape of Jose and LVG, and the Stamford Bridge setting could be vital, with the Blues strong in the west end of the capital.
19 March: Man City vs. Man United
Although many City fans may be dressed as blue seats at the Etihad (jokes), this one will be a spicy affair. The Manchester derby always has more than the result riding on it, but with March very much the start of the sprint to the line, local pride could be joined by title ambitions in the prize pot.
May 7: Man City vs. Arsenal
The last massive one of the season. The penultimate weekend offers up Man City vs. Arsenal, and the loser may well be knocked out of the running for good. With points so vital in the last two games, a knockout blow could delivered at the Etihad Stadium. But to whom?
It has been a season of ups and downs for Liverpool. The failed tenures of Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish spelled out that serious institutional change was required at Anfield, and the task of bringing the club back towards old glories has been placed in the hands of Brendan Rodgers. But rather than making it into the top four and qualifying for the Champions League, as the Northern Irishman and several of the senior players had declared was their aim in the first half of the season, every step forwards by the Reds appears to be suddenly halted by a step back towards mid-table Premier League mediocrity.
It has left the fans frustrated on more than one occasion, and there are a strong contingent of supporters whom remain unimpressed with Rodgers efforts, with the club set to finish just a place higher than they did the campaign previous, behind local rivals Everton, and this time with no silverware to soften the blow. But is it a case of expectations being too high on Merseyside? Is the constant desire to assert Liverpool as a ‘big club’, despite having slid down the Premier league table over the past five years, in danger of stalling progress at Anfield? And is their continual target of Champions League football simply an unachievable goal?
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Labelling and defining can be a dangerous thing – just ask former Reds boss and current Chelsea ‘interim’ manager Rafa Benitez. Of course, the belief from Reds supporters that their side should remain a ‘big club’ is only natural, especially considering their successes during the 1980s, and their Champions League final win in 2005. But the fact is, Liverpool have never won a Premier League title since its incarnation in 1992, and their European cup-winning side included such ‘talents’ as Djimi Traore, Jersey Dudek and Milan Baros. Fate was on their side in Istanbul, and the Reds failed to qualify for the tournament the following year through their final standing in the Premier League.
Furthermore, the club have failed to keep up with the rising financial powerhouses of Chelsea and Manchester City. Whilst both have been privy to unprecedented finance at their disposal, Liverpool have overspent and wrongly invested in the transfer market for a number of years, eventually leading to the £35million purchase of Andy Carroll and a £20million investment in Stewart Downing, to name a few of their more recent transfer blunders. The Reds have slowly been buying players worse than what they’ve already got on their roster for years, and it has equated to a decline in the quality of the first team.
Liverpool may be a former European powerhouse, and they may have a worldwide fan base of 71 million supporters, but the reality is that they are no longer a member of the once proclaimed ‘unbreakable’ top four, and they haven’t made it to the group stages of the Champions League since 2009, and it is due to their players being of limited quality in comparison to their divisional rivals. Barring Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and perhaps Pepe Reina, would any of the Reds’ squad command a place in the starting XIs at any of the top five clubs?
Yet the pressure still remains on Brendan Rodgers to push the club beyond its means back towards Champions League qualification, and as he fails to achieve it, the disappointment grows. I find it surprising because, due to an outsider at least, the former Swansea manager has done rather well during his inaugural season as Liverpool boss, considering the circumstances.
Most importantly, the Northern Irishman has got the Anfield house in order. Although he will have to make a decision over Andy Carroll’s fate in the summer, he’s managed to put the sensitive issue on hold for the year, and furthermore, a number of the club’s least valuable yet most economically consuming assets, such as Joe Cole, are now off the books. At the same time, he’s turned a squad based around under-performing, overvalued has-beens into a roster geared towards youth and potential, with youngsters such as Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom coming into the fold, in addition to bringing in exciting talents such as Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, at unusually reasonable prices considering Liverpool’s rather dark transfer history.
There are always grumblings of discontent from fans, even at the most successful of clubs. But I fear the groans and moans may vent into something more serious next season should there be a considerable lack of progress, despite Rodgers’ scope for change being sufficiently limited. The papers are reporting a mere transfer kitty of just £20million for new recruits in the summer, and despite the number of senior players performing below par yet again this year, the club are hardly in a position to sell.
