Had it not been for an injury on mid-week Three Lions duty, at the epicentre today’s FA Cup clash between Arsenal and Everton would have been a midfield battle between two lads in hot competition for a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad – Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley.
Regardless, in Wilshere’s absence, the Toffees prodigy gave a strong account of himself, despite the 4-1 scoreline, so we’ve come up with a list of three reasons why Barkley should be on the plane to Brazil, illustrated throughout this afternoon’s ninety minutes.
1. Ability on the ball.
Amid all this talk about English football being in the dark ages and debates over our cultural inability to pass the ball properly, the 20 year-old’s technique is incredibly refreshing. The ITV studio pundits questioned Barkley’s end product before the match, but he soon silenced them with this vital contribution to the Toffees’ only goal of the afternoon, in the form of a whipping, devious cross;
https://vine.co/v/MqOtxdw3b7O/embed/simple
2. Power and penetration.
Another area the Three Lions currently lack is mobility and penetration, especially on the break. But once again, Barkley gave evidence this afternoon that he’s capable of filling that void. Prior to the exceptional delivery discussed in point one, the Goodison starlet picked up the ball just outside of Everton’s box, before driving up almost the entirety of the pitch before linking up with Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku to aid the Toffee’s first of the afternoon. The powerful, surging run delighted Twitter:
3. The competition.
Competition for a place at the heart of England’s midfield is incredibly fierce, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the overall quality. In today’s action alone, Barkley convinced a strong Twitter contingent that he’s far more deserving of a spot in the World Cup squad than many of his young, central midfield rivals. Namely Jack Wilshere – who has struggled for fitness and form all season – and Tom Cleverley, who, well… just isn’t very good at football.
As we prepare for the Semi-Final of this year’s Capital One Cup, we take a look at a combined XI of all the players involved as Manchester United, Sunderland, Manchester City and West Ham all vie for a place in the Final at Wembley.
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
Manchester United’s Spanish shotstopper hasn’t conceded in the Capital One Cup so far this season and will be the man to beat in the Semi-Finals.
Having pulled off some wonder saves in the earlier rounds of the competition, United fans will be hoping he is in similar form to book their place in the Final at Wembley.
Right back – Rafael De Silva
The full-back from Old Trafford has put in some influential attacking displays so far for David Moyes, giving his side a lot of opportunities on the overlap. The Brazilian makes the side for this reason.
Centre back – John O’Shea
Sunderland enjoyed an impressive victory against Chelsea and John O’Shea has been at the heart of the defence for Gus Poyet’s side, showing why he used to play at the top of the Premier League for fellow Semi-Finalists Manchester United just a few years ago.
Centre back – Joleon Lescott
Having lost his place in City’s Premier League starting XI to Martin Demichelis, the England international has been brilliant in the Capital One Cup so far, leading the blue side of Manchester into the Semi-Finals with some stoic performances.
Left-back – Patrice Evra
The Manchester United captain scored a fantastic goal in Round 5 of the Capital One Cup, helping ease the pressure on manager David Moyes as they reached the Semi-Finals.
Yet again, Patrice Evra has been solid at the back this year and has also given a lot of attacking threat when going forward.
Centre midfield – Jack Collison
West Ham’s performances have been driven by their midfield this year in the Capital One Cup and Jack Collison has had an enormous contribution to his side’s success.
The 25-year-old scored a penalty against Burnley and has done a lot of the dirty work in winning back possession for the Hammers this season.
Centre midfield – Ravel Morrison
The ex-Manchester United midfielder has been Sam Allardyce’s best player this season. With his creativity and flair, the young England prodigy will be the key to West Ham’s success and potentially his country’s performance at this year’s World Cup too.
Left midfield – Adam Johnson
The former ManchesterCity winger is not easy to play against and is often at the heart of every Sunderland attack. With the ability to beat his man and deliver a wicked cross, he’s a dangerous weapon for the Black Cats. Also able to bag himself a goal or two, Johnson has rebuilt his career at the Stadium of Light and will be a big threat to Manchester United in the Semi-Finals.
