Paper News and Gossip: Reds Target Title, RvP Should Go, Jose Fumes and More
Liverpool fans are likely to have a spring in their step as they head to work, Manchester United fans may well want to take the day off.
There were mixed emotions in the North West. It was a similar story in North London and thereโs plenty of reaction to the big games over the weekend.
Chelsea were the weekendโs major losers, and Jose Mourinho has put the focus on the referee.
Letโs not forget the transfer window is a matter of months away, and thereโs plenty of speculation in the papers.
All this and more feature in Mondayโs edition of the Paper News and Gossip Roundup.
Joy for Reds, Pain for United
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A 3-0 home mauling at the hands of their bitter rivals Liverpool. The headlines were never likely to be pretty for Manchester United, and the papers have had disappointed.
"Nightmare" was the headline to Graeme Yorkeโs piece in the Mail in reaction to Wayne Rooneyโs views on the loss.
Jamie Redknapp has used his column in the Mail to question the roles of Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini in the United team.
Neil Custis of the Sun (subscription required) goes with a headline of "Wayneโs Pain" to top his piece.
The Telegraphโs football pullout, which focused on Henry Winterโs report, went with the simple but effective "Gerrardโs dream, Rooneyโs nightmare."
Mirror lead writer Oliver Holt pulled no punches, with his column going with a title of โShambolic United, hungry Liverpoolโฆthe tide has turned.โ
Gerrard Ready for Liverpool Title Push
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It might not be good for United, but itโs pretty rosy in the Liverpool garden.
Title talk is finally allowed to be discussed in public, and captain Steven Gerrard has made it clear that the Reds feel they can lift their first Premier League crown.
Gerrard scored two penalties in the 3-0 win and he fired a warning to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Mailโs Ian Ladyman has the quotes:
"I think we have shown out there that we are genuine contenders and we are going to fight to the end.
We believe it. In football it is easy to talk the talk.
We have to believe we're going for it.
"
United Have to Let Van Persie Go
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Manchester Unitedโs title dream ended long ago, and itโs been a nightmare season for Robin van Persie.
Injuries and a loss of form have seen his level drop off the heights of 12 months ago, and Martin Allen feels the Dutchman has slipped so far that he should be shown the Old Trafford exit door.
In his column in the Mail, Allen feels United should do what is best for the club and remove him before negativity spreads through the dressing room.
"I've being saying it for months that Robin van Persie needs to be shown the exit door at Manchester United.
He was woeful against Liverpool.
As soon as a player starts to kick up it spreads through the dressing room and sours the squad.
Van Persie is not pulling his weight and his comment last week that he wanted to end his career at Manchester United was a smoke screen.
He clearly wants out. David Moyes has a lot to sort out.
"
Arsenal Show Defensive Resolve to Shut Down Spurs
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Arsenal are another side firmly in the title mix following a 1-0 win over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Tomas Rosickyโs early screamer set Arsenal on the way to three points, but the Gunners were not at their swaggering, sizzling best.
What Arsenal did do, though, was show tremendous resilience to keep Spurs at bayโwhich impressed the Mirrorโs Alex Richards.
In his column, Richards heaped praise on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny for their defensive efforts.
"For too longโwell as long as Arsenal haven't been winning trophiesโquestions have been asked about the Gunners backbone.
Are they mentally strong enough? Can they do it when their backs are against the wall?
At White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon, their defensive pillars, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, gave a resounding answer.
this is an Arsenal side that is seemingly now prepared to compromise their style. If wonderful, technical football won't get a result, then let's look for another way. And that's exactly what they did.
led by the towering Mertesacker and the aggressive Koscielny, they dug their trench, readied themselves on the edge of their penalty area and said 'come on...beat us.'
"
Mourinho Wants Foy Not to Referee Chelsea Games
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While Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City were victorious at the weekend, pace-setters Chelsea slipped to defeat to Aston Villa.
The 1-0 loss did not tell the whole story, as the Blues had two players dismissed and manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands.
Mourinho was not happy with the performance of referee Chris Foy and has floated the idea of the official not taking charge of Chelsea games in the future.
The Mirrorโs Martin Lipton has the quotes:
"Maybe it is helpful that the committee doesn't send him to our matches. I don't have the right to request that. It's just that I think they have to analyse the situation and see.
Every time he has Chelseaโor not every time, but many times he has Chelsea and the problems are there. I think maybe it would be a good decision.
"
Fans Warned over Fake Chelsea-Galatasaray Tickets
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Didier Drogba and Galatasaray are in London for the second leg of their Champions League clash with Chelsea, but there could be some disappointed fans.
The Mailโs Sami Mokbel claims fake tickets are doing the rounds at huge prices, which could result in fans being turned away from Stamford Bridge.
In his piece, Mokbel wrote:
"Fake tickets being sold for much as ยฃ500 are circulating for Tuesday's Champions League clash between Chelsea and Galatasaray.
The club have already sold out their five percent ticket allocation, but that will not stop hundreds of supporters trying to get their hands on tickets.
Galatasary fans hopeful of purchasing tickets for the clash at Stamford Bridge are being warned to be extra vigilant for counterfeits.
The fakes are being sold from anywhere between ยฃ200 and ยฃ500.
"
Arsenal Set Sights on Ginter
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Arsenal are ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League, and Alan Nixon of the Mirror claims the Gunners are leading their rivals in a transfer battle.
Nixon claims Arsenal sent chief scout Steve Rowley to Germany to cast his eye over defender Matthias Ginter.
Ginter is a player who United have been keeping tabs on, but Nixon claims Arsenal have stepped up their interest ahead of a possible summer bid for the Freiburg stopper.
Arsenal Working on Sagna Deal
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Arsenal are also working on keeping their key players at the club, and are planning talks with defender Bacary Sagnaโper a report from the Mirrorโs John Cross.
As Cross states, Sagna is in the final year of his contract and talks have been ongoing with regard to an extension.
Cross claims Sagna wants a three-year deal to remain with Arsenal, but that the club have so only offered two years.
With the situation up in the air, Cross claims Inter Milan, Monaco and Galatasaray are ready to pounce.
Bits and Pieces: LA Close in on Lamps, United Hunt Schmeichel and More
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Manchester United are considering a bid for Leicester keeper Casper Schmeichel, per a report from the Mirrorโs Alex Crook.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is on the brink of being offered ยฃ4 million a year to join MLS side LA Galaxy, per a report from Charlie Wyett of the Sun (subscription required).
Real Madrid are ready to enter the race for Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic, according to the Express' John Richardson.
Everton are looking to push through a ยฃ3 million deal for Espanyol forward Sergio Garcia, according to Paul Brown of the Star.
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