In an ideal world, there would be a major overhaul, with the likes of Stewart Downing, Martin Skrtel and Andy Carroll being shown the exit door, but with experienced players overall in short supply at Anfield, in addition to the fact that for at least two of the three previously mentioned players, potential buyers will be hard to come by, Rodgers appears obliged to make the best out of what he has already at his disposal, including the West Ham loanee.
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Next year, the fans, the players and the manager will all want Champions League football, but quite frankly, I do not believe it is a target within their means. The likes of Chelsea, City and Arsenal will all be spending big in the summer, yet the Reds will have a modest budget, which will most likely have the majority of it eaten up by the search for Jamie Carragher’s replacement. I fear the pressure can only make the situation more difficult for Rodgers and the players, knowing in their minds that another ‘best of the rest’ finish in the Premier League will not be enough. It’s the kind of pressure that can push clubs towards implosion and strip footballers of their confidence, further creating a self-perpetuating downward spiral.
It seems an illogical notion, but it is the club’s desperation to achieve that will hold them back next season, during what looks to be yet another troubling year for the club. Champions League football should not be the aim, as it is an unachievable goal considering the Reds’ limits in terms of quality, finance and ability to change up in time for next season. I do not wish to rid the Liverpool faithful of hope, but my concern is that a lack of progress will eventually be pinned upon Brendan Rodgers, despite the fact that the club could easily be in a worse position with King Kenny still at the helm.
He is a talented manager, at a club filled with potential, but the fact of the matter is, it is one of Liverpool’s lowest points in terms of on-pitch success throughout their prestigious history. There is no quick fix or easy solution, and similarly, one will not be thought of in time for next season. What the Reds need to once again become a ‘big club’ is time, and pressure to climb up the table and into Europe from fans, before the level of finance and quality of the first team is in place, can only stall the gradual progress.
According to reports by Spanish media outlet El Bernabeu, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale this summer, and he could be a replacement for Anthony Martial.
What’s the word, then?
Well, El Bernabeu says that Bale, rated at £63m by Transfermarkt, is likely to leave the La Liga giants this summer and his destination will be Manchester.
El Bernabeu says that the Wales international’s preference is to link up with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, and he dreams of inheriting the number 11 shirt that fellow Welshman Ryan Giggs wore for more than 20 years.
The report adds that Bale could be a replacement for Anthony Martial, whom they are willing to sell at the end of the season even though their fans on Twitter are desperate for him to stay, although Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool could be potential other destinations for the 28-year-old.
How has Bale done this season?
It has been another injury-hit campaign for the Wales international, but he has still made 33 appearances in all competitions under Zinedine Zidane, scoring 14 goals and providing a further eight assists.
According to WhoScored.com, the 28-year-old has made 47 key passes in 27 outings in La Liga and the Champions League this term, while he has successfully completed 29 of the 47 dribbles he has attempted, as well as winning 32 aerial duels.
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Would he be a good signing for United?
It’s difficult to say and depends where Mourinho intends to play him.
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The left wing and centre-forward positions are seemingly unavailable as they are filled by Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, which means that the Welshman would likely play on the right of a front three if he did move to Old Trafford during the summer.
His injury issues over the course of the past few seasons would certainly be a concern, but Bale continues to show the qualities that he has when he is on the pitch, and if he can be picked up for a reasonable fee then there is no reason why he couldn’t make a huge impact under Jose Mourinho.
With the Premier League season heading into its final few matches, it’s that time of year when those who have impressed throughout the campaign are recognised as the individual accolades start to be dished out.
This week saw the announcement of the PFA player of the year nominations, with the six-man shortlist revealed the award. Harry Kane, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, David de Gea and Philippe Coutinho are the names shortlisted for the prize, with each one having enjoyed hugely impressive campaigns for their respective clubs.
But aside from the main trophies, there are also 11 spots to be filled in the team of the year that, as ever, looks to be a difficult selection.
There’s sure to BE plenty of different opinions as to what would constitute the strongest team based on their form this season and although certain positions will cause disagreement, others are much simpler to fill.
And with this in mind, here is one possible team of the season to start the ball rolling Do you agree and if not what would be your choice?