Right midfield – Jesus Navas
City’s new Spanish midfielder has taken to life in Manchester rather well, having made his move from Sevilla in the summer. Navas has been the focal point for ManCity’s attacks this season and the Spaniard has not only scored important goals but created plenty too. He will be integral to the Citizens’ season as they look to clinch their first piece of silverware this year in the Capital One Cup.
Striker – Edin Dzeko
Manuel Pellegrini’s attacking options are far from limited, but the Bosnian striker has certainly taken his chance in the Capital One Cup to attract the attention of his Chilean manager.
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Scoring twice to help secure his side’s place in the Semi-Finals this year, Dzeko is second in the top goalscorers so far having bagged himself four goals in three games in this year’s Capital One Cup.
Striker – Javier Hernandez
Manchester United’s Mexican striker has a proven goal-scoring streak at this level and David Moyes will be very happy with his contribution to the success they’ve had so far in the Capital One Cup.
Hernandez has scored three times in three games so far in the competition and will be looking to bag a couple more to help his side reach the Final.
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Tottenham’s Brazilian midfielder, Paulinho, has emerged as a potential target for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea this summer, according to reports in the Telegraph. His £17million move from Corinthians in the summer was considered one of the more exciting transfers in the Premier League, as Spurs made moves to compensate for the expected departure of Gareth Bale.
A promising start to both Paulinho and Tottenham’s season soon became forgotten as Spurs’ season petered out into yet another trudge into the Thursday night doldrums they have been trying to avoid for the past three seasons.
Paulinho has recently fallen victim to Tim Sherwood’s erratic management at Spurs, and has had to make do with substitute appearances in recent weeks. With Chelsea and Mourinho on the scene, you start to wonder how long his Spurs adventure will continue for.
The Brazilian has hardly set the league alight since he arrived in the summer, so some may view the rumours as slightly obscure. He’s only really performed for Tottenham in fits and starts, so for many it may be difficult to understand what Chelsea see in Paulinho.
Well, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has already named nine players of his 23-man squad to play in the World Cup, and Paulinho is one of them. Scolari has been willing to overlook Paulinho’s indifferent form at Tottenham this season because, quite frankly, he’s a damn good footballer. And with the breadth of selection Scolari has to choose from, to be named as one of his first nine picks, is a measure of how highly he is rated in his home country.
Statistically speaking, Paulinho’s performances for Tottenham this season have actually been acceptable. He boasts an 85 per cent pass completion, and averages 2.2 tackles per game. Both in and out of possession he is an asset. With five goals, primarily from a holding role in midfield, his scoring form hasn’t been a disappointment by any stretch of the imagination.
Paulinho would add more flair and energy into Chelsea’s midfield. With Chelsea’s central midfield soon to suffer from an ageing Frank Lampard, an out of favour – and quite frankly limited – John Obi Mikel, and a potential departure in the shape of their fuzzy-haired, overgrown child, David Luiz, gaping holes soon appear. And Paulinho may just fill one of those holes nicely.
Furthermore, the heavy Brazilian influence at Chelsea – Oscar, Ramires, Willian, David Luiz – may just prove to be alluring for Paulinho. It makes the switch feel like a match made in heaven.
Whether Paulinho provides an ‘answer’ to the problems at Chelsea is questionable however. Central midfield isn’t an area they urgently lack quality. Chelsea’s problem this season hasn’t been input. It’s been output. Woefully misfiring strikers are Jose Mourinho’s primary concern. Paulinho isn’t a player brought in to add goals to the side, so in answer to whether he is the ‘answer’, quite simply, no.
He’s had a year to acclimatise to the demands of the Premier League, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Paulinho recreate some of his international form more regularly. And for Chelsea, his added athleticism in midfield may not go amiss.
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So far the Premier League hasn’t seen the Paulinho that turned up at the Confederations Cup for Brazil in the summer of 2013. The player who has meandered – at times uninterestedly – around the field for Spurs, is not the high-energy, flair player Scolari is taking to the World Cup. On home soil, with a Brazilian following, the midfielder will come alive this summer.
With the right players around him, and the right management, we could very well see the player who Tottenham thought they were signing from Corinthians for a club record fee. If those players happen to be Chelsea’s players, and that management is Mourinho’s, don’t be surprised to see Paulinho become a Premier League force.
With Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly keen on Bernard, fans of both clubs will be eager to catch a glimpse of the 21 year old tonight. Although he is not yet considered an integral member of the Brazilian setup just yet, the Shakhtar Donetsk forward is regarded as one of his country’s finest young talents.
Having missed out on the winger last summer when he made the move to Ukraine, speculation is mounting that these Premier League heavyweights could be readying offers once again. The player himself refuses to speak “about the possibility of a transfer” due to his focus on the World Cup. Reports in Brazil claim however that the Bernard’s representatives are attempting to cancel his contract due to the current political unrest in the Ukraine.
Standing at just 5 foot 5 inches, the 21 year old has frequently had to overcome doubts over his diminutive stature. With a clear weakness in physical strength, there are those that question whether Bernard is really suited to the style of the Premier League.
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But as he has proven for club and country, the forward has an electric turn of pace which perfectly complements his technique and low centre of gravity. Bernard frequently beats his man with a one-two or a quick flick, as well as his raw pace. The 21 year old likes to drift out wide and has demonstrated a keen eye for goal.
Whilst Bernard will most likely be utilised as an impact substitute at this year’s World Cup, he is expected to have a big future for Brazil. Concerns will always linger over his stature, but Arsenal or Liverpool could be rewarded handsomely if they make a move for the winger this summer.
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Southampton have added Toby Alderweireld and Sadio Mane to their ranks after the pair completed their deadline day switch from Atletico Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg respectively.
Alderweireld, 25, who plays as a full-back and was part of the squad that won the Spanish La Liga, made his switch to the St. Mary’s Stadium on a season-long loan.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Alderweireld told the club’s official website.
“I had a good talk with the coach. First of all, it was very important for me to play this season and the coach gave me a good solution for that.
“The trainer likes how I play and really wanted me to come here, which is what convinced me to come. I really wanted a trainer that believes in me, because that’s important.
“I think this is an upcoming club. Southampton put a lot of effort in to get me, so now I want to give something back to the club by doing my best to help the team. I want to give everything for Southampton.”
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Another deadline day signing was Senegalese winger Mane, 22, who has a very impressive scoring record, notching 45 goals in 87 appearances.
He joins the Saints for £10million on a four year deal with manager Ronald Koeman praising his new acquisition.
“Right from the first meeting I had with Les Reed, when it was clear that we would have to change a lot, Sadio was on our list of potential players.
“I know the player because last season Ajax Amsterdam played against Red Bull Salzburg in Europe, and I saw him playing and I was impressed with his qualities and with the physicality that he showed.
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“He can play in different positions in the attack – he can play on the left or right side and also as a number nine. It is incredible how many goals he has scored from his position, and I hope that he will do the same for us.
“With the way that we play and the fact that I know him very well, this is a good step forward for him.”
England manager Roy Hodgson has hailed Wayne Rooney ahead of the Manchester United star’s 100th cap for the national side, Daily Star reports.
The Football Association usually hands out the landmark award after the player plays his 100th game, but they are willing to break tradition and present the achievement to the 29-year-old before the Three Lions’ Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia.
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Man United legend Sir Bobby Charlton is set to give the accolade and England boss Roy Hodgson believes there is still more to come from Rooney, who only needs seven more goals to beat Charlton’s all-time England record of 49.
“I think he will become better,” said Hodgson. “I think that he has had a turbulent career, bursting on to the scene as the wonder kid and being the saviour of English football.
“He has had to suffer the slings and arrows because of the times, when, of course, he has not been able to be the saviour of English football and people have criticised him for it.
“Having built him up to a very high level they have worked very hard to knock him right back down again.