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David de Gea
David de Gea has had another terrific season in the Manchester United goal and continues to get better and better.
His contribution to the team has been immense and some brilliant saves have proved the difference between winning and losing on numerous occasions.
Despite some clear defensive issues, United have the third best defensive record in the division, with the Spaniard playing a big part in helping achieve this feat.
Branislav Ivanovic
Chelsea surge to the Premier League title has once again been based on their defensive solidarity, having only conceded 26 goals this season.
But while Branislav Ivanovic has been an important part of their back four, his contribution at the other end of the filed has proved just as important.
Having been utilised at right-back for much of the campaign, the Serb has netted six goals this season, and were it not for crucial goals against Aston Villa and Burnley the Blues wouldn’t be sitting so comfortably.
John Terry
Like Ivanovic; John Terry has been pivotal to the success of Chelsea this season, and the skipper has shown no signs that he is finished playing at the top level just yet.
The 34-year-old has made an impressive 42 appearances this season, and as well as scoring six times he recently signed a new contract extension meaning he will remain at Stamford Bridge for another year at least.
Laurent Koscielny
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Arsenal’s impressive run of good form has seen them emerge as favourites for second place and there have been signs in recent months that they have become a more defensively adept side after grinding out some important victories.
Laurent Koscielny is a big part of this and he has once again excelled at the centre of their defence to show why he is considered as one of the league’s best defenders.
Ryan Bertrand
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Southampton have been the Premier League’s surprise package this season and could still secure a European spot for next season; an outstanding achievement given the comings and goings at St Mary’s last summer.
A strong defence has been the basis for their success and, with just 22 goals against them, they have the best defensive record in the top flight.
Left-back Ryan Bertrand has been one of their star performers and he certainly warrants a place in the team of the season after some assured displays.
Jordan Henderson
Probably the most controversial inclusion, but one that could be justified given the improvement Jordan Henderson has made once again this season.
The soon to be captain of Liverpool has proved he can adequately fill the void left by Steven Gerrard, and he has developed into one of the clubs most important players thanks to his superb energy levels in the middle of the park.
Henderson has also improved his tally in front of goal with seven to his name and is a player Liverpool will need to tie down to a contract in the near future.
Cesc Fabregas
Having gone off the boil in recent weeks, Cesc Fabregas proved his value once more with a late winner at QPR last weekend to inch Chelsea closer to the title.
But the Spaniard was in mesmerising form towards the beginning of the campaign and at times was playing a part in almost every goal as he gained assist after assist.
He’s arguably the best midfielder in the league and there’s certainly no questioning his inclusion in this team.
Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal pulled off one of the signings of the summer when they brought Alexis Sanchez to the Emirates from Barcelona, and his performances have certainly lived up to expectations.
The Chilean took no time to adapt to English football and with 20 goals to his name he hasn’t disappointed.
There’s no doubting Arsenal would not be in the position they find themselves in were it not for Sanchez, who scored some vital goals at a time when the side were not firing on all cylinders.
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Eden Hazard
The favourite to take the crown of PFA player of the year, Eden Hazard has taken his game to the next level and has to be considered as one of the world’s best players.
He has been the difference for Chelsea on a number of occasions and looks a threat almost every time he picks up the ball.
The winger has scored 18 goals already this season, and really has matured as a player who now delivers on a consistent basis.
Harry Kane
The rise of Harry Kane has been one of the stories of the season and having come from nowhere he has quickly become one of England’s hottest properties.
With problems upfront, Kane was thrust into the Tottenham team and hasn’t looked backed since netting an impressive 19 league goals and 29 in all competitions.
It’s remarkable to think where Spurs would be without him, but impressive performances have put him at the forefront to pick up the young player of the year award and make his inclusion in the team of the season somewhat inevitable.
Diego Costa
Despite his fair share of injury problems, Diego Costa has proven to be a great signing for Chelsea and could end the season with a golden boot to go alongside his Premier League winner’s medal.
Since arriving from Spain in the summer, Costa has caused headaches for plenty of defences this season and his 19 league goals have gone along way to ensuring Chelsea remain in the box set heading into the
England manager Roy Hodgson has said he has no concerns about striker Wayne Rooney’s disciplinary record.