“I think that has given him an incredible maturity and strength and I think that all the qualities he had at 19 he basically still possesses.
“But what he does have, which he didn’t have at 19 or 24 or 25, is this incredible experience, this incredible belief and mental strength.
“That is something we will need going forward, mental strength – that’s a harder thing to teach or to instil in the squad then tactics or technique.
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“It’s good that people like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard , John Terry and Ashley Cole before Wayne were able to do that but now Wayne really finds himself as a last bastion of this group of players who played together in very good England team.”
West Ham United currently find themselves in the dizzy heights of the top four and it has to be said that no one would have tipped them to be where they are now at the start of the season.
Mark Lawrenson, the BBC football pundit for Match Of The Day stated what most people were thinking, that you would have expected the Hammers to be sitting in the bottom six at this stage with a quarter of the season played. Last season was a disaster for the east London side, fighting a relegation battle for the majority of the campaign using an injury plagued squad with players regularly being asked to perform out of position and not offering much of a threat in terms of scoring goals to kill a game off when they were in the lead.
Sam Allardyce’s head was being called for by the fans due to their struggle and lack of exciting football. But on reflection, last season was the only bad season they have had so far under Allardyce, and a lot of the poor football on display was merely a reflection of the poor squad strength and choice of players that they had.
Fast forward to this current campaign and it is clear to see that the choice of players is much better. They have recruited very well in the summer transfer window and can now boast some strength in depth, which hasn’t been the case for some time now. Take Cheikhou Kouyate, for example. Despite being one of the Hammers’ best players in the early part of the season, he suffered an injury that handed Alex Song the chance to slot nicely in to the holding position of their new diamond formation. Throughout his time on the sidelines, West Ham rarely noticed the absence of their African powerhouse as much as they perhaps might have done a year ago.
There are also very talented players on the sidelines that can’t even make the bench at the moment, such is the depth of the squad. Argentine forward Mauro Zarate, who also had an impressive start to his West Ham career, has ended up out of the match day squad through no fault of his own, but purely on the merit of the players that have been playing and keeping him out of the starting XI.
The quality of the new faces in the West Ham team, alongside the revitalised and much improved existing players like Stewart Downing, Mark Noble and James Collins, has seen the Hammers finally produce the sort of football that the fans have been craving for the last couple of years. And it is playing such exciting and attacking football, whilst keeping the ‘defend from the front and be hard to break down’ philosophy, that the club have discovered their winning mentality and lack of fear regardless of the opposition.
They have found the ability to grind out a win when the performances have not been up to par, like they did against Burnely and QPR, and they have also discovered how to score goals, with the fourth best goal difference in the league so far having already netted 17 times in their opening nine games.
Their winning mentality, their ability to attack without fear and discovery on how to win games by play their brand of football, regardless of the strength of their opponents, has earned them their place in the top four so far. It is by no means a lucky occurrence or a fluke of any kind and it’s safe to say that they will be fighting for a top 10 finish this season without the fear of looking over their shoulders and being dragged into a relegation battle.
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Their latest game against Manchester City was a great example of their merit. They fought, outplayed and out witted the Premier League champions and fully deserved the three points. If Allardyce can continue to get his side playing at this level consistently then it will be proof that their claims of being deserving of top ten, or even top six, football as more than justified.
“Could Guidetti’s place be under threat? Yeah. We have big competition in the team,
“John hadn’t played football for two years before he came here. He started well and now he has had a dip.
“He must be physically stronger. Scoring once from 14 chances is way too little and it is the second match we have done it.”
Ronny Delia’s words were pretty damning for John Guidetti, who once again misfired against Dundee as Celtic slipped to a 2-1 loss. The Manchester City loanee has been a success in Glasgow since his summer arrival, but a recent slump has led to calls for the Swede to be axed from the starting XI, which now appears to be a genuine option for the Bhoys’ boss.