Manchester United star has been sent off twice in his career with the national team, but his coach believes his attitude on the pitch has been generally good and will not treat him exceptionally.
The Manchester United striker was most recently sent off against Montenegro in a crucial game of the Euro 2012 qualifier, ultimately being banned for the two first games the Three Lions played in the tournament.
“His disciplinary record actually, ignoring that occasion [Montenegro] which he paid dearly for, has been very good”, Hodgson told Sky Sports.
“I will be speaking to all the players. Away matches at this level of football require a lot of discipline, not only tactical discipline but also mental”.
“But I won’t be singling out Wayne for that. He has not let me down as a player so I have no reason to doubt him”, he assured.
The England squad meets up on Monday to prepare World Cup qualifier game against San Marino and the 65 year-old does not expect to find any confidence problems in Rooney, despite having been left out in the crucial Champions League game against Real Madrid.
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“He’s scoring goals isn’t he? There’s no reason for his confidence to be fragile. He’s played so many games, he’s so experienced.” He concluded.
Leeds United wished fan favourite Pablo Hernandez a happy birthday on Wednesday, and Leeds fans all know what his present should be.
Paul Heckingbottom’s miserable time as Leeds boss continued on Tuesday night as goals from Paul Gallagher, Sean Maguire and Alan Browne secured a 3-1 win for Preston North End at Deepdale.
Despite their frustrations with yet another poor result, fans are now more focused on next season than this one, with the club dangling in mid-table just waiting for the season to end.
While serious additions need to be made at Elland Road, keeping the quality they already have should be the first priority, and fans have been concerned over the length of Pablo Hernadez’s contract talks.
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The brilliant Spaniard has been far and away the best player at Elland Road this season, and fans were ecstatic when he entered talks over a new deal last month, but concerns have grown over the lack of concrete news on an extension.
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The club wished Hernandez a happy 33rd birthday on Wednesday, and everyone is saying the same thing – that his present should be a new contract!
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
So even though the ghost of Danny Welbeck came back to haunt Old Trafford on Monday night, Manchester United were still right to let the player go. A simple misplaced pass by Antonio Valencia allowed the now Gunner to put the ball past goalkeeper David De Gea and as fate would have it, his goal is what has knocked United out of the FA Cup; the Red Devils’ last chance at silverware this term. It was a fairytale ending for Welbeck that night but as United and Arsenal both know, the England international is rarely a match winner!
He was well within his right to celebrate. He is a Gooner now and must focus on winning over the Arsenal faithful. Honestly the only contentious point clouding Welbeck’s departure was the price he left for. No, he was no legend at the club and although he didn’t fit the new-look United, not scoring enough goals for Louis van Gaal to keep him does not change the fact that he was still a promising young centre forward with experience at the highest levels. A paltry £16 million was akin to just giving him to one of our biggest rivals for free.
Welbeck has scored four times in the Premier League for Arsenal and though Arsene Wenger looks highly likely to have orchestrated another great escape this season with ten games to go and sitting pretty in third, it has not been down to any of Welbeck’s brilliance. Alexis Sanchez is the Gunners’ top scorer with 13 goals to his name and it is his eye for goal, not Welbeck’s which will surely see them play once more in the Champion’s League for the 18th consecutive season.
It is still a shame that a player who started his United career at the tender age of eight is now wearing the red shirt of Arsenal but like many of the players that Red Devils boss van Gaal cut loose last summer, Welbeck just didn’t fit the bill. Others will follow come the next window as LVG attempts to bring glory back to Old Trafford once again.
Following his departure, Manchester United have brought in Colombian Radamel Falcao on a year-long loan deal to take over his role up front. Falcao has obviously struggled and his time may also be permanently coming to an end so there is likely to be yet another incoming next season to produce the goals that both himself and ageing Robin van Persie have failed to provide. Only then once United have an in-form striker will Welbeck’s weaknesses be fully highlighted.
Over the last seven months with Arsenal, Welbeck has had his good days and his bad ones. Monday night is sure to rank quite highly on that list but in a season where others like Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, on ten goals, have completely overshadowed him, he’ll need to up his game or risk becoming surplus to requirements like poor Javier Hernandez is at Real Madrid.
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A striker will always be judged for how lethal he is in front of goal and Welbeck is not yet a player that strikes fear into defenders.