Although there are no suggestions that he may be shipped back to Manchester City next month, things can escalate quickly in top level football, so we think it’s important that Celtic stick by their Scandinavian marksman… and here are FIVE reasons why…
He’s been in top form
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Ten goals in 15 outings is some going. Even with his recent mini drought, Guidetti has an average of two in three for the Glasgow giants, illustrating just how well he has adapted to Scottish football.
For all the criticism aimed at football north of the border, putting the ball in the back of the net is still putting the ball in the back of the net, which the player himself has done well.
Man City are ready to sell
While Guidetti’s contract expires at the end of the season, there are suggestions that Man City are keen to sell next month in a bid to get some cash in for their striker. While paying up when he’s available for free soon is by no means ideal, a £3m hit may be enough to ensure that the Swede stays in Glasgow, with other clubs across Europe sniffing around ahead of Bosman swoops.
Proven scorer when fit
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Guidetti’s career has, so far, been one interrupted by injury. Although just 22, the forward has spent large chunks of time on the treatment table, but during spells of full fitness he’s been deadly.
His spell in Holland with Feyenoord is perhaps the best example of how lethal Guidetti can be, with a return of 20 goals in 23 games having led to suggestions, at the time, he had a big future with Man City. Fitness problems curtailed this, but now he’s back to near peak condition, he’s banging in the goals for Celtic. Coincidence? Probably not.
Long-term option
At 22, Guidetti has plenty of time in front of him. The powerful ace has all of the skills to be a top marksman, and could be a long-term option for Celtic. If he maintains his form it may be tricky to convince the youngster to commit the bulk of his career to Scottish action, but two or three years is not beyond the realms of possibility.
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The new Henrik Larsson?
Football – Celtic v Seville Friendly Match – Celtic Park – 25/5/04Celtic Fans with Henrik Larsson bannerMandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
It may be a little lazy to draw the Larsson comparisons between two Swedes, but Guidetti does have the potential to be a Celtic talisman, as his compatriot once was. The current Bhoys ace differs from the man who went on to represent Man United and Barcelona in a lot of ways, but the two players’ output can be measured in goals.
From the dizzying run towards a first ever Premier League title last season, which evaporated with Luis Suarez’s tears at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, to a midtable scrap, 2014 was a rollercoaster for Liverpool. The Reds saw their Uruguayan exit, have been without Daniel Sturridge for some time and have endured the Mario Balotelli sideshow rumbling away, which all contributed to the slide.But, 2015 has been, so far, much better for Brendan Rodgers and his side, who are now mounting a – albeit late – charge for Champions League qualification. However, could next season see another push for the biggest prize? We think so, and here are FIVE reasons why…
Future is bright
The rise of Jordon Ibe over the course of the past few days has opened the door for much praise to be sent in the direction of Anfield. The 19-year-old – who is exactly 365 days youngster than Raheem Sterling – was re-called from an impressive loan spell at Derby in January and was thrown into the starting XI by Rodgers for the first time this term away at Goodison Park… some test. However, despite playing at wing-back – Ibe is winger by trade – the teenager shone, and was a genuine outlet for the Reds down the flank. He once again starred against Spurs, with his driving forward runs and decision making in the final third making it hard to believe that he’s so young.
And Ibe is not the only youngster shining on the red half of Merseyside, with Lazar Markovic and Sterling 20 and Emre Can 21, just! As well as these first-teamers, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho are by no means ‘old timers’.
Improving record
The first half of the season was one to forget for the Reds. The adjustment period from the exit of Luis Suarez was always going to be tough, and Daniel Sturridge’s injury only served to make the transition even more rocky. Losses to both Aston Villa and Manchester United were limp, yet home draws with Hull and Sunderland were particularly worrying given the lack of attacking guile on show.
But, the turning point came after Christmas as Rodgers switched to a 3-4-2-1 with Sterling up front, and the results have been staggering. The Reds are currently top of the 2015 form table with 20 points since xmas day, some turnaround. With the problems now looking a distant memory, maybe… just maybe next season can be a non-stuttering one.
Gerrard replacement has been found…
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Gerrard’s looming exit has given the end of the season a ‘farewell tour’ feel with ‘Gerro’s’ last clashes against some of the Premier League’s elite teams enough for lazy headline writers to relax for the coming months. Even though his powers are waning – his pace and power have faded – he 34-year-old’s move to LA Galaxy will leave a massive hole in the Anfield midfield.
But the man to plug the gap could be Can, who, despite playing in a back three recently, looks set to move up the pitch when needed. A cameo in the middle third against Spurs showed just what the 21-year-old German offers, with composed passing, energy, explosive power and driving runs all hallmarks of his game. The future is bright!
Mignolet is back
Bombed out of the XI for Brad Jones (who would barely make the team for many Championship clubs) ahead of the Man United loss, Mignolet’s future looked bleak. Goalkeeper links dominated gossip columns through January, but a welcome back into the side at Burnley – Jones got injured – has coincided with an upturn in performance from the ex-Sunderland man.
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Mignolet appears to have grown in confidence with a solid back three in front of him, with the erratic Dejan Lovren’s exodus, potentially, playing a part. ‘Migs’ has always been a good shot-stopper, but he now appears more commanding in his area, while his distribution is now a little more assertive.
Potential summer signings
A £110m spend is unlikely to be repeated, but even if a top four finish is not secured, it’s likely that Rodgers will have some cash to splash. Divock Origi is already booked up to head in from Lille when his loan spell ends, while the lure of Anfield will always pull top players to Merseyside, even if Liverpool have struggled to get marquee men in for some time.
The Premier League might be about to receive a bit of a shake up.
While Mourinho has been his loud usual self and Manchester City have been taking the headlines, Arsenal have been quietly getting on with business each week. The Gunners had a fantastic game against their London rivals West Ham at the weekend and if they carry on playing like that then anything is possible.
Arsenal could be set to retain the FA Cup, steal second place in the Premier League and they are still in with a chance of progressing in the Champions League. Monaco may be in extremely good form at present – conceding just four goals in 17 outings – but Arsenal’s form is equally as impressive.
Their latest victory, the 3-0 thrashing of West Ham, was Arsenal’s fourteenth from their last 17 outings in all competitions. At the start of the season no one would have believed it was possible.
They failed to beat Everton, Leicester, Hull, Swansea and Stoke – so how have they become one of Chelsea’s closest rivals for the title?
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Manchester City failed to win again at the weekend, losing 1-0 to relegation contenders Burnley, and with their chances of securing the title for the second year in a row looking less likely, Arsenal appear to be showing some intent on upsetting what initially looked like a forgone conclusion.
The Gunners have won four in a row since their defeat in the first leg of the Champions League against Monaco and they have had over 20 different goal scorers in all competitions this season. At the beginning of the season there was a clear divide in the Arsenal fan base between those who wanted Wenger to stay and those who wanted him to go, but he could be about to pull off their best season in a number of years.
The camp is still divided, though, as many believe it is time to start the post-Wenger era of Arsenal’s existence, but the Gunners’ manager is confident that they can overcome a first-leg 3-1 defeat to beat Monaco tonight and is proving he might still be the perfect man to guide Arsenal forwards.
Realistically, Arsenal look set to be the only English team who could qualify for the next round of the Champions League. Manchester City lost their first-leg against Barcelona and, with their current form, it seems unlikely that they can come from behind at the Bernabeu.
If Arsenal manage to beat Monaco and City are knocked out, it could be the final push Arsenal need to force a way in to the top two of the Premier League.
They are only seven points behind leaders Chelsea and, with them already of the Champions League, the Blues; against PSG seemed to be playing on their minds during their 1-1 home draw with Southampton on Sunday.
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Wenger’s critics seemed to have quietened down over recent weeks and their win over Manchester United in the FA Cup an fantastic performance against West Ham means things may just be improving for the veteran manager.
If their form continues until now and the end of the campaign hen it may just be one of Arsenal’s best seasons in quite a few